The Peru Gazette

L-R Lindsey Ashline, Owner Jim Kane and RN Pam Courtney

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Peru residents can’t help but be aware of Valehaven Home for Adults. It’s on Main Street at the center of our community. How many of us have ever entered its front doors to find out what’s going on?

Owner Jim Kane and administrator Lindsey Ashline want local residents to know they’re welcome to stop by and learn more about Valehaven. Lindsey Ashline said, “I think people sometimes forget us. The residents especially love to see kids. Our residents have great stories to tell. We’re open to the public. We want people to understand what we do here.”

Valehaven has 23 employees, 16 of whom are full-time employees. Jobs include a registered nurse, certified home health aids, certified personal care aids, cooks, maintenance, activities and transport personnel. Residents can receive help taking medications, bathing, dressing and toileting. Residents must have cognitive ability. Valehaven cannot restrict their coming and going.

Lindsey Ashline is excited about Valehaven’s coming facelift. The main room’s lighting is being upgraded and the walls are being painted in cheerful, joyful colors.  The front yard gazebo, the porch area and a storage building are other recent upgrades.

Several local groups and individuals help make the residents’ lives more enjoyable, but more are needed and welcome. Mountain Lake Services conducts a monthly bingo and Peru High School’s P-Tech students do yard work. Residents love the The North Adirondack Chapter’s “Love on a Leash” animals and the Butternut Ridge Farm’s Therapy donkeys. Local musicians stop by at least twice each week, the St. Augustine’s Church religious education students sing Christmas carols, 4-H members do Christmas activities and the Peru Community Church brings holiday gifts.

Valehaven is one of six licensed adult care facilities Jim Kane owns under the corporate name Adirondack Manor Home for Adults. The others are located in Ticonderoga, Queensbury, Scotia, Utica and Camden, NY. At one time the corporate headquarters were located in Peru in the building currently occupied by the New Impressions Family Salon at 6 Mason Street.