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.
File photo by Tom Rivers: Nelson Leenhouts, chairman and CEO of Home Leasing, addresses a crowd on Nov. 11 outside the former Holley High School. Leenhouts wants to redevelop the site into senior apartments and the village offices. Home Leasing wasn’t approved for financing through a state program, but the company said it will try again.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 May 2017 at 11:03 am
HOLLEY – A plan to transform the former Holley High School into senior apartments and village offices has been delayed after a state agency didn’t approve financing to assist with the project.
“Home Leasing remains committed to the transformation of the former high school into quality affordable senior housing and updated Village of Holley offices,” said Nelson Leenhouts, chairman and CEO of Home Leasing. “We will update our application and resubmit for the next funding round this fall.”
Home Leasing is proposing a $17 million project at the former school, which has been vacant for about a decade. The company wants to create 41 mixed-income apartments for seniors, new village office space, and restore the auditorium for public events.
Holley village officials are disappointed the project wasn’t included in this year’s competitive State Homes and Community Renewal financing round, Mayor Brian Sorochty said.
The funding is critical for the project to move forward. The mayor said that only one in three applications are typically selected annually, so this result is not uncommon.
“While the delay is disappointing to us, we remain confident that this worthwhile plan will happen soon due to the strength of the development team, the overwhelming support of our residents, our elected officials and the Landmark Society,” Sorochty said. “A re-purposed Holley High anchors our vision for an active and vibrant Village Square.”
The Landmark Society of Western New York has named the school one of its “Five to Revive.” That designation helped raise awareness in the Rochester region for the building.
Provided photos: This group wore fancy hats on May 5. They include, from left: Teacher Lynnette Short, PE Teacher Jill Klotzbach and Secretary Roxanne Wagner.
Posted 16 May 2017 at 8:36 am
Press Release, Holley Central School
HOLLEY – The Holley Middle School/High School celebrated Kentucky Derby Day this year by hosting a hat fundraiser to support the Orleans County Animal Shelter.
Students, faculty and staff donated money to wear their fanciest hats on May 5. Normally, wearing hats to school is against the dress code. In just one day, $150 was collected and sent to the shelter on Gaines Basin Road in Albion. The Physical Education Department and Student Council jointly sponsored the fundraiser.
Annually, the PE Department displays fun facts about the Kentucky Derby. The horse race takes place on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs. Holley students learn about the traditions surrounding the Derby. PE staff also post photos of the horses racing each year and students select who they think will win the race.
This year, Math Teacher Patti Gauer conducted a special math lesson involving horse racing. If her students answered math problems correctly, they moved their horses further down the “track” posted in the gym.
As part of the school-wide celebration of Kentucky Derby Day, students also received a special lunch from the cafeteria staff, consisting of a southern chicken sandwich, chocolate pie and lemonade with mint leaves. The cafeteria staff is pictured with their special Derby lunch items.
From left: students Julianna Drewry, Rosa Bender and Helana McLean cast their vote for which horse will win.
PE Teacher Jill Klotzbach and Principal Susan Cory wear their Derby hats.
Part of the Holley MS/HS Kentucky Derby display includes a horse with a Holley marker.
Provided photos: An eventual settler of Clarendon, Lemuel Cook would earn the distinction of the oldest pensioner of the Revolution at the time of his death on May 20, 1866 at the age of 107.
Press Release, Orleans County History Department
CLARENDON – This Saturday at 10 a.m. the Orleans County Department of History in conjunction with the Orleans County Historical Association and Clarendon Historian will host a dedication ceremony for a new historic marker at the Cook Cemetery in Clarendon.
The Orleans Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution will participate with a wreath laying ceremony following the unveiling of the marker – the Rochester Chapter Sons of the American Revolution will offer a primitive gun salute dressed in patriot attire.
Lemuel Cook, a young man from Connecticut, enlisted with the 2nd Connecticut (Continental) Light Dragoons to serve for the duration of the American Revolution. During his service, he met Gen. George Washington on at least two occasions and saw action at the Battle of Brandywine and Yorktown. Cook migrated to North Bergen in 1821 and later to Clarendon around 1832, eventually settling on the South Holley Road near Munger Road, just a short distance from his final resting place.
Upon his death in 1866, Lemuel Cook was regarded as one of the oldest pensioners of the American Revolution, a title that genealogists and historians have challenged over the years. What is known for certain is that Cook was the last official pensioner of the war, the last surviving veteran of the war whose service was proven with discharge papers signed by Gen. Washington himself.
The marker for Lemuel Cook will be dedicated at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Recently toppled by the massive windstorm in March, the Orleans Chapter DAR has generously supported efforts to reset Cook’s headstone, working with the Town of Clarendon and Brigden Memorials in Albion.
The program is free and open to the public.
The Department of History will begin the process for selecting the next spot for a historic marker following this program. Input from the community is appreciated and more information will be made available about the process.
Mount Albion tour planned for May 28
The Orleans County Department of History also will host a tour of Mt. Albion Cemetery over Memorial Day weekend on May 28th, starting at 2 p.m. The group will assemble at the cemetery chapel, departing at 2:05 p.m.
Although the tour will spotlight local veterans, not all of the stories will focus on military service. The tour is a prelude to the regularly scheduled series taking place Sunday afternoons in August. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather; guests should expect the tour to last approximately 90-120 minutes and cover several sections of the cemetery.The tour is free and open to the public with no tickets required.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 12 May 2017 at 12:22 pm
File photo by Tom Rivers: A costumed dalmatian dog waves to the crowd as part of a float for Wiley’s Ark Animal Care in Holley during the parade in Holley on June 6, 2015.The parade returns for June Fest on June 3.
HOLLEY – Final plans are being put in place for the return of the Holley June Fest this year. Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty said the event – which was postponed in 2016 – is set for Saturday, June 3, with events planned for the entire day in the Canal Park and around the village.
“The village formed a Community Events Committee in November of 2016,” Sorochty said. “They have worked very hard on our Festival of Lights event and to bring this event back for the community. We are very appreciative of the effort, time and dedication that the committee has put forth. We are also very appreciative of our local businesses, many of which have made donations towards the event. We are looking forward to a nice family event and seeing the community come out and enjoy the day’s events.”
Those events include village-wide yard sales which begin at 9 a.m. A parade is set for 10 a.m. and participants are welcome to register by contacting parade@holleyfire.com.
Arts, crafts, informational booths and food vendors will be set up in the Canal Park beginning at 9 a.m. Also in the Canal Park will be a Kids Zone with bounce house, obstacle course, games and pony rides; a wine-tasting tent featuring local wineries (noon to 4 p.m.); live music beginning at noon; and historical canal presentations at the Canal Gazebo by Orleans County Historian Matt Ballard at noon and 3 p.m.
Popular community events are also planned in conjunction with June Fest. St. Mary’s will hold its Chicken BBQ from noon until sold out; the Holley Community Library will hold a book sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the Historical Society will host a bake sale beginning at 9 a.m.; and the Holley Fire Company will hold its annual gun raffle at the Fireman’s Field beginning at 4 p.m.
Holley Central School’s HTA (Holley Teachers Association) is organizing this year’s 5K June Fest Run. Registration for the 5K begins at 8 am, the race starts at 9 a.m. To register go to www.pcr-timing.com and scroll down to “June Fest 5K”.
During the April 25 meeting of the Holley School Board of Education, Holley Elementary Principal Karri Schiavone said other school groups, such as Student Council, PTSA and cheerleaders will also be volunteering to help with the festivities including the Kids Zone activities.
She praised the opportunity for students to be involved in the popular event.
“It’s a great way to get people involved in June Fest and connect students with their village,” Schiavone said. “It’s a great way to connect them with a community event.”
