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(Submitted photo. Jennifer Bertrand, who teaches in Le Roy, with a display about their winning innovative teaching idea.)

Press release:

Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), a leading provider of retirement plans for educators, announced today that Jennifer Bertrand, Robert Blake and Julie Coleman, a group of teachers at Le Roy Central School District in Le Roy, have received a $2,000 grant as part of the company’s 2016 Voya Unsung Heroes awards competition.

This group of teachers is one of only two winning teams statewide! The other winning group is in New York, NY.

Through the Voya Unsung Heroes program, Voya Financial awards grants to K-12 educators nationwide to honor their innovative teaching methods, creative educational projects, and their ability to positively influence the children they teach. This year marks the program’s 20^th anniversary. Since 1996, it has awarded nearly $5 million in grants to more than 2,000 educators across the United States.

Video testimonials sent in by winners from the past two decades underscore how the Voya Unsung Heroes program has made a significant difference in the lives of these amazing teachers and their students. In looking back at the winning projects from the program’s 20-year history, Voya has also been able to track the popular trends and compelling concepts that have shaped our country’s education system. (See infographic: “Voya Highlights 20 Years of Teaching Trends”).

“At Voya, we not only have the privilege of helping teachers plan for their retirement, we also have this unique opportunity to help them dream big in the classroom and inspire their students to do the same,” said Heather Lavallee, president of Tax-Exempt Markets at Voya Financial.

“We are proud to recognize those exceptional teachers who work every day to raise the bar of their profession and find new ways to spark a love of learning. As we help Americans plan, invest and protect their savings to build a secure financial future, we’re honored to help this group of teachers go above and beyond to prepare their students for their own bright future.” 

The Le Roy team’s innovative teaching idea, “Knights of the Makerspace,” is focused on providing the opportunity for students to collaborate while boosting their potential for creativity and innovation through the use of technology. Students involved in the program will have access to the use of a makerspace, a creative, "do-it-yourself" space where students can gather to create, invent, and learn.

The goal for “Knights of the Makerspace” is to create a space within the Le Roy Central School District building for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students wherein they can use robots, circuits, computer coding, 3D printing and more and ultimately tap into their problem solving potential. Students will have access to the makerspace during or after the school day. Additionally, the space will be used to assist in the recruiting efforts of the school’s female population, which is a priority to empower and energize students within the computer sciences field.

Selected from a group of more than 1,350 applicants, the group is among only 100 winners across the country who will receive this award to help fund and bring their program to life. In addition they will now compete with other finalists for one of the top three prizes — an additional $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000 from Voya Financial.

To learn more about this year’s winning projects, as well as those from previous years, visit the Voya Unsung Heroes website (unsungheroes.com). Applications for the 2017 Voya Unsung Heroes awards are currently being accepted through the website until April 30, 2017.    

About Voya Financial^®

Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), helps Americans plan, invest and protect their savings — to get ready to retire better. Serving the financial needs of approximately 13 million individual and institutional customers in the United States, Voya is a Fortune 500 company that had $11 billion in revenue in 2015. For more information, visit voya.com.

(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 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.

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

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.

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.

Press release:

Due to harsh drought conditions experienced by many of New York’s farmers, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that Genesee, Monroe and Orleans counties have been designated natural disaster areas and are eligible for assistance through the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.

State officials will be conducting on-site assessments of the damage to local farms and working with Cornell University experts to devise recovery solutions.

“Farmers are the backbone of New York’s already excellent, diversified and growing agriculture sector,” Hawley said. “As the former owner and operator of our family farm for many years, I can personally attest to the determination of our famers to battle ever-changing weather and devastating floods and drought in Western New York.

"It is important to protect the livelihood of our producers and assist them when unforeseen circumstances threaten their prosperity. I am pleased the federal government is offering our famers this much needed assistance.”

Further information and a list of services available can be found here.

• Anthony Bateman, Genesee ARC (Batavia), custodial

​NYSID is a not-for-profit business with a mission of "Turning business opportunities into JOBS for New Yorkers with disabilities."

(Photo courtesy of RUS NY.)

Press release from RUS NY:

The race that so many have been working all summer for is finally here. Tonight (Sept. 7) at Batavia Downs, horses and riders will be competing to capture the title of champion of the New York Racing Under Saddle Fair Series. 

Racing under saddle (RUS), also known as Monte racing in Europe, is where trotters are raced with riders on their back rather than with a sulky behind them like you normally see at Batavia Downs. 

The RUS event is a non-wagering event that will be raced after race eight at about 8:50 p.m. This is the first time in the 70 history of Batavia Downs that racing under saddle will be conducted there. 

This marks the third year of the series, which included 12 races at nine fairs across the state and a race at Saratoga Raceway. Horses earned points during the series to determine final entries.

In order to be eligible for the final, horses needed to compete and finish in any two races. Fifteen horses participated in the series with nine qualifying to race in the final. This year’s field will consist of five horses:

Jeanie Marie: This is the first year Jeanie Marie has been used under saddle. The mare leads the group with 176 points. She has raced in five races, winning three. She was a close second to Funny Photo in Palmyra. Jeanie Marie’s worst finish was Tuesday in Saratoga where she placed eighth with a new rider. Jeanie Marie will be starting in post position four. She has mostly been ridden by Heather Reese and the two of them are a strong team.

Funny Photo: Funny Photo Is second in points with 145, but could be considered a favorite because he and rider Sophie Engerran have shown good speed on the big and small tracks. Funny Photo won a race at Vernon Downs in a time of 1:59.1. The duo has captured three wins on fair tracks, only losing one when they were placed down for not losing ground when making a break. Engerran started racing under saddle in France in 2004. She raced there for 10 years.

Funny Photo and Engerran were introduced last year when the horse was being trained by Andy Gardner at Vernon Downs. Engerran broke the dark chestnut to ride and had success on the track and decided to purchase him last November. According to Engerran, it was not planned to race at the fairs this year because Funny Photo is more comfortable on big tracks, but she said they gave it a try and the horse seems to enjoy it.

Admirable Hanover: Is not far behind in points (138), but shows to be more of a threat on the fair tracks. Batavia may pose as a challenge for the 9-year-old gelding and his rider Vanessa Karlewicz. The duo, who will be starting on the rail, has shown improvement as the season has moved forward so don’t totally count them out. They captured victories in both Morris and Bath and finished mid-pack on the bigger Saratoga track. This marks Karlewicz’s second season with Admirable Hanover and her first year participating in RUS on a regular basis. The rider said she mostly used Admirable Hanover in the amateur driving series last year.

“He's a pretty handy horse on the fair tracks and I've been happy to have three wins with him this year,” she said.

My Friend Charlie: Will be defending his title. This 5-year-old gelding and his rider, Andrea Pratt, were named the winners of last year’s fair final in Monticello. This duo has raced on three fair tracks this year, earning two seconds and a fourth. In July, Pratt rode My Friend Charlie to a second-place finish at Vernon Downs in a time of 2:02.1. The pair has a total of 59 points and placed sixth in the final race of the series in Saratoga. My Friend Charlie seems to like the bigger tracks better so having the final at a larger track may give this team an added edge. They will be starting in post position two.

Kash Now: Is the longest shot on the board, so to speak, as there is no betting on RUS. This is the only horse that no longer races in harness. She was ridden by Michelle Miller in the first fair series where the two of them learned to race under saddle together. The duo didn’t make a comeback until mid-season in Morris as Miller was using another horse. The 12-year-old mare had not raced in almost two years, but was used to ride and keep Miller in shape. Kash Now has always struggled to finish strong, but has been getting stronger each outing. This duo will be starting in post position three and really have their work cut out for them. Kash Now and Miller have earned 50 points in four races.

All participants will earn $800 for earning their way into the championship race. Batavia Downs is contributing $1,000 toward the final purse and the rest of the money comes from RUS NY sponsors and fundraising. The New York Sire Stakes is the series’ flagship sponsor and generously donates $5,000 as initial purse money. 

The winner will also receive a championship saddle pad donated by Everett Hopper of Advantage Edge Equine-Pro and a halter and lead line gifted by Divine Equine Custom Equipment.

A High Point Rider Award will once again be presented at the final to the rider who has earned the most points, regardless of horse(s) ridden throughout the series. To be eligible for the award riders must participate in at least three races.

Post time for the complete card of harness racing is 6:15 p.m.