By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 July 2026 at 10:27 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: George Avery was re-elected as vice president of the Lyndonville Board of Education last week. He led the board meeting because newly elected president Joanne Suhr was on vacation in Hawaii. She was able to attend the meeting through video conferencing. District Clerk Tanya Marek is at right.
LYNDONVILLE – The Board of Education has picked a new president. Joanne Suhr, a retired Lyndonville teacher, will lead the seven-member board during the 2026-27 school.
Joanne Suhr
Suhr received four votes during last week’s organizational meeting. Patrick Whipple, the board president the past school year, received two votes. One of the board members, Vern Fonda, was late for the vote due to coaching a baseball game. Fonda voted for Whipple about a year ago to be president.
Suhr secured for votes to be president from herself, James Houseman, Megan Bruning and new board member, Dana Goetze.
Whipple had votes from himself and George Avery, who was re-elected to serve as vice president. Goetze replaced Jerod Thurber on the board, and he backed Whipple as president for the 2025-26 school year.
Suhr attended the meeting from 4,600 miles away in Hawaii through videoconferencing.
“Thank you for my appointment,” she told the board. “I don’t take it lightly. Patrick, thank you. You did a great job.”
Whipple, the director of professional learning services for the Genesee Valley BOCEs in Batavia, said he was thankful for the chance to lead the board the past year.
“I know Joanne will do a great job,” he said.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Joanne Suhr was able to be part of the meeting last week through video conferencing. She could hear what was happening and was able to vote, ask questions and make comments.
The district will be operating with a contingency budget this school year after a $19,194,000 budget was rejected twice by the public – on May 19 by a 172-129 vote and then again on June 16 with a 327-292 vote.
The Board of Education last week approved $266,495 in cuts needed to meet the threshold of a contingency budget.
“We’ll have challenges but we’ll pull through and we’ll do amazing things for our district,” said George Avery, the board vice president.
He said he looks forward to working with Suhr. The board throughout the school year will have to be very budget conscious, Avery said.
“We’ll have to look at everything through fiscal responsibility and the strategic plan, and find a balance,” he said.
The board approved one change for the new school year: the board meetings will start at 6:30 p.m. instead of 7. Many of the local municipalities and school districts have moved from 7 p.m. start times to 6 p.m. The 6 p.m. start time was a little too early for some board members, but they agreed to 6:30.
Vern Fonda, one of the board members, said many of the district sporting events start at 5 and preferred a later meeting start, rather than 6 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2026 at 10:03 pm
400-mile run for Community Action reaches $11,000 of $20,000 goal
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Brett Sobieraski, in white, runs around the Lyndonville school track with Rochester police officer and Lyndonville native Chris Shingleton.
Sobieraski completed another 55 miles on foot or 220 laps around the track. It was his second 55-mile day out of seven in a row, with 15 miles on Saturday in a 400-mile trek to benefit Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.
Sobieraski, a Carlton resident and retired Rochester Police Department sergeant, is trying to raise $20,000 for Community Action to help the agency during a tiem of budget cuts and uncertainty.
He has raised $11,000 so far, including $6,691 online (as of 9:50 p.m.) To make an online donation, click here. Community Action representatives also are at each run, selling T-shorts and accepting cash donations or checks.
Brett Sobieraski, Chris Shingleton and Brad Kingdollar (at right) run along the Lyndonville track. Kingdollar completed 80 laps for 20 miles. Altogether, there were 40 different people who joined Sobieraski on the track today. He welcomes walkers and runners to come out and join him, even if it’s just for a lap.
The schedule the next six days includes:
Monday, July 20 – Batavia HS for 55 miles (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Tuesday, July 21 – East Rochester HS for 55 miles (Special Remembrance Day for Fallen Officers)
Wednesday, July 22 – Kendall HS for 55 miles
Thursday, July 23 – Medina HS for 55 miles
Friday, July 24 – Holley HS for 55 miles
Saturday, July 25 – Albion HS (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.) for the grand finale of 15 miles
After running more than 20 miles, Sobieraski took a short walking break. He is joined by childhood friend Shawn Gorman, left, and cousin Mark Sobieraski of Gasport.
Gorman grew up in Lockport with Brett Sobieraski. Gorman said Sobieraski has been a good friend since they were in kindergarten. Gorman said Sobieraski came out in the middle of the night to cheer him on when he did the 100-mile Beast of Burden on foot.
“He has always been an outstanding person and an inspiration to me,” Gorman said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 July 2026 at 10:40 am
District makes $266,495 in cuts after budget was rejected twice
Photo by Tom Rivers: Dan Dragula, the Lyndonville school business administrator, goes over a contingency budget during Tuesday’s Lyndonville Board of Education meeting.
LYNDONVILLE – The Board of Education has approved $266,495 in cuts needed for the district to adopt a contingency budget.
Lyndonville adopted the $18,927,505 in a unanimous board vote on Tuesday. The district twice presented a $19,194,000 budget to the public. It was rejected on May 19 by a 172-129 vote, and then again on June 16 with a 327-292 vote.
The district worked to whittle down expenses that aren’t legally required or necessary to maintain the educational program, and not needed to protect the health and safety of students and staff. These contingency expenses could be equipment purchases, optional program enhancements, subsidized community use of school facilities and other discretionary expenditures.
The budget preserves all educational programs for students, and keeps all of the extracurricular programs and sports, including at the modified, junior varsity and varsity levels.
Lyndonville made the cuts from the following areas: $57,000 from administrative expenses; $52,000 from general instruction; $40,000 from operations; $21,118 from special education; $20,600 from library, media and technology; $20,000 from pupil services; $17,746 from Board of Education; $11,000 from Athletics; $8,200 from Central Administration; $7,331 from Instructional Administration/Staff Development; $7,000 from Finance; $3,500 from Community Services; and $1,000 from Transportation.
