This week we caught up with Alisha Stosic-Hanley! She's been a local for the past three years or so, but if you've ever met her, it seems like she's been here her whole life! Tom first met Alisha through the Glens Falls Rotary Club, but you may recognize her as the friendly leader of the team at the Queensbury Senior Center. Read on to hear her thoughts on the spirit of our community, a few of her favorite spots, and where to find some amazing fries with gravy!
Tell us about yourself!
Hi! I am Alisha Stosic-Hanley and I am the Executive Director of the Queensbury Senior Center. I have had the honor of being in this position for the last year and a half and am grateful each day I walk into the Center. I am a mom to 4 wonderful kiddos, 3 boys: 18, 15 and 13 and a little girl who is 6 and 3 quarters (in her own words). I enjoy being involved in all sorts of activities, but especially fun and unique fundraisers that go to support the many wonderful organizations in our area.
On Life in Glens Falls
I grew up in Southern California, graduated high school in Southwest Missouri and went to college in Montana — I only moved to the Glens Falls area 3 and a half years ago! Although it has been a short time, I have fallen in love with the charm, beauty and goodwill of Glens Falls. It is easy to see why so many people stay, or come back, to this area. Being that I have lived in many different regions of the US, I have had the opportunity to explore and discover what makes each place special and unique. It did not take me long to figure out the idiosyncrasies of Glens Falls and the amazing people who call it home.
I currently rent a townhome that is just on the outskirts of Glens Falls. It is easy to get to downtown (6 minutes), to work (10 minutes on a good day) and all the other places a busy working mom needs to go. I enjoy finding fun, local items to decorate my home with to give it the modern small town charm appeal. If you see me out walking a Saint Bernard puppy all hours of the day - make sure to wave! She will most likely be walking me....
Some Glens Falls Favorites
My favorite thing about Glens Falls is, hands down, the people. I have lived in many places and this area is a true testament to the power of a group of like minded individuals that seek to improve their community through service, activism and education. I have had the honor of being enveloped in a network of friends that have turned into family. Being in the ‘senior industry’ for so long, I would say some of our greatest hidden gems, and most valuable assets, is our senior population! The wisdom, humor and honesty this group serves up on a daily basis is truly book worthy. And if you ever doubt this, I challenge you to join me for just one day at the Queensbury Senior Center! You will go home feeling better than when you entered....the kindness and love that seniors give freely is priceless.
A Perfect Glens Falls Day
My ideal day is enjoying all the wonderful offerings of Glens Falls! I would start with a heart pumping workout at Core of Glens Falls, where I would be encouraged and welcomed by some of the best people around. Afterwards I would grab a bulletproof maple latte at Spektor Coffee Roasters, because “coffee is the most important meal of the day”! From there I may venture a walk on the Betar Byway with my dog and kiddos. A perfect evening would start at Craft on 9 (poutine is to die for!) and either catching one of the amazing performances at the Adirondack Film Festival (if in season) or doing a fun paint and sip at Sip n’ Canvas downtown. My youngest kiddos and I enjoy cheering on the Adirondack Thunder as much as we can as well! To finish the night would be a handcrafted cocktail at Fenimore’s while enjoying the music of a talented local artist.
On the Past
One memory I have in particular is when I first visited Glens Falls back in 2000, which was my first real experience on the East Coast. I had the pleasure of dining at Massie’s Italian Restaurant and was blown away that people actually ordered fries with GRAVY on them. I had never heard of such a thing. Now I’m hooked!!
…and On the Future
The future of Glens Falls and its surrounding areas is so incredibly bright! I would love to see an outdoor music venue brought to the area to enjoy the many talented local musicians that call this area home. Two of my favorite things are summer nights and live music - put them together and you have a winning combo.
Thanks Alisha!
P.S. Check out more of our My Glens Falls series here.