The Peru Gazette

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The tour attracted several people interested in local history. (Chris Mullen photo)

By John T Ryan

If you appreciate the Town of Peru’s history or Revolutionary War history, you would have enjoyed the Saturday, September 26 tour of Peru’s Old Village Cemetery on North Bend Street. Peru Town Historian Helen Nerka, accompanied by military historian Thaddeus Booth Trudo, led the tour. An America250 event, it focused on Revolutionary War veterans buried there. Some veterans’ graves have not been located, but documents indicate they were, or probably were, buried there.

L-R Thaddeus Booth Trudo, Helen Nerska, and cemetery caretaker Darrell Altizer

Thaddeus Booth Trudo described the local militias’ role in the American Revolution and why so many men served. Helen Nerska focused on the veterans’ connection to local families like Fuller, Everest, Clark, Soper, and Allen.

Trudo explained that all men above a certain age were “called up” to serve in militias. Some men volunteered. One man buried here,  John Eells, re-enlisted six times. Another veteran, John Haff, is buried next to Emory Haff, a Civil War veteran. Trudo said some militias threatened the British occupying New York City to the extent that the British could not move south to reinforce other forces, such as those led by General Cornwallis.

Nerska and Trudo believe that it’s very likely other Revolutionary War veterans are buried in this cemetery, but that determination awaits more research. American Revolution veterans are buried in several local cemeteries.

Blanchard, Peter (1746 – June 3, 1838)

Military Service: Continental (Canadian) and Patriotic Service

Find a Grave: no grave photo DOB listed as 30 December 1739 Annapolis County, Nova Scotia Canada, DOD as 1 February 1823 Chazy, Clinton County New York. Burial Peru Cemetery Clinton County New York

Not Listed by Rabideau 

NY Tombstone Project: no record in this cemetery but there are two other Blanchard tombstones. 

BLANCHARD
In Memory of / Alma Blanchard, / Consort of / Rev. Hiram Blanchard, / And Daughter of / Joel & Bathshebe / Ayers, / who died Dec. 2, 1842, / Aged 28 years /
Much beloved and lamented by all /
who knew her. /

BLANCHARD
Departed this / life on the 10 of / April, 1841, Morris / Tilly 2^nd son of Rev. / Hiram & Alma / BLANCHARD, / aged 1 / year, 7 mo. & 22 d’s /
This lovely bud so young & fair /
Called home to early doom /
Just came to show how sweet a flower /
In paradise would bloom /

Comments:  Lots about him in Chazy – his will was signed by Matthew Saxe and Thomas Tredwell – his will said he was a private in the Revolutionary War.

Private Peter Blanchard

• • Enlisted as a PVT in Cpt. Olivie’s Company of Col. Hazen’s 2^nd Canadian (Congress’ Own) Regiment on 12/17/1776 and served until the end of the war in 1783. During this time, he saw action at Staten Island, Brandywine, Germantown, and the Siege of Yorktown. Blanchard seems to have served as a waiter and interpreter assigned to LTG Rochambeau’s Headquarters of the French Expeditionary Force as part of MG Lafayette’s Liasson troops from June to the fall of 1782 before rejoining his unit after the French troops started to return home.

Read more »

Environmental impacts, energy needs of AI weigh on Adirondack residents

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Ham Mac and Cheese 

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 62-year-old man was killed on Porter Road in Beekmantown, back in May 2025.

Click here for the WPTZ News story

• Au Sable Forks Free Library – 2PM
• Akwesasne Library and Cultural Center – 4PM
• Keene Valley Library –  2PM
• Keeseville Free Library – 6PM
• Peru Free Library – 12PM
• Plattsburgh Public Library – 12PM
• Schroon Lake Public Library – 1:30PM
• Wells Memorial Library, Upper Jay – 2PM

Read more »

Plattsburgh, N.Y. – September 24, 2026 – TDC has unveiled a new large-scale mural in Air Industrial Park created by Plattsburgh native and muralist Brendon Palmer-Angell. The mural spans the north-facing wall of TDC’s building at the corner of Military Turnpike and Industrial Boulevard. The mural can be seen at 1483 Military Turnpike in Plattsburgh, N.Y., with the artwork facing Industrial Boulevard at Air Industrial Park. 

