Scenic Hudson Proposes Increased Parking Spots at Mt. Beacon Trailhead

Photo Credit: Concept rendering of Mount Beacon trailhead parking. Copyright © 2017 Scenic Hudson, Inc., All rights reserved.

If you're a regular visitor to Mount Beacon Park, where you first encounter the steep staircase only to be met with a steep climb up the mountain to breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley, you'll have noted that parking at the base of Mount Beacon is thick. Daily, cars quickly fill up the 39 spaces that are currently available. Scenic Hudson manages Mount Beacon Park, in cooperation with the Mount Beacon Incline Railway Society, and is proposing to increase the number of parking spots from 39 to 77 on the existing surface of the parking lot. (Ie, they don't plan to construct new platforms above or below ground, but to expand at ground level.)

The plans include constructing universally accessible parking and walkways, enhanced walkways and an emergency access gate, a pedestrian connection to Howland Avenue, and increased landscaping to shield the view of the parking lot.

In addition to making increased parking spots in the existing parking lot, Scenic Hudson is proposing to add connections to mass transit. "We've provided a pickup/drop-off area for a future trolley or bus stop," says Scenic Hudson’s Senior Park Planner, Meg Rasmussen.

Beacon's Planning Board is hearing the proposal tonight, Tuesday, November 14, at its regular meeting at the Beacon Municipal Center, 1 Municipal Plaza, and the public is encouraged to attend to voice opinions. The project is filed under 788 Wolcott Avenue. It's a loaded meeting, with several development projects in the agenda. The meeting starts at 7:30 pm, preceded by a training/workshop portion to start at 7 pm. Details about the project have been posted at the City Of Beacon website and can also be found here in our "Easy Access to City Meetings" section. When the video of this meeting posts, we will also add it to this meeting's overview page here at A Little Beacon Blog.

OPEN! The Made + Given Pop-Up Shop at A Little Beacon Space

HOURS
Find Made and Given at A Little Beacon Space:
291 Main Street, across from Key Food
First Floor, First Door.
Friday 4-7pm
Saturday 11am-8pm
Sunday 11am-5pm

A Little Beacon Space has been transformed again! The chalkboards are wiped and dressed with new chalk art, and even the wall flowers have been changed. There's a pop-up shop in town this weekend, and you only have three days to catch it (well, now two, because today is Saturday). Here's what you'll find inside...

Rock Dove

Rock Dove is copper and rock jewelry made by husband-and-wife team Carolyn Baccaro and Mickey Dwyer. Says Carolyn about her style: "My love affair with copper and rocks began when I learned that copper was the first metal to be used in jewelrymaking. It's one of the few elements to occur in nature in its pure, metallic form, and our ancestors have adorned themselves in copper since at least 8,700 B.C. I love using this ancient metal to craft unique jewelry using a modern method."

PS: If these rock/copper combos look familiar, you might have seen them nearby. They are also sold at one of Beacon's newest shops, Howling at the Edge of Chaos near The Beacon Hotel (head east toward the mountain).

The Wednesday Collective

The Wednesday Collective is a hard-to-find collection of pottery that makes for perfect additions to your ceramics collection, or a great housewarming gift.

Black Gold Records

A record collector who also roasts coffee, Black Gold Records is based in Brooklyn where he spins the black vinyl while roasting beans - both of which you can buy in this pop-up shop. He's also known for this t-shirt, "Record Collecting Ruined My Life."

Pop Porcelain

This is all you, kitsch-lovers. Vintage plates with some not-so-vintage people on them ,from Pop Porcelain. Best of both worlds? You decide, then take a picture and tag us to show us what you picked.

FSA Leather Goods

This is some fine leather designing going on here. FSA Leather Goods has brought their assortment of jewelry, paperweights, and other excuses to make beautiful combinations of fine leather and metalsmithing. In their own words: "FSA Leather Goods has been inspired by the well-worn and dependable tools used by the farmers and migrant workers who endured the Depression and Dust Bowl. Hard work was the only way for these people to pull themselves out of the toughest times that dared to destroy the land. The durable products manufactured during this era were built to last generations. Our mission is to design products with the traditional qualities of simplicity, utility and durability essential to the hard-working people of the Depression Era, whose efforts, and the tools which enabled them, we still respect today."

Halmi Co

And if you wanted a little sparkle with your leather, there is Halmi Co. At this time, Halmi Co. does not sell online (coming soon), so the only way to score their goods is to find them in person.

John Defeo

New to A Little Beacon Space's walls is the artist John Defeo. You can see this art right now for this weekend only, and then it's gone. So if you want to pick up a piece, now is your chance.

Moor Berry

Bow ties and baby booties...that's what you'll find from Moor Berry, who sews a cultural twist into each of her designs.

Vintage

But of course, a pop-up vintage assortment is on the racks from Rock Dove's private collection, with jeans, a few shoes, and coats that you could use today.

Teddy's Barkery

Got a pooch or two? They need a special doggy treat with a message on it from Teddy's Barkery. There are stamped-message cuff bracelets for humans (down at King + Curated on Beacon's east end at 1 East Main), and there are stamped-message doggie treats for dogs in the pop-up shop.

Santa's Dirty Workshop

Rated R cards, so can't show much here. You'll need to go in to see the collection!

Where To Go Next

After, or on your way to, this pop-up shop, check out these Beacon stores that carry a selection of products in the same niche as this one:

On the West End (toward the train):

• reMADE
• Hudson Beacon Glass
• Dream in Plastic (also sells Kala Style soaps which will be at this pop-up shop)

In the Center (near this pop-up shop):

• American Gypsy
• Hudson Valley Vinyl

On the East End (near the mountain):

• Howling at the Edge of Chaos (also sells Rock Dove rings which will be available at this pop-up shop in other styles)
• Blackbird Attic
• Shop Reservoir
• King + Curated

Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide for November 11, 2017

Happy Second Saturday, people of Beacon! This month, we pause to reflect on gratitude. Today especially, gratitude for the artists who, through some kind of alchemy (and a lot of hard work), bring some of our biggest feelings into the visual realm. Thank them in person, if you'd like: See where they'll be and when in our Guide to Second Saturday Art Showings. 

Some artsy-tartsy highlights: Gifts galore! Artists often sell their work in gallery openings, but we also have the Beacon Art Market Opening at Catalyst Gallery, the annual holiday show at RiverWinds Gallery, the Made & Given Holiday Pop-Up Shop in our very own Little Beacon Space, and more.

A giant thank you to BeaconArts for promoting this day in our city for years, and thanks to the sponsors of A Little Beacon Blog, who make it possible for us to share the goings-on around town. Please support the businesses who support us! 

Happening This Weekend - 11/10/2017

Happy Second Saturday and Veterans Day Weekend! Below, find where you can observe a moment of silence to pay homage to those who protect us, and a few businesses who are doing something special for those in the military. The Galleries are in holiday mode, and you can start your gift collecting early! We know - holiday music shouldn't start until after Thanksgiving, but it's on the radio already, and the greenery and the lights are turning on, so we're going with it! And you can find lots of festive cheer on Main Street. Just follow our Second Saturday Guide. Trivia: Can you guess whose ornaments these are? You got that right - the famous blown glass collection being made now at Hudson Beach Glass. This weekend includes lots of handmade and local shopping (stop by Utensil to wish them a happy five-year anniversary!!), live performances, and even ghost hunting! We have more Pop-Up shopping fun at A Little Beacon Space as we host Made & Given all weekend starting today! Tell Your Friends: Anything they need to know about Beacon, like where to shop, eat or take a class of any kind, can all be found in A Little Beacon's Guides: Art Galleries Restaurant Guide Shopping Guide Beauty Guide Adult Classes or Kids Classes Seasonal: Pumpkins & Parades Guide

Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance. Made & Given Pop-Up Shop Days: Friday to Sunday, November 10-12, 2017 Location: A Little Beacon Space, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY Times: Friday, 4 to 7 pm; Saturday, 11 am to 8 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm Learn more about event and the vendors in our Pop-Up Guide. Open Mic Night for Kids Day: Friday, November 10, 2017 Time: 7 to 9 pm Location: Beacon Performing Arts Center, 327B Main St., Beacon, NY Want to jam out to your favorite show tune or pop song, accompanied by acting and musical theater pro Kate Vander Linden? Bring sheet music or choose from the selection at BPAC.  Information > Veterans Day Ceremony Day: Saturday, November 11, 2017 Time: 11 am Location: The Veterans Memorial Building, 413 Main St., Beacon, NY The event will be held indoors this year. The public is invited and is encouraged to use the Teller Avenue entrance, according to the Beacon Free Press. Grand Opening - Halvey Funeral Home Day: Saturday, November 11, 2017 Time: 11 am to 4 pm Location:: Halvey Funeral Home, 2 Beekman St., Beacon, NY Read more about the new location on our blog.  Free Mini Maker Faire Day: Saturday, November 11, 2017 Time: 10am to 8 pm Location: Barnes & Noble, 2518 South Road, Poughkeepsie, NY This fundraiser for Sargent Elementary School coincides with the awesome Barnes & Noble Free Mini Maker Faire, to help purchase innovative classroom supplies for all grades. Kids get to create all kinds of cool high-tech models, program robots, and fly drones, while parents get in some early holiday shopping. A portion of your purchase will go toward Sargent's fundraiser. Information > Utensil's 5th Anniversary Party Day: Saturday, November 11, 2017 Time: 6 to 9 pm Location: Utensil Kitchenware, 480 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Kaight's Fall Pop-Up Party Day: Saturday, November 11, 2017 Time: 6 to 9:30 pm Location: Kaight, 512 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Veterans Day Service Day: Sunday, November 12, 2017 Time: 10:30 am Location: Reformed Church of Beacon, 1113 Wolcott Ave. (aka Route 9D), Beacon, NY A lunch will follow the worship service, according to the Beacon Free Press. Paranormal Investigation of the Old Beacon High School Day: Saturday, November 11, 2017 Time: 7 to 11 pm Location: 211 Fishkill Ave., Beacon, NY Information > Veterans Day Freedom Fund Dinner Day: Sunday, November 12, 2017 Time: 4 pm Location: Chalet on the Hudson, 3250 Route 9D The Southern Dutchess NAACP will hold its 52nd annual Freedom Fund Dinner, "Honoring Those Who Served." Honorees include local U.S. Armed Forces veterans Bascom G. Durham, Walter Patrice, Ta 'Tanisha Powell and John E. Rembert. Live music too, featuring Bosco & The Storm. For information and tickets, call Dorothy Medley at (845) 831-6447, according to the Beacon Free Press. Howland Chamber Music Circle Presents Narek Hakhnazaryan, Cello Day: Sunday, November 12, 2017 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.     Cross-Back Apron with Toni Maeck Day: Friday, November 10, 2017 Time: 9 am to 1 pm Location: Beetle & Fred, 171 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Notary Public Licensing Class Day: Friday, November 10, 2017 Time: 5 to 8 pm Location: Residence Inn Marriott, 500 Westage Business Drive, Fishkill, NY Information > iPhoneography Workshop - Level I & II Days: Saturdays, November 11 & 18, 2017 Time: 10 am to noon Location: Riverwinds Gallery, 172 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Meet the Machine with Hilary Oak (Sewing) Day: Sunday, November 12, 2017 Time:: 2 to 5 pm Location: Beetle & Fred, 171 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Adult Classes Guide. Cinderella: "On the Way to the Ball" Day: Friday, November 10, 2017 Time: 11 am to 12:30 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Bakeology 101 Day: Friday, November 10, 2017 Time: 3:30 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Studio Art: Drawing into Painting Taught by Kathy Moss Grades: 6-12 Day: Mondays, November 13 to December 18, 2017 Time: 5 to 7 pm Location: Compass Arts, 395 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Kids Classes Guide.   The Vault 446 Main Street SPECIAL FOR VETERANS DAY: The Vault has created a special cocktail called The Soldier's Toddy. This drink will warm you on the way down, as it's made with cognac, aged rum, fresh lemon juice, apricot bitters and garnished with cloves, orange and cinnamon. Might even clear lightly stuffed sinuses. Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath & Bubble. Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!     BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END Bellus on Main 181 Main Street SALE ALERT! Soft and warm, these 100% baby alpaca sweaters are made in Peru and are in Bellus on Main in several colors right now. Bonus? They are 35% off for a limited time! So put one on, and head down to The Vault to enjoy that toddy. Where is Bellus? Next door to Luxe Optique. Luxe Optique 183 Main Street TRUNK SHOW THIS WEEKEND The Barton Perreira trunk show is Saturday, November 11, at 3 pm at Luxe Optique. Every frame, every color, every size will be there! Handmade in Japan. DEAL ALERT! Mention A Little Beacon Blog and get $75 off! Where is Luxe Optique? Across the block from Beacon Bread Company.   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END PARKING HINT: Park behind 1 East Main by the Hudson Valley Brewery and use the back walkway to come up to Main Street! Style Storehouse 484 Main Street HAPPENING TODAY! (FRIDAY) Style Storehouse has packed all of their inventory - boots, leggings, sexy sweatshirts and comfortable tops - from their Beacon location to set up with other shops at Vino at Crew Restaurant at 2290 South Road, Poughkeepsie. Joining them will be handstamped, customized jewelry from King + Curated. VETERANS DAY ALERT: Style Storehouse regularly gives a discount to military personnel, and this weekend is giving 15% off to military and veterans. Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle n Swaddle. Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main Street, Retail #3 SAVE THE DATE!  Sample Sale, up to 75% off! Next weekend, Friday, Nov. 17 to Sunday, Nov. 19. Gowns by Justin Alexander, Justin Alexander Signature, Lillian West and Sincerity. VETERANS DAY ALERT: Lambs Hill is giving 50% off of accessories to veterans and military personnel this weekend. Where Is Lambs Hill? In the renovated factory building near the dummy light. Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide!  Bellus on Main, Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, and Style Storehouse. River Therapeutic Massage 612 Route 52 Beacon, NY (845) 379-1956 “I recently received a Himalayan Salt Stone Massage and was (again) blown away with how amazing it was. Thank you!” - Happy Customer From now until December 22, 2017, River Therapeutic Massage is offering the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage as a Spa Mini add-on for only $5. WOW. Book Now > Where is River Therapeutic Massage? Sharing space with Karen's Place Salon on Route 52. Thank you River Therapeutic Massage for sponsoring the Beauty Guide!   SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS Rhinebeck Bank Mark and Michelle interview Rachel Beard, founder of The Harmony Garden School of Music and Kindermusik. Says Mark: “Upon walking in, the first thing I thought was: ‘Kids would love it here.’ It beats Mickey Mouse Club." Hear how Rachel went from playing cello in school, to following her dream of becoming a music teacher, then pursuing her new dream of opening a business to work more closely with children. She loves helping kids wake up parts of their brain through music. Watch the Video > Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency: Condo Association Insurance Condominium association insurance is a unique form of insurance that’s specifically written to meet the needs of condo associations. It’s mainly used to insure common areas of condominium complexes. Depending on the layout and features of a complex, a policy might insure different kinds of common areas, including: walkways and exterior steps foyers and entryways elevators, stairwells and hallways units’ shared walls and buildings’ exterior walls landscaping and fencing amenities, such as pools, community rooms and fitness center Learn more about Condo Association Insurance > Beacon Chamber of Commerce Join the Beacon Chamber of Commerce as it celebrates the Grand Opening of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey. The celebration will take place Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, with a Ribbon Cutting by the Beacon Chamber taking place at 12:30 pm. The Chamber hopes to see you there! BeaconArts : Retrospective 15 BeaconArts celebrates 15 years since its founding in November of 2002 with a gallery opening at the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estatuaries/Clarkson University, 199 Main St. A private opening takes place Saturday, and then public viewing hours begin on Sunday through March 2018. The exhibit is curated by Kalene Rivers. Different film screenings will take place each Second Saturday. Mark your calendar for January 31, 2018, for the monthly BeaconArts Member Meeting, and the Friendraiser campaign later in March. A Little Beacon Space :  OPENING TODAY! The day has come! A Little Beacon Space transforms into a shop for three days only this weekend. Friday to Sunday, November 10 to 12, 2017 at 291 Main St., Beacon. Enjoy complimentary beer and wine Friday and Saturday after 5 pm! Here's who you'll find in the shop. Curated records from Black Gold Records Handmade Jewelry by Haimi Co. and Rock Dove Bow Ties and Headscarves for Adults and Babies by Moor Berry Unisex Leather Goods by F&S Artist John Defeo Naughty Holiday Cards from Santa’s Dirty Workshop and more! Open Hours: Friday, November 10   4 to 7 pm Saturday, November 11  11 am to 8 pm Sunday, November 12   11 am to 5 pm InHouse Design Media Need a website design? Or maybe you need a design team to hold your hand while you make updates yourself? InHouse Design Media can help. The design team behind A Little Beacon Blog and Tin Shingle can train you, or do it all for you, whether you're looking for graphic design or glitzy photos for social media. Learn More > Tin Shingle : Community Membership Tin Shingle has a new Community Membership level for those who want to connect over big ideas for getting the word out about your business, and learning what you can do with your business in general. Strength in numbers! Membership includes a private, safe and supportive Facebook Group for faster connection with business owners around the country. Learn More > NEWSLETTER SIGNUP 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! Click here to learn about ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog. Until next week!

