Inside the FLX

Historically, there’s been a lot of focus on the decline of traditional media. Newspapers, radio, and television have had to evolved-or-shrink, with many across the U.S. shrinking or disappearing entirely. The health of the news business is something of an interesting debate, though. While digital is attributed to doing the most damage to traditional outlets like newspapers, shifting consumer habits have made it difficult for even the most nimble of digital orgs to survive. To discuss the state of media in the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and the U.S.-at-large — I sat down with Steve Keeler, longtime professor and Telecommunications Department Head at Cayuga Community College. Keeler recently retired, at least partially, after 36 years full-time with the College. We discussed the evolution of the news business, who’s doing the most-innovative work, and what an evolving media landscape means for consumers.

In a matter of hours — longtime local music educator Dan Hacker will march with the Band Directors Marching Band in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. That appearance, nearly six years in the making, will mark a major milestone in his music journey. Hacker says the journey wouldn’t be complete or the same, if not for the impact his students had on him throughout his career. While Hacker doesn’t teach students day-to-day anymore — he was widely known, respected, and cherished in the Waterloo Central School District for his impact on students and the school’s arts programming. He joined us to talk about marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and how he’s preparing for it.

WellNow Urgent Care has announced that it will stop accepting Excellus BlueCross BlueShield insurance starting January 1, 2024. This decision is due to ongoing dispute regarding what WellNow deems as ‘unfair rates’ offered by Excellus. The urgent care provider has indicated that this change will take effect unless Excellus agrees to pay providers a ‘fair rate’. The dispute is centered around reimbursement rates, with WellNow requiring Excellus to elevate its rates for their services. Without an agreement, WellNow’s facilities would be classified as “Out of Network” for Excellus insurance holders — creating a healthcare access crisis across the Finger Lakes and Central New York. To discuss it all we are joined today by Dr. Rob Biernbaum, Chief Medical Officer for WellNow Urgent Care.

Newark Police Chief Richard Martin says it's been a surreal experience 'coming home' to serve as the community's law enforcement leader. It's been 22 years since Martin worked for the police department in the place he calls home, but the time was right.

"It's been surreal," Martin said recently appearing on Inside the FLX. "[I] felt it was time for change." The longtime law enforcement veteran spent more than a decade with the Rochester Police Department, as well as several years in academic, research, and administrative roles. 

On this edition of Inside the FLX, Martin talks about the moments that led to his decision, as well as his goals for the department. Check out the full-episode below, or on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or the iHeartRadio app.

This week on Inside the FLX we take a look at a damning environmental report released by Audubon. It shows just how much enviro-tourism hotspots like the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge could be impacted if climate change is not stopped. Montezuma Audubon Director Chris Lajewski discusses the implications of the report and what's next.

What's up with the fight against HABs in the Finger Lakes? Last month, an announcement about a Nine Element Plan in the Seneca-Keuka Watershed to address phosphorus runoff made headlines. But it isn't the kind of flashy environmental news that gets a lot of attention. Especially in the Finger Lakes, where bitcoin mining, landfilling, and other issues frequently get the lead. 

Today on episode #449 of Inside the FLX we catch up with Peter Mantius, an environmental politics reporter who founded The Water Front. His coverage, which is published on FingerLakes1.com through an exclusive partnership, goes in-depth on important issues like HABs, and this '9E' plan.

He also discusses the latest news surrounding Greenidge Generation, a power plant turned bitcoin mining facility along Seneca Lake.

On this episode of Inside the FLX it's all about political committees and the work they do. John Hurley from the Ontario County Democratic Committee joined Josh Durso to talk about the work committee members do, and how important it is for voters to be engaged. It's challenging -- connecting voters, candidates, and the issues they care about. But it's work that folks like Hurley take very seriously. 

Newark Mayor Jonathan Taylor talks about recent tragedy in village, future of DRI projects, and additional developments in downtown Newark. This is episode #447 of Inside the FLX.

Host Ted Baker welcomes Chris Lajewski of the Montezuma Audubon Center into the FL1 studio for his monthly appearance. Fall is here but is still a beautiful time for the Audubon Center in Savannah. Chris informs us of hurricane season and how that impacts flight paths of birds.  Also, with school being back in session, Chris informs us about school field trips and what they have to offer at the Audubon Center. Chris then talks about how to practice safe birding techniques during hunting season.

Many people know Ray Ciancaglini from his Second Impact Foundation, devoted to raising awareness of and preventing head injuries in young athletes. 

Ray knows the issue firsthand, after suffering permanent damage from consecutive blows to the head as a professional boxer. He tours the country, talking to student-athletes about the importance of treating head injuries. He also gives talks on good character.

This summer, Ray held a Take Your Role Model to the Game night at a Geneva Red Wings game at McDonough Park. There, he met brand new Geneva Fire Chief Del Parotta, and Ray found out the department needs up-to-date firefighting gear. Ray will host a benefit dinner to help the department purchase that gear on October 6 at Belhurst Castle, with cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. There will also be a raffle of sports memorabilia and other donated items. 

Tickets are $50. Get them from Chief Parotta, Dana's Time Out, Sons of Italy, Baroody's Cigar Store, and Pedulla's Liquor Store.

In this episode, we talk with Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason and get our weekly City Council recap.

The council finalized the distribution of $1.25 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for city non-profit organizations:

• ABC Cayuga $50,000
• Booker T. Washington Community Center $84,100
• Calvary Food Pantry $50,000
• Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes $20,000
• Cayuga Home for Children $36,000
• Cayuga Counseling Services $70, 279
• Cayuga County Community Health Network $60,000
• Cayuga County Habitat for Humanity $45,000
• Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency $50,000
• Chapel House $50,000
• E. John Gavras Center $76,400
• East Hill Family Medical $87,000
• Edward T. Boyle Center $65,000
• Seymour Library $44,500
• SS Peter and John Soup Kitchen $21,000
• Merry-Go-Round Playhouse $14,050
• Salvation Army $50,000
• Unity House $13,598
• YMCA/WEIU $26,000

Receiving ARPA direct benefit recovery funds were:

• ABC Cayuga $29,000
• Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes $20,000
• Cayuga Counseling Services $40,000
• Cayuga County Habitat for Humanity $25,000
• Chapel House $5,000
• E. John Gavras Center $12,000
• Mozaic $40,000
• Nick's Ride 4 Friends $21,000
• Edward T. Boyle Center $15,000

The council approved the submission of a Restore NY grant application for 22 E. Genesee St.

The council approved the sale of a property at 197 State St. The property was acquired in 2019 through a tax foreclosure. Housing Vision Consultants will purchase the property and will invest approximately $5.6 million to create 16 one-bedroom apartments and common living space.

Appointed to the Public Arts Commission were Arthur Hutchinson, Janie MicGlire, Sara Douglas, Nicki Schwarz, and Sam Giannettino. Hutchinson's Harriet Tubman mural will be unveiled in downtown Auburn Saturday.

We also discussed the latest concerning the high level of HABs found in the city's drinking water from Owasco Lake.  The city is using a power-activated charcoal system to treat the water.

In this episode, we talk with Sarah Whiffen, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs.

FLCC has introduced a pair of mobile apps to help students get the help and services they need, and to make them aware of services they might not know about.

Finger Lakes Community College implemented new mobile-friendly applications to enhance student outreach and support during the pandemic: a chatbot service and online medical and mental health services. The goal is to identify students before their struggles turn into crises and prevent them from missing classes or leaving entirely. Initial results show students are taking advantage of these tools.

TimelyCare

FLCC implemented TimelyCare in fall 2021, providing free unlimited telehealth and emergency mental health support. All matriculated (meaning enrolled in a degree or certificate program) full and part-time students are covered. Students covered this fall, who continue in the spring semester, will have coverage through the summer of 2023.

