Latest Changes to Draft Legislation for Airbnb in Beacon, NY (Short-Term Rental)

The Beacon City Council has made changes to the proposed legislation it is currently considering, to regulate short-term rentals by homeowners, commonly referred to as Airbnb-ing one's home. These changes are being discussed today in a City Council workshop meeting. The topic is #4 on the workshop agenda, which includes a dozen other areas for discussion. You can see all of the changes here at the city's website in red underlines and strike-throughs in the link called "Short Term Rentals LL."

The city has received a lot of public feedback about short-term rentals and Airbnb spaces in Beacon. The topic was first discussed in 2014, and with the city's skyrocketing popularity, addressing lodging space has only become more urgent. Since the City Council began to revisit potential short-term rental legislation, the following major changes have appeared in the public draft of the proposed city law. It would be the first of its kind for Beacon, and will be discussed at tonight's City Council workshop.

• Language was removed from the overall introduction of the law that implied that short-term rentals in and of themselves cause bad behavior and disruption to neighborhoods at large.
• "Non-owner" specification added to the determination that short-term rentals are inconsistent with the use of a residence for residential dwelling purposes.
• Campers, garages, sheds, and other structures not approved for residential use - temporary or permanent - remain un-rentable in short-term residential situations.
  Editor's note: Just as an FYI, businesses that rent campers on their property, such as Kate's Lazy Meadow in the Catskills do exist, and require their own sets of business and insurance filings.
• "Owner" has been more refined to exclude "entity corporation, limited-liability company, partnership," in addition to other forms of entities like a trust, or guardian of an estate.
• Spaces available as rent-able have been more defined.
• Requirements of the owner to show where the house has been advertised have been reduced.
• Owner-occupancy remains the required status, which means that people would not be able to rent out a second or third home they owned on a short-term basis. The home would need to be the primary residence of the owner.
• Weddings, concerts and other commercial uses of a property would remain unlawful for short-term rental.
• The 100 days per year maximum amount of rental days has been removed. Nearly everyone who spoke at the public hearing for short-term rentals was opposed to that maximum. At that meeting, Council Member John Rembert voiced a request to "revisit the 100-day" maximum.
• Permits would be required once the law is signed, and those who already rent out would have "45 days to file an application to obtain a short-term rental permit and 90 days to receive such short- term rental permit before any violations are issued" by the Building Department, unless the Building Department gets delayed.

The entire proposed law, called "Short Term Rentals LL," is here for you to read." The document at the link includes more changes not highlighted here.

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Airbnb Paid Over $220K in Taxes to Dutchess County in 2017

Photo Credit: Screenshot from Airbnb listings, A Little Beacon Blog.

As the City of Beacon considers legislation for short-term rentals in residential houses, everyone involved is looking at their finances. During a public hearing for the legislation, homeowners who rent their homes out on a per-night, short-term basis, came out to speak in favor of continuing to allow short-term rentals in their homes. Many of the homeowners discussed financial implications they would face if Beacon legislated against short-term rentals or limited the amount of nightly rentals to 100 per year per house (the City Council has since scratched out that maximum from the draft legislation currently being discussed at City Council's Workshop meeting on 4/30/18), or imposing a New York State fire code law for Bed and Breakfasts that requires a sprinkler system or special windows installed in the home.

Other Areas of Economy Impacted by Airbnb

A Beacon resident and Airbnb user, Eileen O'Hare, shed light on another economic area that is impacted by Airbnb rentals, and that is the service industry. According to Eileen's presentation at the public hearing, Airbnb recommends for homeowners to pay for house cleaning and lawn care in order to attract good and consistent bookings. She then posed this question to the City Council at that meeting: "I pay my cleaning lady $25 per hour. What do you pay yours?"

Tax Revenue Going to Dutchess County Generated by Airbnb Bookings

People who make money from Airbnb bookings, like house cleaners, also attended the meeting to request that the short-term rentals be allowed to continue. This got us to thinking about the wider economic impact of short-term rentals on the area, and so we reached out to Dutchess County Legislator Nick Page to get some answers about any revenue generated by the Bed Tax. That tax, as well as sales tax, goes straight to Dutchess County and does not directly get paid to the City of Beacon. Here are some economic statistics derived from tax revenue raised for Dutchess County through Airbnb short-term bookings, according to Nick's understanding, from conversations with the Dutchess County Department of Finance:

• Airbnb paid a total of $221,918 of the 4% Bed Tax to Dutchess County for 2017. 

• Dutchess County began collecting the 4% Bed Tax from hosts using the Airbnb platform on March 1, 2017. 

• The payments to the county are not broken down by municipality (i.e. city, town, or village) and the county does not have access to the host addresses from Airbnb.

