POTSDAM – This fall, the St. Lawrence County Arts Council is conducting a membership drive across the North Country region.

Over 900 membership invitation packages have been mailed out to encourage individuals and families, artists or not, to join the organization.

Members are part of the largest network of artists, cultural organizations, and arts supporters in Northern New York.

OGDENSBURG – Get ready for some great musical theater when Ogdensburg Command Performances kicks off its 2010-11 Season with 50s music-inspired Forever Plaid from the Barter Theatre.

Experience the beautiful four-part harmonies of “The Plaids” when the musical extravaganza takes the stage on Monday, Oct. 4 at 7:45 p.m.

By DR. KIRI BRANDY

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. with 150,000 new cancers discovered annually and 56,000 new deaths from colon cancer yearly.

The number of new cancers and deaths from this disease can be significantly reduced through preventative measures and early detection.

By removing precancerous colon polyps, the actual cancer can be prevented from developing, Early detection greatly improves the cure rate, reducing the mortality from the spread of cancer.

CANTON -- Cornell University Extension Beef Specialist Mike Baker, Extension educators, a feed industry representative, and local livestock farmers are set for the 2010 Northern NY Fall Beef Week, an annual program to help livestock producers improve production and profitability.

At 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, Baker will be talking about the decision to feed or sell cattle and the factors to consider when marketing feeder cattle, at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County Learning Farm, 2043 Co. Rt. 68. The charge is $5.