Current organizers of the Spirit of Beacon Day, one of the city's longest running volunteer-based daylong celebrations, are disbanding after this fall's event. Just who will replace them is undecided. Rose Story, chairperson of the event for almost 20 years, says: "We are a very small committee. We’ve been doing this for a very long time, and it’s time to give someone else a chance." Just who that someone else (or someone elses) will be seems to be a decision owned by no one, since the Spirit of Beacon Day is owned by the people of Beacon. "It’s not our decision to say who can do it," Story says, adding, "I will gladly help out with the transition."
Mayor Randy Casale announced this development at the July 17, 2017 City Council Meeting, and made it clear that responsibility for finding the replacement does not reside with the City, encouraging volunteers to come forward. “It’s not the city’s job to run these events," Mayor Casale stated at the meeting. "If people want events, they need to volunteer; they need to organize. They've got to figure out how they are run, and then come to the City to ask what we’ll allow and not allow, and move forward from there.”
Origins of the Spirit of Beacon Day
The Spirit of Beacon Day began in 1977 as a solution to racially driven problems between students of the Beacon City Schools and the community, according to "Celebrating Our Centennial," published by the Beacon Historical Society (buy the book at Beacon Bath & Bubble, across from the Howland Cultural Center). According to the historians, in the winter and early spring of 1977, "racial problems became severe" for several days and nights. Meeting several times to discuss the issues were city leaders and concerned agencies, including a representative from the FBI's Community Relations, Dutchess County Youth Bureau, then-Mayor Robert Cahill, local legislators, City Council, clergy people, and representatives from youth-focused organizations like Beacon City School District, the Howland Public Library, the Beacon Community Center, and others.
It was decided that there would be a Community Day aimed at bringing the people of the City together in order to "get to know one another better, learn what each other liked, [via] conversation, feelings, entertainment, education and food." These meetings began in May, and the people scrambled together to hold a Community Day on the last Sunday of September that year. This came to be known as the Spirit of Beacon Day. A committee was formed, and booths featuring food, crafts and exhibits from local organizations and agencies were planned and set up. The Mayor and City Council led the march, but it was declared by the committee at that time that "politicking" not be allowed, and politicians seeking election were not allowed to participate. Additionally, at some point during the parade's history, it was decided that only nonprofit groups could set up booths along Main Street.
Today's Spirit of Beacon Day
Today, and many committee members later, the parade still goes on, and does feature Beacon City Schools and other participants. The Mayor stressed that producing a parade is no small feat, and is a lot of work for anyone involved. "[The organizers] don’t have many volunteers helping them," Mayor Casale said. "It takes a lot of work for people that haven’t done it, to organize a parade the size of that parade, and to organize the whole day’s event which is on Main Street. A lot goes into it."
The Mayor continued, mentioning more recent concerns: "[The organizers] get some grief from business owners, ‘Why do these booths have to be in front of my business during my business day?’ " Originally, the Spirit of Beacon Day originated from the minds of many leaders, with a few on a committee to carry it out. Said the Mayor at the City Council meeting: "I had reached out when they came to me - because I didn’t know if [the organizers] had put it public yet - to the Chamber, to BeaconArts, and to the Parks and Recreation director, and I told them: 'We’re going to have to think about what we’re going to do about the Spirit of Beacon Day next year. It gives us a whole year find out what we plan on doing, how we’re going to do it, and start deciding.' ”
Who Will Carry On The Spirit Of Beacon Day?
According to Kelly Ellenwood, president of BeaconArts, the organizing of it will not fall into their court: "BeaconArts will not be 'running it,' although I'm sure that we would continue to participate as a nonprofit organization as we have before." Michele Williams, board member of Beacon's Chamber of Commerce, confirms that the Chamber is considering taking it on as a project: "We know it’s important to the kids and to the community," said Michele. "We will figure out a way to make everybody happy. We know that students look forward to the parade, and that it's an important event to the people of the City of Beacon. We are discussing it at our next board meeting, including ideas to make everyone in Beacon happy, including business owners. Regarding the tables being nonprofits, that is simply how the organizers had set it up, and does not have to be this way moving forward."
Spirit of Beacon Day 2017 Will March On
The parade will happen on the last Sunday in September as it always has, and according to the Mayor at the July 17, 2017, City Council meeting, it will continue next year. For this year, parade participants can continue to contact Roy Ciancanelli at (845) 831-3027 after 6 pm or email royal_ciancanelli@hotmail.com.
Saturday, July 22, is the last day to submit a proposal for the art installation Windows on Main Street (WOMS), to get your art in the window of a storefront business on Beacon's Main Street in October. WOMS is a vibrant public art opportunity that provides a citywide platform for artists, some of whom have otherwise little exposure in Beacon, and may be more widely known in other cities or internationally.
Windows on Main is a project of BeaconArts. Details to submit as an artist or business are at www.beaconarts.org.
The Brooklynites are coming... The Brooklynites are coming!
Brooklyn Based, a blog based in Brooklyn that covers all things Brooklyn, hosts events called Immersions, where they lead people to new places and encourage them to shop, eat, drink, buy art, and fall into the culture of a new place. This time, they are leaving the comfortable life in the New York City area to come alllllll the way up to Beacon on Saturday, July 22, from 11:30 am to 6 pm (and probably over into Sunday for serious day-trippers who decide to sleep over).
How This Immersion Works
To city-folk (of whom I used to be one), this would be called going upstate. To a person looking at a map, this would mean venturing north a bit, but still being at the bottom of New York State in the Hudson Valley. For a simple $15-$25, participants in The Total Beacon Immersion will get to check in at Dia or the Visitors Center and be given WAM (Walking Around Money) and an Immersion deal card. This card is "a special card to redeem all sorts of magical deals, special specials and fantastic discounts throughout Beacon," as described by Nicole Davis, publisher of Brooklyn Based. Deals include a free Brooklyn Brewery beer at four of Beacon's bars: Baja 328, Towne Crier, Draught Industries, and Dogwood. Admission also includes a delicious lunch at either Draught Industries, Baja, The Vault, Stock Up or Meyer’s Olde Dutch. It all sounds too good to be true, but it is!
Beaconites Can Be Immersion Tourists Too!
Guess what? Beaconites can get in on this too and buy a ticket! Take the day off from being a resident and be a tourist in your own city, and enjoy the deals. Because the lunch and Brooklyn Brewery beer isn't all that Immersion participants get dialed into. There is art and shopping as well. And what a perfect time - during Beacon3D - the outdoor sculpture art exhibition featuring 11 pieces of art sprinkled throughout the city.
Where are the Deals?
Here is a map of all of the participating Beacon businesses offering deals to Total Beacon Immersion participants, and see a list with discounts here. Immersion-ites get 20% off all non-sale merchandise at Kaight and Style Storehouse, 20% off all jewelry at King + Curated, 20% off everything in Lauren + Riley, 25% off women’s shoes and handbags at Echo, and 15% off storewide at Utensil, to name just a few of the deals. (Don't know where these stores are? Check out A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide for pictures, descriptions and addresses.) And, to help these car-less people get around, The Total Beacon Immersion team joined up with Lyft to bring you rides: Use code BBIMMERSION20 to get 20% off a ride around the event.
Major Press Coverage
Word is spreading as major publications have written about the Immersion experience, including Upstater, Hudson Valley Magazine, and Time Out New York. All this, right after Architectural Digest included Beacon's Main Street in its list of 15 of the most beautiful Main Streets across America.
Get your tickets here to further enjoy Beacon. $25 gets you lunch at the above restaurants (amazing), four Brooklyn Brewery beers (many cherries on top), and the shopping deals (guess you better have a day-drinking strategy). For $15, get the four Brooklyn Brewery beers and the deals. Our own designer of the Things To Do In Beacon Guides, Allie Bopp, will be holding down the check-in station at Dia: Beacon and The Visitors Center, so say hi to her! A Little Beacon Blog is not affiliated with this event, but did contribute to this article about Beacon at Brooklyn Based along with several other locals.
