The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Story reported 9/22/10 and updated 9/23/10

A fire early Wednesday afternoon destroyed the carriage barn and a Ford Mustang at the old Coffey homestead at the corner of Mason Street and Route 22B. The nearby unoccupied house was slightly damaged. The Press Republican reported in its September 23rd edition that the property is owned by John Webster and that it is uncertain if the loss will be fully covered by insurance.  The fire was reported at 1:31 p.m. with the involved fire departments back in service at 4:25 p.m.  The Morrisonville Fire Department battled the blaze with the Peru, Keeseville, South Plattsburgh, Cadyville and Saranac departments providing mutual aid. The AuSable Forks Fire Department stood by.   Peru Fireman David Brown was kind enough to provide several photos of the blaze.

Long-time local residents recall when the Coffey home was one of the most beautiful residences in the North Country. Former Peru Town Supervisor Jerome Downs” grandmother Mary Coffey was residing in the home at the time of her death. Jerome and his wife Janet resided there during the first five years of their marriage. Janet Downs said that the house is probably about 200 years old. It was once known as Bromley’s Tavern.  A newspaper article states that the tavern was bricked in 1857.

From Allan Everest’s Book— Pioneer Homes of Clinton County 1966: Bromley’s Tavern — original owner: Roswell Bromley  Date: c1805   For many years Bromley operated a tavern in this building, which was originally frame.  Gradually the building was extended back and sheds were added. Stephen Weaver acquired it around 1855 and bricked the structure in mid-century style.

From a book : Reminiscences— an Early History of Old Peru by members of Peru Grange———— just north of the Mason Cemetery—— “Near here Roswell Bromley built the old tavern through the parlor of which passes a line separating the towns of Peru and Schuyler Falls.  At first he built only the upright part, but as the county became more thickly settled greater accomodations for travelers became necessary and rooms and sheds were added until the house and barns were connected as they are today.  In this house one of the first temperance women of our town left unmistakable record, for tradition tells us that Mr. Bromley’s daughter, Josephine, refused to draw liquor for the men.  Although we do not know how old this house is, we find that about 1857 Stephen Weaver bought it and had it bricked and remodeled as it stands now”.

Janet Downs closed, “We lived there from Sept. 1958 til Oct. 1963.  Lots of good memories.”

The adirondack almanac reports

The Watertown Daily Times reports

Congressman Bill Owens Press Release

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Bill Owens announced several provisions of recently enacted health care reform to take effect tomorrow, September 23rd. Thursday is the effective date for multiple consumer protections under the Affordable Care Act, including the Patient’s Bill of Rights. Read more »

This Saturday September 25^th the Community United Methodist Church, 
Rt 86 and Haselton Rd. in Wilmington is holding a fundraiser for 9 year old 
Christopher Goheens of Peru who is living with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.
 (Click here for details) A SILENT AUCTION will be held in the Thrift Shop Tent from 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. . 
Bid on a handmade QUILT, one day GUIDED FISHING TRIP by Au Sable River 2 Fly Shop, 
SKI LIFT TICKETS to Whiteface/Gore, many local restaurant gift certificates and more.
The MULVEY FAMILY will have a song-a-long at 3:00.
Chicken BBQ (4:00-6:30
p.m. with take-outs available). All money received will be used for uncovered medical expenses.
Church office 946-7757

Here is a link to an earlier Press Republican story telling more about Christopher Goheens. See the “How to Help” block on the right side of the Press Republican webpage. It gives information on fund-raising events and where to send donations. If you send a donation please write “Christopher Goheens” on the memo line.

Jean & Don Craig

Update 9/23/10 – Click here post surgery updates!

Update 9/22/10 – Taken from the Jean Craig website: SEPTEMBER 22 (TODAY): Upon calling Dad this morning, I was told that there is a liver for Mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the best news EVER!!!!  It is approximately 9am and Mom is being wheeled into surgery as I type these words.  PLEASE keep the prayers coming!!!  Surgery will last about 8 hours, and I will post as soon as we are sure she is doing well. Incidentally, today is Donna’s wedding anniversary!  What a wonderful gift!

Many people in Peru know Jean Craig as our school tax collector and very active member of St. Augustine’s Parish. She’s also Mrs. Donald Craig, wife and mother. She is currently in Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City awaiting a liver transplant. She is battling non-alcohol related cirrhosis. This coming Sunday, September 26th at 1 PM Jean’s family and friends are hosting a fund-raiser for her at the Keeseville Elks Lodge 2072 at 1 p.m. The event will feature a silent auction and a wonderful meal.  This is a chance for the Peru and Keeseville communities to join together to assist a wonderful lady. For more information go to www.jeancraig.com.

