The Wreaths and Trees are Coming to Town for 2016

Highway Department employees were out in their trucks and neon yellow sweatshirts on Friday to hang dozens of wreaths on lampposts, replacing the petunia baskets that were still in full bloom in November. 

This annual tradition comes after the clocks are pushed back an hour, producing extra nighttime that begs to be illuminated by twinkling holiday lights. The hanging of the wreaths marks the official start of the holiday season in Beacon.

Sunny Gardens Nursery on Route 9D was also setting up their temporary tree-leaning structure, and trucks have been driving through town making tree deliveries. Home Depot was stocked with air-filled lawn decorations and assortments of ornament balls, with people in early to pick up wreaths.

Highway Department staff working together to hang the wreaths. 

A few wreaths left on this truck to be hung on Beacon's milelong Main Street. 

Christmas trees headed down Main Street, but stopped for a break at Bank Square. 

Happening This Weekend In Beacon! Dates, Shopping and Eateries for 11-18-2016

Hello! This weekend is loaded with options! Here is your easy access to planning. These are weekend dates pulled from some of A Little Beacon Blog's 10 Things To Do In Beacon Guides, so be sure to check them during the week.

Sponsored by Antalek and Moore for car & RV insurance. The Beacon Players presents “Grease” Day: Friday through Sunday, November 18 to 20, 2016 Time: 6 pm Friday, 7 pm Saturday Location: Beacon High School, 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY Information > Elks Lounge Dance Night Day: Friday, November 18, 2016 Time: 7 pm Location: Beacon Elks Lodge, 900 Wolcott Ave. (Route 9D), Beacon, NY Information > The Drunken Pumpkin - Taste and Discover Day: Saturday, November 19, 2016 Time: 1 to 5 pm Location: Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY Information >   Be sure to visit this Annual & Upcoming Events Guide to see other great events that are happening soon!           Lights, Camera, Action!  Days: Saturday, November 19, 2016 (last day) Time: 1:30 to 2:30 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Z!ne Club @ Beacon Library Day: Friday, November 18, 2016 Time: 3 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Upcycle Art Studio for Teens (ages 11 and up) Day: Saturday, November 19, 2016  Time: 11 am Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > American Sign Language Class for Older Children and Teens Days: Mondays, November 21 and 28, 2016 Time: 4 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Snapology Lego Mini Camp  Days: Monday, November 21, 2016, Time: 1 to 4 pm Location: Fishkill Recreation, 792 Route 52, Fishkill, NY  Information > Mad Science Enrichment Program Days: Saturdays, November 19 and December 3, 2016  Time: Noon to 1 pm Location: Fishkill Recreation, 792 Route 52, Fishkill, NY  Information > Visit our Kids Classes Guide for upcoming classes. Chalk Paint 101® - The Annie Sloan Method Day: Sunday, November 20, 2016 Time: 9 am to noon Location: Knot Too Shabby, 155 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Conscious Entrepreneurship: Mindful Tools to Build Profit + Purpose Day: Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20, 2016 Time: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Location: Beahive, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >   Intro to Beekeeping with William Ofca Day: Sunday, November 20, 2016 Time: 1 to 4 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Coloring Books For Adults Day: Tuesday, November 22, 2016 Time: 6 to 7 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Visit our Adult Classes Guide for upcoming classes.   Turkey Trot 25K, 5-Mile, 2-Mile, Kids Day: Thursday, November 24, 2016 Time: 7 am to noon Location: Arlington High School, Route 55, Freedom Plains, NY Information > Visit our 5K Race Guide for upcoming races in the area.  50Roots.com Pop-Up Shop Days: November 25 to 27, 2016 Time: Open all day, with a complimentary happy hour! Location: A Little Beacon Space, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY 50Roots.com is an online shop that carries only USA-made products. 50Roots is based in Newburgh, and brings their store to you, popping up over the Black Friday/Small Business Saturday weekend after Thanksgiving. Read more about upcoming Pop-Up events! **Host your own pop-up shop at A Little Beacon Space! More details here. Barb’s Butchery's goulash has everything you need for the ultimate comfort lunch: elbow macaroni, locally-sourced meat, the perfect blend of spices, and seasoned fries. See the full menu here, and get ready for next week’s special: THE HAMINATOR.   The art doesn’t stop at the galleries in Beacon. The chefs at BAJA 328 have created a masterpiece for your plate with this new tuna tartare appetizer! Try it with one of Baja’s seasonal margaritas, like apple cinnamon and ginger pomegranate versions. Our Restaurant Guide has all of your options - even eateries you didn't know about! Keep it open on your phone, because we list everyone's phone number and website, making it super easy for you to tap-to-call!                    Raven Rose is so much more than a florist! The updated selection of modern home decor and gifts includes these chic and versatile pieces with intricate lines and just a hint of metallic sheen. Browse the shop for unique gifts and home items that are sure to be complimented! For those who like to keep their wine in convenient yet hidden locations, reMADE has the piece of furniture for you that friends will covet - and appreciate when they come over and need a handy bottle of wine while hanging out in your living room. The wine file cabinet, crafted by Keith Decent. What else do you file away?   Style, quality, and comfort align in this Catrina jacket from Prana. It’s made of oh-so-soft organic cotton, and it has just the right amount of structure to look chic while feeling like a cozy sweatshirt! Try it on for size in Mountain Tops. These leather mantra bracelets are handmade with messages of love and encouragement - perfect little gifts for friends, family, and yourself! Come in to East End, formerly the Pfotoshop, to see the new colors and pick up a few. Not only does Luxe Optique work with all insurance plans as an out-of-network provider, they will also submit claims for you AND take 15% off your purchase. Even better, you can use up the extra funds in your flex spending account to buy new glasses for yourself and the kids before the end of the year! Lafont makes plenty of styles for the little ones to choose from. Now is the time to buy your favorite pair of jeans! Style Storehouse is offering 50% off on several FRAME denim styles, as well as Mother and J Brand, so come on in and try them on while supplies last. All shops in Beacon are listed in this Shopping Guide, from Home Decor to Kids Fashion to Vintage and more. Keep it open on your phone as you're walking around shopping!           If you're suffering from post-election blues, the end of daylight savings time, or holiday anxiety, River Therapeutic Massage has the package for you: a 30-minute massage every week for six weeks. The De-Stress Package is only $250 and availability is limited, so book today! From the hairs on your head to the toes on your feet, there are many ways to pamper yourself and your pet in our Beauty Guide.            We know what you're thinking... "I want my business featured here!" Pictures shown above are from our advertising partners in the Things To Do In Beacon Guides. We can include your most exciting news here, too! SEE WHAT GREAT THINGS OUR PARTNERS ARE UP TO! ART Join BeaconArts on Tuesday, December 6, for their seventh Annual Holiday Member event! All current, new, and renewing members will be welcome at Oak Vino Wine Bar on Main Street from 6 to 9 pm. The holiday event is always a great opportunity to get to know other members, from artists to local business owners. RSVP here. Not a member yet? Click here to join the organization behind Second Saturday and much of the public art around Beacon!   BUSINESS TO BUSINESS Antalek & Moore 'Tis the season… for pop-up shops! Pop-up shops are a fantastic way to expand the market for your products and engage with new communities, but keep in mind that setting up in temporary locations also brings new risks. Antalek & Moore offers affordable short-term liability policies designed specifically for pop-up retailers, as well as insurance for year-round businesses. Call for a consultation and learn about your options and other things to think about: (845) 831-4300   Tin Shingle If you’re ready to take your small business to the next level with effective press and social media strategies, Tin Shingle is the resource you need. From expert articles to live online training sessions, SEO basics to advanced Instagram tactics, and a community of supportive fellow entrepreneurs at your fingertips, you will have everything you need to get the word out about your business. If you want a taste of what Tin Shingle has to offer, tune in to our free TuneUp webinars on Wednesdays at noon! Join today!   InHouse Design Media No matter what business you’re in, you need a top-notch website. At InHouse Design Media, we help you create the website and social media presence you need to engage your audience and turn them into clients and customers. Reach out to us today to discover how we can make your dream website a reality! FUN & FITNESS   All Sport Health & Fitness Calling all gym buff artists: All Sport is planning an exhibit of its members' drawings, paintings, and photography. If you nurture your creative side as well as your body, email info@allsporthealthandfitness.com to find out how to add your work to the art show! EVENT SPACE A Little Beacon Space A Little Beacon Space is honored to be the location of the FIRST EVER 50roots.com pop-up shop! 50roots.com has been curating unique, American-made goods since 2013, specializing in giving customers not just great products, but also the behind-the-scenes stories. The shop will be set up for your Black Friday and Small Business Saturday shopping pleasure next weekend! You’re Invited: Don’t miss these events! 11/25/16: Pop-Up Shop: 50Roots.com Takes Over for a Boutique Experience 2/11/17-2/12/17: Valentine’s Day Pop-Up with jewelry from Kit Burke-Smith and Margeaux Lange, and baked sweets from 5Hens. NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Until next week!

