FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 23, 2007
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Canadian Family to Conclude First Solar-Powered Cruise on New York’s Canals
New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello will join
State and local officials and community members on Friday, August 24, 2007 at 11
a.m. at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center in Waterford, Saratoga County, to
welcome the Gisborne Family of Ontario, Canada at the conclusion of their first
solar-powered cruise in North America. The family kicked-off their historic
cruise in Oswego, New York, on August 12 and visited numerous cities and
villages along New York’s Erie and Oswego canals.
Mr. Monte Gisborne, along with his family, was the first to travel the Rideau
Canal and the Trent-Severn waterway in Ontario, Canada using solar power. They
chose the New York State Canal System for their first solar-powered journey in
America. During the journey, the family has received much media attention and
hopes to introduce more Americans to this exciting, zero-emission form of
boating which melds the environmental advantages of sailing with the convenience
and comfort benefits of power boating.
Members of the media are invited to attend. Interview opportunities will be
available. If you would like more information regarding this press conference,
please call the New York State Canal Corporation at 518-436-3055.
DIRECTIONS: (From Albany, Troy, Schenectady)- Take 787 north to the end
(Cohoes); turn right onto Rte. 32 North, continue to Waterford (Rte. 32/Broad
St.); take Broad Street to Second Street, turn south and follow the brown
Heritage Area Visitor Center signs to the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center
parking lot. Press conference will take place along the canal wall in front of
the Visitor Center. In the event of inclement weather, the press conference will
take place inside the Visitor Center.
The New York State Thruway Authority/Canal Corporation offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major incidents and emergencies that may affect travel on the Thruway or navigation on the Canal System. To sign up for the Canal TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Corporation's website at www.nyscanals.gov/tas/. To sign-up for Thruway TRANSalerts please visit the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.