Newburgh Restoration identified three of the projects awarded to Newburgh initiatives as “pivotal” to Newburgh.
Awards In Newburgh…
PS 6 Liberty Street To renovate PS 6 Center for Film and Television to be a one-stop-shop film/TV facility, including sound stages and production offices as well as rental space for events, weddings and photo shoots. The community flex space on the first floor will be used for job training, mentorship programs, art shows, and screenings. Award Total: $955,000
Graft Cider Graft Cider was awarded funding to adaptively reuse an old factory building to create a 14,000-square-foot production/distribution facility and tasting room in the City of Newburgh. Award Total: $264,000
Ritz Theater (for Safe Harbors): Awarded to Safe Harbors of the Hudson to prepare construction documents for rehabilitation and re-development of the historic Ritz Theater in Newburgh. Award Total: $222,900
Awards In Poughkeepsie…
Bow Tie Cinemas ”Bow Tie Cinemas will build a 40,000-square-foot, multiplex cinema on an underutilized City of Poughkeepsie parking lot, creating an entertainment hub that will attract many people to its downtown location. The multiplex cinema will create jobs as well as contribute to the revitalization of a distressed community,” according to the award document. Award Total: $2,000,000
Family Services, Inc. Family Services, Inc. will renovate the Family Partnership Center at 29 North Hamilton St. in Poughkeepsie. Award Total: $490,000
Awarded In Manufacturing…
New York Juice Company "New York Juice Company, a subsidiary of Direct Refreshments, will design and construct a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Dutchess County. The facility will produce Concord grape juice sourced from New York farmers. These products will be sold to schools through the NYS Farm to School Program as well as to hospitals, casinos and others," according to the award document. Award Total: $800,000
Awarded In Food & Entertainment…
The Culinary Institute of America The Culinary Institute of America will construct, renovate and launch Post Road Brew House and an Italian Cafe & Bar at Ristorante Caterina at The Culinary Institute of America, enhancing the world-renowned destination as a key attraction for visitors to the Mid-Hudson region of New York. Total Awarded: $175,000
Awarded To Public Space…
Walkway Over the Hudson Lighting Project - Phase Two Walkway Over the Hudson will install sustainable LED lighting at the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park for increased safety and security, extend hours that the Park is open to the public, and increase opportunities for nighttime programming. Total Awarded: $588,562
Several other monies were awarded for creative projects, including to fund staff positions to make programs possible. Municipal projects were awarded as well, including a Sewer Inflow and Infiltration Study for the City of Poughkeepsie. Climate Smart Community projects were also awarded. You can read all about the grants here.
Tuesday’s predicted snowstorm, which triggered numerous announcements of cancellations the evening before, including Beacon’s monthly Zoning Board Meeting (rescheduled for next month), delivered as a steady fall of ice rain. Beacon City Schools announced their closure on Tuesday morning, and snowplows were out on the streets monitoring the situation.
The pelting ice has covered everything in, well, ice, making it extremely difficult to even leave one’s front porch and requiring immediate sprinkling of salt. In fact, you may want to carry salt with you everywhere you go today, if you decide to go outside. This Snow Day does not involve snow yet, so for kids at home, it will be an indoor day, as it is very cold. Simply taking the picture for this article required a five-minute warmup back inside the kitchen while eggs cooked on the stove. Temps are in the high 20s, low 30s.
Thankfully, Tuesday’s trash collection by Royal Carting has started. If you’re a put-the-trash-out-the-night-before kind of person, you’re really patting yourself on the back right now as you sip your morning coffee.
The next question is, can you even open your car door, or is it iced shut? Brett’s Hardware probably has a product to help with that.
There we were, driving to Best Buy to pick up the Xmas Wish List item of a new TV to replace one so old that the technology is cutting off the headlines and football scores - when we saw Santa riding atop a fire truck.
At first, he was just one of many stuck at a traffic light on Route 9, headed through Wappingers, and then his fire truck turned left down a side street. A car in front of us turned after him.
My toddler was sleeping in his car seat. It was why we were driving up Route 9 in the first place: to guarantee a car nap. My 7-year-old was also in the car, and not napping.
”Should we follow him?” I asked my 7-year-old.
”Yes. No. I don’t know. It might be weird,” he replied.
”The car in front of us went. I don’t think it’s weird. I think we should follow,” I declared.
We turned left, and followed the Santa-topped fire truck down the side street. Two little girls came to their house’s front door and waved to him, incredulously.
Other cars followed us too. Eventually the fire truck turned down Church Street and then took a right down Route 9 to head back through the center of the tiny town that is Wappingers Falls. When the fire truck pulled right past the cute little Ground Hog coffee shop, we veered left back toward Poughkeepsie for our destination.
My 7-year-old exclaimed: “Every time, I don’t want to go with you on these trips. And then every time, something amazing happens. I see a friend. Or we find a lollipop. Every time.”
Errands are magical, yes. You never know when you’ll stumble on a Christmas miracle.
Some of the art gallery happenings for December 2019, clockwise from top right: a figurine by Little Lazies in Clutter Magazine Gallery’s Gift-Wrapped; Maria Lago packs Studio 502 with new paintings in Ideograph Materica; RiverWinds Gallery has many, many Hudson Valley artists but is spotlighting ceramic vessels like this mug from Lynn isaacson; Beacon Historical Society opens its vault of vintage holiday ephemera, with cameos from long-running Beacon businesses; and closing weekend for the work of video art pioneer Shigeko Kubota at Mother Gallery.
Happy Second Saturday, Beacon! Don't let dreary weather keep you at home. Rather, head out to Main Street (and well beyond) to enjoy one of our favorite Second Saturdays of the year. At least 10 brand-new exhibitions are opening, almost as many are continuing, and one show, at Mother Gallery, is closing. New venue alert! Daniel Aubry Gallery and Industrial Arts Brewing Company have openings this month. Get all of the details here in Beacon's most comprehensive Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide.
The big theme this month seems to be diverse group shows of small-scale works, often from Hudson Valley artists, at Clutter Magazine Gallery, Catalyst Gallery, RiverWinds Gallery, BAU: Beacon Artist Union and Bannerman Island Gallery. These shows are a great way to learn about lots of artists, find styles you like, maybe pick up a ready-to-gift piece for a loved one, or even jump on a New Year's resolution to support the arts locally by choosing something for your own collection.
Speaking of supporting the arts locally - big thanks goes out to BeaconArts for their tireless work around town over the years. Full descriptions of all of these shows - and so very many more - are in the Art Guide! 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!
Baby, it's gray outside, but it's bright inside the shops who are staying open late for your holiday shopping! Pictured here is a photo from a person who used to live in New York, Rachel Calvelli, and loves coming back to visit, especially Beacon. She says: "One of my favorite little towns upstate. I love how much it's grown since I moved. And I especially love how the community supports the small businesses."
Tonight (Friday) is the last night of Hop & Shop, where participating stores are staying open until 9 pm. Will stores stay open later during the rest of the season? Perhaps... Only you will know when you drive or walk down - don't let Googling hours fool you! Get your answers IRL.
It's Second Saturday this weekend! Here is a peek at the opening or closing exhibits you don't want to miss.
TOP LEFT: Clutter, 7th annual Gift-Wrapped show with small-scale pieces from dozens of artists. Pictured here: a piece from artist Little Lazies.
TOP RIGHT: RiverWinds Gallery has its 16th annual big group holiday exhibition, with work from artists around the Hudson Valley in everything from jewelry to paintings to prints. Special for this year is their highlighting of usable art, with a spotlight on a huge collection of ceramic mugs, like this one by Lynn Isaacson.
BOTTOM LEFT: Maria Lago, whose Studio 502 is one of the longest-running galleries on Beacon's East End, returns with new paintings in Ideograph Materica.
BOTTOM RIGHT: The Beacon Historical Society is displaying its collection of vintage holiday ephemera, with cards and trinkets from Beacon's past.
