The Peru Gazette

Interviews with Sister Debbie Blow, Sally Kokes and Paul Green. 

http://www.hometowncablenetwork.com/categories/69-religious/2667-hts-mission-of-hope-shipping-day-2-1-17

From the NYS DEC

More than 50 species of trees and shrubs from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Saratoga Tree Nursery are now available to public and private landowners and schools, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. Winter winds often cause blowing and drifting snow that can create hazardous road conditions, reduced visibility and other safety issues. Strong, cold winds may also reduce home heating efficiency, increase winter energy bills, and even impact unsheltered livestock herds. By planting rows of trees and shrubs at right angles to prevailing winds, an effective natural windbreak can be created.

“Living windbreaks can improve road conditions, protect livestock, create wildlife habitat, and save New Yorkers money on their utility bills,” Commissioner Seggos said. “DEC’s state tree nursery has a variety of seedling species for creating windbreaks. I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of this great resource and to work with our foresters and experts at the nursery to maximize the conservation benefits of your plantings.”

Spruces, pines, shrub willows, dogwoods, high bush cranberry, winged sumac, white cedar, and wetland rose are among the 50 species available. The seedlings from the State’s Saratoga Tree Nursery Read more »

Plattsburgh, NY. The City of Plattsburgh, Lake Champlain Sea Grant and New York Sea Grant have announced that the Great Shipwrecks of NY’s ‘Great’ Lakes Traveling Exhibit will be open to the public in the second-floor atrium, adjacent to the auditorium, at City Hall in Plattsburgh, NY, from February 6 through April 28, 2017. Admission to the exhibit from 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday is free.

The Great Shipwrecks exhibit features shipwrecks spanning more than 200 years across New York State, highlighting fascinating details about the historic underwater wrecks and landscapes in Lake Champlain, Lake George, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes, and the St. Lawrence River.

The exhibit complements the ‘For Want of An Anchor’ HMS Confiance exhibit, interpreting the loss of the British flagship in the Battle of Plattsburgh, September 11, 1814, in the first-floor rotunda at City Hall.

‘It is an honor for the city to host this wonderful testament to the rich history all around us. To make such a beautiful and historic building available for such an exhibit overlooking our great lake is fitting,’ said Plattsburgh Mayor Colin Read.

‘We are excited to share this exhibit with Lake Champlain basin residents. The underwater cultural resources of New York State are a treasure and Lake Champlain holds some of the state’s most important military artifacts from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812,’ said Lake Champlain Sea Grant Aquatic Resource Specialist Mark Malchoff.

New York Sea Grant Associate Director Katherine Bunting-Howarth, Ithaca, NY, relates the historical aspect of the shipwrecks exhibit to safety awareness for today’s boaters and coastal economics, noting, ‘This exhibit enhances public understanding of New York’s maritime history and the risks individuals took to pioneer that heritage. It offers a unique historical perspective to spark learning and discussion about current economic opportunities to our waterways, commerce and coastal hazards.’

New York Sea Grant initially developed the Great Shipwrecks exhibit for the 2014 Great New York State Fair. Since then the exhibit has traveled as an educational resource hosted by State University of New York campuses; Tyler Art Gallery, a teaching gallery for art and museum studies students at SUNY Oswego; the Museum of Science and Technology, Syracuse, NY; Lake Erie Seaway Trail Center, Hamburg, NY; Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Basin Harbor, VT; and Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Presque Isle, PA. Learn more about this shipwrecks exhibit and other New York coastal education programs and resources at www.nyseagrant.org <http://www.nyseagrant.org> .

Photo in high res by request:
The Great Shipwrecks of NY’s ‘Great’ Lakes exhibit that includes panels on Lake Champlain and Lake George shipwrecks will visit Plattsburgh, NY, from February 6 to April 28, 2017.

MORE INFORMATION:
The City of Plattsburgh is located on Lake Champlain in Northeastern New York State about 20 miles south of the Canadian border, and east of the 6.1 million-acre Adirondack Park. Plattsburgh was founded by Zephaniah Platt in 1785 and is currently home to approximately 19,000 people. Mayor Colin L. Read is in his first term as the City leader. Plattsburgh’s history includes a rich maritime heritage that includes the nearby wreck of the canal schooner Troy and the steamboat Champlain II Underwater Historic Preserve. Learn more under Discover Plattsburgh at http://cityofplattsburgh.com/.

Lake Champlain Sea Grant, a cooperative program of the University of Vermont and State University of New York at Plattsburgh with offices in Burlington and Plattsburgh, is dedicated, since 1999, to improving the understanding and management of Lake Champlain, Lake George, and their watersheds for long-term environmental health and sustainable economic development. For updates on Lake Champlain Sea Grant activities: www.uvm.edu/seagrant <http://www.uvm.edu/seagrant> has Facebook and Twitter links.

New York Sea Grant, a cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York, maintains Great Lakes offices at SUNY Buffalo; Wayne County Cooperative Extension, Newark; and SUNY Oswego. Through a statewide network of integrated services, NYSG has promoted coastal vitality, environmental sustainability, and citizen awareness about the State’s marine and Great Lakes resources since 1971. For updates on New York Sea Grant activities, www.nyseagrant.org <http://www.nyseagrant.org> has RSS, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube links.

New York Sea Grant coordinated the Great Shipwrecks exhibit development in partnership with the Great New York State Fair, Great Lakes Research Consortium, and Great Lakes Seaway Trail, with support from Lake Champlain Sea Grant, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and others. Federal funding for The Great Shipwrecks exhibit was secured through a Great Lakes Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway grant.

Lake Champlain Sea Grant and New York Sea Grant are among the 33 university-based programs under the National Sea Grant College Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Through its statewide network of integrated services, NYSG has been promoting coastal vitality, environmental sustainability, and citizen awareness about the State’s marine and Great Lakes resources since 1971.

PLATTSBURGH — School districts across the North Country are scrambling to find substitute teachers.

Source: North Country schools seeking subs – Sun Community News & Printing

DURHAM, NH (02/02/2017)– The following students have been named to the Dean’s List at the University of New Hampshire for the fall 2016 semester.

Matthew James of Peru earned High Honors

Thomas Matthews of Peru earned Honors

Students named to the Dean’s List at the University of New Hampshire are students who have earned recognition through their superior scholastic performance during a semester enrolled in a full-time course load (12 or more graded credits). Highest honors are awarded to students who earn a semester grade point average of 3.85 or better out of a possible 4.0. Students with a 3.65 to 3.84 average are awarded high honors and students whose grade point average is 3.5 through 3.64 are awarded honors.

The University of New Hampshire is a flagship research university that inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation and world. More than 16,000 students from all 50 states and 71 countries engage with an award-winning faculty in top ranked programs in business, engineering, law, liberal arts and the sciences across more than 200 programs of study. UNH’s research portfolio includes partnerships with NASA, NOAA, NSF and NIH, receiving more than $100 million in competitive external funding every year to further explore and define the frontiers of land, sea and space.

To learn more about the opportunities at the University of New Hampshire visit: www.unh.edu.

Former prison tailor shop supervisor who helped David Sweat and Richard Matt escape from Clinton Correctional could be released as soon as May 16.

Source: Parole Board hearing coming up for Joyce Mitchell | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Peru – As reported in the Peru Gazette, Peru’s sewer line and pumping infrastructure is aging and under capacity. At its January 23rd meeting, the town board resolved to borrow an amount not to exceed $4,030,070 for the acquisition, construction and reconstruction of sewer facilities. Once the resolution is effective the town will be eligible for grants and to initiate the project. The resolution is subject to permissive referendum.

The board envisions the project being done in phases. Meetings will be scheduled between town officials and AES Engineering to set priorities. Supervisor Peter Glushko frequently points out that the sewer project costs will be paid for by far fewer users than the recent water system upgrades which cost $3.2 million. As of today there are 552 active sewer accounts versus 745 active water accounts.

Delaying the upgrade is not considered to be a viable option. The system was not designed to handle the Buttonwood development. More businesses are locating along the Bear Swamp Road and the Washington Street developer has received approval to expand. Installing sewer lines on Rounds Drive is also being considered.

There are also pressing environmental concerns. A main sewer pipe travels along a steep bank adjacent to the Little Ausable River. If that line were to rupture, an environmental disaster could result.

