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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

“I will,” he said with a big smile.

4 animals – 2 dogs, a hedgehog and a goat – are on the ballot in fundraiser for cemetery chapel

HOLLEY – There is no mudslinging in this campaign. For animals are vying for the title of honorary “Chancellor of the Chapel” at Hillside Cemetery. The “candidates” will be available to meet the public at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Holley Elementary School.

The public can vote for a candidate by spending $1 per vote. The election is a fundraiser for the cemetery. The competition is sponsored by the Holley Elementary Student Council.  Each vote supports the restoration of the historic chapel in Hillside Cemetery.

The race for chancellor started last week and continues until June 10. The winner will be announced on Flag Day, June 14. Updates on the race are available by clicking here.

“Despite a lot of back biting, some braying and occasional grunting, the Honorary Chancellor race is good-natured and offers both the community and friends an opportunity to support the restoration of the chapel,” according to a press release from the Clarendon Historical Society announcing the event. “The candidates have a variety of qualities to offer.”

Samson

Samson is managed and supported by Craig Lane. This dog started life on the streets of Las Vegas. He happily left “Sin City” to reside in peaceful Clarendon with Mr. Lane where he enjoys making new friends and frequently disperses slobbery kisses to most anyone.

Slogans for Samson include “Keep Calm- Vote for Samson!”, “Pawsitivity the Best!” and “It’s not a RUFF choice, vote for Samson!”

Scarlett

Scarlett, the hedgehog, is managed and supported by Corrinda Shepherd. Scarlett is a loving mother who occasionally resides at the Elementary School with her array of four adorable hoglets.  Always patient with the students, she is often sought out as a confidant.

Slogans for Scarlett include “Stop Hedging, vote for Scarlett!” and “Hogs N Kisses, vote for Scarlett!”

Gamma

Gamma is managed and supported by Samantha Zelent along with John and Sandy Heise. This dog narrowly escaped death in Georgia, finding a second chance at happiness in Holley. He is loving, very active and particularly fond of a certain 7-year-old.

Slogans for Gamma include “Doggone it! Vote for Gamma” and “Leave no Dog behind, vote for Gamma!”

M&M

M&M is managed and supported by Fran Gaylord and Karen Clark.  Observant, curious and opinionated, this goat prides herself on always being on top of the situation.

Slogans for M & M include “Whatever floats your goat, vote for M&M!” and “Don’t be a stubborn old goat, vote for M&M!”

With such excellent candidates, it will be a tight race as the voters decide who best will fill the role of Chancellor of the Chapel.  The Elementary Student Council urges everyone to vote early and vote often!

Votes are $1 each and are unlimited. Local polling places include Clarendon’s Town Hall, the Holley Village Office, the Holley Library and the offices of Dr. Schiavone and Dr. Wiley in Holley or by contacting the manager of any candidate.  Alternately, votes may be made online via Paypal at https://www.paypal.me/clarendonhistorical.

MURRAY – Town resident Joe Sidonio continued to ask town board members to come up with a plan for sustainability of the town’s water districts during the board’s regular meeting Tuesday evening.

Sidonio spoke during public comment at the end of the meeting and presented Town Supervisor John Morriss with documents including copies of the petition signed by residents for the establishment of the town’s Water District #10 extension, and the engineer’s report, which Sidonio said states how the water district is to operate – with tax money covering the bond repayment, and operations and maintenance funded by sale of water to users.

“That’s not happening,” he said. “It is unfair to people…. the long term sustainability (of the town’s water districts) is questionable.  It cannot sustain itself on water rates.”

Sidonio also provided a profitability chart which he said shows that even with mark up on water and an over levy, the town is still losing money. His figures show a total operating loss on the sale of water from 2013-2016 of $370,637.

Morriss noted that some of the town’s water districts are “healthier than others,” and pointed to Water District #1 where the possibility of raising the rates will likely need to be considered to cover operating and maintenance costs, he said.

Sidonio told the Orleans Hub that he feels the supervisor is admitting that the town is over taxing residents on the water districts by stating there are significant problems with long term sustainability.

“Over taxing residents on water districts who are not connected is unjust,” Sidonio said. “They are paying for the operations and maintenance for a system they don’t benefit from.”

Morriss said he has been in contact with Rural Development, which provides funding for municipal water districts, and he said officials there said they feel the numbers are not out of line.

“If you guys were out of line, you would not get money,” Morriss said he was told by Rural Development.

Morriss noted Rural Development is continuing its look at Murray water district finances.

“Your points are well-made,” town attorney Jeff Martin told Sidonio and other residents who attended the meeting. “There should be further consideration of concerns you are raising.”

Martin explained there can be a certain amount flux in bond replacement units per district – which sometimes decrease or increase in number over time, depending on factors such as development. He said it can make a significant difference is smaller districts if the loss of one unit occurs.

