February 09, 2017

Fundraiser to Bring More Veggies to Food Assistance Programs for Families In Need at Beacon Farmers' Market

February 09, 2017/ Katie Hellmuth

Beacon G4G recipient Sam Brittain and her daughter Charlie.Photo Credit: Beacon Farmers' Market — Beacon G4G recipient Sam Brittain and her daughter Charlie.
*Photo Credit: Beacon Farmers' Market*

Last summer, the Beacon Farmers' Market welcomed a new program: Green for Greens was introduced as part of a wider program to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables sold at the Beacon Farmers' Market. With Green for Greens, people enrolled in food assistance programs - including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, often referred to as "food stamps" but dedicated to nutritional food), WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, servicing low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and infants and children under the age of five), or FMNP (the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program) - received extra vouchers to use at the Beacon Farmers' Market..

Just four months after the launch, the program ran out of funds due to high popularity. The program will be available again for the 2017 growing season, but this year, the Beacon Farmers' Market is raising money in advance to keep the program funded after its allotted budget runs out. The "Soup for Greens Fundraiser" is this Sunday, February 12, at the Beacon Farmers' Market's indoor/winter location at the VFW Building (aka the Memorial Building at the intersection of Main Street and Rt. 52, near the diner) from 10 am to 2 pm.

Helanna Bratman (who also leads the Green Teens), started the Green for Greens program with the idea to double the benefits that recipients receive from assistance programs, in order to buy locally grown fruits and vegetables. The Green for Greens matching program is unique to Beacon and is not yet available in other communities.

What Is Available At This Fundraiser?

The Beacon Farmers' Market will be selling an array of hearty winter soups including meaty, vegan and vegetarian varieties for $10, to be enjoyed on the spot. There are take-away $10 options for people who bring their own containers (for freezing or eating later). For $25, supporters can choose a hand-crafted ceramic bowl made by local artisans, including Virginia Piazza, who frequently has a booth at the market.

Bowls made by local artisans will be available at the soup fundraiser. You might find a gem like these, made by Virginia Piazza, a potter who participates in the Beacon Farmers' Market.Photo Credit: Virginia Piazza — Bowls made by local artisans will be available at the soup fundraiser. You might find a gem like these, made by Virginia Piazza, a potter who participates in the Beacon Farmers' Market.
*Photo Credit: Virginia Piazza*

Even more artisan-made bowls will be available for $25 at the Soup for Greens fundraiser.

For those who cannot attend the event but want to pay a bowl of soup forward, there is an online donation option available here. Donors will receive a soup recipe, and a lucky person in need will receive a bowl of soup.

Where Do The Funds Go, And How Do People In Need Find Out About It?

All proceeds collected from selling soup and bowls will go to the Green for Greens Double Up Program, a program that doubles the amount of money available from each respective food assistance program in order to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at the Beacon Farmers' Market and Common Greens mobile markets around town.

Last year, the program distributed $3,000 to people who qualified before funds ran out, according to the Beacon Farmers' Market Manager Sarah Simon. "We got the word out last year by hanging posters in key locations – the Beacon Community Health Center, the WIC office, the SNAP/EBT office – and so forth," Sarah recalled. "We also did a flyer distribution as well as a robo-text (text to all families) in the Beacon City School District. The mobile market, which is a program started by Green Teens and Helanna Bratman in 2015, is also well-attended, so we made an announcement there as well. This year, we hope to do more tabling at community events."

Support from Businesses and Individuals

Families like Kristen and Rob VanCott will become "soup chefs" and donate soup they made to the fundraiser.

Volunteer support has come in many forms: citizens in the community have been cooking soups, Quinn's has donated a large quantity of paper goods, and Beacon Pantry and Jennifer Clair have offered burner space to keep soups toasty warm. Over a dozen people will staff the event and assist with outreach, according to outreach coordinator Jill Rubin.

The benefits program made available within the Beacon Farmers' Market is sponsored by CCEDC Green Teen and Common Ground Farm, with additional support from United Way, Poppy's, Obercreek Farm, Homespun Foods, Fishkill Farms and Hudson River Healthcare.

What Else Is Available At the Beacon Farmers' Market?

Produce enthusiasts can also get fresh seafood at the Beacon Farmers' Market as well as fresh poultry, depending on vendors what is in season. The Farmers' Market will remain at its indoor location at the Memorial Building on Sundays until April 9, and will reopen its outdoor location by the Hudson River on April 23. While you're there, don't forget to tip the fiddler.

Poultry from Grass + Grit Farm.Photo Credit: Beacon Farmers' Market — Poultry from Grass + Grit Farm.
*Photo Credit: Beacon Farmers' Market*

Fresh shrimp from Hudson Valley Seafood.Photo Credit: Beacon Farmers' Market — Fresh shrimp from Hudson Valley Seafood.
*Photo Credit: Beacon Farmers' Market*

February 01, 2017

BeaconArts Elects New President and Other Key Positions - Plus a Song! (Partner Post)

February 01, 2017/ Katie Hellmuth

BeaconArts member meetings are super welcoming and easygoing, yet are packed with information about what is going on around Beacon, NY. The meetings are fueled by each member's excitement about what he or she is contributing to the community at large through individual creative projects. This beat runs through every meeting, but January's is exceptional. Members recall what the organization and its fiscally sponsored projects accomplished over the past year, then an election for board members (or re-election, for some) is held.