Update Made to Shopping Guide: 2 New Stores, 1 Less Store, 1 Moved Store

Moving and shaking as always on Main Street in Beacon. We have made updates to A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide, and they go like this:

OPEN:
Sanctuary
192 Main St.
(845) 440-6973
Opened by Laura Gould, a former Beaconite who moved to Nyack for a while, and is back in Beacon. Laura is also a former board member of BeaconArts. Sanctuary is "a Conscious Living Shop," according to Laura. In the space on the corner that was the longtime home of Beacon Barkery, Laura focuses on hand-made, fair-trade and ethically made goods. Inside, you'll find art, home furnishings, clothing, jewelry, books, wellness and self-care items, ritual and sacred objects, and a beautiful selection of curated gifts. Expect to see in-person gatherings in the shop in the evenings to learn how to use essential oils and other wellness techniques.

Howling at the Edge of Chaos
428 Main St
Located in the sliver of a storefront next to the Beacon Hotel, Howling at the Edge of Chaos is a charmingly fierce shop. Here's how the owner, Valerie Mitchell, describes the store:
"Life is art. Art is life. Art isn’t just what you put on your walls. It’s what you hold in your hands in the morning sipping coffee, it’s the leather bag you carry on your shoulder everyday, the pin you wear on your jacket expressing your thoughts, the necklace you put on as you walk out the door to meet your girlfriends. You should be surrounded by unique, beautiful wares, pieces that make you smile, laugh, feel strong, empowered, or make you dream. Howling at the Edge of Chaos carries unique finds for those that want to HOWL their TRUTH. Items might include but are not limited to: Jewelry, Pottery, Handbags, Textiles, Paintings, Photographs, Cards, Pins, Patches. Stop by if you’re curious."

MOVED
Colorant has moved across the street! Head next door to Mountain Tops to check out their new digs, and for natural-fiber dyeing workshops with NY Textile Lab. From 3 to 7 on Second Saturday, bring your own cotton, wool or silk pieces for indigo-dyeing workshops (sign up here). Once you're finished repurposing, celebrate your new skills with cocktails featuring Beacon's own Drink More Good products.

CLOSED
A Classic Couture Fashion Boutique has left the west end Beacon location. This space is now For Rent. But fear not, you will probably be able to access owner Leah's collection in other ways if you were already in touch with her.

Visit A Little Beacon Blog's complete Shopping Guide for all of the stores on Main Street in Beacon.

Vote! And Get This Sticker!

You too could get this sticker... Vote today! Don’t assume that your vote won't count because you assume your pick will win, or that you’ll be fine with anyone. Head on down to your voting location, vote for your people, flip the ballot and vote for the amendments (easy paragraphs describe what they are), and then ask for a sticker! The stickers might not be in an obvious place, but once you become a Cast Vote, get the sticker. Don't know where to vote or what ward you're in? Find your Beacon polling location here.

P.S.: The pink leather of this purse came from Lauren & Riley, on Main Street, Beacon. Obviously, we vote yes on pink leather.

Halvey Funeral Home Replaces Vacant Restaurant on 9D at 2 Beekman Street

Former shell of restaurants at 2 Beekman.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Just up the road from the world famous art museum Dia: Beacon, sat Lucky's (formerly River Terrace), a closed restaurant with an often-chilly patio that occupied a prime location on the Hudson River. For two years it sat vacant, and for the past six years it housed a succession of floundering restaurant business models that failed and fled. The most action the property saw was when the parking lot was used for overflow parking from Rose Hill, the childcare center across the street, during its toddler graduation each spring. For prospective new restaurants, an advertised rent of $7,000/month to fill the space was extremely unattractive, and the former Lucky's sign, long forgotten and broken with exposed, burnt-out fluorescent bulbs, littered 9D as people drove into downtown Beacon.

A Business Relocation & Expansion

The Halvey Funeral home at 24 Willow St., soon to relocate to 2 Beekman. The home will be put up for sale on the residential market.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Enter Halvey Funeral Home, a third-generation Beacon business established in 1933, currently based at 24 Willow St. in a residential neighborhood. According to Patrick Halvey, the third-generation son who is taking over the family business, locating funeral homes in neighborhoods was historically preferred by grieving families and well-wishers in times past. Times have changed, and the trend of funeral homes being located in actual houses has shifted to their presence in more commercial areas. Halvey Funeral Home is now moving from Willow Street into its new home at 2 Beekman Street. It can be viewed from Route 9D, if one were turning down Beekman to go to Dia or Long Dock Park. The home at 24 Willow St. will be listed for sale in the residential market.

Location, Location

The prospect of locating a funeral home on riverfront real estate had some Beacon residents questioning if that was the best use of the property. But the building had been vacant and decrepit for two years. The climate for development and change in Beacon right now is ultra-sensitive; so many projects have green-lit their intentions simultaneously now that there is a population to buy what developers are building. This momentum puts the spotlight on all types of projects being built, as well as on each project's plans for parking, which would be necessary for people to take advantage of whatever business services fill those projects.

Improvements From Expansion

The ugly, broken sign touting a former restaurant will be gone now.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Beacon-based architect Aryeh Siegel was hired for the funeral home project to design a building that highlighted the riverfront views to friends and families who came to remember loved ones. Beacon's Planning Board recommended adding landscape design, to cushion the building. At Halvey Funeral Home's Willow Street location, parking was an issue as gatherings grew quite large. More spaces drew Halvey to the Beekman location. "Parking is the main advantage that attracted us to that site," says Joe Guarneri, construction manager of the project. "We have 36 marked spots in the new lot, with room for parking in back and front yielding another 12 spots, for a total of 48 [parking spots]." 

Planning Board Member Jill Reynolds, who is also co-artist/founder at Ten Willow Studio, a glass design partnership specializing in architectural installations, had recommended that the funeral home extend the sidewalk. She pointed put during a Planning Board meeting that the sidewalk there is incomplete. Regular walkers experience the sidewalk's end, and either walk in the street or on the grass to complete their journey to 9D from the train station area. Halvey agreed to expand the sidewalk. "We are extending the Beekman Street sidewalk on the city-owned lot at the corner of Route 9D and Beekman," Joe confirmed.

New Life for Halvey Funeral Home

Opening soon, Halvey Funeral Home will be operating under the new name Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey LLC, under the ownership of third-generation Patrick Halvey. If, on Saturday November 11 from 11 am to 4 pm, you see white doves flying into the sky, know that they have been released during a celebratory, public ribbon-cutting for the new facility. If you hear music or see tents, it may remind you of the sounds emanating from the former restaurants, but it is part of the funeral home's festivities. To celebrate the new riverview patio during the ribbon-cutting party, there will be beer, spirits, soda, coffee, donuts, and food from Beacon merchants.

The new Riverview Funeral Home on Beekman Street in Beacon, just down the hill from Route 9D.
Photo Credits: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Editorial Note: Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey LLC has advertised on A Little Beacon Blog, but their ad campaign is separate from this article. Their promotion of their ribbon-cutting is a coincidence to our publishing of this milestone notice for this property in Beacon, which we have been researching for some time. We do appreciate their support!

Happening This Weekend - 11/3/2017

Don't put those costumes away just yet! Thanks to some rain last weekend, the Halloween fun has been extended a little bit. To really turn you topsy-turvy, Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday. Tell Your Friends: Anything they need to know about Beacon, like where to shop or eat, or take a class of any kind, can all be found in A Little Beacon's Guides: Art Galleries Restaurant Guide Shopping Guide Beauty Guide Adult Classes or Kids Classes Seasonal: Pumpkins & Parades Guide

Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance.   Book Signing w/ Francie Webb Day: Friday, November 3, 2017 Time: 5 to 7:30 pm Location: Waddle n Swaddle, 484 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Kindness Rocks Workshop Day: Saturday, November 4, 2017 Time: 11 am to noon Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Read more about the Kindness Rocks Project on our blog! Carnival featuring Judith Tulloch Band Day: Saturday, November 4, 2017 Time: 7:30 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > "A Very Beacon Halloween" 21st Annual Kids Halloween Parade aka The Hocus Pocus Parade from the Beacon Chamber of Commerce Day: Sunday, November 5, 2017 (See our article about it here) Line-up Time: 12:30 pm at the Visitors Center Parade Marching Time: 1 pm Locations: Costumed kids start lining up at Polhill Park (South Avenue/9D and Main Street) for a parade all the way down Main Street stopping at Teller Avenue, trick-or-treating from Main Street businesses. After the Parade: The Roundhouse has opened their Patio to marchers to enjoy cider, bottles of water and treats. Parade Information > Grace Smith Pumpkin Parade Day: Sunday, November 5, 2017 Time: 11 am to 3 pm Location: Pulaski Park, 162 Washington St., Poughkeepsie, NY Information >  Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.     Stowe Bag with Toni Maeck Day: Saturday, November 4, 2017 Time: 1 to 5 pm Location: Beetle & Fred, 171 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Easy Peazy Pajama Pants with Katy Hope Day: Sunday, November 5, 2017 Time: 1 to 5 pm Location: Beetle & Fred, 171 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Adult Classes Guide. Game Club Day: Friday, November 3, 2017  Time: 3 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Wee Play Clean Up Day: Tuesday, November 7, 2017  Time: 7 to 11 am Location: Memorial Park, Beacon, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Kids Classes Guide.     BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END Bellus on Main 181 Main Street This faux fur coat by Joseph Ribkoff is warm, stylish and ridiculously soft and cozy - we tested it. Detailed with cuffed, full-length sleeves, a button closure on a funnel collar, and front pockets to protect your hands and keep you warm. It's reversible, too! Where is Bellus? Next door to Luxe Optique. Luxe Optique 183 Main Street You know what you need? Prescription sunglasses. Because now that you are wearing glasses full time, you need some shades. Like these by Christian Roth. The bold, high-fashion, unique design features an ultra-thin custom milled metal inlay with lightweight metal temples, all striking a delicate balance against the frame’s exuberant, angular proportions. Where is Luxe Optique? Across the block from Beacon Bread Company.   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END PARKING HINT: Park behind 1 East Main by the Hudson Valley Brewery and use the back walkway to head up to Main Street! Style Storehouse 484 Main Street SAVE THE DATE Alert your friends in Poughkeepsie and book a wine date with them for Friday, November 10, from 6 to 10 pm at Vino (the private room at Crew). Style Storehouse is packing all of their inventory from their Beacon location to set up with other shops in Poughkeepsie for one night at this pop-up Holiday Market. Come shop while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle n Swaddle. Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main Street, Retail #3 This bridal shop on Beacon's east end has everything to complete your look, including gowns by Lillian West, Justin Alexander (shown), Sincerity and Sweetheart. and a beautiful selection of veils, jewelry, headpieces, shawls and boleros. Lambs Hill is a walk-in friendly shop, so take a peek! Where Is Lambs Hill? One of the new boutiques in the renovated factory building near the Dummy Light. Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide!  Bellus on Main, Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, and Style Storehouse. River Therapeutic Massage 612 Route 52 Beacon, NY (845) 379-1956 What is eco-fin, and why will you love it? Eco-fin is a natural, petroleum-free alternative to paraffin. A rich blend of palm, soy, jojoba and organic coconut oils are gently warmed with shea butter, vitamin E and essential oils, then applied to your hands and/or feet with a brush, and covered with heated mitts/booties. When the mitts/booties are removed, the remaining product gets massaged into your skin, leaving it soft and supple. This treatment makes a delightful Add-On to any massage. Book Now > Where is River Therapeutic Massage? Sharing space with Karen's Place Salon on Route 52. Thank you River Therapeutic Massage for sponsoring the Beauty Guide!     The Vault 446 Main Street We are getting into SOUP season! The Vault offers seasonal and fresh soups daily. Pictured is an apple cinnamon butternut squash version. You know what pairs perfectly with this? The Vault's Burrata Cheese. Yum. Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath & Bubble. Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide! SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS Rhinebeck Bank Learn all about First Friday Poughkeepsie on this week's episode of Wake Up with Rhinebeck Bank! See some highlights from last month's San Gennaro event, and watch Michelle's interview with U.S. Representative Sean Patrick Maloney. Watch the Video > Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency As you finalize plans for Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays, are you renting a vacation home? If anything happens to the homeowner's property, or to your own property while staying there, would your homeowners insurance policy cover it? Get the Answers from Antalek & Moore > Beacon Chamber of Commerce Join the Beacon Chamber of Commerce on Sunday, November 5, as they celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Lady Gray Bridal! This is one of the oldest bridal shops in Beacon, and is located next to Key Food. The celebration will take place from noon to 2 pm with a Ribbon Cutting by the Beacon Chamber taking place at 12:30 pm. The Chamber hopes to see you there! BeaconArts : Windows on Main (WOMS) It's your last chance to see the artwork in the Windows on Main exhibit all over Beacon. The art will come out of the windows in a week, so be sure to read up on which artist is where on the interactive WOMS website. Pictured here is the art by Keith Decent in the reMADE shop, and yes, it will make you want ice cream sandwiches. A Little Beacon Space :  Next Pop-Up Shops It’s November! That means pop-up shop time at A Little Beacon Blog’s Space! Two great ones are prepping their inventory now... Made and Given on Second Saturday Weekend, Friday through Sunday, 11/10-12, and 50 Roots on the Black Friday Weekend, Friday through Sunday, 11/24-26. InHouse Design Media InHouse Design Media redesigned The Vault's logo and business cards for their evolving image. Have you picked one up yet? InHouse Design Media is the design arm of A Little Beacon Blog, and can redesign your logo and business cards also. And even your website. Learn More > Tin Shingle : Live TuneUp Interview Join us for our first live interview with Jenn Sullivan, founder of Waddle n Swaddle. We will talk to Jenn about expanding her stores to three locations, managing staff, and life as a business owner with three kids. This event is free, but seating is limited. RSVP to info@tinshingle.com if coming in person. Register for the online Webinar to watch it online. NEWSLETTER SIGNUP 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! Click here to learn about ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog. Until next week!

"Kindness Rocks" Project Launches at Beacon's Howland Public Library

Published as submitted via Press Release from the Howland Public Library in order to get the word out to you faster...

A little bit of kindness can go a long way. Young people ages 10 and up are invited to The Howland Public Library on Saturday, November 4, to help spread a little kindness in Beacon and beyond via The Kindness Rocks Project.

You’ve probably seen them popping up all over the place, brightly painted stones with inspirational words on them. The Kindness Rocks Project began in Cape Cod when the project’s creator, Megan Murphy, began leaving messages on stones for people to find on the beach. Her thought, “Sometimes the right message at the right time can change someone’s entire day, outlook, life.” Since then, The Kindness Rocks Project has spread throughout the country and the world.

Stop by the library on Saturday from 11 am to noon to paint your own Kindness Rocks to share with the community. No experience needed. All supplies will be provided.

RSVPs are requested to ensure there are enough supplies and rocks. RSVP by contacting Michelle at community@beaconlibrary.org or (845) 831-1134, x101. The Howland Public Library is located at 313 Main St., Beacon, NY. To find out more about programs for tweens and teens at the library, go to www.beaconlibrary.org.

Dear Drivers on Main Street: No U-Turns Please, and Other Safety Suggestions

Dear Wonderful Readers:

It's time to have a heart-to-heart with ourselves about driving, especially on the narrow streets of Beacon. I know that some of you live in Beacon, some in other river towns, and some in NYC. If you live in NYC and are visiting us up in Beacon, your regular city-driving habits may stick with you when you get here. Namely: driving fast (you have to in NYC, otherwise you'd get get eaten by other cars), making U-Turns in the middle of the street, or swerving around cars who are parallel parking or turning left. The thing is, those driving habits don't work in Beacon, and will cause you to crash into another car. It's time to leave this habit on the curb for no one to pick up.

If you've migrated to Beacon from NYC, and even if you've lived here for 10+ years, those city tendencies may be ingrained in your brain, and the habit is hard to kick. You may have already had spousal or partner fights about this while taking a hard left out of nowhere in order to snag a parking spot. Does. Not. Work. That. Way. In. Beacon. In Beacon, there are lots of one-way streets heading the opposite way for you to go, and you just need to go down one of those roads in order to get back to where you want to be.

The U-Turn Epidemic - It's Real

There's been chatter about the growing number of U-turns. I'd heard it, but figured it was nothing more than disgruntled Road Ragers. Normally I avoid driving on Main Street because it's so narrow, and there are so many ways to have accidents: grazing car doors as people open them before looking, hitting jaywalkers who pop out between parked SUVs, or just having a hard time parallel parking, unless you've got skillz (which I do have, I just don't like to use them unless I really really have to). So I don't see the crazy driving on Main Street much. Until I drove a friend to The Dump last Saturday. A very short cruise down Main Street - about 300 feet - was packed with crazy drivers. There's no other way to put it.

First there was the guy who was driving west down Main Street, saw the free parking lot on Cliff Street, rubbernecked it, and made a U-turn in Cliff Street in order to veer back east into the parking lot (which was full...so little did he know he would be stuck in that parking lot because it's very narrow and hard to get out of once you're in, if you do not score a parking spot). He was so focused on the parking lot, that he didn't see the two cars behind him who had to hit their brakes, fast. Those two cars had just passed me as I turned right out of Willow Street (already a very hard turn because of the way parked cars hamper visibility), so I almost drove into these cars, who were almost driving into the Party Foul U-Turn guy. (If only Party Foul U-Turn Guy had checked our Parking Guide ahead of time for more lot options...)

This is only one day after a local store's van did the same thing. So it's safe to say that everyone is doing it.

Driving Around Parallel Parkers - Not OK or Legal

Next, after the U-Turn Guy, there was a stream of cars driving east around a Parallel Parker down near Bank Square Coffee. These people had driven into the other lane, oncoming traffic - crossing the double yellow line - in order to get around the Parallel Parker. This, coupled with the sharp bend in the road, when they don't see oncoming cars like mine until it's too late.

A few months ago, I committed a party foul jaywalk on Main Street in front of the Mountain Scout Survival School storefront. I was almost run over by a car driving around another car who was parallel parking. First off, I shouldn't have been jaywalking, I know, but I did so because the crosswalks by Bank Square and by Hudson Beach Glass feel very unsafe to me. One is at a three-way intersection where not everyone stops while coming off of 9D, and the other is on a major bend in the road. So I had been opting to cross on my own without a crosswalk. Needless to say, I don't do that anymore.

Bad Idea when someone decides to go around a Parallel Parker, and isn't expecting to see a pedestrian, and almost hits them. Yes, if you're reading this, that was me, and you (and I) were wrong, despite you shouting that you did nothing wrong. I called the Beacon Police this morning to ask about the rules on this and here it is:

If there is a solid yellow line on your side, then you cannot go around a car who is parallel parking.

Done. So we all just need a little patience. Use the extra few seconds to look around and spy the latest storefront.

Going Around Cars Turning Left Into Driveways

Also a bad idea. If a car in front of you has put their blinker on and slowed down to turn left into a driveway, then you also need to stop until they have turned left. It's common sense, as why would you want to drive into a car who will almost certainly drive into you? But it happens. My street is a bit wider than other streets, and when I slow to turn left into my driveway, it inspires the car behind me to go around me on the left. Just odd.

Patience. Patience. Patience.

That is what small towns are for. Slowing down, looking around, and being kind to one another. If you don't, then the cops are likely to come out, and take their time Party Fouling everyone for these silly traffic violations that are so easily avoided. You don't want a ticket. Police have better things to do. The tickets really aren't a revenue generator because just think about the number of tickets you haven't paid. It's just an administrative clog. So slow down, and think it out. And that goes for all of us. Me, you, everyone.

Beacon's 2017 Kid's Halloween Parade Postponed

We were just headed to the attic to find backup costumes that we didn't care about getting ruined in the rain, which has been predicted since Friday for Sunday's Kid's Halloween Parade in Beacon. Then the call came in from the Beacon Chamber of Commerce that the Halloween Parade is officially canceled for this Sunday. Says Beacon Chamber President Rick Brownell: "We know this is a fun event for the kids, and we didn't want it to be ruined by the rain. We are going to work with the City of Beacon and the Police Department to reschedule, hopefully [for] next weekend, but we need to work with them on that."

For today, Sunday, October 29, 2017, the parade is canceled. A Little Beacon Blog will update here as we get confirmation about a future date.

Happening This Weekend - 10/27/2017

The phone calls are flying... People are writing in... "Will Beacon's Kids Halloween Parade be canceled?! Rain is in the forecast!" And not just regular rain, but a lightning bolt with clouds is in Google's eight-day forecast. As yet, there is no rain date for the Kids Halloween Parade, and the organizers are: "Hoping for shine!" or drizzle. It's a nail-biter! What will Beacon's weather do? We shall see on Sunday. Meanwhile... This weekend is Fishkill Farm's last Fall Harvest weekend with free admission, Apple Picking specials, and a corn maze, so check out their Pumpkin Patch and start picking!  Tell Your Friends: Anything they need to know about Beacon, like where to shop, eat or take a class of any kind, can all be found in A Little Beacon's Guides: Art Galleries Restaurant Guide Shopping Guide Beauty Guide Adult Classes or Kids Classes Seasonal: Pumpkins & Parades Guide

Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance. Children's Museum Not-So-Spooky Fun House Day: Friday, October 27, 2017 Time: 5:30 to 8 pm Location: Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, 75 North Water St., Poughkeepsie, NY Information > Molsky’s Mountain Drifters Concert Day: Friday, October 27, 2017 Time: 8:30 pm Location: Towne Crier Café, 379 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Fishkill Farm's Fall Harvest Weekend Day: Saturday and Sunday, October 28-29, 2017 Time: 10 am to 5 pm Location: Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY Information >  "Quarry to Quarry" - Manitoga's Last Guided Landscape Hike of 2017 Day: Saturday, October 28, 2017 Time: 2 pm Location: Manitoga's Visitor/Guide House, 584 Route 9D, Garrison, NY Information > "A Very Beacon Halloween" Psychic Fair Day: Saturday, October 28, 2017 Time: Noon to 5 pm Location: Notions-n-Potions, 175 Main St., Beacon, NY Congratulations go out to Sheryl of Notions-n-Potions on her appearance in the Poughkeepsie Journal's feature on Adults Who Love Halloween. Mike Burdge, of Story Screen, was also featured. Information > Pop-Up Concert Day: Saturday, October 28, 2017 Time: 4 pm Location: Center for Creative Education, 464 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Stony Kill No-So-Haunted Barn and Hay Ride Day: Saturday, October 28, 2017 Time: 4 to 7 pm Location: Stony Kill Farm, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY Information > October Songwriter Fest With Melissa Holland & Friends Day: Saturday, October 28, 2017 Time: 7:30 to 9:30 pm Location: BEAHIVE Beacon, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > "A Very Beacon Halloween" Ghoul's Night Out Show from the Beacon Chamber of Commerce Day: Saturday, October 28, 2017 Time: Doors open at 6 pm, show starts at 8 pm Locations: Clove Creek Dinner Theater, 18 Westage Business Center Drive #7, Fishkill, NY Information > Dogwood Halloween Spooktacular Day: Saturday, October 28, 2017 Time: 8 pm Location: Dogwood, 47 E. Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Hot Jazz, Cool Art Day: Saturday, October 28, 2017 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Classics for Kids Featuring Pianist Michael Brown Day: Sunday, October 29, 2017 Time: 3 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY $10 per adult; children free! Information > POSTPONED: This has been updated from its original publishing: "A Very Beacon Halloween" 21st Annual Kids Halloween Parade, aka The Hocus Pocus Parade, from the Beacon Chamber of Commerce Day: Sunday, October 29, 2017 (See our article about what usually happens at the Parade here.) Rain Date: The Chamber of Commerce has said that there a rain date will be assigned, and they are working with the City of Beacon and Police Department to reschedule. See our article about it here. Line-up Time: 12:30 pm at the Visitors Center Parade Marching Time: 1 pm Locations: Costumed kids start lining up at Polhill Park (South Avenue/9D and Main Street) for a parade all the way down Main Street stopping at Teller Avenue, trick-or-treating from Main Street businesses. Parade Information > After Kids Halloween Parade Community & Cider Gathering at the Roundhouse Patio Day: Sunday, October 29, 2017 Time: After Beacon Kids Halloween Parade. Rain Note: If the Kids Halloween Parade is canceled, then this will also be canceled. Location: The Roundhouse Patio, 2 E. Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Storm King Art Center's Pumpkins and Painted Faces Day: Sunday, October 29, 2017 Time: Noon to 4 pm Location: Near the north parking area at Storm King Art Center, 1 Museum Road, New Windsor, NY Information > Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Days: October 30 through November 12, 2017 Information > Rascal's Monster Bash Day: Tuesday, October 31, 2017 Time: 4 to 6 pm Location: Dutchess Stadium, 1500 NY-9D, Wappingers Falls, NY Information > Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide. 6th Annual Mike Archer Memorial 5K Run & Walk Day: Saturday, October 27, 2017 Registration: 9 am Time: 10 am Location: Memorial Park, Beacon, NY Information > Sleepy Hollow Halloween 10K Day: Saturday, October 29, 2017 Time: 9:30 am; kids costume 1-mile fun run at 9 am (ages 6 & older), $5 Location: Morse School, 30 Pocantico Street, Sleepy Hollow, NY Information >     Essential Oils Workshop Day: Sunday, October 29, 2017 Time: 5 to 6:30 pm Location: Shambhala Wellness Center, 4 South Chestnut St., Beacon, NY Information > Massage Therapy Class for Couples Day: Saturday, October 28, 2017 Time: 6:30 pm Location: Alma Yoga, 190 South Plank Road, Newburgh, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Adult Classes Guide. Thank you Ballet Arts Studio for sponsoring our Adult Classes Guide! Ballet Arts Studio Hosts Kindergarten Field Trips from Beacon City Schools Kids come with their teachers and classroom friends to learn about different forms of dance. Says Katie B. of Ballet Arts Studio: "We read a book about dance, warm up our muscles together, do rhythm and acting exercises, and of course, just dance to all kinds of music. Finally, the students conquer a bit of fear by jumping over the teacher on their way out the door!" Kids are also taught a ballet “reverence,” which is all about being grateful for the audience’s applause as well as the body's own ability to move. Visit Beacon Arts Studio's Schedule of Classes > Where is Ballet Arts Studio? On the corner of Henry Street and Teller, opposite the back of the Yankee Clipper Diner. Anime & Manga Club Day: Friday, October 27, 2017 Time: 3 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Babysitters Preparedness Course Ages: 12 and up Day: Saturday, October 28, 2017 Time: 9 am Location: All Sport Health & Fitness, 17 Old Main St., Fishkill, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Kids Classes Guide.     BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END reMADE 133 Main Street Get ready! Bundling up time really will be here soon, despite the unusually warm weather. These knit hats for kids are by Emily Pearson of Pearfectly Handmade in Newburgh, and also feature little shawls to match. Time to get snuggly! Visit reMADE this weekend to pick out your favorite. (They also make great gifts!) Where is reMADE? Across from Tito Santana's, next to Bank Square Coffee. Bellus on Main 181 Main Street Bellus on Main is known for their statement jewelry, and this silver chain-link necklace is no exception. Wear it over fabric or with a low-necked top. Makes for a great layering piece peeking out from a scarf. Where is Bellus? Next door to Luxe Optique. Luxe Optique 183 Main Street Now through November, get $100 off Lafont and Alain Mikli frames. This is a huge deal, and you'll want to check the wide range of designs in both lines. Both are French-designed, are handmade, and are well-known for their outstanding quality and awesome color combinations. Yes, that is a cheetah print frame pictured here, and yes, it probably will look amazing on you. Where is Luxe Optique? Across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company, and across Main Street from Beacon Barkery. BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END PARKING HINT: Park behind 1 East Main by the Hudson Valley Brewery and use the back walkway entrance to come up to Main Street! Style Storehouse 484 Main Street Michele, the proprietress of Style Storehouse, has heard you! You want more shoes and boots? Done. New fall shoes have arrived in the shop in a new display. Styles range from slouchy to straight, heeled to flat. Brands include Coolway, Free People and Musse & Cloud. Try them on! Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle n Swaddle. Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main St., Retail #3 Don't you want to get married right now so that you can wear this headpiece? Or maybe you can come up with another function to wear it to. You have our permission. Lots of beautiful new accessories are in Lambs Hill for you to try on, including veils, belts and headpieces from Richer Designs and Marionet (pictured here). Where Is Lambs Hill? In one of the new boutiques in the renovated factory building near the dummy light. Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! reMADE, Bellus on Main, Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, and Style Storehouse. River Therapeutic Massage 612 Route 52 Beacon, NY (845) 379-1956 LAST CHANCE: OCTOBER SPECIALS! Aromatherapy Facial Massage $50 (reg $75) Intensive Foot Treatment $50 (reg $70) Hand and/or Foot Massage with eco-fin $50 (reg $70) eco-fin for hands or feet $10 (reg $15) *Cannot be combined with any other offer; no coupons or gift certificates Book Now > Where is River Therapeutic Massage? Sharing space with Karen's Place Salon on Route 52. Thank you River Therapeutic Massage for sponsoring the Beauty Guide!     The Vault 446 Main Street Sit down and sip The Vault's Beacon Rose cocktail, made with Medley Brothers bourbon, apple-pear liqueur, fresh lime juice and house-made spiced pomegranate syrup. Perfect for anyone who isn't in the mood for cider this weekend, but still wants something sweet. Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath and Bubble. Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide! SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS Rhinebeck Bank Through November 1, Rhinebeck Bank is accepting donations at their branches in support of the Dutchess Outreach Coat Drive. For business hours and branch locations to drop off donations, please click here. Rhinebeck Bank thanks you for your support! Get Details > Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency Does your business have a website? Does it take ecommerce? Does it publish a blog or newsletter? Cyber Liability Insurance is for all businesses, not just big ones. Call Antalek & Moore today to learn more and find out why your website could be vulnerable, and the levels of protection you need: (845) 245-6292 Beacon Chamber of Commerce Join the Beacon Chamber of Commerce on Sunday, November 5, as the Chamber celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Lady Gray Bridal! This is one of the oldest bridal shops in Beacon, and is located next to Key Food. The celebration will take place from noon to 2 pm, with a Ribbon Cutting by the Beacon Chamber taking place at 12:30 pm. The Chamber hopes to see you there! BeaconArts Have you tried the awesome new website for Windows on Main 2017? It's an interactive map that tells you what art is where, and who the artist is. We promise - it's way easier than an app. Click here to try it when you're walking! A Little Beacon Space Next Pop-Up Shop: Made & Given It's getting closer! Friday to Sunday, November 10 to 12. Curated records from Black Gold Records, handmade jewelry by Halmi Co and Rock Dove Rings, sustainable soaps and hand-poured candles by Kala Style, Bowties and headscarves for adults and babies by Moor Berry, Unisex Leather Goods by F&S, and Naughty Holiday Cards from Santa’s Dirty Workshop and more! Looking for more artisan-inspired shops in Beacon after you shop this? We made a mini-shopping guide for you here... Hook into this shop via Facebook if you might come! > InHouse Design Media Over the summer, InHouse Design Media redesigned The Vault's logo and business cards for their evolving image. Have you picked one up yet? They are slick. InHouse Design Media is the design arm of A Little Beacon Blog, and can redesign your logo and business cards also. We'll even revamp your website! Learn More > Tin Shingle Do you want to connect with someone right now about ways to get the word out about your business or art? Tin Shingle's Training TuneUps are just that - videos you can watch in the quietness of your own home or office. You'll come away with instant ideas and confidence to see them through. Click Here to Start Browsing > NEWSLETTER SIGNUP 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! Click here to learn about ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog. Until next week!

Cafe Amarcord Set To Open Brick Oven Pizza Restaurant in Beacon - Across the Street!

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

As I was walking down the street one day, I got to chatting with someone about #allthingsbeacon, and they asked me if I knew about the new Italian restaurant going into the former karate school space next to Mr. V's Deli. I had not yet heard about this development, but was intrigued.

"Can you believe it?" they asked, "an Italian restaurant right across the street from Amarcord? The nerve." If you didn't know already, know now: Cafe Amarcord is one of Beacon's favorite restaurants, lauded for its fresh, Mediterranean menu. (Check out this review from Hudson Valley Magazine, who really liked the pan-roasted mussels in a white wine garlic sauce, bucatini Amatriciana, pappardelle with black pepper ricotta and dried tomatoes, as well as "a skewer of rosemary-infused lamb served on creamy polenta with a sauce of lemon.") Beaconites are very protective of their local businesses, so they care about what opens where, and whether a new Italian food business would be opening across the street from a longtime business. Amarcord has been open in Beacon for eleven years, so it has quite a following.

Picture of the building housing Mr. V's Deli before exterior renovations began for Amarcord's future brick oven pizza place.
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Paper went up on the windows of the short building across the street from Amarcord, and construction began, building out a kitchen and transforming the tired space. When the decorative faux windows and new shingles went up on the roof, Rifo Murtovic, owner of Cafe Amarcord, stepped out of his usual perch in the doorway of his restaurant to stand on the sidewalk of the other side of the street, surveying the construction.

#sameteam! Pizza or Fine Italian

Our investigation began immediately, seeking confirmation from Rifo that he himself was the one opening the rumored pizza restaurant. "It will be brick oven pizza," he described. "More casual than Amarcord." The heat source of the oven? Wood. As for making changes to the facade of a building he does not own: "I just want it to look nice," he marveled, while looking at the building seeing in his mind's eye a vision of post-renovation perfection. 

The owner of Royal Crepes was also outside on the sidewalk during the interview for this article, and enthusiastically interjected more detail: "The pizzas won't be like most Mediterranean around here. They will each be personal pies, and the meat for the toppings will be cut right in front of you. It's part of the experience." Personal, flat pizza pies of the freshest ingredients are the norm in Italy, and they are about to become an option in Beacon as well. Wine and beer will also be available. As of now, there are no plans for delivery.

Flavors from Tuscany? Yes, please. Congratulations to Rifo on the new addition.

This article is the first in our series covering businesses in Beacon who have opened second or more locations in Beacon. We are currently brainstorming names for this series. Got any? Submit ideas here in the Comments!

Clearwater gets Rockefeller Brothers Fund Grant for Estuary Education

Hudson River Sloop Clearwater was awarded a $15,000 grant from Rockefeller Brothers Fund to support Clearwater’s Estuary Education Initiative (EEI). This grant makes possible the new curriculum’s aim to teach thousands of children about the links between scientific research and environmental policy.

"Clearwater is pleased to accept Rockefeller Brothers Fund’s grant on behalf of the many students we serve," said Wren Longno, Clearwater's director of development. "As grassroots educators and storytellers, we are in a unique position to tell the story of how partners, including Rockefeller Brothers Fund, have worked together to create a sustainable Hudson Valley." 

Clearwater Board Chair Betsy Garthwaite said, “In 1968, Steven Rockefeller hosted one of the original gatherings to raise funds to build the Sloop Clearwater at the Rockefeller Farm Barn in Pocantico Hills. That history gives this award special meaning as we embark upon new ways of teaching the history of the Hudson River environmental movement, bringing the river to schools, and schools to the river.”  
 
Clearwater anticipates that by August 2019, this science curriculum will reach 50 educators, 5,000 students and 500 members of the public, and will be widely shared through professional development conferences and showcased prominently on the Clearwater website and social media.

About Hudson River Sloop Clearwater

Launched in 1969 by legendary folk singer and activist Pete Seeger, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater has been at the forefront of the environmental movement as champions of the Hudson River. To date, more than half a million people have experienced their first real look at an estuary’s ecosystem aboard the sloop Clearwater. Clearwater has become the grassroots model for producing positive changes to protect our planet. For more information, visit www.clearwater.org.

Rockefeller Brothers Fund

Founded in 1940, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund advances social change that contributes to a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. The Fund's grantmaking is organized in three thematic programs that support work in the United States and at the global level: Democratic Practice, Sustainable Development, and Peacebuilding; and in two pivotal place programs that address these themes in specific contexts: Southern China, and the Western Balkans. The Charles E. Culpeper Arts & Culture program, focused on New York, nurtures a vibrant and inclusive arts community in the Fund’s home city.

Beacon's Superintendent Speaks Out About Beacon, Resources, and Volunteerism

Beacon's Superintendent, Matthew Landahl, in an office selfie, as requested by ALBB for this article.

Back in the summer of 2017, when Matthew Landahl was moving to the Beacon City School District from his post as deputy superintendent for the Ithaca City School District, there was also a shift at the national level as the new Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, stepped into place. Locally in Beacon, change in the district had been happening quickly, with the resignation of one superintendent, followed by an interim superintendent, then the election of new Board of Education members, and The Big Search for Beacon's next superintendent.

Matthew Landahl (who asks to be called Matt) was vetted and hired. He promptly kicked off a Community Conversation tour to connect with the people of Beacon at different locations. At that time, we reached out to him to learn more about his suggestions for ways to stay up to date on the myriad of public school issues to know about. And then I had a baby, so most articles got promptly shifted out of order. We're ready to dive back into this one, offering a new opportunity to ask him about his experience now that he is several months into the job.

ALBB: What have you observed in the district and community so far?

ML: After being here a few months, a few things have been very evident here in Beacon. The community has a creative and entrepreneurial spirit which is incredible. We have lived in several places, and Beacon is unique in that regard. The community also has a strong "roll up your sleeves" ethic in regards to volunteering and making things happen, which I really admire. In the school district, I am honored to work every day with a group of teachers, administrators, and staff who take great pride in what they do and show a great amount of care for the young people in Beacon. Speaking of those young people, they are an amazing, diverse group.

ALBB: What are you actively working on?

ML: My work is primarily centered on the Board of Education's goals. They are available on our website but my abridged version is this:

• Increase academic offerings
• Provide 21st-century learning environments
• Build trust between district and community through communication
• To seek involvement, collaboration, and participation of the community in the learning process
• Creating a culture of awareness, equality, and safety

My focus is always on all five goals, but I have put a primary emphasis on Community Building and Communication. I have hosted six Community Conversations throughout Beacon, and attended organizational meetings and church services all with the intent of being visible, approachable, and to display an honest desire to hear all community members' thoughts and concerns regarding the district. I will keep that work up all year. 

We have worked hard to create more presence on social media through Facebook and Twitter. We now have a district Twitter account (@beaconcsd) along with having all sports teams tweeting from games along with our athletic department (@bcsdbulldogs). I try to document my travels through the district with my personal Twitter account (@mlandahl). I know we have a long way to go in regards to communication, but we have made some great first steps. Ultimately, the most important focus is our young people's experience in our schools. I will always be working in collaboration with staff and community to provide a more engaging, enriching, and empowering environment for everyone.

ALBB: What do you keep an eye on at the state and federal levels that you would encourage Beacon parents and community members to also follow?

ML: It is a very tumultuous time in education from a policy perspective at both the state and federal level and honestly, it has been that way for the past 15 years. The quickest thing I do to stay on top of policy issues and changes at the state and federal level is I follow several professional organizations on both Twitter and Facebook: the New York State School Boards Association (@NYSSBA), New York State Council of Superintendents (@NYSCOSS), New York State United Teachers (@NYSUT) and the School Administrators Association of New York State (@SAANYS).  

All of these organizations have people who closely follow state and federal policy and funding issues who report out to their constituents and to the public on social media. I like to follow all four organizations because they all have slightly different views on the policy and funding situation in New York. Twitter is a very powerful social media tool in the education world, and I follow over a thousand educators (along with all things Chicago Cubs) from all over the country and world who also give me a sense of how policy changes are impacting their local districts, schools, and classrooms.

Another great place to learn about policy and funding issues is the Beacon City School District Board of Education meetings. They are published on Youtube on the BCSDBOE channel. These meetings consistently have discussions about policy and funding at the state level and how it impacts our district.