No new equipment purchases are allowed. Lyndonville zapped $108,600 in equipment purchases with $10,000 from elementary school, $20,000 from high school, $6,000 from music program, $40,000 from building maintenance and upkeep, $600 from library/AV equipment, $20,000 in computer equipment, $11,000 in athletics equipment, and $1,000 from garage equipment.
The board cut conferences and training programs, including for the Board of Education. The budget cuts $20,000 for part-time psychologist intern, and $27,000 in public information services. The Applegram newsletter may not be in print, and instead be online.
Lyndonville Board of Education members Patrick Whipple, left, and Vern Fonda are shown at the recent board meeting. Whipple said he was concerned about the budget cuts for curriculum development and teacher training.
“Not only does this hamper the coming year, but it reverberates from here on out,” Whipple said.
The main focus of the district is education and the contingency budget does weaken the district’s educational program due to the continuing education cuts for teachers.
“That compounds,” Whipple said. “It effects this year’s kids and next year’s. Teachers won’t be honing their craft.”
Whipple also said he was concerned by a reduction of $32,000 in the district line item for legal expenses from $72,000 to $40,000. He said “an increasingly litigious society” could warrant more legal costs for Lyndonville.
“We’re crossing our fingers we won’t need them as much,” Dragula said about the legal costs. If Lyndonville needs to spend more, Dragula said the district would need to find the money in another part of the budget.
Board member James Houseman said any outside groups using Lyndonville facilities should be responsible for any damaged equipment. The baseball and soccer leagues already do that, but the it should be spelled out for all outside groups, board members said.
The contingency budget continues all current community use programs except a $3,500 non-subsidized use of the fitness center. The other programs don’t have a line item cost to the district.
Houseman and board members said Lyndonville should consider fees for use of ball fields, the gym and other facilities. The Lyndonville Facility and Finance Committees will consider if there should be a charge in the future.
District Superintedent Dr. Heather Lyon goes over the district’s code of conduct. She addressed the contingency budget challenges. She said it will be “an ongoing conversation through the school year. She wants serving students and their needs to remain the focus.
“Our students didn’t get to vote but they are impacted by the vote,” she said.
Dr. Lyon has secured some assistance to help with student and teacher supplies in the coming year. The continency budget allows for some teacher supplies, but can’t cover students supplies, such as crayons, pencils, paper and erasers.
Hope Resales in Lyndonville has donated $500 to the district to help with needs due to the budget cutbacks. The ladies of Charity gave $1,600 for student supplies.
The Teachers’ Desk in Buffalo is welcoming Lyndonville teachers this school year to come to the site and pick up needed supplies for free.
Lyndonville was accepted after qualifying for assistance partly due to its high free and reduced lunch rate of 56 percent, Lyon said.
Isabella Brevet, the student representative on board, spoke during Tuesday’s meeting and urged the Board to keep as many programs and services for students as possible.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 July 2026 at 1:55 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club organized a ceremony on Saturday to honor Nehemiah Spalding on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Spalding is a Revolutionary War solider buried at Lynhaven Cemetery.
Pictured from left include Scott Goetze and John Follman of the American Legion, Lyndonville Lions Club President David Godfrey and Mike Fiegl.
Mr. Spalding volunteered in a militia in the Albany area for the Revolutionary War. He fought in multiple British scrimmages in the Hudson and Mohawk Valley regions.
Further records show his cooperation in several of the major Revolutionary War battles including the Battle of Oriskany, The Battle of Klock’s Field and the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga.
Scott A. Goetze, a member of the American Legion in Lyndonville, presents a flag to descendants of Nehemiah Spalding. His family also was recognized as grand marshals of the Fourth of July parade.
Peter Wybron and his sister Nancy Gerhardt are 4th generation grandchildren of Spalding, and they live in Western New York. Other Spalding descendants also attended the ceremony which including a wreath-laying at Spalding’s grave.
Spalding’s family received commendations from the Orleans County Legislature, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.
American Legion members Scott Goetze, left, and John Follman fold an American flag that was presented to Nehemiah Spalding’s family.
Members of the American Legion served as the Honor Guard and did a 21-gun salute. Matthew Heinsler played Taps.
The Gates Pipe and Drum Band performed “Amazing Grace” at the end of a ceremony honoring Nehemiah Spalding.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 July 2026 at 8:52 am
Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Central School
LYNDONVILLE – The Class of 2026 tosses their caps after commencement on June 26.
There are 42 members of the Lyndonville Class of 2026, including Elena Barry, Alexandria Carvalho, Annalee Clark, Sebastian Clark, Irene Daniels, Emily Dill, Benjamin Doolan, Taleana Farrell, Austin Fonda, Jonathan Frasier, Zachary Freas, James Giarla, Jr.
Brooke Robinson, Anthony Roman, Jr., Greyson Romano, Raul Sanchez Morales, William Schening, Andrew Schlegel, Colton Smith, Savannah Spoth, Lilly Temich, Rylan Townsend, Bryant Watson, Emma Wisniewski, Camdeon Wittcop-Howes and Nathan Woodworth.
Valedictorian Elena Barry, left, and Salutatorian Brooke Robinson both gave speeches during commencement.
Nathan Woodworth accepts his diploma and is congratulated by Dr. Patrick Whipple, the Board of Education president.
Lyndonville graduating seniors sing during the commencement program at the school auditorium.
Austin Fonda receives the first Mark D. Hughes Memorial Scholarship. He is congratulated by Shane Price, a teacher and former baseball coach at Lyndonville who worked and coached with Hughes for many years. The Mark D. Hughes Memorial Scholarship awards $2,000 to an individual that honors the legacy of a beloved educator, coach, and community pillar who spent over 52 years uplifting the students of the Lyndonville Central School District. Hughes passed away at age 75 on June 4, 2025.
