The Peru Gazette

Strand News Release

(PLATTSBURGH, NY – Illusionist Leon Etienne rocks venues worldwide with his blockbuster performances of Magic Rocks! Leon is coming to Plattsburgh, NY, with his world-renowned show for a performance at Strand Center for the Arts on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. Leon’s production is a HIT with audiences of all ages. This is a MUST-SEE SHOW experience!

As seen on “America’s Got Talent,” “Penn & Teller: Fools Us!,” “Masters of Illusion” and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” this jaw-dropping, critically acclaimed, hit show is 100% interactive! Witness the world’s best grand illusions, award-winning sleight of hand, and hilarious comedy in this immersive, family-friendly illusion spectacular, which brings joy, wonder, and laughter when the world needs it most!

“I am so excited to bring Magic Rocks! to Plattsburgh, NY. We cannot wait to perform for the incredible Strand Center for the Arts audience we’ve heard about. They will experience some of the best grand illusions in the world. The world needs magic now more than ever. I’m on a mission to bring magic, joy, and wonder to as many communities around the country as I can. We can’t wait to rock Plattsburgh, NY!” -Leon Etienne

Tickets are available for purchase at StrandCenter.org/theatre-events

For more information on Leon, please visit www.MagicRocks.com

Peru – October 16, 2024—Fencing is up while eight Tesla EV chargers are installed adjacent to the Peru Stewart’s Shop. Construction is expected to take about six weeks. Workers put a very heavy concrete vault in place today.

Dear Dancing Friends,

PLATTSBURGH –  Thelma I. Douglas – an early proponent of a river trail in the City of Plattsburgh – will be feted at the Oct. 24 grand opening of the newest Saranac River Trail Greenway segment.

That new section of trail, which runs behind Plattsburgh High School and connects to the Thelma I. Douglas Footbridge across the Saranac River, will also be named after Douglas – the school district’s first female athletic director and an advocate of fitness for all ages.

“We can see from 1971 newspaper coverage that Thelma’s initial plan had a trail running across Adirondack Lane behind the high school and through Rugar Woods,” said Paula Calkins Lacombe, Saranac River Trail Greenway Board member. “We love that we were able to honor her and this portion of her vision.”

The opening ceremony and ribbon cutting will take place at 11 a.m. on the trail, just off George Angell Drive, near the end of the Douglas Footbridge. It will feature an overview from the Saranac River Trail Greenway Board and speeches by Mayor Chris Rosenquest and Plattsburgh City School District Superintendent Jay Lebrun.

Plans for the Greenway involve extending 26 miles from Lake Champlain to the High Falls Dam in the Town of Saranac.

Following the ceremony, all those interested are invited to walk the trail.

Income eligibility has been expanded so more seniors can enroll

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Stops include Fort Edward, Port Henry, Plattsburgh and Rouses Point

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

History of the voting machine, popcorn and cider

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

The Northern Department will connect partners in N.Y., Vt., and Canada for the nation’s 250th commemoration

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Lasagna 

Salad

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!

Extracted from the Octoberfest Facebook page

The Octoberfest Event is an annual event in Peru, NY, to raise awareness and money to help the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation find a cure. It is a 5k, 10K, and 20 Mile Bike in which runners and bikers can enjoy an exhilarating walk/run/bike ride through Peru’s apple country and also a 1/2 Mile Kids Fun Run, all to benefit the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in memory of Robert “Chip” Hamilton.

The Octoberfest Event is in memory of Robert “Chip” Hamilton, a local businessman in the North Country who owns the Hamilton Funeral Home of Peru, Keeseville, and Mooers. He was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) in 2008. Though idiopathic means arising spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown cause, it is assumed he was affected while in the Air Force.

Over time, Chip’s ability to do daily tasks became very limited. He would become short of breath with simple tasks, like brushing his teeth, answering the phone, and walking just a few steps. He relied increasingly on his portable oxygen tank.

In 2010, Ruth Hamilton LaClair began the Octoberfest Event while her father, Chip, was recovering from a lung transplant in Pittsburgh, PA. After spending four months in the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital and his loving wife, Patti, spent four months in a hotel with wonderful family and friends visiting, Chip succumbed to complications with the lung transplant on January 27, 2011.

