Almost one year ago, April Perri, a mother of three children, opened a boutique at 436 Main St., Beacon, called La Mère, which translates to "the mother” in French. She had just transitioned out of a career as a fashion designer for Abercrombie, White House Black Market, Macy’s, Saks, “and a million others.” Her firstborn child, Lilly, was born with a rare genetic disorder which made her medically fragile. Three years ago, Lilly was hospitalized with septic shock and spent over 100 days in the hospital. During that time, April also had a 2-year-old and a 6-month-old to care for.
April and her family spent days and nights at The Ronald McDonald House - free of charge - as her daughter recovered. The staff at the Ronald McDonald House threw a birthday party for her healthy child - a kind act they did not need to do. “The Ronald McDonald House helped my stress levels tremendously,” April told A Little Beacon Blog. “They allowed me to rest and still be close to all of my children. Staying there helped me stay sane and make good decisions for my daughter’s care.” April even experienced the first steps of her youngest child while staying there.
Fast forward to today, her family is healthy “for now” (as she always adds), and her business on Main Street has been a success. You may have also seen her at different festivals, as she takes La Mère on the road in her La Mère Petite mini shopping trailer.
Today, April wants to give back. “The Ronald McDonald House allowed me to keep my other children and even my mom together during the hardest moments of our lives,” she told her followers on Instagram. “Beacon and the Hudson Valley have been so good to me,” she told A Little Beacon Blog. “I’ve never been in a position to pay it forward until now.”
The Beacon Hotel and Tourmaline Home have teamed up with April to host a fashion fundraiser at the Beacon Hotel on Saturday, September 28, from 5 to 8 pm. The Beacon Hotel is making its own comeback, as it is under new ownership (rather, expanded ownership with an original partner) as well as new management (look for John from The Vault!). See our article on the Beacon Hotel’s major renovation revealed in 2017.
If you’ve never met April, then you have one more reason to attend this event. She is a whirlwind of fresh air, and an inspiration to others. Whenever I’m in doubt, I visit April. As evidenced by half my wardrobe right now.
PS: April did twist my arm to be in this fashion show. She threw flattery at my chicken legs, so I’ll be there with other locals showing off the clothes. I made sure to hit up Salon Dae for my color, and A Lucky Cut for my super layers prior to the show.
This is a Guide we created that includes all shops in Beacon (if we missed you, email us!), and businesses have the opportunity to stand out with a Sponsor Spot to show readers photos inside of their shops, and special events.
Supporting Sponsors include Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique, Binnacle Books and La Mère Clothing + Goods. Thank you so much! Your ongoing support helps us maintain these Guides, and produce the Happening This Weekend newsletter that everybody loves that comes out on Fridays. We’re busy working on that today!
An exciting weekend is coming up, with Second Saturday and the Parade of Green! You can always visit the Shopping Guide here, that lists all shops with addresses and links. Share with your friends who are visiting! Or use it yourself to go inside the stores! You'll be so happy you did.
Happy Friday... Black Friday, that is! We hope you are continuing to have a wonderful holiday weekend. The shops in Beacon have been decorating to create a delightful experience for you. Visit them, and tag us with what you find! You must stop into the new shop, La Mère Clothing + Goods, who just joined with A Little Beacon Blog as an editorial sponsor partner! That means we get to gush about what's inside their store...
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS We're kicking it off with a few hot deals from the shops around you!
Find shops' addresses in A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide: La Mère Clothing + Goods: All-day deals including 15% off your purchase from 10 am to 1 pm; 10% off your purchase from 1 pm to 7 pm; free "Beauty Blender" with $50 purchase (while supplies last). All purchases of $200 or more will be entered to win the Holiday Survival Kit (quilted makeup bag, super-soft ringer tee, beauty masks, OPI nail polish, Brooklyn Candle Studio travel candle, and more!) Luxe Optique:
Receive 15% off your glasses purchase when you have Luxe Optique check what your insurance covers out of network. Yeah - it's that simple. Lambs Hill Bridal:
Come into the boutique and see their new "Moonlight Windows" at night. King & Curated: (the high-end, hand-crafted jewelry store next door to Lambs Hill)
Save 15% on purchases $100 and over, and 20% on purchases of $500 or more. Jake's Main Street Music: (near Towne Crier) Sale on musical gifts, instruments and stocking stuffers. Includes select instruments like ukuleles, mandolins, banjos, violins, and more. Beetle + Fred:
Insane deals on fabric, from to 20% to 40% off almost any fabric in the store, including some new patterns, and clearance. Whoa. Bra Fit Expert:
10% to 20% off bras, panties and pajamas. beBhakti Yoga:
Get 40 days of unlimited yoga for $99 (expires 12/31/18) or one year of unlimited yoga for $999.
Roger’s Folly’s Presents La Familia Swinging Blues Band
Day: Saturday, November 24, 2018 Time: 8 to 11:30 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Christmas Tree Lighting at Visitors Center in Polhill Park
Day: Saturday, November 24, 2018 Time: 3 to 5 pm (rain date set for Saturday, December 1) Location: Polhill Park, intersection of Main Street and Wolcott/Route 9D, Beacon, NY Information >
Broadway In Beacon Presents Happy Holidays
Day: Sunday, November 25, 2018 Time: 4 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.
Pre-Holiday Vintage Pop-Up @ Colorant
Days: Saturday & Sunday, November 24 & 25, 2018 Time: Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm Location: Colorant, 146 Main St, Beacon, NY Information >
Kaleidoscope Pop-Up at Zora Dora's
Days: Popping up 'till the end of February Time: 9 am to 7 or 8 pm, days may vary Location: Zora Dora's, 201 Main St., Beacon, NY
BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com (across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company)
Gifting glasses from Luxe Optique is totally possible and easy - even if your gift-giver is out of town. Simply call Luxe Optique at (845) 838-2020 and they can arrange everything. To "Get Luxed" is truly an experience. You are sure to find a pair of glasses that fit your personality.
BOUTIQUES IN THE MIDDLE
L a M è r e Clothing + Goods 436 Main Street www.instagram.com/lamereclothingandgoods
You're going to find so much inside of one of Beacon's newest boutiques, L a M è r e Clothing + Goods. Think comfort paired with fashion, like hoodie sweaters, jeans and boots, as well as scarves and chunky blankets. Store owner April completes your ensemble by selling perfume and OPI nail polish. Find things for the home as well! Black Friday deals are on - see the top of this edition for details, or check right here.
This charming and newly renovated home in Newburgh is filled with sunlight, and situated close to things to do. It is listed at $199,900 and has three bedrooms and one bathroom. According to Realtor Sarah Beckham Hooff: "A super chill neighborhood is within walking distance to the best bagel shop in Newburgh called Lox Stock & Bake." This home includes a walk-up attic, which is great for storage. Be a part of the change happening in Newburgh now... Details + Pictures >
BeaconArts Menorah Lighting: Starting Sunday, December 2 at 5:30 pm, one wheel will be lit for Hanukkah each night. Note: On Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8, lighting will be at 4:30 pm. Each wheel will be illuminated in honor of something special. See the honorees here.Details about the lighting > Bicycle Tree Lighting: Saturday, December 8. Activities start at 4pm. 4 pm: A festive “Kick Off” with dancers from Yanarella Dance Studio 4:30 pm: Seventh Night of Hanukkah – BeaconArts + Beacon Hebrew Alliance Bicycle Menorah Lighting 4:45 pm: Community Caroling with Gina Samardge and Compass Arts 5 pm: Santa arrives, led in by the Beacon Music Factory’s one and only Women’s Drum Corps! Santa's arrival will be followed by a countdown to the Bicycle Christmas Tree Lighting. Santa will be staying to greet families until 6 pm.
A Little Beacon Space
Bring the eggnog! 'Tis the season for Holiday Business Parties! Looking for a space for your special event? There is still time to book with A Little Beacon Space.
A Little Beacon Space SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, December 8, 2018
A Handmade Pop-Up Shop for one day only! Featuring Allegory (jewelry), Anna West (paintings), Teller Hill (eco-friendly dog accessories), Reklaimed (fabric flowers and more, from the creator of Beacon's original pop-up shop Cherry Bomb!), and Moss Pocket (small-batch ceramic wares). Details >
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency
Antalek & Moore can find the best insurance for your home, car, business, event, and more. You can still work directly with the insurance company you go with, like Progressive or Travelers, like if you want to pay your bill over the phone or ask a question. For no extra cost, the folks at Antalek & Moore do the research for you and act as your advocate if you need to file a claim or if anything else goes wrong.
Call them today at (845) 831-4300, or visit them at 340 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508.
Tin Shingle
Tin Shingle is having a Black Friday sale on membership. Save 25% off the yearly plan, and 20% off the half-year plan. Get the Details >
Katie James, Inc. NEW Special Rate: "The Do It Together" hourly rate is designed for people who use Squarespace and MailChimp, and want to get work done on their websites or newsletters. During this session, sit with Katie as she makes the changes with you to your website. The session can include design and strategy during your time. Studio rate is $350/hour, but the Do It Together package is $150/hour. Zip through your to-do list - quick! Contact for Details >
Beacon Chamber of Commerce
The Beacon Chamber of Commerce is available to all businesses in Beacon, as well as others nearby. Membership and event opportunities are available to help connect businesses. Learn More >
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The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of making it happen, and get your business in front of the community in a meaningful way.
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.
Kaleidoscope Pop-Up at Zora Dora's