Click on photo to read names

Harmony reigned at Harmony Golf Course on Aug. 28, 2010. The day was perfect with families, friends, and community all coming together to be part of the cure at the 1st Annual Golf Tournament for ALS Research. Enjoying a beautiful setting, perfect weather, and great food, everyone there contributed to make the event a success. (See the tournament photos)

We are approaching a total take of $35,000 with money still coming in (thank you, thank you). We have been in close contact with ALS TDI who will receive $20,000 for their research, donated in the individual names of all our local ALS victims. They are so appreciative and were amazed by your outpouring of support and good will.

Recently we also received a call from Dr. Cudkowicz, the lead doctor for ALS research at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is a renowned researcher in this field, but took the time to express her appreciation for the donation that you all made possible. MGH will receive at least $15,000, (along with any additional donations as they come in), also donated in the individual names of our local ALS victims. (We are actively seeking matching funding for your donations, too.)

The ALS Association recently posted some newly identified risk factors which include brain and spinal cord injuries, varsity athletics, and extreme physical activity. We all have a stake in supporting ALS research.

We are still waiting for some additional names of donors, but will soon post a list of all our sponsors and donors to publicly thank them for their support. Unfortunately, some people kindly made donations at the event that did not get recorded. Please contact me at 976 Fuller Road in Peru if you were one of those donors so that we may recognize you. We value each and every gift for the spirit of love and friendship with which it was given.

We look forward to seeing you all next year. Dr. Cudkowicz is excited about current research findings and very hopeful that we are on the verge of some important discoveries. Thank you for helping to support this work.

Darlene and Roger Long

Keeseville

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

Parade Grand Master Peter Keenan and his granddaughter Keely Dew

A record crowd packed the St. Augustine’s Parish Center grounds for Applefest 2010 today under absolutely beautiful blue skies.  Everyone appeared to enjoy the forty-five minute parade which was highlighted by retired Town Justice Peter Keenan being named the Parade Grandmaster. The Peru High School Marching Band was greeted by cheers from the huge crowd.  The SUNY Plattsburgh Gospel Choir was also a crowd favorite in the parade and on the Applefest grounds.  Music and the smell of delicious burgers, sausages, apple fritters and more filled the air throughout the afternoon. (Click here for more photos (larger when viewed as a slideshow)

The Applefest will resume tomorrow with more music, chicken BBQ, a huge crate fair, games and fun for everyone.

Father Alan Shnob and Lana Knight

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, St. Monica’s Court 2598 of Peru, will host the 2010 “Walk of Faith” on Sunday, October 3, 2010. This year’s walk has been shortened from 7.2 miles to 2.7 miles. Instead of starting at St. Patrick’s Oratory, it will begin at the Lady of Lourdes Shrine behind St. Augustine’s Church and proceed 2.7 miles through the Peru hamlet. Catholic Daughters leader Christa Reyell said, “Several people suggested that we try a shorter distance so we decided to give it a try this year.” Proceeds from the Walk will benefit the Mission of Hope and the Peru Community Church’s Jamaica Project. All participants will receive a ribbon.

There will be plenty of refreshments for everyone. Forrence Orchards will be providing apples, Adirondack Coffee Roasters will provide coffee and Frosty Springs Bottling Company will provide water. It sounds like a wonderful few hours of family prayer, fun and fraternity – A great day for families and faith communities to enjoy one another. Opening ceremonies begin at 12:30 p.m. The Walk begins at 12:45 p.m.

Walk of Faith route in the Peru Hamlet

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

Peru VFW Post 309 is celebrating an Oktoberfest Pig Roast on Saturday, October 2, 2010. The fun-filled event will begin at 4 p.m. and continue until the fun ends or the tap runs dry. It will feature German food along with music, dancing and 25 oz. beers.

The VFW needs and deserves the support of the entire Peru community. Let’s show this support by attending the Oktoberfest on October 2^nd.

Click image to see the entire plot plan

By John T. Ryan

Construction of four duplex apartment buildings on Davey Drive (just east of McDonald’s) should begin in a few weeks.  On Wednesday, September 15th, the Town of Peru Zoning Board approved a variance request from contractor Roy “Chuck” Bedard to construct the apartments on the 1.5 acre lot with the stipulation that construction be completed by September 1, 2011.  Bedard said he plans to construct two building this fall and the other two next spring and summer.  Bedard is purchasing the property from Harney Davey who also owns an adjacent 9.4 acre parcel. Davey told the board he has attempted to sell the property since 1999 and this is the first interest shown. He said he recently attempted to sell the property at auction, however, no bids were received.

