Photos by Tom Rivers

HULBERTON – Today was the 49^th annual St. Rocco’s Italian Festival in Hulberton. The top photo shows Amy Engert, Cory Maxon and Marcia Crosier in the kitchen, getting spaghetti dinners.

The kitchen had about 250 spaghetti dinners and 260 eggplant parmesan meals ready for the crowd.

The annual festival is a benefit for the Catholic parish that includes St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Holley and St. Mark’s Church in Kendall.

Richard Herzog worked the grill with Italian sausage. He hands some of those off to Ellen Bissanti.

The festival is held near the former St. Rocco’s Catholic Church. Hulberton was a very popular community for Italian immigrants more than a century ago. They were drawn to the area for work in the Medina sandstone quarries.

Zach Nau serves meatball subs. He volunteered with his parents and two brothers.

Popular Italian foods such as eggplant parmesan, meatball sandwiches, pasta fagioli, pizza and shells were served.

There were 109 gift baskets up for the raffle to benefit the parish.

Many craft vendors also were at the festival selling their creations.

Bernie Ruggeri tosses the bocce ball in today’s tournament. He plays on a team with his Holley friends who graduated in the mid-‘70s – Kevin Lynch, Paul Gifaldi and Charlie Smith.

Aaron Bower eyes the bocce balls on one of the courts. He plays with his brothers, Jon and Patrick, and their grandfather Gary Passarell, a long-time Murray town councilman. Passarell has been playing in the tournament for nearly 50 years.

The team closest to the smaller white ball earns points.

Aaron Bower lets a shot go during today’s tournament.

The annual bocce tournament was down to eight teams today. Many of the regulars instead opted to play at another tournament at Hickory Ridge Country Club. St. Rocco’s festival organizers didn’t want any alcohol consumed except in a designated area.

HOLLEY – The Holley Board of Education has approved the tax warrant which sets varying tax rates for the towns in the school district.

The rates vary from a low of $16.97 in Clarkson to $26.56 in Albion. The rates vary depending on the equalization rate, or how close the property assessments are to full market value.

In the Holley school district, only Clarkson is at full market value with a 100 percent equalization rate.

Holley will collect $7,835,466 in school taxes and $200,815 in library taxes. The school taxes are up by 1.49 percent or by $115,034 the $7,720,432 in 2022-23.

The district includes the towns of Clarendon, Murray, Albion and Barre in Orleans County, and the Clarkson in Monroe County.

Here are the rates per town for the district:

• Albion – $26.56 rate ($26.17 in 2022-23), total assessment in HCS at $59,000, equalization rate – 74 percent.

• Barre – $18.94 rate ($18.78 in 2022-23), total assessment in HCS at $1,733,467, equalization rate – 90 percent

• Clarendon – $18.88 rate ($18.81 in 2022-23), total assessment in HCS at $200,403,434, equalization rate – 90 percent

• Murray – $24.27 rate ($24.11 in 2022-23), total assessment in HCS at $162,871,748, equalization rate – 70 percent

• Clarkson – $16.97 rate ($21.85 in 2022-23), total assessment in HCS at $3,786,845, equalization rate – 100 percent

Total assessed value is $368,846,994. However, when adjusted for the equalization rate, the full value is $461,137,057. The overall tax rate at $21.24, compared to $21.19 in 2022-23.

Provided photo

HOLLEY – Pictured above are members of the Holley Class of 1973. The class met for a reunion on Friday, July 28, for an informal get together at Bill Grays in Brockport and then on Saturday, July 29, the classmates gathered at Fosters Restaurant in Hilton for a buffet dinner. Many still live locally, but several made the trip from Virginia, Colorado, California and England to reminisce and enjoy each other’s company. A good time was had by all.

Pictured include front row: Lynn DeFilipps Vendetti, Judy Totter Fulks, Doreen Hilfiker Clark, MaryAnn LeStorti Smith, Melissa Beadle Peglow and Kenneth Blank.

Row two: Debra Rodas Reynolds, Carol Kinsey Ryan, Barry Hinkley, Mary Trupo Lord, Gary Davis, Jim Mark, Mark Spychalski, Lorraine Harold Piedimonte and Amy Bubb Engert.

