My Glens Falls: Ashley Bucci

We caught up with Ashley Bucci this week! She shares what brought her to Glens Falls, what she loves about her career as an audiologist at Glens Falls Hospital, her go-to restaurants in the city, and more…

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Ashley Bucci and I am honored to be able to share my story with Glens Falls Living! I have worked as an audiologist at The Hearing Center of Glens Falls Hospital for a little over six years now. I first moved to Glens Falls seven years ago to complete my fellowship year at the Hearing Center as the final step in earning my clinical doctorate degree in audiology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. I previously earned my Bachelors degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in the Capital Region area at the former College of Saint Rose. When my training was complete in 2018, I was very grateful to be offered the opportunity to stay on as a full time audiologist at The Hearing Center. 

On Being an Audiologist

The Glens Falls area has been very welcoming to me since moving here in 2017. It was an easy decision for me to stay and build my professional life here. The audiology department at the Hearing Center is a very special group of individuals that I’m grateful to work alongside each day. We serve a wide geographic area of individuals with hearing impairment and vestibular dysfunction. The population we serve ranges from newborn to seniors over 100 years old at times. This allows for a unique experience each day and the opportunity to support so many with hearing needs. My favorite thing about being an audiologist is not only the new people I get to meet each day but also catching up with the established patients returning for follow up or annual visits. It’s rewarding to be able to support them with the daily auditory needs that are meaningful to them such as conversing with a spouse or family member, enjoying music, or hearing the birds outside. 

Working for Glens Falls Hospital has allowed me to grow with further training in speciality areas such as tinnitus and serving as a preceptor to incoming fourth year graduate clinicians as I once was. I find the role of serving as a preceptor to be incredibly rewarding as it allows me to learn about emerging topics in the field that encourage taking a fresh perspective on daily clinical routines. The Hearing Center relocated to downtown Glens Falls last October, providing us a better view of the city and the ability to enjoy the nearby eateries and food trucks more often together after work. 

On Moving to Glens Falls

I grew up not far from here in Mechanicville, NY with my parents Mike and Denise and older brother Michael. Having called both my home, I recognize that Mechanicville and Glens Falls have a common ground in the fact that Mechanicville was also home to a bustling paper mill on the Hudson River many years ago that employed a majority of local residents, including my grandfather and great-grandfather. I feel that this type of industry cultivates a very hard working and authentic community group. This familiarity of interacting with kind and genuine people is very reminiscent to me of the place where I grew up.  My parents and close family still live in Mechanicville, but they come to visit often. It’s special to be able to share things that they enjoy up here, including hockey games, food and music events downtown, and family gatherings at our home. My dad is an avid fly fisher which I have been fortunate enough to learn from him and enjoy in the rivers of the Adirondacks and neighboring Vermont. 

My boyfriend Rob and I own a home together in the Kingsbury countryside just outside of Glens Falls. We have three cats named Claire, Melba, and June,  two dogs named Forrest and Chuck, and one beta fish named Rush. We’re fortunate to have a great view of the Vermont Mountains from our deck and a large play area for the dogs. Tending to the vegetable garden and raspberry bushes in the yard this time of year is one of my favorite pastimes. 

Some Glens Falls Favorites

With the array of wonderful local businesses to choose from in and around Glens Falls, a few of my regular stops include Moss Street Deli for their breakfast sandwich and coffee special , the Gourmet Cafe for birthday celebrations with my colleagues, and Coopers Cave or Sprinkles for ice cream in the summer months. I wanted to also mention that the best curly hair cut is available at Epiphany North Hair Design with James and my respect for the Adirondack Region Cat Adoption Center’s incredible work caring for cats in need and helping them to find their forever homes. 

On the Past (and the Future)

Glens Falls has brought me meaningful experiences in my adult life that I will always be thankful for, including the start of my career at The Hearing Center, meeting my boyfriend Rob on our first date at Siam Thai restaurant, and finding my oldest cat Claire in a downtown store front window during the Christmas season in 2019.  A special place in my heart will always be reserved for my hometown of Mechanicville, NY and the city of Buffalo, NY where I lived during my graduate school years, but I am now proud to call Glens Falls my home. My hope is that others can find the joy, success, friendships, and love that I have been fortunate enough to find here in Glens Falls . A big thanks to Glens Falls Living for the opportunity to be featured and to my co worker Rachel DeLuca for the nomination! 

My Glens Falls: Cassie Leonard, MD

This article is sponsored by Hudson Headwaters Health Network.
Thank you for supporting the local businesses that support our work at Glens Falls Living.

This week we chatted with Cassie Leonard, MD, who you might recognize as an OB-GYN Physician with Hudson Headwaters Health Network! She shares what brought her family to the area from West Virginia, a bit about realizing her childhood dream of making an impact as a physician, some favorite local activities, and more…

Tell us a bit about yourself!

My name is Cassie Leonard and I am an OB-GYN physician at Hudson Headwaters Health Network. I live in Lake George with my husband, Jeremy Entwistle, and our three children — Claire (14), Caroline (12), and Charlie (8). My husband is a sculptor and operates his practice, French Mountain Studios, on our property and teaches part time at Union College. My children attend Lake George Schools, where they are active in sports, chorus, and band.

On Life in and Around Glens Falls

My family and I moved here about six years ago from Morgantown, West Virginia, where I was an attending physician at West Virginia University School of Medicine. We relocated to the Glens Falls area to be closer to family, since my husband grew up in Argyle.

When deciding where to live and work, we looked from Albany all the way north to where we currently are located. We ultimately decided to move to 50 beautiful acres in the Lake George area due to the closeness of family, fantastic school systems, and a small town feel.

