The Peru Gazette

Please note that due to pending inclement weather, Peru Central School District will be closed today, Monday, February 2nd.

Stephanie Beach (NJ), Rachel Daly (NY), Brittany Allen (AZ), and Klara Folse (VA) are pictured here with Sr. Agnes on the day of their Candidacy Reception, September 21, 2014, at Our Lady Queen of Angels Convent chapel.

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Each Sunday St. Augustine’s parishioners pray that one of their number will respond to God’s call to the religious life. On September 21, 2014 their prayers were answered when the Franciscan Sisters of Renewal of Bronx, New York received Rachel Daly as a candidate for their religious community. Rachel attended St. Augustine’s School and graduated from Seton Catholic in 2010. Last spring she earned an English degree at the University of Dallas. She was in Peru visiting her parents Matt and Bobbi Daly for Christmas and took time to speak with The Peru Gazette.

Older people recall a time when many Catholic young people decided to become a priest or nun. That is not the situation today; religious vocations have been declining for many years. Rachel explained why she chose a religious vocation. “I’ve known sisters throughout my life – Sisters Helen and Kathleen at St. Augustine’s School and Sister Debbie Blow at Seton Catholic was a big part of my life through high school. That exposure to religious life opened the concept of a vocation to me.” She also recalls an experience when she attended Camp Guggenheim, the Diocese of Ogdensburg’s summer resident camp for teens. “A Carmelite sister came to speak to us about religious life. My friend was fascinated with her and wanted to talk to her. So the two of us did, and we found that sister to be joyful, beautiful, and clearly very happy.”

The University of Dallas was also a welcoming place for anyone considering a religious vocation. Rachel said, “Several of my fellow students considered the religious life. A girl I lived next to as a freshman actually entered an order around the same time I did.” Between her college junior and senior years Rachel participated in a summer internship where she came into contact with Franciscans who worked with the poor. She said, “I got a taste of the Franciscan spirit.” Rachel chose the Franciscan Sisters of Renewal after visiting their New York City convents where she discovered a real sense of family among the sisters. The sister’s mission of working with the poor, the homeless and evangelization was also in line with her desires.

Rachel with children who participate in a Franciscan Sisters of Renewal youth group in East Harlem

Rachel is just beginning an eight-year journey before taking her final vows. She said. “I’m learning the life. It’s about becoming something in order to have something to give. We don’t just bring food to people – we also hope to bring Christ. So this time is about growing in holiness.”

Rachel begins her day with 6 a.m. recitation of the Office of Readings followed by an hour of private meditation, morning prayer and mass. There’s also a midday prayer, a late afternoon holy hour, evening prayer, rosary and night prayer. Two days each week she attends classes, and on other days she might do chores, study or assist in her community’s food distribution and soup kitchen apostolates. Fridays are devoted to prayer, silence and fasting.

The sisters are not all work and no play. Evening dinner is an “extended meal” when lively conversation and interaction are encouraged. Each Sunday the sisters enjoy a late morning brunch and an afternoon of rest, during which they might take walks, have a community outing or write letters home.

Asked what has been the most difficult aspect of her candidacy, Rachel responded, “Letting go of my own will. Before entering I was a college student and could design my own schedule. It’s an adjustment to get used to living in community and not only having myself to think about. I’m having to let go of doing what I want, when I want.”

Rachel Daly has been called to serve at a time when the Catholic Church has a new and dynamic leader in Pope Francis. Rachel said, “Pope Francis is working to renew the Church. Christ gave the Church a mission to go to the end of the earth and share the Gospel and to be bold. As a church if we’re not doing that then we’re calcifying. Pope Francis is reminding us to be Christ-like and to be gentle and humble, which is very similar to our community’s special Franciscan call. So it’s a gift to be living in an intensified way what Pope Francis is asking of the whole Church.”

Reverend Robert Svenson at the Annual Walk of Faith

The following message appears in the Peru Community Church’s February newsletter

From the Pastors Desk January 2015

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

I have at my home and in my office a cup that reads: “YES, NO, MAYBE.” It best describes my feelings about a decision I have been struggling with for the past year. The focus of my struggle has been concerning the length of my stay at the Peru Community Church. I have now reached a decision, and on January 22nd I informed the Official Board of my decision to resign as Pastor effective August 31, 2015. I would like to state unequivocally that my decision to retire is in response to my own inner voice. I am 79 years old this February, I do not have the energy I once had and have reached that point in my life when I am ready to spend some quiet time and quality time with my children. It was a very difficult decision to make on one hand because of my love for this Church and many of its members, and the part of me which is ready to slow down and learn to relax. I wish the Church and its members the very best as you seek to discover what God has for your future.

