By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 21 June 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo by Kristina Gabalski – Rubie Maxwell, a Holley sixth grader, stands with Holley Elementary School Principal Karri Schiavone after receiving a Soaring to New Heights Award at the Holley Board of Education meeting Monday evening. Maxwell has volunteered as the Pre-K Safety Patrol Officer, helping students on and off the bus each day. The students call her “Miss Rubie,” Schiavone said. “She takes time out of her day to help out. The Pre-K students love her.” Top Ten graduates of this year’s Senior Class were also recognized during the Soaring to New Heights portion of the meeting.
HOLLEY – School leaders from Holley and Kendall will meet July 18 to discuss shared services, including instruction, non-instruction and extra-curricular programs.
Robert D’Angelo, Holley school district superintendent, reported to the Holley Board of Education on Monday that he and School Board President Brenda Swanger met recently with Kendall School Superintendent Julie Christensen and Kendall School Board President Nadine Hanlon. They are planning the agenda for the July 18 work session between the two boards, administrations and teams.
Swanger said neither district wants to lose its identity, and D’Angelo emphasized he sees nothing but good coming from the effort.
“We want to share, not swallow each other up,” D’Angelo said.
The districts already share some programs. For example, Kendall students played on the Holley varsity baseball team this season after Kendall didn’t have enough players to field a team.
In other discussion at Monday’s meeting, Board of Education members say they have not yet made a decision regarding the number of teachers for next year’s third graders.
Several parents spoke during the public comment portion of Monday evening’s meeting, expressing concerns that the district might reduce the number of third grade teachers from four to three.
Two third grade teachers are leaving – the board accepted the resignation of one teacher and the retirement of another – but board members say they are not yet ready to make a decision about how they will proceed.
“We don’t have to decide until it’s absolutely necessary,” Board Vice President Robin Silvis said. “We have a lot to think about.”
Board member John Heise said if next year’s third grade was reduced to three teachers, it would be a way for the district to save money.
“The fund balance has gone down,” he said. “We’ve got to start saving somewhere.”
Swanger, the Board president, said she did not agree.
“We haven’t made a decision … it’s not going to be an easy decision,” she said. She and other Board members thanked parents for attending the meeting and making their feelings on the subject known.
Board members indicated they would likely make the decision in August. Incoming third graders will not have their teacher named on Fourth Quarter reports cards to be sent home on Wednesday.
Board members also approved the creation of an Interact Club, a community service club which will be sponsored by the Holley Rotary. A number of students are interested, and board member John Heise, a Holley Rotarian, said students would like to get going this summer on projects.
Heise said students have already begun looking into installing a “buddy bench” on the playground at the Elementary School as a potential first project. The club would be open to students in grades 7-12.
Provided Photos – Linda Glantz starts her ministry on July 1 as pastor of the Albion First United Methodist Church and the Disciples United Methodist Church in Holley.
ALBION/HOLLEY – The United Methodist churches in Albion and Holley welcome Pastor Linda Glantz, who comes to the congregations from her assignment with the United Methodist churches in Dalton and Gainesville.
Her appointment to the Albion First United Methodist Church and the Disciples United Methodist Church in Holley will begin on July 1.
Pastor Linda is not new to the area. She previously lived in Holley, and owned a quilt shop there. She still has family nearby, including her mother and two adult children, Patrick and Rachael. She will reside in the Albion church parsonage on Hazard Parkway.
Pastor Jack Laskowski and his wife, Debbie cooking the sauce at the church’s 2014 spaghetti supper.
At the same time, the Albion and Holley churches will say farewell to Pastor Jack Laskowski. Pastor Jack has been leading the churches in worship since July 2012. He has made a positive impact and was well liked among the congregations. He and his wife, Debbie, will be missed dearly. Thechurches wishes them luck at the United Methodist churches in Spencerport and Adams Basin.
The Albion First United Methodist Church holds worship services at the Christ Episcopal Church at 26 South Main St. Services begin at 9:30 am on Sundays with a coffee hour immediately following the service.
The Disciples United Methodist Church in Holley has church at 11 a.m. on Sundays at 4410 Holley Byron Rd.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 18 June 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo by Kristina Gabalski – Holley Trustee Kevin Lynch, left, and Deputy Mayor Brian Sorochty pose during a recent Village Board meeting. Trustee Connie Nenni was excused from the meeting and is not pictured. The three are running unopposed in Tuesday’s Village election.
