Hometown Family: September 2021

I guess it is about time to stop commenting on how fast each month, season, and year is flying by, and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. May as well make the most of each moment!

As summer closes, I am shifting gears a little bit with our monthly calendar. Instead of an event for almost each day of the month, I will focus on homeschool trip options for a couple of weekdays, and try to find at least one family friendly activity for each weekend. 

As always, please reach out if you have a family friendly event you’d like to share with the community!

Photo: Bri Lyons

September 10: Storytime on the Farm at Pitney Meadows in Saratoga. How cute does this place look?! We’ve never been, so would love to hear your experience if you go. More details here.

September 11: .5K (.3 miles) Fun Run! Located at Pitney Meadows Community Farm, this race is sure to be fun for the whole family. All are welcome, and there will be family activities on the farm as well. More info here.

September 11: Grandparents Day Event at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga!  The event starts at 10:30am and includes story time and a card project to honor the grandparents. Check out their calendar here for more info on this and other weekly events.

September 13: Slime Lab at World Awareness Children’s Museum in Glens Falls! We have done this before and highly recommend! More info here.

September 16: This year, Up Yonda Farm in Bolton will be hosting their very first homeschool programs each month! The first theme is Ecosystems and Living Things. There is a session for 3-6 year olds, as well as a session for elementary aged students. More info here.

September 16: Stories and Art for Elementary Age Kids (grades K-3) at Crandall Library. Kids will enjoy a variety of stories and a creative art project. Details here.

September 18: Museum Day at World Awareness Children’s Museum means that from 10am - 3pm, admission is free! Search other participating museums and get your ticket here.

September 20: The Children’s Museum at Saratoga is hosting a Homeschool Open House information session and outdoor science session at the Lincoln Baths with a schedule of homeschool programs for the year provided. Details here.

September 22: Kids Book Club at Crandall Library (grades 4-6). This month's selection is The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. Sign up and get more details here.

September 23-26: The Adirondack Balloon Festival may look a bit different this year, but I’m sure it will still be magical for the kiddos to watch the balloons inflate (and hopefully launch!). Stay up to date here.

Dakota Ridge Llama Trek: This is something that has been on my bucket list for my daughter for as long as I can remember (sometimes I think “her” bucket list is actually just an excuse for mine to come true, though). For $35 (for those 10 and older) you can lead your own llama through the forest (but all ages are welcome to join!). What better time to do that than this fall! More info here.

Jungle Experience Zoo: Find everything you need to know on their Facebook Page.

Crandall Library: Drop-in (or, “out” since it’s outside), for preschool story time in the park every Tuesday at 10am, and Wednesday at 10a for infants/toddlers. No sign up necessary.

The Children’s Museum at Saratoga: Offering weekly Art Adventures, Outdoor Story Time, and Outdoor Science Explorers, CMAS’ events calendar is sure to have something for you to enjoy! 

*For more family friendly options to enjoy any day of the week, check out our Hometown Family Activities page here*

To add your event to our calendar, email Haley at hgerarde@aol.com.

On the Farm: King Brothers Dairy

We headed south to Schuylerville this month to chat with Jan and Jeff King of King Brothers Dairy about their delicious milk and ice cream, as well as their process - from cow to cup!

On Running A Family Business

We are a 125 year old business. Our grandfather and great uncles milked cows, bottled milk and delivered it in the Saratoga area. This continued until the early 60's when the creamery stopped, but the farm continued. 

Today the farm is still a family run business, and has grown to include home delivery with over 200 items to choose from, wholesale and restaurant deliveries as well as an on farm store. Our products include milk, chocolate milk, buttermilk, cream products and over 60 varieties of ice cream.

We [brothers Jan and Jeff] run the farm and operate the creamery. Jeff's wife runs the farm store and ice cream production. Jan’s wife is a veterinarian and takes care of the herd's health.  

Jan King at King Brothers Dairy

On the Importance of Happy Cows

Our cows are very important to us. We treat them just like they were our own kids. The happier we can make our cows, the more productive they are for us. We ensure they are fed the right diet in order to keep them healthy.  

All the cows on our farm are registered holsteins (black and white). We actually keep track of each cow’s ancestry. We do this because we sell some of our high valued genetics to bull studs, and also so we can have some fun showing them at the local fair.

Production - From Cow to Cup

When we started processing and bottling our own milk, it was very important to us to be able to have a product that tasted better than what was already available. As we were constructing the creamery, we chose a little bit of old school technology that helped us achieve that better tasting product. We were willing to be a little less efficient in our process, use a smaller batch size and cold separate our product, all in the quest for better taste. We’re proud of our high quality product. It is a single source product with all milk coming from our farm.

The Offerings

We offer a full line of white milk, chocolate milk, vanilla milk, buttermilk, half and half, and heavy cream. We also make a premium line of ice cream in 60 plus flavors. 

We do our own distribution, primarily in the Capital District, and some in New York City. Locally, you can find our products in Hannaford, ShopRite, and Walmart. 

On Home Delivery 

Ever since we were little kids, we loved seeing the old glass milk bottles and wooden delivery crates that our grandfather used to deliver milk. In 2010 we reinvented our grandfather’s delivery business, returning to deliver milk to homes in the local area. We started back up in the milk delivery business in 2010 and we had about 40 customers in the first few weeks. Today, we do well over 700 deliveries per week. We are like a farmers market on wheels, offering our products and other local products as well. Cheeses, yogurt, maple products, and fresh fruit and veggies when in season.

Our customers absolutely love the service and all the products we offer. They consistently remark on the superior taste of the milk, the convenience and the pride in supporting a local business. 

The Farm Store 

Our farm store has been open for two years. All of the products we offer on our home delivery can also be found here in the store. We have a dip counter offering about 40 flavors at a time, along with seasonal and other unique novelties.

The ice cream has been a huge hit. Many of the people who stop and try our ice cream say it’s the best they have ever had.

On Farm Life

I have loved living on the farm and in the country forever. Watching the sun come up over the Green Mountains is a favorite part of the day. I enjoy watching things grow that I have planted each spring, and smell of fresh cut hay and corn. Each of these things put a smile on my face.

I love the fact that we are able to have our Holstein cows and enjoy the milk that we make into awesome tasting products. Since having the creamery, it has brought us full circle. We plant the crops, harvest the feed and milk the cows. With the milk, we can make chocolate milk and delicious ice cream. There is nothing more satisfying than having a customer appreciate your product and have a connection with where it comes from.

On The Future

We are in the middle of an expansion. We are expanding our coolers, freezer and production area and making room to produce more ice cream so that we can offer it to other vendors than just our own store. 

hide-ad

King Brothers Dairy
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: September 3 - 5

Happy weekend! We're just back from a relaxing trip to Maine and looking forward to a weekend at home catching up on all of our favorite Glens Falls-y things. Here are a few:

Buyer and Cellar: Lake George Dinner Theatre is partnering with the Charles R. Wood Theater to present Buyer and Cellar through September 19! It’s “an outrageous comedy about the price of fame, the cost of things, and the oddest of odd jobs” and bonus - the theater organizations have curated culinary experiences to be enjoyed at downtown restaurants before or the show! Details and tickets here.

New Season at The Park Theater: Mark your calendars - The Park Theater has announced its 2021-22 season! Save the date for Ariel Posen next Friday, September 10 - we hear he has a rootsy sound - a little bit heartland rock & roll, electrified Americana, blue-eyed soul, R&B, and Beatles-inspired pop. For the full performance listing and to purchase tickets, click here!

Entertainment at The Q: This just in - the Park Patio Music Series continues every Wednesday night from 4-8pm through Columbus Day! Also, Jazz Night is always a Friday favorite from 5:30-8:30pm. Details here!

Apple Season: Can’t even believe we’re saying this, but apple season opens this weekend. Just saw Hicks in Granville will be picking early Macs and Ginger Golds - details here!

