The Spirit of Beacon Day Committee is seeking volunteer face painters to give one hour of their day to being a face painter for kids between the hours of 12 pm and 4 pm. Supplies and training/orientation will be provided.
The Spirit of Beacon Day is Sunday, September 29, with a rain date of October 6, 2019.
Do you enjoy working with kids and paint? Sign up!
Plenty to do this weekend in and around Beacon! The shops we stopped into today (Luxe Optique, Zakka Joy, Darryl's Clothing Boutique, Beacon Barkery) are full, though you might not have thought, as the sidewalk was light with walkers. It was because the shoppers were inside! There is so much for you to find in Beacon. Tag us during your adventures!
7th Hoptember Festival at Dutchess Hops
Day: Saturday, September 7, 2019 Time: 1-5pm (VIP starts at 11:30am) Location: Eastern View Farm (aka Dutchess Hops), 1167 Noxon Road, Lagrangeville, NY
More than 25 local brewers, distillers and cider-makers join local farms and restaurants. Live music. Information >
Closing Exhibition Performance: Ethan Cohen KUBE
"Orphans of Painting II"
Day: Saturday, September 7, 2019 Time: 3pm Location: 211 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon, NY
Orphans of Painting II is an exhibition of international artists who may identify first and foremost as painters but expand their practice into other formal registers, creating hybridized art forms somewhat disparate from their primary medium. A special performance by Jon Tsoi will take place at 3 pm. Information >
10th Annual Chefs Farm Fresh Fundraiser Dinner at Bannerman's
Day: Saturday, September 7, 2019 Time: see below Location: Bannerman's Island, Beacon, NY
The Bannerman Castle Trust’s tour boat, the Estuary Steward, will bring attendees to Bannerman’s Island from the dock at the Beacon Waterfront (across from the Beacon railroad station) - for two different bookings - the first at 3 pm and the second at 4:30 pm. Information >
Farm Dance Gala 2019 at Glynwood
Day: Saturday, September 7, 2019 Time: 4:30-9:30pm Location: Glynwood, 362 Glynwood Road, Cold Spring, NY Information >
26th Annual Fine Arts & Craft Fair in Fishkill
Day: Sunday, September 8, 2019 Time: 10am-4pm Location: Main St, Fishkill, NY Information >
Wee Play Community Mural Dedication & Donor Sign Unveiling
Day: Sunday, September 8, 2019 Time: 4-5pm Location: Memorial Park, Fishkill Ave, Beacon, NY
During the summer, the bathroom at Memorial Park was painted by volunteers. Sunday is the Dedication Celebration after the completion of the community mural and the unveiling of the Wee Woods Donor Sign. Light refreshments provided by Wee Play. Information >
9/11: Beacon's "We Will Never Forget" Memorial Ceremony
Day: Tuesday, September 11, 2019 Time: 9am Location: Patriot Park, corner of Verplanck Ave. and Matteawan Road. (near the Beacon High School track)
Come together to honor, remember, and reunite. The City of Beacon and the City of Beacon Fire Department invite you to a ceremony commemorating the 18th anniversary of September 11, 2001.
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in ourEvents Guide.
This Guide is made possible by the sponsorship of The Crafty Hammer.
BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique
155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com
Meow! The faux animal print is in at Darryl's Clothing Boutique! The boutique is loving fall, and you will love the jackets you see in there, both cropped and shaped. This off-the-shoulder dress from designer Eva Varro is a show-stopper, as are the other dresses - and the black belts with cool hardware that you can decorate with. Do check these out in person...
Luxe Optique
183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com
Look up close at the white side of this frame: it is granite, from the Hong Kong-based design house Rigards. Available now in white or black at Luxe Optique. Usually the side eye shade is soft, but not this rock-hard design. As delicate as they look, Rigards are created to be collector's items, to be worn and handed down to the next generation.
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light)
SAVE THE DATE!
The next Trunk Show will be held the weekend of September 13th-15th featuring gowns by Hayley Paige.
Book your appointment with Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique today or call them at (845) 761-2900!
The Crafty Hammer
4 S. Chestnut St, Beacon, NY
(845) 834-9665 (WOOD) @thecraftyhammerllc
The Crafty Hammer is a proud sponsor of the Beacon Fairy Walk (9/21 and 9/28), a walking theatre production incorporating Beacon’s beautiful landscape. Local artists and community members create a magical path that follows a story set in a fairy grove hidden within Beacon's University Settlement Camp. SPECIAL FREE KIDS CLASS: Day: Saturday, September 14 Time: 11am-3pm RSVP: beaconfairywalk@gmail.com
The Crafty Hammer in Beacon, NY is hosting a makers session for those who would like to make a fairy house to be used in the play.
66 Roundtree Court, Beacon, NY
3 Bedrooms 2 Bathroom | Rental Home From Gate House Realty: “Great townhouse! End unit with private fenced-in yard. Large living room with French doors to deck. Gas fireplace for those cool nights. Updated kitchen with newer appliances.” Price: $2,250/month (rental) Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures >
Antalek & Moore Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency has a special reminder for you regarding kid and bus safety now that school has started: "Share the road with school buses. We know the first few days take a little longer to get the kids loaded, but be patient! Who doesn't love a good first day back-to-school picture with their kids waving from the bus? According to the National Safety Council, the most dangerous area for children is within 10 feet of their bus. So give them space to load and unload. This is especially true in the first few weeks of school as kids are excited and getting used to this year's routine."
A Little Beacon Space :: Event Venue
Host your Pop-Up, Business Meeting, Client Presentation, Workshop, and more. Now is the time to book Holiday Parties, Holiday Pop-Up Shops, and Special Events! Details >
Tin Shingle
Need to get the word out about your business? Tin Shingle trains you in how to do this. And 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 >
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.
The intersection of Elm and Oak Streets is about to get a fourth stop sign, after a unanimous vote by Beacon’s City Council this week (9/3/2019), completing this intersection as a four-way stop. Located in a neighborhood featuring several one-way streets and hedges that swell into the sidewalk, peeking around the corner to see who is coming or zooming through can be difficult.
Several intersections in this area of town, which generally stretches from behind Rite Aid to Max’s on Main, do not have four-way stops. Knowing whether you need to come to a complete stop is not obvious, as sometimes there is no stop sign where you think there would be one, causing the driver to slow down, which might cause the opposite driver at the actual stop sign to consider going. It’s just all confusing.
Note to selves: Let this stop sign installation be an inspiration to moving forward with your dreams of encouraging improvements on streets around you. If you wish something were so, go on down to a City Council meeting and ask for it - with logic informing you and in a gentle tone (some folks can be quite feisty, but kindness helps… You also might start by emailing your council representative). For instance, there are vanishing sidewalks and crosswalks to nowhere at Verplanck and Willow Street, making crossing safely at any of the four corners unsafe, and actually impossible if you are rolling in a wheelchair or pushing a stroller.
Electric wheelchair traffic is common in Beacon. Broken or non-existent sidewalks are a barrier to travel, leaving lots of pedestrians and electric rollers to travel in the street.
During a recent City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 3, Mayor Casale issued a warning to everyone driving that the police are out looking for aggressive driving, and are ready to give tickets. During their meetings this summer, the City Council has been talking about parking issues, possibilities of bike lanes, and traffic congestion in general.
“Police have been on Main Street to watch for this aggressive driving. I sat in a storefront and saw seven U-turns. This is your warning. If you get a ticket, don't call me. Be aware of the law.”
As Main Street fills up with vehicle traffic from tourists and locals, so has reckless driving, especially as the weekend approaches. Illegal U-turns are commonplace, passing on the double yellow line while a car is parking is becoming normal (it’s not legal and is super dangerous… it’s easy to flatten a pedestrian you don’t see crossing while a car is parallel parking), young kids on bikes are doing wheelies while taunting traffic, and other mischievous fun.
The double yellow lines just started getting their seasonal repaint job this week, as announced by the City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero.
According to his reporting, the State Department of Transportation initiated the number change to give it some logic (if you know the relevance of 11, chime in in the comments below). The exits on I-84 now correspond to how far away the exit is from the Pennsylvania border. Beacon is apparently 41 miles, and Fishkill, with its new exit number, is 44.
As you are driving, and you pass Exit 41 and expect to see Exit 42 - well, you won’t. The numbers only go by the mileage. Not being highway experts, and not having inquired yet with the state highway department, we’re not sure that a regular driver would get the relevance of 41 to 44. Do all exits work this way? We hadn’t really thought about it, but will now pay attention to the numbering systems while on the road in different states.
Exit 11 had been commemorated years ago by the owners of Mountain Tops Outfitters with a line of sweatshirts and T-shirts with “Exit 11” proudly printed on them. They produced the T-shirts even before opening their shop. Will they stop printing the gear? According to Brian’s article, quoting Katy Behney, co-owner of the store, they will continue. “It helps define everyone who arrived in Beacon prior to now. We’re the Exit 11 generation.”
There is a reference used in Beacon that we don’t use here on the blog: “old Beacon” and “new Beacon.” It’s become at times a contentious label, so we don’t encourage it. Further, it’s not clearly defined. We have had people refer to themselves as “old Beacon” after moving here 10 years ago. I moved here 10 years ago, and I’d never apply that label to me! I was thinking 30 years was the minimum to be “old Beacon.”
As for the exit, however, “old” has been declared on the sign itself with a helpful hint underneath: “Exit 41 (old exit 11).” So there is certainty in Exit 11!
The original Exit 11 has been thrown to the ground and not yet taken away. Nature has slowly started creeping over the sign, swallowing it into the earth.
Sniff sniff. Long live Exit 11. Respect to the new Exit 41 and the logic it’s trying to promote.
Happy Labor Day Weekend! As we acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of American workers, let's not forget that not everyone is off this weekend, so give any business you see open this weekend a super high-five!
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.
Flora Good Times Opening Day Celebration
Day: Sunday, September 1, 2019 Time: 12 to 5 pm Location: 197 Main St., Beacon, NY
Your favorite little flower shop on Main Street, Flora, has a new friendly owner, Corinne Bryson, and we've got the scoop on what you can expect from the shop here in this article. Hear it from her, though, when you meet her at her party!
Artifact Beacon and Wares Closing Forever This Weekend - BUT...
Don't freak out just yet! Yes, two of your favorite artisan stores on the west end of Beacon are closing this weekend, BUT they will be re-opening together later in September. Meanwhile, this weekend is your last chance to shop in each of their stores as they are, so hurry in, and take advantage of 20% off at Artifact and Wares. Big sales!! More details about the beginning of their new shop is here in this article. Artifact Beacon: 17 East Main St. (down the street/hill from Dogwood) Wares: 2 Tioronda Ave. (the cute little house near the silos) 20% Off And Big Sales In Both Stores Labor Day Weekend Only
This Guide is made possible by the sponsorship of The Crafty Hammer.
BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique
155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com
Yowza! This sexy, seamless black top from Lysee is at Darryl's Clothing Boutique right now, and you need it in your closet. Super versatile, this stretchy fabric will work on its own or under a jacket until the moment you need to throw it aside to reveal the dramatic sleeve detail.
Luxe Optique
183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com
Did you know that Luxe Optique accepts the Care Credit card? It's true. If you got this card for your cat's vet bill, or your dentist, you can also use it for your face with a purchase of frames. In terms of insurance, Luxe Optique does file your out-of-network forms for you, so that a reimbursement check might arrive in the mail.
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main Street, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light)
That veil... This dress... The gorgeous gown from Hayley Paige has a plunging sweetheart neckline and horsehair trim. A very flirty gown, make an appointment today to try it on, and see what else is in the bridal boutique.
The Crafty Hammer
4 S. Chestnut Street, Beacon, NY
(845) 834-9665 (WOOD) @thecraftyhammerllc
So many toys - we mean tools - in The Crafty Hammer! This machine is for making smooth cuts for cutting boards. The cutting board is one of many projects you can decorate during a workshop or private team-building workshop.
Bend & Brew Yoga w/ Firefly Yoga
Day: Thursday, September 5, 2019 Time: 6:30 pm Location: Sloop Brewing Co., 755 East Drive, East Fishkill, NY Information >
588 Washington Avenue, Beacon, NY
4 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom | Rental Home From Gate House Realty: “Lovely colonial home with beautiful park-like property. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Wood-burning stove in den, walk out to deck. Updated kitchen with new granite countertops, gas range, and microwave. Separate heated outbuilding perfect for an office or studio. Pets welcome with security.” Price: $2,300/month (rental) Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures >
Antalek & Moore
Antalek & Moore partner Susan Pagones has accepted the #HVBetterU Challenge! Cheer her on this month as she makes the commitment to her heart. "This hits really close to home for me, as my mother died suddenly at the age of 57 from heart disease." Susan will be participating all month, and has more initiatives to come to promote heart health.
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 the creative process can happen more easily. Details >
Tin Shingle
Need to get the word out about your business? Tin Shingle trains you in how to do this. Also included in this training: 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 >
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.
Don't freak out just yet over that headline: It’s true, two of your favorite artisan stores on the east end of Beacon near the mountain are closing this weekend, BUT they will be re-opening together later in September. Meanwhile, this weekend is your last chance to shop in each of their stores as they currently exist, so hurry in, and take advantage of 20% off at Artifact and Wares. Big sales!!
HIT UP THESE SALES LABOR DAY WEEKEND: Help a little boutique (or two) out! Buy their stuff! Artifact Beacon: 17 East Main Street (down the street/hill from Dogwood) Wares: 2 Tioronda Avenue (the cute little house near the silos, just off Main Street)
Artifact and Wares Are Merging Into One Shop - On Main Street
Both shops were on the fringe of Main Street, situated as they were on East Main and Tioronda. Not being on Main Street isn’t the worst thing, but on the east end of Main Street near the mountain, it can be hard to feel a rush of foot traffic. So keep walking, people! Some of the cutest shops, galleries and eateries are located down here.
Artifact and Wares are merging into one shop to be located at 484 Main Street (the former Waddle n Swaddle spot, near the new yoga studio), and will be called Hyperbole. This new store brings together the owners Carolyn Baccaro, of Artifact, and her good friend Andrea Podob, of Wares. Says Carolyn: “Together, we're creating a unique shopping experience that connects independent, [thoughtful] artists with stylish and discerning customers like YOU.” Look for jewelry, art, clothing, vintage finds, and more at the new Hyperbole.
Fans of both shops are being directed to follow Artifact’s Instagram page, which will convert over to the new Hyperbole.
The former space of Artifact will be filled by new store owners, who are plotting their arrival as we speak.
Sunny days are storming into cool nights as summer seeps into September. School will soon begin, work schedules will fill up, weekend plans may be a little harder to make. Drive-in movie theaters provide an easygoing mode of entertainment to ease the transition of summer break into a fall state of mind, especially since most theaters are open rain or shine until mid-September. If you are looking for an evening of nostalgia from the glow of the silver screen, a whimsical summer night with starry lights and blankets on the plush grass, or a breezy family night, cruise around the Hudson Valley to spend an evening at one of these eight locations before summer slips away.
Located in Poughkeepsie, Overlook Drive-In proudly offers a screen about the size of a six-story building, the largest in the tri-state area. Opened in 1955, Overlook hosts 750 cars to view their double-feature movies. Classic movie theater snacks such as popcorn and candy are sold here, along with pizza, hot dogs, and burgers. In addition to the massive screen, the freshly made funnel cakes set Overlook apart from the other drive-in movie theaters. Adults pay $10, children ages 5-11 pay $7, and kids under 5 are free. If you are able to make it to Monday Bargain night, everyone pays $7 for a ticket.
If you are looking for a simple setting, this is the place. Hyde Park Drive-In consistently screens recent releases, accommodates around 670 cars in this pet-friendly location, and offers fried dough and cappuccinos, in addition to fast food and theater snacks. Bargain night is Tuesday night, when all tickets are at times reduced to $7.
Established in 2014, this ’60s themed drive-in provides a modern yet whimsical aesthetic. General admission is set at $11, seniors pay $8, children 5-10 pay $6, and children under 5 are free. Four Brothers has a playground, mini-golf course and a hotel on site. Movies are centered around family-friendly content, ranging from comedy to drama, with the occasional cultural indie film. Their grounds boast a lively atmosphere, a wheelchair accessible park, and a communal litter box for the welcomed pets. The elaborate menu goes beyond the classics and dives into innovative, including hand-spun shakes with flavors such as baklava or wine, grilled burgers that go beyond beef to include salmon or veggie options, and paw treats for pets. I could probably write a separate piece on the menu alone.
Warwick (Orange County), 50 minutes, 41 miles from Beacon
photo credit: warwick drive-in
Open seven nights a week with three screens, this rustic setting plays recent releases. First opened in 1950, this drive-in serves usual theater snacks and fast food, most notably their popcorn chicken. Adults ages 12 and up pay $12, children 4-11 and seniors are $8, and children under 4 are free.
Coxsackie (Greene County), 1 hour, 68 miles from Beacon
photo credit: hi-way drive-in
Open seven nights a week since 1951, four screens showcase a different double feature every night. Offering only a classic snack bar, this location plays recent releases. Admission is set at $10 for adults, $5 for children 3-11, and free for kids under 3.
Greenville (Greene County), 1 hour 18 minutes, 77 miles from Beacon
photo credit: greenville drive-in & beer garden
In business since 1959, this drive-in leans toward playing independent films, shorts, community works and the occasional classic. Locally produced beer, wine, and spirits are served here. Occasionally, drinks are coordinated to theme with the scheduled film, such as a kryptonite drink for the Superman movie. Outdoor seating provides a stage for live music, and the snack bar includes potato skins, ice cream and locally made popsicles.
Averill Park (Rensselaer County), 1 hour 41 minutes, 102 miles from Beacon
Photo Credit: Hollywood Drive-In
Look out for random free passes at the bottom of your popcorn boxes at this charming drive-in. First opened in 1952, the Hollywood Drive-In plays a double feature seven nights a week. Crunch on nachos and pizza as recent Hollywood releases flicker across the silver screen. General admission for adults is $10, kids pay $5.
Glenmont (Albany County), 1 hour 25 minutes, 87 miles from Beacon
Photo Credit: Jericho Drive-In
Jericho Drive-In provides an old-time feel but plays recent releases. Pets are welcome - bring your pup on Sundays after 6 pm to receive a free Doggie Vanilla treat. An on-site ice cream shop sells fun flavors such as s'mores or Raspberry Rumble, a heavenly blend of raspberry swirls and truffles. Classic snacks and fast food are available, ranging from mozzarella sticks to popcorn and slushies. Adults pay $10, kids $5. Oh, and be sure to save your ticket stubs for a prize at the door!
This weekend is the Beacon Back To School Party at South Avenue Park. We are officially in the final countdown to summer ending and school starting. But let's be honest, it's usually pretty hot in September, so plenty of time remains to play outside. A Little Beacon Blog will have a table at the block party, and we're trading you a tote for a plastic bag! See here for details. Meanwhile, let's get to the list of things to do!
Beacon Performing Arts Center presents "Footloose the Musical"
Days: Friday & Saturday, August 23-24, 2019 Time: 7:30 pm Location: Beacon High School Theatre, 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY Information >
Back To School Block Party
Day: Saturday, August 24, 2019 Time: 12 to 4 pm Location: South Avenue Park, Beacon, NY
In an effort to support Beacon families, please come to the 5th Annual Back to School Block Party, brought to you by I Am Beacon in partnership with Key Food. Information >
Live Concert with Luis Simas + Wesley Amorim
Day: Saturday, August 24, 2019 Time: 8 pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
General Washington on the Hudson: The Battle of Stony Point
Day: Sunday, August 25, 2019 (rain or shine) Time: 10 am to 4 pm Location: Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide. This Guide is made possible by the sponsorship of The Crafty Hammer.
BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique
155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com
Beaconites are very fortunate to have this designer, Eva Varro, so close in Darryl's Boutique. Eva designed a unique construction technique for her clothing, making it fit especially well. Check her out also for her signature placement prints and designs, like the blouse pictured here! Based in Downtown Los Angeles, every item is handmade in the United States. Find this piece (from Eva's fall collection) and more, available at Darryl's Clothing Boutique on Main Street, across from Hudson Beach Glass.
Luxe Optique
183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com
The delicate lines are what set the Anne & Valentin frames apart from other eyewear designers. This playful sunny can come just like this (the way it's pictured here) with the dark glass, or you could fill with color! Luxe Optique are experts in imagining what you might not think possible, and then making it so. This frame is from the Nomades collection and is called Shibuya.
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light)
A veil may not be needed when wearing a stunning backless dress like this one by Lillian Sest. Instead, why not try a stunning headpiece by Beilaire Bridal? Show off your beautiful back!
The Crafty Hammer
4 S. Chestnut Street, Beacon, NY
(845) 834-9665 (WOOD) @thecraftyhammerllc Kids' Birthday Party Alert! The Crafty Hammer is Beacon's newest destination for kids' birthday parties! The little ones will definitely be entertained by the expert staff at the Crafty Hammer. You're able to bring your own food or cake, and the Crafty Hammer always has snacks for walk-ins (they know Kid Life).
Call (845) 834-9665 (WOOD) to inquire!
Tapestry Weaving for Teachers
Day: Tuesday, August 27, 2019 Time: 10 am to 12 pm Location: CreateSpace Beacon, 145 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
132 Verplanck Avenue, Beacon, NY 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom From Gate House Realty: "Charming traditional home in the heart of Beacon. Welcoming front porch with plenty of room to relax.” Price: $275,000 Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures >
Antalek & Moore
Do you need a refresh in your insurance? For business, home, auto, life, even health? The team at Antalek & Moore can help you. Contact them today to start a conversation to change your coverage, and get you better protection. Call (845) 831-4300.
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 the creative process can happen more easily. Details >
Tin Shingle
Need to get the word out about your business? Tin Shingle trains you in how to do this, and in how to have the courage to put yourself out there. Get Info >
Beacon Chamber of Commerce :: Business Directory
Is your business included in the Business Directory of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce yet? It should be. Join here today. Learn More >
MASTHEAD Producers of this newsletter include:
Katie Hellmuth Martin, Publisher, Writer, Designer, Photographer
Marilyn Perez, Managing Editor
Catherine Sweet, Editor of the Second Saturday Guide
Advertise With A Little Beacon Blog
The support from every advertiser of A Little Beacon Blog helps make local news get produced. You can be part of making it happen, and get your business in front of the community in a meaningful way.
This Saturday is the 5th Annual Back To School Block Party and School Supply Drive from I Am Beacon, in partnership with Key Food at the South Avenue Park, just up the hill from the basketball courts and Beacon Dental. There will be games, food, music, and basketball!
A Little Beacon Blog will also be there, and wants to trade you one of our tote bags for a plastic bag! While supplies last (we have 19!), you can have a free tote bag when you bring one plastic bag. One tote bag per person. We’ll collect the plastic bags and stuff them into the plastic bag collection bin at Key Food.
Plastic bags don’t go into home recycling cans because they float around the recycling center and get into the machines, causing major problems. Start carrying a collection of totes, and skip the plastic bag - from anywhere! It’s a tricky habit to start when you’re in a restaurant or a store, and pulling out a tote bag isn’t commonplace. Or if you’re in Walmart with those rotating wheels of plastic bags. But give it a try!
Free tote bags for the first 19 plastic bag trades, and then we’ll have them on sale for $10 (normally $18 on this website).
In a milestone never before reached by prior Dutchess County Legislators who attempted the repeal, it appears that the time is ripe for overriding the opposition. Proposed changes to the law are now before the New York State Liquor Authority, who needs to hear from the public on whether they want this law changed. The New York State Liquor Authority is holding a Public Comment hearing on Tuesday, August 27, at 4:30 pm at 1 Overocker Road in Poughkeepsie., and wants to hear from you before they make their decision.
In Prior Years, Attempts To Extend Open Hours Failed
Former Dutchess County Legislator Jerry Landisi attempted to change this law years ago, with Beacon Mayor Randy Casale’s support. It didn’t budge. This year, current Dutchess County Legislator (and Beacon resident) Frits Zernike authored a resolution to change the law, citing in a press release: "This allows individual businesses to tailor their hours to the buying habits of people in their localities, instead of the one-size-fits-some regulation we now have. Because you can stay open til 9 pm doesn't mean you have to. But the 7 pm closing time means everybody has to stop doing business at the same time."
2019 Saw The Most Success - Plus A Veto - To Extend The Hours
The 2019 attempt also had the support of Beacon’s mayor and city council; the Mayor traveled to the legislature meeting where the vote was passed 18-6 in April 2019 in favor of extending the open hours. However, the Dutchess County Executive, Marcus Molinaro vetoed that vote, declaring that not enough public awareness was made about the vote. Yet, in his memo announcing his veto, he said he supported the move to extend the open hours:
“I have no objection to this county requesting the New York State Liquor Authority consider extending the hours of operation for Dutchess wine and liquor stores. I support competition and a more open market place, and I want Dutchess County businesses to have the greatest opportunity to compete and succeed.
Restrictive State policies and outdated laws governing this industry have created an uneven playing field that should be addressed. Further, in many ways, the State Liquor Authority remains an institution rooted in the past, unable to keep up with the rapidly changing market, local needs, and the concerns of the State’s and Dutchess County’s residents. A better system would devolve authority and allow local municipalities with their zoning regulations to regulate the retail of wine and liquor for off-premises consumption. It is befuddling, at best, as to why New York has maintained this Prohibition-era regime, and I do not know how this County became the last in the state to enable extended hours of operation.”
Tune in after Tuesday, August 27, when the New York State Liquor Authority hears from the public. You could comment here or on our Instagram about this, but if you really want to make a difference, travel up to the meeting! Or according to the Poughkeepsie Journal, you can write in:
EMAIL Secretarys.Office@sla.ny.gov Include in the subject line: "Dutchess County Hearing."
LETTER BY SNAIL MAIL Address your comments to the secretary's office at: 80 South Swan St. Suite 900 Albany, NY 12210
Monday is the new Saturday for local shopping in Beacon! Darryl’s Women’s Clothing Boutique is the latest boutique on Main Street to be open daily. Being open every day of the week is no small feat for a small business, as it requires staffing and effort. But it tends to be the ultimate goal for retail, as daily hours are easier for shoppers to remember, if they want to visit their favorite shops without remembering individual schedules.
Open Hours and Dia: Beacon - Breaking Of Reliance
In the olden days (like, up until about last year), stores in Beacon were mostly closed on Tuesdays because Dia:Beacon was closed on Tuesdays. The museum’s selection of Beacon’s riverside site launched the rebuilding of uphill, Main Street Beacon (which at the moment is in full swing). But with years of good press coverage, Beacon has grown as a destination town, bringing more foot traffic on different days, especially Monday holidays. Being that the weekend is naturally busy for a store, boutiques and restaurants would often close on Mondays as well, to recoup from the weekend and do paperwork and administrative tasks. That too has begun to change, with retail experimenting with opening on Mondays as well.
Parking On Mondays Also An Added Bonus!
Everyone knows that there’s essentially no parking to be found on the weekends. You can see our Guide For Free Parking to find your best bets for lots to park in. But no parking is a great excuse to walk, and walking Main Street is fun on the weekend. So many people to see, and shops to visit.
Parking on Mondays in Beacon is possible! More shops are staying open on Monday, and parking is a bonus. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Yet, when doing a bunch of errands, it can be so much easier to park in a central spot. For businesses, that ease of access is a benefit of being open on Mondays! Pictured here are two parking spots open near Mountain Tops and Darryl’s on a Monday. As one of our readers, Rose Merando Story, pointed out, locals have been venturing out to shop on Mondays because there is more parking: “I've noticed the locals try to stay away from Main Street on the weekends because of the traffic and parking situation and they tend to shop on Mondays.”
Monday It Is
So, all you Beaconites reading this, venture out on a Monday and reward these stores with your purchase. It’s you who keeps them here! We all like window shopping, but if you want a pretty window to look at, you’ll walk through the door and get to know what is available inside. You will be SO surprised. Constantly.
