The Peru Gazette

Source: New York’s Medical Marijuana Program Off to a Slow Start; Critics Say Patients Are the Ones Suffering | Village Voice

Meanwhile, average salary in 2014-15 was about $60,000.

Source: SCHOOL STRAIN: NY teacher ranks plummet

The St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen serves meals almost every Wednesday from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center.  Everyone is welcome!

Here is the February 17, 2016 menu: Salad, baked chicken, potato wedges, veggies, cherry streusel bars.

Source: After recession, social service agencies still feel the squeeze | NCPR News

MORRISONVILLE — Veterans who served from 1964-75 are encouraged to be tested for Hepatitis-C

Source: Hep-C testing encouraged for vets – Sun Community News & Printing

New Agreement will Create Jobs and Enable Delivery of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services at Repurposed State Building .Governor Cuomo announces a new agreement to bring detoxification and outpatient substance use disorder services to Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties.

Source: Governor Cuomo Announces New Addiction Treatment Facility in the North Country | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Dunkin’ Donuts Street View

Dunkin’ Donuts West View

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Pending a few more governmental approvals, by July 1^st Peru should have a new Dunkin’ Donuts adjacent to Langley Insurance on the Bear Swamp Road. The Peru Planning Board approved M & W Foods’ sketch plans at its Wednesday, February 10, 2016 meeting. More detailed drawings must be submitted to the planning board prior to final approval.

M&W Foods franchisee Ray Aley told the Peru Gazette that he hopes to break ground by May 1^st or sooner and open by than July 1^st. He said the restaurant would have about 25 full time equivalent employees.

The new Dunkin’ Donuts will include a drive-thru, a community meeting room and a lounge featuring a see-through linear fireplace visible from the product pickup area and the lounge.

Aley commented, “We’re longtime sponsors of the Peru Half-Marathon. I foresee the marathon’s planning committee meeting in our community room. I’m also excited about the outdoor patio space with its bike rack, tables and umbrellas surrounded by an extensively landscaped rain garden and grounds.”

Considerable planning board time was devoted to discussing the sidewalk requirement in Peru’s new zoning law. The law requires that any new Bear Swamp construction establish a sidewalk; however, at this point in time, the section in front of the new Dunkin’ Donuts would be “a sidewalk to nowhere.” The board decided to ask the Town Board to develop a long range Bear Swamp Road sidewalk plan. Should a sidewalk be required on one or both sides of the highway? What side of the road should it be on if only on one side?

After noting that he loves cycling, Ray Aley said a paved bike path from his restaurant to Rulfs Orchard made good sense to him. He said he would comply with whatever the town requires, a sidewalk or bike path.

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Last New Year’s Eve several Peru residents almost went into panic mode. When they phoned their favorite pizza shop, no one answered. There was no reason to panic! An ownership transition was taking place that day. On January 1, 2016, ownership of the Little Pizza Shop at 618 Laphams Mills Road passed from Anne and Steve Soulia to Todd and Amy Clowney.

Todd Clowney stated, “We want to keep Steve and Anne’s legacy going. We also want to keep jobs in Peru.” Todd and Amy have special feeling for those jobs; they both worked at the Little Pizza Shop while attending Peru High School. Amy Clowney said, “We just want to keep it a small, hometown, family-oriented pizza place. We didn’t want the business to close. It’s been a staple in Peru.” The Clowneys haven’t changed the shop’s menu and young children can still look forward to the free Tootsie Rolls and other candies in the countertop yellow cab. Amy said, “We made sure that cab came with the business!”

The Clowneys are inheriting a large customer base from Peru, AuSable Forks and Keeseville. Amy estimates that 80% of the Little Pizza Shop’s customers are repeat customers. She said customers have been very supportive. More than one person has said, “We’re so happy the shop didn’t close. We don’t know what we’d do.”

Amy Clowney has extensive restaurant experience having served as a manager at the Naked Turtle and Olive Ridley’s restaurants in Plattsburgh for several years. Todd Clowney operates Clowney Electrical Services, a 24-hour commercial and residential services company.

