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.
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The Ausable River Association (AsRA), in partnership with Adirondack River Rentals, Casella Waste Systems, and One Tree Planted, is hosting their annual Ausable River Cleanup Friday, September 17 in Peru, NY. The cleanup is open to all community members and visitors who want to volunteer their time to help enhance and protect the health of the Ausable River.
AsRA’s staff will work with Adirondack River Rentals to remove trash in and along the banks of the Ausable River near Carpenter’s Flats. “We hosted this cleanup last year at this location, which was a great success, and there is still more work to be done,” says Carrianne Pershyn, AsRA’s Biodiversity Research Manager. Casella Waste Systems has volunteered to remove all the trash and tires collected from the cleanup. One of AsRA’s newer partners, One Tree Planted, will also enhance the event with supplies and other cleanup supports.
Participants are encouraged to provide their own boats, and Adirondack River Rentals will offer canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards to those who need them. Bags and gloves will also be provided, though volunteers can also bring their own. All applicable COVID-19 precautions will be observed during the event. The day will be broken down into two shifts to allow for easier participation: 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Household members are encouraged to come together and share a canoe.
The Ausable River faces many challenges including climate change, road salt, invasive species, undersized culverts, and bank erosion. Cleanup participants will be improving the health of the river, allowing it to better manage these challenges. “We’re so pleased to work with our many dedicated watershed residents and visitors to clean up a popular stretch of the Ausable River,” says Liz Metzger, AsRA’s River Steward.
The cleanup will begin at Adirondack River Rentals at 3004 US 9, Peru, NY at 9:00am or 1:00pm depending on the shift. For more information and to sign up, please email events@ausableriver.org and indicate which shift you would prefer.
The North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association will commemorate the 10th anniversary of its North Star Underground Railroad Museum with a celebration on Saturday, September 18 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm, to be held on the museum grounds at 1131 Mace Chasm Rd in Ausable Chasm. The program will include guest speakers, entertainment, and refreshments. Founders Don and Vivian Papson, and the many volunteers who have contributed to the success of the museum, will be honored at the event.
Speakers include Jackie Madison, President of the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association; Helen Nerska, Director of the Clinton County Historical Association and first manager of the museum; Peter Slocum, author and long-time volunteer and bus tour guide for the museum; and Martha Swan, Executive Director of John Brown Lives! in Westport. Entertainment will be provided by the Voices of Faith female gospel choir from Plattsburgh.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information please call 518-834-5180.
Plattsburgh – One of the North Country’s most beloved bands will conclude the 14-concert Curbside At Harborside season on this Saturday, Sept. 4, at 7:30 p.m. on Plattsburgh’s Harborside Stage, marking the twenty-fifth concert presented since this unique series began amid the COVID-19 pandemic last year.
The Too Tall String Band — Rod Driscoll, Bruce Lawson, and Hap Wheeler — has been one of the most popular professional musical ensembles in the North Country since its formation in 1984. They have headlined concerts at many regional musical showcases, including the Goodwill Games in Lake Placid, the Adirondack Folk Music Festival, the Watertown Goes Green Irish Festival, Concerts on the Bluff, First Night in Saranac Lake and in Bristol, Vermont, and the JEMS Concert Series in Jay.
Attendees have the option of bringing lawn chairs or blankets and listening to the music outside of their car or remaining in their vehicle and listening to the music broadcast over their car radio directly from the stage. Individuals who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 do not need to wear face masks outside of their vehicles. Audience members are respectfully requested to refrain from bringing alcohol or pets (service animals are welcome) into the Harborside Lot.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced changes to New York State’s $800 million COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program that will enable more small businesses to apply for funding. Starting today, businesses with revenues up to $2.5 million can apply for grants, up from the previous threshold of $500,000. Additionally, the limitation for businesses that received Federal Paycheck Protection Program loans has been increased from $100,000 to $250,000.
Launched in June, the program initially focused on small and micro-businesses across New York State, which were largely left out of federal business recovery initiatives. Empire State Development and its partners have worked hard ensure that these businesses have the technical assistance – including guidance during the application process and support to overcome language barriers – they need to be first in line for this program. To date, more than $48 million has been awarded to over 2,380 small and micro-businesses in all ten regions of the state. The modifications announced today ensure additional small businesses can more quickly access funding through the program.
ESD and Lendistry, the minority-led Community Development Financial Institution that was selected to administer the program, will continue to accept and review applications. All current applicants – those who have not finished their applications, have not uploaded documents or have incomplete documentation – are encouraged to finalize their applications as soon as possible. Previously ineligible small businesses may start applying today, and those applications will start being processed on Wednesday, September 8.
Did you know that the North Country Chamber of Commerce has a dedicated staff member to help you sort out several grant details. Contact Raechell at raechell@northcountrychamber.com or 518.563.1000 for information and details.
The news is inundated with disturbing reports from multiple areas in our country as well as many other areas worldwide. I’ve also been approached by many, asking if we will be collecting for disaster relief in aftermath of Ida. Short answer = YES. See below…..
In two key disaster areas this morning, please note the following:
1. Aftermath of Hurricane Ida: Yes, the North Country Mission of Hope is in the process of reaching trusted and vetted contacts in Louisiana, etc. If you wish to send a monetary contribution, please use the word “Ida” as your memo. We can accept donations via check, Venmo (state Ida) and search North Country Mission of Hope, credit card ( call Suzanne at 518-420-2679). Please remember that fees are charged with a credit card option.
Among the contacts we are reaching out to are :
A. Dominican Sisters of Peace who have Sisters serving in the New Orleans and surrounding areas. The Mission has networked with these Sisters during other national disasters.
B. SBP, a non profit organization in New Orleans, which spearheads “Nuns Build” where their goal is to reduce the time from disaster to recovery. One of our Dominican Sisters of Hope has traveled annually to work on these building projects and is an organization I’ve personally supported as well. SBP stands for St. Bernard’s Project (located in the parish/county of St. Bernard) in Louisiana and began shortly after Hurricane Katrina.
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We will distribute donated funds accordingly.
2. Update from Haiti: As of this morning, we have received $8108.01 in donations. These funds are already being used to provide for the basics and urgent needs on the ground in Haiti. Once network ability is a bit more stable, we will receive a brief report and will pass that on to all of you.
3. While our immediate focus is on these two areas of disaster relief, please know that we also remain vigilant and faithful to our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua, who continue to struggle and suffer horribly and we maintain a monthly donation for food to an orphanage in Venezuela as well.
4. I truly hope you all understand how incredibly grateful we are for your continued support and trust. We cannot do anything without your prayerful and financial support. We might be able to provide the trusted conduit to serve those in greatest need, but we can only reach out in HOPE when you reach out and share your blessings with us. We want you to know how grateful we are and that along with all those in need, we pray for you as well. I am humbled and honored to be connected to all of you! Thank you for sharing HOPE!
Perhaps we can all pray the following:
Living and sharing HOPE,
Sr. Debbie Blow, OP
Executive Director
North Country Mission of Hope
3452 Route 22
Peru, NY 12972 Cell: 518-572-4246
Office: 518-643-5572
Counselor Kregg Bruno reported that the Youth Commission approved Brian Marino as its chairman at its August 17th meeting. Marino, who attended this town board meeting, replaces longtime chairman Greg Mills who resigned from the position. The town board plans to officially accept Marino as commission chairman at its next meeting.
The board accepted William Myer’s resignation from the Youth Commission and thanked him for his eight years of service.
Water-Sewer-Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that eighteen additional Hometown Hero banners have been erected. He said the growing banner numbers may necessitate placing two banners on a pole, placing banners outside the hamlet, or displaying banners for a specified period of time.
The board would like to improve Sullivan Park. Counselor Melvin said, “Sullivan Park is in rough shape.” Courtney Tetrault said the field’s use has to be defined and a plan devised.
In other actions the board:
Approved amendments to the water tower lease contract with T-Mobile-Sprint at a rate of $2,200 monthly, an increase of about $100 monthly over the previous contract.
Approved an engineering contract with AES Engineering to evaluate the chlorination/dechlorination system at the Valcour Sewer District at a cost not to exceed $6,730.NYS DEC required the evaluation.
Approved a resolution related to snow and ice removal on about 22 miles of Clinton County roads. It includes a $1 per mile increase for “snow-belt” roads.
Approved an emergency purchase of Generac generators to be used at the sewer system’s new lift stations. Koehler is Peru’s preferred provider; however, Kohler has temporarily ceased production.
Approved purchasing of four town hall exterior locks including optional software from Cologne Security at a cost of $10,326.The software can be easily updated and will monitor when and who enters the building.
Scheduled sewer system workshops with AES Engineering for September 13th at 5 p.m. and October 18th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Scheduled a sewer system upgrade workshop with the Rifenburg Construction for Wednesday, August 25th at 10 a.m.
NYDOH Statement: The NYS Health Department is committed to helping NYS school communities get back to the classroom — safely. The Department has filed an emergency regulation requiring students, faculty and staff of all public and private schools (P-12) in New York State to wear masks inside school buildings. Effective immediately, this measure will help keep NYS students and teachers healthy and safe as we continue our work to #VaccinateNY. https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/…/2.61_determination…
Commissioner’s Determination on Indoor Masking Pursuant to 10 NYCRR 2.61 August 27, 2021
Pursuant to 10 NYCRR 2.61, I hereby issue the following determination, which includes findings of necessity, to support the face masking/covering requirements set forth below:
Findings of necessity:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified a concerning national trend of increasing circulation of the Delta COVID-19 variant, which is approximately twice as transmissible as the SARS-CoV-2 strain. Since early July, cases have risen 10-fold, and 95 percent of sequenced recent positives in New York State were the Delta variant.
Certain settings and areas (e.g., healthcare, schools, and public places located in CDC-identified areas of substantial or high community transmission) pose increased challenges and urgency for controlling the spread of this disease because of the vulnerable populations served, the disproportionate percentage of individuals (e.g., children) who are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination, and/or the substantial to high levels of community transmission.
The above findings demonstrate the necessity for the implementation of layered prevention strategies, which includes face coverings/masks. COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets, and several studies have shown that appropriate face coverings/masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn correctly, fully covering one’s nose and mouth. Additionally, as noted by the CDC, multiple real-world studies have shown a substantial decrease in SARS-CoV-2 transmission, including:
Mask use during an outbreak aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, a close, congregate environment, was associated with 70% decrease in risk of infection.
A study from Thailand documented that those who reported mask use during high-risk exposures experienced a more than 70% reduced risk of acquiring the disease compared to those who did not report such mask use during high-risk exposures.
A study in China demonstrated that mask use by both the index patient and family contacts before symptom onset reduced secondary transmission within households by 79%.Further, as also reported by the CDC, research supports that there are no significant health effects or changes in oxygen or carbon dioxide levels from mask wear.Accordingly, based on the foregoing findings of necessity, I hereby issue the following masking requirements:Face Covering/Masking Requirements11 Nothing in this determination shall be interpreted as inconsistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA), workplace safety guidelines, or applicable federal regulations.
Healthcare settings:
Personnel: After careful review and consideration of CDC recommendations for face masks in healthcare settings regulated by the Department, I hereby adopt such recommendations, imposing them as requirements, where applicable. Accordingly, all personnel, regardless of vaccination status, in a healthcare setting (i.e., facilities or entities regulated under Articles 28, 36 and 40 of the Public Health Law) shall wear an appropriate face mask in accordance with applicable CDC exceptions, until this determination is modified or rescinded.
Visitors to Healthcare Facilities: After careful review and consideration of CDC recommendations, all visitors over age two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering/mask shall be required to wear a face-covering/mask in health care facilities, regardless of vaccination status, subject to applicable CDC exceptions, and until this determination is modified or rescinded.
Adult care facilities (ACFs) regulated by the Department:
Personnel: After careful review and consideration of the core principles for infection control to protect the health and safety of both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated residents, all ACF personnel, regardless of vaccination status, shall wear an appropriate face mask if providing direct medical care and at a minimum, a cloth face covering by other staff in such settings, in accordance with any applicable CDC exceptions, until this determination is modified or rescinded.
Visitors: After careful review and consideration of CDC recommendations, unvaccinated visitors, who are over age two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering/mask shall be required to wear a face-covering/mask in such setting, subject to CDC exceptions, and until this determination is modified or rescinded.
P-12 school settings:
a. After careful review and consideration of CDC recommendations for face coverings/masks in
school settings, I hereby adopt such recommendations, imposing them as requirements, where applicable, until this determination is modified or rescinded2. Accordingly, universal masking of teachers, staff, students, and visitors to P-12 schools over age two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering/mask and regardless of vaccination status, is required until this determination is modified or rescinded. SuchrequirementissubjecttoapplicableCDC-recommended exceptions.
Correctional facilities and detention centers:
Incarcerated/Detained Persons and Staff: After careful review and consideration of CDC recommendations for face coverings/masks, all incarcerated/detained Persons and staff shall wear an appropriate face-covering/mask when social distancing cannot be maintained, and in accordance with applicable CDC exceptions (e.g., eating and sleeping), until this determination is modified or rescinded.
Visitors: After careful review and consideration of CDC recommendations for face coverings/masks in correctional facilities and detention centers, all visitors over age two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering/mask shall wear an appropriate face-covering/mask in accordance with applicable CDC exceptions until this determination is modified or rescinded. Correctional facilities and detention centers may impose their own policies for private visitation.
Homeless Shelters (including overnight emergency shelters, day shelters, and meal service providers):
a. After careful review and consideration of CDC recommendations, all clients, visitors, staff, and volunteers over age two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering/mask shall wear an appropriate face mask/covering regardless of vaccination status when social distancing cannot be
2 Guidance from American Academy of Pediatrics was also reviewed when making face-covering/masking determinations in school settings, which is consistent with the above referenced CDC recommendations.
maintained and in accordance with applicable CDC exceptions (e.g., eating and sleeping), until this determination is modified or rescinded.
6. Public Transportation Conveyances and at Transportation Hubs
a. After careful review and consideration of CDC recommendations for face coverings/masks on
public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs, all persons, over age two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering/mask, regardless of vaccination status, shall wear an appropriate face-covering/mask while in indoor areas of conveyances or while indoors at transportation hubs, in accordance with applicable CDC exceptions, until this determination is modified or rescinded.
Updates to the above referenced CDC recommendations will not necessarily require issuance of a revised or modified determination. However,suchCDCrecommendationswillbecontinuouslymonitoredbythe Department, and updated determinations issued, as appropriate.
Commissioner’s Determination on Indoor Masking Pursuant to 10 NYCRR 2.61 August 27, 2021
Pursuant to 10 NYCRR 2.61, I hereby issue the following determination, which includes findings of necessity, to support the face masking/covering requirements set forth below:
Findings of necessity:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified a concerning national trend of increasing circulation of the Delta COVID-19 variant, which is approximately twice as transmissible as the SARS-CoV-2 strain. Since early July, cases have risen 10-fold, and 95 percent of sequenced recent positives in New York State were the Delta variant.
Certain settings and areas (e.g., healthcare, schools, and public places located in CDC-identified areas of substantial or high community transmission) pose increased challenges and urgency for controlling the spread of this disease because of the vulnerable populations served, the disproportionate percentage of individuals (e.g., children) who are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination, and/or the substantial to high levels of community transmission.
The above findings demonstrate the necessity for the implementation of layered prevention strategies,which includes face-coverings/masks. COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets, and several studies have shown that appropriate face coverings/masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn correctly, fully covering one’s nose and mouth. Additionally, as noted by the CDC, multiple real-world studies have shown a substantial decrease in SARS-CoV-2 transmission, including:
Mask use during an outbreak aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, a close, congregate environment, was associated with 70% decrease in risk of infection.
A study from Thailand documented that those who reported mask use during high-risk exposures experienced a more than 70% reduced risk of acquiring the disease compared to those who did not report such mask use during high-risk exposures.
A study in China demonstrated that mask use by both the index patient and family contacts before symptom onset reduced secondary transmission within households by 79%. Further, as also reported by the CDC, research supports that there are no significant health effects or changes in oxygen or carbon dioxide levels from mask wear. Accordingly, based on the foregoing findings of necessity, I hereby issue the following masking requirements: Face Covering/Masking Requirements11 NothinginthisdeterminationshallbeinterpretedasinconsistentwiththeAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA), workplace safety guidelines, or applicable federal regulations.
Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower, Albany, NY 12237│health.ny.gov
“The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recorded 6.97 inches of rain in Plattsburgh and 6.61 inches in Elizabethtown in less than a day. The river gage maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey near Au Sable Forks clocked the river’s pace on Aug. 28 at 46,500 cubic feet-per-second. Normal rainstorms push the river to run about 12,000 cubic feet-per-second. The Ausable reached 15.54 feet, over 8 feet above flood stage, clocking in with a recurrence interval greater than 500 years.”
Rifenburg Contracting will have a portion of Maiden Lane closed from the intersection with Locust Dr. to Woodland Dr. today August 30th to Wednesday, September 1st at 5 p.m.
There will be NO through traffic including Emergency vehicles during that time period.
Since our 8/26 update, 52 additional lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive cases have been reported.
Currently, CCHD is seeing a mix of cases among vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. In most of these cases, the vaccines are doing what they are supposed to do – prevent severe symptoms and hospitalization. Many cases are connected through large gatherings, workplaces, and households.
Regardless of vaccination status, CCHD continues to recommend all residents wear masks indoors, avoid crowds and high risk activities, wash hands frequently, and get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated reduces your chances of contracting COVID-19, protects you from severe illness requiring hospitalization, and helps to eliminate the virus’ ability to mutate and create new variants.
Note: Due to rising COVID-19 cases in Clinton County, CCHD will resume daily updates this week.
– CCHD offers free COVID-19 vaccine clinics every Thursday from 10:00am to 12:00 noon. To register call 518-565-4848.
– Vaccination data: https://public.tableau.com/…/viz/Covid-Draft/Dashboard. According to the North Country COVID Vaccine Dashboard 97,478 total doses of COVID-19 Vaccine were given in Clinton County as of 8/22. As of 8/22, 64% of all Clinton County residents had at least one dose of the vaccine and 60% of residents had completed their vaccine series. 73% of residents 18 years and older have received at least one dose.
Peru – The 21st Annual Run for Jon took place today at Forrence’s Mannix Road Orchard. Here are photos of a few of the kind people who are participating. The Run for Jon is an annual race to raise money for the families of local children with serious medical problems and honor the memory of Jon Evans.
Quotes from the Ron for Jon Facebook page – “In 1990, 13-year-old Jon Evans was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Soon after his diagnosis, two long-time friends of the Evans family, Mark Elmore, and Scott Woodward organized the first Run for Jon to raise money to help pay for expenses.”
“Just two weeks before the 2nd Run, Jon passed away. Every year since then, family and friends have held the Run for Jon to raise money for the families of local children with serious medical problems.”
Karl Baggs of Peru (Left) was one of the twenty-eight honored vets.
By John T. Ryan
September 28, 2021 – The North Country Honor Flight honored two veteran flights this morning #32 and #32, a total of twenty-eight Korean War, Vietnam veterans. Several hundred people attended the 7 a.m. send-off ceremony. The U.S. Oval Fag flew at half-mast in honor of the members of the U.S. military who died this week in Afghanistan. The Peru Gazette is awaiting the names and biographies of today’s vets. This post will be updated when they are received. Thanks to all the Honor Flight volunteers who do such an outstanding job!
NYSCOPBA, the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Associaton, sponsored both flights.
By John T. Ryan