The Peru Gazette

At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2015 the Peru Town Board will hold a Public Hearing on a new Town Law which would prohibit vehicle parking on the Laphams Mills Road between Route 22 and the Dasnaw Road (adjacent to Laphams Mills Park). The Board has received complaints from property owners and is concerned about the safety of children who have been seen darting into traffic when vehicles have been parked adjacent to the highway. The Board believes that there is sufficient off-road parking for all vehicles.

At 7 p.m. Board’s regular meeting will begin. It was rescheduled from Monday, October 12th because of Columbus Day.

Roger’s House Panels

St. Vincent’s Thrift Store panels

By John T. Ryan

Many of the thousands of people who crowded the St. Augustine’s Parish Center grounds during the September 19-20 Applefest were surprised to find solar panels behind the St. Vincent’s Thrift Store and Roger’s House. If they looked across Main Street behind St. Augustine’s Cemetery they saw a much larger solar panel array being erected. When fully operational the system will supply most of the power needs of St. Augustine’s Church, the parish’s maintenance garage, the former St. Vincent’s Thrift Store, the rectory, the current St. Vincent’s Thrift Store and Roger’s House, the parish’s household goods/Christmas shop.

St. Augustine’s Pastor Reverend Alan Shnob explained, “I started thinking about solar panels when Bishop LaValley installed a solar system at his residence in Ogdensburg. I think they confirm the Holy Father’s call to conserve the world’s resources. They’re also about more than saving energy. They’re a sign that our parish is looking to the future. We’re looking to future generations. We’re passing on a legacy to them.”

The project is financially feasible thanks to the generosity of St. Augustine’s parishioners, parish savings, the hard work of St. Vincent’s Thrift Store and Roger’s House volunteers, a $30,000 New York Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) grant and a $20,000 gift from St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273. Edge Design and Consulting in Plattsburgh is the project designer and installer.

On Saturday, October 3rd, Bishop Terry A. LaValley will bless the panels following the 4:30 p.m. Mass where Bishop LaValley will assist in the initiation of a Junior Catholic Daughters Court in the parish; another indication the parish is looking to the future.

Panels being erected behind St. Augustine’s Cemetery

Panels being erected behind St. Augustine’s Cemetery.

Harvest Weekend – October 10-11, 2015 – Hours 10am – 4pm.

$1.00 off admission if you bring a nonperishable item for the Interfaith Foodshelf.  Demonstrations of corn harvest, granary, hit and miss engines and blacksmith shop.   On Sat. Oct. 10, come and watch as flax is spun into linen (Brook Sylvan Spinnery).  For the kids – make a corn husk doll, play pumpkin tic tac toe, paint a pumpkin, visit the animals and take a ride on the stagecoach, the hay wagon and Thomas the Train.  Special guest authors Katherine Cal-Morin (Saturday) and Gordie Little (Sunday) will be here to share their stories. Lunch will be available from Kat’s Katering.

Click here to view Sept. 28 Town Board Agenda

Peru – A Pulled Pork Dinner will be held on Sunday, October 11^th from noon until 2 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Corn on the cob, baked beans, salad, rolls and a beverage will accompany the pulled pork. The cost is $8 ($6 for Walk of Faith participants). Children 12 and under are $4 each ($3 each walkers). The dinner’s proceeds will benefit the Mission of Hope and the Peru Community Church Jamaica Project.
The dinner is sponsored by the Catholic Community of St. Augustine’s and St. Patrick’s Parish, The Peru Community Church, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Monica 2598 and Knights of Columbus Council 7273. For more information please contact Christa Reyell at 566-6404.

The Catholic Community of St. Augustine’s and St. Patrick’s Parish, The Peru Community Church, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Monica 2598 and Knights of Columbus Council 7273 in Peru, NY will hold its 9^th Annual Walk of Faith on Sunday, October 11^th at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine (behind St. Augustine’s Church) in Peru, NY. Event is free. Walk Rain (bring an umbrella) or shine. Donations will be accepted for The North Country Mission of Hope and the Peru Community Church’s Jamaica Project.

Early registration begins at 11:45 a.m. Opening Ceremony begins at 12:30 PM.   Immediately following opening ceremonies, the Walk of Faith will begin. Walk is 2.7 mile route in the Town of Peru.

Proceeds from this event will go to The North Country Mission of Hope and The Jamaica Project. Please consider joining your neighbors on Sunday, October 11th. For more information please contact Chair Christa Reyell at 566-6404. Click here for more information

By John T. Ryan

In case you haven’t seen or heard ads or been privy to the local chatter, Rulfs Orchard began selling homemade ice cream about a month ago. Rulfs Office/Retail Manager Amanda Whisher said, “It’s gourmet ice cream, rich and creamy with 14% butterfat.” Rulfs sells eight flavors by the dish, cone and hand-carved pint. Flavors include: vanilla, chocolate, chocolate chip, chocolate chip with cookie dough, cookies and cream, chocolate with M&M’s, chocolate with Reese’s Pieces and maple walnut.

Adding ice cream to Rulfs traditional offerings took two years of planning and preparation. A business plan had to be developed followed by construction of a room dedicated to ice cream making. A Taylor ice cream machine was purchased and training took several weeks.

At Thanksgiving time, Rulfs will be selling an apple pie-vanilla ice cream combo. Then the ice cream machine will be given a rest until May though Amanda said, “If people still want pints, I’ll start it up in the winter.”

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts annually hosts a juried show open to artists of all ages and mediums. This year, the theme of the show is “On the Road” and participants are encouraged to submit artwork that addresses the themes of travel and adventure, whether it is in the region or abroad.

Entries may be in the form of any media, including (but not limited to) painting, drawing, photography, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, ceramics, glass, printmaking, mixed media, and woodwork. Read more »

Saturday, October 10, 1:00 p.m. at the Alice T. Miner Museum 

Chazy, New York – Join author and historian Marty Podskoch for a talk about his latest project, the Adirondack 102 Club, that encourages people to visit all 102 towns and villages in the Adirondacks.

The idea for the 102 Club began after Podskoch read about Dr. Arthur Peach of Vermont who, in 1954, suggested the idea of an informal group, the Vermont 251 Club, to veer off the beaten path and “discover the secret and lovely places that main roads do not reveal.” Podskoch believed the Adirondacks would benefit from a similar club.  Read more »

The Women’s Monday Night Golf League at Harmony Golf Club in Port Kent recently wrapped up its summer season after ten weeks of golf. Fifteen teams that comprise the league played four-person best ball over nine holes each week. At the end of the league season, first place honors went to The Wedgies with team members Cheryl Breen-Randall, Faye Martineau, Bev Sprague and Kathy Woodward claiming the prize with most points scored. Joy Good, Peggy McCormick, Carina Parrow and Maggie Pope’s team, The Port Kent Dirty Birdies, took second place honors and On the Dance Floor’s foursome, Liz Bazzano, Sandy Bazzano, Penny Defayette and Amy Osterhaudt followed in third place. While several birdies were scored throughout the season, there was only one eagle when On the Dance Floor’s team sunk one on the par five 5^th Hole in the 8^th week of play.

Peter Keenan (L) & Jim Langley participated in the Legislative Farm Tour

Kyle and Tom Everett answered all the legislator’s questions

By John T. Ryan

Peru’s agricultural diversity and the challenges farmers face was revealed to the county legislators who participated in last Friday’s Legislative Agricultural Tour conducted by Cornell Cooperative Extension Clinton County. Legislators Sam Dyer, Jim Langley, Peter Keenan, Jonathan Beach, Colin Read, Harry McManus and County Administrator Michael Zurlo visited Everett Orchards, Maple Grand Dairy, Northern Orchards and Adirondack Farms. (Click here to view these & more photos) 

The first stop was Everett Orchards, a 6^th generation family farm operated by William and Thomas Everett. In 2002 the Everetts entered the retail side of agriculture when they opened a farm market and cidery at 1945 Military Turnpike in Plattsburgh. In 2006 they began producing hard cider.

Tom Everett, with his son Kyle at his side, told the legislators about the orchard’s many apple varieties including several new European varieties used in cider production. Everett explained that this year’s warm nights have been a challenge for apple growers. September nighttime temperatures in the mid-40s play a critical role in bringing out the bright red color preferred by consumers. Ideally, apple trees should produce 500 or more bushels per acre annually.  Establishing additional orchard acreage is expensive costing about $18,000 an acre. The typical apple tree is productive for about 20 years.

Grand View Farm

Brothers Melvin, Bob and Jim Irwin milk about 80 registered Holsteins on the 1,200-acre Maple Grand Farm at 139 Jarvis Road. A relatively small farm in today’s world, milking cows is not the Irwin’s only business. They also sell hay, straw, oats and corn; operate a small orchard; lease cropland to a larger farm and own wood lots. Asked what the farm’s biggest challenge is, Bob Irwin eyed his large tractor and said, “The price of equipment.” Then he added, “health care and insurance.” Current milk prices are also challenging. A year ago milk prices increased to $25 per cwt. Today they are closer to $14. Cost of milk production ranges from $18 to $25 per cwt. depending on the size and efficiency of the farm.

