Beacon Cancels or Postpones Easter At Memorial Park, Beacon Barks Parade, Easter Sunrise Service, and Good Friday Procession

Published Date: Saturday, March 14, 2020

In keeping with State and County directives to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the City of Beacon is canceling or postponing public-supported events involving large attendance scheduled between now and the end of April. That includes Easter at Memorial Park, Beacon Barks Parade, Easter Sunrise Service, and Good Friday Procession.

What To Do Instead

Easter at Memorial Park: Let’s be real here. This is really just a big candy fest, and a highly stressful event for parents with young kids who like to run off. So, there is a chance that parents are breathing a sigh of relief with this cancellation.

Beacon Barks Parade: We will check in with Libby and Nanci, who are (were) taking back their bigger role as parade organizers this year. They had stepped away after selling their shop, Beacon Barkery, to Donald and his son John. Donald has been recovering from an illness, and John just launched the shop’s brand new website, where you can order online! You may even get delivery of pet food from John at the Beacon Barkery, if you call the store to see if he’s available to do so. Back to the parade: We’ll circle back with an update, and ways to support adopting cats and dogs.

Religious Services: If any of your religious services are canceled during this Holy Week time, there may be creative ways of connecting. Consider going outside during the peaceful dawn hours, and perhaps your religious group has recorded a video of a service and uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo, and you can play/watch/listen to it while you take some time to honor the moment. †

Event Cancellations: Howland Chamber Music Circle, Jazz At Atlas, and Atlas Studios Postpone Events Through March

Published Date: Thursday, March 12, 2020

In light of the current global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the following cancellations have been announced for this weekend and the near future.

Howland Chamber Music Circle Concert Series

According to their release: “The Board of the Howland Chamber Music Circle has made the very difficult, but prudent, decision to cancel the following concerts:"

• WindSync “Classics for Kids” on Sunday, March 15, 12 noon

• WindSync concert on Sunday, March 15 at 4 pm

• Inbal Segev / Juho Pohjonen on Sunday, April 5 at 4 pm

You can no longer purchase tickets for any of these events. “Those who purchased tickets to these three concerts can receive a refund of their ticket price (minus any discounts for subscriptions),” as stated in the release.

A donation opportunity exists. “If anyone would like to donate the value of their tickets to the Board, instead of taking the refund. This will help cover some of the costs already incurred in producing these concerts. Those wishing to make such a donation should please send a quick email to info@howlandmusic.org stating such. Please include your name as it appeared on the order. As a 501(c)(3) organization your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. If you have any questions at all, please send us email, or call and leave a message (845-765-3012).”

Also cancelled at the Howland Cultural Center are the following:

• Blind Tiger Improv March Comedy Showcase, Saturday, March 14, 2020

• Faculty Concert Series with 4X4 Music Off Road, Sunday, March 22, 2020

Jazz At Atlas Concert Series

Across the river in Newburgh, the popular Jazz at Atlas concert series has been canceled until further notice.

In a statement issued by James Keepnews from Jazz at Atlas, “It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you that Atlas Studios has decided, given the pandemic we’re all facing, to cancel all scheduled events.” This includes this weekend’s performance by Fay Victor’s Barn Songs Trio.

A Little Beacon Blog reached out to Atlas Studios, and confirmed that they have canceled all events for March.

Please note that this also impacts the concert by Bobby Previte’s Music from the Dune Shacks quartet at Atlas on Saturday, April 18. There is hope to reschedule these artists for the fall. Follow Jazz At Atlas on Facebook for further updates, or visit www.atlasnewburgh.com.

County Fare Auctions Off Coveted 'Quiet Man Pub' Sign For Victims Displaced By Fire in Wappingers Falls

When Dana Tompkins bought County Fare, he inherited the long-loved sign from the pub that the location previously housed: The Quiet Man Pub. “People my age seem to have a special connection with this place. As does the older crowd,” Dana told A Little Beacon Blog. Dana is 40 and has two young kids. The person who Dana bought County Fare from, who currently owns Graceland, told Dana that a lot of people wanted the sign. “Sure enough,” Dana said, “those same people walked into County Fare wanting the sign. But I held onto it, because you never know.”

Last week, on February 25, 2020, the building at 10 Market Street, in Wappingers Falls, caught fire, most likely a result of a welding accident on a fire escape, and ravaged the building, displacing 32 people from their homes in the apartments, and destroying four businesses. This is the second fire in a decade to happen in the Village of Wappingers Falls.

“Come in and leave a bid! It’s wide open.”

