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Entrepreneurs saw Batavia needed a grocery store downtown, so they opened one

By Howard B. Owens

In a way, you can thank Walmart for the new grocery store downtown, which held its ribbon cutting today and will officially open Wednesday.

Co-owner John Hedlund (top photo, right) once owned a grocery store in a small town in Pennsylvania, then Walmart came to town. The giant retailer leveled a hill across the street from his store and within six months had taken away half his business.

After closing the store, he started looking for other opportunities in the grocery business, and with his desire to remain entrepreneurial and independent, the Save-A-Lot model appealed to him.

Hedlund converted his Jubilee store in Salamanca to Save-A-Lot and along with business partner Bill Larson now owns and operates four Save-A-Lot locations in Pennsylvania and New York.

Larson was owner of the former IGA store in Corfu.

"Walmart devastated me, but they also put me on a different track," Hedlund said. "The Save-A-Lot program is a great business to bring to a community."

Save-A-Lot is a mixture of corporate-owned stores and licensed stores, such as the new one in Batavia. The company operates 1,200 stores nationwide.

The Save-A-Lot model is to maintain low prices with a comparatively limited inventory and smaller stores -- Batavia's store is 18,000 square feet, which is large for a Save-A-Lot. The store also sells its own brands, such as Bubba's sodas, Malone's canned meats and Manita's pasta (names taken from actual people who work at corporate headquarters in Earth City, Mo.

"The Save-A-Lot format is to provide quality products at lower prices," Hedlund said.

Larson (top photo, left) said the produce and meat offered at Save-A-Lot are always fresh and of the highest grade available.

Victor Gautieri's family company owns the former Jubilee/Latina's building -- between Jackson and Court streets on Ellicott Street -- where the new store is located. There are still 22,000 square feet available for lease. Gautieri said he hopes it becomes a retail hub for downtown anchored by Save-A-Lot.

"From the word on the street, we're hearing people say this is a godsend for Downtown Batavia, " Gautieri said. "And we're finally getting this white elephant off the shoulders of the city."

Outgoing City Council President Marianne Clattenburg said, "We're very happy in the City of Batavia to finally have another grocery store downtown."

More than a dozen customers were in the store after the ribbon cutting to check out what it has to offer and buy a few items.

"I like it because I used to drive to Save-A-Lot in Le Roy, but that's too far to drive," Carla Laird said. "And it's hard to get to Tops a lot of times."

Billie Jo Laird said, "It's great for people who don't have a car and can't drive."

Hedlund said it's the goal of his company to help the communities they serve to thrive.

"The downtown area was missing a grocery store and it needed a grocery store," Hedlund said. "This is a great opportunity for us."

Highlights of Batavia board of education meeting, Dec. 19, 2011

By Howard B. Owens

 

District Board of Education Meeting

Highlights from the BCSD Board of Education meeting on December 19, 2011, include the following:

Christopher Dailey is Named Deputy Superintendent

The Batavia School District Board approved the appointment of BHS Principal Christopher Dailey as the District’s new deputy superintendent, effective January 1, 2012.  Mr. Dailey will assume the role of superintendent of the District following the anticipated retirement of current Superintendent Margaret Puzio. An interim principal for Batavia High School has not yet been named.

(See related story:  http://www.bataviacsd.org/news.cfm?story=839&school=0)

Modification & Consolidation of Existing Election Districts

   As discussed at a previous Board of Education meeting (October 17, 2011), Business Administrator Scott Rozanski proposed that the number of polling places for the budget vote be revised for greater cost efficiency and that the election districts be redrawn to correspond to that change.  Instead of three polling places (Robert Morris Elementary, Batavia Middle School, and Jackson Elementary), he proposed that there be two, and that those locations be Batavia High School and John Kennedy Elementary because both have greater ease of access and available parking.

   The recommendation made to and adopted by the Board included changing the voting sites to Batavia High School and John Kennedy Elementary, and that the new election districts be divided by Route 5 so that residents who live north of Route 5 would vote at John Kennedy School, and those who live south of Route 5 would vote at Batavia High School. This would apply to all District residences in the City of Batavia, the Town of Batavia, and the Town of Stafford.

