After The Batavian's Jan. 7 article about the opening of the winter racing season at Batavia Downs, one reader raised questions -- well-informed questions -- about just how well the winter meets are doing for the race track and casino.

On Thursday, Don Hoover, director of live racing for Western Regional Off-Track Betting, sat down with The Batavian to address the issues raised by the reader.

First, the history of the winter meet at Batavia Downs
The meet is in its third season. Before 2023, the race track in Buffalo hosted a three-month winter meet but the storms of 2022 distributed the season, causing several race-day cancelations. Buffalo decided to compress its racing schedule into a season that starts in March.

The horsemen are accustomed to year-round racing, and for many of them, their income stream depends on it, Hoover said.

"Now we're faced with the possibility of no racing in Western New York for three months," Hoover said. "That leads to the question of whether some would have to get out of the business. Would they ship to another racetrack and maybe stay there?"

The horseman's association approached management at Batavia Downs and proposed a January and February racing schedule, promising to cover any losses incurred by the track.

The horsemen promising the track wouldn't lose money on the races is a key point, Hoover stressed.

"We have a shared agreement that benefits both Batavia Downs and the local horsemen so that they can maintain their racing without much interruption and we can provide a venue for them without incurring any significant cost," Hoover said.

The agreement covers direct costs related to each race, not other ongoing operational costs, such as the salaries of permanent staff who might work during the events.

Is keeping winter racing a good business decision?
"I have personally wrestled with that question because it's not really in monetary terms, and the angst that it just brings about naturally due to the constant question of -- are you racing? Are you not racing? Are you racing? Are you not? Is it too cold? Is it a safe track? Those items are hard to wrestle with on a daily basis," Hoover said. "If we look at it as a pure business decision -- I guess, what we would have to do now since this is our third winter -- I guess what we would have to do now is sit down and get the food and beverage revenue and see if we can see a pattern. We know that we do more business on Mondays and Thursdays when we race because otherwise, the clubhouse wouldn't be open.

"The clubhouse is open. We have food specials. People come and attend the races there and eat and drink. So we would have to try to analyze exactly what we could put in dollars and cents as to what ancillary income we get derived specifically by racing in the winter."

What Hoover calls "ancillary income" doesn't count against direct racing expenses.

Even so, it can be hard to separate additional revenue on race days when Batavia Downs has other promotions going on throughout the winter, such as hotel specials, concerts, and group events, "all the things we do here as a corporation to drive people to the property." 

He does believe, he said, that racing does get extra people to the track, though attendance is much, much smaller than the regular meet.

"It's logical that we would get extra people to the property by holding racing," Hoover said. "They are people who are harness racing fans, and they wouldn't be here except for that fact."

Is there enough attendance to justify opening the clubhouse?

"It's a work in progress where we look to see how to do that without losing money,"  Hoover said. "We have one bartender. People order drinks. We've paired down what foods are available. It used to be that they could order food and it would be brought up to them. Now we just have specials for right there. So we've tried to look at all the numbers on it and come up with a specific plan where we won't lose money by having the clubhouse open."

Our reader thinks attendance would be better on another weekday than Monday, such as going to two days, perhaps Tuesday and Thursday or Wednesday and Friday.
"Well, Mondays happen to be our biggest handle day," Hoover said.

During the regular meet, the first post time is 6 p.m., giving people who work, especially in Rochester and Buffalo, time to get off work and make it to the track.

In winter, with lower attendance, it puts more of a strain on staff expense to have a later post time.  The 3 p.m. post time in the winter also eliminates going head-to-head against racing at Monticello.

"The staff doesn't have to go home and come back," Hoover said. "The staff doesn't have to accrue extraordinary overtime. It's not dark yet. We have the track crew still here. We don't have to send them home and bring them back in, so we thought the combination of all those things regarding staffing, overtime, and the time of day was beneficial for us to make that schedule for the three o'clock on Mondays and Thursdays."

Why is Monday your biggest handle day?
There is less competition on Mondays, Hoover said. That is primarily important for off-track betting.

For the live handle, there isn't much difference between Monday and Thursday.

Is it correct that the off-track handle generates about 2% in revenue for OTB and the live-track revenue is about 20%?

Yes and no, Hoover said. When you factor in BataviaBets.com, phone bets, and OTB's own branches, the off-track handle increases to about 2.6%.

What is the typical revenue for a winter race?
Hoover said it is currently about $7,500 to $8,000.  That doesn't include anything from food and beverage or what might be spent by race attendees on the casino floor.

