If you were wanting to look up the name of a police officer in town, you will need to submit a FOIL request, according to the City Manager, Anthony Ruggiero when A Little Beacon Blog asked for a list of female officers, Black officers, and officers of color. Perhaps we should have rephrased the question to: “Can you send the list of all officers.”
FOIL stands for the Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law, Article 6) and grants members of the public access to the records of government in accordance with its provisions. When asked if the City of Beacon was publishing FOIL requests already received, Anthony answered: “The requested FOIL information is still being compiled. Once complete it will be posted on the website.” Once that is complete, it is not clear how long new requests will take to get published onto the website in an ongoing way.
When asked if Beacon had fulfilled Mayor Kyriacou’s promise of publishing the names of police officers onto the website, that he announced at the July 7, 2020 City Council Meeting, Anthony answered: “This information is being compiled and worked on and when complete it will be posted on the City Website.”
During an interview on ALBB’s sister podcast, “Wait, What Is That?” we asked Mayor Kyriacou if he thought it a good idea to publish names and pictures onto the website, as a way to get to know those in the community providing protection. As not everyone knows who the police officers are, as there are about 36 of them, and most people don’t need the police that often so as to meet each one. Mayor Kyriacou thought it a good idea.
A Little Beacon Blog will submit this FOIL request as requested, and will look forward to learning the names of those serving the community when they are published onto the website. It will be easier to wave “Hello!” when walking by someone on the street.
So excited to have the owner of Beacon’s Subway franchise, Joy Carden, as a guest on our next episode of A Little Beacon Blog’s sister podcast, “Wait, What Is That?”
Joy has been in Beacon for a while, but as a franchise owner, she nor her business are usually featured or recognized in a support-local movement. We didn’t even know about her until we started A Little Beacon Blog’s Black Owned Business Directory that Izdihar Dabashi edited (official announcement of that to come with logo design from The Hyacinth Group !) . In Tin Shingle land, we know all about the importance of franchises and big box stores in terms of the opportunities they offer to women like Joy who want to take a calculated risk in opening a business, and makers who want their products bought wholesale and sold in big stores. It’s a big world out there, and Joy is part of it.
She’s going to talk to us about how people treat the store, how she feels as a local business (hint: invisible), her last experience on many boards during her corporate life, and other revelations. Tune in! Co-Hosted by Katie Hellmuth Martin and Brandon Lillard
According to the Dutchess Business Notification Network, if you follow the guidelines, and submit your Affirmation, you are eligible to open as early as Monday, August 24th. The County or its delegates can perform inspection prior to the 24th or up to two weeks after your opening.
2) Review and follow the attached Detailed Guidelines HERE.
3) Complete and implement the Business Safety Plan TemplateHERE and maintain on-location for inspection.
4) Go to the link HERE and complete the Affirmation and hit submit, which will go to the state of New York. The State will notify the County within 24 hours of the receipt of the Affirmation. The County will then send you an acknowledgement email using the address provided in the Affirmation, and contact you to arrange an inspection.
Indoor Classes And Swimming Allowed By Dutchess County
The governor has given New York counties the option to opt-out of indoor group fitness and aquatics classes. In NYC, Mayor de Blasio has already declared that gyms will not reopen before September 2nd. However, Dutchess County will allow indoor group fitness and aquatics classes with the mandate that the County reserves the right to opt-out at any time for any reason, including an outbreak at a gym or fitness center, or locality, or an increase in the County’s infection rate.
How Are Businesses Responding?
In an announcement from All Sport Health & Fitness in Fishkill, they state “When we first received word that we had to close the doors to the club back in March, we could have never imagined we’d be closed for five months…While we can’t give you back those 5 months, we’ve sure taken those 150+ days to improve our club, implement new protocols, and provide you with a fitness facility that you feel comfortable returning to.” They installed new ventilation purifiers (REME HALO) and filters (MERV13), using electrostatic sprayers and cold foggers to deep clean and disinfect surfaces, just to name a few of the steps they’ve taken to keep their 80,000 square feet space clean and safe. They will reopen on Monday, August 24th.
Gold’s Gym also announced on their Instagram that all of their locations will also reopen on the 24th including Fishkill, Poughkeepsie, and Newburgh.
Closer to home, The Studio At Beacon plans to reopen August 31st pending the new air purifiers being installed as part of the new guidelines. Some of the news measure they will be taking are limiting class sizes to ensure social distancing, have gym wipes available to clients who wish to wipe down any equipment before or after use, and will schedule classes so that clients have ample space in the locker area before and after class. BeBhakti Yoga Center will continue to keep their classes outdoors in their freshly paved parking lot along with Wednesdays evenings at Long Dock Park. They have chosen to wait a little longer before hosting indoor classes again.
Required Face Covering To Work Out with 33% Capacity
This is a tough pill to swallow for fitness businesses and may face some resistance from members. In larger gyms, members can roam more freely between equipment use, face covering is understandable - like having to put your mask on if you leave your table at a restaurant. However, when your facility is only classes like Spin or Yoga, this can be more challenging as you are stationary in one space and the mask can get harder to breathe through as you sweat into it.
Gyms are allowed only a third of occupancy at a time - that’s 33%. For many gym goers, they will need to let go of the idea of just showing up when they feel like getting a workout in and instead, reserve a specific time. This is normal for specialized gyms who are used to reserving spots for a scheduled session or class.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
There will be a zero-tolerance policy as it relates to compliance. If an establishment is found to be out of compliance with regard to indoor group fitness and aquatics classes, the local government will issue a Cease and Desist order which will prohibit the activities indefinitely. Keep in mind, the Governor can amend his determination and guidance at any time.
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison are moving forward on the development of a Youth Opportunity Center at the site of the former YMCA on Montgomery Street in Poughkeepsie. The two leaders have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a formal partnership to redevelop the property, with Dutchess County pledging commitment for up to $25 million for the design and construction of a new Youth Opportunity Center at the site, according to a press release issued by Dutchess County today.
This property is not for sale, but partners are being sought in the development is what is available there. Says Colleen Pillus, Communication Director of Dutchess County: “The intent is take the building down and create an open space while design plans are worked on for the construction of the project and community partners are sought. The 35 Montgomery Street Coalition includes partners that could potentially play a role.
Each step of the project – demo, design, construction – will have to bid out.
Where Is The Former YMCA On Montgomery Street?
According to the City of Poughkeepsie’s development page: “This is a high-profile location, situated just south of Downtown Poughkeepsie, easily accessed from Routes 44/55 and 9. The site is adjacent to well used Eastman and Lincoln Parks, Garfield Place Historic District, and is across the street from Soldier’s Fountain, a National Historic Landmark. The site is less than 600 feet from the Adriance Memorial Library on Market Street and is 0.6 miles from Vassar Brothers Medical Center.”
