2018's Spirit of Beacon Day Will Be Under New Leadership - Gwenno James Steps In

Photo Credits: Dan Rigney

UPDATE April 2, 2018 - Spirit of Beacon Day now has a website - www.spiritofbeacon.org and you can now follow them on Facebook.

An almost-big local story of 2017 was that the volunteer organizers of the annual autumn Spirit of Beacon Day were stepping down, and would not be appointing a successor. Panic set in among those who heard the fringe rumors, but those who keep an ear to the ground didn't miss a beat. Longtime Beacon resident, building owner and textile designer Gwenno James heard the open call for replacement volunteers voiced by Mayor Randy Casale during a City Council meeting in July 2017, and decided to step in and step up to take on the enormous task of organizing a parade to celebrate the entire city.

Gwenno James, the new volunteer organizer for the Spirit of Beacon Day, in her Beacon textile studio.
Photo Credit: Gwenno James

Over the years, organizers have for the most part been invisible enigmas, except to their friends and community members who knew who they were. While the succession of the organizers is described clearly in "Celebrating Our Centennial," a book produced by the Beacon Historical Society, the newest members of the Beacon population tended to not know who produced the parade, only that it happened year after year and was the most celebrated time to show off public schools, nonprofit groups, and other initiatives that strengthen the Beacon community by helping neighbors get to know neighbors.
Trivia tip: Gwenno herself penned several pages in the Historical Society's book! 

We wrote about the Spirit of Beacon's backstory here, and have interviewed Gwenno below for the latest on what the future holds for the Spirit of Beacon Day.

ALBB: Some have said: “Beacon has changed. It doesn’t need a Spirit of Beacon Day anymore.” What’s your response to that?

Gwenno James: The Spirit of Beacon Day has been a wonderful celebration bringing everyone together across our community for forty years. When the original founders met in 1977 at the Howland Cultural Center, they agreed that “the community should get to know one another better. We should learn to know each other’s likes and dislikes regarding conversations, feelings, entertainment, education and food." I think that this intention/manifesto is as relevant today as ever, and helps us continue to grow together as a community.
 
ALBB: How did you come to take over the Spirit of Beacon Day Parade?

Gwenno James: First of all, I’d like to say that we are all so grateful to the committee who have been running the Spirit of Beacon Day parade for many years, for their dedication and hard work, including Rose Story, Roy Ciancanelli, Diane Sedore, Tony Lassiter and Bob Outer. They will continue to provide their support and advice going forward, which is great, and will enable us to transition smoothly and pass on the “torch.”

I look forward to leading the new committee with volunteers from all across our community. How the transition came about was: In July, an announcement was made at the City Council meeting that the committee would be stepping down. The Mayor and others encouraged folks from the community to step up and help. I had already been in touch with Rose Story, the committee Chair, earlier in the summer to offer help and to volunteer for the 2017 parade, so when I heard the news, I contacted Rose again and said I would be happy to help with any transition and, as needed, lead going forward.

We then further discussed with Mayor Casale, and he gave his support, alongside the City. An announcement followed at the next City Council meeting. Others also came forward to help and I spoke at the Beacon Chamber and Beacon Arts joint meeting, where members showed their support and volunteered.

During this year's [2017] parade, I “shadowed” Rose and Roy to learn more about how the parade is run on the ground. I also connected in person with the volunteer organizations and school groups.

ALBB: What will the upcoming year look like for you as you prepare?

Gwenno James: There will be a kickoff meeting around March with everyone who has expressed an interest to become involved. We will plan from there and assign volunteer tasks going forward. We will have continued meetings throughout the Spring and Summer and there will be plenty of opportunities for folks to provide input and help.

[Editor's note: As for a website and social media presence for the Spirit of Beacon Day - that is coming, and we will return to this article to update it with the new link.]

ALBB: How can others submit to volunteer?

Gwenno James: We welcome anyone who would like to volunteer and become involved. Folks can get in touch via email: spiritofbeacon@gmail.com

The good news is that many members of the original committee would like to continue helping and advising going forward, so we can build upon the great efforts they have done and have continuity. 

ALBB: Will anything different be done for businesses on the day? Traditionally it has been for nonprofits only.

Gwenno James: This is certainly a matter that we will discuss at our next committee meeting. It’s great to get input and we will be connecting with the Main Street businesses to hear their feedback over the coming months.

ALBB: Thank you Gwenno, and good luck! We look forward to experiencing next year's parade!

Shop is OPEN! 50Roots Pop-Up Shop Returns To A Little Beacon Space Thanksgiving Weekend

Making their return to A Little Beacon Space on Thanksgiving Weekend will be the wonderful folks at 50Roots.com for their Second Annual Pop-Up Shop! Watch for the sidewalk sign to be out, and then come on in! Here's what the weekend will look like:

Friday: OPEN! 1 pm(ish) to 6 pm
Saturday: 11 am to 8 pm
Music by Rich Michos and a Complimentary Happy Hour!
Sunday: Noon to 5 pm

Normally, the collection from 50Roots.com is only available online, as the digital retailer (wife-husband team Christa Gray Page and Patrick Page) is based out of Newburgh, NY. "Like a lot of Americans," says Christa, "we believe in supporting our economy, and we appreciate the designers and businesses that put their hearts into every product that they create."

This weekend only, you can interact with everyone shopping the pop-up. You never know what will happen in a pop-up experience. Remember last year when 50Roots did the Mannequin Challenge? Watch the video below to see how everyone stood still in fun poses (like mid-dancing). Have fun as you shop all of Main Street!

A LITTLE OF WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN THE 50ROOTS POP-UP SHOP

TRIXIE & MILO
COCKTAIL SHAKER
Says Patrick: "Alcohol is a misunderstood vitamin. It’s vitamin A, isn’t it?" Better not take the malnourishment risk. Enjoy your favorite beverage with this 1950s-style cocktail shaker.  

