Zero To Go Transitions Residential Compost Pickup To Community Compost Company (CCC)

Photo Credit: Zero To Go

Zero To Go (ZTG), an education-based waste management company focused on composting and recycling, was the first to offer residential pickup of food waste in Beacon in order to keep it from landfills, and eventual methane gas production. After years of operating food composting pickup service in Beacon, Zero To Go has transitioned its Beacon Compost Residential and Farmers Market Collection Program to Community Compost Company (CCC), a New Paltz-based company that is currently servicing several Beacon businesses, according to Zero To Go’s soon-to-be sole owner, Atticus Lanigan. “We are very excited about this,” said Atticus in a letter to Beacon Residential Compost customers, and proceeded to list the reasons:

• CCC pioneered the Table to Farm compost collection service in the Hudson Valley and is experienced handling residential and commercial collection.

• CCC is a New York State certified woman-owned business based in the Hudson Valley.

• CCC is reliable, has great people. and follows the "4P" ethos (People, Planet, Place and Profit).

• CCC processes the scraps they collect into organic soil amendments on farms in the Hudson Valley, and is already composting the food scraps from ZTG events and collection.

Zero To Go will continue to service events, and “can be hired to handle waste at events in a responsible way,” said Atticus.

Why Does Methane Gas From Food Matter?

If you’ve never experienced methane gas production, try leaving a smoothie in your car in a closed coffee mug for three weeks, and then open it in your kitchen. Spoiler alert: There is so much pressure built up inside of the closed cup from the food rot process, the top will shoot off and hit anything across the room, cracking your plastic water filter container. Some people build potato guns. You could easily build a smoothie gun with yogurt, bananas and strawberries with minimal effort, just some time.

The History Of Zero To Go

Zero To Go was best known for being hired to manage trash/recycling/food waste at events, and branched into servicing businesses in Beacon by picking up their food waste. Zero To Go, founded by Sarah Womer, then launched a successful Kickstarter campaign to raise $20,000 (see this interview with Sarah in this Tin Shingle Training TuneUp webinar on how she did that), to start their residential food pickup program, originally powered by people on bikes.

Fast-forward years and hours of work later, Sarah took a full time job at Riverkeeper, and Atticus Lanigan came in to manage the company. In addition to raising two children, Atticus has a background in Sociology and Urban Planning, and also works for Dutchess Outreach, an organization fighting food insecurity in Dutchess County that offers a hot meals program (formerly known as a “soup kitchen”).

Says Sarah when A Little Beacon Blog reached out for comment: “Atticus and I put in huge numbers of hours and sacrificed a lot of our own time to run and grow this company (like any start-up owners do)! It's been a real labor of love. It feels good to see the compost program take flight under new ownership - if we have a strong, visible, affordable compost program in town, it's something to be very proud of!”

Today, Atticus continues her work for Dutchess Outreach, and officially moves into the sole owner role of Zero To Go, which will specialize in event waste management. Sarah works in Harlem at a sustainability consulting firm. Both are always moving and shaking in the world of waste management and their commitment to educating about it. They will be contributing in other areas, so keep your eyes peeled.

Plastic Bags Out Of Food Compositing

Plastics bags are leaving the Hudson Valley (see press release about Governor Cuomo banning single-use plastic bags from New York State), including the food compositing arena. Said Atticus to prep customers about plastic bags: “CCC will not be accepting compostable plastics in the buckets, which includes compostable bags. This will be the biggest change as many of you are using compostable plastic bags in the process of getting your food scraps out to your buckets.”

Atticus began preparing Zero To Go customers for a plastic bag transition: “Ultimately, the use of bio-plastics is not ideal. As lawmakers work to deal with the overwhelming issue of garbage, many are seeking the abandonment of all single-use plastics and plastics in general. By drawing ourselves away from the use of it, we will be ahead of the curve.”

SIDE NOTE: Food Rot Container Tip

Fortunately, my compost food collection container is in a very pretty white jar from Pottery Barn, and my food collection system does not involve a plastic bag. The container is a porcelain flour jar that I repurposed to be a food compost container with a rubber-sealed lid. You could also find such a jar at Utensil or maybe even Raven Rose in Beacon. I just walk this pretty pot of rot to my compost bucket outside on my back porch, and that’s it. Happy to not have to wean myself off of a plastic bag! Am currently working on weaning myself off of Ziploc baggies.

To sign up for residential food pickup from Community Compost Company, click here. It’s about $32/month for weekly pickup, and lower rates are available for fewer pickups.

The Valley Table Acquired by Hudson Valley Magazine’s Today Media

Photo Credit: Magazine Cover of The Valley Table

Food and drink are serious matters in the Hudson Valley, and their excellence is part of what makes living in this region so rich. The founders and publishers of The Valley Table recognized this in 1998, when husband-and-wife team Jerry Novesky and Janet Crawshaw started The Valley Table magazine, “to give a voice to local chefs, farmers, and makers.” As a result, the magazine, which is based out of 380 Main Street, Beacon, above The Beacon Pantry, consistently covers anticipated restaurant openings, interviews chefs, provides recipes, and spotlights ingredients - and the farmers who grow them - to which you may never have given a second thought.

Hot off the digital press on Monday, June 3, The Valley Table announced that they have been acquired by Today Media, which is the publisher of several regional magazines including Hudson Valley Magazine, Westchester Magazine, Delaware Today, and Main Line Today.

Events Produced By Magazines

Events are big for publications, and eight years after launching the print magazine, The Valley Table created one of the biggest dining draws in the region: Hudson Valley Restaurant Week. This property is also included in the merger, to join the strong event lineup from Today Media, which includes:

June 4-9: Wine & Food Festival
July 24: Best of Westchester Party
August 15: Hudson Valley Magazine’s Burger & Beer Bash
September 26: Westchester Magazine’s Wingfest
October 10: Best of Hudson Valley Party
November 4-17: Hudson Valley Fall Restaurant Week (usually also held in the spring)

Says Today Media’s Hudson Valley Group Publisher, Michael Martinelli, of the deal in the press release: “This acquisition enables Today Media to expand its audience and build on The Valley Table’s success while honoring the mission and values that have made Valley Table an authority in its specialty. It will also bring together two of the largest, most iconic food events in the region, as many of the restaurants that participate in Hudson Valley Restaurant Week will also be featured at Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival, June 4-9.”