About The Former Dutchess YMCA
The former Dutchess YMCA closed in 2009, but had offered community rooms, a fitness center, gymnasium, indoor track, and a large 25 yard swimming pool among other amenities. It was enjoyed by city and county residents - kids and adults - for decades, according to the development website. Afterschool programs offering academic assistance and physical fitness supported generations of Poughkeepsie youth. Since shutting its doors, the building has been vacant ever since. A a requirement was made on the deed in 1966 by then Common Council requiring educational use for the property, which was promoted when calling for submissions to develop the property. Poughkeepsie’s Common Council had the power to modify or remove the deed.
The Intent For The New Youth Opportunity Center
The MOU outlines the intent and process to build the Youth Opportunity Center, including agreement that the County will have joint ownership of the property with the City of Poughkeepsie. The City took ownership of the YMCA property as part of its anti-blight initiative last year with the goal of using the property to yield significant community benefit.) The County of Dutchess must have an ownership interest in the property in order to finance any construction through a bond under local finance law.
Next steps will include drafting and formalizing an intermunicipal agreement between the City and the County, which Mayor Rolison will submit to the City Council for approval at a future meeting. Following City Council adoption of the agreement, the Dutchess County Legislature will then vote to authorize the agreement. Once the intermunicipal agreement has been authorized by both bodies, County Executive Molinaro will forward a resolution to the County Legislature to finance the demolition of the building and creation of temporary green space, and future construction of the youth center.
Demolition and Green Space At First
With support from the City Council and the Dutchess County Legislature, the process will begin with the demolition of the existing structure due to deterioration and environmental concerns. The site will be transformed into community green space while plans continue for a youth center and other community benefit services on the more than 3-acre site.
County Executive Molinaro said, “The County is eager and determined to move forward with the development of the YMCA site to create a center where the youth of our county can have the support and resources they need from birth through adulthood. The center will serve as a compass for them on the Path to Promise. Though the past six months have tested us like never before, our resolve remains fervent, and we are making the deliberate, thoughtful decision to make this long-term investment in a countywide youth center. It is clear that as we look around us, both nationally and locally, that our society needs such a facility to help youth successfully navigate their path to adulthood and we are excited to take these next steps to bring this much-needed resource to fruition.”
“This is a significant step in our overall vision,” said City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison. “We will bring activities to this site that affirm our commitment to create a community and recreation resource for the public. Taking the building down and creating open space in the interim is a sound, practical move that will benefit the community. We greatly appreciate our partnership with Dutchess County to get this project moving and look forward to future steps that will greatly strengthen our community.”
The City and County will engage with 35 Montgomery Community Coalition, whose vision presentation for the site, which can be viewed at cityofpoughkeepsie.com/35montgomerystreet, involves a multi-use facility that would provide services connected to their respective missions in the community. The coalition, which includes Dutchess County as well as education and health care leaders, has been working together to determine the most appropriate organizational structure to advance the project. The City, County and the coalition will work to secure funding sources in addition to the County’s $25 million commitment.
Chairman of the County Legislature Gregg Pulver voiced his support for the plan saying, “A youth center has been part of our discussions for several years now and it is encouraging to have this clear path laid out. Once the City Council approves the agreement, I look forward this project being adopted in the County’s next Capital Plan.” Chairman Pulver noted he expects the proposal to have overwhelming support in the Legislature as part of the County’s Path to Promise initiative. He also noted Democratic lawmakers on both the Common Council and County Legislature just last week publicly stated support for the County investment, which should allow the process to begin soon.
Dutchess County’s Path to Promise initiative strives to ensure that all young people in Dutchess County – from birth through age 19 – have the assets they need to achieve their full potential as they grow into young adults. The Youth Opportunity Center will be home to many of the activities, programs, and organizations supported by Path to Promise. “It will be the first destination on a path to building a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life for young people. The Center is an investment in our young people, and therefore, an investment in our future,” concluded Molinaro.
Does Beacon Have A Youth Center?
No. Beacon used to, but it closed. It is referred to often in A Little Beacon Blog’s sister podcast, “Wait, What Is That?” Co-host Brandon Lillard grew up in Beacon and used to use the service often. Beacon does have a Recreation Center building at 25 Center Street, but that is mainly small offices with one small playroom that has programming in it sometimes.
Just 40 days into his 90 day temporary term as Beacon’s Acting Chief of Police, William (Bill) Cornett has stepped down from his position, and will return to retirement. Bill, as referred to by those who know him, was appointed to the position by Mayor Lee Kyriacou after Beacon’s then Chief Kevin Junjulas announced his retirement, along with Captain Fredericks, soon after police protests and the Black Lives Matter movement started nation-wide.
Lieutenant Sands Frost, who currently works for Beacon’s Police Department, has been appointed by unanimous vote of the City Council to replace Will Cornett, effective August 17, 2020. Mayor Kyriacou said during the appointment at the 8/17/2020 City Council Meeting that apparently no one had stepped forward to volunteer to be in the position until now. The position will pay a pro-rated percentage of the currently budgeted Police Chief salary, which is $147,733, according to the proposed 2020 budget. Mayor Kyriacou thanked Lieutenant Frost for stepping up, “even if it’s not your first choice sometimes.”
The appointment of William Cornett came with controversy, as the Teamsters Local 445 opposed the appointment, stating that William Cornett had been in retirement too long (retired in 2000). At the meeting to appoint William Cornett, Teamsters Local 445 representative, Mike Pitt, spoke to the benefit of promoting someone from within Beacon’s Police Department: “The Mayor continues to say that it is ‘Acting Police Chief’ and totally disregarding the promotion or acting part of someone who is already in a command position in the Police Department, who can make the transition a lot smoother until you actually make an appointment of a Police Chief, after a thorough search.”
At the August 3rd City Council Meeting, shortly after appointments were announced about who was on the selection committee to pick a new Police Chief, 18 callers called in to voice their opinions. Normally, 15 members of the public are on the call total, and maybe 5 of them speak. One of the residents who spoke during the Public Comment portion was Ciarda Hall, a founding organizer of Beacon4Black Lives. Normally callers need to state their name and address during these public portions of the City Council Meeting. While stating ones name is helpful, stating their address seems an overreach of privacy.
H, I’m Ciarda and I don’t feel safe stating my address .
As many of us know, the Chief of Police resigned last month. Last week, a committee was named to help choose the new Chief of Police in Beacon. It has come to my attention that the first candidate choice from Beacon4BlackLives was disqualified from the committee simply because you disagree with comments they made at the previous City Council Meeting. Comments that our whole team agrees with.
Nobody in the city agrees with your choice of Acting Chief. Residents in the city don’t feel comfortable and there has even been complaints of sexual harassment within the Police Department against him. the only person who agrees with your choice of Acting Chief, is your neighbor and close friend, William Cornett. Oh wait, isn’t that who you chose to be Acting Chief? Tea. Hasn’t he been off-duty for over a decade? Hasn’t there also been reports of him being racist? This is who you chose?
Nothing about the process to choose this committee or acting chief has been transparent and furthermore, how can we trust the integrity of a committee and have hope in positive change if you are only choosing people who agree with your shady politics based solely in re-enforcing white supremacy and maintaining the status quo?
