The Peru Gazette

Source: Jointa Lime asphalt plant opens in Plattsburgh – Sun Community News & Printing

Photos taken about 4:45 today

By John T. Ryan

Peru – If you’ve driven by the Peru Elementary Schol playground on the sweeping Route 22B curve this week, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the many, many children enjoying the new, very large, playground apparatus.

The Peru Parent Teachers Organization (PTO) and the school district are responsible for purchasing the improved equipment. PTO Treasurer Sarah Michell explained, “Until about two years ago the PTO funded student field trips. When the district decided to fund them we had money in the treasury so we asked the parents and kids what they would like to do with the money. The answer was resounding, ‘Improve the playgrounds!’”

It was easy to agree that replacing the aged, sometimes insect infested wooden structure adjacent to Route 22B should be the first priority. A PTO subcommittee worked with the teachers, parents, students and the administration to develop a concept. Mitchell said, “The kids didn’t want traditional play structures. They wanted something that would encourage active play.” When the students voted in a mock presidential election last November, they were also given an opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite apparatus.

The apparatus they chose includes zip lines, enclosed slides and much more. Including installation it cost almost $90,000. The PTO raised $37,000 through fund-raising, private donations and outstanding support from the local business community. The school district funded the remainder of the project.

Raising money to improve the school’s three other playgrounds will be the PTO’s next priority. A spaghetti dinner and raffle are scheduled for Friday, November 3rd in the K-2 cafeteria from 5 to 7 p.m. Raffle prizes will include hand-painted Adirondack chairs created by each elementary class.

Dear Friend,

Today, I am proud to announce a new savings and investment program for New Yorkers with disabilities.

The NY ABLE Program allows New York State residents with disabilities to save money for their disability-related expenses without the risk of losing benefits from assistance programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicaid.

NY ABLE also provides tax advantages. Earnings on accounts can grow tax-free if funds are used for qualified disability expenses when withdrawn. Investment options can provide short-term or long-term savings based on the account owner’s objectives, and a checking account and debit card can be used for convenient access to funds as needed.

To be eligible, an individual must be a New York State resident with a disability that was present before age 26 AND:

• be eligible for SSI or SSDI; OR
• be classified as blind; OR
• have a significant disability documented by a physician; OR
• have a disability that is included on the Social Security Administration’s Compassionate Allowances List.

One account per individual is permitted. Anyone can contribute to an individual’s NY ABLE account. The maximum net contribution is $14,000 per year and the maximum account balance is $100,000.

For more information, including details regarding the terms and conditions of the NY ABLE program, go to mynyable.org or call our toll-free number (1-855-5NY-ABLE) weekdays from 8 AM to 8 PM.

We appreciate your assistance in getting the word out about this important, new program. Thank you.

Source: Some forest rangers call pace of Adirondack emergencies “unsustainable” | NCPR News

Source: Mausoleum repairs finally underway in Clinton County | NCPR News

Governor  Cuomo announced that the Town of Peru has been awarded $1,006,081 for sewage system upgrades. The total project cost has been estimated at just over $4 million.  A new left/pump station to service the Buttonwood development is the highest priority item.  Click here for more grant details.

Click here for an August 2016 Peru Gazette story detailing the needed upgrades. 

L-R Rev. Peggi Eller and Amanda Corse

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Community Church’s Pastor Rev. Peggi Eller and Office Manager/Bookkeeper Amanda Corse are #18 in our Peru Gazette series of people who make Peru a wonderful place to live. Each day you’ll find them offering a warm welcome to people at the Fellowship Center.

The Peru Community Church is affiliated with both the Presbyterian Church USA and the United Methodist Church, Troy Conference. Its beautiful, historic church at 13 Elm Street was constructed in 1833.

Sunday morning services are conducted at 8 and 10:30. The 8 a.m. service is a traditional service. The 10:30 service is a family service. Phone 643-8641 for more information.

AGENDA – TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING, October 10, 2017
7:00 PM, Call Meeting To Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call.

MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of September 25, 2017

MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Special Meeting of October 2, 2017

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

Community Input

DISCUSSION/MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

DISCUSSION/MOTION: Return to Regular Session.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Highway Fund Transfer.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Support for Statewide Constitutional Amendment Ballot Proposal #3.

DISCUSSION: Pleasant Street Drainage

DISCUSSION: Town Water/Wastewater projects Update.

DISCUSSION: Accounting Software Update.

DISCUSSION: Town IT Update.

DISCUSSION/MOTION: Rescind Scheduling of Final Budget Public Hearing Motion.

Other Business.
Community Input on Agenda Items.

Motion to Adjourn.

Jim Dougass

Peru Gazette Questions for Town Board candidates. Three candidates are vying for two open positions. 

1 Summarize your educational background, primary employment, your past community involvement and a little information about your family.

2 Why did you decide to run for office?

3 State one or more of your successes in life and how that experience will assist you as a town council member?

4 What town issues concern you the most?

5 How would you address these issues?

6 Why should a person vote for you?

7 What party lines will your name appear on in November?

I have been a Town of Peru Councilman for 8 years in addition to 28 years as an Assessor and Councilman in the town of Black Brook.  My work experience was at Grand Union and Hannaford Supermarkets. My wife, Jackie, and I have 4 grown children, 2 grown stepchildren and 13 Grandchildren.

