The Peru Gazette

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Literacy New York, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing adult literacy announces the third annual Stop Reading Challenge. This statewide event takes place throughout September. The Stop Reading Challenge aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of adult literacy and recruit volunteers for this movement.

One way for everyone in NYS and beyond to get involved is to participate in the social media “You Are The Key” Photo Contest, sponsored by Key Bank, on September 8, 2023 to celebrate International Literacy Day. Literacy New York is hosting this open contest for anyone with a Facebook and/or Instagram account. The winner will be honored with their original photo printed on the 2023 commemorative T-shirts distributed throughout NYS! For more information and contest rules, visit www.stopreadingchallenge.org.

Kathy Houghton, Executive Director of Literacy New York, states, “The Challenge is a movement that has grown significantly and organically over the past few years. This year, we are partnering with regional literacy programs, organizations, legislators, businesses, universities and even a celebrity chef for Stop Reading Challenge events throughout the state. New this year is the introduction of the Stop Reading Challenge scholarship that we are introducing for the Fall 2023 semester—we’re very proud to create this opportunity for a deserving Utica University student!”

The “Stop Reading Challenge” in-person events will feature interactive activities, challenges, and connections to local adult literacy programs and local literacy data. Attendees will also have the chance to learn more about volunteer opportunities and ways they can contribute to the cause of adult literacy in their local communities. “We encourage everyone, from concerned citizens to business leaders, to join us at these events and online and become advocates for adult literacy. We can create a more literate and empowered New York,” added Kathy Houghton.

For more information about the “Stop Reading Challenge” events and Literacy New York’s initiatives, please visit literacynewyork.org.

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Free Family-Friendly Harvest Celebration at Essex County Fairgrounds

WESTPORT, NY- Celebrate the harvest season and learn about agriculture in the Adirondack region at the 2023 Adirondack Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 23rd from 12 to 5 PM at the Essex County Fairgrounds.

This free, family-friendly event features a large farmers’ market, local food trucks, a “Local Libations” tent, hands-on workshops, kids’ activities, a farm animal petting zoo, draft horse wagon rides and more. 

This year’s theme of the Adirondack Harvest Festival is “Local Fiber and Wool”- with demonstrations highlighting how locally harvested materials are transformed into functional everyday objects like clothing, baskets, paper, shoes, and much more. Attendees can also participate in hands-on workshops such as paper-making, hand-weaving for beginners, and botanical dying for an additional charge. 

The Adirondack Harvest Festival is unique in that it specifically highlights locally grown food and products and the farmers’ market this year will feature 30+ vendors. Local food and drink will be available for purchase from Crown Point Bread Co., Farmers Cone Creamery, Green Goddess Natural Market, Grilled Cheese Fundraiser for the Wadham’s Library, Orta Foods, Papa Duke’s BBQ, Ye Olde Phat Dragon Bakery, Rivermede Farm Market and Taste of Lahore. 

Inside the Local Libations Tent, Ausable Brewing Company and Oval Craft Brewing will be selling and serving pints of their local craft beers. Otter Creek Winery, which uses grapes sourced from the Adirondacks and other NYS locations, will also be vending their wines and wine slushies by the glass. 

There will be live music by Annie & the Hedonists, Crackin’ Foxy and Ploughman’s Lunch. Visitors can bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the music on the grass all afternoon. 

Kids’ activities will be offered continuously in the Young Farmers’ Circle, including face painting and fiber-related arts and crafts. There will be three free guided workshops for kids, including Finger Knitting, Natural Tie Dye, and Felted Soap. 

Champlain Area Trails also hosts a guided pre-festival hike at 10 am that begins at the Essex County Fairgrounds, loops through farmland and forest, then returns to the Fairgrounds so hikers can enjoy the Festival. This event will be hosted rain or shine! Participants are encouraged to bring cash to the farmers’ market. See other event details and FAQ atadirondackharvest.com/festival.

The Adirondack Harvest Festival is organized by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County’s Adirondack Harvest program and is free to attend and enjoy thanks to our generous sponsors, including the Adirondack Land Trust, Chazy Westport Communications & Westelcom, Champlain Area Trails, Cloudsplitter Foundation, Essex County Farm Bureau, Rivermede Farm Market, Sylvamo, The Town of Westport, and others highlighted on the Festival webpage.

