Media topic of talk tonight at BOCES

New ways people obtain information and form opinions is the topic of a talk at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, in the conference room at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES, 1879 W. Genesee St., Auburn. Cindy Sheibe, executive director of Project Look Sharp at Ithaca College, will speak on subjects ranging from how television commercials influence public opinion to why teenagers no longer need alarm clocks and watches.

People attending the talk should use the main entrance at BOCES. Ample parking is available. The program is free, and no registration is required.

For more information, call 252-2571.

Thruway says get ready for winter

The New York State Thruway Authority is reminding motorists to begin preparing themselves and their vehicles for the upcoming winter months.

Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer gave these suggestions: Buckle seat belts, keep windshield washer fluid levels full, keep ice scraper, gloves and flashlights in your car, keep your car tuned and maintain a longer distance between your vehicle and others.

Drivers can call (800) 847-8929 to get the latest statewide and regional road conditions.

People can also sign up for TRANSalert, a free service that alerts people through e-mail or text messages about unscheduled incidents that may affect travel time, at the Authority's Web site at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.

The Thruway's TDD/TTY number for the hearing impaired is (800) 253-6244. Road conditions for highways across the state, including the Thruway, can be found at www.travelinfony.com.

- From staff reports