I'm hanging out at The Daily Grind, Main and Jackson, for a little while this morning.  I'll be doing a couple of posts from there -- including the Deal of the Day -- so if you're in the area, feel free to stop in and say hello.

Minor injuries, and possibly no injuries, are reported for a driver whose car hit a tree in the area of 1487 Ledge Road in Basom.

A first responder reports that the driver is out of the car and walking around.

Mercy EMS is responding.

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My name is Luke and I'm a poodle/Labrador retriever mix, obviously quite adorable. I am a neutered male that they sent up North in hopes of finding a better life than the one I had down South in, of all places, Mississippi.

Children delight me and I like big people, too. I have good manners as evidenced by my nice leash behavior and my complete housebrokenness. I'm still puppyish (read: young and excitable) so playtime is important. I'm crate trained. Find me in Kennel 15. 

If you are nice and responsible, please consider adopting me. My name is Dottie. I'm a retired, single mom. My last humans let me have countless kittens before dumping me and my most recent litter at the shelter door one cold evening.

Well, I've decided to be much more particular about my next owners, so these are my requirements: I'd like a bed and regular food and water. Oh, and I insist you obtain a good brush to use on my head, cheeks and back. I have never owned a toy in my life, but I'm willing to give the leather micey-ones a try. They smell good.

If you think you're qualified, please come in so that I may meet you. I'll be conducting interviews during regular shelter hours in Cage 87.

Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY   14021
www.vol4animals.org <http://www.vol4animals.org>

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main Street Road
Batavia, NY   14020
(585)343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter

In a compliance check of local stores that sell alcohol on Friday, three store clerks were cited by the Batavia Police Department for allegedly selling liquor to minors.

The police used an under-age buyer with a valid New York driver's license in the compliance check. The person entered 18 local stores and attempted to buy beer, wine or liquor.

The clerks cited worked for Kwik Fill, 99 Jackson St.; Plaza Spirits, 563 E. Main St.; and, Wilson Farms, 355 W. Main St..

The clerks will be given a chance to complete a server-training course in exchange for possible dismissal of the charges. The names of the clerks were not released.

The operation was supervised by detectives Rich Schauf and Todd Crossett.

The Batavia Muckdogs will host their home opener for 2010 on June 19, according to a schedule released by the team today.

Game time will be 7:05 p.m. and the opposing team will be the Auburn Doubledays.

It will be one of 38 home games for the minor league team.

The Muckdogs open the season the day before in Auburn.

There will be six Friday and seven Saturday games played at Dwyer Stadium in 2010.
 
Holiday packs, ticket packages, and season tickets for the 2010 season are now on sale. They can be purchased by calling 585-343-5454, or in person at Dwyer Stadium from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..  The Muckdogs will also be at Christmas in the City on Friday, Dec. 4.
 
For a complete schedule, visit www.muckdogs.com.

Rob Crede, manager of The Daily Grind on Main and Jackson in Batavia, serves Jim Kujawski on the first day of business for the new coffee shop and juice bar.

Owner Ken Mistler (pictured below) has been preparing for the opening for months, but characterizes this week's opening as "soft" so any kinks can be worked out.  But soft or not, Rob served a steady stream of customers this morning.

Meanwhile, the gym, Next Level, adjacent to the coffee shop, is moving closer to opening in a few weeks.  More pictures follow the jump.

Mistler stands in front of an in-progress mural by Vinny Del Plato at the top of the stairway leading to the lower-level workout area and men's locker room.

The kids' room, with mural painted by Karen Reisdorf.

Batavia's representative in Albany issued a statement this morning critical of a legislative plan to reduce spending because, he said, it hits Western New York harder than wasteful downstate interests.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley said he voted against the plan.

"Yes, tough choices need to be made, but once again the downstate leaders have attempted to balance their inflated spending on the backs of Western New Yorkers," Hawley said in a statement. "Just as I voted against the excessive 2009-10 State Budget, I also voted against this "reduction" plan that does nothing but further shift the burden of Albany's irresponsible spending onto the backs of hardworking Western New Yorkers."