• Airbnb remits one payment to the county by the 20th of each month for the preceding month's activity.

• Dutchess County is about to begin tracking other short-term rental sites as well. Currently, Dutchess County only collects from Airbnb.

The discussion continues, as the City Council meets tonight to go over the latest changes to the draft legislation based on feedback from the community. On the public agenda for tonight, this topic is filed under "Short-Term Rentals" and is currently #4 out of 12 topics to discuss. Bring your coffee.

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Found Some Red Dot Beacon Open Studios and Saw This

While out perusing the studios, we happened to find the original artwork used for the Beacon Open Studios brochure map this year! The artist, RoArt, was showing at Spire Studios, and we featured her last year as well! She works at a foundry, and after finishing some painting work on a sculpture, she laid the paintbrushes down in a circle. She was captivated by the fanned-out arrangement and colors, so she captured the brush scene, then painted them vibrantly.

The tools in the picture are from metalsmith Kit Burke-Smith. She brought her tools down from her upstairs studio to show and tell curious visitors what they do and how they were used to create different pieces of jewelry.

The next house was on Orchard, but we were too late to go inside. Lucky for us, plenty of work was on display in the window! Then we headed over to see Stanley Lindwasser’s house/studio, down Lafayette Avenue opposite Tompkins Terrace, but the sky grew so ominous that we vowed to return tomorrow.

Where did you hop? 

Happening This Weekend 4/27/2018

Double, even triple the usual Beacon fun! Guess what you get to do this weekend: Beacon Open Studios, Beacon Dog Parade, and the Ree-Play Tag Sale. There's no wrong answer! This weekend, four-legged friends are celebrated with the Beacon Barks Parade & Street Festival. While you are out, watch for the red signs everywhere - they mark where an artist's studio is, and you're invited to come in to see how they work! Pick up a map showing all of the artists, here at A Little Beacon Blog's office at 291 Main Street, or at other shop locations. A Little Beacon Blog is a proud sponsor of Beacon Open Studios this year. It's one of our favorite outdoor/indoor events that identifies Beacon. BTW: It's so beautiful in Beacon right now! Despite the rain. Everything is blooming!                   Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance. The Annual Beacon Barks Parade & Street Festival Day: Saturday, April 28, 2018 Time: 11 am to 3 pm Location: Main Street, Beacon, NY, starting at Polhill Park (corner of 9D and South Avenue across from Bank Square Coffee) Information > 14th Annual Ree-Play Sale Benefiting Community Parks in Beacon Day: Friday to Sunday, April 27-29, 2018 Time: 9 am to 1 pm Location: 724 Wolcott Ave., Beacon NY (use the same driveway as the Beacon Pool) It's time to shop and score great deals on kids' clothes, gear and toys! The Ree-Play Children's Tag Sale is a fundraising effort from Wee Play Community Project, that impacts your life in Beacon. Not only will you score a major deal on some gear that just might change your children's lives forever (ok, maybe for five minutes), but your purchase helps buy equipment for three parks in Beacon (Tot Park at Memorial Park, Green Street Park, and Riverfront Park) in addition to funding kids' programming at the Howland Library and other initiatives around the city. Beacon Open Studios Weekend Days: Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29 Time: Noon to 6 pm Location: All. Over. Beacon!) It's a citywide exploration of artists in their studios. Studios can be in an artist's home or in a different location. Pick up a printed map/brochure of where to find each artist in Oak Vino Wine Bar, A Little Beacon Space, and other storefronts. Information > Wickham Wood Scrap Sale Days: Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29, 2018 Time: Noon to 6 pm Location: Wickham Solid Wood Studio, 578 Main St., Beacon, NY 3rd Annual Newburgh Urban Farming Fair Day: Saturday, April 28, 2018 Time: Noon to 4 pm Location: 80 Broadway, Newburgh, NY Information > Hudson Valley Mac and Cheese Festival Day: Saturday, April 28, 2018 Time: 1 to 5 pm Location:  Brotherhood, America's Oldest Winery - 100 Brotherhood Plaza Drive, Washingtonville, NY Information > Expansion - Art Auction Fundraiser Day: Saturday, April 28, 2018 Time: 5:30 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 447 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Niche Modern’s Semi-Annual Factory Sale Day: Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29, 2018 Time: Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm Location: 310 Fishkill Ave., Beacon NY Information > Classics for Kids presents “The Joke’s On You” Day: Sunday, April 29, 2018 Time: Noon Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Meet An In-Shop Artist, In Person Day: Sunday, April 29, 2018 Time: 1 to 4 pm Location: Wares, 2 Tioronda Ave., Beacon, NY Information > Howland Chamber Music Circle presents Harlem String Quartet with Michael Brown, Piano Day: Sunday, April 29, 2018 Time: 4 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.     Make & Take Workshop Day: Saturday, April 28, 2018 Time: 1 to 3 pm Location: Knot Too Shabby, 155 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > A Mother’s Stove: A Four-Course Cooking Class & Dinner Day: Saturday, April 28, 2018 Time: 6 pm Location: Beacon Pantry, 382 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Moneta Dress (Advanced Beginner) Day: Saturday, April 28, 2018 Time: 1 to 5 pm Location: Beetle & Fred, 171 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Quilting 101 with Katy Hope (four sessions) Day: Sundays: April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 2018 Time: 10 am to 1 pm Location: Beetle & Fred, 171 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Chalk Paint 101® - The Annie Sloan Method Day: Sunday, April 29, 2018 Time: 9 am to noon Location: Knot Too Shabby, 155 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Sewing School for Beginners with Katy Hope (four sessions) Day: Mondays: April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 2018 Time: 11 am to 1 pm Location: Beetle & Fred, 171 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes and workshops of all kinds, visit our Adult Classes Guide. Fun with Science - 3D Printer Meet & Greet Day: Friday, April 27, 2018 Time: 3 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Camp FIT Open House Day: Saturday, April 28, 2018 Time: 11 am to 2 pm Location: All Sport Health & Fitness, 17 Old Main St., Fishkill, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Kids Classes Guide.   Miles of Hope 15th Annual Family Fun 5K & Kids Run Day: Saturday, April 28, 2018 Time: 8 am (registration), 10 am (kids), 10:30 am (5K) Location: Tymor Park, 8 Tymor Park Road, LaGrangeville, NY Information > 17th Annual Autism Walk & Expo Day: Sunday, April 29, 2018 Time: 8:30 am to 1 pm Location: Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6550 Spring Brook Ave., Rhinebeck, NY Information >   Thank you to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!     BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END   Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com (across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company) Luxe Optique's very own Christos is sporting transition lenses in his Eyevan aviators! This spring season, finally upon us, is perfect for trying transition lenses, which tint darker or lighter depending on the light. Built-in, automatic protection from the sun's rays.   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the dummy light) Coming soon: outdoor bridal photo shoots at the stunning Lambs Hill venue! Visit Lambs Hill's bridal boutique, just down the hill/mountain on Main Street, to see this Justin Alexander gown, which is perfect for winter brides. The back of the dress is stunning... but you'll need to go into the store to see for yourself!   Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! Wares, Luxe Optique, and Lambs Hill. Where can you get your hair done in Beacon? Or have a beard trim? Find out in A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide! TIP: Up the hill from Lambs Hill Bridal is The Blushery, a makeup counter and laser hair removal boutique all in one, serving men and women. SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency The insurance agents at Antalek & Moore are independent agents. This means that they go out and find a great rate and fit for your car insurance needs. You don't need to do the homework - they do. Give them a call today if you are buying a car and need new insurance or you're interested in switching. Call (845) 831-4300, or visit their location on Main Street! Or contact them here. Rhinebeck Bank A Little Beacon Blog just met with these ladies from the Beacon branch of Rhinebeck Bank! They are new managers there, and are digging into the Beacon community to get to know you better. Meet Rosa Hoag (left), Business Development Officer, and Carolyn Manfreda-Haines (right), AVP, Area Branch Manager. Learn more here in our Instagram >   Katie James, Inc. Hi. Meet Katie James, Inc., the design company behind A Little Beacon Blog and Tin Shingle. You may remember the name InHouse Design Media in this spot. A rebrand is going on, and we're excited to share more about it with you over the coming weeks. Tin Shingle Tin Shingle's business and artist member meeting is held the last Monday of every month. We talk marketing strategies, what's working and not working. Agenda: The Cupcake Festival is May 5. How will you market to 10,000 people whizzing by your shop? Join Tin Shingle's Community Level 1 Membership and Come to the Meeting > BeaconArts Our most favoritest artist holiday of the year! Beacon Open Studios is NOW - this weekend - April 28 and 29 in studios all over town! Beacon Chamber of Commerce Attend the Beacon Chamber of Commerce May Member Meet-Up. Meet and mingle with other businesses in Beacon and beyond, as the chamber's membership expands to include other communities who want to work together. You don't have to be a member to attend. When: Tuesday, May 1, 2018 Time: 5:30 to 7 pm Location: Max's on Main, 246 Main St., Beacon NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Advertise in A Little Beacon Blog A Little Beacon Blog gets more than 14,500 views per month, with over 3,100 followers at Facebook and 2,700 at Instagram, as well as our 1,100 newsletter subscribers. The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps get local news produced. You can be part of what makes it happen, and get your business in front of the community. Click here to reach our readers > Until next week!

Hunting for Beacon Open Studios! Follow the Red Dots

Part of the thrill of experiencing Beacon Open Studios is finding each studio somewhere in Beacon. Similar to how we hunt for Christmas lights at night, we drive or jog around town looking for the red dot in yards and sidewalks, signaling that there is an artist inside waiting to show you their actual studio and finished (or unfinished) art. Step inside to see the studio in this picture, and you'll discover the metalsmith Kit Burke-Smith at 5 Orchard Place.

You can pick up an actual map in different shops around town, or here at our office at A Little Beacon Blog. Once again, we are a proud sponsor of this event, as it’s one of our favorites of the indoor/outdoor events that define Beacon. Or you can get the map on your phone, by going to the Beacon Open Studios website, for a really slick experience to help you hit the artists' studios you want. 

Ambling is encouraged! 

Kablam - Spring Has Sprung in Beacon!

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

It happened! Finally!

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
 

We can leave our houses (is that safe to say without jinxing?) without coats and the sun is shining! Must get sunglasses from Luxe Optique or Style Storehouse!

After four solid snow days, one each week during March (possibly every Wednesday in March was an official snow day for the school district), the sunshine and tree blossoms are amazing.

Spending time down at Dia:Beacon while everything is in bloom, and taking in the spectacular view of the Hudson River is so special in Beacon.  

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
 

HOT THING TO DO TIP: Beacon residents get to enjoy free admission each Saturday and Sunday down at Dia:Beacon, so get your plans on. Like this tip? Find others like it in A Little Beacon Blog’s Repeating Event Guide. If you find yourself on a Wednesday wondering what to do, check out that Guide for an easy list of suggestions.

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
 

Windows On Main Street 2018 Seeking Submissions For Artists and Sponsors - Deadline June 1st

Are you planning to take part in this year's Windows On Main Street here in Beacon? Get your submission ready, because the deadline to sign up as an artist or sponsr is Friday, June 1, 2018. The opening party will be held Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Oak Vino Wine Bar at 389 Main St.

A Little Beacon Blog is a proud sponsor of this event, and we look forward to seeing how it will turn out, and what kind of conversations it will start. Remember yarnbombing?

And the 2018 Theme Is...

There is no theme this year! Artists are encouraged to make this year's installation truly their own, with organizers' encouragement to share the best representation of the artist's work. Says Diana Currie, organizer of WOMS, "Our hope is that the freedom of having no theme this year will push participants to create some exceptional work."

Sponsorship packages  are open now and range from $25 to $250, which includes online and print advertisement options. Businesses who are interested in making their storefront windows available for the exhibition can email windowsonmainstreet@gmail.com. Participating artists can apply here. Artists must install their work at the partner business between Monday, August 6, and Friday, August 10.

Visit www.windowsonmainstreet.com or email windowsonmainstreet@gmail.com if you have questions or would like more information.

Buying a Home With Local Bankers at Rhinebeck Bank (Sponsored)

Financing Your Home With Rhinebeck Bank

When you buy a home, it's common to experience feelings after the initial baby step excitement, like "Ohmygosh I love this home!" which (fingers crossed!) turns into "ohmygosh they accepted my offer!"

And then begins the rest of the process of buying a home. Lucky for this happy couple, they worked with mortgage lender Susan Utter of Rhinebeck Bank. They could barely contain their excitement after closing on a house, and praised Susan: "What an adventure this whole crazy home-buying process has been! You calmed the wild mortgage jungles with grace, patience, and expertise, helping us navigate through the financial waters... Thank you for everything!"

Rhinebeck Bank has been committed to the home purchasing experience in the Hudson Valley for decades. Sound interesting? You could check online right now to see if you're approved for financing. Or visit a local branch, like the one in Beacon near Dutchess Stadium, or the big white branch in the New England-style building on the way into Fishkill. Applications can be completed in as quickly as 15 minutes.

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Rhinebeck Bank is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and this article was created with them as part of our Sponsor Spotlight article 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.

Photo Credits: Photos came from Rhinebeck Bank Mortgage Lender Susan Utter's Facebook page. Screenshot of "for sale" sign came from Rhinebeck Bank's Welcome Home video.

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Dispose of Cords and Batteries at Best Buy in Poughkeepsie

Bummed out by dusty cords and batteries in your basement graveyard? Dispose of them here at Best Buy in Poughkeepsie.

Personally, we love shopping and walking into brick-and-mortar stores - both mom and pop, and the big box type. Both kinds employ our neighbors and let people connect, in person. And they can also create opportunities like this to recycle.

We've been mourning the loss of Babies R Us and the knowledgeable people who worked there for years and years. So we're happy to hear that Best Buy locations are holding up. Shopping in person is such a different experience than shopping online. That’s why Amazon is looking to buy shells of fallen big box stores - possibly at Amazon’s expense. If you want to see a store succeed, go inside, not online. Though online shopping can benefit small local favorite retailers - hit up local favorites Dream in Plastic and Style Storehouse online! - it is usually way more fun inside.

See A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide for ways you can shop all of Beacon. 

HYDRANT FLUSHING STARTING IN BEACON APRIL 23, 2018: WATCH FOR BROWN WATER

From The Desk of the Mayor:

The City of Beacon Water Department will be flushing water mains throughout the City starting April 23 for a four-week period. The flushing will be conducted from 7 a.m. through 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Residents may experience periods of discolored water during this time and should refrain from doing laundry until the water runs clear. If your water is discolored, run the cold water taps until the water runs clear. If you have any questions call the Water Department at (845) 831-3136.

Week 1 – April 30

Alice Street
Anderson Street
Annan Street
Birch Lane
DePuyster Avenue
East Main Street
Exeter Circle
Helen Court
Green Street
Jackson Street
Linden Drive
Louisa Street
Mountain Lane
Overlook Avenue
Petticoat Lane
Phillips Street
Roundtree Court
Robin Lane
Spring Valley Street
Spruce Street
Summit Street
Westley Avenue
William Street
Wilson Street
Vail Avenue

Week 2 – May 7

Barrett Place
Deerfield Place
Delevan Avenue
Dutchess Terrace
Fishkill Avenue
Franklin Avenue
Kent Street
Lincoln Avenue
Mackin Avenue
Memorial Park
Route 9D near VanNess
Townsend Street
Verplanck Avenue

Week 3 – May 14

Beskin Place
Coffey Avenue
Ellen Drive
Grandview Avenue
High Goal Lane
John Street
Miller Street
Newlin Mills Road
Paye Street
Rombout Avenue
Simmons Lane
Slocum Road
Sycamore Drive
Wodenethe Drive
Van Dyke Avenue
Victor Road

Week 4 – May 21

Bayview Avenue
Belleford Lane
Branch Street
Dennings Avenue
Fishkill Landing
Long Dock Road
Monell Place
Riverfront Park
Tompkins Avenue
West Main Street

Happening This Weekend 4/20/2018

It's spring, and so begins the jam-packed weekends of annual events that define a season and Beacon's community. This weekend Beacon celebrates Earth Day, with a nine-location cleanup. Record Store Day is also upon us. Let's see what you decide to take advantage of... even if it's just one event! PS: For those wandering around looking for something to do on a particular day, A Little Beacon Blog has a Guide for that! It's called the Repeating Events Guide (though we're looking for another name so send your ideas), and has events listed like the Bridge Club that meets every Monday at the Howland Cultural Center, or the Daytime Book Club that meets every second Tuesday at the Howland Library. PPS: If you love these Guides and want to be super awesome, consider making your business or group a lead sponsor of them, which helps A Little Beacon Blog make them possible! See our Media Kit for details on how to reach our readership. Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance. Movies That Matter: “SEED: The Untold Story” Day: Friday, April 20, 2018 Time: 7 to 9 pm Location: First Presbyterian Church of Beacon - McKinley Hall, 50 Liberty St., Beacon, NY Information > National Day of Action Against Gun Violence Day: Friday, April 20, 2018 Time: 11 am to 3 pm Location: Memorial Park, Beacon, NY This happened already, but here's what it was about > Earth Day! Celebration at Stony Kill Farm Day: Saturday, April 21, 2018 Time: 11 am to 1 pm Location: Stony Kill Farm, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY Information > Record Store Day 2018 Day: Saturday, April 21, 2018 Time: An all-day affair. Plan accordingly! Location: Various locations, visit Events Guide for details  Information > The Third Annual Leap for Autism    Day: Saturday, April 21, 2018 Time: 10 am to 12:30 pm Location: Skydive the Ranch, Gardiner, NY Information > The Inaugural Blacc Vanilla Black Tie Gala Day: Saturday, April 21, 2018 Time: 7:30 pm Location: Blacc Vanilla, 195 Front St., Newburgh, NY Information > Beacon Celebrates Earth Day Cleanup Day: Sunday, April 22, 2018 Time: 10 am to 2 pm Location: Visit Green Beacon for locations Information > Puerto Rico Benefit Concert Day: Sunday, April 22, 2018 Time: 5 to 7 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.     Make & Take Workshop Days: Saturday, April 21, 2018 Time: 1 to 3 pm Location: Knot Too Shabby, 155 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Workshop - Visioning for Change: Map Your Purpose and Change the World Day: Saturday, April 21, 2018 Time: 6 pm Location: BEAHIVE, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Visible Mending (Beginner & Up) Day: Saturday, April 21, 2018 Time: 2 to 5 pm Location: Beetle & Fred, 171 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes and workshops of all kinds, visit our Adult Classes Guide. Art & Zine Club Meetup Day: Friday, April 20, 2018 Time: 3:30 to 5 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit our Kids Classes Guide.   Thank you to BAJA for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!     BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END   Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com (across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company) Ryon from Luxe Optique loves the non-glare coating on his glasses, especially for night driving. He says: "A premium non-glare coating is necessary for all eyeglass wearers - I couldn’t ever give up mine! Makes night-driving 👌🏼!"   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the dummy light) This beautiful bohemian Lillian West gown is light and breezy with an allover geometric lace, a perfect choice for a hot wedding in the middle of the dry desert out west. Experience it now - in Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique!   Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide: Wares, Luxe Optique, and Lambs Hill! Where can you get your hair done in Beacon? Or have a beard trim? Find out in A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide! TIP: Up the hill from Lambs Hill is The Blushery, a makeup counter and laser hair removal boutique all in one, serving both men and women! SPOTLIGHT SPONSOR HIGHLIGHTS Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency The insurance agents at Antalek & Moore are independent agents. This means that they go out and find a great rate and fit for your car insurance needs. You don't need to do the homework - they do. Give them a call today if you are buying a car and needing new insurance or are switching. Call (845) 831-4300, or stop by their office on Main Street! Or contact them here. Rhinebeck Bank This weekend's event, The Third Annual Leap for Autism, should be inspiring and helpful. Rhinebeck Bank is a proud sponsor of the event. They interviewed parents and students at Greystone Programs about their experiences with the center. Greystone is dedicated to supporting children, adults, and families living with autism and other developmental disabilities by enriching lives one person at a time. Learn more about them here >   InHouse Design Media The photographers and designers of InHouse Design Media can help you take amazing pictures to pump up your Instagram. This four-week private workshop is like an amazing fitness class, but for your photos. Details > BeaconArts Our most favoritest artist holiday of the year! Beacon Open Studios is coming, Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29, to artist studios all over town! Get the brochure here at A Little Beacon Blog’s Office, 291 Main St., First Floor, First Door. A Little Beacon Blog is a proud sponsor of Beacon Open Studios! Tin Shingle Save the Date: Monday, April 30 Tin Shingle's business and artist member meeting is always held the Last Monday of the Month. We talk marketing strategies, what's working and not working. The focus this month: Facebook has been a Creative Crutch for your marketing, but it's now time to branch out. Join Tin Shingle's Community Level 1 Membership > Beacon Chamber of Commerce Are you looking to get exposure for your business location? Host a Beacon Chamber of Commerce meeting! Click here for details. NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Advertise in A Little Beacon Blog A Little Beacon Blog receives more than 14,500 views/month, with over 3,100 followers at Facebook and 2,700 at Instagram. The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of what makes it happen, and get your business in front of the community. Click here for A Little Beacon Blog's Media Kit > Until next week!

April 20th New Meaning: Day of Action Against Gun Violence

Usually 4/20 means one thing to people, but this year, April 20 has officially become A National Day of Action Against Gun Violence, in a somber nod to the anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre nineteen years ago. The City of Beacon joined with cities across the country to set aside the day as a reminder to "call upon the state and federal governments to enact stricter controls governing the sale, possession and distribution of firearms and other dangerous weapons," according to the legislation. A local group of citizens co-organized by Julie Shiroishi and James Case-Leal met at Memorial Park in Beacon with an agenda that included a Student Soapbox, letter-writing campaign, voter registration, and a rally.

Meanwhile, in Philipstown...

Elsewhere and earlier, Philipstown responded to the gun reform movement by ending an 18-month legislative debate about a gun storage law, voting unanimously, 5-0, to enact a Safe-Storage Gun Law, requiring gun owners to lock away their firearms "when they are not in the residence and they know or have reason to know that that children are or may be present in the residence," as stated in the language of the law (click here to read), as first reported by the Highlands Current.

According to the Highlands Current, citizens who attended the public hearings "nearly filled the Haldane school auditorium as proponents and opponents made impassioned arguments," with Board members receiving letters from all over the country. According to the Highlands Current article, in a response to one letter from Nebraska, stating that gun owners are burdened with the cost of purchasing a lock, Philipstown Town Board Member Nancy Montgomery brought a basketful of gun locks to the meeting, stating that they would be free to pick up at the Town Hall, and would be replenished when gone.

For the State of New York...

At the state level, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the passage of legislation to remove guns from domestic abusers and "prohibits anyone with an outstanding warrant for a felony or other serious offense from receiving or renewing a firearm License."

Says the Beacon Day of Action co-organizer, Julie, of the New York State legislation: "That's good news. Of course, it's great to tighten laws in NY, but it's really got to happen nationally to be meaningful."

Back at A Little Beacon Blog, we wrote a series of articles covering the events that happened locally after the shooting in Parkland, Florida:

• The School Shooting Issue Comes to The Hudson Valley
• Beacon Increases School Searches and Safety Measures via Robo-Calls
• City of Beacon to Vote on Joining National Day of Action on April 20 to Protect Students Against Gun Violence
• Beacon City Schools to Perform Security Audits with Altaris Consulting Group
• Toy Guns Sold in Kid Stores - What is the Impact on Gun Culture?
• Activities to Prepare for Gun Situations

Those interested in learning more can visit the National Day of Action or the Network for Public Education.

Update: 4/23/2018

The co-organizers put out this video highlighting the students who demonstrated as part of the Day of Action. Students came from Newburgh and Cold Spring as well, because, according to co-organizer James Case-Leal, they “had nowhere else to go."

Beacon Organizes Mountain-to-River Earth Day Clean Up on Saturday, April 21, 2018

The 2018 Beacon Earth Day is taking place on Saturday, April 21, and is organized by the Green Beacon Coalition and the Beacon Recreation Department. Several city leaders - from business owners to nonprofit organizers to citizens - will be stationed at some of your favorite spots around the city, like Long Dock Park, Rocky Glen, South Avenue Park, Madam Brett, and so many other places. You can find all of the locations and start times here, or scroll down in this article to get a quick glance.

Can people pick up trash any day of the year? Not just on Earth Day? Of course, says Brian DiFeo, co-founder of Green Beacon Coalition and a member of the Conservation Advisory Committee for the City of Beacon, but people should take some precautions so as to stay safe. "It's wise to plan ahead - if you notice trash on the road or in the woods, next time you go by, bring a trash bag and some gardening gloves. Better yet - invite your neighbor to join you! Part of the spirit of a community trash cleanup is doing something good together with neighbors because it builds the ties that make a place like Beacon a wonderful place to live."

After-Party of the City Wide Clean Up at Recreation Center

The cleanup generally runs from 9 to 11 am (except for the Mount Beacon and Fire Tower with Hudson Valley Hikers portion, which starts at 8:30 am), there will be a BBQ with music, the return of the Repair Cafe, and a performance by Arm of the Sea Theater at noon.

Beacon Earth Day Clean Up Locations

Beacon Reservoir with Mountain Tops
When: 9 to 11 am *might start earlier*
Meeting Location: Pocket Road Trailhead
Crew Leader: Katy Bell Behney

Long Dock Park with Zero to Go
When: 9 to 11 am
Meeting Location: Long Dock Park
Crew Leader: Sarah Womer

Rocky Glen with Beacon Greenway Committee
When: 9 to 11 am
Meeting Location: Beacon Lofts on Front Street
Crew Leader: Andy Bell

South Ave Park with Beacon Recreation Department
When:  9 to 11 am
Meeting Location: Recreation Center
Crew Leader: Mark Price

Teller Woods / Madam Brett Homestead with Beacon Historical Society
When: 9 to 11 am
Meeting Location: Madam Brett House
Crew Leader: Theresa Kraft

Mount Beacon and Fire Tower with Hudson Valley Hikers
When: 8:30 to 11 am
Meeting Location: Pocket Road Trailhead
Crew Leader: Chris Pelaia + Aaron Sterling

East end of Main Street with the Conservation Advisory Committee
When: 9 to 11 am
Meeting Location: Trax Coffee Shop
Crew Leader: Brian DiFeo

Pocket Road Trail + Fire Road with Friends of Fishkill Ridge (Local Hikers)
When: 9 to 11 am
Meeting Location: Pocket Road Trailhead
Crew Leader: Kristen Pratt + Meghan Spiro

Fishkill Ave with Friends of Beacon Dog Park
When: 9 to 11 am
Meeting Location: Beacon Dog Park
Crew Leader: TBD

Visit www.greenbeaconcoalition.org/earth-day and click the "Volunteer" location for your preferred location.

Beacon School Budget Vote and Election 2018

The annual School Budget Vote and Election will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, from 7 am to 9 pm. There will be two voting locations, so make sure you are going to the right polling place: 

Voters who reside within the boundaries of the City of Beacon can vote at Beacon High School, 101 Matteawan Road. Voters who reside within the boundaries of the Town of Fishkill or Town of Wappinger can vote at Glenham Elementary, 20 Chase Drive, Fishkill, NY. 

Please be aware that mailing addresses in the Beacon City School District do not always coincide with the city or town of residence. So if you have a Beacon mailing address, but your residence is located in the Town of Fishkill, you would report to Glenham Elementary to vote. 

If you are unsure of your polling location, you may contact District Clerk, Kelly Pologe, at (845) 838-6900 ext. 2032 or email at pologe.k@beaconk12.org. 

Feel Better Foods - Recipes from Beacon Local Marika Blossfeldt

During the first whammies of the flu season, A Little Beacon Blog blogged about our own flu symptom prevention tea by sharing this recipe for our Sickness Miracle Tea. Nutritionists, however, are on the case all of the time in sharing their recipes, food tips and cleanses. When a flu prevention email from Beacon local Marika Blossfeldt showed up in our inbox, bearing several healthful recipes, we earmarked it and couldn't resist sharing them with you.

Of course, medicine can save lives, and food is not a replacement for medicine that can be prescribed by a doctor. Nutritious food simply builds the foundation for a strong body that can yield positive results, but you should always work with your doctor when addressing problems with your body. Please see your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of the flu, especially respiratory issues.

One day, Marika was holding a cooking class in the Chocolate Studio (thanks A Little Beacon Blog's Classes for Adults Guide!). It was at that class that Marika's book finally came home with me, and several promises to read and cook from it have been made ever since. Not gonna answer whether those promises have been fulfilled yet, but the picture for this article illustrates recent healthy purchases from Beacon Natural Market. We're committed to making one of Marika's porridges!

It's Spring now, and we're still hearing reports of people being knocked out for a week with the flu. Bonus! Allergy season has now arrived, and take it from this allergy sufferer - a bad case of an allergy can turn into a pretty bad cold. We're not out of the woods yet with the flu, so read Marika's remedies below in her own words. And do yourself a favor - just print this out and tape it to the fridge.

First: Sleep More!

To keep your immune system humming and strong, make sure you drink enough water and get plenty of rest. It is OK to sleep more in the winter – in fact, it is the smart thing to do. Our bodies crave it. So allow yourself to indulge in beauty sleep without any guilty feelings at all.

Spice Up Your Food & Use Spices to Make Hot Teas

Many common spices have antimicrobial, antiviral and expectorant powers. Use ground spices in your food and make tea from ginger and turmeric root, as well as cinnamon sticks. Boil them for 10 to 20 minutes, and sip on your brew often.

• Ginger: anti-inflammatory, fights the flu, common cold and respiratory infections

• Cayenne: detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, fights the flu and common cold

• Cinnamon: anti-inflammatory, immune boosting, fights infections and viruses

• Turmeric: anti-inflammatory, strong antioxidant

• Pepper: treats sinus and nasal congestion, expectorant

Get Your Daily Dose of Lacto-Fermented Vegetables

Lacto-fermented vegetables are higher in vitamins than their unfermented counterparts, and boost immunity by providing live probiotic bacteria. Have 2 tablespoons daily. You can find unpasteurized sauerkraut and pickles in the cold section of your natural food stores. They are easy to make yourself. My recipe for Peppery Sauerkraut follows below.

• Superfoods: garlic, lemon juice, raw honey

• Garlic: antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal

• Lemon juice: strengthens immune system, prevents viral infections like cold and flu

• Honey: antiviral, boosts immune system

Use these powerful ingredients in food and drink. Make salad dressings using raw garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and honey. Add lemon juice to your drinking water. Use honey instead of sugar. To keep honey’s medicinal power intact, never heat it over 95 degrees F (or 35 C).
 
Recipe: Natural Antibiotics in a Jar
This is a powerful concoction -  take 1 teaspoon every day first thing in the morning on an empty stomach as a preventative. When already under the weather, take 1 tablespoon three times per day, one before each meal. This is strong stuff and meant for adults only. It is not suitable for children.
 
1 garlic clove
2 tablespoons ground ginger
½ tablespoon ground cayenne
½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ tablespoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup + 1½ tablespoons (100 ml) lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey

Press the garlic into a jar, add all spices and lemon juice and stir.

Add the honey and mix.

Let the mixture sit at room temperature for three hours, then transfer into the refrigerator.

Echinacea Tincture

At the first hint of a cold coming on, take a dropperful in a glass of water and drink 3 times per day between meals. You can find echinacea tincture at your health food store.

Vitamin C

Eat vitamin C rich foods such as black currants, red and green bell peppers, kiwi, broccoli, kale and parsley.

Food: Eat This Not That

Eat leafy greens on a daily basis. Besides being powerhouses for vitamins and minerals, they help reduce mucus and clear congestion, especially in the lungs. Their chlorophyll content supports the good gut bacteria, thus boosting immunity. You can sauté them with garlic or have them in a smoothie.

Cut Back on Sugar and Sweets

Cut Back on Dairy

Milk products are mucus-producing foods.