By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 May 2026 at 8:50 am
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Board of Education will have a special meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday to present budget options after the district’s proposed budget for 2026-27 was rejected by voters on Tuesday.
The meeting on Tuesday will be in the Jr./Sr. High School Library.
The district’s proposed $19,194,000 budget was voted down with 172 opposed and 129 votes in favor.
The tax levy in the proposed budget would have increased by 2.5 percent from $4,758,692 to $4,877,659.
A contingency budget would mean reducing spending by another $266,495 to get the budget to $18,927,505.
YATES – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that State Route 18 (also known as Roosevelt Highway) in the Town of Yates, Orleans County, will be closed to all traffic between Route 269/County Line Road and Murdock Road beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, to accommodate a culvert replacement project.
Motorists should follow posted detours using Route 18, Route 269, Route 104 and Route 63. The road is expected to be reopened by the end of June.
Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes if necessary. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.
Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 May 2026 at 7:45 am
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting for 6 p.m. on Friday to discuss the next steps after the district’s proposed budget was defeated in a public vote on Tuesday.
The meeting on Friday will be in Jr./Sr. High School Library.
The district’s proposed $19,194,000 budget was voted down with 172 opposed and 129 votes in favor.
The budget would have increased spending by 9.8 percent or by $1,719,670 from the $17,474,330 in 2025-26. The tax levy in the proposed budget would increase by 2.5 percent from $4,758,692 to $4,877,659.
A contingency budget would mean reducing spending by another $266,495 to get the budget to $18,927,505.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 May 2026 at 10:28 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Albion student artwork was displayed in Hoag Library today during the school district’s annual budget vote. The library serves as the polling location for the annual vote.
LYNDONVILLE – The school district’s proposed $19,194,000 budget was voted down today with 172 opposed and 129 votes in favor.
The budget would have increased spending by 9.8 percent or by $1,719,670 from the $17,474,330 in 2025-26. The tax levy would increase by 2.5 percent from $4,758,692 to $4,877,659.
A contingency budget would mean reducing spending by another $266,495 to get the budget to $18,927,505.
The other propositions passed.
• Purchase one standard 64 passenger bus through Transportation Vehicle Reserve funds at a maximum of $192,000 – 170 yes, 129 no.
• Funding for Yates Community Library at $153,345 (up from the current $146,722) – 159 yes, 140 no.
• Board of Education – Dana Goetze was the lone candidate and was elected to a three-year term.
The district-wide art show at Albion featured students’ works from elementary, middle and high schools.
ALBION – The $45,615,036 budget passed by a vote of 264 yes, 71 no. The tax levy will stay at $8,449,039, which is $359,906 under the district’s tax cap.
• Proposition two to allow spending $1.5 million for buses – 268 yes, 70 no.
• Proposition three allows the district to collect $687,760 for Hoag Library – 266 yes, 69 no.
There are also three candidates for three seats on the Board of Education. The two candidates with the most votes get five-year terms while the candidate with the third most votes gets a one-year term.
Kaitlyn Panek and Jaime Allport were elected to five-year terms and Michelle Waters was elected to a one-year term beginning July 1.
HOLLEY – The school district’s proposed $32,687,000 budget passed, 253 yes, 191 no.
The budget increases spending by 6.2 percent and will raise taxes by 2.5 percent. The budget maintains all existing programs.
• Proposition 2 authorizes replacement of school buses – one large and one small with a wheelchair lift ($374,000). It passed 256 yes, 186 no.
• Proposition 3 allows district to collect $217,703 for the Community Free Library. It passed 288 yes, 154 no.
• Proposition 4 authorizes the purchase of a vacant lot adjacent to Woodlands soccer field for $12,500. It passed 229 yes, 210 no.
• Proposition 5 authorizes the establishment of a Capital Improvements Reserve Fund that will not exceed $10 million. It passed 253 yes, 180 no.
