My Glens Falls: Danielle Grasmeder

We’re chatting with Danielle Grasmeder this week! She’s sharing the reasons she returned to Glens Falls after graduating from college, her favorite holiday memories in the city, her pup Stella’s go-to stops at the Glens Falls Farmers Market, and lots more!

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Danielle Grasmeder and I have lived in the Glens Falls/Queensbury region since I was 5 years old! I turned 25 on October 1st (so that means a solid 20 years here!) and currently work for Morgan Stanley in Glens Falls as a Registered Associate. You may know my parents, Kathy and Dan Grasmeder, as they work for Morgan Stanley in Glens Falls as well.

I am a proud member of the Glens Falls Rotary Club and love to spend my time volunteering with people who value “Service above Self” as much as I do. I have an 8 month old German Shepherd, Stella, who loves to go to the Farmer’s Market with me every Saturday in the pavilion and get her fill of hot dogs from Pa’s Pistols, treats from Battenkill Creamery, and (her favorite!) weekly pumpkin “pup cups” from Buddy’s Barkery!

On Life in Glens Falls

Glens Falls is where I grew up. I honestly always pictured myself coming back here post-graduation, settling down and contributing to my local community in every way that I could. It seemed like the logical next step after college. Graduate, then come back to the place that shaped me into the person I am. I feel that I can return the favor and help to improve and preserve the amazing community that influenced me!

My family has lived here for 20 years (my little sister Gabrielle was in a baby carrier when we moved here!) and I met my boyfriend of 8 and a half years, Mike Valente, at a Queensbury Middle School Dance! He has also lived in the Glens Falls Region his whole life and agrees that staying in the Glens Falls area is just what we were supposed to do! Mike got a job working for Lehigh Hanson Cement in Glens Falls and it felt like everything fell into place for us.

There are so many things that keep me here: my family, my friends, my job, and the community. But one of the best things about our community is the changing of seasons! I am telling you, it is just not the same other places! I went to SUNY Oswego to obtain my bachelors degree in Marketing and trust me, the trees are nothing like what they are here. Also, just drive through the community and look around! We are in the most idyllic spot, surrounded by mountains! Have you been driving and just taken a moment to look at the trees as you go down Glen Street or Warren Street? The colors of the trees are incredible. I so thoroughly enjoy my drive to work, especially right now, because of the beautiful fall colors! People literally drive to our community to come see the beauty of Autumn and I think we are so incredibly blessed to be living in a place where the seasons change like they do here!

Mike and I bought our first house in April of this year. It is a beautiful home in Hartford approximately 20 minutes from downtown GF, so I have about a 20 minute commute to work. We have 12 acres of land and it is a dream come true. I’m still trying to convince Mike to let me bring my horse home, but in the mean time our dog Stella loves to romp around our fields and stretch her legs! We love that Glens Falls is so close! You literally have the best of both worlds where we are. The hustle and bustle of a small city and the wide expanse of farm country just 10-15 minutes away. Can’t get much better than that in my opinion.

Some Glens Falls Favorites

My favorite thing about Glens Falls is the fact that there are so many different shops, businesses, and other things going on that you really can spend a whole day here and still not see or do everything. I wish more people knew the rich history of some of the older buildings in Glens Falls. For example, the building I currently work in used to be a carriage house! It housed livery horses and carriages and still bears some remnants of that time to this day! There are so many beautiful buildings with incredible pasts and it’s amazing that we can hear about and experience them today.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

A perfect day in Glens Falls would start with breakfast at SPoT or Spektor Coffee. I love SPoT’s chai lattes and they make this wonderful white chocolate blueberry latte in the summer that is heavenly over ice! For breakfast there I will usually get the breakfast burrito and a white chocolate pumpkin cookie. From Spektor I am a huge fan of their land and sea eggs benedict. Their smashed potatoes are literally to die for!

My sister, mom and whoever else I have with me will usually come with Stella and I on our weekly trip to the Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning. Our favorite stops include The Food Florist, Battenkill Creamery (where they always have treats waiting for Stella), The Argyle Cheese Company, Pa’s Pistols (where there are always hot dogs cut up and waiting for Stella), Lake George Distilling Company and (Stella’s favorite stop) Buddy’s Barkery for her weekly Pumpkin Flavored Pup Cups!

Lunch would probably be had at Rachel’s Spice Cafe (their Snapdragon Panini is literally the best!) and then we would let Stella romp around in City Park and maybe visit The Lake George Olive Oil Company for gelato and olive oil (and to visit my little sister while she is working there!). Then we would hit Laura’s Vintage for some shopping (they have such cute clothes!) and Minky Mink!

For happy hour, we would be sitting outside at Farmacy and ordering some sort of amazing cocktail that they have. In my opinion if you want incredible drinks made by a master bartender there is no other place to go besides Farmacy.

Dinner is at Mikado, no question. I think they have the best sushi in the Capital Region, honestly. They know my family and I as we are regulars and we go for sushi every Friday! We usually start with a dumpling soup in miso broth and our favorite sushi roll is Larry the Lobster. The trip would not be complete without a Pretty Princess drink for me either! It is the best!! And if you don’t like sushi I recommend their shrimp tempura udon (it’s a noodle soup with shrimp tempura you can add in).

For date night, Mike and I have frequented Raul’s (fish tacos and margaritas!!), Mi Rancho (margaritas and Texas fajitas!!), Farmacy, and of course Mikado! We would really like to try Radici but have not been able to get a reservation to get in! Speaks volumes about how amazing the food is when you can’t get a reservation! We hope to try it soon!

On the Past

My favorite memories of Glens Falls are during Christmas time. I remember when I was a little girl and they had a horse drawn carriage giving rides up and down beautifully decorated and snow covered Glen Street. As a horse crazy little girl it stuck in my mind how amazing it was to see this beautifully decorated carriage with two big black percherons and wreaths wrapped around their necks trotting proudly up and down the streets of my little hometown. That was a wonderful night with my family. We had just gotten our Christmas tree and were in town grabbing hot chocolate and cookies (I think my parents totally knew what was going on and wanted to surprise me!). It is one of my favorite memories.

Another of my favorite memories is working with the WAIT House for the Morgan Stanley Christmas Initiative. Two years ago we helped a family that was really in need (child and mom needed really basic things like dishes, hairbrushes, socks, boots, coat, snow pants, etc.) and they were so much fun to shop for. When we dropped everything off at their house, Mom cried and hugged us and told us how thankful she was that we had given her and her son such a beautiful Christmas. We had also bought her and her son Christmas dinner and she was so thankful as she had thought that would not be an option for them that year. It was so much fun to bring them a Christmas (with the help and generosity of my amazing co-workers) that they will remember forever while making sure all of their needs were met!

On the Future

I think the next thing that should come to Glens Falls are some tech companies! We have the makings of a bustling little metropolis and one of the few things we are missing are tech companies to really round out Glens Falls’ “ resume”. We have financial firms, law offices, restaurants, the paper plant, cement plant, the marketing firms, and I think all that’s missing is those businesses!

I would also love to see some dog themed stores come in to town. I think those would be a huge hit as everyone always loves to walk around town with their dogs!

I am so glad to live in Glens Falls and feel blessed to have such a strong community behind me. I am so proud of where I live and can’t wait to see what happens as we continue to progress!

Back in the Day: Roller Skating Craze

The “roller skating craze” wheeled into Glens Falls in early 1884, and, for a time, not even a “Great Fire” could deter the “healthy exercise and innocent amusement” trend.

“Roller Skating is apparently destined to become the most popular sport in Glens Falls,” The Morning Star reported, not to mention the inspiration for poetry.

“Twas Tuesday last, the floor like ice. She started fast, and looked real nice. One foot flew out, with a spiteful spot. She gave a shout, and down she sat,” one local versifier mused.

Glens Falls Opera House, home of one of the city’s first roller skating rinks, circa 1884 • Courtesy of The Chapman Museum

Glens Falls was not an enigma.

Some 30,000 roller skating rinks opened around the world in 1883 and 1884.

But the fad was short lived, at least for that era.

About two years later, The Morning Star would proclaim, “Roller skating has had its day.”

Residents of all ages and occupations became preoccupied with the sport. 

“Merchants, salesmen and others whose employment produces a strain on their nervous system find roller skating conducive of much good in furnishing cheap and healthful physical exercise.”

Yet there were risks.

“The roller skating craze is invading the precincts of our homes; it distracts the businessman, and has completely upset the usually demure housewife and maidens,” The Morning Star reported. “One of the effects of the craze was seen in a Glen Street store yesterday when a heavy-weight clerk, experimenting on a pair of new skates, lost his equilibrium and sat down rather unceremoniously in the presence of some lady customers.”

Nevertheless, “many distinguished” Glens Falls clergy authorized roller skating during Lent, provided skaters did not skip church services, even though clergy in other regions of the country condemned skating as being too much like dancing.

“It’s approval, through the clergy, rebounds to its honor,” The Glens Falls Daily Times reported.

The local fad started when W.D. Maxwell, an out-of-town promoter, arranged to offer roller skating sessions, beginning March 2, at Meredith B. Little Opera House on Warren Street, one of two prominent auditoriums in Glens Falls.

“Good music will be in attendance. A small admission fee will be charged on the opening night – ladies free.”

Shortly after that, The Glen skating rink opened at Glens Falls Opera House on Glen Street, just north of the Glen Street hill.

Glens Falls Opera House • Courtesy of The Chapman Museum

A third roller skating rink, apparently short lived, opened at a vacant storefront at 104 Glen St.

The enthusiasm spread around the area.

“The (Warrensburg) town meeting excitement is lost in the prospects of a roller skating rink in town,” the Warrensburg correspondent reported in The Morning Star.

Bradley Opera House in Fort Edward began offering skating March 13, with about 75 skaters turning out.

Skating rinks opened at the Wilbur building and at Middleworth Hall at Sandy Hill, now Hudson Falls, and elsewhere in Washington County.

“The roller skating fever struck Argyle on Friday the 21st (of March), … since which time people of all ages have been seen approaching the town hall with light, elastic step and smiling, joyous countenance,” the Washington County Advertiser reported. “But, alas, the bandaged head and halting gait on the homeward trail told another tale. The epidemic will doubtless soon be over.” 

Within months roller skating rinks would open in Chestertown, Fort Ann, Saratoga, Schuylerville, Port Henry, Watertown, and Amsterdam, some of which were operated by Glens Falls entrepreneurs. 

The propensity of rinks led to competition.

The manager of the rink at the Wilbur building at Sandy Hill offered free round-trip excursion sleigh transportation from downtown Glens Falls.

Other rinks staged special events such as professional trick skating performances, masquerade parties and potato races – in which a bushel of potatoes was placed on one end of the rink, and an empty basket at the other.

The skater that successfully carried the most potatoes from one basket to the other won.

Roller skating in Glens Falls was temporarily halted when the “Second Great Fire of Glens Falls” swept through downtown on April 28, 1884, destroying Meredith B. Little Opera House and Glens Falls Opera House, among other buildings.

But roller skating would not be stopped for long.

An out-of-town investment group already had plans in the works for construction of a new rink, designed specially for roller skating, at the corner of Wait and Horicon streets.

“The floor will be of yellow birch, which is considered the best and most durable that can be procured,” The Morning Star reported. “The interior will be conveniently arranged, modern style, and lighted with gas throughout.”

Japanese lanterns were hung, bunting put up, and a 13-piece brass band hired for the July 3 grand opening, that featured a trick, fancy and acrobatic skating demonstration by the Nicholas twins of North Adams, Mass.

Between 150 and 200 skaters turned out.

Other nights the rink would draw as many as 250 skaters.

Two other short-lived rinks – The Glen on Warren Street and The Bijou in the Crandall Block, opened in late 1884 or early 1885.

Like Humpty Dumpty in the nursery rhyme, the rink at the corner of Wait and Horicon streets had a great fall.

A year or so after the opening, the owners stopped paying their bills.

“It was run under competent management for some time, but when the roller skating craze commenced to wane, the building was sold at public auction,” The Morning Star reported.

Mrs. M.A. Gould, who owned the land the skating rink was built on, was the buyer.

Gould’s daughter, for a time, attempted to keep the venture operating as a roller skating rink, but the building fell into disrepair.

In early 1887, village officials condemned the building, and on Feb. 27 the roof collapsed around 1 or 2 a.m. due to the weight of heavy snow, and the building had to be demolished.

During its short run, roller skating brought new revenue to area theaters, as roller skating sessions filled nights in between theatrical productions, nights on which the theater otherwise would be dark.

But in the long run, roller skating damaged theater floors and competed with other forms of entertainment.

“The Middleworth Hall floor, which cost between three and four hundred dollars, was of the very best quality of Georgia pine, and which was considered the best floor for dancing purposes in this section of the country, is completely ruined by the roller skating,” the Washington County Advertiser reported.

Whitmore & Clark’s Minstrel Company disbanded in 1884, ending its season $2,000 in the red – the equivalent of about $53,000 in 2020 dollars – the first year the company lost money.

“The company was a strong one, but the skating rinks everywhere took all the change there was laying around loose,” The Morning Star reported.

Skating was blamed for siphoning off revenue from other businesses, such as a barber in Sandy Hill who had to lay off help.

“He alleges as a reason that the young men who heretofore got shaved two or three times a week now only shave once and spend their money at the rink.”

—————

Sources: The Morning Star Feb. 29, March 5, 8, 14, 15, 20, 22, 24, 29, April 1, 5, 8, 16, 29, June 11, July 3,4, 1884; Jan. 10, 1885; Feb. 25, 1886; Feb. 28, 1857; Glens Falls Daily Times March 11, 1884; Washington County Advertiser, Fort Edward, March 14, 26, 1884

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: October 23-25

Happy weekend! Hope you’ve got a fun fall weekend on tap. We have a feeling we’ll have a rake in hand for at least a few hours of it, and we’re hoping to squeeze in a few of these things too:

VOTE: Do you have a plan to vote yet? Early in-person voting for Warren County residents starts this weekend at the Warren County Municipal Center and runs through Sunday, November 1 with lots of flexible hours so that you can get over there and get it done ahead of time. Of course, you can still vote at your usual polling location on Election Day, too. Get all the details here!

Halloween Houses: Everyone seems to be stepping up their Halloween decorations this year and we are here for it! The Downtown Collaborative put together a map of some of the best dressed houses in the city, so pack up the car with some sweet treats, cruise around to enjoy the Halloween Houses, and vote for your favorite here.

Pumpkins & Pints: Speaking of Halloween, we’re loving this idea of pumpkin carving - adult style - over at Slickfin Brewery in Fort Edward. Enjoy a couple of beers and a classic horror movie while you carve, and wrap things up with a costume contest. Get the scoop here!

Juicin’ Jar: They’re open in their newly expanded space with a newly expanded line of goods including a market and gift shop! Can’t wait to check it out - sneak a peek here and stay tuned for our first look next week!

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Guiding Yachts and Cargo Vessels Across the Ocean - From Glens Falls!

One of the world’s leading weather forecasting companies is based on Warren Street in Glens Falls.

Weather Routing, Inc., occupies most of the second floor of Peter and Suzanne Hoffman’s Warren Street Square building. It employs 42 people, 41 of them meteorologists, who guide yachts and cargo vessels traveling the world’s oceans.

“In this area, we are not as well known because we’re not a business where locals would come to us for a forecast,” said Jeremy Davis, operations manager for the yachting division and senior meteorologist. “Not a lot of people here know one of the world’s leaders in weather forecasting is right here in Glens Falls, and 40-plus meteorologists work here, which makes a huge impact on the local economy.”

Jeremy Davis

Founded in 1961 in New York City by Bill Kaciak, Weather Routing has been in Glens Falls for about 35 years, the last 10 on Warren Street. The company is now owned by Peter Wirfel, formerly of South Glens Falls, who was a Weather Routing employee before buying the company in the late 1980s.

“We do a lot of different things,” Mr. Davis told Glens Falls Living. “In the yachting division, we forecast for yachts, sailboats, races, regattas and marinas worldwide. We’re doing more with people who own yachts, people who charter yachts, people that go sailing, from families all the way up to larger yachts owned by people who are household names.

“…The commercial side is the larger side. It’s more than half of our business…Cargo ships, freighters, tankers. They could be transporting anything anywhere across the world. It’s all the stuff that everybody needs. It’s the lifeblood of world commerce. It’s not something that a lot of people think about, all the stuff that goes back and forth, but even the road salt in Albany for the winter comes from Brazil.

“…We’ll find the best date to go and the best route to take. We’ll look at tropical systems, are there other kinds of bad weather, should they cancel the trip, and give them a detailed report over the phone or in writing so they can make the best possible plans.

“…While they are out at sea, we’re in constant communication with them. Communication is a lot easier and cheaper now than it used to be with email. Twenty years ago when I started here, it was a lot of satellite faxing which would cost $60 to send because it was over a satellite phone, and they would time out after eight minutes at $6 a minute.

“Now email is on almost every vessel. Communications are a lot easier and cheaper. But clients will call or email us from all over the world and it’s all done from Glens Falls, which is pretty amazing. We’re talking to people from all over the planet every day.”

Mr. Davis said “The yacht side has been growing, and the commercial side has really been growing the last five years. We strive to be really personal with our clients, really efficient. Quick responses, they really like that. They like that they can reach humans any time, day or night. That’s not always the case these days.”

He said his job makes for easy small talk at parties.

“Most people are always fascinated by what we do here because it is so different,” he said. “Most people haven’t heard of marine weather forecasting. It’s a niche service. But the cool thing is it gives you a lot to talk about because people find it fascinating. When you have a national story like a hurricane, we’re on it. We’re being affected by it in our office.”

What drives him?

“I love the challenge of it,” Mr. Davis said. “Every day is different, and it’s never boring. I like to figure out the strategy to best help our clients. And the other thing I enjoy is getting to know a lot of our clients. We get to know their vessel and get to know them on a personal level as well. And we get to talk to people around the world. We kind of become a global citizen in a way.

“As a kid, I loved tracking hurricanes and tropical storms, and would watch the Weather Channel, and now I get paid to do that. That’s pretty cool.”

Weather Routing, Inc.
Website

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: Meg Diehl

We caught up with Meg Diehl this week! She shares what brought her back to the area after being away for years, the one place in the city that her mom would let her drink soda as a kid, a great idea for a future city event, and more!

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Meg Diehl. I’m a Culinary Arts Instructor for SUNY Adirondack at Seasoned restaurant. I’m also the co-owner and operator of Prepped and Ready Catering Co, and Whisk and Wine LLC, offering private cooking classes, catering, in-home service, events, weddings, and pop up restaurants.

On Life in Glens Falls

I grew up in Bolton Landing and have enjoyed living, working and playing in this area for over a decade. I traveled when I was younger, moving to western New York for college and then to Wyoming after college to ski, hike, and play. I settled in New York City to attend culinary school and was eventually drawn back to the area to work with my family on our farm and to forge a new culinary path and career in this area knowing that the greater Glens Falls region was changing and evolving as well as becoming more in touch with the new ideas and aspects of the culinary world.

I currently live in Brant Lake with my husband, and we are in the process of building a home in Bolton Landing.