How can we trust someone who is supposed to be our Mayor but has never reached out to me. The girl who created the Beacon4Blacklives team. A team who literally started this movement and shook the room in our entire city. We have got nothing from you but an automated speech that you already know my feelings towards.
Do you even care about black lives? It’s not that hard to show you care. Yet you continue to fail. stand up if you care Mr. Mayor and step down if you don’t. Because your job is not done when you find a new chief like you said it will be. Make a change. Thank you.
A Little Beacon Blog has reached out to the PBA’s Vice President, William Confield, for comment as to rumors of recent allegations of sexual harrasment, as well as to the City Council, Mayor and Administrator. Should we get a response, this article will be updated. What is also not confirmed is when when William Cornett stepped down, if he was asked to resign, if he volunteered, and if the City of Beacon was without a chief for a period of days before Lieutenant Frost’s appointment. We are unable to get a list of officers who work for the Police Department in order to check for who the female police officers are, as the list has not been published to the City’s website yet, but was supposed to be, as was announced in mid-July by Mayor Kyriacou.
Mayor Kyriacou also announced that the City would publish FOIA requests to its website, when members of the public inquire about the backgrounds of police officers. But those requests do not seem to have been published yet.
A Bit Of Beacon History - Real Old School - 1977 and 1988
Officer William Cornett had worked for Beacon for decades, and was on duty during the “racial disturbance” as described by the Poughkeepsie Journal on May 21, 1977. It was during this time that the Spirit of Beacon Day started, as a way to temper racial tensions. At the time, William Cornett was an officer with Beacon’s Police Department, and disputed the release of 3 Black youths (plus 1 who made bail) who were arrested apparently during a riot situation in Beacon.
Photo Credit: The Poughkeepsie Journal
According to the newspaper from May 21, 1977, “Officer William Cornett, in a prepared statement, said the release of 3 Black youths in their own recognizance 'compounded the violence done by roving bands of thugs.’ Cornett said local citizens should make known opposition to the release. ‘Efforts to protect the public will be futile without their support,’ he said.” The Beacon PBA at the time was also critical of the release of the Black youths, according to the article.
The 1977 article goes on to say that City Court Judge Ian MacDonald released Brian Medley, 17, Ervin Burton, 19, and Michael Bell, 16, following their arraignment on felony riot charges (they are much older today). A fourth defendant, Robert McNair, 16, was held in $1,000 bail pending a later hearing. McNair, back in 1977, was charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest. Cornett said McNair posted bail and was free on that Friday afternoon. Then City Court Judge Ian MacDonald honored a request from then Assistant D.A. Thomas Dolan to release the Black youth. “I think the assistant D.A. was right,” the judge said. “I realized the decision might be unpopular. But these were young people and they did not have a criminal record.” MacDonald also noted that the youths had not used weapons, according to the article.
William Cornett was also in Beacon for a jail cell hanging in 1988. According to a Poughkeepsie Journal 1988 article, the headline of which read: “Theft suspect found hanged in Beacon jail,” went on to explain: “A 36-year-old burglary suspect arrested Saturday by Beacon City Police hanged himself in the Police Department lockup 4 hours after he was taken into custody, police reported.” William Cornett was quoted in the article, and was then a Lieutenant. At the time, he could not release the man’s name, but confirmed that the man had been found hanged in a holding cell at 8pm that evening.
During William Cornett’s appointment to Acting Police Chief in July 2020, Mayor Lee Kyriacou stated that Officer Cornett was the only one the Mayor trusted during Beacon’s dark days of the police department (Mayor Kyriacou and William Cornett are also neighborly and shared a house driveway). Mayor Kyriacou was responsible for launching a Federal Investigation into the Beacon Police Department in the 2000s, which was innitially inspired by Mayor Kyriacou wanting to cut down on overtime pay. Listen to ALBB’s sister podcast, “Wait, What Is That?” to learn all about the Mayor’s experience with the investigation., which led the Beacon Police Department to become accredited, a rarity in these parts that other municipalities like Fishkill are now trying to earn. Former Mayor Randy Casale also speaks on the podcast about the dark days and his role in putting body cameras on Beacon Police Officers.
In the beginning…there were the texts. “My friend (cousin, aunt’s best friend) works at the Pentagon and he told me that the government is going to shut everything down in 2 days.” Perhaps you received texts like this too. Insider information. Scoop. It most likely drove you to drive very fast to the grocery store and buy $800 worth of groceries in a blizzard-prep mentality - each week - thus wiping out your savings before the actual pandemic was acknowledged, with the actual business shutdown requiring the $600/week Pandemic Insurance and a slippery PPP business loan. The physical lock down in one’s home never came, with soldiers patrolling the streets, but the business train wreck did.
Now with set to open, and botched roll-outs happening in other states, new quarantine fears are percolating: Quarantine Part 2. The new text thread includes a Facebook video of a woman at her home in New York, showing you how New York State, and the Governor specifically, wants to take your children, using the excuse of they might be infected with COVID-19, a disease which she says doesn’t exist. To prove it, she proceeds to show a video of her laptop screen reading the details of this bill - A99 - about how the Health Commissioner can and his or her opinion, remove you from your home and put you in detention until you are no longer contagious. For basically any amount of time.
The bill is a pretty freaky read, and at immediate first glance, was started in January 2019. But if you scroll down and dig in, it was really started in 2015 (which is just after an 2014 Ebola outbreak occurred in the United States) by Assembly Member Nick Perry, and has never seen the light of day. Nick’s Assembly District is 58, which is in Brooklyn. His office is at 903 Utica Avenue. You can read the 2015 version here.
A Change.org petition to fight the 2019 version of this bill started at least 4 months ago in April 2020 by Buffalonians Against Excessive Quarantine (716), to petition the NYS Assembly. So far, this bill is introduced every year, and it sits in a status called “In Committee,” is marked as “Active,” then seems to die.
The fear that the language of this bill has tapped into is not unfounded. It certainly describes what happens to illegal immigrants when they are caught coming into the United States seeking asylum. They are detained for legal amounts of time that get renewed, and their children are taken from them. Most recently, actions granted by the Trump administration, as reported on in a joint article from the Texas Tribune and ProPublica, and reported on by other news outlets like NBC.
Those who are concerned about quarantine law, could read an analysis of existing laws here. If you are a doubter of the pandemic, and don’t trust any data or science presented to you, one option is to look at the hospitals to see if they are full, and the funeral homes to see if they are wall to wall, and sometimes to the ceiling, with caskets. Like here in this New Yorker article, or here in Popular Mechanics. As is what happened in New York during the early months of this COVID-19 pandemic. Similar pictures exist for the 1917 flu pandemic.
When the announcement of the free $420 food credit to be used at stores was announced by Governor Cuomo, ALBB blogged about it, and then reached out to Beacon City School’s Director of Food and Nutrition, Karen Pagano, to ask how this works with the school’s Free Lunch Program, which she was encouraging people to sign up for back in the spring of the pandemic. People did, who were unexpectedly unemployed due to the pandemic. As of today, 650 people are enrolled in the Free Lunch Program.
As the ReOpening has been happening, some people have returned to work, but not everyone. Can people still apply for the 2020/2021 Free Lunch Program? “Yes,” says Karen. Because government services can be a little complicated, we are going to let Karen explain how it works in her words:
Each District submitted to SNAP or NYS a list of Students enrolled as of March 15, 2020, that qualified for free meals in our district either with:
Income application
Homeless status
Directly certified through SNAP or Financial need based Medicaid.
We do not get notified if families have received the P-EBT cards, so if a family has questions about the card, they need to follow up with the numbers listed in your other article: NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at 1-833-452-0096 or by email at otda.sm.eisp.PEBT@otda.ny.gov
Meal eligibility for Income applicants from the previous 2019-2020 School year will continue until a new application is submitted, or until mid October 2020 with no new application submitted.
Meal applications for the 2020-2021 School year are available on our District website for parents to download and print a copy - fill out manually and send back to the Food Service Office either electronically or in hard copy. We will also be sending copies home with students on the first day of school if they are attending building classes. We are looking to do a mass mailing for those that are not attending in school classes to get the applications out.
We are in the works for setting up online applications through a program called myschoolapps (students and parents use this now to fill breakfast/lunch money on for their kids to use at school - it’s the digital form of “lunch money”) but we will not be able to have this up and running until likely the first week of September as the company supporting this function is at the moment overwhelmed.
Families should still apply for free meals even if they are not attending in-building classes as we will be preparing grab and go meals with distribution for those enrolled families through a drive-by-pick-up on Wednesdays at BHS and RMS starting on September 16th. Parents will need to sign up for this service through a new addition to MySchoolBucks platform and that sign up should be available by the end of August.
We will be preparing these grab and go complete Nutritious Breakfasts and Lunches for the 3-day Remote Learning coverage as well as 5-day for all remote learning eligible students all with Wednesday distribution, times TBD.
We have certified about 650 students for Free meals who qualify for SNAP for the 2020-2021 year and have sent emails or if no email is on file, hard copy notification to those families about their continuation of free meals in the School year.
We will continue to update this download from NYS SNAP recipients on a monthly basis to capture newly added students receiving SNAP and therefore automatically eligible for free meals.
How Will The Non-Free, Paying School Lunch Program Work?
Currently, the Beacon City School District uses MySchoolBucks.com to handle money on kid’s meal cards. Parents log in and make deposits onto the cards whenever they want to. But how will this work on the Hybrid or All Remote Learning plan for parents who do not qualify for the Free Lunch Program? Karen answers:
“You would pre-order each week - all or nothing. You get 3 or 5 breakfast and 3 or 5 lunches (this will depend on if your child is in school 2 days a week or all remote). If your child is in school 2 days a week, they can also get breakfast as a grab-and-go bring into classroom, and lunch which will be pre-ordered in the morning with choices for meals that will be delivered into the classrooms. Both are optional - both are free for free qualifying students and payment necessary again on account with www.myschoolbucks.com for paying students who do not qualify for the Free Lunch Program. No money at school please.”
September is a breath away and most of us are either trying to ignore the “back-to-school” air August carries, or desperately trying to prepare for the upcoming school year. In Governor Cuomo’s daily coronavirus update email sent out on August 10th, 2020, he included an update regarding the pandemic and the reopening of schools, as well as an opportunity for kids who lost food benefits due to COVID-19 school closures can access meals through the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program.
P-EBT is an important update that requires attention prior to the end of August. P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer) is a newly implemented program regarding the food benefits for families during the COVID-19 school closures. Children who lost free or reduced-price school meals will now be able to buy food at participating stores under the P-EBT benefits, for $420, according to Governor Cuomo’s update. If your child is eligible, but your household has not received a P-EBD card and/or benefit by mid-August, call NYSOTDA at 1-833-452-0096. More details here. Benefits will be issued automatically. There is no application. However, you should call the number with any questions if you don’t have a card.
While there is not application, it may be necessary for you to be enrolled in the Free Lunch Program, which had been made available over the spring for the upcoming year, which starts in September 2020. ALBB blogged about this in April 2020, to bring awareness to the program for those who are unemployed. If you are still unemployed, you are encouraged to apply now. It is unsure at this time if the $420 deposit will be made to you if you are signing up for this program now. So it seems like signing up for the program would be beneficial.
The information you need is on this website, however we have broken it down for you below.
Who Is Eligible?
Children who have received free or reduced-price meals
Children who attend schools that offer free meals to all
How Much Are P-EBT Benefits?
Each eligible child will receive $420
When and How Will I Receive P-EBT?
There is different criteria for different types of situations:
Families that receive SNAP or Public Assistance (PA): benefits will be available on your current EBT card. Expect two payments: $193 in early June, $227 in late June.
Families who use Medicaid (but not SNAP) do not need to complete an application to get free school meals. Benefits will be available on your (or your oldest child’s) Medicaid card. Expect one payment: $420 between June and late August.
All Other Eligible Children: benefits will be available on a new EBT card (one for each eligible child) mailed to your house. Expect one payment: $420 between July and late August.
I Have Not Received Payment…
If you have not received a P-EBT card and/or benefit by mid-August, call NYSOTDA at 1-833-452-0096.
Other Important Information:
Immigration status does not matter:
Using P-EBT does not affect your or your child’s immigration status. The public charge rule does not apply to P-EBT.
P-EBT is not SNAP.
You can use other nutrition programs, like summer meals, SNAP, and WIC, while using P-EBT.
You can still get “grab and go” or delivered meals served by your school.
You cannot give your card to another person or household to use. If you wish to donate your benefit, you can buy food and donate it to a food pantry.
I Still Have Questions…
Contact NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at 1-833-452-0096 or by email at otda.sm.eisp.PEBT@otda.ny.gov
This weather is amazing! Amazingly hot still, but fall is coming. Totally normal for these humid days! For your list of things to do right now, this weekend, you will definitely needthe Mango Lassi from Hudson Valley Food Hall, who just signed on as a supporting sponsor! Along with the Beacon Hotel! Thank you, restaurant friends!Believe us, thriving as a restaurant right now is hard.
Story Screen Drive-In presents "Gremlins" and "Beverly Hills Cop"
Day: Friday-Sunday, August 14-16, 2020 Time: 8:15pm (Gremlins), 10:45pm (BHC) Location: The Park at University Settlement Camp, 724 Wolcott Ave, Beacon, NY
Parking will be on a first come first serve basis. You can arrive up to 15 minutes before your screening's scheduled start time to be assigned a space. Please be aware that you must arrive no later than 15 minutes after your screening's scheduled start time to attend the movie. All admissions sales must be completed in advance by reservation on the website. Tickets sales end one hour before the start of the screening. There will be no tickets available at the Drive-In box office. Information >
Beacon's Summer Concerts In The Park
Day: Tuesdays, August 18, 2020 Time: 5-5:45pm Location: Performances at Pete And Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park. Information >
Fishkill's Summer Concerts In The Park w/ Abe Ovadia (Jazz Guitarist)
Day: Wednesday, August 19, 2020 Time: 6:30pm Location: Mauer-Geering Park located off Geering Way in Fishkill Information >
Beaecon Open Studios Is Back!!
And there is an Artist Registration deadline...
Day: Thursday, August 20, 2020
Registration for Beacon Open Studios 2020 closes on Thursday. The dates have been pushed to October 3-4, 2020. The organizers would like your input on how best to proceed with the event this year. You can respond to their questions posted on their Instagram. For artists who do not feel comfortable opening their space to guest, Hudson Beach Glass and Happy Valley Beacon will be hosting a limited number of artists. Beacon Open Studios are working to secure additional accessible spaces for artists. If you have a large indoor/outdoor space and would like to work with BOS weekend, please contact by email director@beaconopenstudios.org or DM on their Instagram.
Beacon Public Library Is OPEN!
Day/Time: Reduced hours to start Location: 313 Main Street, Beacon, NY
The library is open for limited in-person checkout, computer use, and limited Children's Room browsing. We have all the details for you. Information >
EAT CHURCH
511 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon, NY Pop-Up Alert!!
Check out Eat Church's new Masa Mission Revue menu featuring meats from @marbledmeatshop in Cold Spring at Marbled Meat Shop. Using Marbled proteins, Mark is creating a fresh and inventive street food menu that is sure to excite even the most experienced palate. Location: 3091 Route 9, Cold Spring, NY Date/Time: Saturday, August 15th from 4:00-8:00 PM. Information > Eat Church is an ALBB Sponsor!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
'Tis the season for a strawberry salad! Come on down to @baja328 and enjoy the beautiful weather, delicious drinks and amazing food included in their weekly specials and regular menu. Tuesday - Thursday: 4-9pm Friday - Saturday: 12pm-10pm Sunday: 12pm-8pm Follow on Instagram > Baja 328 is an ALBB Sponsor!
MEYERS OLD DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Salmon burgers are back at Meyers Old Dutch! The burger includes house made salmon patty, crispy pickles and dill. Don't delay in trying this special burger out! More > Meyers Old Dutch is an ALBB Sponsor!
HOMESPUN
232 Main Street, Beacon, NY
As we've been raving about, we are loving the garden and parklet set up at Homespun Foods. What better way to get that Summer feel by enjoying a cold glass of Rosé. Oh, it's just perfect. More > Homespun is an ALBB Sponsor!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Have you been to the lovely pergola located at the back of the Hudson Valley Food Hall? It's surprisingly beautiful (you probably never knew it was there!), comfortable and spacious place to enjoy a Mezcal Passion Fruit Paloma. Plus, there a re fans everywhere. Follow them on Instagram at @hvhall.
ABOUT HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL: From the former Roosevelt Theater (288 Main Street, Beacon), the Hudson Valley Food Hall & Market showcases a variety of cuisines and local chefs from the Hudson Valley. With plenty of outdoor seating available and limited indoor seating (for safety!), mini-restaurants include:
Himalayan Dumplings
Southern BBQ
Homemade Desserts
Bombay Wraps (Indian Street Food)
Fresh Made to Order Salads
Hudson Valley Food Hall is an ALBB Sponsor!
BEACON HOTEL
424 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Speaking of strawberry salads (we see you BAJA!) here is the Beacon Hotel's mojito flavor ‘Fresh Berry’ strawberry blackberry and raspberry puréed into perfection . Eddie Lopez is the mixologist in the house. Also, if you love the cover band Skin n Bones, they show up from time to time at the Beacon Hotel! Enjoy limited seating inside, or on the back patio. Beacon Hotel is an ALBB Sponsor!
LUXE OPTIQUE
181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Have you made your way to the beach or lakeside yet this Summer? Make sure you got your necessities like a stylish pair of sunglasses rom @emmanuellekhanh. What kind of beach outfit would you pair these sunglasses with? Go Shopping > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon
Books alone can’t solve problems, as such. But as vessels of narrative, the possibilities are broad. As we’ve said elsewhere, books represent astonishing depths. And long paths, too, describing shapes that can only be named by the telling of the stories that they are. Tributaries of thought that flow into each other and that never empty out or fill each other up, entirely. Theory and practice and world building; revolution called violence and reason called madness and knowledge called heresy; and it’s all here for you, unfolding as you act gently upon it. Information > Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
LEWIS & PINE
133 Main Street, Beacon
This Beach Pebble Necklace from Lewis and Pine is dreamy!!! The minimalist look and natural texture is so perfect to grab & go or to feel fancy in while you work from home.
Best part (drumroll please), this necklace is cast from a real ocean-smoothed pebble! So you will always be reminded of the calming sound of the waves no matter where you are.Get the coordinating pair of earrings, bracelet or ring! You need to... it’s just too good! Shop Online! > Lewis & Pine is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
LA MERE CLOTHING AND GOODS
436 Main Street, Beacon
This jumper dress is honestly what brought us into the store, where we got distracted by the Sale rack because the jumper wasn't in yet. But it is now! Save us a size! They have more jeans and bottoms on the their 24/7 website! But do stop in for a styling session. HOURS: Wednesday- Saturday: 11am-6pm Sunday: 12pm-5pm Information> La Mere is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
ECHO
470 Main Street, Beacon
Dreamy was the "Back To School" sale. Being that those are so uncertain right now...we do have Echo's 40% Shoe Sale, which is major. Echo carries a certain set of brands for a certain kind of girl (or guy! they did begin to carry winter boots) from brands like Fly London and Re-Mix. If you want a new shoe for Fall, this is your time. Sizes are limited. Grab-n-go. Details >
BEACON MERCANTILE
493 Main Street, Beacon
After taking a short maker break, Beacon Mercantile is opening again this weekend. Just in time too, @earthharbor GLOW JUICE refining enzyme mask is back in stock! This rad 100% natural AHA/BHA gel mask naturally resurfaces, cools, and firms skin with red seaweed, fruit enzymes, white willow bark, rice powder and aloe leaf juice to reveal greater clarity, improved skin texture and tone, and a more youthful glow– all without irritating your skin. Information >
ANTALEK & MOORE
340 Main Street, Beacon
We sure do have lots of options here in the Hudson Valley when it comes to camping. From renting a cabin to reserving a spot for a little RV glamping or an event setting up a tent in your backyard . Antalek & Moore asks what is on your list of camping must-haves? Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
There are some media professionals in the house...If this is you, please take note! Please publish nothing that Kanye West says. You will aid him in splitting the vote and keeping T in. Please. The amount of air time that you gave a Trump during his first election got him elected. It was actually your fault. Please don’t repeat your mistake. Report on anything else. There is so much to report on! Learn More >
CASTING CALL: Paid Gig: Documentary For Being Over 50 + Turning Your Dream Career Into A Reality
A documentary is looking for people aged 50+ who are pursuing their dreams for a year long documentary. The pay is SAG Union scale, and starts at $2670 for participation, and compensation is available for people who join your story. The casting agency NINA DAY is taking submissions now, and would love to hear from you. PRO TIP: record your submission on your phone as a video! NINA DAY needs your answers to a few questions. See this job listing at A Little Beacon Blog to get the questions, and directions for how to apply. Deadline is 8/20/2020 but don’t wait ‘till the last minute. If you know of someone 50+ who is pursuing their dream, tag them or tell them about this job listing. Job Details >
Luxe Optique Is Hiring Private Airbnb Manager For Apartments
The owners of Luxe Optique own their building with 4 apartments above the storefront. These have been redesigned and include washers/dryers for the short term rental market using Airbnb’s platform. Job Details >
Luxe Optique Is Hiring Cleaner of Airbnb Apartments
Luxe Optique is hiring a regular cleaning person or service to clean 4 apartments between Airbnb guests. Job Details >
Prior to the Black Lives Movement, we actually forgot about this major detail that ended 10 years ago - the investigation, the ridding of a police chief feared by many, as well as his son, also an officer at the time. The investigation is why the department is accredited today - a rarity in these parts. As Beacon talks about police re-imagining, knowing this bit of history is key, as reference points to it are made often.
When the bench dedicated to former Mayor Randy Casale’s stepson was in discussions to be moved, he took to social media for the first time since losing his mayoral election for a third term, and flared up a base.
On the “Wait, What Is That?” podcast, we talked to Randy to learn more about the bench, what the thin blue line means to him and police families, and the American flag. We also talked to him about his experience during the end of the Federal Investigation of the Beacon Police Department, before the department was accredited, and why he wanted body cameras on officers. The original interview is 3hrs long, but has been edited to 39 minutes per his attorney’s request, and his desire to not re-ignite the divisive vibes that happened after the bench discussion and Back the Beacon PD rally.
Skipping ahead on the episode release, this is one of our longer podcasts, but it needed to be in full length so that you could hear how everything works before settling into a decision. Normally topics like this are glossed over, but this current time period is creating space for once dismissed situations to be looked at a second time.
This podcast features Reuben Simmons, a Beaconite who had a job position for a year, and then didn’t. The reasons why are presented in this podcast, and outlined in an article on “Wait, What Is That?”
The inspiration for A Little Beacon Blog came from not knowing about things in Beacon. Could be the timing of a Spring Egg Hunt, or it could be why the Spirit of Beacon Day started (answer: after youth inspired racial riots decades ago!).
As the City of Beacon began growing with development of apartment buildings, a reader lamented one day: "A Little Beacon Blog isn't going to be so little anymore." And here's the truth: A Little Beacon Blog has the word "little" in it for 2 reasons:
1. The assumption was that there would be a lot of blogs about Beacon. Turns out, that manifested in the form of Instagram accounts, which are awesome.
2. ALBB always focuses on the little details. Could be a rose, could be a tree, could be an honoree, could be a bench, could a wrench.
In The Beginning...
At the beginning of the pandemic, people starting recording more videos. Disconnect people from each other, and we break out of comfort zones into new mediums in order to connect. This happened at A Little Beacon Blog too, in the form of a podcast. We set up a studio in Katie's shed, which is ventilated with 2 doors, a fan and an air conditioner, and we wear masks during interviews. Plexiglass is next.
About The Co-Hosts...
Brandon Lillard is the co-host of this podcast, and the recording producer. Raised in the City of Beacon, some of you may remember him from that time he attended Beacon High School and created a character for himself: Mr. Beacon High. This was his way of working with many different people. Brandon went on to become a community organizer, youth mentor and podcast producer with Youth Podcast Program, and is a board member for I Am Beacon. Brandon had nudged ALBB's publisher Katie for a while (ok, 5 years) to start a podcast. When in a pandemic, she said yes.
We are so excited to announce to you today the start of the podcast extension of A Little Beacon Blog, called "Wait, What Is That?" It's a podcast dedicated to finding out the answers behind simple and hard questions. Sometimes during our interviews, we discover more questions, and pursue new topics to dig deeper. This could be about donuts made in Connecticut but named after Brooklyn, or the Federal Investigation of the Beacon Police Department many years ago.
We have 5 episodes to start you out with. Do carve the time out of your day during your commute to nowhere, or your gardening time, or your outdoor fitness time.
Many of these episodes will serve you well in your homework for issues going on right now in Beacon.
EPISODE 1: The Beginning Brandon and Katie record their first podcast. Not sure what they were going to talk about. And then Brandon brought the Brooklyn Baking Company Donuts. Which are from Connecticut. And go…
EPISODE 2: Let's Do This Because sometimes you just need a cup of coffee and a Popsicle. In discovering their voices, Brandon and Katie take a deep dive into that house on the corner of Cross Street that is a storefront window. Brandon remembers when it was a deli and he went there daily on his way to and from the old Beacon High School.
EPISODE 3: Former Mayor Randy Casale Well HELLO. Our first interview is with the former Mayor of Beacon for 2 terms: Randy Casale. A born and bread Beaconite who knows everything about everything Beacon. Everything.
We interviewed Randy when he was fresh out of his political silence, during the debate about his stepson's bench and if it should be removed or moved. The original interview was 3 hours.
At the recommendation of his attorney, the podcast was edited down to 39 minutes. The bench issue has been settled for now, so he did not want to reignite.
We talk to him about his experience with the Beacon Police Department, his insistence on and fight for body cameras, and the Federal Investigation of the Beacon PD years ago.
He also discusses with us about the demotion of a Highway Superintendent, Reuben Simmons, who was demoted back down to a worker position, how a mysterious letter dis-crediting Reuben was hand-delivered to a council person's porch, how Civil Service rules worked to legally let it all happen, and if the City of Beacon had an opportunity to keep Reuben in his job, but did not take that route. Even though Randy voted for the appointment of the current Highway Superintendent, Randy said Reuben having the position be taken from him was one of his biggest regrets.
EPISODE 4: Mayor Lee Kyriacou BAM. Our next interview was with current Mayor Lee Kyriacou. During Randy’s interview, and during the 1st biggest BLM protest in Beacon, we learned that Lee spearheaded the look-see into Beacon’s Police Department in the early 2000s, which resulted in a Federal Investigation. We wanted to learn more about that.
EPISODE 5: Reuben Simmons Following up on what we learned earlier, we interviewed Reuben about how and why he no longer has the position of Highway Superintendent, after 1 year of serving in it. Katie worked with Reuben when he created the Rock Out For Mental Health music event last year. Many service agencies came together at one community event, which impacted a lot of people.
