By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 March 2025 at 8:47 am
HOLLEY – A nearly $200,000 grant will upgrade equipment for the Holley Police Department.
The federal funding was accepted by the Village Board last month. The U.S. Department of Justice makes the money available to states and local jurisdictions.
Holley was awarded $198,546. That will pay for a 2025 Dodge Durango patrol vehicle that is fully set up with technology for the Police Department, said Police Chief Bob Barton.
The Holley PD also will replace five body cameras and 10 tasers. It will also be part of the LiveScan fingerprinting and photo database through the state Division of Criminal Justice Services.
Barton said the grant will make a big impact on the Holley department that includes three full-time officers and seven part-timers. The full-timers include Barton as chief, and officers A.J. Fisher and Nick Pahura.
Holley also received a $15,845 grant for new computers and technology in the two police vehicles.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2025 at 9:10 pm
Danny Campbell, Ron Meiers reach 50 years of service
Photos by Tom Rivers: Danny Campbell was recognized for 50 years of service to the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company on Saturday. He speaks to about 225 people during a banquet at the Clarendon Rec Hall.
CLARENDON – The Murray Joint Fire District and Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company held a combined fire department banquet and awards celebration on Saturday night, with about 225 people attending the event at the Clarendon Rec Hall.
Both groups recognized members with milestone anniversaries and they also recognized top responders and others with significant contributions to the organizations.
Clarendon Fire Chief Bob Freida presents gifts to Danny Campbell on reaching the 50-year milestone with the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company.
There were two firefighters recognized for 50 years of service. Ron Meiers, a past Holley fire chief, remains very active with the department, which has been part of the Murray Joint Fire District since 2021. Meiers was unable to attend the banquet on Saturday. He will be recognized in an upcoming commissioners meeting, said Fire Chief Rick Cary.
Danny Campbell has been an active volunteer with the Clarendon Fire Company for 50 years. He followed the example of his late parents, Everett and Letha, by joining the fire company. Mrs. Campbell was especially dedicated to the Clarendon ambulance.
“My parents were so big into it that I just followed their footsteps,” Campbell said.
He twice served as fire chief, and has been president and held every office except treasurer and secretary. He still drives the fire trucks to many scenes.
Danny’s son, Matt, has 30 years in with the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company and Danny’s grandsons are eager to join.
Danny credited his wife Diana for her understanding when duty called him away so often.
“In my 50 years I’ve seen a lot but the number one person I have to thank is my wife,” he told the crowd.
Campbell, 68, said he intends to stay active as a firefighter for as long as he can.
“When the tones go off, I respond,” he said.
(Left) Bob Beisang accepts an award from Murray Joint Fire District leaders Pete Hendrickson, center, and Kevin Dann for all of Beisang’s efforts with writing grants, record keeping and solving issues with computers.
(Right) Dan Schiavone was named “Top responder” by Murray Fire Chief Rick Cary. Schiavone and his partner Jenna Amering are fast to respond to many calls during the night. They live about Schiavone’s dental office on the Public Square, not far from the fire station. Schiavone also is knowledgeable on using the fire trucks and trains many of the younger firefighters on how to use equipment.
Mark Porter received the President’s Award for his efforts to move projects forward for the Murray firefighters. Karl Biedlingmaler received the Clarendon President’s Award from Craig Hadden for the many ways Biedlingmaler assists the fire company.
John Morris received a “distinguished service” award from the Murray fire chief for Morriss’s work with the fire police and helping arrange volunteers from the fire district for many of the events in the community.
Jeff Elsenheimer received a “Chief’s Award” for his leadership at scenes when Murray chiefs aren’t there.
Chief Cary said 2024 was the busiest so far for the district with 788 calls. He praised the partnership between Murray and Clarendon, frequently providing mutual aid for each.
Clarendon Fire Chief Bob Freida, right, presents the “Chief’s Award of Excellence” to Rick Cary, the Murray fire chief, on behalf of the mutual aid from Murray for many calls in Clarendon.
