All are invited to join the Daytime Alliance in the church Dining Room on Thursday, September 12, at noon for a delicious lunch from Gershon’s followed by a talk by Nancy Papish on “The Erie Canal Celebrates 200 Years.”

President Thomas Jefferson had said it couldn’t be done and denied any federal aid for the ambitious project. But by 1825, a group of determined and visionary New Yorkers had proved him wrong. They had built a 363-mile canal from Buffalo to Albany that linked NY City to the Great Lakes, was an engineering marvel for the time, dramatically cut the time and cost of shipping, and changed US history by opening the country to westward expansion.

Nancy Papish will present an overview of the Erie Canal’s history, how it changed the balance of North vs. South economics and politics of the time, and how it worked — and still works to this day. She will also share a canal map & timeline handout, as well as info on the many sites in our area where the canal can still be seen today.

All are welcome!

The Sept. 12 luncheon at noon is $20, payable by cash or check at the door. Please make your reservations by Sept. 9th to Allison at allisonblackwelllee at gmail.com.