Roofs, grants, amenities at park among issues that need attention

Photos by Tom Rivers: Holley village officials discuss village business during their monthly meeting Tuesday evening. Pictured from left include Trustee Rochelle Moroz, Deputy Mayor Connie Nenni, Mayor Mark Bower, Village Attorney John Sansone, Trustee John Morris and Trustee Jim DeFilipps.

HOLLEY – Mayor Mark Bower, who was elected last month and started on July 4, spent two years as a trustee on the Village Board.

He said many issues are often discussed at length, but then continue to linger with little action.

He wants to the Village Board and officials to push to complete projects and address issues in a more timely manner. He acknowledged the village has a small staff and limited resources.

Mayor Mark Bower said he doesn’t want issues to linger in the village.

But he said he will push each month to highlight needed work in the village, and give an update on the status of addressing the issue.

“We have talked about certain issues for month after month,” he said. “Let’s nail down completing a few things that we have been talking about.”

Bower presided over his first meeting on Tuesday evening as mayor. He brought up many issues that he said need attention.

Roofs on village-owned buildings

That includes several roofs on village-owned properties, including the sewer plant, bathrooms and shower building by the canal, gazebo by the canal and the Holley-Murray Historical Society depot.

Estimates for the sewer roof came in at $20,000 to $22,000. The board didn’t vote to accept a bid yet. It is considering using some of its federal American Rescue Plan Act funding or supplementing money from insurance.

“We have a lot of roofs that are sadly in need of a lot of repair,” Bower said.

The board also is considering using its share of the ARPA for a new police car and paving High Street.

The depot for the historical society is owned by the village, with the historical society owning the contents. Bower said non-profit organizations have a better chance of securing grants for building upgrades. He said it may make sense to transfer ownership of the depot to the historical society. Not only would the historical society be in a better position to obtain a grant, but the historical society can actively do fundraising for the project. The village shouldn’t seek donations, Bower said.

He wants to discuss the issue with the historical society.

Fireman’s Field

The village also owns the fireman’s field across from the elementary school on North Main Street. The land is leased to the fire department, which maintains the field and also rents out a lodge area for events.

Bower would like to see more amenities at the field, including a splash park, and possibly an ice rink in the winter and covered bocce courts in the warmer weather.

He thinks the fire department would be in a better position to receive grants and do fundraising for upgrading the park. That may mean transferring ownership to the fire department. The village would keep the land for a telecommunications tower and continue to receive that revenue. He wants to talk with fire department leaders about how to best improve that site.

Grants

The village with its high poverty index is eligible for may state and federal grants, Bower said. Holley should identify projects and go for funding, he said. However, those grants often still require some local dollars and time from village personnel. Bower said it will be a balance for how much Holley can handle financially and also with its limited manpower.

He would like to see Holley pursue grants for upgrading waterlines, the sewer plant, sidewalks and other infrastructure. There are also grants for homeland security for the police station, community development and other projects in the village.

The village is working to finish up a sidewalk and waterline project, and wants to repave High Street.

Bower said the board should identify projects and see where Holley has the most need and best chance for securing funding.

The board already is going after one grant. The board voted on Tuesday to pursue a grant to develop a new comprehensive plan for the village, which could mean updating zoning and codes.

That grant could be for up to $180,000, with Holley paying 10 percent or $18,000 of the cost.

The project would include putting Holley’s local laws online so people could easily look up the local codes. People could also see zoning maps online.

Mylynda Kuba, the Holley code officer, said the comprehensive plan hasn’t been updated since 2010.

“Our zoning map has some holes in it where there isn’t zoning,” she told the board. “That’s kind of scary.”

The board voted to hire Bergmann, a  Rochester planning firm, to prepare the application for the grant which is due to be filed by July 29. Bergmann will be paid $105 an hour for its work on the grant application, at a maximum of $5,000.

Mayor Mark Bower said more signs are needed to direct people to the Holley waterfalls.

Bower also said a grant is due next month that could add signage in the village to direct people to attractions, including the Holley waterfalls. He said many business owners tell him visitors aren’t sure how to get to the waterfalls. He also wants signs directing people to the community garden and original canal loop.

Police Chief get formal appointment

Bob Barton speaks during a forum in March 2021 during a meeting about police reform and community policing in Holley.

