POTSDAM -- The 2010 World in Potsdam Diversity Festival Writing Contest awarded $455 in prizes to local students recently at Clarkson University’s Student Center during the festival.

The festival congratulates the winners and applauds the 92 students and six teachers who participated.

Students responded to one of four contest themes in three age categories.

Those who are alone this Thanksgiving, or who can’t afford a meal with all the trimmings, may join others in celebration at free area community dinners.

• A Thanksgiving Day community dinner will be held at Potsdam’s Trinity Episcopal Church, Maple Street, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 25. Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing and many more traditional foods will be served. Contact person: Michele Arnold 212-9266. Donations accepted, but not expected.

MASSENA – WNTS television station which broadcasts on digital cable channel 1501 in Massena has expanded its broadcast hours this week and is now on from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

This new 12-hour schedule will allow them to offer more content, make them available to more viewers, and give them time for a morning news show that will begin in the near future.

Over the next few weeks, the station will be hosting a “Video Letters to Santa” series from their St. Lawrence Centre Mall Studio.

Angel Food Ministries, which has pick-up locations in Madrid, Canton and Massena, is taking food orders for December.

In addition to the usual boxes of proteins, vegetables, milk and eggs, other offerings include boxes of prepackaged meals for seniors for singles, an after-school box for children and gluten-free food selections.

December specials include a rib eye box, seafood assortment, vegetable or fruit boxes, an assortment of cheeses for entertainment, and a Christmas box including all items for a complete holiday dinner.

State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker and Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. have reminded consumers to follow safe cooking and preparation tips when preparing meals during the upcoming holiday season.

Many food borne illnesses are preventable if consumers take simple measures to protect themselves and their families.

NORFOLK – The Norfolk-Norwood Figure Skating Club will host a rock-n-skate event on Saturday, Nov. 27 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Norfolk arena.

Games and prizes are planned.