The success of any business is dependent on a competent, enthusiastic staff. When Rachael Schweikert said she would stay on as shop manager, it made the Clowneys decision to purchase the business much easier. Her experience is invaluable.

Surprisingly, there isn’t any one chef among the seven person staff. Amy and Rachael prepare the pizza dough and everyone multi-tasks. Amy said, “Our employees are a very tight-knit group. They work very well together. If someone needs help, another just moves over and helps out. They’re team players. No one person does everything.”

The Little Pizza Shop’s 24-slice sheet pizza starting at only $19.00 is one of its most popular items. “THE WORKS” with its multitude of toppings is the most popular pizza. Other major categories include specialty pizzas, calzones, chicken wings, salads, club sandwiches, hot and cold subs, desserts, quesadillas, wraps and a variety of soft drinks. Click here to view menu

New owners Amy and Todd Clowney have added Wednesday as a business day. The Little Pizza Shop is open Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Phone 518-643-0552. The shop has a Facebook page.

L-R Kevin Larkin, Rebecca Getman Larkin, Eli and Georgie Larkin, Ann Mason Getman, Carol and Ron Allen, Supervisor Peter Glushko, Douglas Mason

By John T. Ryan

“We really feel this painting is coming back to its real home,” commented Ann Mason Getman at the Monday, February 8, 2016 Town Board meeting as she presented a restored historic painting to the Town of Peru on behalf of the Mason Family. Supervisor Peter Glushko accepted the painting on behalf of the town.

Six generations of the Mason family and several friends attended the presentation. Harold Lapham (1878-1919), who is believed to have been a mill employee, painted the work in about 1915. It depicts the A. Mason sawmill, the nearby three arch bridge, the waterfall and nearby commercial buildings. Supervisor Glushko said he hopes one day the painting would be displayed in an interpretative center in the stone building at Heyworth/Mason Park. Until then, Glushko said it would be prominently displayed at the town hall.

Anne Mason Getman said that at one time the painting hung in her father Phillip Mason’s office in the Heyworth-Mason building. Phillip Mason and his brother John operated the sawmill from the early 1950’s to 1972. They were the sons of Herbert Mason. Herbert Mason was the youngest of six sons of Albert Mason who founded A. Mason and Sons in 1883 after purchasing the old stone starch factory from the Heyworths. The A. Mason and Sons lumber mill was Peru’s main industry for nearly a century, at one time employing about 100 men.

Peru Town Historian Ron Allen was very obviously thrilled about the Mason’s gift to the town. He remarked, “There is so much of Peru’s history in that picture. The young people growing up today have no idea what things were like then. One building is the Red Front Market. The building to the left was a hotel. You can see part of Peru Hardware. The three arch bridge was probably the centerpiece of the town.”

Search each occupation in 10 parts of New York state

Source: How much does your job pay in Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse, NYC? (Compare 10 regions) | syracuse.com

Local restaurant owners say pay bump could force them to raise prices and lay off workers

Source: Minimum wage hike taking bite out of Plattsburgh restaurant biz – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Lawmakers, advocates push for ‘aid in dying’ bill – Capitol Confidential

L-R Grandson Greg Lombard, Albina St. Germain,                                           Gordy Santor, granddaughter Lu-Ann Santor, Rev. Alan Shnob

Albina and great, great granddaughter Samantha Watson

Family, friends and St. Augustine’s parishioners celebrated the 105^th birthday of Albina Archambault St. German last Saturday, February 6, 2016. Reverend Alan Shnob presented Albina with a dozen roses at the 4:30 Mass. Then five generations of her family, friends and parishioners gathered in St. Augustine’s Parish Center to enjoy fellowship and a meal prepared by the St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus. Mrs. St. Germain attends Mass each week, often shops in local stores and does her own banking.  At Saturday’s party she conversed with almost everyone, especially her great, great grandchildren.  She obviously loves them and they very obviously love her! Click here to view all our Peru Gazette photos.

Cornell Cooperative Extension and the New York Annie’s Project will host the Managing for Today and Tomorrow: Succession, Business, Estate and Retirement Planning for Farm and Ranch Women course starting March 16 in Plattsburgh and March 17 in Canton. Women from any county may attend the programs. 

