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More About The Peru Gazette

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.

Comment Policy

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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The good works of many people are coming to fruition

December 13, 2024

December 17 – A new group of gifts!

Peru, NY December 18, 2024 –  North Country goodwill has been visible the last several days at St. Augustine’s Parish Center. JCEO Community Outreach personnel have been preparing Clinton County Christmas Bureau Christmas gifts for delivery to JCEO Outreach Centers throughout Clinton County. JCEO Director of Community Outreach Lisa Goodrow said 550 households applied this year. Sometimes, a household can mean up to ten or more people. JCEO consolidates and delivers the gifts for the Christmas Bureau. The bags in the picture accompanying this story are only a tiny portion of the bags delivered.

Goodrow mentioned that many individuals, groups, and businesses assist the Christmas Bureau. Groups like the “Wild Women” sorted and packed the bags. Yesterday, retailer Aarons’ Electronics in Plattsburgh brought four truckloads to Peru free of charge.  St. Augustine’s Parish Center has been a great place to consolidate the truckloads of gifts.

Goodrow said JCEO is working to get all the gifts to Outreach Centers yesterday and to have them to applicants by Friday.

What a wonderful way to usher in Christmas Week

Clinton Community College Names Enzo its Official Dog

CCC News Release –  Plattsburgh, NY — Clinton Community College Administrator in Charge Ken Knelly has named Enzo, a seven-year-old English Creme Golden Retriever, the “Official Dog of Clinton Community College.” The appointment was effective following the college’s Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17 where the authorization for the appointment was approved.
This action recognizes the significant benefits emotional support dogs provide, including reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing social engagement, and improving overall mental well-being. Emotional support animals, like Enzo, have been shown to alleviate loneliness and promote contentment, while also demonstrating positive physical effects such as normalized heart rate and blood pressure.
Supporting mental health and well-being remains a priority for CCC and the State University of New York system, as mental health challenges can profoundly impact college students, leading to academic struggles or interruptions in their studies.
Enzo has already proven his value to the CCC community by attending campus events, hosting periodic “office hours,” and being available to faculty, staff, and students. Registered on the U.S. Emotional Support Animal Registry, Enzo demonstrates his unique ability to connect with the campus community. CCC also extends its gratitude to Enzo’s caregivers for their continued support and guidance.
Welcome to the family, Enzo!

Minimum wage for most of NY rises to $15.50 on January 1

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

What decades of lake ice data tells us about climate change in the Adirondacks

Click here for the NCPR story 

Monday afternoon blaze levels Calkins Road home

Peru, NY December 17, 2024 –  A rapidly spreading fire destroyed Lance and Veronika Falcon’s 436 Calkins Road home on Monday, December 16. Fortunately, the Falcons escaped the inferno and saved their animals. Unfortunately, the fire leveled their log frame home. When the Peru Gazette arrived, the Peru Fire Department and several other departments were at the scene. The house was engulfed in flames when the Peru Fire Department arrived. The house was not visible from Calkins Rd.; therefore, the Gazette did not get pictures. 

The Peru Gazette has been in contact with the Falcon’s son, Daniel Falcon, who resides in Colorado.  Daniel forwarded a FaceBook GoFundMe page organized by his cousin Chris Falcon, who resides in Rouses Point. Click here for the GoFundMe page. 

Police find human remains near home of 2 missing women in Plattsburgh

Heavy police presence at Abenaki Mobile Home Park in Plattsburgh

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

A perfect Christmas gift

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Brive, Monday, December 23, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. Each presenting donor during December will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Applebee’s gift card. 

The drive is being coordinated by St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273. 

Inmate who died after ‘use of force’ by corrections workers in Utica area state prison identified

Click here for the Syracuse.com story

St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, December 18. 2024

Ham
Scalloped Potatoes
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!

New legislation looks to protect students from extreme heat

All school districts develop plans to mitigate extreme heat in classrooms and support services spaces and to establish a maximum allowable temperature

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Elizabethtown’s Mahaney crowned as Airborne Park Speedway champion

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Keeseville Grocery & Deli opens, fully stocked

Community thrilled with full-service grocery, deli open in the village

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Chamber President Garry Douglas recognized as a TRAILBLAZER IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT by CITY & STATE magazine.

The most recent edition spotlights the biggest innovators and groundbreakers in government, business, academia and advocacy circles who are creating jobs and improving the wellbeing of all New York. The recognition cited our work in developing the Quebec-New York economic relationship and in the creation of a growing cluster of Transportation Equipment and Aerospace manufacturers among trailblazing commitments.

Clinton Community College Honors Mike Zerrahn as He Retires

CCC News Release – Plattsburgh, NY — Clinton Community College (CCC) has been shaped by countless people over the years, making it the invaluable resource it is today for the North Country. But every so often, someone comes along who doesn’t just leave their mark—they leave a legacy. That’s exactly what Mike Zerrahn has done. This semester, CCC says goodbye to Mike as he retires, wrapping up an incredible career.
Mike’s journey with CCC began as a student, earning his associate’s degree in 1982. From there, he earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh and a master’s degree from SUNY Empire State. Over the years, he has worn many hats at CCC—Faculty-Student Association manager, CAP instructor, adjunct professor, and, since 2011, a full-time faculty member teaching business classes.
Mike’s dedication to the college extended far beyond his teaching responsibilities. In times of need, he stepped into critical roles, such as serving as a controller and overseeing FSA activities during staffing transitions. He also co-authored two textbooks, which are used as open educational resources, reflecting his commitment to accessible education.
Associate Professor Joanna Jackson highlighted Mike’s passion for learning and his contributions to campus life at a recent Board of Trustees meeting. “Mike didn’t stop taking courses once he earned his master’s degree. In fact, he has audited a number of courses here because of his interest in subjects beyond his own. He took my ASL class and agreed to be a guinea pig for activities with the students that gave them confidence to try out their signing in public,” Jackson said. “Mike’s giving nature has also been evident at special events and activities around campus when he could be counted on to show up and help out.”
Reflecting on his time at CCC, Mike shared, “I enjoyed my time, the people I worked with, and seeing people achieve their goals.” Mike Zerrahn’s influence on Clinton Community College and its students will be felt for years to come. His dedication, leadership, and generosity have set a standard that will inspire future generations of students, faculty, and staff. As the CCC community bids farewell to Mike, we thank him for his many years of service and wish him all the best in his retirement.

Peru Lions Club making the holiday season joyful for children and families.

Ed Eisele, Co-Chair of Peru Lions Club, presents toys to the Clinton County Christmas Bureau

Peru Lions Club members Larry Shanley (l) and Cheryl Breen Randall (r) present a check for $1,000 and several food gift cards to Lisa Goodrow, JCEO Director of Community Outreach for the Peru/Keeseville Food Shelf.

The Turkey Trot gets underway

The Peru Lions Club’s Thanksgiving Day  Turkey Trot has been a great fundraiser for 47 years. Thanks to more than  400 participants and many donors, the 2024 Turkey Trot was another success. The Peru Lions are putting the proceeds to good use.

Remembering, Honoring, Teaching at the Old Post Cemetery

Peru VFW President Judy Lefevre led the wreath-laying

Active members or veterans of every military branch participated

The Tomb of Medal of Honor Recipient Thomas Kelly

Geoff Blaise of Keeseville instructs his daughter Harlee

Goeff Blaise and his son Andrew

The Blaise family of Keeseville L-R Andrew, Goeff, Harlee, Amanda and Tyler in blue jacket

December 14, 2024, Route 9-Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh – By John T Ryan

Many veterans, civilians, families and community leaders participated in today’s Wreaths Across America program at the Old Post Cemetery. They laid 210 wreaths at the gravestones of our fallen heroes.

The Wreaths Across America theme is Remember—Honor—Teach. Remember our fallen veterans, honor those who serve and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.

The Old Post Cemetery is the location of our nation’s first Tomb of the Unknowns and the graves of many of the 136 Unknown Soldiers and Sailors of the Battle of Plattsburgh (1814). It is also the final resting place of another 163 known service members, members of their families, and Medal of Honor recipient Thomas Kelly.

Judy LeFevre, President of the Peru VFW Auxiliary, coordinated and led the ceremony. Guest speakers included Plattsburgh Mayor Chris Rosenquest, Mayor-Elect Wendell Hughes, Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman, Assemblyman Billy Jones, and State Senator Dan Stec. Glenn Miller sang the “Star Spangled Banner” and American Legion Post 1619 Choir sang the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” American Legion Post 1619 served as an Honor Guard and performed the Rifle Salute. Plattsburgh Scout Troops 8039 and 8046 and the Peru Girl Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Peru VFW Auxiliary raised $4,600 to purchase the wreaths. Many veterans organizations, veterans, local businesses and community members contributed dollars and services.

Big turnout for tonight’s tractor parade

December 13, 2024—Joanne Kennedy took several great photos and video clips of the 2024 Peru Tractor Parade.  Thank you, Joanne! 

Inside the Adirondack Fish Hatchery in Lake Clear

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac Story 

Section VII students including Peru’s Brady O’Connell, honored at MetLife Stadium

December 2024 – NYS Section VII – We’re very proud of our “Heart of a Giant” Award finalists! Saranac Lake’s Zane Ragsdale, Peru’s Brady O’Connell and Northeastern Clinton’s Katelynn Johnston are at MetLife Stadium representing Section VII and their schools and being honored by the @nygiants! #SectionVII

COMMENTARY: Is APA OK with ceding its authority over the Master Plan?

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac Opinion Commentary 

Rainfall brings Lake Champlain back to near normal levels

National Weather Service Burlington
@NWSBurlington
·
Given abnormally dry conditions long term, Lake Champlain welcomed recent rainfall; it received a boost in water that brought it up to nearly normal levels. Meanwhile, our mountains have maintained a healthy snowpack, as much of the snow melt occurred only in our valleys.

Tonight, Friday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m., Peru’s Tractor Parade.

It starts at the Irwin farm on Jarvis Road, left on River Rd., right on Laflure Lane, right onto Rt. 22, right over the bridge, right at Liberty’s on Union Rd., left on Cross St, left onto Route 22, back over the bridge to Stewart’s, left on Holden Ave, left on School Street to 22, and done.

French-Canadian immigration: Prof. unveils new research

Mark Richard, PhD presented work at Plattsburgh Public Library Speaker Series

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Lake Placid is backup Olympic site if Italian sliding track isn’t ready for 2026

Click here for the NCPR story