Lake effect snow watch announced for Wednesday and Thursday..Posted by Howard Owens on November 30, 2010 - 12:13pm
Lake effect snow is forecast for at least parts of Genesee County on Wednesday afternoon and into Thursday.
Where snowfall is the heaviest, there could be up to a foot of accumulation.
The National Weather Service said the current pattern indicates lake effect snow hitting southern Genesee County, and possibly Batavia, but a slight change in wind direction could push the storm further north with Batavia getting the heaviest accumulation. Then again, a wind direction change could push the storm further south.
.Howard Owens.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Knee, Week 2
Tuesday, Nov. 30
Our old friend, the wind, is back again. This time coming from the east. Doesn't really matter, it still howls by my window.
If there are any leaves left on the trees then this wind and rain will certainly take care of them. Tis' the season, I guess.
Yesterday was the second of the three shots I will have in my left knee.
I managed to get through Monday as if it were just another day. I finished December's newsletter and took it to the office to be printed; opened the shop and did my shift from 9am to Noon; grabbed a quick lunch; conducted November's book/movie discussion; then waited for favorite daughter to pick me up to take me to the doctor's office.
The wait to be called was minimal. I walked into the treatment room sure that I could take whatever was going to happen. After all, I sailed through the first one, didn't I?
The treatment room was empty except for the sports stuff on the walls and SRINGE. It looked as if it were a foot long. I should have concentrated on the pictures and not on the length of that damn needle.
Our old friend, the wind, is back again. This time coming from the east. Doesn't really matter, it still howls by my window.
If there are any leaves left on the trees then this wind and rain will certainly take care of them. Tis' the season, I guess.
Yesterday was the second of the three shots I will have in my left knee.
I managed to get through Monday as if it were just another day. I finished December's newsletter and took it to the office to be printed; opened the shop and did my shift from 9am to Noon; grabbed a quick lunch; conducted November's book/movie discussion; then waited for favorite daughter to pick me up to take me to the doctor's office.
The wait to be called was minimal. I walked into the treatment room sure that I could take whatever was going to happen. After all, I sailed through the first one, didn't I?
The treatment room was empty except for the sports stuff on the walls and SRINGE. It looked as if it were a foot long. I should have concentrated on the pictures and not on the length of that damn needle.
 |
| "Just relax your knee. Pretend you are alone on a deserted island and dangling your foot in the water." |
"Easy for you to say", I thought.
Okay, so I tried to relax. I remember thinking that if I were on a deserted island, alone, I wouldn't be too relaxed. But, why argue the point with someone with a sharp instrument in their hand.
This week there was no numbing of the knee. The needle went in S L O W L Y and, I'll admit that there was pain. How do you relax when that sharp mile long needle is trying to penetrate the knee cap? Okay, I'm stretching it a bit. It wasn't that long, but it did hurt.
The entire ordeal lasted less than five minutes. Our total time in the office was less than a half hour.
By the time we got back to the car I felt fine.
That is good and bad. It is difficult to stick to the discipline of staying off the knee when one feels fine.
But, I know that playing by the rules has benefits. I am not experiencing any of the side effects that could happen.
Next week will be the last of the three shots for the left knee. When I compare the two knees, I can see the difference. The left knee has no swelling or pain. The right knee is jealous! I swear there is more pain in the right knee since we started this procedure. I think it wants it's turn. That will happen all in good time.
Would I recommend this? You bet I would. It offers relief. It is buying time until replacement is the only option.
Today, I plan on getting things done. I have minutes to write for both our executive board meeting and our residents' council meeting.
When those are done, I'll celebrate with a good cup of coffee because this is my last month as secretary of the board and council.
Next on the to-do list is to organize the mountain of paper I have around my desk.
Then it will be time to do the end of month reports for The Snack Shop. I've had babies that didn't take as long to arrive as it does to get this chore done each month. Shop and Stock will have all the bills, receipts, and other paperwork. I'm always surprised when everything comes out right.
With all that completed, our little shop will be ready for December. If you are ever in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday, Nov. 28.
For some reason this Sunday seems very special. Perhaps it is because I will get a chance to spend some time with my favorite daughter. It doesn't happen often enough.