— Dana Tompkins, Owner, County Fare

Dana made the swift decision to auction off the Quiet Man Pub sign in a silent auction. Then he changed it to a “Not-So-Silent” auction: “I realized I had an opportunity to get these people going up against this thing. Let’s drive the bidding up! To raise money for those displaced! Right now, I have a few people who keep outbidding each other.” The highest bid is $2,100 as of Friday afternoon, and includes a bidder from Manhattan. People can place bids at the bar or by contacting Dana at County Fare. The auction will end on Saturday night after the Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Day Parade and celebration in Wappingers Falls.

Auction & Raffle With 20 Prizes To Raise Funds At County Fare

The sign isn’t the only item being used to raise money for those impacted by the fire. County Fare has a raffle with 20 prizes. “There are gift certificates to every place you can think of,” explained Dana. Gold’s Gym is giving away a one-year family membership; there are Yankees tickets to Opening Weekend, and more prizes.

There is also a raffle at Stephano’s Ristorante beginning at 2:30 pm. Not to mention all of the other fun you will find on the day, which ALBB wrote about here.

Dana has been humbled by the response he has seen come forward for the community. “The Village and Town of Wappingers have come together like I've never really seen a community come together to help families and businesses. As someone trying to really create an amazing fundraiser, and [as] close personal friends with multiple people who were displaced, I am grateful from the bottom of [my] heart. It is very humbling to see how many people care.”

The community outreach platform Wappingers Rises has been promoting where people can donate and enjoy the Village of Wappingers Falls during the parade and daylong celebration. Online fundraising has been created by the Wappinger Town Supervisor, Richard L. Thurston at this GoFundMe page, which has raised over $15,000 to date, and remains open for more help. Other online fundraising sites include Mario’s Sandwich Shop (Mario’s GoFundMe page), TJ’s Barbershop (TJ’s GoFundMe page), a personal page organized by Irais Quezada (as forwarded by Wappingers Rising). Local churches are also accepting donations to be given to victims.

What’s On Tap?

What will be on tap at this local craft beer specialty restaurant and bar? “Super local ones,” confirmed Dana. Three varieties from Sloop Brewing, Cousins Ale (you’ve seen on them on Route 9… now is your chance to taste it if you haven’t yet!), Mill House, other craft beers, and of course, Guinness, because, well, it’s St. Patrick’s Day.

Here's Why Saturday's St. Patrick's Day Parade In Wappingers Falls Is Such A Big Deal

It’s the 25th anniversary of Dutchess County’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the historic district of Wappingers Falls! It will take place on Friday, March 7 at 1 pm - rain or shine. While commonly known as the Wappingers St. Patrick’s Day parade, it is in fact the countywide parade, open to all. “Few people realize this is the Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” Courtney Kolb of Wappingers Rises, told A Little Beacon Blog. Oftentimes you hear people say “Wappinger Parade,” but it’s actually the county parade.

First Big Event After The Devastating Fire At 10 Market Street In February

Photo Credit: Scott Marcella, supplied by Wappingers Rises

The community and local businesses have come together in support of those who have been displaced by the fire, including the 32 people who lost their homes to the fire, and the four businesses whose businesses were destroyed: Mario’s Sandwich Shop (Mario’s GoFundMe page), TJ’s Barbershop (TJ’s GoFundMe page), the studio for artist Andrew Woolbright and Your Green Spa. To date, the GoFundMe page set up by Wappingers Town Supervisor Richard L. Thurston has raised $15,695 (still open, new goal of $20K!). Funds have started being disbursed to those in need. Throughout the parade route, individuals with buckets will be collecting relief funds. County Fare restaurant is auctioning off the original and highly sought- after "Quiet Man Pub" sign and donating proceeds to the fire recovery efforts.

What Locals Are Saying

County Fare owner Dana Tompkins gave us the lay of the land of what to expect during the parade and the festivities that follow after. Afraid of parking? No problem, said Dana. “People park anywhere and everywhere. Plus, all of the cops will be at the parade.” County Fare will be selling Irish coffee and hot toddies. Kids with donation buckets will be in the area collecting for relief efforts for those displaced by the fire.

The Shamrock Run Before The Parade

The day begins with Mass at St. Mary’s being led by His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan at 9 am.

After Mass, check out Fleet Feet’s Wappinger’s Shamrock Run, which is a 1-mile run held right before the parade at 12:45 pm. You can sign up to participate in the run by clicking here. Local resident Christopher Regan is timing the event and made the medals that will be given to all who complete the run. The run will conclude next to Mesier Park in the village of Wappingers near the grandstand. Wear your most festive St. Patrick's gear, and let's kick off parade day with some fun! 

What To Expect At The Dutchess County St. Paddy’s Day Parade In Wappingers Falls

The parade kicks off at 1 pm and last about an hour. This is a downtown-wide event, so there will be things to do in several businesses. A parade after-party is at Stephano’s Ristorante beginning at 2:30 pm with raffles, live music, cash bar. County Fare is also having a big raffle, which includes a one-year membership to Gold’s Gym, and the final results of their Not So Silent auction for their famous Quiet Man Pub sign. Bids are still being taken. The last bid we heard about was $2,100, and competition is getting serious.

Local restaurants will have special items on their menu to celebrate the day like a “Coquito Go Bragh” from Café Con Leche (also located on Market Street), Irish coffee and hot toddies from County Fare, and sweet treats from Sweet Bakes Cafe. Mario’s Sandwich Company - whose storefront was lost by the fire (click here to donate to Mario’s GoFund me effort to rebuild) - will have a table set up at East Main Street to sell sandwiches and soda bread. Show owner Frank Camey some support, and stop by!

Find Even More Deals And To-Dos At Wappingers Rises

Wappingers Rises has dedicated an Instagram Highlight called “St. Patrick’s” to show rotating Stories of what different businesses are offering throughout the day. Go there and flip through to stay in the know. Says Courtney of Wappingers Rises: “You can expect fun, family, and sunshine!!! The weather looks great and the businesses have pulled out wonderful food and drink specials.If you’ve been considering a visit to The Village, make tomorrow the day.” Even if the weather gets chilly, bring your best winter accessories, because this could be the last time this season you get to use them.

Here’s a sneak peek, via a look back at past Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Day parades:

Interview With Melanie Falick, Author of "Making A Life" and Co-Curator Of Maker Film Festival In Beacon

Photo Credits: From “Making A Life” by Melanie Falick.

It’s not often that the concept of a book is brought to life in the form of a collection of long and short films screened at a local theater. But that is what is happening this weekend, Saturday, February 29 and Sunday, March 1, 2020. Local author and revered publisher Melanie Falick has published her book, “Making A Life” after three years in the works. The book’s arrival onto shelves in 2019 wasn’t the end of that journey. Ideas for a film festival percolated and came to life at Story Screen Beacon with the cooperation of the theater’s founder, programmer and co-owner, Mike Burdge.

What follows below is an interview with Melanie, to find out how a book author, dedicated to a life of making things, co-curated a film festival that brings Beaconites and visitors to our city/town a taste of well-known makers in some specific fields, but mostly unknown to the rest of us.

Poster for the Maker Film Festival at Story Screen. Feb. 29 and Mar 1, 2020.

Most exciting (to this writer), aside from exploring the unknown makers and methods that will be lighting up the screen, is one of the films with a focus on Natalie Chanin, of the fashion and lifestyle line Alabama Chanin (see ALBB’s article for the list of films). Natalie was known for employing women and quilters in Alabama to stitch T-shirts with hand-made flowers and other details you’d pine for.

This writer’s discovery of Alabama Chanin was during my indie designer days when I was producing accessories. I’d been working with a stitcher in the Garment District of New York City. When he closed up shop to open a Chinese restaurant, I somehow discovered Reita Posey, a one-time stitcher for Alabama Chanin, before that phase of the fashion label disbanded for a bit (they are back now). I’d send Reita my fabric and pattern, and she’d send back my inventory.

I valued Reita’s work so much, even though I was not doing the work myself. Something I internally struggled with, and actually had me not sell my things in the Etsy world, because I did not physically stitch each one (something which the Etsy community/rules have moved beyond now).

Working with one’s hands is key to getting in touch with oneself, even if you’re not a professional and even if you don’t know what you’re doing. I just special-ordered my copy of “Making A Life” at Binnacle Books (they have a super easy online form!) and there are now signed copies at the Raven Rose shop on Main Street (near the mountain, across from the Howland Cultural Center) and copies will be available at Story Screen during the festival.

And now, the interview with Melanie on how the Maker Film Festival came to be, and how she got this book published, from concept to pitching it (learn all about Melanie here, including more about her career in publishing):

ALBB: Had you always known you wanted to produce a film festival to fuel the makers movement/lifestyle you are encouraging in your book? How did this come about?

Photo Credit: From “Making A Life” by Melanie Falick.

After I finished writing “Making a Life” but before it came out, I started talking to a few friends at the dog park here in Beacon about a maker film festival (the dog park being the place in town where I regularly socialize). Everyone there seemed excited about the idea, including Marjorie Tarter, who also happens to be one of the owners of Story Screen Beacon Theater. She introduced me to Mike Burdge, another owner and the person who runs the theater, and he was enthusiastic from the get-go.

I wrote “Making a Life” as a way of sharing my belief that making by hand is part of what makes us human and that it can play a key role in our personal wellness as well as the wellness of our communities, culture, and environment. After I finished writing, I knew that I wanted the book to be a springboard for generating conversation and affecting positive change. I also knew that I wanted to get more involved in what is going on locally. The film festival is ticking all of those boxes.

Can you take us into the process of making your book? How long did it take you? From concept to pitching it to making it?

I came up with the idea and submitted a proposal for “Making a Life” at the end of 2015 and began working on it in spring 2016. It was published in October 2019, so the process took a little over three years. However, much of my adult life, both personally and professionally, has revolved around making by hand. It has guided how and where I live, who I spend time with, the work I do, and the places to which I choose to travel.

ALBB: How did you pitch your book? You have a comfort level from your career working in book publishing. Did this help?

Lia Ronnen, the publisher at Artisan, and I had started talking about the possibility of working together in Spring 2015, after I left my job as a publishing director at Abrams (I had my own imprint there called STC Craft / Melanie Falick Books). When I came up with the idea for “Making a Life,” I told her about it on the phone, then quickly wrote a short proposal.

At that point I had been working in publishing for more than two decades—as an author, editor, and publisher—so I definitely had an advantage when it came to understanding the process and what a publisher is looking for. I also had an advantage because Lia was familiar with my body of work, including two books I wrote that were published by Artisan in the late 1990s (Knitting in America and Kids Knitting) and sold very well.

ALBB: How did you discover these films shown in the Maker Film Festival at Story Screen Beacon? Why have you selected this list?

Curating the films for a festival was a new challenge for me. The fact that Mike, who has put on many festivals, was confident in me and could answer my questions, helped a lot. I started by asking maker friends and acquaintances if they had any recommendations, then I began hunting around on the internet, finding new leads, and following them. I watched a lot of films in order to come up with the selection we are offering, which feels relevant to my experience writing “Making a Life” and to the role making by hand plays in modern living.

For example, I chose films about Oaxacan weavers (Woven Lives, Saturday, 3 pm) and Rajasthani block printers (Rediscovering Jajam, Sunday 4 pm) because I visited Mexico and India while researching my book and wanted to share some of what I learned and was inspired by there. I chose The True Cost (Sunday, 1 pm) because what I call the DIY Renaissance (a growing interest in making by hand) is, in part, a reaction to the dangerous fast-fashion practices that this film reveals. The New Bauhaus shows how handwork, art, design, and industry are interconnected.

Some of the shorts (which run in two chunks, starting at 5 pm on Saturday and 4 pm on Sunday) are about or made by makers featured in my book, including slow-fashion pioneer Natalie Chanin of Alabama Chanin and weaver Jessica Green of A Little Weather.

ALBB: Tell us more about “fast fashion” vs “slow fashion.”

Fast fashion is a buzzword for the practice of having trendy, inexpensive clothing made by cheap labor sources, sometimes in unhealthy and unfair conditions. This clothing is not meant to stay in style or last but, instead to be thrown away and replaced by the next fashion trend. The slow-fashion movement—which includes both making and mending clothing—reflects a growing sensitivity about the social, economic, and environmental impact of the fast fashion process.

ALBB: Is Natalie Chanin still producing? I worked with one of her stitchers when I was having my own designs produced.

Natalie Chanin remains at the helm of Alabama Chanin. Her Florence, Alabama-based company has several different arms, including handsewn couture collections made by artisans in and around Florence; machine-made collections designed and manufactured on site; and the School of Making, through which they educate makers and sell DIY supplies.

ALBB: Thank you, Melanie, for your answers! Tell us about a few quick moments in some of the films that we should keep our eye out for.

—There is a short on Saturday about the artist Ann Hamilton. In it she is shown working on an interactive installation in an old industrial space that makes me think of all of the potential spaces for interactive artwork in the old buildings in Beacon.

—In Oaxaca, Mexico, culture, community, cuisine, landscape, handwork, and history come together in such natural ways. I visited there when I began my research for “Making a Life” and I can’t wait to go back, but for now I can watch Woven Lives and travel there in my mind. I hope viewers will enjoy the journey as much as me.

—I hope The New Bauhaus and a short we’re showing about Black Mountain College on Sunday will inspire viewers to talk about the value of hands-on, experiential, interdisciplinary learning with art at its core. A lot of people are talking about STEM education these days. I just read an article about integrating art into it so that we have STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math).

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Find more of Melanie at other events, during her author tour, which you can keep up with here.

By God's Grace Ministries Celebrates 23 Years In Beacon

By God’s Grace Ministries, the little but mighty church you may not have realized was there at 203 Main Street - there is no store sign hanging out front - is celebrating 23 years in the Beacon community this Sunday, in conjunction with Black History Month, as first reported by the Beacon Free Press.

If you’re not a regular member of this church’s community, the only clue you may have that this storefront is a church is the boisterous music that comes through the windows and blinds each Sunday. Located in the same block as BJ’s Soul Food and Mr. Bell’s Main Street Beauty Salon, it is also within walking distance to the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church at 139 Main Street (near Bank Square Coffee), and Springfield Baptist Church on Mattie Cooper.

The celebration will begin at 11:15 am, led by Senior Pastor Dr. Audrey E. Giles. According to the article, Dr. Giles expressed: “This is where God led me 23 years ago and I love Beacon and it’s wonderful to serve the community. We will be celebrating our 23rd Church Anniversary as well as our Black History Month. Also we will be wearing our African attire.”

Maker Film Festival At Story Screen Beacon Theater - A Curated Experience So Good, You Might Be There All Weekend

From the beginning, Story Screen Beacon Theater had visions of hosting film festivals and events. That vision has been achieved, and continues in the form of new film festivals, especially ones that may be a new concept for the area, or anywhere.

On Saturday, February 29, and Sunday, March 1, 2020, the Makers Film Festival debuts and includes a lineup of films featuring makers and mediums from all over the world. It will include both full-length and short films, panel discussions, a maker market, and more.

The festival is inspired and co-curated by Melanie Falick, the Beacon-based author of “Making a Life: Working by Hand and Discovering the Life You Are Meant to Live” (buy/order it at Binnacle Books or wherever books are sold, even Anthropologie!). Read A Little Beacon Blog’s interview with Melanie about her inspiration for the film festival here.

In Melanie’s travels across continents, she met quilters and potters, weavers and painters, metalsmiths, printmakers, woodworkers, and more, and uncovered truths about making objects by hand that have been speaking to us for millennia, yet feel urgently relevant today. “Much of my adult life, both personally and professionally,” Melanie reflected to A Little Beacon Blog, “has revolved around making by hand. It has guided how and where I live, who I spend time with, the work I do, and the places to which I choose to travel.”
(Did you spy the same little detail we did? Note the use of pencil in the title on the book cover.)

According to Story Screen Beacon’s press release: “This Maker Film Festival is focused on ‘making by hand,’ and the power it has to give our lives authenticity and meaning… Films were chosen to foster discussion about making by hand and artistic expression, and why they remain vital and valuable in the modern world. Making helps us to slow down, express ourselves, develop competence, and connect with and develop empathy for others, past and present, near and far, similar and different.”

Mike Burdge, the founder, programmer and co-owner of Story Screen Beacon curated the selection of films with Melanie. “For me, the festival is all about diversifying the type of films that we get to show at the theater, utilizing an engagement event to set up a personalized film curation that goes beyond what we typically show,” Mike told A Little Beacon Blog. “We really think this is the start of an awesome new age of festivals and curations at the theater, and working with Melanie on this selection of worldwide films has been a blast and we really think the public is going to love everything about it.”

Film screenings will be held Saturday, February 29, and Sunday, March 1. A  pop-up Maker Market, featuring local artisan makers, will be held on Sunday, March 1 from 1 to 5 pm in the Story Screen Beacon Theater lobby. Tickets for screenings may be purchased at the Story Screen box office or online at storyscreenbeacon.com.

About The Films: Schedule and Descriptions

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020:

1 pm: Yarn the Movie
1 hour 16 minutes

Starting in Iceland, this quirky and thought-provoking film takes us on a colorful, global journey as we discover how knitting, crochet, and other forms of yarn manipulations connect us all. “A fanciful art doc for the craft-y among us.” –The Hollywood Reporter

3 pm: Woven Lives: Contemporary Textiles from Ancient Oaxacan Traditions
1 hour 16 minutes

Woven Lives traces the development of weaving traditions among the Zapotec communities in Oaxaca, Mexico, demonstrating the vibrant, important role textile-making continues to play in their identity and daily living.

5 pm: Assorted Short Films
1 hour total

Six short films featuring makers whose stories are included in the book Making a Life, as well as the artists who inspire them. Among those featured are weaver Jessica Green, slow-fashion pioneer Natalie Chanin, and multidisciplinary artists Louise Bourgeois, Ann Hamilton, and Tanya Aquinga.

Viewers are invited to stay afterward to talk about the films and the role of making by hand in our own lives. Bring some handwork if you like!

7 pm: Wax Print

Nigerian-British filmmaker and fashion designer Aiwan Obinyan takes us across the globe to trace the 200-year history of African wax print (also known as batik) fabric. Traveling from West African sewing schools and North American cotton fields, to fabric mills in the Netherlands and bustling markets in Ghana, Obinyan tells the story of how the iconic fabric came to symbolize a continent, its people, and their struggle for freedom.

Official Selection 2019 African Film Festival New Zealand, Official Selection 2019 Pan African Film Festival, Official Selection 2019 San Francisco Black Film Festival

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2020:

1 pm to 5 pm: Pop-up Maker Market in the Story Screen Beacon Theater lobby featuring local artisan makers.

1 pm: The True Cost
1 hour 32 minutes

The price of clothing has been decreasing for decades, while the human and environmental costs of production have grown dramatically. The True Cost is a groundbreaking documentary, filmed in countries all over the world, about the clothes we wear, the people who make them, and the impact the clothing industry is having on our world. “A sweeping, heartbreaking, and damning survey of the clothing economy.” -CNN

After the Screening: We will follow our screening of The True Cost with a Ted Talk about creating regenerative, distributive economies that support human and environmental health, plus a panel discussion with local makers involved in the slow-fashion movement: a growing force focused on countering the destructive fast-fashion economy by making and mending their own clothing, minimizing consumption, and tracking the sources of their purchases

4 pm: Assorted Short Films
1 hour 50 minutes total

Six short films featuring makers around the world, including Rediscovering Jajam, in which Rajasthani craftsmen share their stories about block-printing large, traditional textiles on which community members traditionally gather, and Stitch, in which northwest Alabamans talk about old-time quilting in their region.

Viewers are invited to stay after the screening to talk about the films and the role of making by hand in our own lives. Bring some handwork if you like!

6:30 pm: The New Bauhaus
1 hour 29 minutes

A documentary about Hungarian-born artist Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, one of the instructors at the Bauhaus in Germany, who emigrated to the United States to escape the Nazis, and the impact he made on design, photography, and arts education through his emphasis on experiential learning in the schools he founded in America.

Official Selection 2020 Palm Springs International Film Festival/ Official Selection 2019 Chicago International Film Festival

Tickets for screenings may be purchased in person at the Story Screen box office or online at storyscreenbeacon.com.

Get Your Tickets! Beacon Open Studios Fundraiser February 2020, With Roaring 1920s Theme

Get your dancing shoes ready, it’s a Roaring ‘20s Costume and Fundraiser Ball for Beacon Open Studios! Join in with the art project on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at St. Rocco’s Society at 26 S. Chestnut St. for Back To The Twenties as they travel back in time to the 1920s. The fundraiser is to help raise money for this year’s Beacon Open Studios annual event this coming May. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online here. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but at a higher price. Get the deal price now!

Throw on your favorite 1920s outfit, put on your dancing shoes, enjoy some delicious food and drinks, swinging music and great company!

Beacon Open Studios is a fiscally sponsored project through Beacon Arts. It is also made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by Arts Mid-Hudson. Beacon Open Studios also receives monies through fundraisers like this, and sponsorships.

Artists And Their Studios Wanted: Registration For Beacon Open Studios 2020 Going On Now

Registration for Beacon Open Studios (BOS) 2020 is now open and you can sign up as an artist for this year. BOS 2020 will take place the weekend of May 15-17, 2020, which is not Second Saturday weekend, for those keeping track. This gives the city-wide art exploration event its own space to stretch without competing with the prior weekend’s schedule. This event is open to everyone. Some participating artists are professionals in other fields who commute to other cities and towns during the week, and only show off their passionate works in their studios here in Beacon.

In other words, this could be your only chance all year to see the work of these artists. And see behind the curtain. Registration closes April 8, 2020. A Little Beacon Blog is a proud sponsor once again of this event.

What Is Beacon Open Studios?

Once a year, artists of Beacon, New York, open their art studios to the public. This free, city-wide, weekend-long event has become one of the largest of its kind in the Hudson Valley. This year marks their 12th Anniversary! This event is an opportunity for the public to see how local artists’ art gets made.

In the past, spaces have included garages, sheds, apartments, offices, and other nontraditional venues of viewing art. It’s a fun way to get connected with your community and learn more about local artists, some of whom are famous nation- or even worldwide. You can pick up a map at various locations. Identify an open studio by a large red dot on a yard sign out in the lawn.

Register As An Artist

If you are interested in participating this year, register by clicking the link here.

Become A Sponsor

Not an artist but still want to get involved and show support? You can become a sponsor too by clicking here! A Little Beacon Blog has been a sponsor for this popular annual event for the last few years and is glad to be back again this year.

Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Opens Tickets For Fundraiser At The Garrison - Spirit of the Hudson Gala - March 1st

Hot off our desks at A Little Beacon Blog, please find this press release from Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc.

Tickets are now available for this year’s Clearwater’s 5th Annual Spirit of the Hudson Gala, Sunday, March 1, 2020, from 3 to 7 pm. The event will also honor Tom Chapin with the Spirit of the Hudson Award and celebrate his 75th birthday. The Gala will include food, music, auction items, and more. You can purchase your tickets online.

"I’ve performed with Pete (Seeger), played the Revival, and supported Clearwater in many ways over the decades,” said Chapin. “Now I feel blessed to celebrate my 75th birthday among the wonderful people who, like me, want to ensure the protection and preservation of our mighty Hudson River. I hope you will join us on March 1st at The Garrison."

For over 50 years, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater has been at the forefront of the environmental movement as champion of the Hudson River, working to pass landmark legislation like the Clean Water Act, and providing innovative educational programs, environmental advocacy, and musical celebrations, including the renowned annual Clearwater Festival, to inspire, educate, and activate millions of people. Musician and activist Pete Seeger along with several friends had a vision to build a majestic replica of the sloops that sailed the Hudson in the 18th and 19th centuries, that would bring people to the river where they could experience its beauty and be moved to preserve it. Inspired by that vision, the organization began with the launch of the sloop Clearwater in 1969 —a majestic 106-foot-long replica vessel that is recognized today as America’s Environmental Flagship.

Gala funds support Clearwater’s environmental advocacy and education programs on the Hudson River. The event will be held at The Garrison (2015 US Route 9, Garrison, NY) and tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.

Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, member-supported corporation whose mission is to preserve and protect the Hudson River, its tributaries and related bodies of water. 

Only 529 Tickets Available For Clearwater's The Great Hudson River Revival 2020 After Required Downsizing

Clearwater’s The Great Hudson River Revival will be produced on a much smaller, intimate scale as compared to years past, with tickets for 529 attendees only. Normally a million-dollar event, last year’s festival suffered a financial loss of $190K due to a rainy forecast, according to the organizers. The organization has been working its way out of that loss since June 2019.

For many years, The Great Hudson River Revival was Clearwater’s most important annual fundraiser. It has since grown into the country's oldest music and environmental festival, uniquely spreading environmental awareness, education and activism. With no corporate sponsorship, this loss made a big impact on the organization.

“The Great Hudson River Revival was a major success last year, in the sense that thousands of people joined us to celebrate the Hudson River through music, dance, volunteerism, education and activism,” said Clearwater Executive Director Greg Williams in a press release. “Due to many factors, including a wet weather forecast and rain on Sunday causing low attendance, the festival suffered a financial loss of approximately $190K. Since June, we have been working to keep the organization stable, while paying down our debt to festival vendors, and we are grateful for their patience. It would be irresponsible of Clearwater to move forward with replicating another million-dollar Clearwater Festival in 2020 without having addressed the financial loss we incurred in 2019. We expect that these steps, with the public’s ongoing support, will put us in the best position to return with Revival in 2021."

Williams continued in the press release: "We hope that our transparency will give the public some confidence that we keep our mission close at heart; to continue the work that we do year-round on the Hudson, educating and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.”

The Community Celebration for June 2020 will be a unique and intimate event for 529 attendees. Attendance will be very limited due to venue space capacity, but will provide a familiar welcoming weekend of unity, action, education, food, music, crafts, and merrymaking.

Details about the 2020 Great Hudson River Revival will be announced soon. Clearwater expects to return to a full-scale event in 2021, re-envisioned as a sustainable, less-commercial event, according to the press release.

For 2020, a Clearwater Community Celebration will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21, on the festival’s traditional Father’s Day Weekend on a smaller portion of Croton Point Park, in Croton-on-Hudson, NY.

Other Ways To Donate In The Meantime

To contribute to Clearwater’s ability to continue to hold festivals, and/or other programming, you can ​click here​. You can choose whether to have your donation committed to a specific program, or to be used where it is most needed.

You can ​sail on ​Clearwater ​​this sailing season, ​volunteer on the sloop​, help
out with ​winter maintenance​, attend one of their ​events​ this year, or make a donation.​

Schedule For The 42nd Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration (MLK) and 7th Annual Parade Set in Beacon

WHAT: Services + Parade March
WHEN: Monday, January 20, 2020
WHERE: Springfield Baptist Church, 8 Church Street (aka Mattie Cooper Square)

On Monday, January 20, 2020, for the 42nd year, a daylong celebration for Martin Luther King Jr. is planned at the Springfield Baptist Church from the Southern Dutchess Coalition (SDC). For the seventh year, the Pete Seeger Community “Dr. King Parade” will commence with a march around the block in the morning, with people returning back to the church for the performance pieces and service. Last year, the event was postponed due to an unexpected ice storm. This year, the snow(/ice) date is Monday, February 17, 2020.

Themes & Performances For The MLK Birthday Celebration

According to the organizers: “The 2020 SDC Birthday Celebration promises to be another glorious example of Beacon’s Unity, Community and Diversity!”

This year’s main theme is: “If God Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?” Continuing the celebration of future leaders, the Southern Dutchess Coalition will present the seventh annual essay contest, which will take place after the parade. The theme of the annual essay contest is: “Injustice Anywhere Is A Threat To Justice Everywhere.”

Schedule For The Day

Here’s how the day is going to go on Monday, January 20, 2020 (snow date is February 17, 2020):

8 am: Dr. King Continental Breakfast (rolls, assorted buns, bagels, coffee, tea)
9:30 am: Opening Session
9:45 to 10:30 am: 7th Annual Pete Seeger/SDC Community Dr. King Parade. Participants are encouraged to bring peace signs.
11 am to 12:50 pm: Annual Celebration Dinner (turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, toss salad and dessert, courtesy of sponsors and contributors)
Annual Youth/Adult Talent
MLK Essay Contest Winners/Presentations - Theme: “Injustice Anywhere Is A Threat To Justice Everywhere.”
1 pm: Annual Celebration Service, from the Rev. Dr. Ronald O. Perry Sr., Pastor.
Persons Of The Year Awards presented to Judge Peter Forman, Beulah Jackson, Patricia White and Goldee Greene.

Organizers for this event include Jennifer Baker-McClinton, Executive Chairperson of SDC; Sharlene Stout, Vice Chairperson & Music Coordinator of SDC; and Bonnie Champion, Parade & Essay Contest Coordinator.

Sponsorship Opportunity For Future Years

“There has never been or will be a charge for any food served to our participants and guests,” exclaim the organizers. If you ever wondered how all of this gets pulled off each year, with two meals being served for free and other organizing event details paid for, it is with contributions from patrons and sponsors. Contributors are listed in the program.

To contribute to or sponsor the following year, please contact the Chairperson via email prazingaljenny@gmail.com or (845) 454-2059. Your name will be listed in the annual program as one of the organizations or individual sponsors.

Meet Via Hero, A Tech Startup In Beacon, on Thursday. You’re Invited!

Guess who moved into the office at the Carriage House building after the Valley Table magazine moved out - ViaHero, a travel-based tech startup that relies on locals to curate great travel experiences.

They relocated to Beacon, and want to meet you and other businesses. They are hosting a networking party on Thursday night and you’re invited. See their sponsored event listing in A Little Beacon Blog’s Events Guide. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us!

The entire guide is made possible by a sponsorship from The Crafty Hammer, a crafty event destination in Beacon. Thank you to businesses who support us!

Spirit Of Beacon Photo Exhibit At Howland Public Library

Over 30 people submitted the best of their Beacon photos to the second annual Spirit of Beacon Photo Exhibit, produced by the The Howland Public Library (HPL) and the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee. The artistic challenge was to find the best photo that captures the essence of the "Spirit of Beacon." Is it the people, the connection to the river, the historical buildings, the beautiful mountains, all of the above, or something else?

The photos have been chosen and will be on display starting opening night, (Second) Saturday, September 14, from 5 to 7 pm. The exhibit, curated by Michelle Rivas and Jennifer Blakeslee, will be on display through Sunday, October 6.

Stop by the library on opening night to see the annual community “portrait” of the City of Beacon. 

The Howland Public Library is centrally located at 313 Main Street in Beacon, NY. For more information, go to beaconlibrary.org.

Photo by Cindy Gould

Photo by Jennifer Blakeslee

Photo by Dylan Wood

Photo by Kevin Bertholf

Photo by Bill Winter

Photo by Rick Rogers

Photo by Carolyn Glauda

Photo by Kelly Ellenwood

Photo by Cynthia Careccia

Photo Uncredited

Photo by Philomena Kiernan

Photo by Ross Corsair

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Face Painters Wanted For Spirit Of Beacon Day

The Spirit of Beacon Day Committee is seeking volunteer face painters to give one hour of their day to being a face painter for kids between the hours of 12 pm and 4 pm. Supplies and training/orientation will be provided.

The Spirit of Beacon Day is Sunday, September 29, with a rain date of October 6, 2019.

Do you enjoy working with kids and paint? Sign up!

If you’re interested in volunteering, please email: spiritofbeacon@gmail.com.