Sprucing Up Schroon For the Summer

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A hat tip to volunteers who helped give the bridge welcoming visitors from the south of the village a complete makeover.

From Sue and Glen Repko:

“Wanted to send you a picture of the all volunteer bridge painting crew.  Last Thursday and Friday seven of us, led by Rick Gero and John Fear, scraped, brushed, and painted the Rt 9 bridge coming in to Schroon Lake. Some say the the bridge is so white and bright that it may glow in the dark”.

A job, very well done by some of the many selfless volunteers Schroon has in its ranks..

Schroon Lake Arts Council Sets Concert Dates for the Summer of 2021

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The Schroon Lake Arts Council (SLAC) has announced their calendar of performances for the summer of 2021.

“On behalf of the Schroon Lake Arts Council, we hope that everyone in the North Country is staying safe, healthy and respecting all of the recommendations regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. Our hearts go out to those who have lost friends, neighbors or relatives during this tragic pandemic.

The SLAC has been carefully assessing the impact that Covid-19 has had on our lives here in the North Country. We take seriously the responsibility of assuring the health and safety of our artists, staff and audience members during this upcoming summer.  Accordingly, we have decided to cancel our wonderful Boathouse theatre concerts, our weekly jam sessions, as well as our annual Adirondack Folk Festival for this summer. Our plan is to invite all of our artists to return to the Boathouse Theatre during the summer of 2021, at which time we hope that there will be a safe and healthy environment in which to enjoy live music. To whet your appetite for next summer, we are providing links to videos of the artists who will appear during the summer of 2021. As always, we thank you for your support and look forward to offering a thoroughly enjoyable concert series during the Summer of 2021. Please stay safe and stay healthy”.

Read more by visiting their website, by clicking here.

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The New Pitkin's Restaurant: Better Than Ever

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In our new series we are showcasing the businesses revitalizing Schroon’s Main Street. In this installment: The ‘New” Pitkin’s Restaurant. SEE MORE PHOTOS IN OUR FOOD AND DRINK SECTION, BY CLICKING HERE.

By Annette Batson

"Want to grab breakfast at Pitkin's?" is something we have not been able to say for months. To our delight, this weekend something so commonplace prior to COVID-19, was elevated to an indulgent experience. After nearly 4 months of restaurant closures, we jumped on the opportunity, on this sunny, warm Saturday morning in Schroon.

The first time you walk into the recently renovated Pitkin's, you might feel some nostalgia, but that quickly faded for our group, admiring  the beautiful workmanship, comfortable booths (and tables 6-feet spaced) in a sunny dining room with huge picture window, and the chalkboard menu of Marie's homemade pies.  Owner Adam McCall and his partner Bridgett Mather have polished an old gem on Schroon Lake's Main Street.

"I feel better now that we are open. The COVID shutdown wasn't actually a bad thing for us, because we were able to finish the ground floor renovation by May 1.  It was the wait after that which was difficult." Adam says they are adding an outdoor seating area, to open soon.  "We can accommodate more people at outdoor socially distant tables, and it should be ready in a couple of weeks.”

Co-owner Adam McCall

Co-owner Adam McCall

And, more good news, at the outside tables, your pooch is welcome! "A big problem we have with dogs here is that boaters come up to the town dock with their pets - they want to stop in for a bite, but can't leave their dogs on the boat.  Now they have a place within walking distance that is dog friendly."  Waitress Stephanie Palmateer, added "this might attract many of Schroon Lake's younger crowd as well."

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The upstairs, still under renovation and scheduled to be completed this winter, is an exciting addition. It's a huge, bright space. We peeked upstairs, and noticed an exposed hand hewn beam which must be original to the structure.  Adam plans to make it an extra dining room, and available for family gatherings, bridal showers, or any private event.

But back to breakfast. Our party of four chose the sunny corner table, and ordered the day's special: Belgian waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. We also added the cinnamon roll pancakes, and that satisfied our sweet tooth. We followed with a fluffy cheese and veggie omelette, buttered rye toast and hash browns. We even indulged in a side of onion rings, to cover all the food groups. It was all wonderful, including the steaming coffee, served to us with a smile. (Thanks Stephanie, we'll catch you and your band "The Blonde Roots" at Beck's!) 

The new outdoor patio under construction

The new outdoor patio under construction

Adam updated the menu last summer, adding a couple of items and offering satisfying options for gluten-free/vegetarian diners.  He has expanded the dinner menu, and will be offering specials periodically.  Pitkin's, established in 1907, is open again, 7 days a week, 7:30 am - 8:30 pm for dining and take out.  518 - 532-7918. 1085 US Route 9, Schroon Lake, NY 121870.

Rest in Peace: Elwood D. "Soupy" Surprenant December 27, 1936 ~ June 9, 2020 

We have recently learned of the passing of Schroon Laker, Elwood D. (Soupy) Surprenant. He was 83. Soupy left this earth on Tuesday June 9, 2020, at the Glens Falls Hospital.

From his official obit:

“Elwood was born December 27, 1936, in Schroon Lake, NY the son of the late Delor and Rose LesPerance Surprenant.

Elwood was predeceased by his Sisters Anna Wilkie, Dolores Surprenant and Rita Miller, and his brother Robert Surprenant.

Elwood was the head caddy at the Schroon Lake Golf Course in the 1950s, loved golf, and enjoyed talking about all the people he caddied for over the years. He began his over 60 years of work in restaurants at Blaisdell’s Restaurant in Schroon Lake, where he did everything that needed doing, he later worked at Drake’s Restaurant and The Black Bear Restaurant in Pottersville, NY.

When it came to work, Elwood would do anything he was asked to do and do it well.

He was a member of the Schroon Lake Senior Center where he did a lot of work and called bingo. He was a member of the Schroon Lake Fish and Game Club where he did a lot of cooking and cleaning over the years.

Many years ago, Elwood discovered The Essex County Branch of Literacy Volunteers of America, learned to read, and became a spokesman for the group before the Essex County Board of Supervisors, seeking funding. He was very proud of his accomplishments.

Soupy spent his entire life in Schroon Lake, where he rode his bike, and everyone knew him. He enjoyed going on rides with friends, square dancing and calling square dances. He loved to eat and especially sweets. He attended all three churches in Schroon Lake at one time or another. He always enjoyed company and visiting about the past. He knew a little about a lot of things in Schroon Lake. Elwood Ave, his home street was named after him.

Survivors include his brother Lee (Bunny) Surprenant, several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews, and many friends.

A funeral services were held on Friday, June 12, 2020, at 12 Noon at the Edward L. Kelly Funeral Home 1019 US Rt. 9 Schroon.