The Peru Gazette

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The Peru Town Historian’s Office needs help in identifying the house and location of the cobbler’s shop and to determine if the house is still standing. Photo of Ludger Basiliere, Cobbler, Peru, N.Y. taken in 1893.

Thank you.

Ron & Carol Allen
Peru Town Historians
perutownhistorian@charter.net

Source: North Country at Work: Physical therapist Rick Preston helps people move again | NCPR News

From the office of ssemblyman Billy Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that the Assembly’s 2019-20 state budget proposal passed Wednesday restores $2.85 million for Career Pathways programs, which help train young adults for careers in high-growth sectors.

“The North Country faces a shortage of skilled workers that’s leaving us in a lurch,” Jones said. “A lack of job training programs is creating a skills gap that holds our local economy back. Initiatives like Career Pathways not only help employers fill empty positions in vital fields, but also enables students interested in high-demand careers by getting them the training they need.”

Career Pathways programs connect young adults ages 16 to 24 with training at local community colleges for high-demand fields and fast-tracks them, allowing them to earn college credit while learning real-world skills. These programs offer students a streamlined pathway to an excellent career while boosting the North Country’s economic standing in the long run, Jones noted.

Career Pathways gives preference to young adults who are unemployed or underemployed in areas of the state with demonstrated labor market needs and high unemployment rates like the North Country. Local employers have had trouble filling positions in fields like manufacturing, nursing, human services, applied sciences and criminal justice because of population decline and lower education rates.^[1]According to labor analysts, many employers are seeking people with “middle skills,” which is more than a high school diploma but less than a college degree. However, the number of vocational programs offered in high school is declining, exacerbating the existing skills gap.^[2]

Earlier this year, Champlain Valley Educational Services CV-TEC and Clinton Community College (CCC) partnered to help address the nursing labor shortage in the North Country by allowing students seeking a nursing degree to gain advanced placement at CCC. The two institutions already have similar agreements in place for other fields.^[3] These programs provide a perfect avenue for local students to receive the same training they would get at a more costly four-year college, Jones noted.

From the office of Congesswoman Elise Stfanik

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik will co-chair the Northern Border Caucus for the 116^th Congress along with Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26.) The Caucus includes a bipartisan group of House Members who will spearhead the effort to address policies central to the United States-Canada partnership.

“Canada continues to be our strongest economic ally, and we must actively work to maintain our partnership with them so that it is productive and beneficial for both countries,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “My district borders Canada, and I’m excited to take on the responsibility of co-chairing this important Caucus, which is a hallmark of the institution of the House of Representatives. Read more »

Source: Build a Greener Adirondacks Expo at The Wild Center – – The Adirondack Almanack

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The Free FamilyWize Prescription Discount Card can be used by anyone: uninsured, insured, and even people with Medicaid or Medicare. The use of the card is unlimited, does not require any personal information from the user and has no eligibility criteria.

Plattsburgh – United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. today announced that 5,067 residents have saved $543,792.00 on their prescription medications, thanks to its partnership with FamilyWize, an organization focused on improving the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. 

Through this partnership, the United Way has helped promote the free, easy to use FamilyWize Prescription Discount Card, which has helped more than 11 million Americans save more than $1 billion on their prescriptions.

“People should never have to choose between putting food on the table or taking their prescription medication,” said Kathy Snow, Director of Development of United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. “That’s why we formed a partnership with FamilyWize. Their free prescription discount card can reduce the costs of prescriptions for anyone who uses it. It’s an extremely valuable resource that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, should use.”

The FamilyWize card can immediately lower the cost of prescription medications by an average of 45% percent for people with and without insurance. Just by presenting the FamilyWize card or mobile app at their local pharmacy, people can save on the cost of their medicine, with no strings attached. 

“We’re excited to see the people of the Adirondack Region realize the benefits of our prescription discount card,” said Vickie Nisbet, Director of Community Relations at FamilyWize. “We hope that they continue to use the card and share it with others, as it can provide a significant savings.”

The Free FamilyWize Prescription Discount Card can be used by anyone: uninsured, insured, and even people with Medicaid or Medicare. The use of the card is unlimited, does not require any personal information from the user and has no eligibility criteria.

To take advantage of the savings that FamilyWize offers, consumers can print a card from FamilyWize.org, can call 518-563-0028 and request a card be mailed to them, or download the free FamilyWize app.

About FamilyWize

Since 2005, FamilyWize has helped over 11 million Americans live healthier lives by saving them more than $1 billion on prescription medications. By aggregating large groups of patients, FamilyWize advocates and negotiates for deep discounts on prescription medications which it then passes on in full to patients. FamilyWize partners with some of the most respected community groups and health care providers in the country, including United Way Worldwide, National Council for Behavioral Health, Mental Health America, and American Heart Association, among thousands of other community organizations. To use FamilyWize, download our card or mobile app at https://familywize.org/free-prescription-discount-card.

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Source: Flood Watch, Ice Jams Possible: Current Outdoor Conditions (Mar 14) – – The Adirondack Almanack

The Peru Central School District is seeking candidates to fill three (3) vacant, at-large seats on the Board of Education, due to the expiration of the terms of Ms. Bonnie Berry, Mr. Steven Peters and Mr. Robert LaFountain.

The individual receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to serve a full five-year term from July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2024.

The individual receiving the second highest number of votes will be elected to serve a term from May 22, 2019 – June 30, 2021.

The individual receiving the third highest number of votes will be elected to serve a term from May 22, 2019 – June 30, 2020.

The ‘Petition for Nomination of Candidate’ is available in the District Office at 17 School Street on Mondays through Fridays, except school holidays, or via the web at http://www.perucsd.org.  Petitions must be directed to the School District Clerk, shall be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District, and shall state the name, residence and phone number of the candidate.    Petitions must be returned no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, April 22, 2019.

The School Board Election will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019.

JCEO Food Shelf Position Open – JCEO Peru Food Shelf Coordinator Betsy Ero has taken another JCEO position.  The Food Shelf Coordinator position must be filled by a Peru resident. The hourly pay rate is $14.17. JCEO offers fringe benefits. If anyone has questions please call Sally Soucia at 518-561-6310 or 518-593-1659.

Peru –  Deputy Town Supervisor Jim Douglass chaired the Monday, March 11, 2019 Town Board meeting. Supervisor Brandy McDonald is recovering from shoulder surgery. He was one of the many local residents who sustained injuries after falling on the ice. 

Main Street Project – It appears that the Main Street upgrade project may not happen. New York State extended the time the Town has to use its $150,000 grant to March 2020; however, it did not grant a waver to its Minority/Women’s Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) requirements.  Furthermore, the only company that bid on the project is out of business. 

Counselor Jim Douglass polled the Board and each counselor indicated he would not oppose using the grant money for sidewalk repair. Counselor Melvin Irwin asked how much it would cost to place a flashing speed limit sign on the north portion of Main Street. Highway Superintendent Mike Farrell said that the last price he saw for such a sign was about $20,000.  Irwin did not continue the discussion. 

The Main Street Committee will meet next Tuesday, March 19th at 7 p.m. to render its opinion.

JCEO Food Shelf Position Open – JCEO Peru Food Shelf Coordinator Betsy Ero has taken another JCEO position.  Jim Douglass requested that an appreciation letter be sent to Betsy Ero.

The Food Shelf Coordinator position must be filled by a Peru resident. The hourly pay rate is $14.17. JCEO offers fringe benefits. If anyone has questions please call Sally Soucia at 518-561-6310 or 518-593-1659.

Water/Sewer Department is Hiring – Water/Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault requested that the Board authorize him to hire Daniel Gonyea to fill the open water/sewer maintenance worker position. The Board approved his request at a starting hourly pay of $17.05. Gonyea possesses a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental Science and has committed to work for his NYS water/sewer operator’s license which will take about 12 months. 

Longtime W/S Department employee Mike Hanlon will retire on March 30th. His position is being advertised. See the Town website for information. http://www.perutown.com

The Board declared the Water/Sewer Department’s F250 pickup with 105,000 miles as surplus property. It is being advertised for sale with the bid opening scheduled for March 25th at 10 a.m.  There is a $5,000 minimum bid requirement. See the Town’s website for more details. http://www.perutown.com

The Water/Sewer Department is introducing a new computer billing system during its next billing cycle. 

New York State is requiring that Peru disinfect its waste water not later than 2024. A plan must be in place by 2022.  

The Department’s vacuum truck is back in operation after being downstate several months for repair. The total repair cost has not been tabulated. 

Youth Commission – The registration for all Youth Commission summer and fall activities begins on March 25. Registration takes place from March 25th to April 30th. Register at townofperu.recdesk.com  or call Youth Director John Flynn at 518-593-0935 or email recreationdirector@perutown.com

The possibility of the Youth Commission taking over the basketball program was mentioned as being on the next meeting’s agenda. Youth Commission meetings are held in the Town Hall on the 4th Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.  

Dog Control – New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has informed Peru and several towns that they do not comply with the NYS requirement to have a facility in place to house dangerous dogs. The Board discussed the problem several weeks ago, but apparently a solution was never pursued. Councilman Melvin Irwin commented, “I thought we were signing a contract with Dr. Palmer.”  A  Malone facility accepts dangerous dogs. Dr. Palmer is another possibility. Peru has only taken two dangerous dogs into custody in the past five years. 

Editor’s Note: The JCEO Coordinator pay rate was corrected to read $14.17 per hour at 7:30 p.m. on March 14, 2019.

Click here to see Department February Reports

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By John T. Ryan 

Peru – “I really like the stories of people. My kids teased me that if someone was a pioneer I thought they were the greatest thing. My family thinks it’s in my blood.” The person speaking is Peru native and resident Helen Allen Nerska, the Director of Clinton County Historical Association (CCHA) and Museum. The conclusion that history is in Nerska’s blood is logical. Her grandmother Cornelia Hagar Allen was one of the Clinton County Historical Association’s founders. Her father Paul Allen and uncle Fuller Allen served as Association president and her mother Laura was active in the Association.

Many Peru residents are undoubtedly familiar with Nerska’s home on the Jabez Allen Road. A sign in the front yard reads, “Allen Homestead since 1788. Settled by Jabez Allen. Veteran 1776.” She explained, “Jabez Allen was my 4th great grandfather. He descended from the Puritans and we believe he came here from Barnstable, Massachusetts.” A nearby historical marker commemorates the bicentennial of the six Allen generations who have owned the property. Paul Allen, Nerska’s father, operated a dairy farm there until 1955 when he sold the cows and later operated an insurance agency from the home. Helen and her sisters Paulette, Marjorie, and Carlene grew up in the farmhouse.

A graduate of Peru High School (1963) and SUNY Plattsburgh, Nerska moved to Canada in 1967 where she raised a family with her Canadian husband. Each summer she brought her children Alexander and Christopher back to the beloved homestead and returned to stay in 2005.

She is passionate about giving people access to history saying, “I’m not impressed when people talk about how much history they have in their possession where no one else has access to it. We need to share information.”

And share she does. The CCHA and Museum presents a constant stream of interesting programs and exhibits both at the museum and in the community. A recent program featured Clinton County residents who fought in the Civil War. Another presentation delved into slaveholding’s local history. Nerska identified John Addoms, her 4th great grandfather, as a slaveholder.

Women’s suffrage is one of her primary interests. She stated, “All the important suffrage people including Susan B. Anthony came to Plattsburgh to speak. She came three times.” Nerska is about to publish a history entitled “The Clinton County Suffrage Story.” It relates the story of 150 local women who fought for women’s right to vote and people who opposed that right.  She identified her great grandfather as being an anti-suffragist. *

Nerska said many people are responsible for the Historical Association’s exhibits and programs. She emphasized, “You can’t do everything yourself. The Association’s Executive Committee really chips in.”  

The CCHA periodically mails postcards to promote its upcoming events. The people on the mailing list undoubtedly look forward to learning about the interesting stories that this inquisitive and dedicated lady is about to share.

*In April 2018 Calvin Castine’s Home Town Cable featured Nerska’s suffrage exhibit at the museum which traced the local suffrage story from Seneca Falls in 1848 onward. Click here to view 

Editor’s Note: The spellings of “Hagar” and “Addoms” were corrected at 12:20 p.m on March 15, 2019.