The Peru Gazette

Do you like to spend time in Heyworth/Mason Park?
Would you like to help your community encourage healthy lifestyles?
Then the Clinton County Health Dept would like your help in counting park users.
The more they learn about what affects park use the better they can tailor their efforts to get people out and active.
There will be a short training session and then you’ll be asked to donate about an hour a month from August-October to the effort.
If you could help please call  Adele at 643-7863 – and we’ll get ready to count!

A Message from Town Counselor Brandy McDonald 

After 46 years of outstanding dedicated service to the Town of Peru Greg Timmons, the Water and Sewer Superintendent has retired on July 31st, 2015. Greg was always available to handle problems regardless of the weather conditions or the hour of the day. During his tenure, as superintendent, the Peru Water and Sewer Department has received many honors including the 2015 New York State Rural Water Association Waste Water System of the Year Award. He is held in the highest regard by other town’s water and sewer departments within New York State. It is now time for the residents of Peru to honor Greg for his dedication and service.

On Saturday, October 10th, 2105 @ 5:00 PM at Murphy’s Restaurant, Peru, there will be a retirement party in Greg’s honor. We are planning to have both food and music. A good time will be had by all. 

In order to have this retirement party, we must have your support. Arrangements have been made to accept donations through “Go Fund Me,” To make a donation go this web site; http://www.gofundme.com/5d9sh2ty8c or mail a check payable to; Brandy McDonald, 1 locust Drive, Peru NY, 12972. I will ensure that the donation gets deposited in the Go Fund Me account in your name.

Please show your appreciation to Greg, In order to make this party a success we must have your donation.

Thank you for your donation and I look forward to seeing you at the party.

Brandy McDonald

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 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:

·         Approve an Affiliation Agreement with SUNY Plattsburgh

·         Award contracts related to the Capital Project

·         Approve an award related to a NYS OGS bid

·         Set a tax levy and tax rate

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

All are welcome.

PLATTSBURGH, NY – Nine new exhibits have been rotated to feature original artwork in local Plattsburgh businesses as part of The Strand Center for the Arts Off-Site Gallery program. These exhibits will be on view from July to September and each features a variety of area artists. There are currently nine Off-Site Gallery locations: Best Western Plus the Inn at Smithfield, Valcour Imaging, Days Inn Plattsburgh, The Development Corp, Clinton Community College, Eye Care for the Adirondacks, The UVM Health Network at CVPH (on both the first and second floor) and the Plattsburgh Public Library.

The Off-Site Gallery Program is offered as a service to area businesses in an effort to diversify the visual environment of their offices and give local artists a different level of exposure than a typical gallery audience.  Galleries are rotated on a quarterly basis, so businesses and their clients enjoy a different collection of artwork every three months. Featured artists are all located in Clinton, Essex or Franklin counties, so the exhibits that are curated for each location reflect the local art scene.

Artists have been specially chosen to fit the aesthetic needs and space requirements of each location. This exhibition rotation will feature, Gail Morris at The Development Corporation, Jonathan Cron at the Valcour Imaging Center, Ita Bullard at Plattsburgh Public Library’s Hale-Walter Gallery, Marilyn Krester at The UVM Health Network at CVPH (First Floor), William Crosby at The UVM Health Network at CVPH (Second Floor), Marguerite Hart at Clinton Community College’s Alumni Gallery, Clay Morris at Eye Care for the Adirondacks, Denise Duprey at Best Western Plus the Inn at Smithfield, and The Strand Center Historic Photography Collection at Days Inn Plattsburgh.

The Strand Center Gallery & Musuem Coordinator, Christina Elliott, stated “The Off-Site Gallery program is a great opportunity for artists to get their artwork seen by a different group of people than those who normally attend formal gallery openings. It also creates a constantly changing environment for the businesses’ staff and cliental who appreciate the diversity of the featured artwork.”

