The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh plant gets orders from San Antonio and Houston.

Source: New Nova Bus orders total 525 buses | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Michelle, Darin, Conner and Ryleigh Perrotte

By John T. Ryan

Peru – The Town of Peru Christmas Tree has a special meaning to Darin Perrotte. He was about 9 years old when his grandfather, Lee Perrotte, asked if he would like to help plant a Christmas Tree at Little Ausable River Park. Lee Perrotte, a well-known local contractor, owned a powered spade needed to plant the tree.

The Town Board decided to replace that tree which had grown very tall, had dead branches and was difficult to decorate. When Darin learned about the need for a new tree, he let it known that he wanted to participate. As the owner of Hilltop Custom Landscape and Design) he also has the proper equipment.

Early this afternoon Darin and his wife Michelle planted a beautiful 12-foot balsam fir as their children Conner (9) and Ryleigh (5) played at the nearby playground. Councilor Donald McBrayer was on hand to observe and assist.

The Perrotte family donated the tree and they’ll will be stopping by periodically to see that it is properly pruned. Michele added, “Please don’t judge the tree right now. It will take about two weeks to spread out and look its best. We’’ll b back to spread it out!”

Peru’s parents and children can rest easy. Peru will have a beautiful tree for this year’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. 

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 6:00 PM at the school district’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School. An executive session associated with particular personnel matters will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start. The school board is slated to reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. Anticipated topics include:

· NYS Assessment Performance
· Sports Merger
· Corrected Tax Rolls
· Leadership/Captainship Training
· Appoint Personnel
· Facilities Use Requests

The full Board agenda is available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.
All are welcome.

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will hold two Public Information Meetings on October 13, 2016 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the proposed nYS rulemaking to amend Part 830 of Title 6 of the Codes, Rules, and Regulations of the State of New York to upgrade the classifications of certain surface waters in the Lake Champlain drainage basin. The meetings will be held at the Town of Plattsburgh Town Office Meeting Room, 151 Banker Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. The purpose of both meetings is for DEC to provide the public with an overview of the proposed rulemaking.

Public comments on the proposed rulemaking will be accepted through 5:00 PM on November 7, 2016. A Public Hearing will also be held on November 2, 2016. View the September 7 Environmental Notice Bulletin for instructions on how to comment and for more information about the Public Hearing. The rulemaking documents are available on DEC’s Proposed Regulations webpage.

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Thanks to health research and business trends locally produced and fresh fruits and vegetables are more popular than ever. Peru residents are little spoiled because we have two excellent family-owned and operated farmstands, Rulfs and Northern Orchards. Rulfs has been in the news since the September 28th opening of their beautiful new farmstand and the Northern Orchards Farmstand operated by the Mulberry family continues to be a frequent stop for many Peru and regional shoppers.

One of the first things anyone stopping at the Northern Orchards Farmstand notices are the large apple crates filled with beautiful apples. As Jenna Mulberry stated, “We pick the boxes right out of the field and bring them to the stand. It doesn’t get much fresher than that.” Yesterday’s offerings included Macintosh, Honeycrisp, Gala, Silkin and Cortland. Fuji will be harvested soon. Twenty-five apple varieties are typically sold over the course of a harvest. Shoppers simply pick up a bag and fill it with their favorite, moderately-priced apple. Yesterday, Honeycrisp apples were priced at $2.00 a pound.

At this time of year the stand is surrounded by hundreds of pumpkins of all sizes. Inside, shoppers immediately spot the melons and perfectly ripened plums along with a huge variety of squash, ornamental gourds, tomatoes, beets, peppers, garlic, carrots, kohlrabi, and other very fresh vegetables. Mulberry’s three large high tunnel green houses allow them to grow vegetables into late December. Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, lettuce, herbs grow very well in the greenhouses’ protected environment. The stand usually has six to eight tomato varieties. 

Honey lovers appreciate the honey produced just a few hundred feet down the road at the family’s 450 acre orchard. Firewood derived from the orchard’s trees is also sold at the stand. A few items are purchased from other suppliers. McAdam Cheese and Granny Blossom salsa, tomato relish, BBQ sauce and Bloody Mary Mix are very popular.

