thebatavian

Our DSL service at our house has gone out. We have an appointment for a service call on Monday. I can tether my phone, and I can go up to the office if necessary, but Billie's ability to post anything until it's fixed is limited. Since I won't always be around, this could mean delays with breaking news posts, and even some things that we might normally post not getting posted at all.

Here's the most viewed posts for May:

• Police looking for public's help in finding boy allegedly slammed to floor of Walmart by adult male
• Suspect accused of slamming son to the floor of Walmart tells judge, 'I was in the wrong'
• Terry Platt says he's done investing in Genesee County after city denies rooming house application
• Le Roy PD reports home invasion sexual assault
• Council to consider law to license landlords, institute fines for nuisance tenants
• Photo: Tim McGraw stops in at Next Level Fitness for workout
• The future of a Wegmans in Batavia hinges on the success of STAMP in Alabama
• Photo: Big Pauly's open for business
• Old Glory flown over Main Street to honor young Marine laid to rest this morning, by Billie Owens
• Video: Buffalo TV station airs lengthy piece on salary paid to GCEDC CEO Steve Hyde

Speaking of Muller Quaker Dairy, it was The Batavian the first news source to tell you that "Project Wave" was going to be a yogurt plant built by PepsiCo and a German company.

Over the years, we've brought you in-depth coverage that you rarely get anywhere else about Genesee County:

• An investigation into the finances of Pontillo's,
• More continuing coverage of controversy in Corfu,
• No other news agency has given you more facts about the tax breaks for COR Development than The Batavian,
• We've provided comprehensive coverage on the attempt to save and the eventual demolition of the Wiss Hotel,
• We provided region-leading coverage on bath salts last summer,
• We also broke the story about Jacquetta Simmons at Walmart on Christmas Eve 2011,
• And more recently The Batavian provided the first coverage about a man accused of slamming his son to the floor at Walmart.

Consistly for more than five years, The Batavian has brought you more breaking news coverage and more in-depth coverage than any other local news source.

And we want to keep it going, which is one reason we need you to join The Batavian Club.

Right now, we're offering a free 8x12 canvas print of a Genesee County photography by Howard Owens to new members. See the slide show below for available choices.

Don't forget: Club members get gift certificates from local businesses worth more than $320.

The prints will be made by Vinylsticks, a Batavia business that creates all manner of signs, prints, decals and stickers. 

Use the PayPal buttons below. After you complete your order, please e-mail howard@thebatavian.com with name of the picture you want (mouse over the photo in the slide show to see the name).

Or, you can phone in your credit card number and details to (585) 250-4118 during normal business hours, Monday thru Thursday.

To join by mail and pay by check or credit card, download this form and mail it to us. Be sure to specify on the form which picture you want. Titles are in the upper left.

To learn about the club, visit the club's new Web site.

Annual membership, no recurring payment, $60
(Use this button if you want to make a one-time payment through PayPal. You will be asked to renew again in a year.)
 

Annual membership with automatic recurring payment of $50 per year
(Use this button so your membership automatically renews each year and save $10 annually on your dues.)
 

Join The Batavian Club today and receive a free vinyl print of a photograph by Howard Owens of Genesee County. See the slide show below for available choices.

The prints will be made by Vinylsticks, a Batavia business that creates all manner of signs, prints, decals and stickers. 

Use the PayPal buttons below. After you complete your order, please e-mail howard@thebatavian.com with name of the picture you want (mouse over the photo in the slide show to see the name).

Or, you can phone in your credit card number and details to (585) 250-4118 during normal business hours, Monday thru Thursday.

To join by mail and pay by check or credit card, download this form and mail it to us. Be sure to specify on the form which picture you want. Titles are in the upper left.

To learn about the club, visit the club's new Web site.

Annual membership, no recurring payment, $60

Annual membership with automatic recurring payment of $50 per year

West Main Wine & Spirits is our first local business to start using editable ads.

Editable ads allow a business owner to change the message of an ad any time right from his or her own computer or, even, smart phone.

For readers, it means more timely information about sales, special offers and promotions.

Watch the right column of ads for West Main Wine & Spirit's special messages and messages from other local businesses as they start using editable ads.

