The Peru Gazette

Source: CCC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing is open for business | NCPR News

Story about the Jamaicans at Forrence Orchards

Source: The Jamaican Apple Pickers of Upstate New York – NYTimes.com

The Peru Central School District Board of Education has selected Mr. Thomas Palmer as its new Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Palmer will start his new position on Jan. 1, 2018.

Mr. Palmer is currently the Superintendent of Schools in the Tri-Valley CSD in Grahamsville, NY, and has been in that position since 2008. He is certified in New York State as a School District Administrator (since 2003) and has served as an Assistant Principal and Principal in North Carolina and New York schools.

The search was conducted by Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES), headed by the CVES District Superintendent Dr. Mark Davey.  CVES worked closely with the Peru CSD Board of Education to conduct a community survey, hold several public forums and to engage Peru community stakeholders in the search process.

Mr. Palmer is pleased to be coming to Peru, “I am very eager to get to work in the Peru Central School District. I am coming into a district that already has many innovative and effective programs, such as Peru Pride, ADK P-TECH and the CHISEL Project. My goal is to continue these programs, and to seek out new educational opportunities for the students of the Peru CSD.”

Peru CSD Board of Education President Kim Mayer said, “The Board is excited to have an educational leader with a history of excellence serving as our Superintendent. Thomas Palmer’s experience and expertise is a good fit for Peru, and we look forward to working with him to keep our district on the cutting edge of educational practices, and to stay on the road to continuous improvement.”

“The Peru Board of Education would like to thank the faculty, staff, students and community members for their valuable input throughout its Superintendent of Schools search process.”

Interim Superintendent Cynthia Ford-Johnston will stay on as a consultant to assure a smooth transition for Mr. Palmer.

Source: Sullivan Co. man tapped as new Peru School super | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Click here for a TV 5 News Story 

Click here for a TV5 News Report 

Strand Center for the Arts Announces that The ARTrageous Entertainment Auction will be held November 11, 2017. Rebranding its long successful Arms and Legs Auction where creative community minded people and regional artist take household items and create works of art from the whimsical to a masterpiece. This year we have an “entertainment” theme, but really anything goes!

The Strand is looking for people who will find their perfect household item to be jazzed for this year’s auction. Take any interesting item such as a table, chair, platter, wine glasses, picture frames and let your creative side make a statement piece. We also are accepting art work or other donations to be auctioned to support all art programming.

If you are interested in donating a piece to this action please email strand@strandcenter.org. We will be showcasing the pieces in the Strand Center Gallery from November 4 to 9^th and then the auction will be in the Strand Theatre November 11, 2017. Absentee bidder cards available for those wishing to bid but not being able to attend the auction.

The Auction will be at the Strand Theatre. There will be a silent auction from 6 to 7PM  and the Live auction from 7 to 9 PM. Ticket prices include all food, drink during and a bidders card. Tickets will be $25 until 11/09/17 and then $35 at the door.  Auctioneer will be Steve Martin and Master of Ceremony is Steve Frederick and special guest! 

Tickets can be purchased online or download forms at  www.strandcenter.org. Click on the ARTrageous banner!

Peru Central School District’s Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Thursday, October 5^th at 7:15 AM in the District’s Community Room, located in the Jr/Sr High School at 17 School Street.

The anticipated topic is discussion of the appointment of a Superintendent of Schools.

No other school board or school district business is slated for this meeting.

The full agenda is available at www.perucsd.org.

Source: Keeseville VFD audit urges more review – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Area youth coaches to engage in suicide prevention campaign – Sun Community News & Printing

The Catholic Community of St. Augustine’s and St. Patrick’s Parish, The Peru Community Church, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Monica 2598 and Knights of Columbus Council 7273 in Peru, NY will hold a Pulled Pork Dinner on Saturday, October 14h from 4-6:30 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center.

Guests will get a plate full of pulled pork, corn on the cob, baked beans, salad and rolls. Beverages and dessert come with the meal. Adults $10 each, Children 12 & over are $5 each, , Children under 12 are free.