Jim Irwin believes that the decline in the number of dairy farms will continue. He said, “Today eight farms control 80% of the milk production in Clinton County.”  The cost and availability of tillable land is a factor. Large farms compete for tillable land driving up values. Land that not so long ago sold for $200 an acre now sells for $5,000 to $6,000 an acre. In spite of these challenges Bob Irwin said the brothers can cover for each other and they are able to take off to travel and get away for a few days. He emphasized, “I look forward to coming to work every day.” Bob hopes that his son Kyle, who was standing a few feet away, will help maintain the Irwin family farm tradition.

L-R Jesse Mulbury, Colin Read, Sam Dyer and Harry McManus, Peter Hagar

Not far from the Irwin Farm, Cynthia and Albert Mulbury and their son Jesse operate Northern Orchards at 537 Union Road. The 500-acres farm has been operating since 1944.  During apple harvest, Northern Orchards has 185 employees who harvest, pack and ship its more than 50 varieties of apples.

Jesse Mulbury, a recent Cornell University graduate, greeted the legislators at Northern Orchard’s Farm Stand at 470 Union Road. He immediately guided everyone to a high tunnel greenhouse where he pointed to what seemed like an almost endless variety of tomatoes. Jesse said, “We’ve almost doubled production in these greenhouses.” He explained that the greenhouses have enabled farmers to grow plant varieties never previously grown in this part of the country and to extend the growing season. Mulburys are selling to new markets including farmers markets and restaurants.  A shopper at the Plattsburgh and Lake Placid Farmers Markets will find Northern Orchard’s extremely wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

Northern Orchards is also seeking to grow its farm stand business. Operational since 1992, the farm stand has a new look this year and more change is anticipated. Jesse’s sister Jennifer Mulbury will graduate from Cornell next spring. She plans to use her skills to develop the farm stand into a more significant part of Northern Orchard’s operations.

Jon Rulf (Center)

Adirondack Farms at 193 Brown Road is the largest dairy operation in this region and one of the 25 largest in New York State. Partner Jon Rulf greeted the legislators at the 4,800 cow/calf, 50-plus employee dairy farm. Adirondack’s 2,600 milking cows produce approximately 210,000 pounds of milk daily. The Agrimart Coop. dedicates three and sometimes four huge tankers to transport milk from the farm to its Chateaugay plant.

Manure management is a continuous challenge for all farmers, especially large farmers. Adirondack’s 5,000 acres of hay and corn are spread over several townships and border many residential neighborhoods. Rulf has to satisfy volumes of Department of Conservation (DEC) environmental regulations and the people who reside in homes bordering his crops. Although a final decision hasn’t been made, Rulf hopes that by the end of 2016 he will have a manure digester in operation. A $4 million investment, the digester will significantly reduce manure odor, greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient runoff. The methane gas associated with the process will power generators to produce electricity.

Perhaps Rulf’s greatest challenge is weaning his milking cows off bovine Somatotropin (rBST). Consumer pressure is forcing northeastern producers to eliminate its use. As of January 1, 2016, the Agrimart Coop will no longer accept milk from farmers utilizing rBST. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the mid-1990s, the hormone significantly increases milk production. Rulf said, “We think it’s a tragedy. It’s a shame we’re losing this technology. I believe the consumer has been mislead.” Rulf said farmers will be forced to milk more cows to make up for the decreased income.

Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) announced that her office is accepting applications for qualified students to be nominated to a U.S. Military Service Academy.

“It is one of my highest honors as a Member of Congress to nominate deserving students from New York’s 21st Congressional District to our nation’s military service academies,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Serving in our nation’s military is one of the most honorable callings and I look forward to hearing from our district’s prospective nominees.”

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

Congresswoman Stefanik may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district. Interested students are asked to complete, print, sign and submit a nomination form, available on our official congressional website: https://stefanik.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations.

