We were thrilled to get to know Molly this week! In addition to being the Executive Director of the Glens Falls Area Youth Center, she’s busy fixing up her peaceful country home where she lives with her husband and three kids. She shares her go-to dinner spots, her most treasured downtown memories with her dad, and what she’d like to see added downtown (calling all bakeries!).
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Molly Congdon-Hunsdon and I’m the Executive Director of the Glens Falls Area Youth Center as well as a Freelance Writer. I’m married to the most amazing man - I have celiac disease and he literally gave up eating gluten (that’s right, pasta, cookies, cakes…basically everything delicious!) so that I wouldn’t get cross-contaminated. I’m a proud mom of three. I have a beautiful 8-year-old step-daughter named Bentley who loves unicorns, glitter and singing her heart out. I also have 3-year-old twin boys named Tucker and Wyatt. They are crazy men in the very best way! They keep me on my toes and never fail to make me laugh. I’m so thankful for my kids.
On Life in Glens Falls
I grew up right over the bridge in South Glens Falls so I will forever (and proudly!) be a Bulldog, but my heart has always been in Glens Falls because of the Youth Center. My dad was the Executive Director for 36 years so I grew up within its’ walls and that organization molded me into the person that I am today.
Currently I call Gansevoort home. It’s off the beaten path, peaceful and quite possibly has the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. My husband and I have been fixing up our house for the last couple of years and it’s been such a fun process. He is incredibly talented and can do it all; plumbing, carpentry, electric. etc. The first gift he ever gave me was a shelf that he made by hand. It was so impressive…I was hooked!
I’m a little biased but my favorite thing about Glens Falls would have to be all of the kids that walk through our doors at the Youth Center each day. They are a diverse assortment of personalities, cultures, belief systems, and ethnicities. These kids are all wonderful in their own way and truly one-of-a-kind, and—even though they don’t realize it— they inspire me, surprise me and push me to be my best self. They are the true “hidden gems” of the area because they are our future.
A Perfect Glens Falls Day
I’m a huge Juicin’ Jar fan so I would start my ideal day off with a smoothie bowl, fresh juice and whatever gluten-free/vegan baked good they have on the menu (I can never resist!). Then I would probably snag either an iced coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts or a Green Tea Latte from Starbucks. I’m a sports girl so if there is a game happening for one of my YC members on a Saturday, I usually try to get there to show some support. Then I would head to Acupuncture Nirvana to relax and unwind. For lunch or dinner my go-to spots are: O’Tooles, Cooper’s Cave Ale Company Pub, or Gourmet Cafe.
I also love going to local events; LARAC, the Balloon Festival, Taste of the North Country, the Festival of Trees, and Boo 2 You are some of my favorites.
On the Past
My favorite memories are going to the High School State Basketball Tournament and the Federation Games at the Civic Center (now Cool Insuring) with my dad. We shared a passion for basketball. We would grab some popcorn and watch game-after-game-after-game. It was the only time he would take me out of school; we didn’t want to miss one minute!
On the Future
That’s a tough one. I would have to say more gluten-free places to eat, especially bakeries! I miss being able to eat a cannoli or eclair.