Some Glens Falls Favorites

Besides Seasoned, my incredible culinary students, and the wonderful opportunities that SUNY Adirondack affords not just my students but the larger community, I truly love The Hyde Collection. The Historic Home and permanent collection as well as exhibits, events, learning opportunities, and much much more are not only invaluable to our community, but invaluable to the art and history world as well.

The Chapman Museum also has a very special place in my heart, offering such beautiful insight into the past alongside its preservation of the local Glens Falls area and surrounding towns through the lens of Seneca Ray Stoddard and many other influential figures from our area.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

My morning starts at Spektor Coffee. I need my coffee. I love the Crandall Library so maybe I’d take some time and peruse the stacks, keeping in mind I only have so many hands to hold the books!

For afternoon snack time, I would love to see my students in action at Seasoned restaurant, enjoy a delicious lunch (or dinner for that matter), a glass of wine, and get to see stellar students doing what they do best.

After that I’d hit up The Hyde or The Chapman. Then cocktails and more snacks at Farmacy so I could see alumni student Dave Macintosh in action serving up wonderful creations.

If there are any events happening in town, I try to squeeze them in too, like shows at the Wood Theater, Adirondack Theater Festival, guest speaker presentations at galleries or museums, movies, music and more.

On the Past

When I was young, my mom and I had season tickets to the Red Wings! I remember bundling up and going to the rink, smelling the ice, and getting to drink soda, which was forbidden in our house but hockey games were a special occasion. I got to know the players and coaches, have vivid memories riding the zamboni, and so much more.

On the Future

I would love to see a bookstore, more, and diverse restaurants, as well as a historic homes tour. Those are things I love in other small towns around the area and something I would love to see in Glens Falls.

The Weekender: October 16 - 18

Happy weekend! Peak colors, sunshine, and hopefully a little relaxing in our future. If you need a couple of ideas for the weekend agenda, here’s a few that caught our eye:

Abby’s Cookie Jar: We’ve all been waiting for a place downtown where we can grab something sweet after dinner, right?! Enter Abby’s Cookie Jar - opening this Saturday! We’re psyched to see that she’ll be offering cookies, coffee, chocolate and more - and classes, too! Grab the details here.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt: Seen any ghosts downtown?! The Glens Falls Collaborative has hidden cut-out ghosts around the city - if you’re able to find all ten (and snap photos of each one), email your pictures to ourglensfalls@gmail.com and you’ll be entered in a raffle to win a gift certificate for $25 to the Glens Falls business of your choice! Get the full scoop here.

Moreau Lake State Park: Have you been recently? We popped over this week for a quick photo shoot and the colors were amazing. Such a gem in right in our own backyards. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch on the beach or head for a hike (here’s a trail map). If a guided hike is more your thing, we stumbled across this event on Sunday (and it appears it includes cider donuts!).

Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Saturday looks like a beautiful day so why not get out and walk for a good cause? As with many other events this year, the 2020 Walk has gone virtual, but we’re hoping to see lots of folks out and about helping to raise money to end Alzheimer’s. Get the details and sign up here.

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

SUNY Adirondack Culinary Arts Program Thriving

SUNY Adirondack’s Culinary Arts Program is thriving despite the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions.

“We’ve got 59 students in the program right now,” says Chef Matthew Bolton, the senior faculty member for the program. “On average, I think the most I’ve had in the eight years I’ve been here is 72 students. Given the pandemic, you can’t go wrong with 59 students.”

Chef Matthew Bolton at Seasoned

All of the classes are at 14 Hudson in downtown Glens Falls, where SUNY Adirondack leases 8,000 square feet and has its 80-seat restaurant, Seasoned.

“The students have been really receptive and really compliant…We have adapted to the new normal — wearing a face mask every day, all day. 

“If the students need to taste something, we’ve made a designated corner where they go, about 15 or 20 feet away from each other, and can slide their mask off and taste. Because obviously they’ve got to taste and season before they can call their dish complete.”

Seasoned is now open for lunch and dinner on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Four-course dinners featuring local foods are 5:45 to 7 p.m. For reservations, call 518-832-7725, email culinary@sunyacc.edu or go online at www.sunyacc.edu/culinary-arts-center-reservation.

Lunch is $15.95, $9.95 for children 12 and younger. Dinner is $26.95, $18.95 for children 12 and younger.

Meals this week feature appetizers like chilled grilled shrimp with charred peach and spicy pepper relish; roasted root vegetables; pumpkin soup; carpaccio of beef with truffle salted cherry tomatoes, and fresh salad.

Entrees include Moroccan rubbed lamb with sweet potato puree and baba ganoush; citrus-marinated beef skirt with jalapeño pickled carrot puree and roasted potatoes; stir-fried garden vegetables with marinated tofu and rice noodles; and roasted white fish with apple relish and basmati rice.

The restaurant opened last week, and will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays through Nov. 19.

“Usually we do 11 weeks, but it’s only seven weeks this semester,” Mr. Bolton said. “I shaved it down. Normally we go a couple of weeks after Thanksgiving, but given the insight from the scientists, we figured shutting down right after Thanksgiving break would be in our best interest.”

Last week “went well. We did four for lunch and about 16 for sit down dinner and a take out order for [SUNY Adirondack] President Kris Duffy. We are always slow the first couple weeks until the buzz gets out.”

Chef Bolton, a 2004 graduate of the school’s culinary arts program who for 14 years was a sous chef and executive chef at the Friends Lake Inn in Chestertown, says he has a good mix of students this year.

“It’s a pretty diverse mixture,” he said. “One of the many great things about my job is I meet people from all walks of life, and of all ages. It’s 17 and 18 year olds fresh out of high school, and students who are older and who have been in the industry for a long time or maybe looking for a career change. I also get retirees, doctors and lawyers, who always loved to cook and wanted to take some professional classes. It’s very diverse. Our median age range is 18 to 30 but there’s always a couple of older students.”

The restaurant “is the meat of the program. I pushed really hard to make sure we could have in-person classes this semester, especially after going online last spring and the fact that not everyone has the same equipment at home. 

“When we’re open and running the restaurant, it gives our students that real hands-on experience. I cycle them through each station so everyone gets a chance to grill a couple of times, sauté a couple of times, do desserts a couple of times. Even if that’s not what they want to do with their career, this way they get the opportunity to see if they actually like it or not.

“…And we get to network with a lot of local farmers and producers. I try to keep everything local in the 518, so all of the ingredients we have, except for the seafood, which comes from Boston every couple of days, are all grown locally. A lot of it is grown right on our main campus in our sustainable agriculture program.”

Glens Falls, he says, is a “culinary town, which provides great opportunity for our students and the restaurants.”

The pandemic has brought about changes in the restaurant industry, which Chef Bolton has incorporated into the curriculum. Things like “double dipping with ingredients, seeing what you can do using the same ingredients multiple times to make it different and interesting. And being adaptable with different ingredients. 

“I call on my farmers every Sunday and tell them whatever they didn’t sell at the farmers’ market or their seconds or uglier stuff, just drop it off on Monday and we’ll figure out something to do with it. We’re just really trying to maximize our local economy by buying local. And it’s a great teaching tool.”

Seasoned
Website / Facebook

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!

New Addition: Georgia Louise Mansman

What did you do this summer? Well, Natascha Pearl-Mansman gave birth to a beautiful baby girl AND opened a doughnut shop - no big deal ;) We caught up with Natascha of Darling Doughnuts and her husband Joe to find out all about their newest addition, Georgia Louise. Read on for their sweet story, including how they shared the news with family (hint: with a doughnut pun, of course!).

Photo: YM Photography

I’m Natascha Pearl-Mansman and I live with my husband Joey Mansman, our two beautiful daughters Clementine and Georgia, and our two cats Oliver and Mischa close to downtown Glens Falls. I own Darling Doughnuts in Saratoga, and Joe manages a retail store in Albany and plays and records music with his band (Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revival Band). I love that we live in walking distance to schools, shops, parks, and playgrounds, and are able to enjoy so much of what Glens Falls has to offer without even having to get in the car - when the weather permits of course. Both Joey and I have lots of family close by, and we live in a duplex apartment next to Joe’s brother, his wife, and their child - so we have excellent neighbors! If and when we are able to purchase a house someday I’d love to stay right in our neighborhood. 

Photo: YM Photography

On Sharing the News

Funny story - my mom was asking if we were thinking about having another child, but then said we should wait since it would be a really inconvenient time with my store opening - and I said, well that’s funny because I’m actually pregnant now! The universe has a really interesting sense of humor it seems, and we ended up opening the store just a few weeks after Georgia was born. When I told Joe he didn’t seem surprised since he said he had seen prenatal vitamins in the bathroom - but I was still taking them since I was still nursing Clementine at the time! 

Photo: YM Photography

On Finding Out the Gender

When I was pregnant with Clementine I was convinced we were having a boy, so it was a big surprise when they told us we were having a girl! We had only agreed upon a boy’s name, and Joe was in California for work at the time, so I called him from the office and gave him the news. This time around I just knew we were having another girl, so it wasn’t much of a surprise when it was confirmed at my ultrasound. Joe was unable to attend most of my appointments during this pregnancy because of Covid, but was able to support me during the birth - which at one point seemed uncertain with all the new regulations! Being pregnant during a pandemic was nerve-wracking to say the least - but I was thankful for all the extra time we got to spend together before Georgia was born. 

Because I was pregnant during lockdown, we didn’t have a gender reveal or shower or anything, but I did share the news with our friends and family in the best way I knew how - with doughnuts! I made letter doughnuts that spelled ‘oh baby!’ with a ‘dad’ doughnut, a mini doughnut for Clementine, and a ‘pregnant’ doughnut for myself - with a pun ‘our family is getting a hole lot bigger’. 

Photo: YM Photography

All about Georgia

Georgia Louise Mansman was born on July 3, 2020 at 10:20pm after less than 5hrs of active labor. I was not expecting such a quick birth as I was in labor with Clementine for 36 hours! The nurse had just left the room for a moment when I suddenly knew it was go time - Joe hit the emergency button and no less than 8 people immediately came rushing in and Georgia was born barely a minute later. She was 6lbs 3oz and 18” long. Everyone thought she’d be born on the 4th of July but she surprised us all! 

I love how much of a personality she has already, and how different she already is from Clementine. It’s amazing to me that two babies that I’ve grown and birthed could be complete opposites of each other. 

Honestly, my favorite thing to do together is nap! I only have one day off from the shop each week, so on Mondays the girls and I stay in our pjs all day, order takeout, and if I’m lucky we all take a nap! 

On Naming Georgia

Joe and I have very different tastes in names, but we both liked the idea of a name that could be shortened to ‘Jo’ as a nickname. He didn’t like Josephine and I didn’t like Johanna, and somehow we stumbled upon Georgia and it just felt right! 

Photo: YM Photography

On Parenthood

My favorite part of parenthood so far is just how much joy it brings to our daily lives. It reminds me of that scene from The Grinch where his heart ‘grows three sizes’ - I feel like my heart has grown with each baby and I’m filled with so much love for them. The most challenging thing has been trying to juggle all of the responsibilities - between the two kids, two cats, the apartment, our jobs, and everything else it’s hard to find any time for ourselves - and let’s just say there’s more than one pile of laundry waiting to be folded laying around! 

Being a parent has taught me that I’m capable of so much more than I ever thought possible. It’s motivated me to follow my dreams, work harder, and set a good example for them. Since becoming a parent I’ve definitely became more confident in myself, and more able to live in the moment and appreciate the little things. 

On the Future

I’m most looking forward to watching the girls grow up together - they’re going to be quite a pair! They’re three years apart so right now they don’t have a whole lot in common, but when they’re older that difference in age won’t seem so big. Clementine is always saying that her baby sister is her best friend, and I hope it stays that way! 

On Good Advice

The advice to ‘sleep when the baby sleeps’ is something I used to roll my eyes at - when Clementine was a baby her naps are when I used to get work done around the house. But this time around on the rare occasion that both girls are sleeping, you can bet that I’ll be sleeping too, the laundry can wait! 

My advice for new parents is just to really hold on to these moments - being a parent is incredibly hard but so rewarding at the same time, and they grow up SO fast. Also - don’t be afraid to ask for help! I relied so much on the wisdom of my parents and friends who were already parents to get me through - whether it was answering my silly questions (is this normal poop??) or giving me a shoulder to cry on (if you’ve had a baby with colic, you know!).  

A Dream Night Out

Admittedly chances for a night out are extremely rare these days, but if we were able to I’d love to walk down to Farmacy and dine outside before it gets too cool out! The food and service are always excellent, and now that I’m not pregnant anymore I could even enjoy a cocktail! 

hide-ad

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: October 9 - 11

Happiest weekend! Lots of festive fall events on the calendar this weekend and a little taste of Halloween, too! Here’s what looks good:

Ghouls in the Garden: Toadflax Nursery is prepping for a wicked good time (see what they did there?) this weekend with a haunted greenhouse, crafts for the kiddos, a pumpkin carving contest, a bonfire, snacks, oh, and beer from Common Roots, too! Grab the scoop here. 

Movies in the Pumpkin Patch: Washington County Fairgrounds is hosting a full weekend of socially distanced movies to benefit The Salvation Army of Warren, Washington, and Saratoga Counties. Bonus: you can grab dinner and popcorn from their food truck corral before the show! And they’ve picked some classics to show, including Jurassic Park and Ghostbusters! Get the details here. 

Fall in Love with Maple Tour: Since we all missed out on Maple Weekend this spring due to COVID, we were psyched to see a Maple Weekend on the calendar this weekend! Take a ride, peep the leaves, and sample all sorts of maple treats from area farms. Details and a listing of farms here!

Landscapes for Landsake: We loved attending the popular Landscapes for Landsake art exhibit/sale and getting to know more local artists last fall, and this year they’ve transitioned to an online event due to COVID. Grab a glass of wine, peruse the gorgeous artwork, and know you’ll be supporting the Agricultural Stewardship Association (which helps to preserve farmland in Washington and Rensselaer County) with any purchase. Shop here starting Saturday.

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

P.S. Hocus Pocus is playing at the Glen Drive In this weekend. Just sayin’.  

Back in the Day: Joseph's Diner

In early March 1969, about 300 school lunch workers from Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties attended an in- service training at Queensbury High School.

The session included a lecture about “Nutrition and the Type-A Lunch,” a film strip about “Improving Teen-Age Nutrition,” and a demonstration of the new Hobart food cutter.

Joseph’s Open Air Fruit and Vegetable Market • Photo courtesy of The Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library

At the end of the session, Saseen “Doc” Joseph, of Joseph’s Diner on Warren Street in Glens Falls, cooked and served attendees a Lenten fish fry.

Fried breaded haddock, sold by the pound and “cooked while you wait,” was the signature take-out special at Joseph’s Diner from 3 to 6:30 p.m. every Friday, and every afternoon during Lent.

Over the years, a more gourmet style of fish would be added to the menu, served table side in a cast iron skillet instead of to go.

In 1996, chef Jeffrey Joseph, third- generation co-owner, won first place in a national culinary contest for his recipe for Trout Adirondack – trout filets sautéed with peppers and potatoes in a sauce of vermouth and heavy cream, served with corn on the cob.

For nearly 40 years, Joseph’s Diner, later Joseph’s Restaurant, was a popular eatery on the city’s East End, located at the building that now is the Hometown Real Estate office and retail plaza.

“If you’re looking for generous portions of great food at reasonable prices, it’s hard to beat Joseph’s Restaurant in Glens Falls,” Post-Star restaurant reviewer Marcia Corliss Johnson wrote in 1987.

Daily specials in 1970 included ground beef steak, onions, mashed potatoes and gravy for $1 on Nov. 4, hot ham sandwich with mashed potatoes for $1 on Oct. 28, and creamed chip beef with mashed potatoes for $1 on Oct. 6.

$1 dollar then is the equivalent of $6.54 in 2020 dollars.

Joseph’s Diner Ribbon Cutting • Photo courtesy of The Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library

Some from Generation X may remember the annual free Christmas dinners Joseph’s served at the Glens Falls Youth Center in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The diner was a hub for social interaction, and a good place to catch the pulse of the community.

In 1975, Doc Joseph “was curious” whether national polls showing support for a federal “bailout” of New York City reflected local opinion. So he put out a ballot box at the diner at and conducted his own weeklong poll. Of 90 customers that participated, 55 were opposed. Another 30 customers supported it and five were undecided.

“According to Joseph, the poll involved a ‘wide cross-section of people’ ranging from gas station attendants to business executives,” Post-Star reporter Ciff Lee reported at the time.

William and Elizabeth Joseph, parents of Doc, opened the diner, with space initially for just a few stools, on Jan. 25, 1960. The Syrian immigrant couple previously had operated Joseph’s Open-Air Fruit and Vegetable Market on Warren Street since the late 1930s.

Joseph’s Open Air Fruit and Vegetable Market • Photo courtesy of The Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library

Doc and his wife Jean bought the business in 1966, around the time of Doc’s father’s death, and the next year renovated and expanded the building, quadrupling the size of the kitchen and increasing seating to capacity to 60 people.

The renovation cost $7,000 – the equivalent of about $55,000 in 2020 dollars.

Mayor James Donnelly cut the ribbon for the grand reopening on May 20.

Another expansion was undertaken in 1974 when Doc Joseph bought and demolished a former laundromat next door to the restaurant in order to expand seating from 60 to 140 people with a separate room for overflow seating and banquets.

An on-site and off-site catering business was established.

Mayor Robert Cronin and 1st Ward Councilman Thomas Wade were among the first customers served coffee at yet another grand reopening on Dec. 18, 1974.

In 1996 Doc Joseph sold the restaurant to his sons, Jeffrey and William Joseph, but Doc continued to manage the catering aspect of the business. Jeffrey was executive chef and William handled the financial aspect.

The restaurant closed in 1999.

—————

Sources: The Post-Star Jan. 25, 1960; Nov. 25, 1966; April 14, May 16, 20, 1967; March 14, 1969; Oct. 6, 28, Nov. 4, 1970; Dec. 19, 1974; April 5, 1987; Dec. 31, 1992; Jan. 17, 1996; Jan. 19, 1997; March 2, 1999

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.

On the Farm: Hicks Orchard

We headed out to Washington County this week to catch up with Dan Wilson, owner of Hicks Orchard in Granville, and find out a bit more about the orchard we all know and love. We chatted about his beginnings in the business, what’s new in the orchard and in the barn, and of course, their famous cider donuts.

How did you get into the business? 

Kind of sideways, actually. My parents were not farmers. My dad was the head of research and development for General Foods down in White Plains in the ‘70s. We lived in Connecticut then, and we moved up here just as I started high school. My parents purchased the orchard in the mid ’70s. 

My parents always had an open door to me. It wasn’t like they expected me to take this over. It took me years of traveling and working in other places, often coming back here for apple season to decide if I wanted to land here. And I did. 

I learned the business by their example, more than anything else. I studied art and psychology in school. There's a lot of opportunities for creativity and art in this kind of environment, designing labels for example, and a lot of ways of study psychology, too. So that all comes into play. 

I learned horticulture from the folks at Cornell. I encourage extension agents to do as much work as they can here because I learned from them … and I have the best eyes in the state on my crop that way, too. 

It's hard to believe I've been doing this for decades, but that's how time goes. 

I love what I do. I think this year, probably more than I have in a long time. We've pared down in staff which puts me in touch with the very fundamental parts of the orchard. For example, I pruned all the trees this year. I made the cider. And though small, we have a really superlative crew, so this year has just been great. 

Dan Wilson

We love what you do, too! I’ve been coming to Hicks every year since I was a kid. You must hear that all the time.

Thank you. We have a great community. Really good people. I just feel really appreciative to be part of a family’s fall tradition. I did a lot of theater when I was a kid. And so, in some ways, I feel like my job is a stage manager. I'm creating this platform for people to have an experience with their families, which is really rich. We’ve even had people propose in the orchard, so this becomes kind of a part of the fabric of people's lives.

I also think there's this kind of visceral quality of how gratifying it is to go to a place and and pick the food from the tree. That is so fundamental. And an experience that is hard to replace. 

How is this year’s crop looking? 

We have a superlative crop this year, which is a bit of a surprise given that it's been a really dry summer. We have nice fruit, good quality, and good size. And and most varieties that people really like are pretty strong. Of course, we’re also making donuts and a lot of fresh cider, and if I can keep enough hard cider on the shelves, we'll have a good supply of that too.

Tell us more about the orchard itself! 

We have around 12,000 trees, and we continue to plant new trees. We are sadly taking out some of the oldest trees in our orchards, that are now over 100 years old, because the trees are kind of falling apart. They're also a lot harder to take care of. When I'm out in the orchard pruning in the winter, it’s the difference between pruning a little tree with hand clippers versus working with a chainsaw. It's really a difference between horticulture and forestry. 

I have this relationship with these trees that have been here for generations before me, so it's really kind of heartbreaking to make that transition. However, these new trees that we’re planting are some exciting varieties and some are coming into production now. It's a little bit of a learning curve working with trellised apple trees that look more like vineyards than orchards, but that's the transition farms go through. 

What’s it been like for you navigating this season in the midst of a pandemic? 

Well, this is our 115th u-pick apple season here on the farm. It's interesting because you think about all the historical events that have transpired in the last 115 years, including another pandemic. We got through that, and so we're figuring out how best to navigate this. 

I think we’re seeing a little bit of a benefit from the fact that there haven't been too many other things for people to be able to do. There's a fair amount of mourning for the fact that there was no Washington County Fair or Balloon Festival. So people are looking for opportunities to get out, and coming to pick apples outdoors should be pretty correctly perceived to be a low risk kind of activity. 

We’ve built a program to be as safe as we possibly can. One of the things we're doing this year, which is new, is that we're offering a couple of midweek incentives for people to come out. Partly because we feel like we're plugged into this community in a in a pretty significant way. And for everything that's going on in this country, the effort to rebuild community, I think is an important one. So we’d like to play a little part in that by by giving back to senior citizens, since they kind of brought us here. So Tuesdays are our senior discount days and we're offering 10% off apples, either picked or u-pick, and fresh cider and donuts. 

On Wednesdays, we're creating the same offer for the broad category of essential workers, which includes health care and emergency workers, but also active military and teachers, so they get the same 10% discount. 

On Thursdays and Fridays, we're open an hour later and we’ll be firing up our pizza oven. Again, we’re offering these incentives and additional hours partly to give back, but also to encourage people to come during the week to help us decompress the number of people here on weekends a little bit. 

Other than the pandemic, what are some of the other challenges you face at the orchard?

We're super dependent on the weather. And we've been really lucky this year. It was such a dry summer. But then we got the tail end of a hurricane that came through and in one day dumped four inches of rain. It wasn't all at once. It was a long all day rain, which is perfect and the one reason we have apples of significant size.

We got lucky with that. But there's so many ways that we can be unlucky, right? I'm never confident about our crop until I see somebody with a bag of apples, that they've already paid for, walking down to the car. Because so many things can go wrong up to that point. But right now, we're in the middle of a great season. We've seen good times and challenging times, and have negotiated those. 

We can’t not ask about the cider donuts, because they are hands-down our favorite!

Well, it's because of the superlative cider that goes into them! And the fact that we use a lot of cider in every batch of doughnuts. We have a great mix that we've never changed. We've only tinkered with it up to the point of creating a maple glazed version this past spring. We'll have them again later when it cools off a little bit. We're experimenting with a pumpkin spice version, too.

Having something like the donuts that is a weatherproof part of our business is a wonderful thing. 

What’s next for Hicks? 

Starting a couple years ago, we experimented with being open through the winter. It's a challenge, because we don't have heat in the barn, but people responded well, so we do plan to be open year-round on weekends. 

We’re also growing the store as a hub of other local producers like cheeses, honey, and syrup. We've done that for a long time, but we're really working to be kind of a central purveyor of local products that people can come to one place to purchase. One of the great things that has come out of the pandemic is a greater desire to support local business, and this is another way to do that. 

hide-ad

Hicks Orchard
Website / Facebook / Instagram

Special thanks to Taste NY for making this series possible!

Taste NY at the Adirondacks Welcome Center offers nine state-of-the-art vending machines featuring food, beverages, and gifts from the Adirondack Region and across New York State. Find locally roasted coffee, cold beverages, chips, nuts, snacks, baked goods, milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, maple, honey, chocolate, candy, and artisan gifts.

Taste NY at the Adirondacks Welcome Center is operated by the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks for supporting the organizations that support Glens Falls Living!

The Weekender: October 2 - 4

Happy weekend, and Happy October! Settling into all things cozy as the temps dip again, and we have big plans for comfort food, apple pie, and finally getting mums and pumpkins this weekend. And maybe our first fire of the season? Here’s what else looks good:

Exhibit Opening: LARAC is opening their annual Juried Art Exhibit, “This is America”, tomorrow from 5-7pm and it’s so nice to see things like this on the calendar again! Bonus - they’ll have live music (weather permitting) outdoors! Details here.

Open Studio: Speaking of art, one of our favorite local artists, Mark Tougias, is having an open studio (and yard!), this weekend (Sat 11-4 and Sun 1-4pm). He’s located at 29 North Park Street in Cambridge, and if you go, be sure to check out some of our favorite things to do in town here.

Farm to Fiber Tour: We love all of the tour style events in our area and were thrilled to stumble across this one! 30 farms, fiber studios, makers, and a mill are participating across an eight-county region in upstate NY and VT and it sounds like the perfect way to do some leaf peeping and enjoy some tours, demonstrations and shopping, too! Details here.

Ellms Family Farm: Fun to see some Halloween events popping up and love that this one makes it easy to social distance! The Pumpkin Glow and Light Show Drive Thru starts this weekend at Ellms Farm in Ballston Spa and runs through November 8th - grab your tickets here!

Hiking: Foliage came fast this year, and it’s at peak or near peak throughout Warren County and the Adirondacks. Tom and I were hoping to hike in the Lake Placid area last weekend, but parking was absolutely crazy at the popular trailheads. Here are a few lesser known - but still beautiful - hikes to try this weekend if you’d like to get out and enjoy the foliage without a crowd (but definitely have a Plan B just in case!!).

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

From Your Neighbors: Favorite Books

Read any good books lately? With a little extra time on our hands at home these days, we’re hoping to do a little less scrolling and little more reading. With that in mind, we asked you all to share some of your favorite reads with us on Instagram, and you came through in a big way. If you’re in the market for a new book to enjoy over the next couple of weeks (to help you escape from the news for just a few hours!), here are some suggestions and a few words from your neighbors:

The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah: Kristen Hannah makes you feel like you are right there with her characters in this heartbreaking and inspiring WWII novel. Make sure you have some free time when you start it because you won't be able to put it down, also some tissues might come in handy! 
-Lorinda Huntington (@lorindakae)

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: You will be easily drawn into this singer and group through their careers, loves and lives. Daisy is a character who you will remember and be infatuated with.
-Daniel J. Gibbs (@d._gibbs)

The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates: A fictitious tale from Ta Nehisi-Coates who usually writes important non-fiction must reads. Set during the times of slavery, with some fantasy elements with Harriet Tubman making appearances in the book, too. 
-Daniel J. Gibbs (@d._gibbs)

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón: Set in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, this mystery has it all: books, love, history and many thrilling moments. Escape into this thriller and be transported to another time in Spain. 
-Daniel J. Gibbs (@d._gibbs)

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng: I loved the characters and the little surprises throughout the whole book....this author is an amazing storyteller. Holds your attention from the first page to the last...!
- Debbie W

The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen: Sarah Addison Allen’s books, although especially The Peach Keeper at the moment, are my escapist comfort (re)reads in stressy times.
- Jen Sain

Arguing with Zombies by Paul Krugman: Gearing up for the election season, I’ve been reading Paul Krugman’s Arguing with Zombies to help me understand both sides of politics. :) And I have more time to read it since the library extended its return policy!
- Sean Palladino (@seanpalladino)

Crucial Conversations by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, Switzler: A crucial conversation is when there are opposing opinions, high stakes and strong emotions. They happen at home, at work and with friends. This is a great book that gives you tools on how to navigate through tough talks resulting in stronger relationships and better production.
- Caroline (@carolinenyctrainer)

Escape to Erie’s End by Wade Vermeersch and Pamela Muntean: For Jay, Val, Vern, Meg, Dave and Jess it will be a summer of discovery, both beautiful and tragic. Follow their adventure into the turbulent waters of adolescence… It’s all walks on the beach and bonfires until the waves come crashing down on their whirlwind summer. 
- @waderlikesmedia

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris: The Tattoist of Auschwitz captured us because it was about the power of love through difficulty. It’s hard to put down, and when you do you’ll be thinking of the characters. It’s Historical Fiction, but based on a true story. 
- Amanda and Erinn

Make Something Good Today by Erin + Ben Napier: Make Something Good Today is a loving memoir by HGTV Hometown’s Erin and Ben Napier. It reminds readers that all good things come with hard work and makes them believe that what’s meant to be will always find a way. I’ve read this book multiple times and still find it so inspiring!
- Hannah Smith (@prettymuchhan)

The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H.G. Parry: Perfect for literature nerds! The premise is that characters from a variety of novels (from Dickens to the Brontes to Roald Dahl) have come to life and have to join forces to defend their existence. I loved getting to revisit some beloved characters in a new way, and seeing them interact with other characters in the modern world. I suppose its genre would be sci-fi/fantasy, which I don’t normally go for, but the literary aspect of it was too attractive to resist.
- @andreaverna30

Winter Hours by Mary Oliver: The final chapter of Winter Hours is everything to me right now. Oliver manages to help us understand that we don’t have to go anywhere in order to travel great distances. Our spiritual and creative work can be more than enough to sustain us for a lifetime.
- @kittycantz

Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple: I bought this book because I needed "today to be different" on that day. The story was easy, relatable and hopeful. In the monotony of these days, it might do the trick!
-@fortidays

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck: There's a reason it is a classic. If you haven't read it, this could be a great time. Story of hardship, survival, perseverance and triumph. You're guaranteed thoughtful introspection right to the end.
-@fortidays

Voyage of Mercy by Stephen Puleo: My brother in law just published his 7th book this month - the story of America's first humanitarian mission which was during the potato famine in Ireland.
-@fortidays

…from @tristatallon95: If you like biographies, I’d recommend First: Sandra Day O’Connor by Evan Thomas and Jon Meacham’s bio about George H.W. Bush. For fiction, The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah is a favorite, and Finding Dorothy is another great read. A favorite classic of mine is The Good Earth by Pearl Buck.

If you have any suggestions to add, feel free to leave them in the comments below! Happy reading!

P.S. Don’t forget to check the digital catalog at Crandall Library for e-books!

Note: If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. This helps to support our site and keep us up and running. Thank you for your support!

A Labor of Love: Chapel Doors Restored at Double H Ranch

Kevin Jacobie’s kind heart and love of children led him to restore the huge mahogany doors that grace the entrance to the Marylou Whitney Chapel at Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne.

Kevin, 65, one of the well-known Jacobie clan of Moreau, has worked at Irving Tissue as a boiler operator for 43 years. His employer helped Double H restore the chapel, staining the interior and exterior and helping to replace the floor.

“Someone mentioned they would like to get the doors refinished,” Kevin told Glens Falls Living. “I refinish furniture as a hobby, so I looked at the doors, which are incredibly detailed, and thought, ‘If I don’t do it, who will?’

“It’s all about the kids. Double H is a wonderful organization, and I felt guilty that I couldn’t do more. So, this is my contribution.”

Max Yurenda, the longtime CEO of Double H, said, “Kevin did it from the heart. He told me the other day that it was a labor of love for the kids. It’s a work of art, and I can’t think of anyone else who could have taken on that job and done it so well. His love for the kids kept him motivated to finish the project.”

When Kevin went to work, the doors, which are three inches thick, eight feet tall and 30 inches wide, “were as gray as you could imagine. They were really weathered, and it was hard to imagine what they would look like when refinished.

“So I brought them home, and it took me pretty much all last winter. I worked on them on my time off, and even days I worked, I would often go down into my shop before my 7 a.m. shift.”

How long did it take to sand them?

“About 999 hours,” he said, chuckling. “The skin on my thumb and forefinger of my right hand wore off, so I had to use my left hand.”

After he sanded the doors, he finished them with teak oil.

“There was so much detail,” he said. “It all had to be done by hand. There was no machine that could do that intricate work. They are beautiful doors. Just amazing. I hated to give them back.”

But of course he did. There was no ceremony, no special occasion.

“I went up with the doors, helped reinstall them and left,” he said.

Mr. Yurenda said, “They turned out beautifully! The Whitney Chapel is an important building on our campus, the spiritual center of Double H. The doors are a work of art.”

Kevin said, “Double H brings in kids from all across the country with various serious illnesses, and for one week, the kids get to be kids and do kids’ stuff…They come to camp and it’s the happiest place on earth.”

Mr. Yurenda said the construction of the Whitney Chapel in 1995 was financed by the late Marylou Whitney, the generous Saratoga Springs benefactor who passed away last year.

“She supported it financially and one of Charley Wood’s men built it,” he said. “But as you know, as buildings get older they need tender loving care, and the employees of Irving Tissue adopted the chapel, redoing the interior and the exterior. Kevin’s work on the doors was an extra beautiful gift to our campers.”

Speaking of the Double H Ranch, Mr. Yurenda said their Sept. 26th virtual gala raised more than $600,000.

“It was our first virtual gala, and we were worried, but Lisa and Bob Moser, our gala chairs, did an incredible job,” he said.

“Our in-person galas at the Great Escape Lodge generally raise more than $800,000, but our virtual gala exceeded our expectations, and is a huge testimony to the support of this community.”

Mr. Yurenda said that while there was no in-person camp this year, the ongoing pandemic meant that “the needs of our kids are even greater. Our team did an exceptional job pivoting to virtual programming. We found software called Jigsaw, and used it to run a virtual summer program for more than 650 campers.”

He called the success of the virtual programming “a silver lining. Virtual programming will now be a part of our efforts in the future, to reach kids that we were not able to get to camp.”

Its success “puts pressure on our team to now figure out how to elevate our virtual programming. It’s been a tough year for everybody. We are looking at our budget right now, and have scenario A, scenario B and scenario C, and will probably end up with some version of scenario D.

“But we’re very fortunate. Our team pivoted beautifully to help us stay connected to our campers.”

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: Molly Congdon-Hunsdon

We were thrilled to get to know Molly this week! In addition to being the Executive Director of the Glens Falls Area Youth Center, she’s busy fixing up her peaceful country home where she lives with her husband and three kids. She shares her go-to dinner spots, her most treasured downtown memories with her dad, and what she’d like to see added downtown (calling all bakeries!).

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Molly Congdon-Hunsdon and I’m the Executive Director of the Glens Falls Area Youth Center as well as a Freelance Writer. I’m married to the most amazing man - I have celiac disease and he literally gave up eating gluten (that’s right, pasta, cookies, cakes…basically everything delicious!) so that I wouldn’t get cross-contaminated. I’m a proud mom of three. I have a beautiful 8-year-old step-daughter named Bentley who loves unicorns, glitter and singing her heart out. I also have 3-year-old twin boys named Tucker and Wyatt. They are crazy men in the very best way! They keep me on my toes and never fail to make me laugh. I’m so thankful for my kids.

On Life in Glens Falls

I grew up right over the bridge in South Glens Falls so I will forever (and proudly!) be a Bulldog, but my heart has always been in Glens Falls because of the Youth Center. My dad was the Executive Director for 36 years so I grew up within its’ walls and that organization molded me into the person that I am today.

Currently I call Gansevoort home. It’s off the beaten path, peaceful and quite possibly has the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. My husband and I have been fixing up our house for the last couple of years and it’s been such a fun process. He is incredibly talented and can do it all; plumbing, carpentry, electric. etc. The first gift he ever gave me was a shelf that he made by hand. It was so impressive…I was hooked!

I’m a little biased but my favorite thing about Glens Falls would have to be all of the kids that walk through our doors at the Youth Center each day. They are a diverse assortment of personalities, cultures, belief systems, and ethnicities. These kids are all wonderful in their own way and truly one-of-a-kind, and—even though they don’t realize it— they inspire me, surprise me and push me to be my best self. They are the true “hidden gems” of the area because they are our future.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day 

I’m a huge Juicin’ Jar fan so I would start my ideal day off with a smoothie bowl, fresh juice and whatever gluten-free/vegan baked good they have on the menu (I can never resist!). Then I would probably snag either an iced coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts or a Green Tea Latte from Starbucks. I’m a sports girl so if there is a game happening for one of my YC members on a Saturday, I usually try to get there to show some support. Then I would head to Acupuncture Nirvana to relax and unwind. For lunch or dinner my go-to spots are: O’Tooles, Cooper’s Cave Ale Company Pub, or Gourmet Cafe.

I also love going to local events; LARAC, the Balloon Festival, Taste of the North Country, the Festival of Trees, and Boo 2 You are some of my favorites.

On the Past

My favorite memories are going to the High School State Basketball Tournament and the Federation Games at the Civic Center (now Cool Insuring) with my dad. We shared a passion for basketball. We would grab some popcorn and watch game-after-game-after-game. It was the only time he would take me out of school; we didn’t want to miss one minute!

On the Future

That’s a tough one. I would have to say more gluten-free places to eat, especially bakeries! I miss being able to eat a cannoli or eclair.

A Glens Falls Fixer Upper: Part 1

Ever wish you could peek into one of the home renovation projects happening around the city? Us too. We’re all in luck since Meg Arney, the new owner of a 1914 Foursquare home in Glens Falls, invited us in for a tour as she embarks on a renovation, and we can’t wait to watch as she brings back all of the traditional charm of this home, with a modern flair, of course. C’mon in and see the progress, and stay tuned as we follow her renovation over the next few months!

First off - why Glens Falls? What made you decide to purchase a home here (…and in the midst of a pandemic, no less!)? 

