The Peru Gazette

Story Update: Peru Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Photo: Front L-R Shawn Edwards, Peter Keenan Sr., Theresa Bobal Sindelar, Brent Banker. Back Row L-R Kris Bruno who accepted on behalf of his brother Kregg Bruno, Matt St. Clair, Mark and Sarah Wheet who accepted on behalf of their daughter Stephanie Wheet.

The 2015 Peru Athletic Hall of Fame banquet was held at the American Legion on the Quarry Road, October 3rd.

The inductees were: Brent Banker – Coach

Brent Banker graduated from Peru High School in 1980. As an athlete, he participated four years in track and field as a distance runner- from 1977 to 1980. In those four years, the track and field teams won two CVAC titles in1977 and 1980, and one Section Seven championship in 1978. He was one of the captains of the 1980 track team. He was a state qualifier in 1980 for the 3200 meter event.

Brent also ran cross country for three years- from 1977 to 1979. He was a state qualifier in cross country in 1978 and 1979. He was captain of the 1979 team. In 1979, the cross country team won both the CVAC championship title and the Section Seven crown.

Brent coached at Peru from 1987 to 1995. From 1987 to 94 he coached girls’ junior varsity soccer and girls’ junior varsity volleyball. From 1989 to 1991, girls’ varsity volleyball 92 to 95 and girls’ varsity track and field from 1987 to 1995.

He was head coach for the girls’ varsity track and field team from 1988 to 1995. During this time teams compiled 76 wins and 1 loss. They won seven CVAC titles and seven Section Seven titles. From 1989 to 1995 the teams won 65 consecutive dual meets.

As the girls’ varsity volleyball coach, his teams recorded 46 wins and 7 losses. They won one CVAC title in 1992 – 1993 season and won two Section Seven titles in the 93-94 and 94-95 seasons.

Matthew St. Clair – Athlete

Matt, a 2003 graduate of Peru High School, was one of the most outstanding football players in New York State during the 2001 and 2002 seasons. In 2001, he had 44 receptions for 1014 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Indians in their state championship season- which culminated with Matt’s two touchdown receptions and one interception that earned him most valuable player in the state championship game.

His performance did not wane his senior year. He earned first team all-state for the second straight year as the Indians went undefeated in the regular season, only to be upset in the playoffs. Other noteworthy honors that he received were 2000 CVAC Section 7 1^st team wide receiver, the 2001 New York State Class B 1^st team wide receiver, and the CVAC – Section 7 1^st team wide receiver. In 2002 Matt was recognized as the CVAC-Section 7 1^st team wide receiver and punt returns, CVAC-Section 7, 2^nd team free safety, North Country Super Bowl – offensive player of the game, and CVAC career leader in receiving yards and touchdown receptions. He also won the honor of career leader in receiving yards and touchdown receptions in the history of Peru Central School. Matt’s football career culminated with a total of 85 receptions, 1795 yards, 28 touchdowns and 1 conversion.

Matt was also outstanding in basketball and baseball, but his football career for the Indians places him among the Peru greats in the Hall of Fame.

Melvin Bob Bruno – Athlete 

Bob graduated from Peru Central School in 1948. Bob lettered in Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball. Tony Papero, Athletic Director at Peru High School, was quoted as saying “Bob Bruno was, by far, one of the finest athletes I have ever coached at Peru Central School. He gave 100% to each of three sports in which he competed and he excelled at all three”. Bob was a teammate on several outstanding teams-alongside fellow classmate and Hall of Fame inductee Pete Keenan.

After graduation from Peru, Bob joined the U. S. Army during the Korean War. Upon his discharge from the Army he attended SUNY Plattsburgh and graduated in 1963. Bob was employed at Peru Central School from 1961 until retirement in 1992. He spent twenty-six years as classroom teacher at Northside School, followed by five years as administrator of the Intermediate School.

Bob’s entire adult life was dedicated to education and community betterment. He was a member of Board of Directors of the Clinton County Industrial and Agricultural Fair and President from 1977 through 1983. He was Recreation Director of the Town of Schuyler Falls from 1974 through 1983. He also served in local government was a member of the Clinton County Legislature from 1984 to 1998-serving as the Chairman from 1986 through 1996. He served on the Clinton County Nursing Home Board and Clinton Community College Foundation Corporate Board.

In April of 1996 Bob proposed the establishment of Clinton Community College to the Legislature and through his hard work the college was established. In 2006, Clinton Community College was awarded the first ever Honorary Degree in the Humanities. In 2008 a street was dedicated to Bob, known as the “BOB BRUNO WAY”.   In his spare time, he was a race car driver at Airborne Speed way along with other race tracks.

Bob graduated from Peru Central School in 1948. Bob lettered in Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball. Tony Papero, Athletic Director at Peru High School, was quoted as saying “Bob Bruno was, by far, one of the finest athletes I have ever coached at Peru Central School. He gave 100% to each of three sports in which he competed and he excelled at all three”. Bob was a teammate on several outstanding teams-alongside fellow classmate and Hall of Fame inductee Pete Keenan.