The Village Board removed “acting” from the title of Police Chief Bob Barton. He has been leading the department for about a year following the retirement of Roland Nenni.

Barton is retired from the Greece Police Department and worked as a part-time officer in Holley for several years.

He will be paid $35,000 annually to serve as police chief. He was praised by Village Board members for getting the department to full strength by hiring several part-time officers.

Barton was appointed as permanent chief after he recently passed the police chief test through Civil Service.

“He’s performed the duties quite well,” Bower said. “He presents himself as a chief. He is professional in every way. His reports are detailed.”

Holley raises rates for food vendors

The board voted to increase the daily fee for food vendors from $25 to $30 a day. The yearly permit will go from $250 to $300 a year. Debbie Schaivone, the village clerk, said Holley’s rates for food vendors are lower “than just about everybody.”

Other action

The village will bring back the Mayor Vaughn Appreciation Award. Bower said he discovered Holley used to give out these awards to citizens. It was last presented in 1983.

“We would like to reactivate the award and acknowledge contributions made to the village and show our appreciation to residents,” he said.

The board responded to a request from the Orleans County United Way to have a sign displayed about its annual fund-raising campaign. Bower said he would talk with the DPW staff to pick a spot. He wants to know how long the United Way would like the sign to be displayed.

The board approved spending $425 for eight weeks of summer concerts by the canal. That is in addition to funding from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

The board voted to coordinate with the county cleaning up 54 South Main St., a site that has been “seemingly abandoned”  with tall grass, vines and shrubs “encapsulating the entire structure.”

Neighbors have complained about the unsightly appearance, and the “proliferation of vermin,” according to the village resolution.

Holley officials are hopeful the site will be sold through the county tax auction next year. In the meantime, village officials want the site maintained. The board said it will pursue having any expenses to village be recouped as part of the sale at the auction.

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Holley Village Office has been vacant for about two years since the village moved the office to the former Holley High School in August 2020.

HOLLEY – The former village office is now for sale.

The Village Board voted this evening to list the property with Mary Fudge of Early Sunrise Realty in Holley. The listing price will be $79,900.

The two-story building is about 3,000 square feet. It has been vacant since Holley moved its village office to the former Holley High School in August 2020. The village is the main tenant in the old school, which also includes 41 apartments.

The village will need to clear out the building to get ready for the listing. Some of the furnishings and office equipment have been declared surplus and will be sold through Auctions International.

“The first step in selling is to empty it out,” said Mayor Mark Bower.

Village Trustee Jim DeFilipps said selling the former office will benefit the village by having the site on the tax rolls.

The former village office is located at 72 Public Square.

Natural gas needed to heat up soil as part of $20 million cleanup

Photo by Tom Rivers: David Macone, a lead thermal technician for AECOM, speaks during a public hearing on Monday about the company’s need for trailers of compressed natural gas as part of the cleanup at the former Diaz Chemical site at 40 Jackson St. Mylynda Kubo, the village code enforcement officer, is at left.

HOLLEY – The Village of Holley Planning Board approved the site plan to allow two trailers of compressed natural gas at the former Diaz Chemical site at 40 Jackson St.

The AECOM environmental services company, a contractor hired by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, said the trailers with natural gas are needed as a backup heating source as part of the cleanup at the site.

If used at capacity the trailers would need to be replaced every 3 ½ days, said David Macone, a lead thermal technician for AECOM.

The trailers would be kept in a fenced in area that would be locked. There would be an automatic shut-off if the heat gets too high or if there is a malfunction.

The natural gas is needed to heat up soil to 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit). AECOM will use piped-in natural gas for the project. The trailers are a backup if more gas is needed especially during very cold weather, Macone said.

Provided photo: Many heater wells have been constructed as part of the thermal treatment project in Holley.

Planning Board Chairwoman Sandy Heise highlighted a letter from Justin Neiderhofer, the Orleans County deputy emergency management director. He said he supports the project with the natural gas trailers because it will ensure the project moves along without disruption. Having the trailers on site doesn’t pose a significantly greater risk, he said.

The biggest risk is when the trailers are swapped out. Niederhofer said the trailers come with several safety features to reduce the risks.

