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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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Hyundai and Kia recall nearly 92,000 vehicles and tell owners to park them outside due to fire risk

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

NYS Board of Elections certifies controversial touch screen voting machines

The story includes a statement that individual counties can choose whether or not to buy the machines 

Opponents, including some leading government reform groups, say the decision is “bad for voters” and that the machines don’t leave a verified paper trail and are potentially vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Click here for the NCPR story 

New York opens ap­pli­ca­tions for child care retention program

“…Incentives ranging from $2,300 to $3,000 for retention and referral bonuses for existing staff and sign-on bonuses for new workers.”

Click here for the State of Politics story 

CVPH security guard recognized for exceptional attention to patient and employee safety

Mark Silver Receives CVPH’s Inaugural BEE Award

PLATTSBURGH, NY (8/2/2023) – Security Guard Mark Silver is the recipient of The University of Vermont Health Network-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital’s (CVPH) inaugural BEE (Beyond Exceptional Everyday) Award. Silver, a CVPH employee for more than five years, was nominated by an Emergency Department (ED) colleague for his inspirational work with patients and visitors and was recognized during a surprise ceremony.

“Mark is always ready to help anyone in need,” wrote Shawn Horton, CVPH Certified Healthcare Access Associate, in his nomination of Silver. “I have witnessed Mark on multiple occasions speaking with patients and visitors with a kindness that makes you think twice about whether he is a security officer or a caregiver.”

Horton works in the ED, where tensions and stress levels can rise quickly, and staff work together to meet their patients’ needs in sometimes challenging situations.

“I have seen Mark deescalate many patients that have come into the ED that are feeling scared or alone. He always talks to them with respect and in a way that makes them feel like this is a place of safety and healing,” Horton recalled.

Silver’s duties take him to all corners of the hospital and present a wide variety of challenges. His co-workers agree that one thing that never changes is Silver’s commitment to the safety of everyone he encounters, whether it be a patient, visitor or co-worker.

“I would say Mark’s empathy for people is his sword. He uses it to strengthen the bond with people when things are not going well,” CVPH Supervisor of Security Johanna Dominy added. “He strives to make the situation better, no matter what it takes. He will do whatever he can for patients to help them achieve a positive result.”

It is that dedication and compassion that Silver displays that inspires colleagues like Horton to provide the best care they can and approach each situation with empathy in mind.

“He is always the first one to approach a patient who is upset or angry, despite any safety concerns for his personal wellbeing. Mark has shown me that everyone deserves to be spoken to with respect and everyone deserves to be treated like they are safe and not alone,” he offered. “Everyone can see how much Mark cares about his job and the lengths that he will go to enrich the lives of everyone he comes in contact with.”

During a surprise ceremony with his colleagues at the hospital, Silver was presented with a certificate commending him for his extraordinary work. He also received a BEE Award pin and a basket filled with bee-themed gifts.

The BEE Award provides meaningful recognition to the hospital’s support staff and acknowledges individuals who exceed expectations daily. All CVPH employees who support patient care by working together with Physicians and Registered Nurses to improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of patients and their loved ones are eligible for the BEE Award. Nomination forms and boxes are located at the hospital’s main entrances and on the CVPH website. Support staff may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. A committee reviews nominations and awards a deserving employee each quarter.

Zach O’Connell wins prestigious awards

Mariners Twitter photo

Clinton County Mariners standout Zach O’Connell earned the Coaches Award & the Gary J. Butler Award.
O’Connell, a standout player, will continue his baseball career as a member of the SUNY Brockport team.

Lake Placid emergency room to close Aug. 20

Click here for the Press-Republican story 

Per pupil spending in New York school districts ranked 1 to 670

Peru ranks #377 at $23,343 per student

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

$1B Medicare payment increase for upstate hospitals

CVPH, Adirondack Medical Center and Alice Hyde to benefit from long-fought changes

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

August 2, 2023 – Beautiful sunset tonight! Thankful for our beautiful Peru Elementary School, once the home of grades K-12.

A rare two consecutive weather days for area farmers

August 2, 2023 – 7:50 p.m. Adirondack Farms chopping hay as the sun sets tonight adjacent to River Rd. Area farmers are taking advantage of yesterday’s and today’s sunny days to get a second cut anticipating tomorrow’s scattered rain showers. In a typical year, the second cut would have been already harvested. Click the photo for the video. As of 8:30 p.m., the chopper is still operating.