Proceeds from the dinner will go to The North Country Mission of Hope, The Jamaica Project, and The Red Bird Mission. 
Please consider joining us on Saturday, October 14th. For more information please contact  Duane/Krissie Bast at 643-2162 or Linda/Bob Manchester 518-643-8977. We hope to see you!

The Town of Peru, has scheduled the following Budget Workshops for the 2018 Budget. The workshops are open to all.

L-R Melvin, Jim & Bob Irwin

By John T. Ryan

Peru – October 14, 2017 will be a day of significant change for Bob, Jim and Melvin Irwin owners of Maplegrand Farm at 139 Jarvis Road. An auctioneer will sell the farm’s 170 cattle. A few days later when all the cattle are gone, the brothers will still be farmers, but they will be crop farmers rather than dairy farmers. They’ll continue to grow and sell the hay, corn, oats and apples harvested on the farm’s fertile 1,300 acres.

Ironically, it was 100 years ago in 1917 that their grandparents, Joseph and Lenore Church Irwin, decided to leave Peasleeville and purchase the Jarvis Road farm and it was 67 years ago on October 14,1950 that their late parents Kermit and Bertha Nax “Bert” Irwin were joined in marriage. Joseph and Kermit loved farming and passed that love on to their offspring.

Bob Irwin explained, “We’re not selling the cows because we don’t enjoy it any more, but we’re getting to the point where everything is work. We used to work 12 to 14 hours a day and not think anything about it. When you get into your 60’s it’s not as much fun. It’s more work than it used to be.” They also recall when their father Kermit advised them not to work too long. He wanted them to get out and see more of the world.

Kermit and Bert Irwin had six children: Betty, Bob, Jean, Jim, Melvin and Chris. When they were first married they lived in the house at the corner of the River Road and Route 22B. Bob said, “Dad had 100 acres there. I can still remember looking out the window and seeing Dad harvest oats on what is now LaFlure Lane and Washington Street.” The Irwins still own that house and 3.8 acres of nearby apple orchards.

The brothers treasure memories of life along the Little Ausable River. Melvin explained, “The river is a big chunk of our childhood. Like Huck Finn or Tom Sawyer, we’d go out to run in the hills until Mom would ring the bell for lunch.” Jim added, “We’d all run trap lines for muskrat and we’d fish. The Mason Lumber Company would put up their flush boards and the river’s water level would rise. We’d swim or go rafting. We’d have sliding and skating parties and play hockey on the river. Sometimes there were 30 or 40 kids. We could skate all the way to Harkness.”

Bob, Jim and Melvin formed an ownership partnership in 1982. Anyone in their presence quickly senses their close working relationship. Kermit Irwin taught them well. Melvin said, “I think Dad pretty much instilled that in us over the years. He always said, ‘If you can’t get along you’ll have nothing.’” The brothers have complimentary college degrees – Bob in animal husbandry, Jim in agriculture and engineering and Melvin in agronomy, or as Bob says, “Manure, grease and dirt.”

The Irwin’s registered holstein herd has long been known as one of the best producing herds in the region. In 1980 one of their cows won awards as the top producing cow in the United States and 7th in the world. Recalling that cow Melvin said, “Dad used to say, ‘When all the cows were laying down in the pasture she was still munching.’” The farm’s reputation has grown to the point that its cows and their offspring can be found in Russia, Korea, Saudi Arabia and even South America.

When asked what the most satisfying part of farming has been they responded in unison, “Raising our families here.” Melvin said, “All our kids showed cows at 4-H and the fair. A lot of lessons were learned there. It was a big part of our life.” Between them the brothers have nine children, 8 girls and 1 boy. Jim’s son Tyler will continue working at the family farm.

While Bob, Jim and Melvin Irwin will miss dairy farming, they’ll undoubtedly ensure that Maplegrand Farm continues to thrive. They’ll also continue spreading the good news about life on a family farm.

Click to see Peru Gazette photos of Maplegrand Farm over the past several years. 

