The Peru Gazette

By Adele Douglas

The crane was late and the weather threatening but despite those challenges Fuller Excavating did a great job of placing the bridge over the Little Ausable River, as part of the Town’s Little Ausable River Trail project. Watching the whole operation unfold, from the set-up of the crane, to the maneuvering of the large trucks transporting the bridge, to the pinpoint placement of the structure was a lesson in organization, efficiency and precision.

The project is wrapping-up nicely. The trail should be paved starting the week of August 18^th and will hopefully open to the public in mid-September. Stay tuned!

Setting up the crane at the site of the bridge crossing. From CCS of Vermont, the crane can lift 275 tons.

The second of two 50’ bridge sections is raised off the truck that brought them up from Pioneer Bridges in Alabama.

The two bridge sections have been bolted together and make their way into place as the bolts on the abutment are cleaned-up. The bridge weighs about 19 tons.

Almost there.

Operations Manager Doug Hesseltine asks the crane operator to lower the bridge. It’s a perfect fit onto the bolts of the abutment.

On the bridge Site Superintendent Noah Rounds, Foreman Alan Fuller and Doug Hesseltine prepare to remove the crane cables. From start (when the crane arrived) to finish the placement of the bridge took 5 hours.

The boardwalk approach over wetlands to the bridge from the Route 22 side of the trail.

By John T. Ryan

Over the past few days The Peru Gazette received two phone calls asking if we had seen the beautiful work done by Lauren Lawliss for this week’s Vacation Bible School (VBS). When the program’s 162 students descended the Peru Community Church’s Fellowship Center stairs to the VBS classrooms, they passed through a multitude of Lauren Lawliss’s artwork that traces the life of Moses through the Bible. Manna and the quail, the Passover, the parting of the Red Sea, Moses and the Amalekites and receiving the Ten Commandments are beautifully depicted.

The daughter of Michael and Lisa Lawliss and soon to be a Peru High School 10^th grader, Lauren Lawliss illustrated the VBS theme for the 3^rd consecutive year. She began working in June and estimates that it took her over 100 hours to reach her goal. She explained, “I attended the Vacation Bible School from Pre-K through the 6th grade and I loved it. I want to give back to the community and I love seeing the faces of the children when they walk down the classroom hallway.”

Lauren Lawliss also volunteers to assist in the VBS classroom. Today she was working with 1^st graders. She’s just one of 82 volunteers who are working to make the program a success. Students return year after year because the program is focused on being educational and fun.

St. Augustine’s Church and the Peru Community Church jointly sponsor the Vacation Bible School. Children from many faith traditions participate in the five-day program.

Charles Remillard, of Peru, NY, was one of 50 SUNY Oneonta student-athletes named to the State University of New York Athletic Conference All-Academic Team and Commissioner’s List for the Spring 2014 season.

To qualify for the All-Academic Team, a student must be varsity athlete who has completed the entire season and earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.3 for the semester in which they competed. In addition, to be named to the Commissioner’s List, the student athlete must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.3 based on three semesters at the institution. (Does not have to be consecutive semesters). Remillard, who is majoring in Secondary Education, was a member of the Track & Field team.

A liberal arts college with a pre-professional focus, SUNY Oneonta features outstanding and accessible faculty, students committed to academics and community service, exceptional technology, a modern Field House and athletic facilities, and a beautiful campus. The college enrolls 6,000 students in its 70 undergraduate majors and 15 graduate programs. Athletes compete on 21 teams at the NCAA Division III level, and the college is a member of the SUNYAC conference.

A liberal arts institution with a strong focus on undergraduate research, SUNY Oneonta consistently gains recognition for delivering excellence and value. The college has been named to Kiplinger’s list of “100 Best Values in Public Colleges” for eight consecutive years, was ranked No. 2 on the 2014 Kiplinger’s list of “10 Best Public Colleges With Lowest Debt at Graduation” and sits at No. 16 on the 2014 U.S. News and World Report list of the best public institutions in the region.The college enrolls 6,000 students in its 70 undergraduate majors and 14 graduate programs.

The following Peru, NY students were named to the dean’s list at Paul Smith’s College during the spring 2014 semester. Each earned a semester average of 3.3 or higher to receive this distinction:

Emily Brosseau of Peru, N.Y., who is majoring in hotel, resort and tourism management.

