Banners Banned and Grounded On Main Street - No Hanging Banners

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After years and years of banners hanging across Main Street, both organizations, I Am Beacon and the Spirit of Beacon Day were denied permission in 2022 to hang promotional banners across Main Street. Banners serve several purposes, including income to the City with a permit fee, income to organizations for sponsor logo placement on the high-visibility banners, and good old fashioned IRL (In Real Life) promotion for people when they aren’t lost looking in their phones.

The Spirit of Beacon Day raised theirs to the roof of Key Food. The Masjid Ar Rashid Mosque was also denied permission to hang their yearly banner celebrating Eid, the end of Ramadan. Their banner now hangs on the front gate of the Mosque. The Parade of Green was also denied hanging their banner, so theirs was grounded this year in the grassy area at Cross Street and Main Street.

In July 2022, City Administrator Chris White confirmed to the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee via email: “We no longer accept applications for banners on Main Street so you won’t be able to install one. The prior Administrator stopped issuing permits for banners after staff raised concern about safety after several of them broke and got loose into the traffic lanes of Main Street. We were also getting pressure from certain religious organizations about putting up religious banners so rather than try to navigate complex free speech issues, the prior Administrator just stopped issuing permits. I have continued this policy and have not accepted applications during my tenure here.”

The former City Administrator at that time was Anthony Ruggiero, who served under Mayor Randy Casale, who served 2 terms as Mayor and was Beacon’s Highway Superintendent for 16 years. During those years, banners were hung to promote goings on around town. Currently, the Highway Superintendent (titled Superintendent of Streets in Beacon) is Michael (Micki) Manzi. It is not known what Micki’s techniques are for hanging the banners, that may have differed from former Mayor and Highway Superintendent Randy.

Said Lesly Deschler Canossi via ALBB’s Instagram: “They used to allow Ree Play Sale years ago. I thought it was helpful.”

The Beacon Library also chimed in: “We requested in 2022 for the library’s anniversary and were told it was because of Central Hudson.” ALBB is currently following up on the Central Hudson reasoning.

The Howland Public Library Presents: In Eclipse - Opening April 13, 2024

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Art and astronomy come together in the upcoming exhibit, In Eclipse,  at the Howland Public Library, opening on April 13th. The group show features the works of over 20 local artists inspired by the April total solar eclipse. This eclectic showcase offers a glimpse into different interpretations through drawings, paintings, and photography. From illustrations of the celestial event to metaphorical interpretations, each piece reflects the multifaceted meanings of the word eclipse.

Join the library for the opening reception on Saturday, April 13th from 5-7 PM,  featuring a special reading by writer Donna Minkowitz, as we celebrate the artistry of the eclipse in all its forms. In Eclipse will be on view until May 4th. 

Soup4Greens 8th Annual Soup & Ceramic Bown Fundraiser - This Sunday, April 7, 2024

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Soup4Greens 8th Annual Soup & Ceramic Bowl Fundraiser is happening this Sunday, April 7, 2024 at the Beacon Farmers Market from 10am-2pm.

Shop savory soups & handmade bowls for a good cause. Purchase soup donated by local restaurants & homemade bowls crafted by local artisans. 100% of proceeds contributes to GREENS4GREENS food benefit program. This program contributes to a community where fresh, healthy food is accessible to all.

The goal is to reach $6,000 to fund the GREENS4GREENS program - an internal food benefit program.

See the delicious menu below…

Light-In for a Ceasefire Now, A Jewish-led Hanukkah Ritual Action, Wednesday 12/13 Hudson NY

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Light In for a Ceasefire Now, A Jewish-led Hanukkah Ritual Action

Members of the Hudson Valley Jewish community join with other communities on Hanukkah using ritual, song and art  to turn up the heat on our ongoing demand for a CEASEFIRE NOW and an end to US aid to support Israels current genocide and ongoing occupation. We will be lighting our menorahs as we shine the light on the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza and the Occupied Territories.  We will weave together stories and make connections across struggles and liberation movements to amplify the demand for a Ceasefire Now and a Free Palestine, adding our voices to the broader movement in the Hudson Valley, the US and across the globe to call for a CEASEFIRE NOW and end the mass killing of Palestinians. There will be a wide variety of voices represented, and each candle will be lit by a person representing a different intersection of this movement.

