“Egg Hunt at Memorial Park scheduled for Saturday, April 20, WILL BE CANCELLED.
“In keeping participant and volunteer safety and enjoyment our number one priority, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event due to forecasted weather.
“With no scheduled rain date, it is our hope to raffle bicycles and goodies later this spring at an event to be determined. Stay tuned.
“Happy Easter and Happy Passover.”
To get future updates from Beacon Recreation, you can subscribe to their free newsletter here. Updates include events, classes, After School Program registration notices, and Summer Pool signup alerts.
Are your kids obsessed with Roblox and Minecraft too? Do they love coding during the sessions that the Beacon City School District provides during Library/Media Class, and the #hourofcoding nights? Then they may love this camp from ID Tech, available this summer at SUNY New Paltz .
WEEKS OF: June 24 | July 1 | July 8 | July 15 | July 22 | July 29
FROM ID TECH: ”iD Tech is the world leader in summer STEM education, with 400,000 alumni since 1999, and 150 prestigious campus locations including SUNY New Paltz, Stanford, and NYU.
“Students ages 7-19 learn to code, design video games, design Fortnite-inspired levels, mod Minecraft, create with Roblox, engineer robots, model and print 3D characters, work with AI and machine learning, build laptops, learn about cybersecurity, and more! Outdoor time is included.”
Details and pictures in A Little Beacon Blog’s Summer Camp Guide. We have not taken this camp ourselves yet, or heard from other locals who have. This is new on our radar.
iD Tech is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog’s Summer Camp Guide.
We asked, and you delivered! We recently put out a call to share with us your view of Beacon. This is in light of rapidly changing scenery, with the new building developments sprouting all over Beacon. The subject of “viewsheds” has come in recent City Council meetings, and that idea is playing a role on future potential developments. So, we thought we’d all enjoy looking at views we like!
Keep your photos coming! We will publish new ones here, so revisit this article and click Refresh.
To submit, email to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com. Please state the location of the picture, and why you love it. The view can be from the street, from your porch, from your apartment, of a scenic view in the woods, anything.
Fishkill Creek, Looking South From Churchill Road
Below are images submitted by Jessica Laug, who says “This is the Fishkill Creek, looking south from the Churchill Road bridge. It’s basically our backyard and I love it in every season.”
Long Dock, Mount Beacon Casino
Enjoy these lovely views submitted by Debbie Joyce
Madam Brett Park and Denning’s Point
The photo on the left is Madam Brett Park right by the waterfall. The second is Denning’s Point. From Dan Calabrese, who says, “I love both of them because you can feel like you’re really in nature with minimal investment of time. I could literally walk to either of these places from home. Having such great, diverse nature spots in our backyard makes it easy to get in a hike even after a busy day.”
The Hudson River, As Viewed From Main Street
One of my favorite views is of the Hudson River is from Main Street. I have always liked being able to see it from 9D. The river becomes an everyday part of life. Having lived in Manhattan, the Hudson River was not part of my life, unless I was walking alongside it. Living in Beacon, with the Hudson River within easy distance, has changed my relationship with the river, bringing me closer and wanting to keep it clean and accessible.
Here’s a great shot from Mary Ann Glass, who writes: “It’s the peak of spring beauty! The Bartlett Pears are a’bloom. Corner of Main and Cross Street, Rick Price’s great mural of the Hudson River and of course RiverWinds Gallery. “
The City Council has been discussing “viewsheds” in Beacon for quite some time, perhaps picking up steam during the building moratorium it imposed in 2017 that blocked all new building projects for six months. The moratorium was enacted in the name of reviewing Beacon’s water supply, as development growth has happened faster than anticipated. From the draft moratorium law: “The City’s vision was that development would be more gradual and take place over a period of years.” During the moratorium, the City Council reviewed several of its zoning laws that it wanted to change as Beacon develops.
What Is A Viewshed?
A “viewshed” is something that a City Council (or Planning or Zoning Board of a city) would consider when discussing how a new building or building addition might block or alter a view from surrounding spaces. if you’re not among the people hanging out in these meetings, the specific term might not ever enter your mind. But the bummer feeling of losing a view that you once had would probably enter your mind.
