Beacon Pool Season Pass Comes in Mail!

The Beacon Pool Season Pass that arrived by mail. One card per family.

The Beacon Pool Season Pass that arrived by mail. One card per family.

It came! The Season Pass to the Beacon Pool. One doesn't need a season pass (and they are sold out by now), but they sure are handy when dashing to the pool without thinking of day pass dollars to scrounge up. You can always pay at the gate the day you go to the pool.

Here's what you will find handy to pack, aside from sunscreen:

  • Snacks in bag. Unlike at other pools, you can bring food here, and there are plenty of picnic tables to dine on.
  • Games. There is a large lawn to the side of the pool with plenty of room for kicking a soccer ball or playing tag.
  • My go-to ground cover is the RestoPresto blanket mat. It has a built-in bag so that it can be folded into itself, and also comes with a clip to hook onto your bag.
  • Coverup. The other genius invention is the Simple Sarong, a wrap-around towel with button, that serves as a skirt towel. I know.
  • Goggles for the 5th time this year. Speedo has made the only goggles that have worked in various designs. The Speedo goggles with the clip adjuster in the back have been effective and easy to tighten or loosen. Although these look cute. Just don't get ones from CVS that have 3' of rubber straps. We couldn't figure out how they worked and they never stayed tight.

Mark your calendar for every Wednesday night, as there is a communal Pot Luck that happens at the Beacon Pool. A Little Beacon Blog keeps track of this in our Ongoing Guide, that tracks regular events that happen every certain day of the week, or every 4th or 2nd or whatever day of the week or month.

Have fun!

Kids Can Spend Summer Mornings at Open Gardens at All Elementary Schools with Hudson Valley Seed



Part of what has changed Beacon for the better and forever are the agricultural initiatives that spread into different interest groups that include residents of all ages. We have highlighted the children's gardening program from Hudson Valley Seed in the past, and there is a new program that everyone must know about for the summer: Every weekday morning from 9:30am to 11am, Hudson Valley Seed staff and volunteers are hosting open gardens, and all are welcome to join in planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, reading, and crafting. These programs run from June 27 to August 19, 2016.

The open gardens will rotate among each elementary school in Beacon (including Glenham), one in Garrison, and locations in Newburgh.


Support for this article comes from our sponsor Savage Health.

Gardening tasks and kids’ activities are offered in one of the school gardens managed by Hudson Valley Seed. Participants will read books, harvest produce, and take home fresh-picked veggies and herbs!


Open Garden Times and Locations:


Mondays 9:30-11am at Glenham Elementary School, 20 Chase Drive, Fishkill

Tuesdays 9:30-11am at J.V. Forrestal Elementary School, 125 Liberty Street, Beacon

Wednesdays 9:30-11am at The Garrison Union Free School, 1100 NY-9D, Garrison

Wednesdays 3:30-5pm "Stories-n-Snacks" at South Avenue Elementary School, 60 South Avenue, Beacon. Sit in the shade of a beautiful tree beside the South Avenue school garden. All ages are invited to come hear a garden-related storybook while snacking on fresh veggies from the garden. 

Thursdays 9:30-11am at South Avenue Elementary School, 60 South Avenue, Beacon

Fridays 9:30-11am at Sargent Elementary School, 29 Education Drive, Beacon



Open garden times also run in Newburgh at Horizons on Hudson Elementary School, Temple Hill Academy, the Newburgh Boys and Girls Club and the Newburgh Armory Unity Center. Visit www.hudsonvalleyseed.org for those times and locations.



If you are doing Summer Camps (see our Guide for great camp ideas in the area), and you are not going weekly but are selecting days, Hudson Valley Seed's program is a great supplement! Participation in this program is free, but donations are always accepted online.

The Beacon Pool and the River Pool Open in Beacon! Grab Your Swimsuit!

Summer is here and it is just the right time to go swimming. We have a couple of great options for places to swim right in Beacon, starting with The Beacon Pool opening TODAY! Be sure to join the Beacon Pool's Facebook Group for weather closures, Lost and Found postings, and group picnic opportunities.


The Beacon Public Outdoor Pool



The Beacon Pool reopened last summer after years of sitting idle, and its first season was a big hit.  Once the city announced the pool was returning in 2016, people anxiously waited for opening day to arrive and bought season passes early.




Season passes are still available and you can also purchase day passes at the pool for you and your family.  Day passes will be $3 for kids and seniors, $4 for adults.



The River Pool At Beacon - Floats In The Hudson River







The River Pool at Beacon will be returning in early July and will be located just off the north shore of Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park.  As is tradition, the pool will be open to the public and free of charge, but you can make donations at any time.  This is a unique chance to say you swam in the Hudson River.  The pool is circular and is really a floating net. Visitors sit on (and small children walk on) the underwater benches that line the brightly colored perimeter. Lifeguards will be present during pool hours, which will be Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 6pm (weather-permitting).






Speaking of swimming in the Hudson River, the 13th Annual Great Newburgh to Beacon Swim will take place on Saturday, August 6, 2016.  This is good for experienced swimmers to help raise funds to keep The Beacon Pool afloat (get it??).  The distance of the swim from Beacon to Newburgh is about 1 mile, which is 72 lengths of a standard 25-yard pool.  Pre-registration is required, as organizers will not be able to accommodate walk-ups the day of the swim.



Don't forget, there's also always room for you to take a dip in Fishkill at All Sport's outdoor pool.

Experimental Fine Artist Painter Jeffrey Terreson Moves to Main Street (Sponsored)



Jeffrey Terreson is classified as a fine artist. One look at the deeply sourced lighting in his horse paintings in his Equus collection, and you know you are standing in the light of a master painter. Further inspection of the paint reveals layers and layers of textures of not just paint, but maybe sand, wax or other mediums that Terreson experiments with, which he then carves into to reveal tiers of visions applied earlier to the canvas to create the impressionistic effect.



This painting you need to experience in person. Jeffrey Terreson's Beacon gallery is at 475 Main St.

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin




Terreson was a born artist, his talents being revealed in
kindergarten, and rewarded at the collegiate level with a four-year
Merit Scholarship to Columbus College of Art and Design. In his earlier years twenty years ago, national magazines such as Time and Newsweek published his fine art. Private collectors, including Ralph Lauren and Joseph
Abboud, purchased or commissioned his paintings, encouraging him to
challenge himself to stretch the ways he translates what he sees onto canvas.




Shadowy and beautiful.

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin




“You don’t need a brush to be a fine artist,” Terreson says. “Painting can be done in so many exciting ways of creating; why limit it to a brush?"
Terreson can be seen using a
blowtorch to further melt the painting, or carve into it with other
tools. Terreson uses oil paint as a base of much of his work, and like other artists we have covered, is known for mixing other textures into the oil foundation.



Terreson is new in Beacon, but established in the professional illustration world, in Westchester and entering the gallery world in New York and the Hamptons. In the past two years (2014 and 2015), seven of nine of Terreson's museum entries were accepted. Juried by Eva Respini, a curator of MoMA, Terreson’s "Driven" was included in the Katonah Museum of Art as part of their "Line to Cone" exhibition. In addition, six of his entries were accepted into the Hammond Museum curated by David McFadden, Chief Curator and Vice President for Programs and Collections at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. In December 2015, Jeffrey was asked to donate to the collection of the New Britain Museum of American Art in New Britain, Connecticut.



Like all artists who work for hire, it can take a while before the work of passion takes the lead. After years of experimentation, Terreson is devoting his career to showing his work, in addition to making commissioned work. One of Terreson's mottos leads the way of his work: "If you don’t take a chance, you
never move forward."




What would you make of these colors, and the details up close? Come in to the gallery to see for yourself.

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin






Mixed media in Terreson's paintings.

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin



Please welcome Jeffrey Terreson on Thursday, June 23rd, 2016 at his opening at 475 Main Street from 6 to 9pm. His new home in Beacon is the former Back Room Gallery, where he has been working for weeks to set up this show. Be sure to notice his new shingle, and newly painted storefront! If you are reading this after the party, his gallery is now open for walk-in viewing.



We caught him last night as power drills and ladders were scattered in various parts of the room, paintings still being hung and leveled on the walls. In the hours leading up to his opening night, Terreson is moving his studio from Westchester to Beacon, where he will be painting in the back of the gallery. His works average 8-10 feet tall, so watching him paint these oversize canvases is a sight in and of itself.




Because I love behind-the-scenes shots, and because I love power drills, here are a few photos of the setup on the eve of the Thursday, June 23rd opening. Hope to see you tonight at the opening! And every day after that, peeking into the windows or walking in to take a look around.



The window paper is down... Come on in!

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin



All level.

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin




This ladder has since come down, and the horse paintings from Terreson's "Equus" collection have gone up.

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin



Another ladder that has since come down! Ready for you to enter the room

behind it, where several paintings from Terreson's collections hang.

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Also see our previous article that went deep into the back rooms of this gallery, showing you the bones of this building that you've not seen before.



Thank you for supporting businesses in A Little Beacon Blog's Community Partner Sponsors who help make this publication possible! Please contact us if interested in getting involved as a Community Partner Sponsor.

