With a heavy heart, the day has come to report on the closing of my event space, known as A Little Beacon Space. After three years of hosting community events, pop-up shops, and business retreats in Beacon's historic Telephone Building at 291 Main Street, I have closed that space, along with Tin Shingle’s new CoWork space, which was located in the basement of the building. Both spaces may begin again elsewhere, but for now, they are nestled into my attic, basement, and other living spaces. Happily, A Little Beacon Blog is continuing to publish all the news that you need to know about happening in and around Beacon.
To address some FAQs:
“Did the building sell?”
The Telephone Building sold to The Telephone Building Beacon, LLC, represented by Shady Twal in December of 2019. After negotiating the lease package that was presented to me, it became clear that leaving the building was the best decision for my business.
The weeks leading up to the negotiation, and then the final week of it, were emotionally thick. Making the decision to leave was one of the most difficult I have ever made, and I am so, so grateful for the warm embrace of support I have felt from the Beacon community - friends and family - even if they did not know the details of what was happening. I will take that sensitivity with me as ALBB covers other businesses that must move or close up shop for whatever reasons any other small business owner might face.
“Can I buy your furniture?”
I’m so glad people are asking this question. I miss having the space to offer to people, and I’m really glad you love my new interior design skills. :) However, no, you may not buy all of that new gorgeous furniture because that vision may rise again. Right now, that bar with the love story behind it and those dope purple chairs are in my newly converted home office-living room, and I’m back to work-from-home life. (I did it for 11 years before taking the storefront on Main Street.) I can become quite like a hermit, so ask me out for coffee! :)
“Where are you going next?”
I’m property shopping! I love looking at new properties. What I created in the Telephone Building was unique to that space. My experience in the Telephone Building enabled a test kitchen environment, and I want to keep that level of comfort and offer it to others. I plan to take all of those feels with me to the next spot, wherever it might be, which will allow for meetings, community gatherings, and pop-up experiences.
I’ll be looking at the luxury buildings. The run-down buildings. The buildings in the fringe areas (I love the fringe!). Business friends of mine are encouraging me to come up to Wappingers Falls and over to Newburgh. One never knows which way the wind will blow.
It’s Back To Blogging As Usual
I have a new little P.O. Box, so I’ll be popping into my new post pffoce community of fellow P.O. Box checkers. In fact, I’ll probably see more of you because the A Little Beacon Blogging Team will be blogging from coffee shops and park benches and cars and my cozy living room. So stay tuned…the pop-up side of me may rise again!
Tin Shingle Presents Slime Pop-Up Shop, a Kidz Shop Day: Sunday, October 20, 2019 Time: 12 to 4 pm Location: A Little Beacon Space, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY L + R (Lily + Ruby) is the first kidz-run pop-up shop at A Little Beacon Space, presented by the slime shop’s sponsor, Tin Shingle. Two elementary school students have been making lots and lots of slime in different colors and textures, and are selling it in this mini-pop-up shop! While supplies last (and while their energy/focus lasts). Different slime textures and colors will be available. Cloud Slime. Angry Slime. Satisfying Slime! Stop by as you visit the Car Show, and before you hit the Pumpkin Festival down at the waterfront.
You know this building as the brick building across from Key Food. 291 Main Street is the building whose owner and restorer - Deborah Bigelow - is always outside sweeping trash, scraping cigar spit, raking the driveway and tree filler (yes, raking it into a meditative pattern), and who was up on the boom last year gilding the words "Telephone Building" in gold leaf by hand. If you went to her presentation for the Beacon Historical Society, you would have learned that those gold leaf sheets came in small squares that she needed to take up to the top of the building, in strong winds, and do her thing to gild it to the iconic letters.
When buildings go up for sale, a wave of uncertainty goes through the community. A Little Beacon Blog is Deborah's tenant in the front office, with windows overlooking Main Street. We did this to physically connect with the community to offer pop-up shops, workshop space, and more in what we call A Little Beacon Space.
We always knew that at some point soon in her life, Deborah would embark on her sale of the building. Therefore, we are 100% supportive and thrilled for her. In fact, it has launched a million dreams of where A Little Beacon Space might pop up next. We wrote a Love Note To Deborah and discussed possibilities of our future plans in this article, which you can read here.
PS: Our South Avenue Elementary School kids are practicing songs from "The Greatest Showman" for their next recital, so it's a nice coincidence that this really inspiring soundtrack is fueling a possible move to... we don't know where! Or maybe staying right here! We wrote a Love Note To Deborah As She Sells Her Building, which you can read here.
Happy Friday... Black Friday, that is! We hope you are continuing to have a wonderful holiday weekend. The shops in Beacon have been decorating to create a delightful experience for you. Visit them, and tag us with what you find! You must stop into the new shop, La Mère Clothing + Goods, who just joined with A Little Beacon Blog as an editorial sponsor partner! That means we get to gush about what's inside their store...
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS We're kicking it off with a few hot deals from the shops around you!
Find shops' addresses in A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide: La Mère Clothing + Goods: All-day deals including 15% off your purchase from 10 am to 1 pm; 10% off your purchase from 1 pm to 7 pm; free "Beauty Blender" with $50 purchase (while supplies last). All purchases of $200 or more will be entered to win the Holiday Survival Kit (quilted makeup bag, super-soft ringer tee, beauty masks, OPI nail polish, Brooklyn Candle Studio travel candle, and more!) Luxe Optique:
Receive 15% off your glasses purchase when you have Luxe Optique check what your insurance covers out of network. Yeah - it's that simple. Lambs Hill Bridal:
Come into the boutique and see their new "Moonlight Windows" at night. King & Curated: (the high-end, hand-crafted jewelry store next door to Lambs Hill)
Save 15% on purchases $100 and over, and 20% on purchases of $500 or more. Jake's Main Street Music: (near Towne Crier) Sale on musical gifts, instruments and stocking stuffers. Includes select instruments like ukuleles, mandolins, banjos, violins, and more. Beetle + Fred:
Insane deals on fabric, from to 20% to 40% off almost any fabric in the store, including some new patterns, and clearance. Whoa. Bra Fit Expert:
10% to 20% off bras, panties and pajamas. beBhakti Yoga:
Get 40 days of unlimited yoga for $99 (expires 12/31/18) or one year of unlimited yoga for $999.
Roger’s Folly’s Presents La Familia Swinging Blues Band
Day: Saturday, November 24, 2018 Time: 8 to 11:30 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Christmas Tree Lighting at Visitors Center in Polhill Park
Day: Saturday, November 24, 2018 Time: 3 to 5 pm (rain date set for Saturday, December 1) Location: Polhill Park, intersection of Main Street and Wolcott/Route 9D, Beacon, NY Information >
Broadway In Beacon Presents Happy Holidays
Day: Sunday, November 25, 2018 Time: 4 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.
Pre-Holiday Vintage Pop-Up @ Colorant
Days: Saturday & Sunday, November 24 & 25, 2018 Time: Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm Location: Colorant, 146 Main St, Beacon, NY Information >
Kaleidoscope Pop-Up at Zora Dora's
Days: Popping up 'till the end of February Time: 9 am to 7 or 8 pm, days may vary Location: Zora Dora's, 201 Main St., Beacon, NY
BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com (across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company)
Gifting glasses from Luxe Optique is totally possible and easy - even if your gift-giver is out of town. Simply call Luxe Optique at (845) 838-2020 and they can arrange everything. To "Get Luxed" is truly an experience. You are sure to find a pair of glasses that fit your personality.
BOUTIQUES IN THE MIDDLE
L a M è r e Clothing + Goods 436 Main Street www.instagram.com/lamereclothingandgoods
You're going to find so much inside of one of Beacon's newest boutiques, L a M è r e Clothing + Goods. Think comfort paired with fashion, like hoodie sweaters, jeans and boots, as well as scarves and chunky blankets. Store owner April completes your ensemble by selling perfume and OPI nail polish. Find things for the home as well! Black Friday deals are on - see the top of this edition for details, or check right here.
This charming and newly renovated home in Newburgh is filled with sunlight, and situated close to things to do. It is listed at $199,900 and has three bedrooms and one bathroom. According to Realtor Sarah Beckham Hooff: "A super chill neighborhood is within walking distance to the best bagel shop in Newburgh called Lox Stock & Bake." This home includes a walk-up attic, which is great for storage. Be a part of the change happening in Newburgh now... Details + Pictures >
BeaconArts Menorah Lighting: Starting Sunday, December 2 at 5:30 pm, one wheel will be lit for Hanukkah each night. Note: On Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8, lighting will be at 4:30 pm. Each wheel will be illuminated in honor of something special. See the honorees here.Details about the lighting > Bicycle Tree Lighting: Saturday, December 8. Activities start at 4pm. 4 pm: A festive “Kick Off” with dancers from Yanarella Dance Studio 4:30 pm: Seventh Night of Hanukkah – BeaconArts + Beacon Hebrew Alliance Bicycle Menorah Lighting 4:45 pm: Community Caroling with Gina Samardge and Compass Arts 5 pm: Santa arrives, led in by the Beacon Music Factory’s one and only Women’s Drum Corps! Santa's arrival will be followed by a countdown to the Bicycle Christmas Tree Lighting. Santa will be staying to greet families until 6 pm.
A Little Beacon Space
Bring the eggnog! 'Tis the season for Holiday Business Parties! Looking for a space for your special event? There is still time to book with A Little Beacon Space.
A Little Beacon Space SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, December 8, 2018
A Handmade Pop-Up Shop for one day only! Featuring Allegory (jewelry), Anna West (paintings), Teller Hill (eco-friendly dog accessories), Reklaimed (fabric flowers and more, from the creator of Beacon's original pop-up shop Cherry Bomb!), and Moss Pocket (small-batch ceramic wares). Details >
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency
Antalek & Moore can find the best insurance for your home, car, business, event, and more. You can still work directly with the insurance company you go with, like Progressive or Travelers, like if you want to pay your bill over the phone or ask a question. For no extra cost, the folks at Antalek & Moore do the research for you and act as your advocate if you need to file a claim or if anything else goes wrong.
Call them today at (845) 831-4300, or visit them at 340 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508.
Tin Shingle
Tin Shingle is having a Black Friday sale on membership. Save 25% off the yearly plan, and 20% off the half-year plan. Get the Details >
Katie James, Inc. NEW Special Rate: "The Do It Together" hourly rate is designed for people who use Squarespace and MailChimp, and want to get work done on their websites or newsletters. During this session, sit with Katie as she makes the changes with you to your website. The session can include design and strategy during your time. Studio rate is $350/hour, but the Do It Together package is $150/hour. Zip through your to-do list - quick! Contact for Details >
Beacon Chamber of Commerce
The Beacon Chamber of Commerce is available to all businesses in Beacon, as well as others nearby. Membership and event opportunities are available to help connect businesses. Learn More >
Advertise With A Little Beacon Blog
The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of making it happen, and get your business in front of the community in a meaningful way.
Support for this publication comes in part from these businesses. We have highlighted what makes them special on their own dedicated pages. Want your business listed here? See the "Sponsor Spotlight" or "Event Promotion" option in our Advertising Page.
A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
Kaleidoscope Pop-Up at Zora Dora's
