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Present Tense

Today's Deals: Present Tense, Alabama Hotel, Palm Island, Bohn's, and more!

By Billie Owens

T.F. Brown's, 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." Stop in and check out our Jumbo Chicken Wings, Roast Beef on Weck and Friday night fish fry. The original family spaghetti sauce still adorns all of our Italian specialties. The other popular selections from our menu range from Super Salads, butcher cut Strip Loin and South of the Border items. We offer daily lunch and dinner specials as well as a full adult and children’s menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

The Mane Attraction Salon and Spa, 99 Main St., Batavia, NY: offers "Affordable Luxury" in Downtown Batavia. We pride ourselves in the great customer service we give to the entire family. Men, women and children are all welcome either by appointment or walk-in. We offer all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, facials, leg and back waxing, Shellac Polish System, manicures and pedicures. We are the only salon in Batavia that has an airplane chair for kids' cuts! Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

Dave's Ice Cream, 3872 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY. Dave's offers only locally purchased products, including Perry's hard ice cream in a wide variety of yummy flavors, with a wonderful assortment of toppings and homemade waffle cones. Different soft-serve flavors are offered weekly. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

The Color Salon, 35 Center St., Batavia, NY: Our attention to detail, combined with the focus on precision haircutting techniques will ensure that your hair will be your best accessory when you leave The Color Salon. We offer all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, up-dos, as well as waxing services. We carry products such as KMS and Paul Mitchell. Now available: Bella Taylor purses! We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY: Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Greg'ry's Bakery, 13 N. Lake Road, Bergen, NY: The bakery offers a variety of the finest cakes, cookies, pies, cupcakes, breads, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and so much more. Each treat is made the same as it has been for decades and baked right here. Come in and sample some for yourself! We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, 9 Main St., Le Roy, NY. The kind of downhome, laid-back and comfortable place that just feels right. Open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks, this eatery and bar features a variety of eats and drinks that are outstanding. Specializing in smoked meats -- each meat is dry rubbed with a proprietary mix of seasonings, then smoked slowly in their on-site smoker for maximum flavor and tenderness. With a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, combo platters and entrées, there's always plenty of choice for even picky eaters. Great food, frosty brews and some of the best folk around call the Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew their favorite -- make it your favorite today! Don't forget to ask about our catering! We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl, 21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Palm Island Indoor Water Park, 8250 Park Road, Batavia, NY: The newest family fun center in Genesee County, featuring a hot tub, monsoon lagoon pool and play area, tipping buckets, water slides, arcade with 15 games and birthday party rooms. We have a pair of gift certificates worth $40 in merchandise or services for $20.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. Come try one of our many delicious burgers that we have to offer, as well as our HUGE Bomber Sandwich, homemade chicken fingers made to order, and the all-time favorite Dumpster Plate with many choices. We deliver. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Bourbon & Burger Co., 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Batavia's newest burger joint offers more than two dozen different types of tasty hamburgers. Our menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, appetizers and an extensive beer list, plus a full bar. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Whether you need just the right gift or a memorial or just want to brighten your own home or workplace, The Enchanted Florist can put together just the right floral arrangement for you. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Alabama Hotel, 1353 Lewiston Road, Basom, NY: A historic and legendary tavern and restaurant. The Alabama Hotel is famous for its fish fries, but also serves a variety of top-quality entrees, featuring Certified Angus Beef. Now with expanded hours. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Present Tense Books and Gifts, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY: Whether your taste runs to local authors, the finest in fiction or nonfiction or you're looking for a unique and special gift, this charming store in a cozy Victorian house on the edge of downtown is a great place to stop and shop. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Jagged Edges Salon, 4140 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, NY: Jagged Edges Salon is a walk-in and appointment salon for men, women and children. It is a fun, welcoming salon that offers all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, treatments, and facial waxing. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

SOLD OUT

Author Hillary Jordan in video teleconference at Present Tense

By Billie Owens

Author Hillary Jordan will join the Storyslingers book group at Present Tense Books & Gifts by video teleconference at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28.

She will be discussing her new book "When She Woke."

Join us for a fun and lively discussion! Thank you for supporting your local, independent bookstore!

Present Tense is located 101 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia.

