The Peru Gazette

Developer, Town of Peru battle over road ownership – Press-Republican: Local News.

Peru Central budget would add principal – Press-Republican: Local News.

Lynn Wilke leads the Peru Marching Band down Main Street

By John T. Ryan

Peru’s newer residents probably know Lynn Wilke as the gentleman riding about town in the small black Hyundai with the yellow flashing light on the top. Longtime Peru residents know Mr. Wilke as the former Peru High School music teacher and band director (1952-85). Others know him as a Plattsburgh College Community Orchestra member, a hunting safety instructor, a Civil Air Patrol Commander, the man who proudly sounds taps at patriotic ceremonies, the ham radio operator or a Battle of Little Big Horn – George Custer expert. St. Augustine’s parishioners know Lynn as their Organist Emeritas who retired in 2008 after 55 years of service, but who still plays the recessional hymn at Sunday Mass. When Lynn Wilke celebrates his 85th birthday on June 6^th, he can be assured that he has won the respect of many people.

Ann and Lynn Wilke enjoy “Lynn Wilke’s Opus”.

Opus Conductor Kirk Wilke (R) applauds his dad.

Last April the community demonstrated its respect for Lynn by filling the high school auditorium for “Mr. Wilke’s Opus.” Alumni and current students performed operatic duos, classical music, and the music of America that Mr. Wilke loves. They recalled marching in the 1964 World’s Fair Parade, at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics groundbreaking and awards ceremonies and at the Quebec City and Saranac Lake Winter Carnivals. Other alumni, many of whom are professional musicians, wrote letters referring to Mr. Wilke as their uncle, father, friend and mentor. Mr. Wilke played his saxophone, joked with the audience and expressed his heartfelt thanks. The band members smiled broadly as they observed the playful, energetic and spirited former teacher who has influenced so many lives. As Lynn Wilke told the Peru Gazette, “I wanted to do something different than all the other schools and not be afraid of doing it.”

Band Director Henry Fordham (L), Mr. Wilke 2nd from left.

Henry “Hank” Fordham, an East Rockaway High School band director and guidance counselor, was the most influential person in Lynn Wilke’s life. His second grade teacher told him, “You’ll never make anything of yourself.” Lynn explained, “I see everything backwards. I have dyslexia.”  Mr. Fordham apparently noticed Lynn’s potential. One day he knocked on the door of Lynn’s boyhood home and asked if Lynn would like to play a musical instrument. After briefly trying to play the violin, Lynn transitioned to the saxophone. He recalled, “I took to the sax quickly.”  When Lynn reached the 9^th grade Mr. Fordham asked if he would like to take the 12th grade music regents exam. He got a 92, the highest grade in the school. That success must have built his confidence; Lynn was eventually inducted into the National Honor Society. When the Peru Band was in New York for the World’s Fair Parade, Henry Fordham was there cheering Lynn and the band on.

Lynn Wilke also had other role models including his mother, Mildred Roemer, who was an artist and avid Metropolitan Opera devotee. His grandmother, Mimi, was a concert pianist. His maternal grandfather, Jack Allison, was an inventor, cellist and mandolinist. His father, John “Jack” Wilke, was a catalog proofreader, a ham radio operator and hunter. During World War II, as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Jack Wilke would board a small boat in the early evening to venture into the Atlantic Ocean to search for the German submarines that were ravaging American supply and troop ships.

The Wilke and Allison families have served their country in each generation beginning with the Civil War. Asked what he believes to be the most important personal quality, Mr. Wilke responded, “Respect for the country. That’s the most important thing.” Then he added, “I love people. I love this country and I love Peru.”

Four generations of patriotic service: John F. Wilke, Harvey H. Allison, Lynn H. Wilke and Kirk E. Wilke

Mr. Wilke also mentioned another personal quality as being very important. He said, “Honor women!” He may have been recalling his good fortune in having married two wonderful ladies. Not long after arriving in Peru, he was introduced to music teacher Joanne Coffee.  It didn’t take Lynn long to ask Joanne, “Do you play the piano?” Those words foretold the next 43 years as the couple, who married in 1954, collaborated to produce beautiful music. Their two children are music professionals. Kirk is a respected conductor in the Washington DC region. Carol is a professor at the SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music.

