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

Photo Credits: Dan Rigney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALBB: How can others submit to volunteer?

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

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

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

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

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

New Year, New Beginnings, New YOU with Beacon's New Boutique Fitness Studios!

Photo Credits: Instagram feeds of these businesses.
Graphic Art Credit: A Little Beacon Blog

It’s a new year, and a new year brings new beginnings and starting new habits for the better! It's a great time to hit the reset button on your health and try new activities. If you are looking to add some fitness into your routine, but may not want to commit to long-term, big-gym memberships, perhaps a smaller boutique gym that specializes in particular workouts may be more your speed. We recently shared what’s new in our Shopping Guide and included The Studio @ Beacon and Zoned Fitness, both on Beacon's Main Street.  

It’s hard to miss The Studio @ Beacon’s “Coming Soon” sign at 301 Main Street, and it has triggered curiosity from residents peeking through the windows. The Studio owners, Laura and Samantha, shared with me: “We’ve had so much positive feedback and we feel like Beacon is ready for this. We love hearing from people who are excited for what we’re bringing to town.” The Studio @ Beacon specializes in Spin and Boxing classes, which Laura and Sam are very passionate about. They will have their ribbon cutting this month on Second Saturday, January 13.

Zoned Fitness is the first personal training studio in Beacon to offer Heart Rate-Based training, creating a workout regimen specifically for your needs.  Located at 490 Main Street, it was formerly Hudson Valley Fitness, but the business underwent rebranding and reopened in November 2017. They felt the original name did not reflect the type of fitness program they provide - the Zoned Training Method. Zoned training is a style of training that allows the trainee to scale their program, routines and exercise through four zones based on ability or fitness level. In addition to getting in shape, Zoned Fitness also teaches about nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. You can sign up for an all-fitness-level class like Boot Camp or HIT (High Intensity Training) or Personal Training for more personalized attention, or if you're working through an injury or other physical limitations.

If you are looking for more than just a physical challenge but also mind and body, there's a Beacon spot to cover that. Last year, Shambhala Wellness Center at 4 South Chestnut Street underwent an makeover to provide more than just yoga. You can also receive massages, reiki (traditional and shamanic), nutritional counseling, health coaching, cognitive therapy, herbal medicine and psychic readings. You do not need to be a flexible yogi with a Lululemon wardrobe to check out one of their upcoming workshops, like AcroYoga Fundamentals!

[Update 1/12/2018]: And this just in! Beacon Pilates has moved locations after a decade on Main Street in Beacon. Find them now on West Main Street, near the train station. Their upcoming grand re-opening party is in February.

Don't worry about making too much of a change all at once - a big reason why some resolutions don't work out. You don't have to give up (all) of the good stuff. One of the things Laura and Sam love about Beacon is the number of tasty options available. “If you haven’t already, you’re likely to see us around town eating and drinking… We’re not ashamed of our imperfect bodies, so [you might] hear us talking about the Big Bird we just ate at Stock Up, the fish tacos we love from Max’s, or a coffee run to Ella’s Bellas that inevitably includes a few of their insanely delicious salted chocolate chip cookies.” Take baby steps! 

Inclusiveness is the continuing theme for smaller boutiques and studios. They bring a different kind of vibe when it comes to fitness, which can be welcoming for exercise newbies. Being part of a smaller fitness community may be just what you need to stay committed.

Antalek & Moore Announces New Partnership with Vincent A. Lemma, as Longtime Beacon Advocate Pat Moore Retires (Sponsored)

Antalek & Moore's Upcoming Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

When: Thursday, January 18, 2018
Time: 4 to 5 pm
Where: Their offices at 340 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Stop By! Or RSVP: 845-245-6292

Late in December of 2017, a hand-signed letter arrived in the mail from Pat Moore, partner at Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency. The letter announced his retirement from the independently owned firm Antalek & Moore in order to pursue personal interests, which included traveling with his expanding grand-family. Maintaining independence in the insurance world has been deeply important to Pat, as he reiterated in his retirement letter: “We live in a time of high-level merger and acquisition activities of firms like ours. Maintaining our longstanding independence is proving to be the exception in today’s business environment.”
 
Of the utmost importance to Pat was hand-picking his successor, Vincent A. Lemma, to join his business partner, Susan Antalek-Pagones, in carrying the business forward into its next generation. Antalek & Moore originated in Beacon in 1853 and continues here today with the new leadership and partnership of Susan and Vincent at the helm. They are hosting a ribbon cutting to celebrate the transition on Thursday, January 18, at 4 pm. And you’re invited!

About Vincent A. Lemma, Antalek & Moore's New Partner

Vincent (please, call him Vince, he insists) started working with Pat eight years ago during a time when Vince was employed by an insurance agency owned by a bank. “Crazy things were happening with the banks,” says Vince, “and things were happening that didn’t jive with me for our customers.” He reached out to Pat to begin working in the independent world, and their business relationship blossomed.
 
As a new leader of the firm, Vince is pulling from his experience as an assistant lacrosse coach at several different colleges. As an assistant coach at Randolph Macon College, his team knocked nationally ranked Washington and Lee out of the playoffs in 1997, fueling his competitive drive to work with a team of young people balancing sports, school and teamwork. Coaching also allowed him to leave his home state of New York to experience different parts of the country, and return later to settle down into the insurance profession.
 
“As an athlete, you need to overcome hurdles to win. In this industry, we face those hurdles on a daily basis. As a coach, you need to understand how to help your employees overcome those hurdles.”
 
Vince believes that 90 percent of problems in the insurance world are caused by simple misunderstandings, and he aims to educate current and future customers of Antalek & Moore to help them know their coverage. He believes that working with an independent agent gives customers an advantage. “When you’re not working with your agent and your broker, things get difficult, and you think the insurance companies are out to get you. We fight for the insurance company to cover everything they agreed to cover in the agreement with the customer.”
 