As usual, we will be tailgating in the community room as we watch the Bills' play the Steelers. What is a Sunday without football and friends? It makes for a lively afternoon.
Later this evening, we'll turn football on in the other room and use the big screen tv for wii bowling. This is a marathon sport, running back and forth between rooms to keep up with the games between turns bowling or playing golf.
Unfortunately, there are chores to be done. Laundry must be done today. I get the second in the series of knee shots tomorrow. Another 48 hours of R&R follows, so if the laundry doesn't get done today it will have to wait until Thursday.
The wind is still howling, it is cold outside. A good day to hunker down.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
As usual, we will be tailgating in the community room as we watch the Bills' play the Steelers. What is a Sunday without football and friends? It makes for a lively afternoon.
Later this evening, we'll turn football on in the other room and use the big screen tv for wii bowling. This is a marathon sport, running back and forth between rooms to keep up with the games between turns bowling or playing golf.
Unfortunately, there are chores to be done. Laundry must be done today. I get the second in the series of knee shots tomorrow. Another 48 hours of R&R follows, so if the laundry doesn't get done today it will have to wait until Thursday.
The wind is still howling, it is cold outside. A good day to hunker down.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
The Beauty of Western New York
The wind is still howling, but the sun is out. The storm gave us a white blanket of snow, it is melting fast.
My friend, Barb from Sunbury, Ohio, is visiting family on this holiday weekend.
She is doing the entire WNY thing. Shoveling out her car, going to the Bills' game tomorrow, lunches, and plenty of laughs - did I mention shoveling?
As a talented artist (she teaches) she has a great eye for composition. Barb gave me permission to post her observations from HER window.
 |
| Courtesey of Barb Porter |
 |
| Courtesy of Michael J. Assenato |
Do you ever wonder why the first snow makes us giddy? That is the only word I can describe the reaction of people as they watched the storm yesterday.
Friday, November 26, 2010
The First Real Snow
I'm sitting at my window looking at a clear parking lot, dry streets, and listening to the howl of the wind.It is, indeed, an ill wind blowing. The forecast calls for lake effect snow this afternoon and into the evening. So far, I'm only seeing a stray flake of snow falling.
The storm isn't suppose to hit until later this afternoon. By then, I'll be back home from lunch with a friend and his mom. It should be fun. I haven't seen Mike since his visit from Kentucky last year about this time.
Tonight, if this storm hits, my windows will take on the dressings of the season. Which is fine. It is time for snow and the slower pace of winter.
Shop and Stock had the foresight to replenish The Snack Shop shelves with soups. Tomorrow, our folks can come in and pick up one of five different soups we have available. I have a feeling they will go fast. There is something about the first real snow that brings out the kid in all of us. The temptation to run out and make a snow angel or a jaunty snowman is hard to resist.
Anticipation is half the fun of the first real snow. It is the topic of conversation on my FaceBook page; on http://www.thebatavian.com/ ; in our community room; and just in passing.
Tomorrow, I'll let you know if all the excitement really translated to a real snow event.
Black Friday
I will never understand the thrill of getting up at some early hour to shop. Then, again, I don't like to shop so I'll never be part of that early morning mob.
Shopping in crowded stores stifles me. I find myself throwing out the list and leaving a cart in the middle of an aisle as I walk out of the store empty handed. I'm sure it is just me. Nothing is worth the anxiety attacks that come on when I'm in a store filled with people.
While I support the campaign to shop locally, I find myself doing more and more shopping online.
I can still support locally owned businesses who have websites.
Oliver's Candy http://www.oliverscandies.com/, for example, makes it very easy to shop from home. Two of our Snack Shop vendors also allow me to shop at home. Kutter's Cheese http://kuttercheese.com/ , and Scratch Baking http://www.scratchbakery.biz/ . I know there are more.
Shopping in crowded stores stifles me. I find myself throwing out the list and leaving a cart in the middle of an aisle as I walk out of the store empty handed. I'm sure it is just me. Nothing is worth the anxiety attacks that come on when I'm in a store filled with people.