On Making an Impact

Since I was a child, my dream was to become a physician. I wanted to be able to positively impact a community as my grandfather had done as a primary care physician in a small town in West Virginia. It is a privilege to be able to care for women in all aspects of their life, from family planning services, maternity care, gynecologic issues, menopause, and beyond. My days and weeks are always different, which keeps things interesting. One day I could be seeing patients in our clinic at 90 South Street in Glens Falls or at our Warrensburg Health Center, while another day I could spend delivering babies or operating on women at Glens Falls Hospital.

When I interviewed with Hudson Headwaters Health Network, I couldn’t imagine working for a better organization or a practice that more closely aligned with my values. Hudson Headwaters Health Network provides medical care to the North Country regardless of income or insurance and the mission of the Network truly allows me as a physician to best serve my community. Hudson Headwaters also provides a work environment that encourages home-life balance, which is necessary due to the rigors of my profession.

On Favorite Local Activities

When I am not at work, you can usually find me at the ball-field or track watching my kids play sports or hiking in our woods with our hound dog Millie. Our family skis and we enjoy winter sports as much as the summer. I have also recently been taking horseback riding lessons, which has been an inspiring and challenging new hobby.

My husband and I are always tackling home improvement projects on our house and property, which keeps us happy. As a family, we make it a priority to visit our camp that we built in the Long Lake area to fish, ride ATV, hunt, or just relax.

Our family really enjoys the greater Glens Falls area, the food and culture, and living in the gateway to the Adirondacks. We appreciate all that upstate New York has to offer and are excited to see what the future holds for us here.

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Special thanks to Hudson Headwaters Health Network for making this story possible!

Discover the difference that comes with a rewarding career at Hudson Headwaters!

The non-profit network of nearly two dozen community health centers brings comprehensive primary care to North Country residents, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. The growing organization is constantly looking for talented, passionate individuals to join them in clinical and administrative capacities. Perks include comprehensive benefits, regular business hours, opportunities for growth, and an emphasis on work-life balance. Hudson Headwaters was named to Albany Business Review’s 2023 “Best Places to Work” and earned the distinction of “Best Medium-Sized Company to Work For” in The Post-Star’s 2023 Best of the Region.

Click here to see open positions and apply online today!

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My Glens Falls: Will Fowler

We’re chatting with Will Fowler this week! He shares his favorite memories of growing up in Glens Falls, his new favorite lunch spot, what he’d like to see more of downtown in the future, and more…

Tell us about yourself!

Hello! I’m Will Fowler. I live in Glens Falls with my wife, Katie, and our two children, Phoebe and Charlie Bird (we’re really into birds). I’m a co-owner of Sidekick Creative, where I’m a creative director and designer. We’re a boutique graphic design studio located downtown, and we just celebrated our 7th anniversary. We’ve been so lucky to get to do what we love while working with cool people and great clients.

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

I grew up on Lake Avenue, right across from Crandall Park, with my parents and four older sisters. My grandparents lived on the corner, so we had a very tight-knit family unit. My sisters and I went to St. Mary’s-St. Alphonsus, where our mom taught English, so we were together all day at school, too! Growing up I thought everyone’s family was this close, but now I look back and realize how lucky we were. My sisters and I have moved away to different places (Boston, Hawaii, Florida) at different times in our lives, but always seem to find our way back to the area. The more I travel, the more I’ve come to appreciate the quality of life here. We’re truly spoiled to have such a vibrant, safe, and welcoming little city—and we’re so close to so many great destinations, too. 

On Moving Around The City

Our first apartment was above Raul’s, which was so much fun. We loved living in the heart of downtown and eating tacos for every other meal. When we got married, we bought a house off of South Street Extension, where we lived for four years. When Katie was pregnant with our second, we had outgrown the house, and moved to Windy Hill, where we’ve been for three years. We love our quiet little street and our amazing neighbors. And now we’re closer to playgrounds and the bike trail, which is not as fun as Raul’s, but the kids seem to like it.

On Community

At the risk of sounding corny, my favorite thing about Glens Falls has to be the people. I feel like I know everyone from growing up here, but I’m always meeting interesting new people, too. There are so many good-hearted, down-to-earth folks who live here, who are dedicated to improving our community every day. 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

My perfect day in Hometown USA would start with a bagel and coffee at Cool Beans with the crossword. It would have to include a round of disc golf at Crandall Park, which has become my new favorite hobby. The course is really well-maintained thanks to the volunteers and the Crandall Park Beautification Committee. Taco Kings Jalisco has become a favorite spot for lunch—I try something new every time and it’s always amazing. There are so many great restaurants downtown, but our go-to spot for special occasions is Morgan & Company (and the porch bar has to be my favorite spot for cocktails). For an after-dinner drink, we might go to Mean Max for a beer and darts, or The Golden Monkey for a specialty cocktail, which is another new favorite spot!

On the Past

Growing up near Crandall Park meant we had a front-row seat for the Memorial Day Parade and the Balloon Festival. Even after my parents sold the house on Lake Ave., we would come back for the Memorial Day parade every year and our old neighbors would save a spot for us, with coffee and donuts to share.

On the Future

I’d love to see more concerts come to the COOL Insuring Arena. My sister rented one of the new boxes for the Goose and Trey show in 2022 and it was such a cool experience. It felt like a renaissance for the arena. I’ve witnessed so many great moments there—from Jimmer and JG3, to this year’s historic season for the Adirondack Thunder—and I’m excited to see it continue to bring excellent sports and entertainment to our city!

My Glens Falls: Kate Austin

We caught up with Kate Austin this week! She shares a bit about the evolution of her business, Advokate, an ode to the amazing Glens Falls arts scene, her favorite downtown restaurants for vegan options, and more…

Tell us about yourself!

I'm a mom, a community member, an activist, an entrepreneur, and a big fan of Glens Falls. After working at The Chronicle newspaper and managing The Shirt Factory, I started my business, Advokate, LLC, in October of 2010, without a clear direction. 