Information on June Fest is available on the Village of Holley website – www.villageofholley.org – or by calling the Village Office at 585-638-6367.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 12 May 2017 at 11:49 am
Village also considering having county take over animal control
HOLLEY – Holley Village Board members plan to meet with their grant writers this weekend to discuss additional infrastructure improvements for the village.
During the Village Board meeting on Tuesday, Mayor Brian Sorochty said he is interested in finding out what grants may be available to help fund water and sewer improvements for the village.
“If it went along with sidewalk work, it would make a lot of sense,” he told trustees.
The village was recently awarded a $1.78 million TAP Grant from New York State, which will help the village replace about one-third of its sidewalks and curbs.
Sorochty said the village is currently working to solicit an engineering firm regarding the sidewalk work, and that making needed improvements to the village’s water and sewer systems at the same time should also be considered.
Village leaders also discussed the possibility of turning over animal control from the village’s Department of Public Works to Orleans County.
Sorochty said the services are already being paid by village residents through their county tax dollars. He noted the village would likely not see much financial savings from the switch.
“What we would probably see is a change in the level of service,” Sorochty said. “What Dave (DPW Superintendent David Nenni) does now they (Orleans County Sheriffs Department and Animal Control) probably would not do.”
Currently, the DPW and Holley police officers respond to residents’ concerns over nuisance animals whenever those issues arise. The mayor said the county might respond only if a vicious or wild animal was reported; additionally, the county offers services during limited hours.
Holley Police Chief Roland Nenni said his department has the ability to respond to barking dogs, nuisance/vicious animals, but cannot transport an animal to the county shelter if that becomes necessary.
“When they call we go,” the chief said in regards to calls about animals. “This is a small town and we try to help out as best we can.”
He agreed with the mayor that if the county takes over, that level of service may change.
“It may be a big deal in your town, but the county may have to prioritize,” he said.
DPW Superintendent David Nenni pointed out that animal control is not always needed – that many times nuisance dog issues are solved quickly when the owner realizes his animal has gotten away from home.
He said if the village changes over to the county for animal control, the DPW could continue to provide service after hours and and on weekends.
“We can always re-implement animal control here,” if an agreement with the county does not work out, he added.
Sorochty said village leaders hope to meet with the Orleans County Sheriffs Department next week to discuss details of the level of service the county could provide.
“We need to understand what they are going to do,” Sorochty said.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 9 May 2017 at 8:35 am
HOLLEY – In their first meeting since it was announced that the Village of Holley Development Corporation received the deeds to the eight Diaz homes in the village, VHDC members Monday evening decided how they plan to sell the properties – once all paperwork has been completed.
Members of the VHDC agreed to list the properties with a local realtor, RE/MAX.
“We want them sold,” VHDC member Krista Wiley said. “We want them rehabilitated. The faster they turn over the better.”
Two properties are zoned two-family – 37 S. Main St. and 26 S. Main St. – meaning the homes could end up as rentals. Some members of the VHDC expressed concern over the possibility all or some of the eight homes might become rentals properties.
“The reality is that is what they were before the Diaz release,” VHDC President Dan Schiavone said regarding the two Main Street properties. “I don’t think beggars can be choosers.”
Additionally, the VHDC voted to list the properties for the appraised value, but will also seek the advice of the realtor. The EPA appraised the homes in 2014, Schiavone said.
The total value of all 8 assessments is $217,000. The VHDC will receive 10 percent of the selling price with 90 percent going back to the EPA.
The homes vary in value from $60,000 for 37 S. Main St., to $0 for 6 Jackson St. Schiavone indicated the house at 6 Jackson St. would best be demolished by whomever purchases it. The VHDC set a value for the site at $5,000 based on the value of the property alone.
Most of the houses are in the $20,000 to $36,000 range. Three of the properties are on South Main Street; four are on Jackson Street and one is on Geddes Street.
Schiavone said VHDC attorney Jeff Martin is continuing the work of filing the deeds of the Diaz homes with Orleans County, and that two additional forms required by New York State are being sought from the EPA to complete the paperwork for the transfer of ownership the properties.
