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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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The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

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Honor Flight send-offs have many memorable moments

Click here to view a brief slideshow.  Note – I hope to add sound

Click here to view photos on a single page. 

185 cycles escorted today’s North Country Honor Flights to the Flightline

Taking time on a Saturday morning to beautify our community

If you traveled on the eastern portion of the Bear Swamp Rd. this morning you undoubtedly saw members of the Peru Lions Club doing their monthly roadside trash pick-up. The Lions adopted the Bear Swamp Rd. many years ago as participants in the “Keep America Beautiful” program. Amy Davies, one of the Lions Club’s newest memberspicked up five buckets of trash.
The Lions always welcome new members to participate in their many community programs and social activities.

It’s a beautiful day to take a ride in Peru, NY folks!

Great shopping in downtown Peru today!

Don’t forget “Granny’s Attic” today at the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center. Shoppers were lined up before today’s 9 a.m. opening. It will be open until 4 p.m. Stop by for a special bargain!

Off-duty trooper hospitalized after crash in Jefferson County – syracuse.com

Source: Off-duty trooper hospitalized after crash in Jefferson County – syracuse.com

ASSEMBLYMAN BILLY JONES JOINS LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND STATE FIRE ASSOCIATION LEADERS TO CELEBRATE THE FAIR PLAY AMBULANCE COST RECOVERY ACT

Legislation will Bring More Than $3M to the Region for Fire Dept. Ambulance Services

(ALTONA, NY – May. 13, 2021) – Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) joined with members of the North Country’s volunteer fire service to celebrate the inclusion of the “Fair Play Ambulance Cost Recovery Act” (A.534-A) in the NY State budget. The legislation allows fire departments to recover the costs associated with providing emergency medical services (EMS) – specifically ambulance transport services – in New York State.

EMS cost recovery for volunteer fire department ambulances was a top legislative priority of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), representing 85,000 volunteer firefighters across the State, along with the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York.

“We commend Assemblyman Jones for his hard work in bringing this critical legislation to its conclusion and thank him for his dedication to the volunteers of New York State,” said FASNY President John Farrell.  “Volunteers across the state train tirelessly to ensure they are prepared to respond to any and all emergencies. Allowing local fire departments to recover the costs of providing vital EMS services will help offset the costs of EMS services and allow volunteer departments to continue providing life-saving ambulance services in their communities.”

New York State was the only state in the nation that did not allow fire departments to recover the costs of ambulance services. The law facilitates the recovery of $100 million in EMS costs annually by local fire departments – with an anticipated $3 million dollars in recovery going to North Country fire departments that provide ambulance service.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of passing the Fair Play Ambulance Cost Recovery Act,” said Assemblyman Billy Jones. “This is an absolute game changer for fire departments that provide ambulance services. Now fire departments will no longer worry that they will reach a point where they cannot afford to answer an emergency call, a decision no one should have to make. These fire departments can also now afford to make important updates to their equipment to help them respond to all emergencies. It was ridiculous that New York was the only state in the nation to not allow fire departments to recover these costs and I am proud that this bill was included in the state budget. But I would be remiss if I did not mention all the lawmakers that preceded me and the firefighters who have fought for this bill for decades- it is thanks to their efforts as well that this bill finally passed and I am pleased that some of them were able to make it today to celebrate.” Read more »

The Adirondacks need to diversify. But are words like “overcrowding” keeping people away? | NCPR News

Source: The Adirondacks need to diversify. But are words like “overcrowding” keeping people away? | NCPR News

Supermoon eclipse may be visible this weekend in Vermont and New York

Source: Supermoon eclipse may be visible this weekend in Vermont and New York

Ausable River Association announces spring guided watershed tours

WILMINGTON — The Ausable River Association (AsRA) has announced the schedule for their free, guided interpretive outdoor programs in the northern Adirondacks this spring. “We are excited to grow our popular guided watershed tours this year,” said Kelley Tucker, AsRA’s Executive Director. “We’re offering guided tours in all seasons this year, and our spring tours will focus on native wildflowers, birds, bats, and other Adirondack species.”

 “This year’s programs include 15 guided trips to locations in the Ausable, Boquet, and Saranac River watersheds,” said Tyler Merriam, Donor Outreach Manager.

Three spring programs kick off the season. The first is a birding walk in a private preserve along the West Branch Ausable River. Dr. Larry Master, conservation biologist/zoologist and past Ausable River Association board chair, and Derek Rogers, ace birder and Stewardship Director with the Adirondack Land Trust, will lead this tour.

The second tour is a wildflower identification walk and drawing workshop at the Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center. Cris Winters, a full-time artist from Saranac Lake with a scientific background in conservation biology and botanical illustration, will lead this tour. “Hopefully people will continue drawing on their own after this experience,” says Winters. “For me it’s meant to be a skill you can take home with you and use forever.” AsRA will provide some supplies for this drawing workshop.

