(The race to the finish line in Batavia Down's first-ever "racing under saddle" contest Sept. 7.)

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Wednesday night (Sept. 7) was historic for Batavia Downs as the first ever racing under saddle (RUS) contest was held at the oldest lighted harness track in America. And the show put on by the competitors in the $4,000 RUS New York championship race had the fans on their feet and cheering.

Five horses went postward before My Friend Charlie (Andrea Pratt) went right for the lead as the race began. But shortly after getting away second, Funny Photo (Sophie Engerran) came early, pulled alongside the leader and immediately pushed the issue.

The two trotted side by side setting fractions of :30 and 1:00.3 to the half before Funny Photo made a break past the five-eighths pole. At that point My Friend Charlie was alone on top but Admirable Hanover (Vanessa Karlewicz), who inherited second after the break, was right on her tail. As the race moved off the last turn, Karlewicz pulled Admirable Hanover and drew alongside the leader. The pair trotted in step in a thrilling race to the wire before Admirable Hanover got a slight advantage and won by a neck in 2:03.4.

My Friend Charlie was second and Jeanie Marie closed sharply for third after an early race miscue in the non-betting event.

It was the third win in six starts under saddle for Admirable Hanover this year. This is the fourth year the 9-year-old gelded son of Cantab Hall has competed in RUS and the 2:03.4 clocking was a new lifetime mark under saddle for him. 

Admirable Hanover is owned by Peter Gerry and is trained by his rider, Vanessa Karlewicz.

“The crowd loved this race” said Todd Haight, Director/General Manager of Live Racing. “They were on their feet at the rail cheering as the two horses battled down the stretch. The girls put on a great show and we hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of RUS at Batavia Downs.”

Since this was the first-ever RUS event at Batavia Downs, the winning time of 2:03.4 is a new track record. 

Press release:

The Batavia City School District has always been committed to its girls’ athletic program. We are proud of our student athletic program and continuously work toward achieving equality across all sports. This is of paramount importance to the District.

The District has recently received the Court’s decision awarding attorneys’ fees (totaling $68,000) to the Empire Justice Center in the 2013 lawsuit concerning the girls’ softball fields. The District disagrees with, and is disappointed by, the award of attorneys’ fees to the Empire Justice Center. Most importantly, the lawsuit was simply unnecessary – and only served to waste taxpayers’ money.

The improvements to the girls’ softball field were already approved by the Board before the lawsuit was filed, and they were commenced immediately upon taxpayer approval of the funding. The changes would have been made regardless whether the lawsuit was filed. This was conveyed to the Empire Justice Center, but their attorneys chose to proceed with the lawsuit – and generating unnecessary legal fees for their organization – anyway.

In the end, the Empire Justice Center achieved almost nothing outside this award of fees. There were no substantial differences between the settlement and the capital improvement plans that the Board of Education proposed and approved at its February 2013 meeting for presentation to the voters in May 2013. In addition to routine maintenance, there was only one additional improvement requested in over and above the capital improvement project – the addition of a safety cap to the track and field fence that is adjacent to the no longer used JV softball field.

The District looks forward to continuing to provide a safe and nurturing environment to develop students with high moral character who are able to meet life’s challenges. 

As the summer heat begins to fade, Western New York welcomes the comfortable temperatures of Autumn and the breathtaking beauty of Fall foliage. Sugar maple trees in flaming red are contrasted with a symphony of yellow, gold, evergreen and purple. The Grand Canyon of the East at Letchworth State Park is surrounded by a forest full of striking Fall colors as people come from all over the world to explore this natural wonder arrayed in Autumn splendor.

In October the Letchworth Arts and Crafts Show draws its largest crowds. As travelers enjoy the scenic beauty, new vintages of wine can be sampled on the Lake Erie and Niagara wine trails of New York. Even the majestic Niagara is more stunning with the backdrop of trees in all their Fall colors. In the Village of Wyoming the end of summer is celebrated with the AppleUmpkin Fall Arts Festival.