There are also three candidates seeking three seats on the Board of Education. The two candidates with the most votes get three-year terms while the one with the third most votes gets a one-year term. The three-year terms begin July 1, while the shorter term starts May 20 because it’s filling a vacancy.
Janet Klossner, 282 votes, and Eric DiLella, 279 votes receive 3-year terms, while Cecelia Pacheco Stevens, 234 votes, was elected to a 1-year term.
KENDALL – The school district proposed $23,469,328 budget passed, 144 yes, 79 no. The budget will increase taxes by 3.15 percent – from $5,162,224 to $5,324,835.
• A proposition to use up to $390,000 from the vehicle capital reserve fund to purchase vehicles in the transportation program for the district, including passenger buses. It passed, 152 yes, 67 no.
There are also two candidates for one five-year term on the Board of Education: Christa Bowling was elected with 163 votes, while David Warren received 58.
MEDINA – Voters approved a $47,998,851 proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year, 237 yes, 92 no.
The budget increases spending by 2.89 percent. The tax levy would increase by 1.97 percent – from $9,170,809 to $9,351,474. The budget is again under the tax cap – for the 17th straight year.
There were three candidates for three open seats on the Board of Education. LuAnn Tierney, Steven Blount and Mackenzie Sullivan all were elected to three-year terms on the BOE.
Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: The Lyndonville Lions Club will have a wreath-laying ceremony on July 4 at the grave of Nehemiah Spaulding, a Revolutionary War soldier buried at LynHaven Cemetery. His descendants will be in the parade on July 4.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club have been busy preparing for their 52nd Annual July 4th Celebration in Lyndonville.
This year’s event will be especially meaningful as it also commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Americans and patriots alike will join together in celebrating “America 250” across this great nation.
Parade organizers have planned for all the traditional favorites to be part of this daylong community celebration. The Lyndonville High School band, the Mark Time Marchers, and the Gates Police Pipe Band are all scheduled to perform in this year’s parade lineup.
Local businesses and community organizations are encouraged to participate by entering floats, displays, trucks, tractors, and other equipment to showcase their organizations while adding a unique and exciting twist to the parade experience.
Of course, no Lyndonville July 4th parade would be complete without the strong presence of the many local fire companies whose participation has long been a proud tradition.
The parade is once again expected to begin with a military flyover to salute the brave men and women who have served — and continue to serve — to keep the “free” in our freedom.
The popular lawn arts and crafts show, along with a variety of food truck vendors, will return this year, although some adjustments are anticipated due to ongoing construction at Lyndonville Central School District facilities. Current plans may place vendors and food trucks along the north side of the school and in the area behind the school on the west side to accommodate limited space on the front lawn.
Closing out the evening festivities, an encore performance by The Bleeding Hearts will once again headline the popular Firecracker Concert Series beginning at 7 p.m. and continuing until the firework’s spectacular lights up the sky around 10 p.m.
Revolutionary War Veteran Selected as Honorary Grand Marshal
After an extensive search the Lions have decided to posthumously honor Mr. Nehemiah Spaulding. Mr. Spaulding is the only Revolutionary War Veteran buried in Lynhaven Cemetery which is located in the Town of Yates and the Village of Lyndonville.
Extensive research through the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, along with family and government military records, confirms Nehemiah Spaulding’s dedicated service to our fledgling nation from early 1776 through 1783. His contributions during the American Revolution are well documented and preserved through historical records.
Nehemiah Spaulding was born on August 9, 1757, in Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut, to Isaac and Mrs. Spaulding, whose family had immigrated from England to the American Colonies around 1745. Cornwall is also recognized as the birthplace of Ethan Allen, famed leader of the Green Mountain Boys.
As a young boy, Spaulding’s family gradually moved westward and eventually settled in the Albany region of New York — an area that would become one of the most fiercely contested regions during the Revolutionary War. The Saratoga, Albany, and Mohawk Valley regions were the sites of numerous battles and skirmishes as British and American forces fought for control.
Among the most significant campaigns was the British Army’s failed “three-pronged attack,” a major strategy intended to divide and defeat the colonies during the Revolution.
