Benjamin Moore Paints To Launch "Main Street Matters," Its Biggest Ever Multi-Platform Campaign To Revitalize Cities And Towns Across North America
"Our Main Streets are the vital hubs
of our communities - and Benjamin Moore and our network of independent
dealers have always been integral parts of Main Street," said David
Melançon, Chief Marketing Officer of Benjamin Moore. "This investment
we're making in communities around North America is core to our business
and to who we are; Main Streets make us who we are and we're proud to
honor that with this effort.
Benjamin Moore will not only provide the paint and supplies needed
for façades, porches, railings, shutters and other exterior building
trims, but its color experts will consult on the best choices to enhance
the architectural style, regional influences and historic references in
each community. Skilled professional painters, many of them members of
the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, will be hired,
putting another segment of local business to work along with the local
Benjamin Moore retailer who will be mixing the paints that are used.
To read the rest of the article follow the link.
Many of us know this here in Peru but surely don't know how to make that happen.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
Memorial Day Services Will Be Held Inside Washington School
Due to the weather conditions today, the scheduled Memorial Day program will be held indoors at Washington School in Peru starting at 11 AM.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
Gas Prices
According to WLPO, gas in the Illinois Valley is between 3.85 to 3.89 but go to Ottawa where it is 3.82 or go to Streator where it is 3.62 to 3.69 per gallon.
Included in that gas price is local and state sales tax. This area also has the highest prices in the area, why?
Included in that gas price is local and state sales tax. This area also has the highest prices in the area, why?
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
According to the City of Peru An Impromptu Landscaping Plan
I did email for information from the city today and received the following information.
Gary Bleck was able to hire Peru Greenhouse for under $5000 to weed and plant flowers in 4 city parks: Washington, Centennial, Veterans, and Baker Lake. They will do no maintenance and the remaining parks in Peru were not mentioned and at this point I don't know if they will receive any care other than the mowing done by the summer help.
Why wasn't this mentioned by either our mayor or superintendent of public works at the city council meeting on Monday? Your guess is as good as anybody elses.
The city stated that it was done because of Memorial Day.
Gary Bleck was able to hire Peru Greenhouse for under $5000 to weed and plant flowers in 4 city parks: Washington, Centennial, Veterans, and Baker Lake. They will do no maintenance and the remaining parks in Peru were not mentioned and at this point I don't know if they will receive any care other than the mowing done by the summer help.
Why wasn't this mentioned by either our mayor or superintendent of public works at the city council meeting on Monday? Your guess is as good as anybody elses.
The city stated that it was done because of Memorial Day.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Peru Has Not Decided Upon a Landscaping Firm
The Peru Greenhouse gave the only bid before the volunteers went ahead and did some of the flower planting so it was agreed to go out for bids once again with different specifications for the job.
Just last night the only bid received was for app. $15,000 by Specialty and no bids by Peru Greenhouse. I was told this is a Peru Greenhouse truck at the location.
So whose shoulders shall we place this upon?
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Volunteer Meeting May 19 at Peru Greenhouse
Interested gardening volunteers will meet tomorrow Sunday morning @ 10 AM at the Greenhouse located at the west side of the Peru Cemetery. If interested feel free to stop by and offer your help or just to listen to the plans.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Illinois Municipal Utility Association Meeting Took Place in Springfield May 15-16
I certainly hope to hear more about the meeting in Springfield this week. The only thing I am sure about is that the council meeting last week was moved from Wednesday to Monday to enable to allow some of the elected officials and maybe non elected to attended. Using google, I was able to find the brochure advertising the IMUA and what it was all about.
With respect to the citizens of Peru, I do hope the Mayor and whomever accompanied him will share what they learned with the interested citizens of Peru. The more understanding that the residents have about what takes places here as a result of something learned elsewhere, the better it will be and we will willingly pay for trips when we know it is more business than fun and games.
