By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 October 2026 at 8:45 pm
Photo courtesy of Mary Jo Whitman
HOLLEY – The “Holley is Home” mural is done. Mary Jo Whitman, a Holley native and graduate, spent about six weeks diligently creating the mural on the Geddes Street side of the Heath and Heath law offices at 66 Public Square.
Whitman, a Batavia resident, used a $7,500 grant through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council to create the mural. She was approached by Holley mayor Mark Bower about a mural with Holley landmarks.
Whitman painted the Salisbury Fountain, the Holley Waterfalls, the gazebo by the canal, the old Holley High School and the block of storefronts in the Public Square that incudes Sam’s Diner.
Holley with have a celebration soon for the new addition celebrating the community.
Whitman posted on Facebook that she enjoyed being in Holley while working on the project.
“Spending so much time there over the past month and half, I got to see so many faces I haven’t seen in decades, and meet so many new people,” she said. “I can’t even begin to express how amazing the community was to me. I’m not going to lie, I had some really tough and frustrating moments throughout the process. But it was the love, support and appreciation of the community that got me through those moments. So thank you everyone that stopped out, it really meant a lot to me.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 September 2026 at 10:40 am
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 September 2026 at 3:53 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Mary Jo Whitman works on a mural today with a message “Holley is Home.” Whitman, an artist from Batavia, is a 1995 Holley graduate.
She received a $7,500 grant through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council to create the mural which is on the Geddes Street side of the Heath and Heath law offices at 66 Public Square.
Holley Mayor Mark Bower approached Whitman about creating the mural that will include Holley landmarks. She has already painted the Salisbury Fountain, the Holley Waterfalls, and the gazebo by the canal. She will be adding the old Holley High School and the block of storefronts that incudes Sam’s Diner.
Whitman started painted the mural on site about two weeks ago. She said the project should be complete by the end of October, and possibly sooner if there is a nice stretch of conducive weather.
Bower said he has heard lots of good feedback from the community so far, and he is amazed by how realistic her work is of the local landmarks.
Here is how the mural looked on Tuesday. The painting will go higher, just below the second floor windows.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 September 2026 at 8:50 am
Village Board expects to make cuts to department or eliminate it
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Holley Village Board met on Tuesday at the American Legion for the board’s monthly meeting. From left include trustees Rochelle Moroz and Jessica MacClaren, Mayor Mark Bower, attorney John Sansone, and trustees John Morriss and Brenden Bedard.
HOLLEY – The Holley Village Board is discussing whether to eliminate the police department which accounts for over $500,000 to village taxpayers each year.
Mayor Mark Bower said the board is determined to try to bring down the tax burden in the village. Residents and some of the larger businesses in Holley tell him the taxes are too high in the village.
The board discussed the police department on Tuesday. Deputy Mayor John Morriss said the department accounts for $523,973 of the village’s $2,165,925 budget in 2026-27.
“If we dissolve (the police department), we need to have a plan in place for how our citizens will be protected,” Morriss said.
Holley needs to know from the Orleans County sheriff and the county legislators if there would be increased patrols and coverage in the village if the Holley PD were to dissolve, and would the county be expecting the village to pay for that coverage. Morriss said the village property owners already pay in county taxes towards the Sheriff’s Office.
“What would it cost us?” Morriss said during Tuesday’s meeting. “Would it be above what we’re already paying in taxes?”
Holley Police Chief Bob Barton is shown during Holley’s Flag Day celebration on June 13, 2025. Barton plans to retire as police chief in July 2027. He leads a department with two full-time officers and several part-timers.
The Holley PD has a chief, two full-time officers and six part-timers. There are officers on duty nearly 24-7. There are currently two night shifts not filled each week.
Each eight-hour shift costs the village about $200 to $250 for officer pay. If the police department continues, Morriss said the board and department could look at reducing some shifts when there are typically few calls.
During the month of July, Morriss broke down the call volume of about 100 calls for service: 15 calls on overnight; 16 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.; 32 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 6 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and 31 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
During the month of August, Morriss said Thursdays and Fridays were the busiest days while Tuesdays saw the fewest calls.
Mayor Bower said he would like the board to decide next month if it will look to either reduce costs in the department and keep it, or look towards dissolution.
If the police department is dissolved, the board could make the decision on its own or put it to a public vote. If the board makes the decision, it would be subject to a permissive referendum, where residents could sign a petition requiring a public referendum.
Either way, there would need to be public hearings to get input from the community.
Besides eliminating some shifts, Holley could have an acting chief among its officers after Chief Bob Barton retires. Barton is expected to retire in July. His salary for the year is $59,580.
The two full-time officers are paid $25.75 an hour and $27.81 an hour, respectively. The part-time officers range in hourly pay from $18.54 an hour to $27.81.
If there was an acting chief, that person would likely be paid $30 an hour, the board said on Tuesday.
If there is a public vote on dissolution, Mayor Bower said it will be in its own special election and not be included in the next village election which is in June 2028.
The sign on the police station says the PD has been serving the community since 1930.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 September 2026 at 9:16 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HULBERTON – Lori Richardson, left, and Noreen Ford have chicken parmesan ready at today’s St. Rocco’s Italian Festival in Hulberton.
There were big crowds for the event, with people showing up an hour early for the Italian food.
Ford co-chairs the food pavilion with her brother Bill Bower and his wife Rose Mary.
Ford graduated from the St. Mary’s School in Holley and has been at every one of the 51 festivals.
“We see a lot of people who we went to school with and their families,” Ford said.
The event is a fundraiser for the ONE Catholic Family of Churches.
Gail Christ works with other volunteers to get powered dough waffles.
The festival grounds were packed with people.
There were about 25 vendors selling arts, crafts and vegetables.
Chuck Maxon and Rachael Spychalski serve up spaghetti dinners.
Some of the spaghetti crew include from left Gary Maxon, Chuck Maxon, Rachael Spychalski and Jean Maxon.
Volunteers started preparing the food for St. Rocco’s on Tuesday.
They cooked 40 pounds of spaghetti, 45 gallons of meat sauce and 1,350 meatballs.
The volunteers also prepared 224 pans of eggplant with six servings a pan. The eggplant was donated by Vendetti Farms and Piedimonte Farms.
Jean Maxon is the overall festival chairwoman. She said the group promoted the festival more in the region. She was impressed by the big crowds.
There were 12 teams competing in the bocce tournament.
Enzio Molinaro, 1 ½ of Lockport, holds one of the bocce balls on an idle court. He was at the festival to watch his uncle and grandfather play.
Katie Robinson, a pianist and vocalist, performed hits from the 1970s and 1980s including Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Carole King, Seals and Crofts, Cyndi Lauper and James Taylor. Here she is singing, “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 September 2026 at 11:58 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The old Holley High School is shown on June 16. The front steps crumbled in spots and have been partially blocked off to the public.
HOLLEY – The Holley Village Board will be changing its meeting location for the next three meetings while repairs are made to the front steps at the old Holley High School.
The village is a tenant at the building and holds its monthly meetings in the former auditorium.
The monthly board meetings will instead be held at the American Legion at 1 Wright St., beginning on Tuesday and then on Oct.13 and Nov. 10.
The village offices moved from 72 Public Square to the former school beginning in August 2020.
Home Leasing turned the building, which was vacant for more than two decades, into 41 apartments and the offices for the village. It was a $17 million transformation to redevelop the property now called the Holley Gardens.
Home Leasing earlier this year notified the village that the old school and the majority of real estate properties have been sold to Pennrose Holdings, a Philadelphia-based firm.
File photos by Tom Rivers: Joe Morlino was among many volunteers cooking food at St. Rocco’s Italian Festival in Hulberton on Sept. 1, 2024. The event is a big fundraiser for the ONE Catholic Family of Churches. Morlino has been volunteering at the festival for 20 years. He is shown cooking French fries, ravioli and mozzarella sticks.
Press Release, ONE Catholic Family of Churches
HULBERTON – The St Rocco’s Annual Italian Festival is celebrating its 51st year with a variety of local musicians on Sunday.
Live music will begin at 11 a.m., and it will feature a varied line-up of talent under the tent throughout the afternoon until 4 p.m.
First up, from 11a.m. to noon, will be PSA – Public Service Announcement, a Holley High School band including lead singer Isla Schultz, Brody Williams on drums, Aidan Kelley on guitar and Kallan Babcock on bass.
From noon to 1 p.m., Roxy’s Accordion Band will take the stage. The legacy of Roxy Caccamise and her Roxy’s Music Store in Batavia has carried on after her passing by her family and a collection of accordion enthusiasts.
Katie Robinson, a pianist and vocalist, will perform from 1 to 2 p.m. Katie performs hits from the 1970s and 1980s including Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Carole King, Seals and Crofts, Cyndi Lauper, James Taylor and more.
Rounding out the live music, from 2 to 4 p.m. will be the Bennetts Corners Band. The band members are Michael Kinsey, Tom Kinsey, Charles Kinsey and Nathaniel Kinsey. They play American Folk, Celtic Folk, American Country, Sea Shanties, and they take occasional comedic breaks.
“We are blessed and excited to be able to host this wonderful community event,” said Jeanne Maxon, chair of the festival committee. “It is especially fun to showcase some amazing local musicians – so please bring a lawn chair and enjoy the free entertainment.”
The St. Rocco Italian Festival is at 3415 Hulberton Rd. Traditional food favorites are served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the beer tent will offer Rohrbach Beer & Black Creek Cidery on tap.
There will be a bocce tournament, vendors, raffles and family play areas. The event grounds are a smoke & vape free environment. For their safety, no pets will be allowed. There is plenty of free on-site parking. The festival is a cash-only event with no ATM access.
Members of a band, PSA, from Holley Central School performed on June 24 when the Seneca Chief boat came to town. The band members include lead singer Isla Schultz, Brody Williams on drums, Aidan Kelley on guitar and Kallan Babcock on bass.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 August 2026 at 9:16 am
Event continues today in Holley’s Canal Park
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Bart Dentino sings “I Wish I Was A Dinosaur” on Saturday at Holley’s Canal Park. Dentino was one of the featured performers at the Erie Canal Artisan Festival in Holley.
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council organized the three-day event which started Friday and concludes today. Other performers on Saturday included Judd Sunshine, Damn the Flood and Paul Almeter.
Today’s schedule for musicians includes:
Bart Dentino Children’s Performance (10 to 11 a.m.)
Judd Sunshine Children’s Performance (11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.)
Bart Dentino Children’s Performance (1 to 2 p.m.)
Judd Sunshine Children’s Performance (2:30 to 3:15 p.m.)
The Strummerz (4 to 5 p.m.)
J. Lee Jewelry in Lockport is one of about 20 vendors at the festival. Gary and Sharon Melius have been working on the jewelry together the past 19 years.
They enjoyed the setting for the Holley show.
“It’s very homey,” Mrs. Melius said.
The vendors were set up along the path at Holley’s Canal Park.
Jodi Fisher, program director for GO Art!, said she was pleased to see more vendors as well as four food trucks for the event.
“It’s a beautiful location,” she said about the Holley site. “A lot of people don’t know about this park. It has shade and the paved walkway makes it accessible.”
GO Art! also wanted to highlight artisan vendors at the festival.
GO Art! distributed DoodleFace toy and wall art made by the Holley company that also makes Teacher Geek products. The DoodleFace products are available for free during the festival in Holley. Kids can color on the sets and them wipe them clean. They can be displayed easily on walls.
Helenna Ummen, in back at left, works for GO Art! as the creative administrations and communications coordinator.
Bart Dentino will be back today in kid-friendly concerts at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The stage is next to the playground. Admission is free.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 August 2026 at 8:22 am
Provided photos: Melissa Snider is shown with her sister Amanda Snider, on right side of the photos. There will be a benefit today for Amanda from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Clarendon Rec Hall.
CLARENDON – There will be a benefit today at the Clarendon Rec Hall for a young woman battling stage 4 carcinoma sarcoma.
Amanda Snider, 38, of Holley also has Dandy Walker Syndrome which causes some mental disabilities.
Her sister Melissa and their family and friends will have the benefit from 2 to 6 p.m. at 16169 East Lee Rd.
Melissa said she loves her sister very much and the benefit will help pay for Amanda’s medical care and other bills.
Amanda has had surgery to remove a nodule from her lung. Doctors are considering the next steps in her treatment.
“She is recovering very well,” her sister said.
Tickets for the spaghetti dinner are $17 at the door and include meatballs by the Bella Pasta Restaurant in Rochester and sauce by Fazool’s Italian Bistro in Rochester. Dinners will be served from 3 to 5 p.m.
There will also be a basket raffle, 50/50, music and other door prizes.