Class of 2026 Awards & Scholarships
Elks National Foundation Legacy Scholarship: Colton Smith
F. Edward (Ted) Powley Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Colton Smith
Fred Large Memorial Scholarship: Greyson Romano & Rylan Townsend
Harvey E. Anderson Section V Scholarship: Colton Smith
Jones Family Memorial Scholarship: Austin Fonda
Keith N. Bane Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Jonathan Frasier & Zachary Freas
Louise Sidari Felso Scholarship: Lilly Raduns
Lyndonville Teacher’s Association Scholarship: Emily Dill
Lyndonville United Methodist Church Daniel Irwin Memorial Scholarship: Molly Ingersoll
Medina Area Association of Churches Scholarship: Brooke Robinson
New York Credit Union Association Scholarship: Colton Smith
New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association Scholarship: Elena Barry
New York State Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen’s Award: Colton Smith
New York State Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship: Colton Smith
New York State Series Scholarship for Academic Excellence: Elena Barry, Emly Miner & Rylan Townsend
Niagara University Presidential Scholarship: Emily Dill
Ontario Shores FCU Scholarship: Colton Smith
Orleans County Farm Bureau Scholarship: Nathan Woodworth
Patricia Bane-Blanchard Memorial Scholarship: Shyann Little
St. Bonaventure University Friars Scholarship: Benjamin Doolan
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2026 at 1:22 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The older water tower on West Avenue is silhouetted on Saturday night at the start of Lyndonville’s Fourth of July fireworks show. Lyndonville works with Young Explosives to put on one of the region’s biggest fireworks shows. The Saturday night show was just over a half hour.
This photo shows the Lyndonville United Methodist Church at left with the Presbyterian Church in back at right.
Saturday’s fireworks show was part of Lyndonville’s Independence Day celebration on the 250th anniversary of the country.
The water in Johnson Creek reflects the fireworks that are shot off behind the school.
The Lyndonville Lions Club added the red, white and blue illumination as part of the Independence Day celebration.
There were cutouts of Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty near the waterfalls on Main Street.
This photo looks through the cutoff of Uncle Sam with fireworks in the background.
Fireworks are shown in the distance while looking through the Statue of Liberty cutout.
There were lots of concessions available throughout the day, including right up until the fireworks.
A basketball hoop is shown with lots of fireworks.
The basketball hoop is a silhouette against the colorful fireworks during the finale.
Two kids play with light-up swords on the basketball courts during the fireworks finale.
Bryan McDowell sent in this photo from the finale with the scoreboard in the foreground.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2026 at 7:42 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville marching band performed with a big contingent of students for the Fourth of July Parade today that started at noon. The marching band is shown going down Main Street.
The band heads north on Main Street near a giant American flag that was displayed by Panek Farms. Panek held the flag high from an old City of Lockport ladder truck the farm acquired.
Veterans ride in a trolley provided by the Houseman-Tanner Post of the American Legion.
Main Street was packed with people to see the parade.
Lyndonville Mayor John Belson wears the Lyndonville baseball jersey of the late Mark Hughes, a much loved Lyndonville teacher and coach who passed away at age 75 on June 4, 2025. Belson assumed Hughes’s long-time role, pulling the fundraising barrel for the fireworks, which start at 10 tonight.
Auston Ley portrays George Washington and tosses candy to kids along the parade route.
Mike Fiegl plays Abraham Lincoln and Jeff Costello is Ben Franklin. There were more than the usual famous U.S. leaders in the parade, which falls on the 250th anniversary of the country.
Bob Eberle dressed as Uncle Sam and waves to the crowd along Main Street during today’s Fourth of July parade in Lyndonville. He is approaching the giant American flag.
Eric Johnson also pulls a fundraising barrel for the fireworks. He added some touches for President Donald Trump with the orange hair and a golf club for a cane.
Scott Schmidt, second from right, served as the parade emcee. He is joined on the parade platform by his father, Bruce Schmidt, a member of the Lyndonville Lions Club, which organized the Fourth of July celebration for the 52nd year.
The Keystone Club Police Pipes & Drums in Gates have been a parade mainstay in Lyndonville.
Mark Watts drives a 1933 fire truck that was used by the Medina Fire Department until 1972, when it was taken out of service.
Marlene Seielstad, a candidate for Orleans County legislator, had a contingent with her during the parade.
3B Manufacturing, a precision machining and fabrication shop in Medina, tossed candy to the crowd, many of the people were wearing red, white and blue.
Community Action and Head Start was out spreading the message about their programs serving children and families.
Snowstorm Solutions brought a plow truck with a tribute to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The Oak Orchard Assembly of God promoted an upcoming Vacation Bible School – July 12-15 with a theme of “Emerald Crossing.”
The East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company was among many fire departments represented in the parade.
Provided photo: The Lyndonville Lions Club lights the Lyndonville Waterfalls on Main Street in patriotic red, white, and blue as part of the community’s July 4th holiday celebration.
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club has officially opened the extended July 4th holiday weekend with its “Light Up Lyndonville” campaign, part of the 52nd Annual Lyndonville Lions Club July 4th Celebration.
The initiative has transformed several municipal buildings along Main Street into a patriotic display of red, white, and blue lighting. One of the highlights of this year’s effort is the illumination of the Lyndonville Waterfalls, creating a striking tribute to our nation’s birthday.
The club also regrets to announce that there will be no military flyover preceding Saturday’s July 4th Parade. The Lions Club was informed that, due to current operations in the Middle East, regional United States Air Force bases capable of conducting the flyover have been placed on Operational Alert, making them unavailable for ceremonial missions.
The club is extremely proud of the military flyovers that have honored our community in previous years and hopes to once again welcome this special tribute in future celebrations.
During this Independence Day weekend, the Lyndonville Lions Club asks everyone to keep our military personnel and their families in their thoughts and prayers. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, they will be standing watch around the world, protecting the freedoms we are privileged to celebrate.
All scheduled July 4th festivities will proceed as planned. The July 4th Parade begins at noon, with the Arts & Crafts Show, vendors, food, entertainment, and family activities on the Lyndonville Central School grounds.