With several new buildings going up at once, zoning has been tightened since the 2017 building moratorium, including considerations around viewsheds. Scenic viewsheds were also included in the review that City Council must do for new projects, a rule that was adopted at the end of 2017, as reported in the Highlands Current.
Protection of viewsheds is a pursued point of interest that Council Member At-Large Lee Kyriacou has been discussing at City Council meetings, as well as at a second Beacon Zoning Discussion that was held for the public at Beahive a few months ago.
Viewsheds are back on the City Council’s agenda. The agenda for the April 8, 2019 City Council Workshop features an upcoming Linkage Zone and Protected Viewshed agenda item for Monday, April 29, 2019.
So What Are Your Favorite Views?
Room with a view.
View from a porch.
“Ready to move to Beacon for this view” type of view.
What are your favorite views? Take pictures with your smartphone or any camera and send them to us at editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com for consideration to be featured in a roundup article. Please include:
Location of the view. Cross streets, or some other description.
This is a small house (tiny house people - is this a Tiny House?), on a pretty piece of land that may have room for expansion. Anyone who has lived in or stayed in a beach house will recognize this laid-back cottage feel and immediately feel at home. The yard itself looks ruggedly beachy, with the tall grasses and rock landscaping, surrounded by tall trees near Mount Beacon.
At first blush you may say “too small,” but think big and go visit. It’s adorable. From Gate House Realty: “This adorable bungalow with beautiful mountain views has 2 bedrooms, and 1 bath, surrounded by great light and outdoor space in a quiet part of Beacon. Lots of updates including new roof, kitchen, bath and patio. With room to expand, this cozy cottage also has a garage with a new roof and ample storage space. Close to East End of Main Street and all that Beacon has to offer.” 380 Washington Avenue, Beacon, NY 12508 BEDROOMS: 2 BATHS: 1 PRICE: $239,000 Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures >
This listing is brought to you by Gate House Realty, @gatehouserealty_hvny, and we thank you for supporting businesses who support us! If you would like to list your property(s), whether you’re a private seller or an agent, please see our Media Kit in the Advertising section of the website and see the Real Estate Listing Packages. Our readers like dreaming of new digs and investments.
Second Saturday. Beacon, NY. April 13, 2019. Be there! Clockwise from top right: Jenn Bot at Clutter Gallery; John Sabraw at Beacon Institute for River and Estuaries; Margot Kingon at Catalyst Gallery; Carla Goldberg at bau; Joshua Spivack at Artifact Beacon.
Happy Second Saturday, people of Beacon!
Bask in this glorious warming weather with a saunter around Beacon (with your raincoat on - ladies can pick one up in Darryl’s Clothing Boutique), checking out exhibits that have been extended and the new openings. Consider this a warmup for the Super Mega Gallery Stroll you’re going to do next month with Beacon Open Studios, which A Little Beacon Blog is a proud sponsor of. We’ve got it all covered in Beacon's most comprehensive Art Gallery Guide.
Last Call on Several Shows
You’re almost out of time to see Working OverTime, at No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works, so head on down there before it’s taken off the walls.
Karl LaLonde’s Hue Tint Shade is sticking around RiverWinds Gallery for another couple of weeks.
New exhibitions are open at Catalyst Gallery, Hudson Beach Glass, Clutter, Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries, bau, Artifact, and the MR Yard at Marion Royael Gallery (out back).
See what your friends, neighbors, and their kids are up to with Beacon Central School District’s annual show at the Howland Library, and the Artist Member show at the Howland Cultural Center. All details in the Art Guide!
Thank You Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide Sponsor
Our Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide is sponsored by No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works, at 469 Main Street, down toward the east end of Main Street near Story Screen Beacon’s movie theater, where you’ll find not just rotating exhibits, but cool collections of handmade books that the public is encouraged to peruse.
While you're out and about doing Second Saturday, stop by our sponsors and support the businesses who support us! You too can become a sponsor at any time.
That’s right, April, just keep those magnolia trees blooming! We’ll take the nip in the air. And we'll also take ourselves to A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide to see which stores have the rain boots, light raincoat, and just a little pick-me-up to get through the overcast days! Head on down, everyone. Stroll over to Main Sreet and treat yourself to a little Beacon.