Business owners, for more information, contact Lisa Ace at (585) 250-4118.

Yesterday, May 1, was The Batavian's fifth anniversary. Over the first five years of The Batavian, here are the 10 most viewed posts:

• Le Roy Legion hosting event to honor WWII vets
• State health officials discuss outbreak of tics in Le Roy, but say they can't share the cause
• Notorious woman allegedly trashes buffet at South Beach, by Billie Owens
• Brad Paisley fans get themselves arrested in droves during Darien Lake concert
• Sex in the City: Batavia 'adultery' case getting wider media attention
• Manhunt in progress near Townline and 63
• Teenage Bergen bow hunter takes down 17-point buck
• South Beach owner "was forced to close" restaurant, says sister-in-law, by Philip Anselmo
• Walmart greeter, age 70, seriously injured after allegedly being punched by 26-year-old woman
• Suzanne Corona accused of shoplifting from Batavia florist

Falling just outside of the top 10 was a post by Brian Hillabush, Christmas lights 12-13-08: DiSalvo's always best in show.

And to catch you up on the monthly most viewed posts ...

Most viewed posts for February:

• Darien man killed in early morning crash on Route 238
• Robber of Sally's appears to have executed a plan to avoid identification
• BREAKING: trash proposal fails on 7-2 vote
• Legislature poised to call for repeal of Cuomo's gun control law
• Tom Houseknecht asserts new trash plan an attempt to skirt property tax cap
• Attica man charged with DWI in Pembroke crashes vehicle in Darien a few hours later
• Possible suspect in Sally Beauty robbery hospitalized after arrest in Owego
• Alabama man accused of raping woman during argument
• Woman accused of stealing money from charity raising money for cancer patient
• Batavia Middle School student in trouble for packing a BB gun

Most viewed posts for March:

• The vote is final: The Wiss Hotel building will come down
• Law and Order: Man accused of installing illegal water line
• Oakfield Fire Department issues statement regarding water dispute with Village
• Judge tells bookies they will serve in a weekend-work program
• Law and Order: Mother accused of not being at home when children were dropped off by school bus
• Sheriff responds to allegation that investigator placed bets with bookie working in fire department
• Ken Mistler buys downtown theater with hope of keeping more entertainment dollars in Batavia
• Woman robbed in parking lot of Save-A-Lot in Batavia, by Billie Owens
• Two women get their hair done at salon, then stiff the stylists, by Billie Owens
• Caller says car parked across the street is harassment, by Billie Owens

Most viewed posts for April:

• Le Roy Legion hosting event to honor WWII vets
• Apparent blow-up between Corfu mayor and employees has village administration in jeopardy
• The story of a stolen thermometer and the police officer who made a gift of it
• Young 'inconsolable' woman resists arrest in Oakfield, is pepper-sprayed, by Billie Owens
• VP at GCC reportedly arrested in Rochester on public lewdness charge
• Trustee asks Corfu mayor to resign
• New pizza shop will have a familiar sounding name and familiar looking face
• Pero brothers entering trash business in Batavia
• Corfu sewer contractor reacts to anonymous letter threatening his business with the village
• Village of Corfu office remains closed this morning

April -- even with the ad server trouble -- set traffic records with 128,425 unique visitors, 512,095 visits and 852,965 page views.

The previous records were set the month before, with 108,490 unique visitors (the first time had more than 100K unique visitors), 493,303 visits and 834,797 page views.

On May 1, 2008, we received 125 visits to the site.

I meet a lot of people around the county who tell me they intend to join The Batavian Club but haven't yet.

Now would be a great time to do it. 

We're extending the free T-shirt offer for new Members through the end of the May 1 (The Batavian's fifth anniversary).

If you use one of the PayPal buttons below, e-mail me (howard@thebatavian.com) your T-shirt size.

Or click here for the new member form to pay by credit card or check.

As always, members receive a membership card and $325 in gift certificates to local businesses.

Readers who aren't members can purchase the T-shirt for $16 each. Use the PayPal buttons below or to order by check or credit card, download this form.

