Congressman decries Biden leadership on many issues

Photo by Tom Rivers: Congressman Chris Jacobs speaks Tuesday evening during the Orleans County Association of Municipalities meeting at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.

LYNDONVILLE – Congressman Chris Jacobs praised Orleans and Niagara officials for doing the groundwork in identifying broadband internet gaps and pricing out the cost to bring the service. He was able to secure $3,877,500 in broadband funding.

That money was approved as part of $1.5 trillion omnibus package approved by the House of Representatives on March 10.

The two counties have worked about a decade to bring high-speed internet to rural areas in the two counties.

“This was an easy one because of the all the work Orleans and Niagara did,” Jacobs said on Tuesday while speaking at the monthly meeting of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities.

The two counties initially were going to use federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for the project, which totaled about $8 million in the two counties.

Orleans on July 28, 2021 accepted a $3,608,435 bid to make high-speed internet available for the current 1,351 address points that can’t connect to the service.

But with the money from Jacobs in the omnibus bill, Orleans and Niagara can use more of their ARPA funds for other purposes.

Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, said the Orleans share of the $3,877,500 will free up ARPA money that will instead go to upgrading infrastructure – roads and bridges – in the county. She is waiting to see the Orleans breakdown of the $3,877,500, but it is expected to be close to half of the funds.

“He’s been a huge supporter of Orleans County,” Johnson said about Jacobs. “We can’t have done (broadband) without federal money.”

The funding in the omnibus bill also included $379,432 for the Cornell Cooperative Extension to develop an Ag/Tech Community Response & Learning Center in Orleans County. That project will be at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Jacobs said the program will help bring up a new generation of farmers who need to tech-savvy in growing crops and caring for animals.

“Getting students engaged in agriculture at a young age in critically important,” he said.

Jacobs also noted his recent appointment to the House Education and Labor Committee. He also is a member of the Agriculture and Ways and Means committees.

Jacobs, during his message to the Orleans officials, faulted the President Biden Administration for a crisis at the Southern border, a crisis with energy, an inflation crisis and a crime crisis.

“If I could use one word to describe the Biden Administration it’s crisis,” Jacobs said.

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – Elizabeth Whipple stars as Cinderella and Amir Huzair as Prince Christopher in Lyndonville and Medina’s production of Cinderella.

Shows are 7 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Stroyan Auditorium at Lyndonville Central School, 77 Housel Ave. Tickets are available at the door or online by clicking here.

Jennifer Trupo, director of the musical, said she is pleased the students can perform without masks and in front of a live audience.

The cast includes many younger students and there are many iconic female roles.

“It’s a family-friendly show that will be very attractive to audiences especially after all the junk of the past two years,” Trupo said.

Danielle Schmidt is the Fairy Godmother who transforms Cinderella into an elegant young lady for the Prince’s ball.

Schmidt, a senior at Medina, is grateful for the chance to be performing on stage for a live audience. Last year’s show, Little Women, was taped and released online. The musical two years ago, Mama Mia, was cancelled due to Covid restrictions.

“We’re so excited to be back in front of a live audience,” Schmidt said.

Elizabeth Whipple sings “In My Own Little Corner” with four mice, a dove and a cat. The mice are played by Elaina Bitsas, Madelyn Elliott, Safia Scott and Kaylin Mickey. Hannah Marker is Charles the Cat, and Ava Blount is the Dove.

Whipple, a sophomore from Lyndonville, said she feels fortunate to be in the show with a dedicated cast and crew. There are 31 students, grades 7 through 12, in the show.

She said it has been thrilling with the recent rehearsals in costumes and with the pit orchestra.

“It’s so exciting to be back on stage,” she said.

Elaina Huntington, center, plays the Stepmother who is shown with her two daughters. Emani Fuentes is Joy, left, who snorts when she laughs and Annabelle Follman is Grace, who is often itching her arms. All three are mean to Cinderella and don’t want her going to the ball.

The prince’s parents conspire to throw him a ball where he must dance with every woman. They want him married. Henry Rigerman is King Maximillan and Seagan Majchrzak is Queen Constantina.

Greyson Romano is Lionel and announces that the royal highness is giving a ball which delights the crowd.

The cast dances in anticipation of the royal ball.

