Lyndonville/Yates

Lyndonville Lions welcome new member, look forward to busy 2025

Posted 15 November 2024 at 8:12 pm

Photos from Lyndonville Lions Club: New Lions Club member Justin Widrig, left, takes the Lions Club oath while joined by long-time member Jeff Johnson, center, and President Eric Johnson.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions inducted a new member, Justin Widrig, and four new Leo Club members on Wednesday.

Two more Lions Club members will be sworn in next month with the full traditional candle and blindfold ceremony to be held in the spring for all three new members. The Lions leadership stated that they were happy with the addition of younger members who in the future will carry the Lions Club International torch forward.

The new Leo Club members – Austin Bentley, Grace Fox, James Giarla and Amir Huzair – from the Lyndonville Central School were inducted by Ms. Gina Marker, the club advisor.

The Leos assist the Lyndonville Lions Club in their community projects and are scheduled to help with the upcoming Village of Lyndonville Christmas Tree Lighting and will be caroling during the Lions planned Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringing.

Lyndonville Leo’s Club members attended Wednesday’s Lions Club meeting.

The Lyndonville Lions will be busy this holiday season with several planned events. Their annual “Poinsettia’s for Shut Ins” is scheduled for the third week of December. The Lions deliver poinsettia plants to those who will be homebound for the holidays.

It is the club’s hope that this small effort may bring some holiday cheer to those that otherwise might not experience all the joys of the Christmas season. Harold Suhr, the chairman, stated, “This effort has been one of the most gratifying events that the Lions do all year.”

The Lions will be supporting the Village of Lyndonville’s Christmas Tree Lighting event on Dec. 7 at the village park in Lyndonville. The club will be serving hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages.

The event brings nearly 100 Christmas trees decorated by residents, businesses and organizations. There will be horse-drawn carriages and the smell of hot cocoa, along with the crackling of warming wood fires. All are invited to this holiday tradition in Lyndonville. Further information can be gained by calling the Village of Lyndonville office.

In other club news, several members of the club attended the Lions Club International Regional Conference on Nov. 1 at the Batavia Downs Gaming Resort. Important programs of the Lions Club International were discussed and local clubs were made aware of the resources available to them through Lions Club International.

The Lyndonville Club has started a preliminary project on securing a $10,000 matching grant from Lions International for a third world vision and eyeglass clinic that would be tentatively slated for next fall. This effort would see Lyndonville Lions in conjunction with a third world Lions Club travel to their country and carry out a “Pop Up Eye Clinic.” Visual testing, glaucoma screening and the providing of a set of new glasses to needy recipients will be the projected goal for this endeavor. The Lyndonville Lions have established a potential country for this needed service and future information on this project will be forthcoming.

Local Lions Club members donate much needed medical equipment to the Grenada General Hospital.

The Lyndonville Lions would like to thank all those who have supported their efforts during the 2024 campaign. Upcoming fundraisers include a winter bowling tournament and a summer golf outing. The club does realize it is the people of the surrounding area that assist the club in achieving their community support projects.

The Lyndonville Lions Club wishes all of you a bountiful Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as they close the books on 2024 and look forward to 2025. May God bless all of us and this great nation we live in as we travel through the holiday seasons.

Volunteers sought to help place 445 wreaths at veterans’ graves in Lyndonville

Photo by Tom Rivers: A volunteer carries wreaths to be placed at veterans’ graves at Lynhaven Cemetery on Housel Avenue in Lyndonville on Dec. 17, 2022 as part of the Wreaths Across America observance. Wreaths Across America will be observed on Dec. 14.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 November 2024 at 8:51 am

LYNDONVILLE – Volunteers are welcome to help set wreaths on 445 graves of veterans in Lyndonville on Dec. 14 during Wreaths Across America.

Volunteers are welcome to a complimentary brunch from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 14 at the Webber Café on Main Street. Then there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at Lynhaven Cemetery.

The 445 wreaths will be placed at veterans’ graves for six cemeteries in Lyndonville: Lynhaven, Yates Baptist Cemetery, Angling Road, Marshall Road and Greenman Road as well as the Robin Hill Estate.

The wreaths are funded by an endowment created by Anna Steliano’s family. Stelianou funded the effort in honor of her five brothers who served in WWII and the Korean War.

The American Legion Houseman-Tanner Post 1603 is organizing the Wreaths Across America program in Lyndonville.

“Our chapter is committed to the mission of the American Legion of enhancing the well-being of America’s veterans, families and military, as well as enhancing relations in our community,” said Steve Goodrich, the Legion commander.

