Today’s schedule is packed with no rain until night

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Ryan Klatt, left, and Steve Keenan perform as the Ryan Klatt Duo on Friday evening at the Marti’s on Main art gallery. They are singing “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash.

Klatt and his full band, The Brick Band, will be back at the Strawberry Festival today from noon to 3 p.m.

Bill Pileggi, right, and Jim Booden sing “I Feel Good” by James Brown during Friday’s concert on East Bank Street. Tim Hess, not pictured, is the drummer in the group, Triple Play.

The musicians kept playing on Friday, despite some rain on and off throughout the day.

Today’s forecast is partly sunny with a high near 72, with no rain during the day. There is a 40 percent chance of rain at 9 p.m.

Many food vendors are available on East Bank Street.

The Strawberry Festival schedule for today includes:

• 8 a.m. – 32^nd annual 5k/8k race (registration 7 to 8 a.m. at Courthouse Square)
• 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. – craft booths at Courthouse Square
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Cruise-in on East State Street (sponsored by Masonic Lodge)
• 10 a.m. – Parade
• 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Food Court on East Bank Street
• 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Lions Club food by Post Office
• 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Lonesome Road band at food court
• 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Brick Band at Courthouse Square
• 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Family Fun Center with “I Got It!” and Jeff Mann Drums, face painting, bounce houses, caricature, kids’ games and other activities
• 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Car Seat Safety Check on East Park Street
• 2 p.m. – Turtle Race in Erie Canal between Main Street and Ingersoll Street lift bridges
• 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Jim Catino, music by Marti’s on Main art gallery
• 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Soul Street music at food court
• 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – The Who Dats at food court

There are still some turtles left for the race at 2 p.m. today. The turtles are $5 each or 5 for $20. The first five turtles in the race net cash: $500 for first, $300 for second, $100 for third, and $50 for fourth and fifth. Proceeds are used towards the festival.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the legislative passage of two nation-leading bills to protect kids online. The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act will restrict a child’s access to addictive feeds on social media, and the New York Child Data Protection Act will keep children’s personal data safe.

“New York is leading the nation to protect our kids from addictive social media feeds and shield their personal data from predatory companies,” Governor Hochul said. “Together, we’ve taken a historic step forward in our efforts to address the youth mental health crisis and create a safer digital environment for young people.”

The SAFE for Kids Act will require social media companies to restrict addictive feeds on their platforms for users under 18. Unless parental consent is granted, users under 18 will not receive addictive feeds.

Users may still search for specific topics of interest. It will also prohibit social media platforms from sending notifications regarding addictive feeds to minors from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. without parental consent. The legislation will authorize the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to bring an action to enjoin violations of the new law as well as seek civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, among other remedies.

And finally, it calls for the establishment of acceptable age verification and parent consent methods, to be determined by the OAG as part of a rulemaking process once the legislation is enacted.

The New York Child Data Protection Act will prohibit online sites from collecting, using, sharing or selling personal data of anyone under the age of 18, unless they receive informed consent or unless doing so is strictly necessary for the purpose of the website. It also authorizes the OAG to enforce the law and enjoin and seek damages or civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James said, “Our children are enduring a mental health crisis, and social media is fueling the fire and profiting from the epidemic. The legislation my team worked on and supported along with bill sponsors Senator (Andrew) Gounardes and Assemblymember (Nily) Rozic will help address the addictive features that have made social media so insidious and anxiety-producing. I applaud Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Heastie, and the legislative majorities for supporting this legislation and for agreeing that protecting children’s mental health must be a top priority. New York state is once again leading the nation, and I hope other states will follow suit and pass legislation to protect children and put their mental health above big tech companies’ profits.”

Editor’s Note: The New York State United Teachers also issued this statement from NYSUT President Melinda Person:

“Educators see the harmful effects of social media on our kids every day, and this legislation is a tremendous first step toward ensuring these influences remain in their proper places. We are grateful to the Legislature, the Attorney General and the governor for championing the mental health of our students as they navigate our rapidly changing world online.

“These platforms have potential to enhance teaching, learning and connectivity in our classrooms, but should never risk our children’s health or safety. New York can lead the nation in creating protections for the mental and physical wellness of the future generation, and this is just the beginning.”

