The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.
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Even if you don’t have the time to see the beautiful Lake Champlain views, visiting Clinton Community College is a great stop. Our county leaders improved the appearance of the George Moore Academic and Administration building. In addition, the Institute of Advanced Manufacturing, the Ronald B. Stafford Science Building, and the William H. Forrence Health and Recreation Center are impressive.
A spring drive along Route 9 isn’t complete without viewing Lake Champlain, Crab Island, Valcour Island, and the Green Mountains from our beautiful Clinton Community College. May 6, 2023.
Hudson Valley visitors enjoyed their first trip to this area. Lake Placid is their next stop.
Ausable Chasm’s Rainbow Falls
Underground Railroad Museum volunteers Andrea and Cortland Bear, Jim Kloiber and Larry Hobson
Underground Railroad Museum volunteer Maggie McGannon
A Keesevile family enjoyed the morning at Ausable Point
L-R Kayla Sequin, Bill Parker, Brian and Cindy Yourdin had a great time kayaking at Ausable Point
Peru Dock
Valcour Island Lighthouse
Just a few of the trucks parked at the Peru Dock this morning.
May 6th appears to be the true start of a beautiful North Country 2023 spring, especially along Lake Champlain. Your Peru Gazette reporter met visitors from Canada, the Hudson Valley, and Pennsylvania at Ausable Chasm, volunteers sprucing up the nearby Underground Railroad Museum, and people fishing and kayaking at Ausable Point. Earlier in the morning, many people launched boats at the Peru Dock, undoubtedly enjoying our beautiful Lake Champlain.
The Clinton County Historical Association is pleased to announce the following events for May. All events are free and open to the public.
May 16 – 6:45 pm, Amazing Stories of the Women of the Delord House, with Pat Loughan, sharing photos and little-known facts about their lives and legacies. Lake Forest Senior Living Community, 8 Lake Forest, 6:45 pm. Doors open at 6:30
May 20 – 10 am to 1 pm, Tour of the Perry Mills Frog Farm with Robert St. John leading a walking tour with a historical narrative. 145 Perry Mills Rd. Champlain, NY. Register by calling 518-561-0340
May 23 – 2:30 pm, Redford Glass Uncovered with Helen Nerska. Photos and the history of Redford’s famous glassworks. The Orchards, Meadowbrook Healthcare, 154 Prospect Ave., Plattsburgh
May 27 – 10:30 am, Walking Tour of the Old Base Oval with the special opportunities to see the inside of an Officer’s quarters and the Plattsburgh Memorial Chapel. Begins at 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh.
The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the High School Community Room. As part of the meeting, the Board will conduct a public hearing on the District’s three (3) propositions slated for voter consideration on May 16, 2023, which include the proposed expenditures plan/budget for 2023-2024, the purchase of buses, and terms of office for board of education members. Individuals running for the Board of Education may also address the Board and audience. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start and that the Board will reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting will also be recorded and 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 cannot attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than Noon on Tuesday, May 9th. Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.
The agenda will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).
CVPH program supplies blood, blood products to hospitals across our region
PLATTSBURGH, NY –The Adirondack Regional Blood Center, a program of the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH), is conducting several community blood drives this month as part of its mission to ensure an adequate blood supply for the region.
The following is the May schedule of blood drives open to the public:
Thursday, May 4, AuSable Knights of Columbus held at Holy Name Church Hall, 4 to 7 p.m.
Friday, May 5, Burke Adult Center, 9 to 11 a.m.
Monday, May 8, Champlain EMS station, co-sponsor Knights of Columbus, 3 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 10, Chateaugay High School, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, May 11, Chazy High School, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Friday, May 12, Northeastern Clinton Central School, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday, May 15, West Chazy Fire Department, 4 to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, May 16, Mountain Lake Services, Port Henry, 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Thursday, May 18, Altona Fire Department, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Friday, May 19, Camp Dudley, Westport, Noon to 4 p.m.
Monday, May 22, Essex Fire Department, co-sponsor Masonic Lodge, 4 to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, May 23, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation headquarters, Ray Brook, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, May 25, Franklin Academy, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday, May 26, CVPH Laboratory Conference Room, 214 Cornelia St., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, May 30, Brushton-Moira American Legion, 4 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 31, Alice Hyde Medical Center, Malone, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Walk-ins are also welcome at the Adirondack Regional Donor Center, located at 85 Plaza Blvd, and open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Blood collected by the Adirondack Regional Blood Center stays in the North Country, helping hundreds of people in this region. Its success rests on the generosity of donors and sponsors.
A donor card or another form of identification is required to give. Learn more about the Adirondack Regional Blood Center, giving blood and becoming a sponsor at UVMHealth.org/GiveBlood or call (518) 562-7406.
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; JCEO; and Banking Reports)
MOTION:Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of April 24, 2023, and Special Meeting of April 10, 2023.
Community Input.
RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:Possible Hiring of Highway MEO Position.
Join DEC’s Division of Water in celebrating Water Week May 7 – 13. For almost 40 years, New York has set aside a full week in May to focus on its water resources, highlight water issues, and encourage stewardship. This year’s theme is Water Protection and Conservation.
In New York, we are fortunate to have an abundant supply of water in our lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands, as well as underground, for people to use and enjoy. DEC has been entrusted with the responsibility to protect and conserve New York State’s water resources for the benefit of all inhabitants of the State. This means protecting water used for drinking, recreating, agriculture, and preserving habitat. To do this, DEC manages water withdrawals and wastewater discharges, enforces laws and regulations, develops water quality standards, monitors the quality of waters, and works with partners to do all of these activities.
The Division of Water invites you to learn more about our programs to protect and conserve New York’s waters. During Water Week, watch for DEC social media posts and see if you know the answers to the Instagram trivia questions on Friday, May 12. Below are links to some Division of Water webpages to become more acquainted with us.
The Peru Central School District Hall of Fame is designed to recognize individuals or organizations who have made a significant impact on our school or achieved an outstanding contribution(s) to society as a graduate of Peru Central.Criteria for the Hall of Fame include, but are not limited to:
1) Outstanding contribution(s) to Peru School
2) Outstanding contribution(s) to society
3) Outstanding career
4) Participation and/or leadership in community activities
5) Significant impact on an individual’s life while associated with Peru School
This year’s inductees for the June 7th ceremony are:
Helen Allen Nerska
SUNY Plattsburgh Graduate
Moved to Canada and then returned to Peru in 2005 to live as the seventh generation on the family farm
Worked for 35 years in Senior Marketing & Administrative Positions
Worked as the Museum Manager for the North Star Underground Railroad Museum from January 2010 – April 2014
Elected President of the Clinton County Historical Association & Museum in January 2011
Took over as the Director of the CC Historical Association & Museum in March 2017
Assigned to the Historian for the Town of Peru in August 2022
Currently the Regional Coordinator of Consider the Source, a NYS Archives Project
On the Board of Directors of The Saranac Chapter of DAR (Treasurer), Northern New York American Canadian Genealogical Society, Women’s Rights Alliance of New York (2nd Vice President), and The League of Women’s Voters of the North Country (Co-President)
Author & Editor of the Clinton County Suffrage Story
Editor of the Heritage Corner (Monthly Publication in the Sun Community News)
Rita H. Hatfield
Born and raised in the Adirondacks
Attended Holy Name Catholic School in AuSable Forks
Graduated from Plattsburgh State University College (Now SUNY Plattsburgh) with a teaching degree
Taught at Peru Elementary School and High School (Retired in 1977)
Engaged in the National Honor Society and the drama club/school plays
The Peru High School yearbook was dedicated to her on more than one occasion with special thanks and appreciation
After retirement from Peru High School, she became highly active in St. Augustine’s Catholic Church teaching bible study and becoming a Lay Eucharistic Minister
In the early 1990s, she became a member of the Order of the Brothers & Sisters of Charity at The Little Portion Hermitage and Monastery in Berryville, Arkansas
In recognition of George Washington’s birthday, on February 22, the Valcour Battle Chapter SAR conducted our 2nd annual book donation to expand local public library collections of Revolutionary War scholarship. Local author Don Wickman’s book Strong Ground: Mount Independence and the American Revolution, published in 2017, was this year’s selection. Located on Lake Champlain in Orwell, Vermont, the American army constructed extensive fortifications on the Mount’s Promontory in 1776 and 1777 to stop a British invasion. The Peru Free Library was chosen as the recipient library since the Battle of Valcour was fought in the Town of Peru. This book, autographed by the author, is accessible via interlibrary loan to all patrons served by the Clinton Essex Franklin library system. Peru librarians Becky Pace and Stacey Bousquet accepted the 2023 book donation from Chapter President Craig Russell.
Peru resident and Peru Gazette Editor John Ryan addressed three issues.
Issue #1 – The final cost of Phase #1 of the sewer system upgrade project. Ryan would like to publish a project cost breakdown, including breakouts for contractors, design, engineering, and any other costs, the tax impact, the final interest rate and the bond term. Backed up by Town Attorney Matt Favro, Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald told Ryan that the town would have to review piles of documents to get the requested information. Favro told Ryan to file a Freedom of Information Request (FIA). Ryan said he isn’t looking for each invoice, just a project cost broken down by contracting, engineering, other costs, the final amount borrowed, interest rate, and impact on the taxpayer. He said he was surprised that the town board hadn’t compiled this formation. (Following this meeting on April 26, Ryan asked for a meeting with Supervisor McDonald to discuss the issue. McDonald replied that once an annual disclosure filing and a project audit are complete, he would have Confidential Secretary Pam Barber “pull everything and one day we can sit down.” He did not set a date for the meeting.)
Issue #2 – Stating that he hasn’t formed an opinion on affordable housing, Ryan asked board members if they have considered encouraging affordable housing development in Peru. He mentioned that the Woodland Drive and Orchard View (Washington Street) developments are at a standstill, and Ormsby Circle has few remaining lots. Ryan mentioned two large projects in the Town of Plattsburgh (Ampersand Drive and behind the CVPH Medical Plaza), saying that today’s affordable housing is more attractive than it once was. McDonald said he has heard that the Orchard View development may be sold; however, neither McDonald nor any board member commented on affordable housing. (After the board meeting, counselor Rick Barber emailed, “l feel we have been very proactive in our affordable housing endeavor. We, as a board, changed the zoning on the piece of property off Dashnaw Road. We, as a board, are very pro-construction if done the right way anywhere in Peru. We have been talking to the property owner off Dashnaw Rd. about taking over his private water and sewer lines, but there were a few things we wanted from him, and we have not heard back. Washington St. is a matter of patience. We need to let them work it thru with the Army Corp. Buttonwood has it all (the utilities), but Swain (the developer), in my view, has lost the fire to keep pushing it forward. We as a board would be glad to entertain any new ideas for new development.”)
Issue #3 – Ryan mentioned an email from Elm Street resident Jennifer Madore addressed to the Peru Gazette, Supervisor McDonald, and the Peru School Board. Mrs. Madore stated that the town storm pipes transport stormwater from Peru Central School into a State Route 22B drainage ditch, under Route 22B, down a hill to Elm Street, where it crosses the street and floods a portion of her and a neighbor’s property. She stated she has asked for help; however, the school blames the town and the town blames the school for the problem. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell believes the school or NYS DOT is responsible for the drainage issues, not the town. Town Attorney Matt Favro advised the board not to get involved and suggested that Madore pay for a survey to determine the cause of the problem. Later in the meeting, Ryan suggested that the three parties meet to discuss the issue.
Elm Street resident Patricia Laduke told the board that a two-inch lip on Elm Street’s new sidewalk makes it very difficult for a person who uses a wheelchair to cross the street in front of her home. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell indicated he would fix the problem.
In other news – Recreation Director Kristen Marino wants to bring pickleball to the community. Councilman Rick Barber said he thinks Sullivan Park would be an ideal location to construct two pickleball courts. Several years ago, the board considered starting pickleball at the Jenkins Street tennis courts but decided against it when Mike Farrell determined repairing the courts would be expensive.
Barber also suggested that the town sell the Jenkins Street property, a 40+ acre parcel adjacent to Brand Hollow Road, and a small lot at the school end of Woodland Drive. Matt Favro will investigate the actions required to sell the town properties.
The board also declared a 1984 Model 1710 Ford Tractor as surplus equipment and set a bid date of May 22 at 10 a.m.; approved the purchase of a Model 4044M John Deer Tractor for the Water/Sewer/ Parks Department under state a state contract price of $35,629.82; approved sale of 2001 International Model 2674 dump truck on the Auctions International website; accepted a $20,000 bid for demolition and disposal of a 5 School Street structure and bids totaling $3,080 to K&S Environmental Science for site-specific variance and air-monitoring services at the site; approved the Water/Sewer/Parks Department request to hire a temporary laborer.
Town Historian Helen Nerska reported that the town would display several historical artifacts at Babbie Museum this summer.
Councilman Rick Barber reported that Rick Arnold would like to custom-make a cover for the new Heyworth-Mason Park bell tower.
CVPH program supplies blood, blood products to hospitals across our region 
Helen Allen Nerska
Rita H. Hatfield 