You can meet Vince any time by scheduling an appointment with him, but the most fun way will be to attend their upcoming ribbon cutting, right on Main Street, conveniently located in the middle of town, near Rite Aid. In fact, park in the free parking lot behind Rite Aid and BAJA, and you're on Antalek & Moore's back doorstep! Stop in, welcome Vince to the position, and look for more from this new development at Antalek & Moore.

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Antalek & Moore is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlight program. It is with the support of businesses like theirs that A Little Beacon Blog can bring you coverage of news, local happenings and events. Thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to become a Sponsor or Community Partner, please click here for more information.

Happening This Weekend - 1/5/2018

The temp won't go above 18 degrees this weekend. Stay warm!  Despite this - it's time to get out of the house, and because you took our advice last year and got the most amazing Dig Out Winter Boots at Mountain Tops, you are ready for anything! The sidewalks are shoveled, the sun is shining (for now). If you're battling the cold or flu that gripped everyone during the Winter Break, we have brewed up a tea for sick folks. Pick up the simple ingredients from a shops in a three-store radius. And now, onto the things going on this weekend or starting mid-week...

Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance “Cloth & Memory” Opening Reception Day: Sunday, January 7, 2018 Time: 3 to 5 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Open Mic Invitationals Day: Sunday, January 7, 2017 Time: 7 to 10 pm Location: Towne Crier, 379 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.     Natural Dye Workshop Day: Saturday, January 6, 2018 Time: Noon to 3 pm Location: Textile Lab, 146 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Workshop: Strong Core & Open Hips with Charles Matkin Day: Sunday, January 7, 2018 Time: 2 to 4 pm Location: Shambhala Wellness Center, 4 South Chestnut St., Beacon, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Adult Classes Guide. Card & Board Games Club Day: Friday, January 5, 2018 Time: 3 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > High School Writing Lab Day: Thursdays, starting January 11, 2018 Time: 2:30 to 4 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Sew Cool Tuesdays Ages: 5-11 Days: Tuesdays, starting January 9, 2018 Time: 4 to 5:30 pm Location: Beacon Art Adventures @ Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Kids Classes Guide.   Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!     BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END   Luxe Optique 183 Main Street SALE ALERT! Can you stand it? So much plaid around your eyes, and in a square/circle combo? These frames are incredible, and are part of the Winter Sale going on now at Luxe Optique. $100 off JF Rey (pictured), Boz, Volte Face and Nao Ned frames! Where is Luxe Optique? Across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company.   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END PARKING HINT: Park behind 1 East Main, by the Hudson Valley Brewery, and use the back walkway to come up to Main Street! Style Storehouse 484 Main Street SALE ALERT! Awesome sales going on now! We especially have our eye on the 50% off (!!) vegan leather legging by Free People. Do go in, and see what Michelle has put on sale - and how low she has gone on these discounts. As you can see - they're clearly marked! Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle n Swaddle. Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main, Retail #3 Visit Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique down on Beacon's east end of town, for three floors of gowns, veils, accessories and a private dressing area with room for your best shopping gals. Brides and their entourages get VIP treatment in the beautifully adorned shop with a rustic touch. Where Is Lambs Hill? In the renovated factory building near the historic dummy light. Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide!  Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, and Style Storehouse. Where can you get your hair done in Beacon? Or tidy up with a beard trim? Find out in A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide! SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency Big things are happening at Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency in the new year. Keep your eyes on A Little Beacon Blog for an upcoming announcement and celebration. Meanwhile, look into your home and business insurance needs. Take a look here to learn about your options, then call Antalek & Moore today for more information, at (845)245-6292. Rhinebeck Bank Season 3 of Wake Up With Rhinebeck Bank has started! Host Michelle Barone interviews local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public figures of the Hudson Valley. See firsthand how Rhinebeck Bank helps businesses grow and impacts the community! See the latest from Rhinebeck Bank. Beacon Chamber of Commerce Are you an expert in your field, looking for ways to get in front of Beacon's business community? Suggest yourself as a speaker for an upcoming Beacon Chamber of Commerce Member meeting. Details here on their website. BeaconArts The 2018 Annual Meeting and Board Elections will be Wednesday, January 3. It starts at 6:30 pm with networking; at 7, the meeting starts, running until 8. The election is the only item on the agenda, though attendees will be given updates on the status of BeaconArts projects and a brief Annual Report. You must be a current member of BeaconArts to vote. The meeting will be held at the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries on Main Street, where the BeaconArts Retrospective:15 exhibit is currently on view. This is a great opportunity to take in the exhibit, and renew your support of BeaconArts. Tin Shingle In this class, hosted at 291 Main Street in the Telephone Building, you will go through the process to get started on your website. Begin with a blank slate, finish the day knowing what pages will be on your website. We will use blank pieces of paper, colorful markers, dry erase boards, and other easy ways to break you free of your fear of creating a website. Get the details here! Class size is limited, so reserve your spot. A Little Beacon Space The time is right to host your workshop, now you just need a location. A Little Beacon's Space is the perfect spot, conveniently located in the heart of Beacon, to fit your audience. InHouse Design Media Need someone to take over your social media, or to guide you in what you are already doing? InHouse Design Media can feed you ideas that will make customers take action. Pick one of our Digital Marketing Retainers.   NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Advertise in A Little Beacon Blog 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! Sponsors make the local media go round. Reach our readers and support our publication at the same time. Advertising with A Little Beacon Blog is effective because we design ways to make it work for you. See our Media Kit for ideas! Click here to learn about ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog. Until next week!

The Sickness Miracle Tea: Where To Source It For Home Brewing

It’s as if there is a Winter Break *just* for getting sick. Right when you have the week off to celebrate the holidays and go wassailing to visit friends, someone or everyone in each family has a stomach bug or bronchitis. So before that pesky tickle cough turns into pneumonia - call your doctor of course in case you need an inhaler - but brew this tea and drink up daily. You can find everything you need to make it right on Main Street in Beacon:

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

a few shavings of fresh ginger

a clove of freshly chopped garlic (optional, if you have extra inflammation)

a slice of freshly squeezed lemon  

a teaspoon of honey

your favorite sick-day mug

You might have an old bottle of apple cider vinegar in your cupboard, but do yourself a favor and pitch it. If it’s old, it most likely looks unappealing to you and you’ll skip this recipe. Take yourself to the olive oil store, Scarborough Fare Olive Oil and Vinegar Tap Room, on Main Street, next to the building construction and across the street from Homespun Foods. There you will find a deliciously refined bottle of apple cider vinegar that you’ll actually want to drink.

Next, cross the street to Homespun and select local honey, or the “Super Special” honey from France. Those who go deep with nutrition may prefer the local honey to get more local flower pollen into your body, but if you’re partial to pretty cans and French flowers, try the Super Special honey! That’s what they call it at Homespun, so just ask for it by name. I just bought it for the first time, and I’m an allergy barometer, so I’ll let you know if the foreign flowers make me sneeze. Probably not.

Then, shred a bit of that ginger into the mug with a knife or a cheese grater. Slice up the lemon and squeeze into the concoction.

My favorite sick-day mug is one that I picked up at Wickham Studio’s pop-up Holiday Sale three years ago, as it always fits just the right amount of this tea.

Finally, smell the tea for a while. The aromas will start working immediately on blasting out the unpleasant feelings.

Bonus round! For achy bodies, get thee to a bath right away, and soak in Epsom salts. If you go the route of unscented and un-anythinged, you’ll have only the magnesium sulfate to draw out the toxins from your body and relax muscles. Epsom salt baths are a frequent Mom-recommended thing, and an Internet-recommended thing. Vogel Pharmacy, right next to Homespun, is the place to buy straight up Epsom salts. Your total cure and sickness miracle tea, all in a three-shop radius. Well, save for the ginger and lemon, which are just down the block at Key Food. 

Feel better! 

Happening This Weekend - 12/29/2017

Enjoy this quiet week, and take advantage of the moments of reflection on the New You in the New Year. When you make your way out of the house, we have some ideas for where you might go!

Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance. Coffee and Cookies at Catalyst Day: Saturday, December 30, 2017 Time: 10 am to noon Location: Catalyst Gallery, 137 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > New Year’s Eve Dinner at The Vault Day: Sunday, December 31, 2017 Time: Dinner Location: 446 Main St., Beacon NY Call (845) 202-7735 to make a reservation! New Year’s Eve Bash at Dogwood with BeaconArts Ball Lighting Day: Sunday, December 31, 2017 Time: 8 pm to 1 am Location: Dogwood, 47 E. Main St., Beacon NY Information > Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.     Scrabble for Cabin Fever at the Howland Public Library Day: Tuesday to Saturday, December 26 to 30, 2017 Time: During library hours Location: 313 Main St., Beacon NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Adult Classes Guide. For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Kids Classes Guide.   The Vault 446 Main Street New cocktail on the menu: Winter Mule, mixed with Tito's Vodka, fresh cranberries, rosemary syrup, lime and ginger beer.   Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath & Bubble. Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!     BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END   Luxe Optique 183 Main Street CREATIVE SPENDING IDEA: Luxe Optique accepts Care Credit, flex spending accounts, health savings accounts, and vision insurance! Remember that line of Care Credit you got for your cat's operation? If you've paid it off already, you can use the same account for your favorite frames at Luxe Optique! Where is Luxe Optique? Across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company.   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END PARKING HINT: Park behind 1 East Main, by the Hudson Valley Brewery, and use the back walkway to come up to Main Street! Style Storehouse 484 Main Street Distressed fishnet jeans by Free People. Yes, fishnet! Free People has gotten creative with the neo-traditional pre-fab holes in jeans. Versatile and perfect for all seasons!  Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle n Swaddle. Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main, Retail #3 The fit of this Lillian West gown is just stunning, with a unique embroidered lace and illusion neckline, sleeves and back. Where is Lambs Hill Bridal? In the renovated factory building near the historic dummy light. Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, and Style Storehouse. Where can you get your hair done in Beacon? Or a beard trim? Find out in A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide! SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency Are you setting up shop in Beacon? Or anywhere in New York? You'll likely want to buy business insurance, and the agents at Antalek & Moore can advise you on what types of insurance you need, and research the best rate. Click here to learn about your options, then call Antalek & Moore today for more information: (845) 245-6292. Rhinebeck Bank Do you need new (or used) equipment for your business? Do you need it right now? Rhinebeck Bank offers an Express Business Loan, with a credit decision made within one business day on loan amounts up to $250,000. Visit their website for more information or inquire at a branch! Beacon Chamber of Commerce Join the Beacon Chamber of Commerce to connect with other businesses and show your support for the community. Want to get people in the door of your establishment? Host a Chamber Meeting! Details here on their website. BeaconArts : Beacon OPEN Studios Registration dates for Beacon Open Studios begins soon! Early Registration: January 1-15.....$40 Standard Registration: January 27-March 3.....$55 Beacon Open Studios Weekend Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29, 2018, noon to 6 pm Email director@beaconopenstudios.org for more information. Meanwhile, get your tickets online for BeaconArts' upcoming Roaring Twenties Costume Ball and Fundraiser. Tin Shingle In this class, hosted at 291 Main Street in Beacon's historic Telephone Building, we will go through the process together to get you started on your website. Start with a blank slate, and end with knowing what pages will be on your website. We will use blank pieces of paper, colorful markers, dry erase boards, and other easy ways to help you break free of your fears of creating a website. Get details here! Class size is limited, so reserve your spot. A Little Beacon Space The time is right to host your workshop, now you just need a location. A Little Beacon Space is a perfect location to fit your audience, conveniently located in the heart of Beacon. InHouse Design Media Need someone to take over managing your social media, or to guide you to improve what you are already doing? InHouse Design Media can feed you ideas that will make customers take action. Pick one of our Digital Marketing Retainers.   NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Advertise in A Little Beacon Blog 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! Sponsors make the local media go 'round. Reach our readers and support our publication at the same time. Advertising with A Little Beacon Blog is effective because we design ways to make it work for you. See our Media Kit for ideas! Click here to learn about ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog. Until next week!

