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.

Isabella Groves, Julius Heideman, Mathias Hoefer, Justin Holmes, Molly Ingersoll, Barbara Jary, Ayden Kepner, Ethan Ladd, Shyann Little, Emily Miner, McKinley Price, Lilly Raduns, Jamie Reynolds, Jillian Robertson

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
• Scott Scharlau Memorial Award: Nathan Woodworth
• Steven Broadwell Memorial Award: Justin Holmes
• SUNY Geneseo Presidential Scholarship: McKinley Price
• Towpath Lodge #1193 Free and Accepted Masons Architecture and Geometry Award: James Giarla, Jr. & McKinley Price
• Trevor T. Cook Memorial Scholarship: Elisabeth Ingersoll, Emma Freas & Anastasia Hess
• U Connect Care Scholarship: Colton Smith
• Virgil Bogue-Catherine Flanagan Scholarship: Jamie Reynolds
• William Merritt Carpenter III Scholarship: Elena Barry

Lyndonville Area Foundation Scholarships

• Directors’ Scholarship: Emily Miner
• Foundations Choice Scholarship: Savannah Spoth & Emily Dill
• Frank B. Housel Jr. Scholarship: Benjamin Doolan, Isabella Grove & Colton Smith
• Josie Gracey Memorial Scholarship: Rylan Townsend
• Keegan S. Bayne Memorial Scholarship: Jonathan Frasier & Zachary Freas
• Mabel I. Stroyan Scholarship: Brooke Robinson
• Mark D. Hughes Memorial Scholarship: Austin Fonda
• Skinner-Wilson Scholarship: Elena Barry
• Trevor T. Cook Memorial Scholarship: Molly Ingersoll, McKinley Price, Lilly Raduns & Greyson Romano
• Lyndonville Employees Association Skilled/Service Trade Scholarship: Justin Holmes & Barbara Jary

Lyndonville Lions Club Scholarships

• Donald Fraser Memorial Scholarship: Emily Miner
• Dr. Julius Layer Memorial Scholarship: Lilly Raduns

David Cook, president of the Lyndonville Area Foundation, presents a scholarship to Ben Doolan.

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 250^th 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.

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 250^th 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 52^nd 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 4^th 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 250^th 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 250^th 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.

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.

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 4^th 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.

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.