While I support the campaign to shop locally, I find myself doing more and more shopping online.
I can still support locally owned businesses who have websites.
Oliver's Candy http://www.oliverscandies.com/, for example, makes it very easy to shop from home. Two of our Snack Shop vendors also allow me to shop at home. Kutter's Cheese http://kuttercheese.com/ , and Scratch Baking http://www.scratchbakery.biz/ . I know there are more.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving 2010
There are so many things that come to mind on this day of thanksgiving.
I am thankful that my far flung family is healthy and safe.
I am thankful that there is always the bright light of hope for those in dispair.
I am thankful for true friends.
We are truly blessed.
I am thankful that my far flung family is healthy and safe.
I am thankful that there is always the bright light of hope for those in dispair.
I am thankful for true friends.
We are truly blessed.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The Knee & Me
I've learned that "a normal knee glides smoothly because cartilage covers the ends of the bones that form joints. Osteoarthritis of knee damages this cartilage, progressively wearing it away. The ends of the bones become rough like sandpaper. This damaged cartilage can cause the joint to "stick" or lock and your knee may get painful, stiff and lose range of motion."
That's me!
I had steroid shots but the last shots lasted less than 5 weeks. I went back to the doctor and the decision was made to try gel injections that will form a cushion between the knee joints.
Today, I received the first of three shots. Fluid was removed from the left knee and the gel injected.
It is the consistancy of a heavy cooking oil. Over the next 48 hours this liquid will set and begin to build the cushion.
At the risk of sounding like a real worry wart, I am not sure exactly what to expect. I'm not experiencing any of the reactions that I read about. No heat, no pain, no swelling. Nothing! The knee is just there acting as if nothing went on. I guess I come from the school of "no pain, no gain".
So, I'll wait out the 48 hours of babying myself. I'll stay off it as much as I can and see what happens.
The original plan was to do the left knee first and then start the same three week series with the right.
Now that I know the procedure, I think I'll ask them to do both together. That way I'll be done just before Christmas.
If this offers any relief I'll be happy. What I'm not happy about is that these injections only last about six months and then we do it again
That's me!
I had steroid shots but the last shots lasted less than 5 weeks. I went back to the doctor and the decision was made to try gel injections that will form a cushion between the knee joints.
Today, I received the first of three shots. Fluid was removed from the left knee and the gel injected.
It is the consistancy of a heavy cooking oil. Over the next 48 hours this liquid will set and begin to build the cushion.
At the risk of sounding like a real worry wart, I am not sure exactly what to expect. I'm not experiencing any of the reactions that I read about. No heat, no pain, no swelling. Nothing! The knee is just there acting as if nothing went on. I guess I come from the school of "no pain, no gain".
So, I'll wait out the 48 hours of babying myself. I'll stay off it as much as I can and see what happens.
The original plan was to do the left knee first and then start the same three week series with the right.
Now that I know the procedure, I think I'll ask them to do both together. That way I'll be done just before Christmas.
If this offers any relief I'll be happy. What I'm not happy about is that these injections only last about six months and then we do it again
Glow Democrats
Did you know that Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties make up the GLOW Democrats region?
Good sites to watch are:
http://www.thealbanyproject.com/
http://charvella.blogspot.com/
http://www.glowdemocrats.com/
Good sites to watch are:
http://www.thealbanyproject.com/
http://charvella.blogspot.com/
http://www.glowdemocrats.com/
Monday, November 22, 2010
The Buffalo Bills Take the Bengals. Wheeeehoooooo!
Sunday morning came way too fast and sped like a locomotive to 1pm kick off time.
The Snack Shop sponsors the tailgate party in the community room. Consequently, I have to be there at kick off in order to learn how many people are watching the game and how much pizza and wings to order for half time. Die hard fans will show up every week, but when the outlook is dismal, the number of people coming for the game drops. Food seems to be the key to getting people out of their apartments and to the game. After trailing by 21 in the first half, the folks were ready to turn their attention to the food. It was going to be another same old game.
Suffice to say that the Bills outscored the Bengals 35-0 in the second half and won the game 49-31. Life, as we know it, was good at 400 Towers. The crowd, dressed in their Bills' colors left with big smiles on their faces.
