Press release, NYS DOT

MURRAY – The state Department of Transportation is closing the Groth Road canal bridge on Thursday and Friday so crews can replace deteriorated steel elements underneath the structure.

The work follows a recent bridge inspection that revealed a need for the unplanned repair work.

A detour will not be posted. Drivers can cross the Erie Canal on Telegraph or Hulberton roads.

Provided photos – The mixed winning team includes Matt Bush, Dave Cook, Cindy Perry and Pete Jones.

Press release, Orleans Community Health Foundation

HOLLEY – A hundred golfers played 18 rounds on a hot July 19 and raised $36,000 for the Orleans Community Health Foundation’s 27^th annual golf tournament.

The tournament was postponed from its original date of June 14, due  to extreme rain and flooding.

The $36,000 will go towards finishing up Phase 2 of the renovations in the Residential Long Term Care Facility, known as the “North Wing” at Medina Memorial Hospital. This is a 30-bed nursing care facility in the hospital located on the first floor.

The renovations to date have remodeled each of the 30 resident rooms from top to bottom. Residents are enjoying new cabinetry, windows, ceilings and flooring.

The hospital is working to finish a solarium and sun porch for the residents to use, along with new furniture in the dining area and a nurses’ station.

The winning men’s team includes Wayne Barry, Paul Burgess, Gary Hill and Dan Krisher.

Press release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department

MURRAY – A Brockport man is hospitalized this morning following a one-car crash in the Town of Murray.

The incident occurred at about 7:25 a.m. in the 16300 block of Ridge Road (State Route 104). A 1999 Toyota sedan, operated by Richard F. Graziano, 73, was travelling west on Ridge Rd., when witnesses say the car began to drift into the eastbound traffic lane. Upon realizing this, Graziano apparently over-corrected and lost control of the vehicle, which then rolled over several times before running off the north side of the roadway and slamming into a tree.

Graziano, the sole occupant, was trapped in the wreckage for approximately 40 minutes before being extricated by Fancher-Hulberton-Murray and Holley firefighters.  He was then flown to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester by MercyFlight helicopter.

Neither alcohol nor excessive speed appear to have been contributing factors.  Deputies will try to determine if some medical issue precipitated the crash.

The incident was investigated by Deputies T.N. Tooley and M.C. Mele.

HOLLEY – After nearly a decade of leadership from John Heise as Holley Board of Education president, the district has a new leader.

Brenda Swanger was unanimously picked by her fellow board members to lead the district on Monday. Heise opted against seeking re-election in May. He continues as Holley’s representative on the Monroe II-Orleans BOCES board.

Swanger has served nine 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.

“I have a passion for the school and I think we have a great community,” Swanger said this morning.

The Holley district is on an upswing, she said, citing the near-completion of a $27 million capitol project that is revamping the junior-senior high school, athletic fields, the bus garage and making other improvements.

Crews this summer are giving a makeover to the junior-senior high school foyer, library, some classrooms, and the chorus and band rooms. Swanger also said the district is committed to raising the educational performance of students.

The board is in its first year of shrinking from nine to seven members. That reduction was approved in a referendum about a year ago. Kellie Spychalski, the executive director of The Arc of Orleans County, was picked by the board as vice president.

“I like working with people and so does Kellie,” Swanger said. “We’re both proud of where we live and want to keep the district moving forward.”

Cemetery in Clarendon is third in Orleans to make list

Photos by Tom Rivers – The cemetery includes a sandstone chapel that is considered an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture.

HOLLEY – The National Park Service has put Hillside Cemetery on the National Register of Historic Places, calling the burial grounds a distinctive example of cemetery design in the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

The cemetery, now owned and managed by the town of Clarendon, was established in 1866 and contains 3,500 graves. The older section on the eastern side is characterized by its park-like appearance and terraced landscaping that was carved in the side of a hill.

The NPS officially added Hillside to the national list on June 25. In its report, the NPS says the cemetery monuments display symbolism common to the mid- and late-nineteenth century that emphasized the emotional and sentimental Victorian attitude toward death and commemoration.

