The Peru Gazette

Left to right: Kennedy Patnode-Gebo, Kalli, Patnode-Gebo, Kelsey Patnode-Gebo, James Gebo Jr., Marybeth Patnode-Gebo stand next to the manhole where inmates David Sweat and Richard Matt escaped.

The Strand Center for the Arts will be showcasing a new series of documentary photography centered on the Dannemora prison break by artist Damian Battinelli. This exhibit, titled “The Escape,” will be on view in The Strand Center Community Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh from September 4^th to October 2^nd, 2015. The Opening Reception will take place Friday, September 4^th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and is free and open to the public.

Damian Battinelli started his photo journey in 1995 when his father bought him a 35mm camera for Christmas. He took photography classes in high school at Peru Central School, Read more »

The 6th Annual Leo P. Bourgeois Memorial Golf Tournament will take place Friday, October 2nd at the Adirondack Golf & Country Club in Peru. Mr. Bourgeois was a long standing and much revered guidance counselor at Peru Central School. To honor his legacy, PCS alumni founded the golf tournament in 2011 to fund a scholarship program to provide financial aid to deserving PCS seniors pursing a post-secondary education. Since the tournament’s inception 11 scholarships totaling $13,200 have been awarded.

Entry fee for the four-person scramble tournament is $65 per person or $260 per team ($56 per person for Adirondack Golf & Country Club members) which includes greens fees, golf cart, gift bags, awards and a hors d’oeuvres reception following the tournament. Non-golfers and alumni are encouraged to attend the reception at a cost of $20.00 per person.

Tournament sponsorships are also available and range from $50 to $150. Donations of any amount are also gratefully accepted. For more information about the tournament, entering a team, becoming a sponsor, donor or to volunteer, contact Cheryl Breen Randall at 524-1192 or by email at cbreenlp@gmail.com.

The Strand Center for the Arts is excited to announce that they will be hosting an art sale and auction on Saturday, August 29, 2015. This will be a one night only event that will take place in the Main Gallery at The Strand Center for the Arts on 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh. The Strand Center will be auctioning-off original artworks and selling a variety of art supply items. Both the art sale and auction will last from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Saturday, August 29 and are free & open to the public.

This art sale and auction will act as a fundraiser for The Strand Center for the Arts. The Strand Center will be auctioning-off and selling a variety of items including original paintings, watercolor & oil paints, paintbrushes, canvas materials, novelties, artist’s books and frames. This is a great opportunity that one will not want to miss, especially not for our area’s local artists. Read more »

The Clinton County Coalition To Prevent Suicide and the Suicide Prevention Center presents:

QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (http://www.qprinstitute.com/)

The QPR mission is to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — 3 simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. People trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. The four cornerstones of the theory upon which our approach is derived are these:

1. Those who most need help in a suicidal crisis are the least likely to ask for it.

2. The person most likely to prevent you from dying by suicide is someone you already know.

3. Prior to making a suicide attempt, those in a suicidal crisis are likely to send warning signs of their distress and suicidal intent to those around them.

4. When we solve the problems people kill themselves to solve, the reasons for suicide disappear.

Sign up for one of our sessions!

Session I: September 23rd, 2015

Location: SUNY at Plattsburgh, Angel College Center –Alumni Conference Room

Parking: College Center off of Park Ave – lots 27 and 28.

(if you park anywhere else it will be at your own risk, tickets may be issued)

Time: 10:00-11:30 AM

Cost: Free

OR

Session II: September 23rd, 2015

Location: SUNY at Plattsburgh, Angel College Center — Alumni Conference Room

Parking: College Center off of Park Ave – lots 27 and 28.

(if you park anywhere else it will be at your own risk, tickets may be issued)

Time: 1-2:3

Peru Gazette Photo of Run For Jon 2014

The 25th annual Run For Jon to raise for the North Country families with children in medical crisis will be held at 5 p.m., Saturday, August 29th at Forrence Orchards on the Mannix Road in Peru.

Registration for the 2.5 mile cross-country run, 1.25 mile non-competitive walk and Kids Fun Run (approximately 1/2 mile) will be from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.

Dogs will not be permitted at the Run for Jon site under any circumstances due to health regulations.

For more information visit www.runforjon.com.

The 6th Annual Peru Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd at the American Legion Restaurant, 162 Quarry Road in Plattsburgh. There will be a social hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

This year’s inductees include: Bob Bruno (48), Peter Keenan Sr. (48), Brent Banker (80), Theresa Bobal Sindelar (87), Shawn Edwards (91), Stephanie Wheet (94), Matthew St. Clair (03).

The cost for non-inductees is $25 per person. Anyone who wishes to attend must RSVP by September 18th to Cathy Phillips, 4 Vista Drive, Willsboro, NY 12996.  Please make checks payable to the Peru Athletic Hall of Fame. For more information call Cathy at 963-7963.

Peru Central’s Board of Education will be holding a special meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 3:00 PM in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room. The Board is expected to immediately proceed into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing particular individuals being considered for employment.  No other school board or school district business is slated for the Tuesday Special Meeting.

Please note that the Board’s Regular Monthly Meeting for the same night is still planned for 6:00 PM as originally announced.

The Board of Directors of the Samaritan Family Counseling Center (SFCC) announces that the Center, with offices in Peru and Plattsburgh, will close at the end of August, 2015. The board has taken this action, in part, because of two staff retirements and an additional staff member reducing her hours of availability. The difficulty of receiving insurance payments for mental health services provided was also a large factor in creating financial difficulties which became insurmountable.

The SFCC has been in existence since 1980 when it started as an outreach ministry of the Keene Valley Congregational Church. More recently, the Center has been supported as part of the outreach ministry of the Peru Community Church, the First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburgh, and the Presbytery of Northern New York. Two foundations, the CVPH Foundation and the Charles R. Wood Foundation, were instrumental in sponsoring a project to provide counseling for students facing academic risk and their families at the Au Sable Valley Central School.

The Samaritan counseling program emphasizes the relationship of mental, spiritual and physical well-being. This concept is implemented through counseling services provided by a team of professionals working together–including therapists, clergy and physicians. The SFCC is accredited by the Samaritan Institute and is one of 80 counseling centers affiliated with the Institute, with offices in more than 200 cities across the United States and in Japan which provide professional and values-centered counseling, education, and support to people in need.

Herrmanns’ Royal Lipizzan Stallions will perform in Peru for three shows, August 21-22-23, sponsored by the Peru Community Church. Proceeds will benefit the Church’s upcoming Jamaican Mission trip and also their Capital Fund for needed building repairs.

The horses perform “Airs Above the Ground”, a series of spectacular leaps and plunges. Originally bred and trained for use in war, these moves helped the mounted riders to gain a defensive advantage over their opponents.

These Lipizzan horses are direct descendants of the 16th Century Lipizzans originally developed for theHapsburg royal family of Austria. Only a few hundred Lipizzans have ever existed at any one time, and the breed was in danger of extinction during World War II. The Disney movie, “Miracle of the White Stallions” recounts their daring rescue by General George Patton and the US Army. Because of his assistance with the rescue, Ottomar Herrmann was awarded the right to own and breed the Lipizzans, and to preserve their historic training. Mr. Herrmann’s granddaughter now continues this family tradition in bringing the horses to Peru for all to see. For more information, see http://hlipizzans.com .

Performances are Friday, August 21 at 6 pm, and Saturday and Sunday August 22 and 23 at 3 pm at the Cimarron Arena, at Mannix Rd (west off Route 22B) and Clark/Calkins Road in Peru, NY (enter from Clark Road). The parking area opens 90 minutes before each performance, and the horses can be viewed before the performance. No pets are allowed. Seating is outside so bring lawn chairs or blankets. Snacks are available for purchase.

 Tickets are $15 (ages 13-adult), $12 (ages 6-12 and 65+). Children 5 and under are free.

The Jamaican Mission of the Peru Community Church is planning the 17th annual trip to Jamaica to build a simple house for the homeless and assist schools and an orphanage near Mandeville. The Fellowship Center of the Peru Community Church supports Peru and its non-profit groups through use of the hall for community-wide events, and is currently undergoing needed renovation of a new roof and doors. The stone church building itself (built in 1833) is on the National Register of Historic Places, and also is need of repair to maintain its structural integrity. Tax-deductible donations are always gratefully accepted.

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

A Message from Town Counselor Brandy McDonald 

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

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

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

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

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

Brandy McDonald

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 6:00 PM at the school district’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School.  An executive session associated with particular personnel matters will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start.  The school board is slated to reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  Anticipated topics include:

·         Approve an Affiliation Agreement with SUNY Plattsburgh

·         Award contracts related to the Capital Project

·         Approve an award related to a NYS OGS bid

·         Set a tax levy and tax rate

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

All are welcome.

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

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

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

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

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

By John T. Ryan

Highlights of Town Board’s July 28, 2015

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

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

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

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

By John T. Ryan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Regular Mtg Agenda27Jul2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the office Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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

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

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

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

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

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

By John T. Ryan

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

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

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

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

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

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

A message from Peru Democratic Party Chairman Brandy McDonald

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

Please mark your calendars to attend this Thursday evening meeting.

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

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

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

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

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