The Mulberry’s have an interesting philosophy when it comes to the farmstand. Jenna explained, “We’re primarily large commercial apple growers. We see this stand as a way to give back to our community for all they provide to us.” The residents of Peru and neighboring communities are very thankful for their gift.

The Northern Orchards Farmstand is open 10-6, seven days a week. They also have an excellent, constantly-updated Facebook page. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PERU GAZETTE PHOTOS

NCREDC Endorses 27 Priority Projects for Round VI of Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) today announced it recently submitted its 2016 Progress Report to Empire State Development, meeting New York State’s October 3 deadline. The report, which details the Council’s progress implementing its comprehensive Strategic Plan, is entitled Community, reflecting the broad and rural nature of the North Country’s communities, and the projects appropriate to each community’s specific needs.

In furtherance of these goals, strategies and initiatives, this report recommends 27 priority projects to advance the region’s growth objectives. These projects represent a total proposed state investment of $25,000,000 million, leveraging $77,648,870 in private and other funding for total project expenses of more than $102,648,870. Collectively, they support the creation of 213 new jobs, 439 indirect jobs and the retention of 393 existing jobs
“In our sixth year of this new region by region economic development process, we feel the North Country is on the right trajectory, having stabilized many key measures as opposed to continued decline in most rural regions of the country, and now seeing real transformation in places across the region,” said Garry Douglas, NCREDC co-chair and President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “With no metro center and an especially dispersed and diverse economy, we focused from the start on appropriate strategies and sectors in key communities, and from Clayton to Plattsburgh and points in-between, the turnarounds are real. That’s why ‘Community’ is the theme of our 2016 submission, focused on community by community transformation with strategies and approaches that are now proven. We feel very positive about our progress and about our targets going forward.”

“Based on broad public participation from across the region into our strategies, plans and priorities; our communities are working together to drive global recognition of the North Country as one of the special places on the planet to visit, live, work and study,” said Anthony G. Collins, NCREDC co-chair and President of Clarkson University. “Our 2016 submission underscores our commitment to energize and invest in our communities to drive job growth, responsibly steward our natural assets, and create new opportunities to attract and retain our next generation of regional community leaders.”

The report includes the region’s strong performance record in implementing its strategies and projects since the first round of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative in 2011. The first five rounds of funding resulted in $423.2 million Read more »

October 4, 2016

Low water at boat launchDue to the ongoing drought conditions in New York State, many waters are significantly below average water levels for this time of year. While many DEC boat launches are still useable by shallow draft boats, boaters desiring to launch larger, deeper draft waters may have difficulties on many waters. Of particular concern are DEC boat launches on Oneida Lake, Lake Champlain, Great Sacandaga Lake and Chautauqua Lake. On Great Sacandaga Lake, boaters desiring to launch larger vessels should use the Northville ramp which currently provides 4 ft. of water depth at the end of the ramp. On Lake Champlain, which is a foot below normal water level elevations for this time of year, most launches currently provide 3.0 ft of water depth. Exceptions are the Ticonderoga Launch which is currently below this level at 2 ft. Water levels at the Lake Ronkonkoma Boat Launch in Suffolk County, the Redfield Island Boat Launch on the Salmon River Reservoir in Oneida County and many Susquehanna River launches in DEC Region 7 are currently below the concrete launch ramp. Boaters, particularly those desiring to launch larger, deeper draft boats, are encouraged to contact the DEC regional office covering the water they desire to launch their boat onto for updated information.

A Message from St. Vincent de Paul Coordinator Jane Woods. 

Who are our Customers?
Parents and Grandparents.
Family and friends who shop for others.
People looking for clothing appropriate for job interviews.
Winter apparel for those individuals working outside.
Jamaican migrant workers.
Individuals with disabilities.
Senior citizens.
Home health aides looking for items for their clients.
The public.
Besides items offered for sale to our customers, items are provided to:
Boy Scouts of America
SPCA
Birthright
Mission of Hope
Valehaven residents
Cotton Material for T-Shirt Dresses for Girls (They recycle shirts, adding cotton material to make dresses for little girls, which are distributed around the country)
Coats, hats, scarfs and mitten for local school.
Families affected by fire, hurricanes and economic reasons.
And much more!

