Beacon Players’ Beauty and the Beast Was Over The Top Good - Here Are Some Pictures

It is hard not to cover every performance from the Beacon Players, the Beacon High School Drama and Theater Arts organization that brings together students who share a passion for theater and performing arts. A Little Beacon Blog is a sponsor every year in their playbill, and every year we’re amazed with the quality of the production. Remember Peter Pan, when Peter and Wendy really did fly across the stage? Surely you saw the Chorus Line.

In case you didn’t get to see the most recent show over the weekend, we are bringing to a wider audience these photos from the Beacon Players’ Instagram, that give you a glimpse of what the show was like, and the range of what students get to experience while putting on the show.

Music!

Usually people think of the actors when they think of aligning with a theater group, but there are other creative parts of the crew that they can be a part of. Like the Costume Department, and the Pit Orchestra. Pictured here are five members of the orchestra, who make the music happen.

Beacon Players Are All Ages

One might assume that all of the participants are in high school, but really, all ages are involved. Pictured here is the “younger company,” who rehearse alongside the big kids for their parts in the show.

How To Get Involved

If you’re a business or an individual, you can sponsor a show. Email beaconplayersad@gmail.com to be put on their list when they are reaching out for playbill ads. You can also sponsor a seat.

Watch this space for any summer camp or meetup opportunity the Beacon Players put on. Meanwhile, many summer opportunities are here in A Little Beacon Blog’s Summer Camp Guide.

View this post on Instagram

Entering our final show day like....#beaconplayers #footstool #ohandbabette #beautyandthebeast🌹 #finalshow

A post shared by Beacon Players (@beaconplayers) on Apr 28, 2019 at 6:51am PDT

Branding Made Easy :: Small Businesses Can Post Couture Branded Templates (Sponsored)

A special message from our sponsor, Katie James, Inc.

Branding Made Easy :: Social Media Card Templates

The philosophy at Katie James, Inc. is to make clients’ lives easy, branded and beautiful. Katie James, Inc. is designing blank Social Media Cards for clients to use as they share announcements, like "Open Hours" or if they post a new workshop. This is especially important after a new website design, where the business wants social media posts to match their new website look. This way, followers in Instagram will quickly and easily see and get a feel for the brand as they thumb through Instagram.

These templates were designed for Knot Too Shabby, at 155 Main Street in Beacon, NY, where they sell Annie Sloan Home furniture paint, stencils, picture frames, soap, country-style signs, and other household decor. Now, the business owner Caryn can use whatever photo she wants for a new Make and Take Class, and put the official title on top of it, then upload it to her Shopify website, and voila! She is on-brand.

For example, if Caryn decided to host a new class where the signage is a personalized baseball, she can do this, and put the Make and Take title atop it without asking Katie James, Inc., her website design team, to do it for her. (Empowerment is everything!)

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Katie James, Inc. is a Spotlight Sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and a sister design agency who has designed this website and sponsors’ ads. It is with the support of businesses 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.

2019 Career Fair at Beacon High School - Seeking Businesses To Participate

The Beacon High School Career Fair is Thursday, May 23, from 10 am to 1:30 pm, and once again, the school is seeking businesses to participate so that students can see the huge range of careers that exist in the Hudson Valley, or that exist at all.

Types of Participating Businesses

Past participants have included illustrators, writers, bloggers, podcasters, engineers, drone operators, insurance agents, document storage companies, first responders, public servants, T-shirt making companies, peace organizations, law firms, and many more.

Don’t be shy or think your business is too big or too small or too unusual to participate. This is your time to show kids what they can do, what they can become. This is your time to let them look up to you and your business, and figure out what they can dream about becoming.

I have participated three years in a row, representing A Little Beacon Blog (online newspaper) and Tin Shingle (teaches businesses how to get the word out). This year I’ll also probably have my couture branding agency, Katie James, Inc. represent. Businesses are grouped with like businesses, so I’m usually in the Media or Communications section.

Pictured above are the writer Sarah Crow, who at the time was a regular contributor to publications like GQ, Bridal Guide, and MTV. Currently she is a Senior Editor at Galvanized, where she does all sorts of things like manage freelance writers and run the social media account for the brand, as well as research for the Eat This, Not That! podcast. Also pictured here is Tom Cerchiara, founder of TEC Land Surveying.

