The list of events cancelled or postponed in Schroon is devasting for sure – but there’s reason for hope. That’s the sense we got from several folks we spoke with recently about Schroon’s future.

The tough news first: The Lions Club Memorial Day Festivities moved to Labor Day. Seagle Colony Music Season cancelled. The Schroon Lake Arts and Crafts Fair is also off the calendar.  Word of Life Island and their Family Inn and Conference Center are shuttered. The Historical Society museum is closed until further notice.

The good news? How many local area businesses have adapted to Covid-19 and are still operating and the many that are expanding.. Check out the list here.

And Boat launches are open! And the Town golf course is slated to welcome guests on May 22nd.

More good news: a program sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce to help area businesses  -- allowing folks to purchase gift certificates on line  -- has been a huge success, with sales topping almost $5,000.

Decisions on many of the towns signature events, from the July 4th Parade and Fireworks, the weekly Square Dance, the Schroon Lake Art’s Council’s Boat House concert series and the Adirondack Folk Music Festival in the Town Park are under the “Decision Pending” category, according to Sue Palisano, the executive director of the Schroon lake Area Chamber  of Commerce.

“As for future events we will be guided by what the state says and on a local level follow the decisions made by Essex County. As of now we are waiting for when the state updates its PAUSE order, which expires May 15,” Sue told Schroon Laker.

And today, Monday, (May 11th) there was more good news: many restrictions will be lifted on May 15th, according to this statement by Cuomo.

Essex County has already met many of the requirements for reopening, according to this report by WCAX 3.

“The town supervisor Jeff Subra and I have been working closely. At the end of the day we will do what’s right and make sure everyone in Schroon is safe.”

And if you are looking at signs to be hopeful about, take a look at Main Street, suggests Lisa Hess-Marks, an unofficial Town Booster.

Lisa wears several hats. Among them, she’s the owner of Pine Cone Mercantile, she’s had a seat at the table on many committees in town and is a board member of Roost (The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism).

“Pitkins Restaurant is undergoing major renovations, the new 9-Mile Coffee is open in its  gorgeous new location, there’s the new juice bar 518 Nutrition in the former Morse Construction space which offers healthy shakes and teas. And there’s Peak Select Properties (in the old 9-MileCoffee space next to the Update Insurance Agency). They are brightening our streetscape with their inviting trademark Orange ADK chairs.”

Sue Palisano says some smart thinking is needed to make the best out of our not so good situation: She’s brainstorming with various folks to come up with creative approaches to keep some events going.

“Our normal Memorial Day plant sale will become an online event. I’m talking with the Sharon Hooper from the Schroon Lake Arts Council to see if there’s a way to have the Boat House Concerts, with folks being able to enjoy the experience from a safe, social distance.”

“I’ve been talking to  Ed Lowman, coordinator of the Schroon Lake Square Dances. Is there a way we can do this remotely or virtually?

Sue points to how local restaurants and businesses like Curtis Lumber have adapted with curbside pickup and take out service.

“Sticks and Stones now has online ordering. They and the Adirondack Café are offering to go family style meals.”

Innovation is everywhere. Andrew Gushee, who opened the new 9-Mile Coffee store to customers a few weeks back, has adapted his business to social distancing requirements. And from serving coffee only, the business recently added a lunch menu.

“The timing is not good at all. We are just waiting like everyone to see what happens. We can’t wait to share our new space with everybody.”

At Trail Break at Schroon Lake Barry and Tina Pitkin are offering specials and drinks to go. They recently featured their signature Margaritas – straight up and frozen – for Cinco de Mayo.

In North Hudson there’s two new businesses that are looking forward to restrictions being lifted. While Paradox Brewery has a take service from Thursday to Sunday – founder Paul Mrocka can’t wait to reopen their tasting room and unveil their new, outdoor pavilion.

“There’s a pent-up demand. Folks are looking for gathering places. We were very busy for the few short weeks we had the tasting room open in the dead of winter. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back. I’m hopeful.”

And Tammy Whitty Brown and her husband Bob – who have made a huge investment in renovating the Blue Ridge Motel  -- tells us she can’t wait to welcome guests.