Later on Thursday, The Batavian spoke with CEO Byron Brown, who said winter racing is important to the operation of OTB.

"Winter racing really helps to strengthen the relationship between Batavia Downs and the horsemen," Brown said. "Also, as we work to make this a premier entertainment destination in New York State, it's just another reason for people to come to Batavia Downs."

Batavia's offense sizzled against Marcus Whitman on Wednesday leading to a 63-36 win at home.

Casey Mazur scored 17 points for the Blue Devils, Gavin White, 15, Carter Mullen, 14, Justin Smith, 7, and Ty Gioia, 6.

Mazur hit five three-pointers.

"We're trying to become an inside-first team with Gavin and Justin," said Coach Buddy Brasky. "We normally have an advantage with at least one of them on the inside, so we're trying to play through the post, get them scoring early, and then when the other team makes an adjustment and tries to double down and sag in on them, we go inside out, and that leads to some open threes, and the guys are starting to get it, and it's working for us."

Batavia’s next home game is Friday at 7:15 p.m. vs. Eastridge

A win on Friday would be Batavia head coach Buddy Brasky’s 500th career win.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Elba beat Pavilion on Wednesday in Girls Basketball 73-31.

For the Lancers, Sydney Reilly scored 18 points, Brea Smith scored 13, Mariah Ognibene scored 10, Maddie Hall scored 9, and Lydia Ross scored 8.

For the Gophers, Ella Tillotson scored 10, Kylie Conway, 8, and Mia Bilkes, 8.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Officials at the Genesee County Economic Development Center do anticipate that Plug Power will complete construction, at some point, of its clean hydrogen fuel plant at WNY STAMP.

"We continue to check in with them periodically," said CEO Mark Masse. "They've said the project is on pause, but it's still a very important part of their overall strategic goal of green hydrogen production, and they're still intending to construct the facility at STAMP."

The Lathan-based hydrogen company received word a week ago that the Department of Energy finalized a $1.66 billion loan guarantee with the company, which the company said would be used to complete construction on six plants, without specifically naming the $290 million project in Genesee County as one of the plants it will continue work on.

There's been some doubt about the future of the plant since HeatMap reported in  October that the WNY STAMP project was not included in the DOE loan application. The DOE has not responded to The Batavian's request to obtain a copy of the document. 

Chris Suozzi, VP for business and workforce development at the GCEDC, reportedly told a Washington, D.C.-based commercial real estate firm that Plug Power's STAMP project is on hold.

According to Heatmap, Suozzi spoke to PRP Real Estate Management. The firm recorded the phone call.

“They’re not ready to go," Suozzi reportedly said. "They’re on pause. We don’t know what’s going to happen with them at this point.”

Masse said Plug Power was in a "holding pattern" while awaiting news of the DOE loan.

"I have not followed up with them since the announcement," Masse said. "I don't think the announcement stated where the loan guarantee was going to go, but I'm sure we'll be reaching out to them at some point here soon, just to get another update from them and find out what their plans are for that funding."

The new potential barrier for Plug Power, however, may be an executive order signed by Donald Trump on his first day in office freezing disbursement of funds under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act targeted to clean energy projects.

The order explicitly targets grants, which have mostly been distributed already, but it's unclear how it affects the DOE's Loan Program Office.  

The loan closed a week ago, but it is unclear whether the funds were transferred to Plug by Monday. A public relations representative did not respond to The Batavian's request for comment on the project.

The office of Sen. Charles Schumer did not respond to The Batavian's request for a comment on the status of the project and the loan.

The stock market has not reacted favorably to news of the loan closing. Since Thursday, the price per share of Plug's stock has dropped from an open of $2.75 to a close on Wednesday of $2.05.

The company reportedly already carries $930 million in debt, and at no point in its 28-year history has it turned a profit.

Plug Power also faces a class-action lawsuit filed in May claiming that the company's stock price was artificially inflated between May 9, 2023, and January 16, 2024.

The plaintiffs claim that the company and a pair of senior officers misled investors by lying and withholding information about delays in the build-out plans of its production facilities in SEC filings.

Plug Power is currently the nation's largest producer of green hydrogen. Its Georgia plant produces 15 tons of liquid hydrogen per day. Its Tennessee plant produces 10 tons per day. It also has an operational plant in St. Gabriel, Lousiana. 

If the WNY STAMP plant ever comes online, it is expected to produce 74 tons daily. The company is also constructing additional plants in New York and Texas.