Grace Mayhew of Peru, N.Y., who is majoring in environmental sciences.

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Rob Duquette, a resident of Peru, N.Y. was one of 93 SUNY Potsdam student-athletes to earn a spot on the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) All-Academic Team for the spring semester, the conference announced Tuesday, July 29.

Duquette is a Senior member of the SUNY Potsdam Men’s Basketball team. Players named to the all-academic team have a minimum of a 3.3 GPA for the Spring 2014 semester.

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.

Emma Altizer and Sarah Connelly of Peru were named to Le Moyne College’s  spring semester Dean’s List.  Altizer, who recently completed her junior year, is majoring in Biology. Sarah Connelly completed her senior year and majored in Psychology.

Located in a suburban setting on a picturesque 160-acre campus in Syracuse, N.Y., Le Moyne College is one of only 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Offering more than 30 majors, Le Moyne provides a values-based education that helps students explore their potential through academics, experience and service. In 2014, for the first time ever, Le Moyne was ranked by The Princeton Review as one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education, according to “The Best 378 Colleges.” A Le Moyne education provides students with the intellectual skills necessary to succeed in the world and the will to use their abilities to promote a more just society.

Megan M Tedford of Peru, NY, received academic honors from the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences at Binghamton University by making the Dean’s List for the spring 2014 semester.

Binghamton University is one of the four university centers of the State University of New York. Known for the excellence of its students, faculty, staff and programs, Binghamton enrolls close to 15,000 students in programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Its curriculum, founded in the liberal arts, has expanded to include selected professional and graduate programs.

Watch harvesting of buckwheat and oats using antique farming equipment and loose hay being gathered and stored at the Hay and Harvest Plus Music Weekend August 16th and 17th at the Babbie Farm and Rural Leaning Museum. Enjoy the demonstrations in the granary. Music by Flashback (50’s music/classic country) on Saturday at 2:30. Sunday is Irish Day with performances by Champlain Valley Irish Dancers at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Also wheat weaving and making corn husk dolls. Picnic area available…. bring your own lunch or hotdogs, chips, and soda will be available for purchase. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Call 518-643-8052 http://www.babbiemuseum.org/

The “Ride For The Roof” is taking place and Randy Furnia is at home roasting delicious pork for this afternoon’s great meal at the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center. All proceeds will be donated to install a new roof on the Fellowship Center. Experienced Road Captain Rick Lawrence is leading the cycles on a 100-mile ride through the Adirondacks. Community members and riders are invited to the pig roast dinner which will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Fellowship Center. You do not have to ride to attend the pig roast.

At this morning’s registration at Livingoods Restaurant Rev. Robert Svenson and Rev. Alan Shnob conducted a “Blessing of the Bikes” before kickstands went up at 10AM. The 1 to 5 PM pig roast will include music by Peru’s own DJ Don “Yo” McBrayer, raffles and a silent auction. The pig roast is $25 for passengers and non-riders. The Peru Gazette thanks Don McBrayer for the cycle photos!

By John T. Ryan

The Town Board meeting of Monday, July 14^th adjourned at 10:15 p.m. following a 40-minute Executive Meeting on personnel issues and long discussions of several other items.  Town Counselors’ frustration with inaccurate engineer cost estimates dominated the meeting as bids came in higher than expected on yet another project. In January 2013, the Town of Peru received a $235,000 Safe Routes to School Program grant. To date planning and engineering costs total $45,000 with more costs to be incurred for supervision and inspection. Equipment and construction costs were estimated at $145,000, but when the bids were opened on July 3^rd, the lowest bid meeting specifications totaled $195,618. While the Town is not at financial risk since the program is 100% federally funded, counselors no longer trust engineer cost estimates. Counselors asked how they could make engineering firms more accountable.

Counselor Jim Douglass was in favor of rebidding the project. Counselor Kregg Bruno suggested asking the Peru Central School to assume a great share of the cost since most of the improvement will take place on the school campus. He said, “The Town has gotten the grant. I think the school should come up with some money.” Prior to the Board’s July 28^th meeting, the Board will look into reducing the project scope or delaying the project until a time when construction companies have less work. It appears to be a seller’s market at this time.

