Photos courtesy of Holley Central School – Kyle Ierlan, right, nails a truss to the shed while teacher Tim Rogers supervises.
Press Release, Holley Central School
HOLLEY – Since the first week in April, Tim Rogers’ Technology classes at Holley Middle School/High School have been busy building two storage sheds and two dugouts.
The storage sheds are for a Holley staff member and a member of the community. The dugouts are for the Holley modified soccer field. They hope to distribute the finished products in June.
Connor McGrath, left, and Ricci Shenck work on building a truss for the dugout.
The 16′ by 6′ dugouts were requested by the Sports Boosters, which paid for the materials while the Technology students provided the labor.
The 10′ by 12′ shed for a staff member and the 12′ by 12′ shed for a community member also had materials paid for by the requestors. Students can be found working on these projects outside the technology classrooms Monday through Friday during first and second periods.
“They love doing these large projects,” said Holly Moore, instructional aide for Technology. “They feel good about building the dugouts because they’re for the school.”
This photo shows one of the sheds that isn’t quite finished.
“I wish I could have nine periods of this class,” said ninth grader Kyle Ierlan. He hopes to attend a trade school after graduation and pursue a machine shop or welding career.
“Some kids might pursue carpentry after high school, but it’s just good to know these skills,” said 11th grader Ricci Shenck.
Ninth grader Melanie Norman agrees. “I wanted to learn how to do some stuff around the house and I didn’t know how, so I decided to take this class,” she said. “It’s better than algebra, even though there’s a lot of math involved in building.”
Photos courtesy of Holley Central School – High school student Zach Trask serves coffee during the Senior Citizen Appreciation Breakfast.
Press Release, Holley Central School
HOLLEY – Over 121 people attended the Tenth Annual Senior Citizen Appreciation Breakfast on May 7 in the Holley Elementary Café. The buffet breakfast was provided by Personal Touch, who supplies the food to both the Holley Elementary and Middle School/High School cafeterias.
Elementary students created placemats for each table setting. Art teacher Brandi Zavitz and some of her students created ceramic centerpieces for each table. The senior citizens were served by student volunteers from the MS/HS.
Aaron Strathearn hands out a rose.
Kindergarten, elementary and senior high singers provided the entertainment during the breakfast. They sang everything from the Beatles “Love Me Do” to a song in Swahili. The Elementary Chorus also sang “America Medley” to honor the military servicemen and women.
After the breakfast, senior citizens were invited to have their blood pressure checked by a school nurse, visit a booth sponsored by the Orleans County Office of the Aging and tour the Family Fitness Center. They also had a chance to sign up for a Gold Card membership, which offers any senior citizen age 60 or older free attendance at any school-sponsored event.
Next year’s Senior Citizen Appreciation Breakfast will be held on May 5, 2016.
The high school chorus performs for the senior ctiizens.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The dominant church tower in Holley’s Public Square hasn’t told time for many years. But that changed last week when the four clocks where fixed.
The clock faces had been bare in recent years, but Glenn Hughson, owner of the former United Methodist church building, put back the clocks and their mechanical systems.
“People are real happy,” said Mary Ellen Ridley, Holley’s deputy village clerk. “Many residents really missed the clock.”
Hughson used a state Main Street grant to help pay for the $17,310 project, which included new front doors for the former church, which is now used for apartments. The state funds covered 75 percent of the costs.
Jonathan Ross, owner of Jonathan’s in the Public Square, has one of the best views of the church tower and clock from his bakery and coffee shop.
Ross said many of the long-time residents appreciate seeing the functioning clock tower.
Provided photos – Holley has a variety of exercise equipment in the Family Fitness Center.
HOLLEY – The school district has been notified that the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant has been approved for a second year for $214,601.
Holley received this continuance of the grant because they have “good performance of the grant’s goals and objectives and have improved on all three Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) measures,” the school district announced.
Those measures Holley must meet include:
1. Students completing 60 minutes of daily physical activity, measured with pedometers and activity logs;
2. Students meeting the standard of a healthy fitness zone in at least five of the six fitness areas of the Presidential Youth Fitness Program;
3. Students consuming two fruits and three vegetables per day, measured with surveys.
Holley students wore movable bands to record their physical activity, participated in fitness and nutrition activities through physical education classes and FIT4U! sessions throughout the year, and were provided with fruits and vegetables through the cafeteria services program during and after school.
