To the Editor:

The Kiwanis Club of Potsdam earnestly expresses their appreciation to the village, town and surrounding hamlets of Potsdam in their meritorious and unselfish support that was given to their fundraiser basketball game held at the Potsdam Central High School gymnasium, Sunday evening, Nov. 20.

Through support of communities, sponsorships, volunteer players and spectators, those in attendance, witnessed a challenging game between the Potsdam Heroes and the visiting world renown and acclaimed professional show basketball team, The Harlem Ambassadors.

The Harlem Ambassadors are comprised of two National and International touring teams. East of the Mississippi is the Red, White and Blue Unit, and those who play as the Western Team, known as the Stars and Stripes Unit. The Harlem Ambassadors play 200 shows each season nation-wide, including other countries and for U.S. Troops overseas.

The November show was nearly a total sell-out as the Potsdam Heroes fiercely challenged the visiting Harlem Ambassadors only to lose by a few mere points at the end of the show. There were a lot of action and hilarious antics demonstrated by the visitors. Everyone enjoyed the entire show, despite the wet heavy snowfall happening outside.

This event would not have been possible without the Potsdam Heroes Team Players. They are: Jason Aubrey, Ali Boolani, Jeff Burcume, Eddie Cross, Sean Despaw, Christian Eggleson, John Endieveri, Matthew Fowler, and Jillian Gaebel. Also Heroes Raychon Gillis, Kevin Herrera-Hassan, Ally Miller, Amy Murphy, Dequan Pitts, Zachary Rottier, Sean Scordo and Janelle Wingerter.

The Scoreboard was managed by Melissa Cummings and Sarah Fiacco. Referrees were Kyle Fennell, Henry LaQuier and Amanda Roi.

Special acknowledgements go to the Potsdam Central School District Board, superintendent, principal, and custodial employees in allowing the Kiwanis Club of Potsdam to host this fantastic game and fundraiser, also to radio Mix 96 with Todd Truax and B 99.3 Community Connections with Jodi Tosti, for promotional air-time; and to our sister Norwood Kiwanis Key Club.

To the sponsors who supported this event and who garner infinite praise: Brookfield Energy, SeaCommFederal Credit Union, Potsdam Agway, Donalson/Seymour Funeral Home, Garden Place Estates/ Ron Page, Plaice 2 Meat, Potsdam High School Booster Club, Canton Family Physicians, Canton-Potsdam Hospital , Dumas and Narrow, JD, LLC, Frazer’s Computing, Inc., John Parcell, CPA, Key Bank, N.A., and NBT Bank N.A. Potsdam. Also North Country Savings Bank, N.A., Aeon Distributing, Bicknell Office and Building Supplies, John and Ann Carvill, DDS, Mort Backus & Sons, Scotts Auto, St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union, TJ Toyota, White’s Flowers, Potsdam Central School PTSA, Potsdam Youth Basketball Association, William’s Classic Painting and Henry W. and Nancy A. Walters.

In addition to the following, who also gave generously of their services and merchandise, Paul Kessler, Mngr. Hampton Inn of Potsdam, Johnston’s H20, Ogdensburg Pepsi Bottlers, Great Northern Printing, Plaice 2 Meat, B99.3 FM, UPS Store, Frito Lay, Freihofer’s Bakery, Chip’s in Hannawa, YLP Parents and University Best Western.

The net proceeds from fundraisers, as with this past basketball game/show, help support children’s programs in the Potsdam area such as Head Start Reading Programs, in the Potsdam and Parishville School Districts, The K-Kids, Builders Club and Key Club after school programs. The Kiwanis Circle K Program at both SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson University are self-supporting; however, they also require support from our community.

It is with the deepest heartfelt thank you from each Kiwanis Club of Potsdam member, for your generous support in every project that has been held in the past and anticipated into the future for our children.

In order to continue these programs and coming events, the Kiwanis Club of Potsdam needs your involvement as a functioning member, no matter how little that may be. We need to grow so that our children can grow into honest outstanding future adults.

We meet twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m. at the Ponderosa in Potsdam. All are welcome to come and observe how our Kiwanis Club functions. Just tell the cashier, “I’m here for the Kiwanis meeting”. Your first meeting/meal is on us.

Make yourself a New Year’s resolution: Join the largest world-wide service organization…Kiwanis!

Henry W. Walters

Potsdam Kiwanis Club