The Peru Gazette

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By John T. Ryan

Plattsburgh – Undoubtedly, many Peru residents see the Soup Kitchen sign in Treadwells Mills; but it’s fair to conjecture they aren’t aware of the beautiful things happening at what was St. Joseph’s Church. When the parish church closed several years ago,  the Diocese of Ogdensburg could have sold it for other uses. Instead, today the building is home to St. Joseph’s Outreach Center, serving our region’s needy people. 

Reverend Scott Seymour was St. Joseph’s pastor when the diocese made the painful decision to close the church. He still supervises the Center as pastor of the joined parishes of St. Alexander’s Church in Morrisonville, St. James Church in Cadyville, and St. Augustine’s in Peru. Fr. Seymour commented, “This Church was built for the community. It remains utilized for the community. Church is coming to people differently.”  

On Monday, June 27th, Bishop Terry R. LaValley blessed and dedicated the St. Joseph’s Outreach center in the presence of Fr. Seymour’s parish community, his parish council and trustees, representatives of many local service organizations, and local community leaders. 

St. Joseph’s Church was always a welcoming place. At the time of its closing, volunteers staffed a clothing store and soup kitchen. Today, working in partnership with JCEO, the soup kitchen serves 300 to 350 people each Wednesday, double its previous numbers and the clothing store has significantly expanded. They call it a boutique. In the center’s food pantry people choose their food rather than having someone pick it out for them. The community garden and raised garden outside the center grow fresh vegetables. The Catholic Charities Retired Senior Volunteer Programs (RSVP) and E-MDT Elder Abuse programs have offices there. Veterans Feeding Veterans program volunteers pack about 300 food boxes in the former parish hall. CV-TEC and other tutors use the expansive main room (the main body of the former church) for high school equivalency and individualized student tutoring. Volunteers, parishioners, local businesses and parish staff (some working on their own time) transformed the former rectory (pastor’s home) into short-term transitional housing for the homeless, immigrants, fire victims, and others. Earlier in the day, the Mercy Sisters announced they would use the Center for their senior citizen Compassionate Care Program. Over the coming weeks, they’ll train volunteers to reach out to seniors. Many seniors would welcome a faith-based program into their homes, while others would welcome a government-based one.

Initially, Father Seymour offered the church for sale; the offers were far below the asking price. He recalled, “Selling the building at the price offered would dishonor the people who worked so hard to build the church. I took it to prayer. One evening I awoke and had the answer. “If you go, who will help the people who need us. I went to the parish council and the parish trustees. They were unanimous. St. Joseph’s will stand as a place to help the needy.” 

Editors Note – Correction to the story made on June 29th at 3:56 p.m. I erred in stating that the food pantry existed before the church’s closing. The clothing store operated at that time, thanks to the hard work of several volunteers.

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Voting in Peru takes place at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St.

Democrats have the choice of candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor. Governor – Choices for Governor are Thomas R. Suozi, Kathy C. Hooch or Humane D. Williams. Lt. Governor – Ana Maria Archia, Diana Reyna or Antonio Delgado

Republicans have the choice of candidates for Governor – Choices are Rob Astorino, Andrew Giuliani, Harry Wilson or Lee Zeldin

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Peru, Sunday, June 26, 2022 – More than 300 shoppers turned out for the Peru Town Market’s first 2022 day of operation at Heyworth-Mason Park. Lauren Prue and Ali Webbinaro are the Market organizers. Lauren commented, “I’ve very happy with the turnout, especially with the hot temperatures. We have 35 vendors including several famers with fresh produce.” A gentle breeze, the cool waters of nearby Little Ausable River and the good band playing made for an enjoyable experience. Click here for more photos

The Peru Town Market runs from 11am-3pm on the last Sunday of each month this summer, and two Sundays this fall.
Sunday, June 26
Sunday, July 31
Sunday, August 28
Sunday, September 18
Sunday, October 9

Nice crowd as Sunday evening concerts at Heyworth-Mason Park begin. Concerts every Sunday 6. p.m. to 8 p.m. through August 28th.

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Click here to view her statement

I am honored to be here today with my House Republican colleagues. Today’s historic Supreme Court decision is a victory for the sanctity of life, it will save countless innocent children.

House Republicans are incredibly grateful for the pro-life movement’s tireless efforts for decades leading to this day to give a voice to the voiceless and protect our most vulnerable – unborn babies.

As a new mom, I know that there is nothing more extraordinary than the miracle of life. Hearing Sam’s heartbeat for the first time was the greatest blessing and gift for our family. And I stand unified with my Republican colleagues in protecting and promoting the right to life.

JUNE 27, 2022 @ 6:00 PM

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance 

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION/DISCUSSION: To Accept Late Reports for April from Departments: (Highway and Water/Sewer)

5. MOTION: (Regular Meeting of June 13, 2022 Minutes Previously Approved)

6. Community Input.

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Shared Services Agreement with NYSDOT. 

8. MOTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Rifenburg’s Payment App #14.

9. MOTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of P & H Senesac, Inc. Payment App. #3 

10. MOTION/DISCUSSION: Approval to Sell the New Holland TN75 Tractor on Auctions International Website. 

11. DISCUSSION: Sewer Projects Update.

12. DISCUSSION: Culvert Project Update. 

13. DISCUSSION: Other Business. 

14. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only. 

15. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay Bills. 

16. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session. (If needed) 

17. MOTION: Return from Executive Session. (If needed) 

MOTION:     Adjourn