MURRAY – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that the bridge that carries Transit Road over the Erie Canal in the Town of Murray, Orleans County, has been temporarily closed to traffic to facilitate bridge work.
Motorists should use the Densmore Road bridge to the west. Signboards have been positioned to alert motorists ahead of the closure and NYSDOT will keep the public apprised regarding the reopening of the bridge.
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 July 2026 at 5:05 pm
Provided photos
HOLLEY – Jim DeFilipps was commended and presented with a plaque from Mayor Mark Bower during Defilipps’ final meeting as a village trustee on June 29. He was on the board for over a decade.
DeFilipps, a former Holley police officer, chose not to seek re-election last month. Brenden Bedard has taken his position as a trustee. DeFilipps currently works as chief deputy of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. He was deputy of the year in 2015 in New York State.
The photo at left shows DeFilipps with his children, Jake and Gianna. At right, Mayor Mark Bower presents DeFilipps with a plaque for his service.
The board also on June 29 accepted the resignation of Katie Niles as village treasurer and Sarah Lyons as the deputy clerk-treasurer. The board appointed Lyons to be the village treasurer at an hourly pay of $25.46 and Vesna McGlen to be deputy treasurer at hourly rate of $20 per hour.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 July 2026 at 10:11 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The Joey Stempien Big Band, a group of young adults performing as a professional jazz orchestra, gave a concert on Friday evening in Holley by the Erie Canal.
The band includes 17 musicians, many who were students at the Eastman School of Music.
Holley has new banners to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. The banners were designed by Lake Country Media and funded by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The Joey Stempien Big Band led off the Holley Canal Concert Series. The rest of the schedule, with concerts beginning at 6 p.m., includes:
July 10: Feedback
July 17: Who Dats
July 24: Triple Play
July 31: Road Less Travelled
Aug. 7: Stanton Band
Aug. 14: Vinyl Recovery
Aug. 21: Beggers Will Ride
Aug. 28: Blue Circle Band
The Joey Stempien Big Band played next to the Erie Canal by the gazebo.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2026 at 10:11 am
Orleans County could see $400K increase in administering SNAP in 2027
Photos by Tom Rivers: U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer speaks at the Eastern Orleans Community Center on Thursday, when he highlighted the impact on cost shifts in the SNAP program. The federal government will shift administration to some states, such as New York and its 62 counties, while other “red states” don’t face the same costly scenario, Schumer said. Pictured from left include Whitley Hasty, benefits navigation manager for Foodlink; Charles Schumer, the U.S. Senate minority leader; Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman; and Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.
HOLLEY – U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is deeply concerned about changes in the SNAP program proposed by the Trump Administration, which he said will result in less food for people in need and higher administration costs for “blue states” such as New York, driving up costs for the state and the 62 counties.
Schumer was in Holley on Thursday at the Eastern Orleans Community Center, to highlight the change that is scheduled to take effect in September. Orleans County officials say the county will face an additional $100,000 in administration costs for the program for the final quarter of 2026 and about $400,000 more in 2027. (Schumer’s office puts the fiscal hit to the county at about $250,000.)
Schumer said he will push to stop the cost shift and potential reductions in SNAP as part of the new Farm Bill. He also said if there is a new Democrat-controlled House of Representatives and U.S. Senate through the mid-term elections, the new Congress would oppose the cost shifts.
“We all know that families are struggling right now,” Schumer said the Holley center.
This chart, released by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, details SNAP benefits costs and recipients, and cost shifts to counties in the Rochester region.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to 135,000 families, kids, and seniors across the Rochester-Finger Lakes region, Schumer said. SNAP is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States and a lifeline for nearly 3 million people in New York State, he said.
Last year, President Trump and Congressional Republicans approved a nearly $200 billion cut to SNAP, Schumer said.
The action also shifted administration costs to some states and counties – about $5.6 million in new annual costs on county budgets in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region, forcing counties to choose between raising local taxes or cutting food assistance for New Yorkers in need, Schumer said.
