LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 29 Homeward Bound, which has a dedicated team of sev- en individuals overseeing these retreats, comprising a program coordinator, mental health professionals, forest guides, and peer counselors. It takes a commu- nity of dedicated individuals, from staff to volunteers and local businesses, to make these retreats possible, and Scanlon is overwhelmed by the generosity of ev- erybody involved. Helene Gibbens from Adirondack Riverwalking and Forest Bath offers guided sensory experiences; Cheley Fraser of BE Yoga conducts sound therapy and yoga sessions; Shane Holmes, IT Director for Adirondack Experience, leads different activities based on the sea- son, like hiking and ice fishing. The serene surround- ings of the inn offer the perfect backdrop for these restorative activities. Another key element of the retreats is the bonfire discussions led by Vietnam trauma surgeon Gus Kap- pler. Around the fireside, veterans share their stories, offer each other support, and find camaraderie in the warm glow of the flames. These fires are made possi- ble by the generous donations of wood from Donald Wicksell of Kingsboro Lumber Co. and the tireless efforts of Piseco resident Bob Jenny. Scanlon high- lights the generosity of everyone involved by saying, "Everybody rises up and goes above and beyond to give back to these veterans, which is an amazing thing to be part of." The first retreat was so successful it became a recur- ring event. To date, the inn has hosted ten retreats, welcoming over 250 veterans. Thanks to Homeward Bound's support, the only cost to veterans is transpor- tation to and from the retreats. Veteran Michael "Mike" Riley generously offered to share an anecdote about what the retreats at the inn have meant to him. On one occasion, the acclaimed artist Sarah Redpath did a live painting demonstration of the inn's foyer overlooking Piseco Lake. Riley said, "I need to buy that painting because that scene is the first thing I saw when I began my healing journey." Now, the painting from the retreat hangs in the foyer of his own home, which lies next to a family portrait and a Buffalo Bills plaque. Riley explains the signifi- cance of the painting by sharing, "The painting gives me a nudge in the direction of peace every time I enter the door, as does our family photo." The Inn on Piseco Lake has become a place for heal- ing and connection for veterans seeking the serenity of nature and the camaraderie of their fellow veter- ans. As the inn looks forward to 2024, they plan to double the number of retreats they hosted in 2023. The Inn on Piseco Lake is a place for people to heal and reconnect with nature, perpetuating the Adiron- dacks' legacy of solace. Photo credit, top row : Michael Riliey

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