After graduation from Peru, Bob joined the U. S. Army during the Korean War. Upon his discharge from the Army he attended SUNY Plattsburgh and graduated in 1963. Bob was employed at Peru Central School from 1961 until retirement in 1992. He spent twenty-six years as classroom teacher at Northside School, followed by five years as administrator of the Intermediate School.

Bob’s entire adult life was dedicated to education and community betterment. He was a member of Board of Directors of the Clinton County Industrial and Agricultural Fair and President from 1977 through 1983. He was Recreation Director of the Town of Schuyler Falls from 1974 through 1983. He also served in local government was a member of the Clinton County Legislature from 1984 to 1998-serving as the Chairman from 1986 through 1996. He served on the Clinton County Nursing Home Board and Clinton Community College Foundation Corporate Board.

In April of 1996 Bob proposed the establishment of Clinton Community College to the Legislature and through his hard work the college was established. In 2006, Clinton Community College was awarded the first ever Honorary Degree in the Humanities. In 2008 a street was dedicated to Bob, known as the “BOB BRUNO WAY”.   In his spare time, he was a race car driver at Airborne Speed way along with other race tracks.

Peter Keenan Sr. – Athlete 

Pete graduated from Peru High School in 1948. While at Peru, Pete competed in Soccer 45-48, Cross Country 46 and 47, Basketball 45-48, Baseball 45-48, Track 47 and 48 and 8 man football in 1947. Pete played soccer for 4 years. There was no soccer in 1944 because of the war. School closed at noon so students could pick apples.

In Basketball Pete played for 4 years and was chosen a league all-star four times. The 44-45 and 47-48 teams were outstanding. Pete played baseball from 1945-1948 and won the class B Sectionals in 1948.

Pete also starred in Track-running the 100 yard dash. He was a member of the star 880 relay team and also excelled at the shot put.

Pete also coached on the varsity baseball team in 1985. Pete is a man who wears more than one hat. Pete is a Justice of the Peace in Peru and a member of the Clinton County Legislature. He umpired baseball for many years in both the men’s’ CVBL and the high school CVL.

Shawn Edwards – Athlete 

Shawn, a 1991 graduate of Peru High School, was a three sport athlete. While attending Peru he competed in soccer, wrestling and track. He earned 10 varsity letters: 6 in wrestling, 3 in soccer and 1 in track and field.

Shawn played varsity soccer for three years and was captain his junior and senior years. He led the team to a sectional title as a junior; he was noted for his flip throw in and his knuckle ball kick on the ball. He was named Honorable Mention Team his sophomore year and chosen to be a First team All-Star his junior and senior year.

His high school career started in seventh grade on the wrestling team. Needless to say, Shawn excelled in wrestling, winning 20 tournament titles. He was the first Peru wrestler to win 5 sectional titles and 5 Peru Invitational titles. He held the record for a number of years with 103 pins. He was also named Outstanding Wrestler in a number of tournaments. He was the first wrestler to enter the Sesquicentennial Club with a record of 150 and 27. Shawn went to the state tournament 5 times and placed 6th in the NYSPHSAA meet as a sophomore. He placed 2nd as a senior when there was only one division. After high school, Shawn went to Morrisville Community College where he compiled a record of 20 and 10 and qualified for the NJCAA National Wrestling Championships in Bismarck, ND.

Stephanie Wheet – Athlete 

Stephanie graduated in 1994 where she lettered in soccer, basketball and softball. She participated in varsity soccer all four years in high school and was team captain in 1994.

She played basketball from 91 through 94 and was captain in 1994. In 1993, she received the Sportsmanship Award at the Queensbury Holiday Tournament, and in 1994 she was voted the team’s most valuable player for the season.

Stephanie lettered all four years in softball and was captain in 1994. In 1991, she received the Sportsmanship Award for the year. In 1993, the team was the first team in Section Seven to win the scholar/athlete state championship. This was achieved by having the highest team grade point average of all the girls’ softball teams in the state. The team won the CVAC title and the Section Seven championship with a 16-2 record. Stephanie was selected to the All CVAC All-Star Team. In 1994, she was named to the elite All-State” 4^th team at the catcher position. This is a distinction that no other softball player in Section Seven had received to that point. She also received the team’s most valuable player award and was selected to the All-CVAC All-Star Team’s Catcher of the Year. Stephanie hit .572, scored 37 runs and drove in 42 runs that year. In June of 1994, she received the Ray A. Kroc youth achievement award for demonstrating all around excellence in the areas of citizenship, leadership, scholarship and extracurricular activities.

Theresa (Bobal) Sindelar – Athlete

Theresa (Bobal) Sindelar, Peru High School class of 1987, made her high school swimming debut in 1981, swimming on the varsity team as a 7^th grader. That year, she became the Section Seven champion in both the 100 yard butterfly and the 200 yard individual medley, setting school and section records in both events. She broke her own record the following year and continued to set pool, school and section records. The record times for each event were improved yet again in 1983 at the Section Championships and then again at the New York State meet. Theresa continued to shine in her two events over the years, and set pool and school records in other events as well, becoming the only swimmer in 1987 to have ever won sectional titles in an event six times. She was awarded Most Outstanding Swimmer honors by the Section many consecutive years. The Peru Varsity Swim team that Theresa was a part of won the Section Seven title for seven years straight.