Print Publication Of The Valley Table Will Continue

The Valley Table will continue publishing, according to a statement released by The Valley Table’s co-publisher, Janet Crawshaw: “Today Media’s deep roots in the Hudson Valley and its expertise in publishing make it the perfect fit for carrying on and growing The Valley Table magazine, its digital platforms, and Restaurant Week event.”

Read more about this at Westchester Magazine and at LoHud.

Men Have Feelings Too - Men and Mental Health - Continuing the Conversation

Many of us trust Matt Clifton, pictured here, behind the tea cup, with our lives. Matt is an IT expert, a wizard under the hood of lots of computers, tablets, smartphones, and other sorts of devices. Matt is an open advocate for mental health awareness, and speaks about it in his social media. Sometimes he highlights men’s mental health, reminding us that men can suffer from depression too.

In this time of Smash The Patriarchy, it can be hard to remember that men can be soft - despite their stubble, stubborn ways, and sometimes opposite ways of understanding women. It is nice to have a friend be open and honest about his life experiences, which include emotions one might not guess upon speaking with him in person.

We’ll share with you here Matt’s big message for May, Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s comforting that despite his jovial, good friend, generally cheery nature, social anxiety can take him over. As a young person (and sometimes today), I remember feeling so shy around certain groups of people, that I would have trouble walking. Being in the mall was the worst. Recess could be tough. I just wanted to hide. Today when I go to the Beacon High School track to jog, or to soccer practice/games for my son, it’s a conquering-my-fears type of thing because I was too afraid to ever go to high school football games in the stadium.

Today I have a young son who is also shy. Looking at him, I can’t see the shyness, or understand it. He’s just so cute and fun! Yet his fears are real when we first start a new group activity, like soccer or camp. Nudging him out of the nest is important, but it’s also important to acknowledge his fear, to let him know we know, and it’s OK to have a hard time. I remind myself to be patient, and to tap into the feelings I know very well.

I’ll let Matt take it away from here:

Hello!

I’m Matt and I have general anxiety, social anxiety and depression. This is something I’ve had all my adult life - I first started experiencing severe social anxiety at university, which continued through my 20s. It affected my social and professional life. Some days at the office, I’d get panic attacks and have to hide in the bathroom just to breathe. I found noisy and crowded bars and social engagements almost unbearable. I didn’t talk to family or friends about my feelings, and I didn’t go to therapy until my late 30s, but I did find it helped me - even though my issues are not based in any kind of trauma, just talking about them allowed me to define what I was feeling, and not let them define who I was.

I also now take Prozac, which is an SSRI. I go to occasional yoga classes, which help me most by getting me focused on the movements and getting out of my own head! I try to be mindful throughout the day as much as I’m able to, to keep myself in the moment and not dwell on the past or worry about the future.

I’m a freelance IT consultant, as well as a serious science-fiction nerd, and have a really great life in the Hudson Valley, New York, with my wife Emily, dog Arya, and assorted cats and chickens. We run a cooking blog called Nerds with Knives and it’s really become a huge and fun part of our lives. I would like to be better at baking. I drink a lot of tea.

I’m very proud of the life I’ve made for myself, and the steps I’ve taken to get myself to a better place addressing my mental health. I’m not so embarrassed at talking about it any more. You wouldn’t be able to tell that I have mental health issues. You might just think I’m a little quiet. Most days I’m doing great, but I still have a lot of trouble in social situations.

If you’re struggling with the same issues, you might be surprised to know there are way more people who are sharing that struggle with you. You’re not alone. Mental health issues aren’t a failing of character. And there are people who love you. You can always text NAMI to 741741 to get help from trained counselors.

NAMI Ribbons hung in Beacon each year.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Matt’s mention of NAMI reminds us of another reason to be grateful for the Rock Out 4 Mental Health concert. I had seen the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) ribbons each year, on trees around Beacon, but had never looked into what they were about. By being on the Planning Committee for the event, I sat next to someone from NAMI’s Mid-Hudson affiliate almost every Tuesday in the Spring, as we held our planning meetings.

We’re looking forward to meeting more people at the concert, and absorbing more of what is available.

Open Letter From I Am Beacon Re Mental Health Information In Dutchess County

The week before the Rock Out 4 Mental Health concert, Brooke Simmons from I Am Beacon circulated this Open Letter to all of her contacts, in the hopes that it would reach far and wide. We are publishing it here as well to help make that happen:

Dear Neighbors, Allies, Friends, and Family,

As we celebrate our veterans this Memorial Day weekend and close out Mental Health Awareness month this May, please take a moment to reflect on your service to the community.

In recent years, we seen far too many families fractured by issues related to mental health.

With 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiencing a mental illness and 50% of all cases beginning by age 14 it is critical that begin to recognize mental health impacts us all.

When it comes to the Hudson Valley, it is our belief that our area is services rich yet information poor.

Despite the valiant efforts of many organizations addressing mental health there is a lack of awareness and knowledge which result in many in our community being left to suffer in silence.

With our upcoming event, Rock Out 4 Mental Health, it is our vision to bridge the gap between the community and available services in order to highlight the importance of knowing where to go for help and to empower individuals to take action in order to help themselves or others.

In addition to learning about services, there will also be free, walk-up NARCAN training providing by Dutchess County giving all participants the ability to be certified in administering this life saving treatment.

I Am Beacon believes in the power of a collaborative effort to address issues impacting our community.

• It is with the organizational support of our partners, NAMI-MidHudson, Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health, A Little Beacon Blog, ASTOR Services for Children & Families as well as The City of Beacon that we will put on this event.

• It is with the funding of The Roundhouse, Key Food, ReMark Printing, Bob’s Auto Repairs, Tin Shingle, Aryeh Siegel Architect, Premier Medical Group, People USA, and many individual donors that we afford to bring this event to the community free of charge.

• It is with the generosity of our tremendously talented artist The Costellos, Noetic, Tony E, Jerry Kitzrow, Dilson, Russ St George & The Soulmates, Charge The Mound, and DJ Big Will.

It is my ask of you, to come out on June 1st 12PM– 4PM at Pete & Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park - Beacon, NY.

