The Weekender: August 21 - 23

Happy weekend! Can you feel that hint of fall in the air? Windows are open, AC is off, and we actually needed a fleece for the morning walk today. It’s enough to make you slow down and appreciate these warm sunny days before they fade away, and we’re planning to soak it all up this weekend. 

What do you have planned? Here’s a few ideas:

Radici + [farmacy] at Mean Max: Just heard that Radici has created an exclusive menu that you can only get at the Mean Max taproom! Sign us up for a pint paired with their amazing fried chicken and mac and cheese. And did you know that they serve food from the fine folks at [farmacy] too?! Hellooo lobster rolls! Details here. 

Feeder Canal Alliance Canoe & Kayak Race: As with most things this year, the race has gone “virtual”! So, you can paddle or run the five mile route along the canal, or you may paddle, run, or bike a 5 mile distance anywhere you like and submit your entry for the race. Whichever way you complete the race, don’t forget to register online - your $15 donation supports the Feeder Canal Alliance and its educational programming along the canal. Details here!

Sunflower Festival: Not sure about you, but we could totally use a sunny afternoon strolling in a field of sunflowers. Liberty Ridge Farm down in Schaghticoke (about a 45 minute drive) is having their Sunflower Festival this weekend (and next weekend, too!), and you can do just that. Limited tickets available - grab yours online here!

UNO: We’ve had a random deck of UNO cards sitting in our side table on the back porch for at least three years. We pulled them out a few weeks ago, and once we looked up the rules (we’re a little out of practice), we’ve had a blast playing round after round on weekend evenings with a cocktail. Whether it’s UNO or not, highly recommend hiding your phone for a while and playing a good old fashioned board or card game. 

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Hometown News: August 19

This week in Hometown News, Gordon has the scoop what voting will look like here in November, an update on two women who are racing to be the first to summit all 46 High Peaks the fastest, how to support the Brant Lake Bike Park Expansion, and lots more!

What’s the Deal With Voting in November?

With all of this talk about voting by mail, what’s voting going to look like around here come November?

We asked Beth McLaughlin, the Democratic Commissioner of the Warren County Board of Elections, for some answers.

Basically, you have three options:

    • You can vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at your regular polling place
    • You can vote by absentee ballot. Applications are available for download here
    • You can vote early, starting Saturday, Oct. 24, and running through Sunday, Nov. 1

“On Election Day, all poll sites will be opened from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.,” Ms. McLaughlin said. “We are preparing for a very busy day.”

“At this very moment voters must apply for an absentee with a paper application. These may be downloaded from our website [ download here ]. They will need to be mailed back to us or dropped off in our drop box in the foyer of the Human Services Building.”

Governor Cuomo has signed a bill to allow voters the right to request an absentee ballot due to risk of illness to themselves or others. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 27.

Early voting in the Warren County Board of Elections Office in the Human Services Building at 1340 State Route 9 in Queensbury, is once again available starting Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and continuing every day through Sunday, Nov. 1. Weekend hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Monday, Oct. 26, and Wednesday, Oct. 28, the hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. On the remaining weekdays, the hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Our building is still closed,” Ms. McLaughlin said, “but registration forms and absentee applications are available in the foyer of the Human Services Building.”

By the way, if you aren’t yet registered to vote, you must do so by October 9 - voter registration forms are available for download here.

Info: (518) 761-6456 or (518) 761-6457.  

Two Women Race To Be First To Hike All 46 High Peaks In One Attempt

Two women ultra runners are racing right now to climb the 46 high peaks of the Adirondacks the fastest.

Sarah Keyes of Saranac Lake, a nurse at Adirondack Health, started at 12:14 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17th, morning near Henderson Lake north of Newcomb, hoping to complete the 150-mile journey in less than 90 hours. Her first four summits were Allen, Santanoni, Couchsachraga and Panther.

Alyssa Godesky, a professional triathlete and ultra-running coach from Virginia, started at 2:40 a.m. Monday near where Ms. Keyes started. She hiked up Seymour, Seward, Donaldson and Emmons to start.

Ms. Keyes believes no woman has ever attempted to summit all 46 high peaks in one attempt. She hopes to finish in less than 90 hours. Both women are being supported throughout their hike.

“We agreed we should just start the same day and make it a ‘race,’ Ms. Keyes told Glens Falls Living. “I’m not sure of her route or what time she’ll be starting but we’ll both start on the 17th.”

Ms. Godesky wrote on her blog, alyssagodesky.com, “As if this wasn’t exciting enough, we are taking it up a notch with this one! Sarah Keyes will also be starting her supported FKT [fastest known time] attempt for the 46 High Peaks on August 17th! We are excited to share our passion of mountains with our followers through this adventure!”

In a quick online interview late Sunday night, she said, “I will have crew with me and pacers on the trail to carry supplies and to help keep me safe, and to keep me company…In ultra running nutrition is the key. I’ll be basically eating the entire time, having portioned out over 20,000 calories in gels, chews and other runner food. Plus I’ll eat real food on top of that. Water I will filter on the trail!”

Ms. Godesky wrote on her blog: "Journeys of this kind are sometimes fast, and sometimes slow. They are hectic, and they are hurry-up-and-wait. They are frustration, happiness, endless rocks and beautiful sunsets." 

You can track both hikers as they attempt to set the record. Follow Sarah at https://share.garmin.com/skeyes and Alyssa at https://share.garmin.com/agodesky.

Support The Brant Lake Bike Park Expansion

Drew Cappabianca, the energetic owner of The Hub in Brant Lake, is trying to finish the amazing mountain bike trails above his business on the Mill Pond.

He hopes a Kickstarter campaign can raise $25,000 by Thursday, Aug. 20, at 5:43 p.m. The campaign was closing in on $20,000 as of Wednesday morning.

“We need all hands on deck to hit the goal by Thursday,” Drew wrote. “Remember that Kickstarter is all or nothing. If we don't hit the goal NOTHING gets funded.

“Many other trail systems have yearly dues and user fees around $35-40/year. The Brant Lake Bike Park trails are free and open for you to use at any time. We're just asking for a one-time donation of whatever you can comfortably do.

“On a personal note, if this project doesn't get funded, there will be no ‘next time.’ I've expended an enormous amount of personal money and effort to bring Brant Lake Bike Park to fruition, and if this fundraiser isn't successful, I've got nothing left in the tank to give.”

Mr. Cappabianca started The Hub in 2014. “It’s like a ski lodge or golf clubhouse, but for cycling,” is how he describes it.

In 2016, he bought the 200-plus acres directly behind The Hub. The Brant Lake Bike Park opened in June 2018, with more than three miles of professionally built, single-track trails.

The goal now is to finish the trail. Noted trail designer Steve Ovitt is doing the work. He designed the trails at the Ski Bowl in North Creek, and Gurney Lane in Queensbury.

Check out Brant Lake Bike Park on Facebook here.

Addictions Care Center Plans Men’s Treatment Center In Queensbury

Addictions Care Center of Albany purchased 68 Quaker Road in Queensbury, the former home of Adirondack Orthopedic Physicians & Surgeons, and plans a men’s in-patient drug treatment center there. The non-profit organization paid $750,000 for the 7,800-square-foot building with funding from the state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.

The new facility will complement ACCA’s women’s in-patient drug treatment center on Glenwood Avenue in Queensbury.

Adirondack Orthopedic physicians Dr. Doug Petroski and Dr. Carol Fisher have moved to Pruyn Pavilion at Glens Falls Hospital. They are renting office downstairs next to the MRI offices, Debbie Petroski told Glens Falls Living. Adirondack Orthopedic remains independent, and is just renting space in the hospital building, Mrs. Petroski said.

An email to ACCA executive director Keith Stack had not been returned by press time.

Real Housewives Of New Jersey Visit Lake George!

The excitable cast of the Real Housewives of New Jersey television show were in the area last week, and got a tour of Lake George from Tiki Tours on Friday, Aug. 14. Social media posts showed female members of the cast on the boat. A cameraman was also onboard, with more cameras on a pontoon boat nearby. The cast and crew are said to be staying in a private home in Washington County.

Former Home Of The Exchange Cafe Listed For Sale

19 Exchange Street, the former site of the Exchange Cafe and before that Rock Hill Bake House, is for sale for $324,900. Chris and Sarah Patten bought the building and opened the Exchange Cafe after extensive renovations, but the eatery closed in April.

The 2,750-square-foot building has five parking spaces and is zoned commercial. Nicholas Ketter of Realize Brokers and Consultants has the listing. Info: 518-678-4444.

Bowling Centers Open, Gyms Get Okay To Open August 24th

After being closed for four months, bowling centers can now re-open at 50% capacity, with bowlers using every other lane. It is hoped that those restrictions will be relaxed in the coming weeks, which would allow for a smoother transition to league play, which is the lifeblood of bowling centers.

Governor Andrew Cuomo also announced that gyms and fitness centers could reopen on Monday, Aug. 20, at 33% capacity. Masks must be worn at all times, high-end air filters must be used in HVAC systems, and local health departments must inspect facilities before they open or within two weeks of opening, the Governor said.

…And Of Course, A COVID-19 Update

Locally, infection numbers remain stable, but there are some potentially troubling trends to keep an eye on.

Statewide, every region in the state saw their infection positivity rate rise from last Sunday to last Monday. The rates are still well below the 5% benchmark, but it’s something to watch as colleges reopen and schools prepare to reopen.

Also, in Saratoga County, 41% of the positive cases in July were among resides ages 21-39. That’s a problematic trend to be sure.

Warren County was COVID-free as of Tuesday morning, for the first time in more than two months! Count officials said they were “monitoring no new cases or active cases of COVID-19 among county residents as of Tuesday, after five cases that were active as of Monday were deemed recovered,” said a press release.

“Included among them was a case announced earlier this week. That asymptomatic patient was deemed recovered because results of their test were delayed for more than two weeks.

“Test result times vary depending on test site, and in some instances, private laboratories have taken more than two weeks to forward results. In that time period, the infection typically runs its course for those with asymptomatic or mild illness, and the patient is considered recovered if there are no symptoms when the test result is received.

“Tuesday marked the first day since June 17 that Warren County had no resident COVID-19 infections.” 

In Washington County, officials are monitoring precautionary quarantines for 192 residents, an increase of 25 people from Monday to Tuesday. There are six active cases and no hospitalizations. 

Saratoga County reports 42 active cases as of Monday, down 16 from last week, with two residents hospitalized.

And Essex County said it had its first coronavirus death Tuesday, a nursing home resident in Elizabethtown.

Until next time -
Gordon

GORDON WOODWORTH

A South Glens Falls native, Gordon Woodworth is a respected and well-connected voice of the community. As a journalist, he has covered the Glens Falls region for more than 20 years. Read his full bio here, and click here to follow along with him on Facebook - he’s always reporting!

Checking In! The Queensbury Hotel's Amazing Front Desk Transformation

Checking in! The Queensbury Hotel recently updated their front desk, and we can’t get over the stunning transformation! From the brass accents, to the striking black pillars, to the gorgeous marble - the space has completely transformed to give guests and locals alike an amazing first impression. We stopped down to see it for ourselves and chat with general manager Tyler Herrick about the process - see it all below!

On the Past

 Tell us about the history and evolution of the front desk - do you have any idea of what it was like when originally built?

We have some photos that show what the lobby and front desk looked like when the hotel first opened its doors in the 1920s. Originally, before the 1970’s expansion of the Adirondack Room and Pool area, the main entrance to the hotel was off Ridge Street so when you entered the hotel, the front desk was the centerpiece of the lobby and the first thing that greeted you. 

The Queensbury Hotel Front Desk, circa 1930 • Photo provided by The Queensbury Hotel

The original front desk had a large marble countertop that was unfortunately damaged in the 1970s. Rather than replacing the marble, the ownership at that time placed a laminate countertop over the damaged marble. That laminate countertop was still there when we purchased The Q in 2016 and up until this renovation. Also, a lower ceiling and wall was added above the desk sometime in the 70’s and that was something we removed during this renovation to open up the space and make it feel more inviting to guests.

On the Renovation

What was your goal with this renovation?

Our goal for all of our renovation projects is to restore the property back to its 1920’s grandeur and elegance. And we think this restoration did just that.  It brought back the historic pieces of the front desk by exposing the original brass work and matching the original marble to the best of our ability. In removing the additional walls, we were able to expose even more of the original columns and woodwork which got a fresh coat of black and gold paint to make them pop. The lobby was one of the first things we restored after purchased the hotel, and the front desk was always the last piece of the puzzle in that space that needed to be revitalized with some “wow factor”. 

Whether a guest is staying overnight with us, attending a wedding or event or just having drinks in Fenimore’s Pub, the lobby is always a part of their experience in some way, shape or form. In a way, the front desk is a guest’s “first impression” and we all know how important first impressions are. We knew we needed to elevate the design of the front desk, while paying homage to the past, so guests are greeted with a warm welcome and historic hospitality. 

Where did you draw inspiration from?

We have photos of what the front desk looked like in 1926 and tried to match it to the best of our ability, while incorporating some modern touches.

Tell us about the process!

We originally began the design process 8 months ago and for the most part, it was one of the easier projects we have done over the past few years. As always, we try to partner with as many local vendors and businesses as possible in our projects. We’re proud to have worked with Phinney Design Group (Saratoga Springs) on design work, Adirondack Precision Cut Stone (Queensbury) for the Marble, Bergman Custom Casework (Queensbury) for the front desk and storage cabinetry and West End Signs (Hudson Falls) for the custom lettering and signage.

Any surprises along the way?  

One of the biggest obstacles we faced was trying to operate the hotel during the time of construction. We started demo back in April and the space was not usable again until June. We setup a temporary front desk station at the concierge desk in the lobby and luckily our staff is resilient, and our guests were understanding. We knew once the project was complete it would be well worth any temporary inconveniences.

What are some favorite details? 

The brass plated “Q” and Queensbury Hotel lettering is definitely my favorite detail. It is now such a focal piece of the lobby. We are so proud of our name and our brand and the history that comes along with it. The addition of the “est. 1926” shows our guests our longevity and again promotes a feeling of elegance, history and luxury.

On the Future

What’s next - any plans in the works for additional renovations? 

There are always updates and projects in the works here at The Q!

We have plans to build a small sundries shop right next to the front desk where guests can purchase some snacks, beverages, and essentials during their stay with us and possibly even local souvenirs and Queensbury Hotel logo items in the future. We also plan to update the carpeting in the Ballroom & Gold Room.

Then, our next big project will be the Adirondack Ballroom expansion. We have plans and renderings to take our current 2,200 square foot Adirondack Ballroom and enlarge it to 6,000+ square feet of event space that can accommodate events of 400+ people… stay tuned!

The Queensbury Hotel
Website / Facebook / Instagram

My Glens Falls: Angelica Marquina

This week, we’re chatting with Angelica Marquina! She shares a bit of her background as owner of 518 Beauty Room, some favorite memories from growing up in Lake George, and her go-to picks for everything from running trails to shopping to dinner out.

Tell us about yourself! 

Hello everyone, it's Angelica Marquina here, owner of 518 Beauty Room! My salon is located in Downtown Glens Falls at 18 Ridge Street. I am a licensed esthetician and cosmetologist. I truly love what I do, and my clients never make it feel like I am at work. My family has always supported me, my mom and my sister are my best friends. If it wasn’t for the support of my friends and family I wouldn’t feel as blessed as I feel today. Typically you can find me at the salon all day, or running around the lake in Lake George! 

On Life in Glens Falls

It wasn’t until I started working in Downtown Glens Falls that I started seeing how charming the area was. Growing up I lived in a small town on the outskirts of Lake Placid, and then moved to Lake George when I was twelve where I graduated from Lake George High School. I guess you could say I’ve always been a ‘lake girl’ at heart. 

My memories here have always included boating and camping on Lake George. Cliff jumping, and lots of swimming. Hikes with friends like Pilot Knob and Prospect Mountain. In the winter, my friends and I would love to go to hockey games and then to The Bullpen afterwards. 

What keeps me here is the close-knit community. During times of celebrations or hardships I have personally seen the community go above and beyond for families. Even walking into a restaurant and seeing a familiar face and a welcoming smile is so comforting. Something about that just makes me feel so grateful for where I live. 

I am currently renting in Lake George, but I am looking to purchase a home next year and have been looking in the Glens Falls area. I am looking forward to living in Glens Falls because I will be closer to my salon and there will be more year-round activities. For example, The Shirt Factory is always fun to check out on Thursdays in the summer, and seeing a hockey game is a must at Cool Insuring Arena during the winter months.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day 

A perfect day in Glens Falls you ask? Well it would start out with me getting a lash fill at the salon, and even a brow wax and tint for the perfect brows! I love that our salon is a one-stop shop, you could spend the whole day there! Between facials, lashes, waxing and makeup, our glam squad is there to pamper you! 

Afterwards I always like to stop in next door at our neighbor Whisper Boutique, to find something cute and trendy to wear. I tend to find myself at Farmacy most nights, their food and drinks are so good! Radici next door is also one of my favorite places to eat in Downtown Glens Falls! When I am not running by the lake, I love to go to Coles Woods and run through the trails. Some other favorite places in the city are Studio Elements for the most unique manicures, Yoga Kayla to decompress the week, and Juicin’ Jar for the best smoothies! 

On the Future

I love how Glens Falls over the years has completely revamped itself! The area is growing rapidly and I think in the future it would be nice to see a parking garage. I know it doesn't sound the most fun but it would allow more visitors to enjoy the attractions in the area. I also think a rooftop restobar would be a neat idea as well. This area has so much to offer and I am excited to be here in Glens Falls! 

Thanks to The Queensbury Hotel for helping to make this series possible!

Have something to celebrate? The Queensbury Hotel is now holding events for 50 guests or less!

The team is ready to help you plan your next event and ensure a safe and memorable day is had by all. Whether it’s an intimate wedding ceremony, a baby shower or a family gathering, visit their website to take a virtual tour of the space and let the planning begin!

Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living.

New Addition: Gavin Tate Hutter

This week, The Hutter Family shares their sweet new addition, Gavin Tate, and the beautiful journey that brought them together from across the globe.

Tell us about your family!

Hello there! I'm Cynthia and married to Kyle. We’re both 40ish and met as teenagers while attending the same church youth group down on Long Island. We were married 21 years ago and moved upstate to South Glens Falls in 2003. Together we have built an incredible life!

We have 6 children… Hannah (23), Rachael (20), Moriah (19), Elisabeth (17), Landon (9) and Gavin Tate (2). We are blessed to live in such a beautiful area. I always compare our Lake George summer living as a “postcard” and our Adirondack winters as a “snow globe”. As we raised our family, we made many memories camping locally with trips to Moreau Lake or day trips to Sacandaga. Tubing on the Battenkill River is also a fun favorite! Since the girls are so close in age we tried to do things that would include all of them.

Someone told me years ago that if you blink, you might miss their growing up years.  That is so true. Now they’re teenagers and our 2 oldest have moved out. The older I get the more I realize that the saying is true - the days are long but the years are short. Our kids are our greatest treasure and the greatest legacy we leave. 

On Adoption

When our girls were very young we began parenting children in need through the local foster system. In the last 15 years we have had many children come through our home.  Through our agency, Berkshire Farm, we are trained to work through trauma with the children in our care. We foster mostly infants and toddlers but even the youngest of babies has shown trauma related to abuse and neglect. Our desire was to make a small difference in our corner of the world by being a safe haven for these little ones until reunification. Throughout our foster care journey we have loved on babies who have Down syndrome, autistim and who are medically fragile.

The question we get most is, “How do you love them and then give them back?”. People tell us all the time that they could never do it. But that’s exactly what these babies need - someone to love them through their storm and emotionally invest in their lives, no matter what the outcome is. Adoption is always a possibility when there’s a foster baby in the house but to ensure we were able to make another little one a family member FOREVER, we chose the route of international adoption. 

The Journey to Gavin Tate

In November of 2018, a friend of a friend shared a picture of a bald baby boy. The baby was listed on Reece’s Rainbow, which is a website that shares special needs children that are available for international adoption. In the picture, the baby had a smirk on his face as if he knew a secret. The description on his listing said “Male. Down syndrome. Born 2018. Malformations of cardiac septa.” All I thought was that he couldn’t be more perfect. I stared at him for days. There was something about him. I showed Kyle the picture of “Calvin Henry” (name used to list him) and told him my intent to bring him into our family. Kyle’s initial reaction was a resounding no.

It took two months (and lots of prayer) to convince Kyle that this boy was indeed a Hutter. We committed to adopt “Calvin Henry” in January of 2019. With a $35,000 ransom, we began to brainstorm ways to fundraise. It was then that we realized we are blessed with an amazing community here in South Glens Falls who rallied around us in support of our adoption. Friends and businesses put together a spaghetti dinner with a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. We held two cupcake fundraisers and local restaurants generously held Dine to Donate nights where a portion of their sales were donated to our adoption fund. We also applied for grants. It was incredible that throughout our adoption process we were never held back from lack of funding.

The paperwork for international adoption is overwhelming. The information you have to provide makes you very transparent and they dig into every aspect of your life. We had to compile a home study and have fingerprints and background checks. They use a fine tooth comb going through finances to make sure we could provide for another child. It took us five months to complete our home study then an additional three months for our “golden ticket” which is USCIS approval. All these papers together is called a dossier. Once our dossier was complete we sent it to Ukraine to be submitted.

In February of 2020 we flew to Ukraine to meet our boy and formally accept his referral. It was an incredible feeling holding him for the first time. He was living in an orphanage in Kyiv, Ukraine. This baby, born all the way on the other side of the world was destined to be mine. We returned to NY after a week in Ukraine and waited to hear about next travel dates for court to make him ours forever. Then the COVID-19 pandemic began and borders closed. Our court date in Ukraine was reschedule 3 times due to the prolonged quarantine. While we waited, we prayed for his health, safety and that he’d remember how very much he was loved by us. On June 15th the borders finally opened again. We traveled back to Ukraine for court and on July 7th, 2020, Gavin Tate Hutter became ours forever. We brought him home on July 18 to a neighborhood waiting with open arms to meet this boy they’d only seen in pictures. 

On Life with Gavin

Now that he is home, like childbirth, the pain of waiting is a distant memory. He has acclimated to family life incredibly well and he is thriving! Gavin is social and loves to wave to everyone he meets. We are thrilled to watch him experience life in America. He has only been home for 3 weeks and he’s already mimicking sounds and using sign language to communicate.  And that smile that we saw in that first picture? We see it more and more every day. 

This baby boy, born and abandoned due to a diagnosis of Down Syndrome now has a mama’s arms to hold him and a daddy’s shoulder to ride on. He has four sisters and a big brother that adore him. He is no longer an orphan but a beloved son, cherished brother, grandson and nephew. 

We can never erase his first 2 1/2 years that he spent in the orphanage but we can hope that from this day forward we help him embrace life and enjoy the front row seat we have to seeing redemption first hand. Adopting one child won’t change the world, but for that child, the world will change.

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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 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: August 14 - 16

How are you all doing? Hope you had a great week. The weather the next couple of days looks so nice, and we’re hoping to squeeze in a dinner out downtown, the farmers market, and maybe a couple of these:

Date Night: In case you missed it, Common Roots launched their artisan stone hearth pizzas to go this week (and we took a first look here)! A 4-pack and a couple of pizzas sounds like the perfect back porch take out date night to us. Details here. Cheers! 

Small Town Bookstores: We shared a list of favorite local bookstores last summer around this time, and we’re feeling that same urge to pick up a few new books as we inch closer to back to school season. If you’re up for a ride into Washington County and a wander through a sweet bookstore (or barn!), we updated the list with the latest COVID-19 changes for the shops - check them out here! 

Corn Maze: We don’t usually think of corn mazes until fall, but Fort Ticonderoga just opened theirs and it seems like the perfect summer adventure. Fort Ticonderoga itself is amazing (check out our post on the highlights here) - don’t leave without a stroll (and a picnic!) in the King’s Garden! Details here.

Round the Lake: Have you heard of the Lake George Land Conservancy’s Round the Lake Challenge? A friend just mentioned it to us and we thought it sounded like an awesome family friendly way to get outside, see the sights, and get some exercise while we still have a few months of warm weather this year. Some of the “missions”, as they’re called, include hiking, paddling, visiting museums and historical sights, and more - check out the details here! 

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Hometown News: August 12

Lots of news this week! Gordon has the scoop on Travers winner Tiz the Law’s local ties, the latest on school reopenings, which events are happening (or not!), and lots more.

Schools Get The OK To Open - Now What?

Local school districts have gotten the preliminary okay to open in September. All plans now must pass muster with the state Department of Health.

There was quite a bit of confusion last week when Governor Andrew Cuomo said school districts needed to have plans for testing students and staff, and also contact tracing procedures in place.

That’s contrary to the original guidance districts received from the state and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

“It created a number of questions,” BOCES superintendent Jim Dexter told Glens Falls Living.

Glens Falls City School Superintendent Paul Jenkins said, “We are all somewhat baffled by his statements. When we created our reopening plans we followed guidance from the state Education Department and the state Department of Health. Clearly the Governor was not communicating with the DOH or SED. We are educational institutions, not medical facilities.”

Mr. Jenkins said, “I’ve spoken with Warren Country DOH and we will work with them and our families and staff if there is a positive case as the guidance says.  We will not be testing anyone at school.”

Mr. Dexter said, “Each district liaison will work with their county health departments.”

How will school districts pay for the PPEs, the cleaning supplies, the thermometers and the more-frequent bus runs associated with reopening?

“Some districts will be spending hundreds of thousands of dollars that they do not have budgeted,” Mr. Dexter said. “They are going to have to cut something or use some of their fund balance.

“We’re looking at substantial budget cuts mid-year, and school districts are going to have to figure out how to pay for this.”

Mr. Dexter said districts are going to have to reduce expenses in other areas.

“I don’t see another avenue,” he said. “They are going to have to plan for this year, but then think about what is going to happen next year.”

He said most local school districts will be open by Sept. 14. Many districts are doing additional staff training before welcoming students back to school.

Tiz the Law’s Local Ties

Photo: Alex (Wei) Zhang

Tiz the Law, the brilliant colt that demolished an overmatched field in the 152nd running of the Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course last Saturday, has a local connection.

The 3-year-old colt is jointly owned by 35 partners of Sackatoga Stables in Saratoga Springs. One of those owners is telecommunications entrepreneur and investor Larry Davis, who has a full share in Tiz the Law. He is a partner in the Sans Souci in Cleverdale, and started Tiki Tours on Lake George a few years ago.

“About 12 years ago I got involved with Sackatoga Stables,” Mr. Davis told Glens Falls Living from his home on Lake George’s east side. “There’s nothing like it. The excitement is amazing. I like to do fun things, as you can gather from the Tiki boats. I am partners in a number of bars. You’re probably familiar with the Sans Souci up here. Then Nanola down in Malta and McGeery’s down in Albany. Bars and horses are expensive habits. You don’t make a lot of money but when you do, it’s a big treat.”

Tiz the Law, purchased for $110,000 at the Fasig-Tipton sales in Saratoga, might be the best investment Mr. Davis ever made.