Interacting With The Kids During The High School Career Fair

Each time, kids approach my table shyly (you have to gently encourage them to come up to your table - unless you’re Twins Barber Shop, who give haircuts at their table, or Antalek & Moore, who brought the giant Jenga game last year), and quietly tell me about their secret blogs. Correction. Their friends usually tell me about a kid’s secret fashion blogs while elbowing their blogger friend to go on and tell me about it.

One young man had a secret passion for sketching, and didn’t want to be that open about it at home. I told him about the Sketch Book Open Studio meeting at the Beacon Public Library every Wednesday (on my radar from its spot in A Little Beacon Blog’s Kids Classes Guide), and encouraged him to go check it out.

How To Participate

To participate, email the School Counselor, Michele R. Polhamus, at polhamus.m@beaconk12.org. She would love to hear from you. Participating is really easy. Tables and chairs are set up for you, with access to power if you need it, though you need to coordinate with Michele in advance.

Deadline: Friday, May 3, 2019! But if you’re seeing this slightly after that deadline, go ahead and give it a try just in case.

Sunday Real Estate Feature: Cute Storefront Space on Main Street - Formerly A Kids Consignment Shop

Here's a little secret - this little yellow storefront is what hooked my hubby and myself into Beacon. Back when we were only thinking of making the move up from the city, we had dreams of filling it with a boutique, and doing something spectacular with the raw warehouse space behind it (also available for rent right now). What will you do with it?
From Gate House Realty: “Beautifully maintained storefront in Central Main Street zoned business district of Beacon. High visibility with double window displays, open floor plan with incredible natural light, hardwood floors and half bath. Available immediately. Call listing agent to schedule a viewing.”
RENT: $2,000/month
Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550
Details + Pictures >

Firefly Yoga Hosts Partner Yoga Workshop Fundraiser This Sunday With Irene Auma From Peace Within Prison Yoga

This Sunday, April 28, Firefly Yoga and Juice Bar in Fishkill, NY, will be hosting a special two-hour Partner Yoga workshop hosted by guest instructor Irene Auma, from Peace Within Prison Yoga in Kenya. Irene has been touring the United States, teaching special classes and workshops to raise money for the nonprofit she started, Peace Within Prison Yoga.

About Irene Auma

Irene became a certified yoga instructor through the Africa Yoga Project and is also a Baptiste Yoga certified instructor. Her inspiration to become a yoga teacher comes from wanting to “improve the lives of thousands of inmates who are in dark places and bring humanity, compassion, strength and humor to their lives. I stand as hope and may they have hope.” Hence her founding Peace Within Prison Yoga.

About Peace Within Prison Yoga

Peace Within Prison Yoga seeks to promote peace and reconciliation among citizens of Kenya by encouraging self-awareness and acceptance of individuals. The mission is to create a peaceful environment through yoga and meditation that transforms the lives of those within the criminal justice system. A majority of the persons in prison have low levels of education. For any offender, their status quo in society automatically changes once they get imprisoned. They are considered outcasts or outlaws. The reality after release is that life is much harder than it was before imprisonment.

Their goal is to bring yoga to prisons in Kenya, where Irene is from. She shares, “My team and I volunteer to teach to yoga in prison from one location to another, at Athi River Men’s Prison to Machakos Women's Prison once a week, and Lang'ata Women's Maximum Security Prison three times a week with each of these classes reaching 40 to 60 students per class! My goal is to continue to expand by adding prison yoga programs to all 147 prisons.”

About Partner Yoga

Partner Yoga invites openness, patience, communication, trust and balance into your yoga practice and relationships. You and your partner will help each other to relax physical, mental, and emotional tensions. When you are physically supported, not only do you experience a yoga posture differently, but you also begin to allow yourself to trust someone else. No previous yoga experience or partner is necessary; bring
a friend, a loved one, a sibling, a neighbor, or simply yourself.

The workshop will be Sunday, April 28 from 1 to 3 pm at Firefly Yoga and Juice Bar, 992 Main St., Fishkill, NY. You can visit their website at www.fireflyfishkill.com to sign up and get more information.

Firefly Yoga and Juice Bar is a sponsor of our Adult Classes Guide. 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.