Join us in ending the silence and taking the first step toward a better tomorrow for all Hudson Valley residents.

With gratitude and many thanks,
Brooke M. Simmons, I Am Beacon
www.facebook.com/iambeacon
***Please note Rain Date: Sunday, June 2

When A Stranger Walks Through Your Door - Who Needs Mental Health Help - And The Concert Is Saturday

Last Friday, while in the midst of our weekly deadline for getting out the Happening This Weekend newsletter, a woman walked into A Little Beacon Blog's office, looking for help. She thought it was the substance abuse center, Lexington Center for Recovery (though she couldn’t remember the name and had contact information for a totally different organization), that had been located down Main Street, that is now becoming an apartment building. She saw the Rock Out 4 Mental Health flyer on our door, and the logos of mental health agencies who are helping make it happen, and thought she was in the right place.

She hadn't slept for days. Her accent was unfamiliar. The urgent problem she was trying to get help for - keeping her husband alive (he was currently in the hospital after almost dying of alcoholism, and she feared him coming home because she didn't know what to do with him to keep him safe) - made it so that she talked very fast, with hopelessness. Her sentences zig-zagged with what she needed, making it hard to find a thread to follow to work on a solution. She'd given up hope of finding help from Beacon and any other resource, and didn't know where to go.

Sometimes a situation happens, and you ask yourself: "Am I to be learning something from this? What is the message?" It became an opportunity for us to navigate the world of mental health resources, with a real person, really suffering. A Little Beacon Blog agreed to help with the Rock Out 4 Mental Health concert because it was an opportunity to meet the players, to talk to the people on the other side of the phone or email or website. To make them more real, and understand what they offer. That concert happens this Saturday (unless it rains, then it’ll be on Sunday) at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park from 12 to 4 pm. It's free, and there will be mozzarella sticks (and other food like sausage), live music, and specialists in the areas of mental health.

Meanwhile, back in the office on a Friday afternoon of Memorial Weekend, we called the Dutchess County Help Line. They answered, but our questions quickly multiplied. When you're at the beginning of a research journey navigating hospitals, counseling, rehab centers, it's a lot. We called a personal friend who works deep in the world of mental health, and she quickly referred us to Family Services in Beacon on Henry Street, and to the MHA in the DMV Building on Main Street, and to Grace Smith House if the woman felt too afraid to be home, plus they may be able to give her guidance if she were to go there. Another friend recommended NAMI if she needed an advocate or counselor to help her navigate the medical areas where she was encountering hurdles, while trying to figure out what to do with her addicted husband who had just had a blood transfusion and was a hot potato in the hospital - she didn't want him released, yet they were done with their medical procedures.

In the end - for that hour - we encouraged her to walk to Family Services which is nearby, and see what they tell her next. In-person research is so important. We then highly encouraged her to go home and get some rest, because sleep deprivation causes its own problems. She first headed across the street to the grocery store to get cat food, and then to Family Services. Hopefully she felt a little more hope in her quest.

Come to the concert this weekend. You'll get to hear The Costellos, Noetic, Dilson Hernandez, Tony E., Charge the Mound, Russ St. George, Jerry Kitzrow, DJ Big Will, with sound by Tony ‘Pops’ DeMarco. You never know when you or someone you know or don't know needs these services. It's comforting to put faces to organizations.

