By CRAIG FREILICH

POTSDAM – A maple romance that grew over the years combined with 18 months of intense research, planning and work culminates this spring with the opening of Maple Run Gourmet Grocery and Gift Emporium at 49 Market St.

OGDENSBURG – Msgr. A.D. Charbonneau Knights of Columbus Council #258 will be hosting a Valentine's dance on Friday, Feb. 11 from 9 to 11 p.m. featuring the Acoustic Brothers Band.

The Waddington based band will be playing a variety of pop and country music from the 50's, 60's & 70's.

The event is open to the public and donations will be accepted at the door.

There will be snacks and a cash bar.

This event is in conjunction with Ogdensburg's River Shiver.

Any questions, contact the club at 393-7990.

MASSENA – The metaphysical discussion group "Metaphysically Speaking" will meet Saturday, Feb. 12 in the Massena Public Library from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

The featured speaker will be Richard Tenace and his topic will be "Spiritual Symbols and Secrets of the Tarot."

Tenace is a professional psychic and the author of several books on psychic reading.

This workshop is free and open to the public.

For further information, call 769-6235.

OGDENSBURG – The Polar Bear Plunge, River Shiver’s most popular event, is Saturday, Feb. 12.

Pledge forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office at 1 Bridge Plaza (Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority Administration Building) or call and the Chamber will email you one. Each year the number of jumper increase for this favorite wintertime event.

With recent reports showing incidents of drug smuggling along the northern border increasing, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and other northern border state senators, are urging federal authorities to deploy tried and tested military-grade radar technology to combat the illegal smuggling of drugs into the United States from Canada.

The senators urged the Departments of State and Homeland Security to deploy radar to stop drug smugglers who use small aircraft along the northern border.

Congressman Bill Owens is using his Congressional website to inform constituents and promote free tax filing services available to Upstate New Yorkers.

Owens has added new features to his Congressional website, such as information on how to file taxes electronically or by mail, at http://owens.house.gov/ConstituentServices/taxhelp.htm.

CANTON – TAUNY will hold a classic board game evening Saturday, Feb. 12 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at its 53 Main Street center.

People are invited to bring in their family's favorite games (and blankets and pillows if they like to sit on the floor) and play games with family and friends.

Cocoa and snacks will be provided, and TAUNY staff and volunteers will be on hand to teach classic games such as backgammon, mancala, and dominoes.

POTSDAM -- The next meeting of the Miniature Horse Association of Northern New York is at 3 p.m. Feb. 12 in Clarkson University’s TAC 206.

The club is intended to educate and promote the miniature horse breed.

Anyone who has an interest in the breed or has mini for a pet, breeding, or showing is encouraged to attend.

Info, directions: Jackie, 328-5141 or Vicki, 244-8436.

POTSDAM – Ellen MacMaster of 'EmBears will show children of all ages how to stuff their own critter Saturday, Feb. 12 from 9 to 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. to 12:30 or 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce Office, 24 Market St.

Under age children must have an adult present.

Make bears, penguins or bunnies.

Register by Feb. 8 by calling 244-9733.

To the person who wrote in on teacher’s benefits (“Teacher Benefits Needed,” Jan. 19-25), I agree with you. Teachers work far beyond a normal work day when in school. Yes, they need to have a tremendous amount of education in order to teach. However, to contribute to your medical insurance is not too much to ask. Many people have just as much education and contribute to their health plans. And please don’t say well they make more money. I myself have a bachelor’s from a very prestigious college and make less than teachers and yes contribute to my health care.