Bob

POTSDAM, NY – Nicholas Lawliss of Peru, N.Y., a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering was named a Presidential Scholar for the fall 2014 semester at Clarkson University.

Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world’s pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and the health professions, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.

New bookstore opens in Plattsburgh – Press-Republican: Local News.

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (January 29, 2015) – The Strand Center for the Arts announces the production of A.R. Gurney’s critically acclaimed play “Love Letters” to be performed on Valentine’s Day February 14, 2015 at the historic Strand Theatre. The play features performers from the Adirondack Regional Theatre Company.

A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters,” is a disarmingly funny and unforgettably emotional portrait about the powerful connection of love. Read more »

The Peru Central School Board of Education will gather Tuesday, February 3rd at 6 PM in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room for their first public session budget workshop. At its budget workshop, the School Board is expected to:

.Receive a budget overview brief.

.Receive a briefing on the fiscal stress monitoring system.

· Examine and update a budget timeline.

· Receive Executive Budget highlights.

· Review and discuss initial budget challenges.

· Define initial budget parameters.

The full agenda is available on the Peru CSD website at www.perucsd.org.

The meeting is open to all.

Morrisville State College recently announced that Colin Pope of Peru, NY was named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2014 semester.

To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must achieve an average of 3.0 to 3.99 for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

Morrisville State’s curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.

In addition to being named to the 2014 President’s Higher Community Education Service Honor Roll, the college was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as an institution in the top tier of the Best Regional Colleges list and ranked second among regional colleges nationwide for outperforming its anticipated graduation rate. For more information visit www.morrisville.edu.

Susan Whiteman

Susan Whiteman

Dan Hausner

Dan Hausner

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts is proud to announce two new exhibitions in February featuring work by Susan Whiteman and Dan Hausner. Susan Whiteman is the headlining artist in the Main Gallery with “Tread Softly, Travel Lightly” while Dan Hausner exhibits “Moments and Places” in the Community Gallery located at The Strand Center for the Arts at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh. Both shows will be on view from February 13th to March 13th, 2015. The opening reception for these exhibitions will be held February 13th, 2015 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Susan Whitman began painting when she was fifteen Read more »

Peru – Homeowners and renters can learn about New York State’s cost-saving home energy assessment programs on Friday January 30th at 7 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Jamie Rogers of ANCA (Adirondack North Country Association) will explain the free and low-cost energy assessments and program incentives available to New York State residents. Income-qualified families may be eligible for free energy upgrades. All are welcome!

Peru Central student arrested in connection with bomb threat – Press-Republican: News.

By John T. Ryan

Ambit Energy will soon become the Town of Peru’s energy suppler. The Peru Town Board authorized a switch from NYSEG to Ambit Energy at its Monday, January 26, 2015 meeting. The Board expects to save a minimum of 2% annually compared to NYSEG, plus because the town has 15 or more accounts Ambit will not charge for electricity used at the town’s largest consuming facility – the water treatment plant. Counselor Brandy McDonald expressed the Board’s consensus opinion saying, “We have a lot more information than we did two years ago. I feel very comfortable with this decision now that we know more.” About two years ago an out of town Ambit representative made a less than impressive presentation to the Board. On December 8^th Ambit Business Consultant Colleen LaFountain, who resides in Peru, conducted an informative presentation for the Board.

The Board launched a second attempt to implement its $235,000 Safe Routes to School grant.  Last July, the Board rejected project bids when they came in $50,000 higher than estimates. At Monday’s meeting the Board authorized advertising for bids. The project includes a pedestrian activated crosswalk light across Route 22B and construction of on campus sidewalks. There also is an educational, in-school component, designed to encourage safe walking and biking to school. The New York State Department of Transportation and the Clinton County Health Department are assisting in the program implementation. The Health Department has agreed to provide bike racks at the school entrances.

The Town continues to expand sharing of services with other government and educational entities. The Peru Central school busses have been refueling at the Town Highway Garage for the past 18 months. The Peru Fire Department has followed suit. Town Attorney Donald Biggs will be drawing up a formal contract between the Town of Peru and the Peru Fire Department.

According to County Legislator Peter Keenan. Clinton County 2014 sales tax totaled about $36 million, $1.4 million less than collected in 2013. Peru will receive about $21,900 in sales tax revenue to apply to its 2015 general budget. The vast majority of sales tax collections reduce the county tax on individual taxpayers’ bills. Keenan makes periodic reports to the Town Board to keep the Board updated on Clinton County business.

