The Peru Gazette

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today (August 29, 2015) Maplegrand Farms/Irwin Farm,135 Jarvis Road in Peru will host farm tours, agricultural exhibits, hayrides, a machinery lineup, a children’s activity center with coloring and activity books, local vendors, bouncy house, cheese, wine and maple tastings. A BBQ lunch will be available for purchase.

Jessy Jolicoeur, owner of Oval Craft Brewing, says his brewery is set to open around Christmastime at the U.S. Oval

Source: Brewery coming to Plattsburgh’s U.S. Oval | Local News – WPTZ Home

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s (R-NY-21) staff will be on hand with the NY-21 Mobile Office at the Saranac Town Hall on Tuesday, September 22nd from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Town Hall is located at 3662 Route 3 in Saranac, 12981.

Congresswoman Stefanik’s mobile office hours will be updated on her website here. For a list of constituent services our office provides, click here.

“One of my key goals and commitments as the Representative of New York’s 21^st district is to ensure that our residents have unparalleled access to constituent services,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Our district is one of the largest districts on the East Coast, and in order to make sure everyone who needs our help can be served, I’m proud to launch this mobile office to help North Country residents who reside in areas across the district. Please let us know how we can be of service to you.”

Nate and Rebecca Bushey

James, Gary and Aedan Bushey

My name is Nancy, and I am working with a group of unbelievably generous people who are putting on a huge Benefit this coming Sunday, 8/30, for Au Sable Forks native, current Peru resident Nate Bushey (my son), who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma to the brain, lungs and lymph nodes.  We were hoping something could run in the paper letting area residents know of the event, being held at the American Legion Post 1619 in West Plattsburgh.

We hope the turnout will be quite large, is scheduled to last all day. There have already been an unbelievable number of donations for a huge auction, all to go to Nate and his family (wife Rebecca, and young sons James, Gary and Aedan, ages 5, 3 and 2 respectively) to help with medical and living expenses as Nate cannot work because of the location of the largest, inoperable, brain tumor.  We are also humbly accepting donations at www.GoFundMe.com/NateBushey.  Below is Nate’s story thus far and attached is the advertising poster we’ve created.

We would so GREATLY appreciate more exposure for Nate, his Benefit on 8/30 and the GoFundMe campaign.  Thank you for your time in reading this.

Kindest Regards,

Nancy Revelle

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Nate’s story:

Nate is a 26 year old husband and father of three beautiful little boys, aged 5, 3, and 2 years.

Nate’s cancer journey began in 2013 when a skin lesion on his back was diagnosed as malignant melanoma. The large lesion was removed along with nearby lymph nodes and he began a series of PET scans, all of which had been clear.

On June 22, 2015 Nate was in a serious automobile accident, from which he had only minor injuries, but was comprehensively evaluated for head and neck trauma by the incredible staff of CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh, NY.  A suspicious head CT lead to an MRI, which revealed 4 brain tumors, 5 lung tumors and the dreaded diagnosis of stage IV metastatic melanoma.

The largest brain lesion is dangerously situated next to the brain stem in the pons and is inoperable.  The pons region of the brain controls the body’s motor function (movement).   Immediately he was started on whole brain radiation to shrink this critical tumor.

Nate had no insurance coverage at the time, and could not continue his job as a FedEx Ground driver. Driving is out of the question as the pons tumor could at any time cause seizures, stroke or paralysis. Needless to say, I dropped everything and was on the next plane to NY from my home and work in California.

In July Nate had a consultation for chemotherapy at the renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City to give him the best possible chance at seeing his little boys grow up. The prognosis is not encouraging, however.  A treatment plan was drawn up and Nate is currently in the first phase of immunotherapy treatment.  His doctor at Sloan Kettering is working very closely with Nate’s local oncology team in Plattsburgh.  We all hope and pray that the treatment plan will be successful in managing Nate’s widespread cancer.

