Now Hiring: Marketing Manager/Director At ViaHero

ViaHero is seeking an experienced full-time Marketing Manager/Director. Are you excited about building a new way to travel? Want a fast-paced startup environment where you can try out features, get feedback and iterate? Want autonomy on a small team? Have wanderlust? ViaHero is a Beacon travel startup. We've built a platform where locals plan your trip. We're reinventing the travel agent. It's a brand new way to travel, for those who want to travel independently and see a place through a local's eyes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the marketing strategy across all ViaHero channels including content marketing, affiliate partner marketing, customer referral marketing and performance marketing (email, retargeting ads, prospecting ads).

• Craft a marketing plan that accelerates momentum and evangelism among our 20,000 paying travelers.

• Demand generation: Develop, test and implement new high-impact, multi-channel strategies.

• Define and own marketing metrics and goals, including owning the marketing stack and attribution models.

• Work strategically with founders to drive quarterly and yearly goals.

Now Hiring: Mid-Level Full Stack Engineer At ViaHero

ViaHero is seeking an experienced full-time Mid-Level Full-Stack Engineer. Are you excited about building a new way to travel? Want a fast-paced startup environment where you can try out features, get feedback and iterate? Want autonomy on a small team? Have wanderlust?

ViaHero is a Beacon travel startup. We've built a platform where locals plan your trip. We're reinventing the travel agent. It's a brand new way to travel, for those who want to travel independently and see a place through a local's eyes.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test and deploy new, innovative features on our web app.

• Collaborate with the team on product management, UX design and feature prioritization.

• Track and evaluate new features using site metrics and A/B tests, and iterate quickly based on results.

• Normal business hours, with some flexibility.

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Mid-Level Full Stack Engineer

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Marketing Manager/Director

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Web UX/UI Designer (Part-Time)

If you are interested in any of these positions, email greg@viahero.com with a note about the role is perfect for you, along with your resume or LinkedIn profile.

Journaling Off The Grid - Where To Get Your Journal Book In Beacon

This month, I wrote my column for our friends at the Highlands Current about journaling. By hand. Preferably in the morning before you do anything else. The article talked about the exercise of moving your hands and fingers for writing in print, cursive or just doodling. It also talked about how to bring your kids into it. Read the article here online if you didn’t catch it in print this week on newsstands.

PS: Yes, there is a misspelling of a word in that photo above. And yes, it is the misspelling of my son’s name. It is missing the “r.” And yes, I am aware of it. And yes, it is what happens when you have three children. Remembering all of the letters in a word can become besides the point as you rush to get things done. :) Or if you need to maybe get tested for dyslexia, which I would actually love to pursue and learn more about.

Journals at Binnacle Books

Binnacle Books is first known for selling new books. But they also sell journals when they come across distinguished versions, because in addition to new books, Binnacle buys old or used books and writerly things.

Like a classic old trusty black leather journal with a wrap-around tie. Good for any person, and not declarative of any kind of whimsy or emotion that you might possibly be putting in there. It is ready for every mood.

For those with a more outreach-writerly mood, Binnacle has postcard books! Because why simply send a postcard, when you could send a postcard book, designed and produced by a publisher here in Beacon - Paravion Press - out of the old Beacon High School.

Postcard books from Paravion Press, a Beacon-based press. Available at Binnacle Books
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Blank but stately journals at Binnacle Books
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Journals at Dream In Plastic
(soon to be called Zakka Joy)

I know - before we get into this journal roundup at Dream In Plastic, you must know that shop owner Jenny has been working in the paper world for a while now - curating her storefront to be filled with stationery and kitchen fun - and is moving on from the word “Plastic.” More on that to come in an article. Because right now, we are focusing on what journals are in her shop.

Like these Japanese-inspired journals of many colors. Some are lined with regular old lines, and some are collages of different pieces of paper woven together. One could call these “blank” pages, but they may include grids or other designs. Great for those who fear staring at the blank white empty page.

The most non-committal form of journaling is to scribble onto random scraps of paper. You could then slip them into this rainbow-hued accordion paper filing book.

You might think these playful gray elephants below with polka-dotted ears are birthday invitations for a little person, but really, they are mini-journals for YOU. For those who are starting thin - you might not want to commit to a thick book - you could get a mini-journal. If you filled it up, and wanted another, you could have a library of these little journals, and then you could decide how to decorate the cover of the journal with a dated system to order the mini-journals that you accumulate…

PS: Loving those glossy purple nails? Shop owner Jenny got them done at Kim Nails in Wappingers Falls.

