Meet Kathy Mosher-Hill and Mike Hill

Where do you live?

Adirondack - whenever anyone, not from here, asks where we live, I always say Adirondack NY and quite often they say, "we know where the Adirondacks are, but really, which town do you live in?"  :)

Full time? Part time? Seasonal?

Full time, Mike jokes that there are weeks when he never leaves Adirondack

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

I moved to Adirondack in 1995 after meeting Mike who is a second generation Adirondacker.  Mike's Dad was born in the white house next to the Post Office across from the Adirondack General Store

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

Mike and I package together a "bunch of livings", I think that is what it takes to be successful in our area.  Mike has been a residential builder in Adirondack since 1989 and together we have created Adirondack Home Watch, providing our eyes and ears to clients that don't live at their homes full time.

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up just outside of Warrensburg and my folks still reside there. 

How do you spend your free time?

Mike and I like to explore back roads, just day trips and drives.

Coffee, Tea, or…? 

We like both, but tea is our new current fave - lots of different flavors.

What’s your idea of a perfect Saturday? 

A perfect Saturday is like the first day you say to yourself, WOW look how green the Spring leaves are on the trees or the Peak of Fall Foliage Season or the first beautiful white snow.  Adirondack offers many perfect Saturdays and almost every day has a great Sunset over Schroon Lake.

What’s your favorite local restaurant? 

Our favorite restaurant is the last one we visited.  We are super lucky to have many to choose from.

Favorite season(s) and why?

Our favorite season is Winter, we like to snowmobile and it is how we met.

What’s on your nightstand?

My night stand has a charger for my cell phone, a lamp and my grandmothers turquoise bracelet which I wear almost every day - Mike has a Sudoku puzzle book and a flash light, oh and the TV remote.

What are you listening to? 

I have been a huge fan of Country & Western music, I am a dyed in the wool -  Willie, Waylon and Cash fan  - Mike is much more diverse and likes all types, especially 70's rock - We discovered Red Molly two years ago, they are awesome, not total country but old sounding and super harmonies.

What are your current addictions?

Our current addiction is growing a variety of hot peppers, jalapenos, habaneros, tobascos, asians - like in General Tso chicken.  We stuff and grill them, make jellies, dry and grind them and freeze them.  We are working to create a spice mix that we can share.  Stay tuned ...

Who/what makes you laugh?

Our two black cats make us laugh, they are a constant source of entertainment, great "tudes" - attitudes - always playing together and when you catch them cutting up they stop and look at you as if to say "Who me?"

Talent you would most like to have?

...would most like to have the talent of painting or pinstriping classic cars.  I love old cars and wish I knew how to rebuild them.  Mike would agree, he is such a wood head, being a home builder and he wishes his metal skills were as strong.

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

The best kept secret in our Schroon Lake area is our wonderful local shopping.  People say that they spend less to buy elsewhere and that may be so, but I say, shop less and shop locally.  I love yo  buy at local events, the Church bazaars and holiday craft shows and in the Summer, the garage sales are fabulous. 

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

At my funeral, I hope they say that I was fun to meet and that I had a great energy and because I want to be cremated, I hope they each take a pinch of my dust and take it somewhere I haven't been yet or somewhere that they really like.  I would be willing to bet we couldn't even get Mike to say "funeral"  :o)

This was fun - thanks for asking me to be a part of your profiles series. Kathy.

Meet Sue Repko

Photo By Glen Repko

Name: Susan Repko

Where do you live?

On the west side where I can walk into town

Full time? Part time? Seasonal?

My husband, Glen, and I purchased our house in 2002 and we retired here two years ago.

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

I'm proud that I am the 7th generation of my family (Huntley) to live in Schroon Lake.  My ancestors were original settlers of the town, my grandfather was an Adirondack guide, my mother was valedictorian of the class of 1938, and my grandmother owned Leonia’s, a very popular restaurant on Fowler Avenue.  People still rave about her pizza and I am fortunate to have the recipe.  I also met Glen here when I was 17 years old.  Schroon Lake has always called me home.

Where did you grow up? 

In Schenectady with my seven siblings.  My mother went there in 1938 for nurse’s training and my father had appendicitis.

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

As a director at Marist College, I was responsible for a program that served 240 inner city youth in Poughkeepsie and Kingston.  The goal was to motivate failing students to graduate from high school and enter college- a challenge for many who were dealing with tough issues at home and in their neighborhood. 

In comparison, our young people here are fortunate to go to Schroon Lake Central School where they are supported in and out of school.  It’s a jewel. 

How do you spend your free time?

I treasure time with my daughters, Leanne and Carly and being silly with my grandchildren.  I like hanging-out with Glen, working on my landscape photography, and playing the piano loudly when no one’s around.  I enjoy sharing the load with other volunteers in town, especially serving on the Board of Education.

Coffee, Tea, or…? 

I like taking a cup of ginger-peach tea to my favorite wicker chair on our porch.  But give me a mug of strong coffee in the morning.

What’s your idea of a perfect Saturday?

There’s nothing like hiking in the woods with friends and eating lunch out of a paper bag while sitting on a log.  I also enjoy adventures with Glen that includes driving down mountain roads and discovering restaurants with wonderful food. 

What’s your favorite local restaurant?

I enjoy these specialties:  Pizza at DeCesare’s, pie at Pitkin’s, berry salad at Stick’s & Stone’s, nachos at Flanagan’s and salmon at Drake’s. 

Favorite season(s) and why?

Walking in the woods on a fall day just feels spiritual.  Spring always surprises me when it finally arrives and I can dig in my garden. Winter fun includes snow shoeing to meet friends on the lake no matter how cold it is.  I guess I’m just a cool weather girl. 

What’s on your nightstand?

A charming antique lamp that casts a pink glow.

What are you listening to?

Adele as of today.

What are your current addictions? 

It has always been warm chocolate chip cookies out of the oven with a glass of milk.  I often have dessert before dinner. 

Who or what makes you laugh?

My 3-year-old grandson, Glen, and Jimmy Fallon.

Talent you would most like to have?

To be able to sing like Glen or my daughter, Leanne. They are both cantors in the church.  

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

How interesting and happy folks are around here whether they are full-timers or second-home owners.  It’s amazing that so many people volunteer behind-the-scenes to make events happen.  This town is a family.

What do you hope they say at your funeral? 

That she loved her family and made a difference in the community.

Meet Brooke Clark

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.

Meet Lisa Hess-Marks

Photo: Schroon Laker Collection. Copyright 2015. All Rights Reserved.

The opening of Pine Cone Mercantile on Main Street Schroon Lake, has become a must see destination for folks from all over the North Country, as well as states near and far.

This affordable high end ADK home furnishing store -- in the building which once housed the Morningstar Bistro -- is the glorious vision of owner Lisa Hess-Marks. Big band tunes play in the background as you browse Lisa's amazing inventory of unique items. And with her husband Ed in the back baking up daily treats and brewing fresh coffee, it's an experiences for all of your senses.

Name: Lisa Hess-Marks

Where do you live?   In the hamlet of Adirondack… on Beaver Pond

Full time? Part time? Seasonal? Full-Time…. Now!

When did you move here or discover this part of paradise? About seven years ago… my husband Edward and I decided it was time for a weekend lakehouse. So we pulled out a map and drew a big circle of all the regions we could reach within four hours from NYC (our former “weekday” home). When we realized we could reach the Adirondacks…. we jumped in the car on a Sunday morning and drove up for an exploratory “day-trip”. Once we hit the Schroon Lake/ Brant Lake/ Loon Lake region… we knew we’d found our spot!

Where did you grow up? Wisconsin and North Florida

How do you -- or did you -- make a living? I was a fashion designer for 25+ years… heading up a large design team in NYC

How do you spend your free time? I love to hike, canoe, kayak and garden, camp, and explore corners of the Adirondacks that I haven’t yet discovered

Coffee, Tea, or…? I like to start the day on our waterfront deck with a STRONG Cuppa Joe, and end the day on our waterfront deck with a cocktail (shaken, not stirred!)

What’s your idea of a perfect Saturday? – Well… I work every Saturday. So a perfect Saturday would be when I’m visited in the store by some of my favorite “regular” customers! I have met some incredible people since opening Pine Cone Mercantile in Schroon Lake. And a great day is when I get to chit-chat with my new friends and catch up on their lives!

What’s your favorite local restaurant?- I really don’t have a favorite…. It all depends on what I’m in the mood for. Each restaurant has its own strengths.

Favorite season(s) and why?-  All… except “Mud Season”. Summer (because daily dips in the lake just can’t be beat), Autumn (because the blue skies against the vibrant leaves is something I never get tired of) and Winter (because the mountains covered in snow are magical)!

What’s on your nightstand? A stack of books I never get around to finishing (or starting), an alarm clock and vintage printers block that we used to print our wedding invitations 25 years ago!

What are you listening to? Most often… vintage Big Band music. I play it in Pine Cone Mercantile, and it has become the soothing soundtrack of my life.

What are your current addictions? Pinterest and Etsy are my current addictions. There’s so much great, inspirational talent out there and so many young entrepreneurs fueling a new generation of small business and independent spirit!

Who/what makes you laugh? My husband Edward makes me laugh… always! Laughter may be the cornerstone of our relationship!

Talent you would most like to have? I’m still trying to figure out how to be in three places at once. Once I master that talent… I could find the time take up yoga/ weaving/ painting/ and community service

What’s the best kept secret about Schroon Lake and or surrounding areas?  We are privileged to have an abundance of amazing young farmers in Schroon Lake and Essex County. They are enthusiastic and dedicated to healthy and responsible farming for current and future generations.

What do you hope they say about you at your funeral? I hope to be remembered as someone who always had a smile on her face, treated everyone equally, and made a difference in her community!