Keep Your Home Cozy with Energy-Efficient Shades Stay Snug When
Temps Dip
Cellular Honeycomb Shades
The unique cellular construction of Duette® Honeycomb Shades — the most energy efficient window treatment available - traps air in distinct pockets, so your house stays comfortable when it’s cold.
Insulated Roman Shades
Another two-styles-in-one shade option,Solera® Soft Shades combine the sculpted look of a Roman shade with the construction of a cellular shade. The result? A beautiful, cordless solution for taking a bite out of winter.
NEED HELP CHOOSING AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT SHADE?
Explore your options with a local Hunter Douglas specialist at Young Lyon Floor + Home today.
Lake Placid: Coveted Victor Herbert Rd., beautifully renovated, fully furnished, elegant 4BR and 3.5 Bath main house with a 1BR, 2 Bath guest cottage and a two-car workshop/boat garage. Prime location near the boat launch & Main Street. $1,750,000
Saranac Lake: This well-maintained, income-generating residential property features Four 1 BR, railroad-style units. Live in one unit & rent out the others, ample parking, 2 stall garage,significant updates made in 2013, views of Baker Mtn. $325,000
Lake Placid: South Meadow Farm on 74.4 acres. First time offered in over 30 years, includes a 10 BR, 10.5 BA Main Lodge, 2 BR, 2 BA Carriage House, 4-car garage and workshop, 4000 sq ft annex, petite log cabin, wood-fired sauna, and a barn! $2,700,000
Lake Placid: Brand new log cabin on over a 1/2 acre wooded lot in the beautiful Sunset Ridge Development, 3 BR, 2 BA, beautifully finished exterior, knotty pine interior, solid wood cabinetry, jetted tub, fireplace, porch, partially finished lower level. $759,000
Wilmington: Year round, turn key, 4 BR, 3 BA home, on a private .56 acre level wooded lot, gardens, firepit, deck, hot tub, sauna, laundry, open floor plan, floor to ceiling stone, gas log fireplace, circular driveway, 2 minutes from Whiteface. $699,000
Lake Placid: Own a compound on Buck Island on 2.28 acres with 300 ft. of waterfront, 2 BR, 1.5 BA home, two expansive boathouses finished & insulated, 4 slips, fireplaces, saunas, breathtaking views of Whiteface Mtn. & Pulpit Rock. $2,900,000
Jay: 1970’s chalet style ski cabin with 3 BR, 2 BA on .9 acres, wooded lot, loft area, open floor plan, deck, new hot tub, firepit, 2 car garage, many recent upgrades and renovations, 15 minutes to Whiteface, 30 minutes to Lake Placid village. $ 505,000
Saranac Lake: Charming lake house is nestled in a prime location adjacent to the Upper Saranac Lake Boat Launch & across from the prestigious Saranac Inn Golf Course, 2 BR, 2 BA, 1627 sq. ft., being sold furnished. $675,000
Lake Placid: Located in Placid Meadows, 11.23 private acres, beautiful mountain views, 4 BR, 3.5 BA, open floor plan, finished walk-out lower level, heated in-ground saltwater pool, landscaped grounds with trails, borders NYS land, deeded access to Alford Pond. $1,095,000
Follow your dream, home.
COLLEEN M. HOLMES | REAL ESTATE BROKER/OWNER ENGEL & VÖLKERS LAKE PLACID
2297 Saranac Ave | Lake Placid | NY 12946 O + 1 518-523-4404 | F + 1 518-523-4405 lakeplacid@evrealestate.com Real Estate lakeplacid.evrealestate.com | Vacation Rentals lakeplacidvacationhomes.com
Ins and Outs of Open Houses
Open houses offer both buyers and sellers a platform to interact and explore potential opportunities.
For buyers, these events provide a firsthand look into properties they might consider purchasing, while for sellers, they offer a chance to showcase their homes to interested parties.
Tips for Buyers
Do your homework. Before attending an open house, research the property and its neighborhood extensively. Look into comparable sales, local amenities, schools and crime rates to gain a comprehensive understanding of the area’s suitability. Come prepared. Bring a notebook, camera or smartphone to take notes and pictures during the open house. Pay attention to details such as the condition of the property, layout and any potential issues that might need addressing.
Ask questions. Don’t hesitate to inquire about the property’s history, recent renovations and any potential maintenance issues. Engage with the listing agent to gain valuable insights and clarify any concerns.
Be respectful. While exploring the property, remember to be courteous and respectful of the seller’s space. Avoid touching personal belongings and refrain from making negative comments that could offend the homeowner or listing agent.
If you’re interested in the property, follow up with the listing agent after the open house to express your interest. Prompt communication can signal your seriousness as a potential buyer.
Tips for Sellers
Prepare your home. Prior to
hosting an open house, ensure your property is clean, decluttered and staged to highlight its best features. Consider making minor repairs and enhancements.
Investopedia said the prime time for open houses is typically the first weekend after a home is listed for sale. It is often a time to hear feedback from people about things that might be easily changed such as an unappealing paint color.
Create a welcoming atmosphere: Make potential buyers feel welcome by providing refreshments and creating a warm ambiance. Play soft background music and use subtle scents to create a pleasant sensory experience.
Showcase your home’s unique selling points during the open house. Whether it’s a spacious backyard,
modern kitchen or luxurious master suite, emphasize these features to capture buyers’ attention.
Prepare informational packets or brochures detailing essential information about the property, including floor plans, recent upgrades and neighborhood amenities. This allows prospective buyers to take home valuable insights.
Be sure to remove any valuables to protect yourself against theft.
Typically an open house will be hosted by a real estate broker as people visiting will feel more free to ask questions if the owner isn’t present. The host should be prepared to answer questions, address concerns and provide personalized tours.
Types of Open Houses
HGTV says one option is to create an “extreme open house” where you offer an exciting party with catered refreshments, entertainment and prizes. Brokers might prepare goody bags for potential buyers to take with them. Sometimes these events will be livestreamed.
Another form of open house is called a broker open house. Usually held midweek, it is not open to the public, but only to other real estate agents. It introduces the home to other local industry professionals, encouraging buyers’ agents to schedule a showing. It also allows the seller’s real estate agent to ask their peers about the property and its price.
ADOBE STOCK C
TOP 5
Hikes & Trail Runs in Franklin County
By SPENCER MORRISSEY
Azure Mountain
ACTIVITY: Hiking
DIFFICULTY: Easy
DISTANCE: 2.0 miles, round-trip DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of state Route 30 and Route 86 in Paul Smiths, follow Route 30 north toward Malone. Continue for about 100 yards to Keese Mills Road on the left. Turn down Keese Mills Road which will eventually turn into Blue Mountain Road. Continue approximately 15 miles from Route 30 to the trailhead on the left. The Blue Mountain Road can be quite rough, but it is very scenic and worth the adventure.
Jenkins Mountain
ACTIVITY: Hiking, trail running
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
DISTANCE: 9.0 miles, round-trip DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of state Route 30 and Route 86 in Paul Smiths follow
Route 30 north toward Malone. Continue for 1 mile to the entrance to the Paul Smithʼs College VIC on the left. Pull in here and park in the parking lot. Walk back down the road past the Gazebo and take a left onto the forest road - this is the trail.
Kettle Trail
ACTIVITY: Hiking, trail running DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate DISTANCE: 6.4 miles, round-trip DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of state Route 30 and Route 86 in Paul Smiths, follow Route 30 north toward Malone. Continue for 3.8 miles to Slush Pond Road on the left. Turn onto Slush Pond Road and follow for 0.5 miles to the hidden trail on the right. There are equine (horse) trail markers on the tree, but no trailhead sign.
Sheep Meadow
ACTIVITY: Hiking, trail running
DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate
DISTANCE: 7.5 miles round-trip DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of state Route 30 and Route 86 in Paul Smiths follow Route 30 north toward Malone. Continue for 3.8 miles to Mountain Pond Road on the right. Turn here and follow to the right. Continue for 0.25 miles farther to a yellow state gate and trailhead on the left and park roadside but not in front of the gate.
The Pinnacle
ACTIVITY: Hiking, trail running
DIFFICULTY: Easy
DISTANCE: 5.0 miles, round-trip
DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of state Route 30 and Route 86 in Paul Smiths, follow Route 30 north toward Malone. Continue to Route 458 which will be on your left. Follow Route 458 for just under 10 miles to the trailhead on the right.
