By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2014 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – The seven-member Board of Education in Holley re-elected Brenda Swanger as its president. She first took the reins as president a year ago, the first change in the board’s leadership in a decade after John Heise served as president.
Heise took a year break from the board and was elected to a new term in May. He took office last week, replacing Norm Knight, who didn’t seek re-election.
Swanger has served 10 years on the board. She works as a real estate agent and for the town of Clarendon in accounts payable, water billing and with the budget.
The board also re-elected Kellie Spychalski as vice president.
The board in recent years has been busy working on a $27 million capitol project that revamped the junior-senior high school, athletic fields, the bus garage and made other improvements. The project is now complete.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 July 2014 at 12:00 am
22-year-old was killed Sunday in accident with pea combine
Photo/13 WHAM – Carmelo Rivera
HOLLEY – The 22-year-old Holley man who died Sunday after an accident with a pea combine in Bergen was a highly respected member of the Holley football program, a former all star who volunteered as a coach for Holley’s youth football teams.
Carmelo Rivera’s loss is hitting hard for many of his classmates and community members. They gathered on the Holley football field for a vigil on Sunday night, with teammates driving from New York City and Pennsylvania and across New York to share their grief.
“We lost the type of young man we need in today’s society,” said Rivera’s coach Chad DeRock. “He was selfless and charismatic.”
Rivera was a captain on Holley football teams that advanced into the playoffs, teams that turned 0-8 seasons into 8-win powerhouses. Rivera played on the offensive line and was a linebacker.
He worked hard in the weight room, lead the linemen in drills and won the respect of his teammates and opponents, DeRock said. Rivera was named a Genesee Region All Star.
“He was a very good player who paved his way with hard work and sweat,” DeRock said.
“Carmelo was the type of kid where you have more than his athletic ability. He was a kid of character. He was a man of virtue.” – Chad DeRock, football coach
Rivera was studying exercise science at Brockport State College. He juggled three jobs to help pay for college. He still found time to come back as a volunteer coach in the youth football program.
“I’ve always preached to the kids to come back and give back,” said John Grillo, who leads Holley’s wrestling program and pushed for the district to add football.
Not many recent graduates take up that charge and return to the sidelines, helping a new generation of players. But Rivera would help the varsity and youth football teams.
“He had the respect of the players because of his determination and his motivation to excel as a player,” Grillo said. “He had a hard work ethic and a motivation for self improvement.”
DeRock is now a coach and teacher at Letchworth. He was teaching global studies at Holley when he mentioned to Rivera he should give football a shot. Rivera was a sophomore then and had limited experience with the game.
He hit the weight room, studied football and connected with his teammates. He emerged as one of the best players on a team that was one of the best in the Genesee Region.
“Carmelo was the type of kid where you have more than his athletic ability,” DeRock said. “He was a kid of character. He was a man of virtue.”
Brockport State College issued a statement about the “great sadness” in the college community over Rivera’s death.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carmelo’s family and friends,” according to the statement. “Our counselors are available at the Hazen Hall Counseling Center (395-2207) for those who would like to talk to someone during this difficult time.”
Provided photos – Beth Skehan and Darlene Pritchard volunteer to organize the costumes and props for Holley’s theater program.
Press release, Holley Central School
HOLLEY – Each month, the Holley Board of Education honors people who have donated their time and abilities to benefit Holley schools. At last month’s Board of Education meeting, the board honored three people with Soaring to New Heights Awards.
The first award was presented to Holley residents Beth Skehan and Darlene Pritchard for the time they spent organizing the high school’s theater props and costumes. Thanks to their efforts, theater resources are now arranged, stored and ready for use next year.
The second Soaring to New Heights Award was presented to high school sophomore Cameron Benage for the work he provides to the district in running the lights and sound system in the Middle School/High School auditorium. Cameron provides this service as a volunteer and he offers his time and skill for events that take place during the day and at night.
Cameron Benage was recognized for his efforts running the lights and sound system at the Holley Middle/High School.
HOLLEY – Four members of the Holley Class of 2014 were each awarded $500 scholarships by the Holley Rotary Club. The scholarship winners attended Monday’s Rotary Club meeting to meet the Rotarians.
Pictured in the photo, from left, include: Claudia Passarell, Jeff Martin (Rotary Club’s President Elect), Nicole Blackburn, Teresa Nicoletti, John Pedley (Club President) and Nicole Mauro.
Press release, Orleans County Undersheriff Steve Smith
KENDALL – A Holley teen-ager is hospitalized in satisfactory condition after crashing her car this morning in the Town of Kendall.
The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. in the 1000 block of Monroe-Orleans County Line Rd., just north of Kenmore Rd.
Lauren A. Hennekey, 18, was traveling north when she lost control of the 1997 Honda sedan she was operating. The vehicle crossed the center line and ran off the west side of the roadway at which point it struck a ditch and became airborne.
Upon re-impacting the ground, the vehicle overturned several times, ejecting Hennekey, who was the sole occupant. The car came to rest on its roof.