Eight years ago I decided to run for a Peru Councilman’s seat because I thought I could help to steer the community in the right direction. Even after eight years, I feel that a lot has been accomplished and look forward to accomplishing more in the future.

My experience on the Councils of Black Brook and Peru allows me to recognize the problems of growing communities and to work together with others to solve budgets, personnel, road maintenance, and other issues facing towns today.

One of the biggest problems we have in Peru, at this time, is the Waste Water System. It is in need of some major updates.  We are working with an engineering firm that will help us determine what has to be done. Then the water and sewer superintendent, grant writers, the town supervisor, and the Council need to work together to remedy this situation.

I have the experience, the dedication to the community, the drive, and the time to spend making Peru the best place to live.

My name will be on the ballot on the Democratic and Conservative lines. A vote for me will guarantee that Peru gets a solid, hardworking Councilman.

Thank you for your support.

Marquet Moffett

Peru Gazette Questions for the Town Board candidates.  Three candidates are vying for two open positions. 

Summarize your educational background, primary employment, your past community involvement and a little information about your family.

I earned a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from UVM and have been teaching chemistry at Saint Michael’s College for nine years.

I organize and host an annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fundraiser called the Team Cookie Yard Sale. I do chemistry-focused events for our elementary and middle school students. I also currently serve as a member of the Peru Free Library’s Board of Trustees and as Secretary of the Peru Democratic Committee.

My husband and I have been married since 2003. We have a son in 7th grade and a daughter in 1st grade.

Why did you decide to run for office? 

I am running for Town Council because I think Peru is a great place to live and I believe it’s the duty of each of us, including me, to keep our town a thriving, healthy community. I have fresh perspectives to offer in service to our town.

State one or more of your successes in life and how that experience will assist you as a town council member? 

Earning my graduate degree. In graduate school that I realized I had to dive in and work hard in order to really accomplish anything. “Roll up your sleeves, put together a team, and get to work.” This is an idea that drives just about everything I do today.

What town issues concern you the most?

Our little town is growing and I want to make sure we are growing with a plan for the future in mind. Planned growth will help us address other problems as well such as property taxes and water and sewer services. My vision for Peru is focused on making our town the best family town in the region.

How would you address these issues? 

I think it is of utmost importance to develop a community-driven long-term vision for Peru, so I would work to engage more community members in local decision-making. With a vision in place, we can build a detailed strategy for accomplishing our goals.

Why should a person vote for you? 

I am a hard-working, energetic, and optimistic member of our community. I am a good listener, a good problem-solver, and a big believer in team work.

What party lines will your name appear on in November?

Democratic and Independence Party lines.

Facebook Post Just Made by Sister Debbie Blow:

A post from a friend of ours:Last night in Peru at 8:15pm on the side road next to Sweet Treats, the following occurred…(adults/teens be careful). My friend was driving with her daughter. A man, 35-40 walking a yellow lab, pretended the dog was over powering him and walked toward my friends car that had to almost slow to a halt. The man tried to open my friends car door. She had already locked it sensing something was wrong and her daughter did the same. The man then began pounding on her side car door. Not only does this concern me but it concerns me even more with Halloween right around the corner. Many of our children travel in groups without their parents. As far as I know, this man has not been apprehended. Please be extremely careful and please share this post to alert all others. Thank you so much. Stay safe!

The Champlain Valley Business & Professional Women’s Club will host their annual “Meet the Candidates” Forum on Tuesday, October 17^th at the Plattsburgh City Hall Rotunda. Doors will open at 5pm and the program will begin at 5:30pm.

Champlain Valley BPW is giving candidates for office at the town and county level as well as congressional primary candidates, the opportunity to meet with local constituents, outline their platforms for office and answer questions from the attendees regarding important issues. Representatives from organizations that support and oppose the proposed Constitutional Convention will also be in attendance.

The itinerary will include an introduction and “Q&A” period, but will not have a debate format. The event is open to the public. Any candidate for office in any of the local townships is welcome to attend.

The program will be moderated by Lois Clermont, Editor of the Press-Republican.

Champlain Valley BPW will provide an informative, objective and open forum for candidates to address potential voters.  Champlain Valley BPW will not support or endorse any particular candidate(s).

About Business and Professional Women

Founded in 1919, Business and Professional Women, promotes equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information. With local organizations across the country, the BPW transforms workplaces by strengthening the capacity of organizations and businesses to create work environments that are inclusive and value the skills and contributions of working women. BPW local organizations provide members with professional development programs, networking, participation in grassroots activism, and opportunities to support scholarships for disadvantaged women.  For more information, visit www.bpwfoundation.org or www.champlainvalleybpw.org.

Click here to read story on the lady who saved Mrs. Timmons when she was attacked. 

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 10^th at 6:15 PM at the school district’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School.  It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:15 PM start.  The school board is slated to reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  Anticipated topics include:

• Recognition of  recently hired/re-hired employees
• District Emergency Response Plan
• Playground Installation
• Corrected Tax Rolls
• Appointment of Personnel

The full Board agenda will be available on the District’s website.

All are welcome.

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!