'President' shares timeless wisdom
Jefferson actor always stays 'on'

"Thomas Jefferson" shared words of timeless wisdom with Potter County residents, including Coudersport's Barb Heimel, during several appearances last week. He drew on lessons from the past to offer advice for Potter County's future.

A famous American from the past shared words of advice for Potter County Saturday during the seventh annual Falling Leaves Festival at the courthouse square.

August Jaccaci, a distinguished scholar and orator, brought the timeless wisdom of Thomas Jefferson to Coudersport.

Famous as a Founding Father and a President, Jefferson was just as proud of his work as an agriculturalist, Jaccaci pointed out. He suggested that Potter County leaders look to the earth for their salvation.

"I see the Coudersport area as very wealthy," Jaccaci said. "Your soil for growing vegetables, your bountiful forests and, most importantly, the great people who make up your community - that's your salvation."

Speaking from a gazebo with a bright aurora of fall foliage as his backdrop, Jaccaci implored listeners to bring together their talents and experiences.

"I think you're making a mistake if you put all of your expectations in bringing in companies from the outside to save you," he said. "Instead, look for creative collaboration from within. This, my friends, is the soul of our society."

Jaccaci travels the nation with his "Awakening America" program, created out of his knowledge and respect for Jefferson's beliefs and his personal work with great thinkers such as Margaret Mead and Buckminster Fuller.

He met with students from four Potter County high schools earlier in the week, fielding tough questions about Jefferson's own life and offering advice on career choices and community service.

If Jefferson were alive today, Jaccaci speculated, he would be deeply disturbed about the influence of wealth and power on national politics.

"Where you as a citizen and a voter can have an impact is at the local level," he said. "That's where your vote really counts - that's where you can solve your problems."

Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored the Falling Leaves Festival, combining a parade and other activities with the homecoming celebration at Coudersport High School.