The Peru Gazette

Juliette Brookfield, CEFLS Youth Services Librarian

Community Care Project boxes being packed

Outreach Librarian Anja Bouchard points to summer reading program packs

66 Oak St., Plattsburgh CEFLS Headquarters.

Van driver Deb Price with her drop-off and pick-up at our Peru library

By John T. Ryan 

North Country libraries are centerpieces of our small communities; that’s certainly true here in Peru, where we take great pride in the Peru Free Library. Our library, like 32 similar libraries in the tri-county area, relies on a less visible entity, CEFLS, the Clinton, Essex, Franklin Library System, to provide its wide variety of services. Established in 1954 under the state Education Department, CEFLS is governed by a 15-member volunteer Board of Trustees (five from each county) and is funded primarily by New York State, supplemented by county contributions and grants.  Unfortunately, CEFLS faces a projected 2027 budget deficit that will force service cutbacks. 

Peru librarian Stacey Bousquet said, “The main service we get from them is inter-library loans. Every Friday, a van delivers books and other items our patrons requested and picks up books, DVDs, and items other libraries have requested. They also provide training, help with state reports, webinars, and technical assistance, including support for our library’s software. Their grant program supports our summer reading programs. As a new librarian, my CEFLS liaison, Anja Bouchard, has been very, very helpful.”  (In 2024 its van drivers logged over 36,000 miles transporting over 213,800 items.)

Anja Bouchard, the CEFLS Outreach Librarian, took the Gazette on a tour of the system’s 33 Oak Street building. As expected, the building houses row after row of hard-cover books. Juliette Brookfield, CEFLS Youth Services Librarian, was working on materials to encourage children to start reading early, and she commented, “Graphic novels and manga, a Japanese form of graphic storytelling, are popular with young readers. Finding reading materials that match a child’s interests can make a difference.”

The “Library of Things” lets library patrons borrow items beyond conventional books, such as early literacy and education kits for preschool- and kindergarten-age children, storytelling materials, musical instruments, LEGO kits, knitting kits, and virtual-reality headsets. It also offers occasional-use items, such as specialty cake pans and games, and much more. CEFLS lists all offerings in its online electronic catalog. 

Anja said libraries’ role has evolved beyond information into community gathering places for educational, cultural, and social activities. The many art, wellness, and speaking  community programs at our Peru library exemplify that evolution. Recognizing the current financial hardships facing many people, CEFLS launched a Community Care Project discreetly providing hygiene products and community resource information.  Seventeen libraries participate.

Executive Director Steve Kenworthy said CEFLS had projected a $200,000 deficit in its $1.6 million 2027 budget. He commented, “Conservative financial management has absorbed years of stagnant funding since 2008, but inflation, aging infrastructure, vehicle replacement and rising services are straining the system.” Kenworthy anticipates reducing the deficit by $150,000 through retirements and reassignments of in-house personnel. The remaining $50,000 deficit will require discontinuing services like certain adult, young adult, and juvenile book rotations. CEFLS is pursuing more grants and exploring participation in the United Way. 

(PLATTSBURGH, NY – October 22, 2026) Strand Center for the Arts is thrilled to be partnering with the Clinton County Office for the Aging in a series of pop-up visual art workshops. These workshops are free to participants and feature mediums such as collage, ceramics, and watercolor.

Creative Aging Pop-Ups are an ongoing collaboration between the Clinton County Office for the Aging and the Strand Center for the Arts. These art workshops are designed to give participants a positive learning environment as well as the chance to create meaningful connections with their fellow students and teaching artists. These experiences will be held at the Strand Center for the Arts and will utilize the various resources available within the studio spaces.

The Strand Center for the Arts and the Clinton County Office for the Aging hosted their first workshop this past September which had participants create a series of collages using their family photos. Strand staff digitized and reproduced these photos using equipment such as the Epson Perfection V850 Pro Scanner and Epson SureColor P900 17″ Photo Printer, so that no harm would come to the participants’ original photos. Utilizing these keepsakes allowed participants to engage in visual storytelling based on their own lived experience, and provided a space for them to foster authentic connection through creating art.

“Clinton County Office for the Aging is excited about this new partnership with the Strand Center for the Arts. Participants had a wonderful experience with the first workshop and created some fantastic artwork. It is important for older adults to get involved in the community and we are committed to bringing programming that fosters creativity and social connections. ” said Darleen Collins, Director of the Clinton County Office for the Aging. “I am overjoyed that the Clinton County Office for the Aging is committed to teaming up with the Strand Center for the Arts for these workshops. Having the ability to engage with such a wide variety of populations is a privilege that a lot of us staff who are also teaching artists are grateful for. I think collaboration reminds us why we are here. Art truly is for everyone, and as long as us staff are here we will do our best to ensure that core value is fulfilled. ” said Sommerleigh

D’Elia, Community Engagement Manager and Teaching Artist.

“I am excited to be participating in this partnership with the Clinton County Office for the Aging. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to enrich our community with the creative resources that we offer at the Strand. We are excited to continue meeting new people and providing a platform for people to share their stories. ” said Elsa Koop-Angelicola, Gallery Manager & Associate Curator, Teaching Artist.

Click here for the NBC5 News story 

State funding will support conservation and improvements to public access and wayfinding at the Twin Valleys property in Lewis, New York

LEWIS, N.Y. — October 27, 2026 — Champlain Area Trails (CATS) has been awarded a $75,000 grant through New York State’s Conservation Partnership Program (CPP) to support conservation and the development of Twin Valleys as a nature preserve and public trail system.

The award recognizes the importance of protecting the property’s natural resources while improving opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the landscape. Grant funding supports efforts to advance Twin Valleys as a publicly accessible preserve, including improvements to public access and wayfinding to help visitors navigate and enjoy the property.

CATS acquired Twin Valleys in 2025 and is working to realize its potential as a resource for outdoor recreation, environmental education, and community engagement. The property offers an opportunity to connect people with nature while contributing to the region’s outdoor recreation economy.

“Twin Valleys gives us an exciting opportunity to protect a special place while making its beauty more accessible to the public,” said Arin Burdo, Executive Director of Champlain Area Trails. “This grant helps us take important steps toward developing the property as a nature preserve and trail system that serves our communities and welcomes visitors to the Champlain Valley.” Read more »

Occupational Therapist Billie Pearl honored for extraordinary patient care

October 26, 2026 – CVPH News Release, Plattsburgh, NY – When people come to the hospital, they’re often facing more than a medical challenge. They may be carrying fear, uncertainty or circumstances that make an already difficult situation even harder.

For one patient at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, those circumstances included arriving without any personal belongings. In addition to focusing on the patient’s clinical needs, Billie Pearl, an occupational therapist at the hospital, saw a person who deserved comfort, dignity and a sense of normalcy during a difficult time.

After learning the patient was unhoused and had been admitted without their belongings, Pearl took action. On her own time, she worked to locate the patient’s personal items and brought them to the hospital. The gesture wasn’t part of a treatment plan, but it made all the difference for the patient.

According to Kalie Leduc, a physical therapist who works with Pearl, the moment reflects the compassion Pearl brings to her work every day. “Billie truly embodies ‘patients first,’” Leduc says. “She goes above and beyond for all her patients, consistently treating each person with compassion, dignity and respect.”

Leduc adds Pearl is known for taking extra time with patients to ensure they feel heard, valued and supported throughout their care. “Acts like this are not part of her job description,” Leduc says. “They reflect the kind of person she is.”

Occupational therapists help patients regain the skills needed for daily life after illness, injury or hospitalization. Colleagues say Pearl combines that clinical expertise with a genuine commitment to the people she serves, seeing each patient as more than a diagnosis or medical condition.

“Her dedication, kindness and genuine commitment to providing exceptional care make her an outstanding role model for our team,” Leduc says.

That commitment is why Leduc nominated Pearl for the hospital’s latest BEE Award. Pearl was presented with the honor during a surprise ceremony with her colleagues. During the award presentation, she received a certificate commending her for her extraordinary work. Pearl, like all honorees, also received a BEE Award pin, a beautiful and meaningful sculpture and a basket filled with bee-themed gifts.

