ADKLivingFeb2025

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Year-round living on Lake Placid! p. 16

Lake Placid: 2490 Main Street features 8,071 SF of prime commercial space with anchor tenant Starbucks. Centrally located on revitalized Main Street, it offers high visibility, strong foot traffic, and access to public parking. Includes three units and 6 private parking spaces.

$2,600,000

Lake Placid: 3 BR, 1 BA home on a .30 acre corner lot Ideally situated one block off Hillcrest Ave., 1852 sq. ft., kitchen and bath upgrades include granite and butcher-block counters, S/S appliances, beautifully tiled tub/shower, No Village Taxes! $469,000

Loon Lake: Only steps away from your deeded beach rights to beautiful Loon Lake. Quaint cottage offers 3 BR, 2 BA, one floor living, hdwd flrs, gas log fireplace, screened porch, .25 acres, great fishing, swimming, boating! $350,000

Lake Placid: 1907 camp on Buck Island, 6 BR-2 BA with 2 BR-1 BA Cabin, 1.44 Acres, original woodwork, stone fireplaces, new septic and water systems are being installed, 2-story Boathouse w/upgrades, 258’ waterfront, views of Whiteface Mtn & Pulpit Rock.

$1,650,000

Essex Marina: Picturesque facility on Lake Champlain featuring 300’ of wooden crib docks, a “Technomarine” floating dock system, two 100’ boathouses with marine railways, laundry, restrooms, and a ship store. Includes a vintage Texaco station. $1,300,000

Lake Placid: Brand new, 3 BR, 2 BA, log cabin built by North Country Storage Barns/Cozy Cabins, half acre wooded lot, knotty pine interior, solid wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, farmhouse sink, covered porch, deck, 1000 SF to customize on lower level.

$699,000

Saranac Lake: 1920’s 5 BR, 2.5 BA home overlooking Lake Colby beach with an outbuilding housing 2 - 1BR apts, currently rented on a month to month basis. Main house was once a 2 unit and could be converted back to 4 units. $495,000

Essex: Charming, well maintained, cozy cottage on 2.16 acres, fully enclosed by a cedar stockade fence. Open floor plan, vaulted ceilings 11 ft. high, generously sized primary suite with a luxurious ensuite bath, custom closets. 315 sq.ft.  screened-in porch. $375,000

Wilmington: Private 22 acre nature park & tourist attraction on the Ausable River, year-round profitable business, Adk style main lodge, gift shop, restaurant, cafe & bar seats for 46, event/ wedding venue, offered turnkey. $8,700,000

29 MINUTES APART

Friends give birth to first two babies of 2025

ABOVE: Caitlyn and Justin Tetreault hold baby Juliette, the first baby of 2025 at Adirondack Medical Center.
BELOW: Alyssa and Clay Childers hold baby Leo, the second baby of 2025 at Adirondack Medical Center.

It took eight days for the first baby of 2025 to be born at Adirondack Medical Center, but the wait was worth it, because it was two babies. Not twins, but two babies born 30 minutes apart from mothers who have been friends since they were 10 years old.

Juliette Tetreault was born at 9 lbs., 1 ounce at 9:37 p.m. on Wednesday to parents Caitlyn and Justin from Dannemora.

Twenty-nine minutes later, Leo Childers arrived at 7 lbs., 1 ounce at 10:06 p.m. to parents Alyssa and Clay from Plattsburgh.

“We always talked about how it’d be cool if we got pregnant at the same time,” Caitlyn said.

“We had joked that it would be our dream at the same time, delivering them, but we didn’t think it would actually happen,” Alyssa said. “It’s very exciting for us.”

She said the experience was “exciting and surreal.”

It usually doesn’t take this long for the first baby of a year to be born at AMC. Sometimes it takes longer, though. Adirondack Health spokesman Matt Scollin said they’ve had at least one instance of the first baby of the year coming in February.

This year, maternity ward nurse Kelly Peckham said they delivered a lot of January babies at the end of December, so there was a bit of a gap.

After Juliette and Leo arrived, several more babies were delivered on Thursday and Friday.

“When it rains, it pours,” Scollin said. “Feast or famine.”

It was a surprise to both sets of parents that Juliette and Leo came at the same time.