This completed form should be mailed to our Glens Falls district office, along with the following application materials, prior to November 1, 2015:

·         Current high school transcript

·         Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)

·         Resume detailing extracurricular activities and any employment history

·         500-word essay describing your reasons for wanting to serve as an officer in the United States military

·         Three letters of recommendations

Successful applicants will have a broad academic background, the ability to pass a physical aptitude test, and strong leadership potential. An applicant must also be a U.S. citizen, a high school graduate between the ages of 17 and 23, unmarried, have no dependents, and be of high moral character. Acceptance of a service academy appointment requires at least a nine-year service obligation, including four years at an academy and five years of active duty service.

A member of the Congresswoman’s staff will be in contact later this fall to schedule an interview with the Service Academy Nominating Committee.

NCREDC Endorses 23 Priority Projects for Round V of Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) announced its progress report was submitted to the State to meet the September 21 deadline.  The progress report, which details the Council’s achievements in implementing its five year strategic plan, is entitled “Accelerate,” reflecting the North Country’s readiness to accelerate economic growth and transformation across the region.

The report outlines the region’s strong performance record in implementing its strategies and projects since the first round of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative in 2011. The first four rounds resulted in $338.1 million in State funding to support 291 projects that are completed or in progress and have committed to create or retain 4,931 jobs in the region. The Council’s plan supports this positive trend and will continue to build on the success of previous years, accelerating the North Country’s regional economy.

The progress report can be found on the North Country Regional Council’s website at http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/content/north-country.  Read more »

Gerald Bassett was working on mower deck when it apparently fell onto his neck and pinned him beneath the vehicle, coroner said.

Source: Saranac man dies in tractor accident – Press-Republican: Local News

Peru – Main Street resident Ed Schiffler  took this photo in front of his house yesterday. As Ed said, “This os what the Applefest is all about!” The Applefest will continue today, Sunday, with a chicken BBQ at noon, games, rides, two bouncy characters (the cow and the crocodile), a giant craft fair, baked goods and great music.  The Compass Rose Band will play at noon followed by a return of the Bootleg Band that thrilled the crowds yesterday.

By John T. Ryan

Anyone attending the Monday, September 14, 2015 Peru Town Board meeting and the Public Hearing that preceded it could rightly conclude that cat and dog issues dominated the evening.

The public hearing concerned a Town Board proposed update of the Town’s Dog Control Law. It would have required that anyone reclaiming a dog taken into custody by the Dog Control Officer would have to pay any outstanding veterinarian fees to the Elmore SPCA. By contract the SPCA collects redemption fees on behalf of the town; however, Elmore SPCA Treasurer Carol Solari Ruscoe told the Board that she felt very uncomfortable collecting veterinarian fees, especially since the SPCA does not collect veterinarian fees for any of other towns it serves. After considerable discussion, Supervisor Peter Glushko suggested that the town collect the fees rather than the shelter. Solari-Ruscoe said that sounded like a viable solution; however, SPCA leadership would have to approve such an arrangement. The SPCA would not be able to release a dog without proof that the veterinarian charge had been paid to the Town.

During the public comment portion of the meeting Jabez Allen Road resident Carlene Allen Wood stated that she often has four to seven feral cats under her porch and on her property. Wood believes a neighbor is feeding the cats and there is at least one new litter born every two to three months. Wood asked the Board to consider passing a law regulating cats and/or providing resources to address the issue. Town Clerk Kathy Flynn, who lives in the hamlet, said she had five stray cats on her deck last week and another hamlet resident remarked that he has seen stray cats.

Supervisor Peter Glushko said he has investigated cat control over the course of many years. He said, “There are not rules on domestic cats. The state Ag and Markets doesn’t regulate them. I haven’t seen a program that has succeeded” Glushko said local animal shelters are frequently overwhelmed with cats, sometimes to the point of not accepting them. Counselor Donald McBrayer said that public education might help alleviate the problem. He said anyone feeding or harboring the cats is part of the problem, not the solution. Both McBrayer and Supervisor Glushko promised to research possible solutions to the feral cat problem.

Travel on Holden Avenue should be improving in a few weeks. After reviewing three contractor’s cost estimates, the Board hired Fuller Excavating to repair the street’s frost heaves at a cost of $12,950. A water catch basin will be constructed in front of Larry Ewald’s Holden Avenue home at a cost of $8,000. Next spring Fuller will overlay the street with another coat of asphalt at a cost of $5,800. Highway Superintendent Michael made it clear he doesn’t have the money for this project in his budget. Supervisor Glushko said he would find the money elsewhere. Repairing Holden Avenue has been a Glushko priority. The repairs should reduce school bus travel on adjacent, much narrower streets. Bus drivers often avoid traveling Holden Avenue because of the seasonal frost heaves.

2016 Town Budget Workshops were scheduled. Attending these workshops is the best method for any town resident to know the issues facing the town. All workshops will begin at 6:30 p.m. and all are open to the public. The workshop dates are:

• Highway- 10/7/15
• Water – 10/14/15
• Valcour Sewer – 10/15/15
• General – 10/19/15
• Salaries – 10/22/15

The Board is uncomfortable accepting a lease contract proposed by Unison Site Management LLC. Unison has offered to sign a 40-year cell lease agreement to manage the cellular space of the Town’s water tower. Unison would make a six-figure upfront payment to the Town, plus pay the Town 60% of any increased revenues. Unison would receive the current lease payments of $38,500 per year, plus 40% of any increased payments. While the large upfront payment is tempting, the Board is uncertain of the true value of the tower’s leases and of future changes in technology, especially over a 40-year lease period. Supervisor Glushko was going to contact Unison to determine if a 20-year lease would be possible.

Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Town’s Health Insurance Carrier, has been hacked. More information will follow.

Board action on instituting a dog park and repairing the Jenkins Street tennis court will be delayed pending a more exact cost estimate on repair and upgrades to the tennis courts. The Town has applied for a grant to repair the tennis courts; however, depending on the cost of repair, the grant might pay only a portion of the cost. A dog park fence installed at Heyworth/Mason Park has been estimated to cost between $15,000 and $16,000. Given the state mandated tax cap (estimated to be .74% in 2016) the Board is reluctant to approve any extraordinary expenditure.

Councilman Brandy McDonald reminded Board members that Greg Timmons retirement party is scheduled at Murphy’s Restaurant on October 10^th. McDonald estimates that 200 will attend. Approximately $1,000 in donations has been received.

The Board also reappointed Roy Perry to the Board of Assessment Review.

A 25-minute executive session to discuss a confidential employee matter was conducted.

By John T. Ryan

Peru – The unofficial results of Peru’s September Town Council primary election are in. The primary involved “third-parties” only. The two top vote getters in each third party’s primary will appear on the Election Day ballot. Twenty-two voters cast their ballots in person while thirty-five voters cast absentee ballots. A total of fifty-seven voters cast ballots.

Independence Party Results:

• James Langley – 24 votes
• Brandy McDonald – 18 votes
• Kregg Bruno – 16 Votes

James Langley and Brandy McDonald will appear on the Independence Party Line.

Conservative Party Results:

• Brandy McDonald – 10 votes
• Kregg Bruno – 6 votes
• James Langley – 2 votes
• Dwane Bast – 1 vote

Brandy McDonald and Kregg Bruno will appear on the Conservative Party Line.

Working Families Party Results:

• Brandy McDonald – 2 votes
• Kregg Bruno – 1 vote

Brandy McDonald and Kregg Bruno won the Working Families Party line.

James Langley and Dwane Bast will also appear on the Republican and Reformed Party lines. Brandy McDonald and Kregg Bruno will be on the Democratic Party lines.

From the Office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) joined Congressman Chris Gibson (R-NY-19) to introduce a resolution calling for improved environmental stewardship.

The measure calls on the House to commit to working on economically viable solutions that address the threat of climate change, saying it is “a conservative principle to protect, conserve, and be good stewards of our environment.”

“Climate change is a serious issue that we must address and I am proud to join Congressman Gibson on this resolution,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This resolution strikes the careful balance between the priority of addressing the global threat of climate change and the importance of protecting and creating American jobs. New York’s 21st district is the proud home of the Adirondacks and we understand that protecting our environment plays an important role in promoting economic growth and opportunity.”

“All too often, the conversation about appropriate and balanced environmental stewardship gets caught up in partisan politics.  Yet, this conversation is key to the preservation of our great country for generations to come, as important as ensuring we have fiscally responsible policies to secure our future,” said Congressman Gibson. “For that reason, I believe the most important first step forward is recognizing that this is also a fundamentally conservative issue, and finding common ground on how to address it.”

The resolution calls for better environmental stewardship through “economically viable, and broadly supported private and public solutions to study and address the causes and effects of measured changes to our global and regional climates.”

The resolution was developed working with a non-partisan network of faith-based, national security, environmental, business, and community organizations for this outline of conservative goals and policies for ensuring the proper stewardship of our environment and natural resources.  Pope Francis is expected to also call for action on improved environmental stewardship to mitigate the causes and effects of our changing climate during his visit to Congress next week.

The text of the resolution can be found here.

