Signs Of Spring :: Retail Therapy Guide 2/22/2022
/
|
|
|
SAVE THE DATES: Poughkeepsie Day School Virtual Admissions
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
|
Beacon's Annual Parade of Green 2022 Is Happening! Was The First Parade To Shut Down In The Pandemic
/
The 2022 Parade of Green flyer, on the counter at Luxe Optique. For months after the cancellation of the 2020 version at the beginning of the pandemic, the flyer was kept up in storefront windows, as time had stopped.
The time was March 2020, and Beacon’s Parade of Green was scheduled to happen. News kept breaking about this thing called the coronavirus, which was then called COVID-19, which caused very serious symptoms for some, and no symptoms for others. The virus was a mystery, but seemed to spread in large crowds. In California, Disneyland shut down and their governor created restrictions on public gatherings. California was always one step ahead of New York in what was to become “the pandemic.” Events in other Hudson Valley communities were being canceled, and there was a rumor that Beacon’s Parade of Green would be canceled as well.
A Little Beacon Blog reached out to the City of Beacon, and to one of the parade organizers, Richie Kaplan, co-owner of Max’s On Main, to find out. He didn’t know for sure. He said that the City Council members hadn’t given him an answer yet. Then City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero told ALBB that a decision would be made in the morning. When the answer came, it was to cancel. New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade also canceled. New York City Schools closed days later.
Moments amid Beacon’s parade canceling, the restaurant Dogwood, owned by City Council Member George Mansfield, announced that it would be open for any parade people looking for Guinness. Dogwood would be one of Beacon’s hardest hit restaurants when it closed for the winter when others were scraping by doing takeout. Dogwood would reopen again in the spring. Councilmember George became a vocal proponent of virus safety.
Back in 2020, ALBB reached out to Mayor Kyriacou seeking a quote from him about the new concept of social distancing, and how to support businesses who were voluntarily closing down in order to stay physically healthy. His response at the time: “All the experts say that the most important thing that we can do is slow the transmission of COVID-19 (‘flatten the curve’), so that our emergency services are not inundated. What that means in practice is canceling large crowd events, and practicing ‘social distancing.’ It does not mean shutting everything down.”
The unimaginable of shutting everything down did happen. As did a pause on several economic factors, including the collection of mortgage payments, and the creation of an eviction moratorium. Some car insurance companies issued tiny refunds just to be nice. The City of Beacon launched its first online bill payment system to encourage people to pay their water bills to avoid coming into Town Hall to pay.
Hurrah For Vaccine Progress So That We Can Convene
Horrific virus variants later, several adults and a growing number of children in New York State have been vaccinated, assisting in creating an environment of safety for shopping, eating and gathering together again. During this week’s 2/22/2022 City Council Meeting, one of the creators and organizers of the parade, Richie Kaplan, addressed the council, giving thanks for their approval of the parade.
“Can I come back next week for the parade?”
“Two years ago almost on a Wednesday night,” Richie said, “I get a phone call from the City of Beacon that 3 days from now, I will not be allowed to have 1,000 participants and 5,000 people during the City of Beacon celebration.
“Almost 2 weeks ago [and 2 years later], we have an approval. Thank you. I'd like to thank the City of Beacon and the Community of Beacon for allowing us to do this. This a family parade. High School, the Elks Club. So many happy faces. I'm very happy to be here to thank everyone involved. The Highway Department. The Police Department. Chris (Beacon's current City Administrator), you did a lot of work. Everyone else. Hopefully everyone will come out. Hopefully we will have all of the happy faces.
“From our first parade, I had a very nice family come in [to my restaurant, Max's on Main]. A little 6 year old asked me 'Can I come back next week for the parade?' Please, please please come out to the parade."
The parade starts at 12pm and will roll down Main Street. Organizations and businesses are invited to participate with a “float,” which can be a car or people walking or rolling behind a banner or some signage. Participation is limited to 60 organizations which must fill out an application form. Rules include no politicking, no drinking alcoholic beverages before or during the parade (Beacon has a history with St. Patrick’s Day parades), and a limit on the size of the float. Participants are encouraged to hand out packaged candy, but cannot throw it.
