HOLLEY – The school district on Monday honored six retiring teachers and staff with 170 years of collective experience working with students.

The Board of Education also honored Brian Bartalo, the district superintendent the past six years, who is retiring on June 30.

Matt Feldman, the junior-senior high school principal, hugs Penny Cole, one of six retiring Holley teachers and staff members recognized during the Holley Board of Education meeting on Monday.

Feldman called Cole “the mom of the high school.” Cole worked 29 years for Holley as a secretary in the guidance department. She also was a highly respected cheerleading coach for Holley.

Feldman said Cole’s retirement “has been an insurmountable loss” for Holley. Students admire her so much they dedicated the yearbook to her.

“She cares for our students,” Feldman said. “She cares for our staff. She cares for our community.”

Suzanne Thornton, left, is all smiles when she is recognized during the Holley Board of Education meeting on Monday by Karri Schiavone, the elementary school principal. Schiavone praised Thornton for working at all grade levels in the elementary school, and for maintaining close ties with many of her students and their families for years after they leave her classroom.

Thornton retired at the end of last school year but has continued as a substitute teacher for Holley. She has an annual pool party at her home, where she invites students and their families.

Amie Callan, another retiring elementary teacher, was praised by Schiavone for inviting grandparents into the district for a special day to be with their grandchildren. Callan served the district for 35 years, and has a great sense of humor, Schiavone said.

Kellie Burke listens to Matt Feldman, the junior-senior high principal, share about her impact on students in the school during her 34-year career teacher and also as a leader of the drama program. Brian Bartalo, the district superintendent, is at left.

Sandy Smith, a retiring special ed teacher, also was praised for her commitment to students, including as a chaperone on a trip to DC and keeping an old popcorn machine working. Smith said she will gladly hand off that popcorn machine for more years of use.

Retiring superintendent: ‘My life and career wouldn’t have been the same without Holley’

Anne Winkley, president of the Board of Education, presents a gift of appreciation to Brian Bartalo, who is retiring June 30 after six years as Holley’s district superintendent.

The district also commended Brian Bartalo for his leadership the past six years. Bartalo joined Holley after working as a principal at Hilton.

He said he was happy to return to a smaller school district. Holley’s entire student enrollment of about 1,000 is less than the 1,500 at the high school in Hilton.

Bartalo acknowledged he isn’t a big risk-taker. He said he could have finished his career in Hilton but took a chance on Holley.

“It was the best risk I’ve ever taken,” he said. “My life and career wouldn’t have been the same without Holley.”

Bartalo guided Holley through the Covid pandemic. Holley in 2019 also was identified as a “target” school district in need of improvement. The district made solid gains academically and was taken off the list of target districts by the State Education Department.

Holley was put on the list in January 2019 due to low scores for seventh- and eighth-graders. Bartalo praised students, parents, teachers, administrators and board of education members for committing to improvement.

Sal DeLuca, the board vice president, said Bartalo has been “a breath of fresh air” as the district leader.

“He brough enthusiasm, a desire to succeed and a desire for those around him to succeed,” DeLuca said during Monday’s board meeting.

Bartalo is known is the district as “Bart.” He was very visible at school events and quickly became part of the “Holley family,” DeLuca said.

Bartalo also commended Connie Nenni, the district clerk, for being “extraordinarily helpful” as his “right arm” in the district office.

Sharon Zacher, the district’s assistant superintendent for business, also has been a great asset to Holley and Bartalo, the retiring superintendent said. Zacher not only oversees the district’s finances, but she helps manage buildings and grounds, food service and transportation.

“She is the finest business official I’ve ever worked with,” Bartalo said.

Karri Schiavone, the elementary school principal, will succeed Bartalo on July 1. Bartalo said he is confident Schiavone and the administrative team will lead Holley to even more success.

Bartalo was picked by the senior class to give the commencement address on June 29.

HOLLEY – Voters in the Village of Holley go to the polls today to elect a mayor and two trustees on the Village Board.

Mark Bower is unopposed for mayor. He is running under the “Historic Holley Party.” The trustee candidates are both incumbents. Jessica MacClaren is running under the “Four Holley Party” and John Morriss is under the “Family Party.”

Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. in the village office foyer.

Holley’s terms of office used to be for two years but this election they will be for four years. The board voted to increase the terms on Jan. 10, 2023. This is the first election it takes effect.

