To the Editor:

As I write this column, the 10th anniversary of the tragedies of Sept. 11, 2011 is just a few days away.

Though ten years have passed, when I reflect upon that day, the images and emotion are still painfully sharp. In the same way the events of Pearl Harbor were collectively etched on the memory of that generation, the events of 9/11 are seared into ours.

St. Lawrence County Legislator Jonathan Putney is planning to host two “town hall meetings” in his district focusing on the county’s $14 million budget deficit.

The District 15 legislator will appear Tuesday, Sept. 13 in Waddington’s Hepburn Library and Wednesday, Sept. 14 in the Louisville Fire Station. Both meetings begin at 6 p.m.

“The purpose is to provide information to the residents of District 15 regarding the difficult financial position that county is in and the impact financial constraints can have on the level of services provided in the future,” he said.

POTSDAM -- The North Country Economic Development Council will meet Monday, Sept. 12, at 12:30 p.m. in Barrington Student Union at SUNY Potsdam.

Earlier, the meeting was expected to begin at 10 a.m.

All individuals, businesses, organizations, and university representatives from the North Country are welcome to attend the open meeting portion. However, those planning to attend are asked to visit www.northcountryopenforbusiness.com to register for the public portion of the meeting.

GOUVERNEUR - The St. Lawrence Valley Draft Horse Club will sponsor Plow Days Sept. 10 and 11 at 362 County Route 22, the Farm-to-Market Road.

The agricultural history event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Exhibits and events will depict the way farming was done in the olden days.

Featured will be plowing, a walking plow, a sulky plow, mowing and cutting hay, a hay press, grain binding, threshing, corn cutting, potato digging, a blacksmith, horse-and-wagon rides, pony rides, a cake walk, raffles and refreshments.

BRIER HILL – Andrew and John Eastmond will perform for the community at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Brier Hill Fire Hall.

For more information, call Linda at 585-727-7587.

CRARY MILLS – Crary Mills Tri-Town Community Center is having their annual Fall Chicken Barbecue Sunday, Sept. 11 from noon to 3 p.m.

Dinner includes 1/2 chicken, salt potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni salad, rolls, beverage and dessert.

Adults, full meal - $8, 1/2 chicken only - $5, kids under 5 eat free.

Takeouts are available.

The hall is available for rental.

For information call Pat at 854-4171.

All proceeds to benefit the community center.

To the Editor:

The second annual Potsdam Sandstonerman Youth Triathlon was a huge success on Saturday, August 13th. We had 56 participants ages 5 to 18, and the weather was beautiful with sunny skies and a light breeze.

We are so thankful for the generous support of this triathlon by all of our generous sponsors. It was wonderful to have so many local sponsors, especially those who also sponsored last year.

To the Editor:

The Hermon-DeKalb Central PTA would like to offer our sincere appreciation to the students, families, teachers, school staff, and members of the community, who made our 2010-2011 school year a great success.

What’s up with all the handouts these days? It seems charities have forgotten we have public assistance programs for the needy, and people still donate to food pantries and holiday food programs. If these people are truly needy they would get food stamps right? What’s more, we are now donating toys and school supplies to children. Are we trying to teach our young that handouts should be expected for a lifetime? Even poor families have TVs, DVD players, computers, cell phones and other modern conveniences.