Hennekey was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester by Hamlin Ambulance Corps. Kendall Fire Department and Monroe Ambulance personnel assisted at the scene as well as Morton firefighters. A Monroe County Sheriff’s K-9 team also assisted Orleans deputies in checking the area for any other potential victims.
The incident was investigated by Deputy J.J. Cole, assisted by Deputy M.C. Mele. While that investigation is continuing, it does appear that excessive speed was a contributing factor. Charge(s) against Hennekey are pending her recovery.
Photos by Sue Cook – Zackery Alan Kates throws his arms up as teacher Michael Crissman announces him across the stage.
By Sue Cook, staff reporter
HOLLEY – This morning 81 Holley graduates walked the stage in the Woodlands Soccer Field behind the high school. It was the school’s 65th annual commencement.
The graduates have already completed 500 college credit hours and earned $17,000 in local and community scholarships. They are eligible for up to $380,000 in specific college scholarships.
Of the 81 grads, 47 will be going on to higher education. Nine will be entering the military. Seventeen will be going into the workforce. One foreign exchange student will be returning to Thailand and seven graduates remain undecided about their future.
Monica Rose Merlau shakes hands with members of the Board of Education. Savanna Marie Merriam stands on stage getting her diploma from Brenda Swanger, President of the Board of Education, Principal Susan Cory and Superintendent Robert D’Angelo. Toni Meyers waits to be called on stage.
Corey Patrick Winter sings the beginning of “No Day But Today” from the musical “Rent” to lead the Holley High School Women’s Choir into the song.
Salutatorian Daniel Flanagan recommended the current class of juniors cherish the memories they will be creating at Holley in the next year.
“What will really be remembered are the memories that you make and the people that you bond with,” Flanagan said. “Those are the moments that a person lives for in high school and we’ll tell our kids about later down the road. Be proud to say you graduated a Holley Hawk.”
Shelby Lynn Kunker delivers her valedictory address to her classmates.
Shelby Kunker, the valedictorian, said, “Your choices and how you act are going to make a difference throughout the rest of your time on this planet. Whether your decisions are good, or not so good, they matter. Make the most of your life. Through our actions, we impact many untold people. Never think you aren’t significant.”
John Heise spends a few moments delivering pieces of wisdom he has learned throughout his life. Heise is a former Holley principal and president of the Board of Education.
Retired Holley Administrator John Heise offered advice through his address to the graduates.
“No matter what your path, you have an opportunity to reinvent yourself,” Heise said. “Keep what is good, get rid of what is not, and move forward. There will always be new skills to learn. Listen to others. Choose your friends wisely. Anything you achieve will come from hard work.”
Heise also said to recognize the importance of family and community. He explained that he moved to Holley from Rochester because it was a great thing to know your neighbors and have people around you who will support you.
Paul Michael Pfeiffer pumps his fist in the air as he hops onto the stage to receive his diploma.
Lauren Ann Hennekey stands as she is recognized for a scholarship for her vocational excellence through BOCES for cosmetology.
Lauren Ann Hennekey needs to earn 200 more instructional hours to gain her cosmetology license.
Hennekey explained her plans after graduation. “I’m going to the Empire School of Beauty in Greece, I’ve always been interested in hair and makeup. I will miss everyone. I’ll especially miss Penny Cole, my cheerleading coach. I will definitely miss all my friends.”
Hennekey’s mother, Mary Beth, added, “I’m very excited. She’ll do wonderful things no matter what.”
As is tradition during their outdoor commencement, the graduates gather in the corner of the soccer field and throw their caps in the air surrounded by family and friends.
CLARENDON – William O. Kuyal, 54, was arrested Wednesday for driving while intoxicated, failure to yield and failure to stop at a stop sign after a car accident on Route 237 and Powerline Road. Additional charges are pending.
Kuyal, with passenger Dudley C. Kuyal, was westbound on Powerline Road when he failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Route 237 in the Town of Clarendon. A vehicle driven by Julie M. Smith, with passenger Sofia M. Smith, was northbound on Route 237 when it was struck by Kuyal.
Julie M. Smith suffered a broken left wrist and Sofia M. Smith suffered a possible broken left ankle. Both were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.
Dudley C. Kuyal suffered multiple fractures and extensive injuries to his abdomen and is currently in guarded condition at Strong.
William O. Kuyal, who refused to submit to a chemical test, was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital and treated for broken ribs.
The Orleans County District Attorney’s office requested a court order chemical test (blood drawn) that was granted by the Clarendon Town Court. Kuyal is scheduled to appear in court on July 14.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2014 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – Village residents voted Tuesday to keep John Kenney as mayor. Kenney topped challenger, former mayor and current trustee Skip Carpenter, in the village election with 174 votes to Carpenter’s 142.
Kenney gets another two-year term, but two incumbent trustees, David Dill and Donald Penna, weren’t re-elected.
Former village clerk Connie Nenni led all five candidates with 165 votes. She was elected along with Kevin Lynch, 126 votes. Penna received 101 votes, followed by Shawn O’Mara with 95, and Dill with 90.
Tuesday’s election was not disrupted by the power outage, Village Clerk Jane Murray said.