(UPDATE: The Batavian's news partner, WBTA, spoke with Steve Hawley this morning. Listen (mp3).)

The Buffalo News reports that the deficit reduction plan leaves New York still in the hole about $1 billion. The News characterized the cuts as "politically painless."

"Putting off the pain" is how the Albany Times-Union described the so-called deficit reduction plan.

After railing against Gov. David Paterson's deficit reduction plan for more than a month and a half, legislative leaders essentially endorsed half of his proposed measures. However, they spared themselves the political risk of cutting aid to schools that the governor says most districts -- sitting on plenty of reserves -- could have afforded. Instead of going along with an admittedly tough, unpopular move that the governor could still make, lawmakers opted to use $391 million in federal stimulus money that the state was holding for next year.

In an editorial, the Buffalo News also raps the legislature for its inaction, and includes this gem:

Rare is the politician who seeks office based on the promise that he will spend less on your children’s school and your grandmother’s hospital. But New York spends so much more than any other state on both functions without making our offspring smarter or our elders healthier. Like other states, our schools and health care institutions will simply have to make do with less money.

The New York Times editorial says the blame for the state's spending problems rests primarily with the Senate.

The State Senate, on the other hand, has done little more than issue press releases. Senators are too busy eyeing next year’s elections, especially those lawmakers with the least political security — that is, a few suburban Democrats in dicey districts and all 30 of the Republicans, who want to regain the majority next year.

They don’t want to do anything unpleasant or really difficult like pare state expenses in midyear — in other words do their jobs — even if it means facing an even larger deficit in April, perhaps as high as $10 billion.

Hawley's full statement following he jump:

After months of knowing that this year's revenues would force budget cuts and after weeks of returning to Albany with no agreement on the table, I was pleased that both houses were able to come together to agree on some of the necessary cuts.  However, by taking next year's federal education funds, cutting aid to municipalities (including to the City of Batavia) and reducing access to health care in rural communities, like those in Western New York, this plan is full of problems.

Yes, tough choices need to be made, but once again the downstate leaders have attempted to balance their inflated spending on the backs of Western New Yorkers.  Just as I voted against the excessive 2009-10 State Budget, I also voted against this "reduction" plan that does nothing but further shift the burden of Albany's irresponsible spending onto the backs of hardworking Western New Yorkers.

Instead of adopting the many proposals to reduce the deficit that I proposed along with our Conference, downstate leaders decided to turn their backs on implementing real solutions.  Under the cover of darkness, with smoke and mirrors, after four weeks at a cost of $322,000, downstate leaders adopted the old adage of "borrowing from Peter to pay Paul."  Only they robbed next year's federal money from Obama to pay Shelley, Dave and John.

On top of these hurtful cuts, this plan also includes cuts to community colleges and Roswell Park as well as cuts $10 million from Timothy's Law, causing more increased costs again for small businesses.  Additionally, this plan cuts fees for out-of-state CPAs but does nothing for those instate.  They did the same thing to insurance small businesses last year, sending a consistent message that Albany does not care about New York State small business and further weakening our state's economy.

This plan cuts too little and doesn't address the nearly $4 billion deficit we have this year.  What's worse is cutting $391 million from education and replacing that with next year's federal stimulus, further exasperating the problem. Coupled with these other dangerous cuts, this plan is a deficit deferral not a reduction and it sets up our state for a deeper deficit next year, which is already estimated to mount $10 billion.

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SOLD OUT

Though I once fished the little stream in my early years, I never knew it had a name. Not long after we moved to Creek Road, a former neighbor, the late Anthony Torcello, told me it was called Celery Brook. It seems that back in the day, the White Swamp – where the stream originates- was once drained and used to grow celery.

Flowing out of the swamp, the little creek meanders through woods, fields and through another small woodlot before emptying into Tonawanda Creek. It seemed like a good place to capture the season’s first snowfall.

