By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2022 at 1:18 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – These two watch the fireworks from atop a vehicle during a 40-minute show at Lyndonville on Monday night.
The Lyndonville Lions Club hires Young Explosives for the show, and it is one of the biggest displays in Western New York.
Before the fireworks, cousins Aubrey and Tyler Goetze of Lyndonville have fun with sparklers in the grass for the softball field next to where the fireworks were set off.
The fireworks are reflected in the water by the Johnson Creek dam with Lyndonville Central School in back.
Liam Goetze, 2, of Lyndonville handles two sparklers after he enjoyed some S’mores with his family.
Fireworks are launched by the team from Young Explosives.
The band Double Shot from Buffalo performed an outdoor concert for 2 ½ hours. They closed the concert with “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC.
These photos near the end of the fireworks show include the steeple of the Lyndonville United Methodist Church in the foreground.
Jayden Wyant, 3, of Albion has fun with a sparkler.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2022 at 6:46 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – David Bellavia waves to people along Main Street during Lyndonville’s Fourth of July parade today.
Bellavia, a Lyndonville grad, is a Medal of Honor recipient. He received the medal from former President Donald Trump on June 26, 2019 at the White House.
Bellavia served as the grand marshal of today’s parade which started at noon and ended at about 1:10 p.m. Scott Schmidt, the county’s chief coroner, is driving the car.
Bellavia is the first living veteran from the Iraq War to receive the nation’s highest military medal. He was honored for his acts of valor on Nov. 10, 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq.
Bellavia led an infantry squad clearing houses of insurgents, saving the lives of the members of his unit. He is the first living Iraq War veteran to receive the nation’s highest honor for military service.
There was a big crowd out along Main Street for the first Fourth of July parade in Lyndonville since 2019. The Independence Day festival was cancelled in 2020 and the celebration returned last year, except without a parade.
Bellavia is one of five county residents to receive the Medal of Honor. Bellavia has said he is very appreciative to have grown up in Orleans County, where veterans are respected and people are encouraged to serve their country in the military.
He is a radio talk show host for WBEN and also travels extensively as an ambassador for the Army, speaking at colleges, high schools, bases and other events.
Bellavia and Forrest Vosler, another Medal of Honor recipient from Lyndonville, are recognized with Hometown Hero banners on Main Street.
Vosler was assigned as a radio operator and aerial gunner aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress during World War II with the 358th Bombardment Squadron, 303rd Bombardment Group stationed out of England.
On Dec. 20, 1943, Vosler’s fourth combat mission. The plane was under fire and had two engines knocked out with the aircraft windmilling out of control. When a fellow aviator was knocked unconscious, Vosler maneuvered himself into the tailgun. Another 20-mm shell hit the aircraft, sending shrapnel into Vosler’s chest, face, and eyes. He continued to deliver defensive fire upon German aircraft until the attacks subsided. Nearly out of fuel and losing altitude quickly, the crew jettisoned every piece of equipment to lighten the plane.
Vosler, severely wounded and floating in and out of consciousness, begged the crew to throw him out of the plane to reduce weight. As the aircraft plunged into the frigid waters of the North Sea, Vosler crawled out of the aircraft onto a wing. A passing Norwegian trawler quickly picked up the crew and transferred them to a British rescue vessel. One of Vosler’s eyes had to be removed, and the other required extensive surgery.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2022 at 3:09 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – A United States Air Force C-17 flies over Route 63 in Lyndonville just before noon today for Lyndonville’s Fourth of July celebration.
The flyover was a first for Lyndonville’s July 4th festival, which has been organized annually by the Lyndonville Lions Club for about 50 years.
The plane approaches the Lyndonville at about 11:55 a.m.
The flyover was carried out by the 911th Airlift Wing from Pittsburgh, Pa. The C-17 planes are used by the Air Force Reservists to carry out their mission of aeromedical intratheater evacuations and agile combat support.
Here is a photo looking overhead as the plane passed by, heading north.
Main Street was packed with people for the flyover and the parade to follow.