The company seeks to become the nation's first vertically integrated green hydrogen producer, providing customers with fuel, products, and support. Plug aims to provide customers fuel cells, electrolyzers (splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen), and liquid hydrogen fuel. They currently provide companies like Walmart and Amazon with hydrogen-powered forklifts.  The company sees a future in hydrogen powering long-haul trucking.

Press Release:

A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia):

“Another year, another out-of-touch budget proposal from Gov. Hochul. It’s no wonder our state has one of the highest out-migration rates in the country when we continue to spend money we don’t have on programs we don’t need. Increasing spending by nearly $10 billion is not in our best interest, and New Yorkers aren’t buying it this time around. This is a $252 billion disaster that we cannot afford to implement. Our state needs a balanced budget that helps bring down costs for working families rather than taking more money out of their pockets.

Press Release:

The Public Hearing for the Planning Board of the Town of Stafford is adjourned at the request of the applicant.

This will be rescheduled for the next monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 26.

Press Release:

The Batavia High School (BHS) Rock Band has been honored with the 2025 Excellence in Student Services Award by the Genesee Valley School Boards Association. 

The award, presented on Saturday, January 18, recognized the Rock Band program for its outstanding contribution to student development and music education.

Now in its 11th year, the BHS Rock Band program offers students the opportunity to explore and perform various styles of rock music, focusing on the four primary rock instruments; drums, bass guitar, guitar, and keyboard. 

The program is performance-focused, with several concerts each year that allow students to showcase their skills and growth as musicians.

Originally launched as a single class in 2014, the Rock Band program has expanded significantly over the years. It now includes three classes and an after-school advanced ensemble.

Congrats to the BCSD Music Department for this impressive achievement!

Press Release:

The Batavia Winterguard is thrilled to announce its 25th Annual Fantastic Visions Competition, taking place on Saturday, February 1, at Batavia High School. 

This exciting event will showcase the talents of 28 Winterguard teams from across Western New York and Canada, and we invite you to join us for an afternoon of incredible performances.

The competition begins at 2:50 p.m., with Batavia’s own Cadet and IA Winterguards taking the stage at 3:56 p.m. and 7:13 p.m., respectively.

Tickets are $10 for spectators ages 8 and older, with children 7 and under admitted for free. This is a fantastic opportunity to support local and regional talent while enjoying a thrilling day of Winterguard competition.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Press Release: 

The Town of Elba has announced its 2025 schedule for upcoming board and commission meetings. All meetings will be held at 7133 Oak Orchard Road, Elba, unless otherwise noted.

Town Board Meetings

The Town Board will meet on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., with the following exceptions:

• January 2
• February 6

Regular meetings will resume on March 13 and continue on the following schedule:

• April 10
• May 8
• June 12
• July 10
• August 14
• September 11
• October 9
• November 13
• December 11

Zoning Board Meetings

The Zoning Board will meet on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. An exception will be made for September, where the meeting will take place on September 8 due to the holiday. 

Planning Board Meetings

The Planning Board will meet on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.

Other Meetings of Interest:

Fire Commissioners – Elba Joint Fire District: 

• Meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Elba Joint Fire District Station.

Village of Elba:

• Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., located at 4 South Main Street, Elba.

For more information, please contact the Town of Elba Clerk’s office at 585-757-2762.

Press Release:

The Board of Directors for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will hold its Annual Organizational Meeting on January 28, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at 420 E. Main St., Batavia. 

Election of officers, annual authorizations, and appointment of committees/chairs will be decided on at this meeting.

For more information, please contact Yvonne Peck at ydp3@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040 x123.

Batavia PD is investigating a personal injury accident involving two juvenile pedestrians that occurred Saturday at 6:15 at West Main Street and Oak Street.

The youths had serious but non-life threatening injuries and both were transport by Mercy EMS to Strong Memorial Hospital.

The driver of the vehicle is cooperating with police, the department said in a statement. 

They're asking anyone with information about the incident or video footage to contact Sgt. Arick Perkins at 585-345-6350.

Batavia's young team often struggles in the fourth quarter, said Head Coach John McCulley, but on Tuesday against Oakfield-Alabama, the Lady Devils battled through to help them secure a 54-50 victory.

"Our lack of experience and age has shown," McCulley said. "Tonight was a different story. The girls fought through a late run by O-A in the fourth quarter and held tough; they literally grew up in front of me."

Batavia held on despite being outscored in the fourth 17-14.

"Tonight was a very tough game from tip to horn," McCulley said. "I always enjoy playing Jeff (Schlagenhauf, O-A head coach) and his girls because I know it will be a battle. We had to keep mixing up defenses to keep the pressure up. We were successful at times but gave up a few too many three-pointers."

Scoring for Batavia:

• Karizma Wescott, 9 points, 3 blocks
• Addy Arroyo, 9 points
• Leilah Manuel, 5 points
• Ali Tomidy, 7 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists
• Jaimin Macdonald, 17 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists

Lady Hornets:

• Alea Groff, 21 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals
• Piper Hyde, 10 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds
• Alexa Clark, 9 points, 6 rebounds
• Allie Williams, 6 points, 4 rebounds
• Raine Denny, 2 points
• Allison Harkness, 2 points, 6 rebounds

"I want to give a big shout-out to the JV girls that had to come up to varsity due to a lack of numbers," McCulley said. "This was the first week we were all together, and the way they pushed us in practice was a big reason we won our first game of the season."

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Although the city’s Planning & Development Committee recommended Tuesday that Christian Brunelle return in February with details and a site plan for a Byrne Dairy & Deli at 606 E. Main St., Batavia, committee members walked away pleased with his 35-minute presentation at City Hall.

Brunelle, senior executive vice president of Sonbyrne Sales, Inc., reviewed loose plans for a gated store that would be moved back from houses, include landscaping and trees, a Dumpster enclosure, two unrestricted curb cuts, one each a canopied gas and diesel station, sidewalks leading to the store porch, three signs, including a digital reading board, and outdoor lights designed to minimize unwanted light pollution.

“We use 100% Dark Sky, which is the most stringent light … why do I do that? It’s so expensive but well worth it. We go above and beyond the idea of this every meeting, because usually I’m used to much tighter residences,” Brunelle said. “We give you kind of a funnel image from an engineer. I’m gonna send this to the lighting engineer down south. He will send something back.” 

He ran through his talk well rehearsed and knowledgable, quickly answering questions without a waver. Six-foot tall evergreens, per city code, would meet the code requirement as a sufficient buffer, and they are also considering replacing some trees and adding red maples, he said. The set-up doesn’t require pedestrians to cross the gas station area, so that “no one has to cross the driveway,” he said. 

The applicant has requested a variance because there is less than 500 feet between the store and Whole Life Fitness, a gym at 624 E. Main St. Committee Chairman Duane Preston asked about options.

“Would you be opposed to a fence?” he said, surmising that maybe the neighbors would appreciate some visual separation.

Brunelle had no problem with that, or a row of trees, he said. “You guys tell me what you want,” he said. 

Code Enforcement Officer Douglas Randall suggested that either a row of trees or bushes would be a good idea for catching debris from the dairy to the gym.

Preston also asked if there’s a plan to install electric vehicle pumps. There is no such plan now, Brunelle said, however, when and if there’s a need in the future, those could be added.

“If there’s a need for those in three or four years, we have enough room,” he said. 

What about a generator on site?

While there wouldn’t be one at the store permanently, there are two — a 125 KW and 100 KW — in a warehouse not far away, he said.

“It can be brought here in one and a half hours,” he said.

Committee member Jim Krencik asked how much of the property would not be paved. Six feet that then goes back 15 to 20 feet would remain unpaved, Brunelle said.

Brunelle said the company has already conducted a survey and is ready for the next steps with a targeted spring construction, likely to begin in April if the approval process goes well. 

Since the property is along state Route 5, he has already sent plans to the New York State Department of Transportation for review, he said.

“It’s a very nice proposal, very amenable,” Committee member John Ognibene said.

The plan was impressive, Preston said. Brunelle may not need to go to the Zoning Board of Appeals if he addresses variance issues for the size of signs and space between properties in the final site plan, Preston said.

“I’m very pleased with it; definitely very happy. It's a quality-driven product. I’m very glad the east end of the town, the city, got a nice plan. We've got a nice gas station,” he said after the meeting. “It’s looking like there are a lot of bright things for this year. We’ve got Burger King finishing up. We’ve got the new Byrne Dairy. It just seems like more opportunities are opening up, which is good.”

As for that town project that was put on hold by concerns from the county Planning Board, it won’t matter any more. Brunelle said he’s pulling a potential Byrne Dairy on Lewiston Road in the town of Batavia off the table. 

He is looking forward to pursuing this venture on East Main Street to add to the 77 stores he manages, he said.

“We've opened a bunch of stores in Monroe County. We have one in Brockport for this to the west and we want to go further west, and originally, the other site over there came up, and we've been looking to Batavia for several years now, and we noticed this site right away,” he said. “It was vacant for several years, and we've been working on getting under contract for a while. It's under contract contingent upon approvals. If we get approval from the city in February, from both boards, we'll close on our property within 30 days, and we'll start construction probably within 30 days after.”

The site plan will also have to go to the county Planning Board for review. Brunelle said there will be 25 full-time equivalent employees at the store, with 35 to 40 combined part- and full-time people. 

“It’s a several million dollar project,” he said. 

He is to return to city planners Feb. 18.

Go HERE for previous story.

Press Release:

The Pavilion Alumni Hall of Fame Committee invites the community to participate in nominating outstanding PCS graduates who have distinguished themselves through significant achievements in their careers, contributions to their communities, or personal accomplishments. 

These remarkable individuals will be considered for induction into the Annual Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor decided by the PCS Alumni Hall of Fame Selection Committee. This committee is a voluntary group made up of alumni, current and retired faculty, community members, and district administrators. 

Since its inception in 2014, the PCS Hall of Fame has celebrated more than two dozen exceptional alumni whose stories inspire current and future Pavilion students to reach for excellence. 

“The Hall of Fame Assembly is a unique opportunity for our students to witness the diverse possibilities that life after PCS offers,” says Pavilion Superintendent Mary Kate Hoffman. “What I find especially meaningful about the ceremony is that students hear from alumni from all walks of life—people who have made remarkable contributions to both their fields and their communities. Many of our speakers were not necessarily top academic achievers in school, yet they went on to do great things. This reinforces the idea that success is not solely determined by grades.”

Ken Weaver, Deputy Director with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and a 2018 inductee, reflects on the honor of joining the Hall of Fame: “Being inducted was a tremendous privilege. What made it particularly meaningful was the chance to connect with students and talk about their aspirations. One of the most rewarding moments for me was when a student expressed gratitude for my speech. Knowing that my words resonated with them and possibly inspired them is a powerful reminder of how shared experiences can impact future generations.”

Several inductees, such as Diane Davis Torcello, President of WNY Tompkins Community Bank, have continued to support the Hall of Fame by joining the Selection Committee to recognize even more inspiring graduates. 

“I joined the Hall of Fame Committee because I believe in its mission,” says Torcello. “Honoring leaders from diverse professions is vital in sending the message to PCS students that they can achieve anything if they put in the effort. Attending a small school is not a limitation—it’s an advantage.” 

Nominations are currently being accepted online at www.PCSHallofFame.com, and printed applications can be found at the following Pavilion locations: Kemp-Rudgers Service Station, Pavilion Public Library, The Lost Sock, Jazzy Creations, Blessings Café, Dorothy B. Bunce Elementary School, and the Pavilion Junior/Senior High School main office. 

All nominations must be submitted by March 1. The PCS Alumni Hall of Fame Assembly will take place on May 30, 2025, at the Pavilion Junior/Senior High School Auditorium.

Press Release:

Organizers with GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare unveiled plans for the third annual career exploration event for students interested in career pathways and opportunities in the healthcare sector. Approximately 600 students from grades 8-12 from 28 schools will gather at Genesee Community College on March 17, 2025, to connect with various healthcare businesses and organizations to learn about careers in the healthcare sector across the GLOW region.

“GLOW With Your Hands and the GLOW region workforce development ecosystem are providing opportunities for students to learn about career opportunities right in their own backyard,” said GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare Co-Chair, Karyn Winters. “Whether it is manufacturing or healthcare our goal is to educate our local students about the many alternative pathways available for them after high school.”

Representatives from hospitals and health systems and professionals in nursing, mental health, social services, and emergency responders will be on hand to interact with students to discuss their careers and pathways into their respective fields. While some careers might begin immediately after high school, attendees will also be able to explore educational pathways in the healthcare sector through BOCES and degrees available at local colleges and universities.

“Our facility has been serving the community for 100 years and we are proud to participate in this event because we want to ensure we have the best possible talent from the next generation of our workforce to provide a high level of care,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO, Medina Memorial Health. “The healthcare sector is in dire need of workers, especially in rural communities, and we want to convey to the students that they can have a successful and rewarding career in healthcare without having to leave the area because they think these opportunities don’t exist here.”

“The support and participation of so many healthcare organizations in this annual event have generated significant interest among hundreds of students about careers in healthcare of which they simply are not aware,” said Kelly Kiebala, Director, Orleans County Job Development Agency. “The interaction between students and healthcare professionals allows for meaningful conversations where students learn what skills, credentials and training are required for a career in the healthcare sector.”

