ALBB's Squad Goals Meetup For Members: Businesses, Artists, Writers, Non-Profits : Tonight! 9-10-2026

This month’s ALBB Blog Squad Goals member meetup was a delightful departure from the work week, where we gathered on Thursday evening at Estilo y Vino Wine Bar. Joined by local therapist Kristen Verge @egreverge , who has been a longtime supporter of A Little Beacon Blog. See how iconic she looks with the painted wings at her back!

Owner Elizabeth Rodriguez describes her wine bar a place to disconnect from the outside world, and connect inside. Live music plays sometimes, or this evening, we got to enjoy Elizabeth’s musical selections.

Fun Fact: Both Elizabeth and Kristen donated Face Painting sessions to the kids on Juneteenth who came to ALBB’s table, making sure every child who approached was granted their face painting wish.

For our video tonight, we put Chef Rob on the spot to tell you about what he made. Katie ordered the Caesar Salad and asked for krispy kale flakes to be on top. This addition was delicious, and paired well with the shaved parmesan. Kristen ordered the Margherita pizza flat bread with a 4-hour slow-simmered marinara sauce with roasted garlic, fresh basil and herbs with freshly shaved parmeasan.

If you like wine, you will love @estiloyvinowinebar . The wine selection is from all over the world. Tonight’s dry white was from Hungary, with Germany as a backup, but the first selection hit perfectly. The menu is generous with the range of tapas that can fill you up or keep you eating light for the night.

And, if you don’t come for the wine, come for the bathroom! Estilo Y Vino’s bathroom is a top design for ALBB’s Bathrooms of Beacon series.

Until next month, ALBB Blog Squad Sponsors!

Available every day: Search ALBB’s Business Directory for supporting businesses, and ALBB’s Things To Do In Beacon Guides for ideas on where to shop, eat, beautify and classes.


Tonight! A Little Beacon Blog’s second Squad Goals Member Meetup for businesses, artists, writers and non-profits who are currently subscribed to ALBB’s advertiser program or purchased an ad placement this month.

6-8:30pm at Estilo Wine Bar. Attendees get 1 Free Glass of Wine with Purchase of Tapas. Thank you owner Elizabeth Rodriguez for hosting us! The wine bar is open to all other patrons as usual.

See you soon!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Start your business membership any time!

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

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

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

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

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

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

CELEBRATE
Your chance to share what you’re celebrating.

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

ALBB’s ADVERTISING PROGRAMS

There are several to pick from:

Things To Do In Beacon Guides:

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

Business Directory:

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

Branded Content:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CareFull MD's Guidance On When To Go To The ER Versus When To Go To Urgent Care

Exam Rooms at CareFull MD’s Urgent Care.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

When you think of CareFull MD’s Urgent Care, you think immediate access to finding relief from symptoms. Urgent care, however, is different from the Emergency Room, which is attached to a hospital with more specialist and treatment options.

Things to think about before deciding between Urgent Care and the ER

Ask yourself right away about the severity of your symptoms. If you are having severe issues, you may want to consider going to the ER, which is connected to a hospital, which has more services, like a CT Scan and MRI. Urgent Care centers can usually handle X-rays, stitches, minor fractures, infections, and basic lab work. Urgent Care can also make referrals to specialists for further treatment once your symptoms are diagnosed.

Severity of Symptoms:

  • Chest pain

  • Trouble breathing

  • Stroke symptoms

  • Severe bleeding

  • Loss of consciousness usually require the ER

  • Time-sensitive conditions

  • Possible heart attack

  • Stroke

  • Appendicitis (severe pain in the lower abdomen, where it’s hard to talk or move)

  • Severe allergic reactions (trouble breathing, worsening symptoms by the moment)

  • Head injuries should not wait

Availability of Services

CareFull MD’s Exam Room at the end of the hall.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

Urgent Care explains the concern. If you come in to CareFull MD, their practitioner may tell you why the ER is recommended. For example: you may need a CT Scan, have a possible blood clot, or are experiencing dehydration requiring IV treatment. You may also need a cardiac evaluation depending on your symptoms. You can come to CareFull MD to check if you’re unsure of your symptoms.

Urgent Care stabilizes immediate issues if needed. You may be given oxygen, a nebulizer treatment for breathing issues, medications, bandaging, splinting, or basic treatment before transfer to the ER. At that point, transportation is determined. If the condition appears potentially dangerous, they may call an ambulance for you. If you are stable, they may tell you to go directly by private vehicle if someone can drive you.

