The Roundhouse Requires Proof Of Vaccination At Restaurant, Outdoor Patio Or Lounge

Photo Credit: The Roundhouse

Announced late in September to prepare people, The Roundhouse in Beacon is requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Published at their Facebook page:

“At The Roundhouse we are dedicated to providing a safe space for all to enjoy, and the safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. "As of October 7th, all adults and children 12 and older must show proof of Covid 19 vaccination to dine in our restaurant, outdoor patio or lounge. Children under 12 that are not yet eligible for the vaccination may accompany a fully vaccinated adult.”

For private events in their other buildings, The Roundhouse has a COVID-19 Event Safety FAQ page that outlines how private events can work, which are in line with how some other event locations have been running.

The Roundhouse is not the only restaurant in Beacon to require vaccinations: Quinn’s is also requiring proof of vaccination. All restaurants, bars and gyms in New York City are requiring proof of vaccination, as is LA.

Stop The Internets - Quinn's Will Reopen, But With New Rules: Admission Price & Proof of Vaxx

Photo Credit:

The subject line of Quinn’s press release announcing their reopening (again) had a kicker at the end of it: “Joe McPhee 82nd Birthday Kicks Off Return of Live Music at Quinn's in Beacon NY (We Mean It This Time!)” Very cute and real, as everyone flows with the pandemic times.

Days before most people woke up to the raging Delta variant, Quinn’s had announced an aggressive lineup of long awaited jazz performances, including a clever “Joevember” themed month of November featuring musicians named Joe.

Shortly after that, Quinn’s announced a last call for a pause on their being open at all. In that time, the parklets (outside dining on the street) had been picked up, and their loyal customers began dreaming of ways to help them reopen.

This week’s reopening announcement will come with a sigh of relief, but it also comes with a new set of directions: live performances now require an admission price to enter; and there’s a new definition of getting carded - Quinn’s is carding for proof of vaccination. Masks will also be required for admission during all live performances.

Quinn’s will be open for food dining during non-performance days as well. Check with them for latest hours and days.

Quinn’s is the second restaurant (that we know of) to require proof of vaccination. The Roundhouse in Beacon has also imposed this rule, which begins today. All restaurants, bars and gyms in New York City are also requiring proof of vaccination, as are Broadway theaters. The Los Angeles City Council voted to require vaccinations for restaurants, bars, gyms, shopping centers, entertainment venues, and personal care establishments.

Normally, during a pause in a performance, band members go around the restaurant with a donation box, hoping people will give cash. With this new policy, performers are guaranteed a payment. Initiating the new policy, read the press release, “will be a celebration of the 82nd birthday of our dear friend, Hudson Valley legend and internationally recognized multi-instrumental titan, Joe McPhee (pictured above), on his actual birthday: Wednesday, November 3 at 8:30 PM. Admission for this very special event will be $20.”

The next performance will be the iconic Beacon punk band Ate Bit, with special guest Social Standards opening. Making it up as they go along (which is the beauty of running your own business), is a twist to “Joevember” with two musicians not named Joe scheduled to perform: Jessica Jones and Tony Jones on November 15th.

From the press release: “Highlights of Saturday night concerts include a devastating one-two punch from one of our favorite Beacon bands, Knock Yourself Out. First, on Second Saturday, November 13, we present KYO Surfers, featuring members of Knock Yourself Out, Dirt Bikes, and The Nighttimes performing songs by the infamous Texas psych-punk band Butthole Surfers — then, on Saturday, December 18, KYO bids us all farewell with their final performance, joined by special guest musicians Mimi Sun Longo, Daria Grace, Jonny Taylor, and Ken Fox. Other Saturday highlights include the bands 100 and Zero with opener Wall of Ego on November 20, and another Hudson Valley legend, DJ Bill Skillz, brings his Diggin' in the Crates Radio Roadshow back into Quinn's during Thanksgiving weekend on November 27.”

The upcoming schedule is listed below, but do check first before going, as dates and status could change.

MONDAY JAZZ SESSIONS (except for Wednesday 11/3):
8:30 PM EACH NIGHT, $15 CASH ADMISSION

NOVEMBER
11/3 Joe McPhee 82nd Birthday Celebration
11/8 Joe Giardullo w/ Vance Provey, Billy Stein and Harvey Sorgen
11/15 Jessica Jones/Tony Jones and Friends
11/22 Joe Fiedler's Open Sesame "Fuzzy and Blue" Record Release Party, w/ Jeff Lederer, Steven Bernstein, Sean Conly and Michael Sarin
11/29 Joseph Vincent Tranchina w/ Robert Kopec and Don Devine

DECEMBER
12/6 Mike Dopazo
12/13 Eric Person's Music of Ronald Shannon Jackson Project w/ Neil Alexander, Robert Kopec and Dean Sharp
12/20 Karl Berger & Friends

JANUARY
1/10 Iris Ornig
1/17 MLK Day 2022 Celebration w/ Ray Blue

SATURDAY NIGHT CONCERTS:
9 PM EACH NIGHT, $10 CASH ADMISSION (except for 11/27)

NOVEMBER
11/6 Ate Bit/Social Standards
11/13 KYO Surfers: Music of Butthole Surfers
11/20 100 and Zero/Wall of Ego
11/27 DJ Bill Skillz' Diggin' in the Crates Radio Roadshow (holiday open house — no cover, donations requested)

DECEMBER
12/18 Knock Yourself Out Farewell Performance, w/ Mimi Sun Longo, Daria Grace, Jonny Taylor, and Ken Fox

Writerly Happenings: October Edition

Beloveds, it’s been a long, long time since we last met here; I hope you are all well and surviving if not all the way to thriving.  So there’s much to catch up on. What did you read and love this summer? My summer reading favorites were:  Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans (who is an extremely talented writer), Interior, Chinatown by Charles Yu (innovative structure for a novel-as-screenplay), and The Porpoise by Mark Haddon (trigger warning in an Ancient Greek kind of way). 

I just finished The Matrix by Lauren Groff, which, oh my goodness, knocked my socks off and also made me feel slightly self-conscious that I was reading about nun sex in a public place. Currently reading Fault Lines by Emily Itami which may veer too far into the sad mommy genre, but also delivers whoppers like “It’s hard to remember who you are without people who know you that way.”

I took an amazing field trip over the summer to Hobart, NY – the used bookstore lover’s dream. Made me incredibly grateful we have Binnacle Books here in Beacon with their used book selection, but how great would it be if there were, say seven more used bookstores?

So what’s happening this month in the world of literary pursuits? 

The Howland Library has a great program set up for October: Stop by at any time starting Friday, October 15th to pick up a cookbook titled, "Vietnamese Food Any Day: Simple Recipes for True, Fresh Flavors" by famed chef and author, Andrea Nguyen. FREE! 2021 Big Read's chosen title is the graphic novel memoir "The Best We Could Do" by Thi Bui. The memoir follows a family's journey from Vietnam to America and is being discussed on October 20th outside in Memorial Park. 

Split Rock Books in Cold Spring has a couple of great events lined up this fall, as well as their graphic novel and fiction book clubs which meet at the end of the month. Their fiction pick is one that has been on my list: Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead: A Novel by Olga Tokarczuk, and translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones.

Over the bridge in our sister city is the Newburgh Literary Festival at the end of the month. I’m so happy to see this event return, it was so fantastic the first year it happened. The festival will begin Saturday, October 30 at 11am with a full day of readings, interviews, and conversations with eight featured writers. Sunday, October 31, will feature a series of in-person writing workshops with award-winning, Hudson Valley-based authors and artists. The Saturday event, which has been curated by writers Ruth Danon and Belinda McKeon, will include paired readings and moderated conversations and will feature an in-conversation event with Joe Donahue, host of The Book Show and The Round Table on WAMC, Northeast Public Radio. We stan for Joe Donahue!

Here in Beacon, our very own Donna Minkowitz is putting on Lit Lit, a monthly writer’s salon at Homespun Foods on Main Street. This month the reading is October 7th, from 7-9pm, and going forward will meet the first Thursday of every month, with Friday as the rain date. Writers can read their own writing of any genre, up to five minutes in length.

Zoom Readings?!

If you want to attend some killer zoom readings with famous authors, may I suggest The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence, who has some heavy hitters booked for later this month and November. If you want to take a workshop, The Poetry Project in NYC has some really far-out offerings coming up. The Hudson Valley Writer’s Center has a number of readings and workshops, including a Legend of Sleepy Hollow family storytelling workshop on October 17th that looks like a lot of fun.

Here’s to cozy reading and blue skies and bright leaves for the next little longer, friends. I promise not to let it be so long before we meet again.

The Time Has Come To Replace The Clutter In Your Home; ALBB Has Some Suggestions

Got a clutter problem? Replace clutter with beautiful dried bouquets from Flora Good Times! Once your fresh bouquet runs out, pick the flowers that dry the best. Put those in a vase from Hudson Beach Glass or Raven Rose and place on desired clutter spot.

Challenge: you *must* file away the clutter items, and replace the fire alarm that is sitting there instead of in its protective spot in the kitchen. And lay more adhesive sandpaper for the mail person on the front porch steps so they don’t slip in the rain or otherwise (find at Bretts Hardware)

Find more vases and flower destination boutiques in A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide!

