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Steve Ognibene sent over a few pictures from Thursday night's Christmas dinner for the Knights of Columbus.

More pictures after the jump:

Graham Corp. announced today that it has won a $25 million contract to produce parts for a new Navy aircraft carrier, and that the engineering and manufacturing will be done in Batavia.

Graham will construct four steam surface condensers for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, which is building a second carrier in the Gerald R. Ford class.

The carrier, designated CVN 79, has not yet been named.

Revenue from the contract award will hit the Graham books in in fiscal 2012, which begins April 1, 2011, and will continue into fiscal 2014.

A driver reportedly tried making a left hand turn off Bank Street Road onto Batavia-Elba Townline Road yesterday afternoon at 2:54, leading to a head-on collision with another car.

Cited for failure to yield right-of-way was Ryan S. Worthington, 20, of 6918 Ellicott St. Road, Pavilion. Both he and his passenger, Alyssa R. Naylor, 17, were uninjured.

Suffering minor injuries were Aleander M. Dutton, 18, of 7078 Batavia-Byron Road, Byron, and Katelyn D. George, 18.

The accident was investigated by Deputy James Diehl.

A car making a left-hand turn from Route 5 into Valu Plaza allegedly caused an accident this morning that sent one person to the hospital.

Transported to UMMC was Charles Williams, 61, of 2641 Centerline Road, Varysburg. Williams reportedly suffered injuries to his arm.

A passenger in his car, Jane Williams, no age given, is listed in the Sheriff's Office report as in shock, but was not transported to a hospital.

The driver who reportedly turned into oncoming traffic is Theodore Kedzierski, 63, of 76 Maple Ave., Oakfield.

Kedzierski was driving a 2000 Ford pickup truck. Williams was driving a 2005 Chevy pickup.

Kedzierski was issued a citation for alleged improper turn.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Brian Thompson.

Initial Report from this morning.

Traffic is stopped at Downey and Galloway roads for a truck vs. car accident.

Three people are reportedly injured.

Town of Batavia Engine 24 is responding as well as Mercy EMS.

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Gerald C. Rosario, 45, of Oakfield, is charged with grand larceny in the fourth degree for allegedly stealing a credit card. Rosario was arrested by State Police on Wednesday in Albion at 11:48 a.m. He was issued an appearance ticket. No further details are available

Tiffany Joy Howard, 19, of 5049 E. Main St., rear, Batavia, is charged with harassment. Howard is accused of being verbally abusive and making physical threats to another person over a period of time.

Michael B. Marchese, 48, of Stafford, is charged with criminal contempt. Marchese was arrested by State Police in the Town of Batavia on Wednesday at 8:31 p.m. He was released on an appearance ticket. No further details available.

UPDATED: The following reports came in just after I posted the initial Police Beat.

Ronald K. Nobles, 65, of 74 Thistlewood Lane, Spencerport, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and failure to keep right. During the investigation of another car accident at 9:25 last night on Gulf Road in the Town of Le Roy, Nobles allegedly drove his car off the right shoulder and struck a utility pole. Upon further investigation by Deputy M.R. Butler, it was determined that Nobles was allegedly driving drunk. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Steven M. Binder, 20, of 9364 Creek Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd degree. Binder is reportedly the subject of an order of protection requiring him to stay away from GCC, where his ex-girlfriend attends classes. On Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., Binder was allegedly found on campus.

An accident on Route 5 in front of McDonald's in Batavia has just been reported.

Injuries have been reported.

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS are being dispatched.

UPDATE 9:03 p.m.: Minor injuries. One car blocking.

UPDATE 9:43 p.m.: Cars have been towed. Road is back open.

This will be the 21st year that T.F. Brown's has hosted a free Christmas Day meal for the community, and owner Rick Mancuso wants to make sure residents know: everyone is invited.

Typically, about 200 people show up for the meal (and presents for the kids), according to co-owner Rick Mancuso, but all of the people involved in organizing the meal and volunteering that day would love to see 400 or or even 1,000 people show up.

"We can serve any number of people," Mancuso said. "The initial effort is already there. We don't want to see anybody be alone or anybody go without on Christmas Day. We would love to see them come and enjoy the community dinner that we put on."

The dinner has all of the traditional holiday favorites, Rick said, from Turkey and stuffing to cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and salad. And even desert.

Children under 16 will also receive a Christmas present provided by the Batavia Lions Club. Lions Club members also help serve during the meal.

There are two meal times scheduled: Noon and again at 1 p.m.

The event is organized and sponsored by Ben and Rick Mancuso, Joe Teresi of the Bank of Castile, and Chuck Brenner of the Lions Club (pictured above are Ben, Joe, Chuck and Rick).

Reservations are requested and would be very helpful, but not required (nobody will be turned away).  To make reservations call 343-2091 (ask for Joanne) by 11 a.m. on Dec. 24.

Rides are also available to anybody who needs transportation.

"It's great because you get to see the smiles on kids faces and everybody gets a really full meal on a very special day," Mancuso said. "We do get a lot of notes of thanks, and that really means a lot to everybody, but it's just a great day."

The U.S. Veterans Affairs has recognized Detective Charles Dudek on behalf of the patients of the Batavia VA facility for 27 years of police work, the Batavia Police Department announced today.

Dudek was cited for clearing many incidents involving veterans over the years, but two incidents were cited specifically.

Many years ago, according the press release, Dudek took a knife from a suspect that had been stalking an employee of the VA Hospital Emergency Room.

More recently, Dudek, along with Detective Sergeant Patrick Corona, solved the at-first-mysterious death of a patient. The veteran was found dead outside Blockbuster on Nov. 7. Detective Dudek, under the supervision of Corona, traced his movements that evening and helped determine the circumstances that led to his death. Dudek further operated as a liaison between the police and the victim's family.

The press release reads:

Detective Dudek through his training, experience and professionalism has gained him the respect of the Veterans Affairs and the law enforcement community. His dedicated service is a tremendous benefit to the police department and the City of Batavia. It is with great pride that the police department recognizes the dedicated service of Detective Dudek and the relationships and respect he has formed with other law enforcement agencies. Congratulations to Detective Dudek and to Detective Sergeant Patrick Corona.

UPDATED with picture above: Det. Dudek receives award from Michael Messina, Chief of Police, US Department of Veterans Affairs.

It's a good thing Gordon Davis likes Batavia. He's been spending a lot of time here the past several months.

Davis, a Portland, Oregon, resident, is the managing partner of The Manor House. Since the beginning of the year, the retired urban planner has had little time for the sculpture he loves. He's been too busy rescuing the former Victorian Manor from the bankruptcy of Sunwest, paying off past-due bills to contractors for nearly $2 million and overseeing the completion of two new residential wings at a total cost of more than $4 million.

AUDIO: Listen to Davis tell the story of his investment in Victorian Manor (mp3).

If you get a chance to walk with Davis around the new wings -- which added 50 apartments --  you can tell Gordon is clearly proud of what The Manor House has become. The once troubled asset is now a jewel in his eyes, and Davis clearly believes it's among the best facilities of its kind.

Davis and his fellow partners -- which includes his wife as well as eight other people spread around the country -- were in danger of losing all of the money they put into the Victorian Manor after Sunwest imploded. For Davis, stepping in with a plan to rescue that investment wasn't just a financially defensive move -- he believes in The Manor House and he believes in Batavia.

"My wife and I saw this (when Sunwest first presented the investment opportunity) and we thought it was a real solid property in a really good area," Davis said. "We didn't know a lot about the area, but it felt like it was a good area. We did enough of our own due diligence to think this is a good market and the property really looked excellent."

When Davis looks at the financial viability of his investment, he notes that not only is there an aging population in Genesee County (most, but not all, Manor House residents are from Genesee County), it's centrally located between Rochester and Buffalo. Also, the growing social-services industry in Batavia provides a lot of compatible opportunities.

"This is really the center for those kinds of support services," Davis said. "There are different kinds of services (from the Veteran's Home to the new Depaul facility) and the different kind of support services is really fundamentally good for Batavia. It not only brings in those folks (the residents), it brings in their families."

The expanded Manor House will eventually employ about a dozen more people, but first comes filling up all of the new apartments in the recently completed East and West wings.

Often, people think of retirement as a chance to move to the sunny South, but Davis says, for a lot of retirees, that just isn't as appealing as staying close to home.

"What we fundamentally like is where we live," Davis said.  "I think many times that’s what people are looking for. They want to live in a place that feels good to them, that is familiar to them, that has the kind of lifelong connections that they have, and maybe they have family close by."

The Manor House offers three different apartments -- studios, one bedroom, two bedrooms. Residents receive three meals a day, weekly cleaning, activities and transportation.

The youngest resident of The Manor House is 64 and the oldest is 97, but the average age, Davis said, is somewhere in the mid-80s.

"We’re looking for the couple for whom three meals a day has really become a burden, or for the single who has lost a spouse and really needs a community," Davis said. "We’re looking for people who want to live the next phase of their life in a way that has a stronger community, has more people and more things that are taken care of for them."

Tours of The Manor House are available daily.

After the jump, more pictures:

There was one large community room in the original facility. The West Wing added three smaller community areas. This one has a stove and refrigerator and can be used for a variety of gatherings, from watching football or movies to ice cream socials or birthday parties with families. Gordon said he recently used the stove to bake cookies, which he left on the counter, and they didn't last long.

During the day, this studio serves as a model showroom. When Gordon is in town, it's also where he stays. They decided to decorate a studio rather than one of the other apartments to show just how comfortable and roomy the studios can be.

Yes, residents can have cats -- and dogs upon approval.

This is another of the common rooms -- it's on the third floor and has more masculine decor. The second floor is more feminine. The Manor House now has 10 men living there and Davis said they've become buddies.

The Salvation Army has sent out an S.O.S. in an effort to shore up a big gap in giving this holiday season. Here's the press release:

The Salvation Army of Batavia is $6,000 behind in its Red Kettle Campaign, compared to this time last year, and is barely half-way to its $65,000 goal, reported Captain Robert Kurtz, director.

Describing the situation as urgent, he attributed the shortfall to the tough economy, not enough outdoor bellringers, the weather, and, with the prevalence of debit/credit cards, fewer people carrying cash.

“We need more bellringers, especially in the evening,” the captain said. “Even though we are quite a bit behind, we trust in the community to help us serve those in need. We have committed to provide food and toys for 760 needy families this Christmas.”

The community can help in three ways, he noted.

1. Become a bellringer (especially groups). Call 585-343-6284; call The Red Kettle  Center toll free at 1-877-764-7259, or go online to redkettles.org.
2. Become a virtual bellringer by going to onlineredkettle.org.
3. Send a tax-deductible check directly to the local Salvation Army, 529 East Main St., Batavia, NY  14020

He added: “We thank everyone who has volunteered or made a donation, and we are grateful to our community and neighbors who remember those less fortunate.”

The night air may have been cold and filled with snow, but there was alot of warmth at the Assembly of God church on North Spruce Streeet this evening.

The congregration, friends and volunteers for Care-A-Van all gathered together for the annual Christmas gift wrapping party. We thank all of you who continue to support the ministry and help Care-A-Van to go forth and bless others during this Christmas season.

For years, Paul and Bridget use to wrap all the presents themselves. in just the past few years, their church family has come along side them to lend a helping hand during this busy time.

After all gifts were wrapped, Pastor Dan pictured above gave a blessing over the gifts. Don't forget it is not to late to reserve your seat on the bus! We will be going out the evenings of December 19th through 22nd to deliver the gifts and Christmas dinner to families. If you are interested in riding along, please call 343-0328

Merry Christmas and Keep the Light On!

A resident of College Village has been accused of stealing two credit cards and charging more than $1,400 in online purchases.

Fransnosha J. Cook, 18, of 8170 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny in the 4th degree and two counts of criminal possession of stolen property.

Cook was arrested yesterday at 8:45 a.m. by Investigator Kristopher Kautz.

Following arraignment in Batavia Town Court, Cook was released on his own recognizance.

This Fall 7,208 students were enrolled at Genesee Community College. That's a new record.

Enrollment jumped 8 percent over the Fall of 2008, which saw 6,672 students in the college.

College President Stuart Steiner announced the enrollment increase at the trustees' board meeting last night, according to a press release from the college. Steiner said the recession combined with growing recognition of the value of a community college education are helping to drive enrollment.

The trend seems to be continuing. There are already 3,806 students who have applied for admission in Spring 2010, that's up 28.8 percent over the same period a year ago.

The press release reads:

In recent years, educators and workforce experts across the nation have spoken positively about the high quality of community college programs, Steiner noted. "President Obama has stressed that community colleges are one of the keys to job creation and economic growth on both the local and national level."

Valene May Blackwell, 26, of 22 Tracy Ave. Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Blackwell is accused of shoplifting $35.91 in items from Kmart.

Ryan M. Bobzin, 21, of Byron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and driving a vehicle with a suspended registration. Bobzin was reportedly stopped by State Police on Route 237 in Byron on Monday at 10:45 a.m.

Jonathan A. Brenkus, 21, of Elba, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation and driving in excess of 55 mph. Brenkus was reportedly stopped by State Police on Route 33 in Stafford Monday at 8:50 a.m.

When Jason Molino talks about community engagement, and moving city efforts for neighborhood improvement beyond code enforcement and writing grant proposals, its clear he has at least one supporter on City Council.

Last night, when Molino's agenda item came up on neighborhood improvement, only Ferrando spoke up in terms that gets the gist of what the city manager is trying to push.

"I really believe in the part of the report that says that essentially you can’t force people, you can’t intimidate people, you can’t bang people over the head," Ferrando said. "You might get short-term results, but you won’t get long-term results. You’ve got to change the attitude. It’s got to be a positive kind of reinforcement."