At first, I thought I'd help artists hang up posters for their art shows or mail out postcards, and Advokate has now evolved into a design, marketing and communications agency with a team of twelve, plus three interns. 

I am also co-founder of the Arts District of Glens Falls, a board member with the Glens Falls Business Improvement District, and involved with the Jackson Heights PTA. Last year, New York State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner named me a Woman of Distinction! 

My kiddos are Ellie (6), Danny (8), and Henry (11). We have a dog named Sasha and a cat named Jones. I'm divorced and live part-time with my partner, Jeremy. We were high school sweethearts!

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

I grew up in Killington, Vermont, and went to high school in Woodstock. I kind of landed here quasi-accidentally but fell in love with Glens Falls and put down roots. Now my parents live here in Glens Falls! They are a huge help with the kids.

Once upon a time (back in 2001, if we're being precise) I wrote down a wish list of everything I wanted out of a place to live. I wanted cafes, lots of things going on, a downtown scene, to feel safe, public transportation, and for it to be an hour away from Rutland, Vermont. Who knew!? I had never heard of Glens Falls back then. But it's right here, the city I always wanted.

I have lived in Glens Falls since 2006 or 2007. My former husband Cory and I bought our house on Morgan Avenue in 2009. I bought a house on Ridge Street last November and I adore it. I miss my old neighbors but I'm just around the corner. When I walked in, it just felt right. It has soapstone counters and an attic, and so many windows. There is a little brick side porch that I plan to use as an art studio. And most importantly, each of the kids has their own room. I love the houses in Glens Falls that are Tudor-style. I feel like I'm living in a fairy tale!

On Banding Together

There is so much to love about Glens Falls. I think my number one is the community, closely followed by the arts scene. 

I have seen neighbors taking care of neighbors in so many instances. Folks are welcoming and kind here. They collaborate. They work on seeing alternative perspectives and embracing diversity. I think the "group hug" (that's Glens Falls Director of Tourism and Business Development Amy Collins' catchphrase) philosophy is super strong here. We know how to band together, work as a team, and support one another. We respect one another even when we disagree. There are a number of volunteer-run organizations doing super important work. Such a small handful of people are doing so much for the greater good. I think that spirit of community is extremely strong in Glens Falls.

On The Arts

The arts scene is like no other. The fact that we have three museums within walking distance of one another in a city with a population of less than 15,000 is astounding. The galleries, the theaters, the cultural organizations. We're the smallest city in the country with its own Symphony Orchestra. And now we have murals and public art so you can tell that Glens Falls loves the arts without even setting foot indoors!

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

Some of my most idyllic Glens Falls days were when the kids were young. I'd walk them downtown, pushing a stroller, and we'd start our day at the Farmer's Market, then head to Crandall Public Library to get a stash of books. We'd relax in City Park, grab a snack from Rock Hill Bakehouse Cafe (back when it was downtown), and walk around the shops to see all of our friends out and about, maybe visit the World Awareness Children's Museum, and finish the day with Outdoor Cinema, watching a movie under the stars. 

These days, the kids are bigger. We like to go to the events the Glens Falls Collaborative puts on, especially Take a Bite. I just love when the whole city is hanging out together downtown on a beautiful sunny day. Henry likes to grab sushi from Sweet Rice around the corner with his friends. I order from Juicin' Jar and Alif all the time. Ellie and Danny love Downtown City Tavern's fries and slipper bread. I do almost all my shopping at Finders Keepers. 

On a date night, I'm usually found at Farmacy, because every week they have a different vegan option. I love their cocktails and it's so fun to try something new. I like the intimacy of the Bourbon Room, too, and Morgan & Co. is always a winner. I always end up at Fenimore's after a show at the Wood Theater. And I am loving the Golden Monkey for their vegan options and specialty drinks. The vibe there is so laid back and classy. Oh! And can't forget about Mint on Warren Street, which has awesome plant-based choices as well.

On the Past

I have met most of my favorite people in one of three places, all before like, 2010: At an art show at LARAC, NorthCountryARTS or at The Shirt Factory; at Rock Hill Bakehouse's Open Mic; or at Wallabee's Jazz Bar. Thursday nights were THE nights, back in the day. I think those moments early on were responsible for forming my foundational impression of Glens Falls. 

You'd make friends just by being in the same places over and over again. Everyone was creative and talented. And funny, and a good time. And so incredibly welcoming. The folks who hung out there were a real community of musicians, artists, writers and poets, and the atmosphere was hip, comfortable, and easy. I formed some core friendships in those years.

On the Future

Okay, so I'm super proud of the fact that the City of Glens Falls is running on hydro power through Northern Power & Light. (Full disclosure: NP&L is a client of Advokate's). Renewable energy is cool, and I hope more people sign up for it.

I think we could use more public art, for sure. I would love to see interactive sculpture and bespoke playground equipment around downtown for my children who love to climb on stuff. 

I think a refill/zero waste store is something we need. I would love to see more people shopping at Pure N Simple to take things to that level.

And I think there's plenty of room for more vegan eateries in town, and a broader spectrum of plant-based options at the awesome restaurants we do have. I dine out kind of a lot and there are so many hungry vegans who do, too!

My Glens Falls: Molly Mattison

We caught up with Molly Mattison this past week! She shares what brought her back to Glens Falls after growing up here (she bought a house a few doors down from the house she grew up in!), lots of Glens Falls nostalgia (including Boston Candy Kitchen and Barber’s Market), a bit about her little library, and more…

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Molly Mattison, a Glens Falls native. I live in Glens Falls with my 5 and 6-year-old boys, Rocco and Rex, and my husband Dale. 

I work remotely as Chief Operating Officer for the International TEFL Academy. We certify more than 6,000 people a year to teach English abroad and online, and help them find jobs. Our alumni are in more than 80 countries worldwide - it’s a really amazing way to get paid to see the world! 

I’m also the steward for my beloved GF Little Library. Come borrow a new read!

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

I grew up in Glens Falls on Lincoln Avenue. When I graduated, I went to college in Virginia, studied abroad in Italy, then spent several years living and working in Boston and Chicago. My husband is from Lake George, and we couldn’t imagine a better place to raise our family than Glens Falls. After 12 years away, we returned and bought our house — also on Lincoln Avenue, three doors down from my parents and the house I grew up in. Truly full-circle. 

Our home was built in 1911. One of our neighbors grew up in our home as a child in the 1950s. She shared how they had a boarder who worked for the Post Star as a photographer and used a small room in our basement as his dark room. There also used to be sleeping porches on the back of our home. My most vivid memory of this house from growing up was the impeccably manicured lawn - a reputation known far and wide, and one we’ve definitely fallen far short of - ha!

On Community

Without a doubt, what I love most about Glens Falls are the people - they are salt of the earth, and truly a community. When our family has faced tough times, our neighbors have been there to shovel, to bring a meal, or just to check in. Likewise, we try to give back to our community and the boys’ schools as much as possible. It’s truly a village I’m so appreciative of. I also love holidays here - like the hundreds of trick-or-treaters on Halloween or enjoying breakfast on the porch with friends and family before the Memorial Day parade. 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

My perfect Glens Falls day would start with a walk downtown, and breakfast and a coffee at Kru. I’d then swing by Crandall Public Library with the boys, before getting fresh flowers from River ‘Rangements at the Farmer’s Market and/or from Oopsy Daisy Flower Farm and delivering a bouquet to my mom. 

If our day isn’t dominated by birthday parties or sports, we love to check out the local event calendars or take a daytrip. For dinner, we would head back downtown. A newer favorite for us is Rocco’s on Glen. Great vibes, great food, and my son Rocco calls it “his place” and loves to greet the owner. We might top off our night with a trip to Rude Betty, a favorite with us and the kids. 

On the Past

I had a pretty idyllic childhood in Glens Falls - my friends lived on the block, our bikes gave us the ultimate freedom, and we just had to make sure we were home by dark. I loved it as a kid, and I love it even more watching my kids as they’re just now taking off on their bikes - and their friends, too, live on our block. 

Growing up, my Dad and I were both early risers and we would sneak out of the house early on weekends and go have breakfast together at the Boston Candy Kitchen (Downtown City Tavern now lives there). They made ribbon candy on site, and had a little chocolate and candy storefront at the front of the diner. Since I came back to town, my dad and I kept our morning time together, taking an hour-long walk to kick off the day. 

We also loved Bill’s Ideal Diner and we go to Massie’s for every family birthday - a tradition that’s persisted in our family for more than 70 years. One thing I miss is Barber’s Market - it was a small neighborhood market on Shippey, and I would love to see something like that come back. 

On the Future

It’s been amazing to see the transformation downtown over the past few decades - I’m excited to see the ways South Street and the downtown area can continue to grow, hopefully with more locally-owned, small businesses. Overall, I just love Glens Falls for what it is and hope it will keep its essence as it continues to evolve (though I wouldn’t say no to a Trader Joe’s!)

My Glens Falls: Jeremiah and Emily Lewis

This week we caught up with Jeremiah and Emily Lewis! New to town, they share what drew them to Glens Falls, a bit about their work (Jeremiah is a filmmaker and Emily is a natural science illustrator and animator), their favorites around the city so far, and more…

Tell us about yourself!

Jeremiah: I’m Jeremiah Lewis. I’m a web developer and screenwriter. My passion is writing horror movies, and I’m lucky that I’ve been able to write a few horror short films that have gotten produced!

Emily: I’m Emily Meredith Lewis and I’m a Natural Science Illustrator and Animator and Library Clerk at Crandall Public Library. We have two dogs named Cider and Miso, and they are siblings we adopted from a rescue in Chicago.

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

Jeremiah: We were drawn to Glens Falls primarily so I could be closer to my producing partner (local filmmaker and business owner Cameron Gallagher). We didn’t have a family connection to the area, though we’ve always been drawn to areas in New York such as the Hudson Valley. We’ve only been here about nine months but it’s been a great change of pace from the last few places we’ve lived.

Emily: I’ve been enjoying learning about all the native flora and fauna, both in our neighborhood and the trails at the countless nature preserves. I’m in my final studio for my natural science illustration certificate at RISD CE. For that project, I’m focused on late winter/early spring botanicals and (fingers crossed) their pollinators. A lot of my spare time right now is hitting trails in search of subjects and inspiration. I grew up in the Appalachian region of Virginia. After living in three major cities and three mid-size cities, we both appreciate the sounds of birds and insects over constant sirens.

Jeremiah: I have really enjoyed being able to collaborate directly on filmmaking projects. I first met Cameron when Emily and I were living in Providence, through a project called The Rickety Man, which eventually was made into an award-winning film. Living in Glens Falls gives us the chance to collaborate in person, and it has made things like spitballing story ideas, working out pre-production logistics and actually being on set for filming a much more rewarding experience. We’ve already filmed two shorts and have several other projects in the works, and hopefully you’ll see something we’ve made playing at the local theater before long! And if anyone reading this wants to finance our next film projects, don’t hesitate to reach out!

On Glens Falls Neighborhoods

Emily: We currently rent, but we’re looking to buy a house, if only the market will cooperate! Our neighborhood has been really great, especially for walking our dogs and getting a ton of exercise. We love seeing the beautiful houses on all the streets we walk and have even begun to meet people on our walks (when the temperatures aren’t sub-freezing!).

Some Glens Falls Favorites

Jeremiah: Our favorite thing about Glens Falls is its proximity to so much nature and the small-town vibe it gives (while still having options for art, shopping, entertainment, etc.). Emily is making her way through all the nature preserves in the area: Meadowbrook Preserve, Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve, Cole’s Woods, etc. The amount of places and trails to explore in the area is astounding!

One place that probably deserves more recognition for its opportunities for local entrepreneurs is WorkSmart. Located in a restored historic bank, it’s a collaborative work space that’s inclusive, safe, quiet, and offers independent business owners and office workers the chance to bond with fellow go-getters while maximizing your productivity in a conducive setting. It’s the perfect place to get things done while connecting with some amazing people (not a sales pitch, we promise!).

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

Emily: On Saturdays we usually make a trip to the Farmers Market (it’s a weekly staple in the warmer months), then coffee from Kru or breakfast or lunch from Rockhill Bakery and Cafe (try their bread or their Reuben–it’s really tasty!). If the weather is nice we take a long walk with our dogs around our neighborhood, Crandall Park, or the Canal. We love popping into the library and exploring The Shirt Factory (so many fantastic shops and artist spaces) if we have a more leisurely day. We love The Weekender and if something catches our eye for that weekend, we will try and work it in. We also cook a lot at home, but we have gone out to Mint, farmacy, or we will do take-away from Aroy Dee.

On the Past

Jeremiah: Unfortunately, we don’t have any old memories since we’re recent transplants, but we love all the new memories we are making. LARAC’s Arts Festival, picking berries at Ariel’s Farm, The Balloon Festival, Thursday Market & Food Truck Corral at The Shirt Factory, and playing putt-putt up at Lake George, to name a few.

You know what is cool, though? For the first time in a long time we actually sat out on our porch and handed out candy to trick-or-treaters this last Halloween — that was a lot of fun and a reminder of what it’s like to live in a community where you know your neighbors and people can enjoy being out to celebrate something fun and spooky.

Glens Falls is shaping up to be the place where we make these memories and new traditions.

On the Future

Jeremiah: Vegan food has come a long way, and there’s plenty of opportunity for an enterprising restauranteur to open a vegan or vegetarian place that people can enjoy. One of our down-the-road dreams is to open a revival movie theater or space that plays double features of old movies.

Emily: I would also love for there to be a small art supply shop. The closest shop that carries my favorite colored pencils is in Schenectady!

We’re open to adventures, and we’re excited for what Glens Falls has in store for us in the coming months and years.

My Glens Falls: Carly Samach

This week we caught up with Carly Samach! She shares a bit about the history of her charming craftsman home in the city, the unique Glens Falls location for her wedding, an awesome idea for a downtown business that someone should scoop up, and more…

Tell us about yourself!

Hello! I’m Carly Samach, I live with my husband, our two pups and our mischievous orange cat right outside of the Crandall Park area. Professionally I am a clinical therapist that specializes in the treatment of obsessive compulsive and anxiety disorders. I own my own practice in town treating individuals locally and all around New York State, and also provide education on these disorders to schools and medical teams that often interface with them. The disorders I treat are so common throughout the world, but I feel especially grateful to do the majority of my work here in our community. Anyone living with OCD and anxiety deserves to know that things can get better — I witness my clients create that truth everyday! 

I am also lucky to teach Kambal Yoga at Restore Balance - or as I fondly refer to it, sleepy time yoga. I love art, music, good food, being outdoors — all of which I strongly believe Glens Falls is an expert at curating and providing! 

On Life In Glens Falls

Glens Falls was a chance situation for my husband and I. Back in 2017, we found out we’d have to move from the home we were renting very quickly. The universe set its sights on Glens Falls for us, because at that point in the year we could not find a place to live anywhere in the Capital District, except a very sweet apartment on Glen St in Glens Falls. My husband grew up in and around Glens Falls, so for him it was a lot like returning to a nostalgic home. For me, Glens Falls was a space I hadn’t explored yet, and it's safe to say I fell in love fast. 

It's been 7 years since that fateful move and we now own a home in the city and are so happy to have built a life and community here. The primary variable that keeps us here is the very evident heart of the people in this town. It's illustrated through the beautiful businesses, the care individuals take in their older homes, the smiles you are greeted by when taking a walk around the park and the willingness to help one another out when needed. We’ve made friends that are now family for life in this community. 

On Historic Homes

Our home is a gorgeous craftsman with some pretty cool history. Thanks to our neighbors, we learned that our home was owned by one of the twin daughters of the Mayor of Glens Falls way back in the day. He built ‘twin craftsmans’ for his daughters and through our neighborhood and the previous owner we learned that the original owners lived here until they eventually passed. We’ve found love notes and sweet pieces of history as we’ve been slowly restoring it. Having grown up in an old farm house in Maine, this is what drew me to the homes of Glens Falls — they all have love in their stories. 

On Local Talent

One thing I wish more people knew about Glens Falls is what incredible art is here. Not only the newest murals at The Shirt Factory, but around town and built into the homes and buildings that have stood the test of time, and the many incredible artisans at The Shirt Factory. And I can’t forget to mention the number of incredibly talented musicians that reside here. Whether I’m catching a jazz night with The Daley News at The Bourbon Room or rocking out to Tom’s House at Mean Max — there is never a shortage of incredible music to enjoy! 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

A perfect day in Glens Falls for me starts at Kru Coffee — my husband and I love their cortados and an avocado smash to fill up on. In my opinion, one of the best parts about Glens Falls is that you can spend time in the city to get the day started, and then drive or walk a few miles out and be in the mountains and the woods. After filling up on breakfast our day would likely take us there with the pups — we love to explore trails in the area and in the 7 years we’ve lived here we never fall short of finding new spaces to check out. From there our day is all about yummy food, or doing some light shopping in town, like stopping by Minky Mink, Fountain Square Outfitters, and Rude Betty to name a few. Whether we cook at home and then go in town for dessert or do the whole shindig in town we are never failed by the likes of Farmacy, Radici or Mint! 

On the Past

Fun fact: in May of 2021 my husband and I got married in the alleyway between Farmacy and Radici! Every time I pass that space between the two buildings I think of the beautiful Sunday afternoon where our incredible friends at Farmacy helped us create a magical and sweet day. To have our nearest and dearest standing with us in an alleyway that had been dressed in flower petals and loving mementos literally took my breath away. We couldn’t have asked for more. 

On the Future

My wish list business for Glens Falls would be a coffee shop bookstore that turns into a cocktail reading hang out in the evening. My friends and I fantasize about how awesome that would be all the time. Please somebody go for it! I promise regular reading coffee / cocktail visits by so many! 

My Glens Falls: April Greene

This week, we chatted with April Greene! She shares what brought her to the area from Pennsylvania over 15 years ago, a favorite spot in Glens Falls for Pakistani food, a bit about her love for digging (and selling!) rare crystals, and more…

Tell us about yourself!

My name is April Greene. I met my partner and the love of my life, Kevin Drake, a very talented tattoo artist, working at Forged Tattoo Co. in Hudson Falls. Shortly after we met, we began running an Etsy shop (@mossomrocks) selling beautiful, rare crystals and have been going strong for the past 9 years. We fell in love with crystals and started visiting different spots around the area to dig our own. By far, our favorite crystals to dig are Herkimer Diamonds, which are only found in one location in the entire world — Herkimer County, NY. It’s a fun hobby and turned out to be a great business venture at the same time!

In 2017, Kevin and I were featured in Adirondack Life Magazine for a wikiup structure that we built out of sticks, logs and moss. It was an incredible experience to have a whole spread in such an outstanding magazine. What an honor!

We have four wonderful children, ages 18, 15, 14 and 12. I’ve been a stay at home mom since 2006, so my other hobbies include laundry, cooking, cleaning and driving my kids around — fun stuff like that. 

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

I have lived in Glens Falls for the past 16 years after relocating from Allentown, Pennsylvania and not knowing anyone or anything about this area. My family had decided they wanted to relocate to upstate NY and since we are all very close, we packed up three households and made the move to Glens Falls along with my parents and my sister and her family.

One of my favorite things about the area is the hometown vibe. Moving here from a larger city was a big change, but a wonderful one. I love that the beautiful Adirondack Mountains surround us. I love the community and the schools. You can really see the effort. I have met so many amazing people in the time I have lived here.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

An ideal day in Glens Falls? Where to start?! 

We’d have to begin the day at Juicin’ Jar. Their juices and smoothies are simply the best and always delivered with a smile. I absolutely love Rockhill Bakehouse too! Their soups and sandwiches are always fresh and made with love, but have you tried their Pakistani food? Wow, it’s incredible! 

My family and I have always loved walking along the Feeder Canal, so we would have to do that and end the day at the Cool Insuring Arena to watch our favorite hockey team, the Adirondack Thunder! For dinner, hands down it’s Siam Thai. Their food never disappoints. 

On the Past

While I did not grow up here, my favorite memories in the 16 years residing and raising my children here are enjoying the local activities. My children participated in Little League through the Glens Falls Youth Baseball and Softball program, the Memorial Day Parade (which we still never miss), the hot air balloons, LARAC, the Crandall Public Library, and all of the events in the City. We have many special memories. 

On the Future

If I could wave a magic wand and bring something new to the area it would definitely be a small bar/music venue similar to the one that used to be upstairs at 42°. We loved going there. They always had open mic, live music, affordable drinks and free pool — how can you beat that? It was a really cool vibe and there is nothing better than live music!

I absolutely look forward to the future of my children being grown up in Glens Falls — seeing whether or not they stay rooted, or fly the nest and return one day. There are so many beautiful reasons to stay planted in Glens Falls!

My Glens Falls: Diana Kloepfer

We chatted with Diana Kloepfer this week! She shares what drew her to this area from Long Island, what has made her feel most at home here, her favorite spot for cocktails and dinner downtown, and more…

Tell us about yourself!

Hi! I'm Diana Kloepfer. I am a Chef and Culinary Artist. I currently hold the position of Sous Chef at The Gem in Bolton Landing. I also have my own cake and private chef business, known as The Aquarian Culinarian. I live with my fiancé, who is a Glens Falls native, and our pup, who goes by the name Angelo.

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

I have called Glens Falls home for almost 8 years. I moved here from Long Island in October of 2016. I have wanted to live near the Adirondacks since I first came up here on family vacation when I was 12. It was love at first sight.

I didn't know much about Glens Falls until I met my future husband. He grew up in Glens Falls and we ended up getting our first apartment on Harrison Ave. I was immediately drawn to the charm of downtown. After the first LARAC Arts Festival that I attended, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.

Since moving here I have formed lifelong connections and friendships with empowering individuals. The group of women friends I have formed, as well as the fellow entrepreneurs, creatives, and makers I have met, all inspire me on a daily basis. It's quite literally magic to feel supported in your dreams and encouraged to be your true self by the environment around you. Glens Falls has brought a missing puzzle piece to my life and I am so grateful to be here. 

Some Glens Falls Favorites

My favorite thing about Glens Falls is that it lives up to the Hometown USA vibe. The community is full of some truly talented people with a shared vision of continuing to make Glens Falls a great place to call home. The murals that have gone up, the Arts District, the culinary scene, the tattoo shops, thrift stores, small businesses, work spaces, coffee shops, fitness options, Farmers Market, Crandall Park and Coles Woods...we truly have it all. My favorite hidden gems include Kind Cycling, Black Walnut Books, Sweet Side Records, the winding trails of Coles Woods and Pure n' Simple Foods.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

A perfect Glens Falls day would be a Saturday morning trip to the Farmers Market, followed by a hearty breakfast at Juicin' Jar, and then a fun shopping trip to Finders Keepers. I’d enjoy a nice walk through City Park and around town to admire all of the historic buildings and then drive over to the Arts District for a visit to the shops and studios in The Shirt Factory. An afternoon scone from Rockhill Bakehouse to hold over until dinner is always a great idea. From there, getting some mindful movement in with a class at Kind Cycling or Hot Yoga Queensbury to work up an appetite for some well-deserved craft cocktails and culinary delights at no place other than [farmacy]. You can find me there about once a week. 

On the Past

A favorite Glens Falls memory of mine is the day I came up from Long Island to sign the lease to our first apartment. It just so happened to be the same day as the Balloon Festival evening event at Crandall Park. I had never seen hot air balloons up close before, and we were able to walk there from where I would be calling home soon. I remember feeling so excited that this was going to be my new home. It was amazing to walk around my new local park, with hot air balloons tethered all around me, with families gathered and music playing. It was the perfect way to start a new chapter. It felt like a "welcome home" party in a way. 

On the Future

I know exactly what I would bring to downtown, but for now I can't say too much about it. I am hoping to find the perfect location to one day open up a business of my own and join the small business community I love so much. Until then, I am enjoying all the new places that call Glens Falls home. 

My Glens Falls: Joshua Jevons

We caught up with Joshua Jevons this week! He shares what brought him back to the area after spending almost a decade in Colorado, an area event that has become a favorite yearly tradition, a go-to dinner spot with the kids, and more…

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Joshua Jevons. I’m a father of two boys and a husband to an amazing wife. 
I’m a creative director and designer. I own and operate Jevons Design, a brand building studio that specializes in bringing brands to life via brand identity, packaging design, website design, and everything in between. 

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

I was born and raised in Rensselaer, NY but I moved to Denver, CO in 2013 to cut my teeth in the creative industry working at a handful of design shops and advertising agencies.

After living in the west for almost a decade, my wife and I started a family and decided to move closer to home so our children can grow up around their cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles. In 2020 we moved to Queensbury. We chose the area because we love the idea of being near a small city with energy and life while also having quick access to the outdoors. Being right outside the blue line gives us the ability to enjoy the Adirondacks and their natural beauty while still having access to all the amenities Glens Falls and the surrounding area has to offer. 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

We love the size of downtown. Everything is within walking distance from each other. Can’t go wrong grabbing breakfast at Kru or Spot Coffee, taking the kids to the amazing library. Maybe have a beer at Common Roots before catching an Adirondack Thunder game. Coopers Cave Ale Company is always a good option with the kids. 

On the Past

Since we’re new to the area I don’t have old memories but I’ve gone to the Adirondack Balloon Festival every year since we’ve moved here. My son loves it and I remember the first time we went, how much fun he had. He was so pumped to watch all the balloons inflate and fly away. 

On the Future

To be honest, the area has almost everything you could ask for. But I think in general we could use more young families and more creative/entrepreneurial energy in town. There’s a lot of opportunity here.

Selfishly I’d love to see a vegetarian/vegan restaurant since I’ve been a vegetarian my whole life and the only one we had closed down. 

My Glens Falls: Jen Wright

This content in this article is sponsored by Hudson Headwaters Health Network.
Thank you for supporting the local businesses that support our work at Glens Falls Living.

We caught up with Jen Wright this week, who you might recognize as a Physician Assistant with Hudson Headwaters Health Network! She shares what she loves most about working in the field of medicine, some favorite local activities, and more…

Tell us a bit about yourself! 

My name is Jen Wright and I reside in Washington County with my husband and our daughter. I work as a physician assistant at Hudson Headwaters Health Network. One of the things I enjoy most about my job is the incredible variety that it offers. Whether I’m working in our urgent care centers, or helping out with sick day visits in our primary care offices, or seeing patients for gynecological visits, each day presents unique challenges and opportunities.

However, the aspect of my job that I enjoy the most is delivering gender affirming care for patients who are transgender. Many individuals within the transgender community face obstacles in accessing safe gender affirming hormone therapy and preventive health care. This can result in individuals avoiding necessary care, jeopardizing their overall health. By integrating transgender care into our services, Hudson Headwaters is following its mission to provide the best healthcare, and access to that care, for everyone in our communities.

On Life in and around Glens Falls

I have always been somewhat local to the Glens Falls area. My hometown is Galway in Saratoga County. I moved to Queensbury twelve years ago, following the completion of PA school and the beginning of my career with Hudson Headwaters. The area feels like home, and I am so happy to be here. 

Downtown Glens Falls has some amazing restaurants and shops. The easy access to Lake George, Saratoga, and the Adirondacks can’t be beaten. It’s a great place to live and raise a family.

On Favorite Local Activities

The Adirondacks have always held a special place in my heart. In the days before becoming a parent, I spent a lot of time hiking in the High Peaks and became an Adirondack 46er. However, it has been hard to find the time for big hikes since then, and I have been focusing more on hiking some of the smaller mountains around Lake George.

Last year I decided to take up running. One of the best things about running is its flexibility. I can lace up my sneakers and get out there whenever I have free time. It has been fun to explore all the different running trails we have in our area. I also like participating in different races on the weekends. I finished my first half marathon in October and am training for another one this spring.

On Making an Impact

While it probably sounds cliché, the most rewarding aspect of being a PA and working in the field of medicine is the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Throughout most of my career, my focus has been directed towards serving underserved populations, with a particular emphasis on extending care to the transgender community. My goal is to provide a safe space for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals to receive healthcare.

On Teamwork

One of the best things about working at Hudson Headwaters is the teamwork. I feel fortunate to be working with a large network of skilled providers and support staff that are committed to helping patients with all aspects of their health.

