How To Ride The Newburgh-Beacon Ferry During The Special Trial Weekends In September and October

IMPORTANT FERRY INFO
DATES:
Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29
Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19
TIMES:
Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 10 am 4 pm
DEPARTURE: Boat leaves Newburgh at the top of the hour. Boat leaves Beacon at the half hour.
BOAT DOCKS:
Newburgh: Newburgh Washington Street Boat Launch (2 Washington Street)
Beacon: Beacon Institute Dock, located on the Beacon waterfront by the Metro-North train station.
Note: this is not the regular MTA dock, but is next to it.
Pro-Tip! There is a free public bus called the G Loop that runs Monday to Saturday, and will whisk you up the hill to Main Street. It even passes Barb’s Butchery. It runs on a train arrival schedule, and does not run on Sundays.
COST: $2, cash only

A lifestyle experiment is in place, and you can be a part of it. The Cities of Beacon and Newburgh, as well as Dutchess and Orange County are thinking that the people of this area may benefit from increased ferry service between Beacon and Newburgh, so have set up ferry service for two weekends and you’re invited to try it.

According to the initiative’s press release: “This service will help determine whether there is enough interest and traffic for a more regular service. Other benefits of increased service are allowing both cities to attract more regional tourism, allow for easier exchange for local residents to access strong job markets and entertainment, and forge innovative relations between City of Beacon and Newburgh.”

Here’s how you can ferry across the Hudson River on September 28 and 29 for Beacon’s Spirit of Beacon Day and for Newburgh’s Open Studios, and then again on October 19 and 20 for Beacon’s Annual Car Show, and Newburgh’s Literary Festival:

The Ferry Boat and Dock Are Different Than The Usual MTA Ferry

Because this is an experiment, a relationship with the The Hudson River Maritime Museum was initiated so that they could charter the boat, and not go through the MTA. The Hudson River Maritime Museum designed and built a solar-powered tour boat called the Solaris, which is the only 100% solar-powered boat in operation on the Hudson River. It does not require fossil fuels to operate. According to the museum’s website: “This vessel can travel up to 50 miles at night without the use of her solar panels. Even on cloudy days, the solar panels are so efficient that they continue to power the batteries.”

The boat can carry 28 passengers at a time. Service is first-come, first-serve, and costs $2 exact change, one-way. Cash only, no credit can be accepted.

Who Made This Ferry Experiment Happen?

According to the press release: “This effort was a joint effort by the Cities of Newburgh and Beacon and Orange and Dutchess Counties, with costs shared between Orange County and Dutchess County under a tourism initiative.” A Little Beacon Blog did a deep-dive article to discover more about why this experiment is so important, and the factors considered in implementing it.

For more information, please contact:

City of Newburgh Department of Planning and Development, Alexandra Church, planning@cityofnewburgh-ny.gov or (845) 569-9400

City of Beacon City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero, MPA, at aruggiero@cityofbeacon.org or (845) 838-5009.

Orange County Planning Department, planning@orangecountygov.com or (845) 615.3840.

Interview with Gabriel Berlin, Chair Of The Newburgh Transportation Committee About Ferry Service

During the research for the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry article, we came upon Gabriel Berlin, Chair of the Newburgh Transportation Advisory Committee. He reached out when he learned we were writing an article on the Newburgh-Beacon ferry weekend trial service, so we were able to learn more about his thoughts on the benefits of increased ferry service. Turns out, he lives in Newburgh with his wife, Annmarie Nye, who is a co-owner of Binnacle Books, a bookstore on Main Street in Beacon. When not talking transportation, Gabe and Annmarie run a design agency, Fishbulb Design.

Why are you on the Newburgh Transportation Committee, Gabe?

I am on the Newburgh Transportation Advisory Committee because I care a lot about transportation issues. I was asked to chair the committee by Newburgh Councilman Anthony Grice. I’ve been part of community groups in Newburgh for almost five years, and I saw this as a good opportunity to help elevate the voice of city residents who rely heavily on public transportation and safe streets. Transportation is something that truly affects all of Newburgh, whether working class or wealthy, young or old.

Why was the Newburgh Transportation Committee created?

The Committee actually existed until about a decade ago, but it was called the Parking and Traffic Committee, which gives you an idea of its priorities. It was defunct until we restarted it in 2018. One of the first things we did was change the name to the Newburgh Transportation Advisory Committee to reflect the city’s commitment to all modes of transportation, whether car, bus, ferry, train, walking, biking, skateboarding, scooter, and anything else!

Regarding the ferry - what are the benefits for Beacon, as you see them?

I personally know many residents of Newburgh, myself included, who would love better access to the city of Beacon for shopping, eating, and outdoor activities. But the Newburgh-Beacon shuttle and ferry only run on weekdays, and even then it is for a limited amount of time (for example there’s almost no service between morning rush hour and evening rush hour). So unless you have your own car or you can afford a taxi for every trip, your options are limited.

Furthermore, 30 percent of Newburgh households do not have regular access to a car. Seventy percent of Newburgh has access to one car or less. That is a lot of people who rely on public transportation to get around the Newburgh-Beacon area. So if there isn’t easy and affordable public transit such as a ferry in a walkable location in both cities, that is a lot of people who would like to visit Beacon, but can’t.

Is there a bus line that goes between Beacon and Newburgh?

There is, but it only runs limited weekday hours. No weekend service, no midday service, and last bus from Beacon on weekdays is 9:20 pm, last bus from Newburgh if you're trying to get back to Beacon is 5:30 pm (!). Also, reports from our riders indicate that service can be unreliable. Find more information about the bus here: https://leprechaunlines.com/stewart-newburgh-beacon-shuttle/

Once one has landed on the Newburgh side, is there easy public transportation to get up the hill? There is the waterfront to enjoy, but what if they wanted to get past that?

Bus service in Newburgh is managed by Orange County, which has four bus routes in the city, organized under its Transit Orange department. One of the four routes would take you up the hill via Washington Street, but Transit Orange buses only run until 7 pm, and don't run on Sundays at all.

