Foodie Fundraiser Brings A Food Show Concept Into Homes Of Donors Via Devices - Going On January - February 2021

Hudson Valley Eats (www.hudsonvalleyeats.com), the restaurant-focused food insecurity platform, has brought together 4 of the Hudson Valley's top chefs for a fundraising cooking event beginning January 12, 2021, called "Cooking For A Cause," to give 100% of the net profits to 4 local non-profits who specialize in getting food directly to locals in need,

For those who love cooking shows and want to experience cooking with a chef on a screen in their home - while directly investing in local non-profits, this is the perfect multi-evening opportunity! "Cooking For A Cause" pairs 4 chefs with 4 non-profits to broadcast online cooking classes every Tuesday from January 12 to February 2nd, 2021 from 6pm-7:30pm. Tickets are $50, and for each class ticket sold, 100% of the net profits go to the dedicated non-profit paired with that class.

The founder of this give-back cooking series and of HudsonValleyEats.com, Janet Irizarry, leads by her mother's motto: "If you are going to be part of the community, you need to find something you can do that will make a difference." Janet's specialty is in restaurant and food management, having consulted with numerous successful restaurants, and teaches at the Culinary Institute of America. She brings together local talent in the culinary world for everyone to experience and benefit from.

How Cooking For A Cause Works

Participants will be sent a shopping list for ingredients in advance, and a Zoom link for the live cooking show. People can start cooking along with the chef, or just watch and drink wine, thinking about cooking! Anyone can ask the chef questions along the way.

Tickets are $50/class, start on January 12th, 2021, and run from 6pm-7:30pm on Tuesdays. People can buy a ticket to each class, which directly benefits the non-profit associated with the chef.

Tickets an be purchased online here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cooking-for-a-cause-tickets-132578954221

Non-Profits And Classes From Chefs Include:

- Dutchess Outreach (1/12/2021): Chef Rebecca Carucci, cooking plant-based recipes with Frances Gonzalez, a specialist in vegan wines. Chef Carucci is going to demonstrate how to cook Mexican Style Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. It is chockfull of omega 3, protein, iron, B12s and is guaranteed to satisfy your hunger for winter comfort food.

- People's Place (1/19/2021): Chef Agnes Devereaux, owner of The Village Tea Room Restaurant & Bake Shop in New Paltz, will teach how to make Pan Seared Hudson Valley Steelhead Trout with escargot butter and butternut squash with onions, sage and grapes.

- Feeding Westchester (1/26/2021): Chef Leslie Lampert is converting your fridge rejects (wilted, shriveled veggies, bruised fruits, gently expired yogurt, cottage cheese, tomato paste, forgotten frozen meats), to pantry pariahs (a leftover handful of rice, a half-cup pasta, that almond flour you bought for one recipe), Leslie, The Scrappy Chef, will teach you how to transform your neglected leftovers to create healthful, delicious meals that prevent food waste!

- Meals on Wheels (2/2/2021): Chef Chef Whitton is the owner of Pier 701 in Piermont and recently opened Autumn, a fine fining French cuisine restaurant in Sparkill, New York. Enjoy an evening in Paris with Chef Whitton as he shows how to prepare a classic Coq a Vin with mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes.

About The Founder

Janet Irizarry is an Adjunct Professor at the Culinary Institute of America, and a Managing Partner of the Hospitality Alliance which brings to gather business professionals who directly service the regions' restaurants, hotels, B&Bs and hospitals, with large-scale food and beverage operations in the Hudson Valley. She is the Editor of HudsonValley Eats.com, a website and Facebook Group that connects everyone in the Hudson Valley with food, not just those who can afford it. Janet was a Contributing Columnist for Hudson Valley News Network for the Food, Wine & Spirits beat, and is the owner of JI Restaurant Consulting.

About Each Non-Profit

Dutchess Outreach: Dutchess Outreach acts as a catalyst for community revitalization and exists in Dutchess County as an advocate and provider of hunger and relief services in order to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to fresh, healthy food, and the support they need.

People's Place: People's Place is a not-for-profit organization feeding, clothing and responding to the needs of the people in Ulster County with kindness, compassion and the preservation of human dignity since 1972. People's Place operates a high quality Thrift Store as their primary economic engine, which is closed during the pandemic. They rely on donations and volunteers from the community, and conduct fundraisers, which were also impacted due to the pandemic.

Feeding Westchester: Their mission is to end hunger in Westchester County. As the heart of a network of nearly 300 community partners, they source and distribute food and other resources to towns across Westchester County, helping to ensure that none of their neighbors are hungry.

Meals on Wheels: Since being founded in 1974 Meals on Wheels has delivered more than eight million meals, often making the difference between a recipient being able to remain at home, and living independently, or being placed in a health care of nursing home. In 2011 volunteers will deliver more than 122,000 meals to homebound Rockland residents who are unable to shop or prepare their own food due to advancing age, illness or physical disability. Over 900 meals are prepared in the central commissary daily to support the programs and contracts of the agency.

Local Beacon Author Shops For You For Cocktail Cheer Kit Themed Gifts: Gifts Fit For "Cocktails Across America"

For a cocktail-inspired Gift Guide, local Beacon author Diane Lapis, who is president of the Beacon Historical Society and co-author with Anne Peck-Davis of Cocktails Across America: A Postcard View of Cocktail Culture in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s has traveled Main Street to see which shops might have just the right cocktail enhancement for your home or that as a gift. The cocktail recipe book contains over 50 classic recipes (as well as several modern twists), fascinating historical vignettes and over 200 pieces of vintage ephemera. Pick up at Binnacle Books today - right now!

By Diane Lapis

Let’s lift our spirits and send some holiday cheer to friends and family!  Shop local and send a creative cocktail-themed gift basket to your loved ones.  Since celebrations can happen anywhere… set up a virtual happy hour with your cocktail-loving kin and enjoy drinks together! 

Beacon is the perfect place to find fun and festive cocktail items. From glasses to garnishes, you can find the right combination of essentials and spirits that will meet every budget. Start at the west end of Main Street (by Route 9D) and pick up all the accoutrement that you need for your kit!

Contact the store for hours and curbside pickup where available.

Utensil, 143 Main Street
Find bar essentials at Utensil, a practical, and affordable kitchenware shop. Utensil has a wide selection of tools such as strainers, shakers, stirrers, citrus squeezers and peelers, ice cube molds, glassware, coasters, bar towels, Raft bitters and syrups, and mouthwatering Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries.  

Artisan Wine Shop, 180 Main Street
Stock up on a marvelous selection of rare whiskeys and mezcals, as well as gins, rums, amaros, vermouths, tequilas, and bitters at Artisan Wine Shop, a wine and spirits store.  Unique liqueurs and cocktail modifiers from near and far take the home bartender on myriad cocktail adventures. Jiggers, strainers, muddlers, flasks, and single malt and rocks glasses are available.

Homespun Foods – 232 Main Street
Homespun has a unique offering of amaro, sherry and mistelles in full bottles for some holiday cheer! When your feet need resting after the day of shopping, sip on a hot spiced cider with Palo Cortado sherry. Many of the selections are organic or biodynamic. Homespun’s back patio is open with a fire pit, but the indoors remains for take-out pickup and ordering only.

The Last Outpost - 314 Main Street
This mainly menswear, lifestyle, and outdoor store carries many options for the cocktail enthusiast. Grab yourself a shaker, a vintage cork screw, a flask, or a glassware set from the modern era. It’s all at the Outpost and it’s all ready for you to make the perfect drink.

Dennings Point Distillery – 10 North Chestnut Street
Dennings Point Distillery has something for every spirits enthusiast – from their aromatic, citrus-forward Great 9 Gin to their award-winning cask strength Beacon Bourbon, and Beacon Apple Brandy, distilled from 100% local apples.

Binnacle Books – 321 Main Street
Pick up a copy or two (one for yourself!) of Cocktails Across America:  A Postcard View of Cocktail Culture in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s written by Beacon resident Diane Lapis and coauthor Anne Peck-Davis.  Cocktails contains over 50 classic recipes (as well as several modern twists), fascinating historical vignettes and over 200 pieces of vintage ephemera.  The reader will be transported to an era of unbridled indulgence and distinct glamour.