“In September, NYSUT will convene educators, mental health providers, union leaders, school district leaders, parents, elected officials and advocates for Disconnected, a conference for sharing strategies and solutions to the impact of cell phones, social media and technology on children, schools and learning.”

HOLLEY – The school district is looking to fill two vacancies on the Board of Education after two recently elected members notified the district they won’t be taking the volunteer positions when the terms start on July 1.

Sal DeLuca Jr., the board’s vice president, was elected to a three-year term on May 21. But he is not going to take the new term.

Shannon Brett was elected to a two-year term but was informed after the election that she would have to give up a security position in the district if she takes go on the Board of Education. Brett, a retired Sheriff’s deputy and investigator, wants to stay in the security position in Holley because she said she has built many strong relationships with students, teachers and administrators. She doesn’t want to commute a half hour to another district.

The BOE will fill the two vacancies by appointment. Candidates will be considered and possibly interviewed, according to a notice from the district.

For more information about the duties of being on the BOE, click here. For further questions contact District Clerk Connie Nenni at 585-638-6316 X: 2003 or cnenni@holleycsd.org.

MEDINA – Due to the weather forecast for Saturday, the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery have postposed their Tea at Boxwood until June 15, according to Friends’ president Rob Klino. The time for the event is 2 to 4 p.m. Having tea in a cemetery may sound unusual, but in olden times it was a normal thing to do.

Tickets are still available at the English Rose Tea Shoppe on Main Street until June 13.

If this poses any inconvenience for current ticket holders, tickets may be presented at the English Rose Tea Shoppe for a full refund.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Jay Santillo has fried dough and funnel cakes ready at the Santillo’s concessions stand at the Strawberry Festival. Santillo’s has been a vendor at the Strawberry Fest for about 15 years. They come from Prattsburgh. They also have blooming onions, sausage and lemonade.

“We love the Strawberry Fest,” Santillo said the Albion event.

He didn’t mind a little rain around noon.

“The weather doesn’t bother us,” he said. “We’re here for the people.”

Scott Mann of Mann vs. Food in Albion checks the pork belly burnt ends in the smoker. Mann started a food vendor at the Strawberry Festival in 2019. Last year he sold out of everything.

He has scaled back his events this year, but didn’t want to miss the local festival.

“It’s our hometown,” he said.

Bob Renko of Kendall has been a vendor at the Strawberry Festival for about a dozen years. He is at his concessions stand in the food court with his wife Cathy. Renko, 78, owns Renko’s Meat Processing.

He has reduced his schedule this year, but like Mann, kept the Strawberry Fest on the short list.

Today’s schedule includes:

• Food court and craft booths open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Family Fun Center open from 3 to 8 p.m. with “I Got It!” and face painting, Jeff Mann Drums, bounce houses, caricatures, trackless train and other kids’ games.
• Chicken barbecue and strawberry social from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
• Sky Cats band from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at food court
• Kendall Community Band from 5 to 7 p.m. at courthouse
• Triple Play band from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at food court
• Ryan Klatt Duo from 7 to 9 p.m. on Main Street at Marti’s on Main art gallery

Click here to see the schedule for Saturday, including the parade at 10 a.m.

Albion students urged to be responsible, show care for each other during season of prom, grad parties

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Firefighters and medics tend to Alonzo Figueroa Fuentes, an Albion senior in a DWI crash simulation this morning outside the high school. Fuentes was removed from the vehicle with cutting tools and then placed on a stretcher and taken by ambulance.

The simulation was before the senior prom this evening at Hickory Ridge Country Club.

Local first responders and the high school wanted to show what could be the tragic results of driving while drunk, distracted or overly tired. The time from Memorial Day to Labor Day is considered the “100 most deadliest days” for driving, with many high schoolers and young adults out late at parties.

Jackie Santiago Garcia, an Albion senior, wore a formal gown and makeup to look bloodied. She checks on a friend in one of the smashed up vehicles.

Willem De Ruysscher, in back, checks on Gina Sidari who was splayed on the front hood.

