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The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.

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The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

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Retired Peru Central Coach Passes Away

Scott-Woodward-photo-Obituary of Scott William “Coach” Woodward from the Hamilton Funeral Home Website

Port Kent – Scott William “Coach” Woodward, 60, of Lake Street, Port Kent, passed away Monday, April 11, 2016 at his home.

He was born in Plattsburgh, October 17, 1955 on a golden autumn morning the son of the late Robert William and Barbara (Bromley) Woodward. Scott grew up in Peru and graduated from Peru Central School in 1973. He went on to earn a BS Degree in Education from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1977.

Scott was a son, brother, husband, friend, teacher, coach, and competitor. He wore many hats throughout his storied life. Scott began his career at Peru Central School teaching history before joining Sen. Ronald B. Stafford’s staff as a legislative aide. For the past 16 years he has been employed by the NYSDOCCS with his most recent assignment as an Inmate Grievance Supervisor at Bare Hill Correctional Facility in Malone.

Scott’s favorite hat was that of a coach and mentor to hundreds of aspiring athletes whether they were members of his or the opposing team. He coached track & field and cross country at Peru Central School for 16 years. During his legendary coaching career at Peru, he sent qualifiers every year to the NYS Championships, and his teams won 51 league and sectional championships. In 1991 both the boys and girls cross country teams achieved the unprecedented distinction of state number one ranking in the same season, while that same girls team finished second in the New York State Federation Championship, a feat that has yet to be matched by any team from Section VII in cross country or any other sport. Under Scott’s tutelage, one of his high school athletes, Sara Facteau Dunham, set many sectional and state records and qualified for the NYS State Cross Country Championships winning twice and placing second twice. Scott was inducted into the Peru Central School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013.

From Peru, Scott went onto being the inaugural coach of the newly combined Elizabethtown/Keene/Moriah/Westport (Emu’s) track and field team for four years. During that tenure his EKMW girls’ team went undefeated for three consecutive years and won three sectional titles in the CVAC conference.

Scott continued to privately mentor many runners especially Sara Facteau Dunham and Josh MacDougall. He was currently coaching Sara to prepare for the U.S. Olympic Trial Qualifiers and the 2016 Boston Marathon. Josh was awarded a full athletic scholarship to Liberty University, and one of Scott’s proudest moments was traveling to Terre Haute, Indiana to witness Josh win the cross country national championship his Junior year in college.

In 1990, Scott and Mark Elmore founded the annual “Run for Jon” 5K run/walk to raise funds for families and children with serious medical problems. This event was established in memory of young Peruvian, Jon Evans, who Scott coached in track and cross country.

Scott was an avid runner participating in several marathons over the years with his brother Frank. He especially loved running through the orchards of Peru. Scott took up cycling ten years ago and rode competitively throughout New York State for Team Placid Planet winning four NYS Time Trial Championships in his age group.

A man of many interests, Scott loved all sports especially Peru Central School sports saying he “bled Peru blue”. He was a lifelong avid Yankees and Indianapolis Colts fan. Scott was also an enormous rock-n-roll aficionado and could talk endlessly about the bands of the ’60s and 70s. In the later years he found great pleasure sitting on his porch overlooking Lake Champlain and listening to his considerable collection of music.

Scott was known for his brilliant mind, photographic memory and keen sense of humor. He loved history, meeting folks and learning all he could about them. Once he knew you, he never forgot you. Scott’s impact and influence reached far and wide, and he will be forever missed by all who knew him.

Left to cherish his memories include his loving wife, Sally A. (Signor) Woodward who he married on August 20, 2005; his step-children, Sean Morrow and companion Kim, Carrie Poquette, Dawn Pray and her husband Dan, and William Morrow. Scott was the 7th of eight siblings who survive; sisters Beverley Sprague, Cheryl Breen Randall and her husband Craig, and Bonnie Watson along with brothers Frank (Kathy) Woodward, Robert (Gloria) Woodward, Barnard (Susan) Woodward and Todd (Denise) Woodward. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Gage & Bauer Morrow, Savannah Pray and Austin Morrow, 19 nieces and nephews and special “nephew” Mark Morrow. Scott is also survived by his “adopted” brother and loving friend Duncan Payne and his wife Beata, and his special lifelong friends Martin (Marty) Shea and Lori Light. His beloved pets, Marley the dog and Sophie the cat also survive him.

