To my surprise, my very own husband called to ask me this: “How do I vote? Are there levers?”
Levers? No. Ok, so here’s what it’s like to vote in Beacon:
You walk into your polling precinct, aka “place to vote” as I call it. This is determined by “Ward.” There are four Wards in Beacon. It’s like big borders, and you live within a border of one of them. Within a Ward, there may be a smaller zone called a “District.” You probably never think about these things until Voting Day, but usually that little yellow card that comes in the mail prior to election time tells you. The last time I saw a card was during the primaries this year. You can get a list of polling locations in Beacon here.
Once you get to your voting location, there are several tables set up inside. The tables are divided by District (that border within a Ward) and by name (in alphabetical order). You will find your name at one of them.
You may be asked: “What District are you in?” If you checked the locations list here, you’ll know. “I’m in District 2!” you could say, and volunteers will tell you what table you should go to next. However, if you don’t know what District you are in (like me), there is hopefully a table dedicated to District Discovery at your polling place just for telling you this information. (Insider Tip: Check this first! It will save you from waiting in a line).
Once it’s your turn in line, a volunteer will hand you a large voting card with a privacy sleeve. You’ll walk over to tall table/desks with metal privacy walls around the top of the desk. A pen is provided for you to mark your circle bubbles of your votes. The directions at the top of the voting card will tell you how many people to vote for in each race. Like for governor, you would vote for one person. For judges, you would vote for seven names. Just follow those directions at the top to make sure you’re not over- or under-filling in the circles.
When you’ve completed all of your circles, you walk it over to a scanning machine. Another volunteer will be there to make sure the machine doesn’t break, because you are feeding the machine with your voter card yourself. Once you slide your card into the machine, it tallies it, swallows your card, and tells you what number voter you were.
I was #60!
Thank You To The Volunteers
A HUGE thank you for the volunteers who are running these polls. If when you go to vote, and you wish it were run differently, or had better signs, it’s best not to take your frustration out on the volunteers. They are your friends and neighbors, and may not be as experienced at running an event as you are. Same goes for any event run in Beacon (or anywhere in the world). If you feel passionately about how something is organized, then it’s best you sign up to volunteer, and help make it a better experience for all of us.
EDITORIAL NOTE: This article has been updated to reflect how to vote in the election on November 6, 2018.
Wondering where to go vote this Tuesday, November 6, 2018? Did you toss your yellow card by accident? Below is a list of locations for where to cast your ballot based on where you live and are registered.
Lewis Tompkins Hose Company Route 9D Entrance, 13 South Ave. Beacon, NY 12508
Rombout Middle School 84 Matteawan Road Beacon, NY 12508
James V. Forrestal Elementary School 125 Liberty St. Beacon, NY 12508
First Presbyterian Church 50 Liberty St. Beacon, NY 12508
LOCATIONS
Ward 1, District 1: Lewis Tompkins Hose Company Ward 1, District 2: Rombout Middle School Ward 2, All Districts: Lewis Tompkins Hose Company Ward 3, District 1: Rombout Middle School Ward 3, Districts 2 and 3: James V. Forrestal Elementary Ward 4, All Districts: First Presbyterian Church
District - Which District in Which Ward?
Voters can determine what District they’re in either by looking at the yellow voter card that arrived by mail, or by looking at the map on this website:
The VoterLookUp tool will tell you what District you are in, as well as which Ward, Senate District, County Legislative District, Assembly District, and Congressional District apply to you.
Can I Vote in The Primary Elections?
Two answers to this:
You’ll need to be registered in Beacon if you’re not already. You only need to do this once for each move. If you got the little yellow card in the mail telling you where to vote, you’re good. Otherwise, look yourself up at this VoterLookUp web page.
You’ll need to be registered in a party if you want to vote in the primary elections. If you’re registered to vote, but didn’t officially declare a party on your registration, then you can’t vote in the primaries for your party. You also can’t sign name collection forms from politicians looking to get onto the ballot, BTW. You would need to be registered in their party. You will, however, have gotten a little yellow card in the mail, even if you haven’t officially affiliated with a party.
You do not need to be affiliated or registered with a party (Independent, Republican, Democrat, Green Party, Working Families, etc.) to vote in the General Election. You do need to be registered to vote, however, based on where you live (see above).
Or, you can register to vote with friendly people around town who have set up registration stations. Some that we know of:
The Howland Public Library
The Spirit of Beacon Day Parade 2018. Look for a table from “We All Vote”
The annual Sukkah that happens each fall down at Polhill Park (the park across from Bank Square and Beacon Creamery where the Visitors Center is)
There is a deadline to register to vote - you’ll want to be all buttoned up by Sunday, September 30, if you’re doing it via the folks above. They are physically driving the registration forms to their destination in Poughkeepsie. “We are driving them to Poughkeepsie so we don’t give people stamps.
