By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 June 2017 at 8:22 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board is backing new regulations proposed for solar energy systems in the Town of Murray.
The town is proposing to require property owners to secure building permits for solar energy systems, whether rooftop or building mounted, or freestanding, solar thermal or building-integrated photovoltaic.
Freestanding or ground mounted systems need site plan approval from the town, and must be at lots with a minimum size of 40,000 square feet.
The ground-mounted systems are limited to 12 feet in height, and will require landscape screening or other buffers.
Larger-scale projects, solar farms, will need to be enclosed by perimeter fencing, have appropriate screening and landscaping, be limited in height to 12 feet, on-site power lines need to be placed underground to the extent possible, glare shall be avoided in the design and siting of the panels, a maximum lot coverage will be 75 percent, and there needs to be a decommissioning plan.
The County Planning Board backed the proposal from Murray, a town that is working to become a certified “Climate Smart Community” through the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
• The Planning Board also recommended the Town of Clarendon extend a moratorium by another 120 days that temporarily bans mobile home construction at sites outside mobile home parks.
The extension gives the town additional time to research options for regulations of mobile homes, and to develop, consider and enact a local law for mobile homes in all residential districts.
• The Planning Board supported an amended site plan for ARG Recycling Center to build an 8,000-square-foot construction and demolition debris processing facility at 330 Washington St.
The plan was revised from an earlier one approved by the Planning Board. The revised plan moves the processing facility 19 feet further east or about 300 feet from an existing building on the property. A proposed dumpster storage (186 by 60 feet) at the rear is no longer included in the project.
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is now included in the plan and avoids disturbing a drainage ditch on site.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 June 2017 at 7:12 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board is recommending the Town of Murray deny a variance request for a farm to host weddings and other events.
Kateland Farm at 3990 Lake Rd. wants to run the site as an event facility. That use is not allowed in a Residential/Agricultural District.
Kateland, which is owned by Theodore Jenney, has been hosting weddings at the site since 2014 – without incident, Jenney said in his application for a variance.
“We have run some 20 weddings over the last three years without a single problem,” Jenney said in a letter to the Planning Board. “We provide them with a real country wedding and reception.”
Murray issued a stop work order last year at Kateland. Ron Vendetti, the Murray code enforcement officer, sent a letter to Jenney on Aug. 30, 2016, advising him the property wasn’t zoned for events and the barn didn’t meet the state building code. Vendetti, in his letter, told Jenney, “Please stop advertising for events.”
Kateland hosted horse shows from 1995 to 2010. The site has an existing gravel parking area that can accommodate 100 vehicles, with additional overflow on a grassy area.
Jenney leases the property to Jean Klatt, who runs a business as a wedding coordinator. In his application to the Planning Board, Jenney said the site has helped Klatt run a business and also allowed the farm to turn a small profit, after it operated at a loss of nearly $45,000 in 2015.
Jenney said the town code doesn’t address weddings and receptions. He said the site should be considered as a recreation use, which is allowed in a RA District and would cover the use of weddings with music, dancing, eating as well as the horse activities.
County planners didn’t support the variance request because weddings and events aren’t an allowed use in the RA District. The horse shows, which were allowed, are different because they can be considered agricultural events, which fits in a RA District, planners said.
Weddings and other special events have longer hours with more noise than the horse shows for the residential neighborhood, which typically is very quiet with minimal traffic, planners said.
They also saw the need for a variance as a self-created hardship.
The decision from the Orleans County Planning Board is recommendation to the town. Murray can override that decision but would need a super-majority vote.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 6 June 2017 at 10:47 am
Roy Bubb
HOLLEY – The Community Free Library in Holley will host a book release and signing on Sunday for author Roy Bubb’s latest release, The Family Scrapbook, An Era in Clarendon and Holley-Murray’s History.
Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Clarendon Historical Society, Community Free Library and the Holley-Murray Historical Society. Books are available for $25 at each of the three locations.
Bubb said the idea for the book began with a scrapbook given to him many years ago. It was begun in 1837 and tells the story of the Berry and Partridge family who lived in Holley and their impact on the community.