Sign up here to receive email updates from Adirondack Harvest and more information about the Adirondack Harvest Festival. 

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Massive Forest Megaphone amplifies natural noise for deeper sensory experience

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North Country Honor Flight Operations Director Janet Duprey read these biographies at Saturday’s Send-Off Ceremony at the U.S. Oval.

Gordon Compeau – U.S. Navy 1967-1970 Vietnam

Already a heavy equipment operator, Gordon skipped basic training and took a leadership course. A Seabee, Gordon served two tours in Vietnam; first, Freedom Hill, Da Nang. Gordon had a unique skill in obtaining/trading supplies. Gordon traded a helicopter for concrete and installation of a baseball field.  One late night, Gordon acquired a tracker trailer, a howitzer, and a load of ammo.  The Provost Marshall couldn’t find the truck or its contents.  On his second tour, Gordon became seriously ill, and returned stateside, with no help at VA, a civilian doctor diagnosed parasites requiring several surgeries.  Gordon is proud to be healthier now than when he served.

Frederick Decker – U.S. Army 1954-1957  Korean

As the Korean War escalated, Fred’s father told Fred, a high school junior, to join the Army to help support their family of thirteen. Fred trained as an Ordnance Specialist and served as the Company Commander’s driver.  Fred’s duties were ensuring the safety, security, and accountability of weapons, ammunition, and machinery.  He also received, stored, transported, inspected, and disposed of weapons and ammunition.  During a special ceremony, Frederick, with his younger brother Phillip, received their high school diplomas on June 16, 2023. Fred’s grandson Eli shared his high school graduation with his grandfather and great-uncle.  

Phillip Decker – U.S. Navy 1959-1988 Vietnam 

Phil, like Fred, enlisted at 17. Trained in Electronic Warfare, Phil served aboard key naval warships: supercarrier USS Forrestal CVA-59; USS Sellers DDG-11, a special destroyer modified for surface-to-air missiles; destroyer USS Mackenzie-DD-836. On the coastal water off Vietnam, Phil had an integral role in “Operation Sea Dragon,” impeding enemy ships from taking supplies to North Vietnam and destroying land targets with naval gunfire.  Phil completed 29 years of service to our Country as an instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy. Phillip sure earned his high school diploma.  Congratulations to Frederik and Phillip on their many achievements.                        

Gary Dragoon – U.S. Army 1967-1969 Vietnam

Gary was drafted. After basic training, Gary trained at Fort Sill as a Canon Fire Direction Specialist.  Gary was sent to Pleiku, Vietnam. He loaded ground coordinates into a computer, determining the range, compass bearing, and angle to aim Howitzer guns so they could efficiently hit their enemy targets, avoiding endangering U.S. and friendly forces.  Due to Gary’s accuracy, the Howitzers could fire a 200-pound round over 20 miles. Proud of his service, Gary was dismayed when told to change into civilian clothes to avoid harassment.      

Carl Ketchum – U.S. Army 1967-1970 Vietnam

Carl enlisted.  After basic training, Carl trained in vehicle fleets ranging from staff cars to 5-ton tracker trailers.  Carl enjoyed driving a staff car for senior officers and high-ranking government employees.  Carl drove from Fort Meade to the Pentagon, National Security Agency, FBI Headquarters, and classified sites in Baltimore.  Transferred to Germany, Carl used his driving skills to deliver troops and military field equipment to joint force training areas and U.S. troops to German and Czechoslovakia border stations.  On a trip, taking a break, Carl realized he was in a Neutral Zone way too close to the border and quickly exited.

Phillip Kie – U.S. Air Force 1966-1970 Vietnam

Phillip enlisted and trained as an Air Freight Specialist. Before deployment, Phil underwent leg surgery that required six months to recover. The Air Force stopped his pay;  a congressman got Phil’s pay back. Phil’s time was limited; he reenlisted.  Sent to Vietnam, Phil loaded and unloaded aircraft, including the caskets of U.S. soldiers and friendly forces. Not speaking the foreign families’ languages, Phil couldn’t communicate with them. While stationed at Glasgow Air Force Base, Montanna, Phil met his wife and they’re celebrating 56 years of marriage. 