Bower was elected mayor in June 2022. He is a retired school administrator. MacClaren is a fourth-grade teacher in Brockport. Morriss is a retired teacher and former Murray town supervisor.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that a new law requiring employers to provide 30 minutes of paid break time for employees to express breast milk goes into effect on Wednesday. This mandate applies whenever employees have a reasonable need to express breast milk and extends up to three years following childbirth.

“As New York’s first mom Governor, I am fighting every day to give working parents the protections they need to keep their families strong and healthy,” Governor Hochul said. “From our nation-leading prenatal leave program to this legislation requiring employers to give breastfeeding mothers much-needed break time, our state is continuing to stand up for parents in the workplace and protect maternal and child health.”

Comprehensive information about employee rights and employer requirements regarding breast milk expression in the workplace is available on the New York State Department of Labor’s (NYSDOL) dedicated resource page (click here).

Under the new law, employees can also use existing paid break time or mealtime for any time in excess of 30 minutes. This marks a significant shift from the previous requirement, where employers were only obligated to provide reasonable unpaid break time for this purpose.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “This legislation represents a major victory for working parents across New York State. By providing paid break time for breast milk expression, we are not only supporting parents and their babies but also reinforcing the importance of family-friendly workplace policies. The Department of Labor remains committed to ensuring that all employers comply with these new standards and that all employees are aware of their rights.”

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

Genesee and Orleans counties are expecting unusually hot weather this week, which will last through Friday evening, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday.

“The duration of the heat will include both daytime and nighttime temperatures, with little or no relief during the overnight hours,” stated Paul Pettit, public health director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “This poses an elevated risk of causing heat-related illnesses.”

GO Health is reminding residents to take necessary precautions during this week’s extreme heat event. Follow the steps below to stay cool, hydrated, and safe:

• Stay in a cool or air-conditioned building as much as possible. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity and find shade where you can. Limit strenuous activities and exercise. Drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks.
• Wear appropriate clothing. Choose clothing that is lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting.
• Take a cool shower or bath using mildly warm water. Sudden temperature changes may make you feel dizzy or sick.
• Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
• Do not leave kids, pets, or anyone else in cars. Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open.
• Wear sunscreen. Sunburn can impact how your body cools down and can cause you to become dehydrated.
• Check on your neighbors, family and friends, especially those who are at higher risk. Those most at risk include older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with disabilities, people with chronic conditions, and outdoor workers.
• Keep your pets safe. Don’t keep your pets outdoors for too long, and provide them with plenty of fresh water. Avoid asphalt and dark pavement, which can be very hot.
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and if it is suspected, call 911 immediately. To learn more, click here.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo says a strong thunderstorm will hit western Orleans and Niagara counties this morning through 8:30 a.m. The Weather Service issued a special weather statement about the storm at 7:33 a.m.

There could be wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour that could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. The storm will also produce heavy rainfall which may result in localized flooding, the Weather Service said.

Locations impacted include Niagara Falls, Lockport, Medina, Newfane, Lewiston, Youngstown, Middleport, Fort Niagara State Park, Sanborn, Shelby, Wilson, Barker, Cambria Center, Olcott, Pendleton Center, Ransomville, Gasport, Model City, Appleton, and Rapids.

Leigha Walker, ‘our angel,’ praised for doing compressions on man who had heart attack

Photos by Tom Rivers: Holley school district leaders present “Soaring to New Heights” awards to Leigha Walker, a Holley senior, and teacher Renee Wolf. From left include district superintendent Brian Bartalo and Board of Education President Anne Winkley. Walker performed compressions on a man who went into cardiac arrest and crashed into a pole outside the Brockport Subway where she works. Walker received training in CPR at Holley in a class taught by Wolf.

HOLLEY – The school district this evening presented a “Soaring to New Heights” award to Leigha Walker, a Holley senior who rendered aid to a man who had a heart attack.

The district also recognized Renee Wolf, teacher of the class where students learn CPR, the Heimlich maneuver and first aid.

The wife and two sisters of Jack Brennan also attended the Board of Education meeting in Holley to show their appreciation for Leigha and her teacher. Brennan, 67, of Brockport is the man who had a heart attack and became unconscious on June 9. He crashed into a pole outside the Brockport Subway where Leigha was working.

She heard the crash and immediately called 911 at about 10 a.m. Leigha grabbed a wooden rod so a bystander could break the passenger window of Brennan’s pickup truck and then unlock the vehicle.

Leigha and co-worker got Brennan out of the truck and onto the ground. Leigha checked his vital signs. When the Brockport Fire District ambulance pulled up, a medic urged someone to start CPR.