Back by the beard oil in the back of the shop, you’ll find this crackly little journal (and others, it has cousins) for if you are feeling especially literary. And introverted. If you are over-caffeinating, you might as well have the coffee with a chocolate croissant from All You Knead Bakery, to smooth you out a bit.

PS: See that nail color? That’s mine! Not quite as glossy as Jenny’s, but covered. Picked up this polish at Rite Aid, but you can also find nail polish at La Mère on the other side of town on Main Street.

So… under the sock wall, you’ll find rows and piles of journals. Pick up some of them, and you’ll see pages with flower prints and other prints to make you less scared to face the blank page. Don’t be fooled, though, into thinking this is a totally serious store. Sometimes this shelf holds rows of piles of birthday party plates and cups that sometimes are iridescent and involve unicorns.

Journals At Play

Located just down the block a smidge from Dream In Plastic is the store called Play. They have journals too, and in different styles. Some covers are heavier than others, and some paper thinner than others. If you’re the kind of person who writes on the reverse page of each page of your journal, then you’ll want to check to make sure these pages are thick enough to handle your ink.

For the young (or old) musicians in your life, there is the Songwriter’s journal at Play. Parts of the design inside the journal are dedicated to taking special notes if you were to capture sounds from your head, putting them onto paper.

Journals At No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works

Some real heavy-hitters in the bookmaking business in Beacon are No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Books Works, located down on the east end of town near the mountain, in a quaint building that the business owners and artists bought in order to fit their needs. While mainly closed for a long summer vacation, they will have custom journals using handmade indigo-dyed paper over purse-sized journals, and letterpress-printed bookmarks with quotes about books, poetry and reading available during the holiday season. So be sure to check back!

Pens and Pencils

There are also pens and pencils at both Dream in Plastic and Play, which you could play with as you write in these journals. I know that when I was at the DMV getting amazing service at 4:30 pm to renew the registration on my car (it was weirdly empty at that hour midweek - so weird), the woman helping me loved the pink pen from Dream in Plastic that I took out of my bag to sign the receipt. You might say she was delighted, and wanted to buy that plus kitchen decor for her family member who just moved into an apartment.

Treat yourself. A really easy small spend to make you feel good for weeks and maybe months.

A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide!

For more shopping tips like this, and to find more shops that also might carry a journal or two in their store - maybe your next favorite journal - see A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide.

Stewart Airport Installs Breastfeeding Stations (Pods) For Feeding and Pumping

A picture of what a breastfeeding pod might look like in its new location in Stewart International Airport, taken from the pods’ website, Mamava.
Photo Credit: Mamava

Earlier this year as its new construction project started, Stewart International Airport set up breastfeeding and pumping stations for women who are nursing or pumping while waiting at the airport. The pods are stand-alone mini-rooms and are Bluetooth-activated. Fancy! So far, according to Stewart International Airport’s website, there are two such pods: One is next to Gate 4, and one is in the waiting area of Gate 2 on the second floor.

The breastfeeding pods, created by Mamava, can be booked in advance via the company’s app. Once found or booked, the pod can be unlocked via the person’s smartphone using the app. Inside, there are benches, spaces for a stroller, and an outlet to plug in a pump.

We have not seen this pod with our own eyes, or tried it, but it appears to be an advancement in breastfeeding accommodations.

The Appalapachia Salad At The Pandorica - Great For Summer

Lunch time! After featuring the Appalapachia Salad (say that five times) from The Pandorica in last weekend’s newsletter to highlight the Restaurant Guide, we needed to bring one back to the office to enjoy! Here’s the verdict:

The crunch from the celery and green apples set to the sweet chia seed dressing is quite delightful. This salad pictured here is a special order because of the add-on chicken - to pack it with protein.

Just before we left with this salad in its to-go box, we spied two slices of cool cheesecake that had just been delivered to a couple of diners in the restaurant who were watching a popular episode of Doctor Who on the big screen. On a hot summer day, cool cheesecake seemed perfect! So we added that to our order, and perfect it was. A real spot-hitter on a late Friday afternoon.