The book is also available at Amazon http://bit.ly/CocktailsAcrossAmerica

Beacon Bath and Bubble - 458 Main Street 
Garnish your cocktails with CANDY!!! Beacon Bath & Bubble has an amazing selection of old fashioned and retro candy from to make your cocktails look and taste special. Add a sweet finish to your drink… pierce some gummy bears on a cocktail pick, drop a Blow-Pop in a martini, or place a peach gummy slice on the rim of a margarita. Colorful and fun for the holidays!

Raven Rose – 474 Main Street
Set the mood for your cocktail hour with colorful candles in seasonal scents alongside flowers or wreaths. Ask about the CBD Ginger Bitters.

Denise Gianna Designs - 480 Main Street
Denise Gianna Designs Interior Design and Shop makes staying cozy at home a luxury! In addition to their usual projects, they design bespoke home bars & lounge spaces for intimate cocktails & future gatherings.  Denise Gianna has everything you need for the home bar: bar carts, tables, seating, bar accessories, glassware & linens.  

Berte - 500 Main Street
Berte is a new shop in Beacon (in the former Loopy Mango space) and specializes in ambiance. Whether you're searching for ceramic coasters for your cocktail glass, a brass bottle opener to crack open that ginger beer, or some hand carved candlestick holders to set the mood, this shop has the perfect gifts for those who like to imbibe, but make it a bit extra.

After you wrap and send your cocktail cheer kit… sit back and relax with your own copy of Cocktails Across America… travel back in time with a cocktail in hand… cheers! 

Toy Drives Going On Now In Beacon On and Off Main Street

There are a few Toy Drives still going on in Beacon before the final holiday in December. If you are hosting a Toy Drive that is not included here, please reach out to us to let us know, and we can add you here.

There are plenty of places to get toys in Beacon, including Play and Zakka Joy, which are near Blend and Meyers Olde Dutch, as well as Brett’s Hardware, which is near Beacon Pilates, but you can donate directly to their source.

Toy Drive At Blend

Blend has had a toy box for Toys 4 Tots since before Thanksgiving. Their drive is wrapping up next week. This is for new, unwrapped toys. “We are trying to get as many gifts as we can before Wednesday for the children😃”

Holiday Toy Drive from Beacon4Black Lives

3 ways to donate to this Toy Drive:

- Meyers Olde Dutch has a bin.
184 Main Street
- Shop Hyperbole has a bin.
484 Main Street
- Drop-Off Event at Beacon Recreation Center (formerly BCC Beacon Community Center),
25 West Center Street.
Dec. 20th, 11am-3pm

Toy Drive With 845 Unity

Walmart in Fishkill
“12/19 & 12/20 will be the final collection dates of non-perishables.
12/23 will be the final day of collections of monetary & toy donations.
Please come out to one of our two locations on one or both days. Walmart in Fishkill and/or Walmart in Middletown. We still have boxes in our sponsored locations. We look forward to seeing you and bringing holiday spirit to a less fortunate family. Thank you for your continued support. We wouldn’t be able to do this without you!”

Holiday Coat and Toy Drive

349 Main Street
Twins Barber Shop is hosting a drop-off coat and toy drive (new and unwrapped toys). Twins Barbershop will make sure they are donated to the community.

Toy Drive By Beacon Pilates

Every year, Beacon Pilates hosts a Toy Drive for Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. This year they are offering alternative ways of filling the box, the deadline of which has passed:
”You can always donate directly to the Children’s Home on their website here. ⁠

"And/Or sign up for Beacon Pilates special Zoom class at 10:15 on Sunday, Dec.13th—all proceeds will go towards the holiday gift drive!⁠”

⁠Arrangements can also be made to drop off donations at the Children’s Home by appointment. To make an appointment email Felicia at: pr@childrenshome.us⁠

Turkey On Many Tables - 3 Organizations Came Together To Distribute 100 Turkeys To Families

Thanksgiving 2020 was here all of a sudden, and many people were making their usual rounds to hit the grocery stores, as well as food pantries. In non-pandemic times, soup kitchens tend to cook a meal for a designated group of people, like seniors that the Salvation Army of Beacon usually cooks for, but could not host anyone this year, but still managed to help families get meals for Thanksgiving. They will do so again for Christmas (donations for that effort can be accessed by texting rescuechristmas to 91999, where Captain Leilani Rodríguez-Alarcón, Corps Officer / Pastor is in receipt of the donations, or contact Leilani.Alarcon@use.salvationarmy.org).

At the food pantry at St. Andrews Church, who collects and distributes non-perishable items, an unexpected call came from this united group of 3 organizations to donate 25 turkeys to the regular participants of that church’s pantry. I Am Beacon, Key Food Beacon, and Salem Tabernacle teamed up to raise money and distribute the turkeys to families using their local channels, with a goal of reaching 100 families.

Starting in 2014, I Am Beacon started doing the program called Turkey On Every Table to use their community connections to find those in need, and raise the money to deliver. Large organizations are important, but often local, grass-roots organizations have boots on the ground with friends and relatives getting first-hand information on what people need during any time - pandemic or not.

This year, the three organizations teamed up. Says I Am Beacon’s founder, Reuben Simmons: “We worked in a collaborative effort on raising money for the food asked for on our list, packing the bags, and making the deliveries. Salem Tabernacle scheduled a pick-up at their church.”

Pat Lassiter, longtime Food Pantry Manager for St. Andrews Church that opens its doors to residents of Beacon on Saturday mornings, was pleased when she received a call from Reuben, that the group would be donating 25 turkeys to people who come to get food from St. Andrews Food Pantry that Saturday.

Some members in the group who organized the Turkey on Every Table: I Am Beacon, Key Food Beacon, Salem Tabernacle.
Photo Credit: Key Food Beacon

Says Reuben: “I Am Beacon used their network to identify a couple of outlets to also distribute the program through. We worked with Mrs. Lassiter from St. Andrews pantry located on South Avenue, and Kenya Gadsen to distribute to families through Opens Arms Ministry at the Beacon Recreation Center at 23 West Center’s Food Pantry.” Due to state funding requirements, St. Andrews needs to limit giving to Beaconites only, and the Open Arms Ministry at Beacon Recreation Center is open to anyone, regardless of residency.

After hearing of Pat’s appreciation for the gift of turkeys, Reuben replied: “I am happy to hear it all worked out that day. She has been doing an amazing job for many, many years with so many amazing volunteers.”

How To Get Involved

To get involved with any of these organizations, you can donate to food donations bins periodically at Key Food, and follow along on a more personal level with I Am Beacon’s podcast on Spotify. I Am Beacon will be gearing up for Membership 2021, and will be moving forward to a non-voting membership organization in 2021.

To get familiar with all of the Food Pantries in Beacon and how they work, see A Little Beacon Blog’s Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen Guide. There are volunteer opportunities with several organizations listed there. You can call them directly for inquiries, or see their websites (if they have one) for published volunteer opportunities. Directions on how to donate to them are published in that Guide as well.

Food Pantry & Soup Kitchen Guide For Resources In And Near Beacon Updated For 2021

Updates in the world of Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens are ongoing. The main focus happens at the end of the year, starting at Thanksgiving, but their use happens 365. As do opportunities to donate to them, and changes to how one gets food and hygiene products from them. A Little Beacon Blog has made a big update to our years old Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens Guide, as new people are in place, new organizations have been created, and changes have been made to accommodate the pandemic.

The thing about Food Pantries, is that some of them are really hard to figure out how to donate to, or to use. For instance: finding the correct door of a building to access or drop off food. Knowing what kind of identification to bring - if any. What kind of money to donate - Gift Cards or Checks or Venmo or PayPal?

A Little Beacon Blog has always wanted to make knowing how to access the food and to donate super easy. Years ago we compiled this Food Pantry & Soup Kitchens Guide, which is available to anyone online 24/7.

Sponsorship Opportunity

We are hoping to dedicate an editor to the Food Pantry Guide order to keep it updated more frequently. In order to do so, we need longtime sponsors for that Guide. Sponsorship of this Guide comes in a bundle pack that also sponsors the Beacon City School District Fundraising Opportunity Page (ie. events from PTOs, etc.), and the Kids Sports Page (when there are sports, promotes registration openings, etc.). You would be promoting 3 Guides at once.

Sponsorship is monthly, and 5% of the sales from this sponsorship will be donated to a Food Pantry or Soup Kitchen in the list. Please click here if interested in being a sustaining sponsor of the Food Pantry Guide.

Susan Pagones, of Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency, To Chair Go Red for Women Luncheon

It was only after Susan Pagones’ mother passed away suddenly from heart disease that the family found clues that might have alerted them that she had been having heart issues. 

“It was 22 years ago, and I still get choked up talking about it,” Pagones said. “She was only 57 years old. She used to watch her grandchildren every Tuesday, but this Tuesday she was helping my father  run the Norm Schofield scholarship golf tournament, in memory of Norm who ironically passed from heart disease. Some of the symptoms we know now were connected to heart disease were that she was really tired, and had had a lot of heartburn. We found a lot of antacids in her medicine cabinet after she passed away. Back in the day, we didn’t realize that those were signs of heart disease in women.” 

Pagones, partner of Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency in Beacon, is now 53, and when she recently experienced chest pain and numbness on her left side, she didn’t hesitate. The chair of the 2020 Go Red for Women Luncheon went right to her husband, Timothy, and asked him to take her to the emergency department. She is waiting for results. 

“If it’s nothing, that’s fine,” she said. “But I don’t think I would have gotten my husband and gone to the ER before I was part of the Go Red for Women movement. I would have worried that I would be embarrassed. That’s a mindset we women need to get out of.” 

Denise Doring VanBuren, now retired from Central Hudson Gas & Electric, chaired the 2019 Dutchess-Ulster Go Red for Women movement, and invited Pagones to be part of her Executive Leadership Team. Pagones also joined the 2019 BetterU, a 12-week heart-health improvement program. She shared her mother’s story during the Luncheon itself, and now is leading the 2020 Go Red for Women campaign, which has taken a different turn in this COVID era. 

Luncheon Will Be A Digital Experience

The 2020 Dutchess-Ulster Go Red for Women Luncheon will be a digital experience on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to noon. Participants can register at DutchessUlsterGoRed.heart.org, and a Zoom link will be sent to them. They can also follow the Facebook event page for updates, https://www.facebook.com/events/695557514363882/.

“We need to hold this event now more than ever,” Pagones said. “COVID has had an effect on all of us. My 12 weeks in the BetterU were some of the best 12 weeks of my life, to have people pushing us to be healthier, and all of us working together for the same purpose. I learned a lot about cooking, the grocery store, and going to the gym. COVID had slowed me down, but I’ve joined the Go Red Get Fit Facebook page, and someone wrote something about COVID that expressed exactly how I feel. COVID put things in perspective. It has made me think about what I want to do, and the need to get myself out there, walking, exercising and being mindful of everything.” 

COVID-19 has also affected Pagones’ work life, as small businesses have been reassessing their insurance coverage. “I’ve done a lot of research and have been involved with the Chamber,” Pagones said. “We’re working with our clients now on ways to save money so we can all hold steady.”

Just as she is supporting the fight against heart disease in women, Pagones is supporting local businesses. “I’m a stickler for shopping local,” she said. “When restaurants were doing takeout, we got food from a different restaurant each week.” 

More About Susan Pagones

Pagones started working at Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency, LLC, the business her father owned, when she was 22. Ten years ago, she took it over, and now owns it with a partner. 

“It’s a great family business on Main Street in Beacon,” Pagones aid. “We grew up together, and I love that we all know each other.” 

Pagones is from Beacon, got her B.S. from SUNY Brockport, and after getting her insurance license, started working at Antalek & Moore in 1989. She and her husband, also a Beacon native, have five children and three grandchildren between them. 

Now, Pagones is encouraging women to make time for the Go Red for Women Luncheon, and learn about the signs and symptoms of heart disease in women. 

“Our survivor speaker is Golda Black, and her story - well, I’m a crier, and it really got me. When you hear all the stories of people living with heart disease, it’s hard to imagine,” she said. “That’s why I share my mother’s story, which I started doing last year. When I joined the committee, it became a passion to get everyone educated. Heart disease can happen to anybody. Women should be part of this because of what I went through, and am still going through. I want everyone to recognize the warning signs, and not be embarrassed. There are more issues around COVID and that makes our mission more important now than ever. If you’re not taking care of yourself, who are you helping?” 

“Susan brings a passion and warmth to the Go Red for Women movement that draws people in,” said Melissa Hanigan, manager of patient registration/office manager of specialty service at Ellenville Regional Hospital, and chair of the Hudson Valley Board of Directors of the American Heart Association. “She shares her story and is committed to educating women. I know we will have a very successful event with her at the helm. We’re honored that she stepped up to lead this event.” 

Pagones is joined by an Executive Leadership team. Its members are: Kim Kenyon, Susan Howell, Maureen Kangas, Barbara Ostrander, Carol Schmitz, Elizabeth Donohue, Melissa Hanigan, Tricia Mood, Sonia Kesselmark, SharonDiCarlo, Denise Doring VanBuren & Debbie DiRubbio.

About the Dutchess-Ulster Go Red for Women Luncheon

The 2020 Dutchess-Ulster Go Red for Women Luncheon will be a digital experience on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to noon. Susan Pagones of Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency, LLC is chairing the Luncheon. Golda Black will share her story of living with heart disease. Anne and Ryan from Q92.1 will emcee the event. CVS Healthcare is the national sponsor of the Go Red for Women movement. Local sponsors include Nuvance Health, Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency, LLC, Central Hudson Gas & Electric and Tompkins Mahopac Bank. Media sponsors are Hudson Valley Magazine and Q 92.1.

For information or to register, visit DutchessUlsterGoRed.Heart.org or contact Danielle.Schuka@heart.org. 

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Additional Resources

• DutchessUlsterGoRed.Heart.org 

• www.GoRedForWomen.org 

• Heart Attack Symptoms In Women
  

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

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

This Year’s Performers

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

Going Virtual 

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

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

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

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

Virtual Revival T-shirts are available for purchase here.

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

About Hudson River Sloop Clearwater 

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

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

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

Who is Tara?

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

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

Running Against Domestic Violence

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

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

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

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

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

Join Tara!

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

Contact Info:

Tara Simmons | 845.702.6273 | flipit4life@gmail.com

Flip It 4 Respect – Running for Human Rights

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

Black and Brown Resources To Donate To Now

This list is constantly being updated, and had a boost from Kimberly McCain, Manager of the Pro Bono & Philanthropy Department of Seyfarth Shaw, based in Chicago, IL.

WHERE TO DONATE:

AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION OF MINNESOTA (ACLU-MN)

Promote, protect, and extend the civil liberties and civil rights of people in Minnesota through litigation, lobbying, and community engagement.

Aclu & Aclumn - DONATE HERE.

ACTBLUE

ActBlue is a nonprofit technology organization that enables progressive groups and nonprofits to raise money on the Internet by providing them with online fundraising software.

ActBlue - DONATE HERE.

BAIL PROJECT

The Bail Project National Revolving Bail Fund provides free bail assistance to low-income individuals who are legally presumed innocent, and whom a judge has deemed eligible for release before trial contingent on paying bail.

Bail Project - DONATE HERE.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

The official #BlackLivesMatter Global Network builds power to bring justice, healing, and freedom to Black people across the globe.

Black Lives Matter - DONATE HERE.

BLACK VISIONS COLLECTIVE (BLVC)

BLVC is committed to a long term vision in which ALL Black lives not only matter, but are able to thrive.

Black Visions Collective - DONATE HERE.

CAMPAIGN ZERO

The comprehensive platform of research-based policy solutions to end police brutality in America.

Campaign Zero - DONATE HERE.

COMMUNITY JUSTICE EXCHANGE

A national hub for developing, sharing, and experimenting with tactical interventions, strategic organizing practices, and innovative organizing tools to end mass incarceration.

Community Justice Exchange - DONATE HERE.

LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND

The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) is the country’s first and foremost civil and human rights law firm.

NAACP & NAACP LDF - DONATE HERE.

THE LOVELAND FOUNDATION

The Loveland Foundation is committed to showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls. 

The Loveland Foundation - DONATE HERE.

NATIONAL BAIL OUT

National Bail Out reunites families and resists mass incarceration by fighting to #endmoneybail & pretrail detention.

National Bail Project - LEARN MORE HERE.
Currently they are raising money for bail-outs across the country due to protests. DONATE HERE
Thank you Lisa Marie Rinaldi for the recommendation.

MORE ORGANIZATIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

8449 NO HATE

A project of Lawyers Committee of Civil Rights helping combat hate and support those organizations.

More Info HERE.

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EDUCATION

To answer the question “what can I do?” - for most white people, it’s pretty basic. We need to educate ourselves more. Click HERE for a comprehensive guide.

Also, just as important (if not more), we all need to be talking to our kids. Click HERE for a great guide to preparing for that. Check out The Conscious Kid HERE for more kid-related resources.

Here Is A List Of Just A Few Educational Books For Adults:

• The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks about Race by Jesmyn Ward - BUY HERE

• White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson - BUY HERE

• So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeomo Olou - BUY HERE

• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou - BUY HERE

• How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi - BUY HERE

Here Is A List Of Just A Few Educational Books For Kids:

• The ABC’s of Diversity by Carolyn B. Helsel, Y. Joy Harris-Smith - BUY HERE

• Something Happened in Our Town by Marianne Celano, Ann Hazzard - BUY HERE

• Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry - BUY HERE

• The Youngest Marcher by Cynthia Levinson - BUY HERE

• Not My Idea by Anastasia Higginbotham - BUY HERE

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PRO BONO LEGAL OPPORTUNITIES:

LAWYERS COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

The Election Protection opportunities have not been released yet, but they will need an army of attorneys in the Fall to help with the election. If you are interested, you should get on the mailing list now so they know when the opportunities open up. Join mailing list HERE.

NATIONAL LAWYERS GUILD

National Lawyers Guild trains attorneys to defend protestors in criminal court. Training is provided, but volunteers need to be members of the National Lawyers Guild (the annual membership fee is about $50). Register for the online training HERE. Volunteers can be trained to attend protests as a trained legal observer where they document activities of law enforcement. More info HERE.

Local Fundraisers Going On Now - Help In The Time Of The COVID-19 Pandemic

At the request of one of our reader supporters, A Little Beacon Blog complied this easy list of fundraisers to contribute to whenever you want to. Some of these are date driven. Those will be posted to the top. This is a live guide, so refresh the page, and give when you can!

GOING ON NOW - LIMITED TIME

• We don’t know of any super fast, limited time fundraisers going on at the moment, but if we missed yours, let us know about it here!

FIRST RESPONDERS

First Responders Fund

The fund will assist COVID-19 healthcare workers and first responders with expenses and costs, including child care. Donations can be made electronically at www.healthresearch.org/donation-form/ or by check, mailed to "Health Research, Inc., 150 Broadway, Suite 560, Menands, NY 12204." (For checks, the donor should specify the donation is for "COVID-19 NYS Emergency Response.")

Rombout Middle School PTO - Food For Local Front Line Workers

The Beacon High School Softball Program and the Rombout Middle School PTO organizations are organizing this. They are raising money to provide food to local medical workers. As a community, we want to thank them and make them smile! Additionally, 100% of the money raised goes directly to local families while supporting Beacon restaurants.
Donate Here >

LIFE IN GENERAL

Beacon Mutual Aid

A group started by Beaconites, for Beaconites, to help with any need anyone has. If people are in quarantine and cannot get food or to the pharmacy, this group can help. People can email, text or call with their requests, and the problem or request gets figured out. Beacon Mutual Aid is also involved with getting people in need free groceries. Donations go towards these causes.
There is no ask that is too big, and no one will ever be shamed for asking for what they need.
Ways To Donate: Email beaconmutualaid@gmail.com, call 845-288-2559 or venmo: mutualaidbeacon
Learn More (English) > or Learn More (Spanish) >

FOOD SECURITY

Beacon Farmer’s Market via Common Ground Farms

Beacon’s Farmer’s Market is managed by Common Ground Farms, and reaches a lot of people who want fresh food, and who live in economic hardship. They have accepted forms of payment from economic benefits programs including SNAP, and WIC and FMNP checks. During this time of COVID-19, two main setbacks have happened: 1. the open-air market closed and moved to an online ordering system, with delivery and pickup, and 2. the market is unable to take SNAP payments but is using a workaround to make that happen which you can read about here if you need to use SNAP. Donations made to the Beacon Farmer’s Market will help them continue making these leaps in technological advancements (they have already built 2 websites to take online orders), deliver to people in need, and give SNAP users money to use. You can also buy a load of produce for a family in need with allocation of your donation.
Donate Here >

Tiny Food Pantries in Beacon via Fareground

A Tiny Food Pantry is a 24/7 open air food pantry with a “give what you can, take what you need model.” Donate food to it by placing the food directly onto the shelves. Donate money to Fareground, who has these locations in their rotation of food security caretaking.
Locations: Binnacle Books 321 Main Street; Beacon Recreation Center 23 West Center Street
Donate Here >

Fareground

Fareground, Inc., a charitable 501(c)(3), is a women-run food justice, anti-hunger organization, dedicated to nourishing the community by increasing access to healthy and affordable food by supporting and creating opportunities for delicious meals, education, and volunteer opportunities. They currently are part of the coordination and financial effort in making Free To Go Dinner Bags available for pickup on Mondays mornings at Beacon High School and South Avenue. These are bags of groceries designed to feed a family of 4. Fareground also delivers these To Go Dinner Bags to people who live in housing communities in Beacon. This is key, because families in housing communities sometimes cannot get out to food distribution sites if both parents are at work, or a single parent is raising the family, for examples.
Donate Here >

Hudson Valley Eats

Hudson Valley Eats was started by restaurateur Janet Irizarry, who is committed to making sure everybody eats. She is an expert in food waste and tries to connect people with food. She lists many donation ideas as they come.

PETS

Safe Haven Thrift Shop & Pet Food Pantry

A nonprofit organization that has been running a pet food pantry for 8.5 years helping Dutchess County residents feed their pets. They are also involved with the Beacon Barks Parade. Normally, the residents they assist have to meet an income requirement. However, many people right now are out of work due to the virus, and they want to temporarily help them. Pet food is available for pickup on Saturdays.
Location: New address is: 1545 Route 52, Suite 8, Fishkill
Day: Saturdays only from 10AM – 1PM
How To Donate:
1. Drop off bags of cat or dog food during the pick-up hours listed above.
2. Write a check to Safe Haven Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 596, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533

SCHOOLS

Beacon High School Seniors

You can show your support for Beacon’s senior class with a yard sign. The proceeds go directly to the Senior class. Buy a sign for $20 and show it in your yard.
Donate Now >

FARMING

Common Ground Farms

LOCAL BUSINESS

A Little Beacon Blog keeps track of fundraisers launched by businesses in our Restaurant Guide, Shopping Guide, and Business Directory. Please browse there, and the link for the fundraiser will be listed with the corresponding business.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Dutchess Responds
Mutual Aid Plan For Dutchess

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

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

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

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

— Dana Tompkins, Owner, County Fare

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s On Tap?

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

Beacon Farmer's Market To Host Soup4Greens 2020 This Sunday!

This Sunday, February 23, from 10 am to 2 pm, the Beacon Farmers Market is hosting Soup4Greens, where 100% of the proceeds goes toward their Greens4Greens initiative. 

Come purchase bowls of soup donated by local restaurants or perhaps made by your neighbor during one of their Community Cooking Sessions! Bonus points if you get your soup in one of the gorgeous handmade bowls crafted by local artisans.

It will be a day celebrating fun, food, and community! If you are on Facebook, you can RSVP to their event here. The Beacon Farmers Market is located at Veterans Place on Main Street in Beacon, NY.

What Is Greens4Greens?

Greens4Greens is a unique food access program jointly run by Common Ground Farm and the Green Teen Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension, Dutchess County. Greens4Greens is a food benefit incentive program that creates greater food access for shoppers at the Beacon Farmers’ Market, the Newburgh Farmers’ Market, and the Common Greens Mobile Market.

Since 2016, eligible state-funded food benefits are matched dollar for dollar through $4 Greens4Greens coupons, making fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible to a wider base of consumers. For every EBT/SNAP purchase, and/or $4 that a family spends using federal assistance programs, such as the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, they receive a Greens4Greens coupon for $4 that can be used to purchase more fruits and vegetables, doubling their buying power! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Ways To Donate In The Meantime

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

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