Lyndonville/Yates

Veterans welcome to ride trolley during July 4 parade in Lyndonville

Posted 29 June 2025 at 5:28 pm

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.

Legion in Lyndonville gives 500 flags a dignified farewell

Posted 15 June 2025 at 9:25 pm

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.

Lyndonville Lions honor graduating seniors, get ready for July 4 celebration

Posted 12 June 2025 at 8:50 am

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.

Crash simulation in Lyndonville sends message to students, community about drunken driving

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 June 2025 at 11:42 am

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.

Lyndonville school budget proposes 1% tax hike

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 May 2025 at 3:17 pm

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.”

Legion in Lyndonville urges Memorial Day participation

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2025 at 11:09 am

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.

Lyndonville Lions hold vision clinics at elementary school, White Birch

Photos from Lyndonville Lions Club: (Left) Lions Club members Lynne Johnson and Bruce Schmidt administer vision tests at Lyndonville Elementary School last week. (Right) Lions Club member Jeff Johnson assists a boy in picking out frames during a pop-up eye clinic on Saturday at the White Birch in Lyndonville.

Posted 28 April 2025 at 9:50 am

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – Members of the Lyndonville Lions Club once again carried out their annual vision screening program at the Lyndonville Elementary School on April 22.

The Lions Club offered visual screening and visual acuity checks to over 100 elementary students in the Lyndonville school district.  Sharon Smith, Lyndonville district superintendent and a Lions Club member, thanked the Lions for their continued efforts in this vision screening clinic.

She added that the detection of visual problems is critical in younger students to enhance future learning. Smith also stated that this program is free to the school, and for a large number of the students tested, this was their first formal vision exam. The club was assisted by members of the Medina Lions Club and the Lyndonville School “Leo’s Club” during this event.

The Lyndonville Lions carried out their 5th annual “Pop-Up Eye Clinic” on Saturday at the White Birch Golf Resort in Lyndonville. The free clinic found people waiting in line early Saturday morning as the clinic doors opened at 9 a.m.

The clinic supplies free eye examinations, Glaucoma screening and refraction eye exams to access one’s need for glasses to improve their vision. Those attendees who needed glasses were given an opportunity to select a free glass frame and the frames will be returned in a few weeks with new lenses in them.

The clinic served over 100 members of the Town of Yates and surrounding areas. The Lions Club of Lyndonville wants to thank the Olcott, Kenmore and Medina Lions Clubs for their volunteers who assisted during the eye clinic.

The Lyndonville Lions will be having their annual “Mother’s Day Rose Sale” May 9-10. One dozen, long stem red rose bouquets will be available for $20 for those who would like to honor their mothers on this special day. Flowers can be pre-ordered by calling Harold Suhr at 585-281-4646 or Lyndonville Central School at 585-765-3101.

Flowers can be picked up at the White Birch on May 9-10 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Walk up sales will be available while supplies last.

The Lions Club would like to thank all those who came to the vision clinic. They would like to wish all mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day.

Spencer’s Country Store up for sale on Route 18 in Yates

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Bruce Spencer, owner of the Country Store at 10204 County Line Rd., and his sister Barbara Lamont stand behind the counter of the store, which he has recently decided to sell.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 April 2025 at 6:20 pm

LYNDONVILLE – A historic country store is about to undergo a change in its more than 135-year existence.

Bruce Spencer, owner of The Country Store at 10204 Roosevelt Highway, has decided to put the business up for sale.

“It’s always best to leave when everything is intact,” Spencer said.

Bruce Spencer looks at a notebook full of articles and pictures about the historic Country Store, which was built in the 1890s.

He bought the store in 2016. One of its previous owners were his late aunt and uncle LaVerne and Marilyn Lartz of Lyndonville, but it had sat empty for three years when Spencer decided to buy it.

The store’s history dates back to the 1890s when it originally sat across the street and was part of the parsonage. When the railroad came in 1875, the post office relocated to Millers and the store was built.

