This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
Thursday, January 16, 2014
A Found Treasure
Is anyone aware of where this might have been? Any Peru historians on the blog?
Looks like the locals had 4 days of fun and music. Makes me believe they were enjoying themselves here in Peru more than most of us today.
58 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Favorite Park was on the Northeast corner of 4th and Cross Street where the Coke Plant was later built. It was a outdoor beer hall with sales of wine, liquors and union made cigars. Also featuring a dance pavilion and picnic area from May thru October open every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Favorite Park admission was free but because of prohibition starting in 1920 until 1934 a admission price had to be created and I do know that a tavern was on the site as late as 1935. Germania Park was the original name of the park and was renamed Favorite Park before WWI because of the unpopularity of Germany.
6:50 you don't pay "high taxes". Our tax rate is pretty low in Peru especially compared to the other town around us. This is one of many areas in which we are very fortunate.
Did you hear about the city that brought acase about pickleball? the people that brought the case to court were told by the judge that you just have to live with the noise.
watched the latest council meeting video. Do you think maybe we kind find a few dollars in the budget somewhere for a coat rack? All those big heavy coats on the back of those tiny chairs. I got uncomfortable just looking at it.
8:48. I heard the radio report about the pickleball case in Rockford. What they failed to mention about the difference between Rockford and Peru is the fact that the Peru pickleball court is 20 feet from the neighbors. Rockford is much farther away but is still a noise nuisance. My guess is the judge in that case has never heard pickleball being played. It's one thing to live next to a park and to expect some noise, but to live next to a park and have a new noisy sport thrown down your throats, that's a big difference.
Anon 8:48AM This is a case which was of a pickle ball court in the City of Rockford. I am not familiar to the particulars of this case are you? I have some knowledge of Perus pickle ball court and how it came into existence. Originally a tennis court was built too close to a number of homes but I don't remember complaints at the time. I do know that there was one person who complained of a softball field being located in the park. I understand that the biggest fan , who the tennis court was built to satisfy became a pickle ball fan and forgot the often used tennis court and set up certain city officials to changing the neighborhood tennis court into a pickleball court which is a neighborhood unfriendly, rather noisey sport. The location of the former tennis court now pickleball court is still the same court, ILLEGALLY too close to several homes. In addition someone had produced a video of "Pickleball Can Be Played Anywhere", was granted money to purchase equipment and to keep this equipment in his own personal garage. Also a bike was parked illegally on the street advertising pickleball next to the park. Who owned the bike we don't know. Eventually in the process of bringing pickleball to the neighborhood the tennis star has been nicknamed the "Ambassador of Pickle Ball". Now a decision must be made as there was a promise made that three different parks where to have a yearly rotation of the "Game That Could Be Played Anywhere". So the 'Ambassador" whose wife is on the Recreational Board will now have to travel a few more blocks than previously. It is only justice that this game be moved away from the 28th street neighborhood even if it means shutting down the game for a year in making a decision to where it should be located next. There are several reasons that the next location should be a permanent location, the first being that the cost of relocating "The Game That Can Be Played Anywhere" is going to cost the taxpayers double digit thousands of dollars. Secondly it is not a game which blends into a neighborhood. This and other reasons direct the Mayor, the Public Property Committee and the Council to relocate once and for all to the North side of Veterans Park. I don't believe it is fair to the citizens of Peru that they have to live with the abuse of a few who have been bleeding us for their own private game. It would be appreciated that All of the above mentioned groups would get some boys and make the evident and economical decision. If you have to shut pickle ball down shut it down their are approximately 10,300 people who don't care and approximately 10 0r 11 who do. As the Mayor said in the Library Debate "Majority Wins, Thats the Way It Works" even though he permitted a illegal pickleball court for two years. I don't care to see anyone abused, and I often wonder who and where next? I believe that a council of one/ward and 2 at large would reach fairer decisions much faster than the present council structure. Presently the council is so out of balance in qualified council members, their are two wards that are strong in representation and 2 that are not represented.
4:27. I believe you are correct. In a couple of years, and after spending thousands of taxpayer dollars, pickleball will die out and nobody will play. All because a very few people wanted to play a new game, and were rude and mean about how they got it approved. If they truly wanted to test the waters to see if it would be popular, they could have had one of the tennis courts double striped for pickleball at a much cheaper cost than what they did.
The Mayor, rec bd. and city council are to blame for the pickleball dilemma! It is their responsibility to have a proposal researched before being approved. It has only been a short time ago that the council backed itself in a corner in a dog pull fiasco. Of course these were all out of town backers which made it a lot easier politically to switch dogs in the middle of the stream. I agree with the Mayor in that the majority rules, now let us see if he practices what he preaches.
I have heard that the 28th st. Tennis Court was highly used by a lot of people. Knowing this what criteria was implemented in changing this tennis court into a pickle ball court for a few? Since satisfying a few citizens seems to be the goal of the council would they follow the suggestion of building the next pickle ball court in the northern section of Veterans Park and as done with sales tax in Peru charge a fee for playing until the cities costs are covered. Since the council has drawn a political line in the sand I will inform them that I have no interest in playing pickle ball and therefor dislike paying the toll for it along with most other voters of Peru. I ask the Mayor and some members of the council why is it that certain influentials of Peru can get anything they want from you but the commoners are never heard and their time is limited to 3 minutes and a 3 X 5 card and only COMMENTS. Are you really surprised that a petition had enough signers to get a referendum passed that a vote will be taken soon to empty two council chairs and change two ward aldermen over to two at large aldermen. Questionable unpopular and unethical decisions made by specific aldermen are one of the many reasons that this has come to a vote.
@6:00 PM This small group of big time spenders who have given absolutely no financial support towards the pickleball courts were and are not looking for a much cheaper cost. This group went as far as to have the city pay for paddles and balls. They fortunately did not ask for a clothing allowance but swung enough weight to get a port a potty in the park. I agree with the blogger who pointed out that the real problem is our city representation who bow down to the APB and his fellow Picklers. Does anyone know where the double becked APB has been this winter? Probably playing Santa Claus in Florida.
The case in Rockford was very different than the one here. People who have no idea about the cases should not comment. But those who want to play will do anything and say anything to cover up the fact they are just rude jerks.
Bloggers, you have once again written and sent to Lois your rude comments and accusations toward your fellow residents of Peru and other communities. Many of you would say that a politician should expect this type of rudeness. What do you say to the people that are playing a sport in a public park? You deserve to be made fun of and insulted because ?????.
Can you begin to understand why nobody can take this subject or you as a Blogger seriously when you send your comments to Lois? Why do you damage this site for the true contributors? Can you please respond?
I can respond. The debate between the Pickleball players and neighbors of 28th St park and Alderwoman Mayszak was quite ugly. One of the players, who happens to be related to one of the current aldermen, told the Alderwoman to "shut up" in a public meeting. Another highly respected Peru resident's wife asked a neighbor "what universe he was from". Are these considered rude comments? The Pickleball players are rude and disrespectful, and they deserve whatever criticism they get. Don't forget that several of the Pickleball players are rec board members, so technically they are in the political game too. And they used that to their advantage by forcing the price of the change to Pickleball at 28th St Park and now at Washington Park to come out of my pocket.
I think all the commotion over the Pickleball issue (aka Picklegate) can be explained by the generation that the people on both sides are part of. The "Boomers" are selfish and not apt to compromise. The sons and daughters of the "Greatest Generation" turned out to be spoiled brats.
1:52pm January 20 You are obviously a 28th street neighbor because they are the only residents in Peru who attended any of the pickle ball meetings. It is also obvious that you are still upset over the noise you heard for two summers. Does the noise you had to endure in the summer allow you to rant and rave on this Blog to the point of discrediting what the Blog was designed for? Yes, the City Council was well aware that the "more you wrote" about the pickle game the more Blog contributors left the site for good. If that was your intention you succeeded. Now we still have "you" after two years writing about the same hardship you endured for two summers. Can you understand how you destroyed the credibility of so many contributors with your negativity and rudeness?
Anon 4:23 I attended pickle ball meetings and I like several others who attended are not residents of 28th street. This blog was designed exactly for issues such as pickle ball. The intentions of this form are to provide a place for community engagement, debate and discussion. I doubt if any bloggers left the site for good because most wrote against pickle ball. For additional proof you are still a active blogger of this blog and you appear all for the game and those who participate. I prefer to look at the pickle ball issue from the positive side, a side in which the credibility of many contributors was increased. There is no excuse for the disgusting and loud exhibition which was carried on a few short feet from nice peoples back yards on Sunday mornings. I will not address this issue any further and will refer you back to 9:09 AM, as my thoughts are exactly what he/she has already expressed.
4:23 YOU ARE WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. THE 28TH STREET NEIGHBORS HAVE, AS OF YET, NOT MADE EVEN ONE COMMENT UNDER THIS HEADING. ALSO, WE WERE NOT THE ONLY RESIDENTS WHO ATTENDED THE MEETINGS. WE HAVE NEVER, NOR WILL WE EVER, RANT AND RAVE. WE HAVE ALWAYS CONDUCTED OURSELVES WITH PRIDE AND DIGNITY. THEREFORE, YOU NEED TO TURN YOUR ATTENTION AND ACCUSATIONS ELSEWHERE.
4:23. I certainly was not ranting and raving. I was simply stating facts. I can assure you that more people showed up at those meetings than just the neighbors. What does the city council care if bloggers leave this site? They all claim to not read it, except Perez, and especially the mayor. I'm pretty sure we pay his Admin Asst to read it and summarize it for him.
4:23 I personally know over 20 people who actually began reading and participating in this blog precisely because of the incredibly rude, illegal and narcissistic implementation of that court. It simply was unbelievable to many who knew Peru once, and those of us who moved away.