Bob Freida received the Clarendon Board of Directors Award for his work getting the Clarendon Benevolent Association started.
Clarendon firefighters responded to 459 calls in 2024.
Freida said the department is looking to replace a chief’s truck and a brush truck this year, and also pave the parking lot by the fire hall/rec hall.
Robbie Weit, 8, was welcomed as a honorary member of the Clarendon Fire Company by Fire Chief Bob Freida and Deputy Chief Don Moiser. Robbie has made posters for both Clarendon and Murray fire halls about the Sept.11 attacks that killed 343 New York City firefighters. Robbie dresses as a firefighter at Halloween and looks forward to joining the department when he is older.
Frank Balys, chairman of the board of commissioners for the Murray Joint Fire District, said the district was awarded a $500,000 state grant last year that will replace turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus. Murray is putting its order in for the equipment on Monday.
Scott Elliott of Kendall also was recognized after retiring with 35 years at Monroe Ambulance, including 30 years as a paramedic serving the communities of eastern Orleans and western Monroe. Elliott attended the banquet and was pleased to see so many of the firefighters he has worked with over the years. “It was a chance to say good bye and thank them for working with everyone so long.”
The Clarendon Fire Company’s Board of Directors include: President – Craig Hadden; Vice President – Pat Cain; Directors – Robert Margis, Troy Kingdollar, Earl Jenks, James DeYoung and Dan Campbell.
The Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Company’s Board of Directors include: President – Adam Blosenhauer; Vice President – Joseph A. Morlino; Directors – D.J. Blosenhauer, Billy Bower, Jim Fox and Ed Morgan; Treasurer – Mary Blosenhauer.
The Holley Fire Company’s Board of Directors include: President – Fran Gaylord; Vice President – Raymond McMillion; Directors – Kevin Dann, Shannon McMillion and John Morris; Secretary – Courtney Strickland.
The Clarendon Fire Company’s Line Officers include: Chief – Robert Freida; Deputy Chief – Don Mosier; Assistant Chief – Karl Biedlingmaler; Captain – Troy Kingdollar; Lieutenant – James DeYoung, Bill Gergly and Earl Jenks; and Safety Officer – Dan Campbell and Bob Margis.
The Murray Joint Fire District Board of Commissioners include: Chairman – Frank Balys; Co-Chairman – Scott Harrington; Commissioners – Chris Middleton, Dave Knapp, Robert Beisang, Jenna Amering and Mark Porter; and Secretary/Treasurer – Tiffany Jewell-Frew.
The Murray Line Officers include: Chief – Richard Cary; Deputy Chief – Peter Hendrickson Jr.; Assistant Chief – Kevin Dann; Captain – Jeff Elsenheimer and Chris Chilson; Lieutenant – Allan Smith and Chris Middleton; EMS Lieutenant – Mark Porter and Hunter Salamaca; Fire Police Captain – John Morriss; and Fire Police Lieutenant – Jerry Wagner.
Pete Hendrickson, left, and Don Mosier remember three local firefighters who passed away in 2024, including Don Blosenhauer, a 50-year member of Fancher-Hulberton-Murray; Kerry McCormack, 25-year member of Clarendon and also a long-time EMT with Monroe Ambulance; and Margaret Morse, a 17-year volunteer with the Clarendon fire police.
HOLLEY – The Holley Central School District is pleased to introduce Kelly Hill, who will serve as the district’s new Director of Transportation.
Hill was appointed at the March 17 Board of Education meeting and will assume her role on April 28.
Hill will direct and supervise the district’s Transportation Department, ensuring both efficient operation and safety of students. She brings a wealth of experience, including nine years serving as Safety Supervisor at Student Transportation of America in Alexander, NY, overseeing compliance and training. She possesses her Commercial Driver’s License and is a NYS Department of Education licensed School Bus Driver Instructor and a Department of Motor Vehicles 19A Examiner.
Hill is eager to join the Holley CSD team and start building strong relationships.