St. Vincent de Paul’s Thrift Store is strictly a volunteer organization which is supported by local people who want to give back to their community. We have a volunteer list of over 30 people, both men and women. We have dedicated volunteers who give of the time and talent to make this a successful operation.
We are always in need of volunteers If you can help, please contact Jane Woods at (518) 834-5324

As you turn your calendar page to October, be sure to mark the date for this year’s Harkness Chicken & Biscuit Dinner! The delicious feast will be presented on Sunday October 16th from 4PM until all are served at the Harkness United Methodist Church Hall, 776 Hallock Hill Road, Peru. We hope you plan to bring your family and meet your friends at one of the North Country’s best church suppers; dinners will be $9.00 for Adults, $8.00 for Seniors, Children of ages 5-12 eat for $5.00, and meals for pre-schoolers are Free. The meal includes chicken and biscuit with gravy, squash, peas, cole slaw, cranberry jell, beverage and dessert; take-outs are also available.
If you would like to help us feed others, please bring a non-perishable item for our Food Shelf collection. This dinner is a popular and revered tradition for many; we hope to see you there!
Contact: Allison Arnold
alpal1023@yahoo.co
643-6690

HARVEST WEEKEND: October 15-16, 2016 – Hours 10am-4pm
$1.00 off admission if you bring a nonperishable item for the Interfaith Foodshelf. Demonstrations of corn harvest, granary, hit and miss engines and blacksmith shop. Let the kids make a corn husk doll, play pumpkin tic- tac toe, paint a pumpkin, try their luck at a coin hunt, visit the animals, take a ride on Thomas the Train and the family can enjoy a ride on the stagecoach, & the hay wagon. Check out our display of antique toys. Bring your lunch and enjoy our picnic area. The Frosty Cow will be here on Saturday.

Marc Chick, Gale McElwey, two children lost everything in blaze.

Source: Help sought for family after fire consumes home | Local News | pressrepublican.com

By John T. Ryan 

Peru – North Main Street residents will see their street undergo significant changes next year if the plan presented at the Town Board’s September 26, 2016 meeting is implemented.  The planner hired by the town described the Phase #1 changes. “The project would eliminate pavement on the shoulder of North Main Street and replace it with grass and street trees to significantly narrow the roadway which will really improve the visual appearance, provide shade for pedestrians over time and likely slow down traffic as Route 22 won’t feel like a four lane highway.”  

If funding becomes available Phase #2 envisions constructing an eight-foot wide multi-use path to replace the sidewalk on the north side of North Main Street.  It would be usable for both pedestrians and bicyclists.  Phase #3 would include constructing a sidewalk on the east side of the Route 22 Bridge and a path to the Little Ausable River Walking Trail on the TD Bank side of the Route 22 Bridge. 

A $25,000 New York Department of State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Grant received in 2014 started the planning process.  A Main Street Planning Committee was formed.  In December 2015 a $49,000 grant enabled the town to hire an experienced consultant, River Street Planning and Development, to develop an enhancement plan.  The consultant examined the street and its environs, spoke with local businesses and residents and recommended a three-phase improvement plan.  The Planning Committee concluded that transforming North Main into a tree-lined street could be accomplished within cost and time limits.  It is anticipated that Peru Highway Department personnel will cut the asphalt and lay down the topsoil.  If the project can be accomplished for less than $150,000, money may be available to improve the chaotic Route 22 –Maiden Lane intersection near Stewart’s. 

Peru residents will have an opportunity to voice their opinion. A workshop will be scheduled in late October or early November.  Supervisor Peter Glushko stated that an information packet should be sent to every residence, business or institution bordering North Main Street. 

Award-Winning Mel Brooks Musical 

The show has a very Peru flavor. Here are people involved with a Peru connection.

Cast: Bill McColgan, Jamie Roberts, James Matthews, Tony Andrews, Mason Barber, Sophia Defayette, Gabrielle Dion, Brenda McColgan and Sky McColgan. Behind the scenes: Christopher Urban, Judy Akey, Bob Akey, Michael Coughlin, Pam Lavin, Cathy Defayette, Nikki Hilchey, Nate Horn and Amber Arnold.

