The Peru Gazette

The North Country Ballet Ensemble will hold auditions in September for the 31^st Annual Nutcracker. Performances take place at Hartman Theater of SUNY Plattsburgh and at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, in November and December. Dancers of all styles and abilities are invited to attend. All dancers are invited to audition in Plattsburgh at the Strand Theatre, 25 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh, NY, on Saturday, September 17^th, 2016.

Auditions are divided by age and level:

Saturday, September17th  (boys & girls)

1:00pm                                  Girls Ages 5-6

1:15pm                                  Girls Ages 7-9

1:45pm                                  Girls Ages 10-12

2:30pm                                  Boys (all ages)

2:45pm                                  Girls Ages 12+

Girls who have been en pointe for at least 2 years, please bring pointe shoes

Please arrive 15 minutes early to process completed paperwork.

All dancers who audition will be cast. 

Non-Refundable fee of $20.00 is required at the audition. Participation fees vary by age, and will be explained at the mandatory Parent meeting.

For more more information and to register, please contact NCBE at: mailto:ncbe@north-country-ballet-ensemble.org   518.572.1224 or Alice Schonbek at: aschonbek@mac.com

By John T. Ryan

Peru – On July 1, 2016 Reverend Peggi Eller become pastor of the Peru Community Church succeeding Interim Pastor David Svenson (2015-16) and Pastor Robert Svenson (2003-15). Pastor Peggi’s appointment is of historical note in that she is the church’s first female pastor and its first Methodist pastor since 1962. The Peru Community Church includes both Methodist and Presbyterian congregations. From 1962 to 2016, the pastors were ordained Presbyterian ministers.

Pastor Peggi is accustomed to change. Educated as an electrical engineer, her 2009 ordination followed a twenty-seven year defense industry career. She didn’t become a Christian until her early 40’s. She said, “I was not churched as a child or young adult. In 1998 I was working for IBM in Owego, NY. I wanted to enroll my two children in a Catholic School. They said the children had to be baptized, so I began to explore religion. The Methodist Church was the most closely aligned with my outlook. Then God started to work very quickly.” Over the next few years Peggi became active in her local church and by 2006 she recognized a call to the ministry. Prior to being assigned to the Peru Community Church she pastored two churches in Oneonta.

Introducing young people and families to Christianity and the Peru Community Church will definitely be one of Pastor Peggi’s priorities. She explained, “I will try to reach people who are unchurched. About 30% of Peru’s residents label themselves as unchurched. I hope to focus on junior and senior high kids and families with teens.”

Not long after arriving in Peru the pastor struck up a conversation with four teenage boys who were playing Poke ‘man Go at the nearby Little Ausable River Park Gazebo. Before long they asked questions about what goes on in the old stone church. She explained, “We need to go where people are and not expect them to come to us. Bringing people to church typically starts with relationships, with people asking, ‘Why don’t you come to church with us?’ Coming to church is a scary thing for many people.” An evening worship service focused on the unchurched is definitely on her agenda. It hasn’t been scheduled yet, but Pastor Peggi said, “Stay tuned!”

Pastor Peggi has been with impressed the Peru Community Church’s longtime service programs including the Jamaican Mission, Senior High Youth Group, Vacation Bible School and its partnership with the St. Augustine’s Parish community on programs such as the soup kitchen. She said, “I’ve found Peru’s people to be thoughtful, understanding and patient.”

Unfortunately, the Indiana native does have one reservation about the North Country – the Michigan Red Hot! She’s tasted Michigans at two of the local favorite Michigan stands, but hasn’t fallen in love with them. But, as she said, “It takes time to build a relationship.”

These are pastors, interim pastors and parish associates of the Peru Community Church:

