Options gives out honors at meeting

Options for Independence named Judy Dove, of Fleming; Ed Gauthier, of Auburn; and Gary Perkins, of Scipio Center, to its board of directors during its annual business meeting.

Also, organizers presented Dove and Susan Storms with Volunteer of the Year awards. Assemblyman Gary D. Finch and Jennifer Haines, Auburn Planning and Economic Development director, received the Giannettino Pethybridge-Bower Advocate of the Year awards.

Free Erie Canal calendar available

A free 2008 Erie Canalway calendar can be picked up on a first-come, first-served basis at libraries and visitor centers along the National Heritage Corridor.

Twelve winning photos capturing the beauty, history, people and character of New York's canals and canal communities are included in the 4,000 calendars available for distribution.

The corridor reaches 524 miles from Buffalo to Albany and north along the Champlain Canal to Whitehall. It connects 234 diverse communities.

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is one of 37 such areas charged with interpreting, preserving, and celebrating the nation's heritage to benefit today's residents, visitors, and future generations.

- From staff reports