Y'all. You are in for a delightful weekend in Beacon again! Happy Valentine's Day! We have many gift ideas to warm your heart, because it will be chilly out! Quick, scroll down and see which idea works for your valentine, even if you are your own valentine! PS: Need a card?
Beacon Pantry
Beacon Pantry's owner, Stacey, is the queen of cheeses in Beacon. (She frequently takes trips to Europe to further educate herself.) Thanks to her obsession with flavors, Beacon Pantry is offering a fondue night on Saturday and Sunday from 2pm-9pm. On the menu is fondue, but they will also substitute a cheese and charcuterie plate if desired. Each couple receives bubbly fondue with all the trimmings, a bottle of bubbly and a dessert to share! Reservations are required. Details >
After Ella's More Good Tasting Room
This Valentine's Day Sunday, Ella's Bellas and Drink More Good (we covered More Good's bitters here) have teamed up to introduce After Ella's: More Good Tasting Room for a very boozy Valentine’s Day brunch, which will run from 11am-3pm, followed by an evening of small plates and cocktails from 4pm-9pm. Guest Chef Brandon Collins will be serving up some fantastic food and More Good will be curating the cocktail menu. Normally they serve a light breakfast on the weekend, as seen in A Little Beacon Blog's Best Brunches Guide, but this special brunch opportunity is a treat. Yum. Details >
A Room With a Heated Stone Floor
Watch out world...one of the sisters of Cedar Lakes Estates, and of the corresponding Instagram account "sistersofcedarlakes," has moved to Beacon, bringing with her the style of the unbelievably beautiful wedding and event venue from Port Jervis (off of I-84's Exit 2). You could book this room with its "heated stone floors, wood burning fireplace and like 100 furry blankets" and take a mini-vacation from Beacon. Just sayin'. Details >
Beacon's airbnb scene offers many options, from romantic and country to city and lofty. Here are two you'll want to try:
A Room with Quite a View
Lambs Hill is a private equestrian estate on Mount Beacon, with 180-degree views overlooking the Hudson River and Beacon. This private guest house is part of a larger wedding destination spot. During your stay in a beautifully designed luxury suite, you can visit the estate's Icelandic horses and donkeys, or slip into the outdoor hot tub. One mile to Beacon's Main St. and 2 miles to train and Dia. Details >
An AirBNB in Beacon Special
You can stay for a night in this mid-19th-century Italianate home. Owned by a sculptor, you have a built-in concierge as he is happy to advise you on the local arts and outdoor scene. Just half a block off of Beacon's Main Street, and minutes to the Metro-North train station. Details >
Lacy Things!
You can thank Christina Faraj, The Bra Fit Expert for the sexy lead photo of this Valentine's Day Gift Guide, as she is selling that matching lingerie set in her shop, located in a permanent pop-up space in Echo Boutique on Beacon's east end of town near the mountain. Walk on down to her shop and you can buy the lingerie set seen here, or any lingerie item, and get a festive valentine gift bag to give your valentine. Pictured here is a matching set, with a black lace push-up demi bra from BTempted. Christina is a professional bra fitter and can get you in exactly the right shape for your body. She can see you on the spot if you need a quick fitting, but if she's not there, fear not, you can grab any style of bra you want and buy it at the sales counter at Echo. The Bra Fit Expert is a Featured Business in A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide, and she always has something new up her sleeve!
Hot Stone Massage and Melt Those Cares Away
With all of the heavy shoveling you aren't doing this year, I know your body is worn out anyway, from getting your taxes ready, last minute Valentine's Day shopping and teacher card writing, and all of the other things during your day that make you tense. I'm not sure how you are going to make it to March without getting a therapeutic massage from Karen Meyer at River Therapeutic Massage, who has designed a special Valentine's Day massage just for you. Incorporating gently warmed and scented oils, the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage Experience is like no other. These polished stones have ancient healing energy to bring balance to the mind, body and spirit. Luxuriate in their warmth as they ease the tension out of your back, neck and shoulders.
Your session continues with an oil-infused Himalayan Salt Scrub for your hands and feet…and finally, complete your experience with a relaxing and rejuvenating Mini Facial Massage, enhanced with essential oils. Choose from rose, frankincense or several others.
While you’re still feeling the post-massage “glow,” enjoy a glass of wine or mineral water and a light snack. No rush to get back to real life!
River Therapeutic Massage is a featured business in A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide, and each month we are tempted with a new offering! So keep checking here to find out which special Karen will offer next. Details >
Couples Massage
Maybe you did a couples massage on your honeymoon, or maybe you've never booked a massage with your honey at all. This may be your weekend! Terra Firma Massage is offering an educational twist to this, where you can learn some easy massage techniques to enhance your connection with each other and not feel like you don't know how to give a nice back rub. Giannetta Salon Spa always has available their couples room, which includes homemade banana bread for you to snack on. Amazing, I know! For other sources of massages, do see A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide for many more ideas.
Fun in a Photo Booth!
Adorbs, I know. You too can look this cute and fabulous in the photo booth at The Pfotoshop, who painted the backdrop pink for Valentine's Day! Pfotoshop is a boutique specializing in home decor and gifts and is a featured shop in A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide. They're on the east end of Main Street near the mountain, one of a few shops in the old Matteawan train station. And if you need to pucker up for that photo like owner Jackie Foley is here, head across the street to The Blushery, where you'll find a fresh shade of pink or red lipstick.
I know, right? You're dying to go roller skating with your mate! Well now you can, in Hyde Park at Roller Magic. Hyde Park Roller Magic is also included in our Adults Classes Guide, should you be looking for hula hooping classes...
Going to a Dance
Those Howlands...they are always dancing! Every month,, the Howland Cultural Center has a dance event, and this month it is in honor of Valentine's Day on Saturday night at 8pm. Special refreshments will be served, along with chocolates. This night is also Beacon's Second Saturday, so after you see art by walking our Second Saturday Guide, drop into this dance!
Chocolate and Balloons
Sometimes you need to give balloons instead of chocolate or flowers. Maybe your recipient is not eating chocolate at the moment, or is overwhelmed by the scent of flowers. Balloons are the way to go. My secret balloon source is the little shop in the middle of town that is next door to Trendy Tots, the kids consignment shop. If you have never been inside of this little store, I know that you have walked by it several times. The window is nondescript with old flyers on it, but the woman inside is magical and very busy building flower arrangements and blowing up mylar balloons, and even has an air pump for those of you who need a sea of balloons on the floor or taped to walls for decoration. At the time of the publishing of this article, the photo of her storefront is buried in my files, but I will snap the shot and post it here.
A lot of chocolate was consumed for the writing of this Valentine's Day Gift Guide. These chocolate hearts in particular are from Alps Sweets Shop on Beacon's Main Street. The chocolate-covered Oreos below are famously from Gourmetibles.
Kids Activities
You knew Beacon's bakers were going to do something special for Valentine's Day! The Be Mine Pop UP is your chance to buy baked goods from 5 Hens as well as sing and dance in Spanish with Lisa Marie and listen to bluegrass music from The Miller Brothers. This is a weekend event, running from Friday at 4pm until Sunday. So get up on it. Details >
Friday afternoon at 4pm, make cards at The Beacon Bagel with The Beacon Craft Workshop to raise money for the Beacon Soup Kitchen. Kids 5 and up can attend without a parent, and kids 4 and under must be with a parent. Details >
Work off the Chocolate
Maybe you forwent all of the gifts and went straight for dessert, as was recommended here in last year's Valentine's Day post with the seven sources of chocolates at that time. It's best you go to a boot camp or get some endorphin-producing exercise. All Sport's special Buddy Boot Camp is your chance to come with a friend and work out together in what will be a challenging morning, but so worth it in the end. And you can always relax in the hot sauna to sweat it out even more when complete. This is one of several special classes at All Sport that we keep track of here at A Little Beacon Blog.
This Valentine's Day Gift Guide was brought to you buy (typo intended!) A Little Blog's Shopping Guide. There are plenty more gift ideas out there on Main Street, and we have your full Shopping Guide for when you are out and about! Have A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide open on your phone as you look for gifts for Men, Women, Kids, Foodies, and more.
"Second Saturday" is a lively day into night in
Beacon, and is a celebration of Beacon's galleries, restaurants and
other businesses arts on the second Saturday of every month. According
to Dan Rigney, current president of BeaconArts,
the organization who encouraged this movement to happen over a decade
ago and heavily promotes the events, says: "Back then, Beacon was one of
the last places people outside of town thought to go on a Saturday
night. Now Second Saturday has become a part of the fabric of Beacon.
It's such a part of it, many galleries have their opening events on
other Saturdays, so that they get two big crowds each month." Second
Saturday is a great reason to "walk" Main Street and beyond and explore
the events going on around town. It's always a pleasure eating and
drinking your way through Beacon, so this guide will help you know where
to eat and drink as you explore special exhibits and happenings.
What to Know About This Guide:
This Guide includes gallery and art showings that may be hosted in a gallery or in a shop or restaurant.
Many of these shows run through the current month, so check back often if you are on an art hunt.
Closing times posted here are for Second Saturdays only, and may not
reflect regular Saturdays. Always call an establishment directly for
current hours, offerings, or any other questions.
Parking can be found on side streets, on Main Street, and in
municipal lots. A new municipal lot opened near Fishkill Creek, near
the mountain.
Live-tweet your way through Second Saturday by using the hashtag
created by BeaconArts: #2SAT, and tack on #beaconny or #SecondSaturday if
you have room in your tweets or Instagram postings.
If you are a gallery and have something special to add, please email editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com.
Late-Night (After 9pm) Spots to Eat and Drink: After you walk the galleries, you'll be hungry and need (another) drink! See our full list of restaurants who are open prior to 9pm in our Restaurant Guide. Bank Square 129 Main St. Chill Wine Bar 173 Main St. Max's On Main 246 Main St. Baja 328 328 Main St. Quinn's 330 Main St. The Towne Crier (bar only) 379 Main St. Oak Vino Wine Bar 389 Main St. (call first to see if cheese plates and dessert are still being served) Draught Industries 394 Main St. The Vault 446 Main St. Joe's Irish Pub 455 Main St. The Hop 554 Main St. (reservations usually needed for food) Roundhouse 2 East Main St. Dogwood 47 East Main St.
There's so much going on - keep your eyes on our Things To Do In Beacon Guides for all dates!
Leave all Guides open on your phone because they include
addresses and phone numbers. Tap on a phone number to call anyone!
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NEAR THE TRAIN, BEFORE MAIN STREET
Dia:Beacon
Dia:Beacon
3 Beekman St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-0100
Special for Second Saturday:Gallery Talk: Matilda Guidelli-Guidi on Blinky Palermo. Guidelli-Guidi, a doctoral student who is also a Andrew W. Mellon Fellow with the Dia Art Foundation, will discuss the works of German artist Blinky Palermo. (Born Peter Schwarze, he borrowed "Blinky's" name in 1964 from a Mafia-linked American boxing promoter.) Gallery Talks at Dia:Beacon take place
the second Saturday of every month at 2 pm. Focusing on the work of a
single artist on view at Dia:Beacon, these one-hour walk-throughs are
led by curators, art historians, and writers. Free with admission to the
museum. (Don't forget: Beacon residents get in free on weekends!)
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
15 South Ave.
Beacon, NY Special for Second Saturday:February is Black History Month, and St. Andrew's Art in the Sanctuary program has two photo exhibits to reflect on the past and celebrate the present. A long-time parishioner from St. Andrew's shares historical, archived images, while Beacon photographer Meredith Heuer's portraits showcase today's parishioners at St. Andrew's. Hours: 4 pm to 6 pm
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THE WEST END
(Close to the train station)
Theo Ganz Studio
Theo Ganz Studio
149 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(917) 318-2239
Theo Ganz Studio, the little gallery with the big windows in Beacon's west end, was founded by artist Eleni Smolen as a venue for contemporary artists working in all media. Recognizing the importance of exhibitions in an artist's career, Smolen concentrates on presenting actively engaged emerging and mid-career professionals in either solo or group exhibitions. Second Saturday:"Cape Dorset and Points South, Vol. 2" presents the print and various-media works, many featuring animals, of more than a dozen artists. Cape Dorset Inuit Art gallery, in Nunavut, Canada, showcases the etchings, paintings, sculpture and stone-cuts of Inuit artists; Theo Ganz Studio shares a dozen pieces in this show. The exhibition title's "Points South" refers to the Hudson Valley artists (several of whom live right here in Beacon!) who round out this display, with sculpture, painting, photography, and more.
Hours: Noon to 8 pm
"Political Theater" at
Hudson Beach Glass/Fovea
Hudson Beach Glass / Fovea
162 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-0068
A glass studio casting functional and sculptural objects for over 20 years. A truly special establishment to have in Beacon. Stop in to find blown glass objects of all kinds, from lights to bowls to wind chimes. Sometimes on Second Saturday you can watch them blow glass. Special for Second Saturday: Upstairs in the gallery space, witness the return of Fovea Exhibitions' photojournalism showcase. "Political Theater, photographs by Mark Peterson," examines those vying for office in this year's presidential election. This Saturday, Peterson takes a break from the campaign trail to talk about the photos. Hours: 10 am to 9 pm; with a talk from the photographer at 6:30 pm
Clutter Magazine Gallery
Clutter Magazine Gallery
163 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(212) 255-2505
The Clutter Gallery is a branch of the Clutter Media Group family, and is focused on showing quality work by both established and emerging artists in the fields of toy design and customization, as well as modern pop and lowbrow art. Clutter Gallery's exhibitions are open to the public and free of charge. Works are a variety of sizes. Second Saturday: (In)Action Figures! The fourth edition of the Magazine Gallery's annual exhibition showcases action figures and other retro-toy inspired designs. Curious to see more? Check out #inactionfigures4, then visit the gallery to see the artwork in person! Hours: 10 am to 6 pm; opening reception 6 to 9
"Aqua Essence" at RiverWinds Gallery
RiverWinds Gallery
172 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 838-2880
RiverWinds Gallery features Hudson Valley artists. Work includes fine art paintings and photography, plus contemporary crafts including ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts and more. Special for Second Saturday: "Aqua Essence," watercolor paintings by Betsy Jacaruso. The Rhinebeck-based artist was raised in the Hudson Valley, and stayed in New York when it came time to further her formal education, studying at the legendary Pratt Institute. The Hudson Valley informs and inspires her work on a regular basis. According to Jacaruso's website, current work explores atmosphere and luminosity in landscape. "Through the aqueous process of watercolor, I endeavor to create a
transcendental atmosphere, in hopes of evoking an emotion, which
supersedes the visual,” says Jacaruso. Hours: Noon to 9 pm; artist's reception 5 to 8
Artisan Wine Shop
180 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-6923 Special for Second Saturday: Try some new bottlings from around the world, just for fun or with an eye toward meal pairings. Several wines will be poured for tasting - and there might just be a snack, too! Hours: 10 am to 7 pm; tasting 3 pm to 6 pm
199 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 838-1600
This historic brick storefront houses the Institute’s gallery, Hudson River bookstore and gift shop, and its administrative headquarters. The gallery showcases river and environmentally themed art and educational exhibits. Events feature talks by artists and regional Hudson Valley authors. Special for Second Saturday: The historic Mount Beacon Incline Railway gets a spotlight in this exhibit, which features large-format photography, digital renderings, animations, and infographics, all exploring the Incline Railway’s early origins in shaping Beacon. The exhibition explores the initiative to bring back the Incline Railway, through the lenses of a historic narrative and an eye toward the future. Click here for more event details. Hours: 11 am to 3 pm
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THE MIDDLE & "MARKET SQUARE"
The start of The Middle, aka "Market Square"
"Conflicts/Resolutions"
at the Howland Public Library
Each
month, the library features the work of Hudson Valley photographers and
artists. (Please note, the gallery may not be accessible during some
library programs.)
Special for Second Saturday: Photographers and poets join forces in "Conflicts/Resolutions: Poetry Meets Photography," a group exhibition of the Beacon Photography Group. Participants were asked to to submit either poetry or photography (or both) that related in some way to the theme of conflict and resolution. The show, on view in the Community Room Exhibit Space, includes work from 16 photographers and/or poets, including organizers Jon Slackman and Samantha Palmieri.
Hours: 10 am to 4 pm (library hours); reception 5 pm to 7 pm
Beth Weintraub at Beacon Pantry
Beacon Pantry
382 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-8923 Special for Second Saturday: You know Beacon Pantry as the spot to pick up the fanciest butter, a bistro-inspired sandwich, or the exact right amount of capers (because, let's face it, who ever uses an entire jar in one go?), but did you know the shop hosts art, too? True story! Beth Weintraub may have fixed you a fine cup of tea at the Pantry. Witness another side of her talents this weekend: Her colorful etchings will adorn the walls of Beacon Pantry. Get $1 off beer and wine during the artist reception!
Hours: Reception 6 pm to 9 pm
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THE EAST END & BEYOND
(Close to the mountain)
The start of the East End of Main Street and beyond.
Marieken Cochius at Matteawan Gallery
Matteawan Gallery
436 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-7901 Matteawan Gallery specializes in contemporary art with an emphasis on works on paper by emerging and mid-career artists. Special for Second Saturday: Marieken Cochius' work, separated into three bodies: a large drawing made with water-based mediums,
pastel, charcoal, and pencil on paper; the Cloud series of drawings
with graphite and pastel(some of the finest lines in this piece are made with feathers rather than traditional implements); and the most recent work, ink and shellac drawings. Stay tuned for a talk with the artist on February 27 at 3 pm.
Hours: 6 pm to 9 pm
Morphicism Gallery
Morphicism
444 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-3092
Moveable art in frames. An art you must see and experience. Hours: Call first
"East End of Main" at 3B Gallery
3B Gallery
458 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-6782 Special for Second Saturday: Step back in time as the Beacon Historical Society presents "East End of Main - A Journey Into the Past." The exhibition includes vintage photographs and ephemera from the side of Beacon that, until 1913, made up the village of Matteawan. The display highlights old-fashioned storefronts and factories, the
Matteawan Railroad Station and tracks, the original Howland Library, our
beloved dummy light and more. Hours: 11 am to 6 pm; opening reception 6 pm to 9 pm
Back Room Gallery
Back Room Gallery
475 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 838-1838
Find 30 artists showing here, from large paintings to small collectibles. Also find art supplies such as sketch pads and charcoal pencils. And if you're with a man who wants to skip the art but loves anything to do with the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, send him to the actual "back room" of this gallery for a viewing of a very valuable collection of War art on crepe fabric. Special for Second Saturday: Stop in and find out! Hours: LATE
Howland Cultural Center
477 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 831-4988
Beacon's Howland Cultural Center is not just another arts organization. Its beautiful home is a Victorian building that was born specifically to serve the community as a cultural resource. Special for Second Saturday: To commemorate and celebrate Black History Month, the Howland Cultural Center presents its 21st annual African-American History Month show, shining a spotlight on African-American artists from around the Hudson Valley. The exhibition includes works by Yvette Bird, Josephine Green, Kyra Sukenya Husbands, Robert Lewis, Richard Outlaw, Symantha Outlaw, Michael White, Donald Whitely, Jacob Williams, Merv Willis, and John Wynn. (After checking out the show, come back for the Valentine's-themed dance at the Howland! More info in our special V-Day post here.) Hours: 1 pm to 5 pm
Michael X. Rose at BAU
BAU Gallery
506 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-7584
bau (Beacon Artist Union) is a platform for members/artists to grow, present and market their work and collaborative curatorial projects, while hosting events of related disciplines: performances, talks, film and music. BAU builds a vital link between the activities at bau and the community. Special for Second Saturday: In the Main Gallery, Michael X. Rose's latest oil paintings, grappling with mortality and nature and their relationship to man's place in the world.
In the Beacon Room, the larger-than-life works of Richard Deon, paintings, banners, prints, and sculptures that leave clues about far-fetched
stories, and illustrate a kind of social surrealism. Hours: Noon to 6 pm; reception from 6 pm to 9 pm
Don't forget to check out these two other Guides as well, as you mix and match dates and events for your weekend entertainment!
Remember back in March of 2015 when your favorite education-based waste management company, Zero to Go, launched a crowdfunding campaign via Kickstarter to raise $20,000 for their bike-powered food compost pickup project? Well, it was a huge success, and Zero to Go founder and Beacon resident Sarah Womer met her goal of $20,000 from 248 backers in just 18 days. We covered the food waste project here at A Little Beacon Blog, and made a food waste sundae to celebrate.
This Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 12 noon EST, Tin Shingle will interview Sarah during their Live Training Webinar TuneUp series to learn about how she did it, from her social media efforts to how she made her campaign video to one of the most critical aspects of a crowdfunding campaign: community support. This live webinar is free for anyone with a phone or computer to call or click into. If you have thought about starting a crowdfunding campaign, you will want to listen to this interview with Sarah to get inside of her head and learn from her experience. Click here to get the registration information.
Tin Shingle is a community-based training resource for small businesses using today's trends in getting the word out about their business using methods in PR, social media, SEO, newsletters, web design, and more. Sign up for their free newsletter to stay in the loop about best practices and great ideas you can use today in these areas. Listen to any of their classes, which are free to those with Tin Shingle memberships. Learn about a budget-friendly, buzz-building membership today.
PS: If you are reading this article after 2/10/16, you can find the recording of this webinar at www.tinshingle.com/classes.
Tin Shingle is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and we
thank you for supporting businesses that make this publication possible! Fun fact: Tin Shingle is co-run by A Little Beacon Blog's publisher, Katie, who is obsessed with small businesses.
Eddie the Lilac Lion poses for his #LibraryShelfie at the Howland Public Library's Shelfie Week on Instagram.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Sarah Blakeslee
If you're not already following the Howland Public Library's Instagram feed or subscribing to their newsletter, you are missing out on exciting action! The staff at Beacon's public library, the Howland Public Library, has been quite busy with upgrades and innovations. Just when we wanted to blog about their clever Food for Fines program, they went and completed the construction on their new automatic doors!
Food for Fines Program - Ends February 28th
In lieu of paying fines, the library kicked off a Food for Fines program that ran from January 1 - February 28th* (if you're reading this before then, there is still time to pay off those fines with creative ideas for local food pantries in Beacon). The library's new director, Amy Raff, experienced a successful variation of this program at her former library, focusing on toiletries for food pantries, as those can be overlooked when rummaging through cupboards for food. Socks are often the most needed by people who depend on food pantries and other charitable outlets.
As food pantries have been in the news a lot in Beacon, it has drawn attention to the senior community, a large proportion of those who use such programs. Not only do seniors need socks, they sometimes also need help for incontinence issues. Therefore, for my own fines for four overdue DVDs, my donation was absorbent underwear for women, and black and white socks. What did you donate?
*The Food for Fines Program was extended till the end of February due to upgrade-based library closures and national holidays that happened in February.
Easier to Use Computers and Rent DVDs
Announced just before 2016 started, the library unveiled new rules to make accessing their resources more time-friendly and less costly. The big changes are:
Overdue fines for DVDs are now 25 cents a day (instead of $1.00).
DVD series (with more than 2 DVDs) now circulate for 14 days (instead of 7 days).
Each item may now be renewed twice, if there is no hold on it (instead of once).
Use the computers if you owe less than $50 (instead of $10).
Now, don't go crazy with your lateness habits. Books, DVDs and other resources are in hot demand by other public libraries! Changes made to the computer-use rules will certainly help expand the types of work to be done on library computers, such as a bigger research project instead of quick email checking.
New Automatic Doors for Better Accessibility!
Taking a cue from Rite Aid's 2014 upgrade almost across the street, the Howland Public Library modernized with new automatic doors! The previous doors were very difficult to get through, especially if you were pushing a stroller, pulling a kid wagon, or using a wheelchair. And with the great programming at Beacon's library, the senior and kid communities are regulars! The entrance now has two rows of glass doors that slide open, providing a new source of natural light around the front desk area. According to the library, this accessibility upgrade was made possible, in part, by a construction grant from The New York State Department of Education/New York State Library.
Check out the Howland Public Library's new director, Amy Raff, demonstrate walking through the doors on the library's Instagram feed:
A video posted by Beacon Library (@beaconlibrary) on
Up Next: New Public Bathrooms!
As if the changes couldn't get any better - even the bathrooms are getting an upgrade! It's a real page-turner over there at the library as they keep us on our toes.
We are starting 2016 with a lot of awesomeness here at A Little Beacon Blog, so we want to give you a nice week-ending wrap-up in case you missed anything.
We just announced our new Kids Classes guide, which we continue to update DAILY, so make sure you keep checking back. If you know of a class we should include in our guide, let us know!
More classes added, such as Ice Skating, classes from Ballet Arts Studio, and programs from Common Ground Farm. By popular demand, we also added more categories such as Nature & Outdoors, Theater, and Private Lessons.
We have new class announcements for adults too. All Sport Health & Fitness has a new EPOC class starting next Thursday at 9:15 am. Also sign up for their Buddy Boot Camp on February 13th if you and your partner want to skip the Valentine's Day candy.
That's right, Valentine's Day is next week! Our friends at River Therapeutic Massage are offering a sweet "RTM Valentine LOVE!" massage package for the month of February.
While we're talking about Valentine's Day, when planning your night out don't forget to check out our Restaurant Guide, which has also been updated with who is open and what is coming soon in 2016.
Living in Beacon has spoiled me - spoiled me into expecting loads of creative and enriching classes for kids in any town that I am visiting. There are two issues with this:
How would I know where to find all of these classes?
As a person who lives here, I see whizzes of great classes that people post all over Facebook, but what were they again? And how could everyone in the whole world see those single posts?
And so A Little Beacon Blog's Things To Do In Beacon Guides were created - to showcase all of these things that people can do in a dedicated Guide, where readers can find all of these choices in one place, in an easy-to-scan list of phone numbers, addresses, and links available with the tap of a finger or click of the mouse, with local, insider information about them when available, and updated as new options become available.
The Kids Classes Guide was two years in the making because it is just so big! And the wave of new classes being offered happens a few times a year. We are currently in one of those waves - in early February, Winter Sessions start for most programs, from art to yoga to swimming - making this a perfect time to launch the Kids Classes Guide to help families in Beacon and neighboring towns figure out which programs to hook their kids into.
Because, after all - just around the corner is Summer! And the Summer Day Camp Guide! Updates to that are under way now. For now, dive into the Kids Classes Guide to see which Little Dragon Karate program on Main Street Beacon or Snapology program at the Fishkill Rec Center you can plan for your family!
When you wake up on a Saturday, or any day of the week here in the Hudson Valley, do you think: "There is so much to do today! Where should I start!?" Us too! That's why we produced specialty Guides for you to filter your life in and around Beacon, NY. With so many creative minds creating so many events, shops, dining experiences, and specialty services, you can turn to A Little Beacon Blog for a local life more organized.
PS: If you are a business wanting to advertise in these Guides, please click here.
Locomotive Crossfit is an intense gym for people who like to move - a lot. Their programming is based on classes that work with equipment that has been specially designed to function as an extension of the body, making use of the body's own strength. Classes include mobility training, gymnastics, Olympic weight lifting, nutrition coaching, and more.
The HVF Training Camp is a four-week training cycle which challenges members in athletic-style fitness programs. The scalability of the camp workouts allows for participation by beginners and advanced exercisers. Every month a new four week training cycle begins. Members that participate in camp from month to month are able to push themselves further in each new camp.
Beacon Pilates is focused on your core, and the first step in that is to evaluate your body. They offer sessions to do just that before placing you into classes. You can also find a Beacon Pilates outpost at AllSport Fishkill, in addition to their Beacon location conveniently located on Main Street.
Tara Gregorio Pilates & Wellness
3590 Rt 9, Ste 205, Cold Spring, NY
(845) 809-5995
Offering Contemporary Pilates Privates & Semi-Privates on the STOTT PILATES equipment, as well as, yoga private & group classes. Tara makes her home in Cold Spring, New York. She accepts clients in her studio for fitness, injury rehabilitation, and herbal consultations.
Wellness professionals chosen based on their coaching in the areas of food and ways of living.
You may have seen or read her book, Essential Nourishment, or you may have taken one of her many classes that teach the ways of finding nourishment in forbidden foods like cupcake frosting. From workshops that get you eating right without dieting to wellness retreats to her farm in Estonia, a gift certificate here could be a game-changer.
Jennifer Clair created Home Cooking New York (HCNY) in May 2002 after years of writing cookbooks, recipes, and a Food Editorial position at Martha Stewart Living. The opportunity to come together with eager culinary students in a kitchen classroom seemed like the next logical step. HCNY’s classes are taught out of Homespun @ Home on 259 Main Street in Beacon. Classes range from basic cooking techniques (Six Basic Cooking Techniques, 20 Minute Meals) to cuisine-focused favorites (Understanding Thai Food, French Bistro). Each 2 ½ hour class is centered around the preparation of a complete meal and culminates in a full sit-down dinner to enjoy in the intimacy of your home or surrounded by your fellow students.
A wellness coach with a triple-threat to your happiness and weight loss management, Gina specializes in food and nutrition coaching, lifestyle guidance, and personal fitness training. Gina came into nutrition and yoga to deal with an auto-immune disease that happened to her, and found it more satisfactory than medication. She also specializes in helping moms figure out how to get back on track with fitness, lose the "mummy-tummy", and stay healthy and happy.
Ashley Lederer is a dietitian and food policy consultant with expertise in chronic disease management, healthy food program and policy development, research and evaluation. Ashley was formerly a Senior Adviser within the New York City Health Department’s Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Tobacco Control, where she worked on innovative policies and programs to improve access to healthy foods. She played a key role in the development of groundbreaking nutrition standards implemented in 12 New York City public agencies, impacting over 260 million meals and snacks served each year.
Located in the heart of Beacon, Shambhala Yoga Center features great teachers, several of whom are rooted in dance, all of whom are passionate about yoga and its many forms and the benefits it gives to the body. You'll find yoga classes focused on beginners, strengthening, elegant movement, and more. Check Shambhala's schedule for times and types of yoga classes.
A donation-based yoga center dedicated to the development of personal yoga and meditation that has partnered up with Center 4 Creative Education. Includes drum meditation and dance classes, as well as salsa and line dancing! Check the Beacon schedule to see what fits your fancy.
It's finally happening...the Adults and Kids Classes Guides at A Little Beacon Blog. This is a collection of classes that people living in and around Beacon really want to know about. These Guides will be a part of A Little Beacon Blog's Things To Do In Beacon Guides, and will be maintained and promoted throughout the year.
There are many ways to participate:
1. If you are teaching a class, please submit your information to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com. Those added will be added at a Basic level to a related category (like LANGUAGE, or PAINTING).
2. If you teach and you want your listing to stand out and get into our social media streams, you can start an advertising subscription as a Featured Business, details are in the Advertising Package which you can download here. Please note, you do not need to do this in order to be included at a Basic level in the Adult and Kids Classes Guides. This is for if you want to step it up a notch.
3. If you work for a business or corporation who supports the arts and community events, we are working with sponsors of single Guides or of all of the Things To Do In Beacon Guides, which includes Restaurants, Classes, Shopping, Beauty, etc. This major sponsor level helps us maintain and promote these Guides which helps smaller businesses and artists get the word out. To get your logo on the flyer and to be part of the initial launch of these highly anticipated Classes Guides, please email katie@alittlebeaconblog.com
Look for it soon! We are adding classes on a daily basis and perfecting how we want you to see it.
Pedicures are normally associated with summer and flip-flops.
Less-discussed is the often chronic, mostly silent problem of ingrown
nails that can make one shudder at the thought of putting on socks and
placing a sensitive toe into a well-padded, waterproof boot. Keeping
toes pretty for padding around a cold kitchen floor or just vacuumed
carpet doesn't make it into winter issues of fashion magazines.
We know from A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide that there are several options for getting your toes done around town. But if you want a pedicure right now this instant, even if it is in the middle of snowstorm Jonas (note: a snowstorm that simply gave Beacon an inch or two), then you want to walk to the pedicure place and avoid brushing off your car, driving, parking, and repeating.
This storefront has housed a nail salon for years. Currently managed by a husband-and-wife team, a mani-pedi is at your fingertips - pun intended. If you see a sign on the door that says something like: "We're here... call this number and we will be right there," you can believe it. Living upstairs, the managers will come down to help you right away.
While the appearance of the shop may be ready for an upgrade, the actual experience of the pedicure hits all of the important pressure points. Warm, bubbly water, ingrowns carefully removed, a scrub rub applied, all finished with a leg massage. Plus, they offer a 10-minute chair massage stool for anyone in need of a quick neck and shoulder rub.
For those who enjoy fast fashion, and need to quickly pick up a pair of Hello Kitty ear muffs, you will also find a retail selection in the front of Lilium Spa Nails. Anyone who has spent much time in New York City will recognize the tabletop spread of cellophane-wrapped scarves, gloves, and hats. During the research for this article at Lilium, a trio of moms with double-wide strollers popped in, in need of a fresh pair of gloves while traveling.
Did you know that we have a real, live, former cast member from Broadway's "The Phantom of the Opera" living in our town of Beacon? It's true: Kelly Ellenwood played the role of Carlotta Giudicelli in "The Phantom of the Opera" from 1994 to 1998. She also played Mrs. Fezziwig in the Madison Square Garden production of “A Christmas Carol” from 2000 to 2003. This four-year span was during the final years of its ten-year run in the theater at Madison Square Garden. One of the performances from this time is preserved in the Lincoln Center Archive. Frank Langella, stage and screen star, performed the role of Scrooge that year.
Kelly has kept up with the arts in Beacon, becoming involved in various community projects. She is currently Vice President of BeaconArts, as well as a Founding Member and Director Emeritus of the Wee Play Project, which has raised over $100,000 to build the toddler park in Beacon (we covered it here when they secured a playground upgrade). She is also involved with the Beacon Arts and Education Foundation (BAEF) which has raised $80,000 since its inception in 2004, and is currently an adjunct Professor of Voice at SUNY New Paltz.
Carlotta (played by Kelly Ellenwood) in The Phantom of the Opera.
You have most likely seen Kelly around town at the annual lighting of the Bicycle Christmas Tree produced by BeaconArts, or presenting at Board of Education meetings on behalf of the high school theater initiatives with The Beacon Players. Most recently, you may have read about Kelly in The Philipstown Paper in a preview of the Beacon Music Factory's 3rd Annual New Year's Day concert. At that event, Kelly and the Beacon Music Factory All Stars band performed Linda Ronstadt's 1974 album, "Heart Like a Wheel."
Being that most people know Kelly in her current roles, we are dedicating this #TBT, Throwback Thursday, to her career in opera and community service, which helped us learn even more about what makes her tick:
Did you stop singing operatic style?
Not really... I just don’t delve into the extremes anymore. I used to get paid pretty well (and regularly, LOL!) for what is known literally as “the money notes.” I’m aging and I simply don’t have the same ease of access to that part of my range, and frankly, it is a lot of work to maintain. But I make up for it in other ways! :) Age and experience do have their advantages.
Where can you be found singing now?
What is so great about Beacon is that there are plenty of opportunities to collaborate. I’m working on a concert concept with my dear friend and colleague Irina Mozyleva and another fabulous Beacon musician (and mom), singer-songwriter Carla Springer; and I’m even starting a new band! Not quite ready to announce yet, but stay tuned. All you need to know is that I bought an accordion yesterday.
I’m also asked to sing regularly at SUNY New Paltz where I’m on faculty, and you never know, Madera Vox may make a comeback. [Editor's note: The quintet featured Kelly on voice, and others on oboe, bassoon, piano and percussion.] I’m definitely not doing too much theatre these days, and I’m definitely not auditioning, although I do still get calls fairly often. If the project is right, I will make time in my schedule to work in the city, at a regional theatre or do a special concert out of town. And I’ve been known to sing the national anthem from time to time at big sporting events. [Editor's note: How many people can say that?!]
Are your children following in your footsteps?
Both my girls love to sing and are innately good musicians. We have been doing some trio work together recently, which has been really fun and gratifying. Since you asked, Rowan is one of two children at her school asked to participate in the All County Chorus Weekend, coming up at the end of February. That will be a great experience for her. And we just found out a couple of days ago that Rhiannon will be playing the title role in the Beacon (HS) Players production of PETER PAN. The show dates are April 8, 9, 10 and you should buy your tickets NOW! It’s going to be just great. They are even bringing in “Flying by Foy” so the kids will be actually flying. It’s pretty extraordinary. So glad that there is a strong drama program at the high school. So yes, I guess they are “following,” although they both made these opportunities happen all on their own. #proudmama
What was your first foray into contributing your time and creative energy to Beacon on a volunteer or community level?
I guess it would have to be my seven-year stint fundraising for and building the Wee Play Tot Park. I am thrilled that the organization has grown and continues to do so much good in our community. I like to think that the playground was a catalyst for much of the growth we are experiencing now in this town. I remember moving here in 2003, and not knowing where to find other mothers with young kids. We built a network, and that network continues to drive change and bring people together, as well as attract new residents. It makes me super proud.
What community and/or public school initiatives are you currently working on that you want to share with us today?
Well, I am super active in BeaconArts as a board member. If I’m re-elected at the end of this month - our Annual Meeting is January 27 - it will be my last term. I’m looking forward to implementing our strategic plan, and further stabilizing the organization as it heads into its 15th year.
I’m also active with the Beacon Arts and Education Foundation (BAEF) as the BeaconArts Board liaison. BAEF is a sponsored project of BeaconArts. As a parent, I’m fairly active at both of my kids’ schools, although I recently made a personal pledge to be MUCH more active at the high school - there is so much positive stuff that happens that gets overshadowed by the less positive.
PS: We could use help with the BHS PTSO West Point fundraisers! The Beacon High School PTSO works concessions at West Point sports events, including football games, and raises a pretty decent amount of cash for the organization to give away as scholarships, teacher grants, etc. You have to be 16 and have an ID to work. The Beacon High School PTSO has a Facebook page if you want to find out more.
Carlotta and her understudies in the touring company for "Phantom of the Opera." This photo was taken on one of their last days on the road, in Denver.
Can You Spot Kelly In This Video?
To add to our Throwback Thursday, here is a video with Tim Curry as Scrooge during the 75th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in which Kelly gets a little facetime in costume from her days of performing in MSG’s Christmas Carol. It was right after 9/11, and Kelly says about that day: “I remember the feeling very well. The temperature was quite warm, not cold at all as we breezed down Broadway. Intense memories!”
You may be a new family in town, or a family who moved to Beacon a few years ago, and now your child is almost 4, and is ready for Beacon's Universal Pre-K Program! And if you do not have kids, or your kids are grown but you have neighbors who do not know about Beacon's Pre-K option yet, pass along this article to them because the time to register is now. After registration, acceptance letters go out at the end of July, according to a flyer from the Beacon City School District (BCSD). (By July, BCSD will know its guaranteed funding from New York state.)
Meet Gail the Registrar with Paperwork Neatly Stacked
Your child must be 4 years of age by December 1, 2016. You will need:
Registration Packet from the Beacon City School District (BCSD). Click here for the links to download and print the packet and handbook (scroll all the way to the bottom) and follow all directions. Note: If you are a mother who is married and did not change her last name, Gail may ask for your marriage license. This item is not included in the 2016 Packet that you are printing out, but it may come up during your appointment. There are other notes in that packet for different parenting situations, including unmarried parents of the child being registered who live together, so do read it carefully so that you have everything that the Registrar is asking for.
Two Proofs of Residency. The parent or legal guardian of the child needs to reside in Beacon.
Birth Certificate. Child's original birth certificate
Proof of Immunization
Call Mrs. Gail Morgan to set up your appointment at (845) 838-6900, extension 2002.
Program Times, Snacks and Busing
You can select between two sessions: Morning (8:40am-11:10am) or Afternoon (12:40pm-3:10pm). Busing is available to children who live at least 1.5 miles away from their school. Breakfast or lunch are offered for a fee, or your child may be eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. Buying lunch at school is as slick as it is for college students who have meal plan cards. Your child is assigned an ID number, and you can refill their meal plans online.
Limited Seats
There are a limited number of seats available for kids in each of Beacon's four elementary schools:
J.V. Forrestal, Glenham, South Avenue, and Sargent. You are assigned to whichever school you live in the zone for. However, if capacity is reached in your child's "home school," as it is known by the district, then the next closest school with an available opening will be offered to your child for placement.
Satellite Schools Offering Universal Pre-K
There are several very good, privately owned Pre-K programs in Beacon for kids ages 3-5. A Little Beacon Blog will be producing a Guide that showcases these schools so that you have them all in one place. Private programs do have the option to offer Beacon's Universal Pre-K from within their walls, should your child already attend that child care center or preschool and you'd like a price break. In order to do so, schools must apply to the program, and "meet or exceed" standards. Not all private programs apply to Universal Pre-K, as they would need to meet certain requirements or jump through a lot of hoops to be accepted.
For the 2016-2017 year, two such programs are offering Universal Pre-K for their 4-year-old programs: Rose Hill Manor Day School and Cedar Street Day Care. If you are already attending either of those schools, do let your administrators know of your desire to be a part of the program at their facilities. Keep in mind, that there are limited seats for Universal Pre-K in the private satellite programs, and approval of participation at the state level of those facilities can always delay or change plans. Please note that each year is different in terms of which daycares offer it, and how many slots they get.
Feb. 8: BIG NEWS! The New Winter Session Starts for Kids' and Adults' Classes/Programs
That
means that the time is approaching to sign up for youth and adult programs, including
Swimming Lessons, the Soccer Clinic, Toddler Time, Boxing for Kids,
Gymnastics, and many more classes offered on different days and
times. Adult programs include Small
Group Training opportunities, Boxing for Adults, Racquetball, and more. Details are included here.
SPECIAL! Feb. 3: Michael Jackson-Themed Cycle Class, 9:15am: Get spinning to tunes from the King of Pop! All Sport spin classes provide you with great music and an instructor that will motivate you as you spin your wheels!
SPECIAL! Feb. 13: Buddy Boot Camp, 9:30am-10:30am: Share the love, bring a friend and work out together. This buddy boot camp will partner you up to complete exercises in pairs. If heart-shaped candies existed for exercise, they would say, "I love squats" or "Be my workout buddy" or "This rep is for you." Happy Valentine's Day!
Next Holiday School's Out Camp for Kids: Monday, Feb. 15
Tiaras these days are typically worn by brides. But really, let's be honest, Downton Abbey has inspired an upgrade to the traditional headband for us in current times. This is most pertinent on Sunday nights when watching the final season (weep) of the multi-award-winning show, while drinking a glass of champagne preferably set upon a silver tray (but any old coaster will do). Hot Tip for you: Conveniently on Sundays, Artisan Wine at 180 Main Street offers 15% off of champagne...
The big question is, where can you find a tiara for your nights of watching Downton Abbey? Turns out, there are a handful of tiaras on Beacon's Main Street right now. Seven to be precise. But just like the shrinking aristocratic class, these tiaras are mainly one-of-a-kind in each shop, so hurry in. I walked my way through A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide, and here is what is available right now:
Play, located at 167 Main Street near some of your favorite art galleries and the restaurant The Pandorica, is a trusty option for having just about everything. Currently, they have this heart-shaped, rhinestone-studded tiara for $24. You will need to ask the clerk in the store about where to find the tiara, as the location of this one tiara may move around. Play has recently flipped the front of their store to feature more of their jewelry and less of the mini-stickers and candy.
Two different shops on Main Street recommended I try the After Eden Gallery, located at 453 Main Street, the antique shop on the east end of town located near Brother's Trattoria. Sure enough, this gallery too had one rhinestone-studded tiara for $19, surrounded by a lot of other bling. Shop owner Donna was sure to mention: "Every woman needs a tiara." Indeed!
Lorraine Tynne, one of the queens of bridal and bling at many different price-points, was sure to deliver on a tiara. Two, in fact, that could work perfectly with your champagne and remote control. These tiaras (pictured above and below) from their 2016 collection are $125. Do check out the rest of their website for a fabulous selection of designer headpieces.
American Gypsy Vintage, at 263 Main Street next to Audioccult and across the street from Max's on Main, has this leaf-patterned hair accessory that is similar in theme to the one Lady Mary wore to her first wedding. As you can see, this tiara is $5, and it is the only one in the shop.
Season 2 of Downton Abbey takes place during a pivotal time in the world's history - 1916 - 1922, which included the Battle of the Somme in 1916, the Battle of Amiens and the Armistice in 1918, the Russian Revolution and the Spanish flu epidemic. Tiaras become less important to the family at Downton, but are still worn. The era of the flapper style begins, bringing with it the popularity of a flat tiara. Reservoir and Wood, located at 460 Main Street, had these handcrafted "collar" necklaces from local artist Marisa Lomonaco for $650. One of these could work as a tiara if you secured it with bobby-pins or clips and sat very still.
Echo had a few headbands for $34, with stretchy bling, similar to what you might find at Anthropologie. The nice thing about these headpieces is that you could wear them to other events too, not just to your dining room table while watching Downton Abbey.
Share with us please, if you are watching Downton Abbey in any one of these tiaras, or one you already had at home! Even if it is your 5-year-old's!
Cheers :)
NOTE: We were unable to check Nella's Bellas on the west end of town,
who usually has a delightful selection of bling, or Lady Gray Bridal, in
the center of town.
Something has been brewing in Beacon for quite some time, and it is all coming to a head now. The escalating situation - discussed among parents, teachers, and district administrators over several years - has now caught the attention of regional media after a parent (who is also a lawyer) filed a petition asking that the board remove Beacon's current superintendent.
[UPDATE] 1/22/16: After a Special Board of Education meeting was called on 1/21/16, Dr. Walkley handed in her resignation. A statement was given by the board via press release stating that they "accepted, with regret" her resignation and that they appreciated her work for the students of the Beacon City School District over the course of different periods where she served in interim positions. The Board of Education has appointed Deputy Superintendent Ann Marie Quartironi to serve as Interim Superintendent as the Board considers their options for hiring the next Superintendent of Schools.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING CANCELED
A regularly scheduled Board of Education (BOE) Meeting on January 11, 2016, was canceled when only three of the nine board members showed up, not enough to qualify as a quorum as required to make decisions on agenda items. This happened the same day an article was published in the Poughkeepsie Journal highlighting the above-mentioned petition, which was filed on December 1, 2015. Dr. Barbara Walkley, Beacon's current superintendent, was initially present at the meeting. The meeting was canceled after the remainder of the board members did not arrive, as seen in this Twitter video by Nina Schutzman, who wrote the article highlighting the petition. Schutzman is an investigative reporter at the Poughkeepsie Journal who often covers Board of Education meetings in other districts, and also live-tweets them, which means that she gives play-by-plays of what is being said in an event on Twitter. Should you need to follow other meetings or court hearings, check out her twitter.
While the BOE meeting was canceled, most in attendance stayed. This included some Beacon City School District staff, parents, teachers, state Senator Terry Gipson, and others. More than 370 people were in the Seeger Theatre at Beacon High School, the setting for these meetings. The security staff, who usually have a mellow night of greeting people and pointing to which door they should walk through, had a very active evening as more and more people showed up. There was one outbreak of an almost-fight between two or three very grown men, with several other men intervening, a few flipping of birds, and then disbanding.
Parents and other concerned parties delivered speeches and remarks as planned until 8pm, at which point the meeting ended. Normally these speeches would have taken place during the official "Public Session" portion of the evening, which is when members of the public can sign up to present a one-sided comment, question, praise or grievance. After a Public Session, the Board offers a one-sided response to the comment. Sometimes, the comments make it into the official minutes, but to be fully informed, it's best to watch the Board of Education meeting videos. (Between keeping up on those as well as recordings of the City of Beacon Planning Board and City Council meetings, it's not clear when we'll get back to binge-watching regular Netflix or Amazon shows.)
Three people also announced their candidacy for trustee seats on the Board of Education, including Meredith Heuer, the Chair of Beacon Arts and Education Foundation (BAEF), an organization that since 2004 has existed solely to raise money for Beacon City Schools through different initiatives including the Calico Ball, and pursuing grants, and is credited with buying new musical instruments for students among other improvements for the schools. Over the years, BAEF has raised a total of $80,000 for the Beacon City School District.
Antony Tseng, a director of the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps, also announced he was running. The third candidate, Michael Rutkoske, is the husband of the filer of the above-mentioned petition, and also announced his candidacy for a seat on the board.
NEXT STEPS
A Special BOE Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 14, at 8:30pm. According to Kelly Pologe, Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Superintendent and Clerk of the Board: "The meeting is open to the public but the board will immediately adjourn to Executive Session to review the employment history of a particular person. The Executive Session is not open to the public. The Board is not expected to take action after Executive Session. The meeting agenda is posted on Board Docs, which is located under the Board of Education section of the school district website."
UPDATE [1/15/16]: The January 14th Special Board of Education Meeting was held and attended by parents, staff and community members. Most attendees held signs of protest silently in the audience. During a comment session in front of the public before the adjournment, a few board members implied that they did not know that their absence would affect the quorum requirement, because of the amount of others who were also not able to attend. The full audio for this can be heard in a Poughkeepsie Journal article dated January 14th, 2016.
The next regularly scheduled BOE meeting is on Monday, January 25, with "the anticipated return to Public Session at 7:45 P.M. or sooner," as stated on the Beacon City Schools' website.
A BRIEF BACKGROUND:
Issues have been mounting over the years to bring the district to this point. Here is a brief background to help give recent events some context.
TEACHER TRANSFERS
The Beacon City School District is enduring one of its toughest years as it entered a new era of "Focus Lists," involved parents, modern administration systems and pleas for increased communication. Last year, 27 teachers were "transferred" to other schools within this district. Beacon has six schools - high school, middle school, and four elementary schools. Teachers were informed of the transfers by Dr. Walkley in a group setting, which did not go over well during that meeting, or outside in the community.
When Dr. Walkley was delivering the news to the teaching staff, she could tell it was not going over well. I spoke with Dr. Walkley in August of 2015, and I asked her about the transfers. She reflected: "Here's my
learning: There is a paradigm that people get transferred
because they are not good at what they do. I didn't know about that
paradigm. That some people would think they were being moved out of
punishment, or that they weren't good. I was completely surprised about
the reaction because that is not my paradigm. I did not anticipate that.
Even by saying that the reasons were for a strength, I could tell that
the teachers did not understand what I was saying to them. I invited
people to come and meet with me one on one. I love the process of
working with teachers and students. It was never my intention to hurt
people."
That invitation for a personal sit-down with the superintendent was
written into contract by the teachers' union during that meeting. As for
reasons for a teacher transfer, Dr. Walkley points out that districts
can transfer staff for many different reasons, including matters of
enrollment. For instance, if one year there are 50 students in a class that
had two teachers, and the next year there are 25 students in that class, then
only one teacher is needed. That example did happen in this school year, yet no
teacher lost their job. Instead, a transfer was possible. "Not
one teacher lost a job," Dr. Walkley confirmed. "Sometimes teachers
request a transfer within their level of certification, to try a
different grade level for instance, or a different building, in order to spark
them."
BEACON AND "THE FOCUS LIST"
It is a surprise to many who do not regularly keep up with school district issues, that Beacon is on what is called a "Focus List." A district does not get added to the list for being awesome. Instead, it is added to the list for meeting certain indicators that point to troubling issues, such as a low graduation rate. A tough climb is involved with bringing a school off the list. During our summer interview, Dr. Walkley called being on the Focus List a "slippery slope." More about why she calls it that is in the section below. Beacon's schools are among 496 in New York to be put on this Focus List. The job of the
district then becomes to design and present plans to the state to show how
they are going to improve, earning their way off the list. Cue the paperwork
and Excel spreadsheets.
IF YOU WANT TO NERD OUT ABOUT THE FOCUS LIST...
Taking a crash course in the Focus List involves a quiet room with a lot of coffee and several browser windows open on your computer in order to follow acronyms and changing rules at the federal and state levels. Advocates for Beacon Schools have a pretty good breakdown of what it means to be on a Focus List on their website.
As part of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), a Bush administration law that started at the federal level, and
trickled down to the state and district levels in unexpected ways, demands were placed on student performance. In 2012, the Obama Administration
tried to fix NCLB by making a No Child Left Behind Waiver, which judged districts based on students' progress rather than their performance.
In
2012, the waiver put schools on lists to be identified as Priority,
Focus, and Reward schools depending on test results. Schools within the Beacon City School
District were put on the Focus List. This designation means that a school meets certain criteria from the State Education Department Memo, which has been republished here on ChalkBeat.org:
"Identified as a result of their low performance and lack of progress
in ELA (English Language Arts) and math combined[,] or graduation rates for
one or more accountability groups (racial/ethnic groups, low-income
students, English language learners, and students with disabilities).
Districts could also be identified as Focus if one or more Priority
Schools were identified within the district."
Beacon's high school and middle school were on the Focus List, and one
elementary school, Sargent, is currently on the LAP (Local
Assistant Plan) List. The middle school was eligible to come off the
Focus List in 2014. Instead of the Focus List, the middle school got
moved to the LAP List. According to Dr. Walkley, "If new schools or
schools that came off the Focus List fell into the Focus School range
based on performance, the school would be identified as a LAP school.
This means that instead of state-supported reviews, the school review
would be conducted at the local level and assistance would come from the
local BOCES." BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services) were created in 1948 by the New York state legislature to partner with districts to provide a
broad range of services that help meet the evolving educational needs
of students.
To get off of the lists, a school needs to test 95% of its students. Three factors need to be met in order to get off the list:
Student Performance
95% of Students Tested
Graduation Targets Met at the High School
Last year, there was an uproar for an opt-out movement among parents in Beacon, as well as in the entire country, to opt out of testing that began in 2002 when President Bush signed No Child Left Behind. Testing starts for students in third grade. Because of the high stakes involved, which include teacher evaluations and these Focus List measurements, some say that too much stress is put on the child. Many parents in Beacon wanted their child to opt out. However, Dr. Walkley enforced what she thought was law to have the child opt themselves out, despite having a note from parents. Months later, while speaking to parents during a Forum, which is a session that she initiated in order to have conversations with parents days after a more structured Board Meeting, Dr. Walkley was open to finding better answers to address the next round of testing.
THE SLIPPERY SLOPE
During a summer 2015 Board Meeting, Dr. Walkley alluded to Beacon being on a "slippery slope." Hearing that as a citizen did not sound good, so I followed up with Dr. Walkley by email with that question - "What does it mean to be on a slippery slope?" The response I received was an invitation to have a chat with her in her office, to better understand this big question. Happy to oblige and learn one on one, I left with quite a lot of information.
Rather than put it into my own words, I will let you read how Dr. Walkley described it to me. This portion of our interview has been transcribed:
"We have a lot of targets to juggle. Not only do we have to have certain targets for [each grade level], we have targets by the district, by each school, and then we have targets for subgroups. Subgroups are made up of groups based on ethnicity, poverty, etc. Every district has different subgroups based upon their population.
"If we have a subgroup that [contains] a certain number of students, there are targets set for them as well. They include groups such as students with disabilities, students of poverty, and then certain ethnic groups. So we have to monitor those targets as well. So you’ve got your balls up in the air.
"One year, we may do really well with certain groups, and these other groups we need to work on. The tendency is to say ‘OK, let’s put all of our time over here.’ But guess what? We still need to monitor [another] group because their targets changed! The targets change! They get higher and higher. You can’t really rest on your laurels at all. That is The Slippery Slope, is managing all of the different targets that we have because what we want to do is accelerate This, but we have to do That while also working over Here."
I interjected her description with my own declaration: "You love numbers!" to which she answered, "Not necessarily. But I do have to work with them." Dr. Walkley later added: "The other reason that I talk about things that are boring, is that the state requires me to do so."
Back to the answer of The Slippery Slope:
"It is a slippery slope because it is so hard to manage. It’s hard to keep all of the balls up in the air. What you want to do is put all of your attention over here, but you can’t. Every district has these targets, regardless of presence on a Focus List or not.
"When you get to the point where you get to a target, and your performance is 20 or 30 points ahead of your target, you have a cushion there. When you are only a point or two away, that’s The Slippery Slope because it’s easy to digress and lose those few points. That’s why the state wants you to test 95% of your students. When you have a smaller population, it is statistically harder to maintain that target with a smaller population, than when we had a larger population.
"[Add to this, challenge:] If I miss a target one year by 5 points, they may change the target, and now we are off by even more. It doesn’t even make sense. It is a moving target.
"The gap, if you’re not attentive to every measure that you have, the gap can easily get wider and wider. When it gets so wide…to make up 5 to 10 points is a big challenge. You don’t normally see schools increase by 10 points. Sometimes you do, but it’s usually a smaller increment. If that target gets too far away from you, you’re never catching the train. It’s always ahead of you, and you can’t catch up. And then you don’t test everybody, and it changes your population.
"We have to work together as a community. We have to decide. Right now there are a lot of ethical things that are going on with politics, state funding, schools - to have public schools or charter schools - there are just a lot of agendas out there. As a community, we need to decide where we want to be in this.
"I am not saying that you need to be here or there. But let’s understand the choices that we make. Usually with any choice that we make, there are consequences. Knowing that, let’s make a choice and go forward."
BEACON AND EIGHT SUPERINTENDENTS IN EIGHT YEARS
During the start of the Focus List era, the Beacon City
School District was going through a chronic case of superintendent
turnover, with what was to be eight different superintendents in eight
years, two of whom were paid money upon resignation,
to the tune of “$183,000, not counting the cost of benefits, to buy out
the contracts of the last two ‘permanent’ superintendents, neither of
whom served for more than one school year,” according to documents the Poughkeepsie Journal obtained in a Freedom of Information Act request.
From
a logistics standpoint, if you work for a business that has a different
CEO every year, or a different manager every year, with changing board
members from time to time, you can predict what would happen: a
lot of confusion and lack of accountability. Beacon's current
superintendent is in her second year, and she had served as interim assistant superintendent in Beacon in years prior.
TEACHERS, COMMUNITY & COMMUNICATION
What has remained consistent in the Beacon City School District are very
good teachers who make astounding class projects and achievements using the resources they have, as well as dedicated students. Take a look around you,
and many of the business owners you frequent in Beacon, as well as in cities north
and south of Beacon, are graduates of the Beacon City Schools and have made
great lives.
The people in this area seem to
take it upon themselves to both fix things and create anew. Merging that do-gooder
habit with state and federal laws that cause restrictions or make this complicated can be a balancing act. The Beacon City School District is in the thick of it right now. We will all be looking for information as events unfold, but what remains unchanged is the caring nature that our kids receive from teachers, nurses and administrators, as well as the experiences they bring home to us each night from their experiences in Beacon City Schools.
A companion article to this one will be published soon that showcases what it is like as a student of different ages in Beacon City Schools. When reading about the politics of school, it can cloud what it is really like inside of the schools, and the opportunities the students do have. As a newbie parent in the district, I was hesitant to leave the comfort of our childcare center, which is a private business that has less hoops to jump through. But I have been amazed at the progress of my child in Beacon's schools, and I know I am not the only one who thinks that.
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A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