GREEN TREE JEWELRY
STEAMPUNK ROCKER THROW SWITCH
The Frankenstein Light Switch cover goes over any standard and medium size residential single rocker light switch and installs over the existing plastic cover using the existing screws to fasten to the wall (in some cases longer screws may be required; for these cases 50Roots has supplied two extra, longer screws)

BOARDING PASS
YOU EARNED IT BOTTLE OPENER
The You Earned It bottle opener is made in the USA of solid brass. It is sand-casted, tumbled, polished and hand finished making it the smoothest bottle opener ever used. Says Christa, of all the praise: "That’s not just the post-work beer talking."

LOVE THY BEAST
CANVAS PET TOTE
Carry your dog around in style! This utilitarian tote is made with 18-ounce weight double layer of cotton duck canvas and is double topstitched for extra durability. There is a comfortable scoop for your woof's head and has two outside pockets in the front for you. The inside features a collar-to-leash attachment with solid brass hardware and a removable sturdy, bonded leather foot pad. 

BOARDING PASS
LEGO CUFFLINKS
Why not have a reminder of being a kid when you’re climbing your way up the corporate ladder? Repurposed and recycled lost and forgotten pieces of memorabilia are converted into Lego Cufflinks. Hand-crafted using real Legos, the tiles are secured with super strong epoxy to silver plated bezel cufflink posts. 

BOARDING PASS
WHISKEY AND HOW TO ENJOY IT GIFT SET
This gift box is designed to provide an introduction to this fine spirit, and features two hefty eight-ounce whisk(e)y tumblers, two premium leather coasters, and a guide book written and edited by the gents of Boarding Pass. The booklet is a highly informative guide to understanding whisk(e)y, how it’s crafted, and most importantly, how to enjoy it with friends.

BOARDING PASS
WORK HARD/PLAY HARD DUFFEL
Made from 18-ounce duck canvas, 1000-denier nylon on the exterior and 4420-denier nylon on the interior, this duffel offers durable, water-repellent quality that looks as good as it protects. It’s the perfect size for a weekend getaway or carrying your gear to the gym. 

FABRIC HORSE
EVERYDAY TOTE in EVERGREEN
Says Christa: "Possibly our favorite bag to date from our dear friends at Fabric Horse." This bag fits in your bicycle basket and is shaped to hold a 13" laptop. Water-resistant, and made from waxed canvas and factory rejected seatbelt webbing. 

KIT-CAT CLOCK
This clock was so popular last year, it sold out! So 50Roots brought it back. Check out the Scarlet Limited Edition Kit-Cat Clock.  Add some pop to your home or office. Perfect for the holidays and every day!

Reel Life Film Club Presents "To Be Heard"

Published as submitted via Press Release from the Howland Public Library in order to get the word out to you faster...

Beacon, Cold Spring and Garrison libraries have teamed up for Reel Life Film Club, a new film series for middle school students. Reel Life Film Club is an opportunity for middle school students to view award-winning documentary films and talk about them with filmmakers.

The next screening will be in Beacon on Friday, December 1, at 6 pm at the Howland Public Library. The club will be viewing the documentary To Be Heard (2010). Shot over four years, To Be Heard is the story of three teens from the South Bronx whose struggle to change their lives begins with writing poetry. As writing and reciting become vehicles for their expressions of love, friendship, frustration, and hope, these three young people emerge as accomplished, self-aware artists, who use their creativity to alter their circumstances. The film was produced and directed by Roland Legiardi-Laura, Edwin Martinez, Deborah Shaffer and Amy Sultan.
 

Amy Sultan, one of the directors of the film and co-founder of the Power Writers program featured in the documentary, will be on hand for a discussion after the film. In 2011, the film won multiple awards including the audience award at DOC NYC, the Seattle International Film Festival and the Sarasota Film Festival. 
 
Pizza will be served at the events and registration is encouraged. To register to attend the December 1 screening of To Be Heard, email community@beaconlibrary.org. 

The Howland Public Library is located at 313 Main St., Beacon, NY. To find out more about programs for tweens and teens at the library, go to www.beaconlibrary.org.

Student Produced "Cinderella" Opens at Beacon High School Theatre - 80 Students in Cast and Crew

Photo Credit: Beacon High School Players

SHOW TIMES
Friday, November 17 @ 7 pm
Saturday, November 18 @ 2 pm
Sunday, November 19 @ 2 pm
 
Beacon High School Seeger Theatre
101 Matteawan Road
Beacon, NY
 
Tickets: $5 for students/seniors; $12 for adults.
Available online or at the door (but don't wait!)

The Beacon High School Seeger Theatre opens to the public this weekend to premiere Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” produced by The Beacon Players. This student-produced production creates an opportunity for more than 80 students to participate in the cast and crew, from making sets and costumes, to running the sound board, to performing in the musical.

Students work for months on this production, from designing and building the sets, sewing costumes, and rehearsing scenes. The Beacon Players Director, Anthony Scarrone, provides ample opportunities for many students to be involved through workshops over the summer, and during the school year.

Involvement in Beacon's student theatre challenges students in new ways. Anthony guides the student cast through thoughtful performances, evident in each interview of some of the student actors published this week in the Beacon Free Press. Just like promos with movie stars, the newspaper published interviews with student performers who recalled their interpretation of their characters and how they are played. Elizabeth Cenicola (playing Cinderella) reveals that she plays the star character as a girl with little confidence, who grows to become empowered and believes that she can do anything.

The Beacon Players aren't afraid to challenge the norm by reinterpreting a story to show and tell it a little differently. The Prince, for instance, played by Alexander Ullian, takes on a dorky personality who isn't filled with bravery. The stepmother, played by Ellery Harvey, eventually shows remorse for hardships she has bestowed upon Cinderella.

Photo Credit: Beacon High School Players

Says actress Elizabeth in the Beacon Free Press, " 'Cinderella' is a story of having strength even when the situation around you may be a difficult one, which is something everyone can relate to. Children will also be inspired by Ella because she doesn't wait around for her dreams to come true. She goes out and makes them come true herself."