Unable to work and with very little income on state disability, Nate, his wife Rebecca and sons James, Gary and Aedan need significant help with medical and other bills, utilities, food and daily necessities.  All funds donated go directly to Nate to help get him and his family through this nightmare. To say your help is immensely appreciated is such an understatement. Every little bit helps, every prayer, every dollar, every positive thought and good wish.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!! Click here for all the details

The Strand Center for the Arts (SCA) proudly announces the grand reopening of the beautifully restored Strand Center Theatre on Saturday, September 26th, 2015 with WELL-STRUNG, The Singing String Quartet

WELL-STRUNG features classical musicians who sing, putting their own spin on the music of Mozart, Ravel, Beethoven, Taylor Swift, Green Day, Katy Perry and more.  The group has quickly gained international attention for being a unique combination of string quartet and boy band.  

The New York Times called them “a talented quartet of men that brilliantly fuses pop and classical music from Madonna to Beethoven”; and the New York Daily News called them “the hottest thing with a bow since Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games”.

The group has been featured on The TODAY Show with Kathie Lee & Hoda, Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live, the CBS News and ABC Television as well as The Huffington Post among many other national media outlets. While making their London debut in the West End at the Leicester Square Theatre, BBC Radio host Jo Good called Well-Strung “absolutely amazing” after their on-air performance and interview for her show.

For more information about WELL-STRUNG visit www.well-strung.com.

Prior to the performance we will unveil the new look and feel of the SCA with a short interactive mixed media rebranding presentation by Boire Benner Group.

Boire Benner Group is a Plattsburgh based marketing and design firm who has been working on a comprehensive rebranding for the SCA and The Strand Theatre. Prior to the September 26^th performance, by WELL-STRUNG, using the theatre’s state of the art digital cinema equipment, they will unveil the new look and feel of the SCA through their efforts in social media marketing, rebranding, logo design, brand identity, website design, SEO, graphic design and print & digital advertising.

The Well Strung performance will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at the historic Strand Theatre at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 7:00 pm.

Tickets range in price by $25 to $45 depending on assigned seat location. Tickets purchased before the 26^th the day of the performance by Strand Center members, seniors, military and students will receive a discount of $5 per ticket.

To purchase advance tickets, visit www.plattsburgharts.org, call 518.563.1604 or visit our Box Office at 23 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh, New York. Box office hours are Wednesday-Friday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased at the concert (if available) at the Strand Theatre located at 25 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh, New York.

The Strand Center for the Arts programming is supported by: The New York Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York Legislature, This Event is Sponsored by Meadowbrook Healthcare, University of Vermont Heath Network-CVPH, Best Western Inn and Suites, Northern Insuring and the Cloudsplitter Foundation.

The Strand Theatre is a landmark of cultural and historic importance. Located in the heart of downtown Plattsburgh, New York, the Strand Theatre was originally built as a Vaudeville Theatre in 1924 and is currently on the National Register of Historic Places.

By John T. Ryan

Peru’s Rehoboth Homestead is well known as a Community Supported Agriculture (C.S.A.) farm where members come for fresh, organically grown produce. However, the C.S.A.’s operator Beth Spaugh-Barber would like everyone to know that you don’t have to be a member to purchase items at her Route 9 farmstand located just one mile south of the Bear Swamp Road.

Organically grown vegetables and flowers thrive on the three-acre plot of rich soil surrounding the roadside stand and within the three hoophouses on the Jabez Allen Road. Beth says the farmstand’s business has doubled this summer attracting both local residents and visitors to our beautiful area and it’s easy to see why. This morning numerous fresh flowers, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, candy onions, squash, kale, eggplant, fresh eggs and numerous other items were offered for sale. The farmstand is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays until Columbus Day (October 12^th). If Beth isn’t at the stand, you can leave money in a box, so bring small bills. Click here to view all our Peru Gazette farmstand photos. 

