Latest Updates This Week In The Things To Do In Beacon Guides 5-15-16

Here's a quick list of what we added to ALBB this week so you can plan ahead this Spring.  As the weather gets warmer, there will be more and more fun things to do!

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• Niche Factory Sale: Set for Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12, offering amazing discounts - 50% to 80% off!

This date and more are in the Events Guide, organized by month. Take a look to get a big-picture view of your month ahead!

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• Reset & Renew Your Mindset with Kate Rabe: Learn to get more profit for your business at this half-day workshop held at the Holiday Inn Express in Fishkill on June 13th. 

Find direct links to this item and more in our Adult Classes Guide.

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• Compass Arts: New class dates added for June, including Mommy & Me classes
• Parent & Child Portrait Class with Maria Amor: New Art & Craft location added, Atelier Room 205 at the old Beacon High School. Classes begin in June for 3rd grade through 5th grade.

Find direct links to each of these items in our Kids Classes Guide.

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• ReMade: Added to our Shopping Guide. Located next to Clay Wood & Cotton at 133 Main St., Beacon, NY. 

Visit our Shopping Guide for a full listing of retail options that line Main Street and nearby.

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• The Vault: Visit our latest Restaurant Guide Sponsor, at 446 Main Street. 

You can always check our Restaurant Guide for the latest openings and promotions!

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• The Blushery: Our newest Beauty Guide sponsor. They are giving away 20 percent-off discount cards to be used toward your next spa service. Does it get better? Yes! Enter their contest to win a free spray tan! They're giving one away to someone who checks in at The Blushery with a picture on Instagram by tagging #theblushery #BlusheryBirthday.
• Twins Barber Shop is our latest addition to the Beauty Guide. Check them out at 349 Main Street.

Find more ways to pamper yourself in our full Beauty Guide. 

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Do you have a class or workshop you would like us to consider adding? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, or via email at editorial@alittlebeacon.com. 

May's Second Saturday Guide for Beacon Art Showings

 Second Saturday Happenings on May 14, 2016!

The BeaconArts Official Logo for Second Saturday.

"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 Spots to Eat and Drink (After 9pm): 
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.
Poppy's Burger and Fries 184 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: Community Free Day! Every three months, Dia:Beacon flings open its beautiful doors for Hudson Valley residents, offering a day of programming for all ages, including tours, talks, workshops, and performances. 

To kick off Dia day, there's a family-friendly program on sound, color, and environment led by an educator. The first of several half-hour "Dialogue Duets" pairs the work of artists Dan Flavin and Blinky Palermo. At 1pm, reconsider movement in and around art installations as you are guided through four artists' work. Pieces from visual artists Gerhard Richter and Fred Sandback are teamed up for the second duet. (If you were into last summer's yarnstravaganza, Sandback's work might tickle your fancy!) In the monthly Gallery Talk, learn about German Fluxus Joseph Beuys as explained by Rattanamol Johal, a curator/archivist/doctoral student. The final duet showcases perennial Dia faves Sol LeWitt and Robert Irwin. All this art thinking and walking can be taxing, so wind down with a tasting of 2-Way Brewing Co.'s brews. 

More details at Dia:Beacon.

Hours: 11 am to 6 pm

Art in the Sanctuary at St. Andrew's

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
15 South Ave.
Beacon, NY
Special for Second Saturday: This month's Art in the Sanctuary event features "Beauty in Everything and Everyone," paintings by Maria Amor. She is the artist and director of Atelier Room 205 in the old Beacon High School, where the Atelier hosts classes, workshops, and openings.
Hours: 5 pm to 7 pm

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THE WEST END

(Close to the train station)

Catalyst Gallery

Catalyst Gallery 
137 Main St.
Beacon, NY

(845) 204-3844

The intention of this artist-run space is to create an opportunity for individual artists or groups to show and sell work in a vibrant community that supports the arts.

Special for Second Saturday: Photographs by Susan Keiser and Scott Lerman. Keiser, who has been called "a storyteller, psychic, and poet," brings her "Flooded" series to Catalyst, exploring what water can reveal over time. Water is a frequent subject for Lerman as well; his photographs in this exhibit evoke droplet-based Spirograph works or even mandalas.
Hours: 1 pm to 6 pm; reception, 6 pm to 9 pm

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: "Still Life in the Spinning World - The Force Field of Morandi" opens, with work from four artists using ceramics, wood, photography, and mixed media to challenge a 20th-century artist's expression of "still life."
Hours: Opening reception, 6 pm to 8 pm

Marion Royael Gallery

Marion Royael Gallery
159 Main St.
Beacon, NY
Special for Second Saturday: Continuing this month is "VICTORYdotCONbackslashFUSE," described at the gallery's site as "finely executed visual perspectives..., woven together into a singularly connected Directed Migrating Installation." Painting, photography, sculpture, mixed-media, and jewelry are all represented in this show, which is set to run through July. Artists include Kathleen Erin Lee, Rick Hutchinson, Hy Suchman, Brian Edwards, Jens O Bille, Joe Zarra, Dave Dziemian, Mary Giehl, Barbara AG Riddle, Alexander Percy, Steven Paul Riddle, Ivan Suchman, and more.
Hours: Noon to 7 pm

Hudson Beach Glass

Hudson Beach Glass

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: Hudson Beach Gallery presents Caren Benzer's "Small Wonders." Subtle texture and vibrant colors are hallmarks of her style, developed while studying graphic design and textile design in Boston and Manhattan. Benzer works in oil, acrylic, and gouache. Head to Hudson Beach Glass and check out this show, and relish every time you get to say "gouache."
Hours: Opening reception, 6 pm to 9 pm
 

"Bear in Mind" at Clutter

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: The creative geniuses at Clutter have not one, but TWO shows opening this weekend! First up: "Bear in Mind" showcases nearly three dozen artists' reinterpretations of Luke Chueh's bear head. Chueh himself is set to attend, too! Take a gander at Instagram to see what the #bearinmindshow artists have been up to.
The second show opening tonight is a solo exhibition from Venezuelan Carlos Enriquez Gonzalez, "Shrunken Heads." The Venezuelan artist's work is described as surreal, yet we're pretty sure no actual shrunken heads were involved in the process. Since Gonzalez is scheduled to attend the opening, you could go and ask him yourself!
Hours: Opening reception 6 pm to 9 pm
 

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: "Spirit Dancing - The Art of Annette Jaret" incorporates photography, painting, and collage, channeling inspiration from trees as they pass through the seasons. Jaret, who designed jewelry for years, takes her work in a different direction with these meditations on trees and paper. 

Hours: Opening reception, 5 pm to 8 pm

Porkchop at Dream in Plastic

Dream in Plastic
177 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 632-3383
Special for Second Saturday: "Rise of the Mudmen," by artist Porkchop! "Butcher by day and illustrator by night, you will find him surrounded by piles of pens, sheets of paper, and inks made from juiced primordial creatures," the Facebook event description touts. There's only one way to find out more - go see for yourself what has risen from the ooze! (Don't quote us on this, but - in the past, DiP has been known to offer cupcakes and coffee at openings!)
Hours: 11 am to 7 pm; opening reception 6 pm to 9 pm

Signing at Berkshire Hathaway

Berkshire Hathaway 

179 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(646) 283-1604
Special for Second Saturday: Real estate office by day, fashion showroom by weekend! Look past the latest listings for this book signing and dress exhibit with Gretchen Hirsch, aka Gertie, creative genius and author of "Gertie's Ultimate Dress Book."
Hours: 6 pm to 9 pm
 


Beacon Institute for Rivers & Estuaries 

Beacon Institute

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"

Art With Miss Vickie
Rite Aid
320 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 831-5699

Special for Second Saturday: Rite Aid hosts "Make Art Out of..." with Miss Vickie! Come see Miss Vickie, who you might know from music lessons, Beacon's holiday festivities (her secret elf name is Tinsel), or maybe you've seen her around Main Street making sure it stays beautiful. See what creative treats she has in store for the kids at Rite Aid!

Hours: 3 pm to 4 pm

Beacon Soundworks

Beacon Soundworks
395 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 831-9000
Special for Second Saturday: A new venue for Second Saturday! Visit the recently opened Beacon Soundworks, near Teller Ave., the diner, and Beacon Pantry, to see the work of Scott Prater. Also known as ThroughGlassEyes, he explores landscapes both outdoors and in, often around the Hudson Valley and the broader reaches of the Northeast. His moody work is also up at The Vault, Newburgh Brewery, and Beacon Bagel.
Hours: Call for details!

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THE EAST END & BEYOND

(Close to the mountain)

The start of the East End of Main Street and beyond.

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: "Six Hits of Sunshine" is a solo exhibition of paintings and drawings by Gabe Brown. In these works, Brown explores facets of the natural world - leaf development, cell structure, birds, regeneration, water - and relationships with its residents, while always keeping in the foreground the wonder she experiences at this "parallel universe."

Hours: Opening reception, 6 pm to 9 pm

Morphicism Gallery

Morphicism
444 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-3092
Moveable art in frames - art you must see and experience.
Hours: Call first

  

At Blackbird Attic

Blackbird Attic Boutique
442 Main St.
Beacon, NY
(845) 440-6782
Special for Second Saturday: The earth is warming up around us and days have been stretching longer and longer... Come celebrate this exciting time of year with Jessica Nash, a Beacon resident, traveler, teacher, and mixed media artist, with her "Under the Glow: Light & Landscapes" at Blackbird Attic. Recent trips to Iceland and Germany, when sometimes just finding a bright spot of light was cause to rejoice, inspired these meditations on light and land. Nash works with oil and watercolors, but thin glazes atop the pigments lend an intriguing luminosity.
Hours: 11 am to 6 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 Center

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: The Howland Cultural Center marks Asian-American History month with this group show featuring more than a dozen Asian-American artists from around the Hudson Valley. Media represented include ceramics, painting, photography, and more. Pieces from artists working in China and Korea will be displayed as well.
Hours: 1 pm to 5 pm

At BAU Gallery

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: Bau 137! In the Main Gallery, Erica Leigh Caginalp, working in ceramics, and Carla Goldberg, with resins and mixed media, team up once again to present "Eventide," plumbing the depths of their work to present a complementary ocean-inspired show.
In the Beacon Room, Melissa Schlobohm's painstakingly produced woodblock prints feature larger-than-life scenes from the natural world. See birds and bones like you never have before, noticing new details by immersing yourself in the patterns.
Hours: Noon to 6 pm; reception from 6 pm to 9 pm

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BEACON near RT. 52

(Beacon's part of Rt. 52 that heads into or out of town.)

Atelier Room 205 
Studios at the Old Beacon High School
211 Fishkill Ave.
Beacon, NY
Second Saturday: Jump into the fray with "An Art War - Realist or Modernist?" when author and artist Michael Guilmet shares his thoughts on Modernism in the rear-view mirror. What more-recent names pop up that have parallels with artists working centuries ago? Guilmet will share the connections he has researched over the past five years.
Hours: 1 pm to 3:30 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!

Second Saturday Specials! 

• Style Storehouse:  6 Month Anniversary Sale - 20% off all denim, with more stock added to the 40% off Jewelry sale and the 50-75% off Sale racks.
• The Blushery: 1 Year Anniversary Sale with Brow Bar specials, giveaways and more!
• BAJA 328: Enjoy an $8 margarita honoring Second Saturday that features different fruits each month.
• The Vault: They mixed a special cocktail for Second Saturday called the Rosé Cocktail. Served over ice, it’s a French rose wine with pamplemousse. Yes, please.

This Weekend in Beacon: Dates Galore! The Newsletter Version

If you're not signed up to receive our free newsletter yet, then you haven't seen this yet - the quick, at-a-glance version of your plans this weekend. Take a look! Hello! Hope you're not superstitious with today being Friday the 13th - after all, it's still Friday, and we have some great events going on this weekend. For your scheduling pleasure, here is a quick summary of places and goings-on you may want to participate in over the weekend. These are weekend dates pulled from some of our nine Things To Do In Beacon Guides, so be sure to check them during the week also, to get ideas for what to do in the coming weeks! PS: Our Second Saturday Guide gets published on Saturday mornings to Facebook, so be there to be #2Sat!

Second Saturday Specials!  Style Storehouse: Six-Month Anniversary Sale - 20% off all denim, with more stock added to the 40% off Jewelry sale and the 50-75% off Sale racks. The Blushery: One-Year Anniversary Sale - Brow Bar specials, giveaways and more! BAJA 328: Enjoy an $8 margarita honoring Second Saturday that features different fruits each month. The Vault: They mixed a special cocktail for Second Saturday, called the Rosé Cocktail. Served over ice, it’s a French rosé wine with pamplemousse. Yes, please. "Racing To Save Lives" Cancer Fundraiser 5K & Mountain 10-Miler Day: Saturday, May 14, 2016 Time: 10-mile starts at 8:30 am, 5K starts at 9 am Location: Long Dock Park, 8 Long Dock Park, Beacon, NY Bija Beacon Homestead BBQ & Art Opening Day: Saturday, May 14, 2016 Time: Noon-3 pm Location: 869 Wolcott Ave., Beacon, NY Come On Beacon, Let's Dance! Day: Saturday May 14, 2016 Time: 8 pm (7:30 doors) Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Music About Art Day: Sunday, May 15, 2016 Time: 3 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center - 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Beacon Farmers Market Re-Opening Celebration Day: Sunday, May 15, 2016 Location: Beacon Waterfront, by the Metro-North Station For links to these events to get you directly there, visit this Annual & Upcoming Events Guide to see more details and other great events that are coming up!           New to this Guide! We have added a special Saturday and Sunday Section that lists what is available to you every weekend. This makes being out and about easy and with a purpose! Classic French Sauces With John Cumming of the International Culinary Center (SOLD OUT) Day: Friday, May 13, 2016  Time: 7 pm Location: Beacon Pantry, 382 Main St., Beacon, NY Breastfeeding Essentials Day: Friday, May 13, 2016 Time: 6 pm Location: Waddle n Swaddle, 484 Main St., Beacon, NY Aqua Zumba With Linda Thomas Day: Saturday: May 14, 2016 Time: 9:15-10 am Location: Beacon High School Pool, Education Drive, Beacon, NY Eat, Paint, Love, the studio on Main Street where you drink and paint near-ish to Rite Aid, is doing something new: "Paint At Your Own Risk" for Second Saturday. If you’re walking by, you can stop in and choose from a few different blank canvas sizes to paint — with no  artist on duty to help you! Take pictures please, and tag our Instagram. For links to these events to get you directly there, visit this Guide page. Classes are happening mid-week too! Get them on your calendar, like line dancing and knitting!  Keep checking back for regular updates to our Adult Classes Guide.          Rumberitos Spanish for Music and Play for Children up to 4 years old & a Caregiver A Mommy and Me Class Day: Friday, May 13 through June 17, 2016 Time: 9:45-10:30 am Location: Compass Arts, 395 Main St., Beacon, NY Panicking about where to go with your kids? Breath a sigh of relief when you scroll this comprehensive Kids Classes Guide that lists over 50 classes - organized by activity, day and time. You are sure to find something for everyone!         You’re going to want to try this at The Vault: Special for Second Saturday is a cocktail called the Rosé Cocktail. Served over ice, it’s a French rosé wine with pamplemousse (grapefruit liqueur), perfect to cool down your afternoon or early evening. Enjoy brunch at Barb's Butchery, where they are serving bread pudding, sausage and eggs - Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. If you have a hankering for cinnamon, Get Frosted Cupcakery now has cinnamon muffins, and cinnamon coffee cake. Oh, okay, they also have chocolate croissants! It’s finally hot! Enjoy an $8 margarita at BAJA 328 honoring Second Saturday that features different fruits each month. Our Restaurant Guide has all of your options - even eateries you didn't know about! Keep this Guide open on your phone, because phone numbers and websites are listed so that you can easily tap-to-call!                 The Blushery, located on the east end of town across from the Dummy Light, is having their popular Happy Brower Special (free lip wax with brow). They are giving away 20% off discount cards to be used toward your next spa service. Does it get better? Yes! Enter their contest to win a free spray tan - they're giving one away to someone who checks in at The Blushery with a picture on Instagram by tagging #theblushery #BlusheryBirthday. Top it all off with treats from The Chocolate Studio with prosecco and wine. Society of Lash Maybe you’ll be under the lash microscope this weekend, on the table getting your lashes done? River Therapeutic Massage  Or maybe you’ll be get a Mini-Spa treatment in Karen’s relaxing room. Or double-book Karen for a leg massage while on the table at Society of Lash! #planahead From the hairs on your head to the toes on your feet, there are many ways to pamper yourself and your pet in our Beauty Guide.           Celebrating Second Saturday and their six-month anniversary, Style Storehouse will be serving cocktails and playing great music. 20% off all denim, with more stock added to the 40% off Jewelry sale and the 50-75% off Sale racks. There will also be giveaways in honor of the store's anniversary.  Summer is coming and you want to smell divine. The Pfotoshop has one of the best collections of perfume cream - it looks just like lip gloss but is perfume for your skin! A little dab will do ya. All shops in Beacon are listed in this Shopping Guide, from Home Decor to Kids Fashion to Vintage and more. Keep it open on your phone as you're walking around shopping!           Weekend Reading & Dreaming Antalek & Moore Do you run a restaurant or eatery, and face insurance stresses? Antalek & Moore just blogged about important risks to think about that you could have coverage for, like if the power goes out and you have to pitch your food, or if you can’t open to get business. Give it a read - it’s food for thought as you shop around. They can shop and do much of the paperwork for you! All Sport Health & Fitness The pool is coming, the pool is coming! May 27 is Open Day for the Outdoor Park. If you haven’t seen it yet, think tiki bar, beer, and chicken nuggets. Summer: done. Poughkeepsie Nissan Who wants to go over the bridge to shop for a car? Take the scenic route up 9D and visit our friends at Poughkeepsie Nissan. They’ll take you on a beautiful test drive. Beacon Arts Did you book your spot yet for a tour around Bannerman to see Constellation? And did you invite your friends up for Beacon Open Studios? Tin Shingle Digging around trying to figure out how to get your own press or do your own social media? Tin Shingle has figured it out, and has lots of easily accessed articles to get you on your way to serious buzz-building for your business.   Be sure to check out the blog on Sunday to see what events have been added for the upcoming weeks and months so you can plan ahead! We sleuth around and add activities, eateries and shops all week! Did you know you can take a spoon-carving class? You will soon... Our Spotlight Sponsors have a lot to offer you! We partner with businesses who will make great fits with your life, and we have written about each of them. KEEP GETTING THIS NEWSLETTER! Was this email forwarded to you by a friend? Sign up now (it's free) to receive these newsletters right to your inbox and be one of the first to find out what is going on in Beacon this weekend! Until next week! SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR BUSINESSES: If your business is listed in any Guide in the Things To Do In Beacon Guides, you can enhance it with pictures, promotions and special messages in our Stand Out program.

Nixie Sparrow Flies Out of the Coop - Outgrowing Space

When the Nixie Sparrows, Megan Lawrence and Sarah Beinstein, flew into the Telephone Building on Beacon's Main Street across from Key Food to set up shop as a creative workshop/make/drink/learn space, they awoke or made stronger everyone's creative spirits and yearnings to make something beautiful. Their office reminded me of one of the first Etsy Labs that I toured with a friend for my very first blog.

Photo credit: Nixie Sparrow

What started out as workshops for groups of people quickly expanded into private DIY parties for locals whose friends were coming into town for a visit, or for bridal showers or corporate events. Intriguing pictures of what tools they would be using in a workshop had many glued to the Nixie Sparrow Instagram stream.

Photo credit: Nixie Sparrow

That's about the time big signage started showing up more and more in their stream. There were hand-painted signs in beautiful fonts with floral detail, and trips down to Charleston and other cities to design and transform spaces for weddings.

Photo credit: Nixie Sparrow

And then the house-flipping started. The Nixies, as they are known around town, could not be contained in their 510-square-foot office. They "came in like tornadoes," said their landlord, Deborah Bigelow, restoration artist for Gilded Twig and restorer of the Telephone Building (which has been home to Nixie Sparrow, Beahive, and several other creative businesses). Meg and Sarah bought a fixer-upper house on the West end of town and began renovations, never having renovated a house before.

Photo credit: Nixie Sparrow

Next thing they knew, the DIY Network found them. Meg and Sarah had been posting a few house-flipping pictures to their Instagram, and the show "First Time Flippers" found them. The network proposed that the girls do an episode of live-flipping. They agreed, and months of new work began. You can catch the episode replay on one of these upcoming dates!

Photo credit: Nixie Sparrow

ON THE BLOG: Nixie recently began the Ultimate DIY - House Flipping! Check the blog for some "before" photos and follow us as we flip this beauty of a Hudson Valley home! www.nixiesparrow.com/blog

A photo posted by @nixiesparrow on Jun 1, 2015 at 6:30am PDT

Which brings us to the present day, when the Nixie Sparrows announced that they were moving out of the workshop space in order to pursue the calling of where their business was taking them: event decor and styling. Several attended their going-away party, including myself. Before they left, we interviewed them to learn more about what they are pursuing next.

ALBB: What types of projects could you not do in this space that you wanted to do more of?
NS: Over the past year or so, we have had a lot of individuals coming to us for decor help with their weddings and events. It is something we really enjoy and didn't want to turn down so our business began to take a different route than planned. We started accumulating all sorts of materials and staging pieces in addition to our workshop supplies.

So with both decor styling and workshops taking place, there were many projects we couldn't handle. We didn't have running water in our space, which made it difficult to wash paintbrushes or use chemicals that required water (etching solutions, etc.) and we couldn't store a lot of our larger pieces, stain wood, spray paint or use any products that were strong in odor (casting resins, strong glues, etc.).


ALBB: Where have you been traveling to for projects?
NS: We need better ventilation or spaces where we can easily step outside to paint and get a little 'dirty.' We would end up doing a lot of our projects at home in the backyard, where we could spread out and really store our pieces.


ALBB: Are there more house flips in your future?
NS: As for future house flips, we aren't searching for them, but if an opportunity presents itself you never know! We do love to transform spaces, so working with design and esthetic within a home is more favored by us.


ALBB: What was both of your favorite parts about the flip?
NS: Meg's favorite part about the flip was learning the process, being that it was her first flip; forming contacts and relationships with subcontractors and learning everything first-hand.

I (Sarah) really enjoyed helping pick out paint colors and design elements. If Meg hit a road block in terms of picking out particular colors, tiles, etc., I would try and help narrow options. Picking a palette or theme when there are so many decisions to make helps get the job done.

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I know I speak for everyone in saying that we look forward to seeing where the Nixie Sparrows fly next, and several of you may already have hired or in the future hire them to get their special look in your home or for your project or event. Congratulations!

Photo credit: Nixie Sparrow

BeaconArts - Community Partner Sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog

BeaconArts came alive in Beacon, NY in the early 2000s before most organizations and media had organized to promote the arts in this town. Artists had discovered it as a mecca, and it is through their public art and gallery showings that Beacon was shaped into what it is currently known for today: an art destination as well as a business and people friendly town along the Hudson River.

Little did you know that BeaconArts is the fiscal sponsor of many of the events you attend year after year in Beacon, including Open Studios, Beacon 3D, and so many more that have created the enriching environment we all walk through every single day. BeaconArts is part of why there is always something to do in Beacon.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM BEACON ARTS

Invest in BeaconArts: Invest in Our Community

Often working behind the scenes, BeaconArts is the artery through which much of the city’s creative efforts flow and manifest, with expenses offset mostly by business owners and arts minded individuals who recognize the economic value in supporting local arts and culture. During a critical phase in Beacon’s growth, we are asking you to invest in our efforts to grow BeaconArts as a catalyst for our creative community. You can donate now by clicking here.

Starting In May: Beacon Open Studios and Constellation Boat and Walking Tours to Bannerman Castle 2016

Special Events BeaconArts Fosters via Fiscal Partnership

Beacon 3D

May 15, 2016 to October 15, 2016
Enjoy 20 sculptures at 14 locations on and near Main Street in Beacon, NY.

Beacon Open Studios

May 21 - 22, 2016
Visit Beacon for self-guided tours of artists studios. Painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers, ceramicists, glass artists, multi-media and interdisciplinary artists and more will all be represented.

Beacon Riverfest
A popup concert that happened in several parks around Beacon in earlier years. A favorite destination for families to meet outside and listen to music on picnic blankets. This event is on hiatus for 2016.

The Hobo Concert Series (aka Riverfest in the Parks)
Stay tuned for more information!

Windows On Main

August 13, 2016 to September 10, 2016
Each summer, local artists create site-specific installations that inspire and engage in retail storefronts down the one mile length of Beacon’s Main Street.

Beacon Independent Film Festival
The Beacon Independent Film Festival (BIFF) showcases creative films in a unique venue, nestled among the trees at the foot of Mount Beacon, NY.

September 16 - 18, 2016

Community Partner

Constellation

Now through October 17, 2017
Located near both Dia: Beacon and The Storm King Art Center, Constellation furthers the Hudson Valley’s reputation as one of the world’s finest places to experience large-scale contemporary art.

Special Activities BeaconArts Promotes

Second Saturday - Monthly
On the Second Saturday of every month, galleries in Beacon are known to host a artist opening. Restaurants have begun sharing their walls with artists, and now shops are also. Beacon Arts spearheaded this event, and it is one that A Little Beacon Blog showcases and live-tweets each month.

Art Along the Hudson
Your guide to art happenings in the Hudson Valley, including Beacon, Garrison/Cold Spring, Kingston, Newburgh, Greater New Palz, Peekskill, Poughkeepsie/Hyde Park, Rhinebeck/Red Hook/Tivoli, and Saugerties

Fiscal Sponsor and Support

Beacon Arts and Education Foundation
The Beacon Arts & Education Foundation (BAEF) is a coalition of parents, educators, businesses and other organizations that raise funds through private donations and grants to support a more comprehensive education for the students of the Beacon City School District (BCSD).

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Museums & Galleries

Dia: Beacon
3 Beekman Street
845-440-7584
Dia Art Foundation’s presentation facility for the permanent collection and a series of exhibitions and performances. Dia:Beacon’s expansive light filled galleries comprise 240,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space on the Hudson River.

BAU (Beacon Artist Union)

506 Main Street

845-440-6782
Artists’ co-operative gallery has been programming for over 10 years. Figurative and abstract; 2 & 3D works presented.

Beacon Institute for Rivers & Estuaries/Clarkson University

Gallery & Bookstore

199 Main Street

845-838-1600

Dedicated to advancing the understanding of rivers, estuaries & their watersheds through integrated, collaborative research, education and gallery shows.

Catalyst Gallery

137 Main Street

845-204-3844

Catalyst Gallery is a bright storefront location for monthly-rotating art exhibitions, installations, curated projects, creating a short-term showroom for craft or design, for galleries and curators seeking an alternative venue, and more. The intention of this artist-run space is to create an opportunity for individual artists or groups to show and sell work in a vibrant community that supports the arts.

Clutter

163 Main Street

212-255-2505

Designer Toy Art Gallery and Magazine. Established in 2004. Specializing in global counter culture, neo-pop, high end collectibles and limited edition multiples.

Ethan Cohen Fine Arts/Kunsthalle Beacon

192 Verplank

845-765-8988

Mr. Cohen, of Ethan Cohen Gallery in New York City, has established a Beacon gallery that will showcase international art and design. Mr. Cohen will mix Asian, European and local talent into his gallery program. The new gallery is located at the former Beacon High School at Fishkill Avenue at Verplanck Avenue.

The Howland Cultural Center

477 Main Street

845-831-4988

Art gallery, performance space, music, poetry, theatre. An architectural gem of the Hudson Valley on the National Registry of Historic Places. Available to rent for your special occasions.

Hudson Beach Glass

162 Main Street

845-440-0068

Contemporary glass gallery featuring handmade functional and sculptural art glass, furniture and jewelry. Firehouse Art Gallery upstairs. Glassblowing studio adjoining with live demonstrations. Open daily 10-6 pm

Exhibits at the Upstairs Gallery change monthly, and are often collaborations with Fovea Exhibitions.

Maria Lago Studio 502

502 Main Street

Maria Lago is an accomplished artist whose work has featured prominently in private collections, museums and galleries in Europe and the United States.

Marion Royael Gallery

159 Main Street

727-244-5535

Marion Royael Gallery highlights the work of emerging and mid career artists through a program of Directed Migrating Installations. The gallery acts as a forum for exploring the fundamental ideas and concepts in contemporary art as they relate to current global and social issues. They seek to create a vibrant cross-generational dialogue about art and culture among the general public, collectors, curators, artists and critics. 

Mattaewan Gallery

436 Main Street

845-440-7901

Mattaewan Gallery specializes in contemporary art with an emphasis on works on paper by emerging and mid-career artists.

Morphicism

444 Main Street

845-440-3092

Art for a change. Artist Jay Palefsky exhibits a new art movement called “morphicism” in the form of notecards, books, wall pieces, furniture and future works, all with the concept of images changing right before your “ahhhs”.

RiverWinds Gallery

172 Main Street

845-838-2880

Gallery store featuring many of the finest Hudson Valley artists. Wide selection of ceramics, pottery, cards, photography, paintings, jewelry, apparel, & home decor. Exhibits change monthly.

Theo Ganz Studio

149 Main Street

917-318-2239

Theo Ganz Studio, the little gallery with the big windows in Beacon’s west end, was founded by artist Eleni Smolen in 2012 as a venue for contemporary artists working in all media. Smolen concentrates on presenting actively engaged emerging and mid-career professionals in either solo or group exhibitions. 

Alternative Galleries
Galleries in Retail Establishments

Bannerman Island Gallery

150 Main Street 
845-831-6346
Conveniently located at 150 Main Street, Beacon, New York; the Bannerman Island Gallery is dedicated to work inspired by Bannerman Island and Bannerman’s Castle. It features a large array paintings, prints, and photographs of Bannerman Island, Bannerman’s Castle, and the Hudson River – as well as many other types of Bannerman Island memorabilia and media. Many of the pieces displayed in the gallery are one of a kind, and available for purchase.

3B Art Gallery @ Beacon Bath and Bubble
458 Main St.
845-440-6782
Handcrafted Bath & Body products made on premises. Vintage Soda Pop Shop & 3B Art Gallery.

Dream in Plastic
177 Main St
845-632-3383
Dream in Plastic was born in a Brooklyn basement in 2007. It has called Beacon home since 2009 when it opened it’s first retail location. The boutique offers an eclectic mix of housewares, designer art toys, cameras, vintage, accessories, bath & body items, socks, stickers and more. Exhibits at the Gallery at Dream in Plastic change monthly and mainly feature emerging artists. Receptions are held on the Second Saturday of every month from 6-9pm.

The Gallery @ The Lofts at Beacon

18 Front Street

845-831-7867

Latest Updates This Week In The Things To Do In Beacon Guides 5-8-16

Happy Mother's Day! Have you read our Mother's Day 2016 Guide yet? Here's a quick list of what we added to ALBB this week so you can plan ahead this Spring. As the weather gets warmer, there will be more and more fun things to do!

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• Burger & Beer Bash: Held this year at Dutchess Stadium on Thursday, August 11th. Tickets on sale now!
• City-Wide Yard Sale: Taking place Saturday, June 11th, throughout Beacon
• Bija Beacon Homestead BBQ & Art Opening: A free event featuring art from R.A. McBride
• Howland Public Library Awards Ceremony: A benefit for the Howland Public Library Savoit Fund
• Howland Cultural Center Monthly Events: Including Open Mic Night, Bridge Club, Community Chorus, May Art Exhibit and more.

All of these dates are in the Events Guide, organized by month. Take a look for a big-picture view of your month ahead!

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• Meditation Category: We've added a new category and this class at Howland Cultural Center on Thursdays, May 12-26, 2016. 
• All Sport Health & Fitness classes added for May 2016

Find direct links to each of of these items in our Adult Classes Guide.

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• Babysitting Training Course: Added from Fishkill Recreation Center, held May 21, 2016
• Imagination's Playground Block Party: Added from Beacon Recreation Center, every Monday 10-11 am
• Beacon Craft Workshop: "Clay Feast" class dates for May and June

Find direct links to each of these items in our Kids Classes Guide.

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• Compass Arts: More Summer workshops added, with August 2016 dates. 

Visit our Summer Camp Guide for more options available in the area.

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• Barb's Butchery: Prepare your next slow-cooked meal or sausage breakfast for the week ahead, and save 20%! Visit Barb’s Butchery's Frozen Foods ‘fridge, where all frozen rib-eye and sausage are 20% off.
• Did you know we have a Best Brunches Guide? Yes, we do! Harry's Hot Sandwiches is the latest addition, and Kitchen Sink is now open for brunch. 

You can always check our Restaurant Guide for the latest openings and promotions!

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• River Therapeutic Massage is offering 10% off Mini Spa Sessions (foot scrub, neck/shoulder, hand/foot). When you buy six sessions, you get two free gift certificates while supplies last. 
• Campbell & Campbell Hair Salon is our latest addition to the Beauty Guide. 

Find more ways to pamper yourself in our full Beauty Guide. 

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Do you have a class or workshop you would like us to consider adding? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, or via email at editorial@alittlebeacon.com. 

Starting in May: Beacon Open Studios and Constellation Boat and Walking Tours to Bannerman Castle 2016

Behind most great artistic projects in Beacon, you'll find BeaconArts. Founded over a decade ago to serve as a promotion engine for galleries, and later businesses of varying kinds, BeaconArts is connected to just about everything happening in Beacon, specifically two big events opening this month: Beacon Open Studios (BeaconArts is a Fiscal Sponsor) and Constellation (BeaconArts is a Community Partner).

As BeaconArts is one of our Sponsor Spotlight partners here at A Little Beacon Blog, we take pleasure in highlighting two great happenings a month for them, and this month, the focus is on two major Things To Do that you can start planning for now: the city-wide Beacon Open Studios, and Constellation's boat and walking tours launching to Pollepel Island to see the stars making up a constellation installed on Bannerman Castle.

Starting May 7, Running Through October 2016!

Melissa McGill’s land art project CONSTELLATION continues to light up every night at sunset and launches its second season of sunset boat tours. See the installation up close, tour the Bannerman Castle ruins on Pollepel Island, and watch the project come alive while on the Hudson River aboard the Estuary Steward. Tours begin May 7 and run through October 2016, departing from Beacon, NY, steps away from Dia:Beacon. Need some food? Stop into Homespun's location at Dia. Individual and group reservations are now available online. More information about the project, schedules and tickets, including artist-led tours and programs, can be found here.

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Beacon Open Studios Happens May 21-22, 2016!

Beacon Open Studios is a weekend-long event where the artists of Beacon, NY, open their studios to the public. Studios will be open all over Beacon to visit and a free catalog with map will be available to guide you around town.  Looking for free parking lots? We have a Guide for that that includes all pictures of locations of free public parking! For some artists, this is one of the only times you can not only see their works IRL (in real life), but visitors can go inside of their studios! Not all artists show from their workspaces, however; some partner with local restaurants and shops.

Here is a random sampling of artists you can find, of which there are over 50! Catalogs will be available throughout town for you to pick up and plot your artist hop! You will definitely want to have A Little Beacon Blog's Restaurant Guide open on your phone for ideas on where to fuel up.

Kat Stoutenborough 50 Liberty Street

Caiming Cheung 5 Beekman Street

The Ground Radio Project Kube-211 Fishkill Ave. Room 202 C (the old Beacon high school)

Margaux Lange 19 Lincoln Avenue

Glen Sneyd 50 Liberty Street

BeaconArts is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created for 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 Community Partner, please click here for more information.

Mama Wants: The Shopping & Relaxation Gift Guide for Mother's Day 2016

Happy Mother's Day! Whether you are the mother of a child or of a pet or plant, it is because of your nurturing spirit that these things are growing, and you must be celebrated. While there are a flurry of brunch options around, let's be honest, a mother's work is never done if the kids are around, so she may need some Mommy and Me Time with Me Myself and I. Therefore, we present our Mother's Day Gift Guide for a Mama's Day Out: Shopping and Relaxation.

Brought to you by A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide, a walk down Main Street from East to West is just what the day calls for.

SHOPPING SPREE!

Traditionally, you'd pick out a gift for Mom. But strolling down Main Street on a Saturday or Sunday is really fun. So give Mom the day off to shop with her friends or on her own - because even when on her own, she's bound to run into friends. But you know what makes shopping better? A stuffed money-clip. Let us begin!

First of all, when a Mom is shopping for Mother's Day, she may want to get dressed up and feel pretty. Really pretty. This rose pink dress is available at Lauren & Riley, on the East end of Main Street near the Beacon Bagel (also a good breakfast or early lunch location pre-shopping).

Next is makeup, specifically makeup brushes. Much to your surprise, these makeup brushes, which include brushes specifically angled for liners, shadows and blush, are available at Beacon Natural Market. For the last 10 years, the Natural Market has made itself the destination for healthy living and lifestyle, and that includes mineral-based makeup for a clean finish that is easy on your skin.

If her lashes could never have enough coats of mascara, there is now the Society of Lash, who can fix that! Step into this parlor (or ask for a gift certificate), and have individual eye lashes glued to each of Mama's lashes for a natural, yet full-bodied, look.

Next, she's going to want to pick up some of these adorable glass and metal frames just down the street at Reservoir and Wood. These are good for showing off pressed flowers, and pictures that she could get taken and printed at The Pfotoshop in the old Matteawan train station when she stops in the Pfotoshop's walk-in photo booth to take pictures with her kids.

And then yes, she'll need this wireless lacy underthing from Free People, hanging in one of Beacon's newest boutiques, Style Storehouse.

Which might need to be worn under this dress...also at Style Storehouse.

Fortunately for this Mama, there is a 30% off shelf at The Pfotoshop, right across the street from Style Storehouse! The Pfotoshop is the same place where Mom can duck into the photo booth for some quick pics with her girls - friends or kids, or even dogs.

REFUEL WITH A TREAT

Alright, good job, Mama! You've hit Boutique Row, as I call it, on the East end of town. Now you need to refuel, because you're only halfway done. You're going to head next to the West end for artsy gifts with a bit of a funky twist.

While the espresso pictured here is brewed with TasKafe beans down at Homespun's Dia:Beacon location near the train, Homespun's Main Street location in the middle of Main Street, near "Market Square" (think Key Food's location), is the perfect stop for coffee as you walk down Main Street in shopping mode. Also do get the chocolate mousse pie. Divine.

Good morning! We've got something new brewing at Dia next week! We're excited to add #taskafe to our menu at the Homespun Dia:Beacon cafe! Starting Friday 3/25 come get your cup of Tas! #taskafe #homespundiabeacon #homespunfoods #coffeetasting

A photo posted by Homespun Foods (@homespunfoods) on Mar 18, 2016 at 5:47am PDT

This happy little radio is a marvelous contraption that not only is a radio, but opens up like a lunch box to eat - I mean - store your phone, which can plug into the speakers and play your tunes. (Also: It's waterproof and sandproof! How cool is that?) Available at Dream in Plastic on the West end of town, or by ordering from their online store.

For artful inclinations, River Winds Gallery has a plethora of beautiful pieces, like this leaf dish with a single red berry, crafted by local artists.

Talk about limited time only... This artist, Karen Madden, is only at River Winds Gallery for a few more days, which includes an artist talk on Saturday from 4pm to 5:30pm. Her paintings are actually felted wool with metal.

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Brought to you by A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide, a gift certificate to any of these beauty services will go over well.

RELAX WITH MASSAGE PACKAGES

This is what Mama really wants - a massage. And these two massage providers are having a Mother's Day Special on massage services. These are services you want to stock up and cash in on, because they aren't offered often!

River Therapeutic Massage is offering two free gift certificates for a 30-minute session worth $50 and for a $25 enhancement add-on when you buy a series of six sessions (60, 75 or 90 minutes). Purchases can be made by calling/texting Karen at (845) 379-1956 or emailing her at rtmbeacon@gmail.com. Her studio is on Route 52, right next to the dentist and the Karen's Place hair salon.

A full-body massage in All Sport's zen massage room is $60 for 45 minutes when you purchase by Sunday by clicking here, and can be used 12 months from now. A total deal.

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FAMILY FOREVER

Because precious moments can be captured with just the right lighting, and framed forever. Eva Deitch Photography, a local Beacon photographer, has a Kids package which offers a down-to-earth family session experience. Eva's work walks the line beween documentary and fine art, her sessions playing off the intimate connection of family love and the spontaneity of life.  Book a family session before Mother’s Day to receive a 10% discount on your session (valid until 8/1/2016) and a printable certificate to gift. Sessions are perfect for mothers, wives, sisters, and grandmas! Email Eva at eva@evadeitch.com.

Happy Mother's Day, everyone!

Latest Updates This Week In The Things To Do In Beacon Guides 5-1-16

Happy May, everyone! Here's a quick list of what we added to ALBB this week so you can plan ahead this Spring. As the weather gets warmer, there will be more and more fun things to do!

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• Burger & Beer Bash: Held this year at Dutchess Stadium on Thursday, August 11th. Tickets on sale now!
• City-Wide Yard Sale: Taking place June 11th throughout Beacon
• Bija Beacon Homestead BBQ & Art Opening: A free event featuring art from R.A. McBride
• Howland Public Library Awards Ceremony: A benefit for the Howland Public Library Savoit Fund
• Howland Cultural Center Monthly Events: including Open Mic Night, Bridge Club, Community Chorus, May Art Exhibit and more.

All of these dates are in the Events Guide, organized by month. Take a look to get a big-picture view of your month ahead!

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• Prenatal & Parenting classes: Added to Waddle n Swaddle in Beacon

Check our Adult Classes Guide for more updates.

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• Playdates (0-3 years): Added to Waddle n Swaddle on Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 pm

Check our Kids Classes Guide for more updates.

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• Barb's Butchery: Prepare your next slow-cooked meal or sausage breakfast for the week ahead, and save 20%! Visit Barb’s Butchery's Frozen Foods ‘fridge, where all frozen rib-eye and sausage are 20% off.

You can always check our Restaurant Guide for the latest openings and promotions!

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• Society of Lash is our newest member “Stand Out!” sponsor, making women mysteriously more beautiful than ever!

Find more ways to pamper yourself in our full Beauty Guide. 

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Do you have a class or workshop you would like us to consider adding? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, or via email at editorial@alittlebeacon.com. 

The Biggest Playdate/Sale/Fundraiser Happens This Weekend: Ree-Play 2016

When you shop the Ree-Play sale, one of the biggest sales of kids clothing and toys in Beacon that is happening this weekend from Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1 from 9am to 1pm, you are directly donating to the park structures you see around town at Memorial Park, Riverfront Park, and the Green Street Park. This weekend marks the twelfth year for the sale, which in the last three years alone has brought in $30,000. All proceeds go directly to the children of Beacon in the forms of new park structures for Beacon playgrounds, children's programming in Beacon through the Beacon Recreation Department, the Howland Public Library, and the Beacon Art & Education Fund which pays for the third-grade Calico Ball.

Last year, Wee Play used donations raised through the Ree-Play Sale to buy three shade structures, two benches and a new ride-on toy for Memorial Park.

Making this large sale happen takes forty volunteers to help sort donated items, price them, display them, and run the sale itself. Thousands of donated items are delivered daily until the final cutoff hour. During the sale day, while children are playing in the fields of the Settlement Camp and testing all of the prospective toys, high chairs, castles, and clothing that can be purchased, volunteers run a bake sale that has also been provided for by community members donating cupcakes, bread and brownies.

Raquel Verdesi has been working the Ree-Play Sale for ten of the twelve years it has been running, and the project is very special to her. "Part of the magic of the sale," says Verdesi, "is that we take what others no longer want, sell it to raise money for the community, and then give the leftover books to our local school, and the other items to charities." This year, unused clothing, books and toys that are not in the best condition will be saved for the clothing and shoe bin at Sargent Elementary School, one of four elementary schools in the Beacon School District, which will sell the items for "pennies on the pound," keeping the items out of the landfill and raising money for an intended recycling program at that school.

Keep browsing here in our article for items you'll find at the sale, because these will sell fast! Toys that normally go for $25 at a consignment store could be marked as low as $4, so make room in your car.

Some of what you will find has never been used, and may be just what your child wanted - for only $3.

Large and small items are at the Ree-Play Sale, including high chairs, walking toys, kitchens, and workbench tables.

Plan ahead for the big party or wedding. Clothing has been sorted by age group, and designer clothing from Janie and Jack, the Gap, and other coveted brands has been set aside to make it easy to find.

While it may be easier to shop without your kids, this is one venue where kids will most likely know their friends and play outside while you dive into clothing bins to stock up on seasonal clothing, refresh your bookshelf or treat them to new toys.

Have fun! Show us pictures of what you got by posting to our Facebook wall!

The Coolest Cooler Ever - And Only One Chance to Buy It At Beacon Flea

Of course we had to beeline it to the season opening of Beacon Flea last Sunday, and boy, did it live up to our hopes of finding treasures - and creative genius! What we caught glimpses of via Beacon Flea's Instagram last year became reality with the appearance of custom-made furniture from local favorites like Keith Decent of Sixth Borough Studios and reMADE (formerly known as The Hudson Valley Maker and Artisan Cooperative).

This year there is a new guy on the scene: Robert Powchik, of Powchik Woodworking in Peekskill. Robert had been a vendor at the fair a few years back, and then took the year off from Beacon while he thought about opening a shop on Etsy, or getting any other kind of online presence. Meanwhile, he'd been building and designing away, and brought several of his creations to Beacon Flea and mesmerized anyone walking by, from a woodland throne to benches to this ... the "coolest cooler ever" as we dubbed it in our Instagram last week. And we weren't alone in developing an instant obsession with it!

Lately in Beacon, artisans have been showing off really neat bottle openers at their homes, made by their artisan family members. Like the family duo Pergamena and Outlast Goods. Well, Outlast made a wall-mounted wooden bottle opener for Pergamena, and it's just about the greatest looking thing ever in the kitchen.

Robert has made a standing cooler on wheels (pictured above) with a built-in bottle opener with magnetic powers to catch your falling cap. Yes, that is a standard-issue Igloo cooler nestled snugly into the wooden surround, which has a drain extension out of the wood, finished off with a metal faucet to drain the melted ice and other liquid from the cooler.

Do you need to tip the cooler? No problem! Robert installed the dish rack bar on the left side, which doubles as a bar to easily lift and tip the cooler. All of this is completed by a decorative horseshoe mount on top - or any other decoration you would like completing your cooler lid when closed. The wood has been treated to weather the outdoors, so you can use it without putting it away. Here's the best part (well, the wooden cooler is the best part in and of itself) - you can bring Robert your own plastic cooler and he'll build your wood cooler around that and knock about $25-$30 off the total sales price of the coolest cooler ever, which retails at $200.

This needs to be in your backyard. Need an excuse? Father's Day. But here's the kicker - finding Robert is tricky, as he has no website, so show up at the Beacon Flea to place your order! The Beacon Flea is located behind the gas station next to the Post Office at 6 Henry Street. It's an easy walk, or there is plenty of parking.

Makers like Robert and Keith are filling the lot at Beacon Flea. While Keith may not be there this year because he's in a new retail shop on Main Street (unless he changes his mind...), other collectors are selling their vintage finds, and some of them are putting their own personal stamp on the pieces. Among the treasures awaiting you, this small door with wrought-iron hooks, selling for $40 - or your best offer.

Meanwhile, collectors of the classics will leave satisfied. This vintage drum-set is on the do-not-touch list and is going for $300.

 

Action figures, from Wrestle Mania dudes to Barbie to Snow White are all here, plus boxes of sorted stuff like Matchbox cars, records, and anything you need. It will show up at Beacon Flea, which is open every Sunday from 8am-3pm. But as with a lot of markets, the only way you can buy it is to show up, making every find super special.

Take pictures of your finds and tag us on Instagram with #alittlebeacon! Can't wait to see what you pick up!

Latest Updates This Week In The Things To Do In Beacon Guides 4-24-16

Happy Sunday! Here's a quick list of what we added to ALBB this week so you can plan ahead this Spring.  As the weather gets warmer, there will be more and more fun things to do!

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• The Howland Cultural Center: Many events have been added for the remainder of April and dates in May, such as their May exhibit celebrating National Asian-American Month and a playreading in July - Murder At Prisonwell Manor.
• Meet The Candidates: A Q&A session with the candidates running for the Beacon City School District.
• Constellation 2016 Sessions: Tours begin on May 7 with Melissa McGill. The land art project Constellation continues to light every night at sunset and launches its second season of sunset boat tours.

All of these dates are in the Events Guide, organized by Month. Take a look for a big-picture view of your month ahead!

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• Come & Paint: Fundraising for the Seniors program at The Salvation Army on Main Street on April 30, May 21, and June 18.

Check our Adult Classes Guide for more updates.

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• Get Frosted Cupcakery: Get Frosted Cupcakery has Sparkling Strawberry cupcakes that have...sparkles!
• Barb's Butchery: Now has two new chicken sausages: a Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Sausage, and a new Chicken Curry Sausage.

You can always check our Restaurant Guide for the latest openings and promotions!

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Do you have a class or workshop you would like us to consider adding? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, or via email at editorial@alittlebeacon.com. 

It's Back! Beacon Farmers' Market Returns With New Access to Food and Programs

Go ahead, call it a comeback! The long-running Beacon Farmers' Market, located down at the docks by Beacon's Metro-North Station just on the other side of the stairs or track as you head down to the train, is back from its extended winter and spring break. Many of our favorite vendors are returning, selling crafted items, vegetables, and prepared food, but a bushel of new elements (a food truck? live music, anyone?) takes the market to another level. Even the footprint has grown, making use of the driveway and grassy area south of the market’s traditional spot on the docks.

Head down to the Metro-North station off of Red Flynn Drive to witness the Beacon Farmers' Market's next chapter. The fun resumes tomorrow, April 24, from 10am-3pm, and every Sunday.

Finding Common Ground

The market had been year-round for years, but has been on hold since Thanksgiving while the city searched for a new market manager. The result may have been hiding in plain sight: Now running the show is Common Ground Farm, who has participated in the Beacon market since at least 2008. The farm is based just a few miles up Route 9D at Stony Kill Farm in Wappingers Falls, and has been active throughout Beacon for a long time by way of the Green Teen program and Common Greens mobile markets, donations to the Kids R Kids food program and several food pantries, a partnership with Beacon City School District, and events like the Firefly Feast. 

Common Ground's mission has always been geared toward education and food justice, but taking over the Beacon Farmers' Market wasn't originally part of the plan. Decision-makers - within Common Ground as well as with the City of Beacon - felt that there was a lot to be gained by taking advantage of the farm's organizational support and infrastructure, according to Sarah Simon, the newly named Farmers' Market Manager who's in her second season working at Common Ground. "As a nonprofit, we can bring a different mission to the market; it's an opportunity to give access," Sarah said. The enthusiasm within the community is already there. "Beacon should have a big farmers' market."

Education and Access 

Food insecurity is relatively high in Beacon, with many kids qualifying for reduced-price or free lunches, and seniors are also often in need. A bevy of programs at the Beacon Farmers' Market seek to help out. The most important change along these lines is the market-wide acceptance of food benefits such as SNAP, EBT, and WIC. People who use these programs can swipe a card at the market to receive tokens to redeem with vendors for fruit, vegetables, meat, and other un-prepared foods, but also seeds and seedlings for plants! Sarah, the market manager, is literally just waiting for the USDA iPad to arrive in May, and this program will be ready for action.

New York State's Fresh Connect program will kick in an additional 40%: For every $5 redeemed in SNAP benefits, the state will provide $2 on top of that to spend with farmers at the market. Additionally, Common Ground identifies people who might benefit from the "Green for Greens" program: $4 "bucks" that can be redeemed for fruit and vegetables at the market or at other sites listed on the back of the bucks. This access helps those in need get the freshest produce and also benefits family farmers in the Hudson Valley.

Education-oriented groups will be frequent friendly faces at the market, with a mandate to give an experience in addition to staffing a table and handing out flyers. Bija, a recent addition to Beacon's education and Pre-K programming scene, is partnering with a farm to talk with kids about responsible meat production and consumption. On May 15, market-goers will get to see a summer program showcase from a variety of organizations, such as Hudson Valley Seed, Hudson Hills Montessori, Bija, and more. Regarding higher education for the grown-ups, Sarah says, "I would love to see what the market can become as a community forum."

Food...Want...Now!

Most vendors from last year are returning, for a total of 34 vendors booked, with a weekly rotation of 26 vendors at tables. Main Street fave Drink More Good will be back with a whole product line, and so will former market manager Dana Devine O’Malley, showcasing her Five Hens Baked Goods - hand pies, whoopie pies, cookies, and signature marshmallows in creative flavors.

Common Ground and Fishkill Farms have been market mainstays for a decade or more. Joining these anchors this year is Obercreek Farm, bookending the season, as well as Starling Yards, a farm in Red Hook that grows specialty vegetables. If they’re good enough for Blue Hill, they’re probably pretty good. Beacon-based landscape designers One Nature will sell native plants, perennials and edibles from their nursery.

Some will alternate weeks; others will have specific seasons at the market. An olive oil producer will be at the market every other week, because most people don’t need to buy it on a weekly basis. Obercreek Farm will be at the market at the sometimes-chilly beginning and end of the growing season, offering robust greens from their extensive greenhouse network.

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For the carnivores, there will be several meat producers, and four outposts for your egg pickup.

Two of the meat vendors are participants in Glynwood’s prestigious farm incubator: Back Paddock will offer beef and shiitake mushrooms, while Grass + Grit will bring pastured pork, lamb, goat and poultry to market.

If you'd rather pick up food to eat on the spot, you'll enjoy another new feature of the market: the regular presence of a food truck. John Lekic, owner and creative force behind Hudson Valley fave L’Express, will be selling lunch made from local products at the market.

And what meal would be complete without a little tipple? Market regulars will recognize Adair Winery’s booth, but adult beverage selections will be rounded out this year with Hudson Valley producers of hard cider, mead, and spirits.

Bring Your Dancing Shoes

It wouldn’t be a Beacon event without some music, too. The market has teamed with Beacon Music Factory to present music every week, from 12 noon to 2pm, in a wide variety of styles. The idea is to have “a music show that happens in the market, a show (emphasis on the word "show"),  as opposed to just background music,” Sarah says. Fundraising efforts are under way to pay musicians. 

The Beacon love fest is evident everywhere: Hudson Valley native Daniel Wiese came up with striking new promotional designs - on a donation basis. “It reflects Beacon more than traditional farmers' market branding,” Sarah says. (Think olde-timey tomatoes and pumpkins clip art. Would that really feel like our town?) Daniel is working on the market's website, too. It's currently under construction, but fans can sign up there to receive a weekly newsletter that features vendor lineups. You'll recognize Daniel's work on another participating partner, Zero to Go, who is hosting a zero - waste initiative down at the market.

Hungry yet? The Beacon Farmers' Market is open from 10am-3pm every Sunday. If eating and walking is your thing, then head on down to the market on a Sunday. Yet if you're ready for brunch, A Little Beacon Blog's got a guide for that, and an entire Restaurant Guide at your fingertips as you eat your way through the day. Several of the farms you'll shop from at the Beacon Farmers' Market also work with restaurants up on top of the hill in downtown Beacon, so you'll get to enjoy the fruits of their labor in both places!

Take a picture of your bounty and tag us in Instagram! #alittlebeacon

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Kids Get More Gardening at South Avenue Elementary with New Fence

Really, it's just so cool. When you think about public schooling, the first things that may come to mind are red tape, dysfunction, and Common Core confusion, thanks to repeated news coverage on those dramatic topics. But what is really happening inside of a lot of public schools are programs and initiatives that people have started, that get past that red tape, to work with whatever state and federal regulations that exist for the moment. Like the gardening program run by Hudson Valley Seed at each of the four elementary schools in Beacon, three elementary schools in Newburgh, and one elementary school in Garrison. This week at South Avenue Elementary School in Beacon, Hudson Valley Seed expanded the garden to add a gathering space for classes in the garden, a pollinator patch with flowers, and more growing space for vegetables. All of this with the help of a team from United Way. And you won't believe what kids get to do during their school days with this garden, which is explored in this article, in pictures!

Photo Credit: Hudson Valley Seed

About the Gardening Program for Beacon's Elementary Schools

Hudson Valley Seed educates children using school gardens, empowering students through curriculum-integrated lessons focused on healthy eating, food literacy, outdoor learning, and academic success.

Photo Credit: Hudson Valley Seed

Elementary schools in Beacon go from Pre-K to 6th Grade. In Hudson Valley Seed's program, 1st and 2nd Graders get weekly garden time, out in the garden during Spring and Fall, and in the classroom in Winter. Kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grades also visit the garden and get indoor garden time three to six times throughout the school year.  During garden time, kids taste and learn about the vegetable of the month, and the cafeteria serves it a few different ways throughout the month. The month culminates with a school-wide taste-test in the cafeteria, which allows students to vote on whether they like the dish or not. Parents are even sent home a recipe to try in their own kitchens. In March for St. Paddy's Day, parents got a flyer with a recipe for cabbage soup.

Photo Credit: Hudson Valley Seed

Vegetables grown in the gardens outside of the schools are woven into classroom curriculum. Like this worksheet, showing a monster vegetable made up of a tomato, turnip, cabbage, squash, kale, and string beans. Kids can name the creature and define its personality.

Photo Credit: Hudson Valley Seed

The New Garden at South Avenue Elementary School

At the beginning of Spring, after school each day for about a week, work began on the expanded garden. First was the delivery of mulch.

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Next was plotting out the new beds and area for the fencing. Just days before, the new fence posts were in the bed of a parked truck of a Hudson Valley Seeder, and were stolen. A plea for help went out on a Facebook group that many in the Beacon community belong to, and after several people offered to donate to replace the fence posts, the stolen posts mysteriously reappeared. #soweirdbutgreat

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Little did that thief know that a huge group of volunteers from the United Way and the local community was scheduled to come to install the fence posts. Thanks to the thief's change of heart, a lot of work commenced and the fencing was finished in a day. It was beginning to feel like a story pulled from the pages of a Nancy Drew Mystery.

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Voila! New fencing is up, and the new garden is ready for adventures, imaginations and learning!

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Photo Credit: Hudson Valley Seed

To see all of the gardens at Beacon's elementary schools, visit Hudson Valley Seed's website. There are volunteer opportunities that you can sign up for to water the gardens, and other ways to get involved.