Proud to be a student athlete, Theresa was also a part of the National Honor Society, French Honor Society, Model United Nations, Harvard United Nations and was a Regents Scholarship recipient.

The Peru Gazette posed six questions to each of the four candidates for the Peru Town Board. Ms. Blakelee’s responses were received four days after our October 14th deadline.

Summarize your educational background, primary employment, a little about your family and past community involvement.

I grew up in a large family in Windham, NY in the northern Catskills, graduated with a BA from Trinity College in Washington, DC where I spent most of my career as a journalist. In 2004, my husband and I moved back to upstate New York where I received a graduate degree in education from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Before moving to the North Country as executive producer at Mountain Lake PBS, I worked for the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer for 21 years where I covered politics, the economy, education, environmental and urban issues, defense, and the arts. Previous to the NewsHour, I worked for ABC News “20/20”, various PBS units, local news, and as an independent documentary producer. I date myself when I mention that my first big story was Watergate. While at the NewsHour, I won several awards including an Emmy and a Benton Fellowship to the University of Chicago. Now at age 67, I am very involved in my church, and President of the Board of Trustees at the Adirondack History Museum. I am also still writing stories for regional magazines, including Strictly Business and Strictly Food for Thought.

How will your background and/or successes assist you as a Clinton County Legislator?

I have been covering government as a journalist most of my working life which has given me a good working knowledge of the issues facing us.

What county issues concern you the most and how would you address these issues?

I am very concerned about the stifling effect of high property taxes and the lack of economic growth and well-paying jobs. If elected, I will work to bring more opportunities and better paying jobs to Clinton County. With more and better paying jobs, we broaden the tax base and reduce the number of people relying on social services which in turn would reduce our individual taxes.

Why should a person vote for you?

I come from a family that believes in service and giving back to the community and I am at a point in my life where I can do that and be honored to serve.

What party lines will your name appear on?

Working Families

The Peru Gazette posed six questions to each of the four candidates for the Peru Town Board. Here are Brandy McDonald’s responses.

Summarize your educational background, primary employment, a little about your family and your past community involvement.

 I graduated from Peru High School in 1993 and remained in Peru to raise my family.  I am happily married to my wife Amy of 15 years and we have three children.  I currently work for Hynes Electric Supply.  My first experience as a participating community member for the Town of Peru was my voluntary involvement with our Town Youth Program as a Committee Member for six years.  I also volunteered as a coach of eight years for our Peru Town Youth Program. I have been a Peru Town Councilman for the past eight years and served as the Town Deputy Supervisor for the last six years.

How will your background and/or successes assist you as a town council member?

My eight years as a town counselor along with my additional experience as the Deputy Supervisor for the last six years has given me vast knowledge of what is required to perform these positions properly and efficiently.  Over the years, I have been able to listen to our town residents with their issues and concerns, so I have a great understanding of what our residents expect from their town board.

What town issues concern you the most?

One issue our community faces is the expenditures of maintaining our roads during the winter months as the cost of salt we require to keep our roads safe, continues to significantly increases every year.  The annual increase in health insurance premiums is another important town issue effecting our town.  The other town board members and I are continually searching for ways to keep our budget under control, while managing these significant expenses which are a necessity to our community.

How would you address these issues?

 I will continue my diligent work with our town board members to find ways to cut unnecessary expenditures to manage the unforeseen increases in necessary expenditures.  The increase in health insurance premiums is actively researched by reviewing all the possible health plans offered in our area, so we can find a good affordable health plan for our employees.

Why should a person vote for you?

Residents should vote for me, because I am a determined councilman with a strong passion for being an active representative for all Peru residents. I work very hard to maintain the positive fellowship with all of our town board members, as it is important to our town that we work together to improve our town’s ability to keep moving forward.

What party lines will your name appear on?

•       Democrat
•       Conservative
•       Independence
•       Working Families

Thank you,

Brandy McDonald

The Peru Gazette posed six questions to each of the four candidates for the Peru Town Board. Here are Jim Langley’s responses.

Summarize your educational background, primary employment, a little about your family and your past community involvement.

Mount Assumption (Seton)HS Canton ATC AAS in Banking, Insurance and Real Estate.  The Aetna School of Insurance (Harford Ct.).  Insurance Agent/Broker since 1980.    Married to Tammy (Mischler), 2 children Tiffany (married) ELA teacher Troy NY. Tyler; joined family business 2015 and Peru JV Football coach.  Keeseville Elks Club, Plattsburgh Moose Lodge, Apple Valley Corporate Board, Community Bank Advisory Board.  Past member of Peru & Clinton County Planning Board.  County Legislator since (1999) past Chairman of the Board for 13 years (longest in county history)

How will your background and/or successes assist you as a town council member?

