90-and-older get praise at event in Holley

Long-time residents celebrated for ‘countless contributions’ to community

Photos by Tom Rivers: Margaret Roggow waves after being recognized for reaching 90 years. She was among nine residents and former residents honored during a celebration on Friday in Holley for people in the community who have turned 90 since the last celebration two years ago.

HOLLEY – The Holley community wants to send a message to its oldest residents: you are appreciated and valued for your long-term commitment to the area.

The Village of Holley and Towns of Murray and Clarendon on Friday honored nine residents who have turned 90 since the last celebration for nonagenarians (people in their 90s).

On Friday, the honorees included Margaret Roggow of Holley, Betty Knight of Murray, Dorothy Freestone of Murray, Joseph Salvatore of Murray, Orrin VanOrden of Clarendon, Roy Kenyon of Murray, Betty Rex of Murray, Mary Brocksopp of Murray and Marion Myers of Clarendon.

Holley Mayor Mark Bower greets Dorothy Freestone of Murray and her son Scott Morgan. Freestone is 93 years old. She attended a celebration at the American Legion on Friday.

Clarendon Town Supervisor Marc Major, left, and Murray Town Supervisor Gerald Rightmyer commended the long-term residents.

The two towns plus the Village of Holley issued a joint proclamation for residents who have reached 90 since September 2024:

“We have all been so enriched by the countless contributions these individuals and their families have made to our communities,” the proclamation states.

“We do also encourage all of our residents to recognize, appreciate, respect and honor each of these women and men in as many ways as they possibly can.”

Roy Kenyon waves after being acknowledged during Friday’s celebration.

There are about 2 million Americans are 90 or older among the U.S. population of 340 million, which is about .06 percent of the overall population. The 90-and-older are a fast-growing demographic, the U.S. Census Bureau reports.

“You are part of a select group who possess the history of the places you have lived,” Clarendon Town Supervisor Marc Major stated. “It means that through your own life’s ups and downs, you have gained so much insight. It also means you great insight to share with the rest of us.”

Holley mayor Mark Bower shared that he was eating at Sam’s Diner with his wife Karen in 2022, when he first became mayor. In a booth near theirs, was Bower’s aunt Betty Passarell and Jane Petty. Jane was already over age 90.

Bower and his wife reflected on people in Holley they knew who were over 90.

“It struck us both that many times, communities forget about us as we get older,” Bower said. “I wanted to change that by doing something that put the focus solely on our 90 and older residents.”

There have been celebrations for the nonagenarians in 2022, 2024 and now in 2026.

Previous honorees include Dorothy Barringer, Rose Gifaldi, Jane Perra, Isabelle Wager, Virginia DeFilipps, Lorraine Pera, Pauline Stazie, Clark Knapp, William Billotti, Duane Prince, Theodore Foote, Susan Hurd Machamer, Vivian Ward, Rose Caley, Connie Gaines, Phyllis Keyes, Beverly McKinney, Ethel Robinson, Norma Thom, Roy Bubb, Arlene Mawn, Edna Ruggeri, Rhoda Broekhuizen, Louise Lusk, Fred Roeck, Norman Wheeler, Helen Heath, Lydia Fallato, Louis Sevor, Theodore Jenney, Mary Ann Spychalski, Amy Zazzara, Margaret Dobrowsky, Jack Kemp, Maxwell Maclean, Gene Pickett, Lawrence Snider and Henry Lehning.

Father Mark Noonan, priest for the ONE Catholic parishes in Orleans and eastern Niagara, shared a reflection about the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks, where “ordinary Americans” going on an airplane or to work were victims of the terrorists attacks. The group observed a moment of silence for the nearly 3,000 who were killed.

Father Noonan then reflected how the residents 90 and older have been living “ordinary” lives for decades, quietly contributing to their families and community. He marveled at their longevity and their example for others.

“These ordinary Americans have been doing the little things to make our town, homes and community better,” Father Noonan said.

After the outdoor service, the group was treated to refreshments inside the American Legion.