A few updates were made to A Little Beacon Blog’s List of COVID-19 Links and Resources page, as you go to keep up with changes rules and guidelines. You can find the full List of COVID-19 Links and Resources here.
The changes are these:
New York State’s Phased Reopening Plan Industries Reopening By Phase An updated page of industries with descriptions of the industry, and plans that need to be met by the businesses in order to open.
It's Reopening Day today in New York State! That brings mixed feelings for different people, but we know this: you need a face covering when you venture out to that gardening center, golf course (already has been open, sans bathrooms or food), or drive-in movie theater.
And you need more than one face covering. A Little Beacon Blog has started our list of local recommendations - who is sewing and making local. See our Face Mask Gift Guide here.
If you are making and selling dynamite masks, we want to know about it. Please contact us with details on how to purchase. We know that there is an army of Makers who have been strictly making for the front lines. Now that the public is mandated to wear them when 6' social distancing is not possible, we want to help people feel proud and confident in their mask fashion.
BEACON NATURAL MARKET
Beginning Friday May 15, Beacon Natural Market will open their doors to the public with these Safety Guidelines:
-Only Five customers allowed in the store at a time.
-Mask must be worn to enter the store.
-Hand sanitizer will be provided at the front of the store and must be applied upon entering.
-Please observe the six foot distance tapes marked on the floor.
-Additionally, only one customer at a time will be allowed in the bulk section.
- Gloves provided at the station must be used.
Hours are 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday & 10am-5pm Sunday. Curbside pickup and delivery orders will still be available with a processing fee of 5% (Min $5.00 charge) View ordering instructions at www.beaconnaturalmarket.com Information >
EAT CHURCH
Thursday through Sunday you can grab a bite to eat from Eat Church. You can grab their daily special or pick from their menu. Visit their website to view current menu & place your orders for pickup or delivery or call (917) 364-0838. Online ordering is super easy! And the view of the mountain is spectacular.
Eat Church food truck located on the hill at Industrial Arts at 511 Fishkill Avenue. Plenty of parking in the swooping parking lots.
Follow them on Instagram (@eatchurch) for daily specials only available at the truck. Eat Church is a ALBB Sponsor!
BARB'S BUTCHERY
We are absolutely drooling over this bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit sandwich from Barb's Butchery. (Have we mentioned how happy to have you back??) They're also keeping their cases filled with lamb hotdogs, smoked kielbasa, smoked linguica, and a new smoked tomato sausage!
Give them a follow on Instagram @barbsbutchery or on Facebook.
LAST OUTPOST
It's chilly outside, now it's almost 80, back to chilly - we can't keep track! One day we are sipping iced coffee, the next a hot scotch! Get yerself a cup that does both! Stainless steel tumblers available on LastOutpostStore.com (free local delivery with code LOCALDELIVERY). Information >
COLORANT
Check the new naturally-dyed cotton face masks by Colorant. Infused with Indigo & Cutch. Solid & Two-tone available. Made in partnership with @sigunikstudio to support the continuation of mask donations to the frontlines and community organizations in NY's Hudson Valley region. Information >
BINNACLE BOOKS
If you see a book on Binnacle Books's Instagram account that you’d like or if you can think of a book you’d like that they might have, please special order it here. Include your address in the notes! They will find that book for you, invoice you, and then they will bike it over to your home or ship it, depending of course on where you are. View Binnacle Book's Instagram Here > Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
PTACEK HOME
The Spring Sale continues! Your food is local, but your table might not be! Chow down on PTACEK's Chow Table! Order now with curbside pickup or front door delivery. The Chow Table is now 30% off which means now it is $1,330. Visit their website for more information! Shop Now > PTACEK Home is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE
Remember this guy? Ryon from Luxe Optique misses you too. Check out this photo shoot he did pre-pandemic. Photographers are looking at ways to safely photograph once again. Luxe Optique is looking to work with new people for photo shoots. "Bringing together talented people from all over the Hudson Valley is one of the reasons we enjoy our photo shoots so much." Let them know if you or someone you know is interested in modeling for them! No prior experience required. Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
CUTE STYLES FOR KIDS
Put the scissors away!! Check out these cute style for the little ones! They are quick and easy. Send a DM to @audrinashair on Instagram for suggestions on styles and products. Let her know A Little Beacon Blog sent you!
BEAUTY TIP
Are you trimming your own bangs? Shaping your own beard? Plucking your own eyebrows? Massaging your own neck? If you miss your stylist for these things, go ahead and send them some cash when you're doing this beauty update to yourself. They will thank you, and it helps them see you on the other side.
Online Philosophers Youth Café via Zoom
Day: Wednesday, May 17, 2020 Time: 4pm Location: Howland Public Library via Zoom
Dan Fisherman will be hosting a Youth Philosophers Cafe for young inquiring minds in grades 6-9. Dan will lead students in in a discussion that explores a philosophical, ethical, or socio-political issue. Information >
Online Socrates Cafe via Zoom
Day: Tuesday, May 19, 2020 Time: 4-5pm Location: Howland Public Library via Zoom
join moderator and Beacon resident, Daniel Fisherman, online on as he leads a Socrates Café program. Email Adult Services Librarian, Alison Herrero, for the invitation link at adults@beaconlibrary.org. Information >
ANTALEK & MOORE
It's Foodie Friday at Antalek and Moore! They really want to know...What did you order tonight? Was it Brothers? Hattie's? Kitchen Sink? Eat Church? MOD's? The Beacon Hotel? The Beacon Daily? OMG, which one!?! Ok, ALBB will go first: Tonight we ordered a pizza from the wood burning oven of Ama. Last weekend Marilyn ordered from the Dutchessbier Cafe in Fishkill. Let Them Know! > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
Are you trying to pitch the media, hoping to get PR about your company? Are you emailing a newspaper, blog or TV station to let them know about something interesting you have done with your business? There is a great way to do this, and an off-putting way to do this. Watch this video tip to learn the difference, and flip the switch on how you are communicating with the media! Watch This >
We got a suggestion in from a reader, who wanted to know how to send A Little Beacon Blog financial support to help us continue to produce. Even just $5. First of all: THANK YOU to that reader for wanting to do this! Support Here >
People Who Have Given Reading your comments of what ALBB means to your life has been humbling and keeps us going. Thank you. See Who Supported >
Due to COVID-19 and state regulations, we are required to wear face masks when social distancing is hard to do. Like, going to the grocery store, post office, gas station, etc. As the reopening starts, you might be coming out of your house more and more. You’re going to need a lot of different face masks! An easy solution is to keep a face covering in your car(s), in your purse, on your key rack, etc. You may have already noticed the new dice hanging above the dashboard in cars - yup - it’s the face mask.
Friendly Facial Cue Alternatives
When you can’t make a smile, here are some facial cue alternatives:
Nod your head & hello.
Make a really big smile so your eyes really crinkle up!
Do a friendly wave.
Talk a little louder than normal so people can hear you.
Don’t be shy!
For all of the years plain white face masks have been worn in China, it is a bit unbelievalbe that they did not use pretty or stylish printed patterned fabric before. During this pandemic crisis, the CDC has issued new guidelines that relax the fabric and construction requirements of a traditional medical mask for a person wearing a face covering in a socially distanced situation out in public. The CDC and the Surgeon General of the United States of America even allow bandanas or T-shirt material folded in a special way and secured with rubber bands around the ears.
Not only can we wear stylish face coverings, we can buy them from an army of makers. Many makers in Beacon have been stitching the face masks since before the mandate went into place. At first they were stitching for front line workers, like nursing home and medical office staff. And some continue to that. Some makers have opened their proverbial shops to sew for the rest of us who want to support them and buy from them. Some are artists who have lost income streams, and others has shifted their fashion production lines to produce masks.
Below is A Little Beacon Blog’s Face Mask Gift Guide. Most are from makers, but if a local boutique is selling them from a larger fashion line, we will include that as well because it helps the shop. Additionally, if we know of a wholesome source of face masks that is out of state, we may include that as well. Please note, these coverings and masks are not medical grade. Use CDC guidelines and use FDA-approved items if possible and these only as a last resort. These products have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These masks are not an N95 Respirator. Use these products at your own risk. I If you cannot afford to buy a face mask, please email Beacon’s Mutual Aid Group mutualaidbeacon@gmail.com who can direct you to a way that free face masks are being handed out for free to those in need.
Beans Cat Café is a cafe in Beacon that offers they baked goods from Frida’s Bakery and Café in Milton, NY, as well as a wide variety of beverages that will only be served in the café area. Included is a cat lounge that includes seating, board games, and up to 8 cats at a time that are all adoptable through Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (HVARS) in Poughkeepsie.