LYNDONVILLE – Route 63 north, leading to Lyndonville, will close to traffic today at 11:40 a.m. until a military flyover is complete.
The flyover is scheduled for 11:55 a.m., just before the start of the parade in Lyndonville.
The Lyndonville Lions Club is asking people to arrive early for the flyover and parade, and be in pace no later than 11:30.
The Lions Club also encourages everyone to bring an American Flag or homemade signs to the flyover to honor our veterans and men and women in active duty.
The flyover will be carried out by the 911th Airlift Wing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The plane will be a United States Air Force C-17. These planes are used by the Air Force Reservists to carry out their mission of aeromedical intratheater evacuations and agile combat support.
The grand marshal for the parade will be David Bellavia, a Lyndonville native and Medal of Honor recipient.
Re daylong celebration includes live music, food and craft vendors and other activities. It will be capped by fireworks at 10 p.m.
LYNDONVILLE – Lyndonville Central School will be hosting a pre-kindergarten/kindergarten open house on Monday, July 4, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Staff will be available on the lawn in front of the school (Main Street location) to help families/students sign up for the 2022-23 school year and gather contact information for younger children in the community.
Staff will also answer questions about Lyndonville’s PreK and kindergarten programs, complete craft projects and read stories to children. You may also visit an early learning classroom.
The district received a NYB5 Transition grant from the NYS Department of Child & Family Services to help fund this outreach program.
Lyndonville is currently accepting registrations for both their PreK and kindergarten 2022-23 programs. If you are a resident of LCSD and your child will be 3, 4 or 5 by December 1, they are eligible to enroll. For more information, please see the district’s website: Lyndonville Central School District (lyndonvillecsd.org) or call (585) 765-3122.
Event includes military flyover, big parade, craft show, music and fireworks
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
Provided photos: Lions Club members Harold Suhr, Eric Johnson, Gwen Large, Russ Martino and Tom Wenhold meet to put final details together for the Lyndonville July 4th Parade and Fireworks display.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club is in the final stage of preparation for their planned July 4th parade, lawn festival, concerts and fireworks display.
The parade committee has assembled a line-up that will have something for everyone. Starting at noon, Sgt. David Bellavia will lead off the parade as the grand marshal. Bellavia, a Lyndonville native, is a Medal of Honor recipient.
An extensive collection of antique and classic cars will bring back memories of yesteryear, and a large assembly of firetrucks is sure to delight the young and old. Several bands will fill the air, including traditional music of John Phillip Sousa, and the Gates Police Pipe & Drum Band will add an international flavor to the event. Multiple groups will participate in the parade with floats and all types of group marchers.
An array of craft vendors and food trucks will be available starting at noon on the Lyndonville School grounds. You can get your traditional July fourth hot dogs and ice-cold beverages from the Lions Club hot dog stand starting at 11 a.m. Tickets are still available for the 1 p.m. chicken barbecue by purchasing them in person at M & T Bank in Lyndonville.
The Who Dats will perform from 2 to 5 p.m. and then headliner Double Shot will take the stage for the evening summer concert starting at 7 p.m. and ending near 9:30, just before the fireworks display.
It is anticipated that there will be a large turnout for the scheduled military flyover honoring all military active and veterans at 11:55 a.m. The plan is to have people arrive early and be in place no later than 11:30 a.m. It is expected that the best viewing will be from Route 63 north to the village of Lyndonville and Route 63 north after the village.
We are asking people to remember Route 63 North from Ridgeway to Lyndonville will be closed from 11:40 a.m. until the flyover is complete. The Lions are encouraging everyone to bring an American Flag or homemade signs to the flyover to honor our veterans and men and women in active duty.
Chairs and coolers are allowed at the daylong event with a carry in-carry out policy and no glass bottles please. Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed and owners clean up after their pets.
Please use extra caution when crossing all streets and roads. It is the hope of the Lions Club to make this event as safe as possible for all. We look forward to seeing you at the event and wish all a great Independence Day!
