The Peru Gazette

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WASHINGTON – Congressman Bill Owens today introduced legislation that would grant the U.S. State Department the authority to waive passport fees for residents who live in an area that was declared a federal natural disaster.  During recent natural disasters experienced in New York like Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, many residents lost untold amounts of property – including important documents like international passports. Read more »

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More in-depth story from Lo-Hud.com 

Education officials plan 4-hour state reading exams for 3rd through 8th grade students   – NY Daily News.

By Donald McBrayer

The Peru Town Board held its regular meeting Monday night. All members except town attorney Don Biggs (excused) were present.

Elmore SPCA Executive Director Laura Torrans thanked the board for their support and described the newly renovated facility at 556 Telegraph Rd. The renovations include 8 large outside pens, a full concrete basement (which can be used to isolate sick animals), heated DCO rooms, 2 dedicated cat rooms, and much more. Torrans said they are almost completely moved back into the facility and extended an invitation to the Town Board for a tour.

Elmore’s SPCA can be found at: http://www.elmorespca.org/index.html or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elmore-SPCA-Inc/123268257686934

The Town Board is considering changing the town’s energy supplier from NYSEG to Ambit. Larry Shanley (representing Ambit) was present to answer any questions that may have arisen since the Ambit presentation at the 11/14 meeting.

Town Councilor Bandy McDonald informed Mr. Shanley that the town has ten meters – five shy of the fifteen required to capitalize on the best savings option. Mr. Shanley reminded the board that a savings would be realized either way. It was suggested town employees be invited to participate. Town Councilor Susan Polhemus reminded the board that the town could not solicit publicly for the five additional meters, but that town employees could participate as far as Ambit was concerned. A final decision should be made by year’s end.

Town Supervisor Peter Glushko reminded the board of the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony this coming Friday evening at 7PM. Greg Timmons was asked if the fire trucks were to be decorated again this year. Mr. Timmons said he was not sure, but would inquire.

Mr. Glusko then thanked Kathy Flynn & Don McBrayer for the Peru Gazette Story on the history of the Tree Lighting Ceremony. The story can be viewed at: http://www.perugazette.com/2011/11/28/tree-lighting-ceremony-is-the-official-start-of-the-holiday-season-%E2%80%93-for-peru-anyways/

Mr. Glusko reminded all department heads to closely watch spending. “The funds are running low,” Glushko warned. He also told the board that CHIPS income in the amount $136,000 and a FEMA payment for Spring rain damage in the amount of $140,000 are pending and will help, but spending must be kept at an absolute minimum.

Town Councilor Kregg Bruno suggested Mr. Glushko not overstate the idea the town is out of money, at which Mr. Glusko agreed, again expressing the need for prudent spending “so we don’t wind up there.”

In other business the board:

• Set a Workshop date of Wednesday, December 7 at 6:30PM to consider options being presented by AES to correct the town water haloacetic acid issue.
• Passed a resolution to close the $18,000 Ormsby Circle Performance Bond Account. The funds will be transferred to the Highway Department.
• Set a date of Friday, December 16 at noon for the town employee Christmas party.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.

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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.

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