POTSDAM – With help from across the community, Clarkson University has again sent care packages to Army ROTC alumni serving the nation in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Twenty-seven boxes were packed and sent out this year, which included personal care items, homemade cookies and breads, non-perishable food items, magazines, newsletters, holiday cards and "school pride" gifts such as pennants and bookstore memorabilia.

CANTON – Danny Gotham and Barb Heller will play their 24th annual benefit Holiday Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 7:30 p.m., at the Unitarian-Universalist Church, 3 1/2 E. Main St.

Proceeds from this year’s concert will support the church’s Caring Fund, which provides financial help for members and friends experiencing unexpected emergency needs.

Donations will be accepted at the door.

MASSENA – The Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce and the Winter Carnival Committee are seeking individuals to help with the Massena Dash, the dog sled races being held Feb. 5 and 6 at the New York Power Authority Hawkins Point Visitors Center.

NYPA employees have been working all year to make sure the trails are prepared for the races.

National Grid and the National Grid Foundation once again kicked in some cash for Upstate New York heating assistance funds.

The electric company says they have contributed $325,000 toward helping keep New Yorkers warm this winter.

The company also wants to remind customers that help is available through the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP provides financial assistance to income-eligible applicants. Households receiving public assistance, Supplemental Security Income or Food Stamps are the most likely to be eligible for LIHEAP.

State police and Bureau of Criminal Investigation have arrested an Edwards pair for possessing and passing counterfeit $50 bills.

A number of Ogdensburg, Gouverneur and other St. Lawrence County businesses have reported receiving counterfeit bills in recent days.

Gregory S. Lanphear, 20, and Caleb Serrano, 17, are being held in St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility pending a future court appearance, police said.

They have been charged with three counts of first-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, police said in a prepared statement.

Managing diabetes during the holidays can be challenging, says the diabetes care team at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

“It can become frustrating to count carbohydrates, fiber, and sugar while others may be overindulging at the next seat,” said Elizabeth Isenberg, registered dietician at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

“Following a dietary plan is sometimes easier said than done, especially during the holidays,” she said.