It's that time! Second Saturday in Beacon! There are plenty of new art openings for you to see, including one at Artifact, which is on the other side of the Fishkill Creek near Dogwood.
Free Concert: Annalyse & Ryan
Day: Friday, April 12, 2019 Time: 7 pm Location: Towne Crier, 379 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Girls on the Run Sneaker Soiree
Day: Friday, April 12, 2019 Time: 7 to 10 pm Location: The Roundhouse, 2 E. Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Improv Show & Jam
Day: Friday, April 12, 2019 Time: 7:15 pm (doors 6:45 pm) Location: Beacon Performing Arts Center, 327B Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
JK HOP Spring Studio Photo Sessions
In A Little Beacon Space
Day: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Time: 10 am to 2 pm Location: A Little Beacon Space, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY
Get ready for Spring with JK HOP... Beacon Studio photo sessions are here! Sit for a session, and you will receive 20 to 25 high-resolution, edited images via an online gallery. Information >
Classic Country Hits
Day: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Time: 1 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY
Information >
Kids Read: A Book Festival
Day: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Time: 10 am to 4 pm Location: Our Lady of Lourdes High School, 131 Boardman Road, Poughkeepsie, NY
Grand Opening Denise Gianna Designs
Day: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Time: 5 to 9 pm Location: 480 Main St., Beacon, NY
(Utensil's former east end spot) Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.
Rock and Snow's Bridge 2 Bridge 5-Mile Race
Day: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Time: 9 am to 1 pm Location: Upper 27 Knolls Road (Spring Farm Trailhead), High Falls, NY Information >
Visit our 5K Race Guide for more upcoming local races.
Main Street Pop Up - Local Artisans
Day: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Time: 5 to 8 pm Location: The Chocolate Studio, 494 Main St., Beacon, NY
Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique
155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com
These girls are ready for spring! Darryl's has dresses to choose from in several chickadee colors, with lots of versatility and accessory options. Like this yellow purse and navy blue pant option for the same floral print. Darryl's is located in the former Nella's Bellas spot, just down the block and across the street from Hudson Beach Glass.
Luxe Optique
183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com
This Saturday, Luxe Optique is featuring a local Emmy-nominated makeup artist, Cassandra Saulter. Cassandra recently worked on the makeup for "The Greatest Showman" and "Blindspot" on NBC. She has turned her attention to painting eyes onto people's glasses, fixing in time the "Window to the Soul." That's the title of this personalized art project, which you can have painted for yourself or a loved one. If you have a pair of glasses from a loved one that you are holding onto but don't know what to do with, bring Cassandra a photo of your loved one, and she can paint their eyes into their glasses as a memorial.
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light)
If you are planning a wedding right now, we're really not sure how you pick just one dress. There are so many lovelies at Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique! Owner Charlotte Guernsey's philosophy, in a nutshell, on why she created the store: "Just because it's pretty." Call the boutique at (845) 765-2900 to make an appointment.
Firefly Yoga & Juicebar Location: 992 Main St., Fishkill, NY
APRIL PROMOTION AT FIREFLY April 2019:Sign up for Gold Membership, with $115 monthly auto-renew in April, and get your first month unlimited for $49! (available in studio only).
Also a steal: 10 classes for $160 (exclusive pricing ends Saturday, April 20). Information >
Sponsor A Little Beacon Blog's Summer Camp Guide. Details here.
Springtime Cookie & Chocolate Class for Kids
Day: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Time: 5 to 8 pm Location: The Chocolate Studio, 496 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Check A Little Beacon Blog's Classes For Kids & Teens Guide to see what there is to do every day of the week. We collect ideas and organize them by day. For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide.
380 Washington Avenue, Beacon, NY 12508
Anyone who has lived in or stayed in a beach house will recognize this laid-back cottage feel. The yard itself looks beachy with the tall grasses and rock landscaping, surrounded by tall trees near Mount Beacon. From Gate House Realty: “This adorable bungalow with beautiful mountain views has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, surrounded by great light and outdoor space in a quiet part of Beacon. Lots of updates including new roof, kitchen, bath and patio. With room to expand, this cozy cottage also has a garage with new roof and ample storage space. Close to East End of Main Street and all that Beacon has to offer.”
BEDROOMS: 2 BATHS: 1
PRICE: $239,000 Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures >
A Little Beacon Space :: Pop-Up Photo Session!
This Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, photographer Jessica Kenny is taking over A Little Beacon Space to bring you a chance to get a professional photo session in a mini format. Book online here, or walk-in the day off, and you'll get 20 to 25 high-resolution, edited images. This is great for head shots, family portraits and anything else you think of. Walk-ins are welcom! Details For Booking Your Own Photo Session >
Knot Too Shabby Website Almost Ready For Launch
Beacon's own Annie Sloan stockist store, Knot Too Shabby, is working with Katie James, Inc. to get a redesigned, easier-to-use website to sell their paint, workshops, furniture, and to make announcements. Katie James, Inc. is thrilled to be working on this project. A highlight has been taking physical elements from the store, like stencils and rustic paint styles, and incorporating them digitally into the website design. The website platform of choice is Shopify, and Knot Too Shabby has already started making sales from it. Once the design details are in place, Katie James, Inc. will train Knot Too Shabby in how to change the home page, create special shopping sections, and how to use their own website's blog to make special announcements and attract more shoppers from Google. Get A Sneak Peek >
Antalek & Moore :: Interview With Susan Pagones
Get to know your friendly neighborhood Antalek & Moore agent: Susan Pagones. She and the team at Antalek & Moore make insurance easier for you. They do the homework on policies and coverage, then you can go and talk with them, face to face. Read our interview with Susan, and call them today to get them on your side: (845) 831-4300.
Tin Shingle Small Group Training
Did you know that you can get free marketing training every other Wednesday online with Tin Shingle? And if you're a member with an All Access Pass, you get to spend the other Wednesdays on a live call to strategize your own marketing moves across social media, PR, your newsletters, and more. Learn More >
BeaconArts :: Open Studios
From Beacon Open Studios: "Beacon Open Studios is fast approaching, and we're in the final stretch, as Artist Registration and Sponsorship purchase is only open for 25 more days! There will NOT be a late registration option this year so be sure to register now if you haven't done so already!" Reserve Your Spot as a Sponsor or Artist! >
Beacon Chamber of Commerce Business Directory
Is your business in the Business Directory of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce yet? It should be. Join today! Learn More >
MASTHEAD Producers of this newsletter include:
Katie Hellmuth Martin, Publisher, Writer, Designer, Photographer
Marilyn Perez, Managing Editor
Catherine Sweet, Editor of the Second Saturday Guide
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.
That’s right, April, just keep those magnolia trees blooming! We’ll take the nip in the air. And we’ll also take ourselves to A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide, to see which stores that have the rain boots, light rain ☔️ coat, and just a little pick-me-up to get through the overcast days! Head on down, everyone. Walk over to Main Street and treat yourself to a little Beacon.
This intersection is a few blocks behind Bank Square in what is quite a hilly area. Straight ahead and over a bit, you can almost spy the bright blue beBhakti Yoga Center.
Photo Credit: The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health Event Flyer
2019 Public Forum Service Needs For Individuals With Chemical Dependency When: Thursday, April 11. 2019 Time: 5:30 to 7:30 pm Where: 230 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY DBCH Training Room (Entrance #1) Host: Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health
From sitcoms and fashion to music and technology, the recent 2000s have not escaped the influence of the late ‘90s. It is hard to believe that the era that produced Joey Tribbiani is the same era that paved the way for today’s opioid crisis. In the late 1990s, giant pharmaceutical companies convinced healthcare providers that prescription opioid pain relievers were not highly addictive. Healthcare providers prescribed opioids at a super fast rate before realizing the intense addictive nature these drugs possess.
“As of January 2019, the National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates the death of 130 Americans per day from the overdose of opioids.”
As of January 2019, the National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates the death of 130 Americans per day from the overdose of opioids. People suffering from chemical dependency are not the only ones affected; babies are bearing the burden as well.
Babies Suffering From Opioid Withdrawal
About every 15 minutes, a baby is born undergoing the agony of opioid withdrawal, commonly referred to as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Aside from the staggering death rates and effects on child mortality, the economy bears a dent from the opioid epidemic. A total of $78.5 billion a year is drained by prescription opioid misuse as estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Estimates include the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.
Kelly Ramsey, M.D., a renowned expert on substance use disorders and medication-assisted treatment, will be there as a guest speaker. The event will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2019 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the DBCH Training Room (entrance #1) . At 5 pm, a free Narcan training will be held and refreshments will be provided. Narcan (brand name for naloxone) blocks the effects of an opioid overdose, and administering it is a useful skill to learn for those in the public health field or personally affected by chemical dependency. Representatives will inform the public on initiatives in effect and progress achieved in this field. An open discussion followed by an encouraged Q&A will be held in an effort to keep the community informed on this growing crisis.
What Everyone Is Reading :: Theme: Friends Who Knew My Cat
The wind is blowing, seasonal allergies are beginning their ravaging Times Square hustle, and the sunsets are magnificent! But March dug her jagged little nails in at the very end and I had to put my cat of 16 years to sleep. So this introduction to Writerly Happenings will honor the reading habits of Friends Who Knew My Cat Way Back When.
Firstly, About My Cat
I rescued her as a tiny kitten from the roof of a crack house on South 12th Street on the way home from work in Philadelphia one July, and that all seems like a lifetime ago. The fact that I just eagerly started “I Must Be Living Twice” by Eileen Myles is fitting, I think.
When I got home with the kitten, my roommate, Miriam Singer, was an absolute angel about the new addition biting her toes. Right now she’s reading “M Train” by Patti Smith but feeling so-so about it. Maybe she should try “Evening in Paradise,” a collection of short stories by Lucia Berlin, because I am swooning over it. Swooning!
Our downstairs neighbor Alexandra was a champion of both cats and pink champagne at happy hour, and she is now reading “The Art of Communicating” by Thich Nhat Hanh and “Who I Am” by Pete Townshend. She once gave me a Freddie Mercury biography by Lesley-Ann Jones that I ate up with a spoon, so her rock memoir recommendations are solid.
Back In The Hudson Valley Writing Community
This event has already passed, but you should know about it, that on Sunday, April 7, you could have gone to Get Lit at Oak Vino and read for 5 minutes yourself, and/or enjoyed featured writer (and visual artist) Will Lessard and writer and musician Mike Faloon. (Don’t miss another Get Lit.)
Get Lit is sponsoring a book drive for Special Education English classrooms at Beacon High School for Get Caught Reading month in May! They’ve teamed up with Binnacle Books, and you can help contribute! A Little Beacon Blog already wrote all about it here. Binnacle Books is otherwise taking a break for their monthly Book Club for a hot minute, partly because they were producing this event, “Reframing Urban Renewal: A Presentation and Discussion,” which was at Fullerton Center in Newburgh for a discussion about urban renewal in the Hudson Valley. It explored creative ways of mobilizing a contested landscape and featured panelists including Ben Schulman of Newburgh Packet, David Hochfelder and Anne Pfau of 98 acres and University of Albany, and artist, academic, and author of “Contested City,” Gabrielle Bendiner-Viani.
Down In Cold Spring…
In the meantime, Split Rock Books in Cold Spring came back from their winter break with a vengeance and is offering approximately 7,000 things for you to do in April. I’m super interested in their reading on Saturday, April 13, with “author, poet and professor Caroline Hagood. ‘In Ways of Looking at a Woman’, a book-length essay that interweaves memoir with film and literary history, Caroline Hagood assumes the role of detective to ask, what is a ‘woman,’ ‘mother,’ and ‘writer’?” There’s also a discussion on Thursday, April 18, of “An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States (ReVisioning American History #3)” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, which I’ve been wanting to read. On Thursday, May 16, Split Rock is hosting Susan Choi for her new book “Trust Exercise”. She just got a big write up in the New York Times.
Back In Beacon…
The phenomenal poet Edwin Torres is teaching a series of workshops on Saturdays at Beahive, aiming “to align our natural tri-lingual voice, our voice, with the humanity that defines us. “ Sounds so very good to me!
Thursday, April 18, is “Poem in Your Pocket Day,” as part of National Poetry Month and you should totally put a poem in your pocket and then give it to someone. Also, sign up for Poem-A-Day emails while you are at it! Meanwhile, have you seen the postcard books at Binnacle Books from local publisher Paravion Press, who is located in the old Beacon High School off Fishkill Avenue? So neat.
John Blesso’s Adult Stories is back on Sunday, April 28, if you want to share your work at Oak Vino. Looking ahead to May, we are certain that The Artichoke on Saturday, May 25, is going to sell out again, so maybe get those tickets now!
In the spoken word world…
On Saturday, April 20, there’s Poughetry Fest 2019, a not-to-be-missed festival of spoken and written word at the Cunneen-Hackett Center in Poughkeepsie. There will be a Youth Open Mic hosted by Derick Cross, LGBTQ Open Mic hosted by Jen Herman, the Calling All Poets Series hosted by Mike Jurkovic, the Poet Laureate Room featuring the newly appointed Hudson Valley & beyond Poet Laureates, and the Audre Lorde Room co-curated by Armando Batista. Amazing lineup!
In Newburgh…
Also Ruth Danon is teaming up with Atlas Studios to curate the monthly Spring Street Reading Series beginning on Friday, May 17, with Beacon’s own Julie Chibbaro and NYC hot ticket Laura Sims. We will be there with bells on. Well, we’ll probably take them off before the reading so as not to make a scene.
Also, up in Saugerties they are celebrating poetry all month with readings and sidewalk haiku and poetry and potions/purls and pints(oh my!).
Saturday, April 27, is “Independent Bookstore Day,” so give your local bookseller some big love that can’t fit into a big box.
Got more ideas about where to go for the writerliest of happenings? Please be in touch! phoebe@alittlebeaconblog.com. Or just let me know what you are reading and loving these days.
Popping up in A Little Beacon Space this Saturday: photo sessions! You could pop in for a quickie session of professional photography from J Kenny House of Photo! This photographer is usually behind the camera, but we sprung this photo op on her (that’s her smiling mug with the “Open” sign, above) to help promote her event this Saturday, April 13: Come into A Little Beacon Space between 10am and 2pm for a mini photo shoot. Check out her Instagram for photo examples.
She’s bringing her backdrops to set the scene for a photo. This is great for those of you who even want headshots! Click her Insta for the link to book, or book online right here, or walk in on Saturday.
Common Ground Farm invites visitors for a contemplative walk through the early spring fields on Saturday, April 13, at 1 pm. The walk will be guided by Farm Director, Sarah Simon, with reflection and commentary shared from the faith traditions of food access partners and community leaders, including: Rabbi Brent Chaim Spodek of Beacon Hebrew Alliance, Lt. Leilani Rodríguez-Alarcón of Salvation Army, Pastor Ben Larson-Wolbrink of First Presbyterian Church, Pastor Bill Dandreano of Salem Tabernacle, and Sarah Capua.
Everyone Welcome To Celebrate The Growing Season
The Opening of the Fields walk is an opportunity to appreciate the potential abundance of the fields as well as to reflect upon the changes and uncertainty inherent in nature. Farming can be isolating work, and the farmers look forward to sharing the springtime activities on a Hudson Valley vegetable farm. Visitors can park by the red barns and meet the group by the picnic tables. Hot tea and snacks will be provided, and guests are welcome to stay and picnic afterwards if the weather is fine. The event is free and open to all. Common Ground Farm welcomes everyone to visit the farm and help celebrate the start of the growing season.
Farm Director Sarah Simon states, “Both hope and uncertainty shape the beginning of the growing season on the farm. The traces of last year's labor have faded, winter has claimed what was once green and lush, and the farm is just beginning to wake up again as the soil starts to warm and the sun begins to shine.”
About Common Ground Farm
Common Ground Farm is a community farm dedicated to food justice, and donates produce to six different local food pantries and soup kitchens each week during their growing season. This event is an opportunity for the farm’s valued community partners to visit the place where the produce is grown, and to see the fields that will feed their communities from May until November. Many of the soup kitchens and food pantries are organized by religious organizations, and for the event, the farm has invited the leaders of these churches, synagogues, and mosques to share blessings and teachings about nature, food and land from their traditions. There will also be nondenominational teachings and blessings shared by community members.
Common Ground Farm donates weekly to the following food pantries:
Beacon Community Kitchen
Fishkill Food Pantry
First Presbyterian Church in Wappingers Falls
New Vision Church of Deliverance
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Beacon
Occasionally to: Salvation Army in Beacon, Dutchess Outreach in Poughkeepsie
You know this building as the brick building across from Key Food. 291 Main Street is the building whose owner and restorer - Deborah Bigelow - is always outside sweeping trash, scraping cigar spit, raking the driveway and tree filler (yes, raking it into a meditative pattern), and who was up on the boom last year gilding the words "Telephone Building" in gold leaf by hand. If you went to her presentation for the Beacon Historical Society, you would have learned that those gold leaf sheets came in small squares that she needed to take up to the top of the building, in strong winds, and do her thing to gild it to the iconic letters.
When buildings go up for sale, a wave of uncertainty goes through the community. A Little Beacon Blog is Deborah's tenant in the front office, with windows overlooking Main Street. We did this to physically connect with the community to offer pop-up shops, workshop space, and more in what we call A Little Beacon Space.
We always knew that at some point soon in her life, Deborah would embark on her sale of the building. Therefore, we are 100% supportive and thrilled for her. In fact, it has launched a million dreams of where A Little Beacon Space might pop up next. We wrote a Love Note To Deborah and discussed possibilities of our future plans in this article, which you can read here.
PS: Our South Avenue Elementary School kids are practicing songs from "The Greatest Showman" for their next recital, so it's a nice coincidence that this really inspiring soundtrack is fueling a possible move to... we don't know where! Or maybe staying right here! We wrote a Love Note To Deborah As She Sells Her Building, which you can read here.
The vendor spots were filled on this Opening Day for lots of things (including some local golf courses). The Beacon Flea, located in the free municipal parking lot on Henry Street behind the gas station and near the post office, looked like a full house of fresh collections. The event, every Sunday, has regular sellers and rotating visiting sellers each week. Signing up to be a vendor is easy and affordable. Call the number in this picture - (845) 202-0094 - should you want to set up a table one weekend.
If you see rising clouds of color in the sky, it's coming from South Avenue Elementary's annual Color-A-Thon! Read all about it here, and see how you can get sprinkled in bright color powder while helping to raise money for South Avenue. All are welcome. Registration is available on-site, and some sponsored participant spots are available, donated by teachers and students. South Avenue's librarian Mr. Burke released a new video for it, that you don't want to miss (he plays three different characters).
Day: Saturday, April 6, 2019 Time: 10am-12pm Location: Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps Building, 1 Arquilla Drive, Beacon, NY Information >
South Avenue’s Color-A-Thon
Day: Saturday, April 6, 2019 Time: 10-12pm (Registration at 10am, Bounce House at 10:30am, Run at 12pm) Location: South Avenue Elementary School, Beacon, NY Information >
Opening Reception: Artists Members of the Howland Cultural Center
Day: Saturday, April 6, 2019 Time: 2:30-4:30pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Music and Creative Arts Fundraiser
Day: Saturday, April 6, 2019 Time: 3pm Location: The Salvation Army, 372 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Live Concert with Pluck & Rail Day: Saturday, April 6, 2019 Time: 8pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Women's Work Concert - "Sisterhood of Harmony"
Day: Sunday, April 7, 2019 Time: 2pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps Benefit Brunch
Day: Sunday, April 7, 2019 Time: 10:30am & 12:30pm Location: Dutchess Manor, 263 NY-9D, Beacon, NY Information >
Reframing Urban Renewal: A Presentation and Discussion
Day: Sunday, April 7, 2019 Time: 3pm Location: Fullerton Center, 297 Grand St., Newburgh, NY Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.
BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique
155 Main Street
www.darrylsny.com
Steppin' out from Darryl's Boutique, you'll find several denim styles, like this jean jacket with fabric woven in (ask about the matching blue purse). Color is bright in Darryl's, though if you want a subtler black with polka-dots, they have that, too.
Luxe Optique
183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com
Color is popping like the spring crocuses at Luxe Optique! We've been featuring the lighter, more delicate looking frames, but now we're plunging back into the bold shapes and colors that designer sabine be is known for. Try on a pair... you might be surprised.
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light)
This gown from Justin Alexander is in at Lambs Hill. Can you see the sparkle throughout? It's a classic ballgown for sure, with plenty of delicate fabric to help make the day unforgettable. Call the boutique at (845) 765-2900 for an appointment.
Thai Yoga Body Work at Firefly Yoga
Day: Sunday, April 7, 2019 Time: 2-4pm Location: Firefly Yoga, 992 Main St., Fishkill, NY
You MUST try this: This type of yoga is also called Nuad Boran or Thai Yoga Massage. It's performed on a mat on the floor; both client and practitioner are dressed in comfortable clothing allowing ease of movement and flexibility. It feels like yoga, massage and pressure point therapy, combined. Information >
BRAINLINGO: Writing The Voice of The Body (4 classes)
Day: Every Saturday in April 2019, starting April 6 Time: 10am-2pm Location: Beahive, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Ayurvedic Consultation
Day: Saturday, April 6, 2019 Time: 1pm-4pm Location: BeBhakti Yoga, 8 DeWindt St., Beacon, NY Information > (check Adult Classes Guide for more workshops offered this weekend)
Make Your Own Leggings
Day: Sunday, April 7, 2019 Time: 11am-4:30pm
Location: Beetle & Fred, 171 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Masterclass - Pysanky Egg Workshop
Day: Sunday, April 7, 2019 Time: 3-5:30pm Location: Hudson Valley MOCA, 1701 Main St., Peekskill, NY Information >
Check A Little Beacon Blog's Classes For Kids Guide to see what there is to do every day of the week. We collect ideas and organize them by day. If it's Tuesday, check in and see what you can do! Visit The Classes for Kids & Teens Guide >
For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes Guide.
416 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508
Land For Sale. This lot is next door to Ella's Bellas, on the east end of town near the mountain and the new movie theater.
From Gate House Realty: “Amazing opportunity for developer or builder. Last available lot on bustling east end of Main Street.”
PRICE: $597,000 Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures >
Antalek & Moore :: Interview With Susan Pagones
Get to know your friendly Antalek & Moore agent: Susan Pagones. She and the team at Antalek & Moore make insurance easier for you. They do the homework on policies and coverage, and you can talk with them face-to-face.
Branding Assets For Rock Out 4 Mental Health
Get ready for it! The newest initiative from I Am Beacon is Rock Out 4 Mental Health, a music event happening Saturday, June 1, down at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park. Katie James, Inc. is proud to have designed the assets, including the logo, flyer and banner. Lead designer is Allie Bopp. Event Details >
Tin Shingle Small Group Training
Did you know that you can get free marketing training every other Wednesday online with Tin Shingle? And if you're a member with an All Access Pass, you get to spend the other Wednesdays on a live call to strategize your own marketing moves in social media, PR, your newsletters, and more. Learn More >
A Little Beacon Space :: Spring Photo Sessions
Happening next Saturday is "JK HOP Spring Studio Photo Sessions" in A Little Beacon Space! On Saturday, April 13, Spring Studio Sessions will be available in 30-minute slots, anytime between 11:30am and 2pm at 291 Main Street, Beacon. Details For Booking Your Own Photo Session >
BeaconArts :: Open Studios
From Beacon Open Studios: "Beacon Open Studios is fast approaching and we're in the final stretch as Artist Registration and Sponsorship purchase is only open for 25 more days! There will NOT be a late registration option this year so be sure to register now if you haven't done so already!" Reserve Your Spot as a Sponsor or Artist! >
Beacon Chamber of Commerce Business Directory
Work with the Beacon Chamber of Commerce to throw a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony if you're new in town, or just opened. It's a great way to meet your neighbors and broadcast your business! Learn More >
MASTHEAD Producers of this newsletter include:
Katie Hellmuth Martin, Publisher, Writer, Designer, Photographer
Marilyn Perez, Managing Editor
Catherine Sweet, Editor of the Second Saturday Guide
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.
Support for this publication comes in part from these businesses. We have highlighted what makes them special on their own dedicated pages. Want your business listed here? See the "Sponsor Spotlight" or "Event Promotion" option in our Advertising Page.
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.
It's that time! Second Saturday in Beacon! There are plenty of new art openings for you to see, including one at Artifact, which is on the other side of the Fishkill Creek near Dogwood.
Kids Read: A Book Festival
