Are You In The Linup? Business Sponsorship Opportunities On A Little Beacon Blog

A Little Beacon Blog provides free listings of Things To Do to the community, but there are ways to elevate your business and personalize how ALBB’s audience is seeing and experiencing what your business offers. We do this in a unique way. Different than any magazine. More time consuming to produce than any magazine or newspaper does, but we do it because it works with our readers. Our job is to tell stories and build relationships. Here is how we do it, and how your business can partner up:

Shopping Guide

A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide is one of the biggest draws to this publication. Every store is listed in it for the best experience for our readers. Google rewarded A Little Beacon Blog with a #1 ranking for "boutique shopping beacon ny."

Designed to elevate your store from the rest, this advertising campaign is integrated with our Instagram. Show your storefront in the listing, share new arrivals and products, discounts and promos, upcoming events, and more! Get your business a permanent weekly feature in A Little Beacon Blog's Retail Therapy Newsletter sent on Fridays (see examples here), as well as weekly Instagram features. We do the work for you.

Restaurant Guide

This subscription package is designed specifically for restaurants to be found in the “Restaurant Guide” & more. A Little Beacon Blog’s Guides are strong on the Internet. When people are Googling, these Guides are what come up first, and is often how people discover their favorite restaurants. Let your restaurant or eatery stand out in this guide with your logo, a photo gallery of your mouth-watering eats, rotating specials, upcoming events, and more! Sponsoring this guide allows you to feature something special every week on our Instagram and be included in our weekly newsletter. Don’t worry if you don’t have the time to send us the special stuff, we can dig deep and do this all for you.

Beauty Guide

This Beauty Guide subscription package is designed for anything beauty located on Main Street in Beacon! From hair & nail salons to laser hair removal and makeup application. You name it! Feature your beauty salon, your favorite beauty products, beauty services, hours, events, specials, and more! This will all be featured weekly in our Instagram and in our weekly newsletter of 2,700 subscribers.

Kids Classes Guide

Kids Classes are popular in Beacon and the Hudson Valley. Especially during this time of year when parents are scrambling to find Summer Camps and Kids Programs for their kids. Our Kids Classes Guide as been developed with Beacon families in mind; it's for people who attend classes in town as well as anyone who drives to neighboring areas for popular programs. Advertising in this guide allows you do feature a storefront photo and/or logo, a photo gallery, event/class listings including days and times, newsletter weekend features & weekly Instagram features.

Want to share your Summer Camp Program in our Summer Camp Guide too? We can do both and offer a 25% discount on our Summer Camp Guide Pricing! A win-win.

Business Directory

Readers love A Little Beacon Blog for its comprehensive coverage and listings. Readers come here looking for the best resources, and your business needs to be one of those. Levels of sponsorship in the Business Directory include basic listings for a budget-friendly option, as well as more integrated options with our editorial and social media. Advertising and sponsorship is subscription based, and can be upgraded or downgraded at any time.

Some categories include Accounting, Catering, Event Spaces, Floral, Health & Wellness, Home Improvement, Photography, Real Estate and so much more! Best part about this…? If you don’t see a category that fits your business, we can create one just for you and your business!

The Business Directory includes businesses not only in Beacon but around the Hudson Valley area.

Branded Content

Our highest and most integrated form of marketing… Branded Content. This package is great for businesses, artists, or organizations who want to show and tell to our readers by using many photos to color the story that we will write for you.

Branded Content includes 1 Article designed specifically for you, an extensive Instagram + Facebook feature, and a special newsletter featuring YOU to our 2,700 subscribers. Up to 5 photos are included. Our photographer can come to your place of business if in Beacon to take photos. Or, we can use photos you already have. However, if we feel that the photos are not adequate, we will want to send out our photographer, which may involve an additional fee if outside of Beacon.

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

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 City Schools On Lock Out After Threat Called In - All Is Well After Investigation

Friday morning, after students left their homes for their walking or bus commute to Beacon’s High School and Middle Schools, but just before Elementary School students began their journey to school, a robo-call went out from Beacon’s Superintendent Matthew Landahl explaining that a threat had been made to Beacon’s Rombout Middle School, and that students of all schools would be on a “lock out” status with the protection of the Beacon Police.

Said Dr. Landahl: “I am communicating with an important safety message. The Beacon Police Department is working with us to evaluate a threat to Rombout Middle School that was called in. Beacon High School and Rombout Middle School are currently in a lock out which means students are safe in their classes and can move between classes during class changes. Our elementary schools will be operating under the same procedures when they start. There will be law enforcement at each of our buildings for arrival and throughout the day. Our initial evaluation of this is that it is a false threat and we will update you when we know more.”

This is not the first false threat that the Beacon City School District has received. Dr. Landahl is quick to update the district community when threats like this are made. However, it is one of the only ones where the students were in an active lock out that was not a drill.

One parent, when texting their child to find out where exactly they were in the building, was corrected by their child, when they asked the status: “Are you still in the lock down?” the parent asked. “We are in a lock out, Mommy.” Oh.

As Dr. Landahl stated, the students were able to move throughout their class schedule, attending classes. ALBB was told that some students spent part of their class time, in between iReady reading sessions, whispering how they would get out, before being quieted by their teacher for chatting too much and to focus on their classwork. Some sharpened their pencils, to feel safe. Others decided who would throw the class microwave at anyone deemed suspicious and unsafe entering their room.

At South Avenue Elementary, a Beacon Police Officer let in the students, instead of Security Guard Pat Cooper (pictured above). Parents who were late were hopeful that tardy slips would not be given this time. The Police Officer on Front Door duty was not sure on the day’s procedure for tardy slips.

In the case of South Avenue, Police Officer Donovan (pictured above) was stationed there for the entire day. ALBB asked about how he got his lunch, and he said he thankfully had packed, although admin staff offered him take-out. Teachers were noticeably stressed at the release of the children at the end of the day, making sure to get each child to their parent waiting outside. Lots of hugs were received, and the day continued.

All is well thank goodness.

Local Events Happening This Month - Listed In ALBB's Event's Guide

A Little Beacon Blog shares events happening in and around Beacon all the time! We are constantly updating our list & featuring it in our newsletter to keep you in the loop!

Here’s what we JUST updated and added to our events to fill your October with the best festivities:

Serious. Comedy Theatre Presents Open Mic Stand Up Show
Day: Friday, October 14, 2022
Time: 8pm
Location: 22 Kent Street, Room #109, Beacon, NY 12508 (Old Beacon High School)
Information >
Serious. Comedy Theatre is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. Thank you!!

Haunted Huguenot Street
Days: Friday & Saturday Nights (October 14, 2022 - October 29, 2022)
Time: 5pm-9pm
Location: 81 Huguenot St, New Paltz, NY, 12561
Haunted Huguenot Street will run from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday nights, from October 14th-October 29th. The cost for pre-registered tickets will be $25 for general admission and $20 for discounted admission (for HHS members, seniors, students, active and retired military personnel, and children under 13). Children under 6 will receive free admission. Those expecting to register upon arrival on the evening of the tour will be charged a flat fee of $30 per registrant, space permitting.
Information >

Serious. Comedy Theatre Presents Fire Sale! Comedy Show
Day: Saturday, October 15, 2022
Time: 8pm
Location: 22 Kent Street, Room #109, Beacon, NY 12508 (Old Beacon High School)
Information >
Serious. Comedy Theatre is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. Thank you!!

Complimentary Screening of Pixar hit “Inside Out”
Day: Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022
Time: 11am
Location: Bardavon 1869 Opera House, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY
Seating is limited; registration is required and can be completed here >

The Beacon Sloop Club Annual Pumpkin Festival
Day: Sunday, October 16, 2022
Time: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Pete and Toshi Seeger Park, 1 Flynn Dr. Beacon, NY
Hudson Valley Pumpkins all sizes & shapes! Fresh homemade baked pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream, cider, and other delights. Food and craft vendors, children's activities, environmental displays. Free sails on the Sloop Woody Guthrie. Two solar powered music stages. Performers include Betty and the Baby Boomers, The B2’s, Rick and Donna Nestler David & Jacob Bernz, The Judith Tulloch Band, Last Minute Soulmates, Spirit of Thunderheart, Beacon High School Chorus Singers, Beacon Songsmiths, Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle, Bindlestick Bill, Pat Jones & Laurie Siegel, The Neverly Brothers, Lydia Adams Davis At Pete and Toshi Seeger Park, 2 Flynn Drive, Beacon, NY Free Admission.
Information >

BeaconArts - Now accepting artist submissions for our 2022 Member Exhibition [Must be a current Artist Member to apply]
Deadline: October 20, 2022
Days: Saturdays & Sundays - November 5-27
Time: 12pm-6pm
Location: KuBe Art Center, 3rd fl. Gallery, 211 Fishkill Ave. Beacon, New York
Opening reception & performance: Nov. 5, 4-6 p.m. Second Saturday Meet the Artist reception: Nov. 12, 4-6 p.m.

Beacon Film Society presents... BATTLEGROUND
Day: Thursday, October 20, 2022
Time: 7pm (doors at 6:30pm)
Location: StoryScreen Theater, 445 Main St. Beacon, NY 12508
‘Battleground’ is an urgently timely window into the intersection of abortion and politics in America, following three women who lead formidable anti-abortion organizations to witness the enormous influence they wield. As the nation faces the end of Roe, the film also depicts those on the front lines of the fierce fight to maintain access.
Information >

Serious. Comedy Theatre Presents Improv Witchy Jam
Day: Friday, October 21, 2022
Time: 7:30pm
Location: 22 Kent Street, Room #109, Beacon, NY 12508 (Old Beacon High School)
Information >
Serious. Comedy Theatre is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. Thank you!!

Hocus Pocus Parade
Day: Saturday, October 29, 2022 (Rain date Oct. 30th)
Time: 2:00pm — line up begins at 1:30pm
Location: Bank Square, Beacon, NY
All are welcome to join in costume and walk down Main St. to the Dummy Light. Trick or Treating at participating stores along the way. Beacon School of Rock will have a band playing Halloween music at the Roundhouse Patio at the end of the parade.

Murder Mystery Night
Day: Saturday, October 29, 2022
Time: 6pm
Location: Veterans Memorial Bldg, 413 Main St, Beacon, NY
Tickets are $40 per person. Free snacks and refreshments available. Proceeds benefit Castle Point VA Wheelchair games. Call 203 at 845-831-7750 for tickets or visit below link for more information.
Information >

Harvest Festival
Day: Saturday, October 29, 2022
Time: 3pm-5pm
Location: Memorial Park Pavilion
All are welcome to this free event at Memorial Park hosted by Goodwill Church Beacon! Join us for games, refreshments, face painting, hot chocolate, and more
Information >

If you have an event you'd like to submit for consideration, please fill out the Event Submission Form. If you would like to sponsor this guide, or upgrade your event promotion, please click here for details. *Please note, we are a mighty small team and receive multiple emails a day for event submissions. We may not be able to list them all, but you can guarantee a listing by purchasing here >

If you have multiple listings a month, you can subscribe as an advertiser and share a photo/flyer of your events.

Kids Classes Guide Updated - Tons Of Opportunities For Summer Classes And Activities

Beacon is filled with opportunities for kids and families to attend a variety of classes, from Mommy and Me, to drop-off art classes, to various vacation Camps, reading camps, gaming camps, and so much more! This inspired ALBB to create a Kids Classes Guide; for people who attend classes in town as well as anyone who drives to neighboring areas for popular programs. We highlight Guide Updates on the blog in different articles and keep this list updated throughout the year.

We recently updated our Kids Classes Guide with a bunch of classes for toddlers, kids, and teens. Classes from writing, reading, and gaming to babysitting classes, arts & crafts classes, music classes, and outdoor classes. You can check it all out here > but if you want a quick sneak peek, keep scrolling down!

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Let's Ride! Car Engineering
Day: Monday, July 11, 2022
Time: 3pm
For children 4 years old - 5th Grade. Join us to put together a simple car kit! Supplies are limited. Registration is required. Paid for in part by Dutchess County. Register by using our online registration form.
Register here >

Introduction to Babysitting
Day: Monday, July 11, 2022
Time: 10:30am
Interested in babysitting? Join us for this 3-hour course where you will learn interviewing tips, communication skills and the basics of childcare. Topics will include ages and stages of young babies and toddlers, safety and first aid tips, feeding and caring for children, including diaper changing. Certificates of completion will be distributed to those who complete the course. Paid for in part by Dutchess County. Registration is required. Register by using our online registration from.
Register here >

Tiny Tots
Days: Fridays in July of 2022
Time: 10:30am
Starting July 8, 2022. For ages 6 months to 4 years old. Join Miss Stephanie in the Community Room for 15 minutes of songs, finger plays and stories, plus some play time for you to share with your child. Meet other parents and caregivers. Register for a reminder email by using out online registration form.
Register here >

Summer Stories
Day: Tuesdays from July 5th - August 9th, 2022
Time: 3pm
For children in PreK-2nd grade. Join Miss Stephanie in the Children's Room for this weekly family storytime! Stories are geared toward children who are in PreK-2nd grade, but all ages welcome. Register for a reminder email by using our online registration form.
Register here >

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The classes listed above are a quick preview. Check out all of the classes added to the Kids Classes Guide here! A Little Beacon Blog on all updates, be sure you are subscribed to our free newsletter!

Is your amazing class or business not on this list? If you have a class or workshop you'd like to submit for consideration, please submit it to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com. To enhance your listing with pictures and to get it featured in our weekend newsletter, click here for details.

Birth Certificate Proof No Longer Required For Elks Club Annual Hoop Shoot Competition

In December of the school year, amidst holiday choral concerts and shopping, all of the Elks Club all over the nation hold a Hoop Shoot contest. Kids compete in their age and gender bracket to see who can swish the most baskets. Winners advance to next states, and the final tournament is held in Chicago, where the competing children and their families are put up in a hotel for the final round. Winners names go into the National Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield Mass.

Required to enter was a birth certificate for proof of age, which hinders a number of kids from entering who do not have easy access to their birth certificates, or if their birth certificates are not current with their names or genders. The Beacon Elk’s Lodge was questioned about the routine practice by a parent (me). After giving it a second thought, the Beacon Elk’s Lodge Hoops Director Nicole Moreno agreed that the policy was restrictive, and took it all the way to the State and National Directors of the Elks Lodge to advocate for the requirement’s removal. The top directors agreed, and the birth certificate is no longer required.

About The Hoop Shoot Contest

In Beacon and in other communities where there is an Elks Club Lodge membership hosting the contest, parents receive a simple flyer with the date and location of the tryout: a Friday evening at Rombout Middle School. Participating kids must bring their birth certificates in order to prove their age. Being that the kids are receiving these flyers in school the need for proof of age seems redundant, and overly cautious.

The Restrictive Problem With The Birth Certificate Requirement

This seemingly simple requirement is a barrier to several different types of children, including those who are:

• Unable to locate their birth certificate. Sometimes they get lost.

• Living with a parent or caregiver in more than one household where communication between parents is strained, and only one parent has the original birth certificate to make the copy. Getting a document like this for an activity that both parents agree on can become a problem.

• Difficult for those with different immigration statuses who may not have a birth certificate.

• Limiting for those in foster care who also may not have easy access to a birth certificate.

• Uncomfortable for kids recognizing gender identification, and are going through Beacon schools with a different gender and name than what they were identified with at birth. Revealing a birth certificate may “out” them in a way they don’t intend.

When asked why the birth certificate was needed if the kids are being recruited from Rombout Middle School, Principal Brian Soltish referred questions to Carl Oken, an organizer with the Elks Club. Carl explained that the birth certificate was needed for proof of age should the child advance to next rounds, as the school does not share records with the club. Carl stated that “birth certificates can have all data redacted other than name, birth date and sex.”

When questioning of the practice persisted, Carl referred the questions onto the contest director, Nicole Moreno. While at first she was comfortable with the practice, she gave it a think over a weekend, and changed her mind: “Our conversations had my wheels turning. I have addressed this issue with both the State and National Directors and effective immediately, birth certificates are no longer a requirement.”

A Beaconite who is a parent in the district and is a bilingual lead advocate for domestic violence victims, Ella Mar, was supportive of the decision. “That type of requirement excludes undocumented students, and potentially exposes their undocumented status. It also excludes queer children and teenagers who have been kicked out of their home and doesn't have access to their birth certificate,” they reflected.

“A proof of birth certificate requirement especially targets trans kids, who would have to expose their dead name and assigned gender at birth, which could potentially out any child whose current sex, gender or name isn't reflected on their birth record. This type of requirement could also exclude children in the foster care system, or any youth where it is not safe for them to produce their birth record. Or they just don't have it."

Months after the decision was made, Nicole remains supportive of the decision to make community-based events produced by the Elks more inclusive, stating: “For a long time, the Elks Club was not so inclusive. You had to be a white Christian male to be a member. There are still Lodges to this day that are still segregated by sex and color. Even a neighboring community still doesn't allow female members. Beacon, however, was one of the first to allow female members, and the first to elect a Woman Exalted Ruler. We just elected the 3rd this year 2022. We love our vets. We love our kids and we love our community.”

This month finishes Nicole’s four years as chair of the Hoop Shoot committee, to be followed by Joe Green. Barbra Farber was Exalted Ruler twice, and Jennifer Velez is the newly elected Exalted Ruler, to begin serving the term in April 2022.

The Beacon Elks Lodge is located at 900 Wolcott Avenue. Keep up the the many events and opportunities they offer, including rental of their space.

Newburgh All City-Wide Basketball League Holds First Championship

The basketball program, All City-Wide Basketball League (ACWBL) has grown in popularity since renaming this past year. Their championship is January 23, 2022, and new registration opens for the next season.
Photo Credit: All City-Wide Basketball League

From the desk of Ali T. Muhammad, who has been co-running basketball and other youth programming at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, and Executive Director Nancy Proyect, the following press release shares details of an upcoming youth basketball championship and new season registration opportunity:

The Newburgh Armory Unity Center will hold its All City-Wide Basketball League (ACWBL) championship on Sunday, January 23rd, beginning at 11 AM.

Photo Credit: All City-Wide Basektball League

The ACWBL is co-ed and includes two divisions – one for youth aged 9-11 and for children aged 11-13. The League is part of the Newburgh Armory Unity Center’s athletic and academic programming and is free of all costs to families.

In 2021, Mr. Harold Rayford, a lifelong resident of Newburgh and a well-respected basketball coach, leads the new basketball league. His volunteer coaches brought their talents and longstanding basketball knowledge, experience, and insight to the Newburgh Armory Unity Center.

Since this program’s inception, the Newburgh Armory Unity Center’s Saturday Morning Enrichment Program has seen an uptick in enrollment and increased diversity within all programming. “We decided to name the new League ‘All City-Wide’ so people from throughout Newburgh would recognize they are all welcome at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, no matter who they are and on what side of Newburgh they live,” said Coach Rayford. “I’m thrilled to say it’s worked. We have people from all over the area and from different ethnicities in the League.”

