Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – The fourth annual Street Dance on Friday night in Lyndonville drew a crowd to a blocked off section of Main Street.

The Buffalo-based band, Bleeding Hearts, played many popular classic rock songs from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. There were other kids’ games and a bounce house, as well as several food vendors.

Bleeding Hearts has been performing for more than three decades. The band features David Lloyd on drums and as lead singer, Tim Unger on guitar at right, and Bob Kupczyk on bass at left.

The Town of Yates is the lead organizer of the annual Street Dance, which started in 2022 as part of the town’s bicentennial celebration.

Main Street in the village is closed to traffic between Maple Avenue and Eagle Street.

David Lloyd sings and plays the drums for Bleeding Hearts. Some of the songs later in the three-hour set included, “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison, “I Want You to Want Me” by Cheap Trick, “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by Clash, and “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon.

The Lyndonville Sports Boosters were among the food vendors, selling tacos. Pictured from left include Stephanie Freas, Emily Aydelotte and Alisha Schwartzott.

The Boosters are raising money for a new scoreboard in the school gymnasium.

Provided photo: Main Street in Lyndonville was closed to traffic on Aug. 23, 2024 for the community’s annual Street Dance.

Press Release, Town of Yates

LYNDONVILLE – The Town of Yates is very excited to welcome the community, friends and neighbors to the 4th Annual Street Dance on Friday, August 15th, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The festivities will be held on Main Street in front of the Yates Town Hall in the Village of Lyndonville.

Main Street in the village will be closed to traffic between Maple Avenue and Eagle Street starting at 4 p.m.

“We are blessed to work with our Village of Lyndonville partners to host the increasingly popular street dance on Main Street,” said co-coordinators Yates Town Board members Steve Vann and Susan Hrovat.

This year’s festivities include music by the Bleeding Hearts, with Classic Rock from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, dancing, kids’ games and a bounce house. Food vendors include Eula’s Baby Ribs, Lyndonville Sports Boosters with street tacos and tacos in a bag as well as Fetzner’s Lemonade and hotdogs.

The street dance is partially funded by the Town of Yates, and also sponsored by Plummer Orchards, Signature Styles and Burger King.

Please come out to enjoy lots of fun, food and fellowship with family, friends and neighbors.  The event is free, and there will be tables and chairs on the street as well as plenty of room for… Dancing in the Street!

LYNDONVILLE – Maddox Smith, a freshman at Lyndonville, has the Board of Education’s permission to build four new picnic tables for the school grounds by the playground.

Maddox is working on the tables for his Eagle Scout project. He is a Scout in Troop 35 in Lyndonville.

Maddox said he would work with scouts to build the picnic tables and assured the board they would be built well. During Tuesday’s board meeting, he asked the board to have the district cover the costs for the materials.

Jerod Thurber, the Board of Education president, thanked Maddox for spearheading the project. Thurber said the picnic tables have deteriorated and new ones would be welcome.

Thurber would like to see a quote for “forever woods.” He asked Maddox to price out the costs for the materials. Thurber said he would help Maddox secure donations so no district funds would be needed.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Patrick Whipple speaks during Tuesday’s Lyndonville Board of Education meeting after he was nominated for the board president. Jerod Thurber, the current president, is at left. Thurber wants to step back as president due to increased demands in his career. After the board was deadlocked, 3-3, Thurber needed to stay president for at least another month. The board will meet again on Aug. 19 when all seven members are expected to be present.

LYNDONVILLE – The Board of Education met Tuesday for its annual organizational meeting and didn’t a majority vote for the BOE leadership.

The board was tied, 3-3, in voting for a president and vice president. Without anyone getting at least four votes, the leadership reverts to the current office holders until a majority vote can be reached.

That means Jerod Thurber remains as president and Megan Bruning as vice president.

Board members said there isn’t a rift on the board despite the 3-3 votes on leadership.

Thurber would like to step back as president, citing increased responsibilities in his career. He will be president for at least another month. The board will next meet on Aug. 19 and is expected to have all seven members present. Vern Fonda was unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting.

The board was split with three voting for Patrick Whipple and three for Joanne Suhr as president.