“The alternative option would be to not allow them to bring in the trucks, and have this ground decontamination process take up to a year longer, extending the length of the overall risk to the community,” Niederhofer wrote in a July 7 letter.

Murray Joint Fire District Chief Harris Reed attended Monday’s public hearing about the trailers of natural gas at the property. Reed said he favors the plan because it will speed up removal of contaminants from the soil.

However, he asked that AECOM pay to have 30 volunteer firefighters be trained in responding to an emergency at the site. Reed would like a group of firefighters from Murray, Clarendon, Kendall and Brockport be trained at the state academy in Moutour Falls. He said the cost would be about $3,000.

Macone said he couldn’t give official approval for that request on Monday without checking with the company, but he expected AECOM would approve the funding.

The EPA has hired AECOM for the second and final phase of a thermal treatment of contaminated soil and groundwater at the Diaz Chemical Superfund site in Holley.

The system is being used to treat the remainder of the on-site contamination. EPA started constructing the system in May 2020, using samples and other information obtained during the first phase of treatment that used a smaller-scale version of the system.

EPA treated about 10% of the contaminated soil and groundwater at the site under that first phase, which was completed in October 2018.

The thermal cleanup is a $20 million project. That doesn’t include the $12.5 million the EPA has already spent on the cleanup, using money from the Superfund. The EPA removed buildings, pipes, drums and tanks. Only two warehouses remain from Diaz, which declared bankruptcy and abandoned the site in 2002. The company operated for about 30 years in Holley.

The final phase of treatment targets 1.5 acres of the site and will be performed in two stages. The thermal treatment system is projected to operate for up to four years to clean up the site.

Thermal treatment system

The thermal treatment system uses heat to turn the contaminants in the soil and groundwater into vapors. The vapors will then be captured by extraction wells and treated by a combination of compression, cooling, condensation and granular activated carbon. The system will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In addition, EPA will excavate soil from two areas. The excavated soil will be consolidated, thermally treated, and disposed of off-site, the EPA said in a previous news release. The excavated areas will be backfilled with clean soil. EPA will monitor the air around the perimeter, monitor noise, and follow a traffic control plan to minimize disruptions to the neighborhood.

After the second phase of operations is completed, EPA will remove the treatment equipment and restore the property. This will include regrading the site to ensure it has proper drainage and revegetation so as to prevent erosion.

Site will now be reviewed for National Register

Photo by Tom Rivers: Richard Christopher of Albion places a commemorative wreath by the monument in Fancher during a rededication ceremony of Aug. 14, 2021. The monument is a memorial to 10 10 men from the Fancher area who died in World War II. Richard is the son John Christopher, who was killed on November 26, 1943 when the transport ship carrying his unit was struck by a German glider bomb and sunk off the coast of Algeria. He was laid to rest at the North Africa American Cemetery in Tunis, Tunisia.

MURRAY – The Fancher Memorial, a monument at “The Curve” on Route 31, has been approved for New York State Register of the Historic Places.

Daniel Mackay, deputy commissioner for Historic Preservation and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, notified Murray Town Supervisor on June 27 that a state review board “following a detailed review” recommended the site be included on the New York State Register of Historic Places and that recommendation has been approved.

The Fancher Memorial also has been nominated for the National Register of Historic Places where it will be reviewed by the federal agency.

The designation is lofty statue for a site that was deteriorating just over a year ago. A $10,000 donation by former resident Fred Fiorito spearheaded many upgrades for the memorial, which was rededicated on Aug. 14, 2021.

The monument, made of Medina sandstone with a green mortar and four clock faces, was originally dedicated on Aug. 14, 1949 as a monument to 10 young men from the Fancher community who were killed in World War II.

John Christopher, Joseph Christopher, Cosmo Coccitti, Floyd Valentine, John Kettle Jr., Leonard Licursi, Martin Licursi, Camille Nenni, Richard Merritt and Richard Vendetta left the hamlets of Fancher, Brockville and Hulberton and went off to war and didn’t return.

The monument was in disrepair with mortar crumbling, the clock often not working and the landscaping unattractive.

The monument’s improvements last year included new mortar, new movements and electric wiring for the clocks (which will now automatically fall back an hour and spring an hour ahead during the time changes), a new replica bronze plaque on the north side of the property, and a repainted flag pole which now also includes a World War II flag below the American flag. There also are sandstone steps on the north side with the stone donated by Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio and set in place by the Town Highway Department.

