Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Try the fresh, skinless haddock fish fry on Fridays. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Men, enjoy a $5 haircut again with this offer exclusive to The Batavian. (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for a seven-week  session (one class per week), which is a $56 value, for $28.

Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Family photos are more than just photographs. When you need photos for that special occasion, Carlson's is a great choice in Genesee County. We have a $100 gift card for $50 ($2 PayPal service fee).

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

SOLD OUT

However slowly and incrementally, the ball is rolling forward on the Masse Gateway Project.

Tonight, property owner Tom Mancuso presented preliminary development plans to the Batavia Planning Board. The plans, sort of a rough sketch of the project, are the first step in an approval process that will involve a few agency reviews and more than a couple of public meetings.

Tonight's meeting was an opportunity for the planning board to see the plans for the first time and offer feedback, before Mancuso invests fully in project planning.

"We’re trying to move forward as quickly as possible, so the first step was to come here and get a review," Mancuso said after the meeting. "We need to do that before we do an application for a demolition permit, which we would like to do as soon as possible. We’re just finalizing construction funding. And just trying to get the appropriate approval so we can move forward as quickly as possible."

Mancuso said he hopes to have a demolition permit within 30 to 60 days.

The Masse Gateway Project will open up the former Masse/Harvester manufacturing plant to an entrance off Masse Place. The initial opening and refurbishing of the buildings around the entrance will potentially bring new business tenants into that part of the facility and help spur further redevelopment of the property into a mix-used business park.

The project is funded in part by a $1.5 million RestoreNY grant.

Mancuso said there is a lot of interest in the space from prospective tenants, but they do want to know when space will be available.

"The activity’s been good," Mancuso said. "It’s just that the hold-up that will continue to be an issue, is the delivery date. People need to know when we can get them in there and we can’t tell them that right now. There’s plenty of interest. It’s going to be a neat looking space. We’re going to be stymied until we can give them a delivery date."

The project plans will need to be reviewed at a city and county level for environmental impact, drainage, parking, Main-Street access, signage, use of utilities, lighting and code compliance. There are unlikely to be many applications for variances from current code, Planning Board Chairman Ed Jones noted, but he also suggested the City Council may want to take an active role in the environmental review process.

"Given that the source of the funding is coming from the city, this may very well be something that the City Council may want to take on as lead-agency status," Jones said. "This is going to be a high visibility project."

Assemblyman Steve Hawley joined his GOP colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference in providing Gov. David Paterson a list of proposed spending cuts.

The cuts, if accepted, could save the state $3.5 billion.

"The Governor has asked each conference to present cost-saving ideas and for years we have had a list of ideas ready and waiting.  This is the third set of common-sense cost-saving solutions we have presented to the Governor and other legislative leaders.  Our plan has no new taxes or fees, these are not proposals for new revenue; the state does not need new revenue, it needs to stop spending the same way families and businesses are already doing,"  Hawley said in a statement.

The proposed cuts include:

• Eliminate $130 million in unspent pork barrel accounts in both houses;
• Reduce redundancy in state agencies
• Eliminate undispersed contracts.

Full press release after the jump:

Along with the entire Assembly Minority Conference, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) today presented a new list of solutions that would help close this year's budget deficit as well as set up the state to guard against future deficits with long-term cost savings.  In total, the plan could save over $3.5 billion mid-year and is the third proposal submitted by Hawley and his colleagues for the consideration of the Governor and other
legislative conferences.  To date, neither majority conference has publicly proposed any cost-saving solutions.

"The Governor has asked each conference to present cost-saving ideas and for years we have had a list of ideas ready and waiting.  This is the third set of common-sense cost-saving solutions we have presented to the Governor and other legislative leaders.  Our plan has no new taxes or fees, these are not proposals for new revenue; the state does not need new revenue, it needs to stop spending the same way families and businesses are already doing," said Hawley.

Among the proposals are initiatives to eliminate $130 million in unspent pork barrel accounts in both houses as well as a miscellaneous member item payment to the City of Yonkers for $4.5 million.  Hawley stated, "Albany is asking every New Yorker to make sacrifices.  It is outrageous that there is 'extra' cash in these accounts for members to spend on pet projects at home. Downstate leaders should not be allowed to hold onto this cash.  They should be forced to make the same spending sacrifices as the rest of the state, especially the Western New Yorkers they are so willing to increase taxes on - from utilities to license plate mandates.  This irresponsibility needs to stop."

Other proposals include measures to reduce redundancy in state government agencies.  For example, merging administrative costs in the Department of Real Property Taxation with the Department of Taxation and Finance or the Consumer Protection Board with the Department of Law.  These savings would amount to at least $924.6 million.

Another area that Hawley has taken a look at and discovered significant cost-saving opportunity is with the amount of money wasted on undispersed contracts.  For example, if the state reduced the balance of these contract accounts by just 5 percent, over $300 million would be available to close this year's budget deficit.  Hawley stated, "These contracts are not the type of contracts that will hurt outside business, not construction or highway jobs.  These are the creative solutions that we have been working to find for months now and have presented time and again.  It's time the majorities take our example, present their ideas openly or accept our proposals and run with them."
 

The death of James Maher in Batavia on Nov. 7 brought the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan a little bit closer to home for many of us.

Here was a young man -- Maher was 27 -- who served his country with distinction, but was battling demons that apparently lead him to drink heavily and had friends fearing on that crisp Saturday night that James was out somewhere with thoughts of self destruction swimming through his mind.

Maher came to Batavia looking for help. He was one of more than 150,000 returning Iraq and Afghan war veterans who have reported to a clinic seeking help and answers for PTSD (about another 150,000 vets are estimated to suffer from PTSD, but have not sought help).

In the past year, the Jack H. Hisby, Jr. PTSD Center at the VA Hospital in Batavia has treated 557 men and 84 women in its residential clinic. Another 450 veterans are currently in out-patient treatment, according to Dr. Terri Julian, who runs the clinic.

"These patients are our sons our daughters and our bothers and our sisters and our fathers and our mothers and our aunts and our uncles," Julian said when I spoke with her at the clinic last week. "The fact that they come for treatment, we should be honoring them and patting them on the back for doing that. It’s a hard thing to do."

Until the late 1970s, when the term was coined, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) was largely characterized as "battle fatigue" or "shell shock." It wasn't until Vietnam-era veterans made an issue about what they and their colleagues were experiencing, that PTSD became recognized as a treatable clinical condition.

Nearly 30 years later, two ongoing wars are taking a high toll on active duty soldiers and returning veterans according to recent media reports.

Military leaders acknowledge rampant psychiatric problems in their midst. According to the Army, the suicide rate among soldiers in Iraq is five times that seen in the Persian Gulf War and 11% higher than during Vietnam. The Army reported 133 suicides in 2008, the most ever. In January of this year, the 24 suicides reported by the Army outnumbered U.S. combat-related deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Marine Corps also reported an increase in suicides in 2008, to 41. The Army and Marine Corps have provided most of the troops in the two wars.

After the tragedy at Fort Hood on Nov. 5, PTSD emerged again as a topic of national discussion, with some speculation that Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan was suffering a form of PTSD stemming from his treatment of returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. There is some evidence that doctors who treat patients for PTSD can suffer "secondary trauma."

Regardless of the validity of any condition potentially suffered by Maj. Hasan, the difficulties returning veterans face has largely been ignored by the media.

The Veterans Administration, however, seems to have taken steps to deal with the psychiatric issues of returning veterans and their families.

According to Julian, the VA prepared for an increase of PTSD patients. In Batavia, for example, the residential clinic expanded in 2007 from 16 to 30 beds.

The VA also created a Web site to help families understand the difficult transition many returning vets face.

"Anybody coming back from a war zone is going to have some readjustment needs," Julian said.

The four-week residential treatment at the Batavia clinic is hard and challenging, according to veterans I met at a memorial for Maher on Veteran's Day.

Julian says, yes, in fact, treatment can be hard.

"Of course we don’t like to confront our pain because it hurts," Julian said, "but that’s exactly what we know helps.

"These are folks who go through some pretty awful stuff," Julian added. "They’re survivors and pretty courageous people. The fact that they can talk about how tough it is, we applaud that. We want them to talk about what's tough, about the work."

The treatment involves psychotherapy, group discussions, family meetings, medication, and fitness regimes.

Patients are also taught techniques to help them re-learn how to control anxiety.

There are also opportunities for patients to explore artistic abilities in pictures or music. An area fly-fishing group also offers fly-fishing classes.

“It’s all of the kinds of things that we know work from the research," Julian said.

The doctor is confident that the program is helping the vast majority of men and women who seek treatment.

"I can tell you, moving-on day," Julian said, "which is what we call our graduation, there is a  difference in those men and women who come in feeling disconnected from one another. I think one of the tough things that treatment does is, it lets you connect with your own heart and with other people again. That’s pretty scary after you’ve had losses due to war. When you let yourself do that, you remember what it’s like to feel again."

The clinic treats more than just Iraq and Afghanistan veterans (about 30 percent of the PTSD patients are from those two conflicts). There are also still a number of Vietnam vets who seek treatment for the first time (either they reach retirement and have more time to think or the current wars conjure up suppressed memories), and there are still Gulf War veterans who seek treatment.

She said after 9-11, their was a sharp increase of Korean War vets seeking treatment.

"One last thing I want to say," Julian added near the end of our interview. "It really is a privilege to be here every day and an honor to serve those who served us. I say that on behalf of our entire staff."

It was a day of giving thanks this past Saturday when Care-A-Van was on Central Avenue for Grocery Distribution.  It was one of our busiest days at this location!

We saw over 47 families with a total of 121 family members that were in need of food.

Two young seniors from Kane Area High School in Kane PA, Marissa Walters and Natalee Anderson  were volunteering with us today. They had a thankful box that they used to encourage those in need to share what they were thankful for and any prayer requests they had.  At the end of they day , Elder Ron prayed over the requests. Pictured above is the team and some residents of the neighborhood. We always  pray before leaving a neighorhood.

There were many needs and prayer requests today.

Marissa and a little Robert. Marissa has a dream one day to be a physician asisstant. Today was a great opportuntiy for her to help take care of God's little ones!

A special thanks to Marissa and Natalee for volunteering with us today!

So as the picture says- What are you thankful for today? Hmm- me, this PR Director is thankful for the week-end I had with my daughter and her friend and how they had the opportunity to see the needs of others and how they had a heart to want to make a difference..

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

Franklin K. Zimmerman, 75, of 535 Bauman Road, Williamsville, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and driving left of pavement marking. Zimmerman was stopped by Deputy Jason Saile on Lewiston Road in Alabama.

A 17-year-old from Batavia is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of stealing $120 in merchandise from Target.

Jordon John Giglia, 20, of 9202 Allegheny Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal contempt and harassment. Giglia is accused of violating a no-offensive-conduct order out of Genesee County Family Court. Giglia allegedly pulled a chair out from under the protected person, causing her to fall and strike her head.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Belladessa's Pizzeria/Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Here's a deal -- half off on a Family Meal Deal from Belladessa's, which is a large 1 topping pizza, 24 wings and 2-liter bottle of soda. It's a $25 value for $12.50.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Present Tense Books and Gifts, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY: Whether your taste runs to local authors, the finest in fiction or nonfiction or you're looking for a unique and special gift, this charming store in a cozy Victorian house on the edge of downtown is a great place to stop and shop. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Total Image - Dawn Williams, 226 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Dawn offers clipper cuts for men, women and children, as well as coloring, highlights, perms and waxing. We have a $22 gift certificate for $11.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

Total Image - Dawn Williams

Tonight is another Ladies' Night at The Mane Attraction. Chris Ariyaratnam organizes the monthly event as a way to help promote local businesses and raise funds for various local charities.  In addition to shopping the booths of local vendors, visitors can buy raffle and Chinese auction tickets. Tonight's event isn't over yet (at 6:15 p.m.). It is open until 8 p.m.

The renters of a home at 26 Union St. in the Village of Le Roy got a couple of free nights in a hotel after a county code enforcement officer condemned their dwelling Saturday night.

The Le Roy Fire Department initially responded to a call of a possible gas leak, but Chief William Wood said today there was no leak. The renters, he said, were advised to call the fire department after noticing a shift in the foundation to ensure there was no gas in the house.

"The shift was gradual, but over the past couple of days, it's moved quite a bit," Wood said.

Wood said he knew immediately that the building needed to be condemned, but wanted a code enforcement officer to confirm the decision. The Le Roy code enforcement officer was out of town, and none of the code enforcement officers from surrounding jurisdictions thought they had the authority to respond to the scene. Eventually, Tim Yaeger, Genesee County emergency coordinator, authorized the county's code enforcement officer to respond.  He condemned the house.

Wood didn't know where the renters might be following the two nights of accommodations provided by the Red Cross, but they can't move back into the house until the owner repairs the foundation.

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The good news is, Gov. David Paterson has second thoughts about new license plate fees; the bad news is, Paterson is still talking about ways to "raise revenue" rather than cut costs, according to Associated Press.

The license plate plan announced last week had been expected to raise $129 by requiring vehicle owners to pay $25 to buy new plates starting next year.

The idea was immediately met with scorn by New Yorkers across the state.

More than 100,000 people signed an anti-license-plate-petition at nonewplates.com

Peter and I have been discussing an idea for a few months and wanted some feedback. We're thinking about possibly opening a bakery in Batavia. We'd like for it to be on main street, so it is available to people who drive and/or walk around.

I have a few questions for all of you local Batavians and those in Genesee County:

1) Would you utilize a local bakery instead of using Walmart and Top's baked goods?

2) What kind of goods would you like to see from a local bakery?

3) What features would you want in a bakery (ex: coffee, a cafe/eating area, etc)?

4) During what hours (and times) would you most likely visit a bakery (ex: morning, afternoon/lunch, holidays, etc)?

5) Would you utilize a specialty cake service?

Thanks for your input!

Leon C. Bloom, 27, no permanent address, has been jailed on $50,000 bail for allegedly failing to abide by drug court rules.  In May, Bloom was arrested for allegedly violating an order of protection.

Timothy Daniel Eastridge, 32, of 30 Bennett Ave., Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, aggravated unlicensed operation, DWI, criminal mischief and unlawful possession of marijuana. Eastridge is accused of driving a stolen vehicle into a fence and tree near Alex's Place on Park Road, and then driving to the Batavia Downs parking lot, where he parked the car. Witnesses helped police find the car, and Eastridge was allegedly seen exiting the car. Eastridge was taken into custody by Deputy Chris Parker. The deputy reportedly found a marijuana pipe on Eastridge. The car was reportedly stolen from an area near Faletti's Ice Rink on Evans Street a short time earlier. Batavia Police assisted in the arrest.

Patricia A. Poole, 20, of 4036 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Poole allegedly stole an item from Hess Mart on Nov. 8. She was jailed on $250 bail.

Brian J. Lambert, 28, of 120 State St., Upper, Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle in the third degree. Lambert was stopped in the Town of Alexander by Deputy Chris Parker after Lambert reportedly failed to return the vehicle of his mother's boyfriend as agreed.

Lonnie J. Hamilton, 22, of 14776 Baker Road, Kent, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Hamilton was stopped on Route 98 in the Town of Batavia by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello for alleged failure to keep right. Sgt. Sanfratello concluded that Hamiliton was allegedly driving drunk.

Scott Joseph Richardson, 20, of 5 Lakewood Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Richardson was reportedly the passenger in a car stopped for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Reeves reportedly found marijuana on Richardson.

Donald J. Monroe, 46, of 580 Cohocton Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, and aggravated DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater. Deputy Patrick Reeves responded to the area of Cohocton Road in Pembroke after the Sheriff's Office received a report of a drunk or sick driver. He subsequently pulled over Monroe's vehicle and charged him with DWI.

Jonathan Scott Viterise, 21, of 75 Stone Fence Road, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Viterise was reportedly the passenger in a car stopped for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Reeves reportedly found marijuana on Viterise.

Richard Dale Fennell, 29, of 5 Exchange St., Akron, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Fennell was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Deputy Patrick Reeves that was stopped for an alleged traffic violation. Reeves reportedly found a medication on Fennell for which he didn't have a prescription.

Gerald "Zach" Z.L. Watts, 25, of 5 Otis St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Watts was reportedly stopped on S. Lyon Street in Batavia by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello of the Sheriff's Office for alleged failure to keep right.

Brett R. Doward, 23, of 16 Harvester Ave., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and driving on the shoulder. Doward was reportedly stopped by Deputy Howard Carlson on Route 33 in Stafford.

Richard D. Ryan, 33, of 136 Pearl St., Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. Ryan allegedly damaged furniture of his ex-girlfriend, valued at $250. He was jailed without bail.

Thomas K. Lee, 46, of 4 MacArthur Drive, Apt. 10, Batavia, is charged with two felony counts of criminal contempt and three counts of harassment. Lee allegedly violated an order of protection. The harassment charges stem from alleged actions toward the protected person, and the third count stems from alleged actions toward a probation officer. Lee was jailed without bail.

David P. Schlitz, Jr., 45, of 112 Howard Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI and refusal to take a breath test. Schlitz was reportedly stopped on Clinton Street by Officer Thad Mart after a caller provided the license plate number of a vehicle allegedly driven by a drunken driver.

A 16-year-old from Bergen is charged with harassment. The girl was reportedly involved in a domestic argument. She was jailed on $250 bail.

Christopher P. Clute, 30, of Middleport, is charged with auto stripping, third degree. Clute was arrested by State Police at 6566 Dysinger Road in Alabama.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $15 gift card for $7.50.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Brighten up your home or office with flowers! We have a $20 gift certificate for $8.50.

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

sold out

Eighth-grader Steven O'Brien is a pretty good salesman. He displayed his knack for hawking things Saturday at Batavia High School's annual Arts & Crafts Festival.

With a variety of goods draped over his arms, he looked like a walking advertisement for "Treats for Troops," an outreach project for the military which began at Batavia Middle School in 2002.

Steven helped sell such items as necklaces, bracelets, picture frames, scarves, towels and blankets, priced from $1 to $10, along with founder and special education teacher Lucille DiSanto.

The money raised will pay for supplies for an "adopted" military troop in Iraq or Afghanistan that has a soldier from Batavia in it. Each year, a different troop is chosen.

"It's grown a little bit each year," DiSanto said. "We're definitely getting more attention."

The fundraiser for those in combat is the culmination of the efforts of her students, the student council and an organization called SWAT -- Students Working as a Team. They sell the items, some of which they make themselves, others are bought with donations. A McDonald's corporation MAC Grant pays for project costs.

"I felt it was necessary to help kids learn community service,” says DiSanto. “And what better way to do that than to help one of our own in Iraq or Afghanistan?"

The Treats for Troops table fared quite well, taking in $65 within the first 70 minutes Saturday. They received a total of $35 in donations.

"This is the most donations I've ever gotten," said DiSanto excitedly.

Steven took it upon himself to venture out beyond the table, working the crowd with his sense of humor. People bought stuff from him, and vendor Fran Norton donated a dollar.

"Anything for the boys," says Norton, who holds America's soldiers in high esteem. "Any services we can provide to them, they deserve it."

Anyone interested in learning more about the Treats for Troops project should contact DiSanto at Batavia Middle School. If you would like to learn more about Batavia High School's Arts & Crafts Festival, please contact Paul Pedersen, BHS Physical Education teacher and Batavia Ice Devils coach.

   I took this photo on tuesday .It sure does look different now.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Brighten up your home or office with flowers! We have a $20 gift certificate for $8.50.

Belladessa's Pizzeria/Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Here's a deal -- half off on a Family Meal Deal from Belladessa's, which is a large 1 topping pizza, 24 wings and 2-liter bottle of soda. It's a $25 value for $12.50.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Total Image Hair Salon/Sarah and Amanda Lowe, 226 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Time to update your style? Try something different or finally get the hair styling you've dreamed of, give Sarah or Amanda at Total Image a try. We have a $22 gift certificate for $10.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $15 gift card for $7.50.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. Dine-in, Take-Out, or Delivery. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

Terry Anderson, the former Hezbollah hostage who grew up in Batavia, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy Nov. 3, according to Associated Press.

Now a lecturer at the University of Kentucky, Anderson was an AP correspondent in Lebanon in 1985 when he was abducted by terrorists following a tennis game. He was held hostage for six-and-a-half years.

According to AP, Anderson lists $60,000 in assets and $1.8 million in liabilities in his Chapter 7 filing. The filing lists 17 credit cards, some with debt related to a restaurant in the Virgin Islands.

Anderson filed a lawsuit against Iran over his captivity and received a $26 million settlement in 2002 from the government's frozen assets. With the money, according to Wikipedia, Anderson started charities and a blues bar in Athens, Ohio.

In 2004, Anderson ran for the Senate in Ohio. He was defeated by Republican Joy Padgett, whose campaign commercials suggested Anderson would be soft on terrorism. Anderson garnered 46 percent of the vote.

This trio is like the Three Musketeers, one for all and all for one. So after much internal debate, I've decided on this threesome as Pet of the Week. I can do that if I want to, because I'm the boss of my column.

Meet Charle, the shih tzu, Toby, a peek-a-poo and Queenie the cat. They all get along smashingly and go bonkers with delight whenever their mom gets home from work or from a five-minute jaunt to the post office or, well, from anywhere.

As mom tells it, they spin around in circles with excitement. Charle grabs a toy and runs around the house in frenetic joy. Toby spins and barks, barks and spins, his way of saying "Yes! I haven't been abandoned after all!" and Queenie rubs against her leg and purrs -- I'm not making this up -- "uncontrollably."

The dogs wag their tails during these momentous meetings and they do so with such enthusiasm that their entire bodies shake, too.

When it comes to TV watching, they all manage to somehow fit on mom's lap, or try to as best they can, and enjoy the programs with her. And they crowd around her as she sleeps. They follow her around wherever she goes.

"They are absolutely faithful," said mom, Joanne Qamoos, of Oakfield, "and show their love for me in too many ways to enumerate. They bring a special joy to my life, therefore I could not pick just one to submit for Pet of the Week."

Well, Joanne, based on all this, I can certainly understand why. I was won over as well, hence my unique decision. But they still only get one gift certificate worth $10. Them's the rules!

Send me your Pet of the Week submission -- the story of your pet and a picture -- to pets *at* thebatavian dt com.