Tampons and Pads Are In The Budget As Normal Bathroom Needs In New York State

Photo Credit: Kayleigh Metviner

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, whose district includes the Hudson Highlands, personally spent $37.16 of his own money to supply restrooms at his office with tampons, as reported by the Highlands Current. However, the first time he submitted that $37.16 as an expense for reimbursement, he was denied. According to the article, the Committee on House Administration told Maloney “that tampons were not office supplies but personal-care items that did not qualify for reimbursement.”

“Recognizing that [pads and tampons] are just another bathroom supply is recognizing that women’s needs are human needs. ”

— Kayleigh (Metviner) Zaloga

That was in July of 2018. In February 2019, after an election changed the balance in the U.S. House of Representatives, Maloney challenged this logic, resubmitted the expense, and won. Members of the U.S. House can now purchase feminine hygiene products for their offices. The House Office Supply Store will also stock the feminine hygiene supplies.

According to a quote in that Highlands Current article, Maloney stated: “I want to make sure every office on the Hill is welcoming to female staff and visitors — and thanks to the generosity of the American people, they will be,” the Democrat said in a statement. “This issue is part of a much larger discussion about women’s rights in the workplace and the way women’s needs are treated.”

“We're Lucky That Men Sometimes Need Toilet Paper.”

While Maloney’s move is at the federal level, we reached out to a state worker and writer for A Little Beacon Blog, Kayleigh (Metviner) Zaloga, who added that pads and tampons had also been added to state offices this year as well. She provided the photos used in this article as proof that the feminine hygiene products had arrived and had been set up.

“I think it's an important step in the march toward gender equality,” said Kayleigh. “Sounds dramatic, I know, but the need for feminine hygiene products is simply non-negotiable, so recognizing that they are just another bathroom supply is recognizing that women's needs are human needs. If men needed pads and tampons, we wouldn't even be discussing whether or not they were included in the category of bathroom supplies. We're lucky that men sometimes need toilet paper, so it's been stocked in all bathrooms by default.”

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New York School Districts Required To Supply Free Feminine Hygiene Products In Bathrooms

In July 2018, New York State law required school districts to supply feminine hygiene products for free in schools serving grades six to twelve. This was part of Governor Cuomo’s Women's Opportunity Agenda.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today reminded school leaders of a new law requiring all school districts, serving students grades six through twelve, to provide free feminine hygiene products in restrooms. As the school year begins, this new law will ensure all young women across the State have equal access to these essential products.

The governor sees this as “a step in addressing the issue of inequality and stigma. As the school year begins, we're reminding school districts to make sure that these items are provided to students.” Additionally mentioned in the governor’s press release reminding schools to supply these resources: “Research from the World Bank demonstrates that girls' inability to manage their menstrual hygiene in school results in absenteeism, which in turn has severe economic costs on their lives.”

It should be noted that even teachers and staff need feminine hygiene products just as much as they do toilet paper and paper towels to wipe hands after washing. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney’s move to make these products normal in the bathrooms of politicians’ offices may have a normalizing effect in many other areas.

"Manhole," "Manmade," "Fireman," and Other Gendered Terms Removed From City Of Berkeley City Code

An example of a gendered sign in Beacon, which creates or reinforces a perception of involvement or lack thereof.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

The City of Berkeley has voted to remove gender-specific language from its municipal code, which includes words like “manmade,” “manhole" and “fireman,” in order to replace them with gender-neutral terms with more description. The change is set to go into effect in August, and will cost the city $600.

Said the bill’s primary author, Berkeley City Council member Rigel Robinson during an interview with CNN, as reported by the Washington Times: “Having a male-centric municipal code is inaccurate and not reflective of our reality,” Mr. Robinson said. “Women and non-binary individuals are just as entitled to accurate representation. Our laws are for everyone, and our municipal code should reflect that.”

What Kinds Of Words This Grammatical Move Includes

Examples of the switch from mostly masculine references to a more people-focused or object-focused reference include, according to the City of Berkeley’s Code Revision document:

“manhole” to “maintenance hole”
“manmade” to “human-made” or “artificial” or “manufactured” or “machine made” or “synthetic”
“manpower” to “human-effort” or “workforce”
“patrolmen” to “patrol” or “guards”
“policeman” or “policewoman” to “police officer”

Where Are The Words Around Us In Beacon?

Remember that time when the pronoun “his” was written into proposed legislation to legalize Airbnb? With reference to an inspection by the city’s building inspector, who at the time of that writing was a man? Here was the sentence: “The Building Inspector or his designated agent may also present evidence.” The pronoun was removed in later drafts of the legislation, which did not pass.

Gender-specified language is so ingrained into the English language and uses of it, it may be hard to spot. Like this sign pictured above, posted on Wolcott (Route 9D) near a group of renovated Victorian homes, near the Rose Hill childcare center. The sign reads: “City Of Beacon Greenway Trail: VICTORIAN HOUSES Built by local businessmen in the 1800s.”

Gendered language can have the unintended consequence of reinforcing stereotypes about the opposite gender, as highlighted by The World Bank. In a study, they pointed out that: “Gendered languages are associated with worse labor market participation rates for women and more regressive gender norms.”

Attitudes toward women are also influenced by gendered languages—helping to explain how gendered languages could translate into outcomes like lower female labor force participation. Drawing on data from the World Values Survey, Ozier and Jakiela found that those who speak a gendered language are more likely to agree with statements like, “On the whole, men make better business executives than women do,” or “When jobs are scarce, men should have more right to a job than women.” Perhaps even more surprisingly, women are just as likely as men to hold these attitudes, suggesting just how pervasive the effect of language is on beliefs.

From a Policy Research Talk on Gendered Language
from the World Bank in October 2018

Happening This Weekend - 7/19/2019

So. Hot. But beautiful! Here's your Adventure Day Trip in Beacon: Bike, walk or drive down to the River Pool at Beacon. It's a circle of benches with a net bottom - set right in the Hudson. Great for kids and adults who want to cool off when down at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park. The pool's biggest fundraiser that keeps it free and staffed with lifeguards is this weekend, so see below in our Marathons section for details. Meanwhile, if you're too hot, or see someone who is overheating, take you or them to one of Beacon's cooling centers. Days and times are here. Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance. Events Guide sponsored by The Crafty Hammer   Heathers The Musical Days: Thursday to Saturday, July 18-20, 2019 Time: See below Location: Beacon High School Theatre, 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY Friday, July 19 at 7 pm - Seventeen Cast Saturday, July 20 at 2 pm - Seventeen Cast Saturday, July 20 at 7 pm - Scrunchie Cast Information > Dia Staff Art Show Opening Day: Friday, July 19, 2019 Time: 6 to 9 pm Location: Atlas Studios, 11 Spring St., Newburgh, NY Information > Springfield Baptist Church’s Annual Fish Fry Day: Saturday, July 20, 2019 Time: 12 to 3 pm Location: 8 Church St., Beacon, NY Information > Beer, Bourbon, & Bacon Festival Day: Saturday, July 20, 2019 Time: 3 to 7 pm Location: Barton Orchards, 63 Appletree Lane, Poughquag, NY Information > Live Concert w/ Last Minute Soulmates Day: Saturday, July 20, 2019 Time: 7:30 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.     The 16th Annual Great Newburgh to Beacon Hudson River Swim Fundraiser For The River Pool at Beacon Day: Saturday, July 20, 2019 Time: 8:30 am Location: Water Street, Newburgh, NY All swimmers must pre-register by Friday, July 19, 2019. Read more about this race in this article.        BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique 155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com Check out the latest collection in Darryl's window. It features designer MC Oasis, who creates versatile pieces in pleated fabrics reminiscent of Issey Miyake. The one-size-fits-most collection pairs well with fitted items such as leggings, pencil skirts or a slim dress. She also produces a pant with the same pleated fabric. STORE HOURS ALERT! Darryl's Clothing Boutique is now open seven days per week! Now when you need something, you can know that they are open after 11 am. You can find Darryl's updated store hours in A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide, and right here: Monday, 11 - 6; Tuesday, 11 - 6; Wednesday, 11 - 6; Thursday, 11 - 6; Friday, 11 - 7; Saturday, 11 - 7; Sunday 11 - 5   Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com This frame by sabine be shows how versatile the line is. Very playful styles from the designer are in Luxe Optique right now, and these zebra-striped specs are on the tame end. Go inside to try them on to see how these bold lines look on your face! Probably pretty fantastic. PS: Non-prescription sunglasses are 15% off for the month of July! Exclusions apply.   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main Street, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light) Sweetheart Gowns have just been added to the collection at Lambs Hill with their flirty yet innocent designs, beautiful beadwork and attention to detail. This style pictured here is even available in a plus size! SAMPLE SALE!! Still happening is the National Bride Sale Event, going on through Sunday, July 28! You get an extra 10% off their already discounted off-the-rack samples! Book your appointment while they still have some availability. Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! Luxe Optique, Binnacle Books, Darryl's Boutique, and Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique. MENU TIP: A light salad to beat the heat right now is The Pandorica's Appalapachia Salad: Romaine, apples, celery, cranberries, in a creamy chia seed dressing. Order it up and tell us how it is! Thank you to Barb's Butchery, The Pandorica, 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!     The Crafty Hammer 4 S. Chestnut Street, Beacon, NY (845) 834-9665 (WOOD) @thecraftyhammerllc At The Crafty Hammer, walk-ins are welcome to find something fun to do! Pictured here are Peggy and her friend, up from Queens, making Scrabble tile designs. It was Peggy's first time ever using a screw gun! PLUS: The Crafty Hammer was just featured in The Highlands Current! Read all about it! PERKS: The space is air-conditioned, with free snacks and juice!   Pollinators Day: Friday, July 19, 2019 Time: 5 to 6 pm Location: One Nature, 178 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Thank you to The Crafty Hammer 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.   A few camps are available now, so scroll through A Little Beacon Blog's Summer Camp Guide to find out which ones you can hop into.     Tapestry Weaving for Ages 11-14 with Carole Penner Day: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Time: 12 to 2 pm Location: Create Space, 145 Main St., Beacon, 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 RENTAL: 106 Wesley Avenue, Beacon, NY 12508 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom From Gate House Realty: “Completely renovated modern open-concept home with mountain views on a quite secluded street. Only minutes to City of Beacon's West End. Lovely light throughout the Scandinavian-influenced architecture, high ceilings, solid wide-plank white pine floors. Stone and butcher block counters highlight the light-filled kitchen with a bonus pantry. Two bedrooms, two full baths, master has en suite with spacious walk-in shower, honed marble hex flooring. Huge backyard and back deck with built-in benches and fire pit off kitchen is amazing entertaining area. Available September 1.“ Price: $2,400/month Real estate agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures > VIEW THIS LISTING VIEW ALL LISTINGS HEADLINE NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS   Antalek & Moore Did you know that Antalek & Moore can get you covered with business insurance? If you have a business, and if you don't have business insurance, you'll want to call them today for rates and what types of problems this insurance covers. If you encounter a problem, the first question a lawyer may ask you is: "Do you have business insurance?" Make sure you have the right answer.         A Little Beacon Space :: Event Venue Host your pop-up, business meeting, client presentation, workshop, and more. Now offering a special rate for teachers and music recitals so that creative endeavors can happen easily. Details > Tin Shingle  Need to get the word out about your business? Tin Shingle trains you in how to do this. Also covered: how to have the courage to put yourself out there. Get Info > Beacon Chamber of Commerce Business Directory Is your business in the Business Directory of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce yet? It should be. Join here today. Learn More > NEW JOB LISTINGS ON ALBB Luxe Optique Is Currently Seeking 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!

