City Of Beacon's Budget Calls for Hiring 3 Firefighters, 1 Police Officer, and 1 HR Person

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The 2020 budget for the City of Beacon is making room to hire more first responders and personnel at City Hall, some of which is made possible by different federal grants.

3 Career Firefighters Would Be Hired By City Of Beacon

The budget reflects the addition of three career firefighters over a three-year period in the Fire Department budget. Earlier this year, the City of Beacon received a SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant in the amount of $537,423.15 in federal funding. The grant pays for 75% in the first two years and 35% in the third year. The total number of career firefighters in Beacon is 16.

1 Police Officer Would Be Hired For Main Street Patrol

The hiring of one police officer is in the 2020 budget, bringing the total patrol division to 30 officers. The Department’s total personnel would be 37, including the Police Chief, Captain and the Detective Division. “The intent,” according to the budget report, “is that this officer would be a dedicated Main Street Patrol.”

1 Full-Time Human Resources (HR) Position And City Clerk

A full-time human resource (HR) position is in the City Administrator budget for $65,000. “The main responsibility of the HR person,” according to the budget report, “will be to recruit new employees, retain and develop the existing work force, maintain all personnel files, employee benefits and compensation guidance, administration of civil service, training in required local and state policies, and assist in preparing policies and procedures.”

The budget also reflects the inclusion of the part-time Deputy City Clerk as full-time in the City Clerk budget (1410) for $18,685.

Climate Smart Coordinator Position Would Continue

The City of Beacon is on a mission to be more climate-smart and climate-friendly. Financial incentives are attached to this path, which are measured by a wide-ranging point system. The Climate Smart Coordinator stays on top of those points and looks for opportunities to gain points. According to a report from the current Climate Smart Coordinator, Beacon has 174 out of 300 points. The higher the points, the more opportunities open up. Currently, the coordinator is working on greenhouse gas inventories and alternative fuel structures. She is hunting for more points, and is feeling optimistic, per her presentation at the 11/25/2019 City Council Meeting. The Climate Smart Coordinator position is in the City Council budget for $9,500.

Summer Work Experience Opportunities For Beacon Youth

Included in the overall budget is $20,000 in the Recreation budget to work with the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board (DCWIB) to provide summer work experience opportunities for Beacon youth.

Beacon's 2020 Budget Breakdown At Large

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The copy of the City of Beacon’s 2020 Budget in the Beacon Public Library at the Reference Desk. You can request to read it, and you’ll find it at the Reference Desk, or download Beacon’s budget online as a PDF here. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Mar…

The copy of the City of Beacon’s 2020 Budget in the Beacon Public Library at the Reference Desk. You can request to read it, and you’ll find it at the Reference Desk, or download Beacon’s budget online as a PDF here.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Budget season is here, and Beacon’s budget is about to get voted on in December, on the 9th (rescheduled from December 2 due to the winter storm); it must be done prior to December 31, 2019.

We are highlighting a few areas of spending in articles to come next, but wanted to shed light on the big base numbers, and how they have been going up or down over the past few years. This abstract is from the executive report submitted by the City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero, MPA, who credits Susan K. Tucker, CPA and director of finance for the City of Beacon, for involvement with the production of the budget.

Much of this report is excerpted in quotes from the budget report itself, which you can find at the Beacon Public Library, or you can download Beacon’s budget online as a PDF here:

About The Tax Cap

“The tax cap law established a limit on growth of the annual property taxes levied to 2% or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. This year the tax cap is 2%. There are very limited adjustments that are factored in and only PILOT payments apply to the budget this year. The cap is on the tax levy, not the tax rate.”

For Beacon: “The allowable levy at cap is $11,455,743 for the 2020 budget, which is an allowable increase over 2019 budget of $491,562. This is a 4.48% increase from the 2019 Budget and is directly related to the Tax Base Growth Factor.”

Homestead and Non-Homestead Tax Rate Decrease

The homestead and non-homestead tax rates both saw a decrease. An override of the tax cap is not being recommended, according to the budget report: “The tax cap legislation provides for an override of the tax cap with a majority plus one vote in favor of it by the governing body. This is not being recommended.”

  • A homestead tax rate decrease of -6.7219%

  • A non-homestead tax rate decrease of – 2.9146%

Homestead Assessed Value Increased

Did you get the letter in the mail about your Assessed Value of your home? Did it increase? It did for a lot of people who moved here some years ago, which, according to Mayor Casale and the City Assessor, Kathy Martin, is an expected catch-up, as they explained during a City Council meeting about where the housing assessments should be.

THIS YEAR:

  • The homestead assessed value increased by 12.33% or $113,555,017.

  • The non-homestead assessed value increased over last year by 6.94% or $18,784,639.

Overall Assessed Values Seeing An Uptick Since 2010

According to the report: “This year represents the sixth year since 2010 that the overall assessed values increased, and did so by $132,339,656. For the first time in 10 years, the Homestead values are $11,457,133 more than it was in 2009.”

Assessed Values Increasing, But Still Lower Than 2008

The report points out that the assessed values are not where they were at the height of the real estate market in 2008: “Homestead values remain $15,586,532 less than it was in 2008. The non-homestead assessed value has fluctuated through the years, and while it increased $18,784,639 this year, it is only the 3nd year in a row that it has been more than in 2010.”

The Fund Balance

The future projection of the Fund Balance is as follows: “This budget utilizes a fund balance amount of $379,842. This is an increase of $26,271 from what we’ve utilized in the FY 2019 Budget from Fund Balance and Debt Reserve. Each year with the improving economy and new developments on the tax rolls, the budget and assessments continue to strengthen. The future non-reliance on fund balance appropriations to balance the annual operating budget will help to provide for a more reliable and sustainable fiscal condition and to better allow the City to adjust during difficult fiscal times.”

Actual Live Christmas Music Shows In Beacon - Featuring A Few Beaconites and Sloan Wainwright

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You know you’re listening to 92.1 FM now that it’s officially December, and hopefully you’re catching other holiday songs on other stations to get you out of that 20-song loop on the radio station dedicated to Christmas music since before Thanksgiving.

Amazing news for you: You can break out of the music in your car and step into the Towne Crier on Beacon’s Main Street for not one, but several Christmas music shows. One of them features Sloan Wainwright (aunt of Rufus Wainwright, who has several albums, or maybe you heard him on a Starbucks mix-tape album back when Starbucks was making those). Sloan and Rufus Wainwright are from a musical family, but Sloan has been dubbed “The Voice” (see below for why). Sloan’s Beacon show is the “20th Annual SLOAN WAINWRIGHT & FRIENDS Holiday Whiz-Bang Shin-Dig” on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the Towne Crier, and comes packed with a Santa, a Muppet, and backup singers!

For the past 20 years, Sloan Wainwright has performed this show, which includes her merry posse of harmony-singing “Sloan Flakes” - some of whom are Beaconites you know, including Amy Soucy, a Beacon-based folk singer (Sloan Wainwright described her voice on her 2015 album “This River” as “enchanting,”) as well as Sharon Goldman (listen to her music here - if you like Sally Dworsky, you’ll like Sharon Goldman).

The show contains a mix of Christmas favorites (covers) like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Run, Run, Rudolph,” and “Blue Christmas,” along with original songs from Sloan and some of the group. There are also special guest artists who do their own sets.

This year, the guest artists include The Empty Bottle Ramblers - who bring driving Cajun accordion two-steps and sweet twin-fiddle waltzes of southwest Louisiana. The multi-instrumentalist, Hubby Jenkins, formerly of the Carolina Chocolate Drops (OMG their fiddle and banjo sounds), will also be performing.

Buy tickets here for the Sloan Wainwright and Friends Holiday Whiz-Bang Shin-Dig. But also make note of these other Christmas shows this December!

INSIDER TIP: The Towne Crier has the big performance room for the music in the back, but their restaurant is pretty large too, and is kid-friendly and large-party friendly (they even have a separate bar room). If your friends are visiting you on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, and there is just no room for you in any restaurant, you have a good chance of not only finding room at the Towne Crier for all of you, but you’ll find a pretty wide-ranging menu for your gluten-free and vegan friends, plus those who like dessert. Their grilled cheese, for instance, is spot-on good. You may or may not find yourself eating it off of a kid’s plate next to you. (It’s even more perfect with soup.) Next time, the Towne Crier may be the first on your list of go-to restaurants to hit.

If you want to hear Sloan Wainwright outside of holiday songs, listen to this rendition of “Walkin’ After Midnight.” No wonder she is called “The Voice” in her musical family!

Spotlight On The Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps - Beacon's Free Ambulance Service

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Through the hustle and bustle of busy Beacon traffic, the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps (BVAC) is easy to spot among the cyclists and array of vehicles. Celebrating their 60th anniversary this year, Mayor Randy Casale praised the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps during City Council meeting in May for their dedication and efficiency, with service at no cost to the City of Beacon. For #GivingTuesday, we wanted to extend his message by highlighting the service they provide to us, which is one that other cities pay for.

The Start Of The Beacon Ambulance Corps

BVAC was incorporated in 1959 by Walter Detwiller, a Beacon police officer and member of the Beacon Engine Company. Comprising both volunteer and career emergency services personnel, BVAC has drastically improved survival and recovery rates through their work to combat sudden injuries and illnesses. BVAC earned New York State Certification in 1990, and became Defibrillation-Certified in 1991. In October 1996, they began providing complete advanced life support by way of contract providers.

Busy Busy BVAC & Their Useful Vehicles

Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps rescuing a hiker from Mount Beacon on September 8, 2019. Photo Credit: BVAC

Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps rescuing a hiker from Mount Beacon on September 8, 2019.
Photo Credit: BVAC

Despite the humble connotation to the “volunteer” title, the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps is one of the busiest volunteer services in the county. Approximately 2,500 calls are run per year, an average of six to seven calls per day.

They currently run a fleet of three modern, fully equipped, New York State-certified ambulances, a first-response vehicle, and a mass-casualty incident trailer. A utility terrain vehicle is also maintained for rescues within the mountainous terrain of Mount Beacon, and has been used this year to rescue lost and injured hikers from Mount Beacon. Most recently:

According to the Mayor, as he spoke during the City Council meeting, volunteer and paid providers are threatened by the lack of volunteer and workers in the emergency and medical field, due to the closure of local hospitals. There is a struggle to supply an ambulance across the country; workers in the emergency field are typically paid minimum wage, not enough to compensate for the efforts of the job.

As explained by Mayor Casale, the first 911 call is not what adds strain to emergency responders, it is the third and fourth call that puts pressure on both paid and volunteer services. It takes about two hours for an ambulance to be available after a call. Before the closure of local hospitals it only took an ambulance a half-hour to get back on the road for another call. BVAC alleviates this pressure while providing financial relief for the city.

What BVAC Means Financially To The City Of Beacon

Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps is completely free of charge to the City of Beacon. For the 60 years this service has been available, not once has BVAC used a single tax dollar, according to Mayor Casale. Other communities pay upwards of $300,000 for a single ambulance. The City certainly feels the efforts of BVAC. Outside of City Hall, Beacon residents are aware and appreciative of their service.

Personal Experience With The Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps

A Little Beacon Blog’s publisher Katie was helped by the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps upon first moving to Beacon. “I was having what we later learned was unofficial chronic appendicitis. It hadn’t ruptured yet, but during our first backyard party, I had an episode where I was in pain and put myself to bed. My husband called 911 and the Ambulance Corps. came and could not have been nicer. Talk about embarrassing when they carried me down the stairs out of the house in front of our new neighbors! But I felt so safe.”

Volunteer & Donation Information

If you are interested in joining the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps, you can click here to find out how to apply. Membership application forms are attached on that page.

Donations can be mailed to:
1 Arquilla Drive
PO Box 54
Beacon, NY 12508

Call (845) 831-4540 with questions.

See their Facebook page for updates on emergency calls, and fundraising opportunities.

BVAC’s #GivingTuesday Fundraiser is going on now! But you can donate at any time if you see this article later.

Sun Is Out In Beacon!

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As you probably know by now, if your eyes are open and you have gone outside or looked out your window, you will see that the sun is shining in Beacon again. For those of you reading from afar, wondering how the storm was playing out, it seems to be done, leaving us with a fast rise in temperature to melt that freshly dropped ice snow.

There’s heaps of slush to contend with, and you’ll most likely be wearing your warmest waterproof boots for days. But if you needed to dry-clean your winter coat because you didn’t get a chance to at the end of last season, this week would be a good time, with the temperatures in the high 30s.

Resilience On Main Street: Several Restaurants, Groceries and Shops Open During Snowstorm

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From left to right: Utensil, Pavonine Yoga, Max’s On Main, Beacon Barkery

From left to right: Utensil, Pavonine Yoga, Max’s On Main, Beacon Barkery

Once again, several of Beacon’s restaurants and shops opened during Beacon’s first snowstorm of 2019. Business owners really want to be the answers to your dreams, and if your dreams include roasted marshmallows, regular groceries, potato skins, or hot yoga, then you’re in luck: Several Beacon businesses rose to the occasion and dug their way out of the snow to open.

Not all businesses were open, as snow days mean different things to different people: Kids are home from school, some daycare centers closed, and roads were bad. Governor Cuomo declared a State of Emergency for seven counties (Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga and Ulster counties) with imposed low speed limit rules, as first responders responded to 740 storm-related crashes today, according to HV-NY.

The domino effect is real when it comes to snow days. Safety first. However, several businesses were quick to list their openings or closures on social media (namely Instagram - that’s who we check, at least!).

If you were wanting to cook up a steak or pork chop, Barb’s Butchery was open as usual. So were Max’s On Main and Isamu (sushi) if you wanted someone to cook the food for you. Utensil usually opens during snowstorms, because you might need a pizza stone right now as there’s high demand for comfort food during snow days. Key Foods and Beacon Natural Market had salt to melt the snow, and pink salt to flavor your home-cooked food.

If your pets were stalking you for food, Beacon Barkery was open. Hudson Beach Glass was firing it up inside, so you could shop or watch them make the glass ornaments. Hudson Valley Marshmallow was firing up the blowtorch in their “mallow shack.” Pavonine Yoga was open, as were other fitness studios on Main Street (even if they had a later opening). The movie theater in town - Story Screen - was showing movies. (They also serve beer and popcorn!) The Telephone Building dug out and is always open for Beahive members and soon-to-be Tin Shingle members to come out of the house and work work work! Some might call the cozy atmosphere a #workation.

Several others were open on Main Street, so know this for future snowstorm needs: Assume nothing. Just because your car is buried in the driveway doesn’t mean everyone’s car is still buried there. If you need something, just walk to Main Street!

See your options in A Little Beacon Blog’s Restaurant Guide and Shopping Guide.

Continued Snowfall Prompts Beacon's City Hall to Close and City Council Meeting To Be Rescheduled

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Photo Credit: Brianne McDowell while commuting to her job in NYC at 4:26am.

Photo Credit: Brianne McDowell while commuting to her job in NYC at 4:26am.

In a statement issued via the City of Beacon’s Emergency Alert System, City Hall will be closed today, and tonight’s City Council Meeting and scheduled Public Hearings have been rescheduled to next Monday, December 9.

”Due to inclement weather, City Hall will be closed today and will reopen at 8 am on Tuesday, December 3. The City Council meeting and associated public hearings scheduled for tonight have been adjourned to Monday, December 9 at 7 pm.”

You can sign up for the Alert System by visiting the City’s website, or scrolling down this website (A Little Beacon Blog) to find the link in the right-side column. You can select how you want to receive the alerts: phone, text, or email. All of the above, or one or two of the above.

First Winter Storm Forces City Hall To Open On A 2-Hour Delay - Beacon City Schools Close

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Beacon is being pelted with ice rain as the temperatures have been in the 20s this Sunday post-Thanksgiving, with more precipitation predicted for Monday, prompting delays to be announced early.

According to an email sent out by the City of Beacon’s City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero, City Hall will be opening on a two-hour delay on Monday, December 2, 2019, “for non-essential employees,” he says. It will open at 10 am, pending no additional developments.

Beacon City Schools called for the Monday closure of schools and administrative buildings on Sunday night by 6 pm, a call that most people had predicted, with the double days of snow or ice rain forecasted.

Having just returned from driving through Pennsylvania after the Thanksgiving holiday, we can confirm that the roads are bad, cars have slid off the highway, and some trucks have given up and pulled over - but salt and plow trucks are out on the highways on, what is for some, their first run.

