Power ALBB's Newsroom! How To Support Our Independant Journalism; What Readers Are Saying

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Your way to support hyper local journalism with your dollar(s).
ALBB will forever be free to read and access. No pop-up ads. No Google ads.

If you can’t spend,
please support our sponsors and tell them you heard about them at A Little Beacon Blog.

Forever important to ALBB is informing you, the reader, community, and outside the community who also love Beacon in an easy and accessible way. A website producer for 20 years, Katie majored in Communications in Media Studies, and one class shy of a minor in Creative Writing from the College of Charleston (SC). Her favorite class was Ethics in Communication.

The dream was to to work in magazines, but there wasn’t enough money in that to afford her NYC apartment. So she worked for a national nonprofit specializing in evidence-based maternity care, where she designed and managed their website and donor database. Taking fashion drawing classes at night at FIT, she also began blogging. Blending visual and written storytelling was always a match for her.

Katie started blogging before Google went public, on their platform Blogger. She even helped the nonprofit install a Google Search Server onto their very large and resourceful content website. That’s why you find ALBB everywhere in Google. She knows how to weave her creative writing with SEO and website analytics. It’s a special combination of an art.

We accept $5, and $1,000, and everywhere in between and above. We already have some $5 monthly supporters, and honestly, those contributors mean so much to us because they wanted to commit just that much - anything - to powering the information they are reading. And now watching, now that we have brought video into the mix.

There are two ways to give:

SINGLE AMOUNT

Give any amount, any time.

Drop Us $5 Or More!

RECURRING GIVING

Pick which monthly levels fits you:

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  • $25/mo Bloodhound

  • $50/mo Super Reader

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  • $1,000/mo Philanthropist Reader

Set Up Monthly Giving

Thank you for powering independent, local media!

Share this with a friend who loves supporting the arts and journalism.

Link to give: www.alittlebeaconblog.com/reader-support

Birthday Gift Wish During Permit Driving Session TO School

What In The AI Sidewalk Sign? A Real Back Patio at Royal Crêpes Featuring Turkish Coffee In The Copper Pot, Crepes, and Eastern European Groceries

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What in the AI sidewalk sign? Their bold newly designed sign is catching eyes for their beautiful, real, back patio at Royal Crêpes & European Market! That’s their real patio and furniture, not imaginary ones. .

Everything in the photo is real. That copper Turkish coffee pot is real from inside of Royal Crêpes, as is that chocolate crepe. The owner is Albanian from Kosovo, and the food is Eastern Europe Balkan.

UPDATE: After this article published, the designer of the sign, SingleandHungryClub chimed in to let ALBB readers know that he designed the sign: “I made the sign. It’s not AI. It’s from an actual photo. I then overlayed typography, logo, etc.” #MadeInBeaconNY.

The European Market tucked away inside offers groceries from Coatia, Macedonia, Albania, Serbia and Bulgaria. Find chocolate Turkish Delight, Mocca, Napolitanke, Stixishot, Kreker pepper sauces for dipping or spreads, strawberry jam, olives, and other goodies.

Drinks include refreshing San Pellegrino in Aranciata, Ciliegia & Limone, and other flavors. Open the fridge to grab feta, goat cheese, and bread sausages.

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

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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.

VIDEO: Noah Of Mountain Stream Budo Answers Wuthering Heights Book Question, But Not Before Finishing Kobudo Moves

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Books came out for last week’s rainy day weekend, as did plans for class and new routine signups (see A Little Beacon Blog’s Classes Guide for ideas). As ALBB finishes Wuthering Heights (can only get through a page a night before falling asleep), the old delicate pages from this 1972 paperback fall out. Katie wondered whether this old copy was worth anything. So she headed over to Noah at Mountain Stream Budo, who, in addition to owning the martial arts studio, is a collector of rare first and limited edition books.

Upon stopping in, we got to see Noah performing a kobudo routine, using one of that art’s weapons. Check this out!

Traditional Okinawan weaponry that Noah arranged in a photo spread. These are used in their Kobudo classes. A Free Trial Class is available for anyone to try.

Find out what Mountain Stream Budo’s kobudo program entails here. And if you need a new copy of Wuthering Heights, or any book, visit Binnacle Books or other independent bookstores from ALBB’s Shopping Guide.

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

Located at 340 Main Street, Beacon, NY
(entrance on Eliza Street)

VIDEO: Juneteenth 2026 Lineup In Beacon Has Dropped - What To Expect

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🎉🗓️🐦‍🔥The Juneteenth in Beacon lineup as dropped. ALBB published a Sneak Peek video on our Instagram before heading to Sun River Health for a kid’s dental appointment (you know we love Beacon Dental too, but Medicaid is available at Sun River until we can fit Delta Dental Insurance back in the budget).

Look for appearances from Bosco and the Storm - who is the brainchild behind this event. The Marching Cobras of New York will be there, with DJ King Cyrus spinning. Maya Moore will preform. Listen for the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice And Sing” to be sung and arrive on time so that you don’t miss it.

For food, look for mozzarella sticks and steak sandwiches from the Number Seven Sandwich Hub food truck, Pats Kitchen and others.

Shopping from Brown Girlz Crafts, Crowned Natural Haircare, Jades Collection, Allor Romance, Shopping Reveal, Four Winds Crafts and others.

Non-profits like LesSouers Amiable Civic Club, Beacons Backyard Kitchen, and Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail will be there.

ALBB will be there too! With our face painting table. This year, we are trying something new: offering Sponsor Opportunities for readers and businesses to buy the kids’ face painting sessions so that parents can have for free. Link and levels will drop here shortly.

VENDOR LIST:
Browngirlz Crafts
Team Hart at Epique Realty
Corky Chev CreaTions
LesSouers Amiable Civic Club
The Potluck @thepotluck845
Kandles-n-Things /Ellen’s Unique Boutique
Evie Eats @evie_eats
Four Winds Crafts
Snack Shack
Kappa Eta Eta Chapter Inc.
Rise Up Project
Self-Care JS
Allor Romance
Desmond Fish Library
Shopping Reveal
Number Seven Sandwich Hub
Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail
AbuBashir Oils
Sun River Health
Jades Collections
A Little Beacon Blog Face Painting
Howland Beacon Library
Behind THe Chair Ministries
Crowned Natural Haircare
Pat’s Kitchen Corp
5HeartProducts
Backies All Natural
Just a Taste Foods
Big Apple Concessions
Fable and Sow
Beacon Backyard
Craftsman’s Serious Soulfood
Sips on The Hudson
American Red Cross
River Pool
Incredible Creations
Weichert Realtors The Spiesman Group
Cafe Verde

Performers:
Maya Moore
Bosco and The Storm
Jayda Woodall
LBC
Tommie Stephens
Marching Cobras
D.J. Cyrus

Why Does Ziatün Have A "Protect Doctors" Sign In Their Window?

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Why does Ziatün have the “Protect Doctors” sign in their window? Because Ziatün is a Palestinian-owned eatery that highlights systematic murders of Palestinians and now Lebanon by Israel in the “Greater Israel” vision, which is to exterminate others in a Zionist quest for dominance. Currently in Lebanon, doctors and paramedics are being targeted while they rush to help people. If you didn’t see it live, as many of us did in January 2024, you’ll see it in the Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix backed film, “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” where the little Palestinian girl Hind’s family was murdered in her car as she was on a 911 call, and then the paramedics who came to save them were also shot multiple times by Israeli IDF and died.

LEBANON
“One month into the latest intensification of strikes on Lebanon, Israel has killed 53 medical workers, destroyed 87 ambulances or medical centres, and forced the closure of five hospitals, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health.”
- Al Jazeera “How Israel is destroying healthcare infrastructure in southern Lebanon”

PALESTINE
“During the war, Israeli forces killed 1,722 healthcare workers in Gaza, approximately 2 health workers per day. Photos of Palestinian healthcare workers killed in the Gaza war, 25 November 2023. On 8 October, 2023, Israel killed 6 health workers while attacking health facilities and ambulances. On 15 October 2023, a total of 28 health workers had been killed and 30 recorded incidents of violence against health facilities, ambulances, and health workers since the Israeli bombing began. By November 16, 2023 it was reported that more than 200 health care workers had been killed, with some killed at hospitals, in ambulances, or at the sight of bombings, while others killed at home. On 18 January 2024, Israel struck a building which was housing Medical Aid for Palestinians staff and their family members, causing several injuries.”
- Wikipedia


Beacon's First Cigar Lounge - Cigar On Main - Opens New Location In Middle Of Main Street

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Cigar lounges are popular down south, but they are certainly up north too. This interview with Cigar on Main owner Edward Delacruz happened in the winter just before their Grand Opening after they moved from the east end of town to the middle of Main Street near Hudson Valley Food Hall. Their indoor mural by Murals By Mare is now complete! The beams are original to the building, and the casual vibes are high.

The first floor is the paraphernalia which includes hookah accessories, torches, cigar accessories like lighters and cutters.

The Humidor Room is larger now, kept at 65-72% humidity at all times caring for 310 different cigars. The room is organized into sections. Flavored Cigars are kept away from the others so that they don’t spill into other cigar blends. Then there is a section for Mild Cigars, Exclusive Cigars, Medium Cigars, and then Bold and Maduro Cigars. Different profiles for different smokers.

Upstairs is the lounge which has two rooms - the private room and the larger room with 6 TVs and gaming boards (chess, pool, etc.). Forty five chairs are upstairs and two huge “smoke eaters.” They suck in all the smoke, clean it out, and bring fresh air into the room.

Memberships are available - with lockers! People can smoke in the lounge, drink in the lounge - it’s bring your own bottle. AND store it in a locker if you have the membership. Anyone can come in to smoke (with a minimum spend in the store of $20). You could bring a bottle of anything, with your glass, accessories, etc. “A home away from home,” Edward says.

People can rent out both rooms. The Private room seats 12 people. Good for birthday parties, meetings, or just a friend group hang. Comes with your own fridge that can be filled with your rental. The private room has its own smoke eater and TV.

The hours are different now from this interview - it’s 10am-1am now. Enjoy!

Subscribe to ALBB’s Free Newsletter: 💌
https://mailchi.mp/alittlebeaconblog/newsletter-signup

Vintage 2023 Andramada and Her Drag Show At Beacon's Hudson Valley Food Hall

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I first met the famed and elusive-to-me Andramada on a Friday evening in February 2023 during her drag show at the Hudson Valley Food Hall. I’d heard about the show for what felt like ages, but never went. I’m intimidated by most things.

But on this particular Friday evening, I was ready to explore. Almost every Friday night at 9pm, the lights at the Food Hall go down, the spotlight comes on, and some burners stay lit behind the chef’s stalls.

Before the local show begins, to warm everybody up, there is a viewing party of RuPaul’s Drag Race at the Roosevelt Bar, where the bar tenders are pouring.

Andramada, when she is in drag, and Ian when the wig is off and he is in street clothes (pronouns reflect situation), started this drag show in New Paltz. Since moving to Beacon, beginning at Happy Valley and now at Hudson Valley Food Hall, it has taken off, attracting performers and audience members from all over the country, let alone New York.

Below are videos of some of the performers, including Andramada’s own encore at the end. Stay tuned for an upcoming podcast episode recorded in 2026 with A Little Beacon’s new podcast, Brunch With Tea. In that episode, we explore Andramada’s evolution with her parents, Cynthia and DJ Zeno, who are there at every show. We are so excited to share everything and everyone with you.

Andramada and her parents, Cynthia and DJ Zeno. Cynthia is a hair stylist and taught Andramada how to style her wigs. Andramada’s dad, DJ Zeno, is the DJ each night.

Andramada’s Dad, DJ Zeno, with Mirella (formerly Manriah) supporting.

CareFull MD Donates Tampons and Pads To High School For Free Use By Students

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Recognizing the ever-present need for period products, CareFull MD, the walk-in urgent care in Beacon at 252 Main Street (next to Key Food), has donated tampons and pads to the Beacon High School students via the Beacon High School PTSO.

“We understand the need for kids to have period products available to them them at all times, despite personal budgets, remembering to pack ahead or unexpected arrivals of the cycle. That is why we at CareFull MD donated these products to the high school, to help make sure these supplies are available to students for free,” said CareFull MD.

Said Principal Corey Dwyer Ed. D. in a thank you note: “On behalf of Beacon High School, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your generous donation of feminine hygiene products to our school community. Your kindness makes a real difference in the lives of our students. Access to these essential items helps ensure that every student can attend school comfortably and confidently. You support reflects a commitment to the well-being of the young people in our community, and we are truly grateful.”

Celebration of Addison Goodson; His Poetry and Soccer; Inside Nilfur's Home Kitchen

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Addison’s family and Nilfur bottom right.

Tonight Thursday was the Celebration of Addison Goodson, where many who knew him well and knew him a little came to pay their respects and visit. Many helping hands gathered around his wife Nilfur in her Home Kitchen, which will reopen after she has sorted everything that comes with passing life - the bills and the grief. The go fund me to help her bereavement is here: https://gofund.me/3c2664d86

Small business owners don’t have bereavement payment policies, or usually maternity leave or paternity leave. We are out here on our own. No government law could make us pay us with money that we don’t have. Be sure to book Nilfur for catering when she returns, and tell all your friends to come to her restaurant for her delicious and fresh Turkish food (the hummus was perfect, so light and smooth). The tea cups so colorful and waiting to be sipped from.

“Standing room only” noted one guest, Parisa Karami.

Addison’s Eulogy was spoken, and his poetry published in a pamphlet. Photos of his poems are here in this article. Little known fact to ALBB was that he played soccer on Saturday mornings with that crew at Memorial Park. His position? “Near the goal. He’d be down there and if the ball came close, he would kick it in. None of us really have positions. We just play,” said one fellow neighbor and soccer player to ALBB.

Not everyone knew Addison was struggling with such a fatal condition. Serves as a reminder to the rest of us with those who are still here, to stay close. xo

Be sure to read Addison’s poem, HOME, among his others.

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Addison Goodson Has Passed; Advocate and Husband To Nilfur's Home Kitchen

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Addison Goodson has passed away, according to his wife Nilfur Goodson, and according to himself in his own video posted in Nilfur’s Home Kitchen’s Instagram. Addison and Nilfur Goodson owned and operated the eatery which serves Turkish breakfast and more. At Christmas time, a Black Santa statue would stand outside to welcome everyone inside.

“He was truly my soul mate. He was always kind and thoughtful. I am going to miss him every minute of my life. He was a different soul. He was thinking everybody but himself. He was tooo tired all he had been through. I believe he is in peace. God bless him with my whole heart.”
— Nilfur Goodson

“We lost my beloved husband, Addison, passed away early this morning. This is to inform those who loved him,” wrote Nilfur on the restaurant’s Instagram page. She also wrote a note on the door of the shop, saying: “Due to the loss of my dearest husband, Nilfur’s Home Kitchen is closed until further notice.”

Addison was a known and visible community member in the City of Beacon. He could be seen walking the streets, attending City Council Meetings advocating for affordable housing, attending marches for Palestinian liberation, among other causes he believed in. He often gave those around him encouraging words of support to continue their work.

In his own video published the following morning by Nilfur, Addison said: “Like in the movies, if you’re watching this, I’m probably dead. But, I like my point of view here. If I got to go, I got to go in a warm place of love. And I’m very grateful to my wife, the Wonderfulest.”

In a statement to A Little Beacon Blog, Nilfur said of her husband: “He was truly my soul mate. He was always kind and thoughtful. I am going to miss him every minute of my life. He was a different soul. He was thinking everybody but himself. He was tooo tired all he had been through. I believe he is in peace. God bless him with my whole heart.”

Community members were tracking Addison’s health online based on Nilfur’s health updates for him at the restaurant. Just after posting her award for being awarded “Most Successful International Executive Chef” in Turkey in September 2024, the health updates started.

In October 2024, Nilfur posted: “My dearest friends and guests, due to my husband’s health condition, we will only be open for breakfast. Thank you for understanding.”

In September 2025, Nilfur wrote: “We will be closed October 3th, 2025, Friday for health issue. Hopefully we will open October 4th Saturday.”

In November 2025, Nilfur wrote: “Hi Everyone, We will be closed between Nov. 10th-Nov. 17th. My husband will have heart surgery and I need to take care of him. Sorry for inconvenience.”

And now on Sunday, April 19th, 2026, the final message.

Blessings, peace and mercy to Addison and Nilfur Goodson.

Business/Orgs Registration Open For Beacon's Career Far 2026

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Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

Spring is in the calendar, which means that registration is open for Beacon City School District’s Career Fair! A great opportunity to meet Beacon students on their level. Learn how they tick and what appeals to them (candy and stickers).

This year's fair will be on Friday, May 29th and will run from 10:30am to 1:30pm. Set-up and a light breakfast will begin at 9:30am. The fair will be held in the gymnasium of Beacon High School (101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY). A light lunch will also be provided to participants.

A student tries on a Beacon Fire Department jacket to experience how heavy it is.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

Meet the future dreamers, the writers, nurses, the stylists, the engineers. Top attractions are the Twin’s Barbershop who give away free hair cuts, the drone dude, the video dude Video Ventures, several non-profits, and new businesses looking to connect with students.

“Each year, my goal is to bring on more participants in an effort to expose our students to the myriad of opportunities in the world of work,” said Michele Santiago, Guidance Counselor at BHS organizer of the event. “I appreciate you all so very much and thank those who have participated in past events.”

A Little Beacon Blog has represented there for maybe 6 years now, and delights in meeting the secret dreamers who quietly approach the table to inquire about writing and the creative path.

Michele Santiago, the high school Guidance Counselor, is the main point of contact. Registration is online and can be done here.

See last year’s highlight real here that ALBB wrote about.

Farmers Get Resourceful: With Weather Hampering Farmers Markets, Eggberts Pops-Up In A Cafe

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The winter weather hit farmers hard at farmers markets, which also impacted storefronts like Matcha Thomas, who listed it as a reason they closed their storefront to focus more on the flexibility of being mobile.

Eggbert’s Free Range Farm was in 3 winter markets, but when their third market - the Cornwall Market - threw in the towel on any more winter, Eggbert’s did not stop. After developing a friendship with their neighboring vendor at that market, Shake ‘n Grind, who tabled when not in their Newburgh café, Eggbert’s partnered with them to pop-up in the brick and mortar café at 190 S Plank Road, Newburgh, NY.

“We had been doing some shopping pop-ups with them before, like Shop ‘n Sips,” Eggbert’s owner, Carrie Sabins told A Little Beacon Blog. “They went well and we met so many more new people.”

Based on that experience, Eggbert’s will be at their first solo pop-up at Shake ‘n Grind this Wednesday, March 11. People can buy all of Eggbert’s regular items, like pork, chicken, bacon, goat, etc. But because of the partnership, shoppers can also enjoy buying coffee, lattes, and shakes from Shake ‘n Grind. “People loved their juices. And baguettes!” Carrie told ALBB.

Let us know what you pick up.

VIDEO: Shelter Air Installs A Energy Efficifient "Passive House" - Walk Through The Walls With Us To See How (Partner)

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Before we forget what high heating bills felt like, and the stuffy indoor air of winter, let’s visit the “Passive House” project that Shelter Air @shelter.air is installing for a house designed by River Architects @riverarchitects , a full-service architecture and design studio with a bold commitment to achieving environmental sustainability through intelligent, beautiful design. Both business are Woman-owned.

A “Passive House” must meet air handling requirements to ensure the quality of the air, and management of the temperature, while not using a lot of energy.

Shelter Air owner Kimberly Sevilla walks us through the house, showing us the special insulation used, the 3-pane windows, and the air handling machines that circulate the air in the ducts.

Take a tour with us!

Shelter Air is a Member of A Little Beacon’s Business Blog Squad in the HVAC Heating & Cooling section of our Business Directory.


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

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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 🥋