“I look forward to making a difference in the lives of my co-workers and the families that I will be serving in this position,” Hill said. “Know that I will do my best to address issues and concerns, and I will be open to working together for the same goal, putting children first in all things. Thank you for this opportunity to serve the Holley community.”
The district extends a warm welcome to Hill.
“I am excited to have someone with Kelly’s experience join the Holley CSD family,” said Karri Schiavone, Holley district superintendent. “I am confident in her ability to lead our Transportation Department and oversee one of the most important responsibilities in our district, the safe transportation of our students.”
This change in leadership comes after the retirement of Tammy Beaney, former director of transportation.
Provided photo: Holley Interact Club members last Thursday served in the food line at the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen. From left serving sloppy joe dinners include Maddie Lowell, Brianna Pellegrino, Lily Moore, Charli Gearing and Kylie Dann. Co-advisor Erin Dibble is in back.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2025 at 9:22 am
HOLLEY/ALBION – The Holley Interact Club prepared more than 600 meals last week to be served at the Open Door Mission in Rochester and the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen in Albion.
The Interact Club includes about 80 students committed to community service. The club embraced a “Feed the Need” initiative.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Interact Club members are shown are making 140 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches last Wednesday in the junior/senior high school cafeteria.
Those sandwiches were delivered to the Open Door Mission on Friday. Students decorated bags with artwork and added inspirational messages for 70 bags. Each bag had two sandwiches, chips and juice.
Provided photo: High School Principal Matt Feldman greets students working on the bagged lunches for the Open Door Mission.
This was the second year that the Holley Interactors made sandwiches for the Open Door Mission. Thursday the group served at the “OK Kitchen” for the first time after club advisor Sam Zelent saw a social media post by kitchen director Faith Smith, seeking help preparing and serving meals for one of the Thursdays.
The Holley community donated the food for a sloppy joe dinner, including 90 pounds of ground beef, 83 cans of Manwich, 83 jars of peas, 500 Little Debbie snacks and a $100 from Wegmans. The Holley school kitchen staff cooked the sloppy joes which were then reheated at the OK Kitchen.
“Honestly it was the community that did this,” Zelent, a social worker, said Wednesday about the food.
The following day she and club co-advisor Erin Dibble were with eight Interact students to prepare and serve the food at the OK Kitchen, which is located at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion on Route 31.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Sam Zelent, the co-advisor of the Holley Interact Club, gives the group a pep talk before they served sloppy joes last Thursday at the OK Kitchen. Clockwise from Zelent include MacKenzie Fiorito, Lily Moore, Brianna Pellegrino, Leon Wilcox, Charli Gearing, Madie Lowell, Kylie Dann, Joscelyn Underwood and the back of Erin Dibble.
Provided photos: (Left) Brianna Pellegrino and Lily Moore are on cleanup duty at the OK Kitchen. (Right) MacKenzie Fiorito and Joscelyn Underwood greeted the community with smiles while working in the OK Kitchen last Thursday. The students arrived at 1 p.m. and stayed until well after 6.
The Holley Interact Club was amazed by the OK Kitchen and the commitment of the volunteers led by director Faith Smith.
The Interactors would like to be back again soon helping at the kitchen, even though it isn’t located right in Holley.
“Orleans County is a small county and we need to stick together,” Zelent said.
Charli Gearing, right, and the Interactors serve in the food last Thursday.
“I gained a lot of knowledge about my community and its needs and that there should be more opportunities like this for us younger kids to help make a difference,” she said.
Another student, Madie Lowell, said the experience was “eye opening.” She is impressed by the volunteers to help out every week, preparing and serving an average of 500 meals.
Faith Smith, the OK Kitchen director, said she appreciated the service and the enthusiasm from the Holley students. She welcomes more groups to try preparing and serving a meal. They can contact her at (585) 319-1578 or by email at mesilly12@yahoo.com.
The Interact Club is also looking forward to its next big event, the community cleanup on May 17 when they pick up litter along the canal trail, village streets and parks.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2025 at 4:12 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Holley Jr./Sr. High School will be performing the musical Grease this evening at 7, and then two shows on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Click here for ticket information.
The top photo shows four of the Pink Ladies at a pajama party. Isla Schultz is Marty and she shows a new ring to her friends, from left: Jayda Shampine as Frenchy, Hanna Ostrom as Jan, and Mallory Davis as Rizzo.
Marty sings, “Freddy, My Love.” She is in a long-distance relationship with a Marine. He sends her gifts while he’s stationed in Japan.
Aidan Kelley is Danny Zuko, the leader of the Rydell High T-Birds. His falls in love with Sandy. He is singing, “Summer Nights.”
Bailey Bibbins plays the lead role of Sandy. She also sings “Summer Nights” about her summertime love affair with Danny. Sandy later transforms from schoolgirl sweetheart into a biker beauty.
Khole Pachla is Doody and sings “Those Magic Changes.” Doody is a member of the T-Birds and Frenchy’s boyfriend.
Holley has 62 students in the cast and crew. Kayla Thrower is making her directorial debut for Holley. Thrower, 25, was in the musicals when she was a Holley student.
She is a social studies teacher for seventh- and eighth-graders. She said the musicals helped build her confidence when she was a student.
“I loved it when I was in school,” Thrower said during a rehearsal this week. “It brought me out of my shell.”
She said the musicals are a supportive environment for students.
“It’s fun because you can take on a different persona,” Thrower said. (She was Ursula in Holley’s production of Little Mermaid.) “Every year it’s a chance to build a family.”
It’s a busy weekend for local school musicals. Besides Holley the shows includes Kendall with Willy Wonka, Medina with Momma Mia, and the Albion Middle School with Little Mermaid.
Lyndonville will be performing Newsies from March 21-23, with Albion High School is doing Cinderella on March 28-29.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 February 2025 at 1:41 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
MURRAY – Firefighters pulled some of the siding off a house at 3388 Groth Road so they could get water directly on an electrical fire that was smoldering just after noon today.
The electrical fire started at the service entrance cable, firefighters said at the scene.
They were able to keep the electrical fire from turning into flames and causing more damage. National Grid also happened to be in the area and one of the Grid workers was able to shut off the electric from the meter, helping to keep the fire from spreading, said Bob Freida, the Clarendon fire chief.
Murray firefighters were assisted in mutual aid by Clarendon, Kendall and Hamlin.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 February 2025 at 2:27 pm
HOLLEY – The Village of Holley has been awarded a $75,000 state grant for an inclusive playground that will ADA-accessible.
“Nestled beside the Erie Canal, this addition reflects the Canal’s role in enhancing quality of life and creating welcoming spaces for all,” the Canal Corp. said in announcing the funding on Monday.
Holley has the matching funds for a project that will total about $150,000, Mayor Mark Bower said.
The village has $35,000 set aside for the playground and the Town of Murray has committed $25,000 towards the project. The Holley Department of Public Works also will provide in-kind services with excavating and site work, Bower said.
Community volunteers will also be asked to help construct the playground which will allow Holley to maximize the funding towards the equipment for children.
The village will soon seek bids from playground companies for the equipment. Bower is hopeful construction will start in April.
The playground will go where there was one previously along the canal path. That playground wasn’t accessible to people with disabilities, had fallen into disrepair and was removed in 2022, Bower said.
The mayor thanked the Orleans County Health Department for helping to secure the grant for the village.
Holley also recently was awarded a grant to put in a kayak launch and new decking and stairs at its canal park.
HOLLEY – Holley Central School District’s Pre-K and kindergarten registration for the 2025-26 school year will be held on March 12 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Holley Elementary School Foyer, 3800 North Main St.
To be eligible to register for Pre-K, children must be 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2025. To be eligible to register for Kindergarten, children must be 5 years old by Dec. 1, 2025.
Pre-K and kindergarten health physicals are required to be completed by Sept. 1, 2025. If your child currently attends Holley CSD Pre-K, you do not need to register for kindergarten, your Pre-K child will be automatically enrolled.
Please bring the following original documents to register your child: completed registration packet, birth certificate, immunization record and proof of residency. Copies will be made during your visit. You will not be able to register without these documents.
To request a registration packet be mailed to you, please fill out the form on the district’s website (Click here).
If you need assistance completing the registration packet, bring it in on March 12, and assistance will be provided. If you have any questions, please call 585-638-6316 extension 2580. HCSD looks forward to welcoming you!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 January 2025 at 10:01 pm
The NYS Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor announced $255,000 towards projects and events on the Erie Canal this year, which is the bicentennial of the canal’s completion.
Some of the money will go to initiatives in Orleans County, including a new kayak launch in Holley, as well as new decking and stairs, which will provide visitors with better access to launching areas and rest points, according to the Heritage Corridor.
Other grants in Orleans County include:
The Erie Canal Family Concert on June 23 at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina. Discover a treasure trove of songs and stories that washed ashore with the travelers of “Clinton’s Ditch.” The concert is designed to entertain and engage, and features a variety of stringed and other musical instruments from canal days.
Erie Canal Bicentennial Building Bricks Event organized by the Village of Medina Tourism Committee. The event will be Sept. 20-21 at the Sacred Heart Club in Medina. Participants will create canal-themed boats, bridges, and landmarks using LEGO bricks, while competing for awards based on age and creativity. Open to all ages and abilities.
Erie Canal Arts & Craft Festival led by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council from Sept. 26-28 at Medina, Albion and Holley. The event will be a vibrant celebration of heritage, creativity, and community spirit along the canal. It will feature over 400 artisan vendors, a theatre & car showcase, a headline concert with The Voice’s Ddendyl Hoyt, and festive boat parade.
In nearby Brockport, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will perform as part of a bicentennial celebration on July 8 at the SUNY Brockport Special Events Recreation Center. The RPO will perform folk music celebrating the village’s unique sense of place and rich canal heritage.
Also in Brockport, the Town of Clarkson was awarded funding for Sans Souci Park Improvements. Clarkson will replace portions of the boat launch with a new ADA-accessible boat dock and install bike racks and a universally accessible park playground.
The grants announced today include 11 tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements and 36 events along canal waterways and the Canalway Trail.
The grants range from $500 to $24,000 and will leverage an estimated $979,087 in additional support, according to the Heritage Corridor.
“After 200 years of continuous operation, the Canalway wouldn’t be what it is without the communities and organizations along its 500-plus miles,” said New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. “This program offers us an opportunity to give back by supporting public events and needed infrastructure improvements that together make the Canal corridor an even more exciting place to live in and visit.”
Events ranging from large festivals to community celebrations and tours. Infrastructure and amenity grants will fund public park improvements, kayak rental kiosks, educational exhibits, and signage that will enhance the visitor experience for years to come, the Heritage Corridor said.
“We are thrilled to support so many municipalities and community organizations working to improve the NYS Canal System for visitors and residents,” said Bob Radliff, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “Events generate millions of dollars annually in economic impact for canal communities.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2025 at 8:03 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The Holley Waterfalls were nearly frozen in ice on Wednesday when then the temperatures were near 0 in the morning and peaked at about 12 degrees.
The falls remained an attraction with several people stopping by on Wednesday afternoon.
Despite the ice some water kept flowing. There was still a roar from the waterfalls.
After four days in a deep freeze with temperatures typically in the teens or less, the temp will “warm up” to a high near 24 today. The highs in the following days include 22 on Friday, 29 on Saturday and 29 on Sunday.
The Holley Waterfalls are about 35 feet high and carry water from the east branch of Sandy Creek.
This bird stopped by the frozen falls on Wednesday afternoon.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 January 2025 at 11:14 am
MURRAY – Joe Fuller, an Albion town justice, is filling in as a judge for Murray.
Ted Spada’s term expired on Dec. 31 and Gary Passarell recently stepped down.
Fuller has changed the court schedule in Murray to the second and fourth Wednesdays at 5 p.m.
The court was meeting each Monday evening with district attorney nights on Wednesdays. With Fuller presiding, the sessions will include DA nights. All court cases are adjourned until Jan. 22. Anyone scheduled before Jan. 22 will receive a letter from the Murray Town Court advising them of their next court date.
Anyone with questions can call the Town Court at (585) 638-6570, ext. 7.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 January 2025 at 9:38 am
District to receive $500K grant for turnout gear, air packs
MURRAY – The Murray Joint Fire District swore in its commissioners and officers on Thursday during an organizational meeting.
The Board of Commissioners will be led by Frank Balys, Jr. as chairman and Scott Harrington as vice chairman.
Balys’s term as commissioner runs to Dec. 31, 2027, while Harrington’s term goes to Dec. 31, 2025. Other commissioners sworn in include David Knapp with 5-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2029; Chris Middleton, term expiring Dec. 31, 2028; and Robert Beisang, term expiring Dec. 31, 2026.
The district officers include Richard Cary – Fire Chief; Peter Hendrickson, Jr. – Deputy Chief; Kevin Dann – Assistant Chief; Jeffrey Elsenheimer – Captain; Christopher Chilson – Captain; Christopher Middleton – Lieutenant; Allan Smith – Lieutenant; and Mark Porter – EMS Lieutenant.
Fire Police officers will be sworn in later and include John Morriss as captain and Jerry Wagner as lieutenant.
The fire district was awarded a $500,000 grant on Oct. 25 in an announcement by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Murray was one of 88 entities across the state to receive funding for equipment.
Murray will work to obtain the equipment this year which includes new turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus air packs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 December 2024 at 9:35 am
MURRAY – The Murray Joint Fire District elected three fire commissioners on Tuesday, with current chairman Mark Porter defeated by Dave Knapp who was a write-in candidate.
Knapp and Dave Nenni were both elected to 5-year terms, and Scott Harrington was elected to a 1-year term.
In Barre, William Basinait was re-elected as commissioner with 11 votes, and Barry Flansburg was re-elected treasurer with 11 votes. There were 11 voters in the annual election.
In Kendall, Patrick Seaman, an incumbent, was re-elected as fire commissioner.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 December 2024 at 10:43 am
Lantern parade added to the festivities
Photo by Tom Rivers: Corey Fults, a lineman with the Village of Holley Electric Department, puts lights on a tree in Holley’s Public Square on Thursday.
HOLLEY – The Village of Holley will have its annual tree-lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday when the names of people honored with memory bulbs are read aloud.
Sal DeLuca, recently recognized by the Village Board as Holley’s Citizen of the Year, will be part of the ceremony as well.
The village is trying a new lantern parade, too. People are welcome to bring paper lanterns or other more sturdy ones for a parade. If there are enough lanterns, the parade will start at 6 p.m. and go from the pharmacy to the Public Square.
If there are only a few, people are welcome to just have them at the tree lighting. The Community Free Library has hosted lantern-making workshops to help people make the lanterns. They have been designed and decorated with a theme from The 12 Days of Christmas.
After the tree-lighting, the community is welcome to go the fire hall to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
There will also be horse-drawn carriage rides for free from 1 to 4:30 p.m., with pick up and drop off at the Murray-Holley Historical Society Museum.
The American Legion also will be hosting a craft show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The big Santa statue in the Public Square was blasted with snow during an intense snow squall on Thursday morning.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 November 2024 at 1:55 pm
Screenshot
Provided photos
HOLLEY – The Holley Village Board last week honored Sal DeLuca as Holle’s Citizen of the Year.
DeLuca was hailed for his long-time contributions on the Board of Education, as a coach and with the Holley Sports Boosters.
The top photo from left shows village trustees Rochelle Moroz and Jessica MacClaren, Sal DeLuca, Mayor Mark Bower, and trustees John Morriss and Jim DeFilipps.
The photo at right shows Mayor Bower presenting the award.
“Sal DeLuca has given an enormous amount of his time in service to the Holley community as a school board member and coach,” Bower said. “ He has impacted numerous Holley residents for the better.”