“The village does not use electronic voting machines,” she said. “Even with the loss of power last evening at 8:15 p.m., we were still able to light the office with kerosene lanterns and emergency backup generated lighting. Voting continued without a hiccup.”
The results were tabulated by 10:30 p.m. and announced to the crowd standing outside the Village Office.
“The polls never closed last evening due to the weather and the doors remained open throughout the storm,” she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2014 at 12:00 am
HOLLEY – Village residents will elect a mayor and two trustees to the Village Board today. The election is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Village Office, 72 Public Square.
Skip Carpenter, a former Holley mayor and current village trustee, is challenging John Kenney, the incumbent, for a two-year term as mayor. Carpenter is running under the Independent Party and Kenney is on the ballot under the Family Party.
There are also five candidates seeking two trustee positions. The incumbents – David Dill under Citizens Party and Don Penna under Justice Party – face challengers Connie Nenni (Peoples Party), Kevin Lynch (Happy Party) and Shawn O’Mara (Taxpayer Party).
HOLLEY – Students filled tins with whipped cream and paid $1 for the chance to throw the pies at teachers this afternoon.
Fifteen teachers administrators agreed to be targets in the pie-throwing contest that raised for Camp Good Days and Special Times. The Camp’s Branchport location on Keuka Lake was damaged by heavy flooding and costly repairs threatened to delay its season opening.
Holley 8th graders organized the pie-throwing as part of the school’s annual, end-of-the-year Academic Field Day celebration. Here they line up and get ready to throw the pies.
HOLLEY – Teachers from Holley today will be ducking from flying tins of whipped cream and wiping their brows in a pie-throwing contest, all to help raise money for Camp Good Days and Special Times.
The event is being organized by Holley 8th graders and will feature 15 teachers and administrators who are willing to take a little ‘pie in the eye’ for a good cause. Students will be able to take their turn at throwing a pie for a dollar a try between 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. This event is one of many fun, outdoor activities that are scheduled to take place today as part of the school’s annual, end-of-the-year Academic Field Day celebration.
Hundreds of dollars in donations for the contest have already been collected for the cause and Camp Good Days representatives have been invited to attend.
Last month, the Camp’s Branchport location on Keuka Lake was damaged by heavy flooding and costly repairs threatened to delay its season opening. Around that time, students in Holley English teacher Suzanne Lepkowski’s class (as well as other eighth graders) were reading a book called The Acorn People by Ron Jones. The book tells a story about a camp counselor who becomes inspired by the people at his camp who are facing unimaginable physical hardships.
“The book resonated with students in a meaningful way,” said Lepkowski. “So, when students heard about the flooding at Camp Good Days and Special Times, they wanted to do something to help and teachers were quick to support the effort.”
HOLLEY – Holley Elementary School students marched from the school to the Holley Depot near the Public Square this morning in the 57th annual Flag Day celebration.
The event included the presentation of citizenship awards and the singing of patriotic songs. About 500 students joined in the event.
HOLLEY – The Holley community will continue a 57-year tradition on Friday morning when students, Scouts, firefighters and other community members parade from the Holley Elementary School to the Holley Depot next to Save-A-Lot.The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at the elementary school. Students, the Military Support Group, Scouts, Student Council members, Good Citizenship award winners and Holley fire trucks will then head to the Holley Depot for a community ceremony.
HOLLEY – The villages of Holley and Albion approved a full service contract for Albion to operate the Wastewater Treatment Facilities in Holley.
The scope of the agreement signed last week provides a win-win situation for both communities. The Village of Albion receives needed revenue for operations, while Holley will save approximately $30,000 in operating expenses.
The Village of Albion will provide personnel qualified in technical, laboratory, and administrative management duties on a 24/7 basis. This will satisfy New York and federal regulatory requirements regarding wastewater treatment operations and maintenance.
This initiative was the result of conversations and meetings orchestrated by Holley Trustees Brian Sorochty, Donald Penna and David Dill with Chief Operator Rick Albright of Albion’s Pollution Control Facility.
In May 2014, both Village Boards met to discuss the parameters of an agreement between the two villages. This joint venture may eventually lead to additional cost-saving services between the two villages. These financial initiatives are in line with Gov. Cuomo’s savings through cooperative activities and shared services.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Three sisters from Hamlin race towards the finish line in the annual Jim Ferris Memorial 5-kilometer on Saturday.
Julia Cammilleri, 15, finished in 31:42, a second ahead of her sisters: Lydia, 11, and Nicolea, 9. The sisters all attend the Old Paths Bible Baptist Church in Clarendon where their father Joe is the pastor. He also ran Saturday’s race, as did many Old Paths members.
The race included 101 runners and $1,800 in prize money given to overall winners and the fastest in different age groups.
Mike Nier of Rochester led the men with a time of 17:19, while Sarah Loerch of Rochester was the fastest woman with a time of 18:12.
The race is named in honor of Jim Ferris, a late Holley resident who was one of the top runners in the region.
Jack Richardson, a retired pastor from West Barre, collects a medal as the top runner in the 80 and older category. Richardson, 81, completed the course in 43:07. He is congratulaed by Sandy Heise, the race director.