Find This jacket at Darryl’s Clothing Boutique. It is one of many Fun, Frilly pieces - and often they have sales!
PS: Can we discuss this jacket? Fundraiser Event Season is right around the corner, and Darryl’s Clothing Boutique will have your style. This jacket is easy to move your arms in, well-shaped, and 20 percent off the already on-sale price of $79. You do the math.
WHERE: 291 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 The Telephone Building First Floor, First Door WHEN: Saturday, August 17, 2019, 10 am to 8 pm
The Pop-Up Shop is back at A Little Beacon Space with another hard-to-find curated collection of vintage T-shirts, shoes, and more. This pop-up shop is from Xavier Garcia (@xaviergarciaa) and Jason Simoes (@jasoes) of @kualitygear, and it is their first pop-up experience. They searched up and down the Hudson Valley to find the perfect spot, and selected Beacon and A Little Beacon Space! Come out and give them a warm retail welcome.
The young entrepreneurial group calls this show “PIECES,” and they normally only sell on social media platforms that the young people know about.
The Tony Hawk skateboarding video game is playing in the corner, and clothes are hanging from the ceiling! Come in for your T-shirt fix and grow your sneaker collection.
This pop-up shop is one day only! From 10 am to 8 pm, Saturday, August 17, 2019. Address is 291 Main Street, Beacon, NY, First Floor, First Door.
It's a big weekend for the intersection of Main Street and North/South Brett Street! A Pop-Up Shop will be inside of our office here at A Little Beacon Blog from 10 am to 8 pm at 291 Main Street. It's called PIECES and features loads of vintage T-shirts, shoes, gear and more. There will be music and possibly a video game - Tony Hawk (skateboarding). Across the street is Key Food's 7th Customer Appreciation Day. They have also opened their new deli and repaved the parking lot - and we got the scoop (and tried their secret sauce Buffalo wings)! With the construction gone, it's a lot to celebrate! Come on down to Main Street and give us all a visit.
PIECES Vintage Clothing Pop-Up Shop
Day: Saturday, August 17, 2019 Time: 10 am to 8 pm Location: A Little Beacon Space, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Key Food Beacon’s 7th Customer Appreciation Day
Day: Saturday, August 17, 2019 Time: 12 to 4 pm Location: Key Food Beacon, 268 Main St., Beacon, NY Information >
Meet and Greet with Quarantine: A Love Story by Author Katie Cicatelli-Kuc
Day: Saturday, August 17, 2019 Time: 2 pm Location: Barnes & Noble, Newburgh Crossing, 1245 Route 300 (Union Ave.), Newburgh, NY Information >
PRISON LAND, by Brett Story: Book Reading and Info Session
Day: Sunday, August 18, 2019 Time: 7 pm Location: Binnacle Books, 321 Main St., Beacon, NY
PRISON LAND offers a geographic excavation of the prison as a set of social relations - including property, work, gender, and race - enacted across various landscapes of American life. Prisons, Brett Story shows, are more than just buildings of incarceration bound to cycles of crime and punishment. Binnacle Books presents this in partnership with the Beacon Prison Rides Project, a group of volunteers dedicated to helping families stay connected to their incarcerated loved ones through daily rides and through advocacy for the reform of New York's state prison system. Binnacle Books is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and we thank them for their support! Information >
Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide. This Guide is made possible by the sponsorship of The Crafty Hammer.
BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique
155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com
Of course they did! Pink camouflage prints are in Darryl's Clothing Boutique right now! Getting you ready for fall with a bold pop of color. Get this print in a blouse or fitted shirt. Which one will you go with?
Luxe Optique
183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com
Taking a moment to appreciate this multi-business creator, Laurie Riehle, who opened Luxe Optique after selling her previous eyewear specialty shop. She bought her building in Beacon, and has designed her own line of Luxe eyewear (which happens to be one of the most affordable), available in the shop. Luxe carries more than 30 lines of eyewear from all over the world, carefully vetted by Laurie to bring the best quality and design to Beacon, New York.
BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END
Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the Dummy Light)
LOVE - Step out of the traditional bridal box with this ballgown as your wedding dress! Lambs Hill is loving this blue gown by Miss Hayley Paige!
The Crafty Hammer
4 S. Chestnut Street, Beacon, NY
(845) 834-9665 (WOOD) @thecraftyhammerllc New Website Alert! The Crafty Hammer has been using their digital tools too, in order to bring you a website where you can book your own Team Building Workshop, Birthday Party, and more. Check it out!
Call (845) 834-9665 (WOOD) to inquire!
