Checkin' In: Kate Austin-Avon

This week we're Checkin' In with Kate Austin-Avon of Advokate, LLC - she shares how her family is doing at home these days, how they're navigating social distancing with 3 kiddos, and some great advice for getting through these uncertain times - watch below!

Find Kate and Advokate here —> Website / Facebook / Instagram

Stay well, neighbors -
Bri + Tom

This week’s Checkin’ In was made possible by The Queensbury Hotel.

Have you tried their family style to-go dinners yet? They’re awesome (especially Fish Fry Friday!) - and only $25 serves a family of four! Check out the menu and ordering instructions here. Enjoy! *Now offering 20% discount on our FENIMORE’S takeout menu for all first responders (hospital workers, EMTS, fire dept, etc.) Doesn’t apply to family dinners.

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

The Weekender: April 10 - 12

It’s Thursday (just in case you needed reminding like we did!), and although it’ll be a little different this year, we’re looking forward to the Easter weekend ahead just the same. We’re popping in to share a few ideas for your agenda this weekend, and despite the heaviness and uncertainty around us, we’re hoping you can enjoy the weekend connecting with loved ones (virtually!), celebrating the little things, and maybe indulging in a jelly bean or two :)

Farmers Market: We’re so grateful for the essential workers keeping food stocked at our local grocery stores and farmers markets, and we’re hoping to pop in to the Glens Falls Farmers Market this weekend - yes, they’re still open! They’ve moved outside to the Sanford Street School parking lot and have put measures into place to ensure social distancing. Some farmers have even added the option for an online pre-order, so that you can get in and out quickly (grab the details on their Facebook page).

Gardening: Well, I’ll tell you one thing, our desire to have a garden has grown about 1000% since all of this started. We were excited to see that Garden Time in Queensbury is open and offering the option to call ahead with your order and they’ll coordinate a no-contact pick up (check out the details here) - can’t wait to pick up some goods to start our veggie garden. In the mean time, I’m studying every page of this beautiful book to grab all of the tips for this summer’s flower garden.

Easter Brunch + Dinner: We’re going to miss getting together with our families for brunch so much this year, but we’re all planning to brunch together virtually on Sunday morning via Zoom (we’ll be making our favorite blueberry crumb cake - find that recipe here!). We’ve also seen some restaurants offering Easter dinner to-go (The Queensbury Hotel and Morgan and Company to name a couple). And by the way, you can check in on your other favorite local businesses here.

Stay well,
Bri + Tom

P.S. Did you catch our new series - Checkin’ In - this week? Watch it here!

Checkin' In with Jennifer Bliss

This week, we're checkin’ in with Jennifer Bliss to find out how her family is coping amidst the pandemic, what they've been doing to keep busy during social distancing, and a few silver linings she's found during all of this. Watch below, and find the family businesses Jennifer mentions here —> Hilton Family Farmstand and Arbonne.

Hope you enjoyed, and thanks Jennifer!

Stay home + stay well,
Bri + Tom

The Weekender: March 27-29

Hope you’re all doing well! The Weekender is a bit different this week with social distancing, but we’re chatting about a few things we can all do while we’re home, and a few ways we can continue to support local businesses while we’re at it. We’d love to know how you’re keeping busy at home, too!

Read: We reached out on Instagram this week to crowdsource your favorite books, and you all came through in a big way. We shared a round-up of your favorites here, and would love to have your recommendations too - lots of page turning in our future!

Grab Take-Out or Delivery: We’re missing date night downtown for sure, but we’re so glad we can still support our favorites by grabbing dinner (and drinks!) to go. Check out our list of small business updates here for some of the latest on what local restaurants are offering, and make a night of it at home or get a little change of scenery with a (socially distanced!) tailgate picnic. And remember, gift cards are a great way to lend a hand.

Virtual Happy Hour: We’re missing spending time with family and friends, so we’ve been scheduling regular happy hours and chats via FaceTime and Zoom (and we’ve heard about the Houseparty app, too). Love the idea of doing virtual game nights - that’s next on our list!

Take Care of Yourself: To counteract the excessive baking and eating going on with this whole social distancing thing, we’re getting out for walks with the dogs more than usual and doing our best to get back into a fitness routine. We’ve loved seeing local businesses offering classes online (like Glens Falls Family YMCA , Yoga Kayla, Underwood Park CrossFit, and The Gym 518, to name a few!). Don’t forget mental health too - the anxiety of the news and social distancing can be tough. Take breaks from the news, get fresh air, call friends and family, meditate (try the Headspace app!), and don’t forget that (as Tom’s Gram used to say) - this too shall pass.

Take care and stay well, neighbors…
Tom + Bri

P.S. Glens Falls Hospital is looking for local businesses and individuals who might be able to donate supplies including N95 masks and other face masks and shields - grab the info here! Special thanks and gratitude to medical professionals and first-responders everywhere. Thank you!!

My Glens Falls: Hannah Hutter

Hope you’re all doing well! In addition to sharing resources and local small business updates amidst these uncertain times, we’re hoping we can still bring you some feel-good stories and chats to lift your spirits and be a respite from all of the news. 

This week we’re chatting with Hannah Hutter! You’ll likely recognize her as the photographer behind Hannah Rosie Photography (we featured her work in this Just Married story last year!). She shares a bit about how she’s coping with social distancing, some of the favorite spots she can’t wait to re-visit once we’re back to business as usual, and a pretty sweet (pun intended) idea she’d like in Glens Falls in the future.

Tell us about yourself!

Hello, hello! I’m Hannah, but those closest to me call me Han. I own Hannah Rosie Photography (formerly Simply 23 Photography). I’m a wedding photographer and I also specialize in branding photography for small business owners, brands and bloggers through the signature service I offer, 518 Insta-Brand. I’m the biggest hopeful romantic you’ll ever meet. I just love “love” and I always feel so lucky to cross paths with so many unique love stories and couples in love. In addition to being a full-time photographer, I am a content creator alongside one of my best friends through a venture we began last year called “Those Upstate Girls” (@ThoseUpstateGirls on Instagram). I’m also a dog mom to the most handsome golden retriever, Daks. Simply put, I just love life and am so blessed to be able to do what I love for a living.

On Life in Glens Falls

I wasn’t born here (I was born on Long Island), but I grew up in the area and am a graduate of South Glens Falls High School. I have always loved downtown Glens Falls and watching the city evolve and transform into what it is today has been such a privilege. There’s just something about the small-town vibe of this city that I absolutely adore. The fact that Glens Falls is not only home to, but is also so central to some of the most popular wedding venues in the capital region, played a huge part in why I chose to establish my business here. Honestly I couldn’t imagine life anywhere else now.

Hands down my favorite thing about Glens Falls is how much the community celebrates small business and female entrepreneurship. I can guarantee you will not find another community of women owned businesses that work together and support each other like the ones in this area. Sometimes I just pinch myself because being surrounded by so many uplifting, inspiring women feels like a dream. I’m so lucky to know so many of these girls on both a business and personal level too.

On Social Distancing

I’ve really just been using this time to rejuvenate and get things done that I wouldn't typically have time for on a day to day basis. I am also utilizing the takeout and delivery services by so many local restaurants. It’s so convenient and it feels great to support local, especially during this time. I’m someone who is almost always on the go, so slowing down but knowing the rest of the world has too is kind of nice. Don't get me wrong though, I’m totally ready to get back to life as normal whenever that may be.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day (…post-social distancing)

I’m a huge coffee person and one of my favorites just so happens to be the sweet vanilla iced coffee from Juicin’ Jar, it’s absolutely delish! One of the highlights of my week is always seeing my girl Baileigh of Makeup by Baileigh for my weekly lash appointment. Just stepping foot into Studio Elements brightens my day, the place itself and the ladies that work there just radiate good vibes and it’s one of my favorite spots to sit back and get pampered. The 518 Beauty Room is my go-to spot for a facial and Minky Mink is always my saving grace when I’m looking for chic attire to wear for an upcoming wedding. I love Whisper Boutique for an everyday cute and comfy outfit too! I swear downtown Glens Falls has some of the best spots around for dinner and drinks. Morgan and Co, Craft on 9 and Downtown Social are all great options for either a date night or a girls night out. 

On The Past

I’ve been a dancer since I was 2 years old. Growing up I danced at The Bolton Dance Academy. One of my best memories would be performing during Christmas time at Hometown Holidays and The Festival of Trees at The Queensbury Hotel. There’s always been something so magical about that time of year and helping people get into the Christmas spirit while performing at these events was just so special and something I will never forget.

On The Future

I think it would be so cool to have some sort of upscale pâtisserie or confectionery downtown! Somewhere you can go after dinner to satisfy your sweet tooth and enjoy in a sophisticated setting.

I’m just really excited to see what the future holds for Glens Falls! I know it’s very up and coming and in the next 5-10 years it will be an even better place to live than it is right now. The best is yet to come for sure.

Thanks Hannah!

P.S. Click here to catch up on our My Glens Falls series.

Small Business Updates in and Around Glens Falls

Below is a listing of organizations, restaurants, and shops who’ve made changes to their operations as a result of the Coronavirus. Please confirm details directly with the business as offerings may change quickly. Special thanks to the Downtown Glens Falls Collaborative for their partnership!

If you have to venture out for something essential, please follow the guidance and social distancing recommendations put forth by trusted resources. Click here for a list of resources that we’ve been referring to.

For additional County resources, helpful information and business updates check in with the Warren County website here and facebook here. And for our neighbors in Washington County, check out their website here and facebook here.

*This is a working document (and things are changing quickly!) so please check with each business directly for the latest. Business owners: if you have an update to share, please email us at hello@glensfallsliving.com.

ACTIVITIES

Chapman Historical Museum: Temporarily closed. Follow along here for the latest.

Crandall Public Library: Closed until further notice. Due dates on materials will be extended. For the latest, please check: facebook or website. You can visit virtually here for access to electronic resources 24/7.

Folk Life Center at Crandall Library: Closed until further notice, but enjoy their amazing Youtube Channel that has hundreds of music and story telling videos for your cultural enrichment. Click here to check it out. To learn more about the Center, click here.

The Conkling Center: Services on hold until further notice. Info here.

Glens Falls Family YMCA: Closed until further notice. In the meantime, you can take advantage of Y360, a new virtual initiative led by Ys across the country. Also, all your favorite local instructors are keeping you active at home through facebook live. Follow along on facebook here. For more info, check out their website.

Glens Falls Farmer’s Market: Check out the latest information by clicking here.

LARAC: Check out the latest information… Facebook. Website.

Hyde Collection: Temporarily closed, but you may browse the collection online here.

Park Theater: Most shows and events through March and April are postponed or cancelled. Follow along for the latest here.

Wood Theater: Temporarily closed - check out this page for information on postponed and rescheduled shows, or to donate or purchase a gift certificate.

World Awareness Children’s Museum: All remaining events at the museum for the month of March have been canceled. Follow here for updates.

RESTAURANTS

Bears Cup: No contact delivery! Click here for the latest.

Beans Country Store: Take out available. Click here for the latest.

Birch Bark Eatery: Take out available. Click here for the latest.

Bullpen Tavern: Take out and curbside pick up available. Click here for the latest. 

Cirelli’s Jam & Eggs: Check for updates here.

Coach’s Corner: Take-out and delivery available. Click here for the latest.

Cool Beans: Take-out available. Click here for the latest.

Cooper’s Cave Ale Company: Closed until further notice. For the latest: facebook or website.

Common Roots: Open for to-go beer sales only (cans and crowlers). Delivery now available! Keep up with the latest here.

Craft on 9: Closed until further notice. Check here for updates.

Davidson Brothers: Temporarily closed. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Deliciously Different: For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Dickinson’s Delights: Pre-order, delivery, gift cards available. Posting offerings on our FB page for arranged pick up or possible delivery locally. Large selection available Saturdays at the Glens Falls Farmer's Market 9-Noon. For the latest click here.

Doc’s Restaurant: Closed until further notice. Gift cards available. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Downtown Social: Closed until further notice. Keep informed here.

Downtown City Tavern: Offering take-out or delivery via Door Dash. Order online here.

Exchange Cafe: Permanently closed. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

[farmacy] restobar: Offering takeout, gift cards available.Check out their takeout options here. Call 518-409-8451 to order.

Farmstead Flatbread: Offering takeout and growler fills from 4-8pm. Call 518-741-6911 and check out their menu on their website here. 

Fenimore’s: The pub will be offering takeout daily from 12-8pm. View the latest and the menu here. And scroll down to see The Queensbury’s new Family Dinner’s to-go below!

Fresh ADK: Closed until further notice. For the latest: facebook. 

GingerSnap Cake Shop: For the latest: facebook or website.

Glens Falls Farmer’s Market Association: For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Grateful Den: Take out available. Details on the latest here.

Harvest: Take out available. Check out the latest here.

Heidelberg Inn: Lunch and Dinner take out. Latest here.

Jack’s American Bistro: To-go available. For the latest click here.

Juicin’ Jar: Temporarily closed. Follow along here for updates.

Kelly’s Roots: Re-opened! For the latest: facebook or website.

La Cosina Mexicana: Take-out, delivery, gift cards available. Click here for the latest.

Lake George Olive Oil Company, Glens Falls: For the latest, please check: facebook.

Log Jam Restaraunt: Take-out available. Get the latest at their website or facebook.

Main Moon: Take out available and online ordering available here.

Martha’s: Closed until further notice. Get the latest at their website or facebook.

Massie’s Restaurant: Closed until further notice. For the latest, please check: facebook.

Mean Max: Taproom closed until further notice, pick-up and delivery available. For the latest check: facebook.

Mikado: Open for pick-up and delivery Monday through Saturday from 11:30am to 9pm and Sundays from 4pm to 9pm. Also for a limited time all gift cards will be 10% off. See more here. 

Mi Rancho Mexican Restaurant: Take out available. For the latest, please check: facebook.

Morgan + Co: Morgan is offering curbside takeaway service. Browse the menu here, and call 518-409-8060 to order.

Mullen’s Pub: Take out available. Details and the latest here.

New Way Lunch: Click here for info.

Noon Whistle Deli: Take out service and limited delivery. Click here for the latest.

O’Tooles Irish Pub: Take out! Click here for the latest.

Park 26: Closed until further notice. Check in here for updates. But, scroll down to see The Queensbury’s new Family Dinner’s to-go below! And Fenimore’s has take-out.

Peppermill: Take out available. Check into things by clicking here.

Peter’s Diner: Facebook here. Call ahead for status. (518) 792-9772

Pies on Wheels: Drive-through order / pick up! For the latest, please check facebook.

Pizza Jerks: Open for curbside and delivery. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

“Poopies”: Open for take-out! Click here for more information.

Rachel’s Cafe and Spice Company: Take-out available - see the latest here.

Radici: Offering curbside pickup and delivery - call 518-804-1007. You can also purchase gift cards here. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Rauls: Re-opening May 5 for take-out. For the latest, please check: facebook.

Rock Hill Bakehouse + Cafe: Re-opening Tuesday, May 12th for curbside pickup. For the latest, please check: facebook.

Sally’s Hen House: Take-out, delivery, gift cards. All the latest click here.

Samantha’s Cafe: Temporarily closed. Purchase gift cards by sending a message on Facebook here. 

Sam’s Diner: Offering take out! Details here.

Seafood on the Bay: Open for take-out. For the latest, please check: facebook.

Siam Thai Sushi: Offering delivery within the city limits of Glens Falls / Queensbury, in addition to the carry out and curbside carry out already offered. See more here. 

Slate Town Brewery: Open for take out. Get the details here.

Southy’s Pizzeria: Take-out and delivery. Click here.

Spot Coffee GF: Closed until further notice. Updates here.

Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery: Offering 25% off curbside delivery at the Distillery, and free bottle delivery service ($50 minimum) to those in the local region. Also has hand sanitizer options. See more here. 

Starky’s Grille: Starky's is open 11AM to 7PM daily (closed Mondays), offering delivery through DoorDash and take-out at (518) 741-0008. Click here for more info!

Steve’s Place: Take out only. Click here.

Stumpy’s Pizzeria: Pick up and delivery. For the latest, check: facebook.

Sunnyside Par 3: Take out available: For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Sunset Farm: New Hours! For the latest check: facebook.

Sweets by Marissa: Closed until further notice. Click here for the latest.

