The Peru Gazette

Source: The North Country needs about 500 more tests to begin first phase of reopening | NCPR News

Source: Homeless people forced to move out of Burlington campground

Our native turtles are on the move in May and June seeking sandy areas or loose soil to lay their eggs. In New York, thousands of turtles are killed each year when they are struck by vehicles as they migrate to their nesting areas.

What you can do to help:

• If you see a turtle on the road, please give turtles “a brake”. Slow down to avoid hitting it with your car.
• If you can safely stop your vehicle, please consider moving it to the shoulder on the side of the road in the direction it was facing.
• Picking the turtle up by its tail may frighten or injure it. You can pick up most turtles by the sides of the shell.
• Use caution when moving snapping turtles; either pick her up at the rear of the shell near the tail using two hands or slide a car mat under the turtle to drag her across the road.
• Please do not take turtles home. All native turtles are protected by law and cannot be kept without a permit. All 11 species of land turtles that are native to New York are declining.

Over the last four days the Peru community delivered 108 pounds of much-needed food to St. Augustine’s Church for the Peru JCEO Food Shelf.   Combined with last week’s donations the donated total is 533 pounds collected or 53.3% of the 1000 pound goal. When 1,000 pounds have been donated, the Peru Knights of Columbus Council will receive a $100 incentive award which will also be donated to the Food Shelf. 

Food donations can be left in or near the baskets in the entrance of St. Augustine’s Church at 3035 Main St. They will be secured daily and brought to the Food Shelf weekly.  

If you have questions please call Bob Manchester at 518-643-8977 or Bob Herforth at 518-643-8854.

Source: How North Country schools are making the tricky transition to remote learning | NCPR News

Source: BREAKING: North Country close to reopening; Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier on May 15th | NCPR News

A May 4th story that needs to be posted. For some reason the NY Post sometimes spells the word “Champlain” as “Chaplain.” Source: Upstate nurses coming to NYC to join fight against coronavirus

Source: Adirondack Experience goes digital for season | News, Sports, Jobs – Adirondack Daily Enterprise

Source: Smitties graduate over Zoom | News, Sports, Jobs – Adirondack Daily Enterprise

Source: Cuomo: Statewide Shutdown Ends May 15; 3 Regions Meet Criteria to Begin Reopening – NBC New York

Wednesday, May 13th Menu

Chicken Black Bean Casserole
Tossed Salad
Rice
Delicious Home-Made Peanut Butter Cookies
Served at 4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
3030 Main St., Peru Parish

Source: Deadline for stimulus payments by direct deposit is 12 p.m. Wednesday May 13 – The Washington Post

Source: ADK Unite 2020 Virtual 5K & 10K Run/Bike | Lake Champlain Region

Source: Bank: Paycheck program helped No.Co biz | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com

Chamber set to host a series of webinars to help businesses with the reopening 

Plattsburgh, NY – As we start to talk about reopening our community, the North Country Chamber of Commerce understands that there are several questions about what you need to do and how to execute it. Because of that, they will be hosting a series of webinars to help navigate these challenges.

BACK TO BUSINESS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AND DO BEFORE YOU REOPEN

May 13, 2020 – 10AM or 2PM

Course Description: Join the Chamber for a program designed to help your business comply with government regulations and safely reopen your business. Scott McKenna of Catamount Construction will provide attendees with protocols, tools, and guides you will need to put in place before you welcome customers and employees back to your business or organization.

Attendees will receive:

• Downloadable job site posters
• Sample workplace inspection sheets
• NYS reopening information
• Certificate of Attendance
• Sample written action plans
• A link to the presentation for future reference

CONSTRUCTION: COVID-19 SAFETY RESOURCE OFFICER (CSRO) TRAINING

May 15, 2020 – 10AM

Course Description: Based on the federal mandates and the states individual rules for essential workers currently working as well as those trying to get back open after the COVID pause there is a need to provide competent person training.

Due to Federal Workplace Safety requirements ALL companies must provide training to assure the competency of their employees anytime there is a recognized hazard that is causing, or likely to cause, death or serious physical harm. As the government allows businesses to resume operations following the COVID-19 shutdown there will be requirements for training and oversight within these businesses to assure compliance with these standards.

The “Back to Business” Webinar on May 13^th, should be taken first by all sectors of it will serve as the 1^st step in preparing for new general guidelines.  Even for essential businesses that have been open – this webinar is encouraged.  After, that they are rolling out sector-specific webinars to help drill down details important to that industry.

The North Country Chamber of Commerce is working on scheduling several other sector-specific webinars, so stay tuned to their website (northcountrychamber.com) for more announcements.

Register today by visiting northcountrychamber.com!

By John T. Ryan

Peru, NY May 10, 2020 – Neighbors, friends, brother Knights of Columbus, and the Peru Fire Department gave longtime Peru resident Deacon George Benson a grand send-off yesterday. They gathered along the Jabez Allen Rd. to wave and shout good-bye as George left home and passed by riding in his son Michael’s camper.  In a few days they should arrive in Colorado where Michael lives and where George hopes to move into a nearby assisted living facility. The past two weeks have been very difficult for the Benson family. Carmen Benson, George’s wife of 60+ years passed away on April 24th.

Deacon George Benson is a U.S. Air Force Vietnam War veteran who was once assigned to Plattsburgh Air Force Base. Many people know him for his post-military civilian position as the Air Base Officers’ Club Manager.   At St. Augustine’s Parish many people recall his welcoming spirit at baptisms and his powerful sermons at mass. Unfortunately, Crohn’s disease has limited his diaconate activities for the past few years. 

Neighbors and friends describe George Benson as a very nice man, a great man, an exceptional man. Thirty-one-year neighbor and friend Dee Jenkins said, “When my husband Dick got sick George was very understanding and compassionate. He was a big help to us.” Others recall his warm personal greetings. When George spoke to anyone he gave them his 100% attention.

Neighbors, friends, and St. Augustine’s parishioners undoubtedly expressed these words to Deacon George Benson, “Best wishes George. Have a safe journey to Colorado and enjoy the days that follow. You have been a good friend, a wonderful neighbor and we will miss you so very, very much!”

Deacon George greets Helen Jarvis and Betty Hughes at a community dinner.

Source: 7 Montreal Boroughs’ COVID-19 Count Exceeds 1,000 Cases Each – MTL Blog