The Peru Gazette

The Robert A. LaFountain Disabled American Veterans Chapter 179 conducted memorable Memorial Day Ceremonies today at the Veterans Park on the U.S. Oval. Chapter Commander Carmon Rust welcomed the large crowd. The ceremony included a very moving Raising of the Flags ceremony and a speech titled “Why We Remember” by Steven Bowman, Director of the Clinton County Veterans Service Agency.  It closed with a Placement of Wreaths ceremony. Awards were presented to several people who raised funds to purchase a new DAV van to transport veterans to V.A. hospitals for examinations and treatment.

Click here to view a slideshow (Music plays on a PC). Click here to view individual photos. 

The North Country Cultural Center for the Arts is excited to announce a new call for artists. The NCCCA is currently working with a private client to purchase artworks for their commercial building as it is being renovated. Artists may submit up to three entries each. Entries should be submitted by email to gallery@plattsburgharts.org and include a thumbnail of the image, artist name, title, date and price with “Private Brokerage” in the title line. The deadline for entries is July 7th 2014.

Artists are encouraged to submit works that relate to peace, hope, tranquility and contemplation. Works chosen will be those that evoke a sense of calm and serenity in viewers with an emphasis on comfort. This call is for all forms of media, including sculptural works and wall reliefs. Large scale works will be accepted, but space for them is limited. All works must be properly wired or fabricated to hang correctly, have a quality frame and an aesthetic taste coinciding with the theme.

Please forward any questions or inquires to the NCCCA Museum Coordinator, Christina Elliott, by email at gallery@plattsburgharts.org, by phone at 518-563-1604 or stop in the office at 23 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh. The deadline for entries is July 7th 2014.

The Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 16^th Annual Great Adirondack Car Show, Craft Fair & Giant Garage Sale! Join us on Saturday, June 14th at the Crete Center to see cars, truck and motorcycles from every era competing in 30 different classes. Enter your vehicle in advance for only $10.

This family event also features a Giant Garage Sale. Turn your stuff into cash by setting up a table and selling your items or wander through the tables yourself and find some treasures to take home. Space is available for $20 in advance or $30 at the show.

The Craft Fair features homemade crafts of all kinds. Crafter space is available $20 in advance or $30 at the show.

General admission to all three events is only $3 per person. Children 12 and younger are free.

Sponsored by The Chauvin Agency, Hometown Radio WIRY, The City of Plattsburgh and WOKO/WKOL/WJOY this event is fun for the whole family.  Don’t miss the Great Adirondack Car Show, Craft Fair & Giant Garage Sale on June 14th from 10am – 3:00pm at the Crete Center. For more information, call the Chamber at 563-1000 or go to www.northcountrychamber.com

The Atlantic Arch at the World War II Monument

The Freedom Wall’s 4048 Stars

On Saturday May 17, 2014 Ed Eisele of Peru escorted his mother Peg Eisele, a World War II Navy WAVE, on a North Country Honor Flight to Washington DC. Jeff Pescia of Plattsburgh escorted Joe Kelly of Peru. Both escorts were kind enough to send The Peru Gazette several photos and Ed was kind enough to submit a narrative describing the trip.  Click here to view a slideshow with music (music plays on a PC) of their photos.  Click here to view individual photos. 

By Ed Eisele

The North Country Honor Flight is dedicated to transporting as many US military veterans as possible to see the memorials of World War II in Washington DC at no cost to the veteran.  The veterans of the Honor Flights are escorted by volunteer guardians who help them on the flight and around the monuments in Washington. Everyone has an escort. The Peru veterans and escorts were led by an honor guard of two motorcycles and state police with lights flashing to the parade grounds on the old Air Force Base in Plattsburgh at 6:00 in the morning.

Gordy Little interviewed Joe Kelley

Upon their arrival many veterans, former Honor Flight escorts, scouts, citizens and media were in attendance. There was patriotic music playing as well as music from the WWII era (Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree). At the parade grounds the veterans and escorts registered, received nametags and a goodie bag with snacks and the itinerary.  Some were interviewed twice-once by the local cable TV and by the Peru Internet newspaper The Peru Gazette.

