By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 May 2025 at 9:29 am
DeFillipps served in role for Holley and Murray for 46 years
File photo by Tom Rivers: Raymond Santoro is shown in October 2023 with a copy of his book, “Haunted Holley – Tales of Ghosts, Miracles and Unexplained Mysteries.”
HOLLEY – Marsha DeFilipps has retired after 46 years as Holley’s official historian. DeFilipps also served in the role for the Town of Murray.
DeFilipps has been very active in the Holley-Murray 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.
The Holley Village Board accepted DeFilipps’ resignation on May 13 and appointed Raymond Santoro to the role.
“What can I possibly say to acknowledge the many contributions Marsha has made to this village over the course of 46 years of service?” Holley Mayor Mark Bower posted on the village website. “At every turn, with any and every request, or question, she was there to provide any of us the information we were seeking. To say Marsha was a ‘wealth of knowledge’ is simply an understatement.”
Bower during his five years as a village officials said he often turned to DeFilipps for historical photos or information, or for help with some of the village events. .such as research of Myron Holley family when his descendants were welcomed to Holley in 2023.
“Marsha was the driving force in establishing our village’s historical society, now the joint Murray-Holley Historical Society,” Bower said. “On behalf of the deputy mayor and trustees, I thank Marsha DeFilipps for her distinguished service. I thank her for how she advocated for our village and how, as historian, she represented Holley in the best of ways.”
Santoro, the new historian, has been active in the Historical Society since it was founded in 1985. In 2023 he wrote a book, “Haunted Holley – Tales of Ghosts, Miracles and Unexplained Mysteries.” The 144-page book shares some of the supernatural experiences Santoro has experienced or heard about in the Holley area.
HOLLEY –MacKenzie Fiorito of Holley has been recognized by the Monroe County Council of Superintendents as a 2025 Outstanding Senior at the 30th Annual Dr. Michael C. O’Laughlin Outstanding Senior Recognition Dinner on May 7. One senior from each high school in the Monroe One and Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES region is selected for this honor based on their scholarship, leadership, service and character.
MacKenzie served as co-president of Interact Club, the largest club in the school, where she focused on leading community service projects year-round. She was president of the High School Student Council where she organized homecoming events, seasonal pep assemblies and more.
She was a SOAR Leader where she served as a peer mentor to 7th grade students, a member of the Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team, and a member of the Holley-Kendall Unified Basketball Team which empowered students of all abilities to come together to compete.
“MacKenzie embodies all that Holley stands for,” said Holley Central School Superintendent Karri Schiavone. “She is a champion for students of every ability and represents Holley with her leadership, positivity and compassion. She exudes kindness and strength, making her a true a role model to her peers and perfect candidate for this award.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 May 2025 at 7:48 am
Voters will elect 4 members to Board of Education
HOLLEY – Voters in the Holley school district today will vote on a proposed $30,774,000 budget, as well as other propositions and will also elect four members to the Board of Education.
The budget increases spending by 3.91 percent or $1,159,000 from the $29,615,000 in 2024-25.
The tax levy will increase 1.49 percent from $7,952,214 to $8,070,702. That is $212,931 under the district’s allowable tax cap, Holley school officials said.
Voting is today from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Holley Middle/High School Foyer.
The budget continues all existing school day academic programs and courses. State aid covers 70.3 percent of the budget and Holley is budgeting an increase in state funds from $20,725,520 to $21,620,241.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to elevate the educational experience in Holley, we’ve approached this year’s planning with a renewed focus on innovation, growth and excellence,” district superintendent Karri Schiavone and BOE President Anne Winkley wrote in a message to the community. “Our goal is not only to sustain high-quality learning, but to elevate it – providing new opportunities that inspire students, support educators, and engage our community.”
The positions include:
Proposition One – Budget at $30,774,000
Proposition Two – Authorization to purchase school buses and similar vehicles at an estimated maximum cost of $250,200.
Proposition Three – Authorization to collect $212,394 for Community Free Library, which is up $5,554 or by 2.7 percent.
