VIDEO: Business Directory Feature: Stryker Plumbing - The Mystery Bathroom Leak To Kitchen Ceiling

There's been a slow-drain in ALBB's bathtub for a number of years. Manageable. But then it 100% clogged, and Brandon from Stryker Plumbing snaked it out. No chemicals would touch it. However. Not 5 minutes after that clog passed, did the toilet drain 100% into the kitchen below. And then the sink started leaking as well, intermittently. We are now on a project to find the leak, and assess how to fix it. Rip out the bathroom floor? Or come in through the beautiful kitchen ceiling.

Cameras, augers, snakes and crowbars have all been used so far in this investigation.

Find this plumber and other service businesses in A Little Beacon Blog's Business Directory.

List your business any time at any level depending on what kind of spotlights you want.

This plumbing situation is a developing story. To be continued...

The First Little Beacon Business Blog Squad Goals Mingle Is Complete!

Last week’s first Little Beacon Business Blog Squad Goals mingle is complete! Ignore the date that said 8/9. It was to be last month, and we postponed to August, only to be met with accidentally putting it on the same night as Beacon Hoops playoff games which one of our mini ALBBers was playing in. Fortunately, the rain came ☔️, and despite best efforts/desires to leaf blow the rain off the courts, Beacon Hoops rescheduled to this Sunday 🏀 and we stayed in Estilo Y Vino Wine Bar.

This mingle was for business members of ALBB (Things To Do In Beacon Guides and Business Directory), and non-profits are welcome to join at a discount rate! Everyone needs marketing and to support their local journalists and media outlets.

Joining the table was Kimberly Sevilla of HVAC company Shelter Air, therapist Kristen Verge , and Reuben Simmons of I Am Beacon. We avoided the dreaded question: “What do you do for fun?” because for business owners, working is usually 24/7, and sometimes IS fun. But this question prompted us to actually want to go line-dancing at Billy Joe’s across the river (would be nice if the ferry was reinstated to get there without car!). So the next Business Blog Squad Goals mingle might be there.

Kimberly, who is a firefighter in Cold Spring when not booking HVAC jobs, has also been racing in her sail boat on Summer Fridays. Kristen wants to do more collaging, so ALBB may also have a Vision Boarding party for possibly everyone. Need a creative space like That Creative Space to get messy in.

The wine at Estilo Y Vino was delicious as always. ALBB wanted the Chianti because of its promise of Violet Fragrance with a hint of Cherry Notes from Tuscany, Italy. Yes please. But the bottle was out and owner Elizabeth’s recommendation of another Italian suited just fine.

Watch ALBB’s new Event tab to see when our next mingle is. We will be at Estilo again!

Start your business membership any time!

Thursday 8/9/2026 is ALBB's First Business Meetup! "Squad Goals" At Estilo Y Vino Wine Bar

Thursday is ALBB’s first meetup for our Business advertisers! This is ALBB’s Business Blog Squad. A collection of therapists, roofers, restaurant owners, shop owners, and more. This is a chance for a time to get together to talk shop, share experiences, spark new ideas, and come away revived to keep going. Because as business owners, we push ourselves to push through. 👊🏼

Hosted by the generous Elizabeth Rodriguez, owner of the beautiful and intimate Estilo Y Vino Wine Bar at 173 Main Street. ALBB business Members enjoy 1 free glass of wine with 1 tapas order.

This is a great time to join ALBB’s Business Blog Squad and begin your advertising campaigns. We created several levels to work with different budgets and goals.

BRING A FRIEND
Bring your spouse, partner, favorite person, fellow staff member. Enjoy yourself and mingle with friends.

IDEATE!
Get down to business with other business owners who want to support you and mutually share in your success. Let’s discuss what’s working, what is not working, and how we can grow from there.

CELEBRATE
Your chance to share what you’re celebrating.

NAIL IT
Come away revived. Make new or renewed connections with others.

ALBB’s ADVERTISING PROGRAMS

There are several to pick from:

Things To Do In Beacon Guides:

Designed for businesses on Main Street. Get weekly features in ALBB’s Instagram and weekend Newsletter.
See Them Here >

Business Directory:

Designed for service-based businesses and the service extension of Main Street business (such as Catering or additional Beauty services).
Search This Here >

Branded Content:

Designed for businesses who want to control the narrative. Purchase one article or partner with ALBB for one article each month.

Learn about all advertising programs here in ALBB’s Media Kit. Advertising memberships can be started online via the link below. DM with questions or schedule a phonecall to explore.

"The Only Accessory A Girl Really Wants Is A Sword": Where To Learn How To Use The Sword In Beacon

In keeping with the matriarchal vibes that @sarahofmagdalene has been putting out (featuring @rosiejsargent @thatgirlfromavalon , this one about the sword resonated. You can take Sarah’s course on decentering patriarchal men (it’s virtual), *and* learn how to use the sword here in Beacon. With precision, accuracy and core strength.

Mountain Stream Budo Martial Arts offers a program in Battodo Iaido (swordsmanship) classes, which includes learning how to cut with a samurai sword! ALBB has tried it. Requires intense, rewarding focus. Available to ages Ages 13+, here is the class schedule:

Weekly Class Schedule
Tuesdays 7:30
Thursdays 7:15
Saturdays 1:00

Mountain Stream Budo also offers a self defense workshop. Pictured here is a Women’s Self Defense workshop that was put together earlier this year. If you have interest in a self defense workshop, or in the Battodo Iaido (swordsmanship) classes, email info@MountainStreamBudo.com for more information.

See also about a Trial Class! Where you can get all your martial arts questions answered, see the space, and the swords. Karate, jujitsu and weaponry classes are all offered. Beginners welcome! No experience necessary.

Located on Eliza Street (right off Main Street) next to Oui Oui and across from the Mobile gas station: 340 Main Street, Beacon, NY (entrance on Eliza Street)

Mountain Stream Budo is a Sponsor of ALBB’s Classes Guide and a Member of A Little Beacon’s Business Blog Squad. 🌟

To Nap Or To Fight: PrettyOnFridays and SarahOfMagdalene Explain

It’s been a minute and there is so much Beacon News to share with you. But a few client projects greenlit all at once, so ALBB has been submerged in setting them up and managing them to spin freely and prosperously while we get back to reporting. A few new followers/readers have come on board, so we wanted to kickstart this re-entry back into the timeline with a couple slides from @sarahofmagdalene, with the first one highlighting what @prettyonfridays said in response to the desire to fighting everyone and napping at the same time.

SarahofMagdaline has been cooking up there in Maine, brewing up matriarchy and her collections of thoughts in her IG. She’s got a new program going on for it, so visit her and buy her a pretend cup of coffee with your dollars or join her program.

Meanwhile, ALBB is finally settling into the weekend edition of the Things To Do In Beacon Guides, which means we get to circulate in Retail Therapy of all of our Business Blog Squad members to see what they are up to and what they are selling.

At this moment, the dimming of the day is setting in, which means that the intense last rays of sun is smothering us while lighting the shadows inside the home. The dimming of the day can be an emotionally triggering time, so it’s always best to take care during this hour if it affects you.

The 5’oclock sun can light up corners you hadn’t seen in some time, illuminating dust bunnies and cat hair that you didn’t realize were there. Maybe even kitchen grease glopping down the wall in a now solid stream.

Rather than devote time to wipe it all away, as satisfying as that may be, you might choose to take a nap. If you can afford it, maybe once a month or once a year, let someone else clean it for you, which could be @uac_hv, a professional cleaning service here in Beacon who would be happy to let you rest. Your choice if you want organic products, or if you crave the harsh aroma of bleach, Fantastic and ALBB’s favorite, Murphy’s Oil Soap. Just let UAC know which products you want them to use. Treat yourself if you’re able. Or treat someone else!

Speaking of houses, Maneri Roofing yard signs have been popping up throughout Beacon with new roof projects. Call them for yours. Owner Frank doesn’t have an Instagram, so let him know you saw it on ALBB.

And now, back to the pages.

Join ALBB’s Business Directory if you’d like your business woven into our editorial this way.

The Luminous Bride Has Moved! Around Corner From Lores Cafe, Inside Of Sullivan & Main

The Luminous Bride has moved! Once located down near the mountain and the old train tracks, this makeup studio has relocated to 249 Main Street Unit 105, sharing the space with Sullivan & Main Salon next to Lores Cafe in what is becoming a beauty enclave, with Vivash Aesthetics around the corner. This spot is opposite the Dutchess County DMV Parking Lot, so plenty of free municipal parking is available.

The Luminous Bride honors the uniqueness and individuality of all of their clients. Offering makeup for Weddings, Special Occasions and Beauty Pop Ups. Owner and Luxury Editorial Bridal Beauty Artist Jules Waldkoetter knows her clientele so well, she also offers Trials for makeup visions to see how the blended colors and lines fit.

With over a decade of experience and a reputation for elevated, on-location bridal beauty, Jules has built a trusted brand known for refined artistry, a calming client experience, and a highly curated team of professionals. The new studio marks an exciting evolution for the business—offering clients a dedicated, thoughtfully designed space for bridal trials, beauty services, and creative collaboration.

“This new studio is a meaningful next step for me,” says Jules. “It allows me to bring my clients into a space that reflects the experience I aim to create — one that feels elevated, welcoming, and personal.”

Located inside Sullivan and Main Salon, a growing hub for modern beauty in Beacon, the studio reflects Jules’ signature aesthetic: a balance of soft luxury, warmth, and editorial-inspired design. The space has been intentionally created to provide a serene, elevated environment where clients can feel both relaxed and confident during their beauty experience.

While continuing to serve a high volume of weddings throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond, the studio will function as a home base for trials, team education, and brand growth.

Jules and her team specialize in editorial-leaning luxury bridal beauty services, offering both in-studio and on-location experiences for weddings and events.

For more information, inquiries, or bookings, please visit www.theluminousbride.com or follow along on Instagram at @theluminousbride. The Luminous Bride can be found in ALBB’s Beauty Guide and is a member of the Business Directory.

Beauty Guide Update: Sullivan & Main Moves to Middle Main Street Around Corner From Lore’s Cafe

Sullivan & Main, the hair salon from Ryan Sullivan, has moved from the east end of town to the middle of Main Street, located around the corner from Lore’s Cafe, the destination for the Beacon-famous Dubai croissant.

Ryan became known for her signature vibrant coloring, and has cut hair since 1999. “I 1,0000% love what I do!” she says on her website. After being diagnosed with breast cancer pre-Covid, Ryan became even more committed to a “healthy, environmentally responsible, and safe salon.”

She carries the Arete products and hair color, which are cruelty-free, (mostly) gluten-free, and in post-consumer plastic. The color line is PPD, which is ammonia-free. Holistic Hair Tribe is also carried there to bring you a choice of organic, sustainable, and fair-trade non-toxic products.

“I’m so grateful to be cancer-free and be able to share this space, these products, and spend time making people feel beautiful on the outside as well as healthy on the inside!”

To reach the salon, follow the black Sullivan and Main sign hanging near the Lore’s Cafe sign, and turn the corner down the sidewalk path. There, you will see another little sign for the salon. This is a by-appointment only salon. Book appointments on Sullivan & Main’s website.

Shelter Air Recognized With Excellence Award From The Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce

Kimberly Sevilla, owner and creator of Shelter Air, a woman-owned HVAC company in the Hudson Valley, was recognized with the “Service Excellence Award” from the Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce at the Boscobell House. “I have watched Kimberly grow this business since before she started it,” said Katie of A Little Beacon Blog, who was a guest at the ceremony, “so I know how committed Kimberly is to air quality in everyone’s home and business, no matter how old or new the systems are.

This video includes Kimberly’s acceptance speech, as well as her telling about a piece of Hudson Valley History on Constitution Marsh located below and behind the Boscobell House. Kimberly is a member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). Also please note her FABULOUS windblown hair. women came up to compliment her on it after this video.

“This morning was really special,” Kimberly said in her acceptance speech. “I was honored to receive the Service Excellence Award from the Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Shelter Air. When I started this company, I wanted to build something different. A company that treats people with respect, takes the time to educate customers, and focuses on comfort, health, and doing the job the right way.”

She continued: “Thank you to our customers, community, friends, and everyone who has supported Shelter Air along the way. It means more than you know.”

Kimberly is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog in the Business Directory. She wanted to be sure to include the businesses catering the event, and her fellow winners:

Catering: @rowseelee
Flowers: @wilbir_flowers
Other Winners: Marbled Meat Shop, Buster Levi Gallery, New York Presbyterian, Jacqueline Azria, Paulette, Cold Spring Thrift Alliance with Dar Williams

Shelter Air Awarded for "Service Excellence" By Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce

Shelter Air was started by a mother who had been working in the HVAC industry for years prior, preparing for the day of opening her own HVAC company to service people’s heating and cooling needs. Owner Kimberly Sevilla will be awarded by the Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce for “Service Excellence” on Tuesday.

The honor is a deserved one, as her commitment is to improving people’s air quality no matter how old or new their heating and cooling units are. In an industry that is dominated right now by hedge funds buying locally owned HVAC companies, Shelter Air is woman and locally owned. Serving Beacon and Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Westchester Counties.

Call or text for questions and quotes: 914-928-2313

Shelter Air is a Sponsor of ALBB’s Business Directory and a Member of A Little Beacon’s Business Blog Squad.

VIDEO: Field Trip To Mountain Stream Budo To Kick The Bag

A few weeks ago, Katie went into Mountain Stream Budo for an intro to swordsmanship. After that session, she really wanted to kick the bag. Indeed!

Noah shows Katie how to roundhouse kick the bag for the first time, in what was a satisfying session consisting of many attempts to get the right form. As with any movement art, positioning of the hips is key but tricky to get! Consistent practice will result in a solid kick soon.

Enroll today in Mountain Stream Budo’s karate program or in any of the other arts offered at the school! Choose from karate, kobudo (weapons art), jujitsu, and iaido (swordsmanship).

Contact them today for more information:
(845) 526-BUDO
info@MountainStreamBudo.com

Located next to the newly opened Oui Oui HV and across the street from Beacon Mercantile Coffee.! For dual movement, they are right next to Reform Pilates.

Mountain Stream Budo is a Member of A Little Beacon Blog’s Business Blog Squad 🥋

VIDEO: Shelter Air Is Keeping Slippers Warm Through Radiator and Boiler Maitenance (Member)

Spring is coming, promise. But in the meantime, heaters are on as we hunker in. Shelter Air services all types of heating systems. From old boilers still kicking in the basement, to oil-based heat constantly getting filled back up, to newer systems with smart-elements to them. Shelter Air’s priority is your comfort and stability. Call them today for HVAC (heating/cooling) service needs.

Shelter Air is an independent, locally and woman-owned HVAC services company.

Shelter Air is a Member of A Little Beacon Blog’s Business Blog Squad 🐙

ALBB Goes Into Hyper Focus Mode To Fine-Tune Branding; From Baby Blocks to Chickens to Fonts

The time has come to tweak the logo again at A Little Beacon Blog. As ALBB publishes harder news stories and communicates with Communication Directors and Crisis Manager PR firms hired by companies we may write articles about, ALBB needed to make sure the logo is locked in to handle the responses from readers, companies and municipalities.

While maintaining the friendly, fresh air feel ALBB is known for. Might debate the word “friendly,” since people who don’t like certain articles will turn around that word to demand ALBB be more “nice.” Since ALBB has picked up the nickname La Diabla Blanca after this article, we’ll stick with “breath of fresh air.”

Plus, people request ALBB’s Media Kit. Which is a respectable and professional thing to do. We’ve just always had advertising pricing on the Media Kit web page. But people want it in a PDF. Like a book. Therefore. This has resulted in a pause in writing in order for visual thinking to take over and get this done.

Hyper Focus Mode Activated

Some who know me (Katie) behind the scenes know that I have been working on this Media Kit for years and years. There is a weird mental block to finishing it. “Hyper Focus Mode” means that everything else pauses. All article writing stops (except for emergencies, like snow plowing or water main breaks). Blaze Gomez over at News 12 has it covered in the ICE facility in Chester, NY, so we will run a catch-up article on the nonsense in Chester, NY (Orange County) that has been transpiring there.

It is very frustrating to not write the articles, because you want The Beacon News. And so do we. Additionally, ALBB clients want their ideas for advertising messages delivered to you in a way that you love and value. Bouncing around creative corners of my mind is my specialty. It is a trait I have embraced as a gift. To pour into everyone. Other people’s success does bring me such joy.

But the time has come to fill my own cup. To secure my own self financially. And that begins in branding.

Therefore…To Instagram! “Readers: What Do You Think!?”

I took it to Instagram. Uploading a video of WIP (Work In Progress) is instantaneous at Instagram. First thoughts go there sometimes.

First step was to address the cursive in the logo. I love cursive. I write in cursive. Cursive is a dying script in this country, leaving it unreadable to many. I find this a benefit. If I write in cursive, it can be my secret language.

The logo currently uses the font called Very Berry. Which is very “cutesy". While A Little Beacon Blog’s logo originated in extreme cutesy, it graduated to be primarily black, via use of a chalkboard black, to sync with chalkboard signs out on the sidewalks that businesses use. More of a sophisticated look.

In the present time, I am keeping this base of black. And the name. But I took to change the font. Which generated some reader response (scroll down):

One longtime reader, after seeing the above video at Instagram, wrote in moments later to cling to the original font. “There will be chaos!!” they said. “Why fix what ain’t broke?”

Point taken. But is it working? Are the logo and fonts working? Now that we are swimming with more sharks? Now that a newspaper (Times Union) actually refused to publish (and deleted!) the article about how some anonymous letter writer targeted 20+ businesses in Beacon, demanding they protest A Little Beacon Blog after we started covering Palestine?

(If you didn’t know about this, no worries…I didn’t publish it…I was too afraid of too many things to publish it…but this article will be published soon…)

The main takeaway from the reader’s warning of the font change was…Wow. The readers do care, and do feel that A Little Beacon Blog’s brand identity is part of their own. This is a heart-moving moment.

A Little Beacon Blog’s Original Logo Circa 2011 - Baby Blocks and Chickens

To ease the fear of the transition, I realized it is time to remind current readers of A Little Beacon Blog’s original logo. Only my mother may remember this logo, and when I wanted to change it, believe me, she lamented the change. This is back when A Little Beacon Blog was based in Blogger, which was Google’s free blog platform. When I changed the logo, I also changed the platform to Squarespace. We ported the content from Blogger to Squarespace and continued on.

The original logo was inspired by the blocks of art down by the Beacon train station that welcomed people leaving the train station. I was mildly obsessed with the letter blocks at the time.

A Little Beacon Blog took inspiration from those art blocks, to create baby blocks (pictured below). I had just had my first baby. Baby Brain was in full swing, and I was surrounded by gorgeously illustrated baby books.

The letter blocks sat on undeveloped property owned by a friend of then Councilperson George Mansfield. Through that arrangement, an art installation of the blocks was created. But when the developer was ready to build what is now the townhouse apartments on that land, the art blocks were removed.

As you can see from the video below of the original logo, the font was quite sophisticated. A sharp serif for the letters in the blocks, and a grown-up script that you might find on a fancy menu for the letters outside of the blocks.

I reassured the reader that I was not changing the name, but was tweaking the font.

“The font must be legible.”

True. True. However. People have taken A Little Beacon Blog to be their own. They have abbreviated it. Some called it “Little Beacon Blog” or “LBB.” This is an acronym I never imagined. People for years have been calling it “The Beacon Blog.” Which is an amazing honor, because how can we be The One!

One reader said, when the tipping point just began several years ago: “I guess you won’t be so little anymore.” I took that to heart, because while A Little Beacon Blog might and does grow, my fascination with little details that lead into big things remains.

Therefore, a question: does the word “little” have significance here? Would people miss it if the word “little” was omitted? I mean. I go back and forth on this. I love the word “little” in here. But. It does undermine the blog. I invites people to beat it up. On the other hand, that can serve advantageous as people underestimate it.

Therefore. The name will not change.

However, part of the name may hide in the cursive font for those of us who know what it says.

Another longtime ALBB reader responded to this video and wrote in: “I don’t remember this logo.” The reader is a formerly quoted reader who’s blog name is Citizen Cowboy. “Were there always chickens?”

Yes. There were always chickens in ALBB’s logo. There were always chickens because upon first moving here, when looking at houses, roosters could be heard in the distance. “People have backyard chickens,” the realtor said upon entering one of the houses for sale as a rooster crowed in the distance.

Backyard chickens seemed neat. I currently still get farm fresh eggs from someone who became a website and advertising client years after I first met her. So the chickens stay in the logo.

“The letter blocks look like your house,” Citizen Cowboy continued.

“It’s true,” I replied. “I painted my first baby’s room the robins egg blue with the brown scallops. I was putting scallops on everything.”

So that’s it. That’s the Origin Story of A Little Beacon Blog’s logo evolution.