Leigha did more than 30 compressions to keep Brennan’s blood moving. Then the Brockport ambulance personnel used an AED to get Brennan’s heart restarted. He was then transported by ambulance to a hospital.

It was an intense 12 minutes or so. Then Leigha went back to work for four more hours.

“Leigha is our angel,” said Kathy Conner, one of Brennan’s sisters.

Leigha Walker is joined by the family of Jack Brennan, a man she provided aid to on June 9. From left include Brennan’s wife Caroline Rodriguez, and Brennan’s sisters Maureen Close and Kathy Conner. They attended an award presentation for Walker at the Board of Education meeting this evening.

Brennan is now in stable condition and will have open-heart bypass surgery tomorrow.

His wife, Caroline Rodriguez, said Brennan is very fit. He works out, runs regularly, and stays busy in retirement, sealing driveways and painting. For the past 25 years he has been a softball umpire in Section 5, and has done games where Leigha was the catcher for Holley, with Brennan only a few inches behind her, calling balls and strikes. He also is a volleyball referee.

Brennan has run many marathons. He had already knocked out a 1 ½-mile run the morning of June 9 before he was stricken with a heart attack.

Rodriguez said Leigha’s actions and those of other bystanders saved precious minutes for the medics who arrived later.

“They got him out of the truck, set up and she started CPR,” Rodriguez said. “Those were critical moments when every second counts.”

Leigha has been featured in the media in the past week, including the Orleans Hub, Rochester television stations and has been widely praised on social media.

She prefers to keep a low-profile, said Brian Bartalo, the district superintendent.

“Leigha is a very humble and kind person,” Bartalo said this evening, in presenting her with an award from the district. “I know she doesn’t want this type of attention.”

Provided photo: Leigha Walker is the catcher for Holley’s varsity softball game. In this photo Jack Brennan is the umpire.

The district also presented an award to Renee Wolf, teacher of the Sports, Safety and Fitness class where students learn CPR and other first aid.

Leigha was one of 15 Holley students to take the class last year and become certified in CPR.

Wolf learned CPR when she was 15. But she has never needed to use it. Wolf is also Leigha’s soccer coach on a team that won Sectionals and advanced to the state tournament.

“Leigha is a great young woman,” Wolf said. “I’m super proud of her. She doesn’t want the attention. She just thinks it’s something anybody would do.”

Bartalo said the elective class led by Wolf will stay in Holley, “so more kids can help their community.”

Town Board seeks to buy 153 acres to expand town park with stipulation $700K must come from grants

Photos by Tom Rivers: Yates Town Supervisor Jim Simon speakers at a meeting Saturday morning at the Yates Town Park during an informational session about a public referendum this Thursday at Yates Town Hall.

YATES – Town Supervisor Jim Simon sees 153.3 acres by Lake Ontario as a tremendous opportunity for the town to preserve undisturbed land for generations to come.

But some residents see the acquisition, even if funded by grants, as a potential drain on taxpayers with maintenance and other expenses.

Residents will decide on Thursday whether the town moves forward with the land purchase. The town will only spend $700,000 to buy the land from NYSEG if the Yates can secure $700,000 in grants to cover the price. Yates would have two years to come up with the money. The public vote will be from noon to 8 p.m. at the Town Hall, 8 South Main St.

Simon is optimistic the town could secure the grants through the state Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation and also the Lyndonville Area Foundation, with other entities also as possibilities. If Yates doesn’t secure the grant funds for the purchase, the sale will be cancelled.

The Town Board on March 14 voted to buy 153.3 acres of land from NYSEG. It would be next to existing 6-acre park along Morrison Road.

Town residents Paul Lauricella, Bill Jurinich and Steve Colon circulated petitions wanting the matter to go to a public vote. On April 11 they turned in petitions signed by 200 residents. That was well above the needed threshold of 50 signature to force a referendum.

“I’m glad it’s come down to this where the people have a say,” Simon said on Saturday during an informational meeting about the land purchase. “That doesn’t happen to often in government. We can make a case and the people can vote yes or no.”

This map shows the boundaries of the land the Town Board seeks to acquire to expand the town park by 153.3 acres. The site, which is zoned waterfront development, would remain largely undisturbed in the near future, perhaps with a nature trail if the sale is approved by voters. If the sale is approved, a committee will be appointed by the Town Board to pursue grants and develop a plan for potential uses of the site.