Photo Credit: Beacon High School Players

Photo Credit: Beacon High School Players

Fundraising Opportunities for The Beacon Players

Marvel at the showstopping ballgowns and detailed sets, built and designed by The Beacon Players. There is a Princess Luncheon from noon to 1:45 pm before the performances on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 18 and 19. Luncheons include visits from princesses, good food, and perhaps an appearance from Cinderella herself. Space for the lunch is limited, with only about 50 tickets available for each day. Tickets for the luncheon are $15 each, and sold separately from show tickets. Update: As of now, the Princess Luncheon is Sold Out! And general admission tickets are about to be, so get your tickets to "Cinderella" now!

If you want to donate in other ways, you can sponsor a seat here, or become a VIP Member.

Students can join the Beacon Players by clicking here.

Photo Credit: Beacon High School Players

"Kindness Rocks" Project Launches at Beacon's Howland Public Library

Published as submitted via Press Release from the Howland Public Library in order to get the word out to you faster...

A little bit of kindness can go a long way. Young people ages 10 and up are invited to The Howland Public Library on Saturday, November 4, to help spread a little kindness in Beacon and beyond via The Kindness Rocks Project.

You’ve probably seen them popping up all over the place, brightly painted stones with inspirational words on them. The Kindness Rocks Project began in Cape Cod when the project’s creator, Megan Murphy, began leaving messages on stones for people to find on the beach. Her thought, “Sometimes the right message at the right time can change someone’s entire day, outlook, life.” Since then, The Kindness Rocks Project has spread throughout the country and the world.

Stop by the library on Saturday from 11 am to noon to paint your own Kindness Rocks to share with the community. No experience needed. All supplies will be provided.

RSVPs are requested to ensure there are enough supplies and rocks. RSVP by contacting Michelle at community@beaconlibrary.org or (845) 831-1134, x101. The Howland Public Library is located at 313 Main St., Beacon, NY. To find out more about programs for tweens and teens at the library, go to www.beaconlibrary.org.

Main Street Summit Debuts Tuesday Night for Business in Beacon

UPDATE: We have sold out! Tickets might be on sale at the door if some people don't show, and if there is standing room only.

We are super excited to reveal A Little Beacon Blog's better business side tonight in the Main Street Summit happening at The Telephone Building. Many Beaconites have known Scott Tillitt, founder of BEAHIVE, for a long time, and I got to know him better as my physical neighbor in The Telephone Building when I moved in. Last spring, he approached me to partner up on this summit idea he had. Saying yes was a no-brainer. Small business issues are my jam, which I normally exercise through content and programs I develop at my company Tin Shingle, which is also on the lease at the building. Helping people live their lives on their terms, which can include running a business and producing enough income to provide for yourself and your family (family of kids, pets, aging parents, etc.), is a major driver of why I develop programming for businesses and was happy to partner on this event.

What Will Happen at the Main Street Summit?

First of all, there will be wine, beer and snacks during a Cocktail Connection at the beginning and end of the evening. While I was walking the mile of Main Street distributing flyers, telling any business owner I could reach about the event (sorry if I didn't get to you! but that's why we have newspapers and the Internet, to get the word out!), they told me I needed to lead with the wine part. :)

Next, Scott will moderate an interactive panel of city leaders from the Chamber of Commerce (Pat Moore, partner at Antalek and Moore), BeaconArts (Kelly Ellenwood, current president and city-wide volunteer) and City Council (George Mansfield, owner of Dogwood and City Council member-at-large). We picked this lineup for their direct experience as business owners, as well as with business owners in different capacities. The audience will participate by sharing their questions and thoughts, hopefully making for good discussion. We really appreciate their time this evening.

Then, we will break out into riveting roundtable discussions: Jason from Drink More Good will be facilitating the Staffing and Expansion table. He's got a lot of initiatives running out of his shop, so the insight gleaned will be beneficial. Galia Gichon from Down to Earth Finance is my friend from my NYC days, and I've imported her all the way from Connecticut in order to connect with her table about Business and Personal Finances - from having a retirement plan to different funding options. Myriam Bouchard of Coherence Collaborative will be facilitating on Operations - successful business always comes down to the best systems! I will be facilitating the table on PR and Marketing, pulling from my experience as a website/newsletter producer at InHouse Design Media and teacher of how to get the good word out (your good word about your business) from Tin Shingle.

Why Isn't This Free?

While pounding the pavement, I got a few questions. Mainly people were excited about the event, and in the enthusiasm, two people said they wanted to go but asked why it wasn't free. This is a good question! And there are several answers:

• Space: While our building is large, it's not a wide-open field. It will only hold so many, and business is a hot topic because it's tied to people's livelihoods. Simply emailing in a registration doesn't guarantee that you're going to come, so we wanted to have a handle on how many were coming.
• We Want You To Come! The mindset behind free is interesting. Sometimes when there is a free event, you think in your mind: "Neat! I want to go!" But then you don't, and think "Eh... I'm really comfortable in my house right now. I'll actually sit this one out." But when you spend anything, even $10, that sort of commits you. You don't want to waste the $10 or $30, so you come!
• We are Businesses: Though we are having people affiliated with local government on the panel, and while the intent is for the greater good, we are a business, and not a government institution. City Council Meetings, Planning Board Meetings, etc. are all open to the public. In fact, we have started republishing them in our new City Meeting section! Some people asked, "Could you get a grant?" Well, maybe, but I'm not well-versed in grant writing, or even researching where to find such a grant. Plus, grants can take a long time to actually get, and they may come with restrictions. The beauty of being in business is that we can act swiftly. Sometimes for free, sometimes not. Depends on the needs of everyone involved. At the end of the day, if you want a business to stay in Beacon, they have to actually conduct business, which means bringing in money. Same applies to art and even nonprofits.
• Is That Free Event Really Free? Everyone is selling something. If you go to a free event and it's hosted by an amazing person who just wrote a book, that person is basically hoping you will buy their book (usually a signed edition) at the event. That's your admission. You just pay it on the reverse - at the end after you attend - maybe. Sometimes events are free because there is a major sponsor involved who serves as compensation to the creators of the event. The sponsors who came on board for this event helped make the ticket price affordable.

Will There Be More Business Events?

Heck yes! In my other capacity at Tin Shingle, we do have several events planned. From classes, to member meetings, to weekly webinars. Upon moving to Beacon and experiencing the thrill from in-person events, Tin Shingle introduced a new level of membership - Community. It's our most affordable level of monthly membership, and will include one in-person meeting a month. I just needed to get through the early newborn days before getting back into event hosting. Even simple member meetings take coordination!

Every Wednesday at noon Eastern time, Tin Shingle has free webinars online. They are called Training TuneUps. I record them live from 291 Main Street, but you can call or click into them from your phone or computer. They include interviews with business owners in all industries, training sessions in the best ways to use Instagram, how to get PR, and so much more.

Seriously, get on Tin Shingle's newsletter if you haven't yet. If you need motivation for running and growing your business, you'll want to get hooked in. The newsletter and loads of our articles telling you how to do things are free.

Tickets to tonight's summit at this point are very limited, and you can buy online here. We only have a few more available online, and are reserving a few for people who didn't see this note and show up at the door.

Thank You Sponsors!

Maria Amor, Real Estate Salesperson
Arthur DeDominicis, CPA
Storm King Art Center

FUELING MAIN STREET FOOD SPONSORS
Oak Vino
Pandorica
Chateau Lagrezette
Beacon Craft Beer Shoppe

MEDIA SPONSOR
 

See you soon, or see you at the next business event that A Little Beacon Blog or Tin Shingle are a part of!

UPDATE: We have sold out. We want to accommodate as many as we can. Anyone coming by looking for tickets at the door, we have standing room only, and ask that you stand toward the back for the panel. Decisions on tickets at the door will be based on if people don't show, and how much room there is. The main panel is in the Beahive room, with standing room in the hallway and in A Little Beacon Space. After the panel we will break out into the roundtable discussions, which should have more room at each table in different rooms of the building (including the upstairs and downstairs). Thank you!.

Third Annual Theater Day at Beacon High School 2017

Photo Credit: Beacon Players

Third Annual Theater Day
Where: Beacon High School Theater
101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY 12508
When: Saturday, September 16, 2017
Time: Check-in at 8 am
Register: Email beacononstage@gmail.com

Coming to a high school theater near you... The Third Annual Theater Day opens its doors at the Beacon High School Theater on Saturday, September 16, 2017 to students from high schools in and around New York State. Tickets are free for a day of performance and technical workshops, including free breakfast and lunch, sponsored by Beacon High School, Spackenkill High School, Arts Mid-Hudson, BeaconArts and the Beacon Performing Arts Center.

Take a look behind the curtain of the agenda of workshops we've included below, and you will see why the region's high school musicals are so impressive. There have been other productions since, but A Little Beacon Blog explored Peter Pan in 2016 and the amount of student-produced work that went into it. The experience that students of Beacon High School theater come away with is irreplaceable. Hands-on work in set design, costume design, music, PR, and more are in addition to what the actors experience. Only 250 participants can sign up by emailing beacononstage@gmail.com and providing your name, school, and grade.

The day is designed to provide educational theatrical guidance in various fields while kids can interact with students from different schools, while talking about one of the things they love most: THEATER!

What's Going On For An Entire Theater Day?
The 2017 Schedule

Theater Day offers high-quality workshops for students, led by talented, working professionals in many different theater disciplines ranging from acting, dance, auditioning, scenic painting, special effects makeup and much more. 

Examples of some of the workshops include:

Modern and Theatrical Dance

• Learn Modern/Creative Movement (Martha Graham/Horton technique)
• Jazz (Luigi warmup)
• Dance Combinations and Movements

Fosse Dance Workshop

• Combinations
• Signature and Stylized Choreography

Audition Technique Intensive

• High School Audition Do’s & Don’ts
• Vocal Audition Help
• Line Delivery
• Simple Rules

Musician Intensive

• Pit Orchestra
• Interactive (bring your instrument or use ours)

Acting - Drama vs. Musical

• Interpret Your Role Appropriately

Your Personal Acting Coach - One-on-One Evaluation

Lighting Design and Application

• Lighting Plots
• Instruments
• How To’s
• Resources

Set Design

• How to Start
• Different Ways to Present Your Ideas
• How They Do it on Broadway
• Create a Design and Present It

Set Construction

• Design is Completed, Now What?

Acting Shakespeare for the High School Student

• Overcome the Fear
• Language/Intonation
• Why “The Bard”

Costume Design and Execution

• Work Together to Create a Design
• How to Read a Plot
• Costume Changes

Art Color and Design for the Stage

Improvisation and Theater Games

Publicity

• Social Media
• How to Get The Word Out
• Create a Poster
• Press Release
• Collaborations

Vocal Techniques

• “I Can’t Sing”
• How Do I Make My Voice Work For Me?

The Student Stage Manager

• What Are My Responsibilities?

Makeup and Hair

• Creating the Look - Period Hair
• Fantasy Hair for the Stage

What Shows Work and What Shows Do Not Work For High School
Musical Theater Today?

• Sondheim/Schwartz/Webber
• Classics - Are They Gone?

8:00 am: Students are invited to begin the day for breakfast and check-in. During breakfast, the students will sign up for two morning workshops. There will be large charts set up in one of the hallways for students to sign up to attend morning workshops of their choice.

8:30 am: Group meeting in the theater for a brief kick-off and housekeeping.

9:00 am - noon: Two morning workshops!

Noon - 1:00 pm: Lunch! At this time, students can revisit their sign-ups for the afternoon sessions. 

1:00 - 4:00 pm: Afternoon sessions

4:00 pm: Re-group in the theater for wrap-up, presentations and some fun theater activities. Some of the activities from the day might be presented so everyone gets a feel for all the workshops that took place.

Where the Vegetable is King: First-Ever Vegan Festival Begins in Dutchess County

Eating a compassionate, plant-based diet is likely one of the best things you can do for yourself and the planet. If you already set the vegan table, are thinking about it, or are simply curious to learn more, prepare to be inspired and entertained at the first-ever Hudson Valley VegFest taking place on Saturday, September 23, and Sunday, September 24, at Gold's Gym in Poughkeepsie.

After two years of planning by activists Sande Nosonowitz and Rebecca Moore, the weekend festival spotlights innovators and influencers making waves on the plant-based culinary front, in the arenas of food justice, with compassion for animals and environmental sustainability.

"This celebration is for everyone - you'll absolutely be able to take in the energy that will be inspiring, joyous and life-changing," says Sande Nosonowitz. "If you are veg-curious - come explore, enjoy, eat and immerse yourself in the vegan vibe. If you are already vegan... well, welcome to paradise in Poughkeepsie," she continues.

Adds Rebecca Moore: “It really is time that the Hudson Valley and Dutchess County get a fun festival featuring delicious food that goes beyond just appealing to our palates - that cares more and wants change that fosters growth, that highlights innovative products and lets inspiring speakers teach, and that brings out the best in all of us."

Plant-based food companies, including Mindful Kitchens, which produces a delicious line of seitan-based charcuterie right here in Beacon, are on the lengthy VegFest vendor list. Lagusta’s Luscious, one of the Hudson Valley’s innovators with a national following, will be there with their stunning line of artisanal vegan chocolates.  

Other vendors will present beautiful non-toxic health and beauty products and cruelty-free clothing lines. Organizations working hard to forward a more humane and compassionate world will discuss their important work and outline avenues for involvement and volunteering. 

Cooking and fitness demonstrations will abound, and an impressive lineup of luminaries in the plant-based world, like best-selling author and inspirational vegan guru Victoria Moran, will take the stage. Celebrated vegan pastry chef Fran Costigan, known as “the queen of vegan desserts” will instruct and entice festivalgoers with her marvelous confections.

The festival is September 23 and 24, from 10 am to 6 pm both days, at Gold’s Gym at 258 Titusville Road, Poughkeepsie, NY. Their huge indoor space known as “The Net” covers over 42,000 square feet – ample space for the festival and attendees. VegFest tickets are $10 per adult, while children 10 and under enjoy free admission. For detailed information on the festival, including vendors and speakers, check out www.hvvegfest.org.

This Guy With the Sleeves of Tattoos Wants You to Toss Your Own Salad

There's a book signing happening this Sunday, September 10, for Toss Your Own Salad by Eddie McNamara at the outdoor Beacon Farmers Market on Veterans Place (next to Towne Crier Cafe). McNamara's cookbook features meatless recipes. Now, I'm a meat and potatoes kind of gal, but I'm always looking for ways to jazz up a salad instead of wasting food in the fridge. Sometimes it's a lack of creativity or fear of knowing what to do with veggies, aka salad-tossing-block (think writer's block, but for making salads). Those days might be numbered.

The vegetable-forward timing is right as we enter the season for autumn detoxes and The Harvest, but something else caught my attention when people interested in this book signing sent emails to A Little Beacon Blog about it. The author, Eddie McNamara, is an ex-NYC cop, having entered the force right after college. He then spent several months after 9/11 helping out at Ground Zero, which led to his desire to retire due to PTSD, and he took up cooking. Eddie started a blog of the same name as his book, and I investigated a bit to get to know him. Here he is below, during a stop on his book tour:

His writing is hilarious and makes salad-tossing actually sound tough - as tough as the tattoos on his arm - as well as delicious. For any man wanting to eat more salads, this is the cookbook to get. Get it online (I prefer Barnes & Noble simply because Amazon is trying to take over the world) or find a signed copy at the Beacon Farmers Market. You might also check Beacon's local bookstore, Binnacle Books near the library, to see if they have a few copies). How tough is this guy? If his cop background wasn't enough, he even has a skull and crossbones in his blog logo! Not that salad-making has to be gender-specific at all. The literary approach to his salad-making is just so funny, you must read his blog. His style reminds of me of the Ink and Coffee blog, penned by our very own Marilyn Perez, an editor here at A Little Beacon Blog.

"Toss Your Own Salad" was just added to a 12 Must-Read Summer Cookbooks list at People Magazine. In Eddie's words: "People Magazine said you MUST READ my book. Bieber, every Kardashian, Drake, and J-Lo agree."

So with those endorsements, enjoy it, and maybe talk to him on Sunday. His people claim he will be providing recipes on the spot: If you give him a vegetable that you want to eat, he'll tell you how to prepare it and what will best accompany it. For the carnivores in the room, fear not, you can always toss some hamburger, fish or chicken into salad recipes while still getting more veggies into your life.

Kids Halloween Hocus Pocus Parade Changes Date for 2017

NOTE: This article is from 2017. As of 2019, the rules of the parade have changed. Click here for more up-to-date details.

Beacon Weekend Halloween Events

Saturday, Oct. 28: Psychic Fair from noon to 5 pm at Notions-n-Potions
Saturday, Oct. 28: Murder Mystery at 6 pm, show begins at 8 pm at Clove Creek Dinner Theater, Fishkill
Sunday, Oct. 29: Kids Hocus Pocus Halloween Parade - At noon, line up at Visitors Center near Bank Square Coffee; at 1 pm parade begins down Main Street
There will be no Dark Parade this year.

UPDATE: This year, heavy rain is predicted, and the parade has been postponed. See this article for details.

For the first time in forever - well, for the second time in its 20-year history - Beacon's Hocus Pocus Kids Halloween Parade will be the weekend of Halloween. That's right, on Sunday, October 29, the kids will line up at noon at the Visitors Center on the corner of South Avenue and Main Street (across from Bank Square Coffee) and begin parading and trick-or-treating in costume at 1 pm. For a long time, the parade had been held over a week before Halloween.

Traditionally, the kids paraded and then trick-or-treated the Main Street stores, but this year they'll be parading and trick-or-treating at the same time, according to parade organizer Ron Iarossi, a board member for the Beacon Chamber of Commerce and owner of Beacon Creamery. The number of participants has increased each year, with hundreds of kids and parents making their way down Beacon's milelong Main Street collecting candy. We participated at A Little Beacon Blog last year, and to hit up Key Food four times to refill our candy supply as the kids kept coming!

For some parents, this dates comes as a relief as costume-required events tend to pile on top of each other during the week of Halloween. With the actual date of Halloween on a Tuesday this year, the weekend of Halloween may prove to be a fun and busy time. There will be no Dark Parade this year.

5th Annual For Goodness Bake Sale Benefits Tuition Assistance Fund for Beacon's After School Program

It's here - the most delicious day of the year, when the Beacon community comes out to fundraise for a cause whether you like it or not. How could you not buy the delicious homemade brownies and cupcakes on sale at this year's For Goodness Bake, happening today, Saturday, from 10 am to 4 pm at Catalyst Gallery at 137 Main Street?! This year's edition of the sale has already been dubbed "Best spread so far!" by Beacon resident Jennifer Sarah Blakeslee.

The pop-up bake-sale-for-a-cause, For Goodness Bake, has dedicated this year's proceeds to the Tuition Assistance Fund for Beacon's After School Program. The 2016-17 school year marked the first that children and parents of the Beacon City School District had direct access to an after-school program within the schools themselves. That's right. No busing required to get kids into an enriching childcare program, from 3 to 6 pm at their very own schools. Until last fall, of the four elementary schools in Beacon, only one had an in-school after-school program: Glenham Elementary, and it was a joint program with Fishkill.

Thanks to the efforts of the Beacon Parks and Recreation Department, a five-day program was designed to offer themed content for kids, until 6pm. It's a little unbelievable at first, so pay attention to how it works: Planned in quarterly sessions, each day presents a different theme, which might include baking, yoga, bird-watching (yes, really!), theater, filmmaking, martial arts, and more. Speaking from experience, the program has been incredible. Kids learn to use cooking utensils (and may take over salsa-making in your home), and have interviewed city leaders including the Chief of Police during their filmmaking class.

The Tuition Assistance Fund offers 50 percent off of After School Program tuition to families who qualify for the Free Lunch Program in the Beacon City School District. Roughly 51 percent of Beacon families participate in the program, yet of the 175 children enrolled in After School at three Beacon elementary schools (Glenham is not included because it's in Fishkill's budget), only 21 kids used the Tuition Assistance Fund last year. But just over 80 kids would be eligible, according to the Free Lunch Program statistics. Word spread about After School's first year, but not everyone knows about the tuition assistance, which helps working families afford childcare. However, children in families who have stay-at-home parents certainly still benefit from the After School Program's activities.

Who Pays for Tuition Assistance

Right now, according to the Parks and Recreation Department's Assistant Director Nate Smith, the City of Beacon pays for the tuition assistance, and takes it as a loss. The After School Program was designed to fund itself. Tuition for one child to register for five days during one quarterly session is $600. Families eligible for tuition assistance pay $300, which is matched right now by the City of Beacon.

Hence the fundraising effort through For Goodness Bake, which has been known to raise $4,000 or more per sale. Past bake sales have been dedicated to organizations such as the Kids R Kids Feeding Program, Green Teen Beacon, the Beacon Community Kitchen, and the Children's Organ Transplant Association.

On sale at the bake sale for $5 each are works of art produced by kids in Camp @ the Camp, a summer program created by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Photo Credit: For Goodness Bake

Back to the Bake Sale

But really, let's get down to business and discuss what's available at the bake sale. Contributions from talented amateur and professional cooks alike include a wide array of sweet and savory baked treats, confections, and vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options. Also available is locally roasted coffee from Tas Kafé and hand-crafted sodas from Drink More Good.

The team at For Goodness Bake, Kristen Pratt and Tara Tornello, thanks the following people (and more not mentioned here): "ENORMOUS gratitude goes to these fine folks and establishments: Drink More Good for donating drink syrups, seltzer, and ice; Tas Kafé LLC, Adams Fairacre Farms, Inc. for sponsorship; Viridescent Floral Design for flowers; The Roundhouse for table linens; Beacon Bread Company for to-go containers; The UPS Store 4839 for printing; Catalyst Gallery for the lovely space; City of Beacon Recreation for tables and overall support; the kids of Camp @ the Camp for creating artwork to display; Kit Burke-Smith for hanging the artwork; Diana Vidal for photography; Patti McAlpine for her collection of cake stands and platters; our wonderful volunteers Christopher Dawson, John Fanning, Mary Jean, Ivette Mateiescu, Jessica Nash, Tara D'Andrea, and Maureen Neary and her sweet daughter (and baker extraordinaire) Tallix."

Registering for the Tuition Assistance Fund

To register for tuition assistance, contact Nate Smith at (845) 765-2470 or nsmith@cityofbeacon.org. Registrants fill out one form, keeping the process relatively simple.

My bounty, delivered by a friend from Cold Spring who was dropping off a baby gift after she finished Pilates class at Beacon Pilates. Sweetness all around.

Spirit of Beacon Day Organizers Changing Hands After 2017

Current organizers of the Spirit of Beacon Day, one of the city's longest running volunteer-based daylong celebrations, are disbanding after this fall's event. Just who will replace them is undecided. Rose Story, chairperson of the event for almost 20 years, says: "We are a very small committee. We’ve been doing this for a very long time, and it’s time to give someone else a chance." Just who that someone else (or someone elses) will be seems to be a decision owned by no one, since the Spirit of Beacon Day is owned by the people of Beacon. "It’s not our decision to say who can do it," Story says, adding, "I will gladly help out with the transition."

Mayor Randy Casale announced this development at the July 17, 2017 City Council Meeting, and made it clear that responsibility for finding the replacement does not reside with the City, encouraging volunteers to come forward. “It’s not the city’s job to run these events," Mayor Casale stated at the meeting. "If people want events, they need to volunteer; they need to organize. They've got to figure out how they are run, and then come to the City to ask what we’ll allow and not allow, and move forward from there.”

Origins of the Spirit of Beacon Day

The Spirit of Beacon Day began in 1977 as a solution to racially driven problems between students of the Beacon City Schools and the community, according to "Celebrating Our Centennial," published by the Beacon Historical Society (buy the book at Beacon Bath & Bubble, across from the Howland Cultural Center). According to the historians, in the winter and early spring of 1977, "racial problems became severe" for several days and nights. Meeting several times to discuss the issues were city leaders and concerned agencies, including a representative from the FBI's Community Relations, Dutchess County Youth Bureau, then-Mayor Robert Cahill, local legislators, City Council, clergy people, and representatives from youth-focused organizations like Beacon City School District, the Howland Public Library, the Beacon Community Center, and others.

It was decided that there would be a Community Day aimed at bringing the people of the City together in order to "get to know one another better, learn what each other liked, [via] conversation, feelings, entertainment, education and food." These meetings began in May, and the people scrambled together to hold a Community Day on the last Sunday of September that year. This came to be known as the Spirit of Beacon Day. A committee was formed, and booths featuring food, crafts and exhibits from local organizations and agencies were planned and set up. The Mayor and City Council led the march, but it was declared by the committee at that time that "politicking" not be allowed, and politicians seeking election were not allowed to participate. Additionally, at some point during the parade's history, it was decided that only nonprofit groups could set up booths along Main Street.

Today's Spirit of Beacon Day

Today, and many committee members later, the parade still goes on, and does feature Beacon City Schools and other participants. The Mayor stressed that producing a parade is no small feat, and is a lot of work for anyone involved. "[The organizers] don’t have many volunteers helping them," Mayor Casale said. "It takes a lot of work for people that haven’t done it, to organize a parade the size of that parade, and to organize the whole day’s event which is on Main Street. A lot goes into it."

The Mayor continued, mentioning more recent concerns: "[The organizers] get some grief from business owners, ‘Why do these booths have to be in front of my business during my business day?’ " Originally, the Spirit of Beacon Day originated from the minds of many leaders, with a few on a committee to carry it out. Said the Mayor at the City Council meeting: "I had reached out when they came to me - because I didn’t know if [the organizers] had put it public yet - to the Chamber, to BeaconArts, and to the Parks and Recreation director, and I told them: 'We’re going to have to think about what we’re going to do about the Spirit of Beacon Day next year. It gives us a whole year find out what we plan on doing, how we’re going to do it, and start deciding.' ”

Who Will Carry On The Spirit Of Beacon Day?

According to Kelly Ellenwood, president of BeaconArts, the organizing of it will not fall into their court: "BeaconArts will not be 'running it,' although I'm sure that we would continue to participate as a nonprofit organization as we have before." Michele Williams, board member of Beacon's Chamber of Commerce, confirms that the Chamber is considering taking it on as a project: "We know it’s important to the kids and to the community," said Michele. "We will figure out a way to make everybody happy. We know that students look forward to the parade, and that it's an important event to the people of the City of Beacon. We are discussing it at our next board meeting, including ideas to make everyone in Beacon happy, including business owners. Regarding the tables being nonprofits, that is simply how the organizers had set it up, and does not have to be this way moving forward."

Spirit of Beacon Day 2017 Will March On

The parade will happen on the last Sunday in September as it always has, and according to the Mayor at the July 17, 2017, City Council meeting, it will continue next year. For this year, parade participants can continue to contact Roy Ciancanelli at (845) 831-3027 after 6 pm or email royal_ciancanelli@hotmail.com.

See A Little Beacon Blog's past coverage of Spirit of Beacon Days.

To be continued...

Flag Day Celebrated in Beacon at Elks Lodge Second Sunday at 2pm

Poster commemorating the 140th Flag Day on June 14, 1917.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia Page for Flag Day.

Flag Day Event at Elks Lodge
Location: 900 Wolcott Ave.
Time: 2 pm
Questions? Call the Elks Lodge: (845) 831-9746

In New York State, the Second Sunday in June has strong patriotic significance: It is the state-recognized holiday of Flag Day. Locally, it is one of the most important days for the Elks Lodge, as one of its most famed members, Harry S. Truman, was the president when National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress. The Elks Lodge at 900 Wolcott Ave. is commemorating the day by conducting the Elks Ritual on the history of the nation's flag. A coalition will be held immediately following the event. The Boy Scout Troop #41 and the Newburgh Free Academy high school Air Force ROTC will present the colors.

History of Flag Day

The flag was initially adopted on June 14, 1777, by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress. Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day, followed by the Act of Congress during Truman's presidency. While the day is not a federal holiday, New York State did designate it as a state holiday to be recognized on the Second Sunday of June.

Carl Oken, District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler of the Mid Hudson Elks Club, is looking forward to the event and says: "It's an event you should not miss, and is a great education for our children."

Kids Color Blasted For South Avenue Elementary Fundraiser June 10th

Sitting in a PTA meeting at 8 pm in the elementary school cafeteria, hearing from a representative from the kids' library that their budget is about to get cut - again - (did you see what's been going on down there?), you don't feel like there's the brightest of forecasts. Another bummer: hearing at a City Council meeting that the Board of Education is fighting for hundreds of thousands, if not over a million, dollars of unpaid funds that was designated for the Beacon School District from the state, but didn't make it down here to Beacon.

Here in the office of A Little Beacon Blog, we get pitched from time to time about fundraisers that are happening for different schools. From roller rink nights, to this most recent Color-A-Thon from the South Avenue Elementary PTA, parents community-wide are trying to get untraditional with their fundraisers, to go "beyond the bake sale." Often they seem fun, yet we hear about them at the last minute - if we hear about them at all.

So a couple of things: 

• We're going to dedicate a Guide to Beacon City School Fundraisers, to capture these opportunities, and try to illustrate where the money is going. Because that's the exciting part. You get to be a part of long-lasting, sometimes permanent change within the walls of one of the six school buildings in Beacon's school district. If you are such a person who runs a campaign, please email editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com as far in advance as you can, and spread the word to others to email in their dates and where raised funds will go.
• There is a fundraiser going on RIGHT NOW that you can participate in! You get to sponsor little racers who are going to get blasted with colorful powder as they run, and you could even BE a color blaster! This is to raise money for park equipment, landscaping and classroom supplies (like replacing super old books, or upgrading smart boards).

