This is a special message for this issue of the newsletter, which falls on the Winter Solstice. Solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere) will be exactly at 5:23 pm.
Howling at the Edge of Chaos is closing on Saturday. Valerie J. Mitchell opened in Beacon a year and a half ago, and created a store that showcases artists' creations that "howl their truth," which is the store's motto. Valerie was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer in June. Less than three months after her treatments ended, she has learned that the cancer is back. It is in her liver and colon and she is considered terminal. Valerie says that she has chosen quality of life, and is not pursuing treatments. She will be traveling with family and being at peace with her next steps.
The lights have been on in the store on a hit-or-miss basis, in between doctor's appointments. We stopped in and made a few purchases (pictured above) yesterday, making sure to get in while the shop was open, pushing aside any other commitments that were on the calendar.
Two lessons here. First: Valerie wove into her shop's mission to get out the truth. Her storefront window was dedicated to ovarian cancer awareness, as it is one of the most silent and swift of the cancers, often going undetected. She wants more people to be aware of their bodies and to stay in front of them. A Little Beacon Blog will be sharing an ovarian cancer awareness post to help spread the word.
Second: After we hugged and laughed a lot about anything and everything at all, Valerie made sure to talk about the "Just a Card" campaign. She's very eager to sell everything in the store, so do go in, it's very festive. The "Just a Card" campaign is one that sends the message that if every person who walked into a shop and expressed their love and appreciation for it just "bought a card" - however small the purchase - it helps the store continue and prosper. A personal regret has been not buying more from Howling at the Edge of Chaos. Many times, there are lots of little treats that could have been purchased, but were "I'll treat myself to that later."
Later may not be available anymore. Out of this entire galaxy of time, we only live for 100 years of it, if that. Some only have 36 years, or 17 years, or 9 years, or 2 years. Don't wait for later. If you want this beauty in your life - these shops, these people who set up the shops and take big risks to be here - go inside. Treat yourself. Make someone happy with a gift.
HOLIDAY HOUSE LIGHTS
Y'ALL! Beacon, you outdid yourself again this year. Marilyn, ALBB's Managing Editor, points out that we have over 25 photos (so far) in the lineup. Thank you to those who emailed in their masterpieces! Says Lauren and Brent, whose house is in our collection: "My husband and I just moved to Beacon at the end of the summer, and we were SO excited to decorate our new home."
We literally drove around with Christmas music blaring from our iPhone when the radio wouldn't work, eating chocolate and snacks while collecting pictures when we could. Traffic can make it tricky to take pictures of some houses (Verplanck - you've got it going on! But we couldn't stop with cars!)
Street names are indicated where we can, but we couldn't record streets and take pics at the same time. Taking yourself on a night drive of Beacon is wonderful this time of year. Enjoy.
Winter Tidings at Rombout Middle School
Day: Friday, December 21, 2018 Time: 5:30 to 6:30 pm Location: Rombout Middle School, 88 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY Information >
Blue Christmas
Day: Friday, December 21, 2018 Time: 7 to 8 pm Location: First Presbyterian Church, 50 Liberty St., Beacon, NY Information >
A Very Slambovian Christmas: The Slambovian Circus of Dreams
Day: Saturday, December 22, 2018 Time: 8:30 pm Location: Towne Crier Cafe, 379 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.
Pop-Up at Create Space
Day: Saturday, December 15-23, 2018 Location: 145 Main St., Beacon, NY
Co-created by Kelly Kingman, this pop-up is offering classes, interesting gifts and vintage apparel, plus refreshingly original gift wrapping services. Information >
Holiday Artisan Market
Days: All of December 2018 Time:See hours in Pop-Up Guide Location: The Lofts at Beacon, 18 Front St., Beacon, NY
Vintage Things at Pop-Up at Zora Dora's
Day: Now through January at least. Time: 8:30 pm Location: Zora Dora's Paletaria, 201 Main St., Beacon, NY
Check out the Pop-Up Guide for more upcoming pop-up events.
BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com (across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company)
They're OPEN! Luxe Optique owns the building they are in, and were recently renovating their original storefront side on the corner. The windows on their corner are brightly lit again, and you can come in either door, as they occupy both storefront spaces. Remember to use your vision insurance or FSA before the year's end! Eye exams are available almost every day of the week, so walk in or make an appointment: (845) 838-2020.
BOUTIQUES IN THE MIDDLE
L a M è r e Clothing + Goods 436 Main Street
If you need a dose of happy, you just take yourself on into L a M è r e, Beacon's newest clothing boutique on the east end of town near the mountain. They are located across the street from the Beacon Theater, JonCar Realty, and After Eden Gallery and Heroes and Villains. Find a pair of slipper-inspired kitten heels for $78 and affordable brands like BB Dakota. Then grab a coffee at Ella's Bellas, up the block.
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the dummy light)
Rain stops no wedding. This Lambs Hill Bride, Meredith, made it into Westchester/Hudson Valley Wedding Magazine! Meredith is wearing Justin Alexander and totally made that rainy day work for her photo shoot. Make your own luck!
For a full list of upcoming classes, classes during the week, and workshops of all kinds, visit our Adult Classes Guide.
Art & Zine Club Meetup Day: Friday, December 21, 2018 Time: 3:30 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Holiday Camp at All Sport
Day: Monday to Friday, December 24 to 28, 2018 Time: 8 am to 5:30 pm Location: All Sport Health & Fitness, 17 Old Main St., Fishkill, NY Information >
Open Greenhouse at Stony Kill Farm
Day: Every Saturday and Sunday Time: 11 am to 1 pm Location: 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY Information >
For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide.
7 Creek Drive offers apartment rentals near nature, yet within quick walking distance to shops and restaurants. These apartments are nestled between Mount Beacon and Main Street, along the Fishkill Creek. Real Estate Agent: Gatehouse Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures >
A Little Beacon Space
Do you need to teach a class or run a workshop? Join other companies who hold retreats in A Little Beacon Space, including edible Hudson Valley, Class Pass, Giving Data, and others. Enjoy a warm, intimate setting in the heart of Beacon. Book Your Retreat With A Little Beacon Space >
BeaconArts
BeaconArts is an integral part of Beacon, and is involved in many of the events and public art displays you see around the community. Joining them as a business or individual benefits you by connecting you to other like-minded artists, makers and connectors. Learn more here >
Katie James, Inc.
Work together to get things done faster, and benefit from getting new ideas during the "Do It Together" package available to local Beaconites (and those who want to drive here). During this session, sit with Katie as she makes the changes with you to your website. Available to people who use Squarespace and/or MailChimp. The normal studio rate is $350 per hour, but the Do It Together package is $150 per hour. Learn More And Book A Session Online >
Beacon Chamber of Commerce
Looking to spotlight your new space to the community? Join the Beacon Chamber and throw a celebratory ribbon-cutting, or host a member meeting. Learn More >
Tin Shingle
Tin Shingle is a training platform for business owners, artists and makers looking to build their brand and get the word out. Tin Shingle reveals the secrets of the magazine industry to help you get featured in one, and gives fresh ideas for approaches to social media. Follow along with their latest industry articles. Details >
MASTHEAD Producers of this newsletter include:
Katie Hellmuth Martin, Publisher, Writer, Designer, Photographer
Marilyn Perez, Managing Editor
Catherine Sweet, Editor of the Second Saturday Guide
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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.
