The Peru Gazette

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On the first floor of a Siena College freshman dormitory, a dedicated staff of college students and retirees make hundreds of calls every night.

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Peru, NY – October 19, 2024—It was a beautiful day and turnout for today’s honoring of the late Chip Hamilton, with all proceeds benefitting the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Chip’s daughter Ruth Hamilton LaClair, with much help from her husband David, brother Mark, mom Patti, family, and friends, organizes the event hosted by the Peru Fire Department. 

Ruth began the Octoberfest Event in 2010 while her father was recovering from a lung transplant in Pittsburgh, PA. After spending four months in the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Chip succumbed to complications with the lung transplant on January 27, 2011.

Through the help and strength of family and friends, Ruth has continued the event each year in his memory.

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Opportunities available for college-bound students and those planning to enter workforce

PLATTSBURGH, NY (10/17/2024) – Peru High School students Madison Nephew and Reese Mason were fairly certain about the careers they’d be pursuing after graduation. Still, the University of Vermont Health Network’s (UVHN) recent Career Fair opened their eyes to the wide array of health care opportunities; for now, they’re reconsidering their options.

 “I had my mind set on anesthesiology. But coming here made me re-think that I might want to switch now because of the cool things I learned about here,” Mason said. The Lab and Labor and Delivery have peaked the high school junior’s interest.  “I didn’t realize those were jobs you can choose, so hearing about them and learning about them made me interested.”  Nephew came to the Career Fair focused on learning more about a career as a labor and delivery nurse but, she said, “The Laboratory also really caught my eye, so I’m thinking about that now.”

Nephew and Mason were two of a few hundred regional high school students who attended the Career Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Plattsburgh State University and engaged with healthcare professionals across the Network.

“Our goal is to expose high school students to all the opportunities in health care – from nursing and other clinical roles to careers many don’t think about, like nutrition, environmental services, engineering, IT, and clerical roles such as patient registration or patient accounting. These are just a few of the many career options available in our industry.  We believe this exposure will inspire students to explore the full spectrum of healthcare careers and help them make informed decisions about their future paths. Whether they plan to attend college after graduation or enter the workforce, we have options for everyone,” Network Manager of Talent Acquisition Katrina Stone explained.

Alice Hyde and CVPH President Michelle LeBeau said, “By sharing our passion for our work, we can encourage others to join us. This career fair showcased health care as a rewarding career—one that provides endless opportunities for professional growth while making a difference in our communities.”

Career fairs are part of the health system’s ongoing commitment to addressing the national chronic healthcare workforce shortage on a local level, fostering robust career opportunities for people in the region, and ensuring partner hospitals can continue to deliver care to their communities. The Network is also using a number of strategic initiatives, like the Workforce Development’s Career Pathways program, to attract and retain healthcare workers. Career Pathways offers job seekers and current employees the opportunity to gain the skills and education needed to establish rewarding careers in the industry or grow professionally. In some cases, pathway participants can work while receiving training and financial assistance.

Go to uvmhealthnetworkcareers.org for a complete list of available positions and information about the Workforce Development Program and Career Pathways.

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NYS DEC News

Today, batteries are everywhere and power almost everything. Many contain toxic metals that can be released into the environment when improperly disposed of. Therefore, it’s essential to know about the different types of batteries and how to manage them post-use. Remember, batteries do not go in home recycling bins when they are no longer usable. In New York, there are different options available for the safe and environmentally responsible management of end-of-life batteries depending on which category they fall under:

1. Single-use batteries (examples: alkaline, zinc-carbon, button-cell, coin, lithium (Li))—may be accepted for recycling at retail and municipal locations on a voluntary basis. Use the Call2Recycle to find drop-off locations, making sure to check the box for “primary” batteries.
2. Rechargeable batteries (examples: Li-ion, Ni-Cd, Ni-MH)—under the NYS Rechargeable Battery Law, covered rechargeable batteries or battery packs weighing <25 lbs., can be returned to any retail location that sells rechargeable batteries or rechargeable battery containing products for recycling at no cost to the consumer. Visit the Call2Recycle locator website for acceptance locations.
3. Lead-acid automotive batteries—under the NYS Lead-acid Battery Recycling Law, retailers and distributors of lead-acid batteries, must accept, free of charge, up to two used batteries per month from any individual, regardless of whether or not the individual purchases a new lead-acid battery.

Note: not only is bringing your used batteries for recycling the “right” thing to do, but it is actually illegal to dispose of rechargeable batteries, including automotive batteries, in the trash.

DEC offices use a battery recycling box to properly dispose of old batteries.

Recycle Right NY assists DEC in its outreach efforts to help ensure batteries are recycled  or disposed of properly. You can find more resources and related information about batteries on the Recycle Right New York website. A helpful feature is the Recyclopedia—a guide that provides reduction, reuse, and recycling instructions for many common household items.

Other Battery-related Considerations

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Inventory of vehicle revealed a loaded Ruger rifle and 70 rounds of ammo

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Strand News Release

(PLATTSBURGH, NY – Illusionist Leon Etienne rocks venues worldwide with his blockbuster performances of Magic Rocks! Leon is coming to Plattsburgh, NY, with his world-renowned show for a performance at Strand Center for the Arts on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. Leon’s production is a HIT with audiences of all ages. This is a MUST-SEE SHOW experience!

As seen on “America’s Got Talent,” “Penn & Teller: Fools Us!,” “Masters of Illusion” and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” this jaw-dropping, critically acclaimed, hit show is 100% interactive! Witness the world’s best grand illusions, award-winning sleight of hand, and hilarious comedy in this immersive, family-friendly illusion spectacular, which brings joy, wonder, and laughter when the world needs it most!

“I am so excited to bring Magic Rocks! to Plattsburgh, NY. We cannot wait to perform for the incredible Strand Center for the Arts audience we’ve heard about. They will experience some of the best grand illusions in the world. The world needs magic now more than ever. I’m on a mission to bring magic, joy, and wonder to as many communities around the country as I can. We can’t wait to rock Plattsburgh, NY!” -Leon Etienne

Tickets are available for purchase at StrandCenter.org/theatre-events

For more information on Leon, please visit www.MagicRocks.com

Peru – October 16, 2024—Fencing is up while eight Tesla EV chargers are installed adjacent to the Peru Stewart’s Shop. Construction is expected to take about six weeks. Workers put a very heavy concrete vault in place today.

Dear Dancing Friends,

PLATTSBURGH –  Thelma I. Douglas – an early proponent of a river trail in the City of Plattsburgh – will be feted at the Oct. 24 grand opening of the newest Saranac River Trail Greenway segment.

That new section of trail, which runs behind Plattsburgh High School and connects to the Thelma I. Douglas Footbridge across the Saranac River, will also be named after Douglas – the school district’s first female athletic director and an advocate of fitness for all ages.

“We can see from 1971 newspaper coverage that Thelma’s initial plan had a trail running across Adirondack Lane behind the high school and through Rugar Woods,” said Paula Calkins Lacombe, Saranac River Trail Greenway Board member. “We love that we were able to honor her and this portion of her vision.”

The opening ceremony and ribbon cutting will take place at 11 a.m. on the trail, just off George Angell Drive, near the end of the Douglas Footbridge. It will feature an overview from the Saranac River Trail Greenway Board and speeches by Mayor Chris Rosenquest and Plattsburgh City School District Superintendent Jay Lebrun.

Plans for the Greenway involve extending 26 miles from Lake Champlain to the High Falls Dam in the Town of Saranac.

Following the ceremony, all those interested are invited to walk the trail.

Income eligibility has been expanded so more seniors can enroll

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Stops include Fort Edward, Port Henry, Plattsburgh and Rouses Point

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History of the voting machine, popcorn and cider

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The Northern Department will connect partners in N.Y., Vt., and Canada for the nation’s 250th commemoration

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Lasagna 

Salad

Bread 

Dessert

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., take-out only, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972 

All are invited and welcome!

Extracted from the Octoberfest Facebook page

The Octoberfest Event is an annual event in Peru, NY, to raise awareness and money to help the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation find a cure. It is a 5k, 10K, and 20 Mile Bike in which runners and bikers can enjoy an exhilarating walk/run/bike ride through Peru’s apple country and also a 1/2 Mile Kids Fun Run, all to benefit the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in memory of Robert “Chip” Hamilton.

The Octoberfest Event is in memory of Robert “Chip” Hamilton, a local businessman in the North Country who owns the Hamilton Funeral Home of Peru, Keeseville, and Mooers. He was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) in 2008. Though idiopathic means arising spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown cause, it is assumed he was affected while in the Air Force.

Over time, Chip’s ability to do daily tasks became very limited. He would become short of breath with simple tasks, like brushing his teeth, answering the phone, and walking just a few steps. He relied increasingly on his portable oxygen tank.

In 2010, Ruth Hamilton LaClair began the Octoberfest Event while her father, Chip, was recovering from a lung transplant in Pittsburgh, PA. After spending four months in the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital and his loving wife, Patti, spent four months in a hotel with wonderful family and friends visiting, Chip succumbed to complications with the lung transplant on January 27, 2011.

Through the help and strength of family and friends, Ruth has continued the event each year in his memory.