Talk of the Town: Take out available… Click here.

Queen of Hearts Pizza: Take out + delivery available. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

The Queensbury Hotel: Offering Family Dinners to-go. Purposefully priced as affordable as possible to try and help families in our community and beyond at this time. For $25.00 per night, the meals will feed a family of 4. Get all the details by clicking here. The family-style dinners are in addition to Fenimore’s Pub take-out (available daily 12-8pm) and cash & carry beer/wine. Grab those details here.

Stores + Services + Lodging

ADKTech: Tech security and support. Working remotely. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Acupunture Nirvana: For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Adirondack Winery: Delivery available. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Advokate llc: Marketing and more. Office downtown is closed, working remotely. Find the latest… facebook or website.

Aviation Mall: The indoor portion of shopping mall is closed. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Be Social Marketing: Marketing and more. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Behan Communications: PR and more. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

The Bell House Inn: Gift cards available. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Black Dog llc: Marketing and more. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Brian Rollo Consulting: Consulting services. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Celtic Attitudes Clothing: Online store. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Compuhelp: Virtual training at this time. For the latest: website or email here.

Conkling Center: Services paused. Staff working remotely. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

The Creative Chameleon: Delivery available. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Finder’s Keepers Consignments: Temporarily closed. Online shop. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Fountain Square Outfitters: Temporarily closed. For the latest, please check: facebook.

Glens Falls Farmer’s Market: For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

42°: For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Love is on Lake George: Online shop and local delivery. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

M&M Digital Printing: For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Mahoney Alarms: Open normal hours; no disruption in services. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Mannix Marketing: Marketing and more. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

Mentor Media: Marketing and more. For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

MinkyMink: Temporarily closed, but offering items and gift cards online here.

Normandin Marketing: For the latest, please check: facebook or website.

North Country Arts: For the latest check: facebook or website.

The Queensbury Hotel: Offering family dinners to-go. Get all the details by clicking here. Fenimore’s Pub take-out and cash & carry beer/wine. Grab those details here.

The Shirt Factory: For the latest check: facebook.

Sidekick Creative: Branding and more. Working remotely. For the latest check: facebook or website.

Sounders Gallery of Fine Art: Delivery & gift cards available. For the latest check: website.

South Street Floral: Delivery & gift cards. For the latest check: website.

State Farm, Paula Traina: No disruption to normal service. For the latest check: facebook or website.

Storedtech: Technology security and support. For the latest check: facebook or website.

Sunset Farm: New Hours! For the latest check: facebook.

Trampoline Design: Advertising and more. For the latest check: facebook or website

Underwood Park Cross Fit: For the latest check: facebook.

Vixen & Viking Tattoo Studio: For the latest check: facebook.

Whisper Boutique: Curbside pick up and free shipping! For the latest check: facebook.

WorkSmart: A way to stay connected for those now working from home. For the latest check: facebook, slack group, or website.

Yoga Kayla: Free sessions online. For the latest check: facebook or website.

** Friendly reminder - it’s just the two of us over here, doing the best we can :) So if we missed something or someone, do kindly let us know. Thanks!

Gratitude and Resources We’re Finding Useful

Updated 4/6/20. Hi folks. These are difficult times. Like you, we have friends and loved ones who are fragile and at risk. We’re small business owners and along with so many others, are uncertain about what the future holds. But we’re staying focused on the abundance of things we can be grateful for. It’s been inspiring to see our communities and their leadership pull together, organize, and share meaningful, fact-based information that is intended to help others. When applied responsibly, we can use technology and social media to stay informed and connected to those we love. In uncertain times, we can indeed be confident that we’ll overcome this together and better than ever. 

We’re grateful for the dedicated professionals and leaders who have committed their time, talents, and lives to helping and healing others. In particular, our entire medical and first responder community who at this very moment are putting others before themselves in service to all of us. Let’s listen to their advice. There’s too much at stake. Continuing to be kind, positive, responsible and informed is always the right thing to do.

In the mean-time, we’re going to do the best we can to continue to share the unique stories of the people and places that make our community great. We’ll also be passing along some resources we hope you’ll find useful (to start, here’s a list of local small business updates). Special thanks to all those out there that are working to connect our community to the resources they need. 

Here’s a few of the resources we’ve been referencing as they are updated on a regular basis: 

New York State: Find clarity, resources, and direction from NYS and NYSDOH. Click here for more info. Remember… State Parks are open with free admission! Go get some fresh air!

Warren County: Another trusted local source from our friends here in Warren County. A wide ranging resource to keep us all informed. Click here for their website.

Center for Disease Prevention: Federal guidance on all things COVID-19. Click here to learn more. You can also sign up to be notified via e-mail for new updates.

U.S. Department of Treasury: The latest from the federal government on support for small businesses, not-for-profits, and self-employed and independent contractors. Click here for more.

The City of Glens Falls: It kind of goes without saying, but we love our little city and all the great staff and leadership that make it such a great place to live. We’re currently under a state of emergency. Click here for all the details and updates.

Glens Falls Hospital: Our home town hospital. Amazing staff and clinicians! Thanks for all you do! Click here for the latest. If you are able to donate PPE, click here to learn more.

Hudson Headwaters Health Network: Primary Care for the North Country and close to home. Love all our Docs and their teams! Click here for more info.

Iron Gate Family Practice: Great providers and staff doing their part! Click here for more info.

Tri County United Way: The Tri-County United Way COVID-19 Community Response Fund will support relief efforts of organizations addressing unmet basic needs as a result of the corona virus. Designed to provide additional, critical funding and resources to existing assistance programs and local nonprofit agencies, the fund will help people in Warren, Washington and Northern Saratoga Counties. Click here to learn more.

United Way Dial 2-1-1 Resources: A comprehensive website and call center for a variety of needs you or your neighbors may need. Ranging from healthcare, mental health, transportation, utilities and much more… Click here for all the details or… just dial 211.

National Institute of Mental Health: It’s important to keep the right mindset. Click here if you or someone you love needs a hand.

Glens Falls City and Queensbury Schools: We don’t have kiddos, but know plenty of folks who do! Special thanks to all those teachers, staff and administrators out there! Click here for Glens Falls City Schools and here for Queensbury. The education community everywhere has been doing an amazing job. Thank you!

Chambers of Commerce: We’re lucky to have such great advocates for business in our region. Click here for the latest from our friends at the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and here for Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Small Business Administration: Tricky times for sure for all small businesses. We’re keeping our eyes on things at the SBA site. Click here to check it out.

Glens Falls Downtown Collaborative: An amazing group of business people who have banded together to bring our city to life through amazing events, resources, and such. Obviously, events are on hold until further notice, but click here to stay in touch.

Facebook Groups: If Facebook is your jam, here’s a few moderated pages intended to help. O’Brien’s Angels, & Glens Falls Community Helps.

**This is a list of resources we happen to be referencing - it may note be entirely comprehensive. Hopefully you find them as useful as we do.

Stay well, friends.

The Weekender: March 13 - 15

Hope you’ve had a great week! It’s been a bit of a crazy one, what with the random earthquake and of course, the spread of COVID-19. We're planning to hunker down with the pups as much as possible this weekend as more and more events get canceled and large gatherings continue to be discouraged. We're grateful for all those professionals who are in the midst of caring for and educating those who need it most. Compassion, awareness, and expertise is what we all need right now (and apparently, toilet paper?!). If you’re staying close to home too, here are a few ideas…

DATE NIGHT: If you’re not up for going out, lots of our favorites offer take out! And many local spots offer delivery through Door Dash, Grub Hub, etc. Another way to continue to support your favorite restaurant? Grab a gift card for a friend or family member - a nice way to keep the dollars moving for your favorites…and treat a loved one!

GAME NIGHT: It's been quite a while since I beat Tom at Yahtzee. Game on! And P.S. - what are some of your favorite games? We need to stock up!

A GOOD BOOK: A bit too much Netflix lately (we just binged the entire first five seasons of Schitt’s Creek!), so it’s time to catch up on a good read... I’m diving into Where the Crawdads Sing and Tom is finally going to get to that pile of This Old House and Hemmings Motor News Magazines he's been neglecting. 

PROJECTS: Tom's getting around to touching up some crown molding that's been waiting for paint and apparently I’ve been charged with cornering the dogs for their spring grooming... which is always an entertaining undertaking. What projects are you up to?

