By CRAIG FREILICH

Life in the North Country has changed a lot since World War II, especially the experience at area colleges and the pattern of local business.

“There were still a lot of people in the 1940s who didn’t have electricity. And even into the 1950s, I remember people who lived on the back roads in Pierrepont had no electric, no telephone,” said Varick Chittenden, whose family has lived in St. Lawrence County for more than 200 years.

POTSDAM – St. Lawrence Chocolates and Rose & Kiernan Insurance Agency will sponsor a Halloween costume contest during the annual Fright Night activities on Thursday, Oct. 28 at the new Potsdam Chamber offices at 24 Market St.

Skinny the Skelton is expected to be the master of ceremonies for this event for infants, children and adults.

CRARY MILLS – There are still spaces available for crafters at the 24th annual Crary Mills Craft Fair, to be held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9 and 10 at the Tri-Town Community Center on the Post Road in Crary Mills.

Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come enjoy the great homemade food, raffles, and door prizes.

Shop for Christmas with crafts such as jewelry, pillows, throws, wall hangings, sweaters, mittens, seasonal decoration, unique stuffed bears, table runners, bake good tables, etc.

WELLESLEY ISLAND – The 32nd annual Autumn Festival at the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, Wellesley Island State Park will be held Saturday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors will find a craft show and sale complete with spinners, weavers, pottery, wood carvings, silver & bead jewelry, photography, drawings, paintings, Alpaca products, hand made goat soap, and more. Music will be provided throughout the day by The Rusty Doves, the Fort Drum Dixieland Band and Rick Markert & Jack Caughey on dulcimer & guitar.

POTSDAM -- A surprise inspection by the state Department of Health of Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s laboratory found no significant deficiencies in its preliminary report to the hospital.

The inspection was conducted over three and one-half days beginning Sept. 21, most days with eight hours of inspection time. The inspection involved review of medical waste disposal practices, record-keeping in medical charts, observation of blood transfusions, examination of laboratory equipment maintenance logs, and examination of laboratory results.

At its annual meeting last month at the home of Suzanne and Mike Lebeda in South Colton, the Norwood-Norfolk Central School Class of ‘63 Scholarship Fund committee set a goal to raise enough funds to continue the award for many years to come.

POTSDAM -- The Met: Live in HD will return for its third season on the silver screen at Potsdam's Roxy Theater this fall, thanks to a partnership between SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music and J.S. Cinemas. For its 2010-11 series of live transmissions, the Metropolitan Opera will stage groundbreaking performances of both beloved classics and acclaimed modern works.

RUSSELL – The Russell Public Library will host Cheri Farnsworth on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the community room at the library.

Revai has written many books about the paranormal and true historical crime. “Murder and Mayhem in St. Lawrence County” is her newest book.

Refreshments will be served.

CANTON -- The first annual “Bikers Battle Violence” fundraising event raised $5,294 when 96 bikers rallied together to raise funds to benefit the adults and children who seek services at Renewal House.

“On behalf of Renewal House, I would like to thank all the sponsors and riders who devoted their time to make a difference in our community,” said Renewal House Program Director Tessa Fields.

“Your support gives adults and children the opportunity to live their lives free from violence.”

The event took place Sept. 19.