Their due dates weren’t the same at first. Juliette came late, Leo came early and they met in the middle.

“I don’t know how they planned it, but they did,” Alyssa said.

Caitlyn came to AMC to get induced on Tuesday and Alyssa texted her at 4 a.m. on Wednesday, saying that her water broke and she was coming in, too.

“Caitlyn was the first person I told,” Alyssa said. “Before I even woke up my husband, I texted Caitlyn and said ‘I swear I’m not trying to steal your thunder, but I’ve got to go in.’”

Alyssa assumed the boat had

already sailed on the first baby of the year, but when they and the Tetreaults arrived, they all learned the position was still open. When they both went into labor at the same time, a little friendly competition kicked off.

“We were racing,” Justin said with a laugh.

“It was very close,” Alyssa said.

Caitlyn and Alyssa didn’t really plan to be pregnant at the same time, but it was a happy coincidence.

“We went on a nature walk together and we both kind of told each other,” Caitlyn said.

Alyssa had just found out she was pregnant and wanted to tell someone. She told Caitlyn and Caitlyn revealed she was pregnant, too.

“It was nice to be able to talk to someone who was going through the same stuff,” Caitlyn said.

“It was nice to be able to talk to her whenever I was not happy about pregnancy because she was probably not happy, too.”

Over the past months they would go out to get lunch and mocktails together and talk about their experiences.

“It was great to have each other to support each other,” Alyssa said.

This is the first child for both of them.

“One and done for both of us,” Alyssa said with a laugh.

The two friends met in the fourth grade and have been by each other’s side ever since.

“We’ve definitely gone through so many different seasons of life together, throughout being kids to adolescents, going to school together and then adulthood and now to being parents together,” Alyssa said. “I’m very grateful that we’re doing it together.”

Justin said all they hope for out of parenthood is a happy, healthy child — and some sleep.

Their next plans are to introduce Juliette to their corgi and have her meet the grandparents.

The two families live 20 minutes from each other in Plattsburgh and Dannemora. Alyssa said Leo and Juliette will have to be friends.

“I already bought them onsies that say ‘Besties like our moms,’” Caitlyn said.

HOMESTEAD in the HAMLET

This spacious 4 Bedroom 3 Bath 2,384 Sq. Ft. home boasts a large chef’s kitchen ideal for preparing your favorite home cooked recipes with fresh vegetables and fruit harvested from the garden in the private, fully fenced backyard. You will find its inviting interior combines a mixture of hardwood, ceramic tile and carpeted floorings; attractive pine walls and hardwood cabinetry finishes that blend together to fashion truly enjoyable surroundings. Spend a private and quiet evening in the den reading a good book nestled by the radiant warmth of the wood stove framed by a grand stone hearth. If you would like additional income the upstairs has already been remodeled and converted for use as a small vacation rental with its own separate entrance. An attached two-car garage will accommodate all the storage needed for your recreational equipment and there is a full unfinished basement. New Metal Roof and Barn Re-Sided in 2021. The opportunities for exciting outdoor activities are endless being close to the Village Green, historic Covered Bridge, Municipal Park and the enjoyable Rapids swimming area.

Jay Price: $350,000 MLS# 203386

ADIRONDACK TRANQUILITY

4 Bed, 3 Bath ~ 2,533 Sq. Ft. ~ 0.8 Acres

Fireplace ~ Knotty Pine and Wood Beam Ceilings

Hardwood Cabinetry ~ In Ground Swimming Pool

Three Season Sunroom ~ Wrap Around Deck

An Elegant Chalet with a Private Setting

Jay Price: $529,000 MLS# 202881

MOUNTAIN SURROUNDINGS

4 Bed, 2.5 Bath ~ 2,940 Sq. Ft. ~ 2 Acres

Overlooks the Jay Mountains ~ Meticulously

Maintained ~ Cherry Cabinets ~ Solid Wood Doors

2 Mini Split High Efficiency Heaters ~ Generac Generator ~ Additional Detached Garage

Jay Price: $349,900 MLS# 203141

ACRES INCOME POTENTIAL

4 Bed, 2.5 Bath ~ 1,982 Sq. Ft. ~ 0.9 Acres

Knotty Pine Interior and Ceilings ~ Wood Beams Hardwood Cabinetry ~ Laminate and Hardwood Floors ~ Wood Stove on a Tile and Stone Hearth Front & Back Decks ~ Detached Garage

