The Peru Gazette

PLATTSBURGH — Authorities are investigating an early-morning burglary at Plattsburgh Turnpike Wesleyan Church in Plattsburgh.

Source: Turnpike Wesleyan Church burgled, safe stolen – Sun Community News & Printing

In every corner of the North Country, there are towns with persistent questions about economic development – how do we make our downtowns bustle again? How do we fill the empty storefronts? How do we create a new generation of entrepreneurs?

Source: Meet the guy behind Burlington’s renaissance. Could his ideas work in the North Country? | NCPR News

Blue Christmas is a time for those who are sad, grieving, lonely or just looking for a reflective time of worship. Peru Community Church will be holding a Blue Christmas Service, open to everyone, on Thursday, December 22nd at 6:30 pm, in the Chapel of the Fellowship Center. Held the longest night of the year at the end of the Advent season, this service is offered as a quiet and reflective respite from the hustle and bustle of the season, and recognizing that Christmas is not always joyous for those who mourn loved ones no longer with them or who have other sadness in their lives. All are welcome.

Christmas Eve Services at Peru Community Church:

FAMILY FRIENDLY: The 6 pm service will be a Family-Friendly interactive service where children and adults will hear the story of Jesus birth in the format of ABCs. This service is designed for families with children to enjoy worship together without the worries of keeping the kids quiet and still. The service will end with candle-lighting….with glow sticks for the kids, of course! If you are looking to hear the Christmas story this year in a new way, bring the kids and enjoy familiar carols and relax at this service.

TRADITIONAL CANDLELIGHTING: Partake in a traditional Christmas Eve service at 8PM with sermon, carols, choir and Communion. This service will include the singing of Silent Night in the darkened sanctuary illuminated only by candles.

CHRISTMAS SUNDAY: December 25th one service will be held in the Chapel at 10:30 am, followed by fellowship/coffee hour. New Year’s Day, Sunday January 1st, 2017, will also be one service at 10:30 am in the Church Sanctuary.

For the first time in a decade, New York State experienced a net population loss, as of July of last summer, according to the Empire Center which examined Census data. While upstate has been steadi…

Source: Census: NY lost more people than gained this year as of July – Capitol Confidential

A Message from the Office of the Superintendent of Peru Central School

The “Buddy Bench” is being used in schools around the world. First introduced in September, the “Buddy Bench” has been rolled out to students in the Peru K-2 House at our first assembly as a way to teach “compassion,” which is one of the character traits the K-2 is focusing on during the 2016-2017 school year. The idea behind the “Buddy Bench” is that when students need a friend to play with at recess, he or she will sit on the bench. When children see another child sitting on the bench, the other children know that the child sitting on the bench needs a friend to play with. The children will invite that student to play.

An article published by Dustin Petty from Michigan State University indicates that social exclusion is the new bullying and that “Instead of the child being teased, pushed around or called names, they are shunned and not invited to join games and activities” (Petty, 2012). Our goal is to continue to find new ways to empower students to be inclusive and to show compassion to others who may feel lonely and excluded.

Some of the students of the K-2 and members of our “Positive School Environment Team” created a video clip of the superpower “Compassion.” Compassion was demonstrated in this video using our very own student actors and actresses and the “Buddy Bench.” The video can be seen by visiting, http://www.perucsd.org/Page/5144. This video is posted on our web-site for students and their parents to view and reinforce the initiatives at home as well.

Since the roll out of the “Buddy Bench,” students consistently share their stories of compassion, often referring to playing with someone who was sitting on the “Buddy Bench.”

For more info, please contact the Elementary K-2 House at (518) 643-6100.

KEESEVILLE — A proposed riverside park in downtown Keeseville has moved closer to reality as another piece of the funding puzzle has snapped into place.

Source: Keeseville Riverfront Park to move forward – Sun Community News & Printing

PERU — Peru Central School District is continuing to search for new superintendent, and hope to hire a replacement by April.

Source: Search for new Peru CSD superintendent underway – Sun Community News & Printing

Kerri Bedard

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Peru has a new small business. On November 15, 2016 Kerri Bedard opened KB Styles at her 860 Fuller Road residence. Bedard has eight years of cosmetology experience including the last six years at Colours in Peru. An Ausable Forks native and Ausable Valley Central graduate, Kerri Bedard and her husband Phil have resided on the Fuller Road for over ten years.