Sidonio thanked Erin Anheier for writing the nomination packet for the Fancher Memorial to be included on the state and national registers.

He said a big community effort made the upgrades possible for the monument. About 200 people attended the rededication last August.

The monument is a powerful tribute from a small community to the sons who perished in war, Sidonio said. He is proud that the community hasn’t neglected the site.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Holley graduates toss their caps by the flag pole in front of the junior-senior high school after commencement on Saturday.

Holley graduated 60 students in the Class of 2022.

The graduates follow a processional inside the auditorium for the 73^rd annual commencement program.

Libbie Pecora, the class president, gave a welcome message and led the group in reciting the pledge of allegiance. She urged her classmates “to not let the fear of failure hold you back.” Behind Pecora are District Superintendent Brian Bartalo and High School Principal Sue Cory.

Class Vice President Breanna Girangaya announced the class gift. The Class of 2022 will give some of its remaining class funds to the other high schools classes that have been hampered in fundraising due to Covid cancellations and restrictions. The Class of 2022 also set aside money for the buildings and grounds staff to treat themselves for all of their extra hard work with cleaning the buildings in the pandemic.

Grace McKeon sings the Star Spangled Banner.

Salutatorian Adriana Botello delivers her speech. She said the class wouldn’t be derailed by Covid. They pushed to get their school work done and still be involved at school. She said she is fortunate to be at a school with “beautiful souls” who are kind.

“We are lucky we are such a small class where we could watch each other grow,” she said.

Valedictorian Cora Bennage wrote her speech almost entirely from favorite quotes collected from her classmates to give them a voice in the ceremony. Her speech also featured a section in Spanish for the native speakers in the audience.

She quoted from the Kung Fu Panda movie when she reminded them that each day is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.

Kirsstin Althoff stands to be recognized as one of the scholarship winners. About $35,000 in local scholarships were announced during the commencement program.

Thomas Dobri stands after being recognized as a scholarship winner.

Retired Holley biology teacher Dan Burke gave the commencement address. Burke retired a year ago after more than 30 years at Holley. In addition to teaching biology, he was a baseball coach and musical director. He was picked by the class to give the speech.

In retirement Burke has followed a lifetime passion by studying history at Arizona State University. Burke said he wanted to major in history right out of high school but was swayed by his father who didn’t think there would be good job prospects with that major. Burke had a career selling pharmaceuticals before starting a teaching career at Holley.

He urged the grads to never give up learning and to “embrace the uncertainty of your future.”

He didn’t expect to become a teacher. But he answered an ad about a job in Holley. He wanted a more meaningful career, even though he took a big pay cut.

He said he is so grateful for his time in Holley. When he retired a year ago, he received 1,200 messages from former students, thanking him for being their teacher, coach and director.

He was struck by how successful and happy the Holley graduates were in their careers and family lives. They have excelled as teachers, lawyers, doctors, mechanics and skilled tradespeople.

“I was struck by what good and decent people they all are,” he said. This is a wonderful place. This is a wonderful school.”

Burke gave the grads a final message: “Give more than you take from this world.”

Zander Carpenter takes a selfie with Principal Sue Cory. This was Cory’s last commencement as principal. She is retiring.

She said the graduates lived up to this year’s theme at the school district of “family.” She thanked the students for being passionate, caring, opinionated and compassionate.

“You are a special group that rallies and supports others,” she said.

Emily Webster is congratulated by the Board of Education members after getting her diploma. James Tette poses for a photo with Principal Cory.

Kayla Pagano celebrates getting her diploma and is congratulated by the Board of Education.

A sign outside the school near the flag pole praises the Class of 2022 for their graduation.

HOLLEY – The state Department of Transportation announced this afternoon that the bridge on Route 237 in Holley has reopened.

The bridge had been closed since April 11 for repairs.

Connie Nenni and John Morriss elected village trustees

HOLLEY – Mark Bower was elected Holley’s next mayor today, receiving 122 votes to 33 for former mayor John Kenney.

Mark Bower

Bower is a current village trustee. He has been on the board for two years. He is a retired Hilton elementary school principal and director of staff development.