Historic engagements stretching from Lake Champlain to Fort Ticonderoga became pivotal moments in America’s struggle for independence and helped shape the foundation of the nation’s eventual victory over British colonial rule.
Mr. Spaulding’s military service is further documented through his enlistment in the 9th Regiment of the Albany County Militia. During this period, he served under Colonel Peter Van Ness from approximately October 1776 through November 1776.
His service continued under the command of Robert Van Rensselaer, who rose through the ranks during the Revolutionary War to become a brigadier general.
Mr. Spaulding’s military record eventually culminated in service with the 3rd New York Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Marinus Willett. This unit was commonly associated with “Willett’s Levies,” a term referring to soldiers conscripted or recruited for a fixed duration of service in support of the Continental Army.
Units in which Mr. Spaulding served saw action across several key engagements of the Revolutionary War, including the Saratoga Campaign, the Battle of Klock’s Field, and the Battle of Johnstown, along with multiple skirmishes throughout the lower Mohawk Valley and upper Hudson Valley regions.
During the American Revolution, local militia units played a critical role in supporting the Continental forces. These part-time citizen-soldiers provided flexible manpower that allowed General George Washington and other commanders to respond to British movements, maintain pressure on smaller enemy detachments, and preserve Continental Army strength for major coordinated campaigns.
The units associated with Mr. Spaulding were also noted for providing important surge support during several pivotal conflicts, including the Battle of Oriskany, the Battle of Bennington, and other regional engagements that helped shape the broader Saratoga Campaign. These battles were instrumental leading into the decisive confrontations of September and October 1777.
The American victory at the Battle of Saratoga, led in opposition to British General John Burgoyne, is widely regarded as the turning point of the Revolutionary War.
After his military service, and following a short period of residence in southern central New York, Mr. Spaulding eventually relocated to the Town of Yates, where he lived out the remainder of his life until his passing on August 19, 1789.
His sons and numerous descendants remained connected to the broader Lyndonville region for generations, with family ties continuing locally until the early 1980s, when the last known living relatives relocated to South Carolina. Mr. Spaulding was laid to rest at Lynhaven Cemetery in the Village of Lyndonville.
In recognition of his Revolutionary War service, the Lyndonville Lions Club will conduct a wreath-laying ceremony at his gravesite following the July 4th parade to honor his legacy and sacrifice.
Representing the family lineage, Mr. Peter Byron, great-great-great-great-grandson from York, New York, along with his sister Nancy Gerhardt, great-great-great-great-granddaughter from Tonawanda, New York, will serve as honorary grand marshals during the July 4th parade, carrying forward the remembrance of Mr. Spaulding’s service and the family’s historic connection to the community.
“Light Up Lyndonville” in red, white and blue
Lions Club members John Belson, right, and Larry Wolfe inspect the long stem roses for the Lions Mother’s Day Rose Sale.
The Lyndonville Lions are proud to announce our “Light Up Lyndonville”! Beginning July 1st through July 5th, the Lions will decorate Main Street in the Village of Lyndonville with red, white, and blue lights and festive banners to honor our nation’s independence and the spirit of “America 250.”
We invite residents of both the Town of Yates and the Village of Lyndonville to join in the celebration by decorating homes, businesses, and properties with lights, flags, banners, and inflatables that showcase your patriotic pride.
The Lions will be judging displays throughout the holiday weekend, with cash prizes awarded to winning decorations following the celebration!
Stay connected for updates and details by following: The Orleans Hub and Lyndonville Lions Facebook.
Busy Month in May
The Lyndonville Lions wrapped up May with their annual Mother’s Day Rose Sale and distributed approximately 100 new glasses to people who attended the Lions Pop-Up Eyeglass Clinic.
Members of the Sawyer family receive their new glasses after attending the Lyndonville Lions Eye Glass Clinic.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2026 at 8:25 pm
Medina, Lyndonville students urged to make responsible choices with upcoming proms, grad parties
Photos by Tom Rivers
RIDGEWAY – Medina teacher Rachel Trillizio comforts student Arabella White after seeing her friend Mady Elliott be put on a stretcher.