Dominick Sidari, an Albion firefighter, checks on Jackie Santiago Garcia during the simulation. She was treated for a wound to her arm.

Albion firefighters have helped with the simulation on the day of the prom for many years. Albion firefighter Pete Sidari told students that firefighters respond to many serious car accidents each year.

Cory Martindale, a deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, administers a breathalzyer to Willem De Ruysscher after he struggled to walk in a straight line.

Amy Sidari, mother of Gina Sidari, is overcome seeing her daughter lying on the car. Gina in the simulation was pronounced deceased by County Coroner Scott Schmidt, who was assisted by Paula Fuller, a funeral director with Mitchell Family Cremations and Funerals.

After the accident simulation, there was a court proceeding at the LGI in the high school. About 100 students saw Willem De Ruysscher be arraigned and then sentenced by Albion Town Justice Joe Fuller to 12 to 15 years in state prison for first-degree vehicular manslaughter and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. De Ruysscher also had his license revoked and was ordered to have no contact with the Sidari family.

District Attorney Joe Cardone, standing next to De Ruysscher, said that although De Ruysscher has no prior criminal background, and has shown remorse, a fatal accident from drunk driving will affect his life forever and result in incarceration.

Assistant District Attorney Susan Howard acted as the prosecutor and said the crime warrants substantial incarceration.

“This inflicted dire consequences on everyone involved,” Howard said.

Mary Wright, a prevention education with UConnectCare (formerly GCASA), discussed “Red Watch Bands” which were given to the students to remind them about the dangers of binge drinking.

Boys (men) are in danger of losing consciousness if they have five or more alcoholic drinks in two hours, while girls (women) could suffer alcohol poisoning with four or more drinks within two hours.

Wright urged the group to look after each other, and call for help immediately if they see someone who is vomiting from alcohol, or if they don’t respond when shouted at, if they have very slow breathing, can’t stand up, have pale/bluish skin or an irregular/slow pulse.

“Have a culture of respect and care because that is someone’s child and loved one,” Wright said. “We are a community here. We love each other. We want to take care of each other.”

Press Release, NYS Association of Counties

The NYSAC Board of Directors, at its recent annual June meeting, discussed the growing problem of illegal cannabis retail operations and called on the State of New York to reimburse local governments for enforcement costs associated with regulating the illegal cannabis market.

The NYSAC board, which governs the association representing all 62 counties of New York State, expressed deep concern about the proliferation of illegal cannabis retail operations across the state and the substantial financial burden they place on local governments.

“The explosion of unlicensed cannabis retailers has undermined the regulated market while threatening public health and safety through the sale of untested and potentially harmful products,” said NYSAC President and Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Local governments are at the forefront of combating these illegal operations, incurring substantial costs to enforce state cannabis laws and need the state to provide counties with additional funding to investigate and close these unlicensed retailers.”

The board noted that though legislation was enacted as part of the State Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget to provide the Office of Cannabis Management, counties, and cities with additional enforcement powers, more support is needed to assist local governments with enforcing state cannabis laws and regulations.

“While counties commend Governor Hochul for convening the New York State Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force to shut down unlicensed cannabis businesses, it does not include any representatives from local governments, which are expected to do the lion’s share of enforcement statewide,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario. “Counties are seeking more communication and coordination between OCM, local law enforcement, and municipal governments to streamline enforcement efforts and ensure a unified approach to tackling illicit cannabis activities.”

While the SFY 2025 State Budget streamlined the state taxes on cannabis, it did not address the fact that counties bear the greatest burden related to cannabis legalization — from enforcement to public health protection and tax distribution — yet receive only a quarter of the local taxes on retail sales.

“There was unanimous agreement among the NYSAC board that additional support is needed from Governor Hochul, the State Legislature, and OCM to support municipal enforcement of state cannabis laws and that a more equitable local tax distribution structure needs to be established,” Acquario said. “By doing so, we can ensure that our local governments have the necessary resources to protect public health, uphold the integrity of the legal cannabis market, and maintain the safety of our communities.”

Press Release, Orleans Renaissance Group President Chris Busch

MEDINA – Blue Thursdays, the popular Medina summer music series, is returning for another run in 2024 with seven of the best blues bands in WNY. The Print Shop, in partnership with the Orleans Renaissance Group/medinaalive.com, will again produce the series.