The mural is part of TDC’s ongoing effort to make its industrial parks reflect the character of the communities they serve. Located along one of the park’s most visible corridors, this new artwork brings a prominent piece of public art to Air Industrial Park and adds to the region’s growing collection of murals and creative spaces. 

“Air Industrial Park is home to businesses and people who are an important part of our community, and we want the park itself to reflect the character and creativity of the North Country,” said Danielle King, President and CEO of TDC. “Brendon has made an incredible mark on the region through outdoor art, and we’re excited to add Air Industrial Park to the list of places where his work can be enjoyed.” 

“The Town of Plattsburgh is proud to be the home of TDC’s Air Industrial Park. We are very pleased with the addition of the beautiful mural to their building located on the Military Turnpike. The mural is a true reflection of the Adirondacks as well as the North Country in general and fits well with the town center feel we are working to create. Thank you to TDC for being a great neighbor!” said Chuck Kostyk, Town Supervisor of the Town of Plattsburgh. 

Brendon Palmer-Angell, now based in New Orleans, has created murals throughout the North Country and beyond. His regional work includes the Jean Arthur mural in downtown Plattsburgh, the Poets’ mural honoring sisters Lucretia and Margaret Davidson, and “North Country Dream” and “Cardinal Country” at SUNY Plattsburgh. His work frequently draws inspiration from local history, landscapes, and the communities where his murals are located. 

The Air Industrial Park mural pairs a close-up portrait of a great blue heron in profile with a second heron in flight, set against a painted sky and Adirondack mountain landscape that echoes the natural surroundings of the North Country. 

“The great blue heron is an icon for my time growing up in the Adirondacks. It embodies a sense of patience, wisdom, majesty, and quiet strength, and herons are also a symbol of peace in cultures around the world,” said Brendon Palmer-Angell, artist. “At this scale, it becomes a kind of benevolent protector of the space. I hope the mural could also be a reminder of the vibrant life and beauty of our region, our pride in it, and our responsibility to protect it.” 

Funding Supports 352 Healthcare Professionals Committed to Serving Medicaid Members and Uninsured New Yorkers

September 25, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced awards for the Healthcare Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program, a $48.3 million student loan repayment initiative designed to expand access to care for Medicaid members and uninsured individuals while also attracting providers in critical, high-demand roles across New York State. The HEALR Program provides significant financial incentives to qualifying healthcare professionals who commit to four years of employment serving high-need populations.

“Every New Yorker deserves access to high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live or how much they earn,” Governor Hochul said. “By helping hundreds of healthcare professionals repay their student loans in exchange for serving communities that need them most, we are strengthening our workforce and making it easier for New Yorkers to get the care they need, when they need it.”

A total of 352 providers from across New York State were selected for awards from a pool of nearly 900 applicants based on their specialty, geographic location, ability to provide care in a language other than English and other criteria. The awardee cohort includes 99 psychiatrists, 43 dentists, 76 primary care physicians, and 134 nurse practitioners. Certain specialties, including psychiatrists serving children and adolescents and dentists serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, received added priority. Sixty percent of awardees provide services in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area. Forty-five percent of awardees – representing 29 unique languages – provide services in a language other than English.

All HEALR awardees must make a four-year commitment to serving New York State Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals. Maximum award amounts are based on title, with psychiatrists eligible for up to $300,000 in repayment, primary care physicians and dentists eligible for up to $100,000 and nurse practitioners eligible for up to $50,000.

Applications for the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program Due Monday, November 23, 2026

Sept. 25, 2026 – During Climate Week NYC, Governor Hochul announced $16.8 million is available for projects that will help address the impacts of climate change and protect water quality across New York State through the Climate Resilient Farming (CRF) Grant Program. Funded projects aim to help New York farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect water quality, protect and enhance soil health and increase on-farm resiliency. These funding opportunities build on the Governor’s efforts to support programs and initiatives that combat climate change and support the conservation of the state’s natural resources.