Happy Independent Bookstore Day, Binnacle Books! Last Chance On Their Original Tote Bag

Happy Independent Bookstore Day Binnacle Books! It’s risky for any retail shop to open a brick-and-mortar store, but perhaps even more so for an indie bookstore! Many cheers to Binnacle Books for doing that in Beacon, and for connecting all of us with the printed page and for readings and other book 📖 based events.

It’s also really easy to order any book you want from Binnacle - just tell them what you want over the counter or the phone, they click up some magic, and 💥 BAM, you can pick it up in the store!

Binnacle Books has helped promote other indie bookstores by making available the Hudson Valley Book Trail Map, debuting today in their shop. Plus, this is your last chance to get one of their original tote bags - perfect timing for the plastic bag ban!

Says their newsletter: “Stop by to browse some fantastic recent releases, revisit old favorites, or get a recommendation for something new. If you spend $75 or more with us today, we'll throw in one of our original blue totes with your order. If you ever wanted one, now's your chance: after this run sells out, we aren't printing them again.” 

A Little Beacon Blog is honored to partner with all of our sponsors, but especially so when Binnacle approached us, wanting to sponsor our Shopping Guide. Thank you for having faith in us! Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, but this is not a sponsored post. It’s a “Celebrate Indie Bookstores!” post.

Go give Binnacle some love! Binnacle Books is at 321 Main St., Beacon, NY.

Pop-Up Shop Season Has Started! Pop-Up In A Little Beacon Space

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Pop-Up Shop Season Has Started!

Want a venue to showcase your talent? Pop Up in A Little Beacon Space! People are always asking us, "What's coming in next?" Maybe it’s you!

We make your setup and promotion really easy! We have two black tables with smooth surfaces, which can get shorter or longer, depending on who is setting up in the room. We have the perfect nook for trying on clothing or just relaxing while others shop. Pop-up events at A Little Beacon Space are always fun and lively. A lovely surprise on your weekend stroll through Beacon!

Coming soon… new shelving we ordered, to give you more retail display options. Watch our Instagram for when it arrives and we set it up!
Click here for details >

