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.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office provides more details on pursuit that ended in Erie Canal in Murray

Photo from Monroe County Sheriff’s Office: A U-Haul truck is pulled from the Erie Canal in Murray on Wednesday.

Press Release, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office

BROCKPORT/MURRAY – On Sept. 2 at 6:31 p.m., Brockport Police officers responded to the Walgreens on Lake Road for two males who were stealing merchandise.

Store employees provided a description of the males who were last seen leaving in a U-Haul truck, traveling north on Lake Road. Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies were in the area and assisted Brockport with searching for the vehicle.

A short time later, deputies and Brockport Police officers observed the U-Haul in the village of Brockport and initiated a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop, leading deputies on a pursuit throughout the west side of Monroe County and into Orleans County.

The operator eventually drove onto the Erie Canal path in the Town of Murray, Orleans County. The pursuit ultimately ended when the vehicle suddenly veered into the canal.

Deputies observed the operator exit the vehicle and swim to the opposite side, where he exited the canal and fled on foot. The passenger also exited the vehicle in an attempt flee. Deputies could see he was struggling to swim and jumped into the canal to rescue the passenger, ultimately losing sight of him when he went under in the murky water.

Additional resources were immediately called to the scene to include the Fire Department Water Rescue, MCSO Underwater Search and Recovery Team and EMS.

The MCSO Underwater Search and Recovery Team worked with our fire and EMS partners to search the canal for the passenger. Following a thorough search of the canal, they were able to recover the male, who unfortunately had passed away.

With the assistance of the Monroe County Drone Response Team, MCSO K9 Units, and the Orleans County Drone Team, the operator of the vehicle was eventually located and taken into custody. MCSO Major Crimes investigators identified the driver as repeat offender Ryan Armstrong and are holding him responsible for the death of the passenger.

Ryan S. Armstrong, 43, of Brockport is charged with Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class C-Felony). Armstrong was arraigned in Orleans County CAP Court and remanded to the Orleans County Jail without bail due to his double predicate felon status.

Along with the extensive rescue and recovery efforts on the night of Sept. 2, crews returned to the scene on Sept. 3, including the MCSO Underwater Search and Recovery Team, the Monroe County Fire Bureau, the Murray Fire Department, and Jim’s Service collaborated to safely remove the U-Haul from the Erie Canal.

MCSO evidence technicians will be working throughout the week to process the evidence recovered in the U-Haul truck.

The criminal and internal investigations are ongoing. MCSO notified the New York State Attorney General’s Office.

Retiring historian Marsha DeFilipps also feted during event outside old high school

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – The Village of Holley celebrated its 175^th anniversary on Wednesday, and debuted a new flag and logo. Former mayors, from left, Kevin Lynch, Dan Schiavone and John Kenney hold the new flag, which highlights the old Holley High School and the Holley Waterfalls.

The flag and a new logo were designed by A.J. Gere of Lake Country Media.

Holley Mayor Mark Bower unveils the new logo which makes the waterfalls a focal point.

In back are Murray Town Supervisor Gerry Rightmyer, Murray-Holley Historical Society President Dan Mawn and Holley Historian Raymond Santoro.

Tracy Yokel of Cookie Tre’s Sugar Sensations made these cookies with the new flag and logo for the Village of Holley.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley presented a proclamation in honor of Holley 175^th anniversary.

The Holley community traces its roots trace back to an early settlement around 1812 when the hamlet of Saltport took the name of Holley in honor of Myron Holley, a principal promoter and commissioner of the Erie Canal.

Holley flourished as a canal and railroad trading center serving the surrounding agricultural communities, according to the proclamation.

Hawley noted that Holley’s Public Square is recognized on the National Register of District Places, and there are several popular attractions include Holley Canal Park and the Holley Waterfalls.

The village population totaled 1,754 people in 2020 census.

Dan Mawn, president of the Murray-Holley Historical Society, announced the resource room at the local museum will be named in honor of Marsha DiFilipps who served at the Holley and Murray historian since 1979. She has recently retired.

DeFilipps has been very active in the Historical Society. She was influential in establishing the Murray-Holley Historical Society Museum in the old train depot and has led multiple talks and workshops and helped many residents trace their own familial roots.

The depot was constructed in 1907. It was moved in 1988 to Geddes Street Extension and was turned into a museum about local history.

One of the signature accomplishments during her term as historian was her creation of an index of personal names in Landmarks of Orleans County. To do this, DeFilipps spent many months combing through and extracting every name mentioned in Isaac Signor’s 1894 publication, developing a permanent record of history.

“She just loves history and she loves Holley,” Mawn said.

Murray Town Supervisor Gerry Rightmyer and new Town Historian Debbie Wood praise DeFilipps for her long tenure as the local historian. DeFilipps was unable to attend the event on Wednesday.

“We’re so grateful for her time, effort and knowledge base,” Rightmyer said. “It will be sorely missed.”

Assemblyman Hawley also presented a citation in acknowledgement of DeFilipps’ career and contributions as the Holley and Murray historian.

The ceremony was held in front of the old Holley High School, which has been transformed into the village offices and 41 apartments for senior citizens.

Home Leasing in Rochester spearheaded the $17 million project which was complete in 2020. The site is known as the Holley Gardens.

The school originally opened 1931 and closed after 1975. Mayor Bower was in the last graduating class at the school.

It building was vacant for more than two decades.

Bower said the school, right in the middle of the village, remains a focal point and source of pride.

“It’s impossible to separate Holley’s history from the school,” he said.

The village also brought back the original plaque from when the school opened in 1931. That plaque had been in the current school on Lynch Road. But school officials gave the plaque back to the village with the old school’s reopening as apartments and village offices.

Mayor Bower said the plaque is heavy. Village officials decided to have it displayed on Medina Sandstone outside the front entrance of the building. The mayor said he appreciates that the Town of Sweden donated the stone which was in a town park.

Unveiling the plaque include, from left, Ray Santoro, Dan Mawn, Sal DeLuca and Mayor Mark Bower.

The plaque lists Board of Education members from 1931 including President Nevill Cole, and members Lewis Munger, Michael Noon, Bertrand Geyo, Louis Buongiorne, and W.T. Broekhuizen.

The plaque also lists Holley clerk Laura Fuller, district superintendent Anna Potter and principal Roswell Marshall. The architect for the school was Carl C. Ade with M. Iuppa & Maggio Co. serving as the contractors.

Holley DPW employees Mike Church, left, and Ryan Johnson get the new Holley flag ready to be raised for the first time.

The Holley flag is shown high on the flag pole, just below the American flag.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Mia Thom paints “2026” on the windows of a car this morning before the start of her senior year. About half of the class was treated to breakfast by parents at the Holley Firemen’s Field before they drove to school in a parade of seniors.

HOLLEY – Seniors are starting their final year at Holley Central School with much fanfare. The seniors were treated to breakfast pizza, Timbits and other snacks before the start of the school day. Then they decorated cars with “2026” messages before lining up in parade to the school parking lot.

It’s an annual tradition that goes back a decade or so. The seniors’ parents make the breakfast at the Holley Firemen’s Field. The seniors then decorate their cars and head to school for their final first day.

“It gets everyone together to start the year,” said senior Mia Thom. “It’s the beginning of the end.”

Cadence Lujan was up extra early today for the senior breakfast and the parade to school.

Chelsea Bowen drives to school with “2026” painted on her car window. She welcomed the chance to be with her friends before the start of the school day. The Holley Police Department provided an escort to start and end the parade.

Cassidy Bowen puts some window paint with a message celebrating the start of her senior year.

Many of the seniors, including Kohle Pachla (center), have their parking spaces decorated for their senior year at Holley.

The vehicles carried messages to celebrate the Class of 2026 and highlight students’ passions at Holley Central School.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Firefighters and law enforcement officers in rescue boats search the water just east of the Bennetts Corners Road bridge in Murray this evening.

Law enforcement detained one person who fled on foot north of the canal. Another person is presumed to be drown and first responders are attempting to recover the body.

The two fled in a U-Haul truck in the chase that went from Brockport to this spot on the canal between Bennetts Corners and the Monroe-Orleans Countyline roads.

There are rescue boats from Murray, Brockport and Kendall fire companies and the marine boat from Orleans County Sheriff’s Office searching for the drowned person. The Monroe County Dive Team and an underwater drone also have been deployed.

There were also K9 teams and drones from the Orleans and Monroe County Sheriff’s Departments that searched for the person who fled the scene.

UPDATE at 6:17 a.m.: WHAM in Rochester reports the body of the passenger was recovered last night.

The two men were allegedly stealing items from the Walgreens on Main Street in Brockport and loading the items into the U-Haul. After a high-speed chase with law enforcement, the driver of the U-Haul intentionally drove the U-Haul into the canal, and then swam across the canal, WHAM reported.

The passenger was unable to swim and struggled to stay afloat and went underwater, WHAM reported. The passenger’s body was recovered by the dive team from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office will be working with Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard on determining charges in the case, WHAM reported.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HULBERTON – A “50” display of balloons is set up at the food court at the St. Rocco’s Italian Festival in Hulberton today.

The annual event, now in its 50^th year, is always the Sunday before Labor Day and features lots of Italian food.

A crowd of people enjoys Italian food, a large basket raffle,  and other fun at the Italian Festival. There was also a bocce tournament and other activities.

The event is a fundraiser for the St. Mary’s Catholic Parish.

The event today included a special tribute to the immigrant quarrymen. Hulberton was home to several large quarries.

This cutout was made by Stacey Kirby. Allyson Skeehan, 22, and Karl Biedlingmaier, 22, tried the cutouts. The two have recently got engaged.

Father Mark Noonan, the parish priest, said he is pleased to see the festival grow and build on the heritage of the Italian immigrants and Saint Rocco.

Roxie’s Accordion Band from Batavia played a concert during the festival. The band include eight accordion players.

They performed in a “Legacy Tent” that also included a documentary on the quarrymen from Hulberton. Christine Zinni of Batavia prepared that video about the local Italian immigrants and the Hulberton quarries.

Sara Mendonca, left, and Rachel Maxon were busy serving eggplant parmesan and spaghetti. Volunteers had 225 meals ready.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Carol Culhane holds the special poster she created for St. Rocco’s 50th annual Italian Festival, scheduled for Aug. 31. She presented it on Friday to Amy Engert, left, chair of the festival’s Legacy Tent, and Jeanne Maxon, right, who chairs the festival with her husband Chuck.

HULBERTON – St. Rocco’s Italian Fest scheduled Aug. 31 is shaping up to be one for the record books.

This will be the 50th anniversary of the event, which will not only feature the traditional Italian foods and famous bocce tournament, but will focus on the legacy of St. Rocco’s and the quarrymen who immigrated to Orleans County.

“The Local Legacies Project was the cornerstone of the Library of Congress bicentennial celebration in 2000, which was an unprecedented collaboration of the U.S. Congress, the Library and people from all walks of life, who have documented America’s cultural and historical heritage in every state, trust, territory and the District of Columbia,” said Jeanne Maxon, who chairs this year’s festival with her husband, Chuck

In honor of this special year, a Legacy Tent chaired by Amy Engert will be set up, where videographer Christine Zinni of Batavia will be available all day showing a video she created on the immigrants and quarries. Zinni, whose grandfather worked in the quarries, was involved with the original documentation for the Library of Congress.

In honor of the 50th anniversary, Jeanne Maxon contacted local artist Carol Culhane in May and asked if she could create a design to be used on commemorate ornaments, clothing and glassware.

Realizing the possibility they would not know what souvenirs would be most popular and having a lot of merchandise left over, Culhane suggested a commemorative poster. The Maxons agreed and Culhane set about designing an appropriate poster, which was backed with a grant from Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

“I am honored I could paint a lasting tribute to this event,” Culhane said. “My first husband’s grandfather immigrated from Italy to work here in the stone quarries, so I was familiar with their history. I knew I wanted St. Rocco to be a focal point.”

She incorporated an area in Italy famous for its wine and where many immigrants came from, quarrymen, the nine young men from Holley who died in the Vietnam War, the St. Rocco’s church, the tarantella dance and traditional Italian food.

On Friday morning, Culhane met Jeanne Maxon and Amy Engert at the Print Shop where she presented them with the posters, which will be sold at the festival.

“In essence, the St. Rocco’s Festival represents a lasting legacy of Italian heritage, community spirit and a commitment to preserving local traditions and supporting the St. Mark’s and St. Mary’s Catholic Parish,” Culhane said.

The festival on Aug. 31 will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the festival grounds at 3415 Hulberton Rd.

Traditional Italian foods will include eggplant parmesan, meatball subs, pizza fritta, pasta fagioli and more.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Last year’s bocce tournament had 10 teams. The goal is to be the closest to the small ball. The winning team is the first one to 16 points, and the team has to win by at least 2 points.

Events featured will be a bocce tournament, which attracts teams from across Western New York; a basket raffle, vendor booths, live entertainment and more.

St. Rocco’s Festival first began in 1976 to celebrate the American bicentennial and the reopening of St. Rocco’s Church, after being closed for 15 years. The festival soon became a community tradition.

“Although there were concerns about sale of the property by the Diocese, the festival remains a ‘labor of love’ for volunteers and a beloved homecoming event that draws many former residents back to the area each year,” Culhane said. “The festival reflects the community’s strong ties to the church and its heritage.”

Some of St. Rocco’s parishioners have been involved in the festival for all 50 years, according to Maxon.

They are now accepting pre-sale orders for pans of eggplant parmesan, meatball subs and pizzelles by e-mailing https://www.onecatholic.org/about-3.

Teams wishing to register for the bocci tournament may also do so at the above web site.

Spaghetti and eggplant parmesan dinners will be served in the dining hall, while the Italian pavilion will serve up meatball subs, eggplant parmesan, shells in meat sauce and pasta fagioli.

Offerings from the grill will include Italian sausage with peppers and onions, chicken parm sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, fried ravioli and mozzarella sticks.

Joe Morlino was among many volunteers cooking food at St. Rocco’s Italian Festival in Hulberton last year on Sept. 1. The event has been a big fundraiser for the St. Mark’s and St. Mary’s Catholic Parish. Morlino has been volunteering at the festival for 20 years. He is cooking French fries, ravioli and mozzarella sticks.

Dessert options will include pizza fritta, fried dough, cannolis, Italian ice and popcorn.

In the baked food booth, pizzelles, meatball cookies, Grandma’s lemon drop cookies and more will be for sale.

The fenced-in beer tent will be open from noon to 5 p.m.

Basket and cash raffles and a silent auction will take place, with drawings starting at 4:30 p.m.

In the Boutique Booth at the entrance to the grounds t-shirts, aprons commemorative prints and homemade craft items will be for sale. Cash or checks will be needed for purchases.

A new feature this year will be Bocce for beginners and families on regulation courts six and seven. Participants are encouraged to challenge friends and neighbors to this classic Italian sport.

Roxy’s Accordion Band from Batavia will play Italian style music at 1 p.m. in the Legacy Tent.

Also in the Legacy Tent, Christine Zinni will present a program documenting Italian festivals, community traditions and musicians. The program will include local Italian-American cultural heritage throughout the region, with a special emphasis on quarrying sandstone, local families’ ancestors who came to America and preserving the legacy.

Culhane will be available in the Legacy Tent to meet and greet visitors. Her commemorative print, which she donated for this special festival, is a beautiful tribute and accurate reflection of the local Italian heritage, Maxon said.

Festival events go on, rain or shine, with activities protected from the elements in a dining hall and four tents for visitors’ comfort.

Admission is free and there is plenty of free parking, with a large handicapped section near the entrance. Shuttles will run throughout the day to avoid long walks. Pets are not allowed on the festival grounds.