The Peru Gazette

Police: Sweep nets 34 for misuse of public assistance – Press-Republican: News.

Cornell Cooperative Extension will hold 3 classes in Northern NY for Beginning Farmers. Anyone who would like to start a farm or change to a new product will find this an interesting group to help you learn the Best Management Practices. The free classes with take-home resources will be held from 1-4pm:

• Tuesday, February 10, Ausable Valley Grange, Keeseville;
• Friday, February 13, 911 Building, Malone; and
• Friday, February 20, Extension Learning Farm, Canton.

Workshop topics include Evaluating Your Resources, Getting Started, Who can help? and Best Management Practices for Vegetable Production, Livestock Production and Growing Hay and Pasture.

Speakers are Anita Deming, Amy Ivy, Diane Dumont, Betsy Hodge, and Kitty O’Neill of Cornell Cooperative Extension; Sarah Johnston with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets;Jennifer Bosley, USDA Farm Credit Service; and Peter Hagar, Clinton County Soil and Water Conservation Service.

Registration is appreciated: contact your CCE office or Anita Deming, 518-962-4810 x409, ald6@cornell.edu <mailto:ald6@cornell.edu> . We may cancel so let us know if you plan to attend. Walk-ins are OK too.

MORE INFO:
CCE Franklin County, Malone: 518-483-7403

CCE St. Lawrence County, Canton: 315-379-9192

CCE Essex County, Westport, 518-962-4810 x409

Regular Mtg Agenda 9Feb2015 

ITHACA, NY – Nicholas Uliva, a sport management major in the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance at Ithaca College, was named to Dean’s List for the fall 2014 semester.

From day one, Ithaca College prepares students for success through hands-on experience with internships, research and study abroad. Its integrative curriculum builds bridges across disciplines and uniquely blends liberal arts and professional study. Located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, the College is home to 6,100 undergraduate and 460 graduate students.

John Bernardi, United Way Ex. Director/CEO & Campaign Co-chairs

            The United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. has met the 2015 campaign goal of $725,000. The annual campaign is conducted primarily during the fall months and concludes in February of each year. This year’s campaign raised a total of $725,413.00 which includes proceeds from special events. Bruce Garcia of JCEO was the co-chair of this years drive and has been a long time supporter and partner of the local United Way organization. He said “we are so delighted to deliver this exciting news to our three county region. It is once again a testament to the generosity and caring nature of the North Country. It was very challenging this year and we are proud of what we have been able to achieve”. Marge Garcia of Adirondack Community Action Programs, Inc. was the co-chair of this year’s drive and has also volunteered on the campaign team for several years. She said, “It was a valiant team effort among campaign team volunteers, United Way staff and employee campaign representatives, but most of all, it was the generosity of businesses, organizations and individuals that made it successful.

Read more »

Dear Educators, Parents and Students,

It’s time for The Strand Center’s Annual High School & Middle School Exhibition! This year’s exhibition will open on March 20th and run through April 24th 2015. We hope these dates work with the majority of local school districts. This year we are expanding the number of participating schools; however, due to our limited gallery space we must restrict the number of works from each school to ten total works. We understand that this puts restrictions on how many of your students get to participate and we apologize. If there are any questions or concerns, please direct them to gallery@plattsburgharts.org.

This year the HS/MS Exhibition features an added incentive for students. Works that place first and second in each of the media categories will be featured in a temporary exhibition at Champlain Centers Mall in Plattsburgh and be eligible to win a scholarship sponsored by Champlain Centers!

GUIDELINES:

▪ 10 pieces of artwork per school district (not per teacher). Two works per student max.
▪ All work must be labeled on the BACK ONLY. Please include: artist name, title of work, medium, grade level, and school
▪ All work must be matted and framed. There are no material restrictions, but works need to be sturdy and professionally presented. Works should be wired on the back as our hanging system is not compatible with commercial hooks found on pre-fabricated frames.
▪ Artwork must fall under one of the given categories.
▪ Teachers must submit a full list of works being dropped off, including the students’ name, title of work, medium, grade level, and school. This list can be submitted in paper when works are dropped off or electronically by emailing gallery@plattsburgharts.org. The Strand Center will maintain its standard 30% commission rate for sales, so please advise your students to take this into consideration when pricing if they do decide to sell work.

IMPORTANT DATES:

HS/MS Exhibition: March 20, 2015 – April 24, 2014
Artwork drop-off dates: March 7 – March 14
Artwork pick-up dates: April 25 – May 2

Arrangements can be made with our Gallery Coordinator if you cannot make it to the Center during our regular hours.

CATEGORIES:

Drawing, Painting, Sculpture (3D), Ceramics, Mixed Media (2D), Photography, Graphic Design, and Printmaking.

Awards will be given in each category. In addition to these categories, there will be a Best of HS/MS award given to one student. The “Best of” award will be chosen based on a jury panel as well as a people’s choice vote. The student who wins “Best of” will also be awarded a scholarship from Champlain Centers.

Award Jurors TBD.

The Strand Center for the Arts agrees to:
• Send a press release to local paper(s) no later than 12 days before the exhibit.
• Design and distribute exhibition posters, flyer, program and invites to the local region.
• Feature the exhibit in at least two weekly digital newsletters.
• Clean and maintain the gallery spaces throughout the exhibit.
• Provide a punch and snack reception for the opening night.
• Manage the satellite exhibition in Champlain Centers Mall
• Work with Champlain Centers to provide the “Best Of” winner with a scholarship

I hope your school will be able to participate in this year’s exhibition. If you are unable to participate please let the Arts Center know as soon as possible so we may pass the opportunity onto other students.

For more information on dates, guidelines, requirements, and more please contact our Gallery Coordinator, Christina, by phone at 518-563-1604 or by email at gallery@plattsburgharts.org. More information can also be found on our website www.plattsburgharts.org under “Exhibitions.”

Thank you! We hope to hear from you soon!

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 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:

· ADK P-TECH 1st Year Retrospect
· Athletics Program Review
· Peru 2020

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

Washington, D.C. – The House Armed Services Committee has announced that Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) has been selected by her colleagues on the Committee to serve as Vice-Chairman for the Subcommittee on Readiness.

“I am grateful to Chairman Thornberry and my colleagues on the Committee for the opportunity to serve in this important position,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “The Readiness Subcommittee has extraordinary responsibility overseeing the budget for the Department of Defense. From this position, I will be able to work to undo the damaging effects that the sequester is having on our military readiness as well as bring a strong voice to protect and strengthen the interests of Fort Drum. I look forward to working closely with Subcommittee Chairman Rob Wittman on these important issues.”

“I am pleased to announce that Congresswoman Stefanik will be serving in this important position in the 114th Congress,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX-13). “From day one, Congresswoman Stefanik has displayed a strong desire to advocate on behalf of the needs of the Department of Defense, and specifically Ft. Drum in New York’s 21st District. From her seat as Vice Chairman on the Readiness Subcommittee, she will be well positioned to help advance her goals and protect the capabilities of our armed forces.”

About the Readiness Subcommittee:

The Readiness Subcommittee is responsible for the single largest account within DOD’s budget. It oversees military readiness, training, logistics and maintenance issues and programs, military construction, installations and family housing issues, and the BRAC process. It also oversees civilian personnel, energy security, and environmental issues that affect DOD. The Readiness Subcommittee makes sure that our troops are properly trained and their equipment is properly maintained so they can succeed in their missions, and that they have the facilities and services they deserve when they return home.

The people most in the know analyze the financial challenges facing NYS schools. The report was issued in January 2104, but it’s still very relevant.

School District Insolvency by the NYS Association of School Business Officials

LOUDONVILLE, NY The following area residents were named to Siena College President’s List for the Fall 2014 semester. President’s List students must achieve a term index of 3.9 or above.

Chad Dashnaw, a biochemistry major, of Peru, NY (12972) was named to the Preisdent’s List.

Alyssa Murphy, an English major, of Peru, NY (12972) was named to the Preisdent’s List.

Founded in 1937, Siena College is a private, Catholic Franciscan, residential, liberal arts college with a student body of about 3,000. Siena College offers more than 1,200 unique program choices and professional curricula in teacher preparation/education, pre-medical, pre-law and social work. A student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1, average class size of 21, rigorous academics, Division I athletics, intramural sports and widespread service and advocacy experiences nurture each student’s personal growth while providing the education of a lifetime.

Plattsburgh City Council to consider medical marijuana resolution – Press-Republican: News.

Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) announced the opening of her Plattsburgh office:

“I am excited to have our doors open to serve the Plattsburgh community,” said Rep. Stefanik. “Whether you need help with a federal agency, information about services my office can provide, or wish to share your opinion on issues before Congress, I encourage anyone in the area to stop by our Plattsburgh office for assistance.”