Click here for the Hometown Cable Recording of Saturday’s Honor Flight Ceremonies. 

Source: Concern grows on state’s farms – Times Union

AGENDA – Planning Board, WEDNESDAY, October 11, 2017 @ 7:00 PM, TOWN OF PERU

CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL of September 13, 2017 minutes.
OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
APPLICATIONS:

1. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2017-019 Robert Baggs
Site Plan Review – Outside Wood Boiler
3003 State Rte. 9
Peru, NY 12972

2. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2017-020 Anne Forgues
Site Plan Review – Pet Grooming Business
86 Quaker Highlands Rd.
Peru, NY 12972

3. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2017-021 Stephanie Blair
Site Plan Review – Retail Store
225 Rt. 22B
Peru, NY 12972

4. 2-Lot Minor Subdivision with SEQR: P-2017-022 Leeward LaMoy
2-Lot Minor Subdivision
561 Fuller Rd.
Peru, NY 12972

5. 2-Lot Subdivision with SEQR: P-2017-023 Buttonwood Limited Partnership
2-Lot Minor Subdivision
268.-1-22.5
Peru, NY 12972

6. 2-Lot Subdivision with SEQR: P-2017024 Winfried Holdereid
2-Lot Minor Subdivision
280.1-5-4.1
Peru, NY 12972

7. Site Plan Review P: 2017-025 Kassis Superior Signs
Kinney Drugs
Site Plan Review – Building Sign and a Free Standing Sign
3 Gorman Way
Peru, NY 12972

8. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:
9. CEO REPORT:
10. ADJOURNMENT

Several of the North Country Firefighters and Ambulance Crews who honored the Honor Flight Veterans this morning. Peru’s Department was present and accounted for as always. Click here for more Peru Gazette Firefighter Photos 

By John T. Ryan

Sept. 30th Plattsburgh – A huge crowd was present early this morning at the Plattsburgh Recreation Center to wish 16 North Country Veterans well as they departed on the 21st North Country Honor Fight to Washington D.C. 314 vets have flown on the 21 flights.

Today’s veterans in order of introduction:
Benjamin J. Kelly, Sgt. U.S. Army 1950-52
Artis Brown, Chief Master Sgt. U.S. Air Force 1955-82
Joseph T. Faubert Jr., Major, U.S. Army, 1950-73
Paul Fisher, Staff Sgt. U.S. Army 1973-92
Charles A. Gallagher, Major, U.S. Army 1973-93
Everette E. Gonyer Sr., Staff Sgt. Navy, USAF, 1944-64
Arthur S. Hatfield, Sgt., U.S. Army, 1953-55
Thomas V. Herne, Sgt., U.S. Marine Corps, 1949-52
Charles J. Jacobs, Corporal, U.S. Army 1953-55
Louis D. Jacobs Jr., SSG, U.S. Navy, Army & Air Force, 1950-92
Benjamin J. Kelly, Sgt., U.S. Army, 1950-52
Jerry N. Marshall, Corporal, U. S. Army, 1949-52
John McDonald, Corporel, U.S. Marine Corps. 1952-52
John L. Quackenbush, Specialist 3rd Class, 1964-66
James P. Rice Jr., AVCDT, U.S. Navy, 1943-47
George T. Sheelar, PHM 3, U.S. Navy, 1943-46

Click here to view more Peru Gazette photos

Source: Clinton County GOP sees leadership change – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Clinton Co. gives OK to para-transit change | Local News | pressrepublican.com

By John T. Ryan

After a brief discussion the board decided to look into implementing a complete smoking ban on town property. Supervisor Glushko commented, “I think it’s a good idea especially with all the kids in our community. They need a good example.” Councilman Brandy McDonald commented, “Vaping is getting worse.” A Champlain Valley Family Center Tobacco-Free Program representative will be invited to the board’s next meeting.

The property assessment contract with Clinton County Assessment Services will be renewed. The charge per parcel will be increasing from $12.50 to $13.75. There are about 3,300 parcels in the town.

