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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.

Comment Policy

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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Warning of second wave, Cuomo appeals directly to Pfizer for COVID vaccine doses | NCPR News

Source: Warning of second wave, Cuomo appeals directly to Pfizer for COVID vaccine doses | NCPR News

Message From Clinton County Health Department

Potential COVID-19 Exposure
 
Plattsburgh, January 18, 2021. Residents who visited the Country Corner Diner in West Chazy between 10:00 and 11:00 am on January 10th may have been exposed to COVID-19. If you were present and seated in the front bar area, the Clinton County Health Department recommends that you self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 over the 14-day period from the date of the potential exposure. Symptoms include, but are not limited to fever, cough, chills and loss of sense of taste and smell. If experiencing these or other symptoms of illness, seek immediate testing by contacting your medical provider or an urgent care center.Potential COVID-19 Exposure.

 COVID-19 Drive-Through Vaccination Facility Opens Today 

Plattsburgh, January 18, 2021. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) will begin vaccinating residents today. The drive-through facility, located on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, is open to all Phase 1a and 1b eligible candidates. “We are grateful to have a state vaccination site here in the North Country,” expressed Legislative Chairman Mark Henry. “Clinton County is happy to be able to provide facilities at the Plattsburgh International Airport, as well as assistance from members of many different county departments to aid in the process.” 

Vaccination at the site is by appointment only. Those who do not have proof of appointment will be turned away. To make an appointment visit https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ or call 1-833-NYS-4VAX (1-833-697-4829). 

Those with appointments will be required to show printed or electronic confirmation of their appointment in order to gain access to the POD (Point of Distribution) site. All 1a or 1b eligible individuals must also show identification issued by their workplace. It must clearly state their name and that they are an eligible 1B worker. Those 65 years and older must have a valid ID to confirm their age. 

Those with appointments should plan to arrive at the intersection of Arizona Avenue and Connecticut Road on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base. Proof of appointment and eligibility will be required at that check-point. Additional direction will be given at that time. Attendees are asked to wear clothing that allows for easy access to the vaccination site, i.e., short sleeves or sleeves that can be easily rolled or removed. Unless directed, you will not be required to exit your vehicle. 

If you have an appointment, but are sick or not feeling well please do not come to the POD site. Your appointment can be rescheduled. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccination screening process visit https://on.ny.gov/3ipNxDN. 

Residents are asked for continued patience during the vaccine distribution process. As more vaccine becomes available, eligibility will be expanded by the NYSDOH. 

Snowshoe Mammal Tracking | Lake Champlain Region

Source: Snowshoe Mammal Tracking | Lake Champlain Region

In Minnesota, a G.O.P. Lawmaker’s Death Brings Home the Reality of Covid – The New York Times

Source: In Minnesota, a G.O.P. Lawmaker’s Death Brings Home the Reality of Covid – The New York Times

Soup Kitchen Menu – Wednesday, Jan. 20

Cheezy Macaroni & Cheese
Garden Salad
Bread
Dessert
Take-Out Only, Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY

St. Vincent’s Thrift Re-Opening Today

St. Vincent de Paul thrift store will be reopening this week with new guidelines:
Limit 5 adults in the store at one time with 30 minute suggested shopping time.
Masks and social distancing required.
Purchase a bag and fill it yourself.

Driving the Northway with Paul Schaefer – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Driving the Northway with Paul Schaefer – – The Adirondack Almanack

Stewart’s pauses political giving after outcry over Stefanik donations

Source: Stewart’s pauses political giving after outcry over Stefanik donations

Community Report: Record Bear Hunting Season In Vermont And New Hampshire | Vermont Public Radio

Source: Community Report: Record Bear Hunting Season In Vermont And New Hampshire | Vermont Public Radio

DEADLINE TO ENROLL IN HEALTH INSURANCE FOR COVERAGE BEGINNING MARCH 1 IS JANUARY 31

AHI OFFERING FREE ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE
 
[Glens Falls, NY] – Health Insurance Open Enrollment through the NY State of Health Marketplace continues through the end of January. For those seeking coverage beginning on March 1, the deadline to enroll is January 31. AHI’s Enrollment Assistance Services and Education (EASE) program is offering free telephone enrollment assistance to those seeking coverage in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. Call 1.866.87.3740 or visit https://ahihealth.org/ease/appointment-request/ to schedule an appointment.