Beth Spaugh-Barber harvests fresh flowers each morning for her farmstand

The Peru Lions Club will be hosting its 21^th Annual Stanley Hughes Golf Classic on Sunday, September 13^th at The Barracks Golf Club at 12:00 p.m. The tournament is a four-person scramble with a team handicap of 40+.  Cash prizes are awarded for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd places.  There will also be prizes for closest to the pin and closest to the crooked line.  A buffet dinner will follow the round.  Cost is $65 per person.  Barracks members are $40.

Player forms can be picked up at The Barracks, online at Perulionsclubnewyork.org (click register for events), or contact: Jim Kieslich – 643-2482,  Dave Dalton – 643-9618,  Ed Eisele 643-2865

This morning, August 22, 2015, The Peru Gazette took two hours to visit three beautiful places along Route 9 beginning at the Peru Dock, then the  veranda at Clinton Community College and the Plattsburgh Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market. We don’t think it will take you long to discover why we enjoyed out brief trip.

Peru Dock:  At the end of South Junction Rd turn right onto Route 9. The Peru Launch is about ½ mile ahead on the left.

Clinton Community College veranda view of Lake Champlain, 136 Clinton Point Dr., Plattsburgh, NY 12901 

Plattsburgh Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market, Durkee Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 

Slideshow of all three with music (on a PC) 

The GE lab, which will focus on packaging silicon carbide chips for use in power devices, will be part of the $500 million manufacturing consortium that GE and SUNY Poly created last year, which is setting up a pilot manufacturing line at SUNY Poly’s Albany campus. The GE lab will look at how to package silicon carbide chips into power components such as solar panel inverters, electric vehicles and wind turbines. Two years ago, Cuomo announced the construction of the $125 million Quad-C building as the centerpiece for his $1.5 billion “Nano Utica” program that would focus on computer chip packaging technology research. Ruiz was CEO of Advanced Micro Devices when it struck its historic $1.4 billion deal in 2006 with New York state to build a computer chip factory in Saratoga County. Ruiz confirmed he had looked into possibly buying IBM’s computer chip packaging facility in Bromont, Quebec, earlier this year after IBM unloaded its computer chip manufacturing plants in East Fishkill and Essex Junction, Vt. to GlobalFoundries. The deal with AMS appears to be similar to the one Cuomo negotiated with SolarCity to build a solar panel manufacturing factory in Buffalo. The ownership allows the state and SUNY Poly to keep control of the site instead of giving money directly to a private company, a method Cuomo prefers. The Utica fab will produce analog chips used in sensors and other devices that convert light, sound or vibrations into binary code used to route information in microprocessors.

Source: Utica gets win as Cuomo announces two major chip projects – Times Union

AGENDA – TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING, August 24, 2015@ 7:00 PM 

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the August 10, 2015 Regular Board Meeting.

5. Community Input

6. DISCUSSION: Surveillance Cameras for Walking Trail. 

7. DISCUSSION: Retainer Wall in Heyworth Mason Park. 

8. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Fund Transfers.

9. DISCUSSION: Holden Avenue Update.

10. DISCUSSION: Unison Update.

11. DISCUSSION: 2016 Town Budget. 

12. DISCUSSION: Employee Handbook Updates. 

13. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approval of 2016 Contract for Assessment Services by Clinton County

14. DISCUSSION: Other Business. 

15. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

16. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approve/Pay Bills. 

MOTION:    Adjourn

Left to right: Kennedy Patnode-Gebo, Kalli, Patnode-Gebo, Kelsey Patnode-Gebo, James Gebo Jr., Marybeth Patnode-Gebo stand next to the manhole where inmates David Sweat and Richard Matt escaped.

The Strand Center for the Arts will be showcasing a new series of documentary photography centered on the Dannemora prison break by artist Damian Battinelli. This exhibit, titled “The Escape,” will be on view in The Strand Center Community Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh from September 4^th to October 2^nd, 2015. The Opening Reception will take place Friday, September 4^th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and is free and open to the public.