The Strand Center for the Arts collaborates with Plattsburgh businesses to display and promote local artists through their Off-Site Gallery Program. The full list of participating locations and artists can be found on The Strand Center website at www.plattsburgharts.org.  If businesses or artists have questions about becoming a part of this program, they should contact The Strand Center by phone at 518-563-1604, email at gallery@plattsburgharts.org  or stop in our main office at 23 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh.

By John T. Ryan

Highlights of Town Board’s July 28, 2015

At the recommendation of retiring Water/Sewer Department Superintendent Greg Timmons, the Town Board appointed Courtney Tetrault as the Interim Water/Sewer Superintendent. Tetrault must pass the civil service exam and finish in the top three to be named permanent Superintendent.  He will start at $52,500 annually and receive a $2,000 raise upon successfully passing the civil service examination.

Unison Corp. has offered the Town of Peru a substantial six-figure upfront payment for a cell site easement on the Town’s water tower. In return Unison would receive the current cell site annual rent stream (about $35,000), plus escalators. In addition Unison would receive 60% of the rent derived from future lease agreements concluded over the 45-year lease period. The Town would receive 40% of the rent derived from future agreements. The Board is concerned that some communications companies may be being leasing tower space at less than market rates. Unison, based on its knowledge of the communications industry, would theoretically be able to obtain market-based lease rates. The Board will investigate the issue. Town Attorney Donald Biggs said there must be consultants who would assist the Town in evaluating Unison’s offer. Unison gave the Board until August 18^th to accept its offer.

At the Board’s June 8^th and July 13^th meetings Peru resident Bruce Germain complained that an unoccupied Lewis Street property was an eyesore because of glass and refuse littering the lot and various animals occupying the property. Supervisor Peter Glushko reported the Lewis Street residence has been cleaned up. Code Enforcement Officer Frank Slycord was successful in contacting the property owner.

Supervisor Glushko reported that the July 19^th Second Annual Peruvian Festival was very successful. This year’s festival emphasized Peruvian food with a professional chef preparing a multi-course meal served at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Councilman Kregg Bruno was impressed how our guests so beautifully sang both the United States and Peru national anthems. Supervisor Glushko said the visitors appreciated our hospitality and were gracious guests.

By John T. Ryan

Highlights of Town Board’s July 13, 2015 meeting:

Water/Sewer Department Greg Timmons announced his retirement effective July 30^th. Timmons has been working for the Town of Peru for 40 years. (See separate story)

Peru Town Court will not be relocated at this time. As he promised, Town Councilman Kregg Bruno dropped his proposal to move the Town Court to the Town’s Hall’s lower level if Town Historian Ron Allen was opposed to exchanging office space with the Town Court. Allen continues to oppose the move.

Pleasant Street resident Bruce Germain asked what progress had been made in improving the condition of property located at the western corner of the Pleasant Street-Lewis Street intersection. He called the unoccupied house an “eyesore” that that is populated with various animals and littered with glass and garbage. Germain said that nothing had been accomplished since his appearance at a June 8^th Board meeting. Supervisor Peter Glushko said the Town’s legal remedies are limited, but that he would check to see if the Town has the legal authority to clean up the property at the property owner’s expense.

Safety issues at the Brand Hollow Road – Military Turnpike Extension surfaced once again. Town Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said he was nearly hit by a tractor-trailer at the intersection. Supervisor Glushko asked Farrell to get prices on all safety options including installing a four-way traffic signal.

The Town is attempting to ensure that animal owners pay veterinarian costs when the Dog Control Officer impounds animals needing medical care. A dog owner recently reclaimed a dog without having paid an outstanding $360 veterinary bill. The Board hopes to work out an agreement whereby the Elmore SPCA would collect veterinary expenses prior to releasing animals to the owner.

The Town will be responsible for maintaining any safety lights installed in connection with the Safe Routes to School Program.

Supervisor Glushko said the plans for the 2^nd Annual Peruvian Festival are progressing. He is still seeking local families to take in one or two of the visitors. He said the town would incur motel costs for the visitors not housed by local residents.

Regular Mtg Agenda27Jul2015

State Senator Betty Little is urging area residents to attend an upcoming public hearing hosted by the Public Service Commission (PSC) examining the state of telecommunications in the North Country.