Row three: Theodore Karpenko, Christine Hilfiker Kinsey, Jeffery David, William McAllister, Steven Woodworth, Jeffrey Shampine, Gordon Reid, Wayne Robertson, Jeffrey Martin, Steven Quarantello, Tony Piedimonte, David Altaner and John Kinsey.

1,500 see ‘Fury in Murray’ with monster-size tractors, semi trucks pulling 40,000-pound sled

Photos by Tom Rivers

MURRAY – Matt Conrad with Haywire has the tip of the tractor up while pulling a 40,000-pound sled during Saturday’s Murray Tractor Pull.

The event returned to Murray after a 4-year absence. The 2020 event was cancelled due to Covid restrictions and then the tractor pull was sidelined in 2021 and 2022.

The Christ family and many volunteers pushed to bring the event back on Saturday. The Christ family developed the tractor pull venue on Groth Road about 30 years ago.

Lloyd Christ said the 1,500 was the biggest turnout ever for the event in Murray.

Silas Harms, 3, covers his ears while watching the action. The tractors and souped-up semis emitted dark smokes and loud noises.

Scott “Spanky” Christ gets ready to compete with “Just For Fun” in the Super Farm Class. He is the points leader in that class for the Empire State Pullers.

Christ is part of a three-generation family that competes in tractor pulling. His father Lloyd drives his Heavy Super Stock tractor, “It’s Only Money,” and Scott son’s Travis also competes in the Super Farm Class with “No Expectations.”

Voodoo Woman from Ocala, Fla. pulls the heavy sled down the dirt track. It was part of the competition in the Outlaw Pulling Series, before the Empire State Pullers later in the afternoon.

An official with the Outlaw Pulling Series helps direct the action on the track.

Skip Christ worked in concessions which were busy throughout the day.

Proceeds from the tractor pull will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House.

R.J. Dennison competes with “Red Dog” in the Super Farm Class. The Red Dog pulled the sled 304.03 feet, good for sixth among the 9 competitors in the class. The track is 320 feet long.

A crowd of people packed both sides of the track. Ear plugs were available.

“Survivor” by Greg Graham not only competes in the tractor pulling events, the big truck pays tribute to cancer survivors.

The “Survivor” truck carries the message: “Supporting the FIGHTERS, Admiring the SURVIVORS, Honoring the TAKEN and NEVER, EVER GIVING UP HOPE.”

“It doesn’t matter what color it is we’re all in this TOGETHER.”

Sidonio allegedly drove vehicle towards town employee, swerving at last second

Joe Sidonio

MURRAY – Town Supervisor Joe Sidonio has been charged with second-degree reckless endangerment after allegedly driving his vehicle at a high rate of speed and swerving at the last second to avoid a town highway worker in the town parking lot.

Sidonio, 65, was charged at 4:35 p.m. on Wednesday by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. The incident allegedly occurred on June 12 at 4:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Murray Highway Department.

The Sheriff’s Office in a news release said Sidonio  drove his truck at a high rate of speed towards the employee who was getting into his vehicle after a day of work.

“Sidonio then swerved at the last second to avoid a collision that could have resulted in serious physical injury to this individual,” according to the press release from Chief Deputy Rob Riemer.

Sidonio was processed at the county jail, released on his own recognizance and given an appearance ticket to appear in Murray Town Court at 5 p.m. on Aug. 9.

An order of protection was issued for the worker.

Sidonio last month lost a Republican primary for another term as town supervisor to Gerry Rightmyer, 350-237.

UPDATED AT 5:56 P.M.: Joe Sidonio’s attorney Robert C. Singer issued this statement and press release on behalf of Sidonio:

Joseph Sidonio of Holley, New York, pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of reckless engagement filed against him by a Town of Murray Highway Department employee. The charge alleges that Mr. Sidonio, the current Murray Town Supervisor, recklessly swerved his truck, at a high rate of speed, towards a town employee who was driving out of the town parking lot on June 12, 2023.

Mr. Sidonio entered his plea of not guilty last night in Murray Town Court. At the arraignment, both the sitting justice and the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office indicated that they were moving to recuse themselves from the case due to a conflict of interest. The case was transferred to the 8th Judicial District for reassignment to a different court. The recusal of the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office will require the appointment of an independent Special Prosecutor.

