Nominate a recipient for 10th annual 'Key to the Locks' award

The Erie Canal Discovery Center and Niagara History Center are seeking nominees for the 10th annual "Key to the Locks" award. This yearly honor recognizes a Niagara County citizen who exemplifies the community spirit or promotes the heritage or preservation of the historic Erie Canal. The 2015 "Key to the Locks" will be presented at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Erie Canal Discovery Center, 24 Church St., Lockport.

To recommend a recipient, stop by the Niagara History Center, 215 Niagara St., Lockport, for a nomination form or visit the History Center's website at http://niagarahistory.org/contest-information/. Mail or bring completed nominations to the History Center.

The deadline for 2015 nominations is March 1. All nominations come from the public and will be reviewed by a selection committee.

The winner of the 2014 "Key to the Locks" was Rosemary Bernard, a librarian at the Royalton Hartland Community Library. Bernard was selected for her continuing efforts to educate the community about the history of the Erie Canal.

Other previous winners have included: Carol Schmelz, for her work in establishing the Canalway Trail through Pendleton; artist Joe Whalen, for a lifetime of showcasing the Canal through his paintings; Jeffery Degnan, for his work in promoting the Erie Canalway Corridor; and Jane Whitmore, for beautification work along the historic Lockport locks.

For further information, contact Ray Wigle at 716-434-7433.