Beacon Board Of Education Member, Michael Rutkoske, Resigned In July 2020

On May 21, 2019, one of Beacon’s newest Board of Education members, Michael Rutkoske, ran unopposed for a second term, along with Meredith Heuer and Antony Tseng, who were also elected for the first time when Michael was. On July 1, 2020, Michael Rutkoske announced he would resign during a Board of Education meeting, citing work and other commitments, as first reported by Jeff Simms of the Highlands Current. By this time, the racial revolution started nation-wide, and was active in Beacon, with many young people, including recent Beacon alums, speaking out at open mic sessions after protest Marches in Beacon.

Michael Rutkoske was part of a new wave of Board of Education members for the Beacon City School District in 2016, which was a tumultuous year for the Beacon City School District (BCSD). During a decade where the turnover rate of Beacon’s Superintendent was almost yearly, at one point paying $398,000 to buy out contracts of Superintendents who did not stay in the position longer than one year (Poughkeepsie Journal, via FOIA request) parents in Beacon’s school district formed a strong push to remove the then Superintendent, Barbera Walkley, from her position. A petition (read in full here) was filed to New York State Education Department by attorney Melissa Rutkoske, wife of Michael, asking for Barbara’s removal, and the removal of the district’s attorney, Michael Lambert.

After dramatic Board of Education meetings and the submission and scrutiny of personal emails between Barbara Walkley and then Teacher Union President Kim Pilla (formerly married name Atwell), Barbara Walkley did resign, and later with Kim filed a defamation lawsuit against Kim’s ex-husband and teacher Robert Atwell, who allegedly supplied personal emails which were used by Michael’s wife Melissa in the filing of the petition.

At the same Board of Education meeting where Michael announced his resignation, the Board needed to elect a new president - Meredith Hauer - who formerly served as the Vice President. The Board’s former long-time president, Anthony White, had stepped aside a month after winning re-election. Anthony had been the only board member to vote against adopting a statement in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, written on June 17, 2020 and sent to district families. The board voted 8-1 in favor of the letter, which was written by Board member James Case-Leal, who has this week submitted his notice of resignation “in order to open an additional space for John Galloway Jr. and Jasmine Johnson, two well-qualified candidates of color, to both be appointed,” according to his resignation letter submitted September 22, 2020.

Michael Rutkoske is the Senior Manager Capital Asset Program and Project Controls at Entergy Services Inc. for a fleet of 8 nuclear generating stations. According to his LinkedIn page, he is responsible for the development and implementation of the fleet capital portfolio utilizing a risk informed project prioritization methodology including development of strategies to address emergent and shifting project priorities.

To apply for a vacant seat on the Board of Education, download an applications from the District Office and on the district website. Forward applications to the Board of Education by email to bcsdboe@beaconk12.org or by paper application to Kelly Pologe, District Clerk, at 10 Education Drive. Click here for more information.

Remastered Virtual Hudson River Revival Music Festival to be Restreamed October 4th

The Great Hudson River Revival (AKA Clearwater Festival), the world’s oldest and largest music and environmental festival, went virtual this year on June 20th due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Due to popular demand, Clearwater will stream a remastered version of the all-day event on Sunday, October 4th from 11am-11pm at ClearwaterFestival.org. The remastered Revival will include a day full of music and activism, as well as a beautiful American Sign Language interpretation throughout. This is a free virtual event however, donations are greatly appreciated at ClearwaterFestival.org. 

This Year’s Performers

The event will feature musical performers, storytellers, and activists, including: Tom Chapin, David Amram, John McCutcheon, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, Peter Yarrow, John McEuen, Noel Paul Stookey, Tom Paxton, Emma’s Revolution, Guy Davis, Tommy Sands, Reggie Harris, The Mammals, The Chapin Sisters, Lyn Hardy, Arm of the Sea Theater, Abbie Gardner, Breakneck Ridge Revue, R.J. Storm, Magpie, The Rix, The Vanaver Caravan, Betty and the Baby Boomers, Kyle Tigges, Mel and Vinnie and more.

Going Virtual 

Bringing Revival into the virtual world has allowed Clearwater to reach new audiences globally, and also include folks who’ve not been able to attend the festival in person due to health, geographic, or financial restrictions. The online fundraising event raised over $50,000 for Clearwater when it originally streamed in June earlier this year.

Tom Chapin, one of the event’s organizers and a musician participating in Virtual Revival, said, “Happiness, for me, is performing at the Clearwater Revival and, for the first time, being able to actually watch all the other great artists play. Tune in and join us. Support the group that built the sloop that saved the Hudson River.”

This event is part of a larger initiative to transition Clearwater’s educational and environmental programming online in order to continue its important Hudson River education and environmental work during a time when gathering in person is unsafe.

Virtual Revival will be live-streamed on October 4th from 11am-11pm. The online chat that accompanied the live feed became a place for new and old Revival attendees to connect with each other. Clearwater hopes that many people will join in again on the live commentary. 

Virtual Revival T-shirts are available for purchase here.

"Clearwater's work has always involved inspiring people to fall in love with the Hudson River and take action to protect it. Even now amidst the pandemic, that work continues," said Erik Fyfe, Clearwater's Education Director. "Despite the distance, we've been excited to be able to bring people to the river through virtual sails and interactive online programs, and the response so far has been terrific."

About Hudson River Sloop Clearwater 

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.  

Uptick In COVID-19 Cases In Beacon Connected To Assisted Living Facility In Beacon, City Says

On Monday evening, during the weekly City Council Meeting for 9/21/2020, City Manager Anthony Ruggiero provided detail for the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in Beacon during his regular report session (see hour/minute 1:06:00). He explained that the positive cases were connected an assisted living facility located in Beacon. “We had received a number of emails after a News12 report,” Anthony remarked.

That facility, as reported by News12, is Hedgewood Assisted Living Program, located at 355 Fishkill Avenue. Anthony stated that this increase right now is isolated in the one facility, and that State and County Health Departments have been monitoring, and both have been to the facility, where the staff and residents are tested weekly.

According to News12’s report: “A spokesman with the assisted living facility tells News 12, ‘Each of our nearly 200 residents is observed carefully. This facility - subject to 24-hour a day, seven-day a week unannounced inspections, strictly adheres to all NYS Department of Health guidelines.’ The person did not go into detail on the breakdown of cases among residents and employees, or even the severity of symptoms.”

Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro confirmed to News12 that there is likely to be an increase in case number based on this cluster, telling the news outlet: “It is likely going to result in more cases, with severity because of the age of the individuals and sadly, we’ve already seen 1 individual succumb to the disease. We have to engage in that social distancing. We are encouraging people, ya know, we cannot have theses large gatherings. And continue to wear a mask please.”

At the time of this announcement on Monday, there were 27 cases on the Dashboard, "with about 13 that are related to this facility, with sadly, 1 death,” said Anthony. Always a man of dates and schedules, Anthony reflected on the speed of the spread, when he remarked: “This was fast moving. There were 0 cases about 2 weeks ago. Week of September 14th, there was a severe spike of 8 or 9, and then the last week, 13.” Anthony stated he was in regular contact with the Commissioner, and that Beacon’s first responders had been made aware of the situation.

Wednesday night, after another increase to 45 active cases in Beacon, Mayor Lee Kyriacou made an announcement via robo call, which is also texted and emailed to those who opted in. “To be clear, the large increase is from a single residential facility – not from Main Street businesses, or not from children returning to schools.”

Mayor Kyriacou went on to encourage citizens to practice personal safety: “Beacon is doing exceptionally well. We have carefully opened up much of our city activity, while keeping our COVID numbers way down – that is remarkable. Our job as individual members of this community remains unchanged: Each of us must continue to do our part – social distancing and face coverings in public, quarantining if required, being respectful to all. Everyone’s vigilance is essential to keeping us all safe.”

Click here to visit Dutchess County’s Dashboard, which lists Beacon’s active case numbers. To see how many new cases were recorded in Dutchess County for the day, click here for New York State’s Dashboard, and click on the text link for Dutchess County, and then the highlighted shape of the county.

Big Brand Digital Producer Opens In Beacon - Lauren Johnson Of The Hyacinth Group Highlighted From ALBB's Black Owned Business Directory

Lauren Johnson, who lives in Beacon, is a big deal in the digital space, where she has produced social media and branding campaigns for major fashion brands including Victoria’s Secret and Steve Madden, as well as other big name companies. She first came onto A Little Beacon Blog’s radar when we were developing our Black Owned Businesses category for our Business Directory, and needed to commission a logo designer for it.