This year Carolyn and I will be welcoming guests to Western New York’s premier boutique hotel and dining destination -- River Spring Lodge. Our country estate is surrounded by 100 acres of woods and the Fall foliage on site is breathtaking. Enjoy the view from your balcony, sitting by the shore of the trout pond or at a table on our patio as you sip a glass of wine. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy a country gourmet dinner in our Bistro Tuesday through Saturday, or experience a truly exceptional five-course fine-dining experience, with or without wine pairings, each Friday and Saturday at The Chef’s Table.

To celebrate our recent opening, from Sept. 1st to Oct. 30th we are offering all of our rooms for a two-night stay for the incredible low price of $150 per night. This price is for any room even our king suites on any available nights including Friday and Saturday. Act quickly for the best room selection for your Autumn couple’s getaway. Book Online with promo code: AUTUMN FOLIAGE or call us at 585.708.4212 for this special rate.

The sale of the Genesee County Nursing home to Premier Healthcare won't exactly lead to the county government pocketing a cool $15.2 million and walking away from the deal scot-free.

Getting disentangled from the white elephant of a facility will take months and cost millions of dollars.

"The costs don't stop on the day of the sale," said County Manager Jay Gsell.

The revenue to the county, as insufficient as it's been for the past decade, stops the day Premier takes over, but some of the costs will drag out, such as final payments to employees' retirement accounts, paying out unclaimed vacations and leaves, paying ongoing workers comp claims, closing out obligations for patient care, among other expenses.

It could be at least a year before the county knows how much of that $15.2 million is left over after all of the expenses are covered.

Right now, best guess, those expenses will eat up at least 75 percent of the sale price, Gsell said.

It will be up to the county legislature to decide what to do with the balance, whether put it back into the general fund, put it into roads and bridges or toward building a new jail.

There are also unpaid bills from patients to be collected. The floating balance of unpaid bills, called accounts receivable, is about $1.3 million.

The county will need to make a decision on how to handle those accounts, whether sell them to Premier at a discount or assign staff -- perhaps more than one staff member, plus attorney time -- to try and collect those payments, or the accounts could be turned over to a contractor for collection. An accountant with Freed Maxick  is working to determine which option might be best for the county.

The county is also owed money from the federal government, which passes through the state, called IGT funds. This money is designed to help county governments fill the gap between revenue and expenses on facilities such as the nursing home. That is money owed the county for expenses already incurred, but by law, the money must be paid to the nursing home, so Premier will need to transfer the money to the county, once the funds are received.

Whatever the final "net proceeds" from the sale might be, the county will never be able to claim it made a "profit" on the sale, Gsell said.  

The sale will close after Premier receives its second regulatory approval, called a certificate of need, from the state's Health Department. One has been approved, for the skilled nursing home, but the other, for the adult home, is still pending.

Gsell expects the deal to close in the fall, meaning between Oct. 1 and the first day of winter.

The nursing home has been bleeding money from the county's general fund for the last 10 years, and to a tune of more than $2.5 million a year for the past five. Those are deficits on operations that will never be recovered.

"We will never be able to use the word 'profit' when it comes to the Genesee County Nursing Home," Gsell said. "That equation has left the building."

Press release:

The Third Annual Taste of Independence food-sampling extravaganza is being held by Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) on Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Taking place at Batavia County Club, 7909 Batavia-Byron Road, Batavia, the event will offer guests a chance to try some signature dishes of the Genesee Region’s finest restaurants, plus a basket raffle and 50/50 split club.

The participating restaurants include: Applebee’s Grill & Bar, Amber Lantern Brewing Company, Arby’s, Batavia Downs, Big Pauly’s Pizza, Carter’s Restaurant & Bar, Chap’s Elba Diner, Cutaia’s Meat Market, D&R Depot, Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant, John & Mary’s, Kati’s Place, Lori’s Delectable Edibles, Main Street Pizza Company, Mooney’s Sports Bar & Grill, Sweet Pea’s Cupcakery Café, T.F. Brown’s Restaurant, The North Pole, Waggin Wheel Restaurant & Lounge, and Yancey’s Fancy.  

Our thanks to non-restaurant event Sponsors, Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Dr. Bradford C. Berk, Dr. Coral Surgeon, and Stephen Hawley & Associates, LLC.

Tickets are $15 and can be picked up at the ILGR office, 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia. Space is limited! To R.S.V.P., become a sponsor, or get more information call Donna at 585-815-8501, ext. 411, or email dbecker@wnyil.org. 

