KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fair is pleased to announce the addition of a Sensory Room at this year’s fair, made possible through a grant from Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, part of the Orleans County Health Department.
The Sensory Room will be located in the back half of the Harrington Classroom in the Education Center. This space is designed to give fairgoers a quieter, more comfortable place to take a break during the fair.
The room will include access to wheelchairs, wagons, strollers, noise-cancelling headphones, sensory tents, dimmable lights, small fidgets, swivel and wave chairs, and a sensory path. Some items may be used outside of the room on the fairgrounds. A deposit as well as a valid id will be required for items that leave the room, such as wagons or wheelchairs.
In addition to the Sensory Room, sensory bags will also be available for fairgoers thanks to a donation from Cobblestone Federal Credit Union. These bags include fidgets and other small sensory tools that can be used throughout the fairgrounds to help children and youth feel more comfortable while enjoying the fair.
“We want the fair to be a welcoming place for as many families as possible,” said Kayla Dengler, Community Contests Chair and Fair Committee Member. “This grant and donation help us offer extra support for children, youth, and families who may need a calmer space or helpful equipment while enjoying the fair.”
The Orleans County 4-H Fair will take place July 27 through August 1 at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. Fairgoers are encouraged to stop by the Sensory Room during fair week as needed.
For more information, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County at 585-798-4265, email orleans@cornell.edu, or visit orleans4-hfair.com.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 July 2026 at 10:41 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Lined up in their golf carts waiting for the start of the tournament are the 96 golfers who signed up to play in the Orleans Community Connects tournament at Shelridge Country Club.
Dean Bellack, president of Orleans Community Connects’ board, presents Peter Kaiser with the year’s membership to Shelridge Country Club, which he won for the winning bid in an auction.
MEDINA – Sunny skies, warm temperatures and nearly 100 avid golfers made for a very successful fundraiser at Shelridge Country Club.
As the 96 golfers lined up in their carts, they were welcomed by Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects, and Dean Bellack, board president. Bellack said Gaylord’s talent for writing grants led to the agency formerly known as United Way of Orleans County to take on an entirely new focus.
“She has put this organization on the map,” Bellack said. “We will still continue to support nom-profits in the community. We are on a very good track.”
Bellack introduced Orleans Community Connects board members and then made a special presentation to Tim Moriarty, who served as treasurer for several years.
The first Saturday in June is the traditional date of the annual golf tournament to benefit Orleans Community Connects, formerly United Way of Orleans County.
Started more than half a century ago as the Van Hungerford Memorial Golf Tournament, the event has become a major fundraiser for the local agency which supports charities in Orleans County.
In addition to golf, the day featured a basket raffle, dinner in the clubhouse and awarding of prizes. A highlight was auctioning off a year’s membership with cart for one at Shelridge Country Club, valued at more than $2,500. Winner was Peter Kaiser, whose successful bid was $950.
“It was a beautiful day,” Gaylord said. “One hundred percent of the net profits from today will be used to fund services and projects in Orleans County .”
“It was a great day and a great time,” Bellack said.
Bellack has chaired the event since joining the board and becoming its president in 2019.
Volunteers get their assignments as golfers begin to register for the annual golf tournament to benefit Orleans Community Connects (formerly United Way of Orleans County) at Shelridge Country Club. Waiting to sell mulligans at left are Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects, and Dawn Winkler, financial officer.
Bellack and Gaylord expressed their sincere thanks to sponsors, volunteers, including a large contingent from Baxter and Velocitii; board members; and donors.
“This is our first tournament as Orleans Community Connects, and it will allow us to continue the tradition of giving back to the community,” Gaylord said.