Blackbird Attic is a Modern & Vintage Consignment Celebrating 10 Years in Business. Although there doors are currently closed, they are operating as an Insta PopUp Shop! See their instagram HERE. They will be accepting seasonal items soon (40% pay out) and are offering curbside pick-up, free local delivery, flat rate shipping for $7.50, and free shipping for purchases above $80.
Dulce is a local "Crafter in Training" who has always had the passion for sewing. “The Crafty Squirrels” was in the process of becoming a small home business when COVID happened. Sewing has been helpful for Dulce in these dire times and after many friends and family requested face masks, she decided she would like to also help make them available to our community. Dulce likes to put time and effort into each of the items made. Just recently, she added the "Beacon = Strong" mask for sale.
Masks are $10 each with 3 layers of fabric, choice of pocket filter and elastic around the head or ears. The Beacon Strong masks are $12 with a portion of the proceedings to be donated to Fareground Community Kitchen.
BEACON BEE
beaconbeebiz@gmail.com (845) 337-8319 SHOP MASKS HERE
Beacon Bee has added a handmade, 100% cotton, bee print face mask to their line of honeybee related products. The mask has two layers of fabric (backing fabric comes in dark or light blue), and a versatile loop strap. $10.00 each and 10% goes to Fareground Community Kitchen.
ARIELLE
info@shop-arielle.com @shop_arielle SHOP MASKS HERE
ARIELLE is a sustainable apparel company committed to organic, recycled and zero-waste fabrics, local manufacturing, fair-trade operations and plastic-free packaging & production. Non-medical fabric masks meet the CDC suggestion for face coverings. Organic, washable, reusable mask features interior wool filter for particle capture, moisture wicking, and antimicrobial protection.
Betsy Wise is a local beaconnite making and selling masks out of her home. Typically, Betsy runs Betsy Wise Bridal, a custom tailoring business, but with weddings having to postpone, Betsy has created a temporary new business. Custom made masks for adults, kids and businesses! Her fabrics are featured on her site from Beetle and Fred.
Bendable nose wire conforms to the bridge of your nose for a snug fit
Choose between elastic ear loops or ties
Request an optional pocket to add your own filter. Ideal for healthcare workers!
Choose from a wide variety of colors and patterns suitable for adults and children.
INNER BEAUTY EFFECTS
hello@innerbeautyeffects.com (845) 391-0938 SHOP MASKS HERE
Inner Beauty Effects is a Hudson Valley based fashion design company, who for a brief period rented a hallway studio in Atlas Studios in Newburgh to conduct podcasts with women entrepreneurs. Originally they made durable bags with an exciting pop of fabric on the inside. Now they are making face masks in pleasant fabrics you’ll feel good about wearing around. Inner Beauty Effects is also selling surface & hand sanitizer! Free shipping on 3 or more masks with code: FREESHIP DO GOOD FACTOR: For every mask purchased, one mask will be given away to a health care worker. There is also a way to submit if you cannot afford a mask and need one for free. Additionally, there is an option to simply donate materials.
BEACON NATURAL MARKET
348 Main Street Beacon, NY 12508 Beacon348@verizon.net CONTACT HERE TO PURCHASE MASKS
Beacon Natural Market has been selling face masks from local makers and artists. This is a good opportunity to buy from an artist you did not know about before. Not all masks from the same maker may be in stock. The mask pictured here is made by Brady Quinn, who Beacon Natural says is their “favorite quilter extraordinaire and Habitat for Humanity Newburgh site manager! We’re selling them for $12 each & the money raised will be split between Habitat Newburgh and Beacon Community Kitchen.”
Tara McPherson is a well known artist who moved to Beacon with her family. People collect her art as stickers, posters, dolls, board games, etc. Now her art is collectable as a face mask. Learn more about the meaning of her paintings here. “Tara exhibits her paintings and serigraphs in fine art galleries all over the world. Named the crown princess of poster art by ELLE Magazine, she has created numerous gig posters for rock bands such as Beck, The Pixies, and Metallica. She has worked with Sony Pictures Animation doing character designs & creative development. Her array of art also includes a variety of toys with Kidrobot, painted covers for DC Vertigo Comics, advertising illustrations for Wyden+Kennedy, Barton F Graf, Publicis, and Bernstein Andrulli. She taught in the Illustration department at Parsons in NYC for 4 years.”
LAMERE CLOTHING & GOODS
Online 24/7 436 Main St. Beacon, NY 12508 (646) 236-3908 SHOP MASKS HERE
La Mere Clothing and Goods is a clothing boutique base on Main Street in Beacon. Brands carried include Free People and other labels.
20% OFF SITEWIDE CODE: STAYHOME20 + FREE SHIPPING!
Amy lives in Beacon, with a shop in the Old Beacon High School now known as KUBE. “Amy is a celebrated Spiritual Medium, Psychometrist and practitioner of the Magickal Arts. She is a teacher of Witchcraft, gifted healer, psychic reader and long-time Witch. Amy is much sought-after for her Energy Work and has contributed her impressions in missing persons cases.
”Amy has worked in various New York City occult stores for over 25 years, specializing in healing others through Candle Magick. She is presently the proprietress of Other Worldly Waxes, an online and brick-and-mortar magickal apothecary located in Beacon, New York, that features magickal oils and incenses for spell-work, and custom-dressed and ritually charged spell candles for both online customers and her private clientele.”
HONORABLE INK
Honorable Ink is a tattoo shop located on Main Street in Beacon, and is selling masks made out of the sleeves of T-shirts! SHOP MASKS HERE
ALABAMA CHANIN
462 Lane Drive Florence, AL 35630 +1 (256) 760-1090 office@alabamachanin.com SHOP MASKS HERE
Alabama Chanin is “slow design” pioneer in fashion design. She began early in 2000 with the creation of hand-sewn garments made from cotton jersey t-shirts. “We are a leader in elevated craft due to a strong belief in tradition and dedication to locally sewn garments and goods—both hand and machine-sewn. We maintain responsible, ethical, and sustainable practices holding ourselves to the highest standards for quality. We are makers and educators, working to elevate and merge design, craft, and fashion.”
ZAKKA JOY
177 Main Street Beacon, NY 12508 (845) 632-3383 SHOP MASKS HERE
Zakka Joy is a boutique on Main Street that has lots of fun things in stock. Now, they have face masks.
This face mask has a filter pocket and great reviews.
KENNY’S MASKS
kennysmasks@gmail.com (845) 240-0039 SHOP MASKS HERE
Please your orders through Instagram direct message @kennysmasks, email or text.
LILAC HILL DESIGNS
PO Box 3672, Kingston NY 12402 (845) 853-6068 SHOP MASKS HERE
Lilac Hill Designs is run by a creative who has been a graphic designer for 30 years, but returned to her love for sewing which started at age 10. She is an avid gardener, developed a cross-body gardening bag, and is making masks with a bendable nose and filter.
MIXTURE
1607 Route 300 Suite 1 Newburgh, NY 12550 (845) 561-2857 SHOP MASKS HERE
Mixture is a screen-printing shop based in Newburgh who prints t-shirts, bags, and more for many local businesses, including A Little Beacon Blog! They printed our totes.
Gardening centers in New York are open on the first reopening day in New York state - May 15, 2020 - but retail floral shops have to keep their doors closed. But that does not mean they aren’t open for business and slinging flowers from inside behind a closed door. According to Governor Cuomo, “Certain low-risk business and recreational activities --including Landscaping, Gardening, Tennis & Drive-In-Movie Theaters -- will reopen statewide on May 15th.”
A garden center is usually outside, but can have a retail component to it inside, like Sunny Gardens on Route 9D in Wappingers. A retail flower shop on Main Street, however, falls under retail, and shops on Main Street have been keeping their doors closed, but doing as much business as they can from the inside via curbside pickups and deliveries.
Since the beginning of the PAUSE order, retail shops have been able to have one person in the store to process orders and get shipping ready. Many shop owners in Beacon have been doing personal deliveries - sometimes same day!
Retail In Dutchess County As Of Reopening Day: Doors Closed, But Owners Serve As Personal Shoppers From Inside Via Phone
The physical shopping experience inside of retail shops remains on New York’s PAUSE plan, and when a region meets its metrics, Retail is in Phase 2. Dutchess County has not yet met its metrics. According to a press release sent by Dutchess County earlier this week, the County Executive Marcus Molinaro at a Town Hall delivered digitally on May 13, 2020, indicated that the reopening would come in time.
“The final two criteria the region must meet – 14 consecutive days of decline in new hospitalizations and 14 consecutive days of decline in deaths – will prove extremely difficult for the region, including Dutchess County, to meet. A single day with an increase over the previous day in either category resets the 14-day clock. The County Executive noted that without some adjustment to those metrics, the Mid-Hudson Region could be forced to wait much longer than originally anticipated to enter ‘Phase 1’ even though there is overall improvement in all categories.”
Shop owners of all kinds - from clothing to floral - have turned into personal shoppers for people. During this spring season, floral shops on Main Street have been busy - as busy as they can be in a shut-down. Says Courtney Sedor of Raven Rose: “Raven Rose is open per the mandate for curbside pickup and delivery Tuesday-Saturday 11am-3pm. Flexible pickup is possible as I live above the store so have accommodated customers for early morning pickups or evenings if they are still working.”
Flora Good Times’s owner Corinne Bryson has been taking questions and special requests via her shop’s Instagram, and even started a new virtual consulting service for people needing to know how to plant indoors or out and need a plant whisperer.
Ordering From Flower Shops On Main Street
Batt’s Florist and Sweets in the middle of Main Street has been delivering almost daily since before Easter, Raven Rose on Beacon’s east end (near the mountain) has been inside her shop making bouquets and arrangements for pickups, Mother’s Day, weddings, elopements, baby showers, and funerals. Flora Good Times has been hosting bouquet making video workshops, slinging a subscription flower service, and making deliveries.
“Can I Come In…?”
People are ready to shop. That much is clear. Target has been open, hardware stores are open, grocery stores, etc. The social aspect and visual experience of shopping is real, and people want it back. Corinne of Flora Good Times told A Little Beacon Blog: “I had a dozen or more people hell-bent on coming into the shop last weekend.”
Last weekend was Mother’s Day, and Flora Good Times had been heavily promoting Mother’s Day bouquets that people could come pick up outside of the store, or could arrange for delivery. Flora Good Times is a very small shop with somewhat of a greenhouse in the back, so the humidity factor inside is high, and social distancing inside would be difficult. “I had to keep the door locked and I put a sandwich board out saying ‘curbside pickup pre-orders only.’ I made people order from their cars, to be honest.”
Back on the east end of Main Street, at Raven Rose, owner Courtney has been inside of the shop during her regular open hours, “partially to keep my sanity,” she told A Little Beacon Blog, but with the door closed. “People can pick up, and I am inside making arrangements for delivery orders like weddings for a single bridal bouquet and boutonniere, and funerals. One woman pre-ordered a bouquet, picked it up, and as she was walking down the street with it in her arms, another woman asked where she got it. So, that woman called the store to ask if she could buy one too, and I said sure, and had it ready in 20 minutes.”
Flora Good Times’ Home page, letting visitors select the online retail side, or the brochure side of the site. Photo Credit: Flora Good Times
Website Shopping - The Floral Shops Go Online For Pickup Orders
What has been one of the biggest trends in storefronts staying alive or keeping a pulse - is building a website that makes their inside inventory available online. Not all brick and mortars go down the path of offering a website, as it is a daunting task, but the pandemic called for desperate measures. Several of store owners took deep breaths and took the plunge into building a website in order to keep selling to their customers.
Both Flora Good Times and Raven Rose were florists that put energies into getting their inventory online quickly. Flora Good Times launched a second website via Square that just lists the items for sale right now. This includes seeds, planters, indoor plants, bouquets, home goods and plant care like this very necessary metal watering can.
Raven Rose has a large store with an open-air feeling. Her inventory goes well beyond flowers to include home goods, books, interior design items, and gardening items like these totes adorbs pruning sheers.
However you get your flower on this spring, you do have options in Beacon. See A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide to COVID-19 tips and retail discoveries.
A barbershop in Kingston has been cutting hair “illicitly,” as announced by Ulster County on Wednesday via press release on their website and Facebook post. The post, which went up yesterday, has 1.4K shares and 462 comments. A Little Beacon Blog has reached out to Kingston’s Mayor and Ulster County’s Executive to see if this knowledge was gained from a contact tracing program.
Ulster County’s Health Commissioner Dr. Carol Smith encouraged people who had gotten a hair cut at a barbershop on Broadway within the last 3 weeks should pursue testing. The press release reminded people about the low priority level of salons and barber shops during the pandemic: “During the ongoing New York Pause directives from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, no barbershops, beauty salons, nail salons or other personal hygiene services are allowed to be open and operating for fear of spreading the potentially deadly virus.”
Governor Cumo’s Position On Barbershops and Salons
Hair care has been one of the hardest things to live without during quarantine. In theory, it seems like a semi-solitary activity. Only two people are involved, though direct contact is required. Governor Cuomo told Trevor Noah on Noah’s Daily Social Distancing Show in April 23, 2020, that he didn’t view salons and barbershops as essential, as too much risk is involved to operate. As reported in Vulture, “It has to be phased in,” said Cuomo when asked whether or not he’d pull a Georgia and open everything at once. “It has to be slow and building and watch that infection rate as you start to open up the valve to reopen … Basically, it’s a matrix. How essential is the business and how high a risk does the business pose?”
Meanwhile, At A Salon In Texas…
A salon owner in Dallas, Texas tried opening before she was allowed to, was issued a citation for doing so, but kept the salon open. She was arrested and held in contempt. The judge gave her the option of apologizing for opening, and she declined, then was sent to jail.
As reported in Time the salon owner told the judge: “I couldn’t feed my family, and my stylists couldn’t feed their families,” Luther testified, saying she had applied for a federal loan but didn’t receive it until Sunday. The federal loan, if she is referring to the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) does cover payroll for 8 weeks if granted to the business based on the previous year’s payroll, but can only be issued to people on payroll. If stylists are contract workers or pay rent to the salon in lieu of payment from the salon owner, as is the case many times in small salons, the PPP money cannot be paid to them.
The Texas Attorney General stepped in by sending a letter to the judge, appealing for her release. He wrote: “I find it outrageous and out of touch that during this national pandemic, a judge, in a county that actually released hardened criminals for fear of contracting COVID-19, would jail a mother for operating her hair salon in an attempt to put food on her family’s table,” Paxton said.
Meanwhile, Back In Kingston…
Mayor Steven T. Noble announced the enactment of Phase 2 of Kingston’s Recovery Plan. “Phase 2 of the plan includes temporary layoffs of 10 part-time and 9 full-time staff through July 31, 2020 across eight City departments, including the Assessor’s Office, Building Safety, City Clerk’s Office, Civil Service, Comptroller’s Office, DPW, Parks & Recreation, and the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Per an agreement with CSEA, impacted employees will retain their medical and other benefits during the layoff period. Layoffs will predominantly affect positions whose duties have been curtailed or restricted as a result of COVID-19.
“We have worked hard over the years to place the City in a strong fiscal position, which has allowed us to weather the initial financial impact of this pandemic.” said Mayor Noble. “Now is the time to make hard decisions to overcome this unprecedented challenge and embark on our path to economic recovery. To date, we have been able to maintain all essential City services, but the full extent of the pandemic’s impact has not yet been realized. It is critical that over the next few months we continue to exercise strong fiscal oversight and advocate with our federal representatives for funding for Kingston and its sister cities across the country.”
Mayor Noble added that due to businesses respecting the shut down, sales tax revenue has declined significantly, and impacted what was budgeted for 2020. According to the press release: “The first two sales tax payments received this week are down 27% (March) and 38% (April) from 2019. Additional income sources such as investment interest, parking revenue, fees, permits and others will also be impacted. With available data, the City Comptroller, John Tuey, is now projecting that the City of Kingston will have revenue decreases between $4,00,000-$6,000,000.”
Ulster County does pass the metric test for reopening, but because it is lumped into the Mid-Hudson Region, it will not open, as reported at Daily Voice. “I am proud of the progress Ulster County has made toward meeting Governor Andrew Cuomo’s guidelines for Phase One opening, but the Mid-Hudson Region as a whole still has work to do before the State will permit anyone to reopen,” County Executive Pat Ryan said in the Daily Voice article.
As of today, according to Ulster County’s Dashboard, Kingston has 109 active cases, and 1 fatality. In total, Ulster County has 1,542 confirmed cases, 732 active cases, and 64 fatalities.
Editorial Note: Based on comments seen at Ulster County’s Facebook post, please know that any comment that wishes anything other than a healthy recovery to those infected or impacted will not be published here.
Of the counties that A Little Beacon Blog tracks for these reports - Orange and Putnam - both matched Google results with the number of deceased. Dutchess County’s was always lower: say 36 in Dutchess County’s Tracker vs 70 in Google’s Tracker.
The New York State Department of Health has authority and oversight over many of the facilities reporting case data, including hospitals and nursing homes. These facilities are not required to report to local health departments, including the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH). While DBCH does communicate regularly with each of the individual facilities and has been getting some of the data from them, it is difficult to reconcile on a daily basis with the state data and creates confusion for the public. Additionally, State data can include presumed positive cases in fatality numbers, unlike the data reported by local health departments.
DBCH was recently provided access to the New York State Health Emergency Reporting Data System (HERDS), however, the data is reported in the aggregate and does not provide the necessary specificity for county reporting.