The zoning classification of the property would have permitted Bedard to build an eight-unit building without having to apply for a zoning variance. Bedard’s representative Keith Matott told the board that his client wanted to construct buildings more in keeping with the character of the neighborhood.  Several board members praised Bedard’s plans and said that his plan is in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan which awaits adoption by the town board.  Board Chairman Leon Blair and Board member James Falvo voted against approval saying that Bedard and Davey had not satisfied the financial hardship criteria necessary for any variance. Board members Robin Bashaw, Roy Zalis, Lawrence Bosley, Donald McBrayer and Thomas Fusco voted in favor. The Planning Board had previously approved Bedard’s project.

The Post Star reports

News Release from NYSDOT received at 2:30 PM, Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will be changing the traffic pattern on I-87 in the area of Bear Swamp Road in Clinton County on September 20. Read more »

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

The Press Republican reports

File Photo

By John T. Ryan

Employee issues dominated the Monday, September 13, 2010 Peru Town Board meeting. Counselors learned that the town will likely face increased workmen’s compensation and health insurance costs in the coming fiscal year. If the town concludes a contract by October 1^st it may be able to avoid the workmen’s compensation increase, however, health insurance will probably increase in the 12 to 15% range assuming the coverage remains the same. Supervisor Peter Glushko also presented counselors with a documentation received earlier in the day from former Town Supervisor Donald Covel. Covel contends that as a retired Town of Peru employee the Town should be paying for his health insurance. Supervisor Glushko said that in 2008 the Town Board voted to stop providing health insurance to town counselors. Read more »

Judy Patnode was accompanied by her son Nathan at the polls

By John T. Ryan

As about 4:30 p.m. 205 Peru Republicans, Democrats and Conservatives had voted in today’s primary elections. Republican voters have the most important races choosing candidates for Congress and Governor. Douglas Hoffman and Matt Doheny are vying for the Congressional nomination while Carl Paladino and Rick Lazio are competing for the Gubernatorial nomination. The race for Attorney General was the only Democratic race of consequence.

Voters were using the new electronic machines for the first time and very few problems were being reported. Voters enter a privacy booth where they use a black felt-tip pen to darken a block next to their candidate of their choice. Judy Patnode of Peru said, “This is easy. I feel like I’m back in high school.” Patnode compared marking the ballot to taking the SAT exam. Lynn and Ann Wilke also said they had not experienced problems voting. After marking their ballots voters proceed to the electronic machine where they insert their paper ballot into a scanner and within a few seconds the machine reads “Vote accepted.”

Judy Patnode casts her ballot as her son Nathan looks on

The only problems some election officials could foresee could be caused by the small print size on the paper ballots. Voters with eyesight deficiencies might have a problem reading the paper ballot. If they do, the electronic machine is designed to accommodate handicapped voters. (Click here to see larger photos)

Donald McBrayer and Judy Akey explain the machine's operation

Heyworth/Mason Park has a long and interesting history that will soon be documented and displayed for the public. Volunteers are working to develop eight interpretive signs to go up in the park and along the new trail. These are the subjects of the signs, those that are complete can be viewed at: http://www.perutown.com/HMsigns.htm
1. Welcome to Heyworth/Mason Park
2. Native Americans
3. First Mill Site: gristmill and sawmill
4. Other Early Industries: woolen mill, tannery, cider mill and potato starch factory.
5. A. Mason and Sons Lumber Mill
6. Heyworth Village Apartments onwards
7. The Ausable Branch of the Delaware & Hudson Railroad
8. River Ecology
We’re trying to keep them of interest to students, especially fourth graders who will hopefully be touring the site as part of their study of New York history. The images on the signs will have the biggest impact and the suggested word count limit is 300. The signs will by 3 feet wide by 2 feet high. Sign design is by Maja Smith, funded through the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s Wayside Exhibit Program.
These signs are still in draft form, please feel free to weigh in with your comments and suggestions on any of them, either by e-mailing:
Ron Allen (perutownhistorian@charter.net) or
Adele Douglas (chinadele1@hotmail.com)
Thank you!

The Free Press reports

The Post Standard reports

The Post Standard reports

The Press Republican reports

Peru’s voters will vote from noon to 9 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3035 Main St.