Age: 31.
Birthplace: “Great Barrington, in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts.”
Residence: Essex.
Occupation: “An eclectic combo! Fulltime manager of the Whallonsburg Grange Hall, a vibrant gathering place for the arts and community events; yoga instructor at Lake Champlain Yoga & Wellness in Essex; fiddler in three bands (based in Essex, Cambridge in Washington County, and Bennington, Vermont).”
Accomplishments: “A master’s degree in historic preservation. I also have a knack for making my home in close proximity to a mountain range (the Berkshires, the Green Mountains, the Sangre de Cristos of New Mexico, the Litchfields of Connecticut … and now, the Adirondacks!”
Favorite hike: “For intrigue and exploration, around the Upper Works at Tahawus. For beauty and blissful exhaustion, Mount Marcy.”
Favorite view: “From the intersection of Whallons Bay Road and Cross Road just southwest of Essex, facing west. The road snakes down to Whallonsburg, and rolling farm fields stretch out to an open view of the High Peaks. It always warrants a pause.”
Why I live in the Adirondacks: “Food that is grown five minutes away; an unspoiled landscape of rivers, lakes, mountains, and fields, sometimes altogether; communities filled with creative, hardy, and passionate people. In summary, a lifestyle that feels inspiring, honest, and adventuresome.”
Memorable wildlife experience: “Hearing loons for the first time, while camping at Meacham Lake near Paul Smiths. It was like a lullaby.”
If I were in charge of the Park: “I would incorporate bike lanes throughout densely populated areas and intermittent water-filling stations with emergency phones along remote sections of state highway. This region is amazing for road biking, and there are some pretty secluded stretches!”