John Berry arrived in the area in 1837 and helped to establish the Holley Academy as well as earlier schoolhouses. The scrapbook continues over a 70-year period and ends with Berry’s daughter celebrating the last reunion of the Holley Academy in 1907.
Bubb said he was inspired to write the book when he remembered the kindness of the person from whom he received it.
He re-read the scrapbook several years after receiving it, and said its contents suddenly “came to life” before him, as would a family tree of a pioneer family.
The scrapbook contains newspaper clippings, business cards and alumni information from several schools.
Bubb, a native of Orleans County, taught at the College at Brockport for 25 years. His previous books include his autobiography, Memories of Manning Corner, Visions From a White Mountains Palette about artist Charles Hunt, and From Clarendon to Colon: The Lure of Panama’s Isthmus, a biography of Tracy Robinson’s 50 years in Panama, his work there, and his witness of the building of the Panama Canal.
The book signing will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Holley library in the Public Square.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 3 June 2017 at 5:22 pm
Photos by Kristina Gabalski
HOLLEY – The Clarendon Lions Club had a stand with food and beverages during today’s Holley June Fest..
Mayor Brian Sorochty called the event, “A big success…. traffic has been steady all day.”
He thanked members of the committee that worked to re-organize the annual event after it took a hiatus in 2016.
“The committee is the same group of people who work on the Festival of Lights event (in December),” Sorochty said.
He also thanked the Holley Central School District, which organized this year’s 5K race, and village staff who volunteered to help make the day a success.
June Fest activities continued through the late afternoon with music, food, games and local vendors.
Krista Wiley-Neale is a member of the committee which organized this year’s return of June Fest. She said she is happy that June Fest is back. She said the committee worked to make the event appeal to families from the area and to give it a welcoming, small-town feel.
“We welcome new volunteers and new ideas,” Wiley-Neale said.
Families and their pets enjoy strolling along the Erie Canal Saturday afternoon in Holley. June Fest activities centered around the village park on the canal.
Numerous vendors lined walkways with merchandise and food. Orleans County Historian Matthew Ballard gave talks at noon and 3 p.m. at the Gazebo about the history of the Erie Canal – especially pertinent as 2017 marks a state-wide celebration of the bicentennial of the start of construction of the canal.
“I am discussing the general history of the canal and how the canal impacted Holley,” Ballard said.
Holley Community Free Library Director Sandra Shaw said she learned much from Ballard’s talk. She said she was enjoying the June Fest activities.
“It’s wonderful seeing people come out and support local businesses,” Shaw said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 June 2017 at 4:48 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Many community organizations participated in this morning’s Holley June Fest parade that started near the VFW and went through the Public Square to the village’s Canal Park.
The top photo shows shows the Holley-Kendall Marching Band.
The June Fest returned after being cancelled last year.
A Clarendon fire truck carried these happy passengers.
Mayor Brian Sorochty tossed candy to kids along the parade route.
Heads Over Heels Acrobatics and Dance added some pep to the parade.
Kim DeFrank and many of her backers were out supporting her campaign for county treasurer.
The Holley youth baseball team brought along a dog for the trip through Public Square.
The clock tower offered a birds eye view of the parade.
A giant chinook salmon, recently restored by the Medina FFA, returned to a public parade after more than a 20-year-absence. The monstrous 13-foot-long Chinook salmon was created in the 1980s and used to promote the Orleans County Trout and Salmon Derby, which was run by the local Rotary clubs.
Ron LaGamba pulled the fish in the parade today. He was promoting next week’s Strawberry Festival which will include a fishing pond in Albion.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 2 June 2017 at 9:55 am
Simon the Alpaca
HOLLEY – A “special election” will be held in the Village of Holley during June Fest this Saturday.
Members of the Holley Elementary School Student Council are holding the special fundraising election, which is similar to last year’s Chancellor of the Chapel race. Chancellor of the Chapel benefited the historic Medina sandstone chapel at Hillside Cemetery and featured a mix of local domestic animals running for the position.
Gamma the Dog won last year’s election, which raised more than $2,600 for the chapel’s restoration effort.
Elementary Student Council Advisor Sally Martin said this year, the election will benefit the After School Friends program.