New this year: ILGR is running a sign-spotting contest! A yellow, white and red Taste of Independence Contest poster will be moved among various stores and other locations in the greater Batavia area. If you are the first person to spot it at its current location and inform us where it is on Facebook (Independent Living-Batavia), you’ll win a free beverage at Tim Horton’s, and be entered into a drawing for a free ticket to the event!  

ILGR expects the event to increase awareness of its programs to help individuals with disabilities living in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties to remain independent and empowered, to which programs the funds raised will be directed. Its services include independent living skills training, advocacy, peer counseling, transportation, Braille transcription, a loan closet of medical equipment, housing assistance, information and referral, and many more.

There is one registered member of the Reform Party in Genesee County, and with a potentially contested race for the nomination in the 61st Senate District, there must be, under state law, a countywide primary election.

That would be the case even if there wasn't also a primary in the 61st District for the Working Families Party, which has 221 registered members in the county.

Those two primaries could have cost county taxpayers $17,000, but election commissioners Dick Siebert and Lorie Longhany worked out a plan and developed a new policy, with guidance from state election officials, to have one consolidated polling station, in County Building #1, for the Sept. 13 primary.

Rather than expending $150 per election machine to have them moved to each of the 17 polling locations in each town and the city, a member of the county's maintenance staff will move five or six machines to County Building #1, the location of the election board's offices, eliminating that cost.

The plan also means fewer ballots need to be printed.

Siebert said the expected turnout is only 15 to 16 voters.

"That might be a high estimate," Longhany said.

The commissioners briefed members of the county's Ways and Means Committee at yesterday's meeting.

The members of both parties were notified of the polling place change through First Class mail and told that if the change presented a hardship, the voter could request an absentee ballot. The commission has received one ballot request.

"I think we have all the bases covered," Longhany said.

For the Reform Party, Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer is the sole official nominee, but a member of the party in the district filed a request  for an "opportunity to ballot," which opens the door for a write-in vote.

For Working Families, there are two nominees for the 61st District line, Thomas A. Loughran and Andre N. Liszka.

County Building #1 is located at 15 Main St., Batavia. The polling stations will be on the second floor and will be handicap accessible through the building's elevator, which is by the entrance on the west side of the building near Ellicott Street.

Genesee, Orleans & Wyoming Public Health Column

Press release:

September is National Preparedness Month! In our area we generally think of snow and ice-related emergencies, however it is also important to be ready for threats caused by flooding, high winds, earthquakes, fires, chemical spills and infectious diseases.

Thankfully, getting prepared for all types of emergencies is made easier with the assistance of Mobile Apps like Ready Genesee, Orleans Aware and FEMA. These apps are similar in nature in that all connect consumers to weather alerts, planning features and information on available shelters. Apps like these are user-friendly and give consumers the tools to take part in their own preparedness, which will positively impact the outcome of any emergency.

If you live, work, or visit Genesee or Orleans Counties download the Ready Genesee and Orleans Aware Apps, available on apple and android devices, as well as in English and Spanish, too.

“The Emergency Management Offices’ and Health Departments’ in both counties teamed up to have these apps made available in an effort to have a local focus," said Bill Schutt, deputy coordinator of Emergency Management Services. "County officials can use this app not only to get information to users before, during, and after emergencies in a more direct and modern way but also to share knowledge on a regular basis, too.

"Since Ready Genesee and Orleans Aware became available to download earlier this year, the counties have utilized the apps to notify users of road closers, a boil water notice, a gas leak, rabies clinics, as well as sharing of informational articles on the recent drought, Zika virus, Lyme Disease and lighting safety. If you don’t travel to either county, the FEMA app is a good, reputable option, too, but it is important to note that users will not receive notifications or general information from their county officials."

Features of Ready Genesee and Orleans Aware Mobile Apps

My Plan

By answering five simple questions, the app will create a customized emergency supply checklist and plan based on your family’s needs, including pets and relatives with special needs.

Alerts
Get information from the National Weather Service and local county officials.  Local officials can instantly inform you of situations including, but not limited to, road closers, evacuation notices, boil water notices, gas leaks, an active shooter or missing persons.

