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Friday: The Batavian turns 1-year-old

By Howard B. Owens

The official launch of The Batavian was May 1, 2008.

Friday, we celebrate our 1st Anniversary.

We're going to have a little party at T.F. Brown's from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.   We'll provide $200 in finger foods.  If you can make it, you're on you own for drinks or dinner.

I hope you can make it.  Brian Hillabush will be there, but unfortunately, Philip Anselmo has prior plans.

It's been a heck of a first year.  When we launched The Batavian, it was part of a multi-state media company.  Now, I'm the sole propritor.  A year a ago, I couldn't have predicted that -- I wouldn't have wanted to predict that, frankly, though now I'm exceptionally happy with how things worked out.  The Batavian should be independently owned.  I'm proud to own it.

I'm excited about the future of The Batavian.  I can't wait for us to sell our Pittsford house and get moved out to Batavia.  When that happens, I'll be able to do more both on the coverage aspect and for site sponsors.

To all of you who have supported The Batavian over the past year, thank you.  I hope you can make it to T.F. Brown's on Friday.

Peter O'Brien

Congrats Howard. Unfortunately I have plans already. Its good to see a new business doing well in these times and although you had to let Brian go I can tell by the deals of the day and new sponsors things are getting better.

Keep up the good work

Apr 29, 2009, 5:02am Permalink
Mardell Lamb

Wow! I didn't realize it's been a year already. I discovered The Batavian about 6 months ago & I love it. Congrats & keep up the excellent work. Good luck selling your home. Thanks for the great reporting & keeping us updated in a speedy manner. Happy Birthday!

Apr 29, 2009, 8:04am Permalink
daniel cherry

Happy birthday to the Batavian.It allows a new point of view on the news.And it can tell two sides of a story sometimes.I like that.I think i joined in the beginning.I hope it keeps going for a long long time.The batavian is a venue artists can use to get their work seen.I love photography.People look at me funny... for carrying a camera most of the time.Some may say what are you taking pictures for?A couple times people asked me...What are you from the daily news??Ha..A camera can tell a story.I have images of My boys since they were born.Yes i had to take i a pic when they were born.I noticed that people in a terrible tragedy...like the hurricane.....well one of them was on the news holding a picture of their family and hugging it.Because it was all they had left.To me images are very important.I Have only sold a few ..like 4 mabe.But i have donated them to "GO ART"..the fire victims of pauly's.The apartment complex at the VA.Art is to be shared...Dan

Apr 29, 2009, 2:47pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Daniel, I believe you were among the first dozen or so people to join and one of the very first to post a comment.

Thank you to all for all the kind words.

Apr 29, 2009, 2:55pm Permalink
Karen Miconi

Congrat Howard!! You Do Have Your Hands Full.....We need to find you someone to cover the sports in the area. For Free, just for the love of it and knowledge they have.

Apr 29, 2009, 8:41pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Daniel, in our "beta" phase, before we really told anybody about the site, Pat Burke found The Batavian and left a comment ... like around April 26.

On May 1, official launch day, the first comment was left by Charlie Mallow.

Apr 29, 2009, 8:45pm Permalink
Timothy Paine

Kudos Howard. I wish you continued success.You give the people what they want by listening to them. That's why you're still here, you offer the community a forum and the ability to gather without having to travel. We thank you.

Apr 29, 2009, 9:46pm Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

I would like to know who(m) was the first deletion of a post !

Well, only if I am the top three. It was easier back then with the "fake" names.

On a serious note I will not be able to attend the shindig due to prior engagements but you can bet this summer i will run into you (howard) and shake ur hand, followed by some arguements, then some playful bantor that will lead us both into a hardy gaffaw !

Apr 30, 2009, 1:21pm Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

You used to drive by me on occasion when u were speeding thru Batavia ! Ha. We cant help but meet this summer somewhere but i have some friends that know u and say real good things about you. (obviously they are lying). I get my home monitored ankle bracelet off soon so I will be able to travel. Ha !

Apr 30, 2009, 2:13pm Permalink
Abbie Riner

Congratulations Howard and everyone that's helped make The Batavian what it is! I enjoy being about to keep up with what's going on at "home". Keep up the good work!

May 4, 2009, 11:47am Permalink

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