My Glens Falls: Cam Cardinale

We’re catching up with Cam Cardinale this week! He shares what shaped his passion for our little city, how he spends his free time when he’s not working at Advokate and the Charles R. Wood Theater, his vision for Lower Adirondack Pride, and more…

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Cam Cardinale and I’m the Director of Marketing and Communications at Advokate, LLC, as well as the Operations Associate at the Charles R. Wood Theater. I’m a proud dog-dad to my soon to be two year old German Shepherd, Hudson! Hudson and I enjoy walking local trails such as Betar Byway and the Warren County Bike Trail.

My wonderful family resides in South Glens Falls and owns Cardinale’s Car Care. Growing up in a small family business really impacted my views of Glens Falls and shaped my mindset on supporting small, local businesses. At the repair shop, I am the Director of Business Development and Marketing. I am so thankful for the constant support of my family - including my parents Michelle and Pete and my brothers Gavin and Trey! Plus, I’ve got a new niece and I’m excited to share all of the greatness of Glens Falls with her.

Additionally, I am a huge advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and have found that we need more programming for these individuals in and around Glens Falls. Currently, I am working with a group of folks to bring The Bridge, now known as Lower Adirondack Pride, back to life to provide a social outlet for LGBTQIA+ individuals - especially youth!

I also owe a huge shoutout to Kate Austin, who has immersed me even more into the Glens Falls arts, events, and happenings! Through the last eight months at Advokate, I’ve been shown so many different perspectives of Glens Falls. It’s an honor to work with clients such as the Glens Falls Collaborative and the Warren County EDC to show how great of a place Glens Falls and Warren County as a whole are! Also, Emily Murphy and Shelley Fairbanks are my constant hype people and go along with (most) of my crazy ideas.

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

I grew up right across the bridge in South Glens Falls but have always had a strong love and passion for what’s going on in Glens Falls. The thing that really drew me into Glens Falls was the constant flow of events happening right here! From Wing Fest to Pet Fest, GEM Fest, and more, there are always events at any time of the year.

There are so many things I wish people knew about Glens Falls. The wonderful food, events, and community. The variety in local restaurants is wonderful, and you can enjoy a different type of cuisine every night of the week!

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

A perfect day in Glens Falls would start off with a breakfast sandwich from Birch Bark Eatery (or Sunday brunch from [farmacy] restobar!) followed by a stroll through City Park on the way to the Advokate office. My mid-day lunch run usually takes me to Juicin’ Jar for a wrap or Mikado for a Bento Box! After lunch, I make it a priority to attend any event that may be happening around the city. A few of the recent events I’ve loved were the LARAC June Arts Festival and Chuck Schumer’s visit to Glens Falls. Dinner is by far my favorite meal of the day. My go-to spots are [farmacy] restobar, Raul’s, Downtown City Tavern or Alif Cafe. After dinner, I often enjoy a sunset bike ride on the CDPHP Cycle bikes that you can find all around the city!

On the Past

One downtown business I was sad to see leave was Aimie’s Dinner & Movie. This would have been such a cool venue to be able to bring local films into - but I’m glad we have spaces like the Charles R. Wood Theater, Crandall Public Library, The Hyde, and The Park to show the masterpieces that local directors and filmmakers have produced.

On the Future

Glens Falls is a great city - and is on track to be an even better city! I am thrilled to see new businesses bringing so much variety to the downtown area. I also can’t wait to see Rude Betty’s new space!

The Arts District of Glens Falls is constantly brainstorming and executing projects such as bike racks, painted electrical boxes, and sidewalk stamps. I am excited to see what this group of dedicated individuals comes up with next!

I have an extraordinary vision for Lower Adirondack Pride and I know with the great group of people we have involved, it’ll do wonderful things for the community!

The Weekender: July 22-24

Happy weekend! This summer seems like it’s flying by and we’re trying to soak up every second - even the 95° ones ;) Here are a few ideas for the ol’ weekend agenda…

Date Night: Have you been to Mint yet? Are we the last ones?! Hoping to check it out this weekend - we’ve heard great things about their farm to table menu…and their cocktail list! Check out their menu here.

Concert in the Park: The Park Theater’s Summer Concert Series is back this summer at the Crandall Park Bandshell! Hartley’s Encore is playing on Friday from 7:00-8:30pm and bonus, concessions are available from Doc's Restaurant in the form of small plates on site! Details here.

Outdoor Cinema: What’s better than a Friday night movie in City Park? This week they’re showing Sing 2 at dusk. Bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket - and snacks, of course! Find the details here!

Road Trip: We were just saying it’s been a while since we’ve cruised over to one of our favorite Vermont towns - Dorset! Take a hike, grab lunch, and do a little shopping, perhaps? Here’s a mini travel guide we put together if you’re in the mood for a Sunday drive.

Blueberry Picking: I know. We said this last week, but really, you should go ;) We’re hoping to freeze enough to sustain our fresh blueberry muffin habit until next summer — here’s a round up of some favorite local farms if you’re heading out!

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Just Married: Kelsey and Spencer Morris-Taylor

A gorgeous lakeside wedding, complete with the sweetest couple (just read their proposal story!), Adirondack details, and a most meaningful venue. Read on to see and hear about all of the details of Kelsey and Spencer’s day, with beautiful photos by Carrie of CLH Images!

Photo: CLH Images

THE COUPLE: Kelsey Morris-Taylor (formerly Taylor) and Spencer Morris-Taylor (formerly Morris)

Tell us about yourselves! 

Spencer is from Indiana. I (Kelsey) am from Glens Falls! I left for college and then taught for a time in Memphis, TN. After missing home and the beautiful Adirondacks, I moved back to Glens Falls to take a job at a place that is very special and near to my heart — Camp Chingachgook. I had grown up attending Chingachgook and living there in the summers while my parents worked there. Little did I know that Spencer had just been told about Chingachgook from a friend, and moved across the country to take a job there as well.

Where did you meet?

Spencer and I both accepted jobs at Chingachgook to work as Outdoor Educators and met there in the fall of 2016. We would spend that fall doing everything together with our staff of 12 other 20-somethings. Outdoor educators live on the premises and spend all of their time together. We live, work, eat, and play together from sun up to sun down. Spencer and I were the two lead sailors that fall season, so we spent most of our days on the lake — him in one boat and myself in another, each accompanied by a gaggle of middle schoolers or whoever was visiting that week. I'd whiz by him and he'd wonder if my boat was faster or if I was simply a better sailor! 

What is something you two like to do together?

What don't we like to do together? Hiking, skiing, paddleboarding, sailing, camping, and really any fun outings in the Adirondacks. Walk downtown, wander the Feeder Canal Path, bagel sandwiches at Cool Beans, trivia at Common Roots, ATF shows at The Wood Theater, ADK Balloon Festival, X-Country skiing at Cole's Woods, brew our own beer together at home, cuddle up with our two kittens, and of course...our infamous annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Olympics party!

Photo: CLH Images

THE PROPOSAL

Our first date was in the fall of 2016. When you work and live with a very tight knit group of people in a place like Chingachgook, it's very hard to "sneak away" from the group. Typically if someone is heard saying, "I'm heading into town for something" suddenly their car has 11 people trying to cram in because we don't want to leave each other's sides, and a trip to Target can be a real blast with 11 friends!

I managed to discreetly ask Spencer to join me for the opening day of the Adirondack Balloon Festival at Crandall Park, though. He had no idea what he was walking into. I tried to tell him about my favorite childhood memories at the Balloon Festival, all the colors and shapes, and walking inside of the balloons, all the warmth from the fire, and dreaming that one day I'd get to ride in a hot air balloon. Even then, he still didn't quite know what to expect. We showed up at Crandall Park and I was instantly filled with childish glee. I looked at him and his jaw was on the floor. We had a perfect evening sharing in the awe that is the Balloon Fest. We wandered downtown for the street festival afterward and enjoyed some music and tasty brews.

Fast forward 3 years.

In September of 2019, we were with a bunch of friends and headed to the opening day of the Balloon Festival at Crandall Park. Eventually we found ourselves watching a sweet older couple as they were blowing up their balloon and setting up for take-off. As they were about ready to take off he said, "You know, we're missing a couple of crew members this evening. I wonder if there are two people out there that might want to hop in while we fly!" I think my heart stopped for a moment at this point. I looked around me to see a dozen precious children who have their arms in the air, shouting, "Oh me! Me!" and I thought there was no way I'll get chosen over one of these wide-eyed kiddos. Yet I can't seem to control my arm, and suddenly it was waving high in the air just like theirs were. The man made eye contact with me and I felt like I might faint. He pointed to me and before I can even recognize what's happening, I am diving into the basket of the balloon. With Spencer following behind me, we situated ourselves in the basket and suddenly the basket was off of the ground. Suddenly I could see the whole park below us, and we were flying. Just like that. In the air with us, were dozens of other colorful specks. There aren't really words to describe the next 30 minutes are so. I've tried to put it into words... astounding, sensational, momentous, but nothing could quite encapsulate it all.

