batavia

Press Release:

Enjoy a free concert on a summer night at the DeWitt Recreation Area on Saturday, August 3 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Meet us at Pavilion 2 for a concert featuring the Batavia Swing Band.

Bring a lawn chair and your favorite people! First come, first served seating at picnic tables. The Pink Cow Ice Cream truck will be on hand for all of your sweet treat needs. 

This concert is FREE. Made possible through generous funding by the Genesee County Association for the Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces (ACORNS).

The Batavia Muckdogs opened the postseason with a 4-2 win over Jamestown at Dwyer Stadium on Monday.

Batavia finished the regular season with a 34-8 record for a .802 win percentage, 10 games ahead of second-place Elmira and the second-best record in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. The Amsterdam Mohawks finished 35-7 for a .833 win percentage.

Jamestown, 19-25 in the regular season, opened the scoring with two runs in the second on an RBI single by Leo Doyle. Two batters later, Aidan Wallace scored on a wild pitch.

The Muckdogs answered in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI single by T.J. Morris and tied the game in the bottom of the third when Travis Hammond scored on a fielder's choice.

Hammond again scored in the sixth on a fielder's choice in the sixth to give the Muckdogs the lead.

Batavia picked up an insurance run in the eighth after Shaun Pope walked to open the inning (replaced on the basepaths by James Mason), a single by Travis Hammond, a walk to Jake Butler, and finally a walk, forcing a run in (Mason) to Cooper Romich.

The win was credited to Garrett Beaver, who took the mound in the sixth, relieving Gage Wheaton (Penfield/Niagara University), who went five innings, giving up four hits, two runs, and striking out five Tarp Skunks.

Hammond was 2-2 with a walk at the plate, scoring two runs. 

To keep their season going, the Muckdogs need another win on Tuesday night against Elmira at Dwyer Stadium. Game time is 6:35 p.m.

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is extending its hours every first Wednesday of the month until 8 p.m.! You will get personal tours from staff and volunteers, meaning you will get a more in-depth history of Batavia and Genesee County! You also may be able to go upstairs, if you are able and want to! Admission is $5 for non-members and $3 for members! Call the museum or email us if you wish to attend! (585) 343-4727 or hollandlandofficemuseum@gmail.com.

Join the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night at the Museum on Thursday, August 8 at 7 p.m. This month trivia will be held at GO Art! located at 201 E. Main St. in Batavia. You can even get a drink at their Tavern 2.o.1. In honor of the Woodstock Music Festival, our topic is the Swinging Sixties. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

Due to popular demand for varying times in our presentation/program times! HLOM staff with be giving presentations every second Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 10! Our curator, Tyler Angora, will be presenting on "19th-Century Weddings," which he did a few months ago to kick off the wedding exhibit! However, due to many requests, he will be doing it again! You will learn about 19th-century wedding customs, clothing, and so much more! Admission $5 for non-members and $3 for members! You may let us know if you are planning on attending by either calling the museum at (585)343-4727 or emailing us at hollandlandofficemuseum@gmail.com.

Bring the kids by the Holland Land Office Museum for our new History Story time for Summer 2024. On Saturday, August 17 at 11 a.m. Joyce Thompson-Hovey will be sharing the fun topic of Civil War Mascots & Pets. For this presentation the speaker comes in Civil War Union uniform and explains what the average soldier wore and carried with them. This program shows how many regiments had strange and unusual pets. These pets went to war and lived in camps with their soldier owners. These are their unusual stories. Admission is $5 or $3 or museum members. If you would like to sign up please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com. 

Come and learn the first steps to create a Family Tree from 2 - 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 17. In partnership with the Genesee Area Genealogists, this is the first part of a two-part program to learn how to begin creating a family tree, which can be daunting if you do not know where to start! This workshop is worth bringing your kids to, it would be a fun activity for a family to do together! Admission is $5 for non-members and $3 for members!

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Java with Joe E. morning presentation series on Thursday, August 22 at 9 a.m. Erica Wanecski will be sharing how the world and Western New York changed throughout the decade of the 1980s. Admission is free with coffee and cookies. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend. Thank you to Pub Hub Coffee for sponsoring Java with Joe E. for 2024. 

On August 24 at 11 a.m. Brandon Brooks, Curator of the John L. Wehle Gallery at Genesee Country Village & Museum, will be presenting “Redeeming the Irredeemable: The Diabolical Striped Garment,” The presentation will explore how the stripe and striped garments have been used by society to draw a line between those who are welcome and those who are not. From nefarious criminals, rebels, insurgents, and prisoners, to the middle-class masses, and those wishing to embrace seaside luxury; the history of stripes is full of colorful and conflicting implications. Extent pieces from the Bruce & Susan Greene Costume Collection will complement this discussion. Brooks has been the Curator of the John L. Wehle Gallery at Genesee Country Village & Museum since March 2020. Brooks works with over 400 years of European and American sporting and wildlife art, and over 300 years of fashion and textile material culture. Admission is $5 for non-members and $3 for members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

"This project is made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!"

Press release:

The City of Batavia Police Department is looking for assistance in locating a dog that may have been stolen from a residence on Masse Pl. "Beau" is a 15 month old Corgi who is white with black and gray spotting on his back end. Beau is also deaf. Beau is believed to have been taken during the morning of July 27th. If you have any information to the whereabouts of Beau, please contact Officer Quider at 585-345-6350.

Press Release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that on Friday, December 6, Marsha McWilson will return to Batavia Downs as she performs her yearly Christmas Concert.  

Marsha brings a high energy show that features Christmas Classics and other favorites. She and the other performers have entertained concert goers for many years inside the Park Place Room. Doors are at 6:30 p.m. with music beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and concert go-ers will receive $10 in Free Play.

Tickets for this event are available at www.BataviaConcerts.com.  The Hotel Deal for this event is live at this time and links can be found on Facebook or  https://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/hotel-deals/.

Press Release:

Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM) (“GHM” or “the Company”), a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer, and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy, and process industries, announced today that it has been awarded $2.1 million for the expansion of its welder training programs and related equipment.  

The contract was awarded by BlueForge Alliance, a nonprofit, neutral integrator that supports the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base initiatives.

Daniel J. Thoren, President and CEO of GHM, commented, “These are exciting times for our Company as we build out our capabilities and capacity to support America’s defense industry as a part of the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base.

These funds will help us develop and grow our welder workforce and provide additional equipment needed to improve the efficiency of our production processes. We are proud to be a strategic supplier for the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base.”

Press Release:

Catholic Charities is gearing up for the new school year with its annual Socks and Undergarment Drive to benefit school-age kids and teenagers in grades Pre-K through 12th in need throughout Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

“Just like notebooks and pencils, growing children also need new socks and underwear for the upcoming school year,” said Kate DiSalvo, tri-county district director, Catholic Charities. “We understand that back to school supplies and clothing can be an added financial burden for many families in our community, which is why this annual drive is so important.”

Donations of new, unopened packages of socks and underwear are being accepted from Aug. 1 – 31 at the following Catholic Charities offices:

• 25 Liberty St., Suite 7, Batavia
• 243 South Main St., Business Office Suite, Albion
• 6470 Route 20A, Perry

All colors and sizes from children to adult are needed. The donated items will be distributed to community members later this summer.

Additional information about Catholic Charities’ services can be found at ccwny.org/services.

Live harness racing returns to Batavia Downs on Saturday (July 27) as the 2024 summer/fall season gets underway with a full 15-race card that starts at 6 p.m. The season runs through Saturday (Dec. 7) and features a 56-day meet.

The opening night card includes the first visit of the year from the New York Sire Stakes as the 3-year-old pacing fillies will be on hand to compete in two $58,100 divisions. There will also be three Excelsior races going for $20,000 each, bringing the total stake purses available that night to $176,200.

The live schedule changes several times throughout the year. It starts out with a Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday schedule through August 17. Then it switches to Wednesday, Friday, Saturday through November 23 with the exception of Friday (Sept. 6) which will be dark due to the special Monday (Sept. 2) Labor Day matinee card starting at 1:15 p.m. The final two weeks of the meet cut back to Wednesday, Saturday. Post time for all race days -- with the exception of the Labor Day matinee -- will be at 6 p.m.

