By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 April 2026 at 8:58 am
Aurora’s Sweet Dream shares message of working through obstacles
Photo by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Debbie Patt of Clarendon holds a copy of her first children’s book, Aurora’s Sweet Dream. The book is targeted to children ages 3 to 8 and shows three friends – Aurora, a dog; Greenie, a parakeet; and Frankie, a kitten. They work through challenges in the kitchen to finally make a batch of Super Duper Fudgy Brownies.
Patt had a book release for Aurora’s Sweet Dream last Saturday at the Community Free Library. Patt is a baker and operated Clarendon Cheesecakes for many years.
The book features her own pets. She staged them in photos and then used assisted AI for the illustrations in the 78-page book.
She brought her dog, Aurora, to Saturday’s book signing. Aurura is a miniature pincher-chihuahua mix.
In the book, Aurora wants to be a baker, but she has many mishaps in the kitchen. Her mixer breaks. She forgets the chocolate chips. But she perseveres.
“If you work hard, you will succeed,” Patt said about the message of the book.
Aurora’s Sweet Dream is available through Amazon and at the Lift Bridge Book Shop in Brockport. Patt expects to be at local festivals selling and promoting the book. A soft cover is $15 and the hard cover sells for $20.
Patt said she is working on other children’s books inspired by her pets.
Patt also is a finalist for “Entrepreneur of Impact” and could win $25,000 and be featured in Entrepreneur Magazine. Click here for more information.
Provided photo: Debbie Patt signs copies of her book during an event last Saturday at the Community Free Library in Holley.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2026 at 10:45 pm
This rendering shows a redesign of the canopy at the front entrance of the middle-high school for Holley. It’s one of the projects approved by voters today for major construction work at the school district.
HOLLEY – District voters today approved a proposed $22.9 million capital project. It passed with 207 yes votes to 60 opposed.
“Thank you to our families, community and staff for your support of this project, which will improve the quality of education for all of our students!” the district posed on its Facebook page.
State aid will cover the vast majority of the costs. Holley already has $4 million set aside for the local share of the project.
The proposed project focuses on four areas: program spaces – athletics & performing arts; safety, security and technology; infrastructure improvements for comfort, reliability and function; and site & transportation improvements.
The district provided this breakdown of the project:
Program Spaces: Athletics & Performing Arts
Providing A/C to Elementary School gymnasium
Refinishing gym floors at both ES and MS/HS
Rock wall improvements at the Elementary School
Replacing the auditorium stage rigging and curtains, and providing acoustic upgrades at the High School
Library upgrades at the Elementary School including a new circulation desk
Safety, Security and Technology
Camera system upgrades and replacements district-wide
Replacing fiber lines for data systems between the campus buildings
Audio/Visual upgrades at ES gymnasiums to improve educational experiences
Replacement of the canopy at the MS/HS for improved sightlines, lighting and security for visitors
Infrastructure Improvements for Comfort, Reliability and Function
Replacement of windows and masonry restoration at both the ES and MS/HS
Renovations to restrooms at both academic buildings to improve plumbing and infrastructure and also improve ADA access for all building occupants and visitors
Replacement of water softening system at the MS/HS
Providing A/C at data closets at both academic buildings
Site & Transportation Improvements
Repaving the parking lots around the bus garage
Utility and sitework improvements at the athletic fields to allow for a toilet facility to be installed
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 March 2026 at 5:20 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Holley students and community volunteers expanded their community cleanup last year on May 17 to include working on the landscaping by the tank at the Holley VFW post. The group reset memorial bricks, put down mulch and yanked out a lot of weeds.
Volunteers are welcome for Canal Clean Sweep events in Orleans County and other canal communities in the state.
The events are planned in alignment with the Parks & Trails New York annual state-wide Earth Day Canal Clean Sweep. Most of the events are April 17 to 19, but not all are in that time frame.
Holley has one of the biggest clean sweep efforts, with more than 100 students in the EarlyAct and Interact Clubs taking the lead in picking up trash along the canal and also on village streets and parks.