The Snack Shop sponsors the tailgate party in the community room. Consequently, I have to be there at kick off in order to learn how many people are watching the game and how much pizza and wings to order for half time. Die hard fans will show up every week, but when the outlook is dismal, the number of people coming for the game drops. Food seems to be the key to getting people out of their apartments and to the game. After trailing by 21 in the first half, the folks were ready to turn their attention to the food. It was going to be another same old game.
The second half was a different story. You would think, from the whooping and hollering coming from the community room, that we were watching the Bills playing in the Super Bowl.
The change in the dynamics of the room was incredible.
In Keeping With the Spirit of the Upcoming Holidays
I planned to write something about the Bill's game today, but that will have to wait until tomorrow.
In the meantime, please enjoy this joyeous prelude to the holiday season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE
In the meantime, please enjoy this joyeous prelude to the holiday season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE
Saturday, November 20, 2010
400 Towers' Book Discussion - The Five People You Meet In Heaven
The residents of 400 Towers have an active book discussion group. We partner with the Richmond Library, in Batavia, for suggestions and books.
When - Monday, Nov. 29 1:00pm
Where - Community Room
Discussion - The Five People You Meet in Heaven (book and movie)
The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a novel by Mitch Albom. It recounts the life and death of an old maintenance man named Eddie. After dying in an accident, Eddie finds himself in 5 other heavens of the 5 people he will meet in heaven, where he encounters five people who have significantly affected his life, whether he realized at the time or not. Mitch Albom dedicates the book to his uncle Edward Beitchman. He says that he wants people like his uncle who felt unimportant during their lives to realize how much they mattered and how they were loved.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven was published in 2003 by Hyperion, and remained on the New York Times Best Seller list for 95 weeks.
When - Monday, Nov. 29 1:00pm
Where - Community Room
Discussion - The Five People You Meet in Heaven (book and movie)
The Five People You Meet in Heaven is a novel by Mitch Albom. It recounts the life and death of an old maintenance man named Eddie. After dying in an accident, Eddie finds himself in 5 other heavens of the 5 people he will meet in heaven, where he encounters five people who have significantly affected his life, whether he realized at the time or not. Mitch Albom dedicates the book to his uncle Edward Beitchman. He says that he wants people like his uncle who felt unimportant during their lives to realize how much they mattered and how they were loved.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven was published in 2003 by Hyperion, and remained on the New York Times Best Seller list for 95 weeks.
The Snack Shop at 400 Towers Carries Kutters Cheese
We are pleased to have Kutters Cheese as one of our suppliers.
Actually, they are more than just a vendor, Christine and the rest of the staff have become friends.
Looking for the best last minute Thanksgiving Desserts?
Mary Margaret, from LeRoy's Scratch Baking supplies The Snack Shop with delicious scones every week.
They don't last long on the shelf.
But, scones aren't the only claim to Scratch Baking fame. She has a wonderful selection of pies, cookies, cakes, etc. that will delight the family.
585-297-2441
Tues - Fri: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat: - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
They don't last long on the shelf.
But, scones aren't the only claim to Scratch Baking fame. She has a wonderful selection of pies, cookies, cakes, etc. that will delight the family.
Cranberry Scones
Phone:
585-297-2441
Tues - Fri: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat: - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
BREAKING NEWS - UNIQUE HOLIDAY CENTERPIECES
My friend, Priscilla Perez Rivera, is a talented designer who has started a line of floral holiday centerpieces.
If you are in the market for a wonderful gift or something unique for your own table, give her a call
772-882-2198 for details.
Thanks
If you are in the market for a wonderful gift or something unique for your own table, give her a call
772-882-2198 for details.
Thanks
Centerpieces by Priscilla
Cold and Blustery Saturday
This is just the right day for soup. Unfortunately, it is also the day that I have 2 three hour shifts in The Snack Shop.
So I am the shopkeeper from 9am - Noon and then, again, from 3pm - 6pm.
Quite honestly, I don't mind since the community room will be crowded with residents. I thought I was the only one who felt that way until visitors starting popping into the shop. "Would you mind if I brought my dinner in here?", I was asked. Of course I didn't mind. The more the merrier. We probably will be crowded as well since The Snack Shop is located in a very small room. But, we'll share the meal and give thanks for the friendship and fellowship we share.
The best thing about working in The Snack Shop, today, is that I don't have to cook; I don't have to do dishes; and I don't have to clean.
So pass the cranberry sauce, the dressing, the mashed potatoes, the candied yams, the pumpkin pie with my favorite whipped cream topping, and of course, the turkey.
On Monday, I will start the first of 3 gel injections in my left knee. I am suppose to be off the knee for 48 hours after I come home. This will certainly cut into any Thanksgiving Dinner preparations I planned on making. So, I'm just going to sit back and relax.
So I am the shopkeeper from 9am - Noon and then, again, from 3pm - 6pm.
On this particular day, our community is celebrating Thanksgiving. The dinner is at 5pm while I am still tending the shop. So, our intrepid leader of the kitchen will be delivering my dinner.
The best thing about working in The Snack Shop, today, is that I don't have to cook; I don't have to do dishes; and I don't have to clean.
On Monday, I will start the first of 3 gel injections in my left knee. I am suppose to be off the knee for 48 hours after I come home. This will certainly cut into any Thanksgiving Dinner preparations I planned on making. So, I'm just going to sit back and relax.
Friday, November 19, 2010
YWCA Power Up Program
I just got home from the YWCA Power Up Graduation Evening.
There is no describing the thrill of watching my newest mentee, Lin, receive her diploma.
This is a wonderful program aimed at helping women either prepare for a promotion; a new career path; or get back into the labor market.
Their stories are unique but they share a common bond in their desire to make their life better.
I applaud their determination and wish all eleven of them success.
An added bonus was seeing Sherry, my mentee from last year, there as an assistant to the director of the Power Up program. I learned that she is doing local theater and just completed a run with "Oliver".
There is no describing the thrill of watching my newest mentee, Lin, receive her diploma.
This is a wonderful program aimed at helping women either prepare for a promotion; a new career path; or get back into the labor market.
Their stories are unique but they share a common bond in their desire to make their life better.
I applaud their determination and wish all eleven of them success.
An added bonus was seeing Sherry, my mentee from last year, there as an assistant to the director of the Power Up program. I learned that she is doing local theater and just completed a run with "Oliver".
400 Towers' Pool Tournament
Last night I wore a different hat. Twice a year I am the Pool Tournament director for 400 Towers.
It is an easy job. I have the brackets in front of me and just tell the players who they will play against and when.
It seems that the same good players win every tournament. Dennis Meyers has been in the first spot for a couple of years. Bob Clark is the bridesmaid, coming in second for at least six tournaments.
The real story is Dan Grentzinger. Dan has played in every tournament for the past three years. In each one, he was eliminated in the first round. Last night, Dan came in third. Quite an accomplishment.
Nine players vied for the six prizes awarded. Top winners, Dennis Meyers (1), Bob Clark (2), Dan Grentzinger (3)
Pictured left to right, Dan Grentzinger, Dennis Meyers, Bob Clark.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
My very first blog (and the only one for a long time) was a guest editorial by my friend, Chris Charvella.
We are still working to save the nursing home. It has not been put on the back burner.
This summer and fall were busy working in The Snack Shop and helping to elect candidates for the fall elections.
It is ironic that my second entry is also about Chris. It is written by Adama Brown for The Albany Project.
It speaks for itself.
Let me tell you a story about abuse of power, upstate style. (+)
by: Adama D. Brown
Tue Nov 16, 2010 at 01:42:12 AM EST
Ladies and gentlemen, I have a little story to tell you. It features fits of pique, Republican misbehavior, sock puppets, astroturf, abuse of authority, abuse of the legal system, and a paid employee of State Senator Ranzenhofer (R-SD61) who has engaged in all of the above and then some.
Seriously: this is worth reading the whole thing, if only for the extremely disturbing image of what BuffaloPundit sarcastically christened the "rape Ewok."
Adama D. Brown :: Let me tell you a story about abuse of power, upstate style.
The first character in our little story is Jerome Grasso, a Genesee County legislator (Republican, naturally) and a paid employee of State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer. Mr. Grasso is somewhat of a notorious figure in these parts: besides having somewhat shady financial history, last year Mr. Grasso achieved the sort of fame in political circles that you can usually only get by publicly lighting your own hair on fire.
After being tipped off by local Democrats, Genesee County news website The Batavian discovered that Mr. Grasso was engaging in sock puppetry on their website, having posted 14 messages in four weeks under the assumed name "Michael Barney." After initially denying it, and claiming that "Michael Barney" was a friend of his, Grasso admitted to the deception. A deception which, as it happens, he used to advocate on the site in favor of the county government's controversial ambulance plan, which Grasso had a stake in, as well as talking about "Jerome Grasso" as one of the younger and more tech-savvy members of the legislature.
The second character in this little narrative is Chris Charvella, a 30 year old father of one, former candidate for the County Legislature (though not against Grasso) and who besides his job with Batavia Restaurant Supply, is the campaign director for the Genesee County Democratic Committee.
Disclaimer: I know Chris personally in the context of his political involvement in a neighboring county. He hasn't talked to me about this matter at all.
Dateline:a few weeks ago. I'll let Chris' own blog entry describe the events of October 26th.
"A certain legislator from Genesee County, let's pretend his name is Sharome Glasshole, is also the Genesee County republican 'sign guy.' Yesterday when I got to work, there was a Mike Ranzenhofer sign in the lawn in front of the flower shop next door to my place of business. Most people don't know that the company I work for owns the flower shop property as well and the only person in the company who would authorize a political sign on either property would be...you guessed it, me.
Now, there's no way to be sure who put the sign there, but we can certainly make an educated guess or two.
So, to the Genesee County 'sign guy' and the Ranzenhofer campaign: The next time I see an unauthorized sign go up in front of a commercial property, I'm going to harvest the damn thing, march straight down to republican headquarters and cram it up the first ass I see. "
That is all.
But in fact, it wasn't. On election day, Chris stopped by his house and found a Ranzenhofer sign planted in his front yard. On it was written a personal message: "Courtesy of Sharome Glasshole."
This inspired Chris to blog again, noting that "Sharome Glasshole" was indeed a reference to Grasso, and then swinging for the fences:
"Now, once again I can't prove that it was Grasso who trespassed on my property in a silly effort to taunt me, but I can make an educated guess.
If it was, in fact, Mr. Grasso who trespassed and planted that sign in the yard that my daughter plays in, I'd like to ask a simple question:
Shouldn't a guy who spends most of his time in personal bankruptcy, a guy who can't seem to buy a house without being foreclosed on, a guy who holds elected office and claims to be a fiscal conservative spend more of his time paying attention to his own property or doing something useful, like getting a job and paying his bills? (Yes, of course I have the paperwork to back this up.)
'But wait!' you say, 'he has a job.' Of course it's a political patronage job that involves him being a paid sleazebag for Senator Mike Ranzenhofer. To top it off, while holding this job he had enough free time to fake an identity and discuss county business on a local news/blogsite.
He used to have another job as a Genesee County Sheriff's deputy. He left due to disability. Coincidentally, while a deputy, he was sued for brutality after he allegedly beat and pulled his weapon on a severely disabled man who had to pee. If you think I'm making that up, I have the court transcripts. Grasso beat the rap, but so did O.J. Simpson.
So, to Jerome Grasso, who may or may not have trespassed on my property today, enjoy your last year in the Legislature."
Chris also left a brief message on Grasso's answering machine: "Hey, Jerome, it's Chris Charvella. Thanks for reading my blog." Literally, that is the entire content of the message, as transcribed in the court records.
Court records? Yeah, we'll get to that in a minute.
Evidently, Grasso is one of those people who always has to have the last word no matter what, because in commentary to The Batavian, he described Chris' leaving that message on his answering machine as "calling my house and threatening my wife."
On those grounds, Grasso arranged to have a New York State Trooper come to Chris' house to talk to him about his "phone call."
Now, I seriously doubt they send out a State Trooper for every single unsolicited phone call--in fact, a friend of mine having been subjected some years back to dozen of harassing calls stretching over months, I know it's very difficult to get the police enough evidence to act unless there's a direct threat. At least, that's the case if you're an ordinary person and not either a county legislator or an employee of a New York State Senator.
Then, later that same day, they had the State Police come back and arrest Chris.
Let me repeat that, to make sure it's clear: they had the New York State Police come to Chris' house, and arrest him for saying mean things on the internet about a Republican. The official charge is "Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree." According to the official jury instructions for that charge, emphasis mine:
[A] person is guilty of Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree when, with intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm another person, he or she intentionally and repeatedly harasses another person by following such person in or about a public place or places or by engaging in a course of conduct or by repeatedly committing acts which places such person in reasonable fear of physical injury.
Despite the fact that this doesn't even come within catapult distance of that definition, Chris is now in court, having failed to win an immediate dismissal. Of course it must be noted that out here, not only is the DA a Republican, but the only sympathetic judge anywhere in the area is the one who had to recuse himself from the case, since Chris was involved in getting him elected.
Just for added irony, Chris--who spent six years in the United States Air Force, and was at that time one of the few dozen people on the planet qualified to do crash recovery and flight control work for U-2 spyplanes--was arrested on Veterans' Day.
So: now you can be arrested for saying rude things on the internet? I'm glad I know, since I'll now be able to sue pretty much the entire fucking internet. I can only conclude with the two sentence statement Chris issued to The Batavian: "You can decide whether or not there is something illegal in there. I obviously don't think so."
Feel free to comment.
B
We are still working to save the nursing home. It has not been put on the back burner.
This summer and fall were busy working in The Snack Shop and helping to elect candidates for the fall elections.
It is ironic that my second entry is also about Chris. It is written by Adama Brown for The Albany Project.
It speaks for itself.
Let me tell you a story about abuse of power, upstate style. (+)
by: Adama D. Brown
Tue Nov 16, 2010 at 01:42:12 AM EST
Ladies and gentlemen, I have a little story to tell you. It features fits of pique, Republican misbehavior, sock puppets, astroturf, abuse of authority, abuse of the legal system, and a paid employee of State Senator Ranzenhofer (R-SD61) who has engaged in all of the above and then some.
Seriously: this is worth reading the whole thing, if only for the extremely disturbing image of what BuffaloPundit sarcastically christened the "rape Ewok."
Adama D. Brown :: Let me tell you a story about abuse of power, upstate style.
The first character in our little story is Jerome Grasso, a Genesee County legislator (Republican, naturally) and a paid employee of State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer. Mr. Grasso is somewhat of a notorious figure in these parts: besides having somewhat shady financial history, last year Mr. Grasso achieved the sort of fame in political circles that you can usually only get by publicly lighting your own hair on fire.
After being tipped off by local Democrats, Genesee County news website The Batavian discovered that Mr. Grasso was engaging in sock puppetry on their website, having posted 14 messages in four weeks under the assumed name "Michael Barney." After initially denying it, and claiming that "Michael Barney" was a friend of his, Grasso admitted to the deception. A deception which, as it happens, he used to advocate on the site in favor of the county government's controversial ambulance plan, which Grasso had a stake in, as well as talking about "Jerome Grasso" as one of the younger and more tech-savvy members of the legislature.
The second character in this little narrative is Chris Charvella, a 30 year old father of one, former candidate for the County Legislature (though not against Grasso) and who besides his job with Batavia Restaurant Supply, is the campaign director for the Genesee County Democratic Committee.
Disclaimer: I know Chris personally in the context of his political involvement in a neighboring county. He hasn't talked to me about this matter at all.
Dateline:a few weeks ago. I'll let Chris' own blog entry describe the events of October 26th.
"A certain legislator from Genesee County, let's pretend his name is Sharome Glasshole, is also the Genesee County republican 'sign guy.' Yesterday when I got to work, there was a Mike Ranzenhofer sign in the lawn in front of the flower shop next door to my place of business. Most people don't know that the company I work for owns the flower shop property as well and the only person in the company who would authorize a political sign on either property would be...you guessed it, me.