W.H. Garland bought the store in the 1880s from Mrs. Carrigall. In 1885 it was sold to Hiram Vaughn and Garland then bought land across the street to build Herman’s Grocery, which was completed in 1886.

The store was owned by Marshall Todkill in 1901-02, and newspaper accounts say he “occupied the house, ran the store and sold shoes, laces, nails, general merchandise and groceries.” There was a blacksmith shop at the back and a barn for apples and molasses in barrels.

Ray and Ona Downey owned the store from 1920 to 1944,  when William and Bertha Herman bought it and ran it with their daughter Hazel until November 1966. Next owners were the Lartzes, who owned it from November 1966 until March 1985.

Two more owners were Eddie White in 2003 and Tim Payne in 2005 until 2013, when it closed and remained empty until Spencer and his brother Brian purchased it.

Shortly after, the pandemic hit but Spencer persevered with help from a friend Ed Fura and his Aunt Marilyn, who came in nearly every day to help. He has successfully run it (with some snags along the way) until now, when he decided to sell to concentrate on helping several relatives with health issues.

“I never wanted to sell, but I want to be able to help my relatives,” he said.

One of the store’s most popular features is their Friday night fish fries, Spencer said. The store has a bakery and deli counter, where they sell subs, pizza and wings. Gas pumps are installed in case the next owner wants to sell gas.

Currently, Spencer’s sister Barbara Lamont helps in the store every day. Business booms in the summer when cottagers move in at the lake.

The Country Store is the “go-to” place for cottagers at the lake during the summer months. Owner Bruce Spencer is hoping to sell it soon to pursue retirement.

Lyndonville Lions Club members recognized for milestone years of service

Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: (Left) Russ Martino, left, receives a 45-year service pin from Bill Robinson, District 20-E1 Zone Chair. (Right) Bruce Schmidt, left, was recognized for 10 years, while Robinson, center, presented an award to John Belson for 25 years.

Posted 15 April 2025 at 6:44 pm

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club on April 11 gave special recognition to several members for milestone anniversaries of service to the club.

Special guest and fellow Lion, Bill Robinson of Albion, serves as District 20-E1 Zone chairman. He presented three long-standing Lions with their achievement pin known as the Chevron Award.

Bruce Schmidt Esq. was presented with the 10-year Chevron service pin. Mr. Schmidt is a long-time resident of this area and a prominent attorney previously serving in the Buffalo area, and has a long history of service as a town justice in Gaines.

Mr. Schmidt was awarded the 10-year service pin and recognized for his significant and longstanding support of the Lyndonville Lions Club.

Mr. John Belson, a Lyndonville High School graduate and lifelong resident of the area, was given the 25-year Chevron service pin. Mr. Belson continues to reside in the area and serves as the Mayor of the Village of Lyndonville. He previously served as the Town of Yates Supervisor and continues his community service as he chairs many service projects undertaken by the Lyndonville Lions Club.

The third Lion to be honored was Mr. Russell Martino. A Medina native but transplant to the Lyndonville area, Mr. Martino has served for 45 years with the Lyndonville Lions. His career started as an educator, moved into school administration, and was followed by a long term as Town of Yates Supervisor. His wisdom, knowledge and history of the Lyndonville Lions has been invaluable to the junior members of the club.

Mr. Martino received his 45-year Chevron service pin and is the longest serving Lion in the Lyndonville Club.

The club wants to thank the above mentioned for their service and commitment to the Lyndonville Lions Club. The club could not be prouder to recognize these three gentlemen for they truly are representative of the International Lions Club motto “We Serve.”

In further Club business, the Lions are preparing for their 4th annual Eye Clinic to be held at the White Birch Resort in Lyndonville on April 26 at 9 a.m. Please see future announcements forthcoming in the Orleans Hub.

The annual Mother’s Day Rose Sale will take place on May 9-10. Pre-ordering for one dozen, long stem, red roses for $20 can be done by calling or texting to (585) 281-4646 or by calling (585) 765 3101. A limited supply of roses may be purchased as walk-in sales on the above-mentioned days at the White Birch. Roses can be picked up at the White Birch Resort on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. both days.

In further news, the Lyndonville Lions accepted the “Supporter of The Year” award from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) during their annual Genean awards celebration at the Seymour Place in Batavia.

Lion Bruce Schmidt accepted the award on behalf of the Lyndonville Lions. The Lions were recognized for their efforts in organizing one of the largest fireworks displays on Independence Day for over 48 years.

GO Art! further commented on the club’s ability to bring people together with their community concerts, their farewell to summer street dances each August, and the club’s first ever Oktoberfest that will be an annual event for the Lions and community to enjoy.

The Lions would like to express their appreciation to GO Art! for this award.

The Lyndonville Lions hope that everyone has a joyous Easter Season. We hope that God will continue to show his mercy and grace on us and this great country we live in. Happy Easter from the Lyndonville Lions!

Lyndonville welcomed 150-plus kids for Easter Egg Hunt

Posted 15 April 2025 at 9:44 am

Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: Carla Woodworth welcomed the Easter Bunny to the Lyndonville school on Saturday in an egg hunt coordinated by the Lyndonville United Methodist Church and the Lions Club. The eggs were hidden in the gym.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville United Methodist Church continued its annual Easter tradition by holding its Easter Egg Hunt at the Lyndonville Central School on Saturday.

At 11 a.m. sharp, the doors swung open in both high school gymnasiums to allow young children to hunt for Easter Eggs and other surprises.

The congregation of the United Methodist Church and multiple volunteers spent hours filling the eggs with Easter treats and then hiding the eggs amongst obstacles and barriers which created unique hiding spots for the eggs.

The annual tradition saw over 150 children of all ages participate in this fun-filled event. The tradition started over 20 years ago and sees larger crowds every year.

As in years past, the church worked in collaboration with the Lyndonville Lions Club who supplied complimentary grilled hot dogs and refreshments to all attendees. The guest of honor, the Easter Bunny, again made a special early Easter stop at the event.

Many took the opportunity to get a photo with the Easter Bunny who is sure to be very busy this Sunday.

The United Methodist Church Congregation and The Lyndonville Lions Club would like to wish all a very joyous Easter. It is the comfort afforded to us and expressed in 1 Corinthians 6:14: “And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power” that brings comfort to all during this holiest time.

May God continue to bless everyone and this great nation we live in.

The children wait outside the gym for the doors to open for the egg hunt.

Lyndonville accepting applications for Pre-K, kindergarten

Posted 28 March 2025 at 12:34 pm

Press Release, Lyndonville Central School

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Central School District is accepting applications for its 2025-26 pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) and kindergarten programs.

If you are a resident of the Lyndonville Central School District and your child will be 3, 4 or 5 by Dec. 1, 2025, they are eligible to enroll. If your child is already enrolled in our Pre-K program this year, they will automatically be pre-registered for the following year. Pre-K space is limited, but openings are available for all age groups.

Our developmentally appropriate Pre-K and kindergarten programs, which include breakfast and lunch at no cost to families, follow this schedule five days a week:

  • 3-year-old Pre-K: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • 4-year-old Pre-K: 7:35 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.
  • Kindergarten: 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

If more students are pre-registered for Pre-K for the 2025-26 school year than available seats, a lottery will be held on May 1. If Pre-K seats remain, they will be filled per UPK and district guidelines.

It is important to begin the registration process as soon as possible! Pre-K and kindergarten screening will take place on June 23. The district will be hosting a Pre-K Open House on July 4, but seats fill up quickly. Getting your application in as soon as possible will ensure a higher chance of an available spot for your student.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the program, please call or email Dr. Elissa Smith, Elementary School Principal, at (585) 765-3122 or esmith@lcsdk12.org.

You will need to provide your name, address, and child’s name and date of birth. More information and a pre-registration form can be found at lyndonvillecsd.org/registration.

Lyndonville brings a high-energy Newsies to the stage

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 March 2025 at 12:57 pm

Newsboys form union, seek fair pay in taking on wealthy publishers

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – Newsboys join together in a strike in 1899. Lyndonville shares the story of the ragtag team of paperboys making a living selling newspapers on the street of New York City.

Lyndonville performed the first show on Friday evening and has performances at 7 p.m. today and 2 p.m. Sunday in the Stroyan Auditorium, 25 Housel Ave.

Amir Huzair, in back, plays the lead role of Jack Kelly, who leads the youngsters in their fight to make a decent wage.

Jennifer Neroni-Trupo, the show’s director, said the musical brings a message for equality and fair pay, child rights and activism.

“Treat people with dignity and kindness all the time,” Neroni-Trupo states in the program for the musical. “We have been working very hard during this production to make sure that every person is welcome in our theater family and that this is a place they can safely be themselves.”

The newsboys go on strike after the newspaper owners increase the costs of the “papes” or the newspapers on the newsboys, cutting into their already slim profits. The newsboys form a union and go on strike against wealthy publishers, including Joseph Pulitzer.

James Giarla plays newspaper titan Joseph Pulitzer. When circulation starts to decline, resulting in lesser profits, Pulitzer decides to charge the newsboys more to sell the newspapers.

Jack and Crutchie (Auston Bentley), right, are excited to meet two new paperboys, Davey (Noah Fox), left, and his little brother Les (Gavyn Draper). Les gives a sad face to get sympathy from customers to buy his newspapers.

The Bowery Beauties join Medda Larkin (Hannah Marker) in performing at a theater. The Beauties include Robin Botsford, Sierra Frasier, Thalia Heinsler, Karalyn Klotzbach, Dixie Nowicki and Adrianna Vanderbrook. The newsboys take cover in the theater while being chased from the warden of a juvenile detention center.

Sarah Corser plays Katherine Plumber, a young reporter who covers the newsboys’ strike. She sees it as a chance to be taken more seriously as a reporter. She and Jack also have a romantic connection.

Aurora Avery plays the role of Finch and is fired up in seeking better wages and treatment.

Jack (Amir Huzair) is discouraged when the strike gets off to a rough start, with some of the newsboys, including his close friend Crutchie, apprehended and taken to the juvenile detention center. Huzair, blaming himself for the failure, sings “Santa Fe,” wanting to runaway forever.

Katherine and Jack later team to create their own paper, the Newsies Banner. Katherine, who is Pulitzer’s daughter, writes a story about the inhumane conditions in the juvenile detention facility, using many of Jack’s drawings of the abuse. That prompts the closing of the detention center.

Lyndonville elects White as write-in; Medina picks Bieliski, Marciano

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2025 at 10:25 pm

James White

LYNDONVILLE/MEDINA – Voters went to the polls in two villages in Orleans County today.

Lyndonville elected a write-in candidate, James White, over Steven Colon, who was on the ballot for a two-year trustee term.

White, a deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, received 53 of the 78 votes cast. Colon received 19, followed by 2 for Thomas Goetze, and 1 each for James Smith, Valerie Wells and Dennis Seekins.

White will fill a vacancy on the board created when Terry Stinson stepped down as trustee in August.

White’s term starts on April 1.


James “Scott” Bieliski, left, and Jess Marciano

Medina had two positions up for election but only James “Scott” Bieliski turned in enough petitions to be on the ballot. He was elected today with 201 votes.

The other two-year trustee position was determined by write-in ballots. Jess Marciano, an incumbent with nearly four years on the Village Board, was elected with 90 write-in votes, followed by 30 for Mike Maak. Others received one or two votes, said Judy Szulis, chairwoman of the election inspectors.

“I am very excited to serve the people,” said Bieliski, co-owner of a communications services business for hospitals and the healthcare system.

The trustees will be faced with putting together the village’s 2025-26 budget by the end of April. Bieliski said he is eager to get to work and join the board when the term starts April 1.