If the land purchase is approved on Thursday, Simon said the Town Board will appoint a committee to pursue grants and consider how the land could be used by the public. He said he would prefer the land stay largely undisturbed with only walking trails. But the committee will look at options for the land.

Paul Lauricella sees more burden on taxpayers with the expanded park. The land if bought by the town would become exempt, taking $23,650 away in taxes – for the town ($3,557), school district ($11,279) , county ($7,009), fire district ($735), library ($302) and water debt service ($768).

Lauricella also foresees more demand on the highway department for maintaining the site, even if it’s just a nature trail. If there are pavilions and other amenities, it would cost even more.

“We’re not Lighthouse Park to have to maintain this,” Lauricella said about the nearby Golden Hill State Park. “Just the maintenance could raise our taxes significantly. My concern is survival here because the taxes are going up.”

Resident Bill Jurinich also said he was uneasy with the unknown total costs if the town is given the green light to acquire the land. He said he and others are on fixed incomes and he worries about his taxes.

“That is my biggest fear: I just don’t want to be driven out of the town because of the taxes,” Jurinich said during the meeting at the town park.

Another resident, Deborah Schmitt, urged the community to support the land acquisition and vote yes at the referendum. If the purchase is voted down, she fears that NYSEG will sell the land to be developed for mansions.

“I’d rather it be owned by all of us,” she said.

The land up for sale runs just before the “shoe trees” at the corner of Lakeshore Road and Foss Road.

The site could also be eyed by industry for the fresh water access, another resident said.

Georgette Stockman said she would prefer to see the land stay undeveloped. She said 146 different species of birds have been identified in the park.

Paula Simon, wife of the town supervisor, said the referendum gives the community a chance to keep the land wild.

“NYSEG wants to sell now,” she said. “They’re giving the town a special price.”

If the land is five separate parcels. If it went on the open market, Mrs. Simon said there would be strong interest in the properties.

“It’s not going to stay the way it is,” she said. “It’s going to change.”

Mr. Simon, the town supervisor, said there wouldn’t be much additional cost to the town. He said the town’s insurance wouldn’t increase with the added land if there is only a nature trail.

He said the expanded town park would likely draw some visitors and keep more people in town for recreation. He noted the pavilion at the town park had $4,700 in income last year through rental fees, and already has hit $4,000 this year.

Some of the people using the park also likely get food from local businesses, helping those entrepreneurs and generating some sales tax.

Simon said an expanded town park has been identified by previous town boards through waterfront development plans. Yates sought the land previously, but only now is NYSEG willing to sell the larger chunk of acreage. NYSEG did sell the town 6 acres for the current park in 1997 when Russ Martino was town supervisor. In pavilion at the park is named in his honor.

“This idea didn’t generate with me,” Simon said. “It goes back to prior town boards and Russ Martino.”

Owners hope to expand to restaurant from current food trailer

Photos by Tom Rivers: Pictured from left include the owners of Jim and Andy’s in Medina – Tim and Kathy Drake, Jim Alavera-Woodhams III, and Andy Alvarera-Woodhams. The food trailer is located next to Monte Alban in Medina at 507 East Center St.

MEDINA – Jim and Andy Alvarera-Woodhams are hoping their new food business in Medina will lead to them opening a restaurant in Orleans County.

The two opened Jim & Andy’s last month at 507 East Center St., next to Monte Alban and a taco food trailer owned by the Rosario family. They are joined in the venture by Jim’s cousin Tim Drake of Albion and his wife Kathy.

The business serves classics: burgers, hot dogs and fries, with mac salad, cole slaw, baked beans and other sides. Soon they will challenge customers to eat an “inferno burger” without taking a drink, which will get their photo posted among champion eaters at Jim & Andy’s. They also will get a T-shirt that proclaims, “I survived the raging inferno.”

The burgers are served hand-pressed and aren’t from frozen patties. The lemonade is fresh squeezed.

“I love to cook and it runs in the family,” said Jim Alvarera-Woodhams.

He also works part-time is a property manager at the Batavia Plaza – West Main. That’s where he met the Rosario family who have the Monte Alban II at that plaza.

Jim Alavera-Woodhams III and Andy Alvarera-Woodhams both have experience in the the food service industry.

Jim Alvarera-Woodhams also had been running a T-shirt business but wanted to get into food. He and his husband, Andy, were working at the Burger King in Batavia. They noticed it’s high-volume, as long as the food is tasty without high prices.