Schedule For Beacon's Cooling Centers This Weekend During The Heat Wave

The City of Beacon has put out a schedule of Designated Cooling Centers for this weekend, July 19 to July 21. The list is below.

If you see someone who needs assistance, possibly point them in the direction of the nearest Cooling Center, or call the Beacon Police to get assistance to help move them there. We have encountered people in electric wheelchairs that have dead batteries, and were thankful when the Beacon Police intervened to help to move this person to a better place.

Be mindful of dogs in cars, people in cars (overheating in a car can happen fast during heat waves, so be careful), dogs outside, hot pavement, etc.

Howland Public Library
313 Main Street
Friday: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday: 12 pm to 4 pm

Salvation Army
372 Main Street
Friday: 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday: NA
Sunday: 9 am to 1 pm and 5 to 9 pm

Beacon Recreation Center
23 West Center Street
Friday: 2 to 4 pm

Beacon Housing Authority
Monday to Thursday 10 am to 2 pm, seniors only
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Residents only

Mase Hook and Ladder
435 Main Street
Friday to Sunday: 11 am to 4 pm

Beacon Engine
57 East Main Street
Friday to Sunday: 11 am to 4 pm

Lewis Tompkins
13 South Avenue
Friday to Sunday: 11 am to 4 pm

Annual Fish Fry This Saturday From Springfield Baptist Church

The annual Springfield Baptist Church Fish Fry is this Saturday on Mattie Cooper Square/Church Street, on the corner of Willow Street just behind Main Street. Have your belly ready for some cornmeal-fried fish filet and other menu options.