Medina school district coordinated a mock DWI crash simulation today at the Ridgeway fire hall parking lot. Medina invited Lyndonville students for the first time the two schools experienced the mock simulation together.
The simulation sends a message to students to be responsible with the prom and graduation parties coming up. There were 98 Medina seniors at the event today as well as 52 from Lyndonville who are juniors or seniors.
Grayson Romano of Lyndonville was a student involved in the crash. He portrayed a person who was unconscious. He was moved from the car onto a stretcher by EMTs. Grayson would be pronounced “dead” by county coroner Rocky Sidari.
Firefighters work to extricate Mady Elliott from a car. Mady, a junior at Medina, said she was hyper ventilating in the car as firefighters cut and removed pieces of the car to free her.
“It was scary,” she said afterwards. “People need to take this seriously.”
Elliott said drivers need to not be impaired when behind the wheel, and need to not be texting or looking at their phones.
Mady Elliott is led by stretcher to a Mercy Flight helicopter.
Mady Elliott is put into the helicopter which was flown by pilot Haji Shareef with nurse Gina Pennell on board. They flew from Buffalo in a trip that took 8 minutes.
Pam Cherry, the outreach coordinator for Mercy Flight in Batavia, said the organization will do about 30 of the fly-ins in mock simulations around Western New York. Mercy Flight receives a state grant for those responses.
Medina police officer Bradon Brown and Sgt. Marty Stirk of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office lead Austin Fonda, a Lyndonville senior, to a patrol car after he failed a field sobriety test and was charged with DWI in the simulation.
Firefighters from East Shelby, Ridgeway, Medina and Shelby worked on the response today.
Kevin Bogan, right, the owner of Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home and his assistant Norman Smolarek move Grayson Romano into the hearse. Grayson was pronounced “dead” by a county coroner as part of the simulation drill.
Members of the Probation Department shared with students some of restrictions and supervision they would likely be under if they were arrested for DWI. From left in back include probation supervisor Katie Vick, juvenile officer Adam Kuhn and Bobby Hodge, probation officer who supervises the DWI caseload.
Hodge said people convicted of DWI have to stay out of bars and parties with alcohol. Vick said the Probation Department will try to connect people to mental health and substance abuse services if needed.
Calvin Cook, a junior at Lyndonville, tries on turnout gear with some assistance from Morgan Austin, the EMS captain for the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company.
Firefighters urged the students form Lyndonville and medina to consider becoming a volunteer firefighter. Austin said she joined the Ridgeway Fire Company even though she didn’t have a family connection to the department. She said the other firefighters welcomed her.
To pass the Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations (BEFO) class, firefighters need to put on all the turnout gear in 60 seconds or less.
Kelly Kiebala, director of the Orleans County Job Development Agency and the Youth Bureau, made STOP-DWI items available to the students and also shared how there are job training programs available through Job Development, The agency also runs a summer youth employment program.
Matt Hopkins with the NYS Department of Transportation health and safety program tells students they need to be extra careful if they are driving in a work zone. They should slow down and change lanes if possible, and watch out for flaggers.
These students tried to steer pedal cars while wearing goggles that showed what is what like to have your vision affected by alcohol intoxicated or marijuana.
Diana Fulcomer, a senior prevention educator for UConnectCare, urged students to watch over each other, especially if they see others engaging in toxic drinking where their lives could be at risk from toxic alcohol poisoning. Students were urged to call for help immediately if they see someone who is vomiting from alcohol, or if they don’t respond when shouted at, if they have very slow breathing, can’t stand up, have pale/bluish skin or an irregular/slow pulse.
Melinda Rhim, supervisor at the Orleans County Mental Health Department (left), and Amber Fortunato, a care manager, discussed how stress can affect people with some turning to alcohol and substances to help with anxiety and mental health issues. Rhim and Fortunato did a true or false exercise with the students. The two mental health professionals were pleased to see the awareness from the students and how they don’t see a stigma around mental health and a willingness to get help if needed.
