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Peru Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Michael Langlois with the jackets and boots the Knights brought to Peru Elementary School
Peru, November 14, 2023 – St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 presented fifteen new children’s winter coats to Peru’s primary and intermediate schools, plus several pairs of boys’ and girls’ boots. Intermediate School Nurse Kathy Bedard thanked the Knights, stating, “We already know kids who need coats. Thank you so much for doing this each year.”
Since 2013, the Peru Knights have donated 253 new children’s winter jackets to the Peru Elementary School. The Knights of Columbus Councils in the United States and Canada have distributed over 1 million new winter coats for children since the Coats For Kids program’s inception in 2009.
Peru, NY November 14 Special Town Board Meeting – The Peru Town Board approved the town’s $5.3 million 2024 budget. After multiple workshops, the board stayed under the state-mandated 2% tax cap. Its most significant challenge was dealing with projected Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance cost increases ranging from 26% to 29%. It reacted by changing providers. MVP will be the town’s new healthcare provider. Pay increases related to the rising cost of living and employee retention also had to be determined. The board settled on a 5% across-the-board increase. Unless a property’s assessed value increases by 15 to 20% (or more), people’s 2024 town tax burden should be relatively stable.
2024 Tax Rates per thousand dollars of taxable value
Town General – $1.636
Town Highway – $1.783
Town Water, #1,#2,#3 – $1.12
Town Sewer #1 – $2.07
Valcour Sewer #1 – $.332
Valcour Sewer #2- $.332
2023 Tax Rates
Town General – $1.756
Town Highway – $2.239
Town Water, #1,#2,#3 – $1.038
Town Sewer #1 – $2.304
Valcour Sewer #1 – $.296
Valcour Sewer #2- $.534
The General Budget totals $1,943,895. Primary revenue sources include property taxes – $1,046,475, sales taxes – $60,000, cable TV franchise fees – $77,750, fines, forfeited bail – $85,000, NYS mortgage tax – $80,950, and a 2023 fund balance totaling $490,184. Expenses include items such as the town board & town supervisor, town clerk, planning, zoning, data processing, town court, assessment, park maintenance, dog control, and highway department management salaries. Sales tax income is tough to budget. Clinton County doesn’t notify the towns if or how much sales tax money they will receive until late in the calendar year. Peru’s amount received ranged from $0 in 2020, $325,143 in 2021 to $620,650 in 2022. The amount the town will receive in 2023 is unknown.
The highway department’s $1,956,032 primary budgeted expenses are paving – $404,795, general repairs – $159,303, machinery – $583,060, and snow removal – $354,221. Its primary revenue sources are real property taxes – $1,140,197, services to other governments – $133,285, sales of gas & diesel fuel – $273,863, and NYS Consolidates Local Street and Highway Improvement Program monies (CHIPS) – $404,795. The other government income relates to payment from Clinton County for plowing 30 miles of its highways. The fuel sales revenue is related to sales to Peru Central School and other town departments.
November 15, 2023 – Peru, NY Shoppers walking between Kinney Drugs and Aubuchon Hardware will have a better experience in a few days. Mossbrook Landscaping is installing a new sidewalk between the stores. The work should be completed sometime next week.
November 15, 2023 – Peru is preparing for the Holiday Season. Today, town parks/water/sewer personnel are busy erecting holiday banners along Main St. Luke Fessette (Santa) and Chris Martineau are on the lift and Matt Hauser is helping out on the ground.
View from the Route 9 – Jabez Allen Rd. Intersection
Peru, November 14, 2023 – Route 9 Carpenter’s Flat Bridge construction is moving toward completion. Luck Bros. Project Manager Walter Tupper said December 5 is the target reopening date. Luck Bro. raised the bridge 3.5 feet and rebuilt the existing pedestals. It’s currently at road level but supported by temporary supports.
November 13, 2023 — Stewart’s Shops Corp. is closing its store at the corner of Manning Boulevard and Central Avenue in Albany following a surge in theft, robberies and threats of violence that have created an unsafe environment for our customers and our partners who work there. This unfortunate decision is driven by the need to ensure the safety of everyone who steps inside a Stewart’s. The decision was made as similar dynamics are prompting a growing number of national retailers to shut down stores in cities across the country.
“We pride ourselves on being part of the fabric of the communities we serve, and we worked closely with Albany Police and City of Albany officials in attempt to resolve concerns at our Manning Boulevard shop,” said Stewart’s Shops president Gary Dake. “The safety of our partners and loyal customers remains an issue at this location.” Over the past two years, the number and severity of incidents at the Manning Boulevard shop have increased, ranging from robberies and theft to verbal and physical assaults. This has created an unsustainable business environment. This has not been the case at our shops on Henry Johnson Boulevard, New Scotland Avenue, Northern Boulevard and Western Avenue. Stewart’s is continuing to look for opportunities to expand our presence in the city.
The Manning Boulevard shop will close on Nov. 16. Our partners at this location have been offered positions at other Stewart’s Shops. We thank our customers for their patronage and encourage them to shop at our other locations at 204 Henry Johnson Blvd. in Albany and nearby 19 Fuller Road in Colonie.