As Chairman of Clinton County legislature I worked with Governors, Federal and State Law makers, Major Official in the FAA in DC and NYC. Traveling to all their offices many times.  I have never let party get in the way of accomplishing my tasks.  Locally, worked with State officials, elected or otherwise.  While at the county we built a Connector Road, a Fire Training Tower, began a tourism committee that funds fishing derbies amongst other tourist events. Constructed a new Airport and weathered many natural disasters plus the loss of Plattsburgh Air Force Base. I believe in looking forward.

 What town issues concern you the most?

Providing services and staying within the tax cap.  I would like to see expansion of the existing infrastructure, paving going back to 10 miles a year, reuse of the Heyworth Building and more recreation for residents. I’m concerned with the absenteeism at the council and I don’t favor annual salary increases for the Council.

How would you address these issues?

We need to expand our tax base by getting more residences.  Encouraging development by making zoning friendlier for investors.  We need to work with our departments and get their input for growth, do more work in house, obtain grants.   I have 17 years of service to the county and impeccable attendance records.

Why should a person vote for you?

In short, my working experience with a high level of government at a low cost.

 What party lines will your name appear on?

Republican, Independence and Reform.

The Peru Gazette posed six questions to each of the four candidates for the Peru Town Board. Here are Kregg Bruno’s responses to the questions stated below.

Summarize your educational background, primary employment, a little about your family and your past community involvement. How will your background and/or successes assist you as a town council member? What town issues concern you the most? How would you address these issues? Why should a person vote for you? What party lines will your name appear on?

I married my wife Bonnie in 1987 and moved to Peru to raise my family, Christopher and Katie, and send them to Peru School where Bonnie and I both graduated from. I got involved in the community, coaches youth soccer, softball, and baseball for 12 years. My interest in politics began when I started attending board meetings in which nothing was being accomplished and the town of Peru was not being properly represented.

I want to continue to represent the people of Peru because I like the direction the Town is going in. The present Town Board has produced many new accomplishments that we should be proud of. The present Board has been able to set politics aside, work as a bi-partisan group, set and achieve goals and strive to keep Peru a great place to live and raise a family.

Budget time is always a crucial time of the year. With new tax caps, rising health care, and the importance to keep taxes affordable, its critical to make important financial decisions. Keeping the roadways and sidewalks up to date, as well as building new safe route to school, are always important in my decision making. Safe and clean water are a must throughout any community, and our Water and Sewer Departments have met the challenges. To continue to meet the needs of the community is also very important to me. Improvements to our new Heyworth Village walking trail and Parks, to keep a happy healthy community is something I’ll keep striving for. I’ll be going door to door and answering any question people may have before the election.  I want to thanks everyone for their past support and future support to continue to help Peru to grow and remain a great place to live. Thanks Kregg

The Peru Gazette posed six questions to each of the four candidates for the Peru Town Board. Here are Dwane Bast’s responses.

Summarize your educational background, primary employment, a little about your family and your past community involvement.

In 1982 I graduated from Peru Central School then continued my education at R.I.T. My wife and I own Adirondack Coffee Roasters, which started in Peru in 2007. Due to the need to expand our business we moved to Plattsburgh in 2013. I have been an active member of the Peru Knights of Columbus since 2007. I have been active with the Peru music boosters and also the soup kitchen. Every year I help with the Applefest, Peru walk of faith, and the Peru wrestling boosters.

How will your background and/or successes assist you as a town council member?

I believe that being my a business owner has given me the skills to work well with others, plan and follow a budget, time management and the ability to multitask.

What town issues concern you the most?

My first concern is that some of our town council have taken large amounts of time off at tax payers’ expense. The second is that we budget for only one year at a time and do not look consider a longer term approach.

How would you address these issues?

I will work hard for my pay and be available. If something took me away, I would find a way to pay back the town for time I was absent. I would also try to bring five and ten year plan to our town.

Why should a person vote for you?

I am hard working and care about our town. I believe that with some hard work, we can be one of the best towns in New York.

What party lines will your name appear on?

Republican and Reform Party lines.

The Peru Gazette posed six questions to each of the two candidates for Area Seven of the Clinton County Legislature. Here are Robbie Timmons’ responses.

Summarize your educational background, primary employment, a little about your family and past community involvement.

• Graduate of Peru High School (1985)
• Graduate of Paul Smith’s College (1989), degree in Hotel Restaurant Management
• Worked for several years in restaurant management positions
• Worked for the Town of Peru Highway Department and served as the elected Highway Superintendent for six years
• In 2008 started Rob’s Repairs providing remodeling, electrical and plumbing services
• Served ten years as a volunteer firefighter with Peru Fire Department
• Parents: Loretta and the late Robert Timmons
• My wife Michelle (Duprey) and I have two daughters, Lacy and Allie

How will your background and/or successes assist you as a Clinton County Legislator?

• While working for the Peru Highway Department, intensely involved in recovery from the 1998 ice storm and the severe floods of 1996 and 1998
• Worked collaboratively with the County and surrounding town highway departments dealing with these disasters
• Familiarity with federal and state disaster agencies brings a level of expertise to the Legislature on these issues
• As a successful private contractor for 7 years, I understand issues affecting small business owners

What county issues concern you the most?