After about 30 minutes in the air, and somewhere over Bay Road, we started to make our descent. As we touched down in a grassy opening on Meadowbrook Road, I noticed neighbors coming out of their homes at the shock of the balloon and I see the support vans arriving to help with the balloon. We climbed out of the basket, and the pilot told us that after landing the crew shares in a toast. We headed towards the vans to share in the celebratory toast and suddenly I see familiar faces. Our friends were there, my parents were there — had they all followed the balloon in their cars? Were they all there for the post-landing toast? Glasses were being handed out and then I was handed a bottle. I noticed the bottle had a hot air balloon on it, and in fact, it had an exact illustration of the balloon we were just riding in! The bottle read, "Kelsey, will you marry me?” When I turned around, Spencer was on one knee with the most endearing smile on his face, the sun setting behind him. Right there, in front of our friends and family, we got engaged. 

Photo: CLH Images

THE WEDDING: October 2, 2021

What was your favorite part (and the most challenging part!) of the planning process?

The most challenging part would be the same for both of us, dealing with two years of Covid-chaos. We were engaged and began planning before the pandemic began. So that spring was filled with difficult decisions, everything constantly changing, new information and rises in cases, and ultimately our decision to postpone an additional year. Even when it became safe to hold the wedding the following year in 2021, we were routinely faced with challenges due to the pandemic. 

Our favorite part of planning is actually tied into this challenge. I think all of these challenges that made this so difficult also brought us closer together as a couple. We really had to practice some of the qualities that make a marriage strong, like patience, compromise, and compassion. It was a true test, and we passed with flying colors! 

Photo: CLH Images

The Venue

There was no question as to where we would get married. We went right back to our favorite place and got married in the place where we first met, shared our first kiss, and created our first memories — Camp Chingachgook. We were married right on the point, with the lake behind us, and we had our reception under the stars in the pavilion along the lakeside. 

The Decor

Our color palette was natural jewel-tones and wildflower colors, and our style was natural and Adirondack. We used lots of raw birch wood for candle holders and decor. Our arch was made from birch. We had long farm tables covered in ivory tablecloths with burgundy runners, and glass jars filled with wildflowers and eucalyptus. The wild and local flowers ranged from every shade of green, to bright burgundy, light blue, peach, and deep maroon. Our reception tables were named after local mountains we've summited together. Our dessert table was filled with assorted cookies displayed on slabs of wood. 

Photo: CLH Images

The Dress

The dress had an underlay of subtle shimmer to emphasize my silly, vibrant side, and an overlay of lace flowers to emphasize my love for nature. I wore glitter sequined lace-up keds because I love to dance and wouldn't be seen dancing in heels to save my life.

The Details

Our flowers were done by two incredible family friends who dedicated their gardens to growing flowers for us, harvested local mosses and wildflowers, and even cut grasses to incorporate from our family's property. We had a very special potted plant also present along the wedding aisle: a plant from my grandmother's funeral (who passed earlier in 2021), so that she could still be there with us. Many of our very talented friends (woodworkers, graphic designers, bakers) helped us by contributing their skills to make our wedding very personal.

Photo: CLH Images

The Moments

Our favorite moments of the day included seeing people from different corners of our life connect. We put a lot of thought into how to really bring people together, from the seating arrangements, to conversation starters and trivia at the dinner tables, to the fact that we planned four days worth of events (hikes, beach days, brewery open houses, etc.) around the wedding so that everyone had ample opportunities to make new connections. At one point during the reception we looked around and there was not a single bored or lonely face in the room. Everyone was smiling, laughing, and chatting. That feeling was priceless.

Photo: CLH Images

Some Advice

Planning a wedding can be very difficult. It was an incredible challenge that made us stronger as a couple. Take the time to remind yourselves as often as you can what your wedding is really about: the opportunity to celebrate your love with the people you love the most. That truth can really put things into perspective. 

Vendor Credits

Venue:  Camp Chingachgook

Food/Catering: The Barnsider

Cake/Dessert: Tracey Davey (friend)

Gown: Bride and Gown (Saratoga)

Hair: Shirley Padasak (Touch of Class, GF)

Makeup: Cait Righi (friend)

Photographer: CLH Images

Videographer: Alex Hobbs (friend)

Invitations: Zola

Florals:  Suzanne Zaher and Carol Hobbs (friends)

DJ / Band: we made our own EPIC playlist

Transportation: Durham Transportation

Rentals: Saratoga Tents & Events

My Glens Falls: Elaina Brown

We caught up with Elaina Brown this week! She shares her love for downtown architecture, her go-to brunch spot, and the one addition to downtown we’re all waiting on…

Tell us about yourself!

Hey there! My name is Elaina. I am the regional recruiter for AFLAC. If someone were to ask me what my role as a recruiter entails, the best way to describe it would be that I look to find hidden talent in any industry. I work closely with our Regional Sales Coordinator, Melissa Stewart. You can find us both downtown on Fridays for our weekly afternoon happy hour at The Q or DTCT!

When I'm not working, I love to travel! It could be a staycation in Lake George or an all-inclusive beach getaway, either way — count me in. Especially now that travel has opened up again, I want to try and cross more destinations off my list. My dream vacation would be Greece!

I live downtown in Glens Falls with my boyfriend, Tony and our cat, Scarlett (aka Scar-Cheeto, Scar-Burrito, or Little Momma). We are currently searching for our first home, and I really can't see myself anywhere else but here! 

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

First, a little backstory on me. I actually was not born in the states — I was born in New Delhi, India. My parents adopted me when I was about 8 months old. I'm a middle child — I have an older sister and younger brother who are both adopted as well. While we are not biological siblings, we are all from India. Growing up, my parents would bring us to Albany for the Indian Festival and different cultural events as a way to learn more about our culture and background. I've always enjoyed being a little "different" and I don't mind questions — I love to share my story! Someday I would like to go back and visit India. Plus, I wouldn't say no to authentic Indian curry! Mmm! 

I grew up in the Queensbury School District and graduated in 2015. My love for Glens Falls began about 5 years ago when I moved into my current apartment with my boyfriend, Tony. Being just a couple of blocks from downtown, we take advantage of everything that the city has to offer. Whether it's a walk around Crandall Park, grabbing a drink & catching a show at the Wood Theater, or simply relaxing on my porch overlooking Glen Street — I feel at home. 

Some Glens Falls Favorites

Glens Falls has such a cool, small-town vibe. You instantly get this sense of community — it's almost like something out of a movie set! 

Fun fact: I'm obsessed with the buildings in Glens Falls. Next time you're walking around, look up! Many of the shops and houses have unique details & colors. For example, you may notice by Siam Thai that there is an imprint of two lions with wings, almost like a gryphon. Check it out! 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

Oh geez, where should I begin? The day would have to start off with brunch at Farmacy. C’mon, who doesn’t love bottomless mimosas?!

On my way home, I'd walk through Finders Keepers consignment shop. I always end up finding unique earrings and necklaces when I stop in.

Later that day, I'd head over to DTCT to grab a couple more drinks before heading over to Radici for dinner. I’m sure Chef Brian will have some crazy dinner special that I’ll have to try out! Afterwards, I’d head back home to my happy spot on the porch for the rest of the evening. 

On the Future

Ok, hear me out — a rooftop bar! We have beautiful outdoor patios but having a rooftop bar and lounge would be awesome. I could see myself hanging out there on a beautiful summer afternoon, soaking up the sun while overlooking the city. 

The Weekender: July 15 - 17

Happy weekend! Hope you’ve got big plans to soak up the summer sunshine over the next few days. Here are a few ideas for the agenda…

Outdoor Cinema: What’s better than a Friday night movie in City Park? This week they’re showing Luca at dusk. Bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket - and snacks, of course! Details here!

Concert in the Park: UPDATE: This week’s show has been canceled. Stay tuned for next week’s performance! The Park Theater’s Summer Concert Series is back this summer at the Crandall Park Bandshell! The Josh Morris Band is playing on Friday from 7:00-8:30pm and bonus, concessions are available from Doc's Restaurant in the form of small plates on site! Details here.

Blueberry Picking: Yep, we went last weekend and we’ve already got big plans to go again. If you’re in the mood for some fresh berries (and some blueberry pie from said berries), here’s a round up of some favorite local farms for picking.

