By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 May 2026 at 9:39 am
File photo by Tom Rivers: Holley Mayor Mark Bower addresses a big group of Holley students in the elementary school parking lot on May 4, 2024 before they went out picking up littler along the canal and village streets. He thanked them for helping to make the Holley community a better place.
HOLLEY – More than 100 Holley students will out on Sunday picking up litter and doing other community service projects. The effort is the annual Day of Impact led by Holley Rotary Interact and EarlyAct Clubs.
They will be at the elementary school parking lot at 10 a.m. and then disperse into the community. The Day of Impact will be held in honor of Eric Fredendall, who welcomed opportunities to make a positive difference in his community.
The event expands upon the Annual Clean Sweep, an effort Fredendall actively supported, to create a day of service that reflects the lifetime of impact he had on Holley.
Participants will take part in a variety of service projects, including cleaning the canal and village streets, organizing the fire department’s storage center, working on the memorial tank at the VFW, and completing several additional community improvement tasks.
Volunteers will also prepare meals and assemble emergency supply kits for Operation Open Hearts.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 May 2026 at 8:59 am
HOLLEY – Hurd Orchards, a farm going back more than 200 years, will be honored next week when it is included on the State Historic Business Preservation Registry.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley will be at Hurd’s for a 2 p.m. celebration on May 22 at 17260 West Ridge Rd.
Founded in 1825 by Luther Hurd, Hurd Orchards has two centuries of history from its early beginnings in pioneer farming to its evolution into a thriving fruit-growing enterprise, Hawley said.
“The Hurd family has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt, innovate and lead within New York state’s agricultural industry,” he said.
Hawley is proud to be able to present this prestigious certificate and proclamation to Susan Hurd Machamer and Amy Machamer, who represent the sixth and seventh generations. The orchard continues to grow and evolve while honoring its rich history and commitment to excellence.
Hurd Orchards is the fourth business in the
Hawley last week presented citations to two other Holley businesses for the joining the State Historic Business Preservation Registry – Stockham Lumber and the Holley Cold Storage.
Kirby’s Farm Market, down the road on Route 104 from Hurd Orchards, also was recognized last year. Kirby’s is just across the Orleans/Monroe county line in the town of Clarkson.
The Historic Business Preservation Registry was established by the State Legislature in 2020. The registry recognizes businesses that are at least 50 years old. These businesses also contribution to the municipality’s history and identity.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 May 2026 at 10:25 am
Provided photos
HOLLEY – State Assemblymen Steve Hawley was joined by local officials on Friday when he presented “Historic Business Preservation Registry” citations to two long-time Holley businesses.
The top photo shows Hawley with Dan Klips (center), owner of Stockham Lumber in Holley at 88 Geddes St..
Hawley, second from left, was joined by Holley Village Trustee John Morriss, County Legislator Ed Morgan, County legislator John Fitzak and Holley Mayor Mark Bower.
The state registry recognizes businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their community’s history.
Stockham Lumber was founded in 1880 by Nerv L. Cole, Stockham Lumber has over a century of history with its original business focusing on coal and lumber. Stockham Lumber continues its legacy as a lumber company known for its reliability and service with its principles of quality, integrity and customer service remaining in place, Hawley said.
Stockham Lumber has recently expanded and continues to grow the business serving customers across the region ensuring exemplary standards, Hawley noted. There is now an additional Stockham site in Gasport.
Hawley also presented the citation to the Holley Cold Storage on 16677 State Route 31.
Founded in 1902 by Marcus Balcom and Almond Boyce, Holley Cold Storage has become an essential link among regional farmers, food processors and distant markets allowing perishable goods to be preserved safely for extended periods of time, Hawley said.
The facility has provided cold storage services to regional customers and is committed to preserving the legacy of the business while maintaining its role as a steady employer within the Holley community and the region.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2026 at 5:24 pm
3 candidates on ballot for Board of Education in May 19 election
HOLLEY – The school district is proposing a $32,687,000 budget that increases spending by 6.2 percent and would raise taxes by 2.5 percent.
The budget is up by $1,913,000 from the current $30,774,000. The budget maintains all existing programs.
The district will collect $201,768 more in property taxes – from $8,070,702 to $8,272,470. That is under Holley’s allowable tax cap of 4.112 percent, school officials said the district’s budget newsletter. Holley is under the tax cap by $130,100.
In a message to the community, Board of Education President Trina Lorentz and Superintendent Karri D. Schiavone said the district is presenting “a fair and balanced budget.”
“Our dedication to enriching the educational experience in Holley guides every step of this year’s planning,” the wrote in their budget message. “With a renewed emphasis on innovation, growth, and excellence, we’re working to build on our strong foundation and open doors to new possibilities that support students, educators, and our community.”
They said the budget is aligned with the district’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, which reflects a shared commitment to achievement, empowerment, inclusion, responsibility and Engagement.