• Further economic development
• Training of work force to meet employers’ demands
• Develop budgets to serve taxpayers’ needs within mandated tax cap
• Continued development of Plattsburgh International Airport

How would you address these issues?

• Continued growth of transportation hub
• Broadband, natural gas, wind and solar expansions
• Enhanced tourism promotion; support local businesses
• Collaborate with CCC, CV-TECH and local schools to properly train employees for vacant positions and future employment
• Develop appropriate budgets under mandated tax cap working with state legislators to assure the cap allows sufficient growth for needed services
• To enhance PIA as an international airport, we must work with local, state and federal officials to reach full potential

Why should a person vote for you?

• My experience with government budgeting and operations and my business success provides the skills to work effectively and cooperatively with County legislators, administrators, and departments.

What party lines will your name appear on?

• Republican and Reform Party lines

The Peru Gazette posed six questions to each of the two candidates for Area Five of the Clinton County Legislature. Here are Peter Keenan’s responses.

Summarize your educational background, primary employment, a little about your family and your past community involvement.

I am a widowed father of four and grandfather of four. I graduated from Peru Central School and Clinton Community College. I attended Plattsburgh State. I was in the Army Signal Corp. for two years during the Korean War Era. After 26 years, I retired from the New York State Dept. of Corrections. For 20 years, I drove school bus for Peru Central School. I was Peru Town Justice for 24 years. I have been an active member of the Peru Knights of Columbus for 33 years and a state chairman for 14 years. I was a softball and baseball umpire for 40 years. I was the Grand Marshall for the 2010 Applefest Parade. I was on the Dannemora Federal Credit Union Board of Directors’ Supervisory Committee for 10 years. I am the incumbent Area 5 Clinton County Legislator for the past 4 years.

How will your background and/or successes assist you as a town council member?

My upbringing, professional career, and extensive community involvement have prepared me well to serve on the Legislature.  I was born and raised in Clinton County and have lived here all of my life. I know the people and their challenges and will use my life experiences and good old fashion common sense to serve the good people of Peru and Schuyler Falls.

What county issues concern you the most?

Enticing economic development and job growth and keeping county property taxes stable along with the successful completion of the airport expansion. I am a member of the airport committee and securing airline service to a major hub city is an ongoing effort.

How would you address these issues?

The County Legislature, as a team that I am proud to be part of, have been successful in controlling county spending and in fact we delivered a property tax rate and levy decrease for the 2015 budget. We have accomplished that by careful scrutiny of spending and by prioritizing the needs of the citizens. We have made investments when there is a clear benefit for the tax payers and held the line on spending when that line is blurred.

Why should a person vote for you?

I hope that my record and the success of my first term would warrant the confidence of the voters for a second time. I have tried my best to make the right decisions for Clinton County and have always been available to hear the concerns of any citizen.

What party lines will your name appear on?

Democratic and Working Families Party.

The Peru Gazette posed six questions to each of the two candidates for Area Five of the Clinton County Legislature. Here are Rhonda Barber’s responses.

Summarize your educational background, primary employment, a little about your family and past community involvement.

I attended Saranac High School, graduating in 1986. I then went on to graduate from Siena College in Loudonville, NY in 1990 with a degree in finance. After college, I returned to Plattsburgh and started E-Z Sto. Upon my father’s retirement in 1999, my sister came on board and we are now co-owners of X-Plo/E-Z Sto. Our primary operations are transportation, storage and commercial warehousing. We have approximately 20 employees. My past community involvements have included coaching various teams for Saranac School and Peru Youth Commission; serving on various boards i.e. Plattsburgh Youth Hockey, Plattsburgh Lady Hornet Varsity Girls Hockey and Saranac Varsity Boys Hockey Booster Clubs; parent/team manager of various youth teams, Clinton Community College Foundation and NFIB Professional Business Leaders.

How will your background and/or successes assist you as a Clinton County Legislator?

I have always loved being involved, making decisions and being a part of making a difference. I am a great communicator and ideas are only as good as they are sold. The best ideas need to be communicated to the people for action to occur. In addition, I am a hard worker who is extremely organized. I give 110% in everything that I do. My keen business sense will allow me to run government like a business.

What county issues concern you the most? How would you address these issues?

I will NEVER vote to increase the tonnage coming into the landfill. I will also fight for my area to get compensation in exchange for being the counties dumping ground. I will push to build recreational, cultural and youth activities. I will sell the county as a tourist destination while promoting our region and lake. I will pursue increased shopping such as possible outlets which will draw people to the area and lead to increased tax revenue allowing us to maintain a stable tax rate.

Why should a person vote for you?

Our community needs new energy and forward thinking. I plan to serve the public interest with passion and competence while continuing to strengthen our towns with hard work and a keen business sense. These are the values that I deeply care about and are embedded in my daily work as a local business owner.

What party lines will your name appear on?

Republican, Independence, Conservative and Reform parties

The Peru Gazette expresses its thanks to the candidates for the Clinton County Legislature and Peru Town Board who were kind enough to respond to our questionnaire. We hope their answers will be of interest to local voters.  Rhonda Barber and Peter Keenan are competing for the Clinton County Legislature’s Area 5 Seat. Carol Blakeslee-Collin and Robbie Timmons are competing in Area 7.  Ms. Blakelee-Collin did not respond to our questionnaire. Four candidates are seeking two positions on the Peru Town Board. Kregg Bruno and Brandy McDonald are incumbents. They are being challenged by Dwane Bast and James Langley.