A Barn Full of Art: Art and barn lovers, this one’s for you! Whiting Studio in Argyle is opening its barn doors this weekend for an exhibit of works by local artists. Swing by on your way back from blueberry picking, perhaps? Details here.

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

My Glens Falls: Dave Globerson

This week, we’re chatting with Dave Globerson! He shares what he loves most about his career as an artist (you must check out his pet portraits!), his ideal GF day, and the one type of restaurant he’d love to see downtown.

Dave Globerson with his wife, Jenny | Photo: Bri Lyons

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Dave Globerson, I’m a Glens Falls based artist specializing in creative portraiture and illustration. I grew up in Saratoga and I graduated college from the University of Hartford Art School in 2008. My wife and I moved to the area in late 2020 and are absolutely thrilled to live here. 

The pandemic shutdown awarded an interesting opportunity to pivot and start my own creative business. I’ve had a number of different career paths in the restaurant industry (as many creatives tend to gravitate towards) and as a musician, but at the end of the day I knew I wanted to be an artist. I knew there was something more for me out there. I needed a change. I started making pet portraits for my family and a few friends and posting it on Instagram. Next thing I know, a flood of requests came my way. My wife encouraged me to keep going with it, so I set up a studio in our spare bedroom, got to work, and I haven’t looked back since. I’m so thankful for her love, support, organization and critical eye. Without her I don’t know where I’d be. 

My mission as an artist is to create meaningful and individualized paintings for my clients. I’m often regaled with stories about their pets or loved ones; many of my clients have hilarious narratives they give to their pets and it’s my job to bring those stories to life. I like to pepper my humor into my work (and in every aspect of my life for that matter) which has led to some genuinely hilarious pieces. I realize how uniquely fortunate I am when my work day ranges from printing a basset hound as an astronaut, a papillon as Martin Van Buren, or an Elizabethan portrait of a cat, just to name a few. Memorial paintings have become a major part of my portfolio, too. I’ve been able to help many people cope with grief through my artwork. I feel incredibly fortunate to bring light to people during difficult times. 

I don’t just paint pet portraits, although they are a primary focus of mine. I'm proud to have created artwork for a bunch of local 518 businesses such as Kru Coffee, Lake George Crossfit, Whitman Brewing Company, Henry Street Taproom, Flatbread Social, and Unified Beerworks. My portfolio also includes wedding portraits, traditional portraits, can labels, chalk art, spray paint murals, lawn jockeys and album art. I also painted a Saratoga Horse which is on display in front of The Posie Peddler in Saratoga, as well as several Ballet Shoes for the National Museum of Dance that are on display in front of Spot Coffee in Saratoga.  I try to say yes to every commission and give it my all.

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

Why Glens Falls, you ask? Location and community is the short answer. My wife and I eloped at Highlands Castle in May 2020 and with the money we saved we were able to afford a house. She works at Glens Falls Hospital as a PA. The main criteria was for us to find a place close to the hospital, a place for me to set up a studio and a back yard for our dog to play in. 

After looking extensively we found the perfect home. The neighborhood around Crandall Park is lovely. I love how the entire area is so community based, wholesome and neighborly. Our house is from 1905 and was maintained beautifully. We moved in during that humongous snowstorm at the tail end of 2020 and our neighbors were quick to offer us help in any way we needed. I love how beautiful everyone’s homes and gardens are each season and holiday. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible collective effort that goes into Halloween around here. 

Some Glens Falls Favorites

One thing I love about Glens Falls is that there are so many little hidden gems scattered throughout. Arroy Dee for sushi and thai is A+. Birch Bark Eatery donuts are a slice of heaven. Angelina’s Grandma Pizza is my personal favorite in the area. As a vinyl collector and overall music nerd, I’d also love to give a shoutout to Sweet Side Records. I would love to hear more recommendations from locals as well! 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

Our ideal day in Glens Falls?  Start off with a good workout at Lake George Crossfit, get coffee and breakfast sandwiches at Kru Coffee downtown, take the dog for a walk through Crandall Park, afternoon cocktails on the front porch, then dinner at Radici. If porch cocktails aren't an option then we’d have margaritas over at Raul’s. I also love paying a visit to our friends at Common Roots for some killer beer and a delicious pizza. Especially after a hike! 

On the Future

My wife and I frequent our downtown often and there are some really great shops and restaurants around the area. There are some empty storefronts that are holding tremendous potential. I could see this becoming the new hot spot for even more creative restaurants, bars, clothiers and startups.

If I could wave a magic wand, I’d love to see a proper BBQ restaurant set up somewhere downtown. If there is one and I’m missing out, please let me know!! 

 On the Past

Although I grew up in Saratoga, I have fond memories of Glens Falls. My Dad had a pediatric dental practice here. His office was super fun and full of arcade games and bright colors. He used to take me over to Lox of Bagels or Steve’s Place whenever I went to visit him during a work day. Chances are, if you’re a Gen Xer or an elder Millennial from around this area, he was your dentist. 

This is a wonderful town with a great sense of community. I’m glad to be part of it! For anyone interested in checking out my work or commissioning a painting, my website is www.dfgillustration.com and you can follow me on instagram @dfgillustration. 

On the Farm: Mapleland Farms

The best part of this muddy time between winter and spring - maple season! We headed into Washington County this month to chat with David Campbell and Mary Jeanne Packer of Mapleland Farms about their amazing maple syrup, as well as their process - from sap to syrup!  

On Running A Family Business 

My relatives came here from Scotland in the 1850’s and my brother Terry and myself are still living on and working on the same land that they came to back then. They were dairy farmers then. 

The sugaring business came about 50 years ago. My parents and grandparents tapped some trees here and there and made a little syrup for the family, and we took to the process after that, starting at age 13. Our first customers were the school bus driver, the school custodian, even the other kids at school! 

David Campbell and Mary Jeanne Packer at Mapleland Farms

On the Process: From Sap to Syrup

The process, in some ways, hasn’t changed in 200 years. That is, that you collect sap, you boil it down until there’s nothing left but the sweetness, and you call it maple syrup. 

The legend is that a busy wife and mother needed to put on a pot of water to boil for tea, but instead of going down to the brook for water, she noticed “water” running from the trees and used that instead. Her husband came home for lunch and said it was the best tea he’d ever had! So that’s how, supposedly, maple syrup was discovered. 

We’ve modernized some parts of the process since the early settlers learned about this sweet water from the trees. Starting at the tree, instead of just sticking a pot under the tree and hoping some sap falls into it, we have a certain way we drill holes with spouts that are the most efficient at grabbing the sap as it comes up. And we do get it on the way up! The sap comes from the ground to feed the leaves that are getting ready to open up. We then use sap lines, or tubing, to collect and direct the sap. We have almost 20,000 taps and over 60 miles of tubing over 600 acres that we’re tapping on. There’s a network of tubes that lead down to the bottom of the hill where the sap flows into tanks, which are then hauled to the sugar house. The sap is pumped into the back room at the sugar house, where we have reverse osmosis machines that take the sugar out, throw away the water, and save that sugar concentrate, which reduces the amount of time it has to boil. 

The concentrate is then boiled for a period of time and drawn off through a tube at the end when it’s just short of the boiling point. At that time, it’ll be syrup at 67% sugar. It’s then pumped through a filter, which catches any impurities, and then we store it in barrels until it’s ready to be packaged. 

It takes 50 gallons of sap to make a gallon of syrup. This is because the sap is just 1 or 2 percent sugar. Right now it’s 2% - earlier in the season it would be 1%, and at the end of the season it will drop back down to 1%. When it’s 1%, it takes about 70 gallons of sap to make a gallon of syrup. 

The Offerings

Our maple candies are a favorite, for sure. We’ve won numerous awards for making them - international awards and even Vermont awards! It’s a method that I’ve perfected myself using a bit of a different process than most folks do. 

We have the quintessential maple syrup, of course. Maple cream, maple fudge, maple cotton candy. We also have two flavors of maple granola, maple almonds, and maple roasted nuts. Our spicy maple rub and maple garlic pepper are very popular with folks on the craft fair circuit. The list goes on! 

On Sales + Distribution

Our largest customer is in New York City - it’s called Fresh Direct - and we ship by the pallet to them every week. They do home food delivery. They represent about 15-20% of all of our sales. We sell to a few distributors that then sell to restaurants, and we also sell direct to local restaurants by the gallon. All the good breakfast spots! 

Locally, you can also purchase at Price Chopper, Shop Rite, Healthy Living, and Fresh Market. Also apple orchards! Places like Hicks and Saratoga Apple are open year round and carry our products. Taste NY carries our products at rest areas across the state. We also sell direct to consumer on our website. 