Through the help and strength of family and friends, Ruth has continued the event each year in his memory.

The 15th annual induction ceremony to the Peru Athletic Hall of Fame will occur this Friday, October 18, at halftime of the Peru-Ausable football game. The game begins at 7:30 p.m.  The 2024 inductees are Billy Giroux (1968), Rick Duprey (81), Tom Daly (84), Rob Bashaw (92), Caleb Remillard (2006), and Jenna Rulf Drollette (2008)

The Hall of Fame banquet will be held Saturday at Gigi’s Restaurant in Keeseville. There will be a social at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. The cost is $45 per person, including tax and gratuity. Payment can be made at the door by cash or check to Eileen Roach or Venmo.

Here are the 2024 inductees:

Billy Giroux

Billy, a native of Peru and coming from a large family, started his sports career in a summer baseball league. This led to his career in high school, where Billy played football, basketball, baseball, and track.

Billy played three years of varsity football and one year of JV. He played on the championship team in 1966. In his senior and junior years, Billy played quarterback and defensive back. In his senior year, he was voted co-captain. He was on the championship teams of 1967 and 1968. Billy played guard and ran the offense.

Billy played infield positions in three years of varsity baseball and one year of junior varsity baseball. His team won the baseball championship in 1967. He had a career batting average of over 300.

Billy also ran on the varsity track team for two years, competing in the low hurdles and relays. The team won the championships in 1967 and 1968.

After graduation, Billy continued his education and sports career at NCCC, where he played two years of basketball and later continued his education at PSUC for one year.

After college, Billy worked for a tree company that contracted with power companies in the southern part of the state and later as a foreman with a tree company that contracted locally with NYSEG. In 1994, he started his own tree company, removing and trimming trees in residential areas until his retirement in 2020.

Billy and Doane have two sons, Trever and Travis. They have six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They spend winters in Florida and summers on their farm in Peru. Billy enjoys playing golf.

Rick Duprey

Rick played 3rd base in baseball and averaged well over 300 at bat. As part of the 1978 JV team, they recorded a perfect 14-0 season. 1979 saw a CVAC Varsity title with a 15-win season. After graduation, Rick continued to play baseball and softball for the notorious Peru Well Drillers town team.

In wrestling, Rick first saw success on JV, compiling numerous first—and second-place finishes in tournaments. The 1980 varsity season continued with more individual tournament victories, such as the South Glens Falls Tournament, ultimately leading to an individual sectional championship (167 lbs) with the most team points scored and the team capturing the CVAC sectional title.

Rick was a two-way player playing offensive line and middle linebacker until his senior year in football. He was part of the 1978 undefeated (9-0) CVAC championship team. During his senior year, Rick achieved his true potential when he switched to fullback, capturing the 1980 CVAC title (9-0-1) and becoming the regional champion in North Country Super Bowl ll. This team was ranked 4th in NYS Class B football. By midseason, Rick averaged over 10 yards a carry until he suffered an injury. He still ended the season tied for the CVAC rushing title with 628 yards on 99 carries, which was 50 fewer carries than the other running back. He was voted Player of the Year by the Press-Republican and selected to the first-team offense and defense for his superb all-around performance. Coach Beauvais called Rick “the heart and soul of the team” and “the key to the entire season.” Rick was also awarded Most Valuable Back and Most Valuable Offensive Player for his stellar performance in the regional game.

Rick worked for 15 years with the Department of Corrections and then for the Clinton County Highway Department, from which he retired in 2024. A few years after graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Laurie Lafountain. They have one son, Chad, and two grandkids, Alex and Carson. Rick joins his seven brothers in the Peru Athletic Hall of Fame with his induction.

Tom Daly 

Tom Daly was a standout football and basketball player at Peru from 1981-1984. He also excelled in the classroom. After graduating from Peru, Tom was a Corporate National Merit Scholar at St. Lawrence University, where he majored in Physical Education and played football and baseball.

As a Peru Indian, when anyone mentions Tom, they tend to comment that he was fast. His athleticism was utilized as a wide receiver, running back, cornerback, and kicker. Tom was a WIRY All-Star in football in 1982 and 83, first-team wide receiver and second-team cornerback. Tom also led the CVAC in interceptions. He started on the Section 7/10 undefeated football championship team and the Section 7 Baseball Championship Team. Tom also played varsity basketball as a part-time starter in his junior and senior years.