The childishness and lack of compromise in the Pickleball elite was the truly disgusting act. Any heat or mocking they took was absolutely justified. It made one so angry he began to research the case, another began to comment on Peru politics as the Ambassador of Deer Spotting, and several others began to forward salient topics to Springfield and a responsible government group in the suburbs. More posts On other topics here were logged and sent to two nationwide environmental groups, as well as the AG. Office, and large papers.
Maybe you think that pickleball caused the blog to lose credibility here and lose readers and posters. But I think it just weeded out some armchair gossips and homers. It really did bring much attention to little Vegas, and now more groups follow Peru than ever before. Small issue only because it affected few people. But it illustrated what is wrong in this area clearly. The blog may be little but it truly does have some bigger brothers watching over it now, and it all goes back to pickleball.
5:25 pm January 20. (9:09 January 29 ) (6:49) If you believe Peru Town Forum was not played like a fine violin during this entire Pickleball controversy you are mistaken. Alderman and the rest of City Officials promoted your dispute with the City and sat back and watched Peru Town Forum destroy all it's credibility. Some supporters of the Form tried to inform Lois and other Bloggers (neighbors) but their hatred and negativity was too great. Many others have written here to Lois but she and the neighbors are still not listening. I too am done trying to inform bloggers as myself and others are tired of fighting against the few neighbors that have destroyed the credibility of Peru Town Forum.
A 'Temporary Pickle Court' destroyed a possible long standing Peru Forum for Peru residents. I am sad as well as others.
1:52 January 20 I read the newspaper and the city minutes. Are that silly to think the players wanted to move from 4 courts to 2 courts and asked the city to move them. What are you thinking ? This was Perez making peace with 28th neighbors. Please get informed before writing and send a thank you out to the peace maker.
Who started this stupid pickleball argument again, certainly not a 28th st. neighbor! If you look back to 8:48 January 19 someone brought up the court case in Rockford that lost to the park district. Now do you think for one minute that the neighbors would like for everyone to know that the case was lost. Therefore it had to be someone on the other side of the pickle ball fence that would make that comment, trying once again to cause trouble.
7:25. You make no sense. You are blabbering of things you know nothing about. If you think the credibility of this forum has been destroyed, why are you bothering to post your comment? You make me laugh!
8:00. I AM informed. Perez IS a peace maker. The Pickleball ambassador's wife knew the new rec board members were not for keeping Pickleball at 28th st. Park. If she wanted to keep a Pickleball court in Peru for her hubby, she knew she had to agree to move it. And the cost of their whims is coming from my pocket. I will send Perez a thank you note because he does a great job!
What exactly is Pickleball anyway? Also, to the 5:45 PM blogger - just so you know, all caps is considered ranting and raving. Take a look at the left side of your keyboard, there is a button called Caps Lock. Disengage it.
Has anyone asked why Peru city representation rushed into the complete financing of pickle ball which has the interest of a very few but has not taken any interest in the financing of a splash pad and eventually a swimming pool which would entertain thousands? The issue of pickle ball is no longer the matter of location but now the question of location and if the citizens of Peru are willing to finance a private sport for a select few? This is not the first controversy of its kind in the tenure of the Harl Administration and city council. The indoor swimming pool was a much debated issue which reached its conclusion with a fire. Also does anyone remember the proposed dog pulls and who was to finance this activity at Bakers Lake? Before anymore positive or negative progress is considered about pickle ball in Peru is taken why don't the city representatives have the question put on the ballot similar to what they are doing with the swimming pool and ask the citizens if they even want to finance pickle ball or to place it in neighborhoods plus put a cost labeled to the question and also the explanation being that it has been already proven to be a neighborhood nuisance. Being that pickle ball has created such a negative image through out the countries neighborhoods isn't anyone else afraid what a few can get put in your backyard without your permission?
9:12: You need to look at the overall picture. Pickleball is an activity (I hesitate to call it a sport) that is engaged in by the 60 and over demographic. I.E. it was invented to give older people some exercise without the intensity of tennis. Anyway, this demographic is on the rise in Peru. This demographic also votes. Despite what the school board says, the number of young families is on the decline. Therefore, the number of people that will use the splash pad is declining. Also, young families do not vote as much as retired people - that is a proven fact. I suggest the Friends of the Pool change their tactics. Try to sell the idea of an indoor pool that will allow older people to exercise and be open all year. If the roof retracts and kids use it in the summer, all the better.
8:47 I know what caps supposedly means in blogging but I was using it to make a point. The 28th street neighbors were once again accused of something they did not do. Whoever is posting all these comments with regards to this game I can assure you it is not the neighbors.
but you always type in ALL CAPS. How can you use that to make a point if it is a constant. That is like the student that highlights every word in a text book.
I did the liberty of forwarding your comment to Linda. Because of rude people like you is the reason people don't like to sign their names. Maybe I should keep a list of emails and just forward them and not subject my readers to the ignorance of some blogs.
I guess you did not know I don't post personal attacks to non elected officials.
I do not understand how the blog focusing on the illegal implementation of a nuisance by the city in peoples back yards made the blog lose credibility? Will the people who keep saying that explain how a good forum was somehow destroyed because it was negative?
Are forums only supposed to be positive, constructive, and full of praise for ridiculous self centered acts? Translation- sit and smile when the rulers and elite around here pull crap, like you have a butt full of sand. Sorry. If that offends readers, they are a bunch of sheep and deserve the crap that has passed for governance here.
Lois I do not expect this to be on your Blog but it is really meant for your own personal reflection. Lois wrote: 3:19 PM I guess you did not know I don't post personal attacks to non elected officials. Lois, Are you serious? You just posted several attacks on pickleball players, recreation board members, and fellow blog contributors that dared disagree with the neighbors of 28th St Park. As you reflect on what you choose to post, please remember the majority of Peru residents know what is really in your heart, negativity, rudeness, vindictiveness, this is your Blog that started with the best of intentions. I and others that supported you in the beginning are disappointed and disgusted of the direction you chose. I understand that this will not be shared but we still hope you will not be blinded by the few people that have proven to manipulate this site to promote their own personal agendas. Too bad you also claim them as friends of yours.
Your original supporters are still hoping you can restore this site to your original intention.
Because you write as anon and direct your comments to me, they have no validity, none. You might just as well go outside and yell into the wind. Start signing your name first and then give me real reasons not the junk that you used to support me because that is just so much of nothing, I believe none of it. So my suggestion to you is 1. Immediately stop reading this blog 2. Stop posting 3. Now begin your own blog and direct all your supporters and those who dislike me to your blog and have a good time in the process. So long.
What is up with the posts here Glum, someone calls you out and you become offended?? How can their post have no validity when it is their own personal opinion. Looks like you can dish it out but can't take it!!! I would say you are treating that blogger poorly. Looks like they hit a nerve, oh well I think this is just the beginning.
6:59 Please use a small bit of logic in your blog posts.
Define personal attack? It seems you mean attacking a group pointing out their rude and inconsiderate behavior is wrong. But wait, that is what YOU are doing with your post about the bloggers.
What attacks were made on bloggers who disagreed with the neighbors ? Arguing with them is not attacking them and it does not reduce credibility.
What personal attacks were made on Rec board members? I have not seen many and have followed this blog for a long time. They are volunteers but are essentially political appointees, given extraordinary and unusual power in a City this size. Always they have cried poor me, we are volunteers how can people be so rude as to attack us. Volunteer and do better yourself... Blahblah.
You can't take the heat, don't get involved in making decisions that affect peoples lives. Dared to disagree with neighbors? Some daring. Ranks right up there with amelia A and Neil Armstrong. What the hell did the pickle ball crowd have to lose. Nothing. Zero. A place to play their portable game? Or people who did not have to deal with the noise? They have a right to their opinion, but they deserve to have it ripped and torn to bits, as it is an absolutely indefensible position.
The pathetic thing is that the pro pickleball crowd never woke up and realized they/we are all neighbors, They are missing the point completely. Sure only three houses get affected... But that means NOTHING. When you miss the first ordinance, otherwise known as the golden rule, you spend your whole life walking around playing catch up.
The question was asked, what planet are you from? The answer, the great big one that is not ruled by fatheads in one little town! If this blog loses people like you good damn riddance.
9:05 I just read all the comments under this heading again, and it all boils down to the fact that whenever this topic is brought up(and this time it was by a pro pickleballer) almost all comments are in support of the people who live next to the park. A mistake was made, no one involved with the decision making did their due diligence in researching the game. And you are right it all comes back to the golden rule we learned in kintergarden.
Hey 6:59, go spend $2.00 on a USA TODAY's paper. Flip to page 7A. Read article regarding blogging. And then possibly you might want to man-up and apologize to Lois. I'm assuming 6:59, and I did use the word assuming, that you are involved with the city in some capacity. 6:59, I'm also assuming you don't like the truth that has come out from Lois's due diligence with this BLOGSITE.
Keep up the great job of this site Lois. I could care less if the president of the US blogged annon.. The only reason it would bother people about annon. bloggers is that the truth came out of the annon. blogger from what they blogged. There would probably be a shock and awe if all bloggers names were known. I bet there would be some great insight and many cans of worms would be opened. Realistically, the city would not want that to really happen. Just say'in. Those who are dishonest of course are going to dislike this town forum.
58 comments:
Favorite Park was on the Northeast corner of 4th and Cross Street where the Coke Plant was later built. It was a outdoor beer hall with sales of wine, liquors and union made cigars. Also featuring a dance pavilion and picnic area from May thru October open every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Favorite Park admission was free but because of prohibition starting in 1920 until 1934 a admission price had to be created and I do know that a tavern was on the site as late as 1935.
Germania Park was the original name of the park and was renamed Favorite Park before WWI because of the unpopularity of Germany.
I blame harl :)
6:56 PM
Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of Peru history with us. I will print out and keep with the tickets I have.
But we have concerts for a cause. You're telling me you are for the event this ticket was at but not what exists today?
7:27 PM, You're right. I also blame Harl. But I blame the damn "union cigars" also.
An interesting tidbit from the history of Peru. Thank you Lois and whoever gave us the added information.
I blame biedestedt for my high taxes!
6:41 I hope you were being sarcastic.
No phony charity advertising on it, has a numbered ticket for fast auditing, community event at a park
But if they were hiding liquor sales, I do see the similarity.
And it definitely needed more cowbell.
6:50 you don't pay "high taxes". Our tax rate is pretty low in Peru especially compared to the other town around us. This is one of many areas in which we are very fortunate.
Tax rate is low but house value is high compared to the other towns!
Anon 12:53 Sounds good to me! To all involved keep up the good work and thank you Doug Biedersted.
Tax on this ticket was 14%. Holy smokes.
Did you hear about the city that brought acase about pickleball?
the people that brought the case to court were told by the judge that you just have to live with the noise.
watched the latest council meeting video. Do you think maybe we kind find a few dollars in the budget somewhere for a coat rack? All those big heavy coats on the back of those tiny chairs. I got uncomfortable just looking at it.
8:48. I heard the radio report about the pickleball case in Rockford. What they failed to mention about the difference between Rockford and Peru is the fact that the Peru pickleball court is 20 feet from the neighbors. Rockford is much farther away but is still a noise nuisance. My guess is the judge in that case has never heard pickleball being played. It's one thing to live next to a park and to expect some noise, but to live next to a park and have a new noisy sport thrown down your throats, that's a big difference.
Anon 8:48AM This is a case which was of a pickle ball court in the City of Rockford. I am not familiar to the particulars of this case are you? I have some knowledge of Perus pickle ball court and how it came into existence.
Originally a tennis court was built too close to a number of homes but I don't remember complaints at the time. I do know that there was one person who complained of a softball field being located in the park.
I understand that the biggest fan , who the tennis court was built to satisfy became a pickle ball fan and forgot the often used tennis court and set up certain city officials to changing the neighborhood tennis court into a pickleball court which is a neighborhood unfriendly, rather noisey sport.
The location of the former tennis court now pickleball court is still the same court, ILLEGALLY too close to several homes.
In addition someone had produced a video of "Pickleball Can Be Played Anywhere", was granted money to purchase equipment and to keep this equipment in his own personal garage. Also a bike was parked illegally on the street advertising pickleball next to the park. Who owned the bike we don't know. Eventually in the process of bringing pickleball to the neighborhood the tennis star has been nicknamed the "Ambassador of Pickle Ball".
Now a decision must be made as there was a promise made that three different parks where to have a yearly rotation of the "Game That Could Be Played Anywhere". So the 'Ambassador" whose wife is on the Recreational Board will now have to travel a few more blocks than previously.
It is only justice that this game be moved away from the 28th street neighborhood even if it means shutting down the game for a year in making a decision to where it should be located next.
There are several reasons that the next location should be a permanent location, the first being that the cost of relocating "The Game That Can Be Played Anywhere" is going to cost the taxpayers double digit
thousands of dollars.
Secondly it is not a game which blends into a neighborhood. This and other reasons direct the Mayor, the Public Property Committee and the Council to relocate once and for all to the North side of Veterans Park. I don't believe it is fair to the citizens of Peru that they have to live with the abuse of a few who have been bleeding us for their own private game. It would be appreciated that All of the above mentioned groups would get some boys and make the evident and economical decision. If you have to shut pickle ball down shut it down their are approximately
10,300 people who don't care and approximately 10 0r 11 who do. As the Mayor said in the Library Debate "Majority Wins, Thats the Way It Works" even though he permitted a illegal pickleball court for two years. I don't care to see anyone abused, and I often wonder who and where next?
I believe that a council of one/ward and 2 at large would reach fairer decisions much faster than the present council structure. Presently the council is so out of balance in qualified council members, their are two wards that are strong in representation and 2 that are not represented.
What if the pickeball becomes a noise nuisance at Washington Park?
In another couple of years the pickel ball problem will solve itself. No need to even bother with it - there are far more important things to do.
4:27. I believe you are correct. In a couple of years, and after spending thousands of taxpayer dollars, pickleball will die out and nobody will play. All because a very few people wanted to play a new game, and were rude and mean about how they got it approved. If they truly wanted to test the waters to see if it would be popular, they could have had one of the tennis courts double striped for pickleball at a much cheaper cost than what they did.
The Mayor, rec bd. and city council are to blame for the pickleball dilemma! It is their responsibility to have a proposal researched before being approved. It has only been a short time ago that the council backed itself in a corner in a dog pull fiasco. Of course these were all out of town backers which made it a lot easier politically to switch dogs in the middle of the stream.
I agree with the Mayor in that the majority rules, now let us see if he practices what he preaches.
I have heard that the 28th st. Tennis Court was highly used by a lot of people. Knowing this what criteria was implemented in changing this tennis court into a pickle ball court for a few? Since satisfying a few citizens seems to be the goal of the council would they follow the suggestion of building the next pickle ball court in the northern section of Veterans Park and as done with sales tax in Peru charge a fee for playing until the cities costs are covered. Since the council has drawn a political line in the sand I will inform them that I have no interest in playing pickle ball and therefor dislike paying the toll for it along with most other voters of Peru. I ask the Mayor and some members of the council why is it that certain influentials of Peru can get anything they want from you but the commoners are never heard and their time is limited to 3 minutes and a 3 X 5 card and only COMMENTS.
Are you really surprised that a petition had enough signers to get a referendum passed that a vote will be taken soon to empty two council chairs and change two ward aldermen over to two at large aldermen. Questionable unpopular and unethical decisions made by specific aldermen are one of the many reasons that this has come to a vote.
@6:00 PM This small group of big time spenders who have given absolutely no financial support towards the pickleball courts were and are not looking for a much cheaper cost. This group went as far as to have the city pay for paddles and balls. They fortunately did not ask for a clothing allowance but swung enough weight to get a port a potty in the park.
I agree with the blogger who pointed out that the real problem is our city representation who bow down to the APB and his fellow Picklers. Does anyone know where the double becked APB has been this winter? Probably playing Santa Claus in Florida.
The case in Rockford was very different than the one here. People who have no idea about the cases should not comment. But those who want to play will do anything and say anything to cover up the fact they are just rude jerks.
We should charge for use of the park facilities. Just need to figure out how to bill it.
Bloggers, you have once again written and sent to Lois your rude comments and accusations toward your fellow residents of Peru and other communities. Many of you would say that a politician should expect this type of rudeness. What do you say to the people that are playing a sport in a public park? You deserve to be made fun of and insulted because ?????.
Can you begin to understand why nobody can take this subject or you as a Blogger seriously when you send your comments to Lois? Why do you damage this site for the true contributors?
Can you please respond?
I can respond. The debate between the Pickleball players and neighbors of 28th St park and Alderwoman Mayszak was quite ugly. One of the players, who happens to be related to one of the current aldermen, told the Alderwoman to "shut up" in a public meeting. Another highly respected Peru resident's wife asked a neighbor "what universe he was from". Are these considered rude comments? The Pickleball players are rude and disrespectful, and they deserve whatever criticism they get. Don't forget that several of the Pickleball players are rec board members, so technically they are in the political game too. And they used that to their advantage by forcing the price of the change to Pickleball at 28th St Park and now at Washington Park to come out of my pocket.
I think all the commotion over the Pickleball issue (aka Picklegate) can be explained by the generation that the people on both sides are part of. The "Boomers" are selfish and not apt to compromise. The sons and daughters of the "Greatest Generation" turned out to be spoiled brats.
1:52pm January 20
You are obviously a 28th street neighbor because they are the only residents in Peru who attended any of the pickle ball meetings. It is also obvious that you are still upset over the noise you heard for two summers.
Does the noise you had to endure in the summer allow you to rant and rave on this Blog to the point of discrediting what the Blog was designed for?
Yes, the City Council was well aware that the "more you wrote" about the pickle game the more Blog contributors left the site for good. If that was your intention you succeeded. Now we still have "you" after two years writing about the same hardship you endured for two summers. Can you understand how you destroyed the credibility of so many contributors with your negativity and rudeness?
Anon 4:23 I attended pickle ball meetings and I like several others who attended are not residents of 28th street. This blog was designed exactly for issues such as pickle ball. The intentions of this form are to provide a place for community engagement, debate and discussion.
I doubt if any bloggers left the site for good because most wrote against pickle ball. For additional proof you are still a active blogger of this blog and you appear all for the game and those who participate. I prefer to look at the pickle ball issue from the positive side, a side in which the credibility of many contributors was increased.
There is no excuse for the disgusting and loud exhibition which was carried on a few short feet from nice peoples back yards on Sunday mornings. I will not address this issue any further and will refer you back to 9:09 AM, as my thoughts are exactly what he/she has already expressed.
4:23 YOU ARE WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. THE 28TH STREET NEIGHBORS HAVE, AS OF YET, NOT MADE EVEN ONE COMMENT UNDER THIS HEADING. ALSO, WE WERE NOT THE ONLY RESIDENTS WHO ATTENDED THE MEETINGS. WE HAVE NEVER, NOR WILL WE EVER, RANT AND RAVE. WE HAVE ALWAYS CONDUCTED OURSELVES WITH PRIDE AND DIGNITY. THEREFORE, YOU NEED TO TURN YOUR ATTENTION AND ACCUSATIONS ELSEWHERE.
4:23. I certainly was not ranting and raving. I was simply stating facts. I can assure you that more people showed up at those meetings than just the neighbors. What does the city council care if bloggers leave this site? They all claim to not read it, except Perez, and especially the mayor. I'm pretty sure we pay his Admin Asst to read it and summarize it for him.
4:23 I personally know over 20 people who actually began reading and participating in this blog precisely because of the incredibly rude, illegal and narcissistic implementation of that court. It simply was unbelievable to many who knew Peru once, and those of us who moved away.
The childishness and lack of compromise in the Pickleball elite was the truly disgusting act. Any heat or mocking they took was absolutely justified. It made one so angry he began to research the case, another began to comment on Peru politics as the Ambassador of Deer Spotting, and several others began to forward salient topics to Springfield and a responsible government group in the suburbs. More posts On other topics here were logged and sent to two nationwide environmental groups, as well as the AG. Office, and large papers.
Maybe you think that pickleball caused the blog to lose credibility here and lose readers and posters. But I think it just weeded out some armchair gossips and homers. It really did bring much attention to little Vegas, and now more groups follow Peru than ever before. Small issue only because it affected few people. But it illustrated what is wrong in this area clearly. The blog may be little but it truly does have some bigger brothers watching over it now, and it all goes back to pickleball.
5:25 pm January 20. (9:09 January 29 ) (6:49)
If you believe Peru Town Forum was not played like a fine violin during this entire Pickleball controversy you are mistaken.
Alderman and the rest of City Officials promoted your dispute with the City and sat back and watched Peru Town Forum destroy all it's credibility.
Some supporters of the Form tried to inform Lois and other Bloggers (neighbors) but their hatred and negativity was too great.
Many others have written here to Lois but she and the neighbors are still not listening. I too am done trying to inform bloggers as myself and others are tired of fighting against the few neighbors that have destroyed the credibility of Peru Town Forum.
A 'Temporary Pickle Court' destroyed a possible long standing Peru Forum for Peru residents.
I am sad as well as others.
1:52 January 20
I read the newspaper and the city minutes. Are that silly to think the players wanted to move from 4 courts to 2 courts and asked the city to move them. What are you thinking ?
This was Perez making peace with 28th neighbors.
Please get informed before writing and send a thank you out to the peace maker.
Who started this stupid pickleball argument again, certainly not a 28th st. neighbor! If you look back to 8:48 January 19 someone brought up the court case in Rockford that lost to the park district. Now do you think for one minute that the neighbors would like for everyone to know that the case was lost. Therefore it had to be someone on the other side of the pickle ball fence that would make that comment, trying once again to cause trouble.
7:25. You make no sense. You are blabbering of things you know nothing about. If you think the credibility of this forum has been destroyed, why are you bothering to post your comment? You make me laugh!
8:00. I AM informed. Perez IS a peace maker. The Pickleball ambassador's wife knew the new rec board members were not for keeping Pickleball at 28th st. Park. If she wanted to keep a Pickleball court in Peru for her hubby, she knew she had to agree to move it. And the cost of their whims is coming from my pocket. I will send Perez a thank you note because he does a great job!
What exactly is Pickleball anyway? Also, to the 5:45 PM blogger - just so you know, all caps is considered ranting and raving. Take a look at the left side of your keyboard, there is a button called Caps Lock. Disengage it.
Has anyone asked why Peru city representation rushed into the complete financing of pickle ball which has the interest of a very few but has not taken any interest in the financing of a splash pad and eventually a swimming pool which would entertain thousands?
The issue of pickle ball is no longer the matter of location but now the question of location and if the citizens of Peru are willing to finance a private sport for a select few? This is not the first controversy of its kind in the tenure of the Harl Administration and city council. The indoor swimming pool was a much debated issue which reached its conclusion with a fire. Also does anyone remember the proposed dog pulls and who was to finance this activity at Bakers Lake?
Before anymore positive or negative progress is considered about pickle ball in Peru is taken why don't the city representatives have the question put on the ballot similar to what they are doing with the swimming pool and ask the citizens if they even want to finance pickle ball or to place it in neighborhoods plus put a cost labeled to the
question and also the explanation being that it has been already proven to be a neighborhood nuisance.
Being that pickle ball has created such a negative image through out the countries neighborhoods isn't anyone else afraid what a few can get put in your backyard without your permission?
Anon 7:25 You have created a picture of yourself by your comment that is identical to what is dropped on the ground at the tail end of a jackass.
9:12: You need to look at the overall picture. Pickleball is an activity (I hesitate to call it a sport) that is engaged in by the 60 and over demographic. I.E. it was invented to give older people some exercise without the intensity of tennis. Anyway, this demographic is on the rise in Peru. This demographic also votes. Despite what the school board says, the number of young families is on the decline. Therefore, the number of people that will use the splash pad is declining. Also, young families do not vote as much as retired people - that is a proven fact.
I suggest the Friends of the Pool change their tactics. Try to sell the idea of an indoor pool that will allow older people to exercise and be open all year. If the roof retracts and kids use it in the summer, all the better.
8:47 I know what caps supposedly means in blogging but I was using it to make a point. The 28th street neighbors were once again accused of something they did not do. Whoever is posting all these comments with regards to this game I can assure you it is not the neighbors.
but you always type in ALL CAPS. How can you use that to make a point if it is a constant. That is like the student that highlights every word in a text book.
12:58. I believe that's the first time Linda has posted in all caps. She was making a point, which I got. I think you're just a pot stirrer.
Making it all caps makes the blog stand out. Who cares
If all caps or not. A blogger can do what they want!
I do not always type in all caps. You are wrong again. Did I type in all caps at 11:21?
3:19 PM
I did the liberty of forwarding your comment to Linda.
Because of rude people like you is the reason people don't like to sign their names.
Maybe I should keep a list of emails and just forward them and not subject my readers to the ignorance of some blogs.
I guess you did not know I don't post personal attacks to non elected officials.
I do not understand how the blog focusing on the illegal implementation of a nuisance by the city in peoples back yards made the blog lose credibility? Will the people who keep saying that explain how a good forum was somehow destroyed because it was negative?
Are forums only supposed to be positive, constructive, and full of praise for ridiculous self centered acts? Translation- sit and smile when the rulers and elite around here pull crap, like you have a butt full of sand. Sorry. If that offends readers, they are a bunch of sheep and deserve the crap that has passed for governance here.
Lois I do not expect this to be on your Blog but it is really meant for your own personal reflection.
Lois wrote: 3:19 PM
I guess you did not know I don't post personal attacks to non elected officials.
Lois, Are you serious? You just posted several attacks on pickleball players, recreation board members, and fellow blog contributors that dared disagree with the neighbors of 28th St Park.
As you reflect on what you choose to post, please remember the majority of Peru residents know what is really in your heart, negativity, rudeness, vindictiveness, this is your Blog that started with the best of intentions.
I and others that supported you in the beginning are disappointed and disgusted of the direction you chose. I understand that this will not be shared but we still hope you will not be blinded by the few people that have proven to manipulate this site to promote their own personal agendas. Too bad you also claim them as friends of yours.
Your original supporters are still hoping you can restore this site to your original intention.
6:59 PM
Because you write as anon and direct your comments to me, they have no validity, none. You might just as well go outside and yell into the wind. Start signing your name first and then give me real reasons not the junk that you used to support me because that is just so much of nothing, I believe none of it. So my suggestion to you is 1. Immediately stop reading this blog 2. Stop posting 3. Now begin your own blog and direct all your supporters and those who dislike me to your blog and have a good time in the process.
So long.
What is up with the posts here Glum, someone calls you out and you become offended?? How can their post have no validity when it is their own personal opinion. Looks like you can dish it out but can't take it!!! I would say you are treating that blogger poorly. Looks like they hit a nerve, oh well I think this is just the beginning.
6:59
Please use a small bit of logic in your blog posts.
Define personal attack? It seems you mean attacking a group pointing out their rude and inconsiderate behavior is wrong. But wait, that is what YOU are doing with your post about the bloggers.
What attacks were made on bloggers who disagreed with the neighbors ? Arguing with them is not attacking them and it does not reduce credibility.
What personal attacks were made on Rec board members? I have not seen many and have followed this blog for a long time. They are volunteers but are essentially political appointees, given extraordinary and unusual power in a City this size. Always they have cried poor me, we are volunteers how can people be so rude as to attack us. Volunteer and do better yourself... Blahblah.
You can't take the heat, don't get involved in making decisions that affect peoples lives. Dared to disagree with neighbors? Some daring. Ranks right up there with amelia A and Neil Armstrong. What the hell did the pickle ball crowd have to lose. Nothing. Zero. A place to play their portable game? Or people who did not have to deal with the noise? They have a right to their opinion, but they deserve to have it ripped and torn to bits, as it is an absolutely indefensible position.
The pathetic thing is that the pro pickleball crowd never woke up and realized they/we are all neighbors, They are missing the point completely. Sure only three houses get affected... But that means NOTHING. When you miss the first ordinance, otherwise known as the golden rule, you spend your whole life walking around playing catch up.
The question was asked, what planet are you from? The answer, the great big one that is not ruled by fatheads in one little town! If this blog loses people like you good damn riddance.
9:05 I just read all the comments under this heading again, and it all boils down to the fact that whenever this topic is brought up(and this time it was by a pro pickleballer) almost all comments are in support of the people who live next to the park. A mistake was made, no one involved with the decision making did their due diligence in researching the game. And you are right it all comes back to the golden rule we learned in kintergarden.
Hey 6:59, go spend $2.00 on a USA TODAY's paper. Flip to page 7A. Read article regarding blogging. And then possibly you might want to man-up and apologize to Lois. I'm assuming 6:59, and I did use the word assuming, that you are involved with the city in some capacity. 6:59, I'm also assuming you don't like the truth that has come out from Lois's due diligence with this BLOGSITE.
Keep up the great job of this site Lois. I could care less if the president of the US blogged annon.. The only reason it would bother people about annon. bloggers is that the truth came out of the annon. blogger from what they blogged. There would probably be a shock and awe if all bloggers names were known. I bet there would be some great insight and many cans of worms would be opened. Realistically, the city would not want that to really happen. Just say'in. Those who are dishonest of course are going to dislike this town forum.
Post a Comment