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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 May 2022 at 6:32 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Matt Heinsler, a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, left, and Jim Simon of the Air Force stand at attention after placing a memorial wreath by the monument at Veterans Park in Lyndonville. There also was a display that was intended to remember POWs and those missing in action.
Auston Bentley, a Lyndonville freshman, plays Taps during the Memorial Day service today.
Lyndonville Lions Club members walk in the parade. From left include Lynne Johnson, John Belson and Harold Suhr.
Johnson, the County Legislature chairwoman, also spoke during the Memorial Day service at Veterans Park.
She urged people to spend time today in “measured remembrance” in thinking about the sacrifices of the men and women who fought and died for the country’s independence and freedom.
“Always remember the courage and sacrifice that is the ultimate gift from those who put themselves in harm’s way for all of us,” Johnson said.
Bob Burtwell, a member of the American League, marches in today’s Memorial Day parade in Lyndonville.
Jonathan Cappetta, left, carried the banner along with Keith Trautman, not in picture. Keith is the grandson of Joe Hausler, a member a of the American Legion. They were part of today’s parade and then service at Lyndonville’s Veterans Park.
Steve Goodrich, the commander of the Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post in Lyndonville, leads the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
He said there are now 435 Lyndonville veterans in the six cemeteries in the town. Goodrich has been a member of the post for 14 years, during which 25 members have died. He urged veterans in the community to be part of the local American Legion.
“It’s getting harder and harder every year,” he said about the Post’s service to veterans and the community. “There are less and less of us.”
The flag holders are Austin Kassay, left, and Brody Spoth. They were later applauded for holding the flags for more than an hour in the 80-plus degree heat.
Goodrich urged the community to look at the names and faces on the 100 new Hometown Hero banners of soldiers and to explore local cemeteries, pausing at the graves of veterans.
Yates Town Supervisor Jim Simon served over 20 years in the Air Force with duties as a helicopter pilot, staff officer, military history teacher, commander and strategic planner.
Over 500,000 Americans have been killed in combat and another 85,000 missing in action, Simon said.
“We are here to honor, as Abraham Lincoln said, those who gave the last full measure of devotion,” Simon said.
Anna Stelianou waves to people in the Lyndonville downtown. She rode a new trolley with veterans in the trolley’s first parade. The parade was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid restrictions.
Stelianou was a key donor in getting the trolley. It was dedicated today in memory of her brothers – Fred, Peter, George, Menel and Ernest Stelianou.
The trolley will be used to transport veterans during parades so they don’t have to make a long walk on pavement in the hot sun or in bad weather.
Eric Villalta, the Lyndonville band teacher, directs students in playing a Salute to America, and The Stars and Stripes Forever. The chorus led by teacher Jennifer Trupo sang the Star Spangled Banner, My Country ’Tis of Thee and America the Beautiful.
Harold Scribner of the Lyndonville Fire Department enjoys a breeze by the Johnson Creek dam and waterfalls. The display of American flags is on the school grounds.
Annabelle Follman, a junior at Lyndonville, will represent Lyndonville at the Empire Girls State program in Brockport in July. She thanked veterans and active duty military members for their service.
Lyndonville Little Leaguers carry a flag and walk in today’s parade.
LYNDONVILLE – The school district is proud to announce the Top 10 seniors from the Class of 2022.
This recognition reflects the weighted cumulative grade point average of the students throughout their high school careers, including the first through third marking periods of their senior year.
Jack Whipple is valedictorian and Maddox Stirk is salutatorian.
The remaining students ranked 3 to 10 are listed alphabetically: Ethan Gardner, Amanda Garza, Shawna Grabowski, Roman Heinsler, Aasiya Huzair, Ella Lewis, Katherine O’Brien and Karlee Rounds.
“We are proud to honor the hard work and achievements of our top ten seniors,” said Lyndonville Middle-High School Principal Aaron Slack. “Saluting our top ten graduates has been a school tradition for over three decades. I am confident this group of exceptional scholars will go on to do remarkable things.”
Please join us in congratulating Lyndonville’s Class of 2022 Top 10!
Photos courtesy of Teri Woodworth: These banners next to Veterans' Memorial Park in Lyndonville recognize two Medal of Honor recipients from the community. Vosler served during World War II with the Army as a radio operator and aerial gunner aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress. Bellavia also was in the Army. He was honored for his actions on Nov. 10, 2004, when he defended his fellow soldiers while serving in the second battle of Fallujah, Iraq.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 May 2022 at 3:24 pm
Valerie Wells is shown with a banner that recognizes her father.
LYNDONVILLE – There are 100 banners of soldiers going up in the Lyndonville community. Of the 100 banners, 56 are of veterans who have passed away.
The Village of Lyndonville DPW and Town of Yates Highway Department started putting them up today.
The banners are going on utility poles on South Main Street, Lake Avenue, Maple Avenue, North Main Street and North Lyndonville Road.
Valerie Wells coordinated the effort. She approached the Lyndonville Village Board last July about the initiative. Wells said she is amazed at the interest and support for the effort.
She thanked the Lyndonville DPW, Town of Yates Highway Department, area business sponsorships and Lyndonville Foundation for their support of the program.
The banners will be displayed from Memorial Day to Veterans Day for three years. Applications for new banners in 2023 will be available in August. For more information, Wells can be contacted at (585) 339-8500 or by email: vwells022@gmail.com.
Lyndonville joins other Orleans County communities with similar banners including Medina, Albion, Holley and Barre.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 May 2022 at 9:05 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: This banner in front of Yates Baptist Church invites the community to join in their celebration June 4 and 5 to honor the 200th anniversary of the church and the town of Yates.
YATES – This year marks a milestone, not only in the history of the town of Yates, but also the Yates Baptist Church.
Both are observing their 200th anniversary this year, with the church celebrating June 4 and joining with the town’s celebration June 4 and 5.
On Saturday, events will begin at 11 a.m., featuring family activities and games, an eat-in chicken barbecue from noon to 2 p.m., demonstration by Bow Bending Believers, music in the tent, caricature sketches by Diane Martin and church tours from 1 to 3:30 p.m. An evening of music from 6 to 7 p.m. will feature local talent, followed by a free ice cream social.
On Sunday, the celebration continues with a Bicentennial Celebration Service from 9:30 a.m. to noon, with guest speakers and special music by Edward and Kristine Klaussen.
Food truck vendors will be on site beginning at noon, followed by old fashioned games, a bounce house and horse drawn wagon rides from 1 to 3 p.m. Events will conclude with a bicentennial closing program at 4 p.m.
The Yates Baptist Church is the only church ever established in Yates Center. Yates Center was originally known as Northton, but was changed to Yates when Joseph C. Yates was elected governor of New York state in 1822.
Elisha Brown, a physician and member of the Baptist Church of Palmyra who settled in Yates in 1820, was a strong advocate of temperance. He was the first to unite the town to form a strong society to promote that cause, according to a history book compiled by Jon Neal and Lynne Wilson.
In 1822, the Rev. Jeremiah Irons, who was Dr. Brown’s pastor, followed, and through these two men, the church of Yates was founded June 6, 1822. The Rev. Irons served until his death on March 13, 1829.
Lynne Wilson (left) holds the original communion cup she found at Yates Baptist Church. Mitzi Fredericks holds two of the ornaments commemorating the 200th anniversary of Yates Baptist Church. The one in Fredericks’ left had was designed by Beth Carpenter and the other by sixth grader Alexa Robinson.
The first meeting of the church was June 6, 1822 in a schoolhouse north of the village. It consisted of eight members, the Rev. Irons, Dr. Bowen, John H. Burroughs, Abigail Irons, Laura Irons, Adaline Bowen, Belinda Burroughs and Rebecca Rawson. On Sept. 22 of that year, nine candidates for membership were immersed in Johnson’s Creek near the grist mill, about two miles below Lyndonville. It is believed to be the first baptism in the town, and the late Jackson Blood was the first person baptized in the group.
Jon Neal stands next to the stained glass window named for the first pastor of Yates Baptist Church, the Rev. Jeremiah Irons. Neal is an eighth generation descendent of Irons.
Meetings for the first 10 years were held in schools, homes and Dr. Bowen’s office. The first baptismal service of the church was held at Blood’s Bridge.