“These cuts are going to be devastating for Orleans County and all of Upstate New York,” Schumer said. “We’ve always fed the hungry. It’s part of our Judeo-Christian view. Jesus said to feed the hungry.”
Schumer urged the local community to ask Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney to back a Farm Bill that doesn’t push SNAP costs on the states and counties – or least gives them more time to prepare for the added expense.
“I’m here today to announce that I will not support a Farm Bill that does not at least provide more time for states and counties to prepare to shoulder the cost of SNAP,” Schumer said. “A Republican Farm Bill that abandons hungry families is not a serious proposal. It’s a non-starter for me”
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer greets Rose Sargent, a part-time employee at the Eastern Orleans Community Center who was holding the door open to the center. In back from left are Holley Mayor Mark Bower, and Ryan Lasal, director of Community & Family Program Innovation / Chief Innovation Officer for Community Action.
The Holley center run by Community Action serves over 6,000 prepared meals each year, said Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.
“As the cost of basic goods continues to rise, the need for food assistance in our community only grows,” she said.
She noted that SNAP also is an important program for farmers and other small businesses in the community.
“Programs like SNAP, shaped through the Farm Bill, don’t just help families put food on the table, they also support our local farmers, grocery stores, and rural economy,” Hungerford said. “And when federal proposals shift more of those program costs onto states, it puts real pressure on counties like Orleans, where local resources are already stretched, increasing the strain on food pantries, community programs, and the families who rely on them every day.”
Lynne Johnson, the County Legislature chairwoman, said Orleans County’s budget is strained and she doesn’t want to push the added costs onto higher property taxes.
“Our budget is already under tremendous pressure from unfunded mandates from Albany,” she said.
Johnson would like a two-year extension from the higher administration fees, and would like to see New York State treated like other states that were given a two-year delay.
“New York should be treated like other states,” she said.
Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, said the county budget is “already under tremendous pressure” due to unfunded mandates from the state government and other rising costs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 July 2026 at 8:42 am
Provided photos: Holley has new banners to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. The banners were designed by Lake Country Media. The banners were funded by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
HOLLEY – The Village of Holley will kick off its Friday summer concert series today with a patriotic concert by The Joey Stempien Big Band. This group includes 17 musicians from the Eastman School of Music and the University of Rochester.
The free concert goes from 6 to 8 p.m. by the gazebo along the canal. People are encouraged to park at the lot by the former Save-A-Lot grocery store.
Holley is using a grant from the NY-250 Committee to pay for the orchestra’s performance.
The Holley Canal Concert Series Schedule includes:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 June 2026 at 3:54 pm
72 in Class of 2026 celebrate commencement
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Confetti falls on the Class of 2026 during the end of the commencement ceremony on Saturday inside the Holley Junior-Senior Auditorium.
Holley graduated 72 students on Saturday.
Middle/High School Principal Matt Feldman commended the graduates on earning their high school diplomas.
He said they should continue to heed his advice of putting their cell phones away as much as possible so they don’t meet true human experiences. School districts throughout the state implemented a cell phone ban during school hours this past year, although Holley limited cell phone use before that.
“I want for you a deeper human connection,” Feldman told the grads. “I want you to feel admiration not envy.”
This grad walks into the auditorium to join her classmates on stage. Her cap included the message: “Did Everyone See That Because I Will Not Be Doing It Again!”
Feldman, the high school principal, said the strongest memories don’t come through Instagram, Snapchat or other social media platforms.
He shared about students doing karaoke on the last day of school, and students who had a pool party in the school parking lot at 6:45 a.m. before school, an experience that included cows in a pen.
“Put your cellphone in the locker because you have so much to offer others,” he said.
Kohle Pachla walks across the stage after his salutatory address. Pachla said it was an honor to be salutatorian in the class. He is headed to Alfred University to major in ceramic & mechanical engineering.
“We finally get the chance to experience life beyond these walls,” he said. “Keep one question in mind: Is this what I want to do?”