Joanne Suhr also was nominated to be board president. She is sitting between James Houseman and Megan Bruning who both backed her for president. Suhr said the board needs to be more transparent in making decisions.

Suhr is new to the board. Her husband Harold was a board member for about 20 years until his term ended on June 30. He didn’t seek re-election.

Mrs. Suhr is a retired Lyndonville teacher. She is active in the community having served on the Town of Yates Planning Board, the Town of Yates Bicentennial Committee and many committees and organizations within the school district.

She said the board needs to be more transparent and include the full board in its decision-making.

“We need more transparency with important decisions,” she told the board. “They’re not always talked about with all elected officials.”

Suhr said she would gather information and input from all members “for the best outcome for the schools, students and community.”

Suhr was backed for president by James Houseman, Megan Bruning and Suhr (voting for herself).

Dr. Patrick Whipple, who has been on the board for about a year, also garnered three votes for president – from George Avery, Jerod Thurber and Whipple (voting for himself).

Whipple works as the director of professional learning services for the Genesee Valley BOCES.

He said the Lyndonville district needs to balance education and taxpayers in its push to offer the best possible outcomes for students.

The board also was 3-3 with vice president. Megan Bruning was in the role the past year and she will stay for at least another month. She was backed for VP again by Suhr, Houseman and herself.

She said she enjoyed the past year as vice president, including the more in-depth role with the search for a new district superintendent.

George Avery also received three votes for VP – from Thurber, Whipple and himself. Avery said he would strive to build a great team in the district, working with the board to develop teamwork and goals.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Sharon Smith is shown with a crabapple tree presented to her as a gift from the Board of Education on Tuesday evening at what is expected to be her final board meeting. Smith is retiring after a 40-year career in education, including the past 3 ½ years as district superintendent. The crabapple tree matches the ones on the district property. The tree was grafted by Nick Nesbitt and Steve Grabowski. Crabapple trees are associated with love, and these trees are resilient with steady roots to provide strength, said board member Megan Bruning.

LYNDONVILLE – Sharon Smith was praised for her work at Lyndonville Central School on Tuesday by the Board of Education and school administrators.

Smith is retiring July 31, ending a 40-year career in public education – the first 22 years as a teacher and the past 18 as an administrator. Tuesday is her last meeting as superintendent.

“It has been an incredibly humbling experience and the greatest honor of my professional life,” Smith said at Tuesday’s board meeting.

She has been Lyndonville’s superintendent for about 3 ½ years. Prior to that, she worked three years for Lyndonville as director of Instruction and Student Services.

Previously, she worked as Kendall’s elementary principal, a curriculum coordinator for Frontier Schools and assistant principal, CIO and grants coordinator for Newfane schools. Smith worked 22 years as an elementary teacher before becoming an administrator.

“Sharon is a very hands-on leader who always makes time for staff, students, parents, and community foundations and clubs alike,” said Jerod Thurber, the BOE president.

He said Smith has made a difference for students during her career.

“Under her leadership, NYS student assessment scores at both Kendall and Lyndonville rose to the top of the region,” Thurber said.

Smith also worked with the Army Corps of Engineers which will fund a two-year study of the Lyndonville dam and reservoir “to initiate the restoration of this vital Lyndonville resource,” Thurber said.

The BOE president also praised Smith for spearheading the current $19.5 million capital project in which all roofs are being replaced, building being updated, new state-of-the-art classrooms being created and a new track installed.

Smith also convinced Lyndonville to offer a full tuition waiver for students earning early college credits. The students’ families used to have to pay a percentage of the costs for earning college credits while in high school. But two years ago Lyndonville agreed to pay that share. That has resulted in a 20 percent increase in students completing college-level classes. Smith said that cost is under $20,000 to the district.

“It’s about access and equity for all,” she said.

She believes Lyndonville and Niagara Falls are the only districts in Orleans and Niagara counties paying the full cost that would otherwise be billed to students and their families.

Sharon Smith takes the oath of office as superintendent during Tuesday’s organizational meeting. She will serve in the role until July 31.

Thurber said he sees the work Smith does behind the scenes, and he is amazed how she juggled all the duties.

“A superintendent is pulled in so many directions,” he said. “It’s a tough job – more than people know – and I think you did it very well.”