The NYS Department of Transportation let students climb into a plow truck and blow the horn. Students were encouraged to seek out careers with the DOT.
Medina called today’s simulation and the many presentations at the fire hall part of a “Making Memories Safely” awareness event. The district said it would like to see a bigger county-wide event perhaps at the fairgrounds with all five school districts just before the prom season.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 May 2026 at 10:17 am
Lyndonville, Medina also recognized for theatrical performances
Photos by Tom Rivers: Neveya Barnes starred as Annie in Albion’s performance of the Annie musical in March and Gideon Pask is Oliver Warbucks at right. They were both recognized for “achievement in a lead role” by the Stars of Tomorrow on Friday. Brayden Whittier, left, performed the role of Bert Healy, a charismatic and goofy radio announcer. Annie and Warbucks went on the show in a search for her biological parents.
ROCHESTER – Three school musicals in Orleans County were well represented at the annual Stars of Tomorrow program that highlights outstanding achievement in local high school theater.
There are 50 schools in the Stars program in the Rochester region.
Albion was a big winner in the small schools division, one of 10 musicals named a “Showstopper” for its production of Annie.
The orphans, including Rianne Hand on table, sing the opening number from Annie, “It’s the Hard Knock Life.”
In addition to being a “Showstopper,” Albion won the following awards and recognitions:
Achievement in theatrical storytelling
Achievement in acting ensemble
Achievement in vocal ensemble
Achievement in dance ensemble
Achievement in production crew
Achievement in production design
Achievement in student orchestra
Achievement in a leading role – Neveya Barnes as Annie and Gideon Pask as Oliver Warbucks
Lily Brigham received a “Tip of the Hat” for her solo in the song, “N.Y.C.” Brigham played the role of a “Star to Be.”
Tip of the Hat:
Kaitlin Basinait as the deck manager
Hanna Kumalac as the stage manager
Lily Brigham, “Star to Be”
Julia Button, “Lily St. Regis”
Lyndonville’s Gavyn Draper performed the lead role of Peter Pan and was recognized for “Achievement in a Leading Role.”
Lyndonville’s production of Peter Pan received several honors:
Achievement in theatrical storytelling
Achievement in acting ensemble
Achievement in production crew
Achievement in production design
Achievement in a leading role – Gavyn Draper as Peter Pan
Lily Botsford received a “Tip of the Hat” as the Crocodile and also as the Ostrich. Her the Crocodile pursues Captain Hook, played by Austin Fonda.
Tip of the Hat:
Lily Botsford as the Ostrich/Crocodile
Sarah Corser as Tiger Lily
Sierra Frasier and Melanie Jay, percussion
Medina performed High School Musical. Ava Blount played Gabriella and was recognized for “achievement in a lead role.”
Other laurels for Medina include:
Achievement in theatrical storytelling
Achievement in acting ensemble
Achievement in dance ensemble
Achievement in production crew
Achievement in production design
Achievement in a lead role – Arabella White as “Sharpay Evans” and Ava Blount as “Gabriella Montez”
Tip of the Hat
Madelyn Elliot as “Taylor”
Adam James Horton as “Jack Scott”
Arabella White starred as Sharpay Evans in Medina’s production of High School Musical.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 May 2026 at 9:51 am
LYNDONVILLE – The school district will be presenting a $19,194,000 budget to the public on May 19. The budget increases spending by 9.8 percent or by $1,719,670 from the $17,474,330 in 2025-26.
The tax levy will increase by 2.5 percent from $4,758,692 to $4,877,659.
There will be a public hearing on the budget at 7 p.m. on May 12 at Stroyan Auditorium, with the vote from noon to 8 p.m. on May 19 at Stroyan Auditorium Foyer.
“Because of these rising costs, maintaining the same level of programs and opportunities requires an increase in the budget, said Dr. Heather Lyon, the district superintendent. “If the budget were to remain the same, we would need to reduce what we currently provide for students.”