Active case data, which are the cases that DBCH are currently monitoring, will continue to be reported by DBCH as well as the breakdown by municipality and number of recoveries...Dutchess County’s COVID-19 Community Impact Data Dashboard will continue to be updated daily, following NYSDOH data updates.
Beacon’s number of Active COVID-19 cases was rising as of 5/10/2020. This last report on 5/10/2020 was at 146. The last time we recorded it in our spreadsheet was 5/4/2020 and the number of active cases was 137. Not a huge difference, but a consistent increase nonetheless.
One might argue: “Well, the number of people tested is going up, so that must be the reason.” And that may be. However, the daily percentage of those who test positive for COVID-19 for the day - of those tested - has remained consistent. We track that number also. The percentage of people who test positive from those tested per day has been at 8%-9% in the last few days. Additionally, the number of tests issued in Dutchess County, according to the tracker, has remained consistent, averaging in the 400s tests given per day.
While some “low-risk” business types can open state-wide in New York on Friday (drive-in movie theaters, landscaping/gardening, tennis) Dutchess County has 3 more criteria to hit before meeting the 7 state requirements to begin reopening, which are:
14-Day Decline in Hospital Deaths OR fewer than 5 deaths (3-day average).
New Hospitalizations (under 2 per 100k residents - 3 day rolling average.
The last time we published reporting on these numbers was 5/1/2020. This gap of 11 days is for no other reason that Distance Learning started in our home, and while we get into that rhythm of that schooling, finishing articles got a little tricky. We have several unpublished drafts, though!
Sources: New York State Tracker: Updated daily. Dutchess County Tracker:Updated daily, but there could be lags, according to their Source notes. Orange County Tracker: Updated daily, with the exception of municipality information which is updated every 2-3 days, according to their Source notes. Putnam County Tracker: Updated daily. Google via Wikipedia Testing is limited, which implies that people testing positive for COVID-19 is not total, as many people are not tested.
DUTCHESS COUNTY 5/10/2020
How Many People Tested In Dutchess County: 18,964 (last week 15,558 via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE As Of This Day: 3,359 (last week, 3,049, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested This Day: 471 (last week 473, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE This Day: 47 (last week 48, via New York State Tracker) Number Of People Hospitalized For COVID-19 As Of This Day: 56 (last week 69, via Dutchess County Tracker) How Many COVID-19 Related Deaths As Of This Day: 101 (last week 38, via Dutchess County Tracker, but Google shows 84 (previous 73)
BEACON Active COVID-19 Cases In Beacon On This Day: 146 (last week 134, via Dutchess County Tracker)
FISHKILL Active COVID-19 Cases In Fishkill On This Day: 174 (last week 175, via Dutchess County Tracker) Active COVID-19 Cases In East Fishkill On This Day: 153 (last week 151, via Dutchess County Tracker)
WAPPINGERS Active COVID-19 Cases In Town of Wappingers On This Day: 136 (last week 163, via Dutchess County Tracker) Active COVID-19 Cases In Wappingers Falls Village On This Day: 40 (last week 45, via Dutchess County Tracker)
ORANGE COUNTY 5/10/2020
How Many People Tested In Orange County: 34,404 (last week 28,848, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE In Total: 9,543 (last week 8,910, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested On This Day: 535 (last week 839, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE On This Day: 57 (last week 159, via New York State Tracker) Number Of People Hospitalized For COVID-19 As Of This Day: 99 (last week 147) (via Orange County Tracker) How Many COVID-19 Related Deaths As Of This Day: 367 (last week 329, via Orange County Tracker)
NEWBURGH Active COVID-19 Cases In Newburgh On This Day: 645 (last week 587, via Orange County Tracker) Active COVID-19 Cases In City of Newburgh On This Day: 1,314 (last week 1,165, via Orange County Tracker)
PUTNAM COUNTY 5/10/2020
Did not grab data in time for this report.
PHILIPSTOWN Confirmed COVID-19 Cases In Total In Philipstown As Of This Day:
The Yankee Clipper Diner is a favorite restaurant with Beaconites both young and old. The restaurant was established in 1946, served customers back when Nobody’s Fool was filming in Beacon (starring Paul Newman, and is a scene in the movie) and is a regular eatery for locals like former Mayor Randy Casale. Since 2003, the diner has been owned and operated by two sisters and their husbands: Petros and Tonia; and Nikos and Katina. Tonia and Katina grew up in the diner business and their husbands — both from the Greek isle of Andros — run the Yankee Clipper kitchen.
When New York’s PAUSE went into effect on March 22, 2020, the Yankee Clipper tried to stay open with takeout, but on March 28, 2020, they temporarily closed the diner. They announced via Instagram: “The health and safety of our family, employees and customers is always our top priority. We are sorry for any inconvenience. We greatly appreciate all the support from our customers and the community during this hard time.” Days later they launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money for the staff, which has raised $3,280 to date.
On Wednesday, April 29, 2020, the Yankee Clipper opened back up, with a “Distance Makes Us Stronger” theme. They announced ordering protocols via Instagram, giving customers the ability to pay over the phone or in person, but stating that only a limited number of people were allowed in the restaurant at once, and that if you really needed to pay in person, you could do so, but needed to wait outside. Curbside service is available, where the staff brings it to your car, or you can pick it up from a table in the vestibule. Delivery to your front door is also an option.
So far in Beacon, the businesses that put forth their safety protocols before opening are seeing success with the public - with distancing incorporated. How did their opening weekend go? Keep in mind, if you’re reading this from out of town, and want to drive to Beacon to eat at restaurants in Beacon, they are doing takeout only, so you’ll need to eat the food in your car or a secluded park spot. Most who walk on Main Street are wearing masks. While not as congested as NYC, walking past people or turning the corner quickly into a group of people is common. So bring your mask!
A Little Beacon Blog checked in with the Yankee Clipper to find out how the first weekend went. Keep in mind, they are open every day:
ALBB: How have people been with social distancing? YC: Our customers have been very good with it. Poeple have been respecting boundaries and the set-up we have in place as precautions.
ALBB: Have customers been wearing masks when picking up food? YC: Yes, 99.9% of customers are wearing masks when picking up food.
ALBB: Are regulars so excited to order from you again? Your Instagram photos are incredible! YC: Our regulars have been so supportive and very excited that we are open again. The support from them in our first few days open was overwhelming and we feel very blessed and fortunate to have such loyal customers.
ALBB: Has it helped your business at all to do takeout? Or is it too early to tell? YC: Under the circumstances, takeout is working out. We have still taken quite a hit in comparison to our normal business. But we are very grateful for the takeout business we do have.
ALBB: Do you do catering or large orders? YC: Yes, we do offer catering. On Mother’s Day, we offered family meals. We can accommodate any size order.
ALBB: In the future do you want customers in the restaurant? Or are you comfortable with monitoring things and doing takeout? YC: Of course we would love to open up our dining room again to all of our customers. We miss the interaction with them and miss providing the service and experience of dining out. Of course when we do reopen, we will do what the state asks of us and we will take additional safety precautions to keep ourselves, our staff, and customers safe.
Snow on Mount Beacon. Other areas near Garrison saw snow in the several centimeters. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Every year the weather does something dramatically different here in Beacon. Like the time a huge snow dump fell in March 2017, or the years that the just-blossomed magnolia tree petals were snowed on more than one year in a row. Or the time one of the worst blizzards with power-outages happened in October 2011. Memory doesn’t serve when recalling these swings in the weather, and the usual reaction is to freak out.
In this year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the stubbornly cold mornings and rainy afternoons have added to the trying times as we all stay home, and pine to go outside for something different. Yet, during the time of coronavirus, when the weather is nice, a new natural fear creeps in that everyone will forget about the invisible beast and go out to walk Main Street and gather together in parking lots and back yards. It is so hard to remember the threat we cannot see.
At this point, the only way this blogger has come to be able to live in peace with this cold weather is to view it as a polar vortex that is saving lives by keeping us indoors - even if at all. For the record, last year was a chilly May. I know this because my daughter’s birthday is in late May, and for the past 5 birthdays, it had been brutally hot - almost 90 degrees - balloon popping hot. Last year, not so much. And it rained. Roses are expected to bloom in late May, so on this sunny Mother’s Day Weekend, we’ll see if they come out on schedule this year, or if they have been developing a new normal.
This Mother's Day Edition of the Retail Therapy Guide is dedicated to a mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, who lost her son, Ahmaud Arbery, when he was shot and killed while out jogging. If you have not seen the now famous video that shows it, you can watch it here. Ahmaud was the baby of 3 children. He was an avid runner and football player. His birthday was today. Many runners today dedicated their runs to him using #irunwithmaud to further bring attention to the case. If you have not watched the video yet, you should reconsider and watch it.
FUNDRAISERS - HELP IN THE TIME OF THE PANDEMIC
At the request of one of our new reader supporters, A Little Beacon Blog complied an easy list of fundraisers to contribute to whenever you want to. Some of these are date driven. Those will be posted to the top of the list. This is a live guide, so refresh the page, and give when you can! Just an hour left on this neighborhood one that is spreading finance and hope to a lot of different people. Get This Guide >
MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE Featured Gift: Beacon Bee
If you’ve heard that local honey is the best, then you’re going to love these all-natural beeswax-based skin and hair products from Beacon Bee. The beeswax is taken from their own hives. The scents are delicious, and everything can be packaged into wedding favors as well. A perfect gift for a person who loves Beacon and beeswax based beauty. Shop Now >
Facebook Live Event: Mother's Day Fundraising Concert In Memory of Toshi Seeger
Day: Sunday, May 10, 2020 Time: 10am-10pm Location: Facebook Live
Original, folk and grassroots activist musicians have been the heartbeat of Clearwater’s musical community; and over two dozen artists from around the country will be performing in a 12-hour Mother’s Day Tribute to Toshi Seeger on Sunday, May 10th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The event will be curated by a favorite Clearwater Festival performer, Fred Gillen Jr. Read more about this event in our article.
EAT CHURCH - THEY ARE BACK!!!
Eat Church is back! The food truck up on the hill at Industrial Arts at 511 Fiskill Avenue. Pick up some cans at Industrial Arts, and some warm street food! The truck is naturally socially distanced. Plenty of parking in the swooping parking lots. WHEN: Thursday - Sunday, 4-8pm HOW: Call (917) 364-0838 to place your order. OR use Grubhub for delivery. OR place pickup order on their website www.eatchurch.com. They added ordering to their website!
Follow them on Instagram (@eatchurch) for daily specials only available at the truck. Eat Church is a ALBB Sponsor! Information >
THE BEACON HOTEL RESTAURANT
Newly open for take-out, The Beacon Hotel Restaurant's menu is perfect for a polar vortex during a pandemic. Fresh cheese ravioli with creamy tomato prosciutto sauce - sign us up! Call to place your order! 845-743-6527 Information >
MIZZ HATTIE'S BBQ
Don't make your mother cook on Mother's Day. Let @mizhattiesbbq give your mother a meal she won't forget! $80 Mother's Day Meal includes:
8 pc Southern Friend Chicken
1 pint of pulled pork
1 Container baked beans
Green or pasta salad
Corn Bread
Bread Pudding
A half tray of Mac & Cheese
And a bottle of wine (compliments of @therooseveltbar) Call 914-656-7325 to pre-order today! Located inside the Hudson Valley Food Hall. Information >
BEACON NATURAL MARKET
The Beacon Natural Market is looking for a couple good people to join their team. Email your enquiries to beacon348@mail.com. Include your name, phone number, and work experience. No phone calls at this time please.
BARB'S BUTCHERY
Barb’s Butchery is coming back starting Friday, May 8th! Open daily 8am-6pm. 40% off the freezers on Friday, 5/8/20. The grill will be on, take out only… The store front is open as usual, limited to three customers at a time and please wear a mask. We will start taking orders on Thursday morning. Give them a follow on Instagram @barbsbutchery or on Facebook.
BINNACLE BOOKS
“Plagues and Peoples” by William H. McNeill, Carlo Caduff's “The Pandemic Perhaps: Dramatic Events in a Public Culture of Danger”, or maybe “Flu: The Story of the Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918 and the Search for the Virus that Caused It” by Gina Kolkata, yeah, it's a mood for sure, but these are some of the books for sale at binnaclebooks.com. “SHOP ONLINE” and search, browse suggested titles and new releases, and click to order.
Follow their eye-catching Instagram account at @binnaclebooks to see what's in stock! They are still taking care of local delivery for in-store stock as well, so keep those requests and inquiries coming! Information > Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE
Enjoy this throwback video from Luxe Optique's Spring Photo Shoot. These photoshoots is an opportunity to bring together talented people from all over the Hudson Valley. If you know someone that might be interested in collaborating on a shoot with Luxe Optique, reach out to them and let them know! See full video here > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
PTACEK Home
PTACEK HOME has exactly what you need to say thanks to Mom. She'll love the gift, and you'll like the price because a Sale is going on now! Ordering is stress free with immediate front door delivery - giving you plenty of time to plan Sunday with Mom. See more furniture on their website. Visit ptacekhome.com for more information! PTACEK Home is a Sponsor, thank you!
CUTE STYLES FOR KIDS
Put the scissors away!! Check out these cute style for the little ones! They are quick and easy. Send a DM to @audrinashair on Instagram for suggestions on styles and products. Let her know A Little Beacon Blog sent you!
BEAUTY TIP
Are you trimming your own bangs? Shaping your own beard? Plucking your own eyebrows? Massaging your own neck? If you miss your stylist for these things, go ahead and send them some cash when you're doing this beauty update to yourself. They will thank you, and it helps them see you on the other side.
BEBHAKTI YOGA CENTER
beBhakti Yoga Center is celebrating Mother's Day and the moms in our lives--which is why they are offering "Bring Your Mom for Free" for this Sunday's class-- May 10th at 9:30am.
Give the gift of yoga to the one who gave you the gift of life. If your Mom can't make it on Sunday--gift her with one of our on-demand class offerings at the link below so she can practice anytime.
HOWLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
The library continues with their Helen Savoit Day Time Book Club. For this month, book club member - and all adults! - are welcome to answer the following four questions regarding "The Last Runaway" by Tracy Chevalier. Email your answers to Alison at adults@beaconlibrary.org by (and including) Tuesday, May 12th. Alison will then compile everyone's answers and email them back to everyone using first name only. The questions are:
1. What roles does silence play in this novel?
2. What friendships meant the most to Honor? Were they surprising?
3. How important is quilt-making to Honor and society at the time? Is a quilt just a quilt or much more?
4. Who, in this novel, is searching for freedom? In what way?
Also at the Howland Public Library for grades 6-9 is their Online Philosophers Youth Café via Zoom this Wednesday, May 6th and 4pm. Dan Fisherman will be hosting a Youth Philosophers Cafe for young inquiring minds in grades 6-9. Dan will lead students in in a discussion that explores a philosophical, ethical, or socio-political issue. This sessions will be held via Zoom. Click here for more information.
ANTALEK & MOORE
Have you met Antalek & Moore's May Client Spotlight? If you are a member of the Beacon community, chances are you know of Dr. Norm Schofield, owner of Chiropractic Group of Hudson Valley. Dr. Schofield started his practice here in 1993. He always knew he wanted to come back "home" as the 4th Schofield generation to grow up in Beacon and continue to invest in the local community.
"Not only have we had the privilege to work with Chiropractic Group of Hudson Valley for the past 20 years, but agency founder Fred Antalek also partnered with Norm to create the Norm Schofield Golf Tournament and Scholarship Fund in honor of Norm's father," says Antalek and Moore in this video they produced.
Learn more about Dr. Schofield and Chiropractic Group of Hudson Valley in Antalek and Moore's Client Spotlight video. Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
Creative business types are always looking for inspiration on how to keep going - especially during a socially distanced shut-down. Tin Shingle's Teslie Andrade interviewed Albany based photographer Elario Photography, and was the subject of his new FaceTime-based photo shoot. While you're getting inspired on a new pivot your own business could mak during this time, check out this Beacon-based photographer who is also well-versed in the digital photo world (but does know the value and wonderful aroma of the darkroom), Ron Donofrio. Read This >
We got a suggestion in from a reader, who wanted to know how to send A Little Beacon Blog financial support to help us continue to produce. Even just $5. First of all: THANK YOU to that reader for wanting to do this! Support Here >
People Who Have Given Reading your comments of what ALBB means to your life has been humbling and keeps us going. Thank you. See Who Supported >
Original, folk and grassroots activist musicians have been the heartbeat of Clearwater’s musical community; and over two dozen artists from around the country will be performing in a 12-hour Mother’s Day Tribute to Toshi Seeger on Sunday, May 10th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The event will be curated by a favorite Clearwater Festival performer, Fred Gillen Jr.
Tribute to Toshi Seeger
This Mother’s Day event will be a special tribute to Toshi Seeger, whose creative vision and environmental work made an enormous impact in the Hudson Valley, which lives on in Clearwater’s traditions still today. Beyond being an organizer, mother, road manager, photographer, and camera woman, Pete often credited his wife Toshi as being "the brains behind the operation.” Toshi also served on the Newport folk Festival board from its inception, insisting that they bring the musicians to the stage that were the mentors to the popular folk musicians of the ‘60s. She helped found Folklore Research Films, worked on the Rainbow Quest TV Series, produced by Sholem Rubenstein. Toshi was also the Executive Producer of "The Power of Song." She booked many musicians for Clearwater’s Great Hudson Revival, started the groundbreaking Litter-Picking & Recycling initiative and ensured wheelchair accessibility and ASC Interpretative Signing at the Festival.