He said he wants to build strong partnerships with other organizations in the village, including the fire department, historical society, Community Free Library, Rotary Club and other residents and groups.

“I am big on outreach,” he said.

Bower, 65, sees a village on an upswing and he wants to keep the momentum going.

“There is a lot of work to do and there is a lot of good things going on,” Bower said.

He wants to see a sidewalk project completed for East Union Street and Park Place. The village needs to keep pursuing grants for infrastructure and community development.

“Our access to the Erie Canal really helps us (with grant funding),” he said.

Bower’s two-year term as mayor starts on July 1. He will succeed Kevin Lynch who didn’t run in this election.

Residents also re-elected Connie Nenni as village trustee with 123 votes.

She was the only trustee candidate on the ballot. The other spot was filled by write-in votes and John Morris had the most with 92 followed by Skip Carpenter with 18.

Nenni is a former village clerk who works as the school district clerk and administrative assistant for the superintendent of schools.

She said she is proud of the board’s recent work with the redevelopment of the former Holley High School, new sidewalks in Holley and increases in pay for Holley police officers. She would like to see more upgrades to village waterlines and sidewalks.

Morris is a former Murray town supervisor and village trustee.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – The Holley Elementary School held its Flag Day celebration this morning with a parade from the school down North Main Street through the Public Square.

There are about 550 students in grades prekindergarten through 6. They walked together by grade level, carrying flags with many wearing red, white and blue.

Holley’s Flag Day parade is a tradition going back to 1957. There wasn’t a parade in 2020 because students weren’t in school in person due to Covid. Last year there was a parade but now ceremony at the Murray-Holley Historical Society depot.

This year the parade and ceremony where back, and the school presented citizenship awards.

The students head out of the school while “You’re A Grand Old Flag” was played on the loudspeaker.

Scott Wheeler, the elementary school band director (in red shirt), leads the band in performing the Star Spangled Banner.

Students recited the pledge of allegiance and sang patriotic songs during the service.

This railing at the historical society museum is decorated for Flag Day.

Shoaid Yunus, right, carries an American flag and walks with his little brother, Zide, who is in Holley’s PreK program.

Brianna Pelligrino, a sixth grader, participated in the parade with a patriotic dinosaur.

Here are some more photos from the parade:

HOLLEY – The June 21 village election has two people running for mayor, including John Kenney, a former Holley mayor, and Mark Bower, a retired Hilton elementary school principal and director of staff development.

Kenney is a retired Holley math teacher. He served several terms as mayor and trustee until June 2016 when he stepped away from public office. Bower currently is on the board as a village trustee.

Kevin Lynch, the current mayor, isn’t running for the position.

There are two trustee positions open, but only Connie Nenni, an incumbent, is seeking a two-term term. The other trustee will be elected by a write-in vote.

Voting will be from noon to 9 p.m. in the main entrance (ground level) of the Village Office at 1 Wright St., which is the former Holley High School.

Kenney is running under The Dove Party, with Bower under the Historic Holley Party, and Nenni with The Peoples Party.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – A new ice cream shop – Red, White, and Moo – opened today in Holley at the former First Niagara bank site at 51 Public Square. The building had been vacant since the bank closed in October 2016.

The site was acquired by Jason Stott, left, and Becky and David Gagne. Their bigger plan for the building is for a brewery. That project, called Restauration Brewery Company, is planned for a fall opening.

But they saw a need for an ice cream shop in Holley, and another place for the community to gather and socialize.

Red, White, and Moo offers 20 flavors of hard ice cream as well as soft ice cream, slushies, sundaes and banana splits. Smoothies and blended coffee drinks will be added soon.

David Gagne, left, and Pamela Coopenberg work on an order at Holley’s new ice cream business. There were long lines of customers the first two hours after the business opened at noon.

The owners put in a giant patriotic-themed chair that they expect will be popular with customers seeking selfies and some fun.

The Gagnes are long-time Holley residents and Stott lives in neighboring Brockport.

“We are excited to bring ice cream back to Holley,” Stott said. “There has been an outpouring of support.”

Mr. Gagne said he hopes Red, White, and Moo will keep visitors to the community in Holley longer. He knows many come to the village to go see the Holley Waterfalls.

Tatum Gagne, Dave and Becky’s daughter, was selling T-shirts and ice cream with her boyfriend Haiden Herring of Brockport along the canal trail. They were among 40 vendors in Holley’s June Fest celebration.

Sydney Gagne takes orders from customers in a window that used to be where the ATM vestibule was located. Stott’s daughters, Adalyn and Kaylie, also work at the business.

Red, White, and Moo will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., except on Sunday which is 2 to 9 p.m.

The Gagnes and Stott also will be busy in the coming months on the brewery. Restauration Brewery Company is named for the ship that brought Norwegian immigrants to the Holley community in 1825.

No parade or fireworks, but still plenty of chances for fun

Photo by Tom Rivers: Holley June Fest organizers, Keith Lutes and Rainey Losee, are pictured in the Public Square near the Salisbury Fountain. The downtown area will have many sites as part of a scavenger hunt to learn about Holley during June Fest on Saturday.

HOLLEY – June Fest returns to Holley on Saturday after being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions and concerns.

The festival is easing back. It won’t have a parade in the morning or fireworks to cap off the occasion at night.

But there will still be opportunities to get together and see friends and meet other community members.

There will be about 40 vendors at the main area for the festival near the playground area along the canal trail.

Rainey Losee is co-leader of the festival with Keith Lutes. They responded in March when they heard the festival needed coordinators. They are hopeful with more time – and funding – that the parade and fireworks will return for June Fest in 2023.

The event includes many activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The schedule includes:

• 9 a.m. to :15 a.m. –Opening ceremonies and welcome at the gazebo by the canal
• 9:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. – Band introduction and kickoff
• 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Blues Crew Band
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Anita Lyn’s Lounge
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Scavenger Hunt starting place is at the museum.
• 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Special hours at Holley Falls Bar and Grill
• 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Nick LaDue Band
• 1 p.m. to 1:15 pm – Scavenger Hunt winners announced
• 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Raffle Baskets must be present to win
• 2:30 p.m. – 50/50 Raffle drawing must be present to win
• 3 p.m. – Line Dancing by The Whole Approach
• 5 p.m. – Festival ends
• 4 to 6 p.m. – Community Free Library’s 75th Anniversary Party
• 6 p.m. – Red, White and Moo Grand Opening

Losee moved to Holley in October. A Wellsville native, her husband is from Brockport. They were looking for a small town environment. Losee soon joined the Holley Garden Club and started volunteering at the Eastern Orleans Community Center. She heard the June fest Committee needed volunteers. She offered to help and said she has met many Holley residents and business owners in only a few months.

“It’s all about the community and the village,” she said. “This is a very close-knit community.”

She encouraged people to come to the festival. She thinks they will link a scavenger hunt where they learn about the village through many clues.

There will also be wine-tasting, a petting zoo and food trucks. People can also leave ideas in a suggestion box for the next June Fest.

Lutes is a Holley native and he is glad to see the festival come back, even at a smaller scale.

In addition to the festival, Lutes said many garage and yard sales will be happening in the village and those are always a draw. He expects the village will be busy on Saturday with all of the activities.

Photo by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – JP’s Farm Market had its last day in Holley today. The site will become a Crosby’s. The Piedimonte family started the business more than three decades ago and in recent years it has been operated by Kathy Brooks, who maintained a frequent, friendly presence at JP’s, often in the deli.

The store on Route 31 was popular especially for its subs. It has a dine-in area where many people would congregate in the mornings and at lunchtime.

When JP’s becomes a Crosby’s there will be two in Holley, as well as locations in Clarendon, Kendall, two in Albion, one in Gaines, one in Medina and one in Lyndonville.

Site will establish telehealth hub to help people access healthcare

Renee Hungerford

HOLLEY – The homeless and those experiencing poverty and other challenges will soon have access to free health care, due to a grant received by Community Action of Orleans and Genesee County.

Renee Hungerford, director of Community Action, has announced her agency has received a grant from the Finger Lakes Performing Provider System to fund a program she calls “Axis of Care.”

Hungerford has a background in healthcare with a focus on informatics and addressing the social determinants of health. A few months ago she learned FLPPS had some funding available for innovative programs to bring health care to the homeless or those at risk of being homeless.