Lynn and Joanne in concert at St. Augustine’s Church

Joanne Wilke passed away in September, 1997, only a few months prior to the North Country’s historic ice storm.  Ann Sears Robbins had raised a family and knew Lynn as one of her children’s teachers. When the ice storm disabled many of the region’s phone lines, many people were unable to communicate with family members including one of Ann’s friends. Knowing that Lynn was a ham radio operator, she called to ask for his assistance. A dinner date followed and, as they say, the rest is history.  Ann and Lynn were married on October 12, 1998. Since then they have enlarged Lynn’s School Street home, traveled, enjoyed good times together and supported each other as health challenges have arisen. Click here to view these photos and more. 

Ann Robbins Wilke and Radar, Lynn Wilke and Benji

Dedicated in a yearbook and in life!

New Yorkers scammed by Dallas-based Ambit Energy.

Peru Central’s Board of Education will be holding a special meeting on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 6:00 PM in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room. The Board is expected to immediately proceed into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing employment history of a particular individual. No other school board or school district business is slated for this meeting.

The United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. will have their 15^th Annual Olympian Celebrity Golf Classic on Thursday, June 11, 2015. This year the tournament will be held at the Lake Placid Club Mountain Course in Lake Placid.

This unique event randomly pairs an Olympic athlete or other Celebrity with a registered three person team. The cost is $500.00 per team which includes greens fees, cart, free raffle gifts, and Barbeque dinner. All proceeds from the golf tournament will go to support the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. and its partner agencies which serve Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties.

There are other sponsorships available also. You can take an ad in the program, a Tee box or a Hole flag.

Registration for a team and sponsorship forms are available at the United Way office located at 45 Tom Miller Road, Plattsburgh, on the United Way web-site www.unitedwayadk.org, under the special events tab, or call 518-563-0028 to have one mailed and for more information.

L-R Alec Morrison, Coach Bobby Williams, Perry Marvin Jr.

By John T. Ryan

Peru – It’s unusual for a 10^th grader to have made a career choice, but two Peru High School students have decided; they want to be professional fishermen. Perry Marvin Jr. (16) and Alec Morrison (15) have reason for optimism. Over the past several years both boys have won numerous state and world bass fishing competitions. In 2014 Perry Marvin was the Bass Federation (TBF) Junior World Champion while Alec Morrison was the 2013 and 2014 Student Anglers Federation (SAF) High School Team Champion and the 2010, 2011, and 2013 NYS Individual Champion. Last June the boys teamed up to win the SAF State Championship Tournament in Clayton, NY with a 21.6-pound bag of bass. Perry Marvin Jr. is the son of Perry and Laurie Marvin. Alec Morrison is the son of Andrea Osborne and Robert Morrison.

On Monday, April 13, 2015 Perry and Alec appeared before the Peru Town Board. They’ve also spoken to Peru High School administrators. Perry Marvin commented, “We’re trying to raise awareness, trying to interest youth in TBF’s High School Fishing Program. You can join as early as 12 years of age.”  The program is helpful to young people because it connects them with advanced fishermen who are willing to mentor them, bring them fishing and develop their appreciation of the sport.

Fishing on Lake Champlain

Both Laurie Marvin and Andrea Osborne say the fishing competitions are “family-oriented” and have been “confidence-building” for their sons. Perry and Alec’s achievements have given them the opportunity to appear before the media and large groups to answer questions about strategy, fishing conditions, bait and equipment. Their speaking ability and confidence were very evident at their presentation to the Peru Town Board. All this success has not come with out hard work and family support. During the summer months both Perry and Alec are typically out on the lake at 6 a.m. where they fish until mid or late afternoon. Last summer Perry had to stop at 2 p.m. in order to make it to his summer job.

This summer Perry and Alec will compete in state, regional and world competitions in New Hampshire, Alabama and downstate New York. They’ll be representing New York State and telling people about our wonderful fishery – Lake Champlain. Lodging, fuel, licenses, meals and other expenses will total almost $4,500 so the students have been contacting local businesses and organizations asking for monetary support and sponsorships. Anyone interested in contributing, sponsoring or learning more about the student bass fishing program is welcome to call Laurie Marvin at 518-534-4878.

Perry Marvin (L) and Alec Morison after their presentation to the Peru Town Board

Peru Central School District’s Board of Education will have a brief, special meeting on the morning of Thursday, April 23rd at 7:30 AM in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room.

Thursday morning’s brief special meeting will focus exclusively on consideration of the
BOCES administrative budget for the 2015‐2016 school year and consideration of candidates running for seats on this region’s BOCES.

No other school board or school district business is slated for Thursday morning.

The full agenda is available at www.perucsd.org.

4th Sunday Breakfast

April 26th, 2015 9 a.m. – Noon

Peru VFW & Ladies Auxiliary
710 Pleasant St, Peru, NY 12901

Bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits & sausage gravy, corned beef hash, pancakes, juice & coffee. ONLY $8.00

All proceeds to benefit veterans and their families.

LAST BREAKFAST of the SEASON.

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news03/manure-a-key-for-soil-respect-for-neighbors-a-part-of-the-mix-20150419

By John T. Ryan

Children, parents and staff walking or biking to the Peru Central School should have a safer route to travel in a few months. On Monday, April 13, 2015 the Peru Town Board approved a $143,729 bid from Branon Construction Company Inc. of Plattsburg to implement a second Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) Project. Work will begin as soon as summer vacation begins and should be completed by September 5^th.

The objective is to improve walking and biking safety to school, with a focus on students in grades K to 8. There are 5 components to SRTS projects: encouragement, education, enforcement, evaluation and engineering (the 5 “E”s).

For the construction (Engineering) part, Branon Construction will install a new crosswalk across route 22B with push button activated flashing crosswalk beacons. They will also install additional sidewalks to improve the walkability of the campus on both the Route 22B side and the School Street side of the campus.

The encouragement, education and enforcement components are being coordinated by the elementary school’s physical education teacher Nancy Thompson and the School’s Wellness Committee.  Christa Vancour of the Clinton County Health Dept. and Sergeant Frank Mercier of the Clinton County Sheriffs Dept have given them additional support.  The Health Department funded bike racks to help the Town stay within budget for the project and the Sheriff’s Department conducted assemblies about pedestrian safety and set-up speed read-out equipment along Route 22B. A previous $85,000 Safe Routes to Schools grant financed the School Street sidewalk.

Dog owner respect for their neighbors continues to be an issue. The board asked Dog Control Officer David Drollette to step up enforcement of the dog waste disposal provisions of the Dog Control Law. Supervisor Peter Glushko and Counselor Brandy McDonald both reported seeing significant waste adjacent to sidewalks and roads in the hamlet. Counselor McDonald stated that a few residents appear to pick up waste when being observed, but they do not pick up waste when they believe they are out of sight. Dog Control Officer Drollette will offer these offenders a choice of accepting and using a free waste bag or being issued a ticket.

The board accepted the AES Engineering’s comprehensive grant-funded sewer system report. AES analyzed the system north of the Little Ausable River, much of which was constructed during the 1930’s. There are several reasons for upgrading the system. The 2013 NYS “Sewage Pollution Right to Know Law” requires that any sewage overflow be reported and published. Over time the sewer pipes and manholes have deteriorated, the pumping station is overtaxed and some trunk lines do not have sufficient capacity to accommodate community growth. AES estimated the total cost at $4 million, but Supervisor Glushko said that the project would probably be done in phases. The town will submit applications for grant monies or low interest loans. The extent of the project will be determined once fund availability is determined.

Peru’s walking trail should be even more attractive thanks to TD Bank’s tree planting program that has donated 275 trees of various species to the town. On May 2^nd beginning at 10 a.m. volunteers are invited to help plant the trees along the walking trail. If would like to volunteer Adele Douglas would appreciate if you call her at 643-7863. She would like to know beforehand how many volunteers she will have on hand.

