If you're new to town, you may not have experienced Beacon Open Studios, an always evolving interactive art experience that happens once a year. It is the one time that you get to wander around Beacon to find yourself inside of an artist's studio. You get to see their tools, smell their mixtures, and maybe see some artists in action.
Beacon Open Studios took quite a blow during the shutdown of the pandemic. As with all things wonderful in Beacon, this is a volunteer effort, where leadership can change from time to time. New energy came in this year to produce this event for you, led by artist Darya Golubina.
Her preferred medium is oil paint or graphite but some of you may know her as “the hand," handling tiny little masterpieces in the photos she takes for Beacon’s Tiniest Gallery. The miniature gallery is a project she helped start with her friends when the isolation of the pandemic took over and they craved connection to their community. When she’s not painting or documenting the gallery’s newest acquisition, she photographs life-size humans at a studio she manages in NYC. Born in the Ukraine; raised in Brooklyn; graduated from SVA. Darya says Beacon, "feels like home."
Bringing back Beacon Open Studios certainly helps Beacon feel like home to all who live here.
HOW TO EXPERIENCE BEACON OPEN STUDIOS From July 22, 2022 - July 24, 2022, you can join Beacon Open Studios for an exciting self-guided tour of Beacon’s artists studios. Including 60+ artists, multiple group shows and their music artists showcase.
7.23 - 7.24 - Artist Open Studios (see here for locations) from 12-6pm. Go visit over 60 artists.
7.22 - Opening Reception at The Landmark from 6-9pm
7.23 Music Artist Showcase at Reserva Wine Bar from 4-7pm
7.9-8.7 Beacon Open Studios Artist Group Show (month long exhibit) at Hudson Beach Glass Gallery from 12-6pm
A Little Beacon Blog is a happy and proud media sponsor of Beacon Open Studios.
Abortion rights supporters will continue to gather for a “Bans Off Our Bodies” day of action in support of abortion access and reproductive freedom. We won’t go back!
“The events are part of a nationwide response after a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion revealed the court soon plans to overturn Roe v. Wade and eliminate constitutional protections for abortion rights - a move that would likely lead 26 states to swiftly ban abortion.”
When:
Centerway Square, Corning, NY from 8pm-9pm TONIGHT, Monday, June 27
YWCA, Kingston, NY from 6pm-7pm Tuesday, June 28
Academy Green Park, Kingston, NY at 11:00am Saturday, July 2
Corner of Main & Market Streets, Poughkeepsie, NY at 1:00pm Saturday, July 2
“On Friday, June 24th, in Newburgh, NY, Rhinebeck, NY and nationwide, abortion rights supporters will gather for a “Bans Off Our Bodies” day of action in support of abortion access and reproductive freedom.
The events are part of a nationwide response after a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion revealed the court soon plans to overturn Roe v. Wade and eliminate constitutional protections for abortion rights - a move that would likely lead 26 states to swiftly ban abortion.”
When: Friday June 24th, 2022
Rhinebeck Village, corner of Route 9 and Market St. from 7pm-8:30pm
Downing Park, Newburgh at 7:30pm
Centerway Square, Corning, NY from 8pm-9pm
Dewitt Park, Ithaca, NY from 8pm-9pm
Nassau County Courthouse, Mineola, NY from 6:30pm-7:45pm
Union Square, New York, NY from 8pm-9:30pm
Congress Park, Saratoga, NY from 8pm-9pm
YWCA, Kingston, NY from 6pm-7pm on Tuesday, June 28
The author and multi-degree earner Imani Perry will speak on her new book South to America, followed by a Q & A and a book signing in the Bardavon lobby. The event is free, and is presented by the Poughkeepsie Public Library District and Bardavon Presents. Tickets are limited to two per person and can be reserved here. Imani is an American interdisciplinary scholar of race, law, literature, and African-American culture. Order the book online from Binnacle Books in Beacon.
In her new book South to America, the author seeks to change how people view the American South and, thus, the country’s history as a whole. Her writing and scholarship primarily focuses on the history of Black thought, art, and imagination crafted in response to, and resistance against, the social, political and legal realities of domination in the West. She seeks to understand the processes of retrenchment after moments of social progress, and how freedom dreams are nevertheless sustained. Her book: Vexy Thing: On Gender and Liberation (Duke University Press 2018) is a work of critical theory that contends with the formation of modern patriarchy at the dawn of capitalism, the transatlantic slave trade, and the age of conquest, and traces it through to the contemporary hypermedia neoliberal age. Her book More Beautiful and More Terrible: The Embrace and Transcendence of Racial Inequality in the United States (NYU Press, 2011) is an examination of contemporary practices of racial inequality that are sustained and extended through a broad matrix of cultural habits despite formal declarations of racial equality.
Imani is the author of 6 other books, including Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry, which received the Pen Bograd-Weld Award for Biography, The Phi Beta Kappa Christian Gauss Award for outstanding work in literary scholarship, the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Nonfiction and the Shilts-Grahn Award for nonfiction from the Publishing Triangle. Looking for Lorraine was also named a 2018 notable book by the New York Times, and a honor book by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. It was a finalist for the African American Intellectual History Society Paul Murray Book Prize. Her book May We Forever Stand: A History of the Black National Anthem, winner of the 2019 American Studies Association John Hope Franklin Book Award for the best book in American Studies, the Hurston Wright Award for Nonfiction, and finalist for an NAACP Image Award in Nonfiction. Her most recent book is: Breathe: A Letter to My Sons (Beacon Press, 2019) which was a finalist for the 2020 Chautauqua Prize and a finalist for the NAACP Image Award for Excellence in Nonfiction.
Imani is the Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and a faculty associate with the Programs in Law and Public Affairs, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Jazz Studies. She is a scholar of law, literary and cultural studies, and an author of creative nonfiction. She earned her Ph.D. in American Studies from Harvard University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, an LLM from Georgetown University Law Center and a BA from Yale College in Literature and American Studies.
UPDATE: Hearing the call, a new Chair and committee members have stepped up. New Volunteer opportunities are available and will be announced at the 7/5/2022 City Council Meeting.
Beacon’s unique Spirit Of Beacon Day has been an annual celebration of Beacon’s community of colors since 1977, after what was rumored to be a bar fight over a girl spilled into the streets and escalated into “racial tensions.” Fighting for several days and nights culminated, and a community solution was created. Generational Beaconites know that Beacon’s Main Street was once a place to avoid, for fear of fighting and drugs. To this day, Beacon’s Main Street hosts a plethora of types of people, where we all try to live in harmony and learn about each other.
After nearly fading to dark in 2017, organizers including Gwenno James stepped in to carry the torch. The Spirit of Beacon Day has been organized by a small core volunteer committee, and the torch has been passed on from one generation to the next. The committee has always worked closely with the city administration, alongside the support of the mayor and city council.
Now in 2022, the Spirit of Beacon’s current chair, Gwenno, made this announcement at a recent City Council meeting: “There is not enough manpower on our volunteer committee to coordinate Spirit of Beacon Day this year.” She explained how other committee members have also needed to step down during the past couple of years. “We are making a call for new leadership and volunteers to step in.” The Spirit of Beacon committee is seeking a new Chair, as well as Director of the Parade and Director of the Street Festival. Leaders are also needed to organize the kids events and entertainment for the day.
Please send an email to spritofbeacon@gmail.com if you are interested.
Gwenno James wearing the 2018 Spirit of Beacon Day shirt, Celebrating UNITY “Without unity there is no Community!”
About The Spirit Of Beacon Day
According to "Celebrating Our Centennial," published by the Beacon Historical Society. According to the historians, in the winter and early spring of 1977, "racial problems became severe" for several days and nights. Meeting several times to discuss the issues were city leaders and concerned agencies, including a representative from the FBI's Community Relations, Dutchess County Youth Bureau, then-Mayor Robert Cahill, local legislators, City Council, clergy people, and representatives from youth-focused organizations like Beacon City School District, the Howland Public Library, the Beacon Community Center, and others.”
What resulted was a day called the Spirit of Beacon Day, where organizations were invited to parade down Main Street, serve cultural food, and perform joy. The mission of the Spirit of Beacon Day is: “A day to bring the City together, especially the children and youth....the community should get to know one another better, learn to know what each other likes in conversation, feelings, entertainment, education and food.”
For the last 45 years, the event has been run by volunteers and is not a city-produced event. The City of Beacon produce very few events, in fact. It is the people of Beacon who make the magic happen.
Wooo! Like you needed another thing to do this Saturday! Nation-wide, women, men and theys will be gathering to fight to keep government’s legislation off our bodies. No, this is not related for one second to the mandating of vaccinations. This is a life-changing event that men have almost no responsibility in when they impregnate a women. Girls who are just getting their periods for the first time are already being educated by their mothers that their rights to freedom and smart choices about when to start a family are being snatched from from them, in order to possibly snatch the baby in order to put it up for adoption or enter into foster care, both money-making situations.
You all have been asking: “Is Second Saturday still going on in Beacon?” and ALBB’s answer has been: “The spirit of Second Saturday has never left. The art galleries are still having their openings. There just hasn’t been, like, a banner hanging over Main Street or something like that. But go! Go to the galleries!”
This week, the organization who originated Second Saturday in Beacon, BeaconArts, announced that Second Saturday was officially BACK. BeaconArts announced to its newsletter community: “A full calendar of events is on its way! We’re also in the process of adding more benefits for BA Membership on every level. Perks will include discounts, workshops, and exclusive member-only events.”
Beacon does not disappoint with being able to not contain itself for excitement! The Pink Unicorn has been spotted at Marion Royael Gallery with a bubble machine for Second Saturday pre-game. ALBB was lucky to have met the person behind the costume at a recent I Am Beacon mixer at Homespun this week. We know the story behind how they got their costume. They’ll need to chime in to let us know if we can share the behind-the-scenes story.
Next Event From BeaconArts
In their own words: “Our first member meet-up! This event will include a special musical performance. We encourage all members who attend to bring a non-member guest. If you’re not sure if you are still a member, please email treasurer@beaconarts.org. Renewing your membership or joining online is super easy! These meetings/gatherings will be held bi-monthly for all BeaconArts members. If you’re not a member yet, you can sign up on the spot. We’re easy, no pressure! Come check it out. This is a chance to meet like-minded artists and local businesses. Each get-together will include the latest BA news and updates, member announcements, a brief artist talk or performance, and ample time to network and grab a drink. The first round is on the house, followed by a cash bar.”
New Board Members Announced For BeaconArts
Along with the announcement for upcoming networking events, BeaconArts announced their new board member lineup:
President: Matthew Agoglia Vice-President: Damon Banks Treasurer(s): Christine Olivier, Aaron Ketry Secretary: Becky Eaton Board Members At-Large: Samantha Palmeri, Suzanne Ball, Denise Gianna, Marilyn Mitchell
Kingston Day: Saturday, May 14, 2022 Time: 11am - 1pm Location: Academy Green Park, 238 Clinton Ave, Kingston, NY 12501 More information >
Hudson Day: Saturday, May 14, 2022 Time: 1pm - 2pm Location: Planned Parenthood Health Center, 804 Columbia St, Hudson, NY 12534
Carmel Day: Sunday, May 15, 2022 Time: 1pm Location: Putnam County Courthouse, 40 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel, NY
From Womens March -
“On May 2nd, we learned from a leaked draft opinion that SCOTUS is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, stripping the constitutional right to abortion in spite of fifty years of precedent.
“The Supreme Court is making their official decision on abortion rights in June. Once that happens, 26 states could move quickly to ban abortion, meaning millions of people could live without local access to abortion care.
“Roe has always been the floor, not the ceiling. Many Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other people of color experience barriers to accessing abortions. The people in your community and across the country deserve the power and freedom to make their own personal reproductive health care decisions.
“We have to act NOW, all across the country. Together we will send a strong message that we're not backing down. Supporting abortion access must be protected and defended.”
It's April! Which means a lot more rain, a lot more flowers, a lot of ice cream, and a lot of Summer Camp planning for the kids! Because believe it or not, you must plan as early as now to make sure you get in where you want to get in! Luckily, there are a lot of different options and the good news is, you don't have to choose just one.
Use A Little Beacon Blog's Summer Day Camp Guide to mix and match for your family's schedule. To help, we created a Summer Camp Guide and a handy organization print-out list for you. Print out the list to help you plan those weeks of summer for each child!
If you run a Summer Camp and want to add more details and photos, consider upgrading to a sponsored listing so that we can show those lovely photos and gush about the themed weeks you have planned! Learn more here >
Looking for sports teams to sign up for? A Little Beacon Blog has that guide too! The Kids Sports Guide. We are updating it as we speak for all of those hard-to-find registration links.
Ramadan Mubarak! As the Crescent moon was spotted in Saudi Arabia today, Ramadan begins Saturday, April 2nd. It lasts the month, and those who recognize it will be fasting from sunrise to sundown until May 1st. You can learn more about it here, including what fasting means to Muslims, as well as how to great someone to wish them a blessed Ramadan.
This illustration was first shared by Izdihar Dabashi, who is a writer for A Little Beacon Blog and is celebrating Ramadan. The illustration was shared by @arabic.pop.art and was created by @rafikillustration.
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You can sponsor this Event Guide with your event, for extra promotion of it!
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Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade and Katie Hellmuth Martin
Beacon's First Friday SHOPPING Day: Friday, April 1 Time: "Late Night" in Beacon, maybe until 9sh pm Location: Main Street, Beacon, NY
Beacon's boutiques and shops are at it again! Thought you wanted to go to their late night shopping event, Hop And Shop, during the winter holidays? So did everyone else. The shops have banded together to stay open in the First Friday of every month. Rain or shine. Hot or cold. Shopping in Beacon on a Friday night is actually a sacred space - the weekend crowd has not arrived yet. The streets are peaceful yet relaxed as everyone is letting go from the week. Mark this in your calendar on Repeat, and take yourself on a stroll or roll down Main Street for evening shopping.
Lit Lit Day: Friday, April 1 Time: 7pm- 9pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY
The first Lit Lit at the Howland! Poet Kristen Holt-Browning (originally scheduled for March) will be joining as a featured reader and reading from her newly-published chapbook, The Only Animal Awake in the House. “All our advance reading slots are now full. But we will have a bunch of spots available for you to sign up to read when you arrive, if you get there early! Everyone can read their own writing of any genre for a maximum of five minutes, until we run out of time! The Howland requires proof of full vaccination the door, along with a photo ID. They will also have soft drinks, wine, beer and snacks on hand to buy. We know that it is April Fools' Day, so we intend to be as foolish as possible.”
Book Club! Matcha Thomas & Binnacle Books Day: Friday, April 1, 2022
Hosted monthly at Matcha Thomas, they created space for connecting, expanding, & healing together through the power of books. First Spring session is Friday April 1st for an introductory pre-read discussion/meetup! Mark your calendar for future opportunities Information >
Easter Egg Hunt Day: Saturday, April 2, 2022 (Rain Date: Sunday April 3, 2022) Time: 12pm - 3pm Location: Maurer Geering Park, 1 Geering Way, Fishkill, NY
Fishkill Recreation in collaboration with the The Blodgett Memorial Library, Town of Fishkill Police Department, Town Hall and Village Hall is proud to announce our 2022 Easter Egg Hunt. This is a FREE event, however this event is full with a waiting list. Add yourself to the waiting list here! >
So many of you want to know which restaurants are open on Mondays!
So ALBB enhanced our Restaurant Guide to show you. See it here >
TWO WAY BREWING COMPANY
18 West Main St.
It may still be a little chilly but you can never go wrong with a refreshing beer from Two Way! Our suggestion? The flight! Try a few and find your favorite(s) PS LIVE MUSIC tonight! 7:30 pm with Michael Leidig and tomorrow night at 9:00 pm with David Kraii. Don't forget about Trivia on Thursday's! PPS Did you know you can rent Two Way's game room for private events?! Reach out and find out more! See Trivia Schedule here > See beers on tap here > OPEN:
Thursday 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday 4:00pm - 11:00pm
Saturday 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm - 8:00pm
Two Way Brewing Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
EAT CHURCH
3091 U.S. 9, Cold Spring, NY
If you missed out on the Dumpling Pop Up from Eat Church, we are so sorry! But, this is your sign to follow them on IG so you can never miss out on special deliciousness again! You can grab-n-go Eat Church goodies from Marbled Meat Shop in Coldspring and at the Beacon Pantry in Beacon! OR, because it's the weekend and you deserve to treat yo'self, find Eat Church at Industrial Arts Brewing! Fridays from 3pm - 9pm & Saturdays from 12pm - 9pm. PS you DO NOT want to miss out on their specials! Trust us. Keep up with all of the delicious pop-ups and events here > You can also visit their website for Weekly Menu/Specials > Website >
Eat Church is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193 Main St.
Happy Friday, and in the words of a passerby, “Spring has SPRUNG!” It's always warm & sunnday at Beacon Bread! Especially when you're enjoying this NY staple: BEC (SPK!) on a house-made brioche roll + a French toast latte (with their bakery-crafted syrup + extra shot of espresso). Stop in this weekend for all the goods! OPEN:
Sunday-Thursday until 7 pm (Closed on Wednesday)
Friday + Saturday until 10 pm Happy Hour $7 ‘til 7 pm menu is available every day starting at 4 pm! Menu > Order Pick Up or Delivery > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Can you really go into work on Monday & say you had a good weekend if you didn't stop at MOD for lunch??... Exactly! Stop in this weekend for fresh delicious burgers & twice cooked fries. PS: Rumor has it, MOD is about to drop a new Cocktail menu... PPS: Meyers is looking for a full time bartender to join their wonderful team! Reach out to brian@meyersoldedutch.com if you're interested. Open Sunday thru Thursday for Food 11:30am - 9pm; Bar until 10pm Friday and Saturday Food 11:30am - 11:00pm; Bar until midnight. Order Now > Meyers Olde Dutch is a Sponsor, thank you!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Shmuck's ice cream is open year round, rain or shine, with great indoor seating if it's cold or rainy! So yeah, no excuse to not get ice cream! Inside the HV Food Hall! Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters Ciao Chow - Hand made pasta and fried rice Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Aside from Baja's delicious southwest cuisine, they offer over 130 top shelf tequilas. They pride themselves on using only the freshest ingredients available for their cocktails and cuisine! Baja also has great vibes & we can't wait to dine with the garage doors open! PS: Different specials every week! You don't wanna miss out. See some examples here > PPS: Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6pm Check out their specialty drinks > Check out the specials >
BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN
244 Main St.
If you didn't get a homemade chocolate chip tahini cookie from Ziatun to go with your lunch/dinner, did you even go to Ziatun??? Made with cardamom & pairs well with a pot of Arabic coffee pre or post dinner! Or as a substitute for lunch/dinner - no judging here! PS as the weather begins to warm up, enjoy a Halloumi Cheese Platter and their other delicious mezzes outside! > Menu > Order Online > HOURS
Monday + Thursday-Saturday 11 am-9pm
Tuesday + Wednesday 11 am-4pm
Sunday 11am-8pm Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
WITCH HAZEL Online Shop based in Beacon, NY!
A local online shop based in Beacon, NY that offers clean beauty products, exclusively designed home good from NY artists, custom floral design, and vintage/antiques! Plus, small-group floral design classes (ie, for birthday parties, bachelorette parties, book club events, "I haven't seen you in 2 years" moments! Whenever possible, Witch Hazel sources what they sell from local growers, small-batch brands and other eco-conscious companies that, you know, respect the planet where we live. Shop here > Follow Witch Hazel on Instagram! >
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon The coolest collab ever! A new book club in partnership with Matcha Thomas, the endeavor “book club!” and meetings will be hosted monthly at Matcha Thomas just up the road at 179 Main St.! They're creating space for connecting, expanding, and healing together through the power of books. Each month’s book will be available to book club! members at a discount. First Spring session is Friday April 1st for an introductory pre-read discussion / meetup! (this is sold out already but this is your sign to be on alert for the next book club!) The selection of reads will center topics such as mindfulness, creativity, radical love, connection, and self and community care. But they intend for book club! to be collaborative, so they may expand beyond these areas as the group feels inclined. Tea and vegan + gluten-free treats will be provided by Matcha Thomas for club members to enjoy. Join them! Binnacle is *Open daily!
Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!
BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon
And now for our moment of looking at these adorable stuffies, available now at Brett's Hardware. BUY EACH ONE! Omg. Brett's is always surprising us with their Kid Section throughout the store (Brett is a father of young kids!). When you need to buy some hardware, or paint, or a new toilet seat, you can also buy a panda or a pink...squid. OPEN
Monday-Friday 7:30am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Walking out of Luxe with your new eyeglasses like.... Luxe Optique is so ready for Spring and already filling up the shop with Spring collections. Just when we think they can't get better... they do! Always do! Stop in & check out Their latest Spring Collection! Schedule the eye exam that you've been putting off! You won't regret it.
Read more about the team here > PS: Appts required for exams. HOURS:
Monday 10 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Closed on Sundays! They've gone shopping! Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY New Website Alert!
For over 60 years, Yanarella has been dedicated to providing an exceptional dance education to the Hudson Valley. Since the day they opened their doors, their philosophy has been that “every child should have the same opportunity to dance, regardless of talent or ability. There is no can’t in dance. There’s only a C-A-N”.
ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
Head on over to Antalek & Moore's website to subscribe to their monthly newsletter! Never miss out on the latest company updates, industry news, and more.
Antalek & Moore is a full-service insurance agency and risk-management company based right here in Beacon! Says Katie of A Little Beacon Blog: "Honestly, I love them because they hold my hand. From Workmans Comp to Disabaility Insurance, I can call them, make an appointment, come to the office, and they walk me through what I need to do. As a business owner, I cannot imagine navigating insurance needs without them." They offer commercial and personal insurance solutions to customers in the Hudson Valley community, throughout New York State, and across the country. AND, with Spring right around the corner, it's the perfect time to review and update your insurance policies. Contact their office and let one of their experienced agents assist you! Latest Announcements > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor. Thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. Our Research Team is constantly updating our easy-to-use Media Contact Library and Editorial Calendar Collection, which serve as an inspiration center when discovering story angles and best people to connect with about where to pitch about your business. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
It's Spring! You know what that means... it's time to update your website & give it a refresh! Just like you do your closet. Your website is your most solid footprint for people to know what you do and how to buy from you. Find out more about Website Design services here > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you!
HIRING: Full Time Receptionist At Antalek & Moore Details >
HIRING: Maintenance & Packaging Manager At Industrial Arts Brewing Details >
HIRING: Beacon City School District Food Service Department Is Looking For Substitute Food Service Helpers Details >
Join the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps (BVAC) for the 6th Annual Community Education Safety Day & EMS Week Celebration on May 15th, 2022 at the Beacon Elks Lodge from 12-4pm. Several safety opportunities are in store for you.
Says Deborah CortesEMT-B and Vice President of BVAC, “This event was created to help educate the community on emergencies and get the opportunity to meet community members as well as they get to know us and other first responders around the county. Another goal is to make them aware of numerous resources that are out there and available for them in the county. We hold this event on the week of May 15th specifically each year because it’s EMS Week! We do take donations if somebody does want to donate. This event is free for persons of all ages and we’re hoping to see everyone out there!”
While there, if you are thinking of getting involved with BVAC, on-site interviews for career and volunteer opportunities will be available as well as free giveaways and activities!
Activities Included In BVAC’s Community Safety Day
Free face painting
Free balloons
Free bicycle helmets & fitting for kids
Free car seat inspections (replacement if necessary)
CME
Teddy bear clinic
Seat belt rollover demo
Animal ambulance
Opioid crisis education
Heart/stroke awareness
Smoke trailer demo
Train track safety
David Garcia- human trafficking
ATV’s, K-9 Unit, Drone, Rescue boat and Crime scene truck
And MORE!
The event will take place on May 15th 2022 from 12pm - 4pm at the Beacon Elks Lodge in Beacon, NY. Find more information here >
Parade of Green committee volunteers painting the town with green, yellow, orange and blue shamrocks. Pictured from left: Rick Brownell, Bitsy, and Annie McElduff.
DAY: Saturday, March 12th TIME: 12noon for the public (floats and cars line up earlier at 11am) LOCATION: Starts at Pohill Park (near Bank Square) ends at Dummy Light (1 East Main near Trax) RAIN OR SHINE
With weather apps calling for 100% chance of something wet this Saturday, March 12, 2022, Beacon’s Parade of Green is on with no rain date. Said one of the parade organizers, Kimberlee Markarian in response to Councilmember George Mansfield’s question of if the parade is rain or shine during this week’s City Council Meeting: “It is rain or shine! Which is so amazing! We went through a whole lot of things in the last couple of years. A little rain…we got it!”
The parade route is from Pohill Park (the corner of Main Street, 9D and South Avenue at Bank Square), runs down Main Street, and ends at the Dummy Light (near 1 East Main near Trax Coffee and the Chocolate Studio). Main Street will be closed (but all shops and restaurants open!), so the parade floats, cars and walkers will have full access to roll through. The parade starts at 12pm from Pohill Park.
Be sure to visit Meyers Old Dutche for their special “Shamrock” drink inspired by the parade. Later on, find a calm and cozy spot inside of Two Way Brewery for their live music, featuring the TMcCann Band starting at 7pm (food also available from the Flying Jibb)
Honoring Anthony Lassiter, Grand Marshall For 2022 Parade Of Green
The Parade of Green is honoring Anthony Lassiter, was born February 1947 in Beacon. He attended Beacon High School where he was on the football, wrestling, and baseball teams. He graduated high school in 1966 and was drafted into the US Army in the spring of 1967.
Private Lassiter was trained to be an Army electrician. His primary responsibilities included building helicopter landing pads for Cobra gunships. Additionally, Specialist Lassiter was assigned to the "burial detail firing squad" where he performed the 21-gun salute at the funerals of fallen heroes.
Ultimately, Specialist Lassiter was sent to Republic of South Vietnam. Shortly after being promoted to Sargent, Lassiter and his Company were attacked by hostile forces. Lassiter was injured in that attack and was awarded a Purple Heart. He received an Army Commendation Medal for his distinguished service and was honorably Discharged from the Army in November 1969.
In January 1970, he went to work at IBM in East Fishkill. After several years, he became a manager. One of his favorite assignments was recurring college students to work for IBM. He worked at IBM for the next 30 years. Anthony married Patricia Lassiter. Together they raised 2 sons: Justin and Aaron, and have 8 grandchildren. Mr. Lassiter is now retired.
Anthony Lassiter serves his church and assists throughout the community in multiple volunteer activities. Anthony served on the City of Beacon Planning Board for 15 years, and continues to serve on the City of Beacon Housing Authority Board of Directors. He is a member of the American Legion Post 203, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 666, the Beacon Community Lions Club, and is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Anthony is a long standing volunteer at the St. Andrew's / St. Luke's Food Pantry. For many years, he has served on the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee, and in 1991, was chosen as the Spirit of Beacon Volunteer of the Year.
Anthony is registered with Donate Life Organ Donation, and actively encourages others to register. As a civic minded individual who strives to serve this community and is dedicated to his fellow veterans, Anthony's commitment is limitless. This list only touches on his accomplishments.
The Army Commendation received by Lassiter proclaimed: "The loyalty, initiative, and will to succeed that Specialist Anthony V. Lassiter demonstrated at all times, undoubtedly made him one of the finest soldiers in this command." It can be concluded that Anthony Lassiter's loyalty, initiative, and will to succeed make him one of the finest citizens in this City of Beacon.
Dutchess County Division of Solid Waste Management announced 2022 dates for their Household Hazardous Waste Disposal & Electronics Recycling Events. Registration opens March 9, 2022, and is limited to a first come first served basis. Only 380 households will be served! Open to Dutchess County residents only, and is partially funded by New York State. The actual event is April 9, 2022. There will be a couple more opportunities again later in the year.
Residents should expect to experience wait times when they arrive at the location due to high demand, advised Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro. Registration is limited to the first 380 households; pre-registration is required for this event, and there is a $10 registration fee; registration often reaches capacity quickly, so residents are encouraged to register promptly.
County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “We can all take an active part in preserving our planet for future generations, and Dutchess County’s upcoming Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Recycling Event is the perfect opportunity for residents to get a jump on spring cleaning and help the environment. We appreciate our residents’ desire to keep Dutchess County clean, and we urge residents to register promptly.”
Recycling Event Dates: April 9, 2022, May 21, 2022, and September 17, 2022 Pre-Registration is a MUST. Location: 626 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY (access off of Route 44 to Burnett Boulevard) Registration Fee: Registration and $10 Prepayment Required. 1. Pay online at this registration link, or 2. Call (845) 463-6020, or 3. Pay by check If paying by check: Make payable to “Dutchess County Commissioner of Finance” Mail to: Dutchess County Division of Solid Waste Management 96 Sand Dock Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Photo chemicals, non-latex driveway sealer, pool chemicals, creosote, kerosene, flammable liquids, metal polish, turpentine, stains, varnishes, strippers, thinners, gasoline/oil mixture, brake fluid, antifreeze, auto fluids, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, adhesives, resins, solvents, oil & lead based paints (no latex), mercury containing devices, button cell batteries for watches & hearing aids, computer monitors, CPUs, fax machines, printers, TVs, stereos, telephones, lithium & sealed lead acid batteries, fluorescent tubes.
Do Not Bring (Not For Hazardous Waste)
Ammunition or explosives, asbestos products, latex driveway sealer & latex paint, building or construction debris, tires, furniture, medical waste, pharmaceuticals, propane or other flammable gas cylinders, radioactive materials, scrap metal, metal drums or empty containers, motor oil, car batteries, alkaline or rechargeable batteries.
Every Week Recycling Opportunities In Beacon’s Transfer Station
While this event is where you can offload hazardous materials, some of these items may also be dropped of at Beacon’s Transfer Station, including TVs and tires. There may be a fee for some electronic items, but the price is not stated on the City of Beacon’s website at this time. Guess you’ll find out when you go! Bring a check or cash. Click here to see what you can recycle at the City of Beacon’s Transfer Station any week of the year.
Sunny Saturdays are for…dropping off specialty recycling of very specific things! Each drop is a little bit of hope.
Batteries and cords can go to Best Buy at the Poughkeepsie Galleria (and several other Best Buys).
The clear filmy plastic bags can go to the special bin at Hudson Valley Brewery behind 1 East Main near Trax Coffee Roasters down in Beacon’s free municipal parking lot. According to Green Beacon Co., the recycling of the filmy plastics was an initiative started by the Beacon Lions and Key Food Beacon. It transitioned to Green Beacon Co. The initiative then partnered with Beacon’s Conservation Advisory Committee.
The 2022 Parade of Green flyer, on the counter at Luxe Optique. For months after the cancellation of the 2020 version at the beginning of the pandemic, the flyer was kept up in storefront windows, as time had stopped.
The time was March 2020, and Beacon’s Parade of Green was scheduled to happen. News kept breaking about this thing called the coronavirus, which was then called COVID-19, which caused very serious symptoms for some, and no symptoms for others. The virus was a mystery, but seemed to spread in large crowds. In California, Disneyland shut down and their governor created restrictions on public gatherings. California was always one step ahead of New York in what was to become “the pandemic.” Events in other Hudson Valley communities were being canceled, and there was a rumor that Beacon’s Parade of Green would be canceled as well.
A Little Beacon Blog reached out to the City of Beacon, and to one of the parade organizers, Richie Kaplan, co-owner of Max’s On Main, to find out. He didn’t know for sure. He said that the City Council members hadn’t given him an answer yet. Then City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero told ALBB that a decision would be made in the morning. When the answer came, it was to cancel. New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade also canceled. New York City Schools closed days later.
Moments amid Beacon’s parade canceling, the restaurant Dogwood, owned by City Council Member George Mansfield, announced that it would be open for any parade people looking for Guinness. Dogwood would be one of Beacon’s hardest hit restaurants when it closed for the winter when others were scraping by doing takeout. Dogwood would reopen again in the spring. Councilmember George became a vocal proponent of virus safety.
Back in 2020, ALBB reached out to Mayor Kyriacou seeking a quote from him about the new concept of social distancing, and how to support businesses who were voluntarily closing down in order to stay physically healthy. His response at the time: “All the experts say that the most important thing that we can do is slow the transmission of COVID-19 (‘flatten the curve’), so that our emergency services are not inundated. What that means in practice is canceling large crowd events, and practicing ‘social distancing.’ It does not mean shutting everything down.”
The unimaginable of shutting everything down did happen. As did a pause on several economic factors, including the collection of mortgage payments, and the creation of an eviction moratorium. Some car insurance companies issued tiny refunds just to be nice. The City of Beacon launched its first online bill payment system to encourage people to pay their water bills to avoid coming into Town Hall to pay.
Hurrah For Vaccine Progress So That We Can Convene
Horrific virus variants later, several adults and a growing number of children in New York State have been vaccinated, assisting in creating an environment of safety for shopping, eating and gathering together again. During this week’s 2/22/2022 City Council Meeting, one of the creators and organizers of the parade, Richie Kaplan, addressed the council, giving thanks for their approval of the parade.
“Can I come back next week for the parade?”
— Little Girl, after attending Beacon's Parade of Green
“Two years ago almost on a Wednesday night,” Richie said, “I get a phone call from the City of Beacon that 3 days from now, I will not be allowed to have 1,000 participants and 5,000 people during the City of Beacon celebration.
“Almost 2 weeks ago [and 2 years later], we have an approval. Thank you. I'd like to thank the City of Beacon and the Community of Beacon for allowing us to do this. This a family parade. High School, the Elks Club. So many happy faces. I'm very happy to be here to thank everyone involved. The Highway Department. The Police Department. Chris (Beacon's current City Administrator), you did a lot of work. Everyone else. Hopefully everyone will come out. Hopefully we will have all of the happy faces.
“From our first parade, I had a very nice family come in [to my restaurant, Max's on Main]. A little 6 year old asked me 'Can I come back next week for the parade?' Please, please please come out to the parade."
The parade starts at 12pm and will roll down Main Street. Organizations and businesses are invited to participate with a “float,” which can be a car or people walking or rolling behind a banner or some signage. Participation is limited to 60 organizations which must fill out an application form. Rules include no politicking, no drinking alcoholic beverages before or during the parade (Beacon has a history with St. Patrick’s Day parades), and a limit on the size of the float. Participants are encouraged to hand out packaged candy, but cannot throw it.
Businesses and organizations wishing to participate can contact Richie at Max’s on Main.
In the blink of a pandemic minute, as Beacon was brimming over with parades and outdoor events, all them went poof and ended, starting with the St. Paddy’s Day Parade 2020. Last year, 2021, during the first “mask down” transition, before the Delta variant take-over, there were hopes of outdoor events, but Delta dictated caution. Beacon’s City Council at the time was hesitant to approve even an outdoor market at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, which they ultimately approved. Later in September, the Spirit of Beacon Day committee made the tough decision to not congregate tables of nonprofit, artistic and community groups for a second year.
Now in 2022, during this week’s City Council Meeting, a Beacon resident, Dennis Pavlov, approached the podium during Public Comment to encourage a reboot of outdoor events and parades. A first event was then promoted by Councilmember Dan Aymar-Blair during his Community Report, describing a lantern event celebrating with lights for the coming spring. Like most events in Beacon, this one is volunteer based, organized by the people of Beacon Spring. The parade will be on Saturday, February 19th, “for an evening walk celebrating the coming spring, lunar new year, light, hope, warmth, renewal and kids! Everyone is welcome!” according to the event’s press release.
Beacon Spring went on to explain: “So many cultures around the world celebrate the end of winter with light! Thousands of lanterns are released in the sky during Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, fires and candles lit in honor of fertility goddess Brigid in Ireland, bonfires in Switzerland and Germany for Walpurgis Night, lighting candles for Passover, a 5 day fire fiesta in Valencia Spain to name a few. We want to make our own big town/small city festival to celebrate light in Hudson Valley. “
LANTERN MAKING: 2/13/2022 Prior to the lantern walk, there will be a lantern-making event on Sunday, February 13, 2022 from 10am-2pm at the Beacon Farmers Market, 223 Main Street Beacon NY. Materials will be provided.
PARADE AGENDA: 2/19/2022 Rain date 2/20/2022 5:30pm - Gather at Polhill Park - Main Street & South Ave. Bring lanterns, illuminate our light, line up and kick off the walk.
6:00pm - Parade Starts up the sidewalks of Main Street, bringing light, music and cheer.
6:30pm - Celebrate at The Yard, the building at 4 Hanna Lane. Display our lanterns. Drink tea and eat tasty morsels around the fire. Dress warm but be ready to dance to the music!
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A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