When Katie wrote the article about Reuben's inspiration for the event, she went to confirm his job title, which had been Highway Superintendent. Reuben worked for the Highway Department since 2002, and she was proud of his promotion. But LinkedIn showed a job descension: where he once was the Highway Superintendent, he was now Maintenance Worker. What happened?
Reuben couldn't answer at the time, as he was filing a complaint about the experience. One year later, at the first BLM sound stage, Reuben spoke out about it. Reuben walks us through the chess match of Civil Service rules which determine how a city can hire, fire, demote, and discipline employees.
Reuben says he did not know about the mystery letter until much later. A Little Beacon Blog has a copy of it, and published it with this podcast so that you can read it. Additionally, we have published the City Council Meeting from February 2019 where each City Council Member voted to appoint Reuben's co-worker to the job under a technicality. During that meeting, many from the Highway Department were in the audience (except for the 3 Black workers in the Highway Department, including Reuben, who say they were not told about the date of the appointment). The staff from the Highway Department can be heard hooting and hollering during the vote. Many on the Council laughed with them.
Reuben continues his work every day for the City, but has this to say on why he speaks out now: "I have experienced unfair treatment, harassment, and retaliation in the Highway Department that has continued after my efforts to bring a number of issues to the attention of city management and leadership. I share my story as a response to the many narratives and rumors spread by childish individuals and because I don’t want it happening to anyone else."
The letter, the public City Council meeting with the laughter, and a timeline of events have been published with this podcast. A Little Beacon Blog reached out to the City Administrator for confirmation of the timeline, and was responded to with an invitation to talk to the City's labor lawyer. While we don't need a conversation, we are awaiting an email response to our questions.
If you're following Police news with any hiring of positions, you'll want to listen to this podcast to get familiar with Civil Service chess. If you want to learn about how someone gets safely removed from a job without legal ramifications, you'll want to listen to this podcast.
EPISODE 6: Ali T. Muhammad Ali T. Muhammad was born and raised in Beacon, NY, walking every day down a literal pathway between prison and public school, as his home was on the grounds. He walked the “school to prison pipeline” (and tells us about what that means on this podcast). His father was incarcerated for 12 years, and upon getting released, became the Chaplin for Fishkill Correctional Facility. Ali’s mother was a teacher at Rombout Middle School (and was Brandon’s teacher!).
Ali lived the life of a Black youth in Beacon, and continues to as a Black man in America. As a way to keep himself occupied and on a straight path, he began getting involved with local politics, getting elected as a Council Member for Ward 4 at an early age.
Ali served on Beacon's City Council years ago, and after a period bucking his own Democratic party, wasn't elected back. He was known to stay focused on issues of inequality for Black and poor communities, but was often dismissed. His concerns are coming back to make sense now to more people during this racial revolution. Katie and Brandon talk to Ali about those issues, including how to build a WeePlay Tot Park at Davies Terrace and other low income housing projects that are owned by private, large, wealthy real estate companies. Lots of times kids in the low income housing projects don't have access to transportation to get to city parks, and depend on taxis to get to the Beacon Pool - if they can afford the ride. We discuss this and more.
Next Up: We interview Katie's son, Cole, who wanted to talk about his feelings upon hearing that Paw Patrol might be canceled, and then fact checking the White House who in late July said it was canceled, but was in fact not. Cole tells us what he values about Paw Patrol.
Then: We'll meet our sometimes 3rd co-host, Blake Daniel Leslie, a musician, artist, actor and podcaster. And Brandon's best friend. You might recognize Blake from his days with the cover-band Skin and Bones who used to play around town.
And a few more: We have a few more interviews on deck. We interview on Wednesdays, and will release as they are produced.
Not gonna lie, Fam, it was a little hard to get out of bed today what with all of the news going on. But you know what today is around here...it's Friday, which is the day for the Retail Therapy edition of the blog. After reading the harrowing experience of our media friend Chip Rowe of the Highlands Current barely be able to publish their weekly edition of the paper due to the power and Internet outage (can't wait to pick up a copy to see their storm photos), every day becomes that much more important to just. keep. trying.
Sometimes these Friday newsletters arrive into your inbox in the evening for you because we pack in a few new articles for you. We've woven them in below. See if you can find them!
Please Welcome As New Sponsors... La Mere Clothing and Goods! Girls Girls Girls...La Mere is open for in-person shopping, walk-in style. You can go in and out, but you have a lot to styles to find inside. New inventory arrives regularly, and includes home goods like this charging crystal, and to come: a girls section for clothing and style.
A Little Beacon Blog is accepting long-term sponsors for the Second Saturday Guide. Please contact us if interested.
Written and Edited By: Catherine Sweet
It's Second Saturday This Weekend! But...
RiverWinds Gallery - Beacon's Longest Running Gallery - Is Closing.
This is major news. Expect a video in our InstaStories with a sobbing emoji. RiverWinds opened in Beacon 17 years ago when a handful of artists shared a vision. Their story is here in this feature article. They cite the pandemic as the reason for their closure. Their "Everything Must Go" sale is now. Every day. Until August 31, 2020. Buy Something >
Ed Benavente (and others) At Marion Royael Gallery
Stick a fork in him? Not yet. Not ever. Local Beaconite Ed Benavente is popping up in Marion Royael after taking down some of his longstanding sculptures around town. You may remember the hammer people at Brett's Hardware, and other pieces that have been acquired to stay in place. See what else Marion Royael has in store for you. Browse >
Clutter's 3 New Shows - Color!
Clutter's three new shows opening include "They Came From Planet Rainbow Sparkle", the 4th edition of this show in which 5 dozen artists are each assigned a color to create a piece, then more than 100 pieces are arranged within the Clutter Gallery, by color. They create this sort of rainbow spectrum of whimsy. Catch the Rainbow >
Bau
Following last month's fundraiser, Bau opens with the always lovely work of Carla Goldberg in the Main Gallery.
Continuing Shows:
- Parts & Labor - It's the last weekend to see My Way, quilts from a historic community in Alabama that show big geometry and vibrant colors.
- Mother Gallery
- No. 3 Reading Room
16th Annual ReePlay Sale
Dates: Saturday, August 8 Time: 12pm-4pm Location: University Settlement Camp Theater (Beacon Pool entrance/9D, Beacon) Hot Tip: No car? Take the free bus! The blue G Line Bus includes the Settlement Camp in its route. It follows the train schedule. Learn more here.
One more day has been added! Saturday is 75% off day. Information >
Beacon4Black Lives Protest
Day: Saturday, August 8, 2020 Location: Polhill Park Time: 5:00pm Gather for Sign Making;
5:30pm March
5:55pm Memorial Park (Free Smoothies!)
6:10pm Program Begins
7pm: Decora
From the organizers: "Come out and celebrate Black lives as we continue to demand justice within our community. Wear masks. Social distance. Celebrate Black lives." Information >
Beacon's Summer Concerts In The Park
Day: Tuesdays, August 4, 2020 Time: 5-5:45pm Location: Performances at Pete And Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park. Information >
Fishkill's Summer Concerts In The Park
Day: Wednesday, August 5, 2020 Time: 6:30pm Location: Mauer-Geering Park located off Geering Way in Fishkill Information >
Beacon Public Library Is OPEN!