Clearance/Sale Racks of Beacon - Let's Go Shopping!

I'm a clearance rack junkie. I pretty much only shop them. With a few exceptions of a few must-have items during the year, like shoes or boots, my closet is a puzzle of pieces I have lifted from the sale racks on the sidewalks or in the backs of stores. If you need a dose of retail therapy and don't want to spend a lot, then clearance racks are for you, and there are good ones in Beacon. So good, that you can go at virtually any time of the year and treat yourself to something.

Keys To Shopping Clearance/Sales Racks

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping a sale rack. You'll need to liberate your mind a little.

• Piece by Piece: You're not buying an entire wardrobe off a rack. But if you need clothes now, you can find something that most likely works this season.
• Next Season's New Purchase: Let's say you see a tankini at Mountain Tops in the middle of fall. But it's 50% off, and is the perfect color. Buy it. Put it away in your summer storage bin, because it's going to be brand new for you next year.
• About the Perfect Color...: Shopping from clearance racks, you might compromise on color, as the perfect color may no longer be available. As long as it looks great on you and is a price that makes you very happy, buy it.
• Priced To Sell: Only buy it if the price really excites you. And if you really need it. Then you have a perfect match!

And now, to the sale racks you must hit up to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank:

The Bra Fit Expert Inside Of Echo

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Bras from The Bra Fit Expert, located inside of Echo.

I'm starting off this shopping journey with bras, because you may not associate Main Street with bra shopping! Beautiful, lacy styles are an option for you from The Bra Fit Expert, Tina Faraj. She doesn't need to be in the store for you to buy from her clearance rack, but if you wanted advice on the best fit, you could try her Thursday-Sunday. If you don't usually buy nice bras for yourself, the clearance rack is a nice introduction into this new habit you're going to start. Because you've seen your mother's bras, and they are old. You don't want to copy that. Not when this clearance rack is in walking distance! Also look for light and comfortable sleepwear.

Echo Women's Boutique

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Dresses, Tops and Skirts at Echo

You may have had your eye on some of these dresses all summer at Echo Women's and Kids Boutique. Now is the time to pull the trigger on them, if they are on the 60% off sale rack. Look more closely, and you can find a dress that will take you through the fall into winter.

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Purses and accessories on sale at Echo

Keep your eye out for Echo's purse and wallet sales. They have been known to carry Orla Kiely and Hobo. If those brands have always excited you, you could take the risk and wait and see if your bag is on sale. Chances are, however, that it's not, and was purchased at full price. Which means, you may be making a compromise on your first-choice style, but this buy may be one you grow to love.

Paper and wallets at Echo

Note the knickknack table also at Echo (choices!!). From Hobo wallets to journals. You'll find something to perk up your day.

Reservoir and Wood

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Sale rack at Reservoir and Wood

Here is where you get to indulge in some high-end fashion. Reservoir and Wood, known for their unique silks, prints and designer clothing and jewelry. Look for billowy blouses and dresses. You may even find some limited-run prints designed and printed by the shop owner herself, Erin Murphy Doan.

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Second Sale Rack in the back of Reservoir and Wood

Look at that red and black dress! This is on the second rack inside of Reservoir and Wood. Note the men's shirt hanging in the back. Keep your eye on this rack for some quick-picks of great pieces.

Lauren and Riley

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Sale Lauren and Riley

First of all, Lauren and Riley is definitely a store where you can find an affordable party dress. But don't leave without checking out their sale rack, which is usually at least at 40% off. You'll find shirts, tops and sometimes skirts from this season or last summer.

Style Storehouse

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Denim sale at Style Storehouse

Style Storehouse has stepped up the denim game in Beacon, thanks to Michele Williams of Poughkeepsie. She has almost always had some kind of designer denim on sale. This can include Blink NYC, Mother Denim, and more, sometimes at 50% off. Price-points vary on these jeans, so you could end up walking out with a $44 pair of jeans, depending on the brand. Note: If you only get the sale prices, then that one time you splurge on a brand that isn't on sale could be more justified.

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Sale rack in back of Style Storehouse

Michele at Style Storehouse has been known to "purge" in between seasons. Don't miss this event when she gets into the mood to purge.

Beacon Natural Market

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Rare sale Beacon Natural Market on all clothing

I know you've pined for those puffy coats hanging on the wall of Beacon Natural Market. You know the ones - the Sherpa brand that is made by the brother of Beacon Natural's owner - as he is an actual sherpa. Well, this sale, which does not happen often, is 30% off all clothing (think men's shirts, fleeces, etc), and then jumps to 50% off both if you buy two items. This means that you could buy two coats for less than the price of one. Which is what I did. Red puffy coat and a pink fleece for a total of $119.

Utensil

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Clearance area at Utensil

Holiday time is here! Head downstairs at Utensil where Emily has placed select items on sale. Need a custard plate? A big turkey carving fork? Tiny hostess gift? Last year, this area was filled with cookie cutters and different colored sugar sprinkles. A great way to experiment with a utensil you didn't know you needed.

A Classic Couture Fashion Boutique

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Sales rack outside of A Classic Couture Fashion Boutique

A Classic Couture Fashion Boutique, at 178 Main St., on the West end of town is already a source of vintage deals on high-end designers like Chanel, Christian Dior, Henri Bendel, Rivamonti and Isaia. Find even more of a deal outside on their sale rack.

Blackbird Attic

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Sale rack at Blackbird Attic

Back on the east end of town at Blackbird Attic, a vintage shop that has recently expanded to include scents and other lovelies, you'll usually find this sale rack outside, and you never know what marked down leather or pleather jacket you'll find hanging there...Or even a dress.

Vintage Beacon

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Sale rack at Vintage Beacon

How many times are you going to walk past those floral embroidered vintage jeans with a big rolled cuff for $75 at Vintage Beacon? I ask myself this every time I walk by their sale rack. But you may have bought them already.

Um, Wow. Thank You Highlands Current for Covering A Little Beacon Blog!

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Alright, it's a little strange being on the other side of an article, but really appreciated! Thank you reporter Maria Ricaplto and editor Chip Rowe for writing about A Little Beacon Blog in last week's issue of the Highlands Current, with photos by Meredith Heuer! I read The Highlands Current every day at lunch when I unplug from digital, so to be within the pages is quite an honor.

Plus - check out the other blogs and websites that got highlighted! Beacon Bits is great for small captures of life and food in Beacon and big thoughts about living here. BeaconArts is a widely used resource for artists and businesses who are networking and promoting events, and Humans of Beacon, NY has been fascinating to watch.

I named this publication A Little Beacon Blog because I knew it would be one of many other blogs dedicated to this inspiring city. And now there are even Instagram accounts like Beacon Transplant dedicated solely to capturing visuals and emotions produced here.

Most people call this here publication BEACON BLOG (and I used to not know what they were referring to! I assumed they were talking about another one), but I call it A Little Beacon Blog. The words are smaller in the font up there in the logo, so you may have missed it. I'm honored to be part of the local media that brings awareness to things we need to know about.