The eight properties were purchased by the EPA following an accidental release of chemicals from the Diaz plant in 2002. The homes have stood empty for more than a decade and have been deemed safe from any Diaz contamination by the EPA.
The federal agency, however, wants homes with lead paint to be abated by an EPA certified contractor.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Dancers in “Me Too” are part of today’s recital for Lisa’s Dance Boutique at Holley’s Junior-Senior High School Auditorium. There are are 250 children in the recital, including this group: Tori Allen, Allison Amoroso, Olivia Amoroso, Julia Frederick, Madison Isenberg, Savanna Isenberg, Kylie Towne and Leah Weinbeck.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2017 at 4:29 pm
Lisa Bower-Logsdon is part of the opening number, “That Girl,” at today’s recital. She is celebrating 40 years of running Lisa’s Dance Boutique. The opening number included 17 dancers in tap.
HOLLEY – Lisa Bower-Logsdon was 15 when she started her dance studio in the basement of the former St. Mary’s School, using a portable record player.
She ran Lisa’s Dance Boutique out of the St. Mary’s hall and then the Presbyterian Church before buying a building in the Public Square in 1991. Lisa’s has been there since, and remains a popular dance studio with 250 students from Holley, Kendall and Albion, with some also from Brockport and Spencerport.
Lisa’s students frequently win awards at the talent competition at the Orleans County 4-H Fair and are perennial contenders at the State Fair, winning the overall title in 2006.
“I love to dance and I love the children,” Bower-Logsdon said before today’s 1 p.m. recital. “It’s my passion.”
In addition to running the business, Lisa teaches 10 of the classes. Other teachers include Alana Bilohlavek, Lora Bower, Malia Frederick and Heather Kelley.
Heather Kelley has been a part of Lisa’s for 36 of the 40 years. Kelley, 38, was a student at Lisa’s, and has been a teacher for the past 20 years.
“She cares about her students and the families,” Kelley said.
Lisa is also very detailed oriented, and that is one reason why her students perform so well, Kelley said.
These young dancers perform “Buzz Off” during today’s recital 1 p.m. The 40th anniversary recital includes 40 different acts and will be back on stage later today at 7 p.m.
Kim Goldsworthy of Brockport helps her daughter, 8-year-old Skylar Gallagher, get ready for today’s recital. Goldsworthy took dance lessons when she was a kid from Lisa Bower-Logsdon. Heather Kelley also was Goldsworthy cheerleading coach.
“It’s like a whole big family here,” she said.”It’s all very well organized. They’re learning technique. They grow so much here.”
This group performed “Me Too” in front of a set design celebrating 40 years for Lisa’s.
These dancers, including Heather Kelley (center), opened today’s recital. Kelley has worked as one of the Lisa’s dance instructors for the past 20 years.
Lisa’s Dance Boutique donates proceeds from the recitals back to the school district. Bower-Logsdon said that is usually about $4,000 annually, plus concessions revenue. She estimated Lisa’s has contributed $125,000 to the district in the past 40 years.
Today’s recital was dedicated to Bower-Logsdon’s parents, George and Sandy Bower, and all the other dedicated grandparents who support the dancers at Lisa’s.
Lisa Bower-Logsdon for many years danced in one of the acts at the annual recital. She stopped doing that after she turned 50. But for the 40th anniversary celebration, Bower-Logsdon, 55, decided to be a part of the opening number.
Photos by Kristina Gabalski: The Holley Elementary School cafeteria was filled this morning for the annual Senior Citizens Breakfast. Each table featured an arrangement of fresh flowers and place mats made by students.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 4 May 2017 at 9:10 pm
Each participant is presented with a long-stemmed rose as they depart the breakfast
HOLLEY – About 125 people gathered in the cafeteria at Holley Elementary School this morning for the annual Senior Citizens Breakfast. The popular event includes a hot breakfast, coffee, and entertainment from both high school and elementary students.