FBI vetting National Guard troops in DC amid fears of insider attack at inauguration

Source: FBI vetting National Guard troops in DC amid fears of insider attack at inauguration

North Country state vaccination sites to open on Monday

Source: North Country state vaccination sites to open on Monday

‘Nervous, excited, hoping for the best’: Vt. National Guard soldiers get ready for deployment to DC

Source: Nervous, excited, hoping for the best’: Vt. National Guard soldiers get ready for deployment to DC

Proclamation on Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2020 | The White House

Source: Proclamation on Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 2020 | The White House

Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday and Day of Service: Jan. 2021

Source: Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday and Day of Service: Jan. 2021

New Temporary Hours For The Mariner Bar and Grill

⭐️TEMPORARY NEW HOURS! ⭐️*Beginning January 22nd* Due to the rise in Covid-19 cases in our region, we have thoughtfully decided to temporarily reduce our hours. In order to accommodate all of our amazing guests, we recommend reservations- as we go through our sanitizing protocols between customers, we appreciate your patience, for everyone’s safety. Come celebrate your birthday 🎂 anniversary 🥂 or special occasion 💫with us! We aim to provide a clean & comfortable space where you can pretend it’s 2019 again! 😂 Call or message 518-565-8511

Rainbow Banquet Hall launches new restaurant to counteract COVID-related losses | Sun Community News ALTONA |

Vaccination Appointments Are Being Made Today

Several people were successful this morning 1/16/21 making COVID vaccination appointments in Plattsburgh. The key is to be PATIENT and hang in there.

Annual MLK event goes virtual | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Annual MLK event goes virtual | Local News | pressrepublican.com

City police chief on administrative leave | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: City police chief on administrative leave | Local News | pressrepublican.com

As Trump administration winds down, Adirondack environmentalists breathe easier | Adirondack Explorer

Source: As Trump administration winds down, Adirondack environmentalists breathe easier | Adirondack Explorer

Appointments underway for region’s first drive-thru vaccination site | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | 

Source: Appointments underway for region’s first drive-thru vaccination site | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | The New York State Department of Health will officially open its first drive-thru vaccination site in the region next week.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Jan. 15 COVID-19 Update

January 15, 2021.
We want to get shots in arms as fast as possible, but our biggest constraint at the moment is the limited vaccine supply from the federal government. We have our distribution network up and running and are working to expand it every day—but we can only vaccinate as many New Yorkers as we have supply for. There are around 7 million New Yorkers who are eligible for the vaccine but New York only receives 300,000 doses per week, and the next weekly allocation from the federal government will be even less: just 250,000 doses. Due to this limited allocation, appointments have filled up quickly, which I recognize is frustrating for so many New Yorkers who want to get the vaccine as soon as they can. If you are currently eligible for the vaccine, I urge you to call your local health department, pharmacy, doctor or hospital for additional information and to schedule appointments. To determine eligibility and schedule an appointment at a State-run vaccination site, use the “Am I Eligible” tool. I appreciate everyone’s patience as we wait for more federal supply.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: The Coronavirus Newsletter will not publish on Monday, January 18th, in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We will resume on Tuesday, January 19th. 
Photo of the Day: A fifth State-run vaccination site opened at SUNY Albany (Photo by Philip Kamrass)
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. The first five “community vaccination kits” were deployed to New York City Housing Authority locations. Community vaccination kits have been assembled by the state to help ensure that residents of under-served areas have equal access to the vaccine. The kits include workstation equipment, medical supplies, room dividers, privacy curtains and more. The five kits that were deployed today will be used to vaccinate eligible residents at NYCHA buildings (New York City’s public housing authority).
2. Total hospitalizations fell to 8,808. Of the 324,671 tests reported yesterday, 19,942, or 6.14 percent, were positive. There were 1,570 patients in ICU yesterday, up 34 from the previous day. Of them, 962 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 183 New Yorkers to the virus.
3. Another State-run vaccination site opened in Albany today. The new site, located on SUNY Albany’s campus, will be joined in the weeks ahead by additional State-operated sites in every region of the state. Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, if available, please use the State’s “Am I Eligible” tool or call the New York State Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4VAX (1-833-697-4829). Appointments to receive a second dose will be scheduled in-person immediately after an individual receives the first dose. New Yorkers should not attempt to book their second appointment online.
4. So far, New York’s health care distribution sites have administered 75 percent of doses received from the federal government. In total 699,063 doses of the vaccine have been administered—of these, 623,172 doses are first doses  and 75,891 are second doses. (This number excludes doses that have been set aside for the federally-run Long Term Care Facility vaccination program.)
5. An additional case of the UK variant has been found in New York. This new case was identified in Nassau County. To date, there are now 16 known cases of the more contagious virus strain in New York.
6. Yesterday, New York State reported 324,671 COVID tests, a record high. Remember, testing is open to any New Yorker. Getting tested frequently allows us to identify positive cases so we can stop the spread. If you are experiencing COVID symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to someone positive for COVID, get tested. Find a testing site near you. You can also call 1-888-364-3065 to make a free appointment at a New York State-run testing location.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”:  Every year, Animal Planet hosts their “Puppy Bowl” on the day of the Super Bowl. For the 17th annual game, on Sunday, February 7th, two puppies from the great State of New York have made the roster to play. The puppies, Yogi and Bailey, from Paws Crossed Animal Rescue in Elmsford, NY, will play for the “Lombarky” trophy. While Yogi and Bailey have both been adopted already, the Puppy Bowl will feature other rescues up for adoption from across the nation.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

St. Augustine’s Parish Builds a New Church

By John T. Ryan

This story is a follow-up to Wednesday’s post on the history of St. Augustine’s Parish’s first church. Over the years the parish had grown from 250 to over 1,000 families. The nearly 100-year-old old church was deteriorating. By the early 1980’s a new church was needed. Architects estimated its cost at $800,000. 

Paul Calkins and Paul Green chaired the fundraising committee. More than 100 volunteers made home visits in the fall of 1980. When Paul Calkins passed away on November 17, 1980, the parish dedicated the large hall at St. Augustine’s School (today’s St. Augustine’s Parish Center) to his memory. 

Tracy-Trombley Construction of Plattsburgh was the general contractor for the new church. Several St. Augustine’s parishioners were associated with Tracy-Trombley, including owner Michael Trombley and Larry and Art Senecal, who worked on the church and placed its cornerstone.

The Church Planning Committee conducted its first meeting on May 29, 1979, and its last meeting on January 20, 1981. It consisted of Rev. Clyde Lewis, Rev. Bruce Favreau, James Aloi, Paul Calkins, Donald Chauvin, Donald Craig, Fred Curtis, Ed Dienst, Stella Dienst, Betty Hughes, Stanley Hughes, Joseph Kelley, Bill Kivett, Charles Light, Michael Martin, Barbara Matott, Roy McGee, Bill McNeil, Tony Papero, Curtis Shipman, Anne Torrance, Michael Trombley, Lynn Wilke and Angie Zerrahn. Committee members poured their hearts and souls into planning the church. Father Clyde Lewis looked after every detail.

  • Spring, 1981-Paul Calkins Memorial Hall completed; old church razed. Mass was conducted in Calkins Hall while the new church was being constructed.
  • June 2, 1981—Groundbreaking for the new church.
  • December 24, 1981—First Mass in new church.
  • August 22, 1982—750 parishioners and friends observed the Most Rev. Stanislaus J. Brzana, Bishop of Ogdensburg, bless and dedicate the new St. Augustine’s Church.

Photo credit to Marilyn McNichols.

Click here to view construction and dedication photos.