HOLLEY – There are no races in this year’s Holley village election, but residents will elect a new mayor on June 21.
John Kenney, Jr., the current mayor, is retiring from public office and is not seeking re-election. Trustee Brian Sorochty is running unopposed for mayor, and says he has a passion for the community.
“I love living and raising my family here,” Sorochty says. “I see many potential opportunities to enhance our strengths as well as build new ones in the future.”
He has served as trustee for three years and is currently deputy mayor. Sorochty says important issues facing the community include addressing the village’s aging infrastructure, the number of vacant and under-utilized properties, and maintaining and improving village services to residents while minimizing taxes.
The potential development/renovation of the old Holley High School is still in the preliminary stages, but Sorochty says the village continues to work with local developer Home Leasing on a plan to renovate the school into senior housing units as well as to accommodate village office space.
“They are a very reputable developer with much experience with these project types,” Sorochty says. “They are currently nearing completion of the renovation of the former Eastman Dental Dispensary, which was also one of the Landmark Society’s ‘Five to Revive’ buildings.”
Moving the village offices to the school would provide accessible office and public meeting space which the village currently lacks, Sorochty explains, and adds that the developer is working towards applying for funding, which will be submitted later this year.
“We have a ways to go, but it is a very exciting opportunity that I believe will have benefits even beyond the village limits,” he says.
Regarding the eight “Diaz” homes in the village currently owned by the EPA, Sorochty says the Village Board is continuing to work with the Holley LDC and the EPA towards having ownership of the properties transferred to the LDC. The transfer will facilitate getting the properties on the market, occupied, and back on the tax rolls.
“The LDC and Chair Dan Schiavone have been working hard at this and I applaud their efforts,” Sorochty says.
Sorochty also discussed the efforts of the mayor and Village Board over the last few years to improve the efficiency of village government and the services it provides.
“To that end, we have contracted with the Village of Albion for police chief and management services for our sewage treatment plant,” Sorochty explains. “We have also created the Holley LDC in order to manage vacant properties, specifically the EPA-owned properties.”
As mayor, his future plans include pursuing grants to aid in repairing aging infrastructure; following up on goals set as part of the village’s Comprehensive Plan; making the renovation of the old high school a reality; and working to find new ways to encourage more positive interaction and involvement from village residents with local government.
“On a daily basis, I commit to continue to work with the Village Board and staff, much as I have over the past three years, to make good decisions that benefit the community, and to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars,” Sorochty says. “I am very excited to put my experience – which is a combination of my last few years on the Board and my 25 years of working in the consulting engineering and construction industry – to work for the Village of Holley.”
Sorochty also thanks Mayor John Kenney for his many years of service to village residents as both a trustee and as mayor.
“He is very dedicated to serving this village, and has been tremendous to work with as a colleague and a friend. I wish him well in his future endeavors,” Sorochty says.
Two trustee seats are also up for election and incumbents Connie Nenni and Kevin Lynch are both running unopposed. The trustee seats are two-year terms.
Connie Nenni serve three years previously as a Village Board member, was off the Board for three years, and then returned again after the election two years ago.
She says she is running for re-election because she truly cares about the community and believes the current Board has made many improvements and continues to make progress in several areas.
“We started with the LDC, which will eventually help to get the Diaz homes back on the market and the tax rolls and possibly other abandoned homes,” Nenni says. She adds that changes have also been made in the police department and the Board continues to work on issues there.
She says right now, staffing of the village police department is one of the most important issues facing the village.
“We currently run with part-time officers and our village has always been a stepping stone because of that and a lower pay scale,” Nenni explains. “We, like many communities around us, are finding it hard to keep officers. We have raised starting pay and will continues to look at this. In the past, our voters have confirmed that they do not want to lose our village police department and neither do I.”
Other important issues include the vacant Diaz homes, and some of the bank owned homes which have been empty for far too long, Nenni says.
Like Deputy Mayor Sorochty, Nenni is very hopeful about the possibility that the old Holley High School will be renovated and that the current developer will be able to move forward.
“The old school is something that not just village residents would like to see something happen with, but the entire Holley community,” she says.
Nenni encourages residents to come to Village Board meetings to gain an understanding of all that goes into decision making.
“I’d rather see them get their information from coming to a meeting or emailing or calling a Board member to get first-hand information or ask questions,” she says. “With social media and rumors spread by word of mouth, incorrect information spreads quickly.