Annual Single Membership - $50 per year
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual membership, one payment of $60

Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

We are pretty close to getting the new ad server running properly. There are some details to clear up today to make sure all the ads are displaying properly, but the main work is done.

This virus crisis was very stressful and I want to thank all of the readers and local business owners who were so patient and understanding over the past week. We didn't get a single angry phone call or e-mail; nobody accosted me in the street. Everywhere I went people were more curious than upset with the situation. Billie and Lisa and I are very thankful for that understanding response.

Added bonus: We now know we are using a more secure ad server, but here's a benefit I didn't anticipate -- the new ad server seems to be much, much faster. At least for me, even on my iPhone, the site seems to download much faster than it did with the previous ad server. I hope you're noticing a difference, too.

The other thing Billie and Lisa and I are very thankful for is the "Spirit of Downtown" award we received yesterday from the Downtown Improvement District. We're feeling very honored to be recognized by the BID for our work with The Batavian.

And thank you to Dan Fischer of WBTA for his kind words during yesterday's presentation.

As I said yesterday, we feel very fortunate to have been so warmly accepted by the people of Genesee County in just a few short years (The Batavian's fifth-year anniversary is Wednesday). Thank you all -- readers and local business owners -- for your support of The Batavian.

From the reports I'm getting from the people doing the work, we remain on track to have the new ad server up and running tomorrow.

Thank you to everybody for your patience and understanding during the past few days.

For readers, this is a great time for you to patronize our sponsors and let them know why you're there. I posted a list yesterday and there is a list on the left side of the page.

Here's a hint for sponsors of what's coming with the new server: If you choose the feature, you'll be able to modify your ad with your special deals in real time from your own computer and have the changes appear immediately on The Batavian.

So, we'll have not only a more secure ad server, but one that offers more services.

As it stands, we're still looking at Friday morning before we have our new ad server operational.  If you missed the previous post about our old server being hacked, click here.

Below is a list of all our current sponsors. They are all being incredibily understanding of the situation. These are the local businesses that make The Batavian possible. If you enjoy The Batavian, please patronize these businesses and let them know you saw them mentioned on The Batavian.

Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle
Agri-Business Child Development 
Alabama Hotel
Alberty Drug Store
Alex's Place
Alli's Cones & Dogs
Arctic Wholesale Refrigeration & Appliance
Baker's Frontier Kitchens
Barrett's Batavia Marine and Sporting Supplies
Batavia Downs
Batavia Gold Rush
Batavia Massage Therapy
Batavia Tailors & Cleaners
Bill Fox and Son Construction & Remodeling
Beds 'n' Bones Pet Lodge
Belhaven Kennels
Blue Pearl Yoga
Bob Adams Automotive
Bohn's Restaurant
Bontrager's Real Estate
Bourbon & Burger Co.
B-Town Yellow Taxi
CB Beach Mortuary
Cedar St. Sales and Rentals
Center Street Smokehouse
Charles Men's Shop
Chesley's Auto
The Color Salon
Concreations, LLC
Continental School of Beauty
Council Opticians
Crazy Cheap Cars
D'Tangles
D&R Depot Restaurant
Dan's Tire
Daphne's Restaurant & Lounge
Darien Auto Parts
Dave's Ice Cream
Deep Blue Pool & Spa
Derrick Monument Company
Detail Shop (Pellegrino's)
The Detail Shop
Don Carroll Toys for Kids Run & Fun Walk
Empire Tractor
The Enchanted Florist
Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc.
Fastec Automotive
Ficarella's Pizzeria
Ficarella's Backflow Testing
Fisher Sports
Foxprowl Collectibles
Floral Fantasies
Frankly Design
Gamzilla
Genesee Community College
Genesee County Emergency Services
Genesee Dental Group
Genesee Graphics
Genesee Orthopaedics
Gilmartin
Godfrey's Pond
Greenbaum Painting, Inc.
Greens of LeRoy
Greg'ry's Bakery
H.E. Turner & Co.
Hair Studio 25
Hardcor Audio
Haul-4-Less
High Voltage Tattoo
Hot Heads
I.R. Systems
The Insurance Center
JB Custom Interiors
J. Leonard McAndrew
Jagged Edges Salon
Jeremy Yasses
John's Service Station
Karen's Yarn Paper Scissors
Ken Barrett
KleenAll
Kreative Design Kitchen & Bath
L&L Transmission, Inc.
L.C. Mosman
Lamb Family Medicine
Lambert's Design Jewelers
Lathan Tree Service
LeRoy Counseling
Le Roy Country Club
Main St. Pizza Company
Making Memories of Travel
The Mane Attraction
The Manor House
Matteo & Mullen, CPA
Max Pies
Michael Tomaszewski
Millennium Computer
Next Level Fitness
Nothnagle - Nathan Shirk
Oakfield Fitness
O'Lacy's Irish Pub
Oliver's Candies
Optique
Paige's Bounce Houses
Palm Island Indoor Water Park
Pellegrino Auto Sales
Pembroke Family Medicine
Penny's Family Hair Care
Present Tense Books
R&D Outlet
RW Vapors
Sallome Heating & Cooling
Salsa & Curry
Santino's Pizza
Scofield Transfer & Recycling
Select Collision
Settler's Restaurant
Short Notice Handyman Services
Sloat's Tire
Southside Deli
Smokin' Eagle Brew & BBQ
Snowbirds & Vacationers
Spirits
Stafford Painters
Sweet Ecstasy Bakery
Terry Hills
T.F. Brown's
The Finishing Line
TIm Kabel Builders
Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel
Trash Away
Turnbull Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Valle Jewelers
Viking Valhalla/Rose Garden Bowl
West Main Wine & Spirits
Western Regional Off Track
William Kent, Inc.
WNY Fireplace Outlet
Woody's Deli
Yasses Construction
Yngodess Shop
YWCA
Zoom N Groom Dog Grooming