It can be hard knowing what is going on inside the walls of the kids' schools, even if the teachers, administrators and PTA are doing very well with internal promotion of flyers and Morning News Shows inside the walls. But if you hardly go inside the school, you won't see any of it. That's why we at A Little Beacon Blog are trying to bring that from the inside of the schools, out to you.

South Avenue Color-A-Thon Walk/Jog Run
Registration Starts: 9 am (new walkers/runners welcome, $30 Registration)
Race Starts: 10 am
Ends: Noon
Race Route: On neighborhood streets surrounding South Avenue School
Enjoy! Food, music, games!

What Is a Color-A-Thon Fundraiser? 

You may have seen the puffs of color - neon pinks and blues and yellows - rising in the distance through the trees and behind some houses for a cause you vaguely heard about. It's the rising trend of color-a-thons, marathons accompanied by color powder, similar to the holiday Holi celebrated in India. Known as the "festival of colors," it signifies the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. Groups are embracing it as a fundraising method to make a big difference in a cause at hand. The Beacon High School just had one, as did the Newburgh Illuminated festival.

The South Avenue Color-A-Thon is a new thing the South Avenue PTA is trying out. They get together with an official Color-A-Thon race program, who then manages the registration bags of running T-shirts, color blaster powder, and prizes. It's important to me that my kids know what they are fundraising for, and aren't just fundraising to get prizes for each dollar level. So with this fundraiser - I knew exactly what we were fundraising for, and it has been a great teachable moment for my kids, as they could see exactly where their fundraising efforts would go - to the park! To the classrooms!

This time, with my awareness of the rising trend in color-a-thons that I know of from A Little Beacon Blog's 5K Race Guide, I knew this could be a highly engaging fundraising effort. Yet for the first year, how many people will turn out? There may be a few sitter-outers who watch the pictures in social media the day of the event, vowing to come next year. Don't be that person! You can make a difference to change that right now.

Fundraising for a New Gazebo on the Playground, With Extra Going to Equipment and Classrooms

South Avenue has a great playground that kids would play on all day long if they had their choice. Over the years, the PTA fundraised for and got a new basketball hoop, swings, and a Buddy Bench. This year, they are aiming for a gazebo or pavilion, a covered structure that has seating on the inside. The kids will be able to take their learning experience in the class outside by going to this pavilion, and also play on it during recess and after school. 

The color bag "blast pack" the racers get includes a t-shirt, bottle of powdered color blast, rainbow wig, and ... a weird emoji thing. 

How You Can Get Involved

Donate to a little racer: So far, I know of the sponsor links for two little racers, and one general South Avenue account if you want to donate at-large and not to one child specifically. YOU can donate to any of these little people. And if you want to add your link for last minute donations, add your link in the comments below and we will put it on this list!

• Little Racer Ruby: http://shop.schoolathon.org/index.asp?PID=377219
• Little Racer Fiona: http://shop.schoolathon.org/index.asp?PID=377070
• All The Little Racers - South Avenue's General Racer: http://shop.schoolathon.org/index.asp?PID=377664

Volunteer!

• Color Thrower: There are spots open for color throwers (you'll get to throw color at the runners!!)
• Games: People are needed to run some games
• Registration table/food table
• Set up/clean up (set up 8 to 9 am and clean up noon to 1 pm)
• And more!! Everyone is welcome to come and help.

Register to Race!

• Kids can register at the event to be racers. Registration starts at 9 am and is $30. Our inside sources says that they may not get an event t-shirt, because almost all of the t-shirts have gone to pre-registered racers, so have your kid wear a white t-shirt, prepared to get blasted with color.

To volunteer, contact Erica Way at way.erica@gmail.com or Cara Heaton at cara_heaton@yahoo.com.

The wig and sunglasses might have come as prizes with our color registration bag. 

Some of the prizes that just showed up include colored shoes - a reminder to get excited about running or walking in this race!

Is Fundraising Still Going On?

Heck yes! With these online donations, you can give money up to event day! If you are a parent whose child is in the race, here are some ideas to meet or surpass your donation goal:

• Take pictures of your child in racing gear (aka tennis shoes and any T-shirt), and add a note from your child about how excited they are.
• Share a link on your Facebook page, asking long-distance friends and family for support.
• Have your child call a donor and thank them personally.
• Email your own people with updates and if you've almost reached your goal.
• Include the link to your child's donation page so that people can easily donate online.

And remember, if you don't know of a child to sponsor, you can sponsor the whole school using the general link above. And know this: This isn't the last you'll hear of color-a-thons. I Am Beacon is having one, and there are more and more for adults. So watch our 5K Races Guide, as well as our future Beacon City School District Fundraising Opportunities Guide. 

Thank you!

Beacon Library Hosts Filmmaker Series for Middle Schoolers with Reel Life Film Club

Beacon, Cold Spring and Garrison libraries have teamed up for Reel Life Film Club, a new film series for middle school students. The Reel Life Film Club is an opportunity for middle school students to view award-winning documentary films and talk about them with the filmmakers.
 
The next screening will be in Beacon on June 2 at 6 pm at the Howland Library. The club will be viewing the documentary Racing Dreams (2009). The film follows three young racers as they compete in the World Karting Association's National Pavement Series. Writer and director Marshall Curry will be on hand to talk about his film with the kids. This movie has won Best Documentary at six film festivals.
 
The third film, Spellbound (2002), will be shown on July 7 at 6 pm at Desmond Fish Library in Garrison.
 
Pizza will be served at the events and registration is encouraged: For Racing Dreams, at Howland Library on June 2, call 845-831-1134; For Spellbound at Desmond-Fish on July 7, call 845-424-3020. Like the libraries’ Facebook pages for up-to-date information.
 
For more information, contact Michelle Rivas, Howland Library, community@beaconlibrary.org, or Karen Thompson, Desmond-Fish Library, kat@highlands.com, Maureen McGrath, Butterfield Library, jbl.libraryservices@gmail.com.