This Tuesday evening, from 5:30 to 8 pm, Scenic Hudson, Riverkeeper, Green Beacon Coalition, and the City of Beacon will convene for a public meeting, aka a "Night of Action," at Scenic Hudson's River Center at Long Dock Park in Beacon to discuss the findings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of whether General Electric (GE) completed its cleanup of decades-long releasing of toxic chemicals into the Hudson River.
The EPA produced a draft Five-Year Review. According to Scenic Hudson: "The draft Five-Year Review outlines the goals of the cleanup and whether or not these goals have been met and if the remedy is functioning as intended. EPA is stating that the project 'will be protective' of human health and the environment in 53 years, but state and federal agencies are saying a century or more."
During the event, Scenic Hudson will show a presentation that will walk through the Five-Year Review and its findings. The groups are hoping that the presentation will help provide the audience with talking points to spread via word-of-mouth. They also will collect public comments that will be submitted to the EPA by the September 1 deadline, calling on the EPA to change their determination and require additional cleanup from GE.
The event will also include a screening of a new clip from filmmaker Jon Bowermaster, a Q + A discussion, and a comment-writing opportunity for guests to fill out postcards that will be mailed to the EPA.
The board of the Howland Cultural Center (477 Main St.) is objecting to the proposed addition of a second and third floor of apartments to be built on the neighboring building at 475 Main St., citing obstruction of the Howland's use of natural light for artistic exhibitions. The Howland is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "Our greatest concern is the proposed raising of the rear one-story wing to three stories, which would turn our side courtyard into a brick canyon and a dark alley by creating shadowing," explained Craig Wolf, current board president of the Howland Cultural Center. In the above picture, the back of the building is bathed in late afternoon sunlight. That side includes a series of windows on the second floor, allowing natural light to illuminate the original Howland Circulating Library.
475 Main Street, the building adjacent to the Howland Cultural Center, seeks to build a second and third floor on the back of its building to create seven additional apartments. The Howland Cultural Center has objected to it, citing obstruction of natural light for its public and private art exhibits.
The Howland Cultural Center, which originated as a library, was built in 1872 by Joseph Howland, a Civil War general and former New York State Treasurer, who, along with several of his notably named friends like Brett, Van Buren and others, wanted “to raise the intellectual and cultural levels of people in the community.” Howland assumed the entire cost of the design and construction of what became the Howland Cultural Center. To design the library, he commissioned his brother-in-law, Richard Morris Hunt, considered one of the greatest American architects at the turn of the 20th century for his designs of Biltmore House, The Breakers, Marble House, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Today, the mission of the Howland Cultural Center is "to promote and encourage local artists of the Hudson Valley and to provide a space where they can exhibit, perform and showcase their unique artistic talents." Exhibits, which include mixed media, music, and other events, run on a nearly daily schedule.
Approval for the seven additional apartments was already granted in 1992, but to different requirements, as stated in an excerpt from the developer's application:
"The proposed building alterations and addition to the existing mixed-use building conforms to the applicable requirements set forth in the Zoning Code of the City of Beacon, but for the proposed lot area per dwelling unit, requiring an area variance from this Board. The City of Beacon Zoning Board of Appeals granted a density (use) variance on April 21, 1992, which approved a total of 7 residential units. The Premises has since been rezoned into the CB District where multi-family dwelling units are permitted. The CB District requires a minimum lot area of 1,500 sq. ft. per dwelling unit. Under the current zoning, while a 3-story building is permitted, the minimum lot area requirement only permits 3 apartments as-of-right. Thus, the proposed addition requires a de minimis area variance of 5,138 sq. ft."
Natural Light Used In Beacon Buildings
The Howland Circulating Library was one of the last libraries to use natural light in its main reading room. Today's Howland Cultural Center isn't the only building to use natural light in a major way - the Dia: Beacon, a former Nabisco box printing plant - also was built to maximize use of natural light. The printers in the press rooms in the plant used natural light that streamed through giant skylights to proof their work on the Nabisco boxes (as we learned through this Throwback Thursday of Beacon Revisited). Today, the Dia: Beacon, credited as one of the major sparks of Beacon's current resurgence, designed its museum around the natural light to showcase artwork of world-renowned artists.
The first floor of the 475 Main Street building has its own natural light design, as we saw when the artist Jeffrey Terreson moved in to use the front of the first floor as his gallery. He kept the back room (formerly known as a gallery called "The Back Room"), which has large windows and skylights promoting natural light, as his painting studio.
According to the application for the addition of the apartments, which mentions all neighboring buildings in its application except for the Howland Cultural Center, construction of the second and third stories will not impact the surrounding neighborhood. Stated in the application: "The granting of the requested area variance for the proposed building alterations and additions will not produce an undesirable change in character of the neighborhood, nor will it be a detriment to nearby properties."
Craig Wolf submitted a memo to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) requesting withdrawal of the application requesting a variance, or permission, to build the second and third stories for apartments. The application was withdrawn from the Zoning Board and taken to the Planning Board for consideration:
An excerpt of Wolf's memo is below:
"We understand from the Planning Board discussions that the item does not properly belong on the ZBA agenda yet. This proposal is a Type I action under SEQRA due to adjacency to a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is the case with the Howland Cultural Center at 477 Main, originally the Howland Circulating Library. Under SEQRA, for a Type I action, there must be coordinated review. The Planning Board has taken the position of Lead Agency. The Planning Board has not completed its SEQRA review and has not yet reached the point of a positive or negative declaration of determination of significant adverse impacts.
"We believe that this item is therefore premature on the ZBA agenda at this time and request that it be withdrawn...
"We will argue that there are significant adverse impacts to this important historic resource as well as to the Historic District and Landmark Overlay Zone that applies to this neighborhood."
Beacon's Planning Board meets August 8, 2017 at 7 pm at One Municipal Plaza to discuss the issue. The meeting is open to the public to attend, but the public cannot comment during these meetings. It is unknown to A Little Beacon Blog at this time as to why the second and third stories in the back of the building weren't built originally, when the rest of the building was, including the second and third stories that are there now. If we find out, this article will be updated.
Past and future meetings of the city, including City Council, Workshops, Planning Board and Zoning Board are being republished on A Little Beacon Blog as an effort to make them easier to find and follow.
It's here - the most delicious day of the year, when the Beacon community comes out to fundraise for a cause whether you like it or not. How could you not buy the delicious homemade brownies and cupcakes on sale at this year's For Goodness Bake, happening today, Saturday, from 10 am to 4 pm at Catalyst Gallery at 137 Main Street?! This year's edition of the sale has already been dubbed "Best spread so far!" by Beacon resident Jennifer Sarah Blakeslee.
The pop-up bake-sale-for-a-cause, For Goodness Bake, has dedicated this year's proceeds to the Tuition Assistance Fund for Beacon's After School Program. The 2016-17 school year marked the first that children and parents of the Beacon City School District had direct access to an after-school program within the schools themselves. That's right. No busing required to get kids into an enriching childcare program, from 3 to 6 pm at their very own schools. Until last fall, of the four elementary schools in Beacon, only one had an in-school after-school program: Glenham Elementary, and it was a joint program with Fishkill.
Thanks to the efforts of the Beacon Parks and Recreation Department, a five-day program was designed to offer themed content for kids, until 6pm. It's a little unbelievable at first, so pay attention to how it works: Planned in quarterly sessions, each day presents a different theme, which might include baking, yoga, bird-watching (yes, really!), theater, filmmaking, martial arts, and more. Speaking from experience, the program has been incredible. Kids learn to use cooking utensils (and may take over salsa-making in your home), and have interviewed city leaders including the Chief of Police during their filmmaking class.
The Tuition Assistance Fund offers 50 percent off of After School Program tuition to families who qualify for the Free Lunch Program in the Beacon City School District. Roughly 51 percent of Beacon families participate in the program, yet of the 175 children enrolled in After School at three Beacon elementary schools (Glenham is not included because it's in Fishkill's budget), only 21 kids used the Tuition Assistance Fund last year. But just over 80 kids would be eligible, according to the Free Lunch Program statistics. Word spread about After School's first year, but not everyone knows about the tuition assistance, which helps working families afford childcare. However, children in families who have stay-at-home parents certainly still benefit from the After School Program's activities.
Who Pays for Tuition Assistance
Right now, according to the Parks and Recreation Department's Assistant Director Nate Smith, the City of Beacon pays for the tuition assistance, and takes it as a loss. The After School Program was designed to fund itself. Tuition for one child to register for five days during one quarterly session is $600. Families eligible for tuition assistance pay $300, which is matched right now by the City of Beacon.
Hence the fundraising effort through For Goodness Bake, which has been known to raise $4,000 or more per sale. Past bake sales have been dedicated to organizations such as the Kids R Kids Feeding Program, Green Teen Beacon, the Beacon Community Kitchen, and the Children's Organ Transplant Association.
On sale at the bake sale for $5 each are works of art produced by kids in Camp @ the Camp, a summer program created by the Parks and Recreation Department. Photo Credit: For Goodness Bake
Back to the Bake Sale
But really, let's get down to business and discuss what's available at the bake sale. Contributions from talented amateur and professional cooks alike include a wide array of sweet and savory baked treats, confections, and vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options. Also available is locally roasted coffee from Tas Kafé and hand-crafted sodas from Drink More Good.
The team at For Goodness Bake, Kristen Pratt and Tara Tornello, thanks the following people (and more not mentioned here): "ENORMOUS gratitude goes to these fine folks and establishments: Drink More Good for donating drink syrups, seltzer, and ice; Tas Kafé LLC, Adams Fairacre Farms, Inc. for sponsorship; Viridescent Floral Design for flowers; The Roundhouse for table linens; Beacon Bread Company for to-go containers; The UPS Store 4839 for printing; Catalyst Gallery for the lovely space; City of Beacon Recreation for tables and overall support; the kids of Camp @ the Camp for creating artwork to display; Kit Burke-Smith for hanging the artwork; Diana Vidal for photography; Patti McAlpine for her collection of cake stands and platters; our wonderful volunteers Christopher Dawson, John Fanning, Mary Jean, Ivette Mateiescu, Jessica Nash, Tara D'Andrea, and Maureen Neary and her sweet daughter (and baker extraordinaire) Tallix."
Registering for the Tuition Assistance Fund
To register for tuition assistance, contact Nate Smith at (845) 765-2470 or nsmith@cityofbeacon.org. Registrants fill out one form, keeping the process relatively simple.
My bounty, delivered by a friend from Cold Spring who was dropping off a baby gift after she finished Pilates class at Beacon Pilates. Sweetness all around.
In the spring of 2017, after the snow melted on the sledding hill of South Avenue Park behind the Recreation Center at 23 W. Center Street, Beacon's Parks and Recreation Department finished construction of a new playground. However, the playground equipment isn't your traditional swing-set package. Oh, no. In fact, there isn't a swing to be seen - in the traditional sense at least. The new climbing playground is brought to you from the same people who got the Beacon Pool filled up and thriving after years of neglect, as well as the new After School Program, Beacon's enrichment-based childcare program, as well as Beacon's summer camp program, Camp at the Camp.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
One could surmise that inspiration for the design was taken from a spider. "The entire playground was designed to include climbing and balancing," says Heidi Harrison, Recreation Assistant with the City of Beacon. "Most of the elements used were chosen because they would be interactive for multiple children at one time."
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
South Avenue Park is located in a densely populated residential area, where children from elementary to high school age use the area's basketball courts, tennis courts and green spaces. Just last weekend, the annual community-planned South Avenue Community Cookout, organized and executed every year by Leman Anderson and a team of dedicated volunteers, was held for a large crowd of all ages.
Most parks in Beacon are designed for little ones, but the South Avenue Park opens up new opportunities for older kids. Says Heidi: "The inspiration initially came from watching kids walking and balancing on structures at Riverfront Park. Realizing that traditional playground structures don’t always appeal to or accommodate the pre-teens and teenage kids, this style seemed to be a great option. It suits all ages, as well as parents and caregivers, to play along with their kids. Or by themselves!"
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
The climbing structures take a bit of thought before climbing onto or spinning around. "The kids seem to really enjoy the ability to free play, use their imagination, and cooperate with each other, to bring the structures to life," observes Heidi of how kids have been using the equipment during its first season. "It takes a bit of work and a helping hand for some of the equipment, which brings play, exercise, and learning to help your friend, for the greatest experience."
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Funding for the equipment and installation came from the Recreation Fund, Capital Plan, and City Budget. The Parks Department has been conducting creative ways of fundraising, however, for more direct community support for better budgets to work with. Projects have included the Cannonball Run, as well as being the recipient of the 2017 fundraising effort, For Goodness Bake.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Never a dull moment at West Center Street, the Beacon Parks and Recreation Department has more big plans in the works, including Court resurfacing at Memorial Park, a new pavilion at Riverfront Park, and new retaining walls at South Avenue Park. In development, according to Heidi, is a Skate Park (see a City Council video about it here), Climbing Gym, Reconstruction of Bathrooms & Changing Rooms at The Beacon Pool, and an expansion of Wee Play Tot Park.
Weekend events included here are pulled from A Little Beacon Blog's Things To Do In Beacon Guides,but more happenings throughout the week are at the Guides themselves, so be sure to check them during the week.
For Goodness Bake Date: Saturday, August 5, 2017 Time: 10 am to 4 pm Location: Catalyst Gallery, 137 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
The Big Latch on 2017 Day: Saturday, August 5, 2017 Time: 10 am Location: Waddle n Swaddle, 484 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Songs of the '70s Day: Saturday, August 5, 2017 Time: 1 to 2 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
ArtEast opening reception Day: Saturday, August 5, 2017 Time: 3 to 6 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
O+ Festival - Poughkeepsie Day: Saturday, August 5, 2017 Time: Noon to 9 pm Location: Main Street between Academy and Market, Poughkeepsie, NY Information >
The Art of Healing: Folk art works by HIV+ children from Nyumbani Children's Home in Nairobi, Kenya Day: Sunday and Monday, August 6 and 7, 2017 Time: Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm; Monday, 10 am to 3 pm Location: Catalyst Gallery, 137 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Bus Trip to New York Botanical Garden - Chihuly Exhibit Day: Tuesday, August 8, 2017 Time: Bus leaves at 9 am, returns 5:30-6 pm Location: Pickup at Yankee Clipper diner's parking lot on Henry St, Beacon, NY Information >
See more upcoming events for the week in our Events Guide.
Yin-tuition: Letting Your Feelings Speak Day: Friday, August 4, 2017 Time: 7 to 9 pm
Location: BeBhakti Yoga Center, 83Dewindt St., Beacon, NY Information >
A Little Beacon Blog's Annual Summer Camp Guide has over 20 camps for all age ranges and passion areas. Cross-reference ages, days, times and prices in our easy-to-use guide that is many parents' go-to source for summer planning.
AUGUST CAMP: Musical Theater Intensive
During this five-day program, taught by Katie Bissinger, mornings will be devoted to warm-up and dance training. In the afternoons, the dancers will work on improvisation, theater games, and workshop a Broadway performance piece. The intensive will culminate with an in-studio performance on Friday, August 18, at 6 pm. Ages: 12+ Dates: August 14-18 Time: 10 am to 4 pm (Friday runs until 7 pm for in-studio performance) Price: $375 To Register: Call (845) 831-1870 or email info@balletartsstudio.com See All Camp Sessions from Ballet Arts Studio >
Where is Ballet Arts Studio? On the corner of Henry and Teller, opposite the back of the Yankee Clipper Diner.
reMADE
133 Main Street
This mid-century bedside table would work perfectly in a cottage by a river, with its whimsical look and uplifting aroma from the teak oil it's been treated with. Made by Beaconite Air Nonken for you with love. Where is reMADE? Across from Tito Santana's, next to Bank Square Coffee.
Bellus on Main
181 Main Street
You may want to pick these mushrooms and eat them one by one, and you may even have a recipe from @nerdswithknives that you want to try them in, but caution: These 'shrooms are actually carved from wood, and are extremely attractive when on display in your home. Only at Bellus on Main.
Where is Bellus? Next door to Luxe Optique, up Main Street from Notions-n-Potions.
Luxe Optique 183 Main Street HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
You could gaze all day at Christian Roth frames on their website. Or, you could step into Luxe Optique on Main Street in Beacon and try on a pair. These frames, made in Italy, are works of art. Warning: You may be seduced into buying them, then feeling amazing. That's the #GetLuxed effect. SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, August 12, for Luxe Optique's First Anniversary party. Where is Luxe Optique? Across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company, and across Main Street from Beacon Barkery.
Style Storehouse
484 Main Street SUMMER SALE!
50%-75% Off!
All spring and summer items are 50%-70% off! Style Storehouse is a cute little boutique near Waddle n Swaddle. Find trusted brands like Free People, HardTail, MinkPink, BB Dakota, and more.
Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle n Swaddle, and across the street from the old Matteawan Train Station.
Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! reMADE, Bellus on Main, Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, and Style Storehouse.
Visit the Shopping Guide for a full list of shopping destinations up and down Main Street. Includes stores for Vintage, Kitchen, Kids, and more.
River Therapeutic Massage 612 Route 52
Beacon, NY
(845) 379-1956 PRE-PAID PACKAGE SALE SAVE UP TO $240
This sale has been extended to August 10, so take advantage of it now to save on massages that you know you're going to book in the next few months! TABLE THAI SPECIAL SAVE 20%
Only seven spots are left in this special offer from Karen, who has just introduced this new service to her practice. Details >
Thank you River Therapeutic Massage for sponsoring the Beauty Guide!
Visit our Beauty Guide for a complete list of beauty sources in Beacon, including barbers and other specialists for hair, nails, and even lashes.
The Vault
446 Main Street
OMG - yum. Fresh egg-battered French toast, served to you for brunch at The Vault. Feel like one of the stars in the recent TV series that filmed at The Vault, starring Michael Neeson, son of Liam Neeson. Get many behind-the-scenes photos here on The Vault's Facebook page.
Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath & Bubble, across the street from the Howland Cultural Center.
Visit our Restaurant Guide for a complete list of eateries in Beacon.
Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!
Tickets are selling fast, so be sure to reserve your seat if you plan on coming! Discounts are available for local affiliated groups. The night features a panel of representatives from City Council, BeaconArts, and Beacon's Chamber of Commerce, and subsequent roundtable learning opportunities in PR, Marketing, Finances and Operations. BUSINESS TIP
We asked George Mansfield, owner of Dogwood and a panelist representing the Beacon City Council, what has brought business off the beaten path of Main Street to his restaurant across Fishkill Creek: "Social media and word of mouth have brought most people to our door." *** This tip sponsored by Tin Shingle, champions of modern marketing strategies. *** Sponsor spots are open now with the deadline approaching for getting your logo on our printed flyers and into press releases. Get info here and reserve online.
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency Free Seminar on New Mandatory Paid Family Leave in New York State
Did you know that you MUST comply with this new law, and virtually no employers are exempted? Learn about it at this upcoming seminar at the Southern Dutchess Country Club. Date: Tuesday, August 15, 2017 Time: 5:30 to 6:30 pm Location: Southern Dutchess Country Club, 1209 North Ave., Beacon, NY 12508 RSVP: Free, but please register with Thomasine Supple, (845) 831-4300 or tsupple@antalek-moore.com Presenters:
Cathy A. Meyer, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, President & Senior Consultant, CR Meyer Group, Inc.
Edward Petruska, CLCS, CWCA, Account Executive, Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency LLC
BeaconArts: Beacon3D Feature
Emil Alzamora was born in Lima, Peru, in 1975. When he was two, his family moved to Boca Grande, Florida. He earned a BFA from Florida State University, graduating magna cum laude in 1998. His sculpting career began in the Hudson Valley as he worked with Polich Tallix in the fall of 1998. Since his departure from the foundry in 2001, he has produced his work full-time and shown regularly throughout the United States and Europe. Where To Find It: Outside of Trendy Tots Take Two, 296 Main Street
Beacon Chamber of Commerce
Oh, that's right... "The Princess Bride" comes to a big screen outside near you. No drive-in required! Walk right up to the Visitors Center next Wednesday night (August 9) at dusk, and watch this family-friendly favorite. Details here >
Tin Shingle
Have you ever pitched a newspaper with a request to feature your business, and you got the dreaded answer of: "Sure, place an advertisement!" There's a reason for that, and it's not because newspapers only write about advertisers. It's in the way that you pitched. Learn what triggers this answer - and how not to get it - and increase your chances of getting featured in the media. Read on >
InHouse Design Media SAVE THE DATE Day: Tuesday, August 15, 2017 Time: 6:30 to 8 pm Location: East Fishkill Community Library, 348 NY-376, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Owner, designer and digital marketing producer Katie will be speaking at SCORE's night at the East Fishkill Library, presenting the topic: “Digital Marketing Techniques for Promoting Small Business.” Come!
A Little Beacon Space
291 Main Street
Looking for an inspiring location for your company retreat? A Little Beacon Blog's Space rates five stars, and includes paper and markers (and even some glitter markers) for your pop-up easel as you brainstorm the day away.
We know what you're thinking: "I want my business featured here!"
Pictures shown above are from our advertising partners in the Things To Do In Beacon Guides. We can include your most exciting news here too!
You've seen the casting calls. You've seen the yellow NYC taxi cabs parked in front of The Vault when the street was shut down Friday night. Were the taxi cabs making a long-distance delivery? Trying to maintain an edge over newcomers Lyft and Uber? No, they are "picture cars," vehicles used in the impending TV series Big Dogs from Choice Films based on books by Adam Dunn.
Filming outside of The Vault on Friday night. Photo Credit: The Vault
Beginning last week, Hudson Valley locales including Beacon, Cold Spring, Garrison, Newburgh, Peekskill, and upcoming areas including Fishkill and Garnerville (over in Rockland County), have been hosting Big Dogs on Main Street and inside of several businesses including The Vault, Roundhouse and Beacon Bread Company. The drama uses taxis as a key plot element in its crime-based story-line. Big Dogs is a futuristic tale set in an aging and decrepit New York City, where crime and drugs are running rampant. A fashion photographer is the central character, running drugs through a circuit of NYC taxi cabs with his boss forcing him to up his game to an evermore dangerous degree.
The Vault's patio is blacked out so that the production can control lighting for a scene being shot on the inside. Photo Credit: Bruno Barros
The series is directed by David Platt, who has completed decades of work on Law & Order (if you like an inspirational work-your-way-up story, see Platt's resume here at IMDB to see how he started off as a sound mixer and boom operator on Law & Order, and worked his way up to director). Big Dogs is being shopped around to interested networks. It's co-produced by Summer Crockett Moore and Tony Glazer for Choice Films, and co-written by Dunn and Choice Films’ Glazer.
Interior scene for Big Dogs filmed at The Vault. Photo Credit: Bruno Barros
When will you be able to watch Big Dogs on TV? "We have lots of interest from a variety of places (streaming platforms, cable networks, etc), and are eager to see who the best match will be," says Summer. "It is a very commercial genre, and Dunn's books 'Rivers of Gold,' 'Big Dogs,' and 'Saint Underground' have a fabulous audience, so we are excited to bring the series to life on screen."
We wanted an inside look at why Choice Films selected the Hudson Valley for several of their film locations, and got the the inside scoop from Summer in this interview with A Little Beacon Blog:
Why did you all come up to the Hudson Valley to film?
"We did two feature films in the Hudson Valley over the last year: ABOVE ALL THINGS, which we filmed in Cold Spring in June 2016, and one called HEATHER, which we filmed here in April of this year. We had a great experience. Not only are there amazing locations and amazing people here, but the value of the production dollar and the ease of filming in this area, which includes working with local officials, locations, and local vendors, makes it a wonderful experience overall for all parties.
"The new New York State enhanced tax incentive is also a huge benefit, but it is really the people and the possibilities that keep us coming back. We have made Umbra of Newburgh our local home – with offices and full use of their state-of-the-art soundstage. We spread out from there to many nearby areas."
How have you liked filming in the Hudson Valley?
"We are very happy to be here. The local people, the wide variety of locations, the enthusiastic support from the film community and many local vendors and the local film offices – it all makes the process of production that much easier. We have a little saying that the people on our production are our #filmfamily, and that 'family' grows daily with many new Hudson Valley locals joining our cast and crew."
The Vault's parking lot is taken over by the "Big Dogs" production crew. Having a convenient parking lot is very helpful for locations where movie scenes are being filmed. Photo Credit: Bruno Barros
Can you tell us some of the other locations you have used, besides The Vault, Roundhouse and Beacon Bread Company?
"In Newburgh, we used Umbra of Newburgh Soundstage (which is our home base), Liberty Street Lot, The Karpeles Museum,The Infinity Lounge, as well as three local houses in Newburgh. We used a private garage and one private home in Beacon. In Peekskill, we used the Peekskill Diner. In Cold Spring we used Happy Liquor, and we have some great stuff coming up in Garnerville (just scouted the Arts Center). Our location scouts Evie Watters and Bruno Barros have a ton of new places we just saw this week that blew my mind with their awesomeness."
Filming at The Vault
Filming took place at Roundhouse two weeks ago, and Beacon Bread Company and The Vault last week. On Friday, the production shut down a portion of Main Street in front of The Vault, The Beacon Theater and Brothers Trattoria. They continue today (Monday) to film interior shots inside of The Vault.
Photo Credit: The Vault
See that guy holding the big long pole? It's no selfie-stick. It's called a boom, which is the microphone that records the actors. The person holding it is the Boom Operator, and is what director David Platt used to do before he moved into directing. Photo Credit: The Vault
How Your Business Can Be Considered as a Location
Businesses interested in submitting themselves as a location can email casting@choicefilms.com with photos and contact info. Choice Casting is also offering paid background (extras) casting as well, so interested parties should email the same address with contact info and a photo. The production is seeking all types and all ages. This is a wonderful opportunity for those interested in working in film and television to see how it all gets produced on set.
Read about what's going on in Beacon and nearby this weekend!
Weekend dates featured here are drawn from A Little Beacon Blog's Things To Do In Beacon Guides,but more dates throughout the week are at the Guides themselveson the website, so be sure to check them during the week.
International Film Night Day: Friday, July 28, 2017 Time: 7 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
'I'll Have What She's Having', solo ceramics show by Chloe Theodosiou Day: Friday, July 28, 2017 Time: 4 to 6 pm Location: Catalyst Gallery, 137 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Firefly Feast Day: Saturday, July 29, 2017 Time: 4 to 9 pm Location: 4 Hanna Lane, Beacon, NY Information >
Putnam History Museum presents "The Mt. Beacon Eight" Day: Saturday, July 29, 2017 Time: 5 pm Location: Putnam History Museum, 63 Chestnut St., Cold Spring, NY Information >
Beacon's Annual Cookout Day: Saturday, July 29, 2017 Time: 10 am to 9 pm Location: Loopers Park, Beacon, NY (corner of South Avenue and Route 9D) Information >
Not an Ending at All: An Evening of Dance & Music with A+S Works and Julia Hudak Day: Saturday, July 29, 2017 Time: 7:30 to 9 pm Location: Atlas Studios, 11 Spring St., Newburgh, NY Information >
See more upcoming events for the week in our Events Guide.
Insane Inflatable 5K Run
Day: Saturday, July 29, 2017
Time: View website to reserve spot
Location: Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6550 Spring Brook Ave., Rhinebeck, NY Information >
Baptiste Yoga Master Class with Eric Schweppe Day: Friday, July 28, 2017 Time: 6 to 8 pm Location: Firefly Yoga Studio, 1004 Main St., Fishkill, NY Information >
Massage Therapy Class for Couples
Day: Saturday, July 29, 2017 Time: 6:30 to 9:30 pm Location: Alma Yoga, 190 South Plank Road, Newburgh, NY Information >
Birth Story Support Circle Day: Saturday, July 29, 2017 Time: 12:30 to 1:30pm Location: Waddle n' Swaddle, 484 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Fab the Cab (kitchen cabinet workshop) Day: Sunday, July 30, 2017 Time: 4 to 7 pm Location: Knot Too Shabby, 155 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Natural Solutions: Essential Oils 101 Day: Sunday, July 30, 2017 Time: 11 am to noon Location: BeBhakti Yoga Center, 89 Dewindt St., Beacon, NY Information >
A Little Beacon Blog's Annual Summer Camp Guide has over 20 camps for all age ranges and passion areas. Cross-reference ages, days, times and prices in our easy-to-use guide that is many parents' go-to source for summer planning.
AUGUST CAMP: Ballet Intensive
Days are winding down for when you can sign up for Ballet Arts Studio's Ballet Intensive camps. July whizzed by, so what does your August look like? Take advantage of the summer schedule to get your child immersed in dance, culminating in a Friday performance. Ages: 12+ Dates: August 7-11 Time: 10 am to 4 pm (Friday runs until 7 pm for in-studio performance) Price: $375 To Register: Call (845) 831-1870 or email info@balletartsstudio.com See All Camp Sessions from Ballet Arts Studio >
Where is Ballet Arts Studio? On the corner of Henry and Teller, opposite the back of the Yankee Clipper Diner.
reMADE
133 Main Street
Nothing says "summer" more than buying from an artist who is painting in their barn studio. Meet Kelly Stuart, an artist whose work is newly being carried at reMADE. Working in her historic farmhouse garden studio, Kelly hand-paints, stitches, collages, and dyes each card, creating a work of art designed to share! Where is reMADE? Across from Tito Santana's, next to Bank Square Coffee.
Bellus on Main
181 Main Street
It's country line-dancing time, and right around the corner are beer, corn, and pumpkin festivals. Where is your plaid shirt? And does it have embroidery and floral prints on the back like these do? Plus, these are on sale for the summer. Walk into the store, if only to look closely at these shirts. Yes, we own one. Only at Bellus on Main. Where is Bellus? Next door to Luxe Optique, up the road from Notions-n-Potions.
Luxe Optique 183 Main Street HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
The First Anniversary of Luxe Optique is this week, and it's been a wonderful and busy year for the frames stylists with an optician in the store. The secret to their success? Maybe their incredible passion for each set of frames they carry in the store, and the care they show to each customer. Everybody knows your name when you walk into Luxe Optique. Pictured here is owner Laurie Riehle. Congratulate her and the entire staff next time you're in! Where is Luxe Optique? Across the Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company, and across Main Street from Beacon Barkery.
Style Storehouse
484 Main Street SUMMER SALE!
50%-75% Off!
Style Storehouse is having their Summer Sale to get ready for fall. But it's still summer! And you're still wearing shorts! Come on in, because all shorts are under $50. Brands include Parker Smith, MinkPink. BB Dakota, and others. For all we know, summer will last into September as it usually does, so scoop up these savings this weekend.
Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle n Swaddle, and across the street from the old Matteawan Train Station.
Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! reMADE, Bellus on Main, Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, and Style Storehouse.
Visit the Shopping Guide for a full list of shopping destinations up and down Main Street. Includes stores for Vintage, Kitchen, Kids, and more.
River Therapeutic Massage 612 Route 52
Beacon, NY
(845) 379-1956 PRE-PAID PACKAGE SALE SAVE UP TO $240
Receiving regular massage has many benefits, and planning for that just got even easier at River Therapeutic Massage. Now through July 31, 2017, save money when you buy several massages at once. Once you select your savings, you can schedule your self-care. You're that much closer to aiding your body, mind and spirit. Says owner Karen: "Pro-actively manage your pain, stress, and/or anxiety - regular sessions WILL make a difference." Book Now >
Thank you River Therapeutic Massage for sponsoring the Beauty Guide!
Visit our Beauty Guide for a complete list of beauty sources in Beacon, including specialists in hair, nails, barbers, and even lashes.
The Vault
446 Main Street
Have you tried The Vault's new summer menu yet? Loaded with fresh seafood options like the Seafood Linguini in a garlic butter sauce, and the Seared Scallop Salad. Or go with the Smoky Crispy Duck with a wild mushroom risotto. Pair with a chilled glass of a dry white wine. Voila. Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath & Bubble, and across the street from the Howland Cultural Center.
Visit our Restaurant Guide for a complete list of eateries in Beacon.
Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!
Storm King Art Center FREE ADMISSION DAY
Catch the next Free Admission Day at Storm King Art Center in August! It is on August 31, 2017, which is the last Thursday of the month, and their last Free Admission Day of the summer. Make a plan! PS: Membership to Storm King Art Center gets you this event and more for free. There's a great deal going for Beaconites right now - it's only $110 for the whole family (see details here)!
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency Free Seminar on New Mandatory Paid Family Leave in New York State
Did you know that employers MUST comply with this new law, with virtually no employers exempted? Learn about it at this upcoming seminar at the Southern Dutchess Country Club. Date: Tuesday, August 15 Time: 5:30 to 6:30 pm Location: Southern Dutchess Country Club, 1209 North Ave., Beacon, NY RSVP: Free, but please register with Thomasine Supple, (845) 831-4300 or tsupple@antalek-moore.com Presenters include:
Cathy A. Meyer, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, President and Senior Consultant, CR Meyer Group, Inc.
Edward Petruska, CLCS, CWCA Account Executive, Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency LLC
Main Street Summit Tickets are on sale now, and response has been great to the launching of the Main Street Summit, happening in the joint offices of BEAHIVE and A Little Beacon Blog, the creators of this event. BUSINESS TIP: From one of our Roundtable Leaders of the Finance Table, Galia Gichon of Down To Earth Finance: "To save money on bookkeeping, pick one day of the week to catch up on your books. Using QuickBooks Online and syncing your bank and credit card accounts will save you hours of time when entering your expenses. Hiring a bookkeeper is equally important, and by modernizing your systems, you'll save money on their time spent as well." NEW SPONSOR: Thank you Tom Cerchiara, founder of TEC Land Surveying, for being one of our "Brick and Mortar" Sponsors! Your historic knowledge of this region is boundless! NEW SPONSOR: Thank you Oak Vino for providing your famous appetizers! We look forward to seeing the menu you create!
BeaconArts
The art is up! The large sculpture art that you are seeing around town is the exhibition known as Beacon3D, which is a fiscal project of BeaconArts. All 11 pieces around town are for sale, and you can see all of them at Beacon3D's website. This one, titled "Effluence," is by Lori Merhige and it's on Beekman Street near the police station. SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, August 1, 2017
The next BeaconArts member meeting is a joint one with the Beacon Chamber of Commerce at the New Hamburg Yacht Club. Join BeaconArts now if you haven't.
Beacon Chamber of Commerce
Join the Beacon Chamber of Commerce for a tandem member meeting with Beacon Arts! RSVP; membership with the Chamber or BeaconArts is required. Details here >
InHouse Design Media SAVE THE DATE Day: Tuesday, August 15, 2017 Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Location: East Fishkill Community Library, 348 NY-376, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Owner, designer and digital marketing producer Katie will be speaking at SCORE's night at the East Fishkill Library, presenting the topic: “Digital Marketing Techniques for Promoting Small Business.” Come!
A Little Beacon Space
291 Main Street
Looking for an inspiring location for your company retreat? A Little Beacon Blog's Space rates five stars for this Hudson Valley business, who came to Beacon for a retreat that put work first, followed by playing in Beacon.
We know what you're thinking: "I want my business featured here!"
Pictures shown above are from our advertising partners in the Things To Do In Beacon Guides. We can include your most exciting news here too!
Current organizers of the Spirit of Beacon Day, one of the city's longest running volunteer-based daylong celebrations, are disbanding after this fall's event. Just who will replace them is undecided. Rose Story, chairperson of the event for almost 20 years, says: "We are a very small committee. We’ve been doing this for a very long time, and it’s time to give someone else a chance." Just who that someone else (or someone elses) will be seems to be a decision owned by no one, since the Spirit of Beacon Day is owned by the people of Beacon. "It’s not our decision to say who can do it," Story says, adding, "I will gladly help out with the transition."
Mayor Randy Casale announced this development at the July 17, 2017 City Council Meeting, and made it clear that responsibility for finding the replacement does not reside with the City, encouraging volunteers to come forward. “It’s not the city’s job to run these events," Mayor Casale stated at the meeting. "If people want events, they need to volunteer; they need to organize. They've got to figure out how they are run, and then come to the City to ask what we’ll allow and not allow, and move forward from there.”
Origins of the Spirit of Beacon Day
The Spirit of Beacon Day began in 1977 as a solution to racially driven problems between students of the Beacon City Schools and the community, according to "Celebrating Our Centennial," published by the Beacon Historical Society (buy the book at Beacon Bath & Bubble, across from the Howland Cultural Center). According to the historians, in the winter and early spring of 1977, "racial problems became severe" for several days and nights. Meeting several times to discuss the issues were city leaders and concerned agencies, including a representative from the FBI's Community Relations, Dutchess County Youth Bureau, then-Mayor Robert Cahill, local legislators, City Council, clergy people, and representatives from youth-focused organizations like Beacon City School District, the Howland Public Library, the Beacon Community Center, and others.
It was decided that there would be a Community Day aimed at bringing the people of the City together in order to "get to know one another better, learn what each other liked, [via] conversation, feelings, entertainment, education and food." These meetings began in May, and the people scrambled together to hold a Community Day on the last Sunday of September that year. This came to be known as the Spirit of Beacon Day. A committee was formed, and booths featuring food, crafts and exhibits from local organizations and agencies were planned and set up. The Mayor and City Council led the march, but it was declared by the committee at that time that "politicking" not be allowed, and politicians seeking election were not allowed to participate. Additionally, at some point during the parade's history, it was decided that only nonprofit groups could set up booths along Main Street.
Today's Spirit of Beacon Day
Today, and many committee members later, the parade still goes on, and does feature Beacon City Schools and other participants. The Mayor stressed that producing a parade is no small feat, and is a lot of work for anyone involved. "[The organizers] don’t have many volunteers helping them," Mayor Casale said. "It takes a lot of work for people that haven’t done it, to organize a parade the size of that parade, and to organize the whole day’s event which is on Main Street. A lot goes into it."
The Mayor continued, mentioning more recent concerns: "[The organizers] get some grief from business owners, ‘Why do these booths have to be in front of my business during my business day?’ " Originally, the Spirit of Beacon Day originated from the minds of many leaders, with a few on a committee to carry it out. Said the Mayor at the City Council meeting: "I had reached out when they came to me - because I didn’t know if [the organizers] had put it public yet - to the Chamber, to BeaconArts, and to the Parks and Recreation director, and I told them: 'We’re going to have to think about what we’re going to do about the Spirit of Beacon Day next year. It gives us a whole year find out what we plan on doing, how we’re going to do it, and start deciding.' ”
Who Will Carry On The Spirit Of Beacon Day?
According to Kelly Ellenwood, president of BeaconArts, the organizing of it will not fall into their court: "BeaconArts will not be 'running it,' although I'm sure that we would continue to participate as a nonprofit organization as we have before." Michele Williams, board member of Beacon's Chamber of Commerce, confirms that the Chamber is considering taking it on as a project: "We know it’s important to the kids and to the community," said Michele. "We will figure out a way to make everybody happy. We know that students look forward to the parade, and that it's an important event to the people of the City of Beacon. We are discussing it at our next board meeting, including ideas to make everyone in Beacon happy, including business owners. Regarding the tables being nonprofits, that is simply how the organizers had set it up, and does not have to be this way moving forward."
Spirit of Beacon Day 2017 Will March On
The parade will happen on the last Sunday in September as it always has, and according to the Mayor at the July 17, 2017, City Council meeting, it will continue next year. For this year, parade participants can continue to contact Roy Ciancanelli at (845) 831-3027 after 6 pm or email royal_ciancanelli@hotmail.com.
Saturday, July 22, is the last day to submit a proposal for the art installation Windows on Main Street (WOMS), to get your art in the window of a storefront business on Beacon's Main Street in October. WOMS is a vibrant public art opportunity that provides a citywide platform for artists, some of whom have otherwise little exposure in Beacon, and may be more widely known in other cities or internationally.
Windows on Main is a project of BeaconArts. Details to submit as an artist or business are at www.beaconarts.org.
The Brooklynites are coming... The Brooklynites are coming!
Brooklyn Based, a blog based in Brooklyn that covers all things Brooklyn, hosts events called Immersions, where they lead people to new places and encourage them to shop, eat, drink, buy art, and fall into the culture of a new place. This time, they are leaving the comfortable life in the New York City area to come alllllll the way up to Beacon on Saturday, July 22, from 11:30 am to 6 pm (and probably over into Sunday for serious day-trippers who decide to sleep over).
How This Immersion Works
To city-folk (of whom I used to be one), this would be called going upstate. To a person looking at a map, this would mean venturing north a bit, but still being at the bottom of New York State in the Hudson Valley. For a simple $15-$25, participants in The Total Beacon Immersion will get to check in at Dia or the Visitors Center and be given WAM (Walking Around Money) and an Immersion deal card. This card is "a special card to redeem all sorts of magical deals, special specials and fantastic discounts throughout Beacon," as described by Nicole Davis, publisher of Brooklyn Based. Deals include a free Brooklyn Brewery beer at four of Beacon's bars: Baja 328, Towne Crier, Draught Industries, and Dogwood. Admission also includes a delicious lunch at either Draught Industries, Baja, The Vault, Stock Up or Meyer’s Olde Dutch. It all sounds too good to be true, but it is!
Beaconites Can Be Immersion Tourists Too!
Guess what? Beaconites can get in on this too and buy a ticket! Take the day off from being a resident and be a tourist in your own city, and enjoy the deals. Because the lunch and Brooklyn Brewery beer isn't all that Immersion participants get dialed into. There is art and shopping as well. And what a perfect time - during Beacon3D - the outdoor sculpture art exhibition featuring 11 pieces of art sprinkled throughout the city.
Where are the Deals?
Here is a map of all of the participating Beacon businesses offering deals to Total Beacon Immersion participants, and see a list with discounts here. Immersion-ites get 20% off all non-sale merchandise at Kaight and Style Storehouse, 20% off all jewelry at King + Curated, 20% off everything in Lauren + Riley, 25% off women’s shoes and handbags at Echo, and 15% off storewide at Utensil, to name just a few of the deals. (Don't know where these stores are? Check out A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide for pictures, descriptions and addresses.) And, to help these car-less people get around, The Total Beacon Immersion team joined up with Lyft to bring you rides: Use code BBIMMERSION20 to get 20% off a ride around the event.
Major Press Coverage
Word is spreading as major publications have written about the Immersion experience, including Upstater, Hudson Valley Magazine, and Time Out New York. All this, right after Architectural Digest included Beacon's Main Street in its list of 15 of the most beautiful Main Streets across America.
Get your tickets here to further enjoy Beacon. $25 gets you lunch at the above restaurants (amazing), four Brooklyn Brewery beers (many cherries on top), and the shopping deals (guess you better have a day-drinking strategy). For $15, get the four Brooklyn Brewery beers and the deals. Our own designer of the Things To Do In Beacon Guides, Allie Bopp, will be holding down the check-in station at Dia: Beacon and The Visitors Center, so say hi to her! A Little Beacon Blog is not affiliated with this event, but did contribute to this article about Beacon at Brooklyn Based along with several other locals.
Read about what's going on in Beacon and nearby this weekend!
Weekend events featured here are drawn from A Little Beacon Blog's Things To Do In Beacon Guides,but more happenings throughout the week are at the Guides themselveson the website, so be sure to check them during the week!
Butterfly Festival Day: Saturday, July 22, 2017 Time: 11 am to 3 pm Location: 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY Information >
Total Brooklyn Immersion Day: Saturday, July 22, 2017 Time: 11:30 am to 6 pm Location: Two Check-in Points: Dia:Beacon and Beacon’s Visitors Center
On July 22, the blog Brooklyn Based and Brooklyn Brewery are joining forces to host a group of NYCers visiting Beacon for The Total Beacon Immersion. Join them for an epic day spent exploring Beacon's pubs, boutiques and galleries, all accessible by Metro-North. Best part? There are deals and beer to be had! Beaconites can also get tickets to get a book of deals. When you check in, you’ll get a pack of WAM - Walking Around Money - and a special card to redeem all sorts of magical deals, special specials and fantastic discounts throughout Beacon, like a free Brooklyn Brewery beer at four great watering holes: Baja 328, Towne Crier, Draught Industries, and Dogwood, as well as a delicious lunch at Draught Industries, Baja, The Vault, Stock Up or Meyer’s Olde Dutch.
Check-in for the event is between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm at Dia:Beacon and between noon and 1 pm at the Beacon Visitors Center, where you'll exchange your tickets for your WAM and the Immersion deal card. Information and Tickets >
Town Hall Meeting with Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney Day: Sunday, July 23, 2017 Time: 12:30 to 1:30 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Hudson Valley Seed Restaurant Week Days: July 24-28, 2017 Location: See "Information" for locations Information >
Art Sale: Atelier Room 205 Closing, Selling Studio Supplies Days: Friday, July 21, 2017 Time: 2 to 6 pm Location: Old Beacon High School, 211 Fishkill Ave., Room 205
Items include heaters, a small microwave, books, paints, art supplies, a coat rack, and more. If you miss this sale, check the Facebook Beacon Buy/Sell Group for leftover items. See more upcoming events for the week in our Events Guide.
Chalk Paint 101® - The Annie Sloan Method
Days: Sundays, July 23, 2017 Time: 4 to 7 pm Location: Knot Too Shabby, 155 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Cloth Diapering 101 Day: Saturday, July 22, 2017 Time: 1 to 2 pm Location: Waddle n' Swaddle, 484 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Babywearing 101 Day: Saturday, July 22, 2017 Time: 2:30 to 3:30 pm Location: Waddle n' Swaddle, 484 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Breastfeeding Essentials Day: Friday, July 21, 2017 Time: 6 to 8 pm Location: Waddle n' Swaddle, 484 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
New Series Starting: Bhakti Bump Prenatal Series Day: July 21 & 28, August 4 & 11, 2017 Time: 5:30 to 6:30 pm Location: BeBhakti Yoga Center, 89 DeWindt St., Beacon, NY Information >
Chakra Balancing Workshop Day: Sunday, July 23, 2017 Time: 11 am to 1 pm Location: BeBhakti Yoga Center, 89 DeWindt St., Beacon, NY Information >
A Little Beacon Blog's Annual Summer Camp Guide has over 20 camps for all age ranges and passion areas. Cross-reference ages, days, times and prices in our easy-to-use guide that is many parents' go-to source for summer planning.
AUGUST CAMP: Ballet Intensive
During this five-day program, taught by former New York City Ballet dancer Miriam Mahdaviani, mornings will be devoted to warm-up and technique. In the afternoons, dancers will practice pointework and variations, as well as study character dance, dance history, nutrition and injury prevention. The workshop will culminate with an in-studio performance on Friday, August 11, at 6 pm. Ages: 12+ Dates: August 7-11 Time: 10 am to 4 pm (Friday runs until 7 pm for in-studio performance) Price: $375 To Register: Call (845) 831-1870 or email info@balletartsstudio.com See All Camp Sessions from Ballet Arts Studio >
Where is Ballet Arts Studio? On the corner of Teller and Henry, opposite the back of the Yankee Clipper Diner.
reMADE
133 Main Street
So you usually think of wall art as a photograph or painting, but what about macrame? True to the style curated at reMADE, a hanging piece of macrame designed by Beacon resident Eva Geisler would look amazing on your walls. Eva is a mosaic artist who is now exploring macrame. Each of her pieces is one of a kind; stop in and pick up this one. Where is reMADE? Across from Tito Santana's, next to Bank Square Coffee.
Bellus on Main
181 Main Street
Do you love print? So does Bellus, and in the store now, they have this gorgeous multicolored blouse by Aratta with three-quarter-length sleeves and ruffle front featuring vintage buttons and an embroidered detail on the back. You will have this blouse forever, so it's worth adding to the collection in your closet. Where is Bellus? Next door to Luxe Optique, up the road from Notions-n-Potions.
Luxe Optique 183 Main Street THIS SATURDAY!
What: J.F. REY Trunk Show Day: Saturday, July 22 Time: 3 to 7 pm
J.F. REY is an international eyewear design company based in the south of France, specializing in avant-garde, unique and innovative frames. Also at this trunk show will be Boz and Volte Face lines, sister companies of J.F. Rey. Here's the breakdown: J.F. Rey is the husband, and his wife's line is Boz - a more feminine frame. They designed the Volte Face together. True to a Luxe Trunk Show, enjoy wine and cheese while you browse! Where is Luxe Optique? Across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company, and across Main Street from Beacon Barkery.
Style Storehouse
484 Main Street
Summer overalls! Perfect for an evening in the garden or a night out at BAJA 328. This new overall by One Teaspoon comes in a rigid, distressed denim in a classic style, with adjustable straps that cross in the back with metal clasps. The tapered legs are cropped, making this style suitable for all seasons! Pair this with any of the boho jewelry available at Style Storehouse.
Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle-n-Swaddle, and across the street from the old Matteawan Train Station.
Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! reMADE, Bellus on Main, Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, and Style Storehouse.
Visit the Shopping Guide for a full list of shopping destinations up and down Main Street. Includes stores for Vintage, Kitchen, Kids, and more.
River Therapeutic Massage 612 Rte. 52
Beacon, NY
(845) 379-1956 DEAL ALERT!
Friday and Saturday only, when you buy a Gift Certificate for a 60+ minute session, you will receive a Free Massage Gift Certificate to give away to a friend. It's River Therapeutic Massage's final offer during EveryBody Deserves a Massage Week. The Gift Certificate that you buy is good for a year. The free certificate should be given away to a friend and expires at the end of August.
...Get your Buy One, Get One Free, Gift Certificate Now!
Thank you River Therapeutic Massage for sponsoring the Beauty Guide!
Visit our Beauty Guide for a complete list of beauty sources in Beacon, including specialists in hair, nails, barbers, and even lashes.
The Vault
446 Main Street
It's Sangria Saturdays and Sundays in the Summer at The Vault! A special sangria is featured for the day. Pictured here are a White Sangria, which is made from New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, grapefruit, peach and apricot liqueur, and a splash of orange juice. The Red Sangria is made with Rickshaw Pinot Noir, brandy, peach and raspberry liqueur, and a splash of orange juice. Cheers! Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath & Bubble, and across the street from the Howland Cultural Center.
Visit our Restaurant Guide for a complete list of eateries in Beacon.
Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA 328 for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!
Storm King Art Center Summer Friday: Sunset Music and Sketching is on at Storm King Art Center tonight (Friday) from 6 to 8 pm! Liven up your Friday with a psychedelic music performance by Thunderhead Organ Trio and surrealist drawing. PS: Membership to Storm King Art Center gets you this event and more for free. There's a great deal going for Beaconites right now - it's only $110 for the whole family (see details here)!
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency
Looking to make some extra cash by driving for Lyft or Uber? There are implications for your car insurance that you'll want to consider. Antalek & Moore has broken it down for you, telling you what to be aware of when you sign into the app and pick someone up. Read it here, then give them a call at (845) 245-6292. Antalek & Moore is located at 340 Main St., near Beacon Natural Market.
BeaconArts
The art is up! The large sculpture art that you are seeing around town is the exhibition known as Beacon3D, which is a fiscal project of BeaconArts. All 11 pieces around town are for sale, and you can peruse all of them here at Beacon3D's website. This one, titled "Flowers for Alice," is by Herman Roggman. You can see it for yourself at Cliff and DeWindt streets.
Main Street Summit Tickets are on sale now, and response has been great for the launching of the Main Street Summit, happening in the joint offices of BEAHIVE and A Little Beacon Blog, the creators of this event. Get the agenda here and see who's involved.Sponsor Opportunities are available now to businesses who want to get in front of invested business owners and managers as we do a blitz promotion of this event all summer long. Thank you to Maria Amor for being our first sponsor at the "Open For Business" Level. Maria has closed her artist studio in Beacon to focus on her business as a realtor. She's busy showing houses already! Click here for details about being a sponsor.
Beacon Chamber of Commerce
Join the Beacon Chamber of Commerce for this home run of a Joint After Hours gathering at Dutchess Stadium, including a ticket to see the Hudson Valley Renegades' baseball game! Details here >
Tin Shingle
Tin Shingle is a buzz-building center. If you want to get the word out about your business - and get beyond your store shingle - Tin Shingle will fill you with the motivation, courage and education to do just that. Stream any of their Training TuneUp webinars to get fresh ideas on using Instagram, your newsletter, or PR techniques.
A Little Beacon Space
291 Main Street
Looking for an inspiring location for your company retreat? A Little Beacon Blog's Space rates as a five-star location for this Hudson Valley business, who came to Beacon for a retreat that put work first, followed by playing in Beacon.
We know what you're thinking: "I want my business featured here!"
Pictures shown above are from our advertising partners in the Things To Do In Beacon Guides. We can include your most exciting news here too!
The vibrant Hudson Valley art scene, home to Storm King Art Center, and Dia:Beacon, just got a brilliant new addition. Be prepared to be amazed by post-war Italian art. And you need not go far: Magazzino Italian Art (“Warehouse for Italian Art”) has opened its doors in Cold Spring.
Off a verdant stretch of Route 9, Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu have created Magazzino Italian Art, a bold exhibition space that houses a remarkable collection of post-war and contemporary Italian art. It is breathtaking to note that Magazzino’s Arte Povera collection is likely the largest outside of Italy.
Both Olnick and Spanu have been long-term collectors of Arte Povera – an avant-garde conceptual art movement that took root in 1960s Turin, Italy. A defiant response to commercialization and industrialization - strong, provocative artworks created from “throw-away,” industrial materials and typically large in scale - defines the movement.
The inaugural exhibition at Magazzino puts a tantalizing spotlight on Arte Povera, showing 70 works that span four decades. Olnick and Spanu are activating the dream of Italian art visionary and Arte Povera collector Margherita “Christian” Stein. In their words, “Magazzino salutes Margherita 'Christian' Stein for her steadfast vision and commitment to her artists and for her courage to embark on an adventure that would last a lifetime. Her dream was to create a home for her artists in the United States. We hope Magazzino will fulfill her dream.”
The work of numerous artists Stein passionately encouraged and exhibited at the legendary Galleria Christian Stein in Turin are displayed here in Cold Spring.
At Magazzino, you will view the works of Giovanni Anselmo, Alighiero Boetti, Pier Paolo Calzolari, Luciano Fabro, Jannis Kounellis, Mario Merz, Marisa Merz, Giulio Paolini, Pino Pascali, Giuseppe Penone, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Gilberto Zorio, Marco Bagnoli, Domenico Bianchi, and Remo Salvadori. For a number of the artists, you can see works that span several decades.
The sleek warehouse space designed by Spanish artist and architect Miguel Quismondo, offers a light-filled backdrop for these towering and dramatic works. The white concrete warehouse space is an exciting example of adaptive reuse. (Before this reinvention, the buildings housed the Cyberchron computer factory. And before that, the land on which the building sits was a dairy farm.)
Quismondo choose to work with the existing structures rather than tear down. With a new configuration, the two dramatic buildings, sharing an expansive courtyard, stretch over 20,000 square feet. The sparse, elegant space, created in the “rationalist style” is modern and meditative at the same time. The outside setting is lush and retains an ancient orchard.
Admission is free, but an appointment has to be made prior to visiting. Magazzino will mirror the schedule at Dia:Beacon – open Thursday to Monday from April to December, and Friday to Monday from January to March.
Be prepared to spend an afternoon at Magazzino. The compelling works exhibited have detailed descriptions in a very informative booklet that provides a roadmap as you travel through the exhibit space.
You will see the fantastical igloo created by Mario Merz - built from sheets of slate - and Giulio Paolini’s “Mimesi” - a towering sculpture of a double “classical” Hermes that represents one of Paolini's most iconic pieces. The mirrored plate of Luciano Fabro will mesmerize you. Each glorious piece evokes response and awe from the viewer.
In September, Magazzino will open a research library comprising over 5,000 volumes. It will be accessible to scholars and those interested in delving more deeply into the world of Arte Povera and Italian contemporary art.
Under the directorship of Vittorio Calabrese (a brand-new Beacon resident), Magazzino will also look to foster collaborations with neighboring institutions and the surrounding communities.
For further information on visiting, go to magazzino.art or call (845) 666-7202. Magazzino is located at 2700 Route 9 in Cold Spring, New York.
The lights onstage in the Beacon High School will not go dark this summer, as the Beacon Players will hold free theater workshops all summer long. They'll meet every Wednesday from July 5 to August 16, from 9 am to noon. This is an open call to all Beacon High School students, including incoming ninth graders, as well as Beacon Players, Cast and Crew.
These workshops are a student's best chance at getting audition tips for the fall's upcoming student performance of Cinderella, and for hands-on experience at building the sets. Design work will start on the costumes, as well as on the horses (oh, the glamour!). Theater games will be played, lighting techniques will be practiced, and there will be donuts. Donuts!
Registration is not required. Students simply need to walk into the theater on Wednesday mornings at 9 am.
As you may know, for the past nine months I've been pregnant. That has meant many changes, like no jogging outside (I know some people can continue, but I did not), buying clothes on Main Street (a pretty fun "must," and you'd be surprised at just how many stretchy outfits can be discovered at Style Storehouse, Lauren and Riley, Bellus on Main, Mountain Tops, and Echo), and growing the team at A Little Beacon Blog in order to publish articles, keep up with Things To Do dates, and book and run The Space.
I've been keeping an eye on things from this little Baby Bubble, and one cannot go off the grid for long without a lineup of news that needs to get written about! So you'll be seeing articles here sporadically or in blitzes, depending on how the schedule (and baby naps) go. Meanwhile, there have been some Frequently Asked Questions:
What hospital did you use?
Hudson Valley Hospital, or New York Presbyterian in Peekskill. My early care was at the Beacon Community Health Center, and that was a dream boat. For my first two kids, I insisted on going into NYC because I liked my doctor so much, but the midwives here at the Community Center were awesome. Also awesome was the whirlpool tub at the hospital - it gave instant pain relief from the nerve pain I was having in my hips from the baby's position. Every hospital should have them!
Are you having twins?
On my first day out of the hospital, as I was getting my dignity back at Waddle n Swaddle (OMG, this store was not here when I first moved here, with my other little babies! This shop is a life saver for nursing moms who need special clothes!), I was asked by a man if I was having twins. Too tired to answer with something witty, I ignored him. That's not the first time a man has shouted the twins comment (They do that... They tend to shout the twins question). Even though I have post-baby belly, it is not twins size, so now I know that these men just do this to be rude. Grrrr. Undeterred, another man in the grocery store asked when I was due, to which I answered "It already happened," which he didn't understand and asked again. So I've just been hanging at home in the Baby Bubble bouncing between my other kids and doctor appointments.
Are you working? Are you on maternity leave?
So, funny thing about that... Because I created this business, it's fun for me to do. Doctors' orders were for me to rest, but that's hard for me, and the only way to get me to sit down to "rest" is to let me work on the computer. So yes, I am working. But running the ship are Marilyn (Editor of Things To Do In Beacon Guides, Kate Rabe (Office Manager aka A Little Beacon Bulldog), Allie Bopp (designer of Guides, Event Manager of Pop-Up Shops), Leigh Baumann (photographer and designer of ads and of websites we produce at InHouse Design Media), and Ashley Cox in my Tin Shingle world.
How Is Life With 3 Kids?
So far so good! I was told that the older ones would help, and so far that has been true - to the extent that kids help in Kid Land. For instance, my little dude carried the Diaper Station Bin from his room to mine to do a refill of Mommy's Diaper Station, and tried to fit all of the diapers into a smaller box. But heck, I got that refill after all!
We recently shared that ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are now available in the Hudson Valley. We reached out to our friends at Antalek & Moore and Patrick Moore is here to share with us what you should keep in mind insurance-wise before you dive into driving for a ride-sharing service.
Driving for a Transportation Network Company (TNC) like Uber or Lyft may affect the insurance coverage you have purchased. This article addresses standard automobile insurance policies and is general in nature. If you want to drive for a TNC, don’t enter into an agreement without consulting with your insurance agent or insurance company as their approach may differ from the standard.
Three Phases of Ride Sharing
Phase 1 – A driver is logged in the app and is available to accept a trip. This phase is commonly called “trolling.”
Phase 2 – A driver has accepted a ride request but has no passenger in the vehicle, i.e. the driver is en route to pick up the rider.
Phase 3 – The driver is transporting a passenger on a pre-arranged trip.
Livery Exclusion
The standard private-passenger automobile insurance policy has exclusion for livery activity – providing transportation for hire. With this exclusion, your insurance policy is not intended to provide any coverage while driving for hire.
The question (and confusion) arises from trying to figure out what is a livery? Transporting a passenger is usually considered a livery, but what about having the app turned on or driving to pick up a passenger? It not always clear, but provisions have been made to deal with these questions.
TNCs provide insurance protection on a blanket insurance policy they have purchased for a driver while engaged in Phase 2 and Phase 3 travel. The coverage for liability (injuries or property damage to a third party) of $1.25 million is required. The parent company also will provide contingent physical damage coverage (comprehensive and collision) provided the owner is purchasing the coverage for their personal use. The deductibles may be higher than what the person may choose to purchase individually, and there are differences in what each TNC will provide, but the law is specific on the requirement that the TNC provide $1.25 million of liability protection.
Phase 1 – How is that handled?
Phase 1 is where a lot of ambiguity lies. By turning on the app, is a driver engaged in a livery operation? Some carriers say yes, others say no, and still others don’t know. The first thing that we do know is the TNCs are also required to provide basic liability insurance protection during this phase. The limits are lower than what most consumers purchase, however. They are $75,000 for bodily injury liability claims on a per-person basis with a maximum of $150,000 of coverage per occurrence. They also provide $25,000 property damage liability. It is intended that the driver’s personal automobile policy will provide coverage in excess of these limits.There is no provision for physical damage coverage with this option.
Not all insurance companies are happy about providing this coverage. The insurance industry is heavily regulated and coverage language has to be written and submitted to the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) for approval. Also, any rates a carrier wants to charge must go through the same regulatory approval process. This process is time-consuming and often takes as long as 12 months. Coverage clarity is not immediate in New York State because this process has not begun.
The status today
Because the authorization for TNCs to operate in New York State came about very quickly, insurance companies have not had time to determine their position on the issue (even though they are dealing with this issue in 40 other states – but each has unique requirements) and they have certainly not had the time to create specific policy language or clear exclusions and get them approved by regulators. The result is that drivers and insurance companies are dealing with a personal automobile insurance product containing exclusion for livery activity without any ability to modify or clarify the intent of the policy.
The DFS has issued emergency regulations to deal with TNCs and insurance. It would appear that the state is requiring insurance carriers to provide coverage during Phase 1 on an excess basis. This is a very recent change. Many insurance carriers are either not aware of this requirement or feel there are some ambiguities and questions, which makes sense since this regulation is a stop-gap measure. All sides need time to clarify answers to many questions. Drivers should know that the TNC is providing primary insurance coverage – the question really is about excess coverage and physical damage during Phase 1.
What to Expect in the Future
The insurance industry will certainly ask DFS to approve new policy amendments that will clarify the livery exclusion. One should expect that this language will look to exclude activity in all three (3) phases however; some carriers may also file for approval some coverage extensions that will allow a customer to buy back some coverage. As mentioned previously, this will take some time. The important thing is to be in constant contact with your insurance agent or carrier.
Where do we Stand Today
Informal surveys of insurance companies range from the position of “We don’t cover this activity now and we don’t anticipate ever allowing it,” to “We are OK with it provided it isn’t a full-time activity.” In the middle, you'll find a lot of “We don’t know how we are going to handle it.” Some insurance carriers will refuse to renew coverage for a person driving for a TNC and some may not. This is why it is important to keep the lines of communication open until the industry files and obtains approval for the correct coverage that driving for a TNC requires.
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The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
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