New Board of Education member Joanne Suhr, a retired Lyndonville teacher, said she often saw Smith putting in late hours for the district.

“You were excellent,” Suhr said. “I know the countless hours you put in, often late at night. You will truly be missed.”

Board member George Avery said Smith was “always warm and kind, and that made a difference to kids.”

Patrick Whipple, another board member, said Smith was always accessible to the community, and offered prompt responses to questions and concerns. He thanked her for “leading with your heart.”

Dr. Aaron Slack, the high school principal, said Smith’s championing of the full tuition waiver has resulting in more students earning college credits. He said Smith is leaving the district in a much better position than when she started.

Dr. Elissa Smith, the elementary school principal, said the retiring superintendent was welcoming to a Lyndonville contingent when Smith was the elementary school principal in Kendall. Lyndonville wanted to learn more from Kendall on how its students were achieving at such high levels.

Smith, as the principal, made time for Lyndonville and shared Kendall’s strategies for success. That showed her passion for raising student achievement everywhere, not just at her school district.

“We are exceptionally appreciative of you,” Elissa Smith said.

Lyndonville’s new superintendent, Dr. Heather Lyon, starts on Aug. 1. She has been working as the coordinator of assessment and data at Gates Chili Central School District.

File photo: Mark Hughes gets many high fives on April 8, 2022 when he was recognized for 50 years of service as a Lyndonville baseball coach. Hughes was hired in 1972 as a teacher and coach. During that time, Hughes was an integral part of seven sectional titles, 17 league titles and two trips to the state tournament as part of the baseball program. He passed away at age 75 on June 4.

LYNDONVILLE – The donations keep coming for a scholarship in memory of one of Lyndonville’s most beloved teachers and coaches.

Mark Hughes passed away at age 75 on June 4. Hughes was an energetic force in the school district and community for the past 52 years.

The district has received 98 donations towards the Mark Hughes Memorial Scholarship, totaling $17,215. Sharon Smith, the district superintendent, said several checks arrive almost daily towards the scholarship.

The Board of Education on Tuesday voted to establish the Mark Hughes Memorial Scholarship. (Memorials may be made in his name to the Mark Hughes Memorial Scholarship, made payable to the Lyndonville Central School District, 25 Housel Ave. Lyndonville, NY 14098.)

Hughes started working at Lyndonville in 1972 and was an enthusiastic coach for football, soccer, basketball and baseball. Outside of coaching and teaching, Hughes also was a Senior Class advisor, drama director and cafeteria monitor. He relished the relationships with students.

Press Release, Lyndonville Central School

Dr. Heather Lyon

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Board of Education has selected Dr. Heather Lyon as the next district superintendent. She will succeed Sharon Smith, who is retiring July 31.

Dr. Lyon began her career in education as a long-term substitute teacher for English Language Arts and has since served as a classroom teacher, staff developer, principal and school district leader. Most recently, she served as the Coordinator of Assessment and Data at Gates Chili Central School District.

She has worked with a wide range of students: those who speak English at home and those who are learning it for the first time; those who need additional support and those who are ready for advanced work; and those with special education plans, such as IEPs or 504s.

No matter their background, Lyon believes every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn and succeed. The Lyndonville school district is already a strong district with a proud history, and she is excited to be a part of it.

“I am looking forward to Dr. Lyon utilizing her strengths to construct and implement processes, policies, strategic planning, positive culture, and collaboration among stakeholders,” said Jerod Thurber, the board president.

He also expressed his gratitude to Smith for her time as superintendent for the district.

The Board of Education formally appointed Lyon at the board meeting on June 10. She will begin work on August 1.

The board would like to thank the Orleans/Niagara BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Taweepon Farrar for her time as the consultant and facilitator of the superintendent search.

Photo by Tom Rivers: A crowd watches the fireworks to cap the July 4th Independence Day celebration in Lyndonville.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended this year’s 51st Annual Independence Day Celebration.

Red, white, and blue proudly filled the streets of Lyndonville as we came together to honor the 249th birthday of our great nation. From the very start of the parade, patriotism was in the air.

Provided photo: Panek Farms brought a ladder truck with a large American flag to the start of the Lyndonville parade on Friday for the Fourth of July.

