New Job Listing: The City of Beacon Seeks A Climate Smart Communities Coordinator

The City of Beacon is looking for a Climate Smart Communities Coordinator who is qualified and motivated to help move the city toward a more sustainable future. The responsibilities of this position can be found below.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Required qualifications

• Leadership experience, willing to network with nearby communities.

• Excellent public speaker.

• Background in Environmental Studies or a similar field.

• Experience with climate change solutions.

• Organized, with strong attention to detail.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with grant funding application and management.

• Experience working with the Beacon community.

Responsibilities of the Climate Smart Communities Coordinator

• 30 hours per month.

• Gather information on energy use in municipal operations to explore areas with energy-saving potential.

• Coordinate volunteers.

• Coordinate the greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory.

• Assess existing land use plans (e.g., comprehensive plan, open space plan) and land use tools to determine if energy and climate change are addressed.

• Gather information on planned projects or large purchases within local government. For example, if the local government is planning to purchase equipment, build a new facility, or start a municipal planning or capital improvement project, there may be opportunities to integrate energy conservation or waste reduction practices into the project or purchase.

• Research existing programs or policies that support GHG reductions and may be expanded or may help task force members identify members of local government staff who are knowledgeable about GHG reduction strategies.

• Gather information on available funding sources, technical assistance and other resources to assist with GHG-reduction projects.

• Research similar initiatives in other localities. Other local governments in New York have implemented similar projects; the Climate Smart Communities program offers a network of communities active in this area that share best practices and develop partnerships with neighboring communities.

• Draft resolutions and ordinances to implement GHG reductions and adaptation measures.

• Educate residents and businesses on climate change and local climate programs and seek input for projects that will align with their interests and goals. Encourage citizen action by providing information on best practices and funding available for their own projects.

TO APPLY:

To apply, please send a resume, cover letter and three references to cityofbeacon@cityofbeacon.org with Climate Smart Communities Coordinator Application as the subject line, no later than Friday, May 3, 2019.

PAY RATE:

$25/hour, part time (30 hours per month)

The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Continuously Finds Microplastics In River; Cheers Cuomo’s Plastic Bag Ban

We received the following notice from Clearwater Communications about the upcoming plastic bag ban, and we thought it would be important to share with our readers. According to News 10, the plastic bags ban will take effect in March 2020 - that is less than a year away! There are concerns about the plastic bags breaking down in the water where they become ‘microplastics,’ often consumed by river and ocean wildlife.

The following is the press release issued by Clearwater Communications in full:

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At a press conference on Monday, April 22, at Clearwater’s Kingston Home Port and Education Center at the Hudson River Maritime Museum, Governor Cuomo announced his signing of legislation banning single-use plastic bags in New York State. The Governor made the announcement beside Rondout Creek to an audience of reporters and environmental groups including Clearwater, Riverkeeper, Scenic Hudson and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

“Microplastics” Consumed By River and Ocean Wildlife

Plastic bags have long plagued the Hudson River’s ecology, and they are a major contributor to the global ecological crisis posed by plastic pollution in the world’s rivers and oceans. Often confused for food by freshwater and marine animals, plastic bags and other plastic debris do not biodegrade. Instead, these materials break down into microscopic pieces of plastic, or “microplastics” that are consumed and bioaccumulate in fish, mammals, and birds throughout the aquatic food chain.  

“We are very concerned about the accumulation of microplastics in our waterways and fish,” said Erik Fyfe, Education Director for Clearwater. “As part of our education programs, we collect plankton from the river to show our students, and for at least the last five years, whenever we look at the plankton under a microscope we see microplastics in the water.”

More Than Just Plastic Bags

New York’s new plastic bag ban will help reduce the amount of plastic in the Hudson. Additional work is needed to address other common sources of microplastic pollution, such as synthetic clothing, cosmetics, cleaning products and air blasting media. 

“We pull plastic waste from the Hudson every day during the sailing season, whether we’re under way or not. All of it would otherwise break down into microplastics, which wind up in the water, in the fish and in anyone that eats the fish.” said Clearwater Executive Director Greg Williams. “We’re delighted Gov. Cuomo is signing the plastic bag ban bill, and is taking the opportunity to recognize environmental advocacy organizations in the process.”

The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater has dedicated the last 50 years to preserving, protecting and educating about the health of the Hudson. The Clearwater sailing crew removes trash from the river on their voyages from Albany down to New York City. 

About Hudson River Sloop Clearwater

Launched in 1969 by legendary folk singer and activist Pete Seeger, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater has been at the forefront of the environmental movement as champions of the Hudson River. To date, more than half a million people have experienced their first real look at an estuary’s ecosystem aboard the sloop Clearwater. Clearwater has become the grassroots model for producing positive changes to protect our planet. For more information, visit www.clearwater.org.

New Summer Concert Unites Mental Health Resources With Community | Top Sponsor & Vendor Spots Available Now!

The “Rock Out 4 Mental Health” flyer. Room for sponsor logos if you sign up in time!

When Brandon Lillard, a founding board member of I Am Beacon, and best known by Beacon High School alums as the original “Mr. Beacon High,” asked me to be part of the planning for I Am Beacon’s second major awareness project for mental health, the ”Rock Out 4 Mental Health” Concert on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, I said yes immediately.

As a mother of young children, I want to make sure they have a safe space to express their minds. As a new mother in general, I see and experience the mental health challenges that any parent faces. As a person living in Beacon, I have learned from my friends involved in mental health support about challenges that any person can face at any time. Removing the stigma about that is important to me, and as a blogger, I want to improve awareness of mental health support services that are available locally. That’s part of why I started A Little Beacon Blog - to get the word out about what is happening and available here.

The planning for this event would be fast, but we could do it. I Am Beacon’s first outreach project for mental health awareness was and continues to be the yellow ribbons campaign on Main Street, carried out with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Mid-Hudson. You’ll be seeing those ribbons again this year.

Bringing Resources and People Closer Together Through Music

This concert was created as a vibrant and hopeful hub where people can get closer to organizations who provide a variety of mental health services. The aim is to bring these services to people who may not have otherwise known about them. Usually service events like this are at school functions on a random Wednesday night (I went to one!). Now, the whole family can come and enjoy being by the Hudson River rocking out to music, and getting to know these local services who have changed the lives of so many.

You’ll be rocking out to The Costellos, Noetic, Tony E., Dilson Hernandez, and Charge the Mound while your Co-MCs for the day, Reuben Simmons and Himali Pandya, Special Projects Manager for Astor Services for Children and Families, introduce you to the mental health resource providers who are available to meet during the day. (Insider scoop: Himali’s husband will be performing with his band at the concert)

Here’s Where Your Part Comes In

“Rock Out 4 Mental Health” is currently seeking the following sponsor and vendor opportunities, but time is limited. We will be putting sponsors on the flyer, then printing it and distributing it, so we need to know who’s in for sponsorship! My design agency, Katie James, Inc. and lead designer Allie Bopp designed the flyer, banner, logo and other branding assets, so I have a tiny say on when these go to print (but we can’t wait long!).

Title Sponsor: Only one spot available. The Title Sponsor gets their logo on the banner that will be hanging above Main Street as we get closer to the event, and on T-shirts. We can only print T-shirts if we have a title sponsor. Will your business be the reason we can make the shirts? Claim it here >
Must sign up within the week for print deadline!

Gold Sponsor: Only six available. These sponsors get their logos printed on the flyer, which will be distributed in Beacon and beyond. Logo also included on the event program. Claim it here >
Must sign up within the week for print deadline!

Silver Sponsor: More available, and includes logo on the event website. You have a bit more time on this one, since we are adding your logo to the “Rock Out 4 Mental Health” website. Claim it here >

Bronze Sponsor: Awesomeness. Great for businesses who want to show their support for Mental Health awareness and accessibility. Claim it here >

Vendor Opportunities: Food vendors are welcome, and businesses who provide a wellness-related product or service to people are invited to have a vendor spot down at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park. Only 15-20 spots available. Food and business vendors can register here. Nonprofit organizations can have a spot for free and can register here.

These community projects are what keep Beacon enriched with the depth of community it is known for, and keep Beacon an ongoing advocate for people’s well-being.

Thank you to the following sponsors and vendors who have signed on so far!

VENDORS:

Astor Services for Children & Families
Children's Home of Poughkeepsie
NAMI Mid-Hudson
CoveCare Center
DC Dept of Behavioral & Community Health
People USA
Empire Concessions
I Am Beacon

SPONSORS:

KeyFood
Premier Medical Group
MidHudson Valley Federal Credit Union
HealthQuest
People USA

Why This Concert? Why Now?

“When it comes to Mental Health, it is our belief that the Hudson Valley is ‘services-rich yet information-poor.’ Despite the valiant efforts of many organizations, there is a lack of awareness and knowledge which result in many in our community being left to suffer in silence. ”

— Mission Statement of Rock Out 4 Mental Health

One of the creators behind the event is Reuben Simmons, a founding board member of I Am Beacon, along with his sister, Brooke Simmons, and Brandon Lillard. Reuben grew up in Beacon, volunteering to clean up its streets in his youth, and co-created I Am Beacon to keep opportunities like this available to the people.

Says Reuben of the inspiration to create the “Rock Out 4 Mental Health” concert: “After attending the City of Beacon’s Workshop in December 2018 which discussed the opioid crisis in our area, I felt an obligation as a community leader to do more. I have attended many conferences all over the country in my time as a labor leader, and heard the opioid crisis happening in many communities all over. Hearing the same issues from professionals like Beacon’s Police Chief and Dutchess County’s Behavior and Community Department at the workshop got me to start brainstorming on what could be done to help. Help promote services, help end the stigma, help educate people.”

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Helpline For Everyone

“We hope to reach as many Dutchess County residents as possible to inform them about the many resources available for help and support. The Dutchess County Helpline and the Stabilization Center are available to residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is always someone available who can help,” says Jean-Marie Niebuhr, Prevention and Harm Reduction Coordinator.

If you take anything away from this event, or knowing about this event, know this: The Dutchess County Helpline. Available to anyone to use at any time, 24/7. Use it as an information center to find other resources: CALL or TEXT 845-485-9700.

Call or text any time to talk live to a qualified mental health professional. Regardless of the issue, the HELPLINE will provide counseling or link you to services.

Bake Sale Fundraiser For Pleasant Valley Library To Be Held In A Little Beacon Space

After the fire raged in the Pleasant Valley Library in November 2018 and destroyed nearly everything, A Little Beacon Blog was approached to host a bake sale fundraiser in our space (A Little Beacon Space, naturally) in the Telephone Building. The Beacon Teen Library Council is raising money to purchase books for Pleasant Valley’s teen Battle of the Books team, with any additional monies going directly to the fundraising efforts of the library. Dana Devine O’Malley, also known as 5 Hens Baked Goods, who teaches the Bakeology class for teens at the Howland Public Library, will also be volunteering to help organize the bake sale.

Says Michelle Rivas, of the Beacon Library’s Young Adults program, of the initiative: ”Knowing what Pleasant Valley Library was going through, we wanted to help. Participating in the Battle of the Books is a big part of the teen programs at our library. We wanted to make sure the teens in Pleasant Valley would still be able to participate in the competition even though the library was facing its challenges because of the fire.”

According to Michelle, they wanted to make the teens’ fundraising efforts more tangible and measurable by getting to see the books and help deliver them to Pleasant Valley. “When they see other teams compete,” Michelle said, “they know they played a part in making that happen.”

The bake sale will be on Sunday, May 19, from 11 am to 3 pm, at 291 Main St. in A Little Beacon Space inside of the Telephone Building. And it will be delicious. Those interested in baking donated goods can contact Michelle Rivas, at community@beaconlibrary.org.

Sunday Real Estate Feature: 217 Main Street, 1-Bedroom Apartment

This could be very, very good for you, or very, very dangerous, as aromas of toasted marshmallows drift up from below. This one-bedroom Main Street apartment is located above Hudson Valley Marshmallow. 

From Gate House Realty: “Stunning 1,750-square-foot former ballroom loft for rent. Movable walls make this interchangeable space so unique. Newly renovated, with a full kitchen with new Bosch appliances, high ceilings, hardwood floors throughout, one of a kind, separate entryway with tons of closet space and washer and dryer in unit. Great location right on Main Street - walk to restaurants, shops and cafes. One parking spot included. Available July 15.”

BEDROOMS: 1  BATHS: 1

PRICE: $2,600

Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550

Details + Pictures in A Little Beacon Blog’s Real Estate Guide. Tap Directories in the top navigation.

This listing is brought to you by Gate House Realty, and we thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to list your property(s), whether you’re a private seller or an agent, please see our Media Kit in the Advertising section of the website. 

Happening This Weekend - 4/19/2019

Beaconites are sending in their favorite views of Beacon! And what a perfect weekend for it (well... before any rain comes in!). As the City Council focuses on "viewsheds" - how and where they want to protect views as different projects are built - A Little Beacon Blog wants to know what your favorite views are, and why. See our article that has a few pictures from readers like you right now. Whether you're a resident or visitor - send us what catches your eye. Pictures can be of nature or of a building or of a combo. Details on how to submit are in this article. Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance.   CANCELED DUE TO RAIN Egg Hunt & Spring Fling Day: Saturday, April 20, 2019 Time: 11 am to 2 pm Location: Memorial Park, Beacon, NY Information > The Egg Hunt at Memorial Park, scheduled for Saturday, April 20, has been canceled. In keeping participant and volunteer safety and enjoyment our number one priority, Beacon Recreation has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event due to forecasted weather. With no scheduled rain date, it is their hope to raffle bicycles and goodies later this spring, at an event to be determined. Stay tuned. PS: To get future updates from Beacon Recreation, you can subscribe to their free newsletter here. Updates include events, classes, After School Program registration notices, and Summer Pool signup alerts. Live Concert: Mighty Girl Day: Saturday, April 20, 2019 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > OPEN HOUSE: 19 Russell Avenue Day: Saturday, April 20, 2019 Time: Noon to 3 pm Location: 19 Russell Ave., Beacon, NY This is new home is literally being built right now. Visit it in its current phase, and imagine what life could be like if it became your next home. Information > Sponsored Post - thank you, Nicki Meehan! Broadway in Beacon - “The Bible According To Broadway” Day: Sunday, April 21, 2019 Time: 4 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Not Quite Zero Waste Day: Monday, April 22, 2019 Time: 1-2pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.       BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique 155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com Spring is in! And the florals are fine at Darryl's boutique, near Bank Square. Spruce up your office outfits, or have something fresh and new for Sunday church or weekend events. You'll find matching purses, too! Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com You will find all kinds of lighter styles inside Luxe Optique right now, including these Henau frames - they are 30% off! If you've been on the verge of stepping inside of Luxe but haven't yet, this is your time.     BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light) A WOW-worthy heart-shaped bodice from Justin Alexander. We love the detailed beadwork on this bodice, and the rhinestone-embellished skirt. You can find this gown at Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique.  Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! Luxe Optique, Binnacle Books, Darryl's Boutique, and Lambs Hill. Thank you to Barb's Butchery and BAJA 328 for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide! Visit A Little Beacon Blog's Restaurant Guide for all of the restaurants in Beacon, and see our Brunch Guide for your morning dining needs!       Firefly Yoga & Juicebar Location: 992 Main St., Fishkill, NY APRIL PROMOTION AT FIREFLY April 2019: Sign up for Gold Membership, with $115 monthly auto-renew in April, and get your first month unlimited for $49! (available in studio only). Also a steal of a deal: 10 classes for $160 (exclusive pricing ends THIS SATURDAY, April 20). Information > Beginner Hula Hooping Workshop Day: Saturday, April 20, 2019 Time: 12:30 to 2:30 pm Location: Ascent Studio, 75 Main St., Cold Spring, NY Information > Thank you to Firefly Yoga for sponsoring the Adult Classes Guide! For a full list of upcoming classes, classes during the week, and workshops of all kinds, visit our Adult Classes Guide. Sponsor A Little Beacon Blog's Summer Camp Guide. Details here. Art & Zine Club Meetup Day: Friday, April 19, 2019 Time: 3:30 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Pre-Season Clinic Days: Saturdays, April 20 & 27, 2019 Ages: 5-13 Location: Memorial Field, 59 Robert Cahill Drive, Beacon, NY Information > Check A Little Beacon Blog's Classes For Kids & Teens Guide to see what there is to do every day of the week. We collect ideas and organize them by day. For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide.    Submission Guidelines for classes you'd like us to consider adding to these guides can be found here. Time to freshen up your hair style - or beard! Find a salon in Beacon at A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide. REAL ESTATE LISTINGS 217 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508 Oh wow... this high-ceiling apartment is not only beautiful with its hardwood floors, but it probably smells great, too, since it's above the Hudson Valley Marshmallow Company. Yum. From Gate House Realty: “Stunning 1,750-square-foot former ballroom loft for rent. Movable walls make this interchangeable space so unique. Newly renovated with full kitchen (with new Bosch appliances), high ceilings, hardwood floors throughout, one of a kind, separate entryway with tons of closet space and washer and dryer in unit. Great location right on Main Street - walk to restaurants, shops and cafes. One parking spot included. Available July 15.” BEDROOMS: 1   BATHS: 1 PRICE: $2,600  Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures > VIEW THIS LISTING VIEW ALL LISTINGS HEADLINE NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS         A Little Beacon Space :: Baking For Books :: Fundraiser for Pleasant Valley LIbrary The Pleasant Valley Library lost most of their books to a fire at the end of 2018. The Beacon Teen Library Council wants to raise money to help the library get new books for their Battle of the Books team, as well as for the library itself. Battle of the Books, the annual kids/teen reading competition, starts this summer, and the students want their fellow competitors to be prepared. Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 19, for this Baking For Books fundraiser at A Little Beacon Space! Details > Knot Too Shabby Website Take a look at Knot Too Shabby's website! It's now so easy to sign up for their Workshops, which fill up fast! To help give them a strong branded start on their social media, Katie James, Inc. is designing for Knot Too Shabby a set of branded social media cards to use to announce hours, changes, etc. Take A Look >   Antalek & Moore :: Interview With Susan Pagones Get to know your friendly neighborhood Antalek & Moore agent: Susan Pagones. She and the team at Antalek & Moore make insurance easier for you. They do the homework on policies and coverage, then you can go talk with them, face to face. Read our interview with Susan, and call them today to get them on your side: (845) 831-4300. Tin Shingle Small Group Training Did you know that you can get free marketing training every other Wednesday online with Tin Shingle? And if you're a member with an All Access Pass, you get to spend alternating Wednesdays on a live call to strategize your own marketing moves in social media, PR, your newsletters, and more. Learn More > BeaconArts :: Beacon Open Studios Knot Too Shabby is the newest participating artist during Beacon's Open Studios! Look for the big red balloon outside each participating door during Beacon Open Studios Weekend. Did you know that Knot Too Shabby has a "Passport to Paint" session, where you can come in and paint anything you want? Reserve Your Spot as a Sponsor or Artist! > Beacon Chamber of Commerce Business Directory Is your business in the Business Directory of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce yet? It really should be. Join today! Learn More > MASTHEAD Producers of this newsletter include: Katie Hellmuth Martin, Publisher, Writer, Designer, Photographer Marilyn Perez, Managing Editor Catherine Sweet, Editor of the Second Saturday Guide Advertise With A Little Beacon Blog The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of making it happen, and get your business in front of the community in a meaningful way. Learn More > NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Until next week!

Beacon's Egg Hunt In Memorial Park Canceled Due To Saturday Rain

This image originally appeared in A Little Beacon Blog’s Instagram Stories.

This just in from the Beacon Recreation newsletter:

“Egg Hunt at Memorial Park scheduled for Saturday, April 20, WILL BE CANCELLED.

“In keeping participant and volunteer safety and enjoyment our number one priority, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event due to forecasted weather.

“With no scheduled rain date, it is our hope to raffle bicycles and goodies later this spring at an event to be determined. Stay tuned.

“Happy Easter and Happy Passover.”

To get future updates from Beacon Recreation, you can subscribe to their free newsletter here. Updates include events, classes, After School Program registration notices, and Summer Pool signup alerts.

Kids Summer Camp Teaches Coding, Roblox and Minecraft Building, Robots, and More at SUNY New Paltz

Are your kids obsessed with Roblox and Minecraft too? Do they love coding during the sessions that the Beacon City School District provides during Library/Media Class, and the #hourofcoding nights? Then they may love this camp from ID Tech, available this summer at SUNY New Paltz .

WEEKS OF: June 24 | July 1 | July 8 | July 15 | July 22 | July 29

FROM ID TECH:
”iD Tech is the world leader in summer STEM education, with 400,000 alumni since 1999, and 150 prestigious campus locations including SUNY New Paltz, Stanford, and NYU.

“Students ages 7-19 learn to code, design video games, design Fortnite-inspired levels, mod Minecraft, create with Roblox, engineer robots, model and print 3D characters, work with AI and machine learning, build laptops, learn about cybersecurity, and more! Outdoor time is included.”

Details and pictures in A Little Beacon Blog’s Summer Camp Guide. We have not taken this camp ourselves yet, or heard from other locals who have. This is new on our radar.

iD Tech is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog’s Summer Camp Guide.

You can be too if you run a Camp! Or if you run a business that helps families, you can sponsor this popular guide also. Details on how to sponsor are here.

Beaconites (and Visitors) Send In Their Favorite Views Of Beacon

We asked, and you delivered! We recently put out a call to share with us your view of Beacon. This is in light of rapidly changing scenery, with the new building developments sprouting all over Beacon. The subject of “viewsheds” has come in recent City Council meetings, and that idea is playing a role on future potential developments. So, we thought we’d all enjoy looking at views we like!

Keep your photos coming! We will publish new ones here, so revisit this article and click Refresh.

To submit, email to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com. Please state the location of the picture, and why you love it. The view can be from the street, from your porch, from your apartment, of a scenic view in the woods, anything.

Fishkill Creek, Looking South From Churchill Road

Below are images submitted by Jessica Laug, who says “This is the Fishkill Creek, looking south from the Churchill Road bridge. It’s basically our backyard and I love it in every season.”

Long Dock, Mount Beacon Casino

Enjoy these lovely views submitted by Debbie Joyce

Madam Brett Park and Denning’s Point

The photo on the left is Madam Brett Park right by the waterfall. The second is Denning’s Point. From Dan Calabrese, who says, “I love both of them because you can feel like you’re really in nature with minimal investment of time. I could literally walk to either of these places from home. Having such great, diverse nature spots in our backyard makes it easy to get in a hike even after a busy day.”

The Hudson River, As Viewed From Main Street

One of my favorite views is of the Hudson River is from Main Street. I have always liked being able to see it from 9D. The river becomes an everyday part of life. Having lived in Manhattan, the Hudson River was not part of my life, unless I was walking alongside it. Living in Beacon, with the Hudson River within easy distance, has changed my relationship with the river, bringing me closer and wanting to keep it clean and accessible.

-Katie Hellmuth Martin

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Main Street (West End)

Here’s a great shot from Mary Ann Glass, who writes: “It’s the peak of spring beauty! The Bartlett Pears are a’bloom. Corner of Main and Cross Street, Rick Price’s great mural of the Hudson River  and of course RiverWinds Gallery. “

What Are Your Favorite Views In Beacon? Submit Pictures To ALBB For Possible Feature

The City Council has been discussing “viewsheds” in Beacon for quite some time, perhaps picking up steam during the building moratorium it imposed in 2017 that blocked all new building projects for six months. The moratorium was enacted in the name of reviewing Beacon’s water supply, as development growth has happened faster than anticipated. From the draft moratorium law: “The City’s vision was that development would be more gradual and take place over a period of years.” During the moratorium, the City Council reviewed several of its zoning laws that it wanted to change as Beacon develops.

What Is A Viewshed?

A “viewshed” is something that a City Council (or Planning or Zoning Board of a city) would consider when discussing how a new building or building addition might block or alter a view from surrounding spaces. if you’re not among the people hanging out in these meetings, the specific term might not ever enter your mind. But the bummer feeling of losing a view that you once had would probably enter your mind.

With several new buildings going up at once, zoning has been tightened since the 2017 building moratorium, including considerations around viewsheds. Scenic viewsheds were also included in the review that City Council must do for new projects, a rule that was adopted at the end of 2017, as reported in the Highlands Current.

Protection of viewsheds is a pursued point of interest that Council Member At-Large Lee Kyriacou has been discussing at City Council meetings, as well as at a second Beacon Zoning Discussion that was held for the public at Beahive a few months ago.

Viewsheds are back on the City Council’s agenda. The agenda for the April 8, 2019 City Council Workshop features an upcoming Linkage Zone and Protected Viewshed agenda item for Monday, April 29, 2019.

So What Are Your Favorite Views?

Room with a view.

View from a porch.

“Ready to move to Beacon for this view” type of view.

What are your favorite views? Take pictures with your smartphone or any camera and send them to us at editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com for consideration to be featured in a roundup article. Please include:

• Location of the view. Cross streets, or some other description.

• What we are looking at.

• Your name if you want, or remain anonymous.

Looking forward to seeing your pictures!

UPDATE: Pictures have started being submitted! Click here to see them so far…

Sunday Real Estate Guide Feature: This Beacon Bungalow

This is a small house (tiny house people - is this a Tiny House?), on a pretty piece of land that may have room for expansion. Anyone who has lived in or stayed in a beach house will recognize this laid-back cottage feel and immediately feel at home. The yard itself looks ruggedly beachy, with the tall grasses and rock landscaping, surrounded by tall trees near Mount Beacon.

At first blush you may say “too small,” but think big and go visit. It’s adorable.
From Gate House Realty: “This adorable bungalow with beautiful mountain views has 2 bedrooms, and 1 bath, surrounded by great light and outdoor space in a quiet part of Beacon. Lots of updates including new roof, kitchen, bath and patio. With room to expand, this cozy cottage also has a garage with a new roof and ample storage space. Close to East End of Main Street and all that Beacon has to offer.”
380 Washington Avenue, Beacon, NY 12508
BEDROOMS: 2 BATHS: 1
PRICE: $239,000
Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550
Details + Pictures >

This listing is brought to you by Gate House Realty, @gatehouserealty_hvny, and we thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to list your property(s), whether you’re a private seller or an agent, please see our Media Kit in the Advertising section of the website and see the Real Estate Listing Packages. Our readers like dreaming of new digs and investments.

Second Saturday! Beacon Art Gallery Openings for April 2019

Second Saturday. Beacon, NY. April 13, 2019. Be there! Clockwise from top right: Jenn Bot at Clutter Gallery; John Sabraw at Beacon Institute for River and Estuaries; Margot Kingon at Catalyst Gallery; Carla Goldberg at bau; Joshua Spivack at Artifact Beacon.

Happy Second Saturday, people of Beacon!

Bask in this glorious warming weather with a saunter around Beacon (with your raincoat on - ladies can pick one up in Darryl’s Clothing Boutique), checking out exhibits that have been extended and the new openings. Consider this a warmup for the Super Mega Gallery Stroll you’re going to do next month with Beacon Open Studios, which A Little Beacon Blog is a proud sponsor of. We’ve got it all covered in Beacon's most comprehensive Art Gallery Guide. 

Last Call on Several Shows

You’re almost out of time to see Working OverTime, at No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works, so head on down there before it’s taken off the walls.

Karl LaLonde’s Hue Tint Shade is sticking around RiverWinds Gallery for another couple of weeks.

New exhibitions are open at Catalyst Gallery, Hudson Beach Glass, Clutter, Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries, bau, Artifact, and the MR Yard at Marion Royael Gallery (out back).

See what your friends, neighbors, and their kids are up to with Beacon Central School District’s annual show at the Howland Library, and the Artist Member show at the Howland Cultural Center. All details in the Art Guide!

Thank You Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide Sponsor

Our Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide is sponsored by No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works, at 469 Main Street, down toward the east end of Main Street near Story Screen Beacon’s movie theater, where you’ll find not just rotating exhibits, but cool collections of handmade books that the public is encouraged to peruse.

While you're out and about doing Second Saturday, stop by our sponsors and support the businesses who support us! You too can become a sponsor at any time.

Happening This Weekend - 4/12/2019

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That’s right, April, just keep those magnolia trees blooming! We’ll take the nip in the air. And we'll also take ourselves to A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide to see which stores have the rain boots, light raincoat, and just a little pick-me-up to get through the overcast days! Head on down, everyone. Stroll over to Main Sreet and treat yourself to a little Beacon. It's that time! Second Saturday in Beacon! There are plenty of new art openings for you to see, including one at Artifact, which is on the other side of the Fishkill Creek near Dogwood. Guide Sponsored By:  No. 3 Reading Room & Photo Book Works Guide Written By: Catherine Sweet   Interested in joining as a Sponsor of this Art Gallery Guide? Click here. Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance.     Free Concert: Annalyse & Ryan Day: Friday, April 12, 2019 Time: 7 pm Location: Towne Crier, 379 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Girls on the Run Sneaker Soiree Day: Friday, April 12, 2019 Time: 7 to 10 pm Location: The Roundhouse, 2 E. Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Improv Show & Jam Day: Friday, April 12, 2019 Time: 7:15 pm (doors 6:45 pm) Location: Beacon Performing Arts Center, 327B Main St., Beacon, NY Information > JK HOP Spring Studio Photo Sessions In A Little Beacon Space Day: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Time: 10 am to 2 pm Location: A Little Beacon Space, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY Get ready for Spring with JK HOP... Beacon Studio photo sessions are here! Sit for a session, and you will receive 20 to 25 high-resolution, edited images via an online gallery. Information > Classic Country Hits Day: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Time: 1 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Kids Read: A Book Festival Day: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Time: 10 am to 4 pm Location: Our Lady of Lourdes High School, 131 Boardman Road, Poughkeepsie, NY Grand Opening Denise Gianna Designs Day: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Time: 5 to 9 pm Location: 480 Main St., Beacon, NY (Utensil's former east end spot) Information > Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide. Rock and Snow's Bridge 2 Bridge 5-Mile Race Day: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Time: 9 am to 1 pm Location: Upper 27 Knolls Road (Spring Farm Trailhead), High Falls, NY Information > Visit our 5K Race Guide for more upcoming local races. Main Street Pop Up - Local Artisans Day: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Time: 5 to 8 pm Location: The Chocolate Studio, 494 Main St., Beacon, NY Visit our Pop-Up Shop Guide for more upcoming local races.     BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique 155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com These girls are ready for spring! Darryl's has dresses to choose from in several chickadee colors, with lots of versatility and accessory options. Like this yellow purse and navy blue pant option for the same floral print. Darryl's is located in the former Nella's Bellas spot, just down the block and across the street from Hudson Beach Glass. Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com This Saturday, Luxe Optique is featuring a local Emmy-nominated makeup artist, Cassandra Saulter. Cassandra recently worked on the makeup for "The Greatest Showman" and "Blindspot" on NBC. She has turned her attention to painting eyes onto people's glasses, fixing in time the "Window to the Soul." That's the title of this personalized art project, which you can have painted for yourself or a loved one. If you have a pair of glasses from a loved one that you are holding onto but don't know what to do with, bring Cassandra a photo of your loved one, and she can paint their eyes into their glasses as a memorial.   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light) If you are planning a wedding right now, we're really not sure how you pick just one dress. There are so many lovelies at Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique! Owner Charlotte Guernsey's philosophy, in a nutshell, on why she created the store: "Just because it's pretty." Call the boutique at (845) 765-2900 to make an appointment. Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! Luxe Optique, Binnacle Books, Darryl's Boutique, and Lambs Hill. Thank you to Barb's Butchery and BAJA 328 for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide! Visit A Little Beacon Blog's Restaurant Guide for all of the restaurants in Beacon, and see our Brunch Guide for your morning dining needs!       Firefly Yoga & Juicebar Location: 992 Main St., Fishkill, NY APRIL PROMOTION AT FIREFLY April 2019: Sign up for Gold Membership, with $115 monthly auto-renew in April, and get your first month unlimited for $49! (available in studio only). Also a steal: 10 classes for $160 (exclusive pricing ends Saturday, April 20). Information > Thank you to Firefly Yoga for sponsoring the Adult Classes Guide! For a full list of upcoming classes, classes during the week, and workshops of all kinds, visit our Adult Classes Guide. Sponsor A Little Beacon Blog's Summer Camp Guide. Details here. Springtime Cookie & Chocolate Class for Kids Day: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Time: 5 to 8 pm Location: The Chocolate Studio, 496 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Check A Little Beacon Blog's Classes For Kids & Teens Guide to see what there is to do every day of the week. We collect ideas and organize them by day. For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide.    Submission Guidelines for classes you'd like us to consider adding to these guides can be found here. Time to freshen up your hair style - or beard! Find a salon in Beacon at A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide. REAL ESTATE LISTINGS 380 Washington Avenue, Beacon, NY 12508 Anyone who has lived in or stayed in a beach house will recognize this laid-back cottage feel. The yard itself looks beachy with the tall grasses and rock landscaping, surrounded by tall trees near Mount Beacon. From Gate House Realty: “This adorable bungalow with beautiful mountain views has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, surrounded by great light and outdoor space in a quiet part of Beacon. Lots of updates including new roof, kitchen, bath and patio. With room to expand, this cozy cottage also has a garage with new roof and ample storage space. Close to East End of Main Street and all that Beacon has to offer.” BEDROOMS: 2   BATHS: 1 PRICE: $239,000  Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures > VIEW THIS LISTING VIEW ALL LISTINGS HEADLINE NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS         A Little Beacon Space :: Pop-Up Photo Session! This Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, photographer Jessica Kenny is taking over A Little Beacon Space to bring you a chance to get a professional photo session in a mini format. Book online here, or walk-in the day off, and you'll get 20 to 25 high-resolution, edited images. This is great for head shots, family portraits and anything else you think of. Walk-ins are welcom! Details For Booking Your Own Photo Session > Knot Too Shabby Website Almost Ready For Launch Beacon's own Annie Sloan stockist store, Knot Too Shabby, is working with Katie James, Inc. to get a redesigned, easier-to-use website to sell their paint, workshops, furniture, and to make announcements. Katie James, Inc. is thrilled to be working on this project. A highlight has been taking physical elements from the store, like stencils and rustic paint styles, and incorporating them digitally into the website design. The website platform of choice is Shopify, and Knot Too Shabby has already started making sales from it. Once the design details are in place, Katie James, Inc. will train Knot Too Shabby in how to change the home page, create special shopping sections, and how to use their own website's blog to make special announcements and attract more shoppers from Google. Get A Sneak Peek >   Antalek & Moore :: Interview With Susan Pagones Get to know your friendly neighborhood Antalek & Moore agent: Susan Pagones. She and the team at Antalek & Moore make insurance easier for you. They do the homework on policies and coverage, then you can go and talk with them, face to face. Read our interview with Susan, and call them today to get them on your side: (845) 831-4300. Tin Shingle Small Group Training Did you know that you can get free marketing training every other Wednesday online with Tin Shingle? And if you're a member with an All Access Pass, you get to spend the other Wednesdays on a live call to strategize your own marketing moves across social media, PR, your newsletters, and more. Learn More > BeaconArts :: Open Studios From Beacon Open Studios: "Beacon Open Studios is fast approaching, and we're in the final stretch, as Artist Registration and Sponsorship purchase is only open for 25 more days! There will NOT be a late registration option this year so be sure to register now if you haven't done so already!" Reserve Your Spot as a Sponsor or Artist! > Beacon Chamber of Commerce Business Directory Is your business in the Business Directory of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce yet? It should be. Join today! Learn More > MASTHEAD Producers of this newsletter include: Katie Hellmuth Martin, Publisher, Writer, Designer, Photographer Marilyn Perez, Managing Editor Catherine Sweet, Editor of the Second Saturday Guide Advertise With A Little Beacon Blog The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of making it happen, and get your business in front of the community in a meaningful way. Learn More > NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Until next week!

View Of A Magnolia Tree Coming Through The Overcast April Days

That’s right, April, just keep those magnolia trees blooming! We’ll take the nip in the air. And we’ll also take ourselves to A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide, to see which stores that have the rain boots, light rain ☔️ coat, and just a little pick-me-up to get through the overcast days! Head on down, everyone. Walk over to Main Street and treat yourself to a little Beacon.

This intersection is a few blocks behind Bank Square in what is quite a hilly area. Straight ahead and over a bit, you can almost spy the bright blue beBhakti Yoga Center.

"Your Loved Ones Need You, And So Do We" Annual Public Forum on Chemical Dependency Tonight

Photo Credit: The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health Event Flyer

2019 Public Forum
Service Needs For Individuals With Chemical Dependency
When: Thursday, April 11. 2019
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Where: 230 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY
DBCH Training Room (Entrance #1)
Host: Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health

From sitcoms and fashion to music and technology, the recent 2000s have not escaped the influence of the late ‘90s. It is hard to believe that the era that produced Joey Tribbiani is the same era that paved the way for today’s opioid crisis. In the late 1990s, giant pharmaceutical companies convinced healthcare providers that prescription opioid pain relievers were not highly addictive. Healthcare providers prescribed opioids at a super fast rate before realizing the intense addictive nature these drugs possess.

“As of January 2019, the National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates the death of 130 Americans per day from the overdose of opioids.”

As of January 2019, the National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates the death of 130 Americans per day from the overdose of opioids. People suffering from chemical dependency are not the only ones affected; babies are bearing the burden as well.

Babies Suffering From Opioid Withdrawal

About every 15 minutes, a baby is born undergoing the agony of opioid withdrawal, commonly referred to as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Aside from the staggering death rates and effects on child mortality, the economy bears a dent from the opioid epidemic. A total of $78.5 billion a year is drained by prescription opioid misuse as estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Estimates include the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.

The 2019 Public Forum On Chemical Dependency

The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health is holding a public forum on Thursday, April 11, 2019 for individuals and families dealing with chemical dependency. Discussion chips away at the barriers of stigma, and the more questions people ask, the more answers will be heard. Representatives include Lexington Center for Recovery; Council on Addiction, Prevention, and Education (CAPE); Mid-Hudson Addiction Recovery Centers (MARC); Matt Herring Foundation and others.

Kelly Ramsey, M.D., a renowned expert on substance use disorders and medication-assisted treatment, will be there as a guest speaker. The event will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2019 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the DBCH Training Room (entrance #1) . At 5 pm, a free Narcan training will be held and refreshments will be provided. Narcan (brand name for naloxone) blocks the effects of an opioid overdose, and administering it is a useful skill to learn for those in the public health field or personally affected by chemical dependency. Representatives will inform the public on initiatives in effect and progress achieved in this field. An open discussion followed by an encouraged Q&A will be held in an effort to keep the community informed on this growing crisis.