Now, there's no way to be sure who put the sign there, but we can certainly make an educated guess or two.
So, to the Genesee County 'sign guy' and the Ranzenhofer campaign: The next time I see an unauthorized sign go up in front of a commercial property, I'm going to harvest the damn thing, march straight down to republican headquarters and cram it up the first ass I see. "
That is all.
But in fact, it wasn't. On election day, Chris stopped by his house and found a Ranzenhofer sign planted in his front yard. On it was written a personal message: "Courtesy of Sharome Glasshole."
This inspired Chris to blog again, noting that "Sharome Glasshole" was indeed a reference to Grasso, and then swinging for the fences:
"Now, once again I can't prove that it was Grasso who trespassed on my property in a silly effort to taunt me, but I can make an educated guess.
If it was, in fact, Mr. Grasso who trespassed and planted that sign in the yard that my daughter plays in, I'd like to ask a simple question:
Shouldn't a guy who spends most of his time in personal bankruptcy, a guy who can't seem to buy a house without being foreclosed on, a guy who holds elected office and claims to be a fiscal conservative spend more of his time paying attention to his own property or doing something useful, like getting a job and paying his bills? (Yes, of course I have the paperwork to back this up.)
'But wait!' you say, 'he has a job.' Of course it's a political patronage job that involves him being a paid sleazebag for Senator Mike Ranzenhofer. To top it off, while holding this job he had enough free time to fake an identity and discuss county business on a local news/blogsite.
He used to have another job as a Genesee County Sheriff's deputy. He left due to disability. Coincidentally, while a deputy, he was sued for brutality after he allegedly beat and pulled his weapon on a severely disabled man who had to pee. If you think I'm making that up, I have the court transcripts. Grasso beat the rap, but so did O.J. Simpson.
So, to Jerome Grasso, who may or may not have trespassed on my property today, enjoy your last year in the Legislature."
Chris also left a brief message on Grasso's answering machine: "Hey, Jerome, it's Chris Charvella. Thanks for reading my blog." Literally, that is the entire content of the message, as transcribed in the court records.
Court records? Yeah, we'll get to that in a minute.
Evidently, Grasso is one of those people who always has to have the last word no matter what, because in commentary to The Batavian, he described Chris' leaving that message on his answering machine as "calling my house and threatening my wife."
On those grounds, Grasso arranged to have a New York State Trooper come to Chris' house to talk to him about his "phone call."
Now, I seriously doubt they send out a State Trooper for every single unsolicited phone call--in fact, a friend of mine having been subjected some years back to dozen of harassing calls stretching over months, I know it's very difficult to get the police enough evidence to act unless there's a direct threat. At least, that's the case if you're an ordinary person and not either a county legislator or an employee of a New York State Senator.
Then, later that same day, they had the State Police come back and arrest Chris.
Let me repeat that, to make sure it's clear: they had the New York State Police come to Chris' house, and arrest him for saying mean things on the internet about a Republican. The official charge is "Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree." According to the official jury instructions for that charge, emphasis mine:
[A] person is guilty of Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree when, with intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm another person, he or she intentionally and repeatedly harasses another person by following such person in or about a public place or places or by engaging in a course of conduct or by repeatedly committing acts which places such person in reasonable fear of physical injury.
Despite the fact that this doesn't even come within catapult distance of that definition, Chris is now in court, having failed to win an immediate dismissal. Of course it must be noted that out here, not only is the DA a Republican, but the only sympathetic judge anywhere in the area is the one who had to recuse himself from the case, since Chris was involved in getting him elected.
Just for added irony, Chris--who spent six years in the United States Air Force, and was at that time one of the few dozen people on the planet qualified to do crash recovery and flight control work for U-2 spyplanes--was arrested on Veterans' Day.
So: now you can be arrested for saying rude things on the internet? I'm glad I know, since I'll now be able to sue pretty much the entire fucking internet. I can only conclude with the two sentence statement Chris issued to The Batavian: "You can decide whether or not there is something illegal in there. I obviously don't think so."
Feel free to comment.
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