The Peru Gazette

By Donald McBrayer

The Peru Town Board held its regular meeting Monday night. All members except town attorney Don Biggs (excused) were present.

Elmore SPCA Executive Director Laura Torrans thanked the board for their support and described the newly renovated facility at 556 Telegraph Rd. The renovations include 8 large outside pens, a full concrete basement (which can be used to isolate sick animals), heated DCO rooms, 2 dedicated cat rooms, and much more. Torrans said they are almost completely moved back into the facility and extended an invitation to the Town Board for a tour.

Elmore’s SPCA can be found at: http://www.elmorespca.org/index.html or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elmore-SPCA-Inc/123268257686934

The Town Board is considering changing the town’s energy supplier from NYSEG to Ambit. Larry Shanley (representing Ambit) was present to answer any questions that may have arisen since the Ambit presentation at the 11/14 meeting.

Town Councilor Bandy McDonald informed Mr. Shanley that the town has ten meters – five shy of the fifteen required to capitalize on the best savings option. Mr. Shanley reminded the board that a savings would be realized either way. It was suggested town employees be invited to participate. Town Councilor Susan Polhemus reminded the board that the town could not solicit publicly for the five additional meters, but that town employees could participate as far as Ambit was concerned. A final decision should be made by year’s end.

Town Supervisor Peter Glushko reminded the board of the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony this coming Friday evening at 7PM. Greg Timmons was asked if the fire trucks were to be decorated again this year. Mr. Timmons said he was not sure, but would inquire.

Mr. Glusko then thanked Kathy Flynn & Don McBrayer for the Peru Gazette Story on the history of the Tree Lighting Ceremony. The story can be viewed at: http://www.perugazette.com/2011/11/28/tree-lighting-ceremony-is-the-official-start-of-the-holiday-season-%E2%80%93-for-peru-anyways/

Mr. Glusko reminded all department heads to closely watch spending. “The funds are running low,” Glushko warned. He also told the board that CHIPS income in the amount $136,000 and a FEMA payment for Spring rain damage in the amount of $140,000 are pending and will help, but spending must be kept at an absolute minimum.

Town Councilor Kregg Bruno suggested Mr. Glushko not overstate the idea the town is out of money, at which Mr. Glusko agreed, again expressing the need for prudent spending “so we don’t wind up there.”

In other business the board:

• Set a Workshop date of Wednesday, December 7 at 6:30PM to consider options being presented by AES to correct the town water haloacetic acid issue.
• Passed a resolution to close the $18,000 Ormsby Circle Performance Bond Account. The funds will be transferred to the Highway Department.
• Set a date of Friday, December 16 at noon for the town employee Christmas party.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.

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Just Chute Me | Seven Days.

Strategic Plan Review Committee Will Review and Assess Strategic Plans Presented By Ten Regional Economic Development Councils

Empire State Development has announced the final schedule of presentations for the strategic plans submitted by the ten Regional Economic Development Councils. Each region will have an opportunity to make an in-person presentation according to the following schedule:  Read more »

The Daily published a great story on the Crown Point Bridge reconstruction (Click here) 

Natasia & Adam McBrayer with Santa (1992)

By Donald McBrayer & Kathy Flynn

This coming Friday (December 2^nd), folks from every corner of Peru will come together to kick off the Holiday Season at the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. For over 40 years, wide-eyed children of all ages have gathered to rejoice in one of Peru’s most sacred traditions – The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Originally sponsored by The Lion’s Club, the ceremony was held on the corner near Holland’s Barber Shop (close to Peru Hardware) where boxes of candy were handed to children and caroling filled the air as hundreds would gather to rejoice in the blessings that living in Peru brings.

Around 25 years ago the town grasped the “reins” continuing the annual ceremony. Around that same time Mr. & Mrs. Santa Clause (John and Vicki Masella) began arriving each year via fire truck. This unique arrival by Santa continues to thrill children to this day.

Fifteen years ago the town transferred the responsibility to the Youth Commission. When the Youth Commission took over they began recognizing someone from the community who has either made significant contributions to the community or had the misfortune of an accident or illness by having them light the tree – for example in 2008 Brady O’Connell, a Peru youngster who underwent a successful third kidney transplant, officially lit the tree.