“If what I’m hearing is correct, we are not charging enough for water,” board member Paul Hendel said.  He suggested checking neighboring municipalities for their water rates.

Morriss said another possibility for increasing revenue might be imposing a rental charge on water meters.

“It’s clearly a long-range issue,” Sidonio told the board. “I would like to see the board address that and be thinking about how to address shortcomings financially.”

In other business, Town Board members heard a continued complaint from a resident regarding parking around the Holley Central School District during special events, which often spills out onto Lynch Road, causing a safety hazard.

The resident questioned liability issues and suggested the town might want to put up no parking signs along the roadway.  Town attorney Jeff Martin said he would bring the issue to the attention of school district officials during the next Board of Education meeting May 17.

Town Clerk Cindy Oliver requested during her report, that the Murray Town Board – possibly in conjunction with the Clarendon Town Board – host a town hall meeting for veterans to make them aware of the many services provided through the Orleans County Veterans Services Agency.

Oliver said the agency director, Earl Schmidt, spoke recently to Orleans County town clerks regarding the services that are available to veterans.

“I was shocked by all they provide,” Oliver said, and noted the town hall meeting would be a way to “get the word out” to local veterans.  “I don’t know if they realize help is available,” she said.

No date has yet been set, but town board members agreed to move ahead with plans.  Council member Paul Hendel enthusiastically supported the idea.  He said he volunteers in the winter driving vans for the agency.

“It’s heart-warming to help those who have given so much,” Hendel said.

Provided photos

CLARENDON – Jacob Crandall is working on a new Veterans’ Memorial at Hillside Cemetery for his Eagle Scout project. This photo shows Jacob’s father, John (left), and Jacob’s uncle Tom Crandall, a mason.

They are pictured with a memorial that includes five granite etched stones (for the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard), and a pentagon-shaped concrete base. The memorial also will include a 25-foot flagpole.

John Crandall is pictured with his sons Jacob (center) and Jeremy. The memorial will be dedicated on Memorial Day, May 30, after the Memorial Day parade through Holley to the Hillside Cemetery.

The cemetery’s chapel will be open that day for tours from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Many military items will be on display at the chapel.

Photos by Kristina Gabalski – The Holley Central High School Concert Choir performs during a breakfast for senior citizens on Thursday.

HOLLEY – More than 100 senior citizens enjoyed breakfast and music with students at the Holley Elementary School on Thursday morning.

District Superintendent Robert D’Angelo said this is the 11th annual Senior Citizen Breakfast and it is one of his favorite events of the year.

“We started it to honor the individuals who do so much for our district,” D’Angelo said. “It warms my heart to do this.”

He noted the event is also an opportunity to provide community members with good information – the school nursing staff was on hand to provide free blood pressure checks, and the Orleans County Office for the Aging also attended.

Holley High School students present long-stem red roses to those attending the annual Senior Citizen Breakfast.

The annual Senior Citizen Breakfast drew a large crowd on Thursday morning.

D’Angelo invited those attending to stroll through the gardens, which are just coming into bloom on campus, visit the Family Fitness Center and, “feel free to enjoy the building, this building belongs to you.”

A breakfast buffet was served and Holley High School students and members of the Student Council assisted with the event. They poured coffee and made sure anyone needing extra help received it.

Holley Central Food Service Director Vicki Scroger worked to coordinate the menu, table settings – which included centerpieces of fresh flowers, and place settings with place mats featuring colorful student drawings.

This is one of many colorful place mats made for the breakfast by Holley Elementary students.

The Kindergarten Class at Holley gave an enthusiastic and energetic performance for senior citizens.

Members of the High School Concert Choir, the 5th and 6th Grade Elementary Chorus and the Kindergarten class performed musical selections.

Clarendon Town Supervisor Richard Moy said he attends the event every year and enjoys the opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors.

“It’s great,” he said. “There’s a lot of people from Clarendon. You get to see a lot of people you haven’t seen at other times of the year.”

D’Angelo agreed, telling those in attendance that, “as a community, it is important that we get together. We look forward to seeing you next year.”

Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Holley School Board of Education candidates, Christine Klafehn, Brenda Swanger and John Heise (left to right) take questions from the audience during a Meet the Candidates forum prior to the district’s annual meeting Tuesday evening at the Holley Elementary School.

HOLLEY – The proposed Holley Central School budget for 2016-17 includes a 1.99 percent increase in the tax levy, which school officials say falls below the tax levy cap of 2.219 percent.

Members of the Holley School Board of Education held their annual meeting Tuesday evening, which included a presentation on the proposed budget by Assistant Superintendent for Business Sharon Zacher.

Zacher said the $24.4 million proposed 2016/2017 budget is 4.73 percent higher than the current year budget. The nearly 5 percent budget-to-budget increase is due to the district’s share of the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Capital Project, she said.