He then talked about his experience as a youth sports coach.

"When you talk to kids and you want to turn failure into success, they’ve got to do it," Ferrando said. "You can’t hit them over the head to be good. They’ve got to want to be good. You’ve got to change that whole culture and attitude."

Ferrando concluded with a remembrance of the South Side he knew as a kid.

"A lot of the South Side was an immigrant population," Ferrando said. "They took pride in their property. Those properties were beautiful. Their gardens were beautiful. Even their backyards were beautiful. They took pride because their properties were special. They didn’t have a whole lot. We’ve got to bring that same kind of pride back to our neighborhoods if we’re going to make a difference."

And that's exactly what Molino has been talking about since he first introduced the concept of community engagement at the Oct. 27 council meeting.

To be sure, Molino isn't talking about just feel-good, community-building measures -- his proposal includes code enforcement and grant applications. But he is certainly looking at Batavia's future with far more depth than just throwing money at problems. And he's quite clear: You and I play a role just as vital as cops, firefighters and code enforcers.

Batavia won't grow and improve without community members taking pride and getting involved, which was the point of Molino sharing with council the Geneva Report.

Molino's report to the council included both grants and code enforcement, but underlying Molino's broader efforts is finding ways to promote community engagement. Last night, he just didn't put it as well as Ferrando.

Molino's eight recommendations:

• Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. The city applies for a $25,000 CDBG grant to study the needs of Batavia's neighborhoods and write a plan similar to Geneva's. This plan would bring in much of the community-engagement aspects of neighborhood improvement that Molino (and Ferrando) have discussed, as well as developing a neighborhood-by-neighborhood plan for grants and/or code enforcement.
• Residential Rehabilitation Program. The CDBG program we wrote about previously.
• Housing Rehabilitation Partnership. Partner with an organization like Habitat for Humanity and rehabilitate forclosed homes.
• Trash Can Local Law. Requiring residents to use trash cans instead of plastic bags, which would cut down on trash in the streets and animal problems.
• Exemptions for Multi-Family Conversions. This would provide tax exemptions for home owners who converted three- and four-apartment units back into single-family (or possibly duplex) residences.
• Code Compliance Outreach. Providing information to residents, both home owners and renters, about proper property maintence, and providing renters a hotline to report problems.
• Neighborhood Revitalization Committee. The committee would assist with the revitalization plan if funded, and assist with recommendations and implementation.
• Continue Code Enforcement Efforts. Self explanatory.

In his report, Molino also shot down many of the recommendations of the Neighborhood Improvement Committee for new codes and new enforcement recommendations.

These included:

• Residential rental occupancy permits
• 36-month renewal for occupancy permits
• Rental property tenant registration
• Agent-of-record registration for rental properties.

Molino's report said these proposals were impractical either because of New York State law, expense (such as additional staffing) or inefficient because they didn't improve on current procedures.

The council took no action Monday on Molino's proposals. Council members such as Bob Bialkowski asked for more time to study the reports.

In other council news:

• On a 4-4 vote (with Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian absent) the council failed to approve the sale of property between Ellicott Street and Lehigh Avenue to the railroad. Councilmembers said that the offer of $1,600 for the parcel -- currently not on the tax roles -- was too low. The parcel is landlocked (no street access) and currently seems to serve no useful purpose.
• It turns out that the city's budget for legal services is running low. Lawsuits -- particularly the one with the mall merchants -- is driving up legal fees. The additional expenditures are likely to reach at least $35,000 before the end of the budget year.
• It was Council President Charlie Mallow's last official meeting. We've ask Charlie to write an "outgoing thoughts" post. We'll see if he comes through for us. He said he's already said enough, but has he really?

A pizza delivery driver is apparently in trouble.

A snow-plow operator reports driving along a local roadway (sorry, missed the street name) when a car with a pizza ad on it spun out and hit the snow plow. The driver then reportedly drove away (which, if true, would violate section 600.1 of the New York Vehicle Code: Leaving the scene of a property-damage accident).

The snow plow wasn't damaged, but of course its driver is required to report the incident.

And: Just as I finish writing the above, Batavia Police report identifying the vehicle.

It may be the most anticipated gym opening in Batavia, if not world, history, but Ken Mistler sent a message to his Facebook followers announcing that Next Level Fitness will finally open.

The three-level workout center at Main and Jackson will start straining muscles and pumping hearts on Jan. 2.

Mistler will close Better Bodies on Dec. 24 and use the next week to move equipment from the old gym to the new.

Mistler will be at Next Level on Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to give tours and sign new members.