
August 13, 2023 The Town of Peru sponsors the Sunday evening concerts (6-8 p.m.) It’s a great place to see old friends. People were scattered throughout the park.
Posted: August 13th, 2023 under Arts and Entertainment, Community Events, General News, Peru News.
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Yesterday the Peru Gazette photographed the very impressive Town of Schuyler Falls’s 175th Anniversary Parade. The Fire Dept. had a significant presence; it’s a very active department. The firefighters demonstrated their experience through the ease with which they backed their vehicles into the fire station. It was amazing! Please take the time to watch the 1-minute, 40-second video.
Unfortunately, my many parade photos may be lost. I put my Digital Sony camera behind my parked park to get my iPhone to video the trucks. Then I hurriedly drove away, forgetting my Sony digital camera adjacent to Route 22B. Thus far, as far as I know, it has yet to be found.
Posted: August 13th, 2023 under Community Events, Fire Department News, General News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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Wednesday, August 16, 2023
7:00 PM
Keeseville Fire Department
8 Pleasant Street, Keeseville, NY
Free Admission– Public Welcome!
Program Summary: The North Country was integral to the Underground Railroad, the secretive network that guided people to freedom, before the Civil War. This presentation starts in the late eighteenth century with freedom seekers, moves into the twentieth century with Chinese Americans and ends in the twentieth-first century with individuals seeking a better way of life. Attendees will learn about individuals who came through the Lake Champlain region, those who helped or hindered their travels, and the outcome of their Underground Railroad experience.
Guest Speaker:
JACQUELINE MADISON is the President of the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association which oversees the North Star Underground Railroad Museum. Jackie has degrees in Chemistry and in Library and Information Management. She is the President of the Women’s Rights Alliance of NYS , is a Vietnam Veteran. a Rotarian, and a member in Delta Kappa Gamma and Phi Kappa Phi. In 2022, she received the Outstanding Librarian Award for the North Country. In 2023, she will be receiving the Woman of Distinction award.
www.andersonfalls.org (518) 834-9219

Posted: August 12th, 2023 under Adirondack Region News, Border News, Community Events, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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Issued Date
August 04, 2023
Audit Objective
Determine whether the Town of Ticonderoga (Town) Town Board (Board) provided adequate oversight and management of capital projects.
Key Findings
The Board did not provide adequate oversight and management of capital projects. As a result, Town officials did not:
- Monitor capital projects activity for eight projects reviewed, with Board-authorized budgets totaling $20.8 million, to ensure that costs were kept within the authorized budget.
- Maintain complete and adequate capital project accounting records or prepare monthly itemized capital project budget-to-actual reports for the Board. For example, budget modifications totaling $3.2 million were not recorded in the accounting records.
- Close seven completed capital projects in the accounting records.
While we did not observe any instances where a project’s authorized budget was exceeded, without adequate procedures for monitoring all capital project expenditures, there is an increased risk of recording errors going undetected and exceeding the project budget and authorized financing.
Key Recommendations
- Monitor capital projects activity by requiring reports on a monthly basis.
- Maintain complete and accurate accounting records and provide monthly reports to the Board to monitor budget-to-actual project activity.
- Close completed capital projects in a timely manner.
Town officials generally agreed with our recommendations and indicated they planned to initiate corrective action.
Posted: August 12th, 2023 under Adirondack Region News, General News, Northern NY News, Upstate New York.
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Grand Isle, VT – Join the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) for a summer edition of their Love the Lake series! Glenn McClure, an eco-composer from the Adirondacks, and LCBP Associate Scientist Mae Kate Campbell will present “Watershed Voices: Giving the Lake a Musical Voice” on Wednesday, August 16th, 6-7:30 PM at the Barn at Goodsell Ridge Preserve located at 69 Pine St. Isle La Motte, VT 05463. This event is free and the LCBP will provide desserts.