My Status

With the push of a button let friends and loved ones know “I’m Safe” or “I Need Help.”

EvacMap& Shelters

Find evacuation routes and shelters with on and offline mapping.

Need to Know

E-books on various topics including Public Health Emergencies, Need to Know Preparedness for Pet Owners, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Floods  and Fire Safety.

Services

Have contact information to services helpful in an emergency.

“The full potential of these new apps will be recognized more so as different emergencies arise and I predict at that utilization will increase too,” stated Al Cheverie, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Genesee and Orleans. “After downloading your App, please take the time to collect the emergency supplies for your home and car.

"Being ill prepared for a situation where you are unable to leave your house or car can be dangerous if certain supplies such a necessary medications, blankets, food and water aren’t on hand."

To download the apps visit:

Ready Genesee or Orleans Aware: http://eocready.com/counties

FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app

For information about Health Department services contact:

• Genesee County Health Department at: 344-2580, ext. 5555, or visit their website at www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/health/index.html.  Visit Facebook at Genesee County Health Department and Twitter at GeneseeCoHealthDept.
• Orleans County Health Department at: 589-3278, or check out our website at:  www.orleansny.com/publichealth. Visit Facebook and Twitter: the user name for both is OrleansCoHealth.
• Wyoming County Health Department at: 786-8890 or visit their website at www.wyomingco.net/health/main.html

For 2017, the STOP-DWI program will spend a little more of its reserves, with the extra money allocated toward increased DWI enforcement and educational programs, Assistant County Manager Matt Landers told members of the County Legislature's Ways and Means Committee at Wednesday's meeting.

The increase in spending follows a year in which revenue from DWI fines lags behind the previous year, but the program has more than $200,000 in reserves against an approximate annual spending plan of $200,000 and the state agency that overseas STOP-DWI programs thinks that level of reserves is too high, so Genesee County needs to spend its program reserves down a bit.

The law enforcement leaders on the STOP-DWI committee also want to see an increase in spending on anti-drunk-driving efforts, so spending reserves now doesn't worry them.

"Everybody understands this could mean cuts in the future," Landers said.

The program is funded through fines paid by drivers convicted of DWI.

The number of arrests for DWI in the county declined steadily from the 1980s until 2014, when changes in laws brought about a slight uptick in arrests.

In 2015 there were 228 arrests, generating $190,000 in paid fines. For 2016, the fine revenue is projected to be $183,000.

The projected revenue for 2017 is $190,000. Landers is proposing a 2017 budget of $226,000.

That would require transferring $36,000 from reserves.

The portion of reserves earmarked for law enforcement is $16,000.

Spending more on enforcement could mean more arrests, which means more revenue, but that really isn't the goal, Landers said after the meeting.

"It’s both sides," Landers said. "Obviously when arrests are up, it generates more revenue and it shows that we’re getting drunks off the road, but then again, when arrests are up, it shows there are more drunks out there. The idea is that in a perfect world the program would go away someday because there are no more drunks on the road.

"So, yes, it’s a double-edged sword. It’s good when arrests are up for revenue purposes. We can do more initiatives, but it means there are more drunks out there and it shows there is more work to be done."

Oltramari, speaking publicly today for the first time since informing BID directors last week that she will be leaving effective Oct. 2, said that “after re-evaluating myself and the BID, taking into account a budget that is drastically limited this year, I felt it was the best thing for me to move on.”

Oltramari, a native of Wellsville, took the full-time position a year ago following a four-year stint as the assistant to then-director Don Burkel.

She said she has mixed feelings about resigning – “I really enjoyed meeting everyone downtown and working with the businesses,” she said – but was quick to add that “the time has come to think about myself.”

The downtown taxing jurisdiction’s budget has been scrutinized, of late, primarily by the Batavia City Council, which on Tuesday night passed a local law amending the BID plan to address district assessment charges that exceeded the amount authorized for operations and debt service payments under the General Municipal Law, and adherence to Open Meetings and Freedom of Information Laws.

The city actually is holding onto $49,571 in BID assessment money that has been designated as “excessive.”

Despite these proceedings, Oltramari said that had no effect on her decision.

“It’s more about what I want to do,” she said. “I understand why the BID’s funding had to be downsized, it was by law.”

