The Peru Gazette

Rod Driscoll

By John T. Ryan

Peru Central’s school year began with an overall sense of optimism. The new Superintendent, Dr. Thomas Stapleford, addressed the teaching staff on Tuesday, September 6, 2011.  Peru students reported for class on Thursday, September 8^th. On September 9^th a school news release stated that Stapleford was on temporary leave for an indefinite period of time. No reason was given for the leave. On September 13^th the Board of Education named former Peru Central School Superintendent A. Paul Scott as Interim Superintendent.

Understandably many Peru residents have been asking why Stapleford is on leave.  The Peru Gazette asked School Board President Rod Driscoll why the board hasn’t released more information. Driscoll responded, “Any organization dealing with a personnel matter can’t release that information to the public. If we wanted to be reckless we could, but that could open our district up to liability. It’s a courtesy to the individual and a necessity for the district. When we can release more information we will. Our responsibility is to the district and the taxpayers and we take that seriously.”

Discoll went on to say the school board has always been good about releasing information. He cited this week’s news release informing the public that mold had been discovered in the Peru Intermediate School building. He is aware that many community residents want to know the exact nature of Stapleford’s departure.  At this point Peru residents have to rely on the good judgment of the Board of Education.

James Falvo, Vice Chair of the Town of Peru Zoning Board of Appeals, called the meeting of Wednesday, May 18^th, 2011 at 7:05pm to order. Read more »

From the Office of Congressman Bill Owens 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Paul Tonko, Congressman Maurice Hinchey and Congressman Bill Owens tonight made the following statement after voting against a Continuing Resolution to fund government operations through November 18, 2011. Included is $3.65 billion in disaster relief funding, which is about half as much as the nearly $7 billion in disaster relief approved by the U.S. Senate. The House measure was defeated, 195-230. Read more »

The Post Star reports

The Post Standard reports 

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports 

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports 

By John T. Ryan

When Ann and Lynn Wilke looked out their upstairs windows this morning they saw children placing pinwheels at the entrance to Peru Central School.  They couldn’t help but wonder what the pinwheels signified. According to school officials the Middle School students were celebrating the International Day of Peace. It was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982.

Adele Douglas Photo

Middle School art teacher Tracey Laundry coordinates the Peace Day Program at Peru Central. She explained, “We introduced it into the school four years ago. The pinwheels are a non-political art project that emphasizes the International Day of Peace. Unfortunately, Peace Day goes unrecognized by many people.” Laundry develops lesson plans emphasizing the day. She said peace begins in the classroom and that lessons on bullying are one of the appropriate activities for the day.

Adele Douglas Photo

Interim School Superintendent A. Paul Scott said he watched the pinwheels rotating in the wind outside his office window.  He remarked, “They’re a sign of movement and hope for progress in finding peace. They spotlight the efforts of so many people who are working for peace in the world.”

Letter Regarding Intermediate School Basement September 20 2011

Lo-Hud.com reports 

The Post Standard reports 

The NYS Department of Labor reports 

The Democrat and Chronicle reports 

From the office of Matt Doheny

The Watertown businessman and registered Republican filed paperwork today with the Federal Elections Commission to become a candidate for Congress, where he will represent northern and Central New York’s interests in Washington.

“While my campaign may technically start today, I’ve been out listening to residents all over northern and Central New York since last November,” Doheny said. “People continue to worry about our country’s lack of forward progress. We need good paying jobs. But President Obama and his allies continue to stifle growth by pushing an agenda that leads to higher taxes and bigger deficits. That just creates more burdens for both average Americans and for our future generations.” Read more »

The Times Union reports

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports 

The Times Union reports 

By Donald McBrayer

The 34th Annual St. Augustine’s Applefest was a record-breaking success.  On behalf on the entire Applefest Team I wish to offer thanks and recognize all the people that made it possible:

• To Father Alan Shnob whose spiritual guidance kept us working as a team through thick & thin.
• To the Knights of Columbus Council 7273 who helped with the setup, tear down, Bar-B-Que, and many of the activities.
• To the Catholic Daughters Court 2598 for the baked goods, and all the help with the food, and many of the festivities.
• To the great staff of St. Augustine’s: Peggy, Deb, Rebecca, Mike, Dave, & Jake for too many things to name.
• To Jane and Bob Woods and their great St. Vincent’s team
• To Helen Bisaillon and the entire kitchen crew for the best food money can buy.
• To Mike Lawliss and his team for another incredible parade.
• To Bonnie & Steve Saltus for the most unique Craft Fair yet.
• To Scarlett McBride for the endless hours of work she puts into the Redbooks.
• To Peter Keenan and the crew for another tasty KofC Chicken Bar-B-Q.
• To Dee Jenkins for the beautiful quilt.
• To Dave & Taunya LaForest and their family for the entire game booth help.
• To Tim’s Tunes, Bootleg, Back Porch Band, & Castaways for the rockin’ entertainment.
• To Trudy Snyder for getting them there, and selling all those pull-tabs.
• To Patty Henry and her family for all the help at the food booths.
• To Mary Nissoff for organizing the Silent Auction.
• To Sandi & Tony Andrews for hustling those 50/50 tickets.
• To Jennifer McGovern for the lovely plant booth.
• To John Theisen (Dr. Electro) for the Popcorn, Cotton Candy and his expertise with electricity, fryers, and hanging banners.
• To Gary Liberty for setting us up with the refrigeration truck.
• To Ernie Guerin for the pony rides.
• To Penelope the Clown for the fantastic activities for the young ones.
• To Taylor Rental for the inflatable obstacle courses.
• To Bill McBride Chevrolet for use of the convertible.
• To the many Peru Apple Orchards who donated apples.
• To the local radio, TV, & newspapers for the ads, the wonderful people who entered our parade, the many crafters that setup shop selling a huge variety of unique items, and the dozens of volunteers who helped all weekend long inside and out.
• And finally, to the folks from our community who stopped by, enjoyed a fritter, and spent a bit of a perfectly sunny weekend with us at the Applefest.
  

We’ll see you next year,
Don McBrayer
Applefest Event Coordinator

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports 

1^ST ANNUAL KIDS FAIR AND FESTIVAL

@

BABBIE RURAL & FARM LEARNING MUSEUM

COME AND JOIN IN ON THE FUN

DATE:  Saturday and Sunday,  SEPTEMBER 24 & 25

TIME:  10:00  –  4:00

$5.00 General Admission

$2.00 ages 3 – 12 yrs

250 River Road, Peru, NY   12972

KIDS CAN ENJOY MANY OLD TIME GAMES SUCH AS:

SACK RACES

CAPTURE THE ENEMIES FLAG

FIND THE HIDDEN TREASURE IN THE SAW DUST BOX

PLUS MANY MORE

PRIZES AWARDED FOR VARIOUS CONTESTS

STAGE COACH RIDES

SEPTEMBER IS OUR ANTIQUE APPLE DISPLAY MONTH

COME AND ENJOY THE VARIOUS DISPLAYS

The Post Star reports 

The adirondack almanac reports 

The Watertown Daily Times reports 

This weekend’s St. Augustine’s Applefest was a great success thanks to the support of thousands of visitors, beautiful weather, the support of local businesses, all the parade units and the work of hundreds of volunteers.  Final figures have yet to be announced, but based on previous years the Applefest should raise about $25,000 for the parish.  In case you missed it here are some of the pictures taken by Leonard Jozwiak, Bob Woods and John Ryan. Click here to view the Applefest slideshow

The Press Republican reports