Glenn McClure and Mae Kate Campbell will take the audience on a Music-Science journey that explores “Watershed Voices,” LCBP’s Artist-in-Residence program. This Artist-in-Residence program, led by Glenn McClure, will engage three composers in writing new music based on scientific data sets from the Lake Champlain watershed. This presentation will explore how musicians and scientists can work together to understand more deeply the urgent messages coming from the natural world. Glenn and Mae Kate will lead attendees through converting scientific data into melodies. Learn the background story of the creative process that will create new music over the next two years.
The Artist-in-Residence program is an initiative of the Lake Champlain Basin Program and this project is possible by a partnership with ANCA and the Adirondack Diversity Initiative. Next year, the compositions will be performed by partners including the Northern Lights Choir under the direction of Helen Demong, the Choeur Classique de l’Outaouais of Québec under the direction of Tiphaine LeGrand, and the Orchestra of Northern New York. The US Environmental Protection Agency and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission support the 2023 LCBP Artist-in-Residence Program.
Posted: August 12th, 2023 under Arts and Entertainment, Environmental News, Lake Champlain News, Northern NY News, Regional NY-VT News.
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Free concerts offer unique venue for families and friends to enjoy an evening together
PLATTSBURGH, NY The final act of The University of Vermont Health Network-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital’s (CVPH) annual Summer Concert Series features Ursa and the Major Key. The event, which is free of charge, will take place on the hospital’s front lawn on Wednesday, August 16 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Ursa and the Major Key is an indie/psychedelic rock band, with the group stating on its website that it has cultivated a 1960s and 1970s inspired sound in much of their music.
The concert will benefit MHAB. The hospital will make a $500 donation to the agency. A food drive benefiting the JCEO Food Shelf will also take place at the event.
Attendees can enjoy an ice cream sundae bar for $3 per person, with the proceeds going to The Foundation’s Janice McLean Employee Assistance Fund, which was established to support hospital employees in crisis.
Parking is conveniently located at the CVPH Medical Office Building on the Main Campus near the front lawn at 206 Cornelia Street. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are welcome. No alcohol, smoking or glass containers are permitted.
For more information, contact The Foundation of CVPH Events & Special Projects Manager Michelle Senecal at (518) 314-3359 or email her: msenecal@cvph.org
Posted: August 12th, 2023 under Arts and Entertainment, City News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News.
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Online prescreening prepares customers for DMV visit. “Non-driver IDs are extremely helpful forms of identification for all kinds of people in New York State who do not drive, and now we are making it even easier to get one,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder.
Click here for the Sun Community News story
Posted: August 11th, 2023 under County Government News, General News, Law Enforcement News, State Government News, Statewide News.
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10 August 2023 The NY State Police is investigating a Trooper-involved shooting on Donnerville Road in the town of Russell, St. Lawrence County.
At approximately 12:50 p.m., State Police and members from the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office were searching a wooded area along Donnerville Road when a State Trooper and his K9 partner were fired upon.
The Trooper was not injured during the incident. The State Police K9 was struck by the suspect’s gunfire and transported to a veterinary hospital for treatment.
The suspect was shot by a State Trooper and pronounced deceased at the scene.
More details will be released as they become available.
Posted: August 10th, 2023 under Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News.
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The 33rd annual Run For Jon will be held Saturday, August 26th, at 5 PM at Forrence Orchards on Mannix Road in Peru. The Run attracts hundreds of walkers, kids, fun runners, and runners every year, plus their friends and family who attend as spectators. There are numerous door prizes for participants donated by our generous donors.
Sanctioned by USA Track & Field, some of the best runners in the Northeast participate. Over the years, the race has attracted state and national champions and a few Olympians.
The Run for Jon’s mission is to raise funds to help North Country families with children in medical crisis. It raises over $4,000 yearly for this vital purpose. It has become a much anticipated annual community event.
For additional information, visit the Run for Jon website (www.runforjon.org) or call Matt Medeiros at 518-524-1269.
2016 Peru Gazette Run for Jon file photos
Posted: August 10th, 2023 under Charity Events, Community Events, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Things to do in & near Peru, Youth News.
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State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Chemung County District Attorney Weeden Wetmore and the New York State Police announced the arrest of Tammy Miele, former Assistant Clerk for the Village of Horseheads, for allegedly stealing nearly $4,000 from the Village. The arrest was the result of a joint investigation between Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office, the Chemung County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Police.
“Ms. Miele allegedly used her position to defraud the Village of Horseheads for her personal gain and altered Village records to cover her theft. My office’s investigation and our partnership with District Attorney Wetmore and the State Police have ensured that she will now be held accountable for her actions,” DiNapoli said. “I extend my thanks to District Attorney Wetmore and the State Police for helping my office combat public corruption through their continued partnership.”
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said, “This arrest should serve as a reminder that those who choose to abuse their positions will be brought to justice. The arrest of this individual sends a strong message that we will not tolerate dishonest actions by those who use their position at the expense of the public. I thank the Comptroller’s Office and the Chemung County District Attorney’s Office for their commitment to investigating those who prey on the unsuspecting public for their own gain.”
Miele, 49, was charged with grand larceny and corrupting the government, both felonies.
She served as an assistant clerk for the Village from 2017 to 2022. During that time, she accepted cash payments for the Village, including accepting payments from multiple residents who wished to pay their water bills.
The joint investigation and forensic analysis revealed that Miele accepted residents’ cash payments but never deposited the cash into the Village’s bank account. Instead, she allegedly altered the Village’s accounting system to delete any balances owed by the taxpayer and pocketed the money. She is charged with stealing $3,548 from September of 2017 through September of 2022 through this scheme.
The forensic analysis also determined that Miele paid her personal New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) bill with Village funds, resulting in the Village paying over $450 of her bill.
Miele’s employment with the Village was terminated in September 2022.
Miele was arraigned before Judge Christopher Pelchar in the Village of Elmira Heights Court and is scheduled to appear again on September 6, 2023.
Posted: August 10th, 2023 under General News, Law Enforcement News, State Government News.
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The 8-week program provides benefits for cancer survivors and those on maintenance treatment
PLATTSBURGH, NY (08/09/2023) – A free Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) class offered to cancer survivors and those on maintenance treatment begins Tuesday, August 29 at 5 p.m. at the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH).
MBSR program is led by Charlotte Gosrich, RD, JD, MBSR instructor. MBSR is the most scientifically researched training program for mindfulness. Studies show it can decrease psychological and physical suffering and increase resilience and peace of mind. Started in the 1970s at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, MBSR is now offered in over 700 medical centers and universities worldwide.
“The impact of cancer on a person’s physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being can be overwhelming. This program can help survivors become fully aware and present in a non-judgmental manner, accepting things as they are, as a way toward healing,” explained Gosrich. A registered dietitian, Gosrich is part of the FitzPatrick Cancer Center team and provides nutritional counseling to those undergoing treatment for cancer.
Classes will include different types of formal and informal meditation, mindful movement, small group discussion and instruction on home practice. There will also be an “all day” class where participants can practice in silence with guidance for an extended period of time.
The MBSR series is underwritten by CVPH’s Center for Occupational Health and Wellness. For more information and to register, please contact Gosrich at cgosrich@cvph.org.
Posted: August 10th, 2023 under City News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News.
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Tom Murphy is the Director of Sweethearts & Heroes

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. –– The 2023-2024 school year is near, so 30 administrators from the North Country of New York returned to the classroom for two days last week, eager to start their new year as leaders filled with HOPE (Hold On, Possibilities Exist).
On Aug. 2 and Aug. 3, Sweethearts & Heroes held a North Country Training For Administrators at Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES) in Plattsburgh. Sweethearts & Heroes is a student empowerment and empathy activation team that aims to prevent bullying and suicide, focusing on the basic components of social-emotional learning (SEL).
Sweethearts & Heroes worked with thousands of students and hundreds of educators throughout the Clinton-Essex-Warren Washington BOCES during 2022-2023 school year. On July 19 and 20, more than 30 district educators attended a Sweethearts & Heroes training at CVES.
Sweethearts & Heroes offers a profound, engaging signature presentation that calls for HOPE, Empathy and Action; Circle, which is built on the ancient ritual of communicating in a circle to build empathy; and BRAVES Buddies, which trains older students in bully drills that they, in turn, teach to students in lower grades.
Last week’s two-day workshops, which supported the district’s existing SEL curriculum, focused on Sweethearts & Heroes’ 13 tenets of Affective Leadership, using Sweethearts & Heroes’ first novel, 13 Pillows For Affective Educators, as the foundation. Administrators learned strategies to support their educators, students and school community.
Sweethearts & Heroes teammates Tom Murphy (Director), Heather Gottlob (Affective Educator) and Pat Fish (Circle/BRAVES Leader) led the seminars at CVES, which was an important partner. The Foundation of Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) provided grants and scholarships that allowed administrators to attend for free.
“We wanted these administrators to take the 13 pillows, or lessons, from our novel and apply them to their staff during this coming school year,” Murphy said. “We understand that our teachers need as much support as our students, and we worked with these administrators so that they could be more engaged in creating educators that are student-focused. It’s hard for teachers to remain student-focused when there are school culture and climate challenges. However, when you have an administrator that focuses on their teachers’ and staff’s needs and health, the culture change is incredible.” Read more »
Posted: August 10th, 2023 under Education News, Northern NY News.
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● Navigate the Maze of Life ○ 9/23/23
○ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
○ Rulf’s Orchard, Peru, NY
Literacy New York, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing adult literacy across the state, is proud to announce its upcoming “Stop Reading Challenge” events. These engaging and thought-provoking events will take place in various locations throughout New York State, aiming to raise awareness about the critical issue of adult literacy.
The “Stop Reading Challenge” events are part of Literacy New York’s ongoing efforts to address the adult literacy crisis in the state. According to recent reports, approximately one in five adults in New York struggle with basic literacy skills, limiting their access to education, job opportunities, and overall quality of life. Through these events, Literacy New York aims to shed light on the importance of literacy and the transformative impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities.
“Adult literacy is not just a personal challenge; it’s a societal challenge. Low literacy rates affect not only individuals’ lives but also our economy and community well-being,” said Kathy Houghton, the Executive Director of Literacy New York. “The ‘Stop Reading Challenge’ events are an opportunity for us to come together as a community, raise awareness, and take action to support those who struggle with literacy.”
The “Stop Reading Challenge” in-person events will feature interactive activities, and challenges, as well as connections to local adult literacy programs and local literacy data. Attendees will also have the chance to learn more about volunteer opportunities and ways they can contribute to the cause of adult literacy in their local communities. If there is not an in-person event in your area, you can still participate in our virtual challenge—visit stopreadingchallenge.org!
“We encourage everyone, from concerned citizens to business leaders, to join us at these events and online, and become advocates for adult literacy. Together, we can create a more literate and empowered New York,” added Kathy Houghton.
For more information about the “Stop Reading Challenge” events and Literacy New York’s initiatives, please visit literacynewyork.org.
About Literacy New York: Literacy New York is a statewide nonprofit organization committed to advancing literacy for adults and families in New York State. Through its network of local literacy programs, dedicated volunteers, and community partnerships, Literacy New York provides essential literacy services to individuals seeking to improve their reading, writing, and communication skills.
Posted: August 10th, 2023 under Education News, General News, Peru News, Statewide News.
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The Town Of Peru Town Board has scheduled a Special Meeting Monday, August 14, 2023, at 8 AM at the Peru Town Hall. The purpose of the meeting will be to approve a resolution for Cook Road Culvert.
The Regular Town Meeting is to be held on September 18, 2023, at 6 PM. The Regular Meeting scheduled for September 11, 2023, will be canceled.
Posted: August 9th, 2023 under Peru News, Town Board News.
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