Art Sale + Benefit: Our friends at Varosy Studios in Greenwich (remember them from our feature on the Open Studios Tour here?!) are hosting an Art Sale + Benefit this weekend, including an exhibition and silent auction. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will be directed to cultural programming at local non-profit organizations, so it’s a win-win. And did we mention it’s a beautiful drive? Details here.

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

My Glens Falls: Katie Leonka

We caught up with Katie Leonka this week! She shares the role Glens Falls played in meeting her husband, the joys of city living, and two versions of a perfect Glens Falls day - because there’s never just one ;)

Tell us about yourself!

Hey, my name is Katie Leonka! I’m a mom of two - Tenley (3 years) and Macey (10 months). My husband Brendan is a Glens Falls fireman.

I recently started working at the Glens Falls Veterans Affairs office on Ridge Street. Working with our local veterans is so rewarding. This job gives me the opportunity to give back to those who served us and this is meaningful and fulfilling to me! Every day I look forward to meeting more veterans in this position.

I maintain a very small blog on Instagram (LuckyLeonkaCo) where I engage with an evolving mom community.  We spotlight other moms, their experiences and perspectives, struggles with motherhood, quick meals for the busy mom, and the one thing that keeps most moms going - coffee! I share my own experiences with motherhood, the importance of positivity, and showing up when it’s not always the easiest. For example, completing a 6 month dietary restriction (cutting dairy) for my own lactose sensitive baby girl was quite the challenge recently. Featuring my custom made shirts on this blog and getting feedback from the community helps me to separate the good ideas from the ‘not-so-good’ ideas - it’s still fun! 

Another fun fact about me is that I’m ordained (because your girl loves love) and I’m going to get to marry a few of my favorite people coming up in the next couple of years!

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

Brendan and I were both born at Glens Falls Hospital, and grew up in Queensbury. Fate would have it that we would inevitably meet. Interestingly enough, I grew up next door to Brendan’s Grand Aunt Madeline who used to watch me as a baby. Our paths didn’t cross until I was graduating high school. I was with his sister Brittany at the Relay for Life and Brendan was home visiting from college. About a year later we reconnected on college break at Dango’s (on Maple St) and bonded over chicken wings and good laughs. We had our first ‘official date’ at Rob and Deb’s where I distinctly remember ordering mint chocolate twist ice cream, having one lick and dropping the whole cone.

When we were talking about where we wanted to place our own roots, we quickly knew we wanted to stay in the Glens Falls area to be close to family and in hopes that Brendan would be hired at the fire department. It seems like just yesterday, but was almost 10 years ago!

Glens Falls is so up and coming! It seems like there is always a new boutique, restaurant or other interest to check out. I believe this is the ideal location for raising a family. There is so much to explore and enjoy in this tight knit community and I love that. We are growing our family here and look forward to watching the city really flourish with everything new it has to offer!

On City Living

We bought our first home in the city in 2014 from a friend’s grandfather. I knew that the search for our home was over the moment we pulled up in front of the house. We have spent the last 7 years making it our own. When we moved in, most of the walls were either wallpapered and/or white lath and plaster. We have remodeled almost every area and it looks so different. Brendan has completed our version of just about every Pinterest project I have found, including a pallet wall in our kitchen and shiplap wall in our bathroom.

Our favorite part of the house is probably our New York Giants “Fan Cave” where we proudly support blue and red in almost every square inch. We love the smell of buffalo chicken dip filling the house with our family and friends screaming at the TV as if we were actually at the game.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

My perfect Glens Falls day… oooh this is a tricky one, so I’m going to do a split perspective weekday and a weekend version!

My ideal weekday would start at Spektor for a breakfast sandwich and vanilla almond milk latte before heading to the office. I would hope for a sunny day to enjoy a walk around the city during my lunch break and eat my lunch in City Park with the beautiful tulips. Before heading back to work, I would grab an afternoon pick-me-up from Juicin’ Jar, praying that they have their chocolate ganache donuts - seriously, they are amazing! After finishing work, I would pick up my girls and head back downtown for Take-A-Bite, finished with a Raspberry Cosmo at DTCT!

My favorite day in the city is Saturday! We load the car first thing in the morning and head straight to the Glens Falls Farmers Market! Tenley especially looks forward to going to the Farmers Market to pick up her Rainbow Bagels from Alchemy Bagel. Other musts are chatting with John at Adirondack Gourmet Coffee, ground beefalo from Lick Springs Farms, Mercy Cheddar from Argyle Cheese Farmer, and our newest favorite Blue Boots Farm habanero ginger jelly - which is the perfect addition to the beefalo burger with cheddar! After the Farmers Market, we would meet my parents for a quick breakfast at Spot Coffee before heading to the Halfway Brook Trail in Queensbury. This tires the girls for their afternoon nap. Afternoons consist of hanging out with family and having a cookout poolside, or going for boat ride on Lake George. We’d end the day with date night at Doc’s for dinner. The staff at Doc’s always goes above and beyond with excellent service to ensure each guest is happy.

The Weekender: August 20 - 22

Thursday already! Hoping the rain clears out, but here are a few ways to enjoy this summer weekend regardless…

Two Art Openings: Another big night for openings downtown - Mountain Gallery will have an opening reception for Perspectives: Camera and Brush featuring the work of Ann and Gary Larsen on Friday from 6-8pm, and LARAC will host a reception for the opening of Eyes Wide Open from 5-7pm.

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: The latest show at The Wood Theater features an eclectic group of six mid-pubescents competing for the spelling championship of a lifetime, all while candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives. Get tickets here!

What Came Before: Not this weekend, but mark your calendar for What Came Before? on Wednesday 8/25 at The Chapman Museum - Bob Bayle and Andrea Matte will share some of their favorite “Now & Then” stories about places in Glens Falls and Queensbury. It’s always fun to see photos of the city from back in the day. Details here.

A Movie Under the Stars: What’s better than a Friday night movie in City Park? This week they’re showing The Karate Kid at dusk. Bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket! Details here!

**For more family friendly activities this month, check out our Hometown Family calendar for August here!

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

My Glens Falls: Sean Palladino and Michael Biele

Such fun catching up with Sean and Michael this week! They share what brought them to Glens Falls (and what inspired them to purchase their first home here this year!), a perfect day in the Glens Falls area - spanning from the city to the lake, and what they’re hoping to see downtown in the future (something I’m sure we can all agree on!)…

Tell us about yourselves!

Hello! I’m Sean Palladino and my fiancé is Michael Biele. I've worked at Global Foundries as a Logistics Technician for the past year, and before that, as a contractor for another company that works with Global. Michael works for Warren County as a Medicaid Financial Examiner. I moved in with Michael in an apartment in downtown Glens Falls after getting to know him online. Every time I visited, I got to know this area more and more. And fell in love with him and Glens Falls in the process.

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

Neither of us lived in upstate New York growing up. I grew up in a small New Jersey town close to Philadelphia and Michael lived in Rockland County, just outside of New York City. He moved here to be closer to a lot of his college friends.

Michael did grow up visiting the Adirondacks with his family during the summer, from Saratoga Springs and Lake George to Camp of the Woods in Speculator.

We met online, got to know each other, and visited each other around 2016 before we decided to move in together in 2017.

Glens Falls is an amazing place to live. We can head into the mountains for snow tubing in the winter, hike the trails in the spring, and make a weekend trip to the coast for the beach in the summer. We love the friendly atmosphere and local businesses popping up every month, whether it’s a new restaurant, artist, or shop.

It took many years to save up enough money to buy a home in 2021. And we got into the market at the most frantic it has ever been! We got incredibly lucky to snag one of the new construction homes in Haviland Cove Park.

After living together in a downtown Glens Falls apartment with lots of character, a new construction home is amazing, as we start the next chapter of our lives together. A clean slate home with so much potential!

Ever since we met with the builder and signed the house contract, we have been dreaming up ideas for how to decorate and renovate the house and basement. Or cool landscape ideas for relaxing by the Feeder Canal. Yes, our house is right on the Feeder Canal! It’s amazing!

Thanks to the Glens Falls Running Club (meets on Tuesday’s at 6pm at Mean Max), I have met lots of people in the area that live around Feeder Bend and the South Street Extension. The neighborhood seems perfect for us; a mix of young and older couples, lots of dog owners, and a small local beach nearby.

Some Glens Falls Favorites

Our favorite thing about Glens Falls is the many local breweries. From Mean Max, Common Roots, Davidson Brothers, and more, there is no shortage of options for a cold beverage within biking or walking distance.

On a similar note, we wish more people knew about the Glens Falls Distillery right in the Shirt Factory. In fact, it’s always a flurry of surprises whenever we visit the Shirt Factory, with so many small businesses inside.

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

Our ideal day around the Glens Falls area would start with breakfast at Spektor Coffee. They have the best bagels, especially with lox and cream cheese. Then we would bike along the Warren County Bikeway toward Lake George, with our backpack loaded with a swimsuit and towel to relax on Million Dollar Beach. After drying off, we would start riding back on the bikeway, stopping at the Log Jam for lunch and to shop at some local shops. We absolutely love the new Candy Space by Chad Rabinovitz!

Afterward, we would continue riding back, stopping for a small ice cream cone from Cooper’s Cave along the bikeway. With our new home along the Feeder Canal, we would transition to heading eastbound on the Feeder Canal Trail and cross the canal toward home, where we would relax and enjoy a cocktail or beer by the fire pit.

On the Past

While we haven’t been in the Glens Falls area long, we remember the first time we met the Cordes family at Davidson Brothers. We were at a Howl Story Slam event and the waitstaff didn’t have enough seats, so they asked if we wouldn’t mind sitting with Janet and John Cordes. They are the nicest people, and Janet is on the board of the Adirondack Theater Festival. At the time, ATF was offering a subscribe it forward program, where season pass subscribers can gift a season pass to someone else. They offered us a subscribe it forward pass and we got to see all the amazing plays and musicals that year, including getting to see Marc Summers in person! They definitely got us hooked on the arts in the area.

On the Future

For the future, we would love a rooftop bar. Downtown Glens Falls has lots of great building architecture, and a rooftop bar would allow a birds-eye view of the city.

The Weekender: August 13 - 15

Hi! Just us or did this week fly by?! Looks like we’re going to get a break from the heat just in time for the weekend, so here’s what looks good for the agenda:

LARAC Festival: Everyone’s favorite downtown event is back and we couldn’t be happier! With 80 exhibitors, you’ll find fine art, textiles, home decor, and more - plus live music, food vendors, and activities for the kiddos. Details here!

The Artist’s View: And if you’re in the mood for even more art, this is the last weekend for North Country Art’s exhibit at The Shirt Factory. Over 100 pieces by 52 member artists - details here!

Sunflower Stroll: What’s summer without a stroll through a field of sunflowers?! We went out to Herrington’s in Buskirk last week and it was beautiful - walk the 2 acre field, pick your own blooms, and enjoy the view. Details here!

Cheese Jam at Nettle Meadow: Live music, Common Roots brews, and cheese - yes please! The Cheese Jam at Nettle Meadow Farm is back this Saturday and all proceeds go directly to the care, feeding and medications for more than 100 sweet sanctuary animals currently living on their farm. Check out their story here, and find the event details here.

A Movie Under the Stars: What’s better than a Friday night movie in City Park? This week they’re showing Moana at dusk. Bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket! Details here!

**For more family friendly activities this month, check out our Hometown Family calendar for August here!

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

My Glens Falls: Mle Rubin

We’re chatting with Mle Rubin this week! She shares the inspiration behind her alternative floral business, Epithet Floral, a perfect Glens Falls day itinerary (including where to go for the best pizza, live music, and cocktails!), a new kind of shop she’d like to see downtown, and more…

Tell us about yourself!

Hey! My name is Mle Rubin (MLE the phonetic pronunciation of Emily) and I am an Alternative Floral Designer here in Glens Falls. I started my own floral business, Epithet Floral, last April (2020). I focus primarily on "Wearable Florals"; flower crowns, floral jewelry, etc., hence the "alternative". I build wearable flowers for weddings, events and just everyday! I'm sure if you see me around town I'll be rocking a crown or floral earrings, my personal favorites. 

Epithet is a word that most people don't use in their daily vocabulary, which is why I picked it for my business name. An epithet is a nickname with an adjective in it. For example, Batman is an epithet - you can picture a man dressed as a bat just by reading that. So, a flower crown could be a physical epithet, something to put on and wear and describe yourself to the world. 

Florals and plants are my passion but not the only thing I'm up to these days. I also pick blueberries for Winney's Farm (this is my 6th summer!), sling slices at Giuseppe's Pizzeria in Lake George, hostess at Doc's Restaurant, and do freelance floral work for Renaissance Floral Design in Albany.

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

I grew up and went to high school in Hartford, New York, and moved from there to Glens Falls in 2013. I remember growing up with this city and watching it blossom into the awesome place it is now. I love being a part of this community and participating in all of the events, from live music to LARAC to Taste of the North Country to Balloon Fest.

Growing up in Hartford, we had to drive everywhere if we wanted to do something. I love living close to downtown Glens Falls because I can walk! A few of my friends also live within walking distance of me. I know I sound crazy but I love to just have the power to walk around.

I love the community here. I especially love the restaurant industry community here. We all know each other and I love being able to go out to any restaurant downtown and people know my name. And vice versa when industry people come into Doc's and Giuseppe's. It's a big family!

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

To describe a perfect day in Glens Falls I need to preface it by saying that I wake up early...every day. So I am lucky enough to be able to squeeze the most out of the day. If I'm not headed straight to Winney’s to pick blueberries and I know I have the night off from the restaurants, I start slow.

First step: explain to my dogs how much I am obsessed with them. Trip is my 8 year old Great Dane and he has no clue he weighs 160 lbs. He thinks he is teeny tiny! Braum is my 5 year old German Shepard/Malamute mix and he is half the size of Trip but he’s my head of security. My cat is rolling her eyes at us from the corner of the bed.

After a lazy morning checking on each of my plants, sipping some tea, and maybe making a random flower crown (because, why not?), it's time for caffeine, so I head to Spektor. My order is an espresso for here and a large Happy Happens iced tea to go. I love to sit and chat with my friends that work there while I sip my espresso, maybe grab a Chronicle and sift through.

A perfect day means perfect weather, so I am definitely going paddleboarding. I'll hit up Glen Lake for a few hours to swim, read and listen to WEQX. Their Sunday Rewind and Retro Lunch are my favorite shows. 

If you know me, you know I love a good lunch time beer, so I'll head to one of my favorite spots, The Full Moon. After that, I’ll head home for a fire with friends and order an early dinner from Angelina's Pizza. I get a large cheese and add a little Frank's Hot Sauce and blue cheese to dip it in.

Now it’s time to wander back downtown for some live music I can dance to (probably wearing a flower crown) either at the Park Theater, Downtown Social or Grateful Den.

After, if I'm feeling mixed drinks, Doc's is the place (I know I work there and I am biased, but they are the best). The Summer Sangria is my current favorite.

Basically my perfect day is eating and drinking my way around Glens Falls, wearing flowers on my head and listening to music!

On the Past

Balloon Fest has always been a favorite of mine, from going to Crandall Park and the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport with my parents and siblings when we were kids to taking my dogs "Balloon Chasing" in my Jeep these last few years. We love balloon season and look forward to it every year.

On the Future

I think downtown needs a cool plant shop! Nothing crazy, just small and eclectic, and if they also sold beer or cider that would be ideal. Somewhere I can wander and touch plants, sip a beverage and spend all of my money!

The Weekender: August 6 - 8

Hope you had a great week! Any big plans for the weekend? There’s definitely a blueberry pie in our future (here’s Bri’s recipe), and here are a few other things that caught our eye:

Gem Fest: Bands and artists converge this Saturday from 10:30am to 10:30pm at The Shirt Factory! Live music, live plein air painting, food trucks and more. Follow along here for details and updates!

Adirondack Theatre Festival: The second show in ATF’s lineup, Traffic and Weather, opens tonight! They’re calling it “a concert tribute to the Grammy- and Emmy-winning composer, songwriter, and producer that Rolling Stone says ‘had one of the most unique and busiest careers in pop’.” Details and tickets here!

Corn Maze: Fort Ticonderoga’s Corn Maze opens this weekend (which is always a reminder that summer is winding down, but we won’t discuss that now 🙃). They’ve got a larger, more challenging maze for adults as well as one for kiddos, and you’ll love the rest of what the Fort has to offer too (check out a recap of our visit here). Here are the details!

A Movie Under the Stars: What’s better than a Friday night movie in City Park? This week they’re showing a classic - The Wizard of Oz - at dusk. Bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket! Details here!

**For more family friendly activities this month, check out our Hometown Family calendar for August here!

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Hometown Family: August 2021

Summer seems to have flown by every year of my life, but now that I have kids it seems to go even quicker (and it may be just the opposite for those of you with school aged children!). July definitely came and went in the blink of an eye for our family.

Hopefully you enjoyed some of the recommendations from last month’s article - feel free to tag @glensfallsliving on Instagram so we can see what activities you’re up to!

I may have gone a little overboard for August, but I am going to miss all of these options when it starts to cool down again! In addition to the events on specific dates in the calendar below, don’t forget to check out the options available any day at the bottom!

Crandall Library • Photo: Bri Lyons

August 3: For a small fee of absolutely nothing (unless you’d like a snack from local food trucks that will be on site) you can head over to the Crandall Park Bandshell for Glens Falls Community Theatre’s presentation of Charlotte’s Web (every Tuesday in August!) at 6:30pm. Details here.

August 3: Story Time in the Park in City Park outside of Crandall Library for children 3-5 years from 10-10:30am (every Tuesday) - includes stories, songs, and puppets. Details here.

August 4: Story Time in the Park in City Park outside of Crandall Library for children infant-3 years from 10-10:20am (every Wednesday) - includes simple stories, movement, and songs. Details here.

August 5: Honeybee Workshop at Little Feet Little Farm in Ballston Spa for those ages 4 and up. Learn more and check out other events hosted by them here.

August 6: Mickey & Minnie String Art at Wicks from the Sticks from 6p-8p. Kits can be purchased to do at home if you can not attend the event. Details here.

August 7: Warren County Youth Fair will be held at the Warren County Fairgrounds from 9am until 1pm. A day filled with talent shows, a pie eating contest, a craft room, and more! 

August 7: The Children’s Museum at Saratoga’s Big Truck Day located at Maple Avenue Middle School in Saratoga Springs looks like a day full of fun! Get your tickets (only $5!) here.

August 8: Berkshire Bank Family Sundays at Saratoga Race Course - details here!

August 10: Make a bird feeder and learn about birds in City Park from 2-3pm. For children entering Kindergarten - 3rd grade. Register for this event and more here.

August 10: Charlotte’s Web (and food trucks!) at the Crandall Park Bandshell 6:30pm. Details here.

August 11: For those of you with kiddos between the ages 6-11, Up Yonda Farm in Bolton will be hosting Hug A Tree: Survival Skills for Kids When Lost in the Woods presented by LASAR at 1pm. Children will have the opportunity to meet a real search dog! 

August 11: The Pember in Granville will be offering a “Birds and Bees Pollination” event with a mason bee house craft. The program is geared for 1st grade and up, and registration is required by calling 512-642-1515. See more events and information here.

August 12: Kids Crafts at the Beach at Moreau Lake State Park - more info here.

August 12: Balloons, popcorn, ice pops, hair cuts (yep, you heard right! And - they’re free - for school kiddos), sports equipment and book exchange, all at Crandall Park’s Schoolapalooza from 5p-8p. More information here.

August 14: Lake George Land Conservancy Annual Block Party! Located at Up Yonda Farm in Bolton Landing from 11a-2p, you’ll find SayCheez518 food truck and live music. Children all ages can explore the butterfly garden, catch frogs in the pond, and get a scenic view of Lake George on a guided hike at 1pm. Find out more here.

August 15: Berkshire Bank Family Sundays at Saratoga Race Course - details here!

August 16: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center’s Meet the Animals gives children in grades K-5 the chance to meet some Adirondack wildlife, learn about their adaptations and how to protect them. The drive to Delmar is about an hour from Glens Falls, and registration is required. They also have other “Funday Mondays” throughout the month, so be sure to check out the full calendar here.

August 16: Children entering grades K-5 are invited to City Park for American Sign Language: Animals from 11a-12p. Registration is required and can be found here.

August 16 - 20: Wicks From the Sticks Kids Week - for all school aged children! They will be offering a craft each day from 10:30 - 11:30am (drop off or stay to watch) for $12, or $50 for all 5 days. In order from Monday - Friday, they will have neon slime, jewelry making, candle making, string art, and lego building. See pictures of each of these crafts and learn more here.

August 17: Charlotte’s Web (and food trucks!) at the Crandall Park Bandshell 6:30pm. Details here.

August 19: Crandall Library’s Annual Teddy Bear Picnic. This is a drop in, social distanced event with teddy bear stories at 10:30, and a teddy bear parade around the park at 11:15. A kit of activities and projects to do with your bear will be provided. Details here.

August 20, 21, 22: The Annual Firemen’s and Family Summer Festival and Craft Show in Shepard Park will have music, food, children’s activities, and more. Get the details here.

August 21: Lake George Music Festival - Children’s Concert in Shepards Park is FREE to attend. More information on this event and others for the Lake George Music Festival can be found here.

August 22: Berkshire Bank Family Sundays at Saratoga Race Course - details here!

August 24: Nature Arts Hour at Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park gives kiddos the chance to get creative with, and in nature. Find more information and save a spot here.

August 24: Charlotte’s Web (and food trucks!) at the Crandall Park Bandshell 6:30pm - details here.

August 27 - 29:  Book Sale at Bolton Free Library. Visit their website for more information.

August 27 - 29: Saratoga Balloon and BBQ Festival. Balloons and BBQ...what more needs to be said?! Find more info here.

August 29: Summer Scented Slime at Wicks from the Sticks (this is a walk in event so students can come at any time between 11a - 3p). Details here.

August 29: Berkshire Bank Family Sundays at Saratoga Race Course - details here!

Dinosaurs in Motion: Where Art Meets Science: Every single day this month (except for Wednesdays), Universal Presentation Hall in Saratoga Springs will be hosting a show at 12pm that blends science, art, and innovation with their life-size metal sculptures. It sounds like a perfect “STEM” activity to engage the kiddos while also feeding their brains. Find more information and grab tickets here.

Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve: We’re talkin’ trails, benches, interpretive signage, bridges, “beaches” and a whole field to romp around in at this preserve. We love it here because there are several different paths you can take depending on the length of walk you’re feeling for the day, and each trail is wonderfully marked, and even open to mountain bikers! See the trail map here.

Hovey Pond Park: Have you ever struggled trying to choose between a nature walk or a playground? Fear not! Hovey’s got you covered! With their loop around a beautiful pond (and back into the marsh), you can get your steps in, and then hit the playground afterwards! Oh, and did I mention the plethora of turtles you will see while you’re there? Learn more about Hovey and more parks here.

Lake George Steamboat Company: The one-hour tour of the southern end of Lake George on the Minne Ha Ha is the perfect addition to an afternoon north of Glens Falls. The Minne Ha Ha has departure times throughout the entire day, and the Steamboat Company has other cruise options as well (Lac du Saint Sacrement Lunch Cruise, tour of the Narrows, etc).

June Farms: Located in West Sand Lake (so a little bit of a drive, I know!), this farm offers a “horse play” playground, wood fired pizza, farm animals, walking tours, and so much more. This used to be a popular place for date nights, goat yoga, and more, but just recently started allowing children of all ages at any time! Find all you need to know here, and note that they are closed Mondays! 

Floating Classroom: Lake George Association’s Floating Classroom is an excellent resource, and fun too! Geared towards ages 8 and up (but all ages welcome!), they offer public programming on Wednesdays at 10am and 1pm until August 25th. Details and sign up here!

LOCAL CHALLENGES 

The Chapman Challenge: For all you history buffs, or anyone just wanting to learn more about our beloved Glens Falls, this challenge is for you! Filled with spots to touch on local history, and some just for fun, you will round out your challenge at the Chapman Museum, where you will receive a pin of completion and have your name added to their website. Get all the details here.

Round the Lake Challenge: What better way to learn and gain an appreciation for the nature that surrounds us than hands on experiences? The Lake George Land Conservancy’s Round the Lake Challenge offers educational stops, hiking trails, and so much more. After 20 missions have been completed, you will be rewarded with a certificate of completion and a RTL patch. Print your checklist and find more info here.

*For more family friendly options to enjoy any day of the week, check out our Hometown Family Activities page here*

To add your event to our calendar, Email Haley at hgerarde@aol.com.

The Weekender: July 30 - August 1

Happy weekend - and happy August?! Can’t believe we’re turning the page on the calendar this weekend, but determined to keep summer going strong despite seeing all sorts of Halloween ads. Here’s what looks good for this summer weekend!

Summer Concerts in the Park: The Park Theater’s Friday night concert in Crandall Park is back this week for the final concert of the summer with The North and South Dakotas! Details here.

Antique Fair: If you’re a lover of all things vintage and antique like we are, you’ll want to cruise out to the Washington County Fairgrounds this weekend for the Washington County Antique Fair and Flea Market! Grab a snack from the food trucks and stroll through the hundreds of vendors - details here!

PB&J Cafe: Drop by City Park at noon on Friday for The Adirondack Theatre Festival’s family friendly show, “Cinderella Goes Disco” right outside the library. Don’t forget a blanket/chairs & picnic lunch! Learn more about it here.

A Movie Under the Stars: Friday night movies in City Park are back, and this week they’re showing Wreck it Ralph at dusk - bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket! Details here!

**For more family friendly activities this month, check out our Hometown Family calendar for July here, and stay tuned for the August calendar on Monday!

The Best Blueberry Muffins: If you’ve been blueberry picking (here’s our list of local farms!), run, do not walk, to pick up the Magnolia Table cookbook (volume 2) for the very best blueberry muffin recipe. I made them with our fresh berries this past weekend and they were so good I’m getting ready to make another batch - right now. Here’s the link!

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

New Addition: Rhys Thomas Williams

The Williams Family welcomed their baby boy, Rhys Thomas, on June 6th! We caught up with them to find out their favorite things about parenthood so far, the significance of his name, and more…

Photo: Bri Lyons

Tell us about your family!

We’re Hillary and Thomas Williams and we just welcomed our son Rhys to the family. We both grew up in the Midwest but moved to the Northeast about 10 years ago. We’ve lived in Queensbury for three years now and love it! We moved to this area when Thomas took a job at Glens Falls Hospital as an Emergency Medicine Physician. Hillary started a Massage Therapy practice in Glens Falls which is currently on pause while she takes maternity leave but will return early next year.  

On Loving Where You Live

We love all of the outdoor opportunities in this region - some of our favorites are mountain biking at Gurney Lane, running and walking on Rush Pond trail, kayaking on Glen Lake, skiing at West Mountain and Gore, and escaping to the Adirondacks. When we’re not playing outside, we like to sample the local breweries and restaurants and walk around City Park.

Photo: Jessie Casey

On Sharing the News

I gave a onesie to my husband as our 1st wedding anniversary gift! We then surprised our parents with ‘Grandma/Grandpa Est. 2021’ mugs and an ultrasound photo.

We were too excited to wait until the birth to find out the gender so we found out early that we were having a boy. Instead of a gender reveal, we slowly told our friends individually.

All About Rhys

Rhys Thomas Williams was born on June 6th, 2021 weighing 9 lbs, 2 oz and measuring 21.5 inches.

We both have ties to Wales and wanted a name that reflected our ancestry, which is how we decided on Rhys.

Rhys has his mom’s eyes and his dad’s hair. Rhys was born 5 days late, so he’s already taking after his father!

Photo: Jessie Casey

Some Favorites So Far

His hair! There’s already so much, it’s fun to see his different styles.

It’s also been fun to watch his personality slowly develop and we’re betting on whether he says ‘momma’ or ‘daddy’ first.

As far as activities, we’ve been enjoying our family walks on Rush Pond.

On Parenthood

Our favorite part of parenting is finding out which weird thing will capture his attention next; today it is the ceiling fan, tomorrow who knows! So far the biggest challenge has been trying to decipher his baby language and figure out what he wants.

Looking Ahead

We are so excited to be able to take him on our adventures - skiing at West Mountain (hopefully next winter!), biking the local trails, climbing at RockSport, and camping in the Adirondacks.

Some Good Advice

Two of the best pieces of advice we’ve received are:

1. ‘The days are long but the years are short’

2. Never turn down help.

And our best advice: keep the burp cloths handy!

hide-ad

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.

My Glens Falls: Rachel Dutra

We’re catching up with Rachel Dutra this week, who you’ll certainly recognize from Rachel's Cafe and Spice Co! She shares what brought her to Glens Falls (it may have had something to do with a mischievous cat…), all about their new home, and some favorite memories of Glens Falls over the years…

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Rachel Dutra. I am a former English teacher turned restauranteur / spiceologist. I am the co-owner and operator (with my husband Dave) of Rachel's Cafe and Spice Co on Warren Street in Glens Falls. In 2018 we closed our former restaurant, East End Eatery, and opened Rachel's in an effort to have a schedule that was more compatible with being a parent. Our son, Elias, is 5 and will start Kindergarten in the fall at SMSA! We recently opened a second business, Winklepickers, in our hometown of Lake George. 

On Life In and Around Glens Falls

I grew up in Lake George. My parents bought an apartment building on the East Side of Glens Falls and I ended up there since my mom wanted me out of the house because my beloved cat was destroying her beloved house. I had just graduated from college and it was a perfect fit for my lifestyle. Over the years, I’ve lived in multiple apartments in the building and when we opened a restaurant downstairs I eventually ended up running it. I then made the big move to the house next door and lived there for 12 years.

We recently purchased our first home! After renting for so long it is nice to finally own something. It is a whopping 1/2 mile down the road and that actually put us in Queensbury, but we very much still feel like a part of Glens Falls. It is secluded and has a pool which our 5 year old uses everyday. We don't vacation much so we treat every Sunday like a vacation, and this house and yard is perfect for it - complete with an outdoor fireplace and room to run. We are super happy with our little slice of the universe. The house is super old and some days it feels a bit like that movie The Money Pit, but we are learning as we go!

Some Glens Falls Favorites

It's kind of strange, but my favorite thing about Glens Falls is the Christmas decorations. I get up early to go to yoga at Hot Yoga Queensbury, and driving through the city when it's snowing and the lights are twinkling is the best thing ever. Until I get out of my car. I'm not a huge fan of winter. 

I honestly believe the hidden gem of Glens Falls is SMSA [St. Mary’s-St. Alphonsus]. This amazing little school is right under our noses and until I had a kid I had no idea the amazing place that it is. I wish more people knew that it is an incredible place to learn. 

A Perfect Glens Falls Day

Oh man, I don't get many days off. But, I will tell you that the margaritas at Raul's are perfect for girl's night with my bestie and Dave and I enjoy grabbing a beer at Mean Max. That's the extent of my venturing out. Between the business and the kid I don't get out much! 