Happening This Weekend - 5/31/2019

Fingers crossed for a beautiful weekend! While everyone is cross-checking their weather reports from various sources, all we can say is: #getoutside. Ideas on what to do are below! Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance.   Country Living Fair Day: Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2, 2019 Time: 10 am to 5 pm Location: Dutchess Fairgrounds, 6550 Spring Brook Ave., Rhinebeck, NY Information > Movies That Matter: “And Then They Came for Us” Day: Friday, May 31, 2019 Time: 6:45 pm (doors), 7:30 pm (movie) Location: First Presbyterian Church of Beacon, McKinley Hall, 50 Liberty St., Beacon, NY Information > DiaTalks: Posenenske Sessions Day: Friday, May 31, 2019 Time: 6 to 8 pm Location: Dia:Beacon, 3 Beekman St., Beacon, NY Information > Rock Out 4 Mental Health Day: Saturday, June 1, 2019 Time: 1 pm Location: Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, Beacon, NY Information > Newburgh Illuminated Festival Day: Saturday, June 1, 2019 Time: Noon Location: Broadway & Liberty Street, Newburgh, NY Information > Expansions Crossroad Music Project Day: Saturday, June 1, 2019 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > 2019 Hudson Valley Pride March & Festival Day: Sunday, June 2, 2019 Time: Pride March - 1 pm (Main Street, New Paltz) Pride Festival - Noon to 5 pm (Hasbrouck Park) Location: New Paltz, NY Information > Blood Drive Day: Sunday, June 2, 2019 Time: 11 am to 5 pm Location: Lewis Tompkins Hose Co., 13 South Ave., Beacon, NY Information > Howland Chamber Music Circle presents Vent Nouveau Day: Sunday, June 2, 2019 Time: 3 pm Location: St. Andrew & St. Luke Episcopal Church, 15 South Ave., Beacon, NY Information > This Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 3 pm, the musicians will be performing their final pop-up concert for the season at St. Andrew & St. Luke Episcopal Church. This concert is part of their Vent Nouveau program, which partners with Beacon High School to expose students to chamber music, and will feature some high school students in the performance. Read more about it in this article. Roger's Folly | Dancing Under The Stars with The Bernstein Bard Quartet Day: Sunday, June 2, 2019 Time: 6:30 to 10:30 pm Location: The Inn & Spa in Beacon, 155 Main St., Beacon, 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 What have you tried on and carried home so far from Darryl's Clothing Boutique? This cotton voile shirt from Vilagallo is made in Spain, and is perfect for hot weather. Cotton voile is known to be a breezy fabric, and the colorful print will look bright and fresh all day. Pair with this yellow handbag, and you're good to go.   Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com She's back! This little cutie, London, is a Beaconite who is so happy in her hot pink glasses from Luxe Optique. There is a large selection of kids frames in all sorts of styles and colors in the display cases at Luxe Optique. Right now, Luxe is offering a $25 eye exam with purchase of a frame. Their eye doctors are some of the best! (We have been several times and are due for a yearly check-up.)     BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main Street, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the historic dummy light) Come into Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique to get a great deal on a dress that you can take home the same day from their Sample Sale. Call (845) 765-2900 for remaining available appointments. If you're itching to have a dress in your hot little hands right now - you might be able to! ❤️  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 Coming in June! Experience Firefly Yoga "Out Here" in the Hudson Valley! Firefly Yoga and Sloop Brewing Co. will be hosting "Bending & Brew" Yoga at their East Fishkill brewery in the iPark. Drop-in $20 (includes beer flight). 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.   Time is running out on camp choices. Research your camps here.   Ballet Arts Performance at Bardavon 1869 Opera House Day: Saturday, June 1, 2019 Time: 2 to 4:30 pm and 6:30 to 8 pm Location: Bardavon 1869 Opera House, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY Dancers from Ballet Arts Studio and School, ages 3 to 18, will celebrate great literature for children and adults, from Goodnight Moon, to Romeo and Juliet, to One Thousand and One Nights, to The Color Purple, in this very family-friendly performance. Information > Meet & Appreciate Snapping Turtles at Boscobel Day: Saturday, June 1, 2019 Time: 7:30 am Location: Boscobel House & Garden, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes 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 1 East Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508 BEDS & BATHS: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom This beautiful loft includes views of Mt. Beacon and Fishkill Creek. It overlooks one of the most charming areas of Main Street, and has storefronts below and Hudson Valley Brewery behind it. If it smells lovely, it is because SallyeAnder's flagship retail location is just downstairs. From Gate House Realty: "12-foot ceilings, wood floors, huge windows, original beams and brick. Off-street parking, walk to Hudson Valley Brewery, Roundhouse, Trax Coffee, and all that Main Street has to offer! Elevator building, private terrace." Price: $539,000 Details + Pictures > VIEW THIS LISTING VIEW ALL LISTINGS HEADLINE NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS   Antalek & Moore :: Business Insurance There is so much to navigate through when owning a business. Having the right protection is a critical pillar of success for any business, big or small, from a manufacturing facility to a Main Street restaurant. Antalek & Moore makes sure you’re protected from the many risks that come with operating a business, so you have one less thing to worry about. Call them today as your business grows: (845) 831-4300         A Little Beacon Space :: Event Venue Host your pop-up event, business meeting, client presentation, workshop, and more. Now offering a special rate for teachers and music recitals, so that creative can happen more easily! Details > Tin Shingle Tin Shingle's blog covers what is happening in the media, to encourage small businesses, artists and makers to pitch the media. The film industry draws attention by way of trending news stories, celebrities, and other opportunities. Looks like Georgia might be out of the running for a lot of film and TV production despite the state's generous tax credits, as entertainment companies small and large are banding together to fight Georgia's anti-abortion law if enacted. Read More > BeaconArts Member Show :: Accepting Submissions All BeaconArts members are invited to submit artwork for our first annual Member Show at Hudson Beach Gallery. The exhibition runs from (Second) Saturday, July 13, to Sunday, August 4, and is curated by Theresa Gooby and Karlyn Benson. Space is limited, so send your submissions to membershow@beaconarts.org ASAP (the deadline was May 24, but check anyway!) to guarantee your spot. BeaconArts > Beacon Chamber of Commerce Business Directory Is your business in the Business Directory of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce yet? No? Why not? It really should be. Join here today. Learn More > 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!

Behind The Scenes: Editorial Calendar Article Cards - How We Approach Article Planning

Sometimes we get pitched a story idea, maybe featuring a local business. And we want to feature them all. But here’s the reality for us, and any publication: pictured here is the ever-moving editorial calendar, filled with news trying to make its way out of our planners, and onto your screen of choice to read.

Sometimes our stories get published “on time.” Sometimes they get pushed around. Sometimes they come out a year later. (Just wait for our city snow plow article for the first snowfall of next year! Luckily we had no snow after we’d gotten answers from the city on the strategy behind how they plow.)

This behind-the-scenes photo was first published on our Instagram, and we just thought it might be interesting to see the inside of how article ideas and intentions shift around in here.

We have several articles mostly written already, that we haven’t published (doy!!!!!) because time flies by and we are a small team.

Not getting featured is never personal. To learn how to pitch any type of media (blog, magazine, TV), and how to bump your issue into this lineup of cards (articles), start getting Tin Shingle’s newsletter. It’s all about teaching small businesses how to get attention.

The key ingredient for pitching is timeliness, and following up politely. Tin Shingle and A Little Beacon Blog are run by me at Katie James, Inc., where I also produce websites for clients. Whew! That’s a lot.

OK, back to regular articles!

Teacher Learning Days :: What Beacon Teachers Learn On Learning Days

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Editor’s Note: We’d planned for this article to come out in March, when the Professional Learning Day happened for Beacon City School teachers, but time got the best of us. With the recent passing of the Beacon City School budget, we’re publishing it now so that you can see how budget items relate to what teachers prepare for during the year.

When Teacher Learning Days happen in the winter, at first blush, they create extra long weekends - or weeks, if there are snow days abutting the Professional Learning Day. A parent hardly thinks about what the teachers are actually learning and why there is a day off. The day is just another day off, and another day to figure out what to do if you are a working parent who needs to juggle around a childcare schedule.

What happens inside the classrooms of Beacon schools on Professional Learning Days had mostly been a mystery to parents in the district. But then Beacon’s new-ish Superintendent, Dr. Matthew Landahl, started sending regular email updates, giving a glimpse of what teachers work on during those student days off.

Below is a breakdown of the main agenda items on a Professional Learning Day in March 2019, with clarification provided by Dr. Landahl or the actual agenda itself:

Responsive Classroom Training - What Is This?

On the learning day, 25 teachers participated in the Responsive Classroom training. But what is a “Responsive Classroom?” There is a website for it, and according to that website, it is defined as: “Responsive Classroom is an evidence-based approach to education that focuses on the strong relationship between academic success and social-emotional learning (SEL). The Responsive Classroom approach empowers educators to create safe, joyful, and engaging learning communities where all students have a sense of belonging and feel significant.”