Businesses and organizations wishing to participate can contact Richie at Max’s on Main.
Beacon Braces For Winter Storm Again - Dutchess County Prepares & Closes Offices
/
As winter storm predictions mounted this week, the final call came at the end of the day Thursday from the Beacon City School District announcing that school and district offices would be closed Friday in anticipation of the snow and ice event that is scheduled for Friday.
The Dutchess County Executive issued a press release outlining preparedness steps, including the closure of county offices. Buses are so far scheduled to run. Riders can check for delays or schedule changes at www.dutchessny.gov/publictransit, on the DCPT mobile app, or call (845) 473-8424.
From Dutchess County’s Press Release:
The National Weather Service (Albany) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Dutchess County beginning at 10pm tonight until 7pm Friday, Feb. 25th. Snow is expected to start falling after midnight tonight with snowfall rates reaching or exceeding 1” inch per hour overnight. Due to the uncertainty of the storm’s track, the rapid accumulation and variety of precipitation anticipated and the expected prolonged duration of the storm, County Executive Marc Molinaro announced County offices will be closed Friday, February 25th.
Snow is anticipated to mix with freezing rain Friday morning, impacting the commute and making travel hazardous. Snowfall is expected to accumulate quickly on untreated surfaces due to low temperatures overnight, with accumulations between 4”-6” inches throughout much of Dutchess County and up to 8”-12” inches in the northern parts of the county. This afternoon, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro hosted a conference call with local and state elected officials, as well as representatives from utility companies and County officials from Emergency Response, Public Works and others to discuss potential storm impacts and proactive measures being taken.
Dutchess County Executive Molinaro said, “We are monitoring this storm closely as it evolves. We want all residents to be safe and avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, recognize that you'll need to allocate extra time for safety purposes, as crews work to clear roadways. We are grateful to the first responders, highway crews, and utility workers who put their lives on the line to provide for our safety and security during emergencies.”
The Dutchess County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated as necessary to respond to storm conditions and Dutchess County’s 9-1-1 Communication Center is fully staffed, with additional staffing scheduled for the overnight and tomorrow.
Dutchess County Public Works highway crews have loaded trucks with materials, salt will be applied to County roadways as the storm begins, and crews will be out through the duration of the storm to clear roadways.
Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office will have additional road patrol deputies deployed in four-wheel-drive vehicles, as well as other all-terrain vehicles prepared, and will work collaboratively with the Department of Emergency Response to respond as needed.
Dutchess County Public Transit (DCPT) will operate on a normal fixed-route schedule, but passengers should anticipate possible delays due to road conditions. Riders can check for delays or schedule changes at www.dutchessny.gov/publictransit, on the DCPT mobile app, or call (845) 473-8424.
The Office for the Aging’s 8 Senior Friendship Centers will be closed Feb. 25th, and there will be no Home Delivered Meals deliveries. Shelf-stable meals have been delivered to seniors enrolled in the program.
Dutchess County Government offices will be closed Friday, February 25, including Dutchess County Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices. Confirmed DMV appointments on Friday will be honored at the same time and office on Monday, February 28th.
This Week's City Council Agenda For 2/22/2022
/
On the double-twos Tuesday 2/22/2022, the agenda for the City Council Meeting is packed. You can read the full agenda here, and when the video of the public meeting is posted the following day, the video is published with the agenda as well. You can find original and official agendas on the City of Beacon website.
Highlights include 2 Public Meetings where the public is invited to voice their opinion on a specific topic. This week, those are:
Good Cause Eviction Law for Beacon: While laws do exist in New York State that can protect the tenant, communities throughout New York State have been pursuing an additional protection and requirement of the landlord to show “good cause” for evicting a tenant when the landlord brings the tenant to court. Tenants should be reminded that they should not self-evict. There is a process the landlord must pursue. The outcry from the public to support this law resulted in the City of Beacon entering into an agreement with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV). While Legal Services of the Hudson Valley helps all in the Hudson Valley via their Housing Unit page, the agreement with Beacon gave Beaconties access to a paralegal. Regardless of if you have the phone number or not, contact the Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to get help if you are threatened with eviction. They can provide assistance. This Public Comment portion is on if Beacon should adopt Good Cause Eviction legislation crafted for Beacon or not. Please do read the 16 page proposed legislation before commenting. There are many details included in it that go beyond assumptions of what is fair for people from a philosophical level. It is 16 pages and you can read the latest draft here.
Residency Requirements for Career Firefighters and the Fire Chief: The City Council is pursuing enlarging the sphere of residency for Career Firefighters from 15 miles to 30 miles. For the Fire Chief, it is proposed that the Fire Chief live at a distance at the digression of the Mayor. The thought process is that the Fire Chief is not on as many active calls, and can live farther away. In 2022, the City of Beacon hired 3 Lieutenants, giving them a comfortable amount of leadership. As Beacon’s current Fire Chief approaches retirement, the City of Beacon is preparing for recruitment. Read the proposal here.
Other notable items are on the agenda, which you can read in full here.
Sales Tax Agreement With Dutchess County Up For Renewal
One long term item on the Agenda is the Sales Tax for the City of Beacon. For the last few decades, Dutchess County has collected and kept the sales tax for Beacon and other municipalities, and paid back to Beacon and other municipalities in a negotiated guaranteed flat rate over a number of years. However, the total number of dollars acquired through Beacon’s Sales Tax has not been revealed to Beacon officials in the previous administration by Dutchess County nor by New York State. According to Beacon’s previous Mayor Randy Casale, Dutchess County Marcus Molinaro claimed to also not know knew the total Sales Tax number. Hard to believe? Seems like those numbers live somewhere. ALBB did extensive research to find it, but came up empty handed. The City of Beacon is about to enter a new agreement with Dutchess County to continue collecting Beacon’s Sales Tax in return for a flat rate of money paid on a regular basis. While this may be a good arrangement, how would one know, if one doesn’t have the Sales Tax number to consider when presented with a proposed flat rate? ALBB did a Deep Dive on this issue a few years back. Brush up on your Sales Tax knowledge here as Beacon enters into this negotiation.
Literary Open Mic "Lit Lit" Temporarily Moves To Happy Valley Bar This Month
/
The literary Open Mic night, “Lit Lit” is temporarily moving for its March location from the Howland Cultural Center to Happy Valley Bar, 296 Main St. in Beacon, on Thursday, March 3rd from 7-9pm. The event free, and proof of vaccination will be required at the door. People can buy drinks and snacks as they like. Normally “Lit Lit” is on the first Friday of the month at the Howland Cultural Center, but this month is different as the Howland undergoes planned renovations.
“Lit Lit” launched during the summer of 2021 during the pandemic at Homespun, as a way for literary and writerly minded people to gather together to read their words on paper. It has been a traveling literary group ever since, battling variant surges and weather cancellations ever since.
Founded by Donna Minkowitz, a writer of memoir, journalism and fantasy, “Lit Lit” has been a success. “We have a very warm and welcoming crowd, and we get a great turnout of local writers and readers!” Donna told A Little Beacon Blog.
How It Works
Anyone can sign up to read their own writing of any genre, for up to five minutes in length, “or until we run out of time,” says Donna. For info, people can contact Donna at litlitseries@gmail.com.
Events In Beacon
See a list of upcoming events at A Little Beacon Blog’s Event Guide. Submit your own event here for consideration. To guarantee placement, support ALBB with an Event Listing sponsorship. People with more than one event coming up should consider a subscription event listing package for a discount. Shops and Restaurants can have all events listed in advertising packages for the Shopping Guide or Restaurant Guide.
John Lewis' Graphic Novel (Comic Book) "March" In Beacon Library Giveaway For A Read & Respond Opportunity
/
John Lewis was born in Troy, Alabama, and started working raising chickens on his family farm. He wanted to be a preacher, and began practicing in front of his chickens. He grew up to become the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) from 1963 to 1966. He was one of the organizers of the 1963 March on Washington. Lewis led the first of three marches from Selma to Montgomery in 1965, and was part of the incident at Edmund Pettus Bridge known as Bloody Sunday. He was a believer in non-violence based advocacy. He was elected to Congress to serve in the United States House of Representatives of Georgia’s 5th congressional district from 1987 to 2020, when he died.
One of the ways he ensured his story and experience dismantling legalized segregation through Jim Crow laws was by co-writing a graphic comic novel, that he calls a comic book during this speech at a library when his book launched. The book is called “March,” and it comes in three parts.
In honor of Black History Month, the Howland Public Library is inviting Middle School and High School students to participate in a special Read and Respond project. The Beacon Public Library is giving away a limited number of copies beginning Monday, February 21, 2022 in hopes that students (and their adults) read it in this fun and engaging format, learn more about the Civil Rights movement through the eyes of Congressman John Lewis, and answer a question posed by the library. Answers may be featured here at A Little Beacon Blog!
Inspiration For The Comic Book “March”
When Lewis was a student, he was inspired by the 1958 comic book “Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story.” Now, the March trilogy brings the history of the Civil Rights Movement to a whole new generation.
Extra Credit For Your Brain!
To learn more about John Lewis’ lifelong work for civil rights and social justice, students (and anyone with a library card) can also stream the documentary “Good Trouble” for free on Hoopla, the library’s free app that works with your Beacon library card number.
Read and Respond: Student’s Answers Featured At A Little Beacon Blog
After reading the book or watching the film, students are asked to write about what the concept of “good trouble” means to them. Lewis was always told to not get into trouble. Yet through his work with Dr. Martin Luther King and learning about Ghandi and Theroux, he said that he saw the need to get into good trouble and make some noise.
Their answers from students will be displayed at the library and may be featured here on A Little Beacon Blog. Responses are due by Friday, March 11th. Students who share their responses will also be entered in a drawing for a chance to win copies of Book Two & Three of the March Trilogy.
The books will be available on Monday, February 21st, for youth in grades 6 and up on a first come, first serve basis. One per household. “March: Book One” is also available as an eBook through the library’s app, Hoopla. For more information, contact Michelle Rivas, Young Adult Programs Coordinator, at community@beaconlibrary.org.
MLK Jr. Student Essay Winners Announced From Southern Dutchess Coalition and the Beacon Sloop Club For 2022
/
Excerpts of the winning MLK Jr. essays were published in the Highlands Current.
Six essays submitted by students celebrating the life and mission of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were announced for 2022. The essay contest was part of the annual programming from the Southern Dutchess Coalition and the Beacon Sloop Club, which includes a march in Beacon followed by a program, during which the essays are recognized. A prize of $50 is awarded to each winner by the essay sponsor, Rhinebeck Bank. The winning essays are selected by a committee of the Sloop Club members.
The march did not happen this year due to the pandemic, but the essays were recognized in published excerpts by the Highlands Current. The students needed to answer: “Are we keeping the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jur.’s dream alive?”
The students whose essays were selected were:
Nicholas Ferris Jr., Grade 2, JV Forrestal Elementary
Landon Soltish, Grade 5, Glenham Elementary
Andrew Caporale, Grade 5, Glenham Elementary
Manasvi Gupta, Grade 5, Glenham Elementary
Zaire West, Grade 5, Glenham Elementary
Weston Hetrick, Grade 5, Glenham Elementary
|
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
|
February’s 2022 Column In Highlands Current: "The Power Of Self-Love"
/
A Little Beacon Blog’s publisher, Katie Hellmuth Martin, has a monthly column in the Highlands Current. For February, the focus was on the Power of Self-Love, especially for parents of young-ish children, where one’s identity can easily get misplaced. These are suggestions on how to find you again, and fill your own cup. You can pick up this for one last day on newsstands! And then next week’s comes out. This column is also published online here. Here’s a little Gift Guide to go with these recommendations:
- Stretch/exercise by yourself (a mom asked if her kids should be with her. Go solo, and go to one of Beacon’s many parks. If you must bring the kids, go to South Avenue, Glenham or Sargent for a little BeastMaster Training simulation. Or find a gym with childcare if that’s a budget option, like All Sport in Fishkill.
- Wear perfume or cologne. A good way to remind you of you. Beacon Mercantile has several made in Beacon scents.