They said the budget prioritizes “high-quality instruction, safe and supportive learning environments, and responsible stewardship of resources to ensure long-term sustainability for our district.”
The tax levy is up to account for increases in contractual and inflationary costs, and “allows us to deliver high quality instructional and extracurricular programs that are expected in our community while remaining fiscally responsible and aligned with our long-term district goals.”
Voters will go to the polls from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 19 at the Holley Middle/High School.
In addition to the budget, there are four propositions:
Proposition 2 authorizes replacement school buses – one large and one small with a wheelchair lift ($374,000)
Proposition 3 allows district to collect $217,703 for the Community Free Library
Proposition 4 authorizes the purchase of a vacant lot adjacent to Woodlands soccer field ($12,500)
Proposition 5 authorizes the establishment of a Capital Improvements Reserve Fund that will not exceed $10 million
There are also three candidates seeking three seats on the Board of Education. The two candidates with the most votes get three-year terms while the one with the third most votes gets a one-year term. The three-year terms begin July 1, while the shorter term starts May 20 because it’s filling a vacancy.
The candidates on the ballot include:
Cecelia Pacheco Stevens – A CCA at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Pacheco Stevens has four children in the district. She has been an active volunteer at Holley events involving her children.
“I’m running to ensure every student feels supported, heard, and valued,” she said in the district budget newsletter. “I want to be a voice for all students including those who need extra help, those who thrive in the arts, and those who grow through sports. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and every family deserves to feel connected to their school community.”
Eric DiLella – A retired resident, he volunteers with his therapy dog, visiting hospitals, nursing homes and Call centers for Goodwill.
“I am looking for more ways to support the community,” he said. “When we were raising our kids in the Holley School, it was difficult to juggle a job, kid’s activities, a house and the occasional coaching or scouting assist. Now that I am retired, I can do what I couldn’t do 20 years ago.”
Janet Klossner – She is self-employed at a daycare and also with a hobby farm. Klossner is currently on the Board of Education. She also teaches local fiber arts classes, and is a 4-H leader and barn superintendent who heads up the annual fiber auction at the County Fair.
“I am committed to the youth to ensure they receive a strong education and are prepared for future success, while also keeping taxes manageable for our community,” she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 April 2026 at 12:01 pm
HOLLEY – The Village Board on Monday adopted a $3,601,257 village budget that will increase taxes by 9.9 percent.
The $1,303,831 tax levy is up from $1,186,379 for 2025-26. The tax rate will increase from $19.54 to $21.51 per $1,000 of assessed property.
The budget includes the General Fund at $2,165,925, Water Fund at $983,883 and Sewer Fund at $451,448.
During a public hearing on the budget April 15, Mayor Mark Bower said the village hasn’t seen in increase in other revenues and needs to raise taxes.
Holley has sought more of the local sales tax from the Orleans County Legislature but the share to towns and villages hasn’t changed since 2001.
The state is proposing a small increase in AIM (Aid and Incentives to Municipalities). Holley has been stuck at $17,786 in AIM for several years. Gov. Hochul, in her budget proposal, has another $3,732 in AIM for Holley through “Temporary Municipal Assistance.”
Here is a breakdown of the General Fund by each department with previous year in parenthesis: DPW at $870,855 ($782,267); Police at $453,973 ($406,911); Office at $296,729 ($299,789); Code Enforcement at $72,313 ($71,280); Employee Benefits at $199,700 ($136,030) and Debt Payments at $72,710 ($75,146).
The 9.9 percent tax increase follows a budget where taxes went up by 10.0 percent. Over the past two years, the village property taxes have now gone up 20.9 percent or another $225,304 in the tax levy to $1,303,831.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 April 2026 at 4:15 pm
Assemblyman Hawley will present ‘Historic Business Preservation Registry’ citations to Stockham Lumber and Holley Cold Storage
HOLLEY – State Assemblyman Steve Hawley will be presenting “Historic Business Preservation Registry” citations to two long-time Holley businesses on Friday, May 8.
The registry recognizes businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their community’s history.
Hawley will be at the Holley Cold Storage on 16677 State Route 31 to present the citation at 1:30 p.m.
Founded in 1902 by Marcus Balcom and Almond Boyce, Holley Cold Storage has become an essential link among regional farmers, food processors and distant markets allowing perishable goods to be preserved safely for extended periods of time, Hawley said.
The facility has provided cold storage services to regional customers and is committed to preserving the legacy of the business while maintaining its role as a steady employer within the Holley community and the region.
Then at 2:15 p.m., Hawley will be at 88 Geddes St. to present Stockham Lumber with its citation.
Founded in 1880 by Nerv L. Cole, Stockham Lumber has over a century of history with its original business focusing on coal and lumber. Stockham Lumber continues its legacy as a lumber company known for its reliability and service with its principles of quality, integrity and customer service remaining in place, Hawley said.
Stockham Lumber has recently expanded and continues to grow the business serving customers across the region ensuring exemplary standards, Hawley noted.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 April 2026 at 4:14 pm
David Hull has been prolific contributor to the series
(Left) This is the cover of the latest Chicken Soup for the Soul book, I can’t Stop Laughing, which featured 101 humorous tales and feel-good stories. (Right) David Hull, shown in a file photo from 2018, has been featured in about 30 of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books.
HOLLEY – David Hull has written another story that is featured in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
The newest book will be released on April 28 and features 101 stories over 320 pages. The book – “I Can’t Stop Laughing” – includes a story by Hull.
In “It’s All Behind Me Now,” Hull shares a story about sitting on an M & M and having it smear on the back of his khaki pants. He had to give a presentation at parent’s night assembly while he was working as a teacher. He was then invited to a fancy dinner afterwards with members of the school administration.
Hull continues to be a prolific contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. He has written stories that are featured in about 30 of the books.
Hull is a retired preschool teacher. He grew up in Brockport. Hull has said he checks the Chicken Soup website for future book themes and also gets emails from them about topics. He sends in submissions and said he is accepted about 50 percent of the time.
“If you get rejected you have to try again,” he said in a previous interview.
The most popular Chicken Soup books tend to be humorous ones, and books about pets, Hull said.
Hull studied English in college and earned a degree in education. He worked 28 years as a teacher at the Brockport Child Development Center at Brockport State College.
The Chicken Soup for the Soul series debuted in 1993 and now has published 400 titles and sold more than 100 million copies. The books have been translated into more than 40 languages. For more information on Chicken Soup for the Soul, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 April 2026 at 10:16 am
Mayor seeks assistance from state and federal governments
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Village of Holley has made several improvements to its police station in recent years but the back wall of the village-owned building next door is in grave condition, and faces $150,000 in emergency repairs, Mayor Mark Bower said.
HOLLEY – Village officials are facing an unexpected emergency repair on the back wall of the building that is connected to the police station on Thomas Street.
Mayor Mark Bower said the entire back wall of the building that is part of the police station needs to be replaced. The village had a structural engineer and contractor look at the back brick wall and the damage was worse than expected. The extensive water damage was revealed when the beadboard and paneling were removed.
The Village Board was expecting to spend $17,000 to $20,000 on the project, but now it will take an estimated $150,000 to fix the problem.
Bower said he has reached out to offices of Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and Assemblyman Steve Hawley to see if the state and federal governments have any funding to help with an emergency repair. He also is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development office in Batavia for financial assistance.
“Significant fractures in the brick wall and even the lintels themselves were so much worse than ever anticipated,” Bower wrote in an April 9 letter to Tenney’s office. “While we had nominally budgeted for labor and materials for the job, we are now facing more extensive repairs likely exceeding 150K.”
The police station is right next to the crumbling wall, but Bower said there is a stable wall separating the two sites and the police department should be able to continue to function at the site in the near future. However, he said the code enforcement officer would be justified in requiring the police department to vacant the premises giving the condition of the back wall to the adjoining property.
Bower said there isn’t an alternative site in the village for the police station if it was forced to leave its police station.
He would like the wall to be repaired as soon as possible. The building is from 1900, Bower said.
The village has made several improvements to the police station since 2022, Bower noted, including a new roof, gutters and downspouts, new fascia, doors and windows. The front of the building was repainted and the back one third of the property also has been repaired, Bower said.
“This is essential to the village operations due to the police station,” Bower said in stating his case for state and federal support for the repairs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 April 2026 at 3:08 pm
HOLLEY – The Village Board will hold a public hearing today at 5:30 p.m. on a tentative $3.6 million village budget that would increase taxes by 9.9 percent. The hearing will be in the village office in the old Holley High School.
This budget proposal follows the 2025-26 budget that raised taxes by 10.0 percent. Over two years, the budgets would represent a 20.9 tax increase or another $225,304 in the tax levy to $1,303,831.
The tax rate in the tentative budget is $21.51 per $1,000 of assessed property, which is up from the $19.54 rate for 2025-26.
The budget was brought up briefly during the monthly Village Board meeting on Tuesday. One resident, Mike Vendetti, said he is concerned about the rising taxes when residents face increases in some many other areas, including a recent jump in their electric bills.
Mayor Mark Bower responded that a village tax increase appears unavoidable.
“We absolutely do not have the revenue,” he said.
The tentative budget shows $3,601,258 in overall spending with $2,165,926 in the general fund, $983,883 in the water fund and $451,448 in the sewer fund.
Within the general fund the tentative budget shows the DPW increasing from $782,267 to $870,855; the Police Department from $406,911 to $453,973; Village Office from $299,789 to $296,729; Code Enforcement from $71,280 to $72,313; Employee Benefits from $136,030 to $199,700; and Debt payments from $75,146 to $72,710.
Here are the tax levies and tax rates in recent village budgets:
HOLLEY – The school district is proposing a $32,687,000 budget that increases spending by 6.2 percent and would raise taxes by 2.5 percent.
