The Peru Gazette

Poll: Still even split – Times Union.

The Peruvian International Festival came to the Town of Peru, NY on Sunday, July 20th.  Festival, Peruvian diplomatic and local officials celebrated the connection between the people of Peru, South America and the people of Peru, NY. Many friendships and ideas came forth, notably student and teacher exchanges, future festivals and possible economic ties. The Peru Town Board, especially Town Supervisor Peter Glushko and the Peruvian International Festival officials, were responsible for a memorable and entertaining day.  

The celebration began with a 9:30 Mass at St. Augustine’s Church followed by flag raising ceremonies and speeches in front of the Peru Town Hall.  Following the ceremonies the good crowd walked to Calkins Hall at St. Augustine’s Parish Center where they learned about Peru S.A.’s long history and culture and enjoyed entertainment, Peruvian food and beverages. Click to view our Peru Gazette photos.  Click here for Press Republican story. 

Comcast is in discussions with Charter Communications to take over Peru cable service and is attempting to merge with Time Warner, the cable provider in northern Clinton County.

Comcast ‘Embarrassed’ By The Service Call Making Internet Rounds : All Tech Considered : NPR.

The Peru Gazette compiled a 6.5 minute slideshow featuring photos we have taken of people and scenes in the Town of Peru. Whenever anyone asks why you love living in or visiting Peru, NY you might consider referring them to this You Tube presentation. The Peru Gazette thanks Don McBrayer http://www.donyo.com/ for compiling the music.

The United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. is in the early stage of planning for the 2015 campaign. The volunteer campaign team is being led by Bruce and Marge Garcia of Keeseville, NY. Bruce is the CEO of Joint Council For Economic Opportunities, Inc. (JCEO) and Marge is a long time employee at Adirondack Community Action Programs, Inc. (ACAP) as the Development Coordinator. They both have had a long career in the Health and Human Service field and have been affiliated with the United Way for many years.

The Garcia’s are leading a committed volunteer campaign team that includes the following: Amy Kretser, Jamie Basiliere, Betsy Senkowski, DaleAnne Wolter, Dan Alexander, Deena McCullough, Gayle Alexander, Gerry Morrow, Ellen Gordon, Bruce Gray, Julie Kramer, Lisa VanNatten, Maria Burke, and Tony Searing. “We are excited to be co-chairing the campaign and are looking forward to working with the team and our community to meet our goal” said Bruce and Marge Garcia. Read more »

The Peru Town Hall’s new entrance steps were completed this week and the entrance door was reinstalled today, July 17, 2014.  The handicapped entrance is at the rear of the building.

The Town of Peru, New York is privileged and honored to have government representatives from the Republic of Peru, South America visiting Peru, New York. This historic, first-time festive ceremony will occur on Sunday July 20th, 2014. This event has been arranged and coordinated by the Town of Peru Supervisor, Mr. Peter Glushko and Mr. Rodolfo Flores, Executive Director, International Peruvian Festival.

· 9:30 AM Mass Celebration at St Augustine’s Church (located across the street from the Peru town hall)
· 10:30 AM Welcoming remarks by the Peru Town Supervisor and the Peruvian Consulate from New York City.
· 11:00 AM Raising of the Peruvian and American Flags, followed by honor toasting of the Republic of Peru celebrating their national Anniversary
· Artist performances and light Peruvian refreshments follow.

Chip business sale may be dead – Times Union.

Cuomo to announce new ballot line on Thursday | New York Post.

The Catholic of St. Augustine’s and St. Patrick’s celebrated its annual parish picnic on Sunday, July 13th at St. Patrick’s Oratory/Mother Cabrini Shrine. The day began with a 10:30 AM Mass celebrated by Rev. Alan Shnob.  During the Mass Deacon George Benson baptized Aurelia and Brynlei, the daughters of Richard and Kristen Carnahan. The godparents were Jason and Amber Keable.  An enjoyable picnic and fun for the children followed. Rain was reported in the Peru hamlet, but only a few light sprinkles at the shrine. Click here to view our slideshow. Must be viewed on a PC to enjoy the accompanying music. 

Regular Mtg Agenda 14Jul2014

Mark the date. July 13th 2014. Place: Mother Cabrini Shrine. The parishioners of St. Augustine and St. Patrick will gather at the shrine, to celebrate Mass at 10:30 AM followed by the parish picnic. Please bring a chair and a dish to share. Hot dogs and hamburgers plus beverages will be provided. Come and enjoy the shrine and fellowship. We have a large tent, so rain or shine everyone will be covered. The picnic will also have music and a train ride for the kids!

There will not be a 9:30 AM Mass at St. Augustine’s Church.

New Castle home Sandra Lee shares with Gov. Andrew Cuomo worth $1.2 million, assessor says.

Please join the Clinton County Historical Association (CCHA) on Friday, July 11th in welcoming Don and Barbara Benjamin, former owners of the Royal Savage Inn, for a book signing featuring their newly-released book titled, Remembering the Royal Savage Inn. Famous to locals and travelers alike for its original recipes, inviting atmosphere and historic setting, Remembering the Royal Savage Inn brings back fond memories to all those who dined at the restaurant during its 70-year enterprise in Clinton County. Chapter titles include: “History of the Royal Savage, the Ship and the Inn;” “Big Events;” “The Chaos of the Catering Business;” “Entertaining Stories from Our Employees” and many more.

The book signing will be held at the Museum in the redesigned destination-themed gallery. Copies of Remembering the Royal Savage Inn sell for $20 each. Each book purchase includes an original postcard from the Royal Savage Inn and an article written by the Benjamins. All proceeds from book sales are donated to the Clinton County Historical Association. There is no admission charge for this event.

For more information, please contact the Clinton County Historical Association at 518-561-0340.

Possible sale stirs concern over jobs – Times Union.

WASHINGTON—Congressman Bill Owens announced today that he is co-sponsoring H.R. 5023, the Veterans’ Assistance to Lower Unemployment and Enhance VA Services Act (VALUES Act). This bipartisan legislation would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to give greater hiring preference to veterans who apply for jobs in the VA health care system. “This legislation further enlists the VA as an ally to veterans transitioning back into civilian life, helping them build the skills and experience they need to start a new career, ”said Owens. “Whether they returned to a struggling economy sometime in the past or they’re flying home to find a job today, our nation’s veterans have earned this access to good jobs at the VA.” Read more »

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts (SCA) is excited to present Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers on July 10th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. As the first concert in the SCA’s annual Jumpin’ in July concert series, the performance will take place on the SCA’s front lawn at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in downtown Plattsburgh and is free to the public. In case of rain, the performance will be held indoors in the Strand Theatre located at 25 Brinkerhoff Street.

“We’re pleased to present Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers,” says Jessica Dulle, The Strand Center for the Arts Executive Director. “This is a great chance for everyone to come together and enjoy arts in our community.”

Rooted in delta blues and infused with reggae, soul and funk, award-nominated Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers are making Plattsburgh one of their stops on their summer tour schedule.

“The Jumpin’ in July concert series not only showcases tremendously talented musicians,” says Leigh Mundy, The Strand Center for the Arts Board President, “it is a wonderful opportunity to unite the community and the arts—the very goal we constantly strive for as an organization.”

Next in the Jumpin’ in July series is the incredibly skilled Lucid. Originating in the North Country, Lucid has an eclectic sound combining rock, rap, blues, hip hop and reggae. The band seamlessly blends various musical styles and is a must-see. They will perform on July 17th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm on the Strand Center for the Arts’ front lawn.

The final concert in the Jumpin’ in July series takes place on July 24th and features Dave Keller. Back by popular demand and a North Country favorite, Dave Keller will entertain concert-goers from 5:30 pm to 7:00pm with the sounds of soul and blues.

The Strand Center for the Arts is open to visitors Tuesday through Friday, 10:00am- 5:00pm and Saturdays, 10:00am-4:00pm. For a full list of classes and events, please visit The Strand Center’s website at: www.plattsburgharts.org.

