Returning Your Empties = A Big Smile And Cash!

You’ve got a bunch of beer, water and soda empties – bottles and beer cans! The usual trek is to the Schroon Tops, and hopefully find the Tomra machine working, and the line not too long.

But there’s now another option: The new Redemption Center located on the left as you head down the road to the Schroon Lake Marina. It’s run by  Kevin O'Neil,  who makes the entire process stress free. As we discovered, you’ll get your nickel back on each eligible container in about a tenth of the time it takes to feed the Tops machine.

Kevin came up with the concept after hitting a rough patch with his business, Okemo Log Homes in North Creek during the recession..

"I though what type of business could I do that holds up no matter what the economy is like?   And giving money back is a pretty good way of doing it," Kevin told Schroon Laker.

He settled on Schroon after looking at numerous Townships. I was in the right place the right time." The feedback from the community has been "very positive."

So how does Kevin make money.? We discovered that bottle distributors pay him a couple of extra pennies to sort out where the bottles and cans came from.

That's because in New York, the burden of the bottle-return system falls on drink distributors. They are responsible for picking up the empty cans and bottles from redemption centers and grocery stores. But most of them hire third-party companies, like Kevin and Tomra to do that and to keep track of what got returned where.

Good Luck Kev!

T-Minus $500 For Fireworks: The Countdown Begins!

A whole bunch of businesses and Schroon Lakers have handed over cold, hard cash, to make sure the Labor Day Fireworks shine brightly over Schroon Lake this year. We salute you!!!

As of this writing, there is less than $500 to go to cover the cost of the show, which has already been heavily discounted by the company behind the shindig: Alonso Fireworks.

Here's how to help out:

Please contribute by making checks payable to the Town of Schroon (please state for fireworks.) The worst case scenario is if the goal is not met your check can be returned to you or the money can go for the 2015 fireworks budget. Bring your checks to Town Hall (Patty Savarie, Chris Stone or Mike Marnell) or to the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce on Main Street".

So what do you say Schroon Lakers? Are we in? Tell us your thoughts in our comments section.

Where and When: The Schroon Lake Street Dance is set for Saturday August 30th from 7 PM until 9:30 PM on Dock Street.

Beer and Shakespeare In Schroon: Homer Simpson Would Be Proud

If you are keeping count, the Adirondack Shakespeare Company is having their biggest season yet!

Why does this matter? Well, it's a deal huge to have a nationally known company call Schroon Lake home for the summer. The ripple impact of having these delightful thespians here trickles down throughout the community -- the crowds they bring frequent our B&Bs, motels, pubs, stores and restaurants. (not to mention the massive amounts of laundry they do in down town Schroon!!!)

And not only are they bringing attention and crowds to Schroon, they are also shining a much needed spotlight on Scaroon Manor, the now derelict --but much loved resort in a former life! -- that desperately needs a makeover.

And Scaroon is the setting for several upcoming performances, one which features a particular amber beverage -- from the Paradox  Brewery in Schroon Lake -- which is near and dear to many in these parts.

Tuesday they were at the Scaroon Manor Amphitheater for Richard II - one of Shakespeare’s most lyrically beautiful plays, featuring one of his best baddies!  And Wednesday don’t miss their original children’s show: David and Goliath! It's 10:30am at the Scroon Lake Strand Theater. For more info, click here.  Find put more about the story behind the beer and the connection to Shakespeare in our 2014 Music and Arts Calendar section.