Howland Public Library's 2019 Halloween Costume Exchange Is Coming Up

The Howland Public Library always has something up its sleeve! And this time, it could be a witch’s sleeve, as the library hosts an upcoming Costume Exchange happening Thursday to Saturday, October 3 to 5, at the library.

The Costume Exchange

Do you have a Halloween costume from years past in good condition that you have outgrown? Trade it in for one that’s new-to-you for 2019!

Local families are invited to participate in Howland Public Library's Annual Halloween Costume Exchange. Donate a new or clean and gently used children's costume, and take home another costume in exchange.* 

Swap days are Thursday, October 3 and Friday, October 4 from 2 to 5 pm, and Saturday, October 5 from 12 pm to 3 pm. Families can stop by to donate, swap, or pick up during any of those times. 

 For more information, contact Michelle Rivas at community@beaconlibrary.org. The Howland Public Library is located at 313 Main St., Beacon, NY. 

*The fine print: Children's costumes only. Library will accept clean costumes with no stains, holes or runs. HPL reserves the right to turn away costumes. We cannot guarantee you will find a suitable costume in the exchange.

Political Pop-Up Office At The Library With Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson

Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-Newburgh) has announced “Pop-up Office Hours” in Beacon on Tuesday, September 17, from 6 to 8 pm at the Howland Public Library, 313 Main St.

Jacobson said in a press release, “Most people work 9-5 Monday through Friday and can’t take time off their jobs to visit my offices with issues or concerns they might have. I want the residents of the 104th to know that my staff and I are here to help them.”

Jacobson has two district offices: 47 Grand Street in Newburgh and One Civic Center Plaza, Suite 101 in Poughkeepsie.

Both offices offer free notary public and Spanish language assistance by appointment. To make an appointment to meet with the Assemblymember in Beacon, please call his Newburgh office at (845) 562-0888.

Lately, his issues have been with traffic, and easing up congestion on 9D at the entrance of the Beacon/Newburgh Bridge.

What will your questions/concerns be?

We’ve been wondering about sales tax. Beacon, along with Poughkeepsie, has a long-standing agreement with Dutchess County to have sales tax issued here be collected by Dutchess County. Beacon then gets a check for a flat rate, per their agreement with the county. So how much is Beacon bringing in? With all of these new stores moving in and out and being bought and sold?

So far, we’ve been unable to get that number. From anyone. Article to come. Being business owners, we are used to knowing exactly how much sales tax we generate - no matter if that sales tax is issued through the door of a brick and mortar, or via online sales where products may ship out of Beacon.

Maybe we’ll ask!

Adams Fair Acre Farms' Chicken Cacciatore To Maybe Debut In HBO Mark Ruffalo Limited Series

The news first broke over at NOW 97.7 in their app’s news stream (and on lots of people’s Facebooks): the HBO limited series I Know This Much Is True, based on a novel by Wally Lamb and starring Mark Ruffalo, ordered up the chicken cacciatore from Adams Fair Acre Farms with plans to include it in a scene. Adams is a bucolic grocery store and nursery in the Hudson Valley with several locations, sourcing much of its stock from local farms and bakeries.

This isn’t the first time the HBO series has used a location in the Hudson Valley. Among others, I Know This Much Is True was at All Sport in Fishkill for a 12-hour film shoot.

I Know This Much Is True is a family saga that follows the parallel lives of identical twin brothers (played by Mark Ruffalo) in a story of betrayal, sacrifice and forgiveness set against the backdrop of 20th-century America. Mark is also the executive producer, serving alongside the writer and director Derek Cianfrance. Mark also lives in the Hudson Valley (because who wouldn’t want to?!) Read more about the show here at HBO.

“Our chicken cacciatore will likely make its on-screen debut during a cooking scene set in the 1930s, according to a crew member,” said the Adams Facebook Page. The grocery store shared the news on its Facebook page, and even included the recipe! Find it at the FB page, or right here:

Chicken Cacciatore (Serves 2)
- 2 Chicken Thighs (Skin-On, Bone-In)
- 2 Chicken Drumsticks
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- ½ Yellow Onion, sliced
- 1 small Red Bell Pepper, sliced
- 8 Crimini Mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 5 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- ½ cup White Wine
- 1 14-ounce can of Diced Tomatoes
- 2 sprigs Fresh Oregano, picked and chopped
- 2 tablespoons Capers, drained

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Heat oil in an oven-proof braising pan over medium heat.
3. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper and lightly coat with flour.
4. Brown the chicken on all sides in the oil, then remove from the pan. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the oil.
5. Add the onions, peppers and mushrooms to the pan and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
6. Add the garlic and thyme and sauté for 1 minute longer.
7. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and simmer for 2 minutes.
8. Add the tomatoes and bring the sauce to a simmer.
9. Return the chicken to the pan, skin side up. Cover and place in the preheated oven.
10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
11. Stir in oregano and capers. Serve over pasta or polenta.

Second Saturday! Beacon Art Gallery Openings for September 2019

Happy Second Saturday weekend, Beacon! As always, there are lots of art show openings, but it feels like there's extra community emphasis in this month's happenings. Get the most comprehensive Beacon art listings in one place in our handy Guide right here.

Don't miss your chance to bid a fond farewell to Open Space Gallery, a hub for a lot of cool art, art-adjacent activities, and people, as it closes up shop over on the east end of Main Street. The Howland Public Library is hosting a Spirit of Beacon photography exhibition. Photo Book Works is back from summer break, doors open to all. And at Bau Gallery, "Porch" is a physical reminder of some easy ways to connect with our community. More detailed descriptions of these shows and so many more in our Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide!

Thank you to BeaconArts for promoting the arts and our little t̶o̶w̶n̶ city for more than 15 years. Big, big thanks to the sponsors of A Little Beacon Blog, who make all of this possible! And thank you, readers, for supporting the businesses that support us.

See you strolling!

Happening This Weekend - 9/13/2019

Lots of options for your Saturday! You'll need to plot carefully. It's a beautiful weekend to be in Beacon. Scroll down this list to see what you want to do... Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide Sneak Peek SPONSORED BY: No. 3 Reading Room & Photo Book Works SECOND SATURDAY WRITTEN BY: Catherine Sweet Thank you to No. 3 Reading Room & Photo Book Works for sponsoring the Art Gallery Guide! Here's your Second Saturday Sneak Peak, but get the full view at A Little Beacon Blog's Art Gallery Guide! Top Left: Dylan Wood in the Spirit of Beacon photo exhibition at the Howland Public Library Top Right: Mark Thomas Gibson at Mother Gallery Bottom Left: Samantha Palmeri at Catalyst Bottom Right: Beacon artist Andre Junget at Bannerman Island Gallery VISIT THE FULL ART GALLERY GUIDE Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance Events Guide sponsored by The Crafty Hammer   Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst Day: September 13-15, 2019 Time: 10am-5pm (Friday), 10am-6pm (Saturday), 10am-5pm (Sunday) Location: Lyndhurst Estate, 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY Information > Hudson Valley Reads The Mueller Report Days/Times: Friday, September 13, 2019 / 9:30am - 10pm Days/Times: Sunday, September 14, 2019 / 10am - 10pm Location: The Poughkeepsie Trolley Barn, 489 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY According to the Beacon Free Press, there will be 50 readers and musical interludes during some redacted sections. Free parking is available across the street. Free Prop Building for Beacon Fairy Walk at The Crafty Hammer Day: Saturday, September 14 Time: 11am-3pm RSVP: Click HERE Location: 4 South Chestnut St., Beacon, NY  12508 The Crafty Hammer in Beacon, NY is hosting a makers session for those who would like to make a fairy house to be used in the play taking place at the Settlement Camp next weekend. Information > Celebration Of Life For Jack Dexter, Former Legistlator Day: Saturday, September 14 Time: 2pm-4pm Location: St. Rocco's Hall, 26 South Chestnut St., Beacon, NY 12508 CANCELED Due To Illness “Birth Strike” with Jenny Brown - Reading & Discussion Day: Friday, September 13, 2019 Hudson River Craft Beer Festival Day: Saturday, September 14, 2019 Time: 1:30-5:30pm (12:30 VIP) Location: 1 Red Flynn Drive, Beacon, NY 12508 (Beacon Metro-North train station) Information > 4th Annual Chefs for Clearwater Day: Saturday, September 14, 2019 Time: 5:30pm Location: The Culinary Institute of America, Farquharson Hall in Roth Hall, 1946 Campus Drive, Hyde Park, NY Information > The Artichoke Storytelling Series Day: Saturday, September 14, 2019 Time: 8pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Live Concert with Brentano String Quartet Day: Sunday, September 15, 2019 Time: 4pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > SAVE THE DATE Nourish Night @ Meyer's Olde Dutch Day: Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Time: 5:30-9pm Location: Meyer’s Olde Dutch, 184 Main St., Beacon, NY The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention and Meyer’s Olde Dutch bring together a special event with friends and community for an evening of fun and food to raise awareness and funds for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. Information > Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide. Walk/Run For Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Day: Saturday, September 14, 2019 Time: 9am Registration begins. Register online: Click here Location: Long Dock Park, Beacon, NY 12508 This is the sixth year hosting the 5K Walk/Run for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) by Jessica Salomon, a local resident and mother of a son, Jayden, who was born with SCD. Read more about it from when A Little Beacon Blog covered this issue back in 2015. Information >       BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique 155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com Yeah, you did... Show off that you mean it with those bell sleeves on this Joseph Ribkoff hi-low top with a little stand-up collar. Try it on this weekend - or any day of the week! - at Darryl's Clothing Boutique in Beacon. PS: Did you see Darryl's feature in today's Highlands Current? Congratulations!   SECOND SATURDAY ART: See the art exhibit from the Beacon-based artist Catherine Welshman, in Darryl's now. Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com Get your sunnies for fall now at Luxe Optique. This mini-collection is one of many from Anne Valentin, a line that feels very special and unique, and is perfect for those entering into an "eyewear collection" frame of mind (pun intended!). There's a bit of a party this weekend at Luxe Optique... Head in to see what we mean.   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light) The next Trunk Show starts today, and will continue through Sunday, September 15, featuring gowns by Hayley Paige. This is a great opportunity to go into Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique to experience the shop itself, and meet their gown collection. Book your appointment with Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique today or call them at (845) 761-2900! Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! Luxe Optique, Binnacle Books, Darryl's Boutique, and Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique.     Friday nights are made for brownie sundaes! Find one of Beacon's best at Pandorica, near Play and Bank Square.   Thank you to Barb's Butchery, The Pandorica, and BAJA 328 for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide! Visit A Little Beacon Blog's Restaurant Guide for all of the restaurants in Beacon, and see our Brunch Guide for your morning dining needs!       The Crafty Hammer 4 South Chestnut St., Beacon, NY (845) 834-9665 (WOOD) @thecraftyhammerllc The Crafty Hammer is a proud sponsor of the Beacon Fairy Walk (Saturdays, 9/21 and 9/28), a walking theatre production incorporating Beacon’s beautiful landscape. Local artists and community members create a magical path that follows a story set in a hidden fairy grove within Beacon's University Settlement Camp. Monotype Printing with Christine Seymour-Price Day: Saturday, September 14, 2019 Time: 4-5pm Location: CreateSpace Beacon, 145 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > MVT 109 with Phoebe Miller Day: Saturday, September 14, 2019 Time: 5-6:30pm Location: Namastesis Yoga & Wellness, 1065 Main St., Suite H, Fishkill, NY Information > Thank you to The Crafty Hammer for sponsoring the Adult Classes Guide! For a full list of upcoming classes, classes during the week, and workshops of all kinds, visit our Adult Classes Guide.     Beacon Athletics presents Girls In Sports Day Day: Sunday, September 15, 2019 Time: 8:30am-4:30pm Location: Beacon Athletics, 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY Information > Free Prop Building for Beacon Fairy Walk at The Crafty Hammer Day: Saturday, September 14 Time: 11am-3pm RSVP: Click HERE Location: 4 South Chestnut St., Beacon, NY 12508 The Crafty Hammer in Beacon, NY, is hosting a makers session for those who would like to make a fairy house to be used in the play. The event is free and kids are encouraged to come and will have a great time. For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide. Submission Guidelines for classes you'd like us to consider adding to these guides can be found here. Time to freshen up your hair style - or beard! Find a salon in Beacon at A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide. REAL ESTATE LISTINGS 11 Commerce Street, Beacon, NY 12508 4 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom From Gate House Realty: "One of a kind Italianate Victorian located in the heart of Beacon's historic district!” Price: $3,500 (rental) Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures > VIEW THIS LISTING VIEW ALL LISTINGS HEADLINE NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS   Antalek & Moore A reminder from Antalek & Moore that it is a busy time on the roads: school buses picking up children all around, parents in a rush to drop off their kids without being late to work, and kids on bikes rushing to catch first period.  Remember to be patient when a school bus is loading and unloading kids, and watch for kids walking to school. Read more helpful tips in our latest sponsored post.         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 >   BeaconArts :: Tiny Concerts at The Shelter Take the Beacon Free Loop to the next "Tiny Concerts @ The Shelter!" featuring Choi Fairbanks. Day: Saturday, September 14 Time: 1pm-2pm Location: Bus Shelter at Cliff and Main Streets (Next to Beacon Bread Co.) Tin Shingle  Need to get the word out about your business? Tin Shingle trains you in how to do this. And 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 > MASTHEAD Producers of this newsletter include: Katie Hellmuth Martin, Publisher, Writer, Designer, Photographer Marilyn Perez, Managing Editor Catherine Sweet, Editor of the Second Saturday Guide Advertise With A Little Beacon Blog The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of making it happen, and get your business in front of the community in a meaningful way. Learn More > NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Until next week!

Kids + Bus Safety Is Crucial In First Days Of School - Antalek and Moore Gives Tips (Sponsored)

The end of summer vacation comes too quickly and before you know it, it’s that time of year again! School buses are picking up children all around, parents are in a rush to drop their kids off without being late to work, and kids are on their bikes rushing to catch first period. “This can be a dangerous time because children - as well as drivers - are adjusting to back-to-school routines,” says Alex Epstein, director of Transportation Safety for the National Safety Council (NSC). Fortunately, Antalek & Moore has a few key tips to keep our community safe and happy:

BE PATIENT – STOP AND WAIT
Share the road with school buses. We know the first few days take a little longer to get the kids loaded, but be patient! Who doesn't love a good first day back-to-school picture with their kids waving from the bus?  

KIDS IN MOST DANGER NEAR THEIR BUS
According to the National Safety Council, the most dangerous area for children is within 10 feet of their bus. Give them space to load and unload. This is especially true in the first few weeks of school as kids are excited and getting used to this year's routine.
If the bus has its lights on and its stop sign out - it is never safe to pass the bus. This applies to multiple lanes as well, so be aware when traveling on a road like Route 9 as school buses may be traveling in the opposite direction.

WATCH FOR KIDS WALKING TO SCHOOL
We have a good amount of our students who walk to and from school in Beacon. Please be aware of them, especially in a school zone. Be sure to follow posted speed limits, avoid blocking crosswalks when stopped, and keep an eye out for crossing guards. 

Many children nationwide begin and end their days with a trip to and from school, whether that’s by bus, walking or biking. By exercising a little extra care and caution, we can create a happy and safe school zone. Wishing all Beacon City School District students, a happy and safe 2019-2020 school year!

How To Participate In The Spirit Of Beacon Day Parade - As A Marcher Or Table

A few readers have written in with questions about how to participate in the Spirit of Beacon Day Parade and street celebration. The parade is always on the last Sunday in September, which this year is September 29, and runs from Wolcott Ave./Polhill Park at the beginning of Main Street (near Bank Square) all the way to Tioranda Avenue (just past the Howland Cultural Center). Participants in the parade usually include the Beacon city schools, nonprofits, businesses, and others.

Learn more about the Spirit of Beacon Day here in our article about the new leadership, as well as the event’s history.

After the parade, people return to the middle of Main Street to enjoy the tables set up by different groups to come together with the community. If you are thinking of marching/rolling in the parade, or if you want a table, here are some guidelines from the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee, as posted on their new website:

Who Can Register For A Table At The Event?

Local nonprofits, community groups, schools, churches and Main Street businesses. Space is limited: The nonprofit groups get registered first (since this has been the tradition), and additional spaces will be available to Main Street businesses.

How To Register For A Table

1) Local nonprofits, community groups, schools and churches register first, during July/August. If you would like to register your community organization, contact spiritofbeacon@gmail.com.

2) Any additional spaces available after August are offered to Main Street businesses on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact spiritofbeacon@gmail.com.

Who Marches In The Parade?

Local schools, churches, not-for-profit organizations, veterans, community groups, local businesses, Beacon’s City Council and first responders (like police, firefighters, etc).

How To Participate In The Parade As A Marcher

A registration letter is sent out in July and will be also available online. Contact spiritofbeacon@gmail.com.

Spirit Of Beacon Photo Exhibit At Howland Public Library

Over 30 people submitted the best of their Beacon photos to the second annual Spirit of Beacon Photo Exhibit, produced by the The Howland Public Library (HPL) and the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee. The artistic challenge was to find the best photo that captures the essence of the "Spirit of Beacon." Is it the people, the connection to the river, the historical buildings, the beautiful mountains, all of the above, or something else?

The photos have been chosen and will be on display starting opening night, (Second) Saturday, September 14, from 5 to 7 pm. The exhibit, curated by Michelle Rivas and Jennifer Blakeslee, will be on display through Sunday, October 6.

Stop by the library on opening night to see the annual community “portrait” of the City of Beacon. 

The Howland Public Library is centrally located at 313 Main Street in Beacon, NY. For more information, go to beaconlibrary.org.

Photo by Cindy Gould

Photo by Jennifer Blakeslee

Photo by Dylan Wood

Photo by Kevin Bertholf

Photo by Bill Winter

Photo by Rick Rogers

Photo by Carolyn Glauda

Photo by Kelly Ellenwood

Photo by Cynthia Careccia

Photo Uncredited

Photo by Philomena Kiernan

Photo by Ross Corsair

Yes, There Is A Kids Halloween Parade In Beacon And It's...

You all are getting ready for Halloween already, and are writing in to ask us if there is a Kids Halloween Parade this year. Yes, there is! Always check A Little Beacon Blog’s Events Calendar for yearly events.

The Kids Halloween Parade will be Sunday, October 27, 2019. We are getting details on this year’s start time and parade route. As of now, it is the same day as the rain date for the Beacon Car Show, which is Sunday, October 20. Hopefully the weather will be great that day, with no need for a rain date.

Read more about what to expect from this Halloween Parade in our article about it.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Face Painters Wanted For Spirit Of Beacon Day

The Spirit of Beacon Day Committee is seeking volunteer face painters to give one hour of their day to being a face painter for kids between the hours of 12 pm and 4 pm. Supplies and training/orientation will be provided.

The Spirit of Beacon Day is Sunday, September 29, with a rain date of October 6, 2019.

Do you enjoy working with kids and paint? Sign up!

If you’re interested in volunteering, please email: spiritofbeacon@gmail.com.

Happening This Weekend - 9/6/2019

Plenty to do this weekend in and around Beacon! The shops we stopped into today (Luxe Optique, Zakka Joy, Darryl's Clothing Boutique, Beacon Barkery) are full, though you might not have thought, as the sidewalk was light with walkers. It was because the shoppers were inside! There is so much for you to find in Beacon. Tag us during your adventures! Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance Events Guide sponsored by The Crafty Hammer 7th Hoptember Festival at Dutchess Hops Day: Saturday, September 7, 2019 Time: 1-5pm (VIP starts at 11:30am) Location: Eastern View Farm (aka Dutchess Hops), 1167 Noxon Road, Lagrangeville, NY More than 25 local brewers, distillers and cider-makers join local farms and restaurants. Live music. Information > Closing Exhibition Performance: Ethan Cohen KUBE "Orphans of Painting II" Day: Saturday, September 7, 2019 Time: 3pm Location: 211 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon, NY Orphans of Painting II is an exhibition of international artists who may identify first and foremost as painters but expand their practice into other formal registers, creating hybridized art forms somewhat disparate from their primary medium. A special performance by Jon Tsoi will take place at 3 pm. Information > 10th Annual Chefs Farm Fresh Fundraiser Dinner at Bannerman's Day: Saturday, September 7, 2019 Time: see below Location: Bannerman's Island, Beacon, NY The Bannerman Castle Trust’s tour boat, the Estuary Steward, will bring attendees to Bannerman’s Island from the dock at the Beacon Waterfront (across from the Beacon railroad station) - for two different bookings - the first at 3 pm and the second at 4:30 pm. Information > Farm Dance Gala 2019 at Glynwood Day: Saturday, September 7, 2019 Time: 4:30-9:30pm Location: Glynwood, 362 Glynwood Road, Cold Spring, NY Information > 26th Annual Fine Arts & Craft Fair in Fishkill Day: Sunday, September 8, 2019 Time: 10am-4pm Location: Main St, Fishkill, NY Information > Wee Play Community Mural Dedication & Donor Sign Unveiling Day: Sunday, September 8, 2019 Time: 4-5pm Location: Memorial Park, Fishkill Ave, Beacon, NY During the summer, the bathroom at Memorial Park was painted by volunteers. Sunday is the Dedication Celebration after the completion of the community mural and the unveiling of the Wee Woods Donor Sign. Light refreshments provided by Wee Play. Information >   9/11: Beacon's "We Will Never Forget" Memorial Ceremony Day: Tuesday, September 11, 2019 Time: 9am Location: Patriot Park, corner of Verplanck Ave. and Matteawan Road. (near the Beacon High School track) Come together to honor, remember, and reunite. The City of Beacon and the City of Beacon Fire Department invite you to a ceremony commemorating the 18th anniversary of September 11, 2001. 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 Meow! The faux animal print is in at Darryl's Clothing Boutique! The boutique is loving fall, and you will love the jackets you see in there, both cropped and shaped. This off-the-shoulder dress from designer Eva Varro is a show-stopper, as are the other dresses - and the black belts with cool hardware that you can decorate with. Do check these out in person...   Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com Look up close at the white side of this frame: it is granite, from the Hong Kong-based design house Rigards. Available now in white or black at Luxe Optique. Usually the side eye shade is soft, but not this rock-hard design. As delicate as they look, Rigards are created to be collector's items, to be worn and handed down to the next generation.   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light) SAVE THE DATE! The next Trunk Show will be held the weekend of September 13th-15th featuring gowns by Hayley Paige. Book your appointment with Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique today or call them at (845) 761-2900! Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! Luxe Optique, Binnacle Books, Darryl's Boutique, and Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique.   Thank you to Barb's Butchery, The Pandorica, and BAJA 328 for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide! Visit A Little Beacon Blog's Restaurant Guide for all of the restaurants in Beacon, and see our Brunch Guide for your morning dining needs!     The Crafty Hammer 4 S. Chestnut St, Beacon, NY (845) 834-9665 (WOOD) @thecraftyhammerllc The Crafty Hammer is a proud sponsor of the Beacon Fairy Walk (9/21 and 9/28), a walking theatre production incorporating Beacon’s beautiful landscape. Local artists and community members create a magical path that follows a story set in a fairy grove hidden within Beacon's University Settlement Camp. SPECIAL FREE KIDS CLASS: Day: Saturday, September 14 Time: 11am-3pm RSVP: beaconfairywalk@gmail.com The Crafty Hammer in Beacon, NY is hosting a makers session for those who would like to make a fairy house to be used in the play.   Thank you to The Crafty Hammer for sponsoring the Adult Classes Guide! For a full list of upcoming classes, classes during the week, and workshops of all kinds, visit our Adult Classes Guide.     For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide. Submission Guidelines for classes you'd like us to consider adding to these guides can be found here. Time to freshen up your hair style - or beard! Find a salon in Beacon at A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide. REAL ESTATE LISTINGS 66 Roundtree Court, Beacon, NY 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathroom | Rental Home From Gate House Realty: “Great townhouse! End unit with private fenced-in yard. Large living room with French doors to deck. Gas fireplace for those cool nights. Updated kitchen with newer appliances.” Price: $2,250/month (rental) Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures > VIEW THIS LISTING VIEW ALL LISTINGS HEADLINE NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS   Antalek & Moore Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency has a special reminder for you regarding kid and bus safety now that school has started: "Share the road with school buses. We know the first few days take a little longer to get the kids loaded, but be patient! Who doesn't love a good first day back-to-school picture with their kids waving from the bus? According to the National Safety Council, the most dangerous area for children is within 10 feet of their bus. So give them space to load and unload. This is especially true in the first few weeks of school as kids are excited and getting used to this year's routine."         A Little Beacon Space :: Event Venue Host your Pop-Up, Business Meeting, Client Presentation, Workshop, and more. Now is the time to book Holiday Parties, Holiday Pop-Up Shops, and Special Events! Details > Tin Shingle  Need to get the word out about your business? Tin Shingle trains you in how to do this. And 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 > MASTHEAD Producers of this newsletter include: Katie Hellmuth Martin, Publisher, Writer, Designer, Photographer Marilyn Perez, Managing Editor Catherine Sweet, Editor of the Second Saturday Guide Advertise With A Little Beacon Blog The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of making it happen, and get your business in front of the community in a meaningful way. Learn More > NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Until next week!

New Stop Sign For Elm and Oak Streets, Making It A Four-Way Stop In The Land Of One-Way Streets

The intersection of Elm and Oak Streets is about to get a fourth stop sign, after a unanimous vote by Beacon’s City Council this week (9/3/2019), completing this intersection as a four-way stop. Located in a neighborhood featuring several one-way streets and hedges that swell into the sidewalk, peeking around the corner to see who is coming or zooming through can be difficult.

Several intersections in this area of town, which generally stretches from behind Rite Aid to Max’s on Main, do not have four-way stops. Knowing whether you need to come to a complete stop is not obvious, as sometimes there is no stop sign where you think there would be one, causing the driver to slow down, which might cause the opposite driver at the actual stop sign to consider going. It’s just all confusing.

Note to selves: Let this stop sign installation be an inspiration to moving forward with your dreams of encouraging improvements on streets around you. If you wish something were so, go on down to a City Council meeting and ask for it - with logic informing you and in a gentle tone (some folks can be quite feisty, but kindness helps… You also might start by emailing your council representative). For instance, there are vanishing sidewalks and crosswalks to nowhere at Verplanck and Willow Street, making crossing safely at any of the four corners unsafe, and actually impossible if you are rolling in a wheelchair or pushing a stroller.

Electric wheelchair traffic is common in Beacon. Broken or non-existent sidewalks are a barrier to travel, leaving lots of pedestrians and electric rollers to travel in the street.

Mayor Issues Warning About Aggressive Driving In Beacon - Police Are Ticketing!

During a recent City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 3, Mayor Casale issued a warning to everyone driving that the police are out looking for aggressive driving, and are ready to give tickets. During their meetings this summer, the City Council has been talking about parking issues, possibilities of bike lanes, and traffic congestion in general.

“Police have been on Main Street to watch for this aggressive driving. I sat in a storefront and saw seven U-turns. This is your warning. If you get a ticket, don't call me. Be aware of the law.”

As Main Street fills up with vehicle traffic from tourists and locals, so has reckless driving, especially as the weekend approaches. Illegal U-turns are commonplace, passing on the double yellow line while a car is parking is becoming normal (it’s not legal and is super dangerous… it’s easy to flatten a pedestrian you don’t see crossing while a car is parallel parking), young kids on bikes are doing wheelies while taunting traffic, and other mischievous fun.

The double yellow lines just started getting their seasonal repaint job this week, as announced by the City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero.

Exit 11… No, Wait… Exit 41…? Where Am I? Beacon Exit on I-84 Changes To 41

The story first broke on Brian PJ Cronin’s Instagram, when he teased out that Beacon’s iconic Exit 11 had changed numbers to be Exit 41. It was part of an article he was working on to be published later that week in print in the Highlands Current newspaper.

According to his reporting, the State Department of Transportation initiated the number change to give it some logic (if you know the relevance of 11, chime in in the comments below). The exits on I-84 now correspond to how far away the exit is from the Pennsylvania border. Beacon is apparently 41 miles, and Fishkill, with its new exit number, is 44.

As you are driving, and you pass Exit 41 and expect to see Exit 42 - well, you won’t. The numbers only go by the mileage. Not being highway experts, and not having inquired yet with the state highway department, we’re not sure that a regular driver would get the relevance of 41 to 44. Do all exits work this way? We hadn’t really thought about it, but will now pay attention to the numbering systems while on the road in different states.

Exit 11 had been commemorated years ago by the owners of Mountain Tops Outfitters with a line of sweatshirts and T-shirts with “Exit 11” proudly printed on them. They produced the T-shirts even before opening their shop. Will they stop printing the gear? According to Brian’s article, quoting Katy Behney, co-owner of the store, they will continue. “It helps define everyone who arrived in Beacon prior to now. We’re the Exit 11 generation.”

There is a reference used in Beacon that we don’t use here on the blog: “old Beacon” and “new Beacon.” It’s become at times a contentious label, so we don’t encourage it. Further, it’s not clearly defined. We have had people refer to themselves as “old Beacon” after moving here 10 years ago. I moved here 10 years ago, and I’d never apply that label to me! I was thinking 30 years was the minimum to be “old Beacon.”

As for the exit, however, “old” has been declared on the sign itself with a helpful hint underneath: “Exit 41 (old exit 11).” So there is certainty in Exit 11!

The original Exit 11 has been thrown to the ground and not yet taken away. Nature has slowly started creeping over the sign, swallowing it into the earth.

Sniff sniff. Long live Exit 11. Respect to the new Exit 41 and the logic it’s trying to promote.

Happening This Weekend 8/30/2019

Happy Labor Day Weekend! As we acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of American workers, let's not forget that not everyone is off this weekend, so give any business you see open this weekend a super high-five! If you're like a lot of locals in Beacon who have hit the road, and you are itching to do the same for a mini-staycation or just something different, get into your car and hit up these drive-in movie theaters that are open through September! Several are dog-friendly, and the menu of one movie drive-in has our writer Izdihar Dabashi totally distracted by the food (a hand-spun shake with flavors such as baklava, anyone?). Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance. Events Guide sponsored by The Crafty Hammer Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide. Flora Good Times Opening Day Celebration Day: Sunday, September 1, 2019 Time: 12 to 5 pm Location: 197 Main St., Beacon, NY Your favorite little flower shop on Main Street, Flora, has a new friendly owner, Corinne Bryson, and we've got the scoop on what you can expect from the shop here in this article. Hear it from her, though, when you meet her at her party! Artifact Beacon and Wares Closing Forever This Weekend - BUT... Don't freak out just yet! Yes, two of your favorite artisan stores on the west end of Beacon 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 are, so hurry in, and take advantage of 20% off at Artifact and Wares. Big sales!! More details about the beginning of their new shop is here in this article. Artifact Beacon: 17 East Main St. (down the street/hill from Dogwood) Wares: 2 Tioronda Ave. (the cute little house near the silos) 20% Off And Big Sales In Both Stores Labor Day Weekend Only 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 Yowza! This sexy, seamless black top from Lysee is at Darryl's Clothing Boutique right now, and you need it in your closet. Super versatile, this stretchy fabric will work on its own or under a jacket until the moment you need to throw it aside to reveal the dramatic sleeve detail.   Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com Did you know that Luxe Optique accepts the Care Credit card? It's true. If you got this card for your cat's vet bill, or your dentist, you can also use it for your face with a purchase of frames. In terms of insurance, Luxe Optique does file your out-of-network forms for you, so that a reimbursement check might arrive in the mail.   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main Street, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light) That veil... This dress... The gorgeous gown from Hayley Paige has a plunging sweetheart neckline and horsehair trim. A very flirty gown, make an appointment today to try it on, and see what else is in the bridal boutique. Book your appointment with Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique today! Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! Luxe Optique, Binnacle Books, Darryl's Boutique, and Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique.   Thank you to Barb's Butchery, The Pandorica, and BAJA 328 for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide! Visit A Little Beacon Blog's Restaurant Guide for all of the restaurants in Beacon, and see our Brunch Guide for your morning dining needs!     The Crafty Hammer 4 S. Chestnut Street, Beacon, NY (845) 834-9665 (WOOD) @thecraftyhammerllc So many toys - we mean tools - in The Crafty Hammer! This machine is for making smooth cuts for cutting boards. The cutting board is one of many projects you can decorate during a workshop or private team-building workshop. Bend & Brew Yoga w/ Firefly Yoga Day: Thursday, September 5, 2019 Time: 6:30 pm Location: Sloop Brewing Co., 755 East Drive, East Fishkill, NY Information > Thank you to The Crafty Hammer for sponsoring the Adult Classes Guide! For a full list of upcoming classes, classes during the week, and workshops of all kinds, visit our Adult Classes Guide.     For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide. Submission Guidelines for classes you'd like us to consider adding to these guides can be found here. Time to freshen up your hair style - or beard! Find a salon in Beacon at A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide. REAL ESTATE LISTINGS 588 Washington Avenue, Beacon, NY 4 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom | Rental Home From Gate House Realty: “Lovely colonial home with beautiful park-like property. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Wood-burning stove in den, walk out to deck. Updated kitchen with new granite countertops, gas range, and microwave. Separate heated outbuilding perfect for an office or studio. Pets welcome with security.” Price: $2,300/month (rental) Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures > VIEW THIS LISTING VIEW ALL LISTINGS HEADLINE NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS   Antalek & Moore Antalek & Moore partner Susan Pagones has accepted the #HVBetterU Challenge! Cheer her on this month as she makes the commitment to her heart. "This hits really close to home for me, as my mother died suddenly at the age of 57 from heart disease." Susan will be participating all month, and has more initiatives to come to promote heart health.         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. Also included in this training: 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 > MASTHEAD Producers of this newsletter include: Katie Hellmuth Martin, Publisher, Writer, Designer, Photographer Marilyn Perez, Managing Editor Catherine Sweet, Editor of the Second Saturday Guide Advertise With A Little Beacon Blog The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of making it happen, and get your business in front of the community in a meaningful way. Learn More > NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Until next week!

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