• Telehealth: The wait for service is 10 minutes or less, designed to keep students out of urgent care, and doctor’s offices.
• Mental health: Unlimited Talk Now service for emotional crises with a licensed social worker and up to 14 scheduled mental health counseling visits per year.
• Results: During the 2021-22 academic year, 280 students posted 1,000 visits. Fifty-seven percent were for mental health care.  So far in 2022-23: 363 students have registered to use the service.

EdSights chatbot

The college launched the EdSights chatbot service in January 2022 that uses artificial intelligence to identify struggling students. Students need to opt-in to get messages from the chatbot; 98 percent have done so.

How it works:

• Students can text the chatbot, programmed to respond to 350 questions provided by staff (Example: When does the library close?)
• In addition, the chatbot sends texts to all students to assess their needs, first by asking how they are doing and asking students to respond to a multiple choice answer. Based on their response, the chatbot asks further questions to narrow down the specific problem. (Example: If a student reports things aren’t going well, the chatbot asks if the problem is academic, financial, emotional, etc.)

Results:

Surveys sent out by the chatbot have an average 35 percent response rate, meaning just over 1 in 3 students are telling FLCC how they’re doing in a text format..

On today's edition of Inside the FLX, host Ted Baker is joined by three staff members at the Seneca County Cooperative Extension in the new FingerLakes1.com studio! Ted is joined by Mo Tidball, Candace Riegel, and the CCE's newest intern, Diana Munoz. Ted and the CCE talk about many topics including the Farm to School Program and the highlighted foods of apples and corn.  Pumpkin Days is fast approaching, and you will be able to find the CCE at Seneca County farmer's markets in October handing out pumpkins.  CCE classes continue, including fermented food like kombucha.

In this episode, we talk with Newark Mayor Jonathan Taylor. He will be our guest on the third Wednesday of each month with the latest news from the village.

• How the renaissance of Newark has come about over the last several years.
• The latest on DRI projects
• The importance of infrastructure work such as culvert work and wastewater treatment plant upgrades for economic development.
• The possibility of building a fitness park and improvements along the Erie Canal waterfront.
• The popular village pumpkin carving contest.
• The work of the Community Collaboration and Public Safety Committee.
• A new rescue truck for the Fire Police.

In this episode, we talk with Spike Herzig and Deb Brewer from the Foundation for the Geneva Public Library, the library's fundraising arm.

The foundation has raised nearly $200,000 over the years for library materials and programs. The fall sale is in the Community Room at the library.

Pricing:

Friday 9/30 to Monday 10/3:

​Hard Cover/Trade Books
​Mass Paperbacks
Kids & Teen Books
All Audiovisual
​Puzzles

$2.00
$1.00 for 5
0.25¢
0.50¢
0.50¢

Tuesday 10/4 to Wednesday 10/5: DISCOUNT DAYS ​

Hard Cover/Trade Books
​Mass Paperbacks
Kids & Teen Books
All Audiovisual
​Puzzles

$1.00
0.25¢ for 2
0.25¢ for 2
0.25¢
0.25¢

Thursday 10/6: BAG SALE

Fill-a-Bag

$5.00

Friday 10/7: BAG SALE

Fill-a-Bag

$2.00

Sale Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 2:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 2:00pm

The last time we talked with Melody Johnson, it was about her "Melody's" co-working space in downtown Auburn and her work mentoring young women entrepreneurs.

This time, we discuss "My Hands Warm Your Heart." Melody is seeking donations of new hats, gloves, and scarves for distribution to women in need by the Auburn Rescue Mission and this year, for the first time,  by the People's Church in Syracuse. But she doesn't stop there. Melody's other business is Divine Coverings, a design business. 

She takes the outerwear she receives and adds a little dazzle to make them one-of-a-kind items.

You can donate items in the Auburn area to the Schweinfurth Art Center, 205 Genesee St., Auburn 13021 by October 15.

In this episode, I visited with Hobart and William Smith Colleges President Mark Gearan at his office in Coxe Hall.

We discussed his transition from heading the Peace Corps to higher education in the '90s, his first stint at HWS, his move to Harvard in 2017 to become President in Residence, and his work at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. 