Sidonio’s attorney, Robert C. Singer, Esq., of Singer Legal PLLC, stated, “Joe Sidonio pleaded not guilty because this allegation is categorically false and completely unsupported by the evidence. We look forward to challenging this spurious accusation, brought by a disgruntled town employee, for the purpose of a politically motivated attack.”

Attorney Singer added: “I am puzzled by the fact that the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office saw fit to investigate this allegation and, later, issue a press release about it, when everyone else involved in this matter – the Judge and the DA’s Office included – believed it was appropriate to recuse themselves so that an independent person can evaluate this case on its merits. My hope is that the Sheriff’s Office will reconsider its further involvement in this case and recuse itself from the investigation.”

Provided photo

HOLLEY – The Class of 1988 gathered this past weekend for their 35-year reunion. There was a senior skip day at the beach, a reunion at the Holley VFW, Friday Happy Hour at the Holley Falls Bar and Grill and a tour of the Holley Junior-Senior High School. The class would like to thank Matt Feldman, the school principal, for giving the tour.

Pictured, kneeling from left: Patty Jo Groenendaal, Trina Cook, Ruth Ellen Lach, Rick Cary and Michelle Fricke.

Standing, from left: Darlene Orbaker, Darlene Case, John Bell, Leslie Harner Mcmillion Neale, Brenda DeYoung, Sandy Smith,  Jody Maxim, Krista Radford, Bob Pedley, Lisa Boyer Ettinger, Kristen Rees Isabelle, Cindy Wharram LaRuffa and Julie Dinehart McCabe.

Provided photos

HOLLEY – Holley Police Chief Bob Barton administers the oath of office to Chris Glogowski of Holley last week. Glogowski, a member of the Albion Police Department, is joining the Holley Police Department as a part-time officer.

Chief Barton also swore in two other new part-time officers. A.J. Fisher of Albion (left) and Tony Ardillo of Spencerport are currently in the police academy and are expected to be working in Holley once they graduate in December.

HOLLEY – Three people were elected to Holley Village Board during the village election on June 20, including incumbents Rochelle Moroz with 74 votes and James DeFilipps with 78. They both were elected to two-year terms.

Voters also elected Jessica MacClaren to a one-year term. She received 36 write-in votes. No one submitted a petition to the village office to run for the one-year term which left it to the top write-in candidate. MacClaren will fill the remaining year for a trustee position vacated by Connie Nenni.

The new terms start July 1.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – The Class of 2023 tosses their caps outside the school near the flag pole after commencement this morning.

There are 60 members in the class. Graduation was held inside the school in the auditorium before going outside for the cap tossing.

Lily Sprague leads her classmates and the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sprague is also the class president and gave a greeting on behalf of the class.

She said her classmates had two of their high school years disrupted by the pandemic. She praised the students for bringing a range of skills and talents to the class, and using them to help keep the Class of 2023 united.

She shared a quote from musician Marshall Mathers, also known as Eminem: “God gave you them shoes to fit you, so put them on and wear them. Be yourself man, be proud of who you are. Even if it sounds corny, don’t let no one tell you, you ain’t beautiful.”

High School Principal Matt Feldman welcomes the families and friends of the graduates to commencement. Feldman just finished his first year as principal in Holley.

Feldman commended teachers and staff “who challenge students to be the best version of themselves.”

Lydia Sprague sings the Star Spangled Banner. She is also the class vice president and announced the class gift. She said the remaining funds from the class will be used to purchase Holley Hawk folding chairs and also to provide Cathy Passarell “with a day of pampering and relaxation” in appreciation for all she has done for the students.

(Left) Ava Quincey gives the salutatory address, and said she is thankful for the smaller, close-knit community of Holley.

“There is no group of people I’d rather have on my side to face this journey,” she said about her school years at Holley.

She encouraged her classmates to document their life’s adventures and milestones. She said many memories were triggered by looking back on photos from elementary, middle and high school.

“I’m asking you all as you graduate today to not hide from the camera,” Quincey said. “We have our lives ahead of us and we have albums to fill.”

(Right) Elise Quincey, the class valedictorian, addresses her classmates. She and Ava are one set of three twins in Holley’s top 10 of graduates. Lydia and Lily Sprague, and Sarah and Shannon Kelly are the others.

Elise Quincey thanked the Holley community for its support of the students. She said her classmates are all unique. She urged people not to see the world in just black and white, and recognize there are many differences among people.