After everyone had checked in, there was a brief ceremony with reveille, flag ceremony and announcement of Honor Flight men who had passed away while taps was played followed by a 21 gun salute. Honor Flight veterans were introduced and local dignitaries said a few words. As the escorts brought the veterans to the bus, they were roundly applauded by families and all the well-wishers both veteran and civilian. Again, a full contingent of motorcycles, fire engines and varied law enforcement vehicles lead the way to the terminal. Enroute there were more fire vehicles, police and a huge American flag hoisted above the highway.

L-R Art LeFevre, Joe Kelley and Bob Mullady

When they arrived at the Plattsburgh airport, the veterans again received enthusiastic applause from many people. A section of the airport building was set up for us. The executive director of the North Country Honor Flight, Dan Kaifetz greeted everyone. After the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the Star Spangled Banner, dignitaries such as Congressman Bill Owens and NYS Legislator Janet Duprey spoke. All 15 veterans were again introduced with a short biography of what each did in wartime and then they were dismissed to go through TSA and board the plane.

As the plane taxied for takeoff, two Plattsburgh Air Force Base fire engines shot streams of water over the plane.  On the flight the plane had to stop at Islip Air Field on Long Island to refuel due to stronger than expected head winds. Since this was an unscheduled stop, it set our trip back an hour.

Saranac Central School Freedom Club

The plane landed in Baltimore and many military men and women from all branches of the service received the vets. Civilian passengers of all ages joined in the receiving line as well. Then the vets and escorts boarded the bus to Washington with several sailors accompanying us for the day.

Upon arrival at the World War II Memorial, approximately 30 Saranac High School students who are members of the “Freedom Club” greeted the vets. Then Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole received the veterans. At this point, the veterans were able to convey appreciation for Dole’s spearheading the building of the monument.  We were also able to have our picture taken with the Doles.  We spent an hour there speaking to visitors and viewing the monument.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery

Iwo Jima Monument

Next, the bus took a tour of Arlington Cemetery enroute to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where we observed the changing of the guard ceremony. Upon leaving the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the host Dan pointed out the grave marker for Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier in American history. The next stop was the Iwo Jima Monument, which was also most impressive.

Returning from Washington to Baltimore, the bus stopped at a VFW for dinner. On arrival in Baltimore, the vets boarded the plane and once in the air, they were surprised by a special “mail call”. Each of them received an excess of letters from family, friends, students, and veteran organizations thanking them for their service and offering their well wishes.  When landing in Plattsburgh, a very enthusiastic crowd once again warmly received the group.

Click here to view The Peru Gazette’s slideshow of the Honor Flight’s U.S. Oval and Plattsburgh International Airport ceremonies.

Superintendent Shuffle: Why Vermont’s Top Jobs in Education Turn Over So Quickly | Education | Seven Days | Vermont’s Independent Voice.

ALBANY, NY (05/22/2014)(readMedia)– Recognizing the legal challenges faced by veterans, the New York State Bar Association has extended, through November 2014, a statewide program that provides discounted legal help to military veterans.

The Veteran Referral Panel program, which began in November 2013, helps veterans with a broad range of legal matters, including obtaining federal benefits, military discharge upgrades, adoptions and family law, and bankruptcy. The program originally was to end later this month. More than 250 attorneys from around the state are participating in the effort.

Veterans who wish to take advantage of the discounted legal services should call 1-800-342-3661 or email lr@nysba.org. Attorneys who wish to assist veterans should visit www.nysba.org/vetvolunteer for an application. Read more »

Regular Mtg Agenda 05282014

Plattsburgh, NY (May 21, 2014) –The North Country Cultural Center for the Arts (NCCCA) and the Strand Theatre are proud to present “The Sinatra Show” with the Joey Thomas Big Band on Sunday, June 8th at 3:00pm. This special performance, in remembrance of “Ol’ Blue Eyes”, promises to delight with some of the most memorable tunes from Frank Sinatra’s career!

“The show is an exciting opportunity for concert-goers to reacquaint themselves with Sinatra’s impressive work through the very talented Joey Thomas Big Band,” says Leigh Mundy, NCCCA and the Strand Theatre Board President.

In addition to re-interpreting Sinatra’s work, The Joey Thomas Big Band also performs original arrangements as recorded by Frank Sinatra with Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie and Woody Herman Orchestras. The result is truly breath-taking and has earned the band a number of accolades.