On Farm Life

The most rewarding thing about the business is having people satisfied with a quality product. I’ve done a bunch of workshops on how to make maple candies since I’ve won a lot of awards with them, and so I’m trying to teach other people how to make good maple candies instead of poor quality, which has been very rewarding. 

The most challenging thing is probably the weather. With the weather changing, you don’t get as many freezing and thawing cycles, so we rely on the vacuum pumps to get the sap out of the trees more than we used to years ago. 

Weather has made the timing of our season unpredictable too. The season starts earlier and earlier. It used to be the middle of March before the season actually started. The last couple of years, we started putting in the taps on the Monday after Christmas, and this year we got a good sap flow on January 1 and 2 and we made syrup on January 2. 

Invasive species have been a problem because of the weather, too - bugs, like the asian longhorn beetle, and plants, like honeysuckle and buckthorn, are trying to take over the woods. The change in climate has made it so these plants and bugs that didn’t used to be able to survive here, are able to thrive here, which impedes on our trees. 

The sugar maples don’t like the warmth of the south, and as the warm weather shifts north, the maple producers are probably going to need to shift north as well. 

The view at Mapleland Farms

On Bird Friendly Maple

We’ve just been officially recognized as a bird friendly maple syrup producer! This is a project of Audubon New York, and we’re one of the first few to be recognized. We commit to manage our forests in a way that helps birds raise the next generation of their species. That includes leaving dead trees standing to provide nesting sites, and leaving downed trees on the forest floor to provide cover and forage. It’s an honor to have passed the certification and we hope to spark interest with customers who understand the value of a healthy habitat for birds and other wildlife. 

On Maple Weekend

Maple Weekends will be the next two weekends - the 19th and 20th and the 26th and 27th of March from 9am - 4pm. While we won’t be having breakfast this year, we will be having a maple snack bar, which will feature maple doughnuts, maple cookies, and brownies and other products all made with maple syrup. Of course, we’ll also offer our tours! 

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Mapleland Farms
525 Bunker Hill Road • Salem, NY
Website

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.

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The Weekender: December 3 - 5

Happy weekend, and happy December! Holiday events are in full swing and we’re excited to soak up all the hometown magic. Here’s what’s on the agenda:

Hometown Holidays: The festivities kick off on Friday night at 5:30pm with the downtown tree lighting! Straight out of a Hallmark movie. There will also be live entertainment on Glen Street, wagon rides, and more! Details here.

Christkindlmarkt: So excited to have this event downtown in City Park this year! A European style Christmas festival with vendors (craft and food!), live music, activities, and more. Grab more info and the schedule here!

Holiday Lighted Nights: A mile and a half of holiday light displays to enjoy from the comfort of your car! A fun new tradition at the Washington County Fairgrounds - details here!

Festival of Lights: Head up to Shepard Park in Lake George on Saturdays this month for live music, dance performances, and of course, a light display! Details here.

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

On the Arts Trail: Rodney Bentley

Have you seen the art popping up on electrical boxes downtown? Part of the Arts Trail and the Arts District of Glens Falls, these works have added so much to our little city already (and we’re hoping this is just the start!). We’re excited to introduce you to another of the talented artists behind this series - Rodney Bentley! You can see his work on the corner of Ridge and Maple Streets, right in front of Morgan and Company.

Tell us about yourself!

I was born in February at Glens Falls Hospital. As a child, I was surrounded by my five siblings and my caring, supportive, and spiritual mother, Bertha. I spent my childhood up in the Adirondacks. I graduated from Warrensburg Central School and attended local college with my sights set on a political or legal career. During college, JCPenney hired me as an internal auditor, supporting overall store operations and loss prevention. I was promoted through advanced district, regional and corporate positions, which allowed me to relocate to Rochester, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and metro New York City.

Due to the Great Recession, I found myself unemployed while living in the Philadelphia area. It was during that time that I fell in the bathroom at my residence and suffered a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). My fiancé, Janet, with wonderful grace and care, had me rushed by paramedics to the intensive care unit at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Many issues surfaced due the TBI including memory, aphasia, confusion and speech problems. My siblings and my mother helped me to return to the Glens Falls Region to heal and start a new life.

On Becoming an Artist

When I returned to the Glens Falls Region, I was not healing well and I began to sedate myself with alcohol to search for some form of comfort. I found myself in Saratoga County Jail due to back to back DWIs. While incarcerated, my family hired a local legal firm to assist me in being released from the facility. I declined to leave prison, as I knew I truly needed help and returning to society was not right for me at that time.

It was during my 108 days of incarceration that I became an artist without knowing it. It started with a rather large inmate, named Tiny, sitting at a table across from me with tears in his eyes. He asked me if I could draw something for him. I thought it was a joke at first but then I asked what I would draw and why. He explained it was for his 6 year old grandson’s birthday and that he liked dragons. I felt sympathy as I looked beyond his tears and into his eyes. I asked for a pencil and paper, which a guard provided. I started to sketch and magically a beautiful powerful dragon appeared on the paper.

I began to create an inmate gallery in prison. In the evening, I would place my newest work on the tables in the cell block and inmates would tour my work and make comments. Guards took notice of my work as well, and I began to create personalized work for both inmates and guards as requested. I look forward to sharing my prison work with the world when I feel the time is right.

The Inspiration

In the midst of COVID, art supplies became challenging to acquire. I was feeling a sense of solace, peace, beauty, and softness in some odd way. The split background of soft pink and violet on canvas evokes that simplicity. The tree branches and leaves are captured in mostly white with the soft hint of grey for depth, but not distraction. The brilliant monarch butterflies seem to offer a hint of softness, with brilliant color and clarity representing souls flowing upward to a sense of newness, peace and overflowing love. The yellow orb, which the butterflies are floating towards in the upper right portion of the electrical box, represents the most powerful unconditional love ever felt.

On The Process

The process was a learning curve. I followed instructions on how to remove graffiti, stickers and additional oddities that I found on the box. It very helpful that LARAC provided wonderful directions regarding cleaning the box, priming the box and finally sealing the box when the project was completed.

I really loved the interaction with the public while painting the electrical box. Car drivers passing by would wave their hands, smile and make great comments. People walking by wanted to take photos and create wonderful conversations. What a great experience!

Some Glens Falls Favorites

I reside on the property known as the historic and magnificent Morgan and Company restaurant which happens to be where the utility box is located. There are many wonderful spots I enjoy in Glens Falls, including Fenimore’s Pub, Mean Max Brew Works, Davidson Brothers Brewing Co., Downtown Social, Raul’s Mexican Grill, Downtown City Tavern, Mikado, Spot Coffee and many other relaxing establishments.

I find biking invigorating and enjoy riding along the extensive Glens Falls Feeder Canal, along the banks of the mighty Hudson River, and into Lake George and Hudson Falls. I find the Hyde Museum beyond inspirational, as well as shows at the Wood Theater and Park Theater.

Rodney Bentley
Website / Facebook / Instagram

The Weekender: November 19 - 21

Happy weekend! We did a double take when we saw some holiday events on the calendar this weekend - it seems to be sneaking up so quickly! Might as well lean into it, right?! Here are some ideas:

Wine and Chocolate Tasting: Wine and Chocolate - need we say more? Sample dozens of wines along with everyone’s favorite sweet treat at The Queensbury on Friday night to benefit The Chapman Museum. Details and tickets here!

Lighted Tractor Parade: Tractors + holiday lights = pure Christmas magic in Greenwich this weekend. Take a drive out to Washington County on Saturday night to watch the parade file through the village - details here!

SGF Holiday Parade: The South Glens Falls Holiday Parade kicks off at 1pm on Sunday, traveling up Route 9 from Carriage Traders to Stewart’s!

Save the Date: The perfect way to start Thanksgiving? Depends on who you ask ;) But maybe it’s a 5K through downtown Glens Falls for a good cause? The Open Door Mission is hosting the Gobble Wobble on Thanksgiving Day at 8:30am to benefit the Mission. Sign up here!

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Back in the Day: The Boston Store

The Morning Star was careful to give equal praise to both competing downtown Glens Falls dry goods merchants.

“Note the array of bargains for today at the Boston Store,” the Glens Falls daily newspaper reported in its business column on March 12, 1887. “See B.B. Fowler’s big advertisement on collars, cuffs and shirts.”

George F. Bayle and junior partner W.T. Marsh opened the Boston Store on Glen Street on March 11, 1884, bringing new competition for B.B. Fowler, a long-time downtown retailer.