Healing on Veterans Day at Memorial Building: Remembering The Living, The Now

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At 11 am on this blustery Friday, yellow leaves covered the front lawn of Beacon's Memorial Building on the corner of Main Street and Fishkill Avenue as many people from the community gathered on the sidewalk and in the street of the barricaded block to listen to the ceremony hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 666.

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Those gathered included parents of veterans who served or are currently serving in active duty, veterans themselves, and grateful citizen supporters from the community. Girl Scout Troop 10525, led by Christine Galbo,  passed out brochures to all in attendance. Master of Ceremonies, Harold G. Delamater, Commander VFW Post 666, opened with a call to order, followed by an opening prayer from Hank J. Barker, American Legion Post 203 Chaplain.

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What followed was a therapeutic ceremony of traditions and recollections that most people do not hear often, unless at ballgames or in grade school. The pledge of allegiance was led by Harold G. Delamater, followed by Grace Morea singing the national anthem. Hearing the words outside in the sunshine, the wind blowing around attendees and blowing down flags and speakers on the stage, one could imagine standing in the dark, on a battlefield, alone or with others, ears tuned for any sound of retreat or triumph, just as a soldier of war would listen on any given day of service. The words were written in 1814 by a 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet, Francis Scott Key, "after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in Baltimore Harbor during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812," according to Wikipedia. The poem, later set to music, wouldn't be declared the United States of America's national anthem until 1931.

O say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Delivering the main message of the day was Sgt. Thomas Wohlrab, who served in the U.S. Army from 1965-1968, serving three tours of duty in Vietnam between January 1966 and April 1968. He started by reminding listeners that Veterans Day is a time for honoring the living, as those have witnessed "astonishing events," creating a "period of change" for that person, that may start with darkness for a long time, where eventually "hope replaces doubt." Where physical injury can change life in the blink of an eye, or "wounds not visible" require time to adjust and heal.

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Wohlrab emphasized the important role of those surrounding veterans, who can help them heal by listening, hiring, and appreciating. Upon coming home from Vietnam, Wohlrab found it hard to adjust as people advised him not to wear his uniform off of the plane as people were protesting that war. As he walked around, he was struck by others walking around "as if nothing was going on" - two different realities requiring a fast transition.

Today, Wohlrab serves as a volunteer DAV (Disabled American Veteran) claims processor at Castle Point VA Hospital, where he says the volunteer work has saved time and money. He also helps with the DAV's mission of keeping the promise to veterans by aiding them in providing transportation to and from medical appointments, as well as providing assistance to veterans who file claims for medical assistance as well as bringing awareness to other benefits veterans are entitled to.

Make a point this weekend to visit the six wreaths laid in honor of different people, and take a moment to reflect. The Laying of Wreaths honored:

Laying of the Wreaths

Order of the Purple Heart, laid by Anthony Lassiter
VFW Post 666, laid by Jim Scofield, Post 666 Adjutant
American Legion Post 203 and Ladies Auxillary, laid by Commander John McEnroe and Susan McEnroe
Disabled American Veterans, laid by Peter Miller
Marine Corps League Det 861, laid by John Miller
Prisoner of War/Missing in Action, laid by John E. Rembert
 

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Photo Credit: All photos taken by Katie Hellmuth Martin

Happening This Weekend In Beacon! Dates, Shopping and Eateries for 11-11-2016

The Second Saturday Guide Edition...Your full guide for the day/night is here!

Hello! This weekend is loaded with options! Here is your easy access to planning. These are weekend events pulled from some of A Little Beacon Blog's 10 Things To Do In Beacon Guides, so be sure to check them during the week.

Sponsored by Antalek and Moore for car & RV insurance. Happy Second Saturday! Day: Saturday, November 12, 2016 Time: All day. Times different per event. Location: Beacon Get This Guide > Second Saturday is a celebratory day in Beacon started in part by visionaries at BeaconArts and other folks in the early 2000s. Events and opportunities to see or make art occur throughout the day. Each month, A Little Beacon Blog complies a Guide of the art showings at galleries, stores, churches, outdoor events, and anywhere else where art is happening. Because this Guide is new every month, we gather event information from newsletters, social media streams, and other sources, so we're constantly adding things! It's mostly ready by Friday, but keep checking the website home page for the final lineup! SPECIAL SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES FROM OUR GUIDE SPONSORS! Raven Rose Saturday, 5 pm: Raven Rose is celebrating its official grand opening! Luxe Optique Saturday, 3 to 7 pm: Luxe Optique is having a trunk show of exclusive J.F. Rey designer frames. Style Storehouse The style mavens are open late for you on Second Saturday! Between taking sips at galleries, dip into this warm store. Ask about the purse puffs.   Second Saturday Reception - Intro to Mind Pong Date: November 12, 2016 Time: 5 to 7 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Homeopathy for Winter Illness Day: Saturday, November 12, 2016 Time: 1 to 3 pm Location: Sacred Space, 436 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Fall Garlic Planting Field Day Day: Saturday, November 12, 2016 Time: Noon to 2 pm Location: Downing Park Urban Farm, 207 Carpenter Ave., Newburgh, NY Information > Mala-Making Workshop Day: Sunday, November 13, 2016 Time: 4 to 6:30 pm Location: Shambhala Yoga Center, 4 S. Chestnut St., Beacon, NY Information > 21st Annual Goods and Services Auction Day: Sunday, November 13, 2016 Time: 4:30pm Location: Dutchess Golf Club, 2628 South Road, Poughkeepsie, NY Information > Be sure to visit this Annual & Upcoming Events Guide to see other great events that are on the horizon!           Hudson Habitats: A Virtual River Tour Day: Saturday, November 12, 2016  Time: 10 am Location: Beacon Institute For Rivers & Estuaries, 199 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Visit our Kids Classes Guide for upcoming classes. Japanese Shibori Workshop  Day: Saturday, November 12, 2016 Time: 10 am to 1 pm Location: Beacon Art Studio, 211 Fishkill Ave., Fishkill, NY Information > Visit our Adult Classes Guide for upcoming classes.   Visit our 5K Race Guide to check out upcoming races in the area.  50Roots.com Pop-Up Shop Days: November 25 to 27, 2016 Time: Open all day, with a complimentary happy hour! Location: A Little Beacon Space, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY 50Roots.com is an online shop that carries only USA-made products. 50Roots is based in Newburgh, and brings their store to you, popping up over the Black Friday/Small Business Saturday weekend after Thanksgiving. Read more about upcoming Pop-Up events! **Host your own pop-up shop at A Little Beacon Space! More details here. Thanksgiving is only 13 days away - do you know where YOUR turkey is? It’s at Barb’s Butchery! Order from Barb’s and you’ll know your turkey was raised locally, supporting Hudson Valley farms. Plus, you can add on having the experts at the shop smoke it for you - easy peasy! Call in your order now, birds are limited: (845) 831-8050. Barb's Butchery is hiring! They're looking for a full-time associate. Read more details on their Facebook page.  This is the last weekend of Restaurant Week, so head into BAJA 328 for the special three-course dinner menu, and warm your spirits with their new ginger pomegranate margarita!  Our Restaurant Guide has all of your options - even eateries you didn't know about! Keep it open on your phone, because we list everyone's phone number and website, making it super easy for you to tap-to-call!                   Head into Raven Rose this Saturday, November 12, at 5pm for the official GRAND OPENING celebration (with beverages, of course)! The celebration is really all day: All purchases over $20 will come with a free surprise gift!  reMADE is known for eclectic wall decor that many people spot from the street and never forget. It's in part thanks to the creations of Beacon-based designer Ryan Samuelson, who also works as a professional window dresser for big brands you've shopped in. His latest statement piece is this wall light, which could soon grace your wall. Go on, you deserve it. These Kamik boots are made in the USA and are built to keep your feet dry and warm throughout the seasons. The boots are lightly insulated and the bottoms are completely waterproof, perfect for defeating the winter slush around town. Come in to Mountain Tops to try a pair on - your feet will thank you! East End, formerly known as Pfotoshop, has the collection you need to unwind, or should we say, un-wine-d. Rewined candles and soaps, handmade in South Carolina, come in scents that mimic different types of wine, and the candle jars are made from recycled wine bottles! Perfect for your own home and the wine lovers in your life. Plus, all candles are 10% off this weekend! Come in to Luxe Optique this Saturday, November 12, from 3 to 7 pm for a trunk show of three exclusive eyewear lines from renowned designer J.F. Rey. These frames are handmade in France, and really are “art for the face”! J.F. Rey has been making artistic frames for decades, and for one of the new lines he resurrected his iconic 1985 designs - perfect for the eyewear collector and modern fashionista alike.  TONIGHT Style Storehouse is moving its entire stock to the Crew Restaurant in Poughkeepsie for its first annual Holiday Market pop-up shop! The fun, food, drinks, and shopping kick off at 6 pm. Please Note: Style Storehouse's Main Street storefront will close at 3 pm on Friday to set up for the shindig at Crew. It will re-open as usual at 11:30 am on Saturday and stay open late for the Second Saturday festivities! All shops in Beacon are listed in this Shopping Guide, from Home Decor to Kids Fashion to Vintage and more. Keep it open on your phone as you're walking around shopping!           Whether you're suffering from post-election blues, the end of daylight savings time, or holiday anxiety, River Therapeutic Massage  has a six-week De-Stress Package for you: a 30-minute massage every week for six weeks for $250 (savings of $50) There's very limited availability, and this package cannot be combined with gift certificates or other offers. From the hairs on your head to the toes on your feet, there are many ways to pamper yourself and your pet in our Beauty Guide.            We know what you're thinking... "I want my business featured here!" Pictures shown above are from our advertising partners in the Things To Do In Beacon Guides. We can include your most exciting news here, too! SEE WHAT GREAT THINGS OUR PARTNERS ARE UP TO! ART This is the last weekend to enjoy the group show at the Lofts at Beacon Gallery on Front Street! Participating artists include Carol Reid, Roland Windecker, Carl Grauer, Laurel Shute, Tadashi Hashimoto, Monika Clarke, Rob Penner, Dorothy Ernst, and Ian Roberts. This digital piece from Carol Reid’s latest series, called “Happy Hour,” was created right on site at the lofts.   BUSINESS TO BUSINESS               Antalek & Moore 'Tis the season… for pop-up shops! Pop-up shops are a fantastic way to expand the market for your products and engage with new communities, but keep in mind that setting up in temporary locations also brings new risks. Antalek & Moore offers affordable short-term liability policies designed specifically for pop-up retailers, as well as insurance for year-round businesses. Call for a consultation and learn about your options and other things to think about: (845) 831-4300   Tin Shingle If you’re ready to take your small business to the next level with effective press and social media strategies, Tin Shingle is the resource you need. From expert articles to live online training sessions, SEO basics to advanced Instagram tactics, and a community of supportive fellow entrepreneurs at your fingertips, you will have everything you need to get the word out about your business. If you want a taste of what Tin Shingle has to offer, tune in to our free TuneUp webinars on Wednesdays at noon! Join today!   InHouse Design Media No matter what business you’re in, you need a top-notch website. At InHouse Design Media, we help you create the website and social media presence you need to engage your audience and turn them into clients and customers. Reach out to us today to discover how we can make your dream website a reality! FUN & FITNESS   All Sport Health & Fitness Veterans Day lasts all week at All Sport, from Monday’s Cycle-thon to tomorrow’s Salute to Our Veterans Boot Camp Class. Come in to sweat for the vets at a boot camp-style workout class from 9 to 10 am for a $25 donation that will benefit local veterans. EVENT SPACE A Little Beacon Space A Little Beacon Space is honored to be the location of the FIRST EVER 50Roots.com pop-up shop! 50roots.com has been curating unique, American-made goods since 2013, specializing in giving customers not just great products, but also the behind-the-scenes stories. The shop will be set up for your Black Friday and Small Business Saturday shopping pleasure during the weekend after Thanksgiving! You’re invited: Don’t miss these events! 11/25/16: Pop-Up Shop: 50Roots.com Takes Over for a Boutique Experience 2/11/17-2/12/17: Valentine’s Day Pop-Up with jewelry from Kit Burke-Smith and Margeaux Lange, and baked sweets from 5Hens. NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Until next week!

Happening This Thursday: Personal Finance Planning for Artists, Entrepreneurs, Creatives

It's Sunday night... How did your bill paying go? Coming to A Little Beacon Space this Thursday is a workshop designed specially for artists, entrepreneurs and business owners to help them with their financial planning, led by a woman who has worked with artists for years to help them craft retirement planning and good money habits that work with their lifestyles. She even designed these cute flashcards that were featured on the "Today" show.

The agenda below gives a glimpse of what she will be covering, but here are some questions from business owners and artists that have already come in (you can bring your own questions too):

• "I have high credit card bills. I try to pay those, and put nothing towards my IRA or any kind of retirement planning. Is this a good strategy?"
• "I never have a lot of money, so when I get a windfall for a being hired for a new project, I'm apt to spend all of the money at once. Help. What should I do with it? Save it? Invest it? Pay bills?"

As an artist or business owner, you are your own boss. No one has set up a retirement plan for you. No one is matching your hard work. Who is going to do it for you? You are. And Galia's guidance can help shine the light on your future good habits.

My Money Matters Flash Cards Included With Ticket Purchase!

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Now, when you get a ticket to this workshop, you will get Galia's My Money Matters flash cards that were featured on "Today"! More importantly, they are adorable to look at, and serve as realistic affirmations of what you can do.

You Will Learn How To

• Get organized. See where you are today and where you want to be.
• Set realistic financial goals.
• Manage your credit.
• Create a budget and spending plan that works for you.
• Develop a plan for automatic savings.
• Invest in mutual funds.
• Take away the uncertainty of retirement planning and determine the best retirement plan for you.
• Best financial resources including apps, websites, books and ongoing tips.
• Learn how to deal with your finances in just 30 minutes a week.

About Galia

Galia Gichon is an independent personal financial expert with more than 20 years in financial services, including nearly 10 years on Wall Street and an MBA in finance. She runs her own company, Down to Earth Finance, which addresses personal financial needs through seminars and individual sessions. She is a frequent speaker at Barnard College’s Athena Center for Leadership, Playwrights of NY, Lark Theatre, New Museum NYC, Crave Live, and Freelancers Union. She has been widely quoted in The New York Times, NBC, CNN, Real Simple and more. Previously, she worked at Bear Stearns and Nomura Securities. She is actively involved in angel investing through Pipeline Angels, Astia and Refinery CT. Galia is also the author of “My Money Matters,” a flashcard-based finance reminder set that was featured on the "Today" show.

See you there?
I'll have my notebook out.

Historic Silent Auction of Hat Art Sends Off Beacon Historical Society

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If you ever wanted to know what it's been like over the years to live in Beacon, just visit the current one-room archive of the Beacon Historical Society. The entire collection resides in the Howland Cultural Center, but will soon move to its new home at 17 South Ave., in the white house that is the former rectory of St. Andrew’s Church. "New home" is the key phrase here, as the society is getting ready to move beyond the single room it has occupied in the Howland Cultural Center - it literally is filled to the ceiling with this region's history. The volunteers, members and supporters of the Beacon Historical Society have been working for months, this fall especially, to fundraise for the new lease, which allows them to expand even more.

This Saturday is the highly anticipated auction of more than 50 hat silhouettes from over 50 artists, all using wood cutout hats as the canvas to depict Beacon’s past and present. The idea is similar to Newburgh's Lightbulb project: In its third year, participation has grown from 48 artists to 94 making art out of plywood lightbulb forms to connect art and awareness of the city's history. The remarkable hats on this side of the river, as well as goods from local businesses, will be offered at a silent auction to benefit the society. Members of the public will be able to view, and, if they wish, bid on the pieces of art this Saturday from 1 to 5 pm at the Howland Cultural Center. The hats will be on display throughout November, at which point the winning bidders can take home their art.

My own hat, a collage of newspaper articles from the first newspaper printed in Beacon in 1913, and clips from 1930s editions of The Beacon News. Clips were photographed from the Beacon Historical Society's collection of bound newspapers and color-printed at Accuprint, then glued onto the board.

The Beacon Historical Society has kept track of the happenings of this region for centuries. It safeguards rare records of moments in history, such as a 1769 Rombout Precinct Tax List and copies of Civil War pension records, Beacon Incline Railway tickets, school notebooks, uniform buttons, operating records from Highland Hospital, and so much more, as described by Alison Rooney in her January 2016 article in the Highlands Current.

Inside the One-Room Collection

The society's collection fills every inch of the walls and carefully packed drawers and bins, and society members know where everything is. Upstairs in the library of the Howland are the bound books of The Beacon News, the paper so fine that it now disintegrates at the edges, requiring gloves and a proper lifting technique to turn the pages.

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Robert Murphy, president of the Beacon Historical Society since 1998, has written its story-filled newsletter since 1981.

Robert (Bob) Murphy is the longtime president of the Beacon Historical Society and 2015 recipient of the Dutchess Award, presented by the Dutchess County Historical Society. He knows where every single historical item is, and is happy to show you exactly where to find it - like these volumes of The Beacon News that he allowed me and possibly others to photograph. (There are a few newspaper-based hat collages on display this weekend!)

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Up these stairs and around the top narrow balcony, you'll find the volumes of newspapers...

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Pass the lady on display in the current art show, and head to the end of the hall to find the newspapers.

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Pretty soon, more pictures like this will have more wall space to fill at the Beacon Historical Society's new home.

About The Hats - One Could Be Yours!

Diane Lapis, a trustee of the Beacon Historical Society, has been exceptionally inspired by the exhibit: "Standing in front of the wood-decorated hats by local artists at the Howland Cultural Center, one is drawn to the hat designed by Victoria Raabin, entitled, 'Me Encanta la Forma Que Se,' loosely translated as 'I love the way you look.' It sums up the spirit that these artists brought to the Beacon Historical Society’s 40th anniversary 'Hats Off' exhibit and celebration. One can feel the artists' 'love' of Beacon, as it is seen today, and in our collective memory."

Each artist needed to supply an artist statement about their hat. Not all participants are artists in the traditional or professional sense. We have randomly selected a few hats to highlight, but you'll see many more when you visit (and place a bid!) this Saturday.

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In typical form, Theresa Kraft thought “outside the box” or literally “inside the box” and put her hat in a frame. Beacon memorabilia from The Evening News’ reporter Dick Shea’s personal collection surrounds the hat. The piece is an assemblage of local newspaper clippings, brochures, and film negatives, alongside a scrapbook with more than 50 original black-and-white photos from the 1950s, complete with Shea's crop marks. This hat is a tribute to Mr. Shea and the City of Beacon, from Shea’s point of view through his camera lens and words - the insider.

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Samantha Beste is a painter of city scenes. Beacon has inspired her to branch out into mixed media. It has been a pleasure for her to “mix it up” in this city.

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Rebecca Finlay's "Tails" is a mythological hat inspired by the Hudson River. This artist considers what the river may have been like in the past… clean and full of life as the mermaid's tail suggests.

Karen Meyer has always loved working with her hands. Most of the time, that translates into her daytime job as a Licensed Massage Therapist. She had so much fun creating her entry for the "Hats Off" project. Her creativity is rekindled and she is anxious to get back into making art, mainly jewelry and multimedia pieces. 

As a longtime resident of Beacon, Anne Forman appreciates the Historical Society and looks forward to the monthly newsletters. She has always loved to draw and paint, and majored in art education. She finds joy in living and teaching in Beacon, especially when she sees former students who recall past projects.  To Anne, that is a great feeling!

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Brenda Murnane has lived in Beacon since 1993. She has made a wonderful life here with her family and grown a wonderful soap business, Beacon Bath and Bubble. Beacon is near and dear to her.

Insun Kim has lived in the Hudson Valley since 1987. She discovered a love of nature through landscape painting and remains fascinated by it.  She has been building trees out of nails for 11 years. “To me, trees are beautiful with or without leaves changing in appearance throughout the seasons, in color, fruiting bodies, and structure. Just as every person has their own story to tell, the trees speckled throughout our community and those surrounding it have stories of their own.”

Getting Involved With Beacon's History

You can donate to and join the Beacon Historical Society at any time. It is how you will get delivery of their famed monthly newsletter, which shares stories of Beacon.

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Original hats on display that were made in Beacon.

Beacon Restaurants Rally For Their Own By Hiring Some Hop Employees

Photo Credit: A night out at Dogwood with music and a family-friendly vibe, captured in Dogwood's Instagram.

When The Hop abruptly closed last week, the reaction to not having that usual place to go was stunning. But service industry veterans' thoughts quickly moved to the employees and where they would go the next day to find a job. The first to react were some restaurant owners, realizing that a variety of employees - servers, cooks, and other kitchen staff - were suddenly out of work. Steve Ventura, co-owner of Quinn's and manager of Ziatun recalled: "I called a couple of people first thing Tuesday morning to offer them jobs. By the time I heard about what happened on Monday night, it was too late to make phone calls, so I waited until morning." Steve eventually hired someone for regular shifts at Ziatun, and another person for the kitchen at Quinn’s.

George Mansfield, owner of Dogwood on the other side of the Fishkill Creek, made a fast hire the next day: "We hired Pete - he's one of the cooks - and are trying to fit a few more in." Stock Up, over on Teller Avenue, hired a line cook, aka "Sandwich Master," and co-owner Lisa Hall says: "He's killing it!"

Craig Nixon, an active participant in a community Facebook group, put a call out with Kamel Jamal, co-owner of four restaurants in the area including the Beacon Bread Company, Ziatun, Tito Santana Taqueria, and Angelina's in Cold Spring. "Response has been very positive," says Craig. "We’ve heard from a cross-section of folks, some ex-Hoppers and some not. In addition, response from the entire community has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re currently in the process of setting up interviews. With four locations, there are a lot of schedules in play here."

Other eateries and cafes have tried, including Homespun and Ella's Bellas, but they haven't found a match yet. Jessica Reisman, co-owner of Homespun, tried to hire a dishwasher, but he ended up moving to out of state. Carley Hughes, owner of Ella's Bellas, has "come close, but we haven’t hired anyone, yet. We are still hopeful!" Jason Robert Schuler, owner of More Good, reported: "We gave part-time shifts at farmers' markets to a couple of people, and commissary kitchen production work to a couple more people." More Good produces syrups out of their Main Street location, which sells teas, syrups and bitters in the front, with a custom-designed commissary kitchen in the back.

Max's On Main and Poppy's say no one has inquired for a job just yet. Meanwhile, The Vault is hiring for servers and a cook and hopes people will walk in and ask, and Barb's Butchery is hiring. There are many more restaurants than these to check in with. If you need budgetary justification to eat out on the weekend, and more importantly mid-week for an easy lunch or dinner, consider this: What you miss out on in savings from cooking at home, you'll gain in companionship, time saved (from cooking and cleaning!), and a good feeling from supporting the community. 

Happening This Weekend In Beacon! Dates, Shopping and Eateries for 11-4-2016

Your Weekend Guide to events, shopping, restaurants and beauty.

Hello! This weekend is loaded with options! Here is your easy access to planning. These are weekend events pulled from some of A Little Beacon Blog's 10 Things To Do In Beacon Guides, so be sure to check them during the week.

Sponsored by Antalek and Moore for car & RV insurance. SALES THIS WEEKEND Style Storehouse: 50% Off Denim Luxe Optique: Sale on Ray-Ban Glasses Community Sponsor of the Upcoming Events Guide Reel Expressions International Youth Film Festival Day: Friday, November 4, 2016 Time: 5:30 pm Location: Bardavon Theater, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY Information > Beacon Historical Society 40th Anniversary Celebration and Silent Auction Day: Saturday, November 5, 2016 Time: 1 to 5 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Open House for The Beacon Veterinary Associates (formerly Roosevelt Vet On The Hudson) Day: Saturday, November 5, 2016 Time: Noon to 4 pm Location: 385 Main St., Beacon, NY Learn more about Dr. Nick in our article! Sargent Elementary School PTO Book Fair Day: Saturday, November 5, 2016 Time: 10 am to 6 pm Location: Barnes & Noble, 2518 South Road, Poughkeepsie, NY Information > 2016 Pumpkin Smash! Day: Sunday, November 6, 2016 Time: 1 to 3 pm Location: Beacon Farmers' Market, 8 Red Flynn Drive, Beacon, NY Information > Be sure to visit our Annual & Upcoming Events Guide to see other great events that are on the horizon!           American Sign Language Class for Older Children and Teens Days: November 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2016 Time: 4 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Mad Science Enrichment Program Ages: Grades 1-4   Days: Saturdays, November 5, 12 and 19, and December 3, 2016  Time: Noon to 1 pm Location: Fishkill Recreation, 792 Route 52, Fishkill, NY Information > Glass Bead-Making Workshop With Stephanie Maddalena Day: Saturday and Sunday, November 5 and 6, 2016 Time: 10 am to 5 pm Location: Hudson Beach Glass, 162 Main St., 2nd Floor, Beacon, NY Information > Personal Finance Planning for Creatives, Artists and Entrepreneurs Day: Thursday, November 10, 2016 Time: 6 to 8 pm Location: A Little Beacon Space, 291 Main St., Beacon NY The end of the year is coming. Do you have a retirement plan? When you sell a piece of art, do you put any money into your IRA or a mutual fund? As a business owner, do you take a salary and does all of it go to bills? How can you set up a financial plan for yourself? Enter Galia Gichon, longtime business friend of A Little Beacon Blog’s publisher Katie Hellmuth Martin, and patient and friendly financial adviser who works with artists. She’ll be delivering a group workshop to help you piece it together, and answer your questions. Information > Visit our Adult Classes Guide for upcoming classes. 5th Annual Mike Archer Memorial 5K Run & Walk Day: Saturday, November 5, 2016 Registration: Begins at 9 am Time: 10 am Location: Memorial Park, Beacon, NY Information> Visit our 5K Race Guide for upcoming races in the area.  'Tis the season for Pop-Up Shops! Are you hosting one or do you know of a friend who is? Tell us about it! Pop-Up Shops get listed in our Pop-Up Shop Guide, so send information to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com Read more about upcoming Pop-Up events! **Host your own pop-up shop at A Little Beacon Space! More details here. It’s officially turkey month, and Barb’s Butchery has the Thanksgiving bird you’ve been waiting for! Order from Barb’s and you’ll know your turkey was raised locally, supporting Hudson Valley farms. Plus, you can add on having the experts at the shop smoke it for you - easy peasy! Call in your order now; birds are limited: (845) 831-8050. Barb's Butchery is hiring! They're looking for a full-time associate. Read more details on their Facebook page.  Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is in full swing, and BAJA 328 has a special prix-fixe dinner option in addition to their full menu offerings. Try one of three appetizers (like chicken mole kabobs), four entrees (like the Cabo Wabo burger), and two desserts (pineapple-upside down cake, anyone?). And of course, you can never go wrong with the seasonal apple cinnamon margarita. Our Restaurant Guide has all of your options - even eateries you didn't know about! Keep it open on your phone, because we list everyone's phone number and website, making it super easy for you to tap-to-call!                   Welcome to Main Street, Courtney Sedor of Raven Rose! Courtney bought and transformed the former La Bella Rosa floral and gift boutique located across from the Howland Cultural Center. At Raven Rose, you'll find fresh flowers and a highly curated collection of home decor gifts, including several succulents! Pictured here is the thistle, a flower that Courtney loves to use in bouquets for the texture and depth it gives. Welcome to Main Street, Liz Ferrera, a designer in the former co-op space inside of Clay, Wood and Cotton. Liz is now the sole proprietor of the entire store that only carries product from makers in the Hudson Valley. reMADE replaced Clay, Wood and Cotton and features rare finds such as handcrafted items from local artists, like this stunning porcelain bowl made by Beacon artist Andrew Rouse. Rouse used the ancient "pinch-pot" technique to give these bowls a unique hammered look. The first snow of the season has come and gone, but we have months of potential winter fun ahead of us! Strap on a pair of these Tubbs snowshoes, which are available in many styles and colors at Mountain Tops, and you’ll be ready to enjoy all the beauty that winter in the Hudson Valley has to offer. Stop in to see the gorgeous new jewelry collection at East End, formerly known as Pfotoshop. When asked if there was a unifying theme to the collection, owner Jackie said, “They’re just all beautiful!” Attention glasses-wearers: All optical prescription Ray-Ban frames at Luxe Optique are only $199, and the complete package includes frames, prescription lenses, premium anti-scratch and non-glare treatments, AND a one-year warranty!  Designer denim is coming to your closet - at 50% off for the flare style! Also mark your calendar for Style Storehouse's first awesome Holiday Market in Poughkeepsie!  All shops in Beacon are listed in this Shopping Guide, from Home Decor to Kids Fashion to Vintage and more. Keep it open on your phone as you're walking around shopping!           Throughout November, take 10% off all gift certificates purchased at River Therapeutic Massage or by phone. Limit three per person, and they cannot be combined with any other offer.  River Therapeutic Massage is super cozy and tranquil, and is located inside of Karen's Place hair salon (near the new dentist's office, Bright Smiles). From the hairs on your head to the toes on your feet, there are many ways to pamper yourself and your pet in our Beauty Guide.            SEE WHAT GREAT THINGS OUR PARTNERS ARE UP TO! PETS When you stop by the open house from The Beacon Veterinary Associates this Saturday, you’ll see why their motto is: “21st-century medicine and surgery, paired with 20th-century care and compassion.” Says Dr. Nick: “We feel we are small enough to offer that hometown community feel, yet still provide advanced medicine and surgery. If we can’t offer you a service in-house, then we will make sure to find the right specialist to come to our hospital or we'll facilitate a referral to the best specialty centers in the area.” ART The Beacon3D sculpture project may be over, but BeaconArts always has more in store! Carl Van Brunt’s digital paintings will be on display at Theo Ganz Studio through Sunday, November 6, and Scott Daniel Ellison’s paintings and drawings will be on display at Matteawan Gallery, also through Sunday. Coming up: 11/19-20: “Conscious Entrepreneurship: Tools to Build Profit and Purpose” with Antidote Collective. The weekend of workshops will interweave business basics with social/environmental/personal values, inner awareness, and a vision of community. BeaconArts members receive 20% off the program fee.  Information >  BUSINESS TO BUSINESS              Antalek & Moore Driving and chaperoning your child’s friends is a fact of life for most parents, but did you know the added responsibility can also mean more liability? “Parents shouldn’t stop chaperoning children,” said Antalek & Moore partner Susan Pagones, “but they should make sure they're adequately insured against the risks they assume when driving multiple kids around.” Find out more about personal umbrella insurance and talk to a local agent today.   Tin Shingle If you’re ready to take your small business to the next level with effective press and social media strategies, Tin Shingle is the resource you need. From expert articles to live online training sessions, SEO basics to advanced Instagram tactics, and a community of supportive fellow entrepreneurs at your fingertips, you will have everything you need to get the word out about your business.  Join today! InHouse Design Media InHouse Design Media just launched a redesigned and revamped website for MUGI Pottery. The newly-implemented Squarespace experience is clean, easy to navigate, and uses the Occasion sign-up system to easily sell classes and gift cards. Would your business benefit from a website renovation? InHouse Design Media has the knowledge and experience to turn any website into a business asset, so reach out today and transform your web presence! FUN & FITNESS   All Sport Health & Fitness With Veterans Day around the corner, All Sport is offering several ways to support those who have served. From now until November 11, you can sponsor an American-made flag on the property, and 100% of the proceeds will benefit local veterans. Last year, the Salute the Veterans drive raised over $10,000 for the Hudson River Housing Veterans Program! Then on Monday, November 7, rally your troops, reserve indoor bikes anytime between 7 am and 7 pm, and raise donations for the Salute Our Veterans Cycle-Thon.    EVENT SPACE A Little Beacon Space Did you participate in last month’s Halloween-themed family yoga class?! It was awesome, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg for what we have going on at A Little Beacon Space. With first-floor windows looking right onto Main Street, A Little Beacon Space is perfect for fun events, pop-up shops, meetings, workshops, and just about anything you can imagine. Last week we had a morning workout class to jump start our Tuesday! Check out the schedule for upcoming events, and reach out to us with your own ideas. We would love to make your dream event a reality! See here for rental details! You’re invited: Don’t miss these events! 11/10/16: Personal Finance Planning for Creatives, Entrepreneurs & Artists with Galia Gichon of Down to Earth Finance, brought to you by Tin Shingle. 2/11/17-2/12/17: Valentine’s Day Pop-Up with jewelry from Kit Burke-Smith and Margeaux Lange, and baked sweets from 5Hens. It will be heaven. NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Until next week!

Beacon's Kids Hocus Pocus Halloween Parade in Pictures, 2016

A Little Troll stands across the street from Echo, examining her collection.
Image by @campbellandcampbell

Can we... I just... I can't. So cute was the Kids' Hocus Pocus Parade this year! Blocks and blocks of families walked down Main Street, from Bank Square to Teller Avenue, with many continuing around Main Street to visit the many more shops that often feel hidden around that bend. With The Roundhouse offering special cider and The East End boutique (formerly PfotoShop) opening up their photo booth, there was much fun to be had on the Sunday one week before Halloween.

Some serious witches and ghosts stroll down the dead tracks on Beacon's West End of town, near the mountain along the Fishkill Creek (near The Roundhouse Patio).
Image by @cappyhotchkiss

Dr. Who fans immediately recognize this costume, outside of The Pandorica Restaurant on Beacon's East End of town (near Play).
Image by @thepandoricarestaurant

Key Food Beacon hired a band of 12-year-olds to warm up the neighborhood before the parade started. Some even dressed in character!
Image by @junior_zayed

Kids gathered 'round The Yankee Clipper Diner for select pieces of candy.
Image by @yankeeclipperdiner

More Key Food and that boxed water.
Image by @junior_zayed

Little peanut dragon.
Image by @katrinreifeiss

Dr. Nick Opens New Practice as Beacon Veterinary Associates After Purchasing Roosevelt Vet on the Hudson (Sponsored)

Pictured Left: Dr. Bethany Souers, and Right: Dr. Nicholas Spaccarelli

SERVICES & SPECIALTIES:

• Wellness care
• Cat vaccinations
• Dog vaccinations
• In-house pharmacy
• In-house lab diagnostics
• Advanced dental services
• Digital radiology
• Soft tissue surgery
• Affordable orthopedic surgery with both general practitioners and board-certified orthopedic surgeons
• Chronic pain management

Major work has been going on in the center of Main Street at The Beacon Veterinary Associates, the new vet in the same strip as More Good, Towne Crier and Oak Vino. Six months ago, Dr. Nicholas Spaccarelli (aka Dr. Nick) bought Roosevelt Vet on the Hudson and has been enhancing it ever since, working with the existing staff and veterinarians like Dr. Bethany Souers, and preparing for their major name change.

Celebrating this Saturday at their Open House from 12 to 4 pm, you're invited to stop into their hospital and office location at 345 Main St., where they will personally take you on tours of the facility. You'll recognize several faces of the team if you visited prior, including Morgan, Dr. Souers, Nicole, and Heather. Soon you can meet Mike McCabe, LVT (Licensed Veterinary Technician) who sees patients during select Saturdays.

About Dr. Nick Spaccarelli

“Our Motto is: ‘21st-century medicine and surgery, paired with 20th-century care and compassion.’ We feel we are small enough to offer that hometown community feel yet still provide advanced medicine and surgery. If we can’t offer you a service in-house, then we will make sure to find the right specialist to come to our hospital or facilitate a referral to the best specialty centers in the area.””

— Dr. Nick

Dr. Nick Spaccarelli was born and raised in the Hudson Valley. He went to SUNY Delhi where he received a degree as a veterinary technician. He later attended Purdue University and continued on to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.

In 2007, Dr. Spaccarelli returned to the Hudson Valley to begin working in private practice and to pursue his professional interests in surgery, rehabilitation and pain management in pets that have chronic issues. A few years later in 2011, he went back to Ross University as a faculty member and clinician at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

After three years on the island of St. Kitts, Dr. Spaccarelli returned to the Hudson Valley to fulfill his lifelong dream of practice ownership. He brings over 10 years of small animal experience to the Beacon Veterinary Associates. He is excited to be adding orthopedic surgery and chronic pain management to a long list of advanced offerings at the practice.

Dr. Spaccarelli resides in Hopewell Junction with his wife Megan and their newborn daughter Mackenzie. They have a dog named Marshall that they rescued, along with two red-footed tortoises - named Harry and Sally - from St Kitts. He is an avid traveler and has been to Europe, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean and Central America. His passions include surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, hiking, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

This article has been a Partner Post with Beacon Veterinary Associates as a Spotlight Sponsor. Thank you for supporting businesses who support this publication and the community!

Libby from Beacon Barkery Steps Out, Donald Steps In, and Barkery Moves Over

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When the famed Beacon Barkery moved next door to its original location at the corner of Main Street and Willow Street, several people just thought it closed, and didn't see its newly decorated storefront window next door. What even more folks didn't know was that the original owners, Libby Faison and Nanci Pate, hadn't been in the Barkery since before the move, as they sold it to Donald McNeal, the father of one of their new employees, Jon McNeal.

Ten years ago, Libby and Nanci opened the Beacon Barkery to give back to the dog and cat populations in Beacon. Through their work within the community, they brought thousands of people and pets to Beacon through such annual events such as the Beacon Barks Parade, which attracted people from all over the state of New York, and was the unofficial kickoff to Spring during the first week of April. The Beacon Barkery became a known destination as a specialty pet boutique for healthy food options, quality clothing, treats, and the owners' experienced advice. For instance, it is to Libby's credit that I eliminated chicken from my dog's diet, as she had developed an allergy to it, causing her to itch and bite her skin, and eventually rip her hair out. Test after test revealed nothing, until one day, Libby suggested cutting out grain and chicken. It was the chicken that did it. My dog was cured and calm. No antihistamines necessary after that.

As of this spring, the Barkery has a new owner. Several business owners in Beacon already know him from his regular rounds, during his full-time job as route manager for a pest control company; Libby knew him as a customer. The Barkery isn't the first business Donald has owned, but he walked into it with similar passion for pets, their communities, and his own family's involvement in running the store.

The Background to the Beacon Barkery

When Libby and Nanci opened the Barkery, they had full-time jobs. They kept those up during all of the years they ran the Barkery, and still maintain to this day. Libby is a school administrator (now mostly retired, but working in the Wappingers School District), and Nanci is an occupational therapist who also works in schools. Two of their children worked in the store. One of them, Becca, even helped manage the store. Would the Barkery have paid the bills if they'd wanted to leave their full-time jobs? "No," says Libby. "There were three kids here and a mortgage. We really opened the Barkery not to make our first million, but to give back to the community on behalf of dogs and cats. We wanted to help the dog and cat population."

So what was the catalyst to selling? There wasn't one! "We were downsizing so that we could start doing some retirement planning." When I texted Libby questions for this story, she responded from Italy, so I asked her if traveling was part of those retirement plans. "Yes, like going to Italy. Honestly, when you own a store, it's really hard to plan a two-week vacation abroad." Jon, one of their recent employees who was quite enthusiastic about The Beacon Barkery, had told his father, Donald, that it was for sale. Jon and Donald were customers on behalf of their pug family, so the pull to own was strong.

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The Puppia Harnesses That First Attracted Donald to the Beacon Barkery.

New Guys In Town

Though Donald and Jon live in and commute from Hopewell Junction, and are new to Main Street as shop owners, they've been around Beacon's Main Street for a long time. Through his day job, Donald counts several Main Street businesses, including Zora Dora's and Kitchen Sink, as his customers in the pest control business. He's also not new to entrepreneurship, having owned several businesses in the past, including his own pest control business, a barber shop, and even a fire extinguisher company. "I’m an entrepreneur at heart," he says.

It was the Puppia harnesses (pictured above) that first brought Donald into the Barkery. The McNeals are a pug family, owning three of them: Angel, 9 years old, Casper, 1 year old, and Eddie, 6 months old. Says Donald: "We always shopped here, and we first came for the harnesses. We went to a pug meet and I was the only one without a harness. When I went shopping for one, nobody had them, except the Barkery. We always liked the store. After Jon told my wife and I that it was for sale, my wife kept at me, 'When we going to buy the Barkery?'"

The new Primal refrigerator for a larger raw food selection.

The New Beacon Barkery

Much is the same in the store, except that it's one door down, thanks to a rent increase that kicked in shortly after the McNeals moved in. Once the new ownership was transferred into place, the landlord increased the rent, so the McNeals packed it up and moved next door. They quickly painted the new space, set up new lighting, got new decals on the windows, and more. Says Jon: "People are finding us. The Car Show helped us. More customers who aren’t local know about us now, and for the locals, they are passing us in the new store, and they see that we are open."

New product is being carried also, such as Primal Raw Dog and Cat Food, freeze-dried treats, and goats milk. The new Primal refrigerator just arrived, and it will be fully stocked this week. For my picky cat with a chronic ear problem, I tried the raw goats milk at Donald's suggestion. “It's the way nature meant to feed our pets.” I have to say, never having ventured into the raw world myself, my picky cat who drinks no water, drank the milk. New clothing is arriving in the store, and the Beacon Barkery maintains it is the largest carrier of the Puppia and Easy Dog harness lines in the area.

Tasty dog and cat snacks.

Beacon Barkery To Continue Community Work

As active participants in the pug community, Donald and Jon know the value of socializing among pets, and giving back. "We have had one dog adoption already, and we plan on doing cat adoptions, and more adoptions in general. We would love to work with the new vet." They aim to continue with the Beacon Barks Parade.

Dog treat cookies, decorated for the season, are in the Beacon Barkery.

What's Next for Libby and Nanci?

Libby and Nanci are not done with their animal work, nor with the Beacon Barks Parade. Says Libby: "We are going to be working with the Beacon Barkery for the Beacon Barks Parade, and will contact the Dutchess County SPCA in 2017. We will be volunteers!"

The Beacon Barks Parade isn't the only thing they are staying connected to. "We miss being in Beacon. We live in Wappingers, and we were down in Beacon every day. Now we are just customers of the Beacon Barkery!"

Advice on Running a Local Store

Libby and Nanci started the Beacon Barkery to improve a community, and it's the community that is the most important for them for running a local business. "It's very important to be part of what's going on, and being active. It also makes it much more fun, when you know your customers and the community. You help each other."

Shop and restaurant owners can often get stuck inside of their stores. Is it important to step outside? "You need to step outside of your shop and be involved. There were times that we had adoptions, and put our tent up out front, and did special kinds of celebrations. Like our Food Fest. The community needs to be able to find you. Beacon's Main Street is a very long Main Street. It's not all that easy for people on the East end to know what's going on the West end."

Cheers, Libby and Nanci, to your new working-retirement! Soon after the sale, Libby and Nanci booked themselves a trip to Italy to enjoy a good two-week vacation, something small business owners rarely experience.

Cheers to Donald and Jon, to your exciting new adventure as owners of the Beacon Barkery and helping so many dogs and cats feel good all over, even in quality fashion!

Libby (left) and Nanci (right) on their first two-week vacation after selling The Beacon Barkery.

Sarabeth's French Vanilla Coffee at Key Food - Have It With Their Marmalade!

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The story of Sarabeth's orange apricot marmalade is what always attracts me to the plain-fonted logo wherever I see it, in this case, on the shelves at Key Food. So when I spotted the bag of Sarabeth's French Vanilla coffee in the coffee aisle of Key Food, I had to have it. Sarabeth's started in 1981 from the apartment of a woman living in New York City. Sarabeth made up some batches of her family's 200-year-old recipe, jarred it, and sold it. The marmalade became wildly popular, and was featured on Oprah Winfrey's TV show. Sarabeth went on to open several restaurants. I have fond memories of brunching in Manhattan's West 80s, and I still pine for their Salmon Eggs Benedict. These days, Sarabeth's has 16 restaurants all over the world.

Everyone is hooked on their particular brand of coffee, and we certainly have some incredible choices to choose from locally, like Stumptown at Beacon Pantry and Tas Kafe at Ella's Bellas, while others never leave home without their variously dripped coffee from Bank Square. Oh, and now that Crepe Royal offers Turkish coffee, well, I'm just not sure what you're going to do.

Personally, I'm hooked on Starbucks Italian Roast (I don't drink coffee from a Starbucks store unless it's a One-Pump Vanilla Latte, but I do buy the bag from Key Food or Hannaford and make it myself), a very dark bean. Every morning, I make my own at home in a French press (find one at Bank Square or Utensil) or the AeroPress (find it at Mountain Tops) using a super dark bean.

Normally, I don't do flavored creamers or beans. However, the best part about flavored coffee is the aroma. I may brew it just to sweeten up the kitchen. So on the weekend, I decided to sprinkle a little scoop of the Sarabeth's French Vanilla into my usual dark Italian Roast and have a different cup of coffee on a quiet Saturday morning.

The result? Relaxing. I fixed it for my neighbor and even gave her half a bag of ground beans, knowing it would take me a while to get through them. This is how she responded months later when she finally made coffee at home (she buys it every morning):

Hence, the recommendation of the coffee is making it to A Little Beacon Blog for you to try, too!

Do Try The Jam for Breakfast or Brunch or Lunch!

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You'll also find the jam in Key Food. It's one of the fanciest jars on the shelf, so you may want to wait until it goes on sale and then stock up, and only if you like blended flavors. But it's quite a large jar, the size of spaghetti sauce, so you are getting a lot of jam for the price.

Enjoy! :)

Finished! Newspaper Hat for Hats Off Beacon Silent Auction

Dozens of painted and built-out hats have been hanging in Beacon Bath and Bubble since October's Second Saturday, and are now moving across the street to the Howland Cultural Center to be put on display for the Beacon Historical Society's big fundraising event and silent auction, on November 5 from 1 to 5 pm! The theme of the hat decoration was "Beacon's Past or Beacon's Present."

My inspiration was decades-old newspapers, and showcasing what they looked like and covered over the years. The tricky part was getting into the Beacon Historical Society's headquarters and archives inside of the Howland Cultural Center - during their very limited open hours!

Finally, after taking the walking tour of the east end two weekends ago (just one of several fundraisers they have been having this month), I was able to slip in and be escorted to the newspaper archives. Containing decades of editions, they reside in the bound books upstairs in the narrow library of the The Howland. In a very special box, there I found "The First Newspaper Printed in the City of Beacon" in 1913, the year of the Beacon Evening Journal's merged creation.

Several clippings stood out, but my biggest takeaways from looking through various editions were how Beacon has always had high aspirations and been very proud of its community. And just look at that school achievement! The news stories were not so different from what they are today, from violent crime to announcements for Girl Scout meetings and baby support circles.

A comic strip runs along the bottom: Ella Cinders. She seems to be a director in the 1930s, dealing with a condescending boss and other questionable male professionals. Get it... CinderElla?

This project could not have been possible without Byrdie's on-demand color printing over at Accuprint near Homespun. Byrdie has been known to save many of us who need a flyer or menu fast, and the machines keep on whirring in her little print shop as her mother does taxes and bookkeeping in the back, and her father provides general oversight and support throughout the building.