A group of Jewish, Palestinian and Allies protested outside of Congressman pat Ryan’s office in Poughkeepsie demanding a ceasefire, near the Vassar Campus. Despite the large “Space For Rent” sign, Pat Ryan’s office is apparently inside.
“This is not justice. Justice doesn’t mean vengeance, it means dignity and freedom for all, including Palestinians. MHVDSA condemns violence against civilians, whether by Hamas or Israeli forces, and we also firmly believe that Israel cannot bomb its way to peace.”
— Andrew Hiller, with MHVDSA
On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, more than 150 Hudson Valley residents rallied outside Congressman Pat Ryan’s Poughkeepsie office, “calling on him to support Rep. Cori Bush’s CEASEFIRE NOW resolution, pressure Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, and end U.S. funding of Israel’s war crimes,” according to a press release by the organizers. Led by Beacon resident and Beacon Hebrew Alliance member Dara Silverman, a delegation of Hudson Valley-based Jewish and Palestinian leaders met with Ryan’s staff and delivered a petition that had 523 signatures as of October 25th.
”We are filled with both sadness and anger. Sadness and anger that our beautiful country has come down on the side of genocide. Anger that our government pretends it is being done in the name of the Jewish people,” said Felice Gelman of Jewish Voice for Peace-Hudson Valley.
The group organized to reach Congressman Pat Ryan (representing New York’s 18th District) by marching to protest outside of his office, resulting in a meeting inside with Jewish and Palestinian representatives.
Congressman Ryan made his opinion known weeks prior, on X, formerly Twitter, when he reacted to the October 8th pro-Palestinian protest held in New York City the day after Hamas broke out of Gaza and attacked and killed 1,400 Israelis citizens, and took over 200 hostage. Congressman Ryan Tweeted on October 8: “Let’s be clear what happened yesterday: Hamas terrorists massacred hundreds of Israeli civilians, including women and children. They took dozens more hostage, including Holocaust survivors and American citizens. Jewish families around the world are still awaiting answers, wondering if their loved ones are alive. To know all this, and choose to hold a protest in New York City, home to the largest Jewish population in the United States, is blatant antisemitism.”
While for many in the world, this may have been an unexpected attack, there have been escalations on both sides occurring for decades, one most recent in May 2021 with the attempted eviction of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah. While murder of anyone is not justified, context is necessary in the occupation by Israel of Palestinians.
When the DailyFreeman reported that a Kingston family’s relatives were killed with children kidnapped in the October 7 Hamas attack, Congressman Pat Ryan Tweeted: “We are grieving alongside the entire Ulster County community for the Shnaider family. This is a devastating reminder that the atrocities committed by Hamas are being felt by communities not just in Israel, but across the United States. I’m receiving regular updates from the Defense Department on ongoing hostage recovery operations, and will not rest until all Americans get home safely.”
It has been 29 days since the 200+ Israeli hostages were taken by Hamas. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not secured their release. Instead, he, with the support of the United States, has bombed Palestinian civilian buildings, hospitals, ambulances, mosques, a church and other locations in search of Hamas. The Washington Post reports that as of November 2, at least 3,700 Palestinian children have been killed by Israeli air strikes, in the newspaper’s article titled: “Gaza becomes ‘a graveyard for children’ as Israel intensifies airstrikes” Today, some Israeli citizens protested at Netanyahu’s home, calling him a “murderer” and expressed frustration at not knowing where the Israeli hostages were or what condition they were in, as Gaza is being reduced to rubble.
Pro-Palestinian Supporters outside of Congressman Pat Ryan’s office in Poughkeepsie near Vasser College Campus.
Back to the local protest in Poughkeepsie at Congressman Pat Ryan’s office on October 25th, the organizers stated in a press release: “1,400 Israelis and 5,000 Palestinians are estimated to have been killed since October 7th—how many more is enough?,” said Andrew Hiller, whose grandparents survived the Holocaust, and who spoke on behalf of Mid-Hudson Valley DSA. “Of those killed in Gaza, 40% were children. This is not justice. Justice doesn’t mean vengeance, it means dignity and freedom for all, including Palestinians. MHVDSA condemns violence against civilians, whether by Hamas or Israeli forces, and we also firmly believe that Israel cannot bomb its way to peace. An unfathomable number of lives have already been lost—we need an immediate ceasefire, and ultimately an end to Israeli apartheid.”
The organizer of the October 25th Hudson Valley protest continued: “Veterans For Peace is an international organization composed of veterans from every war and peacetime back to the second world war. We know the horror of war,” said Tarak Kauff, former national board member of Veterans for Peace. “We have sent delegations to the West Bank to see with our own eyes Israel’s occupation and apartheid. We condemn the genocide now happening on the innocent people in Gaza on children on women and families. There is no excuse for it. Absolutely no excuse.” Read what Tarak has written about Israel as an occupier, and its military the IDF
“The Zionist State of Israel has betrayed the very essence of everything good and decent about being Jewish. Instead of being kind, compassionate and empathetic to the oppressed and dedicated to truth, Israel has become a most vicious oppressor. I saw Palestine children brutalized. They are killed on almost a daily basis. Children! Many are languishing in Israel prisons for throwing rocks at occupying soldiers or for just being suspected of that. Israeli soldiers often break into Palestinian houses in the dead of night, terrorize the family and arrest children. And there is no such thing as a fair trial. If you are arrested, you are guilty. Palestinians are considered vermin.”
— Tarak Kauff, Jewish, and Former National Board Member of Veterans For Peace
“It is absurd that we need to call for something as basic as a ceasefire. This isn't about who's right and who's wrong, this is about protecting innocents from further death and injury,” said Talal Jabari, Palestinian journalist and documentary filmmaker. “We are asking our representative to sign onto the Ceasefire Now resolution and be on the right side of history.”
“The call for a ceasefire is not a fringe stance held by a loud minority. In fact, recent polling shows that across party lines, the majority of Americans support a ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence in Gaza; a view shared by an overwhelming majority of the United Nations Security Council. This widespread popularity is evident by the large turnout at today’s rally, by Palestinian and Jewish community members and others who stand for peace. Speakers of all backgrounds told personal stories, read poetry, and chanted “Ceasefire Now!”. When the group of representatives who met with Rep. Ryan’s staff finished the meeting, they shared that his office agreed to continue the conversation with the group. His office made no other commitments to ending this violence.”
As for other political leaders in the area, former Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro and current Congressman for the 19th District is staunchly supporting Israel and has made little acknowledgement for the loss of Palestinian lives, which as of today has passed 9,000 and consists of thousands of children. So far in his Instagrams, he refers only to Hamas, which is a dehumanizing tactic for Palestinians or Arabs and is Islamaphobic.
Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha called ‘to end Israeli occupation’ on Monday, while other Mid-Hudson Valley politicians stand behind Israel, as reported by the Daily Freeman.
In this video, Veekas Ashoka addresses the participants to update them on the meeting going on inside of Pat Ryan’s office with Jewish and Palestinian leaders.
In this video, Palestinian leader Raz Sadiq-Keyes (we are getting the confirmation of her name spelling) and Jewish leader Dara Silverman.
We blinked and it's November! Restaurants in Beacon are getting ready for those holiday Turkey orders and catering platters. Reach out now to reserve! Carter's Restaurant is booking now for private parties for Holiday, so get to it. Happy Hour too for small office gatherings.
Invite these podcast friends into your listening space to hear co-hosts Brandon Lillard and Katie Hellmuth and their special guest, Moraya Seeger DeGeare, MA, LMFT, who is a relationship and race specialist (she's a race and relationship therapist with BFF Therapy, a therapist and sex advice columnist for Refinery29, and the In-House Relationship Expert for Paired.com). Moraya is generationally mixed race, Brandon is Black and married to a white woman, and Katie is super white bread white.
You will laugh out loud with and by yourself during this episode. It’s a must-listen. Travel through trauma theory, which can be comforting, and relish in a movie review. Take as long as you need. Listen Now >
Lit Lit Day: Friday, November 3, 2023 Time: 7-9pm Location: Howland Cultural Center in Beacon, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY
To read, please get there early (we open at 6:30) and sign up for a five-minute slot. You can read your own writing of any genre. They will take readers until 9 PM. Or just go and listen to your fabulous writer-neighbors!
Walkway Across The Hudson - Walk Nikki Home Day: Saturday, November 4, 2023 Time: 10am-2pm Location: Walkway Over The Hudson State Historic Park, Poughkeepsie, NY
Join the 3rd and final Walk Nikki Home Fundraiser! Nikki will finally reunite with her children in 2024, and we are preparing for that momentous transition - including tangible needs like: housing, a car, and therapeutic and healing services. Information >
Taproots Festival Day: Saturday, November 4, 2023 Time: 2pm-5pm Location: The Yard, 4 Hanna Lane Beacon, NY
Beacon Climate Action Now (BCAN) invites you to their second annual Taproots Festival at The Yard! Join them for a FREE community event, with family friendly fun, climate justice activities and education, live music, food, yard games, and more! Information >
Stanza Books Launch Party Day: Saturday, November 4, 2023 Time: Evening Location: Stanza Books, 508 Main St., Beacon, NY
Stanza books is hosting a launch party on the evening of Saturday 4th! They will be opening an indie book store right where The Snooki Shop used to be. Stanza Books plans to host in-store book clubs and salon-style events, with designs on holding larger community events through partnerships with historic Beacon venues in the future. The reconfigured space on Main Street will reflect the duo’s extensive experience in retail management and intentional design, with specially designated areas tailored to the consumer footpath.
Beacon Bonfire Music And Arts Festival Day: Saturday and Sunday, November 4 and 5, 2023 Time: 8pm Location: Main Street, Beacon NY
Look for actual bonfires throughout Beacon, and live music and other performances. Information >
SAVE THE DATE! Beacon Performing Arts Center Presents Finding Nemo Kids Days: Thursday, November 16, 2023 - Sunday, November 19, 2023 Times: November 16 at 7:30, November 17 at 7:00
November 18 at 10:00am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm, and 5:30pm
November 19 at 10:00am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm, and 5:30pm Location: Beacon High School Theatre. 101 Matteawan Rd, Beacon, NY
Featuring hand-crafted puppets by Beacon local Adam Izen, Beacon Performing Arts Center brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in this story full of family, friendship, and adventure! This magical production will have audiences of all ages captivated by their favorite characters: Nemo, Dory, Marlin, Bruce, Crush the Turtle, and more! The performance runs approximately 45 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are available on the day of the production at the door or in advance at www.beaconperformingartscenter.com/box-office . Adults $10, Students under 18 $5, Seniors $7, Children under 2 are free. Information >
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website >
Order now for your mid-week 🥘 dinner. Miz Hattie’s is at the food hall all week for you! Not just the weekends. Indulge in this Pulled Pork and Mac n Cheese bowl. Top it off with a sweet tea and slice of pecan pie. Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters Ciao Chow - Hand made pasta and fried rice Dulce Cielo Mexico: Authentic Mexican street food with vegetarian and vegan options. Tara Fusion Cuisine: Fusion cuisine of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Hungry for some apps? Baja's most popular include the calamari and chicken flautas! A must before a delish entree! Baja keeps up with everything seasonal - including cocktails, pumpkin beers/ciders, etc. with must-have fall dishes
Don't forget... TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday at Baja! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos plus $3 coronas!
Oh & Happy Hour is every Tuesday-Friday from 4-6pm :) PPS: Check out Baja's specials! > Check out their specialty drinks > BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
The Autumn Mule at Carters is a must! Ask for it tonight, and thank us later. Apple Cider mix, Ginger Simple, Lemon Juice, Captain Morgan, Aromatic Bitters, and Cardamom. Carter’s is open 7 days a week, and this apple cider taste of autumn tastes fresh BONFIRE ALERT: Carter's is having live music featuring Van Robinson on Saturday night. No cover. Think covers in the vein of Bruce Springsteen. You may have just seen him at Pennings Farm Cidery & The Cidery Orchard. PS: Carters is open everyday!Kitchen open until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with the bar open until 12:30am! PPS: Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 2-5! PPPS!!! Katie James Inc. creates and curates Carter's Instagram, and can for your business too. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY
193-195 Maint Street, Beacon, NY
As we approach holiday season, you should know that Beacon Bread Company caters! Here is a peek at a private event pastry platters Don't hesitate to inquire about their private event options too! Call or email anytime - especially to reserve. All goods are baked fresh using the best of the best King Arthur Baking! Follow BBC on Instagram > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN 244 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Who doesn't love a bowl with falafels?! Get it over hummus or baba ganoush or rice OR salad. Gluten-free and vegan! Ziatun is OPEN every day! Delicious apps, entrees, soups and salads, mezzes, and flat bread wraps. Vegan and vegetarian options available! Something for everyone. Whatever you do... get the fries! If you know, you know... Follow Ziatun on Instagram > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Before you know it, Winter will be here! ☃️ And nothing beats a pair of polarized sunglasses while out in the snow! Luxe continues to bring in new styles to keep things exciting and fresh! So, dodge the old pair, and stop in for a new pair! PS: Eye doctor appointments available here! > BEACON HOURS
Monday from 10AM–5PM
Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM
Sunday CLOSED Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
THE STATION
463 Main Street, Beacon
The Station and their crew worked with Empire Farms to better understand the farming process and the commitment it takes to offer safe & clean cannabis to NYS and all just 1 hour north of Beacon in beautiful Copake, NY! Stop into The Station this weekend and check it out. Open all weekend long. Friday 4-8pm and
Saturday & Sunday 12-6pm.
PS! The Station is local and a huge part of the Beacon Community! Follow The Station on Instagram > The Station is a Sponsor, thank you!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OPEN! A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide is one of the biggest draws to this publication. Every store is listed in it for the best experience for our readers. Google rewarded A Little Beacon Blog with a #1 ranking for "boutique shopping beacon ny." Designed to elevate your store from the rest, this advertising campaign is integrated with our Instagram. Show your storefront in the listing, get your business a permanent weekly feature in A Little Beacon Blog's Retail Therapy Newsletter sent on Fridays (see examples here), as well as weekly Instagram features. More information here >
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
For over 60 years, Yanarella Dance has been dedicated to providing an exceptional dance education to the Hudson Valley. Since the day they opened our doors, their philosophy has been that “every child should have the same opportunity to dance, regardless of talent or ability. There is no can’t in dance. There’s only a C-A-N”.
Beacon has a growing number of beauty salons and professional pampering to take advantage of - you can even book a transforming appointment at a lash bar! Be it a totally new hair style, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Plus, one of the most enjoyable gifts you can give to someone is a gift certificate. So we have included links to where you can buy a gift certificate from any of these fine services that offers one. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here >
Special Message For Businesses: If you want to advertise in this Guide with a picture, logo and promotions, please click here.
MEGAN & KENNETH PHOTOGRAPHERS Weddings & Families
Are Halloween events still a thing the weekend after Halloween? Either way, we're all in for these spooky and sexy Halloween wedding photos from Megan & Kenneth! Megan & Kenneth are phenomenal photographers serving the Hudson Valley of NY. If you're ready to say I do, reach out and have your wedding photos captured in the breathtaking Hudson Valley. They'll be sure to create memories that'll last a lifetime! Find more information here > Megan & Kenneth are Sponsors. Thank you!
BEACON DENTAL
1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3666
At Beacon Dental, they are dedicated to providing you and your family with quality dental care tailored to your individual needs. They welcome patients aged 4 and older and provide a full range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout your life. When you visit their dentists and team, you can be certain that your health, comfort and smile are always their highest priorities. Beacon Dental is also happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Katie James Inc. is producing the Spirit of Beacon Day website. This destination website was designed to both update people as the year went on, from Sponsorship opportunities, to easy ways to Register for Parade and Vendor tables, to the final product of Parade and Table Maps, and Bathrooms. Katie James Inc. is also producing the social media on Instagram and Facebook for Spirit of Beacon Day. Need these services for your business? Katie James, Inc. works with small and large businesses.
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY
ART > TATTOO Invisimark (Stretch Mark Tattooing - to make stretch marks disappear)
If you need a moment (several moments) of joy right now, you need to listen to the latest episode that just dropped at ALBB's sister podcast, "Wait, What Is That?" podcast: Episode 18: The Little Mermaid, The ‘Live Action’ Movie Analysis.” Invite these friends into your listening space to hear co-hosts Brandon Lillard and Katie Hellmuth and their special guest, Moraya Seeger DeGeare, MA, LMFT, who is a relationship and race specialist (she's a relationship with BFF Therapy, a therapist and sex advice columnist for Refinery29, and the In-House Relationship Expert for Paired.com). Moraya is generationally mixed race, Brandon is Black and married to a white woman, and Katie is super white bread white.
Be sure to listen to the hidden opener that Moraya whispered into the microphone: “Today we talked about The Little Mermaid. We talked about relationships and race. And some random things about how some white people got dizzy.” Nailed it."
Covered In This Episode:
Kid Takes
ie Brandon's son's "beef with Flounder"
ie Moraya’s daughter’s reaction of “That’s ME!!!” when she sees Arial first emerge from the water and flip her hair
ie Moraya’s son considering Arial’s shark attack strategy: “if only she would have the shark flip onto it’s back…” Moraya responds: “This isn’t Octonauts”
How we feel about "Live Action" Remakes
Relationships, Trauma, and Un-Attended To Trauma Presenting Later In Life.
Was Ariel’s Dad a misogynist? Or a product of his life trauma and pain. Why is he so strict? Moraya asks: “What does trauma do to our bodies? Is it misogynist, or is it parenting from a trauma that has not been attended to?”
Racism
Little Mermaid Deep Dive Bits are sprinkled throughout
Sometimes we refer to the original book version of The Little Mermaid
You will laugh out loud with and by yourself during this episode. It’s a must-listen. Travel through trauma theory, which can be comforting, and relish in a movie review. Take as long as you need.
Tuesday night in Newburgh there is an event organized by youth groups from the Mid Hudson Islamic Associations of Dutchess and Orange County, Palestinian Americans, and Next Step Hudson Valley.
“Stand With Palestine” Teach-In and Vigil. From 5-7pm. At 109 South William Street. Palestinian Education and Awareness, Political Action/Next Steps, Call ☎️ To Action, 🕯️ Candlelit Vigil.
During an attempted Car Nap for ALBB’s smallest child, we were able to grab photos of some of the decorated houses. If you have a photo of your house you would like published, you can email it in to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com
New Partial Block Closure For West Willow / Orchard Place
On this Halloween Night 2023, something new is brewing…a partial street closure in “The Willows,” the area of Beacon that traditionally has a lot of house participation in terms of candy, fire-pit fires and usually a haunted house. Willow Street itself connects to Main Street and Verplanck. Once on the other side of Verplanck, Willow Street duplicates into East Willow and West Willow, connected by a looping portion of Orchard Place. Many, many children go to this destination both with and without adults. It’s a right of passage for when the young child can “go to The Willows” on their own, without their parent.
This year, some neighbors in the area organized to request that some blocks be closed in order to increase safety of kids and adults walking for the night, as car traffic can be unexpected as people wander in the middle of the street. Cars are known to drive by, as they carpool people through different areas of town.
After submitting signatures in support of a permit for some street closure, the City of Beacon did agree to close Orchard Street between West Willow and Cross Street. The original request was for the full Willow loop to be closed, all the way to Deerfield, but this compromise was a start. The permit request came in the form of a “block party.”
This closure was first mentioned by Councilmember Molly Rhodes during a City Council Meeting on October 24, who voiced her support for the road closure when it was requested. Said Molly: “I’m pleased that the neighbors are looking for ways to make these blocks as safe as possible for everyone who wants to come out. I look forward to continuing to support them in future years.
Also being promoted as a free event is a free front-porch screening of Orson Welles video and radio play from 7-9pm on the corner of Judson and Robinson (near the mountain) from Ben Williams and Victor Morales . Says Ben: “It’s a crazy multimedia take on The Hitchhiker by Orson Welles.”
ALBB received this submission from a neighbor at 16 Overlook Drive, who go all out each year to make it spooky for the neighborhood.
Lots of fun Halloween events! Parades, monster jams, trunk or treating, costumes, and more! See below and forward this email to a friend who needs to see what's happening!
In real life horror, Gaza just had the Internet shut out on them for today's bombardment of so many Palestinian children and families, so images of gruesome deaths that would normally only be in a scary Halloween movie are not able to come out of Gaza today. See that first announcement here.
According to NBC, "A near-total internet blackout has taken hold across much of Gaza, according to witnesses there and companies that monitor global connectivity. The largest telecommunications provider in Gaza that was still largely operational, Paltel, said Friday that it had suffered a complete destruction of all services after heavy Israeli bombing earlier in the day destroyed its last remaining infrastructure connecting it to the global internet."
Locally, a rally is scheduled in Kingston, NY in Academy Green Park, 238 Clinton Avenue today at 5pm. There will be food, a flea market, and open mic.
Scary Stories In The Barn
Day: Friday, October 27, 2023 Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm (doors open at 5:30pm) Location: Mount Gulian Historic Site, 145 Sterling Street, Beacon, NY 12508
It’s been ten years since Mount Gulian last opened its creaky historic barn doors to children and their families to hear the delightfully spooky and creepy tales told by master storyteller Lorraine Hartin Gelardi. Join them for the resurrection.
Hocus Pocus 23’ Parade & Events - Hosted by Beacon Chamber of Commerce & Local Business Sponsors Days: Friday, October 27, 2023 & Saturday, October 28, 2023 Time: Friday from 3pm-6pm & Saturday from 10am-1:30pm Location: Along Main Street & Memorial Park, Beacon, NY
Parade, scavengar hunt, trick or treating, ghost stories, monster jam & more! Information >
Undead Bazaar
Days: Friday, October 27, 2023 & Saturday, October 28, 2023 Time: 7pm Location: The Yard, 4 Hanna Lane, Beacon, NY
Bonfires, a haunted trail, games, prizes, food, drinks, sweet treats, Tarot Readers, vendors of all kinds, film screenings and much more. Visit the Oddities Exhibit, search for Bigfoot, and the Mothman! See creatures from all around the globe as well as some local legends! Information >
Trunk or Treat - Free Community Event! Day: Saturday, October 28, 2023 Time: 1-4pm Location: Beacon Elks Lodge #1493, 900 Wolcott Ave, Beacon, NY
Beacon Elks Lodge 18th year of trunk or treat. Join them for trunk or treat, bounce castle, games & dancing. They will also have some awesome vendors for you to shop with. Information >
Unison Fall Festival Fundraiser Day: Saturday, October 28, 2023 (Rain Date: Sunday, October 29, 2023) Time: 4-7pm Location: Unison Arts, 68 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY
Celebration of community support for Unison’s unique arts programming. Wander the beautiful grounds in peak fall foliage season; and enjoy snacks & drinks from top local vendors. Information >
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website >
The Mango Lassi 🥭 from Tara Fusion is exactly what you need this weekend! Made with Mango + Milk + Yogurt + a pinch of cardamom. We can attest.. it is delish! Find Tara in the HV Food Hall! Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters Ciao Chow - Hand made pasta and fried rice Dulce Cielo Mexico: Authentic Mexican street food with vegetarian and vegan options. Tara Fusion Cuisine: Fusion cuisine of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Trick or treat yourself to Baja's new seasonal Blood Moon margarita! You'll want to click here to watch how this deliciousness is made > Pair Baja's seasonal cocktails, pumpkin beers/ciders, etc. with must-have fall dishes with all things mashed sweet potato and more!
Don't forget... TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday at Baja! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos plus $3 coronas!
Oh & Happy Hour is every Tuesday-Friday from 4-6pm :) PPS: Check out Baja's specials! > Check out their specialty drinks > BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
Drooling order this delicious which comes topped with strips of crisped bacon (delicious without the bacon too) and cheddar cheese, loaded with fresh tomato , lettuce and onion 🧅 on the side? Yeah, us too. Go on into Carter's and get it! The signature fries come with it and those are a must. This lunch is coupled with a mocktail of purées of 🥭 mango and strawberry PS: The kitchen is now open until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with the bar open until 12:30am! PPS! Now Open on Wednesdays!
That's 7 days a week! PPPS!(?) Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 2-5! PPPPS!!! Katie James Inc. creates and curates Carter's Instagram, and can for your business too. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY
193-195 Maint Street, Beacon, NY
Apple turnover season is here 🤩 stop in over the weekend and get them while they're fresh! Beacon Bread Company freshly bakes bread and home-cooked meals from scratch. Their bakery team focuses on using seasonal, responsibly-sourced ingredients for various breakfast pastries and desserts. Best part? Brunch is served ALL DAY! Delicious Counter Culture coffee available too. Follow BBC on Instagram > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN 244 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Fresh made hummus with imported ingredients and authentic family recipes! A must-have prior to a delicious authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Ziatun is OPEN every day! Delicious apps, entrees, soups and salads, mezzes, and flat bread wraps. Vegan and vegetarian options available! Something for everyone. Whatever you do... get the fries! If you know, you know... Follow Ziatun on Instagram > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Grab your coats and your glasses, it's officially starting to get colder and colder! Glasses because you still need to protect your eyes from the sun, or because they just look so damn good with this coat! Fall and winter have nothing on Luxe! New styles always rolling in and something for everyone always. PS: Eye doctor appointments available here! > BEACON HOURS
Monday from 10AM–5PM
Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM
Sunday CLOSED Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
THE STATION
463 Main Street, Beacon
oHHo gummies available at The Station! Shirley Temple flavored... The Station is Beacon's Cannabis Growers Showcase. Open all weekend long. Friday 4-8pm and
Saturday & Sunday 12-6pm.
PS! The Station is local and a huge part of the Beacon Community! Follow The Station on Instagram > The Station is a Sponsor, thank you!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OPEN! A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide is one of the biggest draws to this publication. Every store is listed in it for the best experience for our readers. Google rewarded A Little Beacon Blog with a #1 ranking for "boutique shopping beacon ny." Designed to elevate your store from the rest, this advertising campaign is integrated with our Instagram. Show your storefront in the listing, get your business a permanent weekly feature in A Little Beacon Blog's Retail Therapy Newsletter sent on Fridays (see examples here), as well as weekly Instagram features. More information here >
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
For over 60 years, Yanarella Dance has been dedicated to providing an exceptional dance education to the Hudson Valley. Since the day they opened our doors, their philosophy has been that “every child should have the same opportunity to dance, regardless of talent or ability. There is no can’t in dance. There’s only a C-A-N”.
Beacon has a growing number of beauty salons and professional pampering to take advantage of - you can even book a transforming appointment at a lash bar! Be it a totally new hair style, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Plus, one of the most enjoyable gifts you can give to someone is a gift certificate. So we have included links to where you can buy a gift certificate from any of these fine services that offers one. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here >
Special Message For Businesses: If you want to advertise in this Guide with a picture, logo and promotions, please click here.
MEGAN & KENNETH PHOTOGRAPHERS Weddings & Families
Looking to capture some magical moments with your loved one? Why go anywhere other than the Hudson Valley! Stunning landscapes and charming atomosphere, it's the perfect backdrop for a couples session. ESPECIALLY when you have Megan & Kenneth to capture it all! Don't miss the chance to create everlasting memories - during the best time of the year. Book your session and enhance your love story.
PS Megan & Kenneth proudly and unequivocally stand with and support the LGBTQI+ community. Their team is honored to serve partnerships of all genders, cultures, traditions, and strive to showcase diverse love stories throughout New York state. They love you, just as you are. Find more information here > Megan & Kenneth are Sponsors. Thank you!
BEACON DENTAL
1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3666
At Beacon Dental, they are dedicated to providing you and your family with quality dental care tailored to your individual needs. They welcome patients aged 4 and older and provide a full range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout your life. When you visit their dentists and team, you can be certain that your health, comfort and smile are always their highest priorities. Beacon Dental is also happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Katie James Inc. is producing the Spirit of Beacon Day website. This destination website was designed to both update people as the year went on, from Sponsorship opportunities, to easy ways to Register for Parade and Vendor tables, to the final product of Parade and Table Maps, and Bathrooms. Katie James Inc. is also producing the social media on Instagram and Facebook for Spirit of Beacon Day. Need these services for your business? Katie James, Inc. works with small and large businesses.
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY
ART > TATTOO Invisimark (Stretch Mark Tattooing - to make stretch marks disappear)
Editor’s Note: After FEMA was in Beacon to register people for federal assistance at the Veterans Memorial Building after a hurricane caused damage to some homes, a representative with FEMA who lived out of state asked ALBB where homeless people can go in Beacon. They were approached by a person who needed homeless services, and did not know where to go. This is not the first time ALBB has been approached with this question by people in immediate need, who do not have time to research and apply for programs to maybe be approved, if they even finish or attain an application.
We asked our new writer, Alexis Rosa, a recent graduate from Beacon High School to investigate this process. Alexis set out to find out what it was like to need homeless services right now - tonight - in Beacon.
By Alexis Rosa
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. census reported that at one point in time in 2020 there were 17 homeless people per 10,000 residents. A decrease from the previous years, but any amount more than 0 is too high. In this article, I will explore where someone in Beacon can go if they are going to be homeless that night. But homelessness doesn’t happen without life situations, sometimes contributed by mental illness. Therefore, I explore both mental illness support and home shelters available, and how to access them.
How Dutchess County Handles Mental Health From An Accessibility Perspective
Dutchess County has a mental health problem. To be clear, I am not referring to the amount of people with mental health issues in Dutchess County. I am referring to how we deal with people with mental health issues.
“I think that housing should be considered as infrastructure, meaning that communities should think of housing as a basic need that has to be adequately met in order to have a healthy and productive community”
— Javier Gomez, Hudson River Housing
Most people agree that there is a homelessness crisis, very few people want the solution to be in their backyard.
The fact of the matter is that anyone could find themselves in an emergency situation like this. A dangerous amount of people are one paycheck away from being on the streets. When you find yourself in this situation, what do you do? How easy are these resources to access, really?
Dutchess County has a 24/7 Crisis Hotline listed as being available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—even on holidays. They offer calling or texting at 845-485-9700 with professional crisis counselors. Knowing how useful and important having the option to text a crisis hotline can be, I was eager to try it out for myself.
Calling Dutchess County’s Hotline
Editor’s Note: We wanted to experience Dutchess County’s Crisis Hotline ourselves, not through them giving a media publication information, as that would be done in a more perfect, optimistic way. We wanted the real experience. We asked Alexis to find out.
I reached out to them through their texting service to see how they might help someone in a crisis situation. I wanted to see about the quality of assistance they offer.
It took a moment, but after the initial text I sent, I was met with the standard chatbot letting me know about messaging rates, and telling me to reply with “Yes” to consent to continued texts. Not even a minute after the bot responses, a counselor was made available to help me, and joined the session.
Counselor: Hi. How can I help you?
Me: I’m going to be homeless tonight and I’m not sure where to go. I was hoping someone might be able to point me in the right direction?
Counselor: I am sorry to hear that. Are you in Dutchess County?
Me: Yes, in Beacon
Counselor: Do you have transportation?
Me: No, I might be able to take the bus though
Counselor: Ok. Have you ever been in any housing in this county before?
Me: No
Counselor: I mean applied for housing OR been to Hudson River Housing in POK?
Counselor: Ok
Me: No, I’m on my own for the first time
Counselor: How old are you if you don’t mind?
Me: 21
Counselor: Ok, so here are some numbers. You can also go to the stabilization center at 230 North Road, Poughkeepsie. They are open 24/7. It is NOT a hospital. They have licensed social workers and mental health counselors who can help you navigate housing. I STRONGLY recommend that you go there ASAP so they have the ability to make calls and help you.
Counselor: Hudson River Housing 845-473-5166
Counselor: Rose House 845-452-2728
Counselor: Alliance House 845-452-5015
Counselor: The PODS (emergency housing) is the same as Hudson river housing.
Counselor: Porchlight Program 845-337-4407
Counselor: Are you safe in this moment?
Me: Yeah I’m safe for now. Is there something I can do if I don’t have money for the bus?
Counselor: IF you have medicaid, you can possible get medicaid transportation
Counselor: Can anyone bring you to Poughkeepsie?
Me: I’m trying to ask around to see if someone can, but I’m not certain right now. How does the medicaid transportation work? Is there a number I can call?
Counselor: Ok I am going to give you the number to stabilization so you can arrange this with them. 845-486-2849. Call them now, so you can make sure you get all the information you need.
After providing me with all the information they could offer me, based on the questions I asked and the answers I gave them, the chat was closed, but only after I gave my okay for the counselor to end the session.
In the short duration of our chat, I learned about multiple places that would offer me assistance, and an alternate form of transportation. Ultimately, I was satisfied with the level of assistance. But considering I wasn’t actually in dire need of these services, and for the sake of this article, I couldn’t just stop there. I reached out via email to multiple companies and organizations all with the same goal of helping people in need find emergency shelter and housing.
Exploring Rose House
Rose House is another organization with a similar goal of assisting those who need housing in the Hudson Valley. They have multiple short term shelters across New York that are available to those in need 24/7, all year round. What’s unique about Rose House is that they are listed as being “peer-operated”, completely run by people who have been in similar situations and wish to give back. I had some trouble finding their website initially, but once I did, I learned that their shelters are available to any one 18 years of age or older living in Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Warren, and Washington Counties. There is a screening process for these facilities. Once you become a registered guest at the Rose House, they offer up to a 5 day stay, and assistance with developing skills to better care for and maintain one's mental wellness. The programs they offer are voluntary, and residents can come and go as they please.
Exploring Alliance House
Alliance House is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1987. They follow a “clubhouse model” and that makes anyone who uses their services members, not clients. “To have Membership in an organization means to belong, to fit in somewhere, and to have a place where you are always welcome. For a person living with the effects of mental illness, these simple things cannot be taken for granted. In fact, the reality for most people with mental illness is that they have a constant sense of not fitting in, of isolation, and rejection,” as said by Joel Corcoran, the executive director for Clubhouse International.
Alliance House owns two properties that are exclusively for members. In order to become a member you must be over 18, have a diagnosed mental illness, and not be a safety concern. Your diagnosis has to be an Axis 1 diagnosis, and you need a referral made by a medical professional in which a mental health evaluation and treatment plan must be included. This process of becoming a member is not the easiest by any means, especially considering the waiting period for something as basic as setting up an appointment with a medical professional today. Using this as a solution requires a lot of time.
Exploring Hudson River Housing
Hudson River Housing is a company that prides itself on its life and community improving services. To take a quote from their website, they “create pathways out of homelessness through empowerment, education, and advocacy.” In the economy we are living in today, organizations that are dedicated to preserving affordable housing and ultimately helping to build, and maintain strong communities are becoming more and more of a necessity.
Grassroot organizations are popping up all over with this mission in mind, but companies like Hudson River Housing have been around for a time. What started as a task force quickly evolved. In 1982, Hudson River Housing was officially founded.
Hudson River Housing offers overnight emergency shelter all year round at 150 North Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie. There is a curfew of 6:30 pm. Additional emergency shelters can be found at Webster House for anyone 18 years of age or older. There is a screening process, and guests are expected to meet with a “care manager” to discuss reasons for homelessness and set up a plan for permanent housing. Their website also lists emergency housing for families as well as for runaways or otherwise homeless children and teenagers.
Project Porchlight is a drop in shelter that is listed on the Hudson River Housing website. What that means is, during their hours of operation between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, anyone is welcome. You’ll receive a place to sleep, food, basic supplies, access to showers, and assistance from care managers.
Alexis Interviews Hudson River Housing
I was able to interview Javier Gomez, the Director of Community Development at Hudson River Housing. He was able to answer a lot of questions for me that I was unable to find the answers to on the HRH website, answers to questions that I feel to be important when discussing housing and the resources we have available.
Javier is a Hudson Valley native, and has been a resident of the Hudson Valley since 2002 where he grew up in both Beacon and Wappingers.
As the Director of Community Development, Javier has a wide range of responsibilities that he oversees. Some of those responsibilities include community engagement activities, neighborhood revitalization and community programs, advocacy, partnerships, and impact measurement.
On the topic of the housing crisis being a human rights issue, Javier said that HRH does believe housing to be a human right. It is the vision of HRH for all communities to have sufficient affordable housing for its residents. Everyone should have the opportunity to live in safe, affordable housing that meets their needs regardless of income, family makeup, race or ethnicity, gender, physical or mental health, or any other defining factors.
“To go a little bit further, I think that housing should be considered as infrastructure, meaning that communities should think of housing as a basic need that has to be adequately met in order to have a healthy and productive community,” Javier added.
Javier explained to me that Hudson River Housing is the largest non-profit developer of affordable housing in Dutchess County. They primarily work out of Poughkeepsie, but they do have some reach over in other parts of the Hudson Valley. Hudson River Housing develops and operates a variety of housing and services to meet the diverse housing needs of the people that call the Hudson Valley home. These services range from the aforementioned emergency overnight services to transitional, supportive, and permanent rental housing, as well as homes for first time homebuyers.
In addition to developing and operating affordable housing, HRH also provides other services for people experiencing homelessness or any other housing needs, such as life skills-based care management, job training, homebuyer education. HRH also offers specialized services and housing for youth, elders and veterans, specialized small business support, outreach and neighborhood revitalization programs, and landlord and renter assistance.
I asked Javier what the process of working with Hudson River Housing might look like for someone seeking affordable housing. He explained that people access their housing through a variety of ways. Hudson River Housing has community partners all over the Hudson Valley that provide referrals to people seeking housing, such as the Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services and other social service offices.
For permanent rental housing, there are applications online and in-person, and people will become notified when a unit that meets their needs becomes available. I asked Javier how long it would take to be notified, and he went on to explain that it can be up to a month before you hear anything so HRH encourages people to apply before they find themselves in an emergency situation. They work their way through the wait-list and Javier assured me that nobody gets skipped.
“HRH acknowledges that there is an unmet need for affordable housing in communities throughout the Hudson Valley. ”
— Alexis Rosa, when interviewing Javier Gomez, Hudson River Housing
Since HRH’s establishment in 1982, they have developed over 1,400 housing units and currently co-own or manage over 1,300 affordable housing units across 8 towns and municipalities throughout the Hudson Valley. In 2022, HRH was able to provide emergency shelter and services to 995 adults and 325 youth or young adults. They’ve also offered 91 households their support in moving from emergency housing to permanent housing, and helped 40 households with home buying.
I asked Javier what difficulties HRH faces while trying to get this help to people who need it. He acknowledged that HRH’s most notable challenge is that their emergency and supportive housing is primarily located in the City and Town of Poughkeepsie.
“We’re seeing a rise of people experiencing homelessness throughout Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley, but most of our resources to address homelessness are concentrated in Poughkeepsie. We get calls from towns throughout the region to provide outreach to people who are homeless and, like many of us, these folks have ties to a community that make it difficult for them to leave the town where they live in and uproot to another place where they would need to rebuild their life. If we could create more opportunities for people to enter into housing and get services where they are already, that would go a long way to getting people the help they need to get off of the street.”
Javier noted that people come to them as a last resort whether it be emergency housing, rental assistance, foreclosure prevention counseling, or because they’re about to lose their apartment.
“I think we do a great job at getting people connected to the help they need now to address the housing issue they are going through no matter what it is, and we also strive to get people connected to resources and opportunities that will make it less likely for them to be in this situation again.”
HRH manages their own properties, but they offer property management services to property owners of affordable housing as well. HRH operates similarly to any other property management company; they communicate with tenants, collect rent, maintain properties, and manage leases. What sets them apart, aside from being a nonprofit and all the resources they offer, is that they’re familiar with a broad range of state, local, and federal affordable housing compliance regulations. This knowledge allows them to be able to ensure that properties remain in compliance with those regulations as a part of their service.
Javier had some amazing things to say about the people affected by this crisis and how communities tackle the situation too!
“Homelessness and housing insecurity is caused by a variety of individual and societal factors, and I find that people who don’t work directly in housing will sometimes approach the issue by thinking about how to prevent the circumstances and decisions that may have led to someone becoming homeless or housing insecure. I don't want to take anything away from that because addressing the cause is absolutely important, and HRH is doing that work too, but to offer another perspective preventing housing insecurity is only part of the solution and it is also really important to concern ourselves with the immediate needs of people experiencing housing insecurity, and invest in the resources that help people.”
I asked Javier if he was satisfied with the work that his organization does, and whether or not there was more that they could be doing. He expressed that he thinks HRH is doing a great job with the resources they have, but that HRH acknowledges that there is an unmet need for affordable housing in communities throughout the Hudson Valley.
HRH welcomes any opportunity to form relationships with any communities interested in creating more housing for their residents. If anyone is interested in helping HRH, they do accept donations in the form of financial contributions as well as supplies for their housing. HRH also does work with individuals, companies, and organizations to host fundraisers, as well as an Adopt-a-Night program where people can volunteer to prepare or donate a meal for their housing.
Becoming more engaged in the public approval process for housing in your towns or cities is another great way people can get involved and help. Speak with your local elected officials, talk about why affordable housing matters.
“It’s true that there is a housing crisis across the country, but the decisions about what kind of housing gets built and where takes place at the local level and it's important to be informed about what is going on here in our community and not just what can be done at the national level.”
The other organizations, Rose House and Alliance House, never reached back to me about answering any questions unfortunately, but their websites offered a fair amount of insight. In my quest to find out if the process was easy or hard, I didn’t really get my answer. But, it indicates the answer of accessibility being a long road.
Immediate Shelter Need In An Emergency Situation
For someone needing immediate shelter in an emergency situation, Hudson River housing offered the most accessible solutions. Transportation is another thing entirely. The counselor I spoke to over the hotline did detail that if you have Medicaid, you could possibly get medicaid transportation, but that doesn’t offer a solution for someone who doesn’t have Medicaid.
A bus ride up to Poughkeepsie is $1.75 one way. Poughkeepsie residents do get to ride for free when they’re under the age of 20, however, and there are discounted prices for the elderly, children, and students.
Depending on which bus driver you get, most of them will let you ride on just one payment, but on the weekends there is one bus driver who requires you pay twice if you get on at the wrong bus stop (depending on which way you’re going). $1.75 might not seem like much in the grand scheme of things, but in an emergency situation it can be a lot harder to make that money than one would think.
Alexis’ Conclusion
“Beacon is a bustling tourist spot now, but what about the people with strong roots here? How are they doing? We as citizens need to be sure we’re asking the right questions to the right people.”
— Alexis Rosa
It’s apparent to me that we as a community need to be more willing to have these life-saving resources more readily available. Housing is, and should be considered, a human right and the property values of our homes are not worth more than the life of a human. You can tell a great deal about whether or not a town or city is thriving based on how they treat their residents who are struggling financially or mentally. Beacon is a bustling tourist spot now, but what about the people with strong roots here? How are they doing? We as citizens need to be sure we’re asking the right questions to the right people.
For new residents who don't know, certain parts of Beacon used to be considered dangerous. Even today a lot of the apartment complexes and certain areas in Beacon still carry that stigma of being dangerous or undesirable to be in. With the cost of living in Beacon continuing to rise, we will continue to see an uptick in crime. Whether or not it will match those levels previously held is uncertain, but what we do know is that when people’s needs go unmet, crime rises.
While I may not have found the answer to the question of whether or not all of these resources are easily accessible, I did learn a lot about resources we have here in the Hudson Valley that I was not previously aware of. As we know, any knowledge is good knowledge. Knowledge is power.
More information on these organizations can be found on their websites and by calling the numbers provided in this article.
Three different sets of organizers have put together events in Poughkeepsie on Wednesday 10/25/2023 that support Palestine and a ceasefire. Those details are here:
Ceasefire Now Rally: Wednesday: 3:45pm, 10/25/2023 From the organizers: “Demand that Pat Ryan sign Ceasefire Resolution” Meeting at the corner of Raymond Ave & Collegeview Ave. Details >
End The Genocide: Wednesday: 3:45pm, 10/25/2023 Outdoor rally at the corner of Raymond Ave & Collegeview Ave, Poughkeepsie NY. The event is fully outdoors and people are encouraged to bring signs. Both @mhvdsa @jewishvoiceforpeace were tagged by @celebrate.845 who posted it. Details >
Vigil For The People Facing Genocide In Gaza Wednesday, 6pm, 10/25/2023 Outdoor gathering, organized by New Paltz Students for Palestine. From the organizers: “We at New Paltz Students of Palestine are horrified by the ongoing indiscriminate slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza, and have decided to hold a vigil to honor those whose lives have been stolen by IDF bombs. The vigil will start at 6 PM in Parker Quad, after which we will silently march to Old Main displaying banners commemorating the fallen. If you’re tired of hearing everyone around you refuse to acknowledge the atrocities unfolding before our eyes, please join us.” Details and parking information is here. Details >
Can a moment that is shared between two people only - the moment when two people agree to be engaged and follow the path of marriage - be shared and translated into dozens of moments of love and adoration in a photo session? Yes.
Here in Beacon, set against the backdrops of nature and landmark structures, Megan and Kenneth Photographers have set the scene - many scenes - where couples can explore each other throughout the photo session to get comfortable with each other in front of a camera - an act that is usually not common during such intimate moments.
Megan and Kenneth Photographers have done it. As you’ll see in these 3 photos sessions ALBB picked from dozens of other beautiful couples sharing their love for the camera, and eventually, for their family, friends and eternal photo albums.
Travel down the photo session with the couples, and you will see how their inhibitions melt away over time as they explore poses and each other. Photo sessions like this can before any couple - not just engagements.
Maybe you’ve envisioned your love while down at Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park, while embracing feelings of getting lost on a long traveled path.
Feelings can be captured that show the relationship in this stage, and again in later stages years later.
Megan & Kenneth Photographers are wedding photographers for non-traditional couples based in Beacon, NY, who proudly serve LGBTQ+ couples. They and serve the Hudson Valley, Westchester, Catskills and the Greater New York Area including Tarrytown, Hudson, Kingston. Megan & Kenneth Photographers are available in Ulster County, Orange County, Dutchess County, and beyond. and more. Proudly serving LGBTQ+ couples.
After A Little Beacon Blog reposted a “Jewish Voices For Peace” post on Instagram, a few of our Jewish friends in Beacon reached out to ALBB. They wanted to contribute their voices. They wanted to feel safe, so ALBB agreed to meetings with them on and off the record.
Tina Bernstein agreed to an audio interview right away. Tina is an outspoken advocate for local housing issues here in Beacon, and immigration. She spoke to us as an individual, not affiliated with any group she participates with for other causes. “I felt I had to say something,” said Tina, “because there needs to be an alternate view... It's very hard to speak out and it's very hard to take a stance against this.”
It was important to Tina to make a distinguishment about "some Jews" on this or any subject. That there are many beliefs within the Jewish community on pieces of life. During the interview, she stated: “I don't think that Jewish lives matter any more than Palestinian lives...I am very concerned that the Israeli government will have their acts reverberate for many years…The Israeli government, and I'm not talking about the people, but the Israeli government. [What they are doing] goes against everything I believe in. I cannot be secure if everyone is not secure."
In describing the Jewish community, Tina expressed: “It is a very hard time if you are secular Jew who goes against the majority opinion. It's not easy. But I felt it very important to speak out.”
As the interview concluded, Tina forced back tears. There is much more in Tina’s interview that is only 17 minutes. She shares her personal experience, as well as that of her family from Poland. Please listen to the interview in its entirety. Click on it in the top of this article. Comments that are antisemetic or Islamaphobic will not be approved.
As we, in this very local area of Beacon, and those reading it from afar, watch the news and scroll through social media, we are watching what is happening in Israel and Palestine through different lenses. Those lenses are framing thick histories with years of knowledge of killing Israelites and Palestinians, as well as antisemitism against Jews (some would say against Arabs also since the word “semite” included Hebrew and Arab speaking cultures), and Islamaphobia.
Here in Beacon, NY, as in every city right now in America, people are having feelings. Some are expressing them, in the form of blog posts on town blogs that get deleted, through artistic expressions, through vigils, and possibly through street rallies. A march has not yet happened in Beacon that we know about, but other events are starting to percolate up.
Every word matters in this situation. Words will be used to name events, and those words will sting one group of people. So the publishing about an event will trigger some people, which may result in comment battles, and spill over into the streets between friends or customers.
During this time, we must do our best not to let that happen. It will be hard, since there are ways of thinking that are new to many people. As rocks are lifted to reveal these ways of thinkings, when they are spoken by our friends and neighbors or people on TV or in our social media, we are left looking like the Wide-Eyed Emoji Face. No words left to respond, just incomprehension.
Ever since Hamas strategized, attacked and killed over 1,400 Israelis, some video footage of the music festival you can see here at CNN, people mourned and feared for the hostages taken, and grieved for the Jewish families who lost loved ones. According to NBC: "At least 32 of those killed in Israel are Americans, according to the U.S. State Department." NPR reported that the Kibbutz Kfar Aza "was one of the hardest-hit Israeli communities along the Gaza border," with 58 residents killed by Hamas, out of the community's approximately 1,000 residents. In addition, 17 from the community were kidnapped.
Two American hostages from Chicago have been released, of the 200 taken, if all are still alive. According to NBC: “Two American hostages, Judith Tai Raanan and Natalie Shoshana Raanan, were released by Hamas. Israel confirmed the release of the mother and daughter, who are from Illinois and family members of former NBC News correspondent Martin Fletcher. President Joe Biden thanked the government of Qatar for helping secure their release, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said the two were receiving ‘necessary medical treatment.’" According to that report, 3,500 Israelis have been wounded so far.
The Hamas fighters threw bombs into the bomb shelters that Israeli young adults gathered into to run away from the gunshots. The fact that there are bomb shelters as a regular thing in a field for a music shelter is surprising in and of itself, and illustrates how afraid Israelis are of being attacked. In America, we are more used to tornado shelters.
Ever since Israel responded, at least 3,700 Palestinian people have been killed, or are in the process of dying, crushed between the rubble of numerous buildings, schools, mosques, and hospitals that have been bombed by Israel. At least 13,000 Palestinians have been injured, according to NBC. The Israeli military has told Gazans to evacuate the hospitals, but they have nowhere to go. Some buildings are given a warning by Israel to evacuate the people who have already evacuated there, and then it is bombed, like the second hospital, to which the Pope responded. Food, water, electricity and fuel has been cut off for a week already. Toilets don’t work. There is nowhere for the dead Palestinian bodies to go and the stench is increasing, as are the flies. President Joe Biden was proud of the fact that some water on relief trucks got in, but one begs the question, why not just turn the water back on instead of carting in all of this donated water?
The reason for all of these words is to say that ALBB is going to be publishing about when some events happen is because context matters. We are learning about different perspectives. Some perspectives of those wanting Israel believe that Hamas should be destroyed, and that if official Hamas fighters use Palestinians as human shields, well, that is just a part of war, as this elderly man stated. As justification for killing innocents including children. And he’s not the only one.
Even knowing what to call this most recent extreme trauma - a conflict; a war; an extermination; a genocide - is not collective by all. The AP has started calling it the Israel-Hamas War. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the bombing of so many residential buildings, killing Palestinians, that the “Israel-Hamas War” name can erase Palestinians from even their own extinction that is happening in real time, our time.
Media publications like the Washington Post are wildly publishing explainers of why refugee camps exist in Gaza (because one of them, the largest one, Jabalya, just got destroyed yesterday by bombs). Most people who weren’t following the 75 years of the occupation of Gaza and the trades of violence inside of Israel and inside the walls and borders of Gaza and Palestine are just waking up to what many have been watching for a long time. Ideologies are being spoken that were only heard under rocks, and now all of the guts are being typed and published online of our own dear friends and clients.
It’s like talking in a divorce process. The soon to be former couple says things to each other, and their families shut their ears, not wanting to hear the violence in their voices, knowing they are in the heat of the divorce process, and that everything will smooth over later.
And so, here we go. For those of you who are new readers here, Welcome. Coverage began to get deeper here at A Little Beacon Blog when COVID happened, and Black Lives Matter marched down Main Street. At that time, the term “All Lives Matter” meant something very different than what is being implored now, as people compare which death matters more. It’s all surreal. But our faith lies in our friendships, knowing that none of us are Jewphobic antisemetic or Islamaphobic. So as we express our opinion, we must look at ourselves to listen to what we are saying. Knowing that sometimes, we will need to rush to the protection for our Jewish friends, and protection of our Muslim and Arab friends from Islamaphobia.
Thank you for being here, and for contributing your voice.
This is Katie talking. On behalf of A Little Beacon Blog. I didn’t think ALBB needed to make a statement, but it seems like one is needed now that we entered with any coverage at all after we shared that a protest was scheduled. So here goes.
My favorite thing about Beacon is that I could even type and post this post. Because this community is so varied. I know we will make it through together. That is my favorite part about Beacon.
Firstly: if you are a new reader here, Welcome. A Little Beacon Blog is not your average blog. We do talk about sunshine ☀️ and rainbows 🌈 , but we also talk about discomfortable things. This especially started for us in 2020 with COVID and Black Lives Matter. Since those coverages, we have gotten into a few scrambles with people. Justified or not. So if you are here for food photos, you are going to get other things you weren’t expecting. Keep reading so you get comfortable.
Secondly:Hamas murdered people and taking hostages is a crime. The history of Hamas is not what one would want as their political party. PS: I am of no political party! Not that it matters but in case you wondered. Registered with none of them.
Thirdly: Life as a Palestinian is deprived and oppressed. With the cutting off of essential utilities of water, electricity, fuel, first aid trucks, over 2 million Palestinians are also hostages.
Fourthly: The Jewish community has such deep, deep trauma, that kicks in justified fear, that no words can bring them comfort if words are spoken in support of Palestine. I understand that. But I can’t not say the words. You might call me terrible words. I’d like to tell you those words aren’t true. But it doesn’t matter because we would get into an endless comment spat.
Oh btw: after I put up a prayer hands for Palestine in IG Stories - a 24 hour place that disappears - a random woman called me from a 917 number. She tracked down my number and wouldn’t listen to anything I said. Just what she wanted to tell me about terrorists and babies. Do you think that made me feel safe?
Fifthly: The best thing we can do is start talking about this. All of our fears. It will be ugly. But maybe, just maybe, speaking these things to each other might just might bring some healing. But you might say: “I don’t want to heal. I want to protect. My life is in danger. I have to hide my beautiful religion.” This is why we should talk about these things.
Oh, what a gloomy day! One bright spot is - the addition of three eateries in town coming on board as member sponsors of A Little Beacon Blog in our Restaurant Guide! Welcome Beacon Bread Company, Ziatun & The Station to ALBB! This means we get to Instagram about them weekly and keep you very, very hungry for sweets, baked goods, the softest pitas and best hummus we have ever had. Click on over to ALBB's Instagram to watch this video of the cookie jar.
For your Catering needs, please see also A Little Beacon Blog's Catering Section in our Business Directory. You will see menu options from Oui Oui Catering, like this bubbling lasagna with melted cheese and a clip of basil.
Walktoberfest
Days: Saturday, October 21, 2023 and Sunday, October 22, 2023 Time: 12-5 pm Location: Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, 61 Parker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Information >
Howland Chamber Music Circle Presents Salon Sèance - The End of Time, music of Olivier Messaien Day: Sunday, October 22, 2023 Time: 4:00-5:30 pm (reception following) Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main Street, Beacon NY
Admission $35 (some "Pay What You Wish" admissions - one week advance) Information >
SAVE THE DATE!
Hocus Pocus 23’ - Hosted by Beacon Chamber of Commerce & Local Business Sponsors Days: Friday, October 27, 2023 & Saturday, October 28, 2023 Time: Friday from 3pm-6pm & Saturday from 10am-1:30pm Location: Along Main Street & Memorial Park, Beacon, NY
Parade, scavengar hunt, trick or treating, ghost stories, monster jam & more! Information >
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website >
Duce Cielo MX solving all of our 'where to eat' problems with this Birria tacos! Stop in the HV Food Hall for authentic Mexican food with the 'street' concept we all know and love! Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters Ciao Chow - Hand made pasta and fried rice Dulce Cielo Mexico: Authentic Mexican street food with vegetarian and vegan options. Tara Fusion Cuisine: Fusion cuisine of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Hungry for some apps?
Here are some of Baja's most popular with calamari and chicken flautas! Try these before you try their new food and drink specials this month! Seasonal cocktails and pumpkin beers/ciders... fall dishes with mashed sweet potato and all the fall things!
Don't forget... TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday at Baja! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos plus $3 coronas!
Oh & Happy Hour is every Tuesday-Friday from 4-6pm :) PPS: Check out Baja's specials! > Check out their specialty drinks > BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
Not only can you get delicious dishes at Carters, but you can also enjoy specialty and creative cocktails like this strawberry mango! PS: The kitchen is now open until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with the bar open until 12:30am! PPS! Now Open on Wednesdays!
That's 7 days a week! PPPS!(?) Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 2-5! PPPPS!!! Katie James Inc. creates and curates Carter's Instagram, and can for your business too. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY
193-195 Maint Street, Beacon, NY
Welcome Beacon Bread Company BACK to ALBB's Restaurant Guide! We all know and love Beacon Bread Company for their bakery, bistro, and coffee! Since 2014, they have been proudly serving the wonderful community of Beacon, N.Y., freshly baked bread and home-cooked meals from scratch. French-style bread is made fresh by hand every morning, exclusively using organic King Arthur Flour to ensure superior quality and flavor. In addition, their bakery team focuses on using seasonal, responsibly-sourced ingredients for various breakfast pastries and desserts. With a full-service, private dining room, their scratch kitchen serves brunch all day. Shall we keep going?!
Follow Beacon Bread Company on Instagram > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN 244 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Welcome Ziatun BACK to ALBB's Restaurant Guide! Ziatun is a full-service restaurant specializing in authentic Middle Eastern cuisine that is open every day! Delicious apps, entrees, soups and salads, mezzes, and flat bread wraps. Vegan and vegetarian options available! Something for everyone. Ziatün in Arabic means “olive”, and a single olive is a seed that they planted here in Beacon. Their food is made with love and practiced with authentic traditional recipes that have been passed down from generations. Their food is another form of Palestinian Resistance. Follow Ziatun on Instagram > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Fall and winter have nothing on Luxe! New styles always rolling in and something for everyone always. Spring.summer swap out = a trip to Luxe for new shades that you deserve for the Fall/Winter! PS: Eye doctor appointments available here! > BEACON HOURS
Monday from 10AM–5PM
Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM
Sunday CLOSED Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
THE STATION
463 Main Street, Beacon
WECOME The Station to ALBB's Shopping Guide! The Station is Beacon's Cannabis Growers Showcase. Buy legal weed and support local artist! Give them a follow on Instagram and stay in the loop!
PS! The Station is local and a huge part of the Beacon Community! Follow The Station on Instagram > The Station is a Sponsor, thank you!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OPEN! A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide is one of the biggest draws to this publication. Every store is listed in it for the best experience for our readers. Google rewarded A Little Beacon Blog with a #1 ranking for "boutique shopping beacon ny." Designed to elevate your store from the rest, this advertising campaign is integrated with our Instagram. Show your storefront in the listing, get your business a permanent weekly feature in A Little Beacon Blog's Retail Therapy Newsletter sent on Fridays (see examples here), as well as weekly Instagram features. More information here >
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
For over 60 years, Yanarella Dance has been dedicated to providing an exceptional dance education to the Hudson Valley. Since the day they opened our doors, their philosophy has been that “every child should have the same opportunity to dance, regardless of talent or ability. There is no can’t in dance. There’s only a C-A-N”.
Beacon has a growing number of beauty salons and professional pampering to take advantage of - you can even book a transforming appointment at a lash bar! Be it a totally new hair style, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Plus, one of the most enjoyable gifts you can give to someone is a gift certificate. So we have included links to where you can buy a gift certificate from any of these fine services that offers one. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here >
Special Message For Businesses: If you want to advertise in this Guide with a picture, logo and promotions, please click here.
MEGAN & KENNETH PHOTOGRAPHERS Weddings & Families
There is no better time for family photos than now! Not only do you create beautiful photos/memories in the most special time of the year, but you also get to use these memories for holiday cards! Think ahead. Book with Megan & Kenneth who create timeless photos that you can look back on. There is truly nothing like looking back at photos. Find more information here > Megan & Kenneth are Sponsors. Thank you!
BEACON DENTAL
1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3666
At Beacon Dental, they are dedicated to providing you and your family with quality dental care tailored to your individual needs. They welcome patients aged 4 and older and provide a full range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout your life. When you visit their dentists and team, you can be certain that your health, comfort and smile are always their highest priorities. Beacon Dental is also happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Katie James Inc. is producing the Spirit of Beacon Day website. This destination website was designed to both update people as the year went on, from Sponsorship opportunities, to easy ways to Register for Parade and Vendor tables, to the final product of Parade and Table Maps, and Bathrooms. Katie James Inc. is also producing the social media on Instagram and Facebook for Spirit of Beacon Day. Need these services for your business? Katie James, Inc. works with small and large businesses.
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
With Blend recently gone from Beacon, some teenagers have wailed: “Where will I get an Açaí bowl?” Some adults have mourned: “Where will I get my morning smoothie for my commute? And if only a smoothie place was open earlier than 8am because I’m already to work by then!”
Well, dear readers, the answer has been with you on Main Street this whole time: Healthy In Color, at 259 Main Street, in the former Matcha Thomas space (who since moved several blocks down) and in what was Homespun’s former catering prep location. Healthy in Color is currently between Hudson Valley Vinyl and the DMV. The barbershop, Shakinah Styles, was also located in that building for 25 years, and recently also moved to Newburgh.
This Isn’t Just Any Açaí Bowl…Healthy In Color Has A Mission
Berry and Açaí Smoothie Bowl at Healthy In Color on Main Street In Beacon.
There is only one Açaí bowl available in Healthy In Color, and that is because, the owners told A Little Beacon Blog, a lot of their focus goes into nutrition for their smoothies, juices and powders they produce and bottle.
Packed into this Berry and Açai Smoothie Bowl is organic açaí, organic blueberry, organic raspberry, organic banana, organic mango, oat milk, almond butter, and maple syrup. Toppings include sliced organic banana, organic blueberry, granola, organic strawberry, and kiwi.
Healthy In Color has other Smoothie Bowls, like the Mango, Raspberry, and Banana Smoothie Bowl with organic mango, organic banana, organic raspberry, organic strawberry, almond milk, honey, and vanilla almond butter. Toppings include granola, fresh berries, and mango chunks.
Or the Greens and Mango Smoothie Bowl with organic kale, organic spinach, organic avocado, organic green apple, organic mango, organic banana, pineapple, organic spirulina, oat milk, maple syrup, and almond butter. Toppings include sliced organic kiwi, goji berry, organic strawberry, and granola.
Then there are the wraps, and warm bowls with warm quinoa, and so many smoothie options. There are also the house-made bottled drinks that Health In Color carries, like the Recharge Red Blend, described as “a bright-energy-boosting red blend an explosion of fruits and vegetables, with over 40 organic plants like; beets, purple cabbage, tons of berries, pineapple, mango, kale, spinach, cucumber, watercress, lemon, ginger, and other superfoods. This red blend is extremely high in phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and antioxidants. Our recharge-red blend is refreshing, satisfying, and will provide your body the free radicals fighting compounds that it needs, and the energy supply to get you going for hours at full power no matter what task you have ahead of you.”
And because ALBB stopped in for a açaí bowl, where we learned about the bottled drink and mix products this little shop was producing, you also should know about the nutrient-rich mixes. Like the RECHARGE360˚, described as: “your ultimate berry boost to elevate your vitality with RECHARGE360˚, an exceptional berry blend thoughtfully packed into a 30-serving container. This delightful fruity powder offers a convenient means to revitalize your energy and bolster your quest for optimal health.* Here's what RECHARGE360⁰ brings to the table: 🌈 A Vibrant Fusion: Savor a rich, vibrant, and diverse medley of over 45 organic fruits and vegetables spanning the colors of the rainbow. 🌿 Wholesome Ingredients: Infused with organic Acacia Fiber, Green Tea, Spirulina, and select herbs, this blend is designed to nourish your body comprehensively. ❤️ Full-Body Wellness: Crafted to support holistic well-being, RECHARGE360⁰ offers a treasure trove of antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. 🚀 Nutrient Powerhouse: Elevate your essential nutrient intake and promote overall growth. 💪 Immune Fortification: Bolster your immune system to keep you feeling your best. 🍽️ Digestive Harmony: Enhance digestive health and metabolism for improved overall wellness. 🌱 Natural Detox: Assist your body in its natural detoxification processes. 🏃♂️ Performance Enhancement: Boost your energy levels and enhance your performance. ❤️ Heart Health: Provide support for your cardiovascular well-being. Experience the comprehensive benefits of RECHARGE360˚ as you embark on a journey towards a healthier, more vibrant you.
Healthy In Color opens at 7am for those commuting or starting early.
In its 9th year of brewing, connecting friendships, and laying the groundwork for love stories, Two Way Brewing is seeking a new owner(s) to continue the tradition of what owner Mike O’Herron started at age 28 and opened to the public in September 2014. He’s 38 now, and tired. But energized at the same time. He is exiting the business with more than he started with: one love of his life Brittany, who he met at his brewery, three young children, (one first child, followed by twins), a new house so the family has space to grow, and reboot of his engineering career after releasing the brewery to new owners - whoever they may be. Read on to see if you are the next piece of the puzzle. They play a lot of board games at Two Way.
Born and raised in Newburgh on his family apple farm, Mike reached a crossroad with his engineering career, the brewery, and his young family. “It is time,” he told A Little Beacon Blog, “to spend more time with my family.”
The brewery is known in part for its convenient location at 18 West Main Street to the Metro North Beacon train station. It shares a building with Brett's Hardware, Beacon Pilates, the world-famous SalleyAnder with their intoxicatingly fresh aromas, BCAP school, The CineHub, and at one point, the Instagram famous SweetAmber with her mesmerizing cookie-decorating videos. Two Way Brewing grew up in this space amongst other hard working creatives making a living after building their dreams.
Mike is an engineer by trade and passion. Creating craft beer recipes became his hobby, and then he wanted to bring people in by opening the brewery, so he knighted himself Brewmaster and opened 2 Way Brewing (which they later rebranded to “Two Way Brewing” under the design production of graphic designer Emily Sylvester). After a lot of chemistry experimentation with the key ingredients, Mike began the build-out of the brewery with his dad. This father/son collaboration proved a safe space for them to strengthen their bond - even though they mainly butted heads while doing it.
A fond memory for Mike was their loud disagreements about whether or not to add a third accessible bathroom. During the build-out, Mike and his dad wore heavy masks to protect against dust. "We were shouting at each other through the masks," Mike laughs as he described how they worked together. Mike's dad was insistent that they build the bathroom. “I disagreed, but my dad was right. To this day, the accessible offering to our guests has been invaluable.”
The brewery opened. But six months later, Mike's dad passed away unexpectedly. Mike was devastated. “I still wonder what it would be like if he was still around. It was a good project to have together. We had a close time together.” The social vibe of Two Way Brewery helped him through his grief. That, and finding the love of his life and future mother of his children in between brewing, cleaning kegs, and attending Trivia Nights.
"When COVID hit, we completely turned the corner," Mike recounted. In 2020, COVID restrictions shut everyone down and drew a hard blow on the business and everyone's sanity.” With the layered and always-changing COVID restrictions of who could sit or stand during dictated hours of operations, running the business began to weigh on Mike. He and Brittany had just had their first baby, and he couldn't come to the brewery as much. Weekday brewing turned to weekend brewing. Time passed and things changed. With the added responsibilities, Mike didn’t have time to develop the same relationship with newer customers like he had with his loyal regulars. He grew tired, and he is only in his 30s.
“Owning a business is not normal. There is nothing normal about it. It is thrilling, exasperating, fulfilling, addicting, exhausting, all at the same time. It takes a special type of person to do it. ”
Mike and Brittany’s honesty in their experience birthing and growing a business is a rarity. But one that is appreciated deeply by other business owners who are reading and going through the same growth. Owning a business is not normal. There is nothing normal about it. It is thrilling, exasperating, fulfilling, addicting, exhausting, all at the same time. It takes a special type of person to do it. And even then, the business itch may change into another type of business. Rendering the existing, healthy business, one not suited anymore for the founder. Lucky for the next owner, however.
"When I sell, I'll enjoy a new lease on life, “Mike told ALBB. “But I'll miss it too. I'll take 2 years off to focus on myself and my family. Might look toward doing something at the farm. The apples for our cider came from our family farm. I want to explore better food ways for our region through farming." Most importantly, Mike realized: "My kids need my attention. They need more of my time. And I need my hobbies. I need to rock climb. I want to get back to that."
THE SECRET OF TWO WAY BREWING - IT’S IN THE WATER
Numerous annual Beacon events have been held in the spacious location that is Two Way Brewing, including artists participating in Beacon Open Studios who have used Two Way’s space to showcase their work.
Along with many other NYC and Hudson Valley breweries, Two Way offers a free pint for volunteers for River Keeper during their annual River Sweep event. “As a family, and with friends, we’ve taken part in this great event,” Brittany told ALBB.
Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF)'s "Yappy Hour" was a very successful event which raised a lot of money for the foundation and benefited Two Way as well, Mike told ALBB. With its multi-room design, Two Way has an ideal setup for cozy or spread-out events, both inside and outside.
“It is my dream for the brewery to be not just a gathering spot for individuals, but a community hub, where there's always something happening,” Brittany told ALBB. As the manager of events, she saw the potential. “It is a place for families to find something fun and different that parents and kids can enjoy, for young couples, or friends to find a fun evening activity. And the fun thing about having fundraisers here is that a brewery appeals to a different crowd that many non-profits might struggle to attract with their typical events.”
The best part of brewing in Beacon is the water, Mike observed. With the application of a little science, one can make almost any style. Mike lit up as he described the water: "Beacon has soft water, that approximates the water from Pilsen Czech Republic," Mike began explaining. "It is close to the original pilsner water. Places with hard water will struggle to brew a good pilsner. With soft water, you can make any water you want by adding brewing salts like gypsum or calcium chloride. We are very lucky to have access to this tap water for our brewing."
Two Way Brewing has 5 seven-barrel fermenters and one seven-barrel bright tank. The brew system is 3.5 barrels where a double batch makes about 220 gallons of beer.
Two Way cans in-house. Their cannery produces 16 cases/hour, with 24 cans in each case. "The can is a better vessel for beer," Mike says when asked about glass bottles. "The beer lasts longer in the cans because of the material, and how a can is sealed.
Inside Of Two Way Brewing
There are 3 main rooms in Two Way Brewing: The bar, which faces the large fermenters, making you feel like you are part of the action. On either side of the bar are two other spaces: a comfortable lounge with deep leather sofas perfect for long chats and board game playing, and a section for high top tables which face the stage for live music. This main taproom can hold up to 115 people.
A Private Party Room, known as the Game & Event Room, is available in the back, separated by a long hallway with a shufflepuck table. Anything from kids or adult birthday parties, wedding celebrations, rehearsal dinners, morning after receptions and more have been hosted there. Fundraisers are also popular, and have included groups like I Am Beacon. Clients can bring in their own catering. Two Way’s outside patio seats 30 people, and the back room can fit up to 85 people.
Recently, events have included a free, monthly series for the public called Hopped Up On History with Beacon Historical Society. Other non-profit groups like Sloop Clearwater have hosted community and member events for free or discounted in the Game & Event Room. More offerings are planned throughout the fall like comedy shows, and a family magic show.
Partnerships with various local restaurateurs like Round Up Texas BBQ (Cold Spring), Oak & Read, and Beacon Daily have been how Two Way Brewing has utilized its kitchen to serve patrons.
The kitchen includes deep fryers, sinks, hood, ansul system, and stove.
Two Way Leads To One Whirlwind Romance
Being an engineer and recipe experimenter, Mike is a focused person. Once something clicks, he knows what he likes. This is what happened when he met Brittany. Though they debate whether they first technically met at the brewery or the climbing gym, one official date and he was hooked. Mike explained: “ One night she stayed late and I had finished working in the kitchen and we were playing trivia. She had been working at a summer camp in Cold Spring and was heading off to Alaska. With my perfect timing I decided to ask her out, and the next day we had an amazing dinner date in Peekskill. She was still headed to Alaska the next day. It was tough, because I wanted to go too but I was stuck at the brewery. It was the first time I can remember being disappointed that I had my own business.”
Brittany remembers it this way: “Mike had always caught my eye, but I never knew if he remembered me. He was a business owner and meets a lot of people. Months would go by in between our casual encounters at the brewery and climbing gym. One of my last nights in town, some friends and I had my send-off at Trivia Night, and Mike and I ended up chatting longer than ever before. At the end of the night, he asked for my number, called me the next day. We went on two dates in the two days before I left. And then I drove off on a road trip to spend the summer working in Alaska. I had no idea what would happen after that, but I already knew he was something different and I could picture sharing my life with this guy.” Mike was living on the family farm at the time. But that changed after their twins came. Brittany tells ALBB: “We bought a house and moved to Clintondale in October 2022. We were living on the farm up until then. Mike had been living there since he moved back from Colorado to start the brewery. When the family suddenly got larger than we expected it was time to move.”
Today, Brittney handles most of the front end of the brewery, including the events, staff and operations.
The Future Of Two Way Brewery
The asking price for Two Way Brewery is $450,000 and has a 6 year lease until 2030 for $4,800/month. “Our landlord is an agreeable guy. We have a good relationship with him,” Mike explained. Mike is a man of math, so he is open to craft a deal.
If the new owner wants it, Mike is offering to stay on as consultant while the new owner gets their brew legs. “I want to see someone succeed. I’m looking for an end date, but I’m not looking to sell it and split. I want the next person to be successful.”
Support for this publication comes in part from these businesses. We have highlighted what makes them special on their own dedicated pages. Want your business listed here? See the "Sponsor Spotlight" or "Event Promotion" option in our Advertising Page.
A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
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.
Hosted by Beacon Chamber of Commerce & Local Business Sponsors
ts Salon Sèance - The End of Time, music of Olivier Messaien
