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.

Firefighters, law enforcement also stress distracted driving puts people in danger

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – Pastor Dan Thurber, right, comforts Amy Burgess this morning during a DWI crash simulation at Lyndonville Central School. Burgess saw her son, Shane Ritzenthaler, be put in a body bag and be taken from the scene in a hearse.

Lyndonville firefighters and local law enforcement have teamed for the DWI simulation for about 20 years, creating a car wreck scene right before prom and graduation parties. The Lyndonville prom will be June 25.

There were also DWI simulations this morning in Holley and Albion.

Orleans County Sheriff’s deputies Jason Barnum and Ashleigh Stornelli were at the scene today. Barnum, the school resource officer at Lyndonville, urged students to be safe and not put themselves and others in danger. He said there fatal accidents every year in Orleans County often involving teen-age drivers.

Dr. Julie Woodworth, an Orleans County coroner, works with Kevin Bogan, left, and Norman Smolarek of Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home to move Shane Ritzenthaler into a body bag and then into a hearse.

Ritzenthaler said he has watched the simulation before and he said it sends a powerful message to students. He volunteered to be in the simulation and be covered in fake blood and portray a deceased person.

“It definitely paints a picture and a sense of what could happen,” he said.

Other students in the simulation who portrayed injured people were Autumn Kidney, Emma Freas and Anastasia Hess.

Firefighters staged these two vehicles to appear as if they were in an accident. Automotive Solutions donated the vehicles for today’s simulation.

Lyndonville Fire Chief Mike Heideman said he has been to numerous motor vehicles collisions in his 38 years as a volunteer firefighter, including some fatal accidents.

“It’s very difficult to tell the parents what happened, especially in the middle of the night,” Heideman said.

He was one of 11 Lyndonville Lyndonville firefighters who participated in this morning’s simulation.

“We do it for the kids and the community to show what can happen,” Heideman said.

It’s not just drunk and impaired driving that are dangerous, Heideman said. He worries about drivers being districted by their phones. They not only put themselves sin danger but their passengers and other motorists on the road, he said.

Tervel Atanassov, 23, shared about being a volunteer firefighter in Lyndonville. He joined the fire department 238 days ago, and told students he has been welcomed with open arms.

He urged students to consider joining. Last year, three students signed up after the simulation and have proven to be dedicated members, Heideman said.

Atanassov said he has responded to MVAs, lift assists, gas leaks and fire alarms. He will be taking classes to be trained as an interior firefighter, an emergency medical technician and responding to hazardous materials. He also would like to be trained for the tactical rope rescue team.

Scott Goetze, a Lyndonville fire district representative, urged the students to consider joining the fire department or pursuing a career as a police officer.

“We need young people to go into law enforcement and the fire service to meet the needs of small towns like Lyndonville,” Goetze said.

Amy Burgess said it was “surreal” to see her son lying on the ground and then put in a body bag.

“I just hope that nobody will drink and drive,” she said.

4 candidates seeking 3 spots on Board of Education

LYNDONVILLE – The school district is proposing a $17,474,375 school budget for 2025-26 that goes before voters on Tuesday. Polls are open from noon to 8 p.m. in the Stroyan Auditorium Foyer.

The spending is down 1.1 percent. Property taxes would go up 1.0 percent from $4,711,576 to $4,758,692. Lyndonville is $142,007 under its allowable tax cap.

“We take the stewardship of your money very seriously,” Sharon Smith, district superintendent, said in a budget message in the school newsletter. “Despite rising costs across every aspect of our operation, we’ve kept the tax levy increase to just 1%, while preserving and enhancing the programs that make Lyndonville Central School District exceptional.”

State aid accounts for 69.3 percent of the budget, but the aid is down by $462,542 from $12,576,350 in 2024-25 to $12,113,808 in the 2025-26 proposed budget.

The district is offsetting some of the state aid reduction with reduced spending, an increase in taxes of $47,116 and $214,701 more from its reserves.

The district, in its budget newsletter, reports student enrollment is projected to increase by 10 students to 548 in the next school year.

Besides the budget which is proposition one, voters will be asked to consider:

Proposition #2 – Approval to purchase one, 64-passenger school bus for use in the transportation program of the District, at a maximum estimated cost of $183,000, using funds from the District’s Transportation Vehicle Reserve Fund 2018.

