25 Years Ago 

It's October 1979.  Johnny Carson celebrates his 17th anniversary as host of The Tonight Show with a two-hour prime time special.

 Pope John Paul II, 59, makes the cover of TV Guide (pictured below) as he makes his first visit to the United States. The Pope arrives in Boston for a week-long tour of the United States that will include visits to  New York City where he will speak at the United Nations, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.  

The United States and the Soviet Union observe the 22nd anniversary of Sputnik I. The launching of the Soviet satellite in 1957 started the Space Age and spurred America to put a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s. 

 At the Country Music Association Awards, Willie Nelson is chosen as Entertainer of the Year. Kenny Rogers and Barbara Mandrell are chosen as vocalists of the year. The Song of the Year is The Gambler and the Single of the Year is The Devil Went Down to Georgia.

  The day after stocks drop 26.45 points to 857.59, a record 81.62 million shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

 Cuban President Fidel Castro, 53, arrives in New York City to speak at the United Nations.

 Mother Teresa, 69, "The Angel of Calcutta," receives the Nobel Peace Prize. 

 The Pittsburgh Pirates win the World Series.

 Senator Ted Kennedy, D-Mass, sets up an exploratory committee to investigate running for president.

 Moshe Dayan, 64, resigns as Israel's foreign minister.

 Presidential candidate George H. Bush visits Broome County in an effort to increase his name recognition factor. His competition for the Republican Nomination for President include Ronald Reagan and John B. Connally.

 In Washington, a ceremony is held to honor the World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates. Attendees include MVP Willie Stargell, Pittsburgh manager Chuck Tanner, and Pennsylvania Senator John Heinz.

 A Kennedy for President Committee is formed. Stephen Smith, Kennedy's brother-in-law, heads the campaign. Kennedy will announce his candidacy next month. 

 Actress Merle Oberon dies.

 The Shah of Iran, 59, comes to New York for medical treatment.

 The John F. Kennedy Library is dedicated in Boston.

 In the Southern Tier, more than 170 residents are hired to work at the new Kmarts opening at the former Grand Way stores in Endicott and at the Vestal Plaza.

 Frank Sinatra, 63, performs for a sold-out crowd of more than 6,500 at the Broome County Memorial Arena. Ol' Blue Eyes sings for almost an hour and a half. Tickets for the concert cost $15 and $12.50. 

 Movies playing in local theaters include Starting Over with Burt Reynolds and Jill Clayburgh, When a Stranger Calls, 10 starring Dudley Moore and Bo Derek, Breaking Away, Love and Bullets with Charles Bronson and Jill Ireland, The Stud starring Joan Collins, Time After Time with Malcom McDowell, And Justice for All with Al Pacino, The Life of Brian, Avalanche Express, Halloween, and Apocalypse Now.

 Top tunes include Sad Eyes by Robert John, Don't Stop ‘Til You Get Enough by Michael Jackson, Rise by Herb Alpert, Sail On by Commodores, My Sharona by The Knack, and I'll Never Love This Way Again by Dionne Warwick. 

 Wednesday night TV shows include Eight is Enough, The Last Resort, Struck By Lightning, Charlie's Angels, Great Performances, and Vega$.