Holley received $438,430 in the first year of the PEP grant, which made the creation of the Family Fitness Center in the Elementary School possible, along with the programs mentioned above.
Physical Education teacher Lisa Campbell has been the administrator of the grant.
“I wish to commend Lisa Campbell on her efforts to help secure the grant,” said District Superintendent Robert D’Angelo.
“I also commend her for her hard work with the Family Fitness Center and all of the activities associated with educating students, staff, parents and the community about the importance of good nutrition and physical activity. I look forward to the second year of this grant and the good things to come from it.”
If Holley shows further improvement in the GPRA measures in its second year, the district can receive a continuance award of $128,612.
“Our physical education staff has worked diligently to ensure that we not only meet, but exceed, the standards of the grant requirements,” Campbell said. “Their support and fine efforts are sincerely appreciated.”
Cora Bennage, a Holley fifth grader, is pictured on the elliptical machine in the Holley Family Fitness Center.
Holley recently added more state-of-the-art equipment to its Family Fitness Center. An abdominal machine, leg press, rowing machine and lateral elliptical machine have been added.
This is in addition to the treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical machines, iDance system, cross trainer, upper body ergometer, adaptive motion trainer, weight bench and free weights that the center currently has. Some pieces of equipment are youth-sized to enable children ages 10 and older to exercise alongside their family members.
The Family Fitness Center is open Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. when school is in session. The Family Fitness Center is available for use by residents of the Holley Central School District free of charge. Children age 10 and older may use the center with their families in the evening.
The Family Fitness Center is available for use by classes during the school day and by staff when not in use by classes. Trained supervisors are on duty during family fitness times to assist participants and to promote a safe and orderly environment in which to work out.
Nicole Rose, a Holley graduate, has been coming to the Family Fitness Center for the last couple of months.
“It saves me on gym membership if I come here,” said Rose.
Scott Allen, who lives nearby, also echoes that sentiment. “I like being able to come here four nights a week and it’s easy to get here,” said Allen.
Holley parent Kevin McGuire agrees. “I can work out here when I drop off my kids to play a sport – it’s really convenient,” said McGuire. “It’s never crowded and they have brand new equipment.”
The district qualified for almost $800,000 of federal funding to promote good nutrition and physical exercise among the students, staff and district families.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 25 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski
HOLLEY – Members of the Honor Guard prepare for ceremonies at the V.F.W. Post 202 in Holley this morning as part of the Memorial Day observance in the community.
Members of the Holley/Murray/Clarendon community came together on Memorial Day to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country. The community also acknowledged the sacrifice of veterans who returned home, but have since passed away.
Ceremonies began shortly after 9 a.m. at the American Legion Jewell Buckman Post 529 in the village.
Holley Mayor John Kenney speaks during Memorial Day ceremonies this morning at the American Legion. He is joined by other community leaders and members of American Legion Jewell Buckman Post 529. Orleans County Deputy Sheriff James DeFilipps is on the far right.
Mayor Kenney said the freedoms enjoyed in this country should never be
taken for granted and stem from the sacrifices made by those who serve and served in the Armed Forces.. He noted that every year, the community loses more and more if its veterans. “Thank these men and women while you can,” he told those in attendance.
Orleans County Deputy Sheriff James DeFilipps and Holley Village Trustee Kevin Lynch, both members of the Sons of American Legion Jewell Buckman Post 529, place a wreath at the memorial in the village morning during Memorial Day ceremonies.
Wreaths were laid by members of the Post, the Ladies Auxiliary and members of the Sons of the Legion at the monument located outside the Post.
Members of the community then processed to the V.F.W. Post 202 in the village for another wreath laying ceremony and then to Hillside Cemetery for a wreath laying, and a ceremony at the grave of Jewell Buckman.
The group then moved to Holy Cross Cemetery. Members of the Clarendon Historical Society opened the Hillside Cemetery Chapel for the public to visit and offered refreshments outside. After the ceremonies, refreshments were also available at the American Legion.
Holley Central School Senior Nicole Boyle reads President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address during Memorial Day ceremonies Monday morning at Hillside Cemetery in Holley.