We hope you all have an amazing weekend and in case you're curious about the latest on COVID-19, here's a few trusted resources we turn to for answers: Glens Falls Hospital, Hudson Headwaters Health Network, NYS Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Prevention. 

Bri + Tom

The Weekender: March 6 - 8

Happy weekend! We’re coming at you live from our back porch this week and chatting about some great picks for the weekend, including an amazing local fundraiser, three fantastic opportunities to sample some great beer, and of course, an antique sale. Catch it all below (along with an epic sun flare - oops!)…

Glens Falls BrewFest

South High Marathon Dance

Taps and Apps

Barrel Fest

Antique Sale / Slickfin Brewery

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Back in the Day: Skid logs while the snow falls

The historic logging industry seasons of winter harvest and spring river drives exemplifies the philosophic wisdom of an early Warren County newspaper.

“Let the naturalist turn his eyes to whatever region or climate he pleases, and each will give evidence of an overruling and unerring providence,” The Warren County Messenger editorialized on Oct. 15, 1829.

Loaded log sled in the Adirondacks, circa 1880. Photo courtesy of The Chapman Historical Museum.

What would be a rough winter now would have been considered a blessing to the 19th and early 20th century logging industry.

“The snow which fell Saturday provided better sleighing in the sections where lumbering is being done and the lumbermen are much pleased over the prospects of having sufficient sleighing to permit them to get their logs out of the woods before winter breaks up,” The Post-Star reported on Jan. 19, 1920.

In timber harvesting, the mantra was something like, “Skid logs while the snow falls,” instead of the traditional agriculture adage, “Make hay while the sun shines.”

It was important to skid logs out of the woods before mud season.

Decades of experience had taught lumber barons that a bountiful harvest would mean prosperity come spring, when the river drives, which later gave way to highway truck transport, would start.

“Glen’s Falls is destined to increase importance and beauty just so long as the John Brown tract and the North River have logs to cut and the water power to saw,” The Glen’s Falls Republican prophesied on July 11, 1865.

A young man with a strong back and an entrepreneurial bent could go from poverty to lumber baron over time by steadily re-investing his logging revenue into diversified interests in manufacturing, banking, and real estate.

Such was the scenario of Augustus Sherman, at one time the richest man in Warren County, who was worth more than $2 million — the equivalent of about $33 million today – when he died in 1884.

“Early in life he learned the lessons of exhaustive, rough manual labor working with his father in the mingled pursuits of farming and lumbering,” Joseph E. Barnes wrote in his 1990 book “Profiles in Banking,” about the history of First National Bank of Glens Falls.

Sherman was the local bank’s president from 1858 to 1884.

By age 15, Sherman was hauling horse loads of lumber to Albany by himself, and by age 19 he was operating his own lumber and grist mills.

Sherman lived and worked in Luzerne, and around 1840 sold his family holdings and moved to Glens Falls, City Historian Wayne Wright wrote in a biographical essay.

Sherman’s Italianate villa-style mansion, built in 1844, is now the Glens Falls Senior Center at 380 Glen St.

Sheman’s mansion, circa 1910. Courtesy of The Chapman Historical Museum.

Sherman operated local saw mills and lime kilns and purchased vast tracts of forest land in the Adirondacks.

It is believed he was the first person to own and operate canal boats on the Feeder Canal.

Sherman was president of Glens Falls Paper Co. (now Essity Tissue in South Glens Falls), Bald Mountain Lime Co., and was a director of Glens Falls Insurance Co.

Similar narratives could be related about Henry Crandall, William McEchron and Alonzo Morgan of Glens Falls.

For those with a strong back but no entrepreneurial bent, logging was a dependable source of employment.

In time, alternative employment opportunities became available as lumber barons diversified.

The logging industry in the Adirondacks faced a labor shortage in 1920 despite a drastic increase in typical lumber jack wages to around $120 to $140 a month — the equivalent of $1,600 to $1,865 in 2020 dollars — plus board.

“It is stated that many men who formerly did this work have now secured positions in paper mills and other manufacturing plants where they can earn almost as much and a great deal easier,” the Ticonderoga Sentinel reported on Jan. 8, 1920.

“A few years ago, $30 to $40 a month was considered good wages in the woods.”

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: Candice Frye

This week we caught up with Candice Frye! You may recognize her as the Executive Director of LARAC. Read on to learn how she got her start, her thoughts on community, and what she’d include in her perfect Glens Falls day!

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Candice Frye, Director of LARAC. I live in Hudson Falls with my dog Ace - he is a 15 year old rescue pitbull that I have had since he was a puppy.  

On Life in Glens Falls

I fell in love with Glens Falls by accident. I was a 'displaced educator' trying to figure out what one does when they have a Masters in Special Education and do not want to work in a classroom. I started working part-time for LARAC and part-time for the Glens Falls Farmers' Market, two parts of Glens Falls that are all heart and community. I had no chance of not falling head over heels.  

Some Glens Falls Favorites 

My favorite thing about Glens Falls is how quickly we can come together as a community - whether it is to help a fellow community member or put on a fun event. I am always amazed at how many people are willing to step up every time! 

I think a hidden gem of Glens Falls is the arts community and its supporting businesses! Art in the Public Eye will be hosting Gallery 99 at LARAC in March, an opportunity to buy original art for under $100! That’s amazing! I have already been saving up money to buy something special! We have so many talented artists as well as local businesses who are reasonably priced and eager to work on creative projects - I often call M&M Printing and Wombat Graphics to help me create fun ideas I have in my head for gifts or home projects. 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

The perfect day in Glens Falls starts at the Farmers Market. There are so many good breakfast options - a crepe from Dickinson's Delights, or a bagel from Alchemy Bagel, chocolate milk from Battenkill or a cider from Saratoga Apple! And catching up with ALL my friends - both customers and farmers. And then stopping by the Library (I am in love with our library!). And then shopping (for me bargain shopping is my favorite). Starting at Finders Keepers because buying something new to me always makes me happy and then hitting Whisper Boutique!

On the Past

I grew up in Warrensburg, NY and every year we would go to the LARAC June Arts Festival. My mom, grandma, and I would walk and shop until we were too tired and then every year we would end our day with Strawberry Shortcake on the church lawn. No matter the weather or what chaos was happening in our lives - this tradition continued. When my mom passed away in 2016, my grandma and I made sure to continue the tradition. In 2019 my grandma (now in her 90’s) was not feeling up to all of the walking - so I brought the cake to her. Because some traditions are just that important! 

Another story on the past: My love for our local music scene started when my friends invited me to Open Mic Night at Hot Shots on South St. I had just started working part-time at LARAC as the Community Outreach Coordinator. After a few weeks of watching all types of talented musicians sing solo, sing on the spot collaborations, and just make great music, I made it my mission to figure out a way for LARAC to support musicians the same way we had been supporting visual artists for many years. Every week felt like musical happiness - people coming together, many straight out of work coming to share the thing they love to do most. With the support of my boss, LARAC started coordinating music for Take a Bite, moved from one stage to three at the June Arts Festival, included music at the Fall Festival, and we continue to work with other city events to coordinate paid performance opportunities. These late night performances on South St is where my passion for supporting local music began. 

On the Future

If I had a magic wand, I would move the college closer to Glens Falls or find a way to make Glens Falls more inclusive to SUNY Adirondack students. I love the feel of a college town! I think the diverse energies and life experiences that college students from outside of Upstate NY bring is important to the growth of a compassionate city. To me Glens Falls sometimes feels like a fairytale, but then I look around and realize that it is easy to feel like we are in harmony when we mostly all look and think alike. The world is much bigger than Glens Falls and I would wave a wand to help us realize the positive impact of diversity in a community. 

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

Award-winning Chef Colin Miner is offering a 7 Course Tasting Menu running through 3/29 at Park 26. Recently named a Rising Star Chef of the Capital Region, Chef treats guests with a new special Tasting Menu each month. Each dining experience also includes an amuse-bouche, homemade bread service and intermezzo. Always an amazing experience, Park 26 is open for dinner Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Find out more here!

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

New Addition: Phoebe Margaret Fowler

This week we’re catching up with our pals Will and Katie Fowler and their adorable daughter, Phoebe! Read on to find out the fun way they revealed their pregnancy to Will’s family, how they decided on Phoebe’s name, and lots more below!

Tell us about your family! 

Hi! We are the Fowlers! My name is Katie, my husband Will and I recently welcomed our first child, Phoebe Margaret Fowler, on June 30, 2019. Will and I were both born at Glens Falls Hospital and have lived in the area all our lives. We met after coming home from college and knew we wanted to stay here to start our family. A few years ago, we bought a house about a mile from downtown and love being so close to everything (especially our friends and families!).

Sharing the News

How did you share your pregnancy news with your family and friends?

We actually waited about four months to tell our family and friends, because I had a miscarriage with our first pregnancy. We know it’s a sensitive topic that most people keep private, but I wanted to take this opportunity to let other mamas know that it’s more common than most people think. Talking to other families who had been through the same thing helped us process it, so I want others to know that they aren’t alone out there! When I got pregnant for the second time, we allowed ourselves to be cautiously optimistic, so when we finally did share the news, we wanted to make it special. We actually filmed my parents’ reaction, so that’s a touching memory we’ll cherish forever. And now we’re so blessed to have our little rainbow baby!

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 did not find out! We both love surprises...but to be honest, we also tried to figure it out at every ultrasound. I was convinced we were having a boy, but Will has four sisters, so he had a suspicion another girl was on the way.

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

We didn’t have a gender reveal, since we didn’t know, but with Will’s family, we revealed our pregnancy during a game of Family Feud (Will’s family is obsessed with game shows). Survey says…we’re having a baby!

Photo courtesy of Will + Katie Fowler

All about PHOEBE

Our sweet girl was born on Sunday, June 30th at 1:56 AM. She weighed 8 lbs. 8.9 oz. and was 20 inches long. 

How did you decide on her name?

Our most favorite thing to do together is birdwatching. Will’s sisters got us into it a few years ago and we were instantly hooked. One of the first times we went birding together, we saw a little, fluffy brown bird that cheerily bobbed it’s tail—the Eastern Phoebe. We thought it was a really cute name that you don’t hear all that often and that was that! Her middle name, Margaret, is for my Grandma Peggy (who just celebrated her 65th wedding anniversary last week!). 

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

Um, everything! I love how she gently tugs at the back of my hair when she’s sleepy. I love how she shrieks when she gets excited, especially when she sees me walk in the door after work. I get so excited I echo her squeals too! Will loves how she wakes up every morning with a giant grin on her face and when she looks deeply into his face like she’s trying to memorize it.

What are some of your favorite things to do together?

Phoebe loves to show off all of her physical abilities! Rolling, bouncing, sitting up, and (almost) standing. She’s working on crawling in every direction but forward. Phoebe is such a calm baby, it’s so easy and fun to take her out and about; to visit friends, hang out with family or go birding! Will loves to watch Syracuse basketball games with her because she gets really excited when Dad jumps up and cheers.

Any similarities - in appearance or personality - to the two of you? 

When she was first born, we both thought she looked a lot like me. But Will’s physical traits are slowly starting to appear. We both have blue eyes, so we were happy to pass those along. Her hair (what little there is) gets more and more reddish everyday, so we think she might end up being strawberry blonde. She’s very social, like Will. She’s pretty stubborn, like both of us. And she’s also very serious most of the time, which she definitely doesn’t get from either of us.

Photos courtesy of Will + Katie Fowler

On Parenthood

What’s your favorite part about parenthood thus far? How about the biggest challenge or most surprising thing? 

My favorite part of parenthood so far is being her everything. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to meet all her needs and calm her down when no one else can. My biggest challenge has been going back to work. We are beyond fortunate to have my mom take care of Phoebe full time, but it doesn’t make me miss her any less each day.

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

We can’t wait to hear her squeaky little voice! It’s easy to get ahead of ourselves, but we can’t help but get excited thinking about what interests she’ll have, talents she’ll possess and all the things she’ll teach us about ourselves, too.

What has being a parent taught you?

I didn’t think I could love Will any more than I did, until I saw the way he looks at Phoebe. In terms of lessons learned, becoming parents has given us both an entirely new respect for our own parents. So thanks mom and dad...and sorry for all the grief!

How about the best advice someone has given you? 

It sounds really cliche, but the best advice we received was to enjoy every moment. These first 7 months have flown by in a heartbeat. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day bustle of diapers and laundry and work, but we have to stop and constantly remind ourselves that they’re only little once!

And your advice for new parents? 

Don’t compare yourselves to other parents! There are so many baby blogs and conflicting opinions out there that it’ll make your head spin. It’s easy to feel like you aren’t doing enough or aren’t doing it right. You know what’s best for your baby and your family!

Photo courtesy of Will + Katie Fowler

Just for Fun

What are the top few products that got you through the first few months?

• What to Expect the First Year by Heidi Murkoff

• SwaddleMe

• A good white noise machine (portable ones are great!)

• Fischer-Price Sit-Me-Up (when you just need to put her down for a second!)

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

We’d probably go to our favorite downtown spot, Raul’s, for margaritas and tacos (but of course, we’d have to check The Weekender first, to see what’s going on!)

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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!

Hockey Town: Aisha Visram

We recently had the pleasure to catch up with Aisha Visram, the Head Athletic Trainer and Strength Conditioning Coach for the Adirondack Thunder. Now on her third season with the team, read on to learn more about what inspired her to get into the field, what a typical day with the Thunder is like, and some advice for anyone looking to become an athletic trainer.

On Hockey Life

I’m from Toronto, and like all other stereotypical Canadians, I watched Hockey Night in Canada every weekend, cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs.  My brother and I both started playing rec hockey when we were young and our love for the game grew from there.  I do still cheer for the Leafs – they’ll always be my team.

On Becoming an Athletic Trainer

What inspired you to enter the realm of healthcare?

My favorite subjects in school were the sciences - I liked biology and kinesiology. I wanted to help people and to feel like I was contributing to something. But I didn’t really know much about sports medicine or athletic training until high school. I remember the exact moment when I knew what I wanted to do - I was watching a Leafs game, and one of the players got hurt during play and stayed down. I had never really paid attention to what the people behind the bench do before. The camera followed the athletic trainer as they ran out on to the ice to attend to the player, showed them helping the player up, and then followed them coming back to the bench together. And I just thought that looked like the coolest job ever! After looking into it, it all added up - athletic training was the perfect combination of my love for sport and my interest in healthcare and kinesiology. 

My parents are both pharmacists and my mom has a degree in nutrition as well, so a passion for science and healthcare is something I share with them.

Where did you study and train?

I did my undergraduate degree in Canada at the University of Guelph in Human Kinetics, and then an Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta. One of the things that I like most about athletic training is the hands-on aspect…but I love learning and really wanted the experience of conducting research. I got my Masters of Science degree at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in Exercise Psychology and did my thesis on mental toughness. Throughout all of this I did various internships - trained at clinics, covered various sports, and worked with different teams. Hockey was always my first love though – my dream from the start was to work in professional hockey.  After graduating from UMass I was fortunate enough to get a job in hockey right away – I started at St Lawrence University working with Womens Hockey along with some other sports, and then transitioned to working with Mens Hockey.  But again – my goal was always professional hockey, and when I got the opportunity to move up and join the Thunder I was thrilled!

Any mentors that helped you along the way? 

I’ve been very lucky to have had great supervisors and mentors all through school and early in my professional career.  There are too many to name, but all were instrumental in helping guide me along the way.  

What do you love the most about being an Athletic Trainer? 

Being able to help athletes play the game they love safely and making a difference in people’s lives every day. It’s a very rewarding and challenging position – there’s definitely a routine but every day is different, and it really keeps you on your toes, which I find exciting. The team aspect is also really great - you get depended on for a lot, and it’s very satisfying to know that you contribute to the success of the group.  Athletic training is constantly evolving, there’s always something to learn – new treatment techniques, nutrition and diet recommendations are always changing – lifelong learning is important to be good at your job.

Photo: Andy Camp

On Working with the Thunder

What do you enjoy most about being the team's athletic trainer? How's it been going?