I’m originally from Long Island – I grew up in Massapequa.  My family spent a week each summer at Canoe Island Lodge on Lake George, in fact we still do even though we’re local – and it’s now one of my favorite places in the world. When my parents retired, they moved to Glens Falls. My brother and sister-in-law were looking to buy a house in Glens Falls and my parents beat them to it, moving from an apartment in Manhattan to an adorable home on Pershing Road. I’ve spent a lot of time in Glens Falls for the holidays and visiting family and friends – there is so much to offer.  The proximity to the lake and skiing, the cute downtown area, balloon fests and holiday events – it really is right out of a movie. I always feel so welcome here by everyone I meet.  I’ve lived in Arlington, Virginia for the past 20 years where my job is based but I knew I always wanted to end up here eventually.  When the pandemic started, and my company moved to full telework, my condo in Arlington felt too small to live and work out of 24/7.  I needed more space! My brother and sister-in-law were kind enough to offer their guest room and I’ve been here ever since. 

Exterior of the home - before (Photo Courtesy of Meg Arney)

What was the home buying process like during these “COVID” times? 

Shortly after I arrived my sister-in-law and I started doing a daily walk around the neighborhood – trying to get outside and exercise more but also checking out all the beautiful houses. We put out feelers to see if anyone was selling soon and looked at all the online real estate sites on a regular basis. I found the house on Sheridan online and scheduled a tour – but I really had another house in mind that I was waiting to go up for sale. As soon as I walked into the house, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for – I loved the front porch and large windows. It has a great layout with large rooms on the first floor and big bedrooms with lots of light upstairs. I went back 3 times that day bringing all my family and friends. The housing market is hot right now – there were multiple offers on the house. I put in a bid that day and found out the next day it was accepted. I closed 2 weeks later.      

Dining Room and Living Room - Before (Photos courtesy of Meg Arney)

Tell us more about the home!

The house was built in 1914 – the owners kept the original deed that I got at the closing.  

It’s a Craftsman style American Foursquare – with a center hall stairway, great windows and decorative molding throughout.  My favorite part of the house is the front porch – I can see myself spending a lot of time there. 

Kitchen and Entry - Before (Photos courtesy of Meg Arney)

What made you decide to take on a fixer upper? 

My sister-in-law’s parents, Bill and Nancy Turner, convinced me! They own the Bell House Inn which they bought and completely renovated 5 years ago.  Bill was a home builder for 20+ years before they moved to Glens Falls to be closer to their grandkids. They helped me think through the project and all the different aspects to consider. Bill was able to show me how I could make some minor changes to give it the aesthetic I was dreaming about. This is a full family effort – everyone is pitching in – including my nieces Abby and Maggie who were excited to help with demo. Although their dreams of a pool in my backyard probably aren’t going to happen. 

Exterior - Mid-Renovation (Photo courtesy of Meg Arney)

You wasted no time getting started on demo - what have you done so far? 

We have a 20-week plan and started making progress the day we closed!  My goal is to highlight the traditional features of the house with a modern flair. We initially focused on the exterior – preparing the house for new siding. We are also updating the interior – for an open concept kitchen/dining area and reformatting the living room space to include an office.

Opening the Kitchen to the Dining Room (Photo courtesy of Meg Arney)

Having renovated an old city home ourselves, we know there are always surprises. Anything come up for you yet? 

With Bill helping drive the project we had a pretty good idea of what we were getting into – but there were some surprises. When we took down the siding, we found some water and ant damage which is probably to be expected with an older home. It also looks like a whole family of squirrels decided to make their home in the rafters above the front porch – they made quite a mess!

Tom wants to know - did you find anything interesting while you were tearing things apart? Any bars of gold or historical artifacts? 

There were several bars of gold and multiple diamonds in the house….just kidding. Nothing yet, but perhaps I should put a time capsule in one of the walls we’re building for future owners!

Adding a fireplace to the Living Room (Photos courtesy of Meg Arney)

And the big question - what's next? We'd love to hear your plans for the house. 

We are about 5 weeks into the project.  We plan to have the new siding up by mid-October and then work on all the interior projects – kitchen, bathrooms and all the fun stuff.  One of the things we are finding, is that many suppliers have significant delays on products and materials due to Covid.  We are trying to get things ordered as early as possible to keep our timelines. I’m hoping to be done with all the major projects before the holidays.  I can’t wait to host all my family and friends in my new home to thank them for helping me. These cooler temperatures have me dreaming about hanging lights and garland on my front porch!

The Weekender: September 25 - 27

Happy Thursday! Fall snuck up fast and it’s hard to believe how much color we’re seeing in the trees already. This pretty season always flies by so we’re hoping to soak up as much as we can this weekend (and bonus - looks like it’s going to feel a bit like summer, too!). Here are a few ideas for the ol’ agenda:

Last Call for Ice Cream: Believe it or not, we didn’t get out for ice cream once this summer, so we’re hoping to sneak in a cone or two this weekend, especially since we just saw that this is the last weekend of the year for the Cooper’s Cave ice cream window - grab one while you can!

Stroll the Canal: Have you ever walked along the Feeder Canal? We’ve been strolling the Glens Falls stretch of it in the mornings lately and love the peace and quiet and the fall colors emerging (we took the photo above this morning!). Here’s more info and a map!

Wool & Arts Festival: Hey, a festival that isn’t cancelled! ;) The Adirondack Wool and Arts Fest is this weekend at the Washington County Fairgrounds and features over 100 local artisans and their crafts, including wool, pottery, wood, and lots more. Plus - craft beverages and all your fav festival foods. Details here!

Pumpkins & Mums…and Pizza: If you’re in the market for pumpkins and mums this weekend, look no further than the incredible Farm Stand at Tiashoke in
Schaghticoke. Complete with a most charming pumpkin house (with cornstalk roof!), and an amazing selection of pumpkins, this weekend they have the added bonus of donuts from Argyle Cheese Farmer on Saturday and wood fired pizza on Sunday! Details here.

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

First Look: The Courts at Crandall Park

Summer might be winding down, but things are heating up in Crandall Park with the completion of the courts project. 

The project, ideated by Tom Hoy and spearheaded by the Crandall Park Beautification Committee, began this past March with the demolition of the old courts, which Committee President Elizabeth Little Hogan said were beyond repair. “No one on the Committee could recollect the courts being new in our lifetimes!” she said. 

Above: Crandall Park Courts - Before

The Committee hired Saratoga Associates to design the new space, and with help from surveys of city residents indicating their interests, they decided on the addition of pickleball courts to complement the already popular basketball and tennis courts. With the added draw of pickleball, which has grown in popularity in recent years, it was clear a social space would be needed to accommodate folks watching games or waiting their turn. 

“That was part of our goal. We knew a lot of people would be coming to play pickleball, and we wanted to make a social area for them. We have the sitting wall, the chess and checkers tables, and plenty of shade… I think that’ll be a nice gathering spot,” she said. 

After a two month hiatus during New York’s COVID-19 “Pause”, work by E & T O’Connor Construction resumed again in May and wrapped up last week with the completion of the painting and lining of the courts. The completed space includes two basketball courts, two tennis courts, and four pickleball courts as well as four chess and checkers tables. Benches, a bicycle rack, and two sets of bleachers near the basketball courts will be installed in the coming weeks. 

In addition to the courts and hardscape, new trees and shrubs were added along Fire Road, including a crab apple, Canadian red chokecherry, serviceberry, and witch hazel shrubs. A new stone dust path encourages entry to the park from Fire Road behind the courts as well. 

The tennis and pickleball courts, as well as the chess and checkers tables, are now open for the public to enjoy, and the new LED lights (which provide a significant cost savings as compared to the old lights, by the way) ensure that even though the sun is setting earlier these days, residents are able to enjoy them well after dark as the lights will remain on until 10pm. 

The basketball courts will remain closed until further notice from the Mayor based on COVID-19 guidance. 

What’s next for Crandall Park? The Beautification Committee just signed a contract for the installation of a splash pad to go in by spring 2021, and they are actively working on the addition of a disc golf course within the Park that will also be ready to roll next spring. 

Follow along with Crandall Park updates and activities on their Facebook page here! 

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Little Hogan

My Glens Falls: Mike Romeo

This week we’re chatting with Mike Romeo! He shares what has kept in him in Glens Falls (hint: it has something to do with a favorite childhood memory), as well as what he loves about the car business (you’ll recognize him from Carriage Traders and Romeo Toyota), and his favorite Friday night date night in the city.

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Mike Romeo. I was born at Glens Falls Hospital in 1982. 

I have been married to my wife Andrea since 2007. We have three wonderful boys - 9 year old twins Nicky and Vinny, and a 3 year old, Christian. Andrea makes my life much easier by supporting me through the long hours that I put in building the business. There is nothing more important than my family. They are always there for me through thick and thin - we always stick together. 

On Life in Glens Falls 

I have been in Glens Falls my entire life. I can never imagine a time when I would leave. I went to college in Pittsburgh and Michigan and really enjoyed it there, but nothing is like home for me. Just about all my friends from high school are still here and doing very well.

I grew up in the Broadacres neighborhood and live two streets from my parent’s house. We looked around when our family was growing, but ended up wanting to stay right where we were because we loved the neighborhood so much. Instead of moving, we put an upper level on our ranch for some extra bedrooms. 

Some Glens Falls Favorites 

My favorite thing about Glens Falls is that it has everything a big city has, but with a small city feel. We usually ride our bikes downtown to Spektor on Sunday mornings to get breakfast, and then we’ll stop in the park and hang out for a little bit. 

