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The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.

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The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

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‘We can treat them close to home’ | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: We can treat them close to home’ | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Local Historic Roadside Markers to be Unveiled

On May 5, 2018 two significant roadside historical markers will be unveiled – one in Harkness and one in Keeseville. A third marker will be unveiled on May 19th in Keeseville. The public is warmly invited to attend. The Anderson Falls Heritage Society in Keeseville was granted permission to erect the markers. The markers were funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation Historic Roadside Marker Program.

The marker that will be unveiled in Harkness will commemorate the life of Dr. Georgia E. Harkness, a renowned Methodist theologian who was born in Harkness and was a member of the Harkness Methodist Church; the life of Thomas F. Conway, New York State Lt. Governor; and the depot for the Keeseville, Ausable Chasm, and Lake Champlain Railroad (nicknamed “Peanut Railroad”).

The ceremony honoring Dr. Georgia Harkness will take place on May 5th at 12:30 PM on the grounds of the Harkness Methodist Church. Beginning at noon, photos and historical items relating to Dr. Harkness will be displayed in the church. Dr. Harkness’ great nephew, Ralph Harkness of Peru, plans to attend and other descendants may attend.

The second marker honors the Honorable Thomas F. Conway (1859-1945). He served as New York State Lt. Governor, was an esteemed statesman and an independent thinker. His selfless work was visionary, benefiting farmers, local students and charities. In 1938 the Pope awarded him a singular honor by appointing him a knight commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great. The unveiling will be at 1:30 PM at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery behind the Church of The Immaculate Conception, 7 Spring Street, Keeseville. A reception will follow at the Anderson Falls Heritage Museum, 96 Clinton Street, Keeseville at 2 PM.

On May 19, 2018 a third historic marker will be unveiled honoring the Keeseville, Ausable Chasm and Lake Champlain Rail Depot. The ceremony will take place at 2 PM at the North Country Club Restaurant.

Dt. Georgia Harkness has a special place in the hearts of the Harkness Methodist Church members. The following information appeared in one of the church’s Sunday bulletins:

Dr. Georgia Harkness (1891–1974) was born in Harkness NY, the youngest of four children of Joseph Warren Harkness and Lillie (Merrill) Harkness. She was a member of this church for nearly seventy years and never changed her membership, even when her calling made her a global citizen. Her birth place and burial site are located within a mile of here. She attended high school in Keeseville, and although she went on to continue her education at Cornell University, Boston University, Union Theological Seminary, and Harvard and Yale Divinity Schools, both her family and theological origins are firmly rooted in her beloved home town.

Dr. Harkness was a prolific author of dozens of books, as well as many inspirational poems, prayers, magazine articles, and hymns. Her writings addressed various topics including Theology, the Ministry of the Laity, spiritual life, and the responsibility of the church to combat war and discrimination against women and ethnic persons. She broke new ground for women in the Methodist church at a time when the pulpits and seminaries were closed to females, and her efforts to attain full clergy rights for women in the Methodist Church came to fruition at the 1956 General Conference. The first woman to teach in a seminary in the United States, Dr. Harkness served on the faculties of Garrett Biblical Institute and the Pacific School of Religion. She was a social pioneer who took radical positions for societal justice that were bold, prophetic, and drawn directly from Biblical truth. Her books, hymns and prayers are still widely known and are just as relevant to our day as they were in her own.

As a theologian Dr. Harkness was able to translate the most profound truths into plain, clear and direct language without diluting them. She was among the first theologians to interpret ministry as the calling of all God’s people; not just of the ordained. Georgia Harkness lived and articulated a vision that can continue to challenge church and society as we navigate the 21st century, and we hope she would be proud of this little church that strives to spread the message of Jesus’ love and care to our nearby neighbors as well as the larger global community. We are profoundly grateful for her extraordinary life and example, and for the opportunity to honor and continue her trailblazing legacy.

Essex Co. worker allegedly murders DA’s brother in bar fight – LakePlacidNews.com 

Source: Essex Co. worker allegedly murders DA’s brother in bar fight – LakePlacidNews.com | News and information on the Lake Placid and Essex County region of New York – Lake Placid News

Behind Saranac Lake’s big green fence, a clean-up decades in the making | NCPR News

Source: Behind Saranac Lake’s big green fence, a clean-up decades in the making | NCPR News

What’s it like to be a child of color in the Adirondacks? – LakePlacidNews.com 

Source: What’s it like to be a child of color in the Adirondacks? – LakePlacidNews.com | News and information on the Lake Placid and Essex County region of New York – Lake Placid News

Four Site Plan Reviews On Board Agenda

AGENDA – Planning Board, WEDNESDAY, May 9, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

  1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  3. ROLL CALL
  4. APPROVAL of April 11, 2018 minutes.
  5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
  6. APPLICATIONS:

1. 2-Lot Minor Subdivision with SEQR: P-2018-007 Winfried & Stefanie Holderied

2-Lot Minor Subdivision 

#280.1-5-4.1

Peru, NY 12972

2.  Merge with SEQR: P-2018-008 Winfried & Stefanie Holderied

Merge 

280.1-5-4.1 to 280.1-5-6

Peru, NY 12972

3.  Site Plan Review: P-2018-009 Shawn Garrow

Site Plan Review- Sign

3999 Rt. 9

Peru, NY 12972

4. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2018-010 Lisa & Scott Sartwell

Site Plan Review – Home Based Business for a Hair Salon

74 Felton Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

Registration Has Begun for Business Expo

The North Country Chamber of Commerce Business Expo is the largest business-to-business event in northern New York! Registration has begun. Sponsored by Twinstate Technologies, Sun Community News & Printing, Local 22 & Local 44, ETS, Agency Insurance, & Community Bank, the Expo offers an easy way to connect with the business community of the North Country.

An 8’X10’ booth is $450 for Chamber members and $550 for not-yet-members. Discounts for multiple booths are available. Registration information can be found at www.northcountrychamber.com.

Business Expo will be held on June 7th at the SUNY Field House. This event is a chance to showcase your products and services. More than 150 businesses will be on display. Exhibitors also have the opportunity to participate in the Exclusive Networking and Leads Session from 10 – Noon.

Doors open to the public from Noon-4:30.  Show off a new product, educate attendees about your services, and build relationships with current and potential customers.  Free coffee will be available throughout the day courtesy of La Quinta Inns & Suites ..

Assistance is available to those who need advice on how to maximize their success at the Expo. Call the Chamber at 563-1000 for more info.

Businesses of every type and size will be at the Expo. Reserve your booth today by visiting www.northcountrychamber.com or calling the Chamber at 518-563-1000.

 

Judicial Conduct admin: Ellenburg justice failed to be faithful to the law | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Judicial Conduct admin: Ellenburg justice failed to be faithful to the law | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Are doctors to blame for opioid crisis? New Yorkers think so – Times Union

Source: Are doctors to blame for opioid crisis? New Yorkers think so – Times Union

A Day of Caring

Mike Kirk and longtime vounteer Dan Rock getting the job done

Mike Kirk looked like he knew what he as doing

Day of Caring volunteer Corinne Pulsifer

By John T. Ryan

The Babbie Rural and Farming Museum was springing to life this morning as Day of Caring volunteers worked with longtime volunteers to prepare for the museum’s May 9th opening. Georgia Pacific employees Mike Kirk and Corrinne Pulsifer have participated in the Day of Caring for several years.

The United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. teams up with Project H.E.L.P. at SUNY Plattsburgh and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau for the Annual Day of Caring. Each year, this volunteer-driven event brings together local businesses, organizations, clubs and individuals to help regional nonprofit human service agencies and nonprofit attractions accomplish a variety of projects.

Photos: Mike Kirk on the ladder and regular volunteer Dan Rock construct a new storage shed while Corrinne Pulsifer organizes and cleans antique items inside the museum.

Protecting the lake – LakePlacidNews.com 

Source: Protecting the lake – LakePlacidNews.com | News and information on the Lake Placid and Essex County region of New York – Lake Placid News

Gun control roars as issue in NY 21 House race, with Democrats shifting against NRA | NCPR News

Source: Gun control roars as issue in NY 21 House race, with Democrats shifting against NRA | NCPR News

Special Board Meeting Time Change to 7:20 PM

Peru Central School District’s Board of Education will have a brief special meeting on Thursday, April 26th at 7:20 PM in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room.

Thursday’s brief special meeting will focus mainly on consideration of the BOCES administrative budget for the 2018‐2019 school year and consideration of candidates running for seats on this region’s BOCES.

The full agenda is available on the District’s website.

All are welcome.

DEC Urges Homeowners to Purchase Phosphorus-Free Lawn Fertilizer

Encourages Homeowners to Practice Sustainable Lawn Care to Protect State Waterbodies

To protect water quality this spring, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today urged New Yorkers to practice sustainable lawn care and today announced the “Look for the Zero” campaign to encourage homeowners to go phosphorus-free when using lawn fertilizer. More than 100 water bodies in New York State cannot be used or enjoyed due to phosphorus overuse.

“The actions New Yorkers take in their backyards can have a big impact on the environment. By choosing sustainable lawn care homeowners are helping to protect water quality and public health,” said Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Excess phosphorous is causing problems in many New York waterbodies, making them unusable for swimming, fishing, or as a source of drinking water. I urge residents to ‘Look for the Zero’ and buy phosphorous-free fertilizer this spring. By choosing to use sustainable practices, eliminating phosphorus, and reducing pesticide use on lawns, New Yorkers can play an important role in addressing water quality impairments across the state.”

DEC first introduced “Look for the Zero” in 2017, and released a public service announcement that shows the effects of fertilizer runoff on New York’s waterbodies.

Phosphorus has been the focus of recent Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) summits recently held in four locations throughout New York, as part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s State of the State initiative to address harmful blue-green algae blooms in New York lakes. The summits brought together community leaders, national and local experts, and state agency officials to develop strategies to address HABs in New York.

New York’s nutrient runoff law prohibits the use of phosphorus lawn fertilizers unless a new lawn is being established or a soil test shows that the lawn does not have enough phosphorus. Generally, only newly established lawns or those with poor soil need phosphorus. Phosphorus applied to already existing lawns should not be used and can cause water pollution. Regardless of the location, excess phosphorus from lawns can wash off and pollute lakes and streams, harming fish, pets, or people that use these waters for recreating and a source of revenue for towns that must close beaches or boating areas.

New York State law requires retailers to post signs notifying customers of the terms of the law and to display phosphorus fertilizer separately from phosphorus-free fertilizer. DEC is encouraging consumers to review bag labels for phosphorus content when shopping for fertilizer. Fertilizer labels have three numbers. The number in the middle is the percentage of phosphorus in the product, such as: 22-0-15.

Homeowners are encouraged to practice more sustainable lawn care and to choose native plants and grasses, which are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. These plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds, and other animals.

Organic lawn care can easily be implemented on any lawn. Safe and effective alternatives exist for most chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Organic lawn care treatments promote deep root systems, natural photosynthesis, and longer grass growth. Visit DEC’s Sustainable Landscaping web page to learn more.

Additional recommendations for sustainable lawn care include spreading a quarter inch of compost on the lawn to improve moisture retention and soil texture and add beneficial microorganisms and nutrients. Another suggestion is to allow grass to grow to three inches and then cut no more than one inch off the top. This is the “one-third” rule and helps to develop a deeper root system, which is a natural defense against weeds, disease and drought. Visit DEC’s Lawn Care web page for more information.

DEC also encourages homeowners to leave lawn clippings after mowing to improve the health of the lawn. Grass clippings are 80 percent water and contain two to four percent nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients. Leaving clippings also saves homeowners time after mowing and reduces the amount of garbage thrown out. Grass clippings can account for as much as 10 percent of garbage.

DEC has posted a new video to its YouTube channel that shows how phosphorus can run off lawns and enter our waterways. For more information, visit DEC’s Lawn Fertilizer web page.

New York’s nutrient runoff law does not affect agricultural fertilizer or fertilizer for gardens.

Senator Tom O’Mara, Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, said, “From combating harmful algal blooms to water quality infrastructure improvements, New York State must continue to cover every base to help protect our waterways and public health overall.”

Assemblyman Steve Englebright, Chair of the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee, said, “Nutrient overloading has proven to be harmful to the State’s water bodies, many of which serve as drinking water sources for our communities. The ‘Look for the Zero’ campaign is a good way to continue to educate the public on the easiest ways to mitigate nutrient runoff, one of which is to simply use phosphorus-free fertilizer. By continuing to use less and less high-nutrient lawn fertilizers, we can reduce the need to restrict recreational opportunities and can lower the chances for harmful algal blooms and fishkills.”