Lyon wrote a letter to the community in the district newsletter. Click here to see the budget newsletter.
“Our goal is to continue building on the progress we’ve made while staying true to our shared values,” she said. “The proposed budget reflects that commitment.”
The budget includes an increase in state aid from $12,113,808 to $13,375,309. The district also plans to use more reserve funds – from $495,220 to $746,032.
There are other propositions on the ballot:
• Purchase one standard 64 passenger bus through Transportation Vehicle Reserve funds at a maximum of $192,000
• Funding for Yates Community Library at $153,345 (up from the current $146,722)
• Board of Education – Jerod Thurber’s spot is up for election. Dana Goetze is the lone candidate on the ballot for a three-year term.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 April 2026 at 4:39 pm
Route 31A in Sweden also will be closed to traffic from County Line Road and West Sweden Road
YATES – The state Department of Transportation will be closing a section of Route 18 in the town of Yates beginning on Monday for a culvert replacement. The road is expected to reopen to traffic in late May.
Route 18 (also known as Roosevelt Highway) will be closed to all traffic between Hall Road and Breeze Road. Motorists should follow posted detours using Route 63, Route 104 and Route 98, the DOT said.
The state DOT also is closing a section of Route 31A just outside Orleans County in the town of Sweden for a culvert replacement. Route 31A (also known as Fourth Section Road) will be closed to traffic beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday between County Line Road and West Sweden Road. Motorists should follow posted detours using Route 31 and Route 98, the DOT said.
“Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes if necessary,” the DOT advised. “Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.”
Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones, the DOT said. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 April 2026 at 3:40 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Lyndonville Central School marching band plays in Lyndonville’s Fourth of July Parade last summer. The school district for the first time has been named to the list of “Best Communities for Music Education” by NAMM Foundation.
The list of school districts named to a national list for “Best Communities for Music Education” includes three school districts in Orleans County with Lyndonville earning the distinction for the first time.
Albion has now made the list 19 years and Medina has been recognized the past three years by the NAMM Foundation.
Lyndonville is the smallest school district in Orleans County. It puts on some of the best musicals. The district in 2025 performed, Newsies, and it was named “Production of the Year” for small schools in the Rochester region by the Stars of Tomorrow program which sends trained evaluators to the school musicals.
Last month Lyndonville put on Peter Pan. The district was commended for its commitment to the overall music program.
The Medina Marching Band, including Raelynn Baker in the Color Guard, performed on Sept. 21 at Vets Park during the Fall Festival of Bands. Despite being of the smaller schools that competes in the field band competition, Medina has won the New York State Field Band Conference Championship several times.
Albion High School students are shown during last month’s performance of Annie. Neveya Barnes, front center, played the lead role. Albion performs two full-length musicals during the school year by both the middle school and the high school.
The North American Music Merchants has presented the annual list for 27 years honoring school districts with strong music programs. Last year there were 935 districts total around the country as “Best Communities for Music Education.” This year, the list topped 1,000 for the first time.
“Music education plays a vital role in cultivating vibrant, connected communities,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM President and CEO. “The 2026 Best Communities for Music Education recipients exemplify how meaningful access to music fosters creativity, collaboration and lifelong learning. We are proud to recognize their leadership and unwavering dedication to ensuring every student has the opportunity to engage in music.”
“Access to music education is a true catalyst for belonging, expression, and shared purpose,” said Julia Rubio, NAMM Foundation Executive Director. “When communities invest in music, they invest in the potential of every student.”
Photos and information courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions held their 5th annual Free Eyeglass Clinic on March 21 at the White Birch Golf Resort. Participants received free eye examinations and fittings for eye glasses. Over 60 individuals were seen during the morning event.
The Lyndonville Lions Club extends its sincere gratitude to all who attended this event, and especially to the dedicated volunteers who contributed their time and effort to make it a success.