Congresswoman Stefanik’s Plattsburgh office is located at 23 Durkee Street, Suite C, Plattsburgh. The phone number is (518) 561-2324.

In addition, Congresswoman Stefanik announced new hires in her district offices. Serving as Regional Director for the Plattsburgh office will be Renee Hertz. Renee is a graduate of Rutgers School of Law and lives in Keene Valley.

Congresswoman Stefanik also hired two key staffers who worked for Congressman Bill Owens. Matt Scollin is a graduate of University of New Hampshire who worked for Congressman Owens and will serve as Regional Director for Congresswoman Stefanik’s Glens Falls Office. Also, Maddie Donovan who graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester and worked for Congressman Owens will serve as Regional Director for Congresswoman Stefanik’s Watertown Office.

“I am so pleased to have Renee, Matt and Maddie on our team,” said Rep. Stefanik. “Their experience and knowledge of the district will help us greatly as we serve constituents in the North Country and I am excited to have them on board.”

By John T. Ryan

Party leaders say 49% was a good turnout; nevertheless, 51% of Peru’s registered voters failed to exercise their civic responsibility in the November 2014 election. They took no part in electing a member of Congress, New York State Governor, Member of the New York State Assembly and Peru Town Justice. In hopes of developing a greater understanding of last fall’s voting patterns, The Peru Gazette asked the Clinton County Board of Elections for registered voter numbers and vote totals. Greg Campbell, a Board of Elections Commissioner, was kind enough to answer our request. We did the analysis.

• 2,029 of Peru’s 4,134 registered voters cast ballots in the November 2014 elections.
• Peru ranks 3^rd in Clinton County with 4,134 registered voters behind the City of Plattsburgh’s 9,479 and the Town of Plattsburgh’s 7,041.
• Peru’s Republicans voted in greater numbers than Peru’s Democrats – 57.6% to 50.5%.
• Republicans cast 46% of the ballots cast in Peru while Democrats cast only 30%.
• 1,287 or 31% of Peru’s voters are registered as “No Party,” Independence Party, Conservative Party or Working Families Party.
• Elise Stefanik won a seat in Congress and carried the Town of Peru, but Democrat Aaron Wolfe carried Clinton County by a substantial margin.
• 3^rd Party, plus “No Party” voters cast 23.5% of the votes cast in the Town of Peru and 24.4% in Clinton County.

Peru’s registered voters by party or “No Party:”

• Republican – 1,622
• Democratic – 1,207
• No Party – 900
• Independence Party – 321
• Conservative Party – 40
• Working Families Party – 26

Registered Voters in Clinton County By Party/No Party

• Total – 44,923 (20,182 or 44.9% voted in 2014)
• Democratic – 16,252 (7,638 or 47% voted in 2014)
• Republican – 14,181 (7,614 or 53.7% voted in 2014)
• No Party – 10,458 (3,430 or 33% voted in 2014)
• Independence – 3,206 (1,171 or 36.5% voted in 2014)
• Conservative – 482 (236 or 49% voted in 2014)
• Working Families – 247 (56 or 22.7% voted in 2014)
• Green – 97 (37 or 38.1% voted in 2014

Peru’s Registered voters by party/no party casting ballots in 2014:

• 935 or 57.6% of Peru’s registered Republicans cast ballots.
• 610 or 50.5% of Peru’s registered Democrats cast ballots.
• 319 or 35.4% of Peru’s registered “No Party” voters cast ballots.
• 131 or 40.8% of Peru’s registered Independence Party voters cast ballots.
• 20 or 50% of Peru’s registered Conservative Party voters cast ballots.
• 7 or 26.9% of Peru’s registered Working Families voters cast ballots.

Peru’s Party or “No Party” votes as a percentage of the ballots cast in the Town of Peru:

• Republican Party voters cast 46% of all ballots cast.
• Democratic Party voters cast 30% of all ballots cast.
• “No Party” voters cast 15.7% of all ballots cast.
• Independence Party voters cast 6.5% of all ballots cast.
• Conservative Party Voters cast .01% of all ballots cast.
• Working Family Party voters cast .003% of all ballots cast.
• “No Party” and 3^rd Party voters combined cast 23.5% of all ballots cast.
• So-called 3^rd Party voters (Independence, Conservative and Working Families) cast 7.8% of all ballots cast.