LYNDONVILLE – A food distribution scheduled for March 25 at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church has been moved to April 1.

Martha Mitchell, the church pastor, said the distribution will start at about 8 a.m. in the church parking lot.

People just show up and get the food delivered by Foodlink. The church has been hosting the events for several years, Mitchell said.

Some turned away after 250 show up, with many arriving early

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – The White Birth Golf Course hosted a pop-up eyeglass clinic today and 250 people filled the site not long after doors officially opened at 10 a.m. About 100 people arrived by 9:30.

The Lyndonville Lions Club organized the first-time community eyeglass clinic in the county. Lions Club members from Medina and the Leos Club at Lyndonville Central School also assisted.

A team of eye specialists – state-licensed doctors of ophthalmology and optometry – are on site to determine the correct prescription glasses for each individual.

Hundreds of eyeglass frames were on display for people to pick from. The frames and lens were all available for free.

Meghan Gapa, seated in white shirt, was among the people who were getting their eyes checked and seeking a new pair of glasses. Gapa, 30, said she doesn’t have the extra money for an eye exam or new glasses.

“I think it’s awesome they’re giving so many people a chance and they don’t have to drive far.”

Gapa showed up an hour early at 9 a.m. and there was already a line out the door.

The Lions Club urged people unable to be seen at today’s clinic to go to the next one on May 14 in Niagara Falls.

An eye specialist checks these glasses.

Darren Wilson, Lyndonville Lions Club president, said it was overwhelming to see the turnout. He wants to make the popup clinic an annual event in Orleans County. He apologized that not everyone was able to be seen today. About 100 people had to be turned back by noon due to the big crowd.

Joe Shiah, a member of the Kenmore Lions Club, checks these glasses. Shiah is a key leader in the Lions Club pop-up eye clinics in Western New York.

Harold Suhr, a Lyndonville Lion and owner of the White Birch, reached out to Shiah about bringing the clinic to Lyndonville.

Nicole Spohr, a Lyndonville Lion, takes information from David Schwert of Medina before he gets his eyes checks.

Schwert said it has been at least two years since he went to the eye doctor.

“I think it’s just wonderful that they are doing this for the community,” Schwert said.

Mark Gordon, an optometrist from Kenmore, does an eye exam. He was among the volunteers at the clinic today.

Duane Snyder, a member of the Olcott Lions Club and an optometrist, does an eye exam.

The eye specialists were expecting about 50 people for the clinic and were amazed by the turnout, said Bruce Schmidt, a Lyndonville Lions Club member.

These signs advertise the eye clinic at the White Birch.

Photo courtesy of Darren Wilson

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club are ready for today’s pop-up eye clinic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the White Birch Golf Club, 1515 North Lyndonville Rd.

The clinic is open to everyone in Orleans County and surrounding areas. Free prescription eyeglasses – both lenses and frames – are available and no appointment is needed.

The clinic will be staffed by a team of state-licensed doctors of ophthalmology and optometry who will determine the correct prescription glasses for each individual. The clinic is available for everyone ages 5 and older. Those under 18 will require the presence of a parent or guardian.

After testing, the eyeglass lenses will be sent out for grinding and insertion into the chosen eyeglass frames. When the glasses are ready, people will be contacted by a Lyndonville Lions Club member that they are ready to be picked up.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club wishes to remind everyone in Orleans and surrounding counties that they will be hosting a one-day-only pop-up eye clinic this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the White Birch Golf Club, 1515 North Lyndonville Rd.

The purpose of this clinic is to provide free prescription eyeglasses – both lenses and frames – to everyone who attends. The clinic is open to everyone. No appointment is needed – simply show up. And, except for name, address and phone number, no other information or identification is required.

The clinic is staffed by a team of NY State licensed doctors of ophthalmology and optometry who will determine the correct prescription glasses for each individual. You will then have a wide selection of several hundred pairs of frames available to choose from – both in children and adult sizes – and optometrists will assist in proper measuring and fitting of your chosen frames. The frames are in as-new condition. Again at no charge.

If you, someone you know, a family member, your child or grandchild may be in need of glasses – or if your current glasses are damaged or your current prescription lenses are dated – this is the perfect opportunity to get better vision at no cost.