 Skim Ice

Cattails mirrored on a placid surface

Snow-capped Queen Anne's Lace

Autumn remnants

Time to head  home

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

The Color Salon, 35 Center St., Batavia, NY: Susan Francis, the owner and stylist at The Color Salon reminds women, "your hair is your greatest accessory." Francis has more than 20 years of experience helping women get the best hair color. We have a $50 gift certificate for $25.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

While a lot people shop at the big-box stores for brand names, others choose to support local businesses because they offer unique items and provide good customer service.

Alexander's Molasses Hill Bulk Foods, located at the four corners on Main Street in Alexander, is a successful hometown business that has developed a loyal, local clientele.

Opened by sisters Lucinda and Meghann Morse in December of 2005, Molasses Hill has prospered in a small town.

"Alexander is our hometown. We wanted to be close to home." said co-owner Lucinda Morse.

Though the store is small, it is packed to the brim with quality products. The front of the store carries their baking items and the back of the store is where they serve their well-known subs, salads and soups.

The store carries a wide variety of cooking items, too.

"We have all the baking supplies, candies, spices, dried beans, jellies, soup mixes, and this time of the year we carry the seasoning for jerky." Morse said.

"I like that it's close and convenient," said Connie Bruggman, a longtime resident of Alexander.  "I go there for the bakery items. They have lots of special chocolate chips for cookies; the raspberry ones are really good."

Molasses Hill Bulk Foods is worth a trip.

"They're comparable for their quality, you get what you pay for. They buy bulk and break it down to offer their products for a cheaper price." Bruggman said. "I just think it's a nice addition to the town. It brings people into the village and gives the school kids somewhere to go."

"As I call your clan, please stand up,” said Bruce Barclay.

So began “Scot’s Sunday, Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan” at the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia. Scot’s Sunday was a special morning service celebrating the Presbyterian Church’s Scottish heritage.

Barclay, a member of the Rochester Scottish Heritage Society, read the last names of First Presbyterian’s Scottish families (or “clans”) before closing with: “And finally, Clan Dia — the family of God — which is everybody else.”

At this, the rest (and the majority) of the congregation joyfully rose.

This was the first year Scot’s Sunday was celebrated at First Presbyterian, but the tradition goes back to 1941. The Rev. Dr. Peter Marshall, pastor of Washington’s New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, designed the service “to give solace for British military personnel stationed in Washington, D.C. during World War II” (quoted from event pamphlet).

The service opened and closed with bagpipe music from members of the Rochester Scottish Pipes and Drums Band and included a Scots-Gaelic hymn, a question-and-answer session between the children and one of the bagpipers, and a special prayer for the “mother church” in Scotland.

While the ethnic roots of the church are important, Scot’s Sunday illustrated the Presbyterian heritage in yet another way. The service coincided with the first Sunday in Advent, which for Christians is a season of hope in God’s promises.

“I think the heart of Presbyterianism is seeing that the Holy Spirit is always working with us and calling us to change,” said Rev. Roula Alkhouri, pastor of First Presbyterian. “We look forward to the New Year and we celebrate what God is doing in the world.”

Rev. Alkhouri sees the highlights of Scottish culture as an example of God’s work in the world, but she also stresses the need to be open to people who are different — or, in her own words, “not in our camp.”

In her sermon, she expressed two important beliefs: that the Scottish Presbyterian heritage is to be celebrated as a gift from God, and that openness to fellowship with the entire human family — including what can be learned of God’s work from other heritages — is essential.

Rev. Alkhouri also took advantage of the opportunity Scot’s Sunday offered to exhort her congregation to be more attentive to God’s work during Advent. With gentle words she encouraged people to take moments out of their busy, hectic schedules to look for signs of God’s love and presence in their lives.

The service was followed by a reception with Scottish shortbread and other refreshments. Alkhouri hopes to celebrate Scot’s Sunday again in the years to come.

Both drivers in a weather-related two-car crash in Pembroke were taken by Mercy Flight to the Erie County Medical Center this morning.

The condition of both drivers is unknown at this time. A spokesman for ECMC said both patients are currently in the emergency room.

One driver apparently lost control of her car, reportedly over corrected and spun about 90 degrees, skidding into the oncoming traffic lane. Her SUV rolled over.

Injured were Jessica Maurer, 22, of 2033 Main Road, Corfu, and Patricia A. Warren, 51, of 748 Gabbey Road, Corfu.

Maurer's Chevy was westbound on Route 5 in the area of Boyce Road. The accident occurred at 7:07 a.m..

Maurer was driving vehicle one, a 2004 Chevrolet SUV and Warren was driving vehicle two, a 2005 Chevrolet SUV.  Maurer received a ticket for allegedly driving too fast under the conditions.

The accident is being investigated by Deputy Brian Thompson.

Jade Wolff works with her father, Leigh Wolff, late this morning on her first snowman of the winter (maybe her first ever -- I forgot to ask) just before all the snow melts away.  The Wolff's were in the front yard of their south-side Batavia home.

New York taxpayers could be spared as much as $760 million in unnecessary expenses by sharing services, according to Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“Tax dollars are tight and families are struggling,” said DiNapoli. “Now more than ever we need to find ways to cut costs and lower property taxes. A good number of local governments are already saving millions in tax dollars by pooling their resources and eliminating duplication. But there are 3,175 local governments in New York State. All of these counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts and fire districts should use this report as a road map to save tax dollars without hurting the quality of services they deliver.”

In other state economic news:

• Gov. Paterson ended talks with legislators in frustration that elected officials are unwilling to make unpopular decisions to close the state's budget shortfall. He ordered reductions in scheduled state payments to local school districts.
• DiNapoli said in another statement that the state needs to stop relying on gimmicks to handle its financial situation and enact meaningful, long-term reforms.
• While the national economic recovery moves forward slowly, Wall Street is apparently in full recovery mode and is on track to record record profits in 2009.

The South Byron Volunteer Fire Department has a new tanker that it hopes to have in service by January.

To meet that deadline, there will be intensive driver and operator training, according to Scott Blossom, who supplied the picture and information.

Tanker 87 was received by the department on Sunday. It was built by Crimson Fire, Inc. in Brandon, South Dakota. It's a 2009 Kenworth T370 Chassis with a five-man commercial cab.

It can pump 1,250 gallons per minute and has a 2,750-gallon water tank with a remote controlled tail pump. It will have 1,000 feet of 4-inch supply hose, one 3/4-inch attack hand line and two 1/2-inch heavy attack lines. 

The truck is capable of being a front-line engine.

It replaces a 1984 Ford tanker with a 500-gallon per-minute pump and 2,000 gallon tank.  That tanker is now up for sale.

UPDATE: I sent a follow up e-mail to Scott and asked about the price of the tanker.  Below is his response, which also clarifies some of the terminology.

Around $265,000

A few boo boos in the posting, I should have been clearer with firefighting terms. It is a tail dump, that is to say where the water dumps out of the truck into a portable tank for engines to suck water out of to fight fires. Used in areas without fire hydrants. The tankers bring water to the scene from ponds, streams, or the nearest hydrant.

The sizes of the attack lines are 1.75 inches and 2.5 inches, as we write them 1 3/4 and 2 1/2.

No biggee, my fault for not being clear.  When your used to talking a certain way, you forget to adjust your terms for those who are not in you line of work.

A Le Roy man who was riding his ATV on abandoned railroad tracks was hurt Sunday when his ATV hit a rock and became airborne, landing on his foot.

Jeffery L. Bowker, 45, was riding along a half-mile of unused track north of Route 5 in Stafford at 4:30 p.m. when the accident occurred.

Bowker was taken to UMMC. The accident remains under investigation.

Billie and I got back from California just in time for the first snow. 

I'm getting a late start this morning -- taking the red eye back last night really messed up my sleep schedule. 

WBTA reports there were some weather-related accidents this morning, including some roll overs, but no serious injuries. 

The snow is likely to melt off today with temperatures in the low 40s and into the 50s tomorrow. Still, be careful out there.

UPDATE: William Buckley did road condition updates for us live this morning. If you missed it, it will give you some idea of what things were like earlier.