Read about what's going on in Beacon and nearby this weekend!
Weekend events featured here are drawn from A Little Beacon Blog's Things To Do In Beacon Guides,but more happenings throughout the week are at the Guides themselveson the website, so be sure to check them during the week!
Butterfly Festival Day: Saturday, July 22, 2017 Time: 11 am to 3 pm Location: 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY Information >
Total Brooklyn Immersion Day: Saturday, July 22, 2017 Time: 11:30 am to 6 pm Location: Two Check-in Points: Dia:Beacon and Beacon’s Visitors Center
On July 22, the blog Brooklyn Based and Brooklyn Brewery are joining forces to host a group of NYCers visiting Beacon for The Total Beacon Immersion. Join them for an epic day spent exploring Beacon's pubs, boutiques and galleries, all accessible by Metro-North. Best part? There are deals and beer to be had! Beaconites can also get tickets to get a book of deals. When you check in, you’ll get a pack of WAM - Walking Around Money - and a special card to redeem all sorts of magical deals, special specials and fantastic discounts throughout Beacon, like a free Brooklyn Brewery beer at four great watering holes: Baja 328, Towne Crier, Draught Industries, and Dogwood, as well as a delicious lunch at Draught Industries, Baja, The Vault, Stock Up or Meyer’s Olde Dutch.
Check-in for the event is between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm at Dia:Beacon and between noon and 1 pm at the Beacon Visitors Center, where you'll exchange your tickets for your WAM and the Immersion deal card. Information and Tickets >
Town Hall Meeting with Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney Day: Sunday, July 23, 2017 Time: 12:30 to 1:30 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Hudson Valley Seed Restaurant Week Days: July 24-28, 2017 Location: See "Information" for locations Information >
Art Sale: Atelier Room 205 Closing, Selling Studio Supplies Days: Friday, July 21, 2017 Time: 2 to 6 pm Location: Old Beacon High School, 211 Fishkill Ave., Room 205
Items include heaters, a small microwave, books, paints, art supplies, a coat rack, and more. If you miss this sale, check the Facebook Beacon Buy/Sell Group for leftover items. See more upcoming events for the week in our Events Guide.
Chalk Paint 101® - The Annie Sloan Method
Days: Sundays, July 23, 2017 Time: 4 to 7 pm Location: Knot Too Shabby, 155 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Cloth Diapering 101 Day: Saturday, July 22, 2017 Time: 1 to 2 pm Location: Waddle n' Swaddle, 484 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Babywearing 101 Day: Saturday, July 22, 2017 Time: 2:30 to 3:30 pm Location: Waddle n' Swaddle, 484 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Breastfeeding Essentials Day: Friday, July 21, 2017 Time: 6 to 8 pm Location: Waddle n' Swaddle, 484 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
New Series Starting: Bhakti Bump Prenatal Series Day: July 21 & 28, August 4 & 11, 2017 Time: 5:30 to 6:30 pm Location: BeBhakti Yoga Center, 89 DeWindt St., Beacon, NY Information >
Chakra Balancing Workshop Day: Sunday, July 23, 2017 Time: 11 am to 1 pm Location: BeBhakti Yoga Center, 89 DeWindt St., Beacon, NY Information >
A Little Beacon Blog's Annual Summer Camp Guide has over 20 camps for all age ranges and passion areas. Cross-reference ages, days, times and prices in our easy-to-use guide that is many parents' go-to source for summer planning.
AUGUST CAMP: Ballet Intensive
During this five-day program, taught by former New York City Ballet dancer Miriam Mahdaviani, mornings will be devoted to warm-up and technique. In the afternoons, dancers will practice pointework and variations, as well as study character dance, dance history, nutrition and injury prevention. The workshop will culminate with an in-studio performance on Friday, August 11, at 6 pm. Ages: 12+ Dates: August 7-11 Time: 10 am to 4 pm (Friday runs until 7 pm for in-studio performance) Price: $375 To Register: Call (845) 831-1870 or email info@balletartsstudio.com See All Camp Sessions from Ballet Arts Studio >
Where is Ballet Arts Studio? On the corner of Teller and Henry, opposite the back of the Yankee Clipper Diner.
reMADE
133 Main Street
So you usually think of wall art as a photograph or painting, but what about macrame? True to the style curated at reMADE, a hanging piece of macrame designed by Beacon resident Eva Geisler would look amazing on your walls. Eva is a mosaic artist who is now exploring macrame. Each of her pieces is one of a kind; stop in and pick up this one. Where is reMADE? Across from Tito Santana's, next to Bank Square Coffee.
Bellus on Main
181 Main Street
Do you love print? So does Bellus, and in the store now, they have this gorgeous multicolored blouse by Aratta with three-quarter-length sleeves and ruffle front featuring vintage buttons and an embroidered detail on the back. You will have this blouse forever, so it's worth adding to the collection in your closet. Where is Bellus? Next door to Luxe Optique, up the road from Notions-n-Potions.
Luxe Optique 183 Main Street THIS SATURDAY!
What: J.F. REY Trunk Show Day: Saturday, July 22 Time: 3 to 7 pm
J.F. REY is an international eyewear design company based in the south of France, specializing in avant-garde, unique and innovative frames. Also at this trunk show will be Boz and Volte Face lines, sister companies of J.F. Rey. Here's the breakdown: J.F. Rey is the husband, and his wife's line is Boz - a more feminine frame. They designed the Volte Face together. True to a Luxe Trunk Show, enjoy wine and cheese while you browse! Where is Luxe Optique? Across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company, and across Main Street from Beacon Barkery.
Style Storehouse
484 Main Street
Summer overalls! Perfect for an evening in the garden or a night out at BAJA 328. This new overall by One Teaspoon comes in a rigid, distressed denim in a classic style, with adjustable straps that cross in the back with metal clasps. The tapered legs are cropped, making this style suitable for all seasons! Pair this with any of the boho jewelry available at Style Storehouse.
Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle-n-Swaddle, and across the street from the old Matteawan Train Station.
Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! reMADE, Bellus on Main, Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, and Style Storehouse.
Visit the Shopping Guide for a full list of shopping destinations up and down Main Street. Includes stores for Vintage, Kitchen, Kids, and more.
River Therapeutic Massage 612 Rte. 52
Beacon, NY
(845) 379-1956 DEAL ALERT!
Friday and Saturday only, when you buy a Gift Certificate for a 60+ minute session, you will receive a Free Massage Gift Certificate to give away to a friend. It's River Therapeutic Massage's final offer during EveryBody Deserves a Massage Week. The Gift Certificate that you buy is good for a year. The free certificate should be given away to a friend and expires at the end of August.
...Get your Buy One, Get One Free, Gift Certificate Now!
Thank you River Therapeutic Massage for sponsoring the Beauty Guide!
Visit our Beauty Guide for a complete list of beauty sources in Beacon, including specialists in hair, nails, barbers, and even lashes.
The Vault
446 Main Street
It's Sangria Saturdays and Sundays in the Summer at The Vault! A special sangria is featured for the day. Pictured here are a White Sangria, which is made from New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, grapefruit, peach and apricot liqueur, and a splash of orange juice. The Red Sangria is made with Rickshaw Pinot Noir, brandy, peach and raspberry liqueur, and a splash of orange juice. Cheers! Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath & Bubble, and across the street from the Howland Cultural Center.
Visit our Restaurant Guide for a complete list of eateries in Beacon.
Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA 328 for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!
Storm King Art Center Summer Friday: Sunset Music and Sketching is on at Storm King Art Center tonight (Friday) from 6 to 8 pm! Liven up your Friday with a psychedelic music performance by Thunderhead Organ Trio and surrealist drawing. PS: Membership to Storm King Art Center gets you this event and more for free. There's a great deal going for Beaconites right now - it's only $110 for the whole family (see details here)!
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency
Looking to make some extra cash by driving for Lyft or Uber? There are implications for your car insurance that you'll want to consider. Antalek & Moore has broken it down for you, telling you what to be aware of when you sign into the app and pick someone up. Read it here, then give them a call at (845) 245-6292. Antalek & Moore is located at 340 Main St., near Beacon Natural Market.
BeaconArts
The art is up! The large sculpture art that you are seeing around town is the exhibition known as Beacon3D, which is a fiscal project of BeaconArts. All 11 pieces around town are for sale, and you can peruse all of them here at Beacon3D's website. This one, titled "Flowers for Alice," is by Herman Roggman. You can see it for yourself at Cliff and DeWindt streets.
Main Street Summit Tickets are on sale now, and response has been great for the launching of the Main Street Summit, happening in the joint offices of BEAHIVE and A Little Beacon Blog, the creators of this event. Get the agenda here and see who's involved.Sponsor Opportunities are available now to businesses who want to get in front of invested business owners and managers as we do a blitz promotion of this event all summer long. Thank you to Maria Amor for being our first sponsor at the "Open For Business" Level. Maria has closed her artist studio in Beacon to focus on her business as a realtor. She's busy showing houses already! Click here for details about being a sponsor.
Beacon Chamber of Commerce
Join the Beacon Chamber of Commerce for this home run of a Joint After Hours gathering at Dutchess Stadium, including a ticket to see the Hudson Valley Renegades' baseball game! Details here >
Tin Shingle
Tin Shingle is a buzz-building center. If you want to get the word out about your business - and get beyond your store shingle - Tin Shingle will fill you with the motivation, courage and education to do just that. Stream any of their Training TuneUp webinars to get fresh ideas on using Instagram, your newsletter, or PR techniques.
A Little Beacon Space
291 Main Street
Looking for an inspiring location for your company retreat? A Little Beacon Blog's Space rates as a five-star location for this Hudson Valley business, who came to Beacon for a retreat that put work first, followed by playing in Beacon.
We know what you're thinking: "I want my business featured here!"
Pictures shown above are from our advertising partners in the Things To Do In Beacon Guides. We can include your most exciting news here too!
The vibrant Hudson Valley art scene, home to Storm King Art Center, and Dia:Beacon, just got a brilliant new addition. Be prepared to be amazed by post-war Italian art. And you need not go far: Magazzino Italian Art (“Warehouse for Italian Art”) has opened its doors in Cold Spring.
Off a verdant stretch of Route 9, Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu have created Magazzino Italian Art, a bold exhibition space that houses a remarkable collection of post-war and contemporary Italian art. It is breathtaking to note that Magazzino’s Arte Povera collection is likely the largest outside of Italy.
Both Olnick and Spanu have been long-term collectors of Arte Povera – an avant-garde conceptual art movement that took root in 1960s Turin, Italy. A defiant response to commercialization and industrialization - strong, provocative artworks created from “throw-away,” industrial materials and typically large in scale - defines the movement.
The inaugural exhibition at Magazzino puts a tantalizing spotlight on Arte Povera, showing 70 works that span four decades. Olnick and Spanu are activating the dream of Italian art visionary and Arte Povera collector Margherita “Christian” Stein. In their words, “Magazzino salutes Margherita 'Christian' Stein for her steadfast vision and commitment to her artists and for her courage to embark on an adventure that would last a lifetime. Her dream was to create a home for her artists in the United States. We hope Magazzino will fulfill her dream.”
The work of numerous artists Stein passionately encouraged and exhibited at the legendary Galleria Christian Stein in Turin are displayed here in Cold Spring.
At Magazzino, you will view the works of Giovanni Anselmo, Alighiero Boetti, Pier Paolo Calzolari, Luciano Fabro, Jannis Kounellis, Mario Merz, Marisa Merz, Giulio Paolini, Pino Pascali, Giuseppe Penone, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Gilberto Zorio, Marco Bagnoli, Domenico Bianchi, and Remo Salvadori. For a number of the artists, you can see works that span several decades.
The sleek warehouse space designed by Spanish artist and architect Miguel Quismondo, offers a light-filled backdrop for these towering and dramatic works. The white concrete warehouse space is an exciting example of adaptive reuse. (Before this reinvention, the buildings housed the Cyberchron computer factory. And before that, the land on which the building sits was a dairy farm.)
Quismondo choose to work with the existing structures rather than tear down. With a new configuration, the two dramatic buildings, sharing an expansive courtyard, stretch over 20,000 square feet. The sparse, elegant space, created in the “rationalist style” is modern and meditative at the same time. The outside setting is lush and retains an ancient orchard.
Admission is free, but an appointment has to be made prior to visiting. Magazzino will mirror the schedule at Dia:Beacon – open Thursday to Monday from April to December, and Friday to Monday from January to March.
Be prepared to spend an afternoon at Magazzino. The compelling works exhibited have detailed descriptions in a very informative booklet that provides a roadmap as you travel through the exhibit space.
You will see the fantastical igloo created by Mario Merz - built from sheets of slate - and Giulio Paolini’s “Mimesi” - a towering sculpture of a double “classical” Hermes that represents one of Paolini's most iconic pieces. The mirrored plate of Luciano Fabro will mesmerize you. Each glorious piece evokes response and awe from the viewer.
In September, Magazzino will open a research library comprising over 5,000 volumes. It will be accessible to scholars and those interested in delving more deeply into the world of Arte Povera and Italian contemporary art.
Under the directorship of Vittorio Calabrese (a brand-new Beacon resident), Magazzino will also look to foster collaborations with neighboring institutions and the surrounding communities.
For further information on visiting, go to magazzino.art or call (845) 666-7202. Magazzino is located at 2700 Route 9 in Cold Spring, New York.
The lights onstage in the Beacon High School will not go dark this summer, as the Beacon Players will hold free theater workshops all summer long. They'll meet every Wednesday from July 5 to August 16, from 9 am to noon. This is an open call to all Beacon High School students, including incoming ninth graders, as well as Beacon Players, Cast and Crew.
These workshops are a student's best chance at getting audition tips for the fall's upcoming student performance of Cinderella, and for hands-on experience at building the sets. Design work will start on the costumes, as well as on the horses (oh, the glamour!). Theater games will be played, lighting techniques will be practiced, and there will be donuts. Donuts!
Registration is not required. Students simply need to walk into the theater on Wednesday mornings at 9 am.
As you may know, for the past nine months I've been pregnant. That has meant many changes, like no jogging outside (I know some people can continue, but I did not), buying clothes on Main Street (a pretty fun "must," and you'd be surprised at just how many stretchy outfits can be discovered at Style Storehouse, Lauren and Riley, Bellus on Main, Mountain Tops, and Echo), and growing the team at A Little Beacon Blog in order to publish articles, keep up with Things To Do dates, and book and run The Space.
I've been keeping an eye on things from this little Baby Bubble, and one cannot go off the grid for long without a lineup of news that needs to get written about! So you'll be seeing articles here sporadically or in blitzes, depending on how the schedule (and baby naps) go. Meanwhile, there have been some Frequently Asked Questions:
What hospital did you use?
Hudson Valley Hospital, or New York Presbyterian in Peekskill. My early care was at the Beacon Community Health Center, and that was a dream boat. For my first two kids, I insisted on going into NYC because I liked my doctor so much, but the midwives here at the Community Center were awesome. Also awesome was the whirlpool tub at the hospital - it gave instant pain relief from the nerve pain I was having in my hips from the baby's position. Every hospital should have them!
Are you having twins?
On my first day out of the hospital, as I was getting my dignity back at Waddle n Swaddle (OMG, this store was not here when I first moved here, with my other little babies! This shop is a life saver for nursing moms who need special clothes!), I was asked by a man if I was having twins. Too tired to answer with something witty, I ignored him. That's not the first time a man has shouted the twins comment (They do that... They tend to shout the twins question). Even though I have post-baby belly, it is not twins size, so now I know that these men just do this to be rude. Grrrr. Undeterred, another man in the grocery store asked when I was due, to which I answered "It already happened," which he didn't understand and asked again. So I've just been hanging at home in the Baby Bubble bouncing between my other kids and doctor appointments.
Are you working? Are you on maternity leave?
So, funny thing about that... Because I created this business, it's fun for me to do. Doctors' orders were for me to rest, but that's hard for me, and the only way to get me to sit down to "rest" is to let me work on the computer. So yes, I am working. But running the ship are Marilyn (Editor of Things To Do In Beacon Guides, Kate Rabe (Office Manager aka A Little Beacon Bulldog), Allie Bopp (designer of Guides, Event Manager of Pop-Up Shops), Leigh Baumann (photographer and designer of ads and of websites we produce at InHouse Design Media), and Ashley Cox in my Tin Shingle world.
How Is Life With 3 Kids?
So far so good! I was told that the older ones would help, and so far that has been true - to the extent that kids help in Kid Land. For instance, my little dude carried the Diaper Station Bin from his room to mine to do a refill of Mommy's Diaper Station, and tried to fit all of the diapers into a smaller box. But heck, I got that refill after all!
We recently shared that ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are now available in the Hudson Valley. We reached out to our friends at Antalek & Moore and Patrick Moore is here to share with us what you should keep in mind insurance-wise before you dive into driving for a ride-sharing service.
Driving for a Transportation Network Company (TNC) like Uber or Lyft may affect the insurance coverage you have purchased. This article addresses standard automobile insurance policies and is general in nature. If you want to drive for a TNC, don’t enter into an agreement without consulting with your insurance agent or insurance company as their approach may differ from the standard.
Three Phases of Ride Sharing
Phase 1 – A driver is logged in the app and is available to accept a trip. This phase is commonly called “trolling.”
Phase 2 – A driver has accepted a ride request but has no passenger in the vehicle, i.e. the driver is en route to pick up the rider.
Phase 3 – The driver is transporting a passenger on a pre-arranged trip.
Livery Exclusion
The standard private-passenger automobile insurance policy has exclusion for livery activity – providing transportation for hire. With this exclusion, your insurance policy is not intended to provide any coverage while driving for hire.
The question (and confusion) arises from trying to figure out what is a livery? Transporting a passenger is usually considered a livery, but what about having the app turned on or driving to pick up a passenger? It not always clear, but provisions have been made to deal with these questions.
TNCs provide insurance protection on a blanket insurance policy they have purchased for a driver while engaged in Phase 2 and Phase 3 travel. The coverage for liability (injuries or property damage to a third party) of $1.25 million is required. The parent company also will provide contingent physical damage coverage (comprehensive and collision) provided the owner is purchasing the coverage for their personal use. The deductibles may be higher than what the person may choose to purchase individually, and there are differences in what each TNC will provide, but the law is specific on the requirement that the TNC provide $1.25 million of liability protection.
Phase 1 – How is that handled?
Phase 1 is where a lot of ambiguity lies. By turning on the app, is a driver engaged in a livery operation? Some carriers say yes, others say no, and still others don’t know. The first thing that we do know is the TNCs are also required to provide basic liability insurance protection during this phase. The limits are lower than what most consumers purchase, however. They are $75,000 for bodily injury liability claims on a per-person basis with a maximum of $150,000 of coverage per occurrence. They also provide $25,000 property damage liability. It is intended that the driver’s personal automobile policy will provide coverage in excess of these limits.There is no provision for physical damage coverage with this option.
Not all insurance companies are happy about providing this coverage. The insurance industry is heavily regulated and coverage language has to be written and submitted to the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) for approval. Also, any rates a carrier wants to charge must go through the same regulatory approval process. This process is time-consuming and often takes as long as 12 months. Coverage clarity is not immediate in New York State because this process has not begun.
The status today
Because the authorization for TNCs to operate in New York State came about very quickly, insurance companies have not had time to determine their position on the issue (even though they are dealing with this issue in 40 other states – but each has unique requirements) and they have certainly not had the time to create specific policy language or clear exclusions and get them approved by regulators. The result is that drivers and insurance companies are dealing with a personal automobile insurance product containing exclusion for livery activity without any ability to modify or clarify the intent of the policy.
The DFS has issued emergency regulations to deal with TNCs and insurance. It would appear that the state is requiring insurance carriers to provide coverage during Phase 1 on an excess basis. This is a very recent change. Many insurance carriers are either not aware of this requirement or feel there are some ambiguities and questions, which makes sense since this regulation is a stop-gap measure. All sides need time to clarify answers to many questions. Drivers should know that the TNC is providing primary insurance coverage – the question really is about excess coverage and physical damage during Phase 1.
What to Expect in the Future
The insurance industry will certainly ask DFS to approve new policy amendments that will clarify the livery exclusion. One should expect that this language will look to exclude activity in all three (3) phases however; some carriers may also file for approval some coverage extensions that will allow a customer to buy back some coverage. As mentioned previously, this will take some time. The important thing is to be in constant contact with your insurance agent or carrier.
Where do we Stand Today
Informal surveys of insurance companies range from the position of “We don’t cover this activity now and we don’t anticipate ever allowing it,” to “We are OK with it provided it isn’t a full-time activity.” In the middle, you'll find a lot of “We don’t know how we are going to handle it.” Some insurance carriers will refuse to renew coverage for a person driving for a TNC and some may not. This is why it is important to keep the lines of communication open until the industry files and obtains approval for the correct coverage that driving for a TNC requires.
Antalek & Mooreis a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlightprogram. It is with the support of businesses like this, that A Little Beacon Blog can bring you coverage of local happenings and events. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to become a Sponsor or Community Partner, please click here for more information.
Read about what's going on in Beacon and nearby this weekend!
Weekend events featured here are drawn from A Little Beacon Blog's Things To Do In Beacon Guides, but more dates throughout the week are at the Guides themselves, so be sure to check them during the week.
Food + Farm Day Day: Saturday, July 15, 2017 Time: Noon to 4 pm Location: Glynwood, 362 Glynnwood Road, Cold Spring, NY Information >
Silent Movies on the Mountain movie screening Day: Saturday, July 15, 2017 Time: 7:30 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Illuminated at Newburgh Brewing Day: Sunday, July 16, 2017 Time: 1 to 4 pm Location: Newburgh Brewing Company, 88 S. Colden St., Newburgh, NY Information >
New Series: Chalk Paint 102
Days: Sunday, July 16, 2017 Time: 4 to 7 pm Location: Knot Too Shabby, 155 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Birth Prep 101 Day: Saturday, July 15, 2017 Time: 12:30 to 6:30 pm Location: Waddle n' Swaddle, 484 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
A Little Beacon Blog's Annual Summer Camp Guide has over 20 camps for all age ranges and passion areas. Cross-reference ages, days, times and prices in our easy-to-use guide that is many parents' go-to source for summer planning.
AUGUST CAMP: Ballet Intensive
During this five-day program, taught by former New York City Ballet dancer Miriam Mahdaviani, mornings will be devoted to warm-up and technique. In the afternoons, dancers will practice pointework and variations, as well as study character dance, dance history, nutrition and injury prevention. The intensive will culminate with an in-studio performance on Friday, August 11, at 6 pm. Ages: 12+ Dates: Monday to Friday, August 7-11 Time: 10 am to 4 pm (Friday runs until 7 pm due to the in-studio performance) Price: $375 To Register: Call (845) 831-1870 or email info@balletartsstudio.com See All Camp Sessions from Ballet Arts Studio >
Where is Ballet Arts Studio? On the corner of Henry Street and Teller, opposite the back of the Yankee Clipper Diner.
Thank you to Ballet Arts Studio for sponsoring our Summer Camp Guide!
Stampin' Up Card Making Workshop Day: Monday, July 17, 2017 Time: 2 to 3 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
INSIDER TIP! Did you know that Pilates and core strengthening classes are available to parents of kids taking dance classes at Ballet Arts Studio? Get in a workout while you wait! Find out this and more in A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide.
reMADE
133 Main Street
Now gracing the walls of reMADE, check out this very cool full-length mirror designed and handmade by Hudson Valley-based Terence Dolan of Reclaimed State, with reclaimed barn wood and beautiful heavy-duty copper trim. This mirror will definitely set the tone for the room it lands in, as the copper trim set along the rustic wood will complement the reflection set inside. Where is reMADE? Across from Tito Santana's, next to Bank Square Coffee.
Bellus on Main
181 Main Street
New backpacks are now in at Bellus! Makers include TM1985 (Brooklyn) and Duluth Pack (Minnesota), who both use top-quality, US-sourced materials to create fine leather and canvas accessories with time-tested craftsmanship and hardware. Can't you see yourself packing it up and heading off somewhere? It's very Meg Ryan from French Kiss, but better.
Where is Bellus? Next door to Luxe Optique, just up Main Street from Notions-n-Potions.
Luxe Optique 183 Main Street SAVE THE DATE!
What: J.F. REY Trunk Show Day: Saturday, July 22, 2017 Time: 3 to 7 pm
J.F. REY is an international eyewear design company based in the south of France, specializing in avant-garde, unique and innovative frames. Meticulously handcrafted from the highest quality materials, these eye-catching frames are designed to last for years. Want a pair? Come in this weekend or any day of the week to Luxe Optique.
Where is Luxe Optique? Across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company, and across Main Street from Beacon Barkery.
Style Storehouse
484 Main Street SALE ALERT! All shorts are on sale this week at Style Storehouse, perfect for your weekend getaway to Storm King Art Center or elsewhere. Plus, the boutique is well-stocked with soft, versatile T-shirts and tanks to match.
Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle-n-Swaddle, and across Main Street from the old Matteawan Train Station.
Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! reMADE, Bellus on Main, Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, and Style Storehouse.
Visit the Shopping Guide for a full list of shopping destinations up and down Main Street. Includes stores specializing in Vintage, Kitchen, Kids, and more.
River Therapeutic Massage 612 Route 52
Beacon, NY
(845) 379-1956
Come in for a massage between July 16-22, 2017, and Karen will give you a gift certificate for a Free Massage to share with a friend, in honor of EveryBody Deserves a Massage Week! (EBDMW)! The week is all about giving back to your community by sharing the benefits of massage. This gift is available next week only, so... Book your massage now!
Thank you River Therapeutic Massage for sponsoring the Beauty Guide!
Visit our Beauty Guide for a complete list of beauty sources in Beacon, with pros for hair, nails, barbers, and even lashes.
The Vault
446 Main Street
Add a little sunshine to your glass on the outside patio at The Vault! The refreshing summer cocktail at right is called the Garden Breeze, and it's a blend of of fresh strawberries, house-grown basil, Hendrick's gin, and white cranberry, finished with a splash of club soda. Order it and tell The Vault what you think on their Facebook or Google review pages!
Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath and Bubble, and across Main Street from the Howland Cultural Center.
Visit our Restaurant Guide for a complete list of eateries in Beacon.
Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!
Storm King Art Center While the rain put the kibosh on Storm King Art Center'sSummer Friday: Sunset Music and Sketching, we wanted you to know about it anyway. Keep it in mind the next time you might want to drink wine while listening to sunset music - and for those so inclined - sketching! See Storm King Art Center's dedicated sponsor page at ALBB to see what other events you should know about, and stick with their Facebook Events page for changes and additions. PS: Membership to Storm King Art Center gets you this event and more for free. There's a great deal going for Beaconites right now - it's only $110 for the whole family(see details here)!
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency
Are you renting a vacation home this summer? Airbnb-ing it? What if you or your family cause damage to the property, or have something stolen? What would you have to pay for and what would be already covered by your own homeowners insurance? Beacon-based Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency can answer these questions. Give them a call at (845) 245-6292. Antalek & Moore is located at 340 Main St., near Beacon Natural Market.
BeaconArts
Artists! The deadline for Windows On Main Street (WOMS) 2017 has been extended to July 22! The milelong, multiartist installation was on hiatus for 2016, and it was during the 2015 exhibition that the legendary Yarnbombing of Beacon happened. What will artists contribute this year? Only you can know if you submit...
InHouse Design Media
Business in Beacon is moving at a fast pace, bringing up new issues for business owners and city institutions. BEAHIVE and A Little Beacon Blog are producing a Main Street Summit to be held in their adjoining spaces on Tuesday, September 26, 2017, for Beacon business owners, managers and city leaders. InHouse Design Media, a division of A Little Beacon Blog, designed the website based on branding elements and vision from the talented Dan Weise of Thundercut (you know his work from Club Draw, Electric Windows and Obercreek Farm to name a few). Tickets for the summit are on sale now and can be purchased from the website. Sponsorship opportunities are open now to be included on early and wide promotion of this event happening September 26, 2017.
Beacon Chamber of Commerce
Who: Brooklyn Brewery and the blog Brooklyn Based When: Saturday, July 22, 2017
Brooklyn is coming to Beacon, and they are ready to shop! For the past seven summers, Brooklyn Based and Brooklyn Brewery have lured New Yorkers away from their well-worn paths to explore new neighborhoods through the Immersion series, and this year is their first excursion to Beacon. Guests are given Discount Booklets with coupons for local shops, galleries and eateries with Immersion Dollars to spend in Beacon. Businesses and artists can still submit an offering to go inside the booklet. Beaconites, fear not! You also can attend the event to get in on the deals and beer! Details here >
Tin Shingle
Tin Shingle is a buzz-building center. If you want to get the word out about your business - and get beyond your store shingle - Tin Shingle will fill you with the motivation, courage, and education to do just that. Stream any of their Training TuneUp webinars to get fresh ideas on using Instagram, your newsletter, or fresh PR techniques.
A Little Beacon Space
291 Main Street
Looking for an inspiring location for your company retreat? A Little Beacon Blog's Space rates five stars for this Hudson Valley business, who came to Beacon for a retreat that put work first, followed by playing in Beacon.
We Know What You're Thinking: "I want my business featured here!"
Pictures shown above are from our advertising partners in the Things To Do In Beacon Guides. We can include your most exciting news here too!
Choice Films & Theatricals is currently seeking extras for the upcoming TV series production of BIG DOGS! All roles are paid, meals will be provided, and you will even get an IMDB credit! They are currently in production and will be shooting for the next four months in and around Newburgh and Manhattan. They are looking for many local people for immediate hire to appear as background in the series. There will be shooting in Beacon this Thursday and in Newburgh on Friday, so don't delay!
Anyone interested in becoming an extra should email casting@choicefilms.com with a headshot (it does not have to be a professional headshot) and your contact information.
Summer is a time when students from elementary to high school may slack off on reading literature. Once again, the Beacon Bees are working with the Howland Public Library to gain new recruits. The Mid-Hudson Library System's 13th annual Battle of the Books, a nationally recognized literature contest, begins on June 29. The middle school team will read great books and meet with coaches every Thursday from 5 to 7 pm to learn book trivia, enjoy pizza and snacks, and participate in book-related activities. You will compete in mini-battles, based on the books you've read, with local libraries in August. The Beacon Bees, the library's middle school team, were regional champions in 2010, 2013, and 2015!
The Howland Public Library is currently recruiting team members for their very first High School Battle of the Books team. This year is the first time Beacon will have a team in the high school competition.
Beacon's high school team will begin meeting on Tuesday, June 20. Read great books and meet with coaches every Tuesday from 5 to 7 pm to discuss books, practice book trivia, enjoy pizza and snacks, and participate in battle-related activities. An All-Star Team will be formed to compete on August 19 against 12 other library teams for the Regional Championship.
The high school team is open to students in currently in 9th through 12th grade. Students may sign up by contacting Michelle Rivas, Young Adult Program Assistant, at the Howland Public Library at 313 Main St., Beacon, NY. Give her a call at (845) 831-1134, extension 101, or drop a line to community@beaconlibrary.org.
It's our monthly Second Saturday special newsletter! See which gallery is celebrating its One-Year Anniversary!
Happy Second Saturday!
This here newsletter is a list of things to do drawing from every category of our Things To Do In Beacon Guides, but our official Second Saturday Art Goings-On Guide is right here. You don't want to miss it! Keep it open on your phone all weekend. It features the gallery openings and artistic things you can do on Beacon's Second Saturday.
Weekend dates are featured from A Little Beacon Blog's Things To Do In Beacon Guides,but more dates throughout the week are at the Guides themselves, so be sure to check them during the week.
Terreson:Beacon 1st Year Anniversary Day: Saturday, July 8, 2017 Location: 475 Main St., Beacon, NY
Highly sought-after artist Jeffrey Terreson celebrates his first year in Beacon this weekend, during Beacon's Second Saturday! He has 15 new pieces in the gallery for you to see, plus you can visit his studio in the back. Prepare to come away amazed and inspired by his work-setting, his art and his method. Prints and original pieces will be for sale. Information >
Balloon Festival at Barton Orchards Day: Friday to Sunday, July 7 to 9, 2017 Time: Friday, 1 to 5 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm Location: Barton Orchards, 63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag, NY Information >
Postcard Show and Sale from Beacon Historical Society Day: Saturday, July 8, 2017 Time: 11 am to 4 pm Location: Memorial Hall Building, 413 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Dia:Beacon Community Free Day
Day: Saturday, July 8, 2017 Time: 11 am to 6 pm Location: Dia: Beacon, 3 Beekman St., Beacon, NY Information >
OAH Living Legends Presents Annual Vendors Extravaganza Day: Saturday, July 8, 2017 Time: 10 am to 5 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Come On Beacon, Let's Dance! Presents Louie Tunes Band Day: Saturday, July 8, 2017 Time: 7:30 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Innovative Bead Expo Days: Saturday and Sunday, July 8 and 9, 2017 Time: Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm Location: Ramada Inn, 542 Route 9, Fishkill, NY Information >
New Series: Chalk Paint 101® - The Annie Sloan Method
Days: Sundays, July 9 and 23, 2017 Time: 4 to 7 pm Location: Knot Too Shabby, 155 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
DIY Rain Barrel Workshop Day: Sunday, July 9, 2017 Time: 5 to 8 pm (BBQ to follow) Location: Green Beacon Coalition, 127 Catherine St., Beacon, NY Information >
New Series: Quilting 101 (four sessions) Day: Mondays, July 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2017 Time: Noon to 3 pm Location: Beetle & Fred, 171 Main St., Beacon, NY
A Little Beacon Blog's Annual Summer Camp Guide has over 20 camps for all age-ranges and passion areas. Cross-reference ages, days, times and prices in our easy-to-use guide that is many parents' go-to source for summer planning.
LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP: 5-Day Dance Exploration with Katie Bissinger
During this special five-day camp, dancers will explore a different style of dance - Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz, and Musical Theater - each day. Ages: 6 to 11 Dates: July 10-14 Time: 9 am to noon Price: $180 To register: Call (845) 831-1870 or email info@balletartsstudio.com See all camp sessions from Ballet Arts Studio >
Where is Ballet Arts Studio? On the corner of Henry Street and Teller, opposite the back of the Yankee Clipper Diner.
INSIDER TIP! Did you know that Pilates and core strengthening classes are available to parents of kids taking dance classes at Ballet Arts Studio? They know you're already there, waiting, so figured that you might as well get a workout in! Find out this and more in A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide.
reMADE
133 Main Street
Wwwwwhat? This table has just arrived at reMADE from rStudio, led by Ryan Samuelson, who hails from Beacon. Ryan used vintage Baroque-style legs and an inlay of reclaimed wood for the top. It measures 40" x 41" and would fit perfectly in your kitchen, dining room or even front hall.
Where is reMADE? Across from Tito Santana's, next to Bank Square Coffee.
Bellus on Main
181 Main Street
Rustic, industrial and simple, The Gio Brass Wire and Rattan Caddy with Glasses is a great decorative accent, and awesome for serving guests hanging out on your front porch or in the backyard. The handle and top edges are wrapped with natural rattan to give the caddy contrasting textures and a warm glow. Six gently tapered glasses, made from recycled glass, come with the caddy, so start inviting over your friends.
Where is Bellus? Next door to Luxe Optique, up the road from Notions-n-Potions.
Luxe Optique 183 Main Street Oliver Peoples Trunk Show!
Day: Saturday, July 8, 2017 Time: 3 to 7 pm
It's time! You get to check out all of the Oliver Peoples collection during this weekend's trunk show.
Where is Luxe Optique? Across the Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company, and across Main Street from Beacon Barkery.
Style Storehouse
484 Main Street
It's time to get your new Bon Jovi T-shirt and other rock band T-shirts you can wear all summer. Super-soft graphic "band tees" by Chaser have the perfect relaxed fit and vintage features like deconstructed shoulders.
Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle-n-Swaddle, and across the street from the old Matteawan Train Station.
Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! reMADE, Bellus on Main, Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, and Style Storehouse.
Visit the Shopping Guide for a full list of shopping destinations up and down Main Street, including stores specializing in Vintage, Kitchen, Kids, and more.
River Therapeutic Massage 612 Rte. 52
Beacon, NY
(845) 379-1956
You want this bed in your life: It's the massage table at River Therapeutic Massage on Route 52 inside of Karen's Place (formerly Hair Haven). As for what you want to book? Can't go wrong with the 90-Minute Massage with the Sugar Foot Scrub, one of Karen's most popular Spa Mini Treatments. Book yours now!
Thank you to River Therapeutic Massage for sponsoring the Beauty Guide!
Visit our Beauty Guide for a complete list of beauty sources in Beacon, featuring pros to handle hair, nails, barbers, and even lashes.
The Vault
446 Main Street
It's time once again fr the Second Saturday Dance Party at The Vault! Visit the galleries, and then come by The Vault for a late dinner and drink. Stay for the Dance Party!
Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath and Bubble, across the street from the Howland Cultural Center.
Visit our Restaurant Guide for a complete list of eateries in Beacon.
Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!
Storm King Art Center Can you imagine doing yoga outside at Storm King Art Center? At its core (pun not intended), it's a world-renowned sculpture park on 500 acres of rolling hills. But there's so much more: From 10:15 to 11:15 am on Saturdays this summer, you can come for yoga outside on Museum Hill. Bring your own mat, and enjoy the scenic saunter back to your car. PS:Membership to Storm King Art Center gets you this class and more for free, and there's a great deal going on for Beaconites right now.
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency
Camping! Did you buy that new/used RV or Airstream? Time to insure it and hit the road! Antalek & Moore can help with that, and your motorcycle too. Give them a call at (845) 245-6292. Antalek & Moore is located at 340 Main St., near Beacon Natural Market.
Beacon Chamber of Commerce
Who: Brooklyn Brewery and the blog Brooklyn Based When: Saturday, July 22, 2017
Brooklyn is coming to Beacon, and they are ready to shop! For the past seven summers, Brooklyn Based and Brooklyn Brewery have lured New Yorkers away from their well-worn paths to explore new neighborhoods through the Immersion series, and this year is their first trip to Beacon. Guests are given Discount Booklets with coupons for local shops, galleries and eateries, with Immersion Dollars to spend in Beacon. Businesses and artists can still submit an offering to go inside the booklet. Beaconites can attend the event as well to get in on the deals and beer! Details here >
Tin Shingle
Tin Shingle is a buzz-building center. If you want to get the word out about your business - and get beyond your store shingle - Tin Shingle will fill you with the motivation, courage, and education to do just that. Stream any of their Training TuneUp webinars to get fresh ideas on using Instagram, your newsletter, or PR techniques.
InHouse Design Media
This little person jumped into Squarespace one evening and wanted to learn all about it. Who knows what kind of website she'll make one day? For now, what she discovered was that all she needed to work her own website was a little patience, like in the Guns N' Roses song. (Guess she needs one of those band T-shirts from Style Storehouse when she's next building on the computer.)InHouse Design Media is ready to help put together a website with you, so send an email.
A Little Beacon Space
291 Main Street
Looking for an inspiring location for your company retreat? A Little Beacon Blog's Space rates five stars by this Hudson Valley business who came to Beacon for a retreat that put work first, followed by playing in Beacon.
We Know What You're Thinking..."I want my business featured here!"
Pictures shown above are from our Guide advertising partners in the Things To Do In Beacon Guides. We can include your most exciting news here too!
Every year as part of the Fourth of July festivities in Beacon, the Declaration of Independence is read at City Hall to celebrate our country's independence. This event is planned every year by the Beacon 4th of July Declaration Reading Committee. You can watch this year's reading below.
Lyft looks like this on your iPhone in Beacon. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin for A Little Beacon Blog
This is big news: Legislation just passed to allow Lyft and Uber to operate in the Hudson Valley. Lyft and Uber are app-based car services that people like you and me download on our phones, tell the app where we are standing, and then an alert goes out to drivers also on the app to let them know that we need a pickup somewhere. Your credit card is attached to the app, so you pay for the ride immediately, without no need to take a card out of your wallet. You can see a picture of the driver and watch their car drive to you - all while in the app.
Your friends can (almost) instantly become taxi drivers by being on-call drivers that people order from their apps in Lyft or Uber. No matter your politics about the ridesharing economy and its impact on the taxi industry, there is no denying that the Lyft and Uber apps have changed the way people get around - all over the world.
HudsonValleyOne has produced a great article about the general overview of this type of transportation, and how it was or was not accepted in Kingston. Bottom line is: There's a new competition in town for how people get around. We have ZipCar for car rental, car dealers for car owning, and now ridesharing for quick and affordable car trips places.
Why Are Lyft and Uber Useful to Local Beaconites and Hudson Valley Peeps?
Oh, let us count the ways!
Tired: You walked really far from your house, and are too tired to walk home. Lyft it!
Pregnant: You're pregnant (like me!) and don't know who will drive you should you go into labor during the day when everyone is at work. Lyft it!
One-Car Family: You have one car in your family, and your partner is using it, but you really need to get up 9D. Lyft it!
Train: You need to get to the train station and don't feel like walking, and have 9 minutes to spare. Lyft it!
Shopping Spree: You live on the West End of Beacon but just indulged in a major shopping spree #BeyondTheBend on the East End of town at Style Storehouse, and then Kaight, and picked up a bunch of makeup at The Blushery. Too many bags to carry home. Lyft it!
You get the idea.
The Business of Taxis vs Ride Apps and "the gig economy"
This has been a fun business drama to follow. First there is the disrupting of the traditional taxi industry. When once taxi drivers were known to be rude or have dirty cars, or balked at you when you took out a credit card to pay when credit card machines got put into taxi cabs years ago, they now have to be a little nicer because people aren't hailing them as the only resort. People can tap their phones and find someone who'll happily pick them up. No more looking up phone numbers to local taxi cab companies, only to find a wrong number or one where no one picks up the phone.
The gig economy is one where someone can decide to pick up some extra cash on the side of (or instead of) a so-called "regular" job. Grandmothers, college kids, graphic designers, and everyone is becoming a driver for Lyft or Uber. Heck, it makes you keep a clean car, that's for sure.
The taxi industry is upset that these indie-drivers don't have to deal with the overhead that they do: carrying liability insurance, finding dispatchers, office rentals etc. Kingston Kabs owner Jeff Weintraub was quoted in the Hudson Valley One article when he wrote to Kingston Mayor Steve Noble: “My point is that before you wrap your arms around these entities, take the time to analyze and learn about what we do and the problems we face,” wrote Weintraub. “Perhaps the first step is to deal with the present system, clean it up, and see if local business people with local workers can provide the service you want [and] the people of Kingston deserve.”
The trouble with that approach is that ridesharing has been around for years now, and has improved people's lives - both people who want a ride, and those businesses who benefit from more people getting there safely. The Kingston mayor responded with this: “Now we have this technology that has worked in other places. We have more and more people coming into the city who have this technology on their phones and are wondering why it’s not working here.” So many people who live in the Hudson Valley access Lyft and Uber when they are not in the Hudson Valley, like when they are visiting friends in Chicago, New York City, or Columbus. To not be able to use these services in one's hometown or city, when they can in so many other towns and cities, opens a dialogue for questions.
So we reached out to our friends at Beacon insurance agency Antalek & Moore to tell us how the insurance part of it might impact gig economy drivers who, so far, are not required to carry liability insurance. What did we learn? It's a big risk for indie drivers, as insurance companies are opting not to fulfill claims when the app is on and they are waiting for pickups or driving a client. More to come on that next week!
How Do You Use Lyft and Uber?
Using Lyft and Uber is one of those things that is so easy, you might complicate it by overthinking it. If you have a smart phone, and if you know how to get to your App Store or Play Store, you just download Lyft or Uber. (I'm using Lyft until Uber can smooth out its sexist corporate culture issues and wannabe do-gooding campaigns that end up backfiring on them.) Put in your address and credit card information. Then just tap the main button to activate a ride to come to you.
Shopping ideas, restaurant cocktails, and more things to do this weekend are here at your fingertips. Events included here are featured from A Little Beacon Blog's Things To Do In Beacon Guides,but more happenings throughout the week are at the Guides themselveson the website, so be sure to check out these Guides during the week!
Vomit Fist with Special Guest 100 and Zero Day: Friday, June 30, 2017 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
2017 New York Air Show Takeoff Party at Angry Orchard Day: Friday, June 30, 2017 Time: 8 pm Location: Angry Orchard, 2241 Albany Post Road, Walden, NY Information >
A Night on Fire Days: Friday to Sunday, June 30 to July 2, 2017 Times: Friday, 8:30 pm; Saturday,8 and 9:30 pm; Sunday, 8 and 9:30 pm Location: Philipsburg Manor, 381 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY Information >
RESCHEDULED City of Beacon Independence Day Celebration Day: Sunday, July 2, 2017 Time: 3 to 10pm Location: Memorial Park, Beacon, NY Information >
RESCHEDULED Flash Mob Dance from Center 4 Creative Education Day: Sunday, July 2, 2017 Time: 7 pm Location: Memorial Park, Beacon, NY
Dance with the Flash Mob! Information >
RESCHEDULED Independence Day Bash-Cherry Picking & Country Line Dancing at Fishkill Farms Day: Sunday, July 2, 2017 Time: 11 am to 9 pm Location: Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY Information >
Native Plant Sale from One Nature Day: Saturday, July 1, 2017 Time: 1 to 7 pm Location: One Nature's Main Street Plant Nursery, next to Binnacle Books, 321 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Jonathan Kruk's Fiery 4th of July Summer Dragon Stories Day: Saturday, July 1, 2017 Time: 10 to 11 am Location: Cold Spring Farmers' Market, Boscobel House & Gardens, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY Information >
2017 New York Air Show at Stewart Airport Day: Saturday & Sunday, July 1 & 2, 2017 Time: 9 am to 5 pm Location: Stewart International Airport Information >
Garment Lab (four sessions) at Beetle & Fred
Day: Saturday, July 1, 2017 Time: 10 am to noon Location: Beetle & Fred, 171 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
$5 at 5 pm Yoga (Series Started)
Day: Sunday, July 2, 2017 Time: 5 pm Location: beBhakti Yoga Center, 89 Dewindt St., Beacon, NY Information >
A Little Beacon Blog's Annual Summer Camp Guide has over 20 camps for all age ranges and passion areas. Cross-reference ages, days, times and prices in our easy-to-use guide that is many parents' go-to source for summer planning.
Dance Exploration with Katie Bissinger
During this special five-day camp, dancers will explore a different kind of dance - ballet, modern, tap, jazz, and musical theater - each day. Ages: 6-11 Dates: July 10-14 Time: 9 am to noon Price: $180 To Register: Call (845) 831-1870 or email info@balletartsstudio.com
reMADE
133 Main Street
Oh Virginia Piazza Pottery, how we love thee. The truth is, every kitchen needs one of these creamers, garlic holders, coffee mugs, and any other soothing pot that Virginia has out at reMADE. Because, ask yourself - do you live indoors? If you do, reMADE has what you need. (Have you seen their recent sign?)
Where is reMADE? Across from Tito Santana's, next to Bank Square Coffee.
Bellus on Main
181 Main Street
Look how on-trend we are in Beacon... two off-the-shoulder shirts in one newsletter! Even for girl's sizes at Bellus on Main. This girl's Gavin Embroidered Ruffle Dress by Muche et Muchette features a beautiful embroidered ruffle on an off-the-shoulder and relaxed body dress. Anyone can slip into summer with this top! Where is Bellus? Next door to Luxe Optique, up the road from Notions-n-Potions.
Luxe Optique 183 Main Street SAVE THE DATE:
Day: Saturday, July 8 Time: 3 to 7 pm Oliver Peoples Trunk Show!
On Second Saturday in July, all of the frames in all of the colors from Oliver Peoples will be on display at Luxe Optique. The eye doctor will be in the house, so you can have your eyes checked while you pick which frames you want. Note! Free eye exams are almost over, as Luxe's one-year anniversary is around the corner!
Did you just get a pair of new frames? Add your next dream pair to your wishlist! Where is Luxe Optique? Across the block from Beacon Bread Company, and across Main Street from Beacon Barkery.
Style Storehouse
484 Main Street
The Stylist position has been filled! Now come in to shop the jewelry and lace tops that Style Storehouse's own Savannah has been setting up for you. Think gold, hoops, and dangly to go with anything.
Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle-n-Swaddle, and across the street from the old Matteawan Train Station.
Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! reMADE, Bellus on Main, Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, and Style Storehouse.
Visit the Shopping Guide for a full list of shopping destinations up and down Main Street. Includes stores specializing in Vintage, Kitchen, Kids, and more.
River Therapeutic Massage 612 Route 52
Beacon, NY
(845) 379-1956
Add a touch of spa to your next massage with a Spa Mini! Choose from these popular add-ons. You can add any of these on to one of your massages:
Thank you River Therapeutic Massage for sponsoring the Beauty Guide!
Visit our Beauty Guide for a complete list of beauty sources in Beacon, including hair, nails, barbers, and even lashes.
The Vault
446 Main Street
In celebration of LGBTQ 🏳️🌈 Pride Month, the bartending team at The Vault developed cocktail recipes of the 🌈 rainbow. Each cocktail has been made in a differently shaped glass to represent the range of shapes, colors and sizes that all people come in. Want to know what these drinks are called, and what is in them so that you can order? Click here for the answers. Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath & Bubble, and across the street from the Howland Cultural Center.
Visit our Restaurant Guide for a complete list of eateries in Beacon.
Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!
Storm King Art Center Packed with events, Storm King Art Center is your summer destination for freedom, fun and nights out with friends. This Summer Friday at Storm King features Decora, a Happy Hour, and a Food Truck. Attending is easy - tickets are included with the price of park admission. Going as a member is even easier - admission is free for members to this event, and all of the other morning, evening and weekend events planned at Storm King. The next Summer Friday, for instance, is Sunset Music and Sketching. Claim your Beacon Discount now, making your Membership - and that of your entire family in total - for the whole entire year only $110 (savings from $125)!
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency
Student Driver Discount Alert! Did you know that Antalek & Moore can see about getting your student driver extra discounts on your insurance? Like these:
Distant Student Discount (student away at school but leaves car at home)
Good Student Discount
Paperless Billing Discount
Save Driver or Accident-Free Discount
Give them a call and they will start to research what you qualify for! Antalek & Moore is located at 340 Main St., near Beacon Natural Market, or can be reached by phone: (845) 245-6292.
BeaconArts
In a rebirth of an annual Beacon, NY tradition, Windows on Main Street invites local artists to explore themes of art as cultural currency. The persistent drum of artists working here and their collective hum have been instrumental in the creation of both intangible and known economic value in Beacon. As the city’s economic landscape transforms, BeaconArts sees this project as a means to raise awareness of the vital but sometimes invisible role artists play. Want to get involved as an Artist, Business or Supporter? Now is your chance.
Beacon Chamber of Commerce
Who: Brooklyn Brewery and the blog Brooklyn Based When: Saturday, July 22
Brooklyn is coming to Beacon, and they are ready to shop! For the past seven summers, Brooklyn Based and Brooklyn Brewery have lured New Yorkers away from their well-worn paths to explore new neighborhoods through their Immersion series, and this year is their first trip to Beacon. Guests are given Discount Booklets featuring coupons for local shops, galleries and eateries with Immersion Dollars to spend in Beacon. Businesses and Artists can still submit an offering to go inside the booklet. Beaconites can attend the event as well to get in on the deals and beer! Details here >
Tin Shingle
During this TuneUp, which is filmed weekly in Beacon's Telephone Building, you'll get easy tips you can use now for dusting off very powerful tools for the summer ahead, including:
SEO: New habits that will feed Google more information as it ranks your website.
Newsletters: Yup, you're going to send more this year and we tell you how.
Instagram: You'll get a homework assignment that will boost your Instagram following.
PR: Back-door techniques to getting that media coverage you want!
InHouse Design Media
Ready to have a new website, but not ready to think about what all needs to be on there? There's a new one-page designed website in town from Squarespace called the Cover Page option, and it's a fast and super-affordable way to put up a place-holder website that looks great, and can collect newsletter signups and other information while you get everything else together. We at InHouse Design Media are ready to help put it together for you, so drop us an email.
A Little Beacon Space
291 Main Street
A Little Beacon Blog's Space, located in the heart of Beacon's historic business district, is perfect for company meetings, gatherings, workshops, and other creations you have planned. We just got our second review!
"Renting this space was perfect for our small, creative company retreat. We had everything we needed to have a productive day, and the expectations were clearly laid out ahead of time in a transparent way. There's great parking (not always a given in Beacon), and you're in the thick of things when it comes to walking around after your event is over. 5/5, will retreat there again." - Alex Panagiotopoulos, Kingston Creative
We know what you're thinking... "I want my business featured here!"
Pictures shown above are from our advertising partners in the Things To Do In Beacon Guides. We can include your most exciting news here too!
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.
Bellus on Main
Style Storehouse
Luxe Optique
Bellus on Main
Luxe Optique
Bellus on Main
Luxe Optique
Style Storehouse
