The Peru Gazette

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Plattsburgh, June 30, 2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to have an active travel-related Alert – Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) following the report of cases of monkeypox in many countries around the world. As of June 29, 2022, sixty-two cases of monkeypox have been reported in New York City, one case in Sullivan County, four cases in Westchester County, one case in Chemung County, and one in Rockland County. On June 29, 2022, 202 cases of monkeypox were confirmed in Quebec, Canada. There are currently zero cases in Clinton, Franklin, or Essex Counties. 

“Per the Quebec Health Ministry, the first 1 to 2 cases in Canada were related to international travel,” explained Debra Tackett, Director of Health Care Services at the Clinton County Health Department. “Since then the majority of cases in Canada are being transmitted through close contact with infected individuals. 

Monkeypox virus can spread when a person comes into contact with the virus from an infected animal, infected person, or materials contaminated with the virus, such as clothing or bedding. It is mainly spread through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs or body fluids. It also can be spread by respiratory droplets during prolonged, face-to-face contact. Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted disease but can be spread through skin-to-skin contact through body fluids and sores. 

Risk to the general public is low but anyone can contract monkeypox through close personal contact. People who may be at higher risk of exposure to the virus include, but are not limited to, those who: 

• Had contact with someone who had a rash that looks like monkeypox or someone who was diagnosed with confirmed or probable monkeypox. 

• Traveled outside the US to a country with confirmed cases of monkeypox or where monkeypox activity has been ongoing. 

• Had contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that exists only in Africa or used a product that comes from such animals (for example game meat, creams, lotions, powders, etc.). 

Anyone with a rash that looks like monkeypox should talk to their health care provider, even if they don’t think they had contact with someone who has monkeypox. Call ahead before going to a healthcare facility for further instruction. 

“At this time, CCHD wants its residents to be aware of the potential risk of monkeypox,” added Ms. Tackett. “Anyone traveling internationally, including to Canada, should practice the enhanced precautions outlined by the CDC in their recent travel alert.” 

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By John T. Ryan

Plattsburgh – Undoubtedly, many Peru residents see the Soup Kitchen sign in Treadwells Mills; but it’s fair to conjecture they aren’t aware of the beautiful things happening at what was St. Joseph’s Church. When the parish church closed several years ago,  the Diocese of Ogdensburg could have sold it for other uses. Instead, today the building is home to St. Joseph’s Outreach Center, serving our region’s needy people. 

Reverend Scott Seymour was St. Joseph’s pastor when the diocese made the painful decision to close the church. He still supervises the Center as pastor of the joined parishes of St. Alexander’s Church in Morrisonville, St. James Church in Cadyville, and St. Augustine’s in Peru. Fr. Seymour commented, “This Church was built for the community. It remains utilized for the community. Church is coming to people differently.”  

On Monday, June 27th, Bishop Terry R. LaValley blessed and dedicated the St. Joseph’s Outreach center in the presence of Fr. Seymour’s parish community, his parish council and trustees, representatives of many local service organizations, and local community leaders. 

St. Joseph’s Church was always a welcoming place. At the time of its closing, volunteers staffed a clothing store and soup kitchen. Today, working in partnership with JCEO, the soup kitchen serves 300 to 350 people each Wednesday, double its previous numbers and the clothing store has significantly expanded. They call it a boutique. In the center’s food pantry people choose their food rather than having someone pick it out for them. The community garden and raised garden outside the center grow fresh vegetables. The Catholic Charities Retired Senior Volunteer Programs (RSVP) and E-MDT Elder Abuse programs have offices there. Veterans Feeding Veterans program volunteers pack about 300 food boxes in the former parish hall. CV-TEC and other tutors use the expansive main room (the main body of the former church) for high school equivalency and individualized student tutoring. Volunteers, parishioners, local businesses and parish staff (some working on their own time) transformed the former rectory (pastor’s home) into short-term transitional housing for the homeless, immigrants, fire victims, and others. Earlier in the day, the Mercy Sisters announced they would use the Center for their senior citizen Compassionate Care Program. Over the coming weeks, they’ll train volunteers to reach out to seniors. Many seniors would welcome a faith-based program into their homes, while others would welcome a government-based one.

Initially, Father Seymour offered the church for sale; the offers were far below the asking price. He recalled, “Selling the building at the price offered would dishonor the people who worked so hard to build the church. I took it to prayer. One evening I awoke and had the answer. “If you go, who will help the people who need us. I went to the parish council and the parish trustees. They were unanimous. St. Joseph’s will stand as a place to help the needy.” 

Editors Note – Correction to the story made on June 29th at 3:56 p.m. I erred in stating that the food pantry existed before the church’s closing. The clothing store operated at that time, thanks to the hard work of several volunteers.

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Voting in Peru takes place at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St.

Democrats have the choice of candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor. Governor – Choices for Governor are Thomas R. Suozi, Kathy C. Hooch or Humane D. Williams. Lt. Governor – Ana Maria Archia, Diana Reyna or Antonio Delgado

Republicans have the choice of candidates for Governor – Choices are Rob Astorino, Andrew Giuliani, Harry Wilson or Lee Zeldin

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Peru, Sunday, June 26, 2022 – More than 300 shoppers turned out for the Peru Town Market’s first 2022 day of operation at Heyworth-Mason Park. Lauren Prue and Ali Webbinaro are the Market organizers. Lauren commented, “I’ve very happy with the turnout, especially with the hot temperatures. We have 35 vendors including several famers with fresh produce.” A gentle breeze, the cool waters of nearby Little Ausable River and the good band playing made for an enjoyable experience. Click here for more photos

The Peru Town Market runs from 11am-3pm on the last Sunday of each month this summer, and two Sundays this fall.
Sunday, June 26
Sunday, July 31
Sunday, August 28
Sunday, September 18
Sunday, October 9

Nice crowd as Sunday evening concerts at Heyworth-Mason Park begin. Concerts every Sunday 6. p.m. to 8 p.m. through August 28th.

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