Contact: Jessica Dulle, The Strand Center for the Arts Executive Director by phone at: 518-563-1604 or by email at: outreach@plattsburgharts.org

Fuller Excavating worker were putting the finishing touches on the Fuller Rd. bridge guardrails today. The bridge has reopened.

The Town of Peru, New York is privileged and honored to have government representatives from the Republic of Peru, South America visiting Peru, New York. This historic, first-time festive ceremony will occur on Sunday July 20th, 2014.  This event has been arranged and coordinated by the Town of Peru Supervisor, Mr. Peter Glushko and Mr. Rodolfo Flores, Executive Director, International Peruvian Festival.

Sunday, July 20th, 2014 at the Peru, NY Town Hall

• 9:30 AM  Mass Celebration at St Augustine’s Church (located across the street from the Peru town hall)
• 10:30 AM Welcoming remarks by the Peru Town Supervisor and the Peruvian Consulate from New York City.
• 11:00 AM  Raising of the Peruvian and American Flags, followed by honor toasting of the Republic of Peru celebrating their national Anniversary
• Artist performances and light Peruvian refreshments follow.

Facts on the “Republic of Peru”

Peruvian territory was home to ancient cultures spanning from the Norte Chico civilization, one of the oldest in the world, to the Inca Empire, the largest state in Pre-Columbian America. The Spanish Empire conquered the region in the 16th century and established a Viceroyalty with its capital in Lima, which included most of its South American colonies. After achieving independence in 1821, Peru has undergone periods of political unrest and fiscal crisis as well as periods of stability and economic upswing. Economic cycles have mostly been based on the extraction of raw materials like guano (1845–1866) and rubber (ca. 1900).

Peru is a representative democratic republic divided into 25 regions. Its geography varies from the arid plains of the Pacific coast to the peaks of the Andes Mountains and the tropical forests of the Amazon Basin. It is a developing country with a high Human Development Index score and a poverty level around 25.8 percent.[6] Its main economic activities include mining, manufacturing, agriculture and fishing.

The Peruvian population, estimated at 30.4 million, is multiethnic, including Amerindians, Europeans, Africans and Asians. The main spoken language is Spanish, although a significant number of Peruvians speak Quechua or other native languages. This mixture of cultural traditions has resulted in a wide diversity of expressions in fields such as art, cuisine, literature, and music.

The Andes Mountains take up much of Peru, dividing the country into three sections. The Andes are a constantly changing mountain range, so they are prone to earthquakes, landslides, and flash floods. The Andes, are also filled with great beauty, such as the great Incan city of the clouds, Machu Picchu, which is a major tourist destination, and the huge Lake Titicaca. Near Huancayo lies Nevado Misti, a 18,500 foot peak, from which emerges a stream that is considered the source of the Amazon, the world’s largest river. It flows eastward, joining other rivers, themselves flowing north and east until the Maranon and Ucayali, two great rivers of lowland Amazonia, meet to form the Amazon River itself.

     AGENDA

PLANNING BOARD

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014 @ 7:00 p.m. Read more »

PERU, N.Y. Solomon Northup, the free born Adirondack man kidnapped into slavery who told his powerful story in “12 Years a Slave,” will be celebrated July 20 in Peru, N.Y.

Ironically, the small community of Peru played a part in Northup’s story. He once had a contract to ship Peru-grown lumber south on Lake Champlain to the Albany-Troy area. Northup did transport the lumber, but didn’t get paid, and then took George Washington Allen of Jabez Allen Road to court.

Details of this dramatic story, and much more, will form the basis of the Solomon Northup program at the Peru Free Library, sponsored by the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association.

Northup’s telling of his kidnapping into slavery was a best-selling book in the 1850’s, and the movie version won the Academy Award for Best Picture earlier this year.

Don Papson, the founder and past president of the Association, who has been researching and writing about the Solomon Northup story and other aspects of slavery and freedom for over a decade, will lead the program. Also speaking will be Helen Allen Nerska, president of the Clinton County Historical Association, and a descendent of the family involved in that lumber dispute with Northup. Her great, great, great uncle was born in Peru, grandson of Jabez Allen, one of Peru’s original settlers.

Free and open to all, the program begins at 5 p.m. at the Peru Free Library, 3024 Main St. Solomon Northup Day will be celebrated Saturday, July 19, at Saratoga Springs.

Ruling paves way for resort – Times Union.

The North Country Chamber of Commerce invites area business people to Business After Hours on July 17th from 5:30 – 7:00pm on the lawn at the Strand Center for the Arts. Co-sponsored by ETS and Coldwell Banker Whitbeck Associates, this month’s Business After Hours will be held in conjunction with The Strand Center for the Arts’ Jumpin’ in July concert series.

Business After Hours is open to all Chamber members and their employees. Future members are encouraged to contact the Chamber for a special guest pass. Read more »

By John T. Ryan

Almost every Peru resident has attended an activity at the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center. The spacious building serves the church and the community at large providing space for meetings, homeless families, receptions, parties, showers, concerts, and more. Some of Peru’s most joyous and important events have taken place within its walls; however, 25 years after its construction, the Fellowship Center is in need of repairs and upgrades. About 18 months ago, the Peru Community Church formed a Capital Campaign Committee and charged it with raising the funds necessary to ensure the Fellowship Center’s future in the Peru community.

Roy Perry and Howard Paul Bell are Capital Campaign Committee members and Peter Lake is the Church Treasurer. Peter Lake talked about a high priority saying, “Our shingle roof is approaching the end of its useful life. We’d like to install a metal roof. It’s more expensive initially, but it will last a long time. We’d also like to restructure the east entrance with a simpler design. We’re having an ice build-up problem.” Roy Perry said, “The heating system is another problem. The electric thermal heating system was state of the art in 1989, but there are much more efficient systems available today. We’re using monitor heaters in most rooms. The thermal heating comes on during the coldest weather.” Entrance doors and the kitchen plumbing are also in need of repair or replacement. The current hot water heating system is also very inefficient. Howard Paul Bell emphasized, “We have to look to the future and try to reduce our operating costs.”

Thanks to gifts and pledges by church members and some fund-raising, the Capital Campaign has a current balance of $73,000, but the Committee has determined that amount needs to grow to $200,000 before initial work can begin. The cost of all repairs and upgrades has been estimated as high as $400,000. Church members continue to make annual pledges and people are coming forward with fund-raising events such as the August 2nd “Ride For the Roof.” The Capital Campaign will be successful with the support of church members and the local community.

Any person or group who would like to assist or contribute to the Capital Campaign should contact the Peru Community Church office at 643-8641 or mail contributions to the Peru Community Church P. O. Box 38, Peru, NY 12972.

Non-profit groups currently utilizing the Fellowship Center include:

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts

Alcoholics Anonymous

Peru Lions Club

RSVP Exercise Program

Town of Peru Children’s Christmas Party

Town of Peru weather back-up site for the Sunday night Gazebo concerts

Coffee House Concerts

Scrapbook Club

Yoga Classes

Everyone who enjoys motorcycling or a pig roast and contributing to a good cause should mark Saturday, August 2^nd on their calendar. Proceeds from the “Ride For The Roof” will be donated for a new roof on the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center. Experienced Road Captain Rick Lawrence will lead the cycles on a 100-mile ride through the Adirondacks. A pig roast for the riders and local community with all the fixings will follow at the Fellowship Center. You do not have to ride to attend the pig roast; it’s a family affair.

Registration with free donuts and coffee for riders are at 9 AM at Livingoods Restaurant. Rev. Robert Svenson and Rev. Alan Shnob will have a “Blessing of the Bikes” before kickstands go 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.

Tickets will be on sale at registration, at the pig roast or in advance by contacting Polly Lake at 643-8214, Faith Long at 569-9387 or Rick Lawrence at 802-323-6403. You can also email plake1@charter.net. The cost is $40 ($30 if paid in advance) for bike, rider and pig roast and $25 for passengers and non-riders.