“After Midnight” – a Patsy Cline experience with Courtney Shayne – is Saturday, April 23, at 6 pm at the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center, 13 Elm Street, Peru. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door; children 12 and under are free.

Hailing from the Albany area, Courtney Shayne as Patsy Cline wowed the crowd when last here in 2014. Enjoy great music and interesting stories about the life this country music icon, lost too soon. With audience participation, this will be a fun evening for young and old alike. Come kick up your heels – there’s also space for dancing!

Advance tickets are available through 3 pm, Friday, April 22 at the church office, 13 Elm Street, or by contacting the organizers, Howard and Debbie Bell at 518-643-2261, or Jane Way at 518-569-4514. Doors open at 5:15pm, tickets will be sold at the door, but space is limited. Refreshments will be available for purchase at the show.

Proceeds benefit the Capital Fund for building upgrades at the church, including the new roof installed last year at the Fellowship Center.

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts is excited to host another installment of its lunchtime music series in its Gallery in April, 2016 featuring music performed by students from SUNY Plattsburgh. In this performance Rachel Hurtt, Ricardo Burgos-Mendez, and Elidia Lopez, along with flautist Trevor White and soprano Dana Bowers will demonstrate their amazing musical talents. Dr. Karen Becker, chair of the Department of Music at SUNY Plattsburgh, will accompany the musicians. This upcoming free event will take place in The Strand Center Gallery on Friday, April 29 from 1:00-2:00 PM. Read more »

Assemblywoman Janet Duprey cuts the celebratory ribbon and School Superintendent Dr. Patrick Brimstein looks on.

By John T. Ryan

Tuesday, April 19, 2016 was a historic day for staff and students at Peru elementary School. The school’s long-awaited elevator was put into service. Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, who expedited funding for the project, cut the ribbon to celebrate the elevator’s being put into service.

Many Peru Elementary School assemblies, concerts and other activities take place in the “Crackerbox” gym at the southern end of the very long school. Prior to Tuesday, students confined to a wheelchair or having mobility challenges had to leave the building and travel down a long sidewalk to the Crackerbox. Being outdoors may have been pleasant during the springtime, but it wasn’t so enjoyable during Peru’s cold winter months.

Peru Central Superintendent Dr. Patrick Brimstein praised Assemblywoman Janet Duprey for her support of the elevator project. He explained. “We wanted to get the project completed, but it was going very slowly. Janet Duprey called the State Education Department and she was able to get the project moving.”

3rd grader Jay Wood and teacher Courtney Rock were some of the first elevator riders.

Peru Central School District’s Board of Education will have a brief, special meeting on the morning of Thursday, April 21^st at 7:15 AM in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room.

Thursday morning’s brief special meeting will focus exclusively on consideration of the BOCES administrative budget for the 2016‐2017 school year and consideration of candidates running for seats on this region’s BOCES.

No other school board or school district business is slated for Thursday morning. The full agenda is available at www.perucsd.org.

All are welcome.

How much money a school can spend on its students still depends, in large part, on local property taxes. And many states aren’t doing much to level the field for poor kids.

Source: How School Funding’s Reliance On Property Taxes Fails Children : NPR

Town of Peru 2016 Presidential Primary Election Results
Not including 43 Affidavit Ballots and 14 Emergency Ballots

Republican Party
Donald Trump 299
John Kasich 159
Ben Carson 6
Ted Cruz 94

Registered Republicans and Democrats were lined up at noon to vote in the Presidential Primary when polls opened at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Voting continues until 9 p.m. The Peru Gazette will be there when the votes are counted. We’ll post the Peru results as soon as possible.

For the past several days Peru Highway personnel have been picking up winter sand and salt along hamlet roadsides. Now they’re moving into Peru’s several subdivisions. Today they’re in Quaker Springs. Ormsby Circle and Quaker Highlands are next.

The good weather is expediting this year’s cleanup, which is expected to last three to four weeks. Highway paving is next.

