You Must See this Camarones con Salsa :: Retail Therapy Guide 10/12/2023
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BCSD Board Of Education Votes to Change Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s / Italian American Heritage Day
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During their meeting on September 18, 2023, BCSD’s Board of Education (BOE) voted to change the name of the federal holiday on the school calendar from Columbus Day to Indigenous People / Italian American Heritage Day. They considered it one year ago in October 2022, and scheduled opportunities for the public to submit comments on the topic.
In response to their consideration, the Board had formed a 6-person committee of community members to hear public comment and submit a direction on how to proceed. While public insight was gained, the committee and public comment was split. Said BOE President Meredith Heuer in the September 2023 meeting to vote the Board’s decision: "I was disappointed that it ended in a deadlock. But I really am grateful to the community members that participated. It's a hard thing to talk about. While I'm disappointed, I'm also not surprised."
Because the community committee ended in deadlock, the BOE members needed to create a name and vote. Meredith said it was “up to a board member to make a change from the current to something else. We don't need to vote to keep it Columbus Day. This is purely a change on the district calendar. Does not rise above that.”
Bringing the vote to a motion to start the re-naming process was Kristan Flynn, who proposed to change the name to Indigenous People / Italian American Heritage Day, which she said matched New York City’s, and responded to some of the feedback from Italian Americans in Beacon who came forward to voice their comment to the committee. Her motion was seconded by Flora Stadler and Semra Ercin.
Anthony White then optioned to amend her motion with an amendment to not name the holiday at all on the school calendar, and to eliminate all holiday and break names from the school calendar. "If we are going to change it,” he proposed, “I would like to change all of the holidays on the district calendar to ‘Holidays’ and not name it. And it's up to the parents to have a conversation as to why we are off. If it's a district calendar, it would say Holiday or Break... If we are going to change one, that is not required to be changed, I would like to change all of them to ‘Holiday’ and/or ‘Break.’ It's taking all the names off.”
This caused momentary confusion amongst board members.
Said Flora: “I'm really unclear how to vote on the name of the holiday, and then vote to take away all the names of holidays. They seem like two separate things.” Meredith contributed: “To me that does feel like a giant other conversation.” Kristen concluded: “If we didn't have a committee to change the names of all of the holidays, then we wouldn't be following process. We specifically voted on a committee about this holiday. So I thought we were just voting on this holiday."
Anthony responded: "And I'm saying, if agree to change the name on this holiday, I would like to change the names on the whole district calendar to non -pecific names and to just call it a holiday or break. So you can vote on yours...the amendment was to adjust it to name it ‘Columbus Day’ or ‘Indigenous People's,’ to ‘Holiday.’"
Anthony’s suggested required someone to second his proposed motion, which nobody did. The vote toward the proposed name of Indigenous People’s / Italian American Heritage Day proceeded. Voting in favor of the change was Meredith, Flora, Kristan, Semra, and Yunice Heath. Abstaining to vote was Alena Kush. Voting not to change name was Anthony (former President of the Board) and Eric Shetter.
In explanation of her proposed name, Kristan said: “It would have been great to be given and answer [by the committee]. But I don't think that is as important as driving people within a community to talk to each other and listen to each other...I understand the attachment to Columbus. At the heart of the argument was about people who were immigrants from a certain country that felt quite discriminated against, and had made great contributions to America and feel that they deserve that to be celebrated...I am not of the mind that, especially given the fact that that represents a significant portion of the population that has lived in Beacon for a long time and continues to live here, I'm not of the mind that we should take that pride away in any way.
“Also given the acknowledgement that since most of us came here from someplace else, America was not discovered, it was taken from people who were living here before most of us came. So, It would be disingenuous to say that we should be celebrating the beginning of that process for them. And we need to acknowledge that it was and continues to be theirs as well. This is a compromise makes makes everyone a little unhappy I'm sure, but I can live with it, and I hope other people can too.”
Eric also proposed another amendment, that the day be changed to Columbus Day / Indigenous People’s Day. Kristan responded: “I understand the attachment to the name. Based on readings that I have done, it would be against the spirit of honoring the Indigenous people....they believe that that arrival is the beginning of genocide.”
Anthony pressed on: “I do not feel able to make a decision of what is right or wrong. Keep it simple. Call everything a holiday. And now we’re making changes. We are taking that burden on as a Board. You said earlier, what is a good use of our time. I got on this board to ensure kids get educated, and they get educated properly. I do not feel qualified to make a change. That’s one reason I made it simple. Call it a holiday. The kids - they are off from school. That’s what they see.” His proposal to change it to nothing does not seem to educate anything.
Meredith responded: “One of my interested in updating the name is the way that we teach the history of this country has changed a lot since I was in elementary school, and I've seen the material that my kids got through the years, and it's different. It's acknowledging the genocide of the Indigenous people in this country, and acknowledging the damage that was done. It's not a simple story. It's a hard story, but it's an important story to acknowledge. That is why I'm open to the change.”
Yunice felt that Kristan’s proposal was acknowledging the committee’s result of a 50/50 split based on community feedback. “I believe Kristan is pretty much suggesting that we go 50/50 to change the holiday name to acknowledging both groups. Not one over the other, which is what we are trying to avoid here. The district is really working toward inclusion. And that would show that we are standing strongly to that mission and our values.”
Anthony tried again to justify why changing one name might exclude other situations. Kristan responded: “That name brings up for some people harm. If the spirit of if over time has been captured in a different way...You remove the harm by changing it."
Alena explained why she felt comfortable abstaining from the vote: “I'm not qualified to make a decision. I feel like to take it off the calendar, to add something else....I don't know how I would feel if someone made decision to take something off that was very important to me and my culture and my background. I would want to know...I'm not educated enough to make the decision. I learned a lot from the committee and the letters that came in that I did not know because I was not taught that while I was in school. I knew that he [Christopher Columbus] obviously did not discover America, but that was the extent of the knowledge that we had. I understand that we are growing as society as far as just really understanding more about our history. For the reason that we ended up with Juneteenth, which is a national holiday...I didn't learn about Juneteenth until I watched it on a television show, and I was in my 30s....If someone asks me, ‘Alena, why did you vote?’ I want to be able to then say, ‘I did it because of XYZ,’ and I can't. That is just my growth, and my learning and understanding of myself and more about society.”
In an interview with News Channel 12, Paloma Wake, who is a Beacon City Council Member and Operations Manager of the Forge Project responded to the final vote with this statement: "It's not what we would have preferred. While I appreciate the imperative to celebrate Italian heritage in America, it doesn't have to be done at the cost of the erasure of native peoples."
Locally, M&T Bank cited Indigenous People’s Day as the reason for their Monday holiday. Chronogram curated a list of 13 things to do this Indigenous People’s Weekend, where only one of which had to do with Indigenous people or education, which was Indigenous Peoples' Day Weekend at YMCA Frost Valley in Claryville.
Federally, Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged Indigenous People’s Day solely in her address of the Monday holiday.
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24 Local Programs Awarded $249K In Youth Services Grants From Dutchess County
/The Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services’ Division of Youth Services has awarded $294,034 to local municipalities and nonprofit community-based organizations to fund 24 programs that enhance the lives and safety of young people throughout Dutchess County through the New York State Youth Development Program (YDP) and Youth Sports and Education Funding (YSEF) Program.
Funded programs support the County’s “Path to Promise” initiative by addressing 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 and Family and Community. The County has used the “Path to Promise” framework to compare the needs of its young people to current activities in the community, enabling it to better understand the domains and/or age groups with the most resources, as well as which areas require additional investment. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 were awarded to programs that provide free, direct services designed to improve youth and community outcomes.
2023-24 Youth Development Programming: ($237,315 total allocated)
Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps., $16,781
Junior Corps Member Program — Comprehensive training and mentorship programs to equip members, ages 15 to 17, with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of emergency medical services and the goal of developing members into confident and capable leaders. Junior Corps members learn about emergency medical procedures, patient care and communication skills. Leadership development opportunities, such as team-building exercises and leadership workshops, are available to help members build strong leadership skills that can be applied in all areas of their lives.Beekman Library, $7,000
Youth Empowerment through Service (Y.E.S.) — Thirty-five high school-age teens will contribute to their community and gain leadership skills by acting as library volunteers. Teens may apply to serve as volunteer shelvers or academic mentors to younger children. Volunteer shelvers will learn library classification systems; academic mentors will serve as “Reading Buddies” or “Homework Helpers” to children in kindergarten through 6th Grade.Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, $18,000
Personal Safety Program — Provides free, classroom-based safety workshops to students, faculty and staff about abuse and bullying prevention. The program serves grades Pre-K to 8th Grade, providing students with tools and resources for identifying and reporting physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect, bullying and “digital dangers,” while also providing faculty and staff with resources and protocol for identifying and reporting all types of abuse.Chamber Foundation, Inc., $14,547
Next Gen Summer Academy — A 3-week STEAM-focused career readiness program for 14–18-year-olds to learn about 21st century skills and computer literacy, utilizing virtual/augmented reality, robotics, Artificial intelligence, game design/development and coding – integrating these immersive technologies into an educational and work readiness setting and prepare youth to enter current high-demand STEAM careers.Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County, $20,000
Green Teen Workforce Development Community Gardening – The Green Teen program prepares youth, ages 10 to 20, for college and careers through employment set in the context of community gardening, teaching the skills and behaviors employers seek. Education in areas such as communication, financial literacy, resume writing, nutrition and social justice is provided.Dutchess Community College Foundation, $10,000
DCC Cares-Surviving to Thriving – Program will provide postsecondary education dropout prevention and increase the retention and graduation rates of Dutchess County students between 17 and 21 years who are housing insecure, lack material basics and struggle with mental health issues. A Student Resource Navigator will assist 40 students with direct support such as emergency housing, transportation, technology access and access to basic materials; and a mental health counselor will provide monthly workshops on basic life skills, coping and work readiness support, as well as individual follow-up.Dutchess County Pride Center, $8,000
Intergenerational Get Togethers — Monthly intergenerational get-togethers between LGBTQ+ youth and their families and other LGBTQ+ adults, including monthly dinners, and quarterly family field trips to local museums and historic sites around Dutchess County. Events also include a lecture series on topics relating to the LGBTQ+ community and the various intersections of other marginalized communities, such as dealing with racism, classism, ableism and more; lecture series will also include education on LGBTQ+ issues and how to be supportive to the community.Family Services, $8,000
Teen Resource Activity Center (TRAC) — Offers a supervised place for youth to come after school at the Family Partnership Center at no cost to participants. Serving youth ages 11 to 18, TRAC operates four days a week, and offers sports, performing arts, academic support, pro-social/emotional workshops, nutritious dinner and relaxation with friends, as well as exposure to positive adult role models.Foundation for Beacon Schools, Inc., $8,000
2024 Beacon City School District Student Film Festival—Annual event open to all district children from kindergarten to 12th Grade , as well as non-district children who partner with a BCSD student to make a short film project. The Foundation partners with community organizations and local professional filmmakers to offer a variety of free filmmaking workshops across the community in the months leading up to the festival submission deadline. Participants receive a resource kit to help them get started on their short film project using a smartphone.Friends of Peach Hill, Ltd., $10,000
The Peach Hill Young Engineers Empowerment Program — Program will train youth to design, build and monitor a stormwater management rain garden on the downslope Peach Hill Park’s new education pavilion, “Outreach at the Peach.” Students, ages 14 to 18, will become young engineers as they work with an Environmental Engineer and a retired state-certified science teacher. Students will design and build their own original rain garden and create educational displays about their work on site and hold a community event to showcase their project.Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, $10,000
Traveling Science — A series of portable workshops geared to early elementary grades, Traveling Science entails six weekly sessions at a camp or after-school program, serving up to 100 children each visit. Traveling Science serves children throughout the County and is targeted at schools or community groups that lack resources for field trips and are not able to come to the museum site.Northeast Community Council, Inc., $20,000
Community Partnership with Schools and Businesses (CPSB Teen Jobs) — Free workforce development program for high school youth, ages 14 to 20, who become paid interns at 20 local businesses, where they are trained and mentored by adult employees. NECC’s Teen Food Futures, Food Access and Summer Food Service Program also provide internship opportunities to youth interested in food justice, culinary arts and food access. Interns benefit from workshops such as general job skills, resume writing, job interview skills and college planning.Poughkeepsie Farm Project, $20,000
Green Jobs for Youth —Poughkeepsie Farm Project prepares youth, ages 16 to 20, for careers in farming, gardening and food education; increases local economic and food security; and supports youth in job searches and placement by connecting them with potential employers. Program serves 17 youth who learn to grow, harvest, prepare and distribute food within their community.Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church, $10,000
Harriet Tubman Academic Skills Center (HTASC) — After-school program and a summer program to at-risk children who live in or near the Tubman Apartment Complex in the City of Poughkeepsie. Program’s mission to facilitate academic success, develop strong character and create independent thinkers with a love of learning. Program accommodates 30 children in kindergarten through 5thGrade, emphasizing the successful completion of homework assignment and taking part in engaging, age-appropriate activities focusing on STEM, literacy and character development.R.E.A.L. Skills Network, $15,000
Peer Mentors — Program offers low-income teens in the City of Poughkeepsie a safe after-school program to learn life skills through positive interactions with adult mentors and subsequently mentor younger children. Program works with community partners to offer six activity blocks during the school year: Anti-Violence, Mediation Skills, Babysitting, CPR, Health Topics and Job and Academic Skills.Red Hook Community Center, Inc., $7,500
RHCC Teen Group — Provide teen programming to 32 youth, ages 11 to 17, in northern Dutchess County, as a teen-designed, teen-led and teen-staffed program guided and facilitated by RHCC staff to promote creative and pro-social group participation. Group activities to focus on emotional and mental wellness using art, food, service projects and recreation to connect participants with peers and staff in safe and meaningful ways.The Art Effect, $19,500
Spark Studios — Workforce development program offers a safe and engaging learning environment where underserved local youth, ages 14-19, gain valuable skills in film editing, sound, lighting and video production while receiving immediate economic support.Town of East Fishkill, $8,987
Too Good for Drugs — Elementary school-based drug prevention program designed to reduce students’ intention to use alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs, while promoting pro-social attitudes, skills, and behaviors. Program builds self-confidence of students, so they are better prepared to make healthy choices and achieve success, reaching more than 250 students.Town of Pleasant Valley, $6,000
Children’s Garden Camp — Program will be held two days a week for six weeks in summer 2024, as children learn how to create a community garden, plant seeds and care for seedlings, building vegetable and flower beds, learning how to construct a garden, the insects that pollinate it and pests. Children will learn to use the food for different cultural dishes, as well as reusing and recycling to help the planet.NYS OCFS Youth Sports and Education Funding: ($56,719 total allocated)
City of Beacon, $5,000
Beacon Swim Academy — Program runs for eight weeks as four 2-week sessions, each serving 24 children, ages 6 months to 12 years, with a total goal of 96 youth served.Mid-Hudson Aquatics, $17,719
Dutchess County Swimpact — Provide 60 children, ages 3-13, six 45-minute free learn to swim classes, as well as 20 outreach swim team candidates, ages 5-18, a free swim team membership consisting of seven months (up to four days a week) training with Mid-Hudson Heatwaves USA Competitive Swim Team, swim meets and USA Swimming membership.Ramapo for Children, $12,000
SEL-Based Experiential Programming for Youth — Will offer four half-day retreats for 80-160 students and staff from Dutchess County public schools, utilizing active, hands-on experiences to strengthen youth's social and emotional learning (SEL) skills and encourage physical activity.Town of Hyde Park, $7,000
Learn to Swim Program — Provide youth the opportunity to achieve life-long skills through the instruction of certified American Red Cross Swimming Lesson staff. The program will provide them the opportunity to learn to swim and exercise in a fun, safe and positive environment.Town of Red Hook, $15,000
Town of Red Hook Recreation — Town of Red Hook Recreation offers more than 16 different recreational programs to over 500 youth (ages 0 to 21) who live within the boundaries of the Red Hook Central School District.
Grants are awarded annually. The application period generally opens in March.
The Division of Youth Services will host two grant workshops for the 2024-2025 grant cycle for nonprofit agencies and municipalities to review the application process. Workshops are tentatively scheduled for:
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Additional information is available here >
YDP funding targets services that promote safety, supportive relationships and other positive assets by engaging and empowering youth. YSEF funding targets services that support youth development through sports programs for underserved children and youth. The County’s Division of Youth Services administers YDP and YSEF funds for the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and promotes the County’s Path to Promise Initiative. Additional information about the Division and the Dutchess County’s “Path to Promise” is available on the County’s Youth Services webpage here >
3 Artistic Groups Honored By Orange County Arts Council Including Ralf M’Vore
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Orange County NY Arts Council is thrilled to announce the 2023 OC Art Awards to be presented at the Art Affair, with this year’s whimsical theme, “Wonderland.” The event will take place on Saturday, November 18 from 6 - 10 p.m., at Villa Venezia, 2257 Goshen Tpke, Middletown, NY 10941.
The 2023 Art Affair Wonderland Honorees will be celebrated for their achievements and contributions to Orange County’s diverse artistic community. This year’s honorees are renowned visionaries: Ted Doering & Jean Lara, Ralph M’Vore, and Wickham Works with special recognition to Melissa Shaw-Smith.
Ted Doering & Jean Lara are visionaries in the world of business and community enrichment with decades-long record of supporting art and cultural initiatives throughout our region. Ted Doering founded Umbra of Newburgh in 2011, becoming the first turnkey soundstage production facility in the Hudson Valley and founded V-Twin Manufacturing, Ted Cycle Shed, The Motorcyclepedia Museum and the Velocipede Museum, all located in Newburgh. Ted and Lara have been long-time advocates for Newburgh, having aided City Hall’s revitalization efforts and making opportunities to bring added jobs and revenue to the city in thanks for its embracing of the motorcycle community. Ted and Jean will be honored for their continuous contribution to the progress and sustainability of arts and creative practice in Orange County.
Ralph M’Vore is a lifelong resident, multi-talented entrepreneur, and social creative powerhouse in the City of Newburgh. For over two decades, Ralph has been beloved by his community and known for his talent, positive attitude, and willingness to educate and serve. Artistically, Ralph is a Recording Artist, Songwriter, Music Producer, Choreographer, Composer, Director, and Producer. His leadership includes being the Founder/Artistic Director of MVORE INC. Ralph is Safe Harbors of the Hudson’s first performing Artist-in-Residence for 2023 and curated a week-long series of arts, education, and community enrichment programming focused on the needs of the City of Newburgh’s artist community. MVORE INC has performed as a previous featured artist at the OC Arts Council’s Art Affair, the Black Renaissance Festival, Soul Under The Stars, and Newburgh Illuminated Fashion Show Stage on Safe Harbors Green.
Wickham Works was founded in 2016 to connect and develop the nascent Warwick arts scene. Over the years, the organization has led the community by producing workshops, maker markets, festivals, and parades, designed to support artists and makers in and around Orange County. Wickham Works focuses their efforts on providing human connection through art to the community, while bolstering the arts economy in Orange County. At the heart of Wickham Works serves Melissa Shaw-Smith, who has nurtured the vision of an inclusive, vibrant, and creative community. Starting from a simple workshop, it has grown into the leading arts organization responsible for organizing and supporting hundreds of events reaching thousands of people in the Warwick Community. Melissa and all the artists, volunteers, and organizers at Wickham Works will be honored for their critical role in bringing together the arts in our county.
All proceeds from The Art Affair: Wonderland directly support programs and cultural events such as Hudson Valley Creative Impact, The Student Arts Showcase, Arts Outreach initiatives, and Community Arts Grants. The OCNY Arts Council is only able to provide these programs and cultural events with your generosity.
This event SOLD OUT last year. Tickets are now on sale for The Art Affair: Wonderland. Individual tickets start at $205, and a group 4-pack is available for $800. In addition, there is a Sponsor An Artist ticket which will allow an artist from the community to attend the event free of charge. Orange County NY Arts Council members will receive a ten percent discount. Email info@ocartscouncil for member discount code. Tickets are available at Eventbrite and on the website here >
Sponsorship packages and volunteering opportunities are also available. Please email info@ocartscouncil.org for more information or visit www.ocartscouncil.org for more information.
About the Orange County Arts Council (OCAC):
The Orange County Arts Council is a private, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to meeting the growing need for local arts advocacy and serving as a county-wide arts resource. A diverse Board of Directors made up of community leaders, business leaders, arts enthusiasts, and professional artists oversees the Orange County Arts Council. Many of OCAC programs are designed and implemented by volunteers serving on various committees.
Orange County Arts Council supports and empowers artists, fosters diverse forms of expression and promotes access to the arts through educational programs, cultural events, public projects and participation that is integral to the economic development and collective well-being of our community. To learn more, visit: https://ocartscouncil.org/ or call 845-202-0140.
$1 Million In Infrastructure Improvements Awarded To 6 Agency Partner Grants From Dutchess County
/Grants totaling $1 million have been awarded for six projects through the Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant (APG): Infrastructure Program. The special funding was allocated by the Dutchess County Legislature in the 2023 Dutchess County Budget to provide support to agencies currently funded through the traditional APG program to implement capital infrastructure initiatives. The APG: Infrastructure Program awards have been given to local 501(c)(3) non-profit agencies to implement capital and/or operating infrastructure initiatives, providing resources that allow them to address service gaps and needs throughout Dutchess County.
When asked by A Little Beacon Blog when the notice of applications was, Sean McMann of Dutchess County Executive’s office responded: “The application was released on March 15, 2023; the deadline to submit applications was May 3, 2023. This year’s program was only open to 501(c)(3) non-profit agencies funded under the 2023 traditional APG program, and the Department of Planning and Development sent an announcement to those specific agencies only. The County will not be accepting applications for APG: Infrastructure funds for the remainder of 2023.”
The special funding was allocated by the Dutchess County Legislature in the 2023 Dutchess County Budget to provide support to agencies currently funded through the traditional capital infrastructure initiatives.
Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil said, “These grants will support these community partner agencies to make critical infrastructure improvements. We are grateful to the County Legislature for allocating this one-time funding to help these agencies make investments that can have a positive impact on those directly served through their programming.”
Projects awarded Agency Partner Grant: Infrastructure funding include:
Community Based Services, Inc. – $130,000 to renovate the main barn at Cultivating Dreams Farm, a 10-acre satellite facility located in the Town of Beekman; the project will include full weatherization and installation of heating and cooling systems in the barn, which will allow for year-round indoor programming for individuals with special needs.
Dutchess Outreach, Inc. – $28,000 for equipment purchases, including a “grab-and-go” cooler, shed and hoop house-style greenhouse to expand access to local produce and healthy food options for low-income, food-insecure individuals and families throughout Dutchess County.
Exodus Transitional Community, Inc. – $44,100 to replace the roof and gutters on the organization’s two-family house, which is used to provide community-based, re-entry services and transitional housing for individuals affected by the justice system.
Family Services, Inc. – $523,621 for the continuation of safety and accessibility improvements at the Family Partnership Center in the City of Poughkeepsie, including renovations to the sidewalks and driveway, replacement of doors and windows, improvements to signage and wayfinding, and requisite finish upgrades to common area corridors. Rehabilitation and enhancements to the facility will provide long-term stability to numerous local human service organizations that regularly use the building for programming and events.
Poughkeepsie Farm Project, Inc. – $24,279 to support accessibility and inclusivity upgrades throughout the farm, including the creation and installation of bilingual directional and educational signage, as well as an outdoor mural-style welcome sign.
The Art Effect – $250,000 for the continued construction build-out of The Trolley Barn, which hosts youth-led exhibitions and performances showcasing students’ artwork, including renovations to several areas of the building to be used for studio space, galleries, administrative offices, and event support. Renovations to the building will allow the organization to fulfill its mission of empowering young people to develop their creative voice to shape their futures and bring about positive social change.
The APG: Infrastructure Program provided funding opportunities for Dutchess County non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation. Funding was awarded to organizations on a competitive basis, based on the ability to demonstrate a capital and/or operating infrastructure project need which will provide organizations with the resources needed to fulfill community needs.
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Tony E To Perform Live On Spirit Of Beacon Day - Returning From NYC Back To Beacon
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“I’ve been listening to Tony E since he’s been a senior in High School. He used to play basketball and I always would see him and Brian O’Connor beatboxing and freestyling. I’ve followed his music career since then and believe he’s one of the best storytellers to call New York home. He’s Beacon through and through and you can feel it in his music.”
Tony Echandy lived in Beacon for more than a minute. Performing at the Spirit of Beacon Day last year before he took the leap to leave Beacon for NYC, the rapper known as Tony E will be on the Spirit of Beacon’s Main Stage on Veteran’s Place at 2:30pm.
Hailed for his gritty, emotional and raw lyrics, Tony’s vulnerable delivery makes his songs captivating. Last year, Tony had released “Life Is Crazy.” His latest track, “Ice Cold” is out now. LyricalLemonade declared: “If you’re a fan of gritty, underground hip-hop, then you need to check out Tony E’s new single ‘Ice Cold.’”
Says Ali T. Muhammad, a Beaconite, former City Council member and current Spirit of Beacon Board Member: “I’ve been listening to Tony E since he’s been a senior in High School. He used to play basketball and I always would see him and Brian O’Connor beatboxing and freestyling. I’ve followed his music career since then and believe he’s one of the best storytellers to call New York home. He’s Beacon through and through and you can feel it in his music.”
Catch Tony E freestyling “On The Radar,” where he returned after 4 years as the Radar got off the ground. Keep up with Tony E on his Instagram and YouTube. He’s hard to catch, as he travels to LA and other locations for different experiences.
Parking Pro Tips For Spirit Of Beacon Day - Free Parking At MTA Train Station + Free Bus
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For those of you coming in for the Spirit of Beacon Day, here are some parking pro-tips to make parking smooth for everyone. There are many side streets in Beacon, and while people regularly park in them, things can get particularly crowded on a Sunday when there are churches in session and a big event happening. Residents need to get out from their driveways, and fire-hydrants need to be honored for safety.
Parking Pro Tips:
Give generous room to a driveway. Don’t scoot to the edge of a driveway. That homeowner or renter can’t turn out of their driveway if you have edged too close.
Respect the fire-hydrants. Don’t park in front of a fire hydrant. Obviously! But some people still do it. Just don’t. You might just get a note on your car, or a civilian photo sent to the police.
Park at the MTA Train Station! It is free on the weekends. A Free Bus runs every 25 mins for the Spirit of Beacon Day from 11am-4:30pm to bring you up to Main Street and down to the Train Station. If you’re walking, you will walk past Two Way Brewery. Stop in for a beer and a board game!
Really don’t park in front of someone’s driveway. That’s just silly.
Homeowners: Please be tolerant if the side street parking wave reaches you. We’re all allowed to park in front of your house, we’ll just all be mindful.
Park as close to the curb as you can. This makes a difference for people turning out of their driveways.
Main Street will be partially closed between Key Food (S. Brett Street) and Yankee Clipper Diner (Fishkill/Teller Avenue). Keep this in mind as you navigate around Beacon.
New Day/Time!! "SOON IS NOW," Lovers Of Long Dock Park Will Love This Immersive Multi-Performance Curated Around Climate And Eco On Oct. 1
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SOON IS NOW, the climate and eco art & live performance festival in Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park is happening on a new date an time, due to last week’s weather. Fitting, being that this performance is all about the climate! This year, it is on the same day as Spirit of Beacon Day, so you have quite a collection of things to do this Sunday.
Important Things You Need To Know:
IMMERSIVE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Resistance Revival Chorus, coming to Beacon for “Soon Is Now” at Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park. On October 1 at 3pm.
SOON IS NOW is from 12pm-3:30pm. Multiple performances happen throughout the nature in the park, ending with the finale of the famous The Resistance Revival Chorus performing at 3pm. Tours take people through the different performances and run every half hour starting at: 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm. If you miss the start of a tour, you could wander around the park and fall into a group.
Lovers of Long Dock Park will get to experience it in a way they have never experienced it before. Located along the Hudson River, this park is mainly covered in tall grasses with winding paths cut through, surrounded by dunes of other grasses, shaded by trees and rocky beach along the water.
WHAT PEOPLE WILL EXPERIENCE ON THE TOURS
Tours will start at the River Center (big Red Barn). Walk straight to the dancers on the berm ahead of the River Center. Walk through the native grasses and the aster and sunflowers currently in bloom, and continue to the shore of the Hudson River. Performances will be seen all along the rocky beach - 3 performances in total. At the edge of the beach is a performance in a bog in the wetlands. The wetlands! The group will then go to the Outdoor Classroom, which is a mini concrete amphitheater located down low in what feels like a sunken part of the tall grasses. People will experience theater in this spot. People will make their way back across the park, past the kayak shelter to go straight ahead to meet a dancer again where they dance with 5 trees.
WHO YOU WILL SEE
Come to the park to see the visual arts exhibition in the River Center (Big Red Barn) with work by Camille Seaman, Jaanika Peerna and Jean Brennan. Meet climate activists from Beacon Climate Action Now and Climate Reality, and sign up for a tour.
This event is FREE of charge and open to the public and there are so many wonderful artists (many from Beacon) participating: Edwin Torres, Andrew Brehm, Elise Knudson, Elisa Santiago, Twinkle Burke and more. Click here for more details >
3PM: THE RESISTANCE REVIVAL CHORUS
Beaconites and those located nearby are in luck, as they get to experience The Resistance Revival Chorus up from NYC to sing a closing concert at 3pm. The Number Seven Sandwich Food Truck located near the River Center in Long Dock Park will have food for sale.
PARKING & DRIVING NOTES
The 46th annual Spirit of Beacon Day is happening up the hill on Beacon’s’ Main Street. A few notes for parking and driving down to Long Dock Park:
12pm-1:30pm Wolcott Avenue will be closed from Beekman Street (Giannetta’s Salon Spa) to Beekman Street (Rose Hill Manor Day Care), as Spirit of Beacon Parade participants will be lining up there. If coming from the south (Cold Spring), take 9D all the way, or if in Beacon, take Teller Avenue down to Beekman (Rose Hill Manor Day Care) and take a left on Beekman, which will take you past the Dia and to the park.
If coming from the north (1-84) take Wolcott/9D to Beekman (Giannetta’s Salon Spa) and take a right on Beekman. Pass Two Way Brewery and Brett’s Hardware all the way around until Long Dock Park.
Free parking is at the Metro North Beacon Train Station. The Spirit of Beacon Day will have a special FREE Dutchess County Bus that is shuttling people from the train up to Main Street from 11am-4:40pm. You can take it to help you experience both events.
Main Street in Beacon will be blocked from Key Food to the Yankee Clipper Diner, so take Henry Street if you want to go around Main Street for any reason.
City Of Beacon Allows Beacon Farmers' Market and Flea Market To Be Open On Spirit Of Beacon Day Rain Date
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“When I adopted the role of Chair for the Spirit of Beacon Day last year,” said Katie Hellmuth, “I and the new Committee members learned that both the Beacon Farmers’ Market and Beacon Flea Market were ordered by their contracts with the City of Beacon to be closed on the Spirit of Beacon Day. Which was an agreement set up years ago, before this administration. This was to open up parking in both the DMV parking lot and the Henry Street parking lot - which are both free municipal lots - on those days,” Katie told A Little Beacon Blog.
“Beacon has a parking problem. Closing the markets should not be a bandaid solution to fixing that for one weekend of a community festival.”
“From our first organizational meeting with the City of Beacon last year, which included the City Administrator Chris White, Police Chief Sans Frost, and Lt. Jason Walden, we asked for both markets to be open. Knowing that if you open the Farmers Market, you have to also open the Flea Market,” Katie said. “Opening both markets would enhance the whole day, and connect the west end of Beacon’s Main Street with the Spirit of Beacon Day blocked off section. Often what happens is that the middle of Main Street is a bottle-neck of people. We want the people to also experience both ends of Main Street. The east end near the mountain is a whole different story but we want people there too.”
Beacon has a known parking problem. The city is running out of space to absorb cars wanting to park near Main Street. A parking garage has been floated, but has not yet been accepted by the public.
“For so many reasons, the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee wanted the Beacon Farmers’ Market to be open on the big day. But, Police Chief Frost and Lt. Walden were afraid of a repeat scenario of the Cupcake Festival,” Katie told ALBB. “During that festival, so many tourists came in, and parked all over the place. In organizational meetings, Lt. Walden was adamant that we keep the DMV and Henry Street parking lots closed but open to the public,” Katie said.
According to Katie, Chief Frost was willing to consider opening the parking lots for the following year, but he wasn’t comfortable for 2023. A huge fan of the Spirit of Beacon Day, Chief Frost anticipated a lot of people, and he wanted to accommodate them.
“Beacon has a parking problem. Closing the markets should not be a bandaid solution to fixing that for one weekend of a community festival.”
However, the DMV parking lot is consistently under-used. On regular weekends, tourists don’t to know to park there. Despite new signage designed by the Main Street Access Committee. On their 2022 de-briefing, sources say that Katie asked Lt. Walden if the DMV lot was full on Spirit of Beacon 2022. According to sources, he confirmed that it was not.
This year, when the Spirit of Beacon Day went to rain date, which was possibly the 2nd time in its 46 year history, it forced a reconsideration of the rain date. “Once the tropical storm was strengthening, we didn’t know what direction the storm was going to go in. We feared the kids being out in that weather. We had done our homework and knew which of our service vendors and performers were still available the following weekend. So we quickly postponed the Spirit of Beacon Day and alerted all of our vendors so that they could prepare for the following weekend instead,” Katie said.
As for the Farmers’ Market, the procedure for the rain date maybe be unprecidented between the City of Beacon and the Farmers’ Market and Flea Market. “We knew this postponement would impact the Farmers Market. That they would still be closed on our original date because of the short notice. In my own heart of hearts, I knew that there was no way the Farmer’s Market was not going to be open on the rain date. I was texted by my farmer friends, asking what was going to happen for the rain date. I told them I didn’t know. I didn’t know if this was spelled out in their contract,” Katie said. “This is not an agreement between the Spirit of Beacon Day and the Farmers’ Market. It is between the City of Beacon and the two markets. Closing the markets is not the Spirit of Beacon’s preference.”
“What I didn’t tell them,” she continued “was that I was planning a full court press to get them open on the Spirit of Beacon Day rain date. And hopefully every year after this.” The City of Beacon and Dutchess County are discussing developing the DMV lot, which if built, would result in construction in that parking lot as well as a smaller parking lot for the Farmers’ Market. The City Council and City Planner have been discussing it in their last few meetings.
“Beacon has a parking problem,” Katie continued. “Closing the markets should not be a bandaid solution to fixing that for one weekend of a community festival.”
The rain date situation challenged the contract between the City of Beacon and the Farmers’ Market and the Flea Markets. “The panic that this rain date caused the Farmers’ Market participants was unprecedented. The market vendors depend on the Beacon Farmers Market (and Cold Spring, and other markets) to make payroll for themselves and their staff.”
It is unknown to ALBB at this time what the contract says about the event of a rain date. “The Farmers Market managers were inquiring with the Spirit of Beacon Committee as to how they could be open on the big day in any way. Before the postpone date happened. We didn’t know. Since the police gave their answer, and the City Administrator advised us and them to simply absorb the 50+ market vendors into the Spirit of Beacon’s 80+ vendors, without extending the closing of Main Street to accommodate that. We didn’t know what to do,” Katie told ALBB.
After the postponement to rain date, the Market managers, Hampton Fluker and Amy Bandolik, did their own full court press to get representation at the Spirit of Beacon Day. The Spirit of Beacon Committee set to their map-making of fitting in the 50+ vendors from the Farmers Market. Which was in addition to the 80+ vendors the Spirit of Beacon was responsible for. Katie agreed to take a meeting with Hampton and Amy to figure out how to make it work at 5pm on Monday.
“We tried every lot. I emailed landowner Joe Donovan for permission to use every grass space he has on the west end of Main Street,” Katie told ALBB. “Jeana Pearl Fletcher, the Spirit of Beacon Secretary and landscape architect, used her best skills to fit in all of the tables on our new map. Board Member Junior Dabashi was hopeful that maybe we could squeeze the tables close to each other. I mean, we were trying, because the City of Beacon was denying the markets use of the parking lots for the two years I asked the City to allow them to be open. But I couldn’t see how all of these tables could fit,” Katie said.
“When I inquired with farmer vendors, Farmer Carrie of Eggbert’s Free Range Farm told me that she preferred to stay at the DMV because she has a double-wide tent and needs her refrigerated van to re-supply her inventory. The Farmers Market managers confirmed to me that there were about 7 other vendors like that. This seemed crazy to fit them in a confined space, where no regular customer-base would know where to find them,” Katie concluded.
In the end, the Beacon Farmers Market managers collected many testimonials from vendors on how detrimental the financial impact was on them, and sent them to the City of Beacon, requesting that the Farmers’ Market be included in any Spirit meeting with City Officials. In addition, customers of the market wanted the Farmers’ Market open on the big day of the Spirit of Beacon. “How can they not be a part of the day?” expressed Spirit of Beacon board member Jeana.
By Monday at 3:30pm, the City Administrator Chris emailed Katie to inform her that both markets would be open, but stressed, “This does not mean it is going to be allowed next year.” Via email to Katie, he added: “While this might cause some issues with parking, it is not fair to them to lose two weekends in a row.” This meant that the Farmers Market and Spirit of Beacon did not need to have their own planning meeting at 5pm to get this desired result, and Katie did not need to have a 3rd meeting with the City to advocate for this again across the table.
The Farmers’ Market made their announcement via Instagram: “We are delighted to announce that we have emerged victorious in our endeavor to operate the @beaconfarmersmarket on (and in conjunction with) @spiritofbeaconday ❤️🥬🎉 We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you (Beaconites & beyond) for your unwavering dedication and heartfelt testimonials, which have played a pivotal role in making this possible. As the market team, we are privileged to have the opportunity to serve our small business vendors, farmers & makers and to provide fresh food (and more) to our community.”
It is the position of the Spirit of Beacon Day that both markets be allowed to be open on the Spirit of Beacon Day forever. From the Spirit of Beacon Day’s statement: “The Spirit of Beacon Day fully recommends that this forced closure be removed from both contracts of the Beacon Farmers Market and Beacon Flea Market. We need them. We need both markets to help people move throughout the city. And the markets need regularity to prosper and survive.”
Darryl's Leaves Beacon - Staying In Rhinbeck and NYC
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Darryl’s clothing boutique moved to Beacon years ago. Owned by Darryl and Ed, who ALBB publisher Katie declared to be her adopted grandma, Darryl’s dug into the Beacon community as best they could. They hosted artists on Second Saturday, and advertised with A Little Beacon Blog.
Seasoned stylists and shop owners, Darryl’s had established boutiques in New York City and in Rhinebeck before they opened their store in Beacon. Because of their advertising relationship with A Little Beacon Blog, Katie was in the store quite often to photograph clothing to feature in the weekend newsletter and Instagram. As is what happens with sustaining sponsors, Katie has a few statement pieces in her closet now from Darryl’s that she wore to a Beacon Historical Society fundraiser at the Roundhouse, and upgraded her bathing suite coverup game to Splashdown.
When A Little Beacon Blog asked why they were moving out, Ed stated that it was because of a rent increase that was too much, and that they could not sustain. Ed confirmed that they are keeping their stores in New York City and Rhinebeck.
The space already has a replacement: the tattoo artist and art gallery Distortion Society, which is currently located somewhat across the street in the old Riverwinds Gallery location. That location is about to go vacant for the moment because the owners of that property are finally building their building, after years of presentations to Beacon’s Planning and Zoning Boards.
Darryl’s was located near Blend on the west end of Main Street near the Hudson River and train station, which also just closed their location for juicier pastures Newburgh.
Blend Leaves Beacon Location For Newburgh
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Blend Smoothie and Salad Bar announced via their Instagram that they are leaving their Beacon location, and opening in Newburgh. Blend opened in Beacon in 2020, and was a fan favorite for neighborhood kids just experiencing freedom from their houses for the first time during the pandemic, when they needed to leave the house during Remote Learning to feel independent.
When asked by A Little Beacon Blog if they were leaving because of rent, they replied: “We decided to close Beacon not based on rent, but because we’re opening our Newburgh location right across the bridge, steps away from the gym Planet Fitness.”
Blend was located at 135 Main Street, near Bank Square Coffee House and next door to Lewis and Pine. This is on the west end of Main Street, near the Hudson River and train side.
Blend has 6 locations, with the Newburgh/Beacon swap. The first location started in New Windsor, where owners Alaina James and José Medina are from. Other locations include Middletown, Monroe, Elmsford, and Mohegan Lake, which located inside of a ShopRite.
Since opening in Beacon, other health food stores have also opened, including Healthy In Color, which offers and acai bowl among other things including salads and house-made supplements and house-made bottled drinks, and Butterhead Salad, which is a house-made salad boutique, where the salads are tossed in front of you. With your choice of thick cookies, brownies and FROYO.
Chalk Art Popping Up Around Town - Latest For Spirit Of Beacon Day Before Rain Came
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Chalk Art outside of the Towne Cryer.
Chalk Art for the Spirit of Beacon Day, outside of the Post Office.
Before the petunias came down, signalling an end to summer, chalk art began popping up. Sometimes portraits and sometimes messages and expressions. The photo above was chalk art outside the Towne Cryer. The chalk artist revealed himself to be Ryan Manzi, a well known man around town with a deep talent in visual art. He and his friend Steve Stanton have been chalking it up, and dedicated some inspiration to Spirit of Beacon Day, creating designs outside of the Post Office before the rain washed it away.
Perhaps they will chalk again for the newly moved rain date of Spirit of Beacon - October 1, 2023.
Oct 1st: Spirit Of Beacon Day Moves To October 1st Due To Storm
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For the possible second time in its history, the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee decided to go to the rain date due to the advancement of Tropical Storm Ophelia. From their statement:
Due to the advancement of the storm that now has a name, Tropical Storm Ophelia, we are postponing the Spirit of Beacon Day to October 1, 2023. Same place, same times.
With everyone’s schedules and effort, and the weather forecasts, we were hoping that most of the rain would fall on Saturday. But it is looking delayed, and may fall heavier on Sunday with winds and those cool temperatures. The forecast seems to be holding for sunshine next Sunday. Otherwise, we would have pushed through the original date.
With all of the kids coming, and with the sunshine now staying in a forecast of sunshine, we are more comfortable with this move during hurricane season.
Thank you to everyone who dug in and were packing their cars with double tents to account for the rain to keep people dry. We hope you can continue to join us next Sunday. Thank you to the enthusiasm of Beaconites who were digging in to attend in the rain and voiced their support.
Please share with your friends to get the word out.
See you next Sunday.
A Little Beacon Blog
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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.
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