The Safe Routes to Schools Program is designed to improve safety of the crosswalk on 22B; build sidewalks where needed on campus to keep students from walking where cars and buses are driving; install bike racks at all entrances and; an educational, in-school component, to raise awareness and encourage walking and biking to school safely.

The Board’s frustration with engineers virtually exploded when Glushko reported that repairs to the Highway Department Garage roof could cost $33,000 more than estimates. The contractor performing the work observed additional roof panels in need of replacement and many loose panel screws. Waterproof insulation was also recommended. Counselors Kregg Bruno and Brandy McDonald said all these issues were thoroughly discussed with engineers during the bid formulation process. Bruno said members expressed skepticism at the insulation proposal stating that keeping water out was the reason the roof was being repaired. Installing screws and replacing needed panels appeared to be absolutely necessary. A decision will be made at the Monday, July 28^th meeting. 

Code Enforcement Officer Frank Slycord reported that he has issued building permits for twelve new single-family homes since January 1^st. Seven homes are site-built homes, three are modular homes and two are doublewide homes.

The Board interviewed five candidates for the Dog Control Officer’s position. The Board is expected to announce its choice at its Monday, July 28^th meeting.

The Board approved the installation of three fingerprint-based time clocks. Wells Communications will train personnel and install the clocks in the Town Hall, the Water Department and the Sewer Department at a cost of $3,188. The clocks should result in more accurate computation of regular and overtime hours worked.

Supervisor Peter Glushko addressed the Board regarding the July 20^th International Peruvian Festival. Plans are in place for 11 a.m. ceremonies at the Town Hall followed by food and entertainment in Calkins Hall at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Only two local residents have stepped forward to house the visitors (Glushko and Counselor Donald McBrayer); therefore, the Town will be assuming the cost of some housing and the food to be served.

New Peru resident Judi Grant addressed the Board stating that she would like to serve on town committees. She said, “I would like to invest my time in the community.” After some discussion, the Board asked Grant to do fact-finding on instituting a farmer’s market at Heyworth/Mason Park next summer.

WASHINGTON—Today Congressman Bill Owens announced new funding allocations for local law enforcement agencies through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) state and local preparedness grant program for Fiscal Year 2014. OPSG provides funding to support operational preparedness along the northern and southern U.S. borders and to improve coordination among Federal, state, territorial and local law enforcement agencies.

This allocation includes $102,392 for organizations in Jefferson County, $103,860 in Clinton County, $103,860 in Franklin County and $101,613 in St. Lawrence County.

“This funding will give emergency preparedness officials and first responders the necessary support to ensure North Country border communities are safe,” said Owens. “With significant rising demand at our region’s border crossings and land ports, this funding will encourage legitimate trade and tourism while preventing illegal trafficking, keeping local communities secure and economies growing.”

Congressman Owens sits on the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee which oversees funding allocations. He also serves as Co-Chair of the Northern Border Caucus and has led numerous efforts to create a safer, smarter northern border. Owens previously proposed legislation (H.R. 4747) to increase the penalty for people caught trafficking through tribal lands, and (H.R. 4748) to improve coordination between the Office of National Drug Control Policy and DHS.

Law enforcement agencies in New York’s northern border communities have received funding through the OPSG program since 2008.

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Regular Mtg Agenda 07282014

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During the summers of 1916 and 1917, the Plattsburgh Barracks was a place of action and adventure. This summer, Clinton County Historical Association campers will re-live that electric excitement as participants in the Citizen Soldier Youth Camp. During the course of the week, students will explore the socio-political events that led to the Plattsburgh Barracks becoming a central part of America’s military organization. Campers will be immersed in what life was like at the Barracks for new officer candidates. Campers will learn drill from that period with replica training rifles, and will discover the art of trench warfare as was taught at Plattsburgh in 1917. Campers will receive period-enlistment paperwork, pay and enjoy period-food rations. In the course of a week campers will come to have a new-found appreciation for the pivotal role that Plattsburgh played during America’s involvement in World Ware I, as well as a deep respect for the courage and bravery of every man, woman, and child who lived through and experienced the “war to end all wars.”

The Camp is instructed and designed by well-known re-enactor and educator, Matthew T. Hewson. It will be held at the Clinton County Historical Association located at 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh from Tuesday, August 12th through Friday, August 15th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Camp is recommended for youth between the ages of 9 and 13. The cost is $50 per camper. Please call the Museum at 518-561-0340 to register your camper today! Spaces are limited.