The clinic is available for everyone ages 5 and older. Those under 18 will require the presence of a parent or guardian. After testing, the eyeglass lenses will be sent out for grinding and insertion into your chosen eyeglass frames. When your eyeglasses are ready, you will be contacted by a Lyndonville Lions Club member that they are ready to be picked up. No gimmicks or strings attached.

The Lyndonville Lions are proud to host this extraordinary event. We remind everyone that this clinic will only be held for one day this year in Orleans County. The clinic will not return again until next year.

“The Lions historical mission centered around sight and vision,” said Darren Wilson, the club president. “Thus, this eye clinic provides our Lyndonville Lions an opportunity to return to our roots and that original core focus.”

Provided photos: This photo shows an eyeglass clinic run by a Lions Club. The Lyndonville Lions will be hosting an eyeglass clinic on March 19 at the White Birch Golf Club.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions Club will be hosting a one-day-only pop-up eyeglass clinic on Saturday, March 19. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the White Birch Golf Club, 1515 North Lyndonville Rd.

It will be held on a first-come-first-served basis and early attendance is encouraged. Ample parking is available for both vehicles and buggies.

This event will be staffed by New York State licensed doctors of ophthalmology and optometry. The purpose of the eyeglass clinic is to provide free eyeglass frames with prescription lenses to anyone who attends – children, ages 5-and-older, and adults are all welcome.

Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No appointment is necessary and, except for basic contact information (name, address, phone number) no other information or identification will be asked for or required.

“I appreciate that a lot of folks will be skeptical of an offer for free prescription eyeglasses,” shares Lyndonville Lions President Darren Wilson. “But this is for real. No gimmicks and it really is free.”

There will be several hundred eyeglass frames to choose from and all frames have been professionally sanitized and presented in as-new condition. Optometrists will be on hand for professional fitting and adjustment of frames.

Licensed doctors of ophthalmology will determine proper prescription lenses for each individual which will then be sent out for grinding and insertion into your chosen eyeglass frames.

“Out of respect for our local eye care professionals, our clinic will only be held for this one day this year in all of Orleans County,” Wilson said. “It’s a one-shot deal.”

The Lyndonville Lions Club also recently welcomed its newest member, Renee Hungerford, shown here during her induction ceremony and flanked by her Lions Club sponsor, Bruce Schmidt (center) and current president, Darren Wilson. Hungerford is executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

Press Release, Lyndonville Central School

LYNDONVILLE – Do you know of a Lyndonville educator or staff member who is exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and has inspired you or your child? If so, please consider nominating them for Lyndonville Central School’s 2022 Educator or Staff Member of the Year.

Lyndonville will be selecting two educators for Educator of the Year, one from elementary (PreK -6) and another from secondary (grades 7-12).

The district will also select one Staff Member of the Year. The nominated educators/staff members must meet eligibility requirements outlined in the nomination packet that can be found on the district’s website.

Winners will be announced during the June 2022 Lyndonville Board of Education meeting. The winning educators will each receive a $1,000 district grant and the winning staff member a $500 district grant.

The grant may be used for any educational initiative or project within the recipient’s school, classroom, program or department. All will receive a plaque commemorating their achievement.

Deadline for nomination submission is March 18, 2022. For eligibility requirements, criteria, timelines and the nomination form, click here.

YATES – A Yates resident is displaced from his home after a fire Saturday morning 1371 Breeze Rd.

The fire started in the chimney and caused an estimated $75,000 in damage, said Lyndonville Fire Chief Mike Heideman.

Dwayne Stauffer was the lone resident at the house. He is currently staying with family. No one was injured.

Lyndonville was assisted by several nearby fire departments in getting the fire out. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at about 6:20 a.m.

Press Release, Yates Town Board

YATES – On February 10, 2022, the Yates Town Board on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution opposing all remaining Covid-19 mandates in New York State.

Jim Simon

Resolution No. 35-2/22 reads, in part:

“Whereas, the Covid-19 mandates in NY since March of 2020 included unconstitutional lockdowns, capacity limits, restrictions on hospital and nursing home visits to loved ones, compulsory masking, vaccine requirements for employment and public access, and curtailments of free speech, and,

“Whereas, many states imposed very few Covid-19 mandates and have had no increased incidences of Covid-19 hospitalizations and deaths compared to those states with severe restrictions like NY,… be it “Resolved, the Town of Yates is opposed to all Covid-19 mandates, and… that the Town calls upon NY to conduct a bipartisan review of Covid-19 mandates and their deleterious effects on New Yorkers.”

Town Deputy Supervisor John Riggi emphasized that NY is just now admitting that they no longer have compelling data or studies that prove the mandates were (or are) efficacious.

“Over 40 states have lifted most if not all of their Covid-19 mandates, including vaccine passes and masking indoors and in K-12 schools,” Riggi said.  “When will NY admit that states like Texas and Florida – states that lifted their mandates over a year ago with no statistical difference in public health outcomes – were right all along?”

Town Supervisor Jim Simon highlighted the recommendations of the Great Barrington Declaration authored by Dr. Kulldorff (Harvard), Dr. Gupta (Oxford), and Dr. Bhattacharya (Stanford) on October 4, 2020, and signed by thousands of doctors, scientists and health care professionals world-wide.

“At first, these medical experts were ignored,” Simon said. “Then they were attacked and vilified for political reasons. Turns out their key recommendation of ‘Focused Protection’ is exactly what we should have done all along!”

LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Legislature has agreed to donate a 2013 Chevy Tahoe road patrol vehicle to the Village of Lyndonville’s police department.

The vehicle was determined to have no value to the county and has been declared surplus.

However, Lyndonville wants to replace a patrol car with 350,000 miles “at least,” said Mayor John Belson.

The village operates a part-time police department with Bill Larkin, a retired deputy sheriff, as the officer. He works about 20 to 24 hours a week.

Belson said the village couldn’t justify spending $30,000 or more for a new patrol car.

“We really appreciate it,” he said about the county donating the Chevy Tahoe.

Press Release, Yates Town Board

YATES – Unlike the NYS Department of Education, the Town of Yates will immediately implement the order of Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Thomas Rademaker declaring the statewide mask mandate unconstitutional.

The Yates Town Supervisor, Jim Simon, was pleased with the judge’s decision but dismayed at the state’s response.

“It is heartening to see that Judge Rademaker had the wisdom and the fortitude to curtail the executive overreach of Governor Hochul. However, it is unsettling to learn that our state education department will not comply,” Simon said. “Every New Yorker – whether politically left, right or center – should be worried about state agencies ignoring our state judiciary.”

Yates Town Board members Harold Suhr and Susan Hrovat, also members of the Lyndonville School Board, called for the school to lift the mask mandate, “Masks should be optional, period,” they said.

Editor’s Note: The Town Board said masks will no longer be mandated at all town facilities for employees and visitors to the Town Hall and Highway Garage.

Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Central School

LYNDONVILLE – Jason Smith gets a hug from a Lyndonville elementary student on Thursday, his last day in school with students as the district superintendent.

Smith starts a new job on Jan. 3 as superintendent at Batavia City School District, his alma mater.

Smith received plenty of high-fives from students and staff in a walk through the halls. Smith posted on Twitter that he is thankful for his 10 years at Lyndonville, “a gem of a place in beautiful Orleans County!”

Ted Lewis, president of the Board of Education, presents Smith with an engraved during a holiday concert Thursday morning at the school auditorium.

Smith, in a letter to the community on Wednesday, said the district is in good hands with Sharon Smith as interim superintendent. She was worked the past two years at Lyndonville as director of instruction and student services.

“Mrs. Smith is a well-respected educational leader in our region, and the Board has made a wise choice,” Smith said in his letter. “I can personally attest to Mrs. Smith’s commitment to ensuring a high quality educational program for all students, and she has quickly become a visible member of the Lyndonville community.”

Jason Smith was given a fond farewell from students and staff on Thursday.

Smith, in his letter to the community, said it was an honor to lead the Lyndonville district the past 10 years. He thanked the teachers, staff and Board of Education for providing a strong academic program the past two years of the Covid pandemic.

“However, our District is not defined by dealing with Covid,” Smith wrote. “Instead, our District is defined by wonderful students, a supportive community, talented and dedicated faculty and staff, a high quality leadership team, and a committed Board of Education.  These attributes existed long before Covid and will exist long after Covid.”