We wanted to work with a designer of color, as they would know the entrepreneurial world intimately for Black and Brown people and people of color. Lauren was the first to answer the call, and matched the assignment with her Creative Director, Perry G. Crosson.

“ As of March 2020, African American women make up just 3% of computing-related jobs. Tired of trying to make it in the 3%, I choose to start my own digital company.”

— Lauren Johnson, Founder Of The Hyacinth Group

Right around this time, Lauren was hosting a launch party for her breakout digital agency, The Hyacinth Group, which is her own digital agency, after she hung her own shingle after working in the corporate world.

The Hyacinth Group celebrates its 1-year anniversary this month on September 27, 2020, and we are celebrating that with Lauren by also highlighting her on National American Business Woman Day.

Lauren Johnson, Founder of The Hyacinth Group
Photo Credit: The Hyacinth Group

Interview With Lauren Johnson, Founder Of The Hyacinth Group

In this interview, we get to know Lauren, what makes her tick, and what a few of her favorite projects are.

ALBB: Lauren: Thank you for giving us your time today. When we started the Black Owned Business category of our Business Directory, right away, we learned that Black is a label in America and can refer to many different types of people from different countries and family combinations. So before we dive in, how do you identify yourself?

I would identify myself as either Caribbean American or Jamaican American.

Our name, The Hyacinth Group, pays homage to my Jamaican roots. Born in New York City to Jamaican parents, I was named Lauren Rose-Marie Hyacinth Johnson. The name ‘Hyacinth’ comes from my Jamaican grandmother who also shares the name.

I am a first-generation American, as both my parents were born in Jamaica. I am living the American dream!

ALBB: What does it mean to you to launch your business not only during a pandemic, but during the Black Lives Matter movement?

They say life is all about timing. Although we are dealing with serious issues like a worldwide pandemic and BLM, in many ways it has been a blessing in disguise for The Hyacinth Group.

I get to create digital solutions for consumers as billions of digital buyers shop online. As COVID-19 continues to sweep the globe, most people have been forced to shop online due to store closures. There were more than 1.92 billion digital buyers in 2019 alone.

That number has only increased since the pandemic. We essentially turned into a digital, paperless society overnight. I have a digital agency that helps companies increase online sales and conversion. That puts me in a really great position.

Our digital team can quickly create a responsive website to engage customers. We can also improve your existing website to keep up with the rapid demand of your client’s needs through optimization. In addition we provide digital marketing services such as SEO (search engine optimization) copywriting, graphic design, social media and email marketing. The Hyacinth Group can take your sales to the next level.

In light of the Black Lives Matter movement, companies are giving back to the Black community. More opportunities are available to me now than there were just a few weeks ago. I feel blessed to be a Black female tech entrepreneur at this time. It feels like the sky's the limit!

ALBB: As a Black woman, how do you feel about the protests in Beacon that happened over the summer? And about the continuing protests nationwide?

I fully support the national protests, as well as local protests in Beacon.

Although I was not in the streets protesting, I know that by building The Hyacinth Group as a Black female tech entrepreneur, owning a digital agency is a protest in itself. As of March 2020, African American women make up just 3% of computing-related jobs. Tired of trying to make it in the 3%, I choose to start my own digital company. Protests of any kind are a key component in creating impactful change.

So, I strongly support the protest and BLM movement, but my main way of fighting back against a broken system is being determined to succeed as a Black woman in business, and continuing my Jamaican family’s legacy despite the obstacles.

ALBB: What did you do before launching this business?

I started my digital career as an Assistant Internet Merchant at Victoria’s Secret. Wanting to take my career to the next level and gain more senior experience, I went on to receive my MBA from LIM College with a major in Entrepreneurship. Upon graduation, I got recruited to work as an Internet Manager at Steve Madden. Focusing on customer retention and website engagement, I launched the company's social media integration program.

Soon after, I began consulting for major B2C brands like SK-II and Aerosoles, where I brought innovation to their digital programs by creating responsive sites and 360 marketing campaigns. Most recently, I began using my digital expertise to help small businesses engage online consumers. Last year, I started The Hyacinth Group, which creates digital solutions that work for both the client and consumer. This is both my passion and current full-time job.

ALBB: What makes your combination of people on your team special and different from other design agencies who also work with these talented people? Clients may see work produced by artists like Perry, Meghan, Josh, through other agencies as well. What kind of magic happens when they come together at The Hyacinth Group?

Diversity drives innovation, and that's a big part of our team’s success at The Hyacinth Group. When we come together, it creates a different kind of magic fueled by passion. Above all, we keep your unique ROI (return on investment) goals in mind, focusing on revenue-producing opportunities across the digital landscape.

The Hyacinth Group converts browsers into buyers by helping brands connect to their customers’ buying motivations and enhancing the online experience with a combination of creativity and data analytics.

Our team specializes in conversion rate optimization and online engagement. The key to providing excellent CRO (conversion rate optimization) is inspiring customers to focus, make a choice, and rejoice.

ALBB: What is your favorite type of branding project? If you have one. I know lots of components of digital branding can be favorites.

In particular, I love working with high-end companies in beauty and fashion, as well as food brands such as Karibu365 and Farm2ChefsTable. It’s easier to target an audience when you are in that audience yourself!

After I officially formed my company The Hyacinth Group, my boyfriend Nicholas Leiss was my first client. I created his blog Farm2ChefsTable, which is a favorite project, because it allows both of us to shine!
[Editor’s Note: OMG please don’t miss this recipe for “Chanterelles on Toast with Corn Pudding & Goat Cheese”]

Nicholas is my biggest supporter and I am his. But not only that, the blog's layout beautifully showcases Meghan Spiro's photography and Nick's amazing food!

A favorite client project, for the website design and food photography for Farm2ChefTable.
Photo Credit: The Hyacinth Group

Beauty Brand, Karibu365

Karibu365 , is one of my favorite projects because of my passion for beauty. Back in my corporate days, I worked for a luxury skincare company SK-II and was able to transform their digital program increasing sales by 41%. I brought my knowledge and expertise from that experience to assist a family friend take her organic skincare brand to the next level digitally. As a Black female entrepreneur who also shares the same heritage, I am glad that I was a part of her leveling up!

Here is what the founder of Karibu365, Sandra Mullings, said about working with us: at The Hyacinth Group: “It was a pleasure and a joy to work with Lauren at The Hyacinth Group. She drew on her previous experience with website development for luxury skincare brands to guide me through the process. I relied on her eCommerce expertise heavily since I had a concept of what I wanted my brand’s online presence to look like, but wasn’t sure how to achieve it. She made graphic design and copywriting resources available for me to use on demand, which came in very handy when I needed my logo colors changed to match the branding on my website. Her attention to detail is unsurpassed, and she will be my go-to for my next project (in the works). I would HIGHLY recommend Lauren and the team at The Hyacinth Group for all your eCommerce needs.”

Photo Credit: The Hyacinth Group

Yellow Bananas Part 2

Yellow Bananas is a grocery app I designed for my class at The Product School this summer. But what makes this app so special, is that this is the second version. The first, I designed 3 years ago in my User Experience Design class at General Assembly. It shows my progression in User Experience Design and my passion for not only the perfect "yellow bananas" but creating an in-store experience online.

Photo Credit: The Hyacinth Group

Thank you, Lauren, for sharing your digital branding experience with us! So lucky to have you in Beacon, NY. Contact Lauren any time right here: https://www.thehyacinthgroup.com/contact

We Made It! Retail Therapy Guide - 9/18/2020

We did it! Beacon made it through the first week of school, being one of the few districts who is trying the Hybrid system of 2 days at school in person, and 2 days at home. Free meals for all children are prepared and provided by the district Food Services team (funded by the USDA through Dec. 31, 2020), and teachers are creating their own systems of working with their kids. Technological glitches happen, will always happen, and organizational systems will be reworked once they leave paper and are in practice. Some families who opted for Hybrid changed their minds for health or logistic reasons to be 100% Home, and some families put children into different schools entirely. As a community, and in the name of public school for all, we are figuring it out. So here is an all-caps HIGH-FIVE to those of you who are knee-deep in it. You deserve extra Retail Therapy this weekend! THE RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Edited and Written By: Marilyn Perez and Katie Hellmuth Martin Restock The Tiny Food Pantries Day: Any day Time: Open Hours of Library (or any time for the outside boxes at the Beacon Rec Center, or Binnacle Books) Locations:  Library, Beacon Rec Center, Binnacle Books The Tiny Food Pantries are in Beacon, and they are a grab-in-go style. No approval. No wait time. Two of them are outside, so are 24/7. But they are limited by who in the community stocks them. This one is in the Howland Public Library, and is bare! If you have un-opened snacks like Girl Scout Cookies, simply drop them off here. Also toiletries like tampons and pads. Story Screen Drive-In presents "Jaws" and "Jurassic Park" Day: Friday-Sunday, September 18-20, 2020 Time: 7:15pm (Jaws), 10:15pm (Jurassic Park) Location: The Park at USC, 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 this site. Tickets sales end one hour before the start of the screening. There will be no tickets available at the Drive-In box office. Information > Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week! Made by Hand Pop-Up Store Days: Now through September 27, 2020 Time: 11am-7pm Location: 508 Main Street, Beacon, NY Near BAU, Vegetalien, near the mountain The Made by Hand Pop-Up Store aims to support and showcase local, independent artists whose businesses were adversely affected by Covid-19 by offering them a temporary storefront, observing safe social-distancing protocols, where buyers can discover their work within a thoughtfully curated collection that promotes aesthetic values rooted in social justice, repurposing of materials, and handmade processes. Information >   EAT CHURCH 511 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon, NY Pop-Up Alert!!  NOODLES! Come get your slurp on with Eat Church this Friday and Saturday in their special Noodle Nice-Up Revue (we already ordered ours!). Menu items include:  Fat Guy - Phat Thai Wok (pork belly, shrimp, or veggie, rice noodle) More Fun - Ga Bun Salad (double fried chicken or mushroom, rice vermicelli) Big Joy - Khao Soi Soup (chicken coconut curry, wheat noodle) Location: Marbled Meat Shop: 3091 Route 9, Cold Spring, NY Date/Time: Friday & Saturday September 18-19, 2020 - 4:00-8:00 PM. Information > Eat Church is an ALBB Sponsor! BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY Don't let the cooler weather stop you from enjoying a tasty and savory Mexican Gazpacho. Their food tastes so fresh! Some of Baja 328's recent specials also include Crispy California Roll Tacos, Pan Seared Salmon w/ Garlic Chipotle Pea Puree, and Sweet and Sour Chicken Wrap.  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 At Meyers Old Dutch it's more than just mouth watering burgers. They got something for your sweet tooth too! Straight out of the oven, take your pick! They're open until 9pm. Did you hear that, Late Night Eaters? 9pm. You can also order online for take out or delivery via Toast.  PS: If you order a salad for lunch, you can finish it with a cookie. More > Meyers Old Dutch is an ALBB Sponsor! HOMESPUN 232 Main Street, Beacon, NY Homespun is quickly becoming your destination for very special beer and wine. Once famous for their soups, you can also count on them for new craft beer discoveries. ‘Watermelon Glow Up’ is a Berliner Weisse style, a low alcohol wheat beer style that was very popular in Berlin during the 19th Century. Cloudy, sour, buzzy, happy. Try it, and let us know what you think! Also dine in Homespun's adorable parklet out front, or their garden in the back. More > Homespun is an ALBB Sponsor!   HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Keep it spicy at Momo Valley inside the Hudson Valley Food Hall.  Handcrafted Spicy Grass-fed Beef MoMo available for online or pickup orders. Special for serious spicy food enthusiasts. Thoughtfully sourced locally @marbledmeatshop We love collaborations! PS: Do pick up a mango lassi to-go while you're there. Hudson Valley Food Hall is an ALBB Sponsor!   LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon How about an accessory for your accessory? Like this eye-catching glasses chain by @emmanuellekhanh. Designing iconic eyewear since 1969, handcrafted in France & Japan. The precious mesh of the Creole chain combined with sunglasses with straight lines for an oversized look.  Go Shopping > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!   BINNACLE BOOKS 321 Main Street, Beacon There is a continuous stream of new books being added to Binnacle Books.  One visit isn't enough! Binnacle Books shares "We're grateful for our shop, and for you all, and for the staunch and persistent nature of reality which, despite fear and demagoguery, stands strong and belongs entirely to itself, bolstered by good will in wild dreams and cold, hard facts alike." Information > Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS 436 Main Street, Beacon Who else is loving this Fummer weather? Don't know what this is? That perfect time between Summer and Fall. 🏻 You can shop online at https://lamereclothingandgoods.com/ 24/7.  Wednesday- Saturday: 11am-6pm Sunday: 12pm-5pm PS: You'll find a Shopping Bar in the store, in case you needed a quick sip of wine while you shop. Information> La Mere is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! LEWIS & PINE 133 Main Street, Beacon Stunning. Right? These little beauties are gravel post earrings, which are cast from real granite, preserving every detail and giving them a beautifully textured surface- A little fancy & a little badass. Available in Sterling Silver and 18K Gold Vermeil. Solid 14K yellow or rose gold are also available by request! Go into the store - only open on the weekend! Now is your time. Or shop online. Shop  > Lewis & Pine is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! COMPASS ARTS  395 Main St., Beacon, NY Elements At Home Dates: September 21 to December 18 (no curriculum the week of 11/23) For your home schooling needs. A self directed curriculum with guidance from the Compass Arts team. Information > View more upcoming classes for in the Adult Classes Guide and Kids Classes Guide. ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY 340 Main Street, Beacon Antalek & Moore's office is open for regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM for those who wish to make insurance payments. Continue to practice social distancing and masks are required for customers and staff. They continue to offer appointments with their staff by phone or Zoom video conferencing. If you wish to speak to your insurance representative in person, please contact their offices in advance so they can prepare any paperwork that may be needed as well as ensuring the conference room is available to make certain we can practice social distancing. Thank you for your cooperation and "we are grateful we are able to continue to provide the customer service you have come to expect while we all work through this together."  Information > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you! TIN SHINGLE Tin Shingle has launched a new initiative:  "Leave A Review Tuesday" Tin Shingle is ALBB's sister company, and teaches businesses how to get the word out. As we hear from our small business friends of all sizes, we hear how damaging - or heartbreaking - a scathing online review can be. It cuts to the heart. So every Tuesday, Tin Shingle encourages its newsletter subscribers and social media followers to pick 1 business and leave a good review for them. It's easy to rant and rave. It's hard to remember to speak with positive thoughts. PS: This Tuesday, if you have kids, email anyone in your district to say "Thank You. You're doing a great job. I know you are trying your best." Learn More > KATIE JAMES, INC. Designing a website is exciting and involves new possibilities. It can also be overwhelming to conceptualize. Katie James, Inc. wants to be on that journey with you, and wants to put together the puzzle that is your business or venture, so that people can experience it for a strong impression of your brand. 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. Because this is a casting call, they need to see and feel your energy! Say where you live; who you live with; what your dreams are; what your job is if you have one; or what early retirement has been like. Paint the picture! Job Details >

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Interview With Nicky Allen, Mother Of Juneteenth Art Creators - What Inspired Them To Participate?

Way back during the week of Juneteenth (June 19, 2020), when most white people including me were learning about Juneteenth and its significance (we wrote about it here), we needed artwork to represent it in an article. So we held a fast and furious contest of sorts, and got response from different creators. The “winner” got to be featured here at A Little Beacon Blog, as well as a $50 cash prize.

Nickeya (Nicky) Allen, a writer for Medium, and a return student at the School of Business at Mount Saint Mary College, submitted the artwork of her two children. We wanted to know more, and interviewed Nicky for the backstory of the art production.

ALBB: Was this your first time celebrating Juneteenth?

Yes, this was our first time celebrating Juneteenth.

ALBB: What inspired you to celebrate?

We were pretty active in our community on Staten Island. We're always looking for opportunities to connect and uplift Black voices. During the same year Eric Gardner was killed by police in plain-clothes in broad daylight, we came together to celebrate the 5th Annual Black Heritage Family Day Festival.

Visualize walking into a spacious park, Black families spread out on the lawn; some were just there relaxing and reading; some were reciting poetry; some were dancing; and some were there growing their brands. Articles later reported there had been more than 60 black owned vendors/businesses and nearly 2,500 people in attendance. Every year it grows. We wrote the book on unity, it's what we do to remind ourselves and others of our power. This energy is only heightened under stressful times. So, I didn't feel inspired per se, I felt obligated this year.

This year was the first year for [my family], but it's important to me to share that it is in no way a new celebration for Black races and our communities. I had always known of Juneteenth festivals happening in Irvington, NJ, Brownsville and Flatbush Brooklyn. Juneteenth is more about our desire to unite, show love and support for one another despite some of the hard realities we endure as a whole during our time spent on earth. It's spiritual and faith-filled, the belief in our ability to rise stems from our power together as one. It's least celebrated with discussions on slavery.

ALBB: How did you speak about it to your kids, and what made you all start this art project?

My babies are 7 and 4, I showed them photos of the many Umoja-type events we attended when they were younger. Umoja is a term I learned one year while celebrating Kwanzaa. It means unity, to strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race. I talked to them about honoring our ancestors in this way and by doing so, they'd make them proud.

We're still early risers although school is out [at the time of this writing in June 2020], we usually start our mornings off with some kind of art or reading. Friday, June 19, 2020 we took the Twister game place mat, cut it in half to make the banner. We paint a lot, we were low on supplies. My 4 year old and I came up with the color scheme: Everest green, red, blue glitter, white and brown. My son researched Juneteenth on his school provided Chromebook and discovered the flag you see in the top left side of the banner.

We were all happy to learn we had been featured on your platform. The cash payment was significant. They feel supported and that's a beautiful experience in itself. I love the work ya’ll are doing, keep it up.

Second Saturday! Beacon Gallery Openings for September 2020

Some of the art gallery openings in Beacon, New York, for September 2020. Clockwise from top right: Kelly Ellenwood at the Howland Cultural Center; Lois Dodd (with Shara Hughes) at Parts & Labor; Chris Ams in the Beacon Open Studios group show at Hudson Beach Glass; Jane Colgan at Clarkson University’s Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries; Daniel Berlin at Bau Gallery.

Second Saturday greetings, Beacon! Somehow we find ourselves in September - time is a funny thing these days, emerging from the cocoon of “stay home” and the urgent acts of speaking out in the Hudson Valley. Make sure you’re taking good care of yourself - and one another.

There are at least seven new art shows opening this month around town, but other galleries are still taking extra precautions to protect staff and visitors, and they're remaining closed for now. In between those ends of the spectrum, there are beautiful window installations to look at (like the one at No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works, over on the west end of Main Street).

Peruse our Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide for details on all these shows, as well as tips for where to grab a bite while you're out. Wherever you find yourself, give everyone a hula hoop (or more!) of space and wear your mask!

New shows have popped up at Mother Gallery, Parts & Labor, Clutter Magazine Gallery, Hudson Beach Glass (featuring Beacon Open Studios!), Clarkson University, Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries (welcome back!), the Howland Cultural Center, and BAU: Beacon Artist Union. Shows continue at Dia Art Foundation (weekend tickets are extremely limited) and Marion Royael Gallery.

A giant thank you to BeaconArts for promoting this day in our city for years, and thanks to the sponsors of A Little Beacon Blog, who make it possible for us to share the goings-on around town. Please support the businesses who support us! Bookmark the Guides at our site for event and class calendars, as well as insider info on Shopping, Dining, and Parking.

