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.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken From JB Foods Etc. Opens On Main Street - Halal, Delicious and Affordable - A Perfect Snack Or Meal

You’ve been watching…and waiting…to see what would replace the Beacon Craft Beer Shoppe next to Key Food (ALBB first wrote about opening that here). And then you were rewarded…with fried chicken from the same owner. Coming from JB Foods Etc., this chicken is double-breaded and fried in house. You can watch them dip the chicken! Hardly any food is frozen, and the chicken easily pulls apart in your hands (we tried it, it’s good).

The rooster mural inside of JB’s Krispy Krunchy Chicken.

Light tasting but double-breaded, this Louisiana-style fried chicken is halal (according to WebMD: “Halal food must be prepared with minimal suffering to the animal and the pronouncement of God’s name during the slaughter, as the animal is being sacrificed to Him”) and is available in several different varieties, including fried chicken tenders, fried chicken thighs, legs, wings, hot wings, wedges, and chicken sandwiches. Sauces include Original, Home Style Ranch (so good), Honey 🍯 Mustard (can’t wait to try), Sweet and Sour, and Sweet BBQ. Chicken sandwiches are also available.

An easy snack, customers of Key Food have already been seen enjoying a Krispy Box of some assortment of tender wings (white meat), dark meat drumsticks or wings while they wait for their taxis to take them back home after grocery shopping.

Watermelon from Key Food as an off-menu side for Krispy Krunchy Chicken in Beacon, NY

For take-home, the location proves convenient, as a quick watermelon-grab from Key Food can be done as a make-your-own side, or make your own entire salad with blue cheese crumbles from the produce department of Key Food.

Krispy Kruchy Chicken provides sides, including mashed potatoes with gravy, and a jambalaya. Both have a slight kick of spice, but are mild for anyone to enjoy. A perfect takeaway lunch-n-go, or take home for dinner. As for gluten-free, that option is not available yet.

The chicken choices: fried chicken tenders, fried chicken thighs, legs, wings, hot wings, wedges, and chicken sandwiches.

Open 7 days a week, from 11am-7pm. Good for lunch or dinner. For a set of 3 kids, Krunch Boxes for 3 kids can cost $24 (without drinks).

PRO-TIP: As a parent, do order for yourself. You may start picking from the bones of your kids, and they won’t be happy. So indulge in yourself and order your own Krispy Box.

Order Up! Mr. V’s Deli To Remain Open - Still Accepting Buyer Offers

Maggie had a different demeanor when ALBB caught up with her one afternoon at the beginning of July, after she indicated in May that she might close if she didn’t find a buyer when her lease was ending.

So…was she closing? “No,” Maggie replied with a smile while cleaning the meat slicer. “We’re open and still here.” She did not find the right buyer yet, and is still accepting suitors. Until then, her lease has gone month to month, and she is happy with her landlord.

Are the people happy? “Yes,” Maggie said.

Are you happy? “Yes. I felt the support.”

And with that, Maggie continued working, to be seen the next day, keeping the beat, feeding Beacon those egg sandwiches and Italian combo subs.

Collective sigh of relief commenced.

New Art Show :: Parisa Karami, "Cinema Scenes" At The Hudson Valley Food Hall

“I paint to help me to remember and help me to forget.”

— Parisa Karami

Beaconite Parisa Karami is the newest artist hanging in the Hudson Valley Food Hall. This show “Cinema Scenes: Paintings 2012-2022” features paintings of scenes from films. Parisa’s exhibit is on view until mid-late July, and the paintings are for sale. Meanwhile, A Little Beacon Blog interviewed Parisa to learn more about where she is coming from with her art:

ALBB: Why scenes from film?
"I had originally studied film in undergraduate - so it was natural for me to paint scenes from films by my favorite filmmakers when I was trying to figure out my painting style. I think storyboarding and mise en scene in film are very similar to painting in many ways. Some of the filmmakers who created these scenes originally are Tarkovsky, Fassbinder, Fellini, Antonioni. The paintings are are mixed media, approximately 9x12.

“I believe, as Louise Bourgeois stated, ‘art is the guarantee of sanity.’ In order for individuals to maintain their psychic well being in these accelerated times, it is urgent to get to the root of their personal stories.”

— Parisa Karami

ALBB: What inspires you?
"Through a process of gleaning and foraging, I paint to help me to remember and help me to forget. I paint in a naive outsider style. I work in watercolor, acrylics and oil paints. My background in film lends to the storyboarding style. I believe, as Louise Bourgeois stated, 'art is the guarantee of sanity.' In order for individuals to maintain their psychic well being in these accelerated times, it is urgent to get to the root of their personal stories. In conjunction with the personal and collective psyche, I am interested in exploring issues of exile, abandoned areas and timeless spaces."

Parisa Karami was born in 1976 in Tehran and emigrated to a Mojave Desert mining town to flee the Iranian Revolution. By the mid 1980’s the desert town was abandoned (due to the toxic environment created by the mining) she was then relocated to the San Joaquin Valley. These early events continue to influence her work. Parisa moved to New York City in 2002. She holds undergraduate degrees in Film and Anthropology and received a Master’s Degree from the New School for Social Research. She worked at AIGA for three years and the United Nations for five years before becoming a full time painter and craftsperson. Selected works can be purchased on Saatchi Art and Etsy. More recent works can be seen on media outlets such as Mc Sweeney’s, Northwest Review, Pleiades, Florida Review’s Aquifer, The Belladonna, New Orleans Review, Drunk Monkeys, The Indianapolis Review, Michigan Quarterly Review’s Mixtape and elsewhere. Parisa lives in The Hudson Valley with her family.

Hudson Valley Food Hall is located at 288 Main Street, Beacon NY 12508.

One Beacon Bartender's Women's History Behind The Margarita Cocktail

by Emily Morales
Emily Morales is the front of house manager at Meyer's Olde Dutch and has worked in multiple other bars and restaurants on Beacon’s Main Street. She grew up in Beacon and is now also raising her daughter here. When she's not working, she's usually reading anything she can get her hands on.

When I say “Margarita,” what do you think about?

A classic blend of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur. Maybe salt, maybe on the rocks, everyone has their own preference. But who created it?