The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4 at the Conference Center in Lake Placid at 2608 Main Street. There will be two information sessions, 2 pm and 6 pm, and two public statement hearings at 3 pm and 7 pm.

“This is a chance for those who have concerns about their fixed line service, cell connectivity, broadband and other telecommunications to make their voice heard,” said Little.

The hearing in Lake Placid is one in a series being hosted by the PSC as part of its review of telecommunications technologies such as copper, fiber, cable systems and wireless networks. The commission has been conducting more than year-long, fact-based assessment of current the current telecommunications landscape in New York State.

The PSC staff assessment may be obtained at www.dps.ny.ogv/TelStudy. Additional information about the hearings may be found at www.dps.ny.gov.

The 116th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and Ladies Auxiliary was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July 18-22, 2015.  The delegates of the VFW passed a resolution to change the name of “the Ladies Auxiliary” to “the Auxiliary” effective thirty (30) days after the passing of the resolution. Membership will no longer be limited the “ladies”.

Effective August 21, 2015, “Membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary shall be limited to spouses, parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, children and grandchildren of a person who was or is eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

Persons eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States shall not be eligible for membership in the Auxiliary; however, members in good standing of the Auxiliary and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States prior to August 20, 2015 may retain membership in both.”

Contact your local Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary for an application to join their Auxiliary.  Last year, Ladies Auxiliaries around the world provided $4,659,265 in monetary aid to veterans, active-duty military and their families; as well as, making donations to Cancer Aid and Research, visiting veterans and their families in hospitals and nursing homes, mentoring of youth activities, providing scholarships and awards to students of all ages.

Judy Lefebvre, President of Peru Memorial VFW Auxiliary, was a delegate to the Convention.  She will be glad to answer questions or provide clarification of this “moving forward” change. Judy is, also, New York State VFW Auxiliary Chief of Staff.  Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts without Auxiliaries, should contact  her at biljud@aol.com, 518-563-7558 or 518-593-5628, for information on the procedures for establishing and sponsoring an Auxiliary that will aid and support their Post.

From the office Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) introduced H.R. 3180, the Flexible Pell Grant for 21st Century Students Act — common sense legislation that expands flexibility for Pell Grants so that these important education resources are available for qualifying students all year round.

“Over the past few months I’ve been working on this legislation as a result of concerns that were raised from my Higher Education roundtables throughout the district, and from Carole McCoy, President of Jefferson Community College,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Right now, Pell Grants are only available for qualifying students during the fall and spring semesters. By expanding the eligibility window to include summer classes and increasing the possible maximum Pell Grant award by 50 percent, we can make sure that low and middle income families have added flexibility to achieve a college degree. As the first member of my immediate family to graduate from college, making higher education more affordable and more accessible is a top priority of mine as a Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. I am proud to introduce this commonsense legislation to help North Country families and students.”  Read more »

Hay & Grain Harvest Plus Music Weekend – August 15-16, 2015 – Hours 10am – 4pm.  Watch harvesting of buckwheat and oats using antique farming equipment and loose hay being gathered and stored.  Ongoing demonstrations in the granary and the Blacksmith Shop.  Hand forged items for sale. Sun. Aug. 16 from 1:30 – 3:30, come listen to good old fashioned fiddling music by “Friends Union Band”.  Join in with the dancing and fun!  For the kids – make a cornhusk doll, pet the animals, play in the corn box, ride the stagecoach and Thomas the Train, and other hands-on activities.

Lunch will be available from Kat’s Katering.  Picnic tables on site.

Believed to be New York City man missing since early June.

Source: Body recovered from car hauled from Lake Champlain – Press-Republican: News

By John T. Ryan

Last September Peru Federal Credit Union CEO Maggie Pope said the Credit Union’s new building would be open for business in July 2015. Her pledge was fulfilled this morning when Pope concluded ribbon-cutting ceremonies by announcing, “700 Bear Swamp Road is open for business!” The Credit Union had been located at 2 Davey Drive, behind McDonald’s Restaurant, since 1998.

Peru Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee Chairman Ron Wilson, Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, project contractors, Credit Union members and employees were present for today’s ceremony. Maggie Pope expressed pride that local businesses designed, constructed and outfitted the facility. She emphasized that the Credit Union’s mission is to serve local communities. Board Chairman Ron Wilson congratulated Maggie Pope on the project’s success saying Pope had realized her longtime dream to build the new facility.

IF YOU GOWHAT: “Music Man, Junior.”WHEN: 6 p.m. July 23 at the Samuel de Champlain Stage in Rouses Point, next to the Rouses Point Civic Center on Lake Street; 6 p.m. July 24 at the Peru Community Church’s Fellowship Hall on Elm St; 6 p.m. July 25 at Amazing Grace Vineyard and Winery, 9839 Route 9, Chazy; and 2 p.m. July 26 at Champlain Centre mall in front of JCPenney.ADMISSION: $10 Peru and Chazy shows. Donations are suggested for both the Rouses Point and Champlain Centre shows.

Source: Peru grad earns Adirondack Regional Theatre directorial debut – Press-Republican: News

Manager predicts “really fantastic” event, with headliners Maddie & Tae, a roaming T-rex, bingo tent and plenty more.

Source: Clinton County Fair to resurrect fun – Press-Republican: News

A message from Peru Democratic Party Chairman Brandy McDonald

The next meeting for the Peru Democratic Party will be on July23rd, 2015 at 7:00 PM at the Peru Town Hall.

Please mark your calendars to attend this Thursday evening meeting.

This is a busy time for folks in Peru. Here are a few of the items that will be discussed at the meeting on July 23rd.

·       The Clinton County Fair will be held on July 28th through August 2nd. Peru will be responsible for taking care of the booth on Friday July 31^st. On that day Peru will be awarding two $25 Gift Cards to two lucky people who visit the booth.

·       Fall Election: Peru Democratic Party  has two candidates running for Clinton County legislature positions; they are Pete Kennan and Carol Blakeslee. Brandy McDonald and Kregg Bruno will be in the running to fill two “Town of Peru Board” positions.

·       Fall Election 2016: Democrat Mike Derrick, who is a native of Peru, NY has announced his candidacy for 21^st Congressional District. Take a minute and visit Mike’s website: derrickforcongress.com

·       At this meeting the date and location  for the annual Peru Democratic “Meet and Greet” gathering will be established.

Scenes from the Sunday, July 19, 2015 International Peruvian Festival. Activities included playing of the U.S. and Peru National Anthems and an exchange of gifts at the Peru Town Hall. At the St. Augustine’s Parish Center talented Peruvian young people entertained and several cooks served 18 delicious Peruvian foods.

Click here to view more Peru Gazette Photos 

Greg Timmons – Front row, 2nd from right

By John T. Ryan

The July 13, 2015, Peru Town Board meeting started in a typical fashion. Peru’s Adirondack Anglers told the Board about the formation of their group and their recent fishing success. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell and Water/Sewer Superintendent Greg Timmons were in their usual seats in the front row. Little did anyone realize that a few minutes later, Greg Timmons announced that, on April 30th, he would retire after 40 years of service to the Town of Peru. Timmons said he is retiring to help his son with childcare.

Peru’s Water and Sewer Department has received many honors, including the 2015 New York State Rural Water Association Waste Water System of the Year Award.  Several Town Board members traveled downstate to see Timmons receive that award. When they returned, Counselor Don McBrayer told other Board members, “Greg Timmons is known as the godfather of water.” “Other towns and vendors respect him. Everyone told us how lucky we are to have Greg,” supervisor Peter Glushko remarked.

The Peru Gazette will be conducting an in-depth interview with Greg Timmons in the very near future.

Dear Editor

 I am writing to urge the elected officials in the Northern New York area to support the Museum Education Act (MEA) introduced by Senator Betty Little (Senate Bill 5001) and Assemblymember Mathew Titone (Assembly Bill 8199).

