The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Plattsburgh/Peru – Paul Miller turned 94 last month. While age may may have slowed him down a little, he’s still a contributing member of our North Country community. Four mornings each week over the past six school years, the Apple Valley Senior Housing resident has been a volunteer in the third grade at Momot Elementary School in Plattsburgh.

Teacher Melissa Bistor-Cross has been the classroom teacher Mr. Miller has worked with for all of those years. She commented, “Mr. Miller helps with everything from small group instruction to correcting papers, taking attendance and helping students catch up when they’ve been absent. He also brings a lot of wisdom to the content areas. For instance, last week we were learning about government. When I made a big kerfunkle about the House of Representatives, he was able to steer me in the right direction.”

Speaking from their learning circle the third graders were eager to express their feelings about Mr. Miller. It seemed like every student wanted to say a kind word. Samantha commented, “Mr. Miller helps us with math problems and words we don’t know.” Christopher said, “He helps us in our reading groups.” Another said, “He helps us with social studies.” One student summed up the general feeling saying, “Mr. Miller is always there when we need him.”

The respect is mutual. Mr. Miller said, “I enjoy working with the kids. I enjoy the school and the teachers. It’s been a pleasure to come here each week. I was self-employed throughout my life so I even enjoy the vacations.”

Paul Miller brings a lifetime of varied experience to the classroom. He was born into a farm family in Richfield Springs, NY near Cooperstown. After his father’s passing he and his brother operated the farm for several years. After farming he worked as as a carpenter. When heating oil prices rose dramatically in the early 1970’s he ordered five wood stoves for resell. When they sold quickly he ordered a truckload. The business gradually expanded to include heating systems. Paul operated it for the next twenty years.

Retiring in 1992 he eventually moved to Castleton, Vermont where his son Christopher lived. It was there he began as a Foster Grandparent Program volunteer in a local school. Seven years later his daughter Mary Teft coaxed him into moving to Au Sable Forks where Miller volunteered at Holy Name School for ten years. He moved into Apple Valley Senior Housing twelve years ago.

Paul Miller isn’t sure how much longer he’ll continue as a volunteer. His driver’s license expires next year. He reflected, “I don’t want to have an accident and have to quit driving. I’ve gone all my life without an accident. You’d hate to have one.” Then addressing his comments more directly he said, “ You’ll know how it is when you get into your 90’s. I may have to quit unless someone volunteers to give me a ride.”

L-R Samantha Godfroy, Carolyn Burgess, Paul Miller, Malachi Mooney, and Gracen Powell and most of the students in Mrs. Bistor-Cross’s 3rd grade cassroom.