Here's To Highs & Lows | Retail Therapy Guide 3/31/2023
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HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
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Look Up! New Lamppost Streetside Art Exhibit In Wappingers Falls
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Look up! A new streetside art exhibit has popped up in Wappingers Falls. The artwork of several artists from around the Hudson Valley has been printed onto banners, and mounted onto lampposts.
With a theme highlighting the artist themselves, individuals were asked to submit a piece that best reflects their work, style and aesthetic.
“The Hudson Valley is filled with an abundance of talent and the goal of the Community Streetside Artist Exhibit is to showcase the creative diversity of these artists throughout the Village of Wappingers Falls via lamp post banners” say the organizers, Courtney Kolb of Wappingers Rises, and the artist Sarah Davida of Nixie Sparrow.
On Thursday, April 13, 2023 Wappingers Rises will be holding a reception to highlight artists and their artwork at River Valley Arts Center from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (9 S Mesier Ave, Wappingers Falls). There will be a champagne toast sponsored by Coupe Champagne at 6:30 PM.
This event will be open to the public, free of charge with food and drink available for purchase by local restaurants.
Sponsors of this outdoor art include:
Graceland Tattoo, Keely Sheehan Design, Wappingers Falls Business and Professional Association, Inc., Coupe Champagne, Garay-Michaud Team, River Valley Arts Center, Sam’s Realty, Helen Piteo Interiors, Treybich Law, Orsi + Co, Wappingers Falls Hydroelectric, Center for Physical Therapy and The UPS Store of Wappingers Space, Place, Storage, UHAUL, Falls Woodsmith and Sarah Davida.
Artists In This Streetside Exhibit Include:
Adam Lauricella
Alexa Spaddy
Alex Grey
Allison Frost
Allison Lahikainen
Allyson Grey
Alyssa Follansbee
Andrew Cook
Anna West
Brad Parsons
Brian C. Zickafoose
C-MOR
Cerise Kacensky
Chris Ams
Christina Kokiasmenos Cindy LaColla Corrinne Sternberg CoSM
Destiny Arianna
Elizabeth Castagna
Erica Hauser
Gerardo Castro
Hilary Astrid
Jane Wu
Jessica Nash
John Breiner
Keely Sheehan
Kim Dei Dolori
Lala Montoya Heredia Laura Golben
Laura Holmes McCarthy Lindsay Loforte
Margot Kingon
Marieken Cochius
Mark Darnobid
Nicole Morris
Nigel Clair
Pamela Herbst
Paola Bari
Paul Caicedo
Sarah Davida
Sean McCarthy
Taylor McLeod
"You Are Not Broken" - An Essay Of Phrases
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Editor’s Note: This article has nothing to do with living local. It’s just a column that ALBB’s publisher Katie hasn’t sought publication for yet in other magazines, so ALBB gets to publish it. :)
Phrases have a way of sticking; whether they were spoken in passing or with strong intent. They can stick and change a course. As a person who remembers certain phrases very well, and cannot unbrand them from where they are stored, it has been told to me to delete this ability and forget the phrases. Move on.
In my current phase of setting boundaries, I have found boundary setting to be quite exhausting; first recognizing what the boundary needs to be, and then setting it up. And then maintaining it! The boundary can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It can be loud or quiet. It can be physical or invisible. Each time one is put up, the feeling is like going back under the water, after enjoying a few moments at the surface breathing air and sunshine, but then a current sucks one back under the water, and a whirl of waves turns ‘round and ‘round until the arms can straighten again to guide to the top.
The nice thing about setting the boundary has been embracing it, and then seeing what that feels like. It has been feeling like rolling and tossing and turning in rushing water. Last week, it all felt depleting, where I could not drink enough water or eat enough sauteed spinach and garlic to keep the nutrients in my body. That, or there was a lingering stomach bug kicking around, making me dizzy. To me, my face looked like I’d been crying for days, but I hadn’t shed a tear. That, or I need to buy proper eye makeup remover and stop relying on shower water and moisturizer to get off 5 layers of mascara each morning.
Thankfully the sun came out, the air warmed a bit, and after two long jogs, the circulation kicked into gear to begin the spring acclimation of the shedding of winter.
Nourishment began refilling when my daughter smiled at me at pickup after track practice. Nourishment began refilling when this article started percolating in my brain, and the courage buoyed to publish it.
The Amazing Thing About Boundaries
What has been incredible about setting boundaries has been realizing I have the freedom to live after the boundary. Once a boundary is set, one has to be strong. “Stay Strong!” one might say to themselves. But staying strong gets tiring. However. Once it passes, and the boundary is reinforced the next time, the reaction is (hopefully) a little less. And it gets less tiring. But one must stay sharp and alert for when a new boundary needs set and current boundaries honored.
As a person who is going through a breakup and learning how to co-parent, I am thankfully surrounded by support and love. Out of all of those supportive phrases, there will be some that hit a certain way. This essay is going to explore some of them.
During the week of depletion, all of the phrases were compressing in. Pressurizing all of the phrases until nothing else would fit. No more changes could be made. No more reactions. Just being. Hence this essay. To spit them back out and let them fly.
“You are not broken. Do not tell yourself that.”
Although spoken gently but firmly, this was a hard phrase to hear, because I felt broken. It was over something light-hearted - a project management program for my client work that was kicking my butt and breaking my brain. So many emails, reminders, emails of the emails, emails to remind you to check off the item to stop the emails. I cracked and went and bought markers and paper and put all of my client projects onto paper and taped them to external computer monitors that surround my desk but aren’t plugged in.
“I’m broken,” I laughed. “This computer program broke me and I have to be on paper.” The friend I said this to insisted that I not speak this way about myself, and my friend was right. She said it was important to her that people she likes don’t speak down on themselves. Positive self-talk is real. Normally I’m an advocate of this too. But we all need reminders.
“You are not having a mid-life crisis. You are reclaiming yourself.”
This is a phrase I said to another woman, who was out in a professional setting instead of at home in her usual routine of fixing dinner, entertaining her kids, and/or doing laundry. She apologetically explained herself, on why she was there. When people need change, I suppose they are told they are having a mid-life crisis. Not so. Don’t let anyone tell you this. You are reclaiming yourself. You may twirl in the water, but go with it. Fold your arms over your heart, straighten your legs, and let your body shoot through the currents as it needs to, with the water pushing you the directions you feel.
“You want someone to make you dinner!”
This was a cute one. After a breakup, your loved ones want you to be happy. Find happiness. This was a wish put upon me to find someone to make me dinner :) While I do love eating, I’m not looking for someone to make me dinner. Not that I would mind someone making me dinner sometimes. While this may be other people’s dream, I had to embrace this was not my dream. I want to cook for someone to provide what they like. Even if I don’t like it or know what it is. I want to know how to make it and provide it.
“You want someone to book you a trip to Cancun!”
Woo! A trip would be nice, but I’m not looking for someone to buy me a trip. I want to book a trip to Charleston, SC to visit my friend and I want to bring my kids to visit her kids. I want to walk all over Charleston and show my kids all the places I used to live down there - the dorm room, the duplex, the carriage house behind the mansion, the beach house.
Then I want to book a trip to Arizona with my kids and have us sit in the sun and maybe never leave the hotel pool because that would be too much effort. Would I mind if another set of kids and their parent leader showed up and we lounged around together? That would be nice. But in time!
Next, I want to book a trip to visit my sister to see where she lives, and maybe I’ll do that in an RV. But that would be a much bigger project, so maybe my kids and I will just fly.
Also important, I discovered, was booking myself into an Airbnb - in Beacon! - by myself. Everyone should do this. Take a vacation with yourself even for just a night. And then do it again.
It’s been really liberating to say what I do want. If you’ve been doing things a certain way without a thought for very many years, and then you gave yourself permission - the freedom - to not do those things, it feels really good! “Going out to dinner and brunch is not my highest priority, personally. But I do love to eat so of course there will be restaurant food.” BAM!! Liberating.
“I fear you will be poor.”
Ok, back to the heavy ones. This was spoken as a fear. The fear of the result of breaking up, and a reason to stay as is. This emboldened me. At that time, I had done so much exploration, I was able to have a response, instead of allowing the fear to scoop me up and toss me around.
“We need to resolve this.”
This phrase was spoken after a very well intentioned gesture got turned upside down. It resulted in a compressed, turbulent communicative experience. After the plane landed safely, and we exited back into our lives, I realized that during the conversation, I felt like my friend was trying very hard to help me - to put my shoulder back into its socket. Only my shoulder was not dislocated. Nothing was wrong with my shoulder. My shoulder could have used a hug, but it wasn’t hurting and wasn’t broken. Trying to fit it back into place was what was hurting me. Fitting it back into place was breaking me.
Which brings us back to: “You are not broken.”
Such a beautiful phrase.
To people who speak up: Keep being there for your friends. Keep showing up. Even if you are afraid to speak to them - if you’re afraid of how your words will hit them. Just listen and watch and show up. Practice speaking.
To people who live (and these people are all the same people - we just switch roles): Keep remembering when you’re in a moment of needing nourishment. Recognize when you’re depleted. Nourish as best you can. When you’re right again, try to spot it. It will be hard, because you’ll feel happy and light again. But take the moment. Because the next moment could be a whole new spiral that you weren’t expecting. But perhaps in your journey of tossing under the water, you’ve learned some moves where you know how to trust yourself. And from that rock foundation, you can push off to the next rock, and emerge.
…
PS: To those science nerds reading, who read my depletion feeling as something medical, OK. I will get a physical. It’s time anyway. I got a mammogram before dissolving our marriage contract and losing my health insurance. I’m figuring out the COBRA, will look into NY State’s Marketplace, and will book a colonoscopy. I’m of the age. And then will book an Airbnb again to rest and recover. TMI, but consider it your PSA. xo
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HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
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One Beacon Bartender's Women's History Behind The Margarita Cocktail
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by Emily Morales
Emily Morales is the front of house manager at Meyer's Olde Dutch and has worked in multiple other bars and restaurants on Beacon’s Main Street. She grew up in Beacon and is now also raising her daughter here. When she's not working, she's usually reading anything she can get her hands on.
When I say “Margarita,” what do you think about?
A classic blend of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur. Maybe salt, maybe on the rocks, everyone has their own preference. But who created it?
As a woman who grew from barback, to bartender, and now to front of house manager at Meyer’s Olde Dutch, I wanted to create a menu centered on women’s contributions to the cocktail world for Women’s History Month. I quickly realized, however, that there are very few cocktails more well-known than the one named after a woman, Margarita.
I put together three recipes based on Margarita lore, but nothing beats our house recipe at Meyers Olde Dutch. Served over one large ice cube and half a salt rim, it’s a serious crowd-pleaser!
Origin Stories Of The Margarita
Most, if not all, cocktails have one person we can point to and thank for their genius and dedication to the craft. Take the Hanky Panky, for example. It was created by head bartender Ada Coleman at the Savoy Hotel’s American Bar in 1903 and features gin, sweet red vermouth, and a splash of Fernet Branca. This drink happens to predate any Margarita recipe by over 20 years.
The Margarita, however, has over a dozen origin stories. Many people claim the world-famous classic as their own intellectual property, whether by accident, on purpose, or something in between. In honor of Women’s History Month, Meyer’s Olde Dutch is selling Margaritas inspired by three of these claims centered around women: Marjorie King, Margaret Sames, and Doña Bertha (and the Hanky Panky for gin drinkers).
Marjorie King’s Margarita
In the 1930’s, actress Marjorie King often stopped at a bar called Rancho la Gloria with her friends and fellow socialites, but was unable to drink. According to legend, she was allergic to all alcohol except tequila but hated the taste, so bar owner Carlos “Danny” Herrera got to work! He combined three parts white tequila, two parts Cointreau, and one part lemon juice, and she loved it. He dubbed it Margarita, the Spanish form of Marjorie, in her honor.
Margaret Sames’ Margarita
Another American socialite, Margaret Sames, claims an equally popular origin story. She was famous amongst her friends for her parties and wanted to come up with a new, refreshing, poolside drink. She created several recipes for this new drink while entertaining at the party, all of which ended up horribly (I personally believe it’s ill-advised to perform mixology while drunk, great ideas presented fantastically while intoxicated don’t tend to taste so great) until finally she landed on this: equal parts tequila and Cointreau, lime juice to taste, and a trace of salt on the rim. Now, I know what you’re thinking, but all truly great cocktails are simple in retrospect. During the party, and many parties thereafter, her guests would refer to this concoction as “the drink,” which eventually evolved into “the Margarita.”
Doña Bertha’s Margarita
So far we’ve covered two quite classic-sounding recipes for the Margarita, you’ve got your Cointreau, your salt rim, your lime, now let’s shake it up a bit!
Very little is known about this next recipe, but you’ll be glad I’ve included it. There is a bar in Taxco, Mexico, called Bar Berta, which was owned by a woman known as Doña Bertha. It is said that her recipe using silver tequila is a precursor to today’s Margarita, but once you give it a shot, you may never turn back to a regular Margarita again. In homage to the city’s famous silver mines, Doña Bertha created a drink to showcase silver tequila. She added honey for sweetness, lime for tartness, and an egg white for creaminess, shook it up and served it plain. No salt, no rocks, no garnish, she let the drink speak for itself.
Emily Morales Herself
Here’s a Margarita tip: at your backyard parties this Spring, try using agave instead of regular simple syrup!
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HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
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Guardian Self Storage Opens Second Building In Beacon - Temperature Controlled!
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Photo Credit: Flynn Larsen for ALBB
Could your self-storage experience feel homey? Mellow? Safe? Yes, yes, and yes, says Guardian Self Storage to the Beacon community.
Thanks to Guardian Self Storage’s sponsor support of A Little Beacon Blog, we were able to create a “Come In!” feature article for you, dear reader, in order to bring you the details behind all those colorful “Now Open!” flags blowing in the wind at 629 Route 52, next to their original building that replaced Southern Dutchess Bowl.
Said property manager Vicki McDonald to A Little Beacon Blog: “We are thrilled to provide the Beacon community – both residents and businesses – with a warm and welcoming space to store stuff of all kinds. We’re all about making moving easy and personable.” Vicki has been with the company for 18 years, and is a lifelong Beaconite who fondly recalls frequenting the former bowling alley.
While Guardian Self Storage’s Beacon location has been open for 5 years, the original plan was always to build a second building to offer a temperature-controlled environment. That day has come.
But First, A Brief History For Beacon Trivia Collectors
General Manager Judy Motter and Beacon’s Manager vicki McDonald stand in the auto-lit hallway of Guardian’s renovated building, that preserved the original wood beamed ceiling of the bowling alley.
Photo Credit: Flynn Larsen for ALBB
As the company’s 14th location in the Hudson Valley, Guardian Self Storage came to Beacon 5 years ago. It converted the former Southern Dutchess Bowl, but preserved the iconic ceiling, allowing customers to view the beams from each storage unit. Units on this floor in the first building can see the original ceiling, as the top of every storage unit is chicken wire, which allows for airflow through each unit.
During that renovation, Guardian Self Storage creatively connected with the community through its re-use of bowling lane planks. One person bought some of the high gloss maple timber for a kitchen renovation. Other pieces of the floor were sold to a bar for their decor.
The previous owner, Barry Winter, also kept a lane for himself. He says it was a "championship winning lane."
The New Building – Temperature Controlled!
windows for natural light in both Guardian Self Storage Buildings in Beacon.
Photo Credit: Flynn Larsen for ALBB
The new, four-story, 64,000 square foot facility sits next to the original building, fitted with an elevator. Both buildings are temperature controlled, are immaculate, and have windows to see the views and let in the natural light.
Units range from 25 square foot “small closets,” to the humongous 300 square foot “attics.” Large enough to be a 2-car garage (but no cars are stored at this location)! All units are 10 feet high, with roll-up metal doors. The smallest is the size of a small pantry, followed by a proper closet.
“We converted some of the larger units to be the smaller closet size, because that has been the most popular size in Beacon,” said Vicki.
Customers usually use their own storage shelves if they feel they need them, but they can hire Guardian Self Storage to build custom built shelving for the unit. Rentals are available month-to-month.
“Frequently, we are helping some people during a stressful point in their lives,” added General Manager Judy Motter. “It could be a divorce, or moving for one reason or another. We are a calming factor. We want to make this the easiest part of your move, if you’re moving.”
Each unit has a number, identified with a stylish sign, like on an apartment.
Photo Credit: Flynn Larsen FOR ALBB
Indeed, Guardian/Beacon serves a diverse array of space-seekers. Customers include drivers for brand name snacks, homeowners, renters, business people, people who make or collect to sell at flea markets, craftspeople, and artisans.
The 10’ x 30’ unit in the new temperature controlled building.
Photo Credit: Flynn Larsen for ALBB
“Some of them hang out, make things, and tinker,” said Vicki. “Years ago, when people in Beacon first started being approached to sell their homes for cash and they accepted, they and had to move very quickly. They stored most of their house here until they relocated.”
The “Garden units” in the new temperature controlled building of Guardian Self Storage.
Photo Credit: Flynn Larsen for ALBB
Natural light imparts a cheery ambiance in the boxy building. “We purposefully have a lot of windows, with plenty of landscaping,” said Judy. Soft piano music chimes in the background on all of the floors as one walks to their storage unit. “We make a point of making people feel welcome, and at home here.”
The lower-level spaces are dubbed “Garden Units” because of large picture windows facing some of the storage units. “A person feels like they are in a “Garden Apartment,” twinkled Ms. McDonald.
Community Involvement Beyond Storage
For many years, Guardian has been well-respected for creating close community ties, and Guardian Beacon looks forward to becoming a friend to Beaconites and beyond.
“Being there for Beacon is something we’re looking forward to,” said the project manager. “I grew up in Beacon, and loved my years at the Yanarella School of Dance, on Main Street. So, I’ve experienced the arts first-hand. Each month, Guardian Self Storage allows a manager of all locations to pick something in their community to benefit. I’m very happy with Guardian’s community policy that lets us reach everyone.”
To this end, the recent Howland Cultural Center Photography Members Exhibition was granted corporate support from Guardian Beacon.
Security In The Storage Units
Customers have their own personal code for easy accessibility during the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., seven days a week. Security cameras are located in several places in both buildings.
Easy Storage, Supplies and Moving Convenience
Photo Credit: Flynn Larsen for ALBB
Stop by the main office to purchase supplies like boxes, combination locks, and moving supplies as needed.
Guardian Self Storage’s Beacon location is celebrating its Grand Opening with a 30% discount for the first three months. A free 14-foot box truck or 10-foot van* rental is available on a first-come basis for moving. Customers pay for fuel as well as a small deposit and insurance fee.
*Van is available for the Beacon location only. Lucky us!
Guardian Self Storage also accepts mail and packages for business customers.
Guardian Self Storage Sizes
629 Route 52, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3800
Storage Unit Sizes:
4’ x 3’ Good for college students
5’ x 5’ Good for gear & garden tools
5’ x 10’ Good for seasonal clothes or motorcycle
5’x 15’ Good as a walk-in closet
10’ x 10’ Good for 2-3 rooms of furniture
10’ x 15’ Good to store an apartment
10’ x 20’ Good for 3-4 rooms of furniture
10’ x 25’ Good for business storage
10’ x 30’ Good for a household of storage
All in all, Guardian Self Storage’s overarching aim is putting smiles on people’s faces. The proof of the pudding is the enthusiasm of the managers and office staff, and the gleaming cleanliness of the facility.
“Think of that spider-web covered crawl space of your basement, or cramming things into your apartment,” said Vicki. “Instead, you can use a clean unit that you can access as needed. No more denying yourself more holiday decorations just because you ran out of space!”
Seeing is believing, and yearning to stow. Contact Guardian Self Storage’s Beacon location for a tour. Call 845-838-3800 or email beacon@guardianselfstorage.com.
Judy and vicki are ready to take you on a tour of Guardian Storage in Beacon.
Photo Credit: Flynn Larsen for ALBB
Travel Restriction Lifted Tuesday 8pm; Dutchess County Government Offices Open Wednesday; BCSD On 2-Hr Delay
/The travel restriction ends today Tuesday at 8pm, which is earlier than first declared. Dutchess County Government offices will open normally on Wednesday. The Beacon City School District will be open on Wednesday, and will open on a 2-hour delay.
Per the Press Release from Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O'Neil:
Effective 8 p.m. this evening, Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O'Neil will rescind his earlier Executive Order from Monday, March 13th, and there will be no more travel restrictions. County Government offices to resume normal operations on Wed., March 15th
Driving, however, is not advisable until Wednesday morning, as wind gusts have knocked down numerous trees and power lines throughout the county; sub-freezing temperatures overnight will likely lead to icy roads and slippery driving conditions, particularly in the higher elevations, and additional downed trees and lines.
County Executive O'Neil said, "We thank residents throughout Dutchess County for heeding our request to stay off the roads to allow our dedicated Department of Public Works crews to clear those roads. This has been a challenging storm, extending over a long period of time, and we thank residents for their patience and cooperation in helping crews keep our roadways passable."
Dutchess County Government offices are scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, March 15th, operating under normal business hours.
Dutchess County Public Transit (DCPT) will resume normal weekday service on Wednesday, March 15th. For updates on service, bus passengers can visit dutchessny.gov/publictransit or the DCPT mobile app.
Crews from the Dutchess County Department of Public Works (DPW) have been ahead of the storm since its beginning – plowing, treating and salting County roads since 1 a.m. Tuesday; those crews will continue to treat and salt County roads throughout this evening, as icy conditions are expected.
Residents can stay up-to-date on the County’s storm response online at dutchessny.gov or on the County’s social media pages on Facebook or Twitter.
Updated Weather Predictions and Help Line Information From Dutchess County
/From the Office of the County Executive O’Neil:
Declares State of Emergency
in Anticipation of Season’s Largest Snowstorm
3/13/2023 Press Release Republished:
With significant snowfall amounts forecast for Dutchess County for the next 36 hours, County Executive William F.X. O’Neil has issued a State of Emergency declaration, effective at 8pm tonight, as well as two Executive Orders putting travel restrictions in place effective 4am Tuesday and closing County offices for Tuesday, March 14th from 7am-5pm. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Dutchess County through Wednesday, March 15th, with snowfall expected to arrive tonight, continuing throughout Tuesday and into Wednesday morning. The NWS forecasts the heaviest snow fall between midnight and noon Tuesday, with 1-2 inches per hour expected.
Total accumulation for Dutchess County varies between 6 and 12 inches, according to NWS forecasts. Due to the heavy, wet snow expected in combination with wind gusts as high as 40 mph Tuesday into Wednesday, numerous power outages are anticipated due to downed trees and wires. Tuesday’s morning and evening commutes are expected to be impacted significantly.
County Executive O’Neil said, “Reports indicate this storm is going to give us significant, wet snowfall and winds. We are monitoring the situation carefully and emergency responders are prepared. Only emergency and essential vehicles should be on local roadways during this State of Emergency, allowing public works crews ample opportunity to clear roadways.”
Dutchess County Emergency Response will activate the Emergency Operations Center at 8 p.m. this evening, and it will remain open for the duration of the storm with representatives from New York State Department of Transportation, New York State Police, the County Sheriff’s Office, County departments of Behavioral & Community Health and Public Works, Central Hudson, NYSEG and Red Cross.
County Executive O’Neil will host a conference call with local mayors and supervisors on Tuesday afternoon to review storm conditions and coordinate resources as necessary.
Dutchess 9-1-1 Center and 9-8-8 HELPLINE remains fully staffed and prepared to address residents’ emergency and mental health needs.
Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office is fully staffed through Wednesday, including activating its ATV and other specialty units to assist residents and emergency responders as needed.
Dutchess County Public Works highway crews have loaded trucks with materials, salt has been applied to County roadways, and crews will be out through the duration of the storm to clear roadways.
Dutchess County Public Transit (DCPT) has suspended all service for Tuesday, March 14th. For updates on service for Wednesday, March 15th, bus passengers can visit www.dutchessny.gov/publictransit or the DCPT mobile app.
Dutchess County Office for the Aging Senior Friendship Centers will be closed on Tuesday, March 14th, and no Home Delivered Meals (HDM) deliveries will be made Tuesday, HDM recipients should use previously provided frozen or shelf stable meal.
Dutchess County Government offices will be closed Tuesday, March 14th. Individuals who have DMV appointments in Poughkeepsie, Wappinger, Beacon or Millbrook will be rescheduled for the same appointment time and location on March 15th. For information on scheduled Road Tests, please go to www.dmv.ny.gov
Residents can stay up-to-date on the County’s storm response online at dutchessny.gov or on the County’s social media pages on Facebook or Twitter.
State of Emergency and Travel Ban Declared By NY State And Dutchess County - City Meetings Postponed
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Hello March!
You do like to keep it exciting, miserable and brutal!
State Of Emergency Declared For Upcoming Snow Storm
The City of Beacon has issued a notice that beginning at 8:00 pm this evening (Monday), New York State and Dutchess County have announced a State of Emergency due to a pending snowstorm.
Tonight’s City Council meeting and tomorrow’s Planning Board meeting have been postponed, and City Hall offices will be closed on Tuesday March 14th. Please see the City’s website Calendar for updated dates and times.
Travel Ban Tuesday
According to the City of Beacon, Dutchess County is instituting a travel ban throughout the County beginning at 4:00 am on Tuesday March 14th, and which will extend through Wednesday morning, at least.
Said the City via robo-call and email: “Please avoid unnecessary travel during that timeframe to allow City plows and emergency responders to do their work. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Any updates will be posted to the City website and Facebook account.”
Beacon Is The Pot Of Gold During Parade Of Green 2023 - For Most Who Still Live Here
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A Text between Parade of Green ComMittee Member Richie Kaplan and ALBB.
Beacon’s Parade of Green 2023 was a great success, said most people who came out to support and cheer from the sidewalk, as well as those participating in the parade in cars or walking. With a threat of weather, Parade Committee Member Richie Kaplan said that of the 50 parade participants who signed up, only 5 canceled for fear of snowflakes.
Snow dust melted in Beacon by 12pm, and the sun was shining. Groups gathered on Wolcott Avenue to begin the journey down Main Street, which for this parade, went completely around the bend and ended at the Dummy Light, giving exposure to several businesses and art galleries on that end of town. Usually, parades end earlier at Tioronda Avenue (Howland Cultural Center).
Before we get to the gold nugget photos of the day, A Little Beacon Blog must pay homage to the friends and neighbors who no longer live in Beacon who would usually attend the Parade of Green. Several of them casualties of new landlords - both local to Beacon and from other counties - who buy property and increase the rent dramatically on current tenants.
Parade of Green Committee Members Reuben Simmons and Richie Kaplan.
More than once over the years, A Little Beacon Blog has heard from readers who lament that they cannot live here anymore. Maybe they work in the service industry in restaurants. Maybe they are nurses. Maybe they are artists. Maybe they are young families who live in apartments who cannot move out of them because homes in their price ranges - $350K - are being purchased for cash by local and out of town house flippers who beautifully make over the house and sell it for $550K. Which is above the price range of a young family.
A Beacon Police Officer at the end of the Parade of Green, making sure the Parade cars exit correctly.
Not of a young family from Beacon. Maybe a young family from NYC. No offense to NYC. Welcome! Many of you love this city town and love digging into the community. Beacon is just in a rocky road right now of originals who can’t afford to stay or return. But some returned yesterday just for the parade.
That Said - The Sidewalk Audience Makes The Parade! OG Beacon Turned Out!
Mount Beacon dusted in snow, with Beaconites down below coming out for the parade.
If you have a parade in the street and nobody comes, does it make a sound? Beacon came out and showed up at this 2023 Parade of Green! Another thing A Little Beacon Blog has heard over the years from OG Beaconites is: “I walk around, and I don’t know anyone anymore.” That is true on the weekend, when the sidewalks are packed with different destination visitors. It is not as true during the week, when several of us are out on errands.
But yesterday (Saturday), the sidewalks were overrun with neighbors who dug down to find their green, and cheer on local businesses and organizations who got out to represent. So many cheers from both sides - the cars and the people. Richie said that the highlight of his entire busy day was when one of the Boy Scouts rolled down their window from their parent’s car on their way home to say: “Thank you.”
A Jeeper from the Beacon Jeep Club, getting ready to pull out as the parade steps off.
The Parade of Green has represented many things. Recently, it represented the first parade to be shut down by the City of Beacon for the pandemic. Next it was the first parade to be permitted to ride again. Now, it is representing Beacon neighbors coming out to see each other, some for only once per year.
Lots of candy was thrown. A Little Beacon Blog handed out stickers and next year we will tape Tootsie Rolls to them so that they fly.
The Jeeps were there. Malouf’s Mountain Campground. The Bottini truck was a hit. Key Food with all of the kids. The Beacon Dog Park. Kearns Electric, Inc., where they have that alternative spelling of quality on their trucks, with a phrase like “If it starts with a K, you know it’s Kwality.” At the very least, it’s an interesting word puzzle to figure out when you’re stopped at a light on Rte. 9 headed to Poughkeepsie. Kilowatt Kwuality? Something to think about.
Grand Marshal Bobby Palisi
Bobby (Robert) Palisi was born in St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie in 1955 and is a lifelong resident of the City of Beacon. He attended grade school at St. Joachim’s and went on to graduate from Beacon High School in 1973.
Bobby started his career working for Shaw Motors (currently Healey) with this father when he got out of St. Joachim’s in 1969. From 1975 to 1977 Bobby worked for Ward’s Auto Body until he joined the crew at Secor Auto Body from 1977 to 1979.
In 1979, he started his family business, Palisi Auto Body & Auto Glass on Main Street in Beacon, which in 1984, moved to a newly constructed state-of-the-art auto body shop on West Main Street. He has been performing high-quality vehicle repairs for over 40 years at that same location. Bobby continues to proudly own and operate this business today.
Bobby is also a partner in Fulton Avenue Realty Restoration Company, which over the last 28 years, has done a multitude of building renovations and constructed several new houses in and around the City of Beacon.
In his early years, Bobby was the drummer with the band “Spiral” that provided fun, local entertainment for over 32 years.
For over 26 years and to this day, Bobby’s passion truly lies in his active role with Beacon Girls Softball. This organization’s goal is to build character using the sport of softball as a tool to improve girl’s self-esteem and confidence.
Beacon Girls Softball (BGS) educates 4-18 year-old girls on the skills and rules of softball. It imparts life lessons that include working as a team, spirit of giving, camaraderie and good sportsmanship. He is pivotal in running both the Recreation League, and Travel League known as “Beacon Extreme.” Bobby works endlessly on raising funds, recruiting team members, running practices, and organizing tournaments each season. This includes an annual fund raising tournament whose proceeds are dedicated to a local family in need.
In addition to this, Bobby has been a volunteer member of Beacon’s Board of Assessment Review for 10 years. This board meets once a year to hear residents’ challenges to tax assessments and requires training from the New York Real Property Services.
Bobby is a 50-year member of Beacon’s Mase Hook & Ladder Fire Company, 37-year member of the Beacon Elk's Club Lodge #1493, and over 30-year member of the Beacon Knights of Columbus Chapter #445.
Bobby’s loyalty and dedication to the Girls Softball organization and endless volunteer hours he donates makes him one of Beacon’s brightest.
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HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
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Vote For A Little Beacon Blog In The Eilmination Round For Best Of Hudson Valley 2023!
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Thank You, Beacon and the Hudson Valley Community! You voted A Little Beacon Blog into the next level of the Best Of Hudson Valley 2023! The Elimination Round is now open. Keep us IN!
By casting your vote, you can help A Little Beacon Blog win Best Blog of the Hudson Valley 2023.
Here Are The Directions On How To Vote:
Visit the Best Of Hudson Valley 2023 home page.
Scroll down to “Select a Group” (scroll past the START button - don’t click that).
Click on People (even though ALBB is a blog - media publication - and not a person - though it is written by people).
Scroll to Categories and click Blog.
Select “A Little Beacon Blog” and click Vote.
The rules say you need to vote for 5 total. But you could vote for more if you wanted. The screen will advance you to a next Category. If you don’t know the people or entities, take a minute to Google a few that catch your eye and place a vote. For example, we learned about Girly Wolfpack and voted for them. And Nicole Harris for Tiny Green Farm for “Farmer.” Repeat this for 4 more categories.
This may be all you need to do. Your vote may be submitted at that point.
Thank you!
Please note that votes originating from identical email addresses or IP addresses will not be counted.
The Elimination Ballot for Best of the Hudson Valley is live from March 9th at 9am to April 6th at 5pm.
A Little Beacon Blog is a local media news source with an eye for detail and discovery, which we deliver to a broad audience. We are a storyteller of the history of this area, and of the news and events happening here now. We help the people who live here, and the folks who are visiting, know about insider things to do, learn, shop and eat. We stop to smell the roses, enjoy a drink or snack, and do bouts of shopping. We dedicate time to researching developing stories about people and local news, and publish deep deep dive articles to keep all informed.
5th Annual Traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony - Thank You
/Submitted and Written by: Rhonda Altonen
On Saturday November 26th, the City of Beacon held their 5th Annual Traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony with entertainment provided by our local area singers, musicians, and dancers for all ages with a big turnout.
The MC duties for the evening were shared by our very own Antonio and Ethan See from Beacon BSA Troop 41 and Olivia Reynolds from Beacon Girl Scout Troop 10459.
To begin the evening's entertainment, Ursula Seymour from School of Rock sang a beautiful rendition of the “The Star-Spangled Banner. Then the dancers from Yanarella School of Dance performed to a mix of Christmas songs. Max Goodhill sang, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas". Ursula returned to the stage with our local BSA and Girl Scout Troops to sing a variety of Christmas songs including "Jingle Bells", "Rudolph", and "We Wish you a Merry Christmas". John Newhall from School of Rock played his guitar and sang wonderful renditions of "Blue Christmas", "Run Rudolph Run", and "White Christmas". Wrapping up the evening all of our entertainers joined Ursula, BHS chorus and our Scouts to welcome Santa in with "Santa Claus is Coming to Town".
In between performances locally donated prizes were raffled off. Raffles were announced by Tree Lighting Committee Member Atilano (Jr) Rivera, who currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Beacon Elks Lodge #1493. All raffles are free and provided by local Beacon and surrounding businesses. In addition, we had a special booth set up by Simone Williams, owner of All You Knead, where the profits were matched and donated to Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) of Beacon. Ornament and S'mores kits were also given out to kids as a memory of the event.
This year, thanks to Mark Price and the City of Beacon Recreation Department we also had live trees as part of the raffle prizes. These trees would be delivered to the winner’s home, or winners could opt to donate their tree to one of our local parks. Winners who donated their trees are Patti Rock, John Soltish, Robert See, Louis Ballard, Andrea Corlis, Stephanie Gill, and our very own Mayor Lee Kyriacou.
To wrap up the evening, Santa Claus rode in on his big red fire truck driven by our own Lewis Tompkins Hose Co.1 with goodies for the kids and then he listened to all of their Christmas wishes and posed for photos. The audience helped count down and the beautiful tree in Polhill Park was lit, and kids from one to 92 (and even their furry friends) posed for holiday pictures in front of the enormous colorfully lit tree.
The Tree Lighting Committee Members want to thank all of the entertainers who volunteered their time and talents, Mark Price of Beacon Recreation and his team in adding lights to the tree and for setting up the tent, stage and electronics for the ceremony. The Lewis Tompkins Hose Co.1 for their assistance and support, BSA Troop 41 for providing hot chocolate and Beacon Recreation for sugar cookies to all attendees, and the one and only Santa Claus for always making time to come to Beacon. The Tree Lighting Committee Members are Atilano (JR) Rivera, Donna Idema, Rosemary Merhige, Jennifer See, Chris Bopp, Rhonda Altonen, Stephanie Soltish, Bobbie Zappala, Kat Caporale and Kathleen Plumer.
We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to all the following individuals and businesses for donating raffle prizes for the event:
Adams Fairacre Farms
All You Knead
Antalek & Moore
Antonellas, Fishkill
ARF
Artisan Wines
Baja 328
Bath & Bubble
Batts Florist
Beacon Bagel Shoppe
Beacon Boy Scouts
Beacon Creamery
Beacon d’Lites
Beacon Dept of Public Works
Beacon Falls Cafe
Beacon Fire Department
Beacon Girl Scouts
Beacon Mayor and Council
Beacon Recreation Department
Big Vinny’s
Brother's Trattoria
Chris Bopp
Hudson Beach Glass
Key Food
Leo’s
Miss Haddie’s BBQ
Mountain Laurel Florist
Mountain Tops
Peaceful Provisions
Pedago
Poughkeepsie Nissan
Raven Rose
Santa
Scarborough Fair
Schmucks
Snookie’s
The School of Rock
The Yard
Tito Santana Taqueria
Utensil
Veritech Wireless
Waves by Diana
Yankee Clipper
Yanarella School of Dance
The event had a great turnout with about 200 people attending. Thank you again to all the families and individuals that joined us for this event.
New Businesses In Beacon Are Popping Up!
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As you walk down Main Street, you’ll notice new businesses are popping up all the time! Like, Healthy In Color and Butterhead Salad Company (opening in April).
We try to keep up with new businesses as we notice them! Then we add them to our Shopping Guide, Restaurant Guide, or Beauty Guide. Main Street businesses get a free basic listing in these guides.
If you’re a new business or if you notice a new business and don’t see it listed in one of our guides, let us know. It’s not intentional — we’re just a small mighty team and sometime’s it’s hard to keep up.
If you’re a business who wants to sponsor one of these guides, be included in our weekly newsletter, and be featured weekly in our Instagram, you can find all of the details here > or reach out for more information!
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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.
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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.