The store was located across Glen Street from Fowler’s, in a previous structure at the location that now is the Charles R. Wood Theater. 

The Boston Store on Glen Street, circa 1890 • Photo courtesy of Bob Bayle

“The interior of the (Boston) store presented a very inviting appearance, and from early in the morning until the doors were closed at night an almost continuous stream of visitors passed in and out of the building. All were loud in their praise of the new establishment,” The Morning Star reported.

“Mr. Bayle is well known in Glens Falls, and he has a long experience in the dry goods business. He is ably assisted by William Donnelly, well known as a competent salesman. The firm starts out with every prospect of success.”

Bayle had previously worked for B.B. Fowler from 1874 to 1880, when Bayle left to work in New York City.

He returned to Glens Falls to open the Boston Store.

Competition between the Boston Store and B.B. Fowler was friendly, whether it be in business or in sports.

Employees of the Boston Store defeated employees of B.B. Fowler 22-18 in a baseball game on June 21, 1886.

The Boston Store team went on to defeat employees of the Rochester Clothing Company store 14-1 on June 26.

Baseball wasn’t the only social activity employees enjoyed.

“The salesmen employed at the Boston Store enjoyed an oyster supper at the Globe Hotel last evening at the expense of Messrs. Bayle and Boyd,” The Morning Star reported on Nov. 4, 1886

The Boston Store • Photo courtesy of Bob Bayle

Bayle and his associates quickly became known for quality and value.

“The firm marks goods in plain figures and have only one price,” The Morning Star reported on March 31, 1884.

“The good results of enterprise, industry, fair dealing and a vigorous application to the details of one’s business are truly exemplified in the career of the young and successful dry goods house of G.F. Bayle & Co.,” The Morning Star reported on May 16, 1886.

“The name of G.F. Bayle & Co., of the Boston Store, has evolved into a synonym of enterprise and business sagacity,” The Morning Star reported on Dec. 16, 1889.   

The store sold clothing, fabric, home decorating items, books and more.

In May 1884, Bayle opened a women’s hat department on the second floor, and hired L. Bidwell, “an experienced milliner of New York” City to manage the department.

Revenue in September 1885 was triple that of the previous year. 

Christmas season business was brisk in 1885.

“G.F. Bayle, of the young and enterprising G.F. Bayle & Company, was too busy to give the reporter much information, but it was evident from the throng about the counters that the firm’s goods and prices are elements that constitute a strong magnet.”

In 1886, an interior wall was removed to expand into space of an adjoining storefront, nearly tripling the amount of floorspace. 

Electric lighting was added in 1887.

“G.F. Bayle & Co., the enterprising proprietors of the Boston Store, have placed two electric lights in the north section of their store and it now presents a most affordable appearance.”

The Boston Store • Photo courtesy of Bob Bayle

By 1888, the Boston Store book department numbered 1,000 volumes.

Bayle left active management of the Boston Store, but remained its primary investor, in 1893 to become vice president and general manager of Denholm-McKay Company in Worcester, Mass.

He returned to Glens Falls in 1905 to become president of Glens Falls Portland Cement Co.

The Boston Store closed on Jan. 20, 1932 after nearly 48 years in business.

Merkel and Gelman department store, another downtown retailer, paid tribute.

“One of Glens Falls’ oldest institutions, one of our best friends and neighbors, the Boston Store! Tonight, its doors will be closed, terminating a notable business career,” read a Merkel and Gelman display ad in The Post-Star. “It is with regret that the entire Merkel and Gelman organization says good-bye.”

Bayle died March 10, 1939 at age 79.

“Mr. Bayle was one of the city’s foremost business men, and his career was one of success and achievement, coupled with a philanthropic activity practically unlimited in scope,” The Post-Star reported.

Bayle served on the Glens Falls Charter Committee in 1908, when Glens Falls became a city.

Previously he was the village Board of Public Safety and Glens Falls Board of Education.

In 1887, Bayle was a charter member of the Glens Falls Board of Trade, a precursor to the local Chamber of Commerce.

Bayle was president of the Warren County Committee for the Prevention of Tuberculosis from 1910 to 1928, and was a charter member of the Glens Falls Rotary Club in 1922. 

In Dec. 1922, Bayle announced at a Glens Falls Rotary Club meeting that the Warren County Christmas Seal campaign for prevention and treatment of tuberculosis raised more money per capita than any other county in the state.

He was grand knight of the Glens Falls Knights of Columbus in 1923, ‘24 and ’25.

—

Sources: The Post-Star Jan.20, 22, 1932; March 11, 1939; The Morning Star March 31, May 17, Nov. 4, 1884; May 11, 17, June 22, 28, 1886; Feb. 3, 27, March 12, 17, 1887; Dec. 16, 1889; “Glens Falls: The Empire City,” 1908

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P.S. See more from our Back in the Day series here.

On the Arts Trail: Shelley Fairbanks

Have you seen the art popping up on electrical boxes downtown? Part of the Arts Trail and the Arts District of Glens Falls, these works have added so much to our little city already (and we’re hoping this is just the start!). We’re excited to introduce you to another of the talented artists behind this series - Shelley Fairbanks! You can see her work on the corner of Warren and Church Streets.

Tell us about yourself!

I graduated from Granville High School in 2011 and attended SUNY New Paltz as a painting and drawing major. I ended up finding myself at SUNY Empire State College along the way and graduated with my bachelor's in Arts Management.

I have lived in Upstate New York my whole life and absolutely love the beauty of the Adirondacks. I grew up right near Hick’s Orchard in Granville so I was spoiled in the cider donut department. I was lucky to grow up on a huge piece of property with a nature trail behind my house. My parents instilled in me a huge love of nature, animals, and art. Going to Glens Falls was always a treat for me as a young kid. This was the big city! A bit embarrassing but funny to recall the fact that I often mistook Glens Falls for New York City.

I moved to Glens Falls over two and a half years ago after I started working at the Charles R. Wood Theater as the Box Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator. It has truly been a dream job! I love to see what's happening on Glen Street every day, being so close to so many amazing restaurants, working with an incredible team, and of course dog watching!

On Becoming an Artist

My dad was an incredible artist and art educator. Painting was always a huge part of my life as I got to spend a lot of time in my dad's studio. He taught me everything about the great masters (Vincent was a stand out), mixing colors, using acrylics, composition, and how a little bit of blue paint can go a long way! I used to attend all sorts of gallery exhibits and art shows with him and even got to sell some of my own work at his outdoor shows when I was very young. My 25 cent cat paintings were a hit! My dad even painted a portrait of me titled "Shelley at Work" where I'm preparing cat masterpieces for an outdoor exhibit. It hangs in my downtown apartment currently.

I am very thankful for all of the opportunities I have had. I always wanted to be an artist (with the exception of when I briefly changed my career path to primatologist in 6th grade) and started seriously working toward those goals toward the end of high school. During my stay at SUNY New Paltz I won a few college competitions and that really pushed me to a place where I felt confident in what I was creating. I am still playing around with different mediums, styles, and subject matter and have been fortunate to have some pieces featured in various local shows and exhibits.

My dad passed in 2017 and I really owe most of my artistic success to him!

The Inspiration

I am a huge animal lover! But what really inspired my "Dogs of Glens Falls" mural was all of the adorable dogs I get to see downtown on a daily basis! As previously mentioned I LOVE dog watching at work. During the pandemic The Wood Theater was shut down for over a year and during that time my coworker Eric Potter installed a "doggie cam" security camera facing the outside window. It was truly his magnum opus and kept myself and my other half/coworker Emily Murphy and I sane while we both worked from home. We would post a "dog of the week" on our Facebook and it also helped me get to know our local furry friends.

We not only allow, but encourage dog owners to bring their pups into the theater if stopping to buy tickets for a show. Please note that if you're reading this, have a dog, and are thinking of coming to an upcoming event. I included dogs I met through working in the box office (Thatcher, Arthur & Avalon, Zuzu) and the rest are dogs I either know personally, know their owners, or know because a stranger reached out to me with a story. I put a lot of time and care into selecting the pups.

Of course I also have to give Murray Murphy a separate shoutout (son of Emily Murphy) who I often refer to as my "best fren". He is front and center if you are facing the street. From being named Thomas's English Muffins #1 Fan to reaching TikTok fame and starring in a movie (filmed by local filmmaker Cailtlin Stedman who's pup Vinny is also featured) he has really touched the lives of so many!

On The Process

This was definitely a challenge for me but one that I was super excited to take on! I'm so thankful to the Arts District for allowing me to step out of my comfort zone and work with a completely new medium. A LOT of research went into painting on a metal surface from how to prep and sand the box, finding the right primer, paints, and top coats.