On the Past

Once upon a time my amazing friend had a store called Sterling and Co. I miss it every day. I was constantly downtown, going to Tilley's (which I don't think was called that at the time), hitting up The Bullpen, enjoying Wallabee's way too much, heading to Siam Thai for amazing food, and of course Red Fox Books. It was the heyday in GF for me. 

On the Future

I’d love to see a book store in Glens Falls for sure. I know the internet and technology has made times difficult for them but I really miss having one in town. Also, a tour (self guided or otherwise) of the historic homes and buildings. Glens Falls is rich with history! 

The Weekender: July 23 - 25

Happy Thursday! We’re slowly but surely checking off that summer fun list - we picked lavender at Lavenlair Farm this morning and blueberry picking is on the agenda for this weekend (along with blueberry pie, of course). Here’s what else caught our eye…

Summer Pops + Fireworks at Crandall Park: A belated 4th of July celebration, this is one of our favorite hometown events and we’re so psyched to see it happen this Saturday night after all. Here are the details!

Adirondack Theater Festival: It’s back! This season is kicking off tonight with Slow Food, a comedy about the world’s worst waiter who makes a pair of diners question everything from the menu to their marriage. Grab tickets here!

Summer Concerts in the Park: The Park Theater’s Friday night concert in Crandall Park is back this week with The Sea The Sea, an indie folk-pop duo-band! Details here.

[farmacy] at Lakota’s Farm: What’s better than a dinner downtown at [farmacy] you ask? A [farmacy] farm-to-table dinner at Lakota’s Farm in Cambridge, of course! Excited to see two of our favorites team up for what’s bound to be an amazing meal in a beautiful location. As of this afternoon there were still tickets left for the 4pm seating on Saturday night - get your tickets here!

PB&J Cafe: Drop by City Park at noon on Friday or Saturday for The Adirondack Theatre Festival’s family friendly show, “Cinderella Goes Disco” right outside the library. Don’t forget a blanket/chairs & picnic lunch! Learn more about it here.

A Movie Under the Stars: Friday night movies in City Park are back, and this week they’re showing Sonic the Hedgehog at dusk - bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket - and the popcorn! Details here!

Llamas at the Library: Need we say more? Learn llama facts, hear a llama story, and meet a real llama - sign up here.

**For more family friendly activities this month, check out our Hometown Family calendar for July here!

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

—

P.S. Thanks for reading! Want to be sure you never miss a story? Sign up for our weekly newsletter for a recap of the latest from GFL here!

First Look: Sweet Side Records and Rock Hill Bookhouse

There's nothing like the sound of a record or the feel of a good book in your hands. But in today's world of digital media, people can lose touch with the physical - literally. Luckily, Sweet Side Records and The Rock Hill Bookhouse have you covered.

Photo: Nicholas Chowske

“Everything’s digital - everything’s on your tablet or on your hard drive,” says Ed Martuscello, who co-owns the new Curran Street shop with Matt Funiciello, and runs the music side of things. “There’s something about the physical that’s never going to go away,” he says. “It’s not just like bringing it up on YouTube; you have to do the hunting and the digging, and it just opens you up to all kinds of stuff. That’s the beauty of it.”

Vinyl records, and their enthusiasts, have enjoyed a comeback in popularity in recent years. “About five years after I started picking them up, it became a lot more in vogue,” Martuscello says. “There’s a lot of people that never got rid of their records, and they’ve always listened to them, but then it had this resurgence, and now it’s even cool with teenagers.”

Photo: Nicholas Chowske

While used records and books may be a niche market, there is certainly a demand for them. “I’ve got no shortage of customers,” says Martuscello, who’s had people from as far as Brooklyn seek him out. “It doesn’t matter if you’re not on the main drag, the collectors are going to find your shop.”

“Ed is really the core of the store,” says Funiciello, who also owns the Rock Hill Bakehouse and Cafe in the same building. “The audiophiles are in and out of there daily, and anytime he brings in a new selection they’re definitely checking it all out.”

Martuscello, who’s originally from Amsterdam, began collecting and selling records online and in local coffee shops in the Capital Region more than a decade ago. He first met Funiciello in 2015, when he and his wife moved to Glens Falls, and he was looking for a place to sell his records locally. “I called him out of the blue, and asked if I could put my records in his bakery,” Martuscello says. “He gave me space for eight or 10 crates of records, and it went well.” Martuscello, who was content with his online and cafe business, never intended to open his own shop. “Matt had mentioned maybe one day opening up a record store, and I was like, absolutely not,” he says. “The overhead, being married to it, having to be there all the time - I just wasn’t interested,” That changed when Covid-19 hit.

Shortly before the pandemic, Funiciello had moved his bakery and cafe to a building behind the Shirt Factory. When a new space opened up in the same building, Funiciello approached Martuscello about sharing it. “He showed me this place and said he wanted to put books in there and asked if I would want to split the rent.” Martuscello says. “Matt told me way back that he always wanted to own a bookstore, and it kind of made sense at that point, because I had been buying records through the pandemic and was building up a bit of inventory.”

Ed Martuscello • Photo: Nicholas Chowske

In fact, Funiciello had been toying with the idea of opening a used bookstore for more than 20 years. “I love a great book, but I am not usually someone who goes back and rereads one, and I realized I was being a hoarder, and being greedy with them,” Funiciello says. “So, I started a lending-library at my cafe in the early 2000s, and I think we probably gave away several thousand books that way.” Despite this success, it wasn’t the bookstore that he wanted. But after seeing several local booksellers and even national chains fold, he decided he would need to take a different approach.

“I felt that I should think about opening a bookstore that isn’t dependent on the sale of books to be solvent, as strange as that sounds,” Funiciello says. “I watched what Ed was doing, and I realized that if we partnered together, it was unlikely that the bookstore would ever be something that made me money, but it could be something that didn’t lose me any.”

While this business model may seem outlandish to some, it has given Funiciello the opportunity to achieve his goal of helping to build a cultural hub on the east side of town. “I could still get to have this addition to this new East Side Downtown that would be a draw for people who love art and literature and music, and it would be a great companion for the cafe, the Shirt Factory and the bike trail,” he says.

Photo: Nicholas Chowske

Records and books aren’t the only thing the pair are breathing new life into - they’ve also managed to rehabilitate one of the Shirt Factory’s old buildings that originally housed the maintenance crew. “We probably only spent about five grand renovating - it was just a ton of labor,” Funiciello says. “I love that we came up with innovative and affordable solutions to every problem that we encountered in that space, so that we were working within a very working-class and reasonable budget to make this happen.”

“I love where we are in East Glens Falls, and I’d rather be here than on the main drag any day of the week,” Martuscello says. “Even if people come in and don’t buy anything, just to come in and walk around and browse, and see that they enjoy that - that is worth something in itself to me.”

Photo: Nicholas Chowske

What began as a hobby for Martuscello a decade ago, has blossomed into a lucrative business that has both enabled his partner to realize his own vision and help to revitalize a part of Glens Falls. “Ed dropped into our laps, and I’ve watched him go from having a couple of crates of records at the bakery in South Glens Falls, to us opening this brick and mortar together,” Funiciello says.

“It’s so funny how it was the furthest thing from my mind, and that’s what ended up happening,” Martuscello says. “It’s crazy - I walk in here every day, and I want to pinch myself - I own a freakin’ record store!”

The Weekender: July 16 - 18

Happy Thursday! Finally - a day without a thunderstorm! Here’s hoping our outdoor recommendations for the weekend don’t get rained out again - fingers crossed for this sunshine to stick around! Here we go:

A Movie Under the Stars: Friday night movies in City Park are back, and this week they’re showing Monsters, Inc. at dusk - bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket and keep those fingers crossed for nice weather! Details here!

Summer Concerts in the Park: Still have your fingers crossed for nice weather? We’ll need it for The Park Theater’s Friday night concert in Crandall Park - this week is Washington County Line Bluegrass! Details here.

Lavenlair Farm: Everyone’s favorite local lavender farm is back open for the season and what better way to spend a summer morning than a stroll through their beautiful field (with the added bonus of a fresh cut bundle of lavender to bring home!)?! Purchase your advance admission ticket here.

Blueberry Picking: A blueberry pie is definitely in the cards for us this weekend, and if you’re craving one too (with fresh berries of course), here’s our roundup of some local u-pick farms you might want to consider!

[farmacy] at Lakota’s Farm: What’s better than a dinner downtown at [farmacy] you ask? A [farmacy] farm-to-table dinner at Lakota’s Farm in Cambridge, of course! Excited to see two of our favorites team up for what’s bound to be an amazing dinner in a beautiful location. This is next weekend, but you’ll want to plan ahead and get your tickets here!

Blueberry Festival • Liberty Ridge Farm, Schaghticoke: A bit of a drive, but lots of fun for the fam, including farm animals, a giant “pillow” to bounce on, life sized bird houses, food and wine for the grownups, and so, so much more - including u-pick blueberries of course! Details here.

**For more family friendly activities this month, check out our Hometown Family calendar for July here!

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable: Former Marine Opens Kettlebell Gym in SGF

Simple Strength and Conditioning, a new kettlebell gym in the Atlas Jiu Jitsu facility in South Glens Falls, is now open.

Ryan Carpenter, a former Marine and recovering alcoholic, opened the kettlebell gym earlier this month in the Midtown Shopping Center.

“I teach basic, simple kettlebell movements because they work,” Mr. Carpenter told Glens Falls Living. “It’s strength aerobics, getting your heart rate up and moving weight. It’s all about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Ryan Carpenter • Photo: Bri Lyons

Kettlebells are essentially metal balls with handles that come in a range of weights.

After serving in the Marines from 1993 to 1997, Mr. Carpenter said he started to gain weight.

“I didn’t have the best eating or drinking habits,” he said. “It was harder to keep the weight off.”

Then in 2012, “I got sober,” he said. “And I turned to sugar, and went from 270 pounds to 335 pounds. I hurt all over.

“Finally I said enough is enough. I started exercising. The first time, I went to Planet Fitness and walked on the treadmill for 10 minutes. I kept going, and the weight started to come off. I got down to 260 pounds and I felt like I needed to push harder. I was seeing results and I started to crave it.

“Then I was introduced to kettlebells and my strength exploded. It’s very low impact. Anyone can do it. And you can do it anywhere because the kettlebells are easily transportable.”

Ryan Carpenter at Simple Strength and Conditioning in South Glens Falls • Photo: Bri Lyons

In 2017, Mr. Carpenter lost his father, brother and grandmother, “the three people who stood by me when I was getting sober. It started a huge fire in me. It was cement in my foundation. I decided to become a coach, becoming a Strong First level one instructor.

His kettlebell gym in Saratoga closed, and he bought much of the equipment. Atlas J&J owner Joseph Zakriski “gave me a small area in the back and the opportunity to bring this all to fruition.”

Simple Strength and Conditioning is open Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturday morning from 8 to 10 a.m.

“Opening night was amazing,” he said. “We’re getting people willing to try it out. I love seeing the ‘aha’ moment when people realize they can do this.”

Classes are $15 for a drop-in, five classes for $70, 10 classes for $140, or unlimited classes for $110 a month. Frontline medical workers, fire, police and military unlimited passes are $100 a month.

“I wish my father could see this,” Mr. Carpenter said. “To be as hopeless as I was in 2015 to now running my own gym is amazing. I want people to know they can do this. The first step is the hardest one.

“I feel an obligation to help people. After seeing my brother give up on his death bed, I don’t want to see anyone give up. I want to help as many people as I can.”

For more information, visit their website at www.simplestrengthconditioning.com, or email rycarp155@gmail.com.

Back in the Day: Radio Concerts in the Park

Pedestrians around downtown Glens Falls had difficulty figuring out where the music was coming from on Sept. 18, 1922.

The music was live, but not in person.

The owners of Morf and Galusha electrical store, across Maple Street from City Park, were testing emerging broadcast technology to determine the feasibility of holding regular “radio concerts” in City Park the next year.

Morf and Galusha Electrical Store is in the row of buildings along Maple Street, across from City Park, in this circa 1920 photograph • Photo courtesy of The Folk Life Center at Crandall Public Library

A “loud sounding horn” speaker was set up on the shop’s front counter, and the door was opened to determine if the music could be heard in the park and elsewhere.

The test was deemed a success.

“Every note could be clearly heard as far away as the front of the Empire Theatre (about a block-and-a-half away on South Street) and in the rear of City Hall,” The Post-Star reported the next day. “No static nor any other disturbances marred the entertainment. The music and songs could be plainly heard throughout the park, as plainly and clearly as a band,” The Post-Star reported.

Some mistakenly thought the music was coming from a phonograph.

“The best tribute to the genius of the members of the firm was the comment of one man that he never appreciated radio until he heard last night’s concert.”

The concert included a full-live concert broadcast from WGY in Schenectady, other musical selections broadcast from stations in Louisville, Kentucky and Minneapolis, Minnesota, and news reports from The Detroit News.

Early on in commercial radio, music was primarily performed live.

Federal law required stations to notify listeners if the station was broadcasting recorded music.

WGY, which broadcast into the Glens Falls area, was one of the nation’s first commercial radio stations.

Edgar A. Rice, a young Schenectady musician, conducted the studio orchestra when WGY made its first broadcast at 7:47 a.m. on Feb. 20, 1922, according to a station history on file at The Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library.

WGY and its owner, General Electric Co., were pioneers in virtual concert technology, developing the first condenser microphone used in commercial radio in August 1922.

In 1922, relatively few families had radios in their homes.

“I now have a radio receiving outfit in my library where I am entertained and inspired after a day or evening of work,” syndicated columnist George Matthew Adams wrote in his “Today’s Talk” column, published May 6, 1922 in The Post-Star. “I wish and hope that the time will come when every home may listen in. … It’s so marvelous!”

Retailers such as Morf and Galusha staged public radio concerts to introduce radio technology, and hopefully entice people to buy radios.

“A radio demonstration will be given under the auspices of the Odd Fellows in I.O.O.F. hall Friday evening at 7:30, old time. Richard Lawton of Glens Falls will be the operator. … A program of music and speeches will be given, broadcasted by the General Electric station in Schenectady. It is probable that Pittsburgh and Newark (stations) also will be heard,” The Post-Star reported on March 4, 1922.

A radio concert was to be the main attraction of the upcoming Christian Endeavor Society fundraising social and sale at Hudson Falls Baptist Church, The Post-Star reported on June 7, 1922.

“Glen Cornell, a local radio agent, will provide the equipment and furnish the operator. … “All those who desire are cordially invited to come and listen to the radio,” The Post-Star reported on June 7, 1922.

The second annual Industrial Exposition for Warren and Washington Counties, Sept. 11-16, 1922, at the Glens Falls Armory, featured radio concerts each afternoon and evening.

Radio dealers weren’t the only ones using radio concerts to attract business.

“C. Fay Newell has installed a radio phone in the read of his Broadway (Fort Edward) jewelry store and yesterday afternoon several invited friends listened with much interest to a concert given in the General Electric Company’s building in Schenectady,” The Post-Star reported on April 6, 1922.

Radio enthusiasts in Glens Falls formed a club that had a club house on Thomson Avenue.

Membership, like many social clubs of that era, was exclusive to males, but women were invited to some gatherings.

“The Glens Falls Radio Club members last evening held the first in a series of ladies’ nights,“ The Post-Star reported on April 8, 1922. “More than fifty persons listened to a fine program picked up from several broadcasting stations and set their watches by the Arlington time signals.”

Leonard Williams gave a talk about radio waves and the parts and functions of radios.

“After the radio program, instrumental and vocal selections were rendered by members of the club, vocal numbers by Henry Gilbert being particularly pleasing.”

Later in April, club members gathered to listen to a WGY experimental live broadcast of chimes being played at Watervliet, where they were recently cast for installation at the McKim Memorial Tower of the Church of the Epiphany at Washington, D.C.

“Those who heard the concert said the chimes could be heard distinctly,” The Post-Star reported on April 28, 1922.

It would be more than two decades before AM radio broadcasting would take root in Glens Falls.

The first of several short-lived local radio stations went on the air in 1930.

WWSC, the longest continuously operating radio station in Glens Falls, went on the air Dec. 18, 1946, and will celebrate its 75th anniversary this winter.

WSET, later WBZA and now WMHL, went on the air on May 28, 1969.

The Weekender: July 9 - 11

Happy weekend! Looks like it’s going to be a beauty - although judging by this week’s weather, that could change at any moment! We’re hoping to fit in some of the usuals - the Farmers Market, a walk downtown for dinner - and a few of these, too:

Summer Concert Series: Next up in The Park Theater’s Summer Concert Series? Wild Adriatic! They’ll be playing at the Crandall Park Bandshell at 7pm on Friday (and will move to the Park Theater if it rains!). Details here.

Two Art Openings: Jenny Hutchinson’s exhibit Variation of Nature will open on Friday from 6-8pm at Mountain Gallery, and stroll across the park to LARAC for their Friday night opening, Guiding Light, from 5-7pm!

Artisan Trails in Washington County: Open studios, galleries, and craft beverages - yes, please! This is the first of two weekends of the self guided tour through beautiful Washington County - find the trail map and details here.

Outdoor Cinema: Friday night movies under the stars are back in City Park this week, courtesy of Art in the Public Eye! They’ll be showing Trolls World Tour this week, so bring the kiddos, a blanket, and some popcorn. Show starts at dusk. Details here!

World Awareness Children’s Museum: The Museum re-opens this Saturday with a Grand Opening celebration from 10am-3pm! They’ll be debuting their new exhibit on Thailand, and it’s free to attend! For details and pre-registration, click here!

**For more family friendly activities this month, check out our Hometown Family calendar for July here.

Have a great weekend!
Bri + Tom

Hometown Family: July 2021

July sure did come in hot in every way! I am so excited to add something new to Glens Falls Living. Being someone who can’t sit still, and a mom of two little ones, we are constantly looking for new activities, and one place to find them all. We’re hoping that “Hometown Family” can be exactly that - a monthly round up you can look to for ideas on how to spend a random weekday off, or a weekend activity with the fam. We will curate the list to appeal to most age groups, with a range of activities for the family as well as things you can send your children to while you run errands (or just grab a coffee and a book and enjoy all things local). So to start it all off, let’s talk July. Here’s what we’ve got:

July 5: World Awareness Children’s Museum Messy Art Camp begins for children 3rd grade and older. Details here.

July 9: Meet a police pup at Crandall Library! More info here.

July 12: World Awareness Children’s Museum Under the Sea Camp for Pre-K and Kindergarten age kiddos begins. Details here.

July 16: The Park Theater will be presenting a weekly summer concert series at the Crandall Park Bandshell each Friday evening in July from 7-8:30pm. Details here!

July 16: Friday night movies in City Park are back, and this week they’re showing Monsters, Inc. at dusk - bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket! Details here!

July 17: If you have not been to Liberty Ridge Farm in Schaghticoke with your kiddos, get ready to spend the entire day, because this place is (in my opinion) incredible. There is so much to do here - from all of their little farm animals, to a giant “pillow” to bounce on, life sized bird houses, and so, so much more. We were here for their Strawberry Festival last month, and loved playing cornhole with live music in the background, and watching the kids run around & dance. This month, on July 17, they’re having their Blueberry Festival and I can’t imagine that it would be any less impressive. Actually, if anything it will be even more fun, because they will be offering U-Pick! Find the details here.

July 19: World Awareness Children’s Museum Around The World Camp for 1st - 3rd graders begins. Details here.

July 19: Kids in Motion at The Hyde Collection - kids are invited to join a four-day-long program to move their bodies through a series of creative movements, craft making, and outdoor exploration. Details here!

July 20: Kids Superhero Comic Con at Crandall Library. Get the scoop here!

July 20: The Glens Falls Community Theater is presenting a free family theatre series on Tuesdays in July at the Crandall Park Bandshell. Food trucks, too! Get the scoop here.

July 22, 23, 24: Drop by City Park at noon for The Adirondack Theatre Festival’s show, “PB&J Cafe: Cinderella Goes Disco” right outside the library. Don’t forget a blanket/chairs & picnic lunch! Learn more about it here.

July 23: The Park Theater will be presenting a weekly summer concert series at the Crandall Park Bandshell each Friday evening in July from 7-8:30pm. Details here!

July 23: Friday night movies in City Park are back, and this week they’re showing Sonic the Hedgehog at dusk - bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket! Details here!

July 26: World Awareness Children’s Museum Super Secret Spy Camp for 3rd grade and up begins. Details here.

July 26: Meet a llama at Crandall Library! Sign up here.

July 27: The Glens Falls Community Theater is presenting a free family theatre series on Tuesdays in July at the Crandall Park Bandshell. Food trucks, too! Get the scoop here.

July 29, 30: Drop by City Park at noon for The Adirondack Theatre Festival’s show, “PB&J Cafe: Cinderella Goes Disco” right outside the library. Don’t forget a blanket/chairs & picnic lunch! Learn more about it here.

July 30: The Park Theater will be presenting a weekly summer concert series at the Crandall Park Bandshell each Friday evening in July from 7-8:30pm. Details here!

July 30: Friday night movies in City Park are back, and this week they’re showing Wreck it Ralph at dusk - bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket! Details here!

ALWAYS AN OPTION

Crandall Park • Glens Falls: This heat, my golly. Crandall is great for the shaded playground, but now that they’ve added a splash pad (!!), it’s the perfect place to cool down. Follow along for updates here.

Take a Bite • Downtown Glens Falls: A GF favorite through the summer, restaurants offer small plates and you can stroll through downtown enjoying live entertainment and music on Wednesdays from 5-7pm. Details here!

Crandall Library • Glens Falls: Ongoing this summer, Crandall Library hosts Infant/Toddler Storytime in City Park on Wednesdays 10-10:20am and Preschool Storytime in City Park on Tuesdays 10:00-10:30am. Bring a blanket to sit on and keep an eye on Facebook for weather-related changes. No sign up required! Details here.

The Shirt Factory • Glens Falls: The Thursday Food Truck Corral is perfect for all ages. Between the live music and tasty vendors, it’s a perfect scene for the parents, but last week they added bounce houses for the kiddos, and have their pony rides too. What a night! Every Thursday through the summer from 4:30-8pm. Find out more here.

Creative Chameleon • Glens Falls: Such a hidden gem! If you are looking for craft (or game!) ideas to do at home, check out Creative Chameleon inside The Shirt Factory to buy some to bring back, or contact them via Facebook to set up a time to go in and do some ceramic painting (it doesn’t have to be during business hours - she is so flexible).

Queensbury Parks and Rec • Queensbury: Alright, to be honest, they’ve pretty much got it all covered. From rock climbing for all different age levels, to their safe boating or safe babysitting courses, to clay programs, you’re sure to find something for each of your little ones. Check out their whole Summer Guide here.

Gurney Lane • Queensbury: First of all, the pool. No brainer. Open 1pm-7pm weekdays, and 12pm-7pm on the weekends. But besides that (and their playgrounds, and their walking trails, and their mountain biking trails...I digress), Queensbury Parks and Rec has so much to offer right under the Gurney Lane Pavilions. Details here.

World Awareness Children’s Museum • Glens Falls: GO! is finally back open for general admission on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm to explore the Museum. There has been a lot going on over there in terms of new exhibits, so it will be a new sight for everyone! 

Thanks for reading! Want to be sure you never miss a story? Sign up for our weekly newsletter for a recap of the latest from GFL here!