For the past several days we've been battling against a hacker (or more likely "hackers") who managed to compromise our ad server. The attack is part of a sophisticated series of attacks that have compromised Web sites all over the world.

What we know about the attack on our server: The hacker inserts code that piggybacks on ads being delivered through the site that asks some users to install Java.

We've received several complaints from people who either avoided installing the virus or clicked the wrong button and had the virus installed on their system.

Nearly every day since last Thursday, we've been deleting malicious code from the ad server only to have it reappear overnight, until today, when it would reappear as soon as we removed it. It was at that point we shut down the ad server.

We expect to have a new ad server up and running by this time tomorrow (knock on wood).

The only computer systems at risk were those running Internet Explorer on Windows. Mac users have not been attacked. Windows users running Chrome or Firefox for their Web browser have not been affected. People using mobile devices -- iPhones, iPads, Droid phones and tablets -- were not at risk from this exploit.

And even then, not all Internet Explorer users on Windows have been attacked. I've been to one office where only one out of six machines have been seen the Java install pop-up. I've been to another office where more than half of the computer users saw the install popup and either clicked the "OK" or "Cancel" button and were infected (if you see any kind of pop-up while visiting any Web site, do not click any buttons. Click the little red X in the upper right corner). (NOTE:  The process I describe here is how I've closed the pop up on a Windows laptop I own. It has not been infected. A local IT person suggests this is bad advice and said it's better to use Task Manager to kill the process rather, as TP Hunt describes in comments.)

I spoke with one person today who hadn't visited The Batavian but still was infected by a malicious virus.

This is a very sophisticated attack on ad servers that has affected as many as 20,000 Web sites, including the Los Angeles Times, according to this article. 

The article above says experts have been unable to determine how servers are being compromised. We've patched at least four discovered vulnerabilities but none have proven to be the ultimate solution.

For a couple of months, we've been planning to change ad servers anyway. There's a company that offers great ad hosting service with additional functionality for advertisers and I've wanted to make the switch. The events of the past several days are forcing us to do it now rather than later and in a less orderly fashion than I would like, but hopefully by this time tomorrow, we will have the ads back on the site in a safe environment.