Mabel the Goat
Several animal candidates are running for “After School Friends Ambassador” and voters will have a tough decision selecting which will be best for the position: Mabel the Goat is owned by Karen Clark; Simon the Alpaca is owned by Theresa Jewell; Stella the Hedgehog is owned by Hannah Bock; and Bubba the Turtle is from fifth grade teacher Brenda Schurr’s class.
The After School Friends program is held each Wednesday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Holley. The program, which is free for students in grades 4-6, is now funded through Fit 4 U, which offers nutritional programming and activities for participants.
Voting for the After School Friends Ambassador will be held Saturday at the Holley Community Free Library following the June Fest parade at 10 a.m.
All are welcome to make a donation to cast a vote.
A candidate parade is planned for this morning at 9:15 through the halls of the Holley Elementary School.
Stella the Hedgehog
Owners of the candidates provided character traits which make their animal the best choice for the prestigious “Ambassador” position.
Mabel the Goat – She is energetic, can mow lawns, is loving, takes care of her sisters and is great with “kids.”
Simon the Alpaca – A very special member of Theresa Jewell’s herd. Jewell said she rescued Simon, who was very ill when she brought him to her farm in Clarendon. She said Simon is a “real fighter” and now serves as the “greeter” at her farm – Stoney Meadows Alpacas. Simon is very friendly and makes both humans and animals feel welcome.
Bubba the Turtle
Stella the Hedgehog – Stella is energetic and loves to have fun. She is always excited to meet new people and make new friends. She enjoys running around, digging tunnels and playing with toys. Stella enjoys crafts and building things. Hannah Bock, Stella’s owner, encourages everyone to vote for Stella. “She won’t let you down,” Bock said.
Bubba the Turtle – Has enthusiasm and loves to spend time in students’ homes during breaks. His owner, Brenda Schurr is a 5th grade teacher at Holley Elementary. She said Bubba is also very responsible – he spends every day in the classroom and never makes a peep. He is very mature – about 15 years old – which is pretty old in an elementary building. Bubba is also very dependable. “He may not be the fastest guy around, but sure and steady wins the race,” Schurr said.
Provided photo: Scott Brooks is pictured in a studio in Rochester, where he can be heard on afternoons on KISS.
Staff Reports Posted 30 May 2017 at 9:31 am
HOLLEY – A 2006 Holley graduate will be the keynote speaker on June 13 during an awards dinner to honor the top 10 graduates at Holley, Kendall, Lyndonville and Medina. The dinner will be at the White Birch in Lyndonville.
Scott Brooks graduated in the top 10 of his class at Holley. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in 2010 at SUNY Brockport.
After college, Scott began working with iHeartMedia as a producer of The Brother Wease Show on Radio 95.1. Today, he serves as the Program Director for KISS 106.7 and Sunny 102.3 and can be heard every afternoon on KISS. Scott is also the Digital Program Director and Social Media Manager for all 7 iHeartMedia radio stations in Rochester.
Outside of his radio career, he is the announcer for the Rochester Knighthawks at the Blue Cross Arena. During his time at Holley, Scott played baseball, basketball, and was a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council.
Scott has been married to his wife Dianne for two years. They reside in Chili.
The top 10 dinner has been a long-time tradition among the Orleans County school districts. Albion has a separate awards convocation for students graduating with a grade point average at 90 percent or higher.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 29 May 2017 at 11:24 pm
Photos by Kristina Gablaski
HOLLEY – The Holley community gathered today for their annual Memorial Day observance. The top shows a wreath-laying ceremony at Hillside Cemetery at the grave of soldier Jewell Buckman, who was killed in World War I.
Early morning showers forced the start of Holley Memorial Day observances inside. Community members gathered at the Jewell Beckman American Legion Post 529 for speeches by local veterans, leaders and special guests. Post Commander John Pera encouraged those attending to “remember those who gave all.”
Holley Central High School senior Jessica Mandigo read the poem, “In Flanders Fields,” and Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty spoke of the meaning of freedom. He said the United States offers, “boundless opportunities,” to its citizens because of the freedoms defended and preserved by those who, “paid the ultimate price to protect our country and the freedoms we enjoy everyday,” Sorochty said. “I thank God for the wonderful country we live in.”