A wreath is placed at the grave of Jewell Buckman In Hillside Cemetery in Holley this morning. Buckman was the first local soldier killed in action in France during WWI. The American Legion Post in Holley is named for him.
Al Pulcino of American Legion Jewell Buckman Post 529 in Holley plays “Taps” during ceremonies Monday at the grave of Private Jewell Buckman in Hillside Cemetery in Holley.
Buckman was 26 years old when he was killed in action in France during WWI, the first local man to die in that war.
Major Ryan D’Andrea, retired, third vice commander of the Holley American Legion Jewell Buckman Post 529, speaks during Memorial Day ceremonies this morning in Holley. He discussed the history of the Memorial Day.
“We should never lose focus on what it means,” he said of the observance. “It is a day to remember … once a year is not enough.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – The Clarendon Historical Society threw another birthday for the community’s most famous son, Carl Akeley, on Wednesday. The top photo shows a comic book image of Akeley fighting with leopard in Africa.
Akeley survived and managed to kill the leopard in Africa. Akeley was a world renowned taxidermist and inventor. He was instrumental in creating the first national park in Africa.
Provided photo – Carl Akeley is pictured with a leopard in Africa that he killed with his bare hands after it attacked him.
Last year the Historical Society celebrated Akeley’s 150th birthday with 150 people turning out for the party, which featured a presentation by the author of a book about Akeley’s life.
Jay Kirk wrote “Kingdom Under Glass,” a book that traced Akeley’s upbringing on Hinds Road in Clarendon, when he started “stuffing” birds and small animals, to his ground-breaking advances in taxidermy and his adventures in Africa.
The 151st party featured another prominent Akeley enthusiast, Stephen Quinn. He worked in the Akeley Hall of African Mammals, where many of Akeley’s elephants, lions, rhinos and gorillas are displayed in New York City at the American Museum of Natural History.
Steven Quinn addresses about 100 people on Wednesday at Holley Junior-Senior High School, sharing photos and insights from a trip to Africa, retracing Carl Akeley’s trips to the continent from 1921 to 1926.
Quinn said the mountain gorillas are threatened, losing habitat and suffering attacks from predators and illnesses. The gorilla pictured has a nose fungus, Quinn said.
“The natural world is to be cherished,” Quinn said. “We’re accountable to the natural world.”
Quinn is recently retired from the American Museum of Natural History. He said the Akeley Hall “is truly a magnificent place.”
Quinn wanted to retrace Akeley’s route in the eastern Congo, where Akeley and his team visited from 1921 to 1926, bringing back paintings, photographs, and specimens collected in the field nearly a century ago.
Akeley became a passionate advocate for the mountain gorillas and other wildlife, and pushed for a national park in the area.
Quinn in his presentation also highlighted the work of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Program, which provides care to sick gorillas, cleaning and suturing cuts and providing medicine.
“The work they do is truly wonderful,” Quinn said. “They work they do wouldn’t be possible without Carl Akeley, who gave his life and is responsible for the first national park in Africa.”
Akeley was on his fifth trip to the Congo in 1926 when he died of fever. He is buried in Africa, just miles from where he encountered his first gorilla.
The taxidermist community is working to raise money for monument for Akeley at Hillside Cemetery in Holley.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 20 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Kristina Gabalaski – Holley Middle School/High School Principal Susan Cory (middle) poses with Class of 2015 valedictorian Emily Radford (left) and salutatorian Nicole Boyle (right). Members of the Holley Class of 2015 Top Ten were honored during the School Board of Education meeting Tuesday evening with the Soaring to New Heights Awards.
HOLLEY – The Holley Central Middle School/High School was a bustle of activity Tuesday evening during the annual school budget vote. In addition to voting, several other events were held including a concert and the monthly School Board of Education meeting.
The Holley Central School Music Department held its annual chicken barbecue in the Middle School/High School Dining Hall and elementary music students presented their Band and Chorus Spring Concert.
The Holley PTSA held a free ice cream social between 4-6 p.m. in the foyer, where voting was taking place and the Scholastic Book Fair was open into the evening.
During the Board of Education meeting, Holley’s Top Ten graduating seniors were recognized with the Board’s monthly “Soaring to New Heights Award.” That recognition goes to people for giving of their time and abilities to benefit Holley schools.