Some advice for your Web surfing:

• Never click on a pop-up button on a Web site that you are not 100 percent sure is a legitimate pop-up from that Web site.
• All browsers and operating systems are subject potential viruses, but if you must use Windows, download, install and regularly use Chrome or Firefox. These browsers are less likely to be targeted and are not as directly linked to your operating system as Internet Explorer.
• On Windows especially, keep your anti-virus software up to date (some cynics believe it's the anti-virus companies who write viruses so that people will buy their software).
• Keep your system software up to date with the latest patches.
• If you believe your computer has been compromised, visit a local computer shop and have your system checked. 
• Regarding e-mail: never click a link that looks suspicious. Often times people get e-mails from somebody they know that says something like, "check this out," but that person you're getting the e-mail from has been hacked and that link in that e-mail will deliver a virus to your computer.

Glossary:

Hacker: The common layperson's term for somebody who breaks into computers and Web servers. The more precise term is "cracker," because the correct definition of hacker is anybody who writes computer code.

Java: A computer programming language used on all computers to help some pieces of software run. If you run your regular system updates on Windows or Mac, you will receive these updates from Microsoft or Apple and any other request for updates should be viewed as malicious.

Web browser: What you used to look at a Web page. Common ones are Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Opera. We recommend either Chrome or Firefox.

Server: A computer sitting at a remote location that contains all of the data and files that make up Web site.

Ad server: A server with the specific task of managing ad inventory and ensuring the correct ads are delivered to the proper location on a Web page.

Advertisers who have questions can contact me at (585) 250-4118.

UPDATE: Upon further examination by the IT department of the new ad server company, it appears we will be without ad serving capability until Friday morning.

As we announced previously, we have a special limited edition T-shirt coming out that was designed by Brian and Beth Kemp at T-Shirts Etc.

Existing members should have received an e-mail with a link where you can buy the shirt for $9 each. If you didn't get the e-mail, write to me at howard@thebatavian.com and I'll forward the link to you.

Readers who aren't members can purchase the T-shirt for $16 each. Use the PayPal buttons below or to order by check or credit card, download this form.

Join The Batavian Club before the end of the month and I'll send you the link to purchase shirts for just $9. The next three people to join will also receive a $20 gift card from Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew. Use the PayPal buttons below or click here to download the membership form.

Annual Single Membership - $50 per year
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual membership, one payment of $60

Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

There've always been two great reasons to join The Batavian Club:

• You're helping to support local journalism that serves your local community;
• You'll receive more than $300 in money-saving gift certificates to help you support local businesses.

For a limited time, there's another good reason: You will receive a free, limited edition T-shirt from your favorite local news site. The shirt was custom designed exclusively for The Batavian by Brian and Beth Kemp of T-Shirts Etc., 111 Main St., Batavia.

We're going to offer these shirts in two stages: a free T-shirt for new members who join before 5 p.m., April 3; and, later, at a discounted rate for existing members.

Why the delay for existing members? Because technically, we need a "certificate of authority" to collect sales tax on the shirts, and it will be at least 20 days before we receive that from NYS. When The Batavian has the certificate, members will be able to buy shirts (as many as they like) for $9 each (plus tax and $5 for shipping (or avoid the shipping cost and pick up your shirts at T-Shirts Etc.). Non-members will be able to buy the shirts at that time for $20 each (plus tax and shipping).

For new members, shirts will be available for pick up (pick up only, no shipping) on or about April 17.

Once all members have had a chance to buy shirts, the offer will be discontinued and this particular shirt will no longer be available for purchase.

Use the PayPal buttons below.

Or, you can phone in your credit card number and details to (585) 250-4118 during normal business hours, Monday thru Thursday.

Or, you can mail your name, address, phone and T-shirt(s) sizes to The Batavian, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

To join the club and get a T-shirt and pay by check or credit card, download this form and mail it to us. Be sure to write your shirt-size information on the form.

To learn about the club, visit the club's new Web site.

Annual membership, no recurring payment, $60

Annual membership with automatic recurring payment of $50 per year

Brian and Beth Kemp, of T-Shirts Etc., 111 Main St., Batavia, have designed a brand-new, exclusive, limited edition T-shirt for The Batavian.

We're going to offer these shirts in two stages: a free T-shirt for new members who join before 5 p.m., April 3; and, later, at a discounted rate for existing members.

Why the delay for existing members? Because technically, I need a "certificate of authority" to collect sales tax on the shirts, and it will be at least 20 days before I receive that from NYS. When The Batavian has the certificate, members will be able to buy shirts (as many as they like) for $9 each (plus tax and $5 for shipping (or avoid the shipping cost and pick up your shirts at T-Shirts Etc.). Non-members will be able to buy the shirts at that time for $20 each (plus tax and shipping).

For new members, shirts will be available for pick up (pick up only, no shipping) on or about April 17.

Once all members have had a chance to buy shirts, the offer will be discontinued and this particular shirt will no longer be available for purchase.

Use the PayPal buttons below.

Or, you can phone in your credit card number and details to (585) 250-4118 during normal business hours, Monday thru Thursday.

Or, you can mail your name, address, phone and T-shirt(s) sizes to The Batavian, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

To join the club and get a T-shirt and pay by check or credit card, download this form and mail it to us. Be sure to write your shirt-size information on the form.

To learn about the club, visit the club's new Web site.

Annual membership, no recurring payment, $60

Annual membership with automatic recurring payment of $50 per year

NOTE: This is the same offer I posted earlier in the week. We had a good response. We have two sponsors for our basketball coverage, two; but, it would be helpful if a couple of more new members joined. Thanks to those who have stepped forward to support The Batavian.

Part of the premise of The Batavian Club is your membership helps support what we do. Well, here's a chance to directly help what we do in a way that will have immediate benefit.

Both Batavia and Notre Dame are playing state championship games this coming weekend. I plan on trying to do the impossible and cover both teams (the games don't overlap, which helps).

I estimate the cost of coverage will be about $400. You can help us cover that expense by joining at an annual membership level.

Each new member who joins at an annual level while this post is on the home page will receive a free 13x19 inch print on matte paper of the basketball photo of their choice from the 2012-2013 season. The retail value of the unframed photo is $35 and you'll receive it for free along with more than $300 in gift certificates to local businesses.

After joining via PayPal, e-mail me, howard@thebatavian.com, and let me know what picture you would like me to print for you. Or if you use the downloadable form and send in a check or credit card number (or phone your membership in), write down (or tell us), which picture you would like.

This offer applies only to pictures that I've taken. We'll need to receive your request in one way or another in order to fulfill this offer.

TO JOIN: Use PayPal buttons below, or to pay by check (annual only) or credit card, click here to download form. Or call (585) 250-4118 to pay by credit card.

Monthly Single Membership - $5 per month
Includes membership card and bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Monthly Household Membership - $10 per month
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual Single Membership - $50 per year
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual Household Membership - $100 per year
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual membership, one payment of $60
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual household membership, one payment of $120
Includes two membership cards, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Part of the premise of The Batavian Club is your membership helps support what we do. Well, here's a chance to directly help what we do in a way that will have immediate benefit.

Both Batavia and Notre Dame are playing state championship games this coming weekend. I plan on trying to do the impossible and cover both teams (the games don't overlap, which helps).

I estimate the cost of coverage will be about $400. You can help us cover that expense by joining at an annual membership level.

Each new member who joins at an annual level while this post is on the home page will receive a free 13x19 inch print on matte paper of the basketball photo of their choice from the 2012-2013 season. The retail value of the unframed photo is $35 and you'll receive it for free along with more than $300 in gift certificates to local businesses.

After joining via PayPal, e-mail me, howard@thebatavian.com, and let me know what picture you would like me to print for you. Or if you use the downloadable form and send in a check or credit card number (or phone your membership in), write down (or tell us), which picture you would like.

This offer applies only to pictures that I've taken. We'll need to receive your request in one way or another in order to fulfill this offer.

Any businesses interested in sponsoring our basketball coverage should call us at (585) 250-4118.

TO JOIN: Use PayPal buttons below, or to pay by check (annual only) or credit card, click here to download form. Or call (585) 250-4118 to pay by credit card.

Monthly Single Membership - $5 per month
Includes membership card and bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Monthly Household Membership - $10 per month
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual Single Membership - $50 per year
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual Household Membership - $100 per year
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual membership, one payment of $60
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual household membership, one payment of $120
Includes two membership cards, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Over the next couple of days, we will start sending out membership cards and $323 in gift certificates from 34 local businesses to our first 125 members.

