Holley’s June Fest includes a special election featuring 4 beloved animals
Simon the Alpaca
HOLLEY – A “special election” will be held in the Village of Holley during June Fest this Saturday.
Members of the Holley Elementary School Student Council are holding the special fundraising election, which is similar to last year’s Chancellor of the Chapel race. Chancellor of the Chapel benefited the historic Medina sandstone chapel at Hillside Cemetery and featured a mix of local domestic animals running for the position.
Gamma the Dog won last year’s election, which raised more than $2,600 for the chapel’s restoration effort.
Elementary Student Council Advisor Sally Martin said this year, the election will benefit the After School Friends program.
Mabel the Goat
Several animal candidates are running for “After School Friends Ambassador” and voters will have a tough decision selecting which will be best for the position: Mabel the Goat is owned by Karen Clark; Simon the Alpaca is owned by Theresa Jewell; Stella the Hedgehog is owned by Hannah Bock; and Bubba the Turtle is from fifth grade teacher Brenda Schurr’s class.
The After School Friends program is held each Wednesday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Holley. The program, which is free for students in grades 4-6, is now funded through Fit 4 U, which offers nutritional programming and activities for participants.
Voting for the After School Friends Ambassador will be held Saturday at the Holley Community Free Library following the June Fest parade at 10 a.m.
All are welcome to make a donation to cast a vote.
A candidate parade is planned for this morning at 9:15 through the halls of the Holley Elementary School.
Stella the Hedgehog
Owners of the candidates provided character traits which make their animal the best choice for the prestigious “Ambassador” position.
Mabel the Goat – She is energetic, can mow lawns, is loving, takes care of her sisters and is great with “kids.”
Simon the Alpaca – A very special member of Theresa Jewell’s herd. Jewell said she rescued Simon, who was very ill when she brought him to her farm in Clarendon. She said Simon is a “real fighter” and now serves as the “greeter” at her farm – Stoney Meadows Alpacas. Simon is very friendly and makes both humans and animals feel welcome.
Bubba the Turtle
Stella the Hedgehog – Stella is energetic and loves to have fun. She is always excited to meet new people and make new friends. She enjoys running around, digging tunnels and playing with toys. Stella enjoys crafts and building things. Hannah Bock, Stella’s owner, encourages everyone to vote for Stella. “She won’t let you down,” Bock said.
Bubba the Turtle – Has enthusiasm and loves to spend time in students’ homes during breaks. His owner, Brenda Schurr is a 5th grade teacher at Holley Elementary. She said Bubba is also very responsible – he spends every day in the classroom and never makes a peep. He is very mature – about 15 years old – which is pretty old in an elementary building. Bubba is also very dependable. “He may not be the fastest guy around, but sure and steady wins the race,” Schurr said.
