The Barns Art Center to Host Harvest Festival

Hopewell Junction, New York – The newly opened Barns Art Center is pleased to announce Harvest Festival. Held from October 9-10, the convening will feature the premiere of LOST ARTS, a three-screen film experience, the groundbreaking ceremony for a large-scale installation with artist collective Futurefarmers, and a local market.

LOST ARTS Film Premiere – screening times 11:00am-3:00pm
The Barns Art Center will premiere LOST ARTS, a three screen, immersive film experience that explores the art and culture of agriculture in the Hudson Valley. Beyond being a tool for education and a response to our current social and ecological climate, the film is a sensory celebration of the bounty of the Hudson Valley and the profound wisdom that has been unearthed and cultivated here for thousands of years. By looking to the past for forgotten methods, techniques, and philosophies, today’s farmers have found more innovative, sustainable, and equitable ways forward.

The ten featured farmers include: Jack Algiere, Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture; Ben and Melany Dobson, Hudson Hemp; Ken Greene, Hudson Valley Seed Company; Anne Hall, Crespell; Don Lewis, Wild Hive Farm; John Michelotti, Catskill Fungi; Rick Osofsky, Ronnybrook Farm Dairy; David Rowe, Rowe’s Apiaries Jalal Sabur, Sweet Freedom Farm; Karen Washington, Garden of Happiness/La Familia Verde/Rise & Root. The film is produced with Kingston-based company Northguild.

In conjunction with the LOST ARTS premiere is a roster of farmer-led, daytime activities:

11:30am Sculpting with Flowers

Flower Arranging Workshop with Anne Hall, Crespell

12:30pm Looking Back – How did we get here?

A conversation with Don Lewis, Ken Greene, David Rowe, Rick Osofsky

1:30pm Spore Printing

Mushroom Walk and Printmaking Workshop with John Michelotti, Catskill Fungi

2:30pm Looking Forward – Farming for the Future – Where can we go?

A conversation with Jack Algiere, Ben and Melany Dobson, Jalal Sabur

BARNS ART CENTER | 736 SOUTH DRIVE, HOPEWELL JUNCTION, NY 12533 | BARNSARTCENTER.ORG

Futurefarmers Of Furrows & Lands in Harps Installation

Futurefarmers breaks ground on their first large-scale public artwork in the United

States. Drawing on the success of their 10-year project Flatbread Society for the city of

Oslo, Of Furrows & Lands in Harps will manifest as an extraordinary architectural

structure and a public program that unfolds over three-years time. The architectural

structure, designed by Belgian architect Lode Vranken, will feature three spaces: a

bakehouse, a meeting space and an extraordinary experimental instrument at the heart

of the work and building called Hum Stone. Hum Stone is made from a millstone and is

able to play other millstones. Drawing from the historical context of the site, once a farm,

then a microchip factory, now The Barns Art Center, this unique instrument points to the

past while invoking the future. Participating composers include Walter Kitundu,

Guillermo Galindo, Annea Lockwood.

A groundbreaking ceremony for Futurefarmers will be held from 3:00-6:00pm:

3:00 Place Stones with artist/choreographer, Elaine Buckholtz

A participatory action involving sound, movement, and the placing of three millstones.

4:00 Impressions from the Stone

A series of limited-edition prints made from rubbings of custom carved millstone by

Walter Kitundu.

Harvest Festival Market 11:00-3:00

The Festival Market will include River Valley Guild Artist and Artisan Market and a Cider

Week New York Tasting, including local food and beverage vendors such as Ronnybrook

Farm Dairy, Sloop Brewing Co., More Good, Fishkill Farms and Treasury Cider, and

more.

More about the The Barns Art Center

The Barns Art Center is a contemporary art initiative located up the Hudson River, 60 miles north of NYC, in East Fishkill at iPark 84. The Barns occupies a 3,200-square-foot museum quality gallery built adjacent a former IBM microchip plant. Aligning with the region’s rich agricultural tradition and history of environmental stewardship, The Barns champions art at the nexus of food, farming, ecology, and sustainability. Stimulating essential dialogue around innovation, conservation, and equity, we hope to cultivate new ways of thinking about the earth, the history we inherit, and the legacy we leave behind. Through its exhibition, education, and empowerment programs, The Barns Art Center strives to create community and catalyze creative expression. We are free, open to the public, and committed to fostering an accessible, interactive, and inclusive environment.

For additional information or materials regarding any of the above programs or events, contact: Tara Anne Dalbow, Gallery Director and Curator, tdalbow@barnsartcenter.org, c.970-376-8668

www.barnsartcenter.org / @barnsartcenter

Adrian "Butch" Anderson, Dutchess County Sheriff, Dies :: Kirk Imperati Named As Acting Sheriff

Well known leader, Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian "Butch" Anderson, has died, as reported by several local media outlets today. He was 73, and died at his home in the village of Pawling, the Sheriff's office said in a statement. He had served in that post for more than 20 years and spent more than 50 years with the Sheriff's Office, the Poughkeepsie Journal reported. He also served as Mayor of his hometown of Pawling in the late 1980s to early 1990s.

“Today we have lost an extraordinary public servant with the passing of Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian “Butch” Anderson,” said Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro in a press release. “Butch devoted his entire life to protecting and serving the community he loved so dearly. Throughout his life, he was true leader - in law enforcement in elected office, and in service to community organizations.”

Anderson began his first term as Sheriff in January 2000 after being elected, and went on to win re-election every four years, running unopposed, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal. His last re-election was in 2019.

His acting replacement will be Undersheriff Kirk Imperati, who sated: "We are all deeply saddened by the passing of Sheriff Anderson," who described Anderson as "a second father to me," reported the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Molinaro continued: "His call to serve ensured the safety of our community for more than 50 years and made a measurable difference in the lives of countless children, families and residents. Our hearts are broken today and we send our deepest condolences to Sheriff Anderson’s family, including his wife Danielle and his four children – you are in our prayers and in our hearts."

Anderson's wife, Danielle, said in a statement that "it has been an honor" to be married to him. "He was a tremendous husband, father, and friend to all," she said. "Our family appreciates the outpouring of support from everyone as we grieve our loss."

Since first publishing the article at 10:30am, the Poughkeepsie Journal updated their article at 3:30pm to include quotes and photos from Lisa Reda.

Numerous regional leaders noted their condolences, including Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison, who started working with Anderson in 1980. Mayor Rolison told the Poughkeepsie Journal: "Butch in all capacities, was a dedicated and brave member of that department, but what always impressed me was his love of this county, the people who live here and his overwhelming commitment to the Hudson Valley."

The Poughkeepsie Journal reported that Anderson was a friend of former President Donald Trump and the Trump family. The paper reported that he was a member of Trump's reelection team, after serving in other roles when Trump first ran for president.

The chairman of the New York Republican State Committee, Nick Langworthy, said that he and Anderson bonded as Trump supporters, reported the Poughkeepsie Journal. Anderson "proudly had a direct line to the White House for four years," Langworthy said in a Facebook post.

State Senetor Sue Serino said in a statement: "Our community has lost a true hero."

9/11 Remembrance Services In Beacon, Fishkill, Wappingers

As reported in the Beacon Free Press by Kristine Coulter, different Remembrance Services are happening on Saturday, September 11, 2021. Those are listed below. In 2016, WPDH reported on 19 places in the Hudson Valley that have steel beams from the World Trade Center.

BEACON

Elks Lodge 1493 in Conjunction With The City of Beacon
Location: 900 Wolcott Avenue
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021
Time: 11am
A remembrance service will take place at the lodge. A portion of a steel beam from the World Trade Center is outside of the Elks Lodge 1493, on Wolcott Avenue headed toward Mount Beacon. The dedication of a memorial took place in 2018.

There is a portion of steel beam from the World Trade Center at the small park bench area on the corner of Mattaewan and Verplank (near the High School Track).

WAPPINGERS FALLS

Sergeant Mark C. Palmateer 9/11 Memorial Park
Location: Corner of Route 9, Old Hopewell Road and Sgt. Palmateer Way.
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021
Time: 8:30am
The Sgt. Mark C. Palmateer 9/11 Memorial Park services as a memorial for Sgt. Mark C. Palmateer, from the Town of Wappinger, who was the first Dutchess County soldier killed in Afghanistan on June 26, 2008, according to the Beacon Free Press. The park is also a memorial for all of the service members and first responders who lost their lives on and since September 11, 2001.

Mesier Park, by the Village of Wappingers Falls
Location: The Village of Wappingers
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021
Time: 7-8pm

The American Legion, American Legion Reserved, 7 Spring Street
Location: Unclear
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021
Time: 7:30pm-9pm

New Hackensack Fire District/Company Memorial
Location: 217 Myers Corners Road
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021
Time: 6pm

FISHKILL

Village of Fishkill
Location: The steps of Van Wyck Hall, 1095 Main Street, Fishkill, NY
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021
Time: 8:30am
Village of Fishkill Mayor Kathleen Martin and the Trustees of Village of Fishkill are hosting a public Memorial Service

Town of Fishkill
Location: 9/11 Memorial outside of the Police Station, 801 Route 52
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021
Time: 10am

Town of East Fishkill
Location: East Fishkill Recreation near Davis House
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021
Time: 5pm with a Prelude at 5:45pm
Attendees should bring chairs and blankets.

First Reformed Church of Fishkill
Location: 1153 Main Street in the Village of Fishkill
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021
Time: 3pm
As reported in the Beacon Free Press: ”It will be time to memorialize those who died and remember those who are still living with the pain of the day,”

Money Might Be Available To Residents & Businesses Impacted By Hurricane Ida In Dutchess County From FEMA - Preparation Steps

The Fishkill Creek rushing through Beacon. The creek rose very high and caused damage throughout Beacon and Fishkill.
Photo Credit: Screenshot from Michael Post’s video.

On Friday afternoon via press release, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro encouraged local residents, businesses and municipalities that sustained damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ida to document their loss and reconstruction. His office said that Dutchess County is currently working with the New York State Office of Emergency Management as the preliminary damage assessment process begins.

Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency for 14 counties in Downstate New York on September 2, 2021, which includes Dutchess County and was approved by President Biden on September 3, 2021. This provides up to $5 Million in immediate federal funding to support response operations ahead of Completion of FEMA Damage Assessments, according to Governor Hochul’s press release.

Also included in her report was and update that DEC Staff continue to monitor for potential damage to wastewater infrastructure, respond to reports of petroleum spills and survey integrity of dams and levees.

As of Governor Hochul’s press release on September 3, 2021, road closures persist on U.S. Route 9, State Route 100, and the Saw Mill River Parkway in Westchester County.

Service on Metro-North's Hudson Line and New Canaan and Danbury Branches Remain suspended.

While compensation is not guaranteed, according to the press release issued by the County Executive's office on Friday (9/3/2021), if the County’s and New York State’s public damage assessment threshold is met, then Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) individual Assistance, financial assistance and direct services to eligible uninsured and underinsured individuals and households can be considered.

As part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Aid process, the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response is currently communicating with chief elected officials from each municipality, in an effort to gather cost estimates on public property and infrastructure damages.

The Dutchess County Executive’s Office stated that they reached out to local mayors and supervisors in different communities to ask for contact information for local businesses affected by the storm to assist in connecting them with FEMA in the event the federal government approved disaster assistance for small businesses.

In Beacon, the comparable city leaders would be Beacon's Mayor Lee Kyriacou (mayor@beaconny.gov 845-838-5011) and the City Administrator is Chris White (845-838-5009 cwhite@beaconny.gov)

How To Begin To Prepare To Qualify

The County Executive recommends residents, businesses and municipalities that experienced a loss as a result of Ida take the following steps to document their damage:

• Take photos of their loss or damage

• Assemble a list of damaged or lost items

• Collect receipts for materials they purchased to repair damage caused by Ida

County Executive Molinaro said, “Though Ida has passed Dutchess County, her impact will be felt for weeks or, in some cases, even longer as some residents, businesses and municipalities in our community look to rebuild following this damaging storm. I urge those affected to take steps to document the storm’s impact. Such evidence will bolster their application for reimbursement from New York State, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other possible sources.”

The press release stated that The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is also contacting its membership, and the County Executive’s Office is coordinating outreach through other business associations to identify businesses affected by Ida.

State of Emergency Declared for Dutchess County During Hurricane Ida's Rain And Flash Flood Warnings

The Fishkill Creek after Tropical Storm Henri. ALBB hasn’t left the house yet to see it after the remnants of Category 4 Huricane Ida.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

In the early hours of Thursday morning at 2am, during the day-long rainfall in the northeast from Hurricane Ida that devestated several communities in southern states, the office of Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro declared a State of Emergency for Dutchess County until 9am Thursday. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency for New York just after midnight, as did the state of New Jersey. Flights out of major airports in New York and New Jersey were suspended and all airport parking lots closed due to severe flooding, The Port Authority said.

For Dutchess County, the National Weather Service issued River Flood Warnings from Thursday 4:31am until Friday 8:33pm flood warnings for Wappingers Creek, comparing it to a crest level last seen on 4/3/1970, stating: “Flood Warning for the Wappingers Creek at Wappingers Falls. From late tonight to Friday evening. At 10:30pm Wednesday, the stage was 5.0 feet. Flood stage is 8.0 feet. Minor flooding is forecast. Forecast…The river is expected to ries above flood stage late tonight to a crest of 9.7 feet early tomorrow afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage early Friday afternoon. Impact…at 10.0 feet, Moderate flood stage. Flood History…This crest compares to a previous crest of 9.6 feet on 4/3/1970.”

Per the emergency state, Dutchess County restricted non-essential travel in 16 municipalities until 9 a.m. Public transportation schedule remained normal. Counties under the travel restriction were: Amenia, Pleasant Valley, Dover, Washington, Millbrook, Town of Poughkeepise, City of Poughkeepsie, LaGrange, Union Vale, Wappinger, Wappingers Falls, Beekman, Town of Pawling, Village of Pawling, East Fishkill and Village of Fishkill.

County offices opened at 10 a.m. In Beacon, the 4-school elementary school supply drop-off where kids can briefly meet their teachers when dropping off school supplies was adjusted by a short time, and parents were advised that some teachers may not have been able to travel in.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said that remnants of Hurricane Ida caused flooding, as well as downed trees and wires throughout portions of Dutchess County. The Dutchess County Emergency Operation Center has been activated and continues to monitor the storm and provide resources as needed. The Dutchess County Emergency Operations Center will remain open throughout the day to continue to address storm issues.

Roadway Flooding In Dutchess County

Flooding included rushing water from the mountains, as well as creeks and rivers. “NYS Route 9, Town of Fishkill - near Clove Road, roadway partially closed due to water running off the mountain and across the roadway,” Molinaro tweeted. “CR-28, Town of Wappinger - Old Hopewell Road, east of Route 9, in the construction zone is flooding and hazardous due to significant water on the roadway. CR-111, Town of Washington - near the monument, now closed due to roadway flooding,” he cautioned in another tweet.

Flooding elsewhere in the region caused swift rescues of people in cars and on foot in small towns such as Mamaroneck and Larchmont, which are both located on the coast of New York in Westchester County.

Abandoned cars on the southbound side of the Saw Mill Parkway, near Yonkers and the Bronx.
Photo Credit: Mark Vergar/The Journal News

Flooding In New York City and Queens

Flash flooding took over parts of Manhattan and Queens, according to several reports including AlJazeera.

Video of water rushing into the NY Subway along 7th Avenue at the 28th Street stop.
Photo Credit: AlJazeera screenshot of video.

The flooding from the rainfall from the Category 4 Hurricane Ida caught some in the northeast offguard, where there were more warnings issued for Tropical Storm Henri. According to AlJazeera, “the National Weather Service said it recorded 8 cm (3.15 inches) of rain in New York’s Central Park in one hour Wednesday night, far surpassing the 4.9 cm (1.94 inches) that fell in one hour during Tropical Storm Henri on the night of August 21 – believed at the time to be the most ever recorded in the iconic park.”

Some Beaconites were caught in the Queens flash flooding in Ridgewood and Middle Village, with nowhere to go in all directions. Dutchess County Emergency Management urges everyone to not drive through water on a road, with this ryhme: “Turn Around. Don’t Drown.”

If you have pictures of areas in your part of Beacon or surrounding areas that you want to share to document how Beacon fared, email them to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com. We cannot pay for pictures this round, but appreciate your contributions.

Wishing safety for all.

Active COVID-19 Cases Top 800 In Dutchess County - Numbers For The End Of August

As we go about making choices in our everyday lives during the pandemic and rising impact of the Delta varient, knowing the numbers of our community and surrounding communities can help. To give context, at the end of June 2021, there were 56 Active Cases of COVID-19 in Dutchess County, as reported by Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro during his first video Town Hall in response to other counties sending out public health alerts to the rising numbers on August 18, 2021. This week, the number of Active Cases exceeded 800 twice.

Also on the the day that the first Town Hall was broadcast, the Department of Health and Human Services made a joint statement with the CDC and other medical experts that it was preparing to roll out a 3rd Booster shot later in September, to be taken 8 months after the last shot of the first full vaccine series.

Since then, Dutchess County Executive Molinaro has made a second video Town Hall presentation on August 27, 2021 where he presented more data in context. It should be noted, that the County Executive stated that hospitals in Dutchess County have told him that they are concerned with the current number of COVID-19 hospitalizations (around 29 people hospitalized for COVID-19 at the time), as it stresses their entire system. Since stating that, the number reached 41 people hospitalized recently.

Giving context for the Positivity Rate Percentage: In June 2021, that percentage was .28%. One month later at the end of August, the number spiked to the 4.5% range. Other states that are currently fighting many more infections have higher percentages, like Florida (20%), and Texas (ranging between 10%-20% who needed to ask FEMA for additional refrigerated morgue trucks).

Currently, hospitalization numbers (people in the hospital) in Dutchess County have been rising to the high 30s. The number of Active Cases in Beacon have been fluctuating in the 30s. In this date range alone (8/18/2021 - 8/30/2021), 7 people in Dutchess County have died from COVID-19 related complications. Indications of vaccinated status is not included in the Dutchess Dashboard at this time, but Dutchess County Executive Molinaro has been providing it verbally in his Town Halls of late.

Peace, love and compassion for people fighting the virus, those who have passed, and to their loved ones. And to any condition anyone is suffering.

Below are the numbers of people impacted for the past few days, as recorded from the Dutchess Dashboard:

COVID-19 Numbers for 8/18/2021

Dutchess County Active Cases: 732 people
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 28 people
Dutchess County Deaths: 458 people
Dutchess County Positivity Rates:
8/18/21: 4.64%
8/19/21:4.64%
8/20/21: 4.64%
8/22/21: 4.64%
8/24/21: 4.64%
8/26/21: 4.64%
8/27/21: 4.64%
8/28/21: 4.64%
8/29/21: 4.64%
8/30/21: 4.64%

Active Cases By Community:

Beacon: 31 people
Fishkill: 63 people
Fishkill Village <5 people
Poughkeepsie: 106 people
Poughkeepsie City: 140 people
Wappingers Falls: 59 people
Wappingers Falls Village: 20 people
Hyde Park: 49 people

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COVID-19 Numbers for 8/19/2021

Dutchess County Active Cases: 739
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 32
Dutchess County Deaths: 460

Active Cases By Community:

Beacon: 30
Fishkill: 64
Fishkill Village <5
Poughkeepsie: 101
Poughkeepsie City: 133
Wappingers Falls: 61
Wappingers Falls Village: 21
Hyde Park: 50

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COVID-19 Numbers for 8/20/2021

Dutchess County Active Cases: 725
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 28
Dutchess County Deaths: 461

Active Cases By Community:

Beacon: 30
East Fishkill: 64
Fishkill: 56
Fishkill Village 6
Poughkeepsie: 103
Poughkeepsie City: 131
Wappingers Falls: 56
Wappingers Falls Village: 19
Hyde Park: 56

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COVID-19 Numbers for 8/22/2021

Dutchess County Active Cases: 793
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 36
Dutchess County Deaths: 462

Active Cases By Community:

Beacon: 32
East Fishkill: 62
Fishkill: 54
Fishkill Village <5
Poughkeepsie: 107
Poughkeepsie City: 130
Wappingers Falls: 60
Wappingers Falls Village: 18
Hyde Park: 50

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COVID-19 Numbers for 8/24/2021

Dutchess County Active Cases: 716
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 39
Dutchess County Deaths: 463

Active Cases By Community:

Beacon: 26
East Fishkill: 66
Fishkill: 74
Fishkill Village: 7
Poughkeepsie: 87
Poughkeepsie City: 128
Wappingers Falls: 51
Wappingers Falls Village: 11
Hyde Park: 50

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COVID-19 Numbers for 8/26/2021

Dutchess County Active Cases: 752
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 39
Dutchess County Deaths: 463

Active Cases By Community:

Beacon: 27
East Fishkill: 65
Fishkill: 72
Fishkill Village: <5
Poughkeepsie: 81
Poughkeepsie City: 126
Wappingers Falls: 50
Wappingers Falls Village: 11
Hyde Park: 50

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COVID-19 Numbers for 8/27/2021

Dutchess County Active Cases: 782
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 41
Dutchess County Deaths: 464

Active Cases By Community:

Beacon: 26
East Fishkill: 79
Fishkill: 85
Fishkill Village: <5
Poughkeepsie: 100
Poughkeepsie City: 132
Wappingers Falls: 48
Wappingers Falls Village: 10
Hyde Park: 51

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COVID-19 Numbers for 8/28/2021

Dutchess County Active Cases: 844
Dutchess County Hospitalizations: 39
Dutchess County Deaths: 464

Active Cases By Community:

Beacon: 33
East Fishkill: 89
Fishkill: 82
Fishkill Village: 7
Poughkeepsie: 115
Poughkeepsie City: 127
Wappingers Falls: 55
Wappingers Falls Village: 12
Hyde Park: 56

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COVID-19 Numbers for 8/29/2021

Dutchess County Active Cases: 878
Dutchess County Hospitalization: 36
Dutchess County Deaths: 464

Active Cases By Community:

Beacon: 38
East Fishkill: 91
Fishkill: 84
Fishkill Village: 7
Poughkeepsie: 109
Poughkeepsie City: 128
Wappingers Falls: 56
Wappingers Falls Village: 11
Hyde Park: 57

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COVID-19 Numbers for 8/30/2021

Dutchess County Active Cases: 750
Dutchess County Hospitalization: 39
Dutchess County Deaths: 465

Active Cases By Community:

Beacon: 30
East Fishkill: 77
Fishkill: 74
Fishkill Village: <5
Poughkeepsie: 90
Poughkeepsie City: 116
Wappingers Falls: 44
Wappingers Falls Village: 10
Hyde Park: 45

Only 56% Of Dutchess County Residents Are Fully Vaccinated; HHS Prepared To Roll Out Booster 8 Months From Initial Vaccination

As numbers and percentages continue to be the driving force of the pandemic used to justify decisions, there is one metric that has been quoted more often than its sibling metric: the percentage of the Dutchess County population 18+ who have received one of two vaccination doses (73.6% as of 8/28/2021), vs the percentage of people who have received two of the two doses of their vaccine (56.67%).

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a joint statement with Medical Experts on August 18, 2021 including the CDC that stated their study of vaccinations wearing off and needing a booster shot. The statement did not detail if those who only had one dose of their vaccination were at greater risk for losing amounts of protection. The statement alluded to fully vaccinated people.

The HHS statement detailed: “The available data make very clear that protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection begins to decrease over time following the initial doses of vaccination, and in association with the dominance of the Delta variant, we are starting to see evidence of reduced protection against mild and moderate disease. Based on our latest assessment, the current protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death could diminish in the months ahead, especially among those who are at higher risk or were vaccinated during the earlier phases of the vaccination rollout.”

Community Protection Is Key

The CDC stressed on July 27, 2021 that as long as the community was not fully vaccinated, reduced risk of transmission would be difficult: “A growing body of evidence indicates that people fully vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) are less likely than unvaccinated persons to acquire SARS-CoV-2 or to transmit it to others. However, the risk for SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection in fully vaccinated people cannot be completely eliminated as long as there is continued community transmission of the virus.

44% Of Dutchess County Not Fully Vaccinated

While it is important to celebrate the accomplishment of half the population of Dutchess County being fully vaccinated, 44% of people traveling throughout the county and into neighboring counties is a lot of people. People may assume that a friend of theirs is vaccinated, and may assume incorrectly. While some industries are requiring vaccinations in order to return to work, some employees are opting to work from home to avoid that mandate. Others, like this soap opera star who is openly against vaccinating, are one such example. As of today, actors are not required by their union to vaccinate in order to work on set with other vaccinated people.

The Booster Shot Preparation 8 Months After Initial Vaccine Series

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is preparing for all Americans get the 3rd shot booster, according to their August 19, 2021 statement. HHS stated that they are awaiting data for the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine, but anticipates that boosters will be needed for that group as well.

From their statement : “We have developed a plan to begin offering these booster shots this fall subject to FDA conducting an independent evaluation and determination of the safety and effectiveness of a third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines and CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issuing booster dose recommendations based on a thorough review of the evidence. We are prepared to offer booster shots for all Americans beginning the week of September 20 and starting 8 months after an individual’s second dose. At that time, the individuals who were fully vaccinated earliest in the vaccination rollout, including many health care providers, nursing home residents, and other seniors, will likely be eligible for a booster. We would also begin efforts to deliver booster shots directly to residents of long-term care facilities at that time, given the distribution of vaccines to this population early in the vaccine rollout and the continued increased risk that COVID-19 poses to them.”

For example, if you got your full vaccination sequence with your second shot on April 27th 2021, you would get a third booster shot on or around December 27th. Which happens to be the one year anniversary date of this blogger’s quarantine release date from recovering from actual COVID-19! Would not wish the actual virus to be in anyone. See you in the booster shot line.

Majority Of Hospitalizations Are Non Or Partially-Vaccinated People

Photo Credit: Screenshot of the Dutchess County Dashboard taken on 8/30/21, reflecting numbers from 8/28/2021.

County Executive Marcus Molinaro offered new vaccinated segmented data on his Facebook Live update on Friday, August 27th, 2021. The County Executive’s Communication Director, Colleen Pillus, confirmed with ALBB this data:

Hospital Demographics 7-day average (8/15-8/21)
29 patients on average [in the hospital]
76% [people] partially or not vaccinated vs. 24% [people] fully vaccinated on average

The HHS and group of experts who signed the statement maintains that vaccinating is a highly recommended mode of protection, by elaborating: “Our top priority remains staying ahead of the virus and protecting the American people from COVID-19 with safe, effective, and long-lasting vaccines especially in the context of a constantly changing virus and epidemiologic landscape. We will continue to follow the science on a daily basis, and we are prepared to modify this plan should new data emerge that requires it.”

In terms of vaccinated vs unvaccinated, HHS continued: “We also want to emphasize the ongoing urgency of vaccinating the unvaccinated in the U.S. and around the world. Nearly all the cases of severe disease, hospitalization, and death continue to occur among those not yet vaccinated at all.”

As of August 28, 2021, there are 844 Active Cases of COVID-19 in Dutchess County. That is a 4.57% positivity rate, according to the Dutchess Dashboard, which changes daily.

To get vaccinated for the first time, visit the Dutchess County Vaccination page.

86% Of Hospitalized COVID-19 Cases In Dutchess County Are Non-Vaccinated People; Hospitalizations Rising - Hospitals Explain Why That Is Challenging Their System

On August 18th, 2021, days after Sullivan and Orange Counties issued public health alarms about the rise in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, prompting them to put into place a preventative mask measure to slow the spread of COVID-19 in their regions, Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro delivered a video presentation via Facebook addressing the rise of cases over the summer a week after warnings in neighboring counties.

When last he gave a video presentation at the end of June 2021, there were 56 Active Cases in Dutchess County. By August 18th, 2021, just over a month later, there were 726. The number remains between 700-800 Active Cases today.

“Those who are seeing more severe cases and are coming to a hospital setting are overwhelmingly not vaccinated.”

— County Executive Marcus Molinaro

Currently, he reported, there are 60-93 new cases each day of COVID-19 in Dutchess County. Whereas before, in June, there were 1-4 new cases each day. “None of these data-points individually would cause us to sound an alarm,” he said. “But collectively, we want to monitor those things.” With press releases coming out of the County Executive’s Office weekly about accomplishments including monies designated for grants, a new mental health website, agricultural spotlights, etc., no press release was sent about this spike from 56 to 726 new Active COVID-19 Cases in Dutchess County from June to August.

After Sullivan County mandated that all people in county buildings must wear masks, and Orange County strongly recommended that all residents wear masks indoors, ALBB reached out to the County Executive’s office on August 16th to inquire if Dutchess County or their Health Department had made similar announcements, but received no reply. Days later on August 18th, Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro delivered his first COVID-19 update video. A week after that, the Dutchess County Commissioner of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH), Dr. Anil Vaidian MD, resigned, thanking the county for the opportunity to have worked for them.

Positivity Rate Rises To 4.8% (August) From .28% (June)

"Today we are at a 4.8% positivity rate. Not a 'transmission rate' this is a 'positivity rate,’” County Executive Molinaro explained, and then continued to give a reference point: “At the end of June, we were at .28% transmission rate. We are now at 4.8%." ALBB has confirmed with the County Executive’s office that the quoted .28% transmission rate was indeed referencing the positivity rate.

86% Hospitalized With COVID-19 in Dutchess County Are Not Vaccinated; 77% of Active Cases Are Not Vaccinated

County Executive Molinaro released hospital data not included in the Dutchess Dashboard that presents tracked COVID-19 data, confirming that 86% of those hospitalized in Dutchess County are not vaccinated. "Those who are seeing more severe cases and are coming to a hospital setting are overwhelmingly not vaccinated."

As for Active Cases, according to the data collected by Dutchess County Contact Tracers, who personally call people with Active Cases to check in on them to learn about transmission patterns, 77% of people recovering from COVID-19 told Contact Tracers that they were not vaccinated, County Executive Molinaro said.

Hospitals In Dutchess County Are Concerned And Explain Why 28 COVID-19 Hospitalizations In 1 Month Is Too Much

“Not every particular hospital room is built to contain an airborne virus of this kind. As those rooms fill up, hospitals have to use other rooms. As those rooms fill up, hospitals have to use other rooms. Use of those rooms might close down a whole floor.”

— Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro

With 60-93 new Active Cases a day, and 8 new hospitalizations in a week, County Executive Molinaro exclaimed: “That is a pace that is of concern to all of us, in the public health world and in the health care world.” He went on to explain why the number of 28 hospitalizations in 1 month stresses the hospital system in Dutchess County, by explaining that not all hospital rooms are designed to entrap an airborn virus.

"The growth in hospitalization is what puts pressure on the health care system. There are several hundred beds that might be available in the region. That is true. Keep in mind that not every room in every hospital is protected in a way that would prevent an airborne virus - a virus that travels in the way that this does - to escape the room,” he stated. “Not every particular hospital room is built to contain an airborne virus of this kind. As those rooms fill up, hospitals have to use other rooms. Use of those rooms might close down a whole floor."

He went on to explain that hospitals have voiced concern: "Our health care providers - our hospitals - with whom we are on calls with every week - they have a level of concern about the transmission among individuals, visitors who come into the hospital, visitors to staff, and then those staff members have to isolate. Those become big challenges for health care providers."

As of 8/18/2021, in the last 10 days, 9 Dutchess County residents have lost their life to the virus, the County Executive said. “There are severe cases, and those severe cases are taking some lives." Later in the presentation, Molinaro said: "The severity of the cases have been on the incline.”

County Executive Molinaro ended with a push to get vaccinated, walking a middle line between encouragement and recommendation: "We encourage you to choose to get vaccinated. I hope that you will. We encourage you to get the answers to the questions you may have."

Where To Get Vaccinated In Beacon

Vaccinations are free, and available at the new Beacon Wellness Pharmacy on Main Street. An appointment is necessary to make on their website. Sun River Health on Henry Street is now vaccinating any person, not just current patients. Dutchess County is offering home services to those in need. Castle Point is offering a driving service for Veterans to be driven to an appointment, and is looking for volunteers to drive. Details for all of these locations is at the Dutchess County vaccination page.

Stepping Down: Dr. Anil Vaidian MD, Dutchess County's Commissioner of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH)

Dr. Anil Vaidian MD, Commissioner of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH) for Dutchess County, is stepping down after 4 years of service. Dr. Vaidian made public appearances in the winter of the pandemic 2020, making himself available to communicative opportunities like “Current Conversations” with the Highlands Current in November, 2020. He made a few other appearances on the Dutchess County Facebook page via video.

In 2021, once the COVID-19 numbers decreased in Dutchess County, Dr. Vaidian was less in the public eye. For the latest COVID-19 increase due to the Delta varient, Dutchess County did not immediately make an public health alert, when Orange and Sullivan Counties did. Days later, Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro did make an COVID-19 update via the County’s Facebook page. Dr. Vaidian was not part of that announcement.

As a point of interest as it relates to Beacon, the City of Beacon’s former City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero, left his Administrator position in Beacon to take the position of Assistant Commissioner of Administration with the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health.

The press release from Dutchess County is below in full:

Dutchess County Commissioner of
Behavioral and Community Health to Step Down

Poughkeepsie, NY… Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro announced today that Anil Vaidian MD, MPH will step down as the Commissioner of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH) following a four year plus tenure dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Vaidian’s resignation is effective Friday, September 10th, 2021.

Dr. Vaidian joined the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health in April 2017, following more than 13 years of local county public health service at the Rockland County Department of Health and Westchester County Government’s Division of Disease Control.

Dr. Vaidian’s decades of experience as an infectious disease specialist has been crucial as he has notably led the Department of Behavioral & Community Health team as they have continued to deal with the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, which has consumed public health professionals since January 2020. Dr. Vaidian has been at the forefront of the County’s efforts, providing public health guidance to the community from the initial press conference announcing the first positive case in March 2020, to hundreds of conference calls with community leaders, hospital and healthcare professionals, school district leaders, faith-based organizations as well as virtual town hall updates and videos for the public over the past 17 months.

Dr. Vaidian said, “It has been my blessed good fortune to work along with and besides such wonderful staff and colleagues dedicated to highest standards of public health and community service. I am grateful to County Executive Molinaro for the opportunity to work this talented team of people. I will miss the enthusiasm, perseverance, and unrelenting pursuit of DBCH’s mission: To protect, promote, and improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of our community. Despite the long hours and everchanging circumstances, their unwavering commitment to that mission has been evident each and every day during this battle against COVID-19 as we have sought to inform and protect our residents. I know the entire DBCH organization will continue to be successful in serving our community’s well-being.”

County Executive Molinaro said, “Dutchess County is a healthier community due to the four-plus years Dr. Vaidian served as our health commissioner. Faced with a pandemic the likes of which we’ve never seen in our lifetimes, Dr. Vaidian oversaw our county health department through its most challenging times in memory, using his infectious disease expertise to inform and educate our residents while formulating public health guidance to protect them. I thank Dr. Vaidian for his service to Dutchess County, and look forward to finding a similarly competent leader to guide the dedicated and talented DBCH staff for years to come.”

The County will begin an executive search for an individual with the necessary combination of management skill and clinical knowledge to serve as Commissioner. An Acting Commissioner from within the Department of Behavioral and Community Health will be appointed by County Executive Molinaro in September, pending approval by the New York State Department of Health.

Compass Arts Announces Last InterConnected Event - Poetry In The Park - This Thursday

Join The Poet Gold for a solo performance of spoken word and poetry that speaks to the hearts of humanity on issues of facing our fears, our truths, social justice, building bridges, and triumphing through hope and love.

When: Thursday, August 26, 2021 (rain date September 2)
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: South Avenue Park, Beacon NY

Musical accompaniment by award-winning violinist Gwen Laster and Damon Banks on bass.

Poetry collage kits designed by Romina Robinson, using the words of Poet Gold will be available as a self-guided activity before the performance. 

This is a BYOS event! Bring your own SCISSORS! 

The kits will have everything to make a collage, including a glue stick, but we invite you to bring a pair of scissors in order to truly customize your piece.

Volunteer Opportunity: Rainbow Pool River Extraction From Hudson River

Volunteers Needed To Help Take The Rainbow Pool Out Of The River

When: Thursday, August 19, 2021 - Saturday, August 21, 2021
Time: 9am
Who: Thursday - Friday involves the disassembly lighter-duty work whereas Saturday involves the wet, in the river, heavy extraction work. Individuals with mandated volunteer service hours accepted!

Email: kmanz@riverpool.org to volunteer or visit the Riverpool Website and complete the volunteer form.

Snacks and beverages to be provided!

On-The-Water Protest With Boats Against Danskammer Fracked Gas Plant Expansion Scheduled August 4, 2021

Photo Credit: Screenshot of the educational video from The Stop Danskammer Coalition

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UPDATE 8/12/2021: Photos from the day of the protest.
Photo Credit: Hudson River Sloop Clearwater.

Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Inc. issued a press release, advising the region of an on-the-water protest from the Stop Danskammer Coalition scheduled for August 4, 2021.

Activists to Hold Hudson River Flotilla Protest Against the Danskammer Fracked Gas Plant Expansion

”The proposed Danskammer expansion threatens public health, water, and air quality, plus locks New York into a fossil fuel future,” reads the press release.

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On Wednesday, August 4th, 2021, activists representing Food & Water Watch, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, and other members of the Stop Danskammer Coalition will take to the water to protest the proposed Danskammer fracked gas plant expansion currently under review by the New York State Siting Board.

Activists will hold an on-the-water protest consisting of the sloops Clearwater and Woody Guthrie, kayaks, and canoes, accompanied by an on-land press conference and rally to be held at the Town of Wappinger public dock in Chelsea, across the river from the Danskammer site. Speakers will voice concerns over the proposal’s threats to public health, water, and air quality, as well as prolonging fossil fuel use in New York. Contrary to New York’s much needed and widely supported Climate Act, the Danskammer expansion would exacerbate the global climate crisis.

According to The Highlands Current, “Elected officials in Beacon, Newburgh, Cold Spring, and Philipstown (as well as a proposed resolution from Ulster County legislature) have also opposed a full-time plant, saying it doesn’t fit with the state’s goal over the next 30 years to replace technologies that burn fossil fuels, which contributes to global warming. Nevertheless, the Siting Board on Feb. 26 declared Danskammer’s application to be complete.”

“We are confident that our efforts to incorporate and eventually convert to a hydrogen power generation facility are well within the state’s mandates,” Michelle Hook, a spokesperson for Danskammer, said on Thursday (March 18, 2020). “We are committed to immediately lower emissions by upgrading existing equipment and then phase in hydrogen so that we can help the state meets its climate goals.”

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On-The-Water Protest And Press Conference, Wednesday, August 4th, 2021

A press conference against the backdrop of a Hudson River flotilla, protesting the proposal to expand the Danskammer fracked gas plant. Interviews with speakers and activists will be available after the press conference. Photo opportunities will include imagery of the Danskammer plant with press conference speakers, the iconic sloops Clearwater and Woody Guthrie, kayakers, and paddlers on the river with banners and signs in front of the Danskammer site.

Speakers Planned To Attend

Press conference speakers to include Hudson Valley elected officials, a representative of the Ramapough Lenape Nation, and activists representing the following organizations: Food & Water Watch, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Newburgh Clean Water Project, Orange Residents Against Pilgrim Pipelines, Ulster Activists and other members of the Stop Danskammer Coalition.

Press Conference Time and Location

The press conference will start at 1 PM ET on Wednesday, August 4th. The press conference will take place at the Town of Wappinger Public Dock, located at 3 Front Street in Chelsea (adjacent to the Chelsea Yacht Club). Free parking is available at Hidden Rose Catering, located at 33 Chelsea Rd in Wappingers Falls.

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About Hudson River Sloop Clearwater
Launched in 1969 by legendary folk singer and activist Pete Seeger, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater has been at the forefront of the environmental movement as champions of the Hudson River. To date, more than half a million people have experienced their first real look at an estuary’s ecosystem aboard the sloop Clearwater. Clearwater has become the grassroots model for producing positive changes to protect our planet. For more information, visit www.clearwater.org.

About Food & Water Watch
Food & Water Watch mobilizes people to build political power to move bold and uncompromised solutions to the most pressing food, water, and climate problems of our time. We work to protect people’s health, communities, and democracy from the growing destructive power of the most powerful economic interests. For more information, visit www.foodandwaterwatch.org/.

Newburgh to Beacon Ferry Will Run Again! CARES Act + American Rescue Plan Act Earmarked For MTA

MTA MONEY FROM FEDERAL GOVT SINCE PANDEMIC
Rep. Maloney voted to pass the CARES Act in March of last year, which generated funding for different sectors, some of which the MTA is receiving:

$4.35 billion via The CARES Act: Allocated $4.35 billion to New York in Transportation Funds. $3.8 billion of those funds went exclusively to the MTA.

$6 billion via The American Rescue Plan Act: The American Rescue Plan Act, which Rep. Maloney voted to pass in February, dedicated over $6 billion to the MTA.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, Metro-North implemented an Essential Service Plan and discontinued service on both ferries. This summer, readers of A Little Beacon Blog have written in to ask if the Newburgh/Beacon Ferry is running (signage and website were not updated), and if it would run again.

This Monday (7/19/2021), the MTA announced that they were reopening the Newburgh/Beacon Ferry, as well as the Haverstraw-Ossining ferry services, scheduled to resume on Monday, August 30, just one day after Metro-North's overall service increase, which will increase train service to 83% of pre-pandemic levels.

“We are so excited to see the region continue to recover, and our weekday ridership has increased steadily all spring and into the summer,” President Rinaldi said. “Our late August service increase will provide even more travel options for people ready to return to the office after Labor Day. Restoring ferry service during weekday peak periods will give our Rockland and Orange County customers returning to work additional options for getting to and from the City and other destinations along Metro-North’s Hudson Line.”

"People are coming back to work and NY Waterway ferries are here to give them a safe, fast and convenient commute. We’re thrilled to restart the Haverstraw-Ossining and Newburgh-Beacon service with Metro-North, and we look forward seeing all our past riders, and many more new ones, back aboard in August," said Armand Pohan, CEO, President and Chairman of NY Waterway.

Funding From CARES Act And American Rescue Plan Act Earmarked For MTA

In an emailed press release, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney highlighted the reinstatement of ferry service between Newburgh and Beacon, where he celebrated “the essential funding he secured for the MTA and Metro-North in the American Rescue Plan and CARES Acts that has enabled service to resume at close to full capacity,” stated in his press release sent Wednesday (7/21/2021).

Said Rep. Maloney: “Folks are going back into the office, and they need safe, reliable, and fast transportation to get there. Getting Metro-North up and running at full capacity is key to New York’s economic recovery,” said Rep. Maloney. “The MTA saw steep declines in ridership, expensive sanitation efforts, and a massive budget shortfall during the pandemic. I worked hard to deliver the funding necessary to help fill that deficit and get operations back to normal. Now, we are seeing the impact of that investment. We’re not at 100% yet, but thanks to the nearly $10 billion I helped secure in Washington, we are getting close.”

The CARES Act, which Rep. Maloney voted to pass in March of last year, allocated $4.35 billion to New York in Transportation Funds. $3.8 billion of those funds went exclusively to the MTA. Amtrak additionally received approximately $1 billion to meet funding needs after a decline of ridership on the Northeast Corridor and long-distance routes due to COVID-19.

The American Rescue Plan Act, which Rep. Maloney voted to pass in February, dedicated over $6 billion to the MTA, as well as $4 million for New York Stewart International Airport.

MTA Announced No Scheduled Fair Hike

Also on Monday, Gothamist reported that the MTA announced that they decided not to impose a previously scheduled and postponed fair hike. From the article:

“The MTA announced Monday that a previously postponed fare hike will not happen at all in 2021. MTA board member Larry Schwartz, who chairs the finance committee and is a close confidante and adviser to Governor Cuomo, said it would be inappropriate to raise fares, during Monday’s MTA committee meetings. Larry was also at the heart of a vaccination question on counties during the spotlight on Cuomo for alleged sexual inappropriateness in the spring of 2021.

“Now is not the time to raise fares,” Schwartz said Monday. “At a time when we need to encourage increasing ridership, raising fares does the opposite.”

After receiving so much money through the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan Act, as spelled out by Rep. Maloney in this week’s press release, it appears that they may not need to add that cost to people.

MTA Timetables For Re-Opening Services

According to the MTA’s 7/19/2021 announcement about the Newburgh/Beacon Ferry, the Augst 30th date is part of their logic on staggered openings. “Upcoming Aug. 29 service increase follows up on service increases reflected in Metro-North's April 12 and June 21 timetables. The April 12 timetables saw the restoration of weekend service to Wassaic and the reopening of the Manitou station, located near Bear Mountain Bridge and Anthony’s Nose. The June 21 timetables added 24 new peak trains on the Hudson, Harlem and New Haven Lines, bringing the railroad to 67% of its pre-pandemic service levels.”

Schedules for the Haverstraw-Ossining and Newburgh-Beacon ferries will be made available in early August. Perhaps the MTA will also update the printed signage in the Beacon location as well! And perhaps they will consider opening weekend service for trips across the river to visit the sister cities of Beacon and Newburgh!

Back To School Block Party Is BACK From I Am Beacon - How To Get Involved

BACK TO SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY
Day: Saturday, August 21, 2021
Time: 12pm - 4pm
Location: South Avenue Park

Supporting parents and students in preparing for the start of the new school year!

Community Leaders - Parents - Teachers - Administrators,

 As you know, back to school is one of the most stressful times of the year for both students and parents.

 In effort to support Beacon families, please join I Am Beacon for the Annual Back to School Block Party designed to help jump-start planning and preparation for the upcoming school year.

What ways can your School/PTA/PTO/Organization/Business be involved?

• Set Up a Booth: We are offering space (free of charge) to all groups, community organizations and businesses. This event will allow your organization to engage students/parents in a fun environment. 

• Donate supplies (i.e. pens/pencils etc) or materials (i.e. literature, tips & tricks) to be included in the Back to School "Starter Kit" back packs that will be handed out to the first 100 students.

• Help sponsor the event or donate raffle items in support of "Class in a Bag" which provides new back packs and school supplies to local students in need.

• Spread the word: Tell your network about the event to help us reach the most students possible. 

If you are interested in participating, click here to register your organization. For more information or questions, please reach out to Brooke directly at 845.505.6820 or iambeacon.brooke@gmail.com  

Tails & Tales At The Howland Public Library

The Howland Public Library in Beacon will be running “Tails & Tales”, the 2021 children’s Summer Reading Program, between July 8 th and August 20th. This summer, they’ll explore the world of animals and stories with book logging, fun prizes, and exciting virtual programs for children ages 4 to 11. Beginning June 16 th, children can go into the library for a Summer Reading starter kit, including a book log and a FREE book!

The library will supply paper logging sheets, and kids can log all the books, ebooks, & audiobooks that they have been enjoying between the dates of July 8th and August 20th. They’ll receive special prizes each time they show us titles they added to their book logs.

The Howland Public Library also invites everyone to visit, the Ball of Beasts, a fantastical soft sculpture display created by artist Adam Izen for our children’s room. Children can even have a chance at winning one of the animals to take home. Stop by to enter the contest!

Virtual programs include favorites like Animal Embassy, Traveling Lantern Theare, and Dinosaurs Rock. Check the library’s calendar https://beaconlibrary.org or follow them on Facebook to see all of the free Crafts on the Go! Kits, events, and virtual programs geared for the whole family throughout the summer. Story Times! Music! Theater! Animals!

Contact: Ginny Figlia, Head of Youth Services, 845-831-1134, x.103 or youth@beaconlibrary.org.