We talked about his old job becoming available again when President Joyce Jacobsen decided to concentrate on teaching and writing a book, how HWS has changed in his five years away and the challenges facing higher education, particularly those facing liberal arts schools. 

We also discussed the connections HWS has built with the Geneva community and the Geneva school system.

We talked about our increasingly divisive politics. Gearan said it's a time for what he called "radical empathy." 

It was a wide-ranging conversation. I hope you enjoy it. I thank President Gearan for his support and friendship over the years.

In this episode, we talk with Mark Benjamin from Seneca Meadows, and Mitchell Rigano, educator at the Education Center and Wetlands Complex. Upcoming events include:

• FALL NATURE JOURNALING Sat 9/24 from 11-12:30 at the Wetlands Preserve. Welcome Fall with personal time with journals in our preserve. Bring back your journal from our Spring Nature Journaling event or join us for your first time! Acorn Designs journals will be provided to record your observations and reflections.
• RADIO TRACKING BIRD MIGRATION WITH THE MOTUS WILDLIFE TRACKING SYSTEM Sat 9/24 at the Education Center.  Did you know a Blackpoll Warbler is so efficient that it gets the equivalent of 720,000 miles to the gallon? Learn how scientists track migration patterns for birds and how this data is useful for studying birds.
• TALES FROM THE OAK Sat 9/24 from 2-3:30 at the Education Center. Walk as a group to our stately oak tree on Oak Pass. Stories will be read aloud as we sit in the vicinity of this giant elder.
• FALL TROMP THROUGH THE LEAVES Sat 10/8 from 11-1 at the Wetlands Preserve. Tromp? Yes, tromp. Shuffle your feet through leaves as they rustle about. Enjoy a stroll in the preserve as a group.
• OPEN HOUSE Sat 10/15 from 11-1 at the Education Center. Join us for free ice cream (while supplies last) and visit with a live falcon! Also during the open house, there will be kids' activities and nature exhibits with Audubon educator Mitch Rigano. Free. No registration is required.

In this episode, it's our weekly visit with Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason and City Council recap.

• Two keys to the city were presented by Mayor Quill connected with the Kate and Harry Freeman International Underground Railroad Month Proclamation.  The first was to Pastor Ted Freeman, Jr.  Second was to National park Service Ranger Kim Szewczyk. Ranger Szewczyk is retiring at the end of the year.
• 2 public hearings were held.  The first was for the Restore NY Communities Initiatives Grant Application for 22 E. Genesee Street. The second was for the city of Auburn Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2022 Program Year Amendment. Because no contractors are available to start work on the Casey Park skate park this year, and CDBG funds must be spent in the year they are allocated, that portion of this year's grant will be used for sidewalk repair.
• Superintendent of Public Works Mike Talbot and representatives from CNY Sports made a presentation on the 2022 Department of Parks and Recreation Summer Event and Recreational Programs.
  
  

In this episode, we visit with Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn and get a recap of the latest County Legislature meeting.

Finance:
- Broadband Project construction
- Occupancy Tax compliance software purchase
- Delinquent Parcel auction

Government Operations:
- Yates County participating in NYS security services

Human Services:
- Veterans' drivers needed
- Workforce Development & FLCC classes offered at Yates County
- Public Health COVID clinics

Public Safety:
- Res. 349 9/18-24 Sheriff's week
- Updates on Communications Project

Public Works:
- Updates on Highway/Emergency Management/Public Health building
- EV Charging station

In this episode, we talk with Geneva Town Supervisor Mark Venuti and get a recap of this week's Town Board meeting.

• The Supervisor has submitted his proposed budget to the Town Board. A special meeting must be held to schedule a public hearing at the board's October 11 meeting.
• There will be a 3% increase in town water rates, primarily due to the increased cost of chlorine and other chemicals used to treat the water. 
• A resident wrote a letter to the board questioning why certain town fees are imposed.
• There will be a trail work day on September 25 at the Kashong Conservation Area. Volunteers are welcome. The town is considering improvements at Kashong including picnic tables and an osprey nest. The town may also sell Kashong t-shirts as a fundraiser. 
• The town has been chosen to work with the Cornell Design Connect program next spring. Students provide municipalities with low-cost advice in their areas of expertise and gain real-world experience.
• The county is holding a mattress recycling day in Geneva and Canandaigua on September 24.
• The county has installed signage at the town recycling center to make it clearer what materials should be put in which bins.
• The fix-it clinic and free stuff day were rained out and rescheduled for this Sunday.
• NYSEG has estimated it will cost about $65,000 to install two electric vehicle charging stations at the Town Hall. NYSEG will cover $60,000 of that cost.

In this episode, we talk with Rick Plympton and Lynn Fried from the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board, also known as Finger Lakes Works.

We discussed the Finger Lakes Advanced Manufacturers' Enterprise or FAME program. The program helps manufacturers find workers with the proper training for today's manufacturing jobs. From the FAME website:

We work with dedicated professionals who specialize in workforce development to understand what it takes to attract and grow the workforce talent in advanced manufacturing.

The end result in this investment is a bright, motivated, informed, skilled mind that contributes to the advancement of the sector.

FAME builds minds that make it.

Our regional stakeholders include:

• Advanced Manufacturing Companies
• Regional Educators
• Economic Development Leaders
• Workforce Planners and Leaders
• Job Seekers
• Students

We discussed how labor markets have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic and the changing attitudes toward work among younger people, as well as how manufacturing has evolved, and how employers' needs have changed. 

In this episode, it's our weekly City Council recap with Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason.

• Tonight we have our final Music on the Mall downtown on State Street, 7-10 p.m. with the band Qwister
• Tomorrow, Saturday, September 10 is Tomatofest in downtown Auburn.

September 8, 2022, Auburn City Council meeting recap:

• Tabled Ordinance #2 of 2022 Amending Chapter 305 of the City of Auburn Code Entitled "Zoning"

All the following resolutions passed unanimously:

•  Council Resolution #95 of 2022 Supporting the Redevelopment of the Olympia Terrace Apartment Complex
•  Agreement Resolution #96 of 2022 Authorizing the  Execution of a Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) Agreement By and Among the  City of Auburn, Olympia Terrace Housing Development Fund Company, Inc., and Olympia Terrace Limited Partnership and Authorizing the Conveyance of the Property (as Defined Herein) by the Auburn Housing Authority
•  Council Resolution #97 of 2022 Requesting a Public Hearing to Support Restore Grants 
•  Council Resolution #98 of 2022 Requesting a Public Hearing on the Program Year 2022 CDBG Annual Action Plan Amendment
•  Agreement Resolution #99 of 2022, Authorizing A  First Amendment To the Agreement With the Auburn Enlarged City School District For Student Resource Officers and Special Patrol Officers 

In this episode, it's our monthly visit with Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck.

• An update on the canned food challenge between the Sheriff's Department and Auburn police and Auburn Community Hospital. The food will be donated at this weekend's Tomatofest in au.
• On October 13 the Sheriff will be joining numerous Sheriffs from across the state in a friendly competition at Watkins Glen Raceway to raise money for our Sheriff’s Summer Camp for kids on Keuka Lake.  
• School is in session. With this comes concerns related to school bus safety, speeding in school zones, and pedestrian safety.
• We continue to see a significant increase in driving while intoxicated or impaired offenses – alcohol/drugs as well as substance abuse in our community. 
• Fentanyl continues to be a leading cause of overdose death and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl are becoming readily available across the country and are making their way into our community. One pill can be fatal.
• On Saturday, September 3 Acting Cayuga County  District Attorney Brittany Grome – Antonacci and the Sheriff held a public safety community outreach event in Fair Haven. We met with community members to discuss public safety issues. Nothing major of concern – primarily traffic and parking concerns.
• The population within our jail has increased significantly over the past two months. Nearly 160 inmates in our jail currently.

In this episode, we talk with Win Harper from the Middlesex Heritage Group.

The group will host Seneca Heritage Day Saturday, September 3 from 2-4 p.m. at the historic Overacker Schoolhouse at the corner of Route 364 and North Vine Valley Road in the town of Middlesex.

Peter Jemison, formerly with the Ganondagan Historic Site will give a talk titled "Who owns the past? We are still here." 

Bill Crouse and the Allegany River Dancers will perform in authentic Seneca regalia, and there's free ice cream. 

Win also recounted the famous Seneca legend of Bare Hill. 

Funding for the event is provided by the Mitchell Community Family Leadership Fund, the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association, and the town of Middlessex.

In this episode, we talk with Gilda Brower, who’s been involved with the CNY Tomatofest in Auburn for 25 of its 37 years.

This year's event is set for Saturday, September 10 in Auburn. Tomatofest raises money and collects food donations for ten food pantries in Cayuga County.

The event includes family and children's activities, music and dance, craft vendors, and displays by local non-profit groups. Onondaga Coach is sponsoring a raffle. The first prize is a "steamboats and stallions" six-day tour of Kentucky. Admission to Tomatofest is free.

Saturday night, Auburn Public Theater is hosting "CNY Rising Stars," featuring three groups of young musicians from the area, Glass Image, Continuum, and Sydney Irving and the Mojo. 

We discussed the challenges of feeding the hungry in Cayuga County, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this year's canned food challenge between the Cayuga County Sheriff's Department and Auburn Community Hospital.

Host Ted Baker is joined in studio by Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Geneva, Chris Lavin. With back to school around the corner, Chris and Ted discuss the before and after school programs that the Boys and Girls Club offers. Also, they discuss how the Boys and Girls Club feeds hundreds of people daily.   They also discuss a new program that the Boys and Girls Club is offering, The First Thousand Days. Chris describes the program and how the program will affect the Club.  

For more information, please visit https://bgcgeneva.org.

In this episode, we talk with Christine Pullen and Kate Ott with the Ontario County Department of Public Health about getting kids vaccinated for school.

We discussed what first-time parents of school-age kids should know, which vaccines are needed when, and what to do if you don't have a family doctor.

We also talked about whether they have seen any vaccine reluctance among parents in the wake of the national debate about the COVID-19 vaccine and got an update on what New Yorkers should know about Monkeypox and Polio.

In this episode, it's our weekly Auburn City Council recap with City Clerk Chuck Mason.

· The Auburn Fire Department applied for the FY2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant for the purchase of new emergency portable radios. The grant has been awarded $219,122.72 in Federal funding for the project. This amount, along with the City’s 10% match of $21,912.25, brings the project total to  $241,035.00. This was the full amount the Fire Department requested.

· Update on the 2022 Annual Road Improvement Program from City Engineer Bill Lupien.

· Council unanimously approved Grant Resolution #93  of 2022 Authorizing the Application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for the 2022 Bridge Investment Program Grant

· No City Council meeting on Thursday, September 1, 2022

Chris Lajewski joins Ted Baker in the studio for his monthly appearance on Inside the FLX. Chris will discuss the latest activity at Montezuma Audubon Center in Savannah. Now that we are in the final 30 days of summer, Chris details how the Audubon Center prepares for the season change.  Ted asks Chris about some of the latest unique findings Chris has run into on the property.

In this episode, we talk with the Foundation's Spike Herzig about the changes coming to this year's sale.

Timeframe:  We have cut the total days of the sale from eleven to eight days beginning Friday, September 30 and finishing on Friday, October 7. We are once again opening for four hours on Sunday, October 2 from 10:00 am to 2:00  pm. And in an effort to entice attendance we will be giving away a free item, no purchase necessary on that Sunday.

Rate Structure:  Here are the prices day by day:

Friday, Sep 30 Full prices

Saturday, Oct 1 Full prices

Sunday, Oct 2 Full prices plus a free book

Monday, Oct 3 Full prices

Tuesday, Oct 4 Discount pricing

Wednesday, Oct 5 Discount pricing

Thursday, Oct 6 Bag day @ $5 per bag

Friday, Oct 7 Bag day @ $2 per bag

Sale Staffing:  The sale will begin each day (except Sunday) at 9:00 am and close at 7:00  pm.  In order to relieve the library staff from having to collect funds during the bag sale, we will staff both bag sale days and collect the funds in the community room. 

In this episode, we visit with Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason and get a recap of Thursday's City Council meeting.

• A public hearing was held on the local law needed for Auburn businesses to be eligible for C-PACE funding to make energy efficiency improvements.
• There was a first reading of proposed changes to the city's zoning ordinances covering retail cannabis sales locations.
• Courtney Kasper from the Equal Rights Heritage Park discussed the celebration of the bicentennial of Harriet Tubman's birth and the Visit Auburn program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.
• Superintendent Ahna Wilson gave a presentation on renovations to the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and the AME Zion Church.
• Dr. Walt Aikman presented a draft urban forestry plan to protect the city's trees.
• The ribbon cutting for the new State St. Plaza was held Friday afternoon.
• Saturday is Founders Day and Great Race day in Auburn 

In this episode, we visit with Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck and discuss the latest news from the department and larger issues of law enforcement.

• Undersheriff Steve Smith is retiring at the end of the year. He'll be replaced by current Seneca Falls Police Chief Stu Peenstra.
• 30 years ago this week, Sgt. Vincent Spinelli was killed in the line of duty. 
• The State Fair reversed its decision and will allow off-duty law enforcement and anyone with a valid pistol permit to carry a weapon at the fair.
• Call volume within the road patrol division remains high this summer, up 20% in July over last year.
• The department has handled 139 overdoses this year. The Sheriff warns of the increasing presence of fentanyl mixed in with other drugs.
• There is now a 9-8-8 hotline for people to call if they are experiencing mental health problems.
• In-person inmate visitation will resume at the county jail Monday, August 15 for the first time since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Sheriff and Auburn Police Chief James Slayton have challenged Auburn Community Hospital to a canned good drive leading up to Auburn's Tomatofest on September 10. We'll have a Tomatofest preview with Gilda Brower later this month on Inside the FLX.

In this episode, we visit with Yates County Administrator Nonie Flynn for a county legislature recap and the latest county news.

• What does it mean to become a "constitutional county?"
• The county will work with Keuka Housing on a Community Development Block Grant to repair or replace aging sewer systems in 15 homes.
• The legislature voted to increase the property tax exemption granted to military veterans.
• The contract was awarded for Phase 1A of the ReConnect broadband rollout project, the construction of the internet backbone.
• The county office building has new year-round hours, 8-4:30.
• The legislature joined other small counties in calling for changes to election laws that put a burden on smaller counties, such as the requirement to have a full staff available for early voting locations.
• Greenidge Generation CEO Dale Irwin addressed the legislature this week.
• An anonymous audit by the Coalition for Open Government found the county is in compliance with the state's Freedom of Information Law.

In this episode, we talk with Geneva Supervisor Mark Venuti and recap this week's town board meeting.

• The town will work with Blueprint Geneva and Growing Cycle, LLC to expand its curbside composting program. 
• The town amended its site plan code concerning the placement of trees in residential subdivisions.
• The cost of upgrades to the city's Marsh Creek pump station has gone up. The town has American Rescue Plan Act funds to help pay its one-half share of the cost. The town will also work with the city of Geneva and the town of Waterloo on an expansion of the town's wastewater treatment plant made necessary by increased development. 
• The town will work with HeatSmart Monroe-FLX to provide energy audits and other ways for residents to save on their energy costs. In so doing, the town will get points toward its Clean Energy Community status with NYSERDA.
• The town has submitted a Community Development Block Grant application on behalf of Real Eats, which has exceeded its employment goals to be eligible to receive the grant.
• The town board passed a resolution in memory of George Smith, who recently passed away. Smith served the town in several capacities over the years.
• The town will submit a grant application for a two-bay electric vehicle charging station at the town hall as soon as NYSEG makes a site visit. The town plans to purchase an electric vehicle for the code enforcement officer.
• Senior cleanout day will be Thursday, September 8. Fix-it day and free stuff day will take place on Sunday, September 11.