Screenshot
We are deeply appreciative of our fellow Lions from surrounding clubs who, year after year, generously support this event. This year, we were fortunate to have assistance from Lions Clubs in Medina, Barker and Olcott.
A special thank you is extended to the Lions Clubs of Kenmore, Lewiston and Niagara Falls for their outstanding professional contributions. Their support, along with the expertise of optometrists and vision specialists, is essential in making this project possible and impactful.
In collaboration with the Lyndonville United Methodist Church the Lions participated in the annual community Easter Egg Hunt held at the Lyndonville Central School. The Club treated all attendees to grilled hot dogs and beverages following this event. There were over 150 children who participated in the hunt.
The Lyndonville Lions Club would like to remind the community of its upcoming Mother’s Day Rose Sale. One dozen red roses are available for purchase for $20, with orders being accepted now through May 1st.
All orders will be available for pickup at the White Birch Resort from May 6th through May 9th. Group purchases are welcome, and delivery arrangements can be made by the Lyndonville Lions Club for larger orders.
To place an order, interested individuals or groups may call 585-281-4646.
The Lions would like to wish all a joyous Easter season. We hope that God will continue to bless this great nation and watch over our men and women in our military during these most difficult times.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 March 2026 at 11:33 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Cub Scouts from pack 3025 in Lyndonville were in the Albion Tops grocery today from 9 a.m. to noon for “Scouting for Food.” They welcomed donations from shoppers. Many dropped off canned food on their way out of the store. The top photo shows Logan Gaelens-Puma taking the food out of a bag that was donated from a shopper. He is assisted by Noah Stevens.
The two Cub Scouts were joined by their mothers, Rayne Stevens (back left) and Jessica Gaelens.
The food collected today will be given to the food pantry at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church. That church also sponsors pack 3025.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 March 2026 at 1:07 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Lyndonville Central School is performing Peter Pan for the school’s annual musical. The top photo shows the cast on Friday’s opening night. There are more performances at 7 p.m. today and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Gavyn Draper stars as Peter Pan and he gets to fly about the stage in several scenes. Peter Pan and other characters – Wendy, John and Michael Darling – get to fly by using wires with harnesses and pulleys.
There are about 35 students in the cast, 20-plus in the stage crew and another 14 in the pit orchestra.
Lyndonville is coming off a highly acclaimed musical season a year ago when its show, Newsies, was named “Production of the Year” for small schools in the Rochester region by the Stars of Tomorrow program which sends trained evaluators to the school musicals.
Draper, a sophomore, has been performing in shows since he was in third grade, first at his church. By fifth grade, he was on stage for the Lyndonville school musicals.
“I like singing and acting, and I like an audience,” he said before Friday’s show.
Last year’s show gave him “goose bumps” on stage to see how the cast came together in a powerful way, and to see the crowd react.
He believes the message of Peter Pan is to embrace your childhood for as long as you can.
Austin Fonda plays the role of Captain Hook in Neverland. Captain Hook wants to kill Peter because he cut off his hand and threw it to a crocodile. Hook leads a group of pirates. In this photo, Fonda sings about a mysterious woman who has captured Hook’s fancy.
Sarah Corser plays the role of Tiger Lily, who leads a group of Indians who are hunting the pirates. Tiger Lily and Peter Pan reach a truce and friendship.
Peter Pan (Gavyn Draper) sprinkles some fairy dust on the three Darling children and urges then to “think lovely thoughts” so they can fly with him to Neverland. Emily Kroll plays Wendy (left), Jackson Hargrave is Michael Darling (center) and Bella Bresett is John Darling. In this scene, they’re singing, “I’m Flying.”
Draper is playing the role his mother, Katie (Thurber) Draper, played as Peter Pan in 2002. Becky Botsford, a Lyndonville music teacher, also was Wendy in the 2002 production. She is playing the bassoon in the pit orchestra for this year’s show.
Jen Trupo, the musical director the past 15 years at Lyndonville, said the flying characters make the show feel “magical.” She believes the musical shares a powerful message.
