Blend Smoother and Salad Bar on Main Street, near Lewis & Pine. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Shopping and eating healthily just got a little easier on the west end of Main Street (the end near-ish the train station) with the opening of the new smoothie and salad shop, Blend. Just up the block from long-standing Bank Square Coffeehouse, and in between and across the street from incredibly niche boutiques (Lewis & Pine, a new pottery shop, Colorant, among other retail destinations), eating to-go acai and smoothie bowls, avocado toast paninis, and blended fruits and vegetables just got easier.
But wait - have you seen Blend before in other towns? Yes you have. Blend owners Alaina James and José Medina are from New Windsor, NY, where they opened their first Blend, located at 357 Old Forge Hill Rd. Other locations include Middletown, Monroe, Mohegan Lake (inside of ShopRite), “Blend is not a franchise as many think we are,” says Emily Dolan who works at the Beacon location via email with A Little Beacon Blog. ”Our goal is to make the Hudson Valley a healthier place and we are doing so by expanding locally within different regions of Hudson Valley.”
Why Beacon? ”Blend has always wanted to have a location in Beacon,” says Emily. “It's a small city that is filled with fun, culture, authenticity and diversity. When it comes to eating healthly this is what it's all about; food that's eclectic and great for the body.”
Beacon is not hard-pressed for healthy eating options, as many sit-down eateries offer creative menus with Hudson Valley farm fresh food, including Kitchen Sink (farm fresh rotating menu), Meyers Olde Dutch (burgers), Zaitun (Palestinian), Homespun, Vegetalien (on the east end of town) and many others. Beacon Natural mixes smoothies and offers pre-made menu items, and Studio Beacon has a fresh smoothie and bowl bar.
However, a specialty store just for fresh smoothies, salads and acai bowls is new to Beacon. Emily told ALBB: "We cater to all of our customers individual needs. We care about what we are putting into peoples bodies. All of our fruits and vegetables that we use are 100% fresh and we do not add any sugar or added substitutes. People come into Blend with cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and just want to know what is best for them and that’s why we are here. Not only to make delicious smoothies but also to help our community become a healthy and more health knowledgeable place."
What’s On The Menu?
Fresh flavors are available on this menu of both solid food and juiced. Here’s a sampling:
If you’re a local who wants a quick and healthy bite, a run down to Blend is quick, easy and worth it. If you’re visiting on the weekend and find yourself waiting in line to enter a boutique who is observing social distancing requirements, then you now have a new place to snack and stay fueled up for your Beacon shopping, day to day living, and early voting!
Right now, Blend is aiming to be open into the night, so that evening commuters walking up from the train can grab a snack before dinner. Morning hours start at 7pm or 8am depending on the day. Hours change frequently for stores in Beacon, so always check their website or Instagram first.
The rally in Montgomery, NY in Orange County from the The American Patriot Council billed as a “freedom march” in support of gun rights for hunters, despite any push for gun rights being taken away from hunters, was held in the small town of Montgomery yesterday that was originally supposed to happen within 100 feet of an early voting location - a senior center.
Originally, the location was approved by the Village Board earlier this month. Last minute, after pushback from residents, it was moved to a location further away. A parents group from Valley Central School District issued a press release on Friday to urge Mayor Steve Brescia to cancel or move the rally, saying no public events should be allowed near that poll site during the early-voting period.
The American Patriot Council is known for its "armed protest against coronavirus restrictions inside the Michigan state capitol and were accused of having ties to the foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, but have disavowed any connection,” according to the article.
Montgomery's Mayor Steve Brescia, a Republican who is running for state Senate, and police Chief William Herlihy told the Times Herald-Record on Friday that "the rally's proximity to a polling station at the start of voting was purely coincidental, and that the organizers originally proposed a march at another location until it was suggested they gather at the park instead," the article stated.
The original invitation to the rally included encouragement to bring guns. The invitation was removed from Eventbrite. Chief Herlihy said village police couldn't prevent any rally participants from carrying handguns if licensed to do so, and. Steve told the newspaper: "We'll be talking to the organizers, and it will definitely be discouraged." The American Patriot Council is promoting rallies to take place at the same time on Saturday to “demand emancipation from the bondage of tyranny.”
Mayor Steve Brecia, who is also the Orange County Legislature chairman, said that 2 Black Lives Matter marches took place in Montgomery earlier this year, and that the village had no reason to refuse a rally billed as a celebration of patriotism. He did not see why voters would feel intimidated, with that many people decorated in flags standing so close by, giving speeches. "Why should there be any voter suppression here?" he is quoted as saying in the article.
According to the article, Montgomery Town Supervisor Brian Maher said he offered the town's Benedict Memorial Park, which is about two miles down Route 17K from the village, as an alternate site. He said village Mayor Steve Brescia accepted the offer and alerted participants of the change.
According to the article, concerns were raised about the prospect of voter intimidation, as well as the practical matter rally attendees taking parking spots from potential voters.
Initially, the the event for Saturday's rally in Montgomery, which was posted in Eventbrite but was taken down, had encouraged participants to carry guns. According to the article, “none were visible during the 30-minute rally. It also invoked the upcoming election, but made no mention of the voting taking place locally.”
You Guys...the weekend is here. It may be a fast and furious one, despite some clouds that may hover over in the sky. Beacon locals know to do their shopping mid-week, because Beacon is getting as busy as Midtown in Manhattan on the weekends. But that should not stop you from heading out. It's fun to be in the hustle and bustle, and our eateries and boutiques need you. So get out there!
Here's your list of things to do:
THE RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Edited and Written By: Marilyn Perez and Katie Hellmuth Martin
VOTE Early Begins!
Days: Saturday, October 24 - Sunday, November 1, 2020 Times: Vary. Check website. Location: Fishkill Town Hall, 807 Route 52, Fishkill, NY for Beacon residents.
Voting early in New York State begins on Saturday, October 24th. The nearest polling location is the Fishkill Town Hall. It is open 7 days per week.
Love this design? It's available as a face mask! From the talented designer of accessible clothing for people who have trouble reaching for things or closing buttons, Ag Apparel. Information >
Dutchess County Hazardous Waste Electronics Dump Event
FILLED!
Date: October 24, 2020 FYI: This event has reached capacity! Mark your calendar for February 2021, and is not taking new dumps.
A new date to look forwardto in the new year. Information >
Story Screen Drive-In presents "The Cabin In The Woods" and "The Blair Witch Project"
Day: Friday-Sunday, October 23-25, 2020 Time: 7:00pm (Cabin), 9:15pm (Cabin) Location: The Park at USC, 724 Wolcott Ave, Beacon, NY Information >
March For Education
Day: Saturday, October 24, 2020 Time: See schedule below Location: People’s Park, Newburgh, NY
If you have been wishing for an amended curriculum for kids of all ages in school to better include Black lives and history, then this March to highlight this stalled bill may be what you are looking for. Next Step Hudson Valley has organized this March in Newburgh to highlight a bill is currently in a pause mode, so needs attention to keep it moving to a vote phase. According to the organizers: "We have a meeting on the table. Elected and appointed officials, as well as educators and parents, are becoming familiar with the NYS Assembly Bill A03648, which appropriates $25,000,000, nearly for a lot of the essential things we’ve been demanding for, collectively. We’re proud to have organized around community, movement, and justice regarding our demonstrations and efforts to decolonize education. Since this Summer, we’ve been planning a significant disturbance of our business as a usual society because our Black lives matter." Permits, protocols, communications and collaborations have happened. If you cannot attend the March, read these slides to learn more about the bill, and how you can make a difference to move it forward. Information >
Hudson Valley Renegades Craft Fair
Day: Saturday, October 24, 2020 Time: 10am-5pm Location: Dutchess Stadium, 1500 Route 9D, Wappingers Falls, NY Information >
"Journey To Freedom" At The Newburgh Free Library
Day: October 12 - December 12, 2020 Location: 124 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY
Newburgh Free Library is hosting "Journey to Freedom," a year-long series of arts, cultural and educational programs inspired by the courage, vision and strength of the American abolitionist and political activist, Harriet Tubman. This sculpture of Harriet Tubman by award-winning artist Wesley Wofford will be on display in front of the Newburgh Free Library from October 12 to December 12, 2020. For more information, please visit www.newbughfreelibrary.org. This project is funded in part by Humanities New York Information >
EAT CHURCH
511 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon, NY Eat Church is returning this Friday and Saturday with their CURRY KULT REVUE at @marbledmeatshop Last week sold out fast so get your orders in early! Location: 3091 Route 9, Cold Spring. Days: Friday & Saturday, October 23-14. 4-8pm
Online ordering is LIVE. View all dishes and full menu at eatchurch.com
Pictured is PANANG KUNG. Tempura shrimp and crisp calamari, red coconut curry, squash, Thai basil, peanut. Served with coconut rice. 📸@chris.perino Information > Eat Church is an ALBB Sponsor!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
In addition to beef burgers, the menu at Meyer's Olde Dutch offers chicken, hot dogs and vegan options with multiple toppings and house-made signature sauces, plus hand-cut fries, salads and daily specials. All items will be available via counter service and served in open seating and a back open-air patio.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Swing by for live entertainment outside on the sidewalk sometimes! Information > Meyers Olde Dutch is an ALBB Sponsor!
HOMESPUN
232 Main Street, Beacon, NY
and the Cafe at the Dia : Beacon A Wine Special at Homespun can look like this: "Bénédicte et Stéphane Tissot Arbois Chardonnay ‘Patchwork’ 2018" and "GD Vajra Barolo ‘Albe’ 2016."
Yeah that's right. You might not know what any of this means, but owner and sommelier Joe does. And all you need to know is: you're going to enjoy it. Get it at $12/glass with your meal, and/or take a bottle home. As Joe says, with emojis and all: " We both know you’ll need a drink " Information > Homespun is an ALBB Sponsor!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Summer time lasts a little bit longer around these parts when you get to enjoy the pergola at the Hudson Valley Food Hall. Go inside to check it out! Plenty of fans to keep the air moving. THIS JUST IN: Barb's Butchery just opened a satellite location in the HV! "Barb's Fryworks" We're just as new to it as you are, so you'll need to go inside to try it, and send us pics. Tag us in the 'gram. Information > Hudson Valley Food Hall is an ALBB Sponsor!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
BAJA 328 is an easy location for Southwestern fresh flavors, and cocktails. Enjoy their large garage door to let in the early Fall weather as we enjoy this fresh air. Tuesday - Thursday: 4-9pm Friday - Saturday: 12pm-10pm Sunday: 12pm-8pm Follow on Instagram > Baja 328 is an ALBB Sponsor!
BRETT'S HARDWARE
18 West Main Street, Beacon
Keep the outdoor festivities going by grabbing a couple of patio heaters from Brett's Hardware. They just received a bit shipment of them. Follow them on Instagram at @bretts_hardware to see what else they have in stock! These tall patio heaters won't last long.
PS: You're going to find tons of other things in there as well that you need.right.now. Go Shopping > Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE
181-183 Main Street, Beacon
From natural horn to sterling silver, @RIGARDS frames have forged an instantly recognizable style that combines offbeat aesthetics with a quiet elegance, much of which pertains to the spirited craftsmanship and unique use of traditional materials. No less compelling are the signature finishes, imparting nuance and character to the frames and creating a distinctive bespoke element. Talk to Luxe Optique about the sourcing, and decide if this style is right for you. Go Shopping > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon Binnacle Books are still 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. It’s as simple as that. Says Binnacle: "We want our community to read this wonderful book, and to read it together."
Transformative justice seeks to solve the problem of violence at the grassroots level, without relying on punishment, incarceration, or policing. Community-based approaches to preventing crime and repairing its damage have existed for centuries. However, in the atmosphere of contemporary criminal justice systems, they are often marginalized and operate under the radar. ‘Beyond Survival’ puts these strategies front and center as real alternatives to today’s failed models of confinement and ‘correction.’ Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS
436 Main Street, Beacon
Who doesn't love a great fringe? We are in love with this take in the form of a fringe knitted sweater. Come see this piece and more new arrivals at La Mére Clothing and Goods today or visit their shop online 24/7.
La Mere is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
LEWIS & PINE
133 Main Street, Beacon
So worth the wait if there is a Social Distance Line to get inside! Word got around that new designs and scents dropped at Lewis and Pine, and if you hit the shop at the right time, there is a line to get in! The shop is small, and you'll discover with boutique shopping in Beacon, each store has a different social distancing capacity. @lewisandpine⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Shop > Lewis & Pine is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
You can trust a business by the longevity of their team. Antalek & Moore is happy to celebrate Kathy Sandford's 22 year anniversary with the company. Kathy serves as the Business Insurance Team Leader. She is a Commercial Account Manager and licensed New York State Insurance Broker, assisting clients with property, general liability, business auto, workers compensation, directors and officers, contractor or bond.She is a Beacon native with a long history of leadership, especially in the local Girl Scouts chapter. Congratulations on this work anniversary! Information > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
Are you pitching the media but don't know what to say? Are you saying all the things you ever wanted to say in an email, but you left out the most important part? Tin Shingle has a Pitch Whisperer service within its membership, and this week, recorded a quick video tip in response to a pitch that someone submitted who needed help. Watch This >
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Need a beautiful website with ecommerce right now?
Need to fix your existing website with ecommerce to make it look modern, fresh and beautiful? Katie James, Inc. can help with all of these things. And train you in how to run your website all by yourself. Katie James, Inc. aims to empower clients to do things on their own. Learn More >
Councilperson Dan Aymar-Blair, representing Ward 4 near Mount Beacon, gave residents guidance during this week’s City Council meeting on what to do if they found a dead deer in their yard: call the Highway Department to remove it. Additionally, the Highlands Current reported early in September about the increase in dead dear in the region, which New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) confirmed was the result of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), which is carried by a midge who bites a deer.
One was found near the Fishkill Creek in Madam Brett Park, and 32 EHD fatalities in the Cold Spring area and 26 across the Hudson River near Goshen, according to the article. Depending on the movement patterns of the local midge population, say officials, the disease could be spreading. It could be paused by prolonged freezing weather.
According to the article, written by Brian PJ Cronin: “After a deer is bitten by a midge carrying the virus, it takes about 7 days for symptoms to appear. Once they do, the end comes swiftly, usually 8 to 36 hours after being affected. Besides acting disoriented, appearing lame and losing their normal fear of humans, infected deer have high fevers that cause extreme thirst, which is why most deceased deer are found near water sources (one of the first reported cases was a doe found in a Putnam County lake). Other visible symptoms include swelling of the head, neck, tongue and lips.”
According to the article, and to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the disease is not transmittable to humans or pets, like dogs. It is limited to white-tailed deer, mule deer and pronghorn antelope. In other words: ruminants, which are hoofed, even-toed animals, according to ODFW. Colder weather with a freeze would drive the midges into hibernation mode.
Though the disease is not transmissible to humans, it can cause deer to die quickly near humans, and begin decomposing, which can cause a foul smell. The dead deer should not be eaten. According to the Highlands Current: “Deer that succumb to EHD decompose at a much higher rate than normal as a result of weakened blood vessel walls and an elevated body temperature from fever. This leads to extremely rapid meat spoilage, so infected deer should not be eaten.”
The article encourages people to contact the wildlife department at the DEC’s Region 3 office in New Paltz by calling 845-256-3098 to report sick or dead deer. Councilperson Dan encouraged Beaconites to call Beacon’s Highway Department at (845) 831-0932 and by emailing the Highway Superintendent, Michael Manzi, mmanzi@cityofbeacon.org.
Sargent Elementary PTO Board President, Erin Giunta, announced at the last Board of Education Meeting 10/13/2020 that they are creating ways to be more accessible to parents in their community by removing dues to be a voting member of the PTO. “One of the things we are trying to do to help is to make the Board and the PTO more accessible to everybody.” The meeting was also announced on the Sargent Elementary PTO website.
The Sargent PTO Board Meeting was last Thursday, where they elected or re-elected Board members and and adopted proposed changes to their bylaws. Erin encouraged that everyone in the Sargent community is welcome to attend the PTO Meeting.
“[This is] one of the things we are changing in our bylaws,” Erin stated, “is removing dues to become a voting member, so that everybody in the community of Sargent has a voice and will not feel impeded by feeling like they have to pay dues to become a member to have a vote or voice in any of the meetings.”
The previous bylaws stated: "All members considered to be in good standing are granted voting rights." Further: "Dues, if any, will be established by the Executive Board. If dues are charged, a member must have paid his or her dues to be considered a member in good standing with voting rights."
That language was eliminated completely, and now reads: "The families of students currently enrolled at Sargent, the faculty and staff, and the principal are automatically considered members of the PTO. All current members are granted voting rights. Members of the broader Beacon community are also welcome to attend PTO meetings to provide their input and perspectives on PTO and school-related initiatives, however such attendees are not granted voting rights."
On September 30th and October 5th, three employees of the City of Beacon tested positive for COVID-19 and were quarantined for a mandatory 10-day period, according to a press release issued by the City on or around October 13th. According to this week’s edition of the Beacon Free Press, City Manager Anthony Ruggiero confirmed to the newspaper that the last person to test positive returned to work on Friday, October 16th. He also confirmed to the paper that “City Hall continued to be open the whole time.”
According to the press release reported on by the Highlands Current, Poughkeepsie Journal and Times Hudson Valley, the City hired Servpro to “thoroughly disinfect all of City Hall on Sunday, October 4th.” The administration notified the Dutchess County Department of Health, and followed all protocols, including engaging New York State contact tracers, according to the release.
According to the Beacon Free Press: “In the release, City officials underscored their ongoing commitment to public health and the safety of its employees, residents, and visitors. City officials remind everyone to continue to take COVID-19 seriously and follow the proper protocols. The need to continue to maintain social distance of 6 feet and continue to wear masks when appropriate and wash and thoroughly was noted.”
As of October 20th, there were 12 positive cases in the City of Beacon, according to the Dutchess County Dashboard. According to Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro, “the Hedgewood Home for Adults in Beacon Assisted Living Facility is considered resolved, with no new positive cases reported and no active cases within the facility,” he stated in a virtual Town Hall Forum. He also reported that Bard College announced a precautionary closure of its Annandale campus to visitors, but the Dutchess County Department of Health (DBCH) confirms there are no active cases of COVID-19 associated with the school.
As for the Marist cluster, Molinaro stated: “The cluster reported at Marist College relating to an October 3rd gathering has run its course, with a total of 30 cases in the cluster, according to DBCH. Marist College lifted its precautionary campus pause on Saturday, Oct. 17th.”
The press release issued by the City of Beacon to various news media has not yet been added to its website with other press releases. A Little Beacon Blog seems to have been left off the distribution list, which we have been included on prior for other releases, like the new business cards for police officers and new initiatives like Hope Not Handcuffs. It should also be noted that the Mayor issued a robo-call during the uptick earlier this month at Hedgewood, but not for this instance.
Wishing everyone the most health and full recoveries.
UPDATE 10/29/2020: City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero says that the employees have recovered, and that there are just over 30 employees in the building on average.
Back in the summer, over at ALBB’s “What, What Is That?” podcast, Brandon and Katie (that’s me) interviewed Katie’s son, Cole, about why he likes the cartoon, Paw Patrol. Early on in June 2020, during the cop show cancel domino fall, which included the show Cops after 32 seasons, there was a rumor that the cartoon would be canceled. In fact, later in July 2020, the president and White House press secretary stated how upset they were about the cancellation of the show - long after the rumor was debunked. USA Today and other publications had to publish news stories proving the White House wrong.
In this episode, recorded in August, Cole tell us why he likes Paw Patrol, as well as his true feelings on Optimum, how Optimum WIFI keeps failing him, how he was feeling leading up to Remote Learning starting in the fall, and a few tidbits on his favorite YouTube channels.
While Governor Cuomo encourages testing for all citizens of New York State, and boasts of some of the highest testing numbers, there are no state-sponsored free COVID-19 testing sites in Dutchess County nor Orange County for people without insurance, as there are in several other counties.
In his press briefings, when speaking to the people of New York and in his nightly emails, Governor Cuomo urges people to use New York’s free testing sites, like here on September 1, 2020. It’s a simple directive, but one that is not readily available to residents in Dutchess and Orange Countries who may never have had health insurance, or recently lost health insurance.