A few days ago Francis Collins (aka Jimi Jamm) and wife Margot Collins came in to pick up their membership cards and gift cards.

Jimi and Margot were excited to get their packages and Jimi said he joined to help support The Batavian.

The Collins' joined as household members, so they both got a membership card.

The Club is all about giving the readers who love the The Batavian a way to support local journalism directly. As a thanks for the support, we send out gift certificates to local businesses, so you're also helping to support the local business community.

The Batavian provides you with free local news, free classifieds and information about the top local businesses in the county. Your membership will help us improve what we do. Please join today.

TO JOIN: Use PayPal buttons below, or to pay by check (annual only) or credit card, click here to download form. Or call (585) 250-4118 to pay by credit card.

Monthly Single Membership - $5 per month
Includes membership card and bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Monthly Household Membership - $10 per month
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual Single Membership - $50 per year
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual Household Membership - $100 per year
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual membership, one payment of $60
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual household membership, one payment of $120
Includes two membership cards, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Most viewed posts for January:

• Batavia PD nabs suspected thief during alleged burglary in progress on Washington Avenue
• Pedestrian struck by car at West Main and North Lyon, serious injuries, by Billie Owens
• Proposed budget means big changes in garbage pick-up, police department structure
• City video features Jason Molino demonstrating advantages of totes
• Car crashes into house on South Main Street in the city, driver flees, by Billie Owens
• Seven-year-old boy found wandering down Washington Avenue with no shoes or jacket, by Alecia Kaus
• City firefighters called to hose off 'a large amount of blood' on Lewis Place, by Billie Owens
• Cat on porch preventing homeowner from getting in the house, by Alecia Kaus
• Hawley: New gun law demonstrates Albany's dysfunction
• Lt. Jankowski says he couldn't have stepped down to sergeant, likely to retire

Naturally, I loved this e-mail I got from Mark Lewis, of the Mark Lewis State Farm Agency:

You really could charge for these (help wanted ads). I don't know another medium that delivers results locally like help wanted ads in The Batavian.

Yes, our help wanted ads work, and so do our "buy, sell and trade" ads. I know because Billie and I post ads ourselves and Mark isn't the first person to tell us about how well the ads work.

And they're free.

And it's my intention to keep it that way.

Our news is free, and I intend to keep it that way, too.

But that doesn't mean we don't need your assistance in helping The Batavian grow and become more sustainable.

We can't do all we could to provide you with the best news coverage possible without more help. We've pretty much grown as much as possible just with advertising.

Newspapers get by on advertising revenue and subscription revenue, but people don't want to pay for online news. Up until now that's left online news sites trying to survive on advertising alone.

I also personally believe that for a news outlet to be most effective it should reach the widest possible audience, and requiring somebody to buy a subscription (either for print or online) limits an audience for important public service news.

Rather than charge for a subscription, we're asking you to join The Batavian Club. Yes, we're asking you to pay some money to support The Batavian, but we're also giving you something of value back: Gift Certificates.

If I walked up to you on the street and said, "Here's $303 dollars, please give me $50," would you turn me down?

That's essentially the bargain here. We're asking you to support The Batavian for $50 a year (in our most popular membership tier) and giving you $303 in gift certificates to local businesses.

So help us help you, become a member of The Batavian Club.

Join before 5 p.m. today as an annual member (paying either on a recurring payment of $50 per year, or pay $60 for this year and we'll bill you again next year), and you'll receive a bonus gift from The Batavian: one of our gift certificates to a local restaurant worth either $20 or $25.

If you want to sign up for a monthly recurring payment of $5 per month through PayPal, join before noon today, and you'll also get a gift certificate. (Reminder, when you sign up for $5 per month, you're signing up for a one-year membership.)

Monthly Single Membership - $5 per month
Includes membership card and bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Monthly Household Membership - $10 per month
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual Single Membership - $50 per year
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual Household Membership - $100 per year
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual membership, one payment of $60
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual household membership, one payment of $120
Includes two membership cards, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Here's your chance to win an iPad Mini from Zebra Reach and The Batavian.