Mia Thom is recognized with a scholarship during commencement. Thom is the class valedictorian. She is graduating a year early. She will attend Rochester Institute of Technology to major in diagnostic medical sonography.
She opted not to give the valedictory address because she jumped a grade. She “donated” the speech to Jax Richards-Dyson, who ranked third in the class.
Jax Richards-Dyson gave the greeting as the class president and then gave a speech in lieu of the valedictory address. Behind him are Principal Matt Feldman and District Superintendent Karri Schiavone. Richards-Dyson is headed to the University of Rochester to major in biology.
He shared some humorous commentary about going five years in school with cell phones being banned at different grade levels and then state-wide in school buildings. He shared about the “chaos of Covid” when students were forced to do online learning and often were forced out of school if they were possibly exposed to Covid if a classmate tested positive for the virus.
“Class of 2026 we haven’t had a fair or normal educational experience,” Richards-Dyson said.
But he shared advice from John F. Kennedy: “Change is the law of life.”
Richards-Dyson also echoed the message of putting your cell phone away and talking to people, even a stranger sitting next to you on an airplane.
He said listening and learning from others is a powerful antidote against hate.
Hunter Pachla and Layla Jones, the class co-treasurers announced the class gift. The Class of 2026 is donating $1,800 to Operation Caring Hearts, which provides essential supplies, tents, and meals to the homeless people and veterans in the Rochester area. The gift is in memory of Bonita “Bonnie” Gekoski, a lunch lady at the school who passed away Feb. 12, 2026.
Skylar Gallagher is recognized for receiving a scholarship in memory of Richard Martin and Maynard Martin, given to a senior who makes the greatest contribution during four years at Holley Senior High School.
Brody Fiorito received the scholarship in memory of David Ruggles, given the senior who displays outstanding qualities of friendliness and compassion.
Leonidas Lucian Ladd receives a scholarship given by retired principal Susan Cory “to the senior who values education but more importantly, values people and treats everyone well.”
Spanish teacher Jane DelGudico was picked by the Class of 2026 to give the commencement address.
DelGudico has worked at Holley since 2017. She congratulated the grads but told them commencement is just the beginning.
“You have to keep pushing yourself to reach your goals,” she said.
She urged them to choose healthy habits of exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep and maintaining their relationships with their classmates.
“Call your mom, visit your grandparents and stay in touch with your friends from Holley,” DelGudico said.
She advised to spend less time on their phones and more time talking directly to other people.
“Maybe you’ll make a friend,” she said. “Maybe you’ll fall in love.”
She urged them to save money and push themselves to excel in their jobs.
“The world needs more hard workers,” she said. “You will stand out and it will be worth it. Push yourself to go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.”
Jayda Shampine is congratulated for earning her diploma. She goes through a line of Board of Education members including Cecelia Pacheco Stevens, back center, and Jennifer Reisman, right.
Anthony Feliciano poses for a photo with Stephanie Sanchez, director of Special Programs for the school district.
Alexis Van Ameron was given her diploma by her mother Tracy, who is a member of the Board of Education.
The students move their tassels to signify their graduation.
A grad cap carried a powerful message: “If you knew my story you’d be proud.”
The graduates met on the football field after commencement to toss their graduation caps. The scoreboard was displayed at “2026” for the Class of 2026.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2026 at 9:17 am
Replica of famed boat headed to Medina today
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The Seneca Chief carries of a contingent along the Erie Canal on Wednesday afternoon. Most of this group includes Brockport and Holley residents. They were guests on the Seneca Chief, a 73-foot-long replica of the famed boat that carried Gov. DeWitt Clinton on the Erie Canal in 1825 when it opened following eight years of construction.
Volunteers at the Buffalo Maritime Center worked for four years to recreate the Seneca Chief. The 73-foot-long replica received great fanfare last year as part of the 200th anniversary celebration of the Erie Canal. It went from Buffalo to New York City and spent the winter in Waterford near Albany.