Official Legal Notice Appearing in the February 1, 2017 Press Republican
NOTICE OF BOND RESOLUTION SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM
The resolution, a summary of which is published herewith, was adopted on January 23, 2017 and is subject to permissive referendum in accordance with Section 90 of the Town Law.
A Resolution adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Peru, Clinton County, New York (the “Town”) on January 23, 2017 authorizes a project consist-ing of the acquisition, construction and reconstruction of certain Town sewer facilities, including the North Bend Trunk Sewer, Maiden Lane Pump Station and Force Main, Old Peru Sewer Main, installation of Main Street and Little AuSable Pump Stations and force mains and, including all of the foregoing, related site work, paving, restoration, and repairs (the “Project”) and authorizes the levy of a tax for foregoing object or purpose in an amount not to exceed $4,030,070, which, to the extent necessary after expected grant funding, shall be levied and collected in annual installments in such years and in such amounts as may be determined by the Town Board and that in anticipation of the collection of such tax, bonds and notes of the Town are authorized to be issued at one time, or from time to time, in the principal amount not to exceed $4,030,070 and a tax is authorized to pay the interest on said obligations when due. Under the Local Finance Law, the Project has a period of probable usefulness of forty (40) years.
Kathleen Flynn Town of Peru Town Clerk

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York’s attorney general has filed a lawsuit against Charter Communications alleging that the cable and internet provider failed to deliver on promised internet speeds and reliability. The lawsuit filed by the office of Attorney General Eric Schneiderman claims the company failed to address network problems that led to slower-than-promised speeds.

Source: NY attorney general sues internet provider over speed claims – Times Union

PAUL SMITHS, NY (01/30/2017)– The following students were named to the Dean’s List at Paul Smith’s College during the fall 2016 semester. Each earned a semester average of 3.3 or higher to receive this distinction.
Joseph Barshow of Peru, N.Y.. Barshow, who is majoring in forestry, earned a semester average of 3.3 or higher to receive this distinction.
Grace Mayhew of Peru, N.Y.. Mayhew, who is majoring in environmental sciences, earned a semester average of 3.3 or higher to receive this distinction.
Caitlyn Verderber of Peru, N.Y.. Verderber, who is majoring in hotel, resort and tourism management, earned a semester average of 3.3 or higher to receive this distinction.
About Paul Smith’s College
At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. We are the only four-year institution of higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs – in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences – draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. For more information, visit paulsmiths.edu.

The state Legislature on Monday approved for the second time a constitutional amendment that will allow for the stripping of pensions from any elected official convicted of a felony crime related to their office. “There must be zero tolerance for public corruption, and these ethics reforms are crucial to holding officials accountable and making sure they don’t profit from abusing their positions,” Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, R-Long Island, said in a statement. A joint resolution also approved Monday requires a lawmaker earning more than $5,000 from an outside employer to submit a written request for an advisory opinion to the Legislative Ethics Commission to ensure the employment is permitted under the Public Officers Law.

Source: Voters to decide if crooked state pols lose pensions – Times Union

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday he will propose an amendment to the state constitution that would secure the right to an abortion in New York should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Cuomo announced his proposal to deafening cheers at a rally of some 1,600 women and men at the Empire State Convention Center in support of Planned Parenthood’s mission to provide reproductive health services, including abortion. Some in the like-minded audience wore the pink “pussy hats” donned by protesters in the Jan. 21 multi-city Women’s March, a response to Trump’s election that was intended to be a stand for women’s rights and other issues. Participants at Monday’s rally also sought to encourage senators to pass the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act, which would require health insurers in New York to cover birth control without co-payments, as now required by the federal Affordable Care Act.

Source: Cuomo proposes amending N.Y. Constitution to secure abortion rights – Times Union

Peru Central School District Parent University  – The Art of Cursive Writing 2nd – 6th Grade
The art of cursive writing is beginning to fade as curricular needs push the proper time needed to dedicate to cursive writing out of our school day. Come to this Parent workshop presented by educator Amber Arnold, to acquire the tools to support and teach this skill to your 2nd -6th grader.
Where: K-2 Library
When: Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Time: 5:00-7:00 PM
Please Register by
calling 643-6020 -7:30-3:00 M-F
Registration Closes on 2/13/17

Congresswoman calls executive order “rushed and overly broad.”

Source: Stefanik opposes Trump immigration ban | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Friday Night Fish Fries – Only $10

Kitchen Open 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Corn in the Hole Competitions start about 8 p.m.

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Friday Night Karaoke 8 – 11 p.m. by
F & G DJ & Karaoke
January 27th, February 10th, February 24th

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Thursday Nights – “Just Jammie”
6 – 9 p.m.

Come see who is sitting in, join in or listen and dance to great music.
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Valentine’s Perch Fish Fry with Music Only $10

Sunday, February 12th.
Kitchen Opens at Noon.