She wrote a proposal and submitted it. She came up with name “Axis of Care,” likening the meaning of axis (a point around which things gather) to the local agencies gathering together to provide “access” to health care.

Community Action knows first-hand the extent of poverty in Orleans County. Last year Hungerford reported the Eastern Orleans Community Center in Holley served 6,277 meals to nearly 400 people. In addition, hundreds more were helped with free clothing, food pantry services and holiday gifts and baskets.

At the time Hungerford wrote her proposal, Orleans County had the third lowest health ranking in New York state, according to “County Health Rankings.” It ranks in the bottom quartile for both outcomes and health factors.

There is increased risk of premature death, as well as much higher than state average for child and infant mortality. Some of the health behavior challenges are smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity and teen births.

Much of the area is considered a “food swamp,” in that available food is from fast food restaurants or dollar stores. Public transportation is very limited in the county, creating an additional barrier to healthcare and nutrition.

Hungerford reported that according to “Homeless Shelters Directory,” in 2019 there were an estimated 924 homeless people in Orleans County. The pandemic and recent end of the eviction moratorium has certainly increased this number, she said.

Further information obtained by Hungerford states that medical care is estimated to account for only 10 to 20 percent of the modifiable contributors to healthy outcomes for a population. She said Orleans County has only one medical doctor per 13,540 patients.

In response, Hungerford made her proposal to FLPPS to make the Holley Center an access point that brings healthcare to the customers.

FLPPS issued a press release May 26 announcing the grant and explaining Community Action will hire a health coach who will connect and coordinate individuals with services, set and track goals and outcomes, improve health literacy among those in need and coordinate transportation to healthcare facilities as needed. The health coach will be integrated into the existing case management program and collaborate with a peer advocate from GCASA.

A telehealth hub will be established in Community Action’s Eastern Orleans Community Center, where community members experiencing homelessness or being at risk of homelessness can access healthcare using telehealth services. The agency is partnering with Orleans Community Health, Oak Orchard Health and GCASA on telehealth services, and will have a mobile health van from Oak Orchard Health available. The health coach will connect individuals with needed services such as behavioral health treatments and services at the center or at healthcare facilities.

‘Patients need a trusted source to find accurate health information, as well as support in care coordination. This program addresses these challenges by bringing coordinated health and social care to the patient. It is truly a community coming together to make a difference for people who suffer many challenges. I feel blessed with the support we are receiving.’ – Renee Hungerford, Community Action director

A section of the clothing depot at the Community Center will be sectioned off as the telehealth center, where the health coach will work. The health coach will also be able to provide information on Community Action’s other services, such as weatherization, Head Start, utility assistance and day care.

Carol Tegas, executive director of FLPPS, said her agency is proud to partner with organizations in the community who have fostered deep trust with individuals and have the expertise to deliver excellent services in a collaborative model of care.

“This pioneering program aims to address health disparities and will provide vital care to vulnerable individuals in a rural community,” Tegas said.

“Navigating the healthcare system is difficult for everyone and even more so for people who are experiencing life challenges, like poverty and homelessness,” Hungerford said. “Access to care is impeded by a low number of available healthcare providers, coupled with a lack of transportation. Patients need a trusted source to find accurate health information, as well as support in care coordination. This program addresses these challenges by bringing coordinated health and social care to the patient. It is truly a community coming together to make a difference for people who suffer many challenges. I feel blessed with the support we are receiving.”

Sean Ossont, president of Continual Care Solutions, said they are thrilled to be the technology solution partner in the Axis of Care homelessness initiative.

“Being a common digital platform is necessary to have a holistic view of individuals who will be receiving supports and services from a network of community providers,” Ossont said. “Data capture and visibility of outcomes will provide keen insights on best practices and have an impact on the initiative.”

Hungerford said they hope to have the new program up and running as soon as they can hire a health coach, hopefully over the summer.

HOLLEY – The Holley Police Department posted the above images from security cameras during a burglary at Dollar General store last night at approximately 1:50 a.m.

“The suspects pictured forced entry into the building and stole several items,” the Police Department posted on its Facebook page. “We are also investigating the report of individuals looking into vehicles and houses in the early hours this morning.”

The Holley PD asks that anyone with information or security camera footage to contact the department immediately at (585) 638-5308 or message directly through the department’s Facebook page.