Personal safety is also a primary concern for everyone utilizing the walking trail. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reminded the board that a fence should be erected adjacent to the trail beneath the Route 22 Bridge. Farrell pointed out that someone could fall a considerable distance from the trail to the rocks along the Little Ausable River. He recommended that the fence be elevated to a high priority item.

A few weeks ago town representatives traveled to Albany to lobby for increased highway paving monies (CHIPS). They were optimistic when they returned, but their optimism appears to have been misplaced. Highway Superintendent Farrell said the town would only be receiving about $25,000 in additional CHIPS monies. He said, “That’s not even a half-mile of blacktop.” This summer Farrell plans to pave part of the Dashnaw Road, part of the Laphams Mills Road to Route 22 and the newer part of Washington Street. Holden Avenue might be paved, but only if funds are available.

The Board adjourned to Executive Session to discuss the ongoing Dashnaw vs. Town of Peru lawsuit and the work history of two employees.

Counselor Kregg Bruno was excused from the meeting. Since January 1, 2015, Bruno has been excused from at least seven town board meetings.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) voted in support of H.R. 1105, the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015. This bipartisan legislation that Congresswoman Stefanik cosponsored would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the estate and generation-skipping transfer tax, commonly referred to as the “death tax”.

“Whenever I travel throughout our district, one of the key tax issues that I have heard about from small businesses and the agriculture community is the negative impact that the Death Tax continues to have on our economy,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “I remain committed to working to achieve comprehensive tax reform to make our tax code flatter, fairer and simpler, and repealing the death tax is one commonsense reform we can make to protect North Country small businesses and family farms.”

Under current law, the Federal Government takes 40% from taxable estates when a person dies. The death tax is a major reason why family farms and businesses are not able to be passed down from generation to generation. Repealing this tax would allow more North Country farms and businesses to stay in North Country families. This legislation passed the House by a vote of 240-179 and will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

Peru School budget calls for additional principal – Press-Republican: Education.

Each year our weather transition seems to be from winter to summer; spring no longer exists or if it does only very briefly.  Last Thursday morning, April 9, 2015 Peru had about 4″ of snow on the ground. Yesterday, the Peru High baseball team was playing a home game against Saranac in 74 degree temperatures.  The Indians won 9-2.  Thanks to Jim Neyenhouse for submitting these great photos. Click here for larger photo version.  

Fabian Dopping, a German Exchange student at Peru Central

Youth Group students and chaperones

They couldn’t wait for the muffins to bake!

By John T. Ryan

Spring Break is a time for many North Country residents to travel south to enjoy the warm of sun. Each year the Peru Community Church Senior High Youth Group also travels, but not quite as far south as most people. The group stops in Washington D.C. where they serve the homeless and take some time to experience the sites of Washington D.C. Based on the photos, this year’s trip appears to have been five days of hard work, fun and learning! (Click here on a PC for a slideshow with music.  Thanks to DonYo (Donald McBrayer) for compiling the music)

Each day the students worked at a different site preparing and serving lunches or evening meals. One day they set-up tables along sidewalks and parks for Mckenna’s Wagon, a program that serves the homeless from vans parked near sidewalks and parks. At Martha’s Table they chopped vegetables and mixed huge batches for muffins for the evening meal. At the Capital Area Food Bank they sorted and packaged over 15,000 pounds of food during their shift. At SOME (So Others Might Eat), a soup kitchen that serves over 1,000 meals daily, they served 700 lunches and participated in a social justice exercise where they put themselves in the place of a person who is facing the prospect of being homeless. Faith Long, one of the chaperons said, “Our group is always invited back each year because they are hard workers with a great attitude.”

The Youth Group is a mix of students from the Peru Community Church, St. Augustine’s Church and other churches including the Christian Alliance Church and St. John the Baptist Churches in Keeseville and Plattsburgh. This year’s Youth Group members include Abigail St. Louis, Alaina Bazzano, Andrew Thew, Benjamin Morgan, Brady Terry, Brooke Desautels, Cole Ives, Connor Douglass, Devin Wood, Erika Cross, Fabian Dopping, Gabrielle, Dion, Grace Sullivan, Hannah Osborne, Jack Dubay, Lucas Frenyea, Megan Zmijewski, Nathan Kennedy, Shauna Fliss, Tyler Andre. Chaperones included Cheryl Remillard, Faith Long, Brian Raymond, Lisa Zmijewski and Patrick Knight.

Peru – St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 will host a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, April 18^th at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. “ALL YOU CAN EAT” spaghetti, salad, Italian bread and a delicious dessert will be served from 4:30 to 6:30 PM for only $7.50 per person, $2.50 for children 6 to 12, free for children 5 and under and a $20 per family maximum. Take-outs are available.

St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 donates to St. Augustine’s Parish and numerous local organizations each year including the North Country Mission of Hope, The Peru Community Church Youth Group trip to assist the homeless in Washington D.C., the Peru Youth Commission, the Ecumenical Choir Choir refreshments, “Keep Christ in Christmas” poster contests, and many more.  Community dinners are a very important part of its fund-raising program.

Do you or anyone you know possess a photo of the Peru Grange Hall which once located at the site of current Peru Town Hall? Town Historian Ron Allen needs the photo to complete the town’s historical collection and to include it on one of the historical signs to be placed along Main Street. Ron can arrange to copy the photo or he would be happy to add the photo to the town’s collection. Ron Allen can be reached at 561-0038.

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at 5:30 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 5:30 PM start. The school board is slated to reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. Anticipated topics include:

· 2015-2016 budget for voter consideration in May
· Athletics handbook
· Acceptable use policy
· 2015-2016 academic calendar

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

The Peru Central School District is seeking candidates to fill two (2) vacancies on the Board of Education, due to the expiration of the terms of Ms. Cynthia Mills and Ms. Jill Folsom.

Both seats are at large for a five-year term from July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2020.

The ‘Petition for Nomination of Candidate’ is available in the District Office at 17 School Street on Mondays through Fridays, except school holidays, or via the web at http://www.perucsd.org. Petitions must be directed to the School District Clerk, shall be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District, and shall state the name, residence and phone number of the candidate. Petitions must be returned no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, April 20, 2015.

The School Board Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015.

Entrepreneur George Moore dies – Press-Republican: Local News.

Bassett won’t seek re-election – Press-Republican: Local News.

Young man dies in workplace accident – Press-Republican: Local News.

AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING, April 13, 2015, 7:00 PM 

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of January 26, 2015 and for the Regular Board Meeting of March 23, 2015.

5. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; and Banking Reports)

6. Community Input

7. DISCUSSION: Student Angler Federation Presentation.

Read more »

By John T. Ryan

When the Peru Gazette arrived at the Peru Volunteer Fire Department on Monday, April 8, 2015 to take a photo of the department’s 2015 officers, firefighters John Stafford and Amelia Brelia were demonstrating ambulance and firefighting procedures to Tiger Scouts from Peru Cub Scout Pack 49. This is just one of the many, many ways the department’s members sacrifice their time and dedicate their skills in service of our community.

L-R Lt. Shawn Perkins, Captain Lloyd Provost, Asst. Chief Kevin O’Neil, Chief Tyler Williams, Asst. Chief Bryan Duprey, Lt. Sam Dimock, EMS Captain Cher Hanlon (Click photo for a close-up view) 

By John T. Ryan

Peru –  The Department’s 2015 officers include Chief Tyler Williams, Asst. Chief Kevin O’Neil, Asst. Chief Bryan Duprey, Lt. Shawn Perkins, Lt. Sam Dimock and EMS Captain Cher Hanlon.

Chief Williams, who is beginning his second year as chief, has been a firefighter for 19 years. He joined the department not long after his 18th birthday. Williams said the Peru Department is strong with 44 active members; however, more members are needed as older members retire or become less active.

Anyone interested in learning more about being a firefighter is welcome to attend the department’s April 25th Open House. Members will be conducting live fire and jaws of life demonstrations and will be available to answer questions. Applicants must be at last 18 years of age, out of high school and have a valid NYS driver’s license.  The Open House will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m.

Correction: Spelling on “Hanlon.” Author’s name added.