The popular Firecracker Concert Series begins at 7 p.m. on the baseball fields at the school and will be followed by the Lyndonville Lions Club’s spectacular Salute to America Fireworks Display.
Advance tickets for the famous Chiavetta’s Chicken Barbecue are still available at the Town of Yates Hall through Thursday afternoon and at the Hojack Ice Cream Shack in Lyndonville through Friday afternoon. As always, tickets will also be available on the day of the event for walk-up purchases.
The Lyndonville Lions Club extends its sincere appreciation to the many sponsors, volunteers, community partners, and supporters who have helped make this year’s celebration possible.
The club warmly invites everyone to join them this July 4th as the community comes together to celebrate our nation’s independence and America’s 250th anniversary in true Lyndonville tradition.
Largest fireworks show in Lyndonville history to cap 250th anniversary celebration for USA
Photo by Tom Rivers: Fireworks lit up the sky in Lyndonville last year on the Fourth of July to cap the 50th annual July 4th celebration organized by the Lyndonville Lions Club.
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – At its final planning meeting on Wednesday, June 24, the Lyndonville Lions Club finalized preparations for what is expected to be the largest Fourth of July Celebration in the history of the Town of Yates.
The Lions Club anticipates no changes from the traditions that have made this event a community favorite for the past 51 years. The annual celebration will once again take place throughout the streets of Lyndonville and on the grounds of Lyndonville Central School.
The celebration will begin with the “Light Up Lyndonville” initiative, encouraging residents throughout the Town of Yates and the Village of Lyndonville to illuminate their homes in red, white and blue from July 1 through July 5.
In partnership with the Village of Lyndonville Department of Public Works, the Lyndonville Lions Club will also be lighting Main Street with a variety of patriotic displays and decorations.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Just before the hour-long parade a military flyover passed over Lyndonville during last year’s parade on July 4, 2025. The plane came from the 911th United States Air Force Reserve from Pittsburgh, Pa. The flyover was at about 11:55 a.m.
The Lions encourage residents to showcase their community spirit and patriotic pride by decorating their homes with flags, banners, lights, wreaths and inflatables. Following the holiday weekend, awards will be presented to recognize the most outstanding residential displays.
A military fly over is anticipated on July 4th at 11:55 a.m. which will honor our past, present veterans and active military personnel. Please remember the military fly over is dependent on present world events and weather conditions. Further details may be forthcoming, so stay tuned.
This year’s chicken barbecue will feature chicken from Chiavetta’s along with all the traditional sides. Tickets may be purchased at the Hojack Ice Cream Shack and the Yates Town Hall during regular business hours. Tickets may also be reserved through any Lyndonville Lions Club member on a will-call basis and will be held at the door for pickup on the day of the event. In addition, tickets will be available for purchase at the door, subject to availability.
The Lyndonville Lions Club is also setting an ambitious goal this year—to sell 1,000 hot dogs during the Fourth of July Celebration. To help reach this milestone, the Lions are inviting everyone to join their “A Bad Day to Be a Hot Dog” campaign. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Lions hot dog stand, enjoy a delicious hot dog, and support the many community service projects sponsored by the Club throughout the year.
After the parade there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of Nehemiah Spalding, a Revolutionary War soldier.
The parade will kick off at noon and is expected to have all the usual participants along with some new additions. The Lyndonville Lions will be sponsoring their “Salute to America’s Forefathers” float.
The Grand Marshal cars will carry the 4th generation relatives of one of Lyndonville’s “Home Town Hero’s” Mr. Nehemiah Spalding. Mr. Peter Wybron and his sister Mrs. Nancy Gerhardt are 4th generation grandchildren and are his descendants living here in Western New York. Mr. Spalding was a Revolutionary War Volunteer who served in the Albany area militias.
Records from the War Department and research through the Daughters of the American Revolution corroborate Mr. Spalding’s participation in multiple local British scrimmages in the Hudson and Mohawk Valley regions. Further records show his cooperation in several of the major Revolutionary War Battles including the Battle of Oriskany, The Battle for Klock’s Field and the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga. This last battle has been considered by historians to be the turning point of the Revolutionary War in favor of the Continental Army.
A wreath laying ceremony will follow the parade at the grave marker of Mr. Nehemiah Spalding in Lynhaven Cemetery. The event is expected to include a wreath being placed by local dignitaries, a full honor guard with a flag folding presentation, gun salute and the playing of taps. This will be carried out by the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Honor Guard. The Lions are in gratitude to The Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post 1603 and Mr. Scott Goetze for their efforts in seeing this come to fruition. The retired pastor from the Yates Baptist Church Reverend Lyle Drake will offer a few words along with a closing prayer.
At the culmination of the service the Gates Pipe and Drum Band will perform ” Amazing Grace. All are welcome to attend this brief memorial service that will honor and remember those who made this day possible.
The evening entertainment will feature an encore performance by one of Lyndonville’s favorite bands, the Bleeding Hearts. The band is expected to perform many of their popular crowd-pleasers, along with a special tribute set featuring classic hits from one of America’s most beloved summer bands, the Beach Boys.
Provided photo: The Bleeding Hearts will perform a special tribute set to the Beach Boys before the fireworks.
During the Beach Boys tribute set, the Lyndonville Lions Club will sponsor its inaugural Lawn Surfing Contest. Aspiring surfers from Lyndonville and across Western New York will have the opportunity to compete for cash prizes and bragging rights as they showcase their best lawn surfing skills. So break out your “baggies” and your “Huarache sandals,” practice your best surf moves, and join the fun.
The evening will close with the much-anticipated Salute to America 250 fireworks extravaganza. Patriotic songs will accompany the first part of the fireworks display expected to commence at 10 p.m.
The Lions would like to thank all those who have sponsored this event. The Lions would ask that all take a moment to remember those who have passed and bequeathed funds to the Lyndonville Lions to be used for this year’s fireworks display.