A message from the Peru District Superintendent:

After school was dismissed today, a chemical spill occurred within the chemistry room of the Jr/Sr High School.  The immediate area was quickly evacuated and Emergency Services was contacted.   Given the nature of the spill, an evacuation was not ordered.  Peru Fire Department responded and neutralized the chemical spill.  The District then followed the cleaning procedures recommended by the Peru Fire Department.  No one was injured as a result of today’s spill.

North Country (SUNY Plattsburgh)

• Deborah Babcock, Thousand Islands School District
• Celeste Barker, Schroon Lake School District
• Barbara Bibbins, Belleville-Henderson Central School District
• Scott Carter, Ausable Valley Central School District
• Glenn Clemens, Canton Central School District
• Margaret Clemens, Norwood-Norfolk School District
• Robert Dixon, Canton Central School District
• Lisa Dunkelberg, Potsdam School District
• William Fairchild, South Jefferson School District
• Jaime Gates, Carthage Central School District
• Amber Henry, Ogdensburg School District
• John Miletich, Malone School District
• Amy Reinisch, Saranac Lake School District
• George Rogers, Malone School District
• Laurey Rosser, Canton Central School District
• Lindsey Steblen, Indian River School District
• Alicia Wentworth, Canton Central School District

Here’s a breakdown of participants all North Country participants including those selected in the fall of 2013.  Read more »

BOOK SALE

Friday & Saturday Sept. 18th & 19th. Friday hours: 10-4. Saturday’s hours: 10-3.

RECEPTION FOR IAN BURCROFF PAINTINGS EXHIBIT:

Friday, September 25th from 5 to 7 pm.

Ian’s work utilizes intense color and detailed multiple imagery in his abstract and realistic subject matter. The largest painting is 60″ x 40″; the smallest 20″ x 24″. His latest exhibits have been at Blue Mountain Lake Center for the Arts and SUNY Albany. Ian is Assistant Professor of Art at Clinton Community College and Chair of the Humanities Department.

The show will run through November 14th.

Event:  Rachel’s Challenge Community Event, open to all families of the Peru Jr/Sr High School and is specifically designed to address 7^th through 12^th grade students and their families.

When: Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 6:30 pm

Where: Peru Jr/Sr High School Auditorium

Description: Rachel’s Challenge exists to equip and inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion. Rachel’s Challenge is based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott who was the first victim of the Columbine school shootings in 1999. Through her example, Rachel’s Challenge is making a positive impact in the lives of millions of people every year.

Through powerful presentations, trainings, community events, and professional development, Rachel’s Challenge provides a sustainable solution for promoting acceptance, personal empowerment, and a framework for expanding awareness and positive change.

Rachel’s inspiring story provides a simple, yet powerful example of how small acts of kindness and acceptance motivate us to consider our relationships with the people we come in contact with every day. Rachel’s Challenge renews our hope that our life has meaning and purpose. Rachel’s story gives us permission to start our own chain reaction of kindness and compassion, which positively affects the climate in our schools and communities.

The Scott family and other Rachel’s Challenge certified presenters have reached millions more on popular media outlets like CNN, Fox News, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, Oprah, Dateline, O’Reilly Factor, Hannity and Colmes and numerous others.

Contact:  Should there be any questions, please contact Tom Bull via phone, 643-6400 ext. 6304, or email, tbull@perucsd.org or Bernadette Nolan at 643-6400 ext. 6485, or bnolan@perucsd.org .

Additional Information:  You can learn more about Rachel’s Challenge by going to their extensive website, www.rachelschallenge.org.

By Adele Douglas

Last Friday Peru Central School’s Cross Country Team helped out along the Little Ausable River Walking Trail by pulling out a nasty weed that can be a problem for dogs and their owners. Cocklebur seeds were brought in with soil during construction last year and while Fuller Excavating did a great job removing most of the plants there were still some growing this year.

Coaches Francia and Provost were happy to have their team help maintain the trail since they use it so often when training.The runners took to the challenge in good spirits and did a great job.  They deserve a big thank you from all dog owners who use the trail, cockleburs stick like glue to dog fur and can hurt if caught in a paw.

This was the scene today at St. Augustine’s Parish Center at a primary election being conducted for registered Independence Party, Working Families Party and Conservative voters. Members of other parties are not eligible to vote. The polls close at 9 p.m. As of 2:30 p.m. only five voters had cast ballots.

Here is the 2015 Battle of Plattsburgh Event Schedule – The Parade is 1 PM Saturday.