The organization here as a whole is amazing – there are a lot of hard working, committed people doing whatever they can to keep hockey in Glens Falls. Everyone has a different role, but we all work hard to do our part to give the team the best chance to succeed. The staff has always focused on bringing in great hockey players that are also good people – team culture is very important to us and that is one of the best aspects of working with the Thunder.  I have great support on the medical side as well - we have great team physicians and other healthcare providers that are involved in maintaining the health and wellness of our players.  It’s great to be surrounded by such wonderful people who genuinely care about them as people, not just as athletes. 

Are there any particular challenges that come with the role?

Sometimes it’s challenging to be both the athletic trainer and strength coach – it can be a little overwhelming some days if there are a lot of injuries and treatments to do, and then trying to find time to plan the workouts for the team.  But I have great interns and helpers who do whatever they can to take some tasks off my plate so I can focus on the important stuff. Our players are also awesome – they understand that everyone in our organization wears many hats, and they are great about being patient and letting you prioritize what needs to be done first.

The travel in this league can also be very exhausting at times. We all do our best to stay positive and balance work and rest but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t challenging! Lots of late nights and naps on the bus when we can.

We understand that you're one of two female athletic trainers in the ECHL. We think that's awesome! What are your thoughts on that?

Tara Guilliland-Smith with Brampton and I are the 2 female athletic trainers in our league. While it still may not be a common thing to see female athletic trainers working with mens professional teams, it’s been really positive to see female Athletic Trainers in the other big sporting leagues recently –the NFL, MLB and NBA all have teams that have had female Athletic Trainers on staff. The number of women getting into athletic training now outnumbers men, so things will have to change based solely on the math. As cliché as it may sound, I think you just have to do the work - work hard, do your job well, and show that women can do just as great a job as men can. That’s the only way for us to prove that we belong and open doors for other women to get opportunities as well. 

I’ve been very fortunate – every team and organization that I have worked with has treated me just like any staff member regardless of gender. There are some awkward situations that arise, but we’re all professionals and when the players trust you and know you’re going to do the right thing by them I don’t think they really care what gender you are – they just want someone who does a good job, knows their stuff, and cares.

What are some of the most frequent injuries that you encounter? 

Tons of contusions from blocking shots and body contact. We see a lot of lacerations as well. Shoulders, hips, and wrists are very common areas for hockey injuries. It’s a long season and a physical league, so there are a lot of wear and tear type injuries that build up over time too.

Any advice you would offer anyone aspiring to be an athletic trainer? 

Always be prepared- you’ll save yourself a lot of angst if you make sure you have what you need, and appearing efficient just makes you look good. 

Regardless of what sport you think you want to work in, work as many different sports as you can when you’re a student. You’ll see a variety of different injuries and that makes you a more well-rounded healthcare professional.  

Sometimes in this role you have to make difficult decisions that aren’t always easy to make, and you can’t please everyone. But you’ll never regret doing the right thing. If you can look at yourself in the mirror each night and know you did what was best for your athletes – you’re on the right track. 

It’s also really important to remember that your needs matter too – those of us that spend our lives caring for others need to remember that. I always start my day with a workout before the players arrive – when things get challenging and you get pulled in different directions, it’s a good feeling to know that you did something for yourself first. 

On a Typical Day with the Thunder

A typical practice or home game day for me starts pretty early. I’m usually the first one to get to the arena around 6:30am so I can get a workout in before our staff meeting at 7:30am. The coaches, equipment manager Alex Mann and I meet most days to go over the injury report, the line ups, roadtrips – basically just making sure the staff is on the same page. After that, I spend my time getting ready for practice and the day before the players arrive – I put workouts on the board for the team, prepare for treatments, set the bench up for practice. I have interns that help us with the preparations as well. If we are hosting a visiting team, Alex and I will get their locker rooms set up and make sure they have all the supplies they need. I’ll do treatments both before and after practice depending on what injuries we have going on and where players are at in their recovery. During practice you’ll find me on the bench making sure everyone is safe.  After practice I’ll wrap up treatments, check in with our physicians and provide any updates they may need, set up any appointments for players that need to be made, injury documenting and workers compensation updates, and then clean-up for the next day.  

If it’s a gameday, we’ll take a break for a couple of hours and come back in the afternoon for another round of set up and treatments before the game. I’m on the bench for warms ups and during the game to take care of any injuries that occur, and during intermissions we stay ready for anything the players may need. 

On the road, the routine can change a lot depending on our travel schedule – there’s less set up and more heavy lifting. But for me, it still centers around treatments and making sure the players get what they need to be ready for the game. 

Photo: Andy Camp

On Glens Falls

Glens Falls and the surrounding areas are a really great place to live. The downtown Glens Falls area isn’t overwhelming but has plenty of restaurants and coffee shops and bars – it’s not difficult to find fun things to do. I really enjoy Craft on 9 and Farmacy, and The Bullpen is one of our go-to spots for happy hour or after game drinks. 

In the late summer and fall before the season starts we go up to Lake George quite a bit. I really enjoy hiking and this area is great for that – I’ve done most of the easy to moderate trails and the views of the lake and mountains are amazing. Kayaking in this area is also great!

The Thunder are home again on Tuesday, March 10 at 7pm - grab tickets here!

The Weekender: February 28 - March 1

Happy weekend! It’s been a quiet one around here as I’ve been under the weather and Tom has been busy disinfecting everything I’ve touched ;) That being said, we’ll probably be keeping a low profile this weekend, but here are a few things you might be interested in!

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

The Weekender: February 21-23

It’s Thursday! Hope you’ve had a great week - especially if you and the kids had this week off! We’re chatting through what’s on our radar for the weekend ahead in another video edition of The Weekender - watch it below!

Click below for details on:

Adirondack Thunder Hockey

Common Roots - Beach Party

Downhill Derby in Chestertown

HR Tyrer Galleries Auction

Adirondack Pond Hockey

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Hockey Town: Dan Miner

If you’ve been a hockey fan in these parts over the past few decades, you’ve heard this iconic voice introduce every hockey team that has taken to the ice at the Civic Center, and now Cool Insuring Arena, including The Adirondack Red Wings, Ice Hawks, Frostbite, Phantoms, Flames, and now our Adirondack Thunder! We had an amazing time catching up with Dan Miner, the public address announcer for the Adirondack Thunder and local radio personality on WCKM 98.5 FM. He’ll be inducted into the Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame this weekend and we were fortunate to spend some time with him and learn what inspired him to get into radio, his favorite announcers growing up, what it’s like to be the voice of an entire arena and more! 

Photo: Andy Camp

ON THE HALL OF FAME

Congratulations on being inducted into the Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame! 

Thank you! It’s a little odd for me… I’m not used to people complimenting me and saying congratulations, I’m used to being on the other side. It’s just very humbling to be recognized for all the years of service and great to be recognized alongside such talented people and friends. It’s like getting the band back together! [Sylvain Cloutier, Frank Littlejohn and the late H. Douglas “Doug” Burch will also be inducted.]

ON THE PAST 

How did you get started in radio? 

When I was a little kid, I just loved radio. I got the bug early. When I was growing up in Troy, my grandparents lived down the street from the WTRY studios so you could go down and the disc jockeys would let you watch and see what was going on. And right next to the school I went to was WRPI so after school I could sneak over to the college radio station and check things out. As a little kid, it just fascinated me. I never had a back-up plan, this is all I ever wanted to do. 

Did you have any mentors along the way? 

My radio instructor at SUNY Adirondack, Ron Pesha, was awesome. He had been there and done that, worked in the smallest of small markets and the biggest. Just real-life experience. When I first got started in radio, there were some people that took me under their wing. Glenn Britton was another one of those guys with an amazing voice and he was just so cool - he helped me out a lot early on. I’m still great friends with him today. 

Who were some of your favorite radio announcers growing up? 

Boom Boom Brannigan when I was a kid growing up in Troy. He was just awesome. He made everything so big. Of course Wolf Man Jack, I was fortunate enough to interview him and he was one of those guys that I really looked up to. Rick Knight, who I ended up working with later - he’s a Glens Falls / South Glens Falls guy. I went to work with him in the 90’s when he was at Fly 92. He was one of those guys that I just absolutely loved. And then there was Dave Strader who I got to know later on in my career. Being a kid from Whitehall, listening to the hockey games when they started in ‘79, he was the guy who painted the picture. Dave did a game so perfectly. 

How about your all-time favorite sports announcer? 

Dave Strader definitely. He had a way of painting a picture, and even when he moved to TV, I could lay on my couch, close my eyes and still know what was going on with the game just by listening to Dave. Not the hype, not the hyperbole, and not the show - Dave really called the game and that’s what I loved about him. He was just great at what he did. To do what he did from his radio beginnings through national and international feeds was just incredible. 

Photo: Andy Camp

ON GAME NIGHT 

What’s it like to be the voice of an arena? 

Things have changed over the years, it’s much more of an entertaining experience. There’s also a alot going on including announcing the officiating, advertising, etc. We’ve got a great team up here. Video, officials, cameramen, staff from the team, etc. That took a while to figure out. It’s humbling, when you have people come up to you and they say you were announcing my first hockey game and they’re 40-something years old. I’m like Geez, I'm old! The team in the office is amazing as well. They’re local people who care.

We’d love to hear some of your favorite moments. 

Any opening night is exciting, the playoff opening nights of course are awesome. Shoot outs aren’t  There’s so many. Then one time on my second night of announcing, one of my best friends was shooting to win a car on the ice. And he did it! That was just awesome.

What’s your favorite battle cry to get the crowd going? 

Probably the Rick Flair “Whoooooo!”. That came about one night when the music went down right when the crowd needed a punch. So I just got on the mic and did it. Sometimes the best stuff is accidental!

What’s your biggest challenge being an arena announcer? 

Trying to get all the names correct - it’s a sign of respect. I always want to be sure to get everything right. 

Thoughts on the team this year? 

We’ve got a great group that will always play hard and give their best every night. Most importantly, they are good, kind people. It starts with James Henry right on down. And that’s a testament to coaching and front office.

We must know - what’s your favorite thing to eat at the arena? 

Pretzel! Gotta keep it simple during game time.

Photo: Andy Camp

ON GLENS FALLS 

What are your thoughts on Glens Falls these days? 

The city has a whole new energy. It really starts with the Coalition. It gave everybody hope. It’s like even back with the Red Wings. It was more like an event happening. You had to be there and I think they’ve done that here with The Thunder. I credit guys like Jeff Mead as well, a local guy that’s been there and done that and gets what it takes to make it work. It’s great to be in a hockey town!

And one of the smallest hockey towns, correct? 

We’re the smallest market in all of the ECHL, if not all of professional hockey. I never lose sight of that. It’s one of those things that I hope people don't take for granted since hockey has been here since 1979. The fact that we have the Adirondack Civic Center Coalition made up of people who are great at what they do and then to come together with great energy and knowledge to help keep hockey here is amazing. 

When you’re not enjoying a pretzel at the arena, where are your favorite places to grab a bite to eat? 

I enjoy the Bullpen, Jack’s American Bistro, Talk of the Town, and Massies. For breakfast - Sam’s and Coaches Corner. 

ON THE FUTURE

What kind of advice would you offer someone who wanted to get into the radio business now? 

Diversify. Learn everything. There are no more one trick ponies any more. So if you want to be on the air, you better know how to operate computers, do production, engineering, and all sorts of things. The job that I have now, seven people used to do. 

Thanks Dan! And Congratulations!

—————

New Addition: Diana Caroline Grogan

Lauren Grogan and Michael Plank welcomed their adorable daughter Diana this past fall, and we were so happy to catch up with them to hear all about her (and hang out with their sweet son Harvey!). Read on to find out about their experience with home birth, the significance of Diana’s name, and some great advice for new parents!

Tell us about your family! 

We are Lauren Grogan and Michael Plank and we live in Hudson Falls.  Michael and I have been married for 10 years, he is the pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Hudson Falls and together we founded Underwood Park Crossfit in Fort Edward.  Our first daughter, Aliza Dayenu, was still born at 23 weeks in June of 2013. That loss was a profound and transformative event for our family, and it echoes through our life today in some very beautiful ways.  A year later, our son, Harvey Michael Plank, was born. He is now a wonderfully sweet and silly 5 year old who always makes us laugh and impresses us with his intelligence and sensitive heart. He also adores his new sister, Diana Caroline Grogan. As a family we love to sing and have kitchen dance parties. We also like to spend our free days outside and our nights at SlickFin Brewing Company.

Sharing the News

How did you share your pregnancy news with your family and friends?

This pregnancy was very planned, and I was pretty sure our plan had worked well before the test confirmed it, so there was no big reveal for my husband.  We chose to take our time telling family, until I accidentally mentioned it in a totally unrelated conversation with my mother-in-law! So there was no big reveal there either, just some quick happy phone calls once the cat was out of the bag. Harvey also had a great time announcing our news, he even told a few people before we were ready! It was nice to tell people a few at a time, like breaking off a little piece of our joy and sharing it in a bunch of intimate moments over the course of a few months.

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? 

Harvey always referred to the baby as ‘she.’ A week before our ultrasound, we talked to Maureen, a woman from our church who’s ability to predict the sex of a pregnancy is legend in our town. She has never been wrong, but she told us it was a boy! At the ultrasound, it was clear that it was a girl and Harvey reminded us that he’d known all along. Maureen said she might retire from predictions.

Photo by Kelli Evans Photography

All about Diana

Diana was born at our house on October 29th, 2019 at 11:55 AM. She weighed 8lbs 15oz and was 21 inches long.

How did you decide on a home birth?

This was our second planned home birth, with the same midwife who helped us welcome Harvey, Kathie Breault with Sage-Femme midwifery. She is now an extension of our family, a true wise woman whose advice I deeply value and seek often. This time we had our friend, Kelli Evans, photograph the birth and the pictures she took are a stunning capsule of the emotional event. My water didn’t break until the moment Diana was born, which is unusual and a fascinating thing to see captured in photographs.  Labor was hard, I was physically and emotionally drained. But Michael is the most supportive partner and we make a great team. Just like her sister and brother, Diana was born into her father’s hands. There was a moment right after she was born, before they put her on my chest, when I was so happy to see her and relieved to be finished laboring. I reached for her, and in one of Kelli’s photos, you can see Diana’s hands stretched toward me too. 

Photo by Kelli Evans Photography

The first time we chose to plan for a birth at home, it was about redeeming some of the hard parts of my first birth and having a team of people caring for me who treated me like the healthy person I was.  This time, I just couldn't imagine doing anything different! I appreciate having the agency to make choices for myself combined with the knowledge and care of birth experts. Receiving care in my home during the days after she was born was so wonderful, I was well looked after and didn't have to leave the house until I wanted to!

Tell us about her beautiful name!

A few years ago we were on a family trip to Manhattan and the weather was awful.  To escape the rain, we went to The Met. We stepped into one particular hall, full of light from its glass ceiling, and in the center was this dramatic statue of a woman holding a bow and arrow (bow hunting is a favorite pastime of Michael, and many people in my family) I read the description, and it was a statue of Diana, the Huntress.  I thought that would be a beautiful name for a daughter some day, which surprised me because at that point I was definitely not thinking about having more kids! Over the next few years I would see her from time to time in different works of art. Diana is the roman goddess of the moon and the hunt, she is almost always depicted with a bow and often a stag or hound.  I love that imagery, and by the time we were thinking of having another child, I knew that this name had worked its way into my heart. We went back to the museum this summer and told Harvey about his sister’s powerful name. Her middle name is Caroline after my mother-in-law, and her last name is Grogan because it’s my last name and I like it!

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

I am really loving this newborn stage!  The experience of having done it already makes it much easier for me to enjoy. I’m not as anxious and I know I won’t be sleep deprived forever, so I’m able to relax and soak it all in.  She is deliciously squishy right now, I love her chubby baby rolls!

How about some of your favorite things to do together? 

She goes everywhere with me, so we do it all.  She has been to several meetings, and last week for the first time I wore her while I gave a presentation.  I also wear her when I walk to school to pick up Harvey, and I just love the connection we have when she is snuggled in to me. We’re also settling in to a weekday morning routine that I really love: I get my coffee before she wakes up and then we hang out in bed. I feed her, we snuggle, she lays on her stomach for some strength training (baby CrossFit). The rest of the day I may need to focus on other things, but that first hour is just for us.

Any similarities to the two of you? 

She most strongly resembles her brother, it’s really fun!  She is calm and content, which is more like my husband, but she has a wildcat scream that she uses to get her point across and that’s definitely my style.

Photo by Kelli Evans Photography

On Parenthood

What’s your favorite thing about being parents?

I love watching them learn and seeing their personalities emerge.  Harvey is learning to read at lightning speed and we get these fascinating glimpses of how his mind works as he learns and applies new skills. Diana finally figured out how to get her thumb into her mouth after many weeks of diligent effort. I’m looking forward to learning about her personality, the ways that she is similar to Harvey and the things that are unique to her.  

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

Having another girl is pretty fun!  I’m excited for floral print everything and it’s been fun to put her in some dresses that I wore when I was a baby.  We are also pretty sure we are finished having kids, so I am excited to take in all of her milestones, knowing that it will be our last time experiencing them as parents.  

How have you changed since becoming parents? 

I think being a parent makes you a better person, because your kids are always watching. They see and imitate everything we do, so there is a pretty strong incentive to be the best versions of ourselves, and to own it when we fall short of that goal (often). You do so much to shape their worldview when they are little, it’s a huge responsibility and also an incredible opportunity to think critically about what you value.  It can be exhausting to have to explain literally everything to them, but I have articulated so many things that I previously did not have words for. I think I know myself better because of that.

Photo by Kelli Evans Photography

We’d love to hear the best advice someone has given you? 

The most helpful thing for me is when other women affirm how I am feeling: that it’s hard, lonely even boring sometimes when you have a young baby and it’s ok to not love every minute.  Also the geniuses at babysleepscience.com taught me how to help my baby sleep and that changed my life.  

How about your advice for new parents? 

Nothing lasts forever! Most people think of this as a negative, but I think it’s comforting to know when you are in the trenches that it’s a short season of life. And don’t buy anything!  Take all the hand-me-downs you can get and save your money for date nights. The best thing you can give your child is happy parents.  

Photo by Kelli Evans Photography

Just for Fun

What are the the top 3-5 products that have gotten you through the first few months? 

Dry shampoo and a soft sided carrier, I like the baby k’tan, my husband likes the moby.  And a Haakaa breast pump! I didn’t have this with Harvey and it’s a game changer, especially to use on the opposite side while Diana is nursing.

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

Sleep! I guess I wouldn't say no a nice meal, but I’d want it in bed. 

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

At Glens Falls Hospital, we know how special that first look at 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!

At the Lake: Erlowest E-gloos

We’re excited to bring you the first in our new At the Lake series - and what better place to start than one that holds a special place in our hearts - The Inn at Erlowest (where we had our wedding reception!). Sure, some folks may not think of the lake as a winter destination, but with the Winter Carnival, Ice Bars, and now, igloos (or as they call them at Erlowest: e-gloos!) - winter at the lake is the new summer ;)

With a gorgeous spot overlooking Lake George, The Inn at Erlowest was looking for a fun new way to provide outdoor dining with a view once the summer season ended, and this unique idea definitely fits the bill! We popped in to enjoy dinner in one of their e-gloos earlier this month, and it definitely has our vote as a perfect winter date night.

Decked out in white lights (and outfitted with their own little heaters!), the e-gloos are perched on the patio - a prime location to enjoy the view as the sunset turned the sky pink. It just so happened that our e-gloo was also next to the gorgeous outdoor fireplace - always a hit in the summer and even more appreciated in the winter! We couldn’t help but pop out to enjoy the crackling fire (and the view) between courses.

Speaking of courses, the meal (prepared by Chef Scott Dewar), was outstanding. Some favorites: the Harvest Bisque with Maple Cream and Spiced Pumpkin Seeds (like candy!), the Jumbo Shrimp with Polenta, the Brown Sugar Cured Salmon, and the Scallops (cooked on a salt block!). We couldn’t stop talking about the food the entire drive home (and Bri is still talking about the scallops!).

They’ll be serving dinner in the e-gloos through April 15 (which is perfect for our winters that don’t seem to end!). You can grab more details here, or reserve by giving them a call at 518-668-5928.

Chef Scott Dewar at The Inn at Erlowest

Until next time!

P.S. Still hungry? Check out more local favorites here.

The Weekender: February 14 - 16

Happy weekend! Doing things a bit differently this week and popping in on video with our picks - tune in below! Hope you enjoy… Happy Valentine’s Day!

Click below for details on:

Mean Max

Barn Sale

Fire on the Mountain - West Mountain

Tribute to a Hero - Wood Theater

DMB Tribute - Downtown Social

Have a great weekend!
Tom + Bri

My Glens Falls: Alisha Stosic-Hanley

This week we caught up with Alisha Stosic-Hanley! She's been a local for the past three years or so, but if you've ever met her, it seems like she's been here her whole life! Tom first met Alisha through the Glens Falls Rotary Club, but you may recognize her as the friendly leader of the team at the Queensbury Senior Center. Read on to hear her thoughts on the spirit of our community, a few of her favorite spots, and where to find some amazing fries with gravy! 

Tell us about yourself!

Hi! I am Alisha Stosic-Hanley and I am the Executive Director of the Queensbury Senior Center. I have had the honor of being in this position for the last year and a half and am grateful each day I walk into the Center. I am a mom to 4 wonderful kiddos, 3 boys: 18, 15 and 13 and a little girl who is 6 and 3 quarters (in her own words). I enjoy being involved in all sorts of activities, but especially fun and unique fundraisers that go to support the many wonderful organizations in our area.

On Life in Glens Falls

I grew up in Southern California, graduated high school in Southwest Missouri and went to college in Montana — I only moved to the Glens Falls area 3 and a half years ago! Although it has been a short time, I have fallen in love with the charm, beauty and goodwill of Glens Falls. It is easy to see why so many people stay, or come back, to this area. Being that I have lived in many different regions of the US, I have had the opportunity to explore and discover what makes each place special and unique. It did not take me long to figure out the idiosyncrasies of Glens Falls and the amazing people who call it home.

I currently rent a townhome that is just on the outskirts of Glens Falls. It is easy to get to downtown (6 minutes), to work (10 minutes on a good day) and all the other places a busy working mom needs to go. I enjoy finding fun, local items to decorate my home with to give it the modern small town charm appeal. If you see me out walking a Saint Bernard puppy all hours of the day - make sure to wave! She will most likely be walking me....

Some Glens Falls Favorites

My favorite thing about Glens Falls is, hands down, the people. I have lived in many places and this area is a true testament to the power of a group of like minded individuals that seek to improve their community through service, activism and education. I have had the honor of being enveloped in a network of friends that have turned into family. Being in the ‘senior industry’ for so long, I would say some of our greatest hidden gems, and most valuable assets, is our senior population! The wisdom, humor and honesty this group serves up on a daily basis is truly book worthy. And if you ever doubt this, I challenge you to join me for just one day at the Queensbury Senior Center! You will go home feeling better than when you entered....the kindness and love that seniors give freely is priceless. 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

My ideal day is enjoying all the wonderful offerings of Glens Falls! I would start with a heart pumping workout at Core of Glens Falls, where I would be encouraged and welcomed by some of the best people around. Afterwards I would grab a bulletproof maple latte at Spektor Coffee Roasters, because “coffee is the most important meal of the day”! From there I may venture a walk on the Betar Byway with my dog and kiddos. A perfect evening would start at Craft on 9 (poutine is to die for!) and either catching one of the amazing performances at the Adirondack Film Festival (if in season) or doing a fun paint and sip at Sip n’ Canvas downtown. My youngest kiddos and I enjoy cheering on the Adirondack Thunder as much as we can as well! To finish the night would be a handcrafted cocktail at Fenimore’s while enjoying the music of a talented local artist. 

On the Past

One memory I have in particular is when I first visited Glens Falls back in 2000, which was my first real experience on the East Coast. I had the pleasure of dining at Massie’s Italian Restaurant and was blown away that people actually ordered fries with GRAVY on them. I had never heard of such a thing. Now I’m hooked!!

…and On the Future

The future of Glens Falls and its surrounding areas is so incredibly bright! I would love to see an outdoor music venue brought to the area to enjoy the many talented local musicians that call this area home. Two of my favorite things are summer nights and live music - put them together and you have a winning combo. 

Thanks Alisha!

P.S. Check out more of our My Glens Falls series here.