“I’ve already gone over the village budgets,” he said. “I have a good overview of where we’re at.”

Marciano didn’t circulate petitions to run for trustee. She instead was considering going for the Ridgeway Town Board. But she said she is happy to have two more years as a village trustee.

“I’m incredibly excited for the next two years,” she said.

Marciano won’t be pursuing the Ridgeway position this upcoming election “because that would be a disservice to the 90 people who voted for me today.”

Lyndonville village voters will elect a trustee today

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2025 at 10:19 am

Steve Colon faces write-in challenge from James White

LYNDONVILLE – Village residents will go to the polls today to choose a trustee for a two-year term. The polls are open from noon to 9 p.m. at the Village Hall, 2 South Main St.

Steve Colon of the Village of Lyndonville Party is the lone name on the ballot, but he faces as write-in challenge from James White, a deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

Colon has pursued public office before on the Town Board and the Republican Committee but so far hasn’t been elected. White also ran for the County Legislature when he was 21 in 2015, losing to Don Allport.

Colon has written many letters to the editors in recent years, and is staunchly conservative, saying he wants the government out of private lives. He also has written about being in Washington, DC on Jan. 6, 2021, saying he was expressing his displeasure with voter fraud against Donald Trump.

Colon has lived in Lyndonville since 1998. He said he cares deeply for the community and touts the local architecture, fishing and hunting resources, the public library and school system. He said he often reaches out to public officials at the local, county, state and federal levels.

“I am not afraid to express myself,” he said. “I want to work for you, to hear your grievances and to address those things that are important to you, to work with you when issues arise in order to work things out. Let me be your voice in local government and we will work hard to improve things that you and our fellow neighbors can see. Together we will make a positive difference.”

White said is committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, proactive leadership and being accessible to the community if he is elected to serve on the Village Board.

White said he has budget management experience, including when he was treasurer for the student government in college, managing finances for more than 30 campus clubs. He earned a master’s degree in business management from D’Youville University.

A former school resource officer at Kendall Central School, White said he has “extensive experience ensuring departmental compliance with organizational policies and procedures” during his time at Iroquois Job Corps for three years.

“Under my leadership, external independent audits consistently confirmed that standards were not only met but exceeded,” he said.

White is a 2012 Lyndonville graduate who grew up in the village. He and his wife moved to Lyndonville with their young son about a year and half ago.

“This community has always been special to me, and I believe there is no better place to raise a family,” he posted on social media. “As Trustee, I will work with people, not against them. The best solutions often come through collaboration and compromise, and I am committed to listening, understanding, and working together to make Lyndonville the best it can be.”

Lyndonville accepting applications for ‘Hometown Hero’ banners

File photo: These banners recognize two Medal of Honor recipients from the Lyndonville community. Forrest Vosler served during World War II with the Army as a radio operator and aerial gunner aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress. David 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 21 February 2025 at 10:45 am

Provided photo: Valerie Wells is shown with a banner for Harry Cooper, who was killed in World War II.

LYNDONVILLE – Applications are being accepted for new “Hometown Hero” banners in Lyndonville.

This will be the fourth year for the banners. It started in 2022 with 101 banners, followed by 34 more in 2023 and 14 more in 2024.

The banners are displayed from around Memorial Day to just after Veterans Day. They are on a three-year cycle. After three years they are given back to the families.

The cost for a banner is $200. Valerie Wells has been coordinator of the project in Lyndonville. Applications are open until March 31. Applicants can contact her at (585) 339-8500 or vwells022@gmail.com.

The money for the banners goes through the Lyndonville Area Foundation. The Lyndonville DPW and Town of Yates Highway Department hang the banners on utility poles on South Main Street, Lake Avenue, Maple Avenue, North Main Street and North Lyndonville Road.

Wells said the banners have promoted patriotism in the community and recognized veterans for their service. She said she comes from a family where many have served in the military, including her father, husband and father-in-law along and cousins and uncles. Her husband Jim Wells is commander of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post 204 in Medina.