Happening This Weekend - 4/26/2019

Lots happening this weekend in Beacon! Let's get right down to it - you do not want to miss this kids gear sale, the Beacon Barks parade, or the other things going on... Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance.   Movies That Matter Beacon presents “Living The Change: Inspiring Stories For A Sustainable Future” Day: Friday, April 26, 2019 Time: 7 to 10 pm Location: First Presbyterian Church, McKinley Hall, 50 Liberty St., Beacon, NY Information > The Beacon Players present “Beauty And The Beast” Day: Friday to Sunday, April 26-28, 2019 Times: April 26 at 7:30 pm, April 27 at 1 pm & 7:30 pm, and April 28 at 2 pm Location: Beacon High School, 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY A Little Beacon Blog is a Proud Sponsor! Buy Tickets Online > The Annual Beacon Barks Parade & Street Festival for 2019 Day: Saturday, April 27, 2019 Time: 11 am to 3 pm Location: Main Street, Beacon, NY, starting at Polhill Park (across from Bank Square Coffee) Information > Ree Play Sale - Lots of Kids Stuff - For A Cause Day: Friday to Sunday, April 26-28, 2019 Time: 9 am to 1 pm Location: 724 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY (at the University Settlement Camp) Gobs and gobs of cheap kids clothes and gear at the annual Ree Play Sale. Last year the sale raised over $14,000, which pays for upgrades to Beacon's outdoor community kids parks, and to some library kids programming. What will they raise this year? What treasures will you find? Rumor has it there are lots of bikes... Information > Niche Modern Spring Factory Sale Day: Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, 2019 Time: Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 2 pm Location: 310 Fishkill Ave., Unit #11, Beacon, NY FINAL WEEKEND: Working OverTime: Works on Paper by Clarence Morgan & David Rich Days: Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, 2019 Time: Noon to 6 pm Location: No.3 Reading Room & PhotoBook Works, 469 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Howland Chamber Music Circle Presents Ying Quartet & Zuill Bailey (Cello) Day: Sunday, April 28, 2019 Time: 4 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.   Pop-Up Shop Season Has Started! Want a venue to showcase your talent? Why not Pop Up in A Little Beacon Space! People are always asking us "What's coming in next?" Maybe you! We make your setup and promotion really easy! Look for new shelving we ordered to give your event more retail display options. Click here for details > Vintage Pop-Up Days: Friday to Sunday, April 26-28, 2019 Time: Friday, 2 to 8 pm; Saturday, 12 to 8 pm; Sunday, 12 to 6 pm Location: 149 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Mid Hudson Etsy Makers Spring Market Day: Saturday, April 27, 2019 Time: 11 amt to 6 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >     BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique 155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com Dressed to impress, this sweet jumper is light and airy and sure to keep you cool as the days warm up. Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique has plenty of sweet and sexy options in blouses and jumpers like this one. You'll also find plenty of light and easy shoulder coverings for when you duck inside a shop or restaurant. PS: Darryl's Beacon is now on Instagram! Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com Meet the lafont line, if you haven't already, available now at Luxe Optique. It is a designer line that is known to stay on your face. We can speak from experience! If you need to wear glasses while jogging, you could actually wear lafont frames with confidence that they will stay in place on your face. Now in new cat-eye shapes.     BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the dummy light) Summer is coming for weddings, and brides who want a light and airy look can find it from Justin Alexander at Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique right now! Call (845) 765-2900 to make your appointment to see more.  Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! Luxe Optique, Binnacle Books, Darryl's Boutique, and Lambs Hill. Thank you to Barb's Butchery and BAJA 328 for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide! Visit A Little Beacon Blog's Restaurant Guide for all of the restaurants in Beacon, and see our Brunch Guide for your morning dining needs!     Firefly Yoga & Juicebar Location: 992 Main St., Fishkill, NY On a gloomy day like today, the best pick-me-up is a fresh juice from Firefly Yoga's Juicebar, in Fishkill. And a stretch of yoga! Firefly proudly serves organic products and has a 100% plant-based menu. Find Fresh Juices • Juice Cleanses • Smoothies • Smoothie Bowls • Granola Bowls • Coffee & Tea. Information > Shamanic Drum Making Workshop with Mia Luz Day: Saturday, April 27, 2019 Time: 1:30 to 7:30 pm Location: Beacon Yoga Center, 464 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Defensive Driving Course Day: Saturday, April 27, 2019 Time: 8:30 am to 3 pm Location: Antalek & Moore, 340 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Embodying Yoga Philosophy with Jacob Friedman Day: Sunday, April 28, 2019 Time: 1 to 3 pm Location: Bebhakti Yoga, 89 DeWindt St., Beacon, NY Information > Thank you to Firefly Yoga for sponsoring the Adult Classes Guide! For a full list of upcoming classes, classes during the week, and workshops of all kinds, visit our Adult Classes Guide. Sponsor A Little Beacon Blog's Summer Camp Guide. Details here.   BEACON BEAR YOUTH FOOTBALL Pre-Season Clinic Days: Saturday, April 27, 2019 Ages: 5-13 Location: Memorial Field, 59 Robert Cahill Drive, Beacon, 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. For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Classes for Kids & Teens Guide > Submission Guidelines for classes you'd like us to consider adding to these guides can be found here. Time to freshen up your hair style - or beard! Find a salon in Beacon at A Little Beacon Blog's Beauty Guide. REAL ESTATE LISTINGS 296 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508 Here's a little secret - this little yellow storefront is what hooked A Little Beacon Blog's Katie and her hubby into Beacon. They had dreams of filling it with a boutique, and doing something spectacular with the raw warehouse space behind it (also available for rent right now). What will you do with it? From Gate House Realty: “Beautifully maintained storefront in Central Main Street zoned business district of Beacon. High visibility with double window displays, open floor plan with incredible natural light, hardwood floors and half bath. Available immediately. Call listing agent to schedule a viewing.” RENT: $2,000/month Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures > VIEW THIS LISTING VIEW ALL LISTINGS HEADLINE NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS         Little Beacon Space :: Event Venue We're changing it up in here! Business teams have been retreating to Beacon, and need a place to workshop and brainstorm their big ideas! Our event venue, A Little Beacon Space, has been perfect for them. We've upgraded our blue folding chairs, and added a new round conference room table. Plus - for anyone who needs a little cush for their tush, we got this blue upholstered chair, and have more coming! Tell your friends who plan work retreats about A Little Beacon Space! Details > Upcoming Events at A Little Beacon Space > Branding Made Easy :: Social Media Card Templates Our philosophy at Katie James, Inc. is to make our clients' lives easy, branded, and beautiful. We are designing blank Social Media Cards for clients to use as they share announcements, like "Open Hours" or if they post a new workshop. These templates were designed for Knot Too Shabby. Now, she can use whatever photo she wants for a new Make and Take Class, and put the official title on top of it, then upload it to her Shopify website, and voila! She is on-brand. What Can Katie James, Inc. Do For You? >   Antalek & Moore :: Interview With Vince Lemma You want this guy on your team. A former assistant college lacrosse coach, Vince Lemma is co-Executive Partner at Antalek & Moore, and is ready to jump at the challenge of your next business insurance need. Expanding? Relocating? Adding a new vehicle? Read our interview with Vince to learn more about him, and call him today as your business grows: (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 in social media, PR, your newsletters, and more. Learn More > Beacon Chamber of Commerce Business Directory Is your business in the Business Directory of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce yet? It should be. Join up today! Learn More > NEW JOB LISTINGS ON ALBB The City of Beacon Seeks A Climate Smart Communities Coordinator Details > Luxe Optique Seeks A Licensed Optician And An Optometrist Details > List your job > 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. Learn More > NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Until next week!

Phone Chargers, Cases and Screens on Main Street!

This store, Veritech Wireless, has been here for a while, occasionally changing hands, but it’s usually been a phone store of some kind. Now that my household is down to one good phone charger and another with exposed wire, I made the sharp left turn into the shop on my way to my weekly pickup of raw frozen cat food at Beacon Barkery.

I did not realize how easy it would be to purchase phone chargers in Beacon! Skip the drive to Best Buy (I tend to not do Amazon... I like walking and looking).

The shop is under new ownership now, and there are all kinds of techie things you can do there. Screen repair, device cases, iPhones, battery swap out on iPads etc, phone wall chargers that might be better for not overheating, Verizon services, etc. Pictured here is this unsuspecting customer who was arm-twisted into the photo, but was happy to support his friend... and with a little baby candy to boot! Veritech Wireless is the place, and it’s at 188 Main St., next door to Beacon Barkery and across from Luxe Optique.

Pete Seeger Centennial Celebration - Honoring A Legend

There is a special event happening Friday, May 3, 2019 to celebrate what would have been Pete Seeger's 100th birthday. The event is FREE for the public to attend, but donations to Clearwater are recommended.

The following is the press release issued by Towne Crier Public Relations in full:

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Please join us on Friday, May 3 - the centennial of Pete Seeger's birth - for a spectacular evening of songs and stories honoring the Beacon songwriter, musician and activist. The Pete Seeger Centennial Celebration starts at 7 pm and will feature many local, regional and national performers paying tribute to Pete's music and life. The roster so far includes The Costellos, Carla Springer, Jerry Kitzrow, co-hosts Thom Joyce and David Bernz, singer-songwriters extraordinaire David Massengill, Christine Lavin and Don White - and the list keeps growing!

Admission is free, but donations are suggested to support Clearwater, the organization Pete founded and loved so well.

Born May 3, 1919, Pete Seeger was a legendary folksinger, musician and activist who called Beacon his home. He was a perennial supporter of the Towne Crier, too, having been one of our first performers when we started out in Beekman, and also played one of his last shows here at our Beacon location in November 2013, just a couple of months before he passed. He was a frequent visitor who also gave us our first food review in Beacon.

Days after his passing on January 27, 2014, we held a special Open Door tribute for Pete and drew the largest attendance in our history! So many wanted to share songs and stories of Pete; it was an overwhelming and emotional response to a beloved icon. He drew together diverse communities in the arts, environmental and activist circles, as well as the broader Beacon community.

Learn more about this event at The Towne Crier’s website.

New Job Listings from Luxe Optique: Licensed Optician And An Optometrist

Luxe Optique has two positions available at their Main Street boutique - a Licensed Optician and Optometrist. As a member of the Luxe Optique team, you will have the opportunity to work with curated handcrafted eyewear collections from around the world, as well as sophisticated affordable lines. Luxe Optique’s mission is to provide all of their clients with the best eyewear experience possible, so a passion for providing the absolute best customer service is a must!

Licensed Optician

Luxe Optique is searching for a full/part time licensed optician to join our growing team and recently expanded store. We are a well-established full-service optical store in Beacon, NY, providing the best eyewear experience to our flourishing clientele.

REQUIREMENTS:

• New York state licensed optician

• Must have a passion for providing excellent customer service

• Available to work weekends

• Eyewear sales experience is a must

• Knowledge of dispensing and adjusting frames

• Reliable and excellent work ethic

• Great sense of style

• Must work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment

• Experience working with high-end eyewear is preferred

• Must be organized and pay extreme attention to detail

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Optometrist

Luxe Optique is searching for an Optometrist to join our growing team and recently expanded practice. We are a well-established full-service optical practice in Beacon, NY, providing the best eyewear and eyecare experience to our flourishing clientele.

BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform routine comprehensive eye exams and vision care procedures

• Provide extreme attention to detail and thorough examinations

• Administer special testing as needed

• Customize patient treatment based on individual needs in order to improve or correct vision

• Assess the need for a third-party referral

• Contact lens evaluation/insertion and removal

• Tend to eye emergencies as needed

• Coordinate patient care with in-house providers and opticians

• Strictly comply with HIPAA standards and regulations in handling patient information

• Effectively perform a variety of other projects as may be required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• License to practice optometry in New York State

• Must have a passion for providing excellent patient care

• Knowledge and confidence working with pediatric and adult patients

• Must have excellent interpersonal communication skills

• Experience with Electronic Medical Records software is helpful

Both positions are available immediately. People interested in either position can contact and send their resumes to info@luxeoptique.com.

New Job Listing: The City of Beacon Seeks A Climate Smart Communities Coordinator

The City of Beacon is looking for a Climate Smart Communities Coordinator who is qualified and motivated to help move the city toward a more sustainable future. The responsibilities of this position can be found below.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Required qualifications

• Leadership experience, willing to network with nearby communities.

• Excellent public speaker.

• Background in Environmental Studies or a similar field.

• Experience with climate change solutions.

• Organized, with strong attention to detail.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with grant funding application and management.

• Experience working with the Beacon community.

Responsibilities of the Climate Smart Communities Coordinator

• 30 hours per month.

• Gather information on energy use in municipal operations to explore areas with energy-saving potential.

• Coordinate volunteers.

• Coordinate the greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory.

• Assess existing land use plans (e.g., comprehensive plan, open space plan) and land use tools to determine if energy and climate change are addressed.

• Gather information on planned projects or large purchases within local government. For example, if the local government is planning to purchase equipment, build a new facility, or start a municipal planning or capital improvement project, there may be opportunities to integrate energy conservation or waste reduction practices into the project or purchase.

• Research existing programs or policies that support GHG reductions and may be expanded or may help task force members identify members of local government staff who are knowledgeable about GHG reduction strategies.

• Gather information on available funding sources, technical assistance and other resources to assist with GHG-reduction projects.

• Research similar initiatives in other localities. Other local governments in New York have implemented similar projects; the Climate Smart Communities program offers a network of communities active in this area that share best practices and develop partnerships with neighboring communities.

• Draft resolutions and ordinances to implement GHG reductions and adaptation measures.

• Educate residents and businesses on climate change and local climate programs and seek input for projects that will align with their interests and goals. Encourage citizen action by providing information on best practices and funding available for their own projects.

TO APPLY:

To apply, please send a resume, cover letter and three references to cityofbeacon@cityofbeacon.org with Climate Smart Communities Coordinator Application as the subject line, no later than Friday, May 3, 2019.

PAY RATE:

$25/hour, part time (30 hours per month)

The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Continuously Finds Microplastics In River; Cheers Cuomo’s Plastic Bag Ban

We received the following notice from Clearwater Communications about the upcoming plastic bag ban, and we thought it would be important to share with our readers. According to News 10, the plastic bags ban will take effect in March 2020 - that is less than a year away! There are concerns about the plastic bags breaking down in the water where they become ‘microplastics,’ often consumed by river and ocean wildlife.

The following is the press release issued by Clearwater Communications in full:

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At a press conference on Monday, April 22, at Clearwater’s Kingston Home Port and Education Center at the Hudson River Maritime Museum, Governor Cuomo announced his signing of legislation banning single-use plastic bags in New York State. The Governor made the announcement beside Rondout Creek to an audience of reporters and environmental groups including Clearwater, Riverkeeper, Scenic Hudson and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

“Microplastics” Consumed By River and Ocean Wildlife

Plastic bags have long plagued the Hudson River’s ecology, and they are a major contributor to the global ecological crisis posed by plastic pollution in the world’s rivers and oceans. Often confused for food by freshwater and marine animals, plastic bags and other plastic debris do not biodegrade. Instead, these materials break down into microscopic pieces of plastic, or “microplastics” that are consumed and bioaccumulate in fish, mammals, and birds throughout the aquatic food chain.  

“We are very concerned about the accumulation of microplastics in our waterways and fish,” said Erik Fyfe, Education Director for Clearwater. “As part of our education programs, we collect plankton from the river to show our students, and for at least the last five years, whenever we look at the plankton under a microscope we see microplastics in the water.”

More Than Just Plastic Bags

New York’s new plastic bag ban will help reduce the amount of plastic in the Hudson. Additional work is needed to address other common sources of microplastic pollution, such as synthetic clothing, cosmetics, cleaning products and air blasting media. 

“We pull plastic waste from the Hudson every day during the sailing season, whether we’re under way or not. All of it would otherwise break down into microplastics, which wind up in the water, in the fish and in anyone that eats the fish.” said Clearwater Executive Director Greg Williams. “We’re delighted Gov. Cuomo is signing the plastic bag ban bill, and is taking the opportunity to recognize environmental advocacy organizations in the process.”

The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater has dedicated the last 50 years to preserving, protecting and educating about the health of the Hudson. The Clearwater sailing crew removes trash from the river on their voyages from Albany down to New York City. 

About Hudson River Sloop Clearwater

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

New Summer Concert Unites Mental Health Resources With Community | Top Sponsor & Vendor Spots Available Now!

The “Rock Out 4 Mental Health” flyer. Room for sponsor logos if you sign up in time!

When Brandon Lillard, a founding board member of I Am Beacon, and best known by Beacon High School alums as the original “Mr. Beacon High,” asked me to be part of the planning for I Am Beacon’s second major awareness project for mental health, the ”Rock Out 4 Mental Health” Concert on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, I said yes immediately.

As a mother of young children, I want to make sure they have a safe space to express their minds. As a new mother in general, I see and experience the mental health challenges that any parent faces. As a person living in Beacon, I have learned from my friends involved in mental health support about challenges that any person can face at any time. Removing the stigma about that is important to me, and as a blogger, I want to improve awareness of mental health support services that are available locally. That’s part of why I started A Little Beacon Blog - to get the word out about what is happening and available here.

The planning for this event would be fast, but we could do it. I Am Beacon’s first outreach project for mental health awareness was and continues to be the yellow ribbons campaign on Main Street, carried out with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Mid-Hudson. You’ll be seeing those ribbons again this year.

Bringing Resources and People Closer Together Through Music

This concert was created as a vibrant and hopeful hub where people can get closer to organizations who provide a variety of mental health services. The aim is to bring these services to people who may not have otherwise known about them. Usually service events like this are at school functions on a random Wednesday night (I went to one!). Now, the whole family can come and enjoy being by the Hudson River rocking out to music, and getting to know these local services who have changed the lives of so many.

You’ll be rocking out to The Costellos, Noetic, Tony E., Dilson Hernandez, and Charge the Mound while your Co-MCs for the day, Reuben Simmons and Himali Pandya, Special Projects Manager for Astor Services for Children and Families, introduce you to the mental health resource providers who are available to meet during the day. (Insider scoop: Himali’s husband will be performing with his band at the concert)

Here’s Where Your Part Comes In

“Rock Out 4 Mental Health” is currently seeking the following sponsor and vendor opportunities, but time is limited. We will be putting sponsors on the flyer, then printing it and distributing it, so we need to know who’s in for sponsorship! My design agency, Katie James, Inc. and lead designer Allie Bopp designed the flyer, banner, logo and other branding assets, so I have a tiny say on when these go to print (but we can’t wait long!).

Title Sponsor: Only one spot available. The Title Sponsor gets their logo on the banner that will be hanging above Main Street as we get closer to the event, and on T-shirts. We can only print T-shirts if we have a title sponsor. Will your business be the reason we can make the shirts? Claim it here >
Must sign up within the week for print deadline!

Gold Sponsor: Only six available. These sponsors get their logos printed on the flyer, which will be distributed in Beacon and beyond. Logo also included on the event program. Claim it here >
Must sign up within the week for print deadline!