Day/Time: Reduced hours to start Location: 313 Main Street, Beacon, NY
The library is open for limited in-person checkout, computer use, and limited Childrens Room browsing. We have all the details for you. Information >
EAT CHURCH
511 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon
Hey Vegetarians! This taco is for you! Sizzling now in Eat Church's Test Kitchen. They are on fire in that food truck, to return soon to the Industrial Arts Brewery parking lot. Stalk Them On Instagram > Eat Church is an ALBB Sponsor!
BAJA 328
328 Main Street, Beacon
So many margaritas to choose from, so little time! Step out this weekend and enjoy their large, high end, selection of tequilla from Baja 328. Tuesday - Thursday: 4-9pm Friday - Saturday: 12pm-10pm Sunday: 12pm-8pm Follow on Instagram > Baja 328 is an ALBB Sponsor!
MEYERS OLD DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon
Last weekend when the Internet went out in Beacon, Meyers Old Dutch kept piling it on with the burgers. They might have had 19 missed calls, but they pulled through! If the Internet goes out again in Beacon, Tropical Storm or not, get yourself down there and place your order in person. Old fashioned-style. More > Meyers Old Dutch is an ALBB Sponsor!
HOMESPUN
232 Main Street, Beacon
Last week we featured the back patio of Homespun. This week we're featuring the front parklet! They are always changing it up over there on that foodie strip of Beacon. This blue strip of flooring is unique to Homespun. We have seen green putting carpet at Max's, wood paneling at Ziatun and Wonderbar. For a delightful afternoon or evening of wine sipping with a meal, Homespun is your destination. And while you're there, read their feature in the Wall Street Journal! Yes. The WSJ reached out to them to feature what they have been doing to make seismic shifts during the pandemic. More > Homespun is an ALBB Sponsor!
LUXE OPTIQUE
181-183 Main Street, Beacon
They're back! Walk-ins are now welcome in Luxe Optique, though you can always make an appointment if you're going to have longer browsing needs for specialty styles. And say hello to the new stylist, Crissy! She found her new job at Luxe Optique through the Little Beacon Blog job listing. Welcome! Go Shopping > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon
Every so often, you'll see a call for sponsorship of a single book for a prisoner. It's the Prison Books Project that Binnacle Books started, and it's growing in popularity. We got the scoop from Binnacle Books on how it works, and why it might be growing in popularity. Read all about it here! "There are approximately 1,700 people incarcerated at Fishkill Correctional, which is in the City of Beacon. Between 200 and 250 of those people are in solitary confinement at any given time. Incidentally, people in solitary confinement can and do request books from us. According to one person who is currently in solitary, reading is one of the only things he can do to keep himself occupied. We sent him a bunch of books." Read The Article > Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
LEWIS & PINE
133 Main Street, Beacon
Every summer arm needs a delicate bracelet. You only have a few weeks longer of summer and your sun-kissed skin. The twig-cast bracelet from Lewis and Pine is good for all seasons, and one that you'll enjoy now if you love wearing nature on your arm. Pictured below is the sage leaf necklace. Both are cast in sterling silver. Open on the weekends, or... Shop Online! > Lewis & Pine is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
LA MERE CLOTHING AND GOODS
436 Main Street, Beacon
La Mere has one of the most active Instagrams of all of the boutiques in Beacon. Many look to her for inspiration, both in digital marketing ideas, but in woman to woman. In this post, owner April shows the behind-the-scenes of styling this photo for her gram. Swipe Left! > Lewis & Pine is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
ANTALEK & MOORE
340 Main Street, Beacon
Moving into a new house? Get these super easy moving tips to prepare you 30 days out. Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency wants you to watch these tips from Travelers Insurance as you prepare to move. And then call Antalek & Moore for your homeowners insurance needs. Get These Tips > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
You've seen the challenge. You may have participated. The beautiful black and white photos of women, in the name of supporting women. But why this challenge? Why now? Because it is a revived trend of a challenge that the media is saying originated in Brazil, and now is in the name of Turkey - for women who are murdered by their spouses, boyfriends and other domestic violence results. The black and white represents life being snuffed out of color. If you jumped in too fast on this challenge, and didn't use the hashtags that support femicide going on in Turkey, or domestic abuse increases in the US due to COVID, then listen to Tin Shingle's TuneUp webinar on what to do when social media challenges come around. For instance: what did you do on Blackout Tuesday? Learn More >
Luxe Optique Is Hiring Private Airbnb Manager For Apartments
The owners of Luxe Optique own their building with 4 apartments above the storefront. These have been redesigned and include washers/dryers for the short term rental market using Airbnb’s platform. Job Details >
Luxe Optique Is Hiring Cleaner of Airbnb Apartments
Luxe Optique is hiring a regular cleaning person or service to clean 4 apartments between Airbnb guests. Job Details >
August 2020 continues the return, kind of, of Second Saturday. Eight venues have in-person openings, whether on windows or in very strictly spaced indoors. Clockwise from top right: Nancy Woogen in the Howland Cultural Center’s annual member-artist show; Carla Goldberg’s FIZZ at Bau Gallery; Slippage as Form, works by Edwin Torres in the storefront windows of No.3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works; one of Karl LaLonde’s trees paintings at RiverWinds Gallery, who will close at the end of this month; and a creature from They Came From Planet Rainbow Sparkles at Clutter Gallery, one of three shows opening there.
It’s Second Saturday, and more galleries around town are tiptoeing into holding in-person events. Last month, five Beacon venues celebrated (re)opening with live indoor events, and this month it looks like we’re up to eight (Dia, Clutter, RiverWinds, Marion Royael, Bau, Howland Cultural Center, Mother, Parts & Labor), as well as the big windows installation at No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works. If you do head out to Main Street, please, please follow each gallery’s rules about masks and distancing.
While galleries were closed, we focused on online exhibitions, social justice/protest art (there’s another protest and evening of action in Beacon), and taking care of the general health of those close to us. But if you plan to keep staying home, local galleries (especially Dia, Mother, and Clutter) are offering lots of digital alternatives to explore. We've got it all covered in Beacon’s most comprehensive Art Gallery Guide.
The biggest news this month is the impending closure of RiverWinds Gallery, Beacon’s longest-running gallery highlighting dozens of Hudson Valley artists over 17 years. See our writeup of the gallery and its backstory in our article here.
This month’s Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide is sponsored by No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works, at 469 Main Street, down toward the east end of Main Street, where you’ll find not just rotating exhibits, but cool collections of handmade books that the public is encouraged to peruse. Owner Paulette Myers-Rich has found new veins of creativity, coming up with ways to engage readers and consumers of art via her storefront windows.
While you're out and about doing Second Saturday, stop by our sponsors and support the businesses who support us! You too can become a sponsor at any time.
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.
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
