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The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.

Comment Policy

The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

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Planning Board Minutes for July, 2010

Richard Williams, Chair of the Town of Peru Planning Board, called the meeting of Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 at 7:00pm, to order. Read more »

Schroon Lake, Lewis rest areas to close

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

Mountain biking momentum – New recreational trail planned on Lussi family property in Lake Placid

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

Tea party backing Doheny – Leader says Hoffman doesn’t have a chance

The Watertown Daily Times reports

DEC reminds hunters about new regulations

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

Swanton Marine killed in Afghanistan

The Free Press reports   The story of a fine young man!

Updated 10/3/10 The Free Press Reports Swanton Salutes its fallen Marine

The Babbie Museum has a busy October of family-fun scheduled

Garrett, Shelby and Collin Brown enjoy museum's "Rocking Holsteins"

By John T. Ryan

Many people are undoubtedly asking, “How are things going at the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum?” Rick Laurin, the museum curator says, “It’s been going great. We’ve had 1,500 people go through since our June 12th Grand Opening.” Laurin says people enjoy many aspects of the museum. The machine demonstrations are popular. Children particularly enjoy being able to touch things such as the many tractors. The two horses and three miniature donkeys are also great favorites. When this reporter visited the museum on Thursday, September 23rd Mr. and Mrs. Dwane Waterman of Peru were visiting with their three great grandchildren. Where else could Shelby, Garrett and Collin Brown from Schaghticoke, NY get to ride a rocking holstein? The Waterman’s were being guided through the museum by local historian and volunteer Lincoln Sunderland.

The museum has planned several activities during the immediate future. On September 30th at 10:30 a.m. two busloads of the Clinton County Senior Citizens group will arrive for a tour and to enjoy lunch. Everyone is invited to enjoy the museum along with the seniors.

A Family Fun-Harvest Weekend will be held on October 16th and 17th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Many special events will be held. On Saturday, Mary Dimock will lead a quilting bee and demonstration. The museum’s full array of farm machines will be operating. Visitors will be able to observe corn binding, oat thrashing, hay pressing, shingle milling, corn milling and chopping. The interesting hit and miss engines will be running. Children can take rides in a wagon pulled by a team of miniature horses and can participate in pumpkin carving and face painting.

Saturday, October 30th will be another day of family fun when the museum hosts an adult and children’s costume party. There will be costume prizes and children will enjoy bobbing for apples and face painting. Following the costume party the museum will close for the 2010 season.

Owens touts new tax cuts and credit for small business

Congressman Owens Press Release

Thursday’s vote supported by U.S. Chamber of Commerce


WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Bill Owens voted in favor of The Small Business Jobs Act, H.R. 5297, a bill that provides tax cuts for the middle class and spurs economic development in Upstate New York.  The legislation, which is backed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, passed the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday by a vote of 237-187. Read more »

Hoffman will stay in congressional race

The Press Republican reports

“The Times They Are a Changing” – Debt, changing media habits topple Blockbuster

Yahoo News reports

Gillibrand: Raise milk quality to keep Euro markets

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

No federal funds for Patriot Hills next year

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

Doheny clinches nomination

Matt Doheny in Saturday's 2010 Applefest Parade

Matt Doheny in Saturday's St. Augustine's Applefest Parade

The Watertown Daily Times reports

APA fast-tracks review of new cell towers

The adirondack almanac reports

Peru Fire Department called to destructive blaze in Schuyler Falls.

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.”

Adirondack Family Activities: Take your child outside week (Sept. 24-30)

The adirondack almanac reports

Doheny gains as time runs out – Hoffman needs 77% of remaining absentees

The Watertown Daily Times reports

Owens Announces Key Patient Rights to Take Effect Tomorrow

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 »

Here’s a chance to assist a Peru child with severe heart problems

This Saturday September 25th 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.

Sunday event to assist Jean Craig

Jean & Don Craig

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.

1st Annual Golf Tournament raises almost $35,000 for ALS research

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

Willsboro – New senior class at old school; local developer turning former school into senior housing

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

Applefest draws a record crowd

Parade Grand Master Peter Keenan and his granddaughter Keely Dew

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.

The Walk of Faith will be shorter this year

Father Alan Shnob and

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

Walk of Faith route in the Peru Hamlet

Tea Party likely to switch support to Matt Doheny

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports