Don't freak out just yet over that headline: It’s true, two of your favorite artisan stores on the east end of Beacon near the mountain are closing this weekend, BUT they will be re-opening together later in September. Meanwhile, this weekend is your last chance to shop in each of their stores as they currently exist, so hurry in, and take advantage of 20% off at Artifact and Wares. Big sales!!
HIT UP THESE SALES LABOR DAY WEEKEND: Help a little boutique (or two) out! Buy their stuff! Artifact Beacon: 17 East Main Street (down the street/hill from Dogwood) Wares: 2 Tioronda Avenue (the cute little house near the silos, just off Main Street)
Artifact and Wares Are Merging Into One Shop - On Main Street
Both shops were on the fringe of Main Street, situated as they were on East Main and Tioronda. Not being on Main Street isn’t the worst thing, but on the east end of Main Street near the mountain, it can be hard to feel a rush of foot traffic. So keep walking, people! Some of the cutest shops, galleries and eateries are located down here.
Artifact and Wares are merging into one shop to be located at 484 Main Street (the former Waddle n Swaddle spot, near the new yoga studio), and will be called Hyperbole. This new store brings together the owners Carolyn Baccaro, of Artifact, and her good friend Andrea Podob, of Wares. Says Carolyn: “Together, we're creating a unique shopping experience that connects independent, [thoughtful] artists with stylish and discerning customers like YOU.” Look for jewelry, art, clothing, vintage finds, and more at the new Hyperbole.
Fans of both shops are being directed to follow Artifact’s Instagram page, which will convert over to the new Hyperbole.
The former space of Artifact will be filled by new store owners, who are plotting their arrival as we speak.
Sunny days are storming into cool nights as summer seeps into September. School will soon begin, work schedules will fill up, weekend plans may be a little harder to make. Drive-in movie theaters provide an easygoing mode of entertainment to ease the transition of summer break into a fall state of mind, especially since most theaters are open rain or shine until mid-September. If you are looking for an evening of nostalgia from the glow of the silver screen, a whimsical summer night with starry lights and blankets on the plush grass, or a breezy family night, cruise around the Hudson Valley to spend an evening at one of these eight locations before summer slips away.
Located in Poughkeepsie, Overlook Drive-In proudly offers a screen about the size of a six-story building, the largest in the tri-state area. Opened in 1955, Overlook hosts 750 cars to view their double-feature movies. Classic movie theater snacks such as popcorn and candy are sold here, along with pizza, hot dogs, and burgers. In addition to the massive screen, the freshly made funnel cakes set Overlook apart from the other drive-in movie theaters. Adults pay $10, children ages 5-11 pay $7, and kids under 5 are free. If you are able to make it to Monday Bargain night, everyone pays $7 for a ticket.
If you are looking for a simple setting, this is the place. Hyde Park Drive-In consistently screens recent releases, accommodates around 670 cars in this pet-friendly location, and offers fried dough and cappuccinos, in addition to fast food and theater snacks. Bargain night is Tuesday night, when all tickets are at times reduced to $7.
Established in 2014, this ’60s themed drive-in provides a modern yet whimsical aesthetic. General admission is set at $11, seniors pay $8, children 5-10 pay $6, and children under 5 are free. Four Brothers has a playground, mini-golf course and a hotel on site. Movies are centered around family-friendly content, ranging from comedy to drama, with the occasional cultural indie film. Their grounds boast a lively atmosphere, a wheelchair accessible park, and a communal litter box for the welcomed pets. The elaborate menu goes beyond the classics and dives into innovative, including hand-spun shakes with flavors such as baklava or wine, grilled burgers that go beyond beef to include salmon or veggie options, and paw treats for pets. I could probably write a separate piece on the menu alone.
Warwick (Orange County), 50 minutes, 41 miles from Beacon
photo credit: warwick drive-in
Open seven nights a week with three screens, this rustic setting plays recent releases. First opened in 1950, this drive-in serves usual theater snacks and fast food, most notably their popcorn chicken. Adults ages 12 and up pay $12, children 4-11 and seniors are $8, and children under 4 are free.
Coxsackie (Greene County), 1 hour, 68 miles from Beacon
photo credit: hi-way drive-in
Open seven nights a week since 1951, four screens showcase a different double feature every night. Offering only a classic snack bar, this location plays recent releases. Admission is set at $10 for adults, $5 for children 3-11, and free for kids under 3.
Greenville (Greene County), 1 hour 18 minutes, 77 miles from Beacon
photo credit: greenville drive-in & beer garden
In business since 1959, this drive-in leans toward playing independent films, shorts, community works and the occasional classic. Locally produced beer, wine, and spirits are served here. Occasionally, drinks are coordinated to theme with the scheduled film, such as a kryptonite drink for the Superman movie. Outdoor seating provides a stage for live music, and the snack bar includes potato skins, ice cream and locally made popsicles.
Averill Park (Rensselaer County), 1 hour 41 minutes, 102 miles from Beacon
Photo Credit: Hollywood Drive-In
Look out for random free passes at the bottom of your popcorn boxes at this charming drive-in. First opened in 1952, the Hollywood Drive-In plays a double feature seven nights a week. Crunch on nachos and pizza as recent Hollywood releases flicker across the silver screen. General admission for adults is $10, kids pay $5.
Glenmont (Albany County), 1 hour 25 minutes, 87 miles from Beacon
Photo Credit: Jericho Drive-In
Jericho Drive-In provides an old-time feel but plays recent releases. Pets are welcome - bring your pup on Sundays after 6 pm to receive a free Doggie Vanilla treat. An on-site ice cream shop sells fun flavors such as s'mores or Raspberry Rumble, a heavenly blend of raspberry swirls and truffles. Classic snacks and fast food are available, ranging from mozzarella sticks to popcorn and slushies. Adults pay $10, kids $5. Oh, and be sure to save your ticket stubs for a prize at the door!
This weekend is the Beacon Back To School Party at South Avenue Park. We are officially in the final countdown to summer ending and school starting. But let's be honest, it's usually pretty hot in September, so plenty of time remains to play outside. A Little Beacon Blog will have a table at the block party, and we're trading you a tote for a plastic bag! See here for details. Meanwhile, let's get to the list of things to do!
Beacon Performing Arts Center presents "Footloose the Musical"
Days: Friday & Saturday, August 23-24, 2019 Time: 7:30 pm Location: Beacon High School Theatre, 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY Information >
Back To School Block Party
Day: Saturday, August 24, 2019 Time: 12 to 4 pm Location: South Avenue Park, Beacon, NY
In an effort to support Beacon families, please come to the 5th Annual Back to School Block Party, brought to you by I Am Beacon in partnership with Key Food. Information >
Live Concert with Luis Simas + Wesley Amorim
Day: Saturday, August 24, 2019 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
General Washington on the Hudson: The Battle of Stony Point
Day: Sunday, August 25, 2019 (rain or shine) Time: 10 am to 4 pm Location: Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide. This Guide is made possible by the sponsorship of The Crafty Hammer.
BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique
155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com
Beaconites are very fortunate to have this designer, Eva Varro, so close in Darryl's Boutique. Eva designed a unique construction technique for her clothing, making it fit especially well. Check her out also for her signature placement prints and designs, like the blouse pictured here! Based in Downtown Los Angeles, every item is handmade in the United States. Find this piece (from Eva's fall collection) and more, available at Darryl's Clothing Boutique on Main Street, across from Hudson Beach Glass.
Luxe Optique
183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com
The delicate lines are what set the Anne & Valentin frames apart from other eyewear designers. This playful sunny can come just like this (the way it's pictured here) with the dark glass, or you could fill with color! Luxe Optique are experts in imagining what you might not think possible, and then making it so. This frame is from the Nomades collection and is called Shibuya.
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light)
A veil may not be needed when wearing a stunning backless dress like this one by Lillian Sest. Instead, why not try a stunning headpiece by Beilaire Bridal? Show off your beautiful back!
The Crafty Hammer
4 S. Chestnut Street, Beacon, NY
(845) 834-9665 (WOOD) @thecraftyhammerllc Kids' Birthday Party Alert! The Crafty Hammer is Beacon's newest destination for kids' birthday parties! The little ones will definitely be entertained by the expert staff at the Crafty Hammer. You're able to bring your own food or cake, and the Crafty Hammer always has snacks for walk-ins (they know Kid Life).
Call (845) 834-9665 (WOOD) to inquire!
Tapestry Weaving for Teachers
Day: Tuesday, August 27, 2019 Time: 10 am to 12 pm Location: CreateSpace Beacon, 145 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
132 Verplanck Avenue, Beacon, NY 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom From Gate House Realty: "Charming traditional home in the heart of Beacon. Welcoming front porch with plenty of room to relax.” Price: $275,000 Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures >
Antalek & Moore
Do you need a refresh in your insurance? For business, home, auto, life, even health? The team at Antalek & Moore can help you. Contact them today to start a conversation to change your coverage, and get you better protection. Call (845) 831-4300.
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 the creative process 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, and in how to have the courage to put yourself out there. Get Info >
Beacon Chamber of Commerce :: Business Directory
Is your business included 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.
This Saturday is the 5th Annual Back To School Block Party and School Supply Drive from I Am Beacon, in partnership with Key Food at the South Avenue Park, just up the hill from the basketball courts and Beacon Dental. There will be games, food, music, and basketball!
A Little Beacon Blog will also be there, and wants to trade you one of our tote bags for a plastic bag! While supplies last (we have 19!), you can have a free tote bag when you bring one plastic bag. One tote bag per person. We’ll collect the plastic bags and stuff them into the plastic bag collection bin at Key Food.
Plastic bags don’t go into home recycling cans because they float around the recycling center and get into the machines, causing major problems. Start carrying a collection of totes, and skip the plastic bag - from anywhere! It’s a tricky habit to start when you’re in a restaurant or a store, and pulling out a tote bag isn’t commonplace. Or if you’re in Walmart with those rotating wheels of plastic bags. But give it a try!
Free tote bags for the first 19 plastic bag trades, and then we’ll have them on sale for $10 (normally $18 on this website).
In a milestone never before reached by prior Dutchess County Legislators who attempted the repeal, it appears that the time is ripe for overriding the opposition. Proposed changes to the law are now before the New York State Liquor Authority, who needs to hear from the public on whether they want this law changed. The New York State Liquor Authority is holding a Public Comment hearing on Tuesday, August 27, at 4:30 pm at 1 Overocker Road in Poughkeepsie., and wants to hear from you before they make their decision.
In Prior Years, Attempts To Extend Open Hours Failed
Former Dutchess County Legislator Jerry Landisi attempted to change this law years ago, with Beacon Mayor Randy Casale’s support. It didn’t budge. This year, current Dutchess County Legislator (and Beacon resident) Frits Zernike authored a resolution to change the law, citing in a press release: "This allows individual businesses to tailor their hours to the buying habits of people in their localities, instead of the one-size-fits-some regulation we now have. Because you can stay open til 9 pm doesn't mean you have to. But the 7 pm closing time means everybody has to stop doing business at the same time."
2019 Saw The Most Success - Plus A Veto - To Extend The Hours
The 2019 attempt also had the support of Beacon’s mayor and city council; the Mayor traveled to the legislature meeting where the vote was passed 18-6 in April 2019 in favor of extending the open hours. However, the Dutchess County Executive, Marcus Molinaro vetoed that vote, declaring that not enough public awareness was made about the vote. Yet, in his memo announcing his veto, he said he supported the move to extend the open hours:
“I have no objection to this county requesting the New York State Liquor Authority consider extending the hours of operation for Dutchess wine and liquor stores. I support competition and a more open market place, and I want Dutchess County businesses to have the greatest opportunity to compete and succeed.
Restrictive State policies and outdated laws governing this industry have created an uneven playing field that should be addressed. Further, in many ways, the State Liquor Authority remains an institution rooted in the past, unable to keep up with the rapidly changing market, local needs, and the concerns of the State’s and Dutchess County’s residents. A better system would devolve authority and allow local municipalities with their zoning regulations to regulate the retail of wine and liquor for off-premises consumption. It is befuddling, at best, as to why New York has maintained this Prohibition-era regime, and I do not know how this County became the last in the state to enable extended hours of operation.”
Tune in after Tuesday, August 27, when the New York State Liquor Authority hears from the public. You could comment here or on our Instagram about this, but if you really want to make a difference, travel up to the meeting! Or according to the Poughkeepsie Journal, you can write in:
EMAIL Secretarys.Office@sla.ny.gov Include in the subject line: "Dutchess County Hearing."
LETTER BY SNAIL MAIL Address your comments to the secretary's office at: 80 South Swan St. Suite 900 Albany, NY 12210
Monday is the new Saturday for local shopping in Beacon! Darryl’s Women’s Clothing Boutique is the latest boutique on Main Street to be open daily. Being open every day of the week is no small feat for a small business, as it requires staffing and effort. But it tends to be the ultimate goal for retail, as daily hours are easier for shoppers to remember, if they want to visit their favorite shops without remembering individual schedules.
Open Hours and Dia: Beacon - Breaking Of Reliance
In the olden days (like, up until about last year), stores in Beacon were mostly closed on Tuesdays because Dia:Beacon was closed on Tuesdays. The museum’s selection of Beacon’s riverside site launched the rebuilding of uphill, Main Street Beacon (which at the moment is in full swing). But with years of good press coverage, Beacon has grown as a destination town, bringing more foot traffic on different days, especially Monday holidays. Being that the weekend is naturally busy for a store, boutiques and restaurants would often close on Mondays as well, to recoup from the weekend and do paperwork and administrative tasks. That too has begun to change, with retail experimenting with opening on Mondays as well.
Parking On Mondays Also An Added Bonus!
Everyone knows that there’s essentially no parking to be found on the weekends. You can see our Guide For Free Parking to find your best bets for lots to park in. But no parking is a great excuse to walk, and walking Main Street is fun on the weekend. So many people to see, and shops to visit.
Parking on Mondays in Beacon is possible! More shops are staying open on Monday, and parking is a bonus. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Yet, when doing a bunch of errands, it can be so much easier to park in a central spot. For businesses, that ease of access is a benefit of being open on Mondays! Pictured here are two parking spots open near Mountain Tops and Darryl’s on a Monday. As one of our readers, Rose Merando Story, pointed out, locals have been venturing out to shop on Mondays because there is more parking: “I've noticed the locals try to stay away from Main Street on the weekends because of the traffic and parking situation and they tend to shop on Mondays.”
Monday It Is
So, all you Beaconites reading this, venture out on a Monday and reward these stores with your purchase. It’s you who keeps them here! We all like window shopping, but if you want a pretty window to look at, you’ll walk through the door and get to know what is available inside. You will be SO surprised. Constantly.
Find This jacket at Darryl’s Clothing Boutique. It is one of many Fun, Frilly pieces - and often they have sales!
PS: Can we discuss this jacket? Fundraiser Event Season is right around the corner, and Darryl’s Clothing Boutique will have your style. This jacket is easy to move your arms in, well-shaped, and 20 percent off the already on-sale price of $79. You do the math.
WHERE: 291 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 The Telephone Building First Floor, First Door WHEN: Saturday, August 17, 2019, 10 am to 8 pm
The Pop-Up Shop is back at A Little Beacon Space with another hard-to-find curated collection of vintage T-shirts, shoes, and more. This pop-up shop is from Xavier Garcia (@xaviergarciaa) and Jason Simoes (@jasoes) of @kualitygear, and it is their first pop-up experience. They searched up and down the Hudson Valley to find the perfect spot, and selected Beacon and A Little Beacon Space! Come out and give them a warm retail welcome.
The young entrepreneurial group calls this show “PIECES,” and they normally only sell on social media platforms that the young people know about.
The Tony Hawk skateboarding video game is playing in the corner, and clothes are hanging from the ceiling! Come in for your T-shirt fix and grow your sneaker collection.
This pop-up shop is one day only! From 10 am to 8 pm, Saturday, August 17, 2019. Address is 291 Main Street, Beacon, NY, First Floor, First Door.
It's a big weekend for the intersection of Main Street and North/South Brett Street! A Pop-Up Shop will be inside of our office here at A Little Beacon Blog from 10 am to 8 pm at 291 Main Street. It's called PIECES and features loads of vintage T-shirts, shoes, gear and more. There will be music and possibly a video game - Tony Hawk (skateboarding). Across the street is Key Food's 7th Customer Appreciation Day. They have also opened their new deli and repaved the parking lot - and we got the scoop (and tried their secret sauce Buffalo wings)! With the construction gone, it's a lot to celebrate! Come on down to Main Street and give us all a visit.
PIECES Vintage Clothing Pop-Up Shop
Day: Saturday, August 17, 2019 Time: 10 am to 8 pm Location: A Little Beacon Space, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Key Food Beacon’s 7th Customer Appreciation Day
Day: Saturday, August 17, 2019 Time: 12 to 4 pm Location: Key Food Beacon, 268 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Meet and Greet with Quarantine: A Love Story by Author Katie Cicatelli-Kuc
Day: Saturday, August 17, 2019 Time: 2 pm Location: Barnes & Noble, Newburgh Crossing, 1245 Route 300 (Union Ave.), Newburgh, NY Information >
PRISON LAND, by Brett Story: Book Reading and Info Session
Day: Sunday, August 18, 2019 Time: 7 pm Location: Binnacle Books, 321 Main St., Beacon, NY
PRISON LAND offers a geographic excavation of the prison as a set of social relations - including property, work, gender, and race - enacted across various landscapes of American life. Prisons, Brett Story shows, are more than just buildings of incarceration bound to cycles of crime and punishment. Binnacle Books presents this in partnership with the Beacon Prison Rides Project, a group of volunteers dedicated to helping families stay connected to their incarcerated loved ones through daily rides and through advocacy for the reform of New York's state prison system. Binnacle Books is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and we thank them for their support! Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide. This Guide is made possible by the sponsorship of The Crafty Hammer.
BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique
155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com
Of course they did! Pink camouflage prints are in Darryl's Clothing Boutique right now! Getting you ready for fall with a bold pop of color. Get this print in a blouse or fitted shirt. Which one will you go with?
Luxe Optique
183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com
Taking a moment to appreciate this multi-business creator, Laurie Riehle, who opened Luxe Optique after selling her previous eyewear specialty shop. She bought her building in Beacon, and has designed her own line of Luxe eyewear (which happens to be one of the most affordable), available in the shop. Luxe carries more than 30 lines of eyewear from all over the world, carefully vetted by Laurie to bring the best quality and design to Beacon, New York.
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light)
LOVE - Step out of the traditional bridal box with this ballgown as your wedding dress! Lambs Hill is loving this blue gown by Miss Hayley Paige!
The Crafty Hammer
4 S. Chestnut Street, Beacon, NY
(845) 834-9665 (WOOD) @thecraftyhammerllc New Website Alert! The Crafty Hammer has been using their digital tools too, in order to bring you a website where you can book your own Team Building Workshop, Birthday Party, and more. Check it out!
Call (845) 834-9665 (WOOD) to inquire!
Hot Yoga Fundraiser Class for SeriousFun Children’s Network
Day: Sunday, August 18, 2019 Time: 7:30 pm Price: $10 suggested donation Location: Firefly Yoga, 992 Main St., Fishkill, NY
Charity hot yoga class to raise money for SeriousFun Network. Information >
1 East Main St., Unit 301, Beacon, NY 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom From Gate House Realty: "One of a kind, spacious, SoHo-style luxury loft in the heart of Beacon.” Price: $1,150,000 Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures >
Antalek & Moore
Do you need a refresh in your insurance? For business, home, auto, life, even health? The team at Antalek & Moore can help you. Contact them today to start a conversation about changing your coverage, to get you better protection. Call (845) 831-4300.
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 the creative process 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. Just as important: This training includes 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 OPPORTUNITY ON ALBB
Wee Play's Community Mural Project Needs Kids To Help Paint (Volunteer)! Details >
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.
Left: The new deli, with all your favorite cheese and spread options back in the case. Right: The new parking lot, with arrows to help keep people moving in the right direction. Photo Credits: Katie Hellmuth Martin
You’ve walked through the doors of construction at Key Food.
You’ve walked around the usual checkout line to exit when new or moved walls were going up.
You’ve wondered what is going on behind the wall with all of the banging, and you heard that it was a new, bigger deli.
And now, the new deli is here and open! The team at Key Food has been scampering around, climbing onto the roof to hook things up and connect everything just so in order to bring Beaconites more food options for those who want to eat and run, or just eat and not cook.
The deli grew longer, a hooded kitchen was added to the back of it, and the crew is already cooking their own original Buffalo wings made in a secret sauce. Key Food is currently hiring looking to expand the deli staff!
This isn’t the first mega project the folks at Key Food have undertaken. Jb Said opened the Craft Beer Shoppe right next door, Junior and Co. opened Beacon International across the street, and the Smoke Shop and More was an addition as well.
What’s For Lunch/Dinner?
Buffalo wings at Key Food in their secret sauce. Blue cheese dressing available on the shelf nearby.
Hot prepared meals fill the warming rack at Key Food starting at about 12:30 pm. You can still get fresh rotisserie chicken that is cooked behind the deli counter, and now you can also get Buffalo wings in a secret sauce, chicken tenders, fried chicken, and a lot of other chicken options. Bottles of blue cheese dressing are conveniently located in the aisles of the store. You can keep an entire bottle back at your office fridge. No more worrying about asking for extra blue cheese and hoping it made it into the bag.
Sides are available, like crunchy broccoli salad, tabbouleh, potato salad, and other staples. Sandwich-wise, you can get egg salad, tuna salad, and of course, sliced meat sandwiches. Soon, the grill will be on and you’ll be able to get hot sandwiches. The menu is currently being taste-tested before becoming public.
Catering From Key Food
In addition to the new hot foods lining the case, Key Food Beacon has been quietly catering, working out their systems on friends and family in order to bring catering to you. Consider it in a soft beta launch for now. Foods like sesame chicken with broccoli and Middle Eastern chicken on Spanish rice were big hits, and make it into the rotation of take-out lunch items on the hot shelf. Watch their Facebook page for announcements, but better yet, come in to see what’s up. Don’t wait for digital! Show up for food.
New Helpful Arrows In Key Food Parking Lot
Our office here at A Little Beacon Blog is right across the street from Key Food. We sit at one of the trickier intersections on Main Street. There are worse intersections, but this one is pretty active with illegal U-turns, kids popping wheelies on bikes in the middle of the road, people driving the wrong way up South Brett Street, and cars pulling into the Key Food parking lot going the wrong way.
If you’ve never noticed before, the driveway on the left of the parking lot is the Entrance, and the driveway on the right is the Exit. Although there is a good amount of parking in the Key Food parking lot, there isn’t much room to maneuver two-way traffic, so it’s one-way.
To help everyone drive safely, Key Food had bright yellow arrows put down on their new parking lot paving job. A few parking spaces to the right of the front door were removed in order to make for better parking of the delivery trucks. As has been discussed at City Council meetings recently, Main Street is pretty narrow and congested with delivery trucks. Key Food now has a dedicated place for the trucks to park, making movement easier for everyone. See the picture of that cozy truck down below?
7th Customer Appreciation Day Hosted By Key Food Beacon
This Saturday, August 17, Key Food is hosting their 7th Customer Appreciation Day. It is an especially big deal this year, as everyone made it through the store’s enhancements. From their invitation: “Come celebrate with us. We want to thank you for your business. Join us for a fun event for the community. There will be free food, free beverages, free snacks, music, kids activities, giveaways and much more. Thank you so much for all your support and we hope to see you all there.”
When Lucky Longo first walked into a barber shop to get her short hair clipped and shaped, she was turned away. Barber shops tend to be run by men for men, and just as salons tend to be a hangout for ladies, the barber shops tend to be a hangout for manly men and dudes. Which usually results in a very gender-divided place on both ends of the spectrum that most people don’t think about, including owners who don’t make a conscious decision to exclude anyone when cultivating the culture inside of their salon or shop.
So, when thinking hair - which is a defining part of most people’s appearance - it’s just taking a moment to step back and look at the vibe of a hair establishment. All those years ago, after being turned away for a cut, Lucky left the barber shop confused. She had short hair. Wasn’t a barber a specialist in cutting short hair?
Getting turned away was the genesis for the seed of an idea to open A Lucky Cut, the quietly cool, “good vibes” barber shop on Main Street near the library. You may have wondered about the shop as you wandered by, but have never walked into because it is very seriously reserved as an appointment only, one-on-one establishment.
Maybe Edgy Hair Cuts And A Barber Concept Intimidate You
But I was too intimidated to consider going in. Which, it turns out, is completely ironic and the opposite of what A Lucky Cut wants to put out there to the world. This was until Lucky Longo herself reached out to A Little Beacon Blog during June, which is LGBTQ month, to let us know that she is a barber shop who specializes in cutting the hair of transgender and gay people who otherwise are not comfortable going into a traditional salon or barber shop that may feel too girly or too manly to them. A Lucky Cut positioned itself as an in-between place that is very hip and cool and comfortable.
A-HA! I was intrigued - and still a little intimidated because the language and culture for trans life is new to me, so even asking the questions for an interview had to be carefully crafted so as not to offend - or so I thought.
But First… Before ALBB’s Interview, Listen To Kingston Radio’s Interview
Turns out, Kingston Radio also wanted to explore the gender-slanted salon and traditional barber shop experience, and interviewed Lucky on their show for the episode “Queer Hair Roundtable!” It’s a great listen that interviews three hair stylists who cut hair of everyone, where you’ll discover just how young the hair passion starts in a person, and what it may feel like for a gay or transgender person walking into a salon or barber shop, where gender probably wasn’t considered when building the brand, but is ingrained into the experience of that salon or barber shop, leaving some people feeling uncomfortable in the chair.
Meet Lucky Longo, Creator and Owner of A Lucky Cut
We’re going to let Lucky take it from here, in a Q&A style interview. Her voice is pretty real and her spoken word good to read, so you’ll be able to absorb it direct, not sliced and diced in quotes.
Q: You are known for cutting hair of transgender people. Is there a reason for this? Do they feel comfortable and safe with you, as opposed to a “traditional” salon, whatever that means?
LUCKY: Yes. I believe people come to me for comfort and safety. I have a very chill environment, and I try to create a safe space to share feelings. [This is a difference from your] non-traditional barbershop so people aren’t gawking at you during your cut. I am appointment-only, and I feel very sacred with that time. Private sessions make that helpful. During transitions, people are faced with new things like beards and hair loss, and I guide them, teach them, and talk about what to expect.
Some new styles are based around wherever their transition is bringing them. Even young and newly identifying people come to me for that “edgy cut,” something to make them feel good, almost as if they slipped on a new crown. I take my job very seriously for this topic specifically.
Q: “Edgy hair” (aka hair shaved on one side, long on other), what is that style? Where did it come from?
LUCKY: It comes from people being bold and wanting to have an identity. Sometimes it comes from people who have thick hair and they say “fuck it… I want half.” Sorry, I was projecting. I did that. But I had both sides shaved and grew it long. But shaved side is definitely edgy and fun and you can do stuff with it.
Q: Anyone can sit in your chair and get an amazingly styled cut. Man or woman. Long hair or short. Man transitioning to woman, or woman transitioning to man. Hair is in and of itself a major emotional piece to someone’s identity. You are working with someone in a journey, and you’ll encounter them again on their journey and things could be much different physically and emotionally for them. How do you help them feel comfortable finding themselves in your chair as you help with the crown (hair) part?
LUCKY: Oh wow. Everyone is so energetically different here. With what and where they are in their particular journey. It’s my job before I even begin to cut anything, to feel them somehow. I get deep fast so I can find what they want, hear what they need, and know how they want to be seen. I like when people bring photos. Even though people apologize usually at first, because someone teased them for it I suppose. But I love a photo to go off of. It’s just one more idea or clue to where I take it. I always hug everyone before they sit down usually.
Q: Did you always cut hair?
LUCKY: I studied graphic design at Pratt right out of high school and worked in animal hospitals during that time. I tanked miserably after three years and shit got too computery, so I went in hard with the vet tech stuff while living out in Brooklyn and tapped out emotionally and cut hair at night with dreams of getting out of the city. I apprenticed at night at Dickson Hairshop for two years then went on to the Barber Academy and moved out of the city. I did both for a long time, until one day I just said “fuck it” and traveled with Coal and cut hair all up and down the Hudson Valley, starting 100 percent in 2008.
Editor’s Note: Lucky grew up in hair salons, and declares them her comfort zone (as you’ll hear in Radio Kingston’s episode). But it took her a while to settle in to her permanent position behind the chair. Lucky did a lot of hair clippering during home visits. Some of her trans and gay clients were not comfortable leaving their homes to come into a traditional salon or barber shop. As is common with hair stylists, when Lucky left or moved, many of her clients followed her wherever she went. During Lucky’s travels up and down the Hudson River, she fell in love with Beacon and set up a hair salon in the old Beacon High School, which she describes as “a speakeasy private barbershop right inside of the old guidance counselor’s office.” Recently, she moved to Main Street, in the little brick building near the public library and Glazed Over Donuts.
Q: What was it like when your barber shop was in the old Beacon High School?
LUCKY: So good. I shared space with Mimi Longo, the musician, so between us there were always people in and out all day and we would hang hard even after work in our space.
Q: You describe yourself as a Lady Barber. What does that mean for someone visiting your shop? Do you do men’s hair only? Do you do women’s hair?
LUCKY: I am just not a man’s barber. I cut everybody’s hair. I exclude no one from my chair. It’s a place to create the safe space to become more you. So I really help try and embrace that feeling. There is no room for judgment there. It’s a predominantly men’s trade. But I like to make it known that I’m a woman just mostly for the other person’s comfort and preference. I have had men turn me down for a haircut when I am in a walk-in barber shop because I am a woman.
Q: What is the difference between a hair salon and a barbershop?
LUCKY: The million dollar question. Sounds so simple but it’s really very broad. The difference between the shops and not just the workers is, usually barbershops are walk-in and people come and go way faster than a salon, where [the client is] getting more services. Barbershops are usually predominantly full of men.
Q: As a lady barber, when you cut lady’s hair, do you wet it? Shampoo it? Blow it dry?
When I cut long hair on any gender, I don’t wash it. As a barber, I spray wet it. I blow dry it after. I don’t do blow outs or curls and shit like that. People are coming and paying for just a cut. Usually you’re paying more for that [extra styling stuff] anyway. Most people just go home and shower anyway.
Q: Can you trim long hair? Or do you just cut it all off?!? Just being real here…
LUCKY: Good question. And no way. I envy long hair. People think I just do drastic cuts only, but it’s not true. I cut all hair. Long. Short. Trims. Big cuts. Bangs. Beards. Sometimes people even apologize when they come in. Like, “sorry just a trim…” As if I’m bored. But I love my job. [I’m here to] make people feel good. Be more themselves. Whatever that is for them. No judgment.
Q: Continuing in my realness… What if my hair is too boring for you? Mine’s just long and straight (well… it’s confused between frizz/curl/straight). I don’t know what direction to go. But your cuts are intriguing.
LUCKY: I love what I do. And I love the opportunity to cut anyone’s hair. I know how long people wait for my appointments, so I don’t take anyone’s patience lightly. I know they waited to get to that chair. And if you want just a trim, I respect you for liking your hair enough to want it done right. [Edgy] or not.
Q: As a woman who wants to get short hair, do you think women in the same circumstances feel more comfortable in your establishment then with a traditional barber who tend to have men?
LUCKY: Oh, of course. That’s definitely the consensus! Usually the traditional barber cuts hard lines [that] aren’t long-lasting and don’t serve the softness of a feminine touch to a short edgy haircut that some women prefer. But nonetheless, whatever you want and whatever woman you are, any person just wants to be heard. And not assumed what they want.
From left: Kendra, Eileen, Lucky. Photo Credit: Monica Simoes
Q: You’ve gone “even more epic” by having two Beacon-famous stylists in your place - Kendra and Eileen - who do color. What does that mean for your lady barbershop? Is it a hybrid salon/barbershop?
Great question. It’s still a barbershop ‘cause it’s where I work. These ladies - I am lucky enough to just share my space with here and there. And they have their own clientele.
Q: Is unisex a word anymore? Mr. Bell’s storefront window says “unisex” on his storefront window, as women and men stylists have both cut all hairs there. Is there a new word now?
LUCKY: My mom was a hairdresser and I grew up in all her salons seeing that word. It feels old. I don’t know what word I wanna use. But I usually just answer “I cut all the hairs. Get in my chair.”
###
Just for fun, click on the picture below to get to the speed video of her mom cutting Lucky’s hair.
PIECES Vintage Clothing Pop-Up Shop Day: Saturday, August 17, 2019 Time: 10 am to 8 pm Location: A Little Beacon Space, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY
Two young adult entrepreneurs, Xavier and Jason, are bringing their collection of vintage T-shirts, shoes, jackets and other gear for you to shop from on Saturday, August 17 - one day only! Find T-shirts from Hard Rock Café, Betty Boop, Tommy, Nike, and other brands you follow.
This is their first pop-up shop. They looked up and down the Hudson River for a great debut spot, and selected Beacon and A Little Beacon Space! During their shop, they are bringing their video game console to play Tony Hawk (skateboarding video game) and will have a lineup of music playing from the Fugees, 2Pac, Ice Cube, and other albums from the 1990s and 2000s.
As Beacon grows in the number of apartments available, the demand for office space also grows. From the City Council’s new requirements for developments to build a percentage of office space into their residential projects, to movers and shakers leaving and filling office space on Main Street.
One of the newest companies to hunker down on Main Street is ViaHero, a travel-planning platform where travelers can choose local residents to plan a personalized trip. ViaHero, which uses locals who live in the destination the traveler wants to visit, has been featured in Travel + Leisure, TechCruch and The Associated Press. ViaHero posted three jobs here at A Little Beacon Blog, looking for local talent in tech and marketing, so we wanted to learn more about them. We started by interviewing the co-founder, Greg Buzulencia.
Says Greg of the move: “My co-founder and I started the company in Pittsburgh, and we knew that in order to grow, we needed to be in an area that had the quality of life that we had in Pittsburgh, but with access to a large tech hub. Rachel and I moved to Beacon when each of our spouses got job offers in the Hudson Valley and we moved the company to New York City when we made that shift in 2017. This summer we saw an opportunity to make a few hires in the Beacon area, after seeing there was a diverse talent pool here that is tired of commuting to the city for their tech jobs, so we made the leap and signed a lease for a new office in Beacon!”
When Did ViaHero Start?
ViaHero launched in April 2016 in Cuba. Since then, the company has expanded into 13 destinations across the world, “and we’re still growing!” says Greg. The idea behind ViaHero is that you have a local planning your trip, instead of someone (maybe a broader travel agent) who doesn’t know the area quite as well. “There's a lot of people who are frustrated with spending dozens of hours planning their trip only to find out that they fell into inauthentic tourist traps,” says Greg. “Our mission is to make it easy to broaden your perspective through travel. We allow people to do that by diving deeper into the culture. Plus, more of your travel dollars stay in the local community that you're traveling to.”
Look into the job postings by ViaHero, and see if you or a friend is a fit!
The Beacon Farmers Market is seeking new Market Committee members. Here’s your chance to support the market and advocate for the change you would like to see. The mission of the Beacon Farmers Market is to feed and engage the Beacon community, support local farms and businesses, and create a more just food system. The Market Committee is a group of volunteers who steer the market and advise the Market Manager year-round.
Learn more about this great opportunity to work with the Beacon Farmers Market in this opportunity listing on A Little Beacon Blog.
Update! See below for new updates that have come in since this post published…
A reader question drove this most recent retail roundup. When a reader wrote in earlier this spring: “Where in Beacon can I buy metal straws?” the usual stores came to mind. After she hit our recommendations, she reported back with even more stores where she found metal straws in Beacon.
So we launched an investigation to scout out all the shops that offer metal straws. This meant we pounded the pavement, snapped some pictures, and have the following metal straw roundup for you! All of these are from A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide.
But first - why metal straws? The world is trending toward no single-use straws. There are signs on restaurants now, asking you to skip asking for a straw. Mind you, it is a new habit to build - to bring your own metal straw - but one that might happen. Also, there is a designer opportunity here: to design a carrying case for the metal straw in between uses, to fit inside of a purse or stroller. If you design such a case, let us know! Meanwhile, I may work on such a design to add to my other cover designs.
Raven Rose - 474 Main Street
A set of metal straws is sold in Raven Rose, a beautiful shop that sells fresh flowers, designs large-scale floral arrangements for weddings and events, and curates a careful collection of amazing things you can’t help but take home after you walk in. This metal straw set comes with different widths of straws, because sometimes you are drinking a smoothie with fruit pieces, and other times water or juice. “You must clean the metal straws, and this kit comes with a brush,” says BrieAnna (with a capital A), a store employee. “You can’t rely on the dishwasher to get out the seeds and things from a smoothie, for instance.” What is also nice about this set, is that it comes in the box. You can carry them in the box in your purse, so that you never leave home without a metal straw.
More Good - 383 Main Street
More Good, the shop that doubles as a small tea room, hand-crafted bottled syrup destination for make-your-own cola and root-beer, at one time a gourmet salt source, and flagship location of the fast-growing retail brands More Good syrups (and a commissary kitchen in the back has launched several other bottled brands of goodness). The owner of More Good, Jason Schuler, is also connected to the bar inside of the Hudson Valley Food Hall, so you’ll find the metal straws for your use over at the Food Hall when you order one of their ice-cream drinks.
Utensil - 143 Main Street
Utensil Kitchenware is the go-to source for anything kitchen: cooking, freezing, jarring, baking, stirring, etc. Their metal straws are sold individually, which is useful for if you just need one while you’re out, because you forgot your full set at home. If you wanted to grab a metal straw for a milkshake across the street at the Beacon Creamery, for instance, you could do so at Utensil easily. Utensil also sells a set, which includes the brush for cleaning, and silicone tops for comfort.
Zakka Joy (formerly Dream In Plastic) - 177 Main Street
True to Zakka Joy’s whimsical form, their metal straw set is playfully iridescent in color. You could also buy iridescent party cups and plates (when in stock) at Zakka Joy, and just about anything in rainbow style, or this mirage stemless wine glass. These metal straws come with the choice of pencil straight, or slightly curved. Because you might be feeling moody that day, and can’t decide how you want to suck down that ice water or vanilla latte.
Mountain Tops - 144 Main Street
Mountain Tops Outfitters is Beacon’s long-time go-to for camping and outdoor gear (though a new neighbor - Last Outpost - has moved in several blocks down!), so of course they would have metal straws! Who wants to leave behind plastic ones at a campsite? You have your choice of two brands, each coated in silicone for those who like a little cush. One set comes with the cleaning brush, and is curved. Both sets look to be one-size-sucks-all.
Beacon Natural Market - 348 Main Street
Beacon’s go-to source for all things healthy and organic, Beacon Natural Market has a deep selection of items to buy that go beyond food, including food storage, shampoo, makeup, puffy jackets, pre-made food, and metal straws. Their aim is to answer your every need for a healthy, clean-eating lifestyle. Here you’ll find an easy set of metal straws, both curved and straight, as well as metal spoon straws.
Hudson Beach Glass - 162 Main Street
Enhancing your artful life, Hudson Beach Glass sells glass straws from DrinkingStraws.glass, a husband-wife team making the straws out of their home studio. And oh look! They sell a carrying case as well!
What About At Key Food And Other Locations?
Key Food is no longer selling the usual throw-away plastic straws, and is only selling compostable straws. If you see any inventory on the shelves of those old-style white straws with the blue line down the side, those are left-over from a prior delivery, and won’t be coming back, we are told.
A citizen reporter commented below that they spotted reusable straws at Play. We did look there and didn’t see them that day, so be sure to ask the person at the counter to direct you! A second citizen reporter has chimed in that they saw them at Accuprint (the print shop near Homespun)!
Haven’t tried Brett’s Hardware yet, or Rite Aid. Beacon Bath & Bubble welcomes you to bring your own metal straws in when you order one of their make-your-own-soda-floats. La Mère Clothing and Goods didn’t have them - yet! You never know what you’ll find on her shelves. There may be a few other shops we missed, but so far, you’ve got options!
Dream in Plastic rebrands to Zakka Joy. Same great store, different name. You’ll find the ever-changing curated inventory from the same owner, Jenny Zuko. Photo Caption: Katie Hellmuth Martin
When you grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, pretty much all of your retail therapy dreams involved plastic. Charm necklaces, gummy bracelets, banana clips, you get the drift. And let’s be honest, plastic still is the foundation for a lot of what we buy. When Jenny Zuko opened her first shop in Brooklyn, NY, in 2007, naming it Dream in Plastic was a safe bet. Today in 2019, the name has become a liability. People dismiss the store’s contents as something they don’t want - plastic. What does a business owner do when her customers shift? She shifts with them, does a soul search, and rebrands.
Welcome Zakka Joy To Main Street - Same Great Shop, Different Name
“It straight up hurts our feelings when people sometimes dismiss us as a store full of single-use plastics and useless junk,” admitted Jenny in an email to her customers (of which I am one!). Dream in Plastic - I mean Zakka Joy - moved to Beacon in 2009, and is one of the veteran shops on Main Street, weathering many tipping points and being on the front lines of foot traffic that comes in - both legit, focused customers and wandering youth with backpacks who hover about the store, touching everything but buying nothing (why the empty backpacks?).
Dream in Plastic isn’t the only store to rebrand in Beacon. One of her neighbors, The Pandorica restaurant, went through a major rebrand when owner Shirley Hot transformed her Cup & Saucer theme to the Doctor Who show. She now attracts customers from all over the world.
According to Jenny: “Zakka (“Zah-kah”) is a Japanese word, for which there really is no English equivalent.”
In sum, Zakka means:
Seeing the beauty in something mundane.
Uncategorizable or miscellaneous things.
Everything and anything that improves your home, life and appearance.
Humble, everyday objects that bring their users great satisfaction.
Things that accompany our everyday lifestyle spaces and provide an element of decoration.
Things mixed together with great variety.
Combine this word with “Joy,” and you have that precious moment of joy. “The shop really is about is that moment of happy (ahem, ‘Joy’) you experience when you discover that one thing (or ten): a pencil that you cherish, a pair of socks with your favorite animal on them, a toy to keep you company, a hand-poured soy candle, or the perfect gift for someone,” explains Jenny.
Zakka (thing) + Joy (the feeling when you discover the thing) = Zakka Joy
You’ll notice similarities in the old and new in the new logo. Still a cute shape in the name (originally a little cloud, and now an emoji-type smiley face). Where Dream in Plastic was in all lowercase, Zakka Joy’s logo stands big and bold in all caps.
What Will You Find Inside of Zakka Joy?
The smiley face from the logo grows inside on the wall. Photo Credit: Zakka Joy
Regulars of the shop know Jenny to have an ever-changing collection of inventory, from walls of cameras to walls of socks. In recent years, her collection of paper stationery and kitchen goods has grown. There is not an official stationery store in Beacon. There used to be - down on Jenny’s end of town - but that store closed long ago. (I still have several very pretty file boxes I purchased from that shop!)
While not a full-blown stationery store, Jenny’s addiction to paper is very much alive right now, with her large collection of journals, planners, and party decorations. Her art supply collection is growing as well, with charcoal pencils, funky erasers, highlighters that smell like strawberries and peaches, and some of the best rolling pens you have ever used. Impress your friends or even the ladies at the DMV with a pink pen carried in your purse (like I did!). It’s real easy and cheap retail therapy.
Inside, you’ll still find the pusheens you love, and collection of stuffed animal keychains. You will definitely find stickers and figures from the famous artist (who now lives in Beacon!) Tara McPherson.
It’s Real - The Instagram Has Changed
The name on the storefront has changed, and the handle in your Instagram has changed from Dream in Plastic to @zakkajoyny. Don’t worry, if you already followed Dream in Plastic, you don’t need to do a thing to follow the new shop online. If you don’t follow, why not? Hop to it for frequent doses of joy.
There’s a party to celebrate the name change on Second Saturday, August 10, 2019 from 6 to 9 pm. Remember when the shop used to have artist display on Second Saturday? Now the store itself is on display. Go give Jenny a high-five for all the work she has done to recreate her shop, which is always recreating anyway.
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.
