A beautiful female Beagle with no collar, tags, or ID, wandered up our driveway (Vernon Ave close to Main St.) on Saturday 5/30 around noon. She's around 2 yrs old, in good shape and obviously trained - so lost or abandoned, but not a stray. Is she yours?

We've taken her in and put a call into non-emergency city police dispatch to list her as found; also brought her by the county shelter, where they checked/scanned her for an ID chip, but there was none. None of the neighbors recognize her or have heard of a missing dog. We walk our own dog twice daily and "know" a lot of the local dogs, but not her...

Our best guess is that she's an "indoor dog" that somehow got out, and might not be licensed in the city, which is a big no-no, but still, her owner must be missing her badly so we'd like to get her back home. We're caring for her right now, but that makes two high-energy dogs and a five-month old baby in one house, so our sanity isn't going to last long!

If you know where this very nice Beagle belongs, please give us a call, Martin or Kath at 344-0957, or email me: martin.szinger at gmail.com. Thanks!

Tonight the City and Town of Batavia Consolidation Committee releases a report to the community summarizing its work so far.

We'll get to find out what the committee thinks of the idea, but given the title, "A Vision for One Batavia," we can deduce the outlook is rosy.

We'll probably be presented with spreadsheets and pie charts and improved work flows that tell us it all makes dollars and sense.  Somehow it's going to save taxpayers money and lead to a more responsive and efficient government.

But when you strip away the columns of numbers and rows categories, I wonder if anybody will have taken the time to ask one basic question: What unintended consequences might we face as a consolidated government?

Bringing the city and town together is a monumental move. It's going to have impacts beyond what any facts and figures can show us. How do we think through how things might change, and are those changes we want? (I'm not, btw, afraid of change nor necessarily consolidation -- just asking the question.)

What are the intangibles that can't be measured and how will they be different?  Will the new government be able to quickly mobilize along the lines of a single vision, and will that vision be good for local business and people who cherish small town values, or will there be an aim to just get bigger?

Which vision of Batavia will be stronger, the one of a locally owned downtown or a chain-driven Veteran's Memorial Drive?

What values do the two governments embody now and how are they different and how are they the same and how will they change?

Will some segments of either the city or town feel like its needs aren't being met?

How will land use change, government services, support of civic life?

There's no doubt that the committee is full of people with the best of intentions, but what about the unintentions? Will these be studied, too?

Nobody thought about the law of unintended consequences when the north side of Main Street was demolished to make way for a mall that people don't use much.  Let's not just consider consolidation as a matter of pure fiscal responsibility -- because it may turn out to be very responsible -- let's consider, too, its social and civic impacts.

The meeting is tonight at 7 p.m. at Batavia Town Hall, 3833 W. Main Street Road.

The study committee presenting the report: Lynn Freeman, Sally Kuzon, Steven Lockwood, Beverly Mancuso, Jason Molino, Steven Mountain and Jeffrey Scott.

Four volunteer fire departments from Genesee County helped battle a blaze that destroyed two barns in Akron yesterday about 2:20 p.m.

Responding where Alabama, East Pembroke, Darien and Corfu.

Both barns were completely destroyed, along with their contents, which included tools, equipment and a Dodge van, according to a Sheriff's Office report.

The fire was discovered by Olivia Swendsen as she was tending her goats. It's believe egg incubator lights ignited the blaze.

It's possible the barns and some of the content was not insured, according to the report.

Elijah, E. Albano, 28, of Darien Center (pictured), is accused of befriending a 15-year-old male, with the relationship turning sexual from October 2008 to May 2009. Albano is also suspected of providing alcohol and cigarettes to the minor. He is charged with a felony criminal sexual act in the third degree and endangering the welfare of a child and unlawfully dealing with a child, both misdemeanors. Albano was arraigned in Clarence and remanded to the Erie County Holding Center on $25,000 bail.

Brandon Rindell, of Corfu, allegedly called his girlfriend on a phone while she was at Daddio's Pub and threatened to go to the bar and stab her.  A short time later, the woman reportedly saw Rindell walking toward the bar and called Corfu Police.  Officer Daniel Zlotek responded and encountered Rindell outside the bar. Zlotek reported that Rindell appeared drunk and he had a knife in his pocket. Rindell is charged with menacing, aggravated harassment and resisting arrest.

Travis Johnson, 22, of Darien, is accused of hosting an under-age drinking party last night. He is charged with unlawfully dealing with a child.

Eric C. Garrett, 29, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt and trespass for allegedly entering the porch area of a female acquaintance's residence that he was barred from going near. He is being held on $2,500 bail.

It's unclear from the press release what Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer plans to accomplish with his Town Hall Meeting at the Old Court House on Saturday, but he wants to discuss the state budget with any local residents who have something to say or want to learn more.

The starts at noon.

“I voted NO on the State budget earlier this year because it eliminates the STAR rebate check program, increases spending by $12 Billion and imposes $2,400 in new costs for an average middle-class family.  With Western New Yorkers already struggling to cope with the national recession and hardworking families struggling to balance their own household budgets, the out-of-control spending and unnecessary tax and fee increases included in the State Budget could not have come at a worse time,” said Senator Ranzenhofer.

The budget is already passed, but at least Ranzenhofer is making himself easily accessible to voters.

Full press release after the jump:

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced a Town Hall Meeting for Saturday, June 6 at Noon at the Genesee County Legislature, 7 Main Street in Batavia.  The Town Hall Meeting will give residents an opportunity to discuss the 2009 State Budget with Senator Ranzenhofer. 

“I voted NO on the State budget earlier this year because it eliminates the STAR rebate check program, increases spending by $12 Billion and imposes $2,400 in new costs for an average middle-class family.  With Western New Yorkers already struggling to cope with the national recession and hardworking families struggling to balance their own household budgets, the out-of-control spending and unnecessary tax and fee increases included in the State Budget could not have come at a worse time,” said Senator Ranzenhofer.

Senator Ranzenhofer expressed his commitment to open, transparent State government.

“The 2009 State Budget was crafted in secret by three New York City legislators with no input from the public or upstate lawmakers.  This past year’s budget process has been the most secretive in New York State’s history. Residents of the 61st Senate District deserve an open discussion with their elected officials regarding these important matters.  By working together, I am confident that we can protect hardworking taxpayers, restore fiscal responsibility to Albany and get our State headed back in the right direction again.  I strongly encourage residents to attend the Town Hall Meeting next Saturday.”

The Town Hall Meeting is free and open to the public.  For more information, please contact Senator Ranzenhofer’s District Office by phone at (716) 631-8695.

Senator Ranzenhofer was elected to the New York State Senate in 2008.  He represents the 61st State Senate District which includes part of the city of Tonawanda, the Towns of Amherst, Clarence, Newstead and Tonawanda in Erie County and all of Genesee County.

This morning: A bonanza of two $25 gift certificates $12.50 each and two $20 gift certificates fro $10 each from local businesses (plus $1 PayPal service fee on each).

Leading off: The Mane Attraction Spa & Salon at 99 E. Main St.  The Mane Attraction is a charming business full of friendly staff ready to provide hair styling, pedicures, manicures and massages. This is a $20 gift certificate for $10 (plus $10 service fee).

Next, the always popular Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St.  Adam Miller is just fun and well worth a visit any time. This is a $25 gift certificate for $12.50 (plus $1 service fee).

Then, Herbly Wonderful, 3701 Pearl Street Road (Route 33). Herbly Wonderful is as wonderful as the name implies, with a great selection of herbs, teas and other natural wonders. This is a $25 gift certificate for $12.50 (plus $1 service fee).

Finally, for today, South Main Country Gifts, 3356 S. Main Street Road.  South Main is one of the most charming country gift stores you will come across. Located in a quite country setting, the store is open on Saturday's and Sundays and makes for a nice outing for shopping. This is a $20 gift certificate for $10 (plus $1 service fee).

Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase. It is not valid with other offers and has no cash value.  People who have won a certificate in the past 30 days are not eligible to win a certificate from the same business as before.  By state law, gift certificates cannot be used for alcohol purchase.

How to Win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. Ideally, the winner will arrange to stop by my office on Main Street before 5:00 p.m. (today or tomorrow) to pick up gift certificate. Mail is an option, but it would be better to hand you the gift certificate. 

If you want to be notified via e-mail of future Deals of the Day, sign up for the Deals of the Day e-mail list by clicking here.

Merchants: If you would like your business featured in Deal of the Day, call Howard Owens at 260-6970.

The Mane Attraction

sold

Adam Miller

SOLD

Herbly Wonderful

SOLD

South Main

SOLD

For the second straight year the Tonawanda Creek Carp Derby resulted in another good turnout. Ideal weather conditions attracted solo anglers as well as those who saw it as an opportunity for a family outing with upwards of forty entrants lining the creek bank for Saturday’s Carp Derby. 

Carp may not be much to look at, nor are they classified as a game fish.  However, once hooked they can put up quite a good tussle.  Several participants in Saturday’s derby can attest to that.  Shortly after the first lines hit the water, the Blecha brothers, Mike and Jeremy were the first to connect, accounting for three carp in a short time span. Their trio of fish ranged in weight from 7 to 10.5 pounds, with the latter specimen temporarily sliding into first place.  

Minutes later the Pietrzykowski brothers, Jake and Jeremy, got into the act.  Jeremy quickly set the hook after a carp inhaled his offering of corn kernels.  Minutes passed before he was able to lead the hefty bottom feeder into the shallows where Jake was waiting with the net. The fish pulled the scales to the 13lbs. 10 oz. mark.

Despite murky water conditions, there were numerous fish caught, all of them returned to the water after a brief weigh-in. The creekside camaraderie made the afternoon pass quickly and at the end of the day Jeremy Pietrzykowski  took home “Biggest Fish” honors, with the award for the smallest going to Randy Demers. 

There was quite a mix of folks lining the creek bank on this day, making for a festive atmosphere and a chance to renew old acquaintances and sample “chef” John Lawrence’s snacks hot off the grill - venison backstraps and pheasant tenders rolled in bacon.

FAMILIAR FACES IN THE CROWD: CARP DERBY PICS

 Joe Lawrence

 The Blecha Family

 Jimmy DeFreze, Jimmy, Sam, Bill & Mike Ficarella

 Dr. Joe Canzoneri with sons Nick & Mike

Mike DeFreze & Ben Buchholz

St. Joe's PE & Health Instructor Vin Romanotto

 Brian Jackson 

I imagine most of you remember Time Warner trying to introduce metered bandwidth and usage caps to our cable bills several months ago. Like I predicted, they're at it again.

TWC has updated their Subscriber Agreement to lay down the foundation for their future billing practices. You can find these additions in the teeny tiny print on your next bill, or probably the latest bill you've paid. The additions are as follows.

I imagine most of you remember Time Warner trying to introduce metered bandwidth and usage caps to our cable bills several months ago. Like I predicted, they're at it again.

TWC has updated their Subscriber Agreement to lay down the foundation for their future billing practices. You can find these additions in the teeny tiny print on your next bill, or probably the latest bill you've paid. The additions are as follows.

6. Special Provisions Regarding HSD Service

(ii) I agree that TWC or ISP may change the Maximum Throughput Rate of any tier by amending the price list or Terms of Use. My continued use of the HSD Service following such a change will constitute my acceptance of any new Maximum Throughput Rate. If the level or tier of HSD Service to which I subscribe has a specified limit on the amount of bytes that I can use in a given billing cycle, I also agree that TWC may use technical means, including but not limited to suspending or reducing the speed of my HSD Service, to ensure compliance with these limits, and that TWC or ISP may move me to a higher tier of HSD Service (which may result in higher monthly charges) or impose other charges and fees if my use exceeds these limits.

(iii) I agree that TWC may use Network Management Tools as it determines appropriate and/or that it may use technical means, including but not limited to suspending or reducing the Throughput Rate of my HSD Service, to ensure compliance with its Terms of Use and to ensure that its service operates efficiently. I further agree that TWC and ISP have the right to monitor my bandwidth usage patterns to facilitate the provision of the HSD Service and to ensure my compliance with the Terms of Use and to efficiently manage their networks and their provision of services. TWC or ISP may take such steps as each may determine appropriate in the event my usage of the HSD Service does not comply with the Terms of Use.  I acknowledge that HSD Service does not include other services managed by TWC and delivered over TWC’s shared infrastructure, including Video Service and Digital Phone Service.

 

Fortunately, it's legally and technically impossible for Time Warner to implement their metered bandwidth anytime soon. However, expect metered bandwidth in about a year from now.

OA: http://stopthecap.com/2009/05/28/theyre-back-time-warner-cable-adds-cap-n-tier-language-to-subscriber-agreements/

Howard's explanation of how he and Billie ended up settling in Batavia reminded me of the first time I moved away for a job and came back for a visit.

I was living on the Main Line near Philadelphia.  The daily commute was by train, then a corporate sponsored shuttle to the office.  The office was located in a huge complex  constructed on farmland serviced by a two lane county road.  If you are familiar with the area, King of Prussia Mall was about 3 miles from my home, but it took almost 1/2 hour to get to it because of the traffic.  

Coming home, my first instinct was to run down Main St. and wave to the buildings that were left,  "Hello Building and Loan", seemed to ring in my head.  I learned, that day, that Batavia was my Bedford Falls.   I hope that Howard and Billie eventually will feel the same way.

You seem to look past the problems facing the city; you look past the mall; you look past the ever growing commercial district west of the city (that makes entering the city look like entering any other city in the country).  What you seem to focus on are the tree lined streets; the cozy little restaurants; and the friendly people.  Coming home gives one a warm feeling.  I hope that never changes.

There is much good to say about our area.  Yes, it has problems, but the naysayers never seem to see the positive.  Without the positive there is no hope of improvement.  The saying, "if you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem" is so true.  If you see something that needs to be fixed, talk about it but offer a suggestion or two on how it can be made better. 

The City of Batavia and the county of Genesee offer so much.  Marketing our area to attract businesses seems to fall short of the mark.  Hopefully, this is turning around.  I for one would applaud the effort.

Here's how I found Batavia:

My first week on the job with my previous employer was September 2006. I was living in a hotel in Fairport. Billie was in Bakersfield getting our household ready for packing and shipping 3,000 miles north east. As a Californian, I grew roses. One of my biggest worries when we decided to move to the Rochester area was whether I could grow roses in a much colder climate.

Somehow, I found out about a master gardener event and plant sale at the Cornell Extension in Batavia. I had no idea, really, how far Batavia was from Fairport, but I thought I would drive out so I could talk with a few gardeners in the region, and maybe find a rosarian or two.

I faithfully followed the GPS-provided route down the Thruway onto Oak Street and left onto Main.

As soon as I hit downtown, I was charmed by the city. It would be hard to explain why.  I'd lived most of my life in metropolitian areas, but was always most attracted to their smaller communities.  I once published a weekly newspaper in San Diego's Ocean Beach, and loved the small town vibe of those few dozen city blocks.  I like towns with a sense of place

To me, Batavia seemed like a town with a real community behind it. Batavia wasn't overrun by chains (I didn't make it out to the Veteran's Memorial Drive that day). There were plenty of small businesses downtown and the old buildings, especially the churches and Masonic Temple, told me there was some history to Batavia.

Of course, I didn't know all about the Mall (to the degree I noticed it, I remember thinking, 'that's unfortunate'), I hadn't read Bill Kauffman's Dispatches from the Muckdog Gazette, I didn't know about the Holland Land Office, or John Gardner, or the Muckdogs or Mancuso's business incubator. I just liked the town.

I headed back to Fairport after my visit at the extension -- where I learned it would be a bit more work to grow roses in WNY, though not impossible -- but I didn't forget Batavia.

On the long drive back, I thought, too bad it's so far from our office. I would like to live there.

When we started discussions at my company about 18 months later about incubating an online-only community news site, the first place that came to mind was Batavia.  It was about the right size of town, had a strong local business base and was close enough that I could be directly involved in the Web site.

So, I put the plan together and got approval to launch The Batavian.

The more time I spent here, the more I learned about the community, the more I got to know people, the more I wanted to live here.

I kept trying to think through scenarios where my job could evolve into something that would allow me to live in Batavia and run The Batavian full time, but none of the options seemed particularly realistic.

Then, one day, in late February, quite unexpectedly, it all fell in my lap.  The Batavian was mine, if I wanted it. Billie and I talked it over, and we decided to take the leap.

So, here we are. We have our furniture and our clothes as well as our dog and three cats in a small townhouse on Maple Street.

It's a quite morning. We can hear the birds and quiet ruffle of the wind through the trees. And Billie and I are both struck by what we can't hear: the persistent hum of freeway traffic. It's been at least 20 years since either of us lived out of ear shot of a major highway.

We think we will like it here.

At about 9;25 pm the power went out on the southside.A woman on kibbie said a tree downed a power line and it will be awhile before it comes back on.Ours was out and came back on.

A womanfrom HUD,Pathstone inspected our apatment on may 15th 09.

The woman was walking around our apartment, looking for problems.She was counting bedrooms.She asked where is the third bedroom.When she finally found the bedroom/hallway.She said thats the third bedroom?I said that's exactly what i said when i was looking at it.But we were nearly homeless so i took it.She said its messy there are too many boxes, and the door is blocked.I said"If it will make you happy i will clean it up.(.All my pictures from my childrens whole lives are in there.And empty bandage boxes from the last year.If she'd bothered to look in the hallway/bedroom she'd have seen a matress).Immediately after that she goes to our bathroom.She says we put a hole in the door.She writes it down.I said no that hole was in there when we moved in!!I took pictures then.She the HUD /pathstone apartment inspector started asking me how much we pay.Why was she asking that?She asked how much do you pay?I told her 2/3 of the money is taken from my boys social services money without my consent.It's a new law.She said youd be surprised how many people don't know how much they pay(.I had gone to a HUD/Pathstone meeting on april 28th.They ask and you must prove your finances.)The Inspector said she will look and if she doesn't see anything about a hole in the door we put it there.I called and spoke to her.She said its not written down and yes you did put a hole in the door.I was very angry.I told her we fixed this place up.When we moved in the garage was full of junk.It took 2 giant dumpsters to get it out.My boys and i cleaned up this property!!There were wires hanging out of the kitchen outlet.The basement was full of junk.She said ok if you don't like it file for a hearing with her boss.(We did that last year and were made to pay extra money for the 3rd bedroom when we were kicked out at 119 state st illegally).We were denied appeal.HUD rented our old apartment.I lost my whole security there.Why? because they said we ruined the kitchen floor.Because the refigerator leaked.I'd be willing to bet that HUD and the city plumbing inspector overlooked what we were threwn out for last year.I will ask again at the city.Hud said o its too bad they never inspected it after we moved.It was better than before we moved in 119 state).Do i see a pattern here?I think so.May 21st 09.We get our letter from HUD Pathstone.It says they raised the amount the landlord gets by 30$ 880$They raised the amount we pay by 100$a month.We are on rent control housing supposedly.We live on 10,500 a year.That is a lot to us.

