The Peru Gazette

Strategic Plan Review Committee Will Review and Assess Strategic Plans Presented By Ten Regional Economic Development Councils

Empire State Development has announced the final schedule of presentations for the strategic plans submitted by the ten Regional Economic Development Councils. Each region will have an opportunity to make an in-person presentation according to the following schedule:  Read more »

The Daily published a great story on the Crown Point Bridge reconstruction (Click here) 

Natasia & Adam McBrayer with Santa (1992)

By Donald McBrayer & Kathy Flynn

This coming Friday (December 2^nd), folks from every corner of Peru will come together to kick off the Holiday Season at the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. For over 40 years, wide-eyed children of all ages have gathered to rejoice in one of Peru’s most sacred traditions – The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Originally sponsored by The Lion’s Club, the ceremony was held on the corner near Holland’s Barber Shop (close to Peru Hardware) where boxes of candy were handed to children and caroling filled the air as hundreds would gather to rejoice in the blessings that living in Peru brings.

Around 25 years ago the town grasped the “reins” continuing the annual ceremony. Around that same time Mr. & Mrs. Santa Clause (John and Vicki Masella) began arriving each year via fire truck. This unique arrival by Santa continues to thrill children to this day.

Fifteen years ago the town transferred the responsibility to the Youth Commission. When the Youth Commission took over they began recognizing someone from the community who has either made significant contributions to the community or had the misfortune of an accident or illness by having them light the tree – for example in 2008 Brady O’Connell, a Peru youngster who underwent a successful third kidney transplant, officially lit the tree.

The Youth Commission also make preparations to welcome the abundance of families that come to see Santa by doing all the decorating, including setting up a variety of crafts for the children to work on during this exciting event.

This year the ceremony will be held at the Peru Gazebo in the Little Ausable Park, and will be followed by a chance to meet Santa (who arrives by fire truck at 7PM sharp) in the Peru Community Fellowship Center. The festivities include caroling, refreshments, crafts, and karaoke by Tim’s Tunes.

You can see a slideshow of last year’s ceremony by visiting: http://ryanjohn.zenfolio.com/p473634522/slideshow

Editorial: Let area youths serve for the right reasons.

Syracuse chancellor fires longtime assistant coach Bernie Fine; ‘We do not tolerate abuse,’ she says | syracuse.com.

Vergennes police chief warns of a growing drug problem | Burlington Free Press | burlingtonfreepress.com.

Watertown Daily Times | Refinancing bonds will save Indian River Central thousands.

Former Ti hospital to get new use » Local News » Press-Republican.

Old Willsboro School will be converted to assisted living » Local News » Press-Republican.

Arts Center has new leaders » Local News » Press-Republican.

Spring-like snow for Whiteface opening – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Saranac Lake region — Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

Schools now heated with wood chips – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Saranac Lake region — Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

Conversation to focus on jobs and the economy, but open to all issues

WASHINGTON – In an ongoing effort to conduct an open discussion about the issues that affect New York, Congressman Bill Owens will hold a telephone town hall next Tuesday, November 29th.  Owens will update callers about the effort to create jobs in New York and take questions from callers from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Read more »

Keeseville Knights of Columbus Eugene G. Santor Council #4689 donated the proceeds from their annual Harvest Dinner to the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc.  Grand Knight, Jude Perkett Jr is presenting a Check for $6,000.00 to Executive Director, John Bernardi.  Also Shown are 2012 Campaign Chair Gerald Morrow and Chef Shelley Davis.

To the Residents and the Employees of the Town of Peru,

As we celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday here in our Town, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your support and help throughout this past year.  I thank the residents for their patience and understanding as we went through several recoveries as a result of our bouts with severe weather during the year.  Let’s hope next year is kinder to us.

I would like to thank all the Town employees for their hard work and positive attitudes in delivering their services to Peru’s residents.  The long hours and professionalism displayed in all your efforts are very much appreciated.

Finally, I would like to wish, on behalf of the Town Board, a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving to all Town residents, employees and their families and friends. Thank you for making the Town of Peru a great place to live.

For the Peru Town Board,

Pete Glushko

Town Supervisor

AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING November 28, 2011 @ 7:00 PM

1. Call Meeting To Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. MOTION:     Approval of Minutes from November 14, 2011 Regular Meeting.
5. Community Input and Questions.
6. DISCUSSION:  Elmore SPCA Update.
7. DISCUSSION: Town Energy Sourcing.
8. DISCUSSION:  Water/Sewer Projects Update.
9. DISCUSSION:  Tropical Storm Irene Recovery Update
10. DISCUSSION:  Highway Garage Roof Update.
11. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Closing of Ormsby Circle Performance Bond Account
12. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Employee Benefits Handbook.
13. DISCUSSION: Air Quality Complaints Update.
14. DISCUSSION:  Town Employee Christmas Celebration.
15. DISCUSSION:  Town Christmas Tree Lighting.
16. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.
17. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.
18. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Approve/Pay Bills
19. MOTION:     Adjourn

The Post Standard reports 

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

Reps split on balanced budget amendment – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com 

Report claims Border Patrol too aggressive – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Saranac Lake region — Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

Open Doors 2011 Report ranks New York State second in the nation for hosting international students; Study New York promotes the State’s excellence. 

Empire State Development (ESD), the US Department of Commerce, and the Study New York consortium today announced that New York State ranks second in the nation in attracting international students to our colleges and universities, according to the Open Doors Report for 2011, which is published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE) with support from the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.  According to the report, New York State welcomed 78,888 international students in 2010-11, an increase of 3.6 percent from the previous year and outpacing the growth rate of first ranked California.  International students contributed a significant $2.4 billion to New York State’s economy, an increase of 4 percent from the prior academic year 2009-10.

Further details from the Open Doors report may be found on the IIE website: http://www.iie.org/en/Research-and-Publications/Open-Doors Read more »

Nomination Forms Available from High School and Due December 21st

Residents and alumni of Peru Central School District are encouraged to help the school district recognize outstanding public service by nominating individuals who have had a significant positive impact on Peru Central, according to Interim Superintendent of Schools A. Paul Scott. Nominees for Peru Central’s Hall of Fame must be retirees, graduates or individuals not directly affiliated with Peru Central Schools for at least five years. An induction ceremony (See the 2011 inductees) for new members of the Peru Central Hall of Fame will take place later this school year. Read more »

Loan fund to provide assistance for Essex County businesses affected by Hurricane Irene

Empire State Development today announced that it has approved the Essex County Industrial Development Agency to redirect $250,000 of unused Champlain Bridge closure assistance funds to create the Hurricane Irene Recovery Community Revolving Loan Fund.  The loan fund will assist businesses located in Essex County that incurred additional costs and experienced economic losses as a result of the hurricane. The revolving loan fund will be administered by the Essex County IDA.  As loans are repaid, funds will stay in the community for future business investment and growth.   Read more »

Peru will hold its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday, December 2nd at 7 p.m. at the Little Ausable Park. Santa will also arrive at 7 p.m.  Afterwards all the children can visit with Santa in the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center. There will be caroling and crafts and refreshments will be served. 

Editorial: Emergency squads should consolidate.

The Gazette does not know if this situation exists in our region, but these are important thoughts to be aware of.