Sounds neat, so we asked Dr. Landahl what Responsive Classrooms mean for Beacon: “Responsive Classroom is a model that teachers can implement in their classrooms that focuses on the power of teacher language, interactive modeling, and Morning Meetings. When I was an elementary principal in Virginia of a very diverse school, we worked extensively with Responsive Classroom.”

Morning Meetings! My third-grader has persistently pestered me to be more on time - and earlier - to school drop-off so that she can get to her Morning Meeting. The last minute of drop-off is at 9:01 am, and the school doors of our building open at 8:40 am. During that time, Morning Meeting transpires, and the kids take it very seriously.

Dr. Landahl continued: “Teachers raved about the training and they were able to bring a deeper sense of community to the classroom and the entire school. Our hope is to have many of our teachers trained in the model in Beacon to find ways to increase social/emotional learning for all of our students, and to build communities in our schools.”

Restorative Practices for Middle School Teachers

Restorative Practice trains in how to respond to challenging behavior.

Coding in the Classroom

Teachers are implementing coding into their classrooms, with events such as a Coding Night held at South Avenue Elementary earlier this year by the school librarian, Mr. Aaron Burke. During this portion of Professional Learning Day, teachers from all grade levels got to look at various websites and resources that promote computational thinking and problem-solving, using computer coding strategies and skills. Robots were incorporated, including the Dash robot, Ozobots, and the Sphero Bolt. Teachers were able to brainstorm ideas for to how these resources could be used in the curriculum.

Using 3D Printers - Did Not Know Beacon Schools Had Them!

This is exciting news. According to the learning day agenda, every school in the Beacon City School District has a 3D printer. If you’re a parent in the district, you’ll know how much paper in different colors comes home as flyers, homework assignments, lunch menus, etc. These are run on a regular printer. But what can a 3D printer make? Teachers were able to find out during this training session, also led by South Avenue’s librarian, Mr. Burke, that included learning the basics of how 3D printers work. With Mr. Burke’s assistance, teachers could design a simple project using Tinkercad.

Using Google Docs and Google Classroom

Lots of collaboration going on with Google in our schools. In my day, this was with Apple, where Apple computers dominated the computer labs, and Word and Excel from Microsoft also tried to dominate as software. Now we have Google’s Chrome Books in the classrooms, and Google’s Drive platform, which is basically Word and Excel online where people can connect in the documents and share writing and creation experiences.

Teachers were trained in Google Classroom and other tools including Google Slides and Google Docs (both parts of Google Drive, functioning similarly to PowerPoint and Word) in the primary grades. According to the learning day agenda, teachers were trained in: “Google Slide tools for projects such as creating signs, ebooks, stop-animation videos, collaborative projects, interactive presentation, and choose-your-own adventure stories. Tips for helping students create more effective presentations will be included as well.”

I could use some tips from my 9-year-old on how to make better slide presentations, or an ebook!

Side Note Opinion: What does this classroom tech mean for privacy? This does mean that Google can now track a lot of our behavior and data. As can Apple with our phones, and every single app that we use, yet Apple has tried to brand itself as a protector of privacy. So far, Facebook is the main platform I avoid strongly, as they have proven time and again, and continue to prove with new editorial decisions every day, that they aren’t responsible with our information. So far, my hope and trust will remain with Apple and Google.

Collaborating with Dia: Beacon

Beacon students benefit from Dia: Beacon’s presence just down the road, overlooking the Hudson River near the Metro-North train station. An arts and education program between Dia: Beacon and BCSD has been in place for 18 years. Many opportunities exist, including the Teen Art Program we just wrote about. Additionally, Beacon’s second-graders take a field trip to the museum. (Parents are invited to attend, to help manage the kids.)

Teachers were able to explore the galleries and collaborate with Dia artist educators in preparation for spring programming. The arts education program provides K-12 students with an intimate setting to respond critically to the art and programs at Dia:Beacon through multisession workshops both at school and in the galleries. 

Elementary Science/STEM Curriculum Training

Curriculum trainers, along with TEQ, facilitated a walk-through of the science/STEM curriculum unit that was developed and revised during this school year. In addition, TEQ will provide professional development on the Engineering Design Practices of the new New York State Science Learning Standards.

Mindfulness for Educators: The What, Why, and How

This workshop was an opportunity for “teachers and other school staff to slow down, step back, and consider the fast-paced world of the classroom from a new perspective.” According to the learning day agenda, teachers face a variety of stresses, both in and out of school, which can impact their professional performance as well as their social and emotional well-being. “The growing body of research continues to suggest that teachers who participate in mindfulness training and practice regularly are more likely to feel personally and professionally fulfilled and more connected to their students - critical factors in creating a school-based culture of mindfulness.”

Data-Driven Conversations for High School Teachers

Data usually sounds dry and impersonal, but for those of us who do study it, it can be revealing about human behavior and how we can deliver what people want. Teachers were trained in this concept, and how to use the data to improve learning efforts.

So now we know - Professional Learning Days are intense! Meanwhile, parents are making pancakes and organizing play dates or other adventures for kids who are happy to have the day off.

Final Free Pop-Up Concert From Howland Chamber Music Circle Featuring Beacon High School Musicians

The Howland Chamber Music Circle is a collective of musicians who appear in the world’s greatest concert halls, and also right here in Beacon at the Howland Cultural Center for their regularly scheduled concerts. The HCMC’s Pop-Up Series offers four opportunities to enjoy the chamber music circle at different locations around town.

This Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 3 pm, the musicians will be performing their final pop-up concert for the season at St. Andrew & St. Luke Episcopal Church. This concert is part of their Vent Nouveau program, a partnership with Beacon High School to expose students to chamber music. The performance will feature several high school students.

About Vent Nouveau, Beacon High School, and Howland Chamber Music Circle

Vent Nouveau has been Artist-in-Residence at Beacon High School since 2017, and has worked closely with the school’s band program to enhance their music education and expose students to the wide world of chamber music. Vent Nouveau is dedicated to bringing attention to the wide variety of chamber repertoire for winds, brass, and percussion instruments.

Vent Nouveau is composed of musicians who have performed with some of the country’s leading symphony orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, and New World Symphony. These artists first collaborated with one another in the prestigious West Point Band, and now put their virtuosic talents toward exploring chamber music from the traditional to the obscure. Offering versatile concert programs that range from two- to twelve-member ensembles, it is the first group of its kind in the NYC-surrounding area. More information on Vent Nouveau and upcoming events can be found at www.ventnouveauny.com

About The Howland Chamber Music Circle

The Howland Chamber Music Circle is recognized as a leading arts organization in the Hudson Valley, bringing world-class music to the Hudson Valley. Musicians who perform for the Circle regularly appear in the world’s greatest concert halls. Each season the Circle presents eight chamber music concerts, a four-concert Piano Festival, a very popular Classics For Kids concert series, and a free concert series, the Pop-Up Concerts, to the Beacon community.

In 2016 the Howland Chamber Music Circle was awarded the Dutchess County Executive’s Arts Organization Award through Arts Mid-Hudson for its exceptional music programming and community reach, and for enriching the lives of Hudson Valley residents through music. Through its educational outreach program, the Howland Chamber Music Circle brings enjoyment, knowledge, and skill in music to many young people in the area. In partnership with local school districts and community groups, the Circle has sponsored artist residencies throughout Dutchess County, most recently in the Arlington and Beacon High Schools.

Beacon 3rd Graders Receive Annual Dictionary Donation From Beacon Elks - For 15th Year

Third-graders in the Beacon City School District receive dictionaries donated by the Beacon Elks Lodge.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

If you’re a parent in the Beacon City School District, you may have seen this yellow dictionary come home this past winter in your child’s backpack (this article got backlogged a bit). Where did the dictionary come from, you may have wondered? The teachers, administrators and PTA/O parents are always finding ways to send kids home with free treats, so what’s the story on the yellow dictionary?

For the past 15 years, third-graders in the Beacon City School District have each received one donated dictionary from the Beacon Elks Lodge. Says Carl Oken to A Little Beacon Blog about the donation: “Studies have shown that the third grade is the identified grade for the best results in expanding the youths’ vocabulary. Nationwide, 1,900 Elks Lodges have been distributing dictionaries to third-graders across our country (approaching 2 million dictionaries distributed) to help students’ literacy. Here in Beacon, we have been donating dictionaries to our third-graders for over 15 years and we have now donated over 4,000 dictionaries. We look forward to expanding the dictionary project to Haldane, Garrison and Fishkill Elementary Schools.”

2019 Memorial Day Parade and Service in Beacon, NY

The Dutchess Reformed Church of Beacon, 1113 Wolcott Avenue (9D).
Photo Credit: Google

To participate in remembrances and to show appreciation for those who served, you can attend Beacon’s Memorial Day Parade at 1pm (lineup at 12pm noon at City Hall on 9D). The parade stages on 9D (Wolcott Avenue) and goes on Main Street.

The Memorial Service will be after the parade at approximately 2pm or 2:15pm, “To give everyone a chance to get here,” says parade organizer Tony Lasseter. Beacon’s Memorial Building at 413 Main Street (across from Chase Bank).

Beacon’s Memorial Building, 413 Main Street, Beacon, NY.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Remembrance Comes From Unexpected Places - The Story Of A Ring For Memorial Day

Photo Credits: King and Curated

Memorial Day remembrances stretch deeply into many people’s stories. A shade of grief or worry might emerge from a radio essay by a mother of a grown son, as she remembers when he departed for his first tour of duty, when she noticed that he needed a shower as she hugged him goodbye, triggering a memory of her giving him a bath as a baby. A memory she quickly dismissed.

This story is of a woman, Ashley, getting her engagement ring reset so that she could wear it as an everyday ring, as told by King and Curated, the Beacon jeweler who redesigned it, via two Instagram posts here and here. To show another side of remembrance on this Memorial Day Weekend, we have republished the story here, with tiny edits for clarity.

When Ashley came for her custom appointment, she brought an engagement ring and explained it was from her husband who had since passed. I didn’t pry. I didn’t want to bring up anything that would possibly upset her. She explained that she kept wearing it after he had passed, but when people would compliment her on it or ask her about her husband, she would either be honest and tell them he passed, or she would find a way to thank them and avoid mentioning it to not make things awkward.

It’s very hard to find the words to comfort loss like that. You never really know what to say. I just told her I was sorry to hear that, and she made sure to continue to tell me that was why she wanted to reset it.

Along with [this ring was a ring from] her mother-in-law. [She wanted to combine rings]. She wanted it to look like a ring she could enjoy every day, [so] that she would have Nate and her mother-in-law in one ring mixed with new stones.

She wanted it to represent the growth since his passing while at the same time memorializing him. She didn’t want it to look like an engagement ring anymore. So we made sure the diamond was offset by colorful stones to complement both the sapphire from her mother-in-law and other stones we hand-picked for her. We added sprinklings of diamonds in between to add texture-like pattern to break up the modern settings of the larger stones.

As our conversation continued, I asked her when she needed it done by. She said she was going on a trip to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and she would like it to be done when she got back. I was impressed! I asked who she was going with. She said she was going with TAPS. I didn’t know what that was and she explained. “TAPS - Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. They support anyone [who] has lost a special someone in the military (spouse, child, friend, sibling, etc). They supply grief counseling, host workshops, retreats, expeditions, etc. Basically they help you not feel alone. To help you understand that someone out there is going through the same thing that you are and that TAPS is here to help. It's an incredible organization with awesome resources.”

Then my heart sank. Ugh. As fate would have it, Ashley’s new ring was handed off yesterday. She came in excited, got happy and emotional. And then told me - out of all the times this ring could be given to her in its new setting of past, present, and future - that Memorial Day weekend, when we celebrate those who make the ultimate sacrifice, couldn’t have been a more fitting time.

It’s been 6 years since Nate’s passing.

The Dutchess Reformed Church of Beacon, 1113 Wolcott Avenue (9D).
Photo Credit: Google

For more information on TAPS, including how to use their resources or to donate, visit their website here. To participate in remembrances and to show appreciation in Beacon, you can attend Beacon’s Memorial Day Parade at 1 pm (line up at noon at City Hall on Route 9D). The parade starts on 9D (Wolcott Avenue) at City Hall, then heads up Main Street.

The Memorial Service at Beacon’s Memorial Building at 413 Main St. (across from Chase Bank) will follow the parade, at approximately 2 or 2:15 pm, “to give everyone a chance to get here,” says parade organizer Tony Lasseter.

Beacon’s Memorial Building, 413 Main Street, Beacon, NY.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Style Storehouse Closes In Beacon - Remains Open Online

Style Storehouse was a boutique at 484 Main St. in Beacon on the far east end of town, beyond Tioronda Avenue (Howland Cultural Center), all the way around the bend toward the Dummy Light. A collection of lovely boutiques, galleries and eateries are located in this strip, which is known as the quiet end of Main Street, and some argue, the most charming. May marks the final month for Style Storehouse, who announced the closing of their location via Instagram, with intentions to carry on via their online store.

Said store owner Savanna Ainsley in her post: “We are sad to announce the closing of Style Storehouse on Main Street in Beacon, NY. Although we are sad to say goodbye to what has been our home for 5 years, we are beyond excited to announce that we will be continuing Style Storehouse as an online boutique!”

The Beginning Of Style Storehouse

Style Storehouse was started by Michele Pitcairn Williams from Poughkeepsie. She dug into Beacon by advocating for more business on the east end of town, trying to create initiatives to encourage people to go beyond Tioronda to continue discovering Main Street shops. She joined the board of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce for a year, endured flooding into the shop from the apartment above (that we wrote about here, to educate about the benefits of renters insurance for apartment renters), and worked with her then-neighboring business Waddle ‘n Swaddle to jazz it up on that end of Main Street. (Waddle ‘n Swaddle later closed their Beacon location, remaining in Poughkeepsie.)

Shop Life Under New Owner

Michele, who has three young children and recently welcomed a fourth addition, later sold Style Storehouse to her then-manager, Savanna Ainsley, who ran it successfully for years after and developed the online version of the shop. Savanna also hails from Poughkeepsie and commuted to Beacon to open the shop each day.

Said Savanna of her customers: “None of this would have been possible without our amazing customers. Without your love and support, Style Storehouse would not be what it has been.”

Brands that Style Storehouse carries include Hardtail, Free People, Mother Denim (best jeans with stretch), Minkpink, Madewell, and many more. The curated collection was known for comfortable large and small sizes.

Shop Life Beyond Tioronda - Not To Be Missed!

While the building that housed the two boutiques - Style Storehouse and Waddle ‘n Swaddle - now has empty storefronts, there are plenty of not-to-be-missed shops, galleries and eateries around that area. Denise Gianna Designs just opened her interior design shop in the former Utensil spot, Kaight Shop Beacon, who sells eco-friendly fashion, is located past Style Storehouse and has jeans and overalls you want to discover. The Blushery offers makeup and beauty services such as waxing and laser, and many others.

Shopping is exciting on that end of town, and you can even get ice cream and chocolate-covered Oreos to punctuate your experience at the Chocolate Studio, followed by coffee at Trax, and Thai dinner at Sukhothai.

Be sure to follow Style Storehouse on Instagram as they design their next moves and make announcements.

Explore A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide to discover all of the shops as you visit Beacon. If you live here, our Shopping Guide is a great way to keep up with which business is where, as shops shift all the time!

Happening This Weekend - 5/24/2019

Wishing you the best Memorial Day Weekend, and a sunlit slide into summer! Will you be wearing white pants? Darryl's can certainly give you more colorful options, as can many stores on Main Street in A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide. Stop into their neighbor, Knot Too Shabby, to get gorgeous furniture paint and stencils as you start a new summer project. Owner Caryn is an amazing furniture painter and can give you tips! And here's one more hot tip: To-go wine sippy cups (for lack of a better word) are at Beacon Natural right now, located in the middle of Main Street near the post office. Get your drink in a stemless glass, but in a to-go cup with lid! See below for ideas on things to do! Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance.   International Film Night Day: Friday, May 24, 2019 Time: 7 pm Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Open Barn at Stony Kill Farm Day: Saturday, May 25, 2019 Time: 11 am to 1 pm Location: Stony Kill Farm, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY Information > The Artichoke Storytelling Series Day: Saturday, May 25, 2019 Time: 8 pm Location: The Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Dia: Beacon “Hudson Valley Free Day” Day: Sunday, May 26, 2019 Time: 11 am to 6 pm Location: Dia:Beacon, 3 Beekman St., Beacon, NY Information > Beacon Elks Lodge Car Show - POSTPONED Postponed until autumn, according to the Beacon Free Press. Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade Day: Monday, May 27, 2019 Time: 1 pm (lineup begins at noon) Location: American Legion - Beacon Post, 413 Main St., Beacon, NY American Legion Post 203 invites all veterans groups, civic organizations, and clubs to participate in this year's Memorial Day Parade and services on Monday, May 27. Lineup is at noon, and the parade starts at 1 pm. Memorial Services will follow immediately after the parade at the Memorial Building, 413 Main Street. For more information, call Tony at (845) 489-7937. 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 It's hot hot hot! Darryl's Clothing Boutique has all of the light dresses that are easy breezy and will let the wind keep you cool this Memorial Day Weekend. Sales are going on now, so treat yourself to a deal, and pair a necklace and shoulder bag with it. You want to look fresh at that picnic!   Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com Couldn't pick just one of these Lenore frames at Luxe Optique right now, so we are showing you the fade, from white to rosé. Would you like a glass with that? Do treat yourself, and consider different colors of transitions for your lenses, too, if you want easy shade. The handsome red frame above is from Jacques Marie Mage, and you can try that on as well.     BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main Street, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the historic dummy light) Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique is having a special Sample Sale this Memorial Day Weekend. All of their samples, including this satin Justin Alexander A-line, are an additional 20% off! Friday to Monday only! So if you’re going for a spur-of-the-moment elopement, you won’t want to miss this sale!! Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! Luxe Optique, Binnacle Books, Darryl's Boutique, and Lambs Hill.   Barb's Butchery 69 Spring Street www.barbsbutchery.com (near the dummy light) Got your patties for the weekend backyard chill? Call Barb's to pre-order anything for pick-up!   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 Do you want to introduce your child to yoga? Firefly Yoga offers Lightning Bugs Kids Yoga, Mondays at 5:30 pm. Lightning Bugs Kids Yoga is for ages 4-10, and is an opportunity for kids to explore, create, play and move in a non-competitive environment. The class is focused on self-expression and community. Information > Please note, Firefly Yoga will only have one class on Memorial Day Sweat Gratitude Flow Day: Monday, May 27, 2019 Time: 9:30 to 10:45 am Book Reading at Binnacle Books: "Eleanor, or, The Rejection of the Progress of Love,” by Anna Moschovakis "Hey, Marfa" poems by Jeffrey Yang Day: Friday, May 24, 2019 Time: 7 pm Location: Binnacle Books, 321 Main St., Beacon, NY  Information > Book Reading: Beacon Historical Society Presents "Hidden Treasures of the Hudson Valley - Vol. 3" Day:: Wednesday, May 29, 2019 Time: 7 pm Location: St. Andrew's Church, 15 South Ave., 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.   Time is running out on camp choices. Research your camps here.   Anime Art Lesson Ages: 11-17 Day: Saturday, May 25, 2019 Time: 10 am or 2 pm Location: Stony Kill Environmental Center, 75 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY Information > Story Time In The Garden with Binnacle Books and One Nature Day: Saturday, May 25, 2019 Time: Noon Location: 321 Main St., Beacon, NY Bimonthly Story Time in the Garden with Binnacle and One Nature is a fun way for kids to connect with nature and reading. Information > For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Kids Classes 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 320 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508 Did someone say office space? This studio space is located above Rite Aid. From Gate House Realty: "Bring your business and creativity to this renovated office/studio space on Main Street. Lots of light in this historic Beacon building.“ Price: $750/month Details + Pictures > VIEW THIS LISTING VIEW ALL LISTINGS HEADLINE NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS   Antalek & Moore :: Business Insurance Looking for business insurance? Antalek & Moore will do the homework you need, and ask you the right questions to get you into the best coverage. Call them today as your business grows: (845) 831-4300         A Little Beacon Space :: Event Venue Host your pop-up event, business meeting, client presentation, workshop, and more. Now offering a special rate for teachers and music recitals so that creative can happen easily. Details > BeaconArts Member Show :: Accepting Submissions All BeaconArts members are invited to submit artwork for our first annual Member Show at Hudson Beach Gallery. The exhibition runs Saturday, July 13, to Sunday, August 4, and is curated by Theresa Gooby and Karlyn Benson. Space is limited, so send your submissions to membershow@beaconarts.org before Friday, May 24, to guarantee your spot. Beacon Arts > Tin Shingle Did you ever wonder why or how someone got featured in a magazine or newspaper? Did your competition, or even a business or person who you admire, "get good ink" (as the term goes when something is written about in a publication)? Was that just something wonderful and lucky that happened to them? Most likely not. They most likely "pitched" the media outlet with a good angle or story idea. Tin Shingle teachers business owners, artists and makers how to do this. And can teach you too. Learn More > Beacon Chamber of Commerce Business Directory Is your business in the Business Directory of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce yet? No? Why not? It should be. Join here today. Learn More > JOB LISTINGS 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!

Beacon City School Budget Passes - The Highlight Reel of Budget Items - What Students Can Expect

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

The email came in from Dr. Matthew Landahl, Superintendent of the Beacon City School District, at 10:24 pm, just hours after polling had closed and the votes were counted. He was announcing the passing of the BCSD budget and additional buses for kids in the district. We asked him for his highlights of the budget, in a Cliffs Notes fashion. You can read the 2019/2020 budget presentation in full here.

Proposition 1 - The Budget

Beacon City School District 2019 Vote Results:

Proposition 1 Budget
Yes- 749
No-193
Total- 942

Proposition 2 Buses

Yes 727
No- 243
Total- 970

Proposition 3- Capital Transfer

Yes- 740
No- 232
Total- 972

Board Election
Meredith Heuer-814
Michael Rutkoske- 786
Antony Tseng- 678

Highlights Include:

• Additional Class Size Reduction: Teaching position at the elementary level. “We have added seven of these positions the previous two years,” says the superintendent.

• Music: Continuation of the currently grant-funded fourth-grade instrumental music program with district funding of the band teacher position. A Little Beacon Blog wrote about that here when it started.

• Business: Addition of Business teacher position at the high school to begin a Business education program for high school students.

• Art + Computers: Addition of a half-time Art teacher position at the high school to begin some digital design programming.

• Social Worker: Addition of a full-time Social Worker position at the high school to complement the social worker and psychologist already there. “We are hoping to hire someone with expertise in drug and alcohol counseling. The position would also work with middle-school students,” said the Superintendent.

• Professional Development: Greatly expanded professional development for teachers.

• 1:1 Chromebook Initiative at the high school for all students.

• Interactive Whiteboards in all high school classes.

• Farming and Food: Expanded partnership with Common Ground Farm and continued partnership with Hudson Valley Seed.

• School Garden at Rombout Middle School.

• Additional coursework at the high school which will not necessitate additional staff.

From the Budget Power Point, there will be additional high school programming in these areas:

• Business Education Program - Planning year for internship model for 2020-2021

• PLTW - Computer Science Program - Year 1 Computer Science Essentials

• Italian Course

• Art Coursework - Architecture Design, Interior Design, Sculpture

• English Department

• AP Language & Composition Course

• Magic Realism in Literature

• Media Literacy

• Research Literacy

Proposition 2 - The Buses

What does a vote of Yes mean? It grants two buses that can seat 72 passengers each, and four buses that can seat 20 passengers.

Speaking of buses, the April deadline of getting in your request for your child to be bused has passed. But maybe there’s still hope? So you better get on it if you need busing. This is for kids who live in the designated busing areas, or are bused to childcare locations.

Proposition 3 - Capital Transfer

When A Little Beacon Blog inquired as to the details of the Capital Transfer, the superintendent explained: “The Capital Transfer allows us to move money from a Capital Reserve to our Capital Project, namely to fund lights at the new turf field behind the high school being built this summer. Lights will help us use the field more often and also will allow the community to use the field more as well.”

In his email to Beacon families, and on the Beacon City School District website, Dr. Landahl concluded: “I want to give a huge thanks to the community for supporting our budget this year. We can't wait to start the new programs in this year's budget to help our students!”