The free summer blues concerts takes place Thursday evenings, June 20 through Aug. 8, at the State Street Park Pavilion in Medina. There will be no concert on Thursday, July 4.

The Print Shop of Medina is the sole underwriter of the event and is the driving force behind the series. They have partnered with the Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc./medinaalive.com in booking top regional blues talent from the Buffalo area.

Headlining the much-anticipated opening night of the series is the Pat Harrington Trio, featuring Pat Harrington, lead guitarist with Grammy Nominated and Multi-Blues Music Award winning band Victor Wainwright & The Train. That performance is set for June 20 at 6 p.m.

The series, conceived several years ago, is the brainchild of The Print Shop and ORG.

“We decided that it was time we put our expertise and financial backing to work here in Medina to benefit the community,” said Ken Daluisio, owner/operator of The Print Shop. “Blue Thursdays brings an average of 800 people from across WNY to Medina every Thursday night, many of them new to Medina. These past two years, we’ve learned that many of those people have returned on other days to explore what Medina has to offer. The positive effects of this event on the community have been absolutely great in so many ways.”

The Print Shop is a full service, commercial printing, publishing and graphic arts operation in Medina. ORG, a local arts and culture not-for-profit, has been promoting and executing world-class music events locally since the late 1990s.

“The partnership has produced a premier music event featuring outstanding bands and professional promotion,” Daluisio said. “It’s a first-class event all the way and we’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

The artists booked for the event are highly acclaimed, award-winning blues bands from the Buffalo area.

“We’ve booked top-tier spectacular talent that people may not have had a chance to see anywhere locally,” Busch said. “Many of these artists have been playing for years alongside some of the greatest names in the business. They’re hall-of-famers, nationally-renowned and award-winning musicians, songwriters and recording artists. We’re incredibly excited to bring bands of this caliber to Medina.”

The 2024 Blue Thursdays line-up includes:

• June 20: The Pat Harrington Trio, featuring Pat Harrington
• June 27: Dave Viterna Group
• July 11: Nickel City Blues Band
• July 18: Maria Aurigema
• July 25: Thurman Brothers Band
• Aug. 1: Frank Grizanti Band
• Aug. 8: Tommy Z Band

“We want to give a big shout out to Dave Viterna who at the outset of this project three years ago, opened the doors to many of these bands for us,” Busch said. “Dave was instrumental in helping us get Blue Thursdays off the ground. He’s a music legend in Medina and WNY, and the series just wouldn’t be right without DVG on stage.”

All the concerts are free and open to the public. Shows run from 6 to 8 p.m. There are no rain dates.

Concert goers will be able to enjoy a wide variety of food by Cusimano’s Pizzeria, Parker’s Pit BBQ and Greenlief’s On The Go. Refreshments will again provided by Leonard Oakes Estate Winery and 810 Meadworks, along with Blue Groove Coffee.

“For gig updates, any cancellations and venue information, people should go primarily to the ‘Blue Thursdays Medina’ Facebook page,” Busch said. “Further information and details can also be found on the web at bluethursdays.com and from weekly ads on The Orleans Hub.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

MURRAY – A train from Genesee Valley Transportation hit a flatbed tow truck at about noon today. The truck from A & M Transmissions and Complete Automotive Center had just left a parking area north of the railroad tracks when the truck stalled on the tracks as a train was rounding the bend to the east.

The train hit the front side of the truck which then was pushed into a railroad crossing sign, knocking it down.

A state trooper on the scene said the driver of the truck initially was “shaken up” but is OK. No one else was injured  and no violations will be issued, the trooper said.

The train is expected to be stuck on the tracks, blocking Fancher Road (Route 387) for extended period of time while GVT waits for a mechanic to fix an air leak in the engine.

ALBION – An Albion man was sentenced to five years in state prison on Wednesday for a crime spree that included one felony and four misdemeanors from September 2022 to April 2023.

Alexander C. Gelo

Alexander C. Gelo, 32, was given the maximum sentence as part of a plea deal. In addition to five years in prison, Judge Sanford Church gave Gelo five years of post-release supervision.

Gelo, 32, was wanted on a warrant when he charged following a traffic stop on Feb. 28, 2023 on Ridge Road in the Town of Gaines. The warrant stemmed from an incident that occurred on Feb. 14, 2023 when Gelo allegedly made threats to physically harm a witness in a criminal proceeding against Gelo.

Gelo pleaded guilty on March 27 to criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a charge that carries 3 ½ to 15 years in prison. Gelo admitted in court today to having a loaded 9 mm handgun.

He also pleaded guilty to the following charges:

• Menacing in the second degree for displaying a semiautomatic handgun to a person on Sept. 19, 2022 with the intent to scare the person, causing a reasonable fear for safety.

• Criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree for having someone else’s Bank of America credit card on Sept. 21, 2022 with the intent of using to benefit himself.

• Aggravated harassment in the second degree for using Facebook messenger on Feb. 11, 2023 to send threatening messages to a woman.

• Assault in the third degree for hitting a woman in the head with a hammer on April 23, 2023.

In other cases in County Court on Wednesday:

• Kevin McEwen, 41, of Kendall was sentenced to two years in state prison for attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. McEwen was charged after firing two rounds from a Glock near people on Sept. 18 in Kendall in a dispute over car repairs.

McEwen admitted in court on Feb. 28 to having a loaded firearm, and shooting it at a zucchini to scare people.

• Edward Dunn, 38, of Middelport was arraigned for third-degree burglary, criminal mischief in the second-degree and petit larceny for his alleged role in a break-in in March on North Main Street in Lyndonville.

Press Release, Maison Albion

File photo by Tom Rivers: Maison Albion has ornaments made in the likeness of the building at 13800 County House Rd., formerly known as The Pillars.

ALBION – Maison Albion, the luxurious events venue housed in a historic Victorian mansion, today announced the launch of its first Artist in Residence program.

Beginning Feb. 1 through March 29, 2025, the program will provide an unparalleled creative retreat for professional artists across a variety of disciplines.

The Artist in Residence program welcomes applications from professional and emerging artists within literature, visual arts, music composition, performance art, film, and more. In exchange for the invaluable creative time, artists will be requested to gift one original piece of work inspired by their experience at Maison Albion.

“We are honored to open the exceptional Maison Albion estate as a creative sanctuary for artists from all nations and backgrounds,” said Kerri Glover, Maison Albion’s owner. “This program reflects our deep respect for the arts and our commitment to fostering an environment where creative brilliance can flourish.”

As long-standing patrons of the arts, the owners of Maison Albion are thrilled to support the creative process by offering residencies that provide world-class accommodations, exceptional amenities, and a richly inspiring environment. Selected artists will enjoy a transformative experience with:

• 1 to 3 week residency options in well-appointed double rooms
• Complimentary housekeeping services and grocery provisions
• 24/7 access to a historic mansion, 7 acres of gardens, an open studio/piano space
• Full use of a screening room, billiards room, library and sitting rooms
• Courtesy transportation from airports and train stations

Inclusive excellence remains a core value, and Maison Albion encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Prospective artists can find full details and apply online (click here) by Oct. 1, 2024. Questions may be directed to Kerri Glover at bonjour@maisonalbion.com.

About Maison Albion

Maison Albion is a 1878 mansion features a breathtaking ballroom and parklike grounds reminiscent of a late 19th century French estate. Close to Buffalo, Rochester, Toronto, and New York City, but located in the quaintest town of Albion, New York, you will find the most magical wedding and event venue. With elegant interiors and lush gardens, the historic estate provides an exceptional backdrop for life’s most meaningful celebrations and creative pursuits.

New basketball courts will host 3-on-3 tournament on Saturday

Photo by Tom Rivers: These two play a pickup game last month on the new basketball courts at Bullard Park. The courts have been busy since they opened last October.

ALBION – The new basketball courts at Bullard Park will host a 3-on-3 youth basketball tournament on Saturday during the Strawberry Festival.

There will be trophies for winning teams, and T-shirts for all participants. The cost is $20 per player, and the tourney is open to boys and girls ages 9 to 18. The deadline to register is 10 p.m. on Friday. Click here for more information or email Susan Oschmann, tournament organizer, at susanoschmann@gmail.com.

This is the first tournament on the new courts, which opened last October. Last year the tourney was held during the festival on a closed off section of Main Street, between Bank Street and Beaver Alley.

The tournament is part of a fundraising push for lighting and fencing for the new basketball courts, and also to add two pickleball courts. There currently is fencing on the south side facing East Avenue.

The basketball courts also were intended to be used for pickleball, with a portable net brought out. But the courts are consistently in demand for basketball, making it a challenge for pickleball players.

“The courts are always packed and hard to get on to play basketball let alone pickleball,” said Oschmann, who is chairwoman of the Bounce for Bullard effort.

The Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, Inc., a non-profit organization, has received a grant to pay for the pickleball posts and nets. The G-ACRE group is trying to raise about $45,000 for the lights, fencing, benches and pickleball courts. It has a GoFundMe for people to donate.

Once the Bullard courts are complete, Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events wants to work to install smaller quarter courts in the “pocket parks” in the village.

“We believe that having basketball facilities in these parks is vital for the well-being and recreation of our community members,” Oschmann said. “Both children and adults can benefit from the joy and camaraderie that playing basketball brings.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Jim Aina, left, and Mike Rutkowski of the band Carlton Station opened the Village of Albion Summer Concert Series this evening at the amphitheater at Bullard Park.

Albion will have concerts 11 Wednesdays and all will be at Bullard Park this year, after some of the concerts have been by the canal and in the downtown in recent years.

The concerts are mainly funded with state arts money that is administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council. Bidleman Ford also is a sponsor of the concerts this year.

The events include food and beverage vendors. This evening there was the Albion Masonic Lodge, Wild Flour Deli & Bakery, and Last Call Cocktail Co.

Carlton Station’s Jim Aina and Mike Rutkowski performed on the amphitheater while people brought lawn chairs to the park. Chris Moore followed Carlton Station on the stage this evening.

The concerts are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., except on July 3 when there are two bands performing from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The lineup for the rest of the year includes:

• June 12: Albion Jazz Band
• June 19: Triple Play
• June 26: Highway 31
• July 3: Ryan and Company from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Who Dats from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• July 10: Soul Street
• July 17: Zackstreet Boys
• July 24: Grupo IFE
• July 31: Savage Cabbage
• Aug. 7: Shot Gun Pauly
• Aug. 14: Eclipse
• Aug. 21 and Aug. 28: rain dates

The spray park was popular this evening at Bullard, providing some relief on a warm day.

Other concert series in Orleans will be getting started soon.

The Yates Community Library’s Concerts on the Lawn is on Mondays from June 24 to Aug. 26.

The Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association has concerts on Tuesdays at the Orleans County Marine Park from June 25 to July 30 (with Aug. 6 and Aug. 13 as rain dates).

Medina’s Blue Thursdays are at State Street Park on Thursdays from June 20 to Aug. 8.

The Village of Holley’s Concerts at the Gazebo are Fridays from July 5 to August. 23.

Press Release, Lyndonville Area Foundation

Provided photo: Shelly Harling, a director with the Lyndonville Area Foundation, presents a check from the Foundation to Wes Bradley, a Lyndonville Lions Club member and chairman of the fireworks celebration.

LYNDONVILLE – Again this year, the Lyndonville Area Foundation has made a significant donation toward the Lyndonville Lions Club’s Annual 4th of July celebration.

The Foundation has given $15,000 to the Lions Club, which is planning its 50^th annual July Fourth festival. The Foundation has earmarked $5,000 of this contribution to be used toward bands for the parade and musical entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening.

The additional $10,000 will go toward the once-in-a-half-century fireworks display being planned.

The Lyndonville Lions Club receives contributions toward the fireworks display throughout the year from many area organizations, businesses and individuals, who have been and continue to be remarkable supporters of the event.

As a result, the contract for this year’s commemorative fireworks show is the largest display in the 75-year history of Young Explosives, a professional fireworks producer out of Rochester.

We hope that everyone enjoys the day!