Winners announced were Men’s Champion – Lionel Rhim, Donnell Holloway, Brian Cline and Ryan Woodward; 2nd Place – Alex Bethman, Greg Pollorak, Chad Hursey and Robert Hursey; Mixed Champion – Marc Strain, Melissa Cotter, Cathy Tvenier and John Prospero; Most Honest Team (Balls) – Jodi Gaines’ team; Longest Drive #2 (men) Eric Jaszka; Longest Drive #5 (woman) – Margy Brown; Closest to Pin #3 (men) – Chad Hursey; Closest to Pin #8 (ladies) – Sam Vermeulen; Closest to Pin #12 (men) – Tim Moriarty; Closest to Pin #14 (ladies) – Sam Vermeulen.
Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connect, listens as board president Dean Bellack gives a special tribute to Tim Moriarty, who served several years as the agency’s treasurer.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2026 at 9:45 am
Union seeks mediator to help reach new labor agreement
Photo by Tom Rivers: Some members of the Albion Teachers Association are pictured this morning at the elementary school after the Board of Education went into executive session. The ATA has been working without a contract the past year.
ALBION – The Albion Teachers Association has declared an impasse with the school district after a year has gone by without a new contract in place for the ATA and its 172 members.
The union on Nov. 26, by a 2-to-1 vote, rejected a tentative agreement that was reached between the ATA and district’s negotiating teams, said Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent.
The ATA and the district have been unable to reach an agreement on a new five-year contract, said Roxanne Bieler, the ATA president and a high school English teacher.
The union last month declared an impasse, and will seek an outside mediator to help resolve the issues. Bieler said the ATA and district have been negotiating for the past 18 months.
Edwards said the district hasn’t received written notice of an impasse. He declined to comment publicly until receiving a formal notice.
The Board of Education meet this morning for its annual reorganizational meeting, when it picks the board leadership, swears in new members, appoints officials and makes other designations.
About a dozen ATA members were at the meeting, wearing black T-shirts that said: “ATA – It’s a beautiful day to demand fair pay” and “ATA – Union Strong.”
Bieler said the main issues are how to fairly compensate teachers for an additional school days and more time in the classroom.
Teachers currently work 185 days. Bieler said the district would like to add more to the schedule.
The ATA also wants to see more of school resources spent on educating children, from new textbooks in the elementary school to better compensation for teacher aides.
One ATA member, Chris Keller, noted the district has been cited by the state comptroller’s office to whittle down its reserves. A comptroller’s audit from 2022 said Albion’s fund balances were far in excess – by $17 million – of the statutory limit for a school district.
Keller said the fund balances have grown partly because the district is not properly funding the education for the children in the district.
The Board of Education sets a budget and underspends by several millions of dollars, depriving children of much-needed resources, he said.
The district’s budget for 2026-27 totals $45,615,036. Albion for the 18th time in the past 20 years did not increase property taxes. The tax levy stayed at $8,449,039, which is $359,906 under the district’s tax cap.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 July 2026 at 6:48 am
Provided photos: Orleans Community Health’s CEO Marc Shurtz was joined in Buffalo by associates to accept the Buffalo Business First Excellence in Health Care Award on June 17. Pictured, from left, are Tami Condo, Rhonda Woody, director of cardiac services, who earned the distinction in 2023; Shurtz; and Mary Williams, retired director of human resources at OCH.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health’s CEO/CIO was presented with the “Excellence in Health Care” award by Buffalo Business First during an annual celebration June 17.
The occasion recognized healthcare leaders from across Western New York who have shown exceptional leadership, innovation and commitment to improving healthcare in their communities.
Orleans Community Health’s CEO/CIO Marc Shurtz and Rhonda Woody, director of cardiac services pose with their awards at Medina Memorial Hospital. Shurtz was just honored by Buffalo Business First with their Excellence in Health Care award. Woody received the same honor in 2023.
Marc Shurtz has served as CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health for the past six years and has worked in healthcare for more than 11 years. Since joining Orleans Community Health in 2020, after previously serving as chief information officer and corporate compliance officer, he has guided the organization through executive transition, operational challenges and strategic growth, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to preserving access to quality healthcare close to home.
As OCH’s CEO/CIO, Shurtz provides executive leadership for the organization, while overseeing strategic technology initiatives and operational direction. He works closely with organizational leadership, staff and community partners to advance system-wide priorities and expand access to healthcare services throughout Orleans County and the surrounding region. His leadership combines strategic vision with a hands-on, community-centered approach.
Jeanie Wodo, director of IT Services at Orleans Community Health, submitted the nomination recognizing Shurtz for the award. She attended the reception to see Shurtz receive the award.
Following the ceremony, Shurtz commented on the importance of rural healthcare and the team behind the recognition.
“Rural healthcare is about more than providing medical services – it’s about caring for our neighbors, strengthening our communities and ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare close to home,” Shurtz said. “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Buffalo Business First, but this award truly belongs to our entire Orleans Community Health team. Their compassion, dedication and commitment to our patients make achievements like this possible every day.”
Shurtz becomes the second Orleans Community Health leader to receive the Buffalo Business First Excellence in Health Care Award. He joins Rhonda Woody, director of cardiac services, who earned the distinction in 2023. She attended the June 17 awards ceremony alongside Shurtz as he accepted this year’s honor, marking another proud milestone for Orleans Community Health.
The Buffalo Business First Excellence in Health Care awards recognize individuals whose leadership, service and commitment are helping shape the future of healthcare throughout Western New York.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 July 2026 at 7:10 pm
MEDINA – Families looking for ways to give their kids an academic boost over the summer have an option at the Orleans County Christian School.
Administrator Ayesha Kreutz has released information on Summer Day Sessions or Academic Boost/Tutoring.
“The program are built for busy summer, growing minds and fun with a purpose,” Kreutz said.
The school will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday until Aug. 28. Families may choose their days and times. Cost starts at $15 a day and scholarships and financial aid are available.
“Do not let the price stop you,” Kreutz said. “We work with families.”
Kreutz said the Christian School is a great place for kids to go, and not just a place to drop them off. They can build, chase things, dig for dino eggs and crack the code on fractions before they even know they’re doing math, she said.
Every week will have a theme, such as “From Under the Sea,” “God’s Creation,” “Stars and Space,” “Farm and Food,” “Heroes of the Bible” and “Serving Others.”
The school offers all-day enrichment and full-day options; hands-on, project-based outdoor learning blocks; and is kinesthetic, not just cognitive.
More information is available by calling (585) 798-2992 or e-mailing occs.office1@gmail.com.
Photos by Natalie Baron: The Lee-Whedon Memorial Library is a staple of Medina’s community. The library’s has a new entrance with an overhang. Lee-Whedon on Aug. 22, 2025 celebrated the start of the construction project. Today it marked its near completion.
By Natalie Baron, correspondent
MEDINA – Lee-Whedon Memorial Library today celebrated its grand reopening with the near-completion of a 4,785-square-foot addition on the library.
The library held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for donors and other supporters of the $5.2 million project at noon today. There were speeches by the library’s director, Kristine Mostyn, and the construction manager, Chris Ladas of Christa Construction.
The construction project is renovating the existing library as well as the new addition, providing more rooms and space for the public. There will also be expanded WiFi access and more LED lighting.
From left include Assistant Director Sam Covis, Director Kristine Mostyn, and Construction Manager Chris Ladas. They stand just outside the new kitchen area. There will be more tables for use once the space is complete.
The library’s Director, Kristine Mostyn, expressed in her speech, “We’re very excited, but we absolutely want to make sure that we thank everyone in the community who has supported this project from its inception. We wouldn’t have been able to do this if the community didn’t want this and show their support for it, so we’re very grateful.”
In his speech, Ladas stated, “The library board, the library staff, and the library director deserve a lot of credit because it takes a lot of planning, a lot of initiative, and a lot of donations. They went above and beyond to get this job done for this community. This is my fifth library. I’ve done four already, in the Rochester area. Every library, I believe, serves a purpose to help generations to come. This one here will help all future generations come together, come to learn, and come to grow. You can’t ask for more than that.”