“We pay our portion as an expense item,” Zacher said, and explained this is the first of a three-year contribution. A portion of the expense will be aided on the revenue side of the budget, she noted. Without the BOCES Capital Project, the budget-to-budget increase is 2.32 percent.

The 1.99 percent increase in the tax levy brings the average tax rate to approximately $22.81 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The proposed budget maintains current staffing and programs, District Superintendent Robert D’Angelo said.

The garden in the open courtyard area has flowers in bloom at the Holley Elementary School.

Zacher said on the appropriations side, health insurance costs have increased 6 to 7 percent over the current year.

On the revenue side, the district will receive $15.87 million in state aid. The district will collect $6.86 million with the tax levy.

Zacher noted the ending of the Gap Elimination Adjustment in the state budget will mean a restoration of $284,309 for the district. Foundation Aid increased 1.48 percent to $141,880.

The proposed budget uses $1.3 million of appropriated fund balance, Zacher said.

Voters will see three propositions on the ballot May 17.

Proposition 1 is the $24.4 million annual district budget; Proposition 2 regards authorizing the purchase of schools buses – two full-sized and two 30-passenger school buses not to exceed $339,000; Proposition 3 is the budget for the Community Free Library in Holley of $116,061.

Additionally, three candidates are running for two 3-year term seats on the School Board. John Heise and Brenda Swanger are running for re-election, and Christine Klafehn is also running for an open seat.

Before the annual meeting Tuesday evening, a meet the candidates forum was held. All three candidates discussed their desire to run for the School Board and also answered questions.

Both Heise and Swanger, who currently serves as School Board President, said they would like to continue serving the district. They have both been board members for 12 years.

“I’m proud of our district,” Swanger said.

Heise noted the district is seeing positive results of its programs with higher test scores. He currently serves as the Holley representative on the BOCES 2 Board of Education.

Christine Klafehn is a retired special education teacher and a former member of the Kendall Central School Board of Education, serving part of that time as president. She is also a former Kendall Recreation and Hamlin Recreation soccer coach. She noted her experience in Kendall would be helpful as the two districts plan to look into ways to work together.

“I know the district (Kendall) quite well,” she said.

Klafehn said she has been very happy with the education her children have received in the Holley Central School District. “I’m excited to put my name in the hat,” she said of her candidacy.

Voting will take place May 17 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the foyer of the Holley Middle School/High School.

Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Those attending the Raise a Glass for Reading fundraiser Friday evening at the Community Free Library in Holley enjoyed sampling local wines and sweet and savory finger foods.

Adam and Aimee Mesiti of Five Sons Winery and RG Brewery in Brockport attended the Raise a Glass event for the first time.

Rows of wine glasses await attendees at the Raise a Glass for Reading fundraising event at the Community Free Library in Holley.

HOLLEY – The Community Free Library in Holley was a popular destination Friday evening as the fifth annual “Raise a Glass for Reading” was held from 7-9 p.m.

The event raises funds to support the library’s Summer Reading Program and features wine and beer tastings from local wineries and breweries, a farmer’s market and products from local entrepreneurs.

“Some people were here ten minutes early,” Library Director Sandra Shaw said. “All are happy.” She said the event gets people together, and for some groups of friends, the annual event has become a “ladies night out.”

The theme for the upcoming Summer Reading Program is, “On your mark, get set….read,” and focuses on the Summer Olympics, fitness and nutrition.

Shaw said the Raise a Glass event has raised $1,500 a year for the program. “That’s great for a small community,” she said.

Wineries, farms and businesses featured change a bit from year to year, she explained, so that a larger number of vendors can take part.

“Orleans County has got wonderful farms,” she observed.

Library Board President Barb Kerns said vendors appreciate taking part as much as patrons enjoy the tasting. “We got notes from the Niagara Wine Trail thanking us for featuring them,” she said of last year’s tasting.

Even New York State has also expressed its gratitude after the library submits its paperwork for holding the farmer’s market. Kerns says they appreciate that the library provides an opportunity to showcase local agricultural products.

This year’s wine vendors included A Gust of Sun Winery and Vineyard in Spencerport and Five Sons Winery and RG Brewery in Brockport, with returning favorites Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina and Schulze Vineyard and Winery in Burt. The Farmers’ Market featured maple products from Nice Family Farms in Albion and jellies, jams, annual bedding plants and vegetable plants, and crafts from Brightly’s Farm Market in Hamlin.

Jenn Fraiser of Brightly’s said the business opened last August. “We’re glad to be here,” she said of the Raise a Glass event.

Also featured Friday evening were entrepreneurs, Mrs. C’s Apothecary with lotions and herbal products, and Sue Johnson’s Susi’s Hot Sauce.

Live music – jazz, classical and Broadway – was provided by Sean and Wendy Williams of Sound Foundations.

A festive banner welcoming attendees to the 5th Annual Raise a Glass event at the Community Free Library in Holley.