Damian Battinelli started his photo journey in 1995 when his father bought him a 35mm camera for Christmas. He took photography classes in high school at Peru Central School, Read more »

The 6th Annual Leo P. Bourgeois Memorial Golf Tournament will take place Friday, October 2nd at the Adirondack Golf & Country Club in Peru. Mr. Bourgeois was a long standing and much revered guidance counselor at Peru Central School. To honor his legacy, PCS alumni founded the golf tournament in 2011 to fund a scholarship program to provide financial aid to deserving PCS seniors pursing a post-secondary education. Since the tournament’s inception 11 scholarships totaling $13,200 have been awarded.

Entry fee for the four-person scramble tournament is $65 per person or $260 per team ($56 per person for Adirondack Golf & Country Club members) which includes greens fees, golf cart, gift bags, awards and a hors d’oeuvres reception following the tournament. Non-golfers and alumni are encouraged to attend the reception at a cost of $20.00 per person.

Tournament sponsorships are also available and range from $50 to $150. Donations of any amount are also gratefully accepted. For more information about the tournament, entering a team, becoming a sponsor, donor or to volunteer, contact Cheryl Breen Randall at 524-1192 or by email at cbreenlp@gmail.com.

The Strand Center for the Arts is excited to announce that they will be hosting an art sale and auction on Saturday, August 29, 2015. This will be a one night only event that will take place in the Main Gallery at The Strand Center for the Arts on 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh. The Strand Center will be auctioning-off original artworks and selling a variety of art supply items. Both the art sale and auction will last from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Saturday, August 29 and are free & open to the public.

This art sale and auction will act as a fundraiser for The Strand Center for the Arts. The Strand Center will be auctioning-off and selling a variety of items including original paintings, watercolor & oil paints, paintbrushes, canvas materials, novelties, artist’s books and frames. This is a great opportunity that one will not want to miss, especially not for our area’s local artists. Read more »

The Clinton County Coalition To Prevent Suicide and the Suicide Prevention Center presents:

QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (http://www.qprinstitute.com/)

The QPR mission is to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — 3 simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. People trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. The four cornerstones of the theory upon which our approach is derived are these:

1. Those who most need help in a suicidal crisis are the least likely to ask for it.

2. The person most likely to prevent you from dying by suicide is someone you already know.

3. Prior to making a suicide attempt, those in a suicidal crisis are likely to send warning signs of their distress and suicidal intent to those around them.

4. When we solve the problems people kill themselves to solve, the reasons for suicide disappear.

Sign up for one of our sessions!

Session I: September 23rd, 2015

Location: SUNY at Plattsburgh, Angel College Center –Alumni Conference Room

Parking: College Center off of Park Ave – lots 27 and 28.

(if you park anywhere else it will be at your own risk, tickets may be issued)

Time: 10:00-11:30 AM

Cost: Free

OR

Session II: September 23rd, 2015

Location: SUNY at Plattsburgh, Angel College Center — Alumni Conference Room

Parking: College Center off of Park Ave – lots 27 and 28.

(if you park anywhere else it will be at your own risk, tickets may be issued)

Time: 1-2:3

Peru Gazette Photo of Run For Jon 2014

The 25th annual Run For Jon to raise for the North Country families with children in medical crisis will be held at 5 p.m., Saturday, August 29th at Forrence Orchards on the Mannix Road in Peru.

Registration for the 2.5 mile cross-country run, 1.25 mile non-competitive walk and Kids Fun Run (approximately 1/2 mile) will be from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.

Dogs will not be permitted at the Run for Jon site under any circumstances due to health regulations.

For more information visit www.runforjon.com.

The 6th Annual Peru Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd at the American Legion Restaurant, 162 Quarry Road in Plattsburgh. There will be a social hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

This year’s inductees include: Bob Bruno (48), Peter Keenan Sr. (48), Brent Banker (80), Theresa Bobal Sindelar (87), Shawn Edwards (91), Stephanie Wheet (94), Matthew St. Clair (03).