Photo by Tom Rivers: Fireworks always provide big exclamation point on the Fourth in Lyndonville. This photo was taken on July 4, 2018.
LYNDONVILLE – The Town of Yates began preparations to commemorate their 200th anniversary over a year ago, and now they are very excited to host the first of three celebratory “fairs” to recognize their bicentennial (1822-2022).
On Sunday, the Town will have “A Family Fair” featuring live music from the Lyndonville School band and choir, a number of inspiring songs by a gathering of church choir members from the local churches, and a mix of medleys performed by the Crescendo Barbershop Quartet out of Buffalo.
There will be a bounce house, face painting and sidewalk chalking. Free ice cream will be served while it lasts!
The event will take place outside the Yates Community Library, 15 N. Main St., and it is recommended that folks bring their favorite lawn chair.
Historical artifacts will be on display at the Town Hall throughout the afternoon.
The event will run from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
The committee members who put together the 200th celebrations include: Jim Simon (chair), Susan Hrovat (deputy chair), Dawn Metty (town historian), Brad Bentley, Kelly Cousins, Cindy Grabowski, Ginny Hughes, Russ Martino, Cal Stinson, Georgette Stockman, Joanne Suhr, Valerie Wells, Tom Wenhold, and Katie Whipple.
Susan Hrovat, the coordinator for the July 3rd event, is particularly hopeful that local families will attend this kick-off event.
“I am blessed and grateful to have grown up in and to be a part of this wonderful, patriotic farming community, and I am honored to be involved with a great team of volunteers to help celebrate our bicentennial,” she said.
Town Supervisor Jim Simon looks forward to future press releases to highlight the two other major events.
“Please join us to celebrate and honor the rich history of the Town of Yates, to instill community pride in our town, and to inspire future generations,” Simon said. “Our second and third major events are: “A Street Fair” on Friday, August 19th, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., in downtown Lyndonville; and “A Grand Finale Lake Fair” on Saturday, September 24th, 1 to 9 p.m. at the Town Park.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2022 at 9:33 pm
Photos courtesy of Tricia Croce, Lyndonville Central School
LYNDONVILLE – The 52 members of Lyndonville’s Class of 2022 celebrated their commencement on Friday. After the ceremony they tossed their graduation caps.
Board of Education President Ted Lewis presents a graduate with her diploma. District Superintendent Sharon Smith is at right and also congratulated the new graduates during the ceremony. Valedictorian Jack Whipple is at left and Salutatorian Maddox Stirk is at far right, cheering on their classmates.
Erin Townsend, a professional photographer from Middleport, assists two graduates in prepping for portraits.
Jack Whipple delivers the valedictory address in the Stroyan Auditorium at Lyndonville Central School. There are 52 graduates in the Class of 2022.
Maddox Stirk gives the salutatory speech during commencement.
David Cook presents scholarships on behalf of the Lyndonville Area Foundation, including one in memory of his son Trevor Cook.
The class stands together and is acknowledged on the Stroyan stage.
Many of the graduates decorated their caps with messages for the occasion.
Provided photos: A C17 Aircraft will do a ceremonial flyover in Lyndonville at about 11:55 a.m. on July 4, just before the start of the parade. The plane will be coming from the U.S. Air Force Reserve Unit from the 911th Airlift Wing based in Pittsburgh, Pa.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club recently received approval for a United States Air Force flyover to honor the veterans of Western New York.
The flyover will take place just before the start of the 48th annual Lyndonville Lions Club Independence Day parade at 11:55 a.m. on July 4.
The flyover will be carried out by the 911th Airlift Wing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The plane will be a United States Air Force C-17. These planes are used by the Air Force Reservists to carry out their mission of aeromedical intratheater evacuations and agile combat support.
The annual celebration will honor all local veterans with the unveiling of Home Town Hero banners and have special recognition of two Lyndonville Medal of Honor recipients. Tech Sergeant Forrest Vosler was a B-17 Flying Fortress radio operator during World War II. He received his Medal of Honor in 1944, given to him by President Franklin Roosevelt. His story is best told by visiting SOFREP.COM Forest Vosler, where the history of his gallantry can be found.