Michael Keene, author of “Vietnam Reflections: The Untold Story of the Holley Boys,”attended Memorial Day observances in Holley and spoke during ceremonies at the Jewell Buckman American Legion Post this morning. He said the eight young men Holley lost during the Vietnam War received 40 medals for combat and valor but, “were more than soldiers or heroes,” they enjoyed many of the same past times young people in the community enjoy today.
Community members gathered outside the Jewell Buckman Post following speeches for placement of wreaths at the Memorial in the Public Square.
Sunshine began to break through the clouds as the parade processed south on Main St. (Rt. 237) to V.F.W. Post 202.
This year’s parade included the debut of the newly formed Holley-Kendall Marching Band comprised of students from Holley and Kendall schools.
A wreath was laid at the memorial at the Holley V.F.W. Three flowers were also placed – a white carnation symbolizing purity; a red carnation symbolizing the heroic war dead and their defense of the United States of America; and a blue carnation symbolizing eternity.
The salute by the Honor Guard at the Holley V.F.W.
Holley Central alum Nicole Boyle reads “The Gettysburg Address” during ceremonies at Hillside Cemetery.
Three generations of combat veterans in the Wagner Family – Hank, WWII; son, Jerry, Vietnam; grandson J.J., Afghanistan, placed a wreath from the Jewell Buckman American Legion Post at the flagpole/veterans memorial in Hillside Cemetery.
Ceremonies concluded at Holy Cross Cemetery with prayers for deceased soldiers offered by Fr. Mark Noonan, pastor of St. Mary’s/St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Parish.
Photos by Kristina Gabalski: The new Holley Community Garden is completely fenced-in, with access by way of the white garden shed. Rainwater is being collected via gutters on the shed roof. Sue Persia said the beds contain screened topsoil, "Nutri-Brew" - consisting primarily of brewery waste. The composed material adds nutrients to the soil and conditions it. Persia said it is very helpful in providing pH levels which are excellent for plant growth. Additionally, dry, aged and bagged cow manure was provided by grant funds. All raised bed soil-mix materials are organic, Persia said. She provided those who have rented beds with information on organic, homemade disease and pest sprays.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 27 May 2017 at 5:56 pm
Young violinist John Patt provided music for the event. He played “The Star Spangled Banner,” an appropriate choice for Memorial Day Weekend.
HOLLEY – No seeds have been planted, no vegetable transplants set in place, but the newly created Holley Community Garden is already reaching its goal of bringing the community together.
“This is wonderful,” Myron Holley Garden Club member Sue Persia said Saturday morning during an event celebrating the official opening of the garden. “This is going to be a catalyst for the community… a place to interact with neighbors… a place for the community to work together to make something positive happen. What better way than to go back to the soil?”
Community residents and leaders gathered at the garden at 10 a.m. for a ribbon cutting and refreshments. The event also provided an opportunity for those who have already rented a 4′-by-8′ raised garden bed to get to know each other.
The garden is located off the north side of State St. (Rt. 31) on the east side of the village where there is ample room for raised growing beds.
The garden came together quickly this spring when the Clarendon Lions Club and the Myron Holley Garden Club agreed to supervise the project, which was facilitated by a $15,000 grant through the Orleans County Public Health Department. The grant was supplied by the Medical Reserve Corporation under the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Association of City, County and Health Officials.
“We are glad to see the grant put to good use,” Al Cheverie of the Orleans County Health Department said.
Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty and Al Cheverie of the Orleans County Health Department cut the “green” ribbon on the garden shed to officially open the Holley Community Garden. Sue Persia looks on. Persia read a favorite garden poem: “There is always music in the garden… but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.”
Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty said local resident Brenden Bedard informed him of the opportunity. He said he realized the Holley community could take on the project after the Clarendon Lions and Myron Holley Garden Club agreed to supervise construction and care of the garden.
“It’s a match made in heaven,” Sorochty said. “It is a worthwhile project and very heartwarming. I’m grateful for everything everybody has done.”