The Plattsburgh course will be held at Cornell Cooperation Extension Clinton County, 6064 Route 22, from 10 am to 2:30 pm on March 16, 23, and 30, and April 6.

The Canton course will be held at the St. Lawrence County Extension Learning Farm, Route 68, from 10 am to 2:30 pm on March 17, 24, and April 7 and 17.

The cost of the course is $100 per person for 15 hours of instruction. Lunch or light supper and course materials are included in the cost. To register, contact Kimberley Morrill at Cornell Cooperative Extension at 603.568.1404, kmm434@cornell.edu, or register online at  https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/_10512.

Annie’s Project, anniesproject.org, is a nationally recognized educational program now serving more than 12,000 farm women in 33 states. The Managing for Today and Tomorrow curriculum empowers women to be strong farm business managers, to enhance their conservation practices and agricultural sustainability, contribute to rural communities and be a positive influence on family decision making. The course provides participants with tools and resources to help begin the process of farm transitioning to the next generation or owner.

Participants will learn from area professionals and specialists, most of whom serve agricultural clientele in local communities. Discussions accompany presentations and follow-up activities for family members at home.  Read more »

Delastek plans to manufacture customized bumpers for Nova Bus, Prevost buses.

Source: Quebec-based firm expands to Plattsburgh | Local News | pressrepublican.com

AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING,  February 8, 2016, 7:00 PM

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of January 25, 2016.

5. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; and Banking Reports)

6. Community Input

7. DISCUSSION: Mason Family Presentation of Mill Painting 

8. DISCUSSION: Babbie Rural & Learning Farm Request. 

9. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approval of Highway Department Pickup Truck Purchase. 

10. DISCUSSION: Rulfs Building Project Update. 

11. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approval of Elmore SPCA Contract. 

12. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Appointment of Bruce Germain to Zoning Board of Appeals. 

13. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Change Membership of Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals to Five Members. 

14. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Appointment of Kayla Martin as Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals Secretary. 

15. DISCUSSION: Town Hall Renovations.

16. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Rescind Town Cell Phone Reimbursement Policy. 

17. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Adjourn to Executive session. 

18. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Return from Executive session. 

19. Other Business.

20. Community Input on Agenda Items.

21. Motion to Adjourn.

For the past ten years, Peru CSD has organized a Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) that has served to inform and promote school-community discussion concurrent with the school district budget development process.

The BAC typically meets 3-4 times to develop an understanding of revenues and expenditures, components of a balanced budget, and particular challenges that face the school district.  Traditionally, the BAC has formulated recommendations for Board consideration to assist the Board and administration.

The BAC is tentatively scheduled to meet at 6:00 PM on Thursday, February 11^th, Thursday, February 25^th, and Tuesday, March 15^th.  In addition to these informational sessions, the BAC will be invited to share their recommendations with the School Board on Tuesday, March 22^nd during a public budget development workshop.

If you wish to participate in any of the meetings of the BAC, please register by calling 643-6004.  Thank you.

Sectional Seven Championships are to be held on February 13, 2016 at Northern Adirondack High School. Champions of each weight class will advance to the NYSPHSAA wrestling championships at the Albany’s Time Union Center, Albany, NY on February 26^th and 27^th.

COST OF ADMISSION TO THE SECTIONALS IS SET BY THE SECTION

ADMISSION:               $5 ADULTS ALL DAY

STUDENTS:                $5 ALL DAY

FINALS ONLY:            $5 ADULTS, $5 STUDENTS 

8:00 TO 9:30      WEIGH-INS- MUST HAVE 1 OTHER TEAM PRESENT TO START

9:00                  COACHES MEETING

9:30                  WRESTLERS REPORT TO THE MATS

10:00                  1^ST ROUND BEGINS. (1 MAT)

11:00                  2^ND ROUND BEGINS. SEMI-FINALS (2 MATS)

1:30                  WRESTLE BACKS, CONSOLATION FINALS FOR 3^RD & 4^TH PLACE

2:30                  CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS                 

AGENDA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016 @ 7:00 PM TOWN OF PERU

APPLICATIONS:

1. New Nonconforming Use: Rulfs Orchard New Nonconforming Use 531 Bear Swamp Rd.

ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:

CEO REPORT:

PLANNING BOARD AGENDA WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016 @ 7:00 PM TOWN OF PERU

APPLICATIONS:

1. Site Plan Review & SEQR: Ray Aley, M&W Foods Site Plan Review Dunkin’ Donuts Bear Swamp Rd. next to Langley Insurance

2. 2 Lot Minor Subdivsion & SEQR: Harney Davey 2 Lot Minor Subdivision for Dunkin’ Donuts Bear Swamp Rd. next to Langley Insurance

3. 2 Lot Minor Subdivision & Merge & SEQR: Rodney Estes and Alberta Estes 2 Lot Minor Subdivision & Merge 533 Reservoir Rd. 7.

With a key win over Saranac, the Peru wrestling team claimed the conference championship.

Source: Indians defend CVAC title | Sports | pressrepublican.com

Peru Co-coach Gary Edwards reports:  Peru was 4 and 0 on the day. Saranac was 3 – 1, Beekmantown was 2 -2 Ausable Valley 1-2 and NAC was 0-4.  Peru was the CVAC winner in a  tie breaker over Saranac.  Peru lost to Saranac earlier in the season by a score of 39 to 33.  We had to win by 7 points more than Saranac to secure the title.

Season record

Peru                  7-1

Saranac             7-1

Beekmantown 4 -4

NAC                    2-6

AVCS                  1-7

L-R Elizabeth Daly, Randi Walton, Lianne Wyckoff

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Anyone entering Peru’s newest business quickly realizes that the building that previously housed a log home sales company at 3085 Main Street has been truly transformed. Polished From Head to Toe owner Randi Walton describes it as Hollywood glam, rustic cabin atmosphere. A crystal chandelier illuminates the main room, curtains drape from door casings and cedar log colors blend with shades of gray. Walton focused on art at Peru High School and still enjoys portraiture work. She said, “My art background helped me design the salon. I wanted to make Polished From Head to Toe an experience, not just a walk-in…”

Randi Walton has over 10 years of hair artistry experience while hair artist Lianna Wyckoff has seven years. Elizabeth Daly joined the staff on February 2^nd. Since its October 9^th opening, clients have traveled from Peru, Plattsburgh, Keeseville and from as far away as Rouses Point, Willsboro and Potsdam. Walton said, “I didn’t expect the business to grow quite this quickly!”

Staff members are employees, not independent contractors as is the practice at many salons/ day spas. Walton explained, “I want all our employees to feel like they’re part of a team. We have to work together. I want clients to feel comfortable with any hair artist and know that they’ll get the same level of service.” Continuous technique and product training are a high priority.

Polished From Head to Toe offers an array of services for men, women and children including haircuts, makeup, coloring, straightening, manicures and pedicures. A spray tanning booth offers clients what Walton describes as a natural tanning experience. Massage therapy will be offered in the very near future.

Clients arriving early for an appointment enjoy an attractive lounge where they’ll find complimentary coffee, drinks and snacks. Walton said, “We have Rulf’s donuts on most days, but they disappear quickly.” Free Wi-Fi is also available.

Polished From Head to Toe is open from 9 am to 7 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 am to 7 pm on Wednesdays, 9 am to 5 pm on Fridays and 8 am to 2 pm on Saturdays. It is closed Sunday and Mondays. Call 518-643-0999 to make an appointment. Click here for more Peru Gazette Photos. 

Source: Cuomo expands Zika virus testing – Capitol Confidential

[…] they plan to cut the use of canned goods in prison commissaries, thus denying troublemakers the use of sharp metal lids that can be turned into weapons. Another move: showing correctional officers a video dubbed Games Inmates Play” alerting them to efforts that prisoners may use to manipulate guards. Prison guard Gene Palmer was charged with two felonies for inadvertently helping the pair and a civilian employee, Joyce Mitchell, was convicted of helping Matt and Sweat. […] came a series of newspaper reports in The New York Times about mistreatment and beatings of prisoners, followed by a Times Union exposé of corruption and mismanagement in the prison system’s own internal affairs or Inspector General’s office.

Source: Lawmakers question prison security, safety – Times Union