The Peru Gazette

Jacqueline Riley, NP-C, Senior Nurse Practitioner at CVPH Skilled Nursing Facility, checks the blood pressure of resident Mary Lafountain.

Resident Bonnie Bond receives some tender, loving hair care at CVPH SNF.

Skilled Nursing Facility Named Age-Friendly Health Systems Participant

CVPH News Release – PLATTSBURGH, NY (1/16/2025) – Older adults are living and working longer, redefining later life and enriching our communities. Delivering care that values them and addresses their unique needs leads to better outcomes, more satisfied patients and families and lowers overall costs.

This is why University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital’s (CVPH) Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) is proud to be recognized as an Age-Friendly Health Systems Participant. It is a movement aimed at delivering safe, reliable, high-quality health care in every setting based on what matters most to older adults as individuals.

“This achievement reflects on the type of care we provide to our residents and patients every day,” Jacqueline Riley, NP-C, senior nurse practitioner at CVPH SNF, says. “We deliver excellent care, and we’re always striving to do better. The Age-Friendly Health System initiative is an important part of our mission to provide every older adult with the best care possible.”

Riley, who spearheaded the application process for the hospital, adds that staff also benefit from the designation, as they’re able to learn about what is working well in other facilities in our region and across the country. As part of the Age-Friendly Health Systems Action Community, CVPH SNF is implementing evidence-based practices focused on addressing four essential elements of care for older patients:

• What Matters: Know and align care with each older adult’s specific health outcome goals and care preferences including end-of-life care.
• Medication: If medication is necessary, use age-friendly medications that do not interfere with what matters to the older adult, mobility or mentation.
• Mentation: Prevent, identify, treat and manage dementia, depression and delirium.
• Mobility: Ensure that older adults move safely every day in order to maintain function and do what matters to them.

CVPH SNF is recognized as a member of an international group of more than 2,700 health care facilities working to tailor care to patients’ goals and preferences and deliver care that is consistently of the highest quality. The Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative was launched in 2017 by The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in partnership with the American Hospital Association and Catholic Health Association of the United States. For more information, visit www.ihi.org/agefriendly.

2004 Peru High School Grad

(PLATTSBURGH, NY – January 16, 2025) The Board of Trustees of the Strand Center for the Arts has announced the appointment of Megan Charland to the position of Executive Director of the organization. Charland has been with the SCA as the Artistic Programming Director since 2022 and has been instrumental in strengthening the SCA’s connection to the community and advancing its mission.

“Over the last three years, Ms. Charland has proven an unwavering focus on creating the best version of our organization over its 25-year history,” said Tom McNichols, President of the Board of Trustees.

“We look forward to continued growth and sustainability as we remain steadfast in our dedication to our mission to the community with Megan at the helm.”

Charland brings with her a nearly 20-year career working within the nonprofit sector as an arts administrator, with a focus in community arts education. Since joining the Strand Center for the Arts team in 2022, she has increased educational revenue, grown staffing, diversified programming and re-engaged the local community to make the Strand Center for the Arts a beacon of creativity and engagement for the North Country region.

“I’ve spent most of my career in Western New York and, honestly, never thought I would have the opportunity to work as an arts administrator in my hometown,” said Charland.

“This region is so incredibly lucky to have this resource here for our community, and I do not take for granted the responsibility and privilege it is to lead it. I’m immensely proud of the work my team and I have accomplished here at the Strand over the past few years, and I look forward to the work ahead of us to continue bringing thoughtful and engaging arts programming to our community.”

A graduate of Peru Central School (Class of 2004), Charland is a North Country native who returned to the region in 2020. Positively impacting people’s lives through the arts has always been at the heart of her work throughout her career, whether it be serving as a program director, curator, producer or photo editor. Charland earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Visual Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration from Visual Studies Workshop in association with The College at Brockport in 2013. She also earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Professional Photographic Illustration from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2008.

In addition to expanding the Strand Center for the Arts’ quarterly educational opportunities in both the arts center and theatre, Charland has developed multiple community programs. These programs include the “Law Enforcement Mindfulness Program” for law enforcement personnel and their families; “ART/WORK: Worthwhile Opportunities through Resources & Knowledge” for youth; and “Creative Action: Art Experiences for Vets” for our local veterans. Charland also expanded the organization’s “Art Helps Scholarship Program” to benefit not only youth and seniors, but adults of all ages – truly reflecting the value each staff and board member of the SCA share, which is that art is for everyone.

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) extended a warm congratulations to Charland for her appointment as Executive Director.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Megan since she returned to the North Country to help bring more arts programs to our region, like the Strand Center’s law enforcement mindfulness program for local officers and their families, which I funded,” said Jones. “Great things are in store for the Strand Center and I look forward to continuing to work with Megan and her team to support local artists and arts programs.”

Looking forward to 2025, Charland is eager to continue developing community partnerships, expanding sustainable revenue streams and completing the $905,000 Raise the Roof Capital Campaign.

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Grandmother Judy Akey congratulates Anthony after he graduates from Parris Island.

Mom Dorina, Anthony, and Dad James Falvo

Anthony and several of his fellow Marines

By John T Ryan

Peru, NY – January 9, 2025—Four members of Peru High School’s 2024 graduating class are proud members of the U.S. Marine Corps. Anthony Falvo, the 18-year-old son of Jim and Dorina Falvo, is one of them. Anthony has been home for a few weeks since his November 8 Basic Training graduation. He’s been waiting for his Marine Corps Intelligence School Class to open, so a few days ago, the Peru Gazette talked to him about why he joined the Marine Corps and what his experiences have been thus far.

Anthony Falvo considered joining the Marine Corps for several years before enlisting during his senior high school year.  “I love learning, but I didn’t enjoy school. I knew the military would give me choices. It would get me into the role of being an adult and kick-start my career for anything I wanted to do after that. If I decide to return to school, the Marine Corps will pay for it. I signed a five-year active duty contract and a three-year reserve contract.” Anthony took the AP courses at Peru High School, which, combined with his summertime EMT course, helped him advance to E-2, Private First Class.

Anthony encountered a mixed reaction when he told his parents about his plans. He recalled, “My recruiter recommended that I sit down with my parents to talk to them about it. They were surprised at first and a little hesitant, especially my mother. I sat my dad down with the recruiter at first. He was on board. After my mom talked to the recruiter, she felt better about it.” Anthony said his grandfather, Bob Akey, and earlier generations served in the military. He remarked, “As far as I know, I’m the first Marine.”

Why did he choose the Marine Corps over one of the other services? Anthony explained, “I talked to the Army first, then the Navy. I wanted to see what they had to offer me. When I spoke to the Marine Corps recruiter, I said, ‘I’m not going to talk to anyone else. I know what I want to do.’” Why was it an easy decision? Anthony responded, “It’s how Marines carry themselves and feel about their job. It’s being a part of something bigger than you and swallowing your pride to do your part.”

Marine Corps Basic Training is known as the toughest Basic of all the services. Anthony said, “Basic is tough, but it’s mentally more than physically challenging. Your body will get you through the physical part. The mental part is where you really have to fight. After arriving, you’re up for three days doing things you’ve never done before and meeting new people from all over the country. When you finally get time to sleep, you think about what’s happening at home. You miss home a lot. You don’t have your cell phone except for one Sunday when you get it for two hours. But you are building friendships. I have a very good friend from Alabama and another from Florida.”

Anthony also developed confidence in others and in his leadership abilities. I loved working with the other people. People were able to swallow their pride and listen to others. I was a fire team leader during the Crucible. My peers listened, followed orders, and gave me feedback. It’s great seeing that from young adults.”

Since arriving home, Anthony has been in uniform on recruitment duty. He visits schools and talks with young people wherever he finds them, asking if they want to know more about the U.S. Marine Corps. Those young people will undoubtedly be impressed by how Anthony Falvo carries himself and observe his pride in being a United States Marine. 

Jim Falvo Photos 

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Multiple agencies, K-9s, ATVs and drones involved in Irish Settlement and Cass Road searches

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Chicken & Biscuits 

Salad 

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!

Scheduled for Lewis and Ticonderoga 

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1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. MOTION/DISCUSSION:  To Accept Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; and Banking Reports, JCEO);

5. MOTION:  Acceptance of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of December 30, 2024.

6. Community Input. 

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Accept the Contract for Atlantic Testing Laboratories for the Lyons Road Culvert Project.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Accept the Contract for Atlantic Testing Laboratories for the Fuller Road Culvert Project.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Acceptance of Ryan Davies’ Resignation from the Peru Planning Board. 

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Reappointment of Richard Williams as Chairman to the Peru Planning Board.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Appointment of Justin Wilson as Vice Chairman to the Peru Planning Board.

12. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Allow the Highway Dept. to go to Bid for New Pickup Truck.

13. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.

14. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

15. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay December 2024 Bills.

16. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay January 2025 Bills.

17. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.

18. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 

19. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Establishment of 2025 Salaries for Elected Positions:

5. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Approval of 2025 Appointees.

6. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Establishment of 2025 Appointee Salaries and Frequency of Payments

7. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Establishment of Town Department Liaisons.

8. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Establishment of 2025 Regular Town Board Meeting Dates and Times.

9. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Approval of 2025 Contracts.

10. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Establishment of 2025 Town Mileage Reimbursement.

11. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Designation of Town Depositories.

12. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Designation of Town Newspaper.

13. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Town Procurement Policy.

   MOTION:                      Adjourn

Allison Monroe brings dogs like Pumpkn to her Casella office.

Plattsburgh, January 11, 2025 –  There were many happy faces at the Elmore SPCA’s Champlain Centre location this morning as Casella Waste Systems kicked off Elmore SPCA’s Capital Campaign with a $10,000 donation. Area Manager Bill Meyers, Shawn Mclean, Hauling Division Manager, and Sean Lukas, Morrisonville Landfill Division Manager, made the presentation. Shawn McLean commented, “Elmore SPCA does great work, and there’s a real need. We’re happy to make this donation.” Casella does more than donate. Two days each week, Casella employees bring two SPCA dogs to Casella’s office for socialization. Shawn McLean said that’s led to four adoptions.

Elmore SPCA’s board president Laurie Parsons said the SPCA had not established the capital campaign’s goal. Architects are at work; the SPCA will announce the goal when the drawings are complete and costs are determined. 

Parsons said the state enacted new animal shelter regulations about three years ago. They cover many areas; however, the required space per animal has the most significant impact. She said, “If we applied the regulations at our Telegraph Road shelter, we’d only be able to accommodate about 4 to 6 dogs.” The shelter historically houses about 25 dogs and even more cats.

Parsons added, “The new regulations sparked our expansion, but many changes are long overdue. We’ll add a 60-foot x 60-foot room at the back of our building. Dogs will be in that room. The space we’re currently using will be for cats and our office.”  The dogs will be much more comfortable in the larger kennels.

From enrollment of less than 600 students, more than 800 are now attending CV-TEC

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Family’s association with the Y dates back to the early 1900s

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(PLATTSBURGH, NY – January 10, 2025) Boat House Row hits the stage at the Strand Center for the Arts Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. This musical group promises to deliver a fun, mellow yacht rock experience wherever it goes. It may be snowing outside, but inside, audience members can warm up with music reminiscent of summers out on the lake.

What is “yacht rock”? In the musical sense, yacht rock refers to the highly polished soft rock that emanated from Southern California between 1976 and 1984. The term is meant to suggest the kind of smooth, mellow music that early yuppies likely enjoyed while sipping champagne on their yachts.

Significant “yacht rockers” include Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, Toto and many more. Boat House Row pays tribute to these artists in their set.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit StrandCenter.org/theatre-events.

Abigail Middlemiss

Abigail and her co-workers

Abigail Middlemiss Receives BEE Award

(CVPH News Release and photos) 

PLATTSBURGH, NY (1/10/2025) – Oftentimes, it’s the simplest of gestures that make the difference in health care. In the case of Abigail Middlemiss, CA, her difference comes in the form of a smile that brightens even the darkest of days for patients and colleagues alike.

She works on a floor that includes patients fighting cancer. It is challenging work that brings on a roller coaster of emotions. A positive mindset means the world to everyone who comes in contact with Middlemiss.

“Abby walks on to the unit with the brightest smile. And it’s a smile that is contagious,” Elizabeth Trudeau, BSN, RN explains. “In the hospital setting, I feel as though this is crucial to creating a positive and comfortable atmosphere that enhances patient care and the patient experience.”

That is one of the reasons Trudeau nominated Middlemiss for the BEE Award at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH). Middlemiss received the honor during a surprise ceremony with her co-workers at the hospital this week.

In her nomination, Trudeau also points to her beloved co-worker’s tremendous dedication to teamwork. One busy shift in particular sticks out to Trudeau. While she was in a room with one patient, another patient in a second room urgently needed to use the restroom but needed help getting there. Middlemiss instantly jumped in, wanting to make sure that second patient did not have to wait. Trudeau also noticed her answering call bells to assist staff members with other patients throughout the shift.

“This is what you get every day with Abby. She goes out of her way to help all patients, nurses and other staff members,” Trudeau writes.

“All the patients on the floor are her patients, not just the ones she’s assigned to,” Mia Biondolillo, RN adds in her nomination of Middlemiss. “You can always count on her for a helping hand.”

Biondolillo describes Middlemiss as someone who is always on the move, never missing a moment to ask a patient or a colleague what she can do to make their day better or job easier.

“She is always asking the other clinical assistants what she can do to help them. And she is always running to help any patient that calls out,” Biondolillo says.

Consistency and compassion – two of the many reasons Middlemiss stands out as the hospital’s sixth recipient of the BEE Award. During the award presentation, she was presented with a certificate commending her for her extraordinary work. She, like all honorees, 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.

The Town of Peru requests that all residents take this community survey. The town’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Law need to be updated. Peru resident input is critical to the community’s future! 

Click here for the survey! 

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