Clearwater receives Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley grant for Sailing Classroom Equipment

One of the Hudson Valley's best-known environmental organizations closed out the year with a bang. On December 27, 2017, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater was awarded a $1,962 grant from Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, Community Grant Fund – Putnam County to help purchase science equipment for Clearwater’s Sailing Classroom. This grant makes possible the curriculum’s aim to teach young people about the ecology of the Hudson River estuary, according to a news release from Clearwater.

"We are extremely grateful for this support from the Community Foundation of Putnam County," says Maija Niemisto, Clearwater's Education Director. "Students aboard the sloop Clearwater will now have access to the equipment needed for sampling the Hudson River water, fish, and plankton with their own hands. Clearwater’s Board joins me in thanking the Foundation for providing young people with the tools necessary to investigate the natural world around them on voyages of discovery aboard The Environmental Tallship of America.”

Clearwater anticipates that by the end of 2018, more than 600 students in Putnam County will have benefited from using this science equipment.

About Hudson River Sloop Clearwater 

Launched in 1969 by legendary folk singer and activist Pete Seeger, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater has been at the forefront of the environmental movement as champions of the Hudson River. To date, more than half a million people have experienced their first real look at an estuary’s ecosystem aboard the sloop Clearwater. Clearwater has become the grassroots model for producing positive changes to protect our planet. For more information, visit Clearwater's website.

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley

Serving all of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties, the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is a driving force in philanthropy in the region, distributing funds from thousands of donors to connect people who care with causes that matter. Administering more than $60 million in assets, Community Foundations works with donors to provide grants and scholarships. The group also establishes endowment funds for nonprofits and other charitable causes, and collaborates with government, private foundations and local leaders to address current and emerging needs. Learn more at Community Foundations' website.

Happening This Weekend - 12/22/2017

This is it! The final days of last-minute gifts - absolutely perfect, just-right, last-minute gifts - that you can find right here in town! Gift certificates, stocking stuffers, glasses that will change your life, jackets, jewelry - oh the jewelry! Get out there and be bedazzled by Beacon. P.S.: New shops have opened! Check out which ones in our latest Shopping Guide Shuffle article. P.P.S.: Look at this last-minute gift idea for men, women or kids! Tell Your Friends: Anything they need to know about Beacon, like where to shop, eat or take a class of any kind, can all be found in A Little Beacon's Guides which are updated all the time with the latest news: Art Galleries Restaurant Guide Shopping Guide Beauty Guide Adult Classes or Kids Classes Seasonal: Pumpkins & Parades Guide

Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance. A Very Slambovian Christmas Day: Saturday, December 23, 2017 Time: 8:30 pm Location: The Towne Crier Cafe, 370 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Day: Sunday, December 24, 2017 Time: 8 pm Location: First Presbyterian Church of Beacon, 50 Liberty St., Beacon, NY Information > Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.     For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Adult Classes Guide.   Anime & Manga Club Day: Friday, December 22, 2017 Time: 3 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Gingerbread Man Search at Boscobel Bring The Kids: Winter Break! Day: Tuesday and Thursday, December 26 & 28, 2017 Time: 9:30 am & 3 pm, both dates Location: Boscobel House & Gardens, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Kids Classes Guide.   The Vault 446 Main Street Warm up at The Vault with a soup and their Burrata of the Day! This soft, extra-delicious relative of fresh mozzarella, here is served with grilled asparagus and a house-made sauce of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, lemon zest and parsley. Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath & Bubble. Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!     BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END   Luxe Optique 183 Main Street CREATIVE SPENDING IDEA: Luxe accepts Care Credit, Flex Spending, Health Savings Accounts and vision insurance! While your wallet options have opened up, check out these extremely limited and luxuriously wild octagonal frames, meticulously handcrafted in Italy by Jacques Marie Mage. Where is Luxe Optique? Across the block from Beacon Bread Company.   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END PARKING HINT: Park behind 1 East Main, by the Hudson Valley Brewery, and use the back walkway to come up to Main Street! Style Storehouse 484 Main Street Warm up in the softest, most luxurious plush peacoat by Free People, available now at Style Storehouse. Try pairing it with Free People's equally soft waffle-knit scarf in black. But hurry, only a few are left! While you're in there, check out their boots too. Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle n Swaddle. Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main, Retail #3 The total elegant package: Stunning sequin and lace bustier by Justin Alexander, Lillian West skirt, belt and veil from Justin Alexander Signature and headband by Richard Designs. Lambs Hill has a lot of separate pieces that allow you to mix and match, to fully customize your perfect wedding day apparel. P.S.: If you're looking for a tiara for New Years, you could get the headband pictured here. Where is Lambs Hill Bridal? In the renovated factory building near the historic dummy light. Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide!  Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, and Style Storehouse. The easiest and most loved gift certificates are those to take care of beauty needs! Find gift certificates to any of Beacon's service businesses - for hot stone massage, hair, makeup, or lashes - in A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide! SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS Rhinebeck Bank Give the gift of savings! See the latest CD rates available from Rhinebeck Bank today, and visit their festively adorned branch in Beacon across from the Family Dollar. You know you're running around for last-minute stocking stuffers - run here! Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency Give the gift of a Whole Life Insurance Policy to your children or grandchildren while they are healthy. Click here to learn about your options, and call Antalek & Moore today for more information: (845) 245-6292. Beacon Chamber of Commerce Are you new in town? Join the Beacon Chamber of Commerce to connect with other businesses, and show your support for the community. Elections for new board members are in January, so now is the time to hook in with this organization! Click here to join online. BeaconArts : Beacon OPEN Studios SAVE THE DATE! BeaconArts reminds you that art is a healer, with this message: "As we look back at an eventful year and look forward to a new one, keep in mind that art is a great healer, a reflection of our humanity, and a catalyst for change. When all else fails, keep pressing forward and keep making art!" Beacon Open Studios, a fiscally sponsored project of BeaconArts, is hosting a Roaring Twenties Costume Ball & Fundraiser in honor of their 10th anniversary at Dennings Point Distillery on Friday, January 26, 2018. Details and tickets here. Tin Shingle Now available! The Community Membership to Tin Shingle. This starts at $45 per month, and includes monthly in-person meetups in Tin Shingle's HQ - The Telephone Building in Beacon! Shhh... don't tell the other cities in this country, because right now, the only Tin Shingle members receiving the in-person treatment are you Beaconites and Hudson Valley peeps. When you're ready, the All-Access Pass of Membership includes instant streaming of all Training TuneUps, as well as Media Contacts and a cheat sheet of advance notice for what magazines are publishing. This helps your business get featured in the media. Learn about Membership here. A Little Beacon Space RECENT REVIEW: (Read the full review from Carolyn, of Rock Dove Rings) "I recently had a holiday pop-up at The Little Beacon Space, and it exceeded my expectations! Katie and her staff were more than accommodating and helped make our weekend-long market a huge success. The central location meant tons of foot traffic from the train, while the beautiful, open space meant minimal decorating and easy, effortless set up and break down. "Hosting this pop-up at The Little Beacon Space helped me gain exposure through LBB’s amazing and thoughtful article (included with your rental!), while also allowing me to grow my audience locally and test-run my shopkeeper skills for the future. It’s a low-pressure, high-reward situation and I highly recommend it. "I would also recommend purchasing a weekend rental and taking your chances. We made our money back and then some. Thank you, LBB!" Learn more about hosting a pop-up shop at A Little Beacon Space > InHouse Design Media InHouse Design Media has partnered up with Tin Shingle to bring you in-person classes! The first one: "Start Your Website!" In this small group class, attendees will come away with a roadmap of their website - which pages they'll include - and possibly start their website themselves! Class size: Six people Price: $150 per person Teacher: Katie, publisher of A Little Beacon Blog and creator of Tin Shingle Click here for details and to purchase. NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Advertise in A Little Beacon Blog 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! Sponsors make the local media go round. Reach our readers and support our publication at the same time. Advertising with A Little Beacon Blog is effective because we design ways to make it work for you. See our Media Kit for ideas! Click here to learn about ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog. Until next week!

Beacon's Fine Copper Critters + Batman Ninja Charms at Beacon Fine Jewelers

We're betting that you haven't seen these little copper critters yet, created at Beacon Fine Jewelers, Inc. in the middle of Beacon at 284 Main Street. The shop is in that nondescript part of Main Street across the street from the Howland Public Library, so you may have walked past their window several times, maybe making a mental note to see if that ruby ring in your jewelry collection is real or not.

That's how I first walked in - on the gemstone detective mission - but I was immediately distracted by these little copper critters created by Mitch Rios, the son of Elliot Rios. They both metalsmith from behind the torch in back of the shop. The duo have been working in Beacon since about 2003. They commute over the bridge from Newburgh to their shop here to repair jewelry or clocks on the spot.

Mitch started designing these...droids? copper critters? from old pennies. Fitted with a loop at the top, you could wear it as a charm, hang it from a window or rear-view mirror, or simply collect them as a little standing army. Several of the creative beings are available, each bearing different characteristics.

In addition to the copper charms (above), Mitch designs character charms out of silver (below), like the Batman ninja piece in this picture, or the Pokémon charm.

Is there a knife collector in your life? A precise charm may be just what he or she needs. Each of the different types is custom-designed and made by Mitch.

Of course, you'll also find traditional pieces of jewelry in rows of cases inside Beacon Fine Jewelers. Some items are pieces they have bought from estates, others are their own designs. Do you have an idea for a ring? Sketch it out and bring it to Elliot. He would love to make it for you as a custom piece.

Beacon’s East End Is Open Late Again! Sip, Snack and Shop

Happy Thursday - the east end of Beacon by the mountain is open late! The Sip, Snack and Shop event is tonight, celebrating local shopping and support of neighbors, so sip something sweet in the holiday sparkle of the night as you find last-minute 🎁 gifts! Presented by the Beacon East End Association, this is their effort to help you see all of the amazing that is inside more than a dozen stores. You’re not just buying local for the sake of buying local. There is some really cool shizaz here! 

There are 16 participating businesses, including:

Style Storehous, Utensil Kitchenwar, Lambs Hil, Echo Women's Boutique and Toystor, The Bra Fit Exper, Kaigh, The Blusher, Vintage:Beaco, Waddle n Swaddle, Beacon Bath & Bubble, The Chocolate Studi,  Blackbird Attic Boutique, an King + Curate.

Planning Board Chairman Jay Sheers Resigns After 22 Years of Service and Thanks Fellow Volunteers

Photo Credit: Screenshot from Planning Board Video recorded by Peter Skorewicz.

After 22 years of public service to Beacon, NY, the chairman of the Planning Board, Jay Sheers, has resigned his position. He previously served on the Zoning Board, and his time on the Planning Board has coincided with some of the biggest growth in Beacon's history.

He told the public of his decision during the December 12, 2017, Planning Board meeting, before the start of the meeting. The meeting was expected to be heavily attended, as development projects were on the agenda. Specifically, the meeting centered on a vote about a planned large apartment complex known as 22 Edgewater Place (see details about this in A Little Beacon Blog's Building and Development Guide), which is proposing 307 apartments in seven buildings, to be built in the woods above the train tracks near Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park. The Planning Board voted to allow the project to proceed to the next step in its development cycle.

