POTSDAM -- Dr. Michael C. Rygel, an assistant professor of geology at SUNY Potsdam, has been honored with the 2010 Biggs Award for Excellence in Earth Science Teaching from The Geological Society of America.

This national award is given to one professor annually to recognize excellence in earth science education.

COLTON -- Colton Wesleyan Church has a children’s Christmas program beginning at 11 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 19 with a Christmas token given to all whom attend.

Christmas Evening Candlelight Service at the church is on Wednesday, Dec. 22 beginning at 6:30 p.m., with Christmas cookie refreshments to follow.

NORWOOD – The Norwood United Methodist Church, 8 Prospect St., will be serving Christmas dinner on Sunday, Dec. 19, starting at 11:15 a.m.

The menu will be roast pork, stuffing, potatoes & gravy, vegetable, homemade desserts and more.

This event is open to the public, and all are welcome.

For more information, call Chet or Linda Cota at 353-2872 or Pastor David Pritchard at 353-8893.

POTSDAM -- Clarkson University’s advanced photovoltaic and solar thermal research could be in for an $800,000 boost if the U.S. Senate approves an appropriations bill set for a vote this weekend.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand says the Senate is expected to vote on the omnibus appropriations bill which, if approved, will then go back to the House for final approval and then to the president for signature.

BRASHER FALLS – Bill Lewis of the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce reports that their 2010 Christmas Decorating Contest is in full swing.

Quite a few Tri-Towners have signed up and more are expected, he says, but they will have to act soon. The judging will occur on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 21.

To get on the judge's list, call Rick or Sue at Rick's Auto Body, 389-5618. Give them your name and tell them where you are.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three choices.

POTSDAM – The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 74, St. Hwy. 345, will have breakfast with Santa Sunday, Dec. 19 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The cost for children 12 and under is $4.

For more info, contact 353-2567.

MASSENA – The public is invited to St. Lawrence Centre’s first annual Co-Ed Charity Hockey Challenge Dec. 18, sponsored by the Massena Fire Hockey Team.

The event will help raise money for Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.

The game schedule:

• 8:30 a.m. - Massena Fire Vs. Usherwood Office Technology

• 9:45 a.m. - Massena Fire Vs. United Parcel Service

• 11 a.m. - United Parcel Service Vs. Usherwood Office Technology

• 12:30 p.m. -championship game

I could have had a disastrous time at the Massena mall on Friday the 17th of December. I went Christmas shopping with my two-month-old, who was not happy about our little shopping trip. One merchant offered me the couch in her store to feed the baby, which I thought was very generous. Another merchant offered to carry my bags all the way to other end of the mall and out to my car. But the kicker is the woman in the bathroom who hears my distress at forgetting to bring diapers, and offers to go out to the food court to beg a diaper from any person who has a baby.