“It honors our senior citizens,” Holley School Superintendent Robert D’Angelo said. “We have been doing this for years. It’s our way to say ‘thank you’ to them for what they have done for us and for what they continue to do.”
D’Angelo said May is Senior Citizens Appreciation Month. He noted the breakfast provides a way for senior citizens to interact with students and to learn about opportunities available to them – such as the Family Fitness room.
“We want them to know these schools are their schools,” D’Angelo said of the Holley Central School District campus. “It warms my heart to do something so positive.”
Members of the High School Student Council volunteer each year to help with decorating, serving the food, keeping coffee cups full, and cleaning up.
“It’s a great way for the community to come together,” senior Bailey Schubmehl said.
Eleventh grader Tiffany Rowley said the breakfast provides a way to, “Welcome senior citizens into the school community.”
For residents who need it, transportation to the breakfast is also provided.
11th Grader Tiffany Rowley and 12th grader Bailey Schubmehl volunteered to help with the breakfast. They say the event is enjoyable both for senior citizens and students.
Members of the Holley Senior High Chorus sing for guests.
Members of the Holley Central School Class of 2029 (kindergarteners) delight those in attendance at the Senior Citizen Breakfast.
Holley Sr. High School Student Council members present guests with long-stemmed roses as they leave the breakfast.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 3 May 2017 at 3:56 pm
3 running for 2 open seats on Board of Education
HOLLEY – Members of the Holley Board of Education on Tuesday evening held their annual hearing on the school budget.
Sharon Zacher, Holley’s assistant superintendent for business, presented the proposed 2017-18 budget which includes an increase in the tax levy of 1.35 percent, or about $92,000. That increase is below the tax cap of 1.381 percent, she said. The property tax levy ($6,968,766) accounts for about 28 percent of budget revenues.
The proposed budget totals $24.5 million, with a budget-to-budget increase of 0.41 percent or $100,000.
Zacher said Foundation Aid from NYS is up 2.74 percent or by $267,788. She said the district had hoped it would be more but, “We are thankful for what we have.”
She noted Foundation Aid continues to be short of the goals laid out in the original school aid formula agreed upon by state leaders. State aid accounts for about 65 percent of district revenues, she said.
Federal aid for the district is at $780,000 and has been experiencing a slow decline over time, Zacher said.
Appropriated Fund Balance in the proposed budget totals $1.04 million, which is down from the the $1.3 million appropriated in the 2016-2017 budget.
On the expenditure side, the administrative component is $3.2 million; the program component is $16.2 million and the capital component is $5.2 million.
The proposed budget does not include any changes in academic programs, school officials said.
District residents will vote on the budget on May 16 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the foyer of the Middle School/High School.
Three propositions will appear on the ballot:
• Proposition No. 1 – the Annual District Budget of $24.5 million;
• Proposition No. 2 – 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;
• Proposition No. 3 – support of the Holley Community Free Library. The proposed library budget for the 2017-2018 school year is $125,247.
Library Director Sandra Shaw told board members Community Free’s budget is up from 2016-17. She said the library must pay its staff minimum wage, which is up 7.69 percent. The cost of supplies such as paper, toner, toilet paper and books is also rising. Shaw noted the library has been able to expand programming significantly for both adults and children and has added Saturday hours.
“Our goal is to reach every stratus of the community,” she said.
There are three candidates on the ballot for two open seats (3-year terms) on the Board of Education. Incumbents Robin Silvis and Salvatore DeLuca Jr. are running for re-election. Andrea Newman is also on the ballot.
Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Village of Holley Development Corporation President Daniel Schiavone, Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty, Village Trustee Connie Nenni, and Orleans County Legislators Ken DeRoller and John DeFilipps gather on the porch of 37 S. Main St. in Holley Tuesday afternoon. They announced that the VHDC has now taken possession of the deeds of the eight “Diaz Homes” in the village, including this house at 37 S. Main.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 3 May 2017 at 8:12 am
Village will put houses on market with EPA getting 90% of sale
HOLLEY – The effort by the Village of Holley Development Corporation to obtain ownership of the eight vacant “Diaz homes” in the village has finally proven successful.
VHDC President Daniel Schiavone and Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty Tuesday afternoon announced that after a more than two years of negotiations with the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the VHDC has secured ownership of the homes and is in possession of the deeds.
“Our attorney is filing the deeds with the county to finalize the property transactions,” Schiavone said. “We are excited to be removing eight ‘zombie’ homes from the community and getting them revitalized in one way or another.”
The EPA purchased the homes following a release of chemicals from the former Diaz plant in January 2002. Diaz declared bankruptcy and abandoned its manufacturing plant on Jackson Street.
Holley Village leaders made the announcement that the eight “Diaz Homes” are now in the possession of the VHDC on the porch of 37 S. Main St., which sits at the corner of Jackson St.
The eight houses are in the southwest quadrant of the village near the former Diaz site, which has been dismantled and removed by the EPA. The houses have been sitting empty and off the tax rolls for more than a decade.
The Village of Holley Development Corporation will sell the homes with 90 percent of the sale price going back to the EPA and 10 percent going to the VHDC. Schiavone had worked during negotiations to get a more favorable split for Holley.
“We were hoping to start a bankroll for other projects,” he said. As it stands, the VHDC may be able to accrue some funds from the sale of the homes for future projects.
“We may make a little bit to keep (the VHDC) alive and operating,” he said.
Members of the VHDC – all volunteers and members of the community – will meet May 8 to decide the best way to sell the homes. Schiavone said utilizing a local realtor and placing the homes on the market has been the only option studied so far.
“Those who purchase the homes must agree to do lead clean-up,” Schiavone explained. During negotiations, the EPA demanded that buyers agree to have lead abatement completed by an EPA certified contractor.
Schiavone emphasized lead is the only issue the EPA found in the homes. The EPA has cleared the homes of any other contamination.
“People may be suspicious that chemicals from Diaz are still present,” Schiavone said. “That was not confirmed by EPA testing.”
People who purchase the properties will be provided with full EPA reports on the homes.
Schiavone and Mayor Sorochty thanked Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressman Chris Collins, local, county and state representatives for all of their help during the negotiation process.
“Dan didn’t ask for any thanks,” Sorochty said of Schiavone. “He volunteered and other members of the (VHDC) volunteered. Their efforts are very appreciated.”
Sorochty discussed the long-term “ripple effects” of the Diaz 2002 chemical release, which resulted in lawsuits, families moving away, the eventual bankruptcy of Diaz, and the loss of a major employer in the village.
The demolition of the Diaz site is now complete, the mayor said, and he explained that onsite soil remediation will now begin. The village is currently seeking a BOA (Brownfield Opportunity Area) Step 2 Program Grant with the hopes of re-developing the Diaz site, Sorochty said.
Both Sorochty and Schiavone said Tuesday was an exciting day for the village, which will now be able to move forward with the houses.
Schiavone said he was village mayor in 2002 when the chemical release occurred. He said he watched as events unfolded over the years and is happy now to see some closure.
“On a personal level it’s nice to see,” he said. “We hope people will see the potential in the homes and make them beautiful again.”
Orleans County legislators Ken DeRoller and John DeFilipps attended the announcement.
“It’s fantastic,” DeRoller said of the transfer of the deeds. He commended the members of the VHDC for their work.
Sorochty said the VHDC, which was formed to obtain ownership of the eight properties and get them back on the tax rolls, paid off for the village. The village’s comprehensive plan and the BOA Step 1 pre-nomination study recommended the formation of an LDC as a way to address the issue of the empty homes.
The return of the properties to local ownership and “may be a stepping stone for bigger things,” Legislator DeFilipps said.
Schiavone noted that the village has faced some setbacks lately with the loss of a bank and grocery store in the business district, but the successful acquisition of the Diaz homes shows, “the future is not so bad.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 27 April 2017 at 10:33 am
Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Holley Senior Kayla Thrower reports to Holley School Board members Tuesday evening about the High School Humanities Class’ recent trip to the State Capitol in Albany.
