Last Weekend Of August! Fall Is Around The Corner... Fun Workshops And Activities Coming Atcha!
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HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
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Spirit of Beacon Has New Logo From Design Contest
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In celebration of its 45th year, the Spirit of Beacon organization has selected a new logo in an attempt to bring more color and a sense of what makes Beacon Beacon to its branding. The design direction from the Committee was to “reflect Beacon as a community,” and to “reflect Beacon in its unique location between the mountain and the river, with buildings and houses in between.”
Four designers submitted unique looks, and the Committee had a hard time deciding which one to select. The chosen logo was from Kim Dei Dolori. She said: “I loved the direction and challenge of showing our town tucked between the mountains and the river and had so much fun coming up with this design. You’ll see nods to iconic Beacon landmarks and the playful, quirky font gives a warm feeling of nostalgia with a handmade quality. I hope you enjoy it!”
Thanks to sponsors and donors, the Spirit of Beacon was able to award the selected designer $300. Sponsorships and Donations are still open. See all of the designs here, and more from the design challenge.
Applications Open For Funding For Youth Program Proposals From Dutchess County
/This press release just in from Department of Community and Family Services Division of Youth Services:
County Seeks Proposals for Youth Program Funding
Grant workshops set for September 13th and 14th
Poughkeepsie… The Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services’ Division of Youth Services is requesting proposals for youth development services from municipalities and non-profit, community-based organizations for calendar year January 1st to December 31st, 2023. Program funding will be awarded in the following categories:
Youth Development Programs (YDP)
Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA)
Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 will be awarded to programs that provide free, direct services designed to improve youth and community outcomes, as outlined in the 2023 Dutchess County Youth Board and Coordinating Council Funding Priorities document. Programs must address one of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services’ six life areas, which are: Economic Security, Physical and Emotional Health, Education, Citizenship/Civic Engagement, Family and Community.
Programs will be expected to demonstrate knowledge/trained staff in Positive Youth Development and show how the program addresses one of Dutchess County’s “Path to Promise” domains/value areas. Programs must serve Dutchess County residents up to 21 years of age for calendar year 2023. Eligible applicants should be either a county municipality or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, community-based organization with a federal identification number and charity registration number, operating in Dutchess County with the ability to meet the County’s insurance requirements and have reliable access to email.
The Division of Youth Services has scheduled two grant workshops for non-profit agencies and municipalities – attendance at one of the grant workshops is required – at the Dutchess County Emergency Response Center, 392 Creek Road, Poughkeepsie; each workshops takes place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.:
Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022 Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022
Please contact Juliana Corbett at 845-486-3354 or Juliana.Corbett@dfa.state.ny.us to register for a workshop. At each workshop, DCFS staff will review the step-by-step process of applying online through the Dutchess County Grant Portal and address any concerns or questions.
All grants are due to the Division of Youth Services on or before Wednesday, Oct. 5th by 5 p.m.
Funding is made available through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. In 2022, 20 programs were awarded a total of $266,691 in funding. The amount of funding will be subject to the availability of annual state appropriations, which have not yet been made.
Donations For US Army Needed - Being Collected By Antelak and Moore - Here’s Your Shopping List!
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This is for the weekend shoppers! To gather their things now over the weekend during their errands, and bring it in this week to Antalek and Moore, who is passionate about hosting a donation drive in support of the U.S. ARMY Destroyer Company from the 10th Mountain Division.
The company is made up of about 80 men and women, and we are looking for supply donations to lift their spirits! Please bring your donations to our office at 340 Main Street in Beacon. See full list of supplies below:
FOOD AND DRINK
Mio Energy
Protein Bars
Granola Bars
Beef Jerky
Candy
Fruit Snacks
Gum
Trail Mix
On-The-Go Snacks
PERSONAL CARE
Baby Wipes
Graphic T-Shirts
Baseball Caps
Hand Lotion
Hand Sanitizer
Chapstick
Soap
Razors
Shaving Cream
OTHER ITEMS
Appropriate Magazines
Playing Cards
A Note
Matchbox Cars (to hand out to children they come across while on mission)
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HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
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Newly Repaired Dummy Light Pops Up - Beaconites Cheer
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After being accidentally hit by a City of Beacon vehicle during the highly anticipated and appreciated milling of paving of Main Street this spring 2022, Beacon’s iconic Dummy Light hardware has been repaired by the City of Beacon’s Highway Department, financed by the City. The re-painting was commissioned to artist Erica Hauser to refresh the re-paint job she voluntarily did years prior (ALBB covered it in 2015), that had since gotten chipped from various vehicle collisions.
City of Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou hugs the Dummy Light after its restoration of parts and paint, after a City of Beacon employee accidentally hit it during milling and paving this spring.
Photo Credit: City of Beacon
During this week’s 8/15/2022 City Council Meeting, Mayor Kyriacou announced the restoration: "You may have heard this, the Dummy Light is back where it is." Mayor Kyriacou is known for his adherence toward historic preservation. Read the City’s full press release here.
During that meeting, City Administrator Chris White said: "I just want to thank Micky Manzie (Beacon’s Superintendent of Streets) for such a terrific job in locating all of the pieces of the light. And thank Dave Way and Sean Duturo for doing a fabulous job for putting it back."
After the unfortunate incident took place, City Administrator Chris told A Little Beacon Blog during a rally at Pohil Park for preserving abortion rights: “The employee who it hit is one of our best, and they felt so badly after it happened.”
Financing For The Dummy Light Repair
During City Council Meetings in weeks prior, City Administrator Chris mentioned that some funding for the acquisition of parts to repair this Dummy Light had been allocated from film fees generated from film projects being filmed in Beacon, like the recent regular, Poker Face.
Statement From The Artist Who Re-Painted The Dummy Light, Erica Hauser
After hearing City Administrator Chris note that a person was paid this time to repaint the Dummy Light, A Little Beacon Blog remembered that the person not paid prior was the local artist Erica Hauser, formerly of Catalyst Gallery, that has since closed during the pandemic (but her art lives on and on). ALBB reached out to Erica to learn more about the commission. Here is a brief interview with her:
ALBB: I thought I heard during a City Council meeting that someone was commissioned to recently repaint the Dummy Light during its repair. If true, was it to you?
“Yes it was me! Mark Price at Beacon Recreation called me after he heard that I had carefully low-key repainted it in 2012 - which was inspired low-key by Dan Weise, after I'd done a painting and shirt of the light in 2009 - and touched it up in 2015.
“I'd been thinking it needed a repaint anyway, even before it was hit in April by the paving truck. But it was nicer this time to be employed and paid by the City - or by the Beacon Recreation Department - to do it!
“I did it in early July, meant to coincide with the re-installation of the repaired light, but as we know that just happened last week, to great jubilation by all. Well maybe not by those who are worried about people hitting it.
“As for the paint job itself: these were the original colors and design circa 2006 when I first saw the thing. So in 2012 I wanted to match it. The yellow diamonds were actually faded peeling reflective stickers, so I just sanded it clean and painted yellow diamonds instead.
“I don't know how long ago the base was yellow, but people on the Beacon page surely know. I asked Mark if he wanted me to paint it all yellow, but he said no, it should be as it has been most recently. I'm saying this, because I had doubted it after some people were blaming the dark green color for the accidents!
“I was worried that they thought some artist had made the decision, which I would never take it on myself to do, in fact, I had meticulously matched the dark green and historic red!”
Thank you, Erica, for sharing these painting details. For Beacon history enthusiasts, you can add these details to your trivia cards.
Dummy Light In Pictures
According to Brian of @SpandexandSprinkles, the Dummy Light was in the last episode of “Severance,” which filmed in Beacon in March, 2021. ALBB has not fact checked this yet, as we need to check our subscription to Apple TV, but if you can confirm, let us know.
Dummy Light Safety Discussions
The paving collision prompted discussions about safety and the Dummy Light. Located at the intersection of Main Street and East Main (near Dogwood), the Dummy Light was supposed to replace a traffic cop decades ago near the train tracks. At this point, it is an obstacle in an already very unclear intersection which involves a hill and inconsistent crosswalks.
People in social media have suggested some sort of roundabout be created. Beacon’s City Planner John Clark has indicated that something be done to improve traffic and walking flow there. And Beacon’s City Administrator Chris has indicated that other vehicles have hit the cement base since the toppling of the Dummy Light during milling and paving of spring 2022.
It seems as if the campaign to Save Beacon’s Dummy Light is not quite over…
Literary Group "Lit Lit” Moves Back To In-Person Meeting At Howland Cultural Center
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After taking a hiatus to Zoom to duck the latest COVID spread, Lit Lit is back to in-person meeting at the Howland Cultural Center.
Says the creator of the group, Donna Minkowitz: “The September Lit Lit is ON and IN PERSON and all ready for you to sign up to read! Everyone can read their own writing of any genre, for up to five minutes--until we run out of time!”
The reading is Friday, September 2 at the Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St. in Beacon. Soft drinks, wine, beer, and snacks will be available by donation. Masks are required (you can take them off when you're at the podium).
Next Waste Disposal For Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Is 9/17/2022 And Open For Registration
/Registration Open for Sept. 17th Household Hazardous Waste Disposal & Electronics Recycling Event
Paint no longer accepted, can now be disposed of at local retailers year-round
Registration has begun for the Dutchess County Division of Solid Waste Management’s next Household Hazardous Waste Disposal & Electronics Recycling Event, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17th from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Dutchess County Department of Public Works, located at 626 Dutchess Turnpike in the Town of Poughkeepsie; residents can access the event by taking Route 44 East to Burnett Boulevard. The collection is open to Dutchess County residents only.
Residents can register online or by calling (845) 463-6020. Registration is limited to the first 380 households; pre-registration is required for this event, and there is a $10 registration fee. The fee can be paid online using a credit card or paid by check; registration often reaches capacity quickly, so residents are encouraged to register promptly. Checks should be made payable to “Dutchess County Commissioner of Finance” and mailed to or dropped off at the Dutchess County Division of Solid Waste Management at 96 Sand Dock Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. This popular event is first-come, first-served, and residents should expect to experience wait times when they arrive at the location due to high demand.
County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “Dutchess County’s popular Household Hazardous Waste Disposal and Electronics Recycling Events give residents an easy opportunity to make an impact on our environment – a responsibility in which we all play a vital role. Dutchess County is proud to offer these events, which help us preserve our planet for future generations, and we encourage residents to register to join us on Sept. 17th.”
This will be the final of Dutchess County’s three 2022 Household Hazardous Waste Disposal & Electronics Recycling Events, which provide residents with a safe and responsible way to discard a diverse range of household items that cannot be disposed of through regular recycling or garbage bins. Acceptable items include television sets, computer monitors, telephones, pesticides, pool chemicals, and more. A complete list of acceptable items to bring to this disposal day is included below. Hazardous waste in containers larger than 10 gallons will not be accepted.
Dutchess County will no longer be accepting paint at its Household Hazardous Waste Events, as paint can now be recycled year-round at local participating retailers through New York’s PaintCare program. Residents can learn more at paintcare.org/states/new-york.
More information about the Dutchess County Division of Solid Waste Management’s Household Hazardous Waste Disposal & Electronics Recycling Events is available here >
Acceptable Items:
Product Containers Marked: “Warning,” “Hazardous,” “Flammable,” “Poisonous,” “Corrosive”
Photo chemicals, non-latex driveway sealer, pool chemicals, creosote, kerosene, flammable liquids, metal polish, turpentine, strippers, thinners, lead based paint, gasoline/oil mixture, brake fluid, antifreeze, auto fluids, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, adhesives, resins, solvents, propane tanks, mercury containing devices, button cell batteries for watches & hearing aids, computer monitors, CPUs, fax machines, printers, TVs, stereos, telephones, lithium & sealed lead acid batteries, fluorescent tubes (please tape together or put in box to prevent breakage)
Do Not Bring:
Ammunition or explosives, asbestos products, latex driveway sealer & latex paint, oil- or latex-based paint, stains, varnishes, building or construction debris, tires, furniture, medical waste, pharmaceuticals, air conditioners, radioactive materials, smoke detectors, scrap metal, metal drums or empty containers, motor oil, car batteries, alkaline or rechargeable batteries
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HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
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Spirit of Beacon Day Hosts Logo Design Contest: Last Chance To Enter! Sunday Midnight
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The Committee for the Spirit of Beacon Day is launching a Logo Design Contest for the redesign of the Spirit of Beacon Day, now celebrating its 45th year. The winning logo will be awarded $300, and will be used on all signage, website, social media, merchandise, etc. All entries will be published for viewing, so that everyone can see the range of ideas.
Design Direction:
Community: Reflect Beacon as a community.
Location: Reflect Beacon in its unique location between the mountain and the river, with buildings and houses in between. Consider using illustrations of a mountain, river, apartment building and house.
Colors: Colors can reflect the Beacon City School District colors, but do not have to. The color purple has been mentioned as a desired color, in addition to earthy colors like green, brown, red, and blue. No need to base your colors off of this website. These colors are temporary and will be changed once the logo is selected.
Sidewalk Being Replaced On South Avenue For $185K Estimate, Funded By Dutchess County CDBG Money Announced Today
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Dutchess County announced the awarding of funding of 18 projects throughout the county including a South Avenue sidewalk, for a total of more than $1.85 million allocated to all of the projects. Funding is through the Dutchess County’s 2022 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment partnership programs. County Executive Marc Molinaro said: “The funded projects will improve accessibility, address critical community needs and expand affordable housing options throughout Dutchess County.”
Included in the CDBG grant is Beacon’s own partial sidewalk on the east side of South Avenue that borders Loopers Court between Wolcott (near Beacon Dental and Sal’s Pizza) and West Center Street (near South Avenue Elementary).
The City of Beacon has been working on this sidewalk funding since at least last year. Announced at the 11/15/2021 City Council Meeting by City Administrator Chris White, the application to allocate some of the CDBG money was submitted.
City Administrator Chris announced that the bid of the sidewalk replacement had been awarded to the lowest bidder, Precise Enterprises II LTD. The City Administrator said: “$185K was estimate. It’s great considering volatility of commodities and labor.” He said that the project would move forward in late August or September. The project has started by early August, as seen in the picture above.
Origins Of The CDBG and HOME Program Funding
CDBG and HOME program funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address locally identified community development and housing needs. According to the press release, CDBG funding supports community development projects and activities that benefit low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, populations and communities; while the HOME Investment program creates affordable housing options for low-income households.
CDBG Infrastructure Projects - Totaling $1,128,740
City of Beacon – South Avenue Sidewalk Replacement – $177,588
Improve pedestrian safety and accessibility by removing the existing sidewalk which is in disrepair and installing a new 5-foot-wide accessible sidewalk with monolithic curbing on the east side of South Avenue from West Center Street to Wolcott Avenue.
Town of Clinton – Creek Meeting House Accessibility Enhancements – $100,000
Installation of handicapped-accessible parking spaces, a walkway, ramp and entrance, as well as bathroom upgrades to eliminate barriers and improve accessibility for senior citizens.
Town of Dover - Boyce Park Multi-Purpose ADA-Compliant Recreation Facility – $150,000
Enhance recreational opportunities by constructing a new 94-foot-by-50-foot, multi-purpose, prefabricated steel and insulated recreational facility that includes a regulation-sized basketball court with retractable bleachers and room dividers to accommodate an array of activities for people of all ages and abilities.
Town of Hyde Park – Beck Park Improvement Project – $100,000
Enhance opportunity, safety and accessibility for residents by enlarging the basketball court, relocating the existing playground equipment and soccer fields, and adding a safe and accessible parking area.
Hyde Park Supervisor Al Torreggiani said, “All Hyde Park residents should have access to their town’s facilities, and we thank Dutchess County for this grant, which will make our popular Beck Park even more accessible to those of every ability. County Executive Marc Molinaro has long championed those of all abilities, and our town looks forward to future collaborations with the County that continue to benefit Hyde Park residents.”
Town of Poughkeepsie – Jones Street Sidewalk Improvements – $100,000
Promote pedestrian safety along Jones Street by removing and replacing the existing narrow sidewalk with a fully accessible sidewalk, including curb ramps and a newly painted crosswalk at the intersection of Jones Street and Main Street.
Village of Millbrook – Franklin Avenue Accessibility Enhancements – $100,000
Promote accessibility for senior citizens and people of all abilities by replacing curb ramps and existing sidewalk panels heaved by tree roots, including the removal and replacement of trees with invasive roots, using structured soil which will promote healthy tree growth.
Village of Millerton – Eddie Collins Memorial Park Swimming Pool and Bath House – $150,000
Design and construction of an accessible pool and bathhouse at Eddie Collins Memorial Park, a 17-acre recreational site, which will advance the community’s quality of life while expanding recreational opportunities for residents.
Village of Rhinebeck – Pedestrian Accessibility Enhancements – $100,000
Improve accessibility for senior citizens and people of all abilities by resetting blue stone sidewalks, constructing curb ramps with tactile warning strips and adding a crosswalk.
Village of Tivoli – Broadway Sidewalk Phase 4 – $150,000
Improve pedestrian safety by replacing approximately 460 linear feet of dilapidated blue stone sidewalk from 104 Broadway to Kaatsbaan Road, including a curb ramp near the western terminus at the Kaatsbaan driveway.
CDBG Public Service Projects – Totaling $150,000
Catholic Charities - Homeless Prevention Case Management Program – $25,000
Emergency rent assistance and limited utilities assistance to approximately 50 low-income Dutchess County residents to help stabilize housing. Case management assists clients in independently sustaining their household needs.
Friends of Seniors - Senior Transportation and Support Services – $25,000
Provide county residents age 60+ with basic support services, including transportation to non-emergency medical appointments, grocery shopping, visiting services, telephone reassurance and respite to primary caregivers.
Hudson River Housing - Housing First Support Services – $25,000
Case management services under the Housing First Program help high-risk, vulnerable homeless adults secure and maintain stable housing.
Hudson River Housing - River Haven Homeless Youth Program – $25,000
Crisis services, emergency housing, counseling, case management and youth development programming for runaway, homeless and at-risk youth ages 10-17. River Haven Independent Living Program provides services for older homeless and at-risk youth transitioning towards self-sufficiency. River Haven Transitional Living Community provides 17- to 25-year-old homeless youth safe housing as they work towards independence within two years.
Mental Health America of Dutchess County - Substance Abuse Residential Recovery Services – $25,000
A comprehensive continuum of services offering the promise of recovery to chemically dependent individuals. MARC offers emergency housing, non-hospital-based detox and treatment referral, community residences, supportive housing, counseling, life skill training, vocational development, sober supported apartments, tenant counseling and rent subsidies.
Northeast Community Council - Youth Development: Teen Team and CPSB – $25,000
Teen Team is a peer support group that provides educational, recreational, and community service opportunities for socioeconomically disadvantaged youth ages 14-18. The Community Partnership with Schools and Business (CPSB) offers workforce development and intern opportunities in local businesses for youth ages 14-21.
HOME Projects – Totaling $572,969
Annex at Snow Terrace, 28 Snow Terrace, Poughkeepsie – $91,870
Rehabilitation of former Webster House emergency shelter into six permanent one-bedroom units for the homeless/formerly homeless.
The Woods at Pawling, Castagna Drive, Pawling – $350,000
New construction of 80 units of affordable housing in five buildings. Project will be composed of 20 one-bedroom, 40 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom apartments.
South Grand Avenue, Poughkeepsie – $131,099
New construction of a single four-bedroom ADA-accessible home on the southside of the City of Poughkeepsie.
Central Hudson Adds Surcharge Onto Customer Bills To Partly Cover Arrears Reduction Program
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Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation will add a surcharge to the “Miscellaneous component” of each customer’s bill beginning August 1, 2022 in order to “recover costs of the Electric & Gas Bill Relief Program targeted to assist low income families who experienced hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to their ad published in the Poughkeepsie Journal, as first Instagrammed by BLMHudsonValley. Customers with low income who are enrolled in EAP and are in arrears will see their unpaid bill changed by August 1, 2022, according to a press release by Governor Kathy Hochul.
Central Hudson confirmed to A Little Beacon Blog that the surcharge will be collected for one year, and is in the amount of one-half of one percent on the “total bill” for each customer. Central Hudson will receive approximately $2.85 million in New York State funding recently announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, and approximately $3 million from the customer surcharge.
Immediate reaction from people in the Instagram post was confusion at what the rate of the surcharge would be. People expressed feeling heavy with additional charges being added after the snafu with Central Hudson’s rollout of the new billing system earlier this year, and the recent removal of the fixed rate for supply of electricity due to the breaking of the CCA contract made by a supplier who contracted with several municipalities including Beacon. The PSC recently opened an investigation in March 2022 into Central Hudson at the request of Ulster County’s County Executive Pat Ryan for Central Hudson’s flawed billing system rollout that impacted customers including Dutchess County residents.
Central Hudson confirmed to A Little Beacon Blog that the ad ran in Poughkeepsie Journal, Kingston Daily Freeman, Catskill Daily Mail, and Times Herald Record on July 6, 13, 20 and 27. It ran in the Putnam County Courier July 6, 13, 20 and 27. Central Hudson noted that publishing a notice of the addition of the surcharge is a regulatory requirement by the Public Service Commission (PSC), but publishing when it falls off in a year is not required.
According to Governor Hochul’s 6/16/2022 announcement: “Under the bill credit program, the PSC is leveraging the $250 million from the FY 2023 Enacted State Budget to require utilities to provide a one-time credit to customers enrolled in the Energy Affordability Program (EAP) that will eliminate unpaid utility bills that have accrued through May 1, 2022. The program also authorizes the same relief for any eligible low-income customers that enroll in EAP by December 31, 2022.”
Joseph Jenkins, Associate Director of Media Relations stated: “The measure received support from consumer advocacy groups like AARP and the Public Utility Law Project.” When asked if that support included the customer surcharge, Joseph responded: “The surcharge is how all utilities across the state are funding the program and was part of the program that the PSC approved back in June, so it’s difficult to separate the two. The how this program would be funded was one of the items that the working group that created it had to come to an agreement on.”
According to Governor Hochul’s press release, this one-time, low-income utility bill credit will be applied to affected customers' bills requires no action by existing low-income customers enrolled in the EAP to receive the benefit.
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Farmers' Market Celebration
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
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The Spirit Of Beacon Day Is OPEN!
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Everyone!!
The "Spirit of Beacon Day is alive an well," said former Chair Gwenno James to the City Council during a meeting back in July, during her final appearance as Chair. She was there to present the new Board who volunteered after she put out the call across different channels, which was also published by A Little Beacon Blog.
A Little Beacon Blog's publisher, Katie Hellmuth Martin, felt the role a natural fit for her, being that she had produced 2 floats for South Avenue Elementary School (and decorated 1 drive-by car in the parade during the pandemic), as well as her experience hosting pop-up shops and other community events in her former office space on Main Street.
Junior (Zayed) Dabashi of Key Food had also volunteered to serve, with his experience running many community events for Key Food's family grocery stores in Beacon and in Milford, PA, including car shows (one of his favorites), and open-to-the-community cookouts at the Mosque in Beacon.
Ali T. Muhammad volunteered as well, and as a Beaconite who served on Beacon's City Council, his commitment to Beacon runs deep. You'll see him on the day of the event with a microphone in his hand, serving as a Board Member and MC.
Nickeya Allen pulled in as Treasurer, eager to serve, as her two young children had attended the parade and festival in year's past, and she has participated with ALBB before via Juneteenth.
The reaction from friends and community members has been consistent, and in two forms:
1. "You are crazy!"
2. "Amazing, thank you!! You might be crazy!"
It is true. Anyone who steps into these roles knows that they have a marathon ahead of them. The difference is this is a group marathon where many in the community want to also dive in, get creative, and express what is Beacon.
This Year's Theme: "The Origin Story"
The theme of this year's Spirit of Beacon Day is: "The Origin Story," and here's why:
Event organization wasn't the only reason the role felt right to Katie. In her introductory speech at City Council for the public to hear, she stated: "When the pandemic blossomed into the racial reawakening across the United States and even in Beacon, NY, I started covering the protests down Main Street that marched to Memorial Park and Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park to listen to people's stories during the open mike sessions.
"As a reporter, I got out of my comfort zone and spoke with neighbors I had never spoken to before, heard their stories about their lives in Beacon, and reflected. In 2020, when September rolled around, I thought the Spirit of Beacon Day was the perfect time to kaleidoscope this. To shine the light on the origins of why the Spirit of Beacon Day was created in 1977." But the pandemic happened, and squashed all in-person events. Gwenno and her committee did all they could to produce a virtual version of the day to keep the spirit alive.
According to an article in the Beacon Evening News from 1985: "For a number of years, the students from the Beacon School System and the community were having some problems that had racial overtones. It was during the winter and early spring of 1977 that, for several days and nights, racial problems became severe. The Sheriff’s department was called into the community to help bring the situation under control. A community meeting was held at the Howland Library."
During that meeting, a solution arose: a community day to bring the people together to better understand each other. This day was called The Spirit of Beacon Day.
The 45th Year For The Spirit Of Beacon Day
In early Committee discussions, the Board members expressed the importance of opening up the day to new organizations to participate. The Committee is so excited to dive into this project to bring it to you, with you. We encourage all of you to apply for a Table and/or to participate in the parade. if you have developed something in the last few years, let's see it! Show it to the people so that more young people can experience it. If you have had something for decades, but never considered participating in this day, please do so now!
Let's Gooooooooo!
Below are all of the ways you can help. Thank you Highlands Current and Beacon Free Press for covering the initial change in leadership! Please follow Spirit of Beacon Day on Instagram for latest announcements.
VOLUNTEERS
Yes, we need so many Volunteers! Volunteering can include helping parade floats and marchers get lined up the day of the parade, helping vendor tables get set up, connecting with non-profits, speaking to Main Street business owners, putting out yard signs in advance, going to collect those yard signs once the day is over, emailing businesses for sponsorship opportunities, producing Instagram art and posts, running the Facebook page, etc.
Learn More >
GOFUNDME FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY!
The Spirit of Beacon Day now has a GoFundMe drive! Producing this event does cost a bit. Our goal is to raise funds needed for the essentials, and have stipends that we can offer to the schools for decorating their floats, as well as a few other ideas. We do want a cushion so that we are not starting with a low balance at the start of the planning phase. Due to time, we are not having a Fundraising Event this year because August is when everyone goes on vacation, and September is Float Building Time!! All hands on deck.
PS! If you are a business wanting to give, please see our Sponsorship option to get promotion .
Donate Now >
SPONSORS FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY!
Businesses in Beacon are one of the keys to holding the community together. They provide employment, enjoyment, and entertainment. This year, the Committee has developed Sponsor Levels that include logos on T-Shirts, yard signs, bathroom signs (yes! we are encouraging people to use our porta-potties rather than the bathrooms inside of businesses!), and more.
Learn About Sponsor Levels >
TABLE APPLICATIONS
The Spirit of Beacon Day is everything with its vendor tables and experiences. Which non-profits and social entities making a difference can the community reach out to and meet at a table? Vendor tables are limited, and we are keeping it to non-profit and social groups or entities only. Application required, and if accepted, a $35 Table Fee is needed to secure the spot. Food businesses are encouraged to reach out to partner with a non-profit if they want to offer food. We are encouraging After School Clubs to apply to represent at a table, and other groups not normally seen but need the exposure to reach our young people. Non-profits and groups can serve/sell food as usual! Otherwise, we encourage everyone to also visit our brick and mortar restaurants in Beacon, in addition to the rare street food you'll find from the organizations.
Apply Now >
PARADE APPLICATIONS
The Parade for the Spirit of Beacon Day is everything! Open to both Beacon businesses and organizations, this parade does require application so that we can keep track of everyone, and curate the lineup. Consider marching, rolling or both! Show your colors.
Apply Now >
PERFORMANCE APPLICATIONS
We want to hear you play! We want to watch you dance! If you have never performed at the Spirit of Beacon Day before, please apply now. Past and future performers are encouraged to apply. The event is known to attract 3,000 people.
Apply Now >
CRAFTS & ENTERTAINMENT APPLICATIONS
The Spirit of Beacon Day is looking for activities for Kids we will curate throughout Main Street. This includes face painting, hair braiding, hula-hooping, whatever you got going on. The Salvation Army has graciously donated their space again for a Kids Section setting, and we have a few other places in mind for Pop-Up Experiences.
Apply Now >
KEY FOOD FIRST SPONSOR AS "BEACON OF LIGHT SPONSOR"
In addition to being a Board Member, Junior Dabashi surprised the Committee with a Sponsorship as our first "Beacon Of Light Sponsor" ($2,000) Sponsor. Key Food Beacon is a longtime participant in the Spirit of Beacon Day as a donor and table participant. This capital enabled the Committee to secure the porta-potties - with an extra ADA compliant unit that fits wheelchairs. We were also able to begin securing a bagpipe band. Thank you JB Said and Junior Dabashi!