Silver Sponsor: More available, and includes logo on the event website. You have a bit more time on this one, since we are adding your logo to the “Rock Out 4 Mental Health” website. Claim it here >

Bronze Sponsor: Awesomeness. Great for businesses who want to show their support for Mental Health awareness and accessibility. Claim it here >

Vendor Opportunities: Food vendors are welcome, and businesses who provide a wellness-related product or service to people are invited to have a vendor spot down at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park. Only 15-20 spots available. Food and business vendors can register here. Nonprofit organizations can have a spot for free and can register here.

These community projects are what keep Beacon enriched with the depth of community it is known for, and keep Beacon an ongoing advocate for people’s well-being.

Thank you to the following sponsors and vendors who have signed on so far!

VENDORS:

Astor Services for Children & Families
Children's Home of Poughkeepsie
NAMI Mid-Hudson
CoveCare Center
DC Dept of Behavioral & Community Health
People USA
Empire Concessions
I Am Beacon

SPONSORS:

KeyFood
Premier Medical Group
MidHudson Valley Federal Credit Union
HealthQuest
People USA

Why This Concert? Why Now?

“When it comes to Mental Health, it is our belief that the Hudson Valley is ‘services-rich yet information-poor.’ Despite the valiant efforts of many organizations, there is a lack of awareness and knowledge which result in many in our community being left to suffer in silence. ”

— Mission Statement of Rock Out 4 Mental Health

One of the creators behind the event is Reuben Simmons, a founding board member of I Am Beacon, along with his sister, Brooke Simmons, and Brandon Lillard. Reuben grew up in Beacon, volunteering to clean up its streets in his youth, and co-created I Am Beacon to keep opportunities like this available to the people.

Says Reuben of the inspiration to create the “Rock Out 4 Mental Health” concert: “After attending the City of Beacon’s Workshop in December 2018 which discussed the opioid crisis in our area, I felt an obligation as a community leader to do more. I have attended many conferences all over the country in my time as a labor leader, and heard the opioid crisis happening in many communities all over. Hearing the same issues from professionals like Beacon’s Police Chief and Dutchess County’s Behavior and Community Department at the workshop got me to start brainstorming on what could be done to help. Help promote services, help end the stigma, help educate people.”

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Helpline For Everyone

“We hope to reach as many Dutchess County residents as possible to inform them about the many resources available for help and support. The Dutchess County Helpline and the Stabilization Center are available to residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is always someone available who can help,” says Jean-Marie Niebuhr, Prevention and Harm Reduction Coordinator.

If you take anything away from this event, or knowing about this event, know this: The Dutchess County Helpline. Available to anyone to use at any time, 24/7. Use it as an information center to find other resources: CALL or TEXT 845-485-9700.

Call or text any time to talk live to a qualified mental health professional. Regardless of the issue, the HELPLINE will provide counseling or link you to services.

Bake Sale Fundraiser For Pleasant Valley Library To Be Held In A Little Beacon Space

After the fire raged in the Pleasant Valley Library in November 2018 and destroyed nearly everything, A Little Beacon Blog was approached to host a bake sale fundraiser in our space (A Little Beacon Space, naturally) in the Telephone Building. The Beacon Teen Library Council is raising money to purchase books for Pleasant Valley’s teen Battle of the Books team, with any additional monies going directly to the fundraising efforts of the library. Dana Devine O’Malley, also known as 5 Hens Baked Goods, who teaches the Bakeology class for teens at the Howland Public Library, will also be volunteering to help organize the bake sale.

Says Michelle Rivas, of the Beacon Library’s Young Adults program, of the initiative: ”Knowing what Pleasant Valley Library was going through, we wanted to help. Participating in the Battle of the Books is a big part of the teen programs at our library. We wanted to make sure the teens in Pleasant Valley would still be able to participate in the competition even though the library was facing its challenges because of the fire.”

According to Michelle, they wanted to make the teens’ fundraising efforts more tangible and measurable by getting to see the books and help deliver them to Pleasant Valley. “When they see other teams compete,” Michelle said, “they know they played a part in making that happen.”

The bake sale will be on Sunday, May 19, from 11 am to 3 pm, at 291 Main St. in A Little Beacon Space inside of the Telephone Building. And it will be delicious. Those interested in baking donated goods can contact Michelle Rivas, at community@beaconlibrary.org.