   Following are details of each election district.

Election District Number 1, voting at John Kennedy School (166 Vine Street)…

includes all that part of the school district north of Main Street/Route 5 consisting of:

City of Batavia- Allanview Drive, Allen Street, Alva Place, Bank Street, Batavia City Centre, Belvedere Lane, Bogue Avenue, Bryant Street, Burke Drive, Buxton Avenue, Caroiwood Drive, Chandler Avenue, Charles Street, Chase Park, Clinton Park, Clinton Street, Columbia Avenue, Crescent Court, Dellinger Avenue, Denio Street, Dennis Drive, Douglas Street, E Main Street (odd numbers), East Avenue, Eleanor Place, Ellicott Avenue, Ellsworth Avenue, Elm Street, Eugene Street, Evergreen Drive, Fairmont Avenue, Farwell Drive, Fisher Park, Fordham Drive, Garden Drive, Gateway Drive, Genesee Street, Grandview Terrace, Harrold Square, Hart Street, Hillside Drive, Holland Avenue, Holmes Avenue, Hull Park, Hutchins Place, Jefferson Avenue, Jefferson Square, Kingsbury Avenue, Lacrosse Avenue, Lewis Avenue, Lewis Place, 8351 Lewiston Road, Lincoln Avenue, Macarthur Drive, Main Street (even numbers), Manhattan Avenue, Margaret Place, Miller Avenue, Mix Place, Montclair Avenue, N Lyon Street, N Spruce Street, Naramore Drive, New York Place, Noonan Drive, Norris Avenue, North Park, North Pointe Drive, North Street, Northern Blvd, Oak Street, Olyn Avenue, Park Avenue, 140-175 Park Road, Pickthorn Drive, Porter Avenue, Prospect Avenue, Raymond Avenue, Redfield Parkway, Richmond Avenue, Ross Street, Seneca Avenue, Soccio Street, State Street, Summit Street, Thomas Avenue, Tracy Avenue, Trumbull Parkway, Union Square, Union Street, Vernon Avenue, Verona Avenue, Vine Street, W Main Street (even numbers), Walker Place, Washington Avenue, West Avenue, Wiard Street, Willow Street, Woodcrest Drive, Woodrow Road;

Town of Batavia- Arena Parkway, Bank Street Road, Bennett Heights, Clinton Street Road (4950-5 133, Even 5138-5268), Colonial Boulevard, Commerce Drive, Constable Drive, E Main Street Road (odd numbers), Federal Drive, Lewiston Road (all but #8351), N Bennett Heights, Old Meadow Lane, 8200-8330 Park Road, S Bennett Heights, Seven Springs Road (even numbers), State Street Road, Stringham Drive, Terry Hills Drive, Veterans Memorial Drive, Violet Lane, W Main Street Road (odd numbers);

Town of Stafford- Clinton Street Road (Even 5172-5292), E Lake Road, Horseshoe Lake Road, Main Road (odd numbers), NW Lake Road, Prole Road, S Lake Road, Seven Springs Road (odd numbers), W Lake Road.

Election District Number 2, voting at Batavia High School (260 State Street…

includes all that part of the school district south of Main Street/Route 5 consisting of:

City of Batavia- Adams Street, Apollo Drive, Birchwood Drive, Brooklyn Avenue, Buell Street, Cedar Street, Center Street, Central Avenue, Cherry Street, Chestnut Street, Clifton Avenue, Colorado Avenue, Cone Street, Court Street, Court Street Plaza, Crossman Avenue, Davis Avenue, Dawson Place, Dewey Avenue, E Main Street (even numbers), Edward Street, Elizabeth Street, Ellicott Place, Ellicott Street, Elmwood Avenue, Evans Street, Florence Avenue, Franklin Street, Ganson Avenue, Garfield Avenue, Goade Park, Graham Street, Hall Street, Harvester Avenue, Highland Park, Howard Street, Hutchins Street, Hyde Park, Jackson Avenue, Jackson Street, James Street, Jerome Place, Kibbe Avenue, Law Street, 1-480 Lehigh Avenue, Liberty Street, Linwood Avenue, Madison Avenue, Main Street (odd numbers), Maple Street, Masse Place, McKinley Avenue, Meadowcrest Drive, Mill Street, Morse Place, Morton Avenue, Oakland Avenue, Orleans Avenue, Osterhout Avenue, Otis Street, Pearl Street, Pollard Avenue, Pringle Avenue, Prune Street, River Street, Riverview Parkway, Roosevelt Avenue, S Jackson Street, S Lyon Street, S Spruce Street, S Swan Street, School Street, South Main Street, Spencer Court, Sumner Street, Swan Street, Thorpe Street, 1-3, 4(A,B,F,G), 6 Treadeasy Avenue, W Main Street (odd numbers), Wade Avenue, Walker Avenue, Wallace Street, Walnut Place, Walnut Street, Warren Street, Watson Street, Webster Avenue, Williams Street, Wood Street;

Town of Batavia-Agpark Drive N, Agpark Drive W, Alexander Road, Batavia Bethany Townline

Road, Batavia Stafford Townline Road (even numbers), Broadlawn Avenue, Broadway Road, Creek Road, Donahue Road, E Main Street Road (even numbers), Edgewood Drive, Ellicott Street Road, Fairway Drive, Haven Lane, 4640-8901 Lehigh Avenue, Lovers Lane Road, Pearl Street Road, Putnam Road, Rollin Circle, Rollin Circle E, Rollin Circle W, Rose Road, Shepard Road, South Main Street Road, Treadeasy Avenue, Valle Drive, Victorian Drive, W Main Street Road (even numbers), Woodland Drive, Wortendyke Road;

Town of Stafford- Batavia Stafford Towline Road (odd numbers), Fargo Road, Main Road (even numbers), and Sweetland Road.

Building Consolidation Update

   Board Member Steve Mountain reported that the Buildings and Grounds Committee is continuing its work on investigating building consolidation options by collecting and analyzing the information from the varied studies and meetings. They anticipate bringing a their recommendation to the January Board meeting for discussion, then presenting their recommendation to the Budget Ambassadors. 

   They are also reviewing traffic safety at the schools in regard to parents dropping off  and picking up their children to see what actions are necessary to ensure student safety. In particular, Batavia Middle School, Robert Morris Elementary, and Jackson Elementary continue to be a challenge.

Backpack Food Program Drive

   Superintendent of Schools Margaret Puzio spoke on behalf of the Backpack Program which was started last year in partnership with the United Way and the Salvation Army to provide weekend food supplies for some of our neediest students. Approximately 100 of our students receive a backpack of nutritious nonperishables each Friday to help provide for their needs through the weekend. Initially funded by the United Way, the goal was to have the program sustained through donations so, soon after the program began, the District sponsored a food drive to collect items from students and staff. Thanks to their generosity, enough food was collected to support the program through the end of last school year.

   Mrs. Puzio is hoping for a similar result during this year’s food drive, scheduled for the week of January 9-13.  Donation boxes will be set up at each of the schools as well as at the Administration Building. As part of the drive, admission for the boys basketball home game on January 13 will be free with a donation of at least one food item to benefit the Backpack Program. The boys play the Pittsford Mendon Knights, with JV game starting at 6:15 p.m. and varsity at 7:45 p.m. Suggested items are those that are nutritious and that require little or no preparation such as cereal (individual or 12 oz. boxes), juice boxes, canned soups, macaroni and cheese, applesauce, fruit cups, pudding cups, oatmeal, canned foods (vegetables, spaghettios, etc.), trail mix, cheese and crackers, peanut butter crackers, raisins, peanuts, and fruit snacks. Monetary donations are also welcome. Checks may be sent directly to the Salvation Army, payable to the Salvation Army with a notation for the “Backpack Program” on the memo line.

    “It really is an important program and it’s doing wonders to help families in these tough times,” said Mrs. Puzio.

Batavia High principal named district deputy superintendent

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia School District Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher J. Dailey as the district’s new deputy superintendent, effective Jan. 1.

He will assume the role of superintendent of the district following the anticipated retirement of current Superintendent Margaret Puzio. Dailey has served as Batavia High School Principal since May 2008.

“At a time when there is a tremendous shortage of quality superintendents and increasing turnover rates, we are extremely fortunate to have an individual that offers us a proven track record, a smooth transition, and is someone with a strong commitment to our community," said Board President Gail Stevens. "Mr. Dailey, in his role as high school principal, has earned the respect of the teachers, students, administration and community."

In 2010, the board identified the need for a succession plan to be put in place for key personnel who were nearing retirement. As part of that plan, Dailey was identified as a strong candidate to succeed Puzio. A process for conducting a new superintendent search had been considered as well, but searches can be expensive in a time of limited resources and sometimes lead to disappointing results.

After conducting extensive interviews with Dailey, each member was confident that the district had the right person internally to continue the district’s success and ensure continuity in these uncertain financial times.

In August, Dailey completed the Transition to Superintendency program through the educational Leadership Institute at Oswego State College. The program orients experienced school administrators to the skills and attitudes needed to become superintendents, according to the program description.

Dailey’s strengths are considerable. He is an excellent communicator who listens well and respects the views of others. His leadership of the high school has fostered pride and inspired a drive for excellence from both staff and students.

Although he is recognized for his strong administrative skills, he has earned multiple awards for his teaching and coaching. His experiences as a social studies teacher and coach in the Rush, Henrietta, Le Roy, and Brighton school districts prepared him well for his role as instructional leader.

This is a great opportunity for the district to carry on many of the initiatives that are under way with continuity in leadership and knowledge. Some examples of initiatives in which he has been involved include: a focus on improvement in student achievement; data driven instructional planning, including assessment analysis and targeted academic interventions; credit recovery and increased graduation rates; establishment of enhanced teacher leadership; alignment of curricula to the new Common Core Standards; and the new teacher and principal APPRs.

“I believe the board made a terrific choice for the district and I look forward with working with Mr. Dailey,” Superintendent Puzio said.

Before joining the administrative team in the Batavia City School District, Dailey was assistant principal in the Churchville-Chili School District. His numerous leadership roles -- including department chair, high school principal, high school assistant principal, and varsity coach -- signal a record of previous school leadership success. This led to consensus among members of the Batavia City School District Board of Education that he will be an excellent district leader.

Dailey holds a B.A. from SUNY Geneseo, and a master's degree and Certificate of Advanced Studies from SUNY Brockport.

For a report on Monday's school board meeting, click here.

Man accused of being involved in stabbing takes plea deal

By Howard B. Owens

A man accused of taking part in a November stabbing in an apartment at Woodstock Gardens almost blew his plea deal in Genesee County Court on Monday.

Timothy Andrews, 22, became confused when Judge Robert C. Noonan asked him if he thought the evidence against him would likely lead to a conviction at trial.

"I don't know how to answer that ... um, no," Andrews said.

He needed to assure Noonan that he felt he would be convicted under terms of his plea, known as an "Alford" plea.

The legal term refers to a situation where a defendant doesn't admit actually committing the crime, but enters a guilty plea in order to receive a negotiated sentence, fearing if found guilty at trial, he would receive a longer sentence.

Andrews has maintained he is innocent throughout his legal proceedings.

Andrews corrected his answer in court and is now facing from two to seven years in prison. His sentencing is set for March 15.

(Via WBTA)

California woman admits to identity theft, here and in other states

By Howard B. Owens

A woman's nationwide effort to steal people's identities and then their money came to an end in Batavia after she was caught trying to withdraw $3,000 from the local Bank of America branch.