This section of the cemetery includes a monument in memory of two Holley men who died on The Titanic in April 1912. William Doughton and Peter MCKain were quarrymen from Britain who settled in Holley. They spent the previous winter visiting relatives back home before the doomed voyage on The Titanic.

Hillside Cemetery includes a marker in memory of William Doughton and Peter McKain, two Holley quarrymen from Britain. They went home during the winter of 1912 and perished on The Titanic in April 1912.

The western portion of the cemetery, on the opposite side of South Holley Road, embodies the characteristics of the later lawn-park cemetery style, which was more open and park-like than the picturesque rural cemetery, reflecting a movement toward a more efficient use of space and improved management, according to NPS.

A centerpiece of the cemetery is a chapel in the Gothic Revival architecture style. The chapel, built in 1894, includes locally quarried Medina sandstone.

“From the chapel, both sections of the cemetery are visible, providing a sense of how attitudes toward death and burial were influenced by national trends for the people in Holley and Clarendon,” according to the statement of significance in the application to NPS.

The cemetery was named to state list of historic sites in March. The state and federal listings not only carry prestige, but could help the town secure grants to help pay for roof and window repairs at the chapel.

Two other cemeteries in Orleans County are on the National Register: Mount Albion Cemetery in Albion and Millville Cemetery in Shelby.

Press release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department

MURRAY – A Rochester man has been hospitalized following a mishap involving fireworks in the town of Murray, the Sheriff’s Department reported.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. on July 4 at a campsite on private property off the 16000 block of Ridge Road.

Brent A. Mead, 19, was holding a mortar in his hands while lighting fireworks. One particular round failed to launch but instead exploded within the mortar. Mead sustained injuries to his hands and chest. He was flown by Mercy Flight helicopter to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Charges against Mead may be forthcoming. The remaining fireworks were confiscated by the Sheriff’s Department.

The incident was investigated by Deputy T.N. Tooley.

Submitted photo by Jeff Schuner – This photo shows police officers apprehending Jeremy Rothmund in Holley not long after he allegedly robbed a bank in Albion.

ALBION – An Albion businessman pulled up to the drive-through at about 4 p.m. Tuesday, ready to deposit a check at the Bank of America.

He looked inside the bank window and saw a man wearing sunglasses with a hat on, and an ace bandage wrapped around his chin and neck. The teller indicated to the drive-through customer that the bank was being robbed.

The local merchant then hopped out of his car, leaving it running in the drive-through.

He went towards the front door of the bank and the robber said he had a bomb and thrust a box covered in wires into the merchant’s face, telling him, “I don’t care if we both die and go to Hell.”

The businessman backed off. “I’m not an Arnold Schwarzenegger, and I could tell he was under the influence of something,” said the merchant.

The resident hasn’t been named by police and asked that he stay anonymous.

Although he backed off, the businessman knew the robber was likely fleeing to a getaway car. So the merchant followed the robber behind the bank and along the railroad tracks. He watched the robber tear off his mask and get into a blue Ford Focus.

Submitted photo by Jeff Schuner – Local police descend on the robbery suspects at Woodside Court in Holley on Tuesday.

The merchant then ran back to the bank, where employees were on the phone with the police. The resident told them the getaway car was a blue Ford Focus. Ten minutes later Holley police stopped the car at Woodside Court, an apartment complex off Route 31 on the west side of the village.

Police charged two Rochester residents Jeremy J. Rothmund, 29, and Elyse A. Hoffer, 22, with first-degree robbery, third-degree grand larceny, and first-degree placing a false bomb or hazardous substance. The bomb turned out to be a fake. They’re in Orleans County Jail with each on $250,000 bail.

Rothmund was allegedly involved in two bank robberies in the town of Greece and another robbery in Monroe County in the past three weeks, Albion police said.

Police praised the Albion resident who identified the getaway car.