The Zoning Board of Appeals favors reducing its membership from seven to five. Currently, when three members are absent, a vote to approve an application must be unanimous often resulting in the applicant requesting to delay a vote. Councilman Jim Douglass said, “Residents get very frustrated when this happens. Projects are being delayed.” A public hearing on the membership reduction will be held prior to the board’s October 10th meeting.

Mark Hamilton was appointed to a seat to the Planning Board to complete the term of Kara McBrayer who resigned. The town board recommended that Hamilton be reappointed to a three-year term beginning in January 2018. Councilman McBrayer commented, “I think Mark will be an exceptional member.”

Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault informed the board that Peru did not receive any water system improvement grants in the latest award round. (On 9/29 Courtney Tetrault informed the Gazette that he was mistaken. Peru’s grant application is still under consideration) He recommended applying for a USDA Rural Development grant which the board agreed to do. Applying for a grant costs money. AES Engineering will charge up to $1,500 for its services and grant consultant Elizabeth Tedford will charge up to $2,500.

Courtney Tetrault is also concerned about the water system’s ability to accommodate community growth. Noting Peru’s reliance on streams and the adverse effects that rain storms have on treatment plant operations and supply, Tetrault said he would include a hydrologic study in his 2018 budget. The study would determine if wells would be a viable water source.

The board was advised that none of Peru’s elected officials are included in the town’s workman’s compensation insurance program. Councilman Jim Langley said the board could be insured at little cost and the cost of insuring Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell would be reduced by determining the amount of time he spends on administrative vs. hands-on work. The board decided to acquire the insurance.

Supervisor Pete Glushko reported that the NYS Comptroller’s fiscal stress monitoring system declared Peru to be in good fiscal shape.

A tentative budget will be presented to Town Clerk Kathleen Flynn no later than October 2, 2017.

Counselor Jim Douglass thanked Dog Control Officer Dave Drollette for his work on the Friday, September 28th dog biting incident on the Union Road in which Mrs. Loretta Timmons was seriously injured. Drollette issued nine tickets related to the incident. Douglass said, “We need a place for a dangerous dog. Elmore can’t take it,” referring to the fact that Peru does not have a contract facility to house a dangerous dog. The dog that attacked Mrs. Timmons had to remain with its owner until it was euthanized about 24 hours after the incident.

Town Attorney Matt Favro reported that local law enforcement agencies are not interested in enforcing the on-street parking ban on North Bend and Jenkins Street that the board has been discussing. Favro mentioned putting up no parking signs and contracting with towing companies. Jim Langley said he talked to neighbors and they are not in favor of erecting signs. Langley implied that he would support some sort of ban to expedite snow removal during the winter months.

Highway Superintendent Farrell reported that the Parsons Road culvert repairs have been completed. He plans to complete paving the Mannix Road on Monday or Tuesday of next week. This week’s paving was postponed because of the record-breaking high temperatures.

County Legislator Pete Keenan reported that sales tax collections are doing very well at $1.1 million over projections. A company called Tail Winds got the Plattsburgh International Airport restaurant bid. There is some interest in developing a motel near the airport. Keenan also said the Lake Champlain-Lake George Watershed Program might have grants that Peru could utilize for its water or sewer projects.

The Town of Peru,  Town Board has scheduled a Special Meeting for Monday, October 2, 2017 at 6:30 PM.  The purpose of the Special Meeting is for the Supervisor to receive the 2018 Tentative Budget from the Town Clerk.  The meeting will take place at the Town Hall.

Kathleen Flynn

Town of Peru

Town Clerk

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts annually hosts a juried show open to artists of all ages and mediums. This year, the theme of the show is “Reflections” and participants were encouraged to submit artwork that captures a reflection or reflections, either in a natural pool of water, the chrome bumper of a classic car, or anything in between. “Reflections,” will be on view in The Strand Center Community Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh from October 6 to October 27, 2017. The Opening Reception and Award Ceremony will take place Friday, October 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Read more »