In addition to his parents, Scott was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Raymond Watson.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, April 14, 2016 from 5 to 8 pm at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. A funeral service will be held Friday, April 15, 2016 at 11 AM at the Independent Baptist Church in Keeseville. Burial will follow in the Port Kent Cemetery.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Run For Jon fund. Contributions may be mailed to Shirley and Don Evans, 7 Oakdale Drive, Peru, NY, 12972.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 643-9055.

Security & Privacy – What You Need To Know

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 26th 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 22nd by calling the Chamber at 563-1000 or visit www.northcountrychamber.com.

Peru Central Retired Coach Passes Away

Obituary of Scott Woodward

Scott M. Woodward

Port Kent – Scott M. Woodward, 60, of Lake Street, Port Kent, died unexpectedly, Monday, April 11, 2016 at his home.

He was born in Plattsburgh, October 17, 2016, son of the late Robert William and Barbara (Bromley) Woodward.

Service details are incomplete and will be announced.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 643-9055.

Stefanik Raises $330,000 in 1st Quarter; Surpasses $1.1 Million Cash on Hand for Re-election

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

Food Drives a Part of the Day of Caring

On Saturday, April 16th, 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 School Board Regular Meeting April 12, 2016

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.

AGENDA – TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING, April 11, 2016, 7:00 PM 

  1. Call Meeting To Order
  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  1. Roll Call
  1. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of March 28, 2016, and the Special Board meeting of April 5, 2016.
  1. 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)
  1. Community Input
  1. DISCUSSION: Toilet Facilities Request for Heyworth Mason Park.
  1. DISCUSSION: Town Hall Basement Clean Up. 
  1. DISCUSSION: Code/Zoning Office Update. 
  1. DISCUSSION: New Code Enforcement Officer Process. 
  1. DISCUSSION: Highway Department Salt Shed Repairs. 
  1. DISCUSSION: Little Ausable Park Tree Update. 
  1. DISCUSSION: New Lawn Mower Update. 
  1. DISCUSSION: Trees for Tributaries Program Offer. 
  1. DISCUSSION: Peru International Festival Version 3. 
  1. DISCUSSION: NYS Comptroller Fraud Prevention Seminar.
  1. DISCUSSION: NYMIR Rates (New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal) for Upcoming Year 
  1. Other Business. 
  1. Community Input on Agenda Items.
  1. Motion to Adjourn.

Thera-Pets Offering Two Spring Programs – Both Are Free of Charge

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

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

Golf, Baseball, Tennis, Softball, Track and Field

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

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

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

Your Input Will Help Peru Central Improve its Technology

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.

Inaugural Pickleball Tournament to Benefit CCC Veterans Club

PLATTSBURGH –  Announcing the Inaugural Plattsburgh Pickleball Tournament to be held at Clinton Community College Gym 136 Clinton Point Drive, Plattsburgh –  with all proceeds to benefit the Clinton Community College Veterans Club.

There will be 6 courts used at the site of the DOUBLE ELIMINATION Non-Sanctioned Tournament that will commence on Friday, May 6 at 4 pm with MIXED DOUBLES Play until 8 pm. Saturday, May 7 will see DOUBLES MENS AND WOMENS Play beginning at 8 am. The fee of $25.00 per entry will insure that players see a minimum of three games, receive a paddle bag compliments of Pickleball Central, and a Commemorative Tourney Tee Shirt. Medals will be awarded to the top 18 players. Anyone who registers before April 15 will pay the Early Bird $20. per entry fee. So sign up early! Registration Packages can be found on line at www.PlattsburghPickleball.com or at the gyms at the Clinton County Senior Center or the Plattsburgh City Recreation Dept or at the Kayak Shack on Rte 3.

In addition to the businesses and community partners who are sponsoring the event (see attached list), members of the American Legion Post 1619 will be lining the courts and the CCC Vets Club will run a concession stand at the site. There is a 96 player limit. THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME TO VIEW FOR FREE. Donations will be of course, welcome!

North Country Honor Flight’s New Leader Barrie Finnegan Interviewed by WCFE

Budget Workshop #5 for Peru Board of Education

The Peru Central School Board of Education will gather Thursday, April 7th at 5:00 PM in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room for their fifth public session budget workshop.  An executive session will take place immediately following the 5:00 PM start.  The school board is slated to reconvene for public session business at approximately 6:00 PM.  At its budget workshop, the School Board is expected to:

  • Receive State Budget Status Update
  • Review Impact of State Budget on Peru CSD
  • Review Revised Multi-Year Finance Plan
  • Review Expenditures, Enhancements, and Revenues

The full agenda is available on the Peru CSD website at www.perucsd.org.

The meeting is open to all.

Shape Up Clinton County Comes to Peru

SHAPE UP CLINTON COUNTY! (Read our previous story for background information.) 
New and Exciting Program for YOUR Kids this Summer
Gymnastics,/Tumbling, Hip Hop Dance, Golf, Karate and Archery.

Registration for all of the following Peru Youth Commission Activities will be held on Friday, April 8th from 5 PM- 9 PM and Friday, April 15th from 5-9 PM at the Peru Town Hall.

“Fitness in the Parks”
Monday – Friday every week for five weeks!
Sign Up your kids(age requirements)today for one or all of the 5 sessions!
Fitness in the Parks programs offered by the Town of Peru in partnership with
the Foundation of CVPH

Introductory Sessions will be held for:
Gymnastics/Tumbling

Trudeau Gymnastics Instructors
1st Session 9-10am Ages 5-7(20 Openings) 2nd Session 10:15-11:15am Ages 8-12 (15 Openings)
Location: Lapham Mills Park July 11-15, 2016
Please arrive 15 minutes before session start

Hip Hop Dance
Center Stage Instructors
1st Session 9-10am Ages 6-8 (25 Openings) 2nd Session 10:15-11:15am Ages 9-Up (25 Openings)
Location: Lapham Mills Park July 18-22, 2016
Please arrive 15 minutes before session start

Golf
Plattsburgh Golf Instructors
1st Session 9-10am Ages 8-11 (10 Openings) 2nd Session 10:15-11:15am Ages 12-17 (10 Openings)
Location: Lapham Mills Park July 25-29, 2016
Please arrive 15 minutes before session start

Karate
DuCote’s Family Karate Club Instructors
1st Session 9-10am Ages 4 -7 (25 Openings) 2nd Session 10-11:00am Ages 8-18 (25 Openings)
Location: Lapham Mills Park August 1-5, 2016
Please arrive 15 minutes before session start

Archery
Three Spot Archery Instructors
1st Session 6:15-7pm Ages 5-8 (6 Openings) 2nd Session 7:15-8:15pm Ages 9-17 (12 Openings)
(Sessions will be held at Three Spot Archery located on Rt. 3 Old Banker Orchards Bldg)
Please arrive 15 minutes before session

Sign-up for Summer and Fall Youth Commission Activities Scheduled

The Peru Youth Commission will be holding registration for all of their Summer and Fall Activities on Friday April 8th  from 5 PM- 9 PM and Friday April 15th from 5-9 PM at the Peru Town Hall.

Activities include Team Sports for Baseball/Softball, and Soccer. Summer weekly camps in Soccer, Tennis and Arts and Crafts and Baseball/Softball will also be offered.

T-Ball and Mini Mite Soccer will be available with the ages as specified.  T-Ball ages 5 and 6.  Mini Mite Soccer age 4 and 5.

The Town also offers Summer Employment for Youth ages 14-18.  Registration for this will be at the same time.

It is imperative that everyone registering to play Baseball/Softball or Soccer provide a birth certificate at the time of registration.  Please know that registration will NOT be complete until the child’s birth certificate has been provided.  Youth must reside in the Town of Peru to participate. Any Youth NOT residing in the Town of Peru must obtain a release from their town BEFORE registering for the Town of Peru.

For more information, please call John Flynn, Youth Director for the Town of Peru, 320-2207, or by email at recreationdirector@perutown.com.

 

Empire State Development Launches Global NY Find in the North Country

GRANTS UP TO $50,000 AND LOANS UP TO $500,000 AVAILABLE TO HELP BUSINESSES ENTER THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE 

(News Release from Empire State Development (ESD)

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the Global NY Fund Tour visited the North Country region this week, stopping first in Watertown yesterday, Monday, April 4, before heading to Plattsburgh today. The Global NY Fund Tour is a series of informational sessions being held in each of New York State’s 10 economic development regions. The tour launched last week to inform small- and medium-sized businesses and non-profits about new resources available to support international export efforts through the $35 million fund.   Read more »

Cuomo takes $15 minimum wage, paid leave victory lap – Capitol Confidential

Source: Cuomo takes $15 minimum wage, paid leave victory lap – Capitol Confidential

“AFTER MIDNIGHT” – A Patsy Cline Experience

If you’re a Patsy Cline music lover or simply enjoy country music and a good time, you’re sure to enjoy “AFTER MIDNIGHT” with Courtney Shayne at the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center on Saturday, April 23rd at 6 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Peru Community Church Capital Campaign.

Courtney Shayne’s beautiful voice and humor thrilled a crowd at the Fellowship Center in September 2014, so people are excited to see her return. Advanced Sale Tickets at $15 each are available at the Fellowship Center. Tickets are $18 at the door. Children 12 and under are free. Questions: Call Howard or Debbie Bell at 643-2261. Click here for a preview.

Bye Bye Birdie Was A Blast

IMG_8398

Sunday’s Chazy Music Theater’s Matinee performance of Bye Bye Birdie. was a wonderful experience. The performers were extremely talented and the orchestra was outstanding. Several Peru residents/former residents performed including Ross Coughlin, Tony Andrews Anne Lawliss Folley and Jamie Roberts. Anastasia Pratt was orchestra’s bass musician. If there are more, let me know.

The Peru Gazette took many photos. We would like to share several. Click here to view photos. 

Home Entered and Car Stolen This Morning

Peru residents should be aware that a person/persons entered a Jenkins Street home this morning between midnight and 5 a.m. After forcing open the kitchen door the thief(s) took car keys from the kitchen table and stole the resident’s vehicle. As of 8 p.m. the vehicle has not been located.

The family of three was upstairs sleeping at the time of the theft. Later today they installed dead bolts on two doors. Three other doors previously had dead bolts. They were not entered.

Here’s Your Opportunity to Improve Community Health Care

Please help the Clinton County Health Department learn more about the health concerns of County residents and their families. Our goal is to collect information from residents over the next two months, but we need your help to reach as many people as possible with our brief survey. The information will be used to identify priorities for the 2017-2020 Community Health Improvement Plan.
The survey consists of twelve questions and generally takes less than five minutes to complete. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CCCHA


For more information or to get paper copies of the survey, please contact Jennifer Trudeau, Registered Professional Nurse for the Division of Health Planning and Promotion for the Clinton County Health Department, at 565-4993.
Sincerely,
Clinton County Health Department  

Great Music to Benefit Peru Central’s Music Students

Beartracks

Peru Music Boosters presents Beartracks in concert to kick-off their “Fill the Drum” fundraiser to help raise money for new Timpani drums. Saturday, April 9, 7:00 p.m., Peru Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium.

While most bands and orchestras typically have between 4 and 6 different-sized timpani, Peru currently owns 4 timpani (only 2 different sizes): two c.1960’s drums that are minimally-functional and two c.1980’s drums that have greater (but still limited) functionality. Through this fundraiser, the Peru Music Boosters hope to begin replacing the non-functioning drums in order to allow our students the opportunity to learn correct technique and musicianship.

Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

Advanced Sale Tickets can also be at:
Peru Pharmacy, 3 Gorman Way, Peru, NY, -(518) 643-2318
Saranac Country Store, 3346 NY-3, Saranac, NY (518) 293-1234
Alpha Stereo, 332 Cornelia St, Plattsburgh, NY (518) 561-2822
Adirondack Coffee Roasters, 373 NY-3 #1, Plattsburgh, NY (518) 324-2633

Beartracks is a critically acclaimed, locally-based Country/Bluegrass band that performs regularly throughout the Eastern US and Canada. This concert marks their first performance of the season, and first performance with their new banjo player Larry Neu!

Rulfs Farm Stand Footing Being Poured

DSC02229 DSC02227 DSC02224 DSC02221Construction of the new 9,000 sq. ft. Rulfs Orchard farm stand is underway. The Town of Peru issued a Building Permit on Tuesday, March 29, 2016. The building will also be the home of Apple Blossom Florist. Luck Brothers is the general contractor.

Click here for our February 18th story which has more details. 

WIRY launches FM signal | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Plattsburgh station’s programming is now also available at 100.7 FM.

Source: WIRY launches FM signal | Local News | pressrepublican.com