Neil Garner of Canton accepts the Leon LeBeau SOARing Educator Award from Betty Graham of Massena.

POTSDAM -- At their recent fall luncheon, Stimulating Opportunities After Retirement (SOAR) members and friends recognized Neil Garner of Canton.

The group says he was honored for “the variety of courses he has taught, the excellence of his presentations, the serious ‘fun’ of his activity courses, and especially for his long-time commitment to SOAR.”

Neil's class topics have included bridge, chess, genealogy, stampless letters, radio, and photography. One of his most recent offerings, "”You Too, Can Play the Harmonica,” has become a class favorite, SOAR said.

The award honors an instructor or presenter who, like long-time popular art teacher Leon LeBeau, has made exceptional contributions to the intellectual, emotional, or physical well-being of SOAR members, according to a statement from the organization.