• Code Enforcement Hiring Progresses
• Park Vandalism Continues
• Trees to be Planted Along River 
• Mower Purchased From Local Business
• And More 

By John T. Ryan

Peru – The building season is beginning; however, Peru doesn’t have a full-time Code Enforcement Officer (CEO). Frank Slycord, the previous CEO, left his job in early March. Commenting at the Monday, April 11, 2016 Town Board meeting Town Supervisor Peter Glushko stated, “We will be advertising for a new Code Enforcement Officer.” Glushko went to say that applications for the position would be available at the Peru Town Hall. All applicants must pass a civil service examination, although someone may be hired pending successful completion of the civil service examination.

Steve Imhoff, a Peru resident and the Town of Plattsburgh’s full-time CEO, has been assisting Peru during his off-time hours. His time is more limited as Plattsburgh’s building activity picks up. Glushko said, “Steve is doing a good cleanup job. Things should be caught up in about two weeks. Kayla Martin, the CEO’s secretary, is also doing a great job.”

Thanks to an alert resident a mini van driver faces malicious mischief charges in Peru Town Court. On April 8^th, the driver allegedly drove on the grass at Heyworth/Mason Park. Turf was torn up near the river and picnic tables. The alert resident took down the vehicle’s license number and notified NY State Police. Supervisor Glushko signed the legal complaint against the alleged perpetrator.

Approximately 250 trees will be available for planting in Heyworth/Mason Park later this month or in early May. Dave Wilfore, a Clinton County Soil and Conservation District Technician, told the Board that the NYS Department of Environment Conservation has made the trees available at no charge and he would like to plant them with the Board’s approval. Wilfore said the trees should reduce erosion along the banks of the Little Ausable River that traverses the park. All the Town Board members were enthusiastic about the idea. Adele Douglas will coordinate the program and seek volunteers to assist with the planting. The Soil and Conservation Service will provide all stakes, tubes and necessary tools.

The new owners of the Peru Farm Center submitted the lowest price for a 2016 Ferris Model 3200 lawn mower. Thanks to a $3,000 trade-in and a $2,000 NYS Contract discount, the 72-inch mower will cost the Town $6,348. The Town’s Water/Sewer Department personnel use their mowers to maintain: Heyworth/Mason Park, Little Ausable River Park, Sullivan Park, Laphams Mills Park, cemeteries on the Blake Road, the Signor Road and the Bear Swamp Road, lawns adjacent to the water and sewer plants and the reservoir and several small scattered areas throughout the town.

The Highway Department’s sand-salt storage shed is on its way to being repaired. The Board approved purchasing 20 hoop stands to replace the deteriorating stands. A new fabric top will be purchased; prices were not available in time for Monday’s meeting. Jeffords Steel of Plattsburgh will provide the hoops at a cost of $12,981.

The transformation of the Jenkins Street tennis courts into pickle ball courts will probably not be completed in time for play this year. Repairing the existing sinkhole, modifying and equipping the courts are expected to take several months. The Highway Department, which would perform the sinkhole repairs, is entering its busy season. The courts are currently closed.

Wedding receptions will not be approved in Heyworth/Mason Park in the foreseeable future. Town Board members have no objections to weddings being performed at the beautiful park; however, they do not want the town exposed to the potential liability associated with wedding receptions. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any town park.

Editor’s Note: On 4/15/16 at 3:30 p.m. the price of the Town’s new Ferris mower was corrected to $6,348. It price was overstated when first posted.

See Sample Ballots Below

Registered New York State Republican and Democratic Party voters are the only people eligible to vote in the Tuesday, April 19, 2016 Presidential Primary elections.  Registered Independence Party, Working Families, Conservative and other third-party voters are not eligible. The primary is for Republicans and Democrats only.

Peru voters will vote in Memorial Hall at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. The polls are open from Noon to 9 p.m.