Music by the Senior Serenaders (Gaylon Lecuyer, Glenn Miller, Frank Grogg, Jr & Lynn Lecuyer)
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
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Super Bowl Party
Sunday, Feb 5th @ 4 p.m.
Free Snacks and double large screen TV to cheer your teams.

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4th Sunday Breakfast – February 26th Only $10
Bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits & sausage gravy, corned beef hash, pancakes or French toast with real maple syrup, juice & coffee.

9 a.m. – Noon

The Peru Fire Department will be kicking off our Annual Fundraising Car washes again in February. We will run them every Saturday morning from 8am until noon thru the end of March. We are asking for a $5.00 donation.
February 25,March 4,11,18 and 25.

Household incomes of $53,505.00 or less may be eligible.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has designated Friday, January 27, 2017 as National EITC Awareness Day. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition of the Adirondack Region has established Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout our three-county service delivery area to provide “free tax preparation” to individuals and families with low or moderate incomes. Household incomes of $53,505.00 or less may be eligible. “People may be missing out on a federal refund of up to $6,269.00 plus an additional NYS credit because they are not aware of the Earned Income Tax Credit” said Kathy Snow, Director of Development, of the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. “Our Coalition is working hard to promote the service and reach eligible people and families throughout the region”. The IRS estimates up to one in four eligible taxpayers may fail to claim the credit. The Coalition also provides information and education about asset building, including banking and savings.

Trained volunteers will be at each site to electronically file returns for low or moderate income residents, even if they do not qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

E-Filing provides; faster refunds, electronic payment options, less chance of error and proof of acceptance within 48-hours. VITA sites and schedules are listed on the attached flyer. The public can also call 2-1-1 for sites, schedules and information.

Coalition members include: United Way of the Adirondack Region Inc , OneWorkSource, Adirondack Community Action Programs, Inc. (ACAP), Senior Citizens Council of Clinton County, Office for the Aging, Department of Social Services, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Joint Council for Economic Opportunity, Inc. (JCEO), AARP Foundation, IRS, Family Welcome Center of CVES, Cornell Cooperative Extension, UFirst Federal Credit Union, Champlain National Bank, North Country Community College, SeaComm Federal Credit Union, Elizabethtown Community Social Center, Mohawk Indian Housing Corporation.

Source: Cuomo budget proposal threatens fulfillment of court order on school aid, critics say | NCPR News

Amy Helm & The Handsome Strangers to perform Friday, January 27, 2017 at 7 PM

Amy Helm, who has won widespread praise as a singer, songwriter and live performer, was a member of the celebrated alt-country collective Ollabelle, and released her first solo album “Didn’t It Rain” in 2015. The album features, among others, her father Levon Helm (from Canadian-American roots rock group The Band) in his last recording sessions before he passed away in 2012.

Special guest, Dobro, steel guitar and lap steel player Cindy Cashdollar will join Amy Helm on stage for a couple of songs! Grammy award-winning Cashdollar has backed such noted performers as Bob Dylan, Leon Redbone, Van Morrison and Ryan Adams.

The performance will be in the Strand Center Theatre at 25 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh this evening – Friday, January 27, 2017 at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced from $25 – $35 and are available for purchase at the Strand Center Theatre Box Office at 5 p.m. (2 hours before the show). Doors open at 6 p.m. and seating begins at 6:30 p.m.

For more information on this show, upcoming events, concerts or classes happening at The Strand Center for the Arts please call 518-563-1604 or visit www.strandcenter.org.

Don’t miss the Friday night fish fries at Peru VFW Post 309, 710 Pleasant St. Served from 5 to 9 p.m. for only $10.

Joe Kelley – January 23, 2017

By John T. Ryan

Joanne Kennedy Photo

Peru’s younger and new residents probably don’t know 92 year-old Joe Kelley. Best known for being Clinton Country’s first full-time and third longest serving district attorney (1975-87), Kelley is also a World War II Veteran. Over the course of his career he was attorney for the towns of Au Sable and Peru, served ten years on the Peru Central School Board, was Peru Democratic Party Chairman and a State Democratic Committee member. Joe Kelley’s peers and friends use these words to describe him: low key, humble, positive thinking, humorous, very good at his job, a Christian gentleman, a great family man, a very nice man and a man who loves his Irish heritage.

Joe Kelley is a Hudson Falls, NY native and a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and Albany Law School. He and his wife Jane moved to Peru in 1951 when Joe was hired by Plattsburgh attorney John Judge. They raised six children in Peru – Patrick, Michael, Mary, Kathleen, Timothy and Matthew. Following Matthew’s birth, Jane earned a Masters of Library Science Degree at SUNY Albany and served as Ausable Valley Central School’s Middle School librarian for 20 years. She passed away in 2011 at age 88 after 63 years of marriage. Patrick died in a tragic 1972 automobile accident.

Joe & Jane at Joe’s retirement party

Attorney Bill Russell was a part-time assistant district attorney for eleven of Kelley’s twelve years as DA and he is still a close friend. Russell recalled, “Everyone knew Joe had a lot of common sense. What they didn’t know was that he knew the law. He ran a good office. As the county’s chief prosecutor, he did not abuse the powers of his office. He respected other people’s opinions and factored them into his decision making.” Russell said that Kelley’s office had one of the highest felony conviction rates in New York State.

Any district attorney works very closely with police agencies. Former New York State Troop B Commander Jack Lawliss commented, “Joe was a very good district attorney. He didn’t ramrod things. He was low key. He got his job done. He conducted himself as a gentleman.” In the mid-1980’s when Lawliss led the State Police’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), he worked closely with Kelley on several crimes including the much publicized Michael Murphy – Andrew Pitkin murder case.

Peter Keenan and Joe Kelley

Area 5 County Legislator fellow Democrat and former Peru Town Justice Peter Keenan said, “Joe is a fine gentleman and a hardcore Democrat. He helped me in both my campaigns driving me from door to door. There were very few elected Democrats in Peru when he came to town.”

St. Augustine’s Pastor Alan Shnob described Joe as a Christian gentleman. Smiling broadly Father Shnob said, “He’s very positive, very humble, humorous and he has a lively faith. He keeps up with all the issues and he’s not opposed to having a good time!” Joe served on the St. Augustine’s Parish Council and was President of the Planning Committee for the new St. Augustine’s School.

Joe’s neighbor Joanne Kennedy said, “I try to go over to visit Joe several times a month and each time I marvel that this man is over 90 years old…Each time I hear a new story about some interesting event or his treasured family. I’m not a born and raised Peruvian, but I sure know many tales thanks to Joe.” Joe’s friends and associates have undoubtedly heard most of those tales at their regular morning and lunchtime gatherings.

Joe Kelley prefers to talk about the fine people he has associated with rather than any of his accomplishments. Asked what advice he would give to anyone beginning a legal career he responded, “Work hard. Be honest with your employer. Be honest with your clients.” These are good words of advice and words that Joe Kelley has lived by.

Participating in a 2015 Honor Flight to Washington DC

PLATTSBURGH, NY –The Strand Center for the Arts is thrilled to host a Native American Artists Exhibition in the Main Gallery in February, 2017. This forthcoming exhibit features artwork from several local Native American artists including: Sue Herne, Dukon Harris, David Fadden, Martin Loft, Leah Shenandoah, and Jordan Thompson. The exhibit opening will take place in The Strand Center Main Gallery on Friday, February 3 with a reception that free and open to the public will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The artists brought together for this show have a wonderful diversity of styles with an equally diverse assortment of media and approaches to creating art. For instance, Read more »

CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL of January 11, 2017 minutes.
OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
APPLICATIONS:

1. Continuation of a Site Plan Review: P-2016-027 College Auxiliary Services PSU
Continuation of a Site Plan Review – Hotel/Motel
3714 State Rt. 9
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

2. 2-Lot Subdivision with SEQR: P-2017-000 Karen Bulson-Pray
2-Lot Subdivision
637 Telegraph Rd.
Peru, NY 12972

ANY FURTHER BUSINESS: Discussion on Maplefields
CEO REPORT:
ADJOURNMENT

Since College News Release
LOUDONVILLE, NY (01/25/2017)– Siena College names students to the President’s List for the Fall 2016 semester.
The President’s List requires a 3.9 grade point average or higher.
Michael Mills of Peru (12972), History major.
Alyssa Murphy of Peru (12972), English major.
Founded in 1937, Siena College is a private, Catholic Franciscan, residential, liberal arts college with a student body of about 3,000. Siena College offers 31 degree programs, 80+ minors and certificate programs, and professional curricula in teacher preparation/education, pre-medical, pre-law and social work. A student-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1, average class size of 21, rigorous academics, Division I athletics, intramural sports and widespread service and advocacy experiences nurture each student’s personal growth while providing the education of a lifetime.

Source: Can tiny North Hudson serve as the Adirondack Park’s gateway? | NCPR News