The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Last Thursday evening, October 2, 2014, the Town Board accepted the Tentative Budget prepared by Town Supervisor Peter Glushko and the process of finalizing a 2015 Town Preliminary Budget is underway. Glushko told the Board that he used $140,000 from the Town’s fund balance to keep the Tentative Budget $53,212 below the estimated 2% NYS imposed tax cap. He emphasized, “Our goal is to not exceed the tax cap, but we can’t guarantee that at this time. We have to examine budget requests and learn the exact tax cap percentage.” Health insurance rates continue to be challenging. Glushko said he anticipates a 12% increase in health insurance costs.

The Board scheduled its budget workshops to take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Town Hall. The general public is welcome to attend any and all workshops.

• October 8^th (Wednesday) – General portion of budget, which primarily includes the programs and activities originating in the Town Hall.
• October 14^th (Tuesday) – Valcour Sewer
• October 16^th (Thursday) – Highway Department
• October 20th (Monday) – Water Department
• October 23^rd (Thursday) – Salaries
• October 29^th (Wednesday) – Only if necessary

Northern New York. A serious crop disease called northern stem canker has been confirmed for the first time in Northern New York soybean fields as part of the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program-funded NNY Corn and Soybean Disease Diagnosis and Assessment Database building project.

NSC occurs in most Midwestern states and in Ontario, but Cornell Plant Pathologist Gary C. Bergstrom says the finding in Jefferson County in northern NY and in six other counties elsewhere in the state is the first confirmation of NSC in New York or the northeastern U.S.

Reported yield losses to NSC in the Midwest have ranged from minor to in excess of 50 percent.

With additional funding from the New York Soybean Check-off Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension/CCE Field Crop Educators Michael E. Hunter and Kitty O’Neil scouted soybean production fields in all six northern NY counties: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence.

Hunter and O’Neil recorded observations on field conditions and diseases, and collected and sent plant samples to the Field Crop Pathology Laboratory at Cornell University for positive diagnosis of suspected disease problems.

‘One option soybean producers can immediately consider to manage NSC is to plant canker-resistant varieties,’ says Hunter, who works with farmers in Jefferson and Lewis counties. Read more »

PLATTSBURGH, NY Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York announces the 2014 Women of Distinction honorees for Clinton, Essex, Franklin & Hamilton counties: Devi Momot – CEO, Twinstate Technologies – Distinguished Trailblazer; Tonia Finnegan – Materials Operations Controller, Graymont- Distinguished Community Leader; Kaysie Kyler – Distinguished Personal Achievement; Christine Darrah – Distinguished Leader of Tomorrow (age 17-21). These women will receive their recognition at a dinner event at the Westside Ballroom, 253 New York Road in Plattsburgh, NY on Thursday, September 25, 2014 from 6pm-9pm. Tickets are $60 each or $600 for a table of 10 and can be purchased online. The event will include an extensive silent auction with proceeds benefiting Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. For more information, please contact Sandra Grady, Director of Fund Development at Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (518-348-1413 x408).

Women of Distinction (WOD) is a nationwide program of Girl Scouts of the USA that recognizes the achievements of women. Since 1985, Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York has been hosting WOD events in different areas of the council from Plattsburgh to Albany. The council covers 15 counties in Upstate New York and serves nearly 11,000 girls. Honorees are awarded for their strength of character, dedicated community service, emphasis on life-long learning, along with their dedication to fostering self-confidence and leadership skills in others. Many women who are leaders in their fields credit Girl Scouts with helping them to build the set of skills that paved their road to success.

View Online: http://readme.readmedia.com/Women-to-be-Honored-for-Excellence-by-Girl-Scouts-of-Northeastern-New-York/9746318

Architectural drawing of new facility

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Federal Credit Union moved into its current Davey Drive location in 1998. By July 2015, it should be celebrating the opening of a new and greatly expanded facility still on the Bear Swamp road, but closer to the Adirondack Northway. Dignitaries and staff members participated in the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday at the new location, directly across from Livingood’s Restaurant and adjacent to the the Peru Veterinary Clinic.

Credit Union Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee

L-R – Staff members Nicole Prentiss, Dianne King, Morgan Kowalowski, Abbey Shay and Maggie Pope assisted by Assemblywoman Janet Duprey

Credit Union CEO Maggie Pope is enthusiastic about several aspects of the new building. She explained, “With 2,100 members we’ve outgrown our current facility. The new building is built with growth in mind. We’ll be offering additional services including a 24-hour ATM and a two-lane drive-thru. We’ll also have a larger lobby and more office space.” At 3,400 square feet, the new building will be almost 2.5 times larger than the current building.

The Peru Federal Credit Union is comprised of employee groups; all the entities involved in the construction project are credit union members. Pope told those assembled, “Our new building is being built by our members for our members.” The general contractor is Steven E. Fuller Excavating, the engineering firm is AES Northeast, the heating and refrigeration contractor is A. Hogan Refrigeration and Mechanical, the electrical contractor William J. Murray and the security firm is Security Concepts. Employees from these firms along with employees of the Peru Central School, AuSable Valley Central School and other businesses and institutions comprise the credit union’s membership.

Peru Town Supervisor Peter Glushko expressed satisfaction regarding the credit union’s expansion. He stated, “The members will appreciate the expanded services and the development along Bear Swamp Road is good for the town. We’re extending the water district to the Northway (I87). I’m hopeful that more businesses will be locating there.”

The Peru Credit Federal Credit Union’s Current Facility

The Bear Swamp Road I87 Exit 35 offers easy access to the credit union, restaurants such as Subway, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald’s, Livingood’s and Pasquale’s along with a gift shop, a financial service office, medical offices and insurance agencies. It’s also an often-used exit for Peru, Keeseville, AuSable Forks and Adirondack Region visitors and residents.

From the Office of Congressman Bill Owens

WASHINGTON—Yesterday Congressman Bill Owens spoke at the Canadian/American Border Trade Alliance’s (Can/Am BTA) Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. The event focused on infrastructure improvements, trade facilitation reforms, and the effective management of the U.S./Canada border.

“Our northern border is the backbone of the largest economic relationship in the world,” said Owens. “Investing in improved border services with our Canadian partners and implementing technological innovations in border management encourage the uninhibited growth of secure trade and tourism, growing the U.S. economy and supporting local business communities on both sides of the border.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S.-Canada freight value totaled $55.2 billion in July 2014, a 10.5 percent increase over the previous year. Read more »

John Bruno on September 25, 2014

John T. Ryan

The Peru Gazette planned to make a phone call to John Bruno this morning to ask a few follow-up questions before publishing an article about his service to our community. Bruno’s Ford tractor pulling his red wagon filled with Valehaven Adult Home and Assisted Living residents has been familiar sight in Peru’s neighborhoods for several years. Unfortunately, John Bruno was not able to answer our questions. The 80-year old Schuyler Falls farmer passed away yesterday. A story about his life appears on today’s Press Republican obituary page.

Valehaven residents accompanied by Living Coordinator Debbie Pierce (3rd on left)

Last Thursday, September 25, 2014, John Bruno was sitting in his truck outside Valehaven while he waited patiently for residents to finish lunch. He pointed out the dog bed on the truck’s front seat and explained how is dog “Georgie” loved that bed. Asked why he came to Valehaven, Bruno responded, “One time years ago I was in the hospital for several weeks. I know how much people need visitors and to get outside. Today I’m taking them through those neighborhoods over there (Button Brook) and then down the Mannix Road.”

John Bruno in the September 20, 2014 Applefest Parade

This morning Valehaven’s Resident Care Coordinator Lindsey Ashline wiped away tears as she said, “It’s heart-breaking. John was here on Saturday. He visited us three times a week. Everyone looked forward to his visits and the residents loved Georgie.” Ashline said staff members and many Valehaven residents plan to attend the celebration of John’s life at his Schuyler Falls home tomorrow afternoon.