Counselor Donald McBrayer, the Board Liaison to Town Court, reported that Peru’s two town justices are concerned about the penalties levied for violation of the Town’s Dog Control Law. Section 22 calls for misdemeanor charges and penalties of up to $1,000. Counselor McBrayer said the judges are concerned about having to charge a violator with a misdemeanor and enforcement costs to the town, which could include having to pay for legal representation for an indigent defendant. The Board will discuss Section 22 at its Wednesday, January 28^th 6:30 p.m. workshop. Counselor Donald McBrayer also reported that he completed the state mandated audit of Peru Town Court. He stated, “That office runs a tight ship. The office files were up to date and were extremely well organized.

Repairs to the historic Lyon Street Schoolhouse should begin as soon as weather permits. The Board accepted the $7,600 bid proposal received from Donald Bell. Town Historian Ron Allen told the Board that he talked to Bell’s references and they have been very satisfied with his work. Bell will level the floor, install a 6’x6’ beam in the center of the floor and repair the stone foundation. Two bids were received for the project. Bell submitted the low bid.

The Board approved the reappointment of Richard Williams as Chairman and Ben Wright as Vice-Chairman of the Planning Board and Robin Bashaw as Chairman and James Falvo as Vice-Chairman of the Zoning Board.

Bids will be solicited for the Highway Department’s 2005 pick-up with a bid opening on February 9^th at 10 a.m. The truck sustained serious damage after being stolen several months ago. The Highway Department performed repairs before determining that engine repairs would cost more than the truck is worth. The insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss.

Judge James Kirby told the Board he would like to get professional technical advice prior to purchasing a computer server for the Town Court office. Debbie Flemming, the town’s contract technology provider, will be contacted.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell told the Board that a large group of town officials should go to Albany on March 4^th to lobby for Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) money for the Highway Department. CHIPS monies help finance the highway-paving program.

Water-Sewer Superintendent Greg Timmons told the Board that “Town of Peru” decals have been applied to all of his department’s vehicles.

From the office of Cornell Cooperative Extension

Canton, NY On Saturday, February 7, Cornell Cooperative Extension will host a regional training workshop to help small livestock farmers reduce and manage the parasites that affect pastured sheep and goats.

The 10am-3pm training is offered as a regional program for producers across the Northern New York region. Read more »

A message from the Peru Central School

Please note that the event below has been postponed until February 12th.
Thank you and please accept our apology for the short notice.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, Peru Central School District will be presenting its second workshop of a four part series titled ‘Empowering Parents.’ This second workshop will focus on ‘CRUTCHES: A Parenting Framework That Parents Can Lean On’, and hopes to provide parents with tips for managing the challenges of parenting and life circumstances, attaining balance amidst trying times, and discussing the ABC’s (aka, Awareness, Balance, and Control) of being an empowered parent.

The meeting will be held in the Community Room of the Peru Jr/Sr High School and is open to all families within the school district.

From the office of the North Country Regional Economic Council

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) held a public meeting on Friday at the High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid. The meeting, attended by Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, provided the Council the opportunity to kick off its planning for 2015, report on progress to date and begin discussions on new initiatives as proposed in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Opportunity Agenda and Executive Budget, including the Upstate Revitalization Fund and the New NY Broadband Fund.

In addition, the Council welcomed three new members—Joseph Lightfoot, Chair of the St. Lawrence County Legislature; Robert Lenney, Location Manager for Alcoa-Massena Operations; and Joseph Giroux, Owner of Giroux’s Family Farm. Read more »

U. S. Navy Seabee John Lawliss 1951-55

NYS Trooper John Lawliss – 1957

Troop B Commander John Lawliss – 1983-1987

Jack Lawliss at his Peru home – January 20, 2015

By John T. Ryan

Longtime Peru resident John “Jack” Lawliss feels and looks good these days. And he’s relaxing! That’s a relief to many people who were thinking of and praying for Jack as he battled tongue cancer. Last spring his cancer treatments forced him to resign from his Peru Town Justice position. Jack explained, “I just couldn’t handle the job. I had to take radiation. Rather than just sit and draw my pay I resigned.”

Jack Lawliss has earned the right to relax. He’s been hard at work since joining the U.S. Navy in 1951. When he returned home in 1955, he worked construction for a few months at the new Plattsburgh Air Force Base. In October 1955 he began a career that he loved as a member of the New York State Police.

Over the next 33 years Jack Lawliss rose to become Troop B Commander responsible for leading 260 sworn officers and 40 support personnel in enforcing the laws in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, St. Lawrence and Hamilton Counties. After retiring in 1989, he operated a Plattsburgh investigative agency for ten years before becoming Clinton County Sheriff in 1999. He became a Peru Town Justice in 2004.