HOLLEY – Members of the High School Humanities class reported to members of the School Board of Education Tuesday evening about their recent trip to the State Capitol in Albany.
The class traveled to Albany on March 26-27 to learn first-hand about the workings of state government and to meet with local representatives. The students thanked board members for approving the trip.
In addition to visiting the Capitol building, including the floors of the State Assembly and Senate, students were able to visit the New York State Museum.
The students noted the floor of the New York State Assembly was “more laid-back,” while the floor of the State Senate was “more formal.” They also were able to meet with local Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, to discuss issues of interest to them.
Class member Kayla Thrower told board members that the students were in Albany during the celebration of Women’s History Month, which made an impression on her.
“It was really exciting for me,” Towner said. “I want to be a history major.”
Class members presented board members with photos of the class taken in the State Capitol during the trip.
In other business, board members unanimously adopted a Bed Bug Protocol for district schools. Members had received the document for review during their March meeting.
The district dealt with bed bug issues over the winter and board members had requested a protocol be developed in order to have a documented procedure for handling any future incidents.
Photo by Kristina Gabalski: Work is underway on new tennis courts on the Holley Central School campus. The tennis courts are part of the final phase of a $30 million capital improvement project.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 26 April 2017 at 11:56 am
HOLLEY – Representatives from SEI Design Group updated members of the Holley School Board of Education on the final phase of the district’s more than $30 million capital improvement project during the board’s regular meeting Tuesday evening.
“The project as a whole is on track,” Becky Cokelet of SEI told board members and administrators. “We got more work done on break (the district’s spring break) and during off hours than we expected.”
The last phase of the project includes new tennis courts; renovation of a current tennis court to two basketball courts; replacement of heating, ventilating and air conditioning units at both the Elementary School and Middle School/High School; replacement of windows, doors and masonry work on the Elementary School; the construction of two new playgrounds at the Elementary School; and a reconfiguration of the Elementary School bus loop which will separate bus traffic from car traffic.
“A paved island will separate the bus loop and car traffic to provide more safety,” Cokelet said.
The reconfiguration will also allow for parents picking up children to progress to the school entrance rather than wait behind buses.
Additionally, Cokelet explained that instead of using an access road to construct a new playground on the southeast side of the Elementary School, crews will enter the worksite from the school sidewalk. The change means that neighbors will not be disturbed by construction vehicle traffic. Contractors will replace the school sidewalk once the project is completed, she said.
Cokelet confirmed for Superintendent Robert D’Angelo that construction work would be completed by the third week of August, allowing for school staff to come in during the final week before classes begin.
In his report, Superintendent D’Angelo discussed the new Excelsior Scholarship offered by New York State.
The scholarship will provide free tuition at all CUNY and SUNY colleges for middle class families and individuals.
D’Angelo said he serves on an advisory council at Genesee Community College and learned more about the Excelsior Scholarship during a recent meeting.
“I’m excited about it,” D’Angelo said.
He explained students receiving the scholarship must complete 30 credits in a given year (which can include credits earned in summer classes and Genesee Promise Plus classes), and students must stay in New York State following graduation for the same duration they were in school under the scholarship. If they move out of state before that time, they must pay back tuition as in interest-free loan.
D’Angelo said it is important for parents to be kept informed about the scholarship by school administrators, particularly through emails.
“The more information we provide our parents, the better off students will be,” he said. “If we can help them along the way, we are ready to do that.”
Photos by Kristina Gabalski: Melissa Ierlan speaks last Wednesday evening about the Clarendon Cheese Factory at the Historical Society building in Clarendon.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 25 April 2017 at 9:40 am
This large tool was used in the Clarendon Cheese Factory for production.
CLARENDON – There was a full house at the Clarendon Historical Society last week as the 2017 special program season got underway with a very “cheesy” presentation by Town Historian and Historical Society President Melissa Ierlan.
She spoke about the Clarendon Cheese Factory which was opened in the mid-1890’s by George Tuttle. He had opened the first cheese factory in Orleans County on Telegraph Road in the Town of Murray before opening the Clarendon factory.
He died in 1899 and his son, Elmer, took over the business, but closed the factory a few years later.
In 1914, Herb Keople came to Clarendon, encouraged by William Inman, and built the Clarendon Cheese Factory, which was located on Hulberton Road just north of the Rt. 31A intersection. Ierlan said he ran the factory for 30 years.
Inman was a respected resident and the first who provided milk for the factory, thus encouraging other farmers to do so. The factory building still stands on the same footprint, Ierlan said, but now is a private home.
She said Clarendon Cheese was known for its quality. Local milk was used and the high quality of local water which the cows drank was given credit for the flavor of the cheese.
Ierlan also explained that cheese factories were a common sight in small towns across New York State from the mid-1800’s on into the 20th century, as cheese production moved away from the home.
“There were more than 1,500 cheese factories (in NYS) after 1850,” Ierlan said.
She also mentioned the “Big Cheese Caper” – an incident in which the cheese factory was broken into and 30-pound wheels of Clarendon cheese stolen. Troopers arrested Medina men for the robbery after they discovered the cheese in the men’s car.
A slide shows the inside of the cheese factory during production.
Keople was very active in the Clarendon community serving as a town justice and member of the school board. He died in 1978 and is buried in Clarendon.
The Clarendon Historical Society has special programs scheduled through October on the third Wednesday of each month.
Appropriately, Clarendon Historical Society members served cheese and crackers during the presentation.
Those include Richard Reisem and Andy Olenick on June 21 discussing their book Erie Canal Legacy; Village of Bergen Historian Raymond MacConnell on July 19 speaking on taxidermist Joseph Santens; Marlies Adams DiFante, author of Queen of the Bremen on August 16; Michael T. Keene, author of Vietnam Reflections – The Untold Story of the Holley Boys, Sept. 20; and Ken McPherson on Oct. 18 speaking about the Charles Howard Santa Claus School.
The programs are free and open to the public and take place at the Clarendon Historical Society – 16426 Fourth Section Rd., at the intersection of Rt. 31A and Church Street.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 20 April 2017 at 11:36 am
Project will be phased in over 3 to 4 years
HOLLEY – Mayor Brian Sorochty is thrilled with the announcement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday that the village has been approved for a $1,780,000 state grant to construct curbs and sidewalks that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“We are very happy and excited,” Brian Sorochty said. “This is a big one for us to win.”
He thanked the village’s grantwriter, J. O’Connell & Associates for the firm’s work on the grant application.
Sorochty said the village has been discussing how to repair/replace sidewalks for quite some time.
The grant will allow the village to replace about one-third of the sidewalks in the village, he said. That includes sidewalk along Rt. 237 – both north and south of Rt. 31 to the village limits, as well as Geddes Street from Rt. 237 to the Public Square, and all sidewalks north of Rt. 31 and east Rt. 237 – the northeast quadrant of the village.
“That will be a huge amount of new sidewalk that is code compliant and ADA compliant with ramps at intersections,” Sorochty said.
The program phases the improvements out over a three or four year span, he said.The first year will include engineering and planning work and then construction will be completed in phases over a couple of years.
The village Department of Public Works will be completing much of the work and the phases will help to complete the project in, “manageable chunks,” Sorochty said.
As part of the grant application process, residents were asked to submit letters, explaining their need for safer walkability in the village. Those letters were an important part of the village receiving the grant.
“It made a big difference,” the mayor said. “We need the new sidewalk… the current infrastructure has been in poor shape for years.”
Connie Nenni was one of the village trustees who pushed for Holley to apply for the grant.
“I am beyond excited about the village receiving the TAP grant for sidewalks,” Nenni said. “It is such a great thing not only for the village but for the entire community. Many people that do not live in the village use the village to walk or run or trick-or-treat. It will be a huge benefit to so many.”