According to a representative at the the New York State Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline for testing there are free, NY state-sponsored sites in Albany, Binghamton, Erie, Nassau, Suffolk County, Niagara, Rochester, Rockland, and Utica. Colleen T. Pillus, Communications Director with Dutchess County Executive Office, has confirmed that New York State has not put free testing sites in Dutchess County, and encourages residents to visit the Dutchess County testing page to see which facilities offer free testing to the uninsured. Those locations have been highlighted below in this article.
Says one Beacon parent who recently lost their New York City based job in the hotel industry when the luxury hotel laid off most of their staff: “Having no health insurance is why I am keeping my child home for school and avoiding friends. We are not participating in the Hybrid Learning program that Beacon is offering because we can’t afford to get tested. I haven’t begun the research to find what our free options are, if any exist.” While on furlough, the hotel kept some employees on while cutting salaries, but maintained their health insurance. A month later, the Beaconite’s job was terminated due to the pandemic, and health insurance lost.
COVID-19 Testing And Kids In School
As some people have returned to work or college, testing has become mandatory. Those in the film industry, for example, just started returning to work, only after contracts with testing companies were established to allow for rapid and lab testing. Some college students who attend classes in person undergo mandatory testing, like those at SUNY Orange, who are “pool testing” every few weeks, and do not ask for insurance, and say that students will not be billed.
Kids in the Beacon City School District are not required to take COVID-19 tests to attend or return to school, but a test is one of the options if a student is sent home with a fever, or if a student opted to voluntarily stay home because of the sniffles.
If a family does not have insurance or the cash to pay for the lab and/or office visit for testing, the options narrow for how to get a child back in the in-person version school (Remote Learning can still continue on the computer from home). Prices for testing for the uninsured can range from $65-$175. As an insured person, my cost averages $50 per person for an office visit to an urgent care, and the lab test is waved.
Attempt To Get Free COVID Testing Site In Dutchess County
Dutchess County’s County Executive Marcus Molinaro wrote to Governor Cuomo on May 22, 2020, asking him for a drive-thru testing site in the City of Poughkeepsie, to help low-income residents there get access to rapid testing. The letter (shown below) went unanswered, Colleen told ALBB. MidHudson Regional Hospital had been operating a drive-through testing facility in the Town of Poughkeepsie. The location proved hard to access for many in the City of Poughkeepsie, and Dutchess County partnered with the hospital to provide transportation. There is a minimum co-pay of $75 for this option, for the uninsured.
Below is the letter from Marcus Molinaro in full, which details the request:
Photo Credit: Dutchess County Executive Office
Photo Credit: Dutchess County Executive Office
Individual Testing Centers Opting To Wave Fees For The Uninsured In Dutchess County
The Dutchess County website does go into detail about insurance information, and options for the uninsured. You should pay attention to:
If the waved fee includes the office visit and the lab test.
If you do have insurance, which insurance company is covered.
If you don’t have insurance, that the office fee and the lab test are waved. Not just one or the other.
If the information has changed.
As of today (10/21/2020), according to the Dutchess County website, the following locations in or near Beacon offer a true no-fee for any of the testing (not the lab nor the office visit):
Hudson River Health Care (now called Sun River Health, after a merger). The Beacon location on Henry Street, and they specify that testing is available regardless of insurance or immigration status. (845) 831-0400. Appointment for testing required. No telahealth visit required.
Excel Urgent Care of Fishkill (845) 765-2240. Appointments encouraged, but walk-in welcome.
Northern Medical Group. You must call to see if you qualify. A telahealth visit is required for evaluation prior to testing. Hopewell Junction (845) 226-4590, and Poughkeepsie (845) 452-9800
Nuvance Health (a location in Wappingers Falls is listed)
Castle Point VA Medical Center (Wappingers Falls (845) 831-2000)
Close, but not quite for uninsured in Beacon:
CVS is offering to submit testing for those with no insurance, but only at select locations. The Fishkill CVS is not listed as participating in this.
NY Clusters And Higher Infection Rate For Mid-Hudson Region
The Mid-Hudson region does have a higher infection rate than other areas. In Governor Cuomo’s nightly email, he reported the figures from yesterday:
In Long Island, it was 1.6%. In the Capital Region, 0.8%. In Central New York, 1.9%. In the Finger Lakes, 1.7%. In the Mid-Hudson Region, 2.6%. In Mohawk Valley, 0.5%. In the North Country, 0.6%. In Western New York, it was 2.0%. And finally in the Southern Tier, 1.3%.
It is unclear why Dutchess County and Orange County do not have state-sponsored testing locations for the uninsured. If we get answers from the New York State Department of Health, this article will be updated.
Beacon’s school district is one of the only that opened with a Hybrid model, meaning, kids in elementary, middle, and high school could opt to go to school for 2 days, and stay home on the Remote Learning plan for 3 days a week. Children in Special Needs programming can go 4 days. Beacon took many precautions with opening safely and maintaining sanitized rooms, which included investing in more disinfecting equipment and personnel, dividing the classes in half in order to reduce the class sizes to comply with state social distancing requirements, enforcing masks in the building (with breaks), and using outside spaces for learning or more breaks.
But as we are in cold/flu/allergy season, the sniffles are bound to happen. What do you do in a pandemic, when requirements exist about how to treat symptoms you may or may not have kept your child home for before?
Step 1: You call your school nurse. Step 2: Consult with the Beacon City School District’s (BCSD) website, where they have a Reopening section with several documents, including a Protocol for Symptomatic Students or Staff chart that explains what to do. Step 3: Decide if you are going to visit your primary care physician, or an urgent care, or a free testing site. This article evaluates all of these options.
For guidance on how to treat a child with symptoms related to COVID-19, like chills, a cough, a sore throat or nausea, the Beacon City School District has posted a flow-chart that explains it. The flow-chart says that if a student has symptoms, then the student is to be isolated and sent or kept home. From there, they should seek medical attention and/or get tested for COVID-19.
This means, the child can see a doctor to be evaluated, and at the doctor's discretion, come away with a note from the doctor saying that they don't think it COVID-19 and can return to school, or that the doctor recommends getting the test.
To return to school, there are a few options:
Get a note from a medical provider. Says Beacon’s head Nurse Aakjar: “The note from the Doctor must provide an alternate diagnosis (as per NYS requirements),” or
Provide a negative COVID-19 test of the RT-PCR kind (meaning, the one that gets sent out to a lab, vs the same-day rapid test), or
Wait 10 days from the onset of symptoms.
If siblings of the sniffler are also sniffly, they are also asked to stay home until symptoms are over. If the sniffles passes through a house with multiple children, you could be looking at a long time of staying at home, if you are a Hybrid family. It's OK. If this had been done prior to the pandemic and with playdates and sleepovers, it might have reduced the amount of stomach bugs and other viruses from being passed around anyway.
If the student tests positive for COVID-19, then the school nurse notifies the local health department. Close contacts to positive cases can return to school after a 14-day quarantine period.
Testing - Where To Go
This is where things can get creative, as there are several variables and costs to consider, including office visit charge, testing charge, scheduling time, and if computers for new telahealth visits are working that day.
Dutchess County put their list of testing sites here. Three of those are evaluated below. Where you go might depend upon your insurance, if you have insurance. If you do not have insurance, Excel Urgent Care is accepting patients and submitting to the CARES ACT on their behalf.
If you do not have insurance, there are no state-sponsored free testing sites in Dutchess County or Orange County at this time, according to a representative from the New York State Department Of Health, and confirmed by Colleen T. Pillus, Communications Director with Dutchess County Executive Office. However, Colleen does encourage people to visit Dutchess County’s list of testing sites, as an insurance breakdown is provided for each one.
Counties that do have free testing sites for non-insured (or insured, if you want to avoid paying whatever your insurance company will still bill you), include: Albany, Binghamton, Erie, Nassau, Suffolk County, Niagara, Rochester, Rockland, and Utica. Visit covid19screening.health.ny.gov to complete a Screening questionnaire, then call the NYS COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065 to make your appointment. Bring proof of ID and confirmation number.
ALBB’s Review Of Urgent Cares
PM Pediatrics - Hopewell Junction The easiest urgent care to go for Beaconites is PM Pediatrics. Possibly because they are dedicated to pediatrics, there are less people going there. Also, maybe it’s the area’s best kept secret. Got a splinter and a very upset child who won’t let you touch it? PM Pediatrics has a special splinter puller. Need stitches removed? They can do that too. All from friendly, kid-decorated offices.
At PM Pediatrics, your child can walk-in to be seen by a doctor, and tested at the same time. Or, the doctor may decide that a test is not necessary, and send you on your way with a note. A telahealth visit prior to the visit is not necessary. The test will be done inside their building.
Pulse MD - Poughkeepsie During the 10/13/2020 Board of Education Meeting, Beacon’s Superintendent mentioned a partnership that BCSD has with the urgent care Pulse MD. According to BCSD’s head nurse, Hannah Aakjar, RN, this is a line of scheduling communication with the District that can be used by any District family, especially those who are new to the District and don’t have a primary care physician yet. Once you connect with your school nurse, your school nurse can set up a virtual telahealth visit with Pulse MD.
A text will be sent to your phone, and you fill out insurance information first. For the 2 times I used it, the telahealth connection did not work, and a phone call was had between myself and the medical professional about my children who had sniffles. They recommended a COVID-19 test.
COVID-19 testing is done on site, but it is in Poughkeepie and averages 300 people per day, for a 2 hour line in the car. Testing is done by nurses outside, rain or shine, and the nurse, in our experience, was so nice and helpful when administering the test, despite the rain that day. The line, however, is real. Go to the bathroom prior, and bring snacks. Or go to PM Pediatrics for walk-in service with no call-ahead scheduling.
Excel Urgent Care - Fishkill
Beaconties have been visiting Excel Urgent Care in Fishkill for their sniffle evaluations and testing. Some waiting of at least an hour in the parking lot may be required, but depends on the day. Excel Urgent Care is accepting people with no insurance, and are filing to programs on the patient’s behalf. Reservations encouraged, but walk-ins welcome.
Sun River Health (formerly HRHCare Beacon) An appointment for testing is required, but not a telahealth visit. The cost of the test is covered by Sun River Health for those who do not have insurance. This is not an urgent care, but is a resource you should know about for primary care physicians, women’s medical issues, and other medical needs. 6 Henry Street Beacon, NY (845) 831-0400
Caremount Medical Urgent Care - Poughkeepsie
We wrote about testing at Caremount Medical Urgent Care here. Being a prior patient of their system is not required, and walk-in service is available. Depending on the wait, you may be waiting in the car for testing or to be called to your appointment. Testing will be done inside the building or from your car.
Primary Care Physician
Being seen by your primary care physician is ideal. But sometimes, their schedules do not allow for this. Which is why a trip to PM Pediatrics may nip your wait time in the bud.
If your child has conditions like asthma cough, causing them to cough without being sick, then a note from your primary care physician is needed to be kept on file with your child’s school. Says Nurse Aakjar: “As far as getting a note for students with chronic conditions that would cause a cough, sneeze or sniffles, this would elate the students from having to stay home and receive a note each time they are having an ‘episode’. We also would accept physician notes that state if a child has a chronic condition that may cause diarrhea or headaches (ie. IBS, lactose intolerance, anxiety, migraines...) to also eliminate the student from having to be sent home.”
This is a good time to make sure your child has an inhaler in the office if needed, and to get the note and prescription from your doctor.
Nurse Hannah Aakjar, RN encourages families and caregivers to reach out and call the nurses at the schools: "If anyone has questions, they could reach out to myself or to their school nurse. We have spoken to many families since reopening and have learned a great deal along the way. This is a learning process for all of us but we are happy that we are able to help families navigate through this very unusual and trying time."
During the next Board of Education meeting following September’s meeting, where the Board was faced with confronting the process of creating a process to appoint 2 people to 2 vacated Board seats (see previous article, “What Shook The Room At Beacon’s BOE Meeting; 2 Open Seats But 1 Was Filled”), the Board heard from one new candidate, Joseph Puliafito. The candidate has been a resident of Beacon since the 1950s, owns 9 parcels in Beacon, and has teaching experience in educational technology and special education. A second candidate had applied in addition to Joseph, but withdrew before this meeting where the Board could interview candidates in a public format.
Of the 4 original candidates who applied previously, Jasmine Johnson was appointed to the Board, and John Galloway Jr. opted to have his application roll over for reconsideration to this second appointment process. Both Jasmine and John are Black. The other two candidates - Barb Fisher and Travis Fisher - a married couple who are white - withdrew their applications (read their letters of withdraw here) shortly after that meeting, both stating that the Board seemed to have a candidate who would fit the Board’s needs (this was prior to Joseph applying).
Interview With Candidate Joseph Puliafito
In their public interview with Joseph, where he stated that John Galloway Jr. “seems to be a great, nice guy” with a lot of people supporting him, Joseph asked the Board how they felt they were doing with their goals, stating: “It's a very trying time, in terms of economics and racial unrest. I do hope we see change as soon as possible and that everybody would be on the same page because all lives matter, Black and white.”
Joseph’s experience includes orphanages and public schools, stating: “I have a lot of experience since I was a teenager, in orphanages, for many different types of social problems in the family. I've worked since 1970 in colleges, with public school teachers in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. And I've seen the problems there. It's not easy as you said to solve problems. And it's slow in some cases.”
Joseph continued to express how he roots success in happiness and selflessness: “Everyone has to be on the same page, and not think about themselves, but each other. And their lives. And to make everybody else's life better. Economically, socially. People should be happy. People are not happy now. Everyone has to be served.”
When Board president Meredith Heuer asked if he had considered applying to the Board in the past, Joseph exclaimed: “I've always paid my taxes, and they have been exorbitant. I have 9 parcels in Beacon. I did want to see where the money was going. I started to think: ‘Well maybe I should be part of it.’"
Interview With Candidate John Galloway Jr.
With most of his appeals made during the first meeting on 9/14/2020, where John focused on his young age and current connection with youth in Beacon, which would help him be a bridge between the Board and the students, John focused this speaking opportunity on how his supporters were behaving. Most of the supporters calling in to the voice support for the meeting were adults who felt passionately about voicing their opinions about what was said at the prior meeting. Some of those vocal supporters stated professional experiences with Boards of Education in general, run a business, or run a local organization. A handful of vocal supporters were current students.
John addressed that by saying: “Thank you for the opportunity again for allowing my application to roll over. I want to make a point to everybody who is calling in and doing a lot of things on social media. I appreciate the support, it is really outstanding, it is really appreciated. But also to remember to do your best to respect the Board and respect the process of the Board. This is an appointment process, this isn't an election. Some stuff that's going on is a bit, I would say it's ...supportive but also unnecessary. It is an appointment process, we just have to stick to the process, and hopefully that will be the result. We just have to hope for the best. Just respect the Board if possible. Because it is still not getting anything done, raising what I would call havoc - coming at board members - and making daily posts about it. Just try your best to support me, and if you would like to call in, that's fine, but there is no need to come at the board. If you want me on it so bad, I would just think that counter-productive.”
Longtime Beacon-based business, Drink More Good (DMG), is leaving Beacon. The spacious storefront next to Towne Crier Cafe and Oak Vino, is for rent. Oak Vino had been for sale prior to the pandemic, and all through the pandemic, and continues to be (but has had tasty nibbles…our sources say it may be selling soon). Announcement to come on what that space will become, or if it stays the same.
Jason started as a bartender and mixologist, and began his bottled syrups company with a big vision and a g-chat message (gmail chat…back in the olden days) with an early investor. The brand More Good earned shelf space on several retail stores including Whole Foods, Key Foods, and several boutiques across the country. Jason’s businesses endeavors continued to expand, as he partnered locally with businesses including Ella’s Bellas, Story Screen, and even the Roosevelt Bar in HV Food Hall, as well as other brands in New York and elsewhere. Generosity-wise, his business has always given a portion to Generosity.org, an organization that brings clean water to people who don’t have access to it.
The Expansions Started In Beacon
We first wrote about the syrup company, More Good, when they were moving out of their 500 square foot space on Main Street in the little space across from Homespun, that was used by Homespun for their catering, and shared with More Good (the space is now up for rent) to go further down the street to what has been More Good’s long-running location at 383 Main Street. That location opened with 2,000 square feet as a tea shop with a commissary kitchen in the back. Owner Jason Schuler’s syrup business was growing, and he was using the space to bottle the sweet stuff.
“I took the risk with that expansion because I needed more production space, and I saw a value add for the community as a resource for accessible organic herbs and spices and teas,” Jason told ALBB for this article. “We also opened our doors to other local food and beverage entrepreneurs to help with overhead, and to fulfill the need for a commissary kitchen in our area. We knew there was one because we needed it and it wasn't available.”
While keeping the Beacon tea storefront, he outgrew the space for bottling his own brand, and expanded again into the Old East Fishkill IBM building in 2017. According to a feature in The Valley Table, the new space enabled Jason to take on more bottling clients, where he was “co-packing,” where he assisted other entrepreneurial companies with ordering, manufacturing and fulfillment.
From The Valley Table’s article: “Schuler was producing his own products as well as those of 8 other emerging beverage companies in a 10,000-square-foot space in the former IBM complex in East Fishkill. Early in 2019, the company, in the midst of its first major capital drive, began planning to expand to 27,000 square feet and increasing its production capacity to more than 10,000 gallons per day, up from its current production of 5,000 gallons per week.”
The expansion was a success, and outgrew itself in a way where one of the co-packers bought the facility. Says Jason to ALBB for this article: “We opened that space in October of 2018 and immediately saw massive growth in our manufacturing business, so much so that our resources were focused on growing that side of the business instead of the syrup or retail side of the business. It was an exciting opportunity and relentlessly difficult. At one point we had over 30 employees and were producing for 10+ companies across several product categories. In 2019 one of our clients realized massive growth, and we wound up selling our manufacturing side of the business to them and vertically integrating our Hopewell facility with their business.”
Jason went on to work full time for that company, and his wife, Morganne Frazier, a pilates instructor and gym owner of Warwick Pilates Gymnasium, took over operations at More Good.
The Pandemic And The Beacon Storefront
“COVID decimated the DMG business, and forced us to rethink and restrategize our entire business plan,” Jason told ALBB. “Evolve or die, they say. Morganne has been rebuilding the vision for DMG ever since. Unfortunately, with the way the economy has panned out, the retail store and commissary is no longer a financially viable option for DMG to sustain. It served its purpose for the company, and I hope for the community too. I built that place with my bare hands and next to no money, literally. There were many days where I didn't know how we would survive to the next, but we did, and we built something beautiful out of it.”
New directions for the syrup company seem like they are revisiting their roots, and tapping into the creative side again, rummaging around in smaller spaces and dirt of the earth, as Jason and Morganne have move out to Warwick, and the syrup shop will once again share a space with another retail business. ”DMG will live on as a brand as Morganne continues to restructure the organization to be focused on online sales and the DTC business, our wholesale business for distribution, as well as reopening a small 300 sq ft shop in a shared space with her Pilates studio in Warwick,” Jason tells ALBB.
“Earlier this year, we also invested in a 1948 Chevy Pickup truck that we converted into a farmstand and Cocktail truck for special events and weddings. COVID has put our big plans to rest on that for a while, but we will be utilizing it as we see opportunity to do so.” Each year, Jason has hosted or co-hosted a fundraiser, and this pandemic year is no exception. A Trunk or Treat 2020 is planned at their new farm, Goodmaker Acres in Warwick, NY, with all proceeds going to Generosity.org.
Meanwhile…
Jason and Morganne are working on a homestead project on their 7 acre farm in Warwick, called Goodmaker Acres. “It will be our next passion project over the next 3-5 years as we build it up to be a sustainably farmed practice that supports the DMG business by growing our own seasonal produce. We will be opening that property up to the public for Upick orchards and berry patches as well. More to come on that as we are in just the beginning planning phases.”
Anybody who watched Jason’s early Instagram photos after he moved into the 383 Main Street space could see how much he enjoyed working with and crushing the ingredients that went into the syrups. The brand leaving Beacon is a loss of a vibe locally, but the beat goes on elsewhere in the world, and Beacon will continue to feel it.
Wishing Jason and Morganne the very best as they expand their family and businesses!
Alright so it's raining...but that might not stop anyone from coming up to this region for a visit, especially during leaf season. Apparently in Cold Spring, people are parking a bit haphazardly, causing parking tickets to increase from 50 in June, to 277 in September, according to the Highlands Current. Meanwhile, in Phillipstown, officials are threatening to sue New York State over its management of visitors to local parks. Officials have discussed deputizing a tow-truck company to tow away illegally parked cars near Indian Brook Falls in Garrison.