Holley calls it a “Day of Impact” and it will be from 10 a.m. to noon on May 17. This year’s clean sweep is in honor of Eric Fredendall, a Holley grad and U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran who passed away at age 46 on Feb. 17 after a battle with cancer.
The “Day of Impact” begins at the elementary school parking lot at 10 a.m. before the volunteers disperse into the community.
Adam Burgio, an Albion student, picks up litter and trash near the railroad tracks by Platt Street on April 19, 2025 during a Canal Clean Sweep event. The Albion Rotary Club and Interact Club at the school filled 19 garbage bags with a total weight of 307 pounds.
Other clean sweep events registered on the Park and Trails website in Orleans County include:
Albion – April 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at Tinsel (Lockstone) and participants will receive free ice cream, gloves and trash bags.
Holley – April 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers will meet in the pavilion at the Canal Park Trail in Holley and will be provided with light breakfast refreshments before cleaning begins. This event is coordinated by the Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District & Orleans County Tourism.
Medina – April 25 from 9 a.m. to noon (with rain date on May 2). The Medina Lions Club welcomes people on the park on the east side of the canal near the lift bridge on the north side of the Medina village. Participants will clean up the trash and mulch the trees, bushes, sculptures and ground signs.
Medina – April 17 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The Medina Junior Senior High School Student IMPACT Club will be picking up litter along the canal, beginning near Ryan Street.
There is time for other groups to register for cleanup events along the canal, too. Click here for more information.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 March 2026 at 3:00 pm
Boat is replica of famed Erie Canal vessel that carried Gov. DeWitt Clinton in 1825
Photo by Tom Rivers: Holley Mayor Mark Bower last week holds a promotional material highlighting the Seneca Chief’s stay in Holley on June 24. The vessel made a much-publicized voyage across the Erie Canal last year in commemoration of the canal’s 200th anniversary. It heads back across the canal from near Albany to Buffalo in June, staying at 16 ports.
HOLLEY – Mark Bower is excited about June 24 in the Village of Holley. The mayor will be welcoming the Seneca Chief that day.
The boat is a replica of the vessel that carried Gov. DeWitt Clinton in 1825 in the maiden voyage that went from one end of the canal to the other.
The replica did a commemorative journey of that voyage last year to help celebrate the bicentennial of the Ere Canal. Last year the Seneca Chief docked in Medina to end the second day of its trip, and the following day went through Orleans County and then stopped in Brockport.
This time, on the journey back to Buffalo, the Seneca Chief will be staying in Holley on June 24 and will offer guided tours of the boat. The following day it will port in Medina.
The Seneca Chief was built by volunteers of the Buffalo Maritime Center. The replica stopped in Medina’s Canal Basin during its “sea trial” in 2024 and again during the 33-day journey to New York City in 2025.
The Seneca Chief is shown on Sept. 26, 2025 during a brief stop in Albion where the public had a chance to tour the boat.
The 73-foot boat features a tiller made from wood pulled from Lockport’s “Flight of Five” locks. The vessel shared historical re-enactments, including the “Wedding of the Waters” ceremony, to canal-side communities in 2025.
The Seneca Chief will be heading back to Buffalo this year. The vessel’s journey this time will be over 22 days, instead of last year’s 33-day effort.
The schedule includes:
June 6: Waterford
June 6: Schenectady
June 7-8: Amsterdam
June 9-10: Little Falls
June 11-12: Rome
June 13: Sylvan Beach
June 14: Brewerton
June 15-16: Syracuse
June 17: Baldwinsville
June 18-19: Lyons
June 20-21: Fairport
June 22-23: Rochester
June 24: Holley
June 25: Medina
June 26: Tonawandas
June 27: Buffalo
Click here for more on the “Back to Buffalo” voyage for the Seneca Chief.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 March 2026 at 1:06 pm
School officials will present public information session today at 5:30 p.m. in middle/high school cafeteria.
This rendering shows a redesign of the canopy at the front entrance of the middle-high school for Holley.
HOLLEY – The district will present a $22.9 million capital project to voters on March 24. Polls will be open from 12 to 9 p.m. in the middle/high school foyer.
