The Peru Gazette

The next Peru Democratic Party meeting will be on Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the St Augustine’s Parish Center. At this meeting plans will be started for the Peru Applefest and Peru candidate’s campaign agendas. 

Jim Reed, Lana Knight and Kregg Bruno will be joining Clinton County Treasurer Candidate Martin Mannix for a “Meet and Greet” at the Naked Turtle on Thursday, August 20th from 4 to 6 p.m.

The Press Republican reports

By John T. Ryan

There will be a primary election on September 15^th in Peru involving the town justice and two-year town counselor positions, but there will not be many voters because only registered members of the Conservative and Independence parties will be voting.

Three men are competing for the two town justice positions on the Conservative Party ticket. They are: James Kirby, John Lawliss and Dennis Reid. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes from registered Conservative Party voters will get the two lines on the ballot.  There are only 29 members of the Conservative Party in the Town of Peru.

Members of the Independence Party can write in the name of their choice for the two-year town counselor position.  The person receiving the highest number of votes will receive the Independence Party line on the ballot. According to Clinton County Board of Election officials there are 264 registered members of the Independence Party in the Town of Peru.

Board of Elections officials pointed out that some voters who are not registered for any party sometimes believe they can vote in a primary election. Election officials consider an “independent” voter to be a “blank” or “not enrolled” voter; therefore that voter is not eligible to vote in a party primary.

The Independence Party has a standing similar to the Republican, Conservative and Democratic parties. A voter must be registered as an Independence Party member to vote in the Independence Party primary.

Anyone with questions is urged to call the Clinton County Board of Elections at 565-4740. 

By John T. Ryan 

Elmore SPCA is seeking donations of collectibles and antiques for a dinner and silent auction to be held on Friday, October 9, 2009 at American Legion Port #20 in Plattsburgh.  If you would like to contribute or have any questions please call Carol at 534-3484 or email carol@elmorespca.org.

By Donald McBrayer

This summer’s Gazebo Concert series is wrapped up for the season. For the past several weeks our Sunday evenings have been filled with the music of many very talented local musicians. Their performances at the Gazebo provided a great opportunity for families to get out a bit (even when it rained), and spend some time with the neighbors. There were even a few pooches present.

A huge thank you is owed to Pam Barber for organizing and administrating the 2009 Gazebo Concert Series. It was a wonderful opportunity for Peru, and very much appreciated. Check out photos of the shows on the Peru Website at: http://www.perutown.com/events.htm 

By Lana Knight

Peru Community Church once again opened its doors to any children (ages 3 years to 6th grade) for a venture known as Vacation Bible School held August 3rd to August 7th.  Children were welcomed with open arms to attend this non-denominational celebration of Jesus and learned how important it is to “build you life upon the rock–Jesus!”  In the spirit of great fellowship, St. Augustine’s Church assisted with the activities and helped make Vacation Bible School the great success it was. They extended a generous donation to help underwrite this year’s program–so thanks to St. Augustine’s parish and to ALL the people who donated so generously.

We enjoyed large numbers of children in the past (80 to 90), with a record number of 115 in 2008.  This year, Peru Community Church proudly announces that 129 children took part!  From morning assembly skits, to Bible science activities, to recreation, to snack, to music and dance, to Bible stories, and on to arts and crafts…all the participants had a great time!  One thing that really stands out is the enthusiasm of the leaders and helpers.  Their great attitudes were mirrored by the children who attended Vacation Bible School.  It was a very win-win event! 

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the volunteers and for all the support we received.  We look forward to a great VBS in 2010!

The Post Star reports

It’s obviously under construction

The Press Republican reports

The Watertown Daily Times reports

The Post Star reports

By John T. Ryan

The Gazette just made it much easier to comment on stories. Readers no longer have to register to comment. Simply click on the comment block following a story and enter your name and email address. A “URL” is not required. All comments still have to receive an editor’s approval before being published. 

Keep reading the Gazette and thank you for your support!  In the past ten months the Peru Gazette has received over 22,000 visits. Last week we averaged 90 daily visits with a low daily count of 50 and a high daily count of 135.

The Watertown Daily Times reports

By Donald McBrayer


It was 1:30 PM Sunday, August 16, 2009 when they came through the Intersection of Bear Swamp Road, and Rt. 22 — the thunderous roar of 200 plus Harley-Davidsons representing the 9th annual Jeff Wyand Miracle Ride, a motorcycle rally to benefit Fletcher Allen Health Care’s Vermont Children’s Hospital in Burlington.

As the stirring image of hundreds of bikers riding in unison passed by me I couldn’t help a feeling of pride and respect. It’s great to see people come together for a cause, and this group waving and riding certainly represents that spirit best.

Ride on!!!

The adirondack almanack reports

The adirondack almanack reports

The Post Star reports

By Joanne Kennedy

My sister and I stopped at Rulfs Orchard in Peru in hopes of satisfying a family craving–fresh blueberry pie.  No we didn’t just purchase one at the bakery but drove down the dirt road to the U-pick blueberry patch.  We were not disappointed.  The high bush blueberry plants are loaded with the luscious treat.  In the distance you could hear a recorded screech of a robin in distress to ward off birds trying to nibble on the berries.  Debbi who mans the stand said, “This is the best year yet in the last 5 years of growing the berries.”  Before long we had our eight baskets brimming to the top and were headed home to start baking.  The orchard hopes to have berries as late as the Labor Day weekend with picking from 7am to 3pm.  It is a good idea to wear a brimmed hat to block the sun and also bring cold water to quench your thirst on these hot August days.

The adirondack almanac reports

The Watertown Times reports

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

The Press Republican reports

The Press Republican reports 

By Donald McBrayer

I sat out last night with friends and a glass of merlot and watched dozens of shooting stars streak overhead. The Perseid Meteor shower peeks on the 12th, but it can still be enjoyed all weekend.

The best way to spot Perseid Meteors is to go to a dark location after 10PM (most backyards are just fine for this), and look to the Northeast, toward the constellation Cassiopeia (the star formation that looks like a big W). Below Cassiopeia is the constellation Perseus. It is from here the meteors seem to originate, and why they are so named. They tend to shoot along an east to west path through the Big Dipper. You’ll know them when you see them. On average you should see one every four to five minutes, and less frequently as the weekend passes. The meteors are dust remnants from Comet Swift-Tuttle that passed through Earth’s orbit a few years back. As our part of the planet takes point in the late evening through this region of Earth’s orbit, the remaining comet dust enters our atmosphere much like bugs hitting a windshield. It’s just as fun to watch with no messy cleanup.

Kids love them, and it’s more memorable than anything on TV.

The Elmore SPCA continues its wonderful series of creative fundraisers with “an evening of delicious delectable desserts and exhilarating eclectic entertainment.” It will take place on Friday, August 28th from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center. Tickets are $15.00 in advance; $20.00 at the door; $5.00 for children 6-12, and free for children 5 & under. Tickets are available at area stores, at the shelters or from a board member.