Name: Brooke Elizabeth Van Riper-Clark

Where do you live? Schroon Lake

Full time? Part time? Seasonal? Full time

When did you move here or discover this part of paradise?

I grew up coming here weekends/ vacation with my family from the time I was 6 months old. Robert Garrow was running around, but my mom had a shogun so we were ok!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Panama City Florida, Liverpool New York, Scotia New York and Schroon Lake New York.

How do you -- or did you -- make a living?

I have worn many hats during my lifetime, currently I am a full time realtor.

How do you spend your free time?

With my family, outside if we are able! We enjoy everything this area has to offer: fishing, swimming, boating, snowmobiling, skiing, sledding, hiking... etc. I also love to cook for my family, friends and to entertain.

Coffee, Tea, or…?

Both, I could drink a pot of coffee and then ice tea all day. When relaxing I enjoy a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Malbec.

What’s your idea of a perfect Saturday?

Showings/closings/listings! Watching my daughter play soccer... entertaining some friends… going to a local restaurant and socializing with friends…I guess there aren't enough hours in one Saturday!

What’s your favorite local restaurant?

I don't have a favorite, I tend to gravitate where our friends and family are. We may start at Sticks and Stones for an appetizer then travel to town to see Penny at Flanagan's.

Favorite season(s) and why?

I love the Fall. There is nothing like the colors that we have in our area. When it reflects on the lake it looks like a big bowl of chili. The smell of a fire, the crunch of leaves, the crisp air...it just fills up all your senses!

What’s on your nightstand?

A book about marketing, a nail file, water, a lamp and tissues.

What are you listening to?

My daughter playing with our puppy and Scooby Doo on the TV.

What are your current addictions?

I have always been addicted to learning. I always have to be reading some sort of self-help book or book on how to be a better business person. If I could be a student the rest of my life I would.

Who/what makes you laugh?

I find reasons to laugh every day. My husband and daughter make me laugh- I am generally a pretty jovial person!

Talent you would most like to have?

I would like to be more crafty. I see beautiful things that people make from sites like Pintrest, and I just can't do it.

What’s the best kept secret about Schroon Lake and or surrounding areas?

We have so much more to offer than people realize. From wonderful restaurants to fine arts, recreational opportunities and places to explore. I also think there is a lot to be said for our community. I have lived all over, and have never seen a community come together like Schroon Lake. We have faced adversity and tragedy, especially in the past few years, and are always able to find a way to help those who need it most, financially and emotionally. There is no place like Schroon, and I wouldn't live anywhere else.

What do you hope they say about you at your funeral?

That people feel I made a difference in their lives. That I lent an ear, made them laugh or was just there from them.