For a year or longer, I've wanted to buy a John Hodgins painting.  It's been a matter of money as well as finding the right painting.  When I happened past the Edward Jones office on Jackson Street during Christmas in the City on Friday night, I knew this was the painting I wanted.  Later that night, I ran into John in the Mall.  We came to a quick agreement on price and I picked it up today.   I understand this painting depicts the old newsstand on Jackson.  I like it -- local art by a local artist of a local scene.

Kelly Mountain was a happy camper on Saturday.

Along with fellow Robert Morris Elementary School parent Kim Gloskowski, Mountain had just chaired the 4th annual Vendor Blender & Craft Show at the school, located at 80 Union St.

“We had a steady stream of people come this year,” Mountain said. “And we had a wonderful response to our Chinese Auction.”

Pictured Kelly Mountain, left, and Kim Gloskowski

The Chinese Auction featured one item donated by each of the event’s vendors/crafters. Along with a contribution of $25 for table space from each vendor, the proceeds of the auction went to F.O.R.M. — “Friends of Robert Morris” —  a parent volunteer organization which funds student field trips and classroom supplies. A total of 31 vendors/crafters representing various organizations in and around Batavia participated.

Here are some notable examples:

HOT SHOTS CAFÉ  Owner Shari Dressler (left) and Clara, the manager (right), promoted their local franchise, which has locations on West Main Street and Woodrow Road as well as a bistro on Harvester Avenue. They sold samples of their coffee (flavored and unflavored), tea and smoothies.

PERSCHKE ENTERPRISES  Steve and Catie Perschke, of Pavilion, offered free samples of healthy, sugar-free Nutrilite beverages marketed through Catie’s website (cperschke.qhealthbeauty.com) and provided information about Steve’s gift options website (sperschke.ordermygift.com). Pictured above are Steve and his daughter, Hannah.

USBORNE BOOKS  Educational Consultant Supervisor Kelly Ferchen represented Usborne Books, an international publisher of educational children's books. Products and information about job opportunities were available for Craft Show patrons. Please visit www.readwithkelly.com for more information.

MAKING MEMORIES TRAVEL OF WNY  Mary Hendry and her son provided information about Mary’s independent local travel agency. For more information, please visit www.makingmemoriestravelofwny.com.

Meanwhile, in the multi-purpose room, RMS parent Erin Martin and several student volunteers ran the holiday gift shop, where children could buy Christmas gifts.

“We send envelopes home through the school,” Martin said, “and parents set spending limits. But the kids make their own lists and do all the shopping. We try to make this a learning experience for them.”

Eric Davis Jr. (upper right) gets help selecting a Christmas present from volunteer Ryan Bowen (lower right) and Notre Dame High School volunteer Seth Meshach (upper left) and RMS student volunteer Hannah Martin (left).

In the afternoon, the Robert Morris Chorus treated everyone to Christmas carols ranging from “The First Noel” to “Jingle Bell Rock.” They then had the honor of posing for the cameras with Santa Claus, before he got around to hearing Christmas gift requests.

An additional feature this year was the Family Reading Workshop presented by former Channel 4 news anchor Lisa Scott. She held three half-hour sessions for parents and children in the RMS Media Center. Drawing upon her experience as a commercial voice actor, Scott gave presentations on how to encourage literacy by infusing storytelling with excitement and energy.

“Taking written material and making it oral doesn’t come naturally to anybody,” Scott said. “The challenge is to channel that natural delivery you have in everyday conversation into pre-written material.” For more information on Lisa and her story time ideas, please visit her website (www.readlisascott.com).

DPW reports there is a water main break on Richmond Avenue between Union and Redfield in Batavia.

Repairs are in progress.

There was a rash of car break-ins over night in Elba and Byron and items stolen include long rifles, according to Deputy Brian Thompson.

Thompson is asking that anybody who saw or heard anything suspicious between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. to call the Sheriff's Office at 585-345-3000.

He said any residents who find that their cars were entered over night, no matter what was taken, should call.

"People will say, 'oh, it's just some spare change,' but we need to map where these break-ins took place," Thompson said.

The pattern of break-ins include Barre in Orleans County, Thompson said. He estimates the total number of cars reported so far at about 20.

All of them were left unlocked, including the cars that contained the guns.

"People are just not getting the message," Thompson said. "Every house we go to people say they didn't know we've been having car break-ins for the last year and a half. I just don't get it. You've been reporting it. The Daily's been reporting it. It's been on WBTA and on TV in Buffalo and Rochester. People don't understand that in today's drug-infested situation we're in, it happens everywhere, not just in the city."

Investigators are looking for possibly two suspects, Thompson said. Based on the description from people who heard the timing of car doors slamming and cars driving off, it appears there is a person on foot going into cars and another person driving a getaway car.

A Rochester man faces nearly half a dozen charges stemming from a single-car auto accident in Le Roy on Saturday morning.

Carlos Alberto Mateo, 30, of 27 Potomac St., Rochester, is accused of criminal trespass and fleeing the scene of an accident, as well as aggravated unlicensed operation, driving without a license and operating a vehicle without seat belts.

Mateo is suspected of driving his car into a telephone pole on Route 5 near York Road in the Town of Le Roy and then running from the scene. He was reportedly found hiding in a garage of a residence on York Road.

He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

(Photo courtesy Lorie Longhany -- original post)

A Medina teenager who died in a car crash over the weekend was a student at Images of Dance in Batavia, according to the Democrat and Chronicle.

Jenna Pratt, 17, is described in the article as somebody who took on all challenges and dance was “kind of her release,” said her father, John Pratt III.

Pratt was killed in a single-car accident in Shelby. Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the crash. Her boyfriend, who was driving, Joshua J. Stockwell, 18, of Medina, was not injured.

Clifford Leo Regimbal, 31, of 30 S. Main St., Oakfield, is charged with criminal mischief and unlawful possession of marijuana. Regimbal is accused pulling a phone box from the wall outside 36 South Pearl St., Oakfield. Regimbal allegedly possessed marijuana at the time of his arrest. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Amber Fallon Waleski, 22, of 30 S. Main St., Oakfield, is charged with assault in the second degree. While at 36 South Pearl St., Oakfield, Waleski allegedly struck another person in the head with a bear bottle, causing a cut. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Howard M. DeCarlis, 52, of 415 Ellicott St., upper, Batavia, is charged with assault in the third degree. DeCarlis allegedly punched his girlfriend in the face several times during an argument. She was treated and released at UMMC. DeCarlis was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Jacob J. Camerera, 18, of 335 S. Jackson St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt and unlawful possession of marijuana. Camerera allegedly violated an order of protection by sending text messages to a woman he was ordered not to contact. At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly found to possess marijuana. Camerera was jailed on $750 bail.

From the State Police blotter:

Patrick R. McFadden, 25, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. McFadden was allegedly involved in an incident at Kmart.

David W. King, 52, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested in Bergen.

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

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Time to visit Pudgie's and buy your Christmas tree. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

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.

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. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

SOLD OUT

This evening I wandered around downtown a bit and took some pictures of some of the businesses that have decorated for the holidays.

Letter via e-mail from Gov. Paterson's office

Earlier this week, the Legislature concluded an Extraordinary Session that I convened to address New York State’s worsening fiscal crisis. While the deficit reduction legislation passed by the Legislature provides needed savings, it falls well short of what is necessary to put New York on the road to fiscal and economic recovery.

Although the Legislature failed to join me to adequately address this crisis, we were able to achieve historic reforms that make government more accountable to taxpayers.

This week, we enacted the most important reform to our State’s pension system in more than 25 years, creating a new “Tier 5” that will substantially reduce the cost of government for the long-term. Public pensions have been allowed to grow at an unsustainable rate for a generation – with rising costs for local governments passed on to New Yorkers in ever-increasing property taxes. Thanks to this legislation, New York finally has a rational pension system that provides a secure retirement for hardworking public employees, while controlling costs for property taxpayers.

With Tier 5, we have achieved true structural reform that changes the way the system works. This is not a short-term stopgap. It is long-term reform that will help us operate government more efficiently, control costs, and address the property tax burden that is weighing down New York’s families and businesses.

Pension reform is just one piece of my agenda to change the way Albany works and reduce the property tax burden.

Also this week, we enacted landmark reform of our State’s public authorities. Public authorities are critical to promoting economic development, but for too long they have operated without sufficient transparency. The new law provides the tools needed to root out any waste, fraud or abuse in the system and to reduce costs.

The objective of these measures is simple: cuts costs and provide tax relief.

For too long, we have tolerated a culture in Albany that pays out special interests at the expense of New York’s taxpayers. Decades of overspending by Albany has left our State more vulnerable to the effects of a national recession. High unemployment has depleted the taxes the State depends on and the collapse of Wall Street has taken away New York’s greatest economic engine. This culture of overspending must end, which is why I convened the special session of the Legislature.

Unfortunately, the deficit reduction plan passed by the Legislature does not fully address our current-year budget deficit. It does not solve our severe cash-flow crunch. It does not address our long-term structural imbalance.

As Governor, I have a fundamental responsibility to keep our State solvent. Everyday New Yorkers know that they simply cannot spend money that they do not have, and our State government should understand that as well. For decades, Albany has refused to take the necessary steps to control spending, and has too often put off until tomorrow what should have been done yesterday. I will not allow this to continue on my watch.

Because certain legislators are unwilling to stand up and control spending for fear of the political consequences, I will move forward and implement the tough choices they were unwilling to make. In the coming days, I will direct the Division of the Budget to reduce State aid payments administratively in order to balance the budget and prevent New York from running out of cash.

I do not take this action lightly, but there is no other responsible path. If the Legislature will not do what is necessary, I will take the difficult actions that are needed to restore our State’s fiscal integrity.

It's a good thing Santa is from the North Pole, because it's darn cold in Batavia today and he is serving as greeter today for an event at the Go Art! building on Main and Bank.

Last night I went to Christmas in the City and brought along my video equipment. I interviewed around 50 people, which gave me around 45 minutes of footage. So for the next few weeks I'll be posting a new video every seven days until Christmas. On Christmas day I will post one or two longer videos. So I hope you enjoy the first installment of the "Countdown to Christmas" video series.

Thank you to all the wonderful folks that took the time to talk with me and allowed me to interview them.

Joanne Mistler serves me my first The Batavian smoothie -- strawberry, banana with chocolate shavings. Manager Rob Crede tells me it's been a big hit so far.

Here's a girl after my own heart. But enough of my musings. I, Pachuco, am back in the saddle after a week at Beds-N-Bones, and more than happy to select this fine lass as Pet of the Week.

"Our special 'girl,' Maddie (AKA 'Maddiekins'), is a  Great Pyrenees and Border Collie mix.  We adopted her when she was approximately 1 year old. She was quite the wild thing, until she took obedience classes and we worked on her behavior issues. She turned out to be the best dog in the world! We love her, take her for walks every day, and best of all, she loves to go fishing with Dad!  As soon as she sees him with his fishing pole she gets sooooo excited. And of course, she loves to lay on her back for belly rubs!"

Jan L. Hellenberg

Le Roy

Reader Lorie Longhany e-mailed in this picture of a car that hit a utility pole in Le Roy. We have no further details on the accident at this time.

A lot can happen in 10 years, when you give your life to help others. Pictured above is the orignal Care-A-Van motor home that Paul and Bridget Ohlson used at Christmas  in 1999 to start delivering Christmas to others. Fast forward to 2009 to the beautiful bus that nows go forth to give hope to others.

With loving to write of the ministry and being given the opportunity through Howard and The Batavaian, we are able to share with all of you the wonderful blessings and how God uses the Care-A-Van Minstry to give hope to others.  We were recently approached by Chrissy Siggee , Manager - Australian Bureau of   The Cyrpess Times, an online Christian newspaper out of Texas to share of the ministry. Who would have ever thought, God would  have us sharing in this way!

Please check out the article to see how Paul and Bridget followed the call including him quitting his full time job of 27 years to where their life and the vision of Care-A-Van Ministries is now.

http://www.thecypresstimes.com/article/Faith/Ministry/WHAT_IS_CAREAVAN_MINISTRIES/26095

May you all have a Merry Christmas!

Keep the Light On!

Robin Walters, PR Director Care-A-Van Ministires

By my estimation, twice as many people came out to Christmas in the City this year as compared to last, and the smiles were also about twice as bright.

In other words, it was a great evening. 

Thank you to all who stopped by our booth in City Centre.

More pictures below, and several more after the jump.  Merry Christmas!

UPDATE: I inadvertently left one photo out last night which I've added to the bottom of this post -- it's of our long-time reader Dan Cherry taking a picture of his boys outside Valle Jewelry. 

Holland Land Office Musuem stopped by the Care-A-Van bus to sing

Our friends from City Church blessed us with their music as well

Pastor Matt LePiana on far left and his brothers from the Sons of God  of Leroy stopped by to announce the opening of their church - Church In the Wind. The church will be opening January 3rd at 7 PM in Leroy.

Everyone had a grand time on the Care-A-Van bus. We served 450 Brownies and cups of hot chocolate. Everyone had a grand time! Thanks to the city for hosting a great event! See you next year.. the famous brownies will be back! 

East Pembroke Fire has been dispatched to a truck fire in the westbound lane of the Thruway.

The initial report was of a brake fire, and later it sounded like the rear of a tractor-trailer was on fire.

Dispatch reports multiple phone calls about the fire.

UPDATE 11:39 p.m.: Fire under control.

UPDATE: 11:57 p.m.: East Pembroke equipment clearing the scene.