Chesterfield bridge will now be the Lance Cpl. Scott Lee Schultz Memorial Bridge
Legislation sponsored by Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) and Assemblyman Matt Simpson to rename a bridge after a deceased local hero has been officially signed into law by Governor Hochul. Bill S2905/A4033 renames a bridge on state Route 22, crossing over I-87 in the Town of Chesterfield as the Lance Cpl. Scott Lee Schultz Memorial Bridge.
Marine Lance Cpl. Scott Lee Schultz was 19 years old on Oct. 23, 1983, when he was among the 241 U.S. service members killed by a terrorist’s bomb, which ripped through the U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. Renaming the bridge after Schultz ensures his service and sacrifice are never forgotten.
“Lance Cpl. Scott Lee Schultz lost his life in service of our nation due to a heinous terrorist attack,” Stec said. “We must never forget that the men and women in our Armed Forces put their lives on the line in defense of our nation and that the sacrifices they make must never be forgotten. I’m glad Governor Hochul signed the bill renaming the bridge in Chesterfield after Lance Cpl. Schultz. Renaming this bridge ensures his memory and heroism will live on.”
“When answering the call of duty, every soldier does so knowing that it may require them to make the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our community and nation,” said Simpson. “Now, decades after Lance Cpl. Schultz laid down his life serving and defending the ideals of freedom and democracy, New York State will memorialize with gratitude his sacrifice in perpetuity. While this dedication is but a small gesture relative to all he gave, his name and memory will rightfully be preserved for the years and decades to come.”
Senator Stec, Gregory Lee and Steve Robart, Commander DAV 179
Senator Dan Stec (R, C-Queensbury) nominated Plattsburgh resident Gregory Lee for the 2023 New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. During the Disabled American Veterans ceremony held at Plattsburgh Barracks Veterans Park on Veterans Day, Stec presented Lance Corporal Lee with his official plaque inducting him into the hall of fame.
Gregory T. Lee served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and obtained the rank of Lance Corporal. He served in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970. During Operation Oklahoma Hills, he was seriously injured in a mortar explosion and suffered multiple wounds, including to both of his legs and to his right arm, resulting in amputation.
For his valor and service to our Nation, Lee earned numerous recognitions, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the National Services Defense Medal. Upon returning home, Lee made helping his fellow Veterans his mission both professionally and personally and has spent the past 50 years assisting in a variety of capacities.
Stec was proud to acknowledge Lee for his service both abroad and at home and to show him the honor and appreciation he deserves.
“Between his distinguished service record and commitment to helping fellow Veterans in his community, most recently through the North Country Honor Flight, Gregory Lee is an exemplary person and a deserving honoree for the 2023 New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame,” said Stec. “Greg has given so much of himself for more than 50 years, and inducting him into this year’s hall of fame is a way to acknowledge his sacrifice and continued service.
“It was truly an honor to present Greg with his official induction plaque and spend meaningful time with him on Veterans Day,” he continued. “Thank you to him, and to all our local Veterans, for everything they’ve done to protect and represent our great nation.”
We will do a big send-off for the Varsity Football team on Saturday morning for the next round of playoffs. Busses will leave the bus loop between 11 and 1130. They are playing against Ravena at 4pm at Mechanicville High School.
Peru – St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 is serving an eat-in, take-out michigan dinner on Saturday, November 18, at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. It includes michigans, baked beans, potato chips, drinks and dessert: Two michigans – $10, One michigan – $7. Serve from 4 PM to 6:30 PM. Proceeds will help the knights donate to local organizations and charitable programs. All are welcome!
New York state made substantial progress in reducing homelessness for veterans between 2010 and 2022 with the number of homeless veterans declining 83% (from 5,857 to 990), the largest percentage decline in the nation, according to an analysis by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The share of homeless adults who are veterans was reduced from 9% in 2010 to just 1% in 2022.
“Veterans answered the call to serve our nation and defend our country’s ideals, and we owe them our gratitude and support,” DiNapoli said. “With federal support, New York is leading the way in reducing homelessness for our veterans. Continued attention to housing and other issues affecting our veterans is a necessary expression of our appreciation and a recognition of our duty to help these brave men and women.”
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates there were 665,257 veterans living in New York in 2021, representing 4.2% of the state’s population.
Robust Federal Support Helps Lower Number of Homeless Vets
The most significant reduction in New York occurred between 2011 and 2016 when the number of homeless veterans declined by 78% (from 5,765 to 1,248). The reductions have been driven by policy and funding at the federal level that began in 2010 with the release of the first Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Federal funding for programs addressing Veterans’ homelessness through the Veterans’ Administration in 2009 totaled $376 million and has grown steadily since then. By 2022, federal funding had increased 635% to $2.7 billion.
New York City Leads the Way
The greatest progress has been made in New York City. From 2011 to 2022, the total number of homeless veterans in the city was reduced by 90%, from 4,677 to 482 individuals. In 2011, New York City accounted for 81% of all homeless veterans in the state. By 2022, New York City’s share of homeless veterans was reduced to 49%. New York City’s reductions in veteran homelessness accounts for 96% of the total statewide reduction between 2011 and 2022.