In further business the Lyndonville Lions selected the Scholarship winners for the Dr. Julius Layer “Doc Layer Award” and the Mr. Donald Fraiser Memorial Scholarship Award. These two scholarships are the oldest scholarships awarded at the Lyndonville High School Graduation Ceremony dating back to their inception in 1968 and 1970. Each scholarship is a $1,000 award to a graduating senior who encompasses the scholarship, compassion, civic responsibility and sportsmanship.
The Lions Club will continue its annual tradition of recognizing the top ten graduating seniors with a $100 cash gift at graduation. The club will recognize the work of the Senior Class Leo Club members with a Lions Club International Gold Pin Award. The awards will be announced by a Lyndonville Lions Club member at graduation.
The Lyndonville Lions Club extends a warm invitation to residents, former residents, neighbors, and visitors to join us for this historic Fourth of July Celebration as we commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States of America. May God continue to bless our men and women in harm’s way around the world as they continue to protect our rights and freedoms.
Photos by Natalie Baron: Madison Farley of Medina smiles as she shakes hands with Susan Starkweather Miller, the keynote speaker. She handed out Michael Josephson’s poem, “What Will Matter.”
By Natalie Baron, correspondent
LYNDONVILLE – On Monday evening, the Top 10 graduates in the Class of 2026 in Orleans County’s five school districts were celebrated with the annual banquet at White Birch Golf Course. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the event.
The graduates spoke with humility and gratitude, while their parents could not have been prouder.
“It’s such an honor to be a part of Medina’s Top Ten, to be here,” Darlene Beach of Medina said.
Parent Roxanne Ham of Holley shared, “This is such a great accomplishment, for all of these seniors to put in all of this hard work and to see it pay off. I’m proud of my daughter and each and every student here. They each deserve the recognition.”
Susan Starkweather Miller was the 2026 keynote speaker. She is known for her commitments to community and service. She is retired from the Albion school district and now serves as the Village of Albion historian.
The 2026 keynote speaker was Susan Starkweather Miller. The Albion graduate went on to serve as Albion’s Public Information Officer, Service-Learning Coordinator, Internship Program Coordinator, Grants Manager, and Community Liaison.
She has been on the Albion High School Alumni Foundation for 35 years, as a board member and, presently, as vice-president. The board is behind developing and bestowing scholarships. Last year, the board gave nearly $200,000 to graduates. Starkweather Miller has always loved shining a spotlight on members of ACS.
In her retirement, Starkweather Miller has become the Village of Albion historian. She is one of the leaders behind the “Save Our Chapel” movement for the Mount Albion Cemetery. She has also become a Master Gardener and Master Food Preserver. Starkweather Miller loves to learn, garden, take photographs, travel with her husband, be spontaneous, interact with her friends, explore Mount Albion and the Erie Canal, and volunteer in her community and at her church.
Miller has received the Orleans County Heritage Heroes Award due to her work in the preservation of local history, the Albion Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Fellow Award, which has the theme of “Service Above Self”, the Golden Empire Award from the NY School Public Relations Association for her efforts as the district’s Public Relations Officer, and the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Albion High School National Honor Society.
The Lyndonville Top 10 include: Bottom Row: Savannah Spoth, Emily Miner, Rylan Townsend, Isabella Groves, Brooke Robinson and Elena Barry. Top Row: Barbara Jary, McKinley Price, Benjamin Doolan and Colton Smith. Included in the photo are Superintendent Heather Lyon, Principal Aaron Slack and BOE President Patrick Whipple.
Before the dinner, Starkweather Miller had the opportunity to walk around and talk to some of the students present that night about what she has noticed they have done in the community, noting that they are “quite an amazing group of young adults.”
As such, she felt very honored to be speaking to them that night. Additionally, she felt a sense of “déjà vu” as she used to coordinate this very event, and she would even chat with past keynote speakers.
Starkweather Miller laid out the characteristics she believes these graduates possess or can develop that will help them to lead not only a Top 10 high school experience, but a 10 life, rich in success and fulfillment. Her broad themes were community, willingness, service, leadership, sportsmanship, helping people, volunteering and connection.
She began with human connection, describing how she read about the graduates’ accomplishments on their school websites, in the papers, and on social media and recognized their efforts to connect with others. She said how, in that room, there were Eagle Scouts, FFA members, Student Council members, Class Officers, National Honor Society members, Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Program members, crash simulation volunteers, Scholar Athletes, Lions Club Leos, Rotary Interact community service volunteers, and more.
“Thank you for learning to be leaders to your peers and teaching others new skills,” she stated, taking the time and effort to thank the students for their hard work for these various groups.
The Kendall Top 10 include: Bottom Row: Adrianna Schiavone, Brooke Jurek, Marlie Clark, Madison Hults, Brooke Rodas and Stella Kwiatek. Top Row: Brandon Barrett, Jonathan Conte, Joseph Fagan and Jonathan Esposito. Missing from the photo: Wyatt Anderson. Included in the photo are Superintendent Nicholas Picardo, BOE President Rachel Fisken, BOE Vice-President Lisa Levett and Principal Melissa Strelick.
She stressed the importance of perseverance and how much these students have persevered already by simply making it into the Top 10.
“Remember that life doesn’t happen to you. You make things in your life happen for you,” she expressed. “Let’s face it, it’s easier to give up than to persevere, but the sense of accomplishment by following through is immeasurable.”
She described the need for emotional intelligence. “Being academically intelligent isn’t everything. I think having high emotional intelligence is even more important. You could be the smartest person in the room, but if you don’t care about others, show empathy, or have self-awareness on how your actions affect others, then you probably won’t be as successful as you can be.”
She discussed citizenship, focusing on contributing, responding to needs, being informed, and voting. “We each have a role to play in improving our society.”
Jax Richards-Dyson of Holley receives his copy of “What Will Matter.” The poem describes living a life focused on giving.
