Spirit Of Beacon Day 2020 - Pandemic Style - Pictures and Video!

With the state mandate of no parades or large gatherings during this pandemic of COVID-19, there was no chance that Beacon was going to have a repeat of any big parade like what caused a spike in the spread of the flu in 1917 in Phili. But Beacon would not be stopped from having its annual celebration of its team spirit - The Spirit Of Beacon Day - which we all know was started after racial tensions and riots in 1977.

Yes, this is all connected! And as people are people, the spirit never goes away, and the need to listen to each other never goes away. Hence the reason the Spirit of Beacon Day was started 43 years ago. To address this need to come together.

Thankfully the torch has been passed from committee to committee, and the Spirit of Beacon Day Parade continues. The current committee decided to have a drive-by parade, as well as a virtual concert. They worked closely with Beacon’s Highway Department to develop a route. The route was based on the plow route that the Highway Department uses when plowing our streets come winter.

The cars were divided into 4 quadrants and drive down different streets, led by Highway Department trucks. Yay trucks! Maybe you saw from your house, or maybe you saw in Instagram. People who did see were happy, and the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee was pleased with the results. Says president Gwenno James: "Thank you to the Spirit of Beacon Committee volunteers, and a big shout out to the City of Beacon Highway Department who lead the Drive-Thru and provided the route map. Their essential workers have continued serving our community throughout the pandemic and were on the front lines during the lock-down cleaning City Hall, keeping everyone healthy and safe. Thank you also to everyone who participated in the Drive-Thru and Virtual Concert, and to our video producers." And thank you for the generous support of our donors."

Watch their full video here. They covered a lot of people and talents! All photos used here are courtesy of the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee.

Pictures of Spirit Of Beacon Day 2020

The Spirit of Beacon Day Committee sent over these photos of some of the cars particpating and representing in this year’s Drive-Thru Parade.

Remastered Virtual Hudson River Revival Music Festival to be Restreamed October 4th

The Great Hudson River Revival (AKA Clearwater Festival), the world’s oldest and largest music and environmental festival, went virtual this year on June 20th due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Due to popular demand, Clearwater will stream a remastered version of the all-day event on Sunday, October 4th from 11am-11pm at ClearwaterFestival.org. The remastered Revival will include a day full of music and activism, as well as a beautiful American Sign Language interpretation throughout. This is a free virtual event however, donations are greatly appreciated at ClearwaterFestival.org. 

This Year’s Performers

The event will feature musical performers, storytellers, and activists, including: Tom Chapin, David Amram, John McCutcheon, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, Peter Yarrow, John McEuen, Noel Paul Stookey, Tom Paxton, Emma’s Revolution, Guy Davis, Tommy Sands, Reggie Harris, The Mammals, The Chapin Sisters, Lyn Hardy, Arm of the Sea Theater, Abbie Gardner, Breakneck Ridge Revue, R.J. Storm, Magpie, The Rix, The Vanaver Caravan, Betty and the Baby Boomers, Kyle Tigges, Mel and Vinnie and more.

Going Virtual 

Bringing Revival into the virtual world has allowed Clearwater to reach new audiences globally, and also include folks who’ve not been able to attend the festival in person due to health, geographic, or financial restrictions. The online fundraising event raised over $50,000 for Clearwater when it originally streamed in June earlier this year.

Tom Chapin, one of the event’s organizers and a musician participating in Virtual Revival, said, “Happiness, for me, is performing at the Clearwater Revival and, for the first time, being able to actually watch all the other great artists play. Tune in and join us. Support the group that built the sloop that saved the Hudson River.”

This event is part of a larger initiative to transition Clearwater’s educational and environmental programming online in order to continue its important Hudson River education and environmental work during a time when gathering in person is unsafe.

Virtual Revival will be live-streamed on October 4th from 11am-11pm. The online chat that accompanied the live feed became a place for new and old Revival attendees to connect with each other. Clearwater hopes that many people will join in again on the live commentary. 

Virtual Revival T-shirts are available for purchase here.

"Clearwater's work has always involved inspiring people to fall in love with the Hudson River and take action to protect it. Even now amidst the pandemic, that work continues," said Erik Fyfe, Clearwater's Education Director. "Despite the distance, we've been excited to be able to bring people to the river through virtual sails and interactive online programs, and the response so far has been terrific."

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.  

Running for Human Rights: Beacon Woman, Tara Simmons Aims to Inspire Others by Running 100 miles This October in Pursuit of Crossing The Country in 2024

Starting Saturday afternoon on October 3rd, Tara Simmons will begin a 100mile journey from Albany to Beacon. She plans to run through the night in order to complete the race on Sunday afternoon, October 4th at approximately 4PM, finishing at Beacon Riverfront.

Who is Tara?

A Beacon native, Tara has been running since the 7th grade when she joined her middle school cross country team has since gone on to complete 5 marathons, and 2 half iron woman.

Tara decided she would use running across America to achieve her dream to raise awareness of Human Rights, calling her race FLIP IT 4 RESPECT. She said her run will be all about “educating, empowering and encouraging ALL people of the importance of receiving and giving respect to ALL, in each moment, because we ALL deserve it.”

Running Against Domestic Violence

For Tara, October is symbolic of her journey in discovering her own Human Rights. Tara said, “October is domestic violence awareness month. Domestic violence is part of my story, but today I stand strong. I am running this October to pay tribute to a local organization, Grace Smith House, for their help in my journey, for helping me regain my strength. I’m more than my past, I’m stronger than my past, I’m excited for the future. I want others to know their right for respect.” 

Tara plans to raise awareness of human rights by encouraging others to complete the United For Human Rights, free online e-course found at www.humanrights.com She will also be spreading the message through educational guides and conducting live workshops beginning this fall. 

The Flip It 4 Respect run strives to bring attention to this message, across the country, one step, one kilometer, at a time. Her ultimate goal is to run from Death Valley, California by traveling a 100K a day, to Beacon, New York. She will tackle her goal of running across country while raising awareness by completing milestone races over the next few years. This race in October, will mark her first milestone for in the journey. 

Along the way, Tara will be accompanied by a dedicated team of friends and family that will be on hand to support her with fuel for 100-mile journey. Among the crew will be Tara’s 3 children(ages 19, 14 and 11), who are among her most enthusiastic supporters. Her brother Rueben Simmons of Beacon’s Highway Department will also be running, cheered on by her sister Brooke Simmons of I Am Beacon.

While spending most of her time and energy planning her journey, Tara is also a middle school teacher and local fitness coach. She plans on sharing her experience with her students and hopes to inspire them to continue setting and reaching extraordinary goals. Tara hopes everyone takes her message of “Hope, Choice, Love. This 100-mile is a demonstration to myself and others, I’m more than the story I wrap myself in. If I can do it, you can too!”

Join Tara!

For anyone who would like to join in her efforts or to find out more about Simmons’ run, visit www.FlipIt4Life.com or find her on Facebook at Flip It 4 Life.

Contact Info:

Tara Simmons | 845.702.6273 | flipit4life@gmail.com

Flip It 4 Respect – Running for Human Rights

www.flipit4life.com | www.facebook.com/Flip-It-4-Life

Boscobel Reimagines Its Experience; Waives $50K Rent Of Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival; Opens For Outdoor Social Distancing

One view from Boscobel.
Photo Credit: Tyler Mell

Like many farms, camps, and museums, Boscobel was getting ready to launch its spring season into summer when the pandemic hit and mandates shut down every business. Back in March, thinking that outdoor gatherings in warmer weather would be safe, they tried to move forward with an Open Air Flex Pass ticket program for their popular tenant, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (HVSF), so that customers could buy tickets to the upcoming Shakespeare performances.

However, out of safety precautions, HVSF was unable to hold any performances due to rehearsal and gathering restrictions. This was quite a jolt, as the theater company had performed in repertory on Boscobel’s grounds since 1988. In light of the pandemic, Boscobel waived the HVSF rent of $50,000, and moved forward with re-imagining how it can continue, according to a press release they issued this week. “In the wake of HVSF’s 2020 season cancellation and its own COVID-19 hardships, Boscobel waived the Festival’s rent,” Boscobel stated.

“Boscobel is mourning loss, navigating new health protocols, and suffering major budget impacts from COVID-19, but the outpouring of community support keeps us strong,” says Executive Director and Curator Jennifer Carlquist, who notes that maintaining the site alone costs more than $2,500 every day. “The heartfelt thanks we’ve received from pandemic visitors underscores what psychologists have long studied—that experiencing profound beauty increases people’s sense of well-being, and makes them feel more connected to their loved ones and the world around them.”

Boscobel Opened To Healthcare Workers - For One-Household At A Time Enjoyment

“As soon as we realized that it would be some time before we could open our gates as wide as we’d like, we started to think about what we could do to contribute to our community during quarantine. Focusing first on the selfless healthcare workers who risk so much for the greater good, we opened up our gardens and grounds for one-household-at-a-time, free respite visits for healthcare workers,” says Director of Visitor Engagement Ed Glisson.

Boscobel is an ideal place to take a well-earned deep breath. As respiratory therapist Margaret Degan Dorangricchia put it, “It was a beautiful and much needed escape from the confinement of our home and the daily mental and physical exhaustion of our work.”

Boscobel Now Opening Access To Their 68 Acres To The Public

Now offering a limited number of timed gardens and grounds tickets to the general public via Boscobel.org, tickets remain free to healthcare workers and Boscobel members. Guests are welcome to picnic, stroll the gardens and grounds, and hike the trail—there are 68 acres for safe, social distancing.

The location is one of the most beautiful places in the Hudson Valley, with its Great Lawn overlooking the Hudson River, and Constitution Marsh. A pollinator-friendly Herb Garden and Formal Garden with plants that were popular in the 19th century are also available to experience, as well as a mile-long Woodland Trail along the river.

The Cold Spring Farmers Market is also hosted at Boscobel. Every Saturday, Cold Spring Farmers Market and Boscobel open Boscobel’s gates to host local vendors and hundreds of market-goers seeking fresh, local food while adhering diligently to public health guidelines. In other words, Mask Up! And wait in line very far away from each other (6 feet). Then come to Beacon on Sunday for Beacon’s outdoor Farmers Market near the post office.

Distancing Learning Of Boscobel

To bring Boscobel’s historic site, Neoclassical mansion, and decorative arts collection to anyone wishing to have a personal experience of Hudson Valley design, history, and nature, Boscobel created a pilot virtual tour, accessible from Boscobel.org, which is just as illuminating from home as it is on the grounds. The museum also created virtual programs for K-12 students who had to miss their field trip visit. There is also yoga on the grounds sometimes.

Boscobel Researches Early Black Inhabitants

Boscobel’s staff has been reduced to a core focusing on building a more sustainable, inclusive museum for the future. Together with committed trustees, staff are developing a long-term Interpretive Plan, which involves researching and incorporating the histories of Boscobel’s early Black inhabitants. Earlier this year, Boscobel joined the Hudson Valley Slavery Roundtable and is mining 18th- and 19th-century papers for references to slavery and manumission. In 1810, four of Boscobel’s ten inhabitants were “free” Black people. “It is long past time to better understand how ‘free’ they really were,” poses Director Carlquist. “How did everyday New Yorkers cope with the seminal conflicts of war and slavery?” Boscobel recently received a Humanities New York grant to advance this research.

You can support Boscobel at any time here with an online donation or membership.

Pair with your visit a trip to Beacon for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Use A Little Beacon Blog’s Restaurant Guide to help you plan where to eat, and the Shopping Guide to help you know where to shop the boutiques.

Pete Seeger's Granddaughter, Moraya Seeger DeGeare, Launches City-Wide Art-Based Protest

Moraya Seeger DeGeare MA, LMFT is a therapist with BFF Therapy located here in Beacon on Rombout Avenue, and has just launched a big protest art project. As the granddaughter of Pete Seeger, activism runs through her blood. As Idealist.com explained in their interview with Moraya: "Taking action to fight for social justice was in her blood. 'I grew up going to rallies,' she says. 'Activism is really normal for me.' Ten days after giving birth to her second child, she could not take to the streets to protest, so she thought up a different way to participate through an art-based protest she has identified as #ToMyOldRacistEarth.

It’s important to note that Moraya provides culturally competent psychotherapy for youth through adulthood with a specialization working with Deaf and multicultural communities. Her area of expertise is racial identity development, relationships, and mixed-race couples. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes her work to Emotionally Focused Therapy for people in relationships. Her work specializes in providing culturally competent care with people of color and the LGBTQ+ community.

About “To My old Racist Earth”

Moraya took inspiration from her grandfather's song "To My Old Brown Earth," and created "To My Old Racist Earth" for her art-based activism. Beacon businesses and residents have already started, like Studio Beacon, a cycling and boxing fitness center on Main Street that is rooted in community.

“I will be the first to say that having a baby in 2020 has been a “different” experience. These babies of ours are born in a time of pandemic and uprising. As we look for the good, it also means that our children will know a life that’s always been filled with deep conversations & protest ✊🏽Thank you @the_abbys for venturing out with your babies to make some chalk art! I told y’all Beacon is the most magical community.” - Moraya Seeger DeGeare. Photo Credit: Studio Beacon

The “My Old Racist Earth” Project Has Two Parts:

“I am here for this Cramer cousins collaboration, some quick work between Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York to create this magic. Feeling an extra level of love, allyship and support. Check out @twincitiesmakerscollective for more extraordinary protest art supporting the movement.” - Moraya Seeger DeGeare. Photo Credit: Moraya Seeger DeGeare

Moraya will explain how the project works in her own words. It’s important to hear from project or movement organizers in their own words sometimes, so that you can get the feel of a particular protest:

Part 1:
"The first is the visual. Truly any medium that inspires you. Chalk art outside if you have the space. It’s fun, yet temporary. This one has already washed away with the rain (pictured above). So we will be doing new ones all week, and especially on July 3rd. I encourage you to make signs, posters, murals, t-shirts, I told my cousin to make a #BLM in the corn field next door 🤣 Anything form that inspires you.“

Part 2:
”Now the second part is key also. Start drawing and start the conversations 🙏🏽 Some of us don’t have the privilege not to have these conversations. I challenge all of you to lean into the discomfort. I mean, this picture (above and in the flyer) is me two weeks post postpartum sitting on the ground..... the movement doesn’t stop for anything. So excited to see and hear what you create.”


When Moraya sees the protest sign All mothers were summoned when George Floyd called out for his mama, “my heart shatters,” she shared on her Instagram for the project.

In a letter to her friends, and in her Event description for this movement, Moraya tapped into her life with her grandfather, Pete Seeger: “I’m channeling the energy of those who knew they saw injustice but knew they had to stand alone in it sometimes. I tap into my grandfather Pete Seeger’s energy with this one. If you ever visited the Hudson Valley in the late 1990s or early 2000s, you might remember seeing him, by himself, standing on the corner of Route 9 and 9D every single week (if he was not traveling) with his “PEACE” protest signs. It was on the calendar in our family home for years.”

“Grandpa would always welcome people to join him, although he didn’t need a big organized event for him to embrace his need to protest. As he grew older others would drive and hold protests to end climate change; stop the war; and to protect our children, to name a few. He didn’t need it to be big, he just needed to protest. He wanted just one person sitting at that light to challenge the system with him.”

Moraya hopes to see a decorated town on July 4th: “How beautiful would our towns be waking up on July 4th decorated with your artwork? Decorated with our hurting hearts and our children’s love.”

To join in the movement protest digitally, tag the Instagram accounts: @ToMyOldRacistEarth & @BFFTherapy

Use the Hashtag #ToMyOldRacistEarth on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Beacon Pride Pop-Up Event This Friday At Roosevelt Bar (HV Food Hall) And Pride Caravan This Weekend

This year is the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march which took place in June 1970, a year after the Stonewall Riot in New York City, beginning the Gay Liberation movement. With this milestone year, big celebrations were in store throughout New York, but with the COVID-19 outbreak, the celebration has been switched to online events.

In addition, the Black Lives Matter protest came to forefront also reminding us that #blacktranslivesmatter and that the Stonewall Riots was lead by people of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. This year, Global Pride celebrations are more subdued with virtual events and replacing parades with protests organized along side with Black Lives Matter organizations - as both groups come together to rally for change.

Staying Local? Beacon Pride Pop-Up Event

It has come to our attention that while there is a healthy population of LGBTQ+ residents in Beacon and nearby, there are not many ways to connect regularly and have some social recognition of Pride. This is where Beacon resident Joe Waring comes in! Joe is member of the Beacon Human Relations Commission focused on LGBT issues and concerns. This year, Joe is arranging a Beacon Pride Pop-Up event at The Roosevelt Bar at the Hudson Valley Food Hall, Friday, June 26th from 7-12am.

Joe’s intention in organizing this pop-up is to create community and opportunity, he shares with us “While Beacon and the surrounding communities are chock full of amazing LGBTQ+ folks and allies, it can be isolating for many of them as its hard to actually get to know new friends.... and with Pride / Racial Change being so intertwined, I feel like this is an opportunity for likes minds to come together….I am doing this solely to bring community together in a strange and tenuous time in our lives.”

The event will include a remote DJ who’s being sponsored by The Solstad House, a local LGBTQ+ owned business in Beacon.

Social Distancing Still In Place

A Little Beacon Blog only agreed to publicize this socializing event if pandemic-safety measures were in place. We want to help people meet, but safely.

According to Joe, “Hudson Valley Food Hall has all of the appropriate signage up for COVID Protocols and taped off 6-ft markers visible. There will be welcome sign at the entrance to reinforce Mask Wearing and Social Distancing. The main Food Hall space will be closed off as will the bar seating area so this will be outside and will have a counter in place to limit the size. Inside tables will be off-limits and outdoor seating on sidewalks to the side and in front of HVFH will be available.”

Joe continues: “I don't envision people being there for more than 1-2 hours in general but if so we will rotate folks to socially distant areas should crowding be an issue.” That’s nice - give others a chance to meet.

Pride Caravan Protest, Local Resources & Support

This Sunday, The Newburgh LGBTQ Center is hosting a Pride Caravan Protest For Black Lives Matter Against Police Brutality. This is the First Pride Caravan in the Mid-Hudson Valley and you must sign up ahead of time. You can read more about this event on their Facebook page. The Newburgh LGBTQ Center are the only POC led LGBTQ+ led organization in the mid-Hudson Valley.

Mid-Hudson LGBTQ+ Resources

Dutchess Pride Center in Poughkeepsie
The Newburgh LGBTQ Center in Newburgh
Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center in Kingston
Big Gay Hudson Valley

New Requirement Added For Event Submissions to ALBB: Social Distance and Safety Guidelines

*NEW REQUIREMENT ADDED for event submissions!

As we enter the period of reopening, people are anxious to get back to normal life, however, we must keep in mind that social distancing rules and safety measures are still in effect per the state of New York.

If you’re hosting an event in person, how will you be marking social distancing and mask wearing? How will you be self-enforcing compliance from your event attendees? If you have an upcoming event that you might want to share, you can find more info HERE.

*Please note, if this event is in person, we cannot guarantee a listing of it, if we think the social distancing compliance is not enough, or being taken seriously.

Fireworks Postponed In Beacon This Year - 3 Alternative Dutchess County Drive-In Experiences Planned (And A Note About Juneteenth)

The City of Beacon has decided to postpone the fireworks this year, opting to wait until later. Says Beacon’s City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero during a recent City Council meeting and via email to A Little Beacon Blog: “We are looking to schedule them for either later in the summer or for the Spirit of Beacon Day.” The fireworks display is usually funded by individual fundraisers in Beacon, and is not a full city-funded event.

The Spirit of Beacon Day is a large outdoor street event, which involves a parade from each of Beacon’s six schools, plus churches, non-profits, and businesses. It was created in the 1970s in response to racially based riots between Beacon and Cold Spring. You can read all about it here.

September is the beginning of the school season, which also launches the sick season to follow from October to March. October usually kicks off the germy season with upsets tummies from Halloween candy, and coincidental stomach bugs that follow. Valentine’s Day in February tends to launch the same thing with the candy disbursed to friends in class. Several families with young kids are usually sick for family holiday events in December.

Pair that with COVID, and one should have a delightful school season, if school is back in session, which every parent wishes it is, but knows that it may be with several restrictions, like half-class sizes or a class rotation of some kids going on AB days, and other kids going on CD days. Maybe Fridays will be off. Who knows! Totally made that up, don’t quote us.

Fireworks At 3 Alternative Dutchess County Drive-Thru Experiences Planned

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced Dutchess County Government, in partnership with the Hudson Valley Renegades, Silo Ridge Field Club, the Dutchess County Fairgrounds and iHeartMedia of the Hudson Valley, will host “Dutchess County Goes Renegade,” 3 free, socially distant fireworks displays around the County, open to all residents on Saturday, July 4th.

County Executive Molinaro said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has robbed us all of so much, but nothing will stop Dutchess County from honoring the birth of our nation. Our residents deserve the chance to celebrate this most American of holidays – even as we remain safely and socially distant – and our County is proud to collaborate with our community partners to present a patriotic observance worthy of our country, as we strive every day to fulfill the radical undeniable truth, that all are created equal endowed with certain unalienable rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I urge residents to join Dutchess County and honor those first renegades who battled tyranny and founded our beloved United States, all while we savor a nighttime spectacle that will light up the sky!”

2 Independance Days: Juneteenth (June 19) vs “The 4th Of July”

The celebration of Juneteenth in 2020 woke up many white people that the holiday of Juneteenth existed at all: the holiday of emancipation and Independence for black people from enslavement and ownership as property by white people. This year, Juneteenth was a joyous day celebrated in many backyards and public parks. When Juneteenth was first created, black people were not allowed to celebrate it in public parks because of state-sponsored segregation, inspiring a small group in Texas to buy their own property and invite people to come on down. When the 4th of July celebration started in 1777, black people were still slaves.

Emancipation was signed in 1863, yet African-Americans not granted residency until 1868 when the 14th Amendment was ratified. Since the citizenship of black people was not recognized, they feared being removed from their homes, and colonized, as their Indians had been onto reservations.

Indeed, in Beacon, there was a colonized community of African-Americans in the Bank Square area, which is where Mattie Cooper first began her church on near South Avenue and Academy Street and Rombout Avenue (send in a correction if you know it!). Her church was bulldozed down during Urban Renewal in the 1960s, where African-Americans were paid to relocated to other areas of the city. My neighbor’s mother was paid $27,000 to move from the Bank Square to buy a home further into Beacon.

It should also be noted that when early Americans were battling tyranny, like during the Boston Tea Party, some did so in disguise as Native American Indians. Thereby framing a race of people when they were protesting taxation. In theory, those Americans were not represented as they were hiding behind costumes.

The 3 Dutchess County approved venues are:

• Dutchess Stadium, 1500 Route 9D, Wappinger (500 cars)

• Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6636 Route 9, Rhinebeck (3,000 cars)

• Silo Ridge Field Club Equestrian Center (Keane Stud), 217 Depot Hill Road, Amenia (300 cars)

Arrival: Gates will open to vehicles at each location at 7:30 p.m.

Start Time: 9:30pm at each site. iHeartMedia of the Hudson Valley will host live remotes from each of the sites, broadcasting on several of its stations, and will synchronize patriotic music to the fireworks.

Social Distancing: According to the county’s press release, vehicles will be properly spaced to conform to social distancing.

Food? Yes, bring your own.

Drink? No alcohol is permitted in any venue.

Bathrooms? None. Go before you leave!

Justice For George Floyd March Against Racist State Violence Happened In Beacon On Saturday

Photo Credit: Video screenshot, A Little Beacon Blog

The march began at Pohill Park in Beacon on Main Street at about 3pm, which is across the street from Town Hall and the Police Department, and is the location for most marches and parades. The march was organized by Southern Dutchess Resist!, and mirrored a march in New Paltz also scheduled for Saturday. The march was designed to go from the far west end of Main Street to Rite-Aid, and marchers were directed to turn around at the traffic light.

Marchers walked peacefully and enthusiastically with each other, wearing face masks and carrying signs that read (this is a sampling):

• “Justice For George”

• “Stop Killer Cops”

• “Racism Is Deadly”

• “It Stops With Cops: Good Cops Don’t Let Bad Cops Kill Defenseless Citizens”

Signs encouraged cars to honk in support, which several did. In this video, a line of cars are stopped at a red traffic light while honking, When the light changed to green, the cars proceed.

The message of the march, according to its Facebook page, is: “We are marching in solidarity with those demanding Justice for George Floyd who was executed by racist police in Minneapolis this past week. We are marching for justice in his case and for all colonized people suffering at the hands of the white supremacist occupation in the United States and across the globe. We are marching for justice, against police brutality and against racism and state violence.“

Immunocompromised people were encouraged not to attend, but to participate from home in other ways.

This march happened on a day when protests, which have been happening in Minneapolis for 6 days so far, have spread to other cities across the United States. Some protests have lead cities to impose curfews, including LA, Denver, Columbus, Cincinnati Minneapolis, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and others. The National Guard has been activated or requested by Minnesota, Georgia, Ohio, Colorado, Denver and Kentucky (CNN).

The officer who killed George Floyd has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. His bail has been set at $500,000, according to this CNN article.

The other officers who also kneeled on Mr. Floyd have not been charged. While the police report says that he resisted arrested, camera footage of the incident does not show that, according to the CNN article. CNN’s chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta contributed this thought: “An officer should have started CPR after one of them told the others he couldn't find a pulse.”

The final message on the organizer’s page for Saturday’s march in Beacon was: “--BE SAFE, BE WELL, BE DECENT of course.”

For those looking to get involved with an activism group, there is the Beacon Activist Collective, which “is a collaborative group formed on the strength of the community concern of citizens of Beacon, around the potential erosion of civil rights, social and environmental justice occurring after the election of” this current president.

Beacon Farmers Market Opens For In-Person, Time-Slot-Based Pickup; SNAP Available; Delivery Remains For Those Quanrantined

Photo Credit: The produce photo is by Maple View Farm.

This Sunday, May 31, 2020, the Beacon Farmers Market will open on its usual outdoor summer spot on Veterans Place, in between the Post Office and Towne Crier and across the street from Beacon Natural. For the past several weeks, the Beacon Farmers Market has been doing pre-order and delivery only, which was a huge undertaking that involved two different website builds, and order fulfillment from several vendors.

The market will remain offering online pre-orders for those who are immune-compromised, at risk, or quarantined, as well as for any SNAP customers participating in the pre-order coupon program. SNAP customers who need to use it for pre-ordering online can learn how to do that here for SNAP which includes $30 worth of groceries. Otherwise, SNAP will be accepted in person at the market on Sunday.

Like the rest of the Phase 1 opening, this will be a slow reopen, and will not be the socialness as usual. Expressed on the market’s Instagram and website: “Please be mindful that our number one priority is human health. Our mission is to make local and responsibly harvested food available to you while helping the local food economy and supply survive. It is important to remember that New York is still on pause, and undergoing a slow, phased reopening. This is not the usual social gathering space as we know it.”

While farmers markets were deemed essential businesses and could remain open, the Beacon Farmers Market opted to go delivery and pickup only. “We are taking COVID 19 very seriously,” continued the reopening message on their Instagram. “We have re-designed the layout and protocol for the safety of our patrons, vendors, and staff for this upcoming season.”

How To Shop Properly At The Beacon Farmers Market COVID-19 Style

You’ll need a shopping spot that is a 30-minute opportunity to walk the market to get your things. Sign up for your shopping time-slot here. But, according to the Beacon Farmers Market, if your desired time slot is full, or if it’s full when you arrive, walk-ins will be accommodated. In other-words, everyone is figuring it out, and you can wait in a social distanced manner around the are of the market.

Read the shopping guidelines here on the shopping signup page, so as to be prepared of how you need to be when you go to market. Highlights include:

• Wearing a mask to enter the market.

• Limit of shoppers to 1 person per household.

• Get in, get out. Shop safely and efficiently.

• About shopping: The time you pick to shop is not an appointment. It’s an approximation, according the Beacon Farmers Market: “Time slot registrations are not appointment times. If the market is at capacity when you arrive, please wait patiently for entry.”

Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr Celebrated Today (Sunday). The Intricate Images Of Mosques and Moons Explained

PIctured here are “Mammoul cookies, which are tea cookies stuffed with dates (spiced with cardamom) and are traditional across Arab culture and popular on Eid in Muslim countries. The tea is Yemeni style black tea, which means it’s brewed loose leaf and steeped with mint and cardamom,” explains the writer, Izdihar.
Photo Credit: Izdihar Dabashi

Editor’s Note: During quarentine for this coronavirus pandemic, holy holidays like Easter and Passover were experienced in this unknown time. Ramadan, the month-long Muslim holiday started shortly after, and ends today (Sunday) with a celebration of Eid Al-Fitr. A Little Beacon Blog asked writer Izdihar Dabashi to explore the holiday with us, to come closer understanding to what many in Beacon’s community are celebrating today. Take it away, Izdihar!

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If you’re scrolling through images of lanterns and intricate graphics of mosques and moons on social media and wondering what about Ramadan, you are not alone. As a Muslim with plenty of non-muslim friends, I can confidently say most of my friends were unaware of what occurs during the Islamic holy month until I explain the significance of this month.

First and foremost, Ramadan celebrates the month in which the Qur’an, the Islamic holy book, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Ramadan begins on the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar that varies due to the cycle of the moon. The first sighting of the crescent of a new moon indicates the beginning as well as the end of the month of Ramadan.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown in which they refrain from food and drink. Anyone of good health is expected to fast excluding young children, pregnant/breastfeeding and menstruating women, travelers, those in battle, and people with any health condition in which fasting may risk their well-being. Muslims wake up before sunrise for suhoor, which is an early morning meal before the beginning of the fast. After sunset, Muslims break their fast with the after sunset meal is known as iftar. Traditionally, as set by the Prophet Muhammad’s example, the fast is broken by eating dates but it is not mandatory.

Side Note: I have Ramadan to blame for my obsession with dates. Seriously, you won’t understand the value of dates until you have them spiced with cardamom and stuffed in a maamoul, a traditional Arab tea cookie. To be fair, dates are eaten in their natural form when breaking fast, so perhaps my obsession with dates in dessert is no one’s fault but my own.

The significance of Ramadan goes beyond refraining from food and drink. It’s a month of dedication to the cleansing of your mind and body. Reconnecting to your spirituality occurs through intentionally devoting time to prayer, family and community, and faith. Muslims pray 5 times a day- dawn (Fajr), early afternoon (Duhr), late afternoon (Asr), sunset (Maghrib), and night (Isha’a). The spiritual, physical, and mental act of prayer remains constant all year but Ramadan encourages greater time spent on reading the Quran and praying Du’a, a type of prayer best described as making requests such as asking for Allah (the Arabic word for God) for strength, peace, or more personal supplications.

Allah is believed to ascend to the lowest rank of the sky, referred to as the heaven, every night of the year. Muslims believe that prayers have a greater chance of being accepted and forgiven during Ramadan, which may be explained by people holding an authentic intention during this month or the belief that the gates of heaven are open in the third part of the Ramadan night, a few hours before dawn. The Nabulsi Encyclopedia of Islamic perfectly describes the weight prayer holds for many Muslims, “work is based on vision and vision is based on light and prayer is light”.

Connecting to family and community is easier when you refrain from distractions and focus on priorities during this month of peace, Muslims abstain from listening to music, limiting excessive attention to our surface-level appearances, and entertainment television. During this month, being unkind, using foul language, displaying rude or aggressive behavior without attempting to redeem the harm you cause will result in your fast being unaccepted.

Since this month is spent effortfully limiting bad deeds and focusing on committing good deeds while connecting to the people around you, Muslims donate food and money. Some Muslims may focus on actively feeding a family, others may donate to charity or put together organizations for people in the community who need extra support such as someone with cancer needing assistance in covering medical bills.

When I reference the “community,” it does not allude to only Muslims, religion is not a barrier as to who Muslims choose to offer aid to, anyone they know who needs help will be cared for. Muslims are not awarded by Allah for committing charitable acts, they need to have an earnest intention and intentionally set aside what you can of money and time instead of simply giving away unwanted items around the house. Charity needs to be done wholeheartedly.

“The pandemic changed the bond that comes with the redemption of Ramadan. In my family, we’d usually try to invite people over for iftar or people would invite us, and soon the home becomes alive and filled with warm laughter as everyone bustles around the kitchen to prepare for breaking our fast. ”

— Izdihar Dabashi

Prior to the current pandemic, mosques are normally filled with people breaking their fast or coming to night prayer (Isha’a); especially weekends, when families are able to bring food and break their fast with other Muslims in the community. Some mosques even invite other faiths and non-Muslims to experience a Ramadan iftar. Muslims who are able to make it to the mosque after sundown will follow prayers lead by the Imaam usually to ask for forgiveness, peace, and relief in the world.

The pandemic changed the bond that comes with the redemption of Ramadan. In my family, we’d usually try to invite people over for iftar or people would invite us, and soon the home becomes alive and filled with warm laughter as everyone bustles around the kitchen to prepare for breaking our fast. After iftar and the final prayer of the night, we would gather in the living room with tea and dessert and experience time passing by as we exchange stories and laughter.

Nevertheless, the true spirit and purpose of Ramadan remain intact despite the various hardships experienced this year. Ramadan teaches mindfulness, empathy for those in need, generosity, and humbleness across generations. Any social confinements of age, socioeconomic status, and gender cease to exist in Ramadan. We become equals striving for balance and nourishing individual connection between God and oneself. Ramadan reminds you to be conscious of your role within the community and our earth.

The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr (prounounced “eed,” like “feed” without the f), the religious holiday to celebrate completing a month of fast. Muslims attend Eid prayer at the mosque held in the morning, listen to a khutba (a sermon), and give Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer. In traditional Islam, zakat al-Fitr used to be a charity given in the form of food. In the United States, it is common for $10 to be donated for every household member, others may send money if they have family in different countries or they may gather people to donate to communities in need of money. It is only important for the donation to be made before the Eid prayer for it to be accepted as Zakat al-Fitr. After a morning spent in the mosque, Muslims spend the day with friends and family. Some may choose to dine at restaurants or celebrate outside while others may choose to prepare a feast at home. This year, many Muslims are using Zoom to connect with family or participating in drive-by parades. The pandemic may have brought on adversity but the spirit of Ramadan and Eid will only grow as Muslims are reminded of the blessings of proximity and kinship.

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Event Cancelled

For those who have inquired, Dutchess County's Household Waste and Electronics Recycling Event, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 28, has been canceled pursuant to the local State of Emergency limiting social gatherings to stem a possible community spread of coronavirus. We are unable to schedule an alternate date.

Those who registered for this event will receive a refund: Those who paid by credit card will have their cards credited; those who paid by check or cash will receive a refund check or their voided check in the mail; refund checks are anticipated to be mailed on Thursday, March 19.

As of today, the next such collection event is Saturday, June 20, with registration opening on Wednesday, May 20. Those dates may change, depending on the status of the coronavirus pandemic. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we progress as a community through this evolving health situation.

For more information, visit dutchessNY.gov.

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.