There are lots of rules about this,” says Ronna Litchtenberg, a volunteer with When We All Vote. Or, people can take the form home and mail it in themselves. “But we’re making it easy on you,” says Kelly Ellenwood, another volunteer. “We’ll hand-deliver it to Poughkeepsie to make sure it gets there.”
But don’t let it slide by again. In a small city town, your vote really does make a difference. "One vote matters, especially in Beacon where elections have been decided on by as few as 10 votes,” says Ronna.
It’s the season for the Beacon Players amazing theatrical productions, and program sponsorship opportunities! The Beacon Players are the theatrical group of the Beacon High School. The opportunities afforded to kids for working behind the scenes on the set, or being an actor or actress are amazing.
If you work in a storefront, some cast and crew may be coming to your door. But if you miss them, contact Beacon Players by visiting their website to sponsor the program or more!
Balmy with a touch of red leaf foliage! Thank you Beacon Recreation for the Fall Foliage Tracking! Let's see what's going on in and around Beacon this weekend...
Salsa Dance Social
Day: Friday, November 2, 2018 Time: 7 pm (dance lesson), 8 pm (dance) Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
B House Performance Garage/Shack Presents
Dave Malloy's Ghost Quartet
Day: Friday and Saturday, November 2 & 3, 2018 Time: 8 pm Information >
Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps Kids Halloween Party
Day: Saturday, November 3, 2018 Time: 6 pm Location: Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 1 Arquilla Drive, Beacon, NY Information >
Honey Drop Sessions - A Night of Sweetness & Song
Day: Saturday, November 3, 2018 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
“Hudson Valley Artists Mentors” Opening Reception
Day: Sunday, November 4, 2018 Time: 1:30 to 4:30 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Goods and Services Auction
Day: Sunday, November 4, 2018 Time: 3 to 7 pm Location: Wappinger Elks #2609, 1195 Route 376, Wappingers Falls, NY Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in ourEvents Guide.
The Free Tuesday/Thursday Seniors Program
at the Salvation Army
Day: Thursday is craft day; Tuesday/Thursday include free meals Holiday Note: There will again be a free Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas Celebration for Seniors. Information >
For a full list of upcoming classes, classes during the week, and workshops of all kinds, visit our Adult Classes Guide.
NEW
Saturday Studio for Kids at Dia: Beacon
Day: Second Saturdays (make a note for next week!) Time: 10:30 am to 12 pm Location: 3 Beekman St., Beacon, NY Information >
For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide.
Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com (across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company)
You can never go wrong with classic black frames. We love these Inspired frames by Yves Saint Laurent. Do stop by and check out Luxe Optique's expansion! And book your next eye exam with them in their doctor's office. So convenient!
The Carriage House/Renovated 1895 Home Combo is one of the most dreamy, sought-after property listings in Beacon right now. This property requires a perfect match of a buyer - one that may thrive in a live/work space, or other setup that benefits from the bright, open space inside of the carriage house, while living in the renovated 1895 home beside it with a custom kitchen and Capital gourmet stove. Located near the Hudson River and within walking distance of Beacon's Main Street. Are you the perfect match? Call or email JonCar Realty to view it: (845) 831-3331 or joncarrealty@yahoo.com. Details + Pictures >
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency
Take a moment today to put down the phone while driving, asks Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency, LLC. Any texting, or even checking your map, could be one distraction too many. Need a change in insurance or want to go cheaper? Call Antalek & Moore any time to find a new insurance company for you: (845) 831-4300
SAVE THE DATE 291 Main Street - A Little Beacon Blog's Space
!! VINTAGEMANIA !! '90s Vintage, Trivia, DJ and More!
Second Saturday, November 10, 2018 (One day only!)
Elite Coast Vintage and Pinot and Pine are teaming up for the ultimate '90s experience for this One-Day Pop-Up Event in A Little Beacon Space! Starter jackets, sportswear, old-school wrestling tees, throwback cartoon merch, home décor, vintage toys, accessories - and MORE!
11 to 2 pm - SATURDAY MORNING CARTOONS!
Stop by, grab a bowl of cereal and watch some old-school cartoons with us.
2 to 5 pm - POKEMON GO COMMUNITY DAY APPRECIATION!
Free Pokémon decal with ANY purchase, no minimum required.
6 pm - '90S MUSIC TRIVIA
Five teams will compete for the title of '90s Music Experts! Each participant gets a prize, with special gifts for the winners, and other raffles! More Details - Save The Date >
Want to host your pop-up shop at A Little Beacon's Space? How about Black Friday Weekend? See here for details.