A special thank you goes to Mr. James Panek and Panek Farms for their incredible contribution – an impressive ladder truck and towering American flag that welcomed all parade participants as they arrived at the staging area.

It is through the generous support of the public and the fundraising efforts of the Lions that celebrations like this are possible. We would be remiss not to recognize Batavia Downs and Gaming as our platinum sponsor for this event.

Bogan and Tuttle Funeral Home served as a gold sponsor, and our silver sponsors include Burger King, Harold Suhr and the White Birch Restaurant, Mr. Steven Vann, the Johnson/Fiegl Family, and Orleans Community Health. We are especially grateful to the Lyndonville Area Foundation, who led the way in corporate support for this event.

We want to thank the Parsons family for the honor and privilege in allowing us to remember and salute one of Lyndonville’s finest, Colonel Rick N. Parsons. The Lions wish to thank all serving and retired men and women of the United States Military for their service to this great nation.

As we turn the page on July 4, 2025, the Lions are already hard at work planning what we’re proudly calling the “Grand Daddy of Them All”— the Lyndonville Lions’ 52nd Annual July 4th Celebration. As you know, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of our great nation, and we’re committed to making this celebration one for the history books.

To help bring this vision to life, the Lions will be collaborating with a dedicated group of community volunteers. A chairperson for this planning committee will be announced in the near future. Anyone interested in getting involved or sharing ideas will be encouraged to reach out to that individual directly.

In the spirit of unity and celebration, the Lions will also invite surrounding Lions Clubs to participate next year—whether through float entries or other creative contributions.

We want to let people know about our Community Appreciation Concert at Yates Town Park on Thursday, July 10th starting at 5 p.m. A free concert by Crash Cadillac with complimentary hot dogs for all attendees are just a few of the events planned to say thank you for the support.

The Lions would like everyone to save the date Saturday, October 18, as the second annual Lyndonville Lions Club Octoberfest will be returning to Lyndonville. Signage, ticket sales and information on this event will be forthcoming.

Thank you again and may God continue to bless you and this great nation.

1962 grad was first from Lyndonville to attend U.S. Air Force Academy

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – The family of the late Rick Parsons, a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, holds a banner with his portrait.

From left include Parsons’ daughter Penn Grow, son Rustin Parsons, wife Nancy (Custer) Parsons, and Maj. James Plummer, retired from the U.S. Air Force. Parsons’ wife served as honorary grand marshal of the parade. She is a Lyndonville grad and she and her husband were high school sweethearts.

Parsons was the first Lyndonville grad to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. He graduated in 1966 and then served in the military for a 26-year career, including two tours in Vietnam, and a pivotal role as commander of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing (Provisional) during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He logged over 5,000 flight hours in his career in the T-38, F-4, F-15 and F-16.

While the flag was raised the national anthem was sung by Kayleen Sanchez and Joanna Folman. The 914th Air Refueling Wing of the U.S.A.F.  from Niagara Falls had four soldiers serving as honor guard during the parade with one raising the flag in Parsons’ honor.

Under his leadership, the 33rd TFW(P) achieved remarkable success, said Steve Goodrich, commander of the Houseman-Tanner Post of the American Legion in Lyndonville. Parsons led a unit that recorded 16 combat kills, the most of any allied unit. That earned Parsons the distinction of being the only wing commander to achieve an aerial victory during Desert Storm.

“Beyond his military achievements, Rick was a devoted husband, father and grandfather,” Goodrich said.

Parsons passed away at age 77 on May 25, 2021 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Steve Goodrich, commander of the Houseman-Tanner Post of the American Legion in Lyndonville, is at left while Lynne Johnson, chairman of the Orleans County Legislature, reads a proclamation in honor of Parsons’ distinguished career. The offices of Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Sen. Rob Ortt also presented citations in honor of Parsons being picked as honorary grand marshal.

Just before the hour-long parade a military flyover passed over Lyndonville. The plane came from the 911th United States Air Force Reserve from Pittsburgh, Pa. The flyover was at about noon. Mackenzie Poynter sent in this photo of the plane passing over Route 63, just south of the village.

