Covid - 19 and Greater Schroon : Open For Business

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Area business are taking a cautious approach --  and keeping their doors open  -- as folks begin to deal with new realities bought on by the novel Coronavirus.

Sticks and Stones, Witherbee’s, Trail Break at Schroon Lake and Paradox Brewery are among area restaurants and bars publicly announcing they have halved their seating capacities and implementing increased cleaning,

Sticks published the above notice on their Facebook Page. Below is the notice in the Paradox Brewery Tasting Room in North Hudson, where tables have been spread out to comply with social distancing or density control.

 

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And we have just learned there will be a special Town Board Meeting on Monday, March 16 at 10am to discuss emergency plans, according to an announcement on the Town’s website.

Anecdotally there seems to be an uptick in some businesses, suggesting more second homeowners might be taking refugee here. Northwood’s Baking Company had a big rush on Saturday and sold out of their baked goods early. Lisa Hess Marks suggests calling ahead if there is something in particular you want. There was a brisk business most of Saturday at Paradox Brewery.

Sue Palisano, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce told us Sunday that “Schroon is open for business.”

“I think people and local businesses are being smart about what they are doing. Here at the Chamber we are cleaning and have Purell,” Sue said.

“The Essex County Supervisor did the right thing last week calling a State of Emergency to enable the county to respond to protect the health and safety of residents.”

Unlike other jurisdictions, panic buying is yet to be seen locally, although toilet paper and hand sanitizer are in short supply.

At Tops supermarket there have been limits placed on the purchase of certain items, including bread and eggs (limited 2 packs). Those limits apply to hand sanitizer and toilet paper (when in stock).

At the Dollar General their next shipment of toilet paper is expected on Wednesday. Late Saturday night they had paper towels in stock.

 Local eateries are making modifications to protect their customers.

From Witherbee’s Carriage House:

“We have decided to temporarily suspend use of our Salad Bar, and include a side salad or cup of soup with all entrees. As always, you are welcome to order take-out, and we will be offering a “family style” dinner option. We will be happy to deliver your order to your car if you prefer. It has been our policy to close in April and November for Annual maintenance, so we will see how things go. If the situation warrants, we may extend our spring break.

Trail Break at Schroon Lake is offering all of their favorites for pickup and are offering a delivery service within a 5-mile radius (on a cases by case basis) during this time.  (518) 532-9040

Flanagan’s Pub and Restaurant are promoting their St. Patrick’s Day celebration Tuesday with a special menu. See more in our Food and Drink section, by clicking here.

Got news to share with the community? post it in our comments section.

Schroon Lake Central School Open For Business

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Stephen Gratto, Schroon Lake Central School Superintendent on Saturday issued the following statement:

School at SLCS is NOT closed

Hello Everyone,

Perhaps you read a recent news article in a local newspaper that stated that schools in the WSHWE BOCES (including some schools in Southern Essex County) are closed until after April break.

I am writing to you to let you know that Schroon Lake Central School is not in the WSHWE BOCES. We are in the CEWW BOCES, and at this point, school at Schroon Lake Central School has not been suspended.

Having said this, I want you to know that I am in close communication with the Superintendents from the other 15 schools in our BOCES as well as Department of Health officials from Clinton and Essex County and the administrative staff from the CEWW BOCES. We are closely monitoring directives from Governor Cuomo, the state education department, the CDC, and the health department.

It is possible that at some point the CEWW BOCES and Superintendents will decide to close schools for some period of time in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Should attendance expectations at SLCS change in any way, you will be notified via e-mail and by a phone message. You will also be able to see information on our Facebook page and on our webpage.

Please keep in mind that, should physical attendance at SLCS be discontinued, instruction will continue uninterrupted. Teachers from grades 3-12 will teach remotely using google classroom, videos, video links, Innovation Assessments, and other remote platforms. Students in grades pre-K-2 will need to be primarily instructed by their parents, but classroom teachers will provide ongoing support to the parents on what should be taught and they will provide resources that will make instruction possible.

This is a very important point. Teachers will continue to teach, and it will be up to the students to spend roughly the equivalent of 7 hours per day (not necessarily from 8 am to 3 pm) satisfying the requirements of their courses. Daily/weekly grades will be taken remotely, continual participation will be monitored, and final grades at the end of the quarter will be generated. It is crucial that teachers, parents and students work together diligently as a team to make sure that the level of learning remains as high as possible.

Please e-mail me or your teachers if you have any questions. Please stay tuned for further announcements.

Regards,

Stephen Gratto

Phone - 518-532-7164
Fax - 518-532-0284

 

 

 

 

 

Paradox Brewery’s new North Hudson Digs Open Thursday

PHOTO CREDIT: VERONICA ANDERSON.

PHOTO CREDIT: VERONICA ANDERSON.

The new set of pioneers that have officially taken up residence on the grounds of the old Frontier Town — beer makers from Paradox Brewery — have finally announced they will be opening their tasting room this Thursday, February 13, at 3 pm.

The news comes from Paradox Brewery Founder Paul Mrocka.

“This is not a drill, we repeat NOT. A. DRILL,” Paul says.

A view from behind the new bar. PHOTO CREDIT: VERONICA ANDERSON.

A view from behind the new bar. PHOTO CREDIT: VERONICA ANDERSON.

While the tasting room still has some final, finishing touches that need to be applied, Paul thought guests wouldn’t mind the inconvenience, in exchange for ponying up to the new bar in the new space for a beer.

What awaits them is a spacious, light filled room, with high back chairs and tables. And we’d be remiss not to mention the view to the north, looking out at the High Peaks.

The soft opening comes almost two years since ground was broken with golden shovels on April 18, 2018.

Paul and his wife and co-founder — Joan Mrocka — hope to soon announce an official opening date.

We caught up with Paul just after the brewery started brewing beer last fall. Check out our story and more pictures in our Food and Drink section, by clicking here.

Paul Mrocka checks on one of the first brews in the new brewery.

Paul Mrocka checks on one of the first brews in the new brewery.

Catch and Release Fishing Derby on Schroon Lake

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You can pre-register here.

More from the organizers:

Adirondack General Store’s 1st Annual Catch and Release Ice Fishing Tournament on Schroon Lake
Saturday, February 22nd, 2020
7am – 3pm (actual tournament time)
*Prizes:
Cash prizes awarded for the largest fish determined by length for the following species:
Lake Trout / Northern Pike / Yellow Perch

*Door Prizes – Donated by local businesses
(Adirondack General Store, Schroon Lake Bait & More, Mountain Hardware, Olde Log Inn, Howi, Inc & more to come). 50/50 Raffle

*Participant Fee - $25
Includes Coffee/Tea/Hot Cocoa from 6am – 7am
& Hot Buffet from 4pm - 5pm (for pre-registered participants only)
Buffet items: Macaroni & Cheese / Pulled Pork / BBQ Baby Back Ribs / Corn Bread / Coleslaw

Net proceeds will be donated to the VA
Registration begins at 6am @ The Adirondack General Store, 899 E. Shore Dr, Adirondack, NY 12808.
Everyone will need to stop in and pick up a wrist band and measuring tape. You can bring your own measuring device or purchase a measuring tape from us for $1. If they are returned we will refund the $1.

Any questions call Yvette Gallacchi at (518) 494-4408