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My Glens Falls: Jaime S. Casey

This week, we chatted with Jaime Casey! She shares a bit about her behavioral support business for children and families, her favorite restaurants downtown (for date night or dinner with the family!), a hidden gem for the best soups, and more…

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Jaime S. Casey.  I am married to my best friend and husband Sean Casey, and we have two amazing children together, Jonny and Mary. I am also lucky enough to have a bonus daughter, McKenzie, a son in law, Dakota and their two beautiful boys, Westin and Ryder in my life as well as my wonderful and supportive parents, Jon and Justine Sutherland and my talented and funny brother, Justin. 

I am the owner of BehaveYour Family Support, LLC,  a behavioral support business in which I contract with schools, organizations and families to help support them and their children with varying needs and abilities. I created this business about 10 years ago. Actually, it will be 10 years in 2024 which is hard to believe but it's true what they say: "Time flies when you're having fun" and I could not feel more lucky to do what I love for a living. When I first started this business, the intention was to help people in our community navigate varying abilities and provide support and advocacy for children, families and schools. Since 2020, I have expanded to more areas within the state as well as across the country and one international client. Offering virtual services allows me to be able to support more people and that has been such a cool and rewarding experience. My goal is to ensure more families know about these types of services that are available to them so that they know and feel that sense of community and support, which is something that we all need. 

On Moving to Glens Falls

I grew up in a small town in Parksville, NY and my parents took us to Lake George almost every summer growing up. I have always loved this area. I went to the College of St Rose and received my Bachelor's Degree in Childhood Education.  When I graduated and began working on my masters, I worked for NYSARC, Inc. in Albany. I was able to experience, from an administrative point of view, the support and services they provided to people of varying abilities all over the state. I knew then that I wanted to get my Masters in Psychology and be a part of this in some way, in the future. A local agency in Queensbury was developing a behavior department and I began working there. While working there, I fell in love with the work itself. I worked mostly with adults and realized I wanted to put both of my degrees to use. This is when I realized I wanted to start my own company and work with children, as well as adults. I met my husband here and even though neither of us are originally from this area, we both always loved how Glens Falls truly feels like Hometown USA while also having so much to do and experience close by. We love raising our children here and the strong sense of community we felt immediately and continue to feel. 

On Life in Glens Falls

We own a home near downtown Glens Falls. We love the location and how easily we can walk to the shops and restaurants in town as a family. We talk about how lucky we are to live here, often. We love our home and the charm and history that it has, the location and also the neighborhood itself. Our neighbors are kind, welcoming and we look out for one another. It is such a comfort to have that type of "village" especially in a time where that can be harder and harder to find. 

Some Glens Falls Favorites

My favorite thing about Glens Falls used to be the charm and the Hometown feel. During the holidays, especially, it feels like a Hallmark movie town. That is still true of course, but since having children and sending them to school here, my favorite part of living here without a doubt are the people and the community itself. We are extremely lucky to be raising children in a town who celebrates and is accepting of diversity, people who genuinely look out for our children  and one another and who are kind and are consciously raising kind children. The friendships and connections we have all made here are some of the most important of my life. I feel very lucky to live and raise a family here. I have had many people look out for me both personally and professionally and I am forever grateful. I will always pay it forward when I can because I know, first hand, how important that is and how welcomed and accepted it made me feel. 

One business that I would say is a hidden gem (it was to me at least until recently) is Dickinson's Delights. Their homemade soups and baked goods are delicious and they emulate exactly what I love about this little city; their kindness and the warmth you feel from the moment you walk in. They genuinely want you to have a good experience and are so nice and helpful. Their garlic potato soup is perfect for a cold winter day! 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

A perfect day would include some kind of nap! lol All joking aside, this is tough because I really love so many places here. I love to go for walks or bike rides in our neighborhood and take it all in. I always feel better and even more grateful after a stroll around my neighborhood. I love shopping at the local stores downtown like Minky Mink, Grow and Hallwear. One of my favorite spots for coffee and breakfast is at Kelly's Roots, a place for my friends and I to meet after school drop off or to meet for lunch. I also love Juicin' Jar for a smoothie or baked good. A really great spot for unique gifts, as well. Their whole vibe is just so lovely and inviting. For cocktails or a date night, my husband and I love Flight, Morgan and Co and Radici. The food, the vibes and the drinks are all delicious and we always have a great time. When we are out and about with our children, we love Flour Child Bakery, Downtown City Tavern, New Way Lunch and Pizza Jerks. It's so great to have all of these options right here within walking distance from our home. I also love walking into these places and them recognizing our children and their sweet interaction with them! Their faces light up, and really, nothing beats that feeling as a parent. 

On the Past

One of my favorite Glens Falls memories is the engagement shoot my husband and I did years ago. We started in Crandall Park and ended the shoot downtown. Seeing the city from that perspective, all of the businesses, the lights, the charm — the general feel was really romantic and so much fun.

One of my favorite things to do then and now is to walk through the city during the holiday season, now with our children. It truly feels so magical, especially at night. 

On the Future

This is another tough one for me because I feel like we are lucky to have so much and so many options close by. If I had to pick one, I'd love a really big health food store with a lot of different healthy food options that are affordable, locally sourced and accessible. So many people have specific dietary needs and it would be nice to have something like that close by. My business model is "when we feel better, we can do better" and nutrition and feeling healthy is a great stepping stone for feeling our best. This can allow us to be able to feel well and therefore generate more positivity to give back to our community. This ripple effect of positivity that can make an impact on all of us, locally and globally. That's really my goal, overall. As a woman, a mother, wife and as a business owner, my goal is to generate as much positivity, support, and kindness as possible for as many people as possible. That's when we effectuate real, positive change and I want my contribution to this community and to the world, to be exactly that.