LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 28 The clean, balsam-scented air and ubiquitous lakes and ponds of the Adirondacks have long led people to believe in the region's healing properties. Historical- ly, the Adirondacks have served as a haven for those suffering from tuberculosis and affluent families who sought refuge from urban life at the turn of the cen- tury. Building upon the renowned healing aura of the Adirondacks, the Inn on Piseco Lake stands as a testa- ment to this legacy while embracing a transformative journey of its own. The inn's origins trace back to 1892 when five pioneering families from New Jersey established what was then known as the Irondequoit Inn. Through gen- erations, as these families expanded and flourished, the inn was incorporated under the ownership of The Piseco Company. Now, the inn is owned by over 200 shareholders, many of whom have a direct lineage to the original five families. The current innkeeper, Jen Scanlon, is guiding the inn toward a new horizon that celebrates service and camaraderie by hosting trans- formative retreats for veterans, augmenting the inn's traditional guest offerings. Scanlon, the innkeeper for the last two years, has a long history and a deep connection to the small town of Piseco in Hamilton County. She had spent every summer of her childhood there and had fond memo- ries of learning to swim in the area. For the last ten years, she has brought her own children to the region, and the inn's beach has become a home away from home. Her strong family military background fueled her passion for serving veterans, as her father, un- cle, and stepfather all served in the military. Scanlon understands how important it is for veterans to have access to resources, and she is thrilled to be able to of- fer the inn as a healing place. Scanlon said, "Veterans have served us; now it's our turn to serve them." Scanlon's vision to repurpose the inn stemmed from a serendipitous encounter with Greg Furlong, a board member with Homeward Bound Adirondacks, who was scouting locations for veteran retreats. Homeward Bound Adirondacks is a nonprofit organization based in Saranac Lake dedicated to supporting veterans. Their fateful meeting led to an extraordinary part- nership, aligning their shared passion to help veterans. For Scanlon, this collaboration feels like the culmina- tion of a lifetime that effortlessly blends her enduring connection to Piseco, her family's military legacy, and the opportunity to provide a refuge for veterans. In September 2022, the inn initiated its inaugural veterans' retreat in collaboration with Homeward Bound Adirondacks, led by Executive Director Valerie Ainsworth. Veterans from all over the country arrived on a Friday for a weekend retreat. Scanlon played an integral role in room assignments and meals, ensur- ing that her guests had the best possible experience during their stay. Scanlon also worked closely with Inn on Piseco Lake: Painting A New Legacy With Veterans By Sydney Aveson Photos provided by the Inn on Piseco Lake

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