It is interesting to note the salary the Rev. Irons received was $75 a year – half in cash and the other half in grain. From 1831 to 1834 the pay was increased to $275 and included wood for heating. In 1864, the pay was $350 with a parsonage provided. By 1900, the salary had increased to $400 and the total church budget was $550. The total church budget in 2002 was $99,870, compared to $165,000 for 2022.
A 100th anniversary celebration took place on the weekend of Nov. 19, 1922, with three services on Sunday. They were preached by the Rev. C.F. Knauth and Mrs. J.D. Waterbury, historian, read the history of the church. Addresses in the afternoon were given by Ada Furness, a missionary to Africa and the Rev. J.T. Allen of the Medina First Baptist Church.
A 132-year Founders’ Day Celebration took place June 6, 1954, at which Esther Baker read the church history in the evening. Baker, who has since moved to Canandaigua, will be 100 next January and still supports the church.
Also attending the Founders’ Day services that day were fifth- and sixth-generation members of the Rev. Jeremiah Irons’ family. Virginia Wirth Cooper was a great-great-great-granddaughter of the Rev. Irons. Seventeen of the 22 couples who had been married in the church attended the morning service. On display was a four-piece pewter communion set found tucked away in an upstairs church cupboard. It bears the date 1838 and is believed to be the church’s first communion set.
The Rev. Lyle Drake, pastor of Yates Center Baptist Church, talks with members of the congregation who are planning a celebration for the church’s 200th anniversary June 4. Bob Breeze and Mitzi Fredericks look at one of T-shirts commemorating Yates Baptist Church’s 200th anniversary.
The set is also currently on display in a cabinet off the sanctuary, after Lynne Wilson went looking for it and also found it stored away in an old back cupboard. It has been polished and shined and sits in a prominent place where everyone can see it.
Other celebrations were held to observe the 150th and 180th anniversaries of the church. Membership in 1972 had grown from the original 22 souls to 156. In 2002, the 180th celebration spanned three days, featuring a Creation Science Evangelism Seminar on Friday at Lyndonville Central School Auditorium.
In 1989, the church hired its first youth pastor, Steve Thompson, to minister to the large number of children and youth attending church. They are blessed today with a large attendance of children. Twenty to 25 regularly attend and the nursery is full, said Lynne Miller.
Yates Baptist Church has occupied several buildings, the first being completed in 1832. It was enlarged and repaired for $3,500 in 1866, but burned to the ground before work was completed. The church has actually had two fires, according to members of the bicentennial celebration committee.
Bill Wilson, a member of Yates Baptist Church since 1985, points out names on the door to the bell tower, on which are written the names and date of death of hundreds of early members of the church. The door was removed to the sanctuary so visitors would be able to see it.
Construction of the current brick structure was completed and the building dedicated Jan. 30, 1868 at a cost of $10,522 for the building and all the furnishings. The brick used was brought from Canada on freighters to the piers at Shadigee.
The second fire occurred in April 1927 and destroyed the rear Sunday School rooms and kitchen. No banks would approve a loan for the rebuilding, so the trustees on the board, including Stanley Breeze and Stanley Baker, signed their farms’ deeds as collateral. By the time of completion of the rebuilding, the debt was paid off.
The Rev. Floyd Childs was pastor from 1943 to 1953, and during his pastorage one Sunday loud snapping noises were heard and plaster began falling from the north end of the sanctuary. The trustees realized the joists in the ceiling were breaking and moved the congregation to the south end of the room while the pastor kept preaching. The ceiling was reinforced by several members under the director of Ken Neal.
From 1951, until the present, many repairs and improvements have been made to the church. These include repairs to the steeple, stained glass windows repaired or replaced, a new furnace, new pews, renovation of the parsonage, a two story addition, purchase of an adjacent property for more parking, a new parsonage kitchen, new handicap bathroom and a picnic pavilion erected, to name a few.
The parsonage is located just past the cemetery, having begun as a log home costing $275. It was replaced by a frame building in 1837 costing $500. The home and barn burned in 1853 when a fire broke out in the nearby planing mill and destroyed a large part of the village. They were rebuilt for $1,000 and since then, upgrades and repairs have resulted in a nicely maintained home.
Music has always been a big part of worship at Yates Baptist Church. The Moeller organ was donated by the late Daniel Ross in memory of his parents Alexander and Ann Ross in 1933. A Baldwin piano was purchased in 1960 and a baby grand piano was donated in 2006 in memory of Sarah Callard by her parents Gary and Dorothy Callard and sister Patricia Callard Corser.
Several members of the church recently met to share their affiliation and dedication to the Yates Baptist Church. Jon Neal boasts being an eighth-generation descendent of the church’s first pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Iron. He and his wife Carol and their ancestors have attended all their lives, except for a period of 20 years.
Bob and Karen Breeze have been members for 54 years. His great-great-grandfather was married there in 1891 His mom and dad were also married there, around 1918, Bob said.
The Yates Center Baptist Church cemetery is located across the parking lot from the church. The tall monument at right is that of the Rev. Jeremiah Irons, first pastor of the church in 1822.
Bill and Lynn Wilson started attending there when they were expecting their oldest daughter in 1985.
Ray and Beckie Feller have been members for 24 years.
Merle and Mitzi Fredericks are new kids on the block, having started attending two years ago.
“They have a men’s breakfast every other Saturday with devotions and prayer,” Mitzi said. “Merle was invited and was so enamored with the pastor, he wanted to come back and hear him preach.”
The Rev. Lyell Drake and his wife Callie came to Yates Center 21 years ago. He had been preaching in Phelps when he said he felt led of the Lord to move. In seeking a new location he applied to Yates in 2000. He accepted the call here in June and came in September that year.
“I felt a sense of welcome,” the Rev. Drake said. “They wanted someone who could stay a while. This is a congregation that is hungry for the Word. It’s a pastor’s paradise.”
Pre-Covid membership exceeded 100. Since Covid, Bill Wilson has been posting the Sunday service online at www.yatesbaptistchurch.org. It is available in YouTube format.
The church boasts a large children’s attendance and family night, with worship and singing, followed by the kids breaking into small groups for Bible lessons, crafts, games, memorizing Scripture and songs.
A Men’s Discipleship meets the first and third Thursdays of each month. They sponsor Vacation Bible School every summer and a Harvest Dinner the first Sunday in November. A free will offering benefits a special church project. A concert by the choir follows.
The choir regularly has 10 to 15 members, led by Lori Boseck.
Janoah Atwater is worship leader/pianist and Jackie Reichard is organist.
The church has supported missionaries since its founding. The First missionary was Vada Furness, who traveled to the Belgian Congo during World War I. During the trip home her ship hit a mine and she lost everything she had, but she survived. The church currently supports 21 missions and/or missionaries.
A highlight of the 200th anniversary celebration will be the opportunity to view a historic door from the bell tower. The door has been removed and placed in the sanctuary so it can easily be viewed. It contains the names and date of death, written in pencil, of the early members of the church, most of whom the committee believes are buried in the church cemetery.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2022 at 10:05 pm
Voters in Holley, Kendall and Lyndonville approved their school budgets today.
Holley’s proposed $26,982,000 budget passed with a 235-130 vote.
The budget increases taxes by 1.95 percent. The budget maintains all current educational programs and represents a 3.18 percent budget-to-budget increase.
Other Holley propositions also were approved by voters:
Capital improvements reserve fund at a maximum of $6 million – 233 yes votes, 138 no votes
Proposition to purchase new school buses as a maximum of $334,000 – 232 yes votes, 139 no votes
Proposition to collect $194,966 for Community Free Library – 274 yes votes, 100 no votes
Two candidates for two three-year terms on the Board of Education were elected. Tracy Van Ameron received 287 votes and Anne Winkley was backed by 281 voters.
In Kendall, the $19,822,921 budget was approved with a 123-26 vote.
The budget keeps the tax levy at $4,964,656, and decreases spending by $157,808 to $19,822,921.
Other propositions include:
Authorize $250,000 from a Transportation Bus Reserve Fund to replace transportation vehicles of the district – 130 yes votes, 19 no votes
Establish a capital reserve fund for up to $5 million for a future capital project – 129 yes votes, 19 no votes
Lisa Levett, current president of the Board of Education, received 137 votes for another five-year term. She was unopposed.
In Lyndonville, the $15,704,953 budget passed, 226-76. That’s 74.8 percent in favor.
The budget calls for a 2 percent tax increase, or by $90,564 to $4,618,740 for the tax levy. The budget maintains all current programs, including music, athletics and extracurriculars, and also keeps a school resource officer and on-campus space for a mental health counselor.