Board of Education – There are four seats up for election for the Board of Education. Three names are on the ballot. A write-in will determine at least one of the seats. The two candidates with the highest number of votes will each serve a three-year term. The candidate with the third highest votes will serve a two-year term and the fourth-highest vote-getter will serve a one-year term.
Candidates on the ballot include:
Tracy Van Ameron – A senior scientist in Software Engineering at L3Harris, Van Ameron is currently on the BOE. She and her husband Jeremy have three children.
“As a parent of three very different children, I have found myself invested in many aspects of education including general education, accelerated programs, special education, Career and Technical Education, arts and music and sports,” Van Ameron stated in the school’s newsletter. “I have learned a tremendous amount through my children by being involved in their education.”
Jessica L. Sniatecki – The Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Healthcare Studies at SUNY Brockport, Sniatecki also is a current member of the Holley Board of Education. She and her husband Anthony have a daughter who is a second-grader at Holley.
“I believe that the top priority of the district should be preparing its students for successful futures,” Sniatecki stated in the newsletter. “This requires that schools are accessible and welcoming to all students, flexible in their educational approaches to both challenge high-achieving students and provide support for those who need it, able to hire and retain quality school staff, and work in partnership with parents and community members to facilitate student success.”
Stephanie Merkley – An employee at Liberty Pumps in Bergen, Merkley is married with two daughters. She is currently on the Board of Education.
“I have worked as a substitute for the school in years past,” she stated in the newsletter. “I had two children, and several nieces and nephews attend the school, and I’m looking to assist the town in any way possible in ensuring all children are given the benefit of an education they deserve. I have seen different sides of the school environment, and I think this opportunity will allow me to bring that experience forward in a way that will benefit all students.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 May 2025 at 6:10 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Holley students and community volunteers spent about four hours today working on the Vietnam War memorial outside the VFW. The group reset about 500 bricks, removed weeds and put down a perimeter of mulch. They also painted the shells by the Vietnam War era tank.
Some of the volunteers also worked on the site for a few hours the previous week.
The Holley Interact Club and EarlyAct sent a group of about 100 students in the community to pick up litter, clean headstones at Hillside Cemetery and for the first time work on the memorial by the tank.
Gage Campbell goes underneath the tank to pick up broken glass and debris.
Jack Breuilly, center, removes bricks while Gage Campbell climbs them before they were reset. Gage’s dad Matt Campbell was able to get the lights working at the site.
The memorial initially was installed in 2009 as part of an Eagle Scout project led by Dylan Lotzow.
The volunteers wanted to get the site looking good in time for Memorial Day on May 26.
Provided photos: This group picked up trash along the canal trail and at the Holley Waterfalls.
Students also cleaned headstones at Hillside Cemetery.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Ryker Knight gets the site along the tank ready for mulch.
Logan Lane, right, and Jack Breuilly paint the top of the shells for the tank.
These Holley students yank out weeds and reset bricks along the tank.
Karri Schiavone, the Holley district superintendent, thanks the students and other volunteers for their efforts to help the community. Holley Mayor Mark Bower also said he appreciates the efforts for the group for the annual clean sweep.
Interact, EarlyAct clubs also will be cleaning headstones at Hillside Cemetery
Press Release, Holley Central School
HOLLEY – The Holley Interact and EarlyAct Clubs are gearing up to host their fifth community Clean Sweep on Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon.
Historically, over 100 students, staff and community members have participated where they sweep the canal park, walking paths and village sidewalks collecting trash to both better the environment and restore beauty to the community.
Due to the annual fall Cemetery Clean Up being postponed earlier this school year, participants will also be cleaning headstones at the Hillside Cemetery as part of this year’s Clean Sweep.
The Clean Sweep event is planned in alignment with the Parks & Trails New York annual state-wide Earth Day Canal Clean Sweep. The Cemetery Clean Up is organized in partnership with Clarendon Town Historian Melissa Ierlan. This marks the seventh year for Cemetery Clean Up where students give back to the community and honor the generations of local residents who have been buried in the cemetery since 1866.
Volunteers will meet at the Holley Elementary School parking lot. They will then be split up within the Village of Holley, Holley Canal Park and path, and Hillside Cemetery. Some will travel by foot and some will be shuttled by bus.
About Interact and EarlyAct Clubs:
Holley MS/HS implemented Interact Club in 2017. It is offered to students in grades 7-12 interested in volunteering their service to their community and school. Interact is the largest club in the school with over 70 active members. They participate in multiple service projects throughout the year, including Parks & Trails New York Adopt-a-Trail program, assembling bagged lunches for Open Door Mission, preparing and serving meals at Orleans Koinonia Kirchen and more.
Inspired by Interact, the Elementary School launched EarlyAct Club in 2023 where fifth and sixth graders can gain an increased awareness of knowledge of their community and participate in service projects, including assembling homeless necessity bags, goody bags for active military members, and for Golisano Children’s Hospital. Both clubs are sponsored by the Holley Rotary Club.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2025 at 10:00 pm
Provided photos
HOLLEY – Nora Lindsay (center), a junior at Holley Junior-Senior High School, is shown with Neil and Diane Valentine, parents of Evan Valentine.
Lindsay sold cookies in April in memory of Evan, who passed away at age 18 on February 21, 2021 after a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Evan was very active in Holley’s music program and also was a soccer player and Eagle Scout.
Lindsay was able to donate $700 for the C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association in memory of Evan Valentine.
“This community will not and can not forget everything Evan meant to us,” Lindsay said in a message to promote the cookie sale for the C.U.R.E.
Photos courtesy of Holley Central School: Elementary Art Club students pictured with Dustin Reisman and Elementary Art Teacher Amanda LeClair.
Posted 6 May 2025 at 8:52 am
Press Release, Holley Central School
HOLLEY – The Holley Elementary Art Club recently unveiled customized painted pizza pans at Dustin’s Pizzeria in the Village of Holley.
Students spent months working on the paintings. They were hung beside pizza boards that were painted by the Holley High School painting class in 2018. Students were excited to see their work displayed and hope community members enjoy the artwork for years to come.
Dustin’s Pizzeria has partnered with Holley Central School for various projects throughout the years, including exiting opportunities like this, as well as career exploration opportunities for students interested in the food industry or opening their own business.
Dustin Reisman (center) pictured with wife and Holley Board of Education member Jennifer Reisman (left), and Holley Superintendent Karri Schiavone (right) at Community Champion recognition.
Dustin Reisman, owner of Dustin’s Pizzeria and Holley Class of 2000 graduate, was named the Holley school district’s 2025 Community Champion for Public Education. This recognition is presented by ACT for Education in order to honor area businesses, service organizations, and community leaders who serve as exceptional supporters of our local public schools and students. He was honored at their recognition breakfast on May 2.
“Dustin Reisman has supported the students and families of Holley Central School for many years,” said Holley Superintendent Karri Schiavone. “Dustin’s Pizzeria is a regular donor for fundraisers and other school events. His support of the school and our students is endless. His involvement in Holley’s events and the community at large is commendable, noticed, and most importantly, done with true intentions of quiet support.”
Students are thrilled to see to their artwork on display at Dustin’s Pizzeria.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 April 2025 at 4:11 pm
Photos courtesy of Isabella Zasa
HOLLEY – The Village of Holley this morning planted an Acer tree in the Public Square in honor of the 200th anniversary of Orleans County and the Erie Canal.
Pictured from left include Holley Mayor Mark Bower, County Legislator John Fitzak, Erie Canal Recreationway Commission member Ken DeRoller and County Historian Catherine Cooper. Bower, Cooper and DeRoller are all members of the county’s bicentennial committee.
Photos by Tom Rivers: This group are among the dedicated members of the VFW in Holley. Pictured from left include Mark Morreall, the acting commander; Greg Miller; Will Silpoch, the quarter master; and Dave Rearick, the adjutant and a leader in the district.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2025 at 11:33 am
Small band of active members says the VFW provides important community service, camaraderie
HOLLEY – It was nearly 53 years ago when the VFW established a post in Holley with 36 charter members.
The group took over a former railroad freight station and created a safe haven for veterans of foreign wars to share in camaraderie and community service.
The post only has a small core of active members, and those who remain the backbone of the local VFW say they need a new generation to join and keep the post going.
“It’s very worthwhile,” Mark Morreall, the acting commander, said about the local VFW post. “We’d like to pass the torch.”
The VFW’s current commander, Todd Klatt, is a younger veteran who is deployed to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. Klatt is a mechanic in the National Guard.
The VFW hosts a number of fundraisers – chicken barbecues, raffles and other events – to raise money to keep up the hall and give to veterans.
About three or four times a year Morreall goes to the NYS Veterans Home in Batavia distributing gift cards, pizza, chocolate and other presents for the veterans. He usually goes around Christmas, the Super Bowl, Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Morreall, age 69, joined the VFW 14 years ago when there were several members who were World War II veterans and others who served in Korea and Vietnam. But Morreall said many of those members have since passed away, and veterans from more recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan haven’t been joining the post.
“Our numbers are thing, very thin,” he said during an interview last week at the post at 8 Veterans Drive, just south of the railroad tracks off South Main Street. “It’s not just here. It’s the Legion, too.”
The Holley VFW Post includes a memorial by the front door to the nine soldiers from the Holley community who were killed during the Vietnam War. Those young men include: John P. Davis, age 30: David Duane Case, 20; Ronald P. Sisson, 23; Howard L. Bowen, 20; Gary E. Bullock, 24; Gary Lee Stymus, 26; George Warren Fischer Jr., 23; Paul Scott Mandracchia, 18; and David States, 21.
Dave Rearick, 78, has been active in the district leadership for the VFW, including as a commander. The district includes Orleans, Livingston, Wyoming, Genesee and Niagara counties. It has seen 10 posts close, going from 29 to the current 19, Rearick said.
“It’s happening all over New York State and the country,” Rearick said about posts struggling to have enough active members.
Membership at the post costs $30 a year and an application can be picked up by stopping by the VFW. The organization has 120 people on its membership rolls, but a small group of less than 10 does most of the work keeping the post going.
Will Silpoch, 72, has been the quartermaster for more than three decades, handling the duties of treasurer. He also served a two-year stint as commander of the post.
He said the organization needs more fundraisers to keep the finances in the right direction. The VFW has a chicken barbecue planned for June 14.
Mark Morreall, left, and Greg Miller check on a Vietnam era tank that has been outside the post since 2009. Shells around the perimeter need to be repainted and the site needs some landscaping. Morreall said it is getting more difficult for the aging members to keep up with all the work at the post. A plaque by the tank states “In memory of our brothers so they are not forgotten” and lists the nine young men from Holley killed in the Vietnam War.
Greg Miller, age 67, recently became more active at VFW and assists at many of the fundraisers and also in part of the honor guard that attends funerals for veterans including Tuesdays at the National Cemetery in Pembroke.
“I’m the youngest guy on the honor guard,” Miller said. “We’re trying to get a younger generation.”
Miller served 22 years in the navy, enlisted at the end of Vietnam. He also worked with Kodak and Gleason Works, jobs that took him all over the world.
He said he formed stronger bonds with his friends in the military than those at Kodak and Gleason Works.
“There is a certain camaraderie that you get in the service that you don’t get in the civilian world,” he said.
A display inside the VFW includes rifles used in war from the Civil War, World War I, World War II to Korea.
The post was established April 23, 1972 with founding members Charles R. Aldrich, David F. Arnold Jr., John E. Baker, Lewis B. Bowen, Edward F. Carlo, Anthony C. Fallato, Thomas J. Finnefrock, Donald C. Gaines, Charles L. Gunter, Raymond J. Hampson, Kenneth A, Ioannone,
Ivan S. Johnson, Roy S. Kerstetter, Peter P. Korn, Nicholas Mastramano, John V. McAllister, Robt. J. McAllister, Samuel S. McMillion, Frederick J. Newton, John A. Pera, David W. Perrier, Wayne C. Porter, George J. Robertson, Albert J. Sailus,
Roger E. Sargent, Frederick A. Smith, Ralph L. Smith, Dominick Tiberio, Donald J. Lavender, Richard E. Weader, William P. Rase, Harold M. Pratt, Jack W. Wilcox, George H. Bartlett, John W. Wilcox and John P. Bowen.
The VFW and two of the former Marine Corps League members are shown inside the hall at the VFW, which can be rented for $125 for events. From left in front include Ray Madigan Jr. and Tom Sietman from the Marine Corps League, and VFW leaders Mark Morreall and Dave Rearick. In back are Will Silpoch and Greg Miller.
One veterans’ organization based in Holley turned in its charter last year. The Marine Corps League was also based at the VFW. That group started about 20 years ago with 15 members but was down to three.
Ray Madigan Jr. and Tom Sietman, two of the last members, said the group wasn’t able to bring in new members to keep the organization going. Madigan said it became too difficult for the few members to keep up with all the tasks of running the organization, especially now that they’re older.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 April 2025 at 6:21 pm
Former joint fire district chairman also served on Village Board, School Board
Photo by Tom Rivers: The turnout gear for Mark Porter is set outside the Holley fire hall as a tribute to the long-time volunteer firefighter who passed away on Tuesday at the fire hall on Thomas Street. Porter also was active in the community with prior roles as chairman of the Murray Joint Fire District, a member of Holley Board of Education, and a village trustee.
HOLLEY – The Holley community and firefighters throughout the Orleans County are mourning the death of Mark Porter, a former Holley fire chief who was a commissioner for the Murray Joint Fire District.
Porter, 54, was found deceased in the fire hall on Tuesday. Porter spent many hours a week at the fire hall on Thomas Street.
“He was dedicated to everything he did, whether sports or the fire service,” said Kevin Dann, captain with the Murray Joint Fire District.
Porter retired in 2023 after 30 years with Monroe Ambulance as an EMT/dispatcher. He is a past fire chief for the Holley Fire Department and was elected commissioner of the Murray Joint Fire District, serving as its chairman. He also served as a Holley village trustee and a member of the Holley Board of Education.
Porter also was a wrestling and baseball coach, and was sports coordinator/director for Joint Youth Recreation in 2012.
“Mark gave so much of himself to this community with respect to his selfless service as a firefighter for many years,” Holley Mayor Mark Bower and Murray Town Supervisor Gerry Rightmyer said in a statement.
They noted his service on the Joint Youth Recreation, as a village trustee and Board of Education.
“As supervisor and mayor and on behalf of our two boards, we acknowledge what a loss this is to our community, to the fire district, and the Holley Volunteer Fire Department,” Bower and Rightmyer said. “Let us all take time to remember Mark and his many positive contributions to Murray and Holley.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: Murray Joint Fire District Chief Rick Cary, left, and Mark Porter, the fire district chairman at the time, are shown with the district’s new fire engine in this photo from January 2024. The fire district picked a white color for the truck, instead of red as part of an rebranding effort for the joint district, which includes the former Holley and Fancher-Hulberton-Murray districts.
Justin Niederhofer, the Orleans County Emergency Management director, noted zporter was the current EMS lieutenant and commissioner with the Murray Joint Fire District and a retired captain with Monroe Ambulance.
“Mark was a dedicated public servant who gave selflessly to his community through decades of leadership, compassion and commitment,” Niederhofer said. “His service touched countless lives, and his loss will be felt deeply across the first responder community. We honor his memory, his legacy, and his unwavering dedication to protecting and serving others.”
Porter was a proud graduate of Kendall Central School and served on the alumni committee.
He battled a serious case of Covid in 2021 that left him in a coma for 100 days. He rebounded and pushed hard to be home in time for Christmas Eve in 2021 to see a new grandchild.
“He would do anything for you, whether you were family or a friend,” said his niece, Shannon McMillion. “If he didn’t have an answer, he’d find it.”
Porter is survived by his wife Rose, three children and five grandchildren.
There are calling hours at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home in Holley on Saturday, April 26, from 3 to 7 p.m. with his funeral service on Sunday, April 27, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 April 2025 at 7:44 pm
HOLLEY – The Village of Holley will plant a tree on April 25 in the Public Square in celebration of the bicentennial for both the Erie Canal and Orleans County.
The village will have a commemoration at 10:30 a.m. and will share about the 200th anniversaries of both the county and the canal in a ceremony expected to last 15-20 minutes.
Mayor Mark Bower welcomes the community to the event which is also on Arbor Day.
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.