Starkweather Miller also talked about kindness and connection by seeing people, being happy for others’ successes, and recognizing them. She described service and getting involved even after high school, communication skills, problem-solving, creativity and innovation, teamwork, time management, active listening and responding, adaptability, and soft skills like being dependable, responsible, positive, and prideful without being overconfident.
“It’s okay. I give you permission if you change your mind on what and who you want to be. It doesn’t mean you’re a failure,” Miller said. “Don’t be afraid to fail, because often, the best learning about who you really are comes in the face of failure.”
“Think of people who have had the biggest impact on your life. Chances are they aren’t the richest or most famous, but they were the ones who showed up, the ones who listened the ones who encouraged you and helped you, even when they didn’t have to, the ones who saw you and cared.” Miller closed with a passage from Michael Josephson’s poem What Will Matter about this very idea.
“‘Choose to live a life that matters.’” As the Top 10 graduates walked the stage to receive their medallions, she handed them the poem.
The Medina Top 10 include: Bottom Row: Madison Farley, Bellaflor Gomez-Hernandez, Darlene Beach, Lilah Class, Allie Frentz and Mahri Harmer-Owen. Top Row: Brennan Woodruff, Alexander Wilson, Hunter Walczak and Caden Kingsbury. Included in the photo are Superintendent Mark Kruzynski, Principal Michael Cavanagh, BOE President Alissa Mitchell and Assistant Principal Mollie Mark.
The Albion Top 10 include: Bottom Row: Hanna Kumalac, Lindsay Crawford, Aubrey Gannon, Neveya Barnes, Kaitlin Bennett and Julia Button. Top Row: Joshua Zayac, Bradley Pierce, Nathaniel Miesner and Gideon Pask. Included in the photo are BOE President Linda Weller, Superintendent Mickey Edwards and Principal Jennifer Ashbery.
The Holley Top 10 include: Bottom Row: Mia Thom, Alexis VanAmeron, Nora Lindsay, Annalee Ham, Carissa Klossner and Payton Preston. Top Row: Jax Richards-Dyson, Hunter Pachla, Landyn Burch and Kohle Pachla. Included in the photo are Principal Matthew Feldman, Superintendent Karri Schiavone, BOE President Trina Lorentz and BOE Vice-President Jessica Sniatecki.
Gideon Pask shakes hands with Albion Superintendent Mickey Edwards as he is given his award. Another year of the Academic Excellence Awards Dinner wrapped successfully.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 June 2026 at 11:28 am
Garden soiree annual event planned by Cobblestone Museum
Photos courtesy of Beth Carpenter Dorf: Joyce Chizick, left, and Shirley Bright Neeper, co-chairs of the Cobblestone’s garden soiree, look at vegetable and flower plants started in containers in back of the Dorf’s house. At right, Georgia Thomas of Medina checks out the vegetable plantings. Thomas will serve iced tea and dessert at the soiree.
LYNDONVILLE – The Cobblestone Museum’s annual garden soiree this summer will feature not only an abundance of flowers and plants, but an artistic touch, as well.
Scheduled from 4 p.m. until dark on July 9, soiree will take place at the home of Rick and Beth Carpenter Dorf at 10436 Lakeshore Rd., Lyndonville. The flower gardens, kitchen garden and Very “She” She Shed explode with color, texture and creativity, interspersed with Beth’s artwork. Beth, however, insists she is not an “artist,” but examples of her paintings can be spotted on the barn, a shed, garage and in the She Shed.
Beth Carpenter Dorf, right, chats with Joyce Chizick of Lyndonville, who provides a variety of desserts for the garden tour. They stand in the container garden, under a painting Beth did. She tried to plant flowers which brought out all the colors in the painting, she said.
She shares her artwork with greeting cards she designs and sells under the label of “O, My Soul” at a shed Rick built for produce and at Herbalty Cottage in Medina. She also painted a barn quilt on their barn and a painting on her She Shed, which copies Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, in which she used rhinestones to create sparkle.
“Everything has a theme,” Beth said of their gardens.
There is a container garden, meadow garden, gnome garden, picking garden and a patriotic corner.
Flowering shrubs and bushes flood the front of the home of Rick and Beth Carpenter Dorf at 10436 Lakeshore Rd, Lyndonville. The couple will host the Cobblestone Museum’s ninth annual garden soiree, “Flowers, Friends and Fantasies,” on July 9.
Beth has always loved gardening. After her husband Bill was killed in a motorcycle accident and she bought the house on Lowerlake Road, the first thing she did was renovate the house. Then she threw herself into gardening. When she met Rick she discovered he also liked to garden and was a handyman, as well.
Family friend, John Raduns, built the She Shed and Rick built the selling shed in front, from which they sell strawberries from Rick’s field, his potatoes and her artwork.
Rick built a sidewalk alongside the She Shed, in which he placed colored chips of changing colors in the cement to resemble walking into the sun. Beth’s Very “She” She Shed houses stuffed furniture, a table and walls covered in artwork – some hers and some of other artists.
Tulips bloom in the spring garden of Rick and Beth Carpenter Dorf. Their yard boasts a garden for every season.
“Beth will be able to advise people on planting, starting seeds in January and February, what blooms at what time of year to ensure color all the time, and how to thwart predators from the bluebird feeder,” said Shirley Bright Neeper of Medina, who co-chairs the event with Joyce Chizick of Lyndonville.
Beth said their typical day is to get up, have their coffee and then head outdoors. Often she doesn’t come back in until dark, she said.
The Cobblestone Society also wants to express their thankfulness to the family of Beverly Winters of Medina, who died recently and requested memorials to the Cobblestone Society Garden Soiree. Beverly was a member of the Garden Gals Garden Club and a gardener extraordinaire. She was also an accomplished floral designer. The Cobblestone Museum is honored to dedicate this year’s garden soiree in her memory, said Cobblestone director Doug Farley.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Beth Carpenter Dorf sits in the selling shed built to sell their garden produce and her line of greeting cards.