The BEE Award – which stands for Beyond Extraordinary Everyday – recognizes Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital employees in non-nursing roles who support patient care and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, families and coworkers. Nomination forms and boxes are located at each of the hospital’s main entrances and on the UVM Health Network website. Support staff may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. A committee reviews nominations and awards a deserving employee each quarter.

More appointments, shorter waits at AHMC and CVPH

10/26/26 – CVPH News Release – Malone/Plattsburgh, NY – Patients across the North Country are gaining faster access to X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan and mammography services, thanks to expanded imaging capacity at Alice Hyde Medical Center (AHMC) and Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH), both part of the University of Vermont Health Network (UVMHN)

While AHMC and CVPH maintain their own imaging departments and appointment schedules, both hospitals share the health network’s commitment to providing timely, high-quality care close to home.

Combining state-of-the-art imaging technology with exceptional patient care, AHMC and CVPH offer a wide range of diagnostic services including x-ray, CT, MRI, and mammography – many with same day appointments.

“When people need diagnostic imaging, they want quality care without unnecessary delays or long drives. “We are committed to helping patients get the testing they need sooner and closer to home so they can spend less time traveling and more time focused on their health,” said AHMC Director of Radiology Services Kaela Bonesteel.

“Our radiology team has looked for ways to expand hours of operation and streamline their processes to accommodate patient needs. Their efforts and commitment to the people we care for shows in everything they do,” said Jay Gonyea, CVPH Director of Radiology Services.

In Malone, diagnostic services are located at 133 Park St. CVPH offers imaging services in several Plattsburgh locations:

• 2^nd Floor, Main Campus, 75 Beekman St.
• Women’s Imaging Center, 89A Plaza Blvd
• CVPH Diagnostic Center (The Plaza), 89 Plaza Blvd.
• Valcour Imaging, 16 Degrandpre Way, Suite 400
• Open MRI, 23 Consumer Square

In Champlain, imaging services are available at the Champlain Diagnostic Center, 828 State Route 11.

With a physician referral, appointments can be easily scheduled on MyChart or by calling Scheduling at AHMC 518-483-3000, or CVPH Scheduling at 518-562-7340.

MyChart is UVMHN’s patient portal offering a safe, convenient way for you to:

• Make appointments – including mammograms, lab/blood draw appointments
• Communicate securely with your physicians
• Check on imaging test results
• Receive reminders about upcoming visits or recommended vaccinations
• Begin the check in process a week before the scheduled appointment or procedure
• Pay your bill

Learn more about MyChart and create an account with the University of Vermont Health Network at UVMHealth.org/MyChart.

Roman Catholic Community of St. Alexander and St. Joseph Parish, Clinton County — $125,000, JCEO — $118,396

October 26, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced  $8.3 million in capital grants for 59 food banks and emergency food assistance organizations across New York State through the New York Providing Local Access to Essential Sustenance (NY PLATES) program. The grants will help organizations expand food storage, improve distribution and upgrade facilities that serve New Yorkers facing food insecurity.

“No New Yorker should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” Governor Hochul said. “As Washington cuts critical food assistance programs, New York is stepping up to help the organizations that families depend on every day. These investments will give food banks and pantries the equipment and infrastructure they need to reach more people, reduce food waste and ensure families across our state have access to fresh, nutritious food.”

North Country  – Total Amount Awarded $243,395

• Roman Catholic Community of St. Alexander and St. Joseph Parish, Clinton County — $125,000: Facility improvements to support food pantry services at St. Joseph’s Community Outreach Center in Plattsburgh.
• Joint Council for Economic Opportunity of Clinton and Franklin Counties, Clinton County — $118,396: Improvements to its Plattsburgh food pantry and distribution facility to strengthen food storage and community services.

6 PM 

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. Community Input.

5. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Work Change Directive GC-CD.19 from Murnane Bldg. Contractors, Inc. for the Peru WWTP Project.

6. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Work Change Directive GC-CD.20 from Murnane.

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Work Change Directive GC-CD.21 from Murnane.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Work Change Directive GC-CD.22 from Murnane.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Contract with Suozzo, Doty & Associates for SECURE Project. 