‘Lyndonville Rocket’ tops state in go-kart racing

Provided photos: Laina Stewart is shown in action during a race at Weedsport on Oct. 26. She completed the season as the top-ranked driver in the state for the Jr. Purple Clone division.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 November 2024 at 4:46 pm

LYNDONVILLE – The racing season has ended and a Lyndonville six-grader finds her name at the top of the list among go-cart racers state-wide in the Jr. Purple Clone division.

Laina Stewart, 11, won the series championship with 286 points. She also is the Ransomville track champ. She edged the Weedsport champion Levi Herriven by 4-points to earn the state-wide title for points. Laina also is a regular at Weedsport.

Laina Stewart, 11, holds a trophy and plaque after winning her heat at Weedsport on Oct. 26.

She is one of the few girls racing in the division.

“I’m out here to prove that girls can do anything,” Laina said.

She competed in the Purple Clone division this year, moving up a division from last year. Next year she will move up another division and will compete with 12- to 15-year-olds.

Laina competed in about 25 races this season at Ransomville and Weedsport. The state-wide series championship takes the point totals for a driver’s 12 best finishes at any participating facility in the Burris Racing Weekly Championship Series.

Participating tracks include Allegany Memorial Speedway, Brockville Ontario Speedway Karting, Can-Am Speedway, Lebanon Valley Speedway, Merrittville Speedway, Moose Mountain Racing Club, Ransomville Speedway, Turkey Trot Raceway and Weedsport Kartway.

Points were awarded based on the number of karts starting a feature race, with up to 16 karts being counted. Race winners were awarded 2 points per kart, with a maximum of 32 points going to a winner.

As the champion of the Jr. Purple Clone division, Laina receives a set of Burris Racing tires and a Burris Racing State Champion jacket. She scored more points than about 50 other drivers in the division.

“I just want to thank my supporters and all the people who have faith in me,” Laina said.

She is in her fifth season of go-kart racing. She just completed the Junior 2 Division.

In the races, she zooms around a ½-mile dirt oval, topping 40 miles per hour. Her go-kart is labelled, “The Lyndonville Rocket.”

She tops out at about 45 mph on the straight-a-ways and lets off the gas, a little, when she rounds the corners. She also plays soccer and softball, and this year was on Lyndonville’s youth football team for the first time, as a defender.

2 new businesses open on Main Street in Lyndonville

Photos by Tom Rivers: Savannah Vigrass, owner of the Webber Cafe by Sav's Event & Catering Company, opened the business on Sept. 1 at 29 S. Main St., the spot for the former Webber Café. Autumn Kidney is in back by counter.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 November 2024 at 10:15 am

LYNDONVILLE – Two new businesses have opened on Main Street in Lyndonville in space that saw major renovations by Robert Smith.

Savannah Vigrass opened the Webber Cafe by Sav’s Event & Catering Company on Sept. 1 at 29 S. Main St. She took over the space from the Webber Kitchen Collaborative.

Vigrass, a Gasport native who now lives in Barre, said the community has responded to the business which offers coffee and an assortment of “grab and go” sandwiches. There are also soups and salads, mac and cheese and baked goods.

She has named some of the sandwiches after characters in banned books. Those sandwiches include The Tom Sawyer, The Gatsby, The Charlotte, The Clarisse, The Minerva and The Winston.

Sav’s sells a $10 after-school meals for that have been popular. Those include a mini sandwich wrap, two protein balls with peanut butter, seasonal fruit, chips or a cookie, and a beverage.

“There are more and more kids coming in,” Vigrass said. “It’s great.”

Savannah Vigrass said the location includes space that can be rented out for birthdays, bridal showers and other events.

Vigrass, 33, is a graduate of the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. She has worked and other local establishments and is grateful for the chance to run her own business. She had been doing catering, but needed a certified kitchen to prepare the food. The Lyndonville location has a certified kitchen for her catering jobs, and the space also has proven to be a welcome spot for people to come in an enjoy coffee and some food.

She is making the kitchen available to others for $25 an hour, and the indoor seating also can be rented out for parties and events.

Vigrass also has shelves available for vendors. The Lyndonville Spoerts Boosters sells Lyndonville shirts and sweaters.

Another vendor creates cards, onesies and sunglasses.

Vigrass become connected to Orleans County in 2020 during the Covid restrictions. She started kayaking in the Oak Orchard River and is a member of the Oak Orchard River Rates. She is one of the moderator’s of the group’s Facebook page which has about 5,000 members.