Once again, there is a hearty slate of New York Sire Stake action. The state-bred series will be in action on Saturday (July 27-$103,000 3-year-old filly pace), Wednesday (July 31-$103,000 3-year-old colt pace), Wednesday (Aug. 7-$93,000 2-year-old colt pace), Wednesday (Aug. 14-$93,000 2-year-old filly pace), Wednesday (Aug. 21-$93,000 2-year-old colt trot), Saturday (Aug. 24$103,000 3-year-old colt trot and $103,000 3-year-old filly trot) and Wednesday (Aug. 28-$93,000 2-year-old filly trot).

Also on that NYSS double-header 3-year-old colt and filly trotting card on Saturday (Aug. 24) will be the Down’s signature event, the Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational pace that will go for $100,000 this year. Free Kane Pace T-shirts will be given away on that night.

Don Hoover, Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs, looks to build on the record wagering that the track realized earlier this year.

“I am looking forward to the upcoming meet, anticipating that the momentum from the highly successful winter meet will continue for the remainder of this year. We set several betting records during our early year meet and hopefully we can keep that going during this session,” said Hoover.

Looking to drive that momentum is Tom Agosti, who recently joined the staff at Batavia Downs as the new race secretary. He will be responsible for putting together the competitive fields that will be featured throughout the year.

Agosti has established a new text line to relay vital information regarding draws and racing information for the upcoming meet. Horsemen and women can sign up for this service by texting bataviadowns to 732.363.7700. Subscribing to this service will be advantageous to all when it comes to filling races or having immediate knowledge of any changes in schedule. All are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

Bettors will have plenty of opportunities with a wagering menu that includes three Doubles, 10 Exactas, 10 Trifectas, nine Superfectas, two Pick-3’s, two Pick-4’s, one Pick-5 and one Jackpot Super High Five available on every 10-race card.

All the top drivers will be back including last year’s top five leaders Jim Morrill Jr., Kevin Cummings, Dave McNeight III, Kyle Cummings and James McNeight Jr.

Leading trainers Sam Smith, Shawn McDonough, Dave Russo, Tammy Cummings, James Rothfuss and Ryan Swift will also be back along with a host of others.

The clubhouse will be open for all race dates and offer a varied menu. Every Friday and Saturday will feature a buffet while the other race nights have a menu provided by the Center Street Smokehouse. The Railbar will always be open for live racing.

Patrons will also have plenty of promotions to look forward to throughout the year.

On opening night there will be free programs in the grandstand and the Lotta Cash Giveaway, where customers can deposit non-winning tickets wagered on Batavia Downs races for a chance to win two $250 betting vouchers and a Batavia Downs Gaming Play and Stay package that includes one night’s stay at the Batavia Downs Gaming Hotel, $25 in gaming Free Play and a $50 dinner certificate to Fortune’s.

The Play and Stay promotion will also be held every Wednesday during the meet where customers can deposit non-winning tickets wagered on Batavia Downs races for a chance to win a Batavia Downs Gaming Play and Stay package that was previously described.

Also on Wednesday is the Finale Frenzy promotion where you get $25 gaming Free Play when you wager $25 on the last race at Batavia Downs.

And there is also the Early Bird Daily Double, where you receive $10 in gaming Free Play when you wager at least $10 at the same time on the Early Daily Double.

Plus every live racing program includes a $5 gaming Free Play coupon.

All promotions require participants be Players Club members and gaming Free Play is subject to required base points being earned before redemption. Full rules are available in the program and online.

You can watch all the live racing action for free on the Batavia Downs YouTube channel and free, full past performance programs for every live race night will be available on the Batavia Downs website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the live racing tab.

Press Release:

Officials from Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel announced that Saturday, October 26 will be the first Roswell Park Night at the Races in the Historic Batavia Downs Clubhouse.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. with the live racing meet starting at 6pm. A $50 ticket includes a buffet dinner, $25 in Free Play, and a racing program. In addition, there will be a silent auction with donated items, including various prize baskets, tickets to local sporting and music events alongside autographed sports memorabilia. Proceeds from the evening will support cancer research and patient care initiatives at Roswell Park. Tickets can be purchased at www.bataviaconcerts.com.

A full card of harness racing highlights the evening, beginning at 6 p.m.  Race sponsorship opportunities are available and interested parties can contact Barb O’Rourke at 716-998-2179.

“We know how important the work is that Roswell Park does in our community,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs. “We are honored to host this event that will help raise awareness and provide funds for their mission.”

“Roswell Park is thrilled to be the Live Racing Series Sponsor for the 2024-2025 season at Batavia Downs. Batavia Downs, their board and staff have shown a deep level of commitment by organizing and hosting a variety of events throughout the season where a portion of the proceeds support the incredible work we are doing at Roswell Park. We are immensely grateful,” said Jenn Hickok, Roswell Park’s Director of Corporate and Sports Partnerships.

Press Release:

On August 4 the Batavia Tractor Supply store will host a Farmers' Market featuring locally-grown, fresh produce, as well as other seasonal products. 

"This is a great opportunity for members of our community to support local farmers while also getting to enjoy deliciously fresh food," said Amber Raab, manager of the Batavia store. "As a company, we believe in fostering community relationships while supporting the rural lifestyle, and this event allows us to do just that."

From noon to 5 p.m., shoppers can stop in for Arts & Crafts, Homemade crafts, Local produce and Food Truck, all produced by neighbors in the Batavia area. 

Participating vendors will have tables set up at the tented space by the storefront where they will showcase their goods. Some of the local vendors participating include:  

• The Red Osier - On site noon to 5 p.m.
• The Batavia Fire Department - On site noon to 5 p.m.
• Batavia Peace Garden - On site noon to 5 p.m.

This event is open to the public and will take place at 4974 E. Main. For more information, please contact the Batavia Tractor Supply at 585-343-0078. 

Eric James Flowers, 36, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with felony driving while under the influence of drugs, vehicular assault 2nd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, failure to yield the right of way, and failure to stop at a stop sign. Flowers was charged following an investigation into a three-vehicle accident at 8:29 a.m. on June 26 on East Main Street Road at North Ag Park Drive in Batavia.  He is accused of causing physical injury to another person while driving under the influence of drugs. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Donald Daniel Ryan, 40, of Main Road, Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd, robbery 3rd, criminal mischief 4th, and two counts of criminal obstruction of breathing and blood circulation. Ryan was arrested on July 4 following a victim report regarding an alleged assault on June on Park Road in Batavia. He is accused of applying pressure and of blocking the nose and mouth of a person to obstruct breathing and blood circulation. He was arraigned and jailed.

Anthony T. Wenhold, 36, of East Main Street, Batavia, and Laura M. Barber, 36, of East Main Street, Batavia, are both charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Wenhold and Barber are accused of passing through the self-checkout lane at Walmart on July 17 and not scanning all items in their cart, and then attempting to leave the store. The total value of the items was $173.11. They were both issued appearance tickets.

Travis Martin Klotzbach, 34, of Morning Glory Court, Mechanicsville, Va., is charged with DWI, speeding, open container, and failure to notify DMV of an address change. Klotzbach was stopped at 12:20 a.m. on July 6 on Lewiston Road, Batavia, by Deputy Jonathan Dimming. He was held pending arraignment.

Nicholas Edward McEneany, 26, of Clinton Street, Avon, is charged with petit larceny. McEneany is accused of stealing a can of beer from a concession stand at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center during the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert on July 12. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Maxwell William Matricardi, 28, of San Fernando Lane, East Amherst, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Matricardi was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine and Xanax during a larceny investigation at Batavia Town Center on Veterans Memorial Drive at 4:30 p.m. on July 17.

Jesse Edward Szczech, 44, of Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, is charged with 184 counts of criminal contempt 1st. No details about the case were released. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Zachary Steven Natale, 30, of North Street, Medina, is charged with disobeying a court mandate. Natale is accused of sending text messages in violation of an order of protection. He was processed and released.

Aavion Jamier Bethel, 19, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Bethel, a Walmart employee, is accused of stealing $100 from a cash register at the store on 3:58 p.m. on July 19.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Master Gardener Volunteer training will begin September 5 and run through November 21. Sessions will be held from 5:45 - 9 p.m. on Thursday evenings and two Tuesday evenings with an additional session on Saturday, October 19.  All sessions will be held in-person at the CCE Genesee office, 420 East Main Street, Batavia.

Each session will focus on a different horticulture topic throughout the training. Some of the topics to be covered include botany, diagnosing plant diseases, entomology, soils & fertilizers, lawn care, herbs, vegetable gardening, woody plants, pruning, fruits, perennials, annuals, integrated pest management, and organic gardening. By attending the Master Gardener Volunteer training, you will become a more knowledgeable gardener.

Anyone interested in learning more about gardening may attend the course. Class size will be limited. The fee for this training is $225 per person. This includes all class sessions and handouts. Pre-registration and payment by August 28 are required.

We recommend that you order the 860-page, hard cover PennState Master Gardener Manual ($75 plus SH) as a resource for the class. (Manual is not included in the cost of the program.)

If you have a passion for volunteering and gardening, this training is the first step to becoming a Genesee County Master Gardener volunteer. Genesee County residents who graduate from the program are then eligible to apply to become a volunteer. (Other county residents should contact their local CCE Master Gardener program.) A Master Gardener volunteer should have a willingness to give back to the community and help put into practice what they learned at volunteer training. Enthusiasm for sharing their gardening skills and knowledge is a must. Once approved, new Master Gardener Volunteers are asked to volunteer a minimum of 50 hours their first year.

Contact the CCE Genesee office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office at 420 East Main Street in Batavia for an application or to register.

Press Release:

The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will hold a community forum and resource fair for Genesee County residents living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.

The free event will take place from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, at the Genesee County Office for the Aging, located at 2 Bank St. in Batavia.

“No individual or family should navigate the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease alone,” says Chelsea Torgalski, program manager for the WNY Chapter. “This forum is an opportunity to bring together community members affected by the disease and dedicated staff and volunteers to talk about the services available to them.”

A resource fair will feature information on the free resources available in Genesee County, including respite, safety services, education and support, and a dementia care specialist will be available to answer questions. Free safety items and light refreshments will be provided.

“We'll review the basics of Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss, the services offered by the Alzheimer's Association, and how we can expand the reach of local programs and services,” Torgalski says. “Bring a friend and share your thoughts on how the Alzheimer's Association can help more people in Genesee County.”

Interested individuals are encouraged to register as soon as possible at bit.ly/GenResourceFair24 or by calling 800.272.3900.

Press Release:

Norm Argulsky to be honored as RML Friend of the Year The Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library have named Norm Argulsky as the 2024 Friend of the Year.

Among many other volunteer roles in the community, Norm has served on the Richmond Memorial Library Board of Trustees for 12 years in the capacity of Trustee, Vice President and President, finishing his tenure in June of 2024.

Norm was nominated for this honor by library staff and Friends of the Library President Kathy Zipkin.

“Norm’s dedication to his community and outstanding leadership are unparalleled, and the library is so grateful for his years of service,” shares Assistant Library Director Samantha Stryker. “We’re so excited to honor him at the reception on August 3.”

Norm will be honored at a reception at the library on Saturday, August 3 at 11 a.m. All are welcome to join the Friends in honoring Norm. Light refreshments will be served.

The Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross Street, Batavia. Information about library services and programs may be found at batavialibrary.org.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Health Department receives funding from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to carry out the Healthy Neighborhoods Program (HNP). Residents in the Town and City of Batavia are eligible to participate. 

The program offers free home evaluations for asthma triggers, indoor air quality, lead-based paint hazards, fire risks, and other health hazards. At the home evaluations, residents are educated on asthma management, childhood lead poisoning prevention, carbon monoxide poisoning, radon gas, fire safety and prevention, and other home safety issues. Safety and cleaning supplies are also available to eligible participants.

Staff from the program are going door to door in the City of Batavia to raise awareness about the program and look for participants. At the homes we visit, we leave a door hanger or flyer with contact information for the Health Department. 

During the summer we are focusing on Ward 3 (north of Main Street from Oak Street to State Street) and Ward 4 (the western edge of the city to Oak Street north of West Main Street and to Pearl Street south of West Main Street). We will be covering other areas of the City later in the year. Information on the streets we are visiting each week will be posted on the Health Department’s Facebook and Instagram account under GOHealthNY.

Go to https://bit.ly/HealthyNeighbors to request a home visit from the Healthy Neighborhoods Program for yourself or to refer someone to the program. Once the Health Department receives the request, a staff member will reach out to schedule a home evaluation. For more information, call Healthy Neighborhoods Program staff at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 or visit www.GOHealthNY.org.

Some of the financial burden has been taken off of city leaders’ and local taxpayers’ shoulders with the announcement of a $1.2 million state grant that will be used for the ice chiller at the McCarthy Ice Rink in Batavia.

The funds are part of $7.3 million pool for climate-smart communities projects across New York State, and Batavia was chosen as one of several municipalities to receive financial assistance for a project that city and Genesee County officials have deemed worthy of the “Climate Smart Communities” initiative.

County Manager Matt Landers appreciated the opportunity to support the state Department of Environmental Conservation in making the announcement, he said Tuesday at the Evans Street ice arena, considering that it’s for “vital funding for new climate projects.”

“This support underscores our commitment to sustainability and highlights the innovative efforts of our local communities in addressing climate change,” he said. “We look forward to seeing these projects have a positive impact on Batavia and beyond.”

City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. also lauded the funding that city leaders had applied for in December 2023 as part of budget discussions and future planning for how to pay for the chiller, expected to cost upwards of $4 million.

“The Ice Arena and the programs provided year-round make it a unique gathering place for all our residents to enjoy. It's much more than just a place for people to ice skate and play hockey; it’s also used for many different events throughout the year. Monday, August 5, in a few weeks, the arena will be hosting the Batavia Police Department's Community Night. It's an annual event that strengthens the community police partnerships and promotes safe neighborhoods,” Jankowski said. 

Jankowski said city leadership, including the City Council and City Manager Rachael Tabelski and her team are pleased with the growth of the ice arena as a community hub since operations were award to local businessman Matt Gray.

"Matt is a distinguished member of our community and serves on various boards and organizations. He's very committed to the ongoing revitalization of our downtown," Jankowski said. "His successful venture at Eli Fish Brewing Company in the heart of our downtown demonstrates his keen business knowledge which will be a valuable resource in operating the ice arena. 

“That's why the award we're announcing today through the New York State Climate Smart Communities program is so important to the future and success of our ice arena,” he said. “The grant will enhance the operations of the arena as a result of various energy efficiencies. The modern equipment that's being installed will not only reduce operational costs, but will also reduce emissions and lessen the arena’s environmental footprint.” 

The ice chiller caused considerable conversation during city budget talks after the council approved inevitable knee-jerk responses to keep the rink going with a failing chiller system two years ago. A council meeting in June 2023 brought out new operating manager Matt Gray and hockey league members to speak to the rink’s importance and reasons why the council should move forward with the big-ticket purchase.

A rapidly failing ice chiller wasn’t likely to survive another full season, and without a working chiller, of course, there would be no ice, no hockey program, and no evolving 12-month facility that had just celebrated “a great first year,” Gray said at the time.

Investing more and more money into the refrigerant necessary to keep the chiller going was a losing strategy, he and Tabelski said. 

She presented two options for purchasing a new chiller, and the less expensive one included this potential grant that just came through. In July 2023, the council approved a $2.5 million capital project to purchase a new chiller and evaporator system for the rink and to apply for this grant funding.

The new chiller will use less electricity and less water in the chilling process and allow rink operators to recapture and retire the 22 refrigerant, “which desperately needs to get out of our community,” Gray said. 

“And it will do it all in a manner that is safer for the users. At the end of the day, we are in the ice business. The ice is what pays the bills and allows us to do all the great things that the McCarthy does for our community,” he said. “On behalf of our largest grant users, the Batavia Ramparts, BND United, adult hockey, along with the David McCarthy Foundation, and the community as a whole, I would like to thank the city of Batavia for taking the leadership role in this, and the DEC for your commitment and funding to get this done.”

Tabelski was happy to see the ice arena, which she believes is “a true community asset,” become the benefactor of the Climate Smart Community Grant Program.

“To enhance the operations of the arena as well as provide cost savings while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are key to New York State’s climate goals,” she said. 

She was not available for additional comments later Tuesday. 

Established in 2009, the interagency Climate Smart Communities program provides guidance and technical support to local governments to take locally-driven climate action. The first step to becoming a Climate Smart Community is to register by pledging to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. To date, 425 local governments representing nearly 9.6 million New Yorkers, or approximately 50 percent of the State’s population, have adopted the Climate Smart Communities pledge.

Genesee County Legislative Chair Rochelle Stein said that the county was also “very excited” about the support provided by the state’s Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to the ice rink.

“The rink is a center of healthy physical activity and quality of life for our residents,” Stein said. “Investments that extend the life of our local infrastructure with resiliency in practice are most welcome.”