The Peru Gazette

TV winner Helen Kellas (left) and Robin Callioras

By John T. Ryan

Peru’s Village Laundry continued its Grand Opening Celebration this morning when Robin Callioras, the laundry’s new owner, presented a new 39” flat screen television to Helen Kellas of Elm Street in Peru.  Kellas is one of the many customers who have discovered the Village Laundry’s major improvements. Since August 1^st customers have been enjoying 13 new washers, 12 new dryers, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, cable television and a security system.

A Peru native and resident, Robin Leahy Callioras is a 1982 graduate of Peru Central.  She explained that she came to the laundry a few months ago to wash a rug for her daughter Kristen’s college dorm room. She found a facility in need of a major facelift with 70’s era machines and a dark and gloomy atmosphere. There also happened to be a “For Sale” sign in the window.

Callioras assumed ownership on July 1^st and the remodeled and new machines were installed in time for an August 1^st opening. Today the laundry features high capacity and efficient Wascomat washers and Electrolux dryers. Callioras explained, “I did a lot of research, talked to people in the industry and decided that these are the best washers and dryers in the market.  The washers have 30, 45 and 65 pound capacities. The only problem we’ve had is that a few people have used too much soap in these efficient machines. You only need one-third of a cup.”

The machines are also cost efficient. People who monitor their budget closely have told Callioras that the efficient washers and dryers have reduced their laundry cost by as much as 25%.  She stated, “The fast spin washers remove so much water that they cut the drying time in half. It also takes much less time to do a family laundry. You have more time to spend with your family.”

Asked about the laundry’s business potential Callioras explained, “We have many local customers, but we’re also seeing people from AuSable Forks, Keeseville, Willsboro and Port Henry. I think people have been looking for a comfortable and secure place and we’re open from 7 AM to 10 PM.”  It’s also conveniently located in the Peru Shopping Center adjacent to Aubuchon Hardware.

The laundry is not staffed fulltime, but Callioras stops by two or three times daily to make sure that everything is clean and in working order.