John Bruno departs from Valehaven for his last wagon ride for residents

While some people describe John Bruno as being outspoken and not afraid to speak his mind, the people at Valehaven remember him as being soft-spoken, warm-hearted and humorous. He brought a sense of joy each time he visited. When interviewed by The Peru Gazette John Bruno did not boast about many of the things mentioned in his obituary. He appears to have been a man who loved and served his neighbor. His actions spoke louder than his words. He will be missed by many people in this community.

Here is his obituary.

SCHUYLER FALLS – John Albert Bruno, 80, of Route 22B, passed away Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, at his home with his loving family by his side. He was born July 2, 1934, in Schuyler Falls, the son of the late Clarence C. Sr. and Florence A. (Brelia) Bruno. Read more »

October 9: Get to Know Alice Morse Earle
Historian Susan Reynolds Williams, author of Alice Morse Earle and the Domestic History of Early America, will be here on Thursday, October 9 at 7:00 p.m. to talk about this important figure in the Colonial Revival movement. Earle’s books about Colonial history, domestic life, and material culture were valued resources for collectors like Alice T. Miner.
November 13: Sounds of the Northway

Join us at 7:00 p.m. on November 13 for an evening of song with Sounds of the Northway. One of the North Country’s favorite musical groups, Sounds of the Northway performs a variety of genres, including traditional and contemporary folk songs, historical and contemporary songs about women’s history, and liturgical music.

Let’s talk about North Country’s flood of rape, sex violence « The In Box.

North Country kids are all right really « The In Box.

Gary Edwards was kind enough to provide The Peru Gazette with a few photos from Saturday night’s 2014 Peru Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Banquet. Cameron Riggs, Nicky Viti – Duprey and John Rock were present. Jennifer Goette is in Gamba, Africa with the Peace Corp. Jennifer’s father came from Oregon to speak on her behalf. Travis Angevine was in Asia on business and was leaving Taiwan for home and couldn’t get a connection to arrive in time for the banquet.

If anyone else has banquet photos, the Gazette would be happy to post them.
Banquet

Bernie Steuart (left) and his escort

Larry McSweeney escorted by his step-grandson Tim Mitchell

Ted Soucia escorted by his wife Marie

By John T. Ryan

Longtime Peru residents and military veterans Ted Soucia, Bernie Steuart and Larry McSweeney are Washington D.C. bound today as they are honored for service to our country by the North Country Honor Flight.

Larry McSweeney, a longtime member of the Peru Volunteer Fire Department, was ready to go when two fire trucks, an ambulance and several fire fighters arrived at his Pleasant Street home at 6 a.m. this morning.  Ten “Plattsburgh Hog” motorcyclists led the procession to the U.S. Oval.

Clinton County Legislator Peter Keenan is also on the flight. He is escorting Willsboro resident and U.S. AIr Force veteran Thomas Thornton.

Click here to see Larry McSweeney being picked up and the ceremonies at the U.S. Oval and Clinton County International Airport. 

Please turn up your speakers to enjoy the music. 

Larry McSweeney’s step-grandson Chris Mitchell assists

Daisy Jopling will be attending Peru CSD on Friday, October 3^rd to work with Mezzo and Avanti String students and Music Teacher Mrs. Fitzsimmons during their regular class meeting times. Daisy’s producer and program administrator will be attending as well.

The String Pulse Experience (https://youtube.com/user/daisyjopling) is a totally free, highly professional, program for music and dance students of the Adirondacks. It will give young artists an opportunity to participate in music and dance training which will last through the spring of 2015 and end with a grand finale onstage at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts.  The students will perform with Daisy Jopling and her band in an original show that features soaring melodies, exciting rhythms from around the world, spoken word and beats, and body percussion written for youth. Daisy has created a spectacular evening that mixes classical music and rock.