Mr. William Kaplan, Newburgh Armory Unity Center Founder and Chairman of the Board, said he is thrilled to join the new league a full line up of athletic and academic programming. “Having a seasoned coach and living legend like Coach Rayford at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center provides our youth with a dedicated team that can uniquely assist in improving the skills and lives of young athletes in Newburgh.” Mr. Kaplan added that the new basketball league feeds directly into the Newburgh Armory Unity Center’s goal of serving as a community center. “When I opened the Unity Center eleven years ago, my vision was to create a safe place for the youth of Newburgh to play basketball. Since inception, we’ve grown into a premier educational enrichment center, and it’s wonderful to be able to fulfill this original mission.”

New Winter Registration Opportunity

Following this weekend’s championship, Coach Rayford will hold registration and tryouts for the Newburgh Armory Unity Center’s ACWBL Winter Basketball League for 9-13-year-old youth beginning in mid-February. For dates and times, please visit the Newburgh Armory Unity Center’s website at www.newburgharmory.org or the Newburgh Armory Unity Center’s Facebook page and Instagram account, or call 845-245-4035 or email Program Registration contact Diana Bernal at DBernal@newburgharmory.org

About The Newburgh Armory

The Newburgh Armory Unity Center (NAUC) has been changing young lives since 2010. Using the concept of learning through play, the NAUC provides free educational programming from literacy classes to career path exploration, all aimed at ending poverty and eliminating the need for educational remediation. During the Unity Center’s signature Saturday Morning Enrichment Program, children in pre-k through sixth grade participate in reading, writing, math, engineering, natural science, computer science, and the arts to develop the scholastic ability, life skills, and emotional intelligence. After-school programs offer additional opportunities for educational enrichment. The NAUC also offers sports programming to provide skills and increase development, as well as to introduce leadership skills and team building. NAUC operates 52 weeks per year to ensure that children and their families always have a place to learn, enjoy themselves, and be a part of a community.

Sports Attendee Drives White Mini-SUV Through Memorial Park In Road Rage During Kids Beacon Bears Flag Football After Softball Game

The Beacon Bears building located across from the grassy field for the young football players. When there are no vehicles parked in the lot, a car could drive all the way around this building, in a circle. During busy game days, the left side of the building is usually blocked off for protection of people sitting in bleachers right across from the building, and for people using the building when it is open as a snack shop.

The bright orange Jersey barriers, previously known as “parklets” when they protected diners outside of restaurants who were eating in parking spots, are now protecting families with young children who play flag football, known as the Beacon Bears, from adult road rage. The games are played in a grassy field adjacent to a volunteer-run Beacon Bears building in the middle of a parking lot at Memorial Park, which houses a snack bar and is a destination for kids to sit in front of and go to the bathroom at a porta-potty outside of the building during games and practice. For years, parking on the left side of the building has been blocked off during games and practices to protect players and fans.

Adults from other sporting events such as adult baseball and softball games scheduled at the same time at Memorial Park have reportedly been annoyed at the blocked off parking in front of the building, and have been storming the cones that are placed there by Beacon Bears coaches and parents, people who have been attending the young football games for years say.

Last weekend, a white woman participating in the softball game who wanted to drive through the cones but could not, was so incensed, that she yelled at other parents protecting the blocked parking area.

Shortly after the woman’s outrage, a white mini-SUV was seen by several people to be driving through the middle of Memorial Park at high speed. The vehicle’s path was through the grass, in between additional baseball diamonds where people usually set up volleyball nets, and slightly to the right of the tot park where children play on the playground.

Some Background

Three weeks ago, a white man in a black 4-door pickup truck drove himself and his child through the blocked off area in front of the Beacon Bears building. This was while 15 flag football fans sat on the ground of the parking lot in the shade of the front of the building while the snack bar was open. The afternoon sun was very hot, and the blocked off area outside of the snack shack was the only available shade.

The man removed the cones, and drove his large truck through. At first, everyone sitting on the ground, just inches away from his wheels, thought he was in a position of authority. Spectators later learned that he was not of any authority, and was simply a person used to moving parking blockades at his own digression at that parking lot.

What Happened With The Softball Game

Last weekend, during a double header of flag football, which consists of kids ages 7-14 and the family members who come to cheer them on, including younger siblings, were rivaled by an adult women’s softball team on a nearby baseball diamond. The team consisted of mainly white women and their men-folk during what some at the event said was a Breast Cancer Awareness themed game. A tent was set up at the softball diamond, and many of the female players wore hot pink tube socks.

Parking was tight, as it usually is on the weekend during games. Cars were parked all down the base of Memorial Park hill, which is normal for a day of Saturday games. If there are several cars, any seasoned Beaconite knows not to park deep into the parking lot near the field, as many cars pile up and make their own parking choices, sometimes blocking each other in. The driveway is gravel and not marked with parking spots.

At the end of the softball game, and at the height of the kids flag football game, the softball players and fans wanted to exit. They stated that the open lane of the parking lot was blocked by a double-parked car. They wanted to drive through the official parking blockade on the opposite (left) side of the Beacon Bears building where the spectators and children stand.

Earlier, they had taken to driving over traffic cones, according to people who saw them do it. A Beacon Bears parent then moved his car to replace the cones, so that softball cars could not drive through, flattening the cones. Some female softball players were upset, and began yelling at the flag football parents who set up the car blockade. One woman yelled: “Everything was fine until the football people showed up!” Which sounded sureal and straight out of a 1970’s kids coming-of-age movie.

According to people at the scene, the softball players called the Beacon police, who arrived to asses the situation. This was after an ambulance had been called by the softball people earlier to answer someone in need. At that time, a car had double-parked in the open lane on the opposite side of the Beacon Bears building.

The police officer determined that the Beacon Bears were within their right to block the section of the driveway to protect the players and families, which had been common practice over the years. He said that the driveway opening on the other side of the building was sufficient to be used as an exit. Unless that side had a double-parked car, which would need to be moved by the people who parked it.

According to people at the scene, the police officer wrote down the license plate of the car being used as a blockade, so that he could let the rest of the police force know that if police were called for this incident again, that the car was a known vehicle, and was there to protect from aggressive adults driving through where children are playing.

The Police Decision Did Not Stop The Adult Softball Players

After the police officer left, a woman who was initially screaming about the parking situation continued to scream at the parent who owned the car being used as a protective block. Another flag football parent, Tracy Way, who is well known to the South Avenue Elementary community as the Keeper Of The Lobby at South Avenue, stepped in to answer to the screaming softball woman and to keep the parking blockade strong.

Tracy and the owner of the protective car were by themselves confronting the angry team, until the softball woman got into her vehicle. Shortly after, a white mini-SUV could be seen speeding across the grass of Memorial Park, toward Route 52 where there are even more children playing.

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From Left: The owner of the car used as an approved blockade against adults wanting to drive through parking blocks, who remained seated on the car during verbal altercations; the daughter of Tracy Way who supported her mother; and Tracy Way, who dealt with the women and men who shouted at her about the parking setup.

After the angry woman left, the softball crowd was not done. A man confronted Tracy. Towering over her small frame, the man told Tracy that her communication style was all wrong, and this never would have happened if she had said things differently. Tracy, meanwhile, had moved a metal trash can to be closer to the protective car, since a softball participant wanted to squeeze through the protective car and the bleachers - where people were sitting watching flag football.

The trash can was filled with White Claw beer cans and Twisted Tea bottles. Every now and then, as the man berated Tracy, different softball players came to put newly empty cans into the trash can.

A child reported that softball players were smoking during soccer practice days prior. This past summer, Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White proposed a smoking ban of tobacco, vape and cannabis in all city parks, to “give people more teeth” to ask neighbors stop smoking during soccer games. Beacon’s City Council voted to approve the smoking ban weeks ago. While smoking anything during soccer games had not previously been noticed as even happening, it appears that smoking tobacco does on other fields. The smoking ban was inspired by the legalization of cannabis. But it looks like tobacco is the culprit in this case.

While the man told Tracy that she was the only one putting up a fight about the parking situation, Tracy tried telling the man that the flag football coaches supported her decision, but were busy on the field coaching a game. Other women including her teenage daughter stood behind her to show support.

When the man shouted at her: “Do you own this field?” and “Why do you let children play in this parking lot anyway?” (answer: the snack shop and bleachers are right there), Tracy calmly told him that the police officer stated that the parking could be arranged this way. A second man joined the first, and tried lecturing Tracy. When she retorted to him: “Let me ask you a question…” the second man shouted: “NO!” The women around Tracy continued to support her and spoke up to let the men know that the parking block was necessary.

The first man then encouraged the second man to walk away, and the tension receded. The rest of the softball team who who was still there broke down their tent, and lingered in the parking lot, drinking from various cans and making trips to the porta-potty. One woman, upon walking to her car, shouted an obscenity against Beacon, and then spit on the parking lot.

What Happens Next?

The leaders of the Beacon Bears wrote to Beacon’s Parks and Recreation Department Director, Mark Price, who accepts scheduling for these fields. He told the Beacon Bears directors that the softball team would not be allowed to book the field again, but this remains to be seen if they are to show up again.

According to the Beacon Bears, Mark had the orange barriers sent down to be placed on either side of the building, creating safe passage for children and adults to walk between the porta-potties, snack shop, and bleachers. Cars can exit through the other lane on the other side of the building. The entire parking lot is gravel, so there are no marked spaces. The entrance of the parking lot is paved, and is completely crumbling with potholes.

In order for the orange barriers to be effective, they need to be filled with water. Otherwise, they are light orange plastic blockades that wobble. When the restaurants had them, Beacon’s Highway Department dropped them off filled with water. Restaurant owners were unable to move them very easily, as they were so heavy. It remains to be seen if the Highway Department will fill these barriers up with water to make them more difficult to move at will.

Days Of Things To Do At Butterfly Festival at Stony Kill Farm - Schedule of August 14-21

One of the biggest fundraisers for Stony Kill Farm is happening in person this year: The Butterfly Festival. This year will have days of events, so you can mark your calendar for which you want to participate in. Events include opportunities for adults and kids.

STONY KILL FOUNDATION PRESENTS: BUTTERFLIES AND BLOOMS

August 14 – 21, 2021 at Stony Kill Farm (79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls

Butterflies & Blooms is a week-long festival of art, music, workshops, & family activities celebrating the beauty and ecology of local pollinators.

Activity highlights include Yoga with beBhakti Yoga, a Pollinator Plant Sale with the Verplanck Garden Club, butterfly, bird, and garden walks, and art and nature workshops for all ages. The festival culminates in an afternoon of hayrides and an outdoor concert featuring a local jazz orchestra, Big Band Sound.

For full descriptions of scheduled programs and to register for ticketed workshops visit Butterfly.Stonykill.org

FESTIVAL PROGRAM

Advance registration is requested for all ticketed events. All activities will be held at locations at Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls). Locations are subject to change based on weather.

Saturday, August 14th - 10 am - 12 pm

Butterfly Discovery Walk with Barry Haydasz from the Cary Institute

All ages | $5 | Meets at the Verplanck Garden by the Manor House

Saturday, August 14th - 3 - 5 pm

Centerpiece Flower Arrangement for Beginners Workshop with Rebecca Cossa, NYS Certified Agriculture Teacher and NYBG certified floral designer

Ages 12+ | $25 | Meets at the picnic tables by the Manor House

Saturday, August 14th - 6 - 7 pm

Yoga by the Garden with Lauren Magarelli from beBhakti Yoga Center

Ages 16+ | $10 | Meets by the Verplanck Garden by the Manor House | Bring a mat and water bottle

Sunday, August 15th - 9 am

Wings on the Farm Bird Walk with Olivia Castenada and Conor Quinn

All ages | $5 | Meets at Stony Kill's big red livestock barn

Sunday, August 15th - 10 am - 1 pm

Pollinator Plant Sale & Farm Shop with the Verplanck Garden Club

All ages | Located at Stony Kill's big red livestock barn

Sunday, August 15th - 11 am

Pollinator Garden Walk with Adrienne Papazian

Ages 16+ | $5 | Meets at the Verplanck Garden by the Manor House

Tuesday, August 17th - 10 - 11 am

The Art of Papermaking Youth Workshop with Stacey Lynch Adnams

Ages 5+ (under 7 accompanied by adult) | $5 | Meets at the Verplanck Garden by the Manor House

Wednesday, August 18th - 10 - 11 am

Paper Quilling Workshop with Naflah Mohammed

Ages 10+ | $5 | Meets at the picnic tables by the Manor House

Thursday, August 19th - 6 - 7:30 pm

Introduction to Beekeeping with Andrew Buckland, Beekeeper, and Educator

Ages 8+ | $5 | Meets at the Learning Center by the Manor House

Friday, August 20th - 8:30 pm

After-Dark Moth Walk with Margaret Maruschak

All ages | $5 | Meets at the Verplanck Garden by the Manor House

Saturday, August 21st - 10 am

How Butterflies Get Their Names Family Workshop with Tara O'Grady, Butterfly Coach, Author, and Educator

Ages K-12 (children accompanied by an adult) | $5 | Meets at the picnic tables by the Manor House

Saturday, August 21st - 2 - 4 pm

Butterfly Wagon Decorating

All ages | Free | Meets at the picnic tables by the Manor House

Saturday, August 21st - 4 - 6 pm

Hay Rides in the Butterfly Wagon

All ages | Free | Rides leave from in front of the Manor House

Saturday, August 21st - 6 pm

Concert on the Lawn featuring The Big Band Sound

All ages | Free | On the Lawn in front of the Manor House | Rain date Aug 22

Stony Kill Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate the public and cultivate environmental stewardship through the interpretation of the rich historical, environmental, and agricultural heritage of Stony Kill Farm.

For more information about the festival and workshops and events, contact Stacey Lynch Adnams at 845-831-3800 or stacey@stonykill.org.

Registration Open For Teen Podcast Workshop - From Howland Public Library and I Am Beacon

WHAT: This is Beacon: Youth Podcast Workshop
HOSTS: Howland Public Library and I Am Beacon
LOCATION: Beacon Recreation, 23 West Center Street
DATES: 4 Fridays, July 9, 16, 23, 30, from 4:30-6pm
AGES: Grades 7 -12
Registration required
email Michelle at community@beaconlibrary.org

The Howland Public Library has partnered with I Am Beacon to offer another podcast workshop. The producers behind the podcast workshop are I Am Beacon Board Member Brandon Lillard, who works with kids of all ages to teach them how to produce a podcast.

From The Howland Public Library

Calling all teens! Speak Out and Be Heard! Did you ever wonder what it takes to create your own podcast? The Howland Public Library in Beacon has teamed up with Brandon Lillard, host of the ”This is Beacon” podcast for a 4-session podcast workshop for students in grade 7 and up.

In this cooperative learning experience, participants will learn by doing. Students will discover what it takes to produce their own podcast from start to finish, from writing scripts and conducting interviews to adding music and editing.

The This is Beacon: Youth Podcast Program is mentorship program that will provides teens the opportunity to explore of topics relevant to the challenges that they are facing and create and share their work with an audience as they learn about communicating through electronic media.

The free workshop will take place on 4 Fridays, July 9, 16, 23, 30, from 4:30-6pm at Beacon Recreation’s outdoor pavilion, 23 West Center Street, Beacon, NY. . To register or to learn more about this great opportunity, email Michelle at community@beaconlibrary.org. Registration is required as class size is limited.

Kids/Teens Ideas Needed: What To Do Wednesday For Remote Day

A reader wrote in: “Do you have ideas for what to do with school-age children on Remote Wednesdays?”

A very good question, and one we do not have an immediate answer for! So - reaching out to you the community, on if you have tips on what to do, or if you run a business or organization who is offering something. Events need to be socially safe of course.

Visiting Beacon’s Public Playground Parks & Recreational

• South Avenue/Lupers Park, 23 West Center Street: This playground behind the Beacon Recreation building is fun for all ages, and has equipment for taller kids as well. The basketball court is down below, as are tennis courts. In warmer weather, there is a volleyball net, but ALBB is unsure at this moment on when that goes up.
  Snacks: Sal’s Pizza is nearby, as is a convenient store for snacks and drinks.
  Bathroom: There might be a porta-potty there.
  Parking: There is parking by the basketball court, or in the parking lot of the Beacon Recreation building.

• Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park: There are 2 playgrounds down here, which are good for little kids. Basketball courts are also down in this park, but are in bad shape. Still usable tho!
  Snacks: Bring your own.
  Bathroom: There is a porta-potty there.
  Parking: There is parking by the basketball court.

• Memorial Park: This park has 2 playground areas, and is great for the littlest ones. Surrounding it are fields for kicking soccer balls or flying kites. Nearby is the home-built Skate Park, for skateboarding on the planks, and a baskeball court. There is a shaded pavilion for picnic table eating.
  Snacks: Ron’s ice cream is across the street. Talk about perfect.
  Bathroom: There are 2 bathrooms (one by the playground, and one by the baseball fields), but neither are open. Yet. Plans are in the works for May to open them. There are porta-potties instead.
  Parking: There is parking by playground or baseball fields.

• Green Street Park, 25 Green Street: Located near Mount Beacon, this park has been renovated to include a tall, rocket-ship like structure that is good for middle-school and elementary school kids. There is a basketball court, and swings. Green grass is available for sitting or playing.

Remembering To Go To Already Scheduled Programming At The School

Wednesdays are tricky, because the kids are at home, and need to follow their school schedule. If parents and caregivers are also working and needing to show up for their own meetings, then it can become difficult for everyone to remember where they need to be.

Jobs At Home - Pay To Play!

Now might be a good time to start paying the kids to clean your home, wash your car, sweep the shed, etc.

Watch Out For Kids On Bikes and On Foot

The afternoon hours between 2-4pm were always filled with kids in Beacon. Now, however, even more with Remote Learning in place. Not all kids are back in school full time, leaving a fair amount of school-age kids at home, and connecting with each other on foot or on bikes. Busy streets like Verplank, or Wolcott Avenue, may see more kids crossing as they visit each other in different neighborhoods.

If you have ideas on things to do, please list them here in the Comments!

Racist Zoom Bombing Targets Desmond-Fish Library Bake-Off Awards Ceremony While Black Employee Hosts

During the holiday season of December, 2020, the Desmond-Fish Public Library in Garrison held a month-long bake off contest for kids, who could bake at home and submit their entries. The submissions would be presented in a video montage Awards Ceremony on January 2nd, 2021, where participants could gather on a Zoom call, hosted by Justice McCray, a well known lover of books and creative programming, having worked at Beacon’s Howland Public Library, and currently works at the Desmond-Fish Public Library, as well as Split Rock Books in Cold Spring. Justice is also an emerging local activist in the social revolution to make Black lives matter more, and has been a leader in most of the protest marches down Beacon’s Main Street and educational story circles held at Memorial Park and Pete & Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park.

The bake-off program was well marketed in advance across social media channels and in the local press. As the program got started, with eager children, parents and caregivers on the call to look at delightful attempts at baking, the The Great Desmond-Fish Public Library Bake Off award ceremony was interrupted by people or a person masquerading as participants on the call - using participants’ names like a wolf in sheep’s clothing - typing words such as the N-word dozens of times in all caps across the screen. The Desmond-Fish Public Library Director Jen McCreery confirmed to A Little Beacon Blog: “The interloper appropriated the identities of several program participants, which is how they were able to access the program through the waiting room.”

The program had been “hacked by one or more interlopers who used the platform to spread racist and sexist messages” the library director explained in an email press release sent soon after the incident, and on the library’s Facebook page, in a message from the library’s Board of Directors, posted 2 days after the event, and after the authorities had been notified, and participants began to process what had happened. As to if the library or Justice himself were targeted, Jen emphasized: “I do want to clarify that we have no way of knowing whether this was a targeted or random attack on the library and Justice specifically.”

The program’s host, Justice McCray, expressed in his social media that he wasn’t sure what to do after the targeted incident. He has since co-hosted an evening vigil at Pohil Park in Beacon, in honor of finishing the Election Certification that was derailed at the Capitol yesterday (1/6/2021) by people, some of whom were armed, climbing the building and breaking windows to get inside to sit in offices and put their feet up on the desks of people who had evacuated.

This was the first time that the Desmond-Fish Public Library had ever been Zoom Bombed, Jen confirmed. Library staff was able to handle the breach “as quickly as possible in the moment, but, sadly, the Zoom participants were exposed to this hateful and illegal behavior,” Jen told A Little Beacon Blog. In their message to the public, the library Board expressed: “The Library Staff and our Board of Trustees are horrified that a program created as a positive and joyful celebration of our community was derailed by one hateful individual, We are especially sorry that this attack was witnessed by children. No family should have to encounter such hate speech.”

According to Jen in response to A Little Beacon Blog’s questions, the library notified Putnam County Sheriff's Department. “They have taken our full report and it's my understanding they are looking into what charges might be brought against the perpetrators.”

In terms of moving forward, “we are looking into alternate online platforms as well as additional security measures we can take for future online events,” Jen told A Little Beacon Blog.

Jen also expressed: “Everyone at the library is grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support we've received from local organizations and families and we hope that, going forward, we can channel that support into creating programs and educational resources to help our community members come together in addressing the larger systemic issues that contributed to this incident.”

Justice McCray told A Little Beacon Blog in response to an email asking him if he had comments he wanted to share regarding his and this experience: “This was a traumatic incident for me. There’s no way for me to not take this personal. To be the first Black staff member at my job to host an event and to have this happen cuts deeper than I can explain. I’m glad the library and community aren’t sweeping this incident under the rug. It’s necessary to center to voices and needs of those most impacted by this event. It’s also equally necessary not to center them in a way that amplifies the trauma.

“The work ahead is as vital as it is difficult and painful. Now is a necessary time for or communities, especially Philipstown, to reflect on the impact its history of racism has on its dreamed future of inclusivity. The next questions that need to be asked are not “how can we improve security on our events to prevent this from happening?“ but rather, “How is this something that can happen in our communitiy? What behaviors have we dismissed or ignored that led to this escalation? How can we create a community where harm like this doesn’t continue?”

Compass Arts Creativity Project Receives Grant To Build Art Kits For Beacon Central School District Students

The Compass Arts Creativity Project recently created art kits for 72 Rombout Middle School and Sargent Elementary School students in Beacon, New York. The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley provided funding for the packs, which included a journal with a variety of art supplies along with writing/drawing prompts curated by Compass Arts educators and community collaborators.

The kits are intended to give children the space and tools to connect with their voices and inspire creativity and self expression amidst the challenges of remote and hybrid learning.

Compass Arts partnered with Karen Pagano and the Beacon City Schools Food Services to distribute them alongside lunch pickup. This means that art kits arrived via school buses with food drop-offs.

Saturday Art Series In January

The 2021 winter programming continues to prioritize access and inclusion. As we head into an uncertain winter, Compass Arts Creativity Project intends to create online program offerings to meet the community’s need for social connection, creativity, and self expression through the arts. The Saturday Arts Series will be a 10 week series of online arts workshops and performances held during the coldest days of winter, from January 16th - March 20th. With grants and donations, they expect to offer a tiered pricing structure, from Free to $25 per participant, allowing members of the community to benefit from the arts regardless of their ability to pay.

Who Is Compass Arts?

Compass Arts Creativity Project’s mission is to create healthy, just, equitable, and resilient communities through classes, performances, and events rooted in exploration, collaboration, creation, and play. Started in 2011 as a small business, Compass Arts became a non-profit corporation in 2019 and received its 501(c)(3) designation in fall 2020 in order to expand its offerings and amplify its impact.

To learn more about Compass Arts and unite with them in this vital work, you can join their end of year fundraising campaign launched on Giving Tuesday, December 1st, and donate at www.CompassArts.org/donate.

Making The Magic During The Pandemic - Budget Or Zero Budget - Holiday Season 2020

When my 10-year old daughter brought down the tinsel tree from the attic - two weeks ago, so that puts us in mid-November - I won’t lie to you by sharing that instead of sheer holiday joy, I hyperventilated and cried. It was a Monday morning. We were on a roll with getting dressed, having enough breakfast to satisfy a morning belly during a Remote Morning Meeting for school, and I was methodically making a dent in the 4 baskets of laundry while making my work to-do list.

There is always talk of decorating for Holiday right after Halloween, and I pushed it off, kicked the can down the road, begging them if I could pick up and organize the house and attic enough before the Christmas decorations came down. So when I saw the tinsel, the amount of loss of control of what was about to happen was overwhelming. The Holiday Season is here, and that means many things, but most physically, it means spending money and existing in pure consumerism. Which as a kid is really fun! But as an adult, has formed an emerging outlook. But the season is so beautiful! And it’s fun to give gifts! But you may not have money. Oye, the agonizing toll. I first wrote about this over at the Highlands Current in 2018.

So here’s the deal. Here’s how we can make it through the holiday season during a pandemic, making it a lot of fun, even if you have no budget. And if you do have a budget, yay! If you don’t have a budget, we are going to yay this too!

ALBB As A Marketer

You’re going to see A Little Beacon Blog go bananas on Instagram for shopping. We usually do anyway, but we will during this season too. Keeping in mind that many of you may not be able to spend on anything at all. We are fans of small business and entrepreneurship, so we like to be a part of keeping people in business, which can give them financial and creative freedoms.

Shops On Main Street Need The Sales

At this point in the pandemic, shopping from the stores is a good deed. Where once retail therapy felt good for you, it is more of a mutual feeling than ever. These shops make our walking and driving experience in any town. If you want that experience to stay, then you need to buy something from the store. If you went into a store one time, and had a bad experience, or someone said or did something to make you mad, and you never go back again, you’re just hurting the vibe in which you live. So give them another try.

Wrap What You Recently Purchased

Holiday gifts don’t need to be purchased after Thanksgiving. That is not the rule. The rule is a feeling of giving and appreciation. If you recently bought a couch, or some shoes that you loved because they were on sale 2 months ago, wrap them. Remember what you have and recently invested in. It all counts!

Schedule Purchases After December 25th

You may need things, like fitness clothing. You may want this to be your gift. But, it goes on mega-sale in the big-box stores after December 25th. Like the Annual Sale at Victoria Secret, where their PINK line includes leggings, sweatshirts, etc. If these are the things you are asking for, let your people know, budget the money, and go after December 25th. If you all know this up front, waiting to make this purchase might make this easier.

Gently Push Back On Those Who Insist On Spending

Yes, we at ALBB encourage people to spend (doing so is our job sometimes!). But for those with no budget, not spending is real. One may either not have cash, or might go back into a cycle of debt. And those are not things we want to do. No debt! Try your best (speaking to the choir, here). Visualize a life with budget buckets, and your life with a pile of savings that you can live from long after you stop working. This doesn’t mean not spending. You can spend! The mindset just needs to shift into when we spend.

There may be people in your life who insist on spending on you, or your little ones. If it’s your own shared budget, and you don’t want to perpetuate the cycle of debt, or take from your safety net, keep talking about the progress of your debt diet, and how having a safety net is important. People build safety nets for emergencies, like when there is a pandemic. And there is a pandemic right now!!

People Who Insist On Spending Their Budgets On You Or Your Kids

Long ago, after donating many, many clothes from my kid’s over-stuffed drawers (we had a great hand-me-down source), I asked some gift-givers to not give us clothes, but to contribute to their college funds. When I bought clothes, I bought them from consignment stores or sale racks, and knew exactly what we needed when we needed it. So I didn’t want heaps of outfits. This did not go over well. The retail itch is strong in people, and wanted to be scratched.

Respecting that the retail itch in someone else is something that I cannot control, I try to direct the gifts to be part of the magical flow for my kids.

Talk About Your Debt Diet Or Money Savings and Growth Plans

Talking about savings - and financial planning - is not part of our normal dialogue. It could be. Showing and celebrating when we make dents in our debt can help keep the debt diet on track. Telling your people about how you want to pay off your car or your home or your outstanding bill somewhere will help them respect your wishes, and either direct their gifts there, or help you yourself not spend.

Making The Magic For Little Ones

Honestly, the holiday season is all about warmth, surprises and thoughtfulness. Surprises can come in many forms. Where once I was a hard “No” on the Elf on the Shelf, I came to terms with it because it brings my kids such joy, to wonder about the Elf and what it will do. We have 3 elves now (one for each child). And they even made an accidental appearance in September! Everyone was very confused. But it added to some fun.

Think of little surprises you can do for your little ones, that make them feel magic around them, that don’t cost anything, or are a part of what you need to get your kids anyway (like gloves). Ignore Instagram trends on what other parents are doing, if those overwhelm you. Do what you feel like is fun for your in your house. Use the elf to translate what you need to.

Teaching Your Little Ones To Make Magic - Activate Elf Magic

I’m not comfortable with the concept of lots gifts showing up without a budget. This is so unrealistic for kids to watch this in movies, and sets their expectations for a pile of presents just showing up. That’s a lot of financial pressure on parents! Instead, I share with my kids the concept of them being elves, and going to get things for people. Then put them in a secret place, because (ok, a little bit of magic is happening) the actual elves will do something to make them show up under the tree.

But this way, we all know what is coming.

Feeling “Enough”

When there are so. many. Instagrams and TikToks and commercials around us, suggesting we get this and that (and ALBB is a part of that), practice feeling “enough.” That feeling of calm, and that you have enough. Look at something around you - a piece of furniture, a journal, groceries, the heat coming out of your heater - and remember that it’s amazing. As for your little kids coming up to you wanting more more more, all I can tell you is….show them your bank account LOL.

Start paying them to clean your house so that they have their own budgets, and start buying their own things. I have different jobs with different rates, like sweeping and wiping down the stairs; Windexing the mirrors; spray-mopping the floor. They need to seek approval each time - because sometimes they just did it and it’s not dirty - but this is good training for a business mindset.

When they can or cannot afford something from their own bank account (if that’s their wallet or an actual bank account), they will truly learn the feeling of enough. And you won’t need to say “no” anymore or as much.

Feeling Sheer Holiday Joy - Feel The Love

During this time in the pandemic, we all need to feel happy. We do! There is a lot of sorrow around us. And those of you with budgets, you are wanting to contribute your means to help other people with their means. That is AMAZING.

Feel OK to feel joy. And keep on with being aware of others and what they need, and helping them and you get there.

Happy Holidays. The Holiday season is OPEN.

New "Learn To Podcast" Program For Youth Via Library With Brandon Lillard

A new podcast program for kids Grade 7 and up is available through the The Howland Public Library through a new youth mentorship program partnership with Brandon Lillard from I Am Beacon. Brandon is a podcaster of such podcasts which include Not Up For Debate, Steady Geakin’, and ALBB’s own Wait, What Is That?

The program is a 6 week online podcast workshop that will meet in a weekly cooperative learning workshop. Participants will learn by doing. Students will learn what it takes to produce their own podcast from start to finish, from writing scripts and conducting interviews to adding music and editing. This free workshop will take place via Zoom on 6pm Tuesdays, October 20th - November 24th from 6-7pm. An online information session will be held on Tuesday October 6th at 6pm. 

The Youth Podcast Program is a mentorship program that will provide youth and adolescents the opportunity to engage in an in-depth exploration of topics relevant to the challenges that they are facing and create and share their work with an audience as they learn about communicating through electronic media.

During the Youth Podcast Program, youth and adolescents will research and write about current events and issues affecting their lives, develop real-life/ job related skills, improve their literacy skills, learn to work collaboratively in small groups online and use current technology software to create a podcast.          

Young people in grades 7 and up interested in participating can attend an online information session on Tuesday, October 6th, at 6pm via zoom. Class size is limited and registration is required. Priority registration given to students living in the Beacon City School District. To register and receive the Zoom invitation email Michelle at community@beaconlibrary.org.