A Little Beacon Blog was created in part to spot events like this and share them with the community - to add to the efforts community organizers make to get the word out. Getting the word out takes a lot of work! A Little Beacon Blog is here to help. 

You know who else helps make this happen? Our sponsor of the popular Event Guide, The Crafty Hammer, a new DIY crafty business in Beacon. They came to us saying: “We want to use ALBB in our promotional planning. All the time. Where else can we help support you?” Amazing. Thank you to all of our sponsors!! 

To submit an event for consideration in our Event Guide, use the Event Submission Form in the menu above. This is great for free events, educational, super cool and unique (tough choice there because everything is super cool! Just make sure it’s VERY unique). If you’re running a marketing event for your business, that is free, we may ask you to buy a Event Promotion Package. All advertising helps keep us posting here on the Internet, so thanks in advance! Maybe one day we’ll be in print!

If You Hear An Air Raid Horn... Test Alarm Sounding At 2 pm For Beaconites

Maybe you got the memo (translation: text/email/phone call) from the City of Beacon that the Groveville Hydroelectric Project will be testing its alarm system during the dam’s rehabilitation. “Tomorrow [Wednesday], July 17 at 2 pm you will hear a test alarm from the Groveville Hydroelectric Project. This is simply a step in the dam’s rehabilitation. We apologize for the inconvenience.”

We reached out to the City of Beacon’s City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero, to find out what it might sound like. He thought it might sound “closer to an air raid horn.”

Sound up!

The Mobile Farmers Market From Common Greens Opens Wednesdays At 2 Community Locations

The Common Green Mobile Farmers Market, open Wednesdays from July - September, 2019.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

COMMON GREENS MOBILE MARKET TIMES

Beacon’s Community Health Center on Henry Street
Wednesdays, 11 am to 12:30 pm

Forrestal Heights, in Parking Lot #2
Next to the Senior Friendship Center
Wednesdays, 1 to 2 pm

July - September 2019

The green bus of Common Greens’ Mobile Farmers Market has been seen powering up and down Beacon’s streets, making its way to its two parking lot destinations every Wednesday from July to September! The program’s mission is to reach low-income families in the City of Beacon with farm-fresh produce directly from Common Ground’s farm located on Route 9D.

The two locations are Beacon’s Community Health Center parking lot on Henry Street (Wednesdays, 11 am to 12:30 pm), and Forrestal Heights, in Parking Lot #2, next to the Senior Friendship Center (Wednesdays, 1 to 2 pm). The Common Greens Mobile Farmers Market accepts WIC, FMNP, EBT/SNAP, and Greens 4 Greens. The currency known as Greens 4 Greens is also accepted at the Beacon Farmers Market on Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm at Veterans Place.

According to Common Ground’s website, their produce is reaching the low-income families it is targeting: “In 2017, a combined total of over 2,000 pounds of produce from Common Ground and the Green Teen gardens was sold at the Common Greens market, and 61% of mobile market sales were made using some form of food benefit, which is an indication that the market is reaching our target population.”

Common Greens Mobile Farmers Market was created in partnership with Green Teen Community Gardening Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County. The County of Dutchess partially funds Cooperative Extension in Dutchess County.

Writerly Happenings: Summertime Edition For July (and Maybe August)

Listen, it’s summer and we are keeping it loose. This edition of Writerly Happenings is being brought to you by “Spontaneity and All The Popsicles,” and may contain happenings in both July and August. 

Katie’s Summer Reading List - no shame. #SaveTheMagazines

On The Nightstands…

In that same spirit, this edition of What Are We Reading is keeping it real and not worried about intellectual heft. Our fearless leader Katie confesses that she went to Rite Aid and bought all of the rag magazines and a Clive Cussler book for summer reading. She is on a quest to save the magazines. Right now, you’ll find all of them at big box stores. So, people need to buy them. You can pick up your favorites at Rite Aid too. And Vogel Pharmacy, if you’re out near Leo’s.

Managing Editor Marilyn Perez is reading “Mindful Yoga, Mindful Life” by Charlotte Bell for the third time! She comes back to it every couple years, and I can only assume it helps to inform her excellent yoga teaching at Firefly Yoga in Fishkill.  

As for me, I’m staying informed about local events and maintaining a very low overhead by enjoying the Chronogram and Edible Hudson Valley (yay, Weed Issue!) and the award-winning Highlands Current.