Beacon Chamber of Commerce
The Beacon Chamber of Commerce is available to all businesses in Beacon, as well as others. Membership and event opportunities are a great way to help connect businesses. Learn More >
BeaconArts
Earlier this week, A Little Beacon Blog received an email about this bear and this winged red piano that sits in Beacon. The piano is part of a public art project from BeaconArts. The bear is part of the love note we received from a reader this week. Read The Love Note >
Tin Shingle
Are you trying to get the word out about your business, but don't know where to focus? Tin Shingle is a training platform for how to do this, and also offers private training sessions if you just need to focus and align your efforts in a one-on-one setting. Learn More >
Katie James, Inc.
Katie James, Inc. is a couture branding agency located in Beacon, and is the parent company and designers behind A Little Beacon Blog and Tin Shingle. If you like what you see here, hire Katie James, Inc. for your branding needs. Specialties include: Website Design (Squarespace), Newsletter Design, SEO Writing, Ghost Writing, Print Design and Production. Learn More >
Advertise With A Little Beacon Blog
The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of making it happen, and get your business in front of the community in a meaningful way.
Piano created by the artist Lori Merhige. Photo Credit: Jeff and Anita Cashman
Just because you needed a little love note today, we wanted to pass along to you this email sent by a reader early this week. As you may have noticed, Beacon is decorated right now with pianos in seemingly random locations. You may occasionally hear the sound of Beacon from several street corners as people sit down to play whenever they feel the need. In fact, A Little Beacon Blog has published an essay by Izdihar (Izzy) Dabashi capturing the sounds and beauty of most of the pianos - read it here.
Dear A Little Beacon Blog,
Just wanted to share these photos of our winged bear with you.
We were New York City middle school teachers for 30 years...music and drama. About a month after 9/11, our school received a gift from J.C. Penney - hundreds of teddy bears arrived delivered in giant boxes - one for every student, teacher and employee in our school.
As you can imagine, the teddy bears provided great emotional comfort for all and we have kept our bear all these years.
When we saw the beautiful winged piano in Beacon, we just thought our bear was a perfect match.
Many thanks to all who bring us these beautiful pianos each year... we play each one and look forward to their return next year.
Thank you Little Beacon Blog,
Jeff and Anita Cashman
The organization behind the pianos in Beacon is BeaconArts, known for their public art projects that appear and disappear all over town, all year round.
We have a feature story coming out about this, so stay tuned because that’s where you’ll be able to learn more. In the meantime, enjoy the pianos while they are here. They will be rolled away soon and stored for next year.
The Salvation Army is a Main Street staple. We featured the Salvation Army’s Seniors Program here at A Little Beacon Blog when there was fear of them closing their doors. The leadership at the Salvation Army has changed to Lts. Josue and Leilani Alarcón, and we’re happy to report that the Senior Program is still going strong and is flourishing after 17 years serving the community, according to Rhode Lopez Northrup, who runs the Senior Program.
The Senior Program is for anyone over 50 years of age. They are welcome to come to any Tuesday and Thursday meal, and enjoy activities like taking fun quizzes, games, songs and a crafty projects.
2018 Thanksgiving and Christmas Meals for Seniors
The Seniors Program in the Salvation Army will be hosting an early Thanksgiving Dinner on Tuesday, November 20, 2018. They will also have a Christmas Celebration on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. More details will be added to our Events Guide on each event.
You can learn more about this wonderful program, see more pictures, and learn how to get involved and donate, by checking out this article.
If last night’s Halloween candy didn’t leave you feeling nauseous today, then these two revelations will: A person acting on behalf a neo-Nazi group has posted anti-Semitic flyers to two churches in Beacon: The First Presbyterian Church at 50 Liberty St., just over the Fishkill Creek, and the Salem Tabernacle church, which is located at 7 Delavan Ave., just past Mavis Tire off of Route 52.
After the flyers were posted at the First Presbyterian Church, according to an article by Brian Cronin in the Highlands Current, Pastor Ben Larson-Wolbrink held up the flyer to his congregation, and said that it was not consistent with Jesus’ teaching to love and serve each other. According to the article, the Presbyterian congregation - which is normally silent during sermons - responded with a hearty “Amen.”
Pastor Ben (as he is known here in Beacon) smiled and chuckled at this out-of-character - but appreciated - outburst: “That’s something Presbyterians really don’t do,” he said with a smile.
The churches are not the only place the flyers showed up. They have been posted to Marist, Vassar, and Dutchess Community College. According to Brian’s reporting, on October 8, 2018, a man in a hooded shirt and rubber gloves was hanging anti-Semitic flyers at Marist College. He was confronted by police. The posters, according to Brian, say that they are sponsored by a local book club, which the Anti-Defamation League identifies as “small crews of young white men who follow and support” a person who started the neo-Nazi group referred to in the beginning of this article.
