The Peru Gazette

Click here to see the Museum’s Fall Newsletter!

The Peru Community Church is offering a HeartSaver CPR course with AED training January 5, 2015 at 6PM. The course will be led by Barbara Wagner who is a Certified CPR Instructor and 40 year Certified Emergency Room Nurse. The 2 ½ hour course is accredited through the American Heart Association. The cost of the course is $25 paid in advance, 100% of which will go to the Peru Community Church Jamaican Mission. For more information contact Harriet Burrell 518 643-9778 or ghburrell80@charter.net. Class size is limited. All Attendees MUST pre-register.

The Peru Community Church Jamaican Mission is planning its 16th annual mission trip to Jamaica. Each year, area volunteers pay their own way to Jamaica to build a small wooden house for someone in need. The mission also works with central Jamaican schools and an Orphanage.

As I turn the page to a new chapter, I want to express my appreciation to all of you for allowing me to serve as your Congressman.

I have often said that our district is made up of Rockefeller Republicans and Reagan Democrats, and I have done my best to bring your reasonableness and moderate approach to Washington. For those who disagreed with me on occasion, I appreciate that our conversations were respectful and thoughtful.

Whether dealing with specific cases or national issues, my goal has always been to act in the best interest of the region. That regional focus drove my efforts to improve policies governing trade, agriculture, energy, veterans’ services, and more.

Encouraging trade and tourism by making it easier for people, goods, and services to cross the border from Canada safely and efficiently is critical for our region’s economy. Our proximity to markets in Canada provides local businesses unique opportunities for growth. To this end, I worked to secure funding for upgrades to the Land Port of Entry at Alexandria Bay and monitored dwell times at all border crossings across the district. I authored legislation, which became law, to counter the trafficking of narcotics across our northern border, ensuring that the vast majority of trade and travel would be legitimate and safe. I also hosted several export events to help local businesses understand and take advantage of resources available to help them grow through exports.

To support the agriculture industry, I wrote several pieces of legislation that were incorporated into the 2014 Farm Bill to reduce the cost of exporting apples to Canada, expand access to credit for family farms, and encourage the expansion of New York’s maple industry. I consistently advocated for passage of comprehensive immigration reform to address our region’s agricultural labor shortage, which is perhaps the greatest threat to this important sector of our economy.

Throughout my term I worked closely with local, state, and national leaders to strengthen and protect Fort Drum, which is critical to both the health of the North Country economy and to national security and military readiness. Our district is also home to many veterans, some who must travel long distances to reach VA facilities that offer the healthcare services they need. I was pleased to see both parties work together toward system-wide VA reform.

My offices have worked diligently to help nearly 6000 people in an economically effective manner, allowing us to return more than $500,000 to the Treasury from office budgets and to secure almost $9.5 million in waived fees and compensation that was due to constituents.

Moving forward we should keep a positive attitude and support growth industries like biomass and tourism, encourage Canadian businesses to expand in the district, increase investments in rural broadband, and train workers for the thousands of unfilled jobs in our district. I would like to commend to each of you the thought that politics is almost never a competition between good and evil or right and wrong, but rather between competing goods.

As I prepare to leave office, I would like to thank my staff members in New York and Washington, who played an instrumental role in what we were able to achieve these past five years. Most importantly, I am grateful to the constituents of New York’s 21st Congressional District for sending me to Congress, and for the trust you vested in me during my time in office. It has been my great privilege to serve you. God bless each of you and our great country.
Congressman Bill Owens, NY-21

The Strand Center for the Arts is proud to announce that it is working with The University of Vermont Health Network at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital to broker the purchase of works by local artists. The Foundation at CVPH is purchasing work to install throughout the hospital as renovations continue through the “R” branch of floors. The next set of purchases will be installed in R5, the Oncology floor, and R6, the Orthopedics Recovery floor. The Strand Center for the Arts will act as the broker for these purchases.

Artists of all mediums can apply, including photography, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media. Instructions on how to apply, what the theme is for each floor, and the submission form can be found on our Website www.plattsburgharts.org. All submissions will be collected digitally. Preference will be given to artists that adhere to the theme and follow the guidelines for submission. The deadline for submissions is Saturday, January 10th 2015 at midnight. Please forward any questions to our Gallery Coordinator at gallery@plattsburgharts.org or call The Strand Offices at 518.563.1604.

The ceremonial flag was presented to Rep. Owens by Christine Hanson, Minister-Counsellor of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON—This morning, Congressman Bill Owens was presented with a Canadian flag that was flown over the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. in recognition of his work supporting U.S.-Canadian relations.

“For many years, investments in the vast and growing economic partnership between the U.S. and Canada have paid off in the form of jobs and economic growth in communities on both sides of the border,” said Owens. “I am grateful for this recognition from the Canadian Embassy and look forward to returning to the North Country to continue supporting the growth of cross-border relationships in our region.”

From the office of Congresswoman-elect Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congresswoman-elect Elise Stefanik was appointed to the House Armed Services Committee and the Education and the Workforce Committee for the 114th Congress.