Community residents enter the garden for the first time.
Sorochty noted in addition to the Orleans County Health Department, Lions and Garden clubs, many people have been involved in making the garden a reality, including the Holley Village Board, Village Clerk Deborah Schiavone, Village of Holley Department of Public Works and Sara’s Garden Center. The garden will be organic, Sue Persia said.
Sue Persia says she is planning monthly educational events at the garden. There are still beds available for rental. The fee is $20 per year and participants must sign an agreement to abide by the garden rules.
More information is available at the Holley Village Clerk’s Office, Clarendon Town Clerk’s Office, Holley Community Free Library and the Holley Community Center, or call 585-638-5750.
The garden shed acts as a doorway to the garden and also houses an array of garden tools and wheelbarrows.
Watering cans are lined up and ready for duty.
The first community members to rent raised beds pose in front of the garden. Friends Jennifer Anderson and Mylynda Kuba -pictured on the right side of the sign – say they are excited about the garden. “We are discussing what we are going to put in,” Kuba said. Anderson purchased the very first bed for Kuba as a birthday present. The two say they are looking forward to expanding their ability to garden. They can easily walk or ride bikes to the site. Kuba and Anderson became friends several years ago when they met during the Holley June Fest 5K race. They say the Community Garden will be another way to meet people in their community.
Two standing planting beds will make gardening easier for those with mobility challenges. Eventually, the garden may be completely handicapped accessible, Mayor Sorochty and Sue Persia say. Sorochty said the village provided wood chips for mulch in the garden-bed area. He said many of the chips came from trees and limbs downed during the March wind storm. Holley Department of Public Works Superintendent David Nenni worked to create a parking area for the garden. Village electric will also be connected to the site.
Sue Persia said 4-Hers created clever garden markers. Those attending the event were welcome to select one.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 26 May 2017 at 6:38 pm
Photos by Kristina Gabalski
HOLLEY – Elementary School students held their Memorial Day Assembly this morning with local veterans in attendance as honored guests.
The Posting of the Colors ceremony was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Star-Spangled Banner with the Elementary Chorus and Concert Band.
“They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways,” sixth grader Andrew Thomas said before introducing the honored guests. “Thank you for answering the call to duty.”
Andrew said the assembly is a way for students to say they remember and appreciate those veterans who are able to attend as well as those who, “are here in spirit…. you are very important to us and hold a special place in our hearts,” Andrew said. “Thank you simply isn’t enough. We are forever indebted to your service.”
The “Holley Boys” – the eight young men from Holley who died during their service in the Vietnam War – were especially remembered with teams of two students at a time reading excerpts from Michael T. Keene’s book, Vietnam Reflections: The Untold Story of the Holley Boys. The students paid tribute to the eight. Here, students read excerpts about John Davis, who was survived by three children, and David Case.
Next to be remembered were Ronald Sisson and Howard Bowen.
Next Gary Bullock and Gary Stymus were remembered. Stymus was killed in action 50 years ago yesterday, on May 25, 1967.
Lastly, George Fischer and Paul Mandraccia were remembered.
Hannah Bock directs the Elementary Band’s performance of The Lone Eagle March.
Members of the Elementary Chorus perform God Bless America under the direction of Sally Martin.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Carl Akeley was only 16 when he preserved this fox in Clarendon. Akeley would go on to become one of the world's most acclaimed taxidermists. The fox is on display at the Cobblestone Museum after a $6,000 refurbishment.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 May 2017 at 3:51 pm
Cobblestone Museum has fox from Carl Akeley
Provided photo: Carl Akeley is pictured with a leopard in Africa that he killed with his bare hands after it attacked him.
GAINES – Two years ago, a fox in a display case at the Cobblestone Museum was missing an eye, with its fur matted. The animal, then about 135 years old, was in rough shape and wasn’t given a prominent spot at the Cobblestone Museum.
But it was an early example of Carl Akeley’s taxidermy work. Akeley, who grew up in Clarendon, stuffed the fox when he was 16. It was an ambitious effort after he started with birds. Akeley would become one of the world’s most renown taxidermists and remains an industry legend 153 years after his birth.
He earned acclaim after stuffing the giant elephant Jumbo, and made several trips to Africa, hunting animals and displaying them in New York City at Akeley’s Hall of Mammals in the American Museum of Natural History.
Locally, he gained renewed prominence three years ago when the Clarendon Historical Society celebrated his 150th birthday.
Jay Kirk, author of the Carl Akeley biography “Kingdom Under Glass,” was the featured speaker during a program about Akeley on May 21, 2014. Kirk chronicled Akeley’s life during the golden age of safaris in the early 20th Century.
Akeley’s adventures connected him with Theodore Roosevelt, P.T. Barnum and George Eastman. Akeley died in 1926 and is buried in Africa.
The taxidermist community worked with the Clarendon Historical Society last year to put a monument at Hillside Cemetery in honor of Akeley. Donors, many of them taxidermists around the world, contributed to have the $8,000 monument in Akeley’s honor. The monument is in the shape of the African continent and the stone is black African granite.
The memorial includes a quote from Akeley, who survived being mauled by an elephant and vicious bites on his arm from a leopard. “Death Wins! Bravo! But I Laugh In His Face As He Noses Me Out At The Wire.” The stone will note Akeley’s birth, May 19, 1864, and his death, Nov. 17, 1926.
When Clarendon made a big push to recognize Akeley, retired Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin told Clarendon Historian Mellisa Ierlan the Cobblestone Museum had an early example of Akeley’s work.
Provided photo: The Akeley fox had lost a lot of color and had deteriorated after more than a century. But the Clarendon Historical Society, Cobblestone Museum and other community members were determined to have the animal refurbished by a professional taxidermist.
The community was able to raise abut $6,000 to give the fox some needed attention. In July 2015, Ierlan took the fox to George Dante, a professional taxidermist in New Jersey. Dante, owner of Wildlife Preservations, gave the fox new life. When the case with the fox was opened, the fox’s missing eye was found. Dante put the eye back where it belonged.
He gave the fox a new tail, which had to be dyed to match the fox’s body. Dante also had to replace the fox’s feet and fill in some gaps by the ears.
He vacuumed the body and the fur popped back up. He also replaced the bird as part of the display. Akeley had the fox with feathers in its mouth. Dante kept the scene created originally by Akeley nearly 140 years ago.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Ierlan: John Janelli, left, is past president of the National Taxidermy Association. He is pictured with George Dante and the refurbished fox at Dante’s studio in New Jersey.
Irelan, the Clarendon historian, brought the fox back to Clarendon on May 10. The fox was on display in Clarendon for over a week during the kickoff of the Clarendon Historical Society’s season. On Monday, the fox returned to the Cobblestone Museum in the Proctor Room in the basement of the Cobblestone Universalist Church.
“It was in rough shape,” Ierlan said about the fox’s condition two years ago. “I knew George would do a good job but he exceeded our expectations. Carl would be proud.”
Doug Farley, the museum director, said there will likely be a reception and program about the fox in September as part of the Orleans County Heritage Festival in September.
This fox was stuffed by Carl Akeley nearly 140 years ago. It is back on display at the Cobblestone Museum after getting some needed attention. The fox used to be in Farmer’s Hall at the museum, but now is displayed inside the Cobblestone Universalist Church, the most prominent building at the museum on Route 104 in Gaines.
HOLLEY – The newly formed Interact Club at Holley led a clean sweep of the canal park on Wednesday. The Interact Club opened the effort up to other students, and about 70 joined the effort with students from Baseball, Softball, Unified, Football, Cheerleaders, National Honor Society, Junior National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and both Student Councils.
“All wanted to do something nice for the community,” said Samantha Zelent, a school social worker and Interact advisor. “The Holley DPW was absolutely amazing in making this work for the kids.”
The students pushed for the clean up in time for the Holley June Fest set for June 3.
Senior Interact Club members Andi Carpenter and Katie Morgan use teamwork to get trash out of the pond.
Varsity Cheerleaders Maddie Rowley and Alessia Giancursio look for elusive trash at the park.
These middle school students helped with the clean up.