So i called HUD Pathstone again.I asked why are we being charged so much more.She said it's because we don't use the (alleged) third bedroom.It is a hallway.I said yes we do.The boys argue over who wants to sleep in the cell.I said i want a hearing.She said call Buffalo and gives me the number.The same number that i called last year and they don't care at all.I won't call it again.HUD Pathstone is to reinspect the apartment.Why didn't they wait until then?O i am really upset.This will affect my boys.I also asked her about the holes in the doors.She said o we're not saying you did it.Do ya think our land?lord will charge us for it when we get threwn out again with a little help form HUD?I do.Why should we pay for holes we did not make?

I called my land/lord.He the owner of 4 highlnd pk and 63 other properties says we are good tenants.He will work with us.He knows we cleaned up his property.We were not paid for it.He said he was on the phone all day with people complaining about HUD Pathstone problems and he's tired of it.

See if you complain to HUD Pathstone about problems you are risking being expelled from your residence.Like i was last year.There are laws to protect tenants.Like you can withhold rent until things are fixed.But if you are on HUD and withhold rent.They say you will be shut off HUD.Because you can not withhold rent under New York Landlord tenant laws.Real Property laws.There are laws that say HUD Pathstone land/lords can charge more too.
 

So in my opinion people on HUD ? Pathstone are being denied their rights.They are it is true.And where does all that money go to?(It's not going to the properties).HUD ? Pathstone they do not protect the tenants.They protect the landlords.People have to fear them.They can destroy your life in a heartbeat.And make it so you can not afford to buy your children ,clothes or eat.Me i will fight with every ounce of my being for our rights.And i will risk it all.I can not go through this every year!!Mabe if more people did what i am going to do it would be fixed.Because our HUD systym is broken.So if someone sees this write to HUD in washington.Not buffalo.Write senators and congressman.Write OBAMA.Tell them without fear what is going on here.And most likely across the nation.

HUD / Pathstone is causing me trauma.I have had more than my share of trauma caused by not only them but also the courts in this city.What is our population now?I thought it was 24,000 years ago.And dropping.Mabe this will touch prominent people the wrong way.So mabe i will have to post it somewhere else.But i will.I will copy and paste this till my fingers are raw!! Why don't people in Batave have the same rights as other cities?Guilty till proven innocent.The cost is enormous.But that is whole other story or is it?Prominent people have rights to do anything and it is ok.Liberty and justice for some.

                                                                Daniel Cherry and Boys

Press Release from Rosemary Christian, who is running for the County Legislature in the 7th District:

I welcome Bob Radley to the race and look forward to the challenge.  I publicly declared my candidacy  back in April because I believe that its long  past time to bring more balance to the county legislature and because I can  be a force for greater oversight and increased transparency.  I've already  been fund raising and getting out to listen to the voters and have been in  full campaign mode for awhile, so its good to finally know who my challenger  is.  The voters in the 7th District can expect a vigorous race and I look  forward to seeing many of you as I walk through the district in the coming  months.

I believe that its time to elect a legislator who's first concern is to  serve the interests of the District voters.  And I believe that all the  voters know I'm someone who's always ready to speak up for them and stand by  them.

Rosemary Christian

Kerry Hoffman, age 27, of Bergen, the former band director of Oakfield-Alabama High School has been arrested and charged with sexual abuse in the third degree.

Hoffman is accused of abusing a female student.

Besides the five misdemeanor counts of sexual abuse, Hoffman is charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of official misconduct.

WBTA's Dan Fischer spoke with Oakfield-Alabama Superintendent Christopher Todd, who said Hoffman voluntarily resigned when the allegations surfaced in March. Todd said parents in the district were immediately notified of the allegations.  School officials became involved when information came forward that raised concerns about Hoffman's conduct with the student.

Juvenile Officer J.K. Dehm of the Sheriff's Office said in a release, "During a period from February 2009 to March 2009 Kerry Hoffman acted in a manner likely to be harmful to a child less than seventeen years old."

Hoffman was arraigned in the Town of Oakfield by Justice Graham and released under supervision.

Robert Radley, an engineer who previously served on the Batavia School Board, will be the GOP candidate for District 6 7 of the County Legislature, according to WBTA.

The county Republicans have yet to select a candidate for District 7, Radley will be a candidate for the seat now held by John Hodgins, who is retiring at the end of his current term.

Also getting GOP backing are incumbents Don Read for County Clerk and Lawrence Friedman for District Attorney.

Of 105 Genesee County GOP committee members, 78 attended the endorsement meeting last night.
 

As a former hog and crop farmer and Genesee County Farm Bureau President and a current member of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, I work very hard to ensure that our farms, agriculturalists and rural quality of life are protected.  Newly introduced legislation, Assembly Bill 1867, seriously threatens our farmers and farm workers and I would like to take a moment to share with the public the provisions of this bill.

I have already received many letters, calls and e-mails from residents of the 139th Assembly District expressing their opposition to this bill, which is known as the Farmworkers Omnibus Labor Standards Bill.  While this legislation attempts to establish benefits and bargaining rights for farm workers, the bill threatens the very existence of farm workers by imposing expensive labor mandates which will force more farms, many of which are struggling in this tough economy, to go out of business.

To explicitly outline our concerns with this legislation the entire Assembly Agriculture Committee and I drafted, signed and sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.  Paramount among our concerns is the fact that for the last 30 years, both state and federal laws have been strengthened to protect farmworkers from injustices and unfair treatment, with most farms undergoing a review or inspection on an annual basis.  Any problems that occur on farms are quickly caught by the authorities, making this new legislation redundant and an unnecessary expense to place on farmers and our agricultural community as a whole.

I urge all members of the public to write Speaker Silver as well as the legislation's sponsor, Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan to express your concerns with this measure.  You can write to Speaker Silver at LOB 932, Albany, NY 12248 or e-mail him at speaker@assembly.state.ny.us; or contact Assemblywoman Nolan at LOB 836, Albany, NY 12248 or e-mail her nolanc@assembly.state.ny.us to express your opposition to this bill.

Always popular, always good: Alex's Place and Larry's Steakhouse.

We have one gift certificate for each fine restaurant worth $50 each, on sale for HALF OFF -- that's $25 each. (plus a $1 PayPal service fee)

Alex's Place, of course, is a legendary restaurant in these parts. It's on Park Road, just down the street from Batavia Downs. The ribs are famous and of course Alex's always gets high marks for its seafood.

Larry's is on Main Street, right downtown, and with the patio now open, you can relax with a beer or cocktail in the sunshine before enjoying one of the best steaks around.

Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase. It is not valid with other offers and has no cash value.  People who have won a certificate in the past 30 days are not eligible to win a certificate from the same business as before.  By state law, gift certificates cannot be used for alcohol purchase.

How to Win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. Ideally, the winner will arrange to stop by my office on Main Street before 5:00 p.m. (today or tomorrow) to pick up gift certificate. Mail is an option, but it would be better to hand you the gift certificate. 

If you want to be notified via e-mail of future Deals of the Day, sign up for the Deals of the Day e-mail list by clicking here.

Merchants: If you would like your business featured in Deal of the Day, call Howard Owens at 260-6970.

Larry's Steakhouse

SOLD

Alex's Place

SOLD

Paul G. Grazioplene, 43, of Batavia, faces charges of a felony DWI, resisting arrest and leaving the scene of a property damage accident following an alleged incident on Cedar Street about 9:25 last night. Grazioplene allegedly stuck a vehicle on Cedar and then drove off. A resident followed his car and notified police. Grazioplene was apparently still in his vehicle parked outside of his home when he was found by police. Grazioplene allegedly refused to take a breath test. He reportedly has a prior DWI arrest within the past 10 years. He was jailed without bail.

Jill L. Briska, 20, of Batavia faces a DWI charge following a minor traffic accident this morning about 1 at 100 W. Main St. Briska was issued an appearance ticket and released.