I'm just getting around, finally, to doing a post about the Top 10 most viewed stories for November, and since I never did it for October, those stories are listed below, as well.

November Top 10 Stories

• Jackson Street mother named third suspect in meth ring
• Some feedback - a bakery in Batavia, Chelea Dobson
• Body found outside Blockbuster in Batavia
• Two men suspected of manufacturing meth busted at house in Alabama
• Today's Poll: Do you think the proposed new state license plates are ugly or attractive?
• Child's death confirmed case of H1N1
• Attica police officer accused of trying to drag GCC student into undercover work
• Something meaningful for the Oak Street Roundabout
• Today's Poll: Do you think the GOP should purge liberals/moderates from the party?
• Genesee County election results 2009

Most popular poll for November: Were you surprised to learn about meth labs being found in Genesee?

October Top 10 Stories

• Former Democrat releases potentially damaging Christian e-mail because 'It's personal'
• Police pursue bank robbery suspect in Pavilion area
• County taking down Sour Springs bridge that took snowmobile club 400 hours to build
• Council members say Bialkowski used his own printer to provide copies of complaint
• What is wrong with Batavia?, by Mike Freeman
• Pembroke district informs parents of student who passed away Thursday
• New facility on East Main will give mentally ill a chance to live independently, by Billie Owens
• Graham Corp. cuts payroll, by Billie Owens
• Judge: Christian's Wal-Mart supervisor had habit of letting employees eat damaged items
• Search continues for Pavilion bank robber, by Billie Owens

Most popular poll for October: Today's Poll: Did the county do the right thing removing the volunteer-installed bridge on Sour Springs Road?

More and more I'm working with The Batavian's sponsors in coming up with ad campaigns that feature special information or special deals, and it's been working. The ads on the right that change with unique information on a regular basis get the most reader response. 

Those ads all represent local advertisers. They are businesses that support your community as well as support The Batavian.  It's important to me that I'm giving them the best value for the money, so I work hard to come up with good ideas at attractive ads for them.  I encourage you to be sure to take some time when you visit The Batavian to see if there are any new offers or information that might be useful to you.

This is my regular reminder that without our sponsors, there is no The Batavian.  When you support The Batavian sponsors, you are helping to support an online news site you enjoy, and supporting your local community.

Below is our list of sponsors. Please patronize these businesses and when you do, let them know you saw them on The Batavian.

3 D Wine & Liquor
Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle
Affordable Floor Covering
Alex's Place
Anglican Community Church
Barrett's Batavia Marine and Sporting Supplies
Batavia Downs Casino
Blue Pearl Yoga
Bonarigo & McCutcheon
Bontrager's Auction
Carlson's Studio
Cedar St. Sales and Rentals
Center Street Smokehouse
Charles Men's Shop
Classic Home Improvements
Clor's Meat Market
The Color Salon
Country Cottage
Crazy Cheap Cars
D&R Depot Restaurant
Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern
The Enchanted Florist
Fastec Automotive
Genesee Dental Group
Genesee Feeds
Great Kutz
Herbly Wonderful
Holland Land Office Museum
House of K
The Insurance Center
Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's
Kravings Kafe
Lamb Family Medicine
Lewis and Lewis
Main St. Pizza Company
The Mane Attraction
The Manor House
Mark Lewis Agency
Matteo & Mullen, CPA
Matty's Pizzeria
Max Pies
Movies in Motion
O'Lacy's Irish Pub
Oliver's Candies
Optique
Pauly's Pizza
Pellegrino Auto Sales
Present Tense Books
Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center
Reeb Family Moving
Roxy's Music Store
Sallome's Italian Deli
Select Collision
Sloat Tire
Small World Realty
South Main Country Store
Southside Deli
Suzanne Interiors
T.F. Brown's
Total Image Hair Salon
T-Shirts Etc.
Valle Jewelers
Vintage & Vogue Inspirations
WNY Fireplace Outlet
Wortzman Furniture

Where's Santa Claus?

Here he is!

(You can't tell, but he is smiling underneath the beard.)

Wait a minute...here he is again!

Bella March (upper left) and siblings Violet (lower left) and Norman, sitting with Santa. Photo courtesy of Kelly March.

You'll always catch fleeting glimpses of the Man in the Red Suit at Christmastime. Our own Howard Owens spotted him on Main Street last week. You're likely to catch him at the mall at least once, and you might even see him on the front lawns of festively decorated houses (although for some reason he never seems to feel like talking in those instances).

If you live in Batavia, you could have found him this weekend where his two favorite things were present: families and food.

Santa's weekend in Batavia kicked off with the "Supper with Santa" at St. Joseph's School, an annual event sponsored and funded by St. Joe's home school association, SOS (Supporters of St. Joseph's) and catered by Paulie's Pizzeria. On Saturday morning he was at John Kennedy Elementary School's "Pancake Breakfast with Santa," which was put on by the John Kennedy Parent Group (JKPG).

Good Saint Nick had no shortage of admirers at either event. Children waited in long lines to tell him their Christmas wishes. Most people would probably become overwhelmed trying to keep track of each child's Christmas list, but it was no problem for Santa. His ability to remember non-written Christmas lists comes from his talent for seeing and appreciating each child's unique personality.

"All it takes," Santa said, "is to see their faces and hear their voices."

Santa at St. Joe's with, left to right, Nicky Ventola and Moira and Clara Werner. Photo courtesy of Nora O'Neill.

The kids got an up-close look at Santa's personality, too.

"He's very fun," St. Joe's first-grader Amanda Bergman said. "Fun to be with."

Knowing such an important visitor was coming, parents and staff of both schools spent a lot of time in preparation.

"We always plan a year in advance," said Nora O'Neill, marketing director for St. Joe's. "Soon after the event is over, we start planning for the next year."

...Kind of like Santa himself, who prepares for Christmas Eve a year ahead!

JKPG President Shari Ange credits parent Sherri Wahr with coming up with the idea for the Pancake Breakfast at the group's last meeting three months ago.

"We used to have a breakfast at Applebee's for Easter," Ange said. "Sherri thought it would be great to have a breakfast with Santa. Hopefully we can make this an annual thing."

St. Joe's set the mood for Santa's visit with Christmas carols performed by Batavia resident Richard Conroy, while JK had Christmas music playing over the intercom. Activities in celebration of the honored guest included floor dancing (St. Joe's) and games such as Elf Hockey and Santa Bowling (JK).

Amanda Bergman (left) on the dance floor with Violet March. Photo courtesy of Kelly March.

BHS senior Cody Mulcahy oversees a JK first-grader's performance in Santa Bowl.

Another way everyone honored Santa was by imitating his generosity. As is the case with most private schools, financial issues are always a concern for St. Joe's staff - still, they committed their resources to making Supper with Santa a fun social event for the kids. At both St. Joe's and JK, parents and students volunteered their time to serve food, help with activities, etc.

JK student helpers Kennedy Kolb (front), Katie Ange, Tanner Kolb and Jenna Whitmore (back, left to right).

JK students showed Santa their Christmas spirit by making cards in the school's gymnasium.

Madeline Taggart (left) with her sister, Bridget, making cards for Santa.

Because Santa was busy listening to Christmas wishes, their cards will be sent to Macy's first, and for every card received Macy's will donate $1 to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Skylar Rossi (left), Lydia Wahr (center) and Maggie Andersen, making cards for troops in Iraq.

"Santa represents the spirit of giving," Sherri Wahr said. "And he's all about bringing families together."

For the St. Joe's community, Santa also has some religious significance.

"Our message to the kids is to remind them that he is a saint," O'Neill said. "So our traditions [the Christian tradition and Santa Claus lore] can coexist."

The welcome sign at the front entrance of St. Joe's included a picture of Santa Claus holding the Baby Jesus in his arms. O'Neill said this helps remind the kids what Christmas is really all about. Santa appears to agree with her.

"Christmas is about the Baby Jesus," Santa said. "He plays it first and then I come in behind Him."

For those interested in what Santa had to tell The Batavian about himself, stay tuned for Q&A with Santa, coming up shortly.

There is apparently a slick sheet of ice on Oak Street and there have already been at least two minor accidents. Police are taking measures to get drivers to slow down.

UPDATE 11:25 a.m.: I missed the start of this call, so was unclear about what part of Oak. I drove out by the Thruway first, but it wasn't there. It was just south of the bridge going over Tonawanda, just before the roundabout. The accident scene is clear now and the area has been salted.

A freezing rain advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service and will remain in effect until 1 p.m.

Precipitation is expected this morning with temperatures at or just below freezing.

The weather service is recommending caution during travel, but says an advisory means that travel should not be disrupted, nor should trees or power lines be effected.

Walking and driving may be difficult, but not impossible, according to the weather service.

The Verizon Wireless store at 8351 Lewiston Road, Batavia, has been evacuated because of the smell of natural gas inside the store.

Batavia Fire is responding.

GCASA Executive Director David Markham addresses persistent claims that agency employees are money grubbers leaching off of taxpayers.

According to Markham, most GCASA employees earn substantially less than the Genesee County's median income of $49,133. The average GCASA salary is $26,500, with 81 of GCASA's 92 employees earning less than $40,000 per year.

Markham said he has a master's degree and 41 years experience, yet earns only $74,459.32, and he turned down a $1,400 raise.

The agency is currently facing a $135,000 budget deficit.

It's a complaint I heard from Downtown Batavia merchants last winter, and a sore subject that came up at a BID meeting over the winter -- snow piled up along Main Street. Now merchants are grumbling again after the first big snow storm this year.

The big mounds make it exceptionally hard for customers to come downtown, park on Main and walk into a business. Generally, when the snow is piled up like it is, only the driver can get out of a car and then must walk a half a block or more in traffic to the nearest opening to gain access to the sidewalk -- and then walk back to the business he or she wants to enter.

Ken Mistler, who is opening a gym at Main and Jackson in a few weeks, is also concerned about the practice of city public works crews piling up snow right in the middle of the parking lot behind his building. The large pile can take up as many as 20 parking spaces, and with several popular businesses on Jackson, that doesn't leave much parking room left with convenient access to those businesses and the gym.

He said he isn't worried about his customers walking some distance to get into the gym -- they are, after all, into fitness -- but he is concerned that the additional parking his gym requires means that customers of the Jackson Street businesses will find it harder to park and face longer walks.

Those 20 or so spaces are much needed, Mistler said, so he suggested the snow be piled behind the empty Latina's market, not in the middle of the most used parking area off Jackson.

City Manager Jason Molino said the city is constantly reviewing snow plowing and removal procedures, but removal is not a priority during a storm and can only be accomplished as manpower and equipment availability dictates.

"Our first priority, when we have a snow storm like yesterday, is to make sure the thoroughfares are clean, the major arteries in the city are clear, and then the side streets and then we get into snow removal," Molino said during an interview on Friday.

At the BID meeting this summer, Board President John Roche said downtown merchants need to be vocal about letting City Hall know that they want to see snow removal become more of a priority this year.

We'll see what happens.

Hearkening back to a speech Jason Molino made at a City Council meeting in October, the city manager has asked council members to read a 74-page report from Geneva about its community-improvement efforts.

It isn't that Molino thinks the specific recommendations in the Geneva report are right for Batavia, but he's impressed by the process Geneva went through, and the effort it's putting forth at community development.

The report fits right in with everything Molino previously said about the need to improve community engagement among residents at a neighborhood level.

"It was an engaging process, a planning process where they took actual housing data, actual income data and data from residents in the community and said 'This is what the neighborhoods are made up of. Here are areas to focus on in each neighborhood to achieve some better results,'" Molino said during an interview Friday. "When you’re dealing with limited resources, I think that’s the targeted approach you have to take."

Based on the report and Molino's previous speech, the city manager is aiming to take a much broader approach to improve the quality of life in Batavia. Just throwing money at a problem or ramping up code enforcement isn't going to do the job, and he said as much Friday.

"What’s interesting is they talk about how different neighborhoods need to have different senses of identity and community building aspects of that -- you know, neighborhood pride, neighborhood identity, more so than we need to get in and inspect all these properties."

The approach Geneva is taking isn't for pansies or naysayers. It says quite clearly the city needs to become more entrepreneurial, which means risk, which means trying things that might not work, and not stop trying.

A word on success. The strategies here are not bulletproof. Not all will work the first time. Some won't work after repeated attempts, and so iteration and persistence will be required. The city must be willing to experiment and be flexible. We strongly recommend that the City of Geneva itself become entrepreneurial, that it take measured risks. In these economic times the margin for error is small, but we think the conditions in Geneva require that the city be innovative. This may mean failing in order to succeed, but learning from failure and moving forward, and always within the context of the guiding principles contained in this report.

A driver was killed in a late morning accident on the Thruway. She has been identified as Julie Stratton, 33, of Synder.

Stratton was reportedly in the westbound lane when her car struck a deer, causing her car to become disabled in the passing lane. Her car was then hit by a semi-truck.

The truck driver, Thomas M. Wallace, 45, of Brook Park, Ohio, was taken to UMMC by Mercy EMS and treated for minor injuries.

The westbound lane of the Thruway was closed for a 4.5 hours because of the accident, and reportedly a State Trooper at the scene was injured in an accident this afternoon. The State Police have not yet released information on that accident.

Initial Report.

A car has reportedly struck a tree at 9710 S. Street Road in Pavilion.

The caller reports "there are parts everywhere."

Mercy Flight is being canceled after dispatch learned that the accident victim is inside the house at the location and appears to have minor injuries.

Emergency responders are reporting icy road conditions in the area.

It wasn't a Christmas card in the mail that put a bit bigger smile on Guy Clark Jr.'s face this morning -- it was a notification from Cub Cadet that Cedar Street Sales and Rentals has been named its 2009 Region 1 Dealer of the Year.

It's the first time Cedar Street has won the award and Clark couldn't wait to spread the news.

"I'm very excited," he said.

The award recognizes both the increased sales volume of Cub Cadet products at Cedar Street, but also the extra effort Clark puts into displaying and marketing Cub Cadet products.

One of the innovations Clark introduced that drew the attention of the Cleveland, Ohio-based company is a utility vehicle test track that Clark installed at his location.

Clark started selling Cub Cadet products in 2001.

“We are happy to present Guy Clark Jr. of Cedar Street Sales and Rental with the 2009 Retailer of the Year Award for the Northeast region,” said Tom Rossman, Cub Cadet director of sales, in a prepared statement. “What makes Cub Cadet such a great organization is having dedicated retailers, like Guy Clark, who embody the Cub Cadet brand in all aspects of their business. Guy’s progressive attitude and innovative ideas have helped Cedar Street Sales and Rentals evolve in a competitive market to continually meet the demands of their customers. In 2009, Cedar Street Sales and Rentals truly set itself apart from the competition.” 

Cub Cadet divides the United States into four sales regions, so Clark is one of only four dealers in the nation recognized by Cub Cadet in 2009.

Pavilion Fire is responding to a car fire at ... the Pavilion Fire Hall.

UPDATE 3:53 p.m.:  Pavilion Chief on scene, Reports the fire appears to be out.

As a parent, it feels good to be able to give your children the gifts they want on Christmas. Unfortunately, not all families have the means to do this, especially in these hard economic times.

Luckily, there are people like Don Carroll who are here to look out for these children. He started Toys For Kids seven years ago as a way of "paying it forward." 

“I lost my parents when I was 5 and people were very generous to me and my sister at Christmas time," Carroll said. "That’s something I never forgot. So, that’s why I do it.”

He collects money year round to plan for the holiday season. He has been collecting gifts, monetary donations, and has even been getting some help from a collection jar full of change at Clor’s Meat Market. Each year he organizes a solid routine to prepare for the toy drive.

“The way our program is set up is that we go shopping with the money that has been donated. This year we’re probably going to spend a little over $7,000 on buying gifts for the kids. Then we’ll wrap all of the presents the day before. On Sunday, the 20^th we invite the families to the Y at noon and we have Santa Claus come, and we provide a hot meal and we give out the gifts. We give out some of the gifts there and we give gifts to the parents to give to the kids at Christmas time."

This year, there are more families in need than ever, so all donations are graciously accepted.

“We’ve helped a lot of people like mothers who have a lot of kids or grandmothers who are raising their grandkids, and there are working parents who don’t make a lot of money. We get the names of the families from schools, churches and the YMCA.”

If you’re not able to donate gifts or money to the cause, you are welcome to donate your time. The event is expected to be pretty large and all volunteers can be put to good use.

“We’re putting out a sign-up list that’s going to be at the Y for people who want to help us wrap gifts on the 19^th.  Also, on the 20^th we’ll need people to help parents put gifts in their cars and we’ll need help serving food.”

All gifts and cash donations will be accepted at the Batavia YMCA until Saturday, Dec. 19. Checks can be made out to the YMCA including “Toys for Kids” on the memo line.  Anyone who is interested in volunteering their time can sign up there also.

The YMCA is located at 209 E. Main St. Phone is 344-1664.

Diane Paine was all smiles today during the grand opening of her new store at 315 Ellicott St. The store is called Firefly, which captures the spark and sparkle of the eclectic collection of accessories and jewelry (some of it handmade by Paine in the store).

A pedestrian on the Thruway has apparently been struck by a car.

It's unknown if the injuries are serious. Dispatcher says, "conflicting reports."

The pedestrian may have  been directing traffic in an eastbound lane.

Pembroke and Indian Falls and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 1:57 p.m.: A State Trooper has been struck. No word yet on injuries.

UPDATE 1:58 p.m.: Mercy Flight is being dispatched.

UPDATE 2:07 p.m.: A second ambulance has been requested to treat the driver of the car. Mercy Flight has a five minute ETA.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: Mercy Flight now less than two minute ETA.

UPDATE 2:24 p.m.: Mercy Flight is in the air with patient.

UPDATE 2:31 p.m.: Chatter on the scanner indicating the Trooper had multiple injuries but transported via Mercy Flight primarily as a precaution, and was in a parked patrol car (not a pedestrian) at the time of the accident.

A car and semi-truck have collided on the bridge over the Thruway at the Pembroke exit.

The car is reportedly heavily damaged and  extrication is required.

Indian Falls, Pembroke and East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 11:34 a.m.: There is one injury and it is reported as serious.

UPDATE 11:36 a.m.: East Pembroke's response has been canceled. "On extrication, we're all set," said the Chief responding. Mercy Flight was cancelled.

Here is the second video in the "Countdown to Christmas" video series. The next video will be released on Dec. 19

Buyers: Please remember the six-month rule -- please don't buy a gift certificate you bought within the past six months.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Now in stock: A big selection of poinsettias and stunning wreaths. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.

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.

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.

Kravings Kafe, 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.

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Great Kutz is Batavia's newest full-service hair salon. Women, try Great Kutz for a haircut at the incredibly low price of $7, exclusive offer from to The Batavian. (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).

Sallome's Italian Deli, 40 Oak St., Batavia, NY: Wraps, subs, paninis and pasta as well as pizzas -- Sallome's offers a tasty variety of Italian deli items for eat-in or take-out.

SOLD OUT