The district had a very close four-way battle for three seats on the Board of Education. The incumbents all won with Vern Fonda at 185 votes, Harold Suhr at 178, Kristin Nicholson at 171, and James Houseman at 168. The positions are for three-year terms that start July 1.
Other propositions include:
Collecting $119,183 for the Yates Community Free Library – 199 yes votes, 104 no votes
Authorization to spend up to $145,000 for a 64-seat passenger bus – 248 yes votes, 57 no votes.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Board of Education appointed Sharon Smith as the district’s superintendent during this evening’s board meeting.
Mrs. Smith has been serving as Lyndonville’s interim superintendent since Jan. 1, when the previous superintendent, Jason Smith, took a job at Batavia district superintendent. Mrs. Smith has worked for Lyndonville for three years and served as Lyndonville’s 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. Prior to her administrative career, she worked as an elementary teacher for 22 years.
“Sharon Smith has been successfully serving as Lyndonville’s interim superintendent for four months,” said BOE President Theodore Lewis. “Mrs. Smith met with the Board weekly to provide updates and discuss school decisions and operational matters. As a Board, we are pleased with her performance and dedication to our students, staff, faculty and district. We believe she has the experience, knowledge and commitment needed for this position and are pleased she has agreed to serve as our permanent Superintendent of Schools.”
Mrs. Smith stated that she is sincerely honored to lead the district.
“As an Orleans County resident, and farm owner, my husband and I chose to raise our family in a rural community,” she said. “I understand and appreciate the value of a close-knit school community. I look forward to continuing my work with Lyndonville and ensuring the district continues to lead in academics, positive school culture and climate, community pride, athletics and sportsmanship, fine arts and stewardship.”
Photos by Tom Rivers: Danielle Schmidt (left) is the Fairy Godmother and Elizabeth Whipple is Cinderella in the production of Cinderella by Lyndonville and Medina schools. It received one of 10 awards for excellence in overall musical production at the Rochester Broadway Theatre League's 24th annual recognition ceremony, the Stars of Tomorrow, on Thursday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2022 at 10:29 am
ROCHESTER – The musical production of Cinderella by Lyndonville and Medina students brought home many awards on Thursday night at the Stars of Tomorrow competition in Rochester, which recognizes the top school musicals in the Rochester area.
Students from 25 local schools come together at Stars of Tomorrow for an awards show that includes performances from the schools on the Rochester stage.
Lyndonville and Medina’s musical won several awards. The schools in the competition used to be separated by size in different divisions. But now they all are in the same division. The Lyndonville and Medina as well as Albion were up against Greece Athena, Greece Odyssey, Pittsford Mendon, Victor, Brighton and other much larger districts.
• Lyndonville and Medina won one of the 10 awards for excellence in overall musical production.
• Lyndonville and Medina also was recognized for excellence in student orchestra and excellence in vocal ensemble.
• Lyndonville and Medina performers also were honored for overall excellence in performance in a leading role: Elizabeth Whipple as Cinderella and Danielle Schmidt as the Fairy Godmother.
Beginning at noon today, there will be online voting for the top high school performers in Rochester to have a chance to go to New York City in a national competition – the National High School Musical Theatre Awards or Jimmy Awards.
Schmidt and Whipple both were nominated to be considered for the NYC event. Click here for more information, beginning at noon today.
Greyson Romano is Lionel in the musical Cinderella. He was recognized as a “Future Star.” Here he is shown announcing there will be a ball for the prince.
Lyndonville and Medina performers also received these awards:
• Future Stars – Emani Fuentes and Greyson Romano
• Special Recognition – Rory Smith and Seagan Majchrzak
• A Round of Applause – Andrew Austin, Auston Bentley and Tessa Zeitz
• A Tip of the Hat – Annabelle Follman and Emani Fuentes
Elaina Huntington, center, plays the Stepmother who is shown with her two daughters. Emani Fuentes is Joy, left, who snorts when she laughs and Annabelle Follman is Grace, who is often itching her arms. All three are mean to Cinderella and don’t want her going to the ball. Funetes and Follman received “A Tip of the Hat” for their acting in the show.
Seagan Majchrzak is Queen Constantina and Henry Rigerman is King Maximillan. They are the prince’s parents and they conspire to throw him a ball where he must dance with every woman. Majchrzak received a special recognition award from the Stars of Tomorrow.
Photo by Tom Rivers: People lined up along Main Street for the annual Fourth of July parade in Lyndonville in this photo from 2019. The parade lasted more than an hour and included many fire trucks, floats for businesses and organizations, and marching bands. The parade was cancelled in 2020 and 2021.
Posted 4 May 2022 at 1:39 pm
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club’s current major focus is finalizing plans for the return of the Lyndonville Lions club July 4th extravaganza with a full parade and fireworks display.
The club president and parade committee encourages everyone to support the fireworks fund drive. Fireworks collection cans have been placed at area retailers for individuals to donate to support the fireworks show.
The July 4th Lyndonville Lions parade, absent the past two years, will return this year and begin at noon, followed by an arts and craft show on the front lawn of the Lyndonville School. Food venders will be available and the annual chicken barbeque starts serving at 1 p.m. Chicken barbeque tickets will be available for early purchase from any Lyndonville Lions Club member.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Department will also be on site for child car seat checks, children identification cards and the Yellow Dot program.
The Lyndonville Lions Club holds its bimonthly meetings at the White Birch Golf Club in Lyndonville. New members Chris Cappetta and Dr. Nancy Ciavarri were inducted in April. The Lyndonville Lions also accepted two additional members applications for induction in May.
Following the club’s March Pop-Up Eye Clinic, the club recently completed its first phase of delivering 60 pairs of eye glasses to people across Orleans County. The second phase will culminate in the next few weeks with the delivery of the remaining 90 pairs of eyeglasses.
A presentation was given by Vern Fonda on behalf of “The Murph Challenge” – an endurance competition that helps raise money in support the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
This foundation awards scholastic scholarships to children of wounded or fallen military personnel. For more information on this scholarship program and for information on participation in the “Murph Challenge” – log on to the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation web site. The Lyndonville Lions has supported this program for several years.
John Belson, Lions Club member and Lyndonville mayor, presented the results of this year’s Lyndonville Easter Egg Hunt which continues to be a well-attended event. The club is preparing for its upcoming Mothers’ Day rose sale. Long stemmed red roses are available for $20 per dozen and can be picked up on Friday, May 6, at the White Birch after 10 a.m.
Orders can be placed by contacting any Lyndonville Lions Club member, by leaving a phone or text message at 585-745-0895 or by contacting the White Birch.
Press release and photos from Lyndonville Central School
LYNDONVILLE – The school district recently unveiled a collaborative mural of children’s artwork that was captured and reimagined by Boston-based artist, Bren Bataclan.
Bataclan’s murals are special because he incorporates students’ ideas and characters in the compositions. With the help of 20 adults and a dozen high school students, Lyndonville’s vivid mural was brought to life in the hallway near the elementary library. This was the ideal placement as the theme incorporates literacy and reading with kindness, respect, social-emotional learning and a growth mindset.
Mrs. Strusienski’s fifth and sixth grade students learned about Bataclan after reading a book about the artist and how he spreads kindness by giving away his artwork. The students visited his website (bataclan.com) to learn more about the artist and his projects.
They watched his TEDTalk and then followed a “how-to” video for drawing one of his characters. Inspired by what they learned, they emailed the author, and he replied. After many emails, phone calls and Google Meets, the project was initiated.
Bataclan (back right in photo) visited Lyndonville in early March to collaborate with kindergarten through sixth-grade students during assemblies and workshops and, with help from many in the district, paint the colorful mural that incorporates the students’ artwork.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to share a real-world connection with our students,” said Elementary Principal Dr. Elissa Smith. “Our students love seeing their characters incorporated into the mural and are proud to be a part of this incredible project.”
Inspired by the mural, second grade students painted canvases to give to local nursing homes and a floor at Medina Memorial Hospital. These young students wanted to pass on Bataclan’s message of kindness and to bring a smile to others.
“If you have not taken a trip down to the Elementary Library hallway to view this delightful mural, please do so,” said school nurse Mary Bateson-Kurz. “It will lighten your soul with its joyful characters and message of love!”
To learn more about this project and see the mural reveal, click here to see a video.
Photo courtesy of Lyndonville Central School: Craig Scott brought a message about kindness to Lyndonville Central School. His sister Rachel was one of 13 people – 12 students and one teacher – murdered in the Columbine school shooting on April 20, 1999.
Posted 12 April 2022 at 2:54 pm
Press Release, Lyndonville Central School
LYNDONVILLE – Craig Scott, inspirational speaker and Columbine survivor, recently visited Lyndonville Central School to spread the importance of valuing yourself and others and spreading kindness whenever possible.
The speaker held three age and content appropriate assemblies and two training sessions for select students and staff.
Inspired by his sister, Rachel Scott, Craig discussed the importance of kindness. His message in each assembly was that people will never know how far a little kindness can go. By being kind to others, you may start a chain reaction and others will be kind too.
The message to our 10th through 12th grade students incorporated kindness with setting goals, valuing self/others and making the world a better place as they graduate and begin their journey into adulthood. Our 6th through 9th grade students discussed respect and kindness to self and others and being aware of actions and words, especially online. They were encouraged to find ways to have a positive impact.
The message to our elementary students focused on instilling kindness and compassion, and they discussed bullying and being brave enough to do the right thing, even when it is difficult.
Craig encouraged all students to do five things regularly:
Use kind words and do kind things
Accept and include others
Choose positive influences
Set goals
Keep a journal
Students who volunteered to be part of a leadership group called Friends of Rachel, developed seven projects to continue and sustain kindness throughout the district. In the next few weeks, these projects will unite students and show how each of us matters and contributes to making the world a better place.
“Craig Scott did an outstanding job connecting with each age group of students and provided insightful training for our staff,” said Interim Superintendent Sharon Smith. “It is the hope that Lyndonville’s chain of kindness will grow and continue to promote a positive school culture and climate for years to come.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2022 at 6:47 pm
Lyndonville seeks out potential shared programs with other districts
Contributed Photo – The combined Medina/Lyndonville players and coaches celebrate earning a share of the Section VI Class B1 soccer title after tying host Tonawanda 2-2 in double overtime in the title contest on Nov. 17, 2020. The sectional title was the third in the last nine years for the program that beat Tonawanda 1-0 in the 2011 final and Newfane 2-1 in overtime for the 2013 crown. Head Coach Steve Luksch’s squad includes Alex Barry, Zaric Boyce, Brandon Boyce, Aiden Burczyk, Jacob Corser, Nate Dillenbeck, Zach Fike, Brian Fry, Evan Harris, Miles Hartway, Roman Heinsler, Sam Kingsbury, Dan Mandujano, Jackson Moreland, Mason Moreland, Mason Nicholson, Aidan Owczarczak, Jack Rutkowski, AJ Seefeldt, Cole Seefeldt, Russ Stephens, Jack Whipple, Ricky Wood and Sebastian Zilempe along with Anthony Moule and Casey Winiecki who were not in the picture.
LYNDONVILLE – The school has issued a statement following a decision by the Medina Board of Education last week to end a partnership with the school musical, hosted by Lyndonville, and some shared sports teams, including boys and girls soccer.
Medina school officials said its auditorium has recently been upgraded and district staff want to lead a musical program in Medina. The two districts recently put on the musical Cinderella. The Lyndonville-Medina musicals have consistently been recognized by the Stars of Tomorrow for excellence.
The partnership started about a decade ago when Medina was grappling with deep budget cuts due to a reduction in state funding.
“Our collaboration with Medina for athletics and music has been beneficial, and our combined production of Cinderella was outstanding. I would like to thank Medina for their support throughout the years,” said Lyndonville’s Interim Superintendent Sharon Smith. “Lyndonville has sought out potential collaborations with other districts to maximize student opportunities and will explore our options to ensure student activities and extracurricular events are not impacted.”
Lyndonville will continue to have a musical with its own students. The district also expects to field its own boys soccer team and is discussing with Barker about a shared team, said James Zeliff, Lyndonville’s athletic director.
“We will announce plans as they are finalized and keep all stakeholders in the loop,” he said. “We are grateful for the opportunities we had with Medina, not only to be able to field teams, but also for our combined success, including the 2016 Football Division championship, the 2019 Boys Soccer League championship and the 2020 Boys Soccer Sectional Co-Championship.”