 

A bit of good news – NY churning out new businesses at record pace

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

All NYS employers required to provide lactation accommodations for employees

 
provide lactation accommodations to their employees. For more information call 518-565-4993.
To learn more about NYS Labor Law 206-c visit: https://dol.ny.gov/breast-milk-expression-workplace

Pharmaceutical company SterRX to close two Plattsburgh locations, lay off 161 employees

SterRX currently operates out of two buildings, including its plant on Idaho Avenue and a smaller space on Connecticut Road.

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

CVPH Blood Drive in Peru next Monday

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Drive, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center on Monday, August 7, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. All blood collected is utilized in our region.

Coordinated by the Peru Knights of Columbus Council 7273 

PRICE CHOPPER/MARKET 32 LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO RAISE DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS FOR AMERICAN RED CROSS

 

 

Albany, N.Y. – Throughout August, Price Chopper/Market 32 is teaming up with the American Red Cross to raise funds in support of the Red Cross’ disaster relief efforts. Until August 31, Price Chopper/Market 32 customers will have the opportunity to round up their change at the register to benefit disaster relief. All monies raised will be donated to the Red Cross and Price Chopper/Market 32 will match all donations up to $10,000.

“Price Chopper/Market 32 is gratified to continue its decades-long collaborative effort with the American Red Cross to assist those impacted by disasters big and small, close to home and across the country. This year, with so many here in the Northeast navigating the aftermath of flooding, we’re proud to join our customers and teammates to support our neighbors and friends,” said Blaine Bringhurst, Price Chopper/Market 32’s president.

“Every eight minutes, someone needs the Red Cross. From small house fires to large natural disasters, we go wherever we’re needed. Our work is made possible by our generous donors. We are so grateful to the Price Chopper/Market 32 and its customers for generously supporting our ongoing mission and for working with us to promote this program. This support ensures we can be there 24/7, bringing hope and healing when it’s needed most,” said Kevin Coffey, Regional Chief Executive Officer American Red Cross Eastern New York Region.

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity for donors. From hurricanes to fires to floods, the American Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters yearly, and 95% of their disaster relief workers are volunteers.

 

Multiple hotels projected to be built in the Town of Plattsburgh

Officials looking to construct both hotels along State Route 3

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, August 2, 2023

White Chicken Chili
Bread
Yogurt
Dessert
Served take-out only, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY

Hydrant flushing may result in water pressure and color issues

We will be flushing hydrants this week from 7:30-3:00 starting Wednesday, 8/2, on Reservoir Rd. Crews will continue to Calkins Rd, Barney Downs Rd to River Rd. At that point, the following roads will be done—Morgan Dr. Twin Creek, Hillside, Summit, Oakdale, Pinewood, and Old Town Rd. Please check back for progress into the village and Ormsby Circle. Customers may experience low-pressure and or color issues. Any questions, please call 518-643-8125

Assemblyman Billy Jones: Statement on SterRx Plattsburgh location closing – 161 employees affected

“My heart goes out to the families and loved ones impacted by the recent closing of the SterRx facility in Plattsburgh,” said Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake). “I am disappointed by this decision, especially since the North Country has continually invested in SterRx so that they have become a valued member of our local manufacturing sector. This is a major hit for our community, but I continue to work with local leaders and workforce development partners to find reuse of the building and help the employees find new job opportunities.”
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WARN UNIT
Business Information
Reason for Layoff: Economic
Reason Stated for Filing: Plant Closing
Company:
SterRX LLC
141 Idaho Avenue Plattsburgh, NY, 12903
FEINNUM: 61-1718460 IndustryType: 31-33:Manufacturing
Business Type: Pharmaceutical company
County: Clinton |WDB Name: C-E-F-H | Region: North Country Region Contact: SarahMcCoy, Director, PlantOperations
Contact Phone: (518) 324-7879
Number Affected: 161 (Total at both sites) Total Number of Employees: 161
LayoffDate: The first separation for 161 employees at two locations is expected to occur on October 24, 2023. Closing Date: October 24, 2023
Impacted Site(s):
Date of Notice: July 26, 2023
EventNumber: 2023-0011
Address: 141 Idaho Avenue, Plattsburgh NY, 12903
Number of Affected Employees at Site: 144
DOLRapidResponseCoordinator: MelissaBaretsky
LocalWorkforceDevelopmentBoardName: NorthCountryWorkforceDevelopmentBoard Union: The employees were not represented by a union.
EventNumber: 2023-0012
Address: 133 Connecticut Road, Plattsburgh NY, 12903 Number of Affected Employees at Site: 17
Union: The employees were not represented by a union.

Clinton County Government Center maintenence issues

Your editor visited the Clinton County Government Center this morning. The Government Center looks great from a distance; however, the entrance area could use a little more tender-loving maintenance care. It should be a County showpiece!

Peru’s Applefest is only a few weeks away

Three Cheers to the Clinton County Historical Association for all these August Events

August 8. 2:30 pm. Redford Glass Uncovered with Helen Nerska, The Grand Room, Meadowbrook Healthcare, 154 Prospect Ave., Plattsburgh.

The presentation will take participants back to more than 200 years ago to learn about the short-lived history of the Redford Glass Company. Although the company was in business for only 20 years, it produced products that demonstrate craftsmanship that still survives. By the end of the presentation, participants will see how the Company, which was once famous and esteemed for its crown glass windowpanes, has become synonymous with unique and priceless glassware.

August 18, 12:30 pm. Redford Glass Uncovered with Helen Nerska, Plattsburgh Senior Center, 5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh.

The presentation will take participants back to a period more than 200 years ago to learn about the short-lived history of the Redford Glass Company. Although the company was in business for only 20 years, it produced products that demonstrate craftsmanship that still survives. By the end of the presentation, participants will see how the Company, which was once famous and esteemed for its crown glass windowpanes, has become synonymous with unique and priceless glassware.

August 19, 10:30 am. Walking Tour of the Oval. Begins at 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh. Hear stories and see photos of the buildings first constructed in 1894 by the US Army. We will see inside an Officer’s quarters residence and the Plattsburgh Memorial Chapel by special agreement.
Call 518-561-0340 to register for the tour.

August 22, 2:30 pm. The History of the Lozier Company and Family with Dick Soper, The Grand Room, Meadowbrook Healthcare, 154 Prospect Ave., Plattsburgh.

The Lozier story includes rarely-seen photos of the family and company operations. Henry Abrahm Lozier was an Indiana-born sewing machine and bicycle manufacturer. After selling his bicycle business, Lozier moved to Plattsburgh to manufacture boats and marine engines. In 1905 he started the Lozier Automobile Company and entered the automobile manufacturing business. He produced the luxury Lozier, in Plattsburgh, from 1900 to 1915. Loziers were top-line luxury cars and, for a time, were the most expensive cars produced in the United States. The 1910 model featured cars priced between $4,600 and $7,750. That same year, a Cadillac could be bought for about $1,600 and a Packard for about $3,200. A pre-assembly line Ford Model T of the same year retailed at approximately $850 and the average annual salary in America was approximately $750.

Mr. Soper was born in Plattsburgh and served in the US Air Force, stationed in Germany, in the field of Communication. His vast experiences in the area of transportation included work at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut, where he built jet aircraft engines. He also worked at Bombardier Transportation building passenger rail cars. For 12 years, he has worked at the Champlain Valley Transportation Museum as Director of Exhibits. He is currently a member of the Clinton County Historical Association’s Board of Trustees.

August 22, 6:45 pm, The Creative Destruction of Plattsburgh: From Village to City in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries by James M. Lindgren, Emeritus Professor of History, SUNY Plattsburgh. Lake Forest Senior Retirement Community, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh.

Examining the era’s cultural and economic scene, Lindgren explores the rapid rise of industries, the expansion of the area’s infrastructure, and the “civilizing” of the village as it became a city. These changes led to demolishing a downtown neighborhood to create an image of a “progressive” city.
While teaching US history at Plattsburgh State for thirty-seven years, Lindgren authored four significant books on US historic preservation and some seventy-five other publications. He retired from teaching in September 2021.
Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Town of Schuyler Falls 175th Anniversary Celebration Set for August 12th & 13th

The Town of Schuyler Falls’ Morrisonville hamlet will be buzzing with activities on Saturday and Sunday, August 12th and 13th, as the town celebrates its 175th anniversary. All are welcome and invited; the parade and festival are free. Vendor and food booths will offer items for sale.

Starting at noon on Saturday the 12th, the parade travels Route 22B from Broadwell Road to the center of Morrisonville, turning on Emory Street to Mason Street to the Town Hall at #997 Mason. Honored guests, fire trucks, EMS, horses, classic cars, highway equipment and politicians are included. Residents and friends can line the parade route in cars or chairs to best view the parade. Side roads from the Gordie Little Bridge to Flat Rock Road will be blocked with traffic detoured during the parade. Parade judges and announcer are on Emory Street at the K of C building.

At 2 PM at the Town Hall, a color guard, flag raising and veterans’ salute will start the opening ceremony. Special guests will be welcomed, speeches presented, and sponsors thanked.

A free festival for all ages begins at the Town Hall grounds from 2 PM until 6 PM. Horse and pony rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, trolley rides in the hamlet, displays, vendors, music, food and beverages, bouncy house and other activities for kids are planned, and a classic car show, all on the town hall grounds. Historical artifacts, videos, and displays will be inside the town hall.

At 6PM the focus shifts to River Street Park in Morrisonville where The Bootleg Band will be playing until 9 PM. Bring chairs or blankets to enjoy the concert. Food & beverages will be for sale.

At 9:30PM, on the Town Hall grounds, a fireworks display will cap off the Saturday festivities. The show should be visible from Route 22B and all-around Morrisonville and surrounding.

On Sunday, August 13th, the festival continues from 2 PM to 6 PM at the town hall and grounds with the rides, vendors and displays. At 6 PM, Music in the Park (free) at River Street Park with a DJ and Karaoke Tunes of Time caps off the celebration weekend.

The 175th Celebration is sponsored by the Town of Schuyler Falls, with major support from Casella for the festival, Ryan’s Masonry LLC & Schuyler Falls MiniMart LLC for the fireworks, and NYSCOPBA for the Bootleg Band concert. Thanks also to the Sheriff’s Department and all those helping and participating in the parade and festival and activities.

The following weekend, August 18-19-20, is the traditional Schuyler Falls Town-Wide Garage Sale, with Music in the Park featuring Neil Gillespie on Saturday night, August 19th, 6-9 PM at River Street Park.

To register for the parade or festival (by August 2) or if you have questions, call the Town Hall at 518-563-1129 or contact Kevin Randall, Town Supervisor, or Barb Benkwitt, Town Historian.

Your chance to honor DCO Dave Drollette

In memory of our former Dog Control Officer, Dave Drolette, “DCO Dave,” I am starting a collection to purchase a Hometown Heroes Banner and a donation in Dave’s honor to the Honor Flight with the excess from the banner. (Or possibly a bench) Dave touched so many of our lives in one way or another, and I think this is a perfect way to honor him. Please post this for anyone who would like to donate. Thank you all.
Pamela J. Barber
Confidential Secretary to the Board
Town of Peru
3036 Main St.
Peru, NY 12972
Email: secretary@perutown.com
Phone: 518-643-2745 Ext. 107

August 22, 2:30 pm. The History of the Lozier Company and Family with Dick Soper

August 22, 2:30 pm. The History of the Lozier Company and Family with Dick Soper, The Grand Room, Meadowbrook Healthcare, 154 Prospect Ave., Plattsburgh. Lake Forest Senior Retirement Community, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh.

The Lozier story includes rarely seen photos of the family and company operations. Henry Abrahm Lozier was an Indiana-born sewing machine and bicycle manufacturer.  After selling his bicycle business, Lozier moved to Plattsburgh to manufacture boats and marine engines. In 1905 he started the Lozier Automobile Company and entered the automobile manufacturing business.  He produced the luxury Lozier, in Plattsburgh, from 1900 to 1915. Loziers were top line luxury cars and for a time were the most expensive cars produced in the United States. The 1910 model featured cars priced between $4,600 and $7,750. That same year, a Cadillac could be bought for about $1,600 and a Packard for about $3,200.  A pre-assembly line Ford Model T of the same year retailed at approximately $850 and the average annual salary in America was approximately $750.

Mr. Soper was born in Plattsburgh and served in the US Air Force, stationed in Germany, in the field of Communication.   His vast experiences in the area of transportation included work at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut where he built jet aircraft engines.  He also worked at Bombardier Transportation building passenger rail cars.  For 12 years he has worked at the Champlain Valley Transportation Museum as Director of Exhibits. He is currently a member of the Clinton County Historical Association’s Board of Trustees.