Happening This Weekend - 9/11/2020

THE SECOND SATURDAY GUIDE Edited and Written By: Catherine Sweet It’s a somber time, full of reflection but also action. Still dealing with the COVID pandemic, the country finds itself in a reckoning for racial justice, reexamining systems and traditions and practices that disproportionately benefit white people. We’re listening, and learning, and working to amplify the voices of those who traditionally haven’t had a seat at the table. New York has been doing so well with bringing down the COVID illness rates as we move through the phases of reopening, that it feels like we’re creeping closer to The New Normal. But it’s no time to let our guards down. Phase 4 means that indoor establishments are still restricted. Most galleries are quite small and adequate ventilation continues to be an issue. So once again, the usual Main Street vigor of Second Saturday art happenings will be muted. That doesn’t mean nothing is going on, though. If you’re heading out to a protest, get inspired to make your own sign with the chalk art created and/or shared by Moraya Seeger DeGeare (@tomyoldracistearth). Other local art happenings: No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works has placed works from Beacon artist Edwin Torres in the large storefront windows, inviting safely distanced viewing. Clarkson University's Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries is re-opening their art gallery at 199 Main St on Saturday with artist Jane Colgan's blessing waters. As official champions of the local arts scene, BeaconArts has stayed active, sharing info about grant/financial relief programs for people working in New York’s arts industries, and hosting conversations with local artists. Taking precautions to protect their staff and visitors, many galleries remain closed. But there’s still plenty of art. Click here to see which venues, starting with Dia, for details on any online exhibitions we’re coming across. Our 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 near the Story Screen Beacon Theater. Owner Paulette Myers-Rich has set up a new exhibit in the storefront windows, and is still showing the previous artist online. Peruse it at your leisure! Do you have an art opening coming up? Tell us about it: Drop a line to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com with the who/what/when/where, and include a representative photo, to be considered for inclusion in this Guide. A Little Beacon Blog is accepting long-term sponsors for the Second Saturday Guide. Please contact us if interested. ART GALLERY GUIDE THE RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Edited and Written By: Marilyn Perez and Katie Hellmuth Martin Story Screen Drive-In presents "Jumani" and "Ghostbusters" Day: Friday-Sunday, September 11-13, 2020 Time: 7:45pm (Jumanji), 10:15pm (Ghostbusters) Location: The Park at USC, 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 this site. Tickets sales end one hour before the start of the screening. There will be no tickets available at the Drive-In box office. Information > beBhakti Garage Sale Day: Saturday, September 12, 2020 Time: 10:30am-4pm Location: beBhakti Yoga Center, 89 Dewindt Street, Beacon, NY Information >   #JazOnMain Book Signing with Tara O’Grady Day: Saturday, September 12, 2020 Time: 4pm Location: Draught Industries, 396 Main St, Beacon, NY #JazOnMain and Draught Industries are hosting a book signing to welcome new Beacon resident - Author, Singer, and Songwriter Tara O'Grady. Information> The Artichoke Storytelling Series - Hosted by Drew Prochaska Day: Saturday, September 12, 2020 Time: 8pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St, Beacon, NY & Online Oh, my, are they BAAAACK?! Yes. Livestreamed from the Howland studio. Tickets are live now!  Featuring performances from The Moth Radio Hour, This American Life, Risk!, Stories From The Stage, and more! Some material may not be suitable for children. Information > Beacon4Black Lives Rally + Movie "These Streets" Beacon4Black Lives is hosting a rally and movie night on Tuesday. From the organizers: "Join us in our fight for social justice as we watch and discuss the film "Whose Streets." Food and beverages will be provided. From Story Screen, Kitchen Sink Food & Drink, and LNJ Tech. Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week! Made by Hand Pop-Up Store Days: Now through September 27, 2020 Time: 11am-7pm Location: 508 Main Street, Beacon, NY Near BAU, Vegetalien, near the mountain The Made by Hand Pop-Up Store aims to support and showcase local, independent artists whose businesses were adversely affected by Covid-19 by offering them a temporary storefront, observing safe social-distancing protocols, where buyers can discover their work within a thoughtfully curated collection that promotes aesthetic values rooted in social justice, repurposing of materials, and handmade processes. Information >   THE BAGEL SHOPPE 466 Main Street Yes, THAT Bagel Shoppe! Bagels are back on Main Street and we couldn't be happier to see it come from Joe at The Bagel Shoppe, originally in Fishkill! The breakfast and lunch staple that been feeding Fishkill since 1998 is opening a second location on Main Street in the location that formerly housed Beacon Bagel.  They just opened Thursday! Check out their specials!   EAT CHURCH 511 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon, NY Pop-Up Alert!!  Eat Church will be back this Friday and Saturday with another Masa Mission Revue. This week, they will also be featuring a special of Elote (grilled Mexican Street corn). Location: Marbled Meat Shop: 3091 Route 9, Cold Spring, NY Date/Time: Friday & Saturday September 11-12, 2020 - 4:00-8:00 PM. Information > Eat Church is an ALBB Sponsor! BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY Don't let the cooler weather stop you from enjoying a tasty and savory Mexican Gazpacho. Some of Baja 328's recent specials also include Crispy California Roll Tacos, Pan Seared Salmon w/ Garlic Chipotle Pea Puree, and Sweet and Sour Chicken Wrap.  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 At Meyers Old Dutch it's more than just mouth watering burgers. They got something for your sweet tooth too! Straight out of the oven, take your pick! They're open until 9pm. You can also order online for take out or delivery via Toast.  More > Meyers Old Dutch is an ALBB Sponsor! HOMESPUN 232 Main Street, Beacon, NY We are feeling the nighttime vibes at Homespun Foods.  Take some time to enjoy a glass of Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle 2010. Keep enjoying their outdoor garden dining along with their sister restaurant - Dia Beacon café near the Hudson River. And check out their take home Wine Store, take-out & catering options. Why cook a big meal? Let Homespun take care of you. Homespun is an ALBB Sponsor!   HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Meet the catering team for Team Miz Hattie's Southern BBQ! Watch this video on Instagram of them preparing some chutney. Only fresh ingredients are used  in their catered events  to  ensure you get the best quality food. Call them at (845) 283-7377 or visit their contact page to place an order! Easiest home-cooking comfort food to feed a lot of people (we recommend the mac and cheese with every order). Hudson Valley Food Hall is an ALBB Sponsor!   LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon New Stock Alert!  Check out this video from Luxe Optique on their Instagram. Perfect styles for fall and so much more from Jacques Marie Mage. The Jacques Marie Mage Vanguard Collection uses innovation to redesign eyewear. The collection is created by manufacturers in Italy who spent years perfecting the lamination process of the precious materials used to handcraft these one-of-a-kind frames. Go Shopping > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!   BINNACLE BOOKS 321 Main Street, Beacon This just in: Binnacle Books is giving away FREE COPIES of “Beyond Survival: Strategies and Stories from the Transformative Justice Movement." Would you like to read it? Come to the store and ask for a copy while supplies last. It’s as simple as that. Says Binnacle: "We want our community to read this wonderful book, and to read it together." Tag them on Instagram with a page that moves you, or write them a letter and send it in the USPS mail. Sometimes tells us Binnacle Books really like getting letters. Information > Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS 436 Main Street, Beacon A kind message from La Mére Clothing + Goods:  You never really know the true impact you have on people. 💗You never know how much someone needed that smile you gave them. 💗You never know how much your kindness turned someone’s entire day around. 💗You never know how much someone needed that soft hug or long talk. Don’t wait to be kind. 💗Kindness Counts.  These cute sweatshirts will be available soon! Shop online 24/7 at lamereclothingandgoods.com HOURS: Wednesday- Saturday: 11am-6pm Sunday: 12pm-5pm Information> La Mere is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! LEWIS & PINE 133 Main Street, Beacon Are you subscribed to Lewis & Pine's email list yet? You may be missing out on exclusive offers and sale announcements in the shop. Visit their website, www.lewisandpine.com to shop online and to sign up! She sends out coupon codes sometimes, but honestly, the Lewis & Pine jewelry is already so well priced, you can afford it if you have room for bling in your budget! Shop  > Lewis & Pine is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! THE BRA FIT EXPERT 470 Main Street, Beacon (Inside Echo Beacon) Masks are our new normal, and Tina, The Bra Fit Expert found Cosabella to carry in the store, in these cute and colorful lace masks😍  That's right, lace! A few left in stock, more in the way! The Bra Fit Expert is located inside of the Echo boutique, which is open Thursday-Sunday 12-5pm. Schedule a fitting! It’s as easy as visiting their website and booking online. Located inside of @echobeacon. Thank you so much @brafitexperthudsonvalley for becoming a sponsor of ALBB! We are so lucky and excited to have you. The Bra Fit Expert is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! COMPASS ARTS  395 Main St., Beacon, NY Elements At Home Dates: September 21 to December 18 (no curriculum the week of 11/23) For your home schooling needs. A self directed curriculum with guidance from the Compass Arts team. Information > View more upcoming classes for in the Adult Classes Guide and Kids Classes Guide. ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY 340 Main Street, Beacon Antalek & Moore's office is open for regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM for those who wish to make insurance payments. Continue to practice social distancing and masks are required for customers and staff. They continue to offer appointments with their staff by phone or Zoom video conferencing. If you wish to speak to your insurance representative in person, please contact their offices in advance so they can prepare any paperwork that may be needed as well as ensuring the conference room is available to make certain we can practice social distancing. Thank you for your cooperation and "we are grateful we are able to continue to provide the customer service you have come to expect while we all work through this together."  Information > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you! TIN SHINGLE Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) has licensed Tamron Hall - daytime talk show to begin on Monday, September 14. Tin Shingle is updating the Media Contacts for this program so that businesses can pitch the show with good ideas. “Tamron is a dynamic host and an incomparable journalist. She delves into important conversations that matter to OWN viewers and we are so excited to have her as a part our daytime lineup,” said Tina Perry, president, OWN. “Tamron joined Oprah on her recent ‘2020 Vision’ tour, and we saw firsthand how engaging she is with audiences. Her show is a breakout daytime hit, and we welcome her to OWN with open arms.” “Having Oprah’s engaged and passionate OWN viewers join us at our table is both meaningful and a privilege, especially during this moment in history where conversations matter more than ever before,” said Hall. “I can’t imagine a more perfect second home for my show and I am thrilled to join Oprah and the OWN family.” Learn More > KATIE JAMES, INC. Designing a website is exciting and involves new possibilities. It can also be overwhelming to conceptualize. Katie James, Inc. wants to be on that journey with you, and wants to put together the puzzle that is your business or venture, so that people can experience it for a strong impression of your brand. 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. Because this is a casting call, they need to see and feel your energy! Say where you live; who you live with; what your dreams are; what your job is if you have one; or what early retirement has been like. Paint the picture! Job Details >

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All Beacon City School Students Eligible For Free Breakfast and Lunch Through December 31, 2020

As families prepare for the first day of school on Monday, a new development was emailed to parents and caregivers from Karen Pagano, the Director of Food and Nutrition for Beacon City School District.

Big School Meal announcement! All Beacon City School Students will be eligible for Free Breakfast and Lunch meals for all school days through December 31, 2020. This can be very exciting for kids, as they see their old meals from school, like School Pizza and School Chicken Nuggets, which seem to have special properties that cannot be duplicated in store-bought meals. In addition to School Scooby Snacks, and other items that show up in the prepared meals, like fresh broccoli. The financial assistance this gives to parents and caregivers is a given.

Kids In Hybrid Schedule

Students in Hybrid schedule will have Breakfast and Lunch meals available in their School buildings on the days they are attending classes. To help with social distancing, kids will be eating meals in their classrooms.

Kids In Remote Learning Schedule
(And On Home Days If On Hybrid Schedule)

Meals for kids during Remote Learning Days will be available for pick up at select schools by reservation only.
A google form for Remote learning days meals will sent in a separate email.

Click here to fill out the Google Form to schedule meal-pickups.

The form needs to be completed by September 14th at 10am to be guaranteed meal availability on September 16th. Meal orders placed after September 14th will be processed for distribution the following week. Meals will continue to be prepared for you each week until the receiver cancels. There is a No-Milk option, if one wants to opt to not be given the cartons of milk. The milk is usually 1%, and if a family doesn’t drink that version (we drink Whole, for instance), a lot of milk goes down the drain.

How Is This Possible?

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) extended the Free Meals Program, as they did at the end of the school year, and for the summer meals program. A Little Beacon Blog wrote about how to apply for the Free Meals Program if a person was still unemployed and in financial hardship.

Those who had applied for the program did receive a random financial gift on their P-EBT card. While this current extension of the Free Meals Program requires no application, people may still want to apply for the Free Meals Program for 2021, and just in case New York State deposits another $420 of grocery money onto the P-EBT card.

Anonymous Donor Donates $1,000 In Key Food Gift Cards By Way Of Local Non-Profits and School District

According to a press release from the City of Beacon, Mayor Lee Kyriacou announced that the City of Beacon – as a result of an anonymous donation – is distributing over $1,000 in Key Food Gift Cards by way of various local non-profit groups and the Beacon City School District.

The gift cards, issued at Beacon’s Key Food grocery store, will be redistributed to local families going through financial difficulties during the current health crisis and economic downturn. The city was able to provide gift cards to local religious institutions, non-profit groups and the Beacon City School District.

Mayor Lee Kyriacou said, “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the generous Beacon resident who sought anonymously to help others during these unpredictable economic times. Many families are in need of this donation and I am happy that the City of Beacon could assist.”

Pastor John Perez from the Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, whose church is located on North Cedar Street, said: “In these difficult times, it is truly a blessing for those in need.”

For those who need to visit a Food Pantry, find a guide at A Little Beacon Blog’s Food Pantry Guide.

Dutchess County Makes $430,000 In Microenterprise Grants Available To Businesses Negatively Affected By COVID-19

From the press release sent by the Office Of the Dutchess County Executive on September 9, 2020:

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced today (9/9/2020) Dutchess County has made $430,000 in grants available to assist microenterprise businesses negatively affected by COVID-19, through a program administered by Community Capital New York (CCNY). A microenterprise is defined as a business with 5 or fewer employees, including the owner. The program provides grants of up to $10,000 to stabilize microenterprises and preserve low- and moderate-income jobs. Eligible businesses can apply online here.

County Executive Molinaro said, “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this pandemic has forced many to close, with many more struggling to remain open. These grants will help these businesses stay afloat – keeping our neighbors employed and communities vibrant.”

The funding for the program comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant COVID/CARES Act (CDBG-CV) which was provided to the County’s Urban County CDBG Consortium. Eligible businesses must be in a municipality which is a member of the Consortium. The Consortium includes all Dutchess County municipalities, except the City of Poughkeepsie, which received its own CDBG-CV funds; the city is expected to announce a similar program using its CDBG-CV funds by in the near future.

City of Beacon is also committing $150,000 towards this program (which became available in December 2020), specifically for business located in the City of Beacon. Funding for this program is from the City’s Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) funds; its applications will be accepted via the same application and follow the same guidelines, and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligible businesses must meet the following standards, established by the federal government:

• Five or fewer employees, including the owner

• Located in the Dutchess County Urban County CDBG Consortium

• Retain, rehire or create at least one low- and moderate-income job for six months

• For-profit business (non-profits are ineligible)

• Operate outside of a residential property

• In operation prior to March 15, 2017

• Not be one of the following business types: adult book, video and entertainment facilities, check cashing facilities, gambling facilities, gun shops, liquor stores, non-therapeutic massage parlors, medical marijuana production /distribution, pawn shops, tanning salons or tattoo parlors

• Must document that funds are not duplicating other financial assistance provided via the CARES Act.

The low and moderate job standard can be met several ways:

• Retain, rehire, or create at least one full-time position for a person whose full-time annual salary is below $54,950 . For retention, the position must be at imminent risk of job loss without the funding; or

• he business is located within a Low- and Moderate-Income Area (LMA) and primarily serves local residents; or

The following are the federal established low- and moderate-income limits:

Household Size Income Limit

1 $54,950

2 $62,800

3 $70,650

4 $78,500

5 $84,800

6 $91,100

7 $97,350

8 $103,650

Eligible uses of funds include:

• Rent

• Working capital

• Technical training

• Machinery and equipment, including personal protective equipment for employees

• Certain other costs associated with stabilizing a small business

Ineligible Uses:

• Relocation of business operations

• Renovations

• Paying off existing debt

• Reimbursement for costs incurred before aid

• Applications are available here and will be accepted until all the funds are expended. CCNY will also provide technical assistance to potentially eligible businesses.

The Dutchess County Urban County CDBG Consortium includes 20 towns​, 8 villages and the City of Beacon. For the purpose of ​administering this program, the villages ​will be considered in conjunction with their respective town. For the first four weeks of the application process, CCNY will award grants based on an equitable distribution among the 20 towns and the City of Beacon. After October 7, 2020, applications will be approved on a first-come, first-serve​d basis.

9/11 Ceremonies in Beacon and Poughkeepsie For Dutchess County

In Beacon, the opportunity to gather to remember those lost on 9/11 during the 19th anniversary of September 11th, known as Patriot Day, will be held in Beacon on September 11, 2020 at 11am at Patriot Park, on the corner of Matteawan Rd. and Verplanck Ave.

Patriot Day was first observed in 2002 by proclamation by President George W. Bush. Traditionally, a moment of silence is held at 8:46am, which is when the first plane hit the a World Trade Center tower. It is important to remember that people of so many nationalities, including Muslim who worked in or near the towers, lost their lives, including first responders. It is also important to note that people who were first responders for that event may be having a difficult time prior, during, and after the day due to PTSD. Ask your friends how they are doing.

That number arrangement of the moment of silence is also known for the number of minutes and seconds, 8 minutes and 46 seconds, that George Floyd could not breath while held under the knee of and killed by suffocation by police officer Derek Chauvin.

From the City’s press release: “The City of Beacon and the City of Beacon Fire Department invite all to join us to commemorate the 19th Anniversary of September 11, 2001. Let us come together to honor, remember and reunite.”

PROGRAM
Welcome
Introduction of Elected Officials/Guests Prayer
God Bless America
Patriot Day Message
Taps

GUESTS
Fire Chief Gary Van Voorhis
Mayor Lee Kyriacou Deacon Marty
Joe Schuka
Patrick Kelliher
Michelle Murray-Poczobut

All COVID-19 protocols will be followed, please wear a mask and adhere to social distancing practices. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held at Mase Hook and Ladder, 425 Main St. The City of Beacon would like to thank Libby’s Funeral Home for their generous donation of a wreath for this event.

Dutchess County Ceremony For 9/11 Remembrance

From Dutchess County’s Press Release: “As has been Dutchess County Court Judge Peter Forman’s custom since 2002, there will be a memorial service to remember the victims of September 11th held on the steps of the Dutchess County Family Court building, 50 Market Street, Poughkeepsie at 8:30am on Friday, September 11, 2020.

“County Court Judge Peter M. Forman, Senior Court Officer Bill Shelzi and United States Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney will offer brief remarks. The service will include a ceremonial lowering of the flag and a moment of silence to recall those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

“Dr. Edward Hunt, Pastor of Beth-El Missionary Baptist Church of Wappingers Falls, will lead attendees in prayer. An honor guard composed of officers of the Office of Court Administration will attend in recognition of their brethren who died during rescue efforts on September 11th. The public is welcome and invited to attend. Attendees are reminded to maintain proper physical distancing and wear face coverings for this event.”

Reuben Simmons Speech In Reaction To Behavior At Support The Beacon PD Rally In July

During the 8th March to support Black lives mattering more, many speakers spoke at a soundstage down at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park on July 25, 2020. This protest was organized by Next Step Hudson Valley and Ali T. Muhammad, a former council member in Beacon for Ward 2, and a local community organizer that has been working to bring the sister-cities of Dutchess and Orange Counties together for this movement and improved way of life.

Both of their speeches are below. Transcription by Yvonne DeMoss.

INTRODUCTION: Ali T. Muhammad’s Introduction for Reuben Simmons

Ali T. Muhammad
Photo Credit: Ali T. Muhammad

“You're hearing it. You're hearing it from our people, from around the county, from the area that are involved, that are involved in so many different facets that are needed.

”Something that Matty and his family and Club Draw were working on, based off of a lot of discussions that we've had. Based off of experience. Experiences in these communities. Things that we got to think about with, why Black lives matter.

”American music is Black music. Privilege is thinking something is not a problem when it's not a problem to you, personally. Systemic racism is real. Teach your child early what you learned late. Racism is a public health crisis. Racial justice is a feminist issue. Black trans lives matter. Decolonize education. Decolonize health care.

”I heard “Decolonize wellness.” That was fire. I never heard that before. That's a good one. Uproot systemic racism. Uproot white supremacy from your personal life. Uproot white supremacy from your personal life.

”Systemic oppression is not broke, a broken system. You cannot fix a system that works exactly as it was intended. We need to rebuild our systems to serve the people. Standing up for your fellow Americans is the act of a true patriot.

”Amplify Black voices. Racism is so American that when you protest it, people think you are protesting America. “Radical means grasping at the root.” Angela Davis. “Walls turned sideways are bridges.” Angela Davis. “I can't believe what you say because I see what you do.” James Baldwin, Newburgh native. Freedom is not a state. It is an act.” John Lewis.

”I say this to say we need to create opportunities like this so that way we could educate more. I mean with memes and social media, there's ways to reach more people. These are these ideas are not solely to one person like Anusha said. “Decolonize wellness.” There's so many areas that we need to work in and again that's why we're here.

”The next person that I'm going to call up is Reuben Simmons, Someone I've been working with and I've been close with for years. He works for the City of Beacon and he has a story to share, but most importantly solutions for what's next. Reuben.

”Again, we have water straight ahead. We've got some snacks if somebody needs food or needs something, please reach out. We can get you something delivered or ordered because I don't know if everybody likes pizza or not. But if you do need something, really come over, okay. Reuben Simmons.”

SPEECH: Reuben Simmons

Reuben Simmons
Photo Credit: Reuben Simmons

“Good afternoon, like Ali said, my name is Reuben Simmons but I'm also known in this community as Coach Yogi. I work in the city. I work in the city of Beacon Highway Department. I was born and raised in the city [of Beacon]. I was born in the hospital before it closed in ’84, Highland Hospital off of Delavan Avenue. I lived in the city my whole time.

”Anybody from Beacon here? Make some noise if you're from Beacon, if you live in Beacon, if you do anything in Beacon, if you came to support Beacon, you came from out of town, you make some noise! I'm gonna touch on the importance of both of those reasons, I will be remiss if I don't thank the organizers of Beacon 4 Black Lives.

”I want to publicly thank Ciarda Hall, Stefon Stewart, Xavier Mayo, Cedric Parksdale, and Justice McCray. If it wasn't for the momentum that they built with the Black lives movement and the protests that they've been doing in the city, I'll tell you right now. I wouldn't be standing here, today.

”People call me a community leader. My response? Leader? I'm no leader. ‘I do what I have to do and sometimes people follow.’ Edgar Friendly. Those young adults motivated me and I seen something in em’ that I seen when I was younger and people identified me as a leader so I thank them.

”This is the 8th protest in this city. No looting, no rioting, and nothing negative. All peaceful. Give them a round of applause. Anybody there last Sunday and Beacon up on 9D? Well, we're going to talk about that because we're going to talk about why it's so important.

”Last Sunday, there was a Support the Police campaign rally. We're seeing all over the nation all over the country that these rallies are dividing communities. We brought our stance to their rally. They haven't hijacked or counter protested any of our protests. The goal wasn't to counter protest them. The goal was to let them know we got issues here and we want to make sure that we come to the table and you hear our issues. Word spread out.

”There's people from Beacon and support just like you guys here from out of town so automatically we cannot, we cannot control the social media. (train whistle blows) That's one reason Beacon’s so popular, the train to the city, we cannot control the narratives that are going to be written all over Facebook. But what I saw on Saturday, last Saturday in Pleasant Valley. Did you guys see that? That is ugly for any community. That will not help move things forward.

”Sunday, I participated in a demonstration that showed you can support the police. You can counter protest and support Black Lives Matter and the demonstration can be done peacefully because that is your constitutional right to stand for what you believe in and we demonstrated it last Sunday here in the city of Beacon. For some people may not know some good things came out of that.

”I'm gonna tell you right now, people, that I've seen that seen me grow up in the city as a child, some white people they're uncomfortable right now. They're upset, they're confused, they're saying "Yogi we know you. What were you doing on the other side?" My reply is there is no other side. This is one Beacon and subconsciously you don't understand what we said, what we mean when we say Black lives matter and you need to know and if we have to go to war, know where I'll be if you try to divide this community.”

“I’m gonna tell you right now, people, that I’ve seen that seen me grow up in the city as a child, some white people they’re uncomfortable right now. They’re upset, they’re confused, they’re saying “Yogi we know you. What were you doing on the other side?” My reply is there is no other side. This is one Beacon.”

— Reuben Simmons

[Editor’s Note: For reference, back during the moving of the bench controversy, former Mayor Randy Casale spoke out for the first time since his term as mayor. He was emotional during discussions of moving the bench that was a dedication to his stepson. In voicing his disagreement, he used language like “I will divide this city if they move the bench,” in his social media, and in the original 3hr recording of a podcast on “Wait, What Is That?”]

”There's going to be another shout out I want to give. We went from one end of the city all the way to the river side of the city. You've seen all the police officers out there. The police department's union has told me, has confirmed with me that they want to sit at the table with us to address the issues moving forward. So I want to applaud them for helping us protest peacefully and I want to applaud them for being the big people to understand that they want to sit with us and hear what we have to say, and that is done by Justice McCray.

”Pleasant Valley is-was very ugly. It was very dangerous. What I didn't know last Sunday, where some people went to Pleasant Valley Saturday, those same people came to support us in Beacon on Sunday and I want to apologize to them, because yes I do move militant like Malcolm. My goal is to, to increase peace like Martin, so sometimes I come off with no compassion. So if there's anybody that felt disrespected by me on Sunday, I apologize.

”But at no time did I ever felt you were in danger in my city cause I'm gonna tell you right now: My mother was out there. My sisters were out there. My uncle was out there standing on the other side of the street. He came over across the street for conversation. So if my family's out there, I wanna make sure nothing happens to them. So please believe nothing's gonna happen to you.

”The police were out there. You seen the way the police respect what we're doing here. That's what we need in every community. Pleasant Valley, I don't even know if they have a police department. They're patrolled by state troopers. They're patrolled by county sheriffs. And yes, you could give a boo to the county sheriffs. That's a big reason why I believe we need to start in cities, because cities have their own police department.

”The City of Newburgh has a police department. The City of Poughkeepsie has a police department, and we see them at our community events. When you guys are out there, the people at the counter protest last Saturday, last Sunday in Beacon. The police that you see, I see them all the time. When you guys are in your community, you guys see these people all the time. Let's make sure we're having that conversation and we're bridging the gap. That was a goal of ours last Sunday when we went up for the counter protest.

”Yes I know, that's what it looks like on the optics. I'm not trying to control optics, I'm trying to move this city forward and if we could create a blueprint I would be happy. I would be honored to stand with you guys in your community and see how we could address things forward because you need your local elected leadership which right now, did you see any of them here? I want to give a shout out to them, that's why I want to make sure.

”You need your local elected officials, you need police representation and if they're in a union you need that union representation and you need the Black community. You need to support the police community, and that's a table that we're currently building right now in the city of Beacon. And I'm proud of everyone who's doing the work and I just want to applaud them and I just want to let you guys know, thank you for the support and I think what we're doing here, we could do in many other communities, but it's going to take you as the individual.

”I'm going to wrap it up because I know we're going to move into breakout sessions. Aliyah that has asked me to stand in for, uh, on, on employment. I work in the city of Beacon. I work in the Highway Department. I work my way up. I share the story with anybody who wants to come to the area I'll be at, I'll probably be over here, um, we'll talk about Civil Service Law. We'll talk about application processes. We're talking about how people get hired, how people don't get hired. School districts. Public, um, police departments, things like, things of that nature.

”Once again I just want to thank everybody. I think we're doing good work to move things forward and I want to thank you guys for allowing me to speak. Once again, my name is Ruben Simmons, they call me Coach Yogi.”

Watch The Speech In The Video

This speech has been transcribed from the video below. Hear it in Ali’s and Reuben’s words by pressing Play.

Art In Spirit - Retail Therapy Guide 9/4/2020

Summer days are coming to an end, pools are closing, and new pandemic rules are out for how we are going to do pumpkin patches and haunted houses. Life is going on carefully, cautiously and smartly. Beacon City Schools are going for it by attempting a hybrid learning model (2 days in school, 3 days remote learning) for those who want in-person (read the Reopening Handbook), and the Spirit of Beacon Day is going City-Wide with no parade but lots of art and expression. New Sponsor! Welcome our new sponsor of the Shopping Guide, The Bra Fit Expert! All shops on Main Street are included in A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide, and sponsors get an elevated position in return for their sponsorship, which helps us promote all of Main Street shopping. Thank you! Learn more about advertising with us. Story Screen Drive-In presents "Labyrinth" and "Robocop" Day: Friday-Sunday, September 4-6, 2020 Time: 7:45pm (Labyrinth), 10:15pm (Robocop) Location: The Park at USC, 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 this site. Tickets sales end one hour before the start of the screening. There will be no tickets available at the Drive-In box office. Information > Annual Chefs Farm Fresh Dinner and Parisian Gala Fundraiser Day: Saturday, September 5, 2020 Time: Boats leave at 12pm, 1pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, & 4:30pm for the event. Location: Bannerman Island, Beacon, NY Information > Virtual Full Moon Magickal Night Market Day: Saturday, September 5, 2020 Time: 6-11:55pm Location: www.MoonSerpentandBone.com Information > Labor Day Protest, from Beacon4Black Lives & 845 Unity Day: Monday, September 7, 2020 Time: 3:30pm Location: Meet at Pohill Park, Beacon, NY Meet, march down Main Street, gather at Memorial Park and listen to guest speakers, open mic, and celebrate Art In The Park at 5:45pm. Snacks, beverages, and art supplies will be provided. Donations are also welcome. Wear a mask and practice social distancing. From the organizers: "The world runs on Black labor. It's time to celebrate that, and make Black lives matter. See you Monday." @Beacon4Black Lives @845Unity Information > Sign Art - Calling All Black Artists Rexhill Studio, a furniture and cabinetry company out of Beacon, is participating in a sign art project connected to the Spirit of Beacon Day: "Calling all Black Artists! 100 Signs of Solidarity is a public art project highlighting the beauty of Black culture in Beacon, NY. In conjunction with @beacon4blacklives and @haven_jcl , the signs will be a part of September's Spirit of Beacon Day celebrations. They will be placed throughout the city, and there will be a website and publicity about the exhibition. // They are prioritizing delivering sign blanks to BIPOC artists, activists, and sign painters, but all are encouraged to participate. We were happy to cut some plywood for @haven_jcl to put these together for distribution. Email solidarity.beacon@gmail.com for more information." Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week!     EAT CHURCH 511 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon, NY Pop-Up Alert!!  Eat Church will be back this Friday and Saturday with another Masa Mission Revue. This week, they will also be featuring a special of Elote (grilled Mexican Street corn). Location: Marbled Meat Shop: 3091 Route 9, Cold Spring, NY Date/Time: Friday & Saturday September 4-5, 2020 - 4:00-8:00 PM. Information > Eat Church is an ALBB Sponsor! BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY A toast to the weekend, cheers from Baja328! Pictured are their 3 featured drinks: the Green Monster, the Sangria Azul, and a blueberry/raspberry margarita! 🍹 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 At Meyers Old Dutch get your burger done YOUR way!   Every burger built how you want it. Grilled onions ✅ pickled jalapeños ✅ need a GF bun ✅ Extra patty ✅ No cheese or extra cheese ✅ Go online select BYOB and go to town, they got you covered.  PS: Meyers Is Delivering! More > Meyers Old Dutch is an ALBB Sponsor! HOMESPUN 232 Main Street, Beacon, NY Beer here! Perfect for outdoor dining this weekend. Check out the selection of crafted beers available at Homespun Foods such as - @singlecutbeer Jackknifed Juggernaut 2x Dry Hopped IPA - @logsdonfarmhouseales Ferragosto Italian-style Pilsner - @mastlanding ‘Close Up Magic’ More > Homespun is an ALBB Sponsor! HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY REJOICE! You can now have Brunch at the Hudson Valley Food Hall! Saturday & Sunday 11am - 2pm. Come see their new brunch items which include: Momo Valley has French Toast with fresh blueberries & blackberries. Miz Hattie has omelettes made to order (plus her famous southern fried chicken and waffles). Roosevelt Bar has fresh squeezed OJ mimosas (and that frose 🤪) See you for brunch! Hudson Valley Food Hall is an ALBB Sponsor! THE WONDERBAR 449 Main Street, Beacon, NY The Wonderbar in Beacon celebrated a big anniversary last week. You see, it's not the first time it has opened. The Wonderbar was a Beacon staple, first opening in 1934 with a unique decor and menu. Writer and historian Diane Lapis uncovered many details and stories from the olden days for this article for A Little Beacon Blog. Today, The Wonderbar has completely remodeled, using a lot of the history as inspiration. You can visit the current Wondberbar in Beacon at their parklet in front of the Story Screen movie theater (formerly the Beacon Theater) for food and drink! Read >   LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon Oh no!! Someone sat on your glasses? No problem (usually)! Luxe Optique is trained in repairing frames and they have the precision tools in the back of the store to screw those arms back into place. Some frames come with a warranty, so if they are broken beyond repair, another solution can be found. Go Shopping > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!   BINNACLE BOOKS 321 Main Street, Beacon Now available at Binnacle Books, Madeleine Ryan's, “A Room Called Earth”  • “The debut novel from an autistic writer, an extraordinary story of a fiercely original young woman whose radical self-acceptance illuminates a new way of being in the world, and opens up a whole new realm of understanding and connection.  • Information > Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! LEWIS & PINE 133 Main Street, Beacon Extra, Extra! Read all about her! Designer and shop owner Yali Lewis, creator of Lewis and Pine, was featured in the Highlands Current. Learn about how she made a surplus of inventory before her due date of her new baby, how the pandemic and motherhood has changed her priorities, and what inspired her to open a brick and mortar shop in Beacon. Shop  > Lewis & Pine is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS 436 Main Street, Beacon Of course she has mask chains! Add this new accessory to the collection at  @lamereclothingandgoods. You can hang your face mask around your neck when you take your mask off! These are so fab. Go check them out and get yourself a new mask chain. If we gotta wear the masks, we gotta style them! Shop online 24/7 at lamereclothingandgoods.com HOURS: Wednesday- Saturday: 11am-6pm Sunday: 12pm-5pm Information> La Mere is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! THE BRA FIT EXPERT 470 Main Street, Beacon (Inside Echo Beacon) We are so excited to share with you @brafitexperthudsonvalley !! Our newest sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide 😁 Christina is The Bra Fit Expert with 25 years of experience as a bra fitter. She helps get the proper fit to not only lift your bust line but your spirit as well! Plus, the bras, panties, pjs/loungewear, shape wear and maternity products are just 😍 Schedule a fitting! It’s as easy as visiting their website and booking online. Located inside of @echobeacon. Thank you so much @brafitexperthudsonvalley for becoming a sponsor of ALBB! We are so lucky and excited to have you. The Bra Fit Expert is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! View more upcoming classes for in the Adult Classes Guide and Kids Classes Guide. ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY 340 Main Street, Beacon While distracted driving is not a new term for many of us, there is so much more to it than texting while driving. From drinking coffee to checking on the kids in the backseat- distracted driving is becoming all too common and incredibly dangerous. The even scarier detail - most of it can be prevented. Taking a defensive driving course can teach you skills to help you be aware of the road as well as common distractions as well as ways to avoid incidents. Completing an online course can be done on your time and in your home, not only saving you money on your liability, personal injury protection, and collision premium but also help keep you safer on the road. Register for Online Defensive Driving Here > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you! TIN SHINGLE New TV series alert:  Twenty Four Seven, a drama starring T.I. Inspired by Notorious C.O.P.: The Inside Story of the Tupac, Biggie, and Jam Master Jay Investigations from NYPD’s First “Hip-Hop Cop,” will be produced by Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson. The series is currently in the works and the final pieces for the project will be produced by CBS TV Studios and Lionsgate TV. Dallas Jackson writes the series based on the book written by Derrick Parker and Matt Diehl and Curtis Jackson executive produces the series through his G Unit Film & Television. T.I. will play the role of Derrick Parker who was involved deeply in rap history, including, the first shooting of Tupac Shakur. Learn More > KATIE JAMES, INC. Need a new website? Whether it's for a COVID-19 antibody test, so that people can search for the brand of test on a Google Map, or if the website is for a retail shop, Katie James, Inc. can help. We work with businesses small and large. Website platforms out-of-the-box and custom designed databases. Even if you have the design already and just need a great team to build it for you, Katie James, Inc. can be your fit. Reach out with thoughts or questions! 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. Because this is a casting call, they need to see and feel your energy! Say where you live; who you live with; what your dreams are; what your job is if you have one; or what early retirement has been like. Paint the picture! Job Details >

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[EXTENDED Sept. 15] Last Day To Submit Feedback For Beacon Police Chief Qualities

UPDATE: The last day to submit feedback on what you want in the new police chief has been extended to September 15th, 2020.

September 4, 2020 is the last day to submit feedback on what you are looking for in a Police Chief for Beacon.

The survey has been created by the City of Beacon, and the search firm they hired to find the new chief.

Survey in English >

Survey en Español >