“I just want everyone to really soar above adversity and the all the Captain Hooks in their life and all the things that they are weighing them down,” she said.
Wendy Darling (Amy Kroll) is in Neverland and shares stories with the Lost Boys, who ask her to be their mother.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Central School District is accepting applications for its 2026-27 pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) and kindergarten programs.
If you are a resident of the Lyndonville Central School District and your child will be age 3, 4 or 5 by December 1, 2026, they are eligible to enroll. If your child is already enrolled in our Pre-K program this year, they will automatically be enrolled for the following year. Pre-K space is limited, but openings are currently available for all age groups.
Our developmentally-appropriate Pre-K and kindergarten programs, which include breakfast and lunch at no cost to families, follow this schedule five days a week:
3-year-old Pre-K: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
4-year-old Pre-K: 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Kindergarten: 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
If more students are pre-registered for Pre-K for the 2026-27 school year than available seats, a lottery will be held on May 1, 2026. If Pre-K seats remain, they will be filled per UPK and district guidelines.
To register or obtain additional information, please contact the school at (585) 765-3122 or esmith@lcsdk12.org. You will need to provide your name, address, and child’s name and date of birth. More information and a pre-registration form can be found at Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration.
Lyndonville Lions Club, American Legion sponsor students who will spend week at Morrisville
Provided photo: Thomas Blake, Will Arlinton and Calvin Cook will be going to the 2026 New York State Boys State Program. They are shown with representatives from the American Legion and the Lions Club in Lyndonville.
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club recently partnered with the Lyndonville Houseman Tanner American Legion Post to sponsor three students from Lyndonville Central School to attend this year’s New York State Boys State Program.
Boys State is a long-standing program organized by the American Legion that gives high school juniors the opportunity to learn about state government and the responsibilities of civic leadership. During the week-long program at Morrisville State College, students participate in hands-on activities that teach leadership, civic responsibility, and teamwork while gaining a deeper understanding of how government operates.
The program aims to inspire the next generation of leaders while helping students develop skills that will benefit them as they prepare for their senior year and future careers.
The Lyndonville Lions Club has long supported the American Legion’s efforts to send local students to the Boys State Program by covering transportation costs for Lyndonville High School participants as well as students from surrounding schools in Orleans County.
Through the continued efforts of the American Legion and the Lyndonville Lions to encourage student participation, Lyndonville Central School has seen an increase in interest in attending Boys State. This year, three students from Lyndonville were selected to participate, marking the highest level of participation from the school.
Each year, the Lyndonville Houseman Tanner American Legion Post sponsors one student to attend the program. This year, the Lyndonville Lions Club was asked to assist with the remaining two students and unanimously voted to cover the $900 cost to support their participation.
Students attending 2026 New York State Boys State Program: Thomas Blake, Will Arlinton and Calvin Cook.
In other activities, the Lyndonville Lions Club, working with the Lyndonville Central School Leo Club, recently screened more than 140 students at the school for visual acuity concerns. Students identified with potential vision deficiencies will be referred to local ophthalmologists for further evaluation, with the initial visit covered by the Lyndonville Lions.
Research has consistently shown a strong connection between good vision and successful learning in school. This ongoing project supports the Lions Club’s mission of promoting vision health in the community.
The effort also complements the Lions Club’s upcoming Annual Free Vision Screening and Eyeglass Clinic, scheduled for Saturday, May 21, at the White Birch in Lyndonville. Doors will open at 9 a.m., and community members are invited to receive eye exams, glaucoma screenings, and vision checks for glasses.
The event will once again be supported by members of the Kenmore Lions Club, along with volunteers from several surrounding Lions Clubs.
The Lyndonville Lions Club would also like to announce its upcoming Mother’s Day Rose Sale. One dozen long stem red roses will be available for $20.
Advance orders may be placed by calling Harold Suhr at 585-281-4646. Roses can be picked up at the White Birch in Lyndonville on May 7 and 8. For additional information, please call the same number.