Proposition #3 – Permission to establish a capital reserve fund, “Transportation Vehicle Reserve Fund 2025,” for the purpose of purchasing vehicles to be used in the transportation program of the district. The ultimate amount of the fund shall be no greater than $900,000.

Proposition #4 – Authorization to establish a “Building Capital Reserve Fund 2025” for the purpose of funding the construction, reconstruction, addition to, renovation, alteration and improvement of district buildings, facilities, grounds and real property. The fund shall be no greater than $4 million.

Proposition #5 – The annual appropriation for the operation of the Yates Community Library, separate and apart from the annual school district budget, is to be increased from $135,316 to $146,722 with the district authorized to levy and collect taxes for the library.

There are four candidates for three 3-year terms on the board:

Vernon Fonda, a BOE member the past six years, is involved with the Lyndonville Youth Baseball Softball League including as president for nine years and a coach for 12 years. He is a former PTA president for four years.

“I want to assure our staff that we will support them and help them continue helping our students reach their goals,” Fonda stated in the district newsletter. “For years, our district has improved its ranking across the county in education. Our Music Department is second to none. Our numbers of participants in athletics are trending upwards. We have a wide range of extracurricular clubs for our younger generation. Our SRO program has done a wonderful job making our school safe, while fostering a great relationship with local law enforcement. I want to continue seeing our district moving forward while being fiscally responsible.”

James Houseman has managed business chains that he said will help in the tracking of fiscal responsibilities.

“I believe in practical, common-sense solutions,” he said in the school newsletter. “These solutions address problems directly and efficiently. My top priorities include parental rights in education, ensuring a healthy and safe learning environment, and fiscal responsibility. Success comes from prioritizing what truly impacts and empowers our children. They must be prepared to contribute productively to society.”

William Jurinich, a former BOE member for eight years, also is a long-time member of the Yates Carlton Sportsmen’s Club, including as vice president for four years. He also was a member of Lions Club for several years. He drove a school bus for Lyndonville for more than 10 years.

“I have attended the last couple of school board meetings,” he said. “I heard some good things and some not so good things. There is a good mix of school board members, and it should stay that way. With me being a little older, age 68, I would represent a large group of people that live in the district. I believe my past experience and views would be a good asset to the board and school district.”

Joanne Suhr is a retired Lyndonville school teacher. Her husband Harold is not seeking re-election to the BOE. Mrs. Suhr has served on the Town of Yates Planning Board, the Town of Yates Bicentennial Committee and many committees and organizations within the school district.

“I am motivated to run for the LCSD BOE because I hope I can contribute to the district in a positive way,” she said in the district newsletter. “As a retired teacher from the district, I appreciate the strengths of our school and hope to improve on many of the weaknesses. As a taxpayer and business owner, I strongly believe the district must be fiscally responsible while doing everything we can to enhance our children’s experiences. I am very proud of our community and want to see our district build on our strengths.”

Organization reminds public flag holders for flags belong to cemeteries

Photos courtesy of Steve Goodrich: These flag holders are at veterans’ graves in Lyndonville.

LYNDONVILLE – The American Legion welcomes the public to be a part of the Memorial Day parade on May 26.

The parade begins at the Lake Avenue baseball field at 9 a.m. Participants should be there by 8:45. The processional then heads to Main Street and stops at Veterans Park by the library for a ceremony.

Steve Goodrich, commander of the Houseman-Tanner Post 1603 of the American Legion, also wanted to remind the public the markers and flag holders set by veterans’ graves are meant to be there year-round and are the property of the cemetery where the veteran is buried – not the family of the veteran.

Goodrich said the markers can be costly to replace at $150 for a bronze marker at $33 for aluminum if bought in bulk.

“The markers are provided by veteran’s organizations at no cost to the families of those veterans,” Goodrich said. “Please do not take them home! If a grave is found without a marker, a new one will be bought at expense to the post in that town.”

If a marker is dislodged, do not take it to a veteran or to a post, Goodrich said. Leave it where it is and notify a post member exactly where it is so it can be determined what grave it is near and should be returned to.

Post selling tickets for Bills bench as fundraiser

The Houseman-Tanner Post also beginning on Memorial Day will be selling tickets for a fund-raiser until Aug. 15.

“We will be again raffling off a hand-made bench,” Goodrich said. “This year’s model a Buffalo Bills in a Zuba pattern.”

The tickets are $5 each or five for $20. The drawing will be held Aug. 15 at the annual Lyndonville Street Dance. The bench is made by retired US Army veteran Calvin Wadford.