Oltramari said the BID’s annual budget has decreased from $120,000 to $55,000, and with only 20 percent of that latter amount available for use for operations, “it really puts a constraint on the organization.”

“I figure that my leaving will help a little bit. They won’t have to pay a full-time director, who really won’t be able to do that much.”

She said she suggested to the board that it should hire a part-time director, with a salary considerably less than the “just over $30,000” that she earned.

Oltramari said she is going to “take it slow” before seeking another full-time position. She and her husband, Felipe, director of the Genesee County Department of Planning, have two children who attend Batavia Middle School.

A telephone call to BID Board President Victor Gautieri for comment was not returned. 

It's the first day of school, but not just for students, but for some staff, too, including Batavia Middle School's new principal, Ashley John Grillo.

Grillo, originally from Albion, was most recently assistant principal at Holley Central School and was appointed to his new role this Spring.

He said he's very excited by the prospects of his new position.

“Fortunately, I’ve got a great team I’m working  with; the staff I’ve met so far have been wonderful," Grillo said.  "They’ve been very welcoming, very helpful. I’m very excited about this year. I only see nothing but positive things happening."

Grillo said he also received a warm welcome from the student's this morning.

"It’s been a blast," Grillo said. "I’ve been shaking hands all morning with kids and saying hi and introducing myself, and they’ve been coming to me, too, so it’s been nice."

Erik Robert Motquin, 34, of Route 5, Batavia, is charged with one count of second-degree burglary and two counts of third-degree burglary.  Motquin was arrested following an investigation in the Town of Darien regarding an incident which occurred at 9 a.m. on Aug. 15 on Harper Road. Motquin allegedly entered a residence and a storage shed on the property on Harper Road and stole several items. He was jailed in lieu of $25,000 cash bail. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Bradley Mazur

Oliver Thomas, 25, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 10:38 a.m. on Sept. 4 on Summit Street after allegedly sending threatening / alarming text messages to another person. He was jailed on $500 cash bail or bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Rebecca E. Hershey, 18, of East Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21. Hershey was arrested at 2:15 a.m. on Sept. 3 on Park Road in Batavia after she allegedly stole alcohol from a business while in an intoxicated condition. Hershey was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on Sept. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

We are very excited for the 7th Annual Wine Walk on Oct. 1st from 3-8 p.m. Purchase your tickets today, they won't last long! Tickets are available here at the Yngodess Shop, Valle Jewelers, Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, and T-Shirts Etc.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is investigating a single motorcycle accident involving two occupants that occurred on Route 20 in the Town of Pavilion on Sept. 6.

A nearby resident reported the accident at 7:27 p.m.

Sheriff's deputies responded and located a motorcycle, driver and passenger. The driver was identified at Christopher R. Stowell, 39, of Silver Springs, and the passenger was identified as Stuart A. Edwards, 46, of Caledonia.

Both men were transported by Mercy ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Assisting at the scene were Mercy medics and members of the Pavilion Volunteer Fire Department.

Charges are pending in the matter and the investigation is continuing by Deputy Eric Meyer.

(Initial report.)

Press release from the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation:

Two “Outstanding Italian-Americans” will be honored at the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation's Fall Fundraiser on Oct. 5 at Terry Hills -- Florence Condidorio and Joseph Teresi Jr.

Tickets are available at Ben’s Appliance, V J Gautieri & Sons Construction or from any board member. Guests will be served a fabulous “Italian Plate.” This is the foundation’s only fundraiser and all proceeds go to our scholarship program.

Please come out and enjoy a wonderful evening and celebrate the contributions Italian-Americans have made right here in Genesee County. October is National Italian-American Heritage Month!

Any questions and for reserved seating contact Michele Fuller (585) 768-7016.

Florence Condidorio

Florence Condidorio was born in Batavia to Salvatore and Mary Kay DiSalvo. Her grandparents hailed from Roccanova, Potenza Province in Italy. At just 5 years old, she was diagnosed with polio and spent six months at the Rehabilitation Hospital in Ithaca, where she learned to walk again. Her struggle was the impetus which fostered her desire to live helping others.

