EDITOR’S NOTE ABOUT THIS BOOK SERIES, “READ LOCAL” Writers have always been a-plenty in New York, but the ones who live in Beacon just keep being published and putting out amazing books! We are featuring them here in our new series, “Read Local.” Sometimes these pieces will be interview-style, while other times they might simply dive into the book. The writer of this series is Phoebe Zinman, who also pens (types) the Writerly Happenings series. Enjoy! Story Sponsor Opportunity: If you are interested in sponsoring this series, please reach out to us! It is through sponsorships with businesses and individuals that we are able to produce articles like this one.
By Phoebe Zinman
We are going to do a series of articles on some of the extremely talented authors in Beacon. We have a few lined up but we’re very excited to kick it off with food bloggers Matt Clifton and Emily Clifton ahead of the release of their new cookbook, Cork and Knife, published by Page Street Publishing, available Tuesday, August 6!
For those who don’t know Matt and Emily yet, they are well-known food bloggers over at Nerds With Knives, and they keep an impressive real-life garden. Matt is an IT ninja who is British and has helped many a Beaconite with their computers and other various electronic things, and Emily is a visual artist (and in charge of the garden, I am told).
When I first spoke to Matt about the book, it was by phone and I was walking through the Poughkeepsie Galleria trying desperately to find something appropriate to wear to a big work event. Matt, on the other hand, was preparing to leave for a last-minute lesbian cruise to Alaska. That had come about last-minute because his wife and cookbook co-author Emily would be filming as well as screening her new documentary on lesbian country singers. People are the deepest of wells, no?
The next day he dropped off a cookbook that I could peruse, and peruse I did! I put in about 15 Post-It notes on recipes that I decided would make my life way more complete. So far, I’ve made exactly none of them. Which is what I do with every cookbook I’ve ever had. I adore cooking, and I do it all the time… I’m just more of an “instinctual” type of cook as opposed to a recipe-following type.
So, I thought I’d ask Matt and Emily for some advice and also about the process of writing their very gorgeous cookbook, and about some of their favorite recipes. Our interview is below:
A: Matt: We started in spring of 2013, the year after we moved to Beacon. I think the most accurate origin story is that we were always looking for the best way to organize our Thanksgiving and holiday recipes every year, many of which had been adapted from family members, and a blog seemed like a good fit for a visual artist and an IT professional! Probably about two years in, once Emily developed a visual style for the photography and I found a writing style that fit (funny but informative), the blog started getting more attention.
Q: Was a book always the goal?
A: No! I think honestly we were surprised that the blog got as much traction as it has, and for a long time it really was just something that we just enjoyed working on for our own benefit and enjoyment. When we started getting visits from random faraway countries (and not just our mums) we realized we’d got an actual live human audience.
Q: Were you approached or did you approach a literary agent or publishing house?
A: We were approached last spring by Page Street and asked if we’d be interested in working on a book for their cookbook range. They have a pretty wide range of recipe books and have worked with a lot of people we know in the blogging community, including Katrin Bjork, a writer and food stylist/photographer who lived right down our street until this year.
We had been approached for a book by a different publishing company a few years ago and we put together some samples but never heard from them again, so possibly our sense of humor scared them off.
Q: What recipe do you recommend to someone who can’t follow a recipe? I’m an incorrigible improviser, so which recipe is the most forgiving? I was all set to make the Roasted Radishes With Sake and Brown Butter on page 88… and then it was too hot to put on the oven so I just sliced them up and put them on a baguette with butter and salt.
Photo of the Roasted Radish With Sake and Brown Butter recipe. Photo Credit: Phoebe Zinman
A: Emily says: I’m an incurable recipe tinkerer too and before we started the blog, I don’t think I had ever cooked a dish the same way twice. Braised dishes, like the Chicken Thighs with White Wine, Meyer Lemon and Fennel are perfect for improvising because the technique works well with many different flavor combinations. Switch out the Meyer lemons for limes, and shallots for the fennel, add a little cumin and the dish becomes Latin-inflected. Add cherry tomatoes and basil in place of the lemon and fennel and it’s Italian.
Also the sauce for the Roasted Tofu and Butternut Squash Curry is the perfect refrigerator empty-er. You could throw just about anything in that spicy red coconut curry and it’s going to taste good.
Q: Which are your favorite recipes and is there a good story about why?
A: Emily: That’s like asking a parent to pick a favorite child! They’re ALL our favorite (just kidding, we definitely like one kid more). Probably for me it’s the Beet and Gin-Cured Salmon because it reminds me of when my family would bring bagels and lox from Zabar’s to my grandparent’s house in Queens. Also it’s just so damn pretty. Also the Chicken Roasted with Sake, Scallions and Ginger because it was one of the first dishes I made for Matt when we were dating.
A: Matt: I have to say the Pork Belly: That crackling (that we would make for a family Sunday lunch) might just be the best thing in the world.
Q: The tone of the introduction and chapter intros is really relatable and I like the balance between the historical info, the scientific info and then your practical/personal take on what tastes good together. Did you write them together?
A: Thank you! We did. We wanted the book to be as useful as possible to people with all sorts of skill levels, whether you’re just starting out cooking with alcohol or have been using some spirits but wanted to experiment with flavors. We’re pretty nerdy in general about researching ingredients and techniques, but we tried to keep the information useful, and not just interesting.
We also sought a lot of input from our friends, with special thanks to Sara Milonovich from Artisan Wines (on Beacon’s Main Street), who helped us sound like we knew what we were talking about in the wine sections.
Q: How was the process of writing this book as a couple? I’m picturing some lovely sepia-tinted reel of you tasting sauces in a most loving way, but then also maybe someone throws the wooden spoon at the wall and says they quit. But then you make a batch of homemade onion rings and decide to give it another go. Who was in charge of what part of the process?
A: Matt: Once Emily had worked on the recipes, in some ways, actually making the book was easier than the week-to-week blog. That sounds odd to say it, but we knew what our deadlines were, we could figure out how many recipes we needed to make and shoot per week, and we gave ourselves a few “break” days just to keep our sanity. There were, I think, two days where we cooked and shot three recipes a day, and there may have been a little fatigue-related spoon throwing on those evenings.
Generally, Emily worked out most of the recipes (although I took over for a few of the desserts) and is the principal photographer and food stylist. I did most of the writing and assisted on the shoots, unless I had a strong idea of how the styling should go. We shared cooking duties, although for most of the entrées Em will be executive chef in the kitchen and I’ll do sous duties. The process actually really helped us become better collaborators. We both felt a lot of pressure to both meet our deadline and to make the book as good as it could be, so we really worked well as a team.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to eat in Beacon?
Fried chicken sandwich at Beacon Daily
Coffee and any kind of cheese from Beacon Pantry
In the winter, a turkey-corn chowder from Bob’s Mountain Deli
The granola french toast at Beacon Falls Café
The cherry-cheese danishes from All You Knead
Not strictly Beacon, but we love both the bibimbap and bulgogi at Toro in Fishkill
Nose-to-tail pork ramen at the Roundhouse
Takoyaki (octopus dumplings) from Quinn’s
Fried chicken from BJ’s
Anything with lamb from Kitchen Sink
Warm Brussels sprout salad from Melzingah
Phoebe’s Final Burning Question…
My final burning question was what they like to sip on while they are cooking with alcohol (so meta) and discovered that Emily loves a good gin cocktail but worries that it can turn her “from a fun and loose cook to a sloppy and dangerous one pretty quickly” so she sticks with wine, mostly. Similarly, Matt says he has to “limit the amount of actual danger in the kitchen, so I try to limit my chefs-tastes to wine or beer.”
Solid advice, we think! Stay safe, aspiring chefs of Beacon. And please go congratulate your neighbors (maybe they’ll invite you to dinner)! You can order the book on the usual online outlets like Target and Amazon, or you can get it through Binnacle Books or your favorite local bookstore. Even walking into Barnes and Noble is fun! But don’t forget that the local bookshops can order for you! And then we get to keep the local bookstores here as neighbors.
Summer is a haze of rush and lull with lazy days stretching like evening shadows and busy days of bustling afternoon traffic. Sunny seasons in Beacon are filled with expressions of travel: tourists flooding in for the various festivals and serenity of this riverside city; residents trickling in and out of town.
Traveler or not, postcards offer a distinctive alternative to a stale phone call or a routine text as a way of staying in touch. Especially intriguing, however, are postcard books - mini books to be mailed - available at Binnacle Books, published by Beacon-based Paravion Press.
What is a postcard book? The publisher at Paravion Press, Will Brady, enlightens us: “The concept came about at the shop in Greece [Atlantis Books, which Will co-founded] because we wanted to give customers an alternative to postcards, something they could mail easily but which had a bit of literary substance to it.”
The first page of a postcard book, intended for your short letter to your recipient. The rest of the essay or short story is printed on the pages behind this one. An envelope is included. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Binnacle Books, a charming bookstore nestled on Beacon’s Main Street, sells a collection of these postcard books. Postcard books are short reads meant to be sent by mail. Each book comes with an envelope and a blank first page titled “for your correspondence” for the sender to add in a few words of their own. Postcard books reveal a sense of thoughtfulness to the receiver, the sender having chosen a specific title to express a particular theme or message creatively through stories or essays in place of mundane phrases and cliché sayings.
Says Kate, co-owner of Binnacle Books about the postcard book project: “We love Paravion Press because the books are really beautiful, and because we think that the power of literature is the strongest when people connect with each other through it: Paravion builds in a charming and unexpected way to share literature and we love that. Will Brady designs and prints new editions of all the works, specifically to be mailed and shared. It's a whole engaging intellectual and aesthetic experience in a mailable form.”
What Inspires A Person To Send A Postcard Book?
One girl in the bookstore said that she loved the postcard books because they made available essays that were otherwise hard to find, usually lost in other larger collections of essays. Years ago, she said, a friend had sent her a PDF of an essay she loved. She re-discovered the essay through a postcard book from Paravion Press, and sent it back in postcard book form to her friend with a handwritten note on the intended first page. Postage is the same as a regular letter.
What Titles Are Available In These Postcard Books?
Inside of Binnacle, I found seven postcard book titles. Five are included in their first collection, appropriately titled “The First Series.” The collection includes:
“The Beauties” by Anton Chekhov
“On The Decay Of The Art Of Lying” by Mark Twain
“Sophistication” by Sherwood Anderson
“The Lumber-Room” by Saki
“Feuille d’Album” by Katherine Mansfield.
The single titles include “The Hunting of the Snark” by Lewis Carroll and “How the First Letter Was Written” by Rudyard Kipling. Available in a variety of muted colors, from dusty maroon and delicate ivory to powder blue and subtle green, the sophisticated aesthetic adds to the appeal of miniature books in the mail.
A postcard book, “On The Decay Of The Art Of Lying,” by Mark Twain. Available in Binnacle Books. Envelope is included with the package. Postage is the same as a regular letter. Photo Credit: Izdihar Dabashi
On Sending A Postcard Book To One’s Self…
Mark Twain’s “On The Decay Of The Art Of Lying” immediately caught my eye in my search for a birthday card to send to a friend; I figured a postcard book would provide sentiment and provoke conversation. I could not help but skim over the words inside, and before I knew it, I thoughtfully read the brief 11 pages of this curious piece. A balance of sharp critique and tongue-in-cheek remarks, Mark Twain crafted a refreshing, clever piece unraveling the psychology of lying.
To my delight, Paravion Press sells three more postcard book collections online including “The Madrid Series,” “The London Series,” and “The New York Series.”
Is it strange that I wish to collect as many as I can to send to myself?
Lots to do this weekend! Enjoy it, and tag us in your adventures! BTW: In this month's Second Saturday newsletter two weeks ago, we misidentified two artists. This week we wanted to give them proper credit!
LEFT: I'll Melt With You is the show currently happening at Clutter. It is a celebration of Mister Melty from Buff Monster. Participating artists who tricked out their own cool blanks. Pictured here on the left is a piece by Quiccs.
RIGHT: On the right is a painting is by Johann Ayoob, included in BeaconArts' first member show at Hudson Beach Gallery.
Peekskill Film Festival
Days: Friday to Sunday, July 26-28, 2019 Time: See website Location: Paramount Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill, NY Information >
Classic Theater Production of “Arsenic & Old Lace”
Days: Thursday to Sunday, July 25-28, 2019 Times: See below Location: Bannerman Island, Beacon, NY Information >
Improv Comedy July Showcase!
Day: Friday, July 26, 2019 Time: 8 pm Location: The Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Beacon Annual Cookout From I Am Beacon
Day: Saturday, July 27, 2019 Time: 10 am to 8 pm Location: South Avenue Park, Beacon, NY
At the basketball court. It's lots of fun. Look for a special sign that The Crafty Hammer made for this year's event! Information >
The Butterfly Festival At Stony Kill Day: Saturday, July 27, 2019 Time: 11 am to 3 pm Location: Stony Kill Farm, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY Information >
Live Concert: The Fred Zepplin Band
Day: Saturday, July 27, 2019 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Second Annual Ice Cream Social at Boscobel
Day: Sunday, July 28, 2019 Time: 11 am to 3 pm Location: Boscobel House & Gardens, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY Information >
Danskammer Power Plant Debate - City Council Workshop Meeting
Day: Monday, July 29, 2019 Time: 7 pm Location: Beacon City Hall, 1 Municipal Plaza, Beacon, NY (on the way to the train station) Information >
There are talks of building and operating a new gas-fired power plant with a potential generating capacity of 525-575 megawatts on the shores of the Hudson River in the Town of Newburgh. The plant will use fracked gas, despite New York State having banned fracking "to protect our health and protect the climate," according to the City of Beacon's Resolution to Comment on the decision. Also in that draft resolution, the City of Beacon states that fracked gas is "especially dangerous to air and water quality of the communities outside of New York from which it is extracted, and the City of Beacon does not seek increased harms on any community, including outside of New York State."
Beacon's City Council will discuss their official position on the building of this power plant at this Monday's Workshop meeting after hearing from the developers and groups in opposition, including Scenic Hudson and Food and Water Watch. Beacon's Conservation Advisory Committee has already spoken out against the proposed building of the plant. This discussion is open to the public to sit in and listen, but members of the public are not able to speak at a Workshop. The public can speak in a regular City Council meeting, which happens the week after the Workshop.
Insane Inflatable 5K Run Day: July 27, 2019 Time: 8:30 to 11:30 am Location: Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY Information >
Kids Dash & Orchard 5K Run
Day: Sunday, July 28, 2019 Time: 8 am & 8:30am Location: Fishkill Farm, 9 Fishkill Farms Road, Hopewell Junction, NY Information >
BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique
155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com
Get ready to cool down those hot summer colors! The stylists at Darryl's Clothing Boutique are getting ready for fall with splashes of deep hues of red and brown. Check out their storefront window for a fashion lineup, and step inside to see Joseph Ribkoff’s red swing crop jacket - perfect for any occasion. HOT TIP! Darryl's is now open daily, 11 to 6!
Luxe Optique
183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com
Locals sometimes look around Beacon these days and wonder: "Where did all of these people come from?" In addition to national press that Beacon has been receiving over the years (and the reach that A Little Beacon Blog creates!), a lot of credit goes to the stores who have rooted down in Beacon. Pictured here is the new billboard at Beacon's Metro-North train station, that Luxe Optique is currently advertising on. Customers seeking out Luxe Optique on Beacon's Main Street come from over 30 states, including New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and California. Some patients even come from the UK!
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main Street, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light)
There's so many different ways to style a wedding dress, with endless possibilities, but some dresses have very specific styles. During your appointment at Lambs Hill, their stylists will guide you through the process of figuring out the best accessory options for your unique look!
SAMPLE SALE!!
Still happening is the National Bride Sale event, through Sunday, July 28! You get an extra 10% off their already discounted off-the-rack samples! Book your appointment while they still have some availability.
WE ORDERED IT! The light salad to beat the heat right now is The Pandorica's Appalapachia Salad: Romaine, apples, celery, cranberries, in a creamy chia seed dressing. Our salad pictured here has a special order of chicken on it. Plus a dessert of chilled cheesecake!
The Crafty Hammer
4 S. Chestnut Street, Beacon, NY
(845) 834-9665 (WOOD) @thecraftyhammerllc
We love capturing the enthusiasm of our small business friends, so we're going to let The Crafty Hammer say this week's feature in their own words! They made a sign for the Beacon Annual Cookout (see the Events Listings above), and they are so stoked about it! "So happy to help support the Beacon Annual Cookout! It’s this Saturday at the basketball court off Wolcott, starting at 10 am. The Crafty Hammer donated some money and will be bringing lots of desserts!!! We are SO EXCITED!!!" In-store perks: Air-conditioning, and free snacks and juice!
Invasive Species
Day: Friday, July 26, 2019 Time: 5 to 6 pm Location: One Nature, 178 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Shamanic Reiki Training with Alison Jolicoeur
Days: Friday to Sunday, July 26-28, 2019 Time: Friday, 6 to 9 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm Location: Createspace Beacon, 145 Main St., Beacon, NY
Harvest Dye Materials Day: Saturday, July 27, 2019 Time: 10 am to 12 pm Location: Common Ground Farm, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY Information >
One-Day Memoir Intensive With Donna Minkowitz Day: Sunday, July 28, 2019 Time: 2 to 5 pm Email:Minkowitz46@Gmail.com for location Information >
FOR SALE: 57 Dinan Street, Beacon, NY 12508 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom From Gate House Realty: “A beautiful, cozy and quaint cottage with charming original features with mountain views. A lot to offer for a cozy cottage - three-season porch, car port, detached garage and a covered back deck. “ Price: $329,000 Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures >
Antalek & Moore
Notice anything new about this picture? The "P&L 340 Main" sign to the right of the door! It stands fo Pagones & Lemma! The Antalek & Moore building has new owners: Susan Antalek Pagones and Vince Lemma, executive partners at the insurance agency. Congratulations!
A Little Beacon Space :: Event Venue
Host your pop-up event, business meeting, client presentation, workshop, and more. We're now offering a special rate for teachers and music recitals, so that creative can happen more easily. Details >
Tin Shingle
Need to get the word out about your business? Tin Shingle trains you in how to do this. Also important: having the courage to put yourself out there. Tin Shingle will walk you through this, too! Get Info >
Beacon Chamber of Commerce Business Directory
Is your business in the Business Directory of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce yet? It should be. Join here 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.
ViaHero is seeking an experienced part-time Web UX/UI Designer. Are you excited about building a new way to travel? Want a fast-paced startup environment where you can try out features, get feedback and iterate? Want autonomy on a small team? Have wanderlust? ViaHero is a Beacon travel startup. We've built a platform where locals plan your trip. We're reinventing the travel agent. It's a brand new way to travel, for those who want to travel independently and see a place through a local's eyes.
Responsibilities
Work with our COO and product team to develop the scope of a new feature.
Develop drawings, wireframes and final designs, through iterative feedback.
Work with our engineering team to ensure the feature is executed successfully.
ViaHero is seeking an experienced full-time Marketing Manager/Director. Are you excited about building a new way to travel? Want a fast-paced startup environment where you can try out features, get feedback and iterate? Want autonomy on a small team? Have wanderlust? ViaHero is a Beacon travel startup. We've built a platform where locals plan your trip. We're reinventing the travel agent. It's a brand new way to travel, for those who want to travel independently and see a place through a local's eyes.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute the marketing strategy across all ViaHero channels including content marketing, affiliate partner marketing, customer referral marketing and performance marketing (email, retargeting ads, prospecting ads).
Craft a marketing plan that accelerates momentum and evangelism among our 20,000 paying travelers.
Demand generation: Develop, test and implement new high-impact, multi-channel strategies.
Define and own marketing metrics and goals, including owning the marketing stack and attribution models.
Work strategically with founders to drive quarterly and yearly goals.
ViaHero is seeking an experienced full-time Mid-Level Full-Stack Engineer. Are you excited about building a new way to travel? Want a fast-paced startup environment where you can try out features, get feedback and iterate? Want autonomy on a small team? Have wanderlust?
ViaHero is a Beacon travel startup. We've built a platform where locals plan your trip. We're reinventing the travel agent. It's a brand new way to travel, for those who want to travel independently and see a place through a local's eyes.
Responsibilities
Design, develop, test and deploy new, innovative features on our web app.
Collaborate with the team on product management, UX design and feature prioritization.
Track and evaluate new features using site metrics and A/B tests, and iterate quickly based on results.
If you are interested in any of these positions, email greg@viahero.com with a note about the role is perfect for you, along with your resume or LinkedIn profile.
This month, I wrote my column for our friends at the Highlands Current about journaling. By hand. Preferably in the morning before you do anything else. The article talked about the exercise of moving your hands and fingers for writing in print, cursive or just doodling. It also talked about how to bring your kids into it. Read the article here online if you didn’t catch it in print this week on newsstands.
PS: Yes, there is a misspelling of a word in that photo above. And yes, it is the misspelling of my son’s name. It is missing the “r.” And yes, I am aware of it. And yes, it is what happens when you have three children. Remembering all of the letters in a word can become besides the point as you rush to get things done. :) Or if you need to maybe get tested for dyslexia, which I would actually love to pursue and learn more about.
Journals at Binnacle Books
Binnacle Books is first known for selling new books. But they also sell journals when they come across distinguished versions, because in addition to new books, Binnacle buys old or used books and writerly things.
Like a classic old trusty black leather journal with a wrap-around tie. Good for any person, and not declarative of any kind of whimsy or emotion that you might possibly be putting in there. It is ready for every mood.
For those with a more outreach-writerly mood, Binnacle has postcard books! Because why simply send a postcard, when you could send a postcard book, designed and produced by a publisher here in Beacon - Paravion Press - out of the old Beacon High School.
Postcard books from Paravion Press, a Beacon-based press. Available at Binnacle Books Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Blank but stately journals at Binnacle Books Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Journals at Dream In Plastic (soon to be called Zakka Joy)
I know - before we get into this journal roundup at Dream In Plastic, you must know that shop owner Jenny has been working in the paper world for a while now - curating her storefront to be filled with stationery and kitchen fun - and is moving on from the word “Plastic.” More on that to come in an article. Because right now, we are focusing on what journals are in her shop.
Like these Japanese-inspired journals of many colors. Some are lined with regular old lines, and some are collages of different pieces of paper woven together. One could call these “blank” pages, but they may include grids or other designs. Great for those who fear staring at the blank white empty page.
The most non-committal form of journaling is to scribble onto random scraps of paper. You could then slip them into this rainbow-hued accordion paper filing book.
You might think these playful gray elephants below with polka-dotted ears are birthday invitations for a little person, but really, they are mini-journals for YOU. For those who are starting thin - you might not want to commit to a thick book - you could get a mini-journal. If you filled it up, and wanted another, you could have a library of these little journals, and then you could decide how to decorate the cover of the journal with a dated system to order the mini-journals that you accumulate…
PS: Loving those glossy purple nails? Shop owner Jenny got them done at Kim Nails in Wappingers Falls.
Back by the beard oil in the back of the shop, you’ll find this crackly little journal (and others, it has cousins) for if you are feeling especially literary. And introverted. If you are over-caffeinating, you might as well have the coffee with a chocolate croissant from All You Knead Bakery, to smooth you out a bit.
PS: See that nail color? That’s mine! Not quite as glossy as Jenny’s, but covered. Picked up this polish at Rite Aid, but you can also find nail polish at La Mère on the other side of town on Main Street.
So… under the sock wall, you’ll find rows and piles of journals. Pick up some of them, and you’ll see pages with flower prints and other prints to make you less scared to face the blank page. Don’t be fooled, though, into thinking this is a totally serious store. Sometimes this shelf holds rows of piles of birthday party plates and cups that sometimes are iridescent and involve unicorns.
Journals At Play
Located just down the block a smidge from Dream In Plastic is the store called Play. They have journals too, and in different styles. Some covers are heavier than others, and some paper thinner than others. If you’re the kind of person who writes on the reverse page of each page of your journal, then you’ll want to check to make sure these pages are thick enough to handle your ink.
For the young (or old) musicians in your life, there is the Songwriter’s journal at Play. Parts of the design inside the journal are dedicated to taking special notes if you were to capture sounds from your head, putting them onto paper.
Journals At No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works
Some real heavy-hitters in the bookmaking business in Beacon are No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Books Works, located down on the east end of town near the mountain, in a quaint building that the business owners and artists bought in order to fit their needs. While mainly closed for a long summer vacation, they will have custom journals using handmade indigo-dyed paper over purse-sized journals, and letterpress-printed bookmarks with quotes about books, poetry and reading available during the holiday season. So be sure to check back!
Pens and Pencils
There are also pens and pencils at both Dream in Plastic and Play, which you could play with as you write in these journals. I know that when I was at the DMV getting amazing service at 4:30 pm to renew the registration on my car (it was weirdly empty at that hour midweek - so weird), the woman helping me loved the pink pen from Dream in Plastic that I took out of my bag to sign the receipt. You might say she was delighted, and wanted to buy that plus kitchen decor for her family member who just moved into an apartment.
Treat yourself. A really easy small spend to make you feel good for weeks and maybe months.
A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide!
For more shopping tips like this, and to find more shops that also might carry a journal or two in their store - maybe your next favorite journal - see A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide.
A picture of what a breastfeeding pod might look like in its new location in Stewart International Airport, taken from the pods’ website, Mamava. Photo Credit: Mamava
Earlier this year as its new construction project started, Stewart International Airport set up breastfeeding and pumping stations for women who are nursing or pumping while waiting at the airport. The pods are stand-alone mini-rooms and are Bluetooth-activated. Fancy! So far, according to Stewart International Airport’s website, there are two such pods: One is next to Gate 4, and one is in the waiting area of Gate 2 on the second floor.
The breastfeeding pods, created by Mamava, can be booked in advance via the company’s app. Once found or booked, the pod can be unlocked via the person’s smartphone using the app. Inside, there are benches, spaces for a stroller, and an outlet to plug in a pump.
We have not seen this pod with our own eyes, or tried it, but it appears to be an advancement in breastfeeding accommodations.
Lunch time! After featuring the Appalapachia Salad (say that five times) from The Pandorica in last weekend’s newsletter to highlight the Restaurant Guide, we needed to bring one back to the office to enjoy! Here’s the verdict:
The crunch from the celery and green apples set to the sweet chia seed dressing is quite delightful. This salad pictured here is a special order because of the add-on chicken - to pack it with protein.
Just before we left with this salad in its to-go box, we spied two slices of cool cheesecake that had just been delivered to a couple of diners in the restaurant who were watching a popular episode of Doctor Who on the big screen. On a hot summer day, cool cheesecake seemed perfect! So we added that to our order, and perfect it was. A real spot-hitter on a late Friday afternoon.
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, whose district includes the Hudson Highlands, personally spent $37.16 of his own money to supply restrooms at his office with tampons, as reported by the Highlands Current. However, the first time he submitted that $37.16 as an expense for reimbursement, he was denied. According to the article, the Committee on House Administration told Maloney “that tampons were not office supplies but personal-care items that did not qualify for reimbursement.”
“Recognizing that [pads and tampons] are just another bathroom supply is recognizing that women’s needs are human needs. ”
— Kayleigh (Metviner) Zaloga
That was in July of 2018. In February 2019, after an election changed the balance in the U.S. House of Representatives, Maloney challenged this logic, resubmitted the expense, and won. Members of the U.S. House can now purchase feminine hygiene products for their offices. The House Office Supply Store will also stock the feminine hygiene supplies.
According to a quote in that Highlands Current article, Maloney stated: “I want to make sure every office on the Hill is welcoming to female staff and visitors — and thanks to the generosity of the American people, they will be,” the Democrat said in a statement. “This issue is part of a much larger discussion about women’s rights in the workplace and the way women’s needs are treated.”
“We're Lucky That Men Sometimes Need Toilet Paper.”
While Maloney’s move is at the federal level, we reached out to a state worker and writer for A Little Beacon Blog, Kayleigh (Metviner) Zaloga, who added that pads and tampons had also been added to state offices this year as well. She provided the photos used in this article as proof that the feminine hygiene products had arrived and had been set up.
“I think it's an important step in the march toward gender equality,” said Kayleigh. “Sounds dramatic, I know, but the need for feminine hygiene products is simply non-negotiable, so recognizing that they are just another bathroom supply is recognizing that women's needs are human needs. If men needed pads and tampons, we wouldn't even be discussing whether or not they were included in the category of bathroom supplies. We're lucky that men sometimes need toilet paper, so it's been stocked in all bathrooms by default.”
New York School Districts Required To Supply Free Feminine Hygiene Products In Bathrooms
In July 2018, New York State law required school districts to supply feminine hygiene products for free in schools serving grades six to twelve. This was part of Governor Cuomo’s Women's Opportunity Agenda.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today reminded school leaders of a new law requiring all school districts, serving students grades six through twelve, to provide free feminine hygiene products in restrooms. As the school year begins, this new law will ensure all young women across the State have equal access to these essential products.
The governor sees this as “a step in addressing the issue of inequality and stigma. As the school year begins, we're reminding school districts to make sure that these items are provided to students.” Additionally mentioned in the governor’s press release reminding schools to supply these resources: “Research from the World Bank demonstrates that girls' inability to manage their menstrual hygiene in school results in absenteeism, which in turn has severe economic costs on their lives.”
It should be noted that even teachers and staff need feminine hygiene products just as much as they do toilet paper and paper towels to wipe hands after washing. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney’s move to make these products normal in the bathrooms of politicians’ offices may have a normalizing effect in many other areas.
An example of a gendered sign in Beacon, which creates or reinforces a perception of involvement or lack thereof. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
The City of Berkeley has voted to remove gender-specific language from its municipal code, which includes words like “manmade,” “manhole" and “fireman,” in order to replace them with gender-neutral terms with more description. The change is set to go into effect in August, and will cost the city $600.
Said the bill’s primary author, Berkeley City Council member Rigel Robinson during an interview with CNN, as reported by the Washington Times: “Having a male-centric municipal code is inaccurate and not reflective of our reality,” Mr. Robinson said. “Women and non-binary individuals are just as entitled to accurate representation. Our laws are for everyone, and our municipal code should reflect that.”
What Kinds Of Words This Grammatical Move Includes
Examples of the switch from mostly masculine references to a more people-focused or object-focused reference include, according to the City of Berkeley’s Code Revision document:
“manhole” to “maintenance hole” “manmade” to “human-made” or “artificial” or “manufactured” or “machine made” or “synthetic” “manpower” to “human-effort” or “workforce” “patrolmen” to “patrol” or “guards” “policeman” or “policewoman” to “police officer”
Where Are The Words Around Us In Beacon?
Remember that time when the pronoun “his” was written into proposed legislation to legalize Airbnb? With reference to an inspection by the city’s building inspector, who at the time of that writing was a man? Here was the sentence: “The Building Inspector or his designated agent may also present evidence.” The pronoun was removed in later drafts of the legislation, which did not pass.
Gender-specified language is so ingrained into the English language and uses of it, it may be hard to spot. Like this sign pictured above, posted on Wolcott (Route 9D) near a group of renovated Victorian homes, near the Rose Hill childcare center. The sign reads: “City Of Beacon Greenway Trail: VICTORIAN HOUSES Built by local businessmen in the 1800s.”
Gendered language can have the unintended consequence of reinforcing stereotypes about the opposite gender, as highlighted by The World Bank. In a study, they pointed out that: “Gendered languages are associated with worse labor market participation rates for women and more regressive gender norms.”
Attitudes toward women are also influenced by gendered languages—helping to explain how gendered languages could translate into outcomes like lower female labor force participation. Drawing on data from the World Values Survey, Ozier and Jakiela found that those who speak a gendered language are more likely to agree with statements like, “On the whole, men make better business executives than women do,” or “When jobs are scarce, men should have more right to a job than women.” Perhaps even more surprisingly, women are just as likely as men to hold these attitudes, suggesting just how pervasive the effect of language is on beliefs.
So. Hot. But beautiful! Here's your Adventure Day Trip in Beacon: Bike, walk or drive down to the River Pool at Beacon. It's a circle of benches with a net bottom - set right in the Hudson. Great for kids and adults who want to cool off when down at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park. The pool's biggest fundraiser that keeps it free and staffed with lifeguards is this weekend, so see below in our Marathons section for details. Meanwhile, if you're too hot, or see someone who is overheating, take you or them to one of Beacon's cooling centers. Days and times are here.
Heathers The Musical
Days: Thursday to Saturday, July 18-20, 2019 Time: See below Location: Beacon High School Theatre, 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY
Friday, July 19 at 7 pm - Seventeen Cast
Saturday, July 20 at 2 pm - Seventeen Cast
Saturday, July 20 at 7 pm - Scrunchie Cast Information >
Dia Staff Art Show Opening
Day: Friday, July 19, 2019 Time: 6 to 9 pm Location: Atlas Studios, 11 Spring St., Newburgh, NY Information >
Springfield Baptist Church’s Annual Fish Fry
Day: Saturday, July 20, 2019 Time: 12 to 3 pm Location: 8 Church St., Beacon, NY Information >
Beer, Bourbon, & Bacon Festival
Day: Saturday, July 20, 2019 Time: 3 to 7 pm Location: Barton Orchards, 63 Appletree Lane, Poughquag, NY Information >
Live Concert w/ Last Minute Soulmates
Day: Saturday, July 20, 2019 Time: 7:30 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.
The 16th Annual Great Newburgh to Beacon Hudson River Swim
Fundraiser For The River Pool at Beacon
Day: Saturday, July 20, 2019 Time: 8:30 am Location: Water Street, Newburgh, NY
All swimmers must pre-register by Friday, July 19, 2019. Read more about this race in this article.
BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique
155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com
Check out the latest collection in Darryl's window. It features designer MC Oasis, who creates versatile pieces in pleated fabrics reminiscent of Issey Miyake. The one-size-fits-most collection pairs well with fitted items such as leggings, pencil skirts or a slim dress. She also produces a pant with the same pleated fabric. STORE HOURS ALERT! Darryl's Clothing Boutiqueis now open seven days per week! Now when you need something, you can know that they are open after 11 am. You can find Darryl's updated store hours in A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide, and right here:
Monday, 11 - 6; Tuesday, 11 - 6; Wednesday, 11 - 6; Thursday, 11 - 6; Friday, 11 - 7; Saturday, 11 - 7; Sunday 11 - 5
Luxe Optique
183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com
This frame by sabine be shows how versatile the line is. Very playful styles from the designer are in Luxe Optique right now, and these zebra-striped specs are on the tame end. Go inside to try them on to see how these bold lines look on your face! Probably pretty fantastic. PS: Non-prescription sunglasses are 15% off for the month of July! Exclusions apply.
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main Street, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light)
Sweetheart Gowns have just been added to the collection at Lambs Hill with their flirty yet innocent designs, beautiful beadwork and attention to detail. This style pictured here is even available in a plus size!
SAMPLE SALE!!
Still happening is the National Bride Sale Event, going on through Sunday, July 28! You get an extra 10% off their already discounted off-the-rack samples! Book your appointment while they still have some availability.
MENU TIP: A light salad to beat the heat right now is The Pandorica's Appalapachia Salad: Romaine, apples, celery, cranberries, in a creamy chia seed dressing. Order it up and tell us how it is!
The Crafty Hammer
4 S. Chestnut Street, Beacon, NY
(845) 834-9665 (WOOD) @thecraftyhammerllc
At The Crafty Hammer, walk-ins are welcome to find something fun to do! Pictured here are Peggy and her friend, up from Queens, making Scrabble tile designs. It was Peggy's first time ever using a screw gun! PLUS: The Crafty Hammer was just featured in The Highlands Current!Read all about it! PERKS: The space is air-conditioned, with free snacks and juice!
Pollinators
Day: Friday, July 19, 2019 Time: 5 to 6 pm Location: One Nature, 178 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Tapestry Weaving for Ages 11-14 with Carole Penner
Day: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Time: 12 to 2 pm Location: Create Space, 145 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide.
RENTAL:
106 Wesley Avenue, Beacon, NY 12508 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom From Gate House Realty: “Completely renovated modern open-concept home with mountain views on a quite secluded street. Only minutes to City of Beacon's West End. Lovely light throughout the Scandinavian-influenced architecture, high ceilings, solid wide-plank white pine floors. Stone and butcher block counters highlight the light-filled kitchen with a bonus pantry. Two bedrooms, two full baths, master has en suite with spacious walk-in shower, honed marble hex flooring. Huge backyard and back deck with built-in benches and fire pit off kitchen is amazing entertaining area. Available September 1.“ Price: $2,400/month Real estate agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures >
Antalek & Moore
Did you know that Antalek & Moore can get you covered with business insurance? If you have a business, and if you don't have business insurance, you'll want to call them today for rates and what types of problems this insurance covers. If you encounter a problem, the first question a lawyer may ask you is: "Do you have business insurance?" Make sure you have the right answer.
A Little Beacon Space :: Event Venue
Host your pop-up, business meeting, client presentation, workshop, and more. Now offering a special rate for teachers and music recitals so that creative endeavors can happen easily. Details >
Tin Shingle
Need to get the word out about your business? Tin Shingle trains you in how to do this. Also covered: how to have the courage to put yourself out there. Get Info >
Beacon Chamber of Commerce Business Directory
Is your business in the Business Directory of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce yet? It should be. Join here today. Learn More >
NEW JOB LISTINGS ON ALBB
Luxe Optique Is Currently Seeking
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.
The City of Beacon has put out a schedule of Designated Cooling Centers for this weekend, July 19 to July 21. The list is below.
If you see someone who needs assistance, possibly point them in the direction of the nearest Cooling Center, or call the Beacon Police to get assistance to help move them there. We have encountered people in electric wheelchairs that have dead batteries, and were thankful when the Beacon Police intervened to help to move this person to a better place.
Be mindful of dogs in cars, people in cars (overheating in a car can happen fast during heat waves, so be careful), dogs outside, hot pavement, etc.
Howland Public Library 313 Main Street Friday: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm Sunday: 12 pm to 4 pm
Salvation Army 372 Main Street Friday: 10 am to 4 pm Saturday: NA Sunday: 9 am to 1 pm and 5 to 9 pm
Beacon Recreation Center 23 West Center Street Friday: 2 to 4 pm
Beacon Housing Authority Monday to Thursday 10 am to 2 pm, seniors only Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Residents only
Mase Hook and Ladder 435 Main Street Friday to Sunday: 11 am to 4 pm
Beacon Engine 57 East Main Street Friday to Sunday: 11 am to 4 pm
Lewis Tompkins 13 South Avenue Friday to Sunday: 11 am to 4 pm
The annual Springfield Baptist Church Fish Fry is this Saturday on Mattie Cooper Square/Church Street, on the corner of Willow Street just behind Main Street. Have your belly ready for some cornmeal-fried fish filet and other menu options.
A Little Beacon Blog was created in part to spot events like this and share them with the community - to add to the efforts community organizers make to get the word out. Getting the word out takes a lot of work! A Little Beacon Blog is here to help.
You know who else helps make this happen? Our sponsor of the popular Event Guide, The Crafty Hammer, a new DIY crafty business in Beacon. They came to us saying: “We want to use ALBB in our promotional planning. All the time. Where else can we help support you?” Amazing. Thank you to all of our sponsors!!
To submit an event for consideration in our Event Guide, use the Event Submission Form in the menu above. This is great for free events, educational, super cool and unique (tough choice there because everything is super cool! Just make sure it’s VERY unique). If you’re running a marketing event for your business, that is free, we may ask you to buy a Event Promotion Package. All advertising helps keep us posting here on the Internet, so thanks in advance! Maybe one day we’ll be in print!
Maybe you got the memo (translation: text/email/phone call) from the City of Beacon that the Groveville Hydroelectric Project will be testing its alarm system during the dam’s rehabilitation. “Tomorrow [Wednesday], July 17 at 2 pm you will hear a test alarm from the Groveville Hydroelectric Project. This is simply a step in the dam’s rehabilitation. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
We reached out to the City of Beacon’s City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero, to find out what it might sound like. He thought it might sound “closer to an air raid horn.”
Support for this publication comes in part from these businesses. We have highlighted what makes them special on their own dedicated pages. Want your business listed here? See the "Sponsor Spotlight" or "Event Promotion" option in our Advertising Page.
A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
Luxe Optique
Luxe Optique
