Happening This Weekend - 12/2/2016
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Beacon Sloop Club's "Little Boxes" Painting Fundraiser for Sloop Woody Guthrie Restoration This Weekend
/A painting of the Woody Guthrie on a square canvas, similar to art produced for the "Little Boxes" fundraiser.
The 38-year-old Woody Guthrie, a sailboat (aka daysail sloop) built by Pete and Toshi Seeger and the Beacon Sloop Club in 1978 to create public access to sailing on the Hudson River, will not be sailing this year. The Sloop Woody Guthrie instead will undergo a complete restoration, and is currently fundraising to complete those efforts. The most recent fundraiser is the "Little Boxes Art Contest" happening this Sunday, December 4, from 5 to 8 pm at Scenic Hudson's River Center (Red Barn) at Long Dock Park, Beacon NY.
The Woody Guthrie is a long-standing symbol of river improvement: It was built to foster people's appreciation for the Hudson River during the early years of massive cleanup projects after General Electric (GE) had discharged 1.3 million pounds of PCBs into the Hudson River from two GE capacitor manufacturing plants located in the towns of Fort Edward and Hudson Falls, New York, between 1947 and 1977. The Seegers were instrumental in spearheading the cleanup and protection of the Hudson River. Building the Sloop Woody Guthrie was one way they demonstrated their commitment, and the sloop brought the public into direct contact with the Hudson to experience its vastness and river life for themselves.
In 1969, Pete and Toshi Seeger and the Hudson River Sloop Restoration instituted the second great "Age of Sail" on the Hudson River with the launching of Clearwater, a wooden, gaff-rigged, topsail sloop, based on traditional designs developed over a 100-year period during the heyday of commercial sailing on the Hudson River. In order to make the boat more manageable by a modest budget and team of volunteers, the Woody Guthrie was designed as a smaller replica of the Clearwater.
About the 'Little Boxes' Art Contest 2016
People are encouraged to participate in the contest as artists or as patrons bidding on the art, to be auctioned off on Sunday, December 4. For an entry fee of $25, (fee can be paid here) each artist will receive a 3 x 3-inch, numbered canvas on which to create an original work of art, in their media of choice, on the theme of "The Hudson River." This fee includes a ticket to the reception, which is otherwise $15 (ticket can be purchased here). Artists wishing to submit multiple entries may purchase an additional canvas for $5. All completed artwork must be returned by December 2. Registration as an artist, or to simply attend the event, which will include refreshments, can be purchased here online.
To receive a canvas: Purchase your ticket online and bring proof of purchase to River Winds Gallery, 172 Main St., Beacon NY, Wednesday through Monday between noon and 6 pm.
All artwork will be offered for sale at a starting bid set by the artist, with all proceeds to be split 50/50 between the artist and the Woody Guthrie Restoration Project. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for People's Choice awards. A prize of $50 each will be awarded for the following categories:
- Most Beautiful
- Most Spectacular
- Funniest
Ticket Details
The Artists' Reception and Awards will be held:
Sunday, December 4, 2016
5 to 8 pm
Scenic Hudson's River Center (Red Barn)
Long Dock Park, Beacon NY
Tickets for the reception only are available for $15, and can be purchased here.
For more information, please contact Susan Berliner at 845-527-8671 or Rosemary Thomas at 845-463-4660.
Giving Tuesday in Beacon - Ideas For Local Groups To Support in 2016 and Beyond
/Every day could be a giving day, so it's nice that #GivingTuesday is here as an official day to focus on all of the giving you might do. It is a natural cleanse in the murky sea of increased promotion that is done during the holiday season. On the other hand, when you shop local, and go down the commercialism route over the Black Friday weekend before #GivingTuesday, you are directly helping your neighbors, your friends, and their families when you purchase from their stores and eateries, and buy their services (like massages).
This Giving Guide will expand to include opportunities to help others in need. We'll feature coat donations, food donations, and other collection activities that are happening this season. If you are running such an effort, please submit details about it to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com to be considered for publication.
For this season, we have done a roundup that barely scrapes the surface of where you can donate, but hopefully gets your wheels turning and heart-strings pulling - if they weren't already.
Beauty of This Region
Stony Kill
When you're driving up 9D, peeking over at those cows and sheep grazing in the incredible fields at sunset, remember that there's no guarantee they'll be there forever. Stony Kill Foundation keeps the farm running through different events, rentals to others using the property including Common Ground Farm, and fundraising and memberships.
Donate Now >
Wee Play Project
Wee Play is the reason why Beacon has colorful playgrounds in our parks for toddlers. The group also helps organize and promote some of the baby and toddler classes at the Howland Public Library. We have reported on them several times, especially when they reach a major milestone in their fundraising. There are many ways to donate, from gifting a tree or piece of equipment to sharing cash and even your time.
Get Involved, Shop the Clothing/Toy Sale, and/or Donate Now >
Scenic Hudson
Dedicated to protecting the land in this region, Scenic Hudson's work can be spotted up and down the Hudson Valley. In Beacon, it is most noticeable at Long Dock Park on the Hudson River, Mount Beacon Park, the Fishkill Ridge, Madam Brett Park, and other recreational spaces. They are currently trying to develop the Beacon waterfront a bit more, with more park development and eating and food truck opportunities.
Donate Now >
Public Services
Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Founded in 1959, Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing advanced and basic life support ambulance services to Beacon, NY, and its neighboring communities. When you get hurt or need saving, they come when 911 is called. The Ambulance Corps currently runs a fleet of three modern, fully equipped, New York State Certified ambulances, a Basic Life Support First Response vehicle, and a mass casualty incident trailer. Additionally, BVAC maintains a utility terrain vehicle for rescues within the vast mountainous terrain of our district. They currently run approximately 2,500 calls per year, making BVAC one of the busiest volunteer services in the county. Take a look at their past history.
Sending a check via mail is the best way to donate >
Fire Departments in the City of Beacon
The city's organized Fire Department dates back to 1886, and has been protecting the City of Beacon since the city's establishment in 1913. The combined volunteer and paid Fire Departments provide fire and rescue services with a staff of 13 full-time paid firefighters, approximately 40 volunteer firefighters and three support personnel. The Fire Department operates out of three firehouses that accommodate six fire apparatuses. Two of the city's firehouses are in beautiful historic buildings. The Department responds to more than 1,700 calls per year, while being designated as having the fastest response time in Dutchess County. The City of Beacon Fire Department is part of Battalion 7 of the Dutchess County Emergency Response Unit.
Sending a check via mail is the best way to donate >
Women and Family Services
Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens in Beacon
Whether you are looking for a warm meal, canned goods, or friendly community, or you’re in a position to help by donating food or time, the following organizations in and near Beacon would love to see you. Contact organizers for information about the most up-to-date ways to participate.
Here is a list of Beacon soup kitchens and food pantries >
Grace Smith House
The mission of Grace Smith House, Inc., is to enable individuals and families to live free from domestic violence through:
- Providing shelter and apartments, advocacy, counseling and education
- Raising the consciousness of the community regarding the extent, type and seriousness of domestic violence
- Initiating and taking positions on public policies in order to provide options that empower victims of domestic violence
Grace Smith House, based in Poughkeepsie, is a private, not-for-profit domestic violence agency, which provides both residential and nonresidential services to victims of domestic violence and their children.
Donate Now >
Local Planned Parenthood Office - Newburgh
Planned Parenthood is a health care provider, an informed educator, a passionate advocate, and a global partner helping similar organizations around the world. Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide. One in five American women has chosen Planned Parenthood for health care at least once in her life. The heart of Planned Parenthood is in the local community. The closest office to Beacon is in Newburgh.
Donate Now >
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh was founded in October of 1999 by a group of dedicated volunteers who shared a vision to revitalize Newburgh’s neighborhoods and help local hard-working, low-income families help themselves create strong, stable, and self-reliant families. Habitat Newburgh is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions.
Donate Now >
Veterans Services
Disabled American Veterans
DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year. The organization provides more than 700,000 rides for veterans to get to medical appointments, while assisting veterans with more than 300,000 benefit claims annually. In 2015, DAV helped attain more than $4 billion in new and retroactive benefits to care for veterans, their families and survivors.
DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs and providing other resources to make sure that veterans have the opportunity to participate in the same American Dream their sacrifices made possible. Read some highlights of Beacon-based veteran and volunteer, Sgt. Thomas Wohlrab, during the Veterans Day ceremony of 2016 at the Memorial Building.
Donate Now >
Pets
ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation) Beacon
ARF is a federal 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, 100% volunteer, "no kill" animal shelter and organization founded in 1986. They house and care for cats and dogs in need of a second chance or more time to find just the right home. ARF is a participant in the Pilots n Paws program, founded by two pilots who were passionate about rescuing shelter animals in need. Pilots and plane owners volunteer their time, planes, and gas to transport animals from point A to point B. ARF is a recipient of some of those animals transported by Pilots n Paws.
Donate Now >
News
Highlands Current
The free newspaper you pick up from numerous locations in Beacon used to be known as The Philipstown Paper. In 2014, it rebranded and reclassified itself as a nonprofit. In 2016, they renamed as Beacon was officially adopted into their coverage. A Little Beacon Blog will run an article on what being a nonprofit means for a newspaper, but all you need to know at this point is that you can make a donation to the newspaper.
Donate Now >
Public Radio and TV
Now is definitely the time to renew your memberships to public radio and television stations, no matter where you listen to or watch them.. Streaming different NPR stations is easy, and you may like one in another state. The reporting is crucial. The programming from PBS is enriching, for adults and children. Fund the stations by participating in the membership drives, or by going to the websites on your own to increase or re-activate your membership.
"Homeland" Films At Key Food In Beacon for Episode 8 of Season 6
/UPDATE [3/14/2017]: This episode has aired! Get the details here >
On a rainy, otherwise uneventful day in the Hudson Valley, the production crew of "Homeland," the show produced by Fox TV for Showtime, suited up in rain gear and wheeled carts of lighting and camera equipment into Key Food to film a scene that is slated to be in Season 6, Episode 8. The four-time Emmy-nominated show airs on Showtime and streams on Hulu, starring five-time Emmy nominee Claire Danes. A surprise actor is on the scene, who we cannot reveal (#spoileralert).
Anthony Ruggiero, city administrator for the City of Beacon, exclaimed: “This is a major film production and we are very excited. The film production crew has been excellent to work with and very accommodating.” Key Food had been approached by the production company weeks prior to today's filming, and the city was able to turn around the permits in one week. In addition to filming on Main Street, the production rented space from the Elks Lodge to set up and store trucks and equipment, confirmed Carl Oken, and from the Memorial Building on Main Street.
Trucks lined South Brett Street from Main Street to Verplanck, holding camera equipment, scenes, costumes, whatever a production company might need to work their magic in the shot. Key Food is scheduled to be closed all day, unless the filming finishes early, says Key Food manager, Junior Zayed. Junior's brother and fellow manager, JB Said, and two regularly employed cashiers at Key Food may also be in the scene - if their part doesn't get cut! Junior and JB are part of the family who owns Key Food.
Says Mayor Randy Casale about the production: “We are very excited that Showtime Productions' "Homeland" chose the City of Beacon for filming episodes of Season 6. This is an opportunity to showcase the city and add to the local economy. Filming production is a growing industry in New York, and Beacon’s historic Main Street and natural beauty are perfect for a variety of movies and shows. We would like to attract other quality productions. On the set today, talking to a few of the 100 employees of the production, there was a buzz about Beacon, and several commented on visiting and moving here.”
Why Beacon?
The creative team for "Homeland" was looking to film on country roads, and selected the Hudson Valley as the best place to find what they needed. As for filming in Key Food, they needed a nondescript town - and apparently a large grocery store - to hunker down in for the day and film, according to a source familiar with the production company. The show is also filming in Putnam County today, possibly at the Country Side Motel.
Signs of More Filming in Beacon?
While the new tax break that Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into legislation recently (offering production companies a 10% tax break for filming in Dutchess and Ulster Counties) would be an incentive to film in Beacon, "Homeland" was not able to take advantage of it this time, since they were already filming in the area when it became law, according to a source familiar with the production. That source speculates, however, that the tax incentive will have a positive impact on the communities upstate. The City of Beacon was paid a $50 application fee plus a $2,500 filming fee, and was reimbursed for the use of three police officers, according to Ruggiero. Stores impacted by the filming, such as Key Food, are customarily compensated as well.
As actress Mary Stuart Masterson said in an article in the Poughkeepsie Journal about the tax incentive: “I can't wait to work where I live." Stuart Masterson is a Dutchess County resident, and hopes to open a film production facility in Ulster Country. Located right here in Beacon is the CineHub, a production resource center and studio for filmmakers and video professionals in the Hudson Valley.
Filming outside of New York City costs production companies more in terms of hotels, gas and other accommodations, but they also must pay their crew and actors extra to "go beyond the grid," which is a distance boundary negotiated by labor unions like the DGA and SAG to prevent their union members from traveling too far without compensation. The last movie that filmed in Beacon, one based on a Katie Fforde novel, was not a union job.
Terry Nelson, founder and executive director of the Beacon Independent Film Festival, had this to say about this filming event: "Having 'Homeland' filmed here is a great thing. It’s going to be good for Dutchess Country to do more shooting here, as opposed to having all films being shot across the river, which happens with shows shooting in Newburgh to make it look like Brooklyn. Films are starting to come on this side of the river, and I hope it continues."
Nelson feels that if there were a functioning film commission in this area, "that would be really helpful to look out for local crew to be hired if possible. This is a great start. I’m feeling optimistic about filming in Beacon." According to the production company, local crew were not hired for this job, which can be difficult when a production company for a TV show already has a team and rhythm in place.
Tune into Showtime to see the episode! As in all film and publishing projects, one never knows what will make it to the screen and what will be left on the cutting room floor, so tune in when Episode 8 of Season 6 premieres!
Please note: This article may be updated with more information as we get it.
Photo Credits: All photos taken by Katie Hellmuth Martin, with the exception of the screenshot of Claire Danes, which was taken from Homeland's homepage.
Mystery Photo Revealed: Marion Royael Gallery Doors Exhibit, The Knock Knock Underground Emoji
/Beacon residents might know the faces of the artists, Barbara A.G. Riddle and Steven Paul Riddle, who created and curate Marion Royael Gallery. Over the years, the gallery has been located on both ends of Main Street, and is currently based at 159 Main St., next door to Kitchen Sink. Onlookers who have walked past the directed migrating installations that appear each month in the gallery, may not yet have walked in, or walked all the way in, and stepped into the back patio known as Mr. Yard, which was the location of our Mystery Photo.
The installation that occupies Mr. Yard this year, Marion Royael's garden plot beside Kitchen Sink's back patio, was the location of our last Mystery Photo Contest that stumped everyone for days. That contest required four hints before somebody finally won! So now is the time for the big reveal and the virtual walk-through of this exhibit that is kid- and dog-friendly, and beckons for you to explore.
Reminder of the Mystery Photo
This was the mystery photo. Where was this taken?
About Marion Royael Gallery
Marion Royael Gallery highlights the work of emerging and mid-career artists through a scheduled series of exhibitions. The gallery acts as a forum for exploring fundamental ideas and concepts in contemporary art as they relate to prevailing topical events. Steven and Barbara seek to create a vibrant cross-generational dialogue about art and culture among the general public, collectors, curators, artists and critics. Marion Royael Gallery creates what they call "Directed Migrating Installations," which are rooted in themes that the gallery sends out to regular artists, who send art in response to be displayed. The gallery represents artists and sells contemporary fine art originals, editions and objects.
So Where Is This Dinosaur?
This purple dinosaur lives inside of the outdoor installation, "Mr. Yard Presents Knock Knock Underground Emoji," and behind at least two sets of doors. There is a total of 76 doors in the installation, 45 of which open and close, and some of which are painted. Appearing across all of the doors are 300 emojis representing different emotions. Why emojis and doors?
The installation is an exploration of what people do with their emotions, says Steven Paul Riddle. "It's about emotions. Whatever you do with your emotions. Some people show them very clearly, and you can see right through them. Other people hide them." The doors represent what the emotions are hidden behind. Closed doors, open doors, crooked doors, sideways doors.
Walking through is a lot like walking through a chapter in Alice in Wonderland. Explore at night or during the day, and the experience will still be steeped in curiosity as different corners reveal themselves to you in different lights, or through your own mood at the moment.
Continue to virtually walk through this installation via the pictures in this article, and then head down to Marion Royael Gallery to experience it yourself in person. Bring the kids! The doors are for sale as a piece of art, should something move you, but Barbara and Steven giggle at the thought of pricing it out, as they are so deeply rooted in the creation process.
The artists, Steven Paul Riddle and Barbara A.G. Riddle.
Photo Credits: All photos were taken by Katie Hellmuth Martin
Happening This Weekend - The Black Friday Issue - 11/25/16
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Happy Thanksgiving - Tell Someone Unexpected Why You Are Grateful For Them
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Happy Thanksgiving!
🍁
Tell someone unexpected today or this weekend why you are grateful for them. Who in your life has made an impact on you, who you don't see all of the time, but they have made you appreciate or see something in a new light? Tell them, and make their day.
Personally, I'm going to tell Mr. Bell how much I appreciate him and his triumph when he took a loss and went after an opportunity. Ever since we published that story, I think of him often when contemplating a big decision.
Who are you grateful for? We'd love to know! Let us know in the comments below.
50Roots Hosts Pop-Up Shop Takeover of A Little Beacon Space Thanksgiving Weekend
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The Friday after Thanksgiving - Black Friday - A Little Beacon Space will be open as a pop-up shop! It continues through Small Business Saturday, going until Sunday afternoon in a pop-up shop takeover by the Newburgh-based online shop 50Roots.com. Some may have met 50Roots.com owners Christa Gray Page and Patrick Page at various local markets when they tried their hand at selling in real life. Now, from Friday to Sunday, you get to walk into their world, where they have set up a shopping experience for you that includes a complimentary happy hour from 5 to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. The store will be open until 10 pm, so you have plenty of time to shop as you visit the many shops of Beacon's Main Street this weekend!
To match their online deals, the owners will be offering 15% off the entire store all weekend.
Hours are:
Friday: 12 pm to 10 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 10 pm
Sunday: 12 pm to 6 pm
A Little Of What You'll Find In the 50Roots Pop-Up Shop
50Roots.com was started by Christa, who used to work in retail and grew tired of dealing with items made in China. Currently residing in Poughkeepsie, Christa quit her day job and opened 50Roots.com, an online store that carries products made only in the USA. Woven into the shopping experience are behind-the-scenes stories of each designer so that you can get to know who you are purchasing from. With their online shop headquartered in Newburgh, where you can find them taking product pictures of their items before posting to their website, Christa and her husband Patrick are spread throughout the Hudson Valley with their work and home locations. Some of the lines they carry are from this neck of the woods, too!
David Rasmussen Design
WUD Wine Glasses - Blue
David Rasmussen is one of only a handful of designers who also handcrafts his elegant and detailed work. Concentrating mostly on furniture and architectural built-ins, David practices his craft in Carbondale, Colorado.
Recognize the hue of that wood? David Rasmussen's cutting boards and bowls are also carried in Utensil at the east end of Main Street, toward the mountain. You could make quite a collection by combining purchases.
Alchemy Goods
Franklin - Eco Vegan Wallet - Orange
People say that “necessity is the mother of invention,” and that’s exactly the way Alchemy Goods got started. “My messenger bag got stolen and I needed another one. But the perfect messenger bag eluded me,” says its founder.
Zootility Tools
PocketMonkey
Says the designer: "I like to think of myself as both an engineer and an artist. I’ve done very well exercising the left (logical) side of my brain. I studied Mechanical Engineering and I worked with a product design firm. More recently, I did software development, believe it or not, where I also got to use the right (creative) side of my brain for graphic design, branding, and web development. Now, I’m exploring the intersection between art and engineering. And it’s a brainstorm!"
Reed Wilson Design
Merican Dream Doormat
Reed Wilson Design creates clever objects that often evoke deep thoughts and giggles simultaneously. Their products have exhibited with AmDC at MOST Salone in Milan and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. They have been featured in The New York Times, among numerous other publications.
tote+able
WOOF - Water & Beverage Tote
tote {tote} verb, toted, toting. 1. to carry by hand or on one’s person, especially something that is a load or burden: I toted a bucket of water to the camp.
able {ay-bul} adjective, abler, ablist. 1. having the skill, power or design to do something: We were able to carry the load. 2. having function or ability that is above average: The foldable bottle is an able device.
These are only a few of the items you'll see in the space. Come on down as you shop from all of the small businesses on Main Street!
PS: Do you want to host a Pop-Up Shop in A Little Beacon Space? You can! Details are here.
The Wreaths and Trees are Coming to Town for 2016
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Highway Department employees were out in their trucks and neon yellow sweatshirts on Friday to hang dozens of wreaths on lampposts, replacing the petunia baskets that were still in full bloom in November.
This annual tradition comes after the clocks are pushed back an hour, producing extra nighttime that begs to be illuminated by twinkling holiday lights. The hanging of the wreaths marks the official start of the holiday season in Beacon.
Sunny Gardens Nursery on Route 9D was also setting up their temporary tree-leaning structure, and trucks have been driving through town making tree deliveries. Home Depot was stocked with air-filled lawn decorations and assortments of ornament balls, with people in early to pick up wreaths.
Highway Department staff working together to hang the wreaths.
A few wreaths left on this truck to be hung on Beacon's milelong Main Street.
Christmas trees headed down Main Street, but stopped for a break at Bank Square.
Happening This Weekend In Beacon! Dates, Shopping and Eateries for 11-18-2016
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