All the candidates deserve praise for their willingness to serve their fellow citizens. In spite of opinions to the contrary, The Peru Gazette believes that public service is one of our society’s highest callings and we believe that the vast majority of elected representatives serve to the best of their ability.

An equally high calling is the responsibility of every registered voter to cast their vote on Tuesday, November 3rd. In a typical non-presidential election year fewer than 50% of eligible voters take the time to vote – a very sad statistic.

Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum Presents:

2 consecutive weekends

October 16-17 and 23-24

Candy Harvest – Geared for younger children and will include fun, games and candy! Dress up in your costume and enter the contest!

5:00-7:00 pm                                    $1.00 admission

Soul Harvest – open to all ages, but parental discretion is advised as there will be gore, violence, and plenty of jump scares.  We are not responsible for loss of sleep due to nightmares, fear of the dark, or residual memories of horror imprinted on your mind.

8:00 – 10:00pm                                    $5.00 admission

On Saturday October 17^th, 2105 at 4:30 PM the Peru Democrats will hold a “Meet and Greet” for all candidates who are running in the November election.

Location will be: Murphy’s Restaurant, Rt. 22B, Peru.

Fun and free food for all. Come and meet the candidates. 

Mike Derrick, who is a Peru native and a candidate for the 21st, Congressional District in the 2016 election, will be among the speakers.

Peru Central School District is pleased to announce learning opportunities for residents in its new Community Education Program.

We are excited to offer the following 5 events for our first fall session:

Event                                                                    Date                                      Times

• Basics of Digital Photography                    10/22                                     5:30 – 8:00pm
• Microsoft Word for Beginners                    11/2 & 11/5                         6 – 8 pm
• Essential Oil Make & Take                          10/23/15                              6 – 8:30pm
• 5 Hour Pre-licensing                                    10/24/15                              9 am – 2
• Zumba Dance (starting 11/3)                     Tuesday/Thursdays        6-7 pm and Saturdays 9 – 10am

If you’re interested in hosting or participating in an event, or have an idea for one, we’d love to hear from you! 

For more information, contact Sheila at snugent@perucsd.org or 643-6020 or Lori at lagnew@perucsd.org or 643-6022

Harkness Methodist Church Annual Chicken and Biscuit Dinner

Harkness Church Hall—481 Hallock Hill Rd, Peru

Sunday, October 18^th—serving begins at 4:00 p.m.

Adults, $9; Seniors, $8; Children 6-12, $5; Preschoolers, free

Takeouts available

At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2015 the Peru Town Board will hold a Public Hearing on a new Town Law which would prohibit vehicle parking on the Laphams Mills Road between Route 22 and the Dasnaw Road (adjacent to Laphams Mills Park). The Board has received complaints from property owners and is concerned about the safety of children who have been seen darting into traffic when vehicles have been parked adjacent to the highway. The Board believes that there is sufficient off-road parking for all vehicles.

At 7 p.m. Board’s regular meeting will begin. It was rescheduled from Monday, October 12th because of Columbus Day.

Roger’s House Panels

St. Vincent’s Thrift Store panels

By John T. Ryan

Many of the thousands of people who crowded the St. Augustine’s Parish Center grounds during the September 19-20 Applefest were surprised to find solar panels behind the St. Vincent’s Thrift Store and Roger’s House. If they looked across Main Street behind St. Augustine’s Cemetery they saw a much larger solar panel array being erected. When fully operational the system will supply most of the power needs of St. Augustine’s Church, the parish’s maintenance garage, the former St. Vincent’s Thrift Store, the rectory, the current St. Vincent’s Thrift Store and Roger’s House, the parish’s household goods/Christmas shop.

St. Augustine’s Pastor Reverend Alan Shnob explained, “I started thinking about solar panels when Bishop LaValley installed a solar system at his residence in Ogdensburg. I think they confirm the Holy Father’s call to conserve the world’s resources. They’re also about more than saving energy. They’re a sign that our parish is looking to the future. We’re looking to future generations. We’re passing on a legacy to them.”

The project is financially feasible thanks to the generosity of St. Augustine’s parishioners, parish savings, the hard work of St. Vincent’s Thrift Store and Roger’s House volunteers, a $30,000 New York Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) grant and a $20,000 gift from St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273. Edge Design and Consulting in Plattsburgh is the project designer and installer.

On Saturday, October 3rd, Bishop Terry A. LaValley will bless the panels following the 4:30 p.m. Mass where Bishop LaValley will assist in the initiation of a Junior Catholic Daughters Court in the parish; another indication the parish is looking to the future.

Panels being erected behind St. Augustine’s Cemetery

Panels being erected behind St. Augustine’s Cemetery.

Harvest Weekend – October 10-11, 2015 – Hours 10am – 4pm.