Lions Club sets goal for its biggest show ever in 2026 for USA’s 250^th anniversary

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club capped its 51^st annual Independence Day celebration with another spectacular fireworks show on July 4^th.

The Lions Club works with Young Explosives to put on one of the biggest fireworks shows in Western New York.

The Lions last year had its biggest show ever for the 50^th anniversary of the club doing the July 4^th celebration.

Club President Eric Johnson and fireworks chairman Harold Suhr want to make next year’s show even bigger. They have set a $52,000 fundraising goal which would top the $50,000 from 2024.

The band Bleeding Hearts performed from a  stage near the Lyndonville ball fields right up to the start of the fireworks show. Bleeding Hearts has been performing in Western New York since 1989.

The band plays a unique blend of Classic Rock from the ’60s and ’70s, retro hits of the  ’80s, alternative hits from the ’90s and current hits of today. The band closed with a tribute to Lyndonville by performing John Mellencamp’s “Small Town.”

The Bleeding Hearts include David Lloyd on lead vocals, drums and guitar; Bob Kupczyk on bass, vocals and keyboards; and Tim Unger on lead guitar and vocals.

Daniel Nottingham of Brockport swirls a sparkler while passing time before the fireworks show.

Wynter Dominguez, 2, of Brockport had glow-in-dark bracelets on and tried spinning a sparkler.

The fireworks proved to be a crowd pleaser for the big group gathered on the Lyndonville ballfields.

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – This group represents Head Start and Early Head Start in today’s Lyndonville Fourth of July Parade.

Snowstorm Solutions follows them with a tribute to Sept. 11, 2001 victims – “Gone but not forgotten” is painted on the snow plow with an image of the World Trade Center towers.

About 50 different groups were in today’s parade. The 51^st annual Independence Day festival put on the Lions Club concludes with a big fireworks starting around 10 p.m.

Orly the Ox, Orleans County’s bicentennial mascot, was decked out in red, white and blue for the parade. Orly is driven by Susan Starkweather Miller, a member of the Orleans County Bicentennial Committee.

Just before the hour-long parade a military flyover passed over Lyndonville. The plane came from the 911th United States Air Force Reserve from Pittsburgh, Pa. The flyover was at about 11:55 a.m.

A big crowd filled Main Street as the procession of fire trucks and floats made their way along the route.

Bob Eberle once again dressed as Uncle Sam. He waved to the crowd along Main Street.

Mark Watts has lots of people on board while he drives a former Medina fire truck from 1933.

The Christ family in Murray was in the parade promoting the Murray Tractor Pull July 19 on Groth Road.

Lyndonville native Matt Tabor was back in the parade as the character Deadpool.

Gallagher Hill Trucking brought some tractor trailers for the parade.

The Niagara Falls Air Force Honor Guard marches in the parade.

Many in the crowd removed their hats to show respect to the soldiers in the Honor Guard.

The Lyndonville marching band from the school had a strong contingent of students in the parade.

Veterans ride in a trolley provided by the Houseman-Tanner Post of the American Legion.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office led the parade with the family of the late Colonel Rick N. Parsons of Lyndonville not far behind. Parsons’s wife Nancy served as honorary grand marshal.

Colonel Parsons graduated from the Lyndonville Central High School in 1962 and was the first Lyndonville High School graduate to attend the United States Air Force Academy graduating in 1966. He spent 26 years in service to his country before his retirement from the Air Force in 1994.

Scott Schmidt served as the parade emcee. He is joined on the parade platform by his father, Bruce Schmidt, a member of the Lyndonville Lions Club.

The Alexander Fire Department Band has been a perennial parade performer in Lyndonville for many years.

Kids from the Oak Orchard Assembly of God unleashed many bubbles in the parade. They were promoting Kids Crusade from July 20 to 23, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for children ages 4 to 11.

The Keystone Club Police Pipes & Drums in Gates is another parade mainstay in Lyndonville.

Joshua Vacanti, a star from The Voice, sang from a float to promote the upcoming Salt & Light Festival from July 25-27 at Solid Rock Assembly of God, 8590 Rochester Rd., Gasport.