The horse won the Belmont Stakes in this topsy-turvy pandemic Triple Crown season, and now has won six of seven races, with career earnings topping $2-million.

But that’s not all. Sackatoga Stables, run by Jack Knowlton of Saratoga Springs, sold the stallion rights to Tiz the Law for a reported eight figures. That’s a minimum of $10-million, though the exact figure is probably significantly higher. Champion thoroughbred horses can command upwards of $200,000 each time they are bred.

Mr. Knowlton told the New York Times that Sackatoga Stables, which entered the public’s consciousness in 2003 with Funny Cide, will earn bonuses if Tiz the Law wins the Derby, the Preakness and the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The Times reports, “Ashford Stud structured a bonus deal for the 2015 Triple Crown Champion American Pharoah that promised his owner, Ahmed Zayat, $3 million for winning the Kentucky Derby, $2 million each for victories in the Preakness, Belmont, Travers Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Classic as well as a $2 million bonus for being named 3-year-old male champion.    

“Do the math: A similar deal would mean a potential $13 million for Sackatoga to roll up this year.”

Asked about the deal, Mr. Davis said, “I can’t talk about the breeding rights.”

He did say that Tiz the Law, if he stays healthy, will continue racing as a 4-year-old.

“That was part of the deal,” he said.

For now, Tiz the Law will take on all comers in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, Sept. 5. After that, it’s the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico in Maryland in October, and then the Breeders’ Cup Classic in November.

Mr. Davis was at Saratoga to see Tiz the Law cruise to victory.

“That was exactly what our trainer had predicted and those were the instructions our trainer Barclay Tagg had given [jockey] Manny Franco. The race was almost a duplicate of the Belmont Stakes. Sit on the outside, third or fourth position, and then fire. 

“After the race, Manny said he tried to hold the horse back at the far turn but he couldn’t. The horse just took off. Then when they got down to the top of the stretch, the horse went into another gear.”

Mr. Davis said he joined Sackatoga Stables in 2009.

“We pick one or two horses every year. We’ve got a business plan that says we buy New York breds. We had a list of 10 horses to start after reading the yearling books. We whittled that down to five or six after Barclay looks at them and we bring in a vet to look at the horses. Then we get it down to one or two and go to the auction to see what we can do.

“The one thing about Tiz the Law is, our budget for that horse was $100,000. Everybody loved the horse so they decided they were going to go to $110,000, but that was it. Boy that was probably the best decision anyone has made in a long time.”

Mr. Davis will be headed to Kentucky for the Derby on Sept. 5. Then he’ll go to the Preakness in early October, and back to the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland in Kentucky in early November.

“My understanding is there may not be 20 horses in the Derby,” he said. “There may not be the cavalry charge as I call it. That will be very good for us too. That’s one of the things that could have thrown a monkey wrench in the works. We’re all feeling very good right now.”

And you can forgive Mr. Davis for looking ahead to the world’s richest race, the Dubai World Cup, in March of 2021.

“I’m getting my passport ready,” he said.

Food Truck Corral Returns To Shirt Factory Thursday

The popular Thursday Market and Food Truck Corral at the Shirt Factory, 71 Lawrence Street in Glens Falls, is back on after a one-week hiatus.

A Facebook post said, “GOOD NEWS, met with officials from the Glens Falls Fire Department this morning and we have a way forward to have the 2020 Thursday Market & Food Truck Corral this week. We will be changing the layout of the market and some of the vendors will be moved to different locations to help us increase space for social distancing. We will also have additional markers out to designate proper social distancing plus additional signage. Thank You to the City of Glens Falls and The Glens Falls Fire Department, and of course all the people that come and enjoy our event and have offered verbal support during our one-week vacation. We will see you, Thursday 4:30 to 8pm The Shirt Factory, 71 Lawrence St., Glens Falls.” 

Warrensburg Bike Rally, ADK Wine & Food Festival Canceled

Two of the last remaining summer events that were still on the schedule have been canceled. The Warrensburg Bike Rally, originally scheduled for early June to coincide with Americade and later set for September, isn’t happening in 2020. And the popular Adirondack Wine & Food Festival, also originally scheduled in June and rescheduled to September, is also canceled. Those who have already purchased tickets can get refunds, organizers said. Info: adkwinefest.com.

With these cancellations, pretty much every major summer/early fall event in the Glens Falls region has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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But here’s a few things that are happening!

Lake George American Legion Post 374 on Route 9L will hold a chicken barbecue on Saturday, Aug. 15, starting at noon. $13 gets you chicken, baked beans, cole slaw and a cold drink. All proceeds go to supporting the Adirondack Vets House in Glens Falls, which supports homeless veterans.

The New York State Canal System is now completely open to boat traffic! Lock C-12 on the Champlain Canal in Whitehall opened last week. Boat traffic can now move to and from the canal system from Lake Champlain.

Speaking of the COVID-19 Pandemic…

Locally, infection numbers have remained stable over the last week.

In Warren County, officials are monitoring eight active cases, including three employees of an unnamed skilled nursing facility. All of the cases are mild.

County officials are monitoring 221 residents who are under precautionary traveler quarantine because of travel out of state. That’s up 25 from the previous day.

Officials also said “college students who need a COVID-19 test before returning to campus are being directed to contact their medical providers to schedule one, as Warren County Health Services provides supplies and personnel to work with practices to handle the influx of testing requests.”

In Washington County, officials are monitoring precautionary quarantines for 172 residents, with four active cases and no hospitalizations. 

Saratoga County reports 68 active cases, with three residents hospitalized.

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In related news, Fort Hudson Nursing Home is the subject of an extensive story in New York Magazine on their battle with COVID-19 in the dementia unit back in April and May. Here’s the link.

Trader Joe’s Coming to Saratoga County?

There’s growing speculation that Trader Joe’s plans to open a store in Halfmoon. The Albany Times Union reports that an as-yet unnamed “specialty grocery store” has been approved by the town’s Planning Board, though no one is saying if it’s a Trader Joe’s. There is already a Trader Joe’s in Colonie. Stay tuned! 

Fire at Rachael Ray’s Lake Luzerne Home

A fire ripped through Rachael Ray’s home on Chuckwagon Drive in Lake Luzerne Sunday night. Officials say the fire appears to have started on the second floor of the residence. Ms. Ray, a Lake George graduate and television personality and chef, tweeted Monday that she and her husband, John Cusimano, and their new shelter dog, Bella Boo, got out safely.

“Thank you to our local first responders for being kind and gracious and saving what they could of our home,” Ms. Ray tweeted. “Grateful that my mom, my husband, my dog… we’re all okay. These are the days we all have to be grateful for what we have, not what we’ve lost.”

The cause of the fire is being investigated, but does not appear to be suspicious, Warren County officials said.

Warren County Fire Coordinator Brian LaFlure and Luzerne-Hadley Fire officials asked Office of Fire Prevention and Control to work with the Warren County Fire Cause & Origin Team to investigate the cause because of the extent of the loss, said a county press release.

Oscar’s Smokehouse Now Offers A Vending Machine!

Oscar’s Smokehouse in Warrensburg now offers a cold vending machine located right outside their front doors. Their Facebook post about it was shared more than 1,500 times, and received nearly 2,000 reactions and nearly 500 comments.

The vending machine is “filled with some of our customer favorites like Hickory bacon, 3-year-old cheddar cheese, ‘More Than Mustard,’ smoked pork chops and many more,” says the Facebook post.

“Also, if the line is too long inside, then just pull out your credit card and purchase from the vending machine as the prices are the same whether inside or out.”

Duane Vaughn Leaves United Way, Joins Shelters of Saratoga

Duane Vaughn, a well-known figure in the non-profit world up here, has resigned as executive director of the Tri-County United Way and joined Shelters of Saratoga as its new executive director. Duane led the United Way for four years, and before that led the WAIT House for 13 years. 

Tri-County United Way Board President Judge David Krogmann said in a press release, “Duane has been invaluable to the success of Tri-County United Way since becoming Executive Director in 2016. His organizational skills and true care for the disadvantaged in our area have come at a crucial time. He has become an integral and important leader in our community. His presence and leadership will be missed greatly, but we wish him only the best in his new position.”

Duane, who lives in West Fort Ann with his wife, Mindy Wilson, said in the press release, “I have been blessed to work with such wonderful organizations as the Tri-County United Way and the WAIT House. I am truly excited to begin working with the dedicated staff and Board of Directors of Shelters of Saratoga. The Saratoga community is invested in solving complex issues for populations that are vulnerable and at-risk, and I am thankful that I will be able to be a part of that collaborative process.”

Invasive Hemlock Wooly Agelid Found On Lake George

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the confirmation of an infestation of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae) on Forest Preserve lands in the town of Dresden in Washington County. 

The affected hemlock trees were located near a campsite within Glen Island Campground on the shore of Lake George. This is the second known infestation of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) in the Adirondacks. The first, on Prospect Mountain, was eradicated.

After receiving a report from a camper at Glen Island Campground through iMap Invasives about a suspicious tree near a campsite, DEC dispatched a forest health specialist to survey the area. This initial survey found one heavily infested and two lightly infested Eastern hemlock trees close to the campsite. Additional follow-up surveys will be conducted to better determine the size and spread of this infestation.

Baseball Standouts Connor Bovair, Evan St. Claire Honored

And finally, two local baseball stars were honored as Independent Collegiate Baseball League Performers of the Week! Connor Bovair of South Glens Falls pitched four innings of shutout ball while striking out nine and giving up one hit for the Albany Dutch. Bovair, headed to Siena College, has been fantastic all season, and is consistently hitting the low to mid-90s in velocity.

Evan St. Claire of Whitehall, a junior at Siena, went 6-for-19 with a double, four RBI and two stolen bases in six games for the Glens Falls Independents. St. Claire’s father, Steve, manages the Independents, and was a standout player himself. Steve’s brother Randy pitched in the major leagues for several teams, and Evan’s grandfather Ebba St. Claire is a local legend, playing in the big leagues from 1951 to 1954.

Until next time -
Gordon

GORDON WOODWORTH

A South Glens Falls native, Gordon Woodworth is a respected and well-connected voice of the community. As a journalist, he has covered the Glens Falls region for more than 20 years. Read his full bio here, and click here to follow along with him on Facebook - he’s always reporting!

First Look: Common Roots

We are so psyched that Common Roots is back up and running in their amazing new space and just when we thought things couldn’t get any better, they went and added artisan stone hearth pizza to their take out offerings - starting tomorrow! We’re sharing a look at the new space, the delicious new pizzas, and a chat with Christian and Bert Weber - check it all out below!

Christian Weber and Bert Weber

On Designing the New Space

At the time of the fire we had just begun our expansion project to the original facility. We had purchased the property next door and had plans to expand both brewing and taproom space. The fire changed everything and gave us an opportunity to start from scratch rather than expand by additions to the old structure. About one month after the fire, we sat down with Phinney Design Group and discussed our vision for the space. We knew we wanted to create a destination brewery, a place where our customers could come to not only enjoy great beer, food, and music, but also enjoy a more complete experience. We wanted the customers to have an intimate look into the brewing process, provide a space for special celebrations, and share a sense of community. 

With those broad stroke principles, we came up with the brewery concept that you now see today! The taproom is crafted as a gathering place and encourages conversation and community; it also has a direct visual connection to the brewery, and the spacious outdoor biergarten and covered patio provides additional space for gatherings. We’ve also included a special event space that allows groups to use the brewery for private events, corporate meetings, or family celebrations; with its own bar, AV capabilities and a great view of the brewing process.

The new production brewery designed and installed by a local company, Fronhofer Design, is the actual heartbeat of the new location. As you know, the fire destroyed most of the old brewing equipment and as devastating as the fire was, it did give us the opportunity to design and build a larger more efficient system using the expertise and engineering at Fronhofer. The new brewery now has a 30 barrel fully automated brew house and larger cellaring tanks. 

The new brewery is also much more energy efficient and boasts a 100,000kwh solar voltaic array on the roof. We also installed solar hot water panels and systems that recapture much of the heat loss during the brewing process. The taproom bar, tables, bench system, and parts of the ceiling, are all made from repurposed lumber by a local company in Greenwich, NY, Trevett Millworks.

The landscaping features the use of native plants and pollinator friendly plantings that will provide some respite for our native pollinators that are in real danger now. Visitors will also notice that we have purposefully eliminated the use of turf grass at the brewery. Turf uses a lot of water and needs fertilizer and pesticides to be properly maintained.

On Preserving Memories

We lost many sentimental items in the fire but, surprisingly, we were able to save a lot of them and they became part of our move to our temporary home at 30 Saratoga Avenue. The old bar, which survived the fire but had a lot of water and smoke damage, will eventually find a new home in another CRBC project that is now in the early planning stages.

Some of the brewery equipment, canning line, and grain management system did survive the fire and is now back working in the new brewery.

We have many smaller mementos in the form of signs, artwork and gifts from customers that will find a home in our new office space. Perhaps our favorite tribute to our original brewery is in the beautiful new metal sign that we’ve installed in the taproom. It has the iconic outline of our old building surrounded by trees and mountains. It was our way of paying homage to our humble beginnings and a daily reminder of how fortunate we’ve been to be supported by such a great community. 

Although much of the material nostalgia was lost during the fire -- it’s clear now that Common Roots is built on a vision that the community has embraced and will continue with the company regardless of the physical space or location. We couldn’t have been more humbled by the experience of watching our coworkers and customers continue with the brewery’s ethos of community and resilience throughout the past year and a half. Although we are blown away by our new and forever home at 58 Saratoga Avenue, we will never forget that this is still just a facility and that the culture of Common Roots is made possible by such a great community that we are all members of.  

Playing Favorites

Hard to say what our favorite part of the new brewery is…. we are both so amazed and humbled by the entire new space! When we are in the new taproom visualizing how good it’s going to be when we can fully open for customers to experience the warmth and comfort of the specially designed space we are in our happy place. The Germans have a word, “Gemutlichkeit” …which translates as a place or sense of comfortable belonging, which we think applies to the new CRBC.

We also love being on the new brew deck in the brewery. From that vantage point you get a real feel for the brewing operations and new technology we’ve been able to take advantage of. 

Or…standing in our beautiful new restaurant’s kitchen and watching pizza being prepared and placed in the Wood Stone pizza oven. We are real foodies at heart and really look forward to offering a complete menu to enjoy with our favorite beers!

Needless to say, we could go on and on about our favorite parts of the new space…we love it all!

On Silver Linings

Had anyone told us we would be here in this beautiful space 16 months ago, we would have told them they are crazy! The fire was a gut wrenching loss for our company and our family, a loss we will never forget. In retrospect, we now realize we’ve had many silver linings in this whole process.

First, the fire was devastating but, in the end, no one was hurt and all the first responders returned to their families that night unharmed.

We learned, very intimately, just what a wonderful community we live in. The response from our community after the fire has been nothing short of amazing. We have never been on the receiving end of such love and support and it has left us with a whole new appreciation of the word “community”. That community support, in the form of donations and fundraisers, allowed us to keep our most precious assets, our employees, whole and compensated through this entire process. 

On Adapting and Innovating  

Opening our new space under the shadow of COVID-19 is not exactly what we planned but even that has given us an opportunity to focus on how we can provide a meaningful, safe experience for our customers and ensure the safety of our staff and all visitors. It has been a challenge but it has also given us an opportunity to show we can be a resilient company that will continue to focus on people before profit. 

The switch to a beer to-go only option has been interesting and surprisingly good! The ability to deliver directly to our customers has also been a fun option and one we did not expect. As we moved into our new space, we have decided to focus on tightening up our procedures for beer sales and food to-go in the new taproom and so we have postponed our delivery option until further notice.

We have learned a lot in our short 6 years of existence as a company and our dedication to our founding principles has helped guide us through some rough times. Make great beer, treat people well, promote an active lifestyle, and remember we are all part of a community has been our company’s mantra since we began and it has continued to help us through this process. Including finding the right partners in business. We have gone the extra distance to find local companies to work with and it has made all the difference. We are extremely proud of our partnerships with Fronhofer Design, Phinney Design Group, V&H Construction, K&J Electric, Adirondack P&M, Apex Solar, Eclipse IT and Key Bank. 

We also believe that being part of a community means being responsible stewards of the environment and actively supporting the promotion of social justice issues. Being part of the resurgence of the New York State craft beer industry has been a tremendous experience and has given us an effective vehicle for doing much good in our community. It was in that spirit that we created the Common Roots Foundation as a separate 401C organization. The Foundation will be our way of paying forward all the good that was bestowed on us after our fire and will be a source to help our community members when unexpected events occur.

On the Future

Being creative people and working daily with so many creative and innovative staff, we find ourselves constantly looking for other opportunities to diversify the Common Roots brand while still honoring our commitments to our original business ethos. In the end, it’s always going to be about creating the best possible experience for our customers and the tremendous staff that work with us each day.

Beer

We have lots of new beer styles coming! The time spent in our temporary space did give a rare opportunity to work on small batch beers while our larger volume brands were being produced by our friends at Singlecut and Torch and Crown Brewery. Stay tuned as we move into full production in the new brewing space! 

Pizza!

We are excited to announce that we will be launching delicious artisan stone hearth pizza to-go starting Wednesday August 12! Who doesn’t love beer and pizza?! Although we are starting with a simple yet thoughtfully designed menu, we are actively perfecting other menu items that we cannot wait to offer in the near future. Food orders can be placed on-line, by phone, or in-person pick-up with your favorite CRBC cans or crowlers. As we mentioned, we consider ourselves serious foodies and as such, we are working closely with our new kitchen staff to create a culinary experience that will pair well with our beer. 

Operations

Our immediate plan is to move into full production and operations mode in this new beautiful space. Having this space is a dream come true to us and we cannot wait to show off its full potential!

Common Roots Brewing Company

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Back in the Day: Crandall Park

It was an ominous sound in late March 1907.

“Residents in the vicinity of Crandall Park were surprised last evening to hear the frogs croaking in the pond,” The Morning Star of Glens Falls reported on March 30, 1907.

Perhaps the frogs were excited, or maybe upset, with a new pond resident.

Over the winter, Henry Crandall, “Grand Old Man” of Glens Falls, had hired George Kenworthy to build a motorboat for Henry to use on Crandall Park pond. The boat was powered by a naphtha external combustion engine used for private pleasure craft as an alternative to a steam engine, which required having a licensed engineer on board.

A postcard depicts boating on Crandall Park Pond, circa 1910

“It is large enough to accommodate about a dozen people,” The Morning Star had reported earlier in March. “Mr. Crandall is quite enthusiastic over the launch.”

It was great addition to the park that Crandall, a Glens Falls lumber baron, real estate investor and philanthropist, started in 1883. He purchased an initial parcel of land, which included the pond, for $30,000 – the equivalent of about $765,000 in 2020 dollars, and gradually added adjoining land.

His life and career embodied the great American rags-to-riches dream.

“No boy in this city was in poorer circumstances than I was when I set out on life’s journey,” Crandall said around the time of his 92nd birthday. “But everyone can reach success if he will refrain from bad habits and cultivate the habit of saving money.”

By 1899 he had increased the park land and surrounding property to 70 acres.

Addison B. Colvin, publisher of the Glens Falls Times, wrote in 1931 about when workmen in 1899 were building the monument in Crandall Park, which the lumber baron – who used a five-point star as his log mark – and his wife, and horse, would later be buried underneath.

As the legend goes, one of the workmen quipped, “Mr. Crandall, when you are buried here, after a time you will be forgotten.” So, Henry took off a shoe and stocking and left his footprint in the cement.

Early amenities of the park such as a rudimentary golf course, elaborate fountain, and a Civil War cannon are long gone, and forgotten by many. The fountain and cannon were melted down in 1942 to make armaments for World War II. The golf course disappeared some time in the early 20 th century.

A cannon on the grounds of Crandall Park, circa 1910. Photo courtesy of Chapman Historical Museum.

But Crandall, who died in 1913, has not been forgotten, and some suggest his child-like spirit still inhabits Henry’s playground, a park open for all to enjoy.

“Each succeeding day develops new beauties at Crandall Park, and the increasing number of visitors shows that they are appreciated,” The Morning Star reported in 1900.

The golf course, a five-hole course set up using tomato cans and crude clubs, was constructed in 1901. Croquet also was a popular sport. “A number of ladies who play croquet at Crandall Park gave a luncheon at the golf house Saturday evening in honor of J.R. Duell, to show their appreciation of the excellent condition in which he has kept the grounds,” The Morning Star reported. “Mr. Duell was very pleasantly surprised and wishes to thank the ladies for their kindness.”

By summer of 1901, use of the park had become so great that Glens Falls village trustees hired a special constable, at an annual salary of $5, to patrol the park.

Crandall generously allowed community groups to use the park, such as the Glens Falls Woman’s Club, which moved its Sept. 22, 1909 clambake to Crandall Park a few days before the event, after selling more tickets at $1.50 each – the equivalent of $42.49 in 2020 dollars – than what Harris’ Grove, the original location, could accommodate. “Crandall Park will be the scene of one of the greatest and most enjoyable gatherings ever held there,” The Post-Star reported. “Fun will run rampant, and there will be an abundance of things eatable, the much-coveted clam being agreed to sacrifice his life in honor of the occasion.” Funds raised benefited the Warren County visiting nurses service.

Crandall set aside one acre of the park in 1910 for the newly organized Boy’s Conservation League of Glens Falls, an organization for boys ten and older, to plant 1,200 white pine saplings that the state Department of Forestry was to deliver in Arbor Day. The club planted 2,000 more saplings in 1913.

A postcard depicts the elaborate fountain in Crandall Park, circa 1915.

In 1911, Crandall allowed a group of local horsemen to construct a half-mile trotting horse track at the park. “Local horsemen are enthusiastic over the project of establishing such a track and work will be commenced immediately,” The Post-Star reported.

Ducks, now a common sight on Crandall Pond, were introduced by John Cunnion, an Upper Glen Street resident, in July 1916, a few years after Henry died. “Mr. Cunnion placed ten ducks, each of which is about three weeks old, in the pond. It was the first time they had ever been in the water and they attracted great attention,” reported The Post-Star, calling it the start of a movement. “A man who saw the ducks in the pond stated that night that he would buy a swan and add it to the collection.”

Around 1917, The Crandall Trust, which owned and managed the park after Crandall’s death, hired architect Percival Gallagher of Brookline, Mass., to redesign landscaping of the park. In 1947, the city began maintaining the park, and the city purchased the park from Crandall Trust in 1966. Land behind and adjacent to the current park, where Kensington Road School and the Glens Falls Family Y.M.C.A. are located, used to be park land.

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Sources: The Morning Star July 23, 1900; May 3, Aug. 12,1901; June 18, 1901; March 30, 1907; The Post-Star March 8, 1910; April 29, 1913; Sept. 18, 1919; July 18, 1916; 1931 essay by Addison B. Colvin; Historic property survey Richard C. Youngken prepared in 1981 for City of Glens Falls, City Historian Wayne Wright

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 September 2020. See the trailer here. Read his full bio here.

The Weekender: August 7 - 9

Hi guys! Happy weekend! Anything fun on the agenda? We’ve got the usuals on the to-do list: farmers market, baking, yard work, back porch drinks… but we’re also hoping to squeeze in a ride in the Wagoneer if we can manage to get it out of the shop, along with one or two of these ideas:

Live Music: Patio season is in full swing and we’re psyched to see some live music on the menu again this weekend at some of our favorite spots. Morgan & Co has Mark Tolstrup tonight and Tim Ortiz on Friday night, and Doc’s Restaurant has their popular Patio Sessions with Paul Lambert on Saturday - where are you headed?

Canal Street Marketplace: Too late to check it out tonight, but mark your calendars for next Thursday for Fort Edward’s Canal Street Marketplace from 4-7pm. Hoping to scoop up some sweet corn, sunflowers, and maybe a mini pie or two from Auntie Mame’s Pies! Find the details here.

Vineyard with a View: We’re always up for a drive in the country, especially when it ends with a glass of wine amongst the vines on a blue sky day. Victory View Vineyard’s Farm Winery in Easton has been on our list for a while, and this might just be the weekend to check it out! Details here. 

Flower Farms: Our backyard zinnias are doing..eh, just okay..so when we saw a couple of flower farms on Instagram this week, they stopped our scroll. If you’re up for some fresh air and a stroll through a field of flowers to pick your own or grab a fresh cut bouquet, check out Native Farm Flowers in Greenfield Center or Balet Flowers in Saratoga… And if sunflowers are your thing, we saw that Bowman Orchards in Rexford has pick your own sunflowers! Any other local flower farms that we should know about?! 

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Hometown News: August 5

This week in Hometown News, Gordon has the scoop on a couple of local businesses that have changed hands this week, a few that have closed their doors, the latest on green initiatives in the city, and lots more…

Romeo Family Buys Glens Falls Toyota

The Romeo family expanded its fleet of car dealerships over the weekend when it  purchased Glens Falls Toyota on Broad Street. 

Romeo Toyota joins Carriage Traders in South Glens Falls, Romeo Chevrolet Buick GMC, Romeo Kia of Kingston and Romeo Ford of Kingston as the Romeo family of car dealerships.

“We’re ready to grow,” Mike Romeo told Glens Falls Living. “My dad [Len] is 63 years old and he’s not slowing down yet. He’s still pushing us. My brother Joe runs the stores down in Kingston. He does a great job down there. And I’ll be overseeing Romeo Toyota and Carriage Traders.”

Mike Romeo said his father and Howard Lebowitz, the former owner of Glens Falls Toyota, “have done business together going back 20-some years. They were kind of messing around, talking about it for a lot of years, and then one thing led to another recently. Howard was ready to retire and he reached out and we’ve been talking seriously for about a year now, and we finally put it together.”

He said, “There are two reasons why this is a store my dad has always chased after. I grew up in the house my parents still live in, which is about five streets away, and now I live four streets away with my family. So to have a store in our backyard is awesome. And to have a Toyota store in our backyard is even better.”

The lot will soon be overflowing with cars, both new Toyotas and pre-owned vehicles, Mr. Romeo said.

“Right now, because of Covid-19, all of the manufacturers obviously shut down their plants for a little while,” he said. “New inventory is very scarce. So whenever there is a buy-sell agreement at a dealership, they take care of the new dealer by giving them more inventory. So we have a substantial amount of inventory coming in in the next few months that the competition won’t have.

“And, we’re going to be selling anything nice that came in trade-wise, whether it’s a Ford F-150 or a Silverado or a Tundra, whatever it is. We’re going to have about 100 used cars on the lot.”

More info here.

Simply Grazin’ Owners Buy Pole Valley Golf Course

The owner of Simply Grazin’ Organic Farms, the producer and wholesale distributor of organic grass-fed livestock with seven farms throughout Washington County, purchased Pole Valley Golf Course in Hartford on Friday.

Renamed Hartford Greens Country Club, the 18-hole course is a favorite of local seniors and those who enjoy birdwatching. Known for its consistent greens and beautiful rural landscape, it was built in 2002 by Steve Forbes, with help from noted golf course designer Geoffrey Cornish.

