The Peru Gazette

SARANAC LAKE, NY — The annual ‘Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race is set for Saturday, May 11, part of a full weekend of paddling activities in Saranac Lake.

Hosted by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) with support from over a dozen partners, ‘Round the Mountain Weekend features the traditional Saturday race as well as the Freshet Film Festival, a paddler mixer and a community paddle.

“Saranac Lake is one of the busiest NFCT trail towns, hosting several of our marquee events and serving as a hub for paddlesports in upstate New York,” said Karrie Thomas, executive director of the NFCT. “The ‘Round the Mountain’ race is a mainstay of spring in the Adirondacks, and this year, we’re excited to team with our local partners to add more activities to round out the weekend.” Read more »

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

DiNapoli estimates that the securities industry accounted for approximately $28.8 billion in state tax revenue, or 27.4% of the state’s tax collections, for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2022-23

Information from NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli 

The average annual Wall Street bonus dipped to $176,500 last year, a 2% decline from the previous year’s average of $180,000, according to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s annual estimate. Wall Street’s profits were up 1.8% in 2023, but firms have taken a more cautious approach to compensation and more employees have joined the securities industry, which accounts for the slight decline in the average bonus.

“Wall Street’s average cash bonuses dipped slightly from last year, with continued market volatility and more people joining the securities workforce,” DiNapoli said. “While these bonuses affect income tax revenues for the state and city, both budgeted for larger declines so the impact on projected revenues should be limited. The securities industry’s continued strength should not overshadow the broader economic picture in New York, where we need all sectors to enjoy full recovery from the pandemic.”

The $33.8 billion bonus pool for 2023, which closely matched the 2022 pool, was well below the 25% growth seen in 2020 ($37.1 billion) and the 15% jump seen in 2021 ($42.7 billion), but slightly over the pre-pandemic high of $32.1 billion. Read more »

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

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Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

By John T Ryan

Peru/Plattsburgh, March 20, 2024—If you’ve never been to Peru’s Courthouse, you may not know Holly Stone. She’s been a Peru court clerk since 2011. Holly and her husband Terry’s 25-year-old son Austin is battling brain cancer. 

Austin Stone is a 2016 Beekmantown High School/CVTEC and 2023 Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) graduate. Before the onset of his illness, he worked in Rochester as a computer game design and development engineer.

Peru Town Judge James Kirby, who has worked with Austin’s mom for many years and has been battling cancer himself for over two years, commented. “I’ve met Austin. He’s a very nice man. We couldn’t ask for a nicer family. Cancer is an awful thing for a family to go through.”

The first sign of Austin’s cancer came on November 19, 2023, when he suddenly lost consciousness. On January 5, physicians diagnosed his illness as a rare form of cancer called oligodendroglioma multifocal. He has four cancerous brain tumors. Associated symptoms commonly include seizures, headaches, altered sensations (strange smells or hallucinations related to the sense of smell), muscular weakness (mainly down one side of the body), and a loss of control of bodily movements. Austin’s experiencing all of those symptoms.

Austin’s Aunts, Sandy Rasco, Judy Rasco, Gail LeBeau, and Uncle Art Rasco, are organizing a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for April 27 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at the Quarry Road American Legion in Plattsburgh. There’ll be an auction, raffle, music, and great food. The dinner, raffle, and auction proceeds will help with Austin’s medical and travel expenses to Burlington and Boston. Auction donations and gift cards to help purchase dinner supplies are needed.

If you would like to discuss a potential collaboration or to make a donation, you can contact Art at 518-569-1859, Sandy at 518-293-1116, Gail at 518-225-2186, or Judy at 518-569-9849.

Given Holly Stone’s long and valued service to our community, the Peru Gazette hopes Peru will rally behind the Stone family.

Nomination deadline is March 31 

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that nominations for his 2024 Women of Distinction Awards are underway. The Women of Distinction Awards are held annually and honor local women who have had significant positive impacts on their community and those around them. Awards will be given for various categories, such as health care, business, volunteer work, and education. The deadline for nominations is March 31, and the awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 9 at 6 p.m. at Clinton Community College’s Stafford Center Theatre.