The Seneca Chief is doing a “Back to Buffalo” tour this month. The boat was open for tours on Wednesday in Holley.
Because the replica has no engine, the 33-foot historic wooden tugboat C.L. Churchill is used to push and maneuver the vessel along the Erie Canal.
The Seneca Chief will be in Medina today. The schedule includes:
3:30 p.m. – Seneca Chief arrives at Medina Canal Basin
4 p.m. – Welcome ceremony
4:30 p.m. – Visitor experience that is open to the public
7 p.m. – Visitor experience public hours end
As part of the welcome ceremony in Holley, some water from the Erie Canal was scooped out of the canal and out in a barrel that will be used to water a white pine tree in Buffalo. Robbie Weit, a Holley elementary student in the red hat, scoops out the water from the canal in Holley.
This Holley group adds the water from the canal in Holley to the barrel. In back are Dan Man, president of the Murray-Holley Historical Society and Mayor Mark Bower. He is assisting Holley students Robbie Weit, Timothy Hendrickson and Vivian Applegate.
The Buffalo Maritime Center did a “Gathering of the Waters” ceremony at each stop last year and then used it to water a white pine tree in New York City.
This year the group is collecting water from each stop and it will be used to water a white pine in Buffalo. The white pine trees were planted as a symbolic tribute to the Haudenosaunee and a commitment to a sustainable future.
Dr. John Montague, president emeritus of the Buffalo Maritime Center, thanks the Holley community for welcoming the Seneca Chief on Wednesday.
Montague said hundreds of volunteers worked over four years to build the replica boat, which he said has helped unite communities along the canal.
“It’s worked out far beyond our dreams,” he said. “It astonishes me that we pulled this off.”
Members of a band, PSA, from Holley Central School performed while people toured the Seneca Chief.
The band members include lead singer Isla Schultz, Brody Williams on drums, Aidan Kelley on guitar and Kallan Babcock on bass.
Former Holley Mayor John Kenney, a retired Holley teacher, steps off the boat after a riding from Brockport to Holley. He has lived in Holley for more than 60 years and said it was his first time riding a boat on the canal.
“You don’t realize how a gorgeous a ride it is with the homes are along the canal and all the wildlife,” Kenney said. “It was very relaxing.”
People line up to tour the boat which was docked at Holley’s Canal Park.
Holley Mayor Mark Bower holds up a souvenir button showing the Seneca Chief. Those buttons were given to crew members as a gift from Holley. They were made by Robbie Weit and his mother, Jessica Weit.
The boat heads west on the Erie Canal, getting close to the Holley Canal Park. This photo was taken from the Bennetts Corners Road canal bridge.
The Seneca Chief reaches the Holley Canal Park, where it was open for tours and docked for the night. The boat was given an escort by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department’s Marine Patrol.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2026 at 10:20 am
Provided photos
HOLLEY – For the 15th year, a group from Holley Elementary School participated in the Girls on the Run 5K at the University of Buffalo campus. The top photo shows some of the Holley runners and their running buddies.
The Holley students joined about 1,000 girls from grades 3 to 5 from Western New York in the event on June 8.
Natalie Young, a fifth-grader, runs the 5K with her running buddy, teacher Kristina Rich.
(Left) Lillian Bedard gets help pinning on her bib from her father Brenden Bedard, who was also her running buddy. (Right) Carlee Dale shows the medal she received for completing the Girls on the Run 5K.
The runners from Holley pose for a photo outside the Holley Elementary School. The 8-week program combines physical activities with social-emotional skills, team work and self esteem.
The coaches for the Girls on the Run at Holley include, from left: Lynn Vendetti, Shannon Brett, Hannah Bushen and Julie Boss.
Lillian Passarell, a fourth-grader, was speedy, running the course in 26 minutes, 29 seconds.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 June 2026 at 8:22 am
Scott Pachla, a former airline pilot, enjoys working with gun owners
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Scott Pachla is shown on Saturday at Building Your Dreams Gun Shop, which opened about three weeks ago at the former West Ridge Realty building at 16584 Ridge Rd.
Pachla for more than a decade ran the business out of his home on Kendall Road. It outgrew his garage and then expanded into his house, taking up even more room.
The new location is more visible for the public and in a better location for the public, Pachla said.
He started selling guns 16 years ago as a hobby. Pachla, 55, is connected with many distributors. He used those contacts to maintain access to hand guns, long guns, ammunition and other supplies during the Covid pandemic in 2020, when many gun sellers struggled to get supplies.
That’s when the business really started to take off for Pachla, who worked 20 years as an airline pilot. He stepped away from that career due to the constant time away from home.
“I slept in 80,000 hotel beds,” he said. “I was never home.”
After his career as a pilot, Pachla tried a business where he built custom log cabins. He called his contracting business, Building Your Dreams. He kept that name for the gun shop.
The gun business is more family-friendly for Pachla. His wife Joanna Fraser helps with the books, and is at the store on Saturdays. She also works full-time at Lowe’s.
Pachla’s twin sons, Hunter and Kohle, also help at Building Your Dreams. They both will graduate from Holley on Saturday. Hunter does scope mounts and can make gun repairs. Kohle helped design the store’s look and layout.
Scott Pachla and his wife Joanna Fraser are shown at Building Your Dreams Gun Shop at the former Westridge Realty on Ridge Road.
Pachla said he has been a gun enthusiast since he was hunting as a kid. Some of the animals he’s hunted are mounted high on the store walls, including a wild boar he shot with an arrow.
Pachla enjoys sharing his knowledge with the public. If he doesn’t have what they want in the store, he said he can order and quickly have it on site. He has products from about 30 gun manufacturers, including Traditions, Versacarry, Barnes, Hornady, Kimber, Ruger, Glock, Savage, Springfield, Henry, Smith & Wesson and others.
“I enjoy the customers and I enjoy the industry,” he said.
Building Your Dreams also sells ammunition, accessories, cleaning supplies, scopes and does minor gun smithing.
The business is open Monday through Saturday – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6:30 on Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Click here for more information.
Pachla works with fire departments and other organizations on gun raffles, trying to help them retain as much of the proceeds as possible.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 June 2026 at 12:22 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Local officials today celebrated a new playground in the Village of Holley along the canal park trail. The project was a joint venture through the village, Town of Murray and the county health department.
Unveiling the new sign at the park, from left, include: Village Trustee Rochelle Moroz, Murray Town Supervisor Gerry Rightmyer, County Legislator John Fitzak and Village Trustee Jessica MacClaren. The new sign was designed by Lake Country Media in Albion.
The playground was popular with kids this morning around 11 a.m.
The playground replaces one that was about 25 years old and was removed in 2022 due to disrepair.
The new playground was funded with a $150,000 state grant secured by health department, $52,000 from the Village of Holley and $25,000 from the Town of Murray.
It’s the only public playground in the Town of Murray and Village of Holley besides the one at the elementary school.
Rightmyer said Murray used ARPA federal funds for its share of the project.
Holley Mayor Mark Bower, left, thanked the town and county for supporting the project. The local governments worked with Parkitects and Landscape Structures on the design of the playground, which was installed by Align Outdoors.
Bower said they wanted a new playground that was different from the one at the school. He has been pleased to see many kids and families using the playground.
Legislator John Fitzak said the project was a “creative collaboration” among the three government – village, town and county.
“It’s another way everyone works together for a common benefit,” he said.
Brenden Bedard, assistant director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, spotted the grant possibility. He reached out to Bower to see if Holley was interested in pursuing it. The local entities worked with the county grantwriter, Diane Cihak of Upper Edge Consulting, to submit the successful grant application.
Bedard, a Holley resident who was elected a village trustee on Tuesday, said a playground brings many health benefits, encouraging kids and families to exercise and be outside.
Mayor Bower said the project is the latest in efforts to add recreational amenities in the village. A new kayak launch was recently added through a grant.
Holley also received a grant to add more lighting along the canal path at the park. A screen also will be put in the canal park pavilion to protect people from bugs and insects while they are enjoying the pavilion. A bench with a solar cover also will be added that will be a spot where people can recharge their phones, Bower said.
The village owns the fireman’s field across from the elementary school and two Gaga Ball pits and a bocce court were recently installed at that field, which is leased by the fire department.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 June 2026 at 9:05 am
Photo courtesy of Jenna Amering
HOLLEY – The Village of Holley recognizes John Sansone for his 25 years of service as the village attorney. He was honored at last week’s Village Board meeting.
Pictured from left include former mayors Bill Quaranto and Dan Schiavone, attorney John Sansone, former Mayor Brian Sorochty, current Mayor Mark Bower, and former Mayor John Kenney.
Sansone started as Holley attorney in 2001 and has served with eight mayors during his tenure. The other mayors not in photo include Skip Carpenter, Kevin Lynch and Lewis Passarell.
Current Mayor Bower thanked Sansone for his “exceptional service and dedication” to the village. The board took a break at last week’s meeting to recognize Sansone, who was joined at the meeting by his wife, Maria.
Sansone was presented a plaque “with sincere appreciation for your guidance, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the Village of Holley and its residents.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2026 at 11:05 pm
HOLLEY – Village of Holley residents elected Brenden Bedard and Rochelle Moroz to four-year terms as village trustees today.
Bedard received the most votes at 137, followed by Moroz at 102. Ron Vendetti was a close third at 93 votes.
Bedard works as assistant director for the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments. His father, Kevin Bedard, has previously served as a Holley village trustee.
Moroz was re-elected to another term. She has been on the board for nearly a decade.
She was the only candidate who waited outside the village office for the votes to be tallied. The results were announced at about 10 p.m., an hour after the polls closed.
“I like to represent the village,” Moroz said.
She takes frequent walks around the community, and enjoys hearing from residents.
She was pleased to see a good turnout today.
Rainey Losee, the Holley village clerk, also said it was a good showing from the village voters.
“I’m proud of our village residents coming out and having their voices be heard,” she said after the results were announced.
Bedard will replace Jim DeFilipps on the board. DeFillipps didn’t seek re-election after 10 years on the board.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2026 at 9:15 am
HOLLEY – It’s election day for the Village of Holley with three candidates on the ballot with two to be elected trustees to four-year terms.
The polls are open from noon to 9 p.m. at the Holley Village Office, the former high school at 1 Wright St. The new terms start on July 1.
The candidates include:
Brenden Bedard of East Albion Street
Rochelle Moroz of Orchard Street
Ron Vendetti of Ray Street
Current Trustee Jim DeFilipps isn’t seeking another term after 10 years on the board.
Vendetti previously served as a village trustee and also was Holley’s coordinator and DPW superintendent. He said the village taxes and water rates continue to climb putting a strain on property owners. The current village government spends too much time on festivals and parks, and not enough focus on infrastructure and reducing costs.
Mayor Mark Bower, in a letter on the village website on Monday, backed Moroz, a current trustee, and Bedard, who is the assistant director of the Genesee & Orleans Public Health Departments.
Bower praised Moroz for “paying attention to the little things that need work, as well as keeping her eye on the bigger picture.” She works to help the village “in countless ways for which she wants no credit.”
Bedard has deep roots in Holley with his mother a long-time elementary school teacher and his father a former village trustee.
“He has reached out to us on many occasions with opportunities for us to apply for grants,” Bower said about Brenden Bedard. “He will bring a fresh perspective to our board.”
The mayor cited the following accomplishments by the Village Board:
Completed the High Street waterline project coming in under budget.
Used state CHIPS money, along with local funds, and completely redid all of White Street, including curbing and new lights.
Sold the old Village Office on Public Square and used that money with additional local dollars to re-roof the Police Station building.
Replaced the Canal Park Playground with help from the Town of Murray and a grant through the Genesee and Orleans Public Health Departments.
Updated comprehensive plan, which was last done 14 years ago.
Begun the removal of all dead ash trees throughout the village park, waterfalls and trails in a project funded from a grant from Orleans County Soil and Water Department.
HOLLEY – The Community Free Library will host its first-ever Community Art Auction on Friday, June 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the library, located at 86 Public Square in Holley.
The event will showcase artwork donated by local artists from across the region. Community members will have the opportunity to view and bid on a diverse collection of paintings, photography, mixed media, fiber arts, and other original works while enjoying a reception and live auction experience.
All bidding will begin at just $20, making original artwork accessible to a wide range of attendees while raising funds to support library services, programs, and community initiatives.
The auction features works from more than 20 artists, including Ginny Schofield, Nora Lindsay, Jim Fiegel, Brianna Pellegrino, Chloe Dunn, Amy Ahl, Alanna Reed, Autumn Bradley, Emma Goodman, and many others who have generously contributed their talents to support the library.
“The Art Auction is a celebration of both creativity and community,” said Jenna Chevier, Programming Coordinator at the Community Free Library. “We’re excited to showcase the incredible artistic talent that exists in our area while raising funds that will directly benefit library programs and services for all ages.”
Guests are encouraged to preview the artwork in advance through the library’s online gallery and then attend the live event to place bids and meet fellow art enthusiasts.
HOLLEY – Festival visitor Evie is all smiles as she braves the Ultimate Ninja Warrior obstacle course. It was a popular attraction at this year’s JuneFest, which also featured craft and food vendors.
JuneFest took place on June 6 along Holley’s canal park path. The festival was made possible by funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program and was administered by GO ART!
Wendy Cruz, manager of Project Salus, a program of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee hands out free flowers. Young Carlee Dale happily experiences the booth. The pots came in four rim colors that each represented a different kind of person. For example, the red rim represented playfulness and a loving and nurturing spirit. The group also handed out free make-your-own flowers out of pipe cleaners that came in both daisy and sunflower varieties. Running with the tagline “Youth Voices Driving Change – Define Your Impact”, the project promotes positivity and finds resources for adolescents. It has afterschool programs in Lyndonville and Holley. Moving forward, Project Salus wants to do more community outreach focused on youths.
Alex excitedly receives a face painting of a rocketship, with glittery flames. Mary Jo Whitman of Far Out Faces WNY Face Painting creates the masterpiece.
Kevin Johnson of Clarendon Lions Club serves up grilled goodies. There were several food vendors at the festival. They were hard at work crafting great food and tasty beverages.
Christina Kelley and Stephanie Ridder of CK Designs sold keychains that could be custom-made with a large number of selections, as well as ready-made keychains.
Samantha and Mike were in charge of the Oak & Flora Shop booth. They had an array of nicknacks to purchase.
Lorraine of LD Designs poses with her selection of crocheted goods. There were many vendors selling delightful crocheted critters.
Dennis Lusk shows off the Lusk Tree Service booth. It included a large bucket lift.
Arianna gets a rainbow butterfly wing done by Mary Jo Whitman. Families had a wonderful time looking at all the sights and goods.
JuneFest featured several more booths. One of the vendors sold rocks ranging from blue calcite from the Adirondacks to geodes from Kentucky. Penna’s Crafts and Things provided samples of maple products from Carney Farms in Hornell and also sold crafts from Donald Penna’s shop.
Candy Mosholder’s Pink Zebra had wax melters that, when burned, produce a pleasant aroma. Author Debbie Patt was selling her book, Aurora’s Sweet Dream, about her dog. Esipova Youth Ballet Theater had a recruitment booth. It has a focus on Classic Ballet Rendezvous Style and accepts children ages three-plus, and it also offers adult classes.