If you haven't done so already, download the Zebra Reach app for your smartphone (iPhone here / Droid here), then visit five of the participating merchants listed below and earn a point.

The first 500 Zebra Reach users who earn points at five local, participating businesses will be entered into a drawing to win a FREE iPad Mini.

The drawing will be held March 15.

Don't have a smartphone? No problem. Visit any participating merchant and obtain a Zebra Reach card. Become a registered user and then use the card to earn points in the stores of participating merchants. Earn points in five businesses and you're automatically entered to win.

Here's the "no purchase necessary" option: Download this form and follow the instructions on the form.

What is Zebra Reach?

We're all familiar with loyalty cards -- buy five lunches, get the sixth free, buy nine books get the 10th free. A lot of businesses run these sort of programs, but they usually come with flimsy paper punch cards that either get lost or crammed in your wallet with a dozen other cards.

Zebra Reach makes loyalty reward programs digital and easier to use -- one app stores all of your purchase points for multiple participating businesses.

Here are the participating businesses and initial offers (and of course, we're looking for more businesses to participate):

Adam Miller, 8 Center St., Batavia
Model Club Rewards -- $5 off your next purchase. For every dollar spent earn 1 point. Earn 50 points, receive $5 your next purchase.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia
1 Free sandwich.
Buy any 5 sandwiches, get 6th free.

Charles Men's Shop, Inc.,  200 E. Main St., Batavia
1 Free tie.
Buy 3 shirts, get 1 free tie.

Dog Crazy Daycare, 1 Mill St., Batavia
Earn points toward a free doggy overnight stay.
For $25 spent, earn 1 point toward the doggy overnight. New clients receive 2 bonus points.

Fastec Automotive, 7184 W. Main Road, Le Roy
Free NYS inspection with an oil change and tire rotation.

Fisher Sports, 412 Main St., Batavia
10% off hockey equipment, For each visit you'll earn 5 points.
Earn 25 points -- you'll receive 10% off your next purchase of any hockey equipment purchase.

Glass Roots, 12 Center St., Batavia
1/2 off glass. Buy 2 pieces of glass, get 1/2 off the 3rd.

Lambert's Design Jewelers, 375 W. Main St., Batavia. One point for every $10 spent on purchases.
Earn 25 points and receive $10 off your next purchase.

Main St Pizza, 206 E. Main St., Batavia
Free small pizza with 1 topping.
Earn 15 points and redeem your free small pizza with 1 topping. Earn points with any purchase.

RW Vapors, 224 Ellicott St., Batavia
Buy 5 bottles of E-Liquid, get the 6th free.

Salsa & Curry, 15 Jackson St., Batavia
Buy 1 lunch, get the 2nd for 1/2 off.

Sweet Ecstasy Bakery, 6173 Main Road, Stafford
Free cookie, cupcake or muffin.
Purchase any 10 bakery items and receive a free cookie, cupcake or muffin.

Sweet Pea's Cupcakery & Cafe, 23 Jackson St., Batavia
Free cupcake. Buy 11 cupcakes, get the 12th free.

Terry Hills, 5122 Clinton St. Road, Batavia
Free lunch. Buy 5 lunches, get the 6th free.

The Detail Shop, 3875 W. Main St. Road, Batavia
Free deluxe wash. Buy 5 deluxe washes, Get the 6th deluxe wash free.

Valle Jewelers, 21 Jackson St., Batavia
Free Chamilia bead. Buy 3 Chamilia beads, get 1 free.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia
Buy 5 dinners, Get one free.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy
Buy 10 lunches, get the 11th free.

T.F. Brown's, 214 East Main St., Batavia
1 free lunch. Buy 5 lunches, get the 6th free.

The Cutting Edge, 15 Bank St., Le Roy
Visit us twice for any service and receive $10 off any service on your third visit.

West Main Mini Mart, 3845 W. Main St. Road, Batavia
Buy 7 pizzas, get one free.

Local business owners: To sign up for Zebra Reach, contact Lisa Ace (lisa@thebatavian.com or (585) 250-4118). 

SHOPPING LOCAL HAS NEVER BEEN SO REWARDING!