“I just wanted to help and be a good citizen and a Good Samaritan,” said the resident. “It all happened so fast.”

Photos by Tom Rivers – State Supreme Court Judge Richard Dollinger took off his black robe and donned a Holley football shirt during his commencement address today at Holley. Pictured in back, from left: Superintendent Robert D’Angelo, Board of Education President John Heise and Principal Susan Cory.

Sonia Mendoza accepts her diploma from John Heise, president of the Board of Education.

Caleb Diep and the Holley High School Chorus sing “A Hundred Years.”

HOLLEY – Why is Holley called Holley? State Supreme Court Justice Richard Dollinger asked 1,000 people at Holley Commencement that question this morning.

Someone shouted out that the village was named for a canal commissioner. Correct. Myron Holley was influential in seeing to the completion of the western section of the canal. The Holley community changed its name from Salt Port to Holley in honor of the canal leader.

Dollinger was keynote speaker during Holley’s graduation. The former state senator from Monroe County said Myron Holley left a legacy by committing himself to a cause bigger than himself.

Dollinger spoke about the power of names and titles. Holley seniors are now graduates. In the future they should aspire to be friends, spouses and parents. They may become firefighters, teachers, nurses, farmers and coaches.

“These are names that will define you,” he said.

The Holley grads also share a title: “Americans.” Dollinger sang part of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and he urged the 108 graduates in the Class of 2013 to use that song as a battlecry to step up and serve their community and country as Americans.

Valedictorian Josh Hatfield urges his classmates to “aim high.”

Valedictorian Josh Hatfield also challenged his classmates to “aim high” and not give up. The students owe it to their families, to their teachers and to themselves to work hard and strive for excellence.

Hatfield quoted famous lines from several popular films during his speech. He ended with a quote from Uncle Ben in Spider Man. Ben told his nephew Peter Parker: “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Salutatorian Steven Dill said the Holley graduates can take some time for adventure before committing to adulthood.

Steven Dill, the salutatorian, addresses the crowd.

“Don’t stress out because you’re going to college, getting a job or have no plans whatsoever,” Dill said.

The graduates can begin the next phase of their lives knowing Holley will always be home, said Class President Michael Silvis. He said students have been nurtured by a caring community.

Class President Michael Silvis welcomes the crowd of about 1,000 people today at Holley’s soccer field.

The Class of 2013 announced several gifts for the school, including a new bench by the middle-high school and a Holley Hawks flag to fly under the American flag by the school.

Class Vice President Kassandra Sutton also said the class will pay for track flags and fence screens by the new track. She thanked the school and community for supporting extensive renovations to middle-high school. The class gifts are intended “to let everyone know the pride we feel as Holley Hawks,” Sutton said.

The Holley Women’s Quartet sings “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Photos by Tom Rivers – Sal DeLuca and his son Seth are all smiles on the graduation stage.

Kellie Spychalski hands her son Daniel his diploma.

HOLLEY – For 103 of the 108 Holley graduates in today’s commencement, John Heise handed them their diplomas when they walked across the stage.

Heise is the Board of Education president. He happily stepped aside five times today so other board members could present diplomas to their graduating family members.

Four members of the board handed their diplomas to sons, while Norm Knight presented the high school diploma to his granddaughter.

“It’s a very good perk,” said Sal DeLuca, a BOE member who presented the diploma to his son Seth. Last year DeLuca handed the diploma to his second son Zach. DeLuca’s oldest son Josh graduated before Sal was on the board.

“It’s a great thing,” DeLuca said about the honorary role at graduation.

Anne Winkley surprises her son Nicholas by presenting him with his diploma.

Kellie Spychalski presented her son Daniel with his diploma, while Anne Winkley handed the diploma to her son Nicholas. Robin Silvis presented the diploma to her son Michael, who also is the class president.

Winkley is completing her first year on the board. She said the opportunity to present her son with his diploma was something she relished.

“It was a big surprise to him,” Winkley said.

Norm Knight was summoned to the stage to present the diploma to his granddaughter Starlyt Knight.

Michael Silvis gave his mother a big hug in front of the crowd of about 1,000 people.

“It was really special to have my mom hand me my diploma,” he said.

The BOE did something new in today’s graduation. The board normally sits with the faculty. But this graduation it formed a receiving line and shook the graduates’ hands after they walked off stage.

DeLuca said the BOE is particularly close with this class because several members are parents of graduates.

“We’ve really got to know these kids,” DeLuca said.

Norm Knight gives his granddaughter Starlyt her diploma and a kiss on the cheek.

Robin Silvis and her Michael walk off the stage together during graduation today.

Press release, OC Sheriff’s Department

GAINES – An 18-year-old girl from Holley is hospitalized with serious injuries this morning following a one-car crash in the town of Gaines, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department reported.

The incident occurred at about 5 a.m. in the 2300 block of Eagle Harbor-Waterport Road. A 1993 Subaru 4-door sedan, operated by Jillian Marie Troy (sole occupant), was traveling north when the operator apparently lost control of the vehicle. The car travelled across the center line and ran off the west side of the roadway. The vehicle then struck a concrete bridge structure that carries the roadway over Otter Creek.

Troy was extricated from the heavily damaged vehicle by Albion and Carlton firefighters. Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance personnel were also at the scene. Troy was flown by Mercy Flight helicopter to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, where she remains in guarded condition.

The incident was investigated by Deputy M.C. Mele, Sergeant D.E. Draper Jr., Investigator C.L. Black, and Chief Deputy T. L. Drennan.  The investigation is continuing.

HOLLEY – There is an election today in Holley with four candidates running for two trustee positions on the Village Board.

The trustee terms are for two years. Polls are open from noon to 9 p.m. at the village office, 72 Public Square.

The candidates all have experience on the Village Board. One of them, Stanley “Skip” Carpenter, has served as mayor three times and also was a trustee. Carpenter is running under the Independent Party.

Former village trustees Nancy Penna, People’s Party, and William Quaranto, Family Party, also are vying for trustee. Incumbent Brian Sorochty, Taxpayer Party, is seeking a full term. He was appointed to the board in March after Lewis Passarell resigned. Sorochty served on the Planning Board before Mayor John Kenney appointed him to be trustee.

Sorochty

HOLLEY – Village residents gave strong support today to Trustee Brian Sorochty and former Mayor Skip Carpenter. Both were elected to two-year terms on the Village Board.

Sorochty led four candidates with 129 votes, followed by 116 for Carpenter. Former trustees Bill Quaranto, 33 votes, and Nancy Penna, 31, weren’t elected.

Sorochty, 42, was appointed to the Village Board in March by Mayor John Kenney. Sorochty had served eight years on the Planning Board. He also is chairman of the village’s Brownfield Opportunity Area grant project, which is looking for ways to revitalize distressed sites in Holley, including the old high school and the Diaz Chemical property.

Sorochty works as vice president of engineering for DDS Companies. A Holley graduate, he and his wife have two children, ages 7 and 5.

“This community is important to me,” he said. “I see a lot of potential. It’s a great hidden spot.”

Carpenter

He supports the village’s continued push for grant funding. A $250,000 grant awarded in December will help improve several properties in the Public Square. Sorochty would like to see Holley go after a grant through the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program to add a launch for small boats and kayaks along the canal. The camp sites along the canal park could also be upgraded with grant funds, he said.

“Pursuing grants is one way to make this community more appealing to developers,” Sorochty said.

Carpenter, 65, served three terms as mayor. The retired postmaster from Holley hasn’t been on the board in several years. He said he has more time to devote to the village these days.

“I’m retired,” he said. “I have all kinds of time.”

Ultimately, the village needs to grow its tax base to help keep down the tax rate, Carpenter said. That could accomplished with more projects in the village’s business park, which has the lure of low-cost municipal electric. Carpenter would also like to see houses acquired by the Environmental Protection Agency put back on the market. Right now those eight houses are not on the tax rolls.