In 2017, citing concern for water usage with big increases is new residential building, Beacon voted in a temporary six-month moratorium on residential development to pause new proposals as it reviewed current water supply plans. This year, the City Council has been discussing a second temporary moratorium to reflect upon current water usage and sources, which it voted unanimously to approve on September 3, 2019.
Beacon gets its water from three reservoirs, two wells, and purchased gallons from Fishkill. In February 2019, Well #2 was taken offline due to “high turbidity from silting.” WSP (Formerly LBG Hydrogeologic & Engineering Services) examined the well and determined that the “excessive silting was entering the well from a fracture about 240 feet down,” according to the notes in the city’s Resolution for the proposed second moratorium.
When reviewing whether Beacon had enough water supply during the current building of new apartments, WSP did indicate that there was enough water. From the Resolution: “WSP performed a Water Supply Adequacy review with Well #2 out of service, incorporating and assessing the water needs of existing developments, and projects in the process of being built, recently approved and pending before the Planning Board. WSP’s review concluded that there is an adequate supply of water and an approximate surplus of 170,000 gpd (gallons per day).”
However, members of the City Council felt the desire to be cautious. The Council has been spending the summer and beyond reviewing zoning laws to consider tightening and refining for future development projects. Noted in the Resolution was this intent from the Council: “In addition, the intent and purpose of this Local Law is to allow the City a measured amount of time to review and revise targeted zoning laws, specifically focusing on amending the City’s use and dimensional tables and establishing new regulations for the Linkage Zoning District. The City Planner is in the process of amending the City’s Schedule of Dimensional Regulations, in its entirety, and Schedule of Use Regulations, in its entirety, for all residential and non-residential zoning districts in the City of Beacon. The proposed amendments will greatly impact the type and scale of development permitted in each Zoning District. The moratorium will allow the City to complete and adopt these new comprehensive regulations to promote efficient and sustainable long-term growth in the City of Beacon.”
Overall, City Council cited imprudence as the justification for the moratorium: “The City is concerned that approving new development proposals while repairs are being made to Well #2 would be imprudent and it would not be fair to applicants to entertain new applications during this time of uncertainty because the success of the repairs to Well #2 will be unknown until the work is completed in three (3) months.”
Shopping is so good on Beacon’s Main Street. Think you know all the shops here? Make sure you do, by keeping up on A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide. And check the Restaurant Guide too! Before you blink away, thinking you already know everything about town, check out a few things we’ve noticed recently:
1. People who have lived here their whole lives still see Beacon’s Main Street as boarded-up and a place to avoid. What silliness! We dare you to take a walk right now. Or try the free bus.
2. People who have lived here for 10+ years quickly insist they know everything and every restaurant. Guarantee that you don’t! Want to know how we know that? Because shops and restaurants change a lot! The good news is, more shops are finding their stride and succeeding longer. Sometimes a move is necessary and they hop down the street to a new location!
3. People who live here and just don’t venture out. Sparkle your life in sunshine!
First announced at the October 7, 2019, City Council meeting by City Manager Anthony Ruggiero, the City of Beacon is in a Stage 1 Drought. While you may expect drought conditions in the summer, Beacon did have plenty of rainfall this season. Droughts have been declared in past fall and winter months, including October 23, 2017 and December 9, 2016.
Beaconites use between 2.4 and 2.6 million gallons of water per day. The water comes from two wells, and three reservoirs that depend on rainfall to fill up: Cargill, Melzingah, and Mount Beacon. Beacon also buys water from Fishkill. Currently, Well #2 has been taken offline due to a fracture 240 feet down, which was causing “high turbidity from silting.” Repairs to Well #2 are expected to take three months.
As of October 7, the three reservoirs were below the designated safe levels by the following amounts: Cargill (6 feet), Melzingah (15 feet-plus), and Mount Beacon (8 feet) according to Edward Balicki, director of operations for the Beacon Water Department. “These levels place the total capacity at about 60 percent, which is the main parameter for the Stage 1 Alert,” said Edward in a letter to the City of Beacon.
Beacon is currently in a building moratorium, with water supply concerns cited as the justification for the six-month pause in approving new building applications (get moratorium details here). During a water study, it was determined that there is enough water, and even a projected surplus. But the City Council is proceeding with caution.
Hasn’t It Been Raining? Will The Reservoirs Fill Up?
Despite the rain during the past two weeks, the reservoirs have not filled up. But, they have held steady. “There has been no significant change to the reservoir levels since the Drought notice [on October 7, 2019], which is a good thing,” said Anthony via email to A Little Beacon Blog. “The recent rainfall has helped hold the reservoirs to the same levels from two weeks ago. There is more rain forecasted for tomorrow [Tuesday] and possibly several days next week.”
Recommended Water Conservation Methods
There are several actions you can take to conserve water, which are recommended by the city, including:
Limit car washing to commercial vehicle-washing facilities (i.e. car washes).
Limit the washing of sidewalks, driveways or outdoor areas.
Limit the use of water for ornamental purposes, including waterfalls, pools and ponds.
Limit the filling of pools (pretty easy this time of year!).
Only water lawns between the hours of 7 am and 8 am and 10 pm and 11 pm.
Repair any leaking pipes or faulty plumbing. (This should be done anyway to limit wasted water and reduce the consumer’s water bill, according to the city.)
Refrain from opening any hydrant without permission from the Water Department.
GRAND OPENING Cold Fit Cryotherapy Day: Saturday, October 19, 2019 Time: 11 am to 2 pm Location: Cold Fit Cryotherapy, 473 Main St., Suite 4, Beacon, NY
Karen Burghart is one of Beacon's newest business owners on Main Street, bringing Cold Fit Cryotherapy to the former Watkins Press building that now has an architecture firm in the storefront.
Karen is a dancer, and cryotherapy is her remedy of choice for healing aches and pains. Cryotherapy is popular out west in California, and is a method where super-dry cold vapor is applied to the entire body in a chamber for up to three minutes, or in localized treatments with a wand.
Cryotherapy can be used to destroy fat cells, or heal aches and pains, according to Cold Fit’s website. The type of cold is important, as it is dry vapor, versus a wet cold. Think dry Arizona heat or a sauna, versus humid Hudson Valley heat (and cold).
You can see for yourself during a special Open House on Saturday, October 19, 2019, during Cold Fit’s Grand Opening celebration. The day includes an opening exhibit of works by local artist Ellen Shea.
Light refreshments will be served. RSVP is recommended to (845) 842-8085, but walk-ins are welcome. Cold Fit Cryotherapy is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog’s Beauty Guide, and we thank them for their support!
Get cozy this weekend! It is one filled with outside opportunities. The weather seems to have impacted the trial run of the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry, as the anticipated trial weekend has been canceled for this weekend. Hopefully there won't be a gas leak on Main Street like there was last Saturday.
Newburgh Literary Festival
Day: Friday to Sunday, October 18-20, 2019 Time: 6:30 pm Location: Atlas Industries, 11 Spring St., Newburgh NY (see link for all locations)
This new festival is organized by Safe Harbors board member Hannah Brooks and novelist and memoirist Danielle Trussoni - two Newburgh neighbors who wanted to build an event around all of the writers that have been more recently drawn to our neck of the woods, and draw some talent up from the city as well. A Little Beacon Blog's literary beat writer Phoebe Zinman tells you all about it in our latest article. Information >
Häxan, Witchcraft Through the Ages, with original live score by Jamie Saft
Day: Friday, October 18, 2019 Time: 8:30 pm Location: Story Screen, 445 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Grace Smith Pumpkin Parade Day: Saturday, October 19, 2019 Time: 11 am to 3 pm (lineup at 10:30 am) Location: Pulaski Park (at the waterfront), Poughkeepsie, NY Information >
Read more about Grace Smith House and this wonderful event in our article.
Rummage Sale at St. Joachim - St. John the Evangelist Church Day: Saturday, October 19, 2019 (last day) Time: 9 am to 12 pm Location: 51 Leonard St., Beacon, NY, in the gymnasium of the church.
Everyone has been going since Thursday. Saturday is your last chance!
GRAND OPENING! Cold Fit Cryotherapy
Day: Saturday, October 19, 2019 Time: 11 am to 2 pm Location: Cold Fit Cryotherapy, 473 Main St., Suite 4
Beacon, NY
Karen Burghart is one of Beacon's newest business owners on Main Street, bringing Cold Fit Cryotherapy to the former Watkins Press building that now has an architecture firm in the storefront. Karen is a dancer, and cryotherapy is her remedy of choice for healing aches and pains. Please join us in celebrating the Grand Opening as they present works by local artist Ellen Shea. This is a great opportunity to get inside of the cryotherapy center to see the art, and learn about the benefits of cryotherapy, "a natural and holistic approach to health and wellness," says Karen. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP recommended to (845) 842-8085, but walk-ins are welcome. Cold Fit Cryotherapy is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and we thank them for their support! Information >
Stony Kill Not-So-Haunted Barn
Day: Saturday, October 19, 2019 Time: 4 to 7 pm Location: Stony Kill Farm, 1 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY Information >
Elysium Furnace Works presents Robin Holcomb
Day: Saturday, October 19, 2019 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
9th Annual Classic Car Show In Beacon
Presented by Beacon's Chamber of Commerce and Dutchess Cruisers
Day: Sunday, October 20, 2019 (rain date Sunday, October 27th) Time: 9 am to 4 pm Location: Main Street, Beacon Information >
Classics for Kids presents Duo Scorpio - New Music For Two Harps
Day: Sunday, October 20, 2019 Time: 12 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Beacon’s Pumpkin Festival
Day: Sunday, October 20, 2019 Time: 12 to 5 pm Location: Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, Beacon, NY Information >
Meet The Candidates Seeking Election to Beacon’s City Council & County Legislature
Day: Tuesday and Wednesday, October 22 and 23, 2019 Time: 7:30 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.
Tin Shingle Presents
Slime Pop-Up Shop, a Kidz Shop Day: Sunday, October 20, 2019 Time: 12 to 4 pm Location: A Little Beacon Space, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY
The first kidz-run pop-up shop at A Little Beacon Space, L + R (Lily + Ruby), presented by its sponsor, Tin Shingle. Two elementary school students have been making lots and lots of slime in different colors and textures, and are selling it in this mini-pop-up shop! While supplies last (and while their energy/focus lasts). Different slime textures and colors will be available. Cloud Slime. Angry Slime. Satisfying Slime! Stop by as your visit the Car Show, and before you hit the Pumpkin Festival. Take a peek in this video!
Still Going On... Sleepwalker Pop-Up Days: Saturday, October 12 to Sunday, November 10, 2019 Time: 6 to 8 pm Location: 480 Main St., Beacon, NY (inside The Chocolate Studio)
Human consumerism and globalization has led to unsustainable living wages for the American working class and the precipitous decline of our planet. Sleepwalker challenges this apparent inevitability by posing a challenge. Is is possible to create and sell products within a community, priced within $5 of a comparable product found at a big-box store, while providing a $20/hour wage?
BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique
155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com
Getting into the witchy vibes, this week we're featuring this Eva Varro grommet dress available now at Darryl's. The dress fits like a dream and feels like heaven when you have it on. But Darryl's co-owner, Ed Coviello, has a styling tip for you: "Ditch the boots. This dress is more elegant than funky." You be the judge! Go in and try it on. The shop is open seven days.
Luxe Optique
183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com
These bold designs from theo eyewear have arrived at Luxe Optique. This line of eyewear is some of the most creative and bold - in the world. Yes, it is safe to make such a big claim with this eyewear designer. The company is pretty bold, and you are too if you like this line. Lots of colors and shapes in stock at Luxe Optique right now. Go inside!
Eat Church Food Truck 511 Fishkill Avenue
at Industrial Arts Brewing (past Auto Zone and the Barking Frog)
Eat Church's very own Hudson Valley bounty on the grill. Meanwhile, the Pig Roast continues during their "Sunday Service" from 12 to 7 pm (rotisserie chicken and veggie options will be available). All served with Coconut Rice, Red Thai Curry, and Som Tam Papaya Salad! Better get there early. Open Thursday to Saturday until 10 pm, closing at 7 on Sundays.
The Crafty Hammer
4 South Chestnut St., Beacon, NY
(845) 834-9665 (WOOD) @thecraftyhammerllc
Workshops at The Crafty Hammer usually revolve around designing boards. This picture serves as a guide for the different sizes and prices of each board, which comes with a design stencil that you paint and decorate. Have a design customized for you, or select from lots and lots of designs they have on hand. The Crafty Hammer is available for kids birthday parties, group workshops, team building, and more. Reach out to them today!
Defensive Driving Course
Day:Saturday, October 19, 2019 Time: 8:30 am to 3 pm Location: Antalek & Moore, 340 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Lime Mortar + Plaster Restoration Workshops
Day: Friday, October 18, 2019 Time: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Location: Hudson Valley House Parts, 159 Broadway, Newburgh, NY Information >
50 Mountain Lane, Beacon, NY 12508 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom From Gate House Realty: "Sitting on almost a half-acre, perched on a rolling hill landscape, this cottage strikes the perfect balance, with Old World charm and a touch of contemporary upgrades." Price: $294,000 Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures >
Antalek & Moore
Susan Pagones Antalek, of Antalek & Moore, has been working hard as a participant in the #HVBetterU Challenge, an initiative from the American Heart Association. We have an interview with her coming up. She will be speaking at the 2019 Dutchess-Ulster Go Red for Women Luncheon, where the Keynote Speaker is Maria Schiavocampo, special correspondent for The Dr. Oz Show and an author.
A Little Beacon Space :: Event Venue
Great for Board Meetings, Business Meetings, Client Presentations, and Workshops. Coming soon: Webinar Recording! Details >
BeaconArts
Three done, three to go! Installing bus shelter artwork for Beacon Arts. Artwork by high school student Melanie Perez. Look for the others throughout Beacon, including a new one by the train station. They will all be installed by November 1. PS: Notice Beacon Arts' new logo!
Tin Shingle
Instagram released a new feature to softly hide unwanted, negative, rude, bullish comments from regular trolls. It's different from "blocking" in that the rude person won't know their comment has vanished. Poof! Find out how it can work for you. Get Info >
Beacon Chamber of Commerce Business Directory
Is your business in the Business Directory of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce yet? No? Why not? It really 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 just in from the desk of Beacon’s City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero:
Newburgh & Beacon Pilot Tourist River-Boat Program for the Weekend of October 19 and October 20 Cancelled
“The Newburgh & Beacon Pilot Tourist River-Boat Program for the weekend of Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20 is being cancelled due to weather conditions and logistical concerns. The partners, the Cities of Newburgh and Beacon, and Orange County and Dutchess County, regret the cancellation, but are already looking towards next year.”
For more information, people are directed to contact the following:
City of Newburgh Department of Planning and Development, Alexandra Church, planning@cityofnewburgh-ny.gov or (845) 569-9400
City of Beacon City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero, MPA, at aruggiero@cityofbeacon.org or (845) 838.5009
Orange County Planning Department planning@orangecountygov.com or (845) 615.3840
Was the first trial of the Newburgh/Beacon Ferry a success? According to Gabe Berlin, chair of the Newburgh Transportation Committee: “I was told almost every run on the Saturday was nearly full.”
Tin Shingle Presents Slime Pop-Up Shop, a Kidz Shop Day: Sunday, October 20, 2019 Time: 12 to 4 pm Location: A Little Beacon Space, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY L + R (Lily + Ruby) is the first kidz-run pop-up shop at A Little Beacon Space, presented by the slime shop’s sponsor, Tin Shingle. Two elementary school students have been making lots and lots of slime in different colors and textures, and are selling it in this mini-pop-up shop! While supplies last (and while their energy/focus lasts). Different slime textures and colors will be available. Cloud Slime. Angry Slime. Satisfying Slime! Stop by as you visit the Car Show, and before you hit the Pumpkin Festival down at the waterfront.
If you were wondering what the hours-long street closure was all about last Saturday on a block of Main Street that houses retail destinations like The Pandorica, Play, Beetle and Fred, Kitchen Sink and others, you can know that despite what the yellow tape said (Crime Scene Do Not Cross), it was really a gas leak.
Central Hudson was on the scene to repair the leak. Residents reported that they could smell the gas. One rumor included a rupture, but people in the area did not hear anything, and Beacon’s City Manager Anthony Ruggiero confirms that there was no rupture.
Anthony also stated via an email interview with A Little Beacon Blog that he does not believe future work is needed to the site, and a new street closure is not anticipated.
This happened on a busy day for Beacon businesses and art galleries, as it was a combined weekend of Second Saturday and Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day, which for many is a three-day holiday weekend. Beacon sidewalks were quite busy with people enjoying the early Autumn weather. Some retail destinations were closed for hours as Central Hudson made repairs.
My daughter, 8, is sitting next to me at Trax on a beautiful Sunday morning reading McMummy by Betsy Byars for a book report and it’s really pretty deep. I’m feeling the sweet and sad parallels between the vegetable mummy disintegrating into green scraps and the main character’s feelings of loss around the inherited box he has of his dad’s things. Deep!
I’m reading a new book of poetry I special ordered from Binnacle Books. It’s called Pecking Order by Nicole Homer and it’s about race and motherhood and I’m loving it. The book is published by Write Bloody, which seems like a pretty rad, scrappy press and I’d like to read more of their authors.
Also, Homer’s poem “Underbelly” is deeply affecting and totally worth a read on poets.org:
“Let me say it another way: I like to call myself wound
but I will answer to knife. “
Well, dang.
So – here’s to super lovely Hudson Valley blue skies full of wispy clouds and crisp breezes that keep the sun from being too hot, and some stupendous upcoming events to make it all come together this fall like caramel and apples.
Safe Harbors’ Newburgh Literary Festival
This edition of Writerly Happenings is going to mostly focus on the Safe Harbors’ Newburgh Literary Festival this coming weekend, Friday to Sunday, October 18 to 20!
This is an amazing new festival coming to our area, and there’s so much to celebrate! The festival is organized by Safe Harbors board member Hannah Brooks and novelist and memoirist Danielle Trussoni - two Newburgh neighbors who wanted to build an event around all of the writers that have been more recently drawn to our neck of the woods, and draw some talent up from the city as well.
“The word was in the air,” said Hannah when I recently asked her about their motivation for creating this event. They reached out to Atlas Studios, who had recently started the Spring Street Reading Series with Ruth Danon, as well as the Newburgh Free Library, and the organic process moved very quickly from there. Always a good sign you are on the right track!
So - what does the literary festival have in store for us?
Mitchell Jackson
Friday Night
Friday night at 6:30 pm at Atlas (11 Spring St., Newburgh) there’s a reading and reception featuring author Mitchell Jackson, winner of the Whiting Award and the PEN/Hemingway Award for debut fiction.
Also reading will be poet Gretchen Primack, whose work has been published in The Paris Review, Prairie Schooner, Ploughshares, The Antioch Review and many others. I’m going to miss this and I’m so sad about it I could cry. Please go in my stead, sweet readers.
Saturday Day
Safe Harbors will host the Festival’s Main Event on Saturday,October 19, from 2 to 6 pm at the Ritz (107 Broadway, Newburgh), with a robust, full-day program of readings, interviews, podcasts, film clips and Q&A with nationally-recognized authors and poets.
Among them will be Maria Dahvana Headley, creator of The Mere Wife, the celebrated and politically topical adaptation of Beowulf; Molly Ringwald (!!!), actor and author of the critically acclaimed story collection When it Happens to You; Bettina “Poet Gold” Wilkerson, Dutchess County poet laureate; Edwin Torres of Nuyorican Poets Café; and award-winning novelists Panio Gianopoulos, Danielle Trussoni, Crystal Hana Kim, and Elizabeth (Betsy) Crane.
Saturday Night Cocktail Reception & Local Authors Fair
A cocktail reception and Local Authors Fair from 6 to 8 pm will follow the day’s events. Tickets are $20 available online and at the door the day of the event. Students, $10 at the door with valid ID.
Sunday Day
Sunday, October 20, will feature two live-writing workshops that are almost sold out already: First, How to Tell the Story of Your Life, led by novelist and memoirist Danielle Trussoni at Safe Harbors Ann Street Gallery, 104 Ann St., Newburgh, 10 am to noon; and Surprise Yourself; Surprise Your Reader, with poet Ruth Danon at Atlas Studios Gallery, 11 Spring St., Newburgh, 1 to 3 pm. Tickets are $25 per person, per workshop.
Special Note For Friday and Saturday
Also on Friday and Saturday, from 11 am to 5 pm, the Ann Street Gallery at 104 Ann St., will present TEXT, a group exhibition of text-based art.
Safe Harbors is all about community engagement and blocks of tickets have been provided to area high school and college students. This is an inspiring program on so many levels.
“So I’ll see you there, babies, with bell jars on. ”
— Phoebe Zinman
AND if you needed any more motivation, local merchants and restaurants will be offering discounts throughout the weekend for Festival attendees.
So I’ll see you there, babies, with bell jars on. Let’s support this inaugural event in the hopes that not only does it become a regular thing, but the ongoing smaller and inclusive projects that the organizers hope to be able to fund throughout the year can come to fruition.
Speaking of fruition, let’s see these other notable happenings blossom!
No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works in Beacon has a pretty special exhibit up this month: Hatched In The Drift features works on paper by Mariam Aziza Stephan and poetry by Julia Johnson.
Local author Virginia Sole-Smith will be conversating with Nicki Sizemore on Friday, October 25, at Split Rock Books in Cold Spring about Sizemore’s new cookbook, Fresh Flavors for the Slow Cooker. My crock pot saves my family from starving on a fairly regular basis, so this seems not to miss.
And just in case we don’t get back here before (Second) Saturday, November 9, from 3 to 5 pm the Beahive on Main Street in Beacon will present writers Ken Holland and Maceo J. Whitaker to celebrate the book launch of Maceo's debut collection of poems, Narco Farm.
Sigrid Nunez
Slightly farther afield, on November 11th Bard College presents a reading by National Book Award winner Sigrid Nunez. That’s a treat, not a trick.
Speaking of tricks, double check all your candy, hide all the wrappers, and soak up that glorious sun while you can.
Attendees of the 2018 Grace Pumpkin Parade march into Waryas Park in the City of Poughkeepsie. (Courtesy/Grace Smith House, Inc.)
Grace Smith House will be hosting their annual Grace Pumpkin Parade in Poughkeepsie on Saturday, October 19, from 11 am to 3 pm; lineup for the parade starts at 10:30 am. Go ahead and don a costume, march, build a float, or just enjoy the day’s festivities as you show the community that you reject family violence.
Parade Route
The parade begins at Pulaski Park, down by the Walkway Over The Hudson, and will make its way through the city up to Main Street, ending at Waryas Park. There will be plenty of spots to spectate and cheer on the ghouls marching to empower survivors of domestic violence.
What is Grace Smith House?
Since 1981, Grace Smith House has provided residential and non-residential assistance for victims of domestic violence and their children. They provide emergency shelter, counseling, transitional housing, advocacy, legal assistance, preventative education and more to residents of Dutchess County, NY, and surrounding areas.
Their crisis hotline is available 24/7 at (845) 471-3033. Visit their website at www.gracesmithhouse.org.
Second Saturday is overflowing with openings, closings, and continuings! Clockwise from top right: Alberto Burstzyn’s Beacon Moose in Beacon 3D; Liao Yibai’s work in Eustatia at the brand-new Global Art Museum; Meghan Spiro’s wrenching, important Without Fear & Full of Love at Bau Gallery; Mariam Aziza Stephan and Julia Johnson’s Hatched in the Drift at No. 3 Reading Room & Photo Book Works; and the closing weeks of John Sabraw’s Anthrotopographies at the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries.
Happy Second Saturday, Beacon! This is one of the most action-packed Second Saturdays in recent memory: More than a dozen new shows are opening, so don’t delay - head out there and see some art! We’ve got the whole roundup in our Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide.
Notable: The sculptures around town of Beacon 3D are set to come down soon, probably end of November, so make sure you spot them all! Also in its waning days: Anthrotopographies, John Sabraw’s look at the effects of human development on natural places. A brand-spankin-new gallery is open with the Global Art Museum. At No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works, artist Mariam Aziza Stephan and poet Julia Johnson will be at the gallery for a reception for their Hatched in the Drift. Longtime Beacon studio-gallery Maria Lago has new work up in her studio on the mountain side of Main Street. Hudson Valley photographer Randy Calderone has his first solo show, What I Saw, up at Oak Vino. And at Bau, photographer Meghan Spiro puts a face to the horror of domestic violence - and also recovery - in her Without Fear & Full of Love.
Full descriptions of all of these shows - and so very many more! Once you've figured out where to park, what's next? If you're in need of a bite to eat, check out the Restaurant Guide. Itching to show local shopkeepers some love? We've got a Shopping Guide at your fingertips. Thank you for supporting the businesses that help support A Little Beacon Blog! We couldn't do this without you — or them. Happy Second Saturday strolling!
This weekend is October's Second Saturday in Beacon, and wow, is it a big one. The No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works, down near Brother's Trattoria, has opened again after taking a summer hiatus. This is your chance to step inside the mysterious destination, where at times they have the blinds drawn to protect the work inside. Maria Lago has new work in her gallery, with Cartas a Mi Madre.
While you're exploring, do step inside the Marion Royael gallery. Go allllll the way to the back to experience Mr. Yard, as we did yesterday. Here's a walk-through.
Top 1: At No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works: artist Mariam Aziza Stephen and poet Julia Johnson, Hatched in the Drift; artist talk at 5:30 pm Saturday
Left 2: At the Gallery at Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries, it's the last Second Saturday to see John Sabraw's Anthrotopographies.
Right 3: Global Art Museum (new venue); Liao Yibai's work in Eustatia opening show.
Left 4: Randy Calderone's What I Saw solo photography show at Oak Vino.
Right 5: Meghan Spiro at Bau Gallery, Without Fear & Full of Love, a deeply personal autobiographical art show exploring the theme of domestic violence. Read more about the show at WagMag.
HV Tech Festival & Hackathon
Day: Friday & Saturday, October 11-12, 2019 Time:Visit website for Conference & Hackathon schedule Location: SUNY Orange & Mount St. Mary’s College, Newburgh, NY Information >
The Beacon Record & CD Fest
Day: Saturday, October 12, 2019 Time: 9 am to 5 pm Location: Veterans Memorial Hall Building, 413 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Walk & Talk: Let’s Talk Trees
Day: Saturday, October 12, 2019 Time: 10 am Location: Dennings Point, Water Ecology Center, 199 Dennings Ave., Beacon, NY Information >
Bubbles & Balance
Day: Saturday, October 12, 2019 Time: 5 to 8 pm Location: The Inn & Spa at Beacon, 151 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
The Beacon Historical Society Hosts 3rd Annual Ghost Tour
Days: Saturday & Sunday, October 12-13, 2019 Time: 6 pm Location: Veterans Memorial Hall Building, 413 Main St. (Teller Avenue Lawn), Beacon NY Information >
beBhakti Anniversary Party
Day: Saturday, October 12, 2019 Time: 7 to 9 pm Location: beBhakti Yoga, 89 DeWindt St., Beacon, NY Information >
East Northeast (ENE) International Film Festival
Dates: October 10-14, 2019 Time: Visit website for schedule. Location: Newburgh, NY Information >
Community Book Drive For Incarcerated People in the Hudson Valley
Days: Oct. 12-Nov. 1, 2019 Time: After 12 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Niche Fall Factory Sale
Here's your chance to get 50 percent to 80 percent off beautiful, handmade lighting from this mega-brand that is based in Beacon. Day: Saturday & Sunday, October 12-13, 2019 Time: Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 2 pm Location: Niche Factory, 310 Fishkill Ave., Unit #11, Beacon, NY Information >
8th Annual Catoberfest Day: Sunday, October 13, 2019 Time: 4 to 8 pm Location: Hudson Valley Brewery, 2 Churchill St., Beacon, NY Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.
The Great Pumpkin Run
Day: Saturday, October 12, 2019 Time: Registration, 7 am; race, 9 am Location: Kelder’s Farm, 5755 US-209, Kerhonkson, NY Information >
Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique
155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com SALE ALERT! 20% Off
Just in time for fall weather - find cozy yet fitted sweaters to keep you warm as the temperatures drop. Pick up one this weekend and do visit their clearance rack in the back! Plenty of dresses are in stock, and jewelry too. Did you see the "Witchy Sleeve" dress we love? In our Insta-Stories now. Look through the racks. You're going to find something you're going to get compliments on.
SECOND SATURDAY ART: Pictured here is Darryl himself hanging a painting from Beacon-based artist Catherine Welshman that remains on display.
Luxe Optique
183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com
There are plenty of delicate wire-frames in stock at Luxe Optique, but there are also these deliciously thick and glossy frames for those of you who need an update to your collection. Think of glasses as you do your shoes: You need different ones with different moods and outfits. Walk in and try on a pair!
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main Street, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the dummy light)
As the weather gets cooler, it can be nice to add an extra layer, whether it's for traveling to the reception or in between taking outdoor photos. We love this stunning Bridal Jacket by @bylillianwest. PS: Did you see that Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique is expanding?
Eat Church Food Truck 511 Fishkill Ave., Beacon
at Industrial Arts Brewing (past Auto Zone and the Barking Frog)
It is happening... a pig roast at Eat Church during their "Sunday Service," from 12 noon to 7 pm (rotisserie chicken and veggie options will be available). All served with Coconut Rice, Red Thai Curry, and Som Tam Papaya Salad! Better get there early.
The Crafty Hammer
4 South Chestnut St., Beacon, NY
845-834-9665 (WOOD) @thecraftyhammerllc
The Crafty Hammer has a new lineup of screw guns for the shop, and a sweet new scroll saw for cutting intricate pieces. Try these out at their upcoming workshops starting October 19! They're working hard to finalize the website and their workshop listings this week. It will be up and running soon. Stay tuned!
Carson Calhoun Workshop Series
Days: October 11-13, 2019 Time: Visit website for workshop times Location: Firefly Yoga, 992 Main St., Fishkill, NY
Workshops include Rocket Yoga, Arm Balances & Inversions (Level 1 & 2), Learn To Float, and Yoga For Strength & Mobility. Information >
Welcome to our newest advertiser in A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide, ColdFit Cryotherapy! Located at 473 Main Street, Suite 4. This used to be the Watkins Press building, which is now an architect's office, and location of Cryotherapy. We have been inside their office and seen the chamber that gets you super cold for a few minutes for the Cryotherapy treatments, which can provide relief from pain, quick recovery from muscle soreness and fatigue, and could burn up 800 calories all in one three-minute session.
240 East Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom From Gate House Realty: "You can choose whether you want to be in the center of the action or take a breath and within steps feel miles from it all. Peaceful living while conveniently close to Mount Beacon's hiking trails, shops, restaurants, schools, park, and Metro North." Price: $419,000 Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures >
Antalek & Moore
A reminder from Antalek & Moore that this week is Fire Prevention Week. Our friends over at Beacon Professional Firefighters - IAFF Local 3490 - shared some great tips to help keep us all safe in the event of a fire.⠀
A Little Beacon Space :: Event Venue
Host your Pop-Up, Business Meeting, Client Presentation, Workshop, and more. Now offering a special rate for teachers and music recitals, so that creative 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 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
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Wednesdays mean one thing: a chocolate crepe from Royal Crepes Beacon, loaded with strawberries, bananas and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
After delivering a TuneUp webinar at Tin Shingle, the most perfect answer to a sugar low after cramming in preparation for the class, is this dish. Almost ate it without sharing the picture. The horrors!
Royal Crepes is right down the block from our office here at A Little Beacon Blog, near The Studio Beacon and Enoteca Ama. You can get it to go, or stay inside their warm and cozy eatery.
Full spread of the Spirit of Beacon Day 2019 in the Highlands Current.
Seeing your effort in print gives the greatest satisfaction. That is why we encourage everyone to pick up and support their local newspapers! The Highlands Current and the Beacon Free Press both published photos from the Spirit of Beacon Day 2019. Usually, Katie takes pictures also or does a live stream, but for the for the last three years, she has been marching in the parade as a helper for an elementary school float.
Here is a roundup of great photos of the parade that people shared on Instagram. Congratulations, everyone on a great day and celebration of community!
Beacon Bears and Cheer. Photo by Cindy Gould
Beacon Fire Engines at Spirit of Beacon Day Parade 2019 - Photo by @spiritofbeaconday
Art sculptures by Marion Royale Gallery at the Spirit of Beacon Parade 2019 - photo by @spiritofbeaconday
Glenham Elementary, in front of the Salvation Army. Photo by @beaconarts
South Avenue Elementary School’s float. Photo by @beaconarts
Sargent Elementary School kids. Photo by @cluttermaz
The lineup of the parade route, along 9D (aka Wolcott Ave.) with a view of how the new apartment buildings will play into future photos and screetscapes. Photo by @Alittlebeacon
So the amazing thing is… Beacon follows the actual Halloween night, Thursday, October 31, for Halloween trick or treating. Halloween night is not a city-run event. It’s a national event, organized by no one. (With the “officialness” caveat that the police may be on high alert to protect us.)
This means that the City of Beacon’s Halloween night changes every year. This means that it could be on a Tuesday or a Saturday. One year, it was on such a Saturday, and it was quite epic. It made Halloween on any other night seem short. As in: “Are we just extra tired or crammed? Why did this night seem so hard to do?”
It is because Halloween on any other night that is not a Friday or Saturday means that you are leaving work early to attend your child’s school parade (usually for elementary school kids), and if they are at multiple schools, good luck with that. And then picking up or accepting delivered pizza, and then the littlest kids knocking on your door at 4:30/5 pm while you are still getting your own slightly older kids ready, and then you head out at 6 pm or 7 pm.
So where do you go? We know about the Willow Loop that is on East and West Willow. That is one intense bonfire driveway scene with a haunted house that we have yet to go in. SO SCARY. What are your corners of Beacon that you love to Halloween in?
Support for this publication comes in part from these businesses. We have highlighted what makes them special on their own dedicated pages. Want your business listed here? See the "Sponsor Spotlight" or "Event Promotion" option in our Advertising Page.
A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
Luxe Optique
The Beacon Record & CD Fest
SECOND SATURDAY ART: Pictured here is Darryl himself hanging a painting from Beacon-based artist Catherine Welshman that remains on display.
Luxe Optique
Eat Church Food Truck
