CANTON – Biometrics, the science of using physical traits to identify individuals, is the topic of a new book by St. Lawrence University Associate Professor of Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics Michael E. Schuckers.

“Computational Methods in Biometric Authentication” has been published by Springer Science and Business Media publishing. It is, according to publishers, "the first single resource on statistical methods for estimation and comparison of the performance of biometric authentication systems."

The 8th annual St. Lawrence International Junior Carp Tournament will be held Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 19-21 for youth ages 11-18 and their parents/guardians. This fishing tournament takes place along the banks of the St. Lawrence River from Massena to Ogdensburg, with the headquarters at Donald Martin Civic Center, Waddington.

On Thursday afternoon, a special “school” giving tips and techniques on “Carp Fishing the St. Lawrence” is offered prior to the tournament following the registration pick up at the Madrid-Waddington High School, Rt. 345.

EDWARDS – An outside/inside scavenger hunt will be held at the Hepburn Library of Edwards, 205 Main St., on Thursday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. The hunt is appropriate for children ages 5 to 10. Adult supervision is encouraged. The event is free, light refreshments will be served, and several drawings will take place after the hunt.

Five members of the North Country Region PTA recently attended the annual Summer Leadership Conference presented by the New York Congress of Parents and Teachers (NYS PTA) in Utica.

Ellen Galo, Region Director, and Carla Ingram, Past Region Director, both from Potsdam; Jean Levien, Secretary of Elizabethtown-Lewis PTSA, Angela Grant, Treasurer of Hermon-Dekalb PTA, and Sue Rau, Consultant NYS PTA, represented the North Country Region PTA at the conference.

MASSENA – The Kenney Family will take the stage this Thursday evening as the next featured performance in the Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce Concert in the Park series season.

All concerts are held from 6 to 8 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) at the Springs Park Amphitheater, W. Hatfield St., Massena. In the event of rain, concerts will be relocated to the Massena Fire Station, Andrews Street.

All concerts are free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated.

The schedule includes the Acoustic Brothers, Thursday, Aug. 26, 5 - 7 p.m.

BRASHER FALLS – The General Motors salaried retirees will meet on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 12:30 p.m. for lunch at Erin’s Isle.

To reserve a space, contact 262-2019.

The Department of Environmental Conservation wants to remind New Yorkers about the regulations on transporting firewood.

On the heels of additional discoveries of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetle in forests in many parts of New York. the DEC is urging New Yorkers and visitors to comply with the state’s strict regulations prohibiting the movement of untreated firewood, the major vector for the introduction of this insect.

POTSDAM – Make your own bottle cap pins and bottle holders at the Make Waves Teen Program, Wednesday, Aug. 18 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Potsdam Public Library.

All students entering grades 7-12 are invited to attend. Pre- registration is appreciated but not required. Contact the library with questions or to register at 265-7230.

Next Wednesday:

Aug. 25 - Make Waves with Wii Sports Resort or Rock Band