Learn About Sponsor Levels >
LAST OUTPOST SUPPORTS AS FIRST "SPIRIT SPONSOR"
As Junior and Katie were walking around Main Street, saying hello to business owners and touching base with them, the Last Outpost store voiced their strong support for the Spirit of Beacon Day, and came on as our first "Spirit Level Sponsor" ($250)! They carry amazingly rugged things in there, and do check out their custom Beacon made merch.
Learn About Sponsor Levels >
ROUNDHOUSE SUPPORTS AS "BEACON OF LIGHT SPONSOR"
One of the most historic buildings in Beacon, and a longtime major sponsor of the Spirit of Beacon Day, the Roundhouse has signed on as a "Beacon Of Light Sponsor" ($2,000)!
Learn About Sponsor Levels >
LOGO DESIGN CONTEST FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY
The Committee for the Spirit of Beacon Day is launching a Logo Design Contest for the design of the Spirit of Beacon Day logo, now celebrating its 45th year. The winning logo will be awarded $300, and be used on all signage, website, social media, merchandise, etc. All entries will be published for viewing, so that everyone can see the range of ideas.
Get Design Direction >
Guides To Beacon
When you come to Beacon for the Spirit of Beacon Day, use A Little Beacon Blog's all-inclusive Restaurant and Shopping Guides to prepare you for where to shop and eat. You will buy food from the organizations in the festival who are serving up their own fundraising-based food, but you will also be walking into restaurants for more delicious dishes you don't want to miss. And the shopping....oh the shopping in Beacon is so good!
Beacon Police Release Report Of Car Fire In Madam Brett Park From May 2022
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Back in mid-May, A Little Beacon Blog reported on a car fire that happened on a hiking trail in Madam Brett Park along the Fishkill Creek. We submitted a FOIA for the police report, which remained open for some time, and therefore could not be released. Yesterday, the City of Beacon Police Department released the Police Report BL-002891-22 that described the scene as the responding Officer Jason Burns described it in his Police Report.
The description from the Police Report has been republished in full below. Names of anyone identified have been redacted from the report, and ALBB cannot see them, if they are there.
05/18/2022 10:30 — BURNS, JASON (071):
“This officer responded to a report of loud banging noises coming from the area of the creek at Madam Brett Park. Upon arrival, I entered the parking lot for Scenic Hudson and observed a large fire approximately 50 yards down the walking path from the trailhead. I then observed it was a fully engulfed vehicle fire on the pathway, with flames reaching the overhanging branches.
“I radioed the situation to dispatch who initiated a fire response via 911. While awaiting the arrival of BFD, I heard a loud booming sound and observed the left rear tire of the vehicle explode from the expanding air in the overheated tire. BFD arrived on the scene and proceeded to extinguish the fire.
A generic Mercedes Benz GL450, not the one found in the woods, but a picture used for reference.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
“Once the fire was put out, PO Sequist, Sgt Confield, and myself inspected the vehicle and observed no one inside. The vehicle was observed to be a Mercedes Benz GL450, with the color unknown as all of the paint had been removed and burned by the fire. It also bore no registration plates and was devoid of the VINs located at both the bottom of the windshield on the driver side and above the driver side door sill.
“The entirety of combustible material within the vehicle had burned completely. All officers conducted a canvas of the area for any additional evidence with negative results.
“The on-call detective was notified and Detective Lawrence responded to the scene. The scene was processed and the vehicle was removed by High-End Auto and transported to DPW where it was cordoned off by crime scene tape and in the view of security cameras. File 25 sent. Case TOT detectives.”
According to a witness who spike with ALBB, the Beacon Police were called at around 4:11am, and arrived at approximately 4:20am. In ALBB’s previous article:: “At least one resident was woken up by the the sounds of the burning car, overcome with the feeling like their bed was shaking. They said that the explosive sounds sounded like someone was throwing bricks in a dumpster, or gunshots. Smoke billowed up to the tree tops, scorching the trees.”
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