In Beacon, we have the free G Loop bus that is coordinated with the train. When you get off the train, the bus is there to take you up our hill to Main Street. How does it work on the Newburgh side?

Everyone in Newburgh mentions the Beacon Free Loop as something Newburgh needs, as currently there are no weekend transportation options to get up the hill other than walking or private car.

[Editor’s Note: The Beacon Free G Loop was a major undertaking between the City of Beacon, Dutchess County, and BeaconArts. Recently, the City Council plans to continue co-funding the free bus.]

Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share with our readers?

I do! Three thoughts:

1. Study after study has shown that better public transit and walkable cities increase commerce and tourism. And there is a multiplier effect. If you have people walking to a shopping district, they are more likely to stop in at other businesses along the way, rather than traveling via car where they are more likely to drive straight to their destination, visit one business, then leave.

2. There’s also the environmental issue. We simply need to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels. And one of the ways to do that is encourage public transportation and walkability over low-occupancy vehicles.

3. And finally, gridlock and traffic. Every person that rides a ferry between Newburgh and Beacon is likely one less car creating gridlock on 9D at I-84. Imagine if a majority of the people traveling between the cities were off the road and on the ferry. There might never be backup on 9D in Beacon!

Gabriel concluded the interview with this: “Public transportation such as a ferry is a win for everyone involved, from business owners to city residents.”

Newburgh-Beacon Ferry Will Run Two Trial Weekend Services - Why This Is A Big Deal

We know what you’re thinking: “That doesn’t look like the newburgh-beacon ferry!” You’re right, it doesn’t. This is the Solaris, a smaller vessel from the hudson river maritime museum that carries 28 passengers and will be used for trial newburgh-beacon weekend service.

This weekend is a big one - it is the Spirit of Beacon Day (ALBB will be there!! Look for our South Avenue Elementary float!) on one side of the Hudson River, and Newburgh Open Studios on the other side. For the first time in decades, a ferry between Newburgh and Beacon will be running on Saturday and Sunday, and it’s kind of a big deal. It’s a huge deal, actually, that’s been in the making for some time, involving several groups of people working together to make it happen.

Normally, the only way to get to Newburgh on the weekend - or mid-day, any day of the week - is by crossing the Newburgh-Beacon bridge by car, and hoping that there isn’t a traffic jam or bottleneck at either exit ramp. The ferry was first established with a charter from England’s King George II in 1743; that means its claim to fame - “it was used during the Revolutionary War” - holds up! Ferry service continued between Newburgh and Beacon for 220 years. During that time, many factory workers from both sides of the Hudson ferried across the river. In days past, the boat was larger, could carry up to 30 cars, had separate entrances for men and women, and offered additional fees for bikes and strollers.

In 1963, when the Newburgh-Beacon bridge was built, ferry service was discontinued. It returned in 2005 to accommodate commuters mainly from Newburgh, who wanted to hop onto the Beacon train to New York City. If you wanted to catch the ferry for a simple ride over to Newburgh during the middle of the day or the weekend, you weren’t able to. But many have wanted to, with various public opinion polls popping up over the years.

Who Decides To Say “Yes” To Making The Ferry Available?

As you see artists and businesses promote the limited weekend run of the ferry for the Newburgh Open Studios and Spirit of Beacon Day, you may have thought to yourself: “Oh, I’m glad that happened. It will be fun to take the ferry. The ferry must be something that someone can just green-light whenever they want. How delightful to cruise across the river in a ferry.”

And that assumption would not be correct. Well, the trip across the river is delightful, but it turns out, it has taken an entire commission of people on the Newburgh Transportation Committee, county legislators, the county executive, the local government leaders from both Beacon and Newburgh, Newburgh’s planning commissioner, and others to put this together. The first people to connect A Little Beacon Blog to this effort were Cher Vick of the Newburgh Restoration blog, and Naomi Hersson-Ringskog of The Department of Small Interventions and the Newburgh Chapter of the Awesome Foundation.

At a September meeting of the Beacon City Council, the trial-run weekend concept was put to a resolution, and the council members had to vote on whether or not they agreed to this limited ferry schedule. Beacon Mayor Randy Casale spoke about pushback he had heard from some Beacon businesses, who feared that Beacon would lose business to Newburgh. The City Council agreed to wait and see if a dip indeed happened, and voted unanimously in favor of powering up the ferry this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29) as well as the weekend of October 19-20, 2019.

How Some Beacon Businesses Feel About The Increased Ferry Service

At the City Council meeting, Mayor Casale issued words of caution about the increased ferry service, to protect Beacon businesses. Owners of Max’s on Main, Richie and Harvey Kaplan, were there to ask whether Beacon businesses had been polled about this move. Harvey recalled when he and his brother looked for a space to open their bar/restaurant in 2005 during a time when there was not a lot of business on Main Street in Beacon. They hunkered down, and other businesses followed in ensuing years.

“Other businesses came to Main Street, and we grew. Along the way, there were concepts that came. They wanted to build some stores down on the water and it was rejected because there were so many businesses on Main Street,” Harvey recalled, stating that he was Vice President of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce at that time. “If you want to try it… I would think about it very carefully before you let it go every day. It would hurt the businesses who have worked very hard.”

Council member Amber Grant reached for middle ground: “I would like to see how that [expanded service] goes and how it plays out in reality. The Loop bus runs [Beacon’s free bus that goes from the train to Main Street] on Saturday. You have an easy transportation method. Maybe it would be a positive impact.” Her sentiment was echoed by other council members, including Jodi McCredo, who asked to hear from Beacon business owners.

Another business owner, Kamel Jamal, owner of Beacon Bread Company, Tito Santana Taqueria, Ziatun, and (once again) Angelina’s in Cold Spring, also does not agree with the ferry service, saying this on Instagram: “All our NYC tourists can now jump on a ferry to the Newburgh waterfront. Orange County now gets our county and city tax revenue and gets our sales too. It’s a bad deal.”

Before the feeling of being trapped on an island (or being kept in a Beacon bubble) enters your mind, we reached out to see what others thought.

A Little Beacon Blog’s Small Poll Of Beacon Businesses

Recently, we here at A Little Beacon Blog added a new member to our team, Project Manager Teslie Andrade. She lives in Newburgh, drives across the bridge to our office, and was thrilled at the idea of increased ferry service. So we inquired with a few other businesses to learn about their situations.

We also spoke with our business neighbor, Scott Tillitt, founder of BEAHIVE, the community workspace who has two locations in Beacon, a hive in Albany, and has just announced a long-awaited expansion in Newburgh in the Wireworks building. How does he feel about the increased ferry service? “There’s already a lot of flow between Beacon and Newburgh,” observed Scott. “By expanding BEAHIVE to Newburgh, I hope to build a metaphorical bridge between the two creative communities. Increased ferry service that serves more than just commuters will help create a more literal bridge. Personally, I share a car with my partner Amy, and I can foresee times when the ferry would come in handy if I need to get over there and she has the car. (Granted, we live right above the train station, so it’d be super easy.) I know others in the same boat (haha). And I imagine it will only help drive foot traffic in both communities.”

As for the restaurant community, we reached out to Greg Trautman, owner of the renovated Beacon Hotel located on Main Street: “I feel people in Newburgh like to come to Beacon, and people in Beacon like to go to Newburgh. Making it easier to connect helps both.”

Barb Fisher, owner of Barb’s Butchery located on Spring Street just over Fishkill Creek, said: “It’s not likely it’ll affect me... but I think more is better. Maybe people will come to Beacon from the other side of the river.”

Beacon is not the same city it was in 2005. Thanks to the businesses and the home and commercial renovations that have transpired, the “tipping point” that everyone was talking about in 2009/2010 has tipped, and we are in a state of pouring, or rushing water. Council member Jodi, ever concerned with traffic congestion on Main Street and Route 9D, pointed out that “Beacon has been written up a lot lately... I see it freeing up traffic on 9D. Parking. I definitely understand those concerns, but I do see benefits.”

Businesses opening up now in Beacon are benefiting from major national news coverage that A Little Beacon Blog has done a round-up on. While every city and community should be cautious about its growth, Beacon may not need to underestimate itself and fear a developed waterfront of restaurants like on the Newburgh side. People like to eat, shop, learn, explore, and be inspired. This will happen whether they are driving, walking, biking, and maybe now boating across.

As an aside, taking the ferry across the river is a stress-relieving way of traveling, and scenic too. You’re floating in between two mountain ranges!

Local Government’s Take On Increased Newburgh-Beacon Ferry Service

Dutchess County Legislator Nick Page, who represents Beacon, has been working on increasing the ferry service. “My feeling is that Beacon would be well-served to increase connection with Newburgh, both socially, and, especially in the mid- to long-run, economically,” Nick told A Little Beacon Blog.

“The conversations that I’ve had with Beacon business owners over the summer in regards to a weekend ferry option have shown an interest in increased connection and an understanding that our success here is more than a zero-sum game - a dollar spent in Beacon is more than simply a dollar not spent in Newburgh, and vice-versa. Overall, the more that we can sensibly offer, and the more that we can engage, the better off we’ll be.”

After the trial service was approved and set into motion, the City of Beacon’s City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero, distributed a press release that shared opinions from several political levels:

Beacon Mayor Randy Casale: “The Spirit of Beacon is a day to bring the city together and get to know one another better, learn to know what each other liked in conversation, feelings, entertainment, education and food. And now this same spirit is being extended to the City of Newburgh. Only [by] working and supporting each other can the region thrive.”

Newburgh City Manager Joseph Donat “thanked Alexandra Church, Director of Planning and Development for her around-the-clock efforts to make this happen. The City of Newburgh also extended its thanks to Orange and Dutchess counties, as well as to Beacon. This service will encourage people and families who live on both sides of the river to discover more of each other’s neighborhoods and communities, just a 20-minute ride from each coast.”

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus: “Orange County is thrilled to partner, and cost-share this service, with our friends in Dutchess County. I encourage everyone to go out and enjoy the great experiences we have to offer along the Hudson River.”

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro: “This partnership will benefit residents in both communities, giving us another avenue to showcase some of the many locations and amenities that make us distinctly Dutchess. We are happy to have partnered with our colleagues in the Dutchess County Legislature, as well as our friends in Orange County, to make this collaboration a reality.”

Unpacking This Ferry Development

We have more articles about the possible increased ferry service. More, you ask? Is there really more to running a ferry? There is! Articles to come:

• How To Ride The Newburgh-Beacon Ferry During The Trial Weekends In September + October 2019

• Inside The Newburgh Transportation Committee - What It Is and How It Impacts Beacon

IMPORTANT FERRY INFO
DATES:
Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29
Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19
TIMES:
Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
DEPARTURE: Boat leaves Newburgh at the top of the hour. Boat leaves Beacon at the half hour.
BOAT DOCKS:
Newburgh: Newburgh Washington Street Boat Launch (2 Washington Street)
Beacon: Beacon Institute Dock, located on the Beacon waterfront by the Metro-North Train Station. Note: this is not the regular MTA dock, but is next to it.
COST: $2, cash only

A Media Collection Of Beacon Features In The News

By Yvonne De Salle

Beacon is one of those little cities that might remind you of that one kid in high school: quiet, effortlessly cool, and always recycling. Over the years, Beacon has been assigned some nicknames (that Beaconites may or may not accept), including “The Tree City” (well, that was an actual designation), Brooklyn North (Gawd, no), and NoBro (worse… that’s way worse).

Nestled in the majestic sprawl that is the beautiful Hudson Valley, Beacon’s renaissance has not gone unnoticed. Beacon has had a series of high-profile mentions in national publications over the past few years. What follows below are some of the more notable commendations Beacon has received. As more get published, we will add to this list so that you can find them in one easy place. If you or your business got great press that included being in Beacon, and it’s not on this list (yet), let us know about it.

PS: If you’re reading these and thinking: “Gosh, my business could have been featured here!” then you’re right! Tin Shingle, a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog and our sister media company, agrees with you. Tin Shingle has an interactive Buzz Building Membership Program that teaches you how to pitch the media to make this happen. Just because the media says something is the best, doesn’t mean that they know about your business yet - so you should go out and pitch them! Just like several of these businesses have.

Travel + Leisure
A feature on Dia:Beacon. The contemporary art museum, which opened in 2003, was the springboard to Beacon’s revitalization. Travel + Leisure Magazine covers the artistic creation.
Read it here

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Parade
Parade Magazine refers to Beacon as “the Hudson Valley’s most exciting gem.”
Read it here

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Vogue
The Inn and Spa at Beacon gets a sweet review by none other than Vogue magazine. Vogue, you guysss…
Read it here

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Food & Wine

The illustrious Food & Wine magazine covers one of Beacon’s newest and most delicious eateries, Meyer’s Olde Dutch Food & Such.
Read it here

Food & Wine (again!)

Who knows food and wine better than Food & Wine? And who knows wine better than Artisan Wine Shop?
Read it here

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Budget Travel

Budget Travel names Beacon the NUMBER ONE coolest small town in America. Our eclectic and free-spirited vibe, combined with our spirit of community and delicious food, are things that stood out.
Read it here

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USA Today
The Hudson Valley Brewery nabs a mention in USA Today.
Read it here

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Cleveland.com

Beacon’s own Lenny Torres is signed to the Cleveland Indians, their third pick in the June baseball draft. A reward after years of hard work.

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REFINERY29
Media and Entertainment website Refinery29 sheds light on Dia:Beacon as part of their roundup of day trips around New York City.
Read it here

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The New York Times
The Roundhouse gets a lovely review from The New York Times.
Read it here

The New York Times (again!)
Beacon receives a real estate-based feature.
Read it here

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Business Insider
Kitchen Sink Food & Drink (same owners/brains as Meyer’s Olde Dutch mentioned above) and The Roundhouse are mentioned as two of the best restaurants in the Hudson Valley.
Read it here

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The Travel Channel
The lucky journalist who spent 48 hours in Beacon had such lovely things to say. Those of you who’ve spent 48 years here are even luckier.
Read it here

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Condé Nast Traveler
An oldie but a goodie. 10 Things to do in Beacon!
Read it here

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Los Angeles Times
TBS’ comedy “People of Earth” was based in Beacon. They renamed Verplanck Ave. VANDERPLANK, ha ha.
Read it here

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House Hunters - HGTV
Former NYC house hunters, Richard Blakeley and his wife Lindsay Kaplan (as in the daughter of Richie Kaplan, co-owner of Max’s on Main), were looking to buy a home in Beacon and leave NYC. According to the episode’s premise: “She'd love a sprawling white farmhouse, but he loves Beacon's vintage charm and prefers a historic Queen Anne Victorian.” It’s a great episode!
Watch it here

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Boston Herald
Boston native John Krasinski picks Beacon’s own Natural Market to film the opening scene of the blockbuster hit movie “A Quiet Place.”
Read it here

There are more press mentions out there… If you don’t see it here, send it to us!

Where Is The Lost And Found (For Sporting and Kids Events) For Memorial Park?

A reader question came in: “My child left their backpack on the field at Memorial Park after soccer practice. Is there any chance I will see it again? Is there a lost and found?” This reader may or may not have been me.

Thanks to a tip from the volunteers operating the girls’ softball snack bar last Sunday, we were directed to a shed-like building somewhere between the fields and Rombout Middle School, that we were told would be open on Monday.

By 1:30 pm, the Shed was closed, so it’s best to catch Parks people in the morning. However, some other City workers were working on the baseball diamond, and they were able to help.

Turns out that the Parks Department’s heavy lifters swap out the trash cans in the Parks on certain days of the week, and sweep the fields for stuff. When they find water bottles, backpacks, books, and other things, they bring it back to their “office,” this Shed - not to be confused with the other shed further up the road that is affiliated with Rombout Middle School.

To access the Lost and Found Shed, either call the Parks Department, or better yet, flag down a red City of Beacon truck. Ask for Reuban and let them know you are hoping to check the Lost and Found corner of the shed.

Meanwhile: Is there an Otis who lost a clear blue water bottle? It’s in the Parks Department Shed at Memorial Park.

PS: It seems like the Parks Department could benefit from a proper building rather than this shed. Maybe it’s in the future budget as the City looks at facility improvements? We vote Yes.

Writerly Happenings: Your Fall Reading And Writing Checklist

by Phoebe Zinman

To honor the passage of bright summer days into the crisp academia of autumn, I decided to talk to Beaconite and Exceptionally Smart Person Sarah Uzelac about her summer reading list that she always posts on Facebook. All these other exceptionally Smart Women respond to it, and then I crib the whole thing and work on it all year long. 

Sarah! I love your summer reading list posts! Do other people talk to you about it or is it one of those weird Facebook things that you don’t talk about in real life?

Other people totally talk to me about this in real life and it is one of my favorite uses of social media. It makes me feel super connected to people to know we share a love (or hate) for a text - even if we can’t ever meet up IRL to discuss it.

What were some of the highlights of this year’s summer reading? Did you try anything you expected to not like and love it?

I’ve been on a real nonfiction jag this year and I can’t seem to step away from it for long. Usually I’m all fiction all the time, but I think maybe, given the state of our country at the moment, I’m subconsciously hungry for truth and information and super smart people telling me stuff? This summer I really loved The Furious Hours, by Casey Cep and the grief memoir Tell Me More, by Kelly Corrigan, and my favorite fiction from this summer was Fleishman Is In Trouble, by Taffy Brodesser-Akner. I just realized those are all women authors - I think that might be another unconscious theme for me these days: Enough with the dudes, already.

(I’m so with you. Enough, already. Grab your pom poms and warm the bench.)

 What are you reading right now? 

Right now I’m reading Edith Wharton for the first time ever (even though my husband has been trying to get her on my radar for like 10+ years). We took a little visit to her estate (The Mount) in upstate NY this summer - seeing her space and learning more about her life is what tipped the scale for me. I started with a couple of short stories (Xingu and Roman Fever) and they blew my mind with the perfectness of her descriptions and how incredibly dead on and absolutely CUTTING the social interactions were.

So right now I’m about a third of the way into House of Mirth and am loving it. And if you’ve never made the trip up to The Mount - do it this fall! Have a glass of Prosecco on her amazing terrace overlooking her incredible gardens and wander through her beautiful home and see for yourself what a genius she was.

[Editor’s Note: Sarah is married to NY Times Magazine staff writer Sam Anderson, whose most recent book Boom Town is available at Binnacle Books in Beacon, where he read earlier this year.]

What’s next?

I’m not sure - what are YOU reading??

I just borrowed The Flick from my Mom and read it in one night. It’s by one of my favorite playwrights, Annie Baker. And I just discovered, amazingly, that it’s being put on at Vassar on Wednesday to Saturday, October 9-12. Thanks, Hudson Valley. Keep it local, babies.

Speaking of Vassar College, I’m ashamed to admit I have never investigated their Elizabeth Bishop collection and am adding that to my Fall Goals checklist along with this Edith Wharton jaunt. 

Ok, so, back to Sarah… Who has lived in Beacon for a hot minute (over 10 years) and so of course I want to know what is your favorite new spot in town? What old spot do you miss?

We moved to Beacon in 2005 back when there was only *one* coffee shop and the Mountain Tops shop and that was basically it! I love this town so much. I love the new connections through town to the Madam Brett walking path along Fishkill Creek, I love Big Mouth Coffee, and the Himalayan stall in the new food hall, and the Beacon Yoga Center (because they have hatha and hatha is the best yoga). I miss the unobstructed view of the mountain while walking down Main Street and the comedy shows David Rees and Sam used to host – those were the good old days.

[Author’s Note: An Aside: Those comedy shows were as spectacular as the view of the mountain! But things change like the leaves, which lets me transition gracefully into our official Writerly Happenings round up for September…]

Writerly Things To Do

Speaking of recommendations, I discovered that Binnacle Books has this super sweet matchmaking feature on their website and you can order up a custom Binnacle Book match! 

How was the Artichoke??? We are so sorry to have missed it on the 14th. I’m guessing the next one will be in November. There’s still so much glowing Fall weather in between [fingers crossed].

On Saturday, September 21, we’ll see you at the Spring Street Reading Series at Atlas in Newburgh, which is dreamily titled “The Exile’s Child is Also an Exile” in which Faisal Mohyuddin, Natania Rosenfeld, Ruth Danon and Edwin Torres “explore the ways in which the children of the displaced carry the experience of exile into the next generation.” I mean. That doesn’t resonate or anything. 

Then head down to the Hudson Valley Writers Center in Peekskill on Sunday, September 22, for the ferocious billing of Sean Thomas Dougherty, Jeffrey McDaniel (Cold Spring local and Sarah Lawrence prof) and Michelle Whittaker. Have lots of fun and then go back on Friday, October 4, for master class with Arthur Sze (um, wow).

Split Rock Books in Cold Spring is keeping it pretty chill as we all settle in to Back to School land, but their graphic novel book club on the 23rd looks pretty spectacular. Kingdom by Jon McNaught portrays the realness of a family’s summer vacation. On Sunday, October 6, from 10:15 to 10:45 am they are having a storytime for little ones and award-winning author and illustrator, Elisha Cooper, will be reading from River - as in, our very own Hudson.

Want to do some of your own writing? Writer (and Artichoke storyteller) Donna Minkowitz’s fall workshop will begin September 25 from 7 to 9 pm, and goes for eight Wednesdays. Participants in the small workshops will “work on writing about our lives using the senses, emotion, lyricism, critical insight, and storytelling come to create profound and relatable works of personal writing.” Email her for more info at minkowitz46@gmail.com.

And Ruth Danon is starting up live writing in October, so you should check her website for more details. But only if you like doing experiential, improvisational writing to generate unexpected results and language in the company of really interesting and talented people and getting lots of insightful feedback. You don’t want that.

Then get your head out of that notebook on Sunday, October 13, and head down to Oak Vino for monthly literary salon Get Lit, featuring Matt and Emily Clifton. Matt and Emily wrote the beautiful Cork and Knife (locally profiled to an extreme extent on Published Local on A Little Beacon Blog, written by yours truly). If you aren’t yet getting the email newsletter, previewing articles from A Little Beacon Blog, you must get on that. Fall goals! Check!

Go fight your way through an apple orchard on a Saturday if you must, but treat yourself to some writerly nourishment afterwards. Don’t anyone talk to me about pumpkin-flavored anything, though. We’ll see you back here to jump in some leaves before Halloween…