Funded in-part by the Chapel Hill Foundation and Clinton County.

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The Town of Peru is holding ongoing registration for its fall soccer program. Registration hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m at the Town Hall. The last day to register is July 31. Teams will be selected the first week of August.

For more information call john Flynn at 593-0935.

Legislation requires TSA to provide dignified screenings for veterans visiting D.C. memorials
WASHINGTON—Last night the House of Representatives approved the Honor Flight Act, H.R. 4812, by voice vote requiring the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator to establish a process that provides expedited and dignified passenger screening for veterans taking Honor Flights to visit war memorials that honor their service.
“Our nation’s veterans have served this country faithfully,” said Owens. “Subjecting them to an invasive screening before they get on an Honor Flight is unnecessary and jarring to the experience. Honor Flights require a different security standard and this legislation will ensure our screening procedures reflect that.”
Honor Flights were first established almost a decade ago to bring U.S. military veterans to Washington D.C to visit war memorials honoring their service. The first Honor Flights took off in May 2005 with six small planes flying 12 veterans to Washington. The service was so popular that 137 veterans had made the trip by the end of that year.
The first Honor Flight from Plattsburgh took place in May 2013 with more than 70 veterans making the trip that year. Last month a North Country Honor Flight brought 15 WWII veterans and their guardians to Washington to visit the WWII memorial. Participating veterans are also often recognized with a ceremony prior to departure to honor their service.
“I am proud to have seen local veterans off on several Honor Flights myself,” Owens added. “These flights are an important opportunity for us to recognize these veterans for their invaluable service and sacrifice. They deserve to be treated with the utmost respect.”

PLATTSBURGH, NY— The Strand Center for the Arts is proud to announce the upcoming August exhibit which features works by Gail and Clay Morris on display in our Main Gallery from August 1st to the 23rd, 2014. The combination of Gail’s plein air painting with the photographic work of her husband Clay produces a complement in landscapes, emphasizing color and space. The opening reception will be held August 1st from 5:30-7:00 PM and coincides with the First Weekends in Plattsburgh August Art Walk. This event is free to the public and refreshments will be served.

Gail Morris was the winner of the 2013 Juried Show held at the Strand Center for the Arts last year, part of the prize was being given her own solo show. Gail states that “For me, the art in nature is invigorating and gives pause to observe the world around us. I averaged one or two paintings a year until my husband, Clay, coaxed me into entering three paintings in the NCCCA Juried Art Show. Surprisingly, my painting, “Country Road Bouquet” took first place.” Gail had taken painting and drawing classes in college, but after 37 years teaching grade school students and raising her own children she has once again turned her attention to painting. With the support of her husband Clay, who will also be showing a selection of his photographic works, Gail has re-entered the art scene.

The opening reception will be held August 1st from 5:30-7:00 PM and is free to the public. The Arts Center will also be providing refreshments. For more information on the artists, exhibition or First Weekends Art Walk contact SCA at 518-563-1604, email gallery@plattsburgharts.org, or visit Plattsburgharts.org.

Funds will be used to clear obstructions from runways and transitional surfaces

WASHINGTON—Today Congressman Bill Owens announced $475,000 in grant funding that has been awarded to Ogdensburg International Airport and $76,000 to Plattsburgh International Airport. The funds will be used to clear obstructions including trees and tree cover from runways and transitional surfaces.

“Maintaining these airport runways is critical for their continued service to the region,” said Owens. “This funding supports the basic upkeep that allows these facilities to continue uninterrupted service for business people, residents and tourists who travel here. These transportation resources are vital for future economic development and growth in the North Country.”

According to Wade A. Davis, Executive Director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, “this project will support the Northern New York air traveler by implementing critical infrastructure improvements.” “Every bit of federal support for Plattsburgh International is helpful and welcome,” noted Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “Thanks to Congressman Owens and our Senators for their reliable assistance, and to Clinton County for earning the continued confidence and commitment of the FAA. Onward and upward!”

The Ogdensburg International Airport is a public airport spanning 500 acres and maintains 5,200 feet of asphalt runway. Plattsburgh International Airport is a public airport covering 1,912 acres with 11,758 feet of asphalt runway.

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