Michael O’Connell – U.S. Army 1969-1972 Vietnam

Michael had basic training at Fort Dix and advanced training as an Intelligence Analyst and Censor at the Army Intelligence Center, Maryland.  Training in escape and evasion, Mike was locked in a foot locker, rolled down a hill and broke his ankle.  Sent to Okinawa, Japan, Mike could live on or off base.  The Monsoon rains kept him on base.  Mike studied Indonesian, serving as an area specialist traveling to Taiwan. Mike learned the principle of saluting when he failed to salute a senior officer as he saluted a tree over and over.        

Ronnie Ouimette – U.S. Army 1958-1962 Vietnam, Army Reserves 1962-2001  

Ronnie enlisted at 17. After basic training, Bucky trained at Fort Devins as a Medical Specialist. He loved driving the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) Ambulance.  Sent to Germany, Bucky was assigned to the 8^th Infantry Division, 8^th Battalion, the largest ambulance company in Germany.  Getting through the base gates, Bucky realized there were benefits to driving an ambulance as the MPs didn’t stop him from going off base to local bars.  Bucky never got caught. Bucky served with the Army Reserves in Elizabethtown and Plattsburgh until 2001.        

Vincent Patnode – U.S. Army 1971-1973 Vietnam

Drafted, Vincent was sent to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Vince trained on the “Honest John Missile,” a truck-mounted weapons system, using an elevated rail launch platform that fired conventional missiles with high explosives.  Assigned to South Korea, Vince met the U.S. Nuclear Support Team, who showed him how to carefully aim missiles at North Korea.  In the field, tests were noisy as each missile broke the sound barrier twice immediately after launch.  Vince fired missiles along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) close to the North Korean Mess Hall, blowing their windows out every time.

Norris Rhinehart – U.S. Army 1945-1946 World War II

Norris wanted to enlist in the U.S. Navy to be aboard submarines.  Segregation and discrimination denied Norris from the Navy, so he enlisted in the Army.  Norris trained as a Culinary Specialist, referred to by fellow soldiers as Cook. During basic training preparing for deployment overseas, Norris received countless shots and medications for inoculations.  Unfortunately, the inoculations wreaked havoc with him.  Norris was hospitalized for six months, preventing his voluntary deployment overseas.  Remaining state-side, Norris prepared meals for other soldiers disembarking for ships destined abroad and across the United States.  Norris was subsequently discharged and returned home. Norris then entered the United States Postal Service and was assigned aboard trains as an armed currier. Let’s give a huge round of applause for 96-year-old World War II veteran Norris Rhinehart.        

Stephen Shorette – U.S. Army 1966-1968 Vietnam

Drafted at 19, Stephen went to Fort Hood, Texas, for Combat Engineer training and was quickly shipped to Vietnam. Stephen’s duties included supporting infantry, building helicopter pads, roads, bridges and tunnels, and even removing mines.  Recognizing helicopters were the backbone of the forces, the Combat Engineers knew clean, open landing zones were essential, especially when transporting wounded soldiers.  Stephen helped clear the way throughout Vietnam.  Stephen liked the Black Market when soldiers traded whisky for truck parts, beer, and steaks.  Stephen said the worst beer is Ballantine.

Ward Shorette – U.S. Army 1966-1968 Vietnam

Drafted, Ward received training in ‘Light Artillery’. Deployed to Vietnam, Butch spent 23 days on a ship.  Butch served thirteen months in the Mekong Delta, the largest enemy attack in the war.  Light Artillery included the M-102 Howitzer, commonly towed behind trucks; in rough terrain or in urgent need of weapons on the front lines, helicopters dropped weapons by parachute.   Butch was blinded by debris from a mortar attack, saying he didn’t hit the ground fast enough. Butch would like to forget the crowds booing in San Francisco as the soldier ended their tour. Some memories you never forget.