The Lions will also recognize Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant David Bellavia. He received his Medal of Honor from President Donald Trump in June of 2019 for valor during the second battle for Fallujah in the Iraq War. Bellavia’s experience is best told through his book, “House to House: An Epic Memoir of War.” He will serve as the grand marshal of the parade and speak at the flag-raising ceremony at the culmination of the parade on the front lawn of the Lyndonville School. Lyndonville Lions will remember recently deceased Col. Rick N. Parsons after the flag-raising with a moment of silence and the playing of Taps.
The other events that day include a parade at noon, large arts and crafts show, demonstrations by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, multiple food vendors, and the Lions Club annual chicken barbeque starting at 1 p.m.
A concert is scheduled for 2 p.m. with the Who Dats performing their repertoire of rock and roll favorites.
The evening will then see the band Double Shot take the stage for a concert from 7 p.m. until dusk. During the band break, local dignitaries will speak briefly and award a proclamation to Sgt. Bellavia. The grand finale will be one of the largest 4th of July fireworks shows in Western New York.
Young Explosives Corporation of Rochester will be producing the fireworks display once again, as they have been since 2012. Thanks to the continued support of businesses, organizations and individuals throughout the area, this year’s display will once again be one of the largest in WNY. Young Explosives has been contracted to do over 100 shows in the two weeks around July 4th. With the exception of the City of Rochester, Lyndonville’s will be the largest they will be producing throughout all of Monroe County and its surrounding counties.
The Lions would kindly ask anyone who wants to see the military flyover to be in Lyndonville no later than 11:30 a.m. It will start with a pass over in Medina and is expected to travel north from Ridgeway to Lyndonville along Route 63. The best viewing will be along Route 63 and in the Town of Yates. By asking people to arrive early we hope to keep Route 63 free of traffic to allow spectators better viewing opportunities. The Lions have requested traffic stoppage on Route 63 from Ridgeway north to Yates Center 15 minutes prior to the flyover.
The Lyndonville Lions would like to thank the entire 911th Airlift Wing for their efforts in supporting our July 4th celebration. All the airmen who will be participating in this flyover, from ground crews to pilots, all volunteered to do this flyover, and for that we would like to extend them a warm welcome and thank you for their service.
The band Double Shot from Buffalo will perform at an outdoor concert starting at 7 p.m. on July 4 in Lyndonville.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 June 2022 at 5:59 pm
YATES – A group of volunteers and town officials have been busy for nearly a year planning a bicentennial celebration for the Town of Yates.
The festivities will begin in July, with other events planned for August and September.
Prior to 1812, Orleans County was part of Genesee County. After it was subdivided, a parcel of land known as Northton was set off on April 17, 1822. The name was changed to Yates in 1823 to honor Governor Joseph C. Yates.
The first permanent settler in the town was George Houseman, who came from Jefferson County in 1809 and settled three miles east of what would become Lyndonville.
Anyone who would like to read the entire history of Yates will find several publications at the Yates Community Library.
Jim Simon
The bicentennial committee’s goal for the activities is to celebrate and honor the rich history of the town, to instill community pride in Yates and to inspire future generations, according to the 200th anniversary celebration website.
Town Supervisor Jim Simon is chair of the anniversary celebration committee, which includes Susan Hrovat as deputy chair; Dawn Metty, historian; and Brad Bentley, Kelly Cousins, Cindy Grabowski, Ginny Hughes, Russ Martino, Cal Stinson, Georgette Stockman, Joanne Suhr, Valerie Wells, Tom Wenhold and Katie Whipple.
Celebrations will include a display of historical artifacts in the town hall on July 3, with docents, a guest speaker, food and music. There will be an ice cream social from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., children’s games from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., singing popular songs at area churches from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., a barbershop quartet from 2 to 3 p.m. and a school children’s chorale from 3:30 to 4 p.m.
On the Fourth of July, the town will have a float in Lyndonville’s big parade.
Continuing into August, a Street Fair will take place Aug. 19. The town is seeking to close Main Street between Maple and Eagle streets. If not, they will use library grounds, the parking lot behind the town hall and town parking lots. In celebration of the local farmers and their harvests, there will be food trucks, a Civil War encampment at Patterson Park, music, cemetery tours at 6 and 7 p.m., craft vendors and tours of the town hall and the historical artifacts.
A grand finale Lake Fair is being planned for Sept. 24. This will include a 200th anniversary ceremony at the newly upgraded Town Park on the lake on Morrison Road. There will be a ribbon cutting and formal ceremony from 1 to 2 p.m. with keynote speakers, the school band, food trucks, a birthday cake, live music at 3 p.m. and other fun activities for young and old.
Simon hopes to have most of the work at the Town Park completed by the end of August. A $2.53 million grant from the state Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI) is funding erosion control, road and parking improvements, an enclosed pavilion with kitchenette and restrooms, trail improvements, bank stabilization protection, a kayak boat launch and handicap accessible playground.
The town has already coordinated with the Yates Baptist Church for its 200th anniversary celebration. All of the historical markers in the town have been repainted, as well as the town hall.
“The Town of Yates represents so much that is good about America – faith and family in a rural and peaceful setting,” Simon said. “Our 200-year heritage is not only preserved, but it is respected and cherished. We are blessed with good and hard-working people, and we are grateful that our ancestors protected our wonderful natural resources, from our fertile farm land to our great lake. Please help us celebrate our bicentennial on July 3, Aug. 19 and Sept. 24. Details are on the town website and in the town hall.”
LYNDONVILLE – Rebecca Clemens, a senior from Lyndonville Central School, recently earned an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences from Genesee Community College – a month before she graduated from high school.
Clemens started taking Advanced Placement classes in seventh grade and the college-level courses offered at Lyndonville High School. She eventually enrolled in GCC and was able to complete her courses at the GCC-Batavia campus, in the Medina/Albion satellite campuses and online.
She stated her schedule has been busy throughout high school, but it has taught her how to efficiently manage her time. Clemens stated that taking classes through Lyndonville was a cost- effective way to earn a degree. In addition, “it was nice to have the ongoing support of all of my teachers, friends and family.”
Clemens’ mother, Pam, is a teacher’s aide for Lyndonville. She stated her daughter quickly learned to become a disciplined, independent worker with strong study habits. Ms. Clemens added that Rebecca met many new friends throughout her time at GCC.
“It was a different atmosphere with everyone working hard to succeed,” she said. “It changed Rebecca’s perspective (on education) and pushed her to complete her degree.”
High school graduation on June 24 is next for the high-achieving student. Then she plans to shadow a local equine trainer and follow her passion of horses. She hopes this will direct her to a career path and possibly to college for further equine training.
“We are so proud of Rebecca and how hard she has worked throughout high school,” said Lyndonville HS Principal Dr. Aaron Slack. “She has shown tremendous dedication in setting and achieving her goals, and we wish her continued success.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 June 2022 at 7:49 am
Photos courtesy of Steve Goodrich
LYNDONVILLE – Scott Goetze, past post commander of the American Legion in Lyndonville, readies flags to be placed into a fire on Tuesday evening during a flag retirement ceremony at Lynhaven Cemetery.
The ceremony was held on Flag Day. The Houseman-Tanner Post members were assisted by Rita Helsdon and the Lyndonville Fire Department in the proper retirement of more than 600 flags, including 50 that flew in Lyndonville.
American Legion Adjutant Joe Hausler keeps a watchful eye on the fire.
Post member Katherine Kage gets ready to place flags into the fire.
Anyone with older flags that need to be retired are welcome to contact Steve Goodrich, the post commander, or any other post member.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2022 at 4:56 pm
District also recognizes retiring teachers and staff
Photos by Tom Rivers: Lyndonville honored three teachers as educators of the year during the Board of Education meeting on Monday evening. Pictured form left include Jenna Goheen, a second grade teacher; Joanne Suhr, a third grade teacher; and Katie Strusienski, a K-6 reading teacher.