She married Joseph Condidorio at St. Anthony’s Church in 1953. They are the proud parents of 10 children, 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. That doesn’t include all the in-laws either! Despite their size they are a very close family, which they credit to their Italian roots. A past member of St. Joseph’s Church in Le Roy and a devout Catholic, the clergy affectionately recalls them attending mass, the children meticulously groomed, and taking up several pews.

Successful due to her determination and inner strength, NYS certified, Florence opened a day-care center in her home in 1959. She nurtured up to 20 children a day to help supplement their income. After nearly 15 years she decided to go to college. She graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a degree in Education. In 1982 received her master’s in science from Brockport and in 1986 a School Administration/ Supervision certificate.

Fresh out of college she was hired by the NYS School for the Blind where she left her mark on the world. She was instrumental in developing a program sending the students home on weekends to be with family and often took home kids that had nowhere to go. Her philosophy being, “There is always room for one more at the table and in our hearts.” She was a key factor in developing the Sensory Park initiative and worked closely with the architects and the Lions Club, which were large contributors. Her commitment and work ethic were exemplary.

Florence still made time to be involved both at school and community. For years she and Joe made their Italian sauce for the spaghetti suppers, was treasurer for HFS PTA, Lioness Club member, foreign exchange student host, chairwoman for Heart Assoc. Drive, and VP for Independent Center for Living.

Her faith in God has never wavered in spite of her life’s challenges. She has touched and made so many lives in Genesee County (especially children) better that it was clear she is an “Outstanding Italian-American.”

Joseph Teresi Jr.

Joseph Teresi Jr. is the son of Joseph A. Sr. and Josephine Zito Teresi. His four grandparents were from Valledoma, Palermo, Messina and Corleone, Sicily. So we think it is an honest assessment in concluding he is 100-percent Italian!

Joe is very proud of his Italian heritage and exemplifies the best qualities of growing up an Italian-American. A lifelong Batavian, he graduated from Notre Dame High School and went on to graduate from Canisius College in 1985. A very devout Catholic, he was a former member of St. Anthony’s Church and its Holy Name Society. Currently, he and his family are members of Padre Pio Parish.

Joe and his wife, Mary Beth, have three sons, Joseph lll (Beverly), Michael and Paul. Both Joseph and Beverly are currently serving active duty with the Air Force. He has a beautiful granddaughter, Emma, and another due in October. His sister Dr. Gina Teresi (Scott Spears) had a practice in Batavia for many years. Joe is all about family and they are definitely his top priority.

Joe is a vice president for Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc. Although his career is very demanding, he is a firm believer in giving back and being involved with your community. Over the years he has volunteered in coaching at Notre Dame High School, Batavia Minor League, Youth Football, GASA, St. Anthony’s Basketball and the YMCA Challenger.

His commitment to service doesn’t end there. Joe has given his time and talents to serve on the boards of Regional Action Phone, NDHS Foundation, Batavia Youth Football, Glow YMCA, Challenger Sports, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and the Notre Dame Board of Trustees.

His very impressive resume, pride in his heritage and love for his family and community made him the perfect candidate for the foundation's “Outstanding Italian-American Award.”

Press release from the city Department of Public Works:

Due to the unusually warm weather this week, the Spray Park at Austin Park will stay open thru this week. Sunday Sept. 11 will be the last day to use the Spray Park at Austin Park for the season.

Press release:

Acclaimed global futurist, speaker and best-selling author Jack Uldrich paints vivid pictures of what the world may look like in just a few short years. Often asked, "What will the future look like?" Uldrich's response is, "Predictably unpredictable."

The key, according to Uldrich, is embracing paradox: learning to unlearn, thinking about the unthinkable, recognizing failure as a key component of success, and understanding that an awareness of one's ignorance is a key component of true wisdom. On Thursday, Sept. 22, at the 2016 Wolcott J. Humphrey III Symposium at Genesee Community College, Uldrich will serve as the keynote speaker for the event and deliver a presentation to help guests better prepare for the unpredictable.

Uldrich's keynote address begins at 4 p.m. in the Stuart Steiner Theatre of GCC's Batavia Campus will be followed by a panel discussion featuring local representatives from agriculture, education, healthcare and leadership. Confirmed panelists to date include: John Noble, president of Linwood Management Group, LLC (agribusiness); James M. Sunser, Ph.D, president of GCC, (education); Daniel Ireland, president and CEO of UMMC (healthcare); Nathan Rudgers, senior vice president for Farm Credit East (business / entrepreneurial development), and Peggy Marone, Leadership Genesee director, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County (community leadership).

Seating is limited. Admission for the event is $25 and advanced reservations are strongly encouraged. 

Speaking at more than 100 engagements each year, Uldrich argues that creativity and action are more powerful and versatile than knowledge. His speeches are packed with energy, anecdotes, and thoughtful business and personal advice that educate, entertain, and inspire audiences. He brings to light the advantages of being creative and using the powers of individual imagination.

A best-selling and award-winning author of 11 books, including one of his latest, "Foresight 2020: A Futurist Explores the Trends Transforming Tomorrow," Uldrich provides an in-depth exploration of how the "Internet of things," big data, social media, robotics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and "collaborative consumption" will change everyday life for all of us in the very near future. Through upbeat, practical and actionable insights, his presentation sheds light on future trends, emerging technologies, innovation, change management and transformational leadership.

As an advisor to Fortune 1000 companies, Uldrich has presented to hundreds of businesses and organizations on five continents, including General Electric, General Mills, the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), Pfizer, Invitrogen, St. Jude Medical, AG Schering and more.

Uldrich is a frequent guest on major news outlets, including CNN, CNBC and NPR. He is an ongoing contributor to emerging technologies and future trends for publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Wired, and Business Week and regularly makes television appearances on the Science Channel's "FutureScape" and the Discovery Channel show "Inside Out." He is also founder and "Chief Unlearning Officer" of The School of Unlearning – an international consultancy designed to assist organizations succeed tomorrow by unlearning today.

Uldrich is a formal naval intelligence officer and Defense Department official. He previously served as the director of the Minnesota Office of Strategic and Long-Range Planning.

Call the Genesee Community College Foundation at 345-6809;

Visit the website: http://www.genesee.edu/cms/home/events/humphrey/

Email Patty Hume at pahume@genesee.edu.

As part of the College's 50th Anniversary celebration, the first 50 students and the first 50 GCC alumni who reserve their advance seats will be admitted free! Students of any age are otherwise $10.

About the Wolcott J. Humphrey III Symposium

Wolcott J. (Jay) Humphrey III was a man of vision. At the time of his death, he was a member of Genesee Community College's Board of Directors and was regarded as one of the region's foremost civic leaders and a strong proponent of leadership development.

The Humphrey Symposium brings speakers with a national or regional reputation to GCC to discuss various facets of leadership in honor of a man that inspired others to develop new initiatives and reach for extraordinary levels of success. Past speakers have included Syracuse University Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim, Paycheck CEO Thomas Golisano, Dr. Donna M. Fernandes, president of the Buffalo Zoological Society, Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., and many other national and regional leaders.

Little do-gooders, from left: Lindsay Heimlich, Lily and Miley Stalica, and Sundae Duyssen.

The girls man the booth and help customers.

Grown-ups Laura and Paul, with Volunteers for Animals, with the team of fund-raising children and their goods for the shelter animals.

Some fresh, cold lemonade would probably taste delicious about right now, with all the humidity and a temperature hovering around 86 degrees. A couple of cookies would pair nicely with that.

This is exactly the kind of weather a foursome of little girls took advantage of recently to raise money for Volunteers for Animals and the Genesee County Animal Shelter. 

Sundae Duyssen (Le Roy School), Lindsay Heimlich (Le Roy School), and Lily and Miley Stalica (Byron-Bergen School) ponied up a whopping $1,000-plus in money and donated goods for the homeless animals by hosting a roadside bake sale and lemonade stand in Bergen recently.

"The shelter was kind enough to give the girls a tour, and tell them about the ways that their donation will be used to help save animals lives," says Lindsay's mom, Crystal Heimlich.

They really enjoyed the project, she said, and they plan to do the same thing next year for a different worthy cause.

(Photos submitted by Crystal Heimlich.)

A truck struck a natural gas pipeline and it is leaking at 6511 N. Lake Road, Bergen. Bergen firefighters are called to respond.

UPDATE 1:28 p.m.: Churchville is called to provide mutual aid. RG&E has been notified.