Mark Faille, the new owner, completed the purchase on Friday, July 31, at noon, and soon had a new sign up. His son Dylan will run the course.

Contacted for comment, Mr. Faille said a friend of his alerted him that the course was on the market, but he initially had interest in it only as farmland.

“I’m not a golfer,” he said. “I’ve never even played golf before. My original intent was to turn it back into cow pasture, but a lot of people were sad it wasn’t going to remain a golf course, so we decided to give it a try.

“My son Dylan stepped up and offered to manage it, which is great. And we’ve kept the superintendent, Marvin, on to work on the greens.

“Our intent is to get the greens to 100%. I’m not a 50% guy. I’m a 100% guy. We’re going to get the irrigation fixed and make the place a lot prettier. We’re getting a big permanent tent and will have food, maybe a food truck or two.

“I also own a construction company, and I’m going to have my guys come up here and repair all of the cart paths. We’re going to replace the bridges in the winter.

“We’re going to have new bunkers, all new signage, tee markers, we’re going to improve the driving range with a covered area, and a machine to pick up the balls.

“And we’ve bought seven new golf carts. That was all that was available. We’ll have a whole new fleet next year.”

He said he purchased the carts from Larry Kelley at Five-Star Golf Cars in Queensbury.

“I like to support local businesses, and we’re planning a fund-raiser here in September.”

Pricing is: 9 holes walk $10; 9 holes ride $20; 18 holes walk $20; 18 holes ride $40. Senior and Veteran Discount Pricing: 9 holes ride $15; 18 holes walk $15; 18 holes ride $30.

Simply Grazin’ started in 1997 in Hopewell, New Jersey, before expanding to New York and Virginia. In 2010, the company bought a 400-acre property on County Route 17 in Fort Ann, converting dairy barns for their hog operation and transitioning the fields to organic hay. Six years later, they bought the 150-acre Gibbs Road Farm, and in 2017 they bought 250 more acres in Hartford and another 300 acres in Fort Edward.

“Along the way, we fell in love with the rural beauty of the area and we have moved our business headquarters to Washington County as well,” Simply Grazin’ says on its website.

“In June 2019, we purchased three more farms. We added 169 acres of pasture and crop land on Brayton Road in Fort Ann, NY. And, we also added an additional 100 acres and an additional 79 acres on County Route 46 in Fort Edward, NY for hay land and pasture land. Our most recent addition of farm land came in May 2020, as we agreed to lease with the option to buy a 625-acre farm in Kingsbury, NY.”

Mr. Faille said he is “very big on farm preservation. Four of our seven farms up here are in farm preservation, and I’m looking into preserving this land, too. That’s one of the things we are working on.”

Simply Grazin’ supplies organic meat to Whole Foods and Wegmans, among others.

Follow them here for more info.

Milk & Honey Shop to Close

Milk & Honey, the clothing and gift shop on Exchange Street in downtown Glens Falls, is closing.

“It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing Milk & Honey will be closing by the end of the month,” owner Ann Parrish wrote on Facebook Tuesday night.

“We appreciate all of your patronage, friendships and prayers. These have been difficult and challenging times for all. May God bless you all and keep you safe! You have been the heartbeat of my business. Sincerely grateful, Ann Parrish”

Mrs. Parrish has battled pancreatic cancer for several years, and during treatment a group of friends worked at the store to keep it going.

Alchemy Bagel Cafe Closes, But It’s Not Goodbye

Meg and Alex, the owners of Alchemy Bagel Cafe in the Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, announced on Facebook they have closed.

“As of [Sunday], our cafe doors are officially closed,” the couple wrote. “It was a hard decision for us to make, but we feel as if it was the right decision for the time being. We have moved out of Suite 111, and are no longer running the cafe in The Shirt Factory. This, however, is not the end of Alchemy. This is not goodbye. We will continue to bake for markets, take special orders, and are working with some awesome local places for wholesale accounts.

“…Our preorder pickups during the height of quarantine kept our small little business, in business. COVID-19 has hit the restaurant industry hard. But we know it’s not just us, it’s hit a lot of industries hard. And it will forever change how we look at doing business (and other basic things, like hand washing and grocery shopping ).

“…Like we said, this is not a goodbye post. Alex and I are firm believers in everything happens for a reason. We closed one door, but the world is full of many open doors for us. Keep being kind to one another, and please keep supporting small businesses. You don’t know the huge difference you are making in someone’s life when you choose to shop small!”

Glens Falls City School Virtual Parent Forum on Thursday

 The Glens Falls City Schools leadership team will explain new protocols and answer questions at a virtual parent forum on Thursday, Aug. 6th at 5 p.m. The event will be recorded for viewing later, and available to all in the school community. 

A link to the parent forum will be shared on the district's website and social media on Thursday, and questions can be submitted any time before or during the forum by using a form at www.gfsd.org.

Governor Andrew Cuomo is expected to announce whether schools can open this week.

Glens Falls Green Initiatives

The City of Glens Falls is seeking low-to-moderate income residents to sign up for a community solar program that gives them a small discount on their energy bill each month. It’s a NYSERDA program called Solar for All, and those who qualify can save $5-$15/month. Income levels for those eligible are around $2,500 a month for an individual or $4,800 for a family of four. 

Solar for All is not limited to Glens Falls residents — any income-qualified resident of NYS who pays their own utility bill can join — but the Common Council is hoping to get a certain number of City residents to sign up so that the city can qualify for further green energy funding.  Info: nyserda.ny.gov/solar-for-all.

————

In other green news, the City of Glens Falls has received a $96,700 grant to be a “municipal testbed” for a vertical farm project through the Empire State Development Smart City Partnership. The project calls for a roughly 300-square-foot, box-in-a-box facility, at a site to be determined. 

LGA: Boat Inspectors Stopped Two Dangerous Invasive Species

The Lake George Association, which provides $30,000 annually to the Lake George Park Commission for their Mandatory Boat Inspection Program, announced that two potentially dangerous invasive species were discovered and kept out of the Queen of American Lakes recently.

Boat inspectors intercepted two separate instances of fanwort, a highly invasive plant that arrived on two separate boats, on two separate days, from Massachusetts; and quagga mussels, which arrived on a boat that had last been in the St. Lawrence River.

“This was a great catch by two different sets of Vessel Inspection Technicians,” said Walt Lender, LGA Executive Director, in a press release. “We want to congratulate them for their attentiveness and the Park Commission for their training program.”

Info: www.lakegeorgeassociation.org.

Marylou Whitney Auction Nets $400,000

The auction of Marylou Whitney’s personal items raised more than $400,000, with all proceeds going toward the building of a medical clinic on the backstretch at Saratoga Race Course. The auction included jewelry, paintings and a dark green Jaguar, and raised double what it was expected to raise, according to a Times Union story. A diamond choker sold for $40,000, and the 1992 Jaguar convertible sold for $22,000.

Items that didn’t sell will be put on eBay, her husband John Hendrickson told the newspaper. Marylou Whitney, known as the Queen of Saratoga, died last July at the age of 93.

In addition, Marylou Whitney’s 36,000-acre Whitney Park, near Long Lake in the heart of the Adirondacks, is for sale for $180-million. The property includes the “Great Camp” Deerlands, that overlooks Little Forked Lake. It has 17 bedrooms. The land also includes 22 lakes, a trapper’s cabin that dates back to the 1800s, a timber operation and a collection of Adirondack guide boats and canoes.

John Hendrickson, the widower of Ms. Whitney, told the Times Union that he would not consider selling the property to the state, as some have advocated for. In 1997, the state bought 15,000 acres of forestland from Ms. Whitney for $17.1-million, creating the William C. Whitney Wilderness Area.
 

Speaking of Saratoga…

Despite not allowing fans at the storied race track, bettors continue to send it in with both hands! Saturday’s 12-race Whitney card set a new record as bettors wagered $35.79-million worldwide, topping the old record by nearly $4-million! That’s an average of nearly $3-million bet on each race Saturday! Absolutely astounding!

The headline race of the Saratoga meet, the Travers Stakes, is Saturday. Local favorite and Belmont Stakes winner Tiz the Law will be the overwhelming favorite.

COVID-19 Update

Locally, Warren County saw its first death since May 30 when a resident of an assisted living facility passed away over the weekend.

County officials are monitoring 196 residents who are under precautionary quarantine because of travel out of state. That’s up 22 from two days previous.

There were seven active cases as of Tuesday, six of them mild and one critical. Warren County has reported seven new infections since July 26.

In Washington County, officials are monitoring precautionary quarantines for 203 residents, with three active cases and no hospitalizations. 

Saratoga County reported 58 active cases on Tuesday, with six residents hospitalized.

Until next time -
Gordon

GORDON WOODWORTH

A South Glens Falls native, Gordon Woodworth is a respected and well-connected voice of the community. As a journalist, he has covered the Glens Falls region for more than 20 years. Read his full bio here, and click here to follow along with him on Facebook - he’s always reporting!

My Glens Falls: Melissa Wilkinson

This week, we’re chatting with Melissa Wilkinson! Read on to find out what brought her to the area over 10 years ago, the serendipitous way that she and her husband discovered their beautiful home here in the city, and how she met the group of friends that makes Glens Falls feel even more like home.

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Melissa Wilkinson and I’m a published author and public speaker.  My business, Anchored with Purpose, is all about helping others live their lives with purpose and intention, especially when it comes to their faith and family.  

I live with my husband Jeff, and our sons Andrew and Sean, in our dream Victorian home near Crandall Park.

On Life in Glens Falls

I’m originally from York, PA and twelve years ago I was working for Target when I was relocated to run the Queensbury store for an 18 month assignment.  (So much for 18 months, I’m still here!). About 6 months after moving here, I met Jeff while living in downtown Saratoga (turns out he was my next door neighbor and I didn’t even know him!) and we’ve been inseparable ever since.

One day, 10 years ago, we dropped off my car for an oil change in Queensbury and walked into Glens Falls via the bike path.  We fell in love with the side streets, the beautiful Victorians and sweet little downtown that was starting to revitalize.  On that walk we decided that it was time to buy our first home and within five weeks we closed on our first home and got engaged on the front porch!

On the Beauty of Old Homes

My whole life I have dreamt about living in a grand, old, beautiful Victorian home.  When we were looking for our first home, it wasn’t in the budget and since neither of us were handy, we opted for a newer home.  However, just over a year ago, I drove past this beautiful old Victorian on my way home from an appointment and couldn’t believe it when I saw a sale sign out front. I remembered seeing the listing months before, but brushed it off because we had no intentions of moving. The next morning, Jeff was watching a video on Facebook and called me over to watch it too. “This video just makes me wish we lived in a bigger home closer to downtown,” something I never thought I would hear from him. “I know just the house,” I said and I showed him the listing.  He couldn’t believe that it had central air and updated electrical and plumbing and told me to call our agent right away. All of the stars aligned and this beautiful old Victorian became ours! 

I am OBSESSED with the front porch, it’s a wrap around and my favorite part of the house. So much of the original architecture of the home has been preserved, like the Butler’s Pantry ( I was literally in tears when I saw it the first time we toured the house!), the hardwood floors and the crown molding and pillars.  I LOVE having a formal dining room and the original chandelier gives it a touch that makes entertaining and family dinners just a little more elegant.  We have plans for eventually updating the bathrooms and finishing the third floor.

I love that our neighborhood is just steps from Crandall Park and Kensington Elementary. I always dreamed of being able to walk to school as a kid and during non-COVID times I love walking with my kids to and from school. During the height of COVID, the boys and I did as much home schooling as we could on the front porch so that we could say hello to everyone as they walked by - it helped to make it a little less lonely for them.

My favorite thing about Glens Falls is being able to walk pretty much everywhere.  I love taking walks and bike rides all over the city taking in the beauty of all of the historic homes and beautiful architecture.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

My perfect day in Glens Falls starts with journaling on my front porch, followed by a jog around Crandall Park. Then, the family and I would ride our bikes to the Farmer’s Market and I’d have to get some Hazelnut Coffee and a breakfast sandwich from Fresh ADK. In a post-COVID world we’d be at the Glens Falls Little League fields watching our boys and our nephews play. After baseball we’d treat the boys to Rob and Deb’s Frozen Dreams for ice cream - let’s be honest, it’s a treat for us adults too! We’d end the day by having a date night at our favorite restaurant, Morgan and Co. We love eating there on special occasions and I start every meal there with the Charleston She Crab soup.

On the Past

My favorite Glens Falls memory takes place at Crandall Library. I went there as a new mom, not knowing many other new moms in the area. Sitting on little squares of carpet, listening to stories and playing baby games, I met my Mama Tribe. Having a close knit group of friends has made living far from home more enjoyable and thanks to them and our incredible community, I can’t see myself wanting to leave this beautiful little city! I’m so grateful to the library!

On the Future

If I could wave a magic wand and bring something new to the city it would be a bookstore and a place for dessert downtown. I love books and growing up, bookstores were my favorite. I’d love for my kids to have that bookstore experience right here downtown. And since the Chocolate Mill has closed (I’m still grieving that one!), I’d love to see a specialty bake shop that stays open later into the evening to make dessert a separate excursion after dinner.

By the Way…

If you can’t tell, my home is a huge passion of mine! I have been sharing sneak peeks and photos of it on my instagram @melissajwilkinson. If you’d like to see more about what I do or what I’ve published, you can check out my site: anchoredwithpurpose.com. 

Special thanks to The Julie Snyder Team - Howard Hanna Real Estate Services for helping to make this series possible!

What a wild ride this year has been to say the least! The real estate market in our area has been one of the hottest markets ever and houses are moving fast. If selling or buying a home is in your future, it’s important to have someone you can trust with the process. Julie and her team have the perfect balance of experience and integrity to help their clients safely navigate these rapidly changing times. Contact The Julie Snyder Team here for all your real estate needs! 

Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living.

Summer in Glens Falls

Greetings from Glens Falls! It’s summer in Hometown USA and there’s no place else we’d rather be. Neighbors gather on their front porches, couples bike to the Saturday Farmers Market, and families picnic in City Park. Summer nights are spent walking downtown, enjoying drinks on the patios of favorite restaurants, and listening to the sounds of live music floating through the air from different venues in the city. It’s summer Americana at its finest - and this summer, we’d love it if you joined us! We’ve put together a list of some of our favorites, and hope you’ll make the trip to Glens Falls this summer to eat, drink, shop, and play in Hometown USA. Off we go!

Please help us keep our community healthy and open for business. When visiting, please maintain social distance, wear a mask, and follow local guidelines. Thank you! See you soon!

Extra! Extra! We’re excited to have partnered with Manchester Media to offer this guide in print as part of their annual Summer Guide! Over 10,000 copies of this free publication are on newstands throughout Washington County, the VT Lakes Region and Glens Falls. Thank you to our friends at Manchester Media!

COFFEE + BREAKFAST

Spot Coffee: You canʼt go wrong with a coffee from Spot, best enjoyed on the little bistro tables set up out front. We love walking down here first thing in the morning on weekends and watching the city wake up. • spotcoffee.com

Strolling to Spot Coffee

Fresh ADK: A weekend favorite, we love grabbing breakfast on their sidewalk patio after the Farmers Market. Tons of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options make this a hit for everyone. • freshadk.com

Juicin’ Jar: Perfect for a grab-and-go juice or smoothie, or stick around on their sweet patio for a fresh summer salad. Our top picks: the Berry Bliss Smoothie and every last one of their cookies and muffins - delish! • juicinjar.com

Kelly's Roots: Their covered patio is a perfect place to relax on weekends with a smoothie or açaí bowl and just maybe some blueberry pancakes on the side. • kellysrootscafe.com

Kelly’s Roots / Juicin’ Jar

Spektor: A great coffee spot with a warm, cozy atmosphere. Donʼt leave without a taste of every- oneʼs favorite - the Avocado Smash! • spektorcoffee.com

Rachel’s Cafe & Spice Company: Come for the spices, stay for breakfast (and a malasada!). • rachelsspicecompany.com

In the mood for a great diner? Try local favorites Sam’s Diner and “Poopie’s” DiManno’s Lunch! • poopiedimannos.com

LUNCH + DINNER

Summer at Morgan and Company Restaurant

Morgan and Company: Between their beautiful hardwood porch and their stone patio surrounded by blooms, you just can't beat this summer atmosphere! Not to mention seasonal menu staples like lobster rolls and fried chicken - delicious. • morganrestaurant.com 

Drinks on the Park Patio at The Queensbury Hotel

Park Patio & Courtyard at The Queensbury Hotel: Overlooking beautiful City Park, this is a great spot to eat, drink, and relax in the evening while enjoying their outdoor fire pits. Don't miss the Park Patio Summer Music Series on Wednesdays from 4-8pm • thequeensburyhotel.com 

A peek into the patio at Doc’s Restaurant

Doc’s Restaurant: A delightful patio, complete with string lights overhead and live music in the air - Docʼs feels like a private oasis in the little city. Light summer salads and fresh fish are among our favorites here. • docsgf.com

[farmacy]: With the Chefʼs friendly faces waving you in through the window from their open kitchen, youʼll love the atmosphere here as much as the awesome food. With an ever changing menu, we always leave with a new favorite. • farmacygf.com

Radici: Home to our favorite summer salad (the beefsteak tomato and avocado salad!), you canʼt go wrong here with a fantastic variety of small plates and amazing homemade pasta. • radicikitchen.com

[farmacy] / Radici

Talk of the Town: If youʼre in the mood for pizza, this is the place. A hometown favorite! talkofthetownpizzeria.com 

Downtown City Tavern: A go-to for pizza and benders, DTCT is also a favorite spot for craft beer. You're sure to find a brew that fits the bill from their huge selection. Bonus points for their sunny patio! And check out their sister restaurant, Downtown Social! • downtowncitytavern.com

Gourmet Cafe: Creative cuisine in a relazed atmoshpere with outdoor seating. If you like fine food and wine and a great “Pasta Night”, this is for you! downtowngourmet.com

Davidson Brothers: With a charming outdoor seating area on Glen and Exchange Streets with string lights hanging above and live music playing, Davidsons is a city staple. Grab a table on the Glen Street side and watch the world go by. • davidsonbrothers.com

Craft on 9: With an amazing selection of craft beer and cocktails and new sidewalk seating, youʼll love their summer staples - burgers, bbq sandwiches, and steaks. • crafton9.com

Davidson Brothers / Craft on 9

Raul's: Overlooking the circle downtown, Raul's has a prime sidewalk patio and the very best margaritas, chips and guac. Cheers! • raulsmexicangrill.com

Siam Thai Sushi: A go to for - you guessed it - sushi! Their namesake, Siam Thai, is always a crowd pleaser. • siamthaisushi.com

Cooper’s Cave: Craft beer, great food, and ice cream, right on the bike path. • cooperscaveale.com

If youʼre looking for great vegan options, be sure to check out Rock Hill Bakehouse & Cafe and Birch Bark Eatery! • rockhillbakehousecafe.com • birchbarkeatery.com

SWEETS

Ice Cream Window at Cooper’s Cave

Cooper’s Cave: Situated on the Warren County Bikeway, Cooperʼs Cave is a great spot to pedal for ice cream on a summer day. Grab a scoop of their homemade hard ice cream and relax under shade trees before biking home. The perfect afternoon treat! • cooperscaveale.com

Frozen Dreams: A favorite for soft ice cream in the city, their flavor calendar is always on our radar! Chocolate/peanut butter twist and raspberry chocolate twist are high on the list of family summer must haves. • frozendreams.com

Common Roots / Mean Max

Mean Max: Specializing in richly crafted handmade ales and lagers, Mean Max has an awesome patio space right on Glen Street - grab takeout from your favorite restaurant and enjoy a brew or two with a view. • meanmaxbrew.com

Common Roots: Just over the river in SGF, Common Roots is readying to open at their newly rebuilt facility as we write this. Stay tuned for updates on their site - we canʼt wait to enjoy one of our favorite drafts in their amazing new space! • commonrootsbrewing.com

Bullpen Tavern: A local favorite, The Bullpen has a sports bar atmosphere along with a full menu - you wonʼt want to miss their award winning wings! • thebullpentavern.com

Cooper’s Cave: Craft beer, great food, and ice cream, right on the bike path. • cooperscaveale.com

Covid has thrown our usual events for a loop, but keep an eye out for our Weekender posts every Thursday - we detail a few fun things you may want to add to your weekend agenda!

Summer Events: Take a Bite, a favorite summer event, has been canceled this year, but be sure to stay tuned to the Glens Falls Collaborative for the latest on any event updates. The Food Truck Corral at The Shirt Factory from 4:30-8pm is on hold until further notice - check their site for updates. And on Saturday morning, you can bet you'll find us browsing at the Farmers Market in the Pavilion downtown, which runs from 8am - noon.

Warren County Bikeway: Stretching from downtown Glens Falls all the way to Lake George, the bikeway is the perfect place to pedal in the summertime. Donʼt forget to stop off for an ice cream at Cooperʼs Cave!

Picnic in the Park: With an increase in restaurants offering takeout, itʼs the perfect time to take your meal to go for a picnic in the park - our favorites: City Park near the gazebo or Crandall Park near the pond.

Enjoy the Arts: Things are changing quickly with re-opening, so check out each of these venues for the latest on any in-person summer events:

• World Awareness Children’s Museum: Offering summer camp and programming for the kiddos - worldchildrensmuseum.org

• The Folk Life Center at Crandall Library: View their award-winning program and celbrating cultural traditions here and their amazing Youtube channel here.

• Chapman Museum: View their collection online at chapmanmuseum.org

• Hyde Collection: Current exhibits are online at hydecollection.org

• Adirondack Theatre Festival: View performances from years past online via ATF On Demand: atfestival.org

• The Park Theater: Concerts, performances, and more - for the latest, go to parktheatergf.com

• The Wood Theater: For updates on shows and local artists, go to woodtheater.org

• For more info on Glens Falls arts, visit artsdistrictofglensfalls.com

Take a Stroll: Wander the charming sidewalked neighborhoods near Crandall Park, or admire the architecture of the old lumber baronʼs mansions lining the streets downtown. For a walk in the woods try the trails in Crandall Park or Coleʼs Woods!

Where to begin? Head to Rude Betty for unique finds and gifts from favorites like Beekman 1802, Fountain Square Outfitters for Patagonia and outdoor gear, Minky Mink for curated fashion favorites like Free People and Hudson Jeans, Whisper Boutique for affordable fashion + accessories, and Lake George Olive Oil for the very best - you guessed it - olive oil and vinegar. Check out The Shirt Factory and LARAC Shop for the best from local artists, Milk + Honey for casual clothing and accessories, Finders Keepers for consignment finds, Brows by Nikari and 518 Beauty Room, and Studio Elements for all of your beauty needs, Northeastern Fine Jewelry, and so much more!

If you’re interested in learning even more about our beautiful city, please drop by our City’s website by clicking here. Thanks again for helping our community stay healthy and open for business by staying socially distant, wearing a mask, and following all local guidelines. Hope to see you soon!

The Weekender: July 31 - August 2

Alright neighbors, it’s the first weekend in a bit that it’s not going to feel like 100 degrees and we are here for it. Sharing just a few ideas to soak up the sunny summer weekend ahead:

The Hyde: The Hyde is re-opening on August 1st! It’ll be by appointment only, and they’re offering a limited number of appointment slots per day to keep things safe and socially distanced for visitors. It’ll be so nice to wander the museum on a weekend afternoon again, and we can’t wait to see their newest exhibition, “J.S. Wooley, Adirondack Photographer”. Perfect for summer. Details here! 

Summer at West Mountain: In case you missed it, we shared a recap of our recent visit to West here (spoiler alert: it was a blast). If you’re headed that way, use promo code wmbl for 10% off your Mountaintop Picnic Package (which also includes the scenic chair ride and hiking!) - book it here!  

Cambridge Valley Fine Art Tour: After having had the best time on the Open Studios Tour last summer, we were psyched to see this event pop up on our Facebook feed - another opportunity to meet some amazingly talented local artists and hopefully scoop up a painting while we’re at it! Get the details here. 

While you’re out that way, another incredibly talented Washington County artist, Jacob Houston, will have a contact free pop-up shop set up at his home in Greenwich on non-rainy days where you can grab his latest cards and prints - details here!

Round House Bakery: While you’re in Cambridge, you may notice that the beloved Round House Bakery Cafe has closed. The good news is that the owners are still offering meals to go, fresh from their farm in Cambridge! You can order online for Sunday pickup (deadline to order is Friday evening), and it looks like they’ve got an amazing selection of bread, salads, pizzas, and treats (our favorite has always been the Ginger Spice cookies!). Details here. 

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Hometown News: July 29

Jim Siplon Named Interim President of EDC Warren County

Jim Siplon is the new interim president of the Economic Development Corporation of Warren County after the death of longtime president Ed Bartholomew last week.

“We know we cannot fill Ed Bartholomew’s shoes and his legacy will endure here at EDC forever,” EDC Board Chairman Matt Fuller said in a press release. “We also know that, if Ed were here, he would tell us to keep moving forward and get the work done. 

“Jim Siplon will help our Board ensure that the many critical economic development projects that Ed was spearheading continue to move forward. There is so much work to do, and we will do it together and in Ed’s honor.’’ 

Mr. Siplon is the former Chief Operating Officer for JUST Water. In that role, he spearheaded the company’s effort to draw spring water from a well in the City’s watershed and present it in environmentally friendly packaging. 

He also served as managing director of FIJI Water, was a senior executive at MCI Communications, and recently started Rethinkh20, a consulting firm that aims to help large-scale water users reduce their water consumption.

Mr. Siplon served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years, and earned an undergraduate degree in astrophysics from Utah State University and a master’s in business administration from Boston University.

Contacted for comment, he told Glens Falls Living, “Ed Bartholomew is an icon. He’s like Mount Rushmore of the North Country to me. Everything I know about this place started with meeting him and having him be a trusted navigator and friend. JUST would not be what it is today without him and I think that same story would apply to so many businesses and ventures and organizations. He’s just a giant.

“So our whole focus right now is on just recognizing his enormous contribution over a lifetime. We want to just take a deep breath and let all of that sink in for everybody, and then we have to figure out how to carry his legacy forward, which will be a challenge but something I think he would want us to do.”

Mr. Siplon said, “We were all in a bit of shock but we discussed informally as a board, how do we continue to provide support for this community in an unprecedented time. That’s our responsibility. We’ve got to figure out how to see through the fog to be able to do that. So it started informally, with conversations among the board members, as to what are our options, what could we do…I think so many people from the board would have done anything they could…I certainly had more time than some of them because I had stepped away from JUST so recently. I think we all just looked at each other and said, how do we do this? It just seemed like a good fit.”

He pointed out that “We would have had to do this at some point anyway, because all organizations have to figure out how they are going to do succession planning and move from one generation to another.

“…Ultimately what’s driving all of this is the need for us to figure out how to support the community in a time that none of us have any real reference point for. This [pandemic] is an unprecedented event that is happening in all of our lives, and what we need to do is put all of the best minds and talents that we have together to figure out how to provide the very best support we can to a place that we all love.

“Ed is an irreplaceable asset, not only in terms of what he brought to the plate but the way he did everything he did. We’re all trying to figure out what to do next. I wrote a note to the board last weekend and said the first thing we’ve got to do is grieve with our friends and neighbors. And the second thing we have to do is take up the torch that he held for so many years and make sure that that torch stays lit.”

Honoring Ed Bartholomew

As we all come to grips with the passing of Ed Bartholomew, I started thinking about how the City of Glens Falls and the region can honor his legacy.

The obvious thing to do would be to name the soon-to-be-built year-round Farmers’ Market on South Street after him. Glens Falls was first in line to get $10-million in redevelopment funds because of Ed. It’s only fitting that his name adorn the new building.

Another obvious choice would be to name Cool Insuring Arena, formerly known as the Glens Falls Civic Center, after Bartholomew. But that name is taken, at least for the near future.

Some have suggested Centennial Circle be renamed in Mr. Bartholomew’s memory. I like the idea. But I’m thinking bigger, just like Ed did. 

What about renaming the bridge between Glens Falls and South Glens Falls “The Edward M. Bartholomew Memorial Bridge?” It’s officially the “Cooper’s Cave Bridge” now, but I know of few people who call it that. 

As many have noted, Ed was a bridge builder. He connected people and ideas, communities and concepts. I think the Bartholomew Bridge has a nice ring to it.

Or, what about renaming City Park? It’s in the heart of downtown that Ed loved so much. The City owns most of the park, and could easily rename it’s portion to honor the former Mayor. It seems to me it would be a fitting tribute.

Mayor Dan Hall tells me he’s confident the City will find an appropriate way to honor the man who did so much for Glens Falls, and for the region. I’m confident they will, too.

GF City School District Buys Supplies For All Of Its Students

The Glens Falls City School District is spending $95,000 to buy school supplies for all of its 2,000-plus students this fall.

“The theory behind this is we're a public school with taxing authority,” said assistant superintendent for business Bobby Yusko to Glens Falls Living, responding to our query.

“Many of the items traditionally found on school supply lists are purchased by school districts on a regular basis, anyway. 

“So, in doing my own school supply shopping for my son, I thought, why wouldn't schools use their purchasing power (wholesale prices, items on state contracts, etc.) to purchase these items for our students, rather than pass the burden onto families, especially in these tough financial times?

“Additionally, there is always a disparity of supplies actually purchased by families — some buy them, some do not — because some may not be capable to purchase additional supplies due to their own financial situation, so this definitely levels the playing field from the parent perspective.”

Mr. Yusko said, “We purchased supplies based on our enrollment in March 2020, which was roughly 2,075 students…We purchased grade level supplies based on the enrollment in each grade level at each respective building.”

Supplies include pencils, pens, crayons, scissors, glue, Post-it notes, paper, binders, notebooks, folders, disinfectant wipes and headphones.

“We used a budget estimate of $50/student, which totals $103,750,” Mr. Yusko said. “Fortunately, the amount spent was less than budgeted. We purchased 2020-2021 school supplies with budgeted funds in the 2019-2020 school year, and we plan to continue this cycle annually (purchase 2021-22 supplies with budgeted 2020-21 funds, and so on).”

School Districts Announcing Reopening Plans

Ahead of the July 31st deadline, school districts are starting to release their tentative plans for reopening. Those plans still must be approved by the State. 

It’s no surprise that many of the plans are similar, as the school superintendents have been working together closely since the beginning of the pandemic, led by BOCES chief Jim Dexter.

Here’s the blueprint that you’ll likely see throughout the region: Younger students will attend classes in person. Older students will attend school in person for part of the week, and participate in remote learning the rest of the week. Everyone will be socially distanced and wear masks. Parents can opt out of their children attending classes, and do 100% remote learning. 

COVID-19 Update

Warren County continues to monitor dozens of residents under mandatory quarantine, but as of Tuesday had no new infections from two nursing home employees who tested positive last week. There were also no new infections stemming from a girls lacrosse team traveling to New Jersey for a tournament and later discovering a teammate has the coronavirus.

Warren County had seven cases as of Wednesday, five of them mild, two are seriously/critically ill- both of these patients are hospitalized.

Washington County has two active cases, and neither resident is hospitalized.

Saratoga County has 58 active cases and four hospitalizations.

Of some concern is the percentage of coronavirus test results from the eight-county Capital Region that includes Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties. The Times-Union’s Bethany Bump reports that the Capital Region had the highest percentage of positive test results in the state — 1.6% on July 22, 1.5% on July 23 and 1.6% on July 24.

“Albany County officials said they are worried about the sustained increase in cases they have been seeing the last couple of weeks,” Ms. Bump reported.

The Capital Region saw 78 new cases Monday, the largest one-day total in July, she reported. And Albany County Executive Dan McCoy said Tuesday that more than 50 of their new positive cases are from young people ages 20-29.

Ripple Effect of COVID-19: Surge Of In-Home Care For Seniors

Interesting story in the Times Union on the home care industry.

Bethany Bump reports that in-home health care agencies “are fielding increased inquiries and demand for home care in recent months, and believe the fear of cognition and isolation at nursing homes caused by the pandemic is to blame.”

Here’s the link to the full story.

Bowling Centers Press Cuomo on Reopening

It’s been 134 days since Doug Bohannon had bowlers at his 42-lane Kingpin’s Alley Family Bowling Center in South Glens Falls. Bowling centers were ordered closed on March 16, and are still awaiting the go-ahead to reopen.

“That’s 134 days of no revenue,” Mr. Bohannon said. “I applied for a PPP loan that was funded through the end of April. That money is gone.

“I’ve gotten deferments on my mortgages, but those 90-day deferments have come and gone. Bowling leagues start in September. That’s our bread and butter. If we don’t have leagues, you’re going to see a lot of bowling centers go out of business. It’s already started happening.”

Mr. Bohannon was recently elected president of the New York State Bowling Proprietors Association. He’s owned Kingpin’s Alley for seven years.

After more than four months, he’s beyond frustrated.

“We’re working very hard to get the Governor’s attention,” Mr. Bohannon said. “We’re trying to at least get some information. We heard we were going to be able to reopen on July 1st, when we entered Phase Four, but that didn’t happen, and we haven’t heard anything since.”

He said he had installed high-end filters in his HVAC system, and has a detailed reopening plan.

“The Governor’s silence is deafening,” he said. “We’re just looking for guidance. Tell us what we need to do and we’ll do it. Every other business has gotten guidance from the state. Social distancing will not be an issue.”

A press conference is scheduled for Friday at Kingpin’s Alley. State Senator Daphne Jordan and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner are scheduled to attend.

“We have to make some noise,” he said. Info: 518-793-9606.

Sweets By Marisa Closes

Marisa and Josh Fountain announced that they have closed Sweets by Marisa. 

“It is with an extremely heavy heart to announce that Josh and I had to officially close Sweets by Marisa due to Covid-19 and leasing issues,” the couple wrote on Facebook. “We hope that we will eventually be able to reopen a store location and see all of our amazing customers again. Thank you to everyone who has supported us for the last three years. Please feel free to message us on Facebook, Instagram, or email us in the meantime. Stay safe and healthy and we hope to see everyone again soon.”

Ending on a High Note

Steven “Scratch” Scarselletta has retired after 45 years at Finch Paper. He started at Finch on July 1st, 1975. In the photo supplied by Finch are, from left to right: Mike Mack (Woodyard Area Manager), Mr. Scarselletta, Eric Wood (VP Manufacturing & Supply Chain) and Deba Mukherjee (President & CEO). Best wishes on your retirement!

Until next time -
Gordon

GORDON WOODWORTH

A South Glens Falls native, Gordon Woodworth is a respected and well-connected voice of the community. As a journalist, he has covered the Glens Falls region for more than 20 years. Read his full bio here, and click here to follow along with him on Facebook - he’s always reporting!

My Glens Falls: George Normandin

This week, we’re chatting with George Normandin! You’re sure to recognize his friendly smile, whether you’ve seen him around the city conducting business as the founder of Normandin Marketing, or heard him rocking with The East End Boys downtown. Read on to learn more about his deep GF roots, his downtown renovations, his awesome idea for something new on Exchange Street, and more!

Tell us about yourself!

Hi, I’m George! My full name is George Buchanan Normandin III. My name sounds pretty regal but unfortunately, I’m not royalty. My loved ones call me “Georgie” and even at 38 years of age, I’m yet to escape the nursery rhyme that pairs with the nickname! Anyway, I was born at Glens Falls Hospital. I currently live in Queensbury with my lovely wife, Kate; our three children, Annie (9), Lucy (7) and Grant (3); and a fast-growing silver lab puppy named Gus (8 Mos). In 2011, I founded Normandin Marketing to apply my years of holistic business and marketing expertise to support the growth of both for-profit and nonprofit businesses throughout our community. I also co-founded The East End Boys™, a songwriting duo with my lifelong friend, Ted Coleman. When not working on entrepreneurial or philanthropic efforts, I enjoy time with my family and friends, doing just about anything together. I’m into a lot of things - music, athletics, art, etc. I’ve always been a curious doer on the go. It’s led to some incredible relationships along the way. Life is precious and each day I do my best to learn more, do more for others, and make the most of it.

On Life in Glens Falls

My father was an “East Ender.” His side of the family grew up on Orchard Street. I guess you can say that the St. Mary’s “Kerry Blue-Blood” runs deep. My grandfather’s memorial trophy case still remains outside of the gymnasium. Many don’t know this but I actually grew up in Ft. Edward and commuted to St. Mary’s school in Glens Falls, K-5. My late cousin, Tom “TC” Collins was my biggest mentor growing up. He was also a top alpine ski racer nationally. During a family meeting in which my father asked me if I was serious about getting into ski racing like my cousin, we decided to move to Glens Falls to begin my middle school years. My childhood was awesome. Today, it’s like I have two entire families - my Ft. Edward family and my Glens Falls family. I’m a very lucky guy. Ultimately, it was those close knit relationships with family and friends that brought my wife and I back here permanently in 2009.

In 2009, we purchased our first home from the Gallucci family in the Broadacres neighborhood. You may have seen the late John Gallucci's watercolor paintings from the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid. He was also the former art teacher at Glens Falls. We’re still here fixing our house up a bit more each year but couldn’t be happier at our location. Is anyone ever really done with their home anyway?! The house was built in the late 50’s. It suits us well and our neighbors are great.

In 2014, we purchased the former Loomis & Lapann Insurance building at 18 Exchange Street in the central business district of downtown Glens Falls. I had a vision to completely restore the building from the ground floor, up. From uncovering the wood floors and coffered ceilings downstairs; to restoring the tin ceilings upstairs; the design came out even better than I imagined and I’m very proud of the result.

In the beginning, our good friend Tim Reed had his antique shop downstairs. When Tim decided to work out of his barn at his home, I immediately thought of Happy Jacks in Bolton Landing. My family loves that store and I knew the owners also had the candy shop up there. So, I called Jeff Strief on a whim one day to gauge his interest in bringing some of their neat offerings to Glens Falls. When Jeff and I met to chat ideas, I was blown away how creative and fun he was. Jeff’s partner in the stores, Nikki Ogden and I went to college together, so we all hit it off immediately. Shortly thereafter, as Jeff put it, “Happy Jack’s tough sister, was about to about to hit the city!” Rude Betty was born and it was the perfect retail match for downtown. They are doing well here. During the restoration process, it was a friendly patron at Rude Betty who educated me that our building is one of the oldest in Glens Falls. It’s built like a tank, with the fleur-de-lis styled tin going down through the walls. The craftsmanship in these old buildings is really something.

Some Glens Falls Favorites

My favorite thing about the Glens Falls area is most certainly the people. You can travel far and wide but you’ll never find more caring, passionate human beings. In addition to the genuine people here, you’ll find so many gems in the way of delicious food, shops, parks, art, and unique events.

We’re also very close to beautiful Lake George and the Adirondack Park. You really don’t have to go far in any one direction to discover something new. Even after 38 years here, I’m still learning more about our history and discovering new ground. When we do feel like getting away, we’re just three hours from Montreal, Boston or New York City and less than an hour to Albany airport, to essentially get to anywhere else we wish to go in the world. Not too shabby!

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

My perfect day is breakfast at Spektor or Poopies; onto crushing out my schedule for the day; lunch at the Bullpen with a client or colleague; back to work until 4:30pm; a late afternoon cold beer with friends at Raul’s; a boat ride with my family and quick dip in Lake George; and then back to GF for dinner at Craft On 9.

On the Past

There are so many amazing memories I have from growing up here. Recently, I went down Horicon Avenue and there was a large group of kids playing football in their front yard. Their bikes were all parked off to the side, scattered everywhere. It instantly brought me back to my childhood. Thinking about it now gives me all the feels. My life is packed with memories like this shared with family and friends. I’m truly blessed.

On the Future

A few years back, I had a conversation with my neighbors about reimagining Exchange Street. Right now, I’m beginning discussions regarding a private-public partnership to see that vision through: New sidewalks, street lamps, flowers, green grass, and seating areas or picnic tables for young families and their pets to gather either before or after shopping and dining. Other ideas to explore for the scope of this project could include: A cobblestone or brick street from Glen Street to the end of Exchange Street; a redesigned parking area and one-way traffic flow; and an outdoor stage for live music to entertain guests. Who’s with me? Let’s make it happen!

I’m very grateful for the life that this area has provided my family and look forward to continue to give back in new ways. Glens Falls has some terrific momentum going for it. Everyone who loves this place as much as I do just has to continue putting forth their best ideas and effort, and we’ll reach our full potential here in no time. We’re getting closer! Thank you for including me into this edition of Glens Falls Living, I really appreciate it. I’m a big fan of GFL and look forward to learning about more of the great people and stories that make our area the treasure that it is!