Among the businesses and organizations supporting the 3rd annual event are the M&T Charitable Foundation, Western New York Rural Area Health Education Center, Goodwill Vision Enterprises, and the New York State Department of Labor.

“Like our partners in the manufacturing sector, the healthcare entities associated with this flourishing event are excited to have this opportunity to meet so many students and perhaps get them started on a pathway in the healthcare field,” said Angela Grouse, Co-Chair of GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare. “The support of these businesses and organizations as well as the hundreds of volunteers make this such a worthwhile event for students across the region and in turn is building the foundation for the next generation of the healthcare workforce.” 

There are still sponsorship opportunities for the March 17 event at the Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($2,500), Silver ($1,000) and Bronze ($500) levels. 

For more information about GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare visit www.GLOWWithYourHands.com/healthcare or contact Chris Suozzi at csuozzi@gcedc.com.

Press Release:

HomeCare & Hospice Foundation is calling on local businesses, schools, and organizations to join in the mission of supporting compassionate care by becoming pre-sale coordinating sites for its 31st Annual Spring Bouquet Sale. This cherished fundraiser helps terminally ill patients and their families in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee, and Wyoming counties.

By serving as a pre-sale site, organizations can help make a meaningful impact while giving their employees an opportunity to brighten their homes with a stunning 18-stem bouquet for just $25. Each bouquet sold contributes directly to providing vital hospice care services and bringing comfort to those in need.

“Becoming a pre-sale coordinator is a simple yet impactful way to support our Hospice Bouquet Sale,” said Melissa Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer at HomeCare & Hospice. “This program not only raises critical funds for patient care but also spreads joy throughout the communities we serve.”

Pre-sale coordinators will receive all necessary materials, including order forms and promotional materials, to make participation seamless. Organizations can coordinate orders internally, making it easy for employees to support this meaningful cause.

“We’re proud to partner with over 25 organizations across our four-county service area as pre-sale coordinators, including Lawley Insurance in Batavia, Liberty Pumps, Napoleon Engineering, Cutco and Wellsville Central School. We’re always looking to grow this network and would love to have more coordinators join us in making this year’s fundraiser our most successful yet,” added Sarah Negron, Agency Relations Coordinator.

Orders should be submitted no later than February 7, with bouquet pick up/delivery the week of March 3. If your organization is interested in becoming a pre-sale coordinating site, please contact HomeCare & Hospice at 716-372-2106 or visit our website at https://BouquetSale.givesmart.com.

Help us bring beauty, joy, and care to those who need it most. Together, we can make a difference!

• Batavia City School District will be canceled on Wednesday, January 22. Because this cancellation is for the morning cold advisory, a decision on evening events (games, practices, etc) will made by 2 p.m. as the forecast is monitored.
• Richmond Memorial Library will open at 11 am on Wednesday, January 22. 
• Pembroke Central School District
• Oakfield-Alabama Central School

Please submit cancellations and closures to: news@thebatavian.com.

Press Release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer serving New York, northern Pennsylvania, and western Vermont, is proud to launch this year’s Check Out Hunger campaign. The initiative will take place in all Tops stores from Sunday, January 19, through Saturday, February 8.

Since its inception in 2004, Tops’ annual Check Out Hunger campaign has raised nearly $6.5 million dollars for participating food banks, making a significant impact in the fight against food insecurity. 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, among households with children, 17.9% (6.5 million households) experienced food insecurity in 2023. Additionally, 5.1% of all U.S. households (6.8 million households) faced exceptionally low food security, where normal eating patterns were disrupted due to limited resources. These statistics highlight a concerning trend in food insecurity across the nation.

By participating in the Check Out Hunger campaign, community members can help make a difference. Simply tell your cashier at Tops that you’d like to support the campaign, and you can contribute $2, $3, or $5 to help provide food for local food banks. 

“Eradicating hunger and supporting our neighbors in need is central to Tops’ mission,” said Ron Ferri, President, Tops Friendly Markets. “We are proud to stand behind this effort year after year.” 

The following food banks will benefit from this year’s Check Out Hunger campaign: 

• FeedMore WNY
• Food Bank of Central NY
• Foodlink of Rochester
• Food Bank of the Southern Tier
• Food Bank of the Hudson Valley
• Food Bank of NW PA
• Food Bank of Central PA
• Food Bank of NE NY
• Food Bank of Vermont

For more information about Tops Friendly Markets and its charitable initiatives, visit www.topsmarkets.com/Community/Living_Here_Giving_Here.