Registered Voters in Clinton County by Town:

Total – 44,923

• Altona – 1,442
• AuSable – 1,669
• Beekmantown – 3,564
• Black Brook – 954
• Champlain – 3.409
• Chazy – 2,717
• Clinton – 428
• Dannemora – 1,197
• Ellenburg – 1,186
• Mooers – 1,998
• Peru – 4,134
• Plattsburgh – 7,041
• Saranac – 2,690
• Schuyler Falls – 3,015
• City of Plattsburgh – 9,479

2014 Final Election Results:

Member of Congress:

• Elise Stefanik – 936 (47%) votes in Peru and 8,470 (43%) in Clinton County
• Aaron Wolfe – 851 (43%) in Peru and 9,378 (47%) in Clinton County.
• Matthew Funiciello – 189 (10%) votes in Peru and 1,943 (10%) in Clinton County.

Governor of New York State:

• Democrat Andrew Cuomo 987 (53%) votes in Peru and 10,809 (58%) in Clinton County.
• Republican Rob Astorino – 866 (47%) votes in Peru and 7,697 (42%) in Clinton County.

Member of New York State Assembly:

• Republican Janet Duprey 1,207 (63%) in Peru and 10,915 (60%) in Clinton County
• Independence Party Karen M. Bisso – 712 (38%) in Peru and 7,335 (40%) in Clinton County.

Peru Town Justice:

• Republican Lawrence Cabana – 1,287 (66%)
• Democrat Karen Glushko – 665 (34%)

Clem Hawkin’s Band

Eric Gibson’s 15-year old son Kelley played the mandolin briefly at the Clem Hawkins Band Concert Saturday Night. It was one of the evening’s many highlights! Click here to play 

CVPH Volunteer Opportunities Jan

Please note that due to pending inclement weather, Peru Central School District will be closed today, Monday, February 2nd.

Stephanie Beach (NJ), Rachel Daly (NY), Brittany Allen (AZ), and Klara Folse (VA) are pictured here with Sr. Agnes on the day of their Candidacy Reception, September 21, 2014, at Our Lady Queen of Angels Convent chapel.

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Each Sunday St. Augustine’s parishioners pray that one of their number will respond to God’s call to the religious life. On September 21, 2014 their prayers were answered when the Franciscan Sisters of Renewal of Bronx, New York received Rachel Daly as a candidate for their religious community. Rachel attended St. Augustine’s School and graduated from Seton Catholic in 2010. Last spring she earned an English degree at the University of Dallas. She was in Peru visiting her parents Matt and Bobbi Daly for Christmas and took time to speak with The Peru Gazette.

Older people recall a time when many Catholic young people decided to become a priest or nun. That is not the situation today; religious vocations have been declining for many years. Rachel explained why she chose a religious vocation. “I’ve known sisters throughout my life – Sisters Helen and Kathleen at St. Augustine’s School and Sister Debbie Blow at Seton Catholic was a big part of my life through high school. That exposure to religious life opened the concept of a vocation to me.” She also recalls an experience when she attended Camp Guggenheim, the Diocese of Ogdensburg’s summer resident camp for teens. “A Carmelite sister came to speak to us about religious life. My friend was fascinated with her and wanted to talk to her. So the two of us did, and we found that sister to be joyful, beautiful, and clearly very happy.”

The University of Dallas was also a welcoming place for anyone considering a religious vocation. Rachel said, “Several of my fellow students considered the religious life. A girl I lived next to as a freshman actually entered an order around the same time I did.” Between her college junior and senior years Rachel participated in a summer internship where she came into contact with Franciscans who worked with the poor. She said, “I got a taste of the Franciscan spirit.” Rachel chose the Franciscan Sisters of Renewal after visiting their New York City convents where she discovered a real sense of family among the sisters. The sister’s mission of working with the poor, the homeless and evangelization was also in line with her desires.

Rachel with children who participate in a Franciscan Sisters of Renewal youth group in East Harlem

Rachel is just beginning an eight-year journey before taking her final vows. She said. “I’m learning the life. It’s about becoming something in order to have something to give. We don’t just bring food to people – we also hope to bring Christ. So this time is about growing in holiness.”

Rachel begins her day with 6 a.m. recitation of the Office of Readings followed by an hour of private meditation, morning prayer and mass. There’s also a midday prayer, a late afternoon holy hour, evening prayer, rosary and night prayer. Two days each week she attends classes, and on other days she might do chores, study or assist in her community’s food distribution and soup kitchen apostolates. Fridays are devoted to prayer, silence and fasting.