“We’re thrilled to bring the musical talent of The Joey Thomas Big Band to the North Country. “The Sinatra Show” is the perfect tribute to the musical legacy of Frank Sinatra and the big band era. Audience members will be treated to an evening of lively entertainment in our beautifully restored Strand Theatre,” says Jessica Dulle, NCCCA and Strand Theatre Executive Director.

The Joey Thomas Big Band is in the North Country for a limited time only and tickets are expected to sell out quickly! Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for general admission. To purchase tickets, please visit strandtickets.com, call 518-563-1604 or visit the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts at 23 Brinkerhoff Street. The NCCCA is open to visitors Tuesday through Friday, 10am – 5pm and on Saturdays, 10am – 4pm.

For more information regarding upcoming classes and events, please visit us at www.plattsburgharts.org or call us at 518-563-1604.

Act Bans Funds for Base Realignment and Includes 1.8% pay raise

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Bill Owens joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 4435, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015 by a vote of 325 – 98.

Owens praised steps to strengthen review of sexual assault charges, ban the use of funds for a new round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), raise pay for military personnel by 1.8% with extended pay and bonuses, and fund a new East Coast missile defense interceptor system.

“This legislation addresses many critical issues that affect the lives of our military personnel at Fort Drum and across the country, including protections against base closure and a well-deserved pay raise that exceeds the President’s request,” Owens said. “Congress should finish its work on defense authorization quickly so these important steps can be implemented without further delay.”

Congressman Owens is a Member of the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense, which appropriates funding for programs authorized by the NDAA.

By John T. Ryan

Here are Peru Central School Board and Proposition vote totals. 971 voters cast ballots.

Budget: 693 Yes, 247 No

Capital: 648 Yes, 282 No

Bus: 661 Yes, 246 No

School Board:

Bonnie Berry               770

Jill Folsom                  691

Donna LaRocque     209

Genie Denton            145

What a way to start your day! 

Combat Veteran Patrick Romeo with his spring turkey

The Clinton County Veterans Service Agency working with local hunter Terry Sears were successful in taking disabled combat veteran Patrick Romeo on a spring turkey hunt. Sears had contacted the Veterans Service Agency saying he would like to give back to a veteran who had given so much. The Service Agency put Sears in touch Romeo who had an interest in a spring turkey hunt. Little did Romeo know this would be an experience that he would remember for a lifetime.

The success of this season’s hunt this may be the start of an annual tradition. Taxidermy services were donated by Luke Blair’s Taxidermy.  The Veterans Service Agency is grateful to Terry Sears and Luke Blair for making a difference in this veteran’s life.

By John T. Ryan (Published 9:37 PM and updated with totals 9:42 PM)

Bonnie Berry and Jill Folsom easily won election to the Peru Central School Board of Education. Incumbents Donna LaRocque and Genie Denton were third and fourth respectively. The budget, capital spending and school bus propositions passed by wide margins.

Totals received from Peru Central:

Budget Proposition #1 Yes – 693 No – 247

Capital Project Proposition #2 Yes – 648 No – 282

Bus Proposition #3 Yes – 661 No – 246

Board Member 7/1/14-6/30/19 Term Bonnie Berry

Board Member 5/21/14-6/30/15 Term Jill Folsom

What Elise Stefanik’s Harvard writings tell us about her politics | News from North Country Public Radio.

NY21: Is Elise Stefanik a fresh new voice or a carpetbagger? | News from North Country Public Radio.

Peru – Fun for the whole family! Museum Days at Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum, 250 River Road on June 7-8, 2014 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. Exhibits, live demonstrations, hands-on fun for the kids – grind corn, collect “eggs”, milk a cow, take a stagecoach ride, pet the animals.

The Peru SPCA will be at the museum with several animals (potential pets). Please consider leaving a donation to help this wonderful local organization.  Picnic area available…. bring your own lunch or hotdogs, michigans, chips, soda and baked goods will be available for purchase.

Former Plattsburgh man fatally shot in California » Local News » Press-Republican    Editor’s Note: Pat Gregory was married to Peru native Dorothy Lacombe.  Pat and Dorothy were in Peru last year to attend Dorothy’s 50th Peru Central School Class Reunion. They were vacationing in California.

