The Peru Gazette

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Cheezy Ziti

Vegetable 

Bread 

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!

A message and photos from Sweethearts and Heroes 

PERU, NY — About 350 Peru Central School District (CSD) students recently celebrated months of preparation and hard work — with a focus on changing their school culture — by holding a Community Day with Sweethearts & Heroes on June 11.

About 2,000 elementary school students and 100 high school students from six North Country schools, including Peru, have participated in Community Days throughout May and June with Sweethearts & Heroes, a student empowerment and youth leadership team that aims to prevent hopelessness, bullying and suicide. Sweethearts & Heroes provides dynamic, inspiring content that centers on the human interaction skills necessary for schools and other organizations to change all aspects of their culture — skills such as empathy, compassion and teamwork.

Throughout this school year, the six participating schools have been immersed in Sweethearts & Heroes’ Student Teacher Empathy Program (STEP), which teaches high-schoolers to deliver Sweethearts & Heroes’ foundational anti-bullying message to elementary students in their district — a message for students from students. STEP students are from: the AuSable Valley CSD, Chazy Central Rural School, the Crown Point CSD, Ticonderoga Central School, the Plattsburgh CSD; and the Peru CSD.

High-schoolers in those districts designed Community Days for their elementary-level counterparts. Community Days have featured age-appropriate obstacle courses and team challenges similar to the Spartan-supported races that high school STEP students completed during Sweethearts & Heroes’ first three-day Youth Leadership Summit at Killington Resort in Vermont last September. The Plattsburgh CSD will have Sweethearts & Heroes Community Day stations on display at previously established field days for students in Grades K-5.

The Foundation of Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) is a strong, supportive partner of Sweethearts & Heroes and has provided sponsorships for STEP work in all six North Country schools. Goss Chevrolet, of Champlain, NY, has sponsored Community Days with medals for students and other support.

“Community Day at Peru Central School District was a day like no other for our students!” Peru CSD administrators said in a thank-you letter to Goss, following Community Day. “One 5th grade class commented to their teacher that it was ‘the best day they’ve ever had in school!’ Through team-building challenges and empathy-developing exercises, we were able to culminate our school’s Student Teacher Empathy Program (STEP) with a bang! Thank you for the medals and other support! We had so much fun!”

Josh Parker, General Manager, Goss Chevrolet, said, “Goss Chevrolet is honored to support a program as impactful as Sweethearts & Heroes. Like them, we are committed to empowering today’s youth to overcome hopelessness, prevent bullying, and understand that there is always more to look forward to beyond tomorrow. We are proud to sponsor these vital efforts and look forward to continuing our support for the next generation at every opportunity.”

For more than 16 years, Sweethearts & Heroes has presented what Director/Founder Tom Murphy calls “‘the ‘stop, drop and roll’ of bullying” to more than 2.5 million students in school districts from New England to Hawaii and north into Canada. However, there was a Sweethearts & Heroes first in the AuSable Valley CSD last January: AuSable Valley STEP students — not Sweethearts & Heroes — presented Sweethearts & Heroes’ signature presentation to second-graders at Keeseville Elementary and AuSable Forks Elementary. The other districts followed suit with their respective STEP presentations.

The Foundation of CVPH and Sweethearts & Heroes started their partnership several years ago. Kerry Haley, Associate Vice President of Philanthropy for the foundation, said, “The wellbeing of youth in our region is critical to family dynamics and a strong future. We are proud of the partnership we have had with Sweethearts & Heroes these past several years to reach children where they are at and when they need it most. These programs build a foundation for skills that will last a lifetime.”

For more on Sweethearts & Heroes, find them here on social media.

Gibbs encourages public interest in government office

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New name reinforces the community foundation’s deep commitment to serving the people and places of the Adirondack region

LAKE PLACID, NY  — Adirondack Foundation has officially changed its name to Adirondack Community Foundation, a move that highlights the organization’s long-standing mission: to strengthen Adirondack communities through donor generosity, partnerships, and strategic investment.

“Adding the word community to our name is about clarity and purpose,” said William Creighton, Board Chair of Adirondack Community Foundation. “It reflects who we’ve always been — a community foundation, not a private foundation. It’s philanthropy that’s of, for, and about the people of the Adirondack region — and it signals our continued commitment to bringing donors together to meet urgent needs and build a stronger future.”

Since its founding in 1997, Adirondack Community Foundation has served as a hub for regional generosity. It has grown to steward more than 300 charitable funds created by individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits. The foundation is the largest grantmaker in the Adirondack region, awarding more than $10 million annually to support local nonprofits, schools, and municipalities, often in partnership with fundholders who make grants with community foundation guidance.

“My husband, Jim Herman, and I opened a donor advised fund at Adirondack Community Foundation, because its  network of both donors and nonprofits meant we could join with others to have a greater impact than we could make on our own,” said Dave Mason, of Keene.

Through its work, Adirondack Community Foundation supports solutions to pressing issues such as food insecurity, affordable housing, child care access, educational opportunity, and economic development. Recent initiatives include:

• Reweaving the Adirondack Social Safety Net through partnerships with the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and the John Rugge Center for Community Impact.

• Advancing early childhood outcomes through the Adirondack Birth to Three Alliance.

• Supporting local job creation through the Adirondack Innovation Initiative.

• Fostering civic engagement via the Trust for Civic Life.

• Making local impact investments in workforce housing and small business development.

“Adirondack Community Foundation is a lasting, trusted source of support in the good times and the bad,” said Cali Brooks, President and CEO. “We are here during economic downturns, climate emergencies, and pandemics. In these uncertain times, we’re equipped for the long haul, ready to provide stability when our neighbors need it the most.”

To learn more about Adirondack Community Foundation, visit www.adkcommunityfoundation.org

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of June 9, 2025. 

5. Community Input. 

6. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Authorize Signature for Realtor’s Contract to Sell the 7 Jenkins St. Property.

7. MOTION/DISCUSSION: Request for Use of Heyworth Mason Park for Honor Flight Fundraiser.

8. MOTION/DISCUSSION: Request for Use of Heyworth Mason Park for Adirondack Regional Theater Production.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of Richard Williams’ Resignation. 

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of Appointment for Justin Wilson’s to the Position of Chairman for the Planning Board.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of Appointment for Alison Webbinaro to the Position of Vice Chairman of the Planning Board.

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Fiscal Advisors’ Financial Svcs Agreement for Peru WWTP Project.

13. DISCUSSION: Telegraph Road Over Dry Mill Brook Culvert Project Engineering Update.

14. DISCUSSION: Other Business, Town Council.

15. DISCUSSION: Other Business, Dept. Heads.

16. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

17. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills – June 2025

18. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

19. MOTION: Return from Executive Session.

20. MOTION: Adjourn. 

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Thanks to Syracuse.com for this information. 

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Eligible households now able to apply for funding

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Free presentations uncover the fascinating stories behind Keeseville’s history

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Today I received letters from students in Peru Central School District’s 8th grade class. They shared with me their concerns about issues they’re seeing with the environment and wildlife. I love hearing from young students about their concerns and seeing them getting involved in being a voice for change. Thank you to their teachers and parents for helping them with this assignment, and for encouraging our next generation of leaders to stand up for what they believe in.

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“It honors the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and told the last enslaved African Americans they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed.”

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Warm to hot temperatures and muggy conditions will help increase the risk of isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms. The main time window will be between 2 PM and 8 PM. Storms could produce a variety of weather hazards today. After the front, gusts up to 35 mph are possible.

Aug. 20 at 2 p.m.: The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA at Chevy Court

Aug. 20 at 8 p.m.: Nate Smith at Suburban Park

Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.: Cheap Trick at Chevy Court

Aug. 21 at 8 p.m.: Steve Miller Band at Suburban Park

Aug. 22 at 1 p.m.: Lily Rose at Chevy Court

Aug. 22 at 6 p.m.: Neon Trees at Chevy Court

Aug. 22 at 8 p.m.: Jessie Murph at Suburban Park

Aug. 22 at 9 p.m.: The Lady Gaga Tribute at Chevy Coury

Aug. 23 at 1 p.m.: Kidz Bop at Chevy Court

Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.: Kameron Marlowe at Chevy Court

Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.: O.A.R. at Suburban Park

Aug. 24 at 1 p.m.: Los Lonely Boys at Chevy Court

Aug. 24 at 8 p.m.: Busta Rhymes at Suburban Park

Aug. 25 at 6 p.m.: Red Jumpsuit Apparatus at Chevy Court

Aug. 25 at 8 p.m.: 98 Degrees at Suburban Park

Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone at Chevy Court

Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.: Sister Hazel at Chevy Court

Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.: Red Hot Chilli Pipers at Chevy Court

Says Medicaid must be safeguarded from waste, fraud and abuse

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By John T Ryan

June 9, 2026 Town Board Meeting – The Senior Construction Manager at AES Northeast presented the near-term construction schedule for the wastewater treatment plant. The general contractor, Murnane Building Contractors, is set to arrive at the site on Monday, June 16, to erect signage, install electricity, and bring in trailers. Erosion control measures will follow the week of June 23. Metcalf mentioned that trucks will haul in 60,000 cubic yards of fill material and remove 10,000 cubic yards. With each dump truck carrying 20 cubic yards, this means 3,500 trucks will either enter or exit the site. Metcalf referred to the project as “trucking intensive.” The town has sent an advisory letter to residents on North Bend Street to inform them about the expected increase in traffic.

The board approved two initial payments for the wastewater plant upgrade: $28,139 to Triangle Electric and $116,850 to John Danforth & Co. The town is funding the project through both short-term and long-term borrowing.

Counselor Jim Douglass concluded that Dianne Miller’s records as Town Clerk and Tax Collector are “well-organized, with no exceptions” following his internal audit. Douglass also inquired about whether town personnel would be setting up pickleball nets at Sullivan Park, leading to a brief discussion, but no decision was reached.

Rick Barber, Chairman of the town’s America250 Committee, updated the board on plans to install a flagpole near two historical monuments at the Peru Dock.

Youth Director Kirsten Marion reported that instructors have been found for tennis and basketball. The program currently has three boys’ Peewee teams, three girls’ Peewee teams, two boys’ Grasshopper teams, two girls’ Grasshopper teams, one girls’ Pony team, and four T-Ball teams.

Assistant Highway Superintendent Tyler Jarvis reported maintenance issues with the grader and two trucks. One truck has been repaired and is back in service, but both roadside mowers are currently out of service, awaiting parts and repairs.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that a new pickup truck arrived with issues related to its grill color. Additionally, the delivery of a plow truck ordered two years ago has been delayed because the box, front plow hitch, sander, and salt controls are still pending from the supplier. Farrell is considering changing suppliers as a result. He also indicated that tests have determined that the culverts on Fuller, Wescott, and Lyons Roads are located in wetlands, which means they require approval for replacement plans from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Furthermore, the Army Corps has yet to approve the plans for the closed Telegraph Road bridge.

Historian Helen Nerska is organizing a Peru History tour scheduled for Saturday, June 28, starting at the town hall at 10 a.m. Nerska and Chris Mullen will also host a history chat featuring members of the Peru Central Class of 1957 at the town hall on Monday, June 23.

Pam Barber has arranged the schedule for all summer concerts, which can be found on the town’s website.

The Peru Gazette expresses gratitude to Bill Baggs for videoing this meeting.