Beacon Unicorn Fund Launches With Benefit Event Live Music, Auction At Dennings Point Distillery

Dave Shelly began telling people last fall that he had Stage 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme - and had weeks or months to live. Receiving this information was shocking. ALBB received it outside of the bathroom at the Hudson Valley Food Hall as Dave was visiting friends at the Roosevelt Bar. The odds of beating it were not in his favor, he said. Dave and his wife Jill were known as involved and generous community members in Beacon. Dave’s commitment was special and unique to him.

Dave was known as The Pink Unicorn for his commitment to and enthusiasm when putting on his air filled suit every Saturday to walk around Beacon. When he passed away, ALBB published this about him: “Beacon’s Pink Unicorn Lowers His Horn For The Last Time David Shelly- Passes,” which shows how his wife Jill felt just days later.

The Beacon Unicorn Fund Launches

This Friday is the official launch of the Beacon Unicorn Fund that Jill put together with a little help from her friends. What follows is their press release in full:

###

Be part of an evening filled with music, digital art, and community connection. This Friday, December 13, 2024, join us as the Beacon community comes together to honor the legacy of the Pink Unicorn of Beacon, David Shelly, with the launch of the Beacon Unicorn Fund at a special Benefit Event at Dennings Point Distillery 10 Chestnut Street from 7:00PM to 9:00PM.

This inspiring evening is scheduled to include live music performed by Jeremy Schonfeld, Gus Schonfeld, and Jen Malenke. The event will also include video tributes with a pre-taped interview with David Shelly, himself, and Scott Ramsey as well as a music video featuring The Costellos. There will also be a conversation with David’s wife, Jill Shelly, a silent auction, and heartfelt tributes all to help raise funds for the Beacon Unicorn Fund.

This fund reflects Dave and Jill’s shared dream of providing financial aid to Beacon residents experiencing hardship. It is a way to keep Dave’s mission of community support alive, ensuring his acts of kindness will touch lives for years to come. Suggested donation to attend is $20 and proceeds from the event and the silent auction will directly support the Beacon Unicorn Fund, helping those in need and honoring Dave’s legacy of generosity and joy. For more information about the fund, the Benefit Event and to donate to the Beacon Unicorn Fund, click on the QR code or visit www.beaconunicorn.fund

Who Was the Pink Unicorn of Beacon?

David Shelly moved to Beacon in 2016 and became a cherished figure when he brought his dream of joy to life in March 2021. Known as the Pink Unicorn of Beacon, Dave could be found dancing at the Farmers Market, strolling down Main Street , and spreading happiness with free flowers, hugs, and ice cream vouchers. His vibrant personality and selfless acts created a legacy of love that continues to inspire. Even as he faced a diagnosis of stage 4 glioblastoma multiforme in October 2023, Dave’s spirit remained an enduring source of hope. He passed away on December 15, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and a vision for the Beacon Unicorn Fund, which Jill Shelly is proud to bring to life.

Soup4Greens 8th Annual Soup & Ceramic Bown Fundraiser - This Sunday, April 7, 2024

Soup4Greens 8th Annual Soup & Ceramic Bowl Fundraiser is happening this Sunday, April 7, 2024 at the Beacon Farmers Market from 10am-2pm.

Shop savory soups & handmade bowls for a good cause. Purchase soup donated by local restaurants & homemade bowls crafted by local artisans. 100% of proceeds contributes to GREENS4GREENS food benefit program. This program contributes to a community where fresh, healthy food is accessible to all.

The goal is to reach $6,000 to fund the GREENS4GREENS program - an internal food benefit program.

See the delicious menu below…

The Beacon Community Created A Donation Page For Trina and Amila After Colonial Springs Fire

A donation fund has been created for Trina and Amila, owners of Tara Fusion Cuisine , who suffered great loss in the fire at Colonial Springs Building 3. They lost everything, and now must find a new apartment, and have encountered security deposits, broker fees, not to mention all of the furniture, clothing, cookware, art tools, decorations they once had.

Trina has returned to work as chef, but it’s day by day as she processes what happened. Your cheer brings her cheer, so give her a hug or blow her a kiss 😘 You may see Amila behind the counter when he’s not at his job too!

ALBB’s article is on the blog now. Readers have inquired how they can help. Tara Fusion’s food neighbor, Moreish New York in the Hudson Valley Food Hall has organized a donation page for them, should you feel inclined to help. Her food family is rallying behind them, a most of their family is in Sri Lanka (Trina) and Bangladesh (Amila). Here’s the URL:

https://www.spotfund.com/story/32133708-1df1-469a-8809-8e91cc00411b

PS: We are in touch with Captain Jesseyna from Salvation Army Beacon about her efforts for collection and coordination for the building. Will update as we learn more.

BeaconArts To Host Fundraiser For Bus Shelter Art Project: A Benefit Concert

BeaconArts is excited to announce the Bus Shelter Art Project Fundraiser: A Benefit Concert on Wednesday, June 21, 7-10pm, at Dogwood Bar, located at 47 E Main Street, Beacon, NY. The event will include a night of music, raffle prizes, and drink specials.

The Bus Shelter Art Project was initiated in 2017 in partnership with the city of Beacon to install and maintain artwork at five Beacon bus shelters. This effort coincided with the new branding of the Beacon Free Loop bus in 2018. Since the pandemic, the artwork, which was meant to be changed regularly, is in great need of renewal and repair. BeaconArts is asking for sponsors and donors to help with the cost of installing five new artworks for the shelters. The goal is to raise $5,000. This will enable BeaconArts to change the artwork every two years. Artwork will be chosen by committee, and all active artist members of BeaconArts will be eligible to submit their art.

Dogwood Bar, a longstanding community hub in Beacon, has generously offered to host the fundraiser. Ticket holders can expect discounted drinks at the bar, the opportunity to win raffle prizes donated by local businesses, and a line up of amazing musicians including: Creative Strings Improvisers Ensemble, a fiscally sponsored project of BeaconArts; Tony DePaolo, featuring Gwen Laster, Peter O’Brien, and Damon Banks; Paul Byrne & The Bleeders; Mimi Sun Longo; Marsh King’s Daughter, featuring Emily Hague, Jon Slackman, Rafi, and Sekaya; and other special guests.

Tickets are limited and should be purchased in advance at https://gofund.me/8c63126c. Ticket prices start at $25, with additional sponsorship levels of up to $1000. All proceeds will go directly to the Bus Shelter Art Project. BeaconArts is grateful for any and all support of this project.

Celebrate summer solstice with BeaconArts! A fun night of good music and friends, for a great community cause! 

Contact info: Matthew Agoglia, BeaconArts President
matthew@beaconarts.org

Everyone Is Concerned About the Fencing At The Memorial Building - The Veterans Commenced Upon Repairs

When the fencing went up at the Veteran’s Memorial Building at 413 Main Street, people had questions. Were they getting a new fence? Was something big happening that would impact access to the Memorial Building and the events the Veterans host there?

Harold G. Delamater of the Veterans Memorial Building Committee was quick to send an email out to the media providing answers. He stated: “Folks have been questioning the recently installed construction fencing in front of the Veterans Memorial Bldg. The Veterans Memorial Building is currently under-going renovations to the front porch and landscaping to the grounds. The bricks from the Carmen Ramputi Detachment Marine Corps League monument will be stored for later placement in front of the Veterans Memorial Building. The project is expected to be completed in late Spring 2023.”

In a followup question from A Little Beacon Blog regarding who was financing this project, Harold answered that the project is being financed by a small grant they anticipate receiving from Senator Skoufis's office. There has been no financial assistance from the City of Beacon. Years ago, the Veterans appealed to the City under Randy Casale’s administration to receive funding for improvements to their building. At that time, some financing was released under then City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero.

Herold said that at this time, the City of Beacon has been supportive of the project, but not financially.

The Veterans will be starting a donation campaign to supplement the grant. They will be releasing more information via press release in the following week.

$1,000 Grants Open For Applications Until Nov. 28 - BeaconArts' Clara Lou Gould Grant Seeks Applicants

You could fret about cooking a turkey and finding a gravy recipe, or you could put that stress aside to instead apply in time for the possible $1,000 you could be granted from the Clara Lou Gould Fund For The Arts, managed by BeaconArts.

According the BeaconArts: “The Clara Lou Gould Fund for the Arts funds arts projects in Beacon including individual artist’s projects, unique exhibition, performance or public art projects, arts education programs, and community programs that promote area artists and arts activities, drawing attention to the valuable role of arts and culture in our community.”

Clara Lou Gould was Beacon’s Mayor for 18 years. “BeaconArts created this special Fund for the Arts named for Beacon’s former Mayor, Clara Lou Gould in honor of her 18 years of service as Beacon’s Mayor, and in recognition of her support of arts and culture in Beacon.”

Applications for grants are being accepted until November 28th, 2022, and the application doesn’t look too complicated. “While this fund is directly administered by the Community Foundation of Dutchess County, a committee of representatives from BeaconArts makes funding recommendations based on its knowledge of community need and offerings,” says their website.

“We believe in the fluidity of the Hudson Valley arts community and as such this fund is designed to support projects and activities in the Greater Beacon community, including those that may be initiated beyond city limits.”

Apply now, and/or email Suzanne Ball Suzanne@beaconarts.org with questions.

Beacon Historical Society Hosts And Seeks Donations For 6th Annual "Beacon Of History" Award Night At The Roundhouse

The Beacon Historical Society is back in-person for their 6th Annual “Beacons of History Awards” at The Roundhouse on November 10, 2022. Some call the event “a great old Beacon cause,” as the Society honors and celebrates the city’s rich past and deep sense of community as one of its main fundraisers of the year to guarentee their rental expenses for the following year.

Hors d’oeuvres, beer/wine/soft drinks will be served within the $75 ticket for a night under the twinkling lights of one of the main event spaces in The Roundhouse. Sponsorship opportunities are still open (but closing soon! email Denise Doring VanBuren @dvb1776@gmail.com). Tickets are $75. Donations are accepted even if you can’t attend.