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Accept Resignation for Planning Board Member.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Accept Recommendation to Reappoint Planning Board Chairman.

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Accept Recommendation to Reappoint Planning Board Member.

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Accept Resignation or F/T Clerk To Town Justice.

14. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Accept Resignation for P/T Clerk To Town Justice. 

15. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Hiring of P/T Temporary Interim Clerk To Town Justice.

16. DISCUSSION: C & S Companies Monthly Report on Telegraph Rd. Culvert Project. 

17. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Town Board.

18. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Dept. Heads.

19. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

20. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay October 2026 Bills.

21. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

23. MOTION: Return from Executive Session.    
24. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.  Agenda and Resolutions 10:26:26

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Baked Haddock 

Rice

Vegetable

Bread

Dessert 

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., take-out only, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972. 

All are invited and welcome!

CLINTON COUNTY, NY – Clinton County celebrated its past and looked toward its future on October 23 at the John H. Zurlo County Government Center, opening time capsule boxes preserved for five decades and sealing a new capsule to be opened on October 23, 2076.

Held during America’s 250th anniversary year, the ceremony brought together former and current County officials, employees, families, and students to reflect on the community’s history and preserve a record of life in 2026.

“Today is about more than opening a time capsule. It is about remembering where we came from, recognizing the people who served our community, and preserving a piece of our lives today for the generations who will follow us,” said Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry.

Preparations brought an unexpected discovery: what organizers initially believed was one time capsule box turned out to be ten. Former legislators Janet Duprey and Robert Garrow, who served in 1976 and helped place the original capsule, returned to help open boxes during the celebration.

“When we placed these items in the time capsule, we were preserving a little piece of Clinton County for people we might never meet,” said Duprey. “To be here today, sharing this moment with former colleagues, current County leaders, and young people who will carry our community forward, is truly special.”

“This brings back memories of the people we served with and the work we did together for Clinton County,” said Garrow. “It is wonderful to see that history remembered and to know that another generation will have the same opportunity when the new capsule is opened in 2076.”

The ceremony recognized former legislators and staff, honored their contributions, and remembered those who have passed away.

Beekmantown Middle School teacher Amy Criss and sixth-grade student leaders representing the Class of 2033 joined the celebration. The students contributed letters describing their lives, sharing their perspectives, and predicting what the world might look like in 2076. Their participation connected the County’s history with a generation that may return to open the new capsule in 50 years.

Representatives of the County’s past, present, and future joined together to seal the new capsule, which contains materials documenting County government, community life, and the priorities shaping Clinton County today.

Chairman Henry thanked County Historian Anastasia Pratt for helping safeguard the historical materials and preserve their stories for future generations. He also recognized the County Clerk, County staff, local schools, and others who contributed to the celebration and new capsule.

The original boxes and their contents will be displayed at the Government Center over the coming months, allowing residents to explore this snapshot of Clinton County’s past. Following the display, the materials will be transferred to the County Historian for safekeeping and preservation.

The newly sealed capsule will remain in the County Clerk’s secure custody until a new stone faceplate is completed. It will then be secured at its designated location until October 23, 2076, when America celebrates its 300th anniversary.

“We are preserving not only objects, but memories, community pride and a connection between generations,” Henry said.

Peru, NY, October 24, 2026 – Our community welcomes thousands of Canadian visitors, especially at this time of year. They love our local food. Hundreds of Canada Geese stopped by an Adirondack Farms’ cornfield this morning.

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

October 23, 2026 – PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – This morning, Assemblymember Michael S. Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) held a press conference amplifying concerns his office has received regarding allegations of poor quality of care in the Clinton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Community member Nora King, whose mother was housed in this facility, shared her mother’s story during the press conference.

“My team has taken numerous calls from constituents whose loved ones are housed within this facility,” Cashman said. “After attending a residents council meeting and speaking directly with some current residents back in July, I reached out directly to the leadership of this facility, and have still yet to hear back with any response to their residents’ valid concerns.”

“Currently, New York state is unable to regulate privately-owned for-profit practices, which make up roughly 70% of nursing homes in New York State. As I continue to work toward long-term solutions, including establishing direct, clear oversight of these facilities, there are still avenues for families to report concerns in the meantime.”