 New York State has more museums, historical societies, zoos, botanical gardens and aquariums than any other state, many of which are among the leading art, history, science, and natural history institutions in the world.  As many as 60 million visitors, including over 6 million school children, visit New York’s museums and institutions each year, the economic impact of which is well into the billions of dollars statewide.  However, many of these major tourist and educational destinations are struggling financially to keep their doors open and provide the services students and adult learners need.  Since 2008, school districts statewide have been forced to cut their budgets and many have unfortunately cut transportation budgets once used to transport students to their local and regional museums and institutions.  This unfortunate reality has effectively cut-off many of New York’s students from learning field trips and, Read more »

Erika Kollinger, owner of DKD Pleasure Horses

By John T. Ryan

Watching horseback riding  in the movies or on television gives the impression that a rider just sits on the horse’s back, moves the reins and goes along for the ride. In fact, horseback riding is a sport that has standards and rules. It develops a rider’s balance, flexibility, agility and overall body awareness skills, similar to those of a gymnast. Erika Kollinger, the owner of DKD Pleasure Horses on the Lyons Road in Peru, is well qualified to discuss the merits of riding.

Kollinger has vast experience having instructed riders of all ages for the past 23 years.  She starts lessons with the basics. She explained, “I gear lessons to the age of the child. We start with the horse’s name and teach how to brush and lead the animal. Next we teach saddling the horse, then walking, stopping and backing up.” Kollinger accepts students as young as four years of age and she doesn’t have a required number of lessons. She said, “People have other obligations. It’s whatever you have time for or you can afford.”

Controlling a 1,000-pound animal builds self-confidence. Kollinger explained, “Riding gives kids a sense of accomplishment. They have something for that moment that’s their own. They also develop a sense of responsibility. They learn how to secure the animal, when to clean the stalls, and when to give the horse food and water.”

Kersten Staley has been riding for over 10 years. A Saranac resident and recent college graduate, she rode throughout her college years. She said, “Along with developing a sense of responsibility, riding develops good work habits. It’s fun, but it’s also hard work.” Mallorie Timon, a 2015 high school graduate, was riding a paint pinto named Archie the day the Peru Gazette visited DKD.  She said, ” I’ve always liked horses and I want to be a veterinarian.  Riding for me is a way to be around horses more often than I would be otherwise.” Mallorie described DKD Pleasure Horses as a very welcoming place. She stated, “It’s a big family here. Everyone was like, ‘It’s a new kid. Let’s help her out.'”

Erika Kollinger charges $30 for an hour and one-half lesson. She owns 14 horses so there is an appropriate horse for almost anyone.  DKD’s indoor arena enables her to offer year-around riding. While students ride only for fun, others show horses in local and higher level competitions.  DVD also offers children’s  birthday parties at which the kids are taught basic knowledge about horses and get to take a ride. Erika Kollinger can be reached at 518-569-4594.

Kirsten Staley of Saranac has been riding at DKD for over 10 years.

Kersten Staley training Louise, a year-old DKD paint-pinto.

Mallorie Timon rides “Archie,” a paint pinto

Perfect symmetry between Mallorie and her mount

Source: Mayor’s Cup Regatta & Festival | Calendar of Events | Plattsburgh, NY

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its reorganizational meeting on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at 6:00 PM at the school district’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School.  At approximately 6:15 PM, it will continue on with its regular monthly meeting.  An executive session associated with particular personnel matters will take place immediately following the 6:15 PM start.  The school board is slated to reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.

The full Board agenda is available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org<http://www.perucsd.org>.

All are welcome.

Regular Mtg Agenda 13Jul15

Washington, D.C – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) issued the following statement on the force structure cuts from Fort Drum and the Army’s 10th Mountain Division due to sequester:

“This is incredible news for Fort Drum and our entire North Country community,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Fort Drum is a critical installation for our community, our state and the security of our nation, and I am grateful that the Army has spared this pivotal installation and the 10th Mountain Division from significant reductions in force structure like those seen at other bases across the country. Read more »