Tom was a Top 10% graduate and a National Honor Society member in his Junior and Senior years.

At St. Lawrence, Tom played football during his freshman and sophomore years, where he was a part-time starter at wide receiver and earned a team letter. He earned a team letter as a baseball player and was a three-year left-field starter. Tom had a career batting average of .330 and led the Saints in stolen bases in 1985 and 86. Tom Graduated from SLU with a BA in Physical Education.

Tom has spent his career at CVES teaching students with Autism, Physical and Intellectual Disabilities, and Traumatized students. He has officiated CVAC Football for the past 24 years and coached Peru, PHS JV Football, and Peru Baseball.

Rob Bashaw 

Rob, a 1992 graduate from Peru High School, played Soccer and Wrestling.  Rob was a prolific wrestler while in youth and high school.

He started his career in wrestling in 1981, winning numerous youth tournaments.  In 1983, in Pennsylvania,  he won six tournaments and his weight class in the Northeast Zone Freestyle Championships. Fulton Junior Olympic Qualifier 1^st place at 95 lbs., won 6 matches and qualified for the Eastern Regionals in PA. Empire State Place winner in 87, bronze medal in freestyle, 89 bronze medal in freestyle, NYS Upstate Kids freestyle championships 2^nd place.

In high school, Rob won his first tournament as a 7th grader at the Queensbury Holiday Wrestling Festival Tournament and was the first 7th grader to make the state tournament. He was the first wrestler in the state to win six sectional wrestling titles when there was only one Division. Rob placed three times at the NYS wrestling championships. He placed second in 1992, finishing with a career record of 153-24-1.

Caleb Remillard

Caleb played three sports in high school: football, wrestling, and baseball. Caleb played football for four years and was a team captain in 2006 on the section seven championship team. In the North Country Super Bowl, Caleb had an interception beating Indian River that snapped their 25-plus winning streak.

Caleb had a stellar career in wrestling. He was a team captain in his junior and senior years. During the prestigious 2006 Eastern State tournament, he took first place by pinning the defending NYS champion in the semi-finals and defeating the NYS runner-up in the finals. Caleb also pinned a NYS champion in a dual meet with Gouverneur High School.  He placed third three times at the NYS championship tournament: 3rd in 2004, 5th in 2005, and 3rd in 2006. Caleb was a four-time first-team all-star. His career record was 147 and 25.

His team made it to the finals in baseball, where they lost to Beekmantown.  Caleb played in the outfield.

Caleb and his wife, Katie, have two children: a son, Theo, and a daughter, Sophie.  They reside in Peru.

Jenna Ruff Drollette 

Jenna graduated in 2008, where she was a standout on the courts, fields, and in the classroom.  Jenna played and started for four years in varsity soccer and basketball.  As a basketball player, Jenna has earned multiple honors. Jenna was CVAC’s First-team All-Star in grades 11 & 12, Second-team all-star in 10th grade, NYS Tenth-team all-star in 11th grade, and Fifth-team all-star as a 12th grader.   As a junior, Jenna was named one of the NYS’ top 20 girls’ basketball team.  Jenna was a 1,000-point scorer, scoring 1,124 points over her career. She was also a team captain as a sophomore, junior, and senior.

As a soccer player, Jenna was named captain in both 11th and 12th grade and was CVAC Honorable Mention as a senior.

After graduating from Peru, Jenna attended Harvard and played JV Basketball for the Crimson from 2009 to 10. Harvard cut the program the following year. Jenna led the charge to create a Women’s Basketball Club and was the President and Captain of the club for three years. Jenna also coached the Santa Monica HS Freshman-Sophomore Team from 2013 to 2014.

As a student in Peru, Jenna was a student leader and an academic standout.  Jenna was the Vice President of the student council and participated in multiple leadership activities.

Jenna is married to Brian Drollette, and they reside in Beekmantown with their two children, Oliver and Lillian. Jenna has an MS in Educational Policy and is a virtual educator.

Peru Gazette March 3, 2023 iphoto in Plattsburgh when Congresswoman Stefanik praised Amtrak’s resuming service between Albany and Montreal.

Congresswoman Stefanik News Release – October 14, 2024 – CLINTON COUNTY, NY – Today, 48 Clinton County elected officials including Republicans, Conservatives, Democrats, and Independents endorsed Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for re-election to Congress.

“I am gladly endorsing Congresswoman Stefanik’s re-election because she has a solid record of delivering results for Clinton County and the North Country. As Co-Chair of the Northern Border Caucus, she’s giving our communities the voice we need in Washington D.C. She’s helped the North Country strengthen its economic partnerships with Canadian business and put us on the path for long term job growth,” Clinton County Board of Legislators Chairman Mark Henry said.

“Congresswoman Elise Stefanik does a wonderful job of giving the North Country a voice at the federal level. I’m very appreciative of the assistance she provided when I was Supervisor of Schuyler Falls. Elise helped secure millions of dollars in grants for the Morrisonville Water District to ensure we maintain a secure water supply. She’s attentive to the needs of our Upstate communities and I’m continually impressed with Elise’s ability to deliver more results with each term,” Clinton County Legislator Kevin Randall said.

“As Supervisor of the Town of Mooers, I am endorsing Elise Stefanik for reelection because I can count on her. Anytime I need something or have an issue, she is there. With her years of experience, she is always on top of everything and knows how to get things done for her constituents,” Mooers Town Supervisor Jeff Menard said.

“I’m thankful to earn the support and endorsement of these 48 incredible local elected officials in Clinton County. Clinton County families know that I have and will continue to work tirelessly to deliver real results for our community. I look forward to working with anyone who has our communities’ best interests in mind, regardless of party, to deliver for North Country and Upstate New York families, small businesses, veterans, and seniors.” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

The full list of 48 Clinton County elected officials is below:

Mark Henry, Chairman of Board of Legislators, Clinton County

Calvin Castine, Area 1, Clinton County Legislator

Francis Peryea Jr., Area 2, Clinton County Legislator

Kevin Randall, Area 5, Clinton County Legislator

Chad Deans, Coroner, Clinton County

Randy Lashway, Council Member, Altona

Brady Emery Smart, Council Member, Altona

Tim Bresett, Supervisor, AuSable

Bonnie Hopkins, Town Clerk/Tax Collector, AuSable

Patrick Akey, Highway Superintendent, AuSable

Paula Bedard, Council Member, AuSable

Cheryl Turner, Council Member, Beekmantown

Dennis Relation, Council Member, Beekmantown

Jon Douglass, Supervisor, Black Brook

Michael Plumadore, Highway Superintendent, Black Brook

William “Bill” Rhino, Council Member, Black Brook

Thomas Trombley, Supervisor, Champlain

Julie Castine, Town Clerk/Tax Collector, Champlain

Allen Racine, Highway Superintendent, Champlain

Bryan Moore, Council Member, Champlain

Kim Trombley, Village Trustee, Champlain

Dan Vesco, Supervisor, Chazy

Daniel Nephew, Highway Superintendent, Chazy

Cathy Devins, Council Member, Chazy

Mark Siskavich, Highway Superintendent, Dannemora

James Barber, Council Member/Deputy Supervisor, Dannemora

Jason Carter, Council Member, Dannemora

Michael Tolosky, Council Member, Dannemora

Joey Varin, Council Member, Dannemora

Michael Bennett, Village Trustee/Deputy Mayor, Dannemora

Jarrod St. Phillips, Village Trustee, Dannemora

Zachary Hoyt

Jason Dezan

Bethany Fortin, Town Clerk, Ellenburg

Jeff Menard, Supervisor, Mooers

Tyson Dumas, Council Member, Mooers

Donald Perras, Council Member, Mooers

Dianne Miller, Town Clerk, Peru

Melvin Irwin, Council Member, Peru

Ben Arno, Village Trustee, Rouses Point

Dale Menard, Village Trustee/Deputy Mayor, Rouses Point

Brian S. Pelkey, Village Trustee, Rouses Point

Timothy Napper, Supervisor, Saranac

Tim Aubin, Council Member, Schuyler Falls

Jason Bruno, Council Member, Schuyler Falls

Vernon Bruno Jr., Council Member, Schuyler Falls

Mike Perrotte, Council Member, Schuyler Falls

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold a brief, special meeting in the High School Community Room on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 7:30 AM.  The sole purpose of this meeting is to consider approval of a resolution pertaining to an emergency capital project.  At this time, no other district business is anticipated.

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

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

Team recognized for its commitment to improving patients’ quality of life 

PLATTSBURGH, NY (10/10/2024) – The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) is proud to announce the recertification of its Cardiac Rehabilitation Program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). The Cardiac Rehabilitation Team was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms,) recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families.

“The dedication of this team to their patients is evident in everything they do. They do an amazing job of supporting each person in their recovery, offering their expertise, counsel and compassion. This recertification by the AACVPR is a testament to that commitment,” said CVPH President Michelle LeBeau.

The CVPH Cardiac Rehabilitation Program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee and Certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available.  AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.

The man, who was in his 70s, was the first person to die from the disease in Vermont since 2012

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Brive, Monday, October 14, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. Each person donating a pint of blood during the month of October will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Target gift card. 

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

Kevin Soucia, “We do everything right across the board.”

By John T Ryan

A Peru native, Peru High School graduate, Kevin Soucia, and his wife Sally are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their family-owned business. Located just off Mason Street, at 27 Trombley Way in Morrisonville, Signs and More made the beautiful Nighthawk wall lettering at the Peru High School entrance and the green and gold hand-carved sign at Pasquale’s Restaurant. The programmable digital sign at the center of Peru came from Signs and More. Traveling down Cornelia Street in Plattsburgh, you’ll see one of the company’s signs at the new NuWay Car Wash. Other clients include Chazy Orchards,  High Peaks Dental, Giroux Poultry, and Choice Furniture.

Making signs is Kevin Soucia’s third or fourth career. He started as an auto body specialist, then worked several years at Burnell Asphalt and as a grounds supervisor at SUNY Plattsburgh. He did have some sign-making experience. A longtime stock car enthusiast, Kevin lettered race cars at age 14. A casual conversation with the owner of the Signs Now franchise led him to the business. Kevin asked her to tell him if she would ever sell the company. She called two years later, so in 2004, Kevin and Sally bought the business. Kevin continued working at SUNY Plattsburgh while his son David and his wife Sally, assisted by his mom Marie Soucia, operated the business. About eight years ago, Kevin finally retired from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Signs and More’s business cards read Neon, backlit, digital print, carved and sandblasted, vehicle lettering and wraps, banners and billboards, and large-format printing. As Kevin says, “We do everything right across the board.”

Signs and More is an independent business that is not associated with the national franchisor Signs Now. It is located at 27 Trombley Way and is open from 9 to 5 Monday – Friday—phone 518-562-5945. Sometimes, Kevin and Sally are out doing an installation, so leave a message.

The Peru Fire Department will hold a public hearing on its proposed 2025 budget on Tuesday, October 15, from 7 to 8 p.m. The public will have the opportunity to ask questions. A copy of the proposed budget can be obtained at the Peru Town Hall between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

Note: The budget has changed slightly since it was printed. Total expenditures have not changed, but some money has been reallocated to enable the department to pay for planning and engineering for fire station expansion from its current fund balance rather than borrow the money.  Fire Commissioner Treasurer Robert Akey said the department is attempting to keep the project cost as low as possible.

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 September 23, 2024 and Special Meeting of October 3, 2024.

6. Community Input. 

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Resolution Concerning the Impacts of Efforts to Electrify Highway Department Vehicles by Adoption of the Advanced Clean Truck Rule.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of Clinton County Hwy. Dept Snow & Ice Agreement for 2025-2027.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Machabee Land Surveying for the Fuller and Lyons Road Culvert Replacement Projects for Topographical Survey.

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of Tedford Consulting Contract for the WWTP Upgrade Project.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Accept or Reject Auctions International Bid for the Blawknox Paver. 

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Accept or Reject Auctions International Bid for the Dynapac Roller.  

13. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.

14. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

15. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay September/October 2024 Bills.

16. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.

17. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 

18. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.