Holley school officials will have a public information session about the project today at 5:30 p.m. in the middle/high school cafeteria.
Holley already has $4 million set aside towards the project and won’t need to raise additional local taxes for the project. The state’s building aid ratio for Holley is 91 percent, the district said.
The proposed project focuses on four areas: program spaces – athletics & performing arts; safety, security and technology; infrastructure improvements for comfort, reliability and function; and site & transportation improvements.
In a letter to the community, district superintendent Karri Schiavone and Board of Education president Trina Lorentz said the Holley community offered continued support of the district and its campus improvements. Holley recently completed a capital project that was approved in 2022.
“Building on those improvements, and in keeping with the district’s responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer resources, Holley is now proposing a new Capital Improvement Project to address additional facility needs,” Schiavone and Lorentz said. “By planning projects thoughtfully and proactively, the district can extend the life of its buildings, avoid more costly emergency repairs, and make efficient use of available funding. The proposed project would be fully funded by utilizing New York State building aid and existing district funds. Therefore, there will be no tax impact on our residents.”
The auditorium stage also would be significantly updated for first time since the school opened about 50 years ago.
The district provided this breakdown of the project:
Program Spaces: Athletics & Performing Arts
Providing A/C to Elementary School gymnasium
Refinishing gym floors at both ES and MS/HS
Rock wall improvements at the Elementary School
Replacing the auditorium stage rigging and curtains, and providing acoustic upgrades at the High School
Library upgrades at the Elementary School including a new circulation desk
Safety, Security and Technology
Camera system upgrades and replacements district-wide
Replacing fiber lines for data systems between the campus buildings
Audio/Visual upgrades at ES gymnasiums to improve educational experiences
Replacement of the canopy at the MS/HS for improved sightlines, lighting and security for visitors
Infrastructure Improvements for Comfort, Reliability and Function
Replacement of windows and masonry restoration at both the ES and MS/HS
Renovations to restrooms at both academic buildings to improve plumbing and infrastructure and also improve ADA access for all building occupants and visitors
Replacement of water softening system at the MS/HS
Providing A/C at data closets at both academic buildings
Site & Transportation Improvements
Repaving the parking lots around the bus garage
Utility and sitework improvements at the athletic fields to allow for a toilet facility to be installed
Providing a new scoreboard for the softball field
For more information on the proposed project, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2026 at 8:46 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Two very different characters – Shrek played by Aidan Kelley and Donkey played by Kallan Babcock – travel together to save a princess who is in a tower in a castle. They work together to get past a dragon to save her.
Shrek is a loner who is most at peace being alone in his swamp. He encounters Donkey and other banished fairytale characters who are sent to the swamp by Lord Farquaad. Donkey brings non-stop chatter and antics that get on Shrek’s nerves.
Holley performed Shrek on Friday night and has two more shows today at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Holley Junior-Senior High School.
Kohle Pachla plays the pint-sized Lord Farquaad, shown with the Duloc Dancers. They perform “What’s Up Duloc?” Lord Farquaad makes a deal with Shrek to save the princess and then he will get his swamp back.
Fiona played by Isla Schultz has been locked away in the castle for 8,423 days or about 23 years. She sings, “I Know It’s Today” when her prince will come and rescue her.
These fairytale creatures are banished to the swamp by evil Lord Farquaad, who calls them freaks. The 3 Lil Pigs are played by Zoey Warner, Brianna Pellegrino and Grayson Kelley. Leo Ladd is the Big Bad Wolf.
Nico Unterborn plays the role of Pinocchio, whose nose stretches out when he tells a fib.
Donkey (Kallan Babcock) strikes a connection with the Dragon, which previously singed most of the princess’s rescuers. Others were held in captivity. Donkey and the Dragon sing, “Forever.” The Dragon is played by Lillian Haight, Nora Lindsay and Alexis VanAmeron.