WHAT: Light In for a Ceasefire Now, A Jewish-led Hanukkah Ritual Action -Hanukkah ritual to Demand a Ceasefire Now

WHEN: Wednesday, December 13, 5-6PM EST

WHERE: Promenade Hill Park, Hudson, NY 

WHO: Organized by an informal network of HV Jewish and Jewish adjacent artists, educators, activists and community members.

WHY: We as Jews demand an end to the genocide in Palestine. We will be lighting our menorahs and shining the light on our demand for a Ceasefire now and a Free Palestine. We as Jews say “Not in our Name” “Never again is now” Anti-zionism does not equal Anti-semitism.

Beacon Performing Arts Center Presents Finding Nemo Kids November 16-19

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Beacon Performing Arts Center Presents Finding Nemo Kids
Days: Thursday, November 16, 2023 - Sunday, November 19, 2023
Times: November 16 at 7:30, November 17 at 7:00
November 18 at 10:00am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm, and 5:30pm
November 19 at 10:00am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm, and 5:30pm
Location: Beacon High School Theatre. 101 Matteawan Rd, Beacon, NY
Featuring hand-crafted puppets by Beacon local Adam Izen, Beacon Performing Arts Center brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in this story full of family, friendship, and adventure! This magical production will have audiences of all ages captivated by their favorite characters: Nemo, Dory, Marlin, Bruce, Crush the Turtle, and more! The performance runs approximately 45 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are available on the day of the production at the door or in advance at www.beaconperformingartscenter.com/box-office . Adults $10, Students under 18 $5, Seniors $7, Children under 2 are free.
Information >

RAIN DATE: Soon Is Now Moves To Next Saturday, October 1st, 2023

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As is fitting with Soon Is Now mission to move and inspire people to change their ways in order to help the climate not keep changing, Soon Is Now has moved their event to their rain date of October 1, 2023.

Soon Is Now was created by Eve Morgenstern 3 years ago. It is a climate and eco art, live performance and activism event. Says Nara Garber: “There is no more urgent issue right now than climate catastrophe, the ripple effects of which drive so many other crises. Come to Beacon, NY on October 1st and enjoy an afternoon of poetry, dance, and song amidst the beauty of the Hudson River and Long Dock Park while contemplating all we stand to lose and must fight to preserve. The Resistance Revival Chorus will end the afternoon with a free concert.

SOON IS NOW - A Festival Of Climate And Eco Art, Performance And Activism - Here In Beacon - September 23, 2023

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SOON IS NOW is an afternoon of art and live performance about climate change and the ecological in Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park, a former industrial site and brownfield transformed by Reed Hilderbrand Landscape Architects, the Scenic Hudson Land Trust, and others, into a sustainable park on the Hudson River in Beacon, NY. This site is on the unceded land of the Wappinger, in a region with a vital history of environmentalism rooted in Scenic Hudson’s fight to save Storm King Mountain from industry and Pete Seeger’s fight for an unpolluted Hudson River.

Twinkle Burke, What We Give Back, by Madeline Sayet, photo by Lucas Millard 

Audience walking to the next performance, photo by Flynn Larsen

Part reverence for the River, part cry for what is lost to climate chaos, part response to the pollution and rejuvenation of the park's ecosystem, SOON IS NOW places art in conversation with the landscape and brings audiences into an immersive experience with original works. 

Actors, dancers, musicians, performance and visual artists are curated throughout the park (many of them Beacon-based): Edwin Torres, Alex Waterman, Raven Chacon, Bob Bellerue, Koyoltzintli, Elise Knudson, Elisa Santiago, Randy Burd, Cecilia Fontanesi, Tom King, Jim Fletcher, Jaanika Peerna, Twinkle Burke, Jojo Gonzalez, Camille Seaman, Andrew Brehm and Jean Brennan.

Edwin Torres, Water’s Way: A Poet’s Choir for the Hudson River with E.J. McDonald, LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs, Tamalyn Miller, Kristin Prevallet, Urayoán Noel, Jayden Featherstone. photo by Flynn Larsen  

The Resistance Revival Chorus will be performing a special concert at 5pm including a new song about climate change. 

The Resistance Revival Chorus, photo by Ginny Suss

On SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd at 2pm the day starts at the River Center (the red barn) in Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park with a visual arts exhibition. Meet activists including Beacon Climate Action Now, Climate Reality Hudson Valley & Catskills and Fareground, and learn what you can do. Sign up for an 80 minute tour of performances throughout the park that start at 2:30, 3pm and 3:30pm, first come, first served. Even if you don't get on a tour you will be able to experience performance, visual art in the River Center and the concert by The Resistance Revival Chorus at 5pm. Poppy's Farm 2 Trailer food truck will be at the event selling tacos. Parking at Long Dock Park is limited. Park at the Metro North Beacon Train Station where all parking spots are free on the weekends, a short walk to the event. Free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by Climate Reality Hudson Valley & Catskills and HV Climate Solutions Week. Part of Climate Change Theatre Action's 2023 season. Funded by Arts Mid-Hudson, the Clara Lou Gould Fund for the Arts administered by Beacon Arts, and many local businesses and individuals. 

Tom King, photo by Lucas Millard

Jaanika Peerna, Glacier Elegy, photo by Flynn Larsen

Liz Zito, Eric Magnus, Andrew Brehm, The Oysters, by Miranda Rose Hall, photo by Lucas Millard

Elise Knudson, Sentinels, photo by Flynn Larsen

For more information: soonisnow.org or contact evemorgenstern@gmail.com.

About Eve Morgenstern:

Eve Morgenstern, Director/Founder/Producer is a photographer and filmmaker. She has been awarded artist residencies at The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Workspace and MacDowell, and grants for her work from The New York State Council on the Arts, Chicken and Egg Pictures, The George Gund Foundation, The Park Foundation and Arts Mid-Hudson. Her environmental film Cheshire, Ohio has screened in festivals in the US, Canada and Asia and is distributed by Bullfrog Films and ovid.tv . Her photographic project Facades of Crises had its solo Museum premiere at Bildmuseet in Umeå, Sweden. Eve is also co-chair of her Climate Reality Hudson Valley & Catskills chapter. She lives in Beacon, NY with her daughter Chloe and her beloved mutt Amber. “This started as an experiment to produce plays from Climate Change Theatre Action, a project that uses storytelling and live performance to foster dialogue about our global climate crisis. The project grew to include visual art and original live performance created in dialogue with the site. The idea to curate works throughout Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park as a tour for audiences is intentional and meaningful as this site was once a brownfield, remediated and revisioned into a beautiful climate resilient public park on the Hudson River.”

CREDITS SOON IS NOW:

Eve Morgenstern, Founder, Director

Connie Hall, Producer

Brian Mendes, Producer

ALBB is a Media Sponsor of this event, and is proud to partner to help get the word out.

The Beacon Sloop Club 2023 Corn Festival - Another Year Successful

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The annual Corn Festival from the Beacon Sloop Club happened last Sunday, with so much help from all of the volunteers of the Sloop Club. A Little Beacon Blog was there as a vendor for the first time, offering our face painting services, which we have been accustomed to doing because what else are you going to do at a blogging table except type or talk? So we zen out over kids (and adults) who sit in the chair wanting their faces painted their spirit animals or visions. If we’re on point, usually the kids fall into a light trance nap in the chair as we finish painting their faces.

This year at the Corn Festival, there were quite a few visitors who stopped by our table who were not from Beacon. People from Brooklyn, Cold Spring, and other areas. They were curious about what is a “sloop” (it’s a one-masted sailboat). Despite having this festival for years and years, it looks like the Beacon Sloop Club still has a big purpose and mission to educate the new people coming to Beacon who want to enjoy Beacon’s beauty, and keep it as it is. But these new people need to understand what Beacon is first.

FAQ: What Is A SLOOP? What Is Beacon Sloop Club?

Let’s revisit briefly: The Beacon Sloop Club was founded by folk singer and activist, Pete Seeger. They are a volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, protection and restoration of the Hudson River and surrounding waterways through advocacy, education and celebration. When you’re from NYC, you tend to think of the Hudson River as a barrier in the subway system between NYC and Hoboken, NJ, for instance. Here, we look at it as a waterway with ecosystems, one that used to have another name before Dutch settlers renamed it.

The Hudson River’s name before the Dutch renamed it was Muhheakunnuk. According to Riverkeeper: “Henry Hudson 'discovered' what the Lenape called Muhheakunnuk, ‘The River that Runs Both Ways.’ People have lived along the shores of the Hudson River since the last ice age, bathing in its waters, living off its bounty, caring for its future. The Lenape tribe balanced the needs of man and the needs of fish and fowl, plant and animal.”

The Beacon Sloop Club’s mission is to carry out that treatment. As part of their mission, the Beacon Sloop Club provides free river access through free sails and sail training on the ferry sloop Woody Guthrie, a replica of the 18th and 19th century sloops that once plied the Hudson River. The Beacon Sloop Club offers free seasonal music festivals to the people of the river, as well as other events, lectures and classes throughout the year.” Donate to them at any time. Like right now.

FAQ: Why Beacon For Pete Seeger?

This is a great question that I was asked. One I did not know. He’s such an embedded celebrity in Beacon, but I hadn’t considered his origin story as to why Beacon. So I reached out to his granddaughter, Moraya Seeger DeGeare to find out. She confirmed with her brother, and this is what they said: “He and my grandma (Toshi Seeger) lived in Greenwich Village and could not afford $100/month rent controlled apartment. So he came up to Beacon. Hiked the mountain. Climbed a tree and had a dream of building a cabin to raise his kids in. He climbed down. Went into town. Called Grandma and said: “Toshi, I found the place.”

You can next catch the Beacon Sloop Club at the Pumpkin Festival on October 15th, 2023. ALBB will be there too, with face paint! We take cash or card, and a portion is donated back to the Beacon Sloop Club. The rest helps us live our lives here in Beacon and produce this blog.

I Am Beacon Hosts Mixer & Opens Membership To Gain Access To Volunteer Opportunities

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The non-profit group, I Am Beacon, has opened a membership program for the first time after serving the the community of the City of Beacon for a number of years in a wide-ranging list of efforts, which include producing the Back To School Block Party, and many years ago, organizing the city’s 4th of July event. To celebrate and grow the new membership, I Am Beacon is hosting a Mixer on May 17 at Two Way Brewing Co. The mixer is open to the public, and the ticket price is discounted for members and for sale online here.

When launching the membership, I Am Beacon said in a press release: “In today’s world, it is more important than ever to foster community connections. At I Am Beacon, we understand the importance of building strong relationships with our neighbors and are committed to creating opportunities for people to come together and learn from one another.”

To date, I Am Beacon has awarded $31,000 in scholarships, run 3,113 miles for charity, held more than 50 community events, gotten more than 700 supply kits to students, and distributed 327 turkeys in their annual Turkey on Every Table collection, according to their website. Hear them directly in their “This Is Beacon” podcast.

Reuben Simmons shared about the new membership: ”For the past two years we have piloted a membership program with great success! I am happy to get to this point where we can offer membership to all.” Benefits include volunteer opportunities, discounts on Thursdays at Key Food, and discounted tuition at Marist College for active volunteers.

Board member and branding designer for all of I Am Beacon’s materials, Brianna Rascoe, had this to say about her commitment to I Am Beacon: "Becoming a board member at I Am Beacon has helped me engage with my community in an intuitive way. The organization has fostered collaboration in a way that provides ample opportunity to give back in any capacity, from a helping hand to bringing our outside skill sets together to catalyze both our longtime events and the creation of new youth programming."

