Tax exemption cap increased from 50 to 65 percent at participating municipalities
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that enhanced real property tax exemptions for New York seniors. Legislation S5175A/A3698A allows localities to provide a real property tax exemption for senior citizens who meet the income eligibility limits, among other criteria, up to 65 percent of the assessed valuation of their properties. This legislation builds on the Governor’s affordability agenda, which included tax cuts for middle-class New Yorkers.
“No New York senior should lose their home because they can no longer afford their property taxes,” Governor Hochul said on Saturday. “By signing this legislation, we are working to make New York more affordable for our seniors on fixed incomes and empowering them to age in place, at home, in the communities they know and love.”
The bill will give localities the option to offer real property tax exemptions of up to 65 percent to seniors living below the maximum income eligibility level set by the locality. Prior to, the maximum percentage of exemption local governments have been able to offer senior citizens was set at 50 percent and has not been raised in decades. Increasing the exemption from 50 percent to 65 percent could translate into savings of up to $300 annually for the average senior.
New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) Acting Director Greg Olsen said, “Governor Hochul is coming through yet again on making New York more affordable for individuals and their families. Property taxes, especially for those on fixed incomes, can often be difficult to afford. With more than 1.8 million older adults who own their own homes, this important law will continue to help older adults remain in the homes and communities of their choice and keeping their vast contributions within New York State.”
This legislation builds on Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda, which includes:
Middle-Class Tax Cut: Approximately 8.3 million New Yorkers will benefit from decreased tax rates, bringing middle-class taxes to their lowest levels in 70 years.
Child Tax Credit Expansion: The Child Tax Credit is increasing to up to $1,000 per child under the age of four and up to $500 for school-aged children, starting in 2026.
Inflation Refund Checks: Eligible New Yorkers have received up to $200 per person or $400 per family, reaching 8.2 million people.
Free School Meals: All K-12 students now have access to free breakfast and lunch, saving families up to $1,600 per child annually.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) commented on the New York Department of State’s decision to reopen its $8 million Local Government Efficiency Grant (LGEG) program, giving communities like Orleans County and the Brockport area new opportunities to reduce costs and strengthen essential services through shared-service partnerships.
Orleans County recently used this program to fund an EMS study aimed at improving emergency response and lowering long-term taxpayer costs, while the Brockport Fire District secured nearly $500,000 for a regional bunk-in program that boosts firefighter staffing through SUNY Brockport.
With this year’s expanded funding round prioritizing emergency services, water infrastructure, cybersecurity and projects that build on previous awards, both Orleans County and Brockport are well-positioned to pursue additional grants that modernize operations and deliver more affordable, efficient services to residents.
Hawley is proud to see this grant program reopened and looks forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on communities across Western New York.
“For years, the Local Government Efficiency Grant has been a lifeline for localities in need of vital state funding,” said Hawley. “With the return of this program, communities across Western New York will now be able to save money by sharing services, consolidating operations and improving functions like emergency response and water systems while, at the same time, lowering the tax burden for residents. I’m glad to see this program come back, and I will continue my work in Albany to bring grant initiatives like this back to Western New York.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2025 at 4:21 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Betterment Center gave people a chance to see the first floor of 128 North Main St., a site the ABC is working to make a Santa tourism center.
The ABC closed on buying the site last month from the Henri Pulley estate.
The Betterment Committee today from noon to 1 p.m. gave people a chance to buy bins of items, as well as old doors and furniture.
There are two big open areas in the building on the first floor. Stan Farone, a former village trustee, checked out the site today. The building has been largely vacant for more than 25 years. Farone remembers when the site was a furniture store.
“I’d like to see a year-round Christmas store,” Farone said. “We need something to draw people here day after day.”
The Environmental Construction Group in Albion sent five of its employees to help clear out stuff from the building (shown in back in the middle). Shawn Wright of the ECG is inside a dumpster from ARG Disposal in Albion. ARG donated two dumpsters to help clear out the building.
Other volunteers also helped move items to the dumpsters.
The Betterment Committee wants to turn the vacant two-story building on Main Street into a tourism center that celebrates Santa. The group wants to develop an interactive tourism center with displays about the Charles W. Howard Santa School and Christmas Park, which Howard ran for many years near his farmhouse on Phipps Road.
The Betterment Committee envisions the first floor as interactive exhibits and displays, as well as room for a bakery and food operator. The site could also offer services, including showers, for canal boaters, cyclists and other visitors.
The second floor is envisioned to offer space for artists – painters, potters, and others in need of studio space. The second floor has large windows that let in natural light that would be ideal for artists, said Natasha Wasuck, a member of the Betterment Committee.
The ABC is applying for grants to help with the project and welcomes donations from the community. The group is eyeing to have the site open by Christmas in 2026.
This photo shows the other side of the building at 128 North Main St.
Jerome Pawlak is a member of the ABC board of directors. He said Albion has made progress in celebrating its heritage with the Santa school, which opened in 1937 and had its last class in Albion in 1965, before moving to Michigan.
There are signs, murals and a bronze statue all celebrating Santa and Charles Howard. Route 31 in Albion also is dedicated as the Charles Howard Memorial Highway.
“There is interest in Santa,” Pawlak said today, looking over items at 128 North Main St. “We have a legacy with Charles Howard. We live in a historic community and this can be part of its revitalization.”
Valerie Rush also is on the ABC board and she has been portraying Mrs. Claus for about a decade. She looks forward to volunteering at the site, greeting people and highlighting Albion’s Santa story.
“I think it’s a great project,” she said. “It’s filling another building in the downtown. We have something very unique here and people are very excited about it.”
The group is a 501c3 organization that accepts tax deductible donations. Donations can be sent to Albion Betterment Committee, c/o Joe Gehl at 14487 Baker Rd. in Kent, NY 14477.
There is an online giving option. Click here for more information.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2025 at 3:19 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club served more than 200 chicken dinners on Saturday, including delivering 27 meals.
Shown in the serving line at the First Presbyterian Church of Albion include from left: Taryn Moyle, Bill Lattin, Richard Remley and Becky Karls.
The dinner was a fundraiser for Rotary projects in the community.
This photo was at the beginning of the dinner. This was the second annual chicken biscuit dinner by Rotary.
Marlene Seielstad led the effort in preparing the meal. She is shown at left getting the biscuits ready. In back are Taryn Moyle and Mike Bonnewell, working on deboning the chicken.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 8 December 2025 at 1:49 pm
Contributed Photo – Cole Callard
Medina High graduate and SUNY Cortland freshman kicker Cole Callard has been named to the second team of the All Empire 8 Conference football squad.
Callard, who is a sport Management major, handled the extra point, field goal and kickoff duites for the Red Dragons.
On the season he was 51 of 51 in extra point kick attempts and 6 of 11 in field goal tries with the longest being 37 yards. He also had 67 kickoffs.
During his scholastic days at Medina he earned All-Western New York and All State football honors. He holds the record for the Mustangs lonest field goal of 47 yards.
He was also a multi year starter on the Mustangs varsity soccer, basketball and lacrosse teams.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2025 at 12:00 pm
Photo courtesy of Operation Honor
ALBION – Operation Honor director Jenn Thom, right, hands a $5,000 check to Jim Nudd, Veterans Service Officer for the Orleans County. The money goes to the veterans’ van service run by the Joint Veterans Council.
The proceeds come from a recent cornhole tournament that Operation Honor ran in the Knights of Columbus hall in Medina, as well as some of the revenue from a golf tournament this past summer run by the Knights of Columbus.
The van service provides transportation for honorably discharged veterans who reside in Orleans County to their scheduled VA medical appointments.
Operation Honor this Saturday at noon will be placing 360 wreaths on soldiers’ graves at Mount Albion Cemetery. This is the second year Operation Honor is part of Wreaths Across America.
Last year Operation Honor placed 200 wreaths on veterans’ graves at Mount Albion. Volunteers are welcome to be there at noon on Saturday to help set the wreaths.
This song, “Make Orleans County Dry,” was discovered in notebook from the pages of a birthday book for the W.C.T.U. in Gaines.
GAINES – A rousing song was found nestled in the pages of the Gaines W.C.T.U. (Woman’s Christian Temperance Union) Birthday Book, a modest notebook with handwritten entries of members’ birthdays for each month of the year and another of the quiet gems in the Orleans County Dept. of History’s local history collection.
This is what gladdens the heart of a local historian! A quintessential piece of local history. The power of a single sheet of paper to evoke another era and a totally different sensibility.
