The Peru Gazette

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Includes Bike Block Party, Parks Come Alive, Downtown Trick or Treat and more

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Over a foot possible at some mountain summits by Friday morning

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PERU, NY – Peru Drama Club will present one of Disney’s most beloved musicals, Beauty and the Beast, on March 9, 10, and 11th. The curtain will rise to reveal a cast of 40 grade 6-12 students with a full pit orchestra featuring students and professionals. 

Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation produced in 37 countries worldwide. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the beautiful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. 

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end, and he will be transformed into his former self. However, time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. 

This “tale as old as time” offers an excellent opportunity to celebrate and come together for family theatre at its best! 

The show runs March 9 & 10 @7:30pm; March 11 @ 2pm & 7:30pm 

Admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the door; http://perudrama.booktix.com 

Tickets will be available on February 3 to the public. 

For more information: 518-551-0811 or perudramaclub@gmail.com 

Peru Drama Club was re-formed in 2011 to serve Peru Central School District’s students. The club is committed to providing performing experiences for students through musicals, dramas, talent shows, and coffeehouses. They also provide opportunities to attend professional and community performances, participate in workshops on various theatre topics, and even take trips to New York City for classes and shows. 

Massive blaze at Consolidated Electric Distributors-Twin Electric Supply, Aubuchon saved

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We are proud to announce that Coach Edwards has been honored as a 2023 inductee into the Upstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. His dedication over the last forty-six years has earned him the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award. He joins Coach Riggs and Coach Hogan as the three members of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame from Section VII. Congratulations Coach!

Multiple fire crews from Clinton, Essex, and Franklin counties responded to a fire at the Aubuchon Hardware Plaza.

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By John T. Ryan

Peru – Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass chaired the January 23rd Peru Town Board meeting.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said his department would repair lawns damaged by the town’s snow plows. Call his office at 518-643-8657 to report any damage. Thanks to its new road salting program, very little sand, if any, is being used, and the department will not need to sweep streets this year.

Farrell also reported that C&S Engineering inspected the Telegraph Road bridge needing repair. The engineers confirmed the bridges underlying culverts are collapsing and needing repair. Farrell said the road will have to be closed if the bridge and underlying culvert are not replaced by 2024. Farrell is applying for a Bridges NY grant to help fund the project.

Code Office Bob Guynup reported one bid had been received to date for the School Street house demolition project.

Other important actions included the following:

• Approving the Highway Department’s purchase of a 10,000 salt brine storage tank costing $17,928.
• Reappointing Allison Webbinaro to a seven-year term on the Planning Board.
• Approving sending Matt Houser to a 2A water operator training/licensing program.

• The board held an executive session with no action taken following the session.

By John T. Ryan 

Peru – In June 2013, Doug Brown took part in the North Country Honor Flight to Washington D.C. Observing a Peru Gazette photo of the send-off ceremony, Doug’s niece Lori Brown Salotto commented, “Uncle Doug looks wonderful for 92.” Today she’d undoubtedly comment, “Uncle Doug looks wonderful for 102!” What’s the secret of Doug Brown’s long, active life? He says, “I’m always looking, thinking ten years ahead of things I want to do. So I keep busy all the time. That’s the only thing.” 

In many ways keeping busy has been Doug Brown’s life story. As a teenager, he worked at the family farm in Mooers. During 1944-45 he served as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Army Air Corps with service in England, Holland, Germany, and France.  In 1946, he and his father Percy opened Peru Hardware which Doug and his late wife Helen owned until 1985 when their daughter Wendy and her husband Bob Silverman took over. From 1953 to 1980, Brown worked as a Peru rural letter carrier. 

When Doug wasn’t working at the store or delivering mail, he constructed a home on River Road in Peru; during off-hours, he enjoyed boating, being at his lakeside camp, square dancing, go-cart racing, and spending time with family. Despite wearing a leg brace, golfing has been one of his favorite retirement pursuits. He’s scored two holes-in-one; the hole-in-one trophy on display in his living room is undoubtedly one of his proudest possessions. At age 99, he played golf three times. 

Today, wood carving, especially carving brightly colored birds, is his favorite hobby. Entering his spacious living room, visitors see the birds almost everywhere. Lumber, saws, and tools of every type fill the workshop in his oversized garage. He explained, “I select the wood and cut the patterns in that workshop.” Then, he continues the project in his well-organized downstairs workshop using fine carving tools, sanders, sealers, and paints. He said, “Some birds take up to four or five weeks, depending on how many projects I’ve got going. The loon is the last one I completed.”  

Doug’s activities aren’t limited to indoors. He operates his snowplow-equipped pickup truck during winter and mows his lawn during summer. He loves driving his van. Doug said, “I drive to Plattsburgh two or three times a week; yesterday, I ate lunch at Wendy’s.” During good weather, Doug drives to Champlain Valley Wood Carvers’ meetings. 

News articles repeatedly stress keeping active as a key to a long, happy life. Doug Brown’s first 102 years exemplify the wisdom of that advice. Remember his words, “I’m always looking, thinking ten years ahead of things I want to do. So I keep busy all the time. That’s the only thing.”