Guests at the Garden Soiree will enjoy fabulous delicacies prepared by Chizick and Georgia Thomas of Medina. Wine and iced tea will also be served and music will be provided. The event will take place rain or shine.
This will be the ninth year the event has been co-chaired by Shirley Bright Neeper and Chizick.
Tickets for the garden soiree may be purchased at the door for $10, however, reservations would be appreciated by contacting the museum online at CobblestoneMuseum.org or by phone at (585) 589-9013. Parking is available onsite and a golf cart will be available for anyone needing assistance.
Beth Carpenter Dorf points out the measures she has taken to make her bluebird feeder safe from predators, such as sparrows.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 June 2026 at 8:05 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville school, district recently honored retiring staff and teachers and an administrator awarded tenure. Pictured from left include Superintendent Dr. Heather Lyon; Aimee Chaffee, tenure for role as district’s director of special education, data and grants; Emily Aydelotte, tenure as second grade teacher; Caroline “Carrie” Samson, tenure as elementary teacher; Tammy Mallon, retiree as special education teacher; Kelly Follman, retiree as music teacher; Brenna LaSpada, tenure as third grade teacher; Patrick Whipple, Board of Education president. Missing from photo: Denise Keavney, retiree as cleaner. Jerod Thurber also was recognized for six years of service on the Board of Education. His term ends June 30.
The retirees said they were thankful for the family atmosphere at Lyndonville.
Denise Keavney was praised for bringing “kindness and warmth” to her job at the school. She started as a lunch lady, and became a cleaner.
Tammy Mallon worked 31 years at Lyndonville as a special education teacher.
“She has had a profound impact on the school district,” said Aimee Chafee, the district’s director of special education, data and grants. “For three decades she has been championing students with disabilities.”
Chaffee praised Mallon for being a mentor to other teachers in the special education department.
Kelly Follman was commended for bringing passion to her job as a music teacher, and inspiring many of her students to pursue careers in the arts. Follman said 82 students will be in the marching band for the Fourth of July parade.
“I’m so proud of our music department,” Follman said. “I’m ready to pass the torch to a young person who can take it to the next level.”
Aimee Chafee was awarded tenure for role as district’s director of special education, data and grants. Dr. Heather Lyon, the district’s superintendent, said Chaffee has demonstrated “an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for students.”
She fosters a culture of shared responsibility and commitment, Lyon said.
“What stands out is Aimee’s integrity,” Lyon said.
Chaffee will be taking a leave of absence next school year before returning in 2027-28.
Emily Aydelotte was awarded tenure in the elementary school. She thanked elementary school principal, Dr. Elissa Smith, “for always believing in me.”
Caroline “Carrie” Samson was praised for being awarded tenure in the elementary school teacher and for setting a remarkable example for students and staff. Samson started working in the school cafeteria in 2013 and then became a teacher aide and a classroom teacher. She did that while taking college classes and earning her master’s degree in education.
“She is such a role model,” said Smith, the elementary principal. “She has chased her dreams as an adult.”
Brenna LaSpada also was awarded tenure as an elementary school teacher. Her students have excelled in third grade. Smith said Lyndonville’s third graders have some of the highest academic achievers in the region and LaSpada is a big part of the third grade team.
LaSpada joined Lyndonville after started her career in the tourism and hospitality industry.
“Every day I get to wake up and come to work with the best colleagues and the best students,” LaSpada said. “I’m happy to be a Tiger.”
Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: The “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs have been restored on Route 63 leading into the village.
Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club
LYNDONVILLE – After several years of absence, the “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs have been fully restored.
Several years ago, a severe winter storm accompanied by high winds destroyed the long-standing wooden signs that greeted visitors entering our community. Over time, the damaged signs fell into disrepair and were eventually removed.
Recognizing the importance of these landmarks, the Lyndonville Lions Club adopted the restoration of the signs as a community service project. The club launched a campaign to bring back these iconic symbols that proudly welcome residents and visitors alike to the small hamlet of Lyndonville.
Through the dedication of Lions Club members, community support, and countless volunteer hours, the signs have been rebuilt and restored. Their return serves not only as a welcoming gateway to our community but also as a reminder of the pride, commitment, and spirit that make Lyndonville such a special place to call home.
The Lyndonville Lions Club extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this project and helped make the restoration of the “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs a reality.
Sponsors of the Lyndonville Lions Club generously provided the funding necessary to complete the restoration project, with all donations earmarked exclusively for the reconstruction and installation of the signs. The restored signs proudly display the names of local civic organizations, religious institutions, and governing bodies that are an important part of the Village of Lyndonville community.
The Lyndonville Lions Club would like to extend a special thank you to Mayor John Belson, a
fellow Lions Club member, and the Village Department of Public Works for providing the hard work and dedication needed to erect the signs. Their willingness to contribute their time, expertise, and equipment was instrumental in bringing this project to completion.
The Lions would also like to express their sincere appreciation to The Print Shop in Medina for their outstanding service and expeditious work in producing the individual organizational signs in time for the Lyndonville Lions Club’s Annual July 4th Celebration.
This restoration project is a testament to what can be accomplished when local businesses, community organizations, volunteers, and residents work together for the betterment of Lyndonville.
The restored “Welcome to Lyndonville” signs once again stand as a source of community pride and a warm greeting to all who visit our village.
In other club news:
The Lyndonville Lions Club is pleased to announce that planning for its 52nd Annual July 4th Celebration is well underway and the event will be moving forward as scheduled. Residents and visitors can expect additional details regarding the day-long celebration in upcoming Lions Club press releases.
The club would also like to highlight its long-standing commitment to supporting local students through higher education scholarships. The Lyndonville Lions Club sponsors two of the oldest continuously awarded scholarships presented to graduating seniors of Lyndonville Central School.
Since 1970, the club has awarded two $1,000 scholarships annually in memory of two individuals who were pillars of the Lyndonville community.
The Donald Fraser Memorial Scholarship and the Dr. Julius “Doc” Layer Memorial Scholarship recognize graduating seniors who exemplify the enduring qualities these two respected men embodied throughout their lives. Scholarship recipients are selected based on a variety of criteria, including academic achievement, leadership, humanitarian service, community involvement, and participation in extracurricular activities.
The names of this year’s scholarship recipients will be announced during commencement ceremonies at Lyndonville High School. The Lyndonville Lions Club is proud to continue this tradition of recognizing and supporting young leaders who demonstrate excellence both in and out of the classroom.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2026 at 10:54 pm
Voters rejected spending plan 327 to 292; District needs to make $266,495 in reductions
Photo by Tom Rivers: yard signs were out around Lyndonville urging voters to reject the proposed budget, which was the same as the one defeated on May 19.
LYNDONVILLE – In a narrow vote today, Lyndonville school district residents again rejected the proposed budget for 2026-27.
Voters defeated the $19,194,000 budget by 327 no to 292 yes. Lyndonville will now have to adopt a contingency budget that doesn’t increase taxes and needs to reduce spending by $266,495.
The voter turnout was more than double from May 19, when the budget was first rejected with 172 opposed and 129 in favor.
Dr. Heather Lyon, the district superintendent, said she doesn’t anticipate any staff will be laid off as part of the contingency. The district has about 120 total employees serving a student population of 620 in grades prekindergarten to 12.
How the Board of Education and the district leadership will make cuts is to be determined.
Lyon said the district will be limited to spending on only essential items. Lyndonville may have to reduce extracurricular activities and clubs, athletics purchases, student travel, use of school facilities by outside groups, equipment purchases and field trips, she said.
“District leaders will work thoughtfully through this process to minimize the impact on students and provide the best possible educational experience within the constraints of a contingency budget,” she wrote tonight in a message to the community. “Additional information about the contingency budget and any resulting changes will be shared with families, staff and community members as it becomes available.”
Lyon said the district’s administrators and Board of Education worked hard to present a budget with a 2.5 percent tax increase, which was below the district’s allowable tax cap of 4.0 percent.
But some in the community wanted the district to lower the taxes even further. Bill Jurinich, a former board member, told the board during a meeting last week the district should have made some cuts and not presented the same budget as the one that was defeated on May 19.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 June 2026 at 8:02 am
BOCES autobody repair class made drop box from decommissioned postal box
Photos by Tom Rivers: Steve Goodrich, commander of the Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post in Lyndonville, speaks during a dedication ceremony on Sunday for a new drop box for old American flags. It is located outside the Village Hall at 2 South Main St.
LYNDONVILLE – The Houseman-Tanner American Legion Post on Sunday dedicated a drop box for old American flags. The drop box was installed on Wednesday by the Village of Lyndonville Department of Public Works.
When Steve Goodrich, the legion post commander, opened it on Sunday, the drop box was packed full of flags. He is happy the public has responded to the drop box. The post today will have its annual flag retirement ceremony at 5 p.m. at Lynhaven Cemetery. The veterans were going to do it on Sunday, Flag Day, but moved it back a day due to the rainstorm yesterday.
Kathryn Jaques, a Girl Scout from Barker, adds a worn flag to the drop box after it was opened by Steve Goodrich, the post commander.
The drop box was made from a decommissioned US postal box. Students in the Orleans-Niagara BOCES Autobody Repair class worked on the drop box, sanding it down, making repairs and repainting it. The bottom had rotted out and needed new metal patch that was welded on.
Roy-Hart student Kaydence Boyle is an artist and airbrushed an American flag on the north side of the drop box, and the Statue of Liberty on the south side. The front of drop box has the Legion logo, which is a vinyl appliqué.
Other students who worked on the project include Jackson Lederhouse, Nicholas Harding, Wesley Rupert and Avion Johnson.
Jim Rozewski, left, is the teacher of the autobody class at BOCES. He attended the dedication on Sunday. Steve Goodrich is in the middle and at right is Rick Boyle of Lyndonville, the great uncle of Kaydence Boyle, the artist for the drop box. Goodrich presented certificates of appreciation to Rozewski and the students involved in the drop box.
Goodrich a year ago attended the dedication ceremony for the Hartland War Memorial on Route 104. The memorial features a decommissioned Vietnam War-era Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter. The aircraft is mounted on a pedestal at the grounds of the Hartland Volunteer Fire Company.
Goodrich learned at the dedication that the BOCES autobody class worked on the memorial, doing extensive bodywork. They put on a weather-resistant coat of paint, and welded structural components and mounts so the helicopter could be safely elevated.
Goodrich had already reached out to businesses about refurbishing the former mail box but he said the prices were high. He contacted Rozewski to see if the autobody class could help, and Rozewski agreed to take on the project.
The class covered the costs for the materials, with the exception of the Legion Post paying for the clear-coat.
American Legion members Bob Burtwell, left, and Steve Goodrich had their arms full of worn American flags after opening the drop box on Sunday. The flags and others collected in the past year by the post will be retired today with a 5 p.m. ceremony at Lynhaven Cemetery.
Rozewski said the class wanted the drop box to have a worn look to match the condition of the flags, rather than giving the drop box a shiny look.
Rozewski said the class would like to help other veterans’ organizations with projects, including drop boxes for flags.
Terry Cook, a local locksmith put in the new lock, and Rosenal Hardware donated materials to make the lock long enough for the drop box.
Goodrich said the post appreciates the Village Board and DPW for supporting having the box in a prominent location in the community.
Goodrich said post members will be checking the site frequently, especially after seeing so many flags put in there in the first few days.
Through the dedication of Lions Club members, community support, and countless volunteer hours, the signs have been rebuilt and restored. Their return serves not only as a welcoming gateway to our community but also as a reminder of the pride, commitment, and spirit that make Lyndonville such a special place to call home.