Robert Passon Veteran Guardian for Ward Shorette – U.S Coast Guard 1991-2018

Robert enlisted, initially trained as a mechanic and was promoted to Marine Safety Specialist in Engineering.  Rob was assigned to a remote site 150 miles north of Nome, Alaska, where they maintained a 1,350-foot tower, critical for long-range navigation for ships and aircraft, producing over 1 million megawatts of power. Rob sailed on cutters, tugs and ice breakers, serving 27 years of service to our Country.    

John Veno – U.S. Army 1958-1980 Vietnam Era

John trained at Fort Knox as a Tanker Army Crewman on the famous Patton First Generation Tank M48A5. Preparing for deployment with the National Guard or Active-Duty Army Unit, John was assigned to the 172^nd Infantry Regiment, which specialized in mountainous and cold weather operations. John’s was the only conventional unit from the original 10^th Mountain Division that fought during World War II.  John was blown off a tank when a tank inadvertently fired too close to his position, causing a concussion. John is a dedicated Citizen Soldier, Vermont National Guard Vermont Strong. He had twenty years of service to our Country.

Robert Wright – U.S. Army 1963-1965   Vietnam

Drafted, Robert trained as a Heavy Vehicle Driver. Bob was sent to an Army Outpost on an ice cap in Greenland, the military’s most unusual base.  Bob supported a 330-ton Nuclear Power Reactor, staying long enough to take it out. Bob traveled on a “Command Train” of bull-dozers and ice cats over frozen terrain; trailers contained repair shops, bunk houses and drums of fuel.  Supply stops each half mile had blankets and C-rations. Men said, ‘a woman behind every tree’; there were no trees. One USO show may have had a woman or two. Bob recalls snowstorms going sideways, ropes tied between buildings for safety, and buildings buried under snow.                             

James Wright Veteran Guardian for his brother – U.S. Army 1984-1990 Cold War

James enlisted and trained in Tactical Transport Helicopter Repair.  Jim was assigned to the 101^st Airborne as a Black Hawk Crew Chief near Seoul, South Korea.  Jim flew with the 377^th Medevac Unit, formerly the 4477^th MASH.  Jim’s Unit provided medical evacuation support to ground forces, transported wounded soldiers to medical centers, and gave timely, efficient medical care to injured soldiers.  He flew with the U.S. Surgeon General, who wrote a letter recommending Jim for flight school.                                              

North Country Honor Flight Operations Director Janet Duprey read these biographies at Saturday’s Send-Off Ceremony at the U.S. Oval.

Clayton Beisiegel – U.S. Army Air Corp. 1943-1946 World War II

Clayton, a junior, left Boys Vocational School to help his family. After basic training in Florida, Clayton, a Rifle-Range Instructor, developed training programs in South Carolina. Clayton was in Scotland on D-Day. Ordered to England, Clayt, a supply clerk, performed various duties. Given one break, Clayt joined a convoy to Lowestoft Beach. He said Canadian soldiers looked rough, but the girls looked really good.

In London, Clayt served officers in the mess hall. A great fan, Clayt’s best experience was serving Glen Miller and his Big Band meals. Flying to Germany, Clayton spent twelve months as a mail courier picking up and delivering correspondence between headquarters. Driving a Jeep, Clayt traveled across bombed-out roads, driving around big holes. Germans strung razor wire across roads. If the wire went through the windshield, it would take the driver’s head off. Bumper strips with metal posts kept the wire from going into the windshield. Returning stateside, Clayt spent a week aboard ship, sleeping in hammocks, five deep, one on top of the other. Clayton was given $20.00 to get home. Eyesight issues kept Clayt from combat, saying his experiences didn’t compare to those in combat. Asked about the best part of his service, Clayt said ‘discharge.’

Two weeks shy of their 75th wedding anniversary, Clayton’s wife Lorraine passed. On February 22nd, Clayton celebrated his 100th birthday! Let’s show our deep appreciation for Clayton Beisiegel.

Peter Babbie – U.S. Marine Corp 1971-1976 Vietnam Era

Peter enlisted and trained as a Combat Engineer. Peter was stationed at Paris Island, South Carolina, Camp Lejeune and Camp Geiger, North Carolina. Peter wore many hats, participating in several training sessions and various projects to maintain the installations. Peter’s skills included building Quonset Huts and floating bridges. After a 3-day pass, Peter returned to base to learn he was a day late. The Military Police put him in handcuffs and sentenced him to months of “KP” duty as he made desserts for officers instead of his real duties. Let’s be clear: Peter received an honorable discharge!

Maurice Brown – U.S. Army 1966-1992 Vietnam

Maurice enlisted at age 17 and served for 26 years. Trained in Heavy Equipment Operations and Jungle Warfare, Maurice went to Germany.He was ordered to Hai Van Pass, Vietnam, along Route 1. Maurice had many tours in Vietnam, enjoying being at the controls of a bulldozer or Uke. Maurice extracted gravel and stone from quarries to make cement and roads, working with the First Cavalry and building combat landing zones.

Maurice spent three years in Korea with the Ordinance Company.  Ordered by the Defense Nuclear Agency, Maurice went to 1940 nuclear test sites, the Marshall Islands, to cap leftover radiation with concrete.

Mark Davey – U. S. Army 1972-1973 Vietnam

With his father’s consent, Mark enlisted at 17. He received basic training at Fort Gorden, Georgia. Mark was assigned as a Radio Relay Carrier Attendant, a position he never served in. Ordered to South Korea, Mark was assigned to duty as the driver for the Commander. Mark said his 13 months in South Korea were relatively uneventful. As a curious teenager, Mark traveled to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the historic site of the Korean Armistice Agreement separating South and North Korea. Mark continues to keep up with his Army comrades.

Deborah Dowd – Veteran Guardian for brother Mark Davey – U.S. Air Force. 1974-1980 Vietnam  

We believe Mark and Deborah are the first twins to go on Honor Flight together. Deborah trained at Keeseler Air Force Base, Mississippi. Sent to England, Deborah served in Air Control Radar Maintenance and is the first female Radar Technician to serve in the European Theatre. At Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Deborah moved to Accounting and Finance, allowing her to take advantage of the GI Bill.

Barry Fernald – U.S. Army 1969-1971 Vietnam

Receiving a draft notice, Barry trained at Fort Dix, Fort Benning, and Fort McClellan. Barry was sent to Phu-bai, Vietnam. As an Unattended Ground Sensor Operator, Barry manned directional sensors to monitor hostile forces’ movement, also protecting U.S. military installations and personnel. On hot nights in Vietnam, arriving soldiers slept ‘buck naked’ until gunfire at night and changed into fully dressed with boots on. Barry felt something running up and down his leg one night, but he didn’t want to know what it was.

Walter Maddox – U.S. Army 1945-1952 Korean

After basic and specialized training, Walter joined the 71st Battalion. On a ship for five days en route to Korea, the sailors were woken up at 4 a.m.. They stayed on the boat until 9:30 p.m.  Walter maintained generators for specialized teletype trucks, compounded lighting, and electronic fences, working shifts to keep them running 24/7. A Korean house boy accidentally set off a grenade; soldiers panicked, thinking it was an enemy attack. Two planes came in for emergency landings; one crashed and the other parachuted out.  Walter lived in a one-man tent, slept in trucks side by side, and spent one night in a graveyard. Sent to Guam by mistake, Walter enjoyed three weeks of R & R. Flown to Tokyo; Walter stayed in the same hotel as General McArthur.

Charles Newsham – U.S. Navy 1948-1953 Korean

Bad eyesight kept Chuck from Flight School. Assigned as a Fire Control Technician, Chuck boarded the USS Rochester, 7th Fleet. President Truman ordered the 7th Fleet into action as the Korean War started. Their first mission was to evacuate U.S. citizens.

Chuck was at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir as 130,000 Chinese enemy forces attacked the 1st Marine Division and UN Forces. Chuck’s ship assisted the soldiers who marched over 70 miles to escape the Reservoir. The shelling lasted 2.5 years.  Chuck was responsible for the precision of large guns, allowing troops to target trains, roads, supply lines and enemy movements.  Given two days for R & R, Korean bomber aircraft dropped four bombs. Three hit the ship and bounced off without exploding.  Ending his tour, Chuck left his seabag on his bunk, walked out and didn’t turn back.

James Pudlo – U.S. Army 1966-1969 Vietnam

Jim was drafted and sent for training at Fort Jackson and Fort Monmouth. Assigned as a Fixed Plant Carrier Repairman, Jim worked on Communications and Microwave equipment.  Jim spent fourteen months at Fort Shafer, Hawaii, the headquarters for the Asia-Pacific region. He was transferred to Vietnam and served with the 23,000-soldier Army Signal Corp. near Saigon and Da Nang. The mission was to originate, install, operate, and maintain a complex communication system across Southeast Asia under a single, unified command. After the Tet Offensive, Jim was able to slow down.

Leonard Reyore – U.S. Navy 1955-1958 Cold War

Leonard was assigned to the destroyer USS Hyman-DD732. As a Fire Control Technician, Leonard directed the weapons systems, assuring weapons, including guns, torpedoes and hedgehogs, accurately struck their enemy targets.  Leonard saw the world at seaports in Cuba, Chili, Artic Circle, France, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Germany, England and Scotland. Crossing the Equator, sailors faced the humiliating shenanigans of initiation. Leonard disliked standing watch from Midnight to 4:00 a.m., especially when workdays started at 5:00 a.m. Leonard did like the opportunity to taste many varieties of beer.  

Randy Reyore, Veteran Guardian for his dad – U.S. Army Reserves 1985-1997 Desert Storm

Randy enlisted with the 962nd Ordinance Company, 4th Platoon, Plattsburgh. Randy trained in Munitions Handling and Storage. Randy deployed to Germany, preparing munitions for transport to the War in Iraq.  Participating with the Canadian Royal Mounted Police, Randy and other soldiers foiled a group of Canadians attempting to steal rockets, missiles, and flares from a depot.    

Kenneth Robillard = U.S. Navy 1967-1968 Vietnam

Ken enlisted at 17, completing basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois. Trained as a Court Reporter, Ken transcribed legal procedures, including trials, depositions, and administrative hearings. Ken‘s duties were in direct support of the Navy JAG, the legal arm of the Navy.

Ken was assigned to a Combat Helicopter Unit. He recalls a court day sitting with 16 sailors in a non-judicial punishment without a court-martial under the Military Code of Military Justice. He participated in four cruises on the Atlantic, including the Aircraft Carrier USS Lake Champlain.

Shawn LaPier, Veteran Guardian for Father-in-law Kenneth Robillard – U.S. Army 1991-1996 Gulf War

After basic training, Shawn attended specialized training as a Quarries Specialist. In this position, Shawn constructed airfields, roads, dams and buildings by moving tons of materials used to clean, crush, drill, grade, and detonate rock at construction sites.  Shawn assisted the California Environmental Protection Agency with the cleanup of oil spills at military sites.

Glen Shick  – U.S. Air Force 1977-1985 Cold War

Glen enlisted and was assigned to transportation units, including Plattsburgh Air Force Base.  After specialized training, Glen was assigned to a covert location in Iran designated “Desert 1”. The team was sent to rescue the 52 Embassy hostages kept captive for 444 days. Unfortunately, the rescue aircraft collided at a refueling point, ending the mission unsuccessfully. Glen received the National Defense Service Medal and Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal recognized by the combat operations Joint Task Force in support of Delta Force Operation Eagle Claw.

Francis Stunzi – U.S. Navy 1956-1959 Cold War

Frank enlisted at age 17. After training, Frank was assigned to the USS Neosho-AO-143, a fuel and cargo replenishment ship.  A Culinary Specialist, Frank fed 350 men three meals a day as the ship went from Norfolk up and down the Atlantic coast and across the Atlantic to support the Suez Canal crisis and a special task force conducting three nuclear weapons tests in the South Atlantic.  Crossing the Equator, young seamen called Poly-Wogs had their heads shaved, were submersed in fuel oil, and crawled through weeks of old garbage to achieve the “Shell Back” title. Frank has the photos to prove it.                   

Lucille Trahan  – U.S. Air Force 1954-1956 Cold War

Lucille enlisted shortly after the end of the Korean War. Trained as an Administration Specialist, Lucile went to Texas and then to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. In Wyoming, Lucille marched in a local parade with a famous movie star; she won’t tell who. She recalls the women looked better marching than the men did. Enjoying the Wyoming countryside, Lucille truly liked her work and she fell in love with horseback riding. Lucille revealed to the Flight Leaders she loved going out with the cooks. She enjoyed meeting people and traveling to various places. 

Howard Turner – U.S. Army 1967-1970 Vietnam, Army Reserves 1991

After basic training at Fort Knox, Howard went to Fort Leonard Wood to become a Heavy Equipment Operator. Howard was with a construction team that built an 840-foot bridge across a Missouri river.  Shipped to Tuy-Hoa, Vietnam, Howard worked along the Vietnam National Route 1, Highway 1, the main road to move U.S. forces safely. Leaving the Army, Howard joined the 962nd Ordinance Company, Plattsburgh. Activated in support of Desert Storm, Howard went to Germany, serving as an ammunition inspector for all ordinances being shipped.

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Giants Foundation, Gatorade to contribute $2,000 to flag football program

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Regional leaders applaud the looming reopening but hope stoppages are avoided in the future

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Saturday, 01:00 pm – 02:30 pm    Parade – Theme “25 years of Commemorations” Cumberland Ave, City Hall Place to Durkee Street

PLATTSBURH, NY – As anticipation builds and the countdown to September 7th begins, the heart of downtown Plattsburgh is poised to burst into life with the vibrant celebration of one of its most cherished historical events – the 25th consecutive Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration. The dedicated members of the 1814 Commemoration committee have been tirelessly working in collaboration with local community groups, businesses, and musicians to ensure that this year’s commemoration is nothing short of spectacular. 

The event schedule promises diverse activities that will captivate families and history enthusiasts alike. The Battle of Plattsburgh weekend commences on Thursday, September 7th, with a solemn memorial ceremony at Riverside Cemetery and an enchanting evening concert by the United States Navy Band. Friday ushers in more ceremonies in the morning, followed by a day and evening filled with live music and entertainment, including a captivating concert featuring the renowned “Glengarry Bhoys” and culminating with the breathtaking “Rockets’ Red Glare” fireworks display. 

The excitement doesn’t stop there, as Saturday and Sunday offer a jam-packed itinerary with events, music, and activities. Highlights include the beloved Children’s Old Time Village Fair and the ever-popular BOP Parade and Beat Retreat. Returning this year are live period reenactments and the grand spectacle of the “Grand Encampment,” where period reenactors bring history to life through captivating exhibits and military demonstrations. 

Following the initial ceremonies and concerts on Thursday and Friday, the Battle of Plattsburgh event schedule is booked solid with activities running from 4:00 pm on Friday, September 8th, through Sunday afternoon, September 10th, culminating in the Final Ceremony on Monday, September 11th, at 11:00 am on Crab Island. Community members will have the unique opportunity to witness history come alive through riveting reenactments, informative demonstrations, and engaging history talks. Many beloved Battle of Plattsburgh traditions return this year, including the grand parade, the enchanting Children’s Old Time Village Fair, moving ceremonies, electrifying fireworks, an invigorating 5K run, and so much more. 

For additional information and updates about the 2023 Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration, please visit our website at www.1814inc.com. Don’t miss out on this historic extravaganza! 

The Peru Gazette nominates Andrew Lauzon as Peru’s Citizen of the Day. This morning, riding his bike and carrying a trash picker, Andrew picked up trash along Pleasant Street. He said he does it whenever he sees a need. We applaud Andrew for his community spirit, work ethic, and friendliness!

Peru is one of the many communities featured in “Lake Champlain Monuments and Memorials.”

Anastasia and her five previous books

By John T. Ryan

August 31, 2023, Peru – Anastasia Pratt has accomplished many things since graduating from Peru High School in 1994. Many people know her service as Clinton County Historian; others as an accomplished bass player, vocalist, and member of several area musical groups. SUNY Empire State University students know her as a history professor. Her love of history led Anastasia to author five books between 2014 – 2016. On July 1, Arcadia Publishing released her latest book, “Lake Champlain Monuments and Memorials.” 

The book is one of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series, celebrating the History of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Its 128 pages feature 200 captioned black and white photos of memorials and markers on both sides of Lake Champlain from the Canadian Border to as far south as Glens Falls. Anastasia quoted a Lake Champlain Basin Program statement, “The history of the region is inseparable from the lake.” Peru, NY, Anastasia’s hometown, is the location of several of the nation’s most historic places, such as Valcour Island. 

Anastasia’s interest in our region has its roots on Lake Champlain’s eastern shores. The book’s sources include local historians, historical newspapers, diaries, letters, published histories, her parents, and her Vermont relatives who have a keen interest in local History. Sometimes, deciding what to include in the book wasn’t easy. Anastasia explained, “I easily had four times as many photos as what I used. Part of my decision on whether or not to use a photo depended on how much good information I could find. Sometimes, I’d see a monument I loved, but there wasn’t enough information to go forward.”

Research, organizing, compiling, and then committing history to the written form requires deep devotion to History. It begs the question, Why is history important? Anastasia expressed her opinion eloquently, “I think we don’t know who we are unless we have some understanding of who came before us and have a sense that there were people before us who were doing things similar to what we’re doing. It helps us grow, move forward, and succeed.” She compared the development of water power that powered Peru’s Hayworth/Mason Mill three or four generations ago to the Hamilton family’s current goal of developing a solar farm. She asked, “Would you be opposed to that mill? Having that historical knowledge can make a difference in our lives.” 

Anastasia’s experiences at Peru High School have also influenced her life. Asked if she had special teachers, she quickly named history teacher Dick Bulriss. “He was an amazing teacher. He made history come alive. I joke about it, but it’s true: everything I learned about American History I learned in his classroom. I went to college and graduate school, but the foundation for everything was there.” Her college education includes a BA in history at SUNY Plattsburgh and a Ph.D. in history at the University of Michigan. 

“Lake Champlain Monuments and Memorials” can be found at Bookburgh in Champlain Centre and the Route 3 Kinney’s Drug store.

Anastasia Pratt’s earlier books include “Clinton County” (Arcadia Publishing 2014), “Public History, Adult Students and the Community” University Press of New England 2014), “Plattsburgh Through Time” (Foothill Media 2015), “Remarkable Women of Clinton County” (The History Press 2015) and “Constructing and Preserving History Through Community Art Projects” (Routledge 2016). She donates all her book’s royalties to local historical societies.

Playing the bass is Anastasia’s way to relax.

Wastewater Treatment plant

Wastewater Treatment Plant

Water-Sewer-Parks department Garage

By John T. Ryan 

Peru – Peru recently completed a much-needed multi-million dollar upgrade to its sewage collection system; however, there’s more work to come. Planning is well underway for a state-mandated upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant. The primary focus will be installing a UV disinfection system to bring coliform counts into conformance with effluent disinfection requirements. Planned improvements would also reduce phosphorus levels, replace or repair 30-year-old processing equipment, repair existing roofs, provide lab space, and upgrade the department’s work environment. If the plans are approved, it is estimated to cost $25.5 million. The town has secured grants totaling $2.9 million from the NYS Water Quality Improvement program and applied for $18.5 million, including a $11.4 million IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) grant. If all goes as planned, construction will begin in 2026. 

Water/Sewer Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault commented, “The town built its current water treatment plant in the mid-90s with no debt to the taxpayers. Right now, we qualify for hardship funding. We want to maximize the funds we can get with available grants.” Supervisor Brandy McDonald added, “If we don’t get the grants, we will have to scale back to the minimum.” One of the town’s primary challenges is the sewer district’s relatively small size, with just under 600 users having to pay for the project.  

Tetrault’s staff currently operates in a decades-old Cross Street building that once housed the highway department. Tetreault said it needs more storage, the offices are cramped, and there are no lockers or showers. It’s common for an employee to go home driving his/her personal vehicle to clean up after working on a sewer line break.

The project will include a building outfitted with equipment to retreat wastewater before it undergoes UV disinfection. Tetrault would like to move his offices and personnel to administrative offices in that building. The building would incorporate a locker room, showers, and a five-bay garage to house the department’s trucks. He would use the Cross Street building for storage.