Schroon Laker Update

G’day All:

It’s been about a week since we last updated Schroon Laker. On that sunny Wednesday last week the world was rapidly changing and continues to do so at warp speed. Our memories of that day include watching Schroon Lake’s kite skater sluicing on the ice, the walkers  -- with and without dogs --  joggers and runners, hoofing  up and down Route 9 and the noise from construction crews at Pitkins and the new 9 Mile Coffee Building.

(Pitkins is getting a total make-over and 9 Mile Coffee was getting ready for a soft opening, now planned sometime in the future.)

That day we ran into Joel Friedman ad Tony Kostecki, both optimistic about the future.

Up the road in North Hudson, Paradox Brewery Founder Paul Mrocka was overseeing canning of what they had in their finishing tanks. Production is on hold for a couple of weeks.

Two nights before we were with folks enjoying a glass at Sticks and Stones, the last night Steve and Gary had a full service.

Our last stop was at the Dollar General, where a large semi was being unloaded for much needed supplies, including, we were told, toilet paper.

Our family is hunkered down in Montclair, New Jersey, with everyone safe. I’m working remotely as the Senior Broadcast Producer for CBS News 48 Hours, helping our staff get the show on the air each week from our remote offices and edit suites: that would be our living, dining and bedrooms, kitchen tables and whatever space is available. Our two sons are occupied and our daughter, a senior at Syracuse, is finishing her year via online and video classes. Like millions of young men and women, there will be no traditional graduation coming up in May.  

So I’m now back on the Schroon Lake grid, and will continue to report on happenings around town. We pray that everyone in greater Schroon is safe and well, and like you we can’t wait to get back to what life was like before COVID-19 became part of our vocabulary.

And if there’s are sure signs that summer is around the corner, it’s that email from Craig at the Schroon Lake Marina asking when we’d like our boat back in the water…and that shelf full of sun screen at the DG.

If you’ve got news to share, drop us an email at schroonlaker@me.com or leave us a note in comments.

Happy 20th Birthday Adirondack Marathon

Adirondack marathon and distance festival director joel friedman presenting a runner with a bear. SCHROON LAKER COLLECTION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Joel Friedman – director of the Adirondack Marathon and Distance Festival, still finds it hard to believe that the event he created turns 20 this September.

From humble beginnings, the event now referred to as “the most beautiful 26.2 miles you’ll ever run, is an established and well respected race, attracting runners from all over the world.

“So far this year we have runners signed up from nine countries,” Joel told us recently.

This year’s festival, which has been in the planning stage almost immediately since the last runner crossed the finish line.

This year it’s set for the weekend of September 24 – 25. And if you are thinking about getting in on the action, early registration --  where you can save a few bucks -- ends this Saturday (4/30).

This year’s events begin on Saturday, September 24, with the Chestertown 5K and 10 K. Proceeds go to the Helper’s Fund. There is also a Kids 1K Fun Run in Schroon at 2 pm, for 4 to 12-year-olds.

Saturday night there’s the traditional carbo loading pasta dinner at the Word of Life Inn and Conference Center in Schroon, with pastas, sauces, salads and yummy deserts.

aND THEY ARE OFF. rUNNERS AT THE START LINE. sCHROON LAKER COLLECTION. aLL RIGHTS RESERVED.

On Sunday, at 9am, the full marathon kicks off in downtown Schroon in front of the Higher Grounds, Upstate Building and the ‘Wolf.

Those running the half marathon are bussed to the hamlet of Adirondack to the starting line.

There is also a two person and a four person relay and a non-competitive early bird start at 7am for walkers and those who may not finish at the 3pm cut off.

Want to be inspired or motivated? Check out the official video in our Adirondack Marathon section.