The Peru Gazette

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The Peru Association of Teachers, the Peru High School Key Club and Peru High School Honor Society members are sponsoring a community coat drive. Donation of coats can be dropped off at any of the three Peru Central School District school buildings during the dates of November 4-18.

Distribution of the coats will be during November parent conference days, November 23 (3:30-7:30 p.m.) and November 24 (8:00-9:30 p.m.) in the Intermediate School old gym (across from the Intermediate office). Coats will be available to parents at no charge.

For more information call Connie Lalonde at 643-6156 (w) or 561-7314 (h)

While the lower levels of the Adirondacks are still covered with a soft bed of leaves many of the mountain peaks have a soft layer of snow. That’s what Joanne Kennedy, Lori Clark and Clare Dalton found on Saturday, October 17th when they climbed Giant Mountain. They also found many other hikers out to enjoy the last few days of the North Country’s autumn beauty. Click here to see a few photos

By John T. Ryan

Our beautiful North Country autumn leaves are falling rapidly. On Friday, October 16, 2009 my wife Jean & I traveled around and near Peru taking a few photos hoping to capture a few of the last beautiful autumn colors. I hope you enjoy them. Please click here

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Here is the Comptroller’s statement

Click here to review complete approved August Zoning Board Minutes

Click here for the complete agenda

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Questions and answers on the new DEC burning regulations effective Oct. 14 can be found here

Updated 11/13/09 with a copy of the proposed budget available for download

The Peru Fire District Commissioners will hold a budget hearing for the year 2010’s proposed budget. Click here to review proposed budget This hearing will take place October 20, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the Peru Fire Station located at 753 Bear Swamp Road, Peru , New York .  The hearing is open to the public and any and all comments on the proposed budget for 2010 will be heard.

By John T. Ryan

As people completed the “Walk of Faith” at St. Augustine’s on Sunday, October 11th they were greeted with the wonderful sounds of Great Scottish Highland Bagpipes being played by Adam Blaine. This was Blaine’s second bagpipe performance of the day. Earlier, as a member of the Police Pipes and Drums of Plattsburgh, he had participated in the Battle of Valcour Anniversary ceremonies at Clinton Community College. Blaine (16), a junior at Peru High School, is the son of Michael Blaine and Chantal Shambook of Peru.

Adam said he started playing the bagpipes about five years ago. Asked why he became interested in the bagpipes he said, “ A lot of my family is Scottish. My cousin works in a bagpipe factory in Scotland and he made the set I’m playing today.” Actually, Adam started out five years ago playing a $100 set made in Pakistan and purchased on eBay. He said bagpipes typically sell from between $1,000 to $10,000.  Adam works daily at perfecting his bagpipe skills. He explained, “I practice an hour a day and I take weekly online lessons from a professional bagpiper who lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.” Also, on Tuesday evenings, Adam and his first instructor Gerald Tetrault of Plattsburgh travel to Montreal for practice as members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Bagpipe Band.  Membership in that elite group has enabled Adam to travel to several Canadian events and cities. He’s optimistic the band will play in the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Adam Blaine also plays the piano and trumpet. He’s a member of the Peru High School marching and jazz bands and the Adirondack Youth Orchestra. Adam has either a lesson or practice scheduled every day of the week with the exception of Friday and Saturday.  He still finds time to fit in one sport – soccer.  As the old expression goes, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” Adam fit Sunday’s “Walk of Faith” into his busy schedule and his beautiful bagpipe music definitely added to everyone’s enjoyment!

From Brandy MacDonald – Democratic Party Chairman

The Peru Democratic Party is sponsoring a “Meet Your Peru Democratic Candidates” function at Murphy’s Tavern following the game on Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Snacks will be served. All are welcome!

By John T. Ryan 

The 3rd annual “Walk of Faith” was deemed a success by Krista Reyell, the leader of the Catholic Daughters of America, St. Monica’s Court 2598, which sponsors of the event. Reyell said, “I was amazed by the turnout. It was great to see so many people from the community coming together.” Several members of the Peru Community Church joined the St. Augustine’s Parish community in the 7.2 mile walk from St. Patrick’s Oratory to St. Augustine’s Parish Center.  Over $1,000 was collected to be divided between the Mission of Hope in Plattsburgh and the Community Church’s Jamaican Mission Project.  Martin Mannix was present to represent the Mission of Hope. (Click here to see many more photos) 

Krista Reyell thanked all the volunteers who helped put the project together. She said, “It takes a lot of people to put this together. Without everyone working together it couldn’t have succeeded. I especially want to thank Fr. Alan Shnob, the Peru Community Church and the St. Augustine’s Parish community.

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