File photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from March 25, 2023 shows Fran Gaylord, president of the Holley Fire Department, presenting a president’s award to Kevin Dann for all of his assistance, including helping to organize the department’s roster on the computer. Gaylord has retired East Battalion Deputy Fire Coordinator and Dann has been appointed to the part-time position.

HOLLEY – With the retirement of Fran Gaylord as the deputy fire coordinator for the east battalion, a long-time leader of the Holley Fire Department/Murray Joint Fire District will be stepping into the position at the county level.

Kevin Dann, a past Holley fire chief, starts today as the deputy fire coordinator in the position at the Orleans County Emergency Management Office.

Dann of Holley has more than 25 years of experience in the fire service. He is currently the assistant fire chief for the Murray Fire District and works full-time as a firefighter/EMT in the Town of Greece. He also works part-time as a public safety dispatcher for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.

“Deputy Coordinator Dann will be a great addition and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team,” the Orleans EMO announced on its Facebook page.

“I would also like to congratulate Fran Gaylord on his well deserved retirement after over 25 years of service and dedication to residents of Orleans County,” Justin Niederhofer, EMO director, said. “You will surely be missed but I’m sure we will still see you running a pump at the next fire.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Santa rides on a fire truck from Murray Joint Fire District on Sunday in annual pre-Christmas tradition from the Holley Volunteer Fire Department.

There were two trucks that gave Santa and Mrs. Claus a ride through the village, with kids having a chance to meet Saint Nick.

Santa was an enthusiastic greeter along the journey through the village.

Provided photos: Santa makes a stop and visits a family in Holley.

Santa and Mrs. Claus met with Kerri Neale to get his wish list.

Provided photo: The Holley Rotary Club organizes Wreaths Across America at Hillside Cemetery. Some of the volunteers are shown at a veterans’ memorial at the cemetery last year. The memorial includes five granite etched stones for the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard. The memorial has a pentagon-shaped concrete base and a 25-foot flagpole.

HOLLEY – There will be a Wreaths Across America ceremony for the third consecutive year on Saturday at Hillside Cemetery.

Volunteers will then place 300 wreaths at the graves of veterans. The effort is organized by the Holley Rotary Club with donations from the community and the Rotary Club. The wreaths are up from 250 last year, and 200 in the first year – 2023.

There will also be Wreaths Across America ceremonies at noon in Orleans County at Boxwood Cemetery in Medina, Mount Albion Cemetery in Albion, and Lynhaven Cemetery in Lyndonville.

MURRAY – Voters in the Murray Joint Fire District elected three fire commissioners on Tuesday: Scott Harrington, Jenna Amering and Shawn O’Mara.

The district also announced the fire operations officers for 2026. They were elected on Dec. 4.

• Fire Chief: Rick Cary
• Deputy Fire Chief: Pete Hendrickson
• Assistant Fire Chief: Kevin Dann
• Captains: Jeff Elsenheimer and Allan Smith
• Lieutenant: Chris Middleton
• Fire Police Captain: John Morriss
• Fire Police Lieutenant: Jerry Wagner

“These dedicated leaders will guide us through another year of service, safety and community commitment,” the fire district announced on Tuesday night.

HOLLEY – The Village of Holley held its annual tree lighting ceremony on Saturday. Diane Rietman sent in this photo she took from her apartment in the Holley Gardens, the former Holley High School.

This tree includes memory bulbs purchased in honor of Holley residents. Village officials wanted to separate this tree from the decorated trees in the Public Square. This year’s tree was donated by Cox Family Farm in Clarendon, which also donated last year’s tree.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Hartland Carriage offered rides through the Public Square and along the canal park trail.

Dale Jenks of Hartland Carriage in Gasport guides a pair of Percheron horses that pulled the carriage in Holley.

The rides were part of Christmas in Holley celebration that included other activities at the Murray-Holley Depot Museum, the Village Office and Community Free Library.

Hartland Carriage takes a group past Sam’s Diner in the Public Square.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – The Community Free Library has a Free Art Library outside the library at 86 Public Square. This is a project led by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

Go Art! also has the free art libraries in Albion outside the Hoag Library and in Medina outside the Author’s Note book store.

At the free art library, people are encouraged to take an art book or art kit, leave an art book or art kit, and spread creativity.

The art libraries have been architecturally designed by Jeff Pasnik, and built and donated by members of the Carpenters Local Union 276. They are artistically painted by Jaylah Sherman.

The art library in Holley is done in a Pop Art style by Any Warhol with his famous painting of Marilyn Monroe and his tendency to do repeating prints.

GO Art! established the art library to make art supplies and resources more accessible to the community, fostering creativity and engagement in the arts. GO Art! wants the libraries includes art kits, coloring books and art books that are freely available for anyone to take and enjoy.

Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from Nov. 11, 2024, shows Sandy Shaw, retired director of the Community Free Library, and retired Holley Mayor John Kenney, who were both writing messages on Christmas cards to be given to veterans.

HOLLEY – The Community Free Library in Holley will again welcome residents on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, to create Christmas cards for veterans.

The library welcomes people to come in from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to write notes, decorate cards and stuff envelopes. There will be light refreshments available for those who stop by.

All the cards will be delivered by volunteers and staff to local veterans the first week in December, said Amanda Anderson, Community Free Library director.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Crystal Botello is a big purple grape while she walks with her son, Sylas Botello, who was dressed as Bumblebee, a Transformer. Wanda Blanco is a dinosaur.

Nick Pifer of the Murray Joint Fire District served as an escort for the group while they were in a costume parade and could get candy from local merchants and organizations.

Amanda Anderson, director of Community Free Library, has treats ready for the kids in costume.

Dustin’s Pizzeria was happy to be a candy stop during the parade. The business is owned by Dustin Reisman. His wife Jennifer and their children, Dustin Jr. (dressed as a hot dog) and Harper (a slice of pizza), doled out lots of treats.

The Village of Holley Fall Hallow Fest included several vendors who were set up along the Public Square.

There was also a chili cook-off inside the American Legion, and a trunk or treat outside the police station on Thomas Street and at the Holley Gardens.

The Murray-Holley Historical Society also had a bake sale and introduced people to its new mule it purchased as part of the Orleans County Bicentennial celebration this year.

The mule is named Sal and will be rolled out for special events. Sal is shown with Dan Mawn, president of the Historical Society (left), and Raymond Santoro, the village historian.

The museum wanted to highlight a mule for their role pulling the canal boats. This mule came from the Long Island Statue Shop.

Governor’s office, agencies sent items for freshmen’s “Iowa” float during homecoming

Photos from Holley Central School: Freshmen at Holley are shown with their Iowa-themed float during the homecoming parade on Sept. 26.

Press Release, Holley Central School

HOLLEY – Each year, Holley Middle/High School’s Homecoming celebrations culminate with a parade that awards points for the coveted spirit stick. When this year’s theme of “States” was announced, the freshmen class chose Iowa, never imagining it would spark a heartwarming interstate collaboration.

Freshman Class Advisor Samantha Zelent and Volunteer Co-Advisor Jessica Seaward knew this state would hit close to home due to the Holley community’s farming connections. On a whim, they reached out to a few Iowa-based agencies to see if they might contribute materials for the float. The response was overwhelming.

Numerous Iowa organizations and affiliates sent donations, ideas, and encouragement. News of the float spread quickly, and soon packages filled with Iowa-themed goodies began arriving from Iowa organizations the school hadn’t even contacted.

Students embraced the opportunity, hoping to represent everything people love about Iowa, including emulating the Davis County FFA’s sculpture “Hog Wild” as the centerpiece for their float.

“We were overwhelmed by the support from Iowa, especially the governor’s office, who sent us items including a signed photo wishing us a happy homecoming,” said Samantha Zelent. “Students loved the help from Iowa and had so much fun with the float. We have been a part of their Facebook page and they made us honorary members of the Historic Hills Scenic Byway’s Annual Bale Trail. Now, Iowa has a whole group of fans from the Holley Central School District’s freshmen class!”

This unexpected partnership not only boosted school spirit, but also created lasting connections between communities hundreds of miles apart, proving that sometimes, the most meaningful collaborations begin with a simple idea and a little curiosity.

Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation

MURRAY – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that State Route 272 (also known as County Line Road) in the Town of Murray, Orleans County, will be closed to all traffic between Ridge Road and Kendall Creek Road beginning at 6 a.m. Monday, October 20, to accommodate a culvert replacement project.

Motorists should follow posted detours using State Route 18, State Route 237 and State Route 104. The road is expected to be reopened by the end of November.

Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes if necessary. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – A house at 21 Orchard St. was badly damaged by fire on Monday evening in Holley, with even extensive damage when the fire rekindled around 5 a.m. today.

Firefighters are shown at the scene around 7:30 this morning.

Four people who live at the house were able to safely get out on Monday evening, but one person was taken by Mercy Flight EMS to a hospital as a precaution for smoke inhalation.

The fire started in the bedroom in the northeast corner, said Rick Cary, fire chief for the Murray Joint Fire District.

The fire rekindled likely from heat trapped in insulation in the attic, Cary said. Neighbors said there were flames shooting from the roof after the fire rekindled.

Cary said firefighters left the scene at 11 p.m. only to return at 5 a.m. Murray firefighters also responded to two EMS calls, one at midnight and another around 2 a.m.

Jerry Bentley, a deputy coordinator for the Orleans County Emergency Management Office, climbs up a ladder to see the damage at the house.

Fire investigators with the county are trying to determine the cause of the fire.

Murray firefighters were assisted at the scene this morning by Clarendon, Brockport, Barre, Kendall, Hamlin, Shelby and Ridgeway.

Farm on Route 104 in Murray draws many visitors for ‘authentic’  experience

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Amy Machamer, who runs Hurd Orchards with her mother Susan Hurd Machamer, stands amid a fall display of flowers and pumpkins at the family farm.

HOLLEY – Hurd Orchards, located at 17260 Ridge Rd., is not only an eighth-generation family farm and one of a few elite EcoCertified farms, but it now claims the distinction of being named a “Hidden Gem” by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.

The farm will be honored with eight other businesses and individuals at an awards ceremony Oct. 23 at White Birch Golf Course.

Amy Machamer and her mother Susan Hurd Machamer are celebrating 40 years of their partnership running the farm. Amy is proud to announce her daughter Amelia is the eighth generation to run the farm, which dates back to pioneer days.

Amy Machamer sits in the 200-year-old barn at Hurd Orchards. The farm has been named by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce as a “Hidden Gem.”

“It is very flattering to be chosen for the Hidden Gem award,” Amy said. “Mom said one of the ‘hidden’ things here is the fact we tree-ripen our fruit. There’s nothing better than biting into one of our peaches, and the juice runs down your chin.”

While the farm is constantly changing, they always stay authentic, Amy said. The barn in which they hold luncheons is 200 years old and was purchased, moved there and raised in the traditional way in 1994.

They are known for their luncheons which come from an 1895 cookbook. One of the things they make is a steamed quince pudding. A pear luncheon features the Seckel pear which they grow there.

Susan commented that it’s not everywhere one can grow the market basket they are able to, being located between the Erie Canal and Lake Ontario.

“Our farm really is a gem,” Amy said. “We are very happy someone was thinking about this beautiful area on the eastern flank of the county. It is exciting to think somebody noticed what we are trying to do here.”

In addition to her mom and daughter, Amy’s husband Joe Sidonio is very supportive of the farm’s efforts, Amy said. She also said Amelia, a recent graduate of Cornell University, is remarkably excited and invested in their farm. Amy said her dad was a geologist and they lived in many places, but always returned to the farm, which her grandparents Leland and Betty Hurd were running. When Amy graduated from college in 1984, she came back to the farm.

“I didn’t know I was going to stay, but I loved it here,” Amy said. “It was challenging in so many directions.”

“We have a beautiful team who cook and develop new recipes,” Amy said. “They are the ones who breathe new life into our farm, yet we’ve stayed ‘authentically ‘us.’”

Hurd Orchards sells their fruits commercially, have a bakery and own a jam kitchen. They raise elegant flowers and make up gift baskets to order.

“My parents and grandparents saw the possibilities and beauty here and appreciated what this farm meant,” Amy said. “We have dedicated ourselves into shaping it and carrying it on into the future. We have followed our instincts and followed things that inspired us. Maybe it has evolved because we shared these ‘hidden gems.’ We are very grateful. It is a joy to be recognized for what we do.”

Press Release, Holley Central School

HOLLEY – Holley Central School District will host a series of events commemorating our alumni during the weekend of Sept. 26-27.

The Alumni Soccer Game will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. at Sander Soccer Field at The Woodlands, featuring 35 alumni who graduated in 1965-2021.

The Alumni Flag Football Game will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 4 p.m. at Hawk Stadium, featuring 19 graduates from 1998-2019.

There will be an Athletic Hall of Fame Induction in between the 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Varsity games will be at the Woodlands honoring 2025 inductees.

A voluntary $3 donation will be collected at the entrance from spectators for all alumni games. Alumni game proceeds will benefit Interact Club, the 8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip Scholarship Fund and Holley Sports Boosters. Cash-only concessions will be available.

‘It’s been great catching up with everybody.’

Photos by Tom Rivers: Lauren Ault serves a group of Holley girls food this afternoon at Sam’s Diner. Ault started at the diner about a decade ago. She and many other employees were grateful to be back at Sam’s for its reopening today. The restaurant had been closed since March 1, 2024 when the back wall collapsed at the historic building.

HOLLEY – It was a glorious, much anticipated day in Holley today. The village’s beloved diner reopened after being closed more than 18 months.

Many of the familiar friendly faces were back working at Sam’s, and customers were very happy to see them and settle in the cushioned seats in one of the booths.

Some of the staff at Sam’s Diner pose for a photo this afternoon on the reopening of the popular restaurant in Holley’s Public Square. In front from left include Dena Torcello from Skytab, Brittany Dearcap, Lauren Ault and Angela Gitsis. Back row: Jennifer Tardge, owner George Gitsis, Kim Hodom and Dave DiSalvo.

Sam’s was forced to close on the morning of March 1, 2024 when the back wall collapsed. That brick wall towered three stories and fell into a pile of rubble. No one was injured in the incident.

George Gitsis thanked contractors for making the necessary repairs to the wall of the historic building at 55 Public Square. He appreciates the community’s patience and their love for the diner established by his late father Sam Gitsis in 1978.

Sam’s had a soft reopening today without advertising, but it didn’t take long for word to spread it was back.

The community gave about $35,000 in a GoFundMe that Gitsis gave to his employees who were out of jobs after the restaurant had to close more than 18 months ago.

The back wall has been rebuilt, a new kitchen and register system put in and some cosmetic improvements. But to the delight of the customers coming in, Sam’s still feels very much like the last time they stepped inside.

Many of the employees are back. They stayed in touch with Gitsis and were eager to return to Sam’s.

Kim Hodom has worked as a waitress at Sam’s for 25 years. She was happy to reconnect with so many people today.

“It’s been great seeing all the past customers,” she said. “We missed them. It’s been great catching up with everybody.”

These high schoolers from Holley gathered at Sam’s this afternoon. They said they had fond memories of Sam’s and are grateful to have a place to meet in Holley and have a bite to eat.

“It’s very cozy,” said Haidynn Mullins.

From left include Mia Thom, Ava Moiser, Mya Brown, Angellina Church, Haidynn Mullins and Philomena Arnold.

The back brick wall collapsed on March 1, 2024 putting the future of Sam’s Diner in doubt. The wall has been repaired and other improvements have been made to the diner.

Sam’s reopened at 11 a.m. today. It will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Sam’s wanted a soft opening to get staff a chance to get back in the groove of serving the public.

George Gitsis has been a presence at Sam’s since he was a kid with his father running the diner.

George highlighted the work of contractors Joe Penna, Steve Morgan, Sub-Zero and J&J Electric in getting Sam’s Diner repaired and upgraded.

He knows the diner is important in the heart of Holley, and he is happy to reopen for the customers.

“I’ve been here pretty much my whole life,” he said. “We appreciate the support of this community.”

Angela Gitsis, George’s wife, also was happy to see so many customers back in the diner.

“They all came in with huge smiles,” she said. “They were very happy and excited. Everyone feels at home when they walk in here.”

(Left) Provided photo: The Rev. Randy LeBaron kneels with a sign along the path showing his parents during a previous Memory Walk in Holley. (Right) Brittany Dix, community outreach specialist at Hospice of Orleans and the Rev. Randy LeBaron, spiritual care/bereavement counselor, look over a flyer promoting Hospice of Orleans annual Memory Walk Sept. 21.

HOLLEY – Hospice of Orleans is giving the community a beautiful way to remember and honor loved ones, while enjoying refreshments and a leisurely walk to Holley Falls.

It was in 2019 when Community Outreach Specialist Brittany Dix came up with the idea for a Memory Walk as a good way to involve the community and promote their mission focus that they are there to support folks beyond the death of a loved one.

Spiritual Care and Bereavement Counselor the Rev. Randy LeBaron joined Hospice in 2022 and has been involved with the walks every year since.

“We try to have events which involve the entire county,” Dix said. “Holley Falls is such a great venue.”

This year’s Memory Walk is scheduled Sept. 21 with opening remarks at 1:30 p.m. at the Pond Pavilion, followed by the Memory Walk down to Holley Falls, where refreshments will be served at the Falls Pavilion. Attendees are asked to park at the Holley Pharmacy.

Registration will be outside the Historical Society in the train depot.

There is no cost to walk, however, Hospice requests each person RSVP by Sept. 15 for the event by visiting www.hospiceoforleans.org.

Hospice will also have registration forms available at the office or anyone can call Hospice at (585) 589-0809. Opportunities will be available to purchase memory signs, which will line the walk, and/or T-shirts.

“This is a ‘friendraising,’ event, rather than a fundraiser,” Dix said. “Randy has great support groups that many community members utilize, and this is just another way to demonstrate to the community, ‘We’re here for you.’ The event is open to anyone, whether they have been served by Hospice or not.”

“That also goes for our bereavement groups, as well,” the Rev. LeBaron said.

After registration, the Rev. LeBaron said the group will gather at the pavilion for a short prayer, where he will ask for those who would like their loved ones named. Several people will have golf carts to shuttle those who have difficulty walking.

After the Rev. LeBaron speaks, the walk will go to the first pavilion, where rock painting will be available. The walk will be lined with signs which have a picture and name of a lost loved one.

“There are whole families for which this has become an annual tribute to their loved ones,” the Rev. LeBaron said.

While there is no entrance fee, there are several levels of participation available for those who wish to support Hospice. A Memory Walk T-shirt can be purchased for $20; a sign with a picture of a loved one and a message costs $25; and $45 will buy a Memory Walk T-shirt and a sign with a picture of the loved one and a message, placed along the Memory Walk path.

Last year’s walk was attended by 75 community members, not counting volunteers, Dix said.

“This is a great time of year – a nice time to get out in nature,” Dix said.

“Everyone is there for the same reason,” the Rev. LeBaron added.

When Dix said the walk has never been rained out, LeBaron said, “We pray a lot.”

He also reminds the public grief support groups for Orleans County meet at 4 p.m. at the Albion First Baptist Church, 30 West Park St. in Albion. Parking is available at a lot off Beaver Street. Sessions are scheduled Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9.