Be safe! Drive slow.

Happening This Weekend - The Black Friday Edition - 11/29/2019

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This is it! 3... 2... 1... Shop! The best part is, you live local, and you live among some pretty amazing shops with some pretty amazing clothes, earrings, paintings, sweaters, gloves, toys, hair color, nail polish, air plants, kitchen gadgets that solve your life's problems, tattoos, and more. Yeah - Beacon! One mile of retail solutions that you can feel good about because the shops are owned by your friends and neighbors.
PS: Speaking of air plants, there is a new furniture design store in town where you can find such holders, tables, shelves and more...

Even if those friends/business owners live in Poughkeepsie or Hopewell Junction and commute to Beacon each week to serve you up with a delightful shopping experience, you are helping them. And helping yourself because you bought something awesome.

Embrace the season, but safely: Turn on that Christmas carol station. Let it snow. Drive safe. Pump the brakes. Don't pass on the left if a car has stopped in front of you to turn left (biggest pet peeve about Beacon drivers especially in the snow).

Let's help ourselves out and hit up this Black Friday and beyond! Some deals await you in this issue of The Things To Do In Beacon Guides:
Sponsored by Antalek & Moore for car insurance.
Events Guide sponsored by The Crafty Hammer


 

City of Beacon Tree Lighting
Day: Saturday, November 30, 2019
Time: 4 to 6 pm
Location: Welcome Center, Main Street & 9D, Beacon, NY
Make an ornament, enjoy hot drinks and cookies, enjoy carols sung by Scouts and welcome Santa Claus. The tree will be lit at dusk.
Information >

Spring Street Reading Series
Day: Saturday, November 30, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Location: Atlas Studios, 11 Spring St., Newburgh, NY
Writers will explore their relationship to food in this month’s event. The evening includes Beacon residents Emily and Matt Clifton, authors of Cork and Knife: Build Complex Flavors with Bourbon, Wine, Beer, and More!
Information >

Plan ahead and check out what's coming up this month in our Events Guide.
 
 


Reklaimed on Main with Kat
Days: Friday to Sunday, November 29-December 1, 2019
Times: Friday, 11 am to 7 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday 11 am to 5 pm
Location: CreateSpace Beacon, 145 Main St., Beacon, NY
Information >
 



2019 Thanksgiving-Calorie Burn 5K Fun Run/Walk
Day: Sunday, December 1, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Location: 1568 NY-9D Wappingers Falls, NY
Looking for an affordable, family-friendly way to burn off those extra Thanksgiving calories? Then register for the 2019 Thanksgiving-Calorie Burn 5K Family Fun Run/Walk. $10/Adults (14+), Children/$5 and Adult Groups of 3+ members $7/person. All proceeds go to help local families in need.
Information >

Pete Sanfilippo Holiday Run
Day: Saturday, December 7, 2019
Time: 9:30 am & 10:15 am
Location: Knights of Columbus, Village of Wappingers, NY
Information >
 
 


BOUTIQUES ON THE WEST END
 
Darryl's Women's Clothing Boutique
155 Main Street
www.darrylsny.com
Everyone: Meet Cammy, one of the stylists working in Darryl's. She's ready to style you in your next outfit! She's pictured here outside of The Inn & Spa at Beacon, neighbor of Darryl's Clothing Boutique. She styled an outfit just for this issue of ALBB: the jacket with bell sleeves, and black-on-black velvet polka dot pants.
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS:
 - 20% off all full-price fall/winter fashions
 - An additional 20% off all already-reduced fashions, for savings up to 60% off original prices, excluding accessories. 


Luxe Optique
183 Main Street
www.luxeoptique.com
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS:
 - Buy a $100 gift card and get $20 bonus, plus free eye exam!
 - If you buy a $300 gift card, you get a $50 bonus and free eye exam.
 - 30-50% off select brands like Christian Roth, Lafont, and Christopher Cloos.
TIP: Buy a gift certificate for yourself! This is a great time to save on frames you need.

BOUTIQUES ON THE EAST END

Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique
1 East Main Street, Retail #3
www.lambshillbridalboutique.com
(near the dummy light)
Covering multiple storefronts, Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique's windows showcase a Winter Wonderland at night, at 1 East Main Street. Stop in at Trax next door to warm up with a hot chocolate or coffee.
 