Jay Price: $479,000 MLS# 203107

SUMMIT LANE SALTBOX

3 Bed, 2 Bath ~ 1,137 Sq. Ft. ~ 1.1 Acres Knotty Pine Interior Finish with Natural Light Vaulted Ceiling with Skylights ~ Vermont Castings Wood Stove ~ Full Basement for additional Storage Space Jay Price: $325,000 MLS# 203661

WEST BRANCH

and

Stove

Condition Inside and Out

Jay Price: $459,000 MLS# 203471

PRICEREDUCED

A QUAKER MOUNTAIN REFUGE

3 Bed, 1 Bath

Beaver Meadow Falls

TOP 5

Winter Waterfalls

Beaver Meadow & Rainbow Falls

ACTIVITY: Hiking

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

DISTANCE: 8 to 10 miles, round trip

DIRECTIONS: This hike can be found out of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve which is in St. Huberts, just south of Keene Valley. Parking for the start of this hike is located across state Route 73 from the Roaring Brook Falls and Giant Mountain trailheads.

The Flume

ACTIVITY: Hiking

DIFFICULTY: Easy

DISTANCE: Less than a mile

DIRECTIONS: Locate the Flume parking outside of Wilmington on state Route 86. Parking is available on both sides of the road.

High Falls Gorge

ACTIVITY: Hiking

DIFFICULTY: Easy

DISTANCE: Varies, but no more than a mile

DIRECTIONS: High Falls Gorge is located just under 5 miles from the Wilmington town center on state Route 86.

Split Rock Falls

ACTIVITY: Hiking

DIFFICULTY: Easy

DISTANCE: Roadside

DIRECTIONS: From Interstate-87’s exit 30, head along state Route 9 toward Lake Placid. Continue on Route 9 through the “Malfunction Junction” for about an additional 3 miles to the parking on the right.

Stag Brook Falls

ACTIVITY: Hiking

DIFFICULTY: Easy

DISTANCE: 1 mile, round trip

DIRECTIONS: The trail is located behind the base lodge at Whiteface Ski Center in Wilmington on state Route 86.

62 Spring eld Rd. Upper Jay, NY 12987

Discover the potential of this spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home on a sprawling 2.5-acre lot just minutes from Whiteface Mountain! Ideal for year-round living or as a high-demand short-term rental, this property offers ample room and unique features throughout. Exclusively Listed for $729,000

79 McKinley St. Lake Placid, NY 12946

This modern 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is perfectly situated in the heart of Lake Placid, just four blocks from Main Street. Designed with energy ef ciency and comfort in mind. The home offers stunning mountain views and easy access to year-round activities.

34 Facteau Ave. Tupper Lake, NY 12986

Discover this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering both charm and functionality in the heart of Tupper Lake.

Exclusively Listed for $219,000

150 Mud Pond Road Colton, NY 13625

Exclusive Opportunity to purchase a Three Season Waterfront Camp on Higley Flow with it’s own boat house. Exclusively Listed for $399,000

Exclusive Waterfront Retreat on Lake PlacidYour Dream Home Awaits!

Welcome to Camp Two Pines, your private lakeside sanctuary. Escape to your very own lakeside haven with this rare opportunity to own a well-built, year-round home on the coveted Brewster Peninsula. Nestled on a picturesque 1.2-acre setting, this stunning property offers an expansive landscape that gently slopes down to your private sandy shorefront overlooking the tranquil Sunset Straight. Enjoy the luxury of a covered boat slip, an open slip, and a large swim dock perfect for all your lakefront activities. This spacious home boasts large, open living areas, ready for you to infuse with your personal style and modern updates. Imagine waking up to breathtaking lake views, spending your days boating, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water's edge or on the large beautiful deck overlooking the lake. As the day winds down, be captivated by the most amazing sunsets right from your own backyard. With limited lakefront inventory available, don't miss out on this rare chance to own a drive-to property on Lake Placid. Act now to make this waterfront dream your reality! Being sold furnished minus personal items. Watercraft could be purchased.

Details

Address: 29 Point O’View Way, Lake Placid

Town: North Elba

Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 4

Approx. Acres: 1.2

Approx. SF: 7,334 Year Built: 1988

Views: Lake and Mountains

List Price: $4,195,000 MLS# 202708

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

Pitfalls to Avoid How to Navigate the Challenges of the Homebuying Process

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, the process can be fraught with challenges. To help you avoid costly mistakes, here are some common pitfalls to watch out for during your homebuying journey

UNDERESTIMATING COSTS

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is underestimating the true cost of homeownership. Beyond the purchase price, there are closing costs, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and maintenance expenses.

These can add up quickly, so it’s crucial to budget accordingly. Ensure you have a clear understanding of all the costs involved before making an offer.

SKIPPING THE INSPECTION

Some buyers are tempted to skip the home inspection, especially in competitive markets where skipping contingencies might make their offer more attractive.

However, this can be a costly mistake. A thorough inspection can reveal hidden issues, such as structural damage, plumbing problems or electrical hazards.

Investing in a professional inspection can save you from unexpected expenses down the road.

IGNORING MARKET TRENDS

Buying a home without considering current market trends can lead to poor timing and bad investments. If the market is overheated, you may end up overpaying.

Conversely, in a buyer’s market, you might have more room to negotiate.

It’s essential to do your research and work with a

knowledgeable real estate agent who can provide insights into market conditions.

OVEREXTENDING YOUR BUDGET

It’s easy to get carried away when you find your dream home, but overextending your budget can lead to financial strain.

Lenders may approve you for more than you can comfortably afford, so it’s important to set a realistic budget based on your income, expenses and long-term financial goals.

Stick to your budget to avoid becoming house poor.

FAILING TO GET PRE-APPROVED

In competitive real

estate markets, failing to get pre-approved for a mortgage can put you at a disadvantage.

Sellers are more likely to accept offers from buyers who have been pre-approved because it shows they are serious and financially ready.

Getting pre-approved not only streamlines the buying process but also helps you understand how much home you can afford.

By being aware of these common pitfalls and taking proactive steps to avoid them, you can navigate the homebuying process with confidence and make a smart, informed decision.

MICHAEL MARTINEAU

REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

What’s the most rewarding part of your job as a real estate agent?

Watching individuals’ dreams become a reality. There’s nothing better than handing clients a set of keys after closing to their new property. For clients who have entrusted me with selling their property, it’s incredibly fulfilling to guide them through the process and ensure it is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

How do you handle challenges or conflicts that arise during the buying or selling process?

I wish I could say every property sale or purchase runs smoothly but we all know that’s not 100% true. There are a lot of variables that can arise after inspections are completed or when working with various financing options. When challenges arise, it’s key to listen to your clients’ feelings and help provide solutions on how we can overcome it. Communication is also key in ensure everyone involved knows exactly where we are in the process and what next steps look like.

What unique skills or traits set you apart from other agents in the area?

With a background in marketing, I bring a unique level of creativity to the properties I list, helping them stand out and attract potential buyers. Every property has its own story, and my goal is to showcase that story in a way that resonates with the right audience. As a freelance professional photographer with experience working for global brands, I have the expertise to capture properties in ways that many might overlook, presenting them in their best light to maximize their appeal.

Michael Martineau, Real Estate Salesperson

MERRILL L. THOMAS, INC. I C. 908-625-0058

6487 NYS Route 86, Jay NY

Heartsong Lodge

Discover the perfect blend of Adirondack charm and modern comfort in this stunning chalet, an idyllic retreat nestled on over 4 acres of lush land. This expansive and unique property features a total of 8 spacious bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, and 3 fully-equipped kitchens spread across 2 buildings. In total, the two buildings offer 4 separate and lockable units, perfect for renting separately, or together. Ideal for large families, group getaways, or luxurious retreats, this chalet provides ample space and privacy. Explore the beautifully landscaped grounds with exquisite flower gardens and a serene small pond, perfect for reflecting and connecting with nature. Situated close to Whiteface Mountain, this chalet offers endless adventures from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in the summer. With cozy living areas perfect relaxation and gatherings, patios and decks for outdoor dining and barbecues, this chalet ensures a comfortable stay year-round. Embrace the tranquility and beauty of the Adirondacks in this exceptional chalet.

