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Happy Thanksgiving from The Batavian

By Howard B. Owens

I've had a couple of conversations recently that reminded me how fortunate we are to live in Genesee County.

The first was with a gentlemen who came into Delavan's on Friday night. He's from Ohio but visits Batavia regularly for business. He's decided to buy a small home here rather than always packing for a hotel stay.

"I love Batavia," he said. "It's a great little city. The people are friendly, the crime rate is low, there's a lot beautiful old homes around and it's a nice area."

The other conversation was with Jeff Stephen, the dairy industry expert. Stephen had no idea I was from California when we started to talk, but he began to compare Batavia to the so-called Golden State. Batavia, he said, was a great place for a company to set up business compared to California. We have good schools, the cost of living is so much lower, it's less crowded and people in Western New York, unlike California, he said, really appreciate their jobs.

San Diego, my hometown, can call itself America's Finest City, but I think where I live right now has it beat hands down.

There's a lot of advantages to living in Genesee County that are easy to forget as we go about our day-to-day business. Every community has its problems, and it's easy as we struggle to solve them to let them become bigger in our minds than they actually are, or to forget about all of the good things around us.

All of us in Genesee County have a lot to be thankful for, from the place we live, to the neighbors who are always ready to help, to the friends we stand by and who stand by us, to the families we cherish.

On behalf of myself, Billie, Lisa Ace and our correspondents, we want to thank both our readers and our advertisers for making it possible for us to live and work in America's Finest Little City. We wish you and yours the very best. Happy Thanksgiving!

Kyle Couchman

And a very happy Thanksgiving to you as well Howard. I chosr a non traditional meal this year... (Sort of) Instead of Turkey I got a couple of 7 lb chickens and are roasting them with a Lemon Dijon recipie that I have had kicking around for a few years, the lemon dijon is also mixed with res skinned potatoes that are baked right under the chickens for the last hour. Other than that we have the traditional stuffing, veggies and cranberry sauce as well as my famous home made apple pie. Pretty good for a guy hobbling around on one foot. I'm thankful for being home instead of the hospital as I might have been if it wasnt for some excellent doctors and God.

Best wishes to all my fellow Batavian readers and contributors (and opinion makers too)

Nov 24, 2011, 1:58pm Permalink
Jason Brunner

Happy Thanksgiving to you as well Billie and Howard! Praying your holiday is full of great food and lovely family! We are thankful for your quick and accurate reporting all the year through! :)

Nov 24, 2011, 2:53pm Permalink
Bea McManis

The last crumb is cleaned off the counter; the last of the dishes and pans washed and put away; another Thanksgiving dinner with friends and loved ones is in the books.
A very happy Thanksgiving to you and Billie and all at The Batavian.
I've said it before, but Batavia and all of Genesee County is my "Bedford Falls". The same emotion that Frank Capra brought to the screen is how I felt when I twice left Batavia and returned. I know how it feels to want to run down Main St. and yell "hello" to the buildings still left standing. They are part of my personal history.
In the next few months, I'm going to have the unique opportunity to promote Batavia for a very special coming event. I'll be a one person Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Bureau promoting Batavia as the central and logical lodging location for a world tournament to be held in the Buffalo area. More information as it comes together.

Nov 24, 2011, 3:48pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Dominic, I think of you each time I drive by the house. Hope you and your's are well. Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and wishes for a very successful and wonderful New Year.

Nov 24, 2011, 10:20pm Permalink
Janice Stenman

Happy Thanksgiving to Howard, Billie and everyone at The Batavian. Also to the many posters on The Batavian. Though we always don't see eye to eye, I respect your opinions.

Nov 24, 2011, 10:29pm Permalink
Bea McManis

ok, so I have this thing about seeing odd things...but, how do they do it? Notice that none of the actors blink during that entire scene.
Odd things? When I'm watching a baseball game, I usually look beyond the batter and see the people sitting in the 'good seats' right behind the batters' box.
Who is on a cell phone?
Who is having drinks delivered, and how many?
Who is eating?
Who is sleeping? Yes, they spend good money on seats and then fall asleep.
Drives my friend crazy.

Nov 25, 2011, 9:10am Permalink

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