The Rev. Paul Hydon – Founding Pastor (United Methodist) 1938-42

The Rev. Robert Thomas – (Methodist) 1942-47

Major William Malpass (Salvation Army) Interim 1947-48

The Rev. Dr. George Morgan (Presbyterian) 1948-52

The Rev. Dimiter Wassen – Interim Pastor 1952-54

The Rev. George Morgan (Presbyterian) 1954-56

The Rev. Melvin McGaughey (Methodist) 1956-62

The Rev. Donald Buddle (Presbyterian) 1962-69

The Rev. Kenneth N. Parker (Presbyterian) 1970-2003

The Rev. Noel Butler (New Zealand Presbyterian) Exchange 1980-81

The Rev. J. David Jones (Canadian Presbyterian) Associate Pastor 1988-93

The Rev. Dr. Robert E. Svenson Presbyterian) Associate Pastor 2003-2003

The Rev. Robert E. Svenson (Presbyterian) Pastor 2003 -2015

The Rev. Jessie Doerrer – Parish Associate (Presbyterian) 2012 -13

The Rev. David Svenson Interim Pastor (Presbyterian) 2015 -2016

The Rev. Peggi Eller (United Methodist) 2016 –

At the state fair last summer, employees from the small company staffed a START-UP NY booth and helped tout the state’s plan to create jobs through tax breaks and utilizing businesses resources in the state university system. In recent months, START-UP NY, a central part of Cuomo’s massive economic development arsenal, has been vilified by some state legislators and conservative think tanks after it was reported the program created just 408 jobs across the state since 2014, leading the critics to question whether the $53 million spent on advertising and marketing was worth it. […] critics say the 162 jobs were assisted by other incentives — including six START-UP companies that received cash awards through 43North, a part of the governor’s “Buffalo Billion” development program that is under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department. State Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, a Democrat from the Buffalo suburbs, questioned Empire State Development Corp. CEO and fellow western New Yorker Howard Zemsky about what the legislator has claimed is misleading reporting in the job-creation numbers. The legislative showdown was the latest in a series of attacks on the state’s economic development policies, which included a scathing report last month from the state comptroller’s office that said ESD couldn’t document whether companies met goals tied to tax credits provided through the Excelsior Jobs Program. Zemsky counters that Buffalo’s higher participation is likely the result of the State University at Buffalo’s designation as one of the highest federally funded research institutions in the SUNY system — and a fuel for research-inspired businesses. The state Legislature approved START-UP NY in 2013, allowing new or expanding businesses to be free of sales and income taxes for 10 years — provided companies are not on the long list of unauthorized uses like hotels, restaurants, retail and wholesale distribution centers. The program also requires companies to locate on college campuses, or an approved building nearby, so they can benefit from tax-free leases, faculty knowledge, student interns and equipment. The Mohawk Valley, where SUNY Cobleskill sits, reported one job created between 2014 and 2015 — from a Canadian aviation company that, according to Mohawk Valley Community College, set up in a trailer near one of their school buildings that is under construction in Rome, Oneida County. […] state Assemblyman Peter Lopez, a Republican who represents Schoharie County and voted for the START-UP legislation, said colleges have been provided little support or guidance from the state about how to integrate economic development into their educational mission. The Mid-Hudson region’s only business that claimed job creation by the end of 2015, Sustainable Waste Power Systems, has an office at the sprawling former IBM campus near Kingston and qualified for START-UP in part because Ulster Community College declared the IBM campus an off-shoot of its institution. […] Sustainable, which is working on a system that turns animal or plant waste into fuel to power equipment, is doing all its construction and testing at space its leasing from a power tool company in Saugerties.

Source: Highly touted START-UP economic program creates just over 400 N.Y. jobs – Times Union

Robert Schusteritsch allegedly stole over $180K by impersonating deceased brother.

Source: Office of the New York State Comptroller: Press Release

By John T. Ryan

Last Saturday the Ausable River Association (AsRA), in partnership with the Kayak Shack of Plattsburgh, hosted a Paddling River Clean-Up Saturday in Peru. AsRA worked with the Kayak Shack at their Baggs’ Landing location to remove trash in and along the banks of the Ausable River from Carpenter’s Flats to the mouth at Lake Champlain.

AsRA’s River Steward Nicole Pionteck commented, “The clean-up was a great success! We had 25 volunteers and pulled over 150 tires, 13 40-gallon trash bags, and scrap metal (including a huge cement mixer) out of the river.”

The Peru Gazette praises the volunteers and condemns the people who dump these materials in our beloved and vital river. Nicole Pionteck and Peru Gazette Contributor Joanne Kennedy photographed Saturday’s clean-up. Joanne Kennedy’s copyright is in the lower right of her photos.

Jim Champagne and Nora Pinkman – August 2005

The following is an article on Liberty’s Garage and Jim Champagne that I wrote for Denton Publications in August of 2005. Reprinted with Denton’s permission.

Liberty’s Garage
By John T. Ryan

It doesn’t seem possible ten years have passed, but on July 1st of this year Jim Champagne celebrated the 10th anniversary of his ownership Liberty’s Garage in Peru. Jim and his wife Karen purchased the successful business from Jack Liberty on July 1, 1995. Jack Liberty had established an excellent reputation during the 25 years he operated the service station. Jack’s customers asked who this new owner was and they wondered if he would provide the same quality service. From all accounts, Jim Champagne and his fine staff have met the challenge. The garage’s four service bays are always full and Jim’s gas pumps are nearly always busy.

Jim Champagne says he dreamed about operating his own garage for several years. After graduating from Chazy Central High School he went to work at the Church Oil service station in Plattsburgh and stayed until he bought Liberty’s twenty-two years later. Jim said, “I was looking for a business and one day I just happened to look in the paper.” Jim and his wife Karen had saved up money over the years in anticipation. He said the folks at Church Oil were surprised when he told them he was leaving. However, since he bought Liberty’s, Jim says, “They’ve been very good to me.” Church Oil is Jim’s Mobil supplier.