Urgent Care may send to the ER your visit notes, vital signs, X-rays or lab results, and medication list that they determined while in their care. In some cases, CareFull MD’s Urgent Care calls ahead to the ER of your choice. However, this does not always mean you skip the waiting room or triage process. That is up to the Emergency Room and their schedule.

CareFull MD accepts most insurances including Medicaid and Medicare.

CareFull MD is a sponsor in A Little Beacon Blog’s Business Directory in the Health & Wellness section.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take a tour with us!

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brrrrr....Cold Snap Took Your Heat? What To Do When Your Heat Goes Out (from Shelter Air)

Local and Woman-Owned Heating/Cooling company @shelter.air was checking the weather and says it looks like temperatures are going to stay cold over the next few days. brrrr.

Therefore, they wanted to use their ALBB Member Sponsor spot to share a quick reminder about what to do if your heat suddenly goes out during a cold snap.

❄️ Check your thermostat and breaker to rule out simple fixes.

❄️ Close doors to unused rooms to keep heat where you need it most, and use blankets, layered clothing, and sleeping bags for extra warmth.

❄️ Keep faucets dripping slightly to prevent frozen pipes.

❄️ If you use space heaters, keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended. Do not keep them on overnight.

❄️ Most importantly, schedule an emergency repair visit with Shelter Air right away. Call 845-299-8804

If you have not yet had your seasonal HVAC service, please don’t hesitate to schedule now. Proactive maintenance is key to reducing the risk of heating issues in the first place.

Is It Norovirus Or The Flu? Symptom Checking With CareFull MD, Beacon's Urgent Care

Flu season came in strongly in Beacon, bringing with it multiple strains of the flu that cause different symptoms that can be are similar to Norovirus. While nirovirus tends to thrive in the spring, says Nurse Paulina Taylor of CareFull MD when ALBB asked her about symptoms and self-care tips for this article, some people in the community experienced Norovirus this winter season, which took them out of work and daily life for several days before they sought relief from an urgent care or doctor.

Nurse Paulina Taylor answers questions from a patient at CareFull MD’s location at 252 Main Street, Beacon NY.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

"It's important to come and get checked first,” Nurse Paulina urged. "For example, if a patient has cold symptoms like sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, it's best to rule out other infections like the flu at the time of their visit." Norovirus can cause vomiting and diarrhea within 12-48 hours of exposure, as well as stomach pain or cramps, low-grade fever, muscle pain, and generally feeling ill, according to Mayo Clinic.

While the infection generally clears on its own, complications can arise from becoming dehydrated from loss of bodily fluid, as well as water used from fighting the infection in general. Norovirus is highly contagious, even spreading to others days after symptoms subside. Some people who are infected may show no symptoms at all, and still be contagious. This could be common in a household of infected children presenting symptoms, and a parent showing no symptoms, for instance.

"The official diagnosis of Norovirus is made from a stool sample," Nurse Paulina told ALBB, "but usually clinicians can tell when it's a Norovirus or similar 'stomach bug' and would usually treat based on symptoms."

Medications that can be recommended are over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication and medication to reduce nausea, "depending on the patient's history, there are some prescription medications that can be given, but it is all dependent on if they take other medicines or have other medical conditions," Nurse Paulina said.

General treatment starts with re-hydrating or maintaining hydration with a drink with electrolytes (sodium and potassium) and light sugar in it, like Gatorade or Pedialyte. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth and throat, listlessness, and decreased urine output.

Next, food can be brought back slowly. Mayo Clinic recommends bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, toast, bananas, applesauce, rice and chicken.

If you are experiencing any symptoms and are struggling or want to put your mind at ease to rule out what infection you may be fighting, take yourself or have someone take you to Beacon's CareFull MD urgent care at 252 Main Street next to Key Food. Handicap parking is available, and no appointment is needed. Multiple insurances are accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid.


Branded Content: This article was produced in partnership with CareFull MD, who is a Member Sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. To reach ALBB’s readers with your message, see our Branded Content opportunity.

Back To School Needs: Pediatric Physical Exams Are Easy At CareFull MD (Sponsored)

Carefull MD, the Walk-In Urgent Care Clinic in Beacon, NY located at 252 Main Street.

New York State requires a physical exam for all students entering school for the first time, as well as for students in grades Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. CareFull MD, the new Walk-In Urgent Care in Beacon on Main Street, offers Pediatric Physical Exams for that back-to-school rush of completing required examinations to register for sports, childcare, or to provide them for other reasons.

I walked in at 10am on a Sunday and was met with kindness and patience. Everybody is super nice and the Doctor took the time to listen to me. I am so glad we have this urgent care here in Beacon. I will definitely return with my family’s ailments!!
— Jessica Johnson via Google Review

Located next to Key Food, an after-school snack is also easy once the exam is complete. Or, stay in the parking lot to snack up before the appointment to ensure everyone’s mood is smooth.

No appointment is needed. Walk-Ins welcome. If you suddenly remembered that you need the paperwork, you could swing by.

What To Expect During The Physical Exam:

Medical History:

The exam will include a review of the child's medical history.

Height and Weight:

Height and weight measurements are recorded to calculate BMI and track growth patterns.

BMI:

The eye chart for vision screenings at Carefull MD on Main Street in Beacon, NY.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

Body Mass Index (BMI) and BMI percentile are required to be documented.

Vision Screening:

Vision tests are conducted to identify potential issues that may affect learning. This is a great time to catch vision issues, if the child cannot see the board clearly or easily.

Hearing Screening:

Hearing tests are also part of the screening process. This test is conducted with sounds provided by the nurse.

Physical Exams are available for people of all ages, including adults who need them to stay healthy, for work requirements, and for assisted living facilities.

CareFull MD is open 7 days a week from 10am-8pm. No appointment needed. The team is happy to assist you.

Editorial Note: This article was written in partnership with CareFul MD, a sponsor and member of ALBB’s Business Directory.

Business Directory Highlight: Insulating A Hot Attic And Adding A Mini Split (Shelter Air)

Shelter Air owner Kimberly Sevilla, an energy Auditor, provides benefits of insulating an attic.

Editor’s Note: From time to time, ALBB produces videos with our member advertisers in the Business Directory or Things To Do In Beacon Guides to bring you something extra spicy, or energy you need. This is one such video. Check our Media Kit if interested in playing.

Shelter-Air owner Kimberly Sevilla came over to Katie’s attic during the Heat Wave to speak to ALBB Readers about ways to insulate the attic; the benefits of insulating the attic to make the house more efficient in heating and cooling it; and programs to consider for rebates and grants for low to moderate income earners. Shelter-Air is independent and woman-owned, and ALBB Business Directory Member.

Kimberly is an Energy Auditor certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). She also works with The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

“I go into people’s homes and look for ways to improve their performance in their home so that it uses less energy to heat and cool,” she told ALBB. “Instead of putting a box into an inefficient house, is I make the house more efficient, and then I put the box in.”

She also well-versed in the NYS Clean Heat Program from New York State, that incentives purchasing and installing a heat pump through rebates and financing options so you can lower your bills and stay comfortable all year long. NYS Clean Heat rebates can be combined with federal tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act. She also mentions the EmPower Program for low to moderate income earners.

Ask Kimberly all about it, from financing to cooling, she can recommend you to the best solution. Call or Text: 845.204.8679 Website | Email

The Station Dispensary Opens: A Look At The Products For Sale Inside The Old Beacon Police Station

After carefully waiting, The Station Dispensary has opened! Months in the making, the dynamic duo of Kamel and Lena Jamal are ready to serve you in their building that is the old Beacon Police Station at 463 Main Street. Products can also be purchased for pickup on their website.

Find brands like Fernway, RVEST, Holiday, 4orty Tons, Live Rosin, Harvest, dank., Platinum, Harney Brothers, Chef Higher, and more.

As for decor, Kamel and Lena are thrifters by nature, and travel frequently. Eighty percent of the furniture inside is thrifting finds. The large cabinets on the wall are from an old candy shop in upstate New York. Ask them to show you what is from Egypt and Mexico.

Their soft launch party was last Friday, and from now on, you are free to walk through the doors of the old Beacon Police station, and walk back out, still free, and perhaps a little more relaxed.

The Station Dispensary is a Member Advertising Sponsor of ALBB, and always lifting us to higher spirits. Look for more features of brands carried at The Station in our free newsletter (subscribe here) and Instagram.