Daisy and The String Pulse Experience debuted in Westchester County, NY and performed in April 2014 to a sold-out crowd at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theatre in Peekskill.  Daisy was born in London, England and now lives in NY State. She has toured the world with the creative string trio, “Triology” (www.triology.cc) and with her own band, the Daisy Jopling Band. Her credits include playing at the opening of the Vienna Festival for 30,000 people (May 2004, 2005), writing music for many films (such as arranging and recording with Triology the music of Hans Zimmer in Hollywood, “Spanglish” and “The Road to El Dorado”), and recorded 7 CDs, two with BMG RCA Victor.

An apple-loving man of the cloth – Press-Republican: News.

Heat cost likely to chill – Times Union.

A Message From the Town of Peru 

Come join us for a walk or run and celebrate our new trail

We’ll meet at Sullivan Park, cut a ribbon to make it official, and then make our way to Heyworth/Mason Park along the Town’s new 1.25 mile trail. At the Park there will be light refreshments, a short program of speakers and fun activities for kids. Music will be provided by Peru’s own Don Yo. After the festivities you can make your way back to Sullivan Park via the trail or road system.

By Adele Douglas

Nancy Miner and Chris Ashley enjoying the view from the summit. This is a very short hike that brings you to excellent views after about 45 minutes of climbing. The drawback is that it’s a very steep climb near the top. The trail is narrow and mostly hard packed dirt, there’s just enough flagging to keep you going in the right direction. The trail starts in Buck Pond Campground (off Rte 30 in Onchiota), it branches off the old railway bed trail that runs past Lake Kushaqua.

The Peru Town Board conducted a moment of silence and reflected on the contributions made to the Town of Peru by former Peru Code Enforcement Officer Keith Matott at its Monday, September 22, 2014 meeting. Keith Matott passed away on September 14^th. Glushko said Matott’s experience was invaluable in the formulation of the town’s new comprehensive plan and commended Matott’s service to the town. There were long lines at Matott’s wake and people filled Sacred Heart Church in Chazy for his funeral.

Enforcement of the town’s noise ordinance has proven to be difficult. State Police do not have the time to enforce the law. The Clinton County Sheriff’s Department may be able enforce the law if the county collects any fines levied. Supervisor Glushko will be investigating this option.

The Board also:

• Scheduled a Tax Cap Public Hearing for October 9^th at 6:30 p.m. Supervisor Glushko said there are no plans to exceed the state-imposed tax cap, but if the 2015 budget necessitates exceeding the tax cap, a public hearing has to have been held.
• Passed a resolution supporting the local effort to purchase and preserve the Old Stone Barracks on the Old Base.
• Authorized Adele Douglas to seek prices from consultants for developing a Main Street improvement plan. All costs will be paid by a previously acquired grant.
• At the request of Supervisor Glushko, the Board delayed passing a resolution regarding the oil trains passing through the region. Glushko said a City of Plattsburgh group is researching the issue. He favors delaying action until that group makes its recommendations on the best course of action.
• Noted that a Disaster Preparedness Seminar will be held on October 2^nd at 8 a.m. in the Plattsburgh Office of Emergency Services.
• Encouraged participation in the October 5^th Walking Trail ribbon cutting. Speed limits and no-passing double lines for vehicles approaching the walking trail on Route 22 will be pursued.
• Discussed resolving the issues a few employees are having with the newly installed time clocks. The Employee Handbook will have to be updated to include a new time clock policy.
• Approved sale of the Highway Department stone crusher to Peru Sand and Gravel in the amount of $25,000.
• Received an invitation from the Peru Federal Credit Union to attend a groundbreaking for its new Bear Swamp Road building. The ceremony is scheduled for September 30^th at 3:30 p.m.

