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October 6, 2022, Plattsburgh – $180.105.53 – That is what pacesetters have already donated toward this year’s United Way of the Adirondacks campaign. President & CEO John Bernardi announced the success this morning before representatives of its 35 partner agencies and several supporters. The campaign has a $650,000 goal.
Why give to the United Way? Are people hurting? Doesn’t the government already help people? Bernardi said, “Our phones have been ringing off the wall. People need help with heating fuel, utilities, mortgage payments, and transportation. Our agencies are more flexible than the government. We’re creative. It’s unrealistic to think that the government will meet everyone’s needs.”
Assemblyman Billy Jones reinforced Bernardi’s statements saying, “What I think we’re seeing is people who never asked for help before. We’re seeing working people at the end of their credit limit; this inflation is driving them off that financial cliff.”
United Way Board Chairman Chris Mazella stated, “Our mission is all about building and increasing the ability of people to care for one another. When you are united, you care for one another. ”
On August 24th, The Peru Lions Club, along with members of the Chazy Lions Club performed a vision screening at JCEO in Plattsburgh. Pictured are left to right Dave Dalton Dave Jabaut, Ed Eisele and Rena Hart. Standing is Chazy’s Ricky Laurin
Donna Eisele observes as Rena Hart scan’s a students eyes at a Lions vision screening in the Peru Primary School.
Eighty percent of all visual impairment can be prevented or cured. The first step to prevention is awareness. The second is early detection through vision screening. Around the world, Lions partner with medical professionals and community leaders to screen young children, primary school students, and adults to identify those at risk for vision loss. The venue for Lions’ vision screenings varies from schools, to workplaces, to community health fairs, and the screening methods depend upon the age group. But the results are always the same. Early identification leads to timely referral, professional treatment, and improved or restored sight.
The New York State Department of Labor announced plans to raise the minimum wage in upstate to $14.20/hour, a one-dollar increase.
The proposed increase will go through the formal rulemaking process. The state is accepting public comments through December 11th, which can be emailed to regulations@labor.ny.gov, though the BNP does not expect any amount of disapproving public comments to derail the proposal. The increase will take effect December 31.
If the state proceeds with the increase, it would be the tenth consecutive year the state has increased the minimum wage. Under statute, annual increases are authorized to take place until the minimum wage reaches $15 in all regions of the state.
The increase was recommended based on a statutorily required report conducted by the Division of Budget. The report correctly notes that “entry-level wages are rising above the minimum wage floor due to the fierce competition for workers.” 13.7% of upstate workers earned the minimum wage pre-pandemic; only 5.9% of upstate workers earn the minimum wage now.
“At issue is the full restoration of the oversight, which was removed a decade ago, for the state comptroller’s office to review contracts at the state’s public college systems and the Office of General Services.”
“Local athletes Robert Heins, 83, of Plattsburgh, and Jim Adams, 75, of Altona, have been smashing the norms for years now, and pushing their bodies to the limit.”
Stroke team care members: Front row, left to right – Christina Northrup, RN and Doris Rible-Lacey, Speech Language Pathologist. Second row from left to right: Tony Lewis, Speech Language Pathologist, Colleen Bell, RN, Sarah Baskind, DNP, John Bologna, RN.
Team care members Michael McMahon, MD in Emergency Medicine, and CVPH Emergency Department Director Gail Bjelko, BSN, RN.
Hospital presented with award from American Heart Association
PLATTSBURGH, NY – The University of Vermont Health Network-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) has received the American Heart Association’s Gold Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
Stroke is the Number 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.
Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.
“The Stroke team at CVPH works to continually evaluate outcomes and look for opportunities to enhance the care we provide to stroke patients,” CVPH Clinical Quality Manager Colleen Bell said. “Collaboration across the UVM Health Network and use of American Heart Association resources, such as Get With the Guidelines – Stroke, contribute to meeting best practice standards for stroke patients.” Read more »
L-R State Senator Dan Stec, Lief Sorgule, Nate St. Louis, Principal Matt Berry
Leif Sorgule and Harbor Freight District Manager Chris Edgerton
By John T. Ryan (Please Share)
Peru Oct. 4, 2022 – Students filled the Peru High School Auditorium this morning for a surprise presentation. Harbor Freight Tools For Schools named Peru High School technology teacher Leif Sorgule a $50,000 National Teaching Prize winner. Sorgule is one of only twenty teachers nationwide receiving the award. As a result, Peru High School’s trades program will receive $35,000, and Sorgule will receive $15,000. In total, Harbor Freight Tools For Schools is awarding $1.25 million to twenty skilled trades teachers nationwide. This year seven hundred sixty-eight teachers applied, with only twenty selected.
Harbor Freight District Manager Chris Edgerton presented the award. He told the student that people working in the skilled trades have a bright future and mentioned the recent natural disaster. Skilled trades will be vital in rebuilding the areas affected. State Senator Dan Stec praised Sorgule and Peru High School for supporting skilled trades and technology programs. He thanked all teachers for the work they do. Student Nate St. Louis praised his teacher’s ability to connect with students personally and maintain a professional atmosphere while keeping the lessons engaging. He concluded, “I’m happy to have the halls at the same time this great man has.” State Assemblyman Billy Jones and Congresswoman’s representative Jonathan Carman also presented recognition certificates to Sorgule.
Principal Matt Berry concluded the program by offering the students this advice. “Whatever you choose to do, love it. Whatever you do, do it with humility and set the standard. All the accolades will follow.”
Editor’s Note: Nate St. Louis’ name corrected. First written as Nick.
High School Principal Matt Berry
Leif Sorgule
Nate St. Louis
State Senator Dan Stec
Assemblyman Billy Jones offers his congratulations
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s representative presents a Congressional Certificate of Recogntion to Sorgule