Phone: 815.7640

Online: www.presenttensebooks.com

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Present Tense hosts super organizer and author at signing event

By Billie Owens

Organizational expert, best-selling author, and local entrepreneur Jennifer Ford Berry will visit Present Tense at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21 to sign copies of her "Organize Now!" books and provide tips to help you get you organized and on track to meet your goals in the new year.

Berry’s first book "Organize Now: a week-by-week guide to simplify your space and your life" has sold more than 200,000 copies worldwide. The expanded edition, which was released in 2010, includes lots of new tips including money-saving ideas and a new section on creating organized routines. Check lists, tips and goals allow readers to organize quickly and see immediate results.

In addition, Berry recently published "Organize Now: 12 month home and activity planner," the perfect planner to help you effectively organize your schedule and keep track of your appointments and daily to-do lists; and "Organize Now: your money, business and career," which addresses the organizing issues faced in an office environment, in a home-office environment, during a job search, and starting a business. It offers strategies for organizing the paperwork related to personal finances including bill paying systems, tax receipts, insurance papers, investment planning and more. All three titles will be available for purchase at the book-signing event.

Berry is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Fla. She resides in Western New York where she continues to work hands-on with her clients helping them to eliminate clutter and live their dreams.

The book signing is free and open to the public. Present Tense, a locally owned, independent bookstore, is located at 101 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia. For more information call 815-7640 or visit www.presenttensebooks.com <http://www.presenttensebooks.com>.

Santa visits Present Tense open house

By Rick Franclemont

Santa was spotted at Present Tense today for their holiday open house.

Sitting among the books, unique gifts and toys, he was going over his naughty and nice list.

Esme Coleman sitting on Santa's lap.

Emily Caldewell telling Santa what she wants for Christmas.

Visit the Present Tense website for more information on specials this month.

Present Tense offering weekly creative writing workshops

By Billie Owens

Present Tense Bookstore in Batavia is offering a series of weekly creative writing workshops focusing on poetry, short stories, novels, creative nonfiction, children’s and young adult books, personal essays, memoirs, among others.

The workshops, taught at the bookstore by retired literature professor and regional novelist Bob Comenole, are generally five weeks in long.

Classes will meet once a week in evening or afternoon sessions. Scheduling is to be determined, depending on how many people sign up for the worskhops and their creative writing interests. But it is anticipated that workshops will begin later this summer or early fall.

They are designed for both beginning writers who wish to learn fundamental techniques and seasoned writers wishing to acquire more advanced skills; there are no prerequisites.

For more than 20 years Bob Comenole has taught writing, literature and communications at several colleges, including Miami University, Siena College, the State University of New York and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

He's the author of "Bushel & Lamp" and the novella "The Long Night of Clement C. Craggogre," and has just completed work on a collection of short stories called "Perplexed by the Egg & Other Stories," as well as a collection of essays. He was also the producer of the children’s television series "StoryBrook."

To view what past students have said about the writing workshops, visit: http://www.infinitelycurious.us/Academy/

The fee is $89 for five 2-hour sessions, plus individual conferences with the instructor. Call or visit the store for further details on the workshops or to sign up.

Present Tense is located at 101 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia. Phone is 815-7640. <http://www.presenttensebooks.com>

Batavia Middle School will benefit from book fair at Present Tense

By Billie Owens

Batavia Middle School will benefit from a Book Fair to be held Tuesday, May 31 through Saturday, June 4 at Present Tense.

Bring in a voucher when you shop at Present Tense that week and a portion of your purchase will be donated to Batavia Middle School.

Vouchers are available on the store's Web site: http://presenttensebooks.com/newsletters/BMSVoucher.pdf

Present Tense is located at 101 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia. Phone is 815.7640 or visit online at www.presenttensebooks.com

Photos: Present Tense/GoArt! poetry contest winners

By Howard B. Owens

Winners of the 5th Annual National Poetry Contest -- sponsored by Present Tense Books and Gifts and GoArt! -- were announced Friday. Some of the winners were at Present Tense on Washington Avenue, Batavia, Saturday afternoon to receive their prizes.

Pictured above are Joe Gagne, Abby Sapecky, Faith Finnin (back row), Lindsay Augello, and Chloe Shuskey.

A complete list of winners and their poems are posted on the Present Tense Web site.

Each winner received a gift certificate from Present Tense.

Author Jeff Schettler visits Present Tense

By Daniel Crofts

Jeff Schettler, author of "Red Dog Rising," will be at Present Tense, at 101 Washington Ave. in Batavia, from 5 until 6 p.m. on Friday, July 9.

Schettler's presentation will include a slide show of K9 training as well as a trained K9 on site.

For more information, contact Present Tense at 815-7640, or e-mail info@presenttensebooks.com.

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Banned Books Week

By Darrick Coleman

Banned Books Week is the only national celebration of the freedom to read. It was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than a thousand books have been challenged since 1982. The challenges have occurred in every state and in hundreds of communities. Stop in at Present Tense during Banned Books Week and see if YOUR favorite book is a banned book!

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Teacher Appreciation Night

By Darrick Coleman

Present Tense is again recognizing the outstanding work of educators in our community by inviting all teachers, administrators, and school staff members to attend our annual Teacher Appreciation Night. We'll provide FREE advance copies of upcoming books for children and teens, curriculum materials for select books, reading lists, and many other items to help teachers bring a love of reading to the classroom. Teachers who make purchases this evening will receive a 20% discount as well!

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Anniversary Extravaganza

By Darrick Coleman

Present Tense is celebrating our fourth year as Batavia's bookstore this Fall! To thank you for supporting us during our first four years in business, we are offering a fun day full of prizes, giveaways, refreshments, and an open house showcasing our new Fall merchandise. Thank you for supporting your local independent bookstore!

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Lunchtime Book Group

By Darrick Coleman

We will be reading The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd for our September meeting. Bring your lunch and enjoy a lively discussion!

http://www.presenttensebooks.com/events/lunchgroup.php

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AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST AND AUTHOR TO SIGN BOOKS AT PRESENT TENSE

By Darrick Coleman

BATAVIA, NY – Author Naseem Rakha will be at Present Tense on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 5:30 pm to sign copies of her debut novel, The Crying Tree.

The book, which reaches into the heart of a family nearly torn apart by a mother’s act of forgiveness, has received considerable advance praise including being featured at the Emerging Voices series at BookExpo America and has been selected for the Barnes & Noble autumn Discover Great New Writers program.

In The Crying Tree, Nate and Irene Stanley’s 15-year-old son is murdered and they wait for the day his killer will face execution to bring closure. After years of waiting, Irene is faced with a growing sense that Robbin’s death won’t stop her pain, and she takes the extraordinary step of reaching out to her son’s killer. The two forge an unlikely connection that remains a secret from her family and friends.

Then Irene receives the notice that Daniel Robbin has stopped his appeals and will be executed within a month. This announcement shakes the very core of the Stanley family and as the execution date nears, the Stanleys must face difficult truths and find a way to come to terms with the past. Dramatic, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting, The Crying Tree is an unforgettable book about the unbreakable bonds of family and the transformative power of forgiveness.

Naseem Rakha is an award-winning journalist whose stories have been heard on NPR’s All Things Considered, Morning Edition, Marketplace Radio, Christian Science Monitor, and Living on Earth. Prior to journalism Naseem taught Holistic Resource Management to farmers, ranchers and tribes throughout the US and Canada. Naseem is a graduate of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where she received her degree in Geology. She now lives in Oregon with her husband and son. 

The book signing on July 29 is free and open to the public. Present Tense, a locally-owned, independent bookstore, is located at 101 Washington Avenue, Batavia, NY. For more information call (585) 815-7640, or visit www.presenttensebooks.com.

 

Storyslingers Book Discussion

By Darrick Coleman

Author Lauren Groff will join us via video conference for the August Storyslinger meeting. Lauren was born in Cooperstown, NY and grew up one block from the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Monsters of Templeton is her first novel, published in February 2008. It was a New York Times and IndieNext bestseller and was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for New Writers. The book tells the story of Willie Upton, who returns to her home in Upstate New York just as an enormous monster dies in a nearby lake.

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College Writing Workshop

By Darrick Coleman

If the mere thought of writing a college application essay makes your knees knock and your brow start to sweat, your worries are over! Sign up for the College Writing Workshop at Present Tense and let instructor Patty Hawley show you how to write a winning essay that may be your ticket in to the school of your dreams! Patty has experience writing grants and applications and will show you the do's and dont's for successful essays, share advice and tips for better writing, and help you discover compelling material to include in your college essays.

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Lunchtime Book Group

By Darrick Coleman

We will be reading Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson for our August meeting. Bring your lunch and enjoy a lively discussion! http://www.presenttensebooks.com/events/lunchgroup.php

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