“For the past seven years, it has been an honor to recognize some of the women who make the North Country a great place to live,” said Assemblyman Jones. “I am inspired every year while reading through the nominations- there are truly some amazing women in our region. I cannot think of a better way to honor Women’s History Month.”

Residents who wish to nominate a woman for the awards can fill out a nomination form online at https://www.nyassembly.gov/mem/Billy-Jones/story/109406.  Nominees must live in the 115th Assembly District, which includes all of Clinton and Franklin counties and a portion of Essex County. Last year’s Women of Distinction award winners were: Sarah Maroun (Education Award), Gail Roberts (Community and Civic Affairs Award), Sarah Howell (Healthcare Award), Linda Young (Volunteerism Award), Elizabeth Pearl (Businesswoman Award), Jacqueline (Jackie) Madison (Military Service Award), Jessica Kline (North Country Neighbor Award), and Judith (Judy) Lefebvre (Service to Hometown Heroes Award).

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Click here for the Press-Republican story 

2023 -Lions Club President signs up volunteers

2023 Green Up Day is a GREAT FAMILY EVENT!

Spring has arrived, signaling it’s time to start planning the 3rd Annual Town of Peru Green Up Day, which will be held on Saturday, April 20th, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. We invite you to join the Peru Lions Club and the Peru K-5 PTO along with our sponsors, Stewart’s Shops and Casella, to celebrate Earth Day by helping our planet and community as we pick up garbage and debris along the town roads.

Meet us at the Peru Fire Dept. to get bags, gloves, pickers and safety vests so you can participate safely. The first 50 kids who join us will receive a coupon for one free ice cream cone from Stewart’s. Can’t you join us on April 20th? Please email us to find out how to participate on your schedule. For further information, contact us at perunylionsclub@gmail.com or perupto@gmail.com.

Peru Gazette photos at the 2023 Green Up Day

Youth Summer Employment opportunity in the Town of Peru. Work with kids, have fun, and get paid. Apply on Recdesk, which can be accessed on the Town of Peru webpage. You must be a town resident.

To apply, click here and scroll to the BOTTOM of the page 

Click here for North Country Public Radio’s enlightening story 

Award winner Amy Keith

PLATTSBURGH, NY (03/18/2024) – Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a scary time for patients, facing overwhelming emotions and the complexities of scheduling numerous appointments for treatment. Staff members at The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital’s (CVPH) FitzPatrick Cancer Center (FCC) say it’s that time when a calming voice can make a tremendous difference. And that’s why Amy Keith, an office coordinator at the FCC, has been honored as the hospital’s newest BEE Award recipient. Keith was presented the award during a surprise ceremony with her Cancer Center colleagues.

Keith is the third staff member to receive the BEE Award, which is short for Beyond Exceptional Everyday. It was established in 2023 at CVPH to recognize members of the hospital’s support staff who go above and beyond in their roles to help provide excellent patient care.

“She is always compassionate when talking with frightened patients or family members, and she treats each person as if it is her own family member,” writes Patti Johnson, RN in her nomination of Keith. Johnson is an oncology care coordinator at the FCC and works closely with Keith daily.

When patients first receive their cancer diagnosis, Johnson says they are understandably eager to figure out their next steps. Keith is vital to helping ensure those patients have the best possible chance to beat their disease by getting them scheduled as soon as possible while offering support and words of encouragement to each person she speaks with on the phone.

“Amidst the challenges of provider shortages and an overwhelming number of newly diagnosed patients, Amy works closely with navigation and the providers to get patients seen and started on treatment as soon as possible,” Johnson says. I am always amazed at how she can visualize all provider schedules and find a place for our patients. I couldn’t do my job without her!”

And Keith’s dedication extends to her team at the hospital. Charleen Tuthill, Director of Oncology Services at the Cancer Center, describes Keith as an example of CVPH’s culture at its best.

“Amy is the type of person who goes above and beyond at all times. She not only works hard in the Cancer Center, but will even take on other shifts in other departments when there are shortages of staffing. As an organization, we are very lucky to have people like Amy Keith,” Tuthill adds.

During the award presentation, Keith received a certificate commending her for her extraordinary work. Like all honorees, she also received a BEE Award pin, a beautiful and meaningful sculpture, and a basket filled with bee-themed gifts.