She said several family and friends, especially Jeanette Worsley, have helped her since she opened in Lyndonville, with many days of steady customers. Sav’s sold out twice on Election Day.

Sav’s is open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Thursday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Phil Hitzges is shown at Sweet Tilly’s Mercantile which he opened with his wife Melissa Fricano. Tuesday was there opening day and they were busy with all the people out for the election.

Phil Hitzges and his wife Melissa Fricano moved to Lyndonville two years ago.

“We have fallen in love with the village,” he said. “We want to give people more options.”

These flasks were made in Idaho. They are among the products at Sweet Tilly’s made by small businesses around the country.

Hitzges is retired as a chef. Fricano works at the Wisdom Farm in Clarence, which offers equine therapy.

He wanted a business that would promote small businesses in the United States.

He and his wife have created Sweet Tilly’s Mercantile at 29 S. Main Street. They named the store after their cat – “a real sweet heart,” Hitzges said.

Sweet Tilly’s has products made by 20 artisans and small businesses around the country. Several are from New York, and there are products made in Michigan, California, Oregon, North Dakota, Vermont, Idaho, Nevada, Nebraska, Arizona, Florida, Wisconsin and North Carolina.

Hitzges and Fricano have a range of products, from pottery, bracelets, gloves, cat toys, bath and body products, candles, shower steamers, cards, magnets, and many others. The merchandise ranges in price from $3 to $90.

“We want to keep it reasonable,” Hitzges said.

Sweet Tilly’s is looking more vendors, including local artisans.

“I’m a firm believer in supporting small businesses across America,” Hitzges said.

The business is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

LynOaken Farms ceasing most of agricultural operation after this year

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 4 November 2024 at 8:47 am

‘We’ve hit a number of roadblocks,’ family says, citing higher operating costs, lower revenue and weather challenges

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Several members of the Oakes family pose in the tasting room of Leonard Oakes Estate Winery on Ridge Road, Medina, after confirming they are exiting the wholesale apple business and closing the winery. From left are Darrel Oakes and his wife Linda, daughter-in-law Katie Oakes and Darrel’s sister Wendy Oakes Wilson.

MEDINA – An agribusiness with deep roots in the community will be discontinuing most of its farm operation after 105 years.

When Leonard Oakes bought land in Lyndonville in 1919, he made many smart decisions. He planted orchards and vegetables, raised chickens, worked hard and raised a family, in whom he instilled his love of agriculture and a hard work ethic. When Leonard passed away in 1951, the farm was passed on to his four children.

As the family grew, so did their interests, acquiring land on Ridge Road. When they purchased the Ridge Road property in 2004, it was already a controlled atmosphere cold storage and they invested in transforming the property into a winery tasting room and planted a U-pick orchard with more than 350 varieties.

“In 2018 we added a new packing room and apple packing line onto the cold storage that would allow us to expand our brands throughout Central and Western New York,” said general manager, Wendy Oakes Wilson.

The Oakes family also planted six acres and 14 varieties of grapes at their farm in Lyndonville in 2003. This expansion created a winery that opened in 2008, and in 2011, another expansion brought the birth of SteamPunk Cider. Their wines and cider earned awards and were hot-sellers on the market.

Through the years, some of the extended family didn’t want to be in farming. The original four family members left their stock to their spouses and children, many of whom did not live or work in the area, said Darrel’s wife Linda Oakes, who ran the Gift Shop. “They are far removed from the farm operation,” she said.

In spite of making some sound business decisions during the years, there were two things the Oakes could not control: the weather and the national apple market.

“During the last two years, we have had frost and hail, which devastated our crop,” said Darrel Oakes, who was honored as the national apple grower of the year in 2004 by the American Fruit Grower magazine. “In order to keep going, we borrowed money. That is added to the money we borrowed to buy this property and expand.”

But the real culprit was in 2023 when the state of Washington flooded New York state’s market with their biggest crop of apples ever. This caused a 50 percent drop in prices for certain varieties, which means LynOaken Farms didn’t earn enough revenue to cover their costs, said daughter-in-law Katie Oakes, who runs the U-Pick operation.

“With the two years of bad weather, that created the third year of losses, while our expenses increased 25 to 30 percent,” Wendy said.

“At the same time, third-party packing companies were taking much longer to pay for packed apples,” Wendy said. “In fact, we are still owed for four different varieties from the 2023 crop. There is no guarantee of revenue, and no recourse for growers to demand more. In this business you have to be a climate expert, market expert, legal expert, finance expert and accounting expert.”