Elevating the start of this month's member meeting was a performance of the song "Freedom and Truth," composed by Debra Kaye with words by the late Margaret Fuller. Fuller was a visionary women's rights and social activist, a transcendentalist poet, and an intellectual scholar and writer who used the power of her pen to advocate for women’s equality, abolition of slavery, prison reform, democracy, and human rights.

The song's performance honored one of BeaconArts' 2016 accomplishments: aiding in the installation of a Margaret Fuller Marker at the Beacon Visitor Center, commemorating Fuller's historic visit to then-Fishkill Landing in Fall 1844. Fuller lived in this area for seven weeks while writing America’s first feminist work, Woman in the Nineteenth Century. The book's publication profoundly impacted the women’s rights movement, inspiring the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York. BeaconArts commissioned this song for the Margaret Fuller Historical Marker Dedication on May 21, 2016. The trio of performers - Debra Kaye, Kelly Ellenwood, and Kathleen Bosman - reunited to perform it live at the beginning of January's meeting.

New BeaconArts Board Members and Positions

Longtime Board of Directors President Dan Rigney ended his term of eight years at the helm of BeaconArts, leading it through an invigorating time for Beacon and growth for BeaconArts. Citing his background and involvement in artistic movements in other states, Dan may or may not have gotten choked up during his final speech as president, but promised to stay on as an active strategic planner with the group.

New to the helm, but no stranger to the daily workings of BeaconArts, is Kelly Ellenwood (professional opera singer and now teacher). She has long been an active promoter of members and BeaconArts fiscal sponsorship projects, and as a citizen, she is deeply rooted in several volunteer organizations in the area, including Beacon Art and Education Foundation.

Stepping into the Vice President role is Theresa Gooby, artist and former director of Beacon Open Studios. (The fiscally sponsored project of BeaconArts kicks off May 12 this year.)

The newly elected Treasurer is Aaron Verdile. He also serves as Treasurer for the Beacon Sloop Club, and is a financial advisor at Prudential.

Continuing their roles on the Board of Directors are Secretary Erica Hauser of Catalyst Gallery, and Members at Large Pamela Dailey of Pamela Dailey Design and Christina Jensen of Jensen Artists.

Re-elected to her role as a Member at Large is Sommer Hixson, a PR professional and the Director of Communications for Glynwood. New Members at Large include the artist Rick Rogers, who almost always has an open studio in his gallery overlooking Fishkill Creek near Dogwood. Terry Nelson, founder of the Beacon Independent Film Festival and new Head of Day-To-Day Operations at The Ground Radio, is also a new Member At Large.

If you're not a member yet of BeaconArts, you can join right here, and it's really easy.

BeaconArts Annual Member Meeting Held At The Beacon Music Factory

The Beacon Music Factory may best be known by some as the home of Rock Band Boot Camps, where adults and kids immerse themselves in the study of covering of bands they love - costumes and all. The newest location for The Beacon Music Factory is on Rt. 52 and recently re-opened. The new space was renovated to accommodate the steady flow of aspiring musicians of all ages who come in for private and group lessons, band rehearsals, and sometimes occasional related gatherings, like a BeaconArts meeting.

The welcome desk at Beacon Music Factory.Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin — The welcome desk at Beacon Music Factory.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

One of several private music rooms inside of Beacon Music Factory.Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin — One of several private music rooms inside of Beacon Music Factory.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

BeaconArts is a Community Partner of A Little Beacon Blog and is part of our Sponsor Spotlight program. This article was part of their monthly messaging partnership. Thank you for supporting organizations who support us!

January 23, 2017

City of Beacon Town Hall Meeting, Wednesday, January 25, 2017, 9am

January 23, 2017/ Katie Hellmuth

The City of Beacon is hosting a Town Hall meeting this Wednesday, January 25, 2017 from 9 to 11am at the Memorial Building at 413 Main St. Everyone is invited, though space is limited. This is a chance to hear directly from select department heads and other officials about their intentions for different issues, and to voice your questions.

Agenda

The first part of the meeting will include speeches, followed by a Q&A session with Mayor Casale, along with the City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero and city department heads. You can get to know your local government officials by clicking here to the City of Beacon's new website, which includes an easy-to-access list of recent videos

Community and Main Street Policing – Chief Douglas Solomon
Dutchess County Stabilization Center – County Executive Marcus Molinaro
Dutchess County Public Transit – Cynthia Ruiz
Q&A session with Mayor Casale, City Administrator Ruggiero and City Department Heads

January 03, 2017

Christmas Tree Pickup Starts January 5, 2017 - Preparing Your Tree To Take To The Garbage

January 03, 2017/ Katie Hellmuth

It's that time... 'tis the season to clean your house from the holidays, and take down the Christmas tree. You may be one of those who leaves the decorations up for the entire month of January. And that's fine — as long as you don't want to miss the free Christmas tree pickup that the City of Beacon provides. It starts on January 5, 2017, and concludes at the end of January.

How to Prepare Your Christmas Tree for Pickup

Yes, there is a best way, as well as a worst way, to get your Christmas tree outside for the garbage pickup. Here is the advice from Beacon's Highway Department:

Remove all ornaments and lights. The Christmas trees get recycled into wood chips at Beacon's Transfer Station, which was known as The Town Dump until recently.
Lie the Christmas tree down flat. Standing Christmas trees that lean up against a fence could get overlooked by the Highway Department while they drive by looking for Christmas trees to pick up.
If you see a red truck in your neighborhood, get your tree curbside - quick!

The Highway Department gets assigned to a grid of the city each day. When they are not super busy with other projects, assigned trucks will drive around a grid of town for the day. So if you see a truck in your area, get on it and get that tree outside. If you don't see a truck in your area, get the tree outside anyway, and it will most likely get picked up soon.

December 21, 2016

Christmas Lights On Houses In Beacon - 2017

December 21, 2016/ Katie Hellmuth

Driving around Beacon to hunt for Christmas lights is a treasured pastime of many. The first time a roundup of light displays was published on this blog, people's comments recalled childhood memories of neighbors, who may or may not still live in those houses. Driving home at night in December is truly a festive experience. Here are a few of the many houses elaborately decorated for the holidays. And bonus "holiday feel" points for us this year - it has snowed already!

Taken by graphic designer Stacie Merrill during the nights of the spooky moon in December 2016.

Ribbons, trimming and garland. Bring more snow!

Yard art is really hard to resist. This van with the laser lights is something special.

Taken by graphic designer Stacie Merrill on one of her nightly walks.

Each year, these row houses on East Main just past Dogwood always dress up.

A naturally decorated house, with its gingerbread trim.

But needs two photos, because of the side yard.

Same house as above, but captured differently. See the orbs in this one?

Photo Credits: All photos taken by Katie Hellmuth Martin, except those taken by Stacie Merrill as indicated.

December 21, 2016

Santa Letter Delivered In Beacon - Did You Write Him?

December 21, 2016/ Katie Hellmuth

Have you ever written a letter to Santa and sent it to the North Pole? I don't think I ever did. Maybe at Higbee's when we visited Santa one time, you needed to write something. My 6-year-old this year asked if she could write a letter to Santa. Correction: She didn't ask, she declared she was doing it. And now that she has just learned how to write, she can accomplish this.

One letter was written to Santa, the envelope was addressed, and the whole shebang was sent with a real U.S.P.S. stamp to give the post office the extra Christmas cash. The next day, she checked the mailbox, and the letter was indeed gone. Unlike the Elf on the Shelf, it wasn't anything I had anything to do with. The letter had been whisked away to the North Pole. The job was done.

Until December's Second Saturday, when we were out and about. My daughter and I hit two pop-up markets on the east end of town, then shopped our way up Main Street at Utensil, Echo, and Style Storehouse (where we saw carolers!). We stopped into Rite Aid to contemplate Big Gigantic Bears, and made it allllll the way to the new boutique, Bellus on Main, to try on their amazing boot selection. Hunger overcame me, so we needed to head straight to Dogwood for an emergency burger. But not before stopping by our own mailbox to check on an Elf on the Shelf that appeared there. Lo and behold, we also found a mystery letter, decorated in stickers and lollipops! I assumed it came with the Elf, which had been offloaded by a friend whose child had condemned it to live in her car's glove compartment.

Ho ho ho, this letter was not from my friend.

It was from Santa! The note thanked my daughter for sending him her Christmas list. He told her that he checked it, saw that she was on his Nice List, and would be paying a visit, but only if she did not peek. The note was pre-typed on Santa stationery, with her name hand-written in purple marker. The outside of the envelope was decorated with multicolored markers, with glitter stickers and a super-special gingerbread lollipop that - at her own insistence - has been stored in a special place by my daughter until Christmas.

None of us had ever seen a letter from Santa, and we were all shocked, extremely excited, and very warmed to the heart to live in Beacon.

The only clue to the letter's origin - not that one needed a clue, because it was signed "Santa" - was the return address and stamp. Of which there were none, except for the logo of the United States Postal Service, and a pre-paid postage placement. Well, heck. There are some elves out there!

Speaking of elves, I saw one in Accuprint the other day when I was shipping gifts. He'd asked me, while he waited to take away my packages and a bunch of others: "Did your daughter get the letter I brought?" YES, I said. According to this elf, he'd delivered my daughter's letter and others to a woman in the post office. Every year, she answers children's Christmas letters to Santa. No one knows why she does it, he told me. And it's not her official job to do so. She just does. Rainbow markers, glitter stickers and all. Leaving the rest of us speechless.

Making magic happen.

December 10, 2016

The Story Behind Beacon's Bicycle Tree, Lit Every December Second Saturday (Sponsor Spotlight)

December 10, 2016/ Katie Hellmuth

This year will mark the fifth year for the Bicycle Tree, which has grown in size and complexity. During its first year, the tree was smaller and stationary. Last year, visitors of all ages were delighted when they found they could interact with the tree by spinning wheels, using pedals, and climbing around its larger structure. Originally an initiative conceived by the artist Ed Benavente and sponsored by BeaconArts, the City of Beacon now also supports the event. Activities including a children's craft begin at 3:30 pm, Santa arrives at dusk, and the tree is lit at 5 pm. Bring a mug for hot chocolate.

Photo Credit: BeaconArts, by Ethan Harrison (@Wolfingtons) — Photo Credit: BeaconArts, by Ethan Harrison (@Wolfingtons)

The Bicycle Reindeer that brings Santa to the tree lighting each year.Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin — The Bicycle Reindeer that brings Santa to the tree lighting each year.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

The Second Saturday Tree Lighting happens at Polhill Park next to the Beacon Welcome Center. Last year, in 2015, a record 750 people attended and 200 children sang, according to Kelly Ellenwood, Vice President of BeaconArts. During the day of the tree lighting, the program includes singers and dancers from various local schools, traditional Christmas carols, free hot chocolate and of course, Santa Claus himself, who is delivered by a Bicycle Reindeer to the tree. The menagerie of bicycle constructions has also grown to include a Bicycle Menorah for Hanukkah, and now a New Year’s Ball made of bicycle wheel rims. The latter will be dropped in the last seconds of 2016 for the second time at Dogwood (on the East End of town just over the Fishkill Creek).

Ed's sculptures are all around town. Most notable may be the tall fork and spoon that went up outside Café Amarcord during a Beacon 3D summer outdoor show. You also may have seen Ed peddling around town on his Santa Cab/Bike, aka the Bicycle Reindeer. Ed's work can also be seen in Marion Royael Gallery (speaking of which, have you been in to see the Doors exhibit, "Mr. Yard Presents Knock Knock Underground Emoji" yet? Today is a good day to go). To learn more about the tree, we asked the artist to tell us about it in his own words. Here's what he had to say:

Why the Bicycle Tree? How did this become an annual symbol in Beacon?

"First of all, this project was conceived in 2011 to help give a focal point for all of the various holiday activities being supported by the city, local businesses and volunteer groups. As is often the case, money was the biggest obstacle to having a large, central holiday display. When it comes to making something out of nothing, ask an artist. I am an artist, and a local resident and sculptor, and I volunteered to create a town Christmas Tree as an art project.

"As an art piece, the tree is not perfect. It is ever-evolving just like the community we live in. That’s one reason I chose the bicycle as a symbolic component. Bicycles are powered by people. I feel very fortunate to live in a place that knows how to keep things rolling.

"Taking a half-dozen or so junk bicycles, I fashioned a tree-shaped display and installed it on the empty lot at the corner of Main and Cross Streets (between River Winds Gallery and Hudson Beach Glass) under the sponsorship of the Beacon Arts Community Association (BACA). The location has since moved to Polhill Park."

How did it go? This bicycle tree? How was it received?

"It’s one of those things you just don’t know what people will do or how they will react. I was overwhelmed by the positive responses from people walking by as I was setting this thing up. It made them happy."

# # #

The Bicycle MenorahPhoto Credit: Ed Benavente — The Bicycle Menorah
Photo Credit: Ed Benavente

This tree lighting is an annual tradition, and Ed's work and BeaconArts' organization and promotion of the event are integral to the holiday season in Beacon. See you this afternoon/tonight at 3:30 pm! Santa arrives at dusk (about 4:30 pm) and the tree is lit at 5 pm. Bring a mug for hot chocolate. Then return to this spot on December 24, 2016 for the lighting of the Bicycle Menorah to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, and let's gather at Dogwood on New Year's Eve for the dropping of the Bicycle Ball.

The Bicycle Ball for New Year's Eve at Dogwood.Photo Credit: Ed Benavente — The Bicycle Ball for New Year's Eve at Dogwood.
Photo Credit: Ed Benavente

This article is a Sponsor Spotlight post with our partnership with BeaconArts, but what makes the partnership so great is that we would have written about it anyway! Thank you for supporting businesses and organizations who support us.

December 01, 2016

Beacon Sloop Club's "Little Boxes" Painting Fundraiser for Sloop Woody Guthrie Restoration This Weekend

December 01, 2016/ Katie Hellmuth

A painting of the Woody Guthrie on a square canvas, similar to art produced for the "Little Boxes" fundraiser.

The 38-year-old Woody Guthrie, a sailboat (aka daysail sloop) built by Pete and Toshi Seeger and the Beacon Sloop Club in 1978 to create public access to sailing on the Hudson River, will not be sailing this year. The Sloop Woody Guthrie instead will undergo a complete restoration, and is currently fundraising to complete those efforts. The most recent fundraiser is the "Little Boxes Art Contest" happening this Sunday, December 4, from 5 to 8 pm at Scenic Hudson's River Center (Red Barn) at Long Dock Park, Beacon NY.

The Woody Guthrie is a long-standing symbol of river improvement: It was built to foster people's appreciation for the Hudson River during the early years of massive cleanup projects after General Electric (GE) had discharged 1.3 million pounds of PCBs into the Hudson River from two GE capacitor manufacturing plants located in the towns of Fort Edward and Hudson Falls, New York, between 1947 and 1977. The Seegers were instrumental in spearheading the cleanup and protection of the Hudson River. Building the Sloop Woody Guthrie was one way they demonstrated their commitment, and the sloop brought the public into direct contact with the Hudson to experience its vastness and river life for themselves.

In 1969, Pete and Toshi Seeger and the Hudson River Sloop Restoration instituted the second great "Age of Sail" on the Hudson River with the launching of Clearwater, a wooden, gaff-rigged, topsail sloop, based on traditional designs developed over a 100-year period during the heyday of commercial sailing on the Hudson River. In order to make the boat more manageable by a modest budget and team of volunteers, the Woody Guthrie was designed as a smaller replica of the Clearwater.

About the 'Little Boxes' Art Contest 2016

People are encouraged to participate in the contest as artists or as patrons bidding on the art, to be auctioned off on Sunday, December 4. For an entry fee of $25, (fee can be paid here) each artist will receive a 3 x 3-inch, numbered canvas on which to create an original work of art, in their media of choice, on the theme of "The Hudson River." This fee includes a ticket to the reception, which is otherwise $15 (ticket can be purchased here). Artists wishing to submit multiple entries may purchase an additional canvas for $5. All completed artwork must be returned by December 2. Registration as an artist, or to simply attend the event, which will include refreshments, can be purchased here online.

To receive a canvas: Purchase your ticket online and bring proof of purchase to River Winds Gallery, 172 Main St., Beacon NY, Wednesday through Monday between noon and 6 pm.

All artwork will be offered for sale at a starting bid set by the artist, with all proceeds to be split 50/50 between the artist and the Woody Guthrie Restoration Project. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for People's Choice awards. A prize of $50 each will be awarded for the following categories:

Most Beautiful
Most Spectacular
Funniest

Ticket Details

The Artists' Reception and Awards will be held:
Sunday, December 4, 2016
5 to 8 pm
Scenic Hudson's River Center (Red Barn)
Long Dock Park, Beacon NY

Tickets for the reception only are available for $15, and can be purchased here.

For more information, please contact Susan Berliner at 845-527-8671 or Rosemary Thomas at 845-463-4660.

November 29, 2016

Giving Tuesday in Beacon - Ideas For Local Groups To Support in 2016 and Beyond

November 29, 2016/ Katie Hellmuth

Every day could be a giving day, so it's nice that #GivingTuesday is here as an official day to focus on all of the giving you might do. It is a natural cleanse in the murky sea of increased promotion that is done during the holiday season. On the other hand, when you shop local, and go down the commercialism route over the Black Friday weekend before #GivingTuesday, you are directly helping your neighbors, your friends, and their families when you purchase from their stores and eateries, and buy their services (like massages).

This Giving Guide will expand to include opportunities to help others in need. We'll feature coat donations, food donations, and other collection activities that are happening this season. If you are running such an effort, please submit details about it to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com to be considered for publication.

For this season, we have done a roundup that barely scrapes the surface of where you can donate, but hopefully gets your wheels turning and heart-strings pulling - if they weren't already.

Beauty of This Region

Stony Kill
When you're driving up 9D, peeking over at those cows and sheep grazing in the incredible fields at sunset, remember that there's no guarantee they'll be there forever. Stony Kill Foundation keeps the farm running through different events, rentals to others using the property including Common Ground Farm, and fundraising and memberships.
Donate Now >

Wee Play Project
Wee Play is the reason why Beacon has colorful playgrounds in our parks for toddlers. The group also helps organize and promote some of the baby and toddler classes at the Howland Public Library. We have reported on them several times, especially when they reach a major milestone in their fundraising. There are many ways to donate, from gifting a tree or piece of equipment to sharing cash and even your time.
Get Involved, Shop the Clothing/Toy Sale, and/or Donate Now >

Scenic Hudson
Dedicated to protecting the land in this region, Scenic Hudson's work can be spotted up and down the Hudson Valley. In Beacon, it is most noticeable at Long Dock Park on the Hudson River, Mount Beacon Park, the Fishkill Ridge, Madam Brett Park, and other recreational spaces. They are currently trying to develop the Beacon waterfront a bit more, with more park development and eating and food truck opportunities.
Donate Now >

Public Services

Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Founded in 1959, Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing advanced and basic life support ambulance services to Beacon, NY, and its neighboring communities. When you get hurt or need saving, they come when 911 is called. The Ambulance Corps currently runs a fleet of three modern, fully equipped, New York State Certified ambulances, a Basic Life Support First Response vehicle, and a mass casualty incident trailer. Additionally, BVAC maintains a utility terrain vehicle for rescues within the vast mountainous terrain of our district. They currently run approximately 2,500 calls per year, making BVAC one of the busiest volunteer services in the county. Take a look at their past history.
Sending a check via mail is the best way to donate >

Fire Departments in the City of Beacon
The city's organized Fire Department dates back to 1886, and has been protecting the City of Beacon since the city's establishment in 1913. The combined volunteer and paid Fire Departments provide fire and rescue services with a staff of 13 full-time paid firefighters, approximately 40 volunteer firefighters and three support personnel. The Fire Department operates out of three firehouses that accommodate six fire apparatuses. Two of the city's firehouses are in beautiful historic buildings. The Department responds to more than 1,700 calls per year, while being designated as having the fastest response time in Dutchess County. The City of Beacon Fire Department is part of Battalion 7 of the Dutchess County Emergency Response Unit.
Sending a check via mail is the best way to donate >

Women and Family Services

Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens in Beacon
Whether you are looking for a warm meal, canned goods, or friendly community, or you’re in a position to help by donating food or time, the following organizations in and near Beacon would love to see you. Contact organizers for information about the most up-to-date ways to participate.
Here is a list of Beacon soup kitchens and food pantries >

Grace Smith House
The mission of Grace Smith House, Inc., is to enable individuals and families to live free from domestic violence through:

Providing shelter and apartments, advocacy, counseling and education
Raising the consciousness of the community regarding the extent, type and seriousness of domestic violence
Initiating and taking positions on public policies in order to provide options that empower victims of domestic violence

Grace Smith House, based in Poughkeepsie, is a private, not-for-profit domestic violence agency, which provides both residential and nonresidential services to victims of domestic violence and their children.
Donate Now >

Local Planned Parenthood Office - Newburgh
Planned Parenthood is a health care provider, an informed educator, a passionate advocate, and a global partner helping similar organizations around the world. Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide. One in five American women has chosen Planned Parenthood for health care at least once in her life. The heart of Planned Parenthood is in the local community. The closest office to Beacon is in Newburgh.
Donate Now >

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh was founded in October of 1999 by a group of dedicated volunteers who shared a vision to revitalize Newburgh’s neighborhoods and help local hard-working, low-income families help themselves create strong, stable, and self-reliant families. Habitat Newburgh is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions.
Donate Now >

Veterans Services

Disabled American Veterans
DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year. The organization provides more than 700,000 rides for veterans to get to medical appointments, while assisting veterans with more than 300,000 benefit claims annually. In 2015, DAV helped attain more than $4 billion in new and retroactive benefits to care for veterans, their families and survivors.

DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs and providing other resources to make sure that veterans have the opportunity to participate in the same American Dream their sacrifices made possible. Read some highlights of Beacon-based veteran and volunteer, Sgt. Thomas Wohlrab, during the Veterans Day ceremony of 2016 at the Memorial Building.
Donate Now >

Pets

ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation) Beacon
ARF is a federal 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, 100% volunteer, "no kill" animal shelter and organization founded in 1986. They house and care for cats and dogs in need of a second chance or more time to find just the right home. ARF is a participant in the Pilots n Paws program, founded by two pilots who were passionate about rescuing shelter animals in need. Pilots and plane owners volunteer their time, planes, and gas to transport animals from point A to point B. ARF is a recipient of some of those animals transported by Pilots n Paws.
Donate Now >

News

Highlands Current
The free newspaper you pick up from numerous locations in Beacon used to be known as The Philipstown Paper. In 2014, it rebranded and reclassified itself as a nonprofit. In 2016, they renamed as Beacon was officially adopted into their coverage. A Little Beacon Blog will run an article on what being a nonprofit means for a newspaper, but all you need to know at this point is that you can make a donation to the newspaper.
Donate Now >

Public Radio and TV
Now is definitely the time to renew your memberships to public radio and television stations, no matter where you listen to or watch them.. Streaming different NPR stations is easy, and you may like one in another state. The reporting is crucial. The programming from PBS is enriching, for adults and children. Fund the stations by participating in the membership drives, or by going to the websites on your own to increase or re-activate your membership.

November 29, 2016

"Homeland" Films At Key Food In Beacon for Episode 8 of Season 6

November 29, 2016/ Katie Hellmuth

UPDATE [3/14/2017]: This episode has aired! Get the details here >

On a rainy, otherwise uneventful day in the Hudson Valley, the production crew of "Homeland," the show produced by Fox TV for Showtime, suited up in rain gear and wheeled carts of lighting and camera equipment into Key Food to film a scene that is slated to be in Season 6, Episode 8. The four-time Emmy-nominated show airs on Showtime and streams on Hulu, starring five-time Emmy nominee Claire Danes. A surprise actor is on the scene, who we cannot reveal (#spoileralert).

Anthony Ruggiero, city administrator for the City of Beacon, exclaimed: “This is a major film production and we are very excited. The film production crew has been excellent to work with and very accommodating.” Key Food had been approached by the production company weeks prior to today's filming, and the city was able to turn around the permits in one week. In addition to filming on Main Street, the production rented space from the Elks Lodge to set up and store trucks and equipment, confirmed Carl Oken, and from the Memorial Building on Main Street.

Trucks lined South Brett Street from Main Street to Verplanck, holding camera equipment, scenes, costumes, whatever a production company might need to work their magic in the shot. Key Food is scheduled to be closed all day, unless the filming finishes early, says Key Food manager, Junior Zayed. Junior's brother and fellow manager, JB Said, and two regularly employed cashiers at Key Food may also be in the scene - if their part doesn't get cut! Junior and JB are part of the family who owns Key Food.

Says Mayor Randy Casale about the production: “We are very excited that Showtime Productions' "Homeland" chose the City of Beacon for filming episodes of Season 6. This is an opportunity to showcase the city and add to the local economy. Filming production is a growing industry in New York, and Beacon’s historic Main Street and natural beauty are perfect for a variety of movies and shows. We would like to attract other quality productions. On the set today, talking to a few of the 100 employees of the production, there was a buzz about Beacon, and several commented on visiting and moving here.”

Why Beacon?

The creative team for "Homeland" was looking to film on country roads, and selected the Hudson Valley as the best place to find what they needed. As for filming in Key Food, they needed a nondescript town - and apparently a large grocery store - to hunker down in for the day and film, according to a source familiar with the production company. The show is also filming in Putnam County today, possibly at the Country Side Motel.

Signs of More Filming in Beacon?

While the new tax break that Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into legislation recently (offering production companies a 10% tax break for filming in Dutchess and Ulster Counties) would be an incentive to film in Beacon, "Homeland" was not able to take advantage of it this time, since they were already filming in the area when it became law, according to a source familiar with the production. That source speculates, however, that the tax incentive will have a positive impact on the communities upstate. The City of Beacon was paid a $50 application fee plus a $2,500 filming fee, and was reimbursed for the use of three police officers, according to Ruggiero. Stores impacted by the filming, such as Key Food, are customarily compensated as well.

As actress Mary Stuart Masterson said in an article in the Poughkeepsie Journal about the tax incentive: “I can't wait to work where I live." Stuart Masterson is a Dutchess County resident, and hopes to open a film production facility in Ulster Country. Located right here in Beacon is the CineHub, a production resource center and studio for filmmakers and video professionals in the Hudson Valley.

Filming outside of New York City costs production companies more in terms of hotels, gas and other accommodations, but they also must pay their crew and actors extra to "go beyond the grid," which is a distance boundary negotiated by labor unions like the DGA and SAG to prevent their union members from traveling too far without compensation. The last movie that filmed in Beacon, one based on a Katie Fforde novel, was not a union job.

Terry Nelson, founder and executive director of the Beacon Independent Film Festival, had this to say about this filming event: "Having 'Homeland' filmed here is a great thing. It’s going to be good for Dutchess Country to do more shooting here, as opposed to having all films being shot across the river, which happens with shows shooting in Newburgh to make it look like Brooklyn. Films are starting to come on this side of the river, and I hope it continues."

Nelson feels that if there were a functioning film commission in this area, "that would be really helpful to look out for local crew to be hired if possible. This is a great start. I’m feeling optimistic about filming in Beacon." According to the production company, local crew were not hired for this job, which can be difficult when a production company for a TV show already has a team and rhythm in place.

Tune into Showtime to see the episode! As in all film and publishing projects, one never knows what will make it to the screen and what will be left on the cutting room floor, so tune in when Episode 8 of Season 6 premieres!

Please note: This article may be updated with more information as we get it.

Photo Credits: All photos taken by Katie Hellmuth Martin, with the exception of the screenshot of Claire Danes, which was taken from Homeland's homepage.

November 11, 2016

Healing on Veterans Day at Memorial Building: Remembering The Living, The Now

November 11, 2016/ Katie Hellmuth

At 11 am on this blustery Friday, yellow leaves covered the front lawn of Beacon's Memorial Building on the corner of Main Street and Fishkill Avenue as many people from the community gathered on the sidewalk and in the street of the barricaded block to listen to the ceremony hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 666.

Those gathered included parents of veterans who served or are currently serving in active duty, veterans themselves, and grateful citizen supporters from the community. Girl Scout Troop 10525, led by Christine Galbo, passed out brochures to all in attendance. Master of Ceremonies, Harold G. Delamater, Commander VFW Post 666, opened with a call to order, followed by an opening prayer from Hank J. Barker, American Legion Post 203 Chaplain.

What followed was a therapeutic ceremony of traditions and recollections that most people do not hear often, unless at ballgames or in grade school. The pledge of allegiance was led by Harold G. Delamater, followed by Grace Morea singing the national anthem. Hearing the words outside in the sunshine, the wind blowing around attendees and blowing down flags and speakers on the stage, one could imagine standing in the dark, on a battlefield, alone or with others, ears tuned for any sound of retreat or triumph, just as a soldier of war would listen on any given day of service. The words were written in 1814 by a 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet, Francis Scott Key, "after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in Baltimore Harbor during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812," according to Wikipedia. The poem, later set to music, wouldn't be declared the United States of America's national anthem until 1931.

O say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Delivering the main message of the day was Sgt. Thomas Wohlrab, who served in the U.S. Army from 1965-1968, serving three tours of duty in Vietnam between January 1966 and April 1968. He started by reminding listeners that Veterans Day is a time for honoring the living, as those have witnessed "astonishing events," creating a "period of change" for that person, that may start with darkness for a long time, where eventually "hope replaces doubt." Where physical injury can change life in the blink of an eye, or "wounds not visible" require time to adjust and heal.

Wohlrab emphasized the important role of those surrounding veterans, who can help them heal by listening, hiring, and appreciating. Upon coming home from Vietnam, Wohlrab found it hard to adjust as people advised him not to wear his uniform off of the plane as people were protesting that war. As he walked around, he was struck by others walking around "as if nothing was going on" - two different realities requiring a fast transition.

Today, Wohlrab serves as a volunteer DAV (Disabled American Veteran) claims processor at Castle Point VA Hospital, where he says the volunteer work has saved time and money. He also helps with the DAV's mission of keeping the promise to veterans by aiding them in providing transportation to and from medical appointments, as well as providing assistance to veterans who file claims for medical assistance as well as bringing awareness to other benefits veterans are entitled to.

Make a point this weekend to visit the six wreaths laid in honor of different people, and take a moment to reflect. The Laying of Wreaths honored:

Laying of the Wreaths

Order of the Purple Heart, laid by Anthony Lassiter
VFW Post 666, laid by Jim Scofield, Post 666 Adjutant
American Legion Post 203 and Ladies Auxillary, laid by Commander John McEnroe and Susan McEnroe
Disabled American Veterans, laid by Peter Miller
Marine Corps League Det 861, laid by John Miller
Prisoner of War/Missing in Action, laid by John E. Rembert

Photo Credit: All photos taken by Katie Hellmuth Martin

October 20, 2016

Yes, The Kids' Halloween Parade Really Is This Sunday!

October 20, 2016/ Katie Hellmuth

The questions are flying around Facebook groups and my inbox: "Is the Kids' Parade really this Sunday?" Yes... as is maybe your school Halloween party this week, unless it's on the day of Halloween, or who knows! October turned super-busy last year, and this year has proven no different. Just take a look at how the 2015 Kids' Halloween Hocus Pocus Parade turned out!

Two parades pass through this weekend: The Dark Parade, which is a glow-in-the-dark event for adults on Saturday night, and the Kids' Hocus Pocus Parade on Sunday afternoon.

We dusted off last year's Pumpkins and Parades Guide that contains information on where to find parades, pumpkin carving events, and pumpkin patches and markets. This year, we added a "Watch For It" section to highlight special offerings from stores. Don't let the warm weather fool you - Halloween is coming, and you may need two costumes for all of the display opportunities. By the time trick-or-treating comes around, that well-planned costume may have a few worn patches. Take a look at our coverage of last year's Kids Halloween Parade to get a sense for the day.

PS: The location of this photo is Lawrence Farms, which is in this guide as a beautiful location of pumpkin picking.

For the past two years (that I know of), Dance Bag has had a $10 rack out on their sidewalk for an impressive selection of poofy dresses and other stage-worthy costumes, but they say they won't this year. If making your own costume is not an option right now, really impressive and affordable costumes have been known to be at TJ Maxx and at Cracker Barrel. By now, Cracker Barrel may have their costumes on clearance. So that's a bonus!

two Halloween Events at A Little Beacon Space!

We're about to send an official announcement about it (but all of these parade dates bumped our own article), but A Little Beacon Space is open! We're hosting two pop-up events this weekend: Parent/Child Yoga on Saturday with a Halloween theme (only seevn spots left!), and Kitchen Cuts for kids' haircuts and face painting on Sunday. Hope to see you!

Only seven spots left, so get your ticket!

Walk-ins welcome! If you book online in advance of the day, you get a discount.

October 19, 2016

Beacon's 5th Car Auto Show 2016 Rolls Into Town - Pictures of the City's Biggest Yet

October 19, 2016/ Katie Hellmuth

Cruising into its fourth year, the Beacon Auto Show rolled into town with 307 automobiles and trucks. Filing up both sides of Main Street from west to east, stopping at the diner, it was again put on by Beacon's Chamber of Commerce. This year, 2016, marks the largest year for the show, which so far, has only been growing. According to officials, cars were squeezed in anywhere they could fit, including several in the DMV Parking Lot. Live music and an awards show, with several trophies, were anchored at the gas station near the post office and the entrance to Beacon Flea. The day's weather was spectacular, unlike the previous year when we experienced a freak snow shower, sending people into cafes (like Homespun, pictured below) in search of hot chocolate.

Prevalent this year were the props outside and inside of the cars. Looks like we featured this car in the 2015 show! This time, it looks brighter and has plenty of accessories. — Prevalent this year were the props outside and inside of the cars. Looks like we featured this car in the 2015 show! This time, it looks brighter and has plenty of accessories.

And the colors! Painter Jean Noack was overcome by the bright, glossy finishes surrounding her.

A produce truck, quite appropriate for these parts, and adorable!

The old Chevy Caprice, parked in front of the Beacon Natural Market. You could fit a lot of groceries in that vehicle.

Remember the third seat facing backwards in the Chevy Caprice? Complete with seat belts.

Fire breathers outside of the new location of Pizza and Stuff, Quinn's and BAJA 328.

The glass hood ornament in a row of Ford Mustangs. Looks like this Mustang was also featured in 2015, but this year has a flashier scene under the hood!

Halloween was a big theme this year for car decorations.

Beacon's Chamber of Commerce, selling t-shirts UNDER THEIR TENT.

The Beacon Flea was packed with different vendors, several of whom stayed past the usual closing hour of 3 pm because the crowd remained strong.

October 06, 2016

Scenic Hudson Presents Proposal for New Features at Long Dock Park

October 06, 2016/ Marilyn Perez

Scenic Hudson’s Plans for Beacon’s Long Dock Park

Scenic Hudson, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Hudson River and the Hudson River Valley of New York State, and owner of the land that is known as Long Dock Park, is presenting their proposal for enhancements to Long Dock Park on Wednesday, October 12 at 7:30 pm. Scenic Hudson is encouraging those who support the enhancements to come to the meeting. The group will be presenting to the City of Beacon Planning Board meeting to make a short statement supporting the newest improvements it wants to make at Long Dock Park. They're outlined below.

The Long Dock Park project proposal includes:

Infrastructure for food trucks
A shaded plaza for informal dining
Shade pavilions, lawns and a native-plant meadow
A boardwalk and river overlook deck

Meeting attendees do not need to speak, but can do so if they wish. Attendance at city meetings does make an impact on the case at hand.

Meeting details:
Day: Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Beacon Municipal Center - One Municipal Plaza, Beacon, NY

September 27, 2016

Spirit of Beacon Day Parade 2016 in Pictures

September 27, 2016/ Katie Hellmuth

On a glorious Sunday afternoon - no rain date needed here! - the annual Spirit of Beacon Day commenced down Main Street, from the river to the mountain. Groups who designed, built, and decorated floats for the day prepared in various locations throughout the city to finally gather for the big moment: Stepping off at 1 pm to begin the march down Main Street, celebrating the spirit that runs through Beacon. Let's put some faces and floats to the names we read about so often, from people who hold events, make things happen, or are involved with projects you participate in: