Buying a Home With Local Bankers at Rhinebeck Bank (Sponsored)

Financing Your Home With Rhinebeck Bank

When you buy a home, it's common to experience feelings after the initial baby step excitement, like "Ohmygosh I love this home!" which (fingers crossed!) turns into "ohmygosh they accepted my offer!"

And then begins the rest of the process of buying a home. Lucky for this happy couple, they worked with mortgage lender Susan Utter of Rhinebeck Bank. They could barely contain their excitement after closing on a house, and praised Susan: "What an adventure this whole crazy home-buying process has been! You calmed the wild mortgage jungles with grace, patience, and expertise, helping us navigate through the financial waters... Thank you for everything!"

Rhinebeck Bank has been committed to the home purchasing experience in the Hudson Valley for decades. Sound interesting? You could check online right now to see if you're approved for financing. Or visit a local branch, like the one in Beacon near Dutchess Stadium, or the big white branch in the New England-style building on the way into Fishkill. Applications can be completed in as quickly as 15 minutes.

---

Rhinebeck Bank is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlight article program. It is with the support of businesses like theirs that A Little Beacon Blog can bring you coverage of news, local happenings and events. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to become a Sponsor or Community Partner, please click here for more information.

Photo Credits: Photos came from Rhinebeck Bank Mortgage Lender Susan Utter's Facebook page. Screenshot of "for sale" sign came from Rhinebeck Bank's Welcome Home video.

---

To B or Not to B: Insurance Implications for Airbnb Short-Term Home Rentals (Sponsored)

People converting their houses and apartments into Airbnb rental units (technically known as “short-term rentals”) has become common all over the world, thanks in part to listing giants and industry disruptors like Airbnb. Just take a look at their website or newsletter subscriptions, and you'll see friendly and enticing homes you could stay in, from Alaska to Zimbabwe and plenty of places in between. 

The legality of renting your house or apartment, however, is a different story, and is currently gridlocked in many cities and towns across the world. Here in Beacon, the City Council has been pondering the issue in recent meetings and workshops. In fact, a public hearing about it is scheduled for Monday, April 2, 2018 so that the council can hear from the public as members consider different levels of legislation.  

While it’s fun to spruce your house up and make money while you’re not there, what are the insurance implications if something happens to people or your property while renters are there? Airbnb does offer what they call Host Protection Insurance, but that doesn’t always save the day. We reached out to our sponsor partners Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency to get some advice.

In this article, Susan Antalek Pagones and Vince Lemma weigh in with their industry insight. Susan, Vince, and the rest of the Antalek & Moore team are insurance agents, which means that they shop around for the best coverage and rates for different types of insurance you need (home, boat, RV, that sort of thing). They also go to bat for you when you need to file a claim.

Susan and Vince will take it from here with their guidance on the short-term rental insurance issue with Airbnb or any listing service:

Short-Term Rental Insurance is Not Black and White

From Susan Antalek Pagones, partner at Antalek & Moore:

This is such a complex issue that is not black or white, so it cannot have one single answer. All situations are different, and all insurance companies have different guidelines on short-term rental insurance.

Beacon typically has the one-room, one- to two-night stay situation. As opposed to a house on the beach, where beach rentals are usually weekly. In our pool of insurance companies we work with and recommend to clients, we have some insurance companies that have not addressed this difference as far as homeowners insurance coverage goes.   

If there is an existing policy in force before the homeowner decided to Airbnb, or list their house or apartment as a short-term rental on any listing site, some insurance companies have not determined if there is or is not homeowners coverage. You would definitely want to call your insurance company to see what is covered. If something happens while you are not home - like if the renter starts a kitchen fire, or if someone visiting the renter slips and falls and tries to place a liability claim, or if a renter’s dog bites someone - you could be faced with a problem.   

If a homeowner is searching for a brand new insurance policy, and if that homeowner offers a short-term room rental, we have insurance companies that will not entertain that risk. If the insurance companies do allow for it, they may have limitations on the amount of time the homeowner can rent annually.

Other factors come into play regarding insurance. Is there a pool or pond on premises? Will food be served? These sorts of questions will be asked by insurance companies considering taking on the additional risk of short-term rentals.

Homeowners Insurance Really is for Natural Disaster Coverage, Not Short-Term Rentals

Vince Lemma, partner at Antalek & Moore, weighs in regarding coverage beyond what is typically covered in a homeowners insurance policy. Here is what Vince says:

Homeowners insurance was originally designed to protect your home against natural disasters, like a fire. Homeowners can get additional liability protection insurance if someone is injured on your property. While Airbnb does offer its own insurance, we have had a client who was still sued by a renter and their homeowners insurance paid, not Airbnb’s.

If an insurance company will entertain the idea of a homeowner renting their home on a short-term basis, then they may require notification before the renter comes in if it is not a regular occurrence. The insurance company may require you to purchase a special policy, in the form of an Endorsement to cover the rental time, which could be added onto your baseline homeowners insurance policy for that one-time event.

There is case law that gives the insurance company the opportunity to deny the claim if the policy is written as a Homeowners Policy with no Endorsements to reflect the change in exposure. For instance, in the case of the kitchen fire above, if a renter is cooking and a fire happens on the stove, the insurance company might not accept that claim.

Do Your Research

Talk to your insurance company about whether short-term renting is included in your coverage. If it is not, and if the company finds out that you have been regularly renting out the house, the status could jeopardize any claims you need to make should an accident happen while renters are in your home.

Antalek & Moore can help you in this research, by finding out what policies would work for your situation to help guide you in future decisions. Call them at (845) 831-4300 with any questions. Visit their office on Main Street, at 340 Main St., just steps away from Beacon Natural Market and across the street from the Post Office.

---

Antalek & Moore is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlight article program. It is with the support of businesses like theirs that A Little Beacon Blog can bring you coverage of news, local happenings and events. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to become a Sponsor or Community Partner, please click here for more information.

Tin Shingle's February Member Meeting (Sponsored)

Tin Shingle is an empowerment center for businesses, artists, makers and nonprofits who are working on ways to get the word out about what they do. Tin Shingle's platform trains creators like yourself in ways to get PR, use social media, understand SEO (aka getting found in Google), sending newsletters, and more. Putting yourself out there can be a scary concept, but Tin Shingle guides you to face this fear head-on, to help you break through to your audience. Once you open for business and hang your shingle, you can't sit back and wait for the people! You must go out there and reach them to help them come in (both figuratively and literally)!

During this month of love, Tin Shingle wants to help you dig in and give back to your business. Although Tin Shingle's membership is nationwide, its headquarters is in Beacon (sharing an office with A Little Beacon Blog!) and offers an opportunity for its members at the Community Level of Membership to connect in person on the last Monday of each month at noon. But this month, the meeting will be open to all.

Connecting business owners, artists and makers is so important to Tin Shingle, because when people come together, fresh ideas fly. You begin to think bigger, and come away with new visions and strategies to help your business grow.

Tin Shingle's Kick A** Member Meeting

Yes, it's called the Kick Ass Member Meeting because that is how you will feel after leaving with a plan. This hourlong meeting will have several parts. Indulge in this session of talking shop with other like-minded business owners who probably share several of your challenges and triumphs.

• Workshop: Bring the magazines you want your business to be featured in. We will all be doing our homework by clipping ideas, and identifying writers and editors to follow up with for a fresh PR pitch.
• Brain Picking: If there's an expert in the room, you can pick their brains! Tin Shingle's owner Katie will be there, which means you can ask your questions about SEO, Social Media, Business Strategies, and PR. Katie also runs A Little Beacon Blog.
• Idea-ating: Through all of this, you're bound to come up with new ideas to tackle this week or month. We're looking forward to hearing them!

Where: 291 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508, First Floor, First Door
When: Today - Monday, February 26, at noon

COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP LEVEL - $45/month
The Community Membership with Tin Shingle is our entry-level membership and includes:

• FEEDBACK: Inclusion in our Private Facebook Community to ask your questions and get quick answers about PR, Marketing, Social Media, Websites, and more.
• BOARDS: Submit your Press Releases and Media Pitches to our group, and receive feedback and suggestions to make them better.
• PROFILE: Get listed on Tin Shingle's website and Business Directory, which is searched by the media and potential customers and clients.

This has been a message from our sponsor, Tin Shingle. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! To reach our readers with an article and newsletter like this, see our Media Kit.

Tin Shingle's First Monthly Member Meeting for Artists, Makers, Business Owners (Sponsored)

Tin Shingle is a buzz-building resource for small (but mighty!) business owners, makers, artists and creators who need to get the word out. The engaging DIY platform teaches how to get PR, use social media, demystify SEO, explore effective website design, pumps you up to send newsletters to clients and customers, and provides overall motivation for kicking butt in your business.

Hence, Tin Shingle's first in-person Monthly Member Meetings! Tin Shingle has members from all over the country, but is based in Beacon, NY - right in the same office as A Little Beacon Blog (ALBB)! In fact, ALBB's publisher, Katie (that's me), is the owner of Tin Shingle! And I'm obsessed with small business creation, growth, and empowerment to keep going.

Tin Shingle has several levels of membership in order to fit the needs of different budgets and goals. Attending these monthly meetings requires a Community Level membership ($45/month) is commitment-free, and can be upgraded or downgraded at any time, depending on your needs. All other membership levels can attend, too.

This meeting will be used to help prepare your PR Planning for the next month. Connecting business owners, artists and makers is so important to us, because when we come together, fresh ideas fly. You begin to think bigger, and come away with new visions and strategies to help your business grow.

Tin Shingle's Kick A** Member Meeting

This hourlong meeting will include several parts. Indulge in this session of talking shop with other like-minded business owners who share several of your challenges and triumphs.

• Workshop: Bring the magazines you want your business to be featured in. We will all be doing our homework by clipping ideas, writers and editors to follow up with for a fresh PR pitch.
• Brain Picking: If there's an expert in the room, you can pick their brains! We know that Tin Shingle's owner Katie will be there, which means you can ask your questions about SEO, social media, business strategies, and PR.
• Idea-ating: Through all of this, you're bound to come up with new ideas to  tackle this week or month. We're looking forward to hearing them!

Where: 291 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508. First Floor, First Door
When: Today, Monday, January 29 at noon EST

Come in! Business owners, artists, makers, creators who want to get the word out will get jazzed in this member meeting.

BeaconArts Meets for Voting In New Board Members

Gathering for the first time this year, the membership of BeaconArts will convene on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 for the annual meeting and board elections. The meeting will be held at The Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries/Clarkson University, which is the home of BeaconArts' Retrospective : 15, the exhibit showcasing the 15 years that BeaconArts has served the community since its founding in 2002.

BeaconArts is the artery through which much of the city’s creative efforts flow and manifest. BeaconArts serves as a fiscal sponsor for many public and interactive art initiatives that people in the community have come to look forward to each year, including Beacon3D, Beacon Arts & Education Foundation, Beacon Open Studios, Beacon Independent Film Festival, Bike Beacon, Compass Arts’ spring theatrical production “Circle the Sun”, FairyWalk Beacon, Keys to the City, Ren and Luca, Two-Row Totems, and Welcome to Beacon 3.0. The members of BeaconArts include artists, galleries, specialty shops, restaurants, services, and other arts-minded individuals, businesses and organizations who recognize the economic value in supporting local arts and culture.

After 8 years of service, current BeaconArts president Kelly Ellenwood is stepping down in her duties. "Our strategic planning process was very successful, and we have put a lot of time and effort into planning for the future. Five of the nine board members are returning (by design), with plenty of leadership to go around. Change is good! After eight years, my time is up, per our bylaws." Meanwhile, Kelly is promoting the next fundraiser she is associated with, which is BeaconArts + Center 4 Creative Education “Lip Sync Battle.” Kelly is also secretary of the Rombout Middle School PTO, and you can track upcoming fundraisers for that in A Little Beacon Blog's Beacon City Schools' Fundraising Guide.

Currently, four board positions are open. Members are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about the candidates and vote.

Board Members continuing through 2018:
Theresa Goodman (current Vice President), 1st term, 2nd year
Christina Jensen (former Board member; appointed by Board in January to fulfill remaining year of Sommer Hixson’s 2nd term), 1st term, 2nd year
Terry Nelson, 1st term, 2nd year
Rick Rogers, 1st term, 2nd year
Aaron Verdile (current Treasurer), 1st term, 2nd year

Candidates for NEW BeaconArts Board Members – Elections 2018
All terms are for two years, with the possibility of a second term.

Hanny Ahern (2 years, 1st term)
Hanny Ahern is a multimedia artist and educator living and working in Beacon, New York. She has a B.A. in Fine Arts From Bennington College and a mmaster's in Interaction Design from NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications program. Hanny works persistently on education and community initiatives - alongside her art practice - and has worked closely to launch early pilot arts education programs at Powrplnt in Brooklyn, NY; Art in your Space, Manhattan; NY, Pepo La Tumaini in Isiolo, Kenya; and the inaugural year of Dia Foundation‘s teen program in Beacon, NY. Her work has been shown locally and internationally. She serves as a consultant on the board to Powrplnt and adFabe, working toward strengthening and pioneering relationships to committees that can benefit from the initiatives. Hanny is a homeowner in Beacon, and passionate and realistic towards this growing arts community.

Karlyn Benson (2 years, 1st term)
Karlyn Benson has worked in museums and galleries for over 20 years. In 2013, she opened Matteawan Gallery in Beacon, NY, specializing in contemporary art by mid-career and emerging artists. As the gallery’s director and curator, she has developed an ambitious exhibition program with a focus on abstraction, process, and materials. In 2016 she curated the exhibition Chemistry: Explorations in Abstract Photography at the Garrison Art Center, Garrison, NY. In addition to managing her gallery, Karlyn works as an executive assistant at AEA Consulting, a cultural consulting firm located in Beacon, NY. For six years, she worked in the Registrar Department at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where her responsibilities included arranging the safe transport and installation of artwork for exhibitions. Previously, she was the gallery manager at Candace Perich Gallery, a contemporary photography gallery in Katonah, NY. Karlyn received an MA in Art History from the University of Texas, Austin and a BA in Art History from SUNY Purchase. She also holds an associate's degree in Interior Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She has lived in Beacon since 2003.

Angelique Devlin (2 years, 1st term)
Angelique B. Devlin is a massage therapist, interfaith minister, life coach, birth doula, and yoga teacher. She practices these healing arts from her Terra Firma Massage studio here in Beacon, NY. Angelique has proudly been calling Beacon home since 2010. She relishes meeting and developing relationships with fellow business owners, artists, gallery owners, and members of the Beacon community. She is a member of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce, Hudson Valley Women in Business, the Sloop Club, and BeaconArts.  Angelique considers the arts to be vital to the vibrancy and future of Beacon, and would welcome the opportunity to play a more active role in the continued success of BeaconArts.

Meghan Goria (2 years, 1st term)
Meghan Goria has spent her career raising awareness for performing arts organizations and nonprofits, first at the New-York Historical Society and Manhattan Theatre Club, then over the course of nearly 10 years at the Metropolitan Opera. She is currently the Director of Digital Strategy and Fundraising at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, where she oversees the online marketing and fundraising efforts of the organization. She holds a BA in History from Brown University. Meghan is a Beacon homeowner and proud member of the community. Her spare time is usually spent cooking, reading or hiking around the Hudson Valley with her husband and dog.

Linda Pratt Kimmel (2 years, 1st term)
Linda Pratt Kimmel has been a resident of Beacon since 2003, and became a member of BeaconArts in January 2017.  She has volunteered on the Annual Holiday Bicycle Tree for the past two years, and was one of the project managers for the inaugural Keys to the City (KTC) installation. As part of KTC, Linda was specifically responsible for a family event that was done in coordination with the Howland Library, in which a piano-related book served as a launching point for a KTC scavenger hunt down Main Street. Linda has also volunteered for candidates for the City Council and County Legislator this past year, as well. She has become very vested in our community, and the efforts undertaken to bring us together and maintain our unique identity as a city.

Professionally, Linda is a founding partner of Wernick & Pratt Agency, a boutique literary agency based out of Beacon that specializes in representing authors and illustrators of children’s books. As an agent, one of her biggest jobs to listen to artists and help them clarify and fulfill their creative visions.  This involves everything from providing editorial guidance, career planning, negotiating contracts, and acting as an intermediary with publishers and/or licensors. In addition, Linda also oversees the financial operations of the agency, including managing all client monies processed, filing tax reportings, and preparing income projections.

Linda holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Texas in Austin.  She is a member of the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR), the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and served on the board for the Rutgers One-on-One Writers Conference for five years.

Join BeaconArts today online, and you can make it to the meeting to increase your connection and involvement with Beacon and other artists, makers and business owners.

---

BeaconArts is a Community Partner of A Little Beacon Blog and is part of our Advertising program. This article was part of their monthly messaging partnership. Thank you for supporting organizations who support us!

Antalek & Moore Announces New Partnership with Vincent A. Lemma, as Longtime Beacon Advocate Pat Moore Retires (Sponsored)

Antalek & Moore's Upcoming Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

When: Thursday, January 18, 2018
Time: 4 to 5 pm
Where: Their offices at 340 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Stop By! Or RSVP: 845-245-6292

Late in December of 2017, a hand-signed letter arrived in the mail from Pat Moore, partner at Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency. The letter announced his retirement from the independently owned firm Antalek & Moore in order to pursue personal interests, which included traveling with his expanding grand-family. Maintaining independence in the insurance world has been deeply important to Pat, as he reiterated in his retirement letter: “We live in a time of high-level merger and acquisition activities of firms like ours. Maintaining our longstanding independence is proving to be the exception in today’s business environment.”
 
Of the utmost importance to Pat was hand-picking his successor, Vincent A. Lemma, to join his business partner, Susan Antalek-Pagones, in carrying the business forward into its next generation. Antalek & Moore originated in Beacon in 1853 and continues here today with the new leadership and partnership of Susan and Vincent at the helm. They are hosting a ribbon cutting to celebrate the transition on Thursday, January 18, at 4 pm. And you’re invited!

About Vincent A. Lemma, Antalek & Moore's New Partner

Vincent (please, call him Vince, he insists) started working with Pat eight years ago during a time when Vince was employed by an insurance agency owned by a bank. “Crazy things were happening with the banks,” says Vince, “and things were happening that didn’t jive with me for our customers.” He reached out to Pat to begin working in the independent world, and their business relationship blossomed.
 
As a new leader of the firm, Vince is pulling from his experience as an assistant lacrosse coach at several different colleges. As an assistant coach at Randolph Macon College, his team knocked nationally ranked Washington and Lee out of the playoffs in 1997, fueling his competitive drive to work with a team of young people balancing sports, school and teamwork. Coaching also allowed him to leave his home state of New York to experience different parts of the country, and return later to settle down into the insurance profession.
 
“As an athlete, you need to overcome hurdles to win. In this industry, we face those hurdles on a daily basis. As a coach, you need to understand how to help your employees overcome those hurdles.”
 
Vince believes that 90 percent of problems in the insurance world are caused by simple misunderstandings, and he aims to educate current and future customers of Antalek & Moore to help them know their coverage. He believes that working with an independent agent gives customers an advantage. “When you’re not working with your agent and your broker, things get difficult, and you think the insurance companies are out to get you. We fight for the insurance company to cover everything they agreed to cover in the agreement with the customer.”
 
You can meet Vince any time by scheduling an appointment with him, but the most fun way will be to attend their upcoming ribbon cutting, right on Main Street, conveniently located in the middle of town, near Rite Aid. In fact, park in the free parking lot behind Rite Aid and BAJA, and you're on Antalek & Moore's back doorstep! Stop in, welcome Vince to the position, and look for more from this new development at Antalek & Moore.

---

Antalek & Moore is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlight program. It is with the support of businesses like theirs that A Little Beacon Blog can bring you coverage of news, local happenings and events. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to become a Sponsor or Community Partner, please click here for more information.

The Lofts at Beacon Falls - Gorgeous Apartments in the Heart of Beacon in a Historic District (Sponsored)

The very first pioneers to The Lofts at Beacon Falls, the new apartment complex located in Beacon's Historic District at 50, 52, and 54 Leonard Street (between Grove and Amity), were true out-of-towners: Many of them were parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, of couples who had moved to Beacon with their young families to start their new lives as Beaconites. The Lofts at Beacon Falls are located on the mountain side of Fishkill Creek, just up the road from Dogwood and The Roundhouse. If you sit on the benches across from Wickham Solid Wood Studio and what used to be The Hop, you are looking right at them, though they are hidden behind trees (see the picture below). Current residents moved from Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and other far-off states to settle in here and live within walking distance of Beacon's businesses. Small city living has a strong appeal, and The Lofts at Beacon Falls are delivering on that.

The Historic District

Because the Lofts at Beacon Falls are nestled into Beacon's Historic District, the newly designed buildings needed to conform to certain standards to keep with a historic look. You'll notice similarities between The Roundhouse complex and The Lofts at Beacon Falls on Leonard Street, with the gray-brown coloring, brick and black trim on the exterior. According to Bob Murphy of the Beacon Historical Society, the property was part of the Matteawan Manufacturing Company; by the mid-1930s, it was the Braendly Dye Works.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Insider Tip: If you sit on the benches across from Wickham Studio or the former Hop to reflect on things on the Fishkill Creek, you can see parts of The Lofts at Beacon Falls through the trees.

Another Insider Tip: Leonard Street is one-way if you are driving towards the Lofts at Beacon Falls, so you'll need to take a right on Amity to drive around the block to come into the entrance down Grove Street, which turns into Leonard Street.

Modern Apartment Life in Beacon's Historic District

Inside, you'll find modern design and amenities of apartment living. Designer kitchens and open floor plans make for a spacious feel in the one- and two-bedroom apartments, trimmed with granite counters, laminate wood floors, and Edison-style lighting. A washer and dryer come with each unit, making it super convenient to plan a cozy day of laundry, tucked inside an apartment surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Fishkill Creek.

Walk outside of the apartment complex and follow East Main down to Main Street at Beacon's famed Dummy Light, and you're just about at Beacon's East End, an area dominated by more former factory buildings with renovations under way, making room for more art galleries, boutiques and eateries to frequent. Numerous boutiques, including Style Storehouse, Kaight, King + Curated, Lambs Hill Boutique, and more, cater to a variety of personal styles. Need something as specific as a brow wax? Find it at The Blushery, at the T where Main Street meets the end of East Main - just one of the niche storefronts available to Beaconites.

The Perks

A full workout center is located in the heart of the apartment community for anyone who needs easy access to a quickie workout on the machines. Residents may even bring in their personal trainer for a guided workout. Staying fit is certainly do-able from this location, with access to trailheads on Mount Beacon, as well as nearby fitness centers on Main Street like Zoned Fitness (formerly Hudson Valley Fitness), and the Shambhala Wellness Center and Live Your Life Gear.

The planners at The Lofts at Beacon Falls made certain to build pet-friendliness into their offerings, allowing animals as residents for an additional fee. No one's circling the neighborhood looking for parking, because one spot is allotted to each unit, and additional parking spots are available. Security is of top importance, so there is surveillance inside and outside, as well as keyless entry that can even work from a smartphone. The full list of what's included can be found here on their Amenities page.

Pricing for 1- & 2-Bedroom Apartments

There are 78 apartments available at The Lofts at Beacon Falls. The community of already-established residents is waiting to grow. Monthly rental prices range from $1,800 to $2,700, with spaces ranging from 800 to 1,400 square feet. Some apartments boast an office, a feature that has attracted people who work from home as well as commuters who want to set up a workspace in their home.

About the Developer, James M. Bello

James founded James M. Bello and Associates, his family-run business, in 1985. In the decades since, he has employed several hundred subcontractors to design and build homes, renovations, and light commercial projects. A native of Brooklyn, James and his wife have lived in Dutchess County for the last 18 years, and currently reside in Hopewell Junction. Says James: "We noticed a big change in Beacon and we wanted to be part of it. We want to offer value to some of the people who live in Beacon, or are moving here."

Looking to Move? View an Apartment

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Dorothy Bizzoco
Call: (845) 765-8044
Email: Dorothy@loftsatbeaconfalls.com

You can view the apartments any time, just contact Dorothy Bizzoco, who would love to show you around. Who knows, maybe you'll be moved in in time for their Christmas Party this December. Bring the eggnog from your kitchen down to the party!

Publisher's Note: This has article has been produced as Branded Content, and was written in partnership as an advertisement for The Lofts At Beacon Falls. It is through sponsorships like this one that A Little Beacon Blog can continue to bring you coverage of Beacon and beyond. Please see our Editorial Policy for more information. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us!

Rhinebeck Bank Re-Launches Art Program In Its Beacon Branch (Sponsor Partner Post)

Eager to support its local community, Rhinebeck Bank has dedicated the lobby of its Beacon and Rhinebeck branches to feature the art of local artists for six- to eight-week exhibitions, a program they have re-launched to include more artists.

The first artist to be featured in the Beacon branch, at 1476 NY-9D (technically in Wappingers Falls, across the street from the Dollar General) is Stanley Lindwasser, a new Beacon resident from Forest Hills, Queens, and Hoboken, New Jersey. Stanley spent decades teaching in the New York City public school system, and relocated to Beacon with his wife Helen and little dog Rembrandt last year. This is his first opportunity showing in a gallery in Beacon, albeit a comfortable waiting lounge for customers of the bank.

"Because we are a community bank," says Michelle Barone-Lepore, Vice President of Marketing for Rhinebeck Bank, "it's important for us to stay connected to art and the artists in the community. Supporting the community is very important to us, and this is one way in which we do so." As for participating in Beacon's Second Saturday with their new gallery, the Beacon branch is open on Saturdays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Stanley Lindwasser's paintings will be on display for October's Second Saturday, and will remain up through November 3.

Artists who are accepted into the program and have shows in the gallery reap the benefit of Rhinebeck Bank's social media reach, as well as an Opening Reception put on by the bank. How has the reaction been received by the public? "They love it," says Michelle. "For some artists, we hold receptions after-hours for people to come view their artwork. We had a reception for the artist Harvey Silver. He had over 50 people attend his artwork reception and he auctioned off a framed print to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas."

The artist Stanley LIndwasser pictured in his studio on the left. On the right are several of his paintings hung in his exhibit at the Beacon Branch of Rhinebeck Bank.

How to Apply to Rhinebeck Bank's Art Program

Interested artists can email artwork@rhinebeckbank.com or call (845) 454-8555. Include one or a few photos of your artwork so that the deciders can have an immediate frame of reference for your work. Artwork may be displayed for six to eight weeks in either the Rhinebeck or Beacon branch locations. Artwork may be listed for sale if desired, but that is not a requirement. Rhinebeck Bank does not make a commission from sales of artwork, and there is no fee to display.

---

Rhinebeck Bank is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlight program. It is with the support of businesses like this, that A Little Beacon Blog can bring you coverage of news, local happenings and events. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to become a Sponsor or Community Partner, please click here for more information.

Condo Insurance or Homeowners Insurance? A First Time Homebuyer's Experience

After spending my entire life living in rented apartments, 2017 was the year that I became a homeowner! Back in the spring, I went to an open house for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium that was move-in ready. I made an offer two days later. With all the excitement that surrounds buying a new home, there were some things I overlooked - like insurance. Oh yeah, I need that, don’t I? When you rent an apartment, you could have renters insurance, but it’s not required. I never had renters insurance, but now that I’m buying a home, this is necessary. I've seen so many commercials on TV - with the little green guy, with Flo, and with the guy who played Jay Jonah Jameson in the Spiderman movies - but how do I know which insurance to go with?? Where do I even start?

Wait - Homeowners Insurance for a Condo?

And then I remembered our friends at Antalek & Moore! Through them, I learned that I don’t need homeowners insurance, I need condo insurance - there is a difference. Like homeowners policies, condo policies typically provide structural coverage for a condo’s structure, personal property, and liability. The structural coverage they offer, however, is usually different from that provided by homeowners policies, because condo owners don’t own freestanding houses.

Condo Insurance Varies and is Good for Non-FreeStanding Structures

The protections that condo insurance policies provide for condos’ structures vary. Some policies don’t include much protection for a condo’s structure, while other policies afford a lot of coverage for cabinets, appliances, plumbing, wiring, flooring, and similar items. Whatever isn’t covered by a condo association’s master policy ought to be insured with a condo policy. Thus, a condo owner normally needs to purchase much less coverage if their condo association has an all-in master policy than if the association maintains a bare walls-in master policy.

The Insurance Bundling Effect

I connected with Terry Williams from Antalek & Moore and suggested that I bundle condo insurance with our current auto policy (I was purchasing the condo with my boyfriend). Not only was Terry easily available by phone and email to answer any questions we had, she was involved in the closing process. She was able to negotiate an even better annual rate than what was originally quoted to us. She was even okay with me dropping into their office for a quick “Hello!” just so I could meet the face behind the emails and phone calls. After we closed, she was still involved with making sure we were getting the best coverage possible, while dropping other coverage we were paying for that we didn't need. 

Choosing to go with Antalek & Moore when buying my first home was a great decision and I’m happy to have someone like Terry working with me and looking out for our best interests.

---

Antalek & Moore is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlight program. It is with the support of businesses like this, that A Little Beacon Blog can bring you coverage of news, local happenings and events. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to become a Sponsor or Community Partner, please click here for more information.

Driving for a Transportation Network Company (TNC, like Uber) and Your Personal Automobile Insurance (Sponsored)

We recently shared that ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are now available in the Hudson Valley. We reached out to our friends at Antalek & Moore and Patrick Moore is here to share with us what you should keep in mind insurance-wise before you dive into driving for a ride-sharing service.

Driving for a Transportation Network Company (TNC) like Uber or Lyft may affect the insurance coverage you have purchased.  This article addresses standard automobile insurance policies and is general in nature. If you want to drive for a TNC, don’t enter into an agreement without consulting with your insurance agent or insurance company as their approach may differ from the standard.

Three Phases of Ride Sharing

• Phase 1 – A driver is logged in the app and is available to accept a trip.  This phase is commonly called “trolling.”
• Phase 2 – A driver has accepted a ride request but has no passenger in the vehicle, i.e. the driver is en route to pick up the rider.
• Phase 3 – The driver is transporting a passenger on a pre-arranged trip. 

Livery Exclusion

The standard private-passenger automobile insurance policy has exclusion for livery activity – providing transportation for hire. With this exclusion, your insurance policy is not intended to provide any coverage while driving for hire.

The question (and confusion) arises from trying to figure out what is a livery?  Transporting a passenger is usually considered a livery, but what about having the app turned on or driving to pick up a passenger? It not always clear, but provisions have been made to deal with these questions.

TNCs provide insurance protection on a blanket insurance policy they have purchased for a driver while engaged in Phase 2 and Phase 3 travel. The coverage for liability (injuries or property damage to a third party) of $1.25 million is required. The parent company also will provide contingent physical damage coverage (comprehensive and collision) provided the owner is purchasing the coverage for their personal use. The deductibles may be higher than what the person may choose to purchase individually, and there are differences in what each TNC will provide, but the law is specific on the requirement that the TNC provide $1.25 million of liability protection.

Phase 1 – How is that handled?

Phase 1 is where a lot of ambiguity lies. By turning on the app, is a driver engaged in a livery operation? Some carriers say yes, others say no, and still others don’t know. The first thing that we do know is the TNCs are also required to provide basic liability insurance protection during this phase. The limits are lower than what most consumers purchase, however. They are $75,000 for bodily injury liability claims on a per-person basis with a maximum of $150,000 of coverage per occurrence. They also provide $25,000 property damage liability. It is intended that the driver’s personal automobile policy will provide coverage in excess of these limits.There is no provision for physical damage coverage with this option.

Not all insurance companies are happy about providing this coverage. The insurance industry is heavily regulated and coverage language has to be written and submitted to the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) for approval. Also, any rates a carrier wants to charge must go through the same regulatory approval process. This process is time-consuming and often takes as long as 12 months. Coverage clarity is not immediate in New York State because this process has not begun.

The status today

Because the authorization for TNCs to operate in New York State came about very quickly, insurance companies have not had time to determine their position on the issue (even though they are dealing with this issue in 40 other states – but each has unique requirements) and they have certainly not had the time to create specific policy language or clear exclusions and get them approved by regulators. The result is that drivers and insurance companies are dealing with a personal automobile insurance product containing exclusion for livery activity without any ability to modify or clarify the intent of the policy.

The DFS has issued emergency regulations to deal with TNCs and insurance.  It would appear that the state is requiring insurance carriers to provide coverage during Phase 1 on an excess basis. This is a very recent change. Many insurance carriers are either not aware of this requirement or feel there are some ambiguities and questions, which makes sense since this regulation is a stop-gap measure. All sides need time to clarify answers to many questions. Drivers should know that the TNC is providing primary insurance coverage – the question really is about excess coverage and physical damage during Phase 1.

What to Expect in the Future

The insurance industry will certainly ask DFS to approve new policy amendments that will clarify the livery exclusion.  One should expect that this language will look to exclude activity in all three (3) phases however; some carriers may also file for approval some coverage extensions that will allow a customer to buy back some coverage.  As mentioned previously, this will take some time.  The important thing is to be in constant contact with your insurance agent or carrier.

Where do we Stand Today

Informal surveys of insurance companies range from the position of “We don’t cover this activity now and we don’t anticipate ever allowing it,” to “We are OK with it provided it isn’t a full-time activity.” In the middle, you'll find a lot of “We don’t know how we are going to handle it.” Some insurance carriers will refuse to renew coverage for a person driving for a TNC and some may not. This is why it is important to keep the lines of communication open until the industry files and obtains approval for the correct coverage that driving for a TNC requires.

Antalek & Moore is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlight program. It is with the support of businesses like this, that A Little Beacon Blog can bring you coverage of local happenings and events. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to become a Sponsor or Community Partner, please click here for more information.

Storm King Art Center Best-Kept Secret Membership for Beaconites (Sponsored)

Take a deep breath of relaxation, because we're about to discuss the inspiring, relaxing Storm King Art Center. More than just one of the best outdoor sculpture parks in the nation, Storm King Art Center is a community cultivator. The center offers a myriad of events for people of varied interests, in addition to dozens of artists displayed outside in their collection. Only 7 miles away from Beacon, this destination offers you unique things to do every week, from Moonlit Walking Tours to Summer Fridays with Music and Happy Hour, to outdoor yoga in the morning, to private viewing hours. All of which can happen with free admission through a membership to Storm King Art Center.

Free admission? Yes: Pay once, then don't worry about it again for 365 days. Storm King Art Center has made it very easy for you to come visit: Parking is free for all, and a very reasonable Family Membership for a total of six people (up to two adults and up to four children) costs only $125 for everyone. This year, the center has created a Beacon Discount, bringing the total to $110 for the whole family for a year! This is a deal you will not find at Splash Down or other attractions' member programs. Do check their membership page for more details, discounts, and how to sign up.

Member Perks

Summer Fridays
If you wanted to go to a Summer Friday Music Night with Happy Hour, you could just flash your membership card to get in while the general public paid an individual admissions price. There is one happening this Friday featuring Beacon favorite Decora, and you can dine from Storm King Art Center's Food Truck. The next Summer Friday is in July, and the theme is Sunset Music and Sketching. Sounds dreamy.

Moonlit Walking Tour
If you wanted to take a moonlit stroll of the expansive grounds, with ginormous skies and acres of trees, you could, included with your membership, while the general public pays an admission price.

Yoga Outside and Other Member Morning Themes
Come the weekend, Storm King Art Center is thinking of you. The center has early morning activities planned for Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9 to 10 am, followed by free coffee from 10 to 11 am. Plan for a mini concert by a string quartet, yoga, meditation, or a tour of a new exhibit.

If you go for the day and pay regular admission, and then decide "Hot dawg, this place is awesome, I simply must stay more attached with a membership," then walk yourself to the Visitors Center right away and sign up for the membership (mention you are a Beaconite for the extra savings!) and Storm King Art Center will deduct your admission paid from your new membership.

So go. It's not far off the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. When you go, tag us in your Instagram photos and contribute to the conversation of people experiencing amazing things at Storm King Art Center.

A post shared by Storm King Art Center (@stormkingartcenter) on May 24, 2017 at 6:17am PDT

Editorial Note: This has been a sponsored article by Storm King Art Center that A Little Beacon Blog's editorial team approved of to write and research, as part of our Sponsor Spotlight series. To learn more about Storm King Art Center's programs, including their Summer Camp and Family Membership Programs, visit www.stormking.org as well as their Dedicated Sponsor Page here at A Little Beacon Blog that highlights their event dates and must-do programs.

New Discount for Beaconites at Storm King Art Center on Family Membership

This Just In!

We're excited to announce a special discount for Beacon residents on the Family Membership at Storm King Art Center. Memberships for a family (up to two adults and up to four kids) are normally $125 per year for unlimited free admission, including workshops and private events. But you can save $15 on the yearly membership, bringing it to $110 per year! Mention "BEACON" when you call (845) 534-3115 or email info@stormkingartcenter.org. Membership includes their everyday free parking for everyone.

This makes going to Storm King an even easier weekend activity for Beaconites and Hudson Valleyers. There are many permanent exhibits, but there's often something new, too: The new accessible house roof exhibit, "The Oracle of Lacuna," was just featured in W magazine. People can walk on and in the house while listening to special audio that details how migration and slavery shaped the surrounding area. It's just one of many exhibits on the 500-acre outdoor sculpture park.

We've got the details for you here on Storm King Art Center's Dedicated Sponsor Page.

---

Spotlight Sponsor Note: This has been a special message from Storm King Art Center that we couldn't resist telling you about right away. For details on becoming a Spotlight Sponsor, click here.

Summer Camp for Kids at Storm King Art Center (Sponsored)

Have you ever been to the Storm King Art Center? It's nothing short of amazing. On 500 acres of meadow, fields, woodland and hills, you'll find a collection of more than 100 carefully sited sculptures by highly acclaimed artists. One need not have a lot of art knowledge to have an awesome day - awesome in the purest sense of the word, as in "the experience of being at Storm King produces serious awe."

This summer, kids of all ages, from elementary to middle to high school, can register for a week or two of summer camp at Storm King. To give an idea of what your camper will do there, we'll highlight a few choice tools that will make an appearance at camps:

• Binoculars
• Compass
• Magnifying Glass
• Sketch Book (no artistic skills necessary)
• Pencils

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

THREE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE
Storm King Young Explorers
AGES: 7 to 9
DATE: June 26–30: 9 am to 4 pm (Aftercare through 5 pm available)
Calling all young explorers! Roam, roll, run, improvise, play, create, and discover the meadows, woods, and art at Storm King. Learn to use a compass! See, sketch, and move like a sculpture! Campers will come away confident about exploring the outdoors and modern and contemporary art. Binoculars, magnifying glass, journal, art supplies, and more will be provided.

Project Write: Becoming Authors and Artists
AGES: 10 to 14
DATE: July 10–14: 9 am to 3 pm
DATE: July 17–21: 9 am to 3 pm
Spend a week at Storm King engaging in place-based writing, surrounded by sculpture, rolling hills, meadows, and woodlands. Storm King staff and teachers from the Hudson Valley Writing Project share behind-the-scenes discoveries and inspiring insights, launching students into a fun and creative world of writing and art making. Offered in partnership with the Hudson Valley Writing Project.

The Art of Scientific Observation: From Microecology to Monumental Sculpture
AGES: High School Students
DATE: July 24–28: 9 am to 5 pm
Throughout history, both scientists and artists have used field journals to note their observations of the natural world and develop their ideas. Effective visual and written notation requires keen observational skills, and the practice of creative recording in journals can engage and develop critical and lateral thinking capabilities. Weaving together science and art, The Art of Scientific Observation offers teens a unique opportunity to combine field ecology and artistic practice. Focusing on daily explorations of plant and animal life, as well as the sculpture and landscape architecture of the Art Center, campers learn about observational and notational methods through creative journal making. Campers will engage with a variety of techniques including sketching, collaging, and writing. Each camper finishes the week having created his or her own experimental field journal.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

“The week at Storm King was really incredible. Sadie had agreed to participate reluctantly. She asked several friends to join her but none were able. One said, ‘It’s not my thing.’ Another was busy. Art is a stretch for Sadie and I think she [too] would say ‘it’s not my thing.’ What I saw happen over the course of the week was a shift in her perspective. We had some great conversations on our 30-minute ride each morning and evening: What is art? What constitutes art? By the end of the week she was asking if we could come back sometime, because there were pieces of art that she wanted to sit under that she hadn’t had a chance to. I think she realized that her art and her journal were incredibly impressive and it wasn’t about how it compared to the other participants. Sadie really expanded her feelings about art and found that she liked it. I wanted to let you know that it had a powerful impact on her, perhaps life-changing in some way.”

— A parent of a camper from 2016's Art of Scientific Observation Camp

If you're an adult reading this, wishing you could go to camp here, don't worry. Storm King Art Center does offer Family Memberships, which could be your entertainment on Saturday and Sunday mornings. But in the meantime, keep the focus on camp and register now, because space is limited and there are only a few weeks of it offered.

www.stormking.org/summercamp

---

Editorial Note: This has been a sponsored article by Storm King Art Center that A Little Beacon Blog's editorial team approved of to write and research, as part of our Sponsor Spotlight series. To learn more about Storm King Art Center's programs, including their Summer Camp and Family Membership Programs, visit www.stormking.org as well as their Dedicated Sponsor Page that highlights dates and must-do programs here at A Little Beacon Blog.

The Agent Who Brokered In A New Era Onto Main Street's West Side - Daniel Aubry's 20-Parcel Deal (Sponsored)

View fullsize

Daniel Aubry first traveled the world as a professional photographer, visiting over 130 countries on assignment before he chose Beacon, NY, to put roots down in his companion profession as a real estate agent. Quietly located on Beacon's East End of town in an office to the right of the once-derelict Beacon Hotel (which has completed its first major round of renovations), Daniel has recently made a significant impact over on the West End of town, where he closed a deal early in 2017 that transferred 20 units owned by longtime property owners, the Piccone Family, to a new Hudson Valley-based family.

You may remember the Piccones from when they hung the banner above Mr. Bell's salon last year. When we wrote an article congratulating Mr. Bell on 25 years of business success, Lucy Malone told us: “Mr. Bell would come on the first of each month to pay the rent. I always asked him how he was. After we said hi, his answer for all the years I was there was 'Excellent.' That is how we started our conversation each month. It always made me smile. Mr. Bell is always smiling. Mr. Bell was an old Nabisco friend to Mr. [Frank] Piccone (his landlord’s father) and he spoke very highly of the Piccone men: Frank, Ron and Jamie, as he knew them all." 

One Building To 20 Parcels Changing Hands

This real estate deal is a unique one, in that Daniel Aubry represented both the buyer and the seller. Early one evening during an event hosted by Scenic Hudson at Long Dock, Daniel planted the seed of the sale with the buyer, who already owned properties in New York and had recently sold one. Daniel, being highly conscientious of taxes associated with the sale of a property, suggested that this new family consider the Piccones' property - before it was even on the market. The building already had a positive cash flow coming in, otherwise known as a "cap rate," or an existing income-generating property that needed ongoing management. 

The intent originated with the purchase of one building on Main Street, and resulted in 20 parcels being sold to the new owners, who also recently purchased the River Winds Gallery building (not the business, but the building that houses it) in a separate sale. The Daniel Aubry property sale consisted of business storefronts where Mountain Tops and Miss Vickie's Music are located, residential apartments and houses with Section 8 classification, as well as several empty lots. Sixteen of those parcels are on or are adjoining Main Street. Says Daniel: "The deal grew like Topsy. It is possibly one of the largest real estate deals involving simultaneous property ever done in Beacon.”

Dual Representation & A Business Lesson 

This real estate deal is a unique one, in that Daniel Aubry represented both the buyer and the seller. How does one ensure fairness, you ask? "It was a very organic process," recalls Daniel. "Both parties need to feel that you are representing their best interest. For that, you need to be very clear what the needs and the expectations are of each part of the deal. Because the Piccones were a client before, they had some trust already."

Throughout his decades in business, first as a photographer, an industry he left "before it left me" (due to the disruption by the iPhone of the camera market), Daniel has learned to follow his instinct. How did he know that the two parties would work well and maintain trust in this situation? "Chemistry. There are people in life, I have learned, [who] you can’t do business with. Either they think they are too smart, or something else. There may be a chance to make money, but I’m at a stage in my life where my quality of life is more important to me than making money."

What May Be Next For Buildings On The West End Of Main Street

"These properties were purchased at time when Beacon was like Newburgh, down in the dumps - though Newburgh is now rising," explains Daniel. "The landlords did the best with what they had. They maintained from an infrastructure standpoint, but not a cosmetic standpoint." The Piccones had two full-time staff members to maintain the properties. Those two people have been hired by the new owners, who have also retained a property management company that specializes in Section 8 housing.

Some of the properties are close to the train station, and several are single-family homes. Where the most impact may be seen is on several vacant lots, where the new owners may do “in-fill development,” creating additional housing. "The new owners are wonderful people and have the best interest of Beacon at heart. I think it is good for Beacon. They tend to move very thoughtfully," says Daniel.

---

Editorial Note: This has been a sponsored article by Daniel Aubry Realty that A Little Beacon Blog's editorial team approved of to write and research, as part of our Sponsor Spotlight series. To see more of Daniel's listings, and to see what else he knows of that is not on the market yet, see www.danielaubry.com for listings and contact information.

Visiting and Local Artists Have a New Teaching Studio To Host Workshops In (Sponsor Post)

View fullsize

View fullsize

Owner and artist Maria Amor in The Atelier Room 205. Call or email her to book: (646) 705-3833 AtelierRoom205@gmail.com

Spring planning has begun. The arts scene in Beacon is flourishing, attracting artists from all over to spend the day or a week here. With the Atelier Room 205, visiting and local artists have a wonderful and inspiring studio to host a workshop in. The Atelier, one of Beacon's newest teaching studios, is located in the old Beacon High School, a building brimming over with creativity. It is a school building converted into artist studios. Your students will feel the creative impulses for sure during your workshop!

Book now for Spring and Summer dates by calling owner Maria Amor at (646) 705-3833 or email AtelierRoom205@gmail.com.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

For more pictures, please see here: http://www.alittlebeaconblog.com/atelier-room/

---

This message has been a sponsored post from our Sponsor Spotlight partner, Maria Amor, founder of the Atelier Room 205. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us!