The cost for non-inductees is $25 per person. Anyone who wishes to attend must RSVP by September 18th to Cathy Phillips, 4 Vista Drive, Willsboro, NY 12996.  Please make checks payable to the Peru Athletic Hall of Fame. For more information call Cathy at 963-7963.

Peru Central’s Board of Education will be holding a special meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 3:00 PM in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room. The Board is expected to immediately proceed into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing particular individuals being considered for employment.  No other school board or school district business is slated for the Tuesday Special Meeting.

Please note that the Board’s Regular Monthly Meeting for the same night is still planned for 6:00 PM as originally announced.

The Board of Directors of the Samaritan Family Counseling Center (SFCC) announces that the Center, with offices in Peru and Plattsburgh, will close at the end of August, 2015. The board has taken this action, in part, because of two staff retirements and an additional staff member reducing her hours of availability. The difficulty of receiving insurance payments for mental health services provided was also a large factor in creating financial difficulties which became insurmountable.

The SFCC has been in existence since 1980 when it started as an outreach ministry of the Keene Valley Congregational Church. More recently, the Center has been supported as part of the outreach ministry of the Peru Community Church, the First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburgh, and the Presbytery of Northern New York. Two foundations, the CVPH Foundation and the Charles R. Wood Foundation, were instrumental in sponsoring a project to provide counseling for students facing academic risk and their families at the Au Sable Valley Central School.

The Samaritan counseling program emphasizes the relationship of mental, spiritual and physical well-being. This concept is implemented through counseling services provided by a team of professionals working together–including therapists, clergy and physicians. The SFCC is accredited by the Samaritan Institute and is one of 80 counseling centers affiliated with the Institute, with offices in more than 200 cities across the United States and in Japan which provide professional and values-centered counseling, education, and support to people in need.

Herrmanns’ Royal Lipizzan Stallions will perform in Peru for three shows, August 21-22-23, sponsored by the Peru Community Church. Proceeds will benefit the Church’s upcoming Jamaican Mission trip and also their Capital Fund for needed building repairs.

The horses perform “Airs Above the Ground”, a series of spectacular leaps and plunges. Originally bred and trained for use in war, these moves helped the mounted riders to gain a defensive advantage over their opponents.

These Lipizzan horses are direct descendants of the 16th Century Lipizzans originally developed for theHapsburg royal family of Austria. Only a few hundred Lipizzans have ever existed at any one time, and the breed was in danger of extinction during World War II. The Disney movie, “Miracle of the White Stallions” recounts their daring rescue by General George Patton and the US Army. Because of his assistance with the rescue, Ottomar Herrmann was awarded the right to own and breed the Lipizzans, and to preserve their historic training. Mr. Herrmann’s granddaughter now continues this family tradition in bringing the horses to Peru for all to see. For more information, see http://hlipizzans.com .

Performances are Friday, August 21 at 6 pm, and Saturday and Sunday August 22 and 23 at 3 pm at the Cimarron Arena, at Mannix Rd (west off Route 22B) and Clark/Calkins Road in Peru, NY (enter from Clark Road). The parking area opens 90 minutes before each performance, and the horses can be viewed before the performance. No pets are allowed. Seating is outside so bring lawn chairs or blankets. Snacks are available for purchase.

 Tickets are $15 (ages 13-adult), $12 (ages 6-12 and 65+). Children 5 and under are free.

The Jamaican Mission of the Peru Community Church is planning the 17th annual trip to Jamaica to build a simple house for the homeless and assist schools and an orphanage near Mandeville. The Fellowship Center of the Peru Community Church supports Peru and its non-profit groups through use of the hall for community-wide events, and is currently undergoing needed renovation of a new roof and doors. The stone church building itself (built in 1833) is on the National Register of Historic Places, and also is need of repair to maintain its structural integrity. Tax-deductible donations are always gratefully accepted.