As a woman who grew from barback, to bartender, and now to front of house manager at Meyer’s Olde Dutch, I wanted to create a menu centered on women’s contributions to the cocktail world for Women’s History Month. I quickly realized, however, that there are very few cocktails more well-known than the one named after a woman, Margarita.

I put together three recipes based on Margarita lore, but nothing beats our house recipe at Meyers Olde Dutch. Served over one large ice cube and half a salt rim, it’s a serious crowd-pleaser!

Origin Stories Of The Margarita

Most, if not all, cocktails have one person we can point to and thank for their genius and dedication to the craft. Take the Hanky Panky, for example. It was created by head bartender Ada Coleman at the Savoy Hotel’s American Bar in 1903 and features gin, sweet red vermouth, and a splash of Fernet Branca. This drink happens to predate any Margarita recipe by over 20 years.

The Margarita, however, has over a dozen origin stories. Many people claim the world-famous classic as their own intellectual property, whether by accident, on purpose, or something in between. In honor of Women’s History Month, Meyer’s Olde Dutch is selling Margaritas inspired by three of these claims centered around women: Marjorie King, Margaret Sames, and Doña Bertha (and the Hanky Panky for gin drinkers).

Marjorie King’s Margarita

In the 1930’s, actress Marjorie King often stopped at a bar called Rancho la Gloria with her friends and fellow socialites, but was unable to drink. According to legend, she was allergic to all alcohol except tequila but hated the taste, so bar owner Carlos “Danny” Herrera got to work! He combined three parts white tequila, two parts Cointreau, and one part lemon juice, and she loved it. He dubbed it Margarita, the Spanish form of Marjorie, in her honor.

Margaret Sames’ Margarita

Another American socialite, Margaret Sames, claims an equally popular origin story. She was famous amongst her friends for her parties and wanted to come up with a new, refreshing, poolside drink. She created several recipes for this new drink while entertaining at the party, all of which ended up horribly (I personally believe it’s ill-advised to perform mixology while drunk, great ideas presented fantastically while intoxicated don’t tend to taste so great) until finally she landed on this: equal parts tequila and Cointreau, lime juice to taste, and a trace of salt on the rim. Now, I know what you’re thinking, but all truly great cocktails are simple in retrospect. During the party, and many parties thereafter, her guests would refer to this concoction as “the drink,” which eventually evolved into “the Margarita.”

Doña Bertha’s Margarita

So far we’ve covered two quite classic-sounding recipes for the Margarita, you’ve got your Cointreau, your salt rim, your lime, now let’s shake it up a bit!

Very little is known about this next recipe, but you’ll be glad I’ve included it. There is a bar in Taxco, Mexico, called Bar Berta, which was owned by a woman known as Doña Bertha. It is said that her recipe using silver tequila is a precursor to today’s Margarita, but once you give it a shot, you may never turn back to a regular Margarita again. In homage to the city’s famous silver mines, Doña Bertha created a drink to showcase silver tequila. She added honey for sweetness, lime for tartness, and an egg white for creaminess, shook it up and served it plain. No salt, no rocks, no garnish, she let the drink speak for itself.

Emily Morales Herself

Here’s a Margarita tip: at your backyard parties this Spring, try using agave instead of regular simple syrup!

New Businesses In Beacon Are Popping Up!

As you walk down Main Street, you’ll notice new businesses are popping up all the time! Like, Healthy In Color and Butterhead Salad Company (opening in April).

We try to keep up with new businesses as we notice them! Then we add them to our Shopping Guide, Restaurant Guide, or Beauty Guide. Main Street businesses get a free basic listing in these guides.

If you’re a new business or if you notice a new business and don’t see it listed in one of our guides, let us know. It’s not intentional — we’re just a small mighty team and sometime’s it’s hard to keep up.

If you’re a business who wants to sponsor one of these guides, be included in our weekly newsletter, and be featured weekly in our Instagram, you can find all of the details here > or reach out for more information!

“Tara” Opens In Hudson Valley Food Hall - Former Employee , Trina, Takes Over & Reimagines

One of the most positive people in all of Beacon is Trina.

“I loved the people around me and loved the guest compliments and reviews about the food which I was preparing. It boosted up my confidence again that I can do it!!!””

— Trina Mazumder

If you don’t know Trina Mazumder yet, she was an employee of Hudson Valley Shawarma, a food stall located at the front of Hudson Valley Food Hall, which is next door to Subway. Trina is also a henna artist. She also burns intricate designs into wood. Some of you were lucky enough to have her paint onto your hands at A Little Beacon Blog’s table at Spirit of Beacon Day 2022.

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Map of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India.

Trina is from Bangladesh. She is an accomplished and credited foodie with Big Dreams. Through the course of events that is small business ownership, Trina purchased Hudson Valley Shawarma with the support of her husband, Buddika Amila Pg who owns the restaurant Lotus Deluxe in Sri Lanka, and her family. She reimagined what she could serve at her own new restaurant: Tara.

“Back home, I completed my Hotel Management Degree and came to the United States as an Intern Chef. It was my dream to open my own restaurant one day. Additionally, my husband used to work in hotel food and beverage service, and he has a restaurant back home in Sri Lanka. So when I started the job in Beacon (at the former Hudson Valley Shawarma), I loved the people around me and loved the guest compliments and reviews about the food which I was preparing. It boosted up my confidence again that I can do it!!!”

Trina shared the idea with her parents and husband. “They inspired me more, and I believe that yes, we are going to do it!!”

The Chicken Samosa at Tara, prepared in Bangladeshi style with a crispy outside.

The food on the menu is a fusion cousin of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food. Look for options like Chicken Samosa (Bangladeshi), Moglai Paratha (Indian), Watalappan (Sri Lanka) and Falafel (Middle Eastern).

The name Tara is a combination of Trina and her husband’s name (Buddika Amila Pg…he goes by Amila). Tara also means “star” in Bangladeshi Indian.

Fitting, as you will feel like a star each time you go into the Hudson Valley Food Hall. The vendors are pals and work together. Each trying to make the magic happen.

On a Saturday night in January, the Hudson Valley Food Hall was hopping.

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Beaconites should take special note: if you want to love your town, you will need to go to these restaurants in the middle of the week. If you are going to complain that Beacon is becoming a bedroom community, ALBB is going to tell you that it is your fault. For not coming out for Bangladeshi chicken samosa on a Monday or Wednesday for lunch or dinner.

Are you kidding!?!

Trina is amazing, and so are you. Warm your blood with her food any day of the week. She is open all days except Tuesdays. Because such is Beacon. :)

There is a bar in the back - The Roosevelt Bar. Plus a patio on the side. Plus they are dog-friendly. You have everything you need. Done. See you there!

The Spirit Of Beacon Day Is OPEN!

Everyone!!

The "Spirit of Beacon Day is alive an well," said former Chair Gwenno James to the City Council during a meeting back in July, during her final appearance as Chair. She was there to present the new Board who volunteered after she put out the call across different channels, which was also published by A Little Beacon Blog.

A Little Beacon Blog's publisher, Katie Hellmuth Martin, felt the role a natural fit for her, being that she had produced 2 floats for South Avenue Elementary School (and decorated 1 drive-by car in the parade during the pandemic), as well as her experience hosting pop-up shops and other community events in her former office space on Main Street.

Junior (Zayed) Dabashi of Key Food had also volunteered to serve, with his experience running many community events for Key Food's family grocery stores in Beacon and in Milford, PA, including car shows (one of his favorites), and open-to-the-community cookouts at the Mosque in Beacon.

Ali T. Muhammad volunteered as well, and as a Beaconite who served on Beacon's City Council, his commitment to Beacon runs deep. You'll see him on the day of the event with a microphone in his hand, serving as a Board Member and MC.

Nickeya Allen pulled in as Treasurer, eager to serve, as her two young children had attended the parade and festival in year's past, and she has participated with ALBB before via Juneteenth.

The reaction from friends and community members has been consistent, and in two forms:
1. "You are crazy!"
2. "Amazing, thank you!! You might be crazy!"

It is true. Anyone who steps into these roles knows that they have a marathon ahead of them. The difference is this is a group marathon where many in the community want to also dive in, get creative, and express what is Beacon.

This Year's Theme: "The Origin Story"

The theme of this year's Spirit of Beacon Day is: "The Origin Story," and here's why:

Event organization wasn't the only reason the role felt right to Katie. In her introductory speech at City Council for the public to hear, she stated: "When the pandemic blossomed into the racial reawakening across the United States and even in Beacon, NY, I started covering the protests down Main Street that marched to Memorial Park and Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park to listen to people's stories during the open mike sessions.

"As a reporter, I got out of my comfort zone and spoke with neighbors I had never spoken to before, heard their stories about their lives in Beacon, and reflected. In 2020, when September rolled around, I thought the Spirit of Beacon Day was the perfect time to kaleidoscope this. To shine the light on the origins of why the Spirit of Beacon Day was created in 1977." But the pandemic happened, and squashed all in-person events. Gwenno and her committee did all they could to produce a virtual version of the day to keep the spirit alive.

According to an article in the Beacon Evening News from 1985: "For a number of years, the students from the Beacon School System and the community were having some problems that had racial overtones. It was during the winter and early spring of 1977 that, for several days and nights, racial problems became severe. The Sheriff’s department was called into the community to help bring the situation under control. A community meeting was held at the Howland Library."

During that meeting, a solution arose: a community day to bring the people together to better understand each other. This day was called The Spirit of Beacon Day.

The 45th Year For The Spirit Of Beacon Day

In early Committee discussions, the Board members expressed the importance of opening up the day to new organizations to participate. The Committee is so excited to dive into this project to bring it to you, with you. We encourage all of you to apply for a Table and/or to participate in the parade. if you have developed something in the last few years, let's see it! Show it to the people so that more young people can experience it. If you have had something for decades, but never considered participating in this day, please do so now!

Let's Gooooooooo!

Below are all of the ways you can help. Thank you Highlands Current and Beacon Free Press for covering the initial change in leadership! Please follow Spirit of Beacon Day on Instagram for latest announcements.

VOLUNTEERS
Yes, we need so many Volunteers! Volunteering can include helping parade floats and marchers get lined up the day of the parade, helping vendor tables get set up, connecting with non-profits, speaking to Main Street business owners, putting out yard signs in advance, going to collect those yard signs once the day is over, emailing businesses for sponsorship opportunities, producing Instagram art and posts, running the Facebook page, etc.
Learn More >

GOFUNDME FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY!
The Spirit of Beacon Day now has a GoFundMe drive! Producing this event does cost a bit. Our goal is to raise funds needed for the essentials, and have stipends that we can offer to the schools for decorating their floats, as well as a few other ideas. We do want a cushion so that we are not starting with a low balance at the start of the planning phase. Due to time, we are not having a Fundraising Event this year because August is when everyone goes on vacation, and September is Float Building Time!! All hands on deck.
PS! If you are a business wanting to give, please see our Sponsorship option to get promotion .
Donate Now >

SPONSORS FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY!
Businesses in Beacon are one of the keys to holding the community together. They provide employment, enjoyment, and entertainment. This year, the Committee has developed Sponsor Levels that include logos on T-Shirts, yard signs, bathroom signs (yes! we are encouraging people to use our porta-potties rather than the bathrooms inside of businesses!), and more.
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

TABLE APPLICATIONS
The Spirit of Beacon Day is everything with its vendor tables and experiences. Which non-profits and social entities making a difference can the community reach out to and meet at a table? Vendor tables are limited, and we are keeping it to non-profit and social groups or entities only. Application required, and if accepted, a $35 Table Fee is needed to secure the spot. Food businesses are encouraged to reach out to partner with a non-profit if they want to offer food. We are encouraging After School Clubs to apply to represent at a table, and other groups not normally seen but need the exposure to reach our young people. Non-profits and groups can serve/sell food as usual! Otherwise, we encourage everyone to also visit our brick and mortar restaurants in Beacon, in addition to the rare street food you'll find from the organizations.
Apply Now >

PARADE APPLICATIONS
The Parade for the Spirit of Beacon Day is everything! Open to both Beacon businesses and organizations, this parade does require application so that we can keep track of everyone, and curate the lineup. Consider marching, rolling or both! Show your colors.
Apply Now >

PERFORMANCE APPLICATIONS
We want to hear you play! We want to watch you dance! If you have never performed at the Spirit of Beacon Day before, please apply now. Past and future performers are encouraged to apply. The event is known to attract 3,000 people.
Apply Now >

CRAFTS & ENTERTAINMENT APPLICATIONS
The Spirit of Beacon Day is looking for activities for Kids we will curate throughout Main Street. This includes face painting, hair braiding, hula-hooping, whatever you got going on. The Salvation Army has graciously donated their space again for a Kids Section setting, and we have a few other places in mind for Pop-Up Experiences.
Apply Now >

KEY FOOD FIRST SPONSOR AS "BEACON OF LIGHT SPONSOR"
In addition to being a Board Member, Junior Dabashi surprised the Committee with a Sponsorship as our first "Beacon Of Light Sponsor" ($2,000) Sponsor. Key Food Beacon is a longtime participant in the Spirit of Beacon Day as a donor and table participant. This capital enabled the Committee to secure the porta-potties - with an extra ADA compliant unit that fits wheelchairs. We were also able to begin securing a bagpipe band. Thank you JB Said and Junior Dabashi!
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

LAST OUTPOST SUPPORTS AS FIRST "SPIRIT SPONSOR"
As Junior and Katie were walking around Main Street, saying hello to business owners and touching base with them, the Last Outpost store voiced their strong support for the Spirit of Beacon Day, and came on as our first "Spirit Level Sponsor" ($250)! They carry amazingly rugged things in there, and do check out their custom Beacon made merch.
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

ROUNDHOUSE SUPPORTS AS "BEACON OF LIGHT SPONSOR"
One of the most historic buildings in Beacon, and a longtime major sponsor of the Spirit of Beacon Day, the Roundhouse has signed on as a "Beacon Of Light Sponsor" ($2,000)!
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

LOGO DESIGN CONTEST FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY
The Committee for the Spirit of Beacon Day is launching a Logo Design Contest for the design of the Spirit of Beacon Day logo, now celebrating its 45th year. The winning logo will be awarded $300, and be used on all signage, website, social media, merchandise, etc. All entries will be published for viewing, so that everyone can see the range of ideas.
Get Design Direction >

Guides To Beacon

When you come to Beacon for the Spirit of Beacon Day, use A Little Beacon Blog's all-inclusive Restaurant and Shopping Guides to prepare you for where to shop and eat. You will buy food from the organizations in the festival who are serving up their own fundraising-based food, but you will also be walking into restaurants for more delicious dishes you don't want to miss. And the shopping....oh the shopping in Beacon is so good!

ALBB Takes A Trip To Homespun Foods Backyard Patio For Lunch - Those Crispy Onions - Those Tulips!

ALBB took a Lunch Date over in the garden at Homespun Foods! Teslie (Program Manager) got the citrus salad and added salmon (good choice)… “refreshing and so delicious”, and Katie (Owner of ALBB) got the burger because “those crispy fried onions are too hard to resist!” We got to flip through the wine list that the writer, sommelier and owner Joe hand-stitched together. Love this about business owners who let their passions overlap into each other.

Teslie and Katie don’t make many appearances here on the blog, but we wanted to show you the tulips. The backyard garden is gorgeous and so relaxing! Learn about all of the restaurants in A Little Beacon Blog’s Restaurant Guide here.

A Little Beacon Blogs sister company, Katie James, Inc., designed Homespun Foods website and created features that allow them to bring their restaurant to life and offer their beer store online! And a beer subscription for craft beers! Yup, you can subscribe to beer right on their website. You can also view their full menu online and order for pickup right through their site. Definitely make sure to check out their daily specials page and keep up with all they have going on!

Honoring Ziatun And Palestine Land Day

We are honoring our friends Ziatun by reposting this post they did on March 30. After interviewing the owner, Jamel Kamal at our sister podcast Wait What Is That with co-host Brandon Lillard , we learned how emotionally difficult it is for Jamel and his wife Lena to stay open on heavy days like this one.

"Land Day (Arabic: يوم الأرض, Yawm al-ʾArḍ; Hebrew: יוֹם הַאֲדָמָה, Yom HaAdama), March 30, is a day of commemoration for Arab citizens of Israel and Palestinians of the events of that date in 1976 in Israel.

"In 1976, in response to the Israeli government's announcement of a plan to expropriate thousands of dunams of land for state purposes, a general strike and marches were organized in Arab towns from the Galilee to the Negev. In the ensuing confrontations with the Israeli army and police, six unarmed[3] Arab citizens were killed, about one hundred were wounded, and hundreds of others arrested.

"Scholarship on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict recognizes Land Day as a pivotal event in the struggle over land and in the relationship of Arab citizens to the Israeli state and body politic. It is significant in that it was the first time since 1948 that Arabs in Israel organized a response to Israeli policies as a Palestinian national collective.[1] An important annual day of commemoration in the Palestinian national political calendar ever since, it is marked not only by Arab citizens of Israel, but also by Palestinians all over the world.”
Source

Ron's Ice Cream Opens - Here's Your List Of Where To Find Scoops In Beacon - Vegan Too!

The tip came in on the Beacon Moms Facebook Group - Ron’s Ice Cream on Fishkill Avenue announced their opening day - March 25, 2022 - and are open! Readers and little kids alike have been asking: “When’s Ron’s opening!?!” as Beacon’s most visible ice cream hut, painted yellow and located across from a kid-busy Memorial Park, is the mile-marker to the official arrival of Spring.

Despite it being in the 50s today. Totally normal, by the way. Beaonites know that at least one more snow dump on pink and white magnolia blossoms is possible. For the sake of time, we re-published 2021’s Ice Cream Roundup, with the addition of Lick The Vegan’s Stuff’s new location - and is open now!

Lick The Vegan Stuff
at Végétalien

A Beacon favorite, and honestly, quite possibly a world-wide-vegan-ice-cream treasure. Located currently in the Vegetarian. This picture is credited to another Beacon gem, the vegan donut shop, Peaceful Provisions. Their description of this banana split: “We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you BANANA SPLIT news from @licktheveganstuff (yesss she’s back open)! We just had this and it was TOO GOOD not to share will y’all. Your choice of three ice cream scoops (we chose Strawberry, Cereal Milk and Death by Chocolate), organic banana, organic strawberries and your choice of oat or coconut whipped cream. Get it done right and make sure to order this with sundae toppings (chocolate sauce, pecans and sprinkles)🤤.”

Pictured: Mocha Crunch
Photo Credit: Beacon Creamery via Yelp

The Beacon Creamery

The Beacon Creamery is located at 134 Main St in Beacon, NY and they have mouth-watering flavors that you need to try now! Some include, “New York, New York” which includes cappuccino Kahlua, hot fudge, whipped cream, and raspberry sauce. They also have floats, ice cream sundaes, specialties, tipsy shakes, and regular ice cream with an option to add WINE ice cream for $2.00!

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Pictured: Blue Panda

Ron’s Ice Cream

Ron’s Ice Cream is located at 298 Fishkill Ave in Beacon, NY and they have all of the fun flavors you want like Birthday Cake or Cookies and Cream. And always sprinkles. Some special flavors include Chocolate Moose Tracks, Graham Central Station, Crazy Vanilla, Cookies n Cream, and many more! They also carry sundaes, specialty sundaes, flurries, milkshakes, slushies, and more. Oh, plus, they have hotdogs, burgers, snacks, sandwiches, and sides!

The parking lot is small for line crowding during a pandemic. Last year, Ron’s initiated a call-in service with no walk-up service. ALBB does not have word yet on how they will do it this year. Stay tuned!

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Zora Dora’s

NOTE: Checking on their 2022 open status!
Zora Dora’s Micro Batch Ice Cream And Paletas is located at 201 Main St in Beacon, NY, and makes ice creams and sorbets in the form of paletas! If you don’t know what a paleta is, it’s a frozen treat on a stick! Their handmade products are produced in small batches every day and they source and handpick the freshest seasonal ingredients available. They also offer catering and cart rentals!

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Pictured: Vegan Chocolate Orange

The Chocolate Studio

The Chocolate Studio doesn’t only have delicious chocolates and signature treats, but they also have ice cream! Vegan flavors too. You can pick-up vegan and gluten-free treats (or nonvegan/gluten-free) OR they ship nationwide! Sadly, ice-cream is excluded from the shipping part so you will have to stop in the store for that! But you’ll want to! So many flavors, you might have to get a few.

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Yankee Clipper Diner

You can also stop in the Yankee Clipper Diner for ice-cream! They have a few sundaes on their menu, including the Waffle Sundae, which is a freshly baked Belgian waffle with 2 scoops of ice cream, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles, walnuts, and a cherry on top! I mean, this could be your breakfast! Add additional toppings for only $1.

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Shmuck’s Sweet Stuff

Shmuck’s is located inside the Hudson Valley Food Hall and offers delicious homemade ice cream, fresh cones, hot waffles, and other sweet stuff! They’re open year round, rain or shine, with great indoor seating if it’s cold or rainy!

No Plans As Of Yet For Parklets In Beacon, Says The City - Restaurants Respond

Pictured here are diners outside of Homespun, which has sidewalk seating in front, and a patio in the back. For two springs and summers, it also had a parklet in front.
Photo Credit: Heather Barr

Last year at this time, the Delta variant of COVID-19 was brewing, and in May 2021, it became official. People were used to eating outside in parking spots called “parklets,” which were created by using orange water-filled “jersey barriers” to surround tables and chairs for diners to eat outside of a restaurant. The water made the barriers heavy, so they were not moved by casual pushing.

Most of Beacon’s restaurants opted into the parklets, and Mayor Kyriacou waved any fee for having them. They were purchased by the City in part with money the City of Beacon earned through some film permits, as stated by City Administrator Chris White during some City Council Meetings.

The people who were comfortable eating in the street filled up the parklets most weekends. While Beacon citizens were mixed on if they would park their bodies in a parklet, those who wanted to eat outside to feel safer than eating indoors appreciated the choice. Restaurants appreciated the additional seating and additional revenue the parklet seating could provide.

Abruptly In September 2021, the City of Beacon told restaurant owners they had to pull the parklets in a matter of days in order to prepare for the paving of Main Street. Joe Robitaille, owner of Homespun, remembers working on a Sunday to dismantle his shaded structure he had designed to beautify the parklet, recalling: “The City told us we had to remove the parklet by Monday, and we had one weekend to do this. Sunday is a busy day for us on the weekend, but to comply, I dedicated myself to taking down the parklet and not helping my staff serve customers.”

Homespun was not the only one who invested in upgraded porches and designs for the parklets. Neighbor Ziatun had a patio, and Sukhothai also built out a structure. Several other restaurants adorned their plastic barriers with flowers. September in Beacon usually brings beautiful weather, with a boom in sales for the Columbus Day Weekend in October (now known as Indigenous People’s Day). Seating was lost for the weeks leading up to that October holiday weekend, including that weekend itself. And then the paving of Beacon’s Main Street was canceled, putting in question the early pulling of the parklets. The previous year, the parklets were pulled in November.

A Little Beacon Blog reached out to the City Administrator Chris White, Mayor Lee Kyriacou as well as Councilmember George Mansfield, who is a restaurant owner, to gain insight on if the City Council had discussed the parklets with themselves, the public or business owners. Councilmember George responded: “There has been no discussion at Council regarding the parklets. I assume they will not be back due to scheduled repaving of Main Street and the fact that there is no longer any state mandates limiting indoor occupancy for the hospitality industry.”

City Administrator Chris did indicate in a recent City Council meeting that paving would begin on Main Street soon. When ALBB asked about a start date, Councilmember George did not know, stating that there were several “moving parts” to organizing paving. City Administrator White and Mayor Kyriacou did not respond by publishing time.

Safety Of Parklets

The public was mixed on the safety of parklets, yet the seats remained full. Traffic and speeding in Beacon is a known issue. On Mother’s Day, two cars collided in the middle of Main Street, avoiding the parklets but jumping the curb to land on the sidewalk to hit a grandmother and pin a child. Months later, another grandmother was hit and killed by a local driver in the crosswalk while the grandmother correctly crossed the street at Teller and Main Street because the driver was blinded by the afternoon sun, according to the police report. An 11 year old girl was hit in the crosswalk at Verplanck Avenue and Matteawan after school let out while correctly crossing the street on her bike because the driver “thought she had passed already,” the child told A Little Beacon Blog (interview to come).

After the parklets were pulled, some readers wrote into A Little Beacon Blog, asking if the parklets were returning, as they preferred eating outdoors and did not mind the location of the parklet. Some people who are in favor of a “walkable Main Street” are in favor of the parklets to naturally slow down traffic. Unless the police chime in after the publishing of this article, there have been no reports of people in parklets being hit. However, there have been several reports of people in crosswalks and walking on Main Street being hit.

Restaurants Respond

After being told by the City of Beacon that there was no plan as of yet for the parklets, Joe of Homespun had this to say about the loss of parklets, despite him having sidewalk seating in front and patio seating in back: “I think it will make it tough on restaurants in town. For us with the garden backyard, it was always over-flow seating anyways, and would fill up after the garden was fully seated. But for smaller places with tinier dining rooms, it provided a big shot in the arm. Hopefully the public is really ready to dine inside again.”

Marko Guzijan, owner of the Hudson Valley Food Hall, which has several food vendors stationed inside with plenty of seating including an outdoor patio had this to say about the parklets: “It’s not surprising. In truth, it won’t effect our business much. It may actually help as we already have private outdoor seating and now people who aren’t comfortable sitting inside will have less options in Beacon (this is especially true for families of young kids who can’t get a vaccine). But we don’t want to see our business improve beacuse other Beacon businesses are hindered.

“No parklet seating, plus the increase in energy bills is going to hurt many Main Street business. Again, the chefs in the Food Hall will probably make more money, but that doesn’t mean I think it’s the right decision. I’m curious as to why the City Council of Beacon thinks this is a good idea, while New York City continues to have outdoor seating to try to help their food and beverage businesses? As of yet, they haven’t communicated with any of the businesses in the Food Hall to explain their decision.”

As of now, there have been no public discussions during City Council Meetings about the parklets. Peekskill recently indicated they are considering removing some of their parklets, and some members of the Peekskill public have started a petition to keep them. This report at News12 quotes some business owners who benefited from the parklets.

Editorial Disclaimer: Homespun was a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog and is a website client, and Hudson Valley Food Hall is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. Their views do not influence content, but our relationship does make understanding their issues easier.

Retail Therapy Guide :: 1/21/2022

Happy Sunny Friday After The Snow Day, Everyone! Do you have your sleds? Because Brett's has some extra ones if you still need to buy some plastic to fly down the snow. Stop into Mountain Tops and the Last Outpost Store for some outdoor gear to keep you warm as you enjoy yourself in the cold weather. Visit A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide for more shopping ideas you may not have known existed in Beacon! Winter and Spring Sports are in full swing, and A Little Beacon Blog is opening sponsorship of our Kids Sports Guide to make it happen. If you'd like to get your brand in front of parents and caregivers, this is a great place to start! The Summer Camp Guide is also open for sponsorship now, so get in early so that you can slide onto the family's summer schedule. Have a blessed Friday and sunny weekend!   THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Book an Event Promotion Advertising spot here. You can sponsor this Event Guide with your event, for extra promotion of it! If you'd like to guarantee to see your entertainment event listed here, Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade and Katie Hellmuth Martin Martin Luther King Books In Beacon's Public Library  Days: Everyday With voting rights in the news - and not leaving any time soon as different states create different laws - now is an important time to learn about what Dr. Martin Luther King was saying in his speeches, to learn about that time, to see how this time is similar. Says the Beacon Public Library: "The library has over 100 titles available via Hoopla* to learn more about the inspirational life of Dr. King. The collection has something for all ages; children’s books, biographies, comics, audiobooks and movies. There are 12 films including the documentaries, “King: A Filmed Record” (1970) and “I am MLK Jr.” (2018). You can even listen to speeches and audiobooks read by Dr. King. *You can borrow up to four titles per month with Hoopla and your library card. If you don’t have a library card, you can sign up for one online today and get instant access. Start Browsing > Poughkeepsie Day School Virtual Admissions  Days: January 22 & January 25 To register or express interest, visit poughkeepsieday.org and click inquire. Poughkeepsie Day School is an independent school that has been a valued part of the Hudson Valley educational landscape since its founding in 1934. The school teaches an unparalleled inquiry-based curriculum that strives to create compassionate citizens. Poughkeepsie Day School is a Sponsor, thank you!   The Bannerman Island Gallery Fine Art Holiday Exhibition Day: Now - Sunday, January 30, 2022 Time: 4pm - 6pm Location: Bannerman Island Gallery, 150 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Paintings, watercolors, prints, photographs, and hanging mixed media works will decorate the walls - while ceramics, sculpture and other artistic gift items will fill out the gallery.  Many of the works will be Hudson River Valley themed. Visitors to the gallery can expect to see representational landscapes, florals, interiors and still-life works -  as well as other works from the imagination.  Functional and whimsical ceramics and other gift items will also be featured. All works will be for sale and all proceeds from sales will benefit on-going restoration work on historic Bannerman’s Island.  Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 noon – 5:00pm and most weekday afternoons and early evenings by chance or appointment by calling 845-416-8342.  Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week!     Shake away the Monday blues! We created a list of restaurants in Beacon that are open on Mondays. See it here > TWO WAY BREWING COMPANY 18 West Main St. Popcorn is back at Two Way! Grab a beer and some popcorn. Good food from The Flying Jib (see their foodie pictures here!). Games too!  See Trivia Schedule here >  See beers on tap here > PS: TMcCann Band will be performing every second Sunday of the month at the brewery from 4-7pm. OPEN: Thursday 4:00pm - 10:00pm Friday 4:00pm - 11:00pm Saturday 12:00pm - 11:00pm Sunday 1:00pm - 8:00pm Two Way Brewing Company is a Sponsor, thank you!   EAT CHURCH 3091 U.S. 9, Cold Spring, NY Cold sesame noodles available TO GO from Eat Church! Pick up at The Beacon Pantry in Beacon or at Marbled Meat Shop in Coldspring! Eat Church goods are so fresh & delicious that they're only available while supplies last (go quick!) You can also visit their website for Weekly Menu/Specials > Find Eat Church at more places (please note, for the month of January, Eat Church is operating with limited hours). Fridays 3pm - 9pm Saturdays 12pm - 9pm at Industrial Arts Brewing DAILY GrabnGo at Marbled Meat Shop in Coldspring Website > Eat Church is a Sponsor, thank you! BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193 Main St. Happy Weekend! Head on over to BBC for fresh brioche & vegan rolls (including a few that are everything seasoned!) Might want to stock up on this deliciousness! There is even some *new* *socially-distant* cafe seating in the bakery so you can enjoy a quick latte and treat while you stop in! And get the BEC on a cheddar-jalapeno biscuit while you're at it! Too many good options! Menu >  Order Pick Up or Delivery >  Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!   MEYERS OLDE DUTCH 184 Main Street, Beacon, NY Meyers is looking for a full time bartender to join their wonderful team! Please reach out to us at brian@meyersoldedutch.com if you're interested. Work here & that means you can have quick access to the infamous Double Dutch at all times! Oh & the most crispy & tasty fries ever!  Open Sunday thru Thursday for Food 11:30am - 9pm; Bar until 10pm Friday and Saturday Food 11:30am - 11:00pm; Bar until midnight. Order Now > Meyers Olde Dutch is a Sponsor, thank you! HOMESPUN 232 Main Street, Beacon, NY Homespun is officially back open! With a larger hood in the kitchen, which allows the crew to work with a grill and a deep fryer for the first time. We're so excited & happy for Homespun! Check out the new menu items & follow @homespunfoods for more updates! Read the latest blog post with Hudson Valley Brewery here > OPEN HOURS: Thursday - Monday, 10am - 7pm Order Food > Homespun is a Sponsor, thank you!  HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Hudson Valley Food Hall has a  new vendor! Ciao Chow - hand made pasta and fried rice! Swing by this weekend & get some fresh handmade goods! Stop in & check out the amazing foodies! Follow HV Food Hall's foodies: Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters  Ciao Chow - Hand made pasta and fried rice Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you! BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY It's cold & you deserve a break sometimes! Luckily, Baja has your back with delicious pick-up/take-out AND catering! Call and order for some of their award winning food! Baja has 15 different taco flavors all made with fresh ingredients. All options can be served as street tacos too! If tacos aren't your thing, quesadillas & main plates are available as well as amazing appetizers! PS: Order for pick-up!  PPS: Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6pm Check out their specialty drinks >  Check out the specials > BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you! ZIATUN 244 Main St. Ziatun has your weekend plans covered! Stop by for delicious Middle Eastern dishes, including the (almost famous) Futur Sampler! A tray of their house hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, and MORE, this entirely plant-based starter is perfect for sharing with a friend or for enjoying as a meal by yourself (no judging here at all!) Also available for take-out and delivery!  Menu >  Order Online >  HOURS Monday + Thursday-Saturday 11 am-9pm Tuesday + Wednesday 11 am-4pm Sunday 11am-8pm Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!   BINNACLE BOOKS 321 Main Street, Beacon Kenesha Sneed, “Many Shapes of Clay: A Story of Healing” from Binnacle! “Eisha lives with her mother, a ceramic artist, who helps her make a special shape out of a piece of clay. The shape reminds Eisha of her father, of the ocean, of a lemon. As Eisha goes through her neighborhood doing errands with her mother, the piece of clay hardens and then shatters into pieces when Eisha taps it. In poignant and powerful words and pictures, Kenesha Sneed shows how Eisha learns to live with the sense of loss and of the joyful power of making something new out of what is left behind. Illustrated with Sneed’s bold colors, graphic lines, and gestural textures, the book celebrates diversity and shares a gentle message that we all have the ability to heal and create.” Binnacle is *Open daily! Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you! BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon Baby, it's cold outside! Stop that draft from sweeping in under the door! Brett's can help. Stop in for their selection of door stoppers. OPEN Monday-Friday 7:30am - 7pm Saturday 8am - 6pm Sunday 9am - 5pm Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you! LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon The Leisure Society Adamson Tortoise 12k Sunglasses went QUICK! New arrivals do tend to fly out of Luxe's doors fast because they're so good! So, make an appt with an optometrist to find the best glasses for you and treat yourself to the most amazing winter sunglasses. Luxe makes your vision and the overall health of your eyes their number one priority. PS: Appts required for exams. PPS *NEW HOURS Monday 10 AM - 5 PM Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM Closed on Sundays! They've gone shopping! Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you! LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS 470 Main Street, Beacon Our opinion? There’s no such thing as too many layers! Slip on La Mere's Side Button Sweater Vest over your favorite blouse. Only $62.90 and available online and in store now! Snag the goods + accessories too. We're eyeing the plaid bag to the left - looks like a goodie! All the clothing + accessories you want/need here! *New Arrivals Weekly / Free Shipping Download their free app in the iTunes Store PS: Everything is under $100!! PPS: MENS clothing now available!   Shop Online > La Mere is a Sponsor, thank you! Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY New Website Alert! Yanarella has been guiding and instructing students since 1957- over 60 years ago! Since the day they opened their doors, their philosophy has been “every child should have the same opportunity to dance, regardless of talent or ability. There is no can’t in dance. There’s only a C-A-N.” Yanarella's year begins in December and runs all year until their recital in November. They offer classes in a variety of levels and styles. In addition to their full year schedule, they offer shortened Introductory Courses and Summer Camps. Their facility has three dance rooms, all adjacent to waiting rooms with half walls for observers, instead of observation windows. All rooms are equipped with state of the art sound systems, mounted and standing ballet barres, and full length mirrors. They also have a sprung wooden floor made specifically for dancers and multiple air purifiers throughout the studio. A pillar in the community, Yanarella performs and participates at various functions in Beacon and the greater Hudson Valley area throughout the year, including Beacon’s St. Patrick, Memorial Day and Spirit of Beacon Day parades- just to name a few. Their studio also attends various workshops and competitions throughout the year, which are open to students that meet the studio’s requirements. There’s a reason Yanarella has been around so long- GO on in and find out! Reach out to find out more today! Danceyanarella@gmail.com Visit Yanarella Dance online.  Register for classes today!  Yanarella is a Sponsor, thank you! ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY 340 Main Street, Beacon It's not too late to start those 2022 Resolutions! Antalek & Moore always has your back with tips & checklists but also with insurance policies! Contact them ASAP to see how they can help you fulfill your insurance needs. Here are a few tips from Antalek & Moore to winterize your car! > Give Antalek & Moore a call today: 845-831-4300 and visit their website. Latest Announcements > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor. Thank you!   TIN SHINGLE Tin Shingle trains and empowers business owners, makers, artists and staff members in how to get the word out about their business. Be it a non-profit, special project, or even a major call to action, Tin Shingle’s training and community support gets people doing just that - on their own. Tin Shingle puts the power of PR, Social Media, SEO, and design theory directly into the hands of business owners, makers and artists by way of a flexible Media Kit Membership subscription membership program that includes education, training, directories, media research lists and editorial calendars. Find out more about Tin Shingle & how we can help you & your biz! Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!                            KATIE JAMES, INC. Pairing great writing, content and design for an experience that means something to people, and that is one of the things that makes Katie James, Inc. different from other design boutiques. PS - new year, new website! Let us know how we can help! Find out more > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you! HIRING: Homespun Foods Is Looking For A Lead Server To Join Their Growing Team Details >  HIRING: Maintenance & Packaging Manager At Industrial Arts Brewing  Details > HIRING: Beacon City School District Food Service Department Is Looking For Substitute Food Service Helpers Details > HIRING: Meyers Olde Dutch Details > List your job in ALBB's Job Listings > BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR Tin Shingle Katie James, Inc. CAMPING Malouf's Mountain CHILDBIRTH  >  CLASSES Juniper Birth CHILDBIRTH  >  DOULA Juniper Birth EDUCATION > PRIVATE & INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Poughkeepsie Day School  HEALTH & WELLNESS > MASSAGE Focus On Massage Therapy HOME IMPROVEMENT > INTERIOR DESIGN Jacklyn Faust Interiors HOME IMPROVEMENT > LAWN SERVICES Blue Green Lawns INSURANCE > BUSINESS, HEALTH, LIFE, HOME Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency REAL ESTATE > HOUSE INSPECTIONS Rizzi Home Inspection Services, Inc. List Your Business In The Business Directory >

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PODCAST DROP! Beacon Bread Company, Ziatun and Tito's Restaurateur Kamel Jamal On Palestine's Future Liberation

Way back in warmer times in Beacon (June 2021), we sat down with Kamel Jamal to talk about Palestine on ALBB’s sister podcast station, “Wait, What Is That?”

Even though I have known about Kamel for 10 years, I had not made moments to speak with him. Really speak with him. I knew his politics. I knew he fought back in social media. I knew he answered back to outlandish reviews. I knew he didn’t like the empanada guy at the Beacon Farmers Market. I knew he was a Palestinian refugee. I knew his wife Lena was lovely and quietly fierce, and that his sister Kate (who now goes by her Palestinian name, Khitam) was raw fierce and lovely.

And that’s it.

However. When 2020 happened, I started to come out of my shell. On all of my platforms. In different ways (different platforms have different audiences in different moods). I started reporting on Black Lives Matter protests in Beacon. I started researching questionable employment and disciplinary actions by the City of Beacon that might not be able to prove discrimination on paper, but continuously result in decisions that don’t add up. And who knew that writing about COVID safety and vaccination recommendations during a world-wide pandemic would be so gutsy.

Kamel and I started circling each other. Then residents in a neighborhood in Palestine called Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem protested the scheduled take-over or demolishing of their homes by Israeli forces in May 2021, resulting in a lop-sided exchange of bombs that resulted in dozens of Palestinians being killed (including children), as well as some Israeli citizens. Anyone dead is too many. Especially when defending their home. This, after decades of recently lived histories of horrific murders and attacks on both sides of the Israeli checkpoints, resulting in friends and family members lost from the entire region.

Brandon Lillard and I reached out to Kamel to see if he would be willing to speak to us on our podcast, where we could ask him all of our big and small questions. Kamel said yes. We also reached out to Rabbi Brent of the Beacon Hebrew Alliance to see if we could talk to him as well. He considered it, knowing it is delicate territory, and in the meantime, wrote this blog post. Soon after, Next Step Hudson Valley organized a Free Palestine march in Newburgh, which ALBB covered and wrote about here with videos.

Right around that time, Kamel reached out to me, as he wanted to be a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog for 3 of his restaurants: Beacon Bread Company, Ziatun, and Tito Santana’s (WTF is the alter-ego of Beacon Bread, and serves as the cool friend next door who you sometimes see when they’re in the mood). This part was a coincidence, but did create the first time for Kamel and I to really talk over coffee. We were very honest with each other, which was as refreshing as the mint he uses in his watermelon salad.

Take a listen of this podcast episode. There was a moment where he was overcome with emotion, but you’ll probably not be able to find it. Both Brandon and I were very grateful to be sitting with Kamel, with him so accepting of our questions, as he earned to speak about his Palestine.

The Artists Behind The "Greetings From Beacon" Mural At Beacon Bread Company

Many people in Beacon double as something else. The owner of Beacon Bread Company, Kamel Jamal, happens to be an extremely creative person, both visually and with phrases. He not only doubles the number of restaurants he creates, but enables others to share their talent as well.

It was no surprise when he commissioned one of his Beacon Bread staff, Shannon J. Ramos, to cover the side of the building he leases with an inviting and celebratory “Greetings From Beacon!” mural. Shannon is a muralist and tattoo artist from Poughkeepsie, who developed this design with her boyfriend and fellow artist, Sean who is from Wappingers Falls.

“We met through art,” said Sean. “She’d go to my art shows, and I’d go to her art shows. I love her art. I was in a grumpy mood this morning, but this changed me today. Being able to paint with her is so much fun.”

After 2 months of working for Beacon Bread as a server, Shannon and Sean began researching the design, and after looking at tons of postcards, went with this rainbow connection that “brings happiness,” Shannon said. Painting on the brick wasn’t so much of a challenge, she felt. Shannon used house paint for the hand/detail work, and Sean’s medium is spray painting.

“Murals are a lot of work” Shannon explained. “So it’s fun to have someone to balance off and bring different aspects of art to it. He’s good at spray paint. I’m good at hand-paint. It’s fun to play off each other.” Sean points out that they enjoy the interactive process of having passer-byers walk past to watch them paint. The flowers were left un-colored so that BEACON could stand out. The entire mural took about one day to complete.

Shannon is a full time restaurant server and artist. She has remained at Beacon Bread after starting there in the Spring of 2021, and was surprised to experience the creatively supportive vibe she got from the management. “I got the job, and then…you know…you want to be as available as possible for hours, but then I could only work certain days, and they were totally cool with that and wanted to make it work. It’s cool about them, as they are cool about flexible schedules, and having me do this mural and highlighting what I like to do.”

Follow Shannon at her Instagram.