$1.00 off admission if you bring a nonperishable item for the Interfaith Foodshelf.  Demonstrations of corn harvest, granary, hit and miss engines and blacksmith shop.   On Sat. Oct. 10, come and watch as flax is spun into linen (Brook Sylvan Spinnery).  For the kids – make a corn husk doll, play pumpkin tic tac toe, paint a pumpkin, visit the animals and take a ride on the stagecoach, the hay wagon and Thomas the Train.  Special guest authors Katherine Cal-Morin (Saturday) and Gordie Little (Sunday) will be here to share their stories. Lunch will be available from Kat’s Katering.

Click here to view Sept. 28 Town Board Agenda

Peru – A Pulled Pork Dinner will be held on Sunday, October 11^th from noon until 2 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Corn on the cob, baked beans, salad, rolls and a beverage will accompany the pulled pork. The cost is $8 ($6 for Walk of Faith participants). Children 12 and under are $4 each ($3 each walkers). The dinner’s proceeds will benefit the Mission of Hope and the Peru Community Church Jamaica Project.
The dinner is sponsored by the Catholic Community of St. Augustine’s and St. Patrick’s Parish, The Peru Community Church, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Monica 2598 and Knights of Columbus Council 7273. For more information please contact Christa Reyell at 566-6404.

The Catholic Community of St. Augustine’s and St. Patrick’s Parish, The Peru Community Church, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Monica 2598 and Knights of Columbus Council 7273 in Peru, NY will hold its 9^th Annual Walk of Faith on Sunday, October 11^th at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine (behind St. Augustine’s Church) in Peru, NY. Event is free. Walk Rain (bring an umbrella) or shine. Donations will be accepted for The North Country Mission of Hope and the Peru Community Church’s Jamaica Project.

Early registration begins at 11:45 a.m. Opening Ceremony begins at 12:30 PM.   Immediately following opening ceremonies, the Walk of Faith will begin. Walk is 2.7 mile route in the Town of Peru.

Proceeds from this event will go to The North Country Mission of Hope and The Jamaica Project. Please consider joining your neighbors on Sunday, October 11th. For more information please contact Chair Christa Reyell at 566-6404. Click here for more information

By John T. Ryan

In case you haven’t seen or heard ads or been privy to the local chatter, Rulfs Orchard began selling homemade ice cream about a month ago. Rulfs Office/Retail Manager Amanda Whisher said, “It’s gourmet ice cream, rich and creamy with 14% butterfat.” Rulfs sells eight flavors by the dish, cone and hand-carved pint. Flavors include: vanilla, chocolate, chocolate chip, chocolate chip with cookie dough, cookies and cream, chocolate with M&M’s, chocolate with Reese’s Pieces and maple walnut.

Adding ice cream to Rulfs traditional offerings took two years of planning and preparation. A business plan had to be developed followed by construction of a room dedicated to ice cream making. A Taylor ice cream machine was purchased and training took several weeks.

At Thanksgiving time, Rulfs will be selling an apple pie-vanilla ice cream combo. Then the ice cream machine will be given a rest until May though Amanda said, “If people still want pints, I’ll start it up in the winter.”

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts annually hosts a juried show open to artists of all ages and mediums. This year, the theme of the show is “On the Road” and participants are encouraged to submit artwork that addresses the themes of travel and adventure, whether it is in the region or abroad.

Entries may be in the form of any media, including (but not limited to) painting, drawing, photography, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, ceramics, glass, printmaking, mixed media, and woodwork. Read more »

Saturday, October 10, 1:00 p.m. at the Alice T. Miner Museum 

Chazy, New York – Join author and historian Marty Podskoch for a talk about his latest project, the Adirondack 102 Club, that encourages people to visit all 102 towns and villages in the Adirondacks.

The idea for the 102 Club began after Podskoch read about Dr. Arthur Peach of Vermont who, in 1954, suggested the idea of an informal group, the Vermont 251 Club, to veer off the beaten path and “discover the secret and lovely places that main roads do not reveal.” Podskoch believed the Adirondacks would benefit from a similar club.  Read more »

The Women’s Monday Night Golf League at Harmony Golf Club in Port Kent recently wrapped up its summer season after ten weeks of golf. Fifteen teams that comprise the league played four-person best ball over nine holes each week. At the end of the league season, first place honors went to The Wedgies with team members Cheryl Breen-Randall, Faye Martineau, Bev Sprague and Kathy Woodward claiming the prize with most points scored. Joy Good, Peggy McCormick, Carina Parrow and Maggie Pope’s team, The Port Kent Dirty Birdies, took second place honors and On the Dance Floor’s foursome, Liz Bazzano, Sandy Bazzano, Penny Defayette and Amy Osterhaudt followed in third place. While several birdies were scored throughout the season, there was only one eagle when On the Dance Floor’s team sunk one on the par five 5^th Hole in the 8^th week of play.

Peter Keenan (L) & Jim Langley participated in the Legislative Farm Tour

Kyle and Tom Everett answered all the legislator’s questions

By John T. Ryan

Peru’s agricultural diversity and the challenges farmers face was revealed to the county legislators who participated in last Friday’s Legislative Agricultural Tour conducted by Cornell Cooperative Extension Clinton County. Legislators Sam Dyer, Jim Langley, Peter Keenan, Jonathan Beach, Colin Read, Harry McManus and County Administrator Michael Zurlo visited Everett Orchards, Maple Grand Dairy, Northern Orchards and Adirondack Farms. (Click here to view these & more photos) 

The first stop was Everett Orchards, a 6^th generation family farm operated by William and Thomas Everett. In 2002 the Everetts entered the retail side of agriculture when they opened a farm market and cidery at 1945 Military Turnpike in Plattsburgh. In 2006 they began producing hard cider.

Tom Everett, with his son Kyle at his side, told the legislators about the orchard’s many apple varieties including several new European varieties used in cider production. Everett explained that this year’s warm nights have been a challenge for apple growers. September nighttime temperatures in the mid-40s play a critical role in bringing out the bright red color preferred by consumers. Ideally, apple trees should produce 500 or more bushels per acre annually.  Establishing additional orchard acreage is expensive costing about $18,000 an acre. The typical apple tree is productive for about 20 years.

Grand View Farm

Brothers Melvin, Bob and Jim Irwin milk about 80 registered Holsteins on the 1,200-acre Maple Grand Farm at 139 Jarvis Road. A relatively small farm in today’s world, milking cows is not the Irwin’s only business. They also sell hay, straw, oats and corn; operate a small orchard; lease cropland to a larger farm and own wood lots. Asked what the farm’s biggest challenge is, Bob Irwin eyed his large tractor and said, “The price of equipment.” Then he added, “health care and insurance.” Current milk prices are also challenging. A year ago milk prices increased to $25 per cwt. Today they are closer to $14. Cost of milk production ranges from $18 to $25 per cwt. depending on the size and efficiency of the farm.

Jim Irwin believes that the decline in the number of dairy farms will continue. He said, “Today eight farms control 80% of the milk production in Clinton County.”  The cost and availability of tillable land is a factor. Large farms compete for tillable land driving up values. Land that not so long ago sold for $200 an acre now sells for $5,000 to $6,000 an acre. In spite of these challenges Bob Irwin said the brothers can cover for each other and they are able to take off to travel and get away for a few days. He emphasized, “I look forward to coming to work every day.” Bob hopes that his son Kyle, who was standing a few feet away, will help maintain the Irwin family farm tradition.

L-R Jesse Mulbury, Colin Read, Sam Dyer and Harry McManus, Peter Hagar

Not far from the Irwin Farm, Cynthia and Albert Mulbury and their son Jesse operate Northern Orchards at 537 Union Road. The 500-acres farm has been operating since 1944.  During apple harvest, Northern Orchards has 185 employees who harvest, pack and ship its more than 50 varieties of apples.

Jesse Mulbury, a recent Cornell University graduate, greeted the legislators at Northern Orchard’s Farm Stand at 470 Union Road. He immediately guided everyone to a high tunnel greenhouse where he pointed to what seemed like an almost endless variety of tomatoes. Jesse said, “We’ve almost doubled production in these greenhouses.” He explained that the greenhouses have enabled farmers to grow plant varieties never previously grown in this part of the country and to extend the growing season. Mulburys are selling to new markets including farmers markets and restaurants.  A shopper at the Plattsburgh and Lake Placid Farmers Markets will find Northern Orchard’s extremely wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

Northern Orchards is also seeking to grow its farm stand business. Operational since 1992, the farm stand has a new look this year and more change is anticipated. Jesse’s sister Jennifer Mulbury will graduate from Cornell next spring. She plans to use her skills to develop the farm stand into a more significant part of Northern Orchard’s operations.

Jon Rulf (Center)

Adirondack Farms at 193 Brown Road is the largest dairy operation in this region and one of the 25 largest in New York State. Partner Jon Rulf greeted the legislators at the 4,800 cow/calf, 50-plus employee dairy farm. Adirondack’s 2,600 milking cows produce approximately 210,000 pounds of milk daily. The Agrimart Coop. dedicates three and sometimes four huge tankers to transport milk from the farm to its Chateaugay plant.

Manure management is a continuous challenge for all farmers, especially large farmers. Adirondack’s 5,000 acres of hay and corn are spread over several townships and border many residential neighborhoods. Rulf has to satisfy volumes of Department of Conservation (DEC) environmental regulations and the people who reside in homes bordering his crops. Although a final decision hasn’t been made, Rulf hopes that by the end of 2016 he will have a manure digester in operation. A $4 million investment, the digester will significantly reduce manure odor, greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient runoff. The methane gas associated with the process will power generators to produce electricity.

Perhaps Rulf’s greatest challenge is weaning his milking cows off bovine Somatotropin (rBST). Consumer pressure is forcing northeastern producers to eliminate its use. As of January 1, 2016, the Agrimart Coop will no longer accept milk from farmers utilizing rBST. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the mid-1990s, the hormone significantly increases milk production. Rulf said, “We think it’s a tragedy. It’s a shame we’re losing this technology. I believe the consumer has been mislead.” Rulf said farmers will be forced to milk more cows to make up for the decreased income.