- Paint your nails. Rite Aid of course for Essie brand, and La Mere Clothing & Goods has special colors.
- Blow dry your hair. For real. The warm air makes for a warm brain and can pave the way for deep thoughts or revelations. For a blowout, try Campbell and Campbell
- Sit for extensions or a natural style. Enjoy a crochet style or treatment to nurture your natural look. Book a chair at Salon Dae near Dutchess Airport or Amy’s braids in Beacon in Mr. Bell’s salon.
-Sketch something for no reason. Enjoy the curve of a line or pressure of a pencil. Find art supplies at Supplies For Creative Living in Cold Spring.
- Buy yourself a ring. Don’t wait for someone to give you one! Hyperbole, MariePierre Collection, Hudson Beach Glass have amazing or simple selections from artists.
- Embrace your curves and buy yourself clothes. We’re all going to go to many stores for this - from the mall to Main Street. Whatever fits and feels right on you. If it’s $$ but quality, do it. You’ll keep it in your collection! And it helps keep a boutique open.
- Write your kids a love letter. Tell them what they have meant for you.
More in the article, but here’s the abbreviated version with shopping recommendations!
Healthcare Workers Demand Fair Contract With WMC/HealthAlliance; Hold Candlelight Vigil Thursday Evening
/What: Candlelight Vigil and Press Conference
When: Thursday, February 17, 2022 6p.m. – 8p.m.
Where: Health Alliance Hospital, Broadway Campus 396 Broadway, Kingston
Who: 1199SEIU Healthcare Workers, State and Local Elected Officials, Community Supporters
Special Guest Speaker: Pat Ryan, Ulster County Executive
A candlelight vigil will be held tonight Thursday, February 17, 2022, “to shine light on the risks to quality care caused by short staffing at HealthAlliance Hospital, as well as a lack of mental health beds in Ulster County,” according to a press release sent by Mindy Berman, a representative of the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East union, a fast-growing healthcare union.
“Healthcare workers, members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, elected officials and concerned citizens say that Westchester Medical Center must step up and provide the care and services that the residents of Kingston and surrounding communities need,” the press release said. Ultster County Executive Pat Ryan will be speaking at the vigil.
“Healthcare workers who are members of the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East union have been trying to negotiate a fair first contract with WMC/HealthAlliance for more than a year, without success,” said Mindy. Union members have been holding different demonstrations throughout the year to raise awareness of their needs. “In the meantime,” the press release says, “the challenges and drama of the COVID pandemic persist, and dedicated healthcare workers are leaving their jobs under great stress.”
Says Lindsey Bradford, a Cardiac Care Monitor: “I work in health care and I can’t even afford health care. I’ve been working at this hospital for ten years and I work without a lunch break or bathroom breaks due to shortages on staff. We can’t get new people in the door because they can work for more money elsewhere. I work 12-hr. nights/four nights a week and I still can’t afford health care or braces for my kids. The hospital needs to stop stalling on this contract. Now.”
The purpose of the vigil is to call attention to several critical issues, as outlined in the press release:
Contract Proposals: “First, the members’ contract proposals are more than reasonable—fair market wages and affordable benefits will attract and retain healthcare workers, thereby helping address severe short staffing issues. A fair contract must also give workers the resources to take care of their own families, so they can devote 100% to caring for others.”
Invested in the Community: “1199SEIU members at HealthAlliance don’t only work at the hospital—they are also part of the Ulster/ Dutchess community. With their own families living, working, and going to school in the area, their commitment to providing quality care at the hospital is personal.”
Mental Health Beds: “The members are also urging WMC to bring back to Kingston much-needed mental health beds.”
Says Gabriel "Gabe" Valles, a Clinical Tech, Psychiatric Emergency: “We’re holding this vigil because we can’t afford to visit the hospital we work at; our pay doesn’t allow us to work just one job or focus on our patients. Our staffing situation is a direct result of our pay. It’s reasonable to be able to care for our families and continue to care for our patients. We don’t want to make money – we want to make people healthy.“
About 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. They represent over 450,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Their mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all.
The Resistance That Won't Go Away :: Palestinian Love Shines From Beacon & Beyond
/
Pick a day, any day, and Beacon local Kamel Jamal, owner of more than one restaurant in town (Ziatun, Beacon Bread, WTF, creator of Tito Santana Taqueria, and Végétalien, both he since sold), wears his heart on his sleeve for his home country of Palestine.
Every day for him is a day of love he shows for a free Palestine. From the food he plates, the restaurants he decorates, the merch he makes, most centering back to somehow to empower those still living in Palestine.
In this podcast, Kamel discusses how his parents left Palestine when he was a toddler with some of his family thanks to a family friend who sponsored them.
Co-hosts Brandon Lillard and Katie Hellmuth Martin sat down with Kamel on A Little Beacon Blog's sister podcast, "Wait, What Is That?" for an at times emotional interview about his view of how the people of Palestine are living now. The time was May 2021 during the escalation of protesting by residents in Palestine in the neighborhood Sheikh Jarrah. Their homes were scheduled to be demolished, and Muslim neighbors in the Hudson Valley as well as the world were sounding alarms.
In this podcast, Kamel describes his Palestine. He discusses how his parents left Palestine when he was a toddler with some of his family thanks to a family friend who sponsored them. He describes why he continues advocating from America for Palestine's liberation, so that people can live without fear of their homes and businesses being demolished by occupiers. He discusses the lack to basic rights, like clean water, receiving mail, and having to pass through armed checkpoints to get to a job or part of town.
In 2021, a protest march in Newburgh was organized with Next Step Hudson Valley where the Palestinian community came out, consisting of people young and old, with roots in Palestine, Pakistan, and other communities. Speeches were held on the lawn of Representative Sean Maloney's Newburgh's office.
Beaconites normally quiet about their cultural origins brought pages of prepared speeches, to express to an engaged audience about how their parents, siblings, cousins and/or friends felt about the global response to this little neighborhood protest in Palestine that spring. A Little Beacon Blog covered that march, which you can read about here and listen to some speeches.
Kamel Jamal, speaking at the Free Palestine protest march in Newburgh on the steps of Representative Sean Maloney’s office. Several other speakers participated.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Khitam Jamal Nakhleh’s Starbucks order, where her name is “FreeGaza,” which results in the barista shouting the demand to the room. Khitam is Kamel’s sister.
Photo Credit: Khitam Jamal Nakhleh
Since then, a lot has happened. Kamel's sister, who many know as Kate, champions the Free Palestine movement with every step she takes. Recently, she declared she was going by her birth name: Khitam Jamal Nakhleh. She is known to use subtle tactics like ordering a Starbucks under the name of "Free Gaza" so that the demand has to be called out to the room full of customers.
Every now and then, something pro-Palestinian will make the news in the US, like when Emma Watson (Hermione Granger from Harry Potter), and a UN Women's Goodwill Ambassador, voiced her support for Palestine. Or the feature story in Vanity Fair's February 2022 issue, "Generation Gaza" by veteran war correspondent Janine di Giovanni who revisited Gaza "and found resilience and hope among its 2 million Palestinian residents, two thirds of whom are under the age of 25," according to the lead-in for the article.
Also according to the February Vanity Fair feature: "Gaza's 20 and 30 somethings, it so happens, tend to be highly educated, multilingual - and jobless. 64% of the youth labor force is unemployed, largely due to the occupation. Nonetheless, year after year, they have proved indefatigable." Running a business there is virtually impossible, due to actions taken against business owners. But some continue to try, as this designer does, which was featured in Vogue.
In May 2021, neighbors came out to show their support of Palestine by creating a chalk art message on the sidewalk outside of Beacon Bread, owned by Kamel.
Circling back to the first line of this article - pick a day, any day - in the publishing world, an article usually needs to be published in a timely way. Like, back in May or June 2021 after we recorded this podcast episode and covered protest march. In Palestine, their inability to live free lives is every day, with different demolitions of family homes scheduled, like this one at the end of January 2022 or this one where the family had to self-demolish their own home.
But timing gets tricky. During the "Wait, What Is That?" episode, the silence of friends was discussed, acknowledging that talking openly about this topic can be difficult leading to unexpected responses. There is a moment where Kamel's emotions overcome him. You'll need to listen closely to the interview to hear where.
Peek Inside Ziatun
If you haven't been inside of Ziatun yet, here is a peek. Kamel admits this is one of his favorite places to be, and you can tell in the flavor of the food. The hummus is unlike any you have had, being extra smooth. There are plenty of warm soups to choose from, like the Addas soup. View the merch and buy a bag or two. Don't miss the watermelon t-shirt, designed to show resistance through food.
|
SAVE THE DATES: Poughkeepsie Day School Virtual Admissions
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
|
Valentine's Day Gift Guide: Boutiques On Beacon's East End Near The Mountain
/It's here! A Little Beacon Blog's first Gift Guide in quite some time. For Valentine's Day, this one focuses on some shops on Beacon's East End near the mountain. There is some very serious shopping down there, from high end to vintage, to world famous chocolate to marshmallows to even rentable fashion.
Shop Hyperbole
484 Main Street
These shiny bags are silky scrunchie bags. They are shoulder bags with a lot of elastic. Moments before this photo was taken, there were 3 bags. Popular.
Solstad House
488 Main Street
Cutest! Tea cups with a tea bag holder off the side. Or however you want to use it.
Chocolate Studio
494 Main Street
These sprinkled chocolate drops will delight your person! Lots of other goodies to be found in this shop.
Shop Berte
500 Main Street
A tightly curated collection, Shop Berte has all independent designers in her shop, and can tell you the story behind each of them. From jewelry to wine decanters.
The Snookie Shop
508 Main Street
Inside of The Snookie Shop are lots of sexy dresses, sporty sweats, and tops. But what is flying off the shelf is the Snookie makeup bag put together for Valentine’s Day! Red pom-pom hat not included, but you can add it!
Hudson Valley Marshmallow Co.
510 Main Street
Of course you must go to a marshmallow shop for Valentine’s Day! The S’Mores Baskets are put together and ready to go for you. Plus these squish ‘mallows!
Kaight Shop Beacon
512 Main Street
No matter what you find in Kaight, the piece is very special. A story behind every brand that is selected to display on the shelves, these styles won’t last long. People travel far to shop from Kaight’s collection.
The Village Jerk
494 Main Street
…but did you know that there are leather-goods in The Village Jerk, the beef jerky shop next to the Chocolate Studio? Oh yes…check out their bracelets and gold painted wallets.
Refill.Restore.Beacon
480 Main Street
The razor you’ve been dreaming of! Replace the blades, keep the body. You can stop throwing away plastic ones now. Comes in other colors including a rainbow hombre.
Vintage Beacon
478 Main Street
A stylist-edited vintage and designer consignment boutique curated with love. Always changing it up inside, this shoe shelf offers a variety of styles.
Raven Rose
474 Main Street
Always here for your love, Raven Rose has the Valentine’s table ready for you. Make your own dried flower arrangement while you’re in. Makes a great little gift.
La Mere Clothing and Goods
470 Main Street
Valentines essentials. Don’t wait for anyone to buy these for you. Treat yourself! Many treats to choose from if you’re buying a gift, and new inventory is always arriving. Don’t hit snooze. Enjoy!
Tibet Tree Of Life
460 Main Street
Crystals, rocks, everything you need to channel the right energy. Blankets, tops, candles, so many things that will make a home happy.
Violet Reserve
468 Main Street
Have you been inside of this antique/vintage shop yet? Lots of special things. And do enjoy the mural on the back wall! Located near La Mere and Tibet Tree Of Life.
Hakan Chocolatier
462 Main Street
So shiny! Just look at this world famous chocolate, located right here in Beacon, NY. The delicacies are delicious. Pick more than one.
Wanderlux Style
473 Main Street
Beacon’s first (and only?) rentable fashion. That’s right. You can rent a dress, jacket, shoe, etc. Normally available online, Beaconties have access to this shop in-person and online. Located behind the architect’s office near the Howland Cultural Center.
Find these shops and more in A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide!
Beacon Warms To Outdoor Events As "Beacon Spring Celebration Of Light" Is First Sidewalk Walk
/
In the blink of a pandemic minute, as Beacon was brimming over with parades and outdoor events, all them went poof and ended, starting with the St. Paddy’s Day Parade 2020. Last year, 2021, during the first “mask down” transition, before the Delta variant take-over, there were hopes of outdoor events, but Delta dictated caution. Beacon’s City Council at the time was hesitant to approve even an outdoor market at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, which they ultimately approved. Later in September, the Spirit of Beacon Day committee made the tough decision to not congregate tables of nonprofit, artistic and community groups for a second year.
Now in 2022, during this week’s City Council Meeting, a Beacon resident, Dennis Pavlov, approached the podium during Public Comment to encourage a reboot of outdoor events and parades. A first event was then promoted by Councilmember Dan Aymar-Blair during his Community Report, describing a lantern event celebrating with lights for the coming spring. Like most events in Beacon, this one is volunteer based, organized by the people of Beacon Spring. The parade will be on Saturday, February 19th, “for an evening walk celebrating the coming spring, lunar new year, light, hope, warmth, renewal and kids! Everyone is welcome!” according to the event’s press release.
Beacon Spring went on to explain: “So many cultures around the world celebrate the end of winter with light! Thousands of lanterns are released in the sky during Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, fires and candles lit in honor of fertility goddess Brigid in Ireland, bonfires in Switzerland and Germany for Walpurgis Night, lighting candles for Passover, a 5 day fire fiesta in Valencia Spain to name a few. We want to make our own big town/small city festival to celebrate light in Hudson Valley. “
LANTERN MAKING: 2/13/2022
Prior to the lantern walk, there will be a lantern-making event on Sunday, February 13, 2022 from 10am-2pm at the Beacon Farmers Market, 223 Main Street Beacon NY. Materials will be provided.
PARADE AGENDA: 2/19/2022
Rain date 2/20/2022
5:30pm - Gather at Polhill Park - Main Street & South Ave. Bring lanterns, illuminate our light, line up and kick off the walk.
6:00pm - Parade Starts up the sidewalks of Main Street, bringing light, music and cheer.
6:30pm - Celebrate at The Yard, the building at 4 Hanna Lane. Display our lanterns. Drink tea and eat tasty morsels around the fire. Dress warm but be ready to dance to the music!
Business Directory Feature: Juniper Birth’s Single Parent By Choice Classes
/
Businesses are sponsoring A Little Beacon Blog’s Business Directory because they value you - our readers - and want to reach you! This is a great way to find out about businesses you know you need, but didn’t know how to find - like doula services and evidence based care childbirth classes from Juniper Birth!
Jennifer Polk is a Birth RN, Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor and Evidence Based Birth Instructor. That’s an empowering combo! She also has experience in and offers Single Parent By Choice classes. Recommend her to your friends today!
A Little Beacon Blog
GET THE RSS FEED:
Support for this publication comes in part from these businesses. We have highlighted what makes them special on their own dedicated pages. Want your business listed here? See the "Sponsor Spotlight" or "Event Promotion" option in our Advertising Page.
A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog.
Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
Beacon and the Hudson Valley are filled with really talented people. Reach them now by posting a Job Listing with A Little Beacon Blog.
ALBB IS A MEDIA SPONSOR FOR:
Categories
- A Little Beacon Space
- ALBB Merch
- Activism
- Airbnb
- Art
- Artists
- Beacon
- Beacon City Schools
- Beauty
- Beauty Guide
- Behind the Scenes
- Black and Brown Community
- Books
- Business Directory
- Business in Beacon
- CSA
- City Council Meetings
- City Council Workshop Mee
- Classes
- Classified Ads
- Come In!
- Community Announcements
- Development
- Donations
- Dutchess County
- Ecology
- Environmental
- Events
- Farming
- Film & Television
- Fitness
- Food
- Fundraisers
- Galleries
- Halloween
- Happening This Weekend
- Health and Wellness
- Hiking & Biking
- History of Beacon
- Holiday
- Hudson
- Hudson River
- Hudson Valley
- Human Rights
- In The News
- Job Listing
- Kids Classes
- Kids Events
- Kingston
- LGBTQ
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.