Here is a link to the story in Pat’s hometown newspaper in Martha’s Vineyard.

http://www.mvtimes.com/2014/05/17/pat-gregory-murdered-while-hiking-in-california/

4 seek 2 Peru School Board seats » Local News » Press-Republican.

School budget, board voting today » Local News » Press-Republican.

By John T. Ryan

Most local residents know the Harkness to Clintonville Road as a short cut to AuSable Forks and the Adirondack Region. Many people think of it as a lonely highway known for the blueberries on the Clintonville Plains. But for past the few summers, passersby have noticed a thing of beauty about two miles west of the Harkness Methodist Church. Flowers of every sort are rising from a terraced rock garden overlooking a quiet pond. Some people can’t believe their eyes and reverse direction. If they do they’re likely to find Art Ford, a professional logger from Clintonville. 

Ford was working in the garden yesterday May 18^th.  He explained, “I own the property. About three or four years ago beavers built a large dam here and I had to come in and cut the trees. After I cut the trees it started to be something different.” Ford returned again and again after he finished his workday in the woods and on weekends. When people see him working they stop by and others stop when he’s not there. Ford says, “I hope people stop by and think about something other than what’s going on in the world today.” When people ask what he’s named this people place he says, “Sometimes I think “Serenity” would be a good name, but I really don’t have a name.” A Christian cross surrounded by beautiful tulips overlooks the peaceful pond. Ford said he hopes people to take time to think about God when they visit. He remarked, “I say I’m trying to get into heaven on a maintenance visa.” 

Ford has hauled the hundreds of rocks from Au Sable Forks. Visitors have donated birdhouses and other items. His friend Denise Leiper plants and takes care of the flowers. Tulips and daffodils are in full bloom, but many more varieties will be planted though the summer. Ford remarked, “New people stop by every day. They’re very respectful of the property. Sometimes I forget tools here and they’re always here when I return.” 

From the Office of Congressman Bill Owens

WASHINGTON—In recognition of National Small Business Week this week, Congressman Owens is highlighting the economic importance of small businesses and entrepreneurs. This year marks the 51st annual National Small Business Week honoring the vital role of small businesses and the passion of U.S. entrepreneurs.
“Small businesses are critical for U.S. economic growth and job creation, especially for middle class families that count on them for employment and a steady salary,” said Rep. Owens. “These businesses also drive innovation and export growth, ensuring long-term U.S. global competitiveness. Supporting local businesses means supporting local jobs, local innovation and economic growth in our communities. I encourage everyone to join me in recognizing small businesses throughout our region this week.”

Small businesses are at the heart of the New York State and U.S. economies. Here are just a few of the reasons why:

– Small businesses have generated 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years and employ 48.5 percent of the country’s private sector workforce. More than 99 percent of New York employer firms are small businesses. They also generate 44 percent of U.S. nonfarm GDP.
– 9.1 million veterans are small business owners. Women own more than 7.8 million small businesses and represent a growing share of total business owners.
– New York State has more than 2 million small businesses (7.2 percent of the national total) spread across every region, community and neighborhood in the state.
– Small businesses produce 16 times more patents per employee than large patenting firms. In 2012, New York ranked third in the number of patents awarded in the U.S.
– Small businesses represent 98 percent of all exporters and produce 1/3 of all exported goods. In 2012, New York State ranked third in the U.S. in the value of exports by small businesses: more than $7 Read more »

On May 24th and 25th The North Star Underground Railroad Museum will mini-bus Tour of underground railroad sites in Keeseville and Peru. Spend the morning hearing the stories and learning about the men and women who traveled on the underground railroad and those who provided safe passage to fugitives from slavery. There are several stops including one at the hidden room located in a barn at the former Stephen Keese Smith farm in Peru. Tour leaders are members of the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association. The two hour tour leaves the North Star Underground Railroad Museum, 1131 Mace Chasm Road, Ausable Chasm, NY, at 9:30 sharp. $10 per person. Reservations suggested. Include a visit to the Museum following the tour. Call or email 518‐834‐5180 or ugr@frontier.com.

Click here to view Jim Neyenhouse’s Peru High School Spring Concert Photos 

Please watch as a slideshow on a PC and turn up the music! The music combined with the photos is an emotional experience for me. Zenfolio | Photos | North Country Honor Flight – May 17, 2014.