“Many times it gets lots of people very upset when they didn’t need to be if they had the correct information the first time around. I am always hearing about someone second guessing something that they heard the Board had done or didn’t do. Usually, once they hear the reasoning behind it, they understand. There is almost always more to the story than what people hear.”
She notes that there are five people on the Board and many times multiple opinions are brought to the table on issues.
Nenni says that if residents find it hard to get to meetings, they can always contact Village Board members via email or phone.
Trustee Kevin Lynch was first elected to the Village Board two years ago and says his first term has been a learning experience.
“There was more involved than I anticipated,” he says about serving as a member of the Village Board.
As a member of the final graduating class from the old Holley High School, Lynch says his interest in and connection to the village’s most prominent landmark encouraged him to get involved in public office in the hopes of saving the building. He says he, too, is hopeful that Home Leasing will be successful in their efforts.
“It may be the last chance” for the building, he says.
Lynch also cites the need to improve the village’s aging infrastructure while keeping taxes in check, a job which is a challenge as there is little room in the village for expanding the tax base. He notes that makes getting the Diaz homes back on the tax rolls even more essential.
His two years as a trustee have given him a good understanding of the budget process, Lynch says.
“We work to do what we can for the village,” he says. “It’s hard to keep taxes down.”
He says members of the Village Board have an excellent working relationship and feels, “Brian (Sorochty) will be a good mayor.”
Voting will take place Tuesday, June 21. at the Holley Village Offices, 72 Public Square, from noon to 9 p.m.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 15 June 2016 at 12:00 am
John Kenney leads final meeting as mayor
HOLLEY – Mayor John Kenney ended 13 years of public service to the village Tuesday evening when he oversaw his final meeting of the Village Board.
Mayor Kenney, who served three years as a trustee before being elected mayor, decided not to seek re-election this year.
“I have enjoyed my time serving this community,” he told Orleans Hub. “I am thankful for all the support from this community.”
Kenney said his retirement from public service will allow him to spend more time with family, including his grandchildren.
During their meeting, board members approved hiring six new part-time police officers for the Holley Police Department. The move will help the department stabilize after what Police Chief Roland Nenni described as a “serious loss of personnel.”
During the supervisors’ meeting prior to the Village Board meeting, Chief Nenni reported that over the history of the Holley Police Department, there have typically been three to four full-timers.
“We can get back to that stability with a couple of full-time officers,” the chief said.
Two of the six part-time officers will become full-time before the end of the year, after they have received a second phase of training, Nenni said. He noted that Orleans County has extended the probationary time for newly hired police officers to 78 weeks, meaning that when the two part-time hires become full time, the department will be able to retain them for 18 months.
“Starting in November we will have real stability,” Nenni told Village Board members. “A full-time employee has a stake in the department.”
He noted that officers will work to fulfill priorities of the Holley community.
“The non-police type stuff can be the most important,” he said, and added that he is working to have the police department become more involved in the community. For example, he recently met with members of the library board as part of that effort, the chief said.
Kenney asked the chief if the village will be able to financially handle the new hires. Nenni said as a budgetary measure, the village could cover the expense. Recent vacancies in the police department will also help to cover payroll expenses, Nenni said.
In other business, the Village Board approved the consolidation of the Planning and Zoning Boards, by adopting Local Law No. 2 of 2016. The purpose of the consolidation is to, “increase the efficiency and administration of land use, planning and zoning review in the village,” Section 1 of the law states.
The board will now be called the Joint Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Board and will consist of five members. Membership will be comprised initially from existing selected members from both boards for the remaining length of their current terms of office.
Resident Kerri Neale spoke against the consolidation during a public hearing before the vote. He said a Zoning Board of Appeals creates a safety valve for oppressive zoning laws.
“It should not share responsibility with any other board,” Neale said. “What happens today may change tomorrow. I have difficulty understanding how a joint board can rule on hardship cases it created by itself.”
Deputy Mayor Brian Sorochty tried to allay Neale’s fears by explaining that every right of review or appeal will still exist.
“The Planning Board does not issue site plan approval,” Sorochty said. “If you need relief you can still go to zoning. Every avenue a resident had before, he will still have.”
Code Enforcement Officer Ron Vendetti said residents also have recourse to Article 78 as well as other appeals at higher levels of government. He noted other municipalities in the state have consolidated the two boards, including the Village of Hilton.
Zoning Board Chairwoman Sandra Heise stated she is “a little nervous” about the consolidation, mainly due to the increased workload. She said she felt more at ease knowing other municipalities have taken the same step.