 

 


 
Thank you to Barb's Butchery, Eat Church, and BAJA 328 for sponsoring the Restaurant Guide!

 
For a full list of upcoming classes, visit A Little Beacon Blog's Adult Classes Guide.
Submission Guidelines for classes you'd like us to consider adding to these guides can be found here.
 
 
                             

The Crafty Hammer
4 South Chestnut Street, Beacon, NY
(845) 834-9665 (WOOD)
@thecraftyhammerllc

Black Friday Fun Day For Kids
Day: Friday, November 29, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm, 2 pm to 6 pm
Location: The Crafty Hammer, 4 S. Chestnut St., Beacon, NY
Do you want to do a little shopping without the kids? The Crafty Hammer is having a drop-off makers workshop today on Black Friday with two different sessions! Children bring lunch or dinner and Crafty Hammer supplies the snacks and beverages. Kids will make a holiday wood project and watch a holiday movie. Come in anyway to see The Crafty Hammer in action!
Information >


A Little Beacon Blog's
Summer Camp Guide Advertising
EARLY-BIRD SPECIAL
One of ALBB's most anticipated seasonal guides is having an Early-Bird Black Friday sale. Camp programs in the Hudson Valley can have featured listings in this guide with logo, pictures, enhanced description, and prominent placement. The Summer Camp Guide ranks #1 in Google for summer camps in Beacon, NY! Even if you don't know your program and date details now, buy now to lock in your savings.
Sale Details + Pricing >

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.


Cold Fit Cryotherapy
473 Main Street, Suite 4
Beacon, NY
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS:⠀
 - Buy a 10-Pack Whole Body Cryotherapy and get two sessions FREE ($70 value)⠀
 - Buy a 5-Pack Firm and Tone and get one session FREE ($300 value)⠀
Now is the perfect time to take advantage of these savings and give the gift of cryo to your loved ones (or yourself)! Specials are valid through Monday, 12/2. Call (845) 842-8085 or visit us at www.coldfitcryotherapy.com to book.
REAL ESTATE LISTINGS
33 Davis Street, Beacon, NY
3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathroom
From Gate House Realty: "A stunning classic brick beauty in the heart of Beacon. An open palette for your design and restorative touch."
Price: $399,900
Real Estate Agent: Gate House Realty, (845) 831-9550
Details + Pictures >
VIEW THIS LISTING
VIEW ALL LISTINGS
JOB LISTINGS
HIRING
HEADLINE NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS

 
Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency
Price matters in insurance, but so does having someone local in your corner.
Learn More
       
A Little Beacon Space :: Black Friday Deal!
35% off any package! That includes a Full Day Retreat Meeting, Pop-Up Shop, Small Day/Night Meeting, Business Cocktail Party, etc. Buy today, use any time. You'll book it on a certain date, but we can let you change your date if you need to.
Coupon Code: BLACKFRIDAY (offer valid Black Friday and Small Business Saturday only)
Check Pricing & Availability >
Beacon Chamber of Commerce :: Business Directory
Is your business in the Business Directory of the Beacon Chamber of Commerce yet? No? Why not? It really should be. Join here today.
Learn More >
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.
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Until next week!

New Furniture and Interior Design Store On Beacon's Main Street: PTACEK Home and LLTO

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Beacon’s furniture design enthusiasts felt the loss when the design cooperative ReMade closed its doors on the west end of town near the train. (The space is currently filled by the equally impressive jewelry designer and maker Lewis and Pine.) Now, across the street, a new design team is in town: PTACEK Home and LLTO (aka Live Light Travel Often) located just steps off Main Street at 146 Main Street #2 in a setback just off the sidewalk (near Colorant, the shop that is painted a deep navy blue, formerly Miss Vickie’s, near Mountain Tops).

PTACEK Home and LLTO is a collaborative retail store that offers a combination of one-of-a-kind handcrafted furniture pieces designed and built by Thomas Ptacek of PTACEK Home, and travel-inspired home goods curated by Tamara Reynolds of LLTO. Ptacek and Reynolds met in 2014 and immediately discovered their mutual love for simple design and dedication to the relationship between form and function. Over the past five years, they have collaborated on many residential projects in the Hudson Valley.

