Those who have school-age children and enjoy making predictions on when there will be a snow day closure may have taken particular satisfaction in this Friday Snow Day (two weeks ago Thursday was a snow day as well). Yesterday (Thursday) was predicted to rain all day, with temperatures dropping overnight, leading to pelting freezing rain for the entire Friday. The Beacon City School District (BCSD) called the snow day Thursday evening, with a reminder Friday morning.
Horrors! Ice froze trash cans shut. Parked cars were sealed in a shell of ice.
Beacon was covered in ice. No school bus would be out in it. Dutchess County public transportation was running, and Beacon’s Post Office workers were once again out in their snow gear delivering the mail by hand. All Sport in Fishkill announced a delayed opening, and then an early closure. The Family Justice Center in Newburgh announced a delayed opening for 11am, and then gave up and told employees to work remote.
Anyone who didn’t get their piles of snow from the street or corners saw it frozen back into place as the sleet covered it in freeze mode. Central Hudson kept customers informed by email, Twitter and Instagram, showing footage of iced-over trees completely falling over under the weight of the ice, snapping power lines as they went.
According to Central Hudson: “Locally, as of 8:30 a.m. on Friday, approximately 31,000 Central Hudson customers were without power with the majority of outages located in Ulster County. With sleet, freezing rain and wintry weather are expected to continue into the afternoon, additional outages are expected to occur during the day. Restoration activities are expected to extend into Saturday and possibly Sunday.”
This number rose to 50,550 homes without power by the afternoon. ALBB’s own Program Manager, Teslie Andrade, was without power in Newburgh until 4:30pm. Mutual aid was requested from Indiana, northern Pennsylvania and upstate New York to arrive to assist, with more possibly on the way. In total, Central Hudson expects to have a field force of more than 400 line and tree professionals.
With freezing conditions, pipes in homes are bound to freeze and then could burst, causing a big, expensive mess. People are encouraged to drip their faucets if they lose power, run out of oil to heat their homes, or generally risk an area being too cold to insulate the pipes.
Because it’s Black History Month every day, A Little Beacon Blog has added 3 new Black Owned Businesses to our Business Directory! Max’s Beacon Fade and Shave across from Key Food; the hyper to detail auto detailing service Speechless New York; and the paint event destination Zhane’s Palette currently mobile and in the Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory.
For a good dose of entrepreneurial history, read out the building featured in our Black Owned Businesses logo Perry Cross for Hyacinth Marketing Group . Enjoy!
Beacon Fade & Shave Barbershop
Owned by Max, this barbershop across from Keyfood is friendly for walk-ins for a fade or haircut for kids and adults. You may see Max’s young family in there with him as locals line the chairs, waiting their turn. Notice the art on the walls, as is part of Max’s collection. If you play the guitar, you may feel inclined to strum one in the corner.
Zhane’s Palette
“Join us as we continue to Celebrate everything with PAINT virtually and on location. We happily host Birthday Parties for (All Ages), Date Night, Girls Night, Company Events, Social Organizations, Sorority Events, Fundraisers or a private session just for YOU. At Zhane's Palette, its always your ART, your PARTY & your FUN!”
Speechless New York
“Speechless New York is a locally owned and operated business located in Dutchess County, NY. Like most entrepreneurs, they offer many things! Mainly, they are know the most for their impecable car detailing. With over 20 years in the business, working directly with the largest names in the auto industry. Our work is well known to many of the locals. We offer Auto Detailing & Restoration packages to fit ALL budgets.”
Press Release From the Dutchess County Transportation Council ALBB Editor’s Note: Formatting has been added for ease of reading.
Mr. Mark Debald Transportation Program Administrator 845.486.3600
The Dutchess County Transportation Council (DCTC) is pleased to announce it has opened a 30-day public comment period for its Draft Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP): the DCTC’s annual work plan that identifies the federally funded planning activities it will undertake for the upcoming State Fiscal Year.
The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) includes:
descriptions of planning tasks and resulting products
a schedule for completing tasks
the cost of the work
funding sources and the organizations working on each task.
For the new program, the Dutchess County Transportation Council (DCTC) will start several new studies to include a vulnerability (resiliency) assessment of the transportation system and local pedestrian planning studies in Dover, Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck.
The Dutchess County Transportation Council (DCTC) will also work on a new capital program (Transportation Improvement Program-TIP) to allocate federal highway and transit funding for state, county and local projects throughout the county. The majority of funding for these tasks will come from federal sources.
How To Comment And Participate
Comments are welcome through February 28, 2022 and can be submitted by email to dctc@dutchessny.gov, by phone at (845) 486-3600 or by mail to DCTC, 85 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 107, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Please visit the DCTC website for more information: www.dutchessny.gov/dctc.
About The DCTC
Established in 1982, the DCTC serves as the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Dutchess County. Federal regulations require that Urbanized Areas (U.S. Census defined metropolitan areas with over 50,000 people) be represented by a MPO, which is responsible for ensuring that Federal highway and transit funds are committed through a locally driven, comprehensive planning process. The DCTC includes representatives from local municipalities, the New York State Department of Transportation, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Beacon! Before you think of not venturing out tomorrow because of the forecasted blizzard, just remember that our retail friends are very good at shoveling out and clearing sidewalks so that you can come. Pro Tip: You may want to walk everywhere because it's easier, so get your snow boots on! Parking will be...why. Just walk! If you can walk. Anyone who has lived at one time in NYC will know that we walk everywhere. Wheelchair riders will need help, so reach out to friends in need.
For those Beacon locals who have cars and driveways: a reminder to not park your car on the street. The plow trucks need to barrel through to clear streets. And it's a Beacon rule that when there is more than 2" of snow, you can't park on the street. You can park in the free municipal lots, which do have new signage so that you can find them better. You will need to dig your car out and move your car within a period of time.
SNOW SHOVELING TIPS:
Don't Put Street Snow On Sidewalk: If your car is parked in the street and you need to dig it out, don't shovel the snow onto the sidewalk. Your neighbor will be clearing the sidewalk.
Citations: At a recent City Council Meeting, the current City Administrator told residents to shovel their sidewalks within a time-frame, as the city might be coming out to issue citations. Not clear on who that personnel would be, since they are so busy plowing the streets, inspecting buildings, and doing new speed traffic duty, but he's taking notice.
Elderly: Offer to help your elderly neighbors. Even the neighbors who don't seem elderly, but really are 65 and could use your sprightly energy!
Cold Weather: If you don't shovel all of the way, the snow might turn to slush and then freeze, like it did for Beacon's first real snowfall for 2022. Then you are stuck with mounds of ice. So frustrating.
Reward Yourself: With hot chocolate from Beacon Bread, wine, chocolate cake, a fresh candle from Beacon Mercantile, anything. Shoveling is a lot of work!
THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Book an Event Promotion Advertising spot here.
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,
Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade and Katie Hellmuth Martin
SAVE THE DATE: Poughkeepsie Day School Virtual Admissions Day: Wednesday, February 16, 2022
To register or express interest, visit poughkeepsieday.org and click inquire.
Poughkeepsie Day School is an independent school that has been a valued part of the Hudson Valley educational landscape since its founding in 1934. The school teaches an unparalleled inquiry-based curriculum that strives to create compassionate citizens. Poughkeepsie Day School is a Sponsor, thank you!
So many of you want to know which restaurants are open on Mondays!
So ALBB enhanced our Restaurant Guide to show you. See it here >
TWO WAY BREWING COMPANY
18 West Main St.
Rich and strong, the Darkness Squared is a full value coffee stout! Tantalizing aromas of chocolate covered coffee beans introduce complex flavors of roasted malt and caramel. A dash of oats lends a smooth creaminess, and the whole thing wraps up with a surprisingly clean finish for a stout of this magnitude. A respectable seven and a half percent alcohol by volume will keep you warm while a generous dose of coffee provided by friends at Bank Square Coffeehouse will keep you going. Though warmer weather is surely on its way, there is still time to take solace in the cold and darkness squared before then. Stop in and give it a try! See Trivia Schedule here > See beers on tap here > PS: TMcCann Band will be performing every second Sunday of the month at the brewery from 4-7pm. 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
Go on & get your Phat Thai NOODLES from Eat Church! Insider tip - order two, one for the car ride home (no one needs to know) and one for home! Eat Church goods are so fresh & delicious that they're only available while supplies last (go quick!) You can also visit their website for Weekly Menu/Specials >
Find Eat Church at more places (please note, for the month of January, Eat Church is operating with limited hours).
Fridays 3pm - 9pm
Saturdays 12pm - 9pm
at Industrial Arts Brewing
DAILY GrabnGo at Marbled Meat Shop in Coldspring Website >
Eat Church is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193 Main St.
Happy Friday! It’s already feeling like the weekend & BBC is ready to serve up all this chicken & waffle deliciousness with house-made sausage gravy + poached egg all weekend long! Give them a call or order online for pick-up! PS if you haven't tried chicken & waffles - don't knock it till ya try it! It is unbelievably delicious! Or you can try all of this deliciousness too > You can never go wrong at BBC! Menu > Order Pick Up or Delivery > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Order MOD for pick-up/take-out this weekend and snuggle up while you eat this deliciousness! So many burger options (other options too) and don't forget to snag the fries to go with it! PS Meyers is looking for a full time bartender to join their wonderful team! Please reach out to us at brian@meyersoldedutch.com if you're interested. 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!
HOMESPUN
232 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Homespun is officially back open! With a larger hood in the kitchen, which allows the crew to work with a grill and a deep fryer for the first time. Check out the new menu items like this grilled broccolini with Whipped Herb Feta, Romesco, Arugula,
on Focaccia! Follow @homespunfoods for more updates! Read the latest blog post with Hudson Valley Brewery here > OPEN HOURS:
Thursday - Monday, 10am - 7pm Order Food > Homespun is a Sponsor, thank you!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Have you trie El Nica yet?! Delicious Nicaraguan Food served at the HV Food Hall. No excuse if it's cold because El Nica is now offering delivery!