Story tributes to Toshi Seeger will happen throughout the day by musicians, Seeger family members and others.
Facebook Live Concert Lineup
The Facebook Live concert will raise much needed funds for Clearwater’s critical environmental action initiatives and educational programming. Performers and presenters include: David and Jacob Bernz, Laura Bowman, Tom Breiding, Sarah Browne, Kitama Cahill-Jackson, Julie Corbalis, John Cronin, Moraya DeGeare, KJ Denhert, Emma's Revolution, Susan Fisher Wright, Lori Frazer-Gross, Fred Gillen, Jr, Shirl and Steve Kaplan of Great Blue, Manna Jo Greene, Lisa Gutkin, Reggie Harris, Markley & Balmer, Mel and Vinnie, Rick and Donna Nestler, Tinya Seeger, Carolann Solebello, Spook Handy, and Matt Turk.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis and leaves many of us unable to be together on Mother’s Day. We hope to bring families together and share some music in the spirit of Clearwater’s folk and grassroots tradition.
This concert and other Clearwater fundraising efforts support the important environmental work, which includes:
promoting safe decommissioning of nuclear power plants, including Indian Point. Clearwater sponsored the ground-breaking Fall 2019 Regional Decommissioning Forum whose information was the foundation of legislative policy in 2020 for a state-wide Decommissioning Oversight Board of New York State agencies;
opposing new fossil fuel plants such as the proposed Danskammer expansion;
participating in the investigation of industrial runoff into the Hudson River from riverfront communities;
promoting the cleanup of PFOS, which contaminated Newburgh’s drinking water supply, from the source at Stewart Air National Guard Base;
ensuring accountability in the ongoing participation in the Hudson River PCB remediation;
and building a renewable energy future with the development of a seven-county Mid-Hudson Regional Renewable Energy Implementation Plan.
Launched in 1969 by legendary folk singer and activist Pete Seeger, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater has been at the forefront of the environmental movement as champions of the Hudson River. To date, more than half a million people have experienced their first real look at an estuary’s ecosystem aboard the sloop Clearwater. Clearwater has become the grassroots model for producing positive changes to protect our planet. For more information, visit www.clearwater.org.
Mothers love a good snuggle with their children (even older ones!), and they love some pampering too. And for people to just read their minds and do the things that need done! If you are buying for your mom this Mother’s Day, go wild. Because she needs the brightness in the day (but stay within budget…she might hand-slap you), and local businesses need the support too.
Below is A Little Beacon Blog’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide, where we feature our advertisers who continue to support us and help make this all possible. Thanks everyone!
LUXE OPTIQUE
181-183 Main St. Beacon, NY 12508 (845) 838-2020 Shop Now
The easiest thing you could do here, is to buy Mom a Gift Certificate. She may be holding out - denying herself the super special pair of glasses that Luxe Optique specializes in sourcing the world for. That’s right - the world. Because these are not mass produced glasses. These are hand-crafted glasses that we promise you - will get your mom compliments from everyone. That’s right - everyone. She deserves this. Make her go.
PTACEK HOME
146 #2 Main St. Beacon, NY (845) 424-6112 Shop Now
PTACEK Home is your local source to exceptionally made furniture. Pieces you are not likely to see in stores. Unless you are in their own store! On Main Street in Beacon. Help them stay in Beacon by taking advantage of their Sale. Just look at those wooden planters!
If you’ve heard that local honey is the best, then you’re going to love these all-natural beeswax-based skin and hair products from Beacon Bee. Started by Deb and Matt, who became beekeepers years ago when curiosity and appreciation for bees drove their passion to develop balm in a variety of sizes, scents, and formulations. The beeswax is taken from their own hives. The scents are delicious, and everything can be packaged into wedding favors as well. A perfect gift for a person who loves Beacon and beeswax based beauty.
Bright Spring days and lazy weekends call for brews that are powerfully refreshing. But, who is brewing beer and selling cans in Beacon during the COVID-19 Pandemic? Here is something that might make your day… ALL of the Breweries in Beacon are continuing to sell beer! Talk about essential… AND, some of them are delivering too!
BREWERS BREWING
HUDSON VALLEY BREWERY
7 East Main Street Beacon, NY, 12508 Delivery Info HERE
2 WAY BREWING COMPANY
18 West Main St Beacon, New York 12508 (845) 202-7334 Call For Curbside Pick Up Beer Menu HERE delivery coming soon…
INDSUTRIAL ARTS BREWING COMPANY
511 Fishkill Ave Beacon, NY 12508 Take-Out Beer Only Order Online HERE
DRAUGHT INDUSTRIES
394 Main St. Beacon, NY 12508 (845) 440-8682 Call Or Head On In For To-Go Beer Beer Menu HERE
NEWBURGH BREWING COMPANY
88 South Colden St. Newburgh, NY 12550 (845) 569-2337 Pick-up/Delivery Beer Menu HERE
OBERCREEK BREWING COMPANY
59 Marlorville Rd. Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 (845) 632-1078 Growler Fills Only Beer Menu HERE
COUSINS ALE WORKS
1582 U.S. 9. Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 (845) 632-1319 Take Out/ Curbside Pickup and Delivery Beer Menu HERE
MILL HOUSE BREWING COMPANY
289 Mill ST. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (845) 485-2739 Curbside Pickup and Delivery Beer Menu HERE
EQUILIBRIUM BREWERY
2-8 South St. Middletown, NY 10940 (845) 956-0211 Pickup and Delivery Beer Menu HERE
BARS THAT SELL CANS OF BEER
MELZINGAH TAP HOUSE
554 Main St. Beacon, NY 12508 (845) 765-2844 Take Out Beer Menu HERE
STORES THAT SELL BEER
BEACON CRAFT BEER SHOPPE
262 Main St. Beacon, NY 12508 (845) 202-7470 Call With Questions Or Requests Beer Menu HERE
BEER WORLD EXPRESS
1444 NY-9D. Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 (845) 838-0260 Delivery Beer Menu HERE
Today was a beautiful day, and tomorrow may be as well. It’s hard to remember about the virus when the weather is so nice. Mask and face coverings by people on Main Street in Beacon has been mixed but good. Social distancing practices encouraged by most eateries and essential businesses has also been good. It should also be noted that we are past the 2 week mark since the Easter and Passover holidays, which is when people may have broken “sphere lock” and joined with family members not normally quarantining together in their homes for a family gathering. Family and friend gatherings, or gatherings in groups like on a bar patio, have been known to be a time period of virus spread.
Active cases in Beacon are on the rise, with today’s Active Case count being 134. When A Little Beacon Blog first started tracking this in our Excel spreadsheet back on 4/25/2020, the Active Case count was 110 just a week ago. The Active Case count is a fluctuating number that can go up or down, and is presumed that the Active Cases are people who continue to test positive and are fighting the virus.
[UPDATE: Edit made to this article based on population of Town of Wappingers].
The number of people testing positive per day has remained in the high 40s for each of Beacon, Fishkill and Wappingers. As for Orange County, who is testing more people than Dutchess County, they continue to see an increase in the number of people testing positive (101 people yesterday, 159 people today), while the Active Case Count remains at 587 in Orange County.
Sources: New York State Tracker: Updated daily. Dutchess County Tracker:Updated daily, but there could be lags, according to their Source notes. Orange County Tracker: Updated daily, with the exception of municipality information which is updated every 2-3 days, according to their Source notes. Putnam County Tracker: Updated daily. Google via Wikipedia Testing is limited, which implies that people testing positive for COVID-19 is not total, as many people are not tested.
DUTCHESS COUNTY 5/01/2020
How Many People Tested In Dutchess County: 15,558 (yesterday 15,085 via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE As Of This Day: 3,049 (yesterday, 3,002, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested This Day: 473 (previous day 443, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE This Day: 47 (previous day 48, via New York State Tracker) Number Of People Hospitalized For COVID-19 As Of This Day: 69 (yesterday 69, via Dutchess County Tracker) How Many COVID-19 Related Deaths As Of This Day: 38 (yesterday 37, via Dutchess County Tracker, but Google shows 73 (previous 70))
BEACON Active COVID-19 Cases In Beacon On This Day: 134 (yesterday 129, via Dutchess County Tracker)
FISHKILL Active COVID-19 Cases In Fishkill On This Day: 175 (yesterday 171, via Dutchess County Tracker) Active COVID-19 Cases In East Fishkill On This Day: 151 (yesterday 146, via Dutchess County Tracker)
WAPPINGERS Active COVID-19 Cases In Town of Wappingers On This Day: 163 (yesterday 162, via Dutchess County Tracker) Active COVID-19 Cases In Wappingers Falls Village On This Day: 45 (yesterday 44, via Dutchess County Tracker)
ORANGE COUNTY 5/01/2020
How Many People Tested In Orange County: 28,848 (yesterday 28,009, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE In Total: 8,910 (yesterday 8,751, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested On This Day: 839 (previously 787, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE On This Day: 159 (previously 101, via New York State Tracker) Number Of People Hospitalized For COVID-19 As Of This Day: 147 (yesterday 147) (via Orange County Tracker) How Many COVID-19 Related Deaths As Of This Day: 329 (yesterday 329, via Orange County Tracker)
NEWBURGH Active COVID-19 Cases In Newburgh On This Day: 587 (587, via Orange County Tracker) Active COVID-19 Cases In City of Newburgh On This Day: 1,165 (1,165, via Orange County Tracker)
PUTNAM COUNTY 5/01/2020
How Many People Tested In Putnam County: 4,429 (yesterday 4,170, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE As Of This Day: 1,003 (yesterday 990, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested On This Day: 115 (previously 144, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE On This Day: 13 (previously 20, via New York State Tracker) Number Of People Hospitalized For COVID-19 As Of This Day: 20 (via Orange County Tracker) How Many COVID-19 Related Deaths As Of This Day: 45 (yesterday 45, via Putnam County Tracker)
PHILIPSTOWN Confirmed COVID-19 Cases In Total In Philipstown As Of This Day: 102 (yesterday 98, via Putnam County Tracker) Putnam doesn’t seem to publish an “Active Cases” per city/town/village number like Dutchess and Orange do. “Active Cases” can fluctuate up or down. “Confirmed Cases” only go up, as they are cumulative.
The number of active COVID-19 cases in Beacon and Wappingers went up by a handful. Newburgh’s active cases continues to rise.
Sources: Dutchess County Tracker: Updated daily, but there could be lags, according to their Source notes. Orange County Tracker: Updated daily, with the exception of municipality information which is updated every 2-3 days, according to their Source notes. Putnam County Tracker: Updated daily. Google via Wikipedia Testing is limited, which implies that people testing positive for COVID-19 is not total, as they are not tested.
DUTCHESS COUNTY 4/30/2020
How Many People Tested In Dutchess County: 15,085 (yesterday 14,215, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE As Of This Day: 3,002 (yesterday, 2,881, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested This Day: 443 (previous day 556, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE This Day: 48 (previous day 64, via New York State Tracker) Number Of People Hospitalized For COVID-19 As Of This Day: 69 (yesterday 64, via Dutchess County Tracker) How Many COVID-19 Related Deaths As Of This Day: 37 (via Dutchess County Tracker, but Google shows 70)
BEACON Active COVID-19 Cases In Beacon On This Day: 129 (yesterday 114, via Dutchess County Tracker)
FISHKILL Active COVID-19 Cases In Fishkill On This Day: 171 (yesterday 170, via Dutchess County Tracker) Active COVID-19 Cases In East Fishkill On This Day: 146 (yesterday 152, via Dutchess County Tracker)
WAPPINGERS Active COVID-19 Cases In Wappingers On This Day: 162 (yesterday 152, via Dutchess County Tracker) Active COVID-19 Cases In Wappingers Falls Village On This Day: 44 (yesterday 42, via Dutchess County Tracker)
ORANGE COUNTY 4/28/2020
How Many People Tested In Orange County: 28,009 (yesterday 26,342, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE In Total: 8,751 (yesterday 8,488, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested On This Day: 787 (previously 606, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE On This Day: 101 (previously 114, via New York State Tracker) Number Of People Hospitalized For COVID-19 As Of This Day: 147 (yesterday 153) (via Orange County Tracker) How Many COVID-19 Related Deaths As Of This Day: 329 (yesterday 311, via Orange County Tracker)
NEWBURGH Active COVID-19 Cases In Newburgh On This Day: 587 (534, via Orange County Tracker) Active COVID-19 Cases In City of Newburgh On This Day: 1,165 (1,044, via Orange County Tracker)
PUTNAM COUNTY 4/28/2020
How Many People Tested In Putnam County: 4,170 (yesterday 4,170, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE As Of This Day: 990 (yesterday 970, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested On This Day: 144 (previously 251, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE On This Day: 20 (previously 24, via New York State Tracker) Number Of People Hospitalized For COVID-19 As Of This Day: NA (via Orange County Tracker) How Many COVID-19 Related Deaths As Of This Day: 45 (yesterday 43, via Putnam County Tracker)
PHILIPSTOWN Confirmed COVID-19 Cases In Philipstown As Of This Day: Putnam doesn’t seem to publish an “Active Cases” number like Dutchess and Orange do. 98 (via Putnam County Tracker)
READER SUPPORT
A Little Beacon Blog would not be here if it weren't for YOU, our dear readers. And we wish to share our heartfelt thanks and acknowledge you for your continued support.
If you've been following us on Instagram (@alittlebeacon), we've been sharing messages from readers who have contributed through our Readers Support page.
FUNDRAISERS - HELP IN THE TIME OF THE PANDEMIC
At the request of one of our new reader supporters, A Little Beacon Blog complied an easy list of fundraisers to contribute to whenever you want to. Some of these are date driven. Those will be posted to the top of the list. This is a live guide, so refresh the page, and give when you can! Start Here >
MEET THE ARF ALL STARS
Now more than ever ARF Beacon need your support and have launched for #givingtuesday Meet The ARF All Stars! Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, they are not able to maintain operations as normal. The main source of funds for ARF come through fundraising events & food/supply drives which have all been postponed indefinitely. They have many animals that have been here a long time that may never be adopted through no fault of their own, "but we love them all," says ARF. Your donation for one will help continue to provide the care needed for that pet and all of the ARF dogs and cats until they find their forever homes or no longer need ARF. But some pets come back, like Max, who came to ARF as a 3-month pup when a high-kill shelter wanted to put him and his siblings to sleep. He's back after his adopter needed to move and surrendered him. You can select the pet you want to donate to, as well as other animals in ARF's care, as needed. To see the individual animals you can donate to, click here.
The shelter will be closed to the public until further notice. This campaign is only a week long, and there are only 6 days left! Please contact ARF at www.arfbeacon.org if you are considering adoption.
FIREFLY YOGA FUNDRAISER
Yoga is a passion for our Managing Editor, Marilyn Perez. She practices yoga, completed her teacher training, and currently teaches at Firefly Yoga in Fishkill. They just set up a GoFundMe page in order to help with rent and utilities, continue to provide free morning meditations, free classes on Wednesdays, as well as a full digital class schedule. Check out Firefly Yoga GoFundMe Page to learn more about this community and to donate.
BEACON HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS The Governor announced today that both grade schools and colleges were officially closed for the remainder of the school year. In his message to the community sent via robo-call, Beacon's Superintendent Matthew Landahl gave a moment of consideration for the Senior class. A fundraiser has been started for them, by way of yard signs. Buy a sign for $20 and show your support in your yard. Donate Now >
Howland Public Library presents "Finger Fables For Families!" Facebook Live
Day: Sunday, May 3, 2020 Time: 11am Location:Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/beaconlibrary/
Got some squiggly squirming children? Get them engaged with "hands-on" storytelling! Join local storyteller Jonathan Kruk, live on Facebook Sunday 11am-12pm. Guided by a master tale-teller, children turn their hands into fabulous characters. Information > The CINEHUB Virtual Coffee Hour
Day: Wednesday May 6, 2020 Time: 1pm Location: The CINEHUB via Zoom RSVP via Facebook or send them an email! Staying connected with peers is a part of staying positive and being ready for work when it returns. Join them at the next virtual coffee event! Information > Stony Kill Spring Plant Sale
Days: May 7-9, 2020 Time: See below Location: Stony Kill Foundation, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY
Stony Kill is pleased to bring you their annual Plant Sale to help generate much-needed funds for the Farm. With the recent announcement that NYS remains on pause till May 15, their plan for pick up of your plants at the farm will no longer be an option, so they are delivering your plant order to your home. This is an important fundraiser for Stony Kill right now. Orders due by Tuesday, May 5th. Information >
Digital Theater with Story Screen Days: Every Day Time: Any Time Location: Your Couch
Have you checked out any of the digital movie offerings from Story Screen you can watch from your home? Movies are curated by Story Screen. You can even buy a gift card for the movie lover in your life! Make tonight a movie night! Information >
THE BEACON HOTEL RESTAURANT The Beacon Hotel Restaurant is re-opening! The restaurant will be opening their doors for delivery and takeout/curbside pick up starting next Wednesday, May 6th. They will be introducing an exclusive express menu and operating with limited hours for the time being. "To do our part to support the local community, we will be providing all meals at reduced prices!" New hours starting next Wednesday are:
They will also be donating 10% of all sales each week to various local “non-essential” small businesses. We are all in this together! Information > KITCHEN SINK
Rejoice! We are so excited to learn that Kitchen Sink is launching STUFF’d! The KS team will be bringing you a fun take-out pop up for the next few weekends. "Over the past 5 years we have loved making all different types of “dumplings” from the kreplach we served on opening night, potstickers, raviolis, empandas and more," says Kitchen Sink via Instagram. This weekend’s menu is now live their website (http://www.kitchensinkny.com/). Order online or via phone starting take-out this weekend 4-8pm. Hungry yet? Information >
YANKEE CLIPPER DINER
Nothing says mouth watering like a diner breakfast right? The Yankee Clipper Diner is once again OPEN for take out, curbside pickup, delivery, and pick up in vestibule. Hours are 9:00am - 8:00pm 7 days a week - classic diner-style. Due to increased precautions and government mandates, they are not allowed to have multiple customers in the diner at once. "If you would like to place your order in person, come in and place your order at the register and please wait for your order too be ready outside or in the vestibule," they instruct.
MEYER'S OLDE DUTCH FOOD & SUCH
Make your own with Meyer's Olde's Dutch Sangria kits - everything you need to make your own sangria for $30.
Kits contain:
1 bottle Teira Sauvignon blanc
1 container MOD pink mix - Gifford pamplemousse, Beefeater gin, Campari and Grapefruit juice
1 container sliced grapefruit
Meyer’s Olde Dutch is going take out only for now. We encourage you to order online at www.meyersoldedutch.com. Hours are currently 11:30am until 8pm Sunday through Thursday; Friday and Saturday 11:30am until 9pm. Scheduled orders for pickup only. Information >
BARB'S BUTCHERY
This was exciting to see in our Instagram feed! Barb's Butchery is coming back! Beginning with a freezer sale next Friday, May 8th, and opening shop "somehow" Saturday, May 9th. Stay tuned and give them a follow on Instagram @barbsbutchery or on Facebook.
BAJA 328
It's gonna warm up this weekend, stay cool with a Baja 328's Signature Margaritas! Baja 328 is still offering pick-up and delivery orders, including go-to drinks. This includes one of their signature margaritas! Information > Baja 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
MOTHERS DAY GIFT GUIDE ALERT
Yes, A Little Beacon Blog is having a Mothers Day Gift Guide this year! Can include food or shopping. From time to time, we curate a gift guide for something special, like Candles for a moment of thanks to those who have passed during the pandemic, to great Easter ideas for those egg hunts. For those types of gift guides, we open it up far and wide for submissions at no charge. For traditional Gift Guides, like a Mothers Day, we can do this, but in order to help us continue to run this publication, we need to charge for placement in this type of traditional gift guide. PRICING: Current Advertisers: Free Level 2 Treatment - the works! Level 1: $50 (listing in Gift Guide) Level 2: $100 (listing in Gift Guide + Instagram feature)
If interested, please email us and we'll send you the link to purchase/support, and we'll get your promotion set up!
BINNACLE BOOKS
Forget Amazon! Order Binnacle! Support Main Street for your literary needs. Visit binnaclebooks.com and select “SHOP ONLINE” and search, browse suggested titles and new releases, and click to order. What's your next book order? Ours is Chronicles of Narnia for the kids, and maybe this one by Kelly O'Connor McNees, "Undiscovered Country," a novel inspired by the lives of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok.
Follow their eye-catching Instagram account at @binnaclebooks to see what's in stock! They are still taking care of local delivery for in-store stock as well, so keep those requests and inquiries coming! Information > Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE
The Beacon Community misses you too Luxe Optique! Don't forget to check out their store online at https://www.luxeoptique.com where you can get $25 off a year supply of contact lenses and free shipping! Look With Your Eyes > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
PTACEK Home
Take a nap on some Hudson Valley wood! PTACEK's Sprawl Day Bed is now 30% off, along with the rest of the Chunk Line and Trim Line, throughout May! Purchasing safe and easy - they offer curbside pickup or front door delivery. Visit ptacekhome.com for more information! PTACEK Home is a Sponsor, thank you!
LLTO (LIVE LIGHT TRAVEL OFTEN)
These sweet hand carved paddle trays bring warmth to any surface. It’s nice to bring the forest inside. Use while snacking, or change up your desk with a new shape made from a natural element to place your pencils on. Each board is rich with its own unique teak root pattern. Sustainably harvested in Bali. Shop Now > LLTO is a Sponsor, thank you!
THE CRAFTY HAMMER
One of the first things The Crafty Hammer did upon moving to Beacon was to advertise with A Little Beacon Blog. We will never forget their support and generosity, and are doubly sad to report that they are pulling up the pins and leaving Beacon. The husband and wife team both have lung diseases that make dealing with the virus too risky. Everything in the shop is for sale (most everything). Find pieces of decor, shelving, bins, and more. See their Facebook page for pictures, and contact Joely Polokoff joely@thecraftyhammer.com with questions and interest. Start Browsing >
BEAUTY TIP
Are you trimming your own bangs? Shaping your own beard? Plucking your own eyebrows? Massaging your own neck? If you miss your stylist for these things, go ahead and send them some cash when you're doing this beauty update to yourself. They will thank you, and it helps them see you on the other side.
BEACON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER The Beacon Performing Arts Center has released a bunch of brand new online classes for the month of May! Classes for as young as 2 years all through college. Each class is 4 weeks only. Plus, register your child for one class, and they can register for a second age-appropriate class for half price! Register two or more siblings and they receive 20% off. "We understand this is a difficult time financially for many families. We have many scholarships available for Hudson Valley area children." Please email Info@BeaconPerformingArtsCenter.com!
Classes include Broadway Babes, Musical Theater Dance, and Nailing Your Audition! You can see the full list of classes and register by clicking here. Please note: Each class much have a minimum of 5 participants to run.
COMPASS ARTS
Compass Arts classes are in the middle of their Spring session. Many of their classes have moved online on Zoom. You can find their current and upcoming sessions online. The next session begins the first week of May and lasts through the first week of June. Check their schedule for specific dates depending on the class. Information >
HOWLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
The library continues with their Helen Savoit Day Time Book Club. For this month, book club member - and all adults! - are welcome to answer the following four questions regarding "The Last Runaway" by Tracy Chevalier. Email your answers to Alison at adults@beaconlibrary.org by (and including) Tuesday, May 12th. Alison will then compile everyone's answers and email them back to everyone using first name only. The questions are:
1. What roles does silence play in this novel?
2. What friendships meant the most to Honor? Were they surprising?
3. How important is quilt-making to Honor and society at the time? Is a quilt just a quilt or much more?
4. Who, in this novel, is searching for freedom? In what way?
Also at the Howland Public Library for grades 6-9 is their Online Philosophers Youth Café via Zoom this Wednesday, May 6th and 4pm. Dan Fisherman will be hosting a Youth Philosophers Cafe for young inquiring minds in grades 6-9. Dan will lead students in in a discussion that explores a philosophical, ethical, or socio-political issue. This sessions will be held via Zoom. Click here for more information.
ANTALEK & MOORE
Defensive Driving is back! Now you can do the online version of the Defensive Driving Class. Antalek and Moore highly recommends that you take this class in order to qualify for these benefits:
• May reduce up to 4 points on your driving record
• Save up to 10% off on a vehicle liability, PIP (Personal Injury Protection) and collision premium for up to 3 years off Principal Operator
• No formal tests!
From the comfort of your home, only $29.95 per person with PROMO CODE: 501 Sign Up Now > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
Late night TV is back. No studios. No Audiences. In the days since the coronavirus pandemic forced hiatus, the late-night comedy shows are gradually coming back. Many of them returned to their familiar broadcast time slots, but in completely different forms. Tin Shingle has researched these shows to include names of producers and assistants to contact, for brands who are getting the word out about their business, and feel that the audiences of these shows would resonate with your message. Learn More >
We got a suggestion in from a reader, who wanted to know how to send A Little Beacon Blog financial support to help us continue to produce. Even just $5. First of all: THANK YOU to that reader for wanting to do this!
If you are feeling like you want to send ALBB anything as a reader then visit thenew link in the ABOUT tab, called: “I Want To Support ALBB!” Different amounts are available, starting at $5. Clickhere or the graphic above to learn more on how you can help! Support Here >
People Who Have Given Reading your comments of what ALBB means to your life has been humbling and keeps us going. Thank you. See Who Supported >
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.
This Mother's Day Edition of the Retail Therapy Guide is dedicated to a mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, who lost her son, Ahmaud Arbery, when he was shot and killed while out jogging. If you have not seen the now famous video that shows it, 
BAJA 328