I loved getting to interact with all of the people walking and driving by. The support was increible and completely overwhelming at times. One of my favorite moments was when a dog owner walked by with their German Shepherd puppy as I was painting another Shepherd on the box. The pup was very curious and watching me as I painted and I remember getting emotional as the owner said "she's painting what you will look like when you're older!" It was the purest thing!!

I have a busy work schedule so I was out painting almost every day after work even when it got dark and cold. I told all of my friends that when I had any free time in October "assume I am at the electrical box". I have done some public art and murals sporadically but I am still relatively new to the public art/mural scene so this was an all around wonderful adventure and fun opportunity to stretch my artistic wings!

Some Glens Falls Favorites

If you drove or walked past me at night around 7pm or 8pm you may have seen me with an AACC roll from Mikado. I usually ate during my painting sessions (being very careful to know what was paint water and what was drinking water). In the mornings when I had the day off to paint I would stop by Birch Bark to grab some specialty donuts. Spot Coffee is of course a standard go-to for me! I definitely had a few breakfast burritos by my side while painting. For a treat I LOVE pasta night at Gourmet Cafe (plus the amazing desserts made in house by Chef Francis!).

I also took some breaks to sit in City Park, shopped at 42 Degrees, browsed the new arrivals at Laura's Vintage, and warmed up at the Wood Theater which was a nice "home base" for me.

Gratitude

I would just like to again thank everyone for the incredible support. Cam Cardinale and Jeannette LaPointe for taking some professional photographs of me at work, Emily Murphy for hyping me up every step of the way, and the entire Arts District for all that is being done to make this city a beautiful home. I also just wanted to say how impressed and proud I am of every single artist that has been outside painting! I am humbled and inspired by all of their creativity and dedication.

I also wanted to thank Jereme Young who sat with me for hours while I worked just to keep me company. He proposed to me the week after completing the electrical box. I never knew I would end this project as an engaged woman!

I also dedicate my project to my two pups that have crossed the rainbow bridge, Alice and Penny. Dogs are a gift to humanity!

Shelley Fairbanks
Instagram

The Weekender: November 12 - 14

Happy Friday! This week went by in a blur, so we’re looking forward to slowing down this weekend, soaking up some time at home, and of course, heading downtown to check out a few favorites like these:

Thunder Hockey: It’s a big hockey weekend downtown! The Thunder are home Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights - grab your tickets here!

West Mountain Gear Swap: Ski season is sneaking up fast, so if you’re in the market for new or used gear, you’ll want to check out the gear swap at West Mountain - details here!

Merry at Mountain Gallery: Mountain Gallery is kicking off the holiday season with an Opening Reception on Friday November 12 from 6-8pm! What better gift to a loved one or to yourself than a beautiful piece of original art?! Details here.

LARAC Holiday Shop: Speaking of original art, LARAC is also hosting an opening reception for their holiday shop on Friday from 5 - 7pm. Bonus - all purchases receive 5% discount! More here.

Forget Me Nots: Premiering Friday at The Wood Theater, this is a locally produced film exploring the hardships of life and the bond between a father and daughter. And hey - our ol’ Wagoneer even makes an appearance! Tickets here.

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

On the Arts Trail: Hannah Williams

Have you seen the art popping up on electrical boxes downtown? Part of the Arts Trail and the Arts District of Glens Falls, these works have added so much to our little city already (and we’re hoping this is just the start!). We’re excited to introduce you to the talented artists behind the paintings, starting with Hannah Williams! You can see her work on the corner of Washington and Bay.

Tell us about yourself!

I grew up in Queensbury, and graduated from Queensbury High in 2011. I went on to receive an Associates Degree from SUNY Adirondack in 2013.

I have always been interested in art, ever since a young age, and I am mostly self-taught. I had mentors along the way, through my involvement with independent art studies in high school and courses through college. I always have to give credit to my parents, Brad and Cathy, for being supportive, and my grandmother, Gloria, who sat me in front of Bob Ross a lot when I was little. 

Although I grew up in Queensbury, I have concrete roots in Glens Falls as far as my family goes. Both parents lived and went to school in Glens Falls. Growing up, we were always participating in activities downtown. I was always in awe of the architecture and community involvement. A big part of my childhood was attending the hockey games with my brother and grandfather, Harold “Hal” Williams. I’m putting his name out there because some may remember him fondly - he had a coaching career of 60 years, part of it at Glens Falls School District for JV Basketball, and he was the Director of Adult Education. He even managed the Glens Falls Civic Center parking lots and drove the bus for the Greater Glens Falls Transit System.

On Becoming an Artist

It has been a constant evolving thing as soon as I realized creating art was my life passion and a much needed necessity to cope with everyday life. I have been painting seriously for about 12 years, which has slowly turned into many ventures over the past decade as I’ve worked hard to get to a point of doing it full-time.

The big jump was live painting at music festivals and vending work. From there, I realized my love of painting large scale, which transferred over to painting murals. My very first opportunity was at Cote Insurance Agency in South Glens Falls. I will always be grateful that they believed in me then, because my mural work has been ongoing ever since. I also had the incredible opportunity to work for Adirondack Studios in Argyle, NY from 2016-2017, getting hands on experience painting very large scale murals – sometimes 100 ft. x 20 ft. in length. 

I have been doing art full-time since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Murals and public art are my top priority, but what really keeps my work consistent are my commission services like dog portraits.

The Inspiration

Given the opportunity to have my work shown in a very public location, I really wanted to create something positive and inspirational to remind people that there is magic in this world, and to encourage them to stay in awe of the natural beauty around us. I really geared it towards children because I wanted them to keep their sense of wonderment engaged and to inspire them to get creative. Lastly, I wanted to give the art an educational focus by labeling each flower I painted. Each plant I painted represents night-blooming flowers that actually exist in nature, in hopes that people will connect with the theme and appreciate that they exist. 

On The Process

I have worked with painting on metal a few times, but this project was absolutely unique and involved a whole new learning process that was exciting. The important thing is to do solid research on different surfaces before painting them. Metal is interesting because it is a non-porous surface. Paint is a friend to porous surfaces because it has something to hold onto, so you have to figure out the steps to make a slick and smooth surface, like metal, more textured. Every single artist who participated put in a lot of prep work with cleaning, sanding, and priming to make sure it was ready to withstand the outdoor elements. I had only constructive challenges, the biggest of which was the weather as well as working in a highly trafficked area and having to stay aware of surroundings. I loved every second engaging with the community and made many connections from people wanting to stop and chat. As the progress went on, more and more people showed amazing support and positivity, which was greatly appreciated.

On Public Art

I am thrilled that Glens Falls is starting to create more of a public art scene. My hope for the future here is that public art and murals are increasingly embraced. As a passionate muralist who has had the privilege to travel around the country, I have witnessed first hand the importance of public art. It not only beautifies a location - it brings extreme value, increased business, positive community morale and most importantly – makes art accessible to all.

Some Glens Falls Favorites

I love being a regular at the ever-evolving coffee hub at 140 Glen Street, which is now Kru Coffee. That place only keeps you going until late afternoon though. 

My hands down favorite spot to visit after a long day of painting is Alif Cafe. The minute you walk in, it feels like you are embraced with a warm hug. You are instantly hit with the range of aromatic spices and herbs used in their dishes of modern Pakistani food and traditional chais. Don’t even get me started with their set of beautiful chais and espresso. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu - it’s all fantastic. This is a place to truly be embraced. I love any chance to go.

Hannah Williams Art
Instagram / Website

The Weekender: November 5 - 7

Happy weekend! Did you catch the first snowflakes of the season this morning?! It set the tone for a cozy weekend ahead, for sure. Here are a few ideas:

Christmas at The Glen Drive In: Speaking of snowflakes, it’s Christmas this weekend at The Glen Drive In, and they’ll be showing Elf and A Christmas Story to benefit Operation Santa Claus. Details here!

Bear’s Cup Delivery: Sunday delivery is back for a limited time (!!), so if you’d like to get your fill of the most delicious breakfast pastries and bagels without leaving the house, place your order quick before their slots fill up! Here’s their menu and ordering info. Pass the coffee cake, please!

Pups and Pints: What could be better? Head to Common Roots this Sunday from 1-4pm to meet some sweet adoptable pups and enjoy a craft beer or two - get the details here.

Live Music at The Park Theater: Back by popular demand at The Park! High Noon is playing this Saturday night at 8pm. They’re a premier tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd & Southern Rock (think 70's classics like The Allman Brothers Band, Molly Hatchet, The Outlaws, 38 Special and The Marshall Tucker Band). Grab tickets here!

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

New Addition: Colette Scott Cleavland

The Cleavland Family welcomed their baby girl, Colette, on the last day of summer! We chatted with Jordan and Scott about the sweet way they shared the news with their family and friends, their favorite things about parenthood so far, and more…

Photo: Bri Lyons

Our Family

Scott, Gunner and Colette. This is my family. Pinch me because it still doesn’t feel real that we welcomed the most precious baby girl to our family just four short weeks ago. 

On Sharing the News

Sharing the news of this pregnancy was very private and intimate. The day Boston IVF called us to say “you’re pregnant” is a phone call we will never forget. After a four year infertility journey, fighting our hardest fight, Colette Scott Cleavland was the one we were waiting for all along. 

Scott and I shared the news with our family and closest friends by showing up at their doorsteps with cupcakes. A card that read, “Made with love and a whole lot of science. Arriving Fall 2021 - Our double rainbow baby”. The added surprise was the pink frosting inside the cupcakes that we recorded each of them biting into to share the news that it was going to be a baby girl. It was so private and special to share that moment over and over again with our closest supporters and biggest fans! 

On Pregnancy Cravings

During this pregnancy, I craved fruit (kiwi, peaches and apples) and lemonade. Oh, and crispy chicken! Mind you I hadn’t had chicken in over five years and all of a sudden my mouth was watering for crispy chicken tenders! 

Photo: Bri Lyons

All about Colette

Colette Scott Cleavland was born on the last day of summer (four weeks early at 36 weeks) weighing 6lbs 2.5oz and 18 inches long at Albany Medical Center.

We did not decide on her name until she was born. We knew we liked the name “Colette” but wanted to make sure it fit her. I loved the idea of “Scott” as her middle name after her dad. We did not tell a single soul, not even the doctors and nurses at Albany Med, until she was here and in our arms. Colette Scott Cleavland was the name of our miracle baby. 

Colette shares mommy’s big lips and chubby cheeks and she has daddy’s eyes and chin. Her blonde peach fuzz we both take credit for! 

Some Family Favorites

My favorite thing about Colette so far is her little smirks and grins. They come anytime, day or night, so you always have to be paying attention because it’s so worth it when you see it. It melts me every time. I’ve been told that we share the same smirk which makes it even more special. She is pure bliss. 

Our favorite things to do with Colette include walks around the neighborhood with big brother Gunner (our 12 year old chocolate lab), coffee runs to Kru Coffee, going to Gramma and Opah’s house for dinner, and slow dancing in her nursery to a country radio station - the same radio station we listened to as we welcomed her into the world. 

On Parenthood

My favorite thing about parenthood thus far has been falling in love with my husband all over again. Scott was the absolute best support system during labor, our stay in the NICU, and now life at home with Colette. It has been effortless for him. The pride and love radiating for his girls is something that I’ve ingrained in my mind and never want to forget. 

I love the person that I have become since having Colette in my arms. The years of waiting have made me feel confident in the mother I am today. I was a mother long before Colette was here and I’m so proud of the warrior that infertility pulled out of me. Brave moms raise brave babies.

Some Advice

Our advice for new parents is simple - appreciate. 

I remember when there was silence because she didn’t exist. I remember the messiness of life in an endless loop of infertility, heartbreak and grief. Now I’m on my hands and knees folding premie onesies instead of praying for a miracle. This life is beautiful. She makes it so beautiful. We are the luckiest parents in the world. We love you Colette Scott. 

For the ones still in the waiting - you are seen, you are loved and you are so worthy.

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Special thanks to Glens Falls Hospital for making this series possible!

You’ve been planning for this moment for 9 months, but the team at The Joyce Stock Snuggery at Glens Falls Hospital has been preparing for over 30 years. While each birth is unique, their exceptional care stays consistent.   You'll be supported 24/7 by a specialized care team that puts you and your family’s needs first.  

Expertise. Compassion. Dedication.  The reasons more babies are born at The Joyce Stock Snuggery.

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

The Weekender: October 29 - 31

Happy weekend and Happy Halloween! Have you broken into the Halloween candy yet? We have 😬. Looks like the rain might clear out just in time for trick or treating on Sunday, so here’s hoping we’ll be able to hand out most of this candy instead of eating it ourselves 😆. Here’s what else looks good this weekend:

Boo 2 You: Halloween makes its way downtown on Saturday for this event in City Park from 2-4pm (rain date is Sunday!). Trick or treat stations, crafts, games, music, dance performances, and more! Grab the details here.

Phantom of the Opera: The Park Theater is hosting Summerland Music Society’s production of Phantom of the Opera on Saturday night, which will feature live accompaniment by pianist Cary Brown. Plus, the full menu from Doc’s Restaurant will be available! Details and tickets here.

Sweet Side Sale: Okay record lovers - remember this story we did a few months back on Sweet Side records? They’re having a sale this weekend, and all records are $1! Run! Details here.

Farmers Market: Last call for the outdoor Farmers Market this weekend! Always sad to see the outdoor market come to a close, so get your fill this weekend and make note that they’re moving indoors to the Aviation Mall next weekend! Follow along for the latest here.

Thunder Hockey: Cheer on the home team this Saturday night (the perfect rainy evening activity!) - game starts at 7pm - details and tickets here!

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

On the Trail: Lake George 12sters

Hiking challenges and patch collecting have become a popular pastime in recent years, and they’re a great way to explore lesser known trails and peaks. From fire towers to breweries, challenges are popping up all over the area, including the Lake George 12sters, right in our own backyard.

View of Lake George • Photo: Bri Lyons

“Anyone can go out and do 30 miles on their own, but you kind of lose interest if it’s not for a goal,” says Matt Haley, who founded the challenge in 2016. “Everyone knows about the 46ers, who’ve been around for 100 years, but I believe people have been looking for smaller things, and that was the intent of this challenge,” he says. “It’s nice for people who want to chase patches or just look up a challenge that’s local.” 

Originally from New Hampshire, Matt moved to Lake George around 10 years ago, and has been running since he was in college. “I’ve always been trying to stay fit that way, and I just happened to get into trail running around 2014,” he says. “I did a lot at Moreau State Park, and I was looking for some slightly harder trails, and that led me to places like Buck Mountain and the Tongue Mountain Range.” 

After completing the Saranac 6er, Matt began looking for a local challenge but realized there wasn’t one. “I figured someone must have come up with a similar challenge for the area, and saw that nobody had,” he says. “So, I looked at all of the trails and the views, and I ran them myself and just had fun with it. I decided that these are the 12 places that I like to go, and it just came to be.”

The 12 peaks Matt chose are Black Mountain, Erebus Mountain, Sleeping Beauty, and Buck Mountain on the east side of Lake George, and Cat and Thomas Mountains, and the Tongue Mountain Range to the west. The Tongue Mountain Range, which accounts for half of the challenge itself, includes Brown, Huckleberry, Five Mile, Fifth Peak, French Point and First Peak.

Now in its fifth year, the 30-plus mile challenge has added more than 1,000 people to it’s roster. Completing the 12ster earns you more than just bragging rights and your name on their website, though - you will also receive stickers, a certificate with your completion number, and of course, the coveted patch. “It’s a nice reward for working towards a goal,” Matt says. “A lot of people have given me feedback on how much it’s been appreciated having something to work toward throughout Covid.”

While the vast majority of people have earned their 12ster patch by hiking the peaks, nearly 50 people have completed the Ultra, which requires summiting all 12 peaks in a 24-hour period. Another dozen have finished the Winter Ultra, including Matt’s wife, Sarah, who was one of the first to do so.

“Two friends of mine and I wanted to be the first ones to attempt it in the winter,” Sarah says. “I’ve always been a runner and a hiker, and I’m a trainer and health coach by profession, but even at that point, it was above what I was sure I could do; but we gave it a shot, and we were the first ones to finish it.”

Sarah found more than glory on the tops of those peaks - she also found her future husband. “My friends and I were in the midst of doing it, and my friend Josh was posting updates on our social media,” she says. “ Matt saw them and came out and started hiking up Sleeping Beauty, knowing that we were heading out there, so that’s actually how I met him.”

Matt and Sarah Haley • Photo provided

Since then, they’ve completed a number of other ultras together, including the Lake Placid 9. “We were the first ones to ultra that,” Sarah says. “Matt introduced me to a world of ultra running that I didn’t even know existed.”

While people can take as long as they need to finish the regular 12ster, the ultras must be completed within 24 hours, which requires a bit more planning, strategy and conditioning - and the right state of mind. “It’s really more mental than anything else” Sarah says. “You have to have appropriate physical strength and conditioning to do it, but really, a lot of it is your mind trying to talk you out of it, so you need to stay positive and stay focused.”