Neale said he would like to see the village work to encourage residents to fill both boards, as lack of interest is one reason for the consolidation.
Sorochty additionally pointed out the make-up of the boards is a concern as two married couples serve on the boards – one couple on the Planning Board and a second on the Zoning Board. Sorochty said that is not appropriate.
Kenney thanked Neale for his comments.
“It’s good to see input,” the mayor said.
Neale said it is important for community residents to become involved and to attend meetings, enabling them to have a part in the process and to, “see why decisions are made.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 14 June 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Holley Elementary students march from the school to the Railway Depot Museum for Flag Day ceremonies Tuesday morning.
HOLLEY – Donning their best red, white and blue, and singing patriotic songs, Holley Elementary School students paraded to the Railway Depot Museum on Tuesday morning for the 59th Flag Day observance in the village.
The students gathered outside the Depot along with school and community leaders to sing and play music, bestow citizenship awards, and announce the winner of the “Chancellor of the Chapel” fundraiser/election.
It’s all Red, White and Blue as the parade enters the Public Square in Holley.
Members of the Holley Central Elementary School Student Council announced the results of voting in the “mock political race” for the Chancellor of the Chapel. Gamma the Dog was declared the winner.
A total of $2,630.53 was raised during the year-long fundraising/community service effort which benefits restoration of the historic 1894 Medina Sandstone chapel at Hillside Cemetery.
Gamma the Dog was “elected” Chancellor of the Chapel. He accepted the Keys to the Chapel during the Flag Day ceremonies and looks as if he will take the responsibilities of his new position very seriously.
Melissa Ierlan accepts the whopping donation check from Chancellor Gamma. It will be used for restoration work at the Hillside Chapel.
Clarendon Historian Melissa Ierlan thanked participants for their efforts.
“The kids enjoyed it, it was a nice project for them,” Ierlan told Orleans Hub. “Most importantly, they got behind something and made a difference.”
The mock Chancellor election included four candidates: Samson the Dog, M&M the Goat, Scarlett the Hedgehog, and the winner, Gamma.
Ierlan said voting was tight between Samson and Gamma until the very end of the election. A last minute donation of $200 ($1 per vote) for Gamma as well as two other large donations – including one from the Holley Rotary in Gamma’s favor – put him way in front with about 900 votes. Samson came in second with approximately 500 votes, Ierlan said.
Chancellor Gamma looks lovingly at his owner, Alexander Zelent, who holds the key to the Chapel – the Medina Sandstone chapel at Hillside Cemetery, while Clarendon Historian Melissa Ierlan gives Chancellor Gamma a congratulatory embrace.
Holley Elementary Student Council Advisor Sally Martin said in addition to the Chancellor fundraiser/election, students sold geraniums, decorated chapel-shaped donation containers (created by former Holley art teacher Larry Dabney) for distribution throughout the community, and participated in a read-a-thon to raise this year’s funds.
“The support from the community was amazing,” she said.
Some of the youngest participants watch the Holley Elementary band play.
Sally Martin directs the Elementary Chorus as they sing patriotic songs.
Perfect weather and a festooned Depot Museum made for a festive setting at Tuesday’s Flag Day ceremonies in Holley.
Holley Elementary Band members play “When The Saints Go Marching In.”
CLARENDON – The Clarendon Historical Society is hosting a program on Wednesday about a prominent canal builder and abolitionist.
Myron Holley was so esteemed that the the community of Saltport decided to change its name to Holley to honor him.
Richard O. Reisem wrote a book about Holley’s namesake called “Myron Holley: Canal Builder/Abolitionist/Unsung Hero.” Reisem will talk about Holley’s life during a presentation at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Clarendon Historical Society. The society is located at 16426 Fourth Section Rd., at the intersection of Route 31A and Church Street in Clarendon.
Reisem tells Myron Holley’s story in the context of the momentous historical events and movements that shaped his life, including the War of 1812, the building of the Erie Canal, and the struggle to abolish slavery.
Holley was a visionary who had a profound influence, changing the course of history in New York State and indeed the nation. Among Holley’s many achievements, he served as the Superintendent of Construction of the Erie Canal and founded the first Horticultural Society in Western New York, the First Unitarian Church in Rochester, and the anti-slavery Liberty Party.
Reisem explains how more than any other individual, Myron Holley enabled the monumental engineering feat of building the Erie Canal to be the success that dramatically changed American History.
Reisem is a graduate of Iowa State University where he studied architecture and journalism. During his 31-year career at Eastman Kodak, he was speech writer for six of the company’s CEOs. He also produced Kodak annual meetings, financial analysts’ presentations, photographic trade show events, new product announcements, and traveling multimedia programs. He was the author of a series of books on color photography.
He has written 15 books since his retirement in 1986. Reisem is an honorary trustee of the Landmark Society of Western New York, vice-president of the Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery, and a former trustee of the Rochester Historical Society. For 16 years, he served on the Rochester Preservation Board, and was chair for four years.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2016 at 11:09 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MURRAY – Five people were taken by ambulance for minor injuries after a two-vehicle accident this morning on Route 31 between Holley and Hulberton roads.
The driver of this van was headed westbound when the van crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a pickup truck that swerved to avoid a head-on collision, a state trooper said.
Eric Smith, left, of Glenside Auto in Holley works with Holley firefighter Fran Gaylord to tow the van, which had four occupants who all had minor injuries and were taken by Monroe Ambulance for medical treatment.
The state trooper at the scene said it is unknown why the driver of the van crossed into the opposite lane. The trooper said the accident could have been far worse if it had been a head-on collision.
The trooper was working on a report of the accident and wasn’t ready to release names of those involved.
The driver of this truck swerved to avoid the van, but was hit in the back of the truck on the passenger side. The collision knocked the rear axle off the truck.
Rich Gallo, in safety vest, is fiance of the driver, Michelle Hampton of Murray. (Gallo shared her name with the Orleans Hub after texting Hampton.) Gallo said he is thankful the accident wasn’t worse. He is pictured trying to move the rear axle with Joe Morlino (center) of the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Company and Louie Lustumbo, owner of TLC Auto Recycling in Kuckville.
The accident at 9:32 a.m. closed Route 31 between Holley and Hulberton roads for about an hour.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County Joint Veterans Council is about $2,500 closer to getting a low-mileage van. The Council runs an all-volunteer van service that takes veterans to medical appointments. The van service has five vans and the council is trying to raise funds to replace a van that currently has about 133,000 miles on it.
Three Holley organizations combined to donate toward the cause. The VFW raised $1,208 during a Jamboree on May 29. The Marine Corps Attachment 1271, which meets out of the VFW in Holley, donated $1,000 and the Holley Rotary Club also gave $200 towards a low-mileage van.
Pictured include, from left: Phyllis Schrader, coordinator of the van service; Urb Bennett, president of the VFW in Holley; Ray Madigan, senior vice president of VFW in Holley; James Andre, president of the Joint Veterans Council; and Earl Schmidt, chairman of the Joint Veterans Council and the director of the Veterans Service Agency in Orleans County.
Andre said the Council will continue to raise funds to replace one of the vans. He said it will take at least $15,000 to get a low-mileage vehicle.
GREECE – A Holley man was killed in a motorcycle accident on Friday morning on Ridge Road in the Town of Greece.
Zachary Pogel, 22, was headed west on Ridge Road when he drove into a Cook Iron box truck that was attempting to turn left into a parking lot, Greece Police said.
Pogel died on impact. He was a 2011 graduate of Medina High School, and played on the Medina baseball team. He also played on several local softball teams.
Pogel worked as a salesman for Fuccillo Hyundai in Greece and was attending Finger Lakes Community College. He and his wife Allysia VanderVen were raising two daughters.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 June 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Lori Passarell, mother of Holley senior Nick Passarell, grieves after seeing her son on a stretcher today during a simulation at Holley Central School. Passarell is comforted by Deputy Jeff Cole.
County Coroner Scott Schmidt and David Mitchell, left, from Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes took Nick Passarell to a hearse owned by the funeral home.
Holley area firefighters and law enforcement put organized the simulation on the day of Holley’s prom, which is tonight at Deerfield Country Club in Brockport. Students were urged to not drink and drive, and to make smart choices behind the wheel, avoiding texting, drinking, drugs or drowsiness.
DK Autobody in Albion donated these two banged-up vehicles that were set by each other to simulate an accident.
Five Holley students wore makeup to simulate blood and injuries from the accident. One Holley student was also “arrested” for driving drunk and led away in a police car.
Firefighters used extrication equipment to free student Delilah Grathouse from the wreck. She is pictured at left on the stretcher. This is the first time in 10 years Holley area firefighters and police worked with the school district to do the DWI simulation.
Delilah Grathouse is led by stretcher to a Mercy Flight helicopter on the school campus.
A sign by the main driveway to the school urges students to be safe and responsible, especially during a season of prom and many graduation parties.
Nick Passarell is under the wreckage in this vehicle. He would be pronounced dead in front of his classmates by a coroner. Firefighters from Holley, Clarendon and Fancher-Hulberton-Murray were part of the simulation.
Although it was role playing, Nick’s mother Lori Passarell was overcome seeing her son bloodied in the wreckage.
Roland Nenni, Holley police chief, urges students to avoid drugs and alcohol. However, if they make that bad decision, he told the students to call a parent or friend if they ever need a ride.
Mercy Flight takes off from Holley Central School.
Nick Passarell hugs his mother Lori. Nick said he hopes today’s simulation sent a strong message to his classmates and community to be safe while driving.
Lyndonville is planning a similar DWI simulation on June 8 and Albion will have one on June 10.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 June 2016 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – Randy Piedmonte was out with a cultivator this morning at the family’s garlic farm at the corner of North Main Street Road and Lynch Road.
Piedmonte is working an organic field of garlic. He said weeds have been a problem, and required lots of manual labor in the past. But this year he tried something new, outfitting the tractor with a cultivator that eliminates weeds, reducing labor costs.
The Piedmonte field is next to the Holley Junior-Senior Central School.
Randy works the farm with his father David, who started growing garlic about 40 years ago. Randy said last year was difficult due to an abundance of rain. This year is off to a better start, although the recent rain has weeds growing strong.
Piedmonte said growing a niche crop like garlic is a way for a smaller farm to stay viable as bigger farms acquire more land.
“It’s a way of life,” Piedmonte said. “I love it.”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 2 June 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Holley will be the site of a number of special events this Saturday, even though the annual June Fest, which typically occurs the first Saturday in June, has been postponed until next year while it is re-organized. This photo shows the Salisbury Fountain and some of the buildings in Public Square.
HOLLEY – Despite the fact there will be no June Fest celebration in the Village of Holley this weekend, many activities and events are still planned for Saturday, and community leaders are welcoming all to come and, “enjoy a day in the Village of Holley.”
The annual Village Wide Yard Sale is planned all day at the Community Center and throughout the village.
Additionally, the Murray-Holley Historical Society has a bake sale planned at the Depot beginning at 9 a.m. until gone. The Holley Community Library will hold a book sale from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and the Holley Garden Club will be holding their plant sale at the Presbyterian Church from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Garden Club members recently worked to beautify the Public Square for the summer season with plantings and containers of annual flowers. The flowers are purchased by the village and Garden Club members plant and maintain them throughout the growing season.
The Annual Village Wide Yard Sale will be held this Saturday in Holley. A number of other events will also be occurring.
St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church is holding a chicken barbecue and basket raffle from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The baskets will be raffled off at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Additionally, St. Mary’s is holding its first-ever reunion for anyone who ever attended or worked at St. Mary’s School on Sunday, June 5. If the school was still open, it would celebrate it’s 65th anniversary this year and the parish is holding the reunion as part of the celebration of St. Mary’s parish’s 150th anniversary.
A 2 p.m. Mass is planned on Sunday with a reception to follow at 3:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be provided and those attending will be able to get “re-acquainted” with old friends.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 30 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Jacob Crandall salutes while his father, John, raises the flag for the very first time at the newly dedicated Hillside Cemetery Memorial during Memorial Day ceremonies Monday morning. Jacob worked on flag pole and display for his Eagle Scout project.
HOLLEY – The Memorial Day observance was especially meaningful this morning in Holley and Clarendon, as the new Hillside Cemetery Memorial was dedicated. Eagle Scout candidate Jacob Crandall – Boy Scout Troop 59 – worked on the memorial to honor the brave men and women of the U.S. Military who are buried at Hillside.
The memorial consists of an impressive 30-foot spun aluminum flag pole with a pentagon-shaped concrete base inlayed with five granite stones bearing the insignia of each branch of the US military.
Jacob said he is happy with the results of his efforts. “It’s nice to see it finally done,” he said.
The base of the memorial features a concrete pentagon-shaped base inlayed with five granite stones representing each branch of the US military.
Clarendon Town Historian Melissa Ierlan said she and Jacob’s father, John Crandall (a veteran of Desert Storm and Afghanistan), had been talking about a memorial for years. John Crandall explained that the black posts and chain surrounding the flagpole signify that it is, “a place to mourn and pay respect … to remember those who have served.”
The new flagpole replaces one put in place 46 years ago by the family of Paul Mandracchia, who was killed in action in Vietnam. The original flagpole was put up in Paul’s memory as well as the memory of other residents who died serving their country.
The U.S. flag lowered from the former flagpole for the last time this morning was presented to Sara Mandracchia, Paul’s niece.
She said she was honored to receive the flag and called the new memorial, “beautiful…. it is a nice tribute.”
The U.S. Flag lowered from the former flag pole is presented by the American Legion Jewell Buckman Post #529 in Holley to Sara Mandracchia.
Before the service at Hillside Cemetery, local veterans, municipal leaders, and law enforcement officials, including Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower, took part in the annual Memorial Day observance in the Village of Holley. Sheriff Bower said the day is a time to, “Remember the fallen… and to honor their service and sacrifice. We thank them.”
Members of the Jewell Buckman Post #529 American Legion Auxiliary place a wreath at the War Memorial Monument in Holley during ceremonies Monday morning.
A member of the Holley Memorial Day observance Honor Guard holds the U.S. Flag during ceremonies outside the Jewell Buckman American Legion Post.
Alex Tschetter, wearing patriotic hat, showed his true colors Monday morning while waiting for Memorial Day ceremonies at VFW Post 202 in Holley. He is joined by his brother, J.T.
Honor Guard members fire a salute during ceremonies at VFW Post 202 in Holley in observance of Memorial Day Monday morning …
During Memorial Day ceremonies at Hillside Cemetery, Hank Wagner, WWII Combat Veteran; his son Jerry Wagner, Vietnam War Combat Veteran; and grandson J.J. Wagner, Afghanistan Combat Veteran, laid the wreath for American Legion Jewell Buckman Post #529 in Holley.
Flags are lowered by Boy Scouts for the last time at the former flag pole in Hillside Cemetery in Clarendon.
Members of Boy Scout Troops #59 prepare for the dedication of the new Hillside Cemetery Memorial Monday morning.
A display of newspaper clippings and other military artifacts was set up in the Hillside Cemetery Chapel Monday morning. Those attending Memorial Day observances were welcome to visit.
Fr. Mark Noonan, pastor of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Holley, leads prayers during ceremonies in observance of Memorial Day Monday morning at Holy Cross Cemetery in Clarendon.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 25 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Residents enjoyed the opportunity to meet the Chancellor candidates outside the Holley Elementary School Tuesday evening.
HOLLEY – Things are really beginning to heat up in the dog-eat-dog-eat-goat-eat-hedgehog race for “Chancellor of the Chapel.”
The four, four-legged candidates for the honorary title participated in a meet the candidates night Tuesday evening outside the Holley Elementary School.
Samson the dog, Scarlett the hedgehog, Gamma the dog, and M&M the goat, are all vying for the title.
Scarlett the Hedgehog, managed by Corrinda Shepherd, demonstrates “curling up in a ball” for voters. It’s a neat trick that she also does while floating on water. Scarlett is a loving mother who can be trusted as a caring confidant. Her diminutive size belies her fighting spirit.
The unconventional “tongue-in-cheek” election is a fundraiser being held by members of the Holley Elementary Student Council to benefit the restoration of the Medina sandstone chapel in the historic Hillside Cemetery in Clarendon. Voters can purchase as many ballots as they want to “buy” their candidate into office.
“We want students to do something outside school walls,” Elementary Principal Karri Schiavone said. “We want students to know there is a bigger world than the elementary school. This was perfect.”
M&M the Goat was curious to learn about potential political supporters. Campaign manager Fran Gaylord confessed he never envisioned himself managing an election campaign for a goat, but noted M&M would do a stellar job of “keeping the grass down” around the Chapel, if elected.
Student Council members last year raised funds to help replace the roof on the Holley Community Free Library.
Schiavone also divulged the candidate who is likely to garner her support.
“I’m partial to M&M (the goat),” Schiavone said. “Although I’m very impressed by Scarlett’s pearls. She came dressed to win.”
Scarlett the hedgehog sported a natty pearl necklace early in the evening. Other candidates offered stickers and bags of candy to voters. M&M the goat even brought along two very cute companions – baby Nigerian dwarf goats.