Members of the Varsity Baseball Team also were out hunting for trash in the park system.
Photos by Kristina Gabalski: Orleans County Historian Matt Ballard, Town of Clarendon Historian Melissa Ierlan, Orleans Veterans Services Agency Director Earl Schmidt, Orleans County Legislator Don Allport, members of the Orleans Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Rochester Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, Gaines Historian Al Capurso, Samuel Cook descendants and community members gather at the grave of Revolutionary War veteran Lemuel Cook at Cook Cemetery Saturday morning for the unveiling of a New York State Historic Marker. The Orleans County Historian and the Orleans County Historical Association contributed to the funds to purchase the marker.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 20 May 2017 at 11:01 pm
Lemuel Cook, who is buried in Clarendon, was last pensioner from Revolutionary War
CLARENDON – Fourth generation great-granddaughters of Lemuel Cook – Cindy (Cook) Barker, Deborah (Cook) Dey, Diane Johnson and Valerie Johnson unveiled the New York State Historic Marker dedicated to Cook, a Revolutionary War soldier and the last official pensioner of the war, during ceremonies Saturday morning at Cook Cemetery on Munger Road in Clarendon.
The four women traveled to Clarendon from Michigan to attend the ceremony and descendants of Cook still living in Orleans County also attended.
Cook was the first of his brothers to enlist with the 2nd Connecticut (Continental) Light Dragoons, and served the duration of the American War for Independence. He came to North Bergen following the war in 1821 and eventually settled in Clarendon on South Holley Road around 1832.
The grave of Lemuel Cook at Cook Cemetery was recently reset after the headstone was knocked down during the wind storm in March. The Orleans Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution supported efforts to reset it. The DAR worked with the Town of Clarendon and Brigden Memorials on the project.
Orleans County Historian Matt Ballard said Cook saw action at the Battle of Brandywine and Yorktown and met General George Washington – whom Cook, “held in high regard,” – on two occasions.
Ballard read Cook’s own account of his first meeting with General Washington, who asked Cook his name and was impressed with Cook’s horse.
“That’s a right smart mount you have,” Washington told Cook. The second time the two met, General Washington remembered Cook by name and the impressive horse, Ballard said.
Cook died on May 20, 1866, at the age of 107.
Earl Schmidt, director of the Orleans Veterans Services Agency said Cook fought for us and his service will never be forgotten. “We are here to make sure veterans are never left behind,” Schmidt said.
Orleans County Legislator Don Allport said Cook embodied the spirit of all American patriots who, “Stood up against the most powerful nation in the world.” He and other local officials thanked the Orleans County Legislature for their assistance in helping to recognize Cook with the historic marker.
Members of the Rochester chapter of The Sons of the American Revolution wore Revolutionary soldier uniforms and honored Cook with a primitive gun salute after the unveiling. They brought reproductions of several flags used by the military during the Revolutionary War. The flag at the right with 13 white stars on a blue field was General George Washington’s flag.
Members of the Orleans Chapter of the DAR placed a wreath at Cook’s grave following the unveiling of the historic marker.
Photos by Kristina Gabalski: Sandra Uwiringiyimana (center), poses with Holley Community Free Library Director Sandra Shaw(left) and Holley Middle School/High School Librarian Lisa Osur (right) following Uwiringiyimana's book talk at the school on Thursday.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 19 May 2017 at 7:08 am
Author Sandra Uwiringiyimana speaks to students and community members in Holley on Thursday afternoon.
HOLLEY – Students at Holley Middle School/High School were inspired and challenged to be “an agent of change” Thursday afternoon by African-born author Sandra Uwiringiyimana who spoke about her book, How Dare the Sun Rise.
She writes about how she survived a massacre, immigrated to the United States, and overcame her trauma. The book was released May 16.
The 22-year old Uwiringiyimana was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and enjoyed what she described as “a happy childhood” and a “fulfilling life” in her conflict-stricken homeland, until the age of 10. That’s when rebel groups sought to kill her and members of her tribe because of their dialect and physical characteristics.
“We were made to feel subhuman, as if we didn’t deserve to live in the Congo,” Uwiringiyimana said.