Beacon Bees Unite and Call for New Bees for Battle of the Books with the Howland Public Library






The kids might be signed up for a week of camp or four, but maybe you can help them squeeze in one more summer enrichment activity. Starting next Thursday, June 30th, those entering grades 6 through 9 can join other kids from around our city as the Beacon Bees prepare to defend their 2015 Battle of the Books title! Battle of the Books is a nationally recognized literature contest in which young people answer trivia questions based on specific books that they have read during the summer.  The goal of the program is to promote a love of reading in students by exposing them to titles and authors that they might not encounter in school, and to inspire teamwork and good sportsmanship while engaging in friendly competition. The middle school program is entering its 12th year of participation in 2016, and Beacon's high school division is set to join in next year. (Ten regional libraries started a high school division this year, but it will take some time for Beacon's to get up and running.)


“It has always been a challenge to libraries to get middle- and high
school-age students to read for pleasure and enjoyment. Yet it's so
important to keep up with reading skills during the summer,” says Ginny Figlia, head of youth services for the Howland Public Library. “This is a great way to introduce them to great books and give them a feeling of teamwork and accomplishment.”




Reading is so hot right now.

For the past eleven years, Beacon's Howland Public Library has sponsored a team that competes with two dozen other library teams in the Mid-Hudson Valley for summer-reading supremacy. The Beacon Bees took summer reading first-place honors in 2010, 2013 and 2015. Beacon students in the middle-school grades gather Thursday evenings from 5 to 7 pm at the library to read and discuss eight books on a reading list. Head coaches Kristen and Tom Rigney put students through their paces as they prepare for game-show-style trivia quizzes about the assigned books.










Support for this article comes from our sponsor Savage Health.



Kids can represent Beacon proudly all summer in mini-battles against teams from Poughkeepsie, Fishkill and Cold Spring. According to Ginny, “By making it a friendly competition where good sportsmanship is encouraged, it enables kids who might not otherwise be part of a team, experience the camaraderie it induces.” The Battle is not just for born bookworms, either: The selected books span a variety of genres such as mystery, fantasy, classics, historical fiction, adventure, sports, and contemporary fiction, and this year even includes a graphic novel.
There really is something for everyone.





The program culminates with each library team’s all-stars battling in a regional competition, to be held September 17 at Columbia Greene Community College in Hudson. “It's a huge, all-day event consisting of almost 300 players, coaches, and a huge audience supporting the kids,” Ginny says.





To get involved, talk to Ginny and get your Beacon readers signed up. (Did we mention there will be pizza?) Give her a call at 845-831-1134, extension 103, or e-mail her at youth@beaconlibrary.org.  



If the Battle of the Books doesn't fit your needs, the Howland Public Library does offer the Summer Reading Program through Wandoo Reader that is worth looking into.



Arm yourself for battle - with bookworm knowledge!











PS: We are using this moment to highlight another program at the library that parents will recognize:  the Box Tops program, where you can clip the little pink Box Top image from some of your favorite brands, like Land O'Lakes Butter, Cheerios, and more, and drop that box top in this collection box at the library. General Mills will donate funds to our local schools from the box tops collected! Usually kids do this in their school, but with school being out, a box will be available at the library. You don't have to be a kid to donate. Anyone who buys groceries and clips the box tops can participate in this donation program.




http://www.boxtops4education.com/

New Tattoo Parlor Moving to Main Street: Tree City Tattoo Opens This Friday



Just what is going on at 319 Main St.? We have a traditional, old-school tattoo parlor moving in, Tree City Tattoo! Larry Davis is the owner and sole artist who will be working out of Tree City Tattoo. Larry has over 30 years experience tattooing, and he runs another shop, Gateway Tattoo, over in Suffern, NY (Rockland County), where he is from.

The Beacon tattoo shop will feature a variety of well-known national and international guest artists. "I feel that Beacon and the Hudson Valley in general can and will support a rotating roster of some of tattooing's best artists. I set Tree City up like a traditional tattoo parlor, with a private studio feel." Beaconites and other ink fans on the Hudson's east side will have amazing opportunities to get a tattoo from a visiting artist we wouldn't see otherwise, because they're from another part of the country or the world!

Tree City Tattoo is on the same block as Binnacle Books and Get Frosted Cupcakery.  So after sitting through a session like a champ, you can treat yourself to something sweet!





Tree City Tattoo officially opens this Friday, June 24th. An official website is in the works, but you can check out and follow Larry Davis' work on Instagram at @treecitytattoo or @larrydavistattoo. To book an appointment, you can email him at treecityny@gmail.com or call (845) 765-8686.  Welcome to the neighborhood!

Movie Filmed on Main Street is by British Romance Novelist Katie Fforde to Air in Germany

UPDATE 3/14/2017: This movie has aired! Get the details here >





Get out your lawn chairs, because you've got a lot of binge reading or viewing to do. Last week, a movie from British romance novelist Katie Fforde filmed on the West End of Beacon's Main Street, filled with extras, hair and makeup people, and even yellow cabs from New York City. This made-for-TV-movie called "Dancing on Broadway" will air in the fall in Germany on ZDF, "one of the biggest and most renowned television broadcasters in Europe" (according to ZDF's website). This movie is part of a collection of other made-for-TV-movies from Fforde that are set in the Hudson Valley. According to ZDF, "Katie Fforde’s romances are
ideal for transposing to the TV screen. Everything that makes her
novels so popular – sparkling dialogues, love of life, beguiling
characters – also infuses the TV movies based on them." Beacon's City Administrator, Anthony J. Ruggiero, informs us further: "From what we were told, in the past they have shot fifteen episodes of this series in the Hudson Valley over the past seven years, also working in Beacon in episodes past, both in private homes as well as on Main Street."


The camera tent covering camera equipment.

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin



Yellow cab New York taxis used in a scene.

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Last Monday and Tuesday, the film crew was in Beacon to film a short
street scene with a fancy car, perhaps a leading man, plenty of extras walking up and down the street, and even yellow cabs straight out of New York City. Beacon was chosen because of its likeness to Brooklyn with tree-lined streets with small shops. According to American crew members, Fforde is in love with the Hudson Valley and Beacon itself, which makes sense being that she lives near Stroud, Gloucestershire, which is described by Wikipedia as being "noted for its independent spirit and cafe culture."

To see a clip of what life on a part of Main Street was like that day, see this footage from citizen reporter, Jean Noack:

You may have rubbernecked to see what was going on as you slowly drove by, only to
see a lot of people huddled around a TV monitor in front of Berkshire
Hathaway, Notions-n-Potions, or down the street from Artisan Wine. The movie did close the
street for short periods of time, and the production hired a police officer to help direct traffic. Says Anthony J. Ruggiero, "They did a pretty good job of keeping the sidewalks and street open.
The City insisted that they work with the Main Street businesses." The City of Beacon was paid a rate of $2,500 per day for a total of $5,000 which goes into the general fund. Ruggiero stated that "the production did rent space from some of the property owners for the movie." Several other storefronts may have been "in the shot," meaning, the front of stores were part of the filmed scene. Hopefully these parts make it past the cutting room floor!

The film crew may have looked like a bunch of New Yorkers, but several of them were from all over the country, including Massachusetts and Florida. This was a non-union film, so there's a larger pool for hiring crew members who are not in unions associated with filming like the DGA (Directors Guild of America). Usually, Beacon is too far a distance from New York for unions to let their crew members travel without generating further travel compensation.

Look for this film in the fall if you know how to watch German TV, or if you register to view at ZDF. According to someone at Reddit, the movie collection in Germany is wildly popular. Watch it, and see which spots you recognize!

Watch this clip with Fforde to get an idea of her spirit if you have not read her books yet. She is a mother of three, and did not begin writing under after her third child was born. Inspiring.

New York Blood Center Declares Blood Emergency


As we approach the summer months, the New York Blood Center (NYBC) has declared a shortage of blood and is in a state of emergency. NYBC urges the public to donate at blood drives, centers or mobile units to replenish the community’s critically low blood supply. Recent national tragedies are reminders that it is imperative for NYBC
to always have an adequately stocked blood supply to respond when
communities are faced with patient traumas (accidents usually increase in the summer) or other events that require
life-saving blood products.
The closest donation locations to Beacon can be found here listed by date and address, and include All Sport Fishkill, Adams Fairacre Farms in Wappingers Falls, St. Mary's School, and the East Fishkill Donor Center.

In order to maintain a safe blood supply, a seven-day inventory of all types must be continually replenished. Companies, organizations, and community groups are encouraged to donate or host their own blood drives to help rebuild the blood stock - NYBC’s staff can help each step of the way.


O-negative blood donors are considered “universal,” and their blood type is needed most in trauma situations and emergency rooms across the country. Due to its high demand, O-negative blood is in short supply and NYBC encourages individuals with this blood type to consider stepping forward to donate today. "Our local blood supply has reached a critically low level, with under a two-day supply of O-negative, B-negative, and A-negative," according to a press release from the New York Blood Center. "As we head into the summer months, we are reminded of how essential it is that our community maintain steady participation in blood donation. Preparation for events such as these - having blood on hospital shelves in advance - is key to potentially save lives. "

“By spreading the word or even hosting your own blood drive, inviting friends, family, and community organizations, you may save lives in your community,” said Andrea Cefarelli, executive director of NYBC. “We are in dire need of O-negative blood with a reserve that is currently below a two-day supply, and that is just too low.”

Historically, during the summer months, blood centers have had to focus on building up the community’s blood product supply, as it tends to diminish due to seasonal factors. While summer months are marked by a long vacation period, with schools in recess and leisure time, the need for blood never takes a vacation. NYBC urges individuals to seek out nearby blood donation centers and to engage in the selfless act of donating, helping to prevent a summer blood shortage and potentially saving the life of someone in need.


More About Blood Donations




The entire donation process takes less than an hour and a single donation can be used to save multiple lives. Donors with O-negative blood type, or “universal donors,” are especially encouraged to donate, as their blood can be used in emergencies. Nearly 2,000 donations are needed each day in New York and New Jersey alone. About one in seven hospital admissions requires a blood transfusion, and with a limited shelf life, supplies must be continually replenished.

If you cannot donate but still wish to participate in bringing crucial blood products to patients in need, please ask someone to donate for you, or consider volunteering at a local blood drive.


Any company, community organization, place of worship, or individual may host a blood drive. Blood donors receive free mini-medical exams on site including information about their temperature, blood pressure and hematocrit level. Eligible donors include people who are at least age 16 (parental consent is required for 16-year-olds), who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, are in good health and meet all Food & Drug Administration and NY or NJ State Department of Health donor criteria. People age 76 or older may donate if they have a doctor’s note on file with New York Blood Center or if they bring one on the day of the blood drive.


About New York Blood Center




Now more than 50 years old, New York Blood Center (NYBC) is a nonprofit organization that is one of the largest independent, community-based blood centers in the country. NYBC’s mission is to serve the 20 million people in the New York metropolitan area - and more broadly, our nation and our world - by alleviating human suffering and preserving human life using our medical expertise.



Each year, NYBC provides approximately one million blood products to nearly 200 hospitals in the Northeast. NYBC also provides a wide array of transfusion-related medical services. NYBC’s National Cord Blood Program (NCBP) at the Howard P. Milstein Cord Blood Center is the home to the world’s largest public cord blood bank, which provides stem cells for transplant in many countries, and a renowned research institute, which — among other milestones — developed the hepatitis B vaccine and innovative blood purification technology. Website:  nybc.org



To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive:

Please call toll-free: 1-800-933-2566


Website:
http://www.nybloodcenter.org/blood



Facebook: www.facebook.com/newyorkbloodcenter



Twitter: @NYBloodCenter



Instagram: @newyorkbloodcenter

Yay City-Wide Yard Sale 2016 in Beacon, NY!


Despite the rain, people are turning out for all that Beacon has to offer today. Events include Beacon's City-Wide Yard Sale, and the art-based Second Saturday, which retail shops also piggyback on to help kick off the excitement early in the day. Like the Niche Modern Big Sale!

A few drizzles and one or two downpours did spill into a few backyard hot-dog grills to lure in customers from the sidewalks. But otherwise, the sun is trying to peek through.

Happy June! :)

The Back Story on the Artist Taking Over the Back Room Gallery





When space opens up on Main Street, it's a dreamer's paradise and there's sometimes a silent run to see who will fill it, and with what. The gallery formerly known as Back Room Gallery, at 475 Main Street, which used to show 30 artists and had a secret back room that wasn't much talked about in recent times, has a new artist completely filling the space - and hopefully using the mystical back room.






When friends of Bedford, New York, native Jeffrey Terreson bought the building that houses the gallery, they invited him to fill the space with a Pop-Up gallery takeover from June 23 to September 25. Terreson's paintings hang on the walls of IBM, NBC and other establishments, and have been included in curated shows and
several homes that owners or interior designers have fashioned. The Opening Premiere of Terreson Beacon will be on Thursday, June 23rd, a common weeknight for gallery openings.



http://www.jterreson.com/





But even more traditional in Beacon is Second Saturday, and Jeffrey will be in the space, measuring the walls that night for some of his larger works to fit through the door, and you are encouraged to come in and say hi. That's right - he has paintings that were 10 feet tall - "were" being the key word here. The door to this gallery is 8 feet tall, which is still very tall for a normal storefront door. When you do stop into this gallery to take a #behindthescenes peek, do look up at the top of the door as you open it. It's really tall! But not tall enough for a 10-foot painting, which Jeffrey had to get trimmed down.









The painting of this horse hangs first, as a welcome and representation of what more is to fill the gallery. Known for his series on horses, but not limited to them, Luxequestrian notes this about Terreson's style: "It is his abstraction - paired with dynamic color, texture, and light - that best describes his method of conveying the spirit of horses."





 A photo posted by @jeffreyterreson_fineart on






The back room of the gallery formerly known as The Back Room Gallery is breathtaking. Pictured here are Terreson and his daughter. (She's also an artist, studying painting in California and how it can contribute to social movements.) This room of the gallery may be used as Terreson's live studio where he will be in Beacon, painting.







"I am inspired by the things I don’t see, including its revelation in the processes I have yet to discover."

 - Jeffrey Terreson








Terreson makes his own materials to create with, gaining inspiration from what is around him, artists he admires, and using different materials within his paint. around him. This raw space on Main Street next to the Howland Cultural Center will be just that place for him, with revealed brick walls quite unlike we are used to seeing when reading real estate listings.








Mark your calendar for Thursday, June 23, 2016 for Terreson's opening in Beacon at 475 Main Street. Follow Jeffrey on Instagram and Facebook for his latest developments. Meanwhile, pop your head in this Second Saturday, where he will be setting up shop... or, shall we say, setting up studio?


Line Dancing For A Cause With Poughkeepsie Nissan & The Grace Smith House

You don't need a reason to dance but when it's for a good cause, there's no stopping you!  On Thursday, June 23rd, Poughkeepsie Nissan is hosting a Line Dancing Fundraiser where all proceeds will go to The Grace Smith House in Poughkeepsie.

 

If you never line danced before, no worries!  Brandon will be giving lessons and the music provided by CJ.  The dance will be held outside at the new car lot and there will be lots of space for dancing from 7:00-10:00 pm.

 

The Grace Smith House is a safe haven for victims of domestic violence and provides support legal advocacy, housing assistance, child protection assistance, counseling and so much more.

 

Poughkeepsie Nissan is located at 1445 Route 9, Wappingers Falls, NY across from Hannaford.

 

Want to join in for a rootin' tootin' good time? Learn more and RSVP on Facebook, see you there! 

 

Thank you for supporting businesses in A Little Beacon Blog's Community Partner Sponsors who help make this publication possible! Please contact us if interested in getting involved as a Community Partner Sponsor.

A History About Beacon's Visitor Center

The Visitors Center is the first officially organized building that greets visitors who come in by Metro North train or from Route 9D. Organized by Linda Hubbard, an artist and longtime tourism advocate for the Hudson Valley, and Beacon's Chamber of Commerce, the Visitors Center was a work of art from artists and people passionate for the area. Linda is one of the co-owners of RiverWinds Gallery on Main Street, which used to serve as a tourism center for the area until the Visitors Center was conceptualized and built. She was also the first president of BeaconArts.

Created and built by volunteers in years prior to 2010 (we are awaiting confirmation on the year of establishment), the Visitors Center continues to be staffed by volunteers. The building started as a modular building, which was constructed by George Mansfield, longtime city councilman and owner of the popular bar/restaurant, Dogwood. George is known to get involved in public works, including the "Welcome to Beacon" letter blocks at the top of the train station, the restorative painting of the Dummy Light, and many other projects. George enlisted many local artisans including Niche Modern for lights, and others. Interior designer Bill Miller secured a donation of paint from Benjamin Moore.

The Visitors Center sees thousands of people through its doors each year. In 2015, it saw almost 4,000 people, and that was from people who registered in the official book. Many people don't write in the book, notes volunteers, so the number is higher. People do collect information about Beacon and the Hudson Valley from the rows of brochures made available to everyone. Businesses are encouraged to distribute their flyers or brochures in the Visitors Center at no cost. Destinations ranging from the Vanderbilt Mansion to Beacon-based businesses are on display there.

Today, maintenance and updates continue on the Visitors Center. Most recently, a donation of air conditioning units were installed. Windows were sealed with more insulation, filling gaps two fingers wide. The Visitors Center is not totally winterized, so any bit of insulation and sealing helps. Several resources utilize the Visitors Center, including The Cold Spring Tlley that stops there to let visitors collect information. A journal brochure about Beacon will also be produced and be distributed to Hyatt House and various bed and breakfasts. 

Where to Park

Check A Little Beacon Blog's Free Public Parking Guide for parking locations and cross streets, which is sponsored by Antalek and Moore's car insurance option. There is free parking in the City Hall building from 5pm to 11pm down the hill from the Visitors Center. You will also find a small but free public lot behind Hudson Beacon Glass, and another one near Beacon Bread Company. Additionally, you may find parking on Main Street.

Black Bear Sighting in Beacon: What's Going On and How to Stay Safe

According to Beacon Chief of Police Douglas Solomon, an adolescent black bear cub has come out of the woods into our people-populated area. Chief Solomon confirms that the last report of anyone seeing the bear and reporting it to the police was at 8:30am Friday on Sargent Avenue near Wodenethe Drive, on the "town" side of Fishkill Creek (away from the mountain), near the Beacon Board of Education.

 

Local parent Erin Giunta, who lives near Sargent Elementary, was getting her young daughter ready for school and just happened to look out the front door when she saw the bear crossing the school playground this morning at 8:20am. Her eye-witness account: "The bear ran across the large field near Sargent Ave. and Knevels, then crossed the gravel path, then ran on the grass between the playground and the stone wall." Giunta called Sargent Elementary School to report it, and staff acknowledged they were aware of the bear.

 

Right at 8:30am, a robo-call was delivered from Interim Superintendent of Beacon Schools Ann Marie Quartironi, alerting parents of "walkers" (aka kids who walk to school) that buses are out and about to pick walkers up, to bring them to school.

 

Chief Solomon explains it's not uncommon to see bear cubs in the springtime in this area. "Every two years, the mother bears kick their cubs out. The cubs get confused and disoriented and end up in populated areas. At some point, it will go back into the woods," he says. To aid in that effort, the DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) will come down to assist police with guiding the bear back into the woods. Chief Solomon says that efforts the police department may employ are using rubber bullets or bean bags to hit the bear and encourage it to go back into the woods. Black bears are known to be docile, and are looking primarily for trash to eat.

 

Both Chief Solomon and local survival and tracking expert Shane Hobel, founder of Mountain Scout Survival School, say that black bears are not aggressive, but if anyone should see it, one should not engage it. Instead, says Hobel, quietly and slowly back back away without showing aggression. Hobel says that black bears are generally scared of clanging pots and pans and bells and whistles, which is why hikers often wear the latter when they are taking on mountain trails. Black bears can be skittish, and if you encounter one in your yard, Hobel says, take the approach of a docile dog on the retreat:

  • Back away slowly.
  • Don't show your teeth - it's a primal sign of aggression.
  • Don't raise your arms.

Bear sightings are also a time to raise awareness to contain trash and to keep it from blowing around. Press it down into your garbage can so as to reduce overflowage. Perhaps weekly recycling pickup will happen in Beacon, which would contribute to contained garbage cans. If you have a food compost pile in your yard, look into ways to seal it. Zero to Go are the food compost experts, and they include plastic bins that seal tightly in their food compost pickup program.

 

If you do have a bear sighting, make sure you're safe, then call the police to report where you saw it. This will help them guide the bear back into the woods. The information hotline to the Beacon police is 845-831-4111.

Summer Day Camp Guide - Ages 3-17 for Beacon and Hudson Valley Kids

Being that the Hudson Valley and Beacon in particular are so rich in the arts, agriculture and a great outdoors scene, options for summer day camps are plentiful. Most camps offer weekly themes with daily projects and activities that reinforce that theme. You can definitely give your child a well-rounded summer that not only keeps them entertained, but very busy. Ages and times will vary throughout the summer, and several camps are offering early drop off and late pick up for working parents, or for families with more than one child going to different camps. The tough part will be making a decision between themes and pulling the trigger! You can use this Summer Day Camps Guide to mix and match for your family's schedule. If you know of a camp that you think would fit within this list, email editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com. If you want to enhance your listing in our "Stand Out!" program, or to sponsor this Guide,

click here for details

.

Let's start with what you'll need for most every camp:

  • Medical forms
  • Packed lunch (fun with lunch boxes! Play has a bunch of cute metal ones)
  • Water shoes
  • Bathing suit and towel 
  • Sunscreen
  • Big Bag to pack all of this stuff in

We've started the Guide with summer day camps that offer the longest option of hours per day, followed by more niche camps with shorter days.

The Summer Day Camp Guide is Sponsored By:

Eva Deitch Photography KIDS

View her photos also at Instagram:

 @edp_kids

www.evadeitch.com

Beacon Craft Workshop

Beacon Craft Workshop is offering 4 weeks of hands-on nature play and art work time for children ages 4-10, at Ilana’s home in Beacon, right near Sargent School. Rain or shine, we go outside, explore in the eco-garden, and get creative! As we delve deeply into each week’s special theme, we make art with clay, paint and drawing materials, fabric, wood, and found objects. Field games, tie-dye, song-singing, and other classic activities of summer will also contribute to the community-spirit from June 27 until July 21.

Great For:

Fun with education thrown in, lots of arts and crafts.

Ages:

4-10 years old

Swimming:

No.  But there will be Sprinkler time!

Dates:

June 27th - July 21st

Times:

9am - 3pm

Early Drop Off and late Pickup Available: 

send email

Price:

$240/per child

Flexibility:

send email

Click for registration and details>

Fishkill Recreation 

Mad Science Enrichment Summer Camp

Ages: 

Grades 2-4

Dates:

 July 11-15, July 18-22, 

Times:

 9am-4pm

Price:

 Half Day $175 or Full Day $315/per child

More Details and registration online

 (space is limited)

Sports Camp

Dates:

August 8-12, 2016

Times:

8:30-12:30pm 

Price:

$125/per camper ($25 late fee after May 13)

More Details>

The Artist Corner

Ages

: 5-12

Dates

: August 15-19, 2016

More Details >

 or visit 

www.TheArtistsCornerNY.weebly.com

Snapology LEGO Summer Camp

Price:

$165/child

LEGO STAR WARS: July 25-July 29- 9:30am-12:30pm (Ages 5-12) 

LEGO MINECRAFT: July 25-July 29- 1:30pm-4:30pm (Ages 5-12) 

LEGO ROBOTICS: August 8-August 12- 9:30am-12:30pm (Ages 8+)

LEGO MASTER INVENTORS: August 8-August 12- 1:30pm-4:30pm (Ages 5-12)

More Details> 

Junior Day Camp @ Fishkill Elementary 

Grade:

K - 5th Grade

Dates:

June 29 - August 12 weekly (no July 4)

Times:

8:30-2:30pm

Pre-Hours:

7:30-8:30 am (optional for fee)

Extended Hours:

2:30-5:30 pm (optional for fee)

Location:

Fishkill Elementary School

More details for prices>

Senior Day Camp @ Maurer Geering Park

Grade:

6-9th

Dates:

June 27 - August 12 weekly (no July 4)

Times:

 8:30-2:30pm

Pre-Hours:

  N/A

Extended Hours:

 2:30-4:30 pm (optional for $40 fee)

More details for prices >

Rose Hill Manor Summer Day Camp

One of the most active summer camps and known for its daily adventures off-campus into the Hudson Valley. Every day is a designated type of day which includes a trip to Bear Mountain State Park, Bowdoin State Park, Memorial Park, the Beacon Pool at the Settlement Camp, the Liberty Science Center, Splashdown, and

Museum Villag

e (an 1800 village in Monroe where the kids make homemade candles, go into an old classroom, etc.). Friday's are down-time back at the school for crafts and projects. Children are bused to all off-campus activities. Field trip fees are required for attending certain destinations like Splashdown, etc.

Great For:

Parents love field trips and activities with friends.

Swimming?

Yes. Kids will play in the water at Beacon's summer pool at the Settlement Camp, at Splash Down and at various state park. All children are supervised and swimming lessons are not required.

Ages:

5-12 years old

Dates:

Weeks Starting June 27th - August 26th

Times:

Full Day: 9am - 5pm

Early Drop Off and Late Pickup Available?

Yes

Price:

$195/week and a day rate is available at $45/day

Extra Fees?

Yes, for field trips

Flexibility:

Sign up for the weeks you want

Click for Registration and Camp Details >

All Sport Summer Day Camp (Camp FIT & Tennis Camp)

www.allsporthealthandfitness.com/camp.html
www.allsporthealthandfitness.com/camp.html

This fitness club has an Outdoor Park that is loaded with activities. There are three pools, a basketball court for little and big kids, soccer, tennis courts, and a scenic area for exploring and picnics. Kids stay on the premises during the day, but there is plenty to do, including jumping in a bouncy house slide, and entertainment from magicians, etc. Kids are divided into age groups. All Sport's day camp also includes the option of Tennis Camp and a special Teen Camp. Teen Camp includes 2 field trips per week to Bear Mountain Zoo, Splashdown, and more locations. Add Ons are available for extra hours of care ($40/week), swim lessons ($35/week) and lunch from their grill if you don't want to pack your own ($35/week).

Great For:

Kids who love moving to the next activity and learning new skills. Plus, you could tack on swim lessons during the day.

Swimming?

Yes. For small kids, the kiddie pool is used, and for older kids, the regular pools. There is an option of additional swim lessons for $45.

Ages:

4-14 years old

Dates Camp FIT:

Weeks Starting June 27th - August 29th (the final camp day is September 2th)

Dates Teen Camp:

Weeks Starting July 11th - August 5th

Dates Tennis Camp:

Weeks Starting June 27th, July 11th, July 18th

Times:

Full Day:

9am - 4pm   

Half Day:

9am - 12pm

Early Drop Off and Late Pickup Available?

Yes

Price Camp FIT: Full Day:

Member $215, Non-Member $245 

Half Day:

Member $115, Non-Member: $145

Price Tennis Camp:

Members $255, Non-Member $285

Price Teen Camp:

Members $265, Non-Member $295

Extra Fees?

Not really. Field trips are not extensive here. Fees come into play for swim lessons and early/late care.

