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)
Thank You! So many of you last week contributed financially as readers, bought a tote bag, and came on board as a sponsor. Please welcome our newest sponsors to A Little Beacon Blog's super special Guides, where we can bring more about them to you:
Lewis & Pine: The adorable shop on Main Street from the designer Yali Lewis who designs the jewelry inside. Beacon is very fortunate to have her, as her style is sleek and stellar.
Beacon Mercantile: Your answer for your summertime aromas and perfumes. Toni Hacker handcrafts all of her products right in the store, and even has secret collaborations with other makers.
Find our all of this in more in this weekend's email edition!
Communities Unite: A March For Justice
Day: Saturday, July 25, 2020 Time: 11am Location: Memorial Park
Organized by Ali T. Muhammad, sister cities are encouraged to attend, from Newburgh, Cold Spring, Poughkeepsie, etc. From the organizers: "Calling all Black, Indigenous & People of Color (BIPOC): We need you to share your voice in this demonstration of excellence and community." Club Draw Beacon is leading a solutions-oriented sign making session open for all and kid friendly at Memorial Park. Beacon4BlackLives will be leading the March down Fishkill Avenue and then down Main Street, stopping at PohIll Park and walking through the police station. They will stop for a 8:46 second pause and continue marching down through the train station. Then they walk to river front and have speeches at 1:30/2pm and then breakout sessions 3pm. Information >
Howland Cultural Center Member Art Show
Day: Saturday, July 25+26, 2020 Time: 1pm
Take a peek into the Howland Cultural Center this weekend with their Member Arts Show. Mask up, social distance, and enjoy the art. Information >
Towne Crier: Stories & Songs with Jeff Daniels Day: Sunday, July 26, 2020 Time: 7pm Location: LIVESTREAM - The Towne Crier, Beacon, NY Price: Tickets $15 (Please note that Towne Crier is NOT selling tickets for the live stream. They are being sold by Jeff Daniels via Crowdcas).
The Towne Crier is presenting a live-streamed show with award-winning actor and singer-songwriter Jeff Daniels for an intimate concert experience full of original songs, personal stories from his stage and movie career that only he can tell - and plenty of smiles. Stick around for a 15-30 min audience Q&A following the show. The questions submitted will be reviewed, with some then passed along to Jeff for reply. Tickets >
Beacon's Summer Concerts In The Park Day: Tuesdays, July 28, 2020 Time: 5-5:45pm
Performances at Pete And Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park. Come out for a free evening of performance, song and magic brought to you by Beacon Recreation. Performances from Compass Arts & Gwen Laster of Creative Strings Improvisers Orchestra. Each week, different performers will be bringing different experiences for all ages to Pete And Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park Information >
Fishkill's Summer Concerts In The Park
Day: Wednesday, July 29, 2020 Time: 6:30pm
Fishkill's Summer Concerts in the Park Series. Each week features a different local band. All concerts are free to the public. Concerts are held on Wednesdays (Thursdays will be the Rain Date). From the organizers: "Please wear a mask or face covering whenever you are not in your seat such as when you are using the restrooms, to and from your car, and whenever else you are unable to practice social distancing. You do not have to wear your mask to dance but we recommend doing your best to distance yourself from the closest dancer." Information >
EAT CHURCH
511 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon
"I don't know how you do the voodoo that you do so well...!" That fresh flavor voodoo that Eat Church is known for is going back to the kitchen for a menu re-do, or menu-refresh - to deal with all of this hotness weather. Keep it tuned here for when they are BACK. Stalk Them In Instagram > Eat Church is a ALBB Sponsor!
BAJA 328
328 Main Street, Beacon
New Temporary Hours! Looks like it's dinner during the week (closed Mondays), and lunch and dinner during the weekend. Pictured here: The Baja Paella. Tuesday - Thursday: 4-9pm Friday - Saturday: 12pm-10pm Sunday: 12pm08pm Order This > Baja 328 is a ALBB Sponsor!
The Pandorica’s 6th Anniversary
165 Main Street, Beacon Day: Saturday, July 25, 2020 Time: 6pm
The Pandorica invites you to join in helping celebrate their 6 years of bringing fans together for a unique experience that pays homage to their favorite show, Doctor Who. Participate in the fun and come in cosplay, there will be prizes!!! The Pandorica Open's/The Big Bang with a live introduction from Jon Davey, the man behind the mask. Jon has played over 40 characters on Doctor Who including but not limited to the headless Cyberman in The Pandorica Opens, he will follow up his introduction with a Q&A from you the fans. RSVP: Seating is limited. Reservations only. Call (845) 831-6287. Call right now.
LUXE OPTIQUE
181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Here we have Brendon effortlessly styling a pair of Jacques Marie Mage, and guess what...you can front that style pretty easily too. The stylists at Luxe Optique make you feel amazing every time you are in there, and are looking forward to helping you find the right next pair of frames for your personality and face. Go Shopping > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon
Binnacle Books is filling up their Prison Project initiative! This project brings books to prisoners. Each book can be sponsored (bought) by you, and Binnacle Books sends it along to the right person. See details here, and get on their newsletter or follow their Instagram for alerts on when the next batch is available to participate in. Subscribe > Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
LEWIS & PINE
133 Main Street, Beacon
Lewis & Pine is reopening! Located steps away Bank Square Coffee, it's that cute little shop that you always want to go into, but has been closed because...designer Yali was having her first baby with her husband Steve! Liora is their daughter's name. Welcome her to the world by treating yourself or your someone special to any piece of jewelry from Lewis & Pine. Featured here is the "Transformer Necklace." is minimal and elegant, but it's not simple. Their signature design hides a secret: it's actually two necklaces in one! Wear the center bar vertically to create an elegant v-shape or turn it horizontally for a unique crisscrossed style. The perfect necklace for every day, the Transformer goes with everything but looks like nothing else. Designed to transform your outfit. Materials: Sterling silver, Oxidized (darkened) sterling silver, 14K Gold-filled Price: $89 Sale! Use the code: REOPENING for buy one, get one at 50% off on all jewelry purchases! Start Shopping > Lewis & Pine is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON MERCANTILE
493 Main Street, Beacon
Beach house vibes on tap? Yes, please! Beacon Mercantile's scent collab with @salt.and.umber is inspired by the perfect beach day. Sun warmed skin on sand. Crashing waves at sundown. Salty beach clothes left to dry in the sun. Pop by the shop today and catch a W A V E. Start Shopping > Beacon Mercantile is a Sponsor, thank you!
ANTALEK & MOORE
340 Main Street, Beacon
Antalek & Moore works with a lot of different insurance carriers. One of their favorites is Travelers, who has published a few pool safety tips you'll want a refresher on. Get it...refresh...in a pool... Get These Tips > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle is a resource and empowerment platform for business owners, artists and makers to get the word out about their business. This is done through webinars (called "TuneUps") to be watched on replay any time; an online safe-space forum to ask questions and get answers and support; and in-person opportunities to bounce ideas off experts in a live video format. Learn More >
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Couture branding boutique, Katie James, Inc. has started the redesign of the website for Barb's Butchery. She has outgrown her current one, and wants to be able to work the website herself more. Using Squarespace, elements of ecommerce and blogging are going to be used to sell her new candles and merch, as well as upload videos of her viral TikTok videos. Keep your eyes here. Reach out if you need a new website too! Consulting also available if you're going it yourself. Learn More >
Luxe Optique Is Hiring Private Airbnb Manager For Apartments
The owners of Luxe Optique own their building with 4 apartments above the storefront. These have been redesigned and include washers/dryers for the short term rental market using Airbnb’s platform. Job Details >
Luxe Optique Is Hiring Cleaner of Airbnb Apartments
Luxe Optique is hiring a regular cleaning person or service to clean 4 apartments between Airbnb guests. Job Details >
Readers: OMG - when some of you asked to contribute financially, we were so humbled. To date, we have raised over $1,500 from YOU, and that has made a huge impact on paying our team. You can contribute any time - from $5 to $1,000 - any amount is appreciated. You can remain anonymous or have your name listed. One Time Contribution > Monthly Subscription Contribution >
Promotion Package For Main Street Retail: For $200/month, your boutique or restaurant can be featured in this newsletter and the Guides too, with a new message each week. Get into the lovely details of what you got going on! Did you just put up a parklet? We want to talk about it. A Little Beacon Blog will continue to promote online classes for fitness studios, who remain closed. Shopping Guide Signup > Restaurant Guide Signup > Beauty Guide Signup > Submit Events Free For Consideration Here >
Got questions? Email Teslie@alittlebeaconblog.com. She's super friendly and has great ideas on how to make things work.
Just last month, it used to be hipsterish to carry your tote bags to a grocery store. Forget about pulling them out at any other type of store, like a gas station, Rite Aid, or big-box store. You would just look plum “alternative” if you did (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Plenty of people carried the tote bags with pride, and showed off their tote bag collections from different magazines and brands they love, while others sometimes remembered to bring their totes stored in their cars. Now, thanks to the statewide ban on the single-use plastic bag (those plastic bags you see whipping around roads and catching on trees), everyone is carrying whatever bags they can remember into stores. Or maybe they are still carrying nothing at all.
“My husband came home the other night with groceries falling out of his arms,” recalled one Beacon resident. “Now he is trying to remember to bring the reusable bags in the car.” Common stories include people forgetting their reusable bags stashed in the car, only to dash out of the store to quickly grab them. Grocery stores like Key Food are making the paper and plastic reusable tote bags available at checkout. New York did not require stores to charge for the paper bags, as a deterrent to using any single-use bag, but many stores are charging 5 cents for the paper, and another rate for the reusable plastic tote. Key Food is charging 5 cents for their paper bags, and 99 cents for their reusable plastic bag, while Stop and Shop in Poughkeepsie is charging $2.50 for their reusable plastic bag. Beacon Natural is charging 5 cents for the paper bags, and does sell their cloth tote bag for $10, but has flash sales for $3.99 from time to time.
According to an article in the Poughkeepsie Journal, the cost of paper bags to a retail shop has increased. Nicole Wronga, owner of Simplicity, a consignment store, told the newspaper that the cost of 250 paper bags has increased from $42.50 to $47.50 (that equals 19 cents per paper bag, so even selling it at 5 cents is a loss for some who don’t order in huge bulk). It has caused Nicole to begin charging 5 cents for a paper bag, with 3 cents being donated to the state environmental budget, to encourage customers to bring their own bag.
Over here at A Little Beacon Blog, we sell tote bags, and now with the flooded market of totes (because we all need them), the price you might pay just plummeted. So, it costs us $7.50 to produce the bags locally in Newburgh, and we’re charging $10 right now.
BYO Bag - Bring Your Own Bag
New York State is branding this ban as BYO Bag (Bring Your Own Bag). Do you remember back in the 1990s, when the giant yellow plastic bags with blue handles were the rage? They were so giant, hardly anyone could really carry a full one. They equaled about three paper bags of groceries. Typically associated with Ikea bags, but sometimes sold by the Girl Scouts at grocery stores to encourage people not to use paper bags. The reusable bag has been tried before, but now it’s officially locked in. At least we know that paper bags are recyclable, but only if they are 100% dry, clean, and not wet with food.
When word was coming down of the plastic bag ban, some retailers didn’t believe it would happen. And then Marc Molinaro, County Executive for Dutchess County, signed it into law in December 2018. Dutchess County’s ban went into effect January 1, 2020. Ulster County’s County Executive signed theirs into law in October 2018, while Suffolk County added a 5 cent charge to single-use plastic and paper bags in January 2018. And then New York State brought it all down with a state ban, set to go into effect in March 2020, which will eventually make it all less confusing. No single-use plastic bags anywhere in the state.
Plastic Bags In Trees, In Streets, In Recycling
Recycling executives have cited plastic bags as one of the most disruptive contaminants to their recycling production, which adds to the taxpayer cost of recycling in Beacon. During a 2018 presentation from Beacon’s recycling facility, ReCommunity (acquired by Republic Services), Steve Hastings explained to the City Council about how the single-use plastic bags are one of the biggest disruptors to their production, when they get loose and float up and get stuck in the machines.
A year after Suffolk County’s plastic bag ban, a study released revealed that 1.1 billion fewer plastic bags were used in the county since that ban, and the number of bags found polluting shorelines fell steeply compared with 2017, as reported by Newsday.
How The Plastic Ban Works For Retailers
You can read all about the plastic bag ban rules for Dutchess County here in this legislative resolution (aka law). Retailers or wholesalers who are engaged in the sale of personal, consumer, or household items must stop providing the single-use plastic bags. Paper bags that are provided must be 100% recyclable, be made from at least 40% recyclable material, and display the word “Recyclable” on the front.
Retailers could be fined $100 for their first violation, $250 for their second violation, and $500 for their third violation, and violations thereafter.
So how about getting more cloth tote bags? A Little Beacon Blog and Antalek & Moore have got some for you! :)
The end of summer vacation comes too quickly and before you know it, it’s that time of year again! School buses are picking up children all around, parents are in a rush to drop their kids off without being late to work, and kids are on their bikes rushing to catch first period. “This can be a dangerous time because children - as well as drivers - are adjusting to back-to-school routines,” says Alex Epstein, director of Transportation Safety for the National Safety Council (NSC). Fortunately, Antalek & Moore has a few key tips to keep our community safe and happy:
BE PATIENT – STOP AND WAIT Share the road with school buses. We know the first few days take a little longer to get the kids loaded, but be patient! Who doesn't love a good first day back-to-school picture with their kids waving from the bus?
KIDS IN MOST DANGER NEAR THEIR BUS According to the National Safety Council, the most dangerous area for children is within 10 feet of their bus. Give them space to load and unload. This is especially true in the first few weeks of school as kids are excited and getting used to this year's routine. If the bus has its lights on and its stop sign out - it is never safe to pass the bus. This applies to multiple lanes as well, so be aware when traveling on a road like Route 9 as school buses may be traveling in the opposite direction.
WATCH FOR KIDS WALKING TO SCHOOL We have a good amount of our students who walk to and from school in Beacon. Please be aware of them, especially in a school zone. Be sure to follow posted speed limits, avoid blocking crosswalks when stopped, and keep an eye out for crossing guards.
Many children nationwide begin and end their days with a trip to and from school, whether that’s by bus, walking or biking. By exercising a little extra care and caution, we can create a happy and safe school zone. Wishing all Beacon City School District students, a happy and safe 2019-2020 school year!
You’ve seen this face before - longtime Beacon resident and business owner Fred Antalek. Fred was born in 1937 and still works for his family business, Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency, coming to work “faithfully to keep everyone in check.” On Saturday, March 9, 2019, he’ll be bundling up along with everyone else to serve for his first time as the Grand Marshal in Beacon’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Green.
To find out how Fred feels about being this year’s Grand Marshal, we reached out to his daughter, Susan Antalek Pagones, who now runs the business with her partner Vince Lemma and their team of staff members. “Fred is quite honored about being the Grand Marshal this year,” Susan replied. “People ask if he is Irish… LOL, he is actually from the Gallagher family, so don’t be fooled!”
Fred’s Fondest Memory of Beacon
Schoonmaker’s, a department store in Beacon. Open from 1929 to 1960. Photo Credit: Beacon Historical Society
Our Beacon elders are filled with fond and important memories. We asked Susan for one of Fred’s: “When Fred was 10 years old, he used to row around in a boat on the street behind Rite Aid,” Susan recalled. That street is also the location of Antalek & Moore’s current Beacon office. “This area was always flooded.”
Flooded? “Yes,” said Fred. “Matteawan Brook is what constantly overflowed. This brook caused major flooding to the back of what is now Rite Aid and the intersection of Church and South Chestnut Street.” Before Rite Aid, the location was the home of Schoonmaker’s.
Schoonmaker's Department Store. Beacon had its first "modern" Department Store when Schoonmaker's opened its doors in the Christmas season of 1929. With "60 departments under one roof" (including "Toyland" in the basement), Schoonmaker's was the first stop for your Christmas shopping on Main Street. Later on, across the street at 341 Main, was the W.T. Grant store (Schoonmaker's biggest competitor), where you could even buy a live parakeet for Christmas! Like so many other good things in Beacon, Schoonmaker's and Grant’s were both gone by the late 1960s.
A map of Beacon from 1876, when the town was known as Fishkill on the Hudson. The Map shows the Matteawan stream.
UPDATE 3/9/2019: Since first publishing this article, a reader wrote in with a picture of a map of Beacon from 1876 when it was known as Fishkill on the Hudson. The stream is also on the 1867 map we covered earlier. The reader, Air Nonken Rhodes, is on the Resources Committee for Beacon, a new committee that is currently compiling all known natural resources in Beacon. Residents who live in that area still experience some flooding, so we asked Air about the stream as it is today:
“They buried the stream circa 1910 - scavenger hunt to find the plaque in Memorial Park commemorating that! The stream-burying was done rather poorly. It was especially challenging since it was swampy ground all around what’s now Rite Aid. That’s a big part of why the center section of Main Street wasn’t developed sooner and more fully. So, flooded basements still today, and not many historic buildings along there.”
More Beacon Business Trivia
Family businesses run deep in Beacon. Fred used to have his office on East Main Street, where Tiko’s Hair is now. “I remember it well,” recalled Susan. “I used to slide along the floor, where the large picture window is. playing with my toys. His sister Mary Ann worked for him.” In the late ’70s/early ’80s, Fred moved to 308 Main Street, where the Darrow Brothers used to have their clothing store. When Fred merged with Pat Moore, the business moved to 340 Main Street, Antalek & Moore’s current location. Fred’s mother worked at Gallagher’s Market, the current location of BAJA.
Continuing in her father’s footsteps, Susan has recently closed on the purchase of their building. She is one of Beacon’s newest female building owners. She’s got her eyes fixed on a new project on their roof involving a light. “We are trying to get the ‘beacon’ light on the roof - look for it the next time you pass by. I think that might be neat to find out the history of that.”
Stay tuned…
Antalek & Moore is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlight program. It is with the support of businesses like theirs that A Little Beacon Blog can bring you coverage of news, local happenings and events. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to become a Sponsor or Community Partner, please click here for more information.
Crucial to the success of a community is jobs. Some people have full-time jobs and work for other people. Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency in Beacon, NY, employs a staff of 10 full-time employees and 1 part-time employee. Other people create their own jobs based on their creative talent as small business owners and entrepreneurs. Antalek & Moore reached out to these entrepreneurs in the local market when they decided to kick off 2019 with a new online presence, featuring a cleaner, mobile-friendly website!
Hiring Local Design and Photography Talent
Says Susan about the website design process: “Two years ago, we changed how we market, using social media and a new website. We wanted to work with locals to create this for us.” Antalek & Moore entered the social media landscape with Kate Rabe of Marketing Inbound, who works with several organizations throughout the Hudson Valley.
For the website design, Kate referred Antalek & Moore to Katy Dwyer Design, who is known for working closely with clients. Katy and her team produced the design, and Kate shaped the content. “The goal was to re-vamp the website so it is more user-friendly, and not so stiff,” explains Susan.
“One of the most exciting aspects of the project is how we were able to use the photography of our longtime friend of the family, Scott Snell, who is a broadcast camera operator and drone photographer (learn more about him in his interview in the Highlands Current). He was responsible for the beautiful local artwork that now hangs on our walls.” Scott is known for sharing beautiful photography of Beacon with the public on social media.
New Website Features
Whether you’re looking to pay your bill, request a quote, or want to find out when Susan’s next Defensive Driving course is scheduled, the new design provides easier navigation for visitors. Since Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency serves as your local agent and liaison with whichever national insurance agency you elect to go with, you can pay that insurance company directly as well, if you’re used to paying that way.
If you are curious about updating your coverage for your home, car, or business - visit Antalek & Moore at www.antalek-moore.com.
Personally, I’m all bundled up with Antalek & Moore! Home, Car, Business. Easy.
Antalek & Moore is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlight program. It is with the support of businesses like theirs that A Little Beacon Blog can bring you coverage of news, local happenings and events. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to become a Sponsor or Community Partner, please click here for more information.
During this holiday season, we’re sending out a simple message of gratitude to one of our first and longest sponsors: Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency. I first met Susan Antalek Pagones during a joint BeaconArts / Beacon Chamber Member Mingle at St. Rocco’s, and it is an evening I will always remember for its illumination of how history is handed down in Beacon.
Right after introducing myself and saying I had just moved here and where my house was, Susan turned to her colleague, Terry Williams, to ask her: “Whose house is that?” Now, I knew whose house it was from the young family we bought it from (they bought it years ago, and opted to move closer to the mountain), but Susan and Terry knew it from the two generations of the family who had lived there prior.
I have since heard about this other family from our first plumber who could identify the pipes in the basement as his own among the other pipes that were not his work. The next person who knew our home better than me was a handyman I hired for my office to hang an OPEN sign from the ceiling. It turns out he was friends with the son of the family who owned our home decades ago. They have since both turned into professional home improvement professionals, which makes sense when I notice the creatively custom-built details around our home.
Susan teaches me about community-centered business all the time. Susan, her partner Vince Lemma, and their team of dedicated agents can help make it easier for you to decipher insurance, whether home, condo, renters, business, health, car, etc. Learn about how they do it in this exclusive interview with Susan Antalek Pagones here, and the interview we did with Vince here.
Thank you Team Antalek & Moore for supporting local media and A Little Beacon Blog!
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 >
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When you see the words "insurance agency" or "independent insurance agent," what does that mean to you? Do they sell insurance? Are they the insurance company? No. Independent insurance agents are your personal liaisons, your personal agents of change when it comes to getting what you want and need out of the insurance policy that you buy with the big-name insurance companies, like Progressive, Travelers, and many others. Your local insurance agent knows the distinct differences between each of them. The agents know where a lower price indicates savings, and where it means a dip in quality. They do the homework; you do the living.
We are used to doing things ourselves. But with insurance, we don't have to do it alone. We can have a helping hand. To show you what this means, we asked Susan Antalek Pagones, a Partner at Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency, to give us a few examples of real-life situations where insurance is a must. If all goes well, all you do is pay a policy. But if something happens, you get to know the claims process real quick. Susan enlightens us a bit:
When Insurance Goes From a Quarterly Bill, to a Policy Claim
Susan recalls some of the tougher cases they have handled. “We had an insured family that had a fire and lost the whole house. We met them on the scene on the day after with a large basket filled with everyday essentials we take for granted - shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, socks - all toiletries you could think of, plus some gift cards to go shopping and to get clothes to put on their backs.”
“Our customers become our family. In the time of need, you always help out family. ”
— Susan Antalek Pagones, Partner, Antalek & Moore
This is the kind of detail and personal touch that continues to draw people to Antalek & Moore. They go above and beyond to stay on top of their insured customers. When Beacon and a good part of the mid-Hudson Valley lost power after the huge storm in May 2018, Antalek & Moore stayed open.
“We stayed open at the office running on jetpacks and laptops. I gave my cell number to any insured customer who wanted it, to call me after-hours with any questions they may have had. We asked adjusters to give our customers advancements on claims. This means that we asked them to cut a check for a certain amount right on the spot so that our customers could start the process of normality."
Antalek & Moore Advocates on Behalf of Their Customers
Susan explains what their mindset is at Antalek & Moore, what drives them to produce the kind of personal service that they provide: "Our customers become our family. In the time of need, you always help out family."
Sometimes problems can arise during claim-submission process after an accident or unexpected incident. Says Susan: "Sometimes the company may not always agree on certain things that should be paid at the time of a claim. We are the voice of the customer if we feel things should be covered, and we get right in there with the insurance company to advocate on behalf of our customer if there is a problem."
Lots of people in the Hudson Valley had major tree and house damage after the big storm in May. "We had a customer that had a HUGE tree fall on their house. The customer had previous plans to go away to visit Texas. We made sure that she did go, as her house was not livable. We worked closely with her son to help get the claim settled. There were many hiccups along the way. I was also on a planned trip, but kept in touch constantly by cell with our customer to help. I am not saying it was smooth sailing trying to get this customer back up and running in their home, but whenever they reached out to us, morning or night, weekday or weekend, we always made sure we were there to help out."
Going Local With Insurance Can Make Life Easier
Whether it's buying a home or starting a small business, you need insurance. With so many options available, shopping for insurance can be overwhelming. A Little Beacon Blog's Managing Editor, Marilyn Perez, used Antalek & Moore when she purchased her condo a year ago and was so happy having established that relationship with a local insurance broker to narrow down the best option for her.
Antalek & Moore is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlight program. It is with the support of businesses like theirs that A Little Beacon Blog can bring you coverage of news, local happenings and events. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to become a Sponsor or Community Partner, please click here for more information.
Grand Opening of Antalek & Moore Marlboro Location! WHEN: Thursday, May 31 TIME: 3 to 7 pm WHERE: 1313 & 1311 Route 9W, Marlboro, NY
Beacon residents are lucky to have a service like Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency right at our fingertips! With their track record of success in the community, Antalek & Moore is expanding into Ulster County with a new office in Marlboro, NY. “There seems to be a business barrier when it comes to the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge,” says Susan Antalek Pagones, co-executive partner at Antalek & Moore. “We wanted to overcome that obstacle and found that opening our own office on that side of the river would be the perfect way to do so.”
Co-Executive Partners Vince Lemma and Susan Antalek Pagones, both in the Beacon office, are excited about the expansion of their agency. While they have always served customers who live outside Dutchess County, this gives the agency the chance to be right in the heart of the Marlboro community. They pride themselves on community involvement and support, and look forward to making many new relationships to carry on that commitment to their neighbors.
Antalek & Moore Welcomes Rob DeWit To The Team
In addition to opening the new location, Antalek & Moore welcomes a new member, Rob DeWit, to the team. Rob is a longtime insurance industry expert and will be a crucial asset to the team as they make the move. “The reason why I chose insurance was I wanted to make a difference and help people when they need it most," says Rob, in the company's press release announcing the expansion.
“We are very excited Rob has joined the Antalek & Moore team,” says Vince Lemma. “He will bring many years of insurance industry experience and he is looking forward to help grow in Ulster, Sullivan and Orange counties.”
Rob comes with over 14 years of experience in the insurance agency; he got into the business while working for a family member that owned an agency. That agency grew over the years and he quickly moved into the role of vice president, overseeing offices throughout Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties.
Says Rob: "We supply a product that is only used when tough situations arise, and I want to be there for my customers when they do.” Joining Antalek & Moore was a no-brainer, “as I wanted to work for an agency with a family atmosphere. Antalek & Moore brings this, as well as a pristine reputation in the industry. It is important for me to work for a company that values employees, as well as integrity."
Rob is a graduate of Dutchess Community College and has an associate's degree in business administration. He is a lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley and enjoys all that the valley has to offer with his two daughters, who live close by.
About Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency is a family-first business and has been open since 1853. With this experience under their belt, there is no doubt to why they have been trusted for so long. They are a full-service insurance and risk-management agency with main offices located in Beacon, NY. Executive Partners Susan and Vince own one of the original Main Street agencies, offering commercial and personal insurance solutions to customers in the Hudson Valley community, broader New York region, and across the country. Being in the business for over 80 years has taught the agency that people want nothing more than an agent who is knowledgeable, trustworthy and accommodating to the client’s needs.
You're Invited to the Grand Opening in Marlboro, NY!
Please join in on the Grand Opening being held Thursday, May 31, from 3 to 7 pm at 1313 & 1311 Route 9W, Marlboro, NY. Refreshments will be served, and you will have the chance to meet members of the Antalek & Moore staff from both locations.
Antalek & Moore is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlight article program. It is with the support of businesses like theirs that A Little Beacon Blog can bring you coverage of news, local happenings and events. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to become a Sponsor or Community Partner, please click here for more information.
When: Thursday, January 18, 2018 Time: 4 to 5 pm Where: Their offices at 340 Main Street, Beacon, NY Stop By! Or RSVP: 845-245-6292
Late in December of 2017, a hand-signed letter arrived in the mail from Pat Moore, partner at Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency. The letter announced his retirement from the independently owned firm Antalek & Moore in order to pursue personal interests, which included traveling with his expanding grand-family. Maintaining independence in the insurance world has been deeply important to Pat, as he reiterated in his retirement letter: “We live in a time of high-level merger and acquisition activities of firms like ours. Maintaining our longstanding independence is proving to be the exception in today’s business environment.”
Of the utmost importance to Pat was hand-picking his successor, Vincent A. Lemma, to join his business partner, Susan Antalek-Pagones, in carrying the business forward into its next generation. Antalek & Moore originated in Beacon in 1853 and continues here today with the new leadership and partnership of Susan and Vincent at the helm. They are hosting a ribbon cutting to celebrate the transition on Thursday, January 18, at 4 pm. And you’re invited!
About Vincent A. Lemma, Antalek & Moore's New Partner
Vincent (please, call him Vince, he insists) started working with Pat eight years ago during a time when Vince was employed by an insurance agency owned by a bank. “Crazy things were happening with the banks,” says Vince, “and things were happening that didn’t jive with me for our customers.” He reached out to Pat to begin working in the independent world, and their business relationship blossomed.
As a new leader of the firm, Vince is pulling from his experience as an assistant lacrosse coach at several different colleges. As an assistant coach at Randolph Macon College, his team knocked nationally ranked Washington and Lee out of the playoffs in 1997, fueling his competitive drive to work with a team of young people balancing sports, school and teamwork. Coaching also allowed him to leave his home state of New York to experience different parts of the country, and return later to settle down into the insurance profession.
“As an athlete, you need to overcome hurdles to win. In this industry, we face those hurdles on a daily basis. As a coach, you need to understand how to help your employees overcome those hurdles.”
Vince believes that 90 percent of problems in the insurance world are caused by simple misunderstandings, and he aims to educate current and future customers of Antalek & Moore to help them know their coverage. He believes that working with an independent agent gives customers an advantage. “When you’re not working with your agent and your broker, things get difficult, and you think the insurance companies are out to get you. We fight for the insurance company to cover everything they agreed to cover in the agreement with the customer.”
You can meet Vince any time by scheduling an appointment with him, but the most fun way will be to attend their upcoming ribbon cutting, right on Main Street, conveniently located in the middle of town, near Rite Aid. In fact, park in the free parking lot behind Rite Aid and BAJA, and you're on Antalek & Moore's back doorstep! Stop in, welcome Vince to the position, and look for more from this new development at Antalek & Moore.
Antalek & Moore is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlight program. It is with the support of businesses like theirs that A Little Beacon Blog can bring you coverage of news, local happenings and events. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to become a Sponsor or Community Partner, please click here for more information.
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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.
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