Emily Radford is the valedictorian and Nicole Boyle is salutatorian. Other Top 10 include Jessica Skehan, Taylor DeSimone, Leah Baker, Tessa McArthur, Mikayla Hargreaves, Jade Underwood, Cole Quiter and Andrew Rowley.
“I’m really proud of this group,” Board President Brenda Swanger told the students. “I feel thrilled for all of you.”
Also during the meeting, Superintendent Robert D’Angelo and board members discussed the reorganization of the district’s Building and Grounds Department.
D’Angelo received permission from the Board to move the B-Shift Coordinator position out of the organizational chart and create the position of Director of Facilities.
Board member Sal DeLuca, Jr. expressed concerns that the buildings currently are “… not being taken care of as they should be taken care of,” and proposed that a Director of Facilities once hired, should have input on how the Buildings and Grounds Department is organized and run.
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – The Holley Central School Music Department held its annual chicken barbecue on Tuesday evening in the Middle/High School Dining Hall.
HOLLEY – The school budget and all propositions on the ballot passed with big margins of support on Tuesday and three candidates were elected to the Board of Education, including one as a write-in.
Melissa Ierlan, the Clarendon code enforcement officer and president of the Clarendon Historical Society, was elected to a three-year term on the Board of Education as a write-in candidate with 121 votes.
There were three open seats on the board, but only two candidates submitted petitions. That left the remaining seat to be filled by write-in.
Incumbents Mark Porter, 358 votes, and Anne Winkley, 381 votes, also were re-elected.
The budget passed, 371-105. The school district is cutting its budget by about $1.7 million to $23,300,000. The budget keeps the tax levy unchanged at $6,741,780.
The proposition authorizing the purchase of school buses passed 333-140. Holley will purchase two full-size school buses, one wheelchair bus and one 30-passenger school bus at a total cost not to exceed $355,000.
The proposition for Community Free Library passed, 378-99. It authorizes the district to raise $108,072 to be used in support of the maintenance and operations of the library in Holley.
Members of the Holley Central School Beginner Band perform under the direction of Hannah Bock during the Elementary School Band and Chorus Spring Concert on Tuesday evening.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 6 May 2015 at 12:00 am
$23.3 million spending plan holds line on taxes
HOLLEY – Members of the Holley Central School District Board of Education held their annual meeting and budget hearing on Tuesday.
Sharon Zacher, assistant superintendent for business, presented the $23.3 million 2015-16 school budget, which does not increase taxes. The budget maintains current programs and services and shows a 7.06 percent budget-to-budget decrease from 2014-15.
The decrease in the 2015-16 budget was possible, “because of additional debt paid down in the 2014-15 school year,” Zacher said.
According to the district, the average tax rate will be approximately $22.44 per $1,000 of assessed value.
District residents will vote on the budget on May 19 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Holley Middle School/High School foyer.
Zacher said in order to vote, residents must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, a resident of the Holley Central School District for at least 30 days before the vote and must have proper ID.
In addition to the budget, voters will decide on two additional propositions. The first would authorize the purchase of two full-sized school buses, one wheelchair bus and one 30-passenger school bus at a total cost not to exceed $355,000.
The second additional proposition authorizes the district to raise $108,072 to support the Community Free Library in Holley. Library Director Sandra Shaw attended the meeting and said the budget is a 2 percent increase over the last year’s budget and follows the tax cap.
“The majority of the money is for payroll,” Shaw said, noting she has five staff members.
Two candidates are running for three open seats on the Board of Education.
Jeff Martin, the school district attorney, said voters will be able to write-in a candidate’s name for the third vacant seat. Voters cannot vote for more than three candidates in total.
Anne Winkley and Mark Porter are current board members and are running for re-election. The third seat up for election is now occupied by John (Jack) Welch, who is not seeking re-election.
Winkley said she hopes to continue to provide students in the district with the best possible education, “and make sure our mission statement stays in place (while being financially) responsible to the community.”
Porter said he would like to continue to work with administrators, teachers, staff and students to ensure, “we have successful students coming out of Holley.” Porter has also stressed the need to be financially responsible to taxpayers students and staff.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MURRAY – A brush fire at Red Rock Ponds on Canal Road in Murray spread to the nearby woods with at least one tree catching on fire.
In the top photo, Captain Dave Smith of the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Company sprays water on the burning tree stump after firefighter Gary Sicurella cleared a path for Smith.
Gary Sicurella chopped down vegetation so other firefighters could get to the spot in the woods with a fire hose.
Firefighters had to wind the hose through the woods and many pricker bushes to get to the burning tree stump.
Firefighters from FHM were on scene at about 12:30 p.m. and put out the fire in the wooded area. Firefighters also extinguished the pile of brush that was burning.
Firefighter Patrick Hayes sprays water on the bigger pile of burning brush. Firefighters suspect a hot spark from that pile was blown into the woods, catching a tree stump on fire.
The National Weather Service has issued a “red flag warning” from noon to 7 p.m. today for western and northern central New York, saying the area is vulnerable to grass and forest fires.
Winds will move from southwest at 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 30 to 35 mph, the Weather Service said.
Temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s, combined with humidity as low as 25 percent, have made the forest and grass fuels very dry.
The combination of factors “may result in dangerous fire behavior,” the Weather Service said. “Any fires that do occur could spread quickly, burn intensely and be difficult to contain.”
The Weather Service reminded the public a burn ban is in place until mid-May.
Firefighters Debbie Fiorito, foreground, and Kevin Dann try to break apart the burn pile at Red Rock Ponds.
Firefighters were also called to brush, tree and grass fire this afternoon at East Shelby Road near Millville Cemetery in the Town of Shelby.
Photos courtesy of Shana Smith
HULBERTON – The Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Company hosted an open house this past Saturday and Sunday, part of the fifth annual Recruit NY effort to attract more members to fire departments.
The fire company based in Hulberton did live car fire demonstrations and vehicle extrication demonstrations.
There was also a bounce house both days and a Future Firefighters of Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Company station for the kids with many activities for all ages.
The EMS team gave free glucose testing, blood pressure checks and gave out free First Aid kits.
The event resulted in eight new social members and three new active members, with several people saying they were interested in applying in the near future, said Gary Sicurella, FHM president.
Mercy Flight flew in on Sunday and gave the public a chance to see the helicopter up close.
Firefighters from Fancher-Hulberton-Murray are pictured with the crew from Mercy Flight.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 25 April 2015 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – The Holley community came together on Friday evening to enjoy great food, award-winning wines, farmers market offerings and music all while supporting the children’s summer reading program at the Community Free Library.
About 150 people attended the fourth annual “Raise a Glass for Reading” fundraiser at the library, which included wine from Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina and Victorianbourg Wine Estate in Wilson, and mead (honey wine) from 810 Meadworks in Medina.
Attendees enjoy a spread of finger foods and sweets during the annual “Raise a Glass for Reading” event at the Community Free Library.
“If you look around, you see people talking and having a great time,” Library Director Sandra Shaw said. She observed the event is an example of what the library is supposed to be – “the hub of the community.”
Farmers market participants included Kirby’s Farm Market in Brockport and Penna’s Farm Market in Holley. Susi’s Hot Sauce by Susan Johnson and Woodturnings by HNB – Harry Beaver in Kendall also participated.
Live music was provided by Wendy and Sean Williams (and sons) of Sound Foundations in Batavia.
Proceeds from the event support the summer reading program, by helping to provide “… performers, incentives, gifts and materials,” Shaw said and noted the event also supports local farms and vineyards.
Linda Kirby of Kirby’s Farm Market was promoting Kirby’s CSA program and also had baskets of apples, samples of frozen cherries and lush containers of annual flowers from Kirby’s greenhouse.
Linda Kirby of Kirby’s Farm Market talks with attendees at Friday’s event at the library.
“This is so great,” Kirby said of the Raise a Glass event, “We’re opening May 1st and this allows me to get to see a lot of our good customers and get caught up.”
Holley Village Trustee Connie Nenni said this is her third year attending.
“We come with a group of friends, we just love it,” Nenni said, “and it’s for a great cause.”
Additionally, she likes the opportunity to support local wineries, ” … and you also get to see a lot of the community,” she said.
The theme for the 2015 summer reading program is “Every Hero Has A Story” and will explore what defines a hero – from superheroes to everyday heroes.
Those attending the annual Raise a Glass for Reading at the Holley Community Free Library sample wines from Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 23 April 2015 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – The Holley Central School District Board of Education has adopted a $23.3 million budget for the 2015-2016 school year.
Holley residents will vote on the budget, Board of Education candidates and other propositions on May 19 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Holley Middle School/High School Foyer.
The budget includes a 0 percent increase in the tax levy and overall spending is down 7.06 percent or $1.77 million from the 2014-15 budget while maintaining current services.
According to district budget information, $1.4 million was used from the Appropriated Fund Balance to balance the budget.
Sharon Zacher, district assistant superintendent for business, says the reduction in the budget was possible without cuts because the district, “… chose to pay down additional debt,” in 2014-15. She says putting the budget together is, “challenging every year,” but the district is pleased with this year’s results.
In a letter to residents from the Board of Education, members state, “At this time, we are in the best shape we have ever been in. Soon we will begin Phase III of our Capital Project. Our district is financially sound and our physical plant and grounds are in very good condition.”
The Board of Education annual meeting, including a public hearing on the budget, will be 6 p.m. on May 5 in the Board Room located in the District Office.
File photo by Tom Rivers – The chapel at Hillside Cemetery was built in 1894 and is a focal point of the cemetery, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
HOLLEY – The community’s efforts to restore the chapel at Hillside Cemetery in Clarendon was highlighted during a panel discussion during a preservation conference last week in Geneva.
The cemetery was recently included on the National Register of Historic Places and the Town of Clarendon and Clarendon Historical Society are working to secure grants to restore the Gothic Revival Chapel, which was built in 1894 from local Medina sandstone.
The chapel has been vacant and largely unused since the 1960s. Volunteers have cleaned it and are pursuing grants as well as funds from the community. Clarendon officials and volunteers were praised at the preservation for working to preserve the building before it suffers more deterioration.
Erin Anheier of Clarendon has worked to get Hillside Cemetery on the National Register, as well as helping to write other National Register applications in the community. She attended the conference in Geneva and was pleased to see the panel consider how to advance projects in smaller communities.
Photo courtesy of Erin Anheier – Panelists at the New York Statewide Preservation Conference discussed the fund-raising efforts needed to save the chapel at Hillside Cemetery. They brainstormed ways for smaller communtiies to tackle fund-raising efforts. The panelists include, from left: Cynthia Nikitin, Project for Public Spaces, Senior Vice President, Public Art Program Director; Roxanne Kise, Executive Director Western Erie Canal Alliance; Ruth Pierpont, NYS Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation, Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation/Deputy SHPO; Rick Hauser, AIA, LEED, AP, Partner In.Site:Architecture and Mayor of Village of Perry; and Wayne Goodman, Executive Director, Landmark Society of Western New York.
“The panel of seasoned experts in the fields of historic preservation, urban planning, architecture and small town revitalization, along with an audience of preservationists, brainstormed ideas for raising funds for the restoration,” Anheier said.
Wayne Goodman, Landmark Society executive director, commented that it was wise the community was addressing the building “before it was too far gone” as many communities wait until a restoration project becomes overwhelming.
All commented on the architectural significance of the building and encouraged the restoration. They particularly focused on its potential as a public space for the arts, including concerts, art exhibits, poetry readings, etc., Anheier said.
She would like to see a Sandstone Trail developed in Orleans County with the chapel serving as the eastern terminus.
Community members interested in contributing to the chapel’s fund-raising campaign can send tax deductible donations to The Clarendon Historical Society, P.O. Box 124 Clarendon, NY 14429.
Provided photos
CLARENDON – Georgia Thomas, left, and her sister Joycelyn Jennings, right, present a drawing by Arthur Barnes of the former Universalist Church in Clarendon to Historical Society President Melissa Ierlan.
The two sisters purchased the drawing at an estate sale. They framed it and wanted to give it to the Historical Society.
The church was demolished a few years ago. It was built on Route 31A, just east of Route 237, in 1837 on land donated by Eldredge Farwell, the town’s first pioneer settler.
Gaines Town Historian Dee Robinson spoke last Wednesday to the Historical Society about Clarendon native Dr. Gertrude A Farwell, granddaughter of Clarendon’s founder.
Dr. Farwell received her doctorate degree in 1874 and she worked in New York City and later in Holley. Robinson has done extensive research on notable women and their contributions to Orleans County in the 1800s.