2022 Honoree: Tony Lassiter
Individual Honoree

Born in Highland Hospital in 1947, Tony Lassiter was educated in the Beacon City Schools and drafted into the Army as a combat engineer. In February 1969, Sgt. Lassiter was sent to Vietnam, where he was injured by hostile forces 6 months later. Awarded the Purple Heart, he was honorably discharged in November. Tony then enjoyed a 30-year career at IBM, served as a Sergeant with the Dutchess Co. Sheriff’s Office and volunteered for 15 years on the Beacon Planning Board. He also volunteers on the City’s Housing Authority, as Vice Commander of American Legion Post 203, Quartermaster of the VFW (Military Order of the Purple Heart), Treasurer for the Beacon Lions Club and with the St. Andrew’s/St. Luke’s Church Food Pantry and has served on the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee.
- Copy credit: The Beacon Historical Society Invitation Letter

2022 Honoree: Melzingah Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Organizational Honoree

Founded in 1896 by Katherine Wolcott Verplanck, the Melzingah Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is one of the largest and most active DAR chapters in the nation. It is most notably known for its rescue of the c. 1709 Madam Brett Homestead from Demolition in 1954, when plans called for an A&P Supermarket to be built on the site; the property is not only the house of the community’s first European settler, but also the oldest building in Dutchess County. It is filled with a significant furnishings collection. In addition to operating the property as a house museum, the DAR chapter has long supported historic awareness in Beacon, including ts erection of the Mount Beacon Monument in 1900. Members also volunteer at the Castle Point VA Medical Center, conduct annual history essay contests and complete other volunteer work as part of the worldwide service organization committed to promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism.
- Copy credit: The Beacon Historical Society Invitation Letter

Sponsorship Levels

If you didn’t get the sponsorship invitation letter this year, email Event Chair Denise Doring VanBuren dvb1776@gmail.com to be put on the list. Each level comes with different promotional opportunities and some with tickets.

Mount Beacon Sponsor: $2,000
Newburgh Beacon Ferry Sponsor: $1,500
Main Street Trolley Sponsor: $1,000
Twin Villages Sponsor: $500
Half Screen Ad: $250
Program Supporter Listing: $100

Checks can be made payable to the Beacon Historical Society and mailed to PO Box 89 Beacon NY 12508 and explore at the Beacon Historical Society at their location at 61 Leonard Street (near Mount Beacon) and at their website.

Learn about more events from the Beacon Historical Society at their Calendar,

Donations For US Army Needed - Being Collected By Antelak and Moore - Here’s Your Shopping List!

This is for the weekend shoppers! To gather their things now over the weekend during their errands, and bring it in this week to Antalek and Moore, who is passionate about hosting a donation drive in support of the U.S. ARMY Destroyer Company from the 10th Mountain Division.

The company is made up of about 80 men and women, and we are looking for supply donations to lift their spirits! Please bring your donations to our office at 340 Main Street in Beacon. See full list of supplies below:

FOOD AND DRINK

• Mio Energy

• Protein Bars

• Granola Bars

• Beef Jerky

• Candy

• Fruit Snacks

• Gum

• Trail Mix

• On-The-Go Snacks

PERSONAL CARE

• Baby Wipes

• Graphic T-Shirts

• Baseball Caps

• Hand Lotion

• Hand Sanitizer

• Chapstick

• Soap

• Razors

• Shaving Cream

OTHER ITEMS

• Appropriate Magazines

• Playing Cards

• A Note

• Matchbox Cars (to hand out to children they come across while on mission)

The Spirit Of Beacon Day Is OPEN!

Everyone!!

The "Spirit of Beacon Day is alive an well," said former Chair Gwenno James to the City Council during a meeting back in July, during her final appearance as Chair. She was there to present the new Board who volunteered after she put out the call across different channels, which was also published by A Little Beacon Blog.

A Little Beacon Blog's publisher, Katie Hellmuth Martin, felt the role a natural fit for her, being that she had produced 2 floats for South Avenue Elementary School (and decorated 1 drive-by car in the parade during the pandemic), as well as her experience hosting pop-up shops and other community events in her former office space on Main Street.

Junior (Zayed) Dabashi of Key Food had also volunteered to serve, with his experience running many community events for Key Food's family grocery stores in Beacon and in Milford, PA, including car shows (one of his favorites), and open-to-the-community cookouts at the Mosque in Beacon.

Ali T. Muhammad volunteered as well, and as a Beaconite who served on Beacon's City Council, his commitment to Beacon runs deep. You'll see him on the day of the event with a microphone in his hand, serving as a Board Member and MC.

Nickeya Allen pulled in as Treasurer, eager to serve, as her two young children had attended the parade and festival in year's past, and she has participated with ALBB before via Juneteenth.

The reaction from friends and community members has been consistent, and in two forms:
1. "You are crazy!"
2. "Amazing, thank you!! You might be crazy!"

It is true. Anyone who steps into these roles knows that they have a marathon ahead of them. The difference is this is a group marathon where many in the community want to also dive in, get creative, and express what is Beacon.

This Year's Theme: "The Origin Story"

The theme of this year's Spirit of Beacon Day is: "The Origin Story," and here's why:

Event organization wasn't the only reason the role felt right to Katie. In her introductory speech at City Council for the public to hear, she stated: "When the pandemic blossomed into the racial reawakening across the United States and even in Beacon, NY, I started covering the protests down Main Street that marched to Memorial Park and Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park to listen to people's stories during the open mike sessions.

"As a reporter, I got out of my comfort zone and spoke with neighbors I had never spoken to before, heard their stories about their lives in Beacon, and reflected. In 2020, when September rolled around, I thought the Spirit of Beacon Day was the perfect time to kaleidoscope this. To shine the light on the origins of why the Spirit of Beacon Day was created in 1977." But the pandemic happened, and squashed all in-person events. Gwenno and her committee did all they could to produce a virtual version of the day to keep the spirit alive.

According to an article in the Beacon Evening News from 1985: "For a number of years, the students from the Beacon School System and the community were having some problems that had racial overtones. It was during the winter and early spring of 1977 that, for several days and nights, racial problems became severe. The Sheriff’s department was called into the community to help bring the situation under control. A community meeting was held at the Howland Library."

During that meeting, a solution arose: a community day to bring the people together to better understand each other. This day was called The Spirit of Beacon Day.

The 45th Year For The Spirit Of Beacon Day

In early Committee discussions, the Board members expressed the importance of opening up the day to new organizations to participate. The Committee is so excited to dive into this project to bring it to you, with you. We encourage all of you to apply for a Table and/or to participate in the parade. if you have developed something in the last few years, let's see it! Show it to the people so that more young people can experience it. If you have had something for decades, but never considered participating in this day, please do so now!

Let's Gooooooooo!

Below are all of the ways you can help. Thank you Highlands Current and Beacon Free Press for covering the initial change in leadership! Please follow Spirit of Beacon Day on Instagram for latest announcements.

VOLUNTEERS
Yes, we need so many Volunteers! Volunteering can include helping parade floats and marchers get lined up the day of the parade, helping vendor tables get set up, connecting with non-profits, speaking to Main Street business owners, putting out yard signs in advance, going to collect those yard signs once the day is over, emailing businesses for sponsorship opportunities, producing Instagram art and posts, running the Facebook page, etc.
Learn More >

GOFUNDME FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY!
The Spirit of Beacon Day now has a GoFundMe drive! Producing this event does cost a bit. Our goal is to raise funds needed for the essentials, and have stipends that we can offer to the schools for decorating their floats, as well as a few other ideas. We do want a cushion so that we are not starting with a low balance at the start of the planning phase. Due to time, we are not having a Fundraising Event this year because August is when everyone goes on vacation, and September is Float Building Time!! All hands on deck.
PS! If you are a business wanting to give, please see our Sponsorship option to get promotion .
Donate Now >

SPONSORS FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY!
Businesses in Beacon are one of the keys to holding the community together. They provide employment, enjoyment, and entertainment. This year, the Committee has developed Sponsor Levels that include logos on T-Shirts, yard signs, bathroom signs (yes! we are encouraging people to use our porta-potties rather than the bathrooms inside of businesses!), and more.
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

TABLE APPLICATIONS
The Spirit of Beacon Day is everything with its vendor tables and experiences. Which non-profits and social entities making a difference can the community reach out to and meet at a table? Vendor tables are limited, and we are keeping it to non-profit and social groups or entities only. Application required, and if accepted, a $35 Table Fee is needed to secure the spot. Food businesses are encouraged to reach out to partner with a non-profit if they want to offer food. We are encouraging After School Clubs to apply to represent at a table, and other groups not normally seen but need the exposure to reach our young people. Non-profits and groups can serve/sell food as usual! Otherwise, we encourage everyone to also visit our brick and mortar restaurants in Beacon, in addition to the rare street food you'll find from the organizations.
Apply Now >

PARADE APPLICATIONS
The Parade for the Spirit of Beacon Day is everything! Open to both Beacon businesses and organizations, this parade does require application so that we can keep track of everyone, and curate the lineup. Consider marching, rolling or both! Show your colors.
Apply Now >

PERFORMANCE APPLICATIONS
We want to hear you play! We want to watch you dance! If you have never performed at the Spirit of Beacon Day before, please apply now. Past and future performers are encouraged to apply. The event is known to attract 3,000 people.
Apply Now >

CRAFTS & ENTERTAINMENT APPLICATIONS
The Spirit of Beacon Day is looking for activities for Kids we will curate throughout Main Street. This includes face painting, hair braiding, hula-hooping, whatever you got going on. The Salvation Army has graciously donated their space again for a Kids Section setting, and we have a few other places in mind for Pop-Up Experiences.
Apply Now >

KEY FOOD FIRST SPONSOR AS "BEACON OF LIGHT SPONSOR"
In addition to being a Board Member, Junior Dabashi surprised the Committee with a Sponsorship as our first "Beacon Of Light Sponsor" ($2,000) Sponsor. Key Food Beacon is a longtime participant in the Spirit of Beacon Day as a donor and table participant. This capital enabled the Committee to secure the porta-potties - with an extra ADA compliant unit that fits wheelchairs. We were also able to begin securing a bagpipe band. Thank you JB Said and Junior Dabashi!
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

LAST OUTPOST SUPPORTS AS FIRST "SPIRIT SPONSOR"
As Junior and Katie were walking around Main Street, saying hello to business owners and touching base with them, the Last Outpost store voiced their strong support for the Spirit of Beacon Day, and came on as our first "Spirit Level Sponsor" ($250)! They carry amazingly rugged things in there, and do check out their custom Beacon made merch.
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

ROUNDHOUSE SUPPORTS AS "BEACON OF LIGHT SPONSOR"
One of the most historic buildings in Beacon, and a longtime major sponsor of the Spirit of Beacon Day, the Roundhouse has signed on as a "Beacon Of Light Sponsor" ($2,000)!
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

LOGO DESIGN CONTEST FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY
The Committee for the Spirit of Beacon Day is launching a Logo Design Contest for the design of the Spirit of Beacon Day logo, now celebrating its 45th year. The winning logo will be awarded $300, and be used on all signage, website, social media, merchandise, etc. All entries will be published for viewing, so that everyone can see the range of ideas.
Get Design Direction >

Guides To Beacon

When you come to Beacon for the Spirit of Beacon Day, use A Little Beacon Blog's all-inclusive Restaurant and Shopping Guides to prepare you for where to shop and eat. You will buy food from the organizations in the festival who are serving up their own fundraising-based food, but you will also be walking into restaurants for more delicious dishes you don't want to miss. And the shopping....oh the shopping in Beacon is so good!

Supplies For Ukraine Collected By Dutchess County Via Afya

Dutchess County is partnering with Afya Foundation to collect needed donations at the former JC Penney site (lower level) 2001 South Road (Route 9) in Poughkeepsie. Who would have predicted that this retail destination would have been a life-saving destination for the past two years. Donations over the next two weekends with the help of and Dutchess County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers. No appointment is necessary.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “This is a horrifying and heartbreaking time for Ukraine, and I know many people in Dutchess County are anxious to help. The generosity of our community has always been strong, and there are specific needs we can help meet. Knowing the heart of this community, let us all come together to help the people of Ukraine, donate what you can and pray for peace.”

Donation Collection Days/Times:

Saturday, March 12th from 9am-1pm
Friday, March 18th from 1pm-5-pm
Saturday March 19th from 9am-1pm

Specifically, What To Donate

Afya has provided a specific list of needed items. Only new, unopened and non-expired goods will be accepted from the list below. No other supplies are being collected at this time. Needed supplies are as follows:

• Flashlights and Flashlight batteries

• Baby and Adult Diapers

• First Aid Kits

• Face Masks

• Hand Sanitizer

• Personal Hygiene Kits (Soap, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Floss, Deodorant, Shampoo, Razors and Shaving Cream)

• Basic Health Supplies (Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Cough medicine, Oximeters, Ace bandages and Compression bandages)

The Dutchess County Departments of Emergency Response and Public Works will assist at collection site operations, including transporting donations to Afya’s Yonkers location. Afya is working in partnership with US-Ukraine-Foundation and others to support the Ukrainian medical community and refugees seeking aid.

About The Afya Foundation

The Afya Foundation was created to serve as a center for giving back and has become a backbone of goodness for the greater New York community. Afya collects unused medical supplies and equipment from throughout the New York metro area and gives them a second life. These critical materials are shipped to under resourced and compromised health systems all over the globe thereby improving access to healthcare, the quality of care delivered, and the retention of local providers. Since their start in 2007, they have successfully established engagement programs and opportunities for volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, and capacity to build community at home while supporting healthcare abroad.

Please share this flyer to spread the word about the humanitarian supply collection site and find out about other ways to support the people of Ukraine. If you would like to donate supplies, but cannot get to the JCPenney location on the collection dates, the Afya Foundation has created an Amazon wish list that can be found at https://amzn.to/3q7hUE7. Groups and organizations who would like to coordinate their own collections and add the donations to the county’s collection, please call 845-486-2000 or email counteyexec@dutchessny.gov.

Beacon Recreation's Hoodies For Good Features Leman's Truck - Interview WIth Leman

The City of Beacon Recreation Department, led by Director Mark Price and support staff Heidi Harrison and Nate Smith, started a hoodie fundraiser last year, and has kicked off its second year this month. Proceeds will go to the Rombout Middle School Washington DC Trip Scholarship Fund.

This year, the Recreation Department wanted to get a little wild with it. Instead of featuring their city logo on the hoodies, they decided to pursue the style that features something iconic in Beacon. They chose longtime Beacon local Leman, driver of the truck with a seemingly homemade metal container on the back that is very identifiable in Beacon, and is usually in the right place of need at the right time. The Recreation Department partnered with Beacon local artist Daniel Weise, who has produced such art before for fundraisers.

Said the Beacon Recreation Department: “This truck and its owner are known to spread the good wherever they go!! It's been rolling the streets of Beacon for decades and in that time, helped countless people with every turn of the wheel.”

The hoodies start at $47, and $10 of each sale will be donated to the Rombout Middle School Washinton DC Trip scholarship fund. The Recreation Department printed a very limited run, some sizes of which have already sold out, despite a December 17th cutoff given by the Recreation Department's Director Mark Price, who goes by BugChucker76 in Instagram, who was reporting in the inventory count as it happened.

Leman driving his truck, “Snoopy,” which he uses for work helping people haul and move things as they need it.

About Leman And His Truck, “Snoopy”

Leman can be seen everywhere, from neighborhood streets to the Transfer Station to Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverside Park for Beacon Hoops camp, and more. He says that the department approached him for permission to use his truck’s iconic likeness for the fundraiser. Surprised, he said he wasn’t expecting it, and said he is “happy to along with it” to help out. He said he is looking forward to seeing the sweatshirts.

Leman showing a snoopy card he received from someone. He ponders where to put it in or on his truck, which has named “Snoopy.”

Did Leman build the truck himself? Turns out he bought it from his brother-in-law, who insisted he call it “Snoopy.” To this day, people leave random Snoopy trinkets in or on his truck as gestures of good-will. His truck is the vehicle for his business, which is helping people move and haul things. All business is conducted through his flip phone, and he prefers no email and prefers no texts. If you need him, you can flag him down, or call once you get his number and into his rotation. He also prefers to only go by his first name.

Leman’s Message For Safe Driving

Being in Beacon’s streets often, Leman wanted to be sure to get the word out about a few traffic safety issues:

1. Reduce Speed Limit On Main Street to 25mph. “We went down to City Hall to ask them to reduce the speed limit from 30mph to 25mph,” he told ALBB while interviewing for this story. He and others think the speed limit is too fast. While answers at the City Hall level indicate that this issue is at the state level, with the 30mph limit not being able to change. Councilmembers Dan Amar-Blair and Terry Nelson are passionate about lowering the speed limit, and Councilmember Dan has continued raising legal reasons to be able lower the speed limit, stating that the “state allows surgical decisions.” During City Court Judge Timothy Pagones’ reelection campaign, Leman donated his truck to be used as a moving billboard for the relection effort. Leman recalls talking to Judge Pagones about the speed limit: “Judge Pagones said that he has been getting a lot of complaints about it.”

2. Pedestrians Have The Right Of Way at Intersections and Crosswalks. Leman sees people all of the time crossing the street. According to New York State, the pedestrian has the right of way to cross at an intersection, even if there is no marked crosswalk. When he is driving, he is known to stop for people to cross, and encourages people who are standing and waiting to cross. If there is no marked crosswalk, New York State says: “If there are no crosswalks, the safest place for pedestrians to cross the road is at an intersection. Motorists have the right of way at all locations other than intersections and marked crosswalks.”

Learn more about how to participate in this year’s Hoodies For Good featuring Leman’s truck, fundraising for Rombout Middle School’s Washington DC Trip here.

As for learning how to hire Leman, you’ll just need to flag him down safely :)

Gift Wrapping Fundraiser From Greystone Features Designs From People With Autism - 12/11/2021

People purchasing gifts from Beacon’s bustling boutique districts (see A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide here!), from the mountain to the river, have the opportunity to have them gift wrapped with specially designed gift wrap from individuals served by Greystone Programs, Inc., an organization “dedicated to supporting children, adults and families living with autism and other developmental disabilities,” according to their mission statement.

On Saturday, December 11th, from 11am-5pm at the Bank, the former Star of Bethlehem Church (who sold the building due to limited parking for their congregation) next to Bank Square Coffee House. The gift wrapping event is a fundraiser for Greystone, where people can pay to have their gifts wrapped in this designer paper, as well as browse artwork on the walls also created by individuals Greystone serves.

Other fundraising opportunities will be available, including a raffle, opportunities to experience the art on the walls, and donations made in any amount. Music will be playing, and light refreshments will be available.

Learn more about Greystone Programs Inc. here.

The Tiny Self-Serve Food Pantry At The Beacon Rec Center Moved Around Back - Here's A Video To Find It

The Tiny Food Pantry at the Beacon Recreaction Center has moved “around back”! The Recreation Center is located at 23 West Center Street, close to South Avenue Elementary and in the heart of where several neighborhoods intersect, including the new-ish South Avenue Park playground, Loopers Court (basketball court), and in the winter, a sledding hill.

This is the self-serve food pantry that anyone can put food into, and anyone can take what they need. This pantry takes non-perishables, refrigerated unopened food, and produce. You can contribute to it at any time, any hour. Pick your favorite foods that you would love, kids would love, and seniors would love (as their dietary needs change with age). Consider contributing toiletries like tampons, pads, and Depends. Those are pricey.

This self-serve food pantry very accessible to many neighborhoods and kids. Started and managed by Fareground, this food pantry now includes a community refrigerator. See several of Beacon’s food pantries and soup kitchens in ALBB’s Food Pantry and Soup Kitchens Guides. Includes directions on how to contribute and how to access when in need.

Last Days To Donate Grocery List To "Turkey On Every Table" From Key Food, Salem Tabernacle, I Am Beacon

The “Turkey on Every Table” initiative from I Am Beacon, Key Food, and Salem Tabernacle has opened for collection again, hoping to reach families as it did last year. Created in 2014 by I Am Beacon, the three organizations came together last year during the pandemic when soup kitchens could not operate, and pre-packaged and delivered bags of dinner meals for people to cook.

Said Ginger Dandreano, Administrative Assistant for Salem Tabernacle when ALBB asked how the distribution will work: “All the food will come already packaged in a grocery bag. The idea is to make this as easy for people as possible, especially for those who may be walking. The bag will consist of a full Thanksgiving dinner.”

Pickup points will be Salem Tabernacle (7 Delavan Ave), Open Arms Food Pantry (based at Beacon’s Recreation Department at 25 Center Street) in Beacon, NY.

How The Organizations Coordinate The Food Giving

Ginger elaborated to ALBB: “The turkeys are being purchased by Salem Tabernacle. Salem Tabernacle does a yearly fundraiser that raises money for this outreach. So far this year, $5,000 has been raised. Key Food in Beacon also contributes with a fundraiser that helps offset the cost. Salem Tabernacle purchases the food from Key Food at cost. I Am Beacon also promotes the Key Food fundraiser and creates awareness amongst the community. I Am Beacon also has provided the connections with Open Arms Food Pantry and St. Andrews. Key Food is a generous, community oriented store that makes this complicated process much easier. They get the food at cost and also refrigerate the food up until the day of distribution. I Am Beacon and Key Food truly make this possible.”

How People In Need Can Sign Up For The Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving Dinner Signup at Salem Tabernacle.

Families or Friends can call Salem Tabernacle at 845-831-0114 Mon-Th from 10am-3:30pm. They can also go to www.salemtabernacle.com and follow the prompts to sign up (or click here directly). You can sign up yourself or sign up a family in need. Available while supplies last, but you must sign up. Their goal is to feed 100 families this year.

This year the drive is heating up again, with collections being made at Key Food at checkout. You can specify that your donation of food or cash/credit card be for this project at the checkout counter. Volunteer opportunities are available with Salem Tabernacle for those looking to pack bags, deliver them to destinations, and facilitate getting them into hands.

Requested Items Include:

Peanut Butter Jars, Jelly Jars, 16-Pack hot Chocolate Mixes, Canned Yams, Mac and Cheese Boxes, Stuffing Boxes, 1LB Rice Bags, 14OZ Canned Vegetables, 3LB Apple Bags, Baked Pies, Reusable Grocery Bags

People Working With The Organizations

I Am Beacon is run by brother and sister Rueben Simmons, Brook Simmons, and Brandon Lillard. Open Arms Food Pantry is managed by Kenya Gadsen, who served on Beacon’s Board of Education years ago and was of the few Black board members serving. Kenya moved to Fishkill, and currently serves as an elected Councilwoman for the Town of Fishkill. Key Food is a franchise run by the Dabashi and Said families.

Sports Attendee Drives White Mini-SUV Through Memorial Park In Road Rage During Kids Beacon Bears Flag Football After Softball Game

The Beacon Bears building located across from the grassy field for the young football players. When there are no vehicles parked in the lot, a car could drive all the way around this building, in a circle. During busy game days, the left side of the building is usually blocked off for protection of people sitting in bleachers right across from the building, and for people using the building when it is open as a snack shop.

The bright orange Jersey barriers, previously known as “parklets” when they protected diners outside of restaurants who were eating in parking spots, are now protecting families with young children who play flag football, known as the Beacon Bears, from adult road rage. The games are played in a grassy field adjacent to a volunteer-run Beacon Bears building in the middle of a parking lot at Memorial Park, which houses a snack bar and is a destination for kids to sit in front of and go to the bathroom at a porta-potty outside of the building during games and practice. For years, parking on the left side of the building has been blocked off during games and practices to protect players and fans.

Adults from other sporting events such as adult baseball and softball games scheduled at the same time at Memorial Park have reportedly been annoyed at the blocked off parking in front of the building, and have been storming the cones that are placed there by Beacon Bears coaches and parents, people who have been attending the young football games for years say.

Last weekend, a white woman participating in the softball game who wanted to drive through the cones but could not, was so incensed, that she yelled at other parents protecting the blocked parking area.

Shortly after the woman’s outrage, a white mini-SUV was seen by several people to be driving through the middle of Memorial Park at high speed. The vehicle’s path was through the grass, in between additional baseball diamonds where people usually set up volleyball nets, and slightly to the right of the tot park where children play on the playground.

Some Background

Three weeks ago, a white man in a black 4-door pickup truck drove himself and his child through the blocked off area in front of the Beacon Bears building. This was while 15 flag football fans sat on the ground of the parking lot in the shade of the front of the building while the snack bar was open. The afternoon sun was very hot, and the blocked off area outside of the snack shack was the only available shade.

The man removed the cones, and drove his large truck through. At first, everyone sitting on the ground, just inches away from his wheels, thought he was in a position of authority. Spectators later learned that he was not of any authority, and was simply a person used to moving parking blockades at his own digression at that parking lot.

What Happened With The Softball Game

Last weekend, during a double header of flag football, which consists of kids ages 7-14 and the family members who come to cheer them on, including younger siblings, were rivaled by an adult women’s softball team on a nearby baseball diamond. The team consisted of mainly white women and their men-folk during what some at the event said was a Breast Cancer Awareness themed game. A tent was set up at the softball diamond, and many of the female players wore hot pink tube socks.

Parking was tight, as it usually is on the weekend during games. Cars were parked all down the base of Memorial Park hill, which is normal for a day of Saturday games. If there are several cars, any seasoned Beaconite knows not to park deep into the parking lot near the field, as many cars pile up and make their own parking choices, sometimes blocking each other in. The driveway is gravel and not marked with parking spots.

At the end of the softball game, and at the height of the kids flag football game, the softball players and fans wanted to exit. They stated that the open lane of the parking lot was blocked by a double-parked car. They wanted to drive through the official parking blockade on the opposite (left) side of the Beacon Bears building where the spectators and children stand.

Earlier, they had taken to driving over traffic cones, according to people who saw them do it. A Beacon Bears parent then moved his car to replace the cones, so that softball cars could not drive through, flattening the cones. Some female softball players were upset, and began yelling at the flag football parents who set up the car blockade. One woman yelled: “Everything was fine until the football people showed up!” Which sounded sureal and straight out of a 1970’s kids coming-of-age movie.

According to people at the scene, the softball players called the Beacon police, who arrived to asses the situation. This was after an ambulance had been called by the softball people earlier to answer someone in need. At that time, a car had double-parked in the open lane on the opposite side of the Beacon Bears building.

The police officer determined that the Beacon Bears were within their right to block the section of the driveway to protect the players and families, which had been common practice over the years. He said that the driveway opening on the other side of the building was sufficient to be used as an exit. Unless that side had a double-parked car, which would need to be moved by the people who parked it.

According to people at the scene, the police officer wrote down the license plate of the car being used as a blockade, so that he could let the rest of the police force know that if police were called for this incident again, that the car was a known vehicle, and was there to protect from aggressive adults driving through where children are playing.

The Police Decision Did Not Stop The Adult Softball Players

After the police officer left, a woman who was initially screaming about the parking situation continued to scream at the parent who owned the car being used as a protective block. Another flag football parent, Tracy Way, who is well known to the South Avenue Elementary community as the Keeper Of The Lobby at South Avenue, stepped in to answer to the screaming softball woman and to keep the parking blockade strong.

Tracy and the owner of the protective car were by themselves confronting the angry team, until the softball woman got into her vehicle. Shortly after, a white mini-SUV could be seen speeding across the grass of Memorial Park, toward Route 52 where there are even more children playing.

View fullsize

From Left: The owner of the car used as an approved blockade against adults wanting to drive through parking blocks, who remained seated on the car during verbal altercations; the daughter of Tracy Way who supported her mother; and Tracy Way, who dealt with the women and men who shouted at her about the parking setup.

After the angry woman left, the softball crowd was not done. A man confronted Tracy. Towering over her small frame, the man told Tracy that her communication style was all wrong, and this never would have happened if she had said things differently. Tracy, meanwhile, had moved a metal trash can to be closer to the protective car, since a softball participant wanted to squeeze through the protective car and the bleachers - where people were sitting watching flag football.

The trash can was filled with White Claw beer cans and Twisted Tea bottles. Every now and then, as the man berated Tracy, different softball players came to put newly empty cans into the trash can.

A child reported that softball players were smoking during soccer practice days prior. This past summer, Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White proposed a smoking ban of tobacco, vape and cannabis in all city parks, to “give people more teeth” to ask neighbors stop smoking during soccer games. Beacon’s City Council voted to approve the smoking ban weeks ago. While smoking anything during soccer games had not previously been noticed as even happening, it appears that smoking tobacco does on other fields. The smoking ban was inspired by the legalization of cannabis. But it looks like tobacco is the culprit in this case.

While the man told Tracy that she was the only one putting up a fight about the parking situation, Tracy tried telling the man that the flag football coaches supported her decision, but were busy on the field coaching a game. Other women including her teenage daughter stood behind her to show support.

When the man shouted at her: “Do you own this field?” and “Why do you let children play in this parking lot anyway?” (answer: the snack shop and bleachers are right there), Tracy calmly told him that the police officer stated that the parking could be arranged this way. A second man joined the first, and tried lecturing Tracy. When she retorted to him: “Let me ask you a question…” the second man shouted: “NO!” The women around Tracy continued to support her and spoke up to let the men know that the parking block was necessary.

The first man then encouraged the second man to walk away, and the tension receded. The rest of the softball team who who was still there broke down their tent, and lingered in the parking lot, drinking from various cans and making trips to the porta-potty. One woman, upon walking to her car, shouted an obscenity against Beacon, and then spit on the parking lot.

What Happens Next?

The leaders of the Beacon Bears wrote to Beacon’s Parks and Recreation Department Director, Mark Price, who accepts scheduling for these fields. He told the Beacon Bears directors that the softball team would not be allowed to book the field again, but this remains to be seen if they are to show up again.

According to the Beacon Bears, Mark had the orange barriers sent down to be placed on either side of the building, creating safe passage for children and adults to walk between the porta-potties, snack shop, and bleachers. Cars can exit through the other lane on the other side of the building. The entire parking lot is gravel, so there are no marked spaces. The entrance of the parking lot is paved, and is completely crumbling with potholes.

In order for the orange barriers to be effective, they need to be filled with water. Otherwise, they are light orange plastic blockades that wobble. When the restaurants had them, Beacon’s Highway Department dropped them off filled with water. Restaurant owners were unable to move them very easily, as they were so heavy. It remains to be seen if the Highway Department will fill these barriers up with water to make them more difficult to move at will.