September 13, 2023, Peru, NY Applefest preparations are underway. This morning Dave Soulia and volunteers set up the craft fair tables and this afternoon, they tackled the game booths. Tomorrow, the food booths will go up. Other volunteers have been baking, frosting cakes for the Cake Wheel, and cooking delicious Michigan sauce. Soon Forrence Orchards will deliver the fritter apples. Tomorrow and Friday, the K of C will parboil and flavor the chicken and the parade lineup will be finalized. It’s time to get excited about the Applefest on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

Monday, September 18, 2023, 6:00 PM Special Meeting to Present Tentative Budget &    Highway Budget Workshop

Thursday, September 21, 2023, 6:00 PM Water/Sewer/Valcour Workshop 

Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 6:00 PM Salaries/General Workshop  

Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 6:00 PM Budget Review Workshop

Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 6:00 PM Budget Review Workshop (if     

  needed)

Wednesday, November 1, 2023, 6:00 PM   Public Hearing on Preliminary Budget  

Tuesday, November 14, 2022, 5:30 PM            Special Meeting to Adopt Final Budget

Breeze Airlines Photo

Airbus A220

Airbus A220

Clinton County Legislature Statement:

The Clinton County Legislature is proud to announce that Breeze Airways, the U.S.’ only “Nice Low Cost Carrier,” or NLCC, will be offering air service to Orlando, Florida from the Plattsburgh International Airport starting November 28, 2023.

“Today is a tremendous day for our region,” said County Legislator/Airport Committee Chairperson Robert Hall (D-Area 10, Plattsburgh.) “Breeze Airways will be a welcome addition to the Plattsburgh International Airport; however, it would not have been possible without the commitment of the entire Legislature that worked closely with Airport Director Chris Kreig and Jack Penning of Volaire Aviation to attract this rapidly growing airline. I thank each of them, as well as the commitment by Senator Charles Schumer, for their dedication to the expansion of air service at our airport and I anticipate a strong and long-lasting relationship with Breeze Airways.”

“Clinton County has remained steadfast in its efforts to attract new air service to North Country residents and neighbors,” said Mark Henry, Chairperson of the Clinton County Legislature (R-Area 3, Chazy.)  “The Plattsburgh International Airport continues to see increased traffic and this latest announcement by Breeze Airways demonstrates our continued success to expand. I applaud Airport Committee Chairperson Robert Hall for his leadership on this issue and I look forward to our continuing partnership with Breeze Airways.”

“The goal of Clinton County was to attract reliable, cost-effective and “Nice” air service to our Airport,” said Airport Director Chris Kreig. “In just the last year we have had 150,000 passengers fly in and out of this Airport, and this new service to Orlando International Airport will ensure even more travelers will be coming through Plattsburgh. I am grateful to the Legislature for their unwavering commitment to provide additional air service opportunities and I thank Volaire Aviation for their dedication to this endeavor.”

“This Orlando service by Breeze is not only the start of what will be a popular route but hopefully the start of additional services by Breeze and by others as air carriers finally start to add destinations again,” says Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to working with them and thank them for their commitment to our unique bi-national airport! Congratulations to the entire county team and special thanks to Senator Schumer who has actively encouraged Breeze to look at Plattsburgh. Onward and upward!”

Breeze Airways began service in May 2021 and has been ranked as one of the U.S.’ best domestic airlines for the last two years by Travel + Leisure magazine’s World’s Best Awards (#2 in 2022 and #4 in 2023).  Breeze offers a mix of more than 150 year-round and seasonal nonstop routes between 36 cities in 21 states.  Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze operates a fleet of Embraer 190/195 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft, focusing on providing efficient and affordable flights between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24 months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features – including complimentary family seating – delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and fly.

Learn more about Breeze’s flight offerings via our site or the app.

Members of the Kiwanis Breakfast Club Plattsburgh and local community organizations celebrate how much money was raised at 2023 Dozerfest during a reception in August at Harmony Golf Club. Photo credit: Sade & Brand Co.

Assemblyman Billy Jones presents New York State Assembly Citations to Leon Blair and James Mussaw for organizing Dozerfest every year. Photo credit: Sade & Brand Co.

L-R James Mussaw, Casey Blair with sons Owen and Leeland (front), Andrew Blair and Leon Blair, father of Casey and Andrew. 

Thanks to the record-breaking number of people who came to Dozerfest in June and the numerous sponsorships from local businesses, the Kiwanis Breakfast Club of Plattsburgh recently awarded during a reception at Harmony Golf Club over $23,000 in grants to North Country organizations that support local children in need. This includes funding for the following:

·         Adirondack Coast Basketball Camp: to help with costs for a free summer camp.

·         Adirondack Regional Theater: to help pay for the youth director series.

·         Clinton Essex Franklin Library System: to purchase four educational language kits.

·         Dannemora Free Library: to purchase stencils to create a storywalk.

·         Fermata Nowhere: to help pay for the costs of traveling to competitions.

·         The Foundation of CVPH: to purchase chair and sound machines for the nursery.

·         JCEO Backpack Program: to purchase back-to-school supplies for low-income families.

·         JCEO Summer Camp Tuition Assistance: to help pay for tuition for summer camp for low-income families.

·         Journey Into Reading: to purchase books to give away for free at Champlain Centre.

·         Literacy Volunteers of Clinton Essex Franklin Counties: to purchase books to distribute to local children.

·         Plattsburgh 4H Robotics Team: to help pay for equipment and competitions.

·         North Country Center for Independence: to help pay for an adventure-based learning program at Beartown Ski Resort for grades 5-12.

·         NCCS Leadership Academy: to help pay for leadership training experience at Lake Luzerne.

·         Ted K. Center: to support various youth programs at the center that serves Plattsburgh Housing Authority.

·         Youth Advocates Program: to help pay for discharge backpacks.

In addition to presenting the organizations with checks, the Club also thanked Leon Blair and James “Shimmy” Mussaw for all their efforts for almost 15 years to make Dozerfest a success and a highlight for families across the North Country. Assemblyman Billy Jones also presented the men with New York State Assembly Citations for their leadership.

“I am still shocked at the number of people who came to Dozerfest this year and the number of local businesses who supported us during this event,” said Club President Connie Mandeville. Read more »

The house exploded about three hours after a stolen SUV driven by a 17-year-old male smashed into the home.

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According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Ray Brook facility will be closed to visitation until further notice

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Supermajority approval is required; Mayor cannot sign the sale agreement. 

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Both men have been in jail since their arrest on March 21 in relation to the death of Kenneth Darrah of Keeseville.

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The Clinton County Historical Association is pleased to announce the following events.  All events are free and open to the public.

Friday, September 15, 12:30 pm. A Virtual Tour of the Old Base Oval with Helen Nerska showing photos of the original buildings and the histories associated with each. Plattsburgh Senior Center, 5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh.

Thursday, September 21, 6:30 pm. Welcome to the Witherill with Susan Howell Hamlin. Images and stories of the iconic Witherill Hotel, in downtown Plattsburgh for over 100 years. CCHA, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh.

Friday, September 22, 6:45 pm. Welcome to the Witherill with Susan Howell Hamlin. Images and stories of the iconic Witherill Hotel, in downtown Plattsburgh for over 100 years. Lake Forest Senior Living Community, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh – Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Thursday, September 28, 6:45 pm. The Extraordinary Life of Champlain’s Jehudi Ashmun (1794 – 1828) with Helen Nerska. Born and raised in Champlain, New York, Jehudi Ashmun went on to help the American Colonization Society successfully establish Liberia. The story of his journey to that ultimate success is the story of the development of an extraordinary man. Lake Forest Senior Living Community, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh – Doors open at 6:30 pm

A new law requires current or former employers to let hundreds of thousands of people know they can apply for free Sept. 11 health insurance and compensation.

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Check out the September 2023 Strictly Business. The Remillard Farm in Peru is featured. Tom Remillard is on the cover. As of this morning, Strictly Business still needs to post the September issue on its website, but I’m sure it will soon.

The article also includes Ausable Valley and Keene Central enrollments

Click here for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise story

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Click here for the FingerLakes.com news story 

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1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION/DISCUSSION:  To Accept Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; JCEO; and Banking Reports) 

5. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the Public Hearing of August 28 and Regular Meeting of August 28, 2023.

6. Community Input. 

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  File Local Law #2 of 2023 to Exceed the Tax Cap (as a Precautionary Measure only). 

8. MOTION/DISCUSSION:  Telegraph Rd. Culvert Temporary or Permanent Repair.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Accept Korn Drive Extension as a Town Road.

10. MOTION/DISCUSSION:  Accept 2024 Budget Workshop Schedule.

11. MOTION/DISCUSSION:  Call for a Special Meeting to Present the 2024 Tentative Budget.

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approve Pre-payment of Soccer Uniforms from Finney Sports.

13. DISCUSSION:  Other Business. 

14. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

15. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills – September 2023

16. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.

17. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 

18. MOTION:     Adjourn.

The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the High School Community Room. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:

First public comment:  Related to items on the agenda.  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Second public comment:  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Individuals who are unable to attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, September 12^th.  Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

Anticipated topics include:

• PACE Program
• 23-24 School Meal Rates
• Personnel appointments
• Start of the 23-24 School Year
• Capital Outlay Project/SEQR(A)

• The complete agenda will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).

Peru High School Principal Matt Berry (center) with Sweethearts & Heroes teammates Tom Murphy (left) and Rick Yarosh during a previous visit.

PERU, N.Y. –– Sept. 10-16 is National Suicide Prevention Week, and an amazing superhero without a cape will be in Peru to help students and educators kick off their new school year with HOPE (Hold On, Possibilities Exist).

Pat Fish of Sweethearts & Heroes will work in the Peru Central School District on Monday, Sept. 11 and Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Sweethearts and Heroes is a student empowerment and empathy activation team that aims to prevent bullying and suicide, focusing on the basic components of social-emotional learning (SEL). Sweethearts & Heroes offers a profound, engaging signature presentation that calls for HOPE, Empathy and Action; Circle, which is built on the ancient ritual of communicating in a circle to build empathy; and BRAVES Buddies, which trains older students in bully drills that they, in turn, teach to students in lower grades.

The Sweethearts & Heroes team is Tom Murphy, Director and Founder of St. Albans, Vt.; Ret. U.S. Army Sgt. Rick Yarosh, a HOPE expert and motivational speaker from New York who was burned severely while serving in Iraq; and Pat Fish, BRAVES and Circle Leader.

Murphy has called Peru High School Sweethearts & Heroes’ “flagship school.” While in Peru on Sept. 11 and 12, Fish will facilitate Circle work and touch base with his BRAVES students about their spectacular, ongoing efforts with the multi-grade, anti-bullying program. (For more on Circle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q286yIL9L1E)

Under the tutelage of teachers Jen Guay and Lucas Perez, Peru students ran the Sweethearts & Heroes BRAVES program during the 2021-2022 school year under a Phase 1 course called “Leadership & Human Studies.” Nearly 75 students are now registered in BRAVES 101 and BRAVES 102, and one student is in BRAVES 103. According to Matt Berry, Peru High School Principal, more teachers and counselors are supporting the program, and a community project is a goal for this year’s BRAVES students.

Additionally, 400 of 564 Peru students surveyed last year participated in Circle. Berry and other school officials are noticing that the growth of Circle calls for a more systemic approach — but, simultaneously, they do not want to dilute the energy and enthusiasm surrounding Circle in Peru.

“We actually have a good problem to solve,” Berry said. “We’re getting great interest.”

Murphy added, “We’re ready to kick off the school year by cultivating compassion and empathy in Peru. We must stop students from making destructive decisions and help them treat each other with compassion, kindness and empathy. We make our messages sustainable in schools so that they also have an eventual and sustainable effect on the local community. The spider web effect is powerful and incredible, and there’s concrete evidence in Peru.”

To ensure such sustainability, Sweethearts & Heroes created The HOPE Classroom, a digital subscription service for various grade levels and school sizes. This value-packed offering can allow Sweethearts & Heroes to be in every school in the U.S. For more information, visit https://thehopeclassroom.com/.

Berry and his staff are delving into The HOPE Classroom. He said The HOPE Classroom is “tangible and usable, but not drowned in layers of curriculum.” He pointed to one particular unit — “Knowing Yourself” — and said teaching self-awareness at a young age is important.

“The HOPE Classroom is a great springboard for so many things — for students and educators,” Berry said. “It gives an instructor and a student tools to be on the same page, at the same time. I would love to hear someone say, ‘This is not important stuff.’ It’s a strong reminder about humanity and a necessary one.”

For more than 16 years, Sweethearts & Heroes has presented what Murphy calls “‘the ‘stop, drop and roll’ of bullying” to more than 2.5 million students in school districts from New England to Hawaii and north into Canada. Sweethearts & Heroes also tailors its presentations and workshops for businesses, non-profits and civic groups. Murphy said, “We go where we’re needed. That’s what heroes do.”

In 2021, Sweethearts & Heroes released 13 Pillows For Affective Teachers. This novel covers the themes of HOPE, Empathy and Action in the Sweethearts & Heroes curriculum. 13 Pillows is based on real students and teachers that Sweethearts & Heroes has encountered. Murphy co-wrote the book with Brian McKeon of New York. 13 Pillows is available on Amazon. Digital or printed copies are available upon request. The audiobook is on Audible. (On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/13Pillows)

For more information on Sweethearts & Heroes, visit sweetheartsandheroes.com.

Or watch these short, impactful trailers:

•https://youtu.be/SWY6Lr3LWaY 

•https://youtu.be/RnNW42RPhpQ  

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetheartsandheroes/ 

On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChmbRNNgpGWkMRIUxSS-bGg 

Another Albany man charged with murder after fleeing the Exit 36 truck stop incident

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