ASKING PRICE: $1,150,000

EXPANDING THEIR RANGE

Search and Rescue of the Adirondacks, an all-volunteer organization that works closely with the state Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers, recently received a grant worth more than $6,000 from the town of North Elba for an updated radio system. The grant was from the Local Enhancement and Advancement Fund, which comes from the 5% occupancy tax collected by Essex County. This upgrade comes as the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary — a milestone that’s meaningful given the uncertainty that the organization faced during the coronavirus pandemic.

When SARNAK coordinator Jeff Berry moved to the Adirondacks in 2020, there were only a few board

members holding the group together and they even considered dissolving the team.

But the team pressed on, and has been rebuilding ever since. Berry estimates that they have about a “solid” 30 members.

SARNAK’s primary role, which is to support the DEC rangers on searches and recovery missions, remains the same. However, they continue to look for ways to expand their skills and their contribution to the community. One way they’ve been doing this is by helping with races and events like the Adirondack Canoe Classic — often referred to as the 90Miler.

– Expanding their range –Joe Shoemaker joined SARNAK during the “rebuilding

phase” right after the pandemic. He said the organization has relied for years on old hand-me-down radios from fire departments. They were grateful for any equipment, but the radios were on their last legs, with antennas missing and wires exposed.

“These are radios that, if you have 15 radios and 10 people grab radios out of a box, these are the five that nobody wants,” Shoemaker said. The radios also had limited range. They were only able to broadcast on a few programmed frequencies and could only use them within a 40 kilometer radius of Mount Pisgah — the location of a repeater that receives nearby radio signals and rebroadcasts them at a higher power and elevation.

The new radios, a FT5D model made by a company called Yaesu, will have a much greater range

Team training and hike with closest to camera: Jeff Berry (Team Coordinator). Kneeling Left to Right: Jundee Cainong, Andy Haliscak. First Row: Ambie Garcenila, Joe Shoemaker (Communications Coordinator), Tom LaDuke, Griffin Archambault, Elena Lumby (Training Coordinator), Rob Elder. Back Row: John Faultus, Steve Festin, non members Caitlin Gregg, and Maggie McCrudden. Photos – Provided

than the older ones, allowing the team to communicate in areas where there is little to no cell coverage. The radios will last longer, with stronger audio and a digital communication feature that further extends their reach.

They are able to provide realtime locations associated with each person’s unique call sign. There will also be recorded “tracks” of where each radio has been, which can then be put into a system used by the DEC and other agencies that overlays the tracks onto the map. Shoemaker said this feature allow the rangers to hone in on areas searchers may have missed.

The grant money will also help more search and rescue volunteers obtain their ham radio license. With these new radios and more members with their licenses, SARNAK will have a greater ability to search within the Adirondacks, and could even help out in other areas as well.

“I sincerely think that these are going to help us save lives,” Shoemaker said. “And at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”

– SARNAK’s future –

Elena Lumby, the training officer for SARNAK, attributes the organization’s success in part to the appeal of putting outdoors skills to use. This was certainly the case for Lumby, who was drawn to doing something in the wilderness besides collecting patches for peaks climbed.

“Everybody’s kind of united by this desire to use our love of the backcountry to help other people,” Lumby said.

Lumby said the skill level of the team has increased dramatically over the years, and this opportunity is drawing in younger volunteers. Berry said they consistently have Paul Smith’s students as a part of their team, to the point where SARNAK could become a type of pipeline into the DEC Forest Ranger Academy.

“These are students that are either very motivated for the outdoors or they’re motivated to be able to help people,” Berry said. “I think that’s kind of exciting to be able to foster that, especially for younger folks that really want to get involved with something like that.”

LIVING IN THE ADIRONDACKS

• Many health benefits for family and pets: with cleaner air quality, easy to clean, no harmful sealants

• Less allergens and toxins than other flooring

• Versatile styles and finishes ideal for indoor or outdoor spaces

• Low-to No Maintenance

• Water resistant

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