Ben’s Five and Dime in Perry has been reopened for about two weeks now, and they celebrated yesterday morning with the Perry Chamber of Commerce by hosting the monthly Chamber Coffee.

The store was filled with Chamber and community members alike, all who wanted to see how the store has been thriving since reopening after being closed for six months following a fire in a neighboring building. There was no lingering evidence of the extensive smoke damage, but there were homemade scones and drinks provided by owners Jay and Jan Pattee. After a social time, Chamber Director Lynsi Pasutti gathered everyone around in a circle and gave the floor to the Pattees. Both thanked everyone who had helped get the store back and operational, and Jan even showed off some of the items she feels will be popular this holiday season.

The attendees then went around in a circle and introduced themselves, with several also discussing upcoming programs and promotions at their business. Pasutti then spoke again, and went through the Chamber events coming up. The Perry Chamber hosts the coffee events on the second Friday of every month, each time at a different location. They are free and open to the public, and the Chamber feels the gatherings are effective in helping people network and learn more about what’s going on in Perry.