With respect to the citizens of Peru, I do hope the Mayor and whomever accompanied him will share what they learned with the interested citizens of Peru. The more understanding that the residents have about what takes places here as a result of something learned elsewhere, the better it will be and we will willingly pay for trips when we know it is more business than fun and games.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
New Grocery Coming to Oglesby Next Year
This is a just for your information posting because people seem to be interested in having an additional grocery in the area. Not in Peru but the N.T. states that a company out of Quincy, Niemann Foods will be constructing a new store in Oglesby. They also operate the Cub Stores. This store will be one of the County Market stores associated with the same company. Checking there locate a store, shows they already have stores in Pontiac, Dixon and Sterling in northern Illinois and many others in central and southern Illinois and Missouri.
Construction will not begin until next year. This is great for the folks in Oglesby who have been without a grocery for 15 years.
Construction will not begin until next year. This is great for the folks in Oglesby who have been without a grocery for 15 years.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Recreation Board Meeting Tuesday May 14
Meeting was very well attended with 4 aldermen present. Ald. Perez and Mueller from the Public Property committee and Ferrari and Radtke from the first and second respectfully.
Some of the highlights:
Board member Kempworth would like to look into making the baseball diamond at Sunset Park large enough to meet Little League requirements (girls) and that would mean adding more fencing and moving the scoreboard. The problem according to a neighbor might be parking for cars.
The tennis courts at Washington and Sunset are in very bad condition. The one at Sunset will be repaired without cost because the company made a mistake during the resurfacing last year. It is thought that the one at Washington would cost approximately 1500 and that will probably be an annual cost. I don't understand why we need this special surface when whatever we used for many years previously did not require special care and lasted for many years. Anyone have any info on this issue? The cost to do all the courts last year was app. $40,000.
There was a discussion of the doggy park by several residents who use it on a regular basis. Complaints are that grass is not cut, garbage is not picked up in a timely fashion, parking is very bad. park does not work for both small and large dogs at the same time and there are no rules or times posted for usage.
Future of the park seems to be dependent upon whether the LP complex will have baseball diamonds or will teams use the diamonds at La Salle Rotary Park How many of the current diamonds will be utilized by the teams that currently play or practice there?
Some of the highlights:
Board member Kempworth would like to look into making the baseball diamond at Sunset Park large enough to meet Little League requirements (girls) and that would mean adding more fencing and moving the scoreboard. The problem according to a neighbor might be parking for cars.
The tennis courts at Washington and Sunset are in very bad condition. The one at Sunset will be repaired without cost because the company made a mistake during the resurfacing last year. It is thought that the one at Washington would cost approximately 1500 and that will probably be an annual cost. I don't understand why we need this special surface when whatever we used for many years previously did not require special care and lasted for many years. Anyone have any info on this issue? The cost to do all the courts last year was app. $40,000.
There was a discussion of the doggy park by several residents who use it on a regular basis. Complaints are that grass is not cut, garbage is not picked up in a timely fashion, parking is very bad. park does not work for both small and large dogs at the same time and there are no rules or times posted for usage.
Future of the park seems to be dependent upon whether the LP complex will have baseball diamonds or will teams use the diamonds at La Salle Rotary Park How many of the current diamonds will be utilized by the teams that currently play or practice there?
Monday, May 13, 2013
Looks like the gardening volunteers will get the go ahead
A discussion tonight at the Peru City Council meeting initiated by Ald. Rodney Perez looks to be a go, starting with several locations in Peru including the airport, police and fire stations, Rotary Park and all planters located along Route 6. A core group of about 10 to 12 people has developed. The city will pay for the plants and the volunteers will plant them and mulch will be obtained from the landfill. It is also available to all Peru residents according to SPW Gary Bleck.
For the remaining parks, the city will go out for bids from any landscaping firm interested in filling in the rest of the areas. This list was posted here a few days ago.
A few aldermen tried to put this down by stating it was too late for volunteers to start working. I guess they were unaware that last night there was a frost warning. So far I have weeded one flower bed and planted one flower plant. We have plenty of time to get this underway. Sherry Mayszak stated the perennials planted at the airport last year are up and doing well and she will add some annuals for summer color.
A Public Property meeting will take place at city hall on Monday May 20 @ 6:30 PM. If you are interesting in becoming a volunteer, try to attend for further information.
For the remaining parks, the city will go out for bids from any landscaping firm interested in filling in the rest of the areas. This list was posted here a few days ago.
A few aldermen tried to put this down by stating it was too late for volunteers to start working. I guess they were unaware that last night there was a frost warning. So far I have weeded one flower bed and planted one flower plant. We have plenty of time to get this underway. Sherry Mayszak stated the perennials planted at the airport last year are up and doing well and she will add some annuals for summer color.
A Public Property meeting will take place at city hall on Monday May 20 @ 6:30 PM. If you are interesting in becoming a volunteer, try to attend for further information.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Landscaping Areas Needing Maintenance of Flowerbeds
Centennial Park -4
Washington Park -3
Shooting Park & Pulaski -2
Pulaski Square -3
East Of Cemetery -1
Marquette Rd & 31st St.-1
Baker Lake-4
Veteran's Park-1
Rotary Park-5
Maude Powell Plaza-2
Sunset Park-1
Police Station (2 flower beds)
Municipal Bldg Including Grass Cutting
Airport-2
Debo's-
NW Corner of 5th St & Putnam St.-3
Pizza House (south)
Mausoleum
Downtown Planters (11)
Water St. Planters (5)
East of Pulaski (planters 12)
Last year Sherry Mayszak did the flower beds at the Fire Station and the Airport at no charge to the city.
As a volunteer she will continue to work on both projects, if the city approves volunteer help..
I understand that Mayor Harl is putting landscaping on the city council agenda for May 13 without resolution by the public property committee first. . Ald. Perez also has scheduled landscaping on the public property meeting on Thursday May 15.
The question now is how much pressure is the mayor putting on Ald. Mueller to do things his way, in order to bypass the public property committee chaired by Ald. Perez. The second question is "Is Ald. Mueller strong enough to withstand the political pressure of the mayor?" Not easy to be a freshman alderman with the mayor breathing down your back, is it.
Washington Park -3
Shooting Park & Pulaski -2
Pulaski Square -3
East Of Cemetery -1
Marquette Rd & 31st St.-1
Baker Lake-4
Veteran's Park-1
Rotary Park-5
Maude Powell Plaza-2
Sunset Park-1
Police Station (2 flower beds)
Municipal Bldg Including Grass Cutting
Airport-2
Debo's-
NW Corner of 5th St & Putnam St.-3
Pizza House (south)
Mausoleum
Downtown Planters (11)
Water St. Planters (5)
East of Pulaski (planters 12)
Last year Sherry Mayszak did the flower beds at the Fire Station and the Airport at no charge to the city.
As a volunteer she will continue to work on both projects, if the city approves volunteer help..
I understand that Mayor Harl is putting landscaping on the city council agenda for May 13 without resolution by the public property committee first. . Ald. Perez also has scheduled landscaping on the public property meeting on Thursday May 15.
The question now is how much pressure is the mayor putting on Ald. Mueller to do things his way, in order to bypass the public property committee chaired by Ald. Perez. The second question is "Is Ald. Mueller strong enough to withstand the political pressure of the mayor?" Not easy to be a freshman alderman with the mayor breathing down your back, is it.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Peru Pages: What is a City Manager?
The more I see of city government, the more I believe we need more professionalism and people educated to be managers of a city running our city. The time is past when a mayor and council have the skills, background, experience and education to control all aspects of a city. And this is an interesting read and certainly biased to the Manager Council form of government but still something we as residents need to learn about and consider.
Peru Pages: What is a City Manager?