Darrel also added that agriculture is heavily dependent on labor and those costs have also risen 20-25% in the last five years.

“We’ve hit a number of roadblocks, including Covid,” he said.

Additionally, three spouses of the original four owners have passed away this year and have left their shares to their children. Because of all these events, the family had a shareholders’ meeting in August and made the decision to close down LynOaken’s wholesale production.

With several of the family members pointing out that the farm’s debt load was too large and apple production not profitable, new shareholders believed the time was right to sell assets to pay off their loans and have funds available to pay shareholders, Wendy said.

“The non-working shareholders have been very supportive of us, but also understood the market and how difficult it would be to carry on,” Wendy said.

Darrel said they have sold all of their productive land, to a buyer he is not yet ready to disclose.

Katie will continue to manage the U-pick operation.

“The sad part is two of our sons and Wendy have to go find a job,” Darrel said.

“I never thought at the age of 58 I would be looking for a job,” said Wendy, fighting back tears. “I thought I’d retire from the farm in due time.”

“We are exiting the production of apples for the wholesale market, and it’s hard to give that up,” Darrel said. “But we are doing it with honesty and respect. We will not owe anybody.”

The Oakes’ don’t know yet what will happen to the wine and cider operation. Customer tastes have changed since Covid, and people are not coming out for tasting parties or a glass of wine like they used to, Wendy said. Next Friday, Saturday and Sunday they will have special hours to sell the rest of their bottled wines.

They are looking ahead to things that will be hospitality and event-based, such as weddings, meeting spaces, private parties and showers, Darrel said

He and Linda came out of retirement to help this fall and look forward to continuing back down that road.

Katie praised the community and their customers for the support they’ve shown LynOaken Farms and Leonard Oakes Estate Winery.

“We have a very loyal customer base who have been very supportive of us,” Katie said. “We hope that will continue.”

She added, “This is one chapter ending. It is not the end of the book.”

File photo by Tom Rivers: Members and some employees of the Oakes family gathered for a photo under the pavilion at the winery on July 21, 2019 to celebrate the farm’s first 100 years. From left include: Dan Thurber, Diane Thurber, Jerod Thurber, Jonathan Oakes, Chris Oakes, Steve Songer, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Darelyn Songer, Linda Oakes, Darrel Oakes, Wendy Oakes Wilson, Wanda Oakes, Jeff Oakes, Dawn Oakes and Katie Oakes. Hawley presented the family with a proclamation in recognition of a century in business.

Chop’s, Chamber’s ‘New Business of the Year,’ finds success in Lyndonville

Photos by Tom Rivers: Matt Burch, the owner of Chop’s Shop Bar and Grill North in Lyndonville, is shown with bar manager Emily Allan. Chop’s received its liquor license about a month ago. Burch put in a new bar top, painted the interior and added a pickup window inside that is separate from the bar, among the improvements at the former Curly’s.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 October 2024 at 10:41 am

LYNDONVILLE – Matt Burch started as a short-order cook at age 14. He worked throughout high school with his mother, Sandy Burger, who was manager of the Sportsman’s Club in Tonawanda.

At 19, Burch started working in masonry and he did that until 28. He had aching knees, from a torn ACL in high school and later blew out a knee playing basketball.

He saw an opportunity to open a pizzeria in Gasport in 2008. Burch has been known by his nickname of “Chops” since he was a kid. He decided to name the pizzeria “Chop’s” and it has been very popular. He expanded the menu and added a bar in 2017.

Burch was presented with an opportunity to open a second Chop’s in Lyndonville at the former Curly’s Lyndonville Hotel. Burch decided to do it, feeling confident in a strong team of employees, including kitchen manager D.J. Davis and bar manager Emily Allan.

Matt Burch and D.J. Davis, the kitchen manager, are shown looking through the takeout window.

He also praised the local employees, including many high schoolers. Chop’s has 22 employees in Lyndonville and about 35 in Gasport.

Chop’s serves pizza, and an expanded menu with burgers, sliders, wraps, stromboli, fish dinners, salads, chicken wings and subs.

The interior has been repainted, and Burch added a new pickup window inside that is separate from the bar. He put in a new bartop, and cabinets on the radiators.

He wants to offer a cozy place for people to enjoy a meal and a drink. Earlier this week many visiting fishermen were inside with some playing a game of pool.

Emily Allan, the bar manager, said the community has embraced Chop’s in Lyndonville. She has worked for Chop’s for four years, starting at the Gasport location.

She helps line up musicians for Lyndonville. The site wants to host more bands.

“I love the people and just being here with the customers,’ she said. “It’s fun to see everyone having a good time.”

For more information on Chops, click here.

Chop’s Shop Bar and Grill North in Lyndonville opened April 22 at the former Curly’s, which was open for 16 years.

New benches at Camp Rainbow honor Jonathan Doherty

Posted 18 October 2024 at 9:31 am

Provided photos: These are two of the new benches at Camp Rainbow dedicated on Saturday in honor of Jonathan Doherty, who had benches built at Camp Rainbow about 20 years ago for his Eagle Scout project.

Press Release, Arc GLOW

LYNDONVILLE — More than two decades ago, Jonathan Doherty participated in Camp Rainbow and recognized the need for campers to have seating options other than the ground. As a solution, he constructed six wooden benches for his Eagle Scout project.

Over the years, time and elements wore down the beautiful handcrafted benches. This year Arc GLOW replaced all six benches to ensure campers have a comfortable seat. Arc GLOW was awarded grants to help alleviate these expenses from the Medina Sandstone Society and Lyndonville Foundation.

Jonathan Doherty

Doherty’s memory is honored as each bench is marked with a plaque honoring him and the foundation which made it possible. And on Saturday, a dedication was held in Doherty’s honor.

Self-advocates, Arc GLOW board members, funders, local representatives, staff and members of the Doherty family attended the dedication event.

“We at Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, both locally and statewide want to say how awesome we think it is that our friend Jonathan Doherty, a tireless self-advocate and friend of the people, is being honored today by fellow, self-advocates, supporters, and community members, for the work that he did while he was with us here,” said Michael P. Rogers, SANYS Regional Organizer (Western). “From working with others to get transportation in rural areas so that people with disabilities could get around, to just the everyday rights of people with disabilities, like himself. He would always check in to see what was going on.

“He was a tireless leader in his self-advocacy group at the time. Just an all-around great guy, who really worked to make life better for people. He was likable and approachable. Making sure that he contacted whoever was needed to make sure change happened.”

Doherty’s father Kevin explained how Jonathan came up with the initial idea for the project and successfully rallied support to finish the benches. In a February 2015 interview with Albion High School Alumni, Doherty mentioned, “I spent 18 seasons at Camp Rainbow with Arc and felt a strong desire to give back. During my time there, I realized there were limited outdoor seating options, so I decided to construct benches for my project.”

Those in attendance affixed memorial plaques to the benches to conclude the ceremony.

Doherty passed away May 5, 2022 at age 38.

Pictured from left to right standing: Arc GLOW Board of Directors President Cheryl Englert, Andrew Johnston, New York State Assemblyman Michael Norris, Nick Fuller, Greg Johnston, Tyler Nunnery, Duane Montgomery, Robert Greer, Orleans County Assistant District Attorney Susan Howard, Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon. Kneeling in front from left include Arc GLOW Family Support Specialist Terry Kingdollar, Deb Avino and Katherine Anderson.

Lyndonville Lions celebrate with their first Oktoberfest

Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: Lyndonville Lions Club members – from left, Wayne Miller, John Belson, Jeff Johnson and Russ Martino – tap the first ceremonial Oktoberfest beer keg to open the Oktoberfest event on Thursday at the White Birch.

Posted 14 October 2024 at 7:50 pm

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions held their first Oktoberfest event on Thursday night at the White Birch Golf Resort. It was a well-attended event for the Lions who raised funds for their “Pop Up Eye Clinic” coming this spring.

Organizers felt the Oktoberfest event was new and unique to their fundraising efforts and would like to see it become an annual event. The Lyndonville Lions Club would like to thank all those who supported the event and hope that everyone had an enjoyable evening.

Guests were treated to soft pretzels, schnitzel and German-style beer as they celebrated Oktoberfest. The musical entertainment was provided by the acclaimed “Frankfurters” German band from Buffalo.

The “Frankfurters” German band from Buffalo performed during the celebration.

The band did not disappoint the crowd as they played all their traditional and favorite German folk songs. Guests were treated to special presentations including a traditional Austrian Bell arrangement and several songs played on the Alpine Horn. Bells in Bavarian culture was often used to announce significant events and celebrations. They have become a tradition in German musical performances.

The Alpine Horn dates back to the 1500s and was initially used as a form of communication in Alpine valleys. It consists of a single piece of wood, hand carved, and usually several meters long. In more modern times the Alpine Horn has become a traditional musical instrument used by musical groups who perform German and Bavarian folk music. The crowd was treated to a medley of Alpine Horn music as part of the evening performance. This was a very special part of the performance and enjoyed by all.

The Lions would like to thank their corporate sponsors for supporting this event. The Genesee Brewing Company supplied the complimentary Oktoberfest beverages along with Batavia Downs and Gaming who donated several overnight stay packages and raffle items that included an autographed Thurman Thomas football.

Members of the Frankfurters perform using the Alpine Horns.

Wayne Miller supplied several handmade bird houses for the raffle and live auction, which the Lions would like to thank him for that kind gesture. A special thank you goes out to the White Birch Golf Resort staff and management. They did a spectacular job on the German-style buffet dinner and allowed the Lions to hold their event in their atrium.

The Lyndonville Lions want to thank those who came to the event to enjoy themselves and support the Lions efforts. The work carried out by Lions International and local Lions clubs around the world cannot be done without the cooperation and support of local individuals. So, thank you to all those who attended.

In closing, the Lions will be supporting upcoming events in the Yates community. November and December will see the Lions active at the Village of Lyndonville Tree Lighting Festival along with appearances at the Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringing Campaign. The Lions Club would like to wish all a safe autumn season and may God continue to bless us and this great nation we live in.

Guests are shown enjoying the first Lyndonville Lions Club Oktoberfest event.

Ortt, Hawley praise Lyndonville Lions for 50 years of service

Posted 25 September 2024 at 7:35 am

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

LYNDONVILLE – Wednesday night marked a special occasion for the Lyndonville Lions Club as members celebrated 50 years of remarkable service to their community and its sponsorship of one of the largest 4th of July parades in the area.

Proclamations were presented to the Lyndonville Lions Club from the offices of Senator Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley to honor the anniversary and commemorate the club’s outstanding service to the community.

“The Lions Club motto is ‘We Serve’ and the Lyndonville chapter certainly exemplifies that,” said Senator Rob Ortt. “I’m proud of my partnership with the Lyndonville Lions Club and truly enjoy marching every year in what has to be the biggest 4th of July parade in Western New York. It wouldn’t be possible without volunteers from the Lion’s Club, and for the past 50 years, the Lyndonville Lions Club has done a remarkable job incorporating the entire community and surrounding areas.”

“The Lyndonville Lions Club has been a staple in our community and has worked to bring its neighbors together for the last 50 years,” said Hawley. “From organizing our amazing 4th of July parade to putting together countless humanitarian projects across the region, the Lions Club has been an invaluable asset to the Western New York community. I’m grateful for the hard work this organization has put in over the last 50 years and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have in the years to come.”

Wednesday’s meeting also brought in four new recruits, one of the highest ever from a single event.

Lyndonville Lions planning inaugural Oktoberfest on Oct. 10

Posted 23 September 2024 at 8:11 am

Club also making effort to recruit more members

Provided photos: The Frankfurters will perform Oct. 10 in the first Oktoberfest at the White Birch Golf.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions opened their 2024/2025 campaign on Wednesday, September 18 with a recruitment dinner and meeting at the White Birch Golf Course.

The club saw four new applicants apply for membership to the Lyndonville Lions Club. These individuals will become official members in an initiation ceremony planned for early November of this year.

The Lions are in the final stages of preparation and ticket sales for their inaugural Oktoberfest, planned for Thursday, October 10 at 6 p.m. at the White Birch Golf Resort in Lyndonville. The event, which is sponsored by Lyndonville Lions, is proud to announce the addition of the Genesee Brewing Company as the lead corporate sponsor in assisting the Lyndonville Lions Club in this endeavor.

Tickets remain on sale and can be purchased by contacting the Lions at Gwendolynlarge002@gmail.com. Tickets are $50 per person, or a table of 8 people for $360. Admission to the event includes a German-style food buffet and musical entertainment by The Frankfurters, a German band from Buffalo. Basket raffles, a 50/50, and a live auction are planned for the event. More information can be obtained from local ads running to advertise this event. The Lions invite everyone to come celebrate Oktoberfest and help support this fundraising event. As they say, “Prost” to all!

In further club news, the Lyndonville Lions were recognized by State Senator Robert Ortt, and Assemblyman Stephen Hawley with proclamations honoring the Lyndonville Lions Club as they enter their 50th year of continued service in and around the Lyndonville area. The Club was honored to receive this recognition and will proudly display the plaques at the White Birch, where they regularly meet. Additionally, the Lyndonville Lions Club will be donating soda to the Orleans County Youth Bureau for their upcoming Family Game Night event on October 10th at Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion.

These Lyndonville Lions Club members holding proclamations from the state include Nicole Spohr, Lynne Johnson, David Godfrey, Elizabeth Carpenter and Eric Johnson.

Laina, ‘The Lyndonville Rocket,’ is go-kart track champ at Ransomville

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 September 2024 at 10:17 am

11-year-old sixth-grader also leads state in points

Provided photos: Laina Stewart, 11, carries the checkered flag after winning a race at the Ransomville Speedway.

LYNDONVILLE – Laina Stewart in her fifth season of racing has earned the title of track champ at Ransomville Speedway. She races go-karts in the Junior 2 Division.

Laina, who just turned 11, zooms around a ½-mile dirt oval, topping 40 miles per hour. Her go-kart is labelled, “The Lyndonville Rocket.” She is a sixth-grader at Lyndonville.

Laina also currently tops in the state in points in the Junior Purple Clone division with 286 points. Levi Herriven is second at 278, and Jax Cotriss of Middleport is third at 256. Jax finished second to Laina at Ransomville.

“They pretty much battle it out all year,” Laina’s stepfather Ricky Washburn said about a friendly rivalry between Laina and Jax.

Laina also races at the Weedsport Speedway near Syracuse once or twice a month on Saturdays or Sundays while Ransomville has been a weekly competition on Thursdays. The state rankings continue until the final week of racing on Oct. 27 in Weedsport.

“She’s a natural at it,” Washburn said about Laina. “She’s competitive.”

Laina Stewart, second from left, is shown with her family, including her mother, Desirae Davis; stepfather, Ricky Washburn; and her sister, Parker.

Laina moved up a division this year after being in the Junior 1 Division in 2023. She races with about 15 other 10- to 12-year-olds. The maximum speed increased by about 5 miles per hour from Junior 1, topping out at about 45 mph this year. Laina likes to go fast on the straight-a-ways and lets off the gas, a little, when she rounds the corners

She also plays soccer and softball, and this year is playing football for the first time, as a defender for Lyndonville’s youth football team.

The racing is a family-oriented event. Washburn and Laina’s grandfather, Keith Davis, are in the pit and keep the go-kart in good working order.

Laina’s 3-year-old sister Parker is eager to get into racing in about two years.

“It’s fun getting together every week,” Washburn said about the racing outings. “It’s a whole family thing.”

Laina appreciates the support from her major supporters: Slack Karts Performance Mfg., a go-cart business in Middleport; Tom Klink from Infinit Technology Solutions; and Independent Pizzeria in Weedsport.

After the season ends in Weedsport, Laina expects to race a few times this winter in Kentucky.

Backyard chickens recommended for approval in Lyndonville by Planning Board

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 September 2024 at 8:59 pm

LYNDONVILLE – The Village Planning Board, after several months of discussion, today recommend to the Village Board that Lyndonville update its zoning ordinance to allow residents to have up to six chickens, but no roosters.

Residents will need to get a permit (a one-time fee of $25), and the chickens are restricted to the rear or backyard of any residential zoning district. Chicken owners will need to submit photos of the cages or coops where the chickens are housed. The cages shall not exceed 32 square feet or be taller than 7 feet.

The cages or coops need to be at least 30 feet from any door or window of a dwelling, school, church or other occupied structure other than the applicant’s dwelling.

The coops or cages also need to be at 5 feet from a side yard property line and more than 18 inches from a rear lot line. No chickens shall be kept in a front yard or side street yard areas, according to the draft ordinance.

An earlier proposal for the ordinance called for residents to have consent of neighbors within 50 feet of the property, but that was scrapped at this afternoon’s meeting of the Planning Board.

Board member Justin Edwards said he supported the ordinance, but didn’t think neighbor approval should be required.

“You don’t have a say if your neighbor gets a dog or puts up a fence,” he said. “I think it sets a very bad precedent (to require neighbor approval for chickens).”

Planning Board Chairman Steve Vann said he wanted to reach a compromise in the ordinance that could be submitted to the Village Board for its consideration. The Village Board asks the Planning Board to recommend a draft ordinance for the village trustees and mayor to review.

Edwards said he couldn’t support a proposal with the neighbor consent required. Board member Virginia Hughes agreed.

The proposed ordinance passed 4-1, with member Terry Chaffee casting the lone opposing vote. He said chickens shouldn’t be allowed in the village.

Village code enforcement officer David Reese said he is concerned neighbors will be upset if the chickens prove to be noisy and smelly.

“We have close quarters in the village,” he said.

The proposed ordinance requires the coops and cages be kept “in a clean, dry and sanitary condition at all times.”

Despite removing the requirement for neighbor approval, the proposed ordinance was called “extremely strict” by Kate Hardner, who has led the effort to have chickens be allowed in Orleans County villages.

“I would not call this loose by any means,” Hardner said during today’s meeting.

Vann said some restrictions are needed for having chickens in the village.

“The neighbors are living with your chickens, too,” he said. “The goal was to find common ground to make it allowable.”

The issue now goes to the Village Board, which next meets 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 30 for a workshop and then 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 for a regular board meeting.

Barker Community Band will close out summer concert series at Yates library

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 September 2024 at 9:43 am

Photos courtesy of Emily Cebula: (Joe Baschnagel of Lockport, left, is Pipe Major with Celtic Spirit Pipe Band, which performed outside at the Yates Community Library on Aug. 26. Mary Metz, right, of Clarence Center, is fiddler. (Right) Celtic Spirit’s unique sound and adaptability to many musical genres is due to its varied instrumentation. Sandra Lewis, right, of Somerset, is keyboardist and vocalist. She is also the assistant clerk for the Village of Lyndonville.

LYNDONVILLE – After weather forced the cancellation of a concert twice this summer by the Barker Community Band, Library Director Emily Cebula hopes the third time is the charm.

The Barker band is scheduled to perform at 6 p.m. on Monday outside the Yates Community Library. The Concert on the Lawn series started on July 2 and about 650 people have attended the nine events.

The concerts have been funded by the NYS Council on the Arts with a grant administered by Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

The concerts have been on the back lawn of the library, overlooking Johnson Creek.

Lyndonville welcomed crowd to Street Dance in downtown

Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: Main Street in the downtown was closed to traffic on Friday evening for the community’s third annual Street Dance.

Posted 27 August 2024 at 9:57 am

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Town of Yates, the Village of Lyndonville, and the Lyndonville Lions Club joined forces to host the third annual Summer Street Dance on Friday, August 23. The community responded by showing up in large numbers to celebrate the waning days of the summer and to welcome the coming fall season.

Several food trucks and vendors were on hand to mark this event and the Lyndonville Lions held a recruitment drive along with a hot dog and hamburger stand supplying food and beverages to the festival goers. The American Legion gave out flower arrangements with all of the free-will donations going to support local veterans.

The Town of Yates had many activities planned for children who attended the evening event. Rock painting and chalk street art drawing kept kids busy all evening. Various inflatable bounce houses were available to children of all ages during the event for those who wanted to expend a little more energy.

The musical band, The Guzinyas, supported the event bringing their local talents together to perform their catalog of rock and roll songs. The crowd joined in with festival-goers dancing in the street to their favorite songs.

The grass roots effort by the Town of Yates is seen as a successful “End-to-Summer Event” over the last few years. Town of Yates board member Sue Hrovat has led this event for the town.

“The Town Board has been happy with the results of the last few years, and would like to offer more fun things for people to do at the street dance,” she said.

Looking ahead, the Town Board is in preliminary discussions with the Lyndonville Lions Club to be co-sponsors and to expand on this event. The Lions have discussed the possible addition of several venues with Hrovat, including adding local winery tasting booths, a summer chicken barbeque sale and expanding the musical performances. There has also been some groundswell support for the possibility of an end-of-summer fireworks display to cap off the evening events.

The Lyndonville Lions Club sees this as a great collaborative effort to support the community.

The Town of Yates would like to thank all those who made the street dance possible, and they hope that all have a safe and happy end to the summer season as we all look forward to fall and mother nature’s artistic splendor with her fall foliage.

‘Sammy the Stone Snake’ up to about 200 rocks at Lyndonville park

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 August 2024 at 9:18 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – It’s been two months since Sammy the Stone Snake emerged at Patterson Park behind the Post Office in Lyndonville.

Sammy started with 34 stones. He is now up to about 200.

Darlene Hartway pushed to start Sammy after seeing him in other communities. Hartway is the director of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce and has been running the Webber Café on Main Street. Many of the stones have been painted at Webber.

People are welcome to keep adding to Sammy to see how long he can get before the end of summer.