This week’s My Glens Falls was made possible by Morgan & Co. Restaurant.

Nothing says summer in Glens Falls like an evening enjoying a cocktail and a delicious meal on the porch or patio at Morgan and Company! Indoor and outdoor seating is now available, along with takeout options…and bonus - live music on the patio on Tuesday and Thursday as well! Make your reservation by clicking here - cheers!

Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living!

New Addition: Evie Rosemary McDonald

The McDonald Family welcomed their sweet blue eyed baby girl, Evie, in May! We caught up with them recently to hear all about what they’re loving about life with Evie so far, how the big brothers are adjusting (spoiler alert: they’re the best helpers!), and what it’s been like welcoming a little one in the midst of the pandemic. More below!

Photo: ser.en.dip.iti photography

Tell us about your family!

Hello from The McDonald Family! I'm Alissa, my husband is Matt, and our kids are Bennett, Brooks, and Evie. Matt and I attended the same school from elementary school all the way through college, but we didn't officially meet until our early 30's when we were reintroduced by mutual friends. Matt came to pick me up at my shop in downtown Glens Falls, and our first date at Davidson's felt like dinner with an old friend. We both grew up in South Glens Falls, and we haven't gone far! As much as we love dreaming about moving to warmer weather, there's something pretty special about being here with friends and family. Our hobbies have changed recently since we can't do some of the things we used to love to do, but we've been taking the kids on short hikes and spending a lot of time at the pool!

On Sharing the News

This pregnancy didn't have the same celebrations and fancy Pinterest-themed milestones as my first two. Between being busy with two toddlers and being stuck at home during quarantine, things weren't exactly typical! In our close-knit family, I couldn't keep it a secret long. We didn't have a fancy announcement this time. We had Bennett blurt it out at a family dinner!

My sisters each have two boys and a girl, so we all wondered if the pattern would continue. I don't think it was a coincidence that the pattern did continue. In October, my favorite person in the world, my Grammy, passed away-- and that's when I knew I'd have a girl. I knew in my heart that this little girl was her gift to me. 

All about Evie

Evie Rosemary was born on May 27, 2020 at 2:16pm weighing 8lbs 13oz and measuring 22 inches.

We were really stuck on a name for her! It was just a few weeks before she was due, and we'd piled the kids in the car to go for a drive. Bennett loves to ask questions in the car. He was asking me to spell a few of the names we'd mentioned to him. He asked me to spell Evie, which was one of the names on our list. As I spelled out E-V-I-E,  I realized it was a nod to my maiden name, Bevivino. That's how we knew it was definitely our favorite!

I love being a boy mom, but oh my goodness...there is something special about a girl. I've been waiting my whole life for this! From the adorable outfits to the bows to her sweet smile, there's so much to love. Her dad and big brothers adore her too. We snuggle all day long. I wear her in a carrier for most of the day because she likes to stay close!

My mom and sisters say she looks like me, but she has Matt's blue eyes, and maybe his hair color. We can't tell yet! But I think she has my feisty personality.

Photo: ser.en.dip.iti photography

On Parenthood

My favorite part about the third baby is watching Evie's big brothers with her. They are always asking to help, and they're right by her side when she cries. It's so sweet watching them take on the big brother role already. The most challenging part is being away from friends & family during a time when we'd normally be leaning on them a lot more than usual. We haven't been able to share her quite as much this time around. Selfishly, I love the extra time to have her all to myself, but I'd love for her to be able to be around the whole family more often. 

Since becoming parents, life is definitely different! With three toddlers, there's not a lot of downtime. But we've learned some of life's greatest moments happen in the day-to-day. Whether we're laughing at something one of the boys said, or we're running around trying to keep up with them, we know we'll someday look back on these days as the best.

On the Future

I can't wait to watch her grow up alongside her brothers. We're getting ready to move into a new house that has plenty of space for everyone to run and play along with a great big treehouse in the backyard. I can't wait to watch the 3 of them making memories in our new home.

Words of Wisdom

The best advice someone has given us? To find time every day for yourself! Matt and I each have our alone time. He goes mountain biking, I read. We each need some time to recharge so we can fully show up for our kids and for each other.

And our advice for new parents - as tired as you are, stay up when the kids go to bed or get up before they get up in the morning. Enjoy a quiet cup of coffee or stay up late working on a project. You need your adult time, too!

Just for Fun

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

Happy Baby Carrier, SwaddleMe Swaddles, Freshly Picked Backpack Diaper Bag

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

We'd go to Craft on 9 for a beer, pork belly sandwich & fries! (Can you tell I've been dreaming about this?)

By the way…

I noticed some of the new parents in this series thanking the nurses at Glens Falls Hospital, and I'd like to echo that. I was very nervous about giving birth during a pandemic, but they made everything as smooth and safe as possible. Every nurse, midwife and doctor answered our questions and took the time to ease our fears. We would like to especially thank Natalie, our delivery nurse. She stayed by my side the whole time except when she had to run out to get water for me (about 100 times) because we couldn't leave the room. She was the absolute sweetest, and I'll never forget her!

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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!

Summer at West Mountain

Winter at West Mountain is a given, but we had yet to take advantage of all that West has to offer in the warmer months. That said, we were so excited to experience it in all its summer glory this past week. The first thing we noticed and loved was that West has a little something for everyone - whether you want to lace up your hiking boots and head for the trails, or catch a ride on the lift in your sundress and sandals, picnic basket (and wine!) in hand. We fall into the “let’s do both” category, and a summer pass makes it easy to create your own experience each time, all season long. 

We couldn’t stop talking about what a gem it is, and how lucky we are that it’s just 10 minutes or so from Glens Falls. We might just make this a weekly thing for the rest of the summer. And since we could all use a little bit more of this ( you know - amazing views, picnic lunches, quiet time spent in nature, etc.) in our lives right about now, we’re sharing a coupon code for your visit at the end of this post! 

In the mean time, read on for our favorites from our first trip and what’s on the list for next time! 

EAT + DRINK

Mountaintop Picnic Package: A picnic basket packed to the brim with summer favorites - sandwiches, chips, a giant chocolate chip cookie, maybe a bottle of wine or a couple of cold beers - and bonus, an amazing view. The picnic package was first on our to do list when we perused the activities on the mountain, and it did not disappoint. A quick + scenic 15 minute ride up the chairlift gets you to the top and you’re just a short walk downhill from the closest picnic area. We lucked out on a mid-week afternoon with the overlook (which doubles as their wedding ceremony platform) to ourselves for a while, with nothing but the sounds of the breeze and the birds, and for a few minutes it felt like we were on vacation in the mountains, even with the view of our little city in sight below. 

When you’re done, ask the friendly folks running the lift if they’ll watch your picnic basket while you lace up your sneaks for the next adventure (or if that’s it for the day, catch a ride back down and enjoy the view!). 

SEE + DO

Scenic Chairlift Ride + Hiking: With or without the picnic package, hiking once on top of the mountain is a must. In particular, don’t catch that ride back down the mountain without a quick hike out to the Crow’s Nest Overlook for an amazing view of the bend in the Hudson River below. It’s only about a 10-15 minute walk from the lift, and you might even encounter a fawn or two frolicking through the woods like we did! So sweet! 

If you can manage to tear yourself away from the view (can you imagine it in the fall?!), you can either take the lift back down or hike down to the Base Lodge via the Slideshow trail - that’s on our list for next time! 

High Ropes Adventure Park: Also on our list for next time - the Treetop Adventure Park! We passed the course on our hike out to the Crow’s Nest Overlook (take Trail 3 if you’d like to take a peek!), and there was a family on the course having an absolute blast. It looked like so much fun! Tom is going to have to convince me to get up there, but gosh what a fun activity - especially for families with kiddos (ages 7+)!

Mountain Biking: If we were mountain bikers, this would for sure be top on our list - there are 20 cross-country and downhill trails to choose from on the mountain and we loved watching cyclists coasting underneath us as we rode the chairlift up. You can check out the trail maps here. 

Have you been yet this summer?

Enjoy!!

This post was in partnership with our friends at West Mountain. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to share a closer look at this amazing place - right in our own backyards. Thank you for supporting the businesses and organizations that support Glens Falls Living.

At the Lake: Love is on Lake George Cruises

It’s been the hottest summer in recent memory, and we can’t think of a better way to spend these warm days than at the lake - better yet - on or in the lake! If you’re eager to get out on the water but find yourselves without a boat like us, Captain Ron from Love is on Lake George Cruises is your guy.

Fun fact: Tom planned a birthday picnic for me on an island on Lake George back in June and we rode in style aboard their 1971 lake cruiser to get to our picnic spot - truly one of the best days of our year.

Anyway! Read on for our chat with (Captain) Ron Miller and find out how to book a cruise yourself!

Ron and Kathy Miller and their dog Roxy (Photo: Tom Stock)

What brought you to Lake George?

I grew up in a Navy family moving around the world and around the country. Kathy was born and raised in Glens Falls. We met at college in Indiana. She at St. Mary's and me at Notre Dame. We moved around the country raising our 3 children, and finally decided to settle in the Lake George region 10 years ago. We love sharing all the beauty of our region with others.

Rumor has it that you’re a former Navy fighter and test pilot…that’s who we’d want piloting our cruise! Although there are obvious differences, what are some similarities between piloting a fighter jet and a boat?  

I was a Navy fighter pilot flying jets off aircraft carriers and then as an Experimental Test Pilot for McDonnell Douglas flying the F-15, F-18 and T-45 aircraft. One similarity with piloting a boat is the need to know and respect the weather! When I have a precise docking in tough conditions, I tell folks I used to land jets on aircraft carriers, if I embarrass myself with an ugly docking, I keep my mouth shut!

Ha! So, how did Love is on Lake George Cruises come to be?   

Having bought the Lyman, then seeing a possible synergy with Kathy's business, Love is in New York, I thought it would be smart and fun to turn a personal liability, i.e. old wooden boat, into a business asset.

The boat itself is a 1971 Lyman, Soft-Top Sleeper with the original Crusader/Chrysler 318 engine, 225 hp. An original lake cruiser. You learn quick when your boat takes on water faster than the bilge pump can pump it overboard, you add another bilge pump! It is in great shape now, reliable and looking good. We believe she has been on Lake George her entire life.

(Photo: Tom Stock)

What do you love the most about taking folks on cruises? 

We meet some really interesting people and we enjoy watching them fall in love with Lake George. And they come back! The most fun cruises are the surprise marriage proposals and special family occasions.

A special cruise that comes to mind was with a woman from Houston who returned to Lake George after 50+ years. She had an old photograph of herself (as a little girl) with her Dad and her dog on a rock on an island somewhere in the Narrows. She wanted to find that spot. We found it! It was very emotional for her and satisfying for me.

Amazing! So, what's one of your favorite routes for a cruise?  

Through the Narrows, past the Mother Bunch and a visit to the hamlet of Hulett's Landing.

Tom is always talking about his dream to own a wooden boat - any words of wisdom?

Don't sign-on to wooden boat project without your eyes wide open! And as far as tips for boating in general, be sure to get on-the-water instruction in the vessel you are operating.

What’s next for the Cruises? 

We had a bit of a game changer last season when The Sagamore Resort made us one of their limited Preferred Waterfront Vendors, all good. For 2020, we added a second boat to serve the water taxi market, as we get calls for simple A to B water transportation. Our 24 foot Key West Center Console is the right equipment! So far so good. 

What’s the best way to get on the boats?

All of our cruises are by reservation, and we offer online booking here.

A phone call or email gets it all started, and Kathy takes over from there. We get the best outcome for our customers the more we know about the experience they’re hoping for before we get on the water. She helps with any special requests i.e. taking photos, ground transportation, or arranging for catered meals.

We cruise May through October!

Before we go, tell us a little more about Kathy’s business Love is in New York! 

Well, Kathy has grown a very locally focused Lake George gifts and décor business into a successful regional, NYS certified women owned enterprise. With an online store and wholesale customers from Plattsburg to Old Forge to Saratoga and beyond she is very busy! Find out more at loveisinnewyork.com.

(Photo: Tom Stock)

Love is on Lake George Cruises

Website / Instagram / Facebook

Love is in New York

Website / Instagram / Facebook

The Weekender:

BBQ, Brews, and Baseball: The world might seem a little off lately, but hey, baseball is back!!! To celebrate, Northway Brewing Co. is hosting Brooks’ House of BBQ from 12-8pm. Grab some BBQ and a beer and catch a game on their projector screen. Tom is always raving about Brooks from his Hartwick College glory days, so I’m sure he’ll be first in line. Details here. 

Bluegrass Brunch: We haven’t been to Farmstead Flatbread yet this year, but we drove by last weekend and saw Saratoga Strings Band playing out on the patio and it reminded us of their fun Sunday brunches - adding to our list! Here are the details. 

Let’s All Fight: The Chapman Museum is officially open and their new exhibit “Let’s All Fight” features a collection of WWII Home Front Posters. If you go, consider bringing a donation for Operation Adopt a Soldier (you can find a list of needed items here). Grab the details on the new exhibit and The Chapman here!

Berry Picking: Have you been yet?! We’re heading out for a third time this weekend - we’ve been to Stu-berry and Winney’s already, and I think Hicks is calling our name this weekend (the cider donuts may have something to do with it). As promised, we published a roundup of favorite blueberry farms to try if you’re thinking about going - check that out here. Happy picking!  

Darling Doughnuts: Mark your calendars! Our friends at Darling Doughnuts are opening their storefront in Saratoga next Wednesday, July 29! We’re excited to get our paws on some of our favorites again and of course, see the new space. Congrats, Natascha! Details here. (And if you missed it last year, see our My Glens Falls interview with Natascha here!).

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom