This week we caught up with Tyler Whitney, who you may recognize as the Executive Director of SAIL! He shares what continues to draw him to Glens Falls though he lives in a surrounding town, a favorite event at the Civic Center when he was a kid, his go-to restaurant for dinner with his wife, and more…
Tell us about yourself!
Hi! I’m Tyler Whitney and I have the distinct pleasure of serving as the Executive Director of Southern Adirondack Independent Living in Queensbury. I live in Fort Ann with my wife Heather and step-son Hunter. It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t mention Miley and Maggie, our two black labs, and our two cats, Jeter and Judge. If you can’t tell already, we are a Yankee household!
You will most often find me with my family, watching Hunter play baseball with the Spa City Stallions, or volunteering in the community. I currently serve with the Fort Ann Rescue Squad in an effort to help my neighbors in need and enjoy time with friends. During football season, you will find me begging the Buffalo Bills to get to a Super Bowl and always planning a way to get to Buffalo to watch them live.
I fell in love with the city of Glens Falls through SAIL. SAIL originated as the “Glens Falls Independent Living Center” in the early ‘90s on Sherman Avenue, serving the greater Glens Falls Region with only a part-time Executive Director. The mission was to help Glens Falls become more accessible, something that has not wavered through our evolution to a multi-program center, staffed by 40 employees serving 17 counties across New York State.
On Life In and Around Glens Falls
I grew up with my parents and sister in Hadley-Luzerne and my family and I now own a home and reside in Fort Ann. The constant about both of these locations is Glens Falls. This is where my family meets for dinner or to grocery shop and spend time in a city that we love.
I am a graduate of SUNY Adirondack and stayed living local while I completed my BA at the University of Albany. I spent many hours at the Crandall Library studying!
Glens Falls is the center of everything. If you live in a surrounding town, Glens Falls is what keeps you grounded. The Farmers Market, grocery stores, restaurants – it’s where it all is!
Some Glens Falls Favorites
I can remember enjoying many days in the city of Glens Falls with my family as a kid, either exploring Crandall Park or catching a show at the Glens Falls Civic Center. I have loved watching the evolution of downtown as it continues to be revitalized and become a tourism destination.
Rude Betty is a top favorite of mine for Glens Falls! Every time I go in, I find another treasure that I need for someone as a gift. While it is always well attended, I still believe that the Crandall Park launch during the Balloon Festival is a blast and to me, a hidden gem!
A Perfect Glens Falls Day
My ideal day starts with bagels from Glens Falls Bagels and then coffee from Spot Coffee. My family and I would then make our way down Glen Street, shopping at local stores or hitting up the Farmers Market. I love spending time in the park with my family, enjoying the sun and playing ball. My wife and I will forever enjoy dinner at Morgan and Co. and finishing it off with dessert at Farmacy!
On the Past
My favorite Glens Falls memory would be a Harlem Globetrotters game I went to as a young child with my sister. I can remember walking into the Glens Falls Civic Center as if it were Madison Square Garden. I remember the feeling of awe as I watched the players throw the ball around, and “Globie” the mascot running around and playing tricks on the audience. I will never forget the feeling that I had during that game. As I drive by today, it is often the first memory I think of.
On the Future
If I could wave a wand and bring anything to the city of Glens Falls, it wouldn’t be a space or new restaurant — it would be acceptance and accessibility. From the work that I do helping people live independently within their own communities, I see firsthand the difficulties that individuals with disabilities face each day. Having a community that promotes independence and accessibility allows for all to enjoy and for all to thrive, living within the city that they love.