The success of the federally-funded programs coordinated by the Mayor’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs led the federal government to declare in 2015 that the city had effectively ended chronic homelessness (lasting longer than a year or repeated intermittent homelessness over a longer period) among veterans.
DiNapoli’s analysis also found:
Black veterans persistently represent a disproportionate share of those experiencing homelessness. In 2022, Black or African Americans accounted for 53% of homeless veterans in the state, but only 11.1% of the overall veteran population.
In New York, the largest shares of veterans are white males, and aged 65 or older who served during the Vietnam era.
New York City is home to the largest population of veterans in the state (144,558), followed by Suffolk County (56,257). As a percentage of a county’s population, the highest share is in Jefferson County, with 13%.
The 3rd Annual Town Wide Holiday Festival is Sunday, December 3rd in the Town of Schuyler Falls. This afternoon and evening event includes the holidaytree lighting and lighted fire truck parade at the Town Hall, with activities for all at the Schuyler Falls hamlet and at the River Street Park, Morrisonville. Admission is free and all are welcome.
This is a time for residents, friends, and neighbors to connect during this festive holiday season. Light refreshments will be available at both venues. All activities are outdoors and subject to appropriate weather.
At 1 pm in the Schuyler Falls hamlet, join the annual family tree-decorating and more at 954 Route 22B (Route 22B and Norrisville/Pocket Hill Roads). Children are invited to put their letters to Santa in the North Pole mailbox located there. Hosted by Ryan’s Masonry.
From 3 pm to 7 pm in River Street Park off Mason Street, Morrisonville, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, a DJ with music & caroling, kids’ activities, and trail walks. Join in before and after tree-lighting. Continues until 7 pm, under the lighted gazebo, weather permitting.
At 4:30 pm, gather at the Town Hall (997 Mason St) for the 10th annual Tree Lighting. Plenty of parking is available also, and there is a great parade viewing site. Parade participants arrive at the top of the Mason Street hill staging area.
At 4:40 pm the Lighted Truck Parade starts at the top of the hill on Mason Street – with vehicles representing many units from all around the area. The parade travels down the hill on Mason Street by the Town Hall then left onto Emory Street to the post office, right on Route 22B, right on Mason Street, then left onto River Street to the Park and Ladue Street, where they will pause for close-up viewing and enjoying the River Street Park activities.
At 5 pm, a special guest (S. C.!) arrives at River Street Park to meet with the children and their families.
The Town of Schuyler Falls wishes everyone a healthy and happy holiday season. This event caps the Town’s anniversary year, celebrating its founding 175 years ago in 1848.
Volunteers are always appreciated. For information or to volunteer, contact the Town Hall at 518-563-1129 for Kevin Randall, Town Supervisor (cell 518-578-9476) or Historian Barb Benkwitt (cell 518-565-6263, historian@schuylerfallsny.com )
November 11, 2023 – Peru Memorial VFW Post 309 welcomed the community today for its 2023 Veterans Day Service. Commander Tom Boisseau spoke of the many sacrifices veterans make in service to our nation. VFW Auxiliary President Judy Lefebvre traced the Veterans Day history and said all veterans should be proud of their service. The Peru Girls Scouta did an outstanding job posting Colors!
The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the High School Community Room. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.
The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.
Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:
First public comment: Related to items on the agenda. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
Second public comment: Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
Individuals who are unable to attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, November 14th. Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.
Anticipated topics include:
22-23 Audit
Professional Development
Personnel Appointments
Surplus Auction
Policy Development
Cybersecurity
The complete agenda will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).
The Board’s Audit Committee will meet from 6:00 – 6:30 PM, and the entire Board will conduct a retreat from 6:30 – 7:00 PM to improve teamwork, review roles/ responsibilities, and strengthen governing performance. These meetings will be closed sessions.
November 15, 2023 – Peru, NY Shoppers walking between Kinney Drugs and Aubuchon Hardware will have a better experience in a few days. Mossbrook Landscaping is installing a new sidewalk between the stores. The work should be completed sometime next week.
November 15, 2023 – Peru is preparing for the Holiday Season. Today, town parks/water/sewer personnel are busy erecting holiday banners along Main St. Luke Fessette (Santa) and Chris Martineau are on the lift and Matt Hauser is helping out on the ground.
November 13, 2023 — Stewart’s Shops Corp. is closing its store at the corner of Manning Boulevard and Central Avenue in Albany following a surge in theft, robberies and threats of violence that have created an unsafe environment for our customers and our partners who work there. This unfortunate decision is driven by the need to ensure the safety of everyone who steps inside a Stewart’s. The decision was made as similar dynamics are prompting a growing number of national retailers to shut down stores in cities across the country.
The 3rd Annual Town Wide Holiday Festival is Sunday, December 3rd in the Town of Schuyler Falls. This afternoon and evening event includes the holiday tree lighting and lighted fire truck parade at the Town Hall, with activities for all at the Schuyler Falls hamlet and at the River Street Park, Morrisonville. Admission is free and all are welcome.
The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the High School Community Room. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at