The sisters are not all work and no play. Evening dinner is an “extended meal” when lively conversation and interaction are encouraged. Each Sunday the sisters enjoy a late morning brunch and an afternoon of rest, during which they might take walks, have a community outing or write letters home.

Asked what has been the most difficult aspect of her candidacy, Rachel responded, “Letting go of my own will. Before entering I was a college student and could design my own schedule. It’s an adjustment to get used to living in community and not only having myself to think about. I’m having to let go of doing what I want, when I want.”

Rachel Daly has been called to serve at a time when the Catholic Church has a new and dynamic leader in Pope Francis. Rachel said, “Pope Francis is working to renew the Church. Christ gave the Church a mission to go to the end of the earth and share the Gospel and to be bold. As a church if we’re not doing that then we’re calcifying. Pope Francis is reminding us to be Christ-like and to be gentle and humble, which is very similar to our community’s special Franciscan call. So it’s a gift to be living in an intensified way what Pope Francis is asking of the whole Church.”

Reverend Robert Svenson at the Annual Walk of Faith

The following message appears in the Peru Community Church’s February newsletter

From the Pastors Desk January 2015

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

I have at my home and in my office a cup that reads: “YES, NO, MAYBE.” It best describes my feelings about a decision I have been struggling with for the past year. The focus of my struggle has been concerning the length of my stay at the Peru Community Church. I have now reached a decision, and on January 22nd I informed the Official Board of my decision to resign as Pastor effective August 31, 2015. I would like to state unequivocally that my decision to retire is in response to my own inner voice. I am 79 years old this February, I do not have the energy I once had and have reached that point in my life when I am ready to spend some quiet time and quality time with my children. It was a very difficult decision to make on one hand because of my love for this Church and many of its members, and the part of me which is ready to slow down and learn to relax. I wish the Church and its members the very best as you seek to discover what God has for your future.

Bob

POTSDAM, NY – Nicholas Lawliss of Peru, N.Y., a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2014 semester at Clarkson University.

Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world’s pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and the health professions, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.

New bookstore opens in Plattsburgh – Press-Republican: Local News.

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (January 29, 2015) – The Strand Center for the Arts announces the production of A.R. Gurney’s critically acclaimed play “Love Letters” to be performed on Valentine’s Day February 14, 2015 at the historic Strand Theatre. The play features performers from the Adirondack Regional Theatre Company.

A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters,” is a disarmingly funny and unforgettably emotional portrait about the powerful connection of love. Read more »

The Peru Central School Board of Education will gather Tuesday, February 3rd at 6 PM in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room for their first public session budget workshop. At its budget workshop, the School Board is expected to:

.Receive a budget overview brief.

.Receive a briefing on the fiscal stress monitoring system.

· Examine and update a budget timeline.

· Receive Executive Budget highlights.

· Review and discuss initial budget challenges.

· Define initial budget parameters.

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

The meeting is open to all.

Morrisville State College recently announced that Colin Pope of Peru, NY was named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2014 semester.

To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must achieve an average of 3.0 to 3.99 for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

Morrisville State’s curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.

In addition to being named to the 2014 President’s Higher Community Education Service Honor Roll, the college was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as an institution in the top tier of the Best Regional Colleges list and ranked second among regional colleges nationwide for outperforming its anticipated graduation rate. For more information visit www.morrisville.edu.

Susan Whiteman

Susan Whiteman

Dan Hausner

Dan Hausner

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts is proud to announce two new exhibitions in February featuring work by Susan Whiteman and Dan Hausner. Susan Whiteman is the headlining artist in the Main Gallery with “Tread Softly, Travel Lightly” while Dan Hausner exhibits “Moments and Places” in the Community Gallery located at The Strand Center for the Arts at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh. Both shows will be on view from February 13th to March 13th, 2015. The opening reception for these exhibitions will be held February 13th, 2015 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Susan Whitman began painting when she was fifteen Read more »

Peru – Homeowners and renters can learn about New York State’s cost-saving home energy assessment programs on Friday January 30th at 7 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Jamie Rogers of ANCA (Adirondack North Country Association) will explain the free and low-cost energy assessments and program incentives available to New York State residents. Income-qualified families may be eligible for free energy upgrades. All are welcome!