The Peru Gazette

Source: Syracuse University suspends in-person dining, increases testing as Covid outbreak grows – syracuse.com

               Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Plattsburgh) announced that the Assembly budget proposal includes significant funding for agricultural programs that support farming communities and increase food security for all New Yorkers.

               “As we continue fighting and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, we must work to protect and invest in our communities,” said Jones. “The pandemic has put a tremendous strain on our food and agriculture systems, leaving our farms without revenue and families without food. As a former dairy farmer myself, I know firsthand the hard work and dedication that goes into the agricultural industry, and I’m committed to helping our farming communities navigate these challenging times and receive the critical aid they need.”

               The Assembly budget proposal provides $50 million for the Nourish NY program, which helps families who are food insecure gain access to nutritious food from New York farms. Jones noted that this program has been tremendously successful and that he will continue to fight to make this program permanent.  The proposal also provides $35.41 million for agricultural aid to localities, an increase of $8 million over the executive proposal, including funding for the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program. Furthermore, farms are eligible for grants through the $1 billion Small Business Reopening and Relief Grant Program. This funding would give critical aid to businesses and families and help the state and the North Country recover from the damage done by the pandemic noted Jones.

Source: White House Announces $10 Billion For COVID-19 Testing In Schools | NCPR News

Source: Stimulus and taxes: How to shield up to $10,200 in unemployment benefits from income taxes – syracuse.com

Source: New York Gov. Cuomo lifts curfew for gyms, bowling alleys; restaurants not included

Source: The latest on vaccine rollout in New York

Source: Local reps push for new school social-distancing guidelines | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | Sen. Dan Stec and Assemblyman Matt Simpson are now leading a push in Albany to revise current social distancing guidelines for in-person learning.

Source: Plattsburgh on musical map thanks to nonprofit  | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | With a population of under 20,000 people, Plattsburgh doesn’t seem like an ideal stop for musical acts. 

Source: The North Country is losing child care providers at an ‘alarming rate’ | NCPR News

Source: City & State Albany Agenda

Source: Eligible for Covid vaccines Wednesday: Janitors, some nonprofit workers, more – syracuse.com

Source: NY Gov. Cuomo should resign if state AG’s investigation confirms sexual harassment allegations, President Biden says – syracuse.com

But for some people who got sick in the last year, like 34-year-old Jacob Avery from Plattsburgh, COVID has impacted their lives forever.

Source: Adirondack 46er was a “shell of himself” after battling COVID | NCPR News

Source: Erin go bragh: Irish heritage stories – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Police warn against impaired driving on St. Patrick’s Day

Bob Smith, center, holding green plaque

From the North County Chamber of Commerce

Updated with additional information 3/18/21 Plattsburgh – 3/17/2021 – The North Country Chamber of Commerce has been hosting the St.Patrick’s Day event for more than 60 years. After a rough 2020, we came back this year– virtually, but that did not stop us from some IrishShenanigans!

This special event honors the Irish person of the Year, a tradition based on the dedication of volunteerism, whether in business, community, or civic activities…or a combination of any of these. This year the Chamber honored Bob Smith as Irishman of the Year. A well-deserved recipient who has proven his dedication and support to the North Country for many, many years.

For those of you who don’t know Bob Smith, he has been an incredible leader in our community for more than 45 years. He is the owner of Nine Platt Hospitality group, which includes Best Western Plus – Plattsburgh, and the former Ground Round. He has been active for years in charitable and services organizations. Beyond that, he was one of the leaders in developing and advocating for the Clinton County Occupancy tax. If you need a hand Bob is there! As he liked to say, “There is no right way to do the wrong thing!”

He is married to the love of his life, Diane and they have 3 kids, Lindsey, Kristen and Michael, as well as 5 grandchildren. And we would be remised if we did not mention his adorable furchild, Quincy, a 100lb Bernadoodle. He credits his success to his family, especially his wife, Diane, his staff, including his COO and all-around right arm Julie Kramer and his father for teaching him the value of community. Fun fact, Bob’s father was also named Irishperson of the year in 1972, so this is one of the few Father & Son Irishperson duos.

Amidst a pandemic, the Chamber had to once again go virtual but we wanted to ensure an entertaining event – not just your typical webinar with a guy at the podium! Sponsors were supportive of our change of plans (THANK YOU!) and we were thrilled to host this annual event. A reimagined event with Matt Boire at the helm channeling his best “TonightShow” host impression and commanding the room (or camera) for an hour of merriment. Then we left it in the capable hands of Chris Boire who produced the show.

We appreciate everyone who joined this morning and we hope you were entertained and saw that virtual events don’t have to be boring! We could not have done this without the support of our sponsors: Dannemora Federal Credit Union (and thanks for the wine fridge!)

CDPHP

Kavanaugh Realty (Thanks for the wine!)

Boire Benner Group

We must give a special extra shout out to Matt Boire, for going along with us as we reworked this event, he spent countless hours writing scripts and having a camera up close and personal, Kevin Killeen who although he thought he “retired” from this gig, came back out in full force to help, Deacon Mark Bennett for his blessing, Kelly Donoghue and Jay Lesage for the rendition of Danny Boy, Matt Spiegel and his team at Olive Ridley’s, Adam Crosley and Gaelen Trombley for their singing abilities, as well as Chris and Jacob at Boire Benner Group who transformed the chaos into reality!

We cannot thank everyone enough for their continued support – your Chamber team appreciates it!

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Source: NY Lawmakers Set to Pass ‘HALT’ Bill to Limit Use of Solitary Confinement

Source: Adirondack Park Agency board approves subdivision in Fulton County | NCPR News

WEDNESDAY, April 14, 2021 @ 6:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of March 10, 2021 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing via Zoom meeting application (Covid-19)
6. APPLICATIONS:

1. 2-Lot Minor Subdivision with SEQR: P-2021-008 James T. Bezio

2-Lot Minor Subdivision

291.-1-36.1

455 Calkins Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS: Discussion to continue Zoom meetings
8. CEO REPORT:
9. ADJOURNMENT

Cuomo has shut down 21 prisons since he became governor in 2011. There are plans for more, according to his executive budget proposal. He is asking for the same authority from the state Legislature — to close prisons as long as he gives legislative leaders 90 days’ notice. There is a difference this time, though. Instead of having that authority in one fiscal year, he wants it spread over two fiscal years. That would allow him to speed up the closure of prisons during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 fiscal years.

Source: NYS Senate wants to allow Cuomo to speed up prison closures | NCPR News

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Clinton County Master Gardener Volunteers are offering a 3-part series, Gardening 101, via Zoom in April.

Each session is on a Saturday and will run from 10:00 am-11:30 am.  We will focus on vegetables and pollinator plants. This is an interactive workshop, you are free to ask questions as we go.

• April 10, site selection, soil, planning, choosing varieties
• April 17, vegetable planting, raised beds, containers, trellising
• April 24, maintenance and troubleshooting, pests, diseases

There is no charge for this gardening series. 

Contact Jolene Wallace, Horticulture Program Coordinator at jmw442@cornell.edu

Source: City & State Albany Agenda