Andrew Thomas goes to accept his diploma during Holley’s commencement today. The ceremony started at 10 a.m. in the school auditorium.

Cameron Bates stands to be recognized for winning a scholarship in memory of Richard V. Martin and Maynard W. Martin. The scholarship goes to a senior who has made the greatest contribution t athletics during four years at Holley Senior High School.

Harriet Emery is congratulated by Board of Education member Andrea Newman.

Matthew Barlow is recognized for winning a scholarship from retired principal Susan Cory. It goes to a senior “who values education but more importantly, values people and treats everyone well.”

Zachary Busch, the school’s high school band director, was asked by seniors to give the commencement address. Busch is a 2011 Medina graduate. He is nearing his 30^th birthday.

He has helped bring back the school’s jazz band and a combined marching band with Kendall. He is also the school’s golf coach.

Busch asked students to reflect on a legacy. He said the Holley schools show a legacy of accomplishment with trophy cases full of awards, banners for standout athletes and the Wall of Fame. Those awards were earned through years of effort.

“No good legacy is created quickly,” Busch said. “You have your whole life ahead of you. You will shape your legacy. There is time in your life to do many things.”

Busch said his time at Holley has showed him the people of Holley are strongly supportive of the school, and they come out for athletic games, concerts, musicals and other events.

Holley has also shown, again and again, to be very generous, especially to students in need, Busch said.

“Holley will rally for those who are sick,” he said. “They will give with no expectation of being repaid.”

Those attributes are part of the legacy from the community instilled in the graduates, Busch said.

Many teachers still have trouble telling sisters apart

Photo by Tom Rivers: Three sets of twins will be graduating from Holley on June 24. Pictured from left include Elise Quincey, Lily Sprague, Sarah Kelly, Shannon Kelly, Ava Quincey and Lydia Sprague.

HOLLEY – Three sets of twins in Holley’s Class of 2023 have been in school together since kindergarten and the group has pushed each other to excel in the classroom.

Lily and Lydia Sprague, Sarah and Shannon Kelly, and Ava and Elise Quincy all have been close friends for more than a decade, and they said their twin is like a “built-in best friend.”

The three sets of twins all have the distinction of excelling in the classroom in finishing in the Top 10 in the Class of 2023, which has about 60 students. Ava Quincey is the salutatorian while her sister Elise is top in the class valedictorian.

The twins, after spending their lives so close, will be forging their own paths this fall and won’t be attending the same college.

“We’re all excited to become our own person,” said Lydia Sprague, who is going to the University of Rochester to major in psychology. “We’re excited to start our own lives.”

Her sister Lily is taking a gap year and plans to enroll in Brockport State College in the fall of 2024, majoring in education.

Lydia said teachers through the years often couldn’t tell her and her sister apart, and will simply lumped them together.

“The teachers have gotten better this year,” Lydia said. “It is annoying when they just call us the Spragues and don’t acknowledge that we’re separate people.”

Sarah and Shannon Kelly are twins but feel like there are clear differences in their appearance. Sarah doesn’t wear glasses and Shannon does. Shannon has straight hair compared to her sister’s curls.

“It’s like having a built-in best friend,” Shannon said about her twin sister. “But it does get annoying when people call us by different names.”

Shannon is headed to Monroe Community College to study to be a dental hygienist. Sarah is taking a gap year before she plans to enroll in flight school.

Sarah said she is proud of all the Top 10 at Holley for pushing themselves to do well in their classes and get all their assignments done.

Ava Quincey is the class salutatorian and Elise is the valedictorian. They will both speak at graduation on June 24.

Ava is headed to Geneseo State College to major in education while Elise is going to Nazareth College to major in global sustainability and political science.

Elise said she is thankful to have her sister as a twin “because she is so cool.”

She said people often are overly fixated on the two sisters being twins.

“Be respectful of their individuality,” Elise urged people when interractign with twins. “Don’t treat twins as a zoo animal.”

Elise also said she is proud of her classmates, and how far they have come as students, especially enduring through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ava said next year will be so different for the three sets of twins as they embark on the next steps of life after high school, and in their new surroundings they won’t be known as a twin.

“It will be so different because we’ve only know being twins our whole lives,” Ava said. “We get to find ourselves.”