Her family was forced to flee from their home, but were ambushed during the attempt. A man came up to the window of their vehicle and punched Uwiringiyimana’s six-year old sister in the face.
“It was then I discovered hate,” Uwiringiyimana said.
That memory is what lead her to write about her experiences, Uwiringiyimana said.
She encouraged students and members of the Holley community to become agents of change – to break the cycle of hatred between different people – as she is trying to do.
“We must see each other’s humanity first,” Uwiringiyimana said.
In 2004, the refugee camp where Uwiringiyimana’s family was living was attacked. Uwiringiyimana watched as her 6-year-old sister was killed and other members of her family were wounded.
Uwiringiyimana signs books following her talk at the school.
Eventually, surviving family members were able to immigrate to America and settled in Rochester where Uwiringiyimana went to Mercy High School. She is now a student at Mercy College.
Uwiringiyimana told the students she understands their daily struggles, particularly after her experiences as a refugee.
“High School can be difficult, especially if you feel like an outsider,” she said.
Uwiringiyimana told the audience she has worked to turn tragedy into triumph and that they can do the same
How Dare the Sun Rise is published by Harper Collins/Katherine Tegen Books.
“You are never too young to change the world,” Uwiringiyimana said. She encouraged students to start with the choices they make on a daily basis.
“You can’t make change globally if you don’t make change at home,” she said.
She encouraged them to take an interest in others and offer kindness and support.
“It’s not enough to be a nice person,” Uwiringiyimana said. “You have to express that.”
She said the friendships she made in Rochester and the encouragement of others helped her to see that it was important to tell her story
Uwiringiyimana is the first of her tribe to write a book about their experiences, and she now gives of her time as a human rights activist and spokesperson for refugees.
“I put a face to the issue,” she said. “When you hear the word refugee, picture me.”
Uwiringiyimana works to help girls in rural communities in the Congo. “A lot of kids don’t have the luxury of dreaming,” she said.
Through the Jimbere Fund (a non-profit organization which fights poverty in the Congo), Uwiringiyimana assists refugees and helps educate young women. She told students to become involved in local community organizations which help others.
“I live my life with my heart and mind opened to other people,” she said. “I want to be inclusive… it was (extremist) thinking that took (my sister’s) life. How could I embrace the notions that killed her?”
Following her speech, Uwiringiyimana signed copies of her book in the Holley Middle School/High School foyer.
Claudia Drechsel, a soon-to-graduate senior, has already read the book and was able to have it signed. She said she was thrilled with the book and with what Uwiringiyimana told the audience. Drechsel was especially moved by Uwiringiyimana’s courage.
“She said exactly the things that should be said, it was so personal. She touched on so many important issues,” Drechsel said. “It was really great.”
“Her story was inspiring to me,” eighth-grader Arrianna Ianello said. “I tend to take things for granted.” Uwiringiyimana taught her that good can come out of suffering and tragedy, Ianello said.
The author visit was made possible by the Holley Community Free Library and the Holley Rotary Club.
Library Director Sandra Shaw and Holley Central Superintendent of Schools Bob D’Angelo were both impressed by the talk and the response from students. Both said they know the visit will make a lasting impression on students and they hope to be able to offer similar programs in the future.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 May 2017 at 10:42 pm
HOLLEY – School district voters passed the budget, propositions and elected two members to the Board of Education today.
There were three candidates on the ballot for two open seats (3-year terms) on the Board of Education. Incumbent Robin Silvis received the most votes, 337, followed by Andrea Newman at 291. Salvatore DeLuca Jr. wasn’t re-elected to the BOE, coming in a close third with 280 votes.
The proposed $24,500,000 budget was approved, 346-167. The budget is up by $100,000 or 0.4 percent and will increase the tax levy by 1.35 percent.
Residents also voted on these propositions:
• Authorizing the purchase of school buses (two large and two small), a pickup truck, grounds maintenance equipment and choral risers – at a total cost not to exceed $496,600 – approved 326-188.
• Proposition No. 3 – support of the Holley Community Free Library. The proposed library budget for the 2017-2018 school year is $125,247 – passed 384-134.