Samson the dog – a 200 pound English Mastiff to be exact – reveled in the lovin’ attention received from voters. His campaign manager, Craig Lane, said “no one will get in the Chapel” if Samson is Chancellor. He said his team’s strategy is, “to beat Gamma.” Rumors Tuesday evening had it that Gamma campaign manager Sandy Heise had been heard to admit, “Samson is a cute dog after all.”
Student Council advisor Sally Martin said money raised by the students will be used to fix the stained glass window at the chapel.
A political “parade” is planned at the school next week, with students walking through the halls in support of candidates. There will also be an opportunity for students to cast their own vote.
“We had our school budget vote last week, ” Martin said, when parents came to vote. “I told the students this time, you can vote.”
Candidate Gamma the Dog is managed by Sandy Heise. His campaign staff noted he is a Catahoula Hound – the State dog of Louisiana. They additionally accused the M&M camp of playing dirty by bringing cute baby goats to lure voters. Gamma’s campaign staff is warning other candidates to, “watch out for the goat.” Gamma, however, has his own amazing “cuteness factor” on his side.
The results of the race will be announced on Flag Day, June 14, when the new Chancellor will take office. Votes are $1 each and are unlimited.
Polling places include the Clarendon Town Hall, Holley Village Office, Community Free Library, and the offices of Dr. Dan Schiavone and Dr. Krista Wiley in Holley.
Residents enjoyed the opportunity to meet the Chancellor candidates outside the Holley Elementary School Tuesday evening. All candidates and voters who attended the event Tuesday evening were well-behaved.
The two-legged campaign managers, however, sometimes had difficulty containing zeal for their candidates.
Samson the Dog shared sweet treat favors with supporters.
The M&M campaign team brought along two incredibly cute baby Nigerian Dwarf goats as part of their entourage. The bold move raised the ire of the Gamma camp, in particular. M&M campaign manager Fran Gaylord downplayed any unfair effort on his candidate’s part to garner more votes. The babies had to be brought along as the are still in need of being bottle-fed, Gaylord explained.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Nick Pifer, ‘greatest kid in the world,’ wears the badge for a day
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Nick Pifer, a Holley student, is congratulated after being sworn in this morning as a honorary police officer in the Gates Police Department. Nick is pictured with Police Chief James VanBrederode (in white) with Officer Shawn O’Mara and Mark Assini, Gates town supervisor.
Nick, 18, was named the honorary officer this morning during a surprise announcement as part of the school assembly. Nick will spend the day in ride-a-longs with O’Mara, who also works part-time in security at Holley Central School.
Nick Pifer is called up to the stage during an assembly this morning. Nick has Down Syndrome. He graduated from Holley last year but has continued at Holley in a post-graduate program.
Pifer is very popular at the school. His classmates picked him as prom king last year.
“He always puts a smile on everyone’s face,” said Tyler Singer, a junior at the school. “He comes in everyday happy and joyful. He is a bundle of joy all the time.”
Nick takes the oath of office to serve the Town of Gates as police officer today. Nick enjoys watching TV shows with police officers. He also has known the Holley police officers for many years. His father, Bill Pifer, works for the Department of Public Works in the village.
“He has always been close to the police officers,” Mr. Pifer said.
He praised Officer O’Mara for working out the honorary police role today for Nick. Mr. Pifer said the community, especially at the school district, have shown Nick lots of love over the years.
“The entire school and students have been phenomenal with Nick over the years,” Pifer said.
He isn’t surprised his son is so well-liked. Nick received a standing ovation from the students after being sworn in as honorary police officer.
“He is the greatest kid in the world,” his father said. “He is so warm and loving.”
A contingent of law enforcement officials, many of them Holley graduates, were part of the celebration today for Nick Pifer. This photo shows, from left: Orleans County Sheriff Randy Bower, Gates PD Lt. John Ballard, Gates police officer Ed Bower, Orleans County Deputy James DeFilipps, Chief Deputy Michael Mele and Holley police officer Miguel Bermudez.
Nick Pifer heads to the Gates police car to join officer Shawn O’Mara for a ride-along today. O’Mara of Holley said Nick is interested in police work and asks security officers at Holley many questions.
“He always has a smile,” O’Mara said. “If you’re having a bad day, he will cheer you up.”
Nick Pifer waves to a gauntlet of reporters and Holley school staff as he heads out to spend the day with Shawn O’Mara, a Gates police officer.
“Officer Nick make us proud,” one teacher called out to Nick.