On January 20^th, The Peru Gazette interviewed Jack Lawliss with a goal of learning more about the man and his distinguished law enforcement career.

You served in the New York State Police, as Clinton County Sheriff and as Peru Town Justice. Which job did you enjoy most? “My first love was the State Police. I grew up in it. It was like family to me. I knew what I was doing there. It takes a while to learn the job of sheriff. As a judge it takes a long time to learn the job. You’re always learning something, laws change every year and you have to be up to date on the laws and the recent court decisions.”

What personal qualities do you believe are necessary for success in law enforcement? “You have to be dedicated. You have to persevere in your work; you have to work hard and you have to put the job first. My wife used to get quite annoyed with the long hours I had to work.” Jack recalled when he was in the Bureau of Investigation (BCI) in Plattsburgh. “I was in Plattsburgh for four years. You had to work all the time. You had daytime duty, stakeouts at night. I loved it! You have to enjoy your work to be successful.”

Who had the most influence on your career? “John Snell (Plattsburgh attorney Jack Snell’s father). He was a BCI Sergeant in Port Henry who was known as ‘Mr. State Policeman of Essex County.’ He took me under his wing and I tried to emulate him. He was a great mentor and taught me the ropes.”

Why were you considered to be a good leader? “When I was appointed Troop Commander I had 27 years of service and worked in every rank in the BCI and uniformed force so I was very familiar with all the state police policies and procedures. My main concern was to have the folks in my command do a good job.”

What was your major challenge when you were a state trooper? “In all three positions I was concerned about making the right decision. As a state trooper it was sometimes a life or death decision and you didn’t want to make a wrong decision knowing the impact that it would have.”

Why do you think the NYS Police are so respected? “They’re always well-disciplined and supervised. They have continuing education with in-service training and various law enforcement seminars.”

When you think about your police career what cases come first to mind? “The Robert Garrow manhunt. Garrow was loose with a rifle in the Adirondacks and had murdered three college students. I was sent by Headquarters with my assigned detail to assist in the manhunt, as I was very familiar with the area. I had worked in Port Henry as a trooper for six years and I had many contacts in that area. Garrow was spotted in Witherbee and had left a stolen car in that area. I obtained information that he was hiding in the woods on the Silver Hill Road behind Wasson St. in Witherbee. I was not in charge of the detail, but I convinced the person in charge of where he was and we reassigned a number of troopers from roadblocks and sent them in with the dogs in the Silver Hill area. We shot him in that area on August 9, 1973. I received a Superintendent’s Commendation for my part in the nine-day manhunt.”

Jack also recalled leading a raid at Akwesasne near Massena. The troopers had been ordered to seize a large number of slot machines. Governor Mario Cuomo was very concerned and did not want a violent confrontation. Jack explained, “On December 16, 1987 I took over 200 troopers onto the St. Regis Reservation at 5 in the morning. It was snowing. My God was it snowing. One man we encountered was distraught and had an AK-47. I went up to talk to him and asked him his name. He said ‘Burns.’ I continued talking to him and the next thing you know I had his gun.” When the raid was over the troopers loaded the 293 slot machines and 30 other gambling devices on seven trucks and left without an injury to anyone. Governor Cuomo called the Superintendent and told him to let me know that he was thankful and that we had done a good job.” Jack received another Superintendent’s Commendation for his leadership role in this raid.

What surprised you most when you became Clinton County Sheriff? “The strict regulations the Commissioner of Corrections had on the operation of jails. It even got to the point where we had to send the inmate meal menu to Albany for approval to ensure that inmates were properly nourished. Also, the amount of money it costs for medical/drug treatment for inmates.”

What was the most challenging part of being a town justice? “There are a lot of defendants’ rights, hearings, motions, dealing with the district attorney’s office, dealing with the county and family court judges, the probation office, sheriff’s office and Office of Court Administration. You have to attend justice school and be certified every year. Today every court session is recorded. There’s a lot to it.”

What is the biggest challenge facing the criminal justice system today? “The proliferation of drugs. An awful lot of crimes are committed to enable young people to get drugs: burglaries, larcenies, forgeries and as a result of being drugged up they are involved in serious car accidents, assaults, domestic violence, etc.”

What advice would you give anyone starting work in today’s world? “Take an interest in your job. Don’t be afraid to take that extra step to get it done right. Your supervisors will notice that. Have a good work ethic, be punctual and treat everyone with respect.”

Who had the most influence on your personal life? “My mother. She was very honest, very religious, a very hard worker and very family-oriented.

What is the best thing about living in Peru? “The people! We have great people here. We have a lot of conveniences. I live a mile from the school, the church, the drugstore, the hardware store, the garage, the supermarket, the town hall and three restaurants. It’s a beautiful area geographically. I love it here.”

Jack Lawliss concluded, “My life has been very rewarding in both my family and occupation. I’ve been blessed with good health. I have four successful children and nineteen grandchildren and I’ve been blessed with the ability to earn a good living.” Jack married Peru resident Gail Prevost in 1958. The couple’s four children Tim, Anne, Michael and Brenda all reside in the Town of Peru.

Capitol Confidential » Bharara: After Silver arrest, ‘stay tuned’ for more.

Standing by their man – Times Union.

A message from Empire State Development

The Empire State Development (ESD) Board of Directors met today in New York City and approved $3.4 million in funding for nine projects that are spurring economic growth and opportunity in New York State. These targeted investments will leverage over $19.7 million in private and other public funding to support local businesses, community and downtown revitalization, and projects that are building a strong foundation for future economic growth and job creation. The projects will directly create 50 new jobs and retain 409 existing New York State jobs.

The Board approved the following Regional Council award grants: Read more »

On Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, Peru Central School District will be presenting its second workshop of a four part series titled ‘Empowering Parents.’ This second workshop will focus on ‘CRUTCHES: A Parenting Framework That Parents Can Lean On’, and hopes to provide parents with tips for managing the challenges of parenting and life circumstances, attaining balance amidst trying times, and discussing the ABC’s (aka, Awareness, Balance, and Control) of being an empowered parent.

The meeting will be held in the Community Room of the Peru Jr/Sr High School and is open to all families within the school district.

For Further Information, Please Contact Tom Bull @ 643-6304

Regular Mtg Agenda 01262015

FBI raids Essex Town Hall – Press-Republican: Local News.

A message from the Peru District office:

Lock-down procedures were practiced by 7th-12th grade students today. The safety drill that occurred at the Jr/Sr High School was planned months ago. The drill was designed to help students and staff members safely practice emergency procedures.

Student safety represents the foundation upon which learning in school is made possible. Maintaining an environment that secures the physical safety and promotes the emotional well-being of every Peru student is essential to our shared mission. The administration, faculty, and staff of Peru Central School District are dedicated to fostering a safe and stable school climate based on respect and belonging.

Recent events, including bomb threats, at area schools have necessitated building lock down and evacuation procedures at two neighboring school districts this past week. The response in each was admirable, made possible in part by the drill rehearsals that supervising adults and students had practiced together beforehand. Peru CSD received a similar threat yesterday afternoon as students were departing the building.

Emergency drills have also taken place across the campus of Peru CSD in both buildings. These are generally announced earlier in the year and unannounced later in the year as students become accustomed to expectations. Practice drills provide opportunity to step through the sequence of responses that would likely be experienced in an actual emergency.

One such drill occurred in the Elementary School on November 25, 2014. Our younger students were able to ask questions and better understand what they are expected to do during a lock down emergency. Developmentally appropriate responses were provided by their teachers. Adults and students alike were able to benefit from the experience.

On January 23, 2015, secondary students in the Jr/Sr High School experienced a planned lock down drill. This prearranged exercise was coordinated with law enforcement agencies and emergency responders beginning in October, 2014. The exercise was designed in part to allow these community resources to familiarize themselves with Peru safety procedures as well as the physical layout of our buildings.

No advance warning was provided to the adults and students in the building, nor was pre-notification provided to our parent partners at home. The reason for practicing this lock down drill without notice was to simulate conditions of an actual emergency as realistically as possible.

In closing, please rest assured that the administration, faculty, and staff members of Peru CSD are deeply committed to providing a safe environment in which learning can occur and distractions to student growth and development are minimized.

Update as of 4:38 PM 

The Jr/Sr High School has been thoroughly cleared by law enforcement. The building will remain secured until a normal class schedule resumes tomorrow. No one will be permitted into the building until tomorrow morning. District Administrator’s will continue to work cooperatively with law enforcement to investigate this incident. The District greatly appreciates the assistance law enforcement provided and professionalism they demonstrated during this incident.

Jr/Sr High School Building Incident 1/22

At approximately 2:10 p.m. this afternoon a note was turned into the Jr/Sr High School Principal’s Office indicating that the school would be bombed. Law enforcement was immediately contacted and the District is presently coordinating with law enforcement to properly secure the building. Students and adults have been evacuated from the Jr/Sr High School and this building will remain closed until the building has been properly cleared by law enforcement. Additional information will be released as the situation develops.