Christmas Trees For Sale by Firefighters Days/Time: Wednesday to Friday, 5 to 8 pm Days/Time: Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm Location: Parking Lot at 60 East Main Street (across from Dogwood and the Beacon Engine Fire Company)
This year, according to the Beacon Free Press, the firefighters are donating their Christmas tree sales to a fund that provides Christmas gifts to families. A separate agency selects the families.
International Film Night: “Crazy Rich Asians”
Day: Friday, December 13, 2019 Time: 7 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Moon, Serpent and Bone Oddities and Curiosities Night Market
Day: Friday, December 13, 2019 Time: 6 pm to midnight Location: HYATT House Fishkill, 100 Westage Business Center Drive, Fishkill, NY Information >
Holiday Party at Hudson Valley Food Hall
Days: Saturday, December 14 & 21, 2019 Time: 1 to 6 pm; 1 to 3 pm Gingerbread Cookie Decorating; 3 to 6 pm Photos with Santa Location: 288 Main St., Beacon, NY
Celebrate the holidays at the Hudson Valley Food Hall. There will be free photos with Santa, cookie decorating, food samples, and a raffle. Information >
Mighty Girl CD Release
Day: Saturday, December 14, 2019 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
The 20th Annual Musical Holiday with Sloan Wainwright & Friends
Day: Saturday, December 14, 2019 Time: 8:30 pm Location: Towne Crier, 379 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Santa at Bank Square Coffeehouse
Day: Sunday, December 15, 2019 Time: 10 am to 12 pm Location: Bank Square Coffeehouse, 129 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
"Jingle All The Way" to Cafe Sizzle!
Day: Sunday, December 15, 2019 Time: 6 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.
CreateSpace Beacon’s Holiday Pop-Up
Day: Thursday to Sunday, December 12-15, 2019 Time: 6 pm Location: CreateSpace Beacon, 145 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Reservoir's Holiday Makers Pop-UP Market
Days: Saturday & Sunday, December 14-15, 2019 Time: Store hours Location: Reservoir, 460 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Sleepwalker Textiles Days: Ongoing through December 31, 2019 Time: n/a Location: 438 Main St., Beacon, NY (next to the Beacon Hotel)
Read more about this pop-up in this article.
Vintage Pop-Up at Zora Dora's
Days: Daily Time: n/a Location: Zora Dora's, 201 Main St., Beacon, NY
BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
PTACEK Home/LLTO
146 #2 Main Street www.ptacekhome.com www.livelighttraveloften.com
This wall planter is sure to catch the eye of anyone walking into your home - or office! The designer, Thomas Ptacek, crafts each piece of furniture and the wall pieces available in PTACEK Home/LLTO from reclaimed materials. This piece is made of boards from construction, and then darkened using various methods. The succulents planted in each box make for a great contrast. Even better? PTACEK Home can build to your specs. If you have a spot in your home or office and want a smaller one, they can most likely accommodate. Go inside to ask! Pro tip: This shop is located down the new path just before the kayak station at Mountain Tops.
Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique
155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com
Your summer festival wardrobe days are not over! Throw that coat to the side and let this knitwear from Aldo Martins of Barcelona change up your outfit this weekend - and any day of the week. Just grab mittens and a scarf and go! Oh, and did you see the ballcaps with the pompom at Darryl's? See our InstaStories in the Sponsor Highlight. They are adorable and available now inside. Open late for Hop & Shop! SALE: Look for offers of up to 50% off already reduced pricing!
Luxe Optique
183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com
Look at these frames at Luxe Optique from French Collection. Are you seeing cross-eye? Are you seeing cat-eye? You are seeing the latest breakout designs from French Collection in a stunning example of what more you can expect from your frames from designers who love eyewear. Go in and try these on, but see which other pairs you ultimately fall in luxe - we mean love - with! SALE: Select frames are on sale for 50% off. Find out which ones!
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main Street, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the dummy light) TRUNK SHOW!
This weekend only is the @madisonjamesbridal Trunk Show! Book your Trunk Show appointment while they still have some availability!
Call (845) 765-2900 or book your appointment online through their website!
Musical Theater Workshop with Joshua Burrage
Day: Sunday, December 15, 2019 Time: 2 to 4 pm Location: Ballet Arts Studio, 107 Teller Ave., Beacon, NY Information >
For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Adult Classes Guide.
1 East Main Street, 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. Stunning mountain views, light-filled open floor plan, exposed brick, wide-plank oak floors and original historic beams highlight the architecture in this industrial space." Price: $1,150,000 Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures >
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency
A friendly reminder from Antalek & Moore: As you are checking off items on your holiday shopping list this year, they wanted to share a few tips to make it a safe and enjoyable time. 🎄Watch out for porch pirates. It is becoming pretty common to order a present or two online these days and many times your packages are delivered during the day while you are not at home. Take advantage of real-time delivery alerts to help ensure your items are received.
A Little Beacon Space
Book A Little Beacon Space for your next board meeting or business retreat. Perfect for small fundraiser functions, or a business cocktail party! Located in the heart of Beacon, the room is designed for easy and inspiring conversations. Pricing & Availability >
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.
Love these chairs! How about you? You only would have seen them if you were walking the streets of Beacon on Thursday night at 8:30 pm during Beacon’s second annual Hop and Shop, where participating stores stay open until 9 pm.
The shop pictured is The Archive Beacon, which arrived in Beacon during the spring. It is next door to The Vault and just up the block from The Underground Beacon. This vintage shop is a must-investigate if you are collecting pieces for your home.
Learn about this shop and others in A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide!
We knew something was going on when we saw the hole in the wall at Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique right when King + Curated, the bridal boutique’s former neighbor, moved across the street to a larger location. Lambs Hill started as an experiment from realtor and artist Charlotte Guernsey a few years ago. Several storefront windows later in one of Beacon’s renovated factory buildings at 1 East Main Street, the venture has been a success.
“The space itself is what inspired me to design the boutique,” said Charlotte, whose real estate firm, Gate House Realty, represented the retail and commercial sales of 1 East Main Street after it was renovated.
Inside of Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique, which is always undergoing new design transformations. Photo Credit: Lambs Hill
The local bridal shop expanded in order to fit more inventory into the store, and to make more room for their own office. The expansion allows Lambs Hill to fit another 150 dresses into the boutique, bringing the total to 300 dresses from 10 designers at any given time. They also converted a bathroom to add a new dressing room and full-length mirror for brides to try on the gowns, for a total of five mirrors in order to accommodate five bridal fitting appointments at one time.
“In order to carry a designer you have to purchase a certain amount each year,” Charlotte explained. “Therefore, a lot of product is coming in all the time. We are constantly unpacking new dresses.”
Lambs Hill has also dedicated more than one-fourth of the shop to plus-size dresses, ranging from sizes 16-30. Parts of the store have sample-sale dresses, or dresses that a bride can pull off the rack and take home that day. “These are great for last-minute weddings, second dresses, destination weddings. But mainly customers order dresses to their sizes.” Prices in the store range from $1,500-$2,500, while dresses from the popular designer, Haylee Paige, range from $3,000-$5,000.
Charlotte has done many of the renovations herself, including installing the herringbone wall on the new addition.
Main Street is never dull. Get out there and step into the experiences these shop owners have created for you. For more ideas on shopping in Beacon, visit A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide. Lambs Hill is a sponsor of that Guide, which allows us to show you even more of what is going on inside each week.
Check out Beacon’s second Annual Hop & Shop, where participating shops stay open until 9 pm to make your holiday shopping easier - and more fun.
For a detailed guide on your Shopping experience, see A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide for write-ups of many of the boutiques in town, including some pictures for you to get a better idea of what you’ll find inside.
We could talk about the shopping for days, but the only way for you to truly know that Main Street is extremely shoppable with not only unique gifts, but truly awesome finds - is if you walk it. So get out there!
From the organizers:
Hi Beacon! If you haven't already heard, this Thursday & Friday is Beacon's second annual HOP & SHOP!!
This community event is organized by your local Beacon businesses in an effort to give you an opportunity to shop, sip, hop and indulge in all the unique places we have here in this beautiful city.
From tacos to yoga, from antiques to olive oil, from beer to barre, and appetizers to apparel - there are over 60 businesses offering you discounts, specials and reasons to come out and celebrate the holidays and walk your gorgeous Main Street!
Open late until 9 pm 🎉🎉
Follow along on their Instagram stream to get an idea of all of the different products and services you will find on Main Street. Gems. All gems.
This just in! We’ve got updates to our Shopping and Beauty Guides we wanted to let you know about: There are two new boutiques and a new hair salon worth checking out.
b. expressive, b. beautiful, b. you!
Back in October, Ryan Leoni opened b.Hair Studio at 323 Main Street, next to Binnacle Books, where Pink Optical used to be. Their mission is to provide a hair salon that is not only a friendly, judgment-free atmosphere, but has the highest quality of work as well.
One Of A Kind Hand Crafted Furniture
PTACEK Home/LLTO provides an exclusive source of artisan-built furniture and cabinetry as well as interior design through LLTO (Live Light Travel Often). They’re located behind Colorant at 146 Main Street; take a walk along the building to get to their entrance. They’re known throughout the Hudson Valley for their collaborative work in people’s homes. Now they are bringing their talents to Beacon!
For Love Of Fashion
Lucky Thirty One opened their doors in November 2019 where they offer carefully hand-picked collections to bring you classic pieces and the latest trends. Find them at 217 Main Street, where the Hudson Valley Marshmallow Co. used to be before they located to the other end of Main Street.
Community Mercantile and General Store
Take a walk over the short bridge at Beacon Falls to East Main Street, and check out Solstad House, at 17 East Main Street. Also opened in November, this a great stop for gift ideas for the home, book lover, accessories, candles and more.
While our Events Guide is updated almost daily, our other guides get updated on a regular basis so keep checking back!
The 2020 budget for the City of Beacon is making room to hire more first responders and personnel at City Hall, some of which is made possible by different federal grants.
3 Career Firefighters Would Be Hired By City Of Beacon
The budget reflects the addition of three career firefighters over a three-year period in the Fire Department budget. Earlier this year, the City of Beacon received a SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant in the amount of $537,423.15 in federal funding. The grant pays for 75% in the first two years and 35% in the third year. The total number of career firefighters in Beacon is 16.
1 Police Officer Would Be Hired For Main Street Patrol
The hiring of one police officer is in the 2020 budget, bringing the total patrol division to 30 officers. The Department’s total personnel would be 37, including the Police Chief, Captain and the Detective Division. “The intent,” according to the budget report, “is that this officer would be a dedicated Main Street Patrol.”
1 Full-Time Human Resources (HR) Position And City Clerk
A full-time human resource (HR) position is in the City Administrator budget for $65,000. “The main responsibility of the HR person,” according to the budget report, “will be to recruit new employees, retain and develop the existing work force, maintain all personnel files, employee benefits and compensation guidance, administration of civil service, training in required local and state policies, and assist in preparing policies and procedures.”
The budget also reflects the inclusion of the part-time Deputy City Clerk as full-time in the City Clerk budget (1410) for $18,685.
Climate Smart Coordinator Position Would Continue
The City of Beacon is on a mission to be more climate-smart and climate-friendly. Financial incentives are attached to this path, which are measured by a wide-ranging point system. The Climate Smart Coordinator stays on top of those points and looks for opportunities to gain points. According to a report from the current Climate Smart Coordinator, Beacon has 174 out of 300 points. The higher the points, the more opportunities open up. Currently, the coordinator is working on greenhouse gas inventories and alternative fuel structures. She is hunting for more points, and is feeling optimistic, per her presentation at the 11/25/2019 City Council Meeting. The Climate Smart Coordinator position is in the City Council budget for $9,500.
Summer Work Experience Opportunities For Beacon Youth
Included in the overall budget is $20,000 in the Recreation budget to work with the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board (DCWIB) to provide summer work experience opportunities for Beacon youth.
The copy of the City of Beacon’s 2020 Budget in the Beacon Public Library at the Reference Desk. You can request to read it, and you’ll find it at the Reference Desk, or download Beacon’s budget online as a PDF here. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Budget season is here, and Beacon’s budget is about to get voted on in December, on the 9th (rescheduled from December 2 due to the winter storm); it must be done prior to December 31, 2019.
We are highlighting a few areas of spending in articles to come next, but wanted to shed light on the big base numbers, and how they have been going up or down over the past few years. This abstract is from the executive report submitted by the City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero, MPA, who credits Susan K. Tucker, CPA and director of finance for the City of Beacon, for involvement with the production of the budget.
Much of this report is excerpted in quotes from the budget report itself, which you can find at the Beacon Public Library, or you can download Beacon’s budget online as a PDF here:
About The Tax Cap
“The tax cap law established a limit on growth of the annual property taxes levied to 2% or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. This year the tax cap is 2%. There are very limited adjustments that are factored in and only PILOT payments apply to the budget this year. The cap is on the tax levy, not the tax rate.”
For Beacon: “The allowable levy at cap is $11,455,743 for the 2020 budget, which is an allowable increase over 2019 budget of $491,562. This is a 4.48% increase from the 2019 Budget and is directly related to the Tax Base Growth Factor.”
Homestead and Non-Homestead Tax Rate Decrease
The homestead and non-homestead tax rates both saw a decrease. An override of the tax cap is not being recommended, according to the budget report: “The tax cap legislation provides for an override of the tax cap with a majority plus one vote in favor of it by the governing body. This is not being recommended.”
A homestead tax rate decrease of -6.7219%
A non-homestead tax rate decrease of – 2.9146%
Homestead Assessed Value Increased
Did you get the letter in the mail about your Assessed Value of your home? Did it increase? It did for a lot of people who moved here some years ago, which, according to Mayor Casale and the City Assessor, Kathy Martin, is an expected catch-up, as they explained during a City Council meeting about where the housing assessments should be.
THIS YEAR:
The homestead assessed value increased by 12.33% or $113,555,017.
The non-homestead assessed value increased over last year by 6.94% or $18,784,639.
Overall Assessed Values Seeing An Uptick Since 2010
According to the report: “This year represents the sixth year since 2010 that the overall assessed values increased, and did so by $132,339,656. For the first time in 10 years, the Homestead values are $11,457,133 more than it was in 2009.”
Assessed Values Increasing, But Still Lower Than 2008
The report points out that the assessed values are not where they were at the height of the real estate market in 2008: “Homestead values remain $15,586,532 less than it was in 2008. The non-homestead assessed value has fluctuated through the years, and while it increased $18,784,639 this year, it is only the 3nd year in a row that it has been more than in 2010.”
The Fund Balance
The future projection of the Fund Balance is as follows: “This budget utilizes a fund balance amount of $379,842. This is an increase of $26,271 from what we’ve utilized in the FY 2019 Budget from Fund Balance and Debt Reserve. Each year with the improving economy and new developments on the tax rolls, the budget and assessments continue to strengthen. The future non-reliance on fund balance appropriations to balance the annual operating budget will help to provide for a more reliable and sustainable fiscal condition and to better allow the City to adjust during difficult fiscal times.”
You know you’re listening to 92.1 FM now that it’s officially December, and hopefully you’re catching other holiday songs on other stations to get you out of that 20-song loop on the radio station dedicated to Christmas music since before Thanksgiving.
Amazing news for you: You can break out of the music in your car and step into the Towne Crier on Beacon’s Main Street for not one, but several Christmas music shows. One of them features Sloan Wainwright (aunt of Rufus Wainwright, who has several albums, or maybe you heard him on a Starbucks mix-tape album back when Starbucks was making those). Sloan and Rufus Wainwright are from a musical family, but Sloan has been dubbed “The Voice” (see below for why). Sloan’s Beacon show is the “20th Annual SLOAN WAINWRIGHT & FRIENDS Holiday Whiz-Bang Shin-Dig” on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the Towne Crier, and comes packed with a Santa, a Muppet, and backup singers!
For the past 20 years, Sloan Wainwright has performed this show, which includes her merry posse of harmony-singing “Sloan Flakes” - some of whom are Beaconites you know, including Amy Soucy, a Beacon-based folk singer (Sloan Wainwright described her voice on her 2015 album “This River” as “enchanting,”) as well as Sharon Goldman (listen to her music here - if you like Sally Dworsky, you’ll like Sharon Goldman).
The show contains a mix of Christmas favorites (covers) like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Run, Run, Rudolph,” and “Blue Christmas,” along with original songs from Sloan and some of the group. There are also special guest artists who do their own sets.
This year, the guest artists include The Empty Bottle Ramblers - who bring driving Cajun accordion two-steps and sweet twin-fiddle waltzes of southwest Louisiana. The multi-instrumentalist, Hubby Jenkins, formerly of the Carolina Chocolate Drops (OMG their fiddle and banjo sounds), will also be performing.
INSIDER TIP: The Towne Crier has the big performance room for the music in the back, but their restaurant is pretty large too, and is kid-friendly and large-party friendly (they even have a separate bar room). If your friends are visiting you on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, and there is just no room for you in any restaurant, you have a good chance of not only finding room at the Towne Crier for all of you, but you’ll find a pretty wide-ranging menu for your gluten-free and vegan friends, plus those who like dessert. Their grilled cheese, for instance, is spot-on good. You may or may not find yourself eating it off of a kid’s plate next to you. (It’s even more perfect with soup.) Next time, the Towne Crier may be the first on your list of go-to restaurants to hit.
If you want to hear Sloan Wainwright outside of holiday songs, listen to this rendition of “Walkin’ After Midnight.” No wonder she is called “The Voice” in her musical family!
Through the hustle and bustle of busy Beacon traffic, the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps (BVAC) is easy to spot among the cyclists and array of vehicles. Celebrating their 60th anniversary this year, Mayor Randy Casale praised the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps during City Council meeting in May for their dedication and efficiency, with service at no cost to the City of Beacon. For #GivingTuesday, we wanted to extend his message by highlighting the service they provide to us, which is one that other cities pay for.
The Start Of The Beacon Ambulance Corps
BVAC was incorporated in 1959 by Walter Detwiller, a Beacon police officer and member of the Beacon Engine Company. Comprising both volunteer and career emergency services personnel, BVAC has drastically improved survival and recovery rates through their work to combat sudden injuries and illnesses. BVAC earned New York State Certification in 1990, and became Defibrillation-Certified in 1991. In October 1996, they began providing complete advanced life support by way of contract providers.
Busy Busy BVAC & Their Useful Vehicles
Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps rescuing a hiker from Mount Beacon on September 8, 2019. Photo Credit: BVAC
Despite the humble connotation to the “volunteer” title, the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps is one of the busiest volunteer services in the county. Approximately 2,500 calls are run per year, an average of six to seven calls per day.
They currently run a fleet of three modern, fully equipped, New York State-certified ambulances, a first-response vehicle, and a mass-casualty incident trailer. A utility terrain vehicle is also maintained for rescues within the mountainous terrain of Mount Beacon, and has been used this year to rescue lost and injured hikers from Mount Beacon. Most recently:
According to the Mayor, as he spoke during the City Council meeting, volunteer and paid providers are threatened by the lack of volunteer and workers in the emergency and medical field, due to the closure of local hospitals. There is a struggle to supply an ambulance across the country; workers in the emergency field are typically paid minimum wage, not enough to compensate for the efforts of the job.
As explained by Mayor Casale, the first 911 call is not what adds strain to emergency responders, it is the third and fourth call that puts pressure on both paid and volunteer services. It takes about two hours for an ambulance to be available after a call. Before the closure of local hospitals it only took an ambulance a half-hour to get back on the road for another call. BVAC alleviates this pressure while providing financial relief for the city.
What BVAC Means Financially To The City Of Beacon
Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps is completely free of charge to the City of Beacon. For the 60 years this service has been available, not once has BVAC used a single tax dollar, according to Mayor Casale. Other communities pay upwards of $300,000 for a single ambulance. The City certainly feels the efforts of BVAC. Outside of City Hall, Beacon residents are aware and appreciative of their service.
Personal Experience With The Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps
A Little Beacon Blog’s publisher Katie was helped by the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps upon first moving to Beacon. “I was having what we later learned was unofficial chronic appendicitis. It hadn’t ruptured yet, but during our first backyard party, I had an episode where I was in pain and put myself to bed. My husband called 911 and the Ambulance Corps. came and could not have been nicer. Talk about embarrassing when they carried me down the stairs out of the house in front of our new neighbors! But I felt so safe.”
Volunteer & Donation Information
If you are interested in joining the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps, you can click here to find out how to apply. Membership application forms are attached on that page.
Donations can be mailed to: 1 Arquilla Drive PO Box 54 Beacon, NY 12508
Call (845) 831-4540 with questions.
See their Facebook page for updates on emergency calls, and fundraising opportunities.
As you probably know by now, if your eyes are open and you have gone outside or looked out your window, you will see that the sun is shining in Beacon again. For those of you reading from afar, wondering how the storm was playing out, it seems to be done, leaving us with a fast rise in temperature to melt that freshly dropped ice snow.
There’s heaps of slush to contend with, and you’ll most likely be wearing your warmest waterproof boots for days. But if you needed to dry-clean your winter coat because you didn’t get a chance to at the end of last season, this week would be a good time, with the temperatures in the high 30s.
From left to right: Utensil, Pavonine Yoga, Max’s On Main, Beacon Barkery
Once again, several of Beacon’s restaurants and shops opened during Beacon’s first snowstorm of 2019. Business owners really want to be the answers to your dreams, and if your dreams include roasted marshmallows, regular groceries, potato skins, or hot yoga, then you’re in luck: Several Beacon businesses rose to the occasion and dug their way out of the snow to open.
Not all businesses were open, as snow days mean different things to different people: Kids are home from school, some daycare centers closed, and roads were bad. Governor Cuomo declared a State of Emergency for seven counties (Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga and Ulster counties) with imposed low speed limit rules, as first responders responded to 740 storm-related crashes today, according to HV-NY.
The domino effect is real when it comes to snow days. Safety first. However, several businesses were quick to list their openings or closures on social media (namely Instagram - that’s who we check, at least!).
If you were wanting to cook up a steak or pork chop, Barb’s Butchery was open as usual. So were Max’s On Main and Isamu (sushi) if you wanted someone to cook the food for you. Utensil usually opens during snowstorms, because you might need a pizza stone right now as there’s high demand for comfort food during snow days. Key Foods and Beacon Natural Market had salt to melt the snow, and pink salt to flavor your home-cooked food.
If your pets were stalking you for food, Beacon Barkery was open. Hudson Beach Glass was firing it up inside, so you could shop or watch them make the glass ornaments. Hudson Valley Marshmallow was firing up the blowtorch in their “mallow shack.” Pavonine Yoga was open, as were other fitness studios on Main Street (even if they had a later opening). The movie theater in town - Story Screen - was showing movies. (They also serve beer and popcorn!) The Telephone Building dug out and is always open for Beahive members and soon-to-be Tin Shingle members to come out of the house and work work work! Some might call the cozy atmosphere a #workation.
Several others were open on Main Street, so know this for future snowstorm needs: Assume nothing. Just because your car is buried in the driveway doesn’t mean everyone’s car is still buried there. If you need something, just walk to Main Street!
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.
Days/Time: Wednesday to Friday, 5 to 8 pm