Come comrades to the rescue, help make Orleans County dry,
In this glorious cause of temperance help to lift the standard high
And this shall be our slogan until victory draweth nigh,
Make Orleans County dry.
This composition directly connects a larger, national movement with its interpretation at the local level. What could be more local than a listing of the ten towns of Orleans?
The issue that galvanized the anonymous poet was the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, organized in Cleveland, Ohio in 1874 to combat the influence of alcohol on families and society.
Women of every rank and class could attest to the domestic abuse and impoverishment which resulted from the consumption of alcohol. Members pledged to abstain from all alcoholic beverages and opium and to encourage others to do likewise.
Earnest and committed women galvanized this movement. Locally, an early reference to a Temperance meeting appears in the February 4, 1874, issue of the Orleans Republican, when Rev. Mr. Hoyt spoke at the Free Will Baptist Church in East Gaines.
In June 1885, the temperance organizations in Orleans County were invited to a July 4th Temperance Basket Picnic at the grove property of Mr. C.J. Lewis. The Knowlesville Woman’s Christian Temperance Union furnished tea and coffee, ice cream and lemonade as well as confections, all at reasonable prices.
The semi-annual convention of the Orleans County Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was held in Albion in January 1890. The Millville Woman’s Temperance Union advertised their monthly meeting in 1895.
“Making Orleans County Dry” was a serious proposition. By 1908, the towns of Barre, Gaines and Yates had “voted dry” – well in advance of the 18th Amendment which introduced Prohibition in 1920. According to the Medina Daily Journal, nine towns were “dry” by June 1916, a statistic which helps date our song. We would venture to say that it was composed 1914-1916.
We cannot but smile at the anonymous poet’s rhymes, especially in the third verse.
Ten towns are in our county, six of which have closed their gates.
Barre, Carlton, Gaines and Kendall, Murray and the town of Yates,
Against the legalized saloon, which for the young awaits,
Make Orleans County dry.
His composition lends itself easily to the tune of Battle Hymn of the Republic. Appropriately enough, and continuing the tradition, the words of the Battle Hymn were set to the melody of John Brown’s Body, an abolitionist song.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2025 at 10:17 am
HOLLEY – The Village of Holley held its annual tree lighting ceremony on Saturday. Diane Rietman sent in this photo she took from her apartment in the Holley Gardens, the former Holley High School.
This tree includes memory bulbs purchased in honor of Holley residents. Village officials wanted to separate this tree from the decorated trees in the Public Square. This year’s tree was donated by Cox Family Farm in Clarendon, which also donated last year’s tree.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Hartland Carriage offered rides through the Public Square and along the canal park trail.
Dale Jenks of Hartland Carriage in Gasport guides a pair of Percheron horses that pulled the carriage in Holley.
The rides were part of Christmas in Holley celebration that included other activities at the Murray-Holley Depot Museum, the Village Office and Community Free Library.
Hartland Carriage takes a group past Sam’s Diner in the Public Square.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2025 at 8:30 am
Group selling items inside 128 North Main Street in effort to clear out site
Photo from Albion Betterment Committee: These bins of items are available for $10 each today from noon to 1 p.m.
ALBION – The Albion Betterment Committee, which recently purchased 128 North Main St., is offering a glimpse of the site today for the public, and also a chance to help clear out the site by purchasing plastic bins of items.
Those bins are $10 each. There are also old doors and some furniture that will be for sale. The Betterment Committee will be at the site today from noon to 1 p.m.
People won’t be able to look through the bins to see what is inside before buying a bin.
“We have no idea what are in some of these bins but you might find some gems!” the Betterment Committee posted on Facebook. “All the money we raise will go back into the building!”
The Betterment Committee purchased the building last month from the estate of Henri Pulley. The site is 6,600 square feet.
The Betterment Committee wants to turn the vacant two-story building on Main Street into a tourism center that celebrates Santa. The group wants to develop an interactive tourism center with displays about the Charles W. Howard Santa School and Christmas Park, which Howard ran for many years near his farmhouse on Phipps Road.
Howard ran a Santa School from 1937 until his death in 1966. It was the world’s first school for Santas. He was a well-known portrayer of Santa, appearing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade from 1948 to 1965.
The Betterment Committee envisions the first floor as interactive exhibits and displays, as well as room for a bakery and food operator. The site could also offer services, including showers, for canal boaters, cyclists and other visitors.
The second floor is envisioned to offer space for artists – painters, potters, and others in need of studio space. The second floor has large windows that let in natural light that would be ideal for artists, said Natasha Wasuck, a member of the Betterment Committee.
The group is seeking grants to help with building upgrades. The Betterment Committee welcomes donations.
The group is a 501c3 organization that accepts tax deductible donations. Donations can be sent to Albion Betterment Committee, c/o Joe Gehl at 14487 Baker Rd. in Kent, NY 14477.
There is an online giving option. Click here for more information.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 December 2025 at 3:23 pm
OCCS expects to move to location to start next school year
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Krista Lawson, standing, teaches all subjects to first-, second- and third-graders, in addition to teaching Bible and acting as school nurse at Orleans County Christian School. Two of her students are Zavina Wright, 7, and Isabella DeVore, 6. Lawson is the wife of Kevin Lawson, pastor of The Vine Church on Maple Ridge Road.
This is the former Shelby Baptist Church on Allegany Road in Shelby Center. The church, an adjoining cafeteria and a brick building have been donated to the Orleans County Christian School, which plans to start the 2026 school year there.
MEDINA – The Orleans County Christian School is about to make a monumental move, which they hope will propel them far into a successful future.
Now located in Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship Church on South Gravel Road, the church is planning a move to the former Shelby Baptist Church, which has been donated to the school.
“God has opened a remarkable door for OCCS,” said Dawn Zaidel, principal and acting administrator, in a press release last week. “A new building has been donated, positioning us for growth, sustainability and increased community impact.”
“OCCS already has a strong foundation and a rich legacy of faith,” said Ayesha Kreutz, who was recently hired as administrator. “Now we get to be part of the next chapter of this story, strengthening what God began and building toward the future He is preparing.”
The church/school complex in Shelby Center, formerly the Shelby Baptist Church, was donated to the Pastors’ Aligned for Community Transformation (PACT), which donated it to the Christian school.
Orleans County Christian School had its beginnings in October 1993, when the Rev. Tim Lindsay organized a steering committee of individuals with a heart for Christian education. Present were the Rev. Lindsay, Rev. David Vetter, Rev. Randy Anson, Rev. Chris Johnson, Curt Strickland, Curt Follman, Mark Irwin, Vanche Hedley and Dr. William Bellavia.
From that meeting, they sent a county-wide survey to see how much community interest there was. The steering committee continued to meet for three years until, in 1996, the Orleans County Christian School opened its doors on Sept. 4. It began with 13 students, one full-time teacher and one part-time teacher. The school was initially located at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion.
After five years, the school moved to Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God in Medina’s old high school, where they were given use of the northeast wing of the first floor, along with the cafeteria, auditorium and gymnasium. After 17 years there, they were forced to move again when the building was sold, and Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship on Route 63 north of Shelby Center became their new home.
“Pastor Russ Peters and his congregation have welcomed us with open arms, but we are excited about our move once again to a new home,” Zaidel said. “We are also excited about the possibilities for growth at our new location. Orleans County Christian School’s purpose was, and still is, to provide young people with the tools and environment they need to attain the highest level of academic achievement and Christian character.”
Students and teachers frequently gather in the Community Room at Orleans County Christian School. Here, from left, are Mary Hollenbeck, an all-around teacher, GED instructor or adviser on hybrid or distance learning; Dawn Zaidel, principal and English and history teacher; a 10th grade hybrid student; Ayesha Kreutz (standing), newly hired administrator; and students Levi, 13, and Jayden 11.
Zaidel said the school won’t be moving until next September. They have to convert the new church into a dual-purpose gymnasium and community center. The cafeteria is housed in the low wood building which connects the church and brick building on the north, which will house the classrooms.
“It is amazing when God pours out,” Zaidel said. “It’s never something small.”
Kreutz is excited about her new position and what she can bring to the school.
Her background is in classical Christian education, fundraising and organizational turnaround, which she is confident will help strengthen the school’s academics, expand student programs and build on the incredible foundation of this school’s history. As administrator, Kreutz will work as a consultant specializing in grant writing, program development and organizational strategy.
“I bring a blend of administrative leadership, curriculum development, community engagement, fundraising and long-range strategic planning,” Kreutz said. “We are on a mission to keep Christian education alive in Orleans County and investing in a legacy that will serve families for generations. I want to be part of raising up citizens with good character, who have a love of learning, family and community, and are prepared for life, wherever that might lead them. We need to invest in our youth so they will stay here and build this community, not just leave the first chance they get.”
Sophia Standish, standing, is working with Abigail Smith, a new student at the Orleans County Christian School.
The Orleans County Christian School is supported by Harvest Christian Fellowship, Albion; Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God, Medina; Faith Alliance Church, Albion; First Baptist Church of Holley;
Oak Orchard Assembly of God and Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship, Medina; Light of Victory Church, Albion; and Faith Covenant Fellowship, Medina.
The parent of a former student shared this testimonial: “This is an awesome school that takes time for one- on-one learning and really cares about the kids. My daughter has gone there for almost 7 years.”
The Orleans County Christian School accepts children from pre-school through 12th grade. This is the first year for preschoolers and they are filled to their capacity of seven children.
Michael Zaidel, school nurse and member of the Christian school board, said most parents don’t realize they can get busing to and from our school if they live within 15 miles of the school. They currently have students registered from Royalton/Hartland, Albion, Holley, Oakfield, Lyndonville and Batavia. Several students are driven in by their parents, he said.
The school is also able to offer students participation in BOCES, and busing is provided, Dawn Zaidel said.
The school plans to use the brick building on the north for the classrooms. The church building is planned to become into a dual-purpose gymnasium and community center. The cafeteria will be housed in a low wood building which connects the church and brick building.
Kreutz said they are looking at additional opportunities for students at the school.
“The kids want to start a Club America,” Dawn said.
“It is student-run and encourages kids to develop different service projects in the community,” Kreutz said.
Dawn said when she was asked to fill in as administrator, the first thing she did was brainstorm on how they could get more students enrolled.
“We have gone from eight to 20 students,” she said. “Our capacity is 37. I am a firm believer if we can get a child from the beginning, he will stay. Our parents are overjoyed we are able to now accept preschoolers.”
The Orleans County Christian School depends heavily upon donations, and anyone wishing to donate to the school may make a one-time donation of any amount or pledge a monthly gift by logging on to www.orleanscountychristianschool.com; or mailing a check to OCCS, P.O. Box 349, Medina, 14103. Donations can also be made through Venmo:@occsschool.
Contributed Story Posted 7 December 2025 at 9:28 am
The Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina Club Hockey team traveled to Rochester to face the unbeaten home team and came away with an 8-5 loss on Saturday.
The game was closer than the final score would indicate, however.
After falling behind 1-0, RBM scored to tie the game on a goal by Clayton Wagner (Medina) assisted by John Peracciny (RH) and Sean Mettler (RH). Falling behind once again in the first period, Ryan Felicetti (Wilson) tied the score again with Viktor Snyder (Albion) assisting. The initial period ended with RBM trailing 3-2.
The second period belonged to the home team as they took a 5-2 lead into the third period. At the 11:20 mark, Gavin Ickowski (R-H) scored a shorthanded goal. Rochester quickly answered, however.
Trailing 6-3, RBM scored the next two goals to make it a 6-5 game. Scoring was Cameron Bryer (Wilson) assisted by Wagner and Felicetti assisted by Snyder.
Rochester finished the scoring with two goals.
Jonathan Esposito (Kendall) led the Team Rochester offense with three goals.
RBM next travels to unbeaten Hamburg on Wednesday evening for a 9 p.m. game.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 7 December 2025 at 8:58 am
The Niagara-Orleans League girls basketball season will tip off on Monday evening as Albion hosts Akron at 6:30 p.m.
The N-O boys basketball season will get underway on Thursday as Medina visits Barker at 6 p.m. and defending champion Akron hosts Albion at 6:30 p.m.
The N-O wrestling season beings on Wednesday with Akron at Medina, Albion at Wilson and defending champion Newfane at Roy-Hart/Barker at 6 p.m.
The week’s wrestling competition will be highlighted on Saturday with the annual Fred Large Memorial Tournament at Lyndonville.
The N-O swim season also gets underway on Thursday with Newfane at Medina and Roy-Hart/Barker at Albion at 5 p.m.
Weekly Schedule Monday Boys Basketball – Medina at Starpoint, Alden at Barker, Lyndonville at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Akron at Albion, 6:30 p.m.; Wheatland-Chili at Holley, 7 p.m.
Tuesday Boys Basketball – Roy-Hart at Notre Dame, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Lyndonville at Oakfield-Alabama, Pembroke at Kendall, 7 p.m. Swimming – Medina at Notre Dame, Albion at Oakfield-Alabama, Roy-Hart/Barker at HAC, 5:30 p.m. Wrestling – Franklinville vs. Roy-Hart/Barker at Barker, 6 p.m.
Wednesday Boys Basketball – Holley at Wheatland-Chili, Pembroke at Kendall, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Barker at Kenmore West, 6:30 p.m.; Medina at Park, 7:30 p.m. Wrestling – Pavilion/York and St. Mary’s at Lyndonville, 5:30 p.m.; Akron at Medina, Albion at Wilson, Newfane at Roy-Hart/Barker, 6 p.m.
Thursday Boys Basketball – Medina at Barker, 6 p.m.; Albion at Akron, 6:30 p.m. Girls Basketball – Byron-Bergen at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.; Alexander at Holley, Kendall at Wheatland-Chili, 7 p.m. Swimming – Newfane at Medina, Roy-Hart/Barker at Albion, 5 p.m.
Friday Boys Basketball – Alexander at Holley, Wheatland-Chili at Kendall, 7 p.m. Girls Basketball – Barker at Medina, 5 p.m.; Lyndonville at Pembroke, 7 p.m. Wrestling – Albion at JCC Tournament
Saturday Boys Basketball – Cleve Hill at Barker, 12:30 p.m.; Roy-Hart at Attica, 6:30 p.m. Girls Basketball – Roy-Hart at Maryvale, 12 p.m. Swimming – Roy-Hart/Barker at Akron, 10 a.m. Wrestling – Fred Large Tournament at Lyndonville, 9 a.m.; Albion at JCC Tournament
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 December 2025 at 8:37 am
Families, businesses and organizations decorate trees at Veterans Park
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Village of Lyndonville turned on the lights Saturday for 82 Christmas trees decorated at Veterans Park. Many of the trees are decorated in memory of loves, while businesses and organizations also puts lights and ornaments on the trees.
Lyndonville started the tradition in 2013 with 26 trees. It has continues to have a strong response from the community.
This tree with angel at top was decorated by the family of Derwood and Dorothy James.
One of the trees is decorated by the Bradley family for family members including Wes Bradley, who was a founding member of Christmas in Lyndonville Committee. For the first 12 years of the celebration, Bradley served as the emcee when Santa arrived by carriage and led the countdown to Santa flipping the switch to light up the trees.
Bradley, a beloved teacher and coach in Lyndonville, passed away on Sept. 27. He also was chairman of Lyndonville’s fireworks effort for many years.
Carla Woodworth, left of Santa, served as emcee on Saturday and helped guide Santa to the “North Pole” electric switch so he could turn on the power for all the trees.
The Hardner-Smith family decorated the tree in lower right in memory of Dr. Elizabeth Lucyszyn. It includes a chicken ornament on top.
This tree is decorated in honor of Mark Hughes, a Lyndonville teacher and coach who passed away on June 4. Hughes was known to many as “Mr. Lyndonville.” He was a very active part of the school district for 52 years.
The patriotic tree with flags was decorated by Lyndonville Lions Club.
Veterans Park is the site for Lyndonville’s display of trees. The trees stay lighted up until just after New Year’s Day.
Jennifer Trupo, a music teacher at Lyndonville, and her chorus students sang “Silent Night” and other Christmas songs outside the Yates Community Library before Santa arrived and the trees were lighted up.
There were nearly 20 activities throughout the day on Saturday for Christmas in Lyndonville beginning with a community breakfast/basket raffle from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church. The day concluded with a Christmas LaLaPalooza at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church.
Amelia McDonald, 3, of Lyndonville was among about 100 kids who were able to meet Santa inside the Village Hall.
The lighting of the trees brought many people to Veterans Park on Saturday evening.
The trees are all decorated in a different way by families, businesses and organizations.