Ontario Shores Realty generously sprayed water soakers at the crowd. The temperatures weren’t too bad at around 80. Some recent Independence Day holidays have been well above 90 in Lyndonville.

Photo by Tom Rivers: A United States Air Force C-17 flies over Route 63 in Lyndonville just before the noon Fourth of July parade on July 4, 2022.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions are proud to announce that this year’s 51st Lyndonville Lions Club July 4th Parade will open again with a military flyover saluting our area military personnel and veterans.

1st Lieutenant Marjorie Schurr of the 911th Pittsburgh Air Force Reserve Command and Lieutenant Colonel Mike Maringer, Commander of the United States Air Force Reserve 911th airlift wing, recently confirmed that the Lions request for a ceremonial flyover honoring our active local military personnel and veterans will be picked up as a mission.

The flyover will take place in Lyndonville just prior to the commencement of the parade at 11:55 a.m.  This is an all-volunteer effort in Pittsburgh where airmen and grounds crew volunteer for these ceremonial missions.

The Lyndonville Lions Club are humbled and thankful for this effort. As in years past, this is predicated on weather permitting conditions and although the United States Air Force prides itself on punctuality their arrival can be delayed by weather.

Provided photo: The late Colonel Rick N. Parsons of Lyndonville will be honored during the Lyndonville parade on July 4.

The Lyndonville Lions earlier announced that they would be honoring posthumously “Home Town Hero,” U.S.A.F. Wing Commander Colonel Rick N. Parsons. His wife, Mrs. Nancy Parsons, will serve as the honorary grand marshal.

Colonel Parsons graduated from the Lyndonville Central High School in 1962 and was the first Lyndonville High School graduate to attend the United States Air Force Academy graduating in 1966. He spent 26 years in service to his country before his retirement from the Air Force in 1994.

Colonel Parsons had a distinguished military career which included two tours of service in Vietnam and was highlighted on February 7, 1991 when Colonel Parsons downed a SU-7/17 enemy jet, making him the only Wing Commander to record an air-to-air kill during Operation Desert Storm.

The Lions have a full slate of activities scheduled for the 4th of July starting at 11:30 a.m. with the chicken barbecue, hot dog stand, and arts and crafts show.  The military flyover is at 11:55 a.m. followed by the parade at noon, and music starting at 4 p.m.

The 914th Air Refueling Wing of the U.S.A.F.  from Niagara Falls will have an honor guard present on the school grounds at the termination of the parade to honor Colonel Parsons service with a ceremonial flag raising and a local soloist performing the National Anthem. This event is supported by the Tanner Houseman American Legion Post from Lyndonville.

The Lions extend an invitation to all to join in the celebration of this country’s Independence. We would like to encourage all attendees to use waste receptacles and follow a carry-in and carry-out policy to lessen refuse clean up.

The evening will culminate with the fireworks display around 10 p.m. Please note that the concert will start at 4 p.m. with “The One-Man Band” Mr. Mike McCauley behind the Lyndonville School followed by the award-winning Buffalo based “Bleeding Hearts.”  They will take the stage at 7 p.m. and play until the commencement of the fireworks scheduled for 10 p.m. at the band stand on the school baseball field.

The Lyndonville Lions Club wish all a happy summer and a glorious July 4th. We ask that you remember that freedom is not free and we ask that you keep our military personnel in your thoughts and prayers during this time. May God continue to bless us and this great nation we live in.

Photo by Tom Rivers: These veterans ride in trolley provided by the Houseman-Tanner Post of the American Legion during last year’s July 4 parade down Main Street.

Press Release, Steve Goodrich, commander of Houseman-Tanner Post of the American Legion

LYNDONVILLE – Are you a veteran? The American Legion 4th of July trolley/float has a seat for you!

We proudly lead the parade to show our appreciation and support for all of our military service members (current and former).

Come join us and witness firsthand the love our Village has for our military. This year’s Grand Marshal (in memoriam) will be Colonel Rick N. Parsons USAF (Ret). Col. Parsons passed May 25, 2021. He will be represented by his family.

There will be a flag-raising ceremony and proclamations read by state and local officials at the High School flag pole immediately after the parade.

Please Note: The trolley is handicapped accessible with on-board ramps.

Details for participating:

WHERE: Corners of Platten Road, Alps Road and Maple Avenue in Lyndonville.

WHEN: Not later than 11 am.

Due to traffic concerns those wishing to participate should be at the corner of Platten/Alps & Maple not later than 11 a.m. There may be detours posted please follow them. After 11 a.m. expect Maple Ave to close to traffic. The post will provide water on the Trolley. Please dress for the weather.

DROP OFF/PARKING/TRANSPORTATION: Those on the trolley can ride back to the start point after the parade to return to their vehicles or their rides.

QUESTIONS? Send us an email at AmericanLegion1603@gmail.com.

Photos courtesy of Katherine Kage: Scott Goetze and Steve Goodrich, both members of the Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post 1603, helped to retire flags on Saturday.

Press Release, Steve Goodrich, Commander of Houseman-Tanner Post 1603

LYNDONVILLE – On Saturday, Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post 1603 hosted a Flag Day Service and retired over 500 unserviceable flags with help from Lyndonville Fire Company.

Flags that were faded, worn or torn by US flag code and American Legion proclamation are to be retired by burning in a dignified, respectful manner.

Worn, faded and torn flags may be given to any Legion member at any time throughout the year. The post will ensure of their proper disposal.

Post members Bob Burtwell and Keith Rutherford sort flags.

Members of Houseman-Tanner wait as flags burn before adding more.

Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: The Lyndonville Lions Club recognized the top 10 graduates in the Class of 2025 during the club’s meeting on Monday at the White Birch.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club continued its established tradition of recognizing the soon-to-be graduates from the Lyndonville Central School on June 9 at the White Birch Resort.

The Lions Club held a morning breakfast for the Class of 2025. During this event the administration from the school spoke to the senior class and wished them good luck and success in their future endeavors.

Special recognition was given to the top ten graduating seniors who were individually honored by Dr. Aaron Slack, the high school principal. He gave a short synopsis of each students’ achievements and their future plans after graduation.

Leo Club advisor Gina Marker highlighted the members of this group, some who have had six years of service in assisting the Lyndonville Lions with their community events.

David Godfrey, Lyndonville Lions Club vice president, speaks about attributes that can lead to success.

David Godfrey, Vice President of the Lyndonville Lions, gave the keynote address as he spoke to these young men and women about the “Definition of Success.” He stressed that success is measured in various ways and that it is personal achievement, self-satisfaction and a strong work ethic that are the building blocks to a successful future.

Colonel Rick Parsons

Former Club President Harold Suhr concluded the formal portion of the event by presenting $100 gift cards to each of the top ten graduates on behalf of the Lions Club. The group as a whole was asked three things by the Lyndonville Lions.

They were asked to enjoy this period of their life, to be thankful to those who helped get them to this point, and to be safe during this time. This final point was enforced since the National Transportation Agency data points to the next 100 days to be the most dangerous for high school seniors.

In further club activities, the Lions announced that posthumously it will honor Col. Rick Parsons at its annual July 4th parade. Mrs. Nancy Parsons will serve as the honorary grand marshal of the 51st Lyndonville Lions Club July 4th celebration. The parade is scheduled to kick off at noon and has multiple marching bands, parade floats and firetrucks that will participate in this event.

Those wishing to participate may contact Gwendolynlarge002@gmail.com for information and an application.

The Bleeding Hearts band will perform beginning at 7 p.m. on July 4 in Lyndonville.

The Lions are proud to announce their Fire Cracker Concert Series will open with Medina’s one-man band, Mike McCauley, performing at 4 p.m. and he will be followed by the award winning Bleeding Hearts band from Buffalo taking the stage at 7 p.m. The school grounds will again host a large craft show, Lions hot dog stand, chicken barbecue starting at 11:30 a.m., and the evening will be highlighted by the fireworks display expected to start at 10 p.m. Future announcements will be forthcoming from the club.

The Club would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Hughes/Wolfe Family at this time with the passing of Mark Hughes. He was a fixture in the Lyndonville Lions Club and the community as a whole.

The Club would like to invite all to attend its 51st July 4 celebration. We hope everyone has a safe and healthy summer. We further ask that God will continue to bestow his merciful blessing on the people of this community and our nation.