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HOMES EVERY WEEK! Burgh/North Countryman
January 4, 2020
suncommunitynews.com
• EDITION •
Plattsburgh moves to a “Climate Smart Community”
Langlois School of Dance celebrates 65 Three generations of one family teach future generations of North Country students
Anti-idling, other policies to take effect
By Windsor Burkland
By Sarah Elizabeth Morris
STAFF WRITER
STAFF WRITER
PLATTSBURGH | Since 1955, three generations of one family has taught thousands of students in the North Country to dance. Mothers and daughters, adults and children alike, dance in time while following in each others footsteps - its students reflecting the women who work behind the scenes. The Nancy Langlois School of Dance is celebrating its 65th anniversary as Susan Gerace Mossey and Kyra Mossey continue their family legacy while continuing to evolve.
“Hula Babies” a crowd favorite routine established by Nancy Langlois Gerace. Photo provided
PAVING THE WAY Nancy Langlois Gerace, more commonly known as “Miss Nancy,” started her 63-year-old career in her original 49 Elm St. studio by teaching at 15 years old. Gerace continued to teach after graduating from Dance Educators of America in New York City and studying at Arthur Murray School of Dance in Montreal, Quebec. Nancy Gerace tap dancing in 1950.
Photo provided
PLATTSBURGH | The city of Plattsburgh has made further strides to become increase its status as a Climate Smart Community. Plattsburgh is one of seven cities in the U.S. to be a Climate Smart Community. It has 100 percent renewable energy resources, 95 percent hydro energy and 5 percent air energy. With these resources and growing number of trees, the city is looking soon to be officially certified by the state. The council passed a new Anti-Idling Policy for city-owned vehicles only. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, vehicles create almost 60 million tons of CO2 each year while idling, 30 million of that by personal cars. By cutting out idling on behalf of city cars and trucks, the council hopes to reduce air pollution and noise, improving the air quality in the city. “It breaks down the policy in terms of large vehicles of over 8,500 pounds and those passenger vehicles under that weight,” Councilor Rachelle Armstrong said. “It gives specific times that you can’t exceed for idling.” So far, the Plattsburgh City Police have agreed to the terms of the policy, and won’t leave their patrol cars running for more than ten seconds if they are not actively driving. The fire department has yet to take on the antiidling policy; it won’t be required for all vehicles though. “We’re a very small entity, five square miles, and it might cause a little bit of difficulty with incoming vehicles having to adhere to a law that is very specific to a small entity,” Armstrong said on why the policy doesn’t apply to all drivers. The council also voted to require recycling at public events, something that hasn’t been practiced too much in the past. For events, those in charge are asked to appoint someone to ensure recycling on everyone’s part.
See LANGLOIS SCHOOL » pg. 2
See CLIMATE SMART » pg. 2
Major bus deal announced Prevost announces largest contract in company history By Brian Happel STAFF WRITER
PLATTSBURGH | Business is about to pick up at Prevost. One of the top coach manufacturers in North America has reached an agreement to build up to 330 buses as part of two contracts with the New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
product for commuters in our state.” The deal is also expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy, with 25 new jobs being created at Prevost in Plattsburgh and 15 additional jobs at Prevost sub-assembly provider in New York State. “This brings additional major work to the Prevost operation in Plattsburgh, as well as to their area suppliers and vendors,” North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas stated. “This begins to tee up our manufacturing cluster for another excellent few years ahead.” “This is exciting news for Prevost and for North Country residents,” Congresswoman
Student s in the pre -kinderg ar ten pr o g r am in t he Peru Central School Dis t r ic t intentl y listen to their teacher to find out the next assignment. The program, which started two years ago, is receiving a grant from the state to expand. Photo by Brian Happel
PERU GETS BIG BOOST IN EARLY EDUCATION School district nets grant to expand pre-k
This rendering shows the new ride that commuers will experience thanks to new buses being built by Prevost for the New York State MTA. A recently announced contract calls for hundreds of new buses to be made in Plattsburgh. Photo Provided by Prevost
By Brian Happel
It is the largest order ever for the company in terms of value. “We are very proud as the buses for MTA will be built just a few hours from New York City,” Prevost General Manager Francois Tremblay said. “Our presence in this state is very important and our talented employees in Plattsburgh are eager to demonstrate their skills once again for MTA.” “The MTA’s bus service is a lifeline for countless residents of New York,” Senator Chuck Schumer added. “I’m so glad to see that it recognizes that Prevost’s world-class Plattsburgh workforce produces a superior
PERU | The Peru Central School District has what many would call a good problem to have: the staff is racing to get ready to double the size of its pre-kindergarten program starting Jan. 21. The expansion is the result of a $341,847 grant awarded to the school district just before the winter break. It is part of $15 million being doled out to 26 school districts by the state. “New York is making an unprecedented commitment to universal pre-kindergarten for children living in high-need and underserved school districts,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “This funding will help ensure more children than ever before are able to attend
Elise Stefanik offered. “This will bring significant economic activity to the Plattsburgh area, and I am proud to continue to be an outspoken advocate for business initiatives that will have positive impacts, much like this one.” The two contracts call for 307 buses to be delivered between 2020 and 2022. There are also options for 23 additional buses. “This deal is a tremendous victory for the hard working residents of the North Country,” Assemblyman Billy Jones said in a statement. “This is great news for everyone involved, and I’m grateful for this exciting new opportunity.” ■
STAFF WRITER
pre-k and enjoy the benefits of early childhood education into adulthood.” For Peru, that means two more classrooms and an additional 36 students joining the program, bringing the total children served to 72. The grant will help pay for two additional certified teachers, at least two additional aides, equipment for the classrooms and thematic supplies. The state handed out the funding based on a number of criteria, including district need, targeting the highest need students, and maximizing the total number of children served in pre-kindergarten programs. “You have opportunities to get kids ready for school now,” Peru Central School District Superintendent Doctor Thomas Palmer offered. “They’re coming in the year earlier, and we can start providing instruction for them and getting them used to the building, used to the routines, and I think they’ll be starting from a higher spot when they begin kindergarten.” See PRE-K GRANT » pg. 5
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