“I am honored to receive positions on the House Armed Services Committee and the Education and the Workforce Committee,” said Rep.-elect Stefanik. “It is critical for Fort Drum and the entire 21st Congressional District to have a voice at the table to fight on behalf of our military families and veterans. It is an honor to follow in the footsteps of Reps. John McHugh and Bill Owens in advocating for our troops and veterans stationed in the District and in our surrounding communities.

As a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, I look forward to working with members on both sides of the aisle to ensure our graduates and local workforce are in the best position possible to grow our economy in the North Country, as well as keep America a strong competitor in the global economy.”

“Elise is a hard worker, and it is clear that she is committed to serving her constituents, local communities, and country in a meaningful way,” said Chairman-elect Thornberry. “Her strong policy experience and proven leadership skills will serve her well on the Armed Services Committee.”

Chairman John Kline (R-MN): “As someone raised in a family that owns a small business, Elise has firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing workers and job creators. She will be an invaluable member of the Education and the Workforce Committee as we advance reforms to make our nation’s workplaces more competitive and our classrooms a place where every child can access a quality education. I am delighted to have her on the committee and look forward to working with her in the months ahead.”

The House Armed Services Committee is responsible for general defense policy, ongoing military operations, the organization and reform of the Department of Defense and Department of Energy and other aspects crucial to our nation’s defense.

The Education and the Workforce Committee oversees education and workforce training and development policies.

Will Andrew Cuomo’s North Country love continue in second term? | NCPR News.

By John T. Ryan

Energy costs and relocating Peru Town Court were the primary topics at the Monday, December 8, 2014 Peru Town Board meeting.

Supervisor Peter Glushko related that at a recent town supervisors’ meeting Supervisor Bernie Bassett said Plattsburgh had saved thousands of dollars using Ambit Energy as its natural gas and electricity supplier. NYSEG is the Town of Peru’s longtime electric and gas supplier, but Glushko believed the board should hear a presentation by Ambit Energy Business Consultant Colleen LaFountain.

Lafountain told the board that Ambit Energy is a $1 billion company with the highest customer ratings. Along with a rewards and free energy program she said Ambit Energy would guarantee that Town of Peru would saves a minimum of 2% if it switched from NYSEG to Ambit Energy. She stated that some customers save as much as 8%. No contract would have to be signed and the town could return to NYSEG at any time. Supervisor Glushko said the issue would be on the Board’s December 22^nd meeting agenda.

Relocating Peru Town Court continues to be an issue. Supervisor Glushko and other board members do not want court proceedings held in the midst of the town offices when the building is open for public business. Judge James Kirby wants to convene court at 2 p.m., one hour before the Town Hall’s doors are closed to the public.

Counselor Donald McBrayer, the Board’s liaison to Peru Town Court, has stated he believes that conducting court downstairs would be the best option, but he respects the hard work Town Historian Ron Allen has done and he is concerned about Allen having to move his office and records upstairs to the court’s current office. Ron Allen was present at the meeting. He explained his position stating, “The biggest problem is space. When I took this position twelve years ago, the town’s historical records were in a two-drawer file cabinet. But as soon as people found out the historian had a location they came forth with photographs and other historical documents. The main floor doesn’t have sufficient space for our display cabinets and it wouldn’t be a good location to display items during our annual open house or to hold group meetings with other local historians.”

Counselor Bruno commented, “We’re are just looking at all the options at this point.” Counselor Brandy McDonald told the Board that the owners of Glenwood Plaza would be willing to rent space for $700 per month. Counselor Jim Douglass warned, “”We would have to look carefully at the hidden costs of moving.” Renovations, furniture, utilities, relocating technology and phone service were mentioned as expense items. Board members will look over the Glenwood Plaza space before the Board’s next meeting.

Elmore SPCA has not submitted a 2015 animal shelter contract proposal. Dog Control Officer Jim Drollette said he is satisfied with the North Country SPCA in Elizabethtown; however, traveling to it is 66-miles round-trip, a long trip for Drollette and for a Peru resident reclaiming an animal.

The Board scheduled a December 22, 2014 6:30 p.m. public hearing on increasing 2015 water and sewer rates. The 2015 town budget anticipates $26,496 in increased water revenues and $31,000 in increased sewer revenues. The water district has 704 users. The sewer district has 501 users. Click here to view Water-Sewer 2015 Rate Increases

By John T. Ryan

Peru water users can expect to see water and sewer rate increases effective January 1, 2015. The Town Board has scheduled a Public Hearing on the rate increases for Monday, December 22, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. A district resident utilizing 17,500 gallons of water quarterly will see an approximate 8% water rate increase. Water rates will increase from $52 to $54 for the first  6,000 gallons used and from $3.75 to $4.25 for every additional 1,000 gallons used. Sewer rates will increase from $52 to $54 for the first 6,000 gallons used and from $5.25 to $5.75 for every additional 1,000 gallons.Click here to review Water-Sewer 2015 Rate Increases

Eyeing a Raise, Albany Lawmakers Are Negotiating Reforms With Cuomo – NYTimes.com.

After Ethics Panel’s Shutdown, Loopholes Live On in Albany – NYTimes.com.

Same-sex marriages at least 9% of total in N.Y..

Peru, NY – The impending storm has forced the Peru, NY Knights of Columbus to cancel its bingo for tonight, Tuesday, December 9, 2014. Bingo will resume next Tuesday at 7:10 p.m.  The K of C urges everyone to drive safely and to stay off the roads tonight.

The 49th Annual Keeseville-Peru Ecumenical Choir Concert will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at St. Augustine’s Church in Peru and on Sunday, December 14, 2014 at St. John the Baptist Church in Keeseville. Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free!

FALL INTO WINTER CRAFT FAIR – OVER 30 VENDORS.

BROWSE CRATE & CHRISTMAS ST. VINCENT’S THRIFT

FATHER ALAN’S THRIFT SHOP WILL BE STORE WILL BE OPEN

CHRISTMAS SHOP OPEN (Misc. Treasures) (slightly used clothing)

SCRATCH-OFF LOTTERY TREE RAFFLE

HOT LUNCH- SPONSORED BY THE CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS (Hamburg-Macaroni Soup & Chicken Soup, egg, tuna, ham salad sandwiches; chips, coffee, soda & water)

GET YOUR DECADENT DESSERT FROM THE – ALSO SPONSORED BY THE CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS.

Peru Community Church members were singing Christmas carols for Peru residents today! Thanks to Joanne Kennedy for the photo!

Regular Mtg Agenda 12082014

Peru firefighters thrill kids on Washington Street and throughout the community! Their dedication is amazing!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10204453564811876

Children’s Christmas Party
Who: Children from 1 to 12 years old
When: December 21, 2014 from 2 – 4 p.m.
Where: Peru Memorial VFW/Ladies Auxiliary
710 Pleasant St, Rte 22B
Peru, New York 12972

Peru Central’s Board of Education will conduct its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 5:45 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 5:45 PM start. The school board is slated to reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. Anticipated topics include:

· Career Connect Skills Initiatives and Business Partnerships
· Peru 2020
· Adoption of multiple proposed policies

Click here for complete Board Agenda

The Strand Center for the Arts and First Weekends in Plattsburgh are excited to announce that the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting will happen on Saturday, December 6 in downtown Plattsburgh. The Holiday Tree Lighting will take place on The Strand Center’s front lawn at 23 Brinkerhoff Street with family activities planned from 5:30 to 8:00 pm.

The Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at 6:00 pm and will be officially lit by Santa. Holiday Tree Lighting events this year will also include street musicians, bonfire pits, caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides by Country Dreams Farms and free hot cocoa by Smooth Moves – all on the front lawn of The Strand Center from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Also during this time, the SCA Artist Market and the Holiday Members Exhibition will be on view in the Main Gallery inside The Strand Center. The SCA Artist Market will feature a variety of handmade items available for purchase from local artisans. Additionally, visitors to the Holiday Tree Lighting are encouraged to bring an unwrapped new toy, to donate to charity as The Strand Center for the Arts is a drop-off location for “WPTZ’s Toys for Kids” program.

This event is FREE to the public! For more information on the lighting, registering for the Artist Market, toy drop-offs or general information please visit our Website at plattsburgharts.org, contact us by phone at 518.563.1604, in person at 23 Brinkerhoff Street, or by email at outreach@plattsburgharts.org.

The Crane Symphony Orchestra from SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music has been invited to perform at the New York State School Music Association Winter Conference in Rochester, N.Y. Eighty students will present Edward Elgar’s “Enigma Variations” on Thursday, Dec. 4, in the opening concert.

The performers include Emily Allen of Peru, NY, on violin.

The Crane Symphony Orchestra will perform in the opening concert, to be held at 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, in the Rochester Convention Center Lilac Ballroom. The NYSSMA Winter Conference attracts 4,000 participants each year, for nearly 200 workshops and showcases on music education.

The Crane Symphony Orchestra is the premier performing ensemble at The Crane School of Music. Directed by Dr. Ching-Chun Lai, the ensemble presents great orchestral masterworks from the standard and contemporary orchestral literature. The Crane Symphony Orchestra has traveled to perform at Lincoln Center, and in tours across New York State, in addition to working with major guest conductors from around the world each year. For more information, visit http://www.potsdam.edu/crane.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, and located on the outskirts of the beautiful Adirondack Park, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges. SUNY Potsdam currently enrolls approximately 4,350 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its handcrafted education, challenging liberal arts and sciences core, excellence in teacher training and leadership in the performing and visual arts. To learn more, visit http://www.potsdam.edu.

A message from the CVPH Foundation

Our annual Candlelight Ceremony will be Saturday, December 6 at 4 p.m. at the Circle of Healing & Hope on the front lawn of the Hospital, 75 Beekman St., Plattsburgh.  The Candlelight Ceremony will provide people with an opportunity to remember their loved one.

We are accepting names to be read during the ceremony. To submit a name, call the Foundation Office at 562-7169 or send us an e-mail. As part of the tradition with all organizations that have an Angel of Hope, similar ceremonies will be happening all across the country on this same evening. We hope you can join us!