Do you like to spend time in Heyworth/Mason Park?
Would you like to help your community encourage healthy lifestyles?
Then the Clinton County Health Dept would like your help in counting park users.
The more they learn about what affects park use the better they can tailor their efforts to get people out and active.
There will be a short training session and then you’ll be asked to donate about an hour a month from August-October to the effort.
If you could help please call  Adele at 643-7863 – and we’ll get ready to count!

A Message from Town Counselor Brandy McDonald 

After 46 years of outstanding dedicated service to the Town of Peru Greg Timmons, the Water and Sewer Superintendent has retired on July 31st, 2015. Greg was always available to handle problems regardless of the weather conditions or the hour of the day. During his tenure, as superintendent, the Peru Water and Sewer Department has received many honors including the 2015 New York State Rural Water Association Waste Water System of the Year Award. He is held in the highest regard by other town’s water and sewer departments within New York State. It is now time for the residents of Peru to honor Greg for his dedication and service.

On Saturday, October 10th, 2105 @ 5:00 PM at Murphy’s Restaurant, Peru, there will be a retirement party in Greg’s honor. We are planning to have both food and music. A good time will be had by all. 

In order to have this retirement party, we must have your support. Arrangements have been made to accept donations through “Go Fund Me,” To make a donation go this web site; http://www.gofundme.com/5d9sh2ty8c or mail a check payable to; Brandy McDonald, 1 locust Drive, Peru NY, 12972. I will ensure that the donation gets deposited in the Go Fund Me account in your name.

Please show your appreciation to Greg, In order to make this party a success we must have your donation.

Thank you for your donation and I look forward to seeing you at the party.

Brandy McDonald

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 6:00 PM at the school district’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School.  An executive session associated with particular personnel matters will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start.  The school board is slated to reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  Anticipated topics include:

·         Approve an Affiliation Agreement with SUNY Plattsburgh

·         Award contracts related to the Capital Project

·         Approve an award related to a NYS OGS bid

·         Set a tax levy and tax rate

The full Board agenda is available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.

All are welcome.

PLATTSBURGH, NY – Nine new exhibits have been rotated to feature original artwork in local Plattsburgh businesses as part of The Strand Center for the Arts Off-Site Gallery program. These exhibits will be on view from July to September and each features a variety of area artists. There are currently nine Off-Site Gallery locations: Best Western Plus the Inn at Smithfield, Valcour Imaging, Days Inn Plattsburgh, The Development Corp, Clinton Community College, Eye Care for the Adirondacks, The UVM Health Network at CVPH (on both the first and second floor) and the Plattsburgh Public Library.

The Off-Site Gallery Program is offered as a service to area businesses in an effort to diversify the visual environment of their offices and give local artists a different level of exposure than a typical gallery audience.  Galleries are rotated on a quarterly basis, so businesses and their clients enjoy a different collection of artwork every three months. Featured artists are all located in Clinton, Essex or Franklin counties, so the exhibits that are curated for each location reflect the local art scene.

Artists have been specially chosen to fit the aesthetic needs and space requirements of each location. This exhibition rotation will feature, Gail Morris at The Development Corporation, Jonathan Cron at the Valcour Imaging Center, Ita Bullard at Plattsburgh Public Library’s Hale-Walter Gallery, Marilyn Krester at The UVM Health Network at CVPH (First Floor), William Crosby at The UVM Health Network at CVPH (Second Floor), Marguerite Hart at Clinton Community College’s Alumni Gallery, Clay Morris at Eye Care for the Adirondacks, Denise Duprey at Best Western Plus the Inn at Smithfield, and The Strand Center Historic Photography Collection at Days Inn Plattsburgh.

The Strand Center Gallery & Musuem Coordinator, Christina Elliott, stated “The Off-Site Gallery program is a great opportunity for artists to get their artwork seen by a different group of people than those who normally attend formal gallery openings. It also creates a constantly changing environment for the businesses’ staff and cliental who appreciate the diversity of the featured artwork.”

The Strand Center for the Arts collaborates with Plattsburgh businesses to display and promote local artists through their Off-Site Gallery Program. The full list of participating locations and artists can be found on The Strand Center website at www.plattsburgharts.org.  If businesses or artists have questions about becoming a part of this program, they should contact The Strand Center by phone at 518-563-1604, email at gallery@plattsburgharts.org  or stop in our main office at 23 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh.

By John T. Ryan

Highlights of Town Board’s July 28, 2015

At the recommendation of retiring Water/Sewer Department Superintendent Greg Timmons, the Town Board appointed Courtney Tetrault as the Interim Water/Sewer Superintendent. Tetrault must pass the civil service exam and finish in the top three to be named permanent Superintendent.  He will start at $52,500 annually and receive a $2,000 raise upon successfully passing the civil service examination.

Unison Corp. has offered the Town of Peru a substantial six-figure upfront payment for a cell site easement on the Town’s water tower. In return Unison would receive the current cell site annual rent stream (about $35,000), plus escalators. In addition Unison would receive 60% of the rent derived from future lease agreements concluded over the 45-year lease period. The Town would receive 40% of the rent derived from future agreements. The Board is concerned that some communications companies may be being leasing tower space at less than market rates. Unison, based on its knowledge of the communications industry, would theoretically be able to obtain market-based lease rates. The Board will investigate the issue. Town Attorney Donald Biggs said there must be consultants who would assist the Town in evaluating Unison’s offer. Unison gave the Board until August 18^th to accept its offer.

At the Board’s June 8^th and July 13^th meetings Peru resident Bruce Germain complained that an unoccupied Lewis Street property was an eyesore because of glass and refuse littering the lot and various animals occupying the property. Supervisor Peter Glushko reported the Lewis Street residence has been cleaned up. Code Enforcement Officer Frank Slycord was successful in contacting the property owner.

Supervisor Glushko reported that the July 19^th Second Annual Peruvian Festival was very successful. This year’s festival emphasized Peruvian food with a professional chef preparing a multi-course meal served at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Councilman Kregg Bruno was impressed how our guests so beautifully sang both the United States and Peru national anthems. Supervisor Glushko said the visitors appreciated our hospitality and were gracious guests.

By John T. Ryan

Highlights of Town Board’s July 13, 2015 meeting:

Water/Sewer Department Greg Timmons announced his retirement effective July 30^th. Timmons has been working for the Town of Peru for 40 years. (See separate story)

Peru Town Court will not be relocated at this time. As he promised, Town Councilman Kregg Bruno dropped his proposal to move the Town Court to the Town’s Hall’s lower level if Town Historian Ron Allen was opposed to exchanging office space with the Town Court. Allen continues to oppose the move.

Pleasant Street resident Bruce Germain asked what progress had been made in improving the condition of property located at the western corner of the Pleasant Street-Lewis Street intersection. He called the unoccupied house an “eyesore” that that is populated with various animals and littered with glass and garbage. Germain said that nothing had been accomplished since his appearance at a June 8^th Board meeting. Supervisor Peter Glushko said the Town’s legal remedies are limited, but that he would check to see if the Town has the legal authority to clean up the property at the property owner’s expense.

Safety issues at the Brand Hollow Road – Military Turnpike Extension surfaced once again. Town Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said he was nearly hit by a tractor-trailer at the intersection. Supervisor Glushko asked Farrell to get prices on all safety options including installing a four-way traffic signal.

The Town is attempting to ensure that animal owners pay veterinarian costs when the Dog Control Officer impounds animals needing medical care. A dog owner recently reclaimed a dog without having paid an outstanding $360 veterinary bill. The Board hopes to work out an agreement whereby the Elmore SPCA would collect veterinary expenses prior to releasing animals to the owner.

The Town will be responsible for maintaining any safety lights installed in connection with the Safe Routes to School Program.

Supervisor Glushko said the plans for the 2^nd Annual Peruvian Festival are progressing. He is still seeking local families to take in one or two of the visitors. He said the town would incur motel costs for the visitors not housed by local residents.