Adirondack Regional Theatre’s THE PRODUCERS is the hilarious Mel Brooks smash-hit that took Broadway by storm winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards. THE PRODUCERS is the first Broadway style musical in the renovated Strand Theatre. Show dates are October 21 and 22 at 7:30pm and October 23 at 2:00pm.

THE PRODUCERS revolutionized Broadway Musical Comedy, this Mel Brooks masterpiece chronicles the side-splitting adventures of washed-up Broadway producer Max Bialystock and his mild-mannered accountant Leo Bloom, as they scheme to get rich quick by producing the most notorious flop in the history of showbiz. It’s a comic tour-de-force that spoofs the big, old-fashioned Broadway musical while paying tribute to it at the same time.

Hailed as the funniest Broadway musicals of all time, THE PRODUCERS features a riotous mix of eccentric characters and show-stopping songs including “I Wanna Be a Producer,” “When You Got It, Flaunt It,” “Prisoners of Love” and of course “Springtime for Hitler,” as well as eye-popping production numbers.

Written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, THE PRODUCERS features Bill McColgan as the infamous Max Bialystock with Andrew Ducharme playing the role of his mousy accountant Leo Bloom. The cast also includes Read more »

AGENDA Peru Planning Board –  WEDNESDAY, October 12, 2016 @ 7:00 PM

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of June 8^th, August 10^th and September14, 2016 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:

1. 2 Lot Subdivision with a SEQRA P-2016-023: Karl Scheikert – 2 Lot Minor Subdivision, 779 Telegraph Rd.

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

By John T. Ryan

Peru and several surrounding communities have experienced a rash of recent car larcenies. Nine unlocked vehicles in Peru and Clintonville were burglarized between September 19^th and September 23^rd. Wilmington residents experienced 19 similar larcenies between August 8^th and August 19^th. On August 20^th, six vehicle larcenies were reported in Keeseville and a chainsaw and a circular saw were stolen from an open garage. Most vehicle larcenies involved opportunity items, typically loose change. In early August there were 3 larcenies in Lewis. One arrest was made in connection with those incidents. No other arrests have been made.

NYS Police Trooper Jennifer Fleishman advised residents to keep vehicles locked and to be aware of people entering their neighborhoods and to call the Plattsburgh State Police Barracks at 563-3761 if they have any information that might lead to an arrest. She said, “People is this area have a sense of security. We feel safe. It’s very upsetting to have that sense of security disrupted.”

Editor’s Note: The Peru Gazette thanks Peru Town Counselor Brandy McDonald for bringing these larcenies to the community’s attention at the Town Board’s Monday, September 26^th meeting.

This afternoon is a historical moment in Peru’s history as the Rulfs’ Farmstand staff is moving merchandise and equipment into a beautiful new building. Yesterday afternoon and this morning the Peru Gazette photographed the old farmstead. Since its opening in 1953 hundreds of Peru’s young people and adults have worked in this building and thousands of North Country residents and visitors have enjoyed its array of wonderful farm products.

Most customers have also become a friend of Bob Rulfs who was sitting in his usual spot yesterday striking up a conversation with almost everyone who entered. This afternoon he is at the new store and will undoubtedly be there tomorrow greeting customers. Click here to renew your memories of the old farmstead. 

Bob Rulfs Sept. 27, 2016

Annual Pulled Pork Dinner – Saturday October 22nd 5:00 PM-7PM
$8.00/$4.00 12 and under
$6.00 for Walk of Faith participants
$3.00 for Walk of Faith participants 12 and under
Menu- pulled pork, corn on the cob, baked beans, rolls, salad and dessert
Proceeds to North Country Mission of Hope and The Jamaican Project
Sponsored by:
Peru Community Church, St Augustine’s Parish,
Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Ct St Monica 2598

Peru – October 15th should be an exciting day for Peru as about 450 runners and bicyclists participate in the 6th Annual Octoberfest Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 40K bike event. All proceeds are for a good cause – to fight pulmonary fibrosis, a disease affecting 500,000 Americans including several in our region. Over the past five years the event has raised some $60,000 for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. The event is coordinated by Ruth Hamilton LaClair whose father Chip Hamilton passed away after a long battle with the disease.

Ruth said it’s very much appreciated when Peru residents cheer the participants along the route beginning at 9 a.m. as they travel down the Bear Swamp Rd., Union Rd.,Jarvis Rd., Elm St. Pleasant St., River Rd., Old Town Rd., Rounds Drive, Winding Brook Rd., Buttonbrook Parkway, School st., Jenkins Street, Main Street and eventually back to the Fire Station. Most runners should travel through the hamlet between 9:15 and 10:30.

Let’s get out and show our spirit and support!  If you’d like to participate or volunteer you can sign up at this website. 

Peru Central School is one of the Six

ESSEX – College For Every Student (CFES), a global leader in helping underserved students become college and career ready, is honoring 33 schools in eight states and Ireland as “Schools of Distinction.” Six of these schools are in the Adirondacks.

Source: Six Adirondack Schools Named “Schools of Distinction” – Sun Community News & Printing

REVISED AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING – September 26, 2016 @ 7:00 PM

Call Meeting To Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

MOTION: Approval of Minutes of the September 12, 2016 Regular Board Meeting.

Community Input

DISCUSSION: Main Street Plan Presentation

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Clinton County Health Department MOU.

DISCUSSION: Pickle Ball Court/Tennis Court Update.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Tom Fusco Appointment to Zoning Board of Appeals.

DISCUSSION/MOTION: Set Budget Meeting Schedule.

DISCUSSION/MOTION: Set Tentative Budget Meeting.

DISCUSSION: Sky Lantern Ban.

DISCUSSION: Zoning and Planning Board Attorney.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Parking Ban on State Route 22B.

DISCUSSION: Other Business.

DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approve/Pay Bills.

MOTION: Adjourn

Wild Turkey, Waterfowl and Pheasant Seasons
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that several small game hunting seasons open October 1. In addition, there are special youth-only hunting seasons for pheasants and waterfowl opening prior to the start of the regular season.

“Hunting is a proud tradition in New York State, and this year we are offering more opportunities for the next generation of hunters to be introduced to this important sport,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Our youth only hunting seasons are an excellent way to connect people to the natural world and teach to become safe and responsible hunters, and I encourage experienced hunters across New York to bring a novice hunter afield this fall.”

Season dates, bag limits, and other hunting regulations can be found in the New York Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, which can be obtained from a license issuing agent, and on the DEC website (see links below).

Wild Turkey Hunting
Beginning last fall, DEC updated the fall turkey hunting season structure in response to declines in turkey populations and to ensure that harvest opportunities are sustainable. Season dates for fall 2016:

October 1-14 in the Northern Zone
October 15-28 in the Southern Zone
November 19-December 2 in Suffolk County, Long Island
The statewide, season bag limit is one bird of either sex.

The change to the fall turkey season is being evaluated as part of a four-year research program during which DEC staff track hen harvest and survival. This data will be used along with information collected annually on turkey abundance, productivity, and hunter activity and harvest to determine future fall harvest opportunities that are sustainable under current environmental conditions and trends in turkey populations.

Waterfowl Hunting and Youth Waterfowl Days Read more »

About 25 area veterans from Essex, Clinton and Franklin County met with Rep. Elise Stefanik for roundtable discussion, citing problems with VA, healthcare access, education and jobs

Source: Veterans: VA access, jobs pose challenges – Sun Community News & Printing

By John T. Ryan

Len Jozwiak is a friend and brother Knight of Columbus here in Peru. We never talked much about his youth until a few weeks ago when he told me about attending the 80th Jubilee of Sister Mary Augustine, his high school teacher in Pittsburgh, PA. Len said, “Sister Mary Augustine encouraged me to get my grades up and finish high school. I liked to party in those days.” When Sister Mary Augustine (who be 100 years old this coming March) celebrated her 75th Jubilee Len sent her a card and gave her a phone call. At first his former teacher didn’t remember him, but when he pronounced his name in Polish, she instantly recalled her fun-loving former student. This summer she told him, “I still have your card.”

Tiah Dowling has written such a good story, the Peru Gazette will rely on her reporting for the Peru Town Board’s last meeting.  We will be doing follow-ups on the Lyon Road School and the Courthouse.

PERU — Lawmakers had plenty to celebrate during last week’s town meeting.

Source: Peru celebrates new court house, sewer survey results – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Bharara: Percoco-Kaloyeros charges show ‘systemic problem’ in state government – Capitol Confidential