Regardless of how you complete the 12ster, summiting each peak makes it worth the effort, particularly the Tongue Mountain Range. “From the feedback that I get, that’s everyone’s favorite,” Matt says. “Although, it’s the most daunting of the trails, because of the rattlesnakes and the overall distance, which is close to a half marathon.”

“It’s just a spectacular spot,” Sarah says. “It’s got a lot of ups and downs, and opens up to this unprecedented view that rivals anything you’d see in the High Peaks.”

From its inception, Matt’s goal has been to get people out to experience the wonderful views this area has to offer, as well as reduce the burden on the more popular trails. “I don’t think you can really beat those views until you go well into the high peaks,” he says. “And, I’m happy that it does help spread out the load of traffic on the trails.” 

Interested hikers can find more information, including maps, rules and registration forms on the Lake George 12ster website, www.lakegeorge12ster.com.

Hockey Town: Superfans

[Originally published December 14, 2019]

We had the pleasure of connecting with Brian Brown, Laurel Rigney, and Melissa Belli, who might just be some of the Adirondack Thunder’s biggest fans! With a whole room at their house dedicated to Thunder memorabilia, they’d be tough to beat! Read on to find out how they caught the hockey bug, what they love most about going to the games, how their awesome “Thunder Room” came to be, and how a heartwarming surprise played out…right at the rink!

Brian Brown, Laurel Rigney, and Melissa Belli in their Thunder Room (Photo by Andy Camp)

Tell us a bit about yourselves!

Brian: I’m a Veteran of the Navy and moved back to the area after I retired and got into the glass business. That’s how I met my now fiance Laurel and her daughter Melissa.

What do you love about living here in Glens Falls?

Laurel: Living in Glens Falls is awesome. We love it here. We enjoy going to Rauls, Davidson’s, DownTown City Tavern, and The Bullpen, to name a few. Sometimes we’ll go to the Ambrosia Diner after a game as well!

Brian: One of our favorite things (other than hockey) is to take motorcycle rides on the trike I have. We will take rides all over the place and then stop for dinner or lunch. I'll take Laurel and then the next time I take Melissa. When Laurel’s son Eric Belli comes up on his bike we take rides as a family.

On nice days we like to barbecue on the deck with family and friends and play cornhole on our custom Adirondack Thunder cornhole boards. I usually play Laurel’s brother Bobby and usually lose [laughs].

We also love to spend time with my sister Bonnie Sindel and her husband at their camp at Galway Lake.

Brian Brown (Photo by Andy Camp)

How did you become big fans of the team?

Melissa: Growing up in Glens Falls, I went to almost every Red Wings game with my best friend - it was either that or Skateland! Over time, my friend moved away and I wanted to find someone to go to games with since it’s more fun that way. That was when got my mom involved.

Laurel: All my life, my brother and my dad were into sports, but I was never really a big sports fan. Then one night, Melissa just said, “Why don't you go with me to a game?”. And that was it!

Melissa: I remember the first night we were walking to the Cool Insuring Arena and she asked me, “What do I do?” and I said, “It’s simple, you just sit and watch.” And that night, there was a fight on the ice and my mother jumped up and started shouting at the opposing player - it totally shocked me!

Laurel: The opposing player hit our guy in the face and it really upset me! I didn’t even realize until I heard myself shouting, and that was it - I’ve been hooked ever since.

Photo by Andy Camp

What’s your favorite thing about going to a Thunder game?

Laurel: That we do it as a family. And that it started with Missy loving hockey as a kid, and now we all go together. It’s really awesome, we all love it.

Melissa: I love the fast paced energy. We always sit in the same spot, so we’ve made a lot of new friends and they’ve become like our hockey family. And as a whole, the hockey players are just the best to their fans.

Brian: The players are always very engaging and friendly. They’re approachable, and they don’t mind talking with you, which is great. They’re also really great with the kids.

Do you all have favorite players?

Brian: We do! Melissa's is Shane Conacher #19, Laurel's is Mike Szmatula #91, and mine is Connor Riley #44.

Photo by Andy Camp

How did the Thunder Room come about?

Melissa: We had gotten the back to back Division Championship banner, and I jokingly mentioned that we should hang it in the living room! My mom of course said no, so I said, “How about the spare bedroom?”. She finally agreed - anywhere but the living room!

Brian: Since my kids are grown, following hockey turned into a nice hobby and something I really enjoy and can share with others. I became a hockey fan over time and as we began going to more games, it became more understandable. And it’s fun to support the home team. As far as the Thunder Room, I was an aircraft mechanic in the Navy and I’m pretty mechanically inclined, so it’s been fun to do the renovations.

Brian Brown, Laurel Rigney, and Melissa Belli in their Thunder Room (Photo by Andy Camp)

We’d love to hear some of the details on the room!

Brian: It’s been a collection over time - player sticks, pucks, gloves, etc. There’s always an end of the year sale after the final game where you can find a lot of items. I own every hat they have. Also, there’s auctions for good causes that I’ve found a lot of great things at, like jerseys and helmets and such. I’ve been able to use some of the jackets that were no longer in use for the team and customize them with patches and names. I’ve had some of Andy Camp’s photos (the team photographer) put on canvas to hang..with permission, of course! I’ve got to give a big thanks to Andy for all the pictures. It wouldn't be what it is if it weren't for his talents.

We keep all of our winning game tickets in a Thunder cup and the losing ones are ripped up and thrown out, except of course for the night we got engaged!

It’s really a comfortable space. I did the painting and customization with frames. Laurel helped with finding matching items on Wayfair like the curtains and the carpeting.

Laurel: My grandkids really love this room… it’s lots of fun. They started going to the games as well! They didn’t really think they would like hockey at first until they came to a game. It was a really good game with lots of excitement, great energy in the crowd, and fun music - they were taken with it at that point and really love it now.

Photo by Andy Camp

We hear you got engaged recently at a Thunder game - congratulations! We’d love to hear more about how it happened.

Brian: The engagement was a month in the making. I had Melissa go with me to help pick out the ring. I decided to ask Laurel to marry me at a Thunder game for obvious reasons. So I reached out to Alexis Macy of the Thunder to see if they would do it for me. She immediately agreed and we got the details worked out. I was going to ask her at the second intermission of the game during the Kiss Cam. I was so nervous because there were so many people there that night, but I did it. Everyone from the Thunder wouldn’t look at me so they wouldn't give it away. It was a great night and Dan Miner did an awesome job with the commentary as always.

Laurel: It was the biggest surprise ever pulled off because all of our friends, and the people that worked there - everyone around me knew what was going on and I knew nothing! The process was very thoughtful and sweet...he had asked my whole family for permission like a true gentleman.

Brian: I’m actually not that good at surprises, so it was fun to pull this off. I kept telling her that I had a big surprise for her for the house since we’ve been planning lots of projects.

Laurel: I had no idea the surprise was going to be the engagement! He threw me off since he told me the surprise was going to be delivered to the house on the 9th, but then he proposed on the 8th!

Photo by Andy Camp

Any plans for the wedding?

Brian: I told her we should get married in our Thunder jerseys, but she doesn’t like that idea.

Melissa: But you might be able to compromise with red, white, and black as the colors for your wedding!

Photo by Andy Camp

The Weekender: October 22 - 24

Weekend ready! We broke out the mittens for one of our morning walks this week, and we’re thinking it might just be time for the first fire of the season. Hope you have some cozy plans in store! Here are a few ideas…

Adirondack Thunder Opening Night: Nothing says fall (or winter, I suppose) more than cheering on the home team at Cool Insuring Arena! The Thunder are back with their home opener this Saturday night - puck drops at 7pm - grab info and tickets here!

A Night at the Speakeasy: Date night! Live music, passed hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and the charming atmosphere of The Park Theater - all to benefit World Awareness Children’s Museum - a win-win! Grab the details on this Sunday’s event and get your tickets here!

Apple vs Pumpkin: *Rescheduled from last weekend to this weekend!* Are you an apple person or a pumpkin person? The Shirt Factory is putting fall favorites to the test this Saturday with the Apple vs Pumpkin Fall Throwdown! Food vendors will be offering at least one dish with apple or pumpkin as an ingredient, plus activities, live music and more. Details here!

Moreau Lake State Park: A gem year round, but we love going for a Sunday morning walk here in the fall - the colors are beautiful and the park is quiet. If you’re up for a little more activity, they’re hosting an Autumn Family Fun Day on Saturday from 12-3pm - live music, pumpkin painting, guided hikes and more! Grab the info here.

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom