Back in the Day: The Auto-Sleigh

Oh, what fun it must have been to ride on the motorized sled seen in this historic photo from the Chapman Historical Museum in Glens Falls.

We’re curious if the photograph is of the “auto-sleigh” that Lewis Newton of Hudson Falls designed in 1920.

 
Glens Falls area residents enjoy a ride on this motorized sled that might have been the “auto-sleigh” that Lewis Newton of Hudson Falls designed in 1920.Photo courtesy of Chapman Historical Museum in Glens Falls.

Glens Falls area residents enjoy a ride on this motorized sled that might have been the “auto-sleigh” that Lewis Newton of Hudson Falls designed in 1920.

Photo courtesy of Chapman Historical Museum in Glens Falls.

 

“The sleigh is attracting much attention, being viewed by a number of mechanically inclined persons, who have expressed as believing that few improvements could be made to the production by Mr. Newton,” The Post-Star reported on Jan. 19, 1920.

Some of the features of the motorized sled in the photograph fit The Post-Star’s description of Newton’s device.

The auto-sleigh had runners, a motorcycle wheel and a skid chain attached to a sturdy frame which held two Thompson motors to power the device.

In test runs, Newton operated the device at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.

Newton apparently designed multiple versions of the auto-sleigh, so it’s possible the device pictured in the photograph is another prototype, or it may not have been one of his devices at all.

“Mr. Newton has a number of orders for sleighs of similar types and will doubtless be engaged in filling the wants of the local public the remainder of the winter.”

Newton, who operated a bicycle and motorcycle shop at 19 Cushing Ave. in Hudson Falls, got his start in small engine transportation as a U.S. Army motorcycle courier in France during World War I.

He came home to Hudson Falls in March 1919, and in June advertised in The Post-Star: “I want to purchase 500 second-hand bicycles at once,” presumably to start his business.

At least once Newton traveled from Hudson Falls to New York City via motorcycle to pick up supplies for his bicycle shop, making the round trip in 15 hours.

In September 1920, Newton and Burt Wells traveled on a 4,000-mile motorcycle touring and camping excursion that included visits to Syracuse, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore and New York City.

Sources: The Post-Star March 9, April 23, June 4, 1919; Jan. 19, Sept. 22, 1920.

 
Glens Falls Living
 
 
Maury Thompson Glens Falls NY
 

Maury Thompson was a reporter for The Post-Star for 21 years before he retired in 2017. He now is a freelance writer and documentary film producer specializing in regional history. Thompson is collaborating with Snarky Aardvark Films to produce a documentary about Charles Evans Hughes and the Adirondacks, which is expected to release in 2020. See the trailer here.

New Addition: Owen James Germain

 
 

We were thrilled to catch up with The Germain Family this week, who recently welcomed a new addition - their adorable son Owen James! Read about the significance of his name, get a peek into Kelli’s journal entries on what she loves about motherhood, and hear the best advice they’ve been given on parenthood so far…

 
Photo courtesy of Kelli Germain

Photo courtesy of Kelli Germain

 

Tell us about your family!

Ian and I became a family of two on September 10, 2017 in Charlton, NY, at our wedding on his grandfather’s 150-acre farm that we then called home. Since then, our family has grown to include our fur baby, Sadie Bear—a 105-pound Italian Mastiff—and our newest (and proudest, and littlest!) addition, Owen James Germain. We welcomed him into the world on June 26, 2019, and he is our joy. Every single day.

While our home is in Burnt Hills, NY and extremely close to my husband’s family, we spend a heck of a lot of time up north. I’m a proud partner at Sidekick Creative, a design firm right here in Glens Falls, and our beautiful studio in The Shirt Factory is truly my home away from home. My husband’s personal home away from home is our Adirondack backyard—he is an avid rock and ice climber, and loves hiking, fishing, and any activity involving outdoor adventure.

Sharing the News

How did you share your pregnancy news with your husband?

After having that gut feeling that I was pregnant (sure enough, I was!), I just couldn’t keep it bottled inside. I called my husband immediately who was just leaving work, and was crying and hardly able to get words out. He asked if something was wrong, and I choked out “no just get home!” He hardly finished pulling in the driveway when I ran outside bawling tears of joy and excitedly waved the test in front of his face. It was such a sweet and proud moment for us, and we just clutched each other in the middle of our front yard for what seemed like an eternity!

Did you find out the gender prior to giving birth? Any inklings as to whether it was a boy or a girl, and were you right? 

I did find out Owen’s gender—I knew I wouldn’t have the patience to wait it out, and really wanted to decorate the nursery and envision what life would be like with our new addition. I was really convinced he was going to be a girl for weeks! I admittedly had always dreamed of having a little girl, but being a boy mama is exactly who I was meant to be. 

Did you have a gender reveal? If not, did you do anything special to share the news? 

We did not—we were actually pretty private with this pregnancy and just let the news trickle out slowly and organically. But if we’re lucky enough to have a second little one in the future we will definitely want to have a gender reveal celebration!

 
Photo courtesy of Kelli Germain

Photo courtesy of Kelli Germain

 

All about Owen

Owen was born on June 26, 2019 at 10:55 am weighing 7 lbs 6 oz and measuring 19.75 inches.

Even though I live 45 minutes away from Glens Falls, I knew I wanted to give birth at The Snuggery. My mother actually passed away in Glens Falls Hospital twelve years ago on her birthday, and I wanted Owen’s first breath to be where my mother had taken her last. It is a choice that meant more to me than words can describe.

I truly feel that I need to share with our local community that I had an absolutely amazing pregnancy and birth experience through Hudson Headwaters’ 90 South location and The Snuggery at Glens Falls Hospital. My care, on every level, exceeded all of my expectations. I had quite a few complications at birth, and the team made me feel empowered, strong, and truly heard through the entire process. Just had to put that out there, and say a public thank you.

We love his name - how did you decide on it? 

Owen James has a really special significance to us. After brainstorming and narrowing down lists of names, we decided to give our boy a name in honor of each of our individual families. James is the middle name of my father and brother, and Owen is the first name of Ian’s grandfather who is no longer with us as well as his Uncle who we lovingly refer to as Buddy (ironically, a nickname that Owen has since picked up as well from many family members!).

A few things you love about Owen so far? 

I actually kept a journal of things I love about Owen—here are my favorites from when he was one month versus five months.

One Month: 

“You make the world seem right.”

“Your little baby bird ways—your noises, your lips like a beak, and how you stretch like you’re emerging from an egg.”

“How your hand tucks into your cheek when you sleep just like your ultrasounds.” 

“How uneven your hair is—you’re totally rocking a mullet right now.” 

“The look your Pop gets in his eyes when he holds you.” 

Five Months: 

“How you recognize me from across a room.”

“Your coy look—you’re such a flirt with the ladies!”

“Your excited little squeals and bursts of energy.”

“Your giggle that just makes my heart so full it’s about to pop.”

Your favorite things to do together? 

I often joke that Owen is my “human accessory”—I adore toting Owen around doing the everyday things in life. Going for a Target run and to the grocery store is newly fun and exciting, because Owen is so smiley, social, and curious. I often wear him in a wrap facing the world, and he just loves taking everything in and seeing so many faces out and about. My two favorite parts of the day are first thing in the morning when we have “family cuddles”—including our huge, sweet Sadie—and seeing Owen splash around in the tub at the end of the night. We’ve already had a few Adirondack adventures with him, and I can’t wait to check off some more hikes once he’s walking around.

Any similarities - physical or personality - to the two of you? 

He loves to smile, which is apparently something I also do a lot of! His curiosity and attention to detail already makes me think that maybe he will follow in his mama’s footsteps and be a designer one day. Physically, he is exactly like Ian—he has a long and lean little body, huge hands (climber in the making?!), and literally can’t sit still. Just like his Pop!

 
Photo courtesy of Kelli Germain

Photo courtesy of Kelli Germain

 

On Parenthood

Your favorite part about parenthood thus far? The biggest challenge or most surprising thing? 

My favorite part of being a parent is my insane connection to Owen. It’s like his world just centers around me, and there really is no other feeling like it. When I laugh really hard, he just can’t help but laugh in response, and when I’m sad he gets very subdued. Even though he’s his own physical body after nurturing him in my own body for 9 months, I still feel so intrinsically connected to him. It’s my favorite phase of life I’ve had so far. No doubt parenthood comes with its challenges—and some of the hardest ones, at that—but the rewards are indescribable. 

What are you most looking forward to with the addition of Owen to your family?

I am so looking forward to when he begins to communicate with words—he’s already baby babbling up a storm, and I just want to know what’s going on in that little growing brain of his! I am really looking forward to how he continues to mold me into a better person. He makes me strive for more in every aspect of my life. 

What has being a parent taught you? How have you changed since becoming a parent? 

It’s amazing how true it is that a baby changes everything. In just six months, Owen has taught me more about myself than I’ve learned in years. I’m paying a lot more attention to defining my values, because it’s going to inform how I parent as time goes on. Slowing down has been huge for me. I’ve always juggled a million things, and now there is physically not enough time in the day to do them all. Now, I am way more intentional about the way I spend my free time because it’s so much more precious. 

What is the best advice someone has given you? 

“I’m sorry, I just can’t”. End of story. No explanation. I am naturally a people pleaser and want to say yes to everything. A close friend’s mama told me this, and it’s helped to rid me of some serious mom guilt and realize it’s okay to just say no. There are so many new boundaries that naturally come with being a parent, and life is filled with many more logistics. And people really do understand!

Your advice for new parents? 

  • The first night home from the hospital is the hardest. 

  • After the first three months, you’ll look back and wonder how the hell you managed all the sleepless nights. But you find the strength—somehow, someway. 

  • Time will never be the same—a very strange combination of way too fast and also relishing in the smallest of moments. 

  • Parenthood is not at all how you imagined it! 

  • And, most importantly, you’re doing a GREAT job. 

 
Photo courtesy of Kelli Germain

Photo courtesy of Kelli Germain

 

Just for Fun

The top products that got you through the first few months?

  • Halo Sleep Sack

  • Gripe Water

  • Medela Breast Pump

  • The entire Kiinde milk storage system and bottles

  • Nose Frida Snot Sucker

  • Swaddle Me By Your Side Sleeper

If you could have one night out by yourselves with a trusted babysitter back home, what would you do?

Take a road trip to Lake Placid—a place filled with dear memories for both of us—for a night to reflect and reconnect away from our beautiful definition of being parents. 

hide-ad

 
Glens Falls Living
 
 

The New Additions Series is made possible by Glens Falls Hospital.

At Glens Falls Hospital, we know how special that first ­­­­snuggle with your newborn is. That’s why we’ve taken strides to provide the most intimate, state-of-the-art accommodations for delivering your little bundle of joy at the Joyce Stock Snuggery.

Thank you for supporting the businesses and organizations that support Glens Falls Living!

 

Fresh Look: Fenimore's Pub

 
 

Have you been to Fenimore’s at The Q since their refresh this summer? We finally got a chance to pop in for a look around (and for some amazing comfort food!), and can’t say enough about the changes to the space. Beautiful new wallpaper to match the historic look of the hotel, sleek new tables and chairs, classic black and white hex tile around the bar, and a gorgeous new banquette…with perfectly styled built in shelves to boot!

 
Fenimore's Pub Glens Falls NY
 

On top of the beautiful decor, the food was perfection - classic, yet elevated. We were excited to have a chance to catch up with Chef Colin Miner (who you’ll remember from our story on Park 26 over the summer) to chat about some favorites on the menu that will keep you coming back this winter.

 
 

On the Secret Menu

I took over the Fenimore’s menu in September. And immediately I thought that we should have a secret menu that only the locals know about. I don't mean to date myself on this one, but there was a commercial Michael Keaton used to do and it was like you tell two friends, and then they tell two friends, and it went from two blocks to four blocks to eight to sixteen blocks. So that was the idea with the secret menu. 

So our most popular item on the secret menu is our buffalo chicken dip - it's like everything good about Super Bowl Sunday. And we serve it with pretzel chips - we actually take the pretzel sticks and we slice them thin and then crisp them in the fryer. We finish it with a little bit of jalapeño oil - we de-seed the peppers and take out the membrane so that relieves a lot of the spice. 

 
Fenimore's Pub Glens Falls NY
 

On the Vegetable Risotto

Our Risotto uses pretty much everything in the Fenimore’s house salad, except in Risotto form. We start with a little pat of red wine shallot butter. Instead of using cheese - because I feel like sometimes when people add too much cheese to a risotto, it becomes like cement - the red wine butter is the only dairy that we use in it. 

So we start with the butter, some vegetable stock that we make in house, and the risotto, and we just let that get creamy, throw in the roasted tomatoes and portobello mushrooms, and then a handful of fresh spinach right before we plate it. Then we top it with some chive oil that we make in house, and some really, really fine sliced chives as well. 

 
 

On the Perfect Burger

We do a Wagyu beef patty for the burger. I like to use the bib lettuce because - instead of using the romaine, let's do something a little bit different! And on top of the patty, you have a pork sausage - so you have an eight ounce patty, a three ounce sausage, and then we add three ounces of peppers and onions. And then we add four ounces of housemade Mornay, which is a really nice cheese sauce. So essentially you're looking at just over a pound of food - not including the onion rings! 

 
Fenimore's Pub Glens Falls NY
 

On Elevated Mac and Cheese

I think a very, very important thing with mac and cheese has to be the noodle. A lot of people go with the elbow and I like it, it’s classic. But when you use the gemelli, it has deeper crevices in the noodle itself, so it actually picks up more of the cheese. For the most part, you don't have any leftover sauce in the plate when you’re done. We top it with these panko bread crumbs, so for every bite, you're going to have that crunch. It’s taking that nostalgia of mac and cheese and just elevating it a tiny bit. 

 
 

On the Blondie Sundae

So the Blondie Sundae was actually created by one of my line cooks since I like to give them the chance to create something of their own on the menu. He took a traditional blondie recipe and turned it into a Brown Butter Blondie Sundae. 

You have the scoop of the ice cream right in the center. You have both white chocolate and dark chocolate in there. And then the ice cream is topped with a spice caramel. Initially, we thought about going with just caramel - but we elevated it a little bit. We added chili powder, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and all spice. And it's not hot, but there is that little nice little kick. That's the first thing that you catch is the spice aroma, which is my favorite thing. 

 
Colin Miner, Chef de Cuisine

Colin Miner, Chef de Cuisine

 

—————

Is your mouth watering yet?! We’ll be heading back for another round of mac and cheese again soon - and to check out the rest of that secret menu ;)

P.S. Be sure to check out The Q for their annual New Year’s Eve bash (or reservations at Park 26) - details here!

 
Glens Falls Living

The First Look series is made possible by O’Brien Insurance Agency.

Your hometown insurance agency, they offer car, home, commercial, and life insurance (and lots more). O’Brien shops the best rates for you, often saving you money and getting you better coverage (and they make it super easy to switch to them if you’re considering a change!). Most importantly, they’re local people who are always there for you when you need them. Grab a free quote by clicking here!

Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living!

 

Hockey Town: Alex Carrier

We're all so lucky to have a professional hockey team right in our backyard with a roster full of enthusiasm and heart, and a great group of fans that support them. It's been a blast learning a bit more about some of our hometown team members and hearing about their journeys. We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Adirondack Thunder forward Alexandre Carrier, a true leader on and off the ice. Read on to learn about who inspired him to play the game, advice he'd offer younger players, and what he loves most about Glens Falls.  

 
Photo: Andy Camp

Photo: Andy Camp

 

On the Past

Where are you from originally and what inspired you to begin playing hockey?

I come from a really small town in Canada, just 30 minutes south of Quebec City called Saint-Elzear. Growing up in a small town, there isn’t always much to do, especially in the colder winter months. I believe this is why hockey is such a large part of my town’s identity. Growing up, hockey was just something you did, it felt no different than deciding to go to school. Ultimately, it was my dad who pushed me to pursue the game past our local rink. 

Who have been some of your most important mentors along the way?

My dad was a big mentor for me, from a young age all the way to when I first left the house to go play Midget AAA in Levis. My coach in minors, Clement Hebert, my coach in Midget, Hughes Lebel, and Coach Cail McLean have all impacted me and my game along the way, but there was one coach who had a special role in getting me to where I am now, and I likely wouldn’t still be playing if it weren’t for him. My third year pro, after getting cut from Wheeling, I was seriously questioning if hockey was still for me and was considering hanging up the skates. That’s when I got a call from Jean-Guy Trudel, the coach from Peoria in the SPHL. Not only did he convince me to stick with it, but during my short time with Peoria he also helped shape me into the type of player I am now. Under him, hockey was fun again and I finally got back to loving the game. Thanks to his guidance, I ended up signing with the Albany Devils of the AHL while still in Peoria and got the call up from the ECHL to the AHL just two weeks later. 

Who was your favorite team/hockey player growing up?

Being one of four boys, competition was always present in our household. My dad and brothers were all die hard Montreal Canadiens fans, so naturally I had to bring the rivalry to our home by supporting the Bruins. I don’t recall having a favorite player growing up, but now I really enjoy watching Milan Lucic and Tom Wilson. 

What has been your favorite hockey memory thus far?

There are a lot a of good memories that I have in mind. If I have to choose one, being part of the Salzburg Redbull team that won the European Trophy would top the list. Playing in the Austrian league was an amazing experience. It was my first taste of playing professional hockey and I was lucky enough to be with such a great organization. 

 
Photo: Andy Camp

Photo: Andy Camp

 

On the Ice

What do you like the most about being out on the ice? 

This is going to sound super cheesy, but it’s my happy place! It’s the place where nothing else matters, where I get better every day with twenty of my teammates and friends who have the same mindset as me. It’s where we all push each other to be the best versions of ourselves. 

Any superstitions or regular routines prior to game time?

For home games, I’ve had the same routine in place for the past four or five years. In the mornings I head to the arena and jump on the ice for morning skate. When I get back home, I cook myself some penne alla vodka with ground beef. After eating my pregame meal, I take a nap for and 1h15 minutes. After I wake up, I choose my outfit for the game and drink an espresso before leaving for the rink. Once I am at the rink, I play soccer with some of the guys before getting dressed for warmup. After the national anthem, I have a prayer I always say to help me get ready for the game. 

What is the easiest part about playing hockey? Most difficult?

The easiest part about playing hockey is waking up every morning, knowing that you’re lucky enough to get to go to work playing the best sport on earth. The most difficult part is definitely battling injuries – it’s really tough to be stuck in the stands. 

 
Alex Carrier Adirondack Thunder Hockey
 

Off the Ice

What would you be doing if you were not playing hockey?

I have always been good with numbers and have a strong interest in the stock market and the world of finance, so I would say something in that sector.

Favorite hobbies off of the ice? 

Like I mentioned previously, I love to watch and analyze the stock market, and read about it as well. I also love to cook! It is therapeutic for me to cook good, healthy meals and try different recipes that I find on the internet.

‘Tis the season - how do you usually spend the holidays?