In this episode, we talk with Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason, Kim Bauso from the city Parks and Recreation Department, and Jesse Kline from the downtown Auburn BID about the Founder's Day celebration on August 11-13. 

The main celebration is Saturday, August 13, but there are events at several locations in the city throughout the week.

In this episode, it’s our weekly visit with Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason and a recap of Thursday's City Council. This week:

• The opening of the State St. Event Plaza and its Wednesday night music series.
• An update on road and other construction projects.
• With five Thursdays in September, the council will not meet on September 1.
• The council set a public hearing for next Thursday on a local law to opt-in to the state's C-PACE funding program for businesses to make energy efficiency improvements. Auburn Community Hospital hopes to access some of the funds for its HVAC project.
• The council voted to accept a grant for improvements at Hoopes Park.
• The council also accepted a $40,000 grant from the Tony Hawk's foundation, known as the Skatepark Project, for work on the skatepark at Casey Park.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Lee Humphreys, chair of the Department of Communications at Cornell University.

We talked about the Internet of Things. Cornell recently received a grant to create a statewide network of interconnected devices. She's been working with the town of Geneva on installing sensors in the town's water plant. Imagine roads that can tell us when they're slippery, a smart toilet seat that warns us we might be having health problems, and more.

We talked about how the IoT began with smart household devices like refrigerators and smart thermometers, where the technology might lead us and how to keep it safe from hackers.

In this episode, it's our weekly Auburn City Council recap with Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason.

• Key to the City delivered to Maxwell’s Grocery Store by Mayor Quill and City Council members.
• Local Law #2 of 2022: Creating Economic Development Tools Chapter of the Municipal Code and making C-PACE Funding available  - 1ST READING.
• This was followed by a presentation from the Energy Improvement Corporation (EIC), Open C-PACE Financing to City Businesses by Sarah Smiley, Director of Municipal Membership for EIC.
• Auburn Police Department is hosting National Night Out Block Party, Tuesday, August 2, 2022, from 6 – 9 pm at the Equal Rights  Heritage Center and Lincoln Street downtown.
• State Street Live concert series starts August 3,  2022, with the band the Nuclear Ukelele Trio from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the new State Street Plaza.

Host Ted Baker welcomes Bill Roege of the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association on the newest live edition of Inside the FLX. Ted and Bill discuss the importance of protecting Seneca Lake and what you can do to help.  

Bill informs us about harmful algae bloom and what we can do to protect Seneca Lake from it. Also, how you can contain runoff and help the ecosystem of the Lake. For additional information, please go to https://senecalake.org/

In this episode, we talk with District 6 Legislature Aileen McNabb-Coleman.

The legislature decided against a gas tax cap but will cap the tax on home heating fuel.

It appears the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce and Community Economic Development Agency will go their separate ways, dissolving the partnership that was known as Cayuga Strategic Solutions.

We talked about Emerson Park and the Sterling Nature Center. Some money has been made available for infrastructure improvements at Sterling.

In this episode, it's our weekly visit with Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason. Among City Council actions taken Thursday night:

· Summer events update

· NEW State Street Live Music Series announced (see attached)

All resolutions passed unanimously:

· Agreement Resolution #80 of 2022, Authorizing an Agreement with Wegman's Food Markets, Inc. for Parking

· Agreement Resolution #81 of 2022, Authorizing a  Temporary Easement Agreement and an Indemnity and Hold Harmless  Agreement with Community Computer Services Inc.

· Agreement Resolution #82 of 2022, Authorizing a  Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the City of Auburn and the  Auburn Assistant Fire Chief's Association, Local 4021

· Grant Resolution #83 of 2022 Authorizing a Green  Innovative Grant Program Application to New York State Environmental  Facilities Corporation

·Agreement Resolution #84 of 2022 Authorizing Change Order #1 to PEAK  Construction Group, LLC for the Public Safety Building Project