Happening This Weekend - 9/20/2019

There are a few opportunities coming up that are new, or perhaps new to you. We dedicated some writing time to them so that you'll read all about them in our articles, to help you decide what to do. Plus, we're sending a big "Thank You!" to two new sponsors of A Little Beacon Blog: Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance. Events Guide sponsored by The Crafty Hammer   BUY TICKETS NOW! 2019 Fall Fashion Showcase Fundraiser Day: Saturday, September 28, 2019 Time: 5 to 8 pm Location: The Beacon Hotel, 424 Main St., Beacon, NY Fall Fashion Showcase to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of The Hudson Valley. Live music, open bar, hors d’oeuvres, shopping and a fashion show. Buy Tickets Online > Want to know more about Beacon's newest Fashion Fundraiser? We have the scoop on the inspiration behind this event... Beacon Independent Film Festival 5.5 It's Back! In Mini Version Days: Friday to Sunday, September 20-22, 2019 Time: See website for screening schedule. Location: Story Screen Beacon Theater, 445 Main St., Beacon, NY We've got the scoop on this one too! Find out the meaning of the "5.5" and why they are calling it a mini festival... Information > Stony Kill Foundation Country Fair Day: Saturday, September 21, 2019 Time: 11 am to 3 pm Location: Stony Kill Farm, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY Information > NY Blood Center Blood Drive Day: Saturday, September 21, 2019 Time: 10:30 am to 3 pm Location: Tabernacle of Christ Church, 483 Main St., Beacon, NY Information > Slaterpalooza Fundraiser for Slater Chemical Fire Company, Inc. in Glenham Day: Saturday, September 21, 2019 Time: 1 to 9 pm Location: 76 Old Glenham Road, Glenham, NY Information > Why the name "Slater?" Improve your Glenham trivia knowledge and find out! Classics For Kids presents Instrument Petting Zoo & Concert Day: Saturday, September 21, 2019 Time: 3 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.       BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END   Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique 155 Main Street www.darrylsny.com Add some sparkle to your life with this adorable dress from Adore. So flirty, so easy. You'll be able to wear this dress again and again with different statement jewelry (think big bracelets or a headpiece) at Darryl's Clothing Boutique in Beacon. Go now to check their jewelry collection!       Luxe Optique 183 Main Street www.luxeoptique.com Here's a little secret: This line of frames pictured here is called La Font. This leopard print - camouflaged in the brick - is understated, yet is one of the most striking styles coming from Luxe Optique. La Font continues to make this pattern in different shapes - which look great tinted as a sunglass. Not only that, but these frames are solid. As in, you can even exercise in them.   BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique 1 East Main Street, Retail #3 www.lambshillbridalboutique.com (near the dummy light) As the bride on your special day, your dress needs to be just right. This #lambshillbride took her Lillian West gown, which was originally a fit-and-flare, into an A-line. Don't shy away from adding finishing touches to your gown that express who you are! Book your appointment with Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique today or call them at (845) 761-2900! Thank you to the following shops for sponsoring our Shopping Guide! Luxe Optique, Binnacle Books, Darryl's Boutique, and Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique.     Eat Church Food Truck 511 Fishkill Avenue (past Auto Zone and the Barking Frog) PEOPLE! New food truck alert! At the newly opened Industrial Arts Brewing on Fishkill Avenue (aka Route 52). We give a hearty welcome to Eat Church as a new sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog's Restaurant Guide! In their words, Eat Church is: "Food as punk as truck and a celebration of community. Let us commune to give thanks and praises for the bounty of the Hudson Valley. Rock. Roll. Eat. Amen."   Thank you to Barb's Butchery, The Pandorica, Eat Church, 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 South Chestnut Street, 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. Health Renewal Workshop Day: Saturday, September 21, 2019 Time: 1:30 to 4:30 pm Location: Niyama Studio/Bending Horse Yoga, 68 Mason Circle, Beacon, NY Information > Stray H.E.L.P Fundraiser Yoga Class Day: Sunday, September 22, 2019 Time: 2 to 5 pm Location: Firefly Yoga, 992 Main St., Fishkill, 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. Kids Guide sponsored by Kumon Beacon     Compass Arts Days: Beginning Monday, September 23, 2019 Location: 395 Main St., Beacon, NY Visit the class guide for a full listing of classes beginning at Compass Arts this Monday! 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 446 Union Avenue, New Windsor, NY 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms From Gate House Realty: “This 1850s home offers the characteristics of times past but with all the modern living conveniences.“ Price: $325,000 Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550 Details + Pictures > VIEW THIS LISTING VIEW ALL LISTINGS HEADLINE NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS   Antalek & Moore Antalek & Moore, along with Abilities First and Dutchess County's Think Differently, will be celebrating Antalek staff member Brian this coming Monday, September 23, beginning at noon at the Antalek & Moore offices located at 340 Main St., Beacon. County Executive Marcus Molinaro will be there to speak more about the program and how other businesses in the area can also support organizations like Abilities First and their students right here in the local community. Come show your support to three amazing organizations that are truly making a difference here in Beacon!         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 processs can happen more easily. Details >   BeaconArts :: Meet Up Day: Wednesday, September 25, 2019 Time: 6:30 to 8 pm Location: Industrial Arts Brewing Company, 511 Fishkill Ave., Beacon, NY Please join BeaconArts for their monthly meet-up on Wednesday, September 25, at Industrial Arts Brewing Company where we will learn about one of BeaconArts' newest business members. The meeting will focus on what BeaconArts has been up to lately. We’ll announce the artists selected for the bus shelter project and show you a preview of their work. 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. Learn More > NEWSLETTER SIGNUP Until next week!

Beacon Independent Film Festival Is Back After Hiatus

The idea for the Beacon Independent Film Festival (BIFF) was born in the winter of 2012. It kicked off with success the following year. Terry Nelson, founder of BIFF, sought to create a local experience involving his love for film and community. “We started in 2013 as a small festival that placed an emphasis on the films and the filmmakers,” he told A Little Beacon Blog. “It was never about getting celebrities to show up. My intent was to create an atmosphere that was inviting to the average moviegoer and did not cost an arm and a leg.”

Terry’s connection to the film industry includes working in television post-production for 25 years as a videotape operator, scheduler, editor and assistant operations manager for various facilities. His vision for BIFF placed an emphasis on the films and filmmakers.

He accomplished the creation of a humble atmosphere, inviting and affordable to the average moviegoer; assisting was his team, consisting of Maureen Neary, Deana Morenoff and several dedicated volunteers. The Beacon Independent Film Festival did not originally lean toward a particular genre or theme, but diversity was highlighted when choosing a film. For instance, one year, nearly 90 percent of the selected screenings were created or produced by women in film.

Beacon Independent Film Festival Returns This Saturday - New Location

The Beacon Independent Film Festival started at the Settlement Camp with an outdoor experience, then it went on hiatus. Terry has made a “safe passing of the torch” to new organizers, including Diana Currie, so that it can return for a mini experience this Saturday at Story Screen Beacon, the theater on Main Street.

Aptly titled “BIFF 5.5”, this experience will be an introduction to the new interaction of BIFF. Diana is a local artist, with experience as a program director and event organizer (including Beacon fave Windows on Main Street).

The mini festival is a fundraiser for the highly anticipated launch of BIFF’s Year 6, which will happen in June 2020. Donations can be made through BeaconArts. The launch will be acknowledged through upcoming events leading to the expected date, we are told. The selected films in this year’s mini-festival are mainly documentary, with an unintentional motif of collaboration and community.

Selected films include:

• The Movie House on Main Street: A single-screen theater, family-owned for 60 years, struggles to survive in a digital world.

• This Is Home: Follows four Muslim families of Syrian refugees sent to resettle in Baltimore in 2016, with an eight-month deadline to become self-sufficient with jobs and learning English. Winner of the 2018 Sundance Audience Award: World Cinema Documentary.

• Hudson River Stories: A trio of short films by filmmaker and environmentalist Jon Bowermaster, titles include “Undamming the Hudson,” “A Pipeline Runs Through It,” and “A Living River.”

• The Yuge Nasty, January ’17: A view of the juxtaposition of the inauguration of Donald Trump and the Women’s March the following day.

BIFF continuously strives to showcase films from a multitude of backgrounds. Information on how to submit films will be released on Tuesday, October 1, 2019.

More information about the festival can be found through the brand-new website.

New Fashion Fundraiser To Benefit Families Who Need Ronald McDonald House

Almost one year ago, April Perri, a mother of three children, opened a boutique at 436 Main St., Beacon, called La Mère, which translates to "the mother” in French. She had just transitioned out of a career as a fashion designer for Abercrombie, White House Black Market, Macy’s, Saks, “and a million others.” Her firstborn child, Lilly, was born with a rare genetic disorder which made her medically fragile. Three years ago, Lilly was hospitalized with septic shock and spent over 100 days in the hospital. During that time, April also had a 2-year-old and a 6-month-old to care for.

April and her family spent days and nights at The Ronald McDonald House - free of charge - as her daughter recovered. The staff at the Ronald McDonald House threw a birthday party for her healthy child - a kind act they did not need to do. “The Ronald McDonald House helped my stress levels tremendously,” April told A Little Beacon Blog. “They allowed me to rest and still be close to all of my children. Staying there helped me stay sane and make good decisions for my daughter’s care.” April even experienced the first steps of her youngest child while staying there.

Fast forward to today, her family is healthy “for now” (as she always adds), and her business on Main Street has been a success. You may have also seen her at different festivals, as she takes La Mère on the road in her La Mère Petite mini shopping trailer.

Today, April wants to give back. “The Ronald McDonald House allowed me to keep my other children and even my mom together during the hardest moments of our lives,” she told her followers on Instagram. “Beacon and the Hudson Valley have been so good to me,” she told A Little Beacon Blog. “I’ve never been in a position to pay it forward until now.”

The Beacon Hotel and Tourmaline Home have teamed up with April to host a fashion fundraiser at the Beacon Hotel on Saturday, September 28, from 5 to 8 pm. The Beacon Hotel is making its own comeback, as it is under new ownership (rather, expanded ownership with an original partner) as well as new management (look for John from The Vault!). See our article on the Beacon Hotel’s major renovation revealed in 2017.

Tickets are on sale now, and include a lot:

• Open bar including prosecco

• Hors d’oeuvres (not that this is a nibble, but have you seen the Beacon Hotel’s French Onion soup?!)

• Live music

• A fashion show

• Exclusive on-site shopping

• Buy tickets online here

If you’ve never met April, then you have one more reason to attend this event. She is a whirlwind of fresh air, and an inspiration to others. Whenever I’m in doubt, I visit April. As evidenced by half my wardrobe right now.

PS: April did twist my arm to be in this fashion show. She threw flattery at my chicken legs, so I’ll be there with other locals showing off the clothes. I made sure to hit up Salon Dae for my color, and A Lucky Cut for my super layers prior to the show.

Slaterpalooza 2019 Happening This Weekend - Raffle - Benefits Firehouse

The people of Glenham may be familiar with Slaterpalooza, the annual music festival benefiting Glenham’s 100% volunteer fire department and local first responders in need, but you may not be! First of all, are you up on your Glenham trivia? Do you know why “Slater” is in the name? We highlighted a bit to give you more info as to how Glenham and Beacon work together.

Your Slaterpalooza donation starts at $10 per adult, but you can give more at the door. Organizers say that coolers are permitted with a designated driver, and they remind you that Uber, Lyft and multiple taxi companies are available. Pets, however, are not permitted.

The Musical Lineup for Slaterpalooza, Saturday, September 21, 2019

Seven bands will play across two stages for continuous music. Here’s the lineup (as we know it… Details are subject to change):

2 pm ESC
3 pm COLLEEN ROSE & THE THORNS
4 pm THROWN TOGETHER
5 pm LAST MINUTE SOULMATES
6 pm WHISKEY WAILERS
7 pm BOOMKAT
8 pm CIRCLE 65

The Raffle Prizes

Slaterpalooza will have many great raffle prizes from local shops and restaurants, including Hudson Beach Glass, Max's on Main, Joe's Irish Pub, Hometown Deli and more. They also raffle a Wheelbarrow of Cheer and have 50/50s.

What Is Glenham (Besides One Of Beacon's Elementary Schools)? Some Fast Facts

Slaterpalooza, a music festival at the Slater Chemical Fire Company, is coming up, so we thought it would be a good time to highlight Glenham, and what it means to Beacon. The Highlands Current also thought it a good time, as they ran a story on Glenham by Michael Turton back in August, giving a brief history and overview of the hamlet.

You should go read the article in full over there, but we pulled some Fast Facts:

• The official population is apparently unknown, but mail is delivered to about 100 houses, and there are about 500 post office boxes, according to the article.

• No elected municipal board, school board, police department, library, recreation or highway department is in Glenham.

• There is a U.S. Post Office with its own ZIP code (12527).

• Glenham is part of the Town of Fishkill, which provides most of its municipal services. But its students are in the Beacon City School District. Glenham had its own district until the 1960s, when it merged with Beacon.

• There is a fire department! The Volunteer Slater Chemical Fire Company serves the Hamlet of Glenham in the Town of Fishkill. Sometimes the firehouse puts on fundraiser events, like Family Movie Nights (bring a pillow, camp out on the floor, buy some popcorn and candy). Fundraisers include the annual Slaterpalooza fundraiser run by Kevin McGarry, a local volunteer firefighter in Glenham. All of the proceeds from the event go to Glenham’s 100% volunteer fire department as well as local first responders in need.

Why does the firehouse have “Slater” in the name?

According to the article, the firehouse was “named for Private Jesse E. Slater, the only Glenham resident killed in World War I. Chemical was added to the name after Texaco donated a Ford Model T fire engine that used chemical foam. The historic vehicle is still seen in local parades.”

Howland Public Library's 2019 Halloween Costume Exchange Is Coming Up

The Howland Public Library always has something up its sleeve! And this time, it could be a witch’s sleeve, as the library hosts an upcoming Costume Exchange happening Thursday to Saturday, October 3 to 5, at the library.

The Costume Exchange

Do you have a Halloween costume from years past in good condition that you have outgrown? Trade it in for one that’s new-to-you for 2019!

Local families are invited to participate in Howland Public Library's Annual Halloween Costume Exchange. Donate a new or clean and gently used children's costume, and take home another costume in exchange.* 

Swap days are Thursday, October 3 and Friday, October 4 from 2 to 5 pm, and Saturday, October 5 from 12 pm to 3 pm. Families can stop by to donate, swap, or pick up during any of those times. 

 For more information, contact Michelle Rivas at community@beaconlibrary.org. The Howland Public Library is located at 313 Main St., Beacon, NY. 

*The fine print: Children's costumes only. Library will accept clean costumes with no stains, holes or runs. HPL reserves the right to turn away costumes. We cannot guarantee you will find a suitable costume in the exchange.

Political Pop-Up Office At The Library With Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson

Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-Newburgh) has announced “Pop-up Office Hours” in Beacon on Tuesday, September 17, from 6 to 8 pm at the Howland Public Library, 313 Main St.

Jacobson said in a press release, “Most people work 9-5 Monday through Friday and can’t take time off their jobs to visit my offices with issues or concerns they might have. I want the residents of the 104th to know that my staff and I are here to help them.”

Jacobson has two district offices: 47 Grand Street in Newburgh and One Civic Center Plaza, Suite 101 in Poughkeepsie.

Both offices offer free notary public and Spanish language assistance by appointment. To make an appointment to meet with the Assemblymember in Beacon, please call his Newburgh office at (845) 562-0888.

Lately, his issues have been with traffic, and easing up congestion on 9D at the entrance of the Beacon/Newburgh Bridge.

What will your questions/concerns be?

We’ve been wondering about sales tax. Beacon, along with Poughkeepsie, has a long-standing agreement with Dutchess County to have sales tax issued here be collected by Dutchess County. Beacon then gets a check for a flat rate, per their agreement with the county. So how much is Beacon bringing in? With all of these new stores moving in and out and being bought and sold?

So far, we’ve been unable to get that number. From anyone. Article to come. Being business owners, we are used to knowing exactly how much sales tax we generate - no matter if that sales tax is issued through the door of a brick and mortar, or via online sales where products may ship out of Beacon.

Maybe we’ll ask!

Adams Fair Acre Farms' Chicken Cacciatore To Maybe Debut In HBO Mark Ruffalo Limited Series

The news first broke over at NOW 97.7 in their app’s news stream (and on lots of people’s Facebooks): the HBO limited series I Know This Much Is True, based on a novel by Wally Lamb and starring Mark Ruffalo, ordered up the chicken cacciatore from Adams Fair Acre Farms with plans to include it in a scene. Adams is a bucolic grocery store and nursery in the Hudson Valley with several locations, sourcing much of its stock from local farms and bakeries.

This isn’t the first time the HBO series has used a location in the Hudson Valley. Among others, I Know This Much Is True was at All Sport in Fishkill for a 12-hour film shoot.

I Know This Much Is True is a family saga that follows the parallel lives of identical twin brothers (played by Mark Ruffalo) in a story of betrayal, sacrifice and forgiveness set against the backdrop of 20th-century America. Mark is also the executive producer, serving alongside the writer and director Derek Cianfrance. Mark also lives in the Hudson Valley (because who wouldn’t want to?!) Read more about the show here at HBO.

“Our chicken cacciatore will likely make its on-screen debut during a cooking scene set in the 1930s, according to a crew member,” said the Adams Facebook Page. The grocery store shared the news on its Facebook page, and even included the recipe! Find it at the FB page, or right here:

Chicken Cacciatore (Serves 2)
- 2 Chicken Thighs (Skin-On, Bone-In)
- 2 Chicken Drumsticks
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- ½ Yellow Onion, sliced
- 1 small Red Bell Pepper, sliced
- 8 Crimini Mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 5 sprigs Fresh Thyme
- ½ cup White Wine
- 1 14-ounce can of Diced Tomatoes
- 2 sprigs Fresh Oregano, picked and chopped
- 2 tablespoons Capers, drained

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Heat oil in an oven-proof braising pan over medium heat.
3. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper and lightly coat with flour.
4. Brown the chicken on all sides in the oil, then remove from the pan. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the oil.
5. Add the onions, peppers and mushrooms to the pan and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
6. Add the garlic and thyme and sauté for 1 minute longer.
7. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and simmer for 2 minutes.
8. Add the tomatoes and bring the sauce to a simmer.
9. Return the chicken to the pan, skin side up. Cover and place in the preheated oven.
10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
11. Stir in oregano and capers. Serve over pasta or polenta.

Second Saturday! Beacon Art Gallery Openings for September 2019

Happy Second Saturday weekend, Beacon! As always, there are lots of art show openings, but it feels like there's extra community emphasis in this month's happenings. Get the most comprehensive Beacon art listings in one place in our handy Guide right here.

Don't miss your chance to bid a fond farewell to Open Space Gallery, a hub for a lot of cool art, art-adjacent activities, and people, as it closes up shop over on the east end of Main Street. The Howland Public Library is hosting a Spirit of Beacon photography exhibition. Photo Book Works is back from summer break, doors open to all. And at Bau Gallery, "Porch" is a physical reminder of some easy ways to connect with our community. More detailed descriptions of these shows and so many more in our Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide!

Thank you to BeaconArts for promoting the arts and our little t̶o̶w̶n̶ city for more than 15 years. Big, big thanks to the sponsors of A Little Beacon Blog, who make all of this possible! And thank you, readers, for supporting the businesses that support us.

See you strolling!