For Thanksgiving, I spent it with my wife, Suzanne, and her family. For Thanksgiving we usually stick around Glens Falls and for Christmas we head up to Vermont. I am grateful for my health and the health of my friends and family. I am grateful for my amazing wife and her constant support. I am grateful that I still have the privilege of playing this game and for all the amazing people that I have met along the way.

 
Photo: Andy Camp

Photo: Andy Camp

 

On the Next Generation

Do you have any advice you’d be willing to share for any up-and coming players with dreams of playing professionally?

One piece of advice I would give is to always do more and be disciplined in everything you do and work as hard as you possibly can. The moment you think you have done enough is the moment you need to do more.

If you had to teach someone to ice skate right now, today…what would be the first thing you’d tell them? 

Never give up! No matter how many times you fall, always get up and keep going because one day you will look back and be proud of what you have accomplished.

 
Photo: Andy Camp

Photo: Andy Camp

 

On Glens Falls

You’ve played all over the country… Any differences you’ve noticed? 

In my professional career, I have played for eleven different teams in four different leagues, so there is a lot to compare. While I feel lucky to have been afforded the opportunity to play in all those places, Glens Falls is where I want to be. Obviously, the winters in Texas and Orlando were a bit more pleasant weather-wise, but nothing compares to Glens Falls. Over the years I’ve played with and met many of my closest friends here, and to top it all, Glens Falls is where I met my wife. 

What do you love the most about playing and living in Glens Falls?

It’s really nice to have family so close. My wife has a lot of family in Glens Falls and it’s also the closest place in the ECHL for my family in Quebec to visit. I love the small-town atmosphere and how nice everyone is, it reminds me a lot of home. I admire all the local shops and restaurants around town because they bring their own touch to their craft. 

It’s also a great hockey community to be a part of. I want to give a special thanks to all the Thunder fans and the community for supporting the team day in and day out – you really make this feel like a home away from home for all of us.

What are few of your favorite spots to enjoy in Glens Falls area? Spots to eat? Spots to take the family?

There are quite a few great spots around town but I’ll name the first few that come to mind... For lunch I like Gourmet Café and Sorrentino’s Deli . Downtown City Tavern has always been my go-to postgame spot – I really love their wings. Whenever my family comes into town we always head to the Silo for brunch and then usually spend the day exploring Lake George. 

If you could add one thing to Glens Falls, what would it be? 

If I could add one thing to Glens Falls, it would be a Trader Joe’s grocery store. I love everything about Trader Joe’s; they have a huge variety of affordable organic products. The Canadian in me would also love to see a Tim Horton’s in town, I often find myself craving their french vanilla coffee. 

—————

Thank you, Alex! Let's go Thunder!

 
Glens Falls Living
Adirondack Thunder

The Thunder are home this weekend (and Saturday is 90’s night!)! Grab tickets here. And plan ahead for the game on New Year’s Eve by grabbing 2 tickets for $25 here.

 

The Weekender: December 27-29

Happy weekend, and Merry Christmas! We hope you had the happiest of holidays, and that you’re still enjoying time with family (and lots of leftover Christmas cookies). We’re still holding on to the Christmas spirit over here, so the holiday tunes and movies are going to keep rolling for at least a few more days :) That said, here’s a few things that might lure us away from the Christmas tree:

 
Glens Falls NY
Glens Falls Living
 

Have a great weekend, and Happy New Year!
Bri + Tom

The Weekender: December 20-22

We’re counting down the days ‘til Christmas (and simultaneously not quite sure how it snuck up so quickly!). This week on The Weekender, we’re switching things up in the spirit of the season and sharing a little pre-Christmas Bucket List. Amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, we’re hoping you’ve got time to pause, enjoy the simple things, and connect with friends and family. Here are a few ideas:

 
Glens Falls NY
 

Cruise for Christmas Lights: Grab a cup of hot chocolate, put on the Christmas tunes, and take a ride to see our little city neighborhoods decorated for Christmas - the annual display on Clayton Avenue by the High School is always a great place to start!

Bake Cookies (and surprise your neighbors with a plate!): If it’s Christmas, you can guarantee Bri will be baking too many cookies. You too? Share some with a neighbor or someone unexpected! There’s no time like the holidays for a little unexpected act of kindness - and in the form of cookies? Even better!

Shop Small: Calling all last minute shoppers! Instead of placing that online order (will it even arrive in time?!), head downtown or to The Shirt Factory and support your local small business owner. So many great options!  

See Santa: One last chance to let the big guy know your Christmas wishes! He’ll be at the Glens Falls Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning. Details here.

Watch a Christmas Movie: Bri loves a good Hallmark Christmas movie, and we can never pass up Home Alone, but the 1970 version of Scrooge with Albert Finney might just be our favorite. Would love to hear yours!

Honor our Troops: Show your support for soldiers who won’t be home for the holidays at the Christmas Eve Road March on Tuesday at 9am - get all of the details here.

Build a Gingerbread House: Always loved doing this as a kid and we were happy to see that the World Awareness Children’s Museum is hosting a Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop on Christmas Eve! Details here.

Send your Christmas Cards: Email and texting are great, but there’s something about sending and receiving a good old fashioned card that still wins us over. There’s still time to mail your cards! Or at least we hope so, since we’re putting ours in the mail in the morning ;)

 
Glens Falls NY

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Holiday!
Bri + Tom

 

Back in the Day: Warren County's National Christmas Tree

No doubt there was a sense of seasonal anticipation in Washington, D.C. as President Lyndon B. Johnson prepared to light the National Christmas Tree at 6:40 p.m. Dec. 18, 1964.

For Boy Scout Troop 100 of Warrensburg and a handful of local government officials present for the ceremony on the White House Ellipse, and for thousands of Warren County residents paying attention from afar, it was a distinct historic moment.

For Warren County was “Home of the National Christmas Tree,” the native soil where the estimated 80-year-old, 72-foot, 12-ton white spruce grew up.

It measured 36 feet in circumference and had a 33-inch thick stump.

Other National Christmas Trees through the years could boast of largeness, but none other could boast of such a birthplace.

“There has never been a tree-lighting ceremony like tonight’s will be,” The Post-Star editorialized. “This tree came from Warren County, from Chestertown, from Landon Hill!”

It was a gift from the Adirondacks to the nation that was decorated with 5,000 red and white light bulbs for all to see.

“A fine representative of the Adirondack forests stands on the White House lawn this Christmastide,” The Post-Star touted.

Transportation wise it was about a two-day journey via Fort Edward Express tractor trailer from Chestertown to Washington, with about an hour stop early on at downtown Glens Falls, where officer Stanley Wood and his Glens Falls Police Department colleagues closely guarded as curiosity seekers gathered around to get a glimpse of the celebrity spruce, temporarily on display at Monument Square.

Planning wise it was a much longer journey that started three years earlier when Robert Hall, a newspaper publisher from Warrensburg, urged the Adirondack Lumberman’s Association to start a campaign to provide a National Christmas Tree from the Adirondacks.

Forester Douglas Luke of Glens Falls, woods manager for West Virginia Pulp and Paper Co., identified the tree at Landon Hill forest, between Chestertown and Pottersville in northern Warren County.

In mid-November 1964, Rudolph R. Bartel, assistant regional manager for the National Park Service, inspected the tree and certified it was fit for the limelight.

“This tree is a magnificent specimen, and I’m especially pleased with its health and the care it has received,” he said.

Warren County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the day after Thanksgiving as “National Christmas Tree Day” in Warren County, coinciding with a tree-cutting ceremony at Landon Hill at which state Assemblyman Richard Bartlett, R-Glens Falls, presided.

It was described as a “once-in-a-lifetime thrill.”

Little did anyone at the time imagine that Warren County would send a second National Christmas Tree to Washington in 1969, this time a spruce from Crandall Park in Glens Falls.

—————

Sources: The Post-Star, Nov. 25, 27, 28, Dec. 18,23, 24, 1964; The Glens Falls Times, Nov. 28, Dec. 18, 1964; Lake George Mirror, Aug. 18, 1964; Essex County Republican, Nov. 20, 1964, The Tower, January 1965.

—————

Thanks to The Historical Society of the Town of Chester for providing the photographs for this story. If you’d like to see more, they have an excellent display at The Town of Chester Museum of Local History (including a section of the stump!). Their Winter hours are Wednesdays from 10am-2pm.

 
Glens Falls Living
 
 
Maury Thompson
 

Maury Thompson was a reporter for The Post-Star for 21 years before he retired in 2017. He now is a freelance writer and documentary film producer specializing in regional history. Thompson is collaborating with Snarky Aardvark Films to produce a documentary about Charles Evans Hughes and the Adirondacks, which is expected to release in 2020. See the trailer here.

My Glens Falls: Michelle Waters

This week we talked with Michelle Waters! Find out what brought Michelle and her husband to the city just last year, a sweet memory from their first Christmas in their city home, and a unique idea they’d like to see in Glens Falls in the future!

Michelle Waters

Tell us about yourself!

I work at the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation as the Annual Giving and Donor Relations Coordinator. I also have a personal blog called The Urban Yardener, that I started this past spring! 

My husband Garry and I moved to Glens Falls in the Spring of 2018 to a little house on a corner in the city. We have a cat named Fey and a puppy named Sansa.  

On Life in Glens Falls

We moved to Glens Falls when we both started working here. Garry works for Andritz Inc. as a Mechanical Engineer and I started my job with the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation in 2017. We were drawn to the short commute and all the activities that city life could bring by remaining so close to town. 

We own our home and when we bought it, one hundred percent of the house was covered in ivy. Grape vines were strewn across the garage and very unique and colorful flowers were growing at eye level. Ivy can be pretty, especially in the summer, but in the colder months the pretty greens also tend to disappear to reveal scraggly brown lines that cover the entire house. Since then, we have removed all of the ivy, although we have found it to be ever returning. We have made a few changes that truly allow it to feel more like ours, but there is still a lot of work to be done. My favorite room is our dining room located in the heart of the home where we have hosted many family and friends. My blog, The Urban Yardener, follows our journey with our home and the ivy vines. I use the term yardener because it is a small lot, but we have used every inch to reshape our space and learn more about gardening. It has been a fun adventure in our first home for sure. 

Some Glens Falls Favorites 

It may seem silly, but I avidly watched and have repeatedly re-watched the show, Gilmore Girls, and always wanted to visit Stars Hollow. Stars Hollow is a quaint and quirky small town in which the majority of the show takes place. The more I came to know Glens Falls I began to see many wonderful parallels. This included some of our local events such as sidewalk chalk competitions, movies in the park, and also the many great cafes and restaurants sprinkled throughout the town…there's even a central gazebo! We have been met with kindness and generosity as we navigate first-time home ownership and we feel very fortunate for our neighbors and location. 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day 

On a weekend, we typically take our dog Sansa on a walk downtown. We enjoy brunches at The Peppermill in South Glens Falls and The Exchange Cafe. We enjoy spending time at Crandall Library, Lake George Olive Oil, The Hyde Museum, and had a fun date night at Sip and Canvas during Take-A-Bite. We enjoy being only a few blocks from Cooper's Cave Ale Company where we can get dinner and ice cream. It is also really nice being so close to the YMCA as there is less time between the front door and a great workout. 

On the Past

One of my favorite Glens Falls memories took place this time last year. Garry and I visited a local Christmas tree stand for Snowball Tree Farm to pick out our tree. We did not have any cash and only had cards on us that day. The stand only accepted cash payments, but the people working at the stand told us that they would deliver the tree later that day to allow us time to stop at the bank on the way home to get some cash. I put on the music from the Charlie Brown Christmas Special and we started to decorate as we waited for our tree. When the doorbell rang, the gentleman from the stand had our tree in hand and was asking us about our house. Once he realized this was our first Christmas in our home, he generously gave us the Christmas tree and refused to accept any money and said, "Merry Christmas and welcome to the neighborhood!" This act of kindness warmed our home and made this tree extra special and I remember thinking how lucky we are to live here. 

On the Future

My husband and I have thought it would be exciting if there was a Makerspace in the community. A Makerspace is a collaborative work space that provides tools and the opportunity to create anything and everything that a member could imagine. Members typically utilize the space through monthly membership fees. Some of our local schools have similar spaces, but there is not a space like this for the community at large to access. There have been many times when we have been working on a house project, but did not have the exact tool to complete the project, however we may not need that tool afterwards. A Makerspace would help to complete these types of projects, but also bring in new technology to spark education and conversations.  

Through our work, we have met many great people from our community. At home, gardening has brought more opportunities for Garry and I to meet our neighbors and learn what Glens Falls is all about. I enjoy recording my stories through my blog to share funny anecdotes and to look back on how we have been shaped by our new experiences in our home and town in our little house on the corner. 

Glens Falls Living

Thanks Michelle!

P.S. See more from our My Glens Falls series here!

The Weekender: December 13-15

Happy weekend! How’s the holiday prep going? We’ve got the tree and we’re looking forward to enjoying a cocktail and a few cookies while we decorate it this weekend. By the way, if you don’t have yours yet - we shared a round up of some great local tree farms and stands here! Anyway, shopping is another story and we’re hoping to get that started this weekend too. What are you up to? Here’s a few festive ideas:

 
Glens Falls NY
 
 
Glens Falls Living
 

Have a great weekend!
Tom + Bri

Fresh Look: Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery

 
 

‘Tis the season for cocktails (okay, who are we kidding - that season is year round!), but we couldn’t let the holidays slip by without visiting the fine folks at Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery! We caught up with Matt Colucci, general manager and partner at Springbrook to hear more about how they got started, their process, and their plans to expand as they grow. And of course, a couple of cocktail recipes for your holiday parties, too! Cheers!

 
Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery
 

On launching Springbrook and the team:  

Springbrook is mostly made up of friends and family and everyone involved has contributed significantly in different ways. Ownership includes Dave Bannon, Mike Forcier, Tony DeSantis, Ken Rohn, and myself. The initial stages were put into action over six years ago. Dave had an old horse barn and 200 acres of land, Mike had a chemistry and biology background and came up with our original processes, I specialize in sales and general management, and Tony deals with the Federal and New York State regulatory aspects of the business. Frankie Forcier is Mike’s sister and focuses on production as well as farmer’s markets and events. We have several great part time staff and a great full time sales person, Barb Lattoz, who helps with our sales downstate. 

 
Frankie and Matt at Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery

Frankie and Matt at Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery

 

On the distilling process: 

Jeff Koehler is now our full time distiller and is from Maine originally. He relocated from the Finger Lakes and worked for a big winery called Montezuma that also was involved in distilling spirits. He’s a big hunter and outdoorsman, which drew him to the area. Mike Forcier was instrumental in creating many of the Springbrook products in the beginning. Mike then trained Jeff when he came on board about three and a half years ago, and Jeff still uses many of the procedures that Mike put into place, while adding his expertise along the way. 

 
Jeff Koehler at Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery (photo courtesy of Springbrook)

Jeff Koehler at Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery (photo courtesy of Springbrook)

 

As far as equipment, we have a beautiful copper still that was imported from a company in Germany called Kothe - they’re known for their unique construction and high quality. 

 
Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery
 

On the aging process: 

Our High Rye Bourbon has a mash of 56 parts corn, 32 rye, and 12 malted barley. We use 30 gallon barrels with a level three char and age them for over three and a half years. We age our Bourbon in a heavy char new oak barrel which offers the perfect balance of bold and sweet. On the nose, you get heavy carmel and hints of vanilla. The body gives flavors of oak and toffee, and the finish is long and rich with a balance between dry and sweet. All of our products have won several awards and one of our proudest moments was being recognized as one of the best distilleries in New York State by Fodor’s Travel Company. 

 
 

On what makes Springbrook unique: 

Springbrook really stands out due to the natural, unprocessed Adirondack spring water that goes into each bottle. Most distilleries need to strip their water since it’s not naturally a good fit for distilling. Our water is perfect for distilling - we don’t have to touch it. Our water source on the property used to supply water to the local settlers many years ago. In fact, we have the original wooden pipes on display in our tasting room! 

We take pride in the uniqueness of our product as well. For example, our limoncello and orangecello are made with only the zest of the lemons and oranges (which we zest one by one and infuse with the vodka for 6 weeks) which results in half the sugar content of many other brands. Also, our gin is much more citrus forward than a typical gin, which we feel is more inviting to folks who wouldn’t typically be a fan of gin. Lastly, our apple and maple flavored moonshines are stronger in alcohol percentage than most flavored moonshines, and ours are flavored with local apples and maple!  

We only use local, natural, high end ingredients and we don’t cut corners to cut costs like commercial brands. Every product is handcrafted, small batch by small batch. 

 
 

On staying local: 

We source just about all of our ingredients and raw materials from local and regional businesses. For example and to name a few: we use West Wind Ag out of Schaghticoke for our corn, rye, and mulled barley, our bottle labels are from Sheet Labels in Queensbury, our design work is done with Black Dog out of Glens Falls, our cold brew in our popular Cowboy Coffee comes from Kru in Saratoga Springs, our apple cider in our Apple Moonshine comes from Beak and Skiff in Syracuse, and our bottles come from Burch Bottle in Waterford. Our produce is sourced from companies like Glens Falls Produce, and we’ve used a barrel company out of the Utica area called Adirondack Cooperage for our barrels for years.

 
 

On the tasting experience: 

We have a beautiful Adirondack style tasting room on site. We allow folks to sample our products and then receive a guided tour of our production area. You can also purchase a tasty specialty cocktail and sit outside (weather depending) and enjoy the beautiful views of French Mountain. The tasting room also offers other New York State wine and craft beer along with a gift shop. 

 
 

On growth: 

We’ve experienced a lot of growth recently! We’re currently distributing our product in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, and New Jersey, but our biggest point of distribution is New York’s Capital District. We expanded into Vermont about a month ago and since it’s state run, we’ve been placed in 40 stores across the state. We’re beginning to outgrow our space a bit and are currently planning on expanding our operation locally, both for production as well as to offer an enhanced experience for folks looking to sit and stay (and sip!) a while. 

 
Dave Bannon, Ken Rohn, and Mike Forcier at Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery (photo courtesy of Springbrook)

Dave Bannon, Ken Rohn, and Mike Forcier at Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery (photo courtesy of Springbrook)

 

On holiday cocktails: 

The Orangecello Mimosa and the Christmas Cowboy are very popular! For the Orangecello Mimosa, just add a shot of our Orangecello to your champagne and top with orange juice. For the Christmas Cowboy, mix our Two Sisters Vodka and Cowboy Coffee with Eggnog - the perfect holiday drink. You can check out some other great recipes on our site here

Out and about: 

We’re keeping quite busy with local and regional events. We’ll be at The Shirt Factory Holiday Open House on December 14th and 15th, the Saratoga Farmers Market every Saturday, and of course, you can stop in and see us at the Distillery. Here’s a list of where else you can find us. 

—————

Thanks, Matt! Can’t wait to whip up a few of those holiday cocktails. Cheers! 

Please enjoy responsibly!

 
Glens Falls Living
 
 

The First Look series is made possible by O’Brien Insurance Agency.

Your hometown insurance agency, they offer car, home, commercial, and life insurance (and lots more). O’Brien shops the best rates for you, often saving you money and getting you better coverage (and they make it super easy to switch to them if you’re considering a change!). Most importantly, they’re local people who are always there for you when you need them. Grab a free quote here. By the way, they also love to support our community (which we love too!). You can learn more about their group O’Brien’s Angels and help families in need this holiday season by clicking here and posting that you’d like to help! They’ll follow up with you from there.

Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living!

 

My Glens Falls: Kelly Ehlert

 
 

This week we’re catching up with Kelly Ehlert! You’ll recognize her as the owner of Kelly's Roots (one of our go-to coffee and lunch spots!). Read on to find out about Kelly's (literal!) roots to the area, how the café came to be, and some of her Glens Falls favorites.

 
4A872382-9BA4-4B0D-9EDC-D24204FE98E4-2.jpg
 

Tell us about yourself!

Hi! My name is Kelly Ehlert! I'm the owner and chef of Kelly's Roots Café in Queensbury, NY.

I was born and raised in Glens Falls. 

I grew up in an Italian family, and being around all the constant cooking had a huge impact on where I am today. I think spending so much time learning from my Mother and Grandmother while growing up definitely pushed me to pursue my dreams as a chef!

I graduated from Queensbury High School in 2011, and continued my education in Campbell, California culinary school (…hence the name of one of our customers favorite sandwiches, The Campbell Turkey Bacon). When opening my café, I wanted to bring some west coast inspiration to Glens Falls and it was important to me to show that in my menu as well as the café itself. I wanted to offer a place that not only has great food, but a place that is inviting and refreshing for the community. I wanted to bring new ideas to this area, and it is so rewarding to hear that people are excited and impressed with what we do at Kelly’s Roots. 

On Life in Glens Falls

This past year, I bought my first home right here in Glens Falls! One of my favorite parts of living here is watching our small town grow and how involved the community is with the local small businesses! 

After I finished culinary school I came back to the 518 because I'm a big family person and love being close to them. I also really enjoy how close we are to the Adirondacks. I grew up spending most days with my family on Lake George. Those memories are easily some of my favorites. I can’t wait to continue my life here surrounded by the people I love! 

Opening the café three years ago, I would have never imagined how quickly it has grown in such a short period of time. I feel so lucky to have a spot for people to come enjoy a quick fresh meal with their families, friends, and/or coworkers. Glens Falls has been so good to me and my business. I truly wouldn't be where I am without the constant support from our local customers.      

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

When I have a day off, I love starting my mornings with a good workout.  Spin classes at our local YMCA are my favorite, and I also love going to Yoga at Hot Yoga Queensbury! During this time of the year, I also love seeing what winter activities our area has to offer. Whether it’s the annual tree lighting right in downtown, or a fun day spent at West Mountain, there is always something fun and exciting to do in the Glens Falls area (even on the cold days!).

I always love getting together with family and friends and trying out all of the new and upcoming restaurants in the area. But, one of my all time favorite places to go for lunch/dinner is Siam Thai. You can never go wrong with their sushi rolls! Another local place I love is Downtown Social. It’s such a unique and modern spot to grab some cocktails with your friends, and listen to some live music! It’s definitely a place you don't want to miss!

On the Future

In the future, I see myself growing as a business owner and creating an even better atmosphere for my customers. I see Glens Falls expanding into an even more beautiful and unique town, and I am so thankful to be a part of it!

—————

Thanks Kelly!

P.S. See more of our My Glens Falls series here.

 
Glens Falls Living
 
 

This week’s My Glens Falls was made possible by The Queensbury Hotel.

Do you have your New Year’s Eve plans lined up? Ring in 2020 at The Q with a raw bar, four course dinner, full open bar, live music by Soul Session and lots more (including overnight packages so you don’t need to worry about a ride home!). For a more intimate night out, Park 26 is accepting reservations from 5-9pm (and the food is amazing!). Grab all of the details for NYE at The Q here, or make your Park 26 reservation here.

Thank you for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living!

 

New Addition: Emma Claire Vooris

 
 

We’re so thrilled to kick off our New Additions series on Glens Falls Living, featuring - you guessed it - the newest little additions to our little city! And what better way to kick it off than with our sweet niece, Emma Claire, who was born in July! Read on to find out the funny way Bill and Erin found out they were expecting, what parenthood (of two!) has taught them, and a few of their must haves for the first few months.

 
image 11.JPG
 

Tell us about your family!

We are the Vooris family and we recently became a family of four! My name is Erin and my husband's name is Bill. Our son Sam just turned 2 in November and we welcomed our daughter Emma in July. We have lived in Glens Falls for the past five years and couldn't imagine living anywhere else! We fell in love with the area right away and knew this is where we wanted to start our family. We love the small town neighborhood feel with easy access to all the shopping, restaurants, and family friendly events downtown. One of our favorite things to do as a family is put the kids in the stroller and walk downtown for coffee on Sunday mornings with our dog, Oliver.

SHARING THE NEWS

How did you share your pregnancy news with your husband / family / friends?

My husband actually found out that we were expecting before I did! Long and funny story short - I had taken a pregnancy test and forgot about it in the midst of getting our then 11 month old ready for the day. Bill found the positive pregnancy test and shared the exciting news with me!

Did you find out the gender prior to giving birth? Any inklings as to whether it was a boy or a girl, and were you right?

We found out the gender of our son ahead of time and we knew we wanted to do the same this time around too! Both Bill and I felt very strongly throughout my pregnancy that we were having a girl. I was much more sick this time around and my pregnancy overall was very different than it had been with our son.

Did you have a gender reveal? If not, did you do anything special to share the news?

We threw a large gender reveal party when we were pregnant with our son. It was so much fun, but this time around we decided to keep things a bit more low key. We had a cake made from our favorite bakery, Lake George Baking Company, with pink frosting inside to share the news with our family that we were expecting a girl! 

 
Photo by Bella Baby Photography

Photo by Bella Baby Photography

 

ALL ABOUT EMMA

Emma Claire was born on July 5, 2019 at 7:56 am at the Joyce Stock Snuggery at Glens Falls Hospital! She measured 20 inches long and weighed 8 pounds 2 ounces.  

We love her name - how did you decide on it?

Both Bill and I like more classic, traditional names. Emma is a name that we have always really liked, but there were a few others in the running - we had to meet her first before deciding! When we saw her for the first time we both just knew that we wanted her name to be Emma.

What are a few things you love about Emma so far?

Emma is a very easygoing and happy baby - she is always smiling! We love a lot of things about her, but our favorite thing right now is that she is a wonderful sleeper!

What are some favorite things to do together?

Emma loves to be outside so we have enjoyed many family walks with her, either downtown or through Crandall Park. 

Any similarities - physical or personality - to the two of you? 

Emma has Bill's dark hair, his nose, and his smile. Everyone says she looks just like him! According to my parents I was an easygoing baby and a great sleeper, so she may take after me in that regard.

 
Photo by Bella Baby Photography

Photo by Bella Baby Photography

 

ON PARENTHOOD

What’s your favorite part about parenthood thus far?

Our favorite thing about parenthood since welcoming Emma into our family is seeing her with her big brother. She loves to watch him play and smiles at him all day long. He gives her high fives, helps entertain her during tummy time, and kisses her goodnight. We are looking forward to watching them grow up together and (hopefully!) become great friends.

How about the biggest challenge or most surprising thing?

The biggest challenge we've faced since having Emma is simply having two very young kids who both need a lot of attention - and usually at the same time! We try very hard to make sure that we are spending quality time with each of them and also together as a family. Things were hectic at first, but we've gotten into a good groove with both of them now and feel like we know what we're doing...most of the time.

What has being a parent taught you? How have you changed since becoming parents?

Becoming parents has given us a deeper understanding of the value of family. We love passing down and starting new traditions with Sam, and now Emma. We've become more selfless and much more patient since they came along. We also drink significantly more coffee now than we used to!

What’s the best advice someone has given you?

The best advice we received before having Emma was, "Every baby is different." It is so true! We thought we knew pretty much everything after having our son, but Emma is a completely different baby and it has been a very different experience. 

Do you have any advice you’d like to pass along for new parents?

Our advice for new parents would be to ask for and accept help! Let someone cook you dinner, or hold your baby so you can take a shower, or pick up milk at the grocery store for you. It really does take a village and we are so lucky to have a great one.

 
Glens Falls NY Newborns Mom
 

JUST FOR FUN

The top products that got you through the first few months?

Lillie Baby Carrier - super helpful for when Emma wanted to be held but I needed my hands free to do something with Sam.

Fisher Price Swing - Emma loved napping in it as a newborn.

Thule Double stroller - I think we used this every day throughout the summer and fall. It was so nice to be able to get all of us outside for some fresh air!

Pottery Barn Play mat - Emma loves to play on this and it gives me time to get a few things done or do something with Sam.

If you could have one night out with a trusted babysitter, what would you do?

We would definitely go out for a (most likely early!) dinner and drinks at one of our favorite downtown restaurants. We love Morgan and Co., Raul's, and farmacy!

—————

Thanks Vooris Family, and welcome, sweet Emma!

hide-ad

 
Glens Falls Living
 
 

The New Additions Series is made possible by Glens Falls Hospital.

At Glens Falls Hospital, we know how special that first touch with your newborn is. That’s why we’ve taken strides to provide the most intimate, state-of-the-art accommodations for delivering your little bundle of joy at the Joyce Stock Snuggery.

Thank you for supporting the businesses and organizations that support Glens Falls Living!

 

The Weekender: December 6 - 8

Happy weekend! We’ve been watching the lights being strung and the wreaths and bows being hung downtown over the past week, and with a little snow on top of it all, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here! We’re psyched for a weekend of holiday events, and even more excited to deck our halls and trim our tree this weekend. What are you up to? Here are a few ideas:

 
Glens Falls Things to Do
 
 
 
 
Glens Falls NY Downtown

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

 

Back in the Day: Clark Brothers Glove Factory

About a century ago, J.H. Clark, an upstate New York “pioneer silk glove manufacturer” in retirement, offered sage advice to his sons, Robert and Alfred, when they decided to branch out on their own.

“Well boys,” he said, “if you are going into business, go into it right – on a big scale and with everything the best you can get.”

The “boys” must have got it right, because the company they started in 1920 would operate in Glens Falls for nearly 50 years.

 
Clark Brothers Glove Factory, circa 1920. Photo courtesy of The Chapman Museum.

Clark Brothers Glove Factory, circa 1920. Photo courtesy of The Chapman Museum.

 

When they started out in 1920, the brothers explored potential locations around the region and determined that Glens Falls was the best place to build their factory that would have state-of-the-art equipment and modern conveniences such as drinking fountains throughout and a recreation room with a piano for employees to play in their off hours.

Elmer J. West and members of Glens Falls Chamber of Commerce made their best pitch to Robert at a luncheon Jan. 13, 1920 at the Glens Falls Country Club.

There was great celebration about a week later when Robert announced that construction would start Feb. 1 on the three-story building at the corner of Hudson Avenue and Elm Street, the building that is now The Mill apartment complex.

“About 500 persons will be employed when the plant is first put in operation, and it is expected the number will be later increased to 700,” The Post-Star reported.

The factory would manufacture silk gloves in seven or eight grades and silk cloth for wholesale to underwear manufacturers.

Raw silk was imported from Japan.

During World War II the company would manufacture cotton tricot mosquito netting for the U.S. Army.

A preliminary $500,000 cost estimate in 1920 was easily exceeded, with equipment alone costing $450,000 – the equivalent of $6 million in 2019 dollars, and the building costing more than $300,000.

The announcement set off a housing development boom in Glens Falls as management estimated as many as 125 additional homes or apartments would be needed for skilled workers that would move from outside the area to take jobs.

“No expense is being spared in making the entire structure a most desirable place to work,” The Post-Star reported on July 17, when the Clark brothers announced they were accepting employment applications from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at the School Street entrance. “The structure will be absolutely fireproof, sanitary in every way, cool in the summer, warm in winter and there will be an abundance of light.”

 
Clark Glove Factory, circa 1930. Photo courtesy of The Chapman Museum.

Clark Glove Factory, circa 1930. Photo courtesy of The Chapman Museum.

 

Keeping with their father’s admonition about doing business “on a big scale,” the brothers celebrated the opening with a grand dance and euchre card party for employees and community guests on Nov. 20.

Bishop’s Orchestra of Fort Edward provided music for dancing.

The management passed out souvenir favors – miniature glove boxes filled with chocolates to women and miniature glove boxes filled with cigarettes and a pack of matches to men.

Elizabeth Scannell was hired as forewoman of the sewing machine room and Eleanor Wells of the boxing department. Simon Miner was hired as chief of the mechanical department.

Scannell would supervise the sewing department for many years. In February 1941, 35 employees threw a dinner party for her birthday at Fitzgerald’s restaurant, presenting her with gifts of cosmetics set and a corsage. In February 1942, 40 employees threw a dinner party for her birthday at Fitzgerald’s.

Alfred Clark sold the company to Vanity Gloves of New York City in 1957, shortly after the death of Robert in 1956.

Vanity Gloves sold the company in 1959 to Premiere Gloves of Fultonville, in Montgomery County, which moved the operation to Curran Street in Glens Falls for a decade before going out of business in 1969.

In the 1960s and ‘70s, Embassy Shirt Makers, a different garment company, operated on the second floor of the Elm Street and Hudson Avenue building before closing its operation in 1977. 

Gateway Department Store operated on the ground floor.

Adirondack Scenic, now known as Adirondack Studios, a theater and theme park set company, operated at the building in the 1990s.

Developer Bruce Levinsky led an investment group that bought the building in 2007, renovated it and added three stories and a roof-top penthouse for apartments.

Mark Paquin and Mark Rosen bought the complex in 2017 and have been renovating vacant commercial space into additional apartments.

 
The Mill Apartments at the former Clark Brothers Glove Factory.

The Mill Apartments at the former Clark Brothers Glove Factory.

 

—————

Sources: The Post-Star Jan. 14, 20, March 5, May 15, July 17, Nov. 20, 22, 1920; March 18, 1926; Aug. 2, 1940; Feb. 27, 1941; Feb. 25, 1942; May 6, 1970; Dec. 8, 1977; The Glens Falls Times, May 16, 1969.

 
Glens Falls Living
Maury Thompson Glens Falls Living

Maury Thompson was a reporter for The Post-Star for 21 years before he retired in 2017. He now is a freelance writer and documentary film producer specializing in regional history. Thompson is collaborating with Snarky Aardvark Films to produce a documentary about Charles Evans Hughes and the Adirondacks, which is expected to release in 2020. See the trailer here.

 

The Weekender: November 29-December 1

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope yours was filled with the people, pets, and pies that you love the most. What are you up to this weekend? Whether you’re Black Friday shopping, decorating the tree, or extending the Thanksgiving holiday a bit longer like we are, we hope it’s a good one. Here are a couple of things to get the holidays started right:

 
Glens Falls NY Downtown
Glens Falls Living
 

First Look: Birch Bark Eatery

 
 

Remember those signs promising a Donut Diner downtown? Turns out it was the popular Birch Bark Eatery behind it all! They just recently opened in their new location on Ridge Street after moving from their previous spot in Queensbury, and we were thrilled to check out the new space, sample some old favorites, and taste the donuts, of course. Their entire menu is filled with everyone’s favorite comfort foods - all vegan - and all delicious. We were excited catch up with owner Tania Sharlow to see how they’re settling in downtown and hear a bit more about how it all got started.

 
 

What inspired you to get into the restaurant industry?

I’ve always been in the restaurant industry. And I say restaurant loosely because I don't consider Dunkin Donuts (where I started out) really a restaurant, but I have worked in kitchens before. I just love the environment, the atmosphere, the crunch for time, you know, the “get stuff done” mentality. And then the satisfaction of creating something people then enjoy and are grateful for. That’s the payoff for all of it.

When I knew that I wasn’t going to do Dunkin Donuts anymore, I knew I wanted to stay in the industry, but I didn’t quite know how.

So how did it happen?

A lot of things came into play that seemed like the universe just kind of working for me. I got hurt at work. That was kind of the universe pushing me in the right direction, into doing my own thing. I found a small spot that I thought could work and I knew at least if we gave it a go there and it failed, we wouldn’t be losing everything. But if it was great and it excelled, we’d have nowhere to go but up.


How did the name Birch Bark come about?

Where I'm from, which is about three hours north of here, there's a little tiny bookstore called the Birch Bark Bookstore and it was just part of happy childhood memories. It initially popped into my mind because it's catchy, but the more we talked about it, with it being something from my childhood that has meaning, it just fit.

 
 

ON BEING VEGAN

What prompted you to transition to a vegan diet?

It was just something that was happening in our family. My youngest daughter decided to become vegetarian, and my boyfriend and I decided to support her. We all stopped eating as much meat, and around the same time I saw a horrific video of what happens to chickens, and I get emotional every time I think about it. I didn’t want to put my energy into that. I’m big on energy. Wherever your intention flows, energy goes. And I didn’t want to be a part of that anymore.

So, how do you take yourself out of that? Well, you stop spending your money on it, because that is your energy, and then you start putting your energy into things that fight it - so, veganism.

Have you found there are any misconceptions about being vegan?

There is of course the idea that vegans only eat grass and sticks, or more seriously that we only eat salads, which just isn’t true. We want home cooked comfort foods as much as we want chia pudding and the things that we know are good for us.

What was the easiest thing (or the hardest thing!) about transitioning to a vegan diet?

For myself personally, the easiest thing was just giving up the meat because there are so many good substitutes out there when you’re craving something like that. You can have a buffalo chicken patty that doesn’t have chicken in it, and now you can have a Beyond Sausage - which tastes better than the real thing I think. Beyond Burgers are amazing. There are a lot of amazing things that, if you get a craving, you can fulfill it with those.

The hardest thing was cheese. Along our process, we were vegetarian first and subsisting on omelets and cheese for a long time. So to drop that, when it was a significant part of our diet, we asked ourselves - what do we do now? And unfortunately, the vegan cheese was not always as tasty as the real thing.

It’s nice to have so many options out there now! What do you make of more fast food restaurants catching on - for example, the Impossible Whopper at Burger King or the Beyond Sausage Sandwich at Dunkin?

I think that all of it is amazing. Whatever pushes vegan plant based diets to the forefront and lets people know that it is becoming more mainstream is amazing. We talk about Dunkin Donuts and their new signs that say “Plant Based, Great Taste” - so you know, they’re doing my advertising for me now!

Things are changing fast. Restaurants are scrambling to add these things to their menus. Development in fast food typically takes a while, and it seems like we’re seeing things popping up on the menu faster than ever. Now is the time.

Have you seen more and more people being open to trying vegan food in your experience here?

Absolutely. I'll draw upon a situation that happened a few days ago… We had two men that came in wearing full camo gear and were obviously just coming in from hunting. They sat down, and I was a little bit nervous wondering if they knew they were in a vegan restaurant. People don't always know when they walk in here, and some people don't realize until they start reading the menu! The one gentleman mentioned to the server that this was his favorite restaurant and he brought his friend to try it. When I walked out to check on them, the guy said, “actually, everything's really good!” in this way that was like he couldn't believe it.

We don’t care where you came from, we just want to share great food with you and change minds one mouth at a time.

Any suggestions you’d give to someone transitioning to a vegan diet?

Definitely Beyond products, and definitely Impossible products. A lot of people say they can’t tell the difference between an Impossible Burger and a real beef hamburger. And definitely some of the things that we make! We’ll change your mind about vegan cheese. We’ve learned how to season it, melt it, and make it taste better than you’d expect.

 
 

ON THE MOVE

How did you decide to make the move downtown?

We knew we needed more space, since every weekend our tables would be packed. We’d been thinking about it for a while and had our feelers out since April of this year. We were looking at things as they came up. When we found this space, it actually coincided with our one year anniversary, so we decided to surprise everyone. We made up an excuse that we were going to have an anniversary party, but that we invited so many people that we had to rent someplace bigger for it.

And then we moved the restaurant in 10 days and reopened it, which took a small army of very dedicated people working around the clock.

Did you make any changes to the space?

We mostly painted. It took a lot of painting. We kept what we had and added a little flair of our own, and we’ll continue to add to it as we have time!

What’s one of your favorite things about the new space?

I just love the vibe of being downtown with people walking by. We love that folks now have the ability to just pop their head in to check out the space and say hello. And we love the feeling of being more a part of the community.

 
 

ON THE MENU

Did you have any changes to the menu with the move?

We added pizza! There was a pizza oven in the space when we moved in, so why not? We’re a nice compliment to folks already offering that, but we make it “Birchy”.

Haha! What’s Birchy?

A little over the top. You know, like onion rings on your pizza.

Any other fan favorites?


Cauli bites, avocado fries, or the ultimate Grilled Cheese - it’s like a cheese stick sandwich!

We overheard a group saying they came from Albany - sounds like you have folks coming from all over?

Oh yes. We’re a destination. Vegans will travel for good food. I’ve done it myself!

We’ve met people who have driven up from New York City to have lunch and dinner here, and they spend the night and then come back for breakfast in the morning. It warms my heart every time I hear somebody planned a trip around what we do here.

How do they find out about you?

A lot of social media. That's something that vegans are really on top of. When they find good vegan options, they want to get it out there and continue to normalize it. Our guests have been our best marketers and cheerleaders.

 
Birch Bark Vegan Eatery Glens Falls NY

You can find Birch Bark Eatery at 21 Ridge Street in Glens Falls, and check them out online here.

 
 
Glens Falls Living
 

The First Look series is made possible by O’Brien Insurance Agency.

Your hometown insurance agency, they offer car, home, commercial, and life insurance (and lots more). O’Brien shops the best rates for you, often saving you money and getting you better coverage (and they make it super easy to switch to them if you’re considering a change!). Most importantly, they’re local people who are always there for you when you need them. Grab a free quote here. By the way, they also love to support our community (which we love too!). You can learn more about their group O’Brien’s Angels and find ways to give back here.

Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living!

My Glens Falls: Christy Alexander

This week we’re chatting with Christy Alexander! You’ve most certainly seen her around downtown, at WorkSmart, or even in this recent Times Union article! Read on to find out which downtown stores she frequented as a kid (which were probably your favorites, too!), some treasured memories made raising her children here, and her go-to lunch spot when she steps away from her desk.

 
Christy Alexander Glens Falls NY
 

Tell us about yourself!

Hi! I am Christy Alexander. I own WorkSmart, a coworking and meeting space in downtown Glens Falls, but my most treasured role is mother to my three children. When I am not spending time with my children or with the community members at WorkSmart you’ll find me running, biking with friends or paddle boarding on Lake George.

On Life in Glens Falls

I grew up in this area and raised my family here. With so many parks and playgrounds within walking distance, seasonal events like the Adirondack Balloon Festival and its proximity to Lake George, Glens Falls has been a fantastic place for my family to grow up. I now have a home in Queensbury where I am close enough to ride my bike to work and I can be on the lake in less than twenty minutes!

One of my favorite things about Glens Falls is its walkability. When I was younger, I would walk downtown to Woolworth’s and the Boston Candy Kitchen with my great grandmother. Now, being located in a walkable city is a great asset for those of us building our businesses within WorkSmart. Walking has become an important part of our workdays, whether to grab lunch, go to the bank or just gain a fresh perspective on our business projects.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

My perfect Glens Falls day? First, it would be a warm, summer day. I would begin with a run through the city streets and along the Feeder Canal path ending at the Glens Falls YMCA where I would swim a few laps. Next I would head over to join the buzz of activity and conversation at WorkSmart. We would celebrate a win that resulted from a collaboration between members and get caught up in sharing visions for success in our latest ventures. My family will then meet me for lunch on the patio at Doc’s Restaurant. We would spend the afternoon on Lake George swimming and playing around on our paddle boards and kayaks. Following an afternoon of hot sun and fun on the water we would finish the day together with dinner at Siam Thai. I love their fresh rolls and pad thai!

On the Past

My most treasured memories in Glens Falls include time spent with my children. There was never a shortage of activities offered for children and families at the Hyde Museum, the Chapman Museum and the neighborhood schools. In the summer we often walked to Crandall Library, biked to Cooper’s Cave for ice cream and had picnics at the playground in Crandall Park.

In the winter I always looked forward to bundling everyone up on the evening of the first snowfall. We would take a walk through the crisp, white, newly fallen snow as flakes continued to fall on our faces. When the children were young, they were pulled on sleds and when they got older, we were dodging each other’s snowballs.

On the Future

I recently visited the Chapman Museum’s “Building Stories” exhibit, and I was struck by the vitality of the streets in old photographs of Glens Falls. It’s an energy that is coming back to our little city. You can see it in the new restaurants and boutiques, you can see it in the investments being made to bring old properties back to life, and I hope to be part of this revitalization by bringing together the talent and energy of entrepreneurs and independent workers downtown at WorkSmart.

If I could wave a magic wand, I would wish for continued momentum in downtown Glens Falls. The store fronts would be filled with interesting shops and open into the evening alongside the restaurants. This may seem like a dream but there are a lot of great people in the region who are working to make this happen, so I wouldn’t bet against it.

 
Glens Falls Living
 

Thanks Christy!

P.S. See more of our My Glens Falls series here.

Road Trip: Ballston Spa, NY

 
 

We breezed through Ballston Spa this summer while we were out and about and couldn’t help but notice the great energy downtown. We immediately made a mental note to head back down with some more time to explore the charming business district and admire the beautiful architecture throughout the village, and we’re so glad we made it happen this past week. We were thrilled to see the village bustling with activity, from shopping to coffee shops to bakeries and restaurants - and we couldn’t recommend it more for a little weekend day trip. You’ll most definitely need more than a day to eat and shop your way through town, but read on for a few favorites that we stumbled across while we were there.

 
Ballston Spa NY Travel Guide
 

EAT + DRINK

 
 

Two Birds Marketplace: With sunshine streaming through the windows and the smell of house made baked goods in the air, this is the type of place you’ll want to sit and enjoy for a while. The cozy seating nooks throughout pretty much guarantee it, too! Our muffin and scone were perfection, and we had our eye on pretty much every thing else in the bakery case, so chances are we’ll be making a return trip sooner than later. The perfect place to start your day!

—————

 
 

Nomad Coffee & Crepes: An awesome spot for an afternoon pick-me-up, Nomad has the best of both worlds - coffee and cocktails! And crepes too, by the way, which we can’t wait to sample next time. Two thumbs up on the coffee from Tom, and even though I’m not a coffee drinker, the super friendly crew sold me on a chai latte and it’s safe to say I’ve got my new go-to. Delish! Looking forward to checking out the cocktails next trip.

—————

 
 

Iron Roost: Lots of light, exposed brick, and all of the waffles your little heart desires - Iron Roost is a must for breakfast or lunch (or both!). With savory and sweet options, not to mention vegan and gluten free options too, there’s truly something for everyone. We went with savory for lunch and loved the Happy Harvest (did we mention it’s an open faced waffle sandwich?!), and we were eyeing the neighboring table’s sweet dishes as well - the Very Berry and Apple Crisp are happening next time for sure!

—————

 
 

Next Door Kitchen & Bar: With a fantastic atmosphere and an amazing menu, Next Door will definitely be in regular rotation for date night from here on out. The Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts were a favorite, as well as the Hand Rolled Gnocchi and the Wild Mushroom Risotto. And how could we forget the Cider Donut Bread Pudding?! Don’t miss it.

—————

SHOP

 
 

Stone Soup Antiques Gallery: With an antique shop at every turn, Ballston Spa is a fantastic spot for treasure hunters. Stone Soup has been a favorite of ours for a while, and with two floors and over 40 dealers, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to peruse. If you’re in the market for larger pieces, be sure to check out the Ballston Spa Antique Center on Milton Ave - they’ve got furniture galore and lots of fun smalls, too.

 
 

Front Street Home: If you’re into the modern farmhouse aesthetic, this is your place. A perfect blend of antiques and vintage with updated decor and art - you’ll want one of each. We were smitten by the desk above repurposed as a bar cart / wine rack, along with the farmhouse tables throughout. And if you’re in the market, they offer interior design as well!

 
 

Boho Chic: Beautifully curated with goods from over 40 New York State artisans, this is the place to shop if you’re looking for a unique gift and looking to support small local artists and businesses. A win-win! With a little bit of everything - adorable tea towels and totes, pottery, fine art, and more - you’ll want to add this to your list for sure.

 
 

The Bundle Store: The sweetest store for little ones, we found the perfect birthday gift for our nephew at The Bundle Store (and maybe a couple of Christmas gifts, too!). With a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly products, this was right up our alley. Bonus - they have classes for new moms, including Tummy Time and Baby and Me Yoga.

——————

 
 

Until next time, Ballston Spa! If you’ve got any other favorites we should add to our list for next trip, we’d love to hear!

P.S. Check out more in our Road Trip series here.

 
Glens Falls Living
 
 

THIS ROAD TRIP WAS FUELED BY STEWART’S SHOPS.

Fueled up at the Ballston Spa Stewart’s while we were in town and couldn’t help but notice the friendly reminder at the gas pump that it’s Egg Nog season (Tom’s favorite!). We’re holding out until after Thanksgiving, but come Friday, you can bet Tom will be heading back to pick some up.

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING THE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT GLENS FALLS LIVING.

 

How We Help: Tri-County United Way

Simply put, communities don’t succeed without people helping people. The backbone of any successful community relies on the collective efforts of many, and in particular, of those who lend a hand to those in need. We’re pleased to kick off a new series titled “How We Help”, featuring organizations around our region that are passionate about helping those who need it most. We caught up with Duane Vaughn, Executive Director at the Tri-County United Way to learn more about what they offer and the latest on how they’re making a positive impact. 

 How does the Tri-County United Way Help? 

Tri-County United Way is an organization dedicated to helping people. We work to improve lives and make a positive impact in our communities by raising resources, both monetary and volunteer. We strive to do this through collaboration with others; encouraging volunteerism, and resolving community problems through identifying and communicating our community’s priority issues.

 
Right to left… The Tri-County United Way Team - Kristen Chlopecki, Chris McKenna, Duane Vaughn, Joan Prouty, Kathy Tolstrup, and Joanna Sheridan

Right to left… The Tri-County United Way Team - Kristen Chlopecki, Chris McKenna, Duane Vaughn, Joan Prouty, Kathy Tolstrup, and Joanna Sheridan

 

Let’s talk about your team… who are they and what are their roles?

Kristin Chlopecki is our Director of Resource Development. Kristin fosters our giving programs, is a liaison for our various workplace campaigns and organizes events and our Community Investment Committee.

Chris McKenna is our Business Manager. Chris gives full time effort in her part time position making sure that proper oversight and management of all fiscal responsibilities here at the Tri-County United Way. Chris came to us with a wealth of experience in non-profit business management and makes sure that every donation is treated with critical responsibly. 

Kathy Tolstrup, our Director of Community Engagement, started with us the first week of September of 2019. Kathy is currently working on creating an efficient system for connection to volunteerism through the United Way.  We have set lofty goals in supporting volunteerism in our community and we are already making wonderful connections between our business community and local service agencies.

Joanna Sheridan is our Director of RSVP.  Joanna is part-time and has two part-time support staff to coordinate volunteer opportunities for those over 55 years of age and provides medical transportation.

Joan Prouty is our VITA coordinator in Washington County. Joan’s ability to train volunteers in tax preparation and execute the VITA program has saved our local community thousands of dollars in tax prep fees and has been a tremendous asset to so many.   

For those who may not be familiar, what are the most important things you would like people to know about The Tri-County United Way?

The Tri-County United Way works with the community to identify need. From our beginnings in 1923, we have strived to identify what are the most important issues in regards to the Health, Education and Financial Stability that affect our most vulnerable. When those needs are identified, the Tri-County United Way works with local agencies to support programming to solve those issues.   

What makes TCUW unique in terms of the services it offers?

TCUW has been a trusted organization for community members to contribute to multiple community programs through one source. By giving through the Tri-County United Way, local agencies and the programs they provide can concentrate on their missions instead of spending valuable resources and time on fund development. The Tri-County United Way funds local agencies and initiatives through our allocations or investment committee. This is a committee of 22 local volunteers that carefully reviews all requests for funding and insures that all donations are treated ethically and responsibly. Community members also have the option to donate through us by a company employee campaign. Employees can elect to have an amount that they choose to come directly out of their company pay check to the United Way or to the agency that they would like to support.

Who are your member organizations? How do you help them?

Our member agencies are Adirondack Samaritan Counseling Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks, Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties Domestic Violence, Family Service Association, Greater Glens Falls Senior Citizens Center, Nearcare, The Salvation Army, Glens Falls Corps, and the The Senior Center of Kingsbury and Fort Edward.  We also serve dozens of other local agencies through our donor designation program. These agencies are supported not only in monetary donations but through volunteer recruitment and in-kind services.

 
A few of the TCUW member organizations and the TCUW team… Max McDonnell, Kingsbury Senior Center, Kim Bren, Glens Falls Senior Center, Kathleen Hanchett, Nearcare, Kim Sopczyk, Family Services Association of Glens Falls, and Megan Bohan and Sonya Sc…

A few of the TCUW member organizations and the TCUW team… Max McDonnell, Kingsbury Senior Center, Kim Bren, Glens Falls Senior Center, Kathleen Hanchett, Nearcare, Kim Sopczyk, Family Services Association of Glens Falls, and Megan Bohan and Sonya Scally, Board Members, Adirondack Samaritan Counseling Center, Bill Moon, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks.

 

Where do donations go?

Donations stay in our local, tri-county community.  Funding for our partner agencies are for specific requests to fund projects that have a positive impact in our community.  Whether it is a specific Tri-County United Way project or a program of our funded agency partners, every dollar is carefully vetted and given responsibly.  After donations have been received, our Allocations Committee spends many volunteer hours reviewing requests and makes those hard decisions on how the funding will be allocated.  This is a tough decision to make because the community ask is typically more than we have raised. We will continue to work hard until all programs to help those in most dire circumstances are funded to the fullest.

TCUW also offers several programs that make a direct impact on community members, can you briefly describe them? 

“Stuff the Bus” is a weekend program that the Tri-County United Way and Community Work and Independence (CWI) combine with the assistance of Price Chopper and many other supporters to help supply 20 local food pantries with much needed food supplies. The event takes place every first week in November at the Price Chopper on Upper Glen St. in Queensbury. Shoppers can buy ready bagged $5 and $10 food supplies or purchase/drop off their own items and donate them outside the store in the CWI bus.

This year we are happy to report that we collected over 8.3 tons of food, nearly doubling our results from last year. We are grateful for our partnership with CWI, and the collective efforts of 42 businesses, 65 food collection sites, and over 105 volunteers impacting 20 regional food pantries. And most especially all of the many community individuals who donated to the cause! A full listing of the organizations who sponsored, volunteered, and hosted collection sites can be viewed by clicking here. Thank You!

 
Just a few of the volunteers at this year’s successful Stuff the Bus event…

Just a few of the volunteers at this year’s successful Stuff the Bus event…

 

Kids with Packs program is a program that has really take off.  With the support of the Post Star, Target, Robert Nemer of Nemer Ford the Tri-County United Way we are able to purchase backpacks and fill them with needed school supplies for less fortunate children in local school districts get the start they deserve beginning every school year.   This year we were able to stuff 568 backpacks for children k-4th grades in 17 schools in 9 school districts.  We distribute the packs with supplies directly to the schools and to the teachers that have identified those in need.  Our local teachers have been a huge help in this process and have come up with very creative ways to get these packs to the children so that they are not singled out in any way.  We are always looking for more support for this program and our goal is to make backpacks and school supplies available to all children in need in all of our Tri-County service area and to make sure our wonderful local teachers are not spending their personal funds and time making these purchases.

VITA or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is a program that runs throughout locations in Warren, Washington and Northern Saratoga Counties.  VITA, through a large volunteer program, provides free tax preparation for anyone that has an income of $55,000 or less.  Last tax season, we executed over 2000 tax returns at no cost to the community. This year we hope to continue to increase that total and will be opening a new site in Glens Falls.  I was a volunteer tax preparer last year on Monday and Tuesday nights and I can attest by first-hand experience that it is a truly wonderful volunteer opportunity. We hope to increase our number of volunteers and are currently seeking more community members to get involved.

Swim United and the United Way Holiday dinner are two programs where we partner with the Great Escape.  One day a year the Great Escape graciously allows us to bring in over 100 area youth that may never have the ability to use the water park for the evening.  The United Way Holiday dinner is completely provided by the Great Escape and their staff. Dozens of Great Escape staff member volunteer an evening to provide a complete holiday sit down dinner for over 120 individuals and family members that may not have the means to provide a holiday feast. The Great Escape has gifts and activities for the children and Santa and Mrs. Claus are always in attendance.

RSVP or Retired Senior Volunteer Program is housed in our offices and provides projects for volunteers that are 55 and older.  RSVP provides medical transportation for community members in need and many other programs like Osteobusters.

211 is a United Way initiative where if someone is in need of various social and human services, they can simply dial 2-1-1 and be connected to a live operator 24 hrs a day 7 days a week to be directed and connected to the service they may need.  Some of those connections may be homeless services, heating assistance and food insecurity to name a few.

What does the future hold for the TCUW? 

One of the great things for the Tri-County United Way is that like all 1400 United Way’s around the world, we are built to change with community needs. Our goal is to do our best to identify and work towards solving local problems through partnerships with community agencies.  We look at the challenging issues that are at the core of communities and support the programs that are working to improve these circumstances in real time. The key is to keep fighting for the Health, Education and Financial stability of our community no matter what barriers present themselves.   

How can people help? Volunteer? Donate?

The best way to donate or volunteer is to go to our website at www.tricountyunitedway.org. You can also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and of course Facebook.

 
Glens Falls Living
 

The Weekender: November 22-24

Hope you’ve had a great week! It’s hard to believe that we’re only a week away from Thanksgiving, but we’re definitely feeling the holiday spirit sneaking up on us. Other than deciding what pies we’ll be baking next week, here’s what caught our eye this weekend…

 
Crandall Park Glens Falls NY