Sample Republican Ballot

Sample Democrat Ballot

Tickets are available for Donald Trump’s Friday, 3.p.m. appearance at the Crete Civic Center.

https://www.donaldjtrump.com/sched…/register/plattsburgh-ny/

Hello Everyone,

We need your help!!  The Olympic Center in Lake Placid is one of the top 10 finalist in the Kraft Hockeyville USA competition. Voting to move to Phase 2 as a top 4 Finalist begins today thru Thursday. And then a final Phase starting on April 25!!

If we win the Kraft Hockeyville USA title we will win:

• A feature on NBC television
• $150,000 in arena upgrades
• An opportunity to host an NHL Pre-Season game!!

HOW YOU CAN HELP!!

1. Share this link on your Facebook (and any other social channels) https://www.facebook.com/LakePlacidAdk/?fref=ts

1. VOTE as much as you can between today and Thursday ( 4/12 – 4/14)
   1. Click here to vote – https://www.krafthockeyville.com/

1. Vote by texting:  LAKEPLACID to 35350     (text rates may apply)

1. Tell all your friends, family, and hockey fans  that we believe in our community and now is the chance to show everyone!  Let’s do it!! Please VOTE!! You Can Vote Up to 50 Times Daily! 

The workers, members of two unions — the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers — represent installers, customer service employees, repairmen and other service workers in Connecticut, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., for Verizon’s wireline business, which provides fixed-line phone services and FiOS Internet service. Between 300 and 400 union members walked a picket line outside the company’s office in downtown Albany, where workers set up an inflatable “greedy pig” and rat, said Mike Panzerino, treasurer of CWA Local 1118. The unions say Verizon wants to freeze pensions, make layoffs easier and rely more on contract workers. The telecom giant has said there are health care issues that need to be addressed for retirees and current workers because medical costs have grown and the company also wants “greater flexibility” to manage its workers. Verizon said in a statement Wednesday that it “has activated its business continuity plans as customer service remains the company’s top priority.”

Source: Verizon workers go on strike amid contract dispute – Times Union

Peru – St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 will host a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, April 16^th at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. “ALL YOU CAN EAT” spaghetti, salad, Italian bread and a delicious dessert will be served from 4:30 to 6:30 PM for only $7.50 per person, $2.50 for children 6 to 12, free for children 5 and under. Take-outs are available.

All proceeds will assist Bill McBride Jr., a Knight of Columbus, with his cancer treatments. The Knights will also purchase ferry tickets for his travel to and from Burlington.

The North Country Chamber of Commerce presents an interactive session on privacy, information security, and risk in business. The seminar will be held on April 26^th from 8:30 – 10:30am at the North Country Chamber of Commerce.

The session includes live demonstrations of what is happening in the world today and will increase your awareness of information security and privacy best practices. Learn risk management techniques and practices to improve security in your personal and business lives. Bring your own device to learn if you are at risk.

Speakers: Devi Momot – Twinstate Technologies / Jacqueline Kelleher – Stafford, Owens, Piller, Murnane, Kelleher & Trombley, PLLC / Deena McCullough – Northern Insuring Agency.

Registration is $10 for Chamber/Partner members and $20 for not-yet-members. RSVP by April 22^nd by calling the Chamber at 563-1000 or visit www.northcountrychamber.com.

Glens Falls – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik today announced a 1st Quarter fundraising total of $330,000. Stefanik’s re-election campaign received donations from every one of the 12 counties in New York’s 21st Congressional District, and now has more than $1.1 million cash on hand.

“I’m grateful for the outpouring of support across the North Country and across our state for our re-election campaign,” said Stefanik. “I’m particularly proud that over seventy percent of our donations were under $200, demonstrating our strong grassroots support for our campaign to make Washington work for North Country small business owners, our veterans, our farmers, and for our families.”

1st Quarter Filing Details:

– Stefanik received donations from every one of the 12 counties in New York’s 21st Congressional District

– Over 70% of total donations were below $200 (667)

– Total raised: $330,000

– Cash on Hand: $1,124,000

On Saturday, April 16^th, 2016 volunteers across Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties will lend their hand to the annual Day of Caring event hosted by the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc., Project H.E.L.P. at SUNY Plattsburgh and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau. Kathy Snow, Director of Development of the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. stated “The Day of Caring is a tremendous opportunity for people through-out Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties to come together for friends and neighbors to help maintain the unique quality of life in this area.”

Local residents who are unable to volunteer are still able to participate in the day by donating food. There will be food drives manned by volunteers at Sam’s Club and Yando’s Big M, both in Plattsburgh and Ecumenical Council Food Pantry, 185 Old Military Road in Lake Placid. Students from Project H.E.L.P. at SUNY Plattsburgh will also be going door to door in the City of Plattsburgh collecting food from residents. You can also drop off non-perishable items at the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. office, 45 Tom Miller Road, Plattsburgh, between 9:00am and 3:00pm. All food items collecting will go to the local food shelves.

The Day of Caring pairs hundreds of volunteers with numerous projects across the region.

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 12, 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:

·         Building Goals – Year-To-Date Progress Update on Long-Term Measures

·         Participation in the Clinton-Essex-Warren-Washington School Health Insurance Consortium Medical Plan

·         District Intervention Plan

·         Contracts for Health and Welfare Services

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

All are welcome.

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of March 28, 2016, and the Special Board meeting of April 5, 2016.

5. 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)

6. Community Input

7. DISCUSSION: Toilet Facilities Request for Heyworth Mason Park.

8. DISCUSSION: Town Hall Basement Clean Up. 

9. DISCUSSION: Code/Zoning Office Update. 

10. DISCUSSION: New Code Enforcement Officer Process. 

11. DISCUSSION: Highway Department Salt Shed Repairs. 

12. DISCUSSION: Little Ausable Park Tree Update. 

13. DISCUSSION: New Lawn Mower Update. 

14. DISCUSSION: Trees for Tributaries Program Offer. 

15. DISCUSSION: Peru International Festival Version 3. 

16. DISCUSSION: NYS Comptroller Fraud Prevention Seminar.

17. DISCUSSION: NYMIR Rates (New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal) for Upcoming Year 

18. Other Business. 

19. Community Input on Agenda Items.

20. Motion to Adjourn.

Programs Are For Children With Physical or Developmental Issues and Grieving Children 

Thera-Pets of Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties is offering its spring schedule of on-site programs.  This organization is a not for profit 501©3 corporation and all offerings are free of charge.

This spring there will be two programs offered.  The first is for challenged children with physically or developmental issues and eligibility is totally in the hands of parents, feeling that they want their child to experience a farm program that is fun, educational and active.  All people working with the program have been approved by the Board of Directors and educated in safety and are experienced with both children and with farm animals.

The  second program is for grieving children.  Again the definition is up to the parents, but usually includes children that have lost a parent, sibling, grandparent or even a close pet.  In the past children with incarcerated parents or siblings and children of divorce have also participated.

Ms. Holly Besaw is the director and coordinator  of the first program and Ken Parker has the same responsibility for the grieving program.  All on site programs are on Butternut Ridge Farm on the Calkins Road in Peru and the farm is owned and operated by the Rev. Dr. Ken Parker.

For more information please go to www.butternutridgedonkeys.org/therapet.  To reserve a spot for your child please phone 569-5355  or write to therapets@yahoo.com

Golf, Baseball, Tennis, Softball, Track and Field

Source: Spring Sports 2016: Peru Indians – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Despite test changes, Plattsburgh parents are still opting out | NCPR News

A Message from the Office of the Peru Superintendent of Schools

Peru Central School District is looking for community input regarding computer technology.  Interested persons may complete a survey on the District’s website at https://questionnaire.bbyt.es/campaigns/56c369198dba7806683922ff.  The surveys, titled Community Survey and District Technology Survey, are available under the Quick Links section of the homepage.  The survey is open to all Peru CSD residents.

For more information, please contact 643-6004.