Here is Jay's resignation message, thanking city workers and fellow volunteers. He shared this before larger proceedings of the meeting began:

“I’m debating a personal note, so I’ll do that now, because it may appear that I’m leaving the Board because of this [refers to the audience], but it’s not true. I’ve been thinking about leaving the Board for a long time. So and tonight is my last Planning Board Meeting. I’ve been on this Board since 1995 and I’ve been the Chair for 10 years. Before that I served on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

"It has been extremely gratifying to have worked with the many people who have given so much time and effort to bring about the large number of positive changes that have taken place in this fascinating and wonderful City over this period of time.

"Recently, demands on my time from my job and my growing extended family make it harder and harder to fully prepare for and attend meetings. I know that the City is in the middle of a lot of important work, but that’s pretty much always the case. Waiting for a good time to step out would mean that it would never happen.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of my time working on the Board has been with my fellow volunteer Board members both past and present, and I’d also like to thank Mayors Gould, Gold, and Casale for their support over the years, as well as Board consultants and attorneys, and a special thanks goes out to Ann Thomas, Etha Grogan, and Tim Dexter. Beacon would not be what it is today without their hard work and dedication. Thank you.”

You can watch the full video here, and see what was on the agenda.

NEW GUIDE: New Buildings and Development in Beacon - With Pictures

Have you seen all of the scaffolding up around Beacon? For the past few years, greenlit development projects have been humming along, from concept to construction. Some of these projects are easily noticed around town, and some are less noticeable when on regularly traveled streets. As development and construction are becoming hot topics in all of the city meetings, including City Council, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals, it can be very hard to keep up with which property is which, and where, and owned by whom.

A Little Beacon Blog has started keeping a Guide of these projects. Reference it when you spy new bulldozers, or any time you want to get up to speed real quick as to where a project is, and what you need to know about it.

Many New Buildings Going Up In Beacon - Saturday Public Meeting to Understand Zoning

Building in Beacon is happening very quickly right now. While it seems overnight to people who have not followed the news about it, or attended meetings of the City Council, Zoning Board or Planning Board, it is very much the norm for Beacon residents who have followed those meetings.

The thing is, many buildings that you have been looking at for years and years are about to go away, to be replaced by new construction. In most cases, that will mean taller buildings. Arguments can be made about whether that's a good or a bad thing, but no matter what, when you eventually see them, those new structures will likely induce some feelings in you.

For instance: A project called Edgewater plans to have seven buildings and 307 apartment units, to be located in the woods along the Hudson River, slightly northeast of and uphill from Riverfront Park. The project has been granted a vote to go through the process of getting approvals to move forward and get closer to building. This project was held up for several months while attorneys for the Beacon City Schools' Board of Education argued that so many new residents would have a negative effect on the current school district, as the rapid influx of new kids would overwhelm classrooms. The development attorneys and the City Planner did not agree. Yesterday, finally, a vote was cast by Beacon's Planning Board, and it was voted that the impact would not negatively effect Beacon City School, and that the project could move forward. There are many other potential issues with this project. Among them: anticipated traffic impacts. The official projection is that vehicular traffic from this 307-unit collection of buildings (essentially a community) will not impact current traffic. This is just one example.

Up on Main Street, the old single-story building across from Homespun Foods was demolished this week; a new building is set to replace it. The empty factories at Madam Brett Park are proposed to be new apartment buildings. All of these projects are moving forward at the same time, and while it's exciting in theory to watch it all, people living in Beacon are feeling a desire to take a minute to catch up, to see how these are planned to progress, before it all happens, and to learn more about who owns these properties.

More and more residents are "coming online" about this issue. People who normally don't pay attention to boring Zoning Board meetings are starting to pay attention, so that they can know what to expect - what's coming down the pike. Because no matter what, when you see major construction happening, it can be surprising.

In Beacon, there are only a few local media sources. A Little Beacon Blog, The Beacon Free Press, and based in Philipstown but covering Beacon, The Highlands Current. Which sometimes makes it difficult to get information. Facebook groups often turn up leads, but are awash with emotion, speculation, facts, and everything else. Beacon beat reporter Jeff Simms has been covering these building projects for some time for The Highlands Current.

A Little Beacon Blog will begin covering development as well, and we will do so as carefully as we can. The learning curve is steep, and we are all in this learning process together. The feeling of Community is very strong in Beacon. That feeling does not exist in every community - it's something really special here. There is a desire to preserve that feeling, and continue living small, even while the city grows. Living smaller but bigger. It's possible, it's just a careful job.

This Saturday, The Beahive is hosting a public forum that focuses on zoning in Beacon. It seems to serve as a Zoning 101 for people who are unfamiliar with nuances in Beacon's code that could allow - or not allow - buildings to get built in a certain way. And exactly what that "certain way" is, is varied and can look like pretty much anything. To help see what that looks like, the forum this Saturday at Beahive will be facilitated by City Council Member Lee Kyriacou (who will be acting as a private citizen, not representing Beacon in any official capacity). Those who watch City Council meetings or other meetings know that Lee is one for detail, whose jam seems to be property issues. At a recent City Council meeting that had a very large public turnout to discuss the rezoning of Central Main Street, Lee commented that he was happy to see how many people were "nerding out" about issues that usually very few do. The whole City Council, the Mayor and the City Administrator are working together to address growth issues in Beacon.

A number of planning and zoning experts will be at the Beahive event to take questions from the audience.

The forum is on Saturday, December 15, from 9:30 to 11:30 am at Beahive, in the Telephone Building at 291 Main St., Beacon, NY.

The Shopping Guide Shuffle: The Latest in New + Old Shops in Beacon

Just when there seemed to be a settling in of the stores, a whole lot of movement happened in the storefront community on Main Street Beacon. Here are a few moves:

Closed: Trendy Tots - Beacon's Kids Consignment Store

296 Main Street
Beacon, NY 12508
Trendy Tots Take Two, the kids consignment store in the sweet corner yellow house, has closed. Owned by a husband and wife team, this store had been a resource for parents who consigned gently used kids' stuff, and bought low-priced, high-quality items. Owner Jenn had a discerning eye for threads and did not accept everything that was brought into the store. Toward the end of summer 2017, the store posted a sign that said it would be closed until September. Small business owners often make personal choices like this - basing Open Hours around family needs. One time, Jenn was in a car accident and hurt her hip. Another time, the couple were caring for an aging parent and their open hours became inconsistent, but later returned to normal.

But September came and went, and the shop never reopened. In fact, the building and the grassy lot next to it, as well as the warehouse behind that which was known to be rented by artists from time to time, were put on the market to be sold. Asking price was $1 million. According to the realtor, there has been an offer on the property. The merchandise inside of the store has been removed, and we were unable to reach the owners to see if Trendy Tots is relocating.

Open: Wee Bitty Kids - New Kids Consignment Store

178 Main Street
Beacon, NY 12508
Just in the nick of time, a local mom, Jenny Donovan, opened Wee Bitty Kids, LLC, near Artisan Wine Shop on the west end of town near Bank Square Coffee. This has replaced the vintage shop Classic Couture Fashion Boutique. The owner of Classic Couture, Leah, has said she will send us an update when she finds the next location for her collection of vintage fashions.

In the meantime, Jenny is taking new consigners and has new and gently used clothing and items for sale. You can learn more about the store via Classic Couture's website and Facebook page.

Note: The new shop, Wee Bitty Kids, has no connection to the volunteer-based nonprofit group, the Wee Play Project, who runs the annual Ree-Play Sale fundraiser every April to raise money for Beacon's parks and library projects.

Loopy Mango Replaces Heart & Soul Apothecary

500 Main Street
Beacon, NY 12508
Longtime oils concoction artist, Leah Quinn, maintained a storefront at this corner store. Inside, she carried anything you might need to solve most any ailment. If it wasn't there, Leah would tell you how to make it. Over the summer of 2017, Leah packed it in at the storefront and went digital all the way. She seems to be exploding from her website, offering Subscription Boxes, workshops, and what looks to be a new line of clothing, like this hoodie.  Don't worry, you can still get Leah's Wonder Salve online here! It truly is wonderful, especially for eczema and sufferers of super chapped lips.

Loopy Mango has replaced the physical location of Heart & Soul, and ... all we can say is Wow. No stranger to retail, Loopy Mango has over 41,000 followers on Instagram, and has had a store in New York City since 2004. This location is all about "big loop" yarn, which is some really big and soft strands of yarn. They are so into it, they make their own in Key Largo, FL. Who is "they"? The business owners are corporate refugees who met in an art class, while "Loopy" is a German shepherd, and "Mango" is an orange cat. As for the people, according to their website:

Waejong Kim was born in Korea. She moved to Japan for college and after graduating from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies she worked as an interpreter and later opened a Korean fusion restaurant in Nagoya, Japan. She moved to New York after 9/11 and worked for a corporate housing company. She taught herself how to crochet, took a long vacation, and never returned to the corporate world. Waejong has a German shepherd named Loopy and and orange cat named Mango.

Anna Pulvermakher was born in Russia. She moved to Seattle, WA, with her family and after graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in Mathematics, she worked for Microsoft and Expedia as a Software Test Engineer. In 2003, she moved to New York to pursue her dream of becoming a professional artist.

Hudson Valley Fitness Center Renames to Zoned Fitness

Hudson Valley Fitness has rebranded to Zoned Fitness, and boy are they in the zone. We've watched their website for a number of years as we looked up information for A Little Beacon Blog's Adult Classes Guide, and the latest updates demonstrate that they are clearly in the zone, and are ready to transform your body. Their services Include food and nutrition training as well. Branding done by Beacon locals Rabe & Co.

New Fitness Center Coming Soon - The Studio at Beacon

Also on our radar! The Studio@Beacon, down near the Howland Public Library and Royal Crepes, is opening in January and will have a juice bar. Based on what drives the owners, the studio will likely specialize in boxing and cycling. With creative branding done by Kingston Creative.(P.S. Kingston Creative kind of has a thing for Beacon, and just released a 16 Most Instagrammed Places in Beacon, according to actual numbers. You'd be surprised who made the list!)

Happening This Weekend - 12/15/2017

Your Winter Wonderland dreams are coming true! This year, there is a good chance we'll all be able to go through a holiday lights show that isn't completely muddy! We are in the season of Elfing! Elf magic, as made by you. Gifts, cards, porch drop-offs, little special things you are doing for people. For ideas on food pantries to contribute to, see our Food Pantries Guide here. For amazing gift ideas and lustworthy things you might need, see our Shopping Guide. It's always being updated, and currently has new shops on both ends of Main Street. Article Alert! Want to be in A Little Beacon Blog? We are going Holiday House Lights Hunting in Beacon and want to know where your light display is. Submit cross streets or addresses in the comments section of this post, or send an email to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com. Bring on the magic! Tell Your Friends: Anything they need to know about Beacon, like where to shop, eat or take a class of any kind, can all be found in A Little Beacon's Guides. They're updated pretty much constantly: Art Galleries Restaurant Guide Shopping Guide Beauty Guide Adult Classes or Kids Classes Seasonal: Pumpkins & Parades Guide

Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance. SAVE THE DATE: Beacon's East End Shopping Association Presents Shop Late! Sip, Snack + Shop Day: Thursday, December 21, 2017 Time: Shops open until 9 pm! Location: East end of Main Street Shops on the East End of Beacon have aligned to help bring awareness to that end of town, after the sharp curve in the road where people don't think to venture. Take the adventure! Follow the sidewalk until it ends. Participating shops will be open late, starting at Beacon Bath & Bubble, through Utensil, Waddle n Swaddle and Style Storehouse, all the way to The Blushery. Just keep walking! Park in the free parking lot by The Green Room, or down behind SallyeAnder in the free public parking lot at Hudson Valley Brewery. Information > Beacon Historical Society Holiday Party & Open House Day: Friday, December 15, 2017 Time: 4 to 8 pm Location: Beacon Historical Society, 17 South Ave., Beacon, NY Information > Thom Joyce’s Open Mic Night Day: Friday, December 15, 2017 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Beacon Zoning Forum Day: Saturday, December 16, 2017 Time: 9:30 to 11:30 am Location: BEAHIVE Beacon, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY In light of the current development boom in Beacon, with some resulting snafus and public outcry, the City of Beacon is reviewing its zoning laws. Come to this open meeting to learn how zoning works, what current zoning laws are, what proposed changes would do, etc. Questions are welcome. City council member Lee Kyriacou will facilitate the discussion — operating in this capacity as a private citizen. He’ll be joined by a number of planning and zoning experts. There’s no particular stance at the meeting, just open and honest information sharing. Information > Annual Fine Arts & Craft Small Gifts Holiday Show Opening Reception Day: Saturday, December 16, 2017 Time: 3 to 5 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Chaotica Day: Saturday, December 16, 2017 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Blue Christmas Day: Saturday, December 16, 2017 Time: 5 pm Location: First Presbyterian Church of Beacon, 50 Liberty St., Beacon, NY Feeling blue right now? Then this event may be for you. Information > Live Performance with Joe McPhee & Billy Stein Day: Saturday, December 16, 2017 Time: 7 to 9 pm Location: Hudson Valley Vinyl, 267 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > “Christmas from Ireland” with Irish ensemble Lunasa & Ashley Davis Day: Saturday, December 16, 2017 Time: 8:30 pm Location: The Towne Crier, 379 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Children’s Christmas Pageant Day: Sunday, December 17, 2017 Time: 10 am Location: First Presbyterian Church, 50 Liberty St., Beacon, NY Information > "Deck The Halls At Cafe Sizzle" Day: Sunday, December 17, 2017 Time: 5 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.     Coloring Books for Adults Day: Tuesday, December 19, 2017 Time: 6 to 7:30 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Adult Classes Guide.   Art & Zine Club Meetup Day: Friday, December 15, 2017 Time: 3:30 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Snapology Lego Holiday Workshop Day: Saturday, December 16, 2017 Time: 1:30 to 3 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Printed Patterns Family Workshop Day: Saturday, December 9, 2017 Time: 1 to 3 pm Location: Compass Arts, 395 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Kids Classes Guide.   The Vault 446 Main Street Come in to The Vault, and relax with a nice Vanilla Old Fashioned, mixed with Beacon Bourbon, housemade vanilla simple syrup, fresh orange and apricot bitters. Take in the aroma, then order a cheese plate for a perfectly paired snack! Where is The Vault? Near Beacon Bath & Bubble. Thank you to The Vault and to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!     BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END   Luxe Optique 183 Main Street Gorgeous. That's how these festive, cat-eye, high-end handcrafted frames by Thom Browne will make you feel. The square semi-rimless glasses in gray and silver are luxurious, indulgent, and bold.  Where is Luxe Optique? Across the block from Beacon Bread Company. BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END PARKING HINT: Park behind 1 East Main, by the Hudson Valley Brewery, and use the back walkway entrance up to Main Street! Style Storehouse 484 Main Street A rotating cast of accessories completes an outfit, while keeping it distinct from the last time(s) you wore it. New jewelry by Five and Two is on the shelves at Style Storehouse, where there's always good music playing and sweets at the counter. Charm necklaces are gold-plated and great for layering, or are lovely alone. Try them on. Play! Where is Style Storehouse? Near Waddle n Swaddle. Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main, Retail #3 This dreamy two-piece gown by Lillian West features sequin embellishments, a sweetheart neckline and natural waist. The perfectly shaped ballgown skirt is made of tulle and has a chapel-length train. Simply beautiful. Where is Lambs Hill Bridal? In the renovated factory building near the historic dummy light. Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide!  Bellus on Main, Luxe Optique, Lambs Hill, and Style Storehouse. The easiest and most loved gift certificates are those that take care of Beauty! Find gift certificates to any of Beacon's service businesses - for hot stone massage, hair, makeup, or lashes - in A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide! SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS Rhinebeck Bank It's your last chance to participate in Rhinebeck Bank's collection of new toys for Grace Smith House's annual toy drive, benefiting kids who stay with them during times of safety and transition. See here for more information on how you can donate. Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency Gift the gift of a Whole Life Insurance Policy to your children or grandchildren while they are healthy, thereby making it easy for them to take over as adults and keep the lower rate. Call Antalek & Moore today for more information: (845) 245-6292. Beacon Chamber of Commerce Are you new in town? Join the Beacon Chamber of Commerce to connect with other businesses and show your support for the community. Elections for new board members are in January, so now is the time to hook in with this organization! Click here to join online. BeaconArts GOING ON NOW The Illumin8 2017: BHA + BeaconArts Bicycle Menorah has begun. You'll find the unique menorah on display at its new location, the Beacon Building at 427 Main Street (the building with the green NuSpecies sign). A new wheel lights up on each of eight nights in honor of different groups: Volunteers, Educators, First Responders, Children, Business Owners, Clergy, Activists, Artists and Musicians. One of the best ways to make sure this uniquely Beacon tradition continues is by making a donation to BeaconArts, which you can do right here, online. A Little Beacon Space Need a last-minute location for your holiday event? A Little Beacon Space has our sleek tree up! To book your private event, see here for pictures and details. InHouse Design Media Are you stuck on something with your website? Do you have bunches of questions? InHouse Design Media is designing in-person classes for you to attend. Got questions? Let us know about them and we might offer a class to find answers! Tin Shingle Coming Soon to Tin Shingle's Community Membership Level... Hudson Valley Monday Morning Meetings! Inspired by our super local community awesomeness, we are starting monthly meetings for members to connect. More to come, so keep your eyes on this space... NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Advertise in A Little Beacon Blog All of the 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! Sponsors make the local media go round. Reach our readers and support our publication at the same time. Advertising with A Little Beacon Blog is effective because we design ways to make it work for you. See our Media Kit for ideas! Click here to learn about ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog. Until next week!