The Peru Gazette

PERU — Before Tops, Stewart’s and Dollar General, Peru residents used to pick up their necessities at the ole’ general store known as the Goshen store.

Source: Peru accepts museum fund request – Sun Community News & Printing

PERU — Disagreements in dog licensing redemption procedures have Peru town officials and Elmore SPCA on a tight leash.

Source: Life is “ruff” in Peru – Sun Community News & Printing

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the February 8, 2016 Regular Board Meeting.

5. Community Input

6. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Codes/Zoning Office Internal Audit 

7. DISCUSSION: Bear Swamp Road Sidewalk. 

Read more »

Thanks to everyone who attended the January dinner

Peru – St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 will host a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, February 20th, 2016 at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. “ALL YOU CAN EAT” spaghetti, salad, Italian bread and a delicious dessert will be served from 4:30 to 6:30 PM for only $7.50 per person, $2.50 for children 6 to 12, free for children 5 and under and a $20 per family maximum (parents and children). Take-outs are available.  Dinner profits will assist local charities and council programs.

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts is thrilled to host photographer Ron Nolland, and his guest exhibitors; Kate Catalfamo, Corky Corrado, and Julie Canapa in the Main Gallery in March, 2016. This upcoming exhibit will open in The Strand Center Main Gallery on Friday, March 4 and a free reception will be held from 5:30-7:30 pm that night. The exhibit of Nolland’s artwork will be on view in The Strand Center Main Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh from March 4-26, 2016. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Nolland is a constant exhibitor in The Strand Center “Member Shows” and his work has appeared in all of the center’s Off-Site Galleries. Beyond that, Read more »

By John T. Ryan

If everything goes as planned, in a few months the Rulfs Orchard farm stand will be moving into a new building located about 200 feet west of the existing farm stand. The planned 9,900 sq. ft. farm stand will have enhanced business space, an expanded menu, more parking and a drive through. Apple Blossom Florist, also owned by Jon Rulfs, will move from its longtime location at 25 Pleasant Street to the new building. The present farm stand that so many people have frequented for 64 years will be used as a storage building.

On February 17th the Peru Zoning Board approved Rulfs’ building permit application and Code Enforcement Officer Frank Slycord will review recently submitted design changes prior to issuing the building permit. The board approved the plan under Section 505 of the Peru Zoning Law, which permits a special exception for expansion of a pre-existing non-conforming use. Jon Rulfs’ father, Bob Rulfs, opened the farm stand long before enactment of a town zoning law.

Zoning Board members James Falvo and Lawrence Bosley were concerned that the drive through could lead to the building being classified as a restaurant or convenience store rather than a farm stand. The zoning law’s strict use variance provisions would have to be satisfied if it were so classified. Both Falvo and Bosley said they would support the plan without the drive through. When the vote was taken, Board members Dwane Bast, Steve LaBounty, Tim St. Pierre and Robin Bashaw voted to approve the plan as submitted. Falvo and Bosley voted against approval.

The Peru Planning Board approved the farm stand site plan last October. Footing installation began, but the town ordered a halt to further construction because a building permit had not been issued. Jon Rulfs maintains that verbal approval for laying the footings had been given, but paid a fine for beginning construction without a building permit. At one point it was believed that a sprinkler system would be required; however, when bids for a sprinkler system without access to a municipal water supply came in at over $200,000, an alternative fire suppression system was approved. Questions involving fire department access to the building were also resolved.

Editor’s Note: A more precise description of the new farm stand’s location was added at 10:05 a.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2016.

After returning home from active duty, retired army colonel Mike Derrick faces one final mission — defeating Rep. Elise Stefanik

Source: Good morning NY21! – Sun Community News & Printing

$300.00 donated to Camp Good Days and Special Times

Pittsford, New York – After tallying all the figures, Campground Owners of New York (CONY) announces today that Iroquois Campground & RV Park in Peru, New York, operated by Paul and Karen Karkoski, raised $300 in donations for Camp Good Days and Special Times, as part of CONY’s fourth annual statewide fundraising event for charity held throughout 2015. Camp Good Days and Special Times is a New York State-based organization providing camping experiences free of charge to children with cancer. Since its inception, Camp Good Days has served more than 45,000 campers from 22 states and 29 foreign countries at its camp, located on the shores of Keuka Lake.

According to Suzanne Bixby, CONY’s Marketing and Communications Director, the association raised a total of $91,000 in 2015, bringing CONY’s four-year fundraising total for Camp Good Days to approximately $248,000.

“We are, simply put, grateful to CONY parks like Iroquois Campground & RV Park, as well as their campers and supporters, for helping us raise our largest annual total yet for Camp Good Days and Special Times,” Bixby said. “And I think we’re all a little proud that we’re bringing smiles and camping fun to children and their families braving cancer.”

• Highway Department to purchase Gradall Excavator and pick-up truck
• Highway Department Sand-Salt Usage Declines
• Sewer System Needs Upgrades
• And More

By John T. Ryan

The Mason family’s presentation of an historic artwork to the Town of Peru was not the only important subject at the Monday, February 8, 2016 Peru Town Board Meeting.

The Town Board approved the Highway Department’s purchase of a 2016 Ford F-250 four-door pickup truck replacing a 15 year old and well-worn pickup. The truck will be purchased under NYS contract from Henderson Ford in Rochester, NY at a cost of $29,171.75. When the new truck was discussed Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said he was a “Chevy man,” but he’d be satisfied with either truck. The bid for a competing Chevrolet truck was $881 higher than the Ford. Counselor Jim Langley asked it there was any reason not to purchase the Ford. When Farrell responded “no,” the board voted to purchase the Ford.

A Highway Department Gradall excavator five-year lease contract was approved at a cost of $58,276 annually. At the board’s last meeting Counselor Jim Langley asked if a used machine had been considered stating that Farrell’s predecessor Elmer Duprey had purchased a used machine that lasted 17 years. Since that meeting Langley learned that the new machine was already on order. At this meeting he voted against the purchase stating he didn’t have enough information to make the town responsible for a $58,276 per year five-year lease. All other counselors voted yes.

Superintendent Farrell reported that the mild winter has resulted in a reduction of both overtime and in sand-salt usage. Salt usage has been reduced to the point where Farrell may have a problem storing the salt already ordered for next winter. The supplier charges a $12 to $13 per ton fee when contracted salt cannot be delivered.

Water-Sewer Department Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said he would be meeting the town engineers and grant writer to discuss a grant application for upgrades to the town’s sewer pipes, pumping stations and treatment system. Some sewer pipes were installed in the 1930’s. A 2015 engineering study estimated needed upgrades at approximately $4 million. The budget being considered by the NYS Legislature includes sewer system grant monies.

Supervisor Peter Glushko said he thinks the fire suppression and fire department access issues regarding a new retail sales building at Rulfs Orchard are on the way to resolution. The Zoning Board will review the matter at its Wednesday, February 16^th meeting.

The 2016 town contract with the Elmore SPCA for its dog shelter services was approved.

Supervisor Glushko proposed lowering the Town Hall’s main room ceiling to just above the beams citing improved acoustics and energy conservation. The board will investigate the cost.

Counselor Jim Langley spoke about a January decline in Clinton County’s sales tax collections. In 2015 the Town of Peru received $1,335,587 in sales tax collections. Lower gasoline prices and fewer Canadian shoppers thanks to declining value of the Canadian dollar are largely responsible for the sales tax collection decline.

Counselor Donald McBrayer, liaison to the Zoning/Planning department, will be preforming the annual internal audit of that department in the very near future.

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