Dr. Heather Lyon meets with school staff and stakeholders to identify strengths and challenges

Photos by Tom Rivers: Dr. Heather Lyon goes over Lyndonville students’ results on the recent state tests in grades 3-8 for ELA, math and science. Lyon said she will do a monthly focus on student performance for the Board of Education.

Dr. Heather Lyon attended her first Board of Education meeting as Lyndonville superintendent last week.

LYNDONVILLE – The school district’s new superintendent thanked the staff and community for a warm welcome.

Dr. Heather Lyon started on Aug. 1 as the new district leader, following the retirement of Sharon Smith.

“I couldn’t feel more welcomed to Lyndonville,” Lyon told the Board of Education last week. “Everyone has been so kind and I feel like the red carpet was rolled out. This makes me even more excited for students and teachers to return.”

Lyon has classroom teacher, staff developer, principal and school district leader. She most recently was coordinator of Assessment and Data at Gates Chili Central School District.

She said she looks forward to working with the board, administration and staff on building on student successes and also improving on challenges.

She said she will present data each month to the board on student performance and participation. This month she focused on the state assessment tests for grades 3 to 8. She said next month will likely be a close look at results of the Regents tests.

Lyon went over the state testing results which generally shows Lyndonville about on par with the state-wide scores.

To be considered proficient, students need to score at levels 3 or 4.

Charts from Lyndonville Central School: Lyndonville is very close to the state-wide proficiency rates for ELA, math and science.

State-wide assessments for students in grades 3-8 show:

• ELA – 53 percent of students statewide are proficient, up by 7 percent
• Math – 55 percent are proficient went, up by 3 percent
• Science – 44 percent are proficient (up by 9 percent)

Lyndonville results:

• ELA – 51 percent are proficient, down from 54 percent in 2024. The district had 13 percent of students at the lowest level of 1 (down from 17 percent in 2024). There were 36 percent at level 2, up from 30 percent, with 35 at level 3 (compared to 41 percent in 2024) and 16 percent at level 4 (compared to 13 percent in 2024).
• Math – 56 proficient in 2025, up 7 percent from the 49 percent in 2024. Lyndonville had 17 percent ent at level 1 (down from 20 percent), 28 percent at level 2 (down from 31 percent), 45 percent at level 3 (up from 38 percent) and 11 percent at level 4 in both 2024 and 2025.
• Science – 43 percent proficient in 2025 (up from 29 percent in 2024). Lyndonville reports that 8 percent were at the lowest level of 1 in 2025 (up from 18 percent in 2024), 51 percent at level 2 (40 percent in 2024), 38 percent at level 3 (20 percent a year earlier) and 5 percent at level 4 (down from 9 percent).

Lyon presented this summary of findings which show a drop in proficiency in ELA and math as students move into middle school years.

Lyon said she and district staff are analyzing cohort data, and other factors in the results, which became available on Aug. 11.

Lyndonville administrators and teachers will be looking at students “on the bubble” of being considered proficient and try to get them to move from level 2 to 3, she said.

The superintendent looked back at Lyndonville’s ELA results over several years and noted the district has better scores now than before the Covid pandemic in 2020. “Not many school districts can say that,” she said.

The science scores only reflected students in grades 5 and 8. Dr. Aaron Slack, the junior-senior high school principal, said many of the top students in eighth grade don’t take the science or math assessment tests because they are already taking advanced courses. The state doesn’t “double test” students in eighth grade.

Board was deadlocked in July on electing a president, VP

Photos by Tom Rivers: Patrick Whipple led the Board of Education meeting last week in Lyndonville after he was elected to be the group’s president in a 4-3 vote.

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Board of Education picked a president and vice president to lead the group for the 2025-26 school year.

The election happened about a month later than usual after the board was tied in 3-3 votes on July 15.

Last week the board had all seven members in attendance and Patrick Whipple was elected the president and George Avery is the vice president. They each received four votes.

Whipple will succeed Jerod Thurber as president. Thurber didn’t seek to continue as the board leader due to increased commitments in his professional life. Avery succeeds Megan Bruning as VP.

On July 15, the president’s position was between Whipple and board newcomer, Joanne Suhr. They each received three votes.

On Aug. 19, it was Whipple and Megan Bruning vying for the top spot. Whipple received votes from himself, Thurber, Vern Fonda and George Avery, while Bruning was backed by herself, James Houseman and Suhr.

Whipple thanked the board for backing him. He also welcomed the district’s new superintendent, Dr. Heather Lyon, and said he supports her push for data-driven analysis. The new superintendent said she will do a deep dive each month on statistics measuring student performance. Last week she went over Lyndonville’s most recent grades 3-8 state testing results.

Whipple works as the director of professional learning services for the Genesee Valley BOCES. Two of his children are Lyndonville graduates.

For vice president, Whipple’s supporters all backed Avery. Joanne Suhr was backed for vice president with three votes – from herself, Bruning and Houseman.

Suhr is a retired teacher from Lyndonville. Her husband Harold served on the board for 21 years. His term ended on June 30.

Bruning said Mrs. Suhr would bring a new balance to the board’s leadership with perspective as a long-time teacher at Lyndonville.

Mrs. Suhr said the board leadership needs to consider the opinions of all board members and strive to be transparent in its decision-making for the full board.

Avery said he is honored to serve as vice president.

“I will try to ensure the best team possible and that we’re doing the right things for the district,” he said.

Vern Fonda takes the oath of office as a member of the Board of Education. The oath was administered by Megan Bruning, a member of the board.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman: The Lyndonville community celebrated Mark Hughes’ 50 years as a Tigers baseball coach on May 20, 2022. Hughes was a much-loved Lyndonville coach and teacher who passed away at age 75 on June 4.

LYNDONVILLE – The donations keep coming in for a memorial scholarship in honor of Mark Hughes, a Lyndonville teacher and coach.

Hughes died on June 4 at age 75. Since then, nearly $40,000 has been donated to a memorial scholarship in his name.

The district received 98 donations towards the Mark Hughes Memorial Scholarship, totaling $17,215, in the first month after he passed away. Then another $21,742 came to the district office for the scholarship.

It’s an unusual situation to have money pouring in before the parameters of a scholarship have been set up, school officials. Lyndonville will work with Hughes family on criteria and the process for awarding the scholarships in the future.

The scholarship funds could be managed by the Lyndonville Area Foundation, which oversees several scholarships in the community.

Megan Bruning, a Lyndonville Board of Education member, said the numerous donations are tribute to Hughes and the a generous community.

“This will provide some amazing opportunities for our students for years to come,” she said during last week’s Board of Education meeting.

Hughes was hired in 1972 as a teacher and coach. During that time, Hughes was an integral part of seven sectional titles, 17 league titles and two trips to the state tournament as part of the baseball program.

Hughes was involved in many community efforts, including the Lyndonville Lions Club, where he played key roles with the Fourth of July fireworks, chicken barbecue and parade.

Donations may be made to the Mark Hughes Memorial Scholarship, payable to the Lyndonville Central School District, 25 Housel Ave. Lyndonville, NY 14098.

Photos by Tom Rivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release, Town of Yates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release, Lyndonville Central School

Dr. Heather Lyon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Tom Rivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Tom Rivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Tom Rivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallagher Hill Trucking brought some tractor trailers for the parade.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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