When is a test not a test? When it’s an opt out ‘learning activity’ – Times Union

Source: When is a test not a test? When it’s an opt out ‘learning activity’ – Times Union

Agenda – Peru Town Board Meeting of April 23, 2018

APRIL 23, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

  1. Call Meeting To Order
  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  1. Roll Call
  1. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the April 9, 2018 Regular Board Meeting.
  1. Community Input
  1. DISCUSSION:  PCSD Supt. Dr. Thomas Palmer regarding Capital Project and Operating Budget
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:   Resolution to Declare Lead Agency and Approve SEQRA for Telegraph Rd. Culvert 2 Project
  1. DISCUSSION:  Main St. Improvement Project Update.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:   Sewer Collection Upgrade Services and Funding with AES.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.
  1. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Approve/Pay Bills.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Adjourn to Executive Session
  1. DISCUSSION:  Return from Executive Session

     

MOTION:     Adjourn

Peru man has new heart — and purpose – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Peru man has new heart — and purpose – Sun Community News & Printing

PFCU breaks ground on Au Sable Forks branch – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: PFCU breaks ground on Au Sable Forks branch – Sun Community News & Printing

Gander Outdoors coming in to Plattsburgh mall | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Gander Outdoors coming in to Plattsburgh mall | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Clinton County Historical Association Upcoming Events

Rising-Star French Pianist Lise de la Salle Pays Homage to the Genius of Bach 

Lise de la Salle will perform a solo recital at the Saranac Methodist Church on Route 3 in Saranac on Sunday, May 6 at 3:00 pm.  Her program “BACH UNLIMITED” has been conceived as a profound and shining tribute to the timeless genius of J.S. Bach.  Beginning with Bach’s Italian Concerto, the program features works from three centuries of great composers who were deeply inspired by Bach, including the Liszt Fantasy & Fugue on the Theme B.A.C.H. and the Bach/Busoni Chaconne, as well as shorter works by Roussel, Poulenc, and Thomas Enhco.

In just a few years, through her international concert appearances and award-winning recordings, 29 year- old Lise de la Salle has established a reputation as one of the most exciting young artists performing today and as a musician of uncommon sensibility and maturity.  Her playing inspired a Washington Post critic to write, “For much of the concert the audience had to remember to breathe… the exhilaration didn’t let up for a second until her hands came off the keyboard.” 

A native of France, Lise de la Salle first came to international attention in 2005, at the age of 16, with her Bach/Liszt recording that Gramophone Magazine selected as “Recording of the Month.”  She has since released eight critically acclaimed recordings on the Naïve label, featuring works of Bach, Mozart, Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff, and Shostakovich.  Ms. de la Salle has performed as concerto soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Munich, Vienna, and Tokyo.  A sought-after recitalist, she has captivated enthusiastic audiences and critics in major series in New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Montreal, and Toronto, and at such exalted venues as the Philharmonie in Berlin, Wigmore Hall in London, and the Louvre in Paris. Read more »

“John McKenna’s Plattsburgh, Photos From The  McKenna Collection ”

Tuesday, May 1, 2018 from 4 – 5pm @ Lake Forest Senior Living Retirement Community, 8 Lake Forest Drive
Plattsburgh, NY 12903

Admission is Free

In 1975 John McKenna, a local architect, took a series of photographs and slides of various commercial enterprises throughout streets in the City of Plattsburgh.  It is not known exactly why Mr. McKenna decided to take the pictures that have become a part of the County Historical Association’s collection.  His efforts provide an opportunity for us to peer into this period of time in the City.

Participants in the Lake Forest presentation are invited to join in the walk down memory lane and revisit 1970’s Plattsburgh with a unique tour from the Spinning Wheel to the Chez!  The presentation will share many of his pictures of storefronts with slides of various architectural details.

Bill Laundry has prepared the presentation of Mr. McKenna’s photographs and slides.  He is a member of the Clinton County Historical Association Board of Directors and currently serves as its Treasurer. Mr. Laundry is a native of Clinton County and a life long student of history. He has resided in Plattsburgh since 1969, the year he began his career at SUNY Plattsburgh where he served in the college administration. He retired from that position in 2012 and now dedicates himself to various philanthropic activities.  He has recently been recognized as an outstanding community volunteer and will be traveling to Albany to receive an award for his community service. 

###

The CCHA Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For more information, visit www.clintoncountyhistorical.org or call 518-561-0340. Museum admission is free and donations are accepted.

Lobbying spending tops $240 Million in New York for 2017 – Capitol Confidential

Source: Lobbying spending tops $240 Million in New York for 2017 – Capitol Confidential

N.Y. political web ads will have to reveal who’s paying bill – NY Daily News

Source: N.Y. political web ads will have to reveal who’s paying bill – NY Daily News

7.1M gallons of partially treated sewage released into Lake Champlain

Source: 7.1M gallons of partially treated sewage released into Lake Champlain