As the mother of a four year old boy (Luke), Bedard is looking forward to the flexibility of setting her own schedule and simple things like seeing Luke board the bus when he enters kindergarten next fall. She’ll also be near her husband Phil who is battling MS. She said, “I needed him to build the studio now. Next year he might not be able to.”

Using a combination of knotty pine boards and logs, Phil Bedard transformed a room that once housed his fishing equipment into what his wife describes as “a cozy, elegant place to be pampered.” Along with the cozy atmosphere, patrons will undoubtedly appreciate the comfortable new leather chairs and the adjoining large restroom.

KB Styles is handicapped accessible. It is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10-6 and on Saturdays from 9-2. On Tuesdays it is open by appointment only.

To reach Kerri text 518-593-3389 or call 518-643-2659. If you’re driving from the Peru hamlet, travel east on Bear Swamp Road and turn left on the Fuller Road. KB Styles is the third house on the right.  Look for this sign.

PLATTSBURGH, NY –The Strand Center for the Arts (SCA) is excited to open a larger, updated Artist Store in the Strand Center at 23 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh, NY. This project was made possible in part by generous donations from friends of the Strand Center for the Arts and from the tireless work of numerous volunteers who did everything from painting, installing countertops and moving furniture.

“The Strand Center Artist Store provides an opportunity for local artists and artisans to sell their works within the Strand Center.” says SCA Executive Director, Joshua Kretser, “This new endeavor at the Strand Center will continue to enable us to carry out our mission of uniting the arts with our region.”

The space for the new store occupies the area where administrative offices were once located. Those offices were reshuffled and the area reconditioned. Walls were removed, new walls created and painted, a new floor was put in to match that which exists in the gallery, and display cases were added to showcase an impressive array of merchandise, ranging from handmade jewelry, scarves, pottery, books, cards, prints, paintings and so much more. Read more »

If you find yourself hungry or alone (or both) on Christmas Day, come enjoy a FREE Ham Dinner at the Harkness Methodist Church Hall at the four corners in Harkness, 776 Hallock Hill Road, Peru. The dinner is Open to All, on Sunday December 25 from 2 to 5pm. In addition to warm fellowship, the menu will include Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Vegetable, Beverage and Homemade Desserts.

Reservations are appreciated, but if you decide to join us on the spur of the moment. all “last-minute guests” will be welcome as well. Take-out meals will also be available.
Call 643-8708 or 570-7574 to reserve your place, or call 643-6690 for more information. Merry Christmas!

Office of the New York State Comptroller: Press Release

Source: DiNapoli: Consumers Should Read Fine Print On Gift Cards This Holiday Season

Thanks to Vicki Defayette for this drone photo taken this morning of the original Peru School. At one time it was the home to grades K-12. Now it houses grades 3-6.

Construction building fire in Peru had firefighters out most of the frigid night.

Source: Fire companies respond to building rekindle, house fire | News | pressrepublican.com

Are you looking to volunteer in the community?
JCEO is looking for volunteer drivers to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments.
YOU decide when and how much you want to drive.
Drivers are reimbursed 56 cents per mile and must have their own vehicle.
For more information, contact Chelsea at 518-561-6310 or stop by your local outreach center or JCEO’s main office at 54 Margaret Street in Plattsburgh.

Peru superintendent says more feedback on choices will be sought.

Source: Students press for better cafeteria food | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Gazette File Photo

By John T. Ryan

Peru – The Main Street Plan was the primary topic at the Monday, December 12th Peru Town Board meeting; however, other important topics were discussed or acted on.

The need for water and sewer rate increases was on the agenda. Supervisor Glushko said, “The special districts have to support themselves. Unfortunately, sometimes a rate increase is necessary.” A resolution to increase the rates will be placed on the December 27th meeting agenda. Water and Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said an typical household utilizing both water and sewer services would have an increase of $32 per year. Click here to review proposed increases

Courtney Tetrault requested that a permit requirement be instituted for anyone installing or digging up water or sewer lines. He said some people are replacing pipes without his knowledge. The town has pipe and hookup requirements and the presence of  utilities such as cable TV wires should be checked before any digging occurs. The code enforcement office would collect the fees. This matter is expected to be taken up at the December 27th meeting.

Town Attorney Donald Biggs told the board he plans to resign as of December 31st. Biggs works for the firm O’Connell and Aronowitz which is losing William Favreau who was recently elected as Clinton County Judge.

Biggs’ departure means that Peru is seeking attorneys for the town board and for the zoning and planning boards. The positions are difficult to fill given the nighttime meetings and relatively low rate of renumeration. There are very few local attorneys who have municipal law experience.

Counselor Donald McBrayer reported that he met with Youth Director John Flynn, Youth Commission President Greg Mills and Youth Commission member Jen Madore. Mills and Madore asked several questions regarding the town’s 2017 Youth Commission budget. McBrayer would like to improve communication between the youth commission and the town board. He encouraged Mills and Madore to periodically attend town board meetings. He said he would try to attend the commission’s meetings.

Supervisor Pete Glushko asked Courtney Tetrault to get a ballpark price on lowering the town hall’s main room ceiling and relocating the lighting and air handling systems. Glushko would like to encumber the money in the 2017 town budget.

Counselor Jim Langley remarked that if the ceiling was going to be lowered, that it would be a good time to update the town hall’s main room, especially its wall paneling. Langley also asked what the plans are for the room formerly used by the town court. Supervisor Glushko said he envisions it being used as a conference and break room. Langley said it might make sense to use that room as a code enforcement office and use the current codes enforcement office as the conference/break room. No decision was made.

Judge Jim Kirby reported that operations in the new court house are going very well. There has been only one problem – sound echoing in the court’s office. He will be installing sound absorbing materials.

Judge Kirby plans to schedule an Open House for the general public on Saturday, January 14th. Details will follow.

After having moved the board’s next meeting to December 19th, the board moved the meeting back to its original date of December 27th at 7p.m. No reason was given for the change.

The board’s final 2016 meeting was scheduled for Friday, December 30th at 8 a.m.

John T. Ryan

Peru – What will Peru’s North Main Street look like next year at this time? On November 29th a short-term and long-term vision for the all Main Street was presented to interested residents by Monica Ryan and Liam Law of River Street Planning and Development. Over the past two years Ryan and Law have working with Peru’s Main Street Committee to devise a short and long range vision for Peru’s primary thoroughfare. A public meeting was held in May, a plan was unveiled in September and on November 29th the plan was presented to the Peru residents and suggestions were elicited. Only about twelve residents attended. Counselor Donald McBrayer, the town board’s liaison to the Main Street Planning Committee, was present as was Adele Douglas, Peru’s Community Development Coordinator.

Funded by a $150,000 NYS grant, Phase #1 envisions a tree-lined North Main Street and improvements to the Route 22 – Maiden Lane intersection.  A portion of the street’s shoulder would be removed to be replaced by trees and grass. The existing, very wide road shoulder would still accommodate on-street parking. Ryan and Law said a tree-lined street typically reduces vehicle speeds promoting a more pedestrian friendly environment. Phase #1 also envisions curbing and more visible crosswalks being installed at the Route 22 – Maiden Lane intersection with the goal of slowing traffic and improving safety. (Click here to view all excellent slides depicting the process and changes) 

At the November 12th town board meeting, Supervisor Peter Glushko, Brandy McDonald and James Langley were concerned about New York State Department of Transportation’s (DOT) approval of the project (North Main Street is a state highway) and about the project’s effect on Peru water and sewer system. They asked if all residents residing along Main Street had been informed about the meetings and they wanted to be assured that grants would totally fund the project. Counselor McBrayer said the meetings had been advertised and he thought a letter had been mailed to people residing along the street. He requested that the other counselors be more involved with the project so that any concerns they have could be addressed. After discussion, Counselors McBrayer and McDonald agreed to hand-deliver a notice of any future meetings to people who reside or do business along the street.

Monica Ryan of River Street Planning & Development

The plan is on a tight schedule. Monica Ryan said the Master Plan will be ready for review in January. Final design and permitting documents would be prepared by sometime in March and construction would begin in the summer.