It's October 1st! :: Retail Therapy Guide 10/1/2021

Vibes on the street say that October 1, 2021 was pretty spectacular! There is LOTS going on. All sorts of things. Scroll slowly so you don't miss it. Saturdays for some are traditionally Sports Saturdays. There's a morning rush of some parents headed to different mini-games. Two weeks ago, a tragedy happened at Arlington High School during a Friday Night Lights kind of evening. Parents were talking about it in folding chairs the next day during a Beacon Bears game, and other games throughout our community. A 16 year old, Quraan Smith, was stabbed at a football game at 9pm and was forever lost from his family and this region. Last week, he was remembered during a vigil at Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie for the "beautiful energy" he brought to people. Read more about him and the community response here.                                         While it's not Second Saturday, we are using this logo to represent the Art section and the artist who sponsored it for their exhibit! "Parts of Being" Sculpture and Painting by Fruma Shrensel Day: Sunday, October 3, 2021 Time: Opening Reception 1:00pm - 3:00pm Location: The Gallery @ The Lofts at Beacon, 18 Front St, Beacon, NY (845) 831-7867 Our Human self exists in a world of form. Our Being is an indefinable essence that expresses itself in countless ways. These works offer visual interpretations of only a few parts of Being. There are so many more. Come and share. What does Being mean to you? THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade and Katie Hellmuth Martin You can sponsor this Event Guide with your event, for extra promotion of it! If you'd like to guarantee to see your entertainment event listed here, book an Event Promotion Advertising spot here.   March In Beacon For Reproductive Rights For Women and Trans Men Day: October 2, 2021 Time: 5pm Location: Memorial Park, Beacon, NY Organizer: Chickens With Attitude aka Savage (formerly Beacon Hood Chicken) In response to the new legislation in Texas that encourages citizens to be bounty hunters against women and trans men and those who support them to make the choice to not complete a pregnancy. Information >   1980 Beacon High School Graduates 40th Reunion Day: October 1 - October 3, 2021 Time: 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm Location: Beacon, NY Social Distancing Specifications: All NY State and City of Beacon guidelines The Beacon High School Class of 1980 is having their 40 year reunion Oct 1-3. Please contact Pat Blanchfield at pblanch62@gmail.com or Nicole McKenzie Mayo at nicmayo@aol.com or visit our Facebook page-BHS Class of ’80 40th Reunion if interested. Information > Stony Kill Foundation Harvest Fest Day: Saturday, October 2, 2021 (Rain date: October 3) Time: 11am - 3pm Location: Stony Kill Foundation, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Black History in the Hudson Valley Day: Saturday, October 2, 2021 Time: 9am - 6:30pm Location: In-person at SUNY Ulster in Stone Ridge, NY and virtual via Zoom Information > Beacon CD & Record Fest Day: October 2, 2021 Time: 9am - 5pm Location: Beacon VFW, 413 Main St, Beacon, NY Information > Hudson Valley Garlic Festival Days: Saturday, October 2, 2021 & Sunday, October 3, 2021 (Rain or shine!) Time: 10am-5pm Location: Cantine Field, Washington Ave Extension, Saugerties, NY Delve into an array of garlic and garlic-flavored foods, including garlic ice cream. Live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, garlic growing demos and more. Admission: $10; kids 12 and under: free. Information > Market Day Crafts Fair at the Van Wyck Homestead Museum Day: Saturday, October 9, 2021 (Rain Date: Sunday, October 10, 2021) Time: 10am - 5pm Location: 504 Route 9, Fishkill NY 12524 Celebrate local craftspeople as they offer their masterfully hand-crafted wares on the grounds of the Historic Van Wyck Homestead Museum. Crafters will arouse your senses with colorful pottery, soft knit items, stunning stained-glass gifts and aromatic skin care products and more. The Fishkill Historical Society will provide a concession of culinary delights like made-to-order Dutch apple fritters, soups, chili, hot dogs and wonderful baked goods. Enjoy a tour of the museum during your visit and hear about how craftspeople of the past kept Fishkill humming while it served as a supply depot in the Revolutionary War. Open Mic Night “Lit Lit” at Homespun Foods Day: Thursday, October 7, 2021 (happens on the first Thursday of every month!) Time: 7pm - 9pm Location: Garden of Homespun at 232 Main Street, Beacon NY Information > Fall Harvest Festivals Day: Now - October 31st! Location: Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY Information > Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week!   TWO WAY BREWING COMPANY 18 West Main St. It's going to be a beautiful day weekend to head on over to Two Way! Drop by for a pint, a flight, or some beer to go at their full service taproom open Thursday to Sunday. Two Way brews all of their beers at our in house brewery located right next to the taproom. They are also pen for pool, darts, foosball, and private events! See beers on tap here > PS: Trivia is on Thursdays! OPEN: Thursday 4:00pm - 10:00pm Friday 4:00pm - 11:00pm Saturday 12:00pm - 11:00pm Sunday 1:00pm - 8:00pm Two Way Brewing Company is a Sponsor, thank you!   EAT CHURCH 3091 U.S. 9, Cold Spring, NY We love us some fried chicken! Especially Kai Thawt Thai fried chicken from Eat Church! Find Eat Church at: - Marbled Meat Shop in Coldspring (daily grab-n-go fridge!) - Industrial Arts Brewing from Thursday-Sunday (order online now!) - Beacon Farmers Market on Sundays! So many opportunities to get your hands on this deliciousness! Website > Eat Church is a Sponsor, thank you! BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193 Main St. You can count on BBC to satisfy your fall beverage needs! Be sure to follow them & see what they're featuring! Last weekend, they featured a Hot Caramel Apple Cider made with Fishkill Farms cider & their house caramel. A cozy warm classic to kick-start your season & it tastes just like a caramel apple! Make sure to stop by. So many delicious options! PS: BBC is open 8am - 5pm every day except Wednesday. PPS: if you need a special loaf or pastry for your holiday or event, BBC is more than happy to take custom orders! Give them a call today. Menu >  Order Pick Up or Delivery >  Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you! MEYERS OLDE DUTCH 184 Main Street, Beacon, NY Have you tired out the new grilled chicken special from MOD yet? It’s featuring a house made tomatillo salsa, salted radish, pickled onions and goat cheese. Looks delish! We're gonna try it. You?! PS: MOD has the best specials... we always RUN for them (never walk) because they never disappoint! Stop in. Open Sunday thru Thursday for Food 11:30am - 9pm; Bar until 10pm Friday and Saturday Food 11:30am - 11:00pm; Bar until midnight. Order Now > Meyers Olde Dutch is a Sponsor, thank you! TITO SANTANA TAQUERIA 142 Main St. Let's taco about why Tito Santanas tacos are So delish! Well, to start, their recipes are authentic! The ingredients are always fresh. And they burst with flavor! Join them in the dining room for $3 tacos ALL DAY on Tuesday's or order online for easy pick up & delivery. Check it out > PS: Dinner takeout special available Monday-Friday from 4pm - 9pm: 4 tacos, + 2 street corn, + 1 chip & salsa, + 1 rice & beans for only $24! PPS: Catering available! Menu >  Catering >  Tito Santana Taqueria is a Sponsor, thank you! HOMESPUN 232 Main Street, Beacon, NY Enjoy a dinner in Homespuns beautiful patio garden. The vibes are so cozy & the all day menu has something for everyone! PS: Homespun even has a Beer Store & Beer Subscription online! See more here > PPS: Gift Cards are available in-store at Homespun!  PPPS: Order cutoff for Farm Kits is every Tuesday at 5pm, and pick up is at Homespun every Friday, anytime between 10am-7pm. Find more Farm Kit Info Here > OPEN HOURS: Thursday - Monday, 10am - 7pm Order Food > Homespun is a Sponsor, thank you!  HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Who's hungry?!?! El Nica Spot located inside of the HV Food Hall has you covered! Save yourself the stress of cooking and try out delicious latin taquitos. Follow HV Food Hall's foodies: Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! Momo Valley: Himalayan Spiced Hand-Crafted MoMo & More Barb's Fry Works: Gourmet, small-batch-loaded fries. And salads. El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Schmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you! BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY Tis the season for apple cinnamon margaritas from Baja! We are so excited to head on over & try out one of these! We're assuming that this would pair well with almost anything on the menu! PS: Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6pm Check out their specialty drinks >  Check out the specials > BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you! ZIATUN 244 Main St. Being out on the patio with a warm plate of Mujadara (cooked lentils & rice ) topped with chicken kebabs is everything during a beautiful autumn day!! PS: Fall Season = Soup Season & Ziatun has you covered! Stop by to enjoy a variety of unique and flavorful options like a plant-based Addas soup with creamy red lentil goodness, parsley, sumac, zayt & crispy onions makes it a hit all year round!  Menu >  Order Online >  Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!   DIRTY BACCHUS 380 Main Street, Beacon “We either glean our apples from derelict orchards in West Sonoma County or work with local farmers who steward the old orchards of bygone California” - planted by historical characters like Luther Burbank, Felix Gillet, Albert Etter and others - “for the specific climate of Northern California.” The man who wrote that is Aaron Brown, the cider maker at Bardos Cider. These are ciders for Situationists, you might say, as they directly satisfy an authentic desire for natural quench! And while we all have to wait for the arrival of the three ciders Steve tasted, he does have some of the 2019 vintage of the ‘Mestizo Green Label’ remaining in stock. Stop in! PS: Dirty Bacchus is hiring! HOURS: Mon-Wed: 12-6pm Thur- Sat: 11am-7pm Sun: 12-5pm Dirty Bacchus is a Sponsor, thank you! BINNACLE BOOKS 321 Main Street, Beacon Binnacle specializes in used and new literature, poetry, literary nonfiction, political history, art, drama, philosophy, graphic novels, and children's books. Is there a particular title you're interested in? Let them know. If they don't have it, they'd be happy to order it for you. They're also always looking to acquire used books in excellent condition, especially in their core categories. Buy & sell your books at Binnacle! Donate to the Beacon Prison Books Project postage and shipping fund.🏼 www.paypal.com/paypalme/prisonbooksproject Binnacle is NOW *Open daily! Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you! BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon Plumbing supplies, from Bretts Hardware! Last month was crazy with plumbing problems, Ida-aside! It may be time to repair some things in your home before it gets too cold. Stop in for hardware supplies & seasonal decor! PS: The cold is coming! Get your winter mats & supplies! Stay ahead of the game. Stop in & check it all out. OPEN Monday-Friday 7:30am - 7pm Saturday 8am - 6pm Sunday 9am - 5pm Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you! LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon This Dorian Gray Leisure Society frame from Luxe is handcrafted out of 100% pure titanium and ion-plated in 24k gold with the intention of becoming a family heirloom! GO on in and check out Luxe's new Leisure Society frame selection. New season = new eyewear! Are we right? PS *NEW HOURS Monday 10 AM - 5 PM Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM Closed on Sundays! Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you! LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS 470 Main Street, Beacon Our favorite part about Fall? Flannels, of course, but now? The Convertible Plaid Shacket that is available now from La Mere! *Best part (yes, there's more), La Mere's Style Hack: "You can remove the hood and style as a shirt." Saturday Store Hours 11-6pm *New Arrivals Weekly / Free Shipping Download their free app in the iTunes Store PS: Everything is under $100!! Shop Online > La Mere is a Sponsor, thank you! Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY We always LOVE seeing the costumes from Yanarella. This could be you and a friend! Sign up for fall classes today. Yanarella Dance looks to uplift and inspire by promoting self-expression through the art of dance. Check out the many different offerings/class descriptions to find what is best for you. Yanarella performs and participates at various functions in Beacon and the surrounding areas throughout the year. Visit Yanarella Dance online.  Register for classes today!  Yanarella is a Sponsor, thank you! ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY 340 Main Street, Beacon Have you stopped into the Antalek & Moore office?! A full-service insurance and risk-management agency based in Beacon, New York (right on Main St.) offering commercial and personal insurance solutions. Reach out today! Give Antalek & Moore a call today: 845-831-4300 and visit their website. Latest Announcements > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor. Thank you!   TIN SHINGLE Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. Find out more > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!                           KATIE JAMES, INC. You need help when you need it and sometimes you may not want to commit fully - that's why Katie James, Inc. offers a Pay As You Go option! We understand that flexibility is key for a small business, and we created this plan for it. You can send us your Honey-do List Of Things To Do, and we’ll get started on it. Find out more > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you! HIRING: Social Media Lead At The Hyacinth Group Details > HIRING: Daycare Teacher & Assistant Wanted At Care 4 Me, Inc. Details > HIRING: Beacon City School District Food Service Department Is Looking For Substitute Food Service Helpers Details > HIRING: Sous-Chef Position At Homespun Foods Details > HIRING: Part-Time Production Assistant At SallyeAnder Details > HIRING: Brett's Hardware in New Windsor Details > HIRING: Meyers Olde Dutch Details > List your job in ALBB's Job Listings > BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR Tin Shingle Katie James, Inc. CAMPING Malouf's Mountain CHILDBIRTH  >  CLASSES Juniper Birth CHILDBIRTH  >  DOULA Juniper Birth EDUCATION > MUSIC Maple Street Studio (guitar!) EDUCATION > TUTORING Heads Up Learning HEALTH & WELLNESS > MASSAGE Focus On Massage Therapy HOME IMPROVEMENT > INTERIOR DESIGN Jacklyn Faust Interiors HOME IMPROVEMENT > LAWN SERVICES Blue Green Lawns INSURANCE > BUSINESS, HEALTH, LIFE, HOME Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency REAL ESTATE > HOUSE INSPECTIONS Rizzi Home Inspection Services, Inc. List Your Business In The Business Directory >

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Quraan Smith Remembered In Poughkeepsie :: 16 Year Old "Gave A Beautiful Energy"

Quraan Smith, holding a basketball at Arlington High School.
Photo Credit: Screenshot of his family’s Go Fund Me Page created by a friend after his death.

My kids and I were at a Beacon Bears flag football game on Saturday, September 18, 2021 in the boiling hot 4pm sun at Memorial Park in Beacon. A press release from the Dutchess County Executive’s Office popped into my inbox, titled “Dutchess County Trauma Team Assisting Arlington Community Following Student Death.”

I didn’t know what they were talking about. I hadn’t read the Poughkeepsie Journal yet about how 16 year old Quraan Smith had been stabbed at around 9pm during a big fight after a big-kid football game on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Arlington High School the night before. As I Googled to find out what was going on, parents around me were talking about it as our boys threw the football, fighting for a successful pass.

Parents were shocked and so sad. “They have made an arrest,” someone said. “How do they know who it was?” another asked. “There were several eye-witnesses. People saw it. They watched it happen.”

And the articles came. Explaining what has been made public so far. Quraan had moved with his family from Poughkeepsie to attend Arlington High School. He wanted to go to the Arlington High School football game that night against Scarsdale High School. Her and Quraan’s mother, Na'tara Smith, re-arranged her schedule so that she could make that happen, according to his family’s Go Fund Me page created by a friend in response to the loss. At some point on Friday evening, a fight broke out, and at 9pm, Quraan was fatally stabbed.

Arlington High School on a map. Poughkeepsie is west, and Beacon is south west.
Photo Credit: Google Maps

An 18 year old named Nestor A. Ortiz-Ocampo of the City of Poughkeepsie has been charged with stabbing Quraan in the chest, according to the felony complaint as reported by the Poughkeepsie Journal. Nestor has so far been charged with first-degree manslaughter, a felony. He was arrested on Saturday and held on $400,000 bail. His court date is October 5, 2021 in LaGrange Town Court.

Nestor was a former student of Arlington High School, according to Arlington Superintendent David Moyer, but did not graduate, and has not been a student this year, according to reporting by the Poughkeepsie Journal. The Superintendent could not confirm why Nestor left the district.

Also according to the newspaper’s reporting, the police said that the two boys knew each other, and that it was an isolated incident. Events for Saturday and Sunday were canceled, said Arlington’s Superintendent.

In a statement, the Superintendent said "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and friends." Later, he is quoted to have said: "For the people that are associated with the family, the family and the people on the scene and all of that — it was very, very, very traumatic, difficult and painful," Moyer said. 'It is the type of thing that will never go away. It will be here forever. Nobody that was in any way associated with it will every forget it. It is just a tragedy."

Quraan Remembered In Vigil In Poughkeepsie At Waryas Park

Quraan Smith’s Grandmother, during his vigil in Poughkeepsie in Waryas Park.
Photo Credit: Seth Harrison. Screenshot of Poughkeepsie Journal.

Mi-Rose Smith, the 7 year old sister of Quaaran, was one of hundreds of people who attended the vigil held on Poughkeepsie’s waterfront at Waryas Park later that week on September 26, 2021. His mother, Na’tara Smith cried into the microphone while speaking during the vigil, while being supported physically and emotionally by friends.

Said Na’tara as reported in the Poughkeepsie Journal: "The youth, the children, the young adulthood ... you all have given me the strength each and every day," she said to crowd. "I've been feeling good despite what happened to my son. These young children are reaching out on their own ... these children have done an awesome job with supporting me and my family ... I tell you, they give me strength."

Quraan was not only remembered for being an athlete, but for his many traits. According to the education reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal, Katelyn Cordero, Quraan was known by his friends as Ronny James, a comedian who loved to dance and play sports. He was working on a clothing line after conversations with his father who discussed business with him during the Remote Learning season last year during school. His father found videos and the beginnings of the clothing line after his son’s death.

According to his father, Everton Smith, in the Poughkeepsie Journal: "Coming from an urban community and a poverty-stricken community, he was a legend. He was one year away, he almost made it." Everton said, noting that his son had dreams to play Division I basketball or football on a full scholarship.

Everton continued: “I truly can't believe how many people from the community came. It wasn't even just his athleticism, it was just the person that he was. He was kind, respectful, sentimental. It was the energy that he reflected, when he walked in the room, he gave a beautiful energy."

Everton hoped that the kids would get the emotional support they needed, by saying: "This impacted the children's lives, it's not just that one person that's affected, it impacted the hundreds of children that are going to that school," he said. "Unfortunately, it doesn't just end with a burial. After that, the kids are going to need mental health (support). It's two victims, but all those kids, it's a pain you can't imagine."

Read more reflections from Quraan’s family and friends here.

Road Closures In Beacon Start Now For Milling And Paving

Roads in various parts of Beacon will be closed for milling and paving. The City of Beacon has posted a road closure schedule that shows dates from September 30, 2021 - October 6, 2021. Families with children at South Avenue Elementary received a phone call today from new Principal Daniel Glenn that parents should be aware of the road closure, as it is a main route for car drop-offs and “walkers” (aka kids who walk or bike to school).

A screenshot of the schedule has been published below:

Screenshot of the City of Beacon’s posted road closures for milling and paving.

Spooky Hudson River Boat Tours On The "Solaris" From The Maritime Museum Throughout October

Hudson River Maritime Museum, located in Kingston on the Rondout Creek, is offering boat tours to hear local tales of legends and lore aboard Solaris on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout October. Passengers will explore the Hudson River and Rondout Creek by spooky searchlight and listen to legends and lore of the Hudson River from the pages of Washington Irving or straight from newspaper headlines of centuries past.

Guides will share stories including the tale of the serpent of the Hudson River, the terrible crime of William Salisbury, and Rondout's barge graveyard. Tickets range from $20-$25 and all proceeds support the museum’s educational programs. 

Solaris Is A 100% Solar-Powered Boat

Solaris is the museum's 100% solar-powered tour boat and floating classroom. The boat was built on campus at the Wooden Boat School and is the only solar-powered boat in operation on the Hudson River. This quiet vessel does not require any fossil fuels to operate. The lantern cruises are part of over a dozen themed tours happening this season, including visits to local shipwrecks, Indigenous history events, and trips to the Rondout Lighthouse. 

All boat tickets include general admission to the museum, open Thursday-Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm. This event is one of over a dozen themed boat tours happening on the Rondout Creek and Hudson River this season. Find details and a calendar at www.solarboattours.org or call 845-338-0071. 

About The Hudson River Maritime Museum

The Hudson River Maritime Museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the maritime history of the Hudson River, its tributaries, and related industries. In addition to extensive collections documenting maritime transportation, industry, recreation, and natural science, the museum offers classes and programs at its Wooden Boat School, Sailing and Rowing School, and aboard Solaris, the 100% solar-powered tour boat and floating classroom. The museum is located along the historic Rondout waterfront in downtown Kingston. Visit www.hrmm.org for more information.

Poof :: Beacon's Parklets Are Gone To Prepare For Repaving And Painting Of Main Street

Just as swiftly as they went up, the parklets that enabled additional outdoor dining opportunities for restaurants and patrons due to the COVID-19 pandemic have come down by September's end. The parklets are the orange barricades out front participating restaurants. The barricades were filled with water, making them very heavy for increased safety for those sitting on the other side of them. Restaurants often decorated them with flowers and in some cases built patios below them with coverings above them. They first appeared in Beacon in June 2020, but the concept has been in other cities for much longer.

The early take-down is a result of anticipated milling and paving of Main Street, as first announced by Beacon's City Administrator Chris White during the City Council's Meeting on 8/2/2021. He explained that a new surface coat will be going down, with epoxying using a high quality paint that will hold up for many years. He stated that all parking spaces, cross walks, and more will all be repainted. "We are in a state of flux right now," he expressed, "but hoping that by end of October, Main Street is tightened up."

Screenshot of the City of Beacon’s Schedule of Autumn Road Closure Schedule For Milling And Paving as of 9/29/2021.

City Administrator Chris announced again during the City Council Workshop Meeting on 9/27/2021 that the parklets would be pulled to begin milling and paving. On 9/29/2021, the City posted a brief Road Closure schedule through October 5, 2021, which includes some Main Street intersections, but are a fraction of the mile long Main Street that offers dining experiences from restaurants using parklets. It is unclear at this time if this is an incomplete list, or the full list of milling and paving. Additionally, it is unclear if milling and paving on Main Street will be conducted while Main Street is open, but traffic routed around into the other lane in order to avoid too many Main Street closures.

Throughout the summer, Beacon experienced the installation of "bump-outs," which are circular extensions of the sidewalk at corners. In theory, these are easier for people in wheelchairs (but if you're in a wheelchair, let us know in the Comments below if Beacon's installation is helpful to you!), and getting pedestrians more into the street at crosswalks to be seen by passing cars (deep breaths as you step out).

Construction of these bump-outs lasted throughout the summer, causing moving drive-arounds as different intersections on Main Street were worked on. Completed work to the bump-outs will happen once the street is milled and paved, to match the street paving to the end of the sidewalk for a smooth transition. Currently, there is an unfinished drop-off between the bump-out and the street.

The Barns Art Center to Host Harvest Festival

Hopewell Junction, New York – The newly opened Barns Art Center is pleased to announce Harvest Festival. Held from October 9-10, the convening will feature the premiere of LOST ARTS, a three-screen film experience, the groundbreaking ceremony for a large-scale installation with artist collective Futurefarmers, and a local market.

LOST ARTS Film Premiere – screening times 11:00am-3:00pm
The Barns Art Center will premiere LOST ARTS, a three screen, immersive film experience that explores the art and culture of agriculture in the Hudson Valley. Beyond being a tool for education and a response to our current social and ecological climate, the film is a sensory celebration of the bounty of the Hudson Valley and the profound wisdom that has been unearthed and cultivated here for thousands of years. By looking to the past for forgotten methods, techniques, and philosophies, today’s farmers have found more innovative, sustainable, and equitable ways forward.

The ten featured farmers include: Jack Algiere, Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture; Ben and Melany Dobson, Hudson Hemp; Ken Greene, Hudson Valley Seed Company; Anne Hall, Crespell; Don Lewis, Wild Hive Farm; John Michelotti, Catskill Fungi; Rick Osofsky, Ronnybrook Farm Dairy; David Rowe, Rowe’s Apiaries Jalal Sabur, Sweet Freedom Farm; Karen Washington, Garden of Happiness/La Familia Verde/Rise & Root. The film is produced with Kingston-based company Northguild.

In conjunction with the LOST ARTS premiere is a roster of farmer-led, daytime activities:

11:30am Sculpting with Flowers

Flower Arranging Workshop with Anne Hall, Crespell

12:30pm Looking Back – How did we get here?

A conversation with Don Lewis, Ken Greene, David Rowe, Rick Osofsky

1:30pm Spore Printing

Mushroom Walk and Printmaking Workshop with John Michelotti, Catskill Fungi

2:30pm Looking Forward – Farming for the Future – Where can we go?

A conversation with Jack Algiere, Ben and Melany Dobson, Jalal Sabur

BARNS ART CENTER | 736 SOUTH DRIVE, HOPEWELL JUNCTION, NY 12533 | BARNSARTCENTER.ORG

Futurefarmers Of Furrows & Lands in Harps Installation

Futurefarmers breaks ground on their first large-scale public artwork in the United

States. Drawing on the success of their 10-year project Flatbread Society for the city of

Oslo, Of Furrows & Lands in Harps will manifest as an extraordinary architectural

structure and a public program that unfolds over three-years time. The architectural

structure, designed by Belgian architect Lode Vranken, will feature three spaces: a

bakehouse, a meeting space and an extraordinary experimental instrument at the heart

of the work and building called Hum Stone. Hum Stone is made from a millstone and is

able to play other millstones. Drawing from the historical context of the site, once a farm,

then a microchip factory, now The Barns Art Center, this unique instrument points to the

past while invoking the future. Participating composers include Walter Kitundu,

Guillermo Galindo, Annea Lockwood.

A groundbreaking ceremony for Futurefarmers will be held from 3:00-6:00pm:

3:00 Place Stones with artist/choreographer, Elaine Buckholtz

A participatory action involving sound, movement, and the placing of three millstones.

4:00 Impressions from the Stone

A series of limited-edition prints made from rubbings of custom carved millstone by

Walter Kitundu.

Harvest Festival Market 11:00-3:00

The Festival Market will include River Valley Guild Artist and Artisan Market and a Cider

Week New York Tasting, including local food and beverage vendors such as Ronnybrook

Farm Dairy, Sloop Brewing Co., More Good, Fishkill Farms and Treasury Cider, and

more.

More about the The Barns Art Center

The Barns Art Center is a contemporary art initiative located up the Hudson River, 60 miles north of NYC, in East Fishkill at iPark 84. The Barns occupies a 3,200-square-foot museum quality gallery built adjacent a former IBM microchip plant. Aligning with the region’s rich agricultural tradition and history of environmental stewardship, The Barns champions art at the nexus of food, farming, ecology, and sustainability. Stimulating essential dialogue around innovation, conservation, and equity, we hope to cultivate new ways of thinking about the earth, the history we inherit, and the legacy we leave behind. Through its exhibition, education, and empowerment programs, The Barns Art Center strives to create community and catalyze creative expression. We are free, open to the public, and committed to fostering an accessible, interactive, and inclusive environment.

For additional information or materials regarding any of the above programs or events, contact: Tara Anne Dalbow, Gallery Director and Curator, tdalbow@barnsartcenter.org, c.970-376-8668

www.barnsartcenter.org / @barnsartcenter

Adrian "Butch" Anderson, Dutchess County Sheriff, Dies :: Kirk Imperati Named As Acting Sheriff

Well known leader, Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian "Butch" Anderson, has died, as reported by several local media outlets today. He was 73, and died at his home in the village of Pawling, the Sheriff's office said in a statement. He had served in that post for more than 20 years and spent more than 50 years with the Sheriff's Office, the Poughkeepsie Journal reported. He also served as Mayor of his hometown of Pawling in the late 1980s to early 1990s.

“Today we have lost an extraordinary public servant with the passing of Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian “Butch” Anderson,” said Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro in a press release. “Butch devoted his entire life to protecting and serving the community he loved so dearly. Throughout his life, he was true leader - in law enforcement in elected office, and in service to community organizations.”

Anderson began his first term as Sheriff in January 2000 after being elected, and went on to win re-election every four years, running unopposed, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal. His last re-election was in 2019.

His acting replacement will be Undersheriff Kirk Imperati, who sated: "We are all deeply saddened by the passing of Sheriff Anderson," who described Anderson as "a second father to me," reported the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Molinaro continued: "His call to serve ensured the safety of our community for more than 50 years and made a measurable difference in the lives of countless children, families and residents. Our hearts are broken today and we send our deepest condolences to Sheriff Anderson’s family, including his wife Danielle and his four children – you are in our prayers and in our hearts."

Anderson's wife, Danielle, said in a statement that "it has been an honor" to be married to him. "He was a tremendous husband, father, and friend to all," she said. "Our family appreciates the outpouring of support from everyone as we grieve our loss."

Since first publishing the article at 10:30am, the Poughkeepsie Journal updated their article at 3:30pm to include quotes and photos from Lisa Reda.

Numerous regional leaders noted their condolences, including Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison, who started working with Anderson in 1980. Mayor Rolison told the Poughkeepsie Journal: "Butch in all capacities, was a dedicated and brave member of that department, but what always impressed me was his love of this county, the people who live here and his overwhelming commitment to the Hudson Valley."

The Poughkeepsie Journal reported that Anderson was a friend of former President Donald Trump and the Trump family. The paper reported that he was a member of Trump's reelection team, after serving in other roles when Trump first ran for president.

The chairman of the New York Republican State Committee, Nick Langworthy, said that he and Anderson bonded as Trump supporters, reported the Poughkeepsie Journal. Anderson "proudly had a direct line to the White House for four years," Langworthy said in a Facebook post.

State Senetor Sue Serino said in a statement: "Our community has lost a true hero."

What's Being Discussed At Tonight's City Council Workshop: Accessory Apartments; Good Cause Eviction; Highway Department Hire; Assessment Base Percentage; Zoning Board Appointment

Beacon's City Council will meet this evening 9/27/2021 at 7pm for a regularly scheduled Workshop meeting, which is when they discuss topics amongst themselves in public, but without opportunities for Public Comment. This type of meeting happens every other Monday.

On the agenda tonight are different topics, some of which were covered during last week's public City Council Meeting. When new information or public feedback emerges, sometimes these topics get put back onto the Workshop schedule for further discussion. Click here for the full agenda, plus links to supporting documents.

Tonight's Agenda Includes

Accessory Apartments

The City Council is perusing normalizing Accessory Apartments as a right for homeowners of single family homes in all R1, all RD and the T Zoning Districts to build and rent out without requiring a special use permit approval from the Planning Board. Mayor Kyriacou with the support of City Administrator Chris White is pursuing this in the name of renter and owner affordability during the current housing crisis throughout the nation. According to supporting documentation from the City's attorney: "The City Council is considering adopting amendments to the City Code to encourage the development of accessory apartments to promote renter and owner affordability in the City of Beacon."

This vision is led by Mayor Kyriacou and City Administrator Chris, who served on council together during the 1990s. Mayor Kyriacou is a property owner in Beacon who has renovated properties, and has served as a landlord for different properties.

Mayor Kyriacou is pursuing the right to build the Accessory Apartments bigger than they are now. City Administrator Chris is pursuing removing parking requirements for Accessory Apartments. Parking requirements can sometimes be used to stall a building project by those who disagree with a project.

For the past several years, Beacon has been unfavorable toward Accessory Apartments, even when someone wanted to build one for their parent-in-laws or caregivers required to care for an aging parent or person who required consistent medical care. This zoning edit would change that.

During tonight's meeting, the City Council will debate several changes to the existing code, including size of the unit, how any dwellings would be allowed per lot, the design scheme of the accessory apartment, increasing the maximum build, eliminating currently required inspections every two years, and removing the parking requirement.

It is not indicated how the increase in number of Accessory Apartments would guarantee lower rental prices, since the free market and current supply and demand are not yielding to lower prices in Beacon.

The City Council will also review code regulations from the Town of Cortland, the Town of Newburgh, the Town of Pound Ridge, and the Town of Wappinger.

Proposed Local Law Regarding Good Cause Eviction

Councilmember Dan Aymar-Blair proposed that the City consider a law making it more difficult to evict tenants, called the Good Cause Eviction Law. The City will also look at Albany's Good Cause Eviction Law during tonight's Workshop. During last week's public City Council Meeting, a handful of people from the public called in demanding that the City put on Dan's proposed Good Cause Eviction Law onto the agenda. People told stories of people they knew who had their rents raised by several percentage points, making it difficult or impossible for them to remain in Beacon.

Last February 2020, Councilmember Terry Nelson pushed to have the Emergency Tenants Protection Act (ETPA) considered by the City. This law would legalize a rent cap, but has several requirements that the city must meet, including vacancy rate and the age of buildings. This was discussed by the Council, and Mayor Kyriacou presented reasons for not pursuing it.

Proposed Hire of Motor Equipment Operator

The Highway Department is recommending the hiring of Andi Driza for Motor Equipment Operator.

Abandonment of Paper Streets

The City of Beacon is pursuing abandoning specific, very tiny areas in Beacon that are undeveloped and slipped through the cracks of ownership decades ago, which could put them into the ownership of neighboring homeowners. During last week's Public Hearing on the topic, some of those neighboring homeowners came to speak on the issue, to say if they wanted or did not want the property that was about to be absorbed by them. The council indicated that they were not anticipating the feedback, and appreciated the input. The matter has moved back into Workshop, where the council will discuss it again.

"The Official Map of the City of Beacon contains several undeveloped paper streets identified as Ryans Avenue, BeVier Avenue, Morse Street and Levy Street. A paper street is a street established on a filed subdivision map and is included on the Official Map of the City of Beacon, but which was never subsequently developed or used as a public way."

Proposed Appointment of Montos Vakirtzis to the Zoning Board of Appeals

Montos Vakirtzis is being recommended by Joe Galbo to be on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Proposed Resolution to Certify Base Percentages and Proportions for the 2021 Assessment Roll Pursuant to Article 19 of the Real Property Tax Law

"Pursuant to Article 19 of the Real Property Tax Law, the City Council hereby adopts and establishes the Adjusted Base Proportions for the 2021 City of Beacon Assessment Roll as 69.10766% for Homestead parcels and 30.89234% for Non-homestead parcels, which are to be used for real property tax purposes;"

Sunday Is A Big Day :: Retail Therapy Guide 9/24/2021

Sunday is Beacon's annual Spirit of Beacon Day! This 44 year old event, run entirely by dedicated volunteers (this is a City-blessed event, but not a City-sponsored/organized event), began in 1977 after racial tensions between Beacon students and the community escalated into days. In trying to come together to understand one another, this day was born. Normally celebrated as a grand parade with a route lined with information tables from organizations, faith-based organizations, non-profits, and food, the first year of the pandemic brought that public parade to a pause, and instead, the organizers re-routed a mini-parade throughout the city. This year, with businesses open, yet safety measures still in place with the Delta variant surge, the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee has coordinated opportunities for organizations and businesses to hold opportunities in their spaces. Get all of the details here at the Spirit of Beacon Day Website. Additionally, ALBB has also listed the events with a brief historic intro here. It should be noted, that while this day is celebratory, the housing situation in Beacon is not. Several of our families with children of all ages have had to move out, or stay in place in small apartments or houses in order to stay here. Renters of all ages have little protections, and are also being forced out due to rising prices. After being pressed by the community to develop a solution, this topic is being discussed at City Council. You can hear the latest public opinion on it during last week's City Council Meeting. This public comment was partially in response to the City's vision of having "poor people" ride e-scooters and public transportation everywhere, instead of needing or wanting cars, as the City recommends reducing parking requirements in order to build more housing. While the parking issue has pros and cons, it has sparked debate and brought renters' stories into the forefront.   THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade and Katie Hellmuth Martin You can sponsor this Event Guide with your event, for extra promotion of it! If you'd like to guarantee to see your entertainment event listed here, book an Event Promotion Advertising spot here. Spirit of Beacon Day Day: Saturday + Sunday, September 25 + 26, 2021 Time: Times vary Location: So many. The official live event from the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee is the concert on Veterans Place. All around town, there will be other opportunities as well. Spirit of Beacon Day Community Concert Sunday, September 26, 2021 12:00 PM 5:00 PM Veterans Place Beacon, NY, 12508 United States Celebrate Spirit of Beacon Day on Veteran’s Place by the Post Office with live entertainment and music with performers from across our community! 12pm : GG and the Shades 12.30pm : Beacon Performing Arts 1pm : Speeches, Awards and Yanarella School of Dance 1.30pm : Bosco and the Storm 2.30pm : Judith Tulloch Band Other Opportunities Include: I Run Beacon Spirit of Beacon Flower Bouquets at Flora Good Times Stonykill Farm Tour : Visit the animals and enter the farm raffle! Drink Up! A Display of Bottles, Crocks, & Jugs from Main Street Beacon's Past Fundraiser for Land To Learn at Dirty Bacchus Glenham Elementary Collaborative Art Piece Hudson Hills Collaborative Art Piece Fall Fun at Forrestal, with JVF PTSO Live Music and a Donation at Be Bhakti Yoga Open Mic Night at Beacon Performing Arts Center Beacon Performing Arts Center Women’s Parish Club Pre-Christmas Fair Jewelry Bargains! Annual Home Made Cookie Sale at Christ Church, United Methodist Beacon Farmer's Market - Local Produce and Music Totally Fit with Dr Sara Beacon Historical Society at Hudson Beach Glass Beacon Performing Arts outdoor pop up concert Raven Rose gives back to Mid Hudson Animal Aid Chicken Yoga with Beacon Hood Chicken Berte supports Mutual Aid Beacon Beacon Music Factory Presents: Takes A Village - next to Ronz Guitar Gallery Support ARF at Solstad House Shop for Good at Beacon Mercantile Outdoor Art Show at Beacon Bread Company Spirit of Beacon Day Community Concert Free give-a-way Beacon Style! at Marion Royael Gallery Common Ground Farm + Hudson Valley Brewery Support a local non profit at KAIGHT New Covenant Outdoor Talent Show & Krispy Kreme Sale Sloop for Sloop - Support the Sloop Club at Dogwood Information >  Catskill Food Festival Day: Saturday, September 25, 2021 Time: 12pm - 6pm Location: 10 Main Street, Catskill, NY 12414 Food Trucks, Food Vendors, & Live Music! Information >  Barton Orchards Fall Festival Days: Saturday, September 25, 2021 & Sunday, September 26, 2021 Time: 10am - 6pm Location: Barton Orchards, 63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY 12570 Information >  Fall Harvest Festivals Day: Now - October 31st! Location: Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY Information > Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week!                                    Submissions are coming in for the Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide. If you would like your exhibit or showcase featured here, please consider supporting A Little Beacon Blog with an Event Placement Sponsorship. Thank you!   TWO WAY BREWING COMPANY 18 West Main St. It’s going to be a beautiful weekend to sample some beers at Two Way! Their patio and taproom are open 12- 11 p.m.,  See beers on tap here > PS: Trivia is on Thursdays! PPS: Live Music on Fridays! King Dutch, September 17, 2021, from 7:30pm - 9:30pm Stay tuned for more! OPEN: Thursday 4:00pm - 10:00pm Friday 4:00pm - 11:00pm Saturday 12:00pm - 11:00pm Sunday 1:00pm - 8:00pm Two Way Brewing Company is a Sponsor, thank you!   EAT CHURCH 3091 U.S. 9, Cold Spring, NY Ditch the meal prep & pick up some Grilled Beef Banh Hoi made by Eat Church! Delicious & beautiful! Find Eat Church at: - Marbled Meat Shop in Coldspring (daily grab-n-go fridge!) - Industrial Arts Brewing from Thursday-Sunday (order online now!) - Beacon Farmers Market on Sundays! So many opportunities to get your hands on this deliciousness! Website > Eat Church is a Sponsor, thank you! BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193 Main St. BBC is hosting a Garden Gallery! Join them in celebrating the 44th ANNUAL Spirit of Beacon Day! The festival & parade may have been canceled this year, but satellite events are popping up over the entire city this month! The day will be filled with arts & music happening outside on the back patio! This Sunday the 26th, from 12-7 pm! Come out for a great time!  PS: BBC is open 8am - 5pm every day except Wednesday. PPS: if you need a special loaf or pastry for your holiday or event, BBC is more than happy to take custom orders! Give them a call today. Menu >  Order Pick Up or Delivery >  Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you! MEYERS OLDE DUTCH 184 Main Street, Beacon, NY We tried this hot dog special, and it was SO GOOD. MOD doesn't do specials like this often, so know this: Follow their Instagram. Place your order early if you see a special flicker across your feed. You can place the order with a few taps from Instagram, and even set a time to pick it up, hours later! MOD doesn't mess around. You can order from a QR Code from their tables, without going inside. Pictured here was the Alpha Dog - filled with delicious kalamata olives, pickled peppers, onion relish, Romain, feta and dill aioli. YUM! Patio open, indoor dining open, take out available.  Open Sunday thru Thursday for Food 11:30am - 9pm; Bar until 10pm Friday and Saturday Food 11:30am - 11:00pm; Bar until midnight. Order Now > Meyers Olde Dutch is a Sponsor, thank you! TITO SANTANA TAQUERIA 142 Main St. Shrimp Burrito Bowls from Tito Santana! The shrimp is an add-on (along with many others) so you can really make your bowls however you want! Two Vegan options are available for burrito bowls & many other Vegan options available throughout the delicious menu. Check it out > PS: Dinner takeout special available Monday-Friday from 4pm - 9pm: 4 tacos, + 2 street corn, + 1 chip & salsa, + 1 rice & beans for only $24! PPS: Catering available! Menu >  Catering >  Tito Santana Taqueria is a Sponsor, thank you! HOMESPUN 232 Main Street, Beacon, NY Not only can you get delicious food from the All Day Menu at Homespun, but you can also get delicious drinks! Many different wines (red, white, orange, pink), craft beer featuring locals, cider, and much more! Homespun even has a Beer Store & Beer Subscription online! See more here > PS: Gift Cards are available in-store at Homespun!  PPS: Order cutoff for Farm Kits is every Tuesday at 5pm, and pick up is at Homespun every Friday, anytime between 10am-7pm. Find more Farm Kit Info Here > OPEN HOURS: Thursday - Monday, 10am - 7pm Order Food > Homespun is a Sponsor, thank you!  HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY There's a new menu, new hours, and new staff from Barbs Fry Works located inside of the HV Food hall! Anddddd, the entire menu is gluten-free. So not only can you get loaded fries, but now you can get bar bites, salads, sides, and different sauces! Follow HV Food Hall's foodies: Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! Momo Valley: Himalayan Spiced Hand-Crafted MoMo & More Barb's Fry Works: Gourmet, small-batch-loaded fries. And salads. El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Schmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you! BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY It's Taco 'Tuesday' every day at Baja! Go on in and try their 13 different types of tacos! & don't forget to check out their specials menu! Baja has many starters, tacos, main plates, quesadillas, and sides. They also have a kid's menu! Something for all! PS: Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6pm Check out their specialty drinks >  Check out the specials > BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you! ZIATUN 244 Main St. No better way to start your weekday/weekend mornings than with a cup of Arabic Coffee from Ziatun! Lightly sweetened, and just a pinch of freshly ground cardamom. So no, you don't only get delicious food from here, but you get delicious drinks like this special coffee! Stop in this weekend. Menu >  Order Online >  Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!   DIRTY BACCHUS 380 Main Street, Beacon Raphael Lyon / Enlightenment Wines Meadery / The Athanor - This is among Enlightenment’s driest meads and it is a new category for Raphael Lyon, Dirty Bacchus' favorite mead maker, who ferments caramelized local wildflower honey for several months before aging it for two years in used whiskey barrels. A complex mix of cooking spices, allspice, cedar and browned butter keep one’s nose busy in the glass unfolding layer after layer of olfactory excitement. On the palate, strong black coffee, caramel, rum and brown butter balance well with a fine acidity that lifts the whole experience and carries it to a very long finish. Stop in this weekend! Try something new. PS: Dirty Bacchus is hiring! HOURS: Mon-Wed: 12-6pm Thur- Sat: 11am-7pm Sun: 12-5pm Dirty Bacchus is a Sponsor, thank you! BINNACLE BOOKS 321 Main Street, Beacon Gayl Jones, “Palmares” available at Binnacle! “First discovered and edited by Toni Morrison, Gayl Jones has been described as one of the great literary writers of the 20th century. Now, for the first time in over 20 years, Jones is ready to publish again. ‘Palmares’ is the first of five new works by Gayl Jones to be published in the next two years, rewarding longtime fans and bringing her talent to a new generation of readers. Intricate and compelling, ‘Palmares’ recounts the journey of Almeyda, a Black slave girl who comes of age on Portuguese plantations and escapes to a fugitive slave settlement called Palmares. Following its destruction, Almeyda embarks on a journey across colonial Brazil to find her husband, lost in battle.  Combining the author’s mastery of language and voice with her unique brand of mythology and magical realism, Jones reimagines the historical novel. The result is a sweeping saga spanning a quarter century, with vibrant settings and unforgettable characters, steeped in the rich oral tradition of its world. Of Gayl Jones, the New Yorker noted, ‘[Her] great achievement is to reckon with both history and interiority, and to collapse the boundary between them.’ Like nothing else before it, ‘Palmares’ embodies this gift.” Binnacle is NOW *Open daily! Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you! BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon It is not FALL! & Bretts Hardware has the most beautiful mums! These will go fast. Get your color now! Or a few - we love a good Mum collection along the front door or staggered on the steps! PS: The cold is coming! Get your winter mats & supplies! Stop in & check it all out. Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you! LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon Still looking for that perfect aviator? Look no further! Luxe Optique has ya covered!  Whether you want sunglasses or regular glasses, Unique Design Milano makes the perfect aviator frame you need in your eyewear collection! Stop in today and shop Luxe Optique's collections! HOURS: Monday: 10am–5pm Tues-Saturday:10am–6pm Sunday: 11am-4pm Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you! LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS 470 Main Street, Beacon Your wardrobe called & it wants this **NEW** Quilted Pouch Handbag that is  available now online and in store from La Mere! Psst…it’s under $50!!!!! Saturday Store Hours 11-6pm *New Arrivals Weekly / Free Shipping Download their free app in the iTunes Store PS: Everything is under $100!! Shop Online > La Mere is a Sponsor, thank you! Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY Discover Dance This Fall at Yanarella! Unlike many other studios, Yanarella's year begins in December and runs all year until their recital in November. They offer classes in all levels and styles and now offer Zumba! They offer full-year classes as well as Fall Introductory Courses, Winter Camps, and Summer Camps. For each additional class, there is a multi-class/Family discount. Yanarella has three dance rooms, all adjacent to waiting rooms with half walls for observers, instead of observation windows. All rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems, mounted and standing ballet barres, and full-length mirrors. They also have a sprung wooden floor made specifically for dancers. Visit Yanarella Dance online.  Register for classes today!  Yanarella is a Sponsor, thank you! ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY 340 Main Street, Beacon Antalek & Moore is honored to serve a community that values local businesses! Antalek & Moore provides world-class service to Beacon and beyond. They offer commercial and personal insurance solutions to customers in the Hudson Valley community, the New York region, and across the country. Give Antalek & Moore a call today: 845-831-4300 and visit their website. Latest Announcements > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor. Thank you!   TIN SHINGLE You have a voice. You have a story to tell. Your guest(s) have stories to tell. You need to get it out there, and you’d thrive with a production partner to get it done. You could record your podcast yourself, but you want a team making it with you, keeping you on-point; suggesting ideas; recognizing opportunities. There are several components to producing your podcast and the Tin Shingle team wants to help you! Find out more > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!                           KATIE JAMES, INC. Redesign Alert! Katie James Inc. is the design team behind A Little Beacon Blog. The most recent branding project includes a redesign for the ALBB's sister podcast, “Wait, What Is That?” As the hosts grew into their voices, a new design emerged. Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you! HIRING: Social Media Lead At The Hyacinth Group Details > HIRING: Daycare Teacher & Assistant Wanted At Care 4 Me, Inc. Details > HIRING: Beacon City School District Food Service Department Is Looking For Substitute Food Service Helpers Details > HIRING: Sous-Chef Position At Homespun Foods Details > HIRING: Part-Time Production Assistant At SallyeAnder Details > HIRING: Brett's Hardware in New Windsor Details > HIRING: Meyers Olde Dutch Details > List your job in ALBB's Job Listings > BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR Samantha Cuello Consulting Tin Shingle Katie James, Inc. CAMPING Malouf's Mountain CHILDBIRTH  >  CLASSES Juniper Birth CHILDBIRTH  >  DOULA Juniper Birth EDUCATION > MUSIC Maple Street Studio (guitar!) 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Beacon's Spirit Of Beacon Day 2021 Is "All Around Beacon" :: City-Wide Opportunities Sunday 9/26/2021

The Spirit of Beacon Day is a defining day of celebration and commitment to unity in Beacon that was born out of racial tensions among Beacon’s youth in 1977 (one elder’s recollection is that it started in a bar over a romance). To find peace, leaders in the community from different factions came together to find a way to come together, and the Spirit of Beacon Day was born.

The day traditionally commenced as a parade starring the 6 public schools in Beacon, independent schools, faith-based organizations, and non-profits. During the parade, on either side of the road, were tables, booths and mini-concert stages set up for people to experience different cultures and groups.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last year in 2020, the parade down Main Street diverted to a side route designed to go throughout the city, much in the spirit of drive-by birthday parties that were happening, in order to account for social distancing.

The volunteer organizers of the Spirit of Beacon Day have once again designed a thoughtful program that can be like sparklers of feelings throughout the city. Committee Members include Gwenno James, Karen James, and others. Together, they spend the year designing the program, presenting it to the City of Beacon for any permissions needed from the City, and then the committee sees the event through with fervor. See past news from them here.

There’s no parade, but there are plenty of ways to connect! Don’t feel shy. Go up to any of these organizations to introduce yourself and begin to get to know each other. These events are from the Spirit of Beacon Day Event Calendar.

The main live event from the Committee itself will be live music from Veterans Place (near the Post Office and Towne Crier). Other events are scheduled throughout the city.

Spirit of Beacon Day Community Concert

Sunday, September 26, 2021
12:00 PM 5:00 PM
Veterans Place Beacon, NY, 12508 United States
Celebrate Spirit of Beacon Day on Veteran’s Place by the Post Office with live entertainment and music with performers from across our community!
12pm : GG and the Shades
12.30pm : Beacon Performing Arts
1pm : Speeches, Awards and Yanarella School of Dance
1.30pm : Bosco and the Storm
2.30pm : Judith Tulloch Band

Spirit Of Beacon Day 2021 Schedule Of Events City-Wide

Some of these events are still running but started earlier.

I Run Beacon

Sun, Sep 19, 2021 9:00 AM Sun, Sep 26, 2021 6:00 PM
This is a Virtual Event. Choose your own location to run the 5K
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE BEACON WHILE RAISING MONEY FOR OUR “MAKING A DIFFERENCE” SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO A GRADUATING BEACON SENIOR!
Register here : https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/NA/IRunBeacon5KRunWalk

Spirit of Beacon Flower Bouquets at Flora Good Times

Sun, Sep 19, 2021 12:00 PM Wed, Oct 6, 2021 6:00 PM
197 Main St Beacon NY
Flora Good Times will be donating $10 from the sale of each bouquet to various Beacon community organizations throughout the month of September!
During the month of September, Flora's classic $20 Donation Posey Bouquet is renamed Spirit of Beacon Bouquet!
Flora Good Times is open Thursdays-Mondays 11am-6pm, but we are open 24/7 for online orders
We love Beacon!

Stonykill Farm Tour : visit the animals and enter the farm raffle!

Saturday, September 25, 2021
11:00 AM 1:00 PM
79 Farmstead Lane Wappingers Falls, NY, 12590 United States (map)
Celebrate Spirit of Beacon Day by visiting historic Stony Kill Farm! The barn will be open for tours and visits with our livestock. Enter the farm raffle and win a basket of SKF goodies. Show the Love and make a donation to help support the farm!

Drink Up! A Display of Bottles, Crocks, & Jugs from Main Street Beacon's Past

Sat, Sep 25, 2021 11:00 AM - Sun, Sep 26, 2021 5:00 PM
458 Main Street Beacon, NY United States
Beacon Bath & Bubble is teaming up with the Beacon Historical Society to present a window display of vintage bottles, crocks, and jugs from Main Street Beacon's past. An additional display in the store will delight viewers with memorabilia from the Beacon's golden age of tourism, manufacturing, and fashion.

Fundraiser for Land To Learn at Dirty Bacchus

Sat, Sep 25, 2021 11:30 AM Sun, Sep 26, 2021 7:30 PM
380 Main Street beacon, ny
Dirty Bacchus will be promoting Land To Learn (read all about what they do here: https://landtolearn.org/), asking for donations and giving discounts on wine in return for donations of $10 or more.

Glenham Elementary Collaborative Art Piece

Sat, Sep 25, 2021 12:00 PM - Sun, Sep 26, 2021 6:00 PM
Glenham Elementary School will showcase a collaborative art piece made by the students which will be displayed at a local business - TBD.

Hudson Hills Collaborative Art Piece

Sat, Sep 25, 2021 12:00 PM - Sun, Sep 26, 2021 6:00 PM
A collaborative art piece created by the Hudson Hills Montessori school students will be displayed at a Main St location - TBD

Fall Fun at Forrestal, with JVF PTSO

Saturday, September 25, 2021
1:00 PM 4:00 PM
Join the JVF PTSO for "Fall Fun at Forrestal Day" on Saturday 9/25 from 1-4pm!
This free event will take place on the lower field at Forrestal and feature:
-Apple cider and donuts
-Lawn games
-A "Falcon Wing Feathers" collaborative crafting project
-Mums sale (pre-order)

Live Music and a Donation at Be Bhakti Yoga

Saturday, September 25, 2021
3:00 PM 5:00 PM
36 Catherine Street Beacon NY (map)
Music event at BeBhakti on Saturday Sept 25, 3pm-5pm
Live music and songs from folk, indie rock and mantras from Lauren and the Boys.
At BeBhakti Yoga Center

Open Mic Night at Beacon Performing Arts Center

Saturday, September 25, 2021
6:30 PM 8:00 PM
327B Main Street beacon NY
Beacon Performing Arts Center is celebrating BEACON by having an open mic night for all ages!
Perform a song, stand up comedy, poem, or other performance act! 5 minute maximum.Because of Covid, pre-registration to attend/perform is required, and each performer can bring up to 2 guests. Masks are required regardless of vaccination status.The event will be live-streamed on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/beaconperformingartscenter

Saturday, September 25

6:30 - 8:00pm
Beacon Performing Arts Center
327B Main Street
Because of Covid, pre-registration to attend/perform is required, and each performer can bring up to 2 guests. Masks are required regardless of vaccination status.
The event will be live-streamed on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/beaconperformingartscenter

Women’s Parish Club Pre-Christmas Fair Jewelry Bargains!

Sunday, September 26, 2021
10:00 AM 2:00 PM
35 Willow St, Beacon NY
St. Joachim/St. John the Evangelist Women’s Parish Club will be selling jewelry and other trinkets. Everything is priced to sell and all items are cleaned and bagged…ready to go!
We will also have baked goods and bottled water.
35 Willow St, Beacon (in front of the Church Rectory)

Annual Home Made Cookie Sale at Christ Church, United Methodist

Sunday, September 26, 2021
10:00 AM 3:00 PM
60 Union Street Beacon, NY United States
Come buy and enjoy our home made cookies. Christ Church has been participating in the Spirit of Beacon day since it began. Lots and Lots of cookies will be available for purchase!
10:00AM - UNTIL THE COOKIES ARE GONE

Beacon Farmer's Market - Local Produce and Music

Sunday, September 26, 2021
10:00 AM 2:00 PM
223 Main St Beacon, NY
Visit Beacon’s popular farmers’ market at 223 Main Street with tons of local produce, meats, cheeses and fresh caught seafood plus prepared food by Nana’s Homemade, Eat Church and Pat’s Kitchen! We’ve also got tons of choices for those with a sweet tooth as well as locally-made soaps and pottery! Other specialty items include pickles, pies, spices, fresh cut flowers, microgreens, honey, maple syrup, coffee, kombucha, jams and jellies, and an unbelievably diverse choice of garlic varieties!
Music in the afternoon and discounts all day!
The Beacon Farmers' Market mission is to feed and engage the Beacon Community, support local farms and businesses, and create a more just food system.

Totally Fit with Dr Sara

Sunday, September 26, 2021
10:00 AM 10:45 AM
Grass between Hudson Beach Glass and Ronz Guitar Gallery
Join us at this pop up total body 45 minute fitness class with physical therapist, Dr Sara Mikulsky - on the grass between Hudson Beach Glass and Ronz Guitar Gallery on Main St. Help us raise money for I am Beacon. Bring your donation to join the class and receive a free exercise band! Bring your yoga mat and water. Dr Sara will answer your health and fitness questions after class!

Beacon Historical Society at Hudson Beach Glass

Sunday, September 26, 2021
11:00 AM 4:00 PM
162 Main St Beacon, NY
Please come to support the Beacon Historical Socety at Hudson Beach Glass on Spirit of Beacon Day!

Beacon Performing Arts outdoor pop up concert

Sunday, September 26, 2021
11:00 AM 11:30 AM
172 Main St Beacon, NY
Beacon Performing Arts students will perform their songs on the grass between Hudson Beach Glass and Ronz Guitar Gallery on Main St, 11am -11.30am on Spirit of Beacon Day.
Later in the afternoon they can also be seen at the Main Stage on Veterans Place

Raven Rose gives back to Mid Hudson Animal Aid

Sunday, September 26, 2021
11:00 AM 5:00 PM
474 Main St Beacon, NY United States
Raven Rose plans to give 10% of sales from the day, and also will match all customer donations in the store!
We have a donation jar from Mid Hudson Animal Aid and plan to empty it at the start of Spirit of Beacon Day, and anything donated that day we will match.
http://www.midhudsonanimalaid.org/

Chicken Yoga with Beacon Hood Chicken

Sunday, September 26, 2021
11:00 AM 11:45 AM
Long Dock Park
Chickens and Yoga are made for each other…..Join Beacon Hood Chicken for a unique yoga event at Long Dock Park.

Berte supports Mutual Aid Beacon

Sunday, September 26, 2021
11:00 AM 6:00 PM
500 Main Street Beacon, NY, 12508 United States
Berte will be donating 10% of sales on Sunday 9/26 to Mutual Aid Beacon - http://www.beaconmutualaid.com/. We love their mission of showing up for our Beacon community, and reminding people that they are not alone.

Beacon Music Factory Presents: Takes A Village - next to Ronz Guitar Gallery

Sunday, September 26, 2021
12:00 PM 5:00 PM
Grass by Ronz World Guitar Gallery
We hope you will spend some time at the Beacon Music Factory stage where we will present a range of kids and adults performing, including:
- BMF instructor, Brad Hubbard, baritone saxophone
- Various kids
- a revisited Steely Dan rock camp
- Plus a tribute to Jimmy Giles
- this schedule will continue to fill up throughout the month of September
You can also click on EVENTS on our website to find out more as we get closer to the date.

Support ARF at Solstad House

Sunday, September 26, 2021
12:00 PM 6:00 PM
488 Main Street Beacon NY
Support ARF, our local Animal Rescue Foundation at Solstad House on Spirit of Beacon Day

Shop for good at Beacon Mercantile

Sunday, September 26, 2021
12:00 PM 6:00 PM
493 Main Street Beacon NY United States
10% from every purchase made at Beacon Mercantile during Spirit of Beacon Day will be donated to Beacon Community Kitchen.

Outdoor Art Show at Beacon Bread Co.

Sunday, September 26, 2021
12:00 PM 6:00 PM
193 Main St Beacon, NY
Outdoor art show on Beacon Bread’s backyard patio. featuring a DJ spinning live music, artists painting live art & artists showing work.

Spirit of Beacon Day Community Concert

Sunday, September 26, 2021
12:00 PM 5:00 PM
Veterans Place Beacon, NY, 12508 United States
Celebrate Spirit of Beacon Day on Veteran’s Place by the Post Office with live entertainment and music with performers from across our community!
12pm : GG and the Shades
12.30pm : Beacon Performing Arts
1pm : Speeches, Awards and Yanarella School of Dance
1.30pm : Bosco and the Storm
2.30pm : Judith Tulloch Band

Free give-a-way Beacon style! at Marion Royael Gallery

Sunday, September 26, 2021
12:00 PM 4:00 PM
152 Main St Beacon, NY
Free give-a-way Beacon style!
Outside Marion Royael Gallery on 152 Main St. Come visit on Spirit of Beacon Day!

Common Ground Farm + Hudson Valley Brewery

Sunday, September 26, 2021
12:00 PM 4:00 PM
7 East Main Street Beacon, NY
In honor of Spirit of Beacon Day, Hudson Valley Brewery will be donating 15% of draft sales on Sunday, September 26 to Common Ground Farm. Join us at the Brewery on Sunday, September 26 to support Common Ground and all of the work that they do to grow a more just local food system through their education programs, their food donation work, and their accessible markets in Beacon and Newburgh. Educators from the farm will be leading a fun seed saving and coloring activity from 12 to 4pm. Learn more about Common Ground Farm: commongroundfarm.org

Support a local non profit at KAIGHT

Sunday, September 26, 2021
12:00 PM 6:00 PM
512 Main Street Beacon NY
KAIGHT will partner with a local non-profit to donate of portion of the days sales.

New Covenant Outdoor Talent Show & Krispy Kreme Sale

Sunday, September 26, 2021
1:00 PM 3:00 PM
95 Catherine Street Beacon NY United States
Come to watch the Outdoor Talent Show at New Covenant Learning Center on Catherine St and enjoy some Krispy Kremes!