As reported by Michael Turton today in the Highlands Current, the Nelsonville home of a person of Jewish heritage was vandalized, with a swastika spray-painted onto their under-construction home. In his article, Michael quoted Rabbi Brent Spodek in advising how to cover these types of events: “Rabbi Brent Spodek of the Beacon Hebrew Alliance said he felt it was important for the media to cover anti-Semitic acts but that the focus should not be on whether the suspects are caught. The more important question, he said, is, ‘Where do average people in Nelsonville, Beacon and America stand be in these moments of fear?’ When hate crimes occur, he said, ‘there is no neutral.’ ”
Michael also reported this quote from the Nelsonville Mayor Bill O’Neill: “This hateful vandalism is outrageous and heartbreaking.” According to Michael’s article, the mayor “noted that village residents have expressed revulsion over the incident as well as support for our neighbors who have been subjected to this mindless act.”
According to Brian’s article, Mayor Randy Casale of Beacon said in a “swift” statement after the Beacon postings: “Hate has no place in our community, which is proudly a home to all faiths and backgrounds. This type of behavior will not be tolerated. We are stronger when we work together.”
This evening, One Beacon will be hosting a special interfaith event at The Salem Tabernacle at 7 Delavan Ave. in Beacon, from 6 to 9 pm. Clergy in Beacon planned this event almost two weeks ago as a response to racism and anti-Semitism in our local area.
“When this event was being planned, we had no idea that the topic would continue to be more urgent, as we saw with the mass shooting at the Pittsburgh synagogue last weekend,” said Jacolyn Dandreano, the Office Administrator for the Salem Tabernacle, who is also the pastor Reverend Bill Dandreano’s wife.
The event will include time for dinner together (many will be fasting until dinner on Thursday) as well as reflections and exhortations from several speakers from the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities in Beacon, in addition to Mayor Randy Casale.
Speakers include:
Pastor Bill Dandreano of Salem Tabernacle
Pastor Ben Larson-Wolbrink of First Presbyterian Church
Rabbi Brent Chaim Spodek of Beacon Hebrew Alliance
Imam Abdullah Abdul Wajid of Masjid Ar-Rashid
Pastor Ronald O. Perry of Springfield Baptist Church will be in attendance but will not be speaking.
No sign-up or donation is necessary to attend. Salem Tabernacle is providing the food and venue, and childcare will be available for children ages 9 and under.
InterFaith Alliances And Support Shown In Beacon
Some clergy in Beacon met at the Beacon Hebrew Alliance on Sunday in order to show support to the Jewish community before they headed off to their own services. “Our pastor, Reverend Bill Dandreano, related that many were overwhelmed to the point of tears by the comfort this simple act provided,” said Jacolyn in an email to A Little Beacon Blog. From the event’s postcard:
“One Beacon calls on people of all faith and good conscience to come together to acknowledge our collective capacity for racism, anti-Semitism, as evidenced by the recent flyer attack in Dutchess County.”
Our office in The Telephone Building is really fun to work out in. Well, not so much work out as stretch and do yoga. If we wanted a real workout, fast, we could go to our neighbors at Studio Beacon for a boxing class. Marilyn is more the cyclist/boxer; I would be just boxing (can’t manage that bike) and jogging around the block.
Sometimes during workouts, articles percolate to the surface, letting us know when the best time to publish them will be. That’s what this chalkboard is for - to catch those ideas. They also live in our Excel spreadsheet for our shared Editorial Calendar, but here’s the more fun-looking version.
If you were walking around Beacon this weekend, you may have been gazing at real estate listings taped to realtors’ windows on Main Street, and thought to yourself: “Gosh, I wish I could own something in Beacon. I wish I could buy one of these buildings.” But they are all going for $1 million, and you’re thinking: “Gosh, I really wish I could pay less, and have money left over for renovations or to hit the ground running with making it awesome.”
Your answer may be in Newburgh. Specifically at 321 Liberty Street. It’s a property that isn’t going to be listed for long. It’s going Off Market for the winter. Unlike a snowbird, it’s going to sit there until someone chirps up in the spring.
Buildings on Liberty Street in Newburgh - Kind Of Like Main Street, Beacon
Liberty Street is a pretty happening street in Newburgh. Just follow the blog Newburgh Restoration and you’ll see. Well, parts of Liberty that is. And 321 Liberty is north of this area, but close enough to be connected soon as new businesses set up shop on Liberty Street.
New businesses south of it include the cafe Blacc Vanilla and Cafe Macchiato (has changed hands a few times over the years and has a new dinner menu!), and the new bakery Newburgh Flour Shop (beware of their Instagram, you may drive over the bridge just for one pecan pie). Then there’s the Shred Foundation in Newburgh (working to introduce the youth in local rural and urban areas to snowboarding).
If you’re curious about owning and renovating buildings in Newburgh, talk to some of the current-day pioneers. Go into Newburgh Brewery and ask them all about it, and their involvement with the larger Newburgh community. Dine at Ms. Fairfax and ask for Phillip and Ellen. They can tell you about commercial and residential renovations, and their views on where the different neighborhoods are headed.
Newburgh Still In Come-Back Stages - Know Your Agent
Newburgh is very diverse with people, buildings, empty buildings, renovated buildings, abandoned buildings, beautiful homes, beautifully decaying homes, and beautifully renovated homes.
It’s quite a canvas over there. And this building probably needs work. The agent for this listing, Sarah Beckham Hooff, is up to her elbows in Newburgh, having renovated a building herself, which is what got her hooked on real estate and being involved in the community. She is a wealth of information for what is going on now, and can point you in the right direction for getting to know Newburgh better. Plus, this building at 321 Liberty Street is in a newly established area, granting tax breaks for capital gains, called an Opportunity Zone (learn more about that here).
This is your chance to participate in the revitalization of a once-thriving area of the country, centuries ago when it was Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War, as well as a shipping resource, before urban changes routed traffic out of there, leaving it to spiral downward. But it’s on a climb back up. Refresh or start your Newburgh history here.
Afternoon snacky snack. A slice of Homespun’s famous carrot cake and a cup of coffee.
Alright, fine - the honest answer - this was dinner.
Doing a Saturday work session to catch up on publishing some articles that are getting way too backlogged! We’re in the middle of a series on the Shopping Guide Shuffle that highlights businesses who have moved down the street, or moved in for the first time, and the buildings that house them. Then we’re doing a few features on the Real Estate Guide, including a spotlight on Newburgh.
Hence, the need for coffee and sugar. Eyes are blurry at this point. :)
Beacon Zoning Forum Discussion 2.0: A detailed discussion about zoning laws, how the city is developed, and the hows and whys behind decisions. For anyone interested in why commercial or residential buildings are allowed - or not allowed - to be built, how they are designed, and what can be done inside and outside of them. The first forum like was held around this time last year. Date: Saturday, December 1, 2018 Time: 10am-12pm Location: BEAHIVE 291 Main Street, Beacon NY 12508 Details >
The second public forum that (tries to) discuss Beacon’s Zoning Laws and the constant tweaking of those laws is set for Saturday, December 1, 2018 in the BEAHIVE at 291 Main St. The words “tries to” are used because zoning laws are by default loaded with jargon, and usually experts and industry professionals are the ones discussing them. In Beacon, many members of the public have become interested in the ins and outs of zoning, so translating how it all works has come down to communication. According to the event’s page, Beacon City Councilperson “Lee Kyriacou will facilitate the discussion — operating in this capacity as a private citizen.”
Zoning laws have been a hot topic in Beacon for many years. Basically - zoning laws are what defines what kind of building can get built where, what it can look like, and what can go on there. On paper, the laws can be hard to follow, and usually do not have a large audience.
However, if you’ve driven or walked through Beacon lately, you’ll see the new buildings going up. Decisions that make those buildings able to go up can live for years in public meetings, often traveling between city boards, like the City Council, Zoning Board, and Planning Board. Small and large issues about the construction of those buildings - or houses or condos or town homes - get batted around from board to board until approvals green-light them completely, or rejections or re-zonings of current laws send them back to the drawing board.
To help the growing number of people who are interested in these laws keep up with intentions and changes, a forum convened last winter in 2017, and a website was launched. Since that time, several key zoning regulations have been changed, and more changes are anticipated.
On The Agenda
According to the event’s page, the morning will be divided into two sections:
What’s Been Happening - An Overview
“Zoning 101” for brief background
What zoning laws have been enacted in the past year in Beacon
Zoning laws still on the table for Beacon
What construction is currently occurring and under what zoning laws
What construction is planned/potentially doable
Big Pieces of Rezoning Still Remaining:
Protect 60+ historic structures in/around Main Street (in addition to ones protected on either end of Main Street).
Revise the zoning adjacent to Main Street for uses that fit residential areas behind Main Street.
Totally revamp and simplify the permitted uses and setback tables for all zones.
Revisit Linkage Zoning for more ground-floor commercial, et al.
If you’re interested in how and why the buildings around you are being built, then attend the meeting to learn more. The more you listen or read, the easier it becomes to keep up. Just like regular homework!