The third tour is a moth and bat research night at John Brown Farm State Historic Site outside of Lake Placid. Dr. Larry Master will also lead this tour, drawing on his experience as a bat researcher for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. He will use a bat detector hooked to a computer so that participants can listen to and view bat echolocation calls and learn how to identify bats that might be passing nearby. He will also set up a mercury vapor light behind a large sheet to attract some of the many species of night flying moths and other insects. The sheet keeps the insects safe and allows closer inspection for those attending.

“Some of our 2022 tours are back due to their past popularity and other tours are brand new,” said Merriam. “We’re excited to try new locations and bring in additional guest naturalists to further connect residents and visitors to our wild places and leave them with a better understanding of how to protect our biodiverse habitats.”

 AsRA’s free, guided programs begin the weekend of May 21. This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement (LC 00A00707-0) to NEIWPCC in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program.

Program dates, registration, and additional information are available on the Ausable River Association website, https://www.ausableriver.org/events

Ward Lumber Honored

Senator Stec and the men and women of Ward Lumber after receiving their official state Historic Business Preservation Registry Certificate 

Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today presented Jay Ward and the workers of Ward Lumber with the official state certificate honoring the company for its addition to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry. The registry launched earlier this year and Ward Lumber, Stec’s nominee, is one of the first 100 businesses selected for this honor.

“I’d like to congratulate Ward Lumber on being added to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry,” said Stec. “Since its start in the AuSable Valley in 1890 through the present day, Ward Lumber has become a cornerstone of this region. Between its rare status as a worker-owned cooperative and history of volunteerism and contributions to Jay and Malone, Ward Lumber is more than deserving of this honor.”

“We are honored and humbled to be one of the first businesses in North Country to be recognized as a New York State historic business,” said Jay Ward. “After 132 years and four generations of Ward family ownership, I’m privileged to be able to continue to lead Ward Lumber now as CEO into the next chapter of our long history as a worker-owned cooperative. The goal is that Ward Lumber will carry on for at least another 130 years.”

To view Ward Lumber and the other businesses designated for the registry, visit the interactive map at https://parks.ny.gov/historic-preservation/business-registry/default.aspx.

 

Clinton County Historical Association Presents: “A Tour of the Old Base Oval ” with Helen Nerska, CCHA Director

Plattsburgh Barracks including (labeled) Mess Hall, Barracks, Guard House.

Please join the Clinton County Historical Association (CCHA) on Saturday, May 28th at

10:30 am for a narrated walking tour of the historic buildings surrounding the Old Base Oval, in the City of Plattsburgh.  

The Old Base Oval has been a part of the Military Base from the War of 1812 until the closing of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base in 1995.  While on the Tour, your guide will point out the repurposed historic buildings and locations, share pictures of their glorious past, and narrate events that once took place at each site. Special arrangements have been made to see the inside of an Officer’s Quarters and the Memorial Chapel.

This one- and one-half hour walking tour will fascinate history buffs and those who have a special relationship with the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base and the rich history of the Champlain Valley.  At the end of the tour, copies of “The Plattsburgh Military Reservation, A Pictorial History” by Dr. Richard B. Frost and Melissa A. Peck will be available for those interested in purchasing a copy, and the museum will be open.

The tour will begin in front of the CCHA Museum at 98 Ohio Avenue. Please register for the tour by calling 561-0340.  Tours are free, and donations are appreciated.

Thinking about buying an electric vehicle? Is Upstate New York one of the best places to charge one? (video) – syracuse.com

“Eric Hittinger, an Associate Professor of Public Policy at Rochester Institute of Technology said, “Upstate New York has the cleanest electricity grid in the country.”

Source: Thinking about buying an electric vehicle? Is Upstate New York one of the best places to charge one? (video) – syracuse.com

Buffalo Bills 2022 schedule: Opponents, dates, times finalized – syracuse.com

Source: Buffalo Bills 2022 schedule: Opponents, dates, times finalized – syracuse.com

Affordable Connectivity Program | Federal Communications Commission

The FCC explains who qualifies and how to apply for a $30 monthly internet subsidy. Source: Affordable Connectivity Program | Federal Communications Commission

Girls can play Peru Youth Commission baseball, more signs erected, and sewer system upgrade cost rises

 
Peru – Peru will have a young lady playing baseball this summer if she chooses to do so. At the Monday, May 9, Town Board meeting Youth Director John Flynn asked the board for guidance. Over the years only boys have participated in Peru’s summer baseball program; however, a girl indicated she would like to play baseball this year. Flynn checked with the Clinton County Youth Bureau. After stating that Peru should first evaluate the girls’ playing ability, the Bureau informed Flynn that age should be the only qualifying factor. Town Attorney Matt Favro pointed out that since Peru plays under the County’s umbrella, it should follow County guidelines. No one on the town board disagreed; consequently, girls will be permitted to participate in Peru Youth Commission baseball.
 
Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell told the board that it’s necessary to place “No Parking” signs along Route 22 between North Bend Street to the intersection of Route 22 and Maiden Lane. Why? When eighteen-wheelers or other large vehicles park while shopping at Stewart’s, they conceal the newly erected stop sign. (The town installed two “No Parking” signs today, May 12, 2021.)
 
Responding to increasing costs for the sewer system upgrade cost, the board passed a resolution to increase its borrowing authority from $6,643,536 to $7,612,477, a $1,178,941 increase. The board scheduled a public hearing on the issuance of general obligation bonds for May 23 at 5:45 p.m.
 
The board’s remaining business was routine. Look for the approved meeting minutes that the town and the Peru Gazette will post following the town board’s May 23 meeting.
 

Peru High School’s entrepreneurs

By John T. Ryan

Peru – I attended the Peru School Board meeting Tuesday evening May 10th where learned a lot about the 2022-23 budget, met administrators, and gained respect for all the people willing to serve as school board members.  

Something else impressed me – Peru High School’s Entrepreneurial Club. Club members invited board members and everyone at the board meeting to see The Lodge, just down the hall from the high school community room. The Lodge is what I’ve always referred to as a campus store. Students staff the store, order the merchandise and manage the finances under the guidance of Business teacher Karen Lash. The store faced several challenges in the recent past. The Covid pandemic and the school’s mascot change resulted in a bank balance of less than $1,000 at the beginning of the school year. Now it’s up to almost $6,000. The store is neat, well-organized, and stocked with healthy foods, drinks, apparel and other items. 

Congratulations to the Peru Entrepreneurial Club (a.k.a. Future Business Leaders of America – FBLA) students for their hard work and excellent presentation Tuesday evening.

Video of Clinton County Legislature’s May 11, 2022 meeting

 

Town of Peru school tax rates expected to decline

 

According to the May 2022 Peru Central School District Community Report if you live in the Town of Peru, your school tax rate should be declining from $18.83/M to $17.37/M based on the ESTIMATED tax levy. That could change slightly. Click the following for more details School Tax Rate 2022-2023

It’s official: NY congressional primary moving to Aug. 23 | National News | madison.com

Source: It’s official: NY congressional primary moving to Aug. 23 | National News | madison.com

New York’s once-booming oil industry and the risky wells it left behind – City & State New York

Source: New York’s once-booming oil industry and the risky wells it left behind – City & State New York

Below the Clouds at Adirondack Regional Airport – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Below the Clouds at Adirondack Regional Airport – – The Adirondack Almanack

St. Mary’s Church in Champlain to host 53rd Annual Bazaar 

Parade begins at noon. 

 

Father Clyde Lewis of St. Mary’s Church in Champlain, NY announced on Friday that after two years of postponing their annual Bazaar, the event will happen this year on Sunday May 29, 2022. 

 

“This event has always shown how our neighborhoods come together to support each other. And I believe the community has greatly missed this event over the past two years,” said Father Lewis. “We are greatly looking forward to gathering with the community and celebrating our annual event once again.”

 

The event will be accompanied by the annual parade. All groups and organizations are welcome to participate. There are cash awards in the categories of themed float, automobile, corporate and band. Entry for organizations is free. 

 

Also set to return this year to the Bazaar is the annual Garden Tractor Pull. 

 

There will also be food booths, games, a country store and inflatable bouncy houses. This is a family friendly event and St. Mary’s Church looks forward to welcoming families from around the region back to the event this year. 

 

St. Mary’s will continue to post updates on their Facebook event. Please follow along there for the most up to date details: https://fb.me/e/1pDkrqRCM 

 

For questions about the parade, contact Molly Ryan at (518)593-3762 or mfryan01@gmail.com. The entry form for the parade can be found here: https://forms.gle/UAYzQF4DEmma8D8m7. 
For more info on the tractor pull, check here: https://fb.me/e/19lBORjHx 

 

Those interested in volunteering for the event or interested in sponsoring the event should contact Kathy Ryan at (518)593-8540.



Cell Phone Found at Peru Grand Union Parking Lot

If you lost your cell phone today around the Grand Union parking lot. It was found on Route 22 and the exit of the parking lot. I turned it in to the Grand Union.
 
Patrick Andrews

Mega Millions winning numbers: New York Lottery admits ‘human error’ in drawing – syracuse.com

Source: Mega Millions winning numbers: New York Lottery admits ‘human error’ in drawing – syracuse.com