“It is important that we continue to position our farmers with the right resources to adapt to a changing climate,” Governor Hochul said. “The Climate Resilient Farming Program allows our farmers to implement practices that will strengthen their operations while protecting our natural resources and supporting the future of New York agriculture.”

The CRF Program, funded through New York’s Environmental Protection Fund, focuses on helping farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration on farms and mitigate the impacts of severe weather attributed to climate change, such as increased heavy storm events, early spring frost and periods of drought. The program is now in its tenth round and funding is available in four tracks.

Track 1 – Livestock Management: Manure and Methane Management and Precision Feed Management
Projects will reduce methane emissions from the farm and increase the farm’s resiliency to major precipitation events.

Track 2 – Adaptation and Resiliency
Projects will help prepare agricultural producers for the impacts of a changing climate, such as flood events, drought and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Track 3 – Healthy Soils NY: Systems and Best Management Practices that Support Soil Health and Agroforestry
Projects will improve soil health on farms and enhance a farm’s resiliency to the impacts of climate change. Soil health practices can also create carbon sinks, increase water holding capacity and improve recycling of nitrogen by crops, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

Track 4 – Agricultural Forestry Management
Projects will support forest management and tree planting on agricultural lands for carbon sequestration.

The State’s County Soil and Water Conservation Districts can apply now on behalf of farmers for these competitive grants. Proposed projects should be rooted in the New York State Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) process and support local AEM priorities. The application and additional information are available on the Department’s website. Read more »

Survey Conducted September 26 through November 15

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the continuation of the annual River Creel survey of the Saranac and Boquet Rivers, tributaries to Lake Champlain. This is part of the salmon assessment and restoration efforts of the Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative.

DEC Region 5 Regional Director Joe Zalewski said, “DEC relies on angler participation in these surveys to inform fisheries research and management in the Lake Champlain watershed. Understanding angler use of the fishery helps DEC form a data-driven picture of the resource. Thank you to anglers who have participated in the past, and we encourage you to take the survey in 2026, while you’re out there fishing our beautiful Saranac and Bouquet Rivers.”

The survey begins September 26 and is focused on the Atlantic salmon spawning runs in the Saranac River and the Boquet River. The survey will provide DEC fisheries biologists with a better understanding of angler use, catch, and harvest data, as well as angler expectations on New York’s salmon rivers. Information gathered will be used to monitor the salmon fishery and inform management actions on these rivers.

Anglers will be asked to voluntarily participate in the survey by providing information about their day of fishing. Collected data will include an angler’s preferred target species, the number of fish caught and harvested, and the angler’s satisfaction with the salmon regulations. If the angler allows, biological data will be collected from fish caught, including length, presence of fin clips, number of sea lamprey wounds, and a genetic sample.

Survey sites on the Saranac River include Allen Street (private), the end of George Angell Drive, and the fishing pool below Imperial Mills Dam all in the city of Plattsburgh. The Boquet River sites include the angler access points and the stretch of river from the Town of Willsboro boat launch at Gilliland Park upstream to the fishing pool just below the cascades.

Visit DEC’s website to learn more about DEC Region 5 fisheries research

State of Emergency Will Cover Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk and Westchester Counties

Strong Winds, Rain, and Coastal Flooding Impacting Long Island, New York City and Lower Mid-Hudson Through Sunday

Gale And Storm Force Winds Will Create Dangerous Surf, Life-Threatening Rip Currents And Tall Waves

Avoid Boating, Recreating in the Water or Going on Beaches Due to Dangerous Sea Conditions

Coastal Flood Warning Issued for Long Island, New York City and Lower Mid-Hudson

State Emergency Operations Center Activated to Enhanced Monitoring

Cut And Toss Crews Available To Support Debris Clearance; High Axle Vehicles and Swift Water Rescue Teams Pre-Staged

New Yorkers Encouraged To Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333-111

Sept. 25, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced she is declaring a State of Emergency for Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk and Westchester Counties in response to a coastal storm that began impacting New York State Friday morning and is expected to last through Sunday. The Governor cautioned New Yorkers, particularly those in shoreline and low-lying coastal communities on Long Island, and in New York City and the lower Mid-Hudson, to take necessary precautions as the storm is forecast to bring high winds, dangerous surf, and potential flooding. Governor Hochul activated the State Emergency Operations Center to a state of enhanced monitoring with the worst impacts expected Friday night through Sunday morning. Read more »

Town of Newcomb
Essex County
Wildland Fire: On September 15 at 5:15 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a report of a ground fire on the shoreline of Henderson Lake. Forest Rangers Brand, Quinn, Rooney, and Sabo responded with Newcomb Fire Department. At 8:25 p.m., firefighters determined the fire was 75 feet by 75 feet in leaves and roots with a lot of logging debris. Overnight, fire crews contained the fire. The following day, firefighters put out any hot spots.

Newcomb fire 

Town of Westport
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On September 16 at 5:04 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch called Forest Ranger Odell about a lost hiker in Split Rock Wild Forest. The subject hiked a path posted online as a proposed trail, not knowing it hasn’t been cleared or marked yet. Rangers Odell and Quinn located the 28-year-old from Rush. The hiker had dislocated a finger while using a trekking pole and slipping but pulled their finger back into place. Rangers taped the hiker’s fingers, administered pain medication, and provided a courtesy ride to the trailhead. The incident was clear at 8 p.m.

Town of Inlet
Hamilton County
Wilderness Rescue: On September 18 at 3:10 p.m., Hamilton County 911 requested Forest Ranger assistance with a hiker who suffered a leg injury on Black Bear Mountain. Eagle Bay and Inlet Fire Departments located the 67-year-old from Ohio and packaged the hiker into a litter. Rangers Cleinman, McCartney, Miller, and Scott assisted with the carry out to the road where they were met by Inlet EMS. The incident was clear at 5:41 p.m.

Town of Edinburg
Saratoga County
Plane Crash: On September 18 at 2:54 p.m., Saratoga County Dispatch received a call about a collision between two gliders. The pilot of one of the gliders landed safely at Edinburg Airport. Forest Rangers Carabetta, Evans, Hamm, Nally, and Quinones joined Saratoga County Sheriff’s Deputies, New York State Police, and the Broadalbin, Corinth, Edinburg, Middle Grove, and Northville Fire Departments in the search for the second plane. At 5:31 p.m., Rangers and Law Enforcement members reached the crash site and confirmed one deceased subject, an 80-year-old from Saratoga Springs. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation offers condolences to the family.

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On September 19 at 7:45 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a hiker with a knee injury on Giant Mountain. Forest Rangers Curcio and Foutch located the 49-year-old and assisted them back to the trailhead. The hiker refused further medical attention. The incident was clear at 9:05 p.m.

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s “Hike Smart NY,” “Adirondack Backcountry,” and “Catskill Backcountry Information” webpages for more information.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on State lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.

Sept. 25, 2026 – The owner of an Ulster County medical transportation service company today was sentenced to serve three to nine years in state prison and ordered to pay full restitution for stealing over $1.1 million by unlawfully billing the Medicaid program by inflating charges and billing for services that were never provided, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji announced today.

Muhammad W. Khan, 31, the owner of MAK Limo, pleaded guilty in March to grand larceny in Ulster County Court before Judge Bryan Rounds.

“Muhammad Khan falsified bills and bribed patients to deprive the Medicaid program of over a million dollars, taking money that should have rightly been spent on healthcare for New Yorkers,” DiNapoli said. “I thank Ulster County District Attorney Nneji for his partnership on this case and in fighting public fraud.”

“This huge theft scheme was uncovered, and the perpetrators brought to justice, by the tenacious and collaborative efforts of the investigators and lawyers dedicated to the case,” Nneji said. “I am grateful to Comptroller DiNapoli for his commitment to holding these operations accountable and recovering public funds stolen by the defendant.”

Under the Medicaid program, patients may use transportation services to go to legitimate medical appointments. Providers then bill the Medicaid program. Group rides are not allowed without prior authorization, and approved providers can only bill for mileage once for a group.

As part of the joint investigation, investigators found the defendant systematically billed the Medicaid program individually for rides that were actually group rides and for rides that never occurred. The investigation also found patients were paid kickbacks to use MAK Limo’s services and facilitate the fraud. The crimes occurred from November 2020 to August 2024.

Khan was arrested in June 2025 along with his father, Mohammad A. Khan, 69, the owner of Atlas Limo. Both companies were enrolled in the Medicaid program and received over $5.8 million dollars in Medicaid payments from New York state.

Mohammad A. Khan was charged with grand larceny in the second degree. He was accused of stealing $111,548.

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION:       To Open the Public Hearing.

5. DISCUSSION:  Proposed Local Law #2 of 2026 – “A Local Law to override the tax levy limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c.

6. MOTION:      To Close the Public Hearing.

7. MOTION:        Adjourn

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of September 14, 2026 and Special Meeting of September 18, 2026. 

5. Community Input. 

6. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

7. MOTION: Return from Executive Session.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: (Previously tabled on 9/14/26) Resolution for On-Call Compensation for Code Enforcement Officer.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Local Law #2 of 2026 to Exceed the Tax Cap for 2027.

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Money Transfer from Water Debt Service to Pay H34 Water Project Bill.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Accept NYS Environmental Facilities Corp. SECURE Grant.

12. DISCUSSION: AES Northeast Peru Wastewater Treatment Plant Progress Meeting Notes.

13. DISCUSSION: Barton & Loguidice Water System Improvement Monthly Project Update.
14. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Councilmen

15. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Dept. Heads 

16. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

17. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills – September 2026

18. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

19. MOTION: Return from Executive Session. 

20. MOTION:  Adjourn Meeting.

Though Frederic Remington became a cowboy and lover of the Wild West, he grew up in the Adirondacks and spent his summers there.

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

By John T Ryan

The Peru Town Board anticipates a 2027 tax levy that will exceed the NYS-imposed 2% tax levy limit. Supervisor Craig Randall stated, “We exceeded the tax levy limit in 2026. I do not see an opportunity to stay under that cap in the coming year. There’s a lot of pressure on us. The cost of everything is going up.” Randall mentioned the increased cost of rock salt, fuel oil, and energy, which far exceeds the state’s 2% levy limit. Costs related to the culvert replacement projects also play a role. 

The board scheduled the mandated public hearing for Tuesday, September 28 at 5:45 p.m., when it will introduce a Local Law #2 to permit a tax levy limit override. The public will have the opportunity to voice comments for or against the law. On November 5, when board presents the Preliminary Budget, the public can also ask questions and make comments. The board scheduled budget workshops for 9/15 (Salaries), 9/22 (Highway), 9/24 (General), and 9/29 (Water, Sewer, and Valcour).  All workshops are at 5:30 p.m. 

Acting on a recommendation from its engineers, the board rejected the one bid received to replace the Wescott Road Bridge. The town will re-advertise for bids in early 2027 when more contractors may be looking for projects. 

Supervisor Craig Randall said the town successfully placed a short-term $3 million bond anticipation note at a 4.25% interest rate related to the Fuller Road culvert replacement, ongoing work at the Telegraph Road culvert, and an existing $700,000 short-term note. Long-term 30-year bonds will ultimately replace the short-term financing. 

The board tabled a resolution calling for call-out compensation for Code Enforcement Officer Duane Bibeau. Supervisor Randall said call-outs outside normal duty hours are infrequent. For example, declaring a structure uninhabitable after a fire could result in a call-out. Sometimes, for a family to receive community services, their home must be declared unsafe for occupancy. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell told the board he would redo the Highway Department’s 2027 budget because salt prices have increased. Salt will cost the town $117.95 per ton, up from $87.97 per ton last year, a 34% increase. There was some good news. Clinton County awarded the Highway Department a $3,000 salt reduction grant. Farrell is ordering a 300-gallon salt-free solution sprayer for small parking lots, such as the town hall and the wastewater treatment plant. 

Code Enforcement Duane Bibeau reported a busy August, including issuing 32 Certificates of Compliance, completing 71 inspections, and spending 20% of his time on the Valcour Marina project. 

The NYS Department of Transportation approved a request to reduce the speed limit on Fox Farm Road from unposted 55 MPH to 45 MPH.  Appropriate signs will be erected. 

Dog Control Officer T’Chaka Sikelianos has been working with an individual who has more dogs than they can safely care for. He said seven dogs need new homes. One dog is under quarantine because of parvovirus.

Board member Kregg Bruno complimented the Water, Sewer and Parks Department for repairing damage e-bikes caused to the Town Walking Trail.  The board discussed e-bike concerns voiced by residents. Councilman Melvin Irwin said it’s an issue county-wide and state-wide. The town has no law enforcement officer, making it even more challenging. 

Historian Helen Nerska said her office conducted a History Chat with the Paul Calkins family. On Wednesday, September 16, she’s scheduled to talk about the Quaker Union at the Anderson Falls Museum in Keeseville. She has a display at the Applefest on Saturday, September 19, and the Peru Town Market on Sunday, September 20. On Monday, September 28, she’ll travel to Utica for the Conference of Public Historians meeting, where she will talk about Clinton County and Peru’s America 250 Celebration. She’ll be emphasizing the Battle of Valcour’s important role in the American Revolution. 

Board member Melvin Irwin reported that artist Greg Badger finished the last of the paintings at the Heyworth Mason Park stone building.  Irwin installed the paintings. Badger also repaired and recoated one of the older paintings.  

The board appointed Taylor Jo Swan as Deputy Town Clerk and Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics. Swan has been serving temporarily under a prior resolution, which the board rescinded at this meeting. Swan also serves as secretary in the Code Enforcement Office. 

The board approved payments to Triangle Electrical System, John W. Danforth Systems, Murnane Building Contractors, and K & L Plumbing for ongoing contract project work at the wastewater treatment plant project. It also approved payment #2 to Luck Bros. Inc. for the Telegraph Road Dry Mill Brook Culvert Project and to Ed Garrow & Sons Inc. for the Lyons Road culvert replacement. 

Note – The Peru Gazette did not video the last 10 minutes of this meeting because of a full memory card. The above story covers all the meeting highlights.  Click here to view the video 

September 26, 10 am – Noon. Old Peru Cemetery Tour (Behind TD Bank) – with tales of the Revolutionary War Veterans buried there.

Peru, NY – September 24, 2026, 6:37 a.m., Ausable Point Campsite Road.

L-R Errol Thompson and Patrick Beckles

Patrick Beckles

Steve Johnson

September 24, 2026 – Our Jamaican friends are busy in this chilly but beautiful weather, with temperatures up to a balmy 40 degrees at 7:30 a.m. Patrick Beckles, Erron Thompson, and Steve Johnson are picking Honeycrisp apples at Forrence Orchards along Barney Downs Road.

Free ECH group offers education, tips and connection 

Elizabethtown, NY –  Living with diabetes can come with challenges, but support is available close to home. Community members are invited to attend University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital’s next Diabetes Support Group meeting.

The event will be held Wednesday, September 30 at 4:30 pm in the hospital board room. The group is open to anyone living with diabetes, as well as family members, caregivers and others who want to learn more about managing the condition.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and learn practical tips for living well with diabetes. Topics may include healthy eating, blood sugar goals, diabetes self-care and strategies for managing everyday challenges.

According to Denise McLaughlin, RN, BSN, CDCES from the hospital’s Diabetes Education Program, one of the greatest benefits of the group is the chance to connect with others who understand what it’s like to live with diabetes.

“There is real value in talking with people who are facing many of the same challenges,” McLaughlin says. “Support, encouragement and shared experiences can make a meaningful difference. The group provides a welcoming place where people can learn from one another and be reminded that they are not alone in their journey.”

The Diabetes Support Group is free and open to the public. Whether people have recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have been managing the condition for years, everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information, contact Denise McLaughlin at 518-873-9005.