The Peru Gazette

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By John T. Ryan

Local favorite Roy Hurd kicked of the Little Ausable River Park Summer Concert Series on Sunday, July 3. Hurd entertained the crowd with old favorites and several new selections.  It was a beautiful evening for the concert.  Several families enjoyed the concert while their children played on the nearby slides and swings.

The concert was interrupted about 6:45 p.m. by a loud noise caused by the collision of two vehicles at the Main St. – Pleasant Street intersection. Several concert-goers rushed to assist the injured and to direct traffic. One person had to be transported to CVPH Medical Center.

Carol Solari-Ruscoe and Dr. Brett Paepke

By John T. Ryan

Social media like Facebook and Twitter has been taking the planet by storm. People all over the world are communicating like never before. Elmore SPCA is directly benefiting from Facebook thanks to Dr. Brett Paepke of Firstcare Eye Care Associates in Plattsburgh. For every person who clicked “Like” on his company’s Facebook page, Dr. Paepke offered to donate $1.00 up to a maximum of $1,000. The challenge began on May 19^th and was to last for a maximum of thirty days. In a little over three weeks, 1,034 people clicked the “Like” button earning Elmore SPCA their $1,000 donation. Asked why he wanted to help out the Elmore SPCA Dr. Paepke said, “I live in Peru and Elmore SPCA is part of the community.”  He also said that all the Firstcare Eye Care Associates staff members are animal lovers, each having adopted at least one stray animal.  Dr. Paepke even got his wife Mandy involved. Knowing she is a coupon collector, he gave her $25 and asked her to buy animal care supplies for the SPCA. Mandy turned the $25 into $125 in supplies.

Elmore SPCA Board member Carol Solari-Ruscoe expressed gratitude to Dr. Paepke for the gifts.  She said, “Every single donation that comes in is so much appreciated. All donations go directly for the care of animals.” Solari-Ruscoe said it takes about $150,000 annually to operate the SPCA. The nine person full and part-time staff is currently caring for 50 cats and kittens and 30 dogs. About 500 animals are accepted each year.

Elmore hosts from fifteen to twenty fund-raising events throughout the year and more and more people and businesses have been getting involved.  Dozens of people have joined the Elmore SPCA 1200 Club meaning they faithfully donate at least $10 each month to the shelter. FOX 44 News recently designated the SPCA as the New York State recipient of a $1,000 fund-raiser.

People interested in volunteering or wanting to help the shelter in any way are invited to call Carol Solari-Ruscoe at 534-3484.

The Annual Report of the Public Authorities in New York State is very interesting and very important. Click here to view

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Here is the FEMA Denial Letter

Congressman Owens issued this statement:

“It is unfortunate that FEMA has decided to deny Governor Cuomo’s request for individual assistance for counties affected by spring flooding.  I urge the Governor to appeal this decision and will support his effort should he decide to do so.  Severe weather has caused a great amount of damage to property and local economic development, and it is critical that our communities receive the assistance they need to recover.”
Congressman Bill Owens (NY-23)

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ALBANY, NY (07/01/2011)(readMedia)– WAMC Northeast Public Radio has some exciting program changes starting this weekend with the Grateful Dead Hour on Sunday evening. These changes come as a direct response to member requests and suggestions.

“It’s actually pretty funny,” said Alan Chartock, President and CEO of WAMC. “During the last fund drive, I took no prisoners. ‘Okay,’ I said to the listeners. ‘Do you want the opera or should we take it off and play the Grateful Dead? As usual, the opera folks came through like gangbusters, but we sure heard from a lot of Grateful Dead lovers. Now we can have it all. Where else are you going to hear both the opera and the Grateful Dead?”

The Grateful Dead Hour will air Sundays at 10 p.m. It will replace the Piano Jazz series because host Marian McPartland is retiring. Read more »

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and

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports are related story

Explaining the Science behind the biotech deal

Clinton County existing single family real estate sales increase dramatically in May according the NYS Association of Realtors. Sales increased by over 32% compared to May of last year. (Click here for details)

Median sales prices also showed a healthy 9% increase. (Click here for details)

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By John T. Ryan

The Peru Town Board Awarded a bid to Stephen Fuller Excavating Inc. in the amount of $139,139 for work at Heyworth-Mason Park at its June 27th regular meeting. The access road to the park will be improved, a parking area behind the Heyworth-Mason building will be constructed, drainage will be installed at the building perimeter, park benches and a bike rack will be put in place and a link to the planned walking trail will be constructed.

Roger Bonner, a member of the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum, addressed the Board. He said the museum was very successful during its first year of operation with over 2,000 visitors including over 200 students. The museum has budgeted expenses of $25,000 and needs support from many segments of the community. Bonner asked if it would be possible if the Town of Peru could offer some support. Supervisor Peter Glushko said he was present for the museum’s grand opening and has written letters of support. Several Board members expressed the view that the museum is a great asset to the community. Town Attorney Donald Biggs will determine if the town is legally permitted to contribute to a non-profit museum. Bonner said he would be contacting several civic and community organizations seeking their support.

In other actions the Board:

• Continued discussions on vandalism at the Little AuSable River Park, especially under the Route 22 Bridge. The Board would like to illuminate the area with bright lighting.
• Scheduled a workshop for July 18^th at 7 p.m. to discuss the Highway Department Budget for the current fiscal year. Clearing the heavy winter snows and repairing damage caused by recent flooding has resulted in a budget shortfall.
• Discussed resident complaints regarding tall grass and poor maintenance at several vacant properties including two properties on LaFleur Lane, one on Alicia Drive and one property on School Street. The Town Code Enforcement Officer has been attempting to contact the property owners. Other legal remedies will also be explored.
• Supervisor Glushko suggested purchasing a used van or SUV for use by the Dog Control Officer. Council member Kregg Bruno asked when the Water and Sewer Department is going to return the Dog Control Officer’s Jeep. Supervisor Glushko said that Water And Sewer apparently has use for the vehicle. Bruno said that he believed that the vehicle should be returned to the Dog Control Officer. Council member Brandy McDonald concurred.  Water and Sewer Superintendent Greg Timmons was not present, therefore, the matter was not resolved.
• Learned that it will cost approximately $300 to construct another records storage area in the Town Hall basement.
• Continued discussion on the need to complete the disposal of old town computers, printers and assorted furniture.
• Discussed the condition of the Town Hall entrance ramp and grounds. The Board members agreed to examine the entrance following the meeting. The railing and wall near the sidewalk have deteriorated and weeds dominate the area.
• Supervisor Glushko informed the Board regarding a July 10th, 10 AM training session for town officials to be held at the Town of Plattsburgh offices. It will include Civil Service laws and harassment regulations.
• Approved a resolution authorizing the Town Engineer to begin drafting engineering plans for work on water and/or sewer lines on Locust Drive, North Bend Street and McDonald Drive.
• Approved a resolution authorizing the Town Engineer to inspect Spitfire Drive to determine if an obstruction is preventing water from passing through an easement. Property owner Dennis Curtin has complained about his property being flooded.
• Received a report from Pam Barber that the Little AuSable Park summer concert series has been scheduled and is being publicized.
• Learned from Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell that flooding repairs have been accomplished on Old Town Rd., Fox Farm Rd., Elm Street, Rock Rd., Rounds Drive and the Military Turnpike. Town Highway Department crews and Stephen Fuller Excavating Inc. have accomplished the work. Farrell is still evaluating repairs needed on Pleasant Street. Farrell also reported that the transmission on truck #5 must be replaced. It may or may not be covered by warranty. Discussion with V.S. Jerry is ongoing.
• Authorized payment for bills in the amount of $331,609.24.
• Adjourned at 8:26 p.m.

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