Tickets to the mixer are $30 for members, and $40 for non-members. Two Way Brewing is located at 18 West Center Street, next to Brett’s Hardware. The event is Wednesday, May 17th from 6-8pm. Tickets include one free drink and a chance to win a door prize. Buy tickets online here.

Interview With Junior Zayed Dabashi About The Call To Prayer Spoken From The Mosque Speakers and the Eid al-Adha Community BBQ

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Mo Dabashi, for Eid, where the first prayer started at 9am.
PHoto Credit: Masjid Ar Rashid

Women at the Eid al-Adha Community BBQ.
Photo Credit: Masjid Ar Rashid

As foot traffic picks up on the sidewalks of Beacon’s Main Street, more people are walking by and entering the Masjid Ar Rashid Islamic Teaching Center, next to Beacon Natural and across from the Post Office. Some people are looking at their phones saying: “I found it! The mosque is right here. Let’s go in.” Other people, when they hear the Arabic coming from the speakers on the outside of the building say: “What is that sound?” if they don’t speak Arabic.

To answer that question, ALBB interviewed Junior Zayed Dabashi in July 2022 after a community BBQ at the mosque for the the 2nd Eid al-Adha. Junior is on the board of the mosque.

Photo Credit: Masjid Ar Rashid

ALBB: When we hear a voice coming from the speaker, what is its meaning? What is he saying?

It is the call to prayer (adhan). Muslims pray 5 times a day, and it is a reminder to leave everything be and pray.

They are calling people to prayers by saying:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,

(God is the greatest, God is the greatest)

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar

(God is the greatest, God is the greatest)

Ash-hadu an’ la ilaha ill Allah,

(I bear witness that there is no God but Allah)

Ash-hadu an’ la ilaha ill Allah,

(I bear witness that there is no God but Allah)

Ash-hadu ana Muhammadan Rasoolallah,

(I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah)

Ash-hadu ana Muhammadan Rasoolallah,

(I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah)

Hayya ‘alas-Salah,

(Rush to prayer)

Hayya ‘alas-Salah,

(Rush to prayer)

Hayya ‘alal Falah,

(Rush to success)

Hayya ‘alal Falah,

(Rush to success)

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,

(God is the greatest, God is the greatest)

La illaha ill Allah

(There is no God but Allah)

ALBB: At today’s community BBQ, I chatted with a girl who was in the area for business. She was looking for something to do, heard about today’s BBQ at the mosque, and had her taxi driver drive her here. Are you noticing an increase in new visitors?

Yes.

ALBB: What was today’s community BBQ celebrating? Was it open to all?

Junior Zayed Dabashi and Kamel Jamal at the cookout.
Photo Credit: Masjid Ar Rashid

Today we celebrated Eid al-Adha, which is also called the "Festival of the Sacrifice.” It is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated. During Eid, we do Eid prayers, animal sacrifice, charity, social gatherings, festive meals, gift-giving. Anyone can come. It is open to all.

ALBB: Is lamb traditionally served?

Yes. Lamb or cow. There are other ways you can help the less fortunate with paying for their lamb or cow, and you don’t have to do it for your home. It’s a nice chance for a family gathering.

Kids playing in the bouncy house placed in the parking lot of the mosque.
Photo Credit: Masjid Ar Rashid

ALBB: Is sharing with family and friends encouraged?

Yes, but you don’t have too. Most Muslims get together with family.

ALBB: How many Imams are leading the mosque? I didn’t realize Mo is a Imam!

We have 2. Mo helps outs when needed.

You can read about Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr from Junior’s niece Izdihar Dabashi here at ALBB.




Beacon Is The Pot Of Gold During Parade Of Green 2023 - For Most Who Still Live Here

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A Text between Parade of Green ComMittee Member Richie Kaplan and ALBB.

Beacon’s Parade of Green 2023 was a great success, said most people who came out to support and cheer from the sidewalk, as well as those participating in the parade in cars or walking. With a threat of weather, Parade Committee Member Richie Kaplan said that of the 50 parade participants who signed up, only 5 canceled for fear of snowflakes.

Snow dust melted in Beacon by 12pm, and the sun was shining. Groups gathered on Wolcott Avenue to begin the journey down Main Street, which for this parade, went completely around the bend and ended at the Dummy Light, giving exposure to several businesses and art galleries on that end of town. Usually, parades end earlier at Tioronda Avenue (Howland Cultural Center).

Before we get to the gold nugget photos of the day, A Little Beacon Blog must pay homage to the friends and neighbors who no longer live in Beacon who would usually attend the Parade of Green. Several of them casualties of new landlords - both local to Beacon and from other counties - who buy property and increase the rent dramatically on current tenants.

Parade of Green Committee Members Reuben Simmons and Richie Kaplan.

More than once over the years, A Little Beacon Blog has heard from readers who lament that they cannot live here anymore. Maybe they work in the service industry in restaurants. Maybe they are nurses. Maybe they are artists. Maybe they are young families who live in apartments who cannot move out of them because homes in their price ranges - $350K - are being purchased for cash by local and out of town house flippers who beautifully make over the house and sell it for $550K. Which is above the price range of a young family.

A Beacon Police Officer at the end of the Parade of Green, making sure the Parade cars exit correctly.

Not of a young family from Beacon. Maybe a young family from NYC. No offense to NYC. Welcome! Many of you love this city town and love digging into the community. Beacon is just in a rocky road right now of originals who can’t afford to stay or return. But some returned yesterday just for the parade.

That Said - The Sidewalk Audience Makes The Parade! OG Beacon Turned Out!

Mount Beacon dusted in snow, with Beaconites down below coming out for the parade.

If you have a parade in the street and nobody comes, does it make a sound? Beacon came out and showed up at this 2023 Parade of Green! Another thing A Little Beacon Blog has heard over the years from OG Beaconites is: “I walk around, and I don’t know anyone anymore.” That is true on the weekend, when the sidewalks are packed with different destination visitors. It is not as true during the week, when several of us are out on errands.

But yesterday (Saturday), the sidewalks were overrun with neighbors who dug down to find their green, and cheer on local businesses and organizations who got out to represent. So many cheers from both sides - the cars and the people. Richie said that the highlight of his entire busy day was when one of the Boy Scouts rolled down their window from their parent’s car on their way home to say: “Thank you.”

A Jeeper from the Beacon Jeep Club, getting ready to pull out as the parade steps off.

The Parade of Green has represented many things. Recently, it represented the first parade to be shut down by the City of Beacon for the pandemic. Next it was the first parade to be permitted to ride again. Now, it is representing Beacon neighbors coming out to see each other, some for only once per year.

Lots of candy was thrown. A Little Beacon Blog handed out stickers and next year we will tape Tootsie Rolls to them so that they fly.

The Jeeps were there. Malouf’s Mountain Campground. The Bottini truck was a hit. Key Food with all of the kids. The Beacon Dog Park. Kearns Electric, Inc., where they have that alternative spelling of quality on their trucks, with a phrase like “If it starts with a K, you know it’s Kwality.” At the very least, it’s an interesting word puzzle to figure out when you’re stopped at a light on Rte. 9 headed to Poughkeepsie. Kilowatt Kwuality? Something to think about.

Grand Marshal Bobby Palisi

Bobby (Robert) Palisi was born in St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie in 1955 and is a lifelong resident of the City of Beacon. He attended grade school at St. Joachim’s and went on to graduate from Beacon High School in 1973.

Bobby started his career working for Shaw Motors (currently Healey) with this father when he got out of St. Joachim’s in 1969. From 1975 to 1977 Bobby worked for Ward’s Auto Body until he joined the crew at Secor Auto Body from 1977 to 1979.

In 1979, he started his family business, Palisi Auto Body & Auto Glass on Main Street in Beacon, which in 1984, moved to a newly constructed state-of-the-art auto body shop on West Main Street. He has been performing high-quality vehicle repairs for over 40 years at that same location. Bobby continues to proudly own and operate this business today.

Bobby is also a partner in Fulton Avenue Realty Restoration Company, which over the last 28 years, has done a multitude of building renovations and constructed several new houses in and around the City of Beacon.

In his early years, Bobby was the drummer with the band “Spiral” that provided fun, local entertainment for over 32 years.

For over 26 years and to this day, Bobby’s passion truly lies in his active role with Beacon Girls Softball. This organization’s goal is to build character using the sport of softball as a tool to improve girl’s self-esteem and confidence.

Beacon Girls Softball (BGS) educates 4-18 year-old girls on the skills and rules of softball. It imparts life lessons that include working as a team, spirit of giving, camaraderie and good sportsmanship. He is pivotal in running both the Recreation League, and Travel League known as “Beacon Extreme.” Bobby works endlessly on raising funds, recruiting team members, running practices, and organizing tournaments each season. This includes an annual fund raising tournament whose proceeds are dedicated to a local family in need.

In addition to this, Bobby has been a volunteer member of Beacon’s Board of Assessment Review for 10 years. This board meets once a year to hear residents’ challenges to tax assessments and requires training from the New York Real Property Services.

Bobby is a 50-year member of Beacon’s Mase Hook & Ladder Fire Company, 37-year member of the Beacon Elk's Club Lodge #1493, and over 30-year member of the Beacon Knights of Columbus Chapter #445.

Bobby’s loyalty and dedication to the Girls Softball organization and endless volunteer hours he donates makes him one of Beacon’s brightest.

Beacon's Parade Of Green Is On - Remember Last Year's Blizzard? Look For ALBB Again!

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Do you remember that blizzard last March 2022? Beacon’s Parade of Green was the first parade out the gate down Main Street after the cancellation of all events due to COVID. The Committee was so excited to be back, that they did not call a weather delay, and marched on.

In fact, it was the Parade of Green in 2020 that was at the root of all parade cancellations back when the pandemic was referred to as “coronavirus,” before even the health crisis was labeled a pandemic. Waiting to hear if the Parade of Green 2020 was canceled or not was one of the first memories of that chaotic time.

Here we are in 2023, and the annual parade will roll again. Pictures are below from 2022.

See you next weekend, Saturday, March 11, 2023! A Little Beacon Blog will be driving in the parade again, handing out stickers.

The Malouf’s Mountain camping bus was front and center. Prepared.

The Parade of Green Committee, staying warm and dry in the Visitor’s Center while organizing people.

The Parade of Green’s Grand Marshall, Tony Lassiter. Tony was also honored for the Beacon of History event later in the year.

Howland Public Library Announces March Exhibit In Honor Of Women’s History Month

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To celebrate Women's History Month, The Howland Public Library presents Balance, a group show. The exhibit will be on view in The Community Room Exhibit Space from March 11th - April 1st, 2023. An Artists' Reception will be held on Saturday, March 11th, from 5pm - 7 pm.

The show is the seventh annual exhibit from the group CoMFY, a collective of women artists from the Beacon area. For this show the group chose the theme of Balance. The notion of balance was one of the founding principles when Kat Stoutenborough and Jennifer Blakeslee founded the women’s group back in 2011. Blakeslee recalls that the initial discussion focused on: “How do we, as women artists, balance everyday responsibilities (jobs, parenting, families, etc.) with being an artist? How can we create a space for ourselves where making art can exist alongside those other needs demanding our attention?”

The women came together to share strategies, bounce ideas, and encourage each other. Their one rule was that they could only talk about those other competing priorities in the context of how they impacted their artistic endeavors. “That focus made it possible for us not just to seek that balance, but find it and put it into practice.”

New members are always welcome to join this informal group. Stop by the exhibit to learn more. 

The Howland Public Library is located at 313 Main Street, Beacon NY 12508. The Community Room Exhibit Space is open during regular library hours. Please note the gallery may not be accessible during some library programs.

Jean Noack

Jean Noack

COMFY Stephanie Fogarty

COMFY stephanie fogarty

COMFY Jennifer Blakeslee

COMFY Jennifer Blakeslee

Donna Mikkelsen

Donna Mikkelsen

Erica Hauser

Erica Hauser

COMFY Anna West

COMFY Anna West