Improving water quality and longevity in ponds, lakes and waterways
We have special dredging equipment to tailor and address your specific issues to help transform and improve your water.
Sediment, debris and invasive aquatic vegetation can build up. Some is caused by an overload of nutrients used from fertilizers over time that run off into your waterways making it very dangerous.
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Experience Adirondack luxury at Camp Altai, a Nils Luderowski designed waterfront estate on Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, NY. This premier vacation home, styled in the new Adirondack architecture, offers 6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and accommodates up to 12 guests. The open floor plan includes a gourmet kitchen, a dining room with lake views, and a cozy living area with a fireplace. The primary suite features a gas fireplace, balcony, and luxurious en suite bath. Additional bedrooms, a bunk room, and a den provide flexibility, while a third-floor loft offers panoramic vistas. Outside, enjoy a covered deck with a grill, an enclosed porch with a woodstove, and a private dock. Explore Mirror Lake with canoes and kayaks, or relax by the water's edge. Camp Altai is just a short stroll from Lake Placid's Olympic Village, offering access to shops, restaurants, and recreational activities. Contact us today to schedule a private tour and discover the unparalleled beauty and lifestyle of Camp Altai. Live the Adirondack dream at Camp Altai—where luxury meets lakeside tranquility. $4,200,000
Details
Address: 312 Mirror Lake Drive
Town: Lake Placid
Bedrooms: 6
Full Baths: 4 Full, 1 Half
Approx. Acres: 0.56
Approx. SF: 3,850
Year Built: 2013
Views: Lake and Mountains
Features: Lakefront, close to Main Street dining and shopping
List Price: $4,200,000
MLS# 202358
COLLEEN M. HOLMES | REAL ESTATE BROKER/OWNER
ENGEL
& VÖLKERS LAKE PLACID
2284 Saranac Ave | Lake Placid | NY 12946
O + 1 518-523-4404 | F + 1 518-523-4405
lakeplacid@evrealestate.com
Real Estate lakeplacid.evrealestate.com | Vacation Rentals lakeplacidvacationhomes.com
State Sen. Dan Stec awarded Saranac Lake High School student Tanner Varden with the New York State Senate Liberty Medal for Varden’s heroic actions following a car crash in February at the school’s senior awards ceremony in June. (Provided photo)
Saranac Lake student receives Liberty Medal for saving a life
By Galen Halasz
In June, Saranac Lake High School junior Tanner Varden received a New York State Senate Liberty Medal for heroic actions this past winter, the state’s highest honor. He received the award at SLHS as part of the last-day-of-school assembly from state Sen. Dan Stec, R-Queensbury.
Varden was chosen to receive the award after saving the life of Paul Smith’s College senior Ana Candelli earlier this year when her car went off the road at a curve near Gabriels on Feb. 16.
Candelli was making a turn at the corner of Split Rock Road on her way to work with the Red Cross in Morrisonville and she was driving 30 mph in a 55 mph zone, but when her brakes and emergency brake stopped working, she couldn’t stop her car from swerving and sliding off the road in the snowy conditions.
Candelli’s car flipped over a pole and wedged itself between two trees on an embankment, so it wasn’t visible from the road, and the crash knocked her unconscious. The tire tracks leading over the edge of the road and a toppled road sign were the only indication anything was amiss unless you made a point to look into the ditch. If the 15year-old Varden hadn’t been driving by with his stepfather Glenn Strack, noticed those tire tracks and stopped to help, Candelli may not have survived. It was pure chance that Varden happened to be driving by at all after getting off school early that day.
Seeing Varden and Strack’s car parked on the roadside, co-workers Harold Blanchard and Jesse Salls noticed the accident and stopped to give their assistance as well. Varden said he was shocked when he knocked
on the window and saw Candelli’s hand fall down without any signs of life, but his courage and conviction never wavered. With the help of the other three to pry the door open, he stuck his head into the car to help her.
At this point, Candelli revived and Varden, remembering what he had seen in “Chicago Med” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” asked her if she could wiggle her toes and if her head hurt, checking for signs of serious injury. Varden wants to be an EMT or RN when he gets older, so his interested served him well to help Candelli.
He said that he could tell she had been there for a while from her red face and shoulders, where the blood had been pooling from being upside-down for so long.
While waiting for the ambulance, he supported Candelli’s head with his knees and talked to her. He helped Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad member Cassity Rose put her in a neck brace after they arrived.
Varden is currently working at McDonald’s, and he has plans to go to college and do something in the medical field, especially related to trauma.
Not only did Varden save Ana’s life, but Ana saves lives herself. She works for the Red Cross Disaster Resiliency Corps and AmeriCorps, helping people impacted by disaster after they go through a traumatic event. She currently works in Clinton, Franklin and Essex counties, and she just came back from her first deployment, which was in Missouri and Arkansas, assisting with public affairs after a series of storms and tornadoes hit there.
Keene native operates national business from her home town
By Sydney Emerson
When Emily Reynolds Bergh is not at her home office, you can find her at Old Mountain Coffee Company, sipping a drink and running her award-winning, nationwide PR firm.
Reynolds Bergh is the CEO and founder of R Public Relations, a mostly-remote PR firm with offices in Austin and Nashville and employees in every time zone of the continental U.S. She’s also a mother of five, the vice president of the Keene Central School District school board and a bornand-raised Keene girl who returned home permanently three years ago after almost two decades of moving around the country.
Her husband is from the West Coast, she was from the East, and their family was based in Nashville at the time. The odds were 50/50 they’d end up in Keene, Reynolds Bergh said.
“It was literally a coin toss,” she said. “We chose here, and we haven’t looked back since.”
Running a national PR firm from a town of around 1,000 people isn’t as paradoxical as it sounds.
“Oddly enough, my business has grown beyond what I ever could’ve imagined, even though I’m literally in the middle of nowhere,” Reynolds Bergh said. “I get floods of creativity (in Keene), which is why I think a lot of creative people like to be here.”
In 2016, Reynolds Bergh launched R Public Relations. Seismic growth came during the pandemic, when she was living in Nashville with her family and already managing a remote business. Now R PR has a team of 22 people.
Though her business continues to grow in major cities, Reynolds Bergh’s family is in the Adirondacks to stay.
“My family never wants to move anywhere
else. I’ve signed my name in blood to my kids,” she said. “I need to be where my family is and where I feel my kids can grow.”
In the “cool creative space” of the High Peaks, Reynolds Bergh said that she can begin a “bridge phase” where she does more local work. R PR has worked with local clients like The Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid and Small Town Cultures in Plattsburgh, formerly of Keene.
“It feels comfortable and familiar, but I definitely think it feels like an untapped resource still,” she said. “There’s still opportunity and a bit of a blank canvas for what I do.”
One of the biggest attractions in the area for her family was the quality and size of local public schools, Reynolds Bergh said. She attended Keene Central School until third grade and completed the remainder of her education in the Lake Placid Central School District, graduating in 2000.
“Not just Keene, but any school in the Adirondacks is so special. Classmates are like family because their class sizes are so small,” she said. “(My kids) love the sports and activities. Keene has ‘forest Fridays’ at the school, and so they love that, skiing in the mountains.”
The slower pace of Keene is great for her introverted family members, Reynolds Bergh said. Moving back to her hometown as an adult has also changed her perspective on the scenery and the tourism industry that keeps the area afloat.
“Driving to the grocery store, you’re in a postcard. A literal postcard. I didn’t realize that when I grew up here. ... It feels like you’re on vacation (all the time),” she said. “I remember being like, ‘That’s annoying to me. I don’t want to live where people vacation.’ And now, as an adult, I’m like, ‘That’s the best thing ever.’ ... I love that people love our area.”
Photo Provided
Christopher W. Covert, Jr., Lic. RE Broker
Carol Urquhart, Associate Broker, Patricia “Penny” Curran, Lorraine Kelley, Licensed Real Estate Salespersons Over 100 Years Combined Experience
Rockledge Camp
Enjoy the lake from your own private patio at this great, 2 bedroom, Adirondack cottage in 80’ of waterfront. This year round access property offers boat access to Upper Saranac Lake as well as Fish Creek.
Exclusive $575,000
Room For All Your Toys
This 3 BR, 2 BA home has a large, 3+ bay, heated and insulated garage. It is situated on 2.28 acres. Close to Upper Saranac Lake boat launch at Back Bay.