Peru Pages: What is a City Manager?
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Public Property Meeting Items of Interest
First meeting of the Public Property Committee chaired by Ald. Perez and with new committee member and newly elected alderman Becky Mueller. It became apparent very quickly that Ald. Mueller had been given information prior to the meeting that Ald. Perez did not receive until this evening. Wisely Ald. Perez steered away from any topic he had not received information on before this meeting. My question is "Why would this happen without explanation?"
Most of us have heard the word Landscaping being tossed around city hall for the last couple of weeks. It was known that SPW Bleck had contacted several companies for prices but had not officially gone out for bids. Before the meeting took place, we knew that the Peru Greenhouse and Specialty Services of Peru had been contacted for a price but then tonight Ald. Mueller said that Specialty had contacted her to tell her that were not going to submit a price, so that left only the Peru Green house who had representatives at the meeting.
Ald. Perez brought up the topic of developing a group of citizen volunteers who would be interested in helping to beautify the parks of Peru to reduce the cost even though I did get the feeling from Mayor Harl that money was not a problem and we could afford the $18,000 which did not include hanging baskets. The flowers would include perennials and annuals and they would take care of them throughout the blooming season. We may be able to get a video as this meeting was video taped.
The Mayor indicated that previously he had approached some of the businesses that have concrete planters in front of their locations about helping to care for flowers in them but the businesses did not seem interested. I was told that the Ottawa businesses that have planters directly in front of their stores do help in the upkeep and volunteers take care of the street plantings.
I do believe a volunteer group will form and include Sherry Mayszak. If you are interested in being a part of this group, you might contact her or me or new Rec. Bd. member Linda Dzierzynski or Marsha Perez. We are all in the phone book. Places included in the volunteer plantings would include the Police and Fire Station, Airport and Rotary Park.
Most of us have heard the word Landscaping being tossed around city hall for the last couple of weeks. It was known that SPW Bleck had contacted several companies for prices but had not officially gone out for bids. Before the meeting took place, we knew that the Peru Greenhouse and Specialty Services of Peru had been contacted for a price but then tonight Ald. Mueller said that Specialty had contacted her to tell her that were not going to submit a price, so that left only the Peru Green house who had representatives at the meeting.
Ald. Perez brought up the topic of developing a group of citizen volunteers who would be interested in helping to beautify the parks of Peru to reduce the cost even though I did get the feeling from Mayor Harl that money was not a problem and we could afford the $18,000 which did not include hanging baskets. The flowers would include perennials and annuals and they would take care of them throughout the blooming season. We may be able to get a video as this meeting was video taped.
The Mayor indicated that previously he had approached some of the businesses that have concrete planters in front of their locations about helping to care for flowers in them but the businesses did not seem interested. I was told that the Ottawa businesses that have planters directly in front of their stores do help in the upkeep and volunteers take care of the street plantings.
I do believe a volunteer group will form and include Sherry Mayszak. If you are interested in being a part of this group, you might contact her or me or new Rec. Bd. member Linda Dzierzynski or Marsha Perez. We are all in the phone book. Places included in the volunteer plantings would include the Police and Fire Station, Airport and Rotary Park.
Transparency as Described by the Harl Administration
Post election, we have been shown how transparency will take place in the second term of Mayor Scott Harl's administration.
Summer help hired by the city. There was no public notification made as to submitting an application to be hired for the summer. No radio announcement, no advertisement in the local paper but if you are family or friend, there was no need to know because you would be informed by those in the know.
APPA Convention in Washington DC attended by Mayor Harl and wife and Ald. Jim Lukosus and wife in March.
On March 20, Ald. Lukosus stated........see comments
On May 6, there was a payment of almost 3200 by the city.........see comments
Landscaping bids sought by the city.
The city sought selected businesses to get a price for planting flower beds etc within the city and formerly maintained by the city with the help of the summer workers. Nothing mentioned publicly at any council meeting to bring attention to any business interested in pursuing this work. Meaning if you were not connected to the city or known to them previously you would have no opportunity to quote a price.
AGENDA FOR PUBLIC PROPERTY THIS EVENING MAY 9 AT 6 PM
Summer help hired by the city. There was no public notification made as to submitting an application to be hired for the summer. No radio announcement, no advertisement in the local paper but if you are family or friend, there was no need to know because you would be informed by those in the know.
APPA Convention in Washington DC attended by Mayor Harl and wife and Ald. Jim Lukosus and wife in March.
On March 20, Ald. Lukosus stated........see comments
On May 6, there was a payment of almost 3200 by the city.........see comments
Landscaping bids sought by the city.
The city sought selected businesses to get a price for planting flower beds etc within the city and formerly maintained by the city with the help of the summer workers. Nothing mentioned publicly at any council meeting to bring attention to any business interested in pursuing this work. Meaning if you were not connected to the city or known to them previously you would have no opportunity to quote a price.
AGENDA FOR PUBLIC PROPERTY THIS EVENING MAY 9 AT 6 PM
J.A. Happ Released From Hospital « AM1220 WLPO News
J.A. Happ Released From Hospital « AM1220 WLPO News
Many in this area know and are proud of J.A. Happ so adding this good news to our forum.
Many in this area know and are proud of J.A. Happ so adding this good news to our forum.
Monday, May 06, 2013
This is still the Peru Town Forum with a new look
Google is always offering new templates for bloggers and I decided to clean up the page a bit and give it a new look. If you find any problems, let me know or if there is something not working the way it should.
Sunday, May 05, 2013
Ottawa Illinois 2 Rivers Winefest
Ottawa Illinois 2 Rivers Winefest
Interesting letter to read and it should give everyone something to think about. Setting forth a positive attitude and pride of the city encouraging people to visit there
Interesting letter to read and it should give everyone something to think about. Setting forth a positive attitude and pride of the city encouraging people to visit there
Saturday, May 04, 2013
Thursday, May 02, 2013
DoYou Live in Peru and Not Work in Peru?
It seems like the recent closing of Steve's Bakery has brought forth many comments about the lack of jobs in our city and the desire for the city to seek out businesses that they might be encouraged to set up here.
I realize many people might live in Peru but work in La Salle, Oglesby, Ottawa or Spring Valley. Does it make a difference or is a job a job? We talk about the need for businesses to locate here but should this be more of a regional development group working for bringing jobs into the area?. Is the Chamber of Commerce an effective tool for this purpose? Does an economic development director make a difference to a city?
So many small towns are concentrated in a small area that it beings to mind should the cities be working together instead of working only for themselves. Are small town governments literally working against the population by working for themselves?
I realize that no matter who is working on the job situation, the state of Illinois is having a difficult time retaining businesses making it more difficult for small cities to entice them to their specific town.
Instead of pride in your city, maybe time for pride in your region or do they go hand in hand?
I realize many people might live in Peru but work in La Salle, Oglesby, Ottawa or Spring Valley. Does it make a difference or is a job a job? We talk about the need for businesses to locate here but should this be more of a regional development group working for bringing jobs into the area?. Is the Chamber of Commerce an effective tool for this purpose? Does an economic development director make a difference to a city?
So many small towns are concentrated in a small area that it beings to mind should the cities be working together instead of working only for themselves. Are small town governments literally working against the population by working for themselves?
I realize that no matter who is working on the job situation, the state of Illinois is having a difficult time retaining businesses making it more difficult for small cities to entice them to their specific town.
Instead of pride in your city, maybe time for pride in your region or do they go hand in hand?
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Information from Local Radio Stations
That odor you may be smelling in La Salle and Peru is coming from Flint
Hills Resources in Peru, according to the Peru Police Department. Flint
Hills officials say they're working on the issue and there's no public
safety concern with the odor.
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