Stop in & check out the amazing foodies! Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters Ciao Chow - Hand made pasta and fried rice Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Truth is, it always feels warm & sunny inside baja! Stop in for delicious tacos with over 15 different flavors all made with fresh ingredients. Add on a delicious & refreshing drink! OR order pick-up/take-out. Baja also offers catering so you can order & stock up because why wouldn't you want to do that?! PS: Different specials every week! You don't wanna miss out. See some examples here > PPS: 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.
Chase away those wintery blues with a bowl of Ziatun's Addas soup! This creamy, vegan red lentil soup is the perfect pick-me-up on a chilly, slushy day. Available for dine-in or take-out! PS you need to try the falafel burger - Made-to-order falafel, cucumber, tomato, house-pickled turnips with tahini on a Beacon Bread Company vegan brioche bun. Add on the za'atar fries - trust us! Menu > Order Online > HOURS
Monday + Thursday-Saturday 11 am-9pm
Tuesday + Wednesday 11 am-4pm
Sunday 11am-8pm Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon "An invitation: move through, along here in between where science and history face biography, and mythology faces philosophy, and all this facing is a variety of invitations, a relating to, rather than a distinguishing from. In that way, you are the conduit." Stop into Binnacle for a new and exciting winter read! So many hidden gems. Ask for some recommendations! Binnacle is always happy to help. Binnacle is *Open daily!
Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!
BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon
These are the ones. The snow brushes you need for your car. If you have more than one car, you need a brush in each car. The best, however, is that yellow scraper in the bottom row. ALBB cannot recommend this scraper enough. It's got a foam edge, so doesn't scratch your car, but scoops the snow off. 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
Eye Exams available on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s, Friday’s & Saturday’s over at Luxe! Give them a call at 845-838-2020 to schedule an appointment with their doctors for the BEST Eye Exam in the Hudson Valley! Luxe makes your vision and the overall health of your eyes their number one priority. PS: Appts required for exams. PPS *NEW HOURS
Monday 10 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Closed on Sundays! They've gone shopping! Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS
470 Main Street, Beacon
Just when you think you can't look cute in this kind of weather……Hahahahha!! La Mere's fingerless ‘shroom gloves are coming in hot! Snag ‘em up fast because we know they won’t last. All the clothing + accessories you want/need here!
*New Arrivals Weekly / Free Shipping
Download their free app in the iTunes Store PS: Everything is under $100!! PPS: MENS clothing now available!
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY New Website Alert!
Yanarella has been guiding and instructing students since 1957- over 60 years ago! Since the day they opened their doors, their philosophy has been “every child should have the same opportunity to dance, regardless of talent or ability. There is no can’t in dance. There’s only a C-A-N.”
The classes are inclusive and wardrobe is flexible. Even if a a child doesn't have ballet slippers, they can still come. Chances are, if you felt compelled to sponsor a shoe, Yanarella could guide you in the right direction of what sizes might be needed!
Visit Yanarella Dance online. Yanarella is a Sponsor, thank you!
ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
We cannot believe it has been FOUR years since Antalek & Moore 's ribbon cutting celebrating their executive partners, Susan Pagones and Vince Lemma! Check out Antalek & Moore TODAY to see how they can help you! Request a quote on their website and a member of their team will contact you to learn more about your insurance needs. 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 trains and empowers business owners, makers, artists and staff members in how to get the word out about their business. Be it a non-profit, special project, or even a major call to action, Tin Shingle’s training and community support gets people doing just that - on their own. Tin Shingle puts the power of PR, Social Media, SEO, and design theory directly into the hands of business owners, makers and artists by way of a flexible Media Kit Membership subscription membership program that includes education, training, directories, media research lists and editorial calendars. Find out more about Tin Shingle & how we can help you & your biz! Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
Do you have your sleds? Because Brett's has some extra ones if you still need to buy some plastic to fly down the snow. Stop into Mountain Tops and the Last Outpost Store for some outdoor gear to keep you warm as you enjoy yourself in the cold weather. Visit A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide for more shopping ideas you may not have known existed in Beacon!
Winter and Spring Sports are in full swing, and A Little Beacon Blog is opening sponsorship of our Kids Sports Guide to make it happen. If you'd like to get your brand in front of parents and caregivers, this is a great place to start!
The Summer Camp Guide is also open for sponsorship now, so get in early so that you can slide onto the family's summer schedule.
Have a blessed Friday and sunny weekend!
THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Book an Event Promotion Advertising spot here.
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,
Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade and Katie Hellmuth Martin
Martin Luther King Books In Beacon's Public Library Days: Everyday
With voting rights in the news - and not leaving any time soon as different states create different laws - now is an important time to learn about what Dr. Martin Luther King was saying in his speeches, to learn about that time, to see how this time is similar. Says the Beacon Public Library: "The library has over 100 titles available via Hoopla* to learn more about the inspirational life of Dr. King. The collection has something for all ages; children’s books, biographies, comics, audiobooks and movies. There are 12 films including the documentaries, “King: A Filmed Record” (1970) and “I am MLK Jr.” (2018). You can even listen to speeches and audiobooks read by Dr. King.
*You can borrow up to four titles per month with Hoopla and your library card.
If you don’t have a library card, you can sign up for one online today and get instant access. Start Browsing >
Poughkeepsie Day School Virtual Admissions Days: January 22 & January 25
To register or express interest, visit poughkeepsieday.org and click inquire.
Poughkeepsie Day School is an independent school that has been a valued part of the Hudson Valley educational landscape since its founding in 1934. The school teaches an unparalleled inquiry-based curriculum that strives to create compassionate citizens. Poughkeepsie Day School is a Sponsor, thank you!
The Bannerman Island Gallery Fine Art Holiday Exhibition
Day: Now - Sunday, January 30, 2022 Time: 4pm - 6pm Location: Bannerman Island Gallery, 150 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508
Paintings, watercolors, prints, photographs, and hanging mixed media works will decorate the walls - while ceramics, sculpture and other artistic gift items will fill out the gallery. Many of the works will be Hudson River Valley themed. Visitors to the gallery can expect to see representational landscapes, florals, interiors and still-life works - as well as other works from the imagination. Functional and whimsical ceramics and other gift items will also be featured. All works will be for sale and all proceeds from sales will benefit on-going restoration work on historic Bannerman’s Island. Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 noon – 5:00pm and most weekday afternoons and early evenings by chance or appointment by calling 845-416-8342.
Shake away the Monday blues! We created a list of restaurants in Beacon that are open on Mondays. See it here >
TWO WAY BREWING COMPANY
18 West Main St.
Popcorn is back at Two Way! Grab a beer and some popcorn. Good food from The Flying Jib (see their foodie pictures here!). Games too! See Trivia Schedule here > See beers on tap here > PS: TMcCann Band will be performing every second Sunday of the month at the brewery from 4-7pm. 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
Cold sesame noodles available TO GO from Eat Church! Pick up at The Beacon Pantry in Beacon or at Marbled Meat Shop in Coldspring! Eat Church goods are so fresh & delicious that they're only available while supplies last (go quick!) You can also visit their website for Weekly Menu/Specials >
Find Eat Church at more places (please note, for the month of January, Eat Church is operating with limited hours).
Fridays 3pm - 9pm
Saturdays 12pm - 9pm
at Industrial Arts Brewing
DAILY GrabnGo at Marbled Meat Shop in Coldspring Website >
Eat Church is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193 Main St.
Happy Weekend! Head on over to BBC for fresh brioche & vegan rolls (including a few that are everything seasoned!) Might want to stock up on this deliciousness! There is even some *new* *socially-distant* cafe seating in the bakery so you can enjoy a quick latte and treat while you stop in! And get the BEC on a cheddar-jalapeno biscuit while you're at it! Too many good options! Menu > Order Pick Up or Delivery > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Meyers is looking for a full time bartender to join their wonderful team! Please reach out to us at brian@meyersoldedutch.com if you're interested. Work here & that means you can have quick access to the infamous Double Dutch at all times! Oh & the most crispy & tasty fries ever! 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!
HOMESPUN
232 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Homespun is officially back open! With a larger hood in the kitchen, which allows the crew to work with a grill and a deep fryer for the first time. We're so excited & happy for Homespun! Check out the new menu items & follow @homespunfoods for more updates! Read the latest blog post with Hudson Valley Brewery here > OPEN HOURS:
Thursday - Monday, 10am - 7pm Order Food > Homespun is a Sponsor, thank you!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Hudson Valley Food Hall has a new vendor! Ciao Chow - hand made pasta and fried rice! Swing by this weekend & get some fresh handmade goods!
Stop in & check out the amazing foodies! Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters Ciao Chow - Hand made pasta and fried rice Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
It's cold & you deserve a break sometimes! Luckily, Baja has your back with delicious pick-up/take-out AND catering! Call and order for some of their award winning food! Baja has 15 different taco flavors all made with fresh ingredients. All options can be served as street tacos too! If tacos aren't your thing, quesadillas & main plates are available as well as amazing appetizers! PS: Order for pick-up! PPS: 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.
Ziatun has your weekend plans covered! Stop by for delicious Middle Eastern dishes, including the (almost famous) Futur Sampler! A tray of their house hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, and MORE, this entirely plant-based starter is perfect for sharing with a friend or for enjoying as a meal by yourself (no judging here at all!) Also available for take-out and delivery! Menu > Order Online > HOURS
Monday + Thursday-Saturday 11 am-9pm
Tuesday + Wednesday 11 am-4pm
Sunday 11am-8pm Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon Kenesha Sneed, “Many Shapes of Clay: A Story of Healing” from Binnacle!
“Eisha lives with her mother, a ceramic artist, who helps her make a special shape out of a piece of clay. The shape reminds Eisha of her father, of the ocean, of a lemon. As Eisha goes through her neighborhood doing errands with her mother, the piece of clay hardens and then shatters into pieces when Eisha taps it. In poignant and powerful words and pictures, Kenesha Sneed shows how Eisha learns to live with the sense of loss and of the joyful power of making something new out of what is left behind. Illustrated with Sneed’s bold colors, graphic lines, and gestural textures, the book celebrates diversity and shares a gentle message that we all have the ability to heal and create.” Binnacle is *Open daily!
Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!
BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon
Baby, it's cold outside! Stop that draft from sweeping in under the door! Brett's can help. Stop in for their selection of door stoppers. 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
The Leisure Society Adamson Tortoise 12k Sunglasses went QUICK! New arrivals do tend to fly out of Luxe's doors fast because they're so good! So, make an appt with an optometrist to find the best glasses for you and treat yourself to the most amazing winter sunglasses. Luxe makes your vision and the overall health of your eyes their number one priority. PS: Appts required for exams. PPS *NEW HOURS
Monday 10 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Closed on Sundays! They've gone shopping! Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS
470 Main Street, Beacon
Our opinion? There’s no such thing as too many layers! Slip on La Mere's Side Button Sweater Vest over your favorite blouse. Only $62.90 and available online and in store now! Snag the goods + accessories too. We're eyeing the plaid bag to the left - looks like a goodie! All the clothing + accessories you want/need here!
*New Arrivals Weekly / Free Shipping
Download their free app in the iTunes Store PS: Everything is under $100!! PPS: MENS clothing now available!
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY New Website Alert!
Yanarella has been guiding and instructing students since 1957- over 60 years ago! Since the day they opened their doors, their philosophy has been “every child should have the same opportunity to dance, regardless of talent or ability. There is no can’t in dance. There’s only a C-A-N.”
Yanarella's year begins in December and runs all year until their recital in November. They offer classes in a variety of levels and styles. In addition to their full year schedule, they offer shortened Introductory Courses and Summer Camps.
Their facility 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 and multiple air purifiers throughout the studio.
A pillar in the community, Yanarella performs and participates at various functions in Beacon and the greater Hudson Valley area throughout the year, including Beacon’s St. Patrick, Memorial Day and Spirit of Beacon Day parades- just to name a few. Their studio also attends various workshops and competitions throughout the year, which are open to students that meet the studio’s requirements. There’s a reason Yanarella has been around so long- GO on in and find out!
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle trains and empowers business owners, makers, artists and staff members in how to get the word out about their business. Be it a non-profit, special project, or even a major call to action, Tin Shingle’s training and community support gets people doing just that - on their own. Tin Shingle puts the power of PR, Social Media, SEO, and design theory directly into the hands of business owners, makers and artists by way of a flexible Media Kit Membership subscription membership program that includes education, training, directories, media research lists and editorial calendars. Find out more about Tin Shingle & how we can help you & your biz! Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Pairing great writing, content and design for an experience that means something to people, and that is one of the things that makes Katie James, Inc. different from other design boutiques. PS - new year, new website! Let us know how we can help! Find out more > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you!
HIRING: Homespun Foods Is Looking For A Lead Server To Join Their Growing Team Details >
HIRING: Maintenance & Packaging Manager At Industrial Arts Brewing Details >
HIRING: Beacon City School District Food Service Department Is Looking For Substitute Food Service Helpers Details >
The basketball program, All City-Wide Basketball League (ACWBL) has grown in popularity since renaming this past year. Their championship is January 23, 2022, and new registration opens for the next season. Photo Credit: All City-Wide Basketball League
From the desk of Ali T. Muhammad, who has been co-running basketball and other youth programming at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, and Executive Director Nancy Proyect, the following press release shares details of an upcoming youth basketball championship and new season registration opportunity:
The Newburgh Armory Unity Center will hold its All City-Wide Basketball League (ACWBL) championship on Sunday, January 23rd, beginning at 11 AM.
Photo Credit: All City-Wide Basektball League
The ACWBL is co-ed and includes two divisions – one for youth aged 9-11 and for children aged 11-13. The League is part of the Newburgh Armory Unity Center’s athletic and academic programming and is free of all costs to families.
In 2021, Mr. Harold Rayford, a lifelong resident of Newburgh and a well-respected basketball coach, leads the new basketball league. His volunteer coaches brought their talents and longstanding basketball knowledge, experience, and insight to the Newburgh Armory Unity Center.
Since this program’s inception, the Newburgh Armory Unity Center’s Saturday Morning Enrichment Program has seen an uptick in enrollment and increased diversity within all programming. “We decided to name the new League ‘All City-Wide’ so people from throughout Newburgh would recognize they are all welcome at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, no matter who they are and on what side of Newburgh they live,” said Coach Rayford. “I’m thrilled to say it’s worked. We have people from all over the area and from different ethnicities in the League.”
Mr. William Kaplan, Newburgh Armory Unity Center Founder and Chairman of the Board, said he is thrilled to join the new league a full line up of athletic and academic programming. “Having a seasoned coach and living legend like Coach Rayford at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center provides our youth with a dedicated team that can uniquely assist in improving the skills and lives of young athletes in Newburgh.” Mr. Kaplan added that the new basketball league feeds directly into the Newburgh Armory Unity Center’s goal of serving as a community center. “When I opened the Unity Center eleven years ago, my vision was to create a safe place for the youth of Newburgh to play basketball. Since inception, we’ve grown into a premier educational enrichment center, and it’s wonderful to be able to fulfill this original mission.”
New Winter Registration Opportunity
Following this weekend’s championship, Coach Rayford will hold registration and tryouts for the Newburgh Armory Unity Center’s ACWBL Winter Basketball League for 9-13-year-old youth beginning in mid-February. For dates and times, please visit the Newburgh Armory Unity Center’s website at www.newburgharmory.org or the Newburgh Armory Unity Center’s Facebook page and Instagram account, or call 845-245-4035 or email Program Registration contact Diana Bernal at DBernal@newburgharmory.org
About The Newburgh Armory
The Newburgh Armory Unity Center (NAUC) has been changing young lives since 2010. Using the concept of learning through play, the NAUC provides free educational programming from literacy classes to career path exploration, all aimed at ending poverty and eliminating the need for educational remediation. During the Unity Center’s signature Saturday Morning Enrichment Program, children in pre-k through sixth grade participate in reading, writing, math, engineering, natural science, computer science, and the arts to develop the scholastic ability, life skills, and emotional intelligence. After-school programs offer additional opportunities for educational enrichment. The NAUC also offers sports programming to provide skills and increase development, as well as to introduce leadership skills and team building. NAUC operates 52 weeks per year to ensure that children and their families always have a place to learn, enjoy themselves, and be a part of a community.
“I have heard employee concerns about discrimination, inequality, and growing tensions,” Gina stated in her printed presentation. “We need to address these issues head-on, and policies and procedures are only the beginning. We need a long-term plan on how to address these issues.””
During her first public presentation to the City Council on December 14, 2020, Gina mentioned “many discussions with our employees about how they feel about working for the City,” ALBB reported at the time. At that time, she also met with the community group Beacon4Black Lives.
After holding a Meet and Greet with all department heads individually, she scheduled a Meet and Greet with the Fire Department, which needed to be rescheduled due to COVID-19-related issues. Gina held a Meet and Greet with the Highway Department, which is where she began her focus to discover overall themes employees experience when working for the City.
“Lack of clarity in intra-departmental policies and inconsistency.”
Gina confirmed: “I have heard employee concerns about discrimination, inequality, and growing tensions,” Gina stated in her printed presentation. “We need to address these issues head-on, and policies and procedures are only the beginning. We need a long-term plan on how to address these issues.”
A few of Gina’s next public steps were to introduce new policies that the City of Beacon had not had before, including a Firearms Policy, Domestic Violence Policy and Diversity and Inclusion Policy. While some City Councilmembers expressed surprise that anyone would bring a firearm to work, they assumed it occurred in the police department. However, there has been an unreported instance of an employee casually bringing a firearm to work in another department, during a time of increased employment tension.
Gina has accepted the position of Talent Acquisition Manager at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. Gina had also served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Town of Hyde Park, according to her LinkedIn.
In 2021, the City of Beacon paid $50,452 of admin leave to Reuben Simmons, an employee with the Highway Department who is of mixed race and identifies as Black. ALBB has confirmed this amount with Reuben when we asked if he would make public his payments from the city for 2021. This is as per union rules as Reuben understands them, when an employee is presented with a discipline, the City can give up to 30 days suspension without pay, after which the employee is placed back on payroll while the process continues. Reuben has been served with 2 disciplines totaling 60 days over a course of at least 8 hearings with the City and their attorneys.
Reuben has worked for the City of Beacon in the Highway Department since 2002, where he started in the Summer Help position. He worked his way up to Laborer, then Maintenance Worker. During that time, he was appointed Union President for the City of Beacon CSEA Local 814 Unit 6662.
In 2017, Reuben was appointed Highway Superintendent, the lead position in that department, by then Mayor Randy Casale, with the support of then City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero. In 2018, Dutchess County reached out to the City of Beacon to let the City know that the job title was incorrect, and that Superintendent of Streets was the proper title, but required a different Civil Service exam to qualify for the position. Fellow employee Michael “Micki” Manzi qualified for the test, and replaced Reuben as Superintendent of Streets. All of the people mentioned here except Reuben are white. To this day, the job title is stated on the City of Beacon’s website as Highway Superintendent.
During this transition under the management of then City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero, Reuben was not given the opportunity to take the required Civil Service exam in order to accept or maintain his job position of Highway Superintendent. Extending this opportunity to someone in an existing role is not unheard of in the City of Beacon. Listen to Reuben tell it in his own words on the “Wait, What Is That?” podcast.
For example: at the 5/17/2021 City Council Meeting, current City Administrator Chris White announced that longtime Water Department employee Ed Balicki, who is white, would become Superintendent of Water and Sewers. “We are moving Ed to the proper title,” explained City Administrator White to the City Council at that meeting. “Ed will have to take a Civil Service Exam…We don't think there will be any issue.” Ed passed the exam, and was re-titled.
In Reuben’s case, he was stripped of his title, and demoted back down to Maintenance Worker, then promoted to Working Supervisor, and demoted to Maintenance Worker within a 2 year period. During the first week of January 2021, he was placed on his first round of unpaid leave, and the order of City Administrator Chris, accompanied by a stack of charges against him signed by City Administrator Chris, which ALBB did see documentation of. These charges amounted to lists of generalities of what intersections Reuben was accused of not doing work, returning late from lunch, and an auto accident that Reuben reported to his supervisor Michael Manzi by way of announcing it on the Highway Department radio, and again in a later discussion, according to Reuben.
Auto accidents are not uncommon in the Highway Department, or other departments within the City of Beacon where vehicles are driving by city employees. What is not disclosed by the City of Beacon is when these auto accidents happen, and if they are reported. For example, the public is not informed of when the new Highway Garage gets a dent in a garage door,, for instance, or if an employee did get into a fender bender, and if that incident got reported or not. Additionally, the public is not regularly informed when an employee resigns or is fired, but the public is informed of each new hire when that employee is presented to the City Council the night of a vote to hire them.
Recently, two employees of the administration resigned, which were announced during City Council Meetings: Beacon’s first HR Director, Gina Basile, who left after a year and seven months on the job, according to her LinkedIn, and the Mayor’s Assistant, Collin Milone.
The City of Beacon has hosted at least 8 hearings against Reuben in 2021, which involve the city’s labor attorney and an arbitrator. During the 8th meeting, the City of Beacon actively closed the meeting to the media, by requesting that ALBB leave the call (ALBB was sent an invite to the hearing via Zoom by the arbitrator at Reuben’s request). The city attorney stated that the meeting was closed, and that Reuben had wanted it closed. Reuben denied that, stating that he wanted the hearings open to the public from the beginning, and then stated it again in an article on ALBB.
During this time, In 2021 alone, the City of Beacon under the direction of City Administrator Chris has made two transfers to cover unplanned costs from unrelated areas of the budget to another area of the budget called “Employee Discipline,” bringing that unbudgeted total to over $110,000.
Reuben was put on unpaid leave in January 2021 for a 30 day period, followed by a second 30 day unpaid leave period for disciplinary reasons. The City of Beacon has not made public what those disciplinary reasons are (though ALBB has seen the first stack of the vague charges), or why they have spent so much money for a willing and able Highway Department employee to not work for over a year, during a national labor shortage. During the summer of 2021, the City of Beacon could not completely fill the 6 Summer Jobs it seasonally fills to fill its department.
While the Southern Dutchess Coalition canceled their 44th Annual MLK Birthday Celebration in Beacon, as well as the Dr. King Parade, they encourage you to keep the motivation and knowledge wheels turning by experiencing social media and movies.
We have you covered for your weekend movie marathon! Brandon Lillard, the co-host of ALBB's podcast, "Wait, What Is That?" has given his MLK movie recommendations. We have also provided you with some must-listen podcasts, and local Hudson Valley Instagrammers you should start reading and following now if you haven't already.
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Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade and Katie Hellmuth Martin
Thanks to the Dr. Martin Luther King Day Listings at the Desmond-Fish Library published by the Highlands Current in their weekly calendar!
Mediation in Our Divided Society DAY: Sunday January 16, 2022 TIME: 4 p.m. Via Crowdcast LINK:bit.ly/mlkjan16
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., Tajaé Gaynor, author of On Mediation: Creating Bonds of Tranquility in a World That Often Thrives on Calamity, will discuss mediation as a path to peaceful resolutions and civil rights. The event is being hosted by the Desmond-Fish Public Library, and trustee Erik Brown will lead the discussion. Register online.
Documentary Discussion
DAY: Monday, January 17, 2022 TIME: 7 p.m. Via Zoom LINK: butterfieldlibrary.org/calendar
This discussion will center on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Historical Perspective, which can be streamed free at kanopy.com by entering your Butterfield or Desmond-Fish library card number. Register onlin
Family Concert DAY: Monday, January 17, 2022 TIME: 7 p.m. Via Crowdcast LINK: bit.ly/mlkconcertJan17
Goldee Greene and Tom McCoy will perform songs of harmony, strife and spirit by Stevie Wonder, Bessie Smith, Eubie Blake, George Frederick Handel and others in this celebration of Dr. Kinghosted by the Desmond-Fish Public Library. Register online
The Discovery of a Masterpiece Virtual Program
Day: January 19, 2022 Time: 3-4pm Location: Virtual - Howland Public Library
Join the Curator of Collections for the Hartley Dodge Foundation, Ms. Mallory Mortillaro, as she describes discovering one of the biggest art finds in recent history. Lost to the art world since the 1930s, Ms. Mortillaro discovered an official work by Auguste Rodin. She will share her fascinating story! Ms. Mortillaro's story has been covered by such esteemed publications as the New York Times and Smithsonian Magazine. Email Adult Services Librarian, Alison Herrero, at adults@beaconlibrary.org to receive the link information to this Google Meet virtual program.
The Bannerman Island Gallery Fine Art Holiday Exhibition
Day: Now - Sunday, January 30, 2022 Time: 4pm - 6pm Location: Bannerman Island Gallery, 150 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508
Paintings, watercolors, prints, photographs, and hanging mixed media works will decorate the walls - while ceramics, sculpture and other artistic gift items will fill out the gallery. Many of the works will be Hudson River Valley themed. Visitors to the gallery can expect to see representational landscapes, florals, interiors and still-life works - as well as other works from the imagination. Functional and whimsical ceramics and other gift items will also be featured. All works will be for sale and all proceeds from sales will benefit on-going restoration work on historic Bannerman’s Island. Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 noon – 5:00pm and most weekday afternoons and early evenings by chance or appointment by calling 845-416-8342.
SAVE THE DATES! Poughkeepsie Day School Virtual Admissions Days: January 22 & January 25
To register or express interest, visit poughkeepsieday.org and click inquire.
Poughkeepsie Day School is an independent school that has been a valued part of the Hudson Valley educational landscape since its founding in 1934. The school teaches an unparalleled inquiry-based curriculum that strives to create compassionate citizens. Poughkeepsie Day School is a Sponsor, thank you!
Shake away the Monday blues! We created a list of restaurants in Beacon that are open on Mondays. See it here >
TWO WAY BREWING COMPANY
18 West Main St.
What's oyour go-to 4-pack from Two Way?! Two Way is serving pints, flights & beer to-go! Stop in this weekend for a refreshing drink & delicious food from The Flying Jib (see their foodie pictures here!). Games too! Interested in hosting a private event? See more info here > See beers on tap here > PS: TMcCann Band will be performing every second Sunday of the month at the brewery from 4-7pm. 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
Baby, it's cold outside! Warm up with delicious comforting soup from Eat Church! Soothing and made with fresh ingredients always. Eat Church has a rotating menu so everything is super fresh and you don't wanna miss out! You can also visit their website for Weekly Menu/Specials >
Find Eat Church at more places:
Fridays 3pm - 9pm & Saturdays 12pm - 9pm at Industrial Arts Brewing
DAILY GrabnGo at Marbled Meat Shop in Coldspring Website >
Eat Church is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193 Main St.
What a perfect way to reopen! With a chocolate layer cake and heartfelt cappuccino. Beacon Bread's coffee bar has everything you need/want with organic espresso and perfectly textured steamed milk. The coffee is roasted in Cold Spring by a woman-owned business. This coffee is not messing around. Also available to spruce up this drink are flavored syrups made in house to make your latte a little extra special. Need an espresso martini to pick you up? They have that too next door at WTF! Menu > Order Pick Up or Delivery > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
If there's something we can munch on alllll day long (don't judge) it's fries from MOD! Crispy & full of flavor in every single bite. Pair that with a crispy chicken sandwich & oh baby! You've got yourself a damn good meal. 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!
HOMESPUN
232 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Homespun is taking one more week for their kitchen renovation! We heard everything went really well! Homespun will reopen next Friday, January 21st. In case you missed it last week - The new equipment is going to give their team a chance to do something special, they are adding a larger hood in the kitchen, which will allow them to work with a grill and a deep fryer at Homespun for the first time. Look for new menu items coming soon after reopening, follow @homespunfoods for updates! Read the latest blog post with Hudson Valley Brewery here > OPEN HOURS:
Thursday - Monday, 10am - 7pm Order Food > Homespun is a Sponsor, thank you!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Hudson Shawarma has you covered with delicious chicken bowls! Get a little taste of the mediterranean (located inside the HV Food Hall). Stop in & check out the amazing foodies! Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Can you ever go wrong with tacos? If the answer is yes, then you haven't tried tacos from Baja! If the answer is no, right?!?! Baja has 15 different taco flavors all made with fresh ingredients. All options can be served as street tacos too! If tacos aren't your thing, quesadillas & main plates are available as well as amazing appetizers! PS: Order for pick-up! PPS: 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.
We're not sure what's better than soup during the cold seasons. Especially when it's from Ziatun! Pair that with delicious za’atar bread and now you're feeling real warm! Ziatun is a few different soup options that are all gluten-free and an option that is vegan! Hearty & soothing. Available for dine-in and take-out and delivery via our website. Menu > Order Online > HOURS
Monday + Thursday-Saturday 11 am-9pm
Tuesday + Wednesday 11 am-4pm
Sunday 11am-8pm Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon “We Owe You Nothing: ‘Punk Planet,’ The Collected Interviews” ed. Daniel Sinker available at Binnacle Books.
“The first compilation of the riveting and provocative interviews of ‘Punk Planet’ magazine, which was founded in 1994 and charged unbowed into the new millennium. Never lapsing into hapless nostalgia, these conversations with figures as diverse as Jello Biafra, Kathleen Hanna, Noam Chomsky, Henry Rollins, Sleater-Kinney, Ian MacKaye, and many more provide a unique perspective into American punk rock and all it has inspired (and confounded). Not limited to conversations with musicians, the book includes vital interviews with political organizers, punk entrepreneurs, designers, filmmakers, writers, illustrators, and artists of many different media.”
The best reads are available at Binnacle! Binnacle is *Open daily!
Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!
BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon
Here they are...the Heat Holder Gloves! Perfect for a weekend of single digit temperatures. Did you know that it's going to be 3° on Saturday morning? Obviously you want some heat, and in bright colors so that cars can see you...as you wave to them to stop at the crosswalk! 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
It's time to grab your coats & make an appt at Luxe! Schedule an appt with an optometrist to find the best glasses for you and treat yourself to the most amazing winter sunglasses like these >. Luxe makes your vision and the overall health of your eyes their number one priority. PS: New arrivals are always arriving at Luxe! Stop in & check em out. Appts required for exams. PPS *NEW HOURS
Monday 10 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Closed on Sundays! They've gone shopping! Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS
470 Main Street, Beacon
So many fun, fresh pieces to keep you perky and cute all winter long from La Mere!
Feeling blue? Snag a sweet sweater!
Feeling tired? Grab a handmade soap!
Feeling cold? La Mere has your back with cute socks too!
All the clothing + accessories you want/need here!
*New Arrivals Weekly / Free Shipping
Download their free app in the iTunes Store PS: Everything is under $100!! PPS: MENS clothing now available!
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY New Website Alert!
It's not too late to join Yanarella for their 65th year! Registering for Kids and Adult Dance classes at Yanarella also just got easier! From registration to payment, visit Yanarella's new website to easily check out their class offerings by age and day of the week.
ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
We have already seen some snow showers here in Dutchess County, and we can only prepare for more to come. On top of practicing safe driving, it's crucial to winterize your car for the snowy and icy conditions with these tips from Antalek & Moore!
- Have your car serviced to check its battery, cooling system, and brakes
- Install winter tires and wipers
- Regularly check tire pressure
- Keep your washer fluid and gas tank full 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 trains and empowers business owners, makers, artists and staff members in how to get the word out about their business. Be it a non-profit, special project, or even a major call to action, Tin Shingle’s training and community support gets people doing just that - on their own. Tin Shingle puts the power of PR, Social Media, SEO, and design theory directly into the hands of business owners, makers and artists by way of a flexible Media Kit Membership subscription membership program that includes education, training, directories, media research lists and editorial calendars. Find out more about Tin Shingle & how we can help you & your biz! Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
FREE DELIVERY ALERT! Katie James Inc. helped Farmer Carrie of Eggberts Free Range Farm prepare for the winter market closures by building her website in Shopify. Now, anyone can order 24/7, and she delivers to your door the next day or a day after. Get your orders in now for Saturday delivery, prior to Sunday's weather. Let Katie James, Inc. design your website to improve your customer contact and sales! Find out more > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you!
HIRING: Homespun Foods Is Looking For A Lead Server To Join Their Growing Team Details >
HIRING: Maintenance & Packaging Manager At Industrial Arts Brewing Details >
HIRING: Beacon City School District Food Service Department Is Looking For Substitute Food Service Helpers Details >
It’s going to be cold out there, Beaconites. It might even be snowing! A few years ago, pre-pandemic, it was sleeting. The luck of Winter weather and disease has not been with the South Dutchess Coalition for their annual MLK Birthday Celebration and Parade, now in its 44th year. The parade and celebration that is usually inside of the Springfield Baptist Church is canceled this year, but your Dr. Martin Luther King education and inspiration continues!
A Little Beacon Blog reached out to Brandon Lillard, a founding member of I Am Beacon and my (Katie’s) co-host at ALBB’s sister podcast, “Wait, What Is That?” While Brandon is eagerly awaiting the birth of their 2nd child, he sent over his movie recommendations for your movie marathon long weekend.
Do read this article at the History Channel that covers the oppression of African American people’s right to vote, and the battle to throw that burden and gaslighting off via the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Voting Rights Act of 1965. According to the article: “After the Civil War, the 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, prohibited states from denying a male citizen the right to vote based on “race, color or previous condition of servitude.” Nevertheless, in the ensuing decades, various discriminatory practices were used to prevent African Americans, particularly those in the South, from exercising their right to vote.”
This suppression included presenting a Black voter with a literacy test, or requirement to recite parts of legislation.
Here are Brandon’s recommendations:
Selma (2014)
From Parade Magazine’s recommendation of this movie: “Ava Duvernay’s Selma was a huge success and won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture, amongst many others. The historical drama centers on King Jr. as a key figure, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the fight for suffrage, the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. But most prominently, Selma chronicles the history-altering march that was led by King.”
From HBO: “King in the Wilderness chronicles the final chapters of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, revealing a conflicted leader who faced an onslaught of criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. While the Black Power movement saw his nonviolence as weakness, and President Lyndon B. Johnson saw his anti-Vietnam War speeches as irresponsible, Dr. King’s unyielding belief in peaceful protest became a testing point for a nation on the brink of chaos.
“Dr. King’s leadership during the bus boycotts, the sit-ins and the historic Selma to Montgomery marches is now legendary, but much of what happened afterward – during the last three years of his life – is rarely discussed. It’s a time when Dr. King said his dream “turned into a nightmare.” From the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965 to his assassination in 1968, King remained unshakably committed to nonviolence in the face of an increasingly unstable country.
“The documentary debuted at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival andis directed by Peter Kunhardt (HBO’s Emmy-winning Jim: The James Foley Story). Drawing on conversations with those who knew Dr. King well, including many fellow members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), King in the Wilderness reveals stirring new perspectives on Dr. King’s character, his radical doctrine of nonviolence and his internal philosophical struggles prior to his assassination in 1968. The documentary also features archival footage, behind-the-scenes video of Dr. King’s private moments, intimate archival photographs and phone conversations recorded by President Johnson, who was both ally and adversary in King’s fight for civil rights.”
The Boy King (1986)
From Parade Magazine’s recommendation of this movie: “Directed by Billy J. Parrot, The Boy King highlights a part of King’s life that is rarely showcased: his childhood. This drama shares some of the early forms of discrimination that King encountered and how it shaped him for his future. It shows how the loving and nurturing home environment that he was cultivated in shaped his ideologies.”
Not sure how to watch this one at moment. Will inquire with library.
From Parade Magazine’s recommendation of this movie: “While we often see the men of the Civil Rights era highlighted, under the direction of Yves Simoneau, Betty and Coretta provides a depiction of the friendship between Coretta Scott King and Dr. Betty Shabazz (married to Malcom X) that developed after their husbands were assassinated. Starring Angela Bassett and Mary J. Blige as Scott King and Shabazz, respectively, this television movie showcases the inner strength and dignity of the women who were right there alongside their husbands in their fight for equality and civil rights in the Civil rights era. This movie is a tribute to these two beautiful and intelligent women, and how they continued to raise their families and fight for activism after their husband’s deaths.”
MINORITY KORNER So good! A must-listen to stay up to date on many cultural corners from different perspectives. Description of the show, by the show: “Are you easily confused by terms like cultural appropriation, cisgender, toxic masculinity, twunk, queer, black girl magic, and woke? Or maybe you’re tired of explaining terms like these and you need a community that gets you! Welcome to Minority Korner, where we take an introspective look at the world. through an intersectional lens. Join James: a queer, political, comedian, self proclaimed, sexy blerd (that’s Black Nerd) and each week he’s joined in the Korner by another fabulous minority tackling pop culture, the news, media, and history all with a little self care, and self love sprinkled throughout! It’s time to Learn, Laugh, and Play, right here at Minority Korner- because together: we’re the majority!” Listen Now >
BLACK GIRL NERDS From movies to comics to authors to finance, Black Girl Nerds is a refreshing and energetic listen that you need in your week. From the show: “Black Girl Nerds is an online publication and multimedia space that is the intersection of geek culture and Black feminism. I named this site Black Girl Nerds because the concept of Black women as geeky-dorky beings is somewhat of an anomaly. It’s against the order of things in the “Black Girl” world. We represent a wide array of diverse women who embrace all cultures and refuse to conform to the status quo.
“This community does not have an exclusionary purpose. The term “Black Girl Nerd” is not intended to be derogatory nor is it racially biased. It is a term of endearment to all women like me who have been attached to a stigma that is not an accurate representation of my personality or my idiosyncratic behaviors. This is a website for every nerdy girl that can finally come out of the closet and tell the world that they are PROUD to be who they are—no matter what anyone says, does, or think.”
Plenty of enriching Instagram accounts are at your fingertips to tap and read. Start with a few of these:
@YellowSwagger: Justice McCray, founding member of Beacon4Black Lives, Desmond-Fish Library employee, past Beacon Library Employee, and current Beacon City Council Member. “Fight for justice, even when it doesn’t serve you. Believe in love that is out of anyone’s control. And then risk everything for it.”
@AliTawfiqMuhammad: Ali Tawfiq Muhammad, past Beacon City Council Member, current resident of Newburgh. Organizer of several initiatives involving politics and youth. Co-Organizer of the march to Free Palestine in Newburgh. “Advocating for community development (CHANGE) through civic engagement since 2003 - I am a champion for human rights, serving differently on purpose.
@BLMHudsonValley: Posting news and quotes to motivate, change and grow minds.
@Beacon4BlackLives: A major change-making group that started in Beacon during the Black lives movement that started in 2020. Organizers of several marches down Main Street and open-mic story sharing sessions, which resulted in several stories being shared by Black neighbors who emerged as leaders, and even a white Beacon police officer. “B4BL is a grassroots organization dedicated to fighting violence & systemic racism against Black people in our community.”
@ToMyOldRacistEarth: Moraya Seeger DeGeare, a certified couples therapist utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy. Moraya is a grandaughter of Pete and Toshi Seeger. Pete partnered with the Southern Dutchess Coalition to begin the MLK Parade in Beacon. “It’s time we TALK about systemic issues with our kids & create ART as we do.”
The Southern Dutchess Coalition has announced their cancellation of their 44th Annual MLK Birthday Celebration in Beacon, as well as the Dr. King Parade, scheduled for January 17th. The Southern Dutchess Coalition said in a statement that new dates for both events will be announced.
The winners of the Annual Student MLK Essay Contest have been chosen, and will be announced soon, the Southern Dutchess Coalition said in their event statement. They encourage everyone to stay safe and to broaden knowledge about Dr. King through social media, movies and books.