Hot Yoga Fundraiser Class for SeriousFun Children’s Network
Day: Sunday, August 18, 2019 Time: 7:30 pm Price: $10 suggested donation Location: Firefly Yoga, 992 Main St., Fishkill, NY
Charity hot yoga class to raise money for SeriousFun Network. Information >
1 East Main St., Unit 301, Beacon, NY 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom From Gate House Realty: "One of a kind, spacious, SoHo-style luxury loft in the heart of Beacon.” Price: $1,150,000 Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures >
Antalek & Moore
Do you need a refresh in your insurance? For business, home, auto, life, even health? The team at Antalek & Moore can help you. Contact them today to start a conversation about changing your coverage, to get you better protection. Call (845) 831-4300.
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 the creative process can happen more easily. Details >
Tin Shingle
Need to get the word out about your business? Tin Shingle trains you in how to do this. Just as important: This training includes 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 OPPORTUNITY ON ALBB
Wee Play's Community Mural Project Needs Kids To Help Paint (Volunteer)! Details >
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.
Left: The new deli, with all your favorite cheese and spread options back in the case. Right: The new parking lot, with arrows to help keep people moving in the right direction. Photo Credits: Katie Hellmuth Martin
You’ve walked through the doors of construction at Key Food.
You’ve walked around the usual checkout line to exit when new or moved walls were going up.
You’ve wondered what is going on behind the wall with all of the banging, and you heard that it was a new, bigger deli.
And now, the new deli is here and open! The team at Key Food has been scampering around, climbing onto the roof to hook things up and connect everything just so in order to bring Beaconites more food options for those who want to eat and run, or just eat and not cook.
The deli grew longer, a hooded kitchen was added to the back of it, and the crew is already cooking their own original Buffalo wings made in a secret sauce. Key Food is currently hiring looking to expand the deli staff!
This isn’t the first mega project the folks at Key Food have undertaken. Jb Said opened the Craft Beer Shoppe right next door, Junior and Co. opened Beacon International across the street, and the Smoke Shop and More was an addition as well.
What’s For Lunch/Dinner?
Buffalo wings at Key Food in their secret sauce. Blue cheese dressing available on the shelf nearby.
Hot prepared meals fill the warming rack at Key Food starting at about 12:30 pm. You can still get fresh rotisserie chicken that is cooked behind the deli counter, and now you can also get Buffalo wings in a secret sauce, chicken tenders, fried chicken, and a lot of other chicken options. Bottles of blue cheese dressing are conveniently located in the aisles of the store. You can keep an entire bottle back at your office fridge. No more worrying about asking for extra blue cheese and hoping it made it into the bag.
Sides are available, like crunchy broccoli salad, tabbouleh, potato salad, and other staples. Sandwich-wise, you can get egg salad, tuna salad, and of course, sliced meat sandwiches. Soon, the grill will be on and you’ll be able to get hot sandwiches. The menu is currently being taste-tested before becoming public.
Catering From Key Food
In addition to the new hot foods lining the case, Key Food Beacon has been quietly catering, working out their systems on friends and family in order to bring catering to you. Consider it in a soft beta launch for now. Foods like sesame chicken with broccoli and Middle Eastern chicken on Spanish rice were big hits, and make it into the rotation of take-out lunch items on the hot shelf. Watch their Facebook page for announcements, but better yet, come in to see what’s up. Don’t wait for digital! Show up for food.
New Helpful Arrows In Key Food Parking Lot
Our office here at A Little Beacon Blog is right across the street from Key Food. We sit at one of the trickier intersections on Main Street. There are worse intersections, but this one is pretty active with illegal U-turns, kids popping wheelies on bikes in the middle of the road, people driving the wrong way up South Brett Street, and cars pulling into the Key Food parking lot going the wrong way.
If you’ve never noticed before, the driveway on the left of the parking lot is the Entrance, and the driveway on the right is the Exit. Although there is a good amount of parking in the Key Food parking lot, there isn’t much room to maneuver two-way traffic, so it’s one-way.
To help everyone drive safely, Key Food had bright yellow arrows put down on their new parking lot paving job. A few parking spaces to the right of the front door were removed in order to make for better parking of the delivery trucks. As has been discussed at City Council meetings recently, Main Street is pretty narrow and congested with delivery trucks. Key Food now has a dedicated place for the trucks to park, making movement easier for everyone. See the picture of that cozy truck down below?
7th Customer Appreciation Day Hosted By Key Food Beacon
This Saturday, August 17, Key Food is hosting their 7th Customer Appreciation Day. It is an especially big deal this year, as everyone made it through the store’s enhancements. From their invitation: “Come celebrate with us. We want to thank you for your business. Join us for a fun event for the community. There will be free food, free beverages, free snacks, music, kids activities, giveaways and much more. Thank you so much for all your support and we hope to see you all there.”
Support for this publication comes in part from these businesses. We have highlighted what makes them special on their own dedicated pages. Want your business listed here? See the "Sponsor Spotlight" or "Event Promotion" option in our Advertising Page.
A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
9/11: Beacon's "We Will Never Forget" Memorial Ceremony
