The Rotary Club of Potsdam has donated more than $800 worth of scientific calculators and backpacks to the Potsdam Neighborhood Center for children to use in the upcoming school year. The Rotary Club purchased the supplies with support from a Rotary District 7040 grant funded by the Rotary Foundation. Potsdam Rotary also donates food items to the Neighborhood Center to distribute to children during summer months when school meals are not available.

To the Editor,

Would you be willing to pledge an extra dollar a day for the education of our children?

How about 50 cents?

Currently, the Potsdam School Board is asking for a lot less than that. The proposed increase of roughly 4 percent would mean an additional 20 cents a day for my family — a measly $63 for the year. About the same amount it costs our family to go a Clarkson Hockey game or a night out to dinner.

Though it’s true that homes assessed at $200,000 would be double that, it’s still less than an extra 50 cents a day — for our children.

To the Editor:

In researching the Methodist Church in Madrid, I found that the windows were dispersed to an unknown party at the time that the church was demolished.

We had the pleasure of watching the Potsdam Sandstoners Basketball team play in Glens Falls. Our sons were members of the team in the ‘90s. As we sat and watched the Friday game the bleachers were filled with Potsdam fans, parents, students, grandparents, teachers and even people who had “heard” about this team and wanted to see them play. I listened as the father behind me explained to his son where Potsdam was and that he did his student teaching at Potsdam High School. Our son spoke with a man who was there to see the Stoners play as he had heard about them.

I’ve been a “Friend of Music” for the past two years and have decided enough is enough. The board of education meeting at Potsdam Central School last night (March 22) made me ill.  First, let me say we have become everything we teach our kids not to be -- finger pointing, brow-beating bullies! In addition, how can we argue any one subject is more important? I feel it’s important for my son to learn music, but I also think it’s equally important for him to be able to read, write, and add! Times are tough, which means districts have tough decisions to make.

Is it just me or does anyone else wonder why health care costs have skyrocketed. What exactly are we paying for? Where does all this money go? Who is profiting from it? Why would a bout with cancer bankrupt the average person with no health insurance? Somebody must be making money.

PITCAIRN -- A fire Monday to an outbuilding at a Pitcairn address is of suspicious origin.

St. Lawrence County fire investigators say they are still looking into the cause of the blaze, at 67 Rose Rd., that was called in at 8:54 p.m.

The St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information about the fire to call them at 379-2222.

The outbuilding, owned by Tony LaPlatney, was not insured, authorities said.

Harrisville volunteer firefighters and rescue squad were on the scene and reported back in service at 9:24 p.m.

POTSDAM—Nextwave, St. Lawrence County’s young professionals organization, invites members and newcomers to mingle and share their ideas at the group’s monthly mixer 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 1 in the bar at The Casbah, Elm Street.

Newcomers are welcome, and Nextwave members are encouraged to reconnect over a drink—and bring their colleagues and friends along.

For more information, join the “Nextwave of St. Lawrence County” group on Facebook, e-mail [email protected], or contact Lori Shull at (914) 474-5528.

CANTON -- Gretchen Koehler and Barb Heller will jam with fellow traditional musicians at the monthly Friday night jam at The TAUNY Center, 53 Main St., on April 1, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The public is invited to bring instruments; music will be provided. All are welcome.

Details and song lists are available at www.TAUNY.org.