Lord Farquaad (Kohle Pachla) is torturing Gingy (Layla Jones) into revealing the whereabouts of other fairytale creatures that are still hiding in his Kingdom so he can have them arrested as well.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 March 2026 at 10:52 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: Mike Vendetti tells the Holley Village Board on Tuesday that a spike in electric bills plus high village taxes is hard on everybody in the village, including landlords who can’t easily pass on the bigger costs to tenants.
HOLLEY – Cheap electricity has long been one of the big pluses of the Village of Holley, which has its own department offering municipal electricity.
But those bills have skyrocketed since last month and many residents have expressed their concern to the Village Board and village office.
“No doubt, each one of us who opened our recent bill, got quite the shock,” Mayor Mark Bower said in a message to village residents last month. “To say that the office has received calls from angry, upset, confused electric customers is an understatement.”
He expects the rates will be high until the winter weather eases, with higher bills expected in March and April.
Bower said Holley gets additional electricity during intense usage from three sources – New York Power Authority, New York Municipal Power Authority and National Grid, and that comes at higher costs than the municipal rates.
During times of high electric usage, such as the recent bitter cold temperatures, the purchase power agreement rates have soared, and not only in Holley. Bower said his February bill was nearly $500 with $311.55 due to the purchase power agreement charges.
One local landlord, Mike Vendetti, attended Tuesday’s Village Board to share his concerns about the rising costs of living in Holley. In addition to the big jump in electric bills, Holley village taxes increased 10 percent in the 2025-26 budget.
Vendetti said the landlords can’t simply pass the higher costs on to tenants.
“We can’t just raise rents or we’re going to chase people right ut of this village,” he said.
The tax levy went from $1,078,527 in 2024-25 to $1,186,380 in the current budget, a $107,853 increase. The village’s tax rate is currently $19.54 per $1,000 of assessed property.
The Village Board needs to adopt a new budget for 2026-27 by April 30.
Bower said he is sympathetic to the higher costs on village taxpayers and residents.
“I hear your message,” he said to Vendetti.
Bower said the village has been able to secure grants for a new playground, and also for upgrades to a pavilion and the canal trail without burdening local taxpayers.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Jax Richards-Dyson of Holley, a member of the senior high all-county band, raises a cymbal after he was announced on Saturday as the winner of Scholar Artist Award among senior music students in Orleans County.
Press Release, Orleans County Music Educators’ Association
MEDINA – Jax Richards-Dyson, a senior from Holley, was the recipient of the Scholar Artist Award at last Saturday’s All-County Music Festival in Medina.
The Orleans County Music Educators’ Association (OCMEA) wanted to recognize and celebrate their graduating music students who demonstrate commitment and leadership in their respective music programs, while also prioritizing academics and maintaining good grades.
County music teachers were asked to nominate students who met the following criteria: maintain a GPA of 90.0 or above, actively participate in their school’s music department, and demonstrate leadership in their school district and/ or community. Jax, who was nominated by Mr. Zach Busch (Holley junior-senior high band director), was selected by the OCMEA executive board.
Jax has a GPA of 97 and is a leader in his music department. He plays percussion in the HS concert band, piano in the jazz band, serves as Holley’s Concert Choir accompanist, and marches on the drumline of the Holley-Kendall Marching Band.
Jax has also been a regular in his school’s theater productions, taking on roles both on stage and in the pit. He also plays piano and performs in a variety of groups around the Rochester area. He plans on attending college next year and hopes to major in pre-med.
“Jax has always been a lead by example type of student,” Mr. Busch wrote in his nomination. “He is always a musician I can count on to know his music and positively contribute to any ensemble he is playing in through his preparation. He is also the musician who spends the most time practicing of all the musicians at Holley HS – and it shows in his skill and ability. Jax’s actions in practice set an example for other students who wish to work up to the level of musicianship he has achieved. Jax can often be observed helping younger students with their music during rehearsals for the many groups he performs in.”
Jax was one of four nominees this year. Other nominees included Madison Hults from Kendall, nominated by Miss Chalmers; Gideon Pask from Albion, nominated by Mr. Michki & Mr. Confer; and Emily Miner from Lyndonville, nominated by Mrs. Trupo.
Mrs. Andrea Busch, Co Vice-President of OCMEA, created the award last year and said, “I am so proud of Jax and all of the other students who continuously go above and beyond to make Orleans County an amazing place for music education. All four of this year’s nominees are outstanding young men and women, and I cannot thank them for the positive impact they have made.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2026 at 9:21 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Village of Holley Mayor Mark Bower holds the Orleans County Tourism calendar for 2026 that includes a photo of a deer taken by Robbie Weit.
The mayor presented Robbie with a “Certificate of Achievement” during this evening’s board meeting.
This photo of a deer is the November cover in Orleans County’s 2026 calendar put together by the county tourism department.
Bower said he looked the calendar in December and was pleased to see the local photo of the deer. He was amazed when he learned it was taken by a Holley fourth-grader.
Robbie goes on photo outings with his grandfather, Dave Brooks. They drive the back roads looking for wildlife, landscapes and other interesting scenes.
They were out late in July when they saw the deer. Robbie aimed a Canon with a zoom lens at the deer and got his winning photo, “Doe in Flower Field.”
Robbie about a year ago also was recognized as an honorary member of the Clarendon Fire Company by Fire Chief Bob Freida and Deputy Chief Don Moiser. Robbie has made posters for both Clarendon and Murray fire halls about the Sept.11 attacks that killed 343 New York City firefighters. Robbie dresses as a firefighter at Halloween and looks forward to joining the department when he is older.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 March 2026 at 10:32 am
Clarendon responded to 565 calls, Murray 866
Photos by Tom Rivers: Clarendon Fire Chief Bob Freida and Rose Porter light a candle in memory of her husband, Mark Porter, who passed away at age 54 on April 15, 2025. Porter was a commissioner on the Murray Joint Fire District and was very involved in the previous three decades with the Holley Fire Department and Monroe Ambulance.
BATAVIA – The Clarendon Fire Company and Murray Joint Fire District held a combined annual installation dinner on Saturday at Batavia Downs. Both fire service organizations reported record high call volume in 2025 with Clarendon going to 565 calls and Murray responded to 866.
“Behind every one of those numbers is a person who needed help – and members who answered,” said Bob Freida, the Clarendon fire chief.
Clarendon responded to 248 EMS calls, 127 fire calls, 50 motor vehicle accidents including one with seven patients with five of those in critical condition. Clarendon firefighters also went on 140 service calls with trees and wires down, pump details and lift assists.
Earl Jenks, left, a member of the Clarendon Fire Company Board of Directors and Fire Chief Bob Freida address a crowd of 144 people on Saturday at Batavia Downs.
Clarendon presented the following awards:
Chief’s Award – Karl Biedlingmaier “for his outstanding commitment to our organization and his leadership with training.”
President’s Award – Cory Fultz for his drive to not only better himself with training but to help make the Clarendon Fire Company stronger.
Board of Directors Award – Renee Biedlingmaier for her commitment to the organization.
Years of service awards were presented to the following: Matt Campbell for 30 years; Troy Kingdollar and William Gergly Sr. for 25 years; James DeYoung and Jon R. DeYoung for 20 years.
This is the 70th anniversary of the Clarendon Fire Company. Freida noted how the community formed the fire company in 1956 when “a handful of local farmers and friends who believed their community deserved protection. They pitched together to purchase a used fire truck, not because it was easy but because it was necessary.”
The fire company now has a fire hall with state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained members, Freida said.
Larry Vaughn, retired Brockport fire chief and lieutenant with the Ridge Road Fire Department, served as master of ceremonies. He said the volunteer departments all need more active members. He urged the members to personally invite people to join their organizations.
The Clarendon Fire Company currently has 26 active members. Freida said more members are welcome. Some of the members in January started meeting at the fire hall at 9 a.m. on Sundays for breakfast. Freida said it facilitates the family environment and fellowship at the fire company.
Clarendon firefighters logged 1,421 training hours in 2025, with 530 hours in meetings and 5,504 hours dedicated to calls and work details.
“That’s thousands of hours given freely, away from families, jobs and personal time, all in service to this community,” Freida said.
He highlighted the following:
Cory Fultz completed both the BIFO (basic interior firefighting operations) and IFO (interior firefighter operations) classes and is working on his EMT.
Renee Biedlingmaier earned her EMT certification.
Kyle White completed the BIFO class and is working to complete the IFO.
Mark McGuire and Jamie Steffen were welcomed back as members.
Clarendon Fire Company Line Officers for 2026 include:
Fire Chief: Robert Freida
Deputy Chief: Karl Biedlingmaier
Assistant Chief: Don Moiser
Captain: Jim DeYoung
Lieutenant: Earl Jenks, Bill Gergly, Pat Wallace
Safety Officer: Dan Campbell and Bob Margis
Fire Police Captain: Craig Hadden
EMS Lieutenant: Renee Biedlingmaier and Lorene Biedlingmaier
Freida said Clarendon is grateful for the positive working relationship with the Murray Joint Fire District.
“The teamwork and camaraderie between our two organizations is outstanding,” Freida said. “Whether it’s on scene at a call or working together throughout the year, your partnership makes us stronger and better.”
Murray Fire Chief Rick Cary addresses the crowd for the installation banquet, which Clarendon and Murray held at Batavia Downs for the first time, to try to something different for the annual event.
Murray’s 866 calls in 2025 were up from 124 in 2024, and already are at 142 the first two months of this year.
Murray responded to four working fires, several accidents with people trapped, a fatal drowning in the canal with large law enforcement presence from two counties, 125 mutual aid calls, and many storm-related services calls “from the never-ending falling ash tree saga around the county,” Cary said.
Murray firefighters also lead fire prevention at Holley schools and attend many community events, such at the June Fest, the Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat for Halloween.
Murray’s Line Officers for 2026 include:
Fire Chief: Rick Cary
Deputy Chief: Pete Hendrickson
Assistant Chief: Kevin Dann
Captains: Chris Chilson and Allan Smith
Lieutenants: Chris Middleton Justin McMillon and Matt Edick
Fire Police Captain: John Morriss
Fire Police Lt: Jerry Wagner
Bob Beisang, third from left, receives an award for his efforts with inventory control. He receives congratulations, from left: Chief Cary, Deputy Chief Pete Hendrickson and Assistant Chief Kevin Dann.
Chief Cary announced the following awards:
• Dave Smith for working on all the small-powered equipment, keeping everything running and the blades sharpened.
• Bob Beisang for spending many hours on reports and inventory control. “When I need a task to be completed, he usually steps up and asks how he can help,” Cary said.
• Allan Smith as top responding line officer. “This individual is always just a phone call away,” Cary said. “He manages our training program and oversees fleet maintenance. Although he has only been a member for a couple of years, he has jumped in with both feet and has truly excelled.”
Cary also commended “rock stars” for their efforts with many of the emergency calls in the community. He praised the Holley Police Department, Holley DPW, Murray Highway Department, Orleans County dispatchers and road patrol deputies, and others for their assistance.
Dr. Dan Schiavone and Jenna Amering receives the “Distinguished Service Award.” The duo responds to the night-time calls. Schiavone runs a dental practice in the Public Square and Amering is the practice’s adminsitrator.
Cary said Schiavone and Amering both have been “standout” members. They respond to about 500 calls a year.
Schiavone manages health and safety initiatives, ensuring medical needs are met and follows up with members to keep them on track, Cary said.
Amering is a district commissioner. She also completed the 151-hour training courses for basic exterior firefighter and interior firefighter. She is working on becoming a certified EMT. Schiavone already is an EMT and interior firefighter. The couple said they want to give back to the community that gives back to them at the dental office.
They also said they enjoy the friendships with the Murray Joint Fire District.
Fran Gaylord, right, received a “I can’t pay you but I can feed you” plaque for his many years of offering hospitality at the fire hall in Holley. He is shown with Holley Police Chief Bob Barton and Shannon McMillion, who is a board member for the Holley Fire Company. McMillion said Gaylord makes chili and other food for firefighters.
“He’s such a role model,” McMillion said. “He’s a person who makes our fire department feel like family.”
