25 years ago: Brian Lensink, commissioner of the Department of Mental Retardation recognized the contribution of volunteers who served as puppeteers for the Kids on the Block Program. Since Nov. 1985, 25 puppeteers had given 70 performances of the program to public and parochial school children in the Meriden, New Britain and Middletown areas.

25 years ago: Wesleyan University graduation took place and graduates were urged to use their education to fight world ills.