The day Denton Publications visited Liberty’s garage Pete Corral of Peru had his pick-up in for service. Asked why he does business at Liberty’s Pete said, “I’ve never had a bad experience. I think they’re fair and they do good work. When they give you an appointment they live up to it and you don’t have to check your car or truck seat for grease.”

Jim’s competent and friendly staff undoubtedly plays a major role in the station’s success. Nora Pinkman waits on customers, makes service appointments, picks up parts coming to and from work and does the station’s bookkeeping. This September she will celebrate her 35th year at Liberty’s. Mechanic Roger Duprey has worked there for 30 years. Jim’s four other mechanics Robert Desotell, Ray Price, Tim O’Neill and Leo Wood have been there two to five years. Matt McCarrell works when he’s not in school. The staff members personally greet customers and create a welcoming atmosphere. Customers also can’t help but notice the station’s appearance. Tools are returned to their chests after being used and the garage and offices are cleaned every night before anyone goes home. A beautiful flowerbed is maintained in front of the station.

Asked to explain his business philosophy Jim responded, “Treat the customer properly and make sure everything’s right before they leave.” Jim also likes to get to know his customers. He’s resisted installing credit card machines on his gas pumps saying, “It’s important to see who is buying your product.” After spending some time with Jim Champagne, it’s easy to explain why his sales are consistently increasing and why long-time customers have been able to relax in the knowledge that Liberty’s Garage is under competent, professional ownership.

CHAZY — Chazy Central Rural School is one step closer to merging the latest developments in the teaching and tech fields.

Source: CCRS lands over 300k for tech expansion – Sun Community News & Printing

Chazy, New York – The Alice T. Miner Museum is pleased to announce the return of one of their most popular programs as well as two new events during the month of September. These programs are free and open to the public.

In what has become a fall tradition, Sounds of the Northway will perform at the museum on Saturday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. Sounds of the Northway has been performing for over 15 years for many kinds of audiences at venues all over the North Country. While the composition of the ensemble has changed over its 15-year history, two stalwarts remain as the centerpiece of the group: Ann Hope Ruzow Holland, Ph.D. playing guitar, piano, and singing; and Cathie Davenport playing flute and singing. Patricia Nelson and Vickie Putman of Willsboro recently joined the group to enhance vocals and add violin and percussion to the ensemble.  Read more »

AGENDA  – Planning Board, WEDNESDAY, September 14, 2016 @ 7:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

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

1. Site Plan Review P-2016-020: Dave Passino

Site Plan – Sign

634 Route 22B

2. Site Plan Review P-2016-021: Dunkin Donuts

Site Plan – Sign

729 Bear Swamp Rd.

3. Site Plan Review P-2016-022: Rulf’s Orchard

Site Plan – Sign

531 Bear swamp Rd.

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS: Orchard view Update
8. CEO REPORT:
9. ADJOURNMENT

Peru – The 39^th Annual St. Augustine’s Applefest will be held on Saturday, September 17th and Sunday September 18^th. Saturday’s huge parade begins at 11 a.m. Enjoy live music, a giant craft fair, food, games, rides and a Sunday afternoon chicken BBQ.

Saturday’s music features the Plattsburgh Pipe and Drum Corps, The SUNY Plattsburgh Gospel Choir and the Bootleg Band. Sunday the Movin’ On Band will perform.

“Monet’s Water Garden” Giverny, France

Retired Ausable Valley Athletic Director Dick Brogowski will have his wonderful photos on exhibit at the Peru Free Library from 5 p.m. Friday, September 9 through October 1st. Opening reception Friday, September 9 from 5-7 pm.

Wednesday: Prize-winning milk and cheese at the State Fair, snakes on a train, and Gene Wilder’s New York.

Source: New York Today: Empire State of Dairy – The New York Times

MORRISONVILLE — When the Trudeaus entered the American Legion to put their names into the mix for the highly anticipated Queen of Hearts raffle, an annual contest sponsored by the American Legion, the family didn’t think much of their odds of winning

Source: Peru woman wins $100,000 – Sun Community News & Printing

Additional facility to create 46 new jobs in Clinton County

Source: Schluter Systems expanding in Plattsburgh – Sun Community News & Printing

Peru – The Peru Knights of Columbus helped Dorothy LeClair celebrate her 95^th birthday tonight at the council’s Tuesday night bingo. Dorothy and all the other bingo players were presented with cupcakes celebrating Dorothy’s special occasion. Dorothy is a North Country Honor Flight World War II veteran who served as a U.S. Army nurse.

2016 Scott Woodward Awards

Peru – The North Country Community united on August 27th to make the 26th Annual Run For Jon a great success. $6,600 was raised to assist families with a child facing medical crisis.

Participants came from many communities and schools including Saranac Central, Peru Central, Chazy Rural School, Saranac Lake Central, Beekmantown Central, Seton Catholic and SUNY Plattsburgh. Almost 400 runners and walkers participated.

Each year it takes about 40 dedicated volunteers to organize and execute the the Run For Jon. The Run started in 1990 when Peru Track Coach Scott Woodward and his lifelong friend Beekmantown Track Coach Mark Elmore organized a run to assist Don and Shirley Evans whose son Jon cancer was battling cancer. Jon passed away just prior to the first event; nevertheless, the run has thrived contributing $80,000 to $90,000 to families in need. This year’s run was dedicated to Scott Woodward who passed away on April 11th. Co-founder Mark Elmore drove to Peru from his residence in Raleigh, North Carolina to volunteer and to honor his friend.

Click here to view a slideshow Accompanied by music if viewed on a PC or MAC. 

The second pickleball net has been installed on the Jenkins Street courts. Adele Douglas posted the following specific information on the Peru Pickleball Facebook page.

Our schedule is currently Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8am. Please join us. We have paddles and balls donated by the CVPH Foundation. When school starts we’ll also add an afternoon time, probably on Mondays. As the group grows we can add more days and times. There are also outdoor and indoor courts in Plattsburgh. Check out the Plattsburgh Pickleball facebook page for their times and locations.

Three hail storms earlier this summer severely damaged apples in several Peru Orchards. This McIntosh apple photo was taken this morning. The apples will be sold for processing into apple sauce or juice. The price will be a fraction of the normal Grade A price.

2015 Run For Jon Photo

The  26th Annual Run For Jon is this coming Saturday, August 27th, at Forrence Orchards on Mannix Road in Peru.  Registration is from 3:30 – 4:45. Forms and more information can be found at www.runforjon.org..

Start times have changed. This year the Kids’ Fun Run will start at 5:00PM.  The 2.5 mile runners and the walkers will all start together at 5:20.

Most people are aware that Scott Woodward, our race director, and well-loved longtime cross-country and track coach for Peru High School, passed away on April 11 of this year.  This year’s RUN is dedicated to to Scott’s memory.  The Evans family hopes that as many people as possible will come to remember and celebrate his life and all he did for our community during his lifetime.

The Ausable River Association (AsRA), in partnership with the Kayak Shack of Plattsburgh, is hosting a Paddling River Clean-Up Saturday, August 27^th in Peru. The clean-up is open to all community members who want to restore and protect the beauty of the Ausable River. “Volunteers will immediately see the results of their hard work improving the health and beauty of the river, and they’ll enjoy a day paddling and floating downstream through a beautiful location,” says Kelley Tucker, Executive Director of AsRA.

AsRA will be working with the Kayak Shack at their Baggs’ Landing location to remove trash in and along the banks of the Ausable River from Carpenter’s Flats to the mouth at Lake Champlain. Read more »

The Harkness United Methodist Church invites one and all to wrap up Summer with a North Country treasure, and great fellowship!  Bring your family and meet your friends for a great meal at MICHIGANS FOR MISSION on Sunday August 28^th from 11AM to 3PM at the Harkness Church Hall, 776 Hallock Hill Road in Peru.

What says “I’m going to hold on to the best of summer” any better than a Michigan?!   The cooks of the Harkness Church, known far and wide for their delicious Chicken & Biscuit Dinner, expanded their culinary skills in May with the first-ever Michigan meal. The response was extraordinary and the food was delicious, so the event is “back by popular demand”. There will again be two choices of sauce; Traditional and Sweet.  Which is better?  Try both and let us know which you prefer!

Your meal of a Michigan, chips, pickle, drink and dessert will cost $5; add another Michigan for only $2.00.  Takeouts will be available, there will be Live Music, and proceeds from this fundraiser will support the Mission activities of the Harkness Church. For more information, call 643-8659 or 834-7577. Mark your calendar and bring your appetite; hope to see you there! 

AGENDA – TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING, August 22, 2016 @ 7:00 PM 

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes of the August 15, 2016 Regular Board Meeting.

5. Community Input

6. DISCUSSION: Court Building Purchase Update.

7. DISCUSSION: Dog Park Update. 

8. DISCUSSION: Pickle Ball Court/Tennis Court Update.

9. DISCUSSION: Increase in Tax Assessor County Contract.

10. DISCUSSION: Alltech Camera Purchase. 

11. DISCUSSION: Parsons Road Repairs. 

12. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: AES Term Contract Agreement. 

13. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session. 

14. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Return to Regular Session.

15. DISCUSSION: Other Business. 

16. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

17. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approve/Pay Bills.     

MOTION:    Adjourn