In Beacon, The Parking and Traffic Safety Committee has been hearing from residents whose personal property and street parking have been hampered by hiker parking. The cul de sac at Exeter Circle was a place families moved to in order to use the circle for children riding bikes and playing, but can no longer due to constant hiker parking, according to a resident who submitted a complaint to the committee. A proposal for "resident only parking" has been made for Exeter Circle, as well as to Mountain Lane. The issues have made it to City Council who is holding a Public Hearing about it on October 19, 2020.
Meanwhile on Main Street, drivers do commonly not see people standing in crosswalks, and with more young and teenage children and families out during the middle of the day, it is paramount that you take notice, and drive slow enough to even notice a person standing on the side of the road. And you know how we feel about U-Turns (that includes you, Hubby of ALBB!)
WELCOME! Special welcome to our new sponsor, Brett's Hardware! If you recall, we were so happy to have a hardware store open up in Beacon back in 2018 (it's been a while since we had one!).
THE RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Edited and Written By: Marilyn Perez and Katie Hellmuth Martin
Hudson Valley Fair Food Drive-Thru
Days: Thursday-Sunday, October 15-18, 2020 Time: Thursday & Friday 4pm-9pm, Saturday & Sunday 11:30am-9pm Location: Dutchess Stadium, 1500 Route 9D, Wappingers Falls, NY
We all missed the county fairs this summer! Here is your chance to fill up on all your favorite foods! Hop in your car and head to the stadium THIS WEEKEND! Information >
Story Screen Drive-In presents "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter"
Day: Friday-Sunday, October 16-18, 2020 Time: 7:00pm (Nightmare), 9:00pm (Friday the 13th) Location: The Park at USC, 724 Wolcott Ave, Beacon, NY Information >
"Unchained Equity Seminar" At The Newburgh Armory Larkin Center
Day: October 17, 2020 Time: 1-5pm Location: 321 William Street, Newburgh, NY
Melanin Unchained presents an Equity Seminar focused on goal-oriented solutions to specific areas impacted by systematic racism within everyday lives. Moving forward into 2021, an after-school program will be launched to explore ways to strengthen and develop youth's perspectives. Organizational goals like mentoring, youth services, community building, recreational, creative, and literacy development will be available. Information >
Southern Dutchess Resist Rally-ING
Day: Saturday, October 17, 2020 Time: 2pm Location: Polhill Park, 1146 Wolcott Ave, Beacon, NY
Public demonstration protest Rally and March. Rally and marching together in support of and defense of Women's Rights. Rally will most likely be on all 4 corners of the intersection. No literal Marching... though Rallying and speaking out - without curse words - encouraged. Social distancing.Read more about the Beacon event in this article. Information >
"Journey To Freedom" At The Newburgh Free Library
Day: October 12 - December 12, 2020 Location: 124 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY
Newburgh Free Library is hosting "Journey to Freedom," a year-long series of arts, cultural and educational programs inspired by the courage, vision and strength of the American abolitionist and political activist, Harriet Tubman. This sculpture of Harriet Tubman by award-winning artist Wesley Wofford will be on display in front of the Newburgh Free Library from October 12 to December 12, 2020. For more information, please visit www.newbughfreelibrary.org. This project is funded in part by Humanities New York Information >
EAT CHURCH
511 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon, NY Eat Church will be back this Friday and Saturday with a brand new menu!
Check out their CURRY KULT REVUE: October 16-17 / 4-8pm at @marbledmeatshop Pop-Up, 3091 Route 9, Cold Spring. Online ordering is LIVE. View all dishes and full menu at eatchurch.com
Pictured is 🌶 DHAL TADKA - Tempered spiced lentils, sweet potato fries, pear chutney. Warming and Vegan! 📸 @chris.perino Information > Eat Church is an ALBB Sponsor!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
In addition to beef burgers, the menu at Meyer's Olde Dutch offers chicken, hot dogs and vegan options with multiple toppings and house-made signature sauces, plus hand-cut fries, salads and daily specials. They serve breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. Wait, what you say? Breakfast? Yes! All items will be available via counter service and served in open seating and a back open-air patio. Information > Meyers Olde Dutch is an ALBB Sponsor!
HOMESPUN
232 Main Street, Beacon, NY
and the Cafe at the Dia : Beacon
This bottle of wine is going out into the world to help fight voter suppression in the state of Texas... @vines4votes has done great work creating an online auction to raise money and awareness to help fight voter suppression, with special regard to Texas. If you’ve read what is going on there, they’re going out of their way to make voting difficult, and the people need to speak this year more than ever. Homespun says they will miss this bottle, but they are sure it is going to a good home, and doing the good work on its way. More > Homespun is an ALBB Sponsor!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
We've been talking aboutOKTOBERFESTand we are excited to see the Hudson Valley Food Hall all decked out for the occasion. Have you stopped by yet? Grab a giant soft pretzel and enjoy! Happy Oktoberfest!!! Information > Hudson Valley Food Hall is an ALBB Sponsor!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
As we mentioned last week, outdoor parklet dining will end November 1st. Still time to enjoy some tasty tacos from Baja 328 - made with the freshest ingredients. Indoor and outdoor seating available here! Tuesday - Thursday: 4-9pm Friday - Saturday: 12pm-10pm Sunday: 12pm-8pm Follow on Instagram > Baja 328 is an ALBB Sponsor!
BRETT'S HARDWARE
18 West Main Street, Beacon
The wall of space heaters is full at Brett's Hardware! But what is not pictured here, is the new shipment of tall patio heaters, which are in very high demand. Especially as some of you may host a Thanksgiving dinner out back. When you go into Brett's, if you don't see a floor model out, ask a helpful staff member for information on the patio heaters. Meanwhile, browse through the large selection of smaller ones right in front of the store! Go Shopping > Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE
181-183 Main Street, Beacon
It's vintage @teyaknapp! Wearing @sabinebe.eyewear. The be gipsy frame from Sabine Be comes in 12 different colors to choose from. Sabine Be has a fun collection of color pairings. that will add a *pop* to any look. Go Shopping > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon
Now available at Binnacle Books, David Treuer, “The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to Present”
“Through memoir, interviews and extensive reading, Treuer counters the familiar narratives of invisibility that have so readily frozen America’s indigenous peoples. Interweaving stories from family members, the voices of policymakers and assessments of contemporary youth culture, the book introduces alternative visions of American history. The result is an informed, moving and kaleidoscopic portrait of ‘Indian survival, resilience, adaptability, pride and place in modern life.’ Rarely has a single volume in Native American history attempted such comprehensiveness.” (NY Times) Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS
436 Main Street, Beacon
Whatever your indulgence, treat yourself and express it on a fun t-shirt like this one you can pick up at La Mére Clothing And Goods. They will have more fun Halloween theme tees coming to the shop this week so keep checking back either in person or shop online 24/7. And don't miss their $10 and $20 rack on the sidewalk! Lots of great finds. Information > La Mere is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
LEWIS & PINE
133 Main Street, Beacon
Word got around that new designs and scents dropped at Lewis and Pine, and if you hit the shop at the right time, there is a line to get in! The shop is small, and you'll discover with boutique shopping in Beacon, each store has a different social distancing capacity. The wait is worth it, and you have shopping on all sides of you, including a new pottery store and smoothie shop that opened up next door.
Get yours!!! @lewisandpine⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Shop > Lewis & Pine is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
Antalek & Moore is proud to receive the Superior Travelers Agent Recognition Award for the Central NY region. They were awarded the STAR because of their outstanding production results, consistently high retention, engagement with their digital initiatives, and focus on their future. "Thank you, Travelers, and of course to all of our clients for your continued support." Information > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
Are you pitching the media but don't know what to say? Are you saying all the things you ever wanted to say in an email, but you left out the most important part? Tin Shingle has a Pitch Whisperer service within its membership, and this week, recorded a quick video tip in response to a pitch that someone submitted who needed help. Watch This >
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 >
A reader wrote in to alert us to a rally happening in Beacon that they wanted to attend, and were surprised to learn was happening. The reader stated: “I will be a new resident of Beacon in October, and I've been following your blog to get to know the community. Thank you for providing such a fantastic resource! I don't know if you promote events like this but I wanted to call it to your attention. I went to sign up for the Women's March on Oct 17 to protest the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett for SCOTUS & was planning to march in Manhattan. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find that out of the 2 marches planned in the state of NY, the other happens to be planned for Beacon, NY.”
According to Forbes.com, additional marches supporting the main Women’s March in Washington, D.C., include over 100 satellite marches happening in 39 states, with more than 70,000 people who have pledged to participate.
Location: Pohill Park, on the corner of 9D (Wolcott) and Main Street. Day: Saturday, October 17, 2020, Time: 2-4pm No walking. A rally. Marching-in-place.
This rally is in support of, and in defense of, Women’s Rights. Participants can bring signs that express different messages. Parking is available in free municipal lots, which include City Hall, but not the fire station. Regarding behavior, the organizers say: “This is a peaceful rally in community. Profanity and the like is not condoned - verbally nor written.”
Social distancing will be encouraged, with masks. Bring your hand sanitizer.
Left: The writer Izdihar Dabashi holding her newly adopted cat. Right: The storefront of Beans Cat Cafe, formerly Sexy Nails. Photo Credits: Izdihar Dabashi (left), Katie Hellmuth Martin (right).
Editor’s Note: This storefront, 325 Main Street, is in the Ritter Building, owned by Beacontie and photographer Frank Ritter. This location used to be Sexy Nails, the nail salon that many Beaconites went to regularly. In the middle of the shutdown, Sexy Nails left. A couple months later, rumors of the cat cafe started, and A Little Beacon Blog’s writer Izdihar Dabashi pursued the story, which you can read below.
Cats and Coffee… Hey All You Cool Cats and Kittens
Quarantine has been a whirlpool of Netflix binges, seemingly spontaneous pet adoptions, and baking addictions. A majority of us have fulfilled our destinies of becoming Betty Crockers or Crazy Cat Ladies. Personally, I have become a plant hoarder and while most of my plants are thriving, a few have crossed over to the great unknown. Maybe more than a few. At this point, I no longer need to eat or drink or sleep, I simply photosynthesize.
Izdihar’s newly adopted cat, Aladdin, striking the pose for the recent “adoption photo” post. Photo Credit: Izdihar Dabashi.
I will admit, I fell victim to the cute adoption posts posted all over my socials. I am now a proud aunt to a 6-month-old kitten. I love the little troublemaker so much, that I would love more little clumsy kittens teetering around my living room like the Rugrat toddlers. Sadly, there are far too many cons outweighing the pros on my list.
If you have also been thinking about adopting a cat or simply want an adorable cat to cuddle with, then you will be excited to hear about Beacon’s first-ever cat cafe, Beans Cat Cafe, a concept seemingly straight out of a dream (or nightmare for all you Tiger King fanatics). Beans Cat Cafe hopes to create an experience for people unable to welcome cats in their own homes perhaps due to living space restrictions, allergies, whatever the reason may be. New to the idea of cat cafes? They have been trending for a while now, and in 2018, there were 40 across the country, according to The Sauce.
Coming Soon-ish
Beans Cat Café plans to open on Main Street this October, and set a GoFundMe fundraiser to help make it happen. The actual opening date may be later in the year, because it takes a lot to open a business. Owners Jessica Cruz-Strika and Justin Strika were inspired by their own love for cats, and were introduced to the idea of a cat café through various articles. Both owners graduated from Highland and have maintained connections to the Beacon community. While Justin grew up in a cat household, Jessica became obsessed with cats after adopting her first cat, Luca, a few years ago and started regularly visiting Dutchess County SPCA (DCSPCA).
Luca, aka Bean, is credited with the origins of the name of their cat café. The day-to-day operations of the cat café will mainly be run by Jessica, who has experience in the food/beverage service industry, while Justin will continue to work as a Direct Support Person working for the Anderson Center for Autism.
How This Cat Café Will Work
When visitors enter Beans Cat Café, they will be greeted with the café side that includes baked goods from Frida’s Bakery and Café in Milton, NY, as well as a wide variety of beverages that will only be served in the café area. Guests who wish to include the cat lounge in the experience will be offered entrance through the partition walls for a small fee and are welcome to bring their food with them.
The cat lounge will have seating, board games, and up to 8 cats at a time that are all adoptable through Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (HVARS) in Poughkeepsie. All portions of the adoption including the fee are exclusive to HVARS.
Beans Cat Café is currently completing construction in anticipation of their opening later this year. Currently, there is not a set date to open, but guests who have contributed to the business through GoFundMe and Bonfire will receive invitations for a soft opening. There are even Cat Café face masks for sale as part of the fundraiser. More information will hopefully become available as we approach the end of October.
Some of the art gallery openings in Beacon, NY, for October 2020. Clockwise from top right: MP Gautheron at Clutter Gallery; Jebah Baum at Bau Gallery; Ronnie Farley at No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works; Teron Wright at Twins Barbershop; Bridget Caramagna at Mother Gallery.
Happy Second Saturday, Beacon! We hope you get out and about - socially distanced, of course - to enjoy this (probably) last warm day for a while. It’s perfect weather for strolling Main Street and peeking into galleries, or enjoying the art mounted in their storefront windows.
The pace of art openings has slowed a bit compared with the past couple of months. Still, you’ll find new shows at Clutter Gallery (they have two openings!), Twins Barbershop, No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works, the Howland Cultural Center and Bau Gallery (where several artists are showing).
Shows continuing from last month include exhibitions at Mother Gallery, Parts & Labor and Clarkson University’s Beacon Institute, along with the longer-running shows at Dia, Marion Royael, Morphicism and others. We've got it all covered in Beacon’s most comprehensive Art Gallery Guide.
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.
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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.