Future phases envision a new and more vital center core which would attract private business investment. Over 45,000 people reside within a 10-mile radius and over 1,500 people reside within an easy walking distance from the Route 22 Route 22B intersection. A walking trail loop, a tree-lined primary street and a more pedestrian friendly core would make Peru an even more attractive community for business investment and for residents.

Widening the existing North Main St. sidewalk making it a multi-use path the Little Ausable River Walking Trail is under discussion. It would encourage more trail walkers and bikers would travel a loop along Main Street and stopping at businesses along the route. Monica Ryan said that unlike most Upstate New York communities, Peru is projected to continuing growing at a moderate pace. Between 2000 and 2010 Peru’s population increased by 10%, one of the very few Upstate New York communities experiencing a population increase.

Ian Law of River Street Planning and Development

Depending on grant availability, a high future priority would include a path to the Walking Trail on the north side of the Route 22 bridge, (adjacent to Shear Creations Beauty Shop) and a sidewalk on the east side of the bridge giving pedestrians better access to the Tops Plaza and the Bear Swamp Road sidewalk. The Elm Street – Pleasant Street intersection would also be improved.

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts is excited to host Rose Hebert’s “Monsters in the Closet” exhibition in the Main Gallery in January, 2017. This upcoming exhibit will open in The Strand Center Main Gallery on Friday, January 6 with a reception open and free to the public from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. that evening.

Rose Hebert is a contemporary folk artist best known for her paintings that drip with vibrant colors. Raised in Plattsburgh, NY, Rose is a self-taught artist currently working in Burlington VT. Rose works primarily in acrylics but dabbles in many different media. Her style is culminated from years exploring tattoo art, outsider art, punk music, and the general absurdity of life.

About her work in this exhibit, Hebert states: “Although a preliminary sketch is made and transferred to the canvas, my work from this series is very reactionary and can best be equated to an orchestra creating a symphony. Read more »

Dear Editor:

An open letter regarding donations to the United Way of the Adirondack Region.

The 2017 United Way of the Adirondack Region campaign has launched with an ambitious goal of $725,000.

Are you noticing that more people in our area are in need of the assistance offered by the 43 partner agencies; assistance such as the mental health services offered by BHSN or end of life services supplied by Hospice? I too, have noticed these changes in our society and I have come to know that I am able to help so many through my contribution.

Today, I am writing to ask current or past givers to consider an increase in the amount donated to our local United Way of the Adirondack Region. I know this can be difficult but any amount that you are able to increase will be used to help the lives of the nearly 80,000 neighbors, friends, and family who have been helped by a United Way agency this past year.

For this reason, I have increased my donation this year. Won’t you please join me? A dollar or more added to your current gift each week will make a huge impact. It will also bring you closer to becoming a leadership giver. The leadership program starts at $500, just $10 per week.

The Video this year is just great! If you have not had a chance to view it, here’s a link.
http://www.unitedwayadk.org/campaign2012vid.html
Words cannot adequately express the gratitude. Thank you for considering this increase.

Gayle Alexander
The United Way of the Adirondack Region
2017 United Way Giving Campaign Volunteer

POTSDAM, NY (12/13/2016)– Clarkson University has announced recipients of endowed, sponsored, and Share Clarkson scholarships for the 2016-2017 academic year.

Samantha Crosby of Peru, N.Y., a senior majoring in communication, received the A. Douglas Burrow ’31 Endowed Scholarship.

Nick Lawliss of Peru, N.Y., a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, received the Doug ’71 and Jane Collette Endowed Scholarship and the Brian Y. Changlai MD, PhD ’70, Mary C. Daye MD ’71 and Brian A. Changlai MD Endowed Scholarship.

Clarkson University is grateful to its many donors of endowed, sponsored, and Share Clarkson scholarships. Scholarship support is essential to providing students with the financial resources necessary to achieve their goal of a Clarkson education.

Clarkson University educates the leaders of the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as an owner, CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. With its main campus located in Potsdam, N.Y., and additional graduate program and research facilities in the Capital Region and Beacon, New York, Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university with signature areas of academic excellence and research directed toward the world’s pressing issues. Through more than 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, education, sciences and the health professions, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and innovation with enterprise.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers continue the search for two hikers from Niskayuna, New York. Blake Alois, 20, and Madison Popolizio, 19, both of Niskayuna, NY, left the Adirondak Loj Trailhead on Sunday morning (12/11/16) to hike to the summit of Algonquin Mountain in the High Peaks Wilderness, Town of Keene, Essex County.