So then, what’s happening all around us?

Writerly Happenings Around Town

Split Rock Books has this pretty incredible offsite event with author Benjamin Dreyer, discussing his book at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival on Friday, July 12. I’ve heard a lot of great things about his book, “Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style.” 

Saturday, July 20, competes for your heart and mine with an intergalactic event at BAU. Matt Clifton and Larry Sansone are organizing a reading alongside an exhibition of Sam Beste and Elizabeth Arnold’s artwork. The subject is space exploration (in tandem with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission) and the fragility of life on earth.

Also that night, there’s another Spring Street Reading Series over at Atlas Studios in Newburgh. “Women and their Bonding,” from 7 to 8:30 pm, features writers Laura Brown and Idra Novey and is curated by Ruth Danon.

On Sunday, July 28, you could take a workshop with Donna Minkowitz, who will also be reading at Get Lit on Sunday, July 14, at Oak Vino. In the Beacon Summer Memoir Intensive, participants “write about our lives using the five senses, lyricism, emotion, critical thinking, and the art of storytelling." Then on Saturday, August 24, she is offering Writing From the Body at Wyld Womyn. This is a memoir workshop for all who identify as women, nonbinary or trans, and want to write about their “lives, sensations, pains, pleasures, and feelings of all kinds.”

Speaking of Get Lit, there’s a great interview with the righteous Ronnie Farley up on their website, and on Sunday, August 11, from 5 to 8 pm at Oak Vino they will feature poet Catherine Arra. Their lineup is looking very interesting for the fall, too.

And while we’re on the subject of of 50th anniversaries, on Tuesday, August 13, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, you can head to the Howland Public Library in Beacon to hear local author Sharon Watts discuss her newest book, “By the Time I Got to Woodstock - An Illustrated Memoir of a Reluctant Hippie Chick,” which she both wrote and illustrated! 

Farther afield, there’s this fascinating series happening up in Hudson that I’m really intrigued by - The Home School Poetry Readings at Time and Space Limited - and they have a pretty stellar (interstellar?) lineup of writers. 

Also I saw a very pretty picture of some lucky writer working away at the Kingston Writer’s Studio and felt such envy! They are all booked up for members, but you can get a day pass and write all the things.

So then, if you Writerly Types can put down your magazine and climb out of the hammock, come join us. There will be air conditioning and no judgment about your summer trash-reading game. We’ll be tailgating out front with a popsicle.

Totes! We Got Tote Bags! First Run Of A Little Beacon Blog Bags

Totes! We got tote bags!

We’ve had them for about a year, but the boss was too shy to put them out there! Utter silliness. You need more totes in your life! And this is a great way to support local journalism. A Little Beacon Blog’s tote bags were screen-printed in Newburgh at Mixture Inc .

You can buy them online right here, and you can opt to pick up in the store! Well, in our office, LOL. If you see the lights on, come in. Or you can do shipping.

Sometimes if we are here on the weekend, you may see a tote bag hanging on the door to let you know that someone is here. We aren’t always here on the weekends. But sometimes we are, but are writing quietly.

Thank you for your support!

Second Saturday! Beacon Art Gallery Openings for July 2019

Second Saturday means openings galore! Clockwise from top right: Catherine Welshman at Darryl’s Beacon; Mister Melty and two other shows at Clutter Magazine Gallery; Sunwha Gil and others at Catalyst Gallery; Johan Ayoob in BeaconArts’ member show at Hudson Beach Glass; and art from the Expressive Outcomes program at Anderson Center for Autism.

Happy Second Saturday, Beacon! Looks like it’s going to be a gorgeous day out there, so stroll around town, then duck into air-conditioned galleries (and ice cream shops) as the day demands. Looking to plan your itinerary? We’ve got the most comprehensive guide to Beacon art happenings in our handy Art Gallery Guide.

From the train station to the mountain, there’s an abundance of art today. If you’re walking outside, you can’t miss the public works of Beacon 3D’s sculpture trail. Another highlight: Beacon Historical Society’s annual postcard and ephemera show, with activities for kids and adults to make your own postcards. Check the Guide for details!

A giant thank you to BeaconArts (BACA) for promoting this day in our city for years, and thanks to the sponsors of A Little Beacon Blog, who make it possible for us to share the goings-on around town. Please support the businesses who support us! Bookmark the Guides for event and class calendars, as well as insider info on Shopping, Dining, and Parking.