Jim talked about going into the food business with his cousin, Tim Drake of Albion. They have combined their joy of cooking with a desire to add another gathering place for people in Orleans County.

If the food trailer goes over well, they would like to open a restaurant and expand the menu. Right now they are limited in prep space for a more extensive menu, but they will try some Philippine dishes, including pork adobo.

The food can be ordered through Door Dash and the Jim & Andy’s expects to offer deliveries soon.

The business is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

St. Mark’s in Kendall, St. Stephen’s in Middleport would be closed and sold; St. Rocco’s grounds in Hulberton also to be sold

Photos by Tom Rivers: St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Holley is shown in February 2020 when the parish celebrated the completion of a renovation project that included interior upgrades and a new roof, and audio and lighting improvements. The Buffalo Diocese has proposed closing St. Mark’s in Kendall and merging that church with St. Mary’s.

HOLLEY – There will be meetings this week among local Catholic churches to detail a plan to “right size” the Diocese of Buffalo. That plan includes closing the St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Kendall and the St. Stephen’s Church in Middleport.

The St. Joseph’s Catholic Church property and rectory in Lyndonville also is to be sold. The church was badly damaged in a fire on Feb. 28, 2023. The church at 36 Lake Ave. was torn down in November.

The plan from the Diocese for Orleans County and eastern Niagara churches also includes selling the St. Rocco’s festival grounds in Hulberton. That property has hosted a popular Italian Festival for 49 years. It is held the Sunday before Labor Day.

The Diocese also will move the Catholic church in Barker out of the family of the ONE Catholic community of churches Orleans, Niagara East. The Barker church will shift to a family of churches closer to Lockport.

The Diocese of Buffalo a week ago on June 10 announced its restructuring plan for churches in Orleans and Niagara counties. These are recommended changes and not final, said Joe Martone, Diocese spokesman.

Parish families have the opportunity to present alternative proposals by July 15, he said. The Diocese is expected to make a final decision on closures in September.

The plan from the Diocese of Buffalo includes selling the St. Rocco’s festival grounds in Hulberton, which has hosted a popular Italian festival for 49 years. This photo from Sept. 3, 2023 shows Richard Herzog working the grill with Italian sausage. He hands some of those off to Ellen Bissanti. The festival is held the Sunday before Labor Day. Hulberton was a very popular community for Italian immigrants more than a century ago. They were drawn to the area for work in the Medina sandstone quarries.

Father Mark Noonan, one of the priests in the ONE Catholic community, welcomes parishioners to meetings this week to discuss the proposal from the Diocese and a response to the recommendations. The meetings include:

• Wednesday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s in Holley
• Thursday, June 20 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Stephen’s in Middleport
• Thursday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Family in Albion
• Friday, June 21 at 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s in Medina
• Saturday, June 22 at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake in Barker
• Saturday, June 22 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s in Kendall
• Sunday, June 23 at 1:30 p.m. at Holy Family in Albion (Spanish language meeting)

“The purpose of these gatherings will be to share our perspectives about our Family of Parishes, the recommendations the Diocese has provided, and our hopes of continuing to grow and foster our wonderful mission here at ONE Catholic,” Father Noonan said in a message to the local Catholic community. “Let’s continue to pray for one another and for all those who are in special need.”

The 8-county Diocese of Buffalo announced on May 28 it will work to reduce the number of parishes by 34 percent in the eight-county region, which includes Orleans.

“The Diocese of Buffalo is facing multiple challenges including a significant priest shortage, declining Mass attendance, aging congregations and ongoing financial pressures brought about by our Chapter 11 filing,” Bishop Michael Fisher said on May 28.

Some of the concerning data from the Diocese includes a 49 percent decline in registered households across the 8-county region, 59 percent of parishes with a negative net operating balance, 59 percent of parishes experiencing a steady decline in baptisms, 24 percent decrease in marriages from 2020 to 2023 in the Diocese, and the average age for priests is 76, with 63 percent of the priests between the ages of 65 and 70.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Ground Level Ozone today from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The alert includes Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and southern Erie counties.

Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 105 for Ground Level Ozone, the DEC said. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was created as a way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI Value, the greater the health concern.

When pollution levels are elevated, the state Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.

People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease.

Today is forecast for a high of 93 degrees, followed by highs of 91 on Tuesday, 92 on Wednesday and 90 on Thursday.

A heat advisory also is in effect in Orleans and Western New York from noon Tuesday to 8 p.m. on Thursday. Heat index values as high as 100 degrees are expected.

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Holley Elementary School celebrated Flag Day in a big way on Friday with its patriotic parade from the school down North Main Street, to Route 31 and the Public Square before gathering for a ceremony in front of the Murray-Holley Historical Society.

About 500 students were joined by teachers and parents in the parade. This was the 67^th annual Flag Day celebration. The parade and ceremony started in 1957,. The school presents citizenship awards for each grade level.

Brian Bartalo (left), the district superintendent, rides with Don Penna, a maintenance supervisor. They are playing music from the golf cart, including “This Land is Your Land” and “Born in the U.S.A.”

Bartalo, who is retiring June 30 after six years as Holley superintendent, said the Flag Day ceremony is a big highlight in the school year.

“I have never seen anything like it until I came here,” Bartalo said about Holley’s Flag Day celebration. “Patriotism and love of country is evident here.”

These elementary students walk along Route 31 through the Public Square.

Fifth-grader Olivia Rebis wore red, white and blue while serving as one of the student emcees during the ceremony. Grayson Kelley, another fifth-grader, also was an emcee. They are joined up front by principal Karri Schiavone, left, Brendan Keiser, the district’s director of teaching and learning, and Sal DeLuca, vice president of the Board of Education.

The elementary band and chorus performed several patriotic songs.

Principal Karri Schiavone presented the Catherine B. Press citizenship awards went to fifth-graders Mya Gerringer and Chase Lasher. These students demonstrate honesty, compassion, respect, responsibility and courage. Schiavone will start as Holley’s district superintendent on July 1.

Good Citizens from last year’s Flag Day ceremony were able to walk near the front of the parade, wearing their “Good Citizen” shirts.

KNOWLESVILLE – One Wednesday a month, Marilyn Strabel of Clarendon has a few hours to relax, run errands or have lunch with friends.

“Or do anything else I want,” she said. “But the day is more for him than me.”

That is the day she drops her husband Bud off at the respite program at Abundant Harvest’s Recreation Hall in Knowlesville.

Marilyn has been taking Bud there for almost three years, and he looks forward to it as much as she does.

Bud is suffering from Alzheimer’s, and as his disease progressed, Marilyn called the Office for the Aging to inquire if there was a respite program available in the county.

Since then, she has been bringing Bud to the Knowlesville program.

This past Wednesday, she was going to use the opportunity for free time to visit the graves of her parents and Bud’s to clean the gravestones.

The respite program is led by Cheryl Babcock and is operated under the auspices of and with the support of the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York. She got the idea from a friend who runs one in Erie County, asking her why she didn’t do it in her home town.

“I said I’d think about it, and I prayed about it and brought it up to congregation,” Babcock said.

Ruth Higgins is co-chairwoman of the program at Abundant Harvest.

“The Indian Falls United Methodist Church has a wonderful program and I went and checked that out,” Higgins said.

The first respite program started in September 2021. Attendance has been sparse, but those who attend have a great time.

Higgins, a member of Abundant Harvest, takes care of crafts, which include painting, jigsaw puzzles and making favors for Mother’s Day. They have also made flags for the Fourth of July out of clothespins and wreaths for Christmas. Sometimes they do exercises or have special presentations, such as a recent one by Cheryl Watts, who makes characters out of balloons, or a visit by the church’s choir at Christmas time.

They have also had picnics outside, and after lunch they play bingo, Babcock said.

All those involved are volunteers, including Linda Baker and Linda Stinson, who cook lunch, and Sylvia Armer.

“This is a very heart-warming program,” Babcock said.

Anyone wishing to drop a loved one off for respite is asked to call Babcock at (585) 704-8173, or Higgins at (585) 798-4483 and leave a message.

“I feel very secure leaving Bud here,” his wife said. “The best thing for him is to keep him doing things.”

Babcock agreed that Alzheimer’s patients need interaction with other people.

Other respite programs are now operating at the Christ Episcopal Church in Albion located at 26 S Main St., Albion, NY 14411, and Holley Community Center. These are funded by a grant which United Way of Orleans County received from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation’s Legacy Fund. These programs are available from 1 to 4 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of the month at the Christ Episcopal Church, and the second and fourth Thursday  of the month in Holley. Another program under the Orleans County Office for the Aging takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays at the Nutrifaire site at 16 Academy St. in Albion.  The respite program at Abundant Harvest’s Recreation Hall in Knowlesville and the Orleans County Office for the Aging programs both serve lunch and it is free. In fact, all programs listed above remain free for Orleans County residents.