The Youth Commission also make preparations to welcome the abundance of families that come to see Santa by doing all the decorating, including setting up a variety of crafts for the children to work on during this exciting event.

This year the ceremony will be held at the Peru Gazebo in the Little Ausable Park, and will be followed by a chance to meet Santa (who arrives by fire truck at 7PM sharp) in the Peru Community Fellowship Center. The festivities include caroling, refreshments, crafts, and karaoke by Tim’s Tunes.

You can see a slideshow of last year’s ceremony by visiting: http://ryanjohn.zenfolio.com/p473634522/slideshow

Editorial: Let area youths serve for the right reasons.

Syracuse chancellor fires longtime assistant coach Bernie Fine; ‘We do not tolerate abuse,’ she says | syracuse.com.

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Spring-like snow for Whiteface opening – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Saranac Lake region — Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

Schools now heated with wood chips – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Saranac Lake region — Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

Conversation to focus on jobs and the economy, but open to all issues

WASHINGTON – In an ongoing effort to conduct an open discussion about the issues that affect New York, Congressman Bill Owens will hold a telephone town hall next Tuesday, November 29th.  Owens will update callers about the effort to create jobs in New York and take questions from callers from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Read more »

Keeseville Knights of Columbus Eugene G. Santor Council #4689 donated the proceeds from their annual Harvest Dinner to the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc.  Grand Knight, Jude Perkett Jr is presenting a Check for $6,000.00 to Executive Director, John Bernardi.  Also Shown are 2012 Campaign Chair Gerald Morrow and Chef Shelley Davis.

To the Residents and the Employees of the Town of Peru,

As we celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday here in our Town, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your support and help throughout this past year.  I thank the residents for their patience and understanding as we went through several recoveries as a result of our bouts with severe weather during the year.  Let’s hope next year is kinder to us.

I would like to thank all the Town employees for their hard work and positive attitudes in delivering their services to Peru’s residents.  The long hours and professionalism displayed in all your efforts are very much appreciated.

Finally, I would like to wish, on behalf of the Town Board, a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving to all Town residents, employees and their families and friends. Thank you for making the Town of Peru a great place to live.

For the Peru Town Board,

Pete Glushko

Town Supervisor

AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING November 28, 2011 @ 7:00 PM

1. Call Meeting To Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. MOTION:     Approval of Minutes from November 14, 2011 Regular Meeting.
5. Community Input and Questions.
6. DISCUSSION:  Elmore SPCA Update.
7. DISCUSSION: Town Energy Sourcing.
8. DISCUSSION:  Water/Sewer Projects Update.
9. DISCUSSION:  Tropical Storm Irene Recovery Update
10. DISCUSSION:  Highway Garage Roof Update.
11. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Closing of Ormsby Circle Performance Bond Account
12. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Employee Benefits Handbook.
13. DISCUSSION: Air Quality Complaints Update.
14. DISCUSSION:  Town Employee Christmas Celebration.
15. DISCUSSION:  Town Christmas Tree Lighting.
16. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.
17. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.
18. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Approve/Pay Bills
19. MOTION:     Adjourn

The Post Standard reports 

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

Reps split on balanced budget amendment – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com 

Report claims Border Patrol too aggressive – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Saranac Lake region — Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

Open Doors 2011 Report ranks New York State second in the nation for hosting international students; Study New York promotes the State’s excellence. 

Empire State Development (ESD), the US Department of Commerce, and the Study New York consortium today announced that New York State ranks second in the nation in attracting international students to our colleges and universities, according to the Open Doors Report for 2011, which is published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE) with support from the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.  According to the report, New York State welcomed 78,888 international students in 2010-11, an increase of 3.6 percent from the previous year and outpacing the growth rate of first ranked California.  International students contributed a significant $2.4 billion to New York State’s economy, an increase of 4 percent from the prior academic year 2009-10.

Further details from the Open Doors report may be found on the IIE website: http://www.iie.org/en/Research-and-Publications/Open-Doors Read more »