Unlike big-city living, in a small city-town, you are able to get a little closer to digging in to help form a vision. Keep in mind, there are lots of different visions, so it is also an exercise in hearing one another and working together.
Beacon Zoning Forum Discussion 2.0: A detailed discussion about zoning laws, how the city is developed, and the hows and whys behind decisions. For anyone interested in why commercial or residential buildings are allowed - or not allowed - to be built, how they are designed, and what can be done inside and outside of them. The first forum like this was held around this time last year. Date: Saturday, December 1, 2018 Time: 10 am to noon Location: BEAHIVE, 291 Main St. (the Telephone Building), Beacon NY 12508 Details >
What will the weather bring this weekend? Something spooky for sure! The Kids Hocus Pocus Halloween Parade down Main Street is going to be held rain or shine, and so might some other events you had planned. There are plenty of things to do indoors as well! Let's get down to it...
Fishkill Farms Fall Harvest
Day: Saturday & Sunday through October 28, 2018 Time: 9 am to 5 pm (rain or shine) Location: Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY Information >
International Film Night - “Victoria & Abdul”
Day: Friday, October 26, 2018 Time: 7 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
October Moonwalk: Last One for 2018!
Day: Friday, October 26, 2018 Time: 6 to 8 pm Location: Walkway Over The Hudson State Park, 61 Parker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY Information >
Symposium - “Continued Traditions: Painting and Sculpture in the Hudson River Valley"
Day: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Time: 9:30 am to noon Location: Boscobel House & Gardens, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY Information >
Free Comic Book Day
Day: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Time: 11 am to 10 pm Location: The Underground Beacon, 462 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Haunted Barn & Hay Ride
Day: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Time: 4 to 7 pm Location: Stony Kill Farm, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY Information >
Levanta CD Release Party
Day: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Hocus Pocus Kids Halloween Parade
from the Beacon Chamber of Commerce
Day:Sunday, October 28, 2018 (rain or shine) Lineup Time: 12 pm at the Visitors Center Parade Start Time: 1 pm Locations: Costumed kids start lining up at the Visitors Center in Polhill Park (South Avenue/9D and Main Street, near Bank Square and Beacon Creamery) for a parade all the way down Main Street stopping at the intersection of Verplanck Avenue and Main Street. How This Works: Wait - Verplanck intersects with Main Street? Yes, it does! Allllll the way at the end of Main Street by the old train tracks and the former Hop location, now Melzingah Tap House. You will parade past the Howland Cultural Center, past the Dummy Light, past The Roundhouse, and you will parade past lots of art galleries and shops you may not have discovered yet on this slightly hidden end of Main Street, sometimes referred to as the East End Gem of Main Street. Collecting Candy: The first step is the parade. Smile and wave! A firetruck will be bringing up the rear of the parade. The second step will be trick or treating from businesses on Main Street, on the sidewalk, on your way back from the end of the parade route. The street will be unblocked, and you and the kids will trick or treat on the sidewalk on the return trip back up Main Street. BONUS: The Roundhouse will once again be handing out cider on their patio. Information >
BROADWAY - Bannerman Island Benefit Performance
Day: Sunday, October 28, 2018 Time: 2 to 4:30 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Story Screen Presents “Nosferatu”
Day: Sunday, October 28, 2018 Time: Doors at 7:30 pm, movie at 8 pm Location: Quinn’s, 330 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Beacon Film Society Presents Screening of “Netizens”
Day: Sunday, October 28, 2018 Time: 7 to 9 pm (6:30 pm doors) Location: BEAHIVE, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in ourEvents Guide.
Sleepy Hollow Halloween 10K
Day: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Time: 9:30 am; at 9 am there will be a kids costume 1-mile fun run (ages 6 & older) $5 Location: Morse School, 30 Pocantico St., Sleepy Hollow, NY
Rocks, Shells, & Paper: Intro To Marbleing
Day: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Time: 10 am to 12 pm Location: Riverwinds Gallery, 172 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Coloring Books for Adults Day: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Time: 6 to 7:30 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
First Reading Session
Day: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Time: 7 to 9 pm Location: Beacon Music Chamber, 4 Academy St., Beacon, NY Information >
Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com (across Cliff Street from Beacon Bread Company)
Little did you know, Luxe Optique has an extensive eye exam office inside of the shop, with two very qualified doctors inside just waiting to check out your eyes. You can learn more about Dr. James Carroll, O.D., and Dr. Alexandra Herrera, O.D., here, or stop in to meet them!
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light) THIS WEEKEND! Friday to Sunday, October 26-28
Gorgeous dresses are on display at the Justin Alexander Trunk Show in Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique. Lambs Hill is located in the renovated factory building known as 1 East Main, neighboring Trax and SallyeAnder.
This slightly gorgeous total renovation of 1910s Cape Cod-style house at 48 Poplar Street in Newburgh is nice and cozy for countless mornings of coffee in the new kitchen or front sun porch. It has brand-new plumbing, heating and electrical systems throughout, as well as new stainless-steel appliances, a tiled kitchen and bath, refinished wood floors and contemporary fixtures. Located just 5 minutes from Stewart International Airport, and listed at $209,900, you'll want to go check it out. Details + Pictures >
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency
Antalek & Moore matches you with the best, and sometimes lowest price insurance for your Home, Car, and Rental. Here are examples of insurance carriers Antalek & Moore works with, who they will price out for you for competitive bids: Home & Rental Insurance:
Travelers
Sterling
Progressive
Hartford
Car:
Travelers
Progressive
Hartford
Need a change in insurance or want to go cheaper? Call Antalek & Moore any time: (845) 831-4300 They don't carry the insurance, but they hook you up with a new insurance provider or better plan from several big-name companies.
A Little Beacon Blog's Space - 291 Main Street
Looking for space to book your holiday company or client party? Come to A Little Beacon Blog's Space, located on Beacon's Main Street. You can host an intimate gathering, bring your own wine, beer or spirits, and serve light food. Details and Pictures >
Want to host your pop-up shop at A Little Beacon's Space? How about Black Friday Weekend? See here for details.
Beacon Chamber of Commerce
Each year the Beacon Chamber of Commerce puts on the Kids Hocus Pocus Halloween Parade with the intent of bringing the community and the businesses and art galleries together. It's this Sunday, rain or shine. Come see the cuties in costume! Details Here >
BeaconArts
Are you an artist looking to connect in Beacon? A membership with BeaconArts is the coziest way to meet others. BeaconArts is a huge supporter of the arts of all kinds in Beacon. Learn About Membership >
Tin Shingle
Are you trying to get the word out about your business, but don't know where to focus? Tin Shingle is a training platform for how to do this, and also offers Private Training Sessions if you just need to focus and align your efforts in a one-on-one setting. BONUS: Tin Shingle Members of any level get a 25% discount. Please contact for a coupon code before purchasing. Learn More >
Katie James, Inc.
Katie James, Inc. is a couture branding agency located in Beacon, and is the parent company and designers behind A Little Beacon Blog and Tin Shingle. If you like what you see here, hire Katie James, Inc. for your branding needs. Specialties include: Website Design (Squarespace), Newsletter Design, SEO Writing, Ghost Writing, Print Design and Production. Learn More >
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Day: Sunday, October 28, 2018 (Rain or Shine) Lineup Time: 12 pm at the Visitors Center Parade Start Time: 1 pm
Hocus Pocus Kids Halloween Parade, from the Beacon Chamber of Commerce
Every year, the Beacon Chamber of Commerce puts on the Kids Halloween Parade, known as the Hocus Pocus Parade.
Costumed kids start lining up at the Visitors Center at Polhill Park (the little triangle land at South Avenue/Route 9D and Main Street, near Bank Square and Beacon Creamery) for a parade all the way down Main Street stopping at the intersection of Verplanck Avenue and Main Street.
In years past, kids have trick-or-treated while they parade. However, according to the parade’s main organizer, Sheryl Glickman of Notions-n-Potions, the intent has been for participants to parade down the middle of Main Street, and head back up on the sidewalks to casually trick or treat from storefronts, and spend time visiting the shops and galleries. We checked in with Sheryl, and got the nitty-gritty details for you on how it all works:
How This Kids Halloween Parade Works
The lineup is at the Visitors Center, which is near Bank Square and Beacon Creamery. When the parade starts, the kids and parents march down the middle of Main Street showing off their costumes. This year, the parade route has been extended. It will end at the intersection of Main Street and Verplanck Avenue. Sheryl has indicated that the Beacon Jeep Club may lead the parade route. We shall see!
Extended Parade Route
Wait - slow down - Verplanck intersects with Main Street? Yes, it does! Allllll the way at the end of Main Street by the old train tracks and the former Hop location, which is now Melzingah Tap House. You will parade past the Howland Cultural Center, past the Dummy Light, past the Roundhouse, and you will parade past lots of art galleries and shops you may not have discovered yet on this slightly hidden end of Main Street, sometimes referred to as the East End Gem of Main Street. See A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide and Art Gallery Guide to familiarize yourself.
Collecting The Candy - Trick or Treating Back Up Main Street
The first step is the parade. Make sure you smile and wave! A firetruck will be bringing up the rear of the parade while police escorts lead the parade.
The second step will be trick or treating from storefronts on Main Street as you make your way back up - on the sidewalk! - from the end of the parade route. After everyone completes Phase 1 of the parade (the marching part), the street will be unblocked, and you and the kids will trick or treat on the sidewalk on the return trip back up Main Street. This gives people time to visit the storefronts, see what’s inside, and have an overall more casual experience.
Bonus Round - Cider
Before you head back, stop by The Roundhouse! They will once again be handing out cider on their outdoor patio.
It’s Phoebe here - kicking off this column with what everybody is reading here at A Little Beacon Blog before we dive into the second installment in this new column, Writerly Happenings.
I just returned Peter Carey’s new “A Long Way From Home” to the library without getting too far, though he’s usually a favorite. Now I’m starting “The Glitch” by Elizabeth Cohen, which passed me by when it was published in 2012, but I’ve heard good things.
Katie is reading edible Hudson Valley’s Fall issue about the secret hotel created by an app developer of luxury cars (what?!). He wouldn’t even let them take full photos - all secret photos.
Marilyn, our Managing Editor, is actually blogging about her yoga teacher training experience at her blog, Ink and Coffee.
Catherine, our Editor of the Art Gallery Guide, is reading science. Science! Actually it’s Anatomy this week. She is back in school to be a nurse.
Speaking of good things, here’s the second installment of this new A Little Beacon Blog Guide to Writerly Happenings. Every couple of weeks I round up the best events happening in our growing local community of writers and readers and the people who love them.
WRITERLY HAPPENINGS IN BEACON & COLD SPRING
On Wednesday, November 7, Binnacle’s Book Club meets from 7 to 8 pm at Denning's Point Distillery to discuss “Lake Success,” by Gary Shteyngart. If you are going and want to buy the book at Binnacle, you get 10% off this title. I’m sorry to have missed the reading of “The Seas,” by Samantha Hunt, on Wednesday the 24th, but staying tuned for more events to come.
The littlest Halloweenies and literary types might love the storytime and costume contest at Split Rock Books in Cold Spring on Sunday the 28th with David Quinn, author of “Go To Sleep, Little Creep.” Grown-ups should check out local author and journalist Virginia Sole-Smith’s reading from her first book, “The Eating Instinct” - described as “a personal and deeply reported exploration of how we learn to eat in today's toxic food culture,” on Saturday, November 10, from 7 to 8 pm.
Get Lit Beacon has its monthly writer salon at Oak Vino on Sunday, November 11. Featured speaker will be notable author Leland Cheuk. Get Lit offers an option for any writer to read their own stuff, so you should also sign up to read some of your work. And - they made T-Shirts! So far you can only buy them at the event, so go. Last month featured a very engaging professional storyteller explain how to tell a story, as well as local journalists Brian Cronin of the Highlands Current, and Katie of A Little Beacon Blog.
On Tuesday, November 13, poets from Ruth Danon’s Live Writing workshops take over Quinn’s for a reading of their work. We’ll be back with an update once the Facebook event page is up.
Beacon’s new Poet Laureate, who has not yet been announced, will be inducted on Tuesday, November 20, at the Beacon Library in the Community Room from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
OPEN MIC NIGHTS THAT LITERARY TYPES MIGHT LIKE
For monthly musical open mic nights, check out The Falcon Underground in Marlboro, the Wherehouse in Newburgh, the Howland Cultural Center in Beacon and Fiesta Friday in Poughkeepsie.
Calling All Poets is having an open mic night at the Towne Crier in Beacon on Thursday, October 15, and on Friday, November 2, at its First Friday reading series up in New Paltz at Roost (the open mic on Friday, December 7, will feature Beacon local Ruth Danon).
FARTHER AFIELD
Rough Draft Bar & Books hosts a reading on Tuesday, October 30, with local author John Langan reading from his horror novel set near the Ashokan Reservoir. Sounds scary and also totally worth a trip to Kingston.
We are prepared to tailgate to hear Roxane Gay discuss her book “Bad Feminist” on Wednesday, November 7, at Vassar. And we might have to because it’s first-come, first-serve to get in. Get your elbows ready!
And we are super excited that former Beacon resident Jon Beacham is back in the Hudson Valley and has opened The Brother In Elysium Books. This Tivoli bookstore had its grand opening at the end of September, a poetry reading earlier this month and in addition to focusing on poetry, literature, art, design, photography and film, also carries used and out-of-print books, actively buys books and “is also home to The Brother In Elysium publishing imprint and letterpress studio.”
We’ll see you back here in a couple weeks with more upcoming events. Tell us where to go and what to read in the meantime, if you like. phoebe@alittlebeaconblog.com
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A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
