The Peru Gazette

The Post Star reports

U. S. Army Veteran Dale Clemons in front of VFW Post 309 Wall

By John T. Ryan

Dale Clemons was one of the Peru VFW members participating in today’s Post 309 Memorial Day services. Dale’s family is representative of many local families who have a long history of military service to our nation. Dale’s father Donald Clemons was a World War II prisoner of war. His brother Donald Lee Clemons is a U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran.  Dale Clemons served in the Regular Army and the Army Reserves. He completed two year-long tours in Iraq including participating in Operation Desert Storm.  His son Matthew Clemons is a 2^nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force serving as a registered nurse at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He recently participated in a deployment to the Dominican Republic.

The very long list of deceased members of Post 309 which was read today was testimony to the sacrifices thousands of North Country men, women and families have made in service to the United States of America. Please take time today to think of these people and to thank them for their service.

By John T. Ryan

Peru VFW Post 309 upheld its mission of honoring our nation’s veterans and offering hospitality to the public at today’s Memorial Day ceremonies (Click here for more photos). Post Commander Thomas W. Fusco welcomed everyone who turned out for the ceremonies. County Legislator Keith Defayette spoke about the importance of never forgetting our nation’s veterans. He said, “It is good that you have remembered the true reason for celebrating Memorial Day.” Defayette said he will not be a County Legislator next Memorial Day, but he will still attend these ceremonies. Peru Town Supervisor Peter Glushko recalled the over million service personnel who have given the ultimate sacrifice in our nation’s wars and the fact that each one of them had loved ones who shared in their sacrifice. He said Memorial Day services began in 1882 when the first Declaration Day was celebrated. Glushko recited a poem which he said was written by a Connecticut elementary student.

Red, white and blue
For those we knew
Who marched off to war.
We honor them now
And show them how
Their bravery we can’t ignore.

Heroes of war,
They were so much more,
Father and brother and friend.
Flags at half-mast
For those of the past
To whom our gratitude we send.

We place flowers on the graves
Of those who were brave,
We salute them far and wide.
Seeing poppies galore
While our hearts soar,
remembering proudly those who have died.

Several people made the VFW services a success. Members of the James P. O’Connor Composite Squadron Color Corps posted the Colors; Reverend Alan Shnob led the prayers; Post Commander Fusko, Quartermaster Richard Dabrowski and Ladies Auxiliary President Peggy Matteau read the names of deceased members. Sr. Vice-Commander John Mashtare, Jr. Vice-Commander Gaylon LeCuyer, Officer of the Day Ron LaDuke and Ladies Auxiliary President Peggy Mateau laid wreaths and Lynn Wilke played taps. Following the ceremonies the Ladies Auxiliary served a delicious luncheon.

The Burlington Free Press is reporting that Peru’s Sara Facteau finished 7th in the Vermont City Marathon. This is believed to be Sara’s first marathon. She finished with a time of 2:56.22. Heidi Westover of Walpole, New Hampshire won with a time of 2:46:49. She is a five-time winner of this marathon. Congratulations Sarah!  Click here to see results.  Here’s the complete Marathon story.

The Press Republican reports

The Watertown Daily Times reports

The adirondack almanac reports

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

Donald F. McBrayer (L) and Grand Knight Allen H. Dixon (R)

Grand Knight Allen H. Dixon recently announced the names of the St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273  “Knight of the Year” and “Family of the Year” for 2011. Donald McBrayer is the Council 7273 Knight of the Year. Grand Knight Dixon congratulated McBrayer as he acknowledged his leadership of the St. Augustine’s Applefest and his work at the St. Augustine’s rectory and St. Vincent de Paul thrift store. McBrayer built and maintains the parish and council websites.  He also serves the community recently installing carpet at  the Peru Free Library and serving on the Town of Peru Zoning Board. He reports on Town Board meetings for the Peru Gazette.

Bill and Scarlett McBride were chosen as the Council 7273 Family of the Year. Grand Knight Dixon praised Bill’s leadership of the council’s charity golf tournament and his work at parish and council events. Scarlett McBride is a parish religious education volunteer and prepares delicious treats for numerous parish and council functions. Whenever children’s programs need help, Scarlett is there to help out.

The Press Republican reports (Note – The Peru VFW has a Memorial Day Service at 11 a.m.)

Seven Days reports

The Press Republican reports

Seven Days reports

The Watertown Daily Times reports

The Post Star gives more details

The Watertown Daily Times reports

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

The Press Republican reports

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

See recent Strictly Business Magazine article on J. Hogan Refrigeration and Mechanical

From the Office of Congressman Bill Owens

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Bill Owens voted in favor of H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012.  The bipartisan bill provides a 1.6 percent increase in troop pay, robust funding to protect America’s war fighters from IEDs and other threats,  and provides soldiers with the tools they need to accomplish their mission abroad and return home as soon as possible.  Congressman Bill Owens (D-NY) was successful in fighting to make available funding for several programs critical to Fort Drum and the continued security of the nation. Read more »

The Press Republican reports

The Press Republican reports

Gazette File Photo

The Press Republican reports

The Free Press reports

Newsday Reports

Greg Timmons (L) and Peter Glushko (R) with Bill Downs (Center)

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Town Board took the occasion of its May 23^rd meeting to congratulate Bill Downs for being chosen as the New York State Rural Water Association’s Plant Operator of the Year. Downs received the recognition at the Association’s annual meeting in Saratoga. Supervisor Peter Glushko, Water Superintendent Greg Timmons, Downs’ wife Donna and other Town employees witnessed the ceremony. Downs thanked the Town Board, his supervisor Greg Timmons and the late Bob Timmons for all their support.

Supervisor Peter Glushko announced that Town Historian Ron Allen has received notification that the Heyworth-Mason Building has been designated on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

In other actions the Board: Read more »

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store - Parish Center in the background

The St. Vincent’s de Paul Society’s Annual Spring Sale will be held on Fri. (June 3^rd) and Sat. (June 4^th) from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Items for sale include summer clothing and footwear, a Hoosier cabinet, antiques, Adirondack items, household goods, etc. Twenty vendors with sixty tables will be offering a variety of sale items. A large bag of clothing of buyer’s choice is only $5.00.