The Peru Gazette

Local WWII veterans honored » Local News » Press-Republican.

By John T. Ryan

Peru residents interested in agriculture may have noticed a plant peeking through the corn stubble this spring. If things go as planned, they’ll see even more of this crop next year. On April 24^th, several farmers gathered at Dimock Farms on Route 22B to hear agriculture and water pollution experts describe the benefits of planting and harvesting Winter Rye. Peter Hager, a Clinton County Cornell Cooperative Extension educator, said that North Country farmers have never planted many cover crops, but his agency and USDA are encouraging them to give it a try.  If successful, farmers will enjoy increased profits and the non-farmers will enjoy an improved environment.

Peter Hager – Cornell Cooperative Extension Educator

Cover crops like winter rye reduce erosion, retain nutrients not utilized by the summer crops, add organic matter to the soil and improve soil health. They also compete with weeds, reduce pests and improve water infiltration. Farmers can reduce pesticide and herbicide applications, which ultimately lessens ground water, river and lake pollution. Winter Rye can also be harvested in the spring to provide additional feed.

Bruce Dimock (right) farms 500 acres and milks 240 cows

Bruce Dimock was one of the first local farmers to planted Winter Rye. Dimock explained, “I planted 50 acres. I’ll harvest it in May and feed it to my dry cows and heifers.”

Environmental Analyst Myra Lawyer demonstrated the tangible benefits of Winter Rye

Cooperative Extension and USDA are hoping that 1000 acres will be planted countywide this year.  USDA is even offering to share the cost of aerial seeding into standing corn or soybeans.  The Soil and Water District also has a no-till drill which can be rented and used to establish Rye into corn stubble without tillage. Click the following for more information. NNY-Farms-Successfully-Growing-Cover-Crops-For-Dairy

As is the case in any business endeavor, Winter Rye’s success or failure depends on its benefits versus cost. Our short growing season can make growing cover crops challenging. If this program is successful, it would be a win, win situation for farmers and non-farmers alike – increased productivity, reduced costs, greater profits and improved water quality in streams, rivers and our precious Lake Champlain.

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By John T. Ryan

Peru VFW Port 309 conducted its traditional Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 am today. Post Quartermaster Rick Dabrowski welcomed members and guests. Rev. Alan Shnob, Pastor of St. Augustine’s Church, led opening and closing prayers.  County Legislator Peter Keenan and Town Supervisor Peter Glushko were the main speakers.  Peter Keenan told those present, “The price our service men and women paid enables is to have this ceremony here today. We thank all those who served.”  Peter Glushko said Memorial Day celebrations are taking on a new importance in our country. He continued, “A key component of our nation’s greatness is our ability to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice..” Glushko urged people to teach young people about the sacrifices earlier generations have made. He said, “Assist veterans, tell and retell their stories. Keep their memories alive and cherish their memories. Treat Memorial Day with reference and respect and others will follow your lead.” (Click here for more Gazette photos) 

The Post 309 Honor Guard fired a traditional salute

Former Post Commander Reginald Besaw is always present for these ceremonies

Peru VFW Post 309 will conduct Memorial Day Ceremonies at 11 am this morning. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

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Peru, NY – Peru’s decades old, hand scooped hang out, “Sweet Treat”, located at 2897 State Route 22, will have the opening of their newly restored site on Sunday, May 26^th during the afternoon hours. The seasonal gourmet ice cream and cake shop will hold regular seasonal business hours there after.

Sweet Treat continues to serve the Adirondack Region quality ice cream for over 26 years.  The menu selection is hand-scooped or soft serve in a wide variety of flavors. Sweet Treat offers custom cakes and ice cream sandwich choices. Gluten free and low sugar options are available.  Frozen yogurt is being introduced.

Efforts leading up to a late season opening this year came after a flood. “We are all rung out”, says Jennifer Scotto di Carlo, Peru resident and Sweet Treat patron. “Anxiously waiting for Coconut Chocolate Almond”, by Hershey, persisted Mrs. Scotto di Carlo. Currently, there are reported record high rainfall counts in the Greater Champlain Valley causing some Memorial Day festivities to be postponed within forecasted areas. Sweet Treat offers a familiar family gathering place during the rain filled holiday weekend. Showcasing the property upgrades and renovations at a grand re-opening season premiere will follow. More information on the grand re-opening will be available this coming week.

During peak season, Sweet Treat participates in community outreach projects. The Peru School Ice Cream Social and The Peru Soup Kitchen are some who have have hosted events and benefit raffles sponsored in part by Rick & Debi Lajti, owners of Sweet Treat. In June 2011, The Lajti’s purchased the local legendary site after being long time patrons.

http://Ryanjohn.zenfolio.com/p231296749/slideshow

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Washington, DC – The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) today announced the availability of grant funding for job creation projects in eligible Northern Border communities.  Congressman Bill Owens urged constituents to apply for the funds and issued the following statement: The Northern Border Regional Commission is designed to support projects that will help create or retain jobs in our community,” said Congressman Bill Owens.  “I encourage all qualified applicants from the district to consider this opportunity and look forward to seeing the funds awarded later this year.”

NBRC Co-Chairman Sandy Blitz indicated in a release this week that the Commission intends to award roughly $1.2 million by late summer of this year.  The Commission was created by the Congress to alleviate economic distress and promote job opportunities throughout thirty-six counties in New York, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.  Eligible counties in New York’s 21^st Congressional District include Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence.

According to the NBRC’s release, grants will be awarded to projects that address infrastructure, job training, tourism and similar issues, while states develop their own process for ranking eligible application that meet NBRC criteria.  Interested participants can contact the New York Department of State at 518-473-3355 or their regional development corporation for more information.  Congressman Bill Owens’ Watertown staff is also available to assist interested parties at 315-782-3150.

BURLINGTON, VT (05/23/2013)(readMedia)– Some 2,557 students were awarded a variety of bachelor’s degrees during the University of Vermont’s 211th Commencement ceremonies on May 19. There were some 575 advanced degrees and certificates awarded by the UVM Graduate College and approximately 106 women and men took the oath of Hippocrates following the awarding of their M.D. degrees at ceremonies of the UVM College of Medicine. A list of local students and the degree earned by each follows:

Alice  Robinson of Peru,   NY,  received a  BS in  Professional Nursing.

Jordan L. Stephney of Peru,   NY,  received a  BS in  Dietetics Nutrition & Food Sciences.

Chartered in 1791, UVM was the first college or university in the United States that did not give preference to a religious sect in its charter. UVM now has nearly 10,459 undergraduates in eight schools and colleges, 1,540 graduate students and 449 medical students. As a small, comprehensive university, it blends the academic heritage of a private university with services missions in the land-grant tradition.

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In July Dr. Patrick Brimstein will have been at the helm of Peru Central School for one year.  He was kind enough to meet with the Peru Gazette to discuss his start as Superintendent. Adele Douglas conducted the interview.

What are your impressions of the school?

“In general the kids here seem to be very polite and well grounded, the teaching staff is genuinely committed to doing good by the students and we have positive school teams that are starting to connect with one another in new and exciting ways.  I’m happy to see that parents want to be involved and we want to develop more opportunities for that, especially at the secondary school where parental involvement typically tends to drop off.  Parents are our partners in developing the best students we can.”

What are the school’s big challenges? 
 Read more »

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