Peru town officials learned that it would cost more to keep Town of Peru’s highways safe this coming winter at their Monday, September 8, 2014 meeting. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell informed the Board that salt will cost $73.65 a ton, 27% higher than budgeted and increasing the total cost from an estimated $75,000 to $110,000. Counselors discussed reducing salt usage and other alternatives, but concluded that safety is their highest priority. The salt is especially needed on lightly traveled highways. Salt industry officials attribute the price increase to last year’s hard winter. Inventories have been depleted and communities have placed large orders for this winter. It’s the old supply-demand story.

In other actions the Board:

• Reappointed Deborah Witherwax to the Board of Assessment review.
• Approved renewal of the Cable Franchise Agreement with Charter Communications. The Town of Peru receives approximately $60,000 annually as a franchise fee.
• Set the Walking Trail Official Opening Ceremony for October 5, 2014. The ribbon cutting will be held at Sullivan Park at 1:00 p.m. Participants will walk the 1.25 mile trail to Heyworth-Mason Park for light refreshments, children’s activities and a brief program. Interpretative signs and a safety sign on Route 22 will be erected. The trail has been deemed ready for final inspection.
• Counselors emphasized that the walking trail is not a dog park. Dogs are to be on leashes and users must clean up after their animals. It will be a wonderful community resource if all users follow the rules.

Here’s a great way to meet friends, enjoy a great meal and help a good cause. On Saturday, October 11th from 4 to 7 p.m. the Keeseville Knights of Columbus at their 1435 Route 9 hall will serve a harvest turkey dinner and all the trimmings with all proceeds benefitting the United Way of the Adirondack Region. It’s only $10 a meal with children 5 and under free.  Take-outs are available. Call 834-4689. The Knights of Columbus have served this meal for several years. It’s a great meal!

From the Office of Elise Stefanik

Stefanik Set to Appear on Republican, Conservative and Independence Lines in November

Glens Falls—Congressional candidate Elise Stefanik today officially accepted the nomination of New York’s Independence Party.

“I am honored to accept the Independence Party nomination,” said Stefanik. “I’m committed to working with leaders across our District to unite the Republican, Conservative and Independence Party to ensure a new generation of leadership representing the North Country in Washington.”

“I also want to thank Matt Doheny for providing the Republicans a great opportunity to win back this seat serving the people of the 21st District,” added Stefanik.

“We are proud to support Elise’s candidacy for the 21st District,” said Tom Connolly, Vice Chair of New York’s Independence Party. “Since announcing her campaign, Elise has worked tirelessly to earn the trust of voters district wide, and we are pleased she will be appearing on the Independence line this November.”

Tar sands oil Albany-bound? – Times Union.

This oil would probably pass through the Town of Peru! 

Peru – Come enjoy an evening of great entertainment and learn about the life of Patsy Cline. Patsy Cline impersonator Courtney Shayne will perform of the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center on Saturday, September 27^th at 6 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Children 12 and under are free.

For advance sales contact Howard Bell at hpb5152@hotmail.com or Debbie Bell at 643-2261. Tickets are also available at the Community Church office in the Fellowship Center.

All proceeds will benefit the Peru Community Church Capital Fund Campaign.

Plattsburgh, NY, September 10th, 2014 – The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Champlain Valley is pleased to announce that we will sponsor and host the first ever Keys to Recovery Conference on October 9^th, 2014, at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.  

The conference is an opportunity for peers (those who utilize mental health services), families, providers and interested community members to come together to learn about, discuss and celebrate mental health.  Topics include: Mental Health Recovery, Homelessness, Trauma, Creativity and the Arts etc.

Keynote speaker is Jennifer Ayers-Moore whose brother was portrayed in the movie “The Soloist” featuring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr.  The film depicts the life of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers who is a cello prodigy who develops Schizophrenia and becomes homeless.  The story is an inspiration; and Jennifer’s plan is to inspire the community.

For more information, and to interview Jennifer Ayers-Moore, please contact NAMI:CV.

Regular Mtg Agenda 09222014