The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh, NY- Connor Baehre, a high school junior from Peru Central School, has been selected to attend this year’s Students Inside Albany Conference sponsored by the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc. Annika Pair from Northern Adirondack Central School has been chosen 1^st alternate and Lino Caputo from Boquet Valley Central School has been chosen 2^nd alternate. The 23rd annual conference will run May 18-21, and brings forty-five students from across the state to Albany to get a first-hand education about New York State government. The program is designed to increase high school awareness of their responsibility in representative government and provide information about the tools necessary for meeting that responsibility.

While at the conference, students will join their peers in a hands-on learning experience about how state government works. Students will participate in a series of interactive lectures on topics such as the state budget process, the role of lobbyists in the legislative process, citizen rights to access government information, the role of media in politics, and the move to reform state government. While in Albany, the students will have an opportunity to tour the New York State Capitol. The highlights for most students include shadowing their Senator and Assembly Member for an afternoon and attending sessions on the Chamber floors.

For more information on the League of Women Voters of the North Country, please contact Helen Nerska at allenhomestead@gmail.com. For more information on the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation or the Students Inside Albany program, please visit www.lwvny.org.

The League of Women Voters of New York State is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation in government, increases understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. Membership is open to all and provides the opportunity to be active and involved in local, state and national issues.

3/11/25, 8 PM – Headline Corrected. Baehre was incorrectly spelled.

Customers Rounded Up Change at Checkout to Benefit Wildfire-specific Fund, plus Market 32/Price Chopper donated $10K

[SCHENECTADY, N.Y., March 7, 2025] Market32/Price Chopper customers at all locations across six states responded to the call for contributions to the American Red Cross California Wildfire Fund with customary generosity, donating $63,338.77. Market 32/Price Chopper added $10,000, bringing the total donation to $73,338.77.

According to CAL FIRE, historically destructive wildfires across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties in January scorched 58 square miles and destroyed more than 16,000 structures, displacing hundreds of thousands and claiming the lives of 29 people.

The American Red Cross is on the ground, operating disaster recovery centers and providing emergency shelter, meals and snacks, emotional support, and financial assistance. Customers were invited to round up their change to support these efforts from January 19—February 15, 2025.

“At Market 32/Price Chopper, we believe in stepping up in times of crisis, and we are grateful to our customers for standing alongside us in support of the American Red Cross California Wildfire Fund,” said Blaine Bringhurst, Market 32/Price Chopper president. “Compassion and shared humanity connect us, no matter the distance. The destruction and devastation are difficult to comprehend, and we’re incredibly proud of these results and the impact this funding will have in supporting those who have endured great loss.”

“When thousands of Southern Californians faced the devastating loss of their homes and communities, the American Red Cross was there meeting their urgent need for food, shelter, and mental health services, ensuring no one had to face this heartbreak alone,” said Kevin Coffey, Regional Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross Eastern New York Region. “We are so grateful to Market 32/Price Chopper and their customers for their generosity and ongoing support for our critical mission. Their support ensures we can be there for our neighbors in need 24/7, bringing hope and healing when needed most.”

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. 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; Banking Reports, and JCEO);

5. MOTION: Acceptance of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of January 27, 2025.

6. Community Input. 

7. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Girl Scout Presentation of Tree Frog Hotel Project.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of AES Northeast to Advertise the Mechanical Contract for the Peru WWTP Project for Re-Bid March 28, 2025.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Declaring the Town of Peru’s Jenkins St. Property as Surplus and List for Sale.

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Purchase of Hot Water Pressure Washer for Replacement of Current Steam Jenny. 

11. DISCUSSION: Update on the Telegraph Rd. Culvert Project by C & S Engineers.

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Ashley Akey for Renewal of Term for Peru Youth Commission.

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Alexis Grennan for Renewal of Term for Peru Youth Commission. 

14. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Council Comments

15. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Department Head Comments.

16. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

17. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay March 2025 Bills.

18. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

19. MOTION: Return from Executive Session. 

20. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

Michelle Babbie, RN Receives DAISY Award

MALONE, NY (03/07/2025) – Mary Tashjian heard the devastating news about her Uncle Tom and rushed to the hospital. Thomas Garland was unresponsive as he arrived at the Emergency Department (ED) by ambulance at The University of Vermont Health Network – Alice Hyde Medical Center. Tashjian and other family members were told he wouldn’t make it.

Michelle Babbie, RN, working in the ED that night, learned about the situation and immediately ensured Garland and his loved ones could have the peace and privacy they needed in those heartbreaking moments. That is why Tashjian nominated Babbie for The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, and Babbie was presented the honor during a surprise ceremony with her colleagues this week.

Babbie knew how busy the ED was, so she wanted to take her patient and his family somewhere quiet and comfortable. She secured permission to move them to the Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU), which was not in use at the time. This gave the patient and loved ones a peaceful setting to say their goodbyes to Uncle Tom.

“Michelle went above and beyond in giving the family a private place to gather and comfort each other while Uncle Tom passed. She gave compassionate care to Tom, her patient, and the many family members there,” Tashjian writes in her nomination of Babbie.

The care was especially meaningful for the family, which has a deep connection to Alice Hyde. Garland’s wife, Hallie, is retired after working in many different areas of the hospital, including the ASU. His granddaughter, Giselle Croteau, worked in maternity at Alice Hyde.

“She took care of one of our own, and it meant the world to the family members,” Tashjian adds.

During the award presentation, Babbie was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse. Like all honorees, she also received a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which was hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

Alice Hyde launched the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in 2022 to recognize and reward licensed nurses who make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients. Nomination forms and boxes are located at each of the hospital’s main entrances and online at UVMHealth.org/AHMCDaisy. Patients, families, and colleagues may nominate nurses. A committee reviews nominations and awards a deserving nurse each quarter.

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. The DAISY Foundation is a national not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by family members. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System). The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. More information is available at DAISYfoundation.org.

Click here for the Vermont Public/NPR story 

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Officers on patrol noticed a donation box on fire in Glens Falls. When the fire department came to put it out, they found a body inside.

Click here for MYNBC5 story 

DOCCS said anyone off the job who returns to work on March 7 will not face consequences

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The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the High School Community Room. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start, and that the Board will reconvene for open public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. A brief recess is also planned, shortly after reconvening at 7:00, for a review of the gym bleachers. 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, March 11^th.  Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

Anticipated topics include:

• 25-26 Budget Development

• SUNY Affiliation Agreement
• Personnel Appointments
• Policies
• CVES Board Vacancies

The complete agenda will be available via BoardDocs on the District’s website (perucsd.org).

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The infant formula manufacturing facility in Franklin County said it would phase out production, closing completely in 2027.

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If you’re a Peru resident and haven’t participated in the town’s Community Survey, please do. The Town of Peru would like your opinion about Peru’s needs and future development. Unfortunately, the participation rate has been low. The more people who participate, the better the outcome. Here’s your chance to voice your opinion.

Click here to participate

The Lake Champlain Basin Program, Champlain Centre, the Champlain Basin Education Initiative and NEIWPCC invite the public to celebrate World Water Day on Saturday, March 22^nd, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Champlain Centre in Plattsburgh, New York.

Mall guests can view a gallery of student art, media and writing that celebrates the waters of the Lake Champlain Basin.

More than 30 exhibitors, including river groups, soil and water conservation districts, and historical associations, will offer hands-on activities and displays to celebrate our regional water resources. The first 100 participants who visit with ten exhibitors and have their event passport signed will receive a free single-scoop ice cream card from Stewart’s Shops.

Guest speakers Blake Lavia and Tzintzun Aguilar-Izzo of Talking Rivers will explore the power of visual art and environmental storytelling to connect us to our region’s waterways. Regal Cinemas will screen several locally produced films and video shorts.

Visitors of all ages will be able to learn about water quality and ecosystems concerns that affect water bodies in our region through a variety of activities and exhibits. Visitors can:

• Explore how rivers flow and streambanks erode during flood events through a hands-on model.

• Complete quests on a giant Lake Champlain watershed floor map.

• Practice casting for fish.

• Learn why the round goby poses a threat to the Lake Champlain ecosystem.

• Learn how to extend the life of septic systems through proper maintenance.

• Explore lake and soil friendly lawn care practices.

• Understand cyanobacteria blooms and safe swimming.

Read more »

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More than 80% of voters supported the water bonds and a measure to ban guns in establishments that sell alcohol.

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Bennington County, Vermont
Wilderness Rescue: On Feb. 26 at 9:20 a.m., New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation received a call to assist with a plane crash on Mt. Equinox in Bennington County, Vermont. The report indicated three passengers were aboard the plane at the time of the crash. Forest Rangers Gullen and Thompson were preparing for a day of hoist training out of Albany International Airport with NYSP Pilots Anderton and Sperber and Trooper Aurigema. When the call came in, the crew piloted the rescue helicopter to the crash site. At 12:15 p.m., Trooper Aurigema lowered both Forest Rangers to the subjects. Rangers packaged the patients and Trooper Aurigema hoisted them into the helicopter. An ambulance took two of the patients to the hospital and a MedFlight transported the third patient. A video featuring the rescuers is available on DEC’s Facebook page.

Click here for the in-depth Adirondack Explorer story