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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 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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International Trade Days Scheduled

The North Country Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that International Trade Day – last held in Plattsburgh in October of 2019 – has gone virtual for 2021 and will take place over three days on March 9th, 11th, and 16th. Read more »

North Country Chamber of Commerce Update Logo

After more than 25 years, the North Country Chamber has updated its logo to be more representative of a regional business advocacy and economic development organization. We believe the new logo, modeled on an “element” in the periodic table, conveys the breadth of what has been termed a “power” organization with the “R” then representing the “Power of Region”, while the graphic arrow provides a nod to our mountains while also committing our business support through all ups and downs.
   The new logo also lends itself to modifications in appropriate situations. For example, it can easily be shown with a “P” for the “Power of Partnership” or an “E” for the “Power of Enterprise”. And we suggest it is more relevant to a multi-dimensional entity engaged in everything from manufacturing and technology to enterprise and government affairs, while our Adirondack Coast logo will continue to represent our tourism sector and marketing endeavors with its inviting image of the lake and mountains.
We have been planning to do such an update for more than a year but find there cannot be a better time than now for “renewal” and positive adjustment as we begin to move through the hopefully final stages of this terrible pandemic, which in turn has confirmed the importance of our Chamber as a vital source of information, guidance, assistance and advocacy.
Watch now for the dynamic and modern new logo to replace the old on our website, in all publications and on everything conveying who we are. Our thanks to our marketing staff members for generating these new looks, refined by our friends at Boire & Benner.
Onward and upward! The Power of Region!
Garry Douglas
President/CEO
North Country Chamber of Commerce

Enjoy Corned Beef and Cabbage on March 13th

Peru – St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 invites our neighbors to enjoy a delicious take-out only corned beef and cabbage dinner on Saturday, March 13th.  The dinner will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. The cost is $10 per person, with all proceeds benefitting local charities and people in need. The knights will serve the meal piping hot for you to take home and enjoy! 

SUNY Psych program gets seal of approval | News | pressrepublican.com

Source: SUNY Psych program gets seal of approval | News | pressrepublican.com

Faced with ballooning budget gap, UAlbany looks to downsize

Source: Faced with ballooning budget gap, UAlbany looks to downsize

Housing, high-speed internet key to growth in Adirondacks, survey shows | NCPR News

Source: Housing, high-speed internet key to growth in Adirondacks, survey shows | NCPR News

Syracuse hospitals allow visitors again as Covid-19 cases decline – syracuse.com

Source: Syracuse hospitals allow visitors again as Covid-19 cases decline – syracuse.com

NY attorney general moving forward with Cuomo sexual harassment probe – syracuse.com

Source: NY attorney general moving forward with Cuomo sexual harassment probe – syracuse.com

Third woman accuses Andrew Cuomo of inappropriate behavior – syracuse.com

Source: Third woman accuses Andrew Cuomo of inappropriate behavior – syracuse.com

Farm micro-grants available up to $1,500 – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Farm micro-grants available up to $1,500 – The Adirondack Almanack

Local leaders react to Cuomo sexual-harassment allegations | Sun Community News 

Pennsylvania lifts out-of-state travel restrictions; when will NY? – syracuse.com

Source: Pennsylvania lifts out-of-state travel restrictions; when will NY? – syracuse.com

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s March 1 COVID-19 Update

March 1, 2021.
One year ago today, New York confirmed our first case of the novel coronavirus, and the uncharted pandemic of COVID-19 began for New Yorkers. We’ve faced great pain and loss over the last 365 days, but there’s reason to be hopeful for the future. Today, the New York State Clinical Advisory Task Force unanimously recommended the use of the Janssen Pharmaceuticals/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot vaccine has less restrictive storage requirements that will make it easier for the state to reach more New Yorkers, faster. We expect to receive approximately 164,800 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week. There’s a lot of work ahead, but with this vaccine’s approval—the third one—we have cause for optimism as we move forward to a post-COVID future.
Photo of the Day: The Jones Beach vaccination site administered its 50,000th vaccine shot over the weekend.
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations rose slightly to 5,307. Of the 174,158 tests reported yesterday, 6,235, or 3.58 percent, were positive. There were 1,065 patients in ICU yesterday, down 18 from the previous day. Of them, 741 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 80 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 11am today, 92 percent of first doses allocated to the state have been administered. This represents 2,954,858 first doses administered of the 3,206,430 first dose allocations received from the federal government. So far, 4,583,616 total doses have been administered out of the 5,229,950 total doses received. See data by region and county on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
3. Starting today, hotel workers are now eligible for the COVID vaccine. Given the overall increase to the State’s supply and the essential health care service that these hotel workers provide, we are granting localities the flexibility to add hotel workers to the 1B vaccine prioritization group. Hotel workers can schedule an appointment through the State’s Am I Eligible Tool or call the New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).
4. Appointments still available at mass vaccination sites in Brooklyn and Queens. Over the weekend, appointments opened up to all eligible New Yorkers who live in Brooklyn or Queens. Eligible Brooklyn residents can make a vaccination appointment at the Medgar Evers College site; eligible Queens residents can schedule a vaccination appointment at the York College site. If you are eligible and live in Brooklyn or Queens, get vaccinated.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: When schools shifted to online learning, a Long Island teen took virtual learning a step further to help raise money for health care. Throughout the pandemic, Jacob Gross from Roslyn, NY took his love of math and began to tutor students in kindergarten through 8th grade—with all the proceeds going to Northwell Health’s COVID-19 Fund. Jacob started his online business “Tutor for a Cause” as a way to bring people closer together and support our frontline workers. To date, Jacob has raised $4,000 for the fund.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Blood Donors – Mark Your Calendar For March 22nd

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Brive, Monday, March 22nd from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. 
Your neighbors need and appreciate your donation. All coronavirus safeguards will be maintained. 

Webinar: Why 2-Year Colleges Are A Great Choice – CFES Brilliant Pathways

Source: Webinar: Why 2-Year Colleges Are A Great Choice – CFES Brilliant Pathways

One year in: The toll COVID has taken on NY lives, jobs, political fortunes | NCPR News

Source: One year in: The toll COVID has taken on NY lives, jobs, political fortunes | NCPR News

Stefanik Announces SkyWest to Continue Essential Air Service into Ogdensburg

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Stefanik announced that the Department of Transportation has selected SkyWest Airlines Inc. to provide weekly, nonstop, round trip flights from Ogdensburg International Airport (OGS) to Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD). Congresswoman Stefanik has long advocated for increased funding for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program during every appropriations season, as it provides critical funding for rural airports and allows smaller communities like those in the North Country to access the national air transportation system. Additionally, Congresswoman Stefanik sent a letter of support on behalf of Sky West as the preferred EAS provider for Ogdensburg Airport. The DOT will provide more than $14 million in federal funds over the next three years to ensure these critical services remain in the North Country. 
“I am thrilled to announce that the Department of Transportation has once again selected SkyWest to provide their essential flight service in the North Country. This is a critical program that I have long advocated for each year, as it allows North Country residents to conveniently and more frequently travel, and attracts travelers to our region, while boosting small businesses and tourist areas.”

Call for Artists for the Strand Center Spring Pop-Up Gallery Show

The Strand Center for the Arts is excited to host a Pop-Up Gallery Exhibition to celebrate the first day of spring in March and is looking for artists. Running in conjunction with the Spring Artisan Marketplace taking place on The Strand Center lawn, this special exhibition will be held at The Strand Center Main Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh. The exhibition will open on Saturday, March 20, 2021, from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m.

All artists are eligible to enter on a first come-first served basis, with a maximum of twenty artists capable of hanging their work in the gallery for the duration of the day’s exhibit. Those artists desiring to have their work in the show may do so by contacting The Strand Gallery Director, David Monette, at david.monette@strandcenter.org by Thursday, March 18. If selected to exhibit, those artists would then be responsible for hanging their work before the show and removing it afterward. All media will be accepted, both 2d and 3d, and all pieces must be labeled on the front and back with the artist’s name, title, price, and media. Additionally, 2d artwork must be framed and wired for hanging.

Concerning the exhibit, Gallery Director David Monette stated, “I can’t say enough how great these pop-up exhibitions have been for artists to display their work and for the community to view that work in a safe environment. We’ve had at least one of these pop-ups a month since September and the response by attendees and artists has been amazing, especially when this one-day show is on the same day as the artisan marketplace out on the lawn. I’m sure it’ll be excellent.”

The Spring Pop-Up Gallery Exhibition will be on view in The Strand Center Main Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh only on Saturday, March 20, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and is free and open to the public. Facemasks, social distancing, and a cap on the amount of people allowed in the gallery at any one time will be strictly upheld. For more information on these exhibits, upcoming events, concerts or classes happening at The Strand Center for the Arts, please call 518-563-1604 or visit www.strandcenter.org.

City & State Coronavirus Update

Source: City & State Coronavirus Update

Police: Man dead following snowmobile crash in northern New York

BELLMONT, N.Y. — A 57-year-old man is dead after a snowmobile crash involving two sleds in northern New York on Friday. According to state police, the crash happened just before 11 a.m. Troopers said Richard Button, of Gansevoort, was driving on a maintained trail near Bellmont when he hit another snowmobile traveling in the opposite direction.

Source: Police: Man dead following snowmobile crash in northern New York

Superintendents pan Scott’s renewed push for in-person learning – VTDigger

Source: Superintendents pan Scott’s renewed push for in-person learning – VTDigger

Post Weekend March 1 COVID-19 Report: Positives +73

Since our 2/26 update, 73 additional lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive cases have been reported.
CCHD has been informed of several openings at local vaccination sites in Clinton County. These COVID-19 vaccination clinics are restricted to New York State residents aged 65 years and older ONLY. By registering for this clinic, you legally attest that you are a full- or part-time resident of New York State and that you are 65 years of age or older. You must bring proof of both age AND residency to the clinic or you will be turned away.
Champlain Family Health (3/2 and 3/4)
Plattsburgh Family Health (3/2 and 3/5)
Hannaford in Plattsburgh (3/1, 3/2, and 3/3)
Here are links to some frequently requested data:
– Percentage positive results: https://forward.ny.gov/percentage-positive-results-county…. According to NYSDOH 700 people tested in Clinton County on 2/27. As of 2/27, 7-day average % positive in Clinton County = 2.1%.
– NYS School Report Card (providing school and college data): https://schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov
– Hospitalization data: https://forward.ny.gov/daily-hospitalization-summary-region. As of 2/27, 71 individuals hospitalized (8 ICU) in the North Country Region.
– Additional information: www.clintonhealth.org/covid19

The North Country Mission of Hope Presses On

March has arrived and with it, a lot is unfolding within the Mission of Hope. Sister Debbie Blow
 
Here are just a few highlights:
 
1. Relief efforts for Texas: As of this morning, we have received $3230 in funding. Yes, we will continue to accept donations to assist those in recovery after the most recent disaster there. If you wish to join this effort, please remember to write “Texas” in the memo section of your check, Venmo and flag it for Texas or call the office during morning hours to use your credit card. Hope is alive….
 
2. Venezuela’s children suffer: As you also are aware, we are assisting an orphanage in Venezuela which is struggling due to the political turmoil and the lack of food or the astronomical costs for access to food. Along with the children at the orphanage, the Sisters are attempting to feed street people who are also very food-deprived. We are wiring funds through a trusted contact of Sr. Mirian’s….and she has received all funds to date. Included are two photos from Venezuela, one of the children eating in the orphanage and one of the street children and people lining up to be fed by the Sisters. Hope is alive…..
 
Indeed, there is great need in so many places, and while the Mission cannot feed the entire world, we can offer hope to one heart at a time, where we can, when we can, because we can!!
 
3. Nicaragua: You might wonder what is the Mission of Hope up to these days in Nicaragua?
 
A. Another 4000 masks were made by local women as well as over 1,000 bottles of sanitizer. This brings our ongoing mask totals to close to 40,000 thus far. These masks were distributed throughout our 13 barrios. Hope is alive….
 
B. Our Mission of Hope clinic is operating, and we’ve recently added a part-time Psychologist to assist with the increasing mental health issues among those who suffer so much illness, isolation, political turmoil, food scarcity and more. So, at present within our own “small” Mission clinic, we offer general medicine, dental, eye care and psychological services. Hope is alive….
 
C. Lab in a Box program (which began as a partnership with Providence College) and now continues on its own is held weekly on our property in Nicaragua. Over 120 children and adults are taking classes on the weekends in a structure on our property which was built with funds from the Greg Pinard Estate (a man who died a few years ago and wanted us to continue to “make a difference”. Hope is alive….
 
D. Education sponsorships: Close to 700 children are being sponsored through our regular education program in more than a dozen small area schools. In addition, over 100 girls are also being educated thanks to a Buddhist Global Relief grant we have received. Over 100 children are also being supported within our OHP program (Orphans’ Hope Program) in 4 orphanages, as well as HIV children in foster homes. Hope is alive….
 
E. Home Shelters: You will be amazed to know that 25 home shelters will be constructed for homeless families between now and end of June. Hope is alive…
 
F. Fuller Empowerment Program: We also have a program funded by the Fullers who coordinate various educational endeavors which may also lead to ways of employment. Hope is alive….
 
G. ECO water tanks and latrines: And yes, we are continuing the ecological efforts of constructing latrines and setting up water tank systems. Right now, we are in the midst of doing this for a family with two severely disabled children. Many of the schools we support already have the water tanks we’ve provided…and hope lives….
 
So, lest you thought we were just vegetating at home during COVID, I assure you we are not. While we’ve been unable to travel to Nica due to the political unrest, our projects and programs continue.
 
4. MOHtown will reopen on Wednesday, March 3rd. Hours will be 9-noon and all COVID protocol will be enforced. You should also be aware that even while our warehouse has been officially closed for a few months, we have continued to network with local families and healthcare folks to provide needed medical equipment and supplies on many different levels. YES, hope is alive…
 
Thought for the week: For many of you who are new to my news/notes, I usually include a personal reflection. This week, I’m choosing to include the following from Sister Joan Chittister, OSB, who seems to encapsulate what the Mission of Hope is “doing” and who we “are”… as well as who we are called to be.
 
“In the spiritual life, we are meant to prod our souls to regular discipline, only so, that in doing so, our hearts will be softened to serve those whom Jesus served.” (Joan Chittister)
 
Or as Scripture says, “Rend your hearts, not your garments”. Joel 2:13
 
My thought: Our actions must reflect who we say we are!
 
Live and be HOPE this week.
 
Sr. Debbie Blow, OP
Executive Director
North Country Mission of Hope
3452 Route 22
Peru, NY 12972
Cell: 518-572-4246-please note change of number as of 9/25/2020
Office: 518-643-5572

Impaired crashes on New York roads is an ongoing problem | News, Sports, Jobs – Adirondack Daily Enterprise

Source: Impaired crashes on New York roads is an ongoing problem | News, Sports, Jobs – Adirondack Daily Enterprise

CVPH comes off disaster mode | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com

Source: CVPH comes off disaster mode | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com