“We’re really grateful to our community for supporting us on this project, and we’re hoping it’s going to be wrapped up by the end of this month,” shared the library’s Assistant Director, Sam Covis. She looks forward to bringing these new expansions and renovations to the community, and community support has always helped to keep the construction in motion.
Electricians work on the new addition today.
The construction is on a good trajectory toward completion by the end of the month. Ladas explained further, “We’ve had a couple of material delays, but other than that, the construction itself is moving according to plan. We have a great team of prime contracts with the library. They are working in tandem and getting it done.”
This sneak peek into the developing kitchen space showcases the new cabinets lining the wall and the open windows letting in plenty of light.
Through this process, the library is gaining a rotating art display. Within the room add-ons to the library, an area will be available for bigger programs, such as the library’s movie nights and concerts. There is a room for crafts and science projects. A kitchen space will consist of a refrigerator, stoves, multiple cabinets and tables, and a TV.
There are both a small meeting room and a small room for Friends of the Library, selling used books. A quiet room will contain newspapers and local history in cabinets. Two small study spaces will be available for tutoring and reservation for an area to have meetings between a couple of individuals. Outside of opening hours, one may enter via the back door to use a big meeting room with a TV, where fold-up tables or chairs can be set up, as well as two bathrooms. Outside, there will be a fenced-in garden, and a new parking lot with 14 spaces is also underway.
A new rotating art display presents its first masterpieces.
A quiet room will be part of the library’s expansion. It enables adults to get away from the busy state of the rest of the building. Newspapers and local history will be available in cabinets there.
File photo: Here is how the entrance of the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library looked before the construction project. The original 11,100-square-foot building was constructed in 1966.
File photo: Here is how the entrance of the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library looked before the construction project. The original 11,100-square-foot building was constructed in 1966.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 July 2026 at 10:02 am
Center in response to students with limited access to shower, laundry facilities
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Pictured from left include Mark Hungerford, Cassie Healy, program director of Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store, and Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action and Mark’s wife. They stand by the new shower installed in the Fresh Start Care Center, due to open soon for disadvantaged youth in the area who have limited access to shower and laundry facilities.
ALBION – A new service developed out of the Health Leadership Fellows Program is about to be launched at Community Action’s Main Street Thrifts, Gifts and More store at 131 South Main St.
Community Action’s director Renee Hungerford took part in the Health Leadership Fellows Program last fall, during which their team was required to execute a health-enhancing project.
The result was developing a program, which Hungerford described as “a groundbreaking initiative,” designed to address hygiene insecurity among disadvantaged youth in Orleans County.
Mark Hungerford and Cassie Healy demonstrate the new washer/dryer installed in the Fresh Start Care Center at Community Action’s Main Street store. Youths can come in and wash their clothes and/or shower.
After months of planning and facing cuts in program financing, Hungerford has announced the Fresh Start Care Center will be up and running by the time school starts this fall.
The Fresh Start Care Center is in response to alarming data showing that up to 39% of students in Orleans County live in poverty, and Hungerford said some places lack basic plumbing. Cassie Healy, program manager at the Main Street store, is also manager of the Credit Recovery program which COAG runs in the store. During their sessions, Healy learned that children were standing in line to shower in the nurse’s office at Albion school. She also learned there were many homeless children living in the Albion area.
Since acquiring the former American Legion building, Community Action has continued to add programs and services for the community, including the main attraction, a thrift store; a free prom giveaway, which has spread to include more than half a dozen schools in the area; the credit recovery program, in which as many as 30 teens at a session have participated; a private booth for veterans to use the internet; and now the Fresh Start Care Center, located in what was once the men’s restroom.
The first phase of the Care Center project was completed with funding from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, and the work and dedication of volunteers, including Mark Hungerford and Dan and Cassie Healy, who spent weekends installing plumbing, electrical wiring and setting up the space. Jim Babcock was contacted to install the shower.