What is super new in this logo is the addition of the green highway sign that is a nod to the Old Exit 11. Still pondering if that fits or not.

Onward to the tweaking of other elements of it.

VIDEO: Interview With New Martial Arts Studio Owner, Noah Mitchell Of Moutain Stream Budo

ALBB has had the pleasure of getting to know Noah Mitchell, owner of the new Martial Arts school in Beacon: Mountain Stream Budo. After months of passing by his studio, imagining what it was like inside and who the owner might be, actually getting to meet Noah has been a completely different experience. Nothing like how he was imagined to be!

Full of supportive energy, Noah has devoted his life to full-time martial arts instruction; however, before that, he built a career in film production for 16 years after having graduated from film school at NYU.

As a hobby, Noah is an avid book collector. He has been collecting modern first and limited edition books since he was a teenager. Featured in the Washington Post, Noah has a community of followers in the book collecting world. He was recently featured in a YouTube interview for his Stephen King collection.

In this interview, we learn about Noah’s background as well as his martial arts school, which offers classes for kids and adults, that has recently opened in Beacon on Eliza Street just off Main Street. After establishing himself in Putnam Valley for 20 years, he uprooted his business in order to be closer to his home in Fishkill.

Noah walks us through MSB’s offerings of traditional Okinawan karate and kobudo (a martial art consisting of Okinawan weapons), Japanese jujitsu and iaido (an art that consists of drawing and cutting with the Japanese Samurai sword). Students can choose to train in any one of these arts or in any combination of them.

Noah takes us to the kobudo area to see the weapons, and then we go back to the bag to envision kicks and falling on landing pads.

No experience is necessary to start these classes; Noah is ready to train with you or those you care for regardless of age or fitness level. Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome!

More class details and age breakdowns are available here: www.MountainStreamBudo.com

HVAC Company Shelter Air Launches Guerilla-Style André the Giant Sticker Art

Example of an Andre the Giant themed sticker art campaign in Beacon, on poles and pipes around town. Now there is another one - with an octopus from HVAC company Shelter Air.

Shelter Air, the HVAC heating and cooling company from Garrison with their headquarters in Beacon above the Beacon Creamery at 134 Main Street, servicing Dutchess, Orange and Westchester Counties, has launched an André the Giant themed sticker art campaign. You’ve seen similar art in Beacon on pipes and poles (ideally not on City-owned or citizen-owned property). Now there is a new local bootlegged edition.

A long-time vision for founder Kimberly Sevilla, owner of the woman and independently owned HVAC company, the stickers are of the Shelter Air mascot and logo, the octopus. “I chose an octopus that shows people we are different,” Kimberly told Shelter Air’s newsletter subscribers. “Partly because I love how they look, but also as a nod to the old octopus furnaces that heated homes for decades. Eight arms reaching out to every room.” Kimberly’s husband, Enrique, a graphic designer, brought the logo to life with his design work.

A Little Beacon Blog sat down with Kimberly at Estilo Y Vino in Beacon to learn more about this inky design, which can now be seen on the I-84 exit ramp, a right of passage for businesses and expressionists.

What inspired you to use André the Giant as inspiration?

"I was deeply influenced by the early fanzine art of the 90s and watching Shepard Fairey's evolution in New York - seeing his work appear on walls and watching his artistic progression in real-time. In today's AI and computer-dominated age, I believe art with a human touch matters more than ever. There's something powerful about hand-made, tactile work that connects with people differently. I'm actually working toward creating a roller print for next year's steam roller event - it's a personal goal that embodies this commitment to physical, hands-on artmaking."

Why are signs important to you?

"Signs are visual anchors in our daily lives. They're woven into the fabric of a town - they shape what we see, how we navigate, and ultimately become part of our collective visual memory. I'm obsessed with the hand-painted signage of New York - there's an authenticity and craftsmanship in those signs that speaks to a different era of commerce and community. I'm actually putting this belief into practice by commissioning a hand-painted sign for our Shelter Air building on Main Street. In an age of vinyl wraps and digital printing, these hand-painted signs aren't just functional; they're cultural artifacts that tell the story of a place and the people who care about it."

Why is guerrilla marketing important to you?

The octopus sticker on the I-84 ramp.

"Guerrilla marketing requires heart and soul - it's something VC-backed companies struggle to replicate authentically. You can't just throw money at it; it demands creativity, personal investment, and genuine connection to your community. The cost is relatively low, but the challenge is high - it's far more engaging than simply paying for print ads. Plus, it's fun. There's an energy and immediacy to it that traditional marketing can't match."

Why is Beacon important to you?

"Beacon has an energy that reminds me of the East Village and Soho in their heyday, or early Williamsburg before gentrification took hold. It also reminds me of smaller cities where I've lived, like Frederick, Maryland, before urban sprawl took over. There's still space here for people to create and experiment - small independent shops, restaurants, artists' studios.

Octopus sticker on a computer inside the office of Shelter Air, above the Beacon Creamery.

“I love how fiercely Beacon protects small business - there are no malls or shopping centers here. It's a real city with real history - there's a rhythm and heartbeat to this place. I love how diverse Beacon is, both racially and economically. It's important for us to get to know people with views other than our own and share common ground - literally.

Spirit of Beacon and the festivals by the river are incredible ways to connect with the community, and the Friday dinners that Fairground is hosting bring people together in meaningful ways. I volunteer at Beacon's Backyard and I'm a member of the Sloop Club. I'm also a member of the DAR - Daughters of the American Revolution - and we hold our meetings at Madam Brett House, which is the oldest house in Dutchess County.

“There are deep, deep roots here. There's something deeply meaningful about volunteering for and showing up for people you see on the street every day. It creates a web of connection that's far more valuable than any midnight run to the city. There's some really cool stuff happening here - it's a place where community isn't just a buzzword, it's lived experience."

How many employees do you have, and what's their background?

"We have five employees on staff and we're growing rapidly. What's interesting is that all of them previously worked for private equity-owned firms where they experienced impersonal management styles that left them feeling disconnected. They've found something different here at Shelter Air - a more human approach to both the work and the workplace culture."

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Shelter Air is a Member Sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. Learn more about Shelter Air at their website and in A Little Beacon Blog’s Business Directory.

Beacon's Chase Bank Branch On Main Street Is Closing On December 10, 2025

Following a trend in Beacon, another large building will be empty as new residential/commercial buildings are being built: the Chase Bank at 404 Main Street will close on December 10th, 2025, according to a letter sent in the snail mail to Chase Bank customers and people who have visited the branch.

The letter encourages those who bank with Chase to visit their Fishkill, NY location at 15 Merritt Blvd. Some employees of the Beacon location will continue serving customers in the Fishkill location. Chase has announced closures all over the country as recently as July 2025.

A few blocks west, the Rite Aid that closed during its second round of bankruptcy remains without a new tenant, as big-box pharmacies are closing locations. Walgreens announced earlier this year that it is closing locations in what it calls “Footprint Optimization Program” - a program to reduce footprints into its stores across the country.

Newsweek reported: “In October, the company [Walgreens] said it would be closing about 1,200 stores over the next three years, including 500 in the current fiscal year that ends on August 31.

Declining sales of non-pharmacy items due to online delivery shopping contributed to Walgreens’ revenue loss. “In October 2024, Walgreens announced that it would be closing 1,200 stores over the next three years after reporting a net loss of $3 billion in its fourth quarter,” Newsweek reported. “This compared to a net loss of $180 million the year prior and primarily reflected charges relating to opioid lawsuits from previous years.”

Opioid lawsuits by individuals and municipalities seemed to have drained the pharmacy industry.

Two of Beacon’s original firehouses have been for sale, with one that went into contract in July 25, 2025: Mase Hook and Ladder at 425 Main Street, nearly across the street from Chase Bank. Around the corner on East Main Street, the historic firehouse Beacon Engine Company No 1. Firehouse remains for sale after the City of Beacon evicted the retired volunteer firefighters who used it as their community center, and is being presented as a historic Victorian property, as it was added to the National Registrar of Historic Places in 2004.

As the people of Beacon lose their patience with the unaffordable real estate situation in Beacon, ALBB Readers Reactions have included: 
Randy Casale
"A drug store should be there and use the drive through also."

Jay Nicholas
"To make way for an artisanal toothpick shop."

Chris Troy
"Nice building… be a shame if someone didn’t put a coffee shop inside it."

Michael Vierra
"Maybe Tacos or Coffee?...WE NEED MORE TACOS & COFFEE!"