Sloop for Sloop - support the Sloop Club at Dogwood

Sunday, September 26, 2021
2:00 PM 11:00 PM
47 East Main Street Beacon, NY
To help support the Beacon Sloop club, Dogwood bar will donate $1.00 for every Sloop Brewery beer served on Spirit of Beacon Day.
Dogwood will also be hosting an evening of Blues featuring Dimitri Archip and friends beginning at 7:00pm

$66,418 "Employee Discipline" Money Is Transferred In Beacon's Budget On Same Day As Highway Dept. Employee "Hearing"

Weeks before Labor Day, on Monday, August 16, 2021, the City of Beacon’s City Council approved of an amendment to the 2021 City of Beacon General Fund, which authorized a transfer of $66,418 to “Employee Discipline” area of the budget “to provide for costs associated employee discipline beyond the budget to date,” according to the resolution document.

Also on that day, Monday, August 16, 2021, longtime City of Beacon employee with the Highway Department, Reuben Simmons, had just completed his 9th Employee Disciplinary hearing held on Zoom between the City of Beacon, versus himself. On the call were the City of Beacon’s labor attorney, Lance H. Klein with Keane & Beane, P.C. who has represented the City of Beacon on the employment status of Reuben for several years, Attorney Carina Zupa also from Keane & Beane, P.C., as well as Reuben’s attorney William (Bill) Burke of O’Neil and Burke, LLP. The arbitrator and mediator ruling on the call and on this case is Jay Siegel, Esq.. Beacon’s Highway Superintendent, Michael (Micki) Manzi was also on the call, as well as a local witness that Reuben’s side was presenting for a short testimony.

The $66,418 was transferred to the “Employee Discipline” area of the budget from two other areas: “CSEA Union Matters” ($24,418) and “Fire/IAFF Union Matters” ($42,000), according to supporting documents for Resolutions for the meeting. Beacon’s Director of Finance, Susan K. Tucker, CPA, did not return a call to ALBB to expand upon how the funds were being spent, and to which person(s) or entity they were being paid. City Administrator Chris White did not return an email asking for clarification.

Employment Background On Employee Disciplinary Action For This Case

As a brief background, Reuben, has been employed by the City of Beacon since 2002. In that time, he worked his way up to being the CSEA Union President for Beacon from 2009-2017. In 2017, he was appointed to Highway Superintendent under Mayor Randy Casale and recommended for the promotion by Beacon’s previous City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero. Anthony resigned last year for a job with Dutchess County Department Of Behavioral & Community Health.

Subsequently, the Highway Department’s head job title that Reuben was appointed into (Highway Superintendent) became a topic of employment dispute in 2018. Rueben told ALBB: “The position (Highway Superintendent) was always Superintendent of Streets even when Mayor Casale was there. What I found out after being appointed was that Dutchess County would not let me take the Civil Service test (Superintendent of Streets) because I ‘never held a supervisors title,’ was their reason. What also came to light was the job duties had evolved over time but the title for the position remained the same. Superintendent of Streets appeared to be an out dated title and not consistent with the job duties I was asked to perform in my interview, nor were they in line with the duties I actually performed during my time as head of the Highway department.”

During a employment battle at City Hall in 2018, Reuben was demoted back down to Maintenance Worker, and then up to Working Supervisor. During that time, Randy Casale was Mayor. After a podcast recording with ALBB, Randy called losing that battle to save Reuben’s job the biggest regret of his Mayoral career.

What also factors into being eligible for a Civil Service job like this is a “list,” where eligible people who have taken and passed the test are listed on the list. Michael Manzi, Beacon’s current Highway Superintendent/Superintendent of Streets, was on that list. After Reuben’s demotion, Michael became Reuben’s supervisor (which had just been the other way around), and was behind a 7 month surveillance-style investigation of Reuben’s work, along with Beacon’s new HR Director, Gina Basile, according to Reuben. Gina was previously the Manager of Human Resources for the New York State Bridge Authority.

The findings of that investigation have resulted in the pursual of Reuben’s termination, as signed off on by City Administrator Chris. To this day, Reuben alternates between being on Unpaid and Paid Leave, if City Administrator Chris files new charges against him, until a decision is reached in Reuben’s employment hearing. Details are outlined below.

In January 2021, during one of Beacon’s heaviest snowfall seasons, during the height of the snow plowing season, during the economic crush of the pandemic, Reuben was placed on unpaid leave by Beacon’s new City Administrator, Chris White. Prior to this cut in pay and ability to complete job duties, Reuben, who is mixed-race and identifies as Black, began speaking out about his employment experience with the City of Beacon in 2020, during a Speak Out Open Mic Session after one of the first racial awareness peaceful protests in Beacon. Months later, his pay was cut, his seasonal overtime earnings opportunity missed, and his Employee Discipline hearings began.

ALBB saw the charges against Reuben made by the City of Beacon to justify their alternating Unpaid and Paid Leave statuses, and read the employment letter written by City Administrator Chris, instructing Reuben that he could choose between 3 options:

• voluntarily resign on his own

• sign a last chance agreement with with a pre-signed resignation

• go through the hearing process

Reuben opted for the hearing process. City Administrator Chris instructed Reuben not to communicate with any city employees or go onto any city-owned property during work day hours. The charges were numerous and included items like: “At the corner of X and Y, Reuben did not do his work.” The worst of the charges, that ALBB has seen, is a vehicle collision at the Transfer Station, where Reuben hit a vehicle. While informing his supervisor, Michael Manzi, of the accident, curse words ensued. Using curse words, ALBB is told by Reuben, is a common linguistic form of communication in the department, and was not unusual. ALBB intends to submit a FOIL to the City of Beacon to see if other collisions have happened, either to cars, or to City-owned buildings like the new Highway Garage, and if those employees were treated the same way. It is unconfirmed at this time if collisions happen by employees, and are ever encouraged not to report a collision of any kind for any reason.

The letter placing Reuben on unpaid leave stated that it was for 30 days. At that point, paid-leave would resume, and it did. Then in June 2021, around the time of Juneteenth, another act of unpaid leave was enacted. Reuben continues to be on paid leave, unless new charges from the past are delivered to him, and then another period of unpaid leave is enacted. Meanwhile, he opted not to resign and defends himself in disciplinary hearings pursued by the City of Beacon.

Reuben grew up in Beacon, was a coach for the Beacon Bears, is the founder of I Am Beacon, and has been involved in numerous other volunteer and leadership positions in the community.

ALBB Attended Employee Disciplinary Hearing As An Observer

A Little Beacon Blog had been invited into the Employee Disciplinary Hearing by Reuben weeks prior, and was sent the Zoom invitation by the Arbitrator Jay shortly thereafter. The intent was to attend as an observer. The observation was for a short time, but some information was learned about the hearing process. Before being asked to leave the call at the City of Beacon’s objection, each attorney debated about whether or not the case was open to the public or not. Ultimately, the City of Beacon said that they wanted no reporters or bloggers attending the hearing. Additionally, no transcripts or recordings were created for the 9 hearings so far in this case.

During the beginning of the call, while everyone was arriving, turning on screens and muting or un-muting, the Arbitrator Jay and Reuben’s Attorney Bill engaged in small-talk, using the meeting to catch up. They discussed whether either of them had received a transcript for an unrelated case yet, to which, they said had not. After everyone was situated, the hearing began.

Arbitrator Jay told everyone that witness who were there to testify would be excluded from the room until they were called as a witness.

Reuben’s Attorney Bill stated that Reuben had wanted certain people to view the proceedings, stating “Mr. Simmons had wanted certain people who wanted to view the proceeding…He had made an application of certain members of the public to view his disciplinary matter.”

Arbitrator Jay, who emailed the Zoom invitation to attend the meeting, stated that he would like to know who the observers were, and asked if the City knew, and if the City had objection. Reuben responded: “The only one who I see on is Katie, a blogger who follows a lot going on in the city.”

The arbitrator noted that everyone else in the hearing had been present prior. The City’s attorney Lance mentioned Executive Session, and then continued, saying: “If this was an open hearing, it needed to be an open hearing from the beginning. Not when Mr. Simmons wanted it to be. You have ruled on that already. I don't see a need to go back to that. The City made its case. No reporters, bloggers, etc. If Mr. Simmons wanted it open to the public, his lawyer knows that...After 9 days of hearing....9 days worth of testimony....9 days worth of testimony that people have not been able to hear. He does not have that opportunity to do that now.”

Reuben’s attorney Bill responded: “That is not my recollection of the first day of proceeding. My recollection is that Rueben had indicated a desire for this to be an open hearing… I remember we did bring this up at the beginning of the proceedings.”

The City of Beacon’s attorney Lance responded: “People have been excluded because Mr. Simmons did not want it open to everyone. You've already excluded several individuals open to everyone. Mr. Simmons didn't want it open to everyone. This is nothing new.”

Arbitrator Jay intervened: “Obviously we don't have the benefit of the transcript [to] parse my words on the record. While we may not have a way to address this,” he continued, and then mentioned “clearing a transcript” that was never produced. He continued that he had concerns opening the hearing in a public way. “We have had 8 hearing days...It is prejudicial and problematic to suddenly open this up. When 2/3rds of the case has been completed.” He closed by asking Ms. Hellmuth (me) “to go off of this meeting.”

After leaving the hearing, I emailed Arbitrator Jay to ask him if it was unusual for the entire hearing - all 9 days of argument and testimony - not to have been recorded or to have had transcripts provided to capture the written word by a stenographer. He answered: "It is not my practice to ever comment on anything about cases I’m in the middle of or have decided so I cannot answer any of your questions about this case. I will only generally address your question about transcripts and/or recordings for labor arbitration proceedings. While parties sometimes spend the money for stenographers and transcripts, a great majority of the labor arbitration cases I’ve conducted over my 16 years serving as a labor arbitrator have not been recorded in any manner. Parties typically take their own notes to record what witnesses are saying and the arbitrator takes his or her own notes to utilize during deliberations."

In following up with Reuben to ask if he did request for the hearing to be open, he responded: “I have asked to make it public from the beginning. I was in favor of everybody and anybody wanting to observe from the start. That’s what ‘open to the public’ means.”