Flexibility:

Sign up for the weeks you want. If you are commitment-phobic and don't want to sign up for a week, you can call ahead to select and schedule days. But you need to commit to those :)

Click for Registration & Camp Details >

Kids Place Summer Day Camp

Kids Place is known for their ability to accommodate different schedules, and for their activities. The children enjoy a wide array of traditional camp offerings including group games, arts and crafts, sports, drama presentations, cooking, and Theme Days. Each week of camp follows a theme that carries through in the activities offered during the week. The children attend weekly field trips as well as swimming and water fun. Kids Place Summer Day Camp Tuition is all inclusive. There are no additional fees for trips or swimming. Previous summer camp trips include Fun Central, Jump’n Jake’s, Stony Kill Farm, and a sail on the sloop Woody Guthrie. When the children are not on trips or out swimming, they enjoy activities in the center’s air conditioned rooms or full-sized gymnasium!

Great For:

Parents who love field trips and activities with friends.

Water Play?

Yes

Ages:

5-12 years old

Dates:

Not posted on website yet

Times:

Full Day: 9am - 5pm

Early Drop Off and Late Pickup Available?

Yes

Price 5-12 year olds Liberty Street (includes field trips):

$195/week with options for 4 day and 3 day weeks.

Price Grades 1st-5th West Center Street (no field trips, but takes a weekly trip to Beacon's Public Pool at the Settlement Camp):

$125/week

Price Grades 6, 7, 8 West Center Street (includes field trips):

$195/week

Extra Fees?

No, field trips are included with camp tuition

Flexibility:

Yes. Sign up for the weeks you want at the number of days you want (shorter weeks available for the 5-12 year old age group only)

Click for Registration & Camp Details >

Mill Street Loft Dutchess Arts Day Camp Beacon at Scenic Hudson

If you want your child to think big, paint big, act big, all while enjoying the outdoors at Riverfront Park on the bank of the Hudson River, than this is the camp for you. Mill Street's camp should help in deciding your schedule because it's only offered for 2 weeks. With Full Day and Half Day options, you have schedule and price differences to consider. The age range is wide, and the children are divided into age groups and are engaged in different projects for their level.

Great For:

Artistic children who love the visual and theatrical arts as well as being near the Hudson River

Water Play?

No

Ages:

4-12 years old

Dates:

Weeks of July 25 - July 29 and August 1 - August 5 (2 sessions total)

Times: Full Day:

9am - 4:30pm  

Half Day:

9am - 1pm

Early Drop Off and Late Pickup Available?

Yes

Price: Full Day:

$350

  Half Day:

$190

Early Bird Pricing:

$330 for full day, $180 for half day, ENDS APRIL 1.

Extra Fees?

$10 for early or late pick up.

Flexibility:

Sign up for either week you want, or both!

Click for Registration & Camp Details >

Randolf School Summer Day Camp Program

The Randolph Summer Program is designed to offer a diverse group of creative, fun and educational activities for children ages 3-11. The camps focus on exciting new themes each week and are an extension of the progressive education that occurs all year. A playful, cooperative work environment is created in which each child experiences a sense of accomplishment and a love of learning. Most of the week-long workshops culminate in an end-of-the-week exhibition or presentation.

Great For:

Parents who like a progressive program for their children

Swimming?

No, but kids do play in water

Ages:

3-11 years old

Dates:

Weeks Starting June 27th - August 12th

(weekly breakdown here)

Times: Full Day:

8:30am - 4pm  

Half Day:

8:30am - 12:30pm (ages 3-5 only)

Early Drop Off and Late Pickup Available?

Call for info

Price Ages 3-5: Full Day:

$300

  Half Day:

$200

Price Ages 6-11: Full Day:

$300

  Half Day:

$200 

Extra Fees?

Yes, for older kids, $25 for rocket materials

Flexibility:

Sign up for the weeks you want.

Click for Registration & Camp Details >

Common Ground Farm Day Camp

(at Stony Kill Farm in Wappingers Falls)

Give your child the experience of being down on the farm. If they love books and TV programs about barnyard animals, they may love this camp. There is a strong focus on the soil, trees, sun and water and how they work together to grow food. Kids' lunches are bring-your-own, but will be supplemented with harvested vegetables. Sessions for older kids include making a cookbook. Each week has a different theme that teaches different skill-sets. Your child just may come home and teach you about composting! Thanks to a grant from the Dyson Foundation, scholarships are available and are limited. 

Great For:

Kids who love dirt, animals, rivers, and planting and tending to gardens

Swimming?

No, but kids do play in water

Ages:

3-12 years old

Dates:

Weeks Starting July 18th - September 2nd

Times: Full Day:

9am - 3pm  

Half Day:

9am - 1pm (ages 3-6 only)

Early Drop Off and Late Pickup Available?

Yes

Price: Full Day:

$260

  Half Day:

$210

Extra Fees?

Yes for before/after care.

Flexibility:

Sign up for the weeks you want.

Click for Registration & Camp Details >

BCAP (Be Creative As Possible) Day Camp

This popular Pre-K program provides a nurturing environment that encourages social, motor and creative experiences that excite a love for learning, music, sculpture, painting, drawing, language, and creative movement.  Their program room looks and feels like a children's museum with different activity stations to immediately occupy young minds. Has your child ever painted while lying down, like Michael Angelo did? Well they just might get under a table to simulate the experience while at BCAP.

Great For:

Kids who love building, drawing, dirt, animals, rivers, and planting and tending to gardens.

Swimming?

No, but kids do play in water

Ages:

3-6 years old

Dates:

Weeks of June 27th, July 4th, July 11th (3 weeks total)

Times:

9am - 3pm

Early Drop Off and Late Pickup Available?

No

Price:

$250/week

Extra Fees?

No

Flexibility:

Sign up for the weeks you want.

Click for Registration & Camp Details >

Hudson Hills Montessori Day Camp Program

Summer Camp at Hudson Hills Beacon campus will be a challenging and fun experience for campers. Their morning will be spent in the Montessori classroom. Current Primary students will continue to receive new lessons on Montessori materials and have the opportunity to practice lessons they have already been taught. This will allow the children to progress in all the areas of the Montessori classroom throughout the five week summer camp. New students will be introduced to the first introductory lessons that will lay the foundation for their time in the Montessori classroom.

Great For:

Parents who love the Montessori approach, and naps for 3 year olds

Swimming?

No, but kids do play in water

Ages:

3-6 years old (call to confirm)

Dates:

Weeks Starting June 29th - July 27th

Times:

Full Day:

9am - 3pm  

Half Day:

9am - 12pm

Early Drop Off and Late Pickup Available?

Yes

Price: Full Day:

$300

  Half Day:

$250

with options for 4 day, 3 day, and 2 day weeks.

Extra Fees?

No

Flexibility:

Yes. Sign up for the weeks you want at the number of days you want.

Click for Registration & Camp Details >

Summer Workshops from Compass Arts

This year, Compass Arts is giving you several options, but you need to carefully plot them into your calendar because they will come up quickly, and you could miss what could be a nice enhancement to your free-flowing, commitment-free,

not-very busy camp schedule.

Great For:

Children who love music, movement and naps after class. Kids who are not enrolled in full-day camps, but need stimulation during the first part of the day.

Swimming?

No

Ages:

3-6 years old

Times:

9am - 12pm

Early Drop Off and Late Pickup Available?

No

Extra Fees?

No

Flexibility:

Sign up for the weeks you want.

It's Not Camp!!! Camp

This week of camp with a silly name is going to be full of music, art, movement, Spanish, puppets and more! The kiddos will have a rockin' good time with Romina Robinson, Lisa Martinez, and Gina Samardge all week long!

Price:

Half Day:

$155

Dates: 

June 13th-17th, 9am-12noon (

Week I)

Register >

June 20th-24th, 9am-12noon (Week II)

Register >

Tactile Explorers

This 45 minute class for toddlers and a caregiver will provide an opportunity for play and socialization, as well as a chance to explore fun and frequently messy new art materials that won't wind up on your couch! Materials will be thoughtfully presented to provoke curiosity and interest, allowing for open ended exploration using all the senses. In keeping with the tactile, hands-on spirit of young children, all materials will be natural, often home made and food/plant based...just in case any children are curious to sample a little taste!

Price:

Half Day:

$45 

Days:

Tuesdays

Date:

June 14th - June 28th, 10am-10:45am

Register >

Tri-Arts Summer Workshop

Throughout the week, children will explore a folk tale through music, creative movement, art and yoga, then share their creation with their families at the end of the week.

Price:

Half Day:

$155

Dates:

June 27th to July 1st, 9am - 12noon (Week 1)

Register >

August 22 to August 26th (Week II)

Register >

S.T.E.A.M Lab

(S.T.E.A.M. stands for: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)

This is an exciting interdisciplinary program, influenced by the STEAM movement in education. Each week, children will collaboratively design and build immersive, physical environments filled with music, art, movement and discovery. Tuesday/Thursday and Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday options. Taught by Kate Daley and Gina Samardge

"Mazes, Marbles and Machines” 

Compose a musical maze, paint with moving marbles, and invent a machine!

Price:

Half Day:

$75 (2 Day)  or $95 (3 Day)

Date:

August 2nd-4th (Week I)

Register >

“Obstacle Courses, Oceans and Objects” 

Create an obstacle course, make music in oceanic habitats, and print masterpieces with everyday objects!

Price:

Half Day:

$75 (2 Day)  or $95 (3 Day)

Date:

August 9th-11th (Week II)

Register > 

“Buildings, Bubbles and Bugs” 

Design and construct 3-D fantastical cities, move to music like a bug, and experiment with bubbles!

Price:

Half Day:

$75 (2 Day)  or $95 (3 Day)

Date:

August 16th-18th (Week III)

Register >

Beacon Pantry Cooking School

Food Art 

They say we eat with our eyes first...In this camp, kids will play with their food!  Create art projects on the plate and then enjoy eating it all up.  Incorporated will  be safe knife skills (using nylon kid friendly knives), cooking techniques, kitchen safety and etiquette, along with making delicious food and having fun! Cooking camp will take place in Beacon Pantry's back patio outside

(which we captured here in an Instagram moment),

and ends with a lunch.

Ages:

5-8

Date:

August 22nd-26th, 2016

Time:

10am - 12:30pm 

Location:

382 Main Street

Beacon NY, 12508

Price:

$195

Registration  >

(Not This Year) City Of Beacon Summer Camp

Plenty of activities are in the works for initiatives from the City of Beacon, but this year they are hunkering down on planning and will not be offering Summer Day Camp.

Do get a pool pass at the Beacon Pool, though!

Stony Kill Farm Summer Camps

Stony Kill Farm Camp provides a fun, creative and enriching hands-on, nature-inspired adventures for kid campers in two camps: Summer Explorers Camp, and Nature's Theater Camp.  Stony Kill Farm Summer Camp is a place where your child will explore and discover the wonders of the outdoors while instilling a sense of respect and appreciation for the natural world.  The aim is to to inspire your children to become environmentally responsible and conscientious citizens of the future, to spark a lifelong love of learning, and to develop a deep and enduring connection with the natural world...all while having some good old fashioned fun in our beautiful setting.

Summer Explorers Camp:

Explorers' Farm Camp will explore nature through enjoyable themes for each day.  Each day, campers will enjoy visiting the animals, hiking one of the many trails at Stony Kill Farms and many varied hands on experiences (scientific, environmental, arts & crafts) that relate to each day's theme.  Some sample daily themes are: farm life, pond ecology, tracking wildlife, survival, food we grow, art in nature, hiking safety, bird watching, composting and going green, the mighty Hudson, and much more!

Ages:

5-12

Dates:

June 27 - July 1, and July 5-8

Times: 

9am - 3pm

Early Drop Off and Late Pickup Available?

No

Price:

 $175 for members, $200 for non-members

Families who sign up for two or all three weeks, receive a $50 reduction per family.

Registration & Camp Details >

Nature's Theater Camp: 

Last year's new addition of Nature's Theater Camp was so popular and successful, Stony Kill Farm is offering it again this year. This year's presentation will be entirely new, and once again written by the campers.  Besides writing an environmentally themed presentation to be acted out by the campers, they will also create all scenery, props and costumes for the big show, presented on our outdoor stage the last day of camp. Campers will also visit with the animals daily, and take some beautiful nature hikes for inspiration.

Ages:

7-15, but younger children will be considered if they are the sibling of an older camper

Dates:

July 11-15

Times: 

9am - 3pm

Early Drop Off and Late Pickup Available? 

Call for info

Price:

 $175 for members, $200 for non-members

Families who sign up for two or all three weeks, receive a $50 reduction per family.

Registration & Camp Details >

Dutchess County Gymnastics Center

Located in the neighboring town of Fishkill, Dutchess County Gymnastics Center is a convenient location for Beaconites who want to enroll their children in a program dedicated to the sport of gymnastics, guided by committed coaches. Their summer camp is divided into weekly themes like "I Love the USA," "Artful Antics," "The Games in Rio," and "Disney Week."

Great For:

Kids who love moving, jumping, stretching, and wearing legwarmers (not required).

Swimming?

No

Ages:

Call first

Dates:

Weeks of: June 27th, July 11th, July 18th, July 25th, August 1st, August 8th, August 15th, August 22nd, and August 29th.

Times:

9am - 4pm

Early Drop Off and Late Pickup Available?

No

Price:

Full Day:

$235/week (or $65/day)

with discounts available on multiple weeks 

Half Day:

$160/week (or $45/day)

Extra Fees?

No

Flexibility:

Sign up for the weeks you want.

Location: 

986 Main Street, Suite 9

Fishkill, NY 12524

Click for Registration & Camp Details >

Studio-B 4th Wall Theatrical Productions - The Beacon Theater

A entertainingly diverse

theater program on Beacon's Main Street in the Beacon Theater. Join 4th Wall Theatrical Productions for high levels of fun in acting, singing, dancing and set building. Pick from weeks themed as Camp Glee, where kids learn to incorporate popular music and focuses on the basics of cappella and harmony. Musical Theater camp comes next, where the kids put on a musical in just one week. Teachers come from the industry and have backgrounds at MTV,  CBS, Cruise Lines and Theme Parks, and more.

Great For:

Kids who love acting, singing, dancing, moving, and collaborating.

Swimming?

No

Ages:

5-17 years old

Dates:

Weeks of July 5th, July 11th, July 18th, July 25, (4 weeks total)

Times:

9am - 3pm

Early Drop Off and Late Pickup Available?

No

Price:

$208-$260 (prices vary by themed week)

Extra Fees?

No

Flexibility:

Sign up for the weeks you want.

Click for Registration & Camp Details >

Beacon's Howland Public Library

Beacon's public library offers so many great events throughout the year, and summer is no exception! Join in on fun activities for babies, toddlers and middle school kids. Sessions include Come & Play Wednesday, Battle of the Books, Summer Reading Performers, Brain Games, and more. Some activities do require pre-registration with a simple form, so be sure to visit the library's website first.

Price:

Free

Dates:

Vary by event

Times:

Vary by event

Click for Registration & Library Events >

***************   OLDER KIDS   ***************

Beacon Art Studios Summer Camp

Beacon Art Studios, located in the old Beacon High School, offers "Project Funway" Summer Fashion Sewing Program.

Project Funway Summer Sewing Camp:

Fashion designers-in-training will spend the week testing their fashion design skills in daily challenges, designing their own fashion line through sketches, putting a new spin on old and creating unique clothing and accessory items by using their newly acquired skills of upcycling and reusing for the end of the week fashion show!

Ages: 

9-16

Dates:

June 27th - August 12th (broken up into 7 Five-Day Sessions)

Times:

9:30am - 2:30pm

Early Drop Off and Late Pickup Available?

No

Price:

$275 (except session 2 which is a 4 day session)

Extra Fees?

No. All materials included in tuition

Click for Registration & Camp Details >

Beacon Pantry Cooking School

Cooking Around the World in 5 Days 

During this week-long camp, kids will cook their way around the world! Each day there is a different focus on a country and cooking in traditional dishes from that country, getting to know different cultures through food. Countries in the curriculum are China, Mexico, Italy, France and the Caribbean. Cooking camp will take place in Beacon Pantry's back patio outside

(which we captured here in an Instagram moment),

and  ends with a lunch.

Ages:

9-12

Date:

July 11th - 15th, 2016

Time:

10am - 12:30pm 

Location:

382 Main Street

Beacon NY, 12508

Price:

$195

Registration  >

Counselor in Training (CIT) Program

for 13-16 year olds! This year Common Ground Farm is offering a very special camp experience for teenagers! Our CITs will participate in their very own week of summer camp from July 11-15.  Throughout this week, CITs will work with farm camp staff and will work in the garden, will create a lasting legacy project, will meet and help our farmers, will gain wilderness experience, will participate in team building exercises and will learn how to be valuable members of the Farm Camp Staff! CITs will then assist in all aspects of Farm Camp for the rest of the summer, from July 18 through September 2. Each CIT can take one week off during this time, if the program conflicts with summer vacations.

Ages:

13-16

Date:

July 11th - September 2nd, 2016

Time:

9am-3pm

Location:

Ballet Arts Studio

107 Teller Avenue

Beacon, NY 12508

Price:

$600 for 8 week program

Registration  >

Ballet Art Studio - Dutchess Dance

Musical Theater Intensive 

Ms. Katie Bissinger leads a 5-day intensive to get everyone ready for the 2016-2017 theater season. Mornings will be devoted to warm-up and dance training. In the afternoons, the dancers will workshop a performance piece.

Ages:

12 +

Date:

August 15th - 19th, 2016

Time:

Mon-Thurs 10am - 4pm  Friday 10am - 7pm for a workshop performance starting at 6pm. 

Location:

Ballet Arts Studio

107 Teller Avenue

Beacon, NY 12508

Price:

$375

Registration  >

Storm King Art Center

Project Write: Becoming Authors and Artists 

In this week-long class offered by Storm King in partnership with the Hudson Valley Writing Project (HVWP), students engage in place-based writing surrounded by sculpture, rolling hills, meadows, and woodlands. Storm King staff and HVWP teachers share behind-the-scenes discoveries and inspiring insights, launching students into a fun and creative world of writing and art making.

Ages:

10–14

Date:

July 11th - 15th, 2016

Time:

9am–3pm 

Location:

Storm King Art Center

Price:

$295

SOLD OUT but has a Waiting List

Registration  >

The Art of Scientific Observation: From Microecology to Monumental Sculpture 

Offered in partnership with the Black Rock Forest Consortium. Throughout history, both scientists and artists have used field journals to note their observations of the natural world and develop their ideas. Effective visual and written notation require keen observational skills, and the practice of creative recording in journals can engage and develop critical and lateral thinking capabilities. Weaving together science and art, this class offers students a unique opportunity to combine field ecology and artistic practice at Storm King Art Center. Through explorations of Storm King’s forests, fields, ponds, and sculptures, the class introduces students to observational and notational methods through creative journal making. Students will engage with a variety of techniques including sketching, collaging, and writing. Daily investigations will include field analysis of plant and animal life, as well as sculpture and landscape architecture. Students will leave the class having created their own experimental field journal. A neighbor to Storm King, the Black Rock Forest Consortium is a non-profit research, education, and conservation organization with membership of 22 prominent universities, schools, and research institutions from the Hudson Valley and the New York metro area.

Ages:

High School Students, Grades 9-12

Date:

July 18 - 22, 2016

Time:

9am–5pm 

Location:

Storm King Art Center

Price:

$400

Registration  >

Spark Media Project 

Spark Media Project aims to create opportunities for all young people to develop the communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills and habits of mind they will need to become active participants in the 21st Century. They have several summer camp options to choose from:

Rhinebeck: Mini-Movies Summer Intensive

In this two-week filmmaking intensive, teens learn the entire process of filmmaking, from brainstorming and scriptwriting to editing and adding special effects. Youth use professional filmmaking equipment and editing software to produce their own original narrative shorts.

Ages:

11-15

Dates:

July 11th – July 15th & July 18th – 22nd, 2016

Times: 

10am-4pm Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays

10am-2pm Wednesdays and Fridays

Location:

Upstate Films Rhinebeck

6415 Montgomery St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572

Price:

$600 for two weeks

Click for Registration and Camp Details >

Rosendale: Kids Call the Shots

In this camp taught by a team of media professionals, youth learn all about the filmmaking process, from scripting and storyboarding, to filming with different shots and camera angles, to trying their hands at editing. Youth will also learn to use lights and sound kits. Students will create a “behind the scenes” video as well.

Ages:

7-11

Dates: 

July 18th – July 22th, 2016

Time:

10am - 4pm

Location:

Rosendale Theater

408 Main St, Rosendale, NY 12472

Price:

$350

Click for Registration and Camp Details >

FDR: Kids Call the ShotsHyde Park Summer Camps

In this camp, youth learn all about the filmmaking process from media professionals, from scripting and storyboarding, to filming with different shots and camera angles, trying their hands at editing. Youth will also learn to use lights and sound kits. Students will create a “behind the scenes” video as well.

Ages:

7-11

Dates:

July 25th – July 29th, 2016

Time:

10am - 4pm 

Location:

Discovery Center at The Home of FDR Historic Site

Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538

Price:

$350

Click for Registration and Camp Details >

Rosendale: Multi-Media Animation

In this camp, youth will learn all kinds of different animation techniques, from flip-books to stop-motion animation, to computer animation with Adobe Premiere and Character Animator. Youth work collaboratively to create animated narrative shorts, making the characters, movements, voice-over, music, and sound effects themselves, as well as a live action “behind the scenes” video.

Ages:

10-14

Dates:

July 25th – July 29th, 2016

Time:

10am - 4pm 

Location: 

Rosendale Theater

408 Main St, Rosendale, NY 12472

Click for Registration and Camp Details >

FDR Multi-Media Animation

In this camp, youth will learn all kinds of different animation techniques, from flip-books to stop-motion animation to computer animation with Adobe Premiere and Character Animator. Youth work collaboratively to create animated narrative shorts, making the characters, movements, voice-over, music, and sound effects themselves, as well as a live action “behind the scenes” video.

Ages:

10-14

Date:

August 1st – August 5th, 2016

Time:

10am - 4pm 

Location:

Discovery Center at The Home of FDR Historic Site

Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538

Price:

$350

Click for Registration and Camp Details >

All Sport Health & Fitness Class Schedule and Special Programs - Fishkill, NY

www.allsporthealthandfitness.com

All Sport Health & Fitness
17 Old Main Street
Fishkill, NY 12524
(845) 896-5678

All Sport is more than just a gym. It's an experience. From the moment you walk through their doors and are genuinely greeted by team members behind the front desk, you begin the feel the involvement between people, activities and a mindset of tapping into opportunities around you. Designed around your lifestyle, All Sport has something for everyone, from indoor/outdoor basketball courts, racquetball, soccer camp, dance lessons, indoor/outdoor pools, saunas, massages, a huge room for weight lifters, a calming room for women's strength-building, an "express circuit" machine set-up with a free lesson on how to use it all. For those who need a more creative workout, there are over 90 free group exercise classes for members, including Zumba, Barre Fusion, Yoga, and many more. Got kids? Enjoy All Sport's most thoughtful move of all - a fully staffed 2-room childcare center aka "Kids Club" with a jungle gym, slide, baby exersaucers, and coloring. And if the kids need a break from the room, All Sport schedules different classes such as Kids in Motion, where kids tumble to music in a racquetball court and then can be walked back to Kids Club by the teacher.

Click for larger view

Dates You Don't Want to Miss

  • 2016 Family Fest June 11: At Dutchess Stadium with the Hudson Valley Renegades - FREE Family Community Event.
  • Pool Opens May 27: Outdoor Pools open!!! Yes, they have 3 pools. Enjoy swimming, tennis, basketball and more at the Outdoor Club
  • Live Music At The Outdoor Club:  All Summer music events are free for members, with a discounted guest fee of $15.
  • H2O Body Blast begins June 8th
  • Aqua Boogie begins June 28th



http://www.allsporthealthandfitness.com/camp-registration.html


Register now for All Sports Camp FIT this Summer!  Swimming, tennis, friends and fun!  Camp also available for teens. 




Special Fitness Classes For Adults


H2O Body Blast
Date: Wednesdays, 5:00-5:45 pm
High intensity outdoor aquatic class at the outdoor park. Ages 12 & up.
Details> 

Eat Fat, Get Thin
Date: Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Nutritional workshop with Kim Knauf.  Learn about the immense health and weight-loss benefits of a high-fat diet rich in eggs, nuts, oils, avocados, and more.
Details>






Adult Classes & Programs

Adults have dozens of classes to chose from, several of which are included with membership.
Click here for a Full Class Schedule That Are Included With Membership* >
*Exact times may vary, so please call ahead.  

In addition to multiple rooms of cardio, machines and free-weights, All Sport offers several specialized programs for adults. For more information about these programs or to register, call the Programs Desk: (845) 896-5678. A few of those programs change and currently include:

Tai Chi
Beginner & Advanced Tai Chi for adults. This introductory level Tai Chi class will help you learn form and movement sequencing. Each week builds on the previous week.
Day: Mondays   Time: Beginners: 6:30 - 7:30pm     Time: Advanced: 7:30-8:00pm
Price: Members: Free  Non-Members: $150
Details >


Boxing
The beginner level boxing clinic has a 6:1 teacher ratio. Learn moves, footwork, punches and more with instructor Fred Rosa.
Day: Saturdays   Time: 10-11am  
Price: Members, $72  Non-Members: $96
Details >

Barre Fusion
An exercise class using components of ballet, yoga and movement.
Click here for the schedule.

Zumba Classes
Zumba Classes happen regularly at All Sport.
Click here for the schedule.
SPECIAL! Check back for our next special Zumba Class!


Country Line Dancing
Intermediate Level - Perfect your moves! Learn Baby Likes to Rock It, Long Legged Hannah, Tush Push, Foot Loose and more!
Day: Wednesdays    Time: 10:30am-11:30am
Price: $50   Non-Member $60   Drop-In: $15
Drop-Ins Welcome
Details >


Spin Classes 
Spin Classes happen regularly at All Sport.
Click here for Cycle schedule.


Pool Volleyball
Enjoy this team sport in the pool for adults and seniors.
Click here for other water exercise classes.
Next Date: Check back for our next date!


Heartsaver AED/CPR
American Heart Association CPR. This is snot the level needed for lifeguards.
Date: TBD   Time: 6-10pm
Price: Member: $50 (includes manual), Nonmember: $60 (includes manual), Special non-member firefighter rate: $50


Racquetball Classes, Courts & Leagues
If you play racquetball, this is the place for you. Classes include a focus on forehand, backhand, servers and returns, as well as rules and strategies. Recreational games are played during the second part of the hour so that participants can use what they learn.
Day: Saturdays     Time: 1-2pm
Price: Members: $72   Non-Members: $96
Details >
SPECIAL: Doublemania!
Date: Check back for next date!    Time: 6pm
Price: Members: $25  Non-Members: $30   Guest: $5


Small Group Training 
All Sport offers several opportunities to get training from one of their professionals in a group setting.
Schedules & Videos >


Boot Camp
Get back to fitness with small group training bootcamps. Lead by personal trainers, your limits will be pushed, leaving you feeling accomplished!Boot Camp is part of Small Group Training and is always available to be booked at All Sport.
SPECIAL! 
Check back for our next special theme Boot Camp session!
Details >


Basketball Courts & Leagues
If you enjoy shooting hoops or a game every now and then, this is the place for you. There are a few leagues you can join, or just play by yourself or with some friends when courts are available.



Holiday/Vacation/School's Out Camp for Kids

When school is out for a Monday holiday or a long seasonal holiday and you want to keep your kids active and entertained, All Sport is an option. All Sport offers kids ages 5-12 a safe, fun place to be while parents are working or just working out. Bring a lunch, snack, sneakers, bathing suit and a towel. Camp activities may include:
  • Sports & Games
  • Swimming
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Fun with friends
Dates:
Friday May 20
Friday May 27

Click here for details.
Time: 8am - 5pm
Ages: 5-12
Price: Member: $50/day 2nd Child Discount: $45/day  Non-Member: $60/day 2nd Child Discount: $55/day

Coming September 2016, All Sport Health and Fitness will be providing school age child care in their Before and After School Program for children in Kindergarten to 5th Grade in the Wappingers Central School District.




Kids Classes & Programs

Swim Lessons
Group or Private lessons available throughout the year. See A Little Beacon Blog's Swimming Lessons Guide for dates and details. Several days are available.
Dates: Summer 1 Registration is June 1st


Toddler Time
Open play time. An opportunity for you and your toddler to enjoy some playtime together. Play with balls, tunnels, mats, hoops, scooters and more.
Ages: 1-4yo    Day: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays    Time: 10am-12pm
Price: Member: Free Non-Member $10


Martial Arts
Anthony Quatrochi's Martial Arts Institute comes to All Sport, with the best training and techniques.
Ages: 4-7yo    Day: Wednesdays  Time: 5-5:30pm
Ages: 8-11yo    Day: Wednesdays  Time: 5:30pm 6:15pm
Price: Family Plus: $55  Member: $110 Non-Member $132


Boxing for Kids
This beginner level boxing clinic works on footwork, conditioning, defensive moves and punches using the heavy bag, speed bag & focus mitts. Class size is limited to 6:1 student teacher ratio, so sign up soon! Students must provide their own gloves and wear wraps.
Ages: Boys and Girls ages 9-14   Day: Saturdays   Time: 11am-12pm
Price: Family Plus: $36  Member: $72 Non-Member $96


Fencing
Introduction to fencing. Students will learn proper stance, basic footwork, blade work and techniques.
Ages: Boys and Girls ages 7-14    Day: Tuesdays
Times: Beginner 6-7pm  Intermediate  7:15-8:15pm
Price: Family Plus: $36  Member: $72   Non-Member $96



FIT for Kids
A fun and active cross training workout for kids. The program uses a variety of exercises and equipment to improve athletic ability and general fitness levels.
Ages: 8-13  Time: 5:15-6:15pm   Day: Thursdays
Price: Family Plus: $36  Member: $72   Non-Member $96

FREE Swim Assessment
Ages: 3 & Up Time: All Day (15 min intervals) Day: TBD
Members & Non-Members


Kids in Motion
Gross motor development class that includes activities utilizing an assortment of equipment to fun, upbeat music. The focus of this class is on structure, eye-hand coordination, balance and listening skills.

Ages: 1-2yo   Day: Tuesdays (parent/child class)   Time: 10:15-10:45am
Ages: 3-5yo    Days: Tuesdays   Time: 9:15am-10:15am
Ages: 6-10yo    Days: Saturdays   Time: 10:30-11:15am
Price: Member: Free Non-Member $10
Dates: January - June  Drop-Ins Welcome


Kids Night Out
These nights out are an opportunity for kids to have fun in a group while parents enjoy the night out or a night at the gym working out.
Next Date: TBD
Click here to register or find out their next date >


Youth Soccer
A non-competitive soccer clinic for Boys and Girls promoting skill development, games and fun. Children should wear comfortable clothes, sneakers and shin guards.
Ages: 3yo     Day: Wednesdays   Time: 4:30-5:15pm
Ages: 4-5yo     Day: Wednesdays  Time: 5:15pm 6:00pm
Price: Family Plus: $30  Member: $60 Non-Member $72
 

Tumbling
This class both introduces and works on perfecting a wide variety of basic tumbling skills. Kids will have fun learning tumbling skills even if they have never tumbled before! Emphasis will be on developing coordination, flexibility and self-confidence.
Ages: 3-5     Day: Thursdays   Time: 9:00-9:45am
Price: Family Plus: Free  Member: $60   Non-Member $84


Recreational Gymnastics
Recreational Gymnastics provides training of the basic gymnastics skills - flexibility, balance, strength, coordination and agility. These skills are important to learn for all future sports and activities. Students in our classes will continue to develop attributes that are stepping stones for advancing through more complex gymnastics movements. Children enrolled will also achieve success in key developmental areas such as concentration, confidence, creativity and self-discipline.
Ages: Boys and Girls 6-12yo    Day: Saturdays   Time: 10-11am
Price: Family Plus: $30  Member: $60   Non-Member $84


Racquetball for Kids
This is a group beginner level clinic that will teach the basics of racquetball including: Forehand, Backhand, Game rules and strategies, Serves and Returns. Recreational games are played during the second half hour of the clinic, so the participants can use what they learn.
Ages: Boys and Girls 8-14yo     Day: Saturdays    Time: 10-11am
Price: Family Plus: Free  Member: $50   Non-Member: $60



Yoga for Kids
Playful themes, breathing techniques, and postures to encourage balance, grounding and flexibility. Taught by Beacon's own Alice Sipple, Certified Children's Yoga Instructor.
Ages: 2-5yo   Day: Saturdays (parent/child class)    Time: 9:30-10:15am
Ages: 5-9yo    Day: Tuesdays    Time: 4:30-5:15pm
Ages: 6-10yo   Day: Saturdays    Time: 10:30-11:15am
Price: Family Plus: $55  Member: $110 Non-Member $132


Babysitting Preparedness Course
Ages: 12 and up  Day: TBD Time: 9:00 - 4:00 pm
Are you ready to Babysit? Learn about handling emergencies, treating a wound or burn on a child/baby, how to change a diaper, CPR, and much more. Successful completion of course will get you a 2 year certification from the American Safety and Health Institute.
Click here to register and for their next date >



School's Out Program

Serving children in the Wappinger's School District, choose from before or after school daycare from 3 to 5 days a week.  All Sport Health and Fitness provides a safe, fun and supervised care program for school-age children before and after school.  Hours are 7:00 am until school begins to dismal until 6:00 pm and for children from Kindergarten through 6th grade.  Activities include sports and games, swimming, arts and crafts, and homework assistance.  Transportation provided by Wappinger's School District.
More Details>


Summer Kids Programs 

Summer Day Camp, Camp FIT ages 4-14
It's all about the fun in the summer at Camp FIT. All Sport's traditional day camp offers an action-packed adventure filled summer experience. Campers are divided up into age appropriate groups and participate in daily activity periods that include swimming, sports & games, arts & crafts and special theme activities. Special events and guests make for more fun. Can include daily swimming lessons. Many more details about this camp are in A Little Beacon Blog's Summer Day Camp Guide.

Teen Travel Camp, Camp FIT ages 12-14
Teens will have an opportunity to travel and take part in new and exciting activities outside of camp. Under the guidance of our camp staff, campers will take two trips during regular camp hours to local recreation sites and still have time to enjoy traditional camp activities when they are on site. Trips may include :Bounce, SplashDown, Quassy Amusement Park, Bronx Zoo, Castle Fun Center.

Teen Tennis Camp, Camp FIT ages 7-12
Quickstart tennis camp is the fast, fun way to get kids into tennis. The program utilizes ball, racquets, nets and courts that are sized just right. During the morning, campers will focus on the fundamentals of the game while learning and developing all tennis strokes, basic strategy and positioning and sportsmanship. Afternoon hours are spent participating in our regular Camp Fit activities. Our instructor, Linda Edgar is a USPTA & PTR Certified Tennis Professional.



Birthday Parties

Birthday parties at All Sport make the day easy on parents and FUN for kids! Let All Sport take care of the details, from set-up to clean-up and everything in between with a personal party host assigned to your party. Includes 2 large pizzas, choice of juice or soda, paper goods including table covers, plates, napkins, cups and utensils, invitations/thank you cards, and setup and cleanup. With a variety of new parties and activities, kids of all ages will have the party they've been dreaming of! Themes include the following and can be indoors or outdoors:
  • Nerf Dart Tag Party
  • Sports Party
  • Pool Party
  • Kids in Motion Party
  • Fun & Games Party
  • Martial Arts Party
  • Tennis Party
Price: Members: $259  Non-Members: $279. Add-ons are available for extra time, pizza, birthday cake and a bouncy house.



Yoga Classes
All Sport offers numerous yoga, pilates and tai chi classes to integrate your mind body and spirit, feel total balance - and simply get in tune with your body head to toe. Also check out Elevate Yoga & Barre Studio at its new location in Wappingers Falls. All classes at Elevate are open to the public.Friday evenings are a special offering of free classes to cancer survivors and caregivers.





Full List of Events at All Sport
All Sport is more than fitness, it's a lifestyle destination. The Fishkill location is a hub for numerous activities including Weight Watchers Meetings, an Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group, CPR Class, Comedy Night, and much more. And with their childcare option, Kids Club, parents have even more fitness options for classes and working out.



Sponsored Page: All Sport Health & Fitness is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. Please read our Editorial and Advertising Policy for more information.