In Genesee County Court on Monday, Cassandra Montrevel, 25, of Sacramento, Calif., told Judge Robert C. Noonan that she entered the local branch March 18 and used another person's identity to withdraw funds from her account.

Montrevel was later caught and admitted to police that she had used the same scheme at Bank of America branches across the United States.

The California woman has already entered a guilty plea in federal court to the crime in other states. 

Montrevel faces a possible New York prison sentence of four years and another five years in federal custody.

(Via WBTA)

Person claims to have been stabbed while behind the ice arena

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia police are responding to Jackson Street where a person is waiting who claims to have been stabbed at about 9 a.m. at the skate park behind the Falleti Ice Arena on Evans Street.

Mercy EMS is responding, too.

UPDATE 10:45 a.m.: The alleged victim had only three small marks on his back and was not cut, according to police. "We don't know what it was, but it definately wasn't a knife," said Officer Eric Hill. The alleged victim reportedly told a friend of a friend that he was stabbed and that is the person who called emergency dispatch. Police searched the area behind the ice arena (that's Officer Dan Coffey in the picture above) but found no corroborating evidence.

Law and Order: Duo accused of conspiracy to shoplift

By Howard B. Owens

Andrea Licata, 29, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. Licata was allegedly observed with Kelly Marie Howell, 26, of Jackson Street, Batavia, who was allegedly stealing merchandise at Walmart with Licata's knowledge and agreement. Howell was allegedly hiding stolen merchandise in her infant's stroller. Howell was also charged with petit larceny, conspiracy, 6th, and endangering the welfare of a child.

A 16-year-old resident of State Street is charged with petit larceny. The suspect is accused of stealing a stereo cable from Walmart.

Randy J. Heslor, 18, of 2398 Pratt Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Heslor allegedly visited a residence in the city where a woman lives that Heslor is barred from contacting by order of the Batavia City Court.

Law and Order: Traffic stop on Jackson Street leads to drug charges

By Howard B. Owens

Craig Daniel Martin, 27, of Morton Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance not in its original container, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and unlicensed operation. Martin was stopped on Jackson Street, Batavia, at 1:09 a.m. Saturday by Deputy Patrick Reeves for alleged traffic violations. Martin was allegedly found in possession of two types of controlled substances and a quantity of marijuana concealed in his vehicle.

Brittany Megan Hart, 24, of Warsaw Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a hypodermic instrument. Hart was charged following a traffic stop for alleged violations at 11 p.m. Sunday on Jackson Street, Batavia, by Deputy Brad Mazur.

Daniel John Hickey, 33, of Sherwood Drive, Brockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Hickey was stopped at 1:22 a.m., Saturday on Route 262 in Elba by Deputy James Diehl.

Nicholas Keith Thorne, 23, of Osborne Road, Mt. Sterling, is charged with criminal mischief, 2nd. Thorne allegedly smashed a glass door and window at the Econo Lodge on Route 77, Corfu. Thorne was jailed on an unspecified amount of bail.

Dennis P. Schroeder, 54, of Cotton Hill Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and inadequate exhaust. Schroeder was stopped at 7:40 p.m. Dec. 15 on Tinkhem Road, Darien, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Nicholas M. Worrells, 24, of 10253 Roosevelt Highway, Lyndonville, is charged with criminal contempt. Worrells was allegedly found hiding under the rear deck of a residence on East Main Street, Le Roy, after police responded to a report of a disturbance. Worrells was allegedly with a person at the residence in violation of a complete stay-away order. Worrells was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Dayton G. Schultz, 52, Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of. 08 or greater and driving left of pavement markings. Schultz was stopped at 10:35 p.m. Friday on Route 262, Elba, by Sgt. Greg Walker.

Eric Matthew Kingsley, 24, of Perry Road, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and illegal parking on a highway. Kingsley was arrested by Deputy Jason Saile following a report of a vehicle fire at 4:48 a.m., Saturday, on Ellicott Street Road, Bethany.

Jeremy John Haynes, 35, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and speeding. Haynes was stopped at 11:27 p.m. Friday on East Main Street, Le Roy, by Deputy Eric Seppala.

Brent Michael Semmier, 36, of Cypress Street, Rochester, is charged with felony DWI, speeding (90 in 55 mph zone), alcohol consumption in a motor vehicle and improper right turn. Semmier was stopped at 4:29 p.m. Sunday on Route 19, Le Roy, by Deputy Brad Mazur.

Cuomo names Benjamin Bonarigo to GCC Board of Trustees

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has named local attorney Benjamin J. Bonarigo Sr. as a member of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees. He will serve a seven-year term.

Bonarigo holds an associate degree from GCC and is a member of the college's Class of 1979. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the college's Alumni Hall of Fame in recognition of his professional accomplishments and service to the community.

He is also a cum laude graduate of the University at Buffalo (1979), and holds the Juris Doctorate degree (1982) from the University at Buffalo. He lives in Batavia.

Since 1983, he has practiced law in the community as a self-employed general practice attorney. He has also served as City of Batavia Law Department director (2002-2008); Oakfield Village attorney (2001-2010); and Oakfield Central School District attorney (2002-2009).

Bonarigo has a long history of public service. He is currently a member of the Appellate Division, 4th Department Grievance Committee; Secretary of the Genesee County Bar Association; and member of the boards of Batavia Youth Football and Literacy Genesee/Orleans.

He is a former member of the Notre Dame High School Board of Trustees and Notre Dame High School Foundation Board of Directors. He is also an active member of numerous community organizations.

The 10 members of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees are volunteers. Five members are appointed by the Genesee County Legislature; four by the governor; and one, a student trustee, selected by the student body.

Jaycees announce winners of annual Christmas light judging

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Area Jaycees were out driving around on December 18th looking at all the homes that had decorated for the holiday season. We didn’t get a chance to see every house, but what we did see made judging tough!

There are a lot of beautiful homes decorated throughout the community. These awards are meant to be given out as a friendly community project. If you have any questions about the contest, please leave the Jaycees a message at 343-5775.

Homes were judged on five different categories and the winners are:

  • Most Traditional – 107 Grandview Terrace
  • Simple & Elegant – 323 State Street
  • Most Colorful – 237 Vine Street
  • Most Commercial – 206 North Spruce Street
  • Overall – 37 Union Street

The judging committee also had a few Honorable Mentions to give away:

Outside the City Limits:

  • 8485 Stringham Drive & 3927 West Main Street
  • 28 Roosevelt Avenue & 16 Vine Street

Some roads we thought did a great job: Redfield Parkway, Union Street, Elm Street, Stringham Drive & Violet Lane.

Photos: NIght of Giving

By Robin Walters

While out with Care-A-Van Ministries this evening, at Walmart I saw the cutest little guy:

 

 

 

 

Photos: Christmas lights, December 17

By Howard B. Owens

Here's the Christmas light photos I was able to shoot this evening.

I've not been down, necessarily, every street in Batavia, but over the past week I've been through every neighborhood. Time permitting, next week I'll try to get out to some of the villages.

Above, North Avenue.

Victorian Drive

North Spruce Street

Naramore Drive

Belvedere Drive

Garden Drive

Garden Drive

Fordham Drive

Grandview Terrace

Stringham Drive

New business downtown aims to provide quality merchandise at 'garage sale' prices

By Howard B. Owens

In an era when it seems just about everything is going digital, Jennifer McAuley has taken her business in the opposite direction.

The former Buffalo resident -- she and her family moved to Corfu in August -- has made her living for years selling secondhand items on Ebay.

But as of Friday, McAuley's Bargain Bin is now a "brick and mortar" business. McAuley opened up shop in the Mortellaro building on Jackson Street.

“My Ebay fees were way over what I could pay for a store," McAuley said. "And with a store, I can actually  interact with customers and not worry about postage and ‘hey the post office broke it,’ or whatever.”

When McAuley held a garage sale in Corfu over the summer, the sale went so well, she started to think she needed to open a shop in Genesee County.

"With the economy and everything else going on, this is the best business to open up here,"  McAuley said.

McAuley gets most of her merchandise from storage unit auctions, store return merchandise and overstocks.

She prides herself on keeping prices low, "just like a garage sale."

"A little kid came in yesterday and he told my daugher he only had 50 cents," McAuley said. "I had a pair of Jordon sneakers for 50 cents. He said, ‘I need to get these so I have a new pair of sneakers just like my brother.’ He paid for them with his own money and he was so happy with them. It was absolutely unbelievable. To give somebody a good item at a discounted price is amazing.”

Photos: Santa at Grace Baptist Church for Don Carroll's Toys for Kids

By Howard B. Owens

Santa was at Grace Baptist Church on Saturday afternoon for Don Carroll's Toys for Kids event. About 20 families attended, with the boys and girls getting pizza and cupcakes and then being entertained while their parents loaded their cars with the toys and gifts provided by the charity.

Bottom photo, Don Carroll, shaking hands with Santa, with the rest of the organizing committee, Beth Kemp, left, Brian Kemp and Jeff Bartz.

Tattoo event raises more than $2K for charity

By Howard B. Owens

By 4 p.m., Friday, there was a three-hour wait for tattoos and piercings at High Voltage on Main Street, Batavia.

People were lining up for $25 tattoos and $15 piercings with all of the proceeds going to Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.

Owner Mark Fanara posted on Facebook this morning that the event raised more than $2,000 and the crowd didn't clear out until 11 p.m.

Tattoos and piercings were provided by Fanara, Kevin Lockwood, below, and Lisa Vokes.

Photos: Christmas at The Laughing Buddha

By Howard B. Owens

Cassandra Pierce was among the dozens and dozens of people who showed up at The Laughing Buddha on Friday for half-price tattoos with the donation of a new toy for a family in need.

Owner Jason Lang said toys and gifts were provided to four families, including the Culver family, which recently lost its home in a fire.

In the early evening, Santa showed up at the shop and Lang said people were lining up outside the door waiting to make a donation, get a tattoo, see Santa or just be a part of the event.

Among the donors of food and gift cards were Alex's Place, Center Street Smoke House, Bourbon & Burger and Applebee's.

Pictured with Pierce is tattoo artist Martin Slaymaker.

East Pembroke resident arrested in Sweden and charged with trespass

By Howard B. Owens

An East Pembroke resident is charged with criminal trespass in Monroe County after allegedly entering a home in the Town of Sweden without permission.

WHEC reports that Mark Humel, 20, entered the home on West Avenue at 2 a.m., Friday, and made sufficient noise to wake the homeowner. The homeowner told deputies that he found Humel, appearing to be intoxicated, standing in his living room, not wearing shoes, asking for "Dave."

Humel reportedly became belligerent and ran off when police were called.

The suspect was located later leaving a wooded area near the home.

Photos: Batavia dusted with snow

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia, which has seen very little snowfall so far this winter, got a light dusting Saturday morning.

The forecast calls for a 30-percent chance of snow from 5 to 7 p.m. and the 10-day forecast predicts a couple more days of light snow in the next week and a chance of rain and snow on Dec. 25.

Careful driving this morning: Untreated roads are slick.

Above, St. Mary's. Below, Austin Park.

Homeless man charged with arson in small fire on State Street

By Howard B. Owens

A homeless man who was given permission to sleep on the back porch of a residence on State Street has been arrested and charged with arson in the fourth degree after a fire he started caused some damage to the house.

The fire was reported shortly after 8:30 p.m. Thursday and quickly extinguished by city firefighters, causing minimal damage to the porch and siding of the house at 107 State St., Batavia.

Reginald J. Hawker, 57, of no permanent address, was arrested Friday afternoon following an investigation by Det. Patrick Corona.

He was jailed without bail.

Hawker is accused of intentionally setting the fire. Corona said it's believed that Hawker started the fire on the porch in an attempt to cook and to have heat and light.

Previously: Fire at home on State Street possibly set by homeless person trying to keep warm

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