The Most Epic Trail Run In Beacon - Happening Saturday - The Cannonball Run Fundraiser

Don't let the name fool you! The organizers of this event - The Beacon Recreation Department - are inspired by all sorts of things. This second annual epic trail run through the University Settlement Park is named after a road race movie (Cannonball Run) starring Burt Reynolds, Roger Moore, and Farrah Fawcett. In this case, though, the run is with your legs - you're jogging, walking or sprinting the 5K or 1-mile trail - and the cannonball is going to be YOU jumping into the pool after you finish the race!

That's right - the Beacon Pool is part of the course! Bonus points for the raffle prize you might win from Meyer's Olde Dutch (burgers and such), Mountain Tops Outfitters, Garrison Art Center, Fishkill Farms, or one of the many more local business sponsors who have stepped up to aid in the run's fundraising efforts. You don't even have to be a runner/walker to enter the raffle!

A Little Beacon Blog is a proud media sponsor of Beacon's Cannonball Run because we are hooked on its mission. The proceeds from the race registrations and raffle tickets go to the Beacon After School Program, which started in Beacon's elementary schools. But if enough money is raised, and another mile marker is hit, then monies will be used toward starting the After School Program in the Middle School. This has been a tremendous program benefiting kids and working parents, and parents who simply want more options for their kids after school.

Read our article to learn more about the program and the race, and see you bright and early tomorrow (Saturday) morning!

The River Pool at Beacon IN The Hudson River Opens for 2018!

The left side of The Beacon River Pool - eye level.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

As you play at Riverfront Park, known since 2014 as Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, you may have experienced the extreme desire to swim in the Hudson River to cool off. Well, now you can - because The River Pool at Beacon is open again this year! Starting in 2007, five years after submitting construction plans to New York State, the pool opened to the public for the first time. The river pool idea was originally proposed by the pool's co-founder, Pete Seeger, according to the pool's History page.

What's a River Pool?

The river pool is netted and shallow, with a net bottom designed by Meta Brunzema Architect P.C., a New York City-based design firm. You could crawl on it, with a child on your back, pretending you are an alligator gliding just under the water surface. Or you could sit or stand in the shallow water, enjoying the breeze off the water and gazing up or down the river, thankful you aren't in the traffic moving (or not moving) on the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge. Or, you could simply sit on the colorful plastic seats and bask in the sun, slipping further into the water as you're ready.

River pools aren't unique to this spot - they have been around since at least 1830, up and down the Hudson River - but they were removed after 1930 due to water pollution. Pete Seeger was a major advocate for cleanup of the Hudson River. Thanks to his efforts as well as many other organizations including Scenic Hudson and Riverkeeper, the river has improved since then, and many groups and people continue to advocate in this direction.

Can Anyone Use the River Pool?

It's a free pool for all, thanks to support from individual donations, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Durst Organization, the Abrons Foundation, the Hudson River Foundation. The pool's organizers actually want to increase its size. They're working with another architecture firm to design a bigger pool, and they're talking with cities and towns to find the right location that offers agreeable environmental considerations.

What's It Like Swimming in the River Pool?

The changing room at The Beacon River Pool.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

So fun. So relaxing. You're IN the river, just sitting there protected from the currents by the anchored netting. The pool is small, so you'll be near others as they dip in and out of the pool. The pool is also very shallow: An adult is up to their waist or thighs. The River Pool is fully staffed by lifeguards, and even has a changing room!

If thunder rolls in and you need to leave the pool and wait 30 thunder-free minutes to go back in, you could always shoot baskets at the park's basketball court, or play on the playgrounds. Or have a picnic on the grass (watch out for alllll of the goose poop).

An additional perk: Riverfront Park is very breezy, so you'll be cooled off quickly down by the river no matter what.

Is Swimming in the Hudson River Safe?

The Hudson River was contaminated by companies who dumped pollutants into it for many years. An ongoing effort to clean up the Hudson River has spanned several decades. As of today, it has reached cleaner levels, but is closely monitored by The River Pool at Beacon. Says a representative from The River Pool this year: "The quality in Beacon Harbor is definitely of concern. Beacon Harbor had a long run of low numbers. We hope this is a temporary situation. That said, the pool is off the north shore of Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park. The water is tested every week by the county health department. We would not open if the water was not considered safe for swimming."

Swim For The Pool - From Beacon To Newburgh!

Fundraising continues for the pool with regular donations that you can make at any time, and during the 15th Annual Newburgh to Beacon Hudson River Swim, where you can sponsor a swimmer - or be a swimmer that people sponsor! See the Beacon to Newburgh Swim page for details.

Make a donation here to keep this all going, but don't worry if you can't. It was designed for all to be able to access and experience the Hudson River. See you at the pool!

Get Your Sneakers & Bathing Suit - The 2nd Annual Cannonball Run Fundraiser is July 7, 2018

The Race That Runs The Trails, and Ends IN The Pool!

CANNONBALL RUN
RACE DETAILS
When: Saturday, July 7, 2018
Time: Registration, 9:30 am; first heats start at 10:15 am
Where: The Beacon Pool at the University Settlement Camp, 724 Wolcott Ave., Beacon, NY
Donation/Price: $20 for 5K; $5 for 1 Mile

The Beacon Recreation Department is producing their 2nd Annual Cannonball Run, a 5K and 1-mile race through the trails of the University Settlement Camp, located on Wolcott Avenue on your way out of town toward Cold Spring on Saturday, July 7, 2018.

This is a race with an extra splash of fun - you get to start at the Beacon Pool, and end with a jump into the pool. Says Nate Smith, assistant director of the Beacon Recreation Department: "You can walk, stroll, jog, sprint, however you want to participate. We just want you to have fun. Though this is a trail run, so there will be some hills. Just to make it more exciting."

If you don't feel like running, you can still enjoy the event by taking part in a huge raffle. On offer: plenty of prizes from your favorite local businesses, including the Beacon Creamery, Trax Espresso Bar, Meyer's Olde Dutch Food & Such, Artisan Wine Shop, and many others. Bagels are being donated by Beacon Bagel for early registrants, and Sal's Pizza is pitching in a few pizza pies for after the race. The South Avenue PTO Collaborative will be selling ice pops and water. So bring your bathing suit, and be ready for a great Saturday morning.

Fundraiser for the Beacon After School Programs

The run itself is awesome, but the main reason for the event is to raise funds for Beacon's After School Programs, which have been instrumental in hugely improving the public school experience in Beacon. See our article here from when the program first launched in the elementary schools.

If enough money is raised during this event, funding will go toward a new middle-school After School Program - it's the trickle-up effect! Fundraising efforts will help the Beacon Recreation Department secure the funds they need to start that program.

The five-day program, which runs from 3 to 6 pm on school days, started in the elementary schools, allowing enrolled kids to stay at school and engage in different themed activities each day, such as Yoga, Martial Arts, Spanish, and more. Local businesspeople are involved and serve as the instructors. "It has been a win-win for everyone," says Nate.

A Little Beacon Blog is a proud media sponsor of this Cannonball Run, as we have first-hand experience of how wonderful the After School Program is - including instructors, caregivers and programming. We give this event a double-high five!

About The Cannonball Run

Participants have the choice of doing a 5K (just over 3 miles) or a 1-mile trail run. The race begins at the pool and ends IN the pool. Registration begins at 9:30 am and the suggested donation is $20 for the 5K, $5 for the 1-mile. You can also pre-register at the City of Beacon Recreation Department's Facebook Page.

Win Some Of The Best Prizes Around!

There will be prizes for the following categories from the following businesses:

• Fastest 5K Male
• Fastest 5K Female
• Fastest Mile (Male, under 12)
• Fastest Mile (Female, under 12)
• Best Costumes
• Raffles

Sponsoring Businesses:

• Nella Bellas Boutique
• Mountain Tops
• Trax Espresso Bar & Coffee Roasters
• Bank Square Coffeehouse
• Fishkill Farms
• Hudson Valley Renegades
• Beacon Bagel
• Barb's Butchery
• Garrison Art Center
• Beacon Creamery
• Bounce! Trampoline Sports
• beBhakti Yoga
• SHRED Foundation
• BCSD PTO Collaborative
• A Little Beacon Blog
• Beacon Arts & Education Foundation
• Girls Inc.
• Keyfood Beacon
• Meyer's Olde Dutch Food & Such
• Artisan Wine Shop
• Play Toys and Gifts
• Beetle and Fred
• Fishkill Bowl
• Mr. V's Deli
• Sal's Pizza & Pasta

You can RSVP on Facebook here! 

See you there! We are training...

BAM!! Beacon's Fireworks Are Happening... But They Almost Didn't

Photo Credit: Betsy Biggar Hellmuth

BEACON'S FIREWORKS
Date: Sunday, July 1, 2018
Location: Memorial Park, Robert Cahill Drive, Beacon, NY
Time: Music starts at 5 pm. Fireworks begin at 9 pm.
Entertainment: There will be live music, and vendors selling food.

"When are Beacon's fireworks this year?"

It's a simple question. One that normally has an answer without a second thought. When annual events or things happen - like hanging baskets of petunias on Main Street - one doesn't normally question how or why they happen, only that they do happen.

So when chatter started about Beacon's fireworks not happening for 2018, ears perked up in disbelief. Rather than accept that Beacon wouldn't have fireworks, Beaconites took it upon themselves to make it happen.

The City of Beacon itself is not involved in the production of most of the annual events scheduled throughout the year. These commemorative and festive events have drawn renewed interest and involvement from community members, though:

The Spirit of Beacon Day Parade almost didn't happen in 2018 when its organizers disbanded (but then it did happen, as new organizers stepped in!). The Memorial Day Parade, which is organized by veterans who live in Beacon, did not happen in 2018, but will return in 2019, as announced by a veteran during last month's Memorial Day service at the Memorial Building. They expressed how humbled they were by the public's strong turnout to this year's ceremony.

Another group of Beacon citizens has organized a reading of the Declaration of Independence set to happen on Wednesday, July 4, at 11 am.

As for Beacon's fireworks show, it's really an event produced by the people of Beacon. There are many involved who are putting together a big fireworks display for 2018. Here's what we know so far:

A Changing of the Guard for Beacon's Fireworks

You may not have realized that historically, the Kiwanis Club of Beacon did the fundraising for the fireworks. Additionally, the organization known as "I Am Beacon" used to play a part in organizing events that began in the afternoon and ran into the night. Sometimes things change, however, and unfortunately, the Kiwanis Club disbanded this year with no clear guideline in place for passing the firework fundraising torch (irresistible pun intended).

Enter LT Sherpa, owner of Beacon Natural Market. He was overcome with shock when he heard that there would be no fireworks in Beacon. "You can't have the Fourth of July without fireworks," he said to himself, and then to me while interviewing him for this story.

Beacon Natural, Verplanck Auto, and Beacon Recreation Department Step Up to Produce Celebration

"I decided that the Beacon Natural Market would offer to sponsor the fireworks," LT continued. "After speaking to the mayor and discovering that the cost was a little more than what the market could do alone, I spearheaded a donation drive from Beacon businesses to hold the fireworks. Beacon has been good to businesses, and I want us to give back.” LT is working with Mark Price, director of Beacon's Recreation Department, who has usually facilitated the production of Beacon's Fourth of July celebration in years past.

DONATING TO THE FIREWORKS
If you would like to donate to the event, please contact LT or Kitty Sherpa:
Call: Beacon Natural Market, (845) 838-1288
Email: beacon348@verizon.net
Donate in person: Beacon Natural Market, 348 Main St., Beacon, NY
Checks: Make payable to the City of Beacon.

No matter what LT and his wife Kitty raise during the donation drive, LT has assured the City that he is writing a check for the full amount of the fireworks. The fireworks will commence on Sunday, July 1, 2018, and there is no rain date.

All donations for the fireworks can be made out to the City of Beacon, and can be dropped off at Beacon Natural Market.

Live Music for Beacon's Fireworks

Some of you know Manny from Verplanck Auto, and some of you have your cars in his lot right now being repaired. Said Manny when being interviewed for this story: "I spoke to Mark Price on a chance meeting about this event. I wanted to help. My son, who will be a high school senior this year, Zack Taylor, has been performing at the Fourth of July celebration for the past three to four years with his band, Seal the Deal."

Manny and LT are working with Mark from the Recreation Department, who is orchestrating the programming for the entire day. "People are coming out of the woodwork to help out," said Manny. "L+J is donating the sound equipment, and many others are donating time and such to the whole process," said Manny.

Musical Lineup Before the Fireworks

The festival will be at Memorial Park on Sunday, July 1. There will be vendors selling food as well as live music. The music starts at 5 pm, and will be done by the time the fireworks begin at 9 pm.

This musical lineup was sent to us by Zack Kotzias, who is known for performing in interesting venues around Beacon:

5-5:30 pm Brian Daniel (R&B)
5:45-6:15 pm Jeremy Torres (Acoustic)
6:30-7 pm Backseat Lover (Rock)
7:15-7:45 pm Seal the Deal (Rock)
8-8:15 pm Tony E (Hip Hop)
8:20-9 pm Decora (Hip Hop)

If you are involved with this year's production or if you have already donated, go ahead and give yourself a shout-out and pat on the back in the Comments below!

Business Donors So Far

M&T Bank, John Car Realty, Homespun, Dominic Penzetta, Dogwood, Drink More Good, Hudson, Valley Auctioneers, Greg Zabel, Hudson Beach Glass, Artisan Wine Store, Hudson Valley Brewery, Mobile Gas Station, Quinns, Quinns Employees, Keyfood, Antalek & Moore, Mountain Tops, Kitchen Sink, Hudson Valley Zoned, Luxe Optical, Law Office of Dennis Vetrano, Gate House Realty, Kiwanis Club, Roundhouse, Melzingah Tap House, Poppy’s, Beacon Natural Market, and Thundercut.

Musical Performance Fundraiser for Robin Testerman at Beacon High School

Photo Credit: Beacon High School

WITH LOVE & LIGHT
Date: Friday, June 29, 2018
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Beacon High School Seeger Theater
101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY
 Price*: Admission: $10 at the door. Children under 5 are free
*All proceeds benefit Robin Testerman, to help pay mounting medical bills for cancer treatment.

From the desks of Lori LaDue and Anthony Scarrone of Beacon High School:

Song and dance will take the stage at Beacon High School as the extended performing arts community—including John Jay Proscenium Alumni, The Beacon Players, Spackenkill High School’s Spack Onstage, and Beacon Performing Arts Center—pool their talents to benefit local champion of theater Robin Testerman.

With the goal of offsetting Robin’s mounting medical bills due to cancer treatment, the area’s best and brightest present an evening of Broadway hits, including selections from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Footloose, West Side Story, Les Miserables, A Chorus Line, Aida, Jekyll & Hyde, The Little Mermaid,  Phantom of the Opera, and so much more.
 
Special guest Ryan Dutcher, a nationally known illusionist, will provide fast-paced magical entertainment, cutting-edge comedy, and opportunities for audience participation in his mesmerizing act.

Before the show and during intermission, enjoy light refreshments while you browse the silent auction, offering tantalizing experiences and wares. More special appearances may be happening (perhaps a Broadway star or two?) at this can’t-miss musical event of the year.

Sponsor Opportunity: Fundraiser for Episcopal Church of St. Mary’s Golf Outing

The Episcopal Church of St. Mary’s in the Highlands in Cold Spring.
Photo Credit: Google Images. Graphic Design: Katie James, Inc.

From time to time, we hear laments from business owners who saw an opportunity to be involved in an event, or to sponsor something, but didn't know about it in time to apply. Therefore, when we are able to and if we know about it, we'll share a sponsor opportunity with our readers in case you might be interested. A Little Beacon Blog is not affiliated with this event; we just thought you might like to know about it, as we are advocates for local businesses getting the word out, and for fundraising for a good cause.

Sponsorships for Golf Outing at Beekman Golf Course

Stinson’s Hub is fundraising for the Episcopal Church of St. Mary’s in the Highlands in Cold Spring. They "are in desperate need for funds to keep their doors open," says Wendy Stinson, owner of the hub. Stinson's Hub is holding its annual golf outing on Friday, June 8, 2018 at Beekman Golf Course, and is looking for businesses who are interested in sponsorship at different levels. You can learn more about the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church here. The church's parish hall is also home to the Philipstown Reform Synagogue.

The sponsoring establishment’s information would be posted at the outing, and signage would be posted on the hole/tee that is sponsored by the business. According to Wendy, "Every year our golf outing grows bigger and bigger, and we are very excited to see what this year will bring." 

If you are interested in sponsoring a hole or tee, please call Wendy at 845-234-8807 or email wendelrina69@gmail.com.

Sponsor Options:

• Sponsor a $200 hole or $100 tee.
• Sponsor the purchase of golf balls with your establishment’s logo on them to be given out at the outing
• $200 per 5 dozen golf balls with your logo on them (taken)
• Sponsor for 15 dozen golf balls with your logo on them
• Sponsor the Par 3 Challenge - $300 (taken)
• Sponsor the Par 5 Challenge - $400
• Sponsor the Hole in One Challenge - $600 (taken)
• Sponsor a Car Giveaway (Car Dealership)
• Dinner Sponsor - $800
• Lunch Sponsor - $300
• Sponsor Refreshments Station - $200
• **All sponsorships will have their establishments advertised at the event

Upcoming Creative + Fun Events Supporting Beacon Schools! Rubik's Cubes, Movie Night, and More

A Little Beacon Blog now tracks the fundraising efforts for all of Beacon's public schools, and a few events are coming up! Movie Night, Line Dancing, Ice Cream Night - and Rubik's Cubes! See below for our roundup, and hit up A Little Beacon Blog's Public School Fundraising Guide  for dates and details.

PS: Do you love this Guide? Your business could support it (with your logo as a lead sponsor) and reach so many parents in the Beacon community! Please contact us to be a lead sponsor, and thank you!

JV FORRESTAL ELEMENTARY:
• Rubik's Cubes for Hands-On Library Learning: JVF Librarian Ms. Coleman is raising money to buy Rubik's Cubes that students can check out of the library.
• Beacon's All-Star Lip Sync Battle: This adults-only event at the Towne Crier raises money to support the Center for Creative Education's outreach programs to BCSD schools!
• Book Fair Next week!

GLENHAM ELEMENTARY
• Ice Cream & Bingo Night! Friday, March 9, from 6 to 8 pm. Kids and adults get to play bingo and eat FREE ice cream, donated by Stewart's.

ROMBOUT MIDDLE SCHOOL
• Shake What Your Mama Gave You! Zumba and line dancing to benefit the Rombout PBIS Committee!

BEACON HIGH SCHOOL
• Movie Night! In the Beacon High School Cafeteria, Beacon High School's National Honor Society is sponsoring the Valuable for Veterans fundraiser, screening the Academy Award-winning movie "Coco."

5th Annual "Pink Kiss" Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show Moves to Atlas Studios

You've seen the magazine cover–inspired flyer around town and on Instagram. Now you can attend "Pink Kiss," the fashion-forward event from Beacon-based Lorraine Tyne Bridal & Sparkle My Head Scarves. The fashion show promotes Breast Cancer Awareness while highlighting cancer survivors on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 6 pm at Atlas Studios, 11 Spring St., Newburgh.

During years past, the show has been hosted in Beacon. This year it will be in the Atlas building, an old factory that has been refurbished as a home for artist studios and event spaces. Other Beaconites have moved to the building as well, including the hair dresser Joshua Boos, formerly of The Green Room.

To celebrate its fifth year, the group is hosting a Benefit Fashion Show and honoring local area cancer survivors - at any stage of treatment - with recognition and gifts. Local hospitals have nominated cancer survivors from St. Luke's Hospital, Mid Hudson Regional, and NY Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, as well as patients from the Hudson Valley community.

Beacon's Draught Industries is donating the prosecco, and models from Couture Modeling of Wappingers Falls will be showing gowns. A portion of the night's proceeds will be donated to local nonprofit Sparrow's Nest, who delivers home-cooked meals to families and caregivers of cancer patients.

Tickets can be purchased via EventBrite here at this link. Tickets are $10, or you can buy a ticket and not go, and simply make a donation. Day-of tickets at the door are $15.

Tioronda Garden Club's Annual Fundraiser is October 12th - Got To Make Those Flower Baskets!

The baskets of hanging petunias that line the mile of Main Street in Beacon are some of the biggest around - maybe in the country - for a series of displays that must be produced and maintained each year. I'd say they only rival the petunias that decorate every building (even the gas stations) in Maine.

The all-volunteer Tioronda Garden Club puts these together each year, in addition to several other arrangements throughout the city. The group is holding its annual fundraiser on Thursday, October 12, at 7 pm at St. Rocco's Hall (26 S. Chestnut St.). Admission is $25, and includes wine and cheese appetizers. Also, wines will be raffled off, and there will be several prizes from local merchants.

Petunias seem to thrive seasonally in Maine's climate with the damp, cool, salty air. Beacon has humid air, certainly, but not as much rain, and the petunias don't water themselves, as they do in other cities with irrigation systems. Years ago, the City of Beacon removed watering them from the budget, and then-councilperson (now mayor) Randy Casale and former city councilperson Sam Way took it upon themselves to use their early morning time to go around in the cherry picker truck, and personally water the flowers. Learn more about the Secret Gardeners of Main Street here. This year, Randy and Sam are the honorees at the Tioronda Garden Club's fundraiser.

Photo Credit: Susan Marie, sourced from Facebook.

According to the Beacon Free Press, the Tioronda Garden Club maintains flower arrangements in the following areas: the Beacon train station, Municipal Plaza, Memorial Park, George Washington Triangle, Patriots Garden 9/11 Memorial, Howland Cultural Center, and the Visitors Welcome Center.

The Coolest Lemonade Stand Opens - But With Vegetables - At Beacon Elementary Schools

Photo Credit: Ashley Lederer Chinen, founder of Thoughtful Food Nutrition, based in Beacon.

Summer may be over for lemonade stands, but it's just starting for the newest farm-fresh favorite activity to hit Beacon - vegetable stands. Fleeting vegetable markets have popped up in Beacon for a few years now, with the green truck from Green Teen (a program connected to Common Ground Farm) parking in designated lots, as well as appearing at the Beacon Farmers Market (of course) on Sundays.

Now, thanks to an initiative from the Beacon Parks and Recreation Department, Hudson Valley Seed (an education-based food-growing program that is woven into Beacon City Schools' curriculum), and Common Ground Farm, kids from Beacon's After School Program (A Little Beacon Blog first wrote about the program here) will be running "Crop Shops," pop-up vegetable stands during the students' Food Fridays, rotating Fridays among South Avenue, J.V. Forrestal, and Sargent elementary schools.

In the After School Program, each weekday has a theme, such as baking, karate, yoga, or bird-watching, run by a business or nonprofit from the Beacon community. During the program's first quarterly session, Fridays are designated Food Fridays, and the kids learn to make snacks. Thanks to this program, the kids will also learn commerce as they run the vegetable stands. "Staff from the After School Program as well as Hudson Valley Seed will be on hand to make sure the kids have a great experience and learn about produce, small business and salesmanship," says Nate Smith, the Recreation Department's assistant director. "Please be patient while a second grader figures out your total and makes change!"

Donation to the After School Program's Tuition Assistance Program

The kid-run vegetable stands are open to the public, and will rotate among three of the Beacon district's four elementary schools. (Glenham Elementary isn't participating right now.) The stands, which will spend two Fridays at each school, will be open from 4:45 to 6 pm. Half of the stands' proceeds will go toward the After School Program's Tuition Assistance Program, which offers a 50 percent discount to students who qualify for the Free Lunch Program. Kids in roughly half of the families in Beacon qualify for free lunch program.

Schedule for Farm Stand Fridays

Here's the lineup. Check back with this article to make sure you're going on the right day!

OPEN HOURS
Fridays, 4:45 to 6 pm

10/6 and 10/13 – South Avenue
Front entrance near the disabled parking

10/20 and 10/27 – Sargent
Lower cafeteria entrance

11/3 and 11/10 – J.V. Forrestal
In front of main entrance

Kids Fun Day and Fundraiser at Glenham Elementary for Touch-A-Truck

The Glenham Elementary School playground

The Touch-A-Truck fundraiser is happening on Saturday, September 30, from 10 am to 3 pm at Glenham Elementary School, put on by the Glenham School PTO. Tickets are $5 per person or $20 per family. Kids will be able to do the following fun things:

• Climb all over trucks of all shapes and sizes
• Have their faces painted
• Jump around in a bouncy house
• Work on crafts

It's a dream day for your kids. Drop by after you test drive a Ford at Beacon High School for the Drive4U fundraiser, to benefit the high school and Rombout Middle School. It's a win-win for families and Beacon City Schools.

Local Ford Dealership Partners to Get $20/Person Donated to Beacon Schools

The opportunity to donate the easiest $20 you've ever contributed is happening today at Beacon High School from 10 am to 3 pm. Freedom Ford, located on Route 52 and owned by Hudson Valley native Rick Brownell, has applied for and was granted partnership in a nationwide program from Ford called Drive 4UR School to donate $20 for every test drive taken in a Ford vehicle today from the parking lot of Beacon High School.

Freedom Ford can raise up to $6,000 for Beacon High School and Rombout Middle Schools, if you get behind the wheel of Freedom Ford's vehicles in the high school parking lot. Proceeds will be donated to two fundraising initiatives:

• Beacon High School: Funds will go towards PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports), which is a schoolwide system of support program that includes proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create a positive school environment.
• Rombout Middle School: Funds will go toward sending the eighth-grade class to Washington DC in the spring. Says the PTA President for Rombout, Kelly Ellenwood: "Please come on by and test drive a Ford. It's free and it will do our community good. We need 300 drivers!"

Says Rick Brownell of the initiative: “We have been serving the Hudson Valley for over 75 years. When this became available for Freedom Ford to apply for the Drive 4UR School Program, it was a no-brainer for us to partner with Beacon High School and Rombout Middle School to help raise funds for the schools and for the kids. It was just the way I was raised, to always give back when you can.”

The event takes place today, Saturday, September 30, from 10 am to 3 pm at the Beacon High School, located at 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY 12508. Participants test-drive the cars, and Freedom Ford makes the $20 donation per driver up to a total of $6,000.

Chefs for Clearwater Event to Showcase Hudson Valley Growers and Chefs

This just in over the wires... The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater has announced a delicious event happening at The Culinary Institute of America in September. The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater will be hosting Chefs for Clearwater, featuring six celebrated Hudson Valley chefs in September. The event sets out to raise awareness of sustainable food production and watershed protection. 

Chefs for Clearwater

This second annual Chefs for Clearwater culinary event will happen on Sunday, September 17, 2017, at 4 pm at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, NY. Chefs for Clearwater is a partnership of leading Hudson Valley chefs, the CIA, and Clearwater, aimed at spreading awareness of critical issues involving sustainability and food ethics, and how they relate to the Hudson Valley watershed. The event is a fundraiser to support Clearwater’s environmental education and advocacy programs on the Hudson River.

Chefs for Clearwater’s featured chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, ranchers, vintners and cider makers have been invited to participate because of their demonstrated commitment to practicing and advancing sustainable agriculture and socially responsible business practices. The health of the Hudson River watershed directly impacts the health of the ground soil—and the reverse is just as true. Chefs for Clearwater is a celebration of the great progress made on both fronts in recent years.

“The Culinary Institute of America is proud to support Clearwater’s dedication to environmental education and advocacy,” said CIA President Dr. Tim Ryan. “The health of the Hudson River is critical to the region’s agriculture and food future. Both the CIA and Clearwater are committed to maintaining sustainable resources and being socially responsible stewards of the environment. Through Chefs for Clearwater, our organizations can, together, help spread that message.”

The master of ceremonies will be Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Tom Chapin. The New York Times called Chapin “one of the great personalities in contemporary folk music.” Tom Chapin has covered an incredible amount of creative ground. In addition to his work as a recording artist and concert performer, Chapin has acted on Broadway, and has also worked extensively in films, television and radio.

Guest speaker Peter Kaminsky is the author of Pig Perfect, The Elements of Taste, Seven Fires: Grilling The Argentine Way and Culinary Intelligence. His work has been featured in The Underground Gourmet, New York magazine's Outdoors column and The New York Times.

The benefit will include a silent auction, as well as a live auction led by George Cole. With Cole’s special flair and finesse, he has been mentioned year after year in “The Best of the Hudson Valley.”

“The Chefs for Clearwater benefit is an extraordinary event. Held at the majestic Culinary Institute of America, it is the premier food and wine event in the Hudson Valley,” said Chef Terrance Brennan, a co-creator. “Guests will enjoy a six-course tasting menu featuring the best chefs, ingredients and beverages from the Hudson Valley. There will also be musical entertainment and live and silent auctions. Proceeds will benefit Clearwater’s important environmental work to protect the Hudson River and its watershed and educational programs.”

The Chefs for Clearwater benefit dinner will feature live bluegrass music by Two Dollar Goat, signature hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie and a six-course farm-to-table menu created by Chef Sara Lukasiewicz of The Amsterdam in Rhinebeck, NY; Chef John McCarthy of The Crimson Sparrow in Hudson, NY; Chef Jay Lippin of Crabtree’s Kittle House in Mt. Kisco, NY; Chef Michael Kaphan of Purdy’s Farmer & The Fish in North Salem and Tarrytown, NY; Chef Waldy Malouf of The Bocuse Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY; and Chef Kristina DePalma of The Roundhouse by Terrance Brennan in Beacon, NY.

Tickets and sponsorship packages are available at www.chefsforclearwater.org.

About the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater

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

About the Culinary Institute of America

Founded in 1946, the Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers bachelor’s degree majors in food business management, hospitality management, culinary science, and applied food studies; associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts; and executive education through its Food Business School. The college also offers certificate programs and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry, and its worldwide network of 49,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food business. The CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore. For more information, visit www.ciachef.edu. 

5th Annual For Goodness Bake Sale Benefits Tuition Assistance Fund for Beacon's After School Program

It's here - the most delicious day of the year, when the Beacon community comes out to fundraise for a cause whether you like it or not. How could you not buy the delicious homemade brownies and cupcakes on sale at this year's For Goodness Bake, happening today, Saturday, from 10 am to 4 pm at Catalyst Gallery at 137 Main Street?! This year's edition of the sale has already been dubbed "Best spread so far!" by Beacon resident Jennifer Sarah Blakeslee.

The pop-up bake-sale-for-a-cause, For Goodness Bake, has dedicated this year's proceeds to the Tuition Assistance Fund for Beacon's After School Program. The 2016-17 school year marked the first that children and parents of the Beacon City School District had direct access to an after-school program within the schools themselves. That's right. No busing required to get kids into an enriching childcare program, from 3 to 6 pm at their very own schools. Until last fall, of the four elementary schools in Beacon, only one had an in-school after-school program: Glenham Elementary, and it was a joint program with Fishkill.

Thanks to the efforts of the Beacon Parks and Recreation Department, a five-day program was designed to offer themed content for kids, until 6pm. It's a little unbelievable at first, so pay attention to how it works: Planned in quarterly sessions, each day presents a different theme, which might include baking, yoga, bird-watching (yes, really!), theater, filmmaking, martial arts, and more. Speaking from experience, the program has been incredible. Kids learn to use cooking utensils (and may take over salsa-making in your home), and have interviewed city leaders including the Chief of Police during their filmmaking class.

The Tuition Assistance Fund offers 50 percent off of After School Program tuition to families who qualify for the Free Lunch Program in the Beacon City School District. Roughly 51 percent of Beacon families participate in the program, yet of the 175 children enrolled in After School at three Beacon elementary schools (Glenham is not included because it's in Fishkill's budget), only 21 kids used the Tuition Assistance Fund last year. But just over 80 kids would be eligible, according to the Free Lunch Program statistics. Word spread about After School's first year, but not everyone knows about the tuition assistance, which helps working families afford childcare. However, children in families who have stay-at-home parents certainly still benefit from the After School Program's activities.

Who Pays for Tuition Assistance

Right now, according to the Parks and Recreation Department's Assistant Director Nate Smith, the City of Beacon pays for the tuition assistance, and takes it as a loss. The After School Program was designed to fund itself. Tuition for one child to register for five days during one quarterly session is $600. Families eligible for tuition assistance pay $300, which is matched right now by the City of Beacon.

Hence the fundraising effort through For Goodness Bake, which has been known to raise $4,000 or more per sale. Past bake sales have been dedicated to organizations such as the Kids R Kids Feeding Program, Green Teen Beacon, the Beacon Community Kitchen, and the Children's Organ Transplant Association.

On sale at the bake sale for $5 each are works of art produced by kids in Camp @ the Camp, a summer program created by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Photo Credit: For Goodness Bake

Back to the Bake Sale

But really, let's get down to business and discuss what's available at the bake sale. Contributions from talented amateur and professional cooks alike include a wide array of sweet and savory baked treats, confections, and vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options. Also available is locally roasted coffee from Tas Kafé and hand-crafted sodas from Drink More Good.

The team at For Goodness Bake, Kristen Pratt and Tara Tornello, thanks the following people (and more not mentioned here): "ENORMOUS gratitude goes to these fine folks and establishments: Drink More Good for donating drink syrups, seltzer, and ice; Tas Kafé LLC, Adams Fairacre Farms, Inc. for sponsorship; Viridescent Floral Design for flowers; The Roundhouse for table linens; Beacon Bread Company for to-go containers; The UPS Store 4839 for printing; Catalyst Gallery for the lovely space; City of Beacon Recreation for tables and overall support; the kids of Camp @ the Camp for creating artwork to display; Kit Burke-Smith for hanging the artwork; Diana Vidal for photography; Patti McAlpine for her collection of cake stands and platters; our wonderful volunteers Christopher Dawson, John Fanning, Mary Jean, Ivette Mateiescu, Jessica Nash, Tara D'Andrea, and Maureen Neary and her sweet daughter (and baker extraordinaire) Tallix."

Registering for the Tuition Assistance Fund

To register for tuition assistance, contact Nate Smith at (845) 765-2470 or nsmith@cityofbeacon.org. Registrants fill out one form, keeping the process relatively simple.

My bounty, delivered by a friend from Cold Spring who was dropping off a baby gift after she finished Pilates class at Beacon Pilates. Sweetness all around.

Kids Color Blasted For South Avenue Elementary Fundraiser June 10th

Sitting in a PTA meeting at 8 pm in the elementary school cafeteria, hearing from a representative from the kids' library that their budget is about to get cut - again - (did you see what's been going on down there?), you don't feel like there's the brightest of forecasts. Another bummer: hearing at a City Council meeting that the Board of Education is fighting for hundreds of thousands, if not over a million, dollars of unpaid funds that was designated for the Beacon School District from the state, but didn't make it down here to Beacon.

Here in the office of A Little Beacon Blog, we get pitched from time to time about fundraisers that are happening for different schools. From roller rink nights, to this most recent Color-A-Thon from the South Avenue Elementary PTA, parents community-wide are trying to get untraditional with their fundraisers, to go "beyond the bake sale." Often they seem fun, yet we hear about them at the last minute - if we hear about them at all.

So a couple of things: 

• We're going to dedicate a Guide to Beacon City School Fundraisers, to capture these opportunities, and try to illustrate where the money is going. Because that's the exciting part. You get to be a part of long-lasting, sometimes permanent change within the walls of one of the six school buildings in Beacon's school district. If you are such a person who runs a campaign, please email editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com as far in advance as you can, and spread the word to others to email in their dates and where raised funds will go.
• There is a fundraiser going on RIGHT NOW that you can participate in! You get to sponsor little racers who are going to get blasted with colorful powder as they run, and you could even BE a color blaster! This is to raise money for park equipment, landscaping and classroom supplies (like replacing super old books, or upgrading smart boards).

It can be hard knowing what is going on inside the walls of the kids' schools, even if the teachers, administrators and PTA are doing very well with internal promotion of flyers and Morning News Shows inside the walls. But if you hardly go inside the school, you won't see any of it. That's why we at A Little Beacon Blog are trying to bring that from the inside of the schools, out to you.

South Avenue Color-A-Thon Walk/Jog Run
Registration Starts: 9 am (new walkers/runners welcome, $30 Registration)
Race Starts: 10 am
Ends: Noon
Race Route: On neighborhood streets surrounding South Avenue School
Enjoy! Food, music, games!

What Is a Color-A-Thon Fundraiser? 

You may have seen the puffs of color - neon pinks and blues and yellows - rising in the distance through the trees and behind some houses for a cause you vaguely heard about. It's the rising trend of color-a-thons, marathons accompanied by color powder, similar to the holiday Holi celebrated in India. Known as the "festival of colors," it signifies the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. Groups are embracing it as a fundraising method to make a big difference in a cause at hand. The Beacon High School just had one, as did the Newburgh Illuminated festival.

The South Avenue Color-A-Thon is a new thing the South Avenue PTA is trying out. They get together with an official Color-A-Thon race program, who then manages the registration bags of running T-shirts, color blaster powder, and prizes. It's important to me that my kids know what they are fundraising for, and aren't just fundraising to get prizes for each dollar level. So with this fundraiser - I knew exactly what we were fundraising for, and it has been a great teachable moment for my kids, as they could see exactly where their fundraising efforts would go - to the park! To the classrooms!

This time, with my awareness of the rising trend in color-a-thons that I know of from A Little Beacon Blog's 5K Race Guide, I knew this could be a highly engaging fundraising effort. Yet for the first year, how many people will turn out? There may be a few sitter-outers who watch the pictures in social media the day of the event, vowing to come next year. Don't be that person! You can make a difference to change that right now.

Fundraising for a New Gazebo on the Playground, With Extra Going to Equipment and Classrooms

South Avenue has a great playground that kids would play on all day long if they had their choice. Over the years, the PTA fundraised for and got a new basketball hoop, swings, and a Buddy Bench. This year, they are aiming for a gazebo or pavilion, a covered structure that has seating on the inside. The kids will be able to take their learning experience in the class outside by going to this pavilion, and also play on it during recess and after school. 

The color bag "blast pack" the racers get includes a t-shirt, bottle of powdered color blast, rainbow wig, and ... a weird emoji thing. 

How You Can Get Involved

Donate to a little racer: So far, I know of the sponsor links for two little racers, and one general South Avenue account if you want to donate at-large and not to one child specifically. YOU can donate to any of these little people. And if you want to add your link for last minute donations, add your link in the comments below and we will put it on this list!

• Little Racer Ruby: http://shop.schoolathon.org/index.asp?PID=377219
• Little Racer Fiona: http://shop.schoolathon.org/index.asp?PID=377070
• All The Little Racers - South Avenue's General Racer: http://shop.schoolathon.org/index.asp?PID=377664

Volunteer!

• Color Thrower: There are spots open for color throwers (you'll get to throw color at the runners!!)
• Games: People are needed to run some games
• Registration table/food table
• Set up/clean up (set up 8 to 9 am and clean up noon to 1 pm)
• And more!! Everyone is welcome to come and help.

Register to Race!

• Kids can register at the event to be racers. Registration starts at 9 am and is $30. Our inside sources says that they may not get an event t-shirt, because almost all of the t-shirts have gone to pre-registered racers, so have your kid wear a white t-shirt, prepared to get blasted with color.

To volunteer, contact Erica Way at way.erica@gmail.com or Cara Heaton at cara_heaton@yahoo.com.

The wig and sunglasses might have come as prizes with our color registration bag. 

Some of the prizes that just showed up include colored shoes - a reminder to get excited about running or walking in this race!

Is Fundraising Still Going On?

Heck yes! With these online donations, you can give money up to event day! If you are a parent whose child is in the race, here are some ideas to meet or surpass your donation goal:

• Take pictures of your child in racing gear (aka tennis shoes and any T-shirt), and add a note from your child about how excited they are.
• Share a link on your Facebook page, asking long-distance friends and family for support.
• Have your child call a donor and thank them personally.
• Email your own people with updates and if you've almost reached your goal.
• Include the link to your child's donation page so that people can easily donate online.

And remember, if you don't know of a child to sponsor, you can sponsor the whole school using the general link above. And know this: This isn't the last you'll hear of color-a-thons. I Am Beacon is having one, and there are more and more for adults. So watch our 5K Races Guide, as well as our future Beacon City School District Fundraising Opportunities Guide. 

Thank you!