I Am Beacon Hosts Mixer & Opens Membership To Gain Access To Volunteer Opportunities

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The non-profit group, I Am Beacon, has opened a membership program for the first time after serving the the community of the City of Beacon for a number of years in a wide-ranging list of efforts, which include producing the Back To School Block Party, and many years ago, organizing the city’s 4th of July event. To celebrate and grow the new membership, I Am Beacon is hosting a Mixer on May 17 at Two Way Brewing Co. The mixer is open to the public, and the ticket price is discounted for members and for sale online here.

When launching the membership, I Am Beacon said in a press release: “In today’s world, it is more important than ever to foster community connections. At I Am Beacon, we understand the importance of building strong relationships with our neighbors and are committed to creating opportunities for people to come together and learn from one another.”

To date, I Am Beacon has awarded $31,000 in scholarships, run 3,113 miles for charity, held more than 50 community events, gotten more than 700 supply kits to students, and distributed 327 turkeys in their annual Turkey on Every Table collection, according to their website. Hear them directly in their “This Is Beacon” podcast.

Reuben Simmons shared about the new membership: ”For the past two years we have piloted a membership program with great success! I am happy to get to this point where we can offer membership to all.” Benefits include volunteer opportunities, discounts on Thursdays at Key Food, and discounted tuition at Marist College for active volunteers.

Board member and branding designer for all of I Am Beacon’s materials, Brianna Rascoe, had this to say about her commitment to I Am Beacon: "Becoming a board member at I Am Beacon has helped me engage with my community in an intuitive way. The organization has fostered collaboration in a way that provides ample opportunity to give back in any capacity, from a helping hand to bringing our outside skill sets together to catalyze both our longtime events and the creation of new youth programming."

Tickets to the mixer are $30 for members, and $40 for non-members. Two Way Brewing is located at 18 West Center Street, next to Brett’s Hardware. The event is Wednesday, May 17th from 6-8pm. Tickets include one free drink and a chance to win a door prize. Buy tickets online here.

Interview With Junior Zayed Dabashi About The Call To Prayer Spoken From The Mosque Speakers and the Eid al-Adha Community BBQ

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Mo Dabashi, for Eid, where the first prayer started at 9am.
PHoto Credit: Masjid Ar Rashid

Women at the Eid al-Adha Community BBQ.
Photo Credit: Masjid Ar Rashid

As foot traffic picks up on the sidewalks of Beacon’s Main Street, more people are walking by and entering the Masjid Ar Rashid Islamic Teaching Center, next to Beacon Natural and across from the Post Office. Some people are looking at their phones saying: “I found it! The mosque is right here. Let’s go in.” Other people, when they hear the Arabic coming from the speakers on the outside of the building say: “What is that sound?” if they don’t speak Arabic.

To answer that question, ALBB interviewed Junior Zayed Dabashi in July 2022 after a community BBQ at the mosque for the the 2nd Eid al-Adha. Junior is on the board of the mosque.

Photo Credit: Masjid Ar Rashid

ALBB: When we hear a voice coming from the speaker, what is its meaning? What is he saying?

It is the call to prayer (adhan). Muslims pray 5 times a day, and it is a reminder to leave everything be and pray.

They are calling people to prayers by saying:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,

(God is the greatest, God is the greatest)

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar

(God is the greatest, God is the greatest)

Ash-hadu an’ la ilaha ill Allah,

(I bear witness that there is no God but Allah)

Ash-hadu an’ la ilaha ill Allah,

(I bear witness that there is no God but Allah)

Ash-hadu ana Muhammadan Rasoolallah,

(I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah)

Ash-hadu ana Muhammadan Rasoolallah,

(I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah)

Hayya ‘alas-Salah,

(Rush to prayer)

Hayya ‘alas-Salah,

(Rush to prayer)

Hayya ‘alal Falah,

(Rush to success)

Hayya ‘alal Falah,

(Rush to success)

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,

(God is the greatest, God is the greatest)

La illaha ill Allah

(There is no God but Allah)

ALBB: At today’s community BBQ, I chatted with a girl who was in the area for business. She was looking for something to do, heard about today’s BBQ at the mosque, and had her taxi driver drive her here. Are you noticing an increase in new visitors?

Yes.

ALBB: What was today’s community BBQ celebrating? Was it open to all?

Junior Zayed Dabashi and Kamel Jamal at the cookout.
Photo Credit: Masjid Ar Rashid

Today we celebrated Eid al-Adha, which is also called the "Festival of the Sacrifice.” It is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated. During Eid, we do Eid prayers, animal sacrifice, charity, social gatherings, festive meals, gift-giving. Anyone can come. It is open to all.

ALBB: Is lamb traditionally served?

Yes. Lamb or cow. There are other ways you can help the less fortunate with paying for their lamb or cow, and you don’t have to do it for your home. It’s a nice chance for a family gathering.

Kids playing in the bouncy house placed in the parking lot of the mosque.
Photo Credit: Masjid Ar Rashid

ALBB: Is sharing with family and friends encouraged?

Yes, but you don’t have too. Most Muslims get together with family.

ALBB: How many Imams are leading the mosque? I didn’t realize Mo is a Imam!

We have 2. Mo helps outs when needed.

You can read about Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr from Junior’s niece Izdihar Dabashi here at ALBB.




Beacon Is The Pot Of Gold During Parade Of Green 2023 - For Most Who Still Live Here

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A Text between Parade of Green ComMittee Member Richie Kaplan and ALBB.

Beacon’s Parade of Green 2023 was a great success, said most people who came out to support and cheer from the sidewalk, as well as those participating in the parade in cars or walking. With a threat of weather, Parade Committee Member Richie Kaplan said that of the 50 parade participants who signed up, only 5 canceled for fear of snowflakes.

Snow dust melted in Beacon by 12pm, and the sun was shining. Groups gathered on Wolcott Avenue to begin the journey down Main Street, which for this parade, went completely around the bend and ended at the Dummy Light, giving exposure to several businesses and art galleries on that end of town. Usually, parades end earlier at Tioronda Avenue (Howland Cultural Center).

Before we get to the gold nugget photos of the day, A Little Beacon Blog must pay homage to the friends and neighbors who no longer live in Beacon who would usually attend the Parade of Green. Several of them casualties of new landlords - both local to Beacon and from other counties - who buy property and increase the rent dramatically on current tenants.

Parade of Green Committee Members Reuben Simmons and Richie Kaplan.

More than once over the years, A Little Beacon Blog has heard from readers who lament that they cannot live here anymore. Maybe they work in the service industry in restaurants. Maybe they are nurses. Maybe they are artists. Maybe they are young families who live in apartments who cannot move out of them because homes in their price ranges - $350K - are being purchased for cash by local and out of town house flippers who beautifully make over the house and sell it for $550K. Which is above the price range of a young family.

A Beacon Police Officer at the end of the Parade of Green, making sure the Parade cars exit correctly.

Not of a young family from Beacon. Maybe a young family from NYC. No offense to NYC. Welcome! Many of you love this city town and love digging into the community. Beacon is just in a rocky road right now of originals who can’t afford to stay or return. But some returned yesterday just for the parade.

That Said - The Sidewalk Audience Makes The Parade! OG Beacon Turned Out!

Mount Beacon dusted in snow, with Beaconites down below coming out for the parade.

If you have a parade in the street and nobody comes, does it make a sound? Beacon came out and showed up at this 2023 Parade of Green! Another thing A Little Beacon Blog has heard over the years from OG Beaconites is: “I walk around, and I don’t know anyone anymore.” That is true on the weekend, when the sidewalks are packed with different destination visitors. It is not as true during the week, when several of us are out on errands.

But yesterday (Saturday), the sidewalks were overrun with neighbors who dug down to find their green, and cheer on local businesses and organizations who got out to represent. So many cheers from both sides - the cars and the people. Richie said that the highlight of his entire busy day was when one of the Boy Scouts rolled down their window from their parent’s car on their way home to say: “Thank you.”

A Jeeper from the Beacon Jeep Club, getting ready to pull out as the parade steps off.

The Parade of Green has represented many things. Recently, it represented the first parade to be shut down by the City of Beacon for the pandemic. Next it was the first parade to be permitted to ride again. Now, it is representing Beacon neighbors coming out to see each other, some for only once per year.

Lots of candy was thrown. A Little Beacon Blog handed out stickers and next year we will tape Tootsie Rolls to them so that they fly.

The Jeeps were there. Malouf’s Mountain Campground. The Bottini truck was a hit. Key Food with all of the kids. The Beacon Dog Park. Kearns Electric, Inc., where they have that alternative spelling of quality on their trucks, with a phrase like “If it starts with a K, you know it’s Kwality.” At the very least, it’s an interesting word puzzle to figure out when you’re stopped at a light on Rte. 9 headed to Poughkeepsie. Kilowatt Kwuality? Something to think about.

Grand Marshal Bobby Palisi

Bobby (Robert) Palisi was born in St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie in 1955 and is a lifelong resident of the City of Beacon. He attended grade school at St. Joachim’s and went on to graduate from Beacon High School in 1973.

Bobby started his career working for Shaw Motors (currently Healey) with this father when he got out of St. Joachim’s in 1969. From 1975 to 1977 Bobby worked for Ward’s Auto Body until he joined the crew at Secor Auto Body from 1977 to 1979.

In 1979, he started his family business, Palisi Auto Body & Auto Glass on Main Street in Beacon, which in 1984, moved to a newly constructed state-of-the-art auto body shop on West Main Street. He has been performing high-quality vehicle repairs for over 40 years at that same location. Bobby continues to proudly own and operate this business today.

Bobby is also a partner in Fulton Avenue Realty Restoration Company, which over the last 28 years, has done a multitude of building renovations and constructed several new houses in and around the City of Beacon.

In his early years, Bobby was the drummer with the band “Spiral” that provided fun, local entertainment for over 32 years.

For over 26 years and to this day, Bobby’s passion truly lies in his active role with Beacon Girls Softball. This organization’s goal is to build character using the sport of softball as a tool to improve girl’s self-esteem and confidence.

Beacon Girls Softball (BGS) educates 4-18 year-old girls on the skills and rules of softball. It imparts life lessons that include working as a team, spirit of giving, camaraderie and good sportsmanship. He is pivotal in running both the Recreation League, and Travel League known as “Beacon Extreme.” Bobby works endlessly on raising funds, recruiting team members, running practices, and organizing tournaments each season. This includes an annual fund raising tournament whose proceeds are dedicated to a local family in need.

In addition to this, Bobby has been a volunteer member of Beacon’s Board of Assessment Review for 10 years. This board meets once a year to hear residents’ challenges to tax assessments and requires training from the New York Real Property Services.

Bobby is a 50-year member of Beacon’s Mase Hook & Ladder Fire Company, 37-year member of the Beacon Elk's Club Lodge #1493, and over 30-year member of the Beacon Knights of Columbus Chapter #445.

Bobby’s loyalty and dedication to the Girls Softball organization and endless volunteer hours he donates makes him one of Beacon’s brightest.

Beacon's Parade Of Green Is On - Remember Last Year's Blizzard? Look For ALBB Again!

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Do you remember that blizzard last March 2022? Beacon’s Parade of Green was the first parade out the gate down Main Street after the cancellation of all events due to COVID. The Committee was so excited to be back, that they did not call a weather delay, and marched on.

In fact, it was the Parade of Green in 2020 that was at the root of all parade cancellations back when the pandemic was referred to as “coronavirus,” before even the health crisis was labeled a pandemic. Waiting to hear if the Parade of Green 2020 was canceled or not was one of the first memories of that chaotic time.

Here we are in 2023, and the annual parade will roll again. Pictures are below from 2022.

See you next weekend, Saturday, March 11, 2023! A Little Beacon Blog will be driving in the parade again, handing out stickers.

The Malouf’s Mountain camping bus was front and center. Prepared.

The Parade of Green Committee, staying warm and dry in the Visitor’s Center while organizing people.

The Parade of Green’s Grand Marshall, Tony Lassiter. Tony was also honored for the Beacon of History event later in the year.

Howland Public Library Announces March Exhibit In Honor Of Women’s History Month

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To celebrate Women's History Month, The Howland Public Library presents Balance, a group show. The exhibit will be on view in The Community Room Exhibit Space from March 11th - April 1st, 2023. An Artists' Reception will be held on Saturday, March 11th, from 5pm - 7 pm.

The show is the seventh annual exhibit from the group CoMFY, a collective of women artists from the Beacon area. For this show the group chose the theme of Balance. The notion of balance was one of the founding principles when Kat Stoutenborough and Jennifer Blakeslee founded the women’s group back in 2011. Blakeslee recalls that the initial discussion focused on: “How do we, as women artists, balance everyday responsibilities (jobs, parenting, families, etc.) with being an artist? How can we create a space for ourselves where making art can exist alongside those other needs demanding our attention?”

The women came together to share strategies, bounce ideas, and encourage each other. Their one rule was that they could only talk about those other competing priorities in the context of how they impacted their artistic endeavors. “That focus made it possible for us not just to seek that balance, but find it and put it into practice.”

New members are always welcome to join this informal group. Stop by the exhibit to learn more. 

The Howland Public Library is located at 313 Main Street, Beacon NY 12508. The Community Room Exhibit Space is open during regular library hours. Please note the gallery may not be accessible during some library programs.

Jean Noack

Jean Noack

COMFY Stephanie Fogarty

COMFY stephanie fogarty

COMFY Jennifer Blakeslee

COMFY Jennifer Blakeslee

Donna Mikkelsen

Donna Mikkelsen

Erica Hauser

Erica Hauser

COMFY Anna West

COMFY Anna West

Spirit Of Beacon Day Opens Web Shop For T-Shirts & Hats As They Come Out Of Hibernation

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The Spirit of Beacon Day Committee has been a little quiet since the whirlwind event production that was the Spirit of Beacon’s 45th Day last September 25th, 2022. Doing all they could to coordinate the day so that it wouldn’t crack, the Committee immediately went back to their jobs in teaching, designing, grocery storing, coaching, writing, and everything else free spirits do to pay the bills in Beacon and beyond.

With Shipping and Free Pickup now in place, the Spirit of Beacon Committee has opened their web shop for online orders of the t-shirts and hats - while supplies last! Free Pickup is an option for locals. In true Beacon fashion for a new business or enterprise, the Open Hours for pickup are selective and read like an Onion article: “Hours for pickup are varied and not consistent. Generally range from 12-2pm on the weekday, and sometimes on the weekend. For Free Pickup, please email spiritofbeacon@gmail.com after you order to see when Katie (the Spirit of Beacon Committee President) is at the co-work desk to give you your order. Alternatively, she will email you. Or find your place of residence to put it in your mailbox and disappear.”

The logo was designed by Kim Dei Dolori, and t-shirts designed by Allie Bopp. Design direction for all from Katie James, Inc. The hats were produced by Joker Ink, and the shirts produced by Remark Printing.

Will the t-shirts be a new color this year? Who knows! Only you can get the original design now. And sport that hat. Click here to shop now.

You're Invited! ALBB's Holiday Pop-Up Party At Main Office's Co-Space - Bring Your Cheer, Enjoy Wine and Cheese

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Details about the party are below, but first…

Everyone!

A Little Beacon Blog used to have an office on Main Street back in The Before Times - before the pandemic - known as A Little Beacon Space. We hosted community events, Vision Boarding sessions, and everyone’s favorite, Pop-Up Shops. Some of you popped up in our space, and it was a way for us shoppers to reach those artists and creators who otherwise were hard to find.

One of the things we did was rent out our space for business retreats and client parties. One of our first clients was Beacon Digital, the local digital marketing firm doing work for clients all over the nation. The owner, Whitney Parker Mitchell, booked The Space, as we called it, for her client party.

Soon after, Whitney expanded onto Main Street by moving into the renovated space that used to be Vogel Pharmacy next to Homespun. You’ve walked past it a zillion times, but may not have noticed it. Until. Now. Have you seen our holiday tree?!

Post-pandemic, with everyone working remotely, Whitney craved the community, and opened her space to a co-work model called Main Office. She advertised in A Little Beacon Blog’s Business Directory, and that is how we found out about her newly opened co-work space.

Even though ALBB works remotely now, by working out of our shed and living room, we needed a clean and inviting space to get back out there on Main Street. We missed it! So we joined Main Office as a regular co-worker.

Holiday Pop-Up Party - You’re Invited!

Whitney of Main Office and Beacon Digital has partnered with A Little Beacon Blog as a co-sponsor of this event, and agreed to open up her space to all of you - the entire Beacon community. And some visitors if you’re here on a Thursday! And of course you if you’re in Newburgh and Fishkill and Wappingers. And what the heck, Poughkeepsie, come on down!

This is a Holiday Pop-Up Party because we decided to do it last minute. Amid your other holiday parties, work parties, friend parties, family travel prep. All of the things we have not been able to do for two years.

It is also a pop-up party because we hope to have vendors you can shop from! If you have a store, or only appear at markets, then please come be a vendor. Past and present advertisers of A Little Beacon Blog can have a vendor table for free. As well as past pop-up shop clients. Details on vendor tables and sponsorships are below.

WHEN: Thursday, December 15th, 2022
TIME: 5pm-8pm
WHERE: Main Office, 234 Main Street (next to Homespun)
BRING: Yourself! Yourself and a friend if you wish!
PHOTO WALL: There will be a festive photo wall with props for you to take photos with yourself and/or friends.
FREE: Thanks to the generous co-sponsorship of Main Office and Beacon Digital, this event is free. Kindly RSVP here.
SWAG: There will be swag bags! Free Khiel’s skincare product for the first 30 attendees. Khiel’s apothecary skincare is some of the finest around.
FOOD & DRINK: Enjoy catering from Homespun, Pastries from Newburgh Flour Shop, and Wine and Local Craft Beer (until it runs out!).
RSVP: Kindly RSVP here so that we know you might be coming! We know your night is busy, so RSVP to give us an idea, even if your plans change.

Vendor Tables and Sponsorships

You may purchase a vendor table or sponsorship directly from this page. See details and cart button below. Tables and sponsorships are limited.

Holiday Pop-Up Shop Vendor Table
$50.00 $150.00

Set up shop in A Little Beacon Blog’s Holiday Pop-Up Shop Party! Open to the community. Open from 5pm-8pm. Setup is 4pm. If you are a past or present advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog, this table is free for you this time. If you have done a past pop-up shop with us, this Holiday Pop-Up is also free for you this time.

Quantity:
Add To Cart
2-for-1 Sponsor: January Business Bash + Holiday Pop-Up Party
$850.00 $1,200.00

Sponsors of this event make it possible to be open to the community for free. This is an opportunity for people to come together to network and mingle, for whatever their needs are during this long winter season.

INCLUDED:
This sponsorship is a 2-for-1 holiday special: We are having a Business Bash Networking Event in January, where your business will be a lead sponsor. When you buy this sponsorship, you will also be promoted at this holiday event.

  • Photo Selfie Backdrop: Logo on our Photo selfie backdrop at January and December events. Guests can take their own photos for free with fun props. Guests can keep their photos and share on social media.

  • Flyer: Logo on event flyer to be posted in Beacon.

  • Speech: Opportunity to address the guests for the January Business Bash to share about your business and how you can serve them.

  • Vendor Table: Free vendor table. ($150 value)

  • Article: A dedicated article published on A Little Beacon Blog about your business to translate the message you gave at the event. ($2,600 value)

This package is on sale now for the December Holiday event, and will go to regular price after.

Quantity:
Add To Cart

Wait, What Is That Bonfire In Beacon? Exploring The First Beacon Bonfire Festival

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Co-Organizer Tim Parsaca sets up the bonfire area at Veterans Place, in preparation for the live music and performances playing there on Saturday, November 5, 2022.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

Warm November wind swirled crunchy leaves between parked cars on Main Street as the sun came out through the morning fog once again in Beacon, NY, creating the perfect Saturday scene for the first Beacon Bonfire Festival. Starting Friday and erupting Saturday (November 4 and 5) is a schedule of 100 live performers and artists in 14 venues and galleries.

All of Main Street was open, while Veterans Place (side street between Post Office and Towne Crier and across from Masjid Ar-Rashid Islamic Teaching Center) was closed so that people could enjoy dancing, sitting in patio couches around a fire pit, and watching performances. The casual setting, however, made it feel like Main Street was closed as people slowed down to walk, watch and listen.

This big concept idea is being described as an “immersive music and arts exploration” by its organizers, who include a collection of performers, including Kelly Ellenwood, who is behind some of Beacon’s longest lasting initiatives, including Wee Play, the Beacon Free Loop, and busy time served for BeaconArts.

An aerialist performs during the first Beacon Bonfire as the first band at the Veterans Place stage starts.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

Starting from the embers of bonfires made during the height of the COVID pandemic, when everyone was separated and could not gather indoors, a group of Beaconites gathered outside around a bonfire in locations that were sometimes not announced until the day of the bonfire. Co-organizers Christian and America Olivo Campbell told the Highlands Current that they started the bonfires as a way to make it through the pandemic. The first one had 20 people, and it grew from there as more dates were put into the calendar spread via group texts. Jeremy Schonfeld came on board to organize the music from his connections in the Beacon music scene, and Kelly’s husband Tim Parsaca, who worked for Madison Square Garden for decades building or “unbuilding” sets, as Christian puts it.

Venues Participating In The Beacon Bonfire

Venues for this festival include the main stage at Veterans Place, which has patio couches set up around fire pits, Reserva Wine Bar, Bank Square, Lotus Works Gallery, Dennings Point Distillery, Quinn’s, Found Space 364, B House, Towne Crier, the Beacon Building, Silica Studio, Masonic Lodge, KuBe Art Center (aka The Old Beacon High School), Howland Cultural Center, Maria Lago Studio, and Dogwood.

Performers Performing During The Beacon Bonfire

Beaconites will recognize several names, and see a few new ones including of the spoken word. Lena Rizkallah who ALBB’s sister company Tin Shingle has written about and is normally associated with financial advice and education, will be storytelling with Bridget O’Neill’s group at the Masonic Lodge. You can find Nina Day and Friends, the Wynotte Sisters, the Whispering Tree, Toybox with Rinde Eckert and Friends, The Costellos, Tara O’Grady, Stephen Clair Band, Spilled Milk, and many others.

Find the full schedule and map here.

“Wait, What Is That?” Podcast Interviews

Brandon Lillard and Katie Hellmuth were able to interview two of the performers before the Saturday got rolling: The Costellos and Beacon Performing Arts Center. The Costellos shared two songs with the podcast, that was live streamed on A Little Beacon Blog’s Instagram. The first song gave serious beach vibes, and the second was a dreamy love note between the two, written during a seven week stint that they were away from each other.

Listen to the full interview at Wait What Is That? when it gets published next week.

Local Events Happening This Month - Listed In ALBB's Event's Guide

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A Little Beacon Blog shares events happening in and around Beacon all the time! We are constantly updating our list & featuring it in our newsletter to keep you in the loop!

Here’s what we JUST updated and added to our events to fill your October with the best festivities:

Serious. Comedy Theatre Presents Open Mic Stand Up Show
Day: Friday, October 14, 2022
Time: 8pm
Location: 22 Kent Street, Room #109, Beacon, NY 12508 (Old Beacon High School)
Information >
Serious. Comedy Theatre is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. Thank you!!

Haunted Huguenot Street
Days: Friday & Saturday Nights (October 14, 2022 - October 29, 2022)
Time: 5pm-9pm
Location: 81 Huguenot St, New Paltz, NY, 12561
Haunted Huguenot Street will run from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday nights, from October 14th-October 29th. The cost for pre-registered tickets will be $25 for general admission and $20 for discounted admission (for HHS members, seniors, students, active and retired military personnel, and children under 13). Children under 6 will receive free admission. Those expecting to register upon arrival on the evening of the tour will be charged a flat fee of $30 per registrant, space permitting.
Information >

Serious. Comedy Theatre Presents Fire Sale! Comedy Show
Day: Saturday, October 15, 2022
Time: 8pm
Location: 22 Kent Street, Room #109, Beacon, NY 12508 (Old Beacon High School)
Information >
Serious. Comedy Theatre is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. Thank you!!

Complimentary Screening of Pixar hit “Inside Out”
Day: Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022
Time: 11am
Location: Bardavon 1869 Opera House, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY
Seating is limited; registration is required and can be completed here >

The Beacon Sloop Club Annual Pumpkin Festival
Day: Sunday, October 16, 2022
Time: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Pete and Toshi Seeger Park, 1 Flynn Dr. Beacon, NY
Hudson Valley Pumpkins all sizes & shapes! Fresh homemade baked pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream, cider, and other delights. Food and craft vendors, children's activities, environmental displays. Free sails on the Sloop Woody Guthrie. Two solar powered music stages. Performers include Betty and the Baby Boomers, The B2’s, Rick and Donna Nestler David & Jacob Bernz, The Judith Tulloch Band, Last Minute Soulmates, Spirit of Thunderheart, Beacon High School Chorus Singers, Beacon Songsmiths, Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle, Bindlestick Bill, Pat Jones & Laurie Siegel, The Neverly Brothers, Lydia Adams Davis At Pete and Toshi Seeger Park, 2 Flynn Drive, Beacon, NY Free Admission.
Information >

BeaconArts - Now accepting artist submissions for our 2022 Member Exhibition [Must be a current Artist Member to apply]
Deadline: October 20, 2022
Days: Saturdays & Sundays - November 5-27
Time: 12pm-6pm
Location: KuBe Art Center, 3rd fl. Gallery, 211 Fishkill Ave. Beacon, New York
Opening reception & performance: Nov. 5, 4-6 p.m. Second Saturday Meet the Artist reception: Nov. 12, 4-6 p.m.

Beacon Film Society presents... BATTLEGROUND
Day: Thursday, October 20, 2022
Time: 7pm (doors at 6:30pm)
Location: StoryScreen Theater, 445 Main St. Beacon, NY 12508
‘Battleground’ is an urgently timely window into the intersection of abortion and politics in America, following three women who lead formidable anti-abortion organizations to witness the enormous influence they wield. As the nation faces the end of Roe, the film also depicts those on the front lines of the fierce fight to maintain access.
Information >

Serious. Comedy Theatre Presents Improv Witchy Jam
Day: Friday, October 21, 2022
Time: 7:30pm
Location: 22 Kent Street, Room #109, Beacon, NY 12508 (Old Beacon High School)
Information >
Serious. Comedy Theatre is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. Thank you!!

Hocus Pocus Parade
Day: Saturday, October 29, 2022 (Rain date Oct. 30th)
Time: 2:00pm — line up begins at 1:30pm
Location: Bank Square, Beacon, NY
All are welcome to join in costume and walk down Main St. to the Dummy Light. Trick or Treating at participating stores along the way. Beacon School of Rock will have a band playing Halloween music at the Roundhouse Patio at the end of the parade.

Murder Mystery Night
Day: Saturday, October 29, 2022
Time: 6pm
Location: Veterans Memorial Bldg, 413 Main St, Beacon, NY
Tickets are $40 per person. Free snacks and refreshments available. Proceeds benefit Castle Point VA Wheelchair games. Call 203 at 845-831-7750 for tickets or visit below link for more information.
Information >

Harvest Festival
Day: Saturday, October 29, 2022
Time: 3pm-5pm
Location: Memorial Park Pavilion
All are welcome to this free event at Memorial Park hosted by Goodwill Church Beacon! Join us for games, refreshments, face painting, hot chocolate, and more
Information >

 

If you have an event you'd like to submit for consideration, please fill out the Event Submission Form. If you would like to sponsor this guide, or upgrade your event promotion, please click here for details. *Please note, we are a mighty small team and receive multiple emails a day for event submissions. We may not be able to list them all, but you can guarantee a listing by purchasing here >

If you have multiple listings a month, you can subscribe as an advertiser and share a photo/flyer of your events.

Panel Discussion Following Screening Of Film Documenting Injustice Of Parole Release Hearings - Story Screen Theater - Happening Tonight

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THE FILM, WHICH FEATURES FORMERLY INCARCERATED ADVOCATES AND FORMER PAROLE COMMISSIONERS WHO EXPOSE THE BOARD’S LAWLESS ADDICTION TO PUNISHMENT, MAKES THE CASE FOR REFORM 

WHAT: A screening of “The Interview”, a short film exposing the injustices of parole release hearings, followed by a panel featuring people directly impacted by New York’s prison system and unjust Parole Board. The film features members of the Release Aging People in Prison (RAPP) Campaign, and other formerly incarcerated advocates, who each faced as many as ten parole denials despite having transformed their lives while behind bars many years earlier. In addition, two Parole Commissioners appear in the film and, in very different ways, articulate how the Parole Board makes decisions about the release of people based solely on the nature of their crime, even after they have already served a minimum sentence.   

The Q&A after the film will feature panelists who have been directly impacted by incarceration and the parole process in New York. 

WHERE: Story Screen Theater, 445 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508

WHEN: Thursday, September 29th at 7pm

HOW TO GET TICKETS: Click here >

WHO: The screening is hosted by Beacon Prison Rides Program and Beacon Prison Books Project, in partnership with the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign and the People’s Campaign for Parole Justice. Panelists include RAPP Executive Director Jose Saldana, RAPP Westchester Community Leader Greg Mingo, Beacon Prison Rides member, Ms. John, and After Incarceration Co-Director, Jose Pineda. 

The Beacon Prison Rides Project is a volunteer-run organization providing free rides for families between the Beacon train station and Beacon-area prisons. Since November 2017, Beacon Prison Rides has provided an alternative to costly taxis or prison vans, providing more than 1,800 rides for more than 200 people visiting their incarcerated loved ones. Find out more about the project and about how to request rides, volunteer, or donate here >

The Beacon Prison Books Project is an organization that provides books to incarcerated persons throughout New York State, by request. People who are incarcerated in NYS use free postcards or simply write to us at our P.O. Box to request books or book recommendations. Then we order the books, connect with individual sponsors, pack up the books, and send them to the person who made the request. Most of this activity happens through Binnacle Books in Beacon, NY. Learn more here >

The People’s Campaign for Parole Justice is a new, statewide, grassroots campaign pushing for parole reform in New York State. The campaign platform is supported by over 350 organizations across New York State and led by a coalition of the state’s biggest and most influential social justice and criminal justice groups, including the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign, Parole Preparation Project, VOCAL-NY, Citizen Action, New Hour for Women and Children, NY Communities for Change, Center for Community Alternatives, Osborne Association, NYCLU, FWD.us, #HALTsolitary Campaign, Legal Aid Society, Center for Justice at Columbia, CUNY Law Defenders Clinic, and NYU Law's Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law. 

BACKGROUND:
Nearly 1 in 4 people from Dutchess county incarcerated in New York State prisons is over the age of 50, which many departments of corrections across the country define as “older” due to accelerated aging behind bars. About 63 percent are people of color, even though people of color only make up 23 percent of the general population of Dutchess county, and many are serving long sentences with few opportunities for release based on their rehabilitation and current readiness for release. Without parole reform, many will never make it out of prison.

Racism infects the parole release system just as it does every element of the criminal legal system. A white person in a New York prison is significantly more likely on average to be released on parole than a Black or Latinx person and the disparity widened in 2020, according to a Times Union analysis of the nearly 19,000 parole board decisions over the last two years. The data, which spans October 2018 through October 2020, shows the Parole Board granted parole release to 41 percent of white people, compared to 34 percent of Black people and 33 percent of Latinx people. Importantly, these racial disparities are not new. In 2016, the New York Times conducted an investigation of parole release data and similarly found Black and Latinx people were significantly less likely to be released than their white counterparts.

The People’s Campaign for Parole Justice is calling on lawmakers in Albany to pass two bills that will address this pandemic behind bars and prevent similar tragedies in the future: 

Elder Parole (S.15/A.3475) would allow the State Board of Parole to provide an evaluation for potential parole release to incarcerated people aged 55 and older who have already served 15 or more years, including some of the state’s oldest and sickest incarcerated people. 

Fair and Timely Parole (S.1415/A.4231) would provide more meaningful parole reviews for incarcerated people who are already parole-eligible. 

The Campaign is also calling on Governor Hochul to fully staff the Parole Board with 19 Commissioners who come from communities that have been directly affected by mass incarceration and who have professional and clinical backgrounds in areas such as social work, nursing, reentry services, and other fields that allow them to evaluate incarcerated people for who they are today. The Board currently has three vacancies.

From the film:
Former Parole Commissioner Carol Shapiro said, “The research is so clear on this, and has been for years,” regarding low reincarceration rates in New York State among people convicted of murder who are subsequently released on parole. Keeping people incarcerated for decades—well into old age—has changed the very nature of prisons, she says: “We are running geriatric institutions in America right now.”

Dutchess County to Host ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ Sensory-Friendly Movie Day

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Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro invites residents of all abilities and their families to a free sensory-sensitive screening of Pixar’s Academy Award-winning film, “Inside Out,” on Saturday, Oct. 15th, at the Bardavon Opera House, 35 Market Street in Poughkeepsie. As part of this special “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” event, the theater will adjust both the lighting and sound to make the experience more enjoyable for those on the autism spectrum or who experience sensory issues. Individuals, families and support agencies are all invited to this free event.

County Executive Molinaro said, “It can be a challenge for individuals with disabilities and their families to enjoy what may seem like a simple outing to some, like going to the movies. We wanted to give all families an opportunity to have fun and take part in a movie experience. Dutchess County is thrilled to partner with the Bardavon to host this movie event, where everyone can relax and enjoy this award-winning movie.”
For additional details, residents can view the event flyer online.

The movie event is the first of three ThinkDIFFERENTLY events the County is sponsoring at the Bardavon in the coming months: “Talking Birds and Golden Fish: A Collection of Global Animal Tales” with David Gonzalez will take place on Nov. 10th, as well as an hour-long, sensory-sensitive performance of “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 9th.

Established in 2015, the ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative seeks to change the way individuals, businesses, organizations and communities relate to individuals with special needs. Following Dutchess County’s example, more than 100 municipalities throughout New York State have passed ThinkDIFFERENTLY resolutions, committing to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals of all abilities.

Dutchess County remains committed to providing events to those of all abilities, hosting several such events in 2022, including ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday at the Dutchess County Fair – which gives individuals of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy the fair without the drawbacks that lights, sounds and crowds can cause – and ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness & Field Day at Bowdoin Park, highlighting health and nutrition for people of every ability.

Complimentary Screening of Pixar hit “Inside Out”
Day: Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022
Time: 11am
Location: Bardavon 1869 Opera House, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY
Seating is limited; registration is required and can be completed here >

To learn more about how to ThinkDIFFERENTLY, click here >

SOON IS NOW Is Back For A Second Season At Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park

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SOON IS NOW is back for a second season at Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park on Saturday, September, 24th from 2pm-5pm.

This will be a beautiful afternoon of climate theater, art and activism held in a spot that was transformed from a hazardous dumping site into a gorgeous sustainable park by Reed-Hilderbrand landscape architects and Scenic Hudson.

There is a great slate of participants programmed for the day: Jaanika Peerna with Coco Karol performing Glacier Elegy; Twinkle Burke and Stephanie Anuwe performing "how to hold water: a spell for adaptive living" by Erika Dickerson-Despenza; Edwin Torres conducting a poet's orchestra of 6 performers titled "Water's Way: A Poet's Choir for The Hudson River" with: Latasha Diggs, Jayden Featherstone, E.J. McAdams, Urayoán Noel, Kristin Prevallet and Tamalyn Miller; Elise Knudson, Randy Burd and Ava Heller performing a new dance piece on George Trakas's Beacon Point; Connie Hall performing The Penguin by Nicholas Billon, cellist Alex Waterman performing an original composition, Tom King and Katiana Rangel performing "Ode to Extinct Birds"; and FRUIT&ROT, an imprint that designs and publishes printed matter on the intersection of art and ecology, will have items for sale. Local environmental groups will be at the event providing actions, info and workshops.

Come see Fareground, Beacon Conservation Advisory Committee, New Yorkers for Clean Power, Sustainable Hudson Valley, Outdoor Promise, Climate Reality Hudson Valley and Catskills, Sunrise Movement Westchester and Hudson River Sloop Clearwater and take action on climate!

Environmental group presentations & actions start at 2pm and sign ups for the 3 performance tours open at 2pm and start at 3pm and run every 20 minutes (first come first served). A 4th tour will be added if needed. There is something here for everyone! This event is part of Hudson Valley Climate Solutions Week.

Contact evemorgenstern@gmail.com or go to this link for more details. Free and open to the public but the project appreciates contributions to help pay the artists. You can make a tax deductible pledge here at SOON IS NOW and thank you! We encourage using public transportation, carpooling and walking because parking is limited at Long Dock Park. Overflow parking is available a short walk away at the Beacon Metro North train station where parking is free on the weekends.

This project was supported, in part, by a Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant.

Donations For US Army Needed - Being Collected By Antelak and Moore - Here’s Your Shopping List!

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This is for the weekend shoppers! To gather their things now over the weekend during their errands, and bring it in this week to Antalek and Moore, who is passionate about hosting a donation drive in support of the U.S. ARMY Destroyer Company from the 10th Mountain Division.

The company is made up of about 80 men and women, and we are looking for supply donations to lift their spirits! Please bring your donations to our office at 340 Main Street in Beacon. See full list of supplies below:

FOOD AND DRINK

  • Mio Energy

  • Protein Bars

  • Granola Bars

  • Beef Jerky

  • Candy

  • Fruit Snacks

  • Gum

  • Trail Mix

  • On-The-Go Snacks

PERSONAL CARE

  • Baby Wipes

  • Graphic T-Shirts

  • Baseball Caps

  • Hand Lotion

  • Hand Sanitizer

  • Chapstick

  • Soap

  • Razors

  • Shaving Cream

OTHER ITEMS

  • Appropriate Magazines

  • Playing Cards

  • A Note

  • Matchbox Cars (to hand out to children they come across while on mission)

Spirit of Beacon Day Hosts Logo Design Contest: Last Chance To Enter! Sunday Midnight

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The Committee for the Spirit of Beacon Day is launching a Logo Design Contest for the redesign of the Spirit of Beacon Day, now celebrating its 45th year. The winning logo will be awarded $300, and will be used on all signage, website, social media, merchandise, etc. All entries will be published for viewing, so that everyone can see the range of ideas.

Design Direction:

  • Community: Reflect Beacon as a community.

  • Location: Reflect Beacon in its unique location between the mountain and the river, with buildings and houses in between. Consider using illustrations of a mountain, river, apartment building and house.

  • Colors: Colors can reflect the Beacon City School District colors, but do not have to. The color purple has been mentioned as a desired color, in addition to earthy colors like green, brown, red, and blue. No need to base your colors off of this website. These colors are temporary and will be changed once the logo is selected.

The Spirit Of Beacon Day Is OPEN!

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Everyone!!

The "Spirit of Beacon Day is alive an well," said former Chair Gwenno James to the City Council during a meeting back in July, during her final appearance as Chair. She was there to present the new Board who volunteered after she put out the call across different channels, which was also published by A Little Beacon Blog.

A Little Beacon Blog's publisher, Katie Hellmuth Martin, felt the role a natural fit for her, being that she had produced 2 floats for South Avenue Elementary School (and decorated 1 drive-by car in the parade during the pandemic), as well as her experience hosting pop-up shops and other community events in her former office space on Main Street.

Junior (Zayed) Dabashi of Key Food had also volunteered to serve, with his experience running many community events for Key Food's family grocery stores in Beacon and in Milford, PA, including car shows (one of his favorites), and open-to-the-community cookouts at the Mosque in Beacon.

Ali T. Muhammad volunteered as well, and as a Beaconite who served on Beacon's City Council, his commitment to Beacon runs deep. You'll see him on the day of the event with a microphone in his hand, serving as a Board Member and MC.

Nickeya Allen pulled in as Treasurer, eager to serve, as her two young children had attended the parade and festival in year's past, and she has participated with ALBB before via Juneteenth.

The reaction from friends and community members has been consistent, and in two forms:
1. "You are crazy!"
2. "Amazing, thank you!! You might be crazy!"

It is true. Anyone who steps into these roles knows that they have a marathon ahead of them. The difference is this is a group marathon where many in the community want to also dive in, get creative, and express what is Beacon.


This Year's Theme: "The Origin Story"

The theme of this year's Spirit of Beacon Day is: "The Origin Story," and here's why:

Event organization wasn't the only reason the role felt right to Katie. In her introductory speech at City Council for the public to hear, she stated: "When the pandemic blossomed into the racial reawakening across the United States and even in Beacon, NY, I started covering the protests down Main Street that marched to Memorial Park and Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park to listen to people's stories during the open mike sessions.

"As a reporter, I got out of my comfort zone and spoke with neighbors I had never spoken to before, heard their stories about their lives in Beacon, and reflected. In 2020, when September rolled around, I thought the Spirit of Beacon Day was the perfect time to kaleidoscope this. To shine the light on the origins of why the Spirit of Beacon Day was created in 1977." But the pandemic happened, and squashed all in-person events. Gwenno and her committee did all they could to produce a virtual version of the day to keep the spirit alive.

According to an article in the Beacon Evening News from 1985: "For a number of years, the students from the Beacon School System and the community were having some problems that had racial overtones. It was during the winter and early spring of 1977 that, for several days and nights, racial problems became severe. The Sheriff’s department was called into the community to help bring the situation under control. A community meeting was held at the Howland Library."

During that meeting, a solution arose: a community day to bring the people together to better understand each other. This day was called The Spirit of Beacon Day.


The 45th Year For The Spirit Of Beacon Day

In early Committee discussions, the Board members expressed the importance of opening up the day to new organizations to participate. The Committee is so excited to dive into this project to bring it to you, with you. We encourage all of you to apply for a Table and/or to participate in the parade. if you have developed something in the last few years, let's see it! Show it to the people so that more young people can experience it. If you have had something for decades, but never considered participating in this day, please do so now!


Let's Gooooooooo!

Below are all of the ways you can help. Thank you Highlands Current and Beacon Free Press for covering the initial change in leadership! Please follow Spirit of Beacon Day on Instagram for latest announcements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

VOLUNTEERS
Yes, we need so many Volunteers! Volunteering can include helping parade floats and marchers get lined up the day of the parade, helping vendor tables get set up, connecting with non-profits, speaking to Main Street business owners, putting out yard signs in advance, going to collect those yard signs once the day is over, emailing businesses for sponsorship opportunities, producing Instagram art and posts, running the Facebook page, etc.
Learn More >

GOFUNDME FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY!
The Spirit of Beacon Day now has a GoFundMe drive! Producing this event does cost a bit. Our goal is to raise funds needed for the essentials, and have stipends that we can offer to the schools for decorating their floats, as well as a few other ideas. We do want a cushion so that we are not starting with a low balance at the start of the planning phase. Due to time, we are not having a Fundraising Event this year because August is when everyone goes on vacation, and September is Float Building Time!! All hands on deck.
PS! If you are a business wanting to give, please see our Sponsorship option to get promotion .
Donate Now >

SPONSORS FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY!
Businesses in Beacon are one of the keys to holding the community together. They provide employment, enjoyment, and entertainment. This year, the Committee has developed Sponsor Levels that include logos on T-Shirts, yard signs, bathroom signs (yes! we are encouraging people to use our porta-potties rather than the bathrooms inside of businesses!), and more.
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

TABLE APPLICATIONS
The Spirit of Beacon Day is everything with its vendor tables and experiences. Which non-profits and social entities making a difference can the community reach out to and meet at a table? Vendor tables are limited, and we are keeping it to non-profit and social groups or entities only. Application required, and if accepted, a $35 Table Fee is needed to secure the spot. Food businesses are encouraged to reach out to partner with a non-profit if they want to offer food. We are encouraging After School Clubs to apply to represent at a table, and other groups not normally seen but need the exposure to reach our young people. Non-profits and groups can serve/sell food as usual! Otherwise, we encourage everyone to also visit our brick and mortar restaurants in Beacon, in addition to the rare street food you'll find from the organizations.
Apply Now >

PARADE APPLICATIONS
The Parade for the Spirit of Beacon Day is everything! Open to both Beacon businesses and organizations, this parade does require application so that we can keep track of everyone, and curate the lineup. Consider marching, rolling or both! Show your colors.
Apply Now >

PERFORMANCE APPLICATIONS
We want to hear you play! We want to watch you dance! If you have never performed at the Spirit of Beacon Day before, please apply now. Past and future performers are encouraged to apply. The event is known to attract 3,000 people.
Apply Now >

CRAFTS & ENTERTAINMENT APPLICATIONS
The Spirit of Beacon Day is looking for activities for Kids we will curate throughout Main Street. This includes face painting, hair braiding, hula-hooping, whatever you got going on. The Salvation Army has graciously donated their space again for a Kids Section setting, and we have a few other places in mind for Pop-Up Experiences.
Apply Now >

KEY FOOD FIRST SPONSOR AS "BEACON OF LIGHT SPONSOR"
In addition to being a Board Member, Junior Dabashi surprised the Committee with a Sponsorship as our first "Beacon Of Light Sponsor" ($2,000) Sponsor. Key Food Beacon is a longtime participant in the Spirit of Beacon Day as a donor and table participant. This capital enabled the Committee to secure the porta-potties - with an extra ADA compliant unit that fits wheelchairs. We were also able to begin securing a bagpipe band. Thank you JB Said and Junior Dabashi!
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

LAST OUTPOST SUPPORTS AS FIRST "SPIRIT SPONSOR"
As Junior and Katie were walking around Main Street, saying hello to business owners and touching base with them, the Last Outpost store voiced their strong support for the Spirit of Beacon Day, and came on as our first "Spirit Level Sponsor" ($250)! They carry amazingly rugged things in there, and do check out their custom Beacon made merch.
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

ROUNDHOUSE SUPPORTS AS "BEACON OF LIGHT SPONSOR"
One of the most historic buildings in Beacon, and a longtime major sponsor of the Spirit of Beacon Day, the Roundhouse has signed on as a "Beacon Of Light Sponsor" ($2,000)!
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

LOGO DESIGN CONTEST FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY
The Committee for the Spirit of Beacon Day is launching a Logo Design Contest for the design of the Spirit of Beacon Day logo, now celebrating its 45th year. The winning logo will be awarded $300, and be used on all signage, website, social media, merchandise, etc. All entries will be published for viewing, so that everyone can see the range of ideas.
Get Design Direction >

 

Guides To Beacon

When you come to Beacon for the Spirit of Beacon Day, use A Little Beacon Blog's all-inclusive Restaurant and Shopping Guides to prepare you for where to shop and eat. You will buy food from the organizations in the festival who are serving up their own fundraising-based food, but you will also be walking into restaurants for more delicious dishes you don't want to miss. And the shopping....oh the shopping in Beacon is so good!