Online MLK Events To Attend From Desmond-Fish Library
In neighboring Garrison and Cold Spring, there are online options to attend produced in partnership with the Desmond-Fish Library:
Mediation in Our Divided Society GARRISON DAY: Sunday January 16, 2022 TIME: 4 p.m. Via Crowdcast LINK: bit.ly/mlkjan16 In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., Tajaé Gaynor, author of On Mediation: Creating Bonds of Tranquility in a World That Often Thrives on Calamity, will discuss mediation as a path to peaceful resolutions and civil rights. The event is being hosted by the Desmond-Fish Public Library, and trustee Erik Brown will lead the discussion. Register online.
Documentary Discussion COLD SPRING DAY: Monday, January 17, 2022 TIME: 7 p.m. Via Zoom LINK: butterfieldlibrary.org/calendar This discussion will center on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Historical Perspective, which can be streamed free at kanopy.com by entering your Butterfield or Desmond-Fish library card number. Register onlin
Family Concert GARRISON DAY: Monday, January 17, 2022 TIME: 7 p.m. Via Crowdcast LINK: bit.ly/mlkconcertJan17 Goldee Greene and Tom McCoy will perform songs of harmony, strife and spirit by Stevie Wonder, Bessie Smith, Eubie Blake, George Frederick Handel and others in this celebration of Dr. Kinghosted by the Desmond-Fish Public Library. Register online.
At least two incidents that happened in Beacon in December 2021 involving violent death and several witnesses were not included the Police Blotter submitted by the Beacon Police Department to the Highlands Current, a weekly newspaper that covers Philipstown (Cold Spring) and Beacon.
Those incidents were: the stabbing of local “Scout” Rene Vivo on Christmas Day 12/25/2021 who later died, and the traffic accident on Teller Avenue and Main Street where a Jeep was turning left onto Teller Avenue from Main Street and struck a spritely grandmother and local, Carla Giuffrida, who later died. The blotter for the month of December reportedly included 535 calls, a few of which newspapers like the Highlands Current reprint.
The Beacon Free Press used to publish in print select items from Beacon’s Police Blotter, but has not recently. The Highlands Current does publish the blotter digitally on their website, which you can find by doing a search for “blotter” on their website. The City of Beacon claims to publish a Daily Police Blotter, but it has not been updated since November 7, 2021.
To introduce their second article on the killing in the paper’s member newsletter, Editor Chip Rowe mentioned new news about the incident: “This week we have news of a homicide on Main Street in Beacon on Christmas Day (and the difficulty we've had getting any information about it from the police).”
When A Little Beacon Blog inquired to Chip about the new news, which involved a report of a previously unofficial assault (yet highly rumored incident) on 12/15/2021 revealed in the December 2021 Police Blotter submitted to the newspaper, he said that he had opened the Police Blotter emailed to him by the Police Department shortly after the Friday 1/7/2022 issue went to press. The 12/15/2021 assault was not included in the print edition of the newspaper, but was added to the digital version.
The blotter item for 12/15/2021 read: “Rene Vivo, 65, of Beacon, was charged with second-degree assault after an incident on Main Street.”
The description did not include if the assault was in response to any action, such as an act of defense, or if Rene was being followed and acted in self defense after being attacked, or any details about who the assault was done to.
After noting that two major events were missing from the blotter of 535 calls, the curated blotter article published by the Highlands Current was edited to read: “Editor’s note: The information here is provided to The Current by the Beacon Police Department. It may not be complete; although state law treats police blotter records as public records, with some narrow exceptions, the department removed information about at least two serious incidents from the December blotter at its discretion. It may have removed items from past blotters, as well.” The editor then noted that the omitted incidents they are aware of had been added to the list, using brackets to set them apart.
A Little Beacon Blog has emailed Beacon Police Chief Sands Frost, City Administrator Chris White and Lieutenant Tom Figlia seeking a response from any of them as to why an item would be omitted from the police blotter submitted to a media outlet. As of this publishing, no response was given.
Said Kristin O’Neill, Assistant Director of the New York State Committee on Open Government, when asked by ALBB about police blotter legislation: "The Freedom of Information Law governs access to all government records and does not specifically address the availability of specific types of records. There is no law of which I am aware that requires that police blotter information be proactively disclosed. You may need to submit FOIL requests on a regular basis in order to receive all reports."
The Highlands Current submitted a FOIL request for a police report on the stabbing, and reported: “On Wednesday (Jan. 5), the department denied a Freedom of Information Law request for the police report on the [12/25/2021 “Scout” Rene Vivo] incident from The Current 29 minutes after it was submitted.
It is unknown if these incidents resulted in an open investigation, then perhaps they would not be included in the blotter. However, Mayor Kyriacou confirmed the stabbing incident to Mid Hudson News days after the event. The newspaper later deleted the article and his confirmation. Witnesses were at the scene of the traffic accident on Main Street and Teller Avenue earlier in the month. The police report for that incident has taken at least one month to be made available, according to people familiar with the investigation.
It is unknown how many open investigations there are total, and if those incidents were included in any blotter submitted to the media.
As of 12/23/2021, when ALBB inquired about the traffic accident involving the 11 year girl who was hit by a car while on her bike coming home from school crossing Verplanck and Matteawan that happened on 12/20/2021 (and was included in the December 2021 blotter), ALBB received this response from Lieutenant Figlia: “Sorry for delay in getting back to you. Going forward, please make any requests for information through the City Administrator’s Office.” ALBB has not received a response from the City Administrator’s Office since forwarding the emailed questions to City Administrator Chris White. Months ago, the City Administrator has also directed Beacon’s Parks and Recreation Director to not answer questions from ALBB. The City Administrator has not answered dozens of questions from ALBB since he was hired.
The two items added to the published blotter at the Highlands Current are as follows:
[A pedestrian was struck by a car at Main Street and Teller Avenue and later died.] This was the pedestrian, Carla Giuffrida, 75 who was struck by a Jeep turning left from Main Street onto Teller Avenue on Wednesday, December 1, 2021.
[A Beacon man was stabbed during an assault and later died at the hospital. He was later identified as Rene Vivo, 65]. This was “Scout” Rene Vivo, 65, who was stabbed on Saturday, December 25, 2021 and later died.
For the traffic accident involving Carla Giuffrida, the police report remained open and was not released to the public at least by the end of December. The Highlands Current had submitted a FOIL for it by mid-December and was denied. Sources familiar with the investigation confirmed that the police report had not been made public by the fourth week of December.
A car vs pedestrian accident involving an 11 year old girl being hit by a car on her bike while crossing Verplanck at Matteawan on Monday, December 20, 2021 was in the original police blotter submitted to the newspaper. According to sources familiar with the investigation, that police report had not been made public by January 5, 2021.
WooHoo!
We typed the New Year of 2022 correctly into the subject line! Hope you had a great week, and that some of you are enjoying this Snow Day, Beacon's first school closure of the year. Last Sunday to start the big week back to school, the district distributed test kits, and on Monday reported on results.
Giving an extra hug to all of the teachers and to any employees who are out sick with COVID-19 right now. Sending you on-the-mend vibes.
Giving an extra squeeze to health care workers who are showing up to provide life-saving services during this pandemic, amid staffing shortages. Thank You.
Many in-person events have been switching to virtual this week. Even the Beacon Farmers Market is closed this Sunday for upcoming weather (so order your eggs, beef, lamb and chicken now from Farmer Carrie of Eggberts Free Range Farm so she can deliver free to you!).
Seems like a great time to snuggle in, order out, and stream Governor Hochul's State of the State to learn about her plan to once again allow Cocktails To Go. Hop in and out of shops in Beacon to pick up cutie things to wear and entertain yourself with (see below for suggestions!).
This Sunday is the Celebration of Life Ceremony Funeral for "Scout" Rene Vivo, the iconic Beaconite who touched so many lives - even silently and without words - who was stabbed on Christmas Day. His family has been in touch with ALBB to get the invitation to you about his ceremony. They fundraised from the community to pay for his final wishes. Read ALBB's send-off article for Rene here, as part of the healing and grief that many are feeling.
Today, there are 5,683 Active COVID-19 Cases in Dutchess County, a slight decrease from the over 6,000 there were earlier this week. There are 225 Active Cases in Beacon, and 702 in East Fishkill. There are 147 people in the hospital as of today being treated for COVID-19.
Blessings this Friday.
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.
The Bannerman Island Gallery Fine Art Holiday Exhibition
Day: Now - Sunday, January 30, 2022 Time: 4pm - 6pm Location: Bannerman Island Gallery, 150 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508
Paintings, watercolors, prints, photographs, and hanging mixed media works will decorate the walls - while ceramics, sculpture and other artistic gift items will fill out the gallery. Many of the works will be Hudson River Valley themed. Visitors to the gallery can expect to see representational landscapes, florals, interiors and still-life works - as well as other works from the imagination. Functional and whimsical ceramics and other gift items will also be featured. All works will be for sale and all proceeds from sales will benefit on-going restoration work on historic Bannerman’s Island. Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 noon – 5:00pm and most weekday afternoons and early evenings by chance or appointment by calling 845-416-8342.
Poughkeepsie Day School Virtual Admissions Day: Monday, January 10, 2022 Time: 6-7pm (all grades)
To register or express interest, visit poughkeepsieday.org and click inquire.
Poughkeepsie Day School is an independent school that has been a valued part of the Hudson Valley educational landscape since its founding in 1934. The school teaches an unparalleled inquiry-based curriculum that strives to create compassionate citizens. SAVE THE DATES! More virtual admisstions events on January 22 & January 25 Poughkeepsie Day School is a Sponsor, thank you!
Shake away the Monday blues! We created a list of restaurants in Beacon that are open on Mondays. See it here >
TWO WAY BREWING COMPANY
18 West Main St.
Two Way is serving pints, flights & beer to-go! Stop in this weekend for a refreshing drink & delicious food from The Flying Jib (see their foodie pictures here!). Games too! See beers on tap here > 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
Warm up with pho from Eat Church! Good for the mind, body & soul - trust us! A delicious meal option for this weekend. Eat Church has a rotating menu so everything is super fresh and you don't wanna miss out! You can also visit their website for Weekly Menu/Specials >
Find Eat Church at more places:
Thursday-Sunday at Industrial Arts Brewing
DAILY GrabnGo at Marbled Meat Shop in Coldspring
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 hopes your 2022 is filled with espresso martinis and fluffy croissants! Fresh bread and pastries made daily here - like these delicious cinnamon rolls > or cinnamon buns > . The coffee bar has everything you need/want with organic espresso and perfectly textured steamed milk. They also have soy and oat alternatives, as well as flavor syrups made in house by their bakery to make your latte a little extra special. Menu > Order Pick Up or Delivery > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Not only can you enjoy delicious sandwiches, burgers, chicken, hot dogs, vegan options with multiple toppings and house-made signature sauces, hand-cut fries, salads and daily specials, but you can also enjoy mimosas for a weekend brunch treat! Bloody Marys are an option too if mimosas aren't your jam. Whatever you do, get the double dutch. Open Sunday thru Thursday for Food 11:30am - 9pm; Bar until 10pm Friday and Saturday Food 11:30am - 11:00pm; Bar until midnight. Xmas: Closed, but open again 12/26 Order Now > Meyers Olde Dutch is a Sponsor, thank you!
HOMESPUN
232 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Did you know that along with delicious food, you can buy beer at Homespun?! Better yet, did you know you can SUBSCRIBE to beer at Homespun?! You can explore the Hudson Valley through beer with Homespun’s monthly subscription craft beer service! See more here >
PS Homespun will be closed until January 14th for kitchen renovations! The new equipment is going to give their team a chance to do something special, they are adding a larger hood in the kitchen, which will allow them to work with a grill and a deep fryer at Homespun for the first time. Look for new menu items coming soon after reopening, follow @homespunfoods for updates! OPEN HOURS:
Thursday - Monday, 10am - 7pm Order Food > Homespun is a Sponsor, thank you!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
So many delicious food options located inside the HV Food Hall! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, treats, sweets & drinks! Stop in & check out the amazing foodies! 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:Has Moved!!! To the former Joe's Irish Pub space. El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Calamari from Baja?! Yes, please! Made with Tequila-Tomato Jam / Pickled Red Onion / Scallions / Lime. PS the specials at Baja are something you do not want to miss out on & they're are always changing so pop in & check it out! PS: Order for pick-up! PPS: 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.
It's the weekend so stop into Ziatun for Futur Sampler (not that it has to be the weekend for this but it's a great excuse to get it & take your time while enjoying!) It has hummus (chickpea), baba ghanoush (eggplant), foule (fava bean), falafel, and MORE. Served with their main utensil, pita bread, this plant-based mezze platter of dreams can be shared (only if you want to) or enjoyed as a meal. Available for dine-in and take-out and delivery via our website. Menu > Order Online > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon Jeremy Dauber, “American Comics: A History” available at Binnacle!
“In ‘American Comics’, Columbia professor Jeremy Dauber takes readers through their incredible but little-known history, starting with the Civil War and cartoonist Thomas Nast, creator of the lasting and iconic images of Uncle Sam and Santa Claus; the golden age of newspaper comic strips and the first great superhero boom; the moral panic of the Eisenhower era, the Marvel Comics revolution, and the underground comix movement of the 1960s and ’70s; and finally into the twenty-first century, taking in the grim and gritty Dark Knights and Watchmen alongside the brilliant rise of the graphic novel by acclaimed practitioners like Art Spiegelman and Alison Bechdel. Dauber’s story shows not only how comics have changed over the decades but how American politics and culture have changed them. Throughout, he describes the origins of beloved comics, champions neglected masterpieces, and argues that we can understand how America sees itself through whose stories comics tell. Striking and revelatory, ‘American Comics’ is a rich chronicle of the last 150 years of American history through the lens of its comic strips, political cartoons, superheroes, graphic novels, and more.” _
The best reads are available at Binnacle! Binnacle is *Open daily!
Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!
BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon
You know you want to repaint that room! Paint is the easiest and cheapest way to make a big difference. If the doorways in your apartment or house are chipped and too dirty to clean, just repaint. And our advice? Go glorious in the bathroom. You deserve beauty. 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
WINTER IS HERE & nothing beats a pair of polarized sunglasses from Luxe Optique while out in the snow - everyone will be asking you where you got these from! Stop in! Or make an appt with a specialist today! PS: New arrivals are always arriving at Luxe! Stop in or make an appt! PPS *NEW HOURS
Monday 10 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Closed on Sundays! They've gone shopping! Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS
470 Main Street, Beacon
"Why you gotta be so cute!?!" is what you'll be hearing from everyone while wearing your new outfits from La Mere! New arrivals are freshly stocked - always! It's the new year, replace those 10 year old jeans and get your year started right. Stretchy jeans + Cozy Sweaters available now! Just what the doctor ordered.
*New Arrivals Weekly / Free Shipping
Download their free app in the iTunes Store PS: Everything is under $100!! PPS: MENS clothing now available!
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY New Website Alert!
It's not too late to join Yanarella for their 65th year! Registering for Kids and Adult Dance classes at Yanarella also just got easier! From registration to payment, visit Yanarella's new website to easily check out their class offerings by age and day of the week.
ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
This is your New Year sign to reach out to Antalek & Moore today for insurance & risk-based management! Antalek & Moore offers commercial and personal insurance solutions to customers in the Hudson Valley community, throughout New York State, 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
Tin Shingle trains and empowers business owners, makers, artists and staff members in how to get the word out about their business. Be it a non-profit, special project, or even a major call to action, Tin Shingle’s training and community support gets people doing just that - on their own. Tin Shingle puts the power of PR, Social Media, SEO, and design theory directly into the hands of business owners, makers and artists by way of a flexible Media Kit Membership subscription membership program that includes education, training, directories, media research lists and editorial calendars. Find out more about Tin Shingle & how we can help you & your biz! Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
FREE DELIVERY ALERT! Katie James Inc. helped Farmer Carrie of Eggberts Free Range Farm prepare for the winter market closures by building her website in Shopify. Now, anyone can order 24/7, and she delivers to your door the next day or a day after. Get your orders in now for Saturday delivery, prior to Sunday's weather. Let Katie James, Inc. design your website to improve your customer contact and sales! Find out more > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you!
HIRING: Homespun Foods Is Looking For A Lead Server To Join Their Growing Team Details >
HIRING: Maintenance & Packaging Manager At Industrial Arts Brewing Details >
HIRING: Beacon City School District Food Service Department Is Looking For Substitute Food Service Helpers Details >
“Scout” Rene Vivo (left) pictured with his sister Iris Colon. This wolf flyer designed by his niece Selaine Garcia.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE / FUNERAL FOR “SCOUT” RENE VIVO Where: Libby’s Funeral Home, 55 Teller Avenue When: Sunday, January 9, 2022 Time: 1-4pm and 6-8pm
I never expected to hold part of Rene’s passing of life in my hands. I did not know his family name, nor his neighborhood name until after he died. He was a resolute walker around Beacon - his trail-making keeping time with Beacon as I know it. Without him, without seeing him walking on a regular basis, Beacon would not be what it is.
If he were to disappear - to not be here - a number of things could have happened. Maybe he didn’t live here. Maybe he found a better life somewhere else. Maybe he moved. Maybe he got adopted by some government services somewhere.
But none of those things happened. Instead, the man most people knew as a vision met his end on the streets of Beacon, at the hands of another, in broad daylight on Christmas Day, when not very many people were out. Rumors started. I received a text from a friend days later, asking if I knew anything about a stabbing incident, and that the person may have been Native American. I had not heard, I texted the friend, and went about my unboxing of Xmas gifts. The next day, readers of A Little Beacon Blog wrote in to ask the same question.
I’m not really on Facebook. So any chatter, I had not seen. Sensing something was wrong, I put my coat on and started pounding the pavement. If this happened, I needed to speak to people who may have been familiar with who I thought this may have happened to, if what people were saying was true.
There was no update on the Beacon Police Department Facebook page at the time of ALBB’s original article’s publishing on 12/29/2021. They are newly unresponsive to emails from ALBB anyway, as they were told to direct all questions now to the City Administrator, Chris White, who is also unresponsive - upon his declaration to filter his media responses months ago. On 12/30/2021, the Beacon Police have since put an update on their Facebook saying they are investigating a stabbing on Christmas Day, and to send information to them. Meanwhile, they do have access to video footage from city-owned cameras on Main Street to help in their search.
Upon my inquires, I learned that those who saw Rene on a daily basis had not seen him for days. There were stories of a bottle. Of a knife. Of something happening during the day. And at night. While I was out, another person reached out with information for someone who knew the people who called 911 when they saw Rene laying on the ground in front of their house on South Brett Street.
That would be the last time neighbors saw Rene alive.
Rene had been stabbed, by what the Beacon Police were originally calling a homicide, Mayor Lee Kyriacou confirmed to the Mid Hudson News. But that article has since been deleted, and another one published on a different page that scrubs the Mayor’s name from confirming the situation. However, the article still resides as a shadow in Google search results (pictured below), and the Highlands Current refers to it in their original article.
The Highlands Current reached out to the Mayor for comment when they were writing their article, and reported that they didn’t receive a reply from him. That newspaper usually does receive replies from the Mayor’s Office.
So far, none of the bad news stories that happened in December 2021 are indexing in the search results on the Mid Hudson News website when one does a search for “Beacon.” This would be the train jumper, the bridge jumper, the missing young adult female, the spritely grandmother pedestrian killed by car turning left from Main Street to Teller Avenue, and Rene. Maybe their website is just wonky. It happens. However, the Mid Hudson News is also calling a recent suicide by train as a “trespasser,” when several Beaconites were standing next to him when he jumped. Three suicides that we know about happened in Beacon in December. And one murder.
Who Is “Scout” Rene Vivo”?
Upon publishing my first article of his passing, many people in the community were shook. Some who knew him deeply but did not know his name responded in disbelief. Sadness continued to spread. People who did have a relationship with him began sharing their stories on our social shares and article Comments. Some of those comments have been republished at the bottom of this article.
“Scout” Rene Vivo the man and the soul began emerging. He lived in the apartment complex of Forrestal Heights. He was a Marine. He was a Vietnam Veteran. His family reached out to ALBB. First his niece, Selaine Garcia of Beacon, and then his sister (Selaine’s mother) Iris Colon of Florida. Iris wrote in to say:
“My name is Iris. Rene was my brother. He has 3 sisters that live in the State of Florida! Rene also has nieces and nephews that live right in Beacon. My brother was a person that would help anyone in need, at any time. Rene was a caring, loving person . We are deeply saddened of has happened to him. My family and I are making arrangements which we will share possibly later today. We also will post a picture of my wonderful brother Rene! Thank you! The Vivo family🙏🙏🙏”
Selaine started a GoFundMe page to raise money for Rene’s funeral costs. The family closed the fundraiser after $10,708 was raised. Selaine wrote a note to all of the supporters:
“Good Morning. Today is January 1, 2022. I have been working sleeplessly towards the arrangements for Tio "Scout" Rene. Iris, Ginette (these are my uncles sisters) and I have been working closely with Joe the Funeral Director of Libby Funeral and Cremation Services. Joe has been extremely patient with each one of us in during our time of great pain. We would like to thank each and every one of you. All of you have generously contributed in making this happen. This has not been easy. We had no idea how expensive something like this could be. When making the page, we thought $5,000 would be enough. We quickly found out how wrong we were. We have met the required amount we need to execute the wishes of my uncle, so we are closing the donation part of the GoFundMe page. But, please continue to share your thoughts with me. As I type this to all of you I am crying. I haven't had a chance to grieve the loss of my uncle yet because of how busy I have been concerning these matters. But, Your messages have been a great source of comfort as I read of his walking and nodding. So much being said without even a word. You are allowing me to see my uncle's presence through each of your eyes. Please know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You”
Selaine identified Scout’s presence. Why he was important to so many. So respectful. So deep. You just knew it. If you take anything from this, it is how much people can effect people without even a word. Saying “hi” at the very least to everyone is very meaningful.
You’re Invited: The Celebration Of Life Ceremony For “Scout” Rene Vivo
The family of “Scout” Rene Vivo has shared the details of their brother and uncle to be Sunday, January 9, from 1-4pm and again from 6-8pm at Libby’s Funeral Home at 55 Teller Avenue (near Beacon Daily). His sister, Iris Colon, and her daughter (Rene’s niece) Selaine Garcia have connected with A Little Beacon Blog to help share the news.
Said Selaine in their GoFundMe page: “My Uncle was killed on Dec 25th 2021 in Beacon, New York. He was a Marine Veteran who was beloved in the Beacon Community and embraced our Taino culture. We would like to learn more from you how he touched you and your life. He was a quite gentle man. My family and I loved him dearly. We are devastated at the thought of how he may have spent his final moments. As we prepare for my uncles funeral arrangements we would like to invite all of you Beaconites to come and join us in celebrating his life and the love he shared with all of you.
Many people shared about their experiences with Rene on ALBB. One man, Raymond Clary (ZETUCKALA WASHASHA), shared the singing he used to do with Rene. His comment has been republished here as is, with his own punctuation to show emotion: “I also know Scout from powwows and living in Beacon. Just wanted you to know that i sing sometimes with Red Storm Drum and dance Troupe AT POWWOWS IN THE AREA. I have requested that a veterans song and honer song be songs for him. Also prayer and smoke on the wind for his journey. AHO KOLA (((( SORRY NO WORDS FOR GOOD BY )))))) SO GO EASY MY FRIEND”
ALBB connected Ray with the family, and Ray will be saying or singing a prayer at Rene’s Celebration of Life with no drum. He asks that no pictures be taken, as “they are sung as a thank you to the creator,” Ray said.
UPDATE 1/8/2022: The Highlands Current has since published a 2nd article, written by Jeff Simms that is both parts breakdown of what that newspaper has been able to learn, as well as reflection from Jeff’s sources. Said the newspaper’s editor, Chip Rowe, on Friday to newsletter subscribers: “This week we have news of a homicide on Main Street in Beacon on Christmas Day (and the difficulty we've had getting any information about it from the police).”
According to the article, the Highlands Current submitted a FOIL request and was denied: “On Wednesday (Jan. 5), the department denied a Freedom of Information Law request for the police report on the Dec. 25 assault from The Current 29 minutes after it was submitted.”
The article points out that when the Beacon Police did make a statement 5 days after the stabbing, they did not include the victim’s name or that the stabbing was fatal. It was not until after Rene’s obituary was published by Libby Funeral Home that they confirmed to the Highlands Current on January 5 that Rene was the victim they were referring to.
The article goes on to provide a quote they were able to get from Beacon’s Police Chief Sands Frost acknowledging that little information has been provided. According to the article, no arrests have been “announced” as of Thursday 1/6/2022.
The article highlights reflections from Brenda Sims, co-owner of BJs with her mother, who employed Rene and valued him highly as a person and employee; and David Eberle, a Veteran and quiet philanthropist in the area.
Comments By Community Members About Rene
We are republishing some comments made at ALBB’s article, Instagram and Facebook, so they can be read quietly in one place. Do continue to make your comments wherever you would like.
Michelle Rivas·
Dear Iris, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. As you can see from the outpouring from the community, your brother was cared for here. We all knew him as a kind and gentle person. Rene was a regular visitor at the library and we will miss him.
Leah
Iris, I am terribly sorry to learn of Scout’s untimely passing. He was an amazing presence in Beacon. He would often come to my shop to buy sage, and I always through in extra. A gentle giant with an amazing caring soul. May you and your family know he was much loved by many. He was a peaceful soul and whenever you talking with him, you too, would be more at peace. May his kindness and loving soul be always in everyone’s hearts. Leah, Heart and Soul Apothecary
Mike Andrews
I can't imagine anyone stabbing a more gentle soul than Scout. Many years ago in really crappy weather, I offered him a ride. He refused. "Nah, man, I like to keep my feet on the ground. Have a great day!" From that moment on I never failed to beep and wave. I've met him many times in the decades since, and he always shook my hand and asked, "How's it going?" So very, very sad.
Lance formerly of Mail n Ship plus Beacon N.Y.
Rene was a good friend and like a brother to me he was always there anytime when you needed him , loved to help anyone in need he talked about one day saving up enough money to buy some land in the Midwest and turn it into a ranch. He loved his community, helped with mayor elections and watchdog groups. Our scout will truly be missed.
Rhonda
Rhonda (formerly Mail N Ship Plus) I met Rene 'Scout' Vivo a little over 20yrs ago. When he came into my family's business Mail N Ship Plus which was located on Main Street in Beacon. He was helping a friend who was running for the local election under the Green Party. From that point we formed a friendship that turned into him being like a brother. There is nothing that he wouldn't do for a person. He was the kindest person. He was a proud Vet & and very proud of his heritage. Always talked about how he wanted to live the ranch life. Our last indepth conversation over the summer he mention plans that involved him getting closer to that dream. He wanted to make sure he had the right phone numbers for me and my brother. I last saw him briefly a few days before the tragic incident and wished him Happy Holidays. If only I knew that would be the last time I would see him. I extend my deepest sympathy to his Family.
UPDATED 1/6/2022: All test kits have been distributed as of 3:20pm Thursday. As of now, there is no shipping schedule for next shipments, as Dutchess County awaits shipments from New York State.)
The City of Beacon’s allotment of COVID-19 tests from New York State, which are distributed through Dutchess County, who allocates a portion of them to each municipality based on population, are available now at the Howland Public Library at 313 Main Street during the library’s Open hours. Per the library, there is no curb-side pickup available.
Quantity is limited and is available on a first come, first serve basis. The first shipment of COVID-19 test kits that Beacon received by way of Dutchess County was available at the Beacon Police Department. Beacon received 250 test kits and which was depleted in 3 hours.
Newly elected Councilperson Justice McCray, who has worked at both Beacon’s public library as well as Cold Spring’s public library, advocated for the Howland Public Library to be the most accessible and least intimidating location for the distribution. Stating in a Comment on ALBB’s first article about the first shipment, prior to being sworn in as a Council Member, Justice expressed: “The City needs to make kits available elsewhere. Many Black, Brown, and otherwise margnizalied poeple do not feel safe or comfortable around police. Only having kits at the police station is not equitable or accessible to many people in Beacon and while I recognize it’s the easy option, the City should also consider fostering/strengthening community partnerships with local busineses to help offer kits or work with organizations that are serving our most vulnerable neighbors like Mutual Aid Beacon to offer at-home no-contact kit deliveries.”
The Howland Public Library first announced the availability of the test kits at around 12pm Thursday (1/6/2022): “The City of Beacon has supplied us with at-home COVID-19 tests and KN95 masks to be distributed to city residents. The tests are available at the Front Desk, Today, Thursday, January 6th, Noon-7pm. While supplies last. One (1) test kit per household and each kit contains two (2) tests. Available to City of Beacon City residents only. Proof of residence required. Masks are also available at the Front Desk with a limit of two (2) per person present. No proof of residency required for the masks. No "curbside" delivery of these items is available.”
The City of Beacon posted an alert in their top Announcement bar of their website.
Councilperson McCray stressed on their social media “to keep those in mind who may not otherwise have access.” If you already got one from the first round, consider bowing out of this round. If you have symptoms or were exposed, by all means, go get one no matter what. Be sure to swab plenty of snot to get good results!
Also note, based on the Howland Public Library’s innitial photo announcing availability, they may be making a subtle hint to kick back and relax with an enjoyable historical romance book. Catherine Coulter (the book jackets pictured here) is one such example you’ll be able to borrow from the library. Philippa Gregory is another author from that genre you may enjoy. If you’re not getting out much, the Beacon Library offers several digital services you’ll want to check out.
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A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
The Bannerman Island Gallery Fine Art Holiday Exhibition
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