“I have been in direct contact with the Department of Health, Attorney General’s office, and the Comptroller’s office. I encourage anyone with reports of negligence or concerns to reach out directly to both the Department of Health and my district office to further amplify their stories. Families deserve the confidence that their loved ones are receiving quality and dignified care, and I will continue to fight to make sure these families receive just that.”

Detailed information regarding concerning behaviors or quality of care can be reported to the Department of Health at their 24-hour hotline 1-888-201-4563 or via email to nhintake@health.ny.gov. Assemblyman Cashman’s district office can be reached at 518-562-1986 or via email at cashmanm@nyassembly.gov.

Click here for the Yahoo!News story 

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other State agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.

During the first nine months of 2026, Forest Rangers conducted 277 search and rescue missions, extinguished 93 wildfires covering more than 224 acres, and participated in 54 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate 1,355 acres of land. In 2025, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 202 wildfires covering 840 acres, participated in 68 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate 1,649 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,100 tickets and arrests. Also in 2025, 41 Forest Rangers were deployed to fire assignments in 10 different states.

Town of Harrieststown
Franklin County
Wilderness Rescue: On October 7 at 11:32 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker on Ampersand Mountain assisting another hiker suffering from extreme abdominal pain. Forest Ranger Bowler and Saranac Lake Rescue Squad made contact with the 27-year-old from Nebraska approximately one mile from the trailhead. They treated the patient until Rangers Adams, Jeffery, and Lewis arrived with ATVs to transport the subject to the trailhead to an awaiting ambulance. The incident was clear at 1:48 p.m.

Ampersand rescue

Hamlet of Keene Valley
Essex County
Training: On October 8, five Forest Ranger instructors worked with 22 Rangers on technical rope rescue training. Rangers scaled the Beer Walls in the Chapel Pond area. Read more »

75 Actions across 17 agencies involving access to child care and other services, small businesses, state operations

October 21, 2026, Governor Hochul News Release – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the second wave of state regulatory reform actions through her EXPRESS NY initiative to make government work better for New Yorkers. The 75 regulatory reform actions across 17 state agencies build on the first wave of 50 reforms announced in June. To date, EXPRESS NY has advanced more than 120 actions spanning more than 20 state agencies and authorities. The reforms will save New Yorkers tens of millions of dollars and an estimated 5 million hours in time previously wasted filling out unnecessary paperwork, waiting in line, navigating confusing instructions and websites. More than 2.5 million New Yorkers are expected to benefit from these actions.

The 75 regulatory reform actions are focused across four primary areas: Read more »

Governor Hochul News Release, October 21, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today signed commonsense gun safety legislation to expand firearm safe storage requirements and prevent individuals prohibited from possessing guns from purchasing ammunition. Governor Hochul signed these bills at the New Yorkers Against Gun Violence annual benefit dinner on the fifth anniversary of the death of 17-year-old Francesco, who died by suicide after accessing an unsecured shotgun, and for whom ‘Francesco’s Law’ is named after.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my number one priority, which is why as Governor, I set out to enact one of the nation’s most advanced gun safety agendas — funding gun violence prevention programs at record levels and passing landmark legislation to prevent firearm tragedies,” Governor Hochul said. “Today, I’m proud to make our nation-leading laws even stronger to keep guns and ammunition out of the wrong hands and make our children and communities safer.”

S.7236/A.7943 strengthens background checks for purchasing ammunition by aligning them with the requirements for purchasing a firearm. This law clarifies that individuals prohibited by law from owning a rifle or shotgun or subject to a temporary or extreme risk protection order may not purchase ammunition.

A.1962-B/S.9629, known as ‘Francesco’s Law,’ requires gun owners to securely store firearms in an appropriate, locked storage container when they are not being used and creates stronger penalties for when minors and unlicensed individuals access unsecured guns. This legislation closes a gap in state law that allowed gun owners to leave firearms unsecured in homes without children or prohibited individuals.

Following the death of her son in 2021, Diana Cochran helped establish Francesco’s Foundation and became a leading advocate for stronger gun safety laws to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies.

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Click here for the Yahoo News story