At lunch one day, Hungerford was talking to Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health, about how their agencies could partner. She mentioned the need for a shower, and shortly after, Shurtz announced he and his wife were excited to help, however, they could. One thing led to another and they agreed to purchase the shower.
“We are grateful we could be a part of something so much needed,” Shurtz said.
Also, Ryan and Blake Halstead donated a hot water tank.
Students from Brockport State College came and painted the wall to the Care Center.
Hungerford also offered thanks to Suburban Electric and Albion Ace Hardware for affordable pricing of materials.
“This project is about more than clean clothes—it’s about restoring dignity, improving mental health, and helping students stay in school,” Hungerford said. “Our community has once again shown what is possible when people come together to support a meaningful project.
“Although we had applied for grant funding to complete Phase 2 and were disappointed when we did not receive it, that setback quickly became an opportunity for local generosity to shine. We are deeply grateful to our donors and community partners for their generosity, commitment and continued support.”
She added Community Action was proud to offer a safe, supportive space where teens could take care of their basic needs without shame or judgement.
“We need these programs,” Hungerford said. “The community needs these programs. We have services for adults, but nothing for students. That’s where Cassie and the Fresh Start Care Center come in.”
“This instills in students that somebody cares,” Healy said.
The Fresh Start Care Center will continue to need towels, personal hygiene items and laundry supplies. Any donations may be made by messaging Healy on Facebook, calling (585) 640-1329 or stopping at the Main Street store.
Cassie Healy stands by the wall to the Fresh Start Care Center, which was painted by students at Brockport State College.
Provided photo: Pictured from left include Cherish Potter, Jennifer Raduns and Abigail Kincaid.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
MEDINA – Jennifer Raduns wanted to do something to honor the memory of her grandson Liam. The six-month old baby was beaten by his father in 2016 and later died from his injuries.
Raduns shared the heartbreaking story with students at the Orleans and Niagara Career and Technical Education Centers before she handed out the Liam’s Legacy Memorial Scholarships to Cherish Potter (Barker), Abigail Kincaid (Albion) and Julianne Viera (Lockport).
The students were chosen because they are all actively involved in health care programs at the CTE centers.
“I wanted to pay homage to the first responders who tried to save Liam’s life,” said Ms. Raduns.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 July 2026 at 9:07 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) A volunteer and author of a book benefiting the Oak Orchard Lighthouse, Anne Martin displays copies of the book, “Maren: The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Mouse.” The book is on sale at the lighthouse at Point Breeze. (Right) Anne Martin, a volunteer and member of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse board, stands with artist Chris Manaseri, president of the lighthouse board, who is holding a picture of the lighthouse he painted for the child’s book she wrote. Manaseri illustrated the book, which is for sale at the lighthouse.
POINT BREEZE – The Oak Orchard Lighthouse continues to be an attraction in the area, and now there is a new reason to visit.
The Oak Orchard Lighthouse board president Chris Manseri has announced the sale of a new children’s book, written by fellow board member and volunteer Anne Martin.
The book, entitled “Maren: The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Mouse,” was born out of an idea started by Peg Wiley, owner with her husband Richard of Wiley’s Marina on Route 98 at the Point.
Wiley had started some years ago to write a book, which she called “Whitefoot Willy,” but never finished. She helped start the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum after moving here from Rochester began to research the area of her new home. She discovered there used to be a lighthouse on the west pier at the end of Oak Orchard River, and she wondered why no one had ever tried to rebuild it. The lighthouse was built in 1871 and guided sailors until it was decommissioned in 1909, destroyed by a storm and collapsed into the river in 1916.
Wiley had met the late Dick Anderson, a resident of Point Breeze and avid supporter of the area. He had built a replica of the lighthouse, which he displayed at local events. In 2003, they formed the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Committee, and soon started talking about raising funds to build a lighthouse at the Point. With donations and grants, an exact replica of the lighthouse was built and dedicated in 2010.
Chris Manaseri of Pittsford bought a cottage on Lake Ontario in 2016. Dick Anderson, who was then president of the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Committee, put the word out that they needed board members, and Manaseri joined. He currently serves as president of the board.
After Anderson died in 2022, Manaseri recruited Martin and her husband Ken, who had lived in Indiana and were looking for a place on the water to be near her parents and daughter in Toronto. Ken is currently president of the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association.
“We live three doors down from the lighthouse,” Martin said. “How cool is that.”
Martin said she has visited other lighthouses, and they have a mascot, and she thought Maren the Lighthouse Mouse would be great idea for the gift shop.
“Anne stepped up and wrote one,” Manaseri said. “It is relatively short and relatively simple.”
As Manaseri has a background in art – he and his wife own an art gallery cooperative in Pittsford, which currently has 20 exhibiting artists.
Manaseri volunteered his talent to illustrate Anne’s book, and the pictures are all in black and white, so children can color them in, if they wish, he said.
The book also features Larry the Lighthouse Keeper, who Manaseri said is fashioned after one of their members, Larry Grimes. Grimes is the chef extraordinaire who provides the exquisite desserts for the Lighthouse Museum’s annual fundraising event at the Carlton United Methodist Church. He is also a regular volunteer at the museum.
The Oak Orchard Lighthouse attracts about 2,000 visitors a year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 July 2026 at 8:46 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: A semi-truck pontoon boat passes through the Oak Orchard Harbor at Point Breeze on Friday afternoon. The boat got a lot of second looks from people.
After a very hot week last week, it won’t be quite as warm this week.
Today’s high is 79, followed by highs of 82 on Tuesday, 87 on Wednesday, 88 on Thursday and 84 on Friday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2026 at 2:58 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Brody Hoffmeister, owner of Rudy’s Diner, is happy to welcome back Frank, a 6-foot-high hot dog.
MEDINA – Frank, the giant hot dog mascot at Rudy’s Diner, has returned to the beloved local eatery after getting a major restoration from students at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES.
Frank left Rudy’s last fall. Frank was falling apart, in need of repairs and fresh paint.
He returned about two weeks ago, looking like new after a major overhaul led by students in the Orleans/Niagara BOCES autobody class and teacher Jim Rozewski.
“Frank,” a 6-foot-high fiberglass statue, kept a low profile at Rudy’s for the last several years. This famous hot dog was acquired around 2008 when Rudy’s founder, Joe Russo, wanted to celebrate the diner’s 20th anniversary. Frank was out in California before making the move to Medina.
The hot dog statue also was a gift from Joe to his wife, Debbie, and their daughter, Kelly Duffield, who were both instrumental in Rudy’s success for many years.
Joe and Debbie Russo opened Rudy’s in 1988 and wanted to create a comfortable environment for people to enjoy a meal. Joe brought a sense of humor to the operation, as well as a commitment to quality food and reasonable prices.
Frank the hot dog used to be out in front of the restaurant on East Center Street, and people would stop by frequently to get photos. They also often leaned on him, knocking off one of his arms.
Frank’s paint started to come off and there was other wear and tear, prompting Brody Hoffmeister, Joe’s grandson and the current owner, to move Frank outside in back of the diner.
But now he is back in the limelight. Rudy’s staff has been wheeling him out each morning to the front of the diner. The BOCES class made Frank a new base with wheels.
Hoffmeister said he appreciates the skill and care the students and their teacher put in on Frank.
Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot., met Frank last September before the frankfurter got his groove back. Orly featured Frank in one of his social media posts about interesting people places and things during Orleans County’s bicentennial in 2025.
Invitation to an Independence Ball held in Gaines, July 4, 1848.
GAINES – In 1848, residents of Gaines celebrated the July 4th holiday at an Independence Ball, held at the Assembly Rooms. Hamilton’s Cotillion Band provided the music.
In 1849, residents of Medina celebrated the holiday “with the usual ceremonies of the day: the ringing of bells, the firing of canons, processions, music, readings, orations, toasts and fine words.” In Carlton, boat excursions were available at the Oak Orchard Harbor while landlubbers enjoyed “dancing on the green.”
In 1850, activities at Oak Orchard harbor began with a national salute at sunrise, excursions on the lake and a display of fireworks in the evening.
In 2026, Orleans County residents continued the tradition of celebrating Independence Day with processions, music, and activities, ending with a display of fireworks in the evening.
This year, we had the added element of marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The document was read aloud at some venues.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2026 at 1:22 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The older water tower on West Avenue is silhouetted on Saturday night at the start of Lyndonville’s Fourth of July fireworks show. Lyndonville works with Young Explosives to put on one of the region’s biggest fireworks shows. The Saturday night show was just over a half hour.
This photo shows the Lyndonville United Methodist Church at left with the Presbyterian Church in back at right.
Saturday’s fireworks show was part of Lyndonville’s Independence Day celebration on the 250th anniversary of the country.
The water in Johnson Creek reflects the fireworks that are shot off behind the school.
The Lyndonville Lions Club added the red, white and blue illumination as part of the Independence Day celebration.
There were cutouts of Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty near the waterfalls on Main Street.
This photo looks through the cutoff of Uncle Sam with fireworks in the background.
Fireworks are shown in the distance while looking through the Statue of Liberty cutout.
There were lots of concessions available throughout the day, including right up until the fireworks.
A basketball hoop is shown with lots of fireworks.
The basketball hoop is a silhouette against the colorful fireworks during the finale.
Two kids play with light-up swords on the basketball courts during the fireworks finale.
Bryan McDowell sent in this photo from the finale with the scoreboard in the foreground.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2026 at 7:42 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville marching band performed with a big contingent of students for the Fourth of July Parade today that started at noon. The marching band is shown going down Main Street.
The band heads north on Main Street near a giant American flag that was displayed by Panek Farms. Panek held the flag high from an old City of Lockport ladder truck the farm acquired.
Veterans ride in a trolley provided by the Houseman-Tanner Post of the American Legion.
Main Street was packed with people to see the parade.
Lyndonville Mayor John Belson wears the Lyndonville baseball jersey of the late Mark Hughes, a much loved Lyndonville teacher and coach who passed away at age 75 on June 4, 2025. Belson assumed Hughes’s long-time role, pulling the fundraising barrel for the fireworks, which start at 10 tonight.
Auston Ley portrays George Washington and tosses candy to kids along the parade route.
Mike Fiegl plays Abraham Lincoln and Jeff Costello is Ben Franklin. There were more than the usual famous U.S. leaders in the parade, which falls on the 250th anniversary of the country.
Bob Eberle dressed as Uncle Sam and waves to the crowd along Main Street during today’s Fourth of July parade in Lyndonville. He is approaching the giant American flag.
Eric Johnson also pulls a fundraising barrel for the fireworks. He added some touches for President Donald Trump with the orange hair and a golf club for a cane.
Scott Schmidt, second from right, served as the parade emcee. He is joined on the parade platform by his father, Bruce Schmidt, a member of the Lyndonville Lions Club, which organized the Fourth of July celebration for the 52nd year.
The Keystone Club Police Pipes & Drums in Gates have been a parade mainstay in Lyndonville.
Mark Watts drives a 1933 fire truck that was used by the Medina Fire Department until 1972, when it was taken out of service.
Marlene Seielstad, a candidate for Orleans County legislator, had a contingent with her during the parade.
3B Manufacturing, a precision machining and fabrication shop in Medina, tossed candy to the crowd, many of the people were wearing red, white and blue.
Community Action and Head Start was out spreading the message about their programs serving children and families.
Snowstorm Solutions brought a plow truck with a tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The Oak Orchard Assembly of God promoted an upcoming Vacation Bible School – July 12-15 with a theme of “Emerald Crossing.”
The East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company was among many fire departments represented in the parade.
