Tioronda Garden Club's Annual Fundraiser is October 12th - Got To Make Those Flower Baskets!

The baskets of hanging petunias that line the mile of Main Street in Beacon are some of the biggest around - maybe in the country - for a series of displays that must be produced and maintained each year. I'd say they only rival the petunias that decorate every building (even the gas stations) in Maine.

The all-volunteer Tioronda Garden Club puts these together each year, in addition to several other arrangements throughout the city. The group is holding its annual fundraiser on Thursday, October 12, at 7 pm at St. Rocco's Hall (26 S. Chestnut St.). Admission is $25, and includes wine and cheese appetizers. Also, wines will be raffled off, and there will be several prizes from local merchants.

Petunias seem to thrive seasonally in Maine's climate with the damp, cool, salty air. Beacon has humid air, certainly, but not as much rain, and the petunias don't water themselves, as they do in other cities with irrigation systems. Years ago, the City of Beacon removed watering them from the budget, and then-councilperson (now mayor) Randy Casale and former city councilperson Sam Way took it upon themselves to use their early morning time to go around in the cherry picker truck, and personally water the flowers. Learn more about the Secret Gardeners of Main Street here. This year, Randy and Sam are the honorees at the Tioronda Garden Club's fundraiser.

Photo Credit: Susan Marie, sourced from Facebook.

According to the Beacon Free Press, the Tioronda Garden Club maintains flower arrangements in the following areas: the Beacon train station, Municipal Plaza, Memorial Park, George Washington Triangle, Patriots Garden 9/11 Memorial, Howland Cultural Center, and the Visitors Welcome Center.

The Source for Halloween Yard Art and Scary Props - A Home Depot Halloween

After living in Beacon for several years, it has become very clear that holiday yard art is a thing. Air blown, lit up, puffed up things in the night are to be embraced. Like giant Santas, Snoopies, Grinches, and now Ghosts, Spooky Trees, and even a herd of hatching, rabid dinosaurs.

A Little Beacon Blog has documented this for the past few years for the December holidays, when we go around Christmas Light Hunting. But we've never done it for Halloween. We've attended the unofficially named Willow Street Halloween Extravaganza aka Halloween Night of Crazy, where several of the houses on that street get really into Halloween and set up spooky houses, play eerie drums, show old movies, and generally create a street party. But we've never documented the Halloween decorations...

Until now. Halloween has come to Home Depot in Fishkill in a big way (and probably every Home Depot in the country, but we prefer the one off of 84 in Fishkill because it's at the base of a mountain and employs some neighbors), making it really easy to access these marvelous decorations that people seem to spend years acquiring.

We only had one bin of Halloween decorations, but after stopping into Home Depot one weekend this September, our lives were forever changed. Being that we have kids, it was as exciting as going into a haunted house. When their grandparents visited from out of town, the kids wanted to take them to Home Depot to visit "the Halloween section." We needed to set a Halloween Budget so that we would stop getting asked what they could buy.

So we set the budget and made a plan. Tough choices were made. Spooky things with effects like The Three Witches were cut from the must-have list. Electric things that made noise were assembled. We are now ready for our Very Beacon Halloween (a Beacon Chamber term, but that's what it feels like when getting into the yard-art spirit). For the first time, I want to stay home to hand out candy in order to represent at our spooky home.

Kids can pick up the phone outside of your door, and hear a spooky message...

For the glue gun enthusiasts, you could webcast your home...

For the glue gun enthusiasts, you could webcast your home...

Instant-mega-deecoration with these lights. At holiday time they have taken off in Beacon, but for Halloween, you can have creepy ghosts flying around the siding of your house.

You must go into Home Depot to experience this actual 3D TV. Just turn the dial, and wait. It's actually about 7 seconds too long, but next year maybe they will edit it back. Wait for the effect of this creepy face popping out...

And for those who just want a little Halloween Pretty, there is the black wreath with glitter silver spiders and ribbon.

Anamario Hernandez To Show in New Gallery at Inn and Spa Beacon

Photo Credit: Inn and Spa Beacon

The Inn and Spa at Beacon first opened up its doors with walls featuring art from a variety of artists, and they are at it again for October's Second Saturday. The new hotel, located at 151 Main St. in Beacon, NY, is officially designating its walls as the Anamario Gallery on Saturday, October 14, 2017 through December 3, 2017. An opening reception for the artist and public will be held on Saturday, October 14, from 5 to 7 pm. 

Internationally acclaimed artist Anamario Hernandez has created unique representational works that are both classical and modern. Ms. Hernandez exhibits worldwide and was recently honored in the Biennale Internazionale Dell’Arte Contemporary Cita Di Firenze.

Author, critic, and NYU Art History Professor Edward J. Sullivan writes: “There is a sense of classical calm, dignity and monumentality to the work of Anamario Hernandez. She is the quintessential describer of things. In her still life [paintings], each individual component seems to possess a life of its own. Whether humble objects such as jars, glasses, bottles or plates are depicted, or the artist concentrates on more fancy objects like exotic shells or rich cloths - the subjects of Anamario’s paintings are not only the things depicted but the inner life of objects.”

Mark Jenkins, art critic for the Washington Post, wrote about Ms. Hernandez's recent exhibition at the Cultural Institute of Washington, D.C., noting that a "classical sensibility tempers even her more experimental works, highlighting not only the artist’s craft, but also the limits of our perception.” Additionally, art critic Mireya Folch affirms: “Like magic, she transforms the simplest of things and gives them meaning.”

The Anamario Hernandez exhibition will continue through Sunday, December 3, 2017.  For more information on this gallery exhibition and other arts and wellness programs at the Inn and Spa at Beacon, please call Roger Greenwald at (845) 505-9331.

Happening This Weekend - 10/6/2017

Glorious weekend plans are upon us! You have plenty of outdoor options, including ghost tours and reflection huts, so let's get to it! Tell Your Friends: Anything they need to know about Beacon, like where to shop, eat or take a class of any kind, can all be found in A Little Beacon's Guides: Art Galleries Restaurant Guide Shopping Guide Beauty Guide Adult Classes or Kids Classes Seasonal: Pumpkins & Parades Guide

Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance. Beacon Sloop Club Presents Potluck Supper Day Friday, October 6, 2017 Time: 6:30 to 7:30 pm Location: Beacon Sloop Club, 2 Red Flynn Drive, Beacon, NY Information > Beacon Recreation's World Hoop Day Jam Day: Saturday, October 7, 2017 Time: Noon to 2 pm Location: Beacon Recreation Center, 23 W. Center St., Beacon, NY Information > Beacon Historical Society Ghost Tours Day: Saturday and Sunday, October 7 and 8, 2017 Time: Times vary; several tours are sold out, so get tickets now! Location: Tours start at Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St. Information > Sonte Barn's Harvest Fest 2017 Day: Saturday, October 7, 2017 Time: 10 am to 3 pm Location: Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture, 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, NY Information > Howland Chamber Music Circle Presents Thomas Meglioranza, Baritone Day: Sunday, October 8, 2017 Time: 4 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Story Screen Presents "The Invitation" Day: Sunday, October 8, 2017 Time: 7:30 pm doors, 8 pm movie Location: Oak Vino, 389 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.   Newburgh-Beacon Bridge 5-Mile Run Day: Sunday, October 8, 2017 Time: 11 am to 1 pm Information > Plan ahead and see upcoming races in Hudson Valley in our 5K Races Guide.     BeBhakti's What is a Chakra? Day: Saturday, October 7, 2017 Time: 1 pm to 3 pm Location: BeBhakti Yoga Center, 89 Dewindt St., Beacon, NY Information > Thank you Ballet Arts Studio for sponsoring our Adult Classes Guide! For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Adult Classes Guide. Ballet Arts Studio's Musical Theatre Class Did you know that a strong foundation in ballet creates great musical theatre dancers? Some great examples are legendary musical theatre dancers Gene Kelly, Jerome Robbins and Bob Fosse! Registration is open for Ballet Arts Studio's Musical Theatre classes. REGISTER: Call (845) 831-1870 or email info@balletartsstudio.com Visit Beacon Arts Studio's Schedule of Classes > Where is Ballet Arts Studio?On the corner of Henry Street and Teller, opposite the back of the Yankee Clipper Diner. All Sport's Tennis Fall Sessions Day: Saturdays, October 7-28, 2017 Ages/Time: 7-9 years old, 4-5 pm Ages/Time: 10-12 years old, 5-6 pm Location: All Sport Health & Fitness, 17 Old Main St., Fishkill, NY Information > Ghostie Fun for Kids Day: Friday, October 6, 2017 Time: 6:30 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Kids Classes Guide.     BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END reMADE 133 Main Street Is it a speaker? Is it a record? Introducing the Upcycled Vinyl Record Bowl, handmade by Keith Decent for the record collector in your life. How does Keith make these bowls? Stop into reMADE this weekend to find out more. Where is reMADE? Across from Tito Santana's, next to Bank Square Coffee. Bellus on Main 181 Main Street This jacket is instant classy. Super light, yet bold in shape, this Joseph Ribkoff cover-up will make you camera-ready, real quick, for any telecommuting meeting calls you need to make. Where is Bellus? Next door to Luxe Optique, just up Main Street from Notions-n-Potions. Luxe Optique 183 Main Street Can you believe these frames by Anne & Valentin? They are mini-sculptures. Super exclusive, and very limited in availability. Only at Luxe Optique. PS: Congratulate them when you walk in - they won Best High-End Eyewear in the Hudson Valley by Hudson Valley Magazine! Read more about it here! Where is Luxe Optique? Across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company, and across Main Street from Beacon Barkery. BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END PARKING HINT: Park behind 1 East Main, by the Hudson Valley Brewery, and use the back walkway entrance to Main Street! Style Storehouse 484 Main Street Take it from us - you will get stopped on the street for your amazingly stylish and comfortable leggings from Michele's curated collection at Style Storehouse. We bought out the pink camouflage sweatpants, and might pick up these in the photo before you get there. Better hurry! Pair with this hat, of course. Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle-n-Swaddle, and across Main Street from the old Matteawan Train Station. Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main, Retail #3 This Justin Alexander gown is drenched in lace and embroidery. The effect of the Venice lace is memorable with a mermaid silhouette, illusion v-neckline, dropped waist and chapel train. Longing to take a look in person? Walk-ins are welcome. Where Is Lambs Hill? Next to King + Curated! King + Curated 1 East Main, Retail #2 Behold the Jewelry: The Curated Gift Shop sells modern, one-of-a-kind jewelry made from stones selected by Lauren herself. No piece is ever mass-produced.  Notice the Photos: Below the jewelry, notice the black-and-white photos. Alicia King Photography offers art prints featuring images from Madame Brett Park in Beacon. Photos Credit: Alicia King. Where is King + Curated? Near the historic dummy light, just down from the old train tracks in the renovated factory. Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! reMADE, Bellus on Main, Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, King + Curated, and Style Storehouse. Visit the Shopping Guide for a full list of shopping destinations up and down Main Street. Includes stores specializing in Vintage, Kitchen, Kids, and more. River Therapeutic Massage 612 Route 52 Beacon, NY (845) 379-1956 Guess what October means at River Therapeutic Massage? HOT STONES!!! They are back for the season and are in the stone warmer, ready to be used for your massage. Click the "Spa Services" tab when you book online. Book Now > Where is River Therapeutic Massage? Sharing space with Karen's Place Salon on Route 52. Thank you River Therapeutic Massage for sponsoring the Beauty Guide!     The Vault 446 Main Street The Vault's Cheese Plate is generous in portion, and will leave you happy as you emjoy it with a glass of wine. Cheeses include smoked gouda, herbed goat cheese, French brie and gorgonzola, accompanied by fig jam, local honey, sweet and spicy walnuts, and baguette. Meats include prosciutto, soppressata, aged dried sausage, and hot capicola served with pickled vegetables and whole-grain mustard.  Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath & Bubble, and across Main Street from the Howland Cultural Center. Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide! SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS Rhinebeck Bank Thank you to Rhinebeck Bank for coming on board as a Spotlight Sponsor for A Little Beacon Blog! We look forward to highlighting their products and programs supporting residents and business owners. Local business owner Michele Williams, of style storehouse, raves about the relationship between this independent bank and her shop. “I love Rhinebeck Bank! If it wasn’t for them I would not have my business right now. Being a first-time business owner, they helped every step of the way!” Read More > Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency Your neighbors at Antalek & Moore encourage you to prepare your home against frozen pipes before the winter sets in, in order to prevent damage to your home. Read this message from Travelers, one of the insurance companies Antalek & Moore works through. Beacon Chamber of Commerce The Car Show is coming! A Little Beacon Blog has covered it before, so read up and get a fresh feel for which cars will be in town, and see which new ones you'll find. One October it snowed on the Car Show. This year, will you be drinking hot cocoa? Or an iced lemonade? You'll know when you stroll down the middle of Main Street next weekend. BeaconArts BeaconArts is a proud sponsor of the "Open To The Sky: Beacon Sukkah Project" happening right now at Polhill Park (across from Bank Square Coffee). A sukkah is a house that gives no shelter, a house that parodies the idea of security. It's a Jewish sand mandala of a building, open to the sky and used for seven days around the time of the fall harvest and then dismantled. It's rickety and tenuous, creating the illusion of permanence and highlighting the impermanence of everything. This year, Open to the Sky invites creative exploration of The Space Between perceived opposites. It provides time and space to press pause on transitions and connections; to move around in the openings between ideas or states of being. Open from October 4-12, 2017. Photo Credit: @hudsonvalleymama A Little Beacon Space LuLaRoe Pop-Up Shop The next Pop-Up Shop in A Little Beacon Space will be LuLaRoe with Erin and Leigh! Back by popular demand, they will have all of their inventory and racks in the space for one quick weekend, starting Friday, October 13 and running through Sunday, October 15. The collection will include their Halloween prints and denim! It's the same weekend as the Car Show, so you'll have extra shopping to add to your walking down Main Street. Get Details >   InHouse Design Media Private training sessions are available to businesses who want to produce their own newsletters, make website changes, or kickstart social media campaigns, but need guidance. Make an appointment with InHouse Design Media, who can make house calls to businesses located in Beacon. Book Now > Tin Shingle Do you have questions about how to create your own promotion and do your own PR? See Tin Shingle's Ask the Expert series on their website to get a head start on buzz-building education. NEWSLETTER SIGNUP 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! Click here to learn about ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog. Until next week!

The Coolest Lemonade Stand Opens - But With Vegetables - At Beacon Elementary Schools

Photo Credit: Ashley Lederer Chinen, founder of Thoughtful Food Nutrition, based in Beacon.

Summer may be over for lemonade stands, but it's just starting for the newest farm-fresh favorite activity to hit Beacon - vegetable stands. Fleeting vegetable markets have popped up in Beacon for a few years now, with the green truck from Green Teen (a program connected to Common Ground Farm) parking in designated lots, as well as appearing at the Beacon Farmers Market (of course) on Sundays.

Now, thanks to an initiative from the Beacon Parks and Recreation Department, Hudson Valley Seed (an education-based food-growing program that is woven into Beacon City Schools' curriculum), and Common Ground Farm, kids from Beacon's After School Program (A Little Beacon Blog first wrote about the program here) will be running "Crop Shops," pop-up vegetable stands during the students' Food Fridays, rotating Fridays among South Avenue, J.V. Forrestal, and Sargent elementary schools.

In the After School Program, each weekday has a theme, such as baking, karate, yoga, or bird-watching, run by a business or nonprofit from the Beacon community. During the program's first quarterly session, Fridays are designated Food Fridays, and the kids learn to make snacks. Thanks to this program, the kids will also learn commerce as they run the vegetable stands. "Staff from the After School Program as well as Hudson Valley Seed will be on hand to make sure the kids have a great experience and learn about produce, small business and salesmanship," says Nate Smith, the Recreation Department's assistant director. "Please be patient while a second grader figures out your total and makes change!"

Donation to the After School Program's Tuition Assistance Program

The kid-run vegetable stands are open to the public, and will rotate among three of the Beacon district's four elementary schools. (Glenham Elementary isn't participating right now.) The stands, which will spend two Fridays at each school, will be open from 4:45 to 6 pm. Half of the stands' proceeds will go toward the After School Program's Tuition Assistance Program, which offers a 50 percent discount to students who qualify for the Free Lunch Program. Kids in roughly half of the families in Beacon qualify for free lunch program.

Schedule for Farm Stand Fridays

Here's the lineup. Check back with this article to make sure you're going on the right day!

OPEN HOURS
Fridays, 4:45 to 6 pm

10/6 and 10/13 – South Avenue
Front entrance near the disabled parking

10/20 and 10/27 – Sargent
Lower cafeteria entrance

11/3 and 11/10 – J.V. Forrestal
In front of main entrance

edible Hudson Valley to Retreat and Meet in Beacon at A Little Beacon Space

We're so happy to partner with edible Hudson Valley to be their Beacon meeting destination when their editorial team converges from all corners of the Hudson Valley. (It's like a group of superheroes coming together.) After one booking at A Little Beacon Space (you can rent our space!), they wanted more. Paging through their issues, you will now see A Little Beacon Blog ads saying "Hi!" to you. High fives to media friendships! Especially in this day and age, media outlets can be friends with each other to get more of the good word out.

We've had a magazine/business crush on the edible brand for a while, and we read several other city editions as well. The first one I picked up was edible Columbus, and edible Cleveland is pretty good, too! What is even neater is that edible Hudson Valley's new publisher, Jennifer Solow, is also the author of the book The Booster, published in 2006. This was exactly when I started my first blog just for fun, and she sent me a copy of the book with the nudge to "write a good review if you like it, and if you don't like it, eh, up to you what you do!"

Full circles are great, and encourage us to keep up the work.

Kids Fun Day and Fundraiser at Glenham Elementary for Touch-A-Truck

The Glenham Elementary School playground

The Touch-A-Truck fundraiser is happening on Saturday, September 30, from 10 am to 3 pm at Glenham Elementary School, put on by the Glenham School PTO. Tickets are $5 per person or $20 per family. Kids will be able to do the following fun things:

• Climb all over trucks of all shapes and sizes
• Have their faces painted
• Jump around in a bouncy house
• Work on crafts

It's a dream day for your kids. Drop by after you test drive a Ford at Beacon High School for the Drive4U fundraiser, to benefit the high school and Rombout Middle School. It's a win-win for families and Beacon City Schools.

Local Ford Dealership Partners to Get $20/Person Donated to Beacon Schools

The opportunity to donate the easiest $20 you've ever contributed is happening today at Beacon High School from 10 am to 3 pm. Freedom Ford, located on Route 52 and owned by Hudson Valley native Rick Brownell, has applied for and was granted partnership in a nationwide program from Ford called Drive 4UR School to donate $20 for every test drive taken in a Ford vehicle today from the parking lot of Beacon High School.

Freedom Ford can raise up to $6,000 for Beacon High School and Rombout Middle Schools, if you get behind the wheel of Freedom Ford's vehicles in the high school parking lot. Proceeds will be donated to two fundraising initiatives:

• Beacon High School: Funds will go towards PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports), which is a schoolwide system of support program that includes proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create a positive school environment.
• Rombout Middle School: Funds will go toward sending the eighth-grade class to Washington DC in the spring. Says the PTA President for Rombout, Kelly Ellenwood: "Please come on by and test drive a Ford. It's free and it will do our community good. We need 300 drivers!"

Says Rick Brownell of the initiative: “We have been serving the Hudson Valley for over 75 years. When this became available for Freedom Ford to apply for the Drive 4UR School Program, it was a no-brainer for us to partner with Beacon High School and Rombout Middle School to help raise funds for the schools and for the kids. It was just the way I was raised, to always give back when you can.”

The event takes place today, Saturday, September 30, from 10 am to 3 pm at the Beacon High School, located at 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY 12508. Participants test-drive the cars, and Freedom Ford makes the $20 donation per driver up to a total of $6,000.

Happening This Weekend - 9/29/2017

Let's try this again, Fall. A few leaves are turning, after the crickets have been chirping wildly in this heat. It's shaping up to be a very lively weekend in Beacon - please tag us in your pictures so we can see what you decided to do! Tell Your Friends: Anything they need to know about Beacon, like where to shop, eat or take a class of any kind, can all be found in A Little Beacon's Guides: Art Galleries Restaurant Guide Shopping Guide Beauty Guide Adult Classes or Kids Classes Seasonal: Pumpkins & Parades Guide

Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance. Movies That Matter: “Sing Your Song” Day: Friday, September 29, 2017 Time: 7 pm doors, 7:30 pm movie Location: First Presbyterian Church of Beacon, McKinley Hall, 50 Liberty St., Beacon, NY Information > Arabian Nights Belly Dancing Workshop Day: Friday, September 29, 2017 Time: 7 to 9 pm Location: Shambhala Wellness Center, 4 S. Chestnut St., Beacon, NY Information > Ford’s Drive 4UR School Program Fundraiser Day: Saturday, September 30, 2017 Time: 10 am to 3 pm Location: Beacon High School, 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY  Information > 1-Year Birthday Party & Kirtan with the beBhakti Band Day: Saturday, September 30, 2017 Time: 7 to 9 pm Location: 89 Dewindt St., Beacon, NY Information > Club Draw Presents Mdou Moctar Day: Saturday, September 30, 2017 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Rootstock 2017 Day: Sunday, October 1, 2017 Time: Noon to 6 pm Location: Scenic Hudson’s Red Barn at Long Dock Park, 23 Long Dock Road, Beacon, NY Information > Story Screen Presents: "An American Werewolf in London" Day: Sunday, October 1, 2017 Time: 7:30 pm doors, 8 pm movie Location: More Good, 383 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.   5th Annual Sickle Cell Walk Day: Saturday, September 30, 2017 Time: 9 am check-in, 10:30 am walk begins Location: Long Dock Park, Beacon, NY Information > The Color Run Day: Saturday, September 30, 2017 Time: 10-10:30 am start time Location: Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6550 Spring Brook Ave., Rhinebeck, NY Information > Run For Babies 5K Day: Sunday October 1, 2017 Time: 8:30 to 11 am Location: Stewart International Airport, 1180 First St., New Windsor, NY Information > Plan ahead - find upcoming races in the Hudson Valley in our 5K Races Guide.     Fab the Cab - Transforming your Kitchen Cabinets w/ Chalk Day: Friday, September 29, 2017 Time: 9 am to noon Location: Knot Too Shabby, 155 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > iPhoneography Workshop with Mary Ann Glass (Level I) Day: Saturday, September 30, 2017 Time: 10 am to noon Location: Riverwind Gallery, 172 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Creative Writing Workshop with Julie Chibbaro Day: Sunday, September 30, 2017 Time: Noon to 3 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Thank you Ballet Arts Studio for sponsoring our Adult Classes Guide! For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Adult Classes Guide. BALLET ARTS STUDIO Adults are welcome as students at Ballet Arts Studio. Previous study to a certain skill level is not required, so put aside any feelings of shyness or that it's too late to start dancing. Ballet, tap or movement is your calling. Answer it. See Ballet Arts Studio's Class Schedule. To Register: Call (845) 831-1870 or email info@balletartsstudio.com Visit Beacon Arts Studio's Schedule of Classes > Where is Ballet Arts Studio? On the corner of Henry and Teller opposite the back of the Yankee Clipper Diner. Anime & Manga Club Days: Friday, September 29, 2017 (every Friday) Time: 3 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Rumberitos for Little Ones Taught by Lisa Marie Martinez Days: Fridays, September 29 to December 15 (no class 11/10 or 11/24) Time: 10 am to 10:45 am Location: Compass Arts, 395 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Garabatitos! Spanish Exploration Taught by Lisa Marie Martinez Ages: 3 to 5 Days: Fridays, September 29 to December 15, 2017 (no class 11/10 or 11/24) Time: 1 to 2:30 pm Location: Compass Arts, 395 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Kids Classes Guide.     BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END reMADE 133 Main Street Big pieces of furniture are always moving in and out of reMADE. Their statement chandelier sold recently, so move in on this next piece in their window: an Industrial Platform Table handmade by Keith Decent with reclaimed wood from an Ohio brewery.  Where is reMADE? Across from Tito Santana's, next to Bank Square Coffee. Bellus on Main 181 Main Street How adorable and festive is this red metal perforated billfold by Wendy Stevens?! It features a magnetic closure, bottom hinges, internal leather gussets and a detachable leather strap. Perfect for carrying your phone, credit cards and lipstick. Only at Bellus. Where is Bellus? Next door to Luxe Optique. Luxe Optique 183 Main Street Checking out frames is just a happy experience at Luxe Optique. For example, these petite frames. You think these are nice? You should take a closer look at the glass of the lenses. We are told it is something special - almost invisible, and doesn't leave dark shadows. Apparently shadows are a thing with glasses, but not at Luxe.  Where is Luxe Optique? Across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company.   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END PARKING HINT: Park behind 1 East Main, by the Hudson Valley Brewery, and use the back walkway entrance to get up to street level! Style Storehouse 484 Main Street The Florence Mini Dress by MinkPink is fully lined, and features neck cut-outs, an elastic waist, button sleeves and a back keyhole with button closure. Perfect for the changing seasons! Try it on, and let us know what you think... Also, take a selfie while you're there! Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle n Swaddle. Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main Street, Retail #3 Hand-beaded detail with a criss-cross wrap on the front of the gown creates a slimming effect on this English net A-line gown by Lillian West. The chapel-length train offsets cap sleeves for a stunning look. Only at Lambs Hill, down the hill from the tracks in the newly renovated factory building. Where Is Lambs Hill Bridal? Next to King + Curated! King + Curated 1 East Main Street, Retail #2 What you see here in King + Curated are the works of two artists: Photographer Alicia King captures love stories in the Hudson Valley and can be booked for your wedding - or your current love story! On the right, designer Lauren Decker of the Curated Gift Shop offers custom wedding bands and engagement rings with an emphasis on nontraditional and modern designs. Walk-ins and special projects welcome. Photos by Alicia King Where is King + Curated? Near the dummy light, just down from the old train tracks in the renovated factory. Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! reMADE, Bellus on Main, Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, King and Curated, and Style Storehouse. River Therapeutic Massage 612 Route 52 Beacon, NY (845) 379-1956 River Therapeutic Massage is happy to offer Reward Cards starting October 1. Buy nine sessions and get one free within a 12-month period. These cards are a great reason to step up your self-care, and get your monthly massage in. Book Now > Where is River Therapeutic Massage? Sharing space with Karen's Place Salon on Route 52. Thank you River Therapeutic Massage for sponsoring the Beauty Guide!     The Vault 446 Main Street The Vault's outside patio is ready for your large party - whether it's a wedding reception, book launch party, client celebratory dinner, or family reunion. Call The Vault to book it and enjoy your guests! (845) 202-7735 Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath & Bubble. Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide! SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency Our very own Marilyn from A Little Beacon Blog went and bought a condo this summer. As a first-time home buyer (or condo buyer), she didn't know where to start with homeowners insurance, and quickly discovered that it was condo insurance that she needed. Who guided her to the right coverage? Antalek & Moore. She wrote all about it here in this article. Beacon Chamber of Commerce The next Member Meeting is at Oak Vino on Tuesday, October 3, from 5:30 to 7 pm. Meet and mingle with other businesses in Beacon and beyond, as the chamber's membership expands to include other people from communities who want to work together. Attendees must be members of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce; it's easy to join online. Renew or start a new membership here. BeaconArts The windows are dressed! Art produced for the Windows on Main Street (WOMS) 2017 exhibition is in storefront windows everywhere in Beacon, NY. The window above is at the fabric store, Beetle & Fred, and features the artist Kat Stoutenborough. Says store owner Katy Hope: "Most locals will quickly find their bearings on Kat's mixed-media 'Beacon Quilt' ... but I urge you all to LOOK CLOSER. It's up until mid-November!" Find the Art with this Map >   InHouse Design Media Private training sessions are available to businesses who want to produce their own newsletters, website changes, or social media campaigns, but need guidance. Make an appointment with InHouse Design Media, who can make house-calls to businesses located in Beacon. Book Now > A Little Beacon Space 291 Main Street Fall and Winter are becoming the traditional times to hold pop-up shops in Beacon! Two such shops have booked so far in A Little Beacon Space: Made & Given and LuLaRoe with Erin and Leigh. Will yours be next? Get Details >   Tin Shingle Do you have questions about how to build your own promotion? See Tin Shingle's Ask the Expert series on their website to get a head start on your buzz-building education. NEWSLETTER SIGNUP 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! Click here to learn about ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog. Until next week!

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

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

Wait - Homeowners Insurance for a Condo?

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

Condo Insurance Varies and is Good for Non-FreeStanding Structures

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

The Insurance Bundling Effect

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

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

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

Main Street Summit Debuts Tuesday Night for Business in Beacon

UPDATE: We have sold out! Tickets might be on sale at the door if some people don't show, and if there is standing room only.

We are super excited to reveal A Little Beacon Blog's better business side tonight in the Main Street Summit happening at The Telephone Building. Many Beaconites have known Scott Tillitt, founder of BEAHIVE, for a long time, and I got to know him better as my physical neighbor in The Telephone Building when I moved in. Last spring, he approached me to partner up on this summit idea he had. Saying yes was a no-brainer. Small business issues are my jam, which I normally exercise through content and programs I develop at my company Tin Shingle, which is also on the lease at the building. Helping people live their lives on their terms, which can include running a business and producing enough income to provide for yourself and your family (family of kids, pets, aging parents, etc.), is a major driver of why I develop programming for businesses and was happy to partner on this event.

What Will Happen at the Main Street Summit?

First of all, there will be wine, beer and snacks during a Cocktail Connection at the beginning and end of the evening. While I was walking the mile of Main Street distributing flyers, telling any business owner I could reach about the event (sorry if I didn't get to you! but that's why we have newspapers and the Internet, to get the word out!), they told me I needed to lead with the wine part. :)

Next, Scott will moderate an interactive panel of city leaders from the Chamber of Commerce (Pat Moore, partner at Antalek and Moore), BeaconArts (Kelly Ellenwood, current president and city-wide volunteer) and City Council (George Mansfield, owner of Dogwood and City Council member-at-large). We picked this lineup for their direct experience as business owners, as well as with business owners in different capacities. The audience will participate by sharing their questions and thoughts, hopefully making for good discussion. We really appreciate their time this evening.

Then, we will break out into riveting roundtable discussions: Jason from Drink More Good will be facilitating the Staffing and Expansion table. He's got a lot of initiatives running out of his shop, so the insight gleaned will be beneficial. Galia Gichon from Down to Earth Finance is my friend from my NYC days, and I've imported her all the way from Connecticut in order to connect with her table about Business and Personal Finances - from having a retirement plan to different funding options. Myriam Bouchard of Coherence Collaborative will be facilitating on Operations - successful business always comes down to the best systems! I will be facilitating the table on PR and Marketing, pulling from my experience as a website/newsletter producer at InHouse Design Media and teacher of how to get the good word out (your good word about your business) from Tin Shingle.

Why Isn't This Free?

While pounding the pavement, I got a few questions. Mainly people were excited about the event, and in the enthusiasm, two people said they wanted to go but asked why it wasn't free. This is a good question! And there are several answers:

• Space: While our building is large, it's not a wide-open field. It will only hold so many, and business is a hot topic because it's tied to people's livelihoods. Simply emailing in a registration doesn't guarantee that you're going to come, so we wanted to have a handle on how many were coming.
• We Want You To Come! The mindset behind free is interesting. Sometimes when there is a free event, you think in your mind: "Neat! I want to go!" But then you don't, and think "Eh... I'm really comfortable in my house right now. I'll actually sit this one out." But when you spend anything, even $10, that sort of commits you. You don't want to waste the $10 or $30, so you come!
• We are Businesses: Though we are having people affiliated with local government on the panel, and while the intent is for the greater good, we are a business, and not a government institution. City Council Meetings, Planning Board Meetings, etc. are all open to the public. In fact, we have started republishing them in our new City Meeting section! Some people asked, "Could you get a grant?" Well, maybe, but I'm not well-versed in grant writing, or even researching where to find such a grant. Plus, grants can take a long time to actually get, and they may come with restrictions. The beauty of being in business is that we can act swiftly. Sometimes for free, sometimes not. Depends on the needs of everyone involved. At the end of the day, if you want a business to stay in Beacon, they have to actually conduct business, which means bringing in money. Same applies to art and even nonprofits.
• Is That Free Event Really Free? Everyone is selling something. If you go to a free event and it's hosted by an amazing person who just wrote a book, that person is basically hoping you will buy their book (usually a signed edition) at the event. That's your admission. You just pay it on the reverse - at the end after you attend - maybe. Sometimes events are free because there is a major sponsor involved who serves as compensation to the creators of the event. The sponsors who came on board for this event helped make the ticket price affordable.

Will There Be More Business Events?

Heck yes! In my other capacity at Tin Shingle, we do have several events planned. From classes, to member meetings, to weekly webinars. Upon moving to Beacon and experiencing the thrill from in-person events, Tin Shingle introduced a new level of membership - Community. It's our most affordable level of monthly membership, and will include one in-person meeting a month. I just needed to get through the early newborn days before getting back into event hosting. Even simple member meetings take coordination!

Every Wednesday at noon Eastern time, Tin Shingle has free webinars online. They are called Training TuneUps. I record them live from 291 Main Street, but you can call or click into them from your phone or computer. They include interviews with business owners in all industries, training sessions in the best ways to use Instagram, how to get PR, and so much more.

Seriously, get on Tin Shingle's newsletter if you haven't yet. If you need motivation for running and growing your business, you'll want to get hooked in. The newsletter and loads of our articles telling you how to do things are free.

Tickets to tonight's summit at this point are very limited, and you can buy online here. We only have a few more available online, and are reserving a few for people who didn't see this note and show up at the door.

Thank You Sponsors!

Maria Amor, Real Estate Salesperson
Arthur DeDominicis, CPA
Storm King Art Center

FUELING MAIN STREET FOOD SPONSORS
Oak Vino
Pandorica
Chateau Lagrezette
Beacon Craft Beer Shoppe

MEDIA SPONSOR
 

See you soon, or see you at the next business event that A Little Beacon Blog or Tin Shingle are a part of!

UPDATE: We have sold out. We want to accommodate as many as we can. Anyone coming by looking for tickets at the door, we have standing room only, and ask that you stand toward the back for the panel. Decisions on tickets at the door will be based on if people don't show, and how much room there is. The main panel is in the Beahive room, with standing room in the hallway and in A Little Beacon Space. After the panel we will break out into the roundtable discussions, which should have more room at each table in different rooms of the building (including the upstairs and downstairs). Thank you!.

Happening This Weekend - 9/22/2017

Whether you're looking for Art Galleries to choose from, dining options in our Restaurant Guide, or some of the best shopping in the Hudson Valley in our Shopping Guide, we have got you covered! Weekend events featured here are drawn from 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.

Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance. This event will sell out, so get your tickets now! Windows On Main Street 2017 - Opening Reception Day: Friday, September 22, 2017 Time: 7 to 10 pm Location: Oak Vino Wine Bar, 389 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > International Film Night: I Served the King of England​​​​​​​ Day: Friday, September 22, 2017 Time: 7 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Nature Photo Scavenger Hunt Day: Saturday, September 23, 2017 Time: 10 to 11 am Location: Stony Kill Farm, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY Information > Ageless Wonders: When Did I Become a Senior?  Day: Saturday, September 23, 2017 Time: 4 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > The Friends of Howland Public Library's 2nd Annual Friendraiser Day: Saturday, September 23, 2017 Time: 1 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Opening Reception: Celebrate Skin! Day: Saturday, September 23, 2017 Time: 5 to 7 pm Location: SallyeAnder, 1 East Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Spirit of Beacon Day & Parade 2017 Day: Sunday, September 24, 2017 Time: Noon, tables hosted by nonprofits open; 1 pm, parade begins Location: Main Street, Beacon, NY Parade starts on the West End at Main Street and 9D, ending at Tioronda Avenue Information > Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.       Pumpkin Topiary "Make and Take" Workshop Day: Friday, September 22, 2017 Time: 5 to 7 pm Location: Knot Too Shabby, 155 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Geranium Dress with Toni Maeck Day: Friday, September 22, or Saturday, September 23, 2017 Time: 1 to 5 pm Location: Beetle & Fred, 171 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Stitch Sampler Day: Sunday, September 24, 2017 Time: 3 to 6 pm Location: Beetle & Fred, 171 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Thank you Ballet Arts Studio for sponsoring our Adult Classes Guide! For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Adult Classes Guide. BALLET ARTS STUDIO "There is always a moment in childhood when the door opens to let the future in." -Graham Greene Is your child looking to experience dance in a way that could possibly impact their life forever? Enrolling in classes at Ballet Arts Studio, a longtime staple in Beacon, could spark that change. Registration is open now for Kids and Adult Classes. See Ballet Arts Studio Class Schedule. To Register: Call (845) 831-1870 or email info@balletartsstudio.com Visit Beacon Arts Studio's Schedule of Classes > Where is Ballet Arts Studio? On the corner of Henry and Teller, opposite the back of the Yankee Clipper Diner. Crafty Mama & Me with Keely Sheehan Ages: 2 to 4 Days: Session began Monday, September 18, 2017 (six-week sessions) Time: 10:45 to 11:30 am Location: Fishkill Recreation Center, 792 Route 52, Fishkill, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Kids Classes Guide.     BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END reMADE 133 Main Street Weird Beard can be back in your bathroom or any other room in the house that needs to be cleared of weird smells. The hand-poured soy candles are made in small batches in Troy, NY. No need to travel, just go to reMADE! Where is reMADE? Across from Tito Santana's, next to Bank Square Coffee. Bellus on Main 181 Main Street Tell the sophisticated lady in your life to go to Bellus on Main. Her next outfit will be there, waiting for her on the racks. This photo is of a silky knit jacket/cover-up by Joseph Ribkoff with detachable faux-fur collar that falls into a v-neck opening. Features a hook-and-eye closure and color-contrasting trim and waist-strap in back. Where is Bellus? Next door to Luxe Optique. Luxe Optique 183 Main Street Possibly everyone needs to own at least one pair of red frames in their life. Lucky for you, Luxe Optique has several to select from that fit your personality. Choose from Lafont, Anne & Valentin, JF Rey and Alain Mikli. Which one will you pick? Please snap a selfie of your cute self and tag us (@alittlebeacon) in your Instagram! We just may feature you in our #GotLuxed campaign in this space! Where is Luxe Optique? Across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company. BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END PARKING HINT: Park behind 1 East Main, by the Hudson Valley Brewery, and use the back walkway entrance to head to Main Street! Style Storehouse 484 Main Street Have you played mix-and-match yet with the clothing and jewelry at Style Storehouse? This here super soft and cozy chunky knit sweater is by Free People, paired with 8 Other Reasons jewelry. Have you never heard of 8 Other Reasons? They're new to us, and wowza, check them out here. But you can buy them locally at Style Storehouse! Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle n Swaddle. Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main Street, Retail #3 Winter weddings are extra fun, with the additional pieces the bride gets to wear down the aisle. Can you imagine this fur bolero by Blue Ribbon in a rustic outdoor wedding in an orchard? The gown is from the Justin Alexander Signature line, and the rhinestone headband is by Marionat. Walk-ins welcome. Where Is Lambs Hill? Next to King + Curated! King + Curated 1 East Main St., Retail #2 As you can see, stacked rings on a relaxed hand, poised on pillows of faux fur, is the ideal luxe setting. But in case you can't muster this restful state, you still can get the stacked rings in gold or silver - and custom-fit exactly to your finger. Designer Lauren Decker, co-owner of King + Curated, can find your finger size in minutes and begin the work. Open Hours Tip: The shop is closed this Sunday, so get there Friday and Saturday! Next Sunday (and the days in between) they'll be open as usual. Photo by Alicia King. Where is King + Curated? Near the dummy light, just down from the old train tracks in the renovated factory. Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! reMADE, Bellus on Main, Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, King + Curated, and Style Storehouse. River Therapeutic Massage 612 Route 52 Beacon, NY (845) 379-1956 Design your own massage! Every body is different, and you've had a hard week. Any massage session may be customized further by adding one or more Spa Minis: Dry Brushing: Gently exfoliates (includes take-home brush and instructions) Aroma Mini Facial Massage: Super relaxing and refreshing Sugar Foot Scrub: A sweet treat for smooth feet Hot Stone Mini: A little heat to help soften your muscles NEW! eco-fin: An eco-friendly paraffin alternative for softer hands and feet Book Now > Where is River Therapeutic Massage? Sharing space with Karen's Place Salon on Route 52. Thank you River Therapeutic Massage for sponsoring the Beauty Guide!     The Vault 446 Main Street It's Friday, and you're so ready for this Lemon Drop Martini, made with citrus vodka, triple sec and fresh lemon juice. When is the best time to get it? Happy Hour! 4 to 6 pm, Tuesday through Friday. Includes $5 appetizers, $7 wine, $5 drafts, $4 bottles, $5 well drinks and $7 well martinis. Quite a deal! Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath & Bubble. Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide! SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency Health insurance is already a tricky area to navigate, and a divorce can only make it harder to stay on top of while making sure everyone is still taken care of - especially if a chronic condition is in play. Antalek & Moore prepared this article explaining things to think about while plotting out your next moves. Call them if you have questions, they are always happy to answer them: (845) 245-6292. Read More > Main Street Summit You don't want to miss this team, facilitating roundtables on Tuesday, September 26. Attendees get to pick two of the four roundtables to sit in on: PR and Marketing (Katie Hellmuth Martin of Tin Shingle), Staffing and Expansion (Jason Schuler of Drink More Good), Money Matters (Galia Gichon with Down to Earth Finance), and Operations (Myriam Bouchard with Coherence Collaborative). Tickets will sell out, so be sure to get yours online here! InHouse Design Media Private training sessions are available to businesses who want to produce their own newsletters, make website changes, or run social media campaigns, but need guidance. Make an appointment with InHouse Design Media, who can make house calls to businesses located in Beacon. Book Now > BeaconArts Look up as you're walking around this weekend - it's the kickoff weekend for Windows on Main Street (WOMS)! View the locations on the map on the WOMS website, or pick up hard copies at Catalyst Gallery or Utensil after September 25, 2017. There are 40 participants, and 42 days in the exhibit. The opening Night Reception is at Oak Vino. Be an insider and head to the party! Find the Art With This Map >   A Little Beacon Space 291 Main Street Fall and Winter are becoming the traditional times for pop-up shops in Beacon! Two such shops have booked so far: Made & Given and LulaRoe with Erin and Leigh. Will yours be next? Get Details >   Tin Shingle Tin Shingle will be hosting a roundtable discussion on PR and Marketing during the Main Street Summit in September. Got questions for them? See their Ask the Expert series on their website to get a head start on your buzz-building education. Beacon Chamber of Commerce Businesses in Beacon can host a Chamber of Commerce Member Meeting. Shop Reservoir hosted a recent meeting. See a few of the photos, and reach out to the Chamber to be a host location here. NEWSLETTER SIGNUP 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! Click here to learn about ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog. Until next week!

Seeking Your Memories of Beacon Spirit from the Past 40 Years

After being away from the office for some time in order to be all-in for my new baby's first months of life, I was in the office today, in back-to-business fashion. My dear friend Charlotte dropped in, as she does from time to time, to catch me up on all of the film-making news in the area. (She is, after all, the #1 lookalike for Paul Newman's wife and has appeared in several things.)

We were discussing the Spirit of Beacon Parade, and how I'm on the Unofficial South Avenue Parade PTA Float-Building Committee, and how I need to find a few certain things today (top-secret, of course, until Sunday!), when Charlotte had the great desire to know what everyone's favorite memories were of Beacon or of the Spirit of Beacon Day.

The theme of this year's parade is Beacon Spirit of the Past 40 Years. Please share your favorite memory here in the Comments! If you have a picture you want to share, email it into us at editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com for consideration to be published in an article!

Happening This Weekend - 9/15/2017

Ohmygosh, this issue is hugely filled with events! Have it open at. all. times. You're going to be busy this weekend! From Art Galleries to choose from, dining options in our Restaurant Guide, and some of the best shopping in the Hudson Valley in our Shopping Guide, we have got you covered! Weekend events featured 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.

Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance. Beacon Independent Film Festival  Days: Friday to Sunday, September 15 to 17, 2017 Location: Beacon's University Settlement Camp on Wolcott Avenue (aka 9D) Come see works by Hudson Valley filmmakers and artists, eat food from local eateries, and participate in thought-provoking conversations with industry experts. It's a weekend you won't want to miss! Information > Story Screen presents "Bride of Frankenstein" Day: Friday, September 15, 2017 Time: 7 pm Location: Bannerman's Island, Hudson River - ferry boat leaves from the dock west of the Beacon Metro-North station. Information > Crafts at Lyndhurst Day: Friday to Sunday, September 15 to 17, 2017 Time: Friday and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm Location: Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY Information > Casting Benefit Party! Day: Saturday, September 16, 2017 Time: 2:30 pm Location: First Presbyterian Church, 50 Liberty St., Beacon, NY Information > Theater Day Day: Saturday, September 16, 2017 Time: 8 am to 5 pm Location: Beacon High School, 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY Read more about this event in this article from our blog. The 5th Annual Hudson River Craft Beer Festival Day: Saturday, September 16, 2017 Time: 12:30 to 5:30 pm Location: 1 Red Flynn Drive, Beacon, NY (next to the Beacon Metro-North train station) Information > Stony Kill Foundation Country Fair Day: Saturday, September 16, 2017 Time: 11 am to 3 pm Location: Stony Kill Farm, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY Information > Concert: Clear Light Ensemble Day: Saturday, September 16, 2017 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Reading: Javaka Steptoe Day: Sunday, September 17, 2017 Time: 10:30 am to noon Location: Binnacle Books, 321 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Yoga & Brunch w/ Africa Yoga Project Day: Sunday, September 17, 2017 Time: 10 am Location: Firefly Yoga, 992 Main St., Fishkill, NY Information > "Keys to the City" Family Event Day: Sunday, September 17, 2017 Time: 1 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Howland Chamber Music Circle presents Pacifica Quartet Day: Sunday, September 17, 2017 Time: 4 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Chefs for Clearwater Day: Sunday, September 17, 2017 Time: 4 pm Location: The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), 1946 Campus Drive, Hyde Park, NY Read more about this event on our blog!  Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.       Chalk Paint 101® - The Annie Sloan Method Days: Friday, September 15, 2017 Time: 9 am to noon Location: Knot Too Shabby, 155 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >   BALLET ARTS STUDIO Adult Classes Ballet class isn't just for kids anymore... Adults in Beacon have easy access to one of the best ballet studios in the Hudson Valley. Registration is open now for their Adult Classes: NEW! Adult Beginning Ballet! Day: Wednesdays Time: 7:30 pm Adult Low Intermediate Ballet Day: Tuesdays Time: 7:30 pm NEW! Adult Low Intermediate Tap Class at Ballet Arts Studio! Day: Tuesdays Time: 9:30 am To Register: Call (845) 831-1870 or email info@balletartsstudio.com Visit Beacon Arts Studio's Schedule of Classes > Where is Ballet Arts Studio? On the cornerof Henry and Teller opposite the back of the Yankee Clipper Diner. Thank you Ballet Arts Studio for sponsoring our Adult Classes Guide! For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Adult Classes Guide. Crafty Mama & Me with Keely Sheehan Ages: 2 to 4 Days: Monday, September 18, 2017 (six-week sessions) Time: 10:45 to 11:30 am Location: Fishkill Recreation Center, 792 Route 52, Fishkill, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Kids Classes Guide.     BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END reMADE 133 Main Street Looking for a unique way to light up your home? Check out these Hanging Tea Light holders handmade by William Mann across the river in Orange County. You could find this look in a fancy-pants catalog, or you could skip down to reMADE to see the real thing. Where is reMADE? Across from Tito Santana's, next to Bank Square Coffee. Bellus on Main 181 Main Street Perfect for the classy lady. A lovely silky knit pencil dress by Joseph Ribkoff in a classic silhouette, cut with a cowl neckline, knee-length hem and three-quarter sleeves. Side darts and subtle layering ensure a sleek, flattering fit.  Where is Bellus? Next door to Luxe Optique. Luxe Optique 183 Main Street Barton Perreira frames are luxurious, elegant and always in style. You just might find that frames like these are a perfect fit for your face. Luxe offers $25 eye exams and $45 contact lens fittings, which is applied to the cost of lenses when purchased at Luxe!   Where is Luxe Optique? Across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company.   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END PARKING HINT: Park behind 1 East Main, by the Hudson Valley Brewery, and use the back walkway entrance to get to Main Street! Style Storehouse 484 Main Street New in store: one-of-a-kind hand-dyed scarves made in Michigan by Brightly Twisted. A staple for the fall and winter to easily, effortlessly add interest to your outfit.  Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle n Swaddle. Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main Street, Retail #3 Let us pause for a moment to consider this "ridiculously gorgeous" Venice Lace Gown by Lillian West. It features a fringe skirt in a sheath silhouette, a V neckline, dropped waist and sweeping train. Lambs Hill Bridal welcomes walk-in visitors to fawn over this dress - and other confections! Where Is Lambs Hill? Next to King + Curated! King + Curated 1 East Main Street, Retail #2 Designer Lauren Duende, co-owner of King + Curated, specializes in turquoise and diamonds, and the sparkle from this ring caught our eye. It's from Lauren's collection, and made with turquoise, white gold, white diamonds and a rare gray diamond set in the center. Plus, customization is available. Where is King + Curated? Near the dummy light, just down from the old train tracks in the renovated factory. Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! reMADE, Bellus on Main, Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, King + Curated, and Style Storehouse. River Therapeutic Massage 612 Route 52 Beacon, NY (845) 379-1956 You know what your body needs right now? A good exfoliating with body brushing. Where are you going to get such a service? River Therapeutic Massage! Learn More and Book Now > Where is River Therapeutic Massage? Sharing space with Karen's Place Salon, right next door to Bright Smiles of Beacon on Route 52. Thank you River Therapeutic Massage for sponsoring the Beauty Guide!     The Vault 446 Main Street Spiced Apple Cider Sangria is made with brandy, apple cider, white wine and apricot liqueur, with a cinnamon sugar rim. Need we say more? It's almost fall, after all... Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath & Bubble. Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide! SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency Susan Pagones began selling insurance in 1985. In those days, childcare was limited, and she made her own rules in order to balance her family and her job. To this day, Susan remains committed to youngsters and the schools in her community. Read Our Interview > Main Street Summit On Tuesday, September 26, Beacon businesses will gather to participate in a panel discussion with city leaders, and break out into interactive roundtables led by facilitators who are experts in their fields: PR and Marketing, Staffing and Expansion, Money Matters, and Operations. What will you learn and take away for your business? Get your tickets now. Learn More > InHouse Design Media Private training sessions are available to businesses who want to produce their own newsletters, make website changes, or run social media campaigns, but need guidance. Make an appointment with InHouse Design Media, who can make house calls to businesses located in Beacon. Book Now > BeaconArts 5th Annual Beacon Independent Film Festival BeaconArts is the fiscal sponsor for the Beacon Independent Film Festival (BIFF) which begins tonight (Friday) with a kickoff party at Dogwood. Throughout the weekend, the festival will screen features, shorts, documentaries, and more. Enjoy panel discussions, food vendors, green space, and interactive activities for kids and adults. Get The Schedule >   A Little Beacon Space 291 Main Street Fall and Winter are becoming the traditional times for pop-up shops in Beacon! Two such shops have booked so far: Made & Given and LulaRoe with Erin and Leigh. Will yours be next? Get Details >   Tin Shingle Tin Shingle will be hosting a roundtable discussion on PR and Marketing during the Main Street Summit later this month. Got questions for them? See their Ask the Expert series on their website to get a head start on your buzz-building education. Beacon Chamber of Commerce The Beacon Car Show is in October, and sponsorships are available now! Reach thousands of visitors who come to Beacon every year to attend this highly anticipated event. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email stylestorehouse@gmail.com. NEWSLETTER SIGNUP 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! Click here to learn about ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog. Until next week!

Third Annual Theater Day at Beacon High School 2017

Photo Credit: Beacon Players

Third Annual Theater Day
Where: Beacon High School Theater
101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY 12508
When: Saturday, September 16, 2017
Time: Check-in at 8 am
Register: Email beacononstage@gmail.com

Coming to a high school theater near you... The Third Annual Theater Day opens its doors at the Beacon High School Theater on Saturday, September 16, 2017 to students from high schools in and around New York State. Tickets are free for a day of performance and technical workshops, including free breakfast and lunch, sponsored by Beacon High School, Spackenkill High School, Arts Mid-Hudson, BeaconArts and the Beacon Performing Arts Center.

Take a look behind the curtain of the agenda of workshops we've included below, and you will see why the region's high school musicals are so impressive. There have been other productions since, but A Little Beacon Blog explored Peter Pan in 2016 and the amount of student-produced work that went into it. The experience that students of Beacon High School theater come away with is irreplaceable. Hands-on work in set design, costume design, music, PR, and more are in addition to what the actors experience. Only 250 participants can sign up by emailing beacononstage@gmail.com and providing your name, school, and grade.

The day is designed to provide educational theatrical guidance in various fields while kids can interact with students from different schools, while talking about one of the things they love most: THEATER!

What's Going On For An Entire Theater Day?
The 2017 Schedule

Theater Day offers high-quality workshops for students, led by talented, working professionals in many different theater disciplines ranging from acting, dance, auditioning, scenic painting, special effects makeup and much more. 

Examples of some of the workshops include:

Modern and Theatrical Dance

• Learn Modern/Creative Movement (Martha Graham/Horton technique)
• Jazz (Luigi warmup)
• Dance Combinations and Movements

Fosse Dance Workshop

• Combinations
• Signature and Stylized Choreography

Audition Technique Intensive

• High School Audition Do’s & Don’ts
• Vocal Audition Help
• Line Delivery
• Simple Rules

Musician Intensive

• Pit Orchestra
• Interactive (bring your instrument or use ours)

Acting - Drama vs. Musical

• Interpret Your Role Appropriately

Your Personal Acting Coach - One-on-One Evaluation

Lighting Design and Application

• Lighting Plots
• Instruments
• How To’s
• Resources

Set Design

• How to Start
• Different Ways to Present Your Ideas
• How They Do it on Broadway
• Create a Design and Present It

Set Construction

• Design is Completed, Now What?

Acting Shakespeare for the High School Student

• Overcome the Fear
• Language/Intonation
• Why “The Bard”

Costume Design and Execution

• Work Together to Create a Design
• How to Read a Plot
• Costume Changes

Art Color and Design for the Stage

Improvisation and Theater Games

Publicity

• Social Media
• How to Get The Word Out
• Create a Poster
• Press Release
• Collaborations

Vocal Techniques

• “I Can’t Sing”
• How Do I Make My Voice Work For Me?

The Student Stage Manager

• What Are My Responsibilities?

Makeup and Hair

• Creating the Look - Period Hair
• Fantasy Hair for the Stage

What Shows Work and What Shows Do Not Work For High School
Musical Theater Today?

• Sondheim/Schwartz/Webber
• Classics - Are They Gone?

8:00 am: Students are invited to begin the day for breakfast and check-in. During breakfast, the students will sign up for two morning workshops. There will be large charts set up in one of the hallways for students to sign up to attend morning workshops of their choice.

8:30 am: Group meeting in the theater for a brief kick-off and housekeeping.

9:00 am - noon: Two morning workshops!

Noon - 1:00 pm: Lunch! At this time, students can revisit their sign-ups for the afternoon sessions. 

1:00 - 4:00 pm: Afternoon sessions

4:00 pm: Re-group in the theater for wrap-up, presentations and some fun theater activities. Some of the activities from the day might be presented so everyone gets a feel for all the workshops that took place.