PTACEK HOME was founded by master homebuilder and furniture designer Thomas Ptacek and co-owner Melissa Ptacek in the lower Hudson Valley. Tom’s use of local materials combined with his commitment to simple, modern lines, traditional joinery, and hand-applied finishes results in extraordinary handcrafted furniture. The newly introduced Chunk Line, made from salvaged Hudson Valley trees, will be among the lines showcased at the new Beacon store. PTACEK Home believes in sourcing materials sustainably and selling locally. Their furniture is made to last a lifetime.

LLTO, Live Light Travel Often, launched by fashion and interior designer Tamara Reynolds, focuses on home and travel essentials that enrich life with beauty and daily inspiration. Each piece tells a story of masterful craftsmanship, many of which embody centuries-old technique. In her belief that everything in the home should have both purpose and beauty, she curates a joyful and radiant collection of items and gifts for the bathroom, kitchen, living room, and bedroom. In addition to the Beacon location, LLTO's online shop will launch next month.

GENIUS! Drop-Off Kid Makers Workshop On Black Friday At Crafty Hammer

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The makers at The Crafty Hammer have opened their workshop space for a Kids Drop-Off Day while you shop Black Friday!

They are having two workshop sessions on Friday, November 29, 2019. Snacks, food and a project are included. For kids who get fidgety with the widgets, there will be a movie room, too!

This is a perfect opportunity to see what The Crafty Hammer is all about, and just how big and diverse their space is. See their website for registration details to sign up and for age ranges.

Located at 4 South Chestnut Street, next to the new wellness pharmacy and across the street from Rite Aid. The Crafty Hammer is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog’s Classes Guides! Their support makes what we do possible.

We have been in the space with the kids several times, and it’s a great way to occupy little minds! Glitter everywhere. But not on your kid, of course! They clean up good.

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New Car Charging Station At Beacon’s Welcome Center, 13 South Avenue

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The car-charging station at 13 South Avenue near the Visitors Center (aka the Welcome Center) is activated and ready to charge your car for $1.25/hour.

This small parking lot has two entrances: one on South Avenue, and one on Wolcott Avenue (aka Route 9D).

The other charging station is in the DMV parking lot near Homespun. That charging station and parking lot are owned by Dutchess County.

Another charging station is at City Hall, and is expected to be activated in the next two weeks, according to Beacon’s City Manager, Anthony Ruggiero.

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Annual Bicycle Tree Lighting Not Happening For 2019 (For Now)

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Beacon has had a bicycle tree representing its welcome into the holidays for the last nine years. For the last eight of those years, this tree was the only ceremonial tree that was lit up at Beacon’s welcome intersection at the corner of Main Street and Wolcott, which is also the location of Beacon’s Welcome Center.

A large evergreen tree stands rooted in the ground next to the Welcome Center, and it has had lights on it, but it wasn’t being used for the city’s official tree lighting. The tree of wheels was. This year, the City of Beacon will have a tree lighting - of the earth-rooted tree - but the Beacon Bicycle Tree will not emerge.

Why? Why did Beacon have a tree of bicycle wheels for its annual lighting in the first place? Some people wondered this silently, while enjoying the annual tradition, and others wondered it aloud, in criticizing manner, a manner of complaining that this was a tradition imposed upon them.

Exploring The Bicycle Tree, And Why It Was Created

The real reason the Bicycle Tree was created, according to Ed Benavente, the artist behind the interactive sculpture, is that there simply was no ceremonial tree lighting prior to his sculpture version. Nothing was lit up in a ceremony of any kind at Beacon’s front door. If no tradition existed at all, then the experience was a blank canvas that Ed was tempted to fill - with the help of some of his friends.

For the past several years, the City of Beacon has not been an investor in public events. The public events that people enjoy, like the Spirit of Beacon Day, the kids Halloween parade, and other such events, are the result of groups of people feeling so strongly about an event that they get together and organize it. The Bicycle Tree became one such project; Ed gained support from BeaconArts to produce and promote the work. Eventually, the City of Beacon also got behind it financially, and became a partner in the tree lighting.

At the time of the tree’s inception, Beacon’s art scene was thick with artists filling in the voids where festivities were not happening. BeaconArts as an entity started as a way to help promote artists, but adopted a lot of business promotion since that was lacking as well.

Ed explained to A Little Beacon Blog his inspiration to start the Bicycle Tree:

 

“I started this project along with the Beacon Arts Community Association at a time when public Christmas celebrations seemed to be waning and lacking a central event. I wanted to see if we could create a related art project that was different and meaningful in spite of having no funding. By incorporating the themes of recycling and transportation, I cobbled together the first Bicycle Tree. A half-dozen or so people then gathered around it to sing Christmas carols led by Kelly Ellenwood (an opera singer) and Stephen Clair (founder of Beacon Music Factory). The spirit of the season was invoked and a tradition was born. My intention was to do this once or twice, but the enthusiasm grew, more volunteers stepped up, more bicycle parts were donated and Beacon Arts eventually partnered with the city Park and Recreation Department to establish an annual event drawing an estimated 500 people one year for the lighting ceremony.”

 
ed benavente removing beacon3d sculpture 2019.jpg

The Bicycle Tree Artist’s Statement On Why It Is Not Getting Built This Year

As Ed shared his scoop with A Little Beacon Blog, he was removing his well-known hammer sculpture that resided in front of Brett’s Hardware on West Main Street, set up as part of the outdoor public art exhibition, Beacon3d. That event has just ended, as it always does at this time of year.
PS: You can always buy any of these Beacon 3D sculptures… They become part of our lives as we walk past them daily or weekly, but really they are just on display. Contact the artist to find out how. Usually artists are not salespeople and they might forget to mention that.

Ed shared the news with a bit of an Eeyore tone. Not entirely happy about it, yet solid in his decision. He tried describing the current status of the Bicycle Tree, that it was pushed aside, under his summer lawn equipment, that was going to take a long winter’s nap until the artist shed got cleaned out come spring.

“Each year brings new challenges,” reflected Ed. “Each year, I wonder if it can be done. Each year I have been encouraged and supported by a team of volunteers and the community at large. This year, I have to concede that my own time and energy is lacking and it's time to take a break.”

According to Ed, his grand visions of the Bicycle Tree were never fully realized. Each year, he did add new interactive elements to it. Kids could turn gears and make wheels move over here or over there. New lights were brought in and strung up.

To dig into the mind of Ed, to discover more about why he designed this design, one would check out his Artist Statement. That’s where artists state what drives them. According to this statement at the Austin Art Projects, Ed was the perfect fit for an interactive project like this, that involved religion and meaning and the human experience:

 

The work of Ed Benavente is largely focused on the illustrative portrayal of the human condition. Whimsical yet often with a footnote of serious thought and contemplation.

 

We may never know what his engineering vision was. “Although the Bicycle Tree will be absent this year,” says Ed, “the Bicycle Menorah may still make an appearance, as well as the Bicycle New Year's Ball drop at Fountain Square (Dogwood). The Bicycle Reindeer might also make an appearance here and there.”

Is There A Tree Lighting In Beacon?! Yes.

“Christmas tree fans should not despair,” encouraged Ed. “There will be a traditional, real, live Christmas tree lighting event on Saturday, November 30 at Polhill Park, complete with music, snacks and Santa!” Details about that lighting are here.

Just so you know, Ed used to pedal Santa down Main Street in his mysterious Bicycle Reindeer bike. At this point, the bike is not scheduled to be anywhere. So the only chance you have to see it is … keep your eyes peeled for its red glow and musical sounds as it makes its way through Beacon - maybe.

Report back if you hear or see it.

PPS: If you want to send Ed your thoughts and memories of the tree, you can email him at ed@beaconarts.org

He has received one such comment, via ALBB’s Instagram, from @emilymac8: “Ed Benavente, if you're seeing this please know your work was a magical part of Beacon childhoods, especially my daughter who was born in 2009. Thank you for filling what was a void, and filling it in a quirky fun interactive way.”

The New Christmas Tree Lighting In Beacon Continues For 2019

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Last year marked the first year that a group of organizers orchestrated a Christmas tree lighting around an actual live tree, versus the Bicycle Tree that had been built in years prior. The new tradition, with the nature-based tree, will continue for 2019. The Bicycle Tree, however, will not be built for 2019. You can read all about why