All CVPH employees who support patient care by working together with physicians and registered nurses to improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of patients and their loved ones are eligible for the BEE Award. Nomination forms and boxes are located at each of the hospital’s main entrances and on the CVPH website. Support staff may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. A committee reviews nominations and awards a deserving employee each quarter.

Click here for the NCPR story 

DEC Commissionker Basil Seggos proudly displays a copy of the Lake Champlain Wateshed Implementaation Plan

Dep. Town Supevisor Jim Douglass, Courtney Tetrault, Commissioner Seggos and Peru personnel

Courtney Tetrault explains what the wastewater treatment plant upgrades will accomplish 

By John T Ryan

March 18, 2024 – Ausable Point Campground – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos was in town today to officially announce the finalization of the Lake Champlain Watershed Implementation Plan and a $1 million water quality improvement grant to the Town of Peru to help fund improvement to its wastewater treatment plant. Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass, Counselor Eric Duquette, Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup, Water-Sewer Parks Superintent Courtney Tetrault, and several water personnel represented the Town of Peru. 

Courtney Tetrault reported receipt of the grant at the town board’s February 24 meeting. Depending on the project’s scope, the estimated project cost ranges from $11 million to just over $25 million. DEC previously awarded Peru grants of $1 million and $1,366,290. Commissioner Seggos said Peru can still apply for grants and long-term low or no-interest loans. Peru is in the process of conducting a household income survey. If household incomes in the water district fall below a certain level, Peru would qualify for no-interest loans. New York also expanded its Community Assistance Teams to help small, rural, and disadvantaged communities access funding. $335 million in grant opportunities are open for applications on the State Environmental Facilities Corporation website.

The Lake Champlain Watershed Implementation Plan identifies potential projects that will significantly reduce the amount of pollutants entering the lake. Since 1995, New York has invested $112 million in State grants and $70 million in low-interest loans to support nearly 300 water quality improvement projects. The Watershed Implementation Plan will hopefully build on that progress. 

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Good morning PTO members,

Just sending a quick reminder that applications for the Vice President and Fundraising Officer positions are due tomorrow in order to be considered for the position. To apply, please use the link below:

Application Submission Link: https://tinyurl.com/PeruPTOapplynow

____________
Fundraising Officer:
Key responsibilities include:
Developing and implementing innovative fundraising campaigns and events.
Cultivating relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners.
Collaborating with the PTO board and committees to set fundraising goals and strategies.
Managing fundraising initiatives, including tracking donations and coordinating fundraising volunteers.
Writing appreciation letters to donors and sponsors to express gratitude for their support.
We are seeking candidates who possess:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Creativity and resourcefulness in generating fundraising ideas.
Organizational abilities and attention to detail.
A passion for education and community involvement
___________
Vice President:
Key responsibilities include:
Collaborating with the President to set goals and strategies for the organization.
Assisting in the planning and execution of events, fundraisers, and initiatives.
Serving as a liaison between parents, teachers, and school administration.
Leading and supporting volunteer efforts.
Representing the PTO at school meetings and events.
Managing financial transactions, including cash transactions and bank accounts, in accordance with PTO policies and procedures.
We are seeking candidates who possess:
Strong leadership abilities and effective communication skills.
A passion for education and community engagement.
Organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
A collaborative and inclusive approach to working with diverse stakeholders.

Amy Davies
President
Peru K-5 Parent Teacher Organization17 School StreetPeru, NY 12972
perupto@gmail.comhttps://www.facebook.com/perupto
Join our email list: https://tinyurl.com/peruptoemaillist

L-R Kolby Rawleigh and Riley Wilkens. Kolby built the chair.

Shaan Palmer and his friendly pets

Adam, Elizabeth and Roslyn Gillette

Peru, NY, March 16, 2024—Wonderful things were happening along Bear Swamp Rd. this sunny Saturday morning. Adam and Elizabeth Guilette enjoyed walking with their two-year-old daughter, Roslyn. At Rulfs Orchard, Shawn Palmer enjoyed wait time with two extremely friendly pit bull terriers. At the same time, Riley Wilkens and Kolby Rawleigh set up an Adirondack chair that kids will undoubtedly love!