At 5:42 pm on Sunday DEC Ray Brook Dispatch received a phone call from concerned family members reporting that they had not received any communication from the hikers since approximately noon. They had provided photos and videos of their hike at that time in which both appeared in good condition and wearing winter clothing.

DEC Forest Rangers located the pair’s vehicle and began searching the trails to Algonquin Mountain and to Lake Colden until 3:45 am.

On Monday, more than 20 Forest Rangers, searched the trails and drainage systems in the area around Algonquin Mountain. Snow, clouds and winds prevented the use of any aviation resources and made for difficult search conditions.

Today, two dozen Forest Rangers, accompanied by members of the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team, are continuing the search, along with State Police Aviation Units joining the search this morning.

Searchers face below freezing temperatures, wind chills below zero, and three feet or more of snow.

An Incident Command Post has been set up on the grounds of the Adirondack Mountain Club’s Adirondak Loj property where the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is assisting with communications.

At this time, due to the adverse conditions DEC Forest Rangers are not seeking additional assistance from the friends and family members of the lost hikers as this could only add additional risk to the searchers and divert resources from finding the missing hikers. DEC will continue to provide updates as they become available.

Starting next fall, new science learning standards will roll out in New York classrooms that are focused on better preparing students for higher education and careers in fast-growing science, technology, engineering and math fields. The learning standards, which set out what students should know and be able to do by the end of each grade, include a keener emphasis on hands-on learning opportunities and projects that engage students with natural science phenomena. Over the next year, the State Education Department will develop a comprehensive implementation plan to help districts with the transition, which involves educators becoming familiar with the new standards, developing curricula that aligns to them, professional development in instruction techniques, and support in the form of materials and resources. The department is also hoping to build a so-called Statewide Science Education Ecosystem Network, made up of various STEM “assets and initiatives” across the state that would support collaborations and partnerships with school districts, higher education institutions, professional organizations, informal science institutions, business and industry, and local and regional science groups.

Source: Science class to become a hands-on experience – Times Union

The state Board of Regents will ask state lawmakers for a $2.1 billion increase in school funding next year, a figure members admit is on the high side but say was driven up by the growing number of needy students statewide. Meant to ensure equity across the districts by sending more funds to districts with high needs, the aid was frozen during the post-2008 recession and eventually cut to help the state make up a budget deficit. “While total state spending has been held to 2 percent annual growth and most state agency budgets have remained flat, school aid has increased by 27 percent over the last five years, proving that it’s already a funding priority,” said state Division of Budget spokesman Morris Peters. The Regents are requesting that the state instead transition to using “direct certification” data, which counts students who are automatically eligible for free lunch based on their participation in other programs such as Medicaid and food stamps.

Source: Board of Regents seeks $2.1 billion school aid boost – Times Union

The North Country Chamber of Commerce and Manpower are proud to announce a new opportunity for emerging leaders in our region. Through a series of Community Exploration sessions, participants will learn about the challenges facing our region and how they can get involved to make the North Country stronger than ever. Professional Development sessions will be included to help build the skills necessary to take their careers to the next level.

This program is perfect for new employees, those who are new to the North Country Region, or people who wish to take on future leadership roles. Sessions include Government Affairs, Tourism, Economic Development, Networking, Meeting Management, Leadership Strengths, and more. Visit www.northcountrychamber.com to see a complete schedule of sessions, dates, and times.

The four month program begins in January and is open to Chamber & Partner members for $100 per person. This includes the Welcome Reception, Admission to Business After Hours each month, and 7 Training Sessions. Non-members may participate for $200 based on availability. Pre-Registration is required.

Discover how you can play a vital role in our community, take the next step in your career development and make valuable connections that will last for years. Visit Northcountrychamber.com or call the Chamber at 518-563-1000 for more info.

PERU — Last month, town officials received $7,880 from Clinton County to complete the Lyon Street School roof replacement.

Source: County chips in funds for Lyon Street School restoration – Sun Community News & Printing