LYNDONVILLE – The school district honored three “Educators of the Year” during the Board of Education meeting on Monday.
Each of the recipients also will get a $1,000 grant towards an educational initiative.
The educators of the year for 2021-22 include Jenna Goheen, a second grade teacher; Joanne Suhr, a third grade teacher; and Katie Strusienski, a K-6 reading teacher.
Goheen was commended by District Superintendent Sharon Smith for transitioning from teaching first grade to second grade. Goheen fosters a love of learning in her students, Smith said.
Goheen said she will use the $1,000 so each second-grader can receive a new book each month next school year to encourage their reading.
Goheen said she enjoys the “close-knit community” at Lyndonville, and working with siblings and family members of her former students.
Suhr is also retiring after 30 years as an elementary teacher. She currently teaches third grade and specializes in teaching math to all third-graders. She said she is grateful for her co-workers, who are all deserving of the award.
She will listen to ideas from other teachers about how to use the $1,000 grant. She would like to use it for a science project.
“I feel blessed to have worked here,” she said. “The students are all individuals here. Lyndonville has my heart.”
Strusienski, a reading teacher for students in grades kindergarten through 6, was praised for helping students who are struggling with reading. She builds a rapport with the students and helps them with their reading skills, Smith said.
Strusienski said she will use the $1,000 to go towards a book vending machine. She has been managing a birthday book program where students in grades K to 6 receive a book for their birthday. With the book vending machine, the students can pick out their own book.
Lyndonville recognized these retirees, including from left: Margaret Dix, bus driver; Joe DiPassio, Jr., business administrator; James O’Connor, middle school math teacher; Lori Lamay, district clerk and assistant to superintendent; Lisa Lewis, an elementary and intermediate teacher; and Joanne Suhr, an elementary teacher. Not pictured are elementary teachers Amy Beutel and Laurel Pitzrick.
“There are decades and decades of service to this district walking out the door and we will miss you all,” Ted Lewis, the Board of Education president, told the group.
The following teachers were also recognized with tenure: Kimberly Dumond and Elaine Thompson.
Dumond is a special education teacher. She was praised for creating a warm environment in her classroom and helping her students build real-world skills.
Thompson, an elementary teacher, was credited for a calm and nurturing approach and for helping her students “come out of her classroom as a young readers.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 June 2022 at 4:33 pm
Provided photos
YATES – Melissa Ierlan painted six more historical markers. She has now given a facelift to 31 of the local markers.
The latest effort involved all six of the markers in Yates. She was asked by the Yates Town Board to clean and paint them so they would look good for the town’s 200th anniversary, which is this year.
The town paid for the paint and supplies and Ierlan did the work for free. She is the Clarendon town historian and also that town’s code enforcement officer.
Ierlan finished the work last week and the Yates Highway Department picked them up and reinstalled them on Friday. The highway workers also wire brushed the sign posts and repainted those.
LYNDONVILLE – The school district partnered with local emergency services and law enforcement agencies this morning to do a DWI simulation to show the dangers of driving while intoxicated.
The district does the DWI simulation most years right before prom. The Lyndonville prom will be this Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the White Birch. The district and first responders also want students to be extra careful with the summer graduation parties.
Lyndonville School Resource Officer Jason Barnum, an Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy, organized the simulation with Deputy Ashleigh Stornelli of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Lyndonville Fire Chief Michael Heideman and members of the Lyndonville Fire Department, Medina Fire Department Ambulance, Orleans County Coroner Charles Smith and Kevin Bogan of the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home.
Students in grades 10 to 12 were invited to the simulation in the school parking lot. The event was not mandatory, but the majority of the district’s high school students attended the simulation. Some of the students in the simulation had on makeup with fake blood.
The school district was aware that the demonstration might be difficult for some students and had counselors available to provide support as needed.