I have loved to watch Glens Falls grow over the last decade into a wonderful food town. My wife and I are regulars at some of our favorite places downtown: Morgan and Co, The Queensbury Hotel, Farmacy, and Craft on 9. I’m so happy to be able to drive my car downtown on a Friday night and park the car with no dinner reservations. My wife and I will walk around and grab a drink and then end up somewhere else for dinner. You couldn’t do that 15 years ago. All the updates to the buildings makes me proud to be from Glens Falls.

On Life in the Car Business

My father, Len, started Carriage Traders the year I was born. So I was born into the car business. I have never had another job doing anything not car related. 

My brother and I started working when we were around 10 years old at the dealership. My godfather, Jim Zappone, ran the retail end of the store and my Dad ran the wholesale end. “Zap”, as we called him, put us to work while my Dad was on the road. He had us picking up cigarettes and picking weeds. Every summer we would go into work and do something different. We got a strong foundation of all the different departments. That was a great learning experience because it showed us how hard everyone had to work, from the lot porter to the general manager. 

After we finished high school we started doing what we would do for years to come - summers during college were spent wholesaling for me and Joe spent his summers selling cars on the lot. As time went on Joe was running the Buick, GMC, Chevy dealership in Kingston and I was building the wholesale department. I got the opportunity to have a number of my friends come on board and learn how to wholesale. They are still there 15 years later doing great. We now have the Buick, GMC, Chevy store, Kia store, Ford store, Carriage Traders, and now Romeo Toyota.

I was building the wholesale business until 2016 and driving about 1,000 miles a week buying cars. Then I became the GM of Carriage Traders and learned the retail end of the business. I also learned how to run a body shop and service department. Now I will be the GM of both Carriage Traders and Romeo Toyota of Glens Falls. I have a ton to learn about the new car business and look forward to it. I have the two best mentors in the new car business between my brother and father.

On the Past 

My favorite Glens Falls memory is my group of friends riding our bikes around the same neighborhood that my kids do now. We had a group of about 10 kids that would just ride around and have fun all day. I wanted that for my kids, and that’s why I stayed here.

On the Future

I would love to see a nice men’s clothing store downtown. We have some great places for women to go shopping in the city but it would be excellent if someone opened a men’s store. I think it would be supported by all the locals and benefit from the tourists in the summer.

Just Married: Haley & Mike Gerarde

A gorgeous barn, a beautiful autumn day, and the most lovely couple! We’re so thrilled to share Haley and Mike’s October 2019 wedding, their favorite details from the day, and some excellent advice if you’re planning a wedding yourself. Read on for more, along with beautiful images by Juliana Renee Photography!

THE COUPLE - Haley & Mike Gerarde

Tell us about yourselves!

I am the Director of the Lake George Teen Center, and part time stay at home mom to our smart and spunky little girl, JoJo. I love getting outdoors (preferably when I don't have to put on 3+ layers before heading out), and now more than ever (because of having JoJo) love exploring what our community has to offer for family activities in addition to the outdoor aspects. Mike is humble - when I asked him what he wanted to showcase, his response was “works at KEENA, plays golf but sucks at it (lol), loves spending time with his girls, and lives and dies with Syracuse sports - especially basketball”. And I can attest to that! Mike will literally run outside chanting the fight song when they win, and he will wake up the next morning like he lost his job when they lose. I disagree that he sucks at golf, I personally think he is pretty athletic - I remember right before we started dating playing basketball at the YMCA with husband buddies and thinking he could jump so high. But things look different when you’ve got heart eyes!

Where did you meet?

The first time we met, we were both meeting some mutual friends to go mini golfing at Pirate’s Cove. After that day specifically, our paths seemed to cross a lot more.

What do the two of you like to do together?

Mike and I love hiking, which we haven’t done as much as we used to after the birth of our daughter, Josephine (“JoJo”), so now we enjoy long walks on the trails behind our house, and getting out to ‘Cuse (I was never a fan of sports before stepping into the Dome with Mike, but it was love at first sight. Although I still mainly go out there for the Tully’s Tenders).

Fun fact about you as a couple?

The first few times that we got together without our friends, we were almost guaranteed to be on opposite pages about whether or not it was a date.

THE PROPOSAL

So we were actually expecting JoJo before Mike proposed. We had talked about spending our life together, but thought we should wait until after she was born to think about marriage so that each big life event could have its own time. I was so confident in his word that I absolutely was not expecting a proposal anytime soon, and honestly wondered how long it would take him to pull together a proposal after she was born.

We were staying at The Sagamore for the Ice Bar in 2018 and I was truly already having the time of my life (and I was sober which made it that much more exciting to be dancing and laughing so hard!). I had been asking to get up to bed for almost an hour, maybe longer. Mike kept stalling but I just just thought it was because he was having such a good time. Apparently he had been planning to propose for over 3 hours at that point! Finally, we got up to our room at The Sagamore, and he asked if we could enjoy the deck just one last time before we went to bed. While we were out there I saw his friend in our room, and he told us he needed to use the bathroom - silly old me didn’t even think twice about his excuse for being in our room. Shortly after seeing him, Mike got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him. All of his friends were down below and starting hooting and hollering. I was in such shock, that when his friend asked what I said, Mike responded “she didn’t even answer!”. And then, of course, I said “YES you goofball! Of course!”. Then I realized his friend was actually in the room to take photos of the proposal. Apparently at one point in the night, I sat on his lap and asked him to move his phone from his pocket - it was the ring!! So many things looking back could have given away the proposal and I just never had any idea.

Mike’s father passed away when he was younger, and I am lucky enough to wear the stone that he had gotten for his mom (from Syracuse - a family favorite!!), with a band from Florida, where he spent his Christmases before having a family of his own.

THE WEDDING - October 5, 2019

The Planning

We loved our engagement shoot. Mike has never been a fan of taking photos in general, but especially photo shoots. On the drive there (Shelving Rock Falls), he was asking how long it would take and how we could make it shorter. At the end of the shoot, Mike literally thanked Juliana for the best “date night” that we had had in a while - and a date night it was. She worked so hard (and successfully) to give us memories with our photos instead of just a nice shot. Juliana was easily the best part of the planning process. The most challenging part was trying to figure out which tables would be best, and how we wanted to seat people in the tent.

The Venue

Mike and I got married on my family’s property on Old West Mountain Road in Queensbury. They have a beautiful barn, that my dad and grandfather totally revamped for our wedding (my mom and I each did a coat of stain on the doors!). My mom has an incredible eye for decor and interior design, and her father and mine have an incredible ear and hand for putting it into action. We used the entire property for our special day - my girls and I got ready at the house, my dad drove me down to the aisle (in front of the barn) from the house (an unexpected entrance, as our party entered from the back of the barn), and we enjoyed the night in the barn for snacks and cocktails, in the pasture for dinner, and beside the pond for a bonfire post meal. We even did a casual tribute to those who could not attend our wedding by sending lanterns out onto the pond.

The Details

Navy and mauve were our colors for the wedding, and to be completely honest, I totally lack in vision for things. I either completely over analyze and try to perfect, or I get too overwhelmed and just go willy-nilly. And I mean it! I bought my shoes and bridal party shawls no more than two weeks before the wedding, and we were so behind on suits for the guys that we just told them to wear any blue or grey.

Originally, my bridesmaids were to pick out whatever dress they felt most confident in. Turns out, one dress in particular was very universal for all of them, so they all ended up wearing it.

I got my gown at a trunk sale at Lily in Saratoga. It was the only dress that I did not feel "bridal" in, but also the only one that I came out of the room dancing in, which is how it won my vote. It was so comfortable and also so unique with its beading.

My bridal bouquet was won by one of my bridesmaids, and the rest were purchased from the same vendor and they totally blew me away - they were gorgeous and I barely gave them any criteria to work off of.

We did not have a cake because neither of us like cake, but we had plenty of dessert. Instead of a cake cutting, we actually did a little lantern send off onto the pond in honor of those who were watching our special day from up above.

The Moments

I loved my sister’s speech during dinner. She has always been quite a bit more shy than me, and has recently become such a good public speaker - she blew me away. Then she had the DJ pull our chairs to the middle of the dance floor and projected a video she made onto the side of the tent that incorporated a ton of our times together. I’m very verbal with affirmations, but to hear so many positive things out of her mouth in front of a crowd was so heart warming. It’s also incredible how much she loves Mike, and that makes me happy.

I also really loved my first look with my dad. He got a brief tear in his eye and just made me feel so beautiful. It was incredible to be surrounded by so much love from both sides. I’m thankful we stayed conscious of the time and kept soaking it all in.

The Honeymoon

The following week, Mike and I spent a couple of nights alone in Lake Placid. We had planned to bag a couple of High Peaks, but being able to relax in each other’s company with undivided attention was a honeymoon in itself. We played Battleship, went for long walks, and ate different foods from a few restaurants one night. After a couple of days, JoJo joined us, and we had fun chasing ducks and eating fancy breakfasts. We went home for a day, then Mike and I headed out to Syracuse, our favorite place (with and without JoJo) to go catch a ‘Cuse game and spend the night.

Some Advice…

Take it easy! Don’t worry about the small things! Make it fun for yourself, and live in the moment. I’m not very good at being flexible (shoutout to Mike for living with that the rest of his life), but that day I was and I am so thankful for that. It couldn’t have fallen together better.

—————

Vendors:

Venue: Pogo Farm

Day of Planner: Karen Ricci from Karen andCo

Food/Catering: Pies On Wheels

Gown: Lily Saratoga

Hair: Brooke Dawson

Makeup: Samantha Sennett

Photographer: Julianna Renee Photography

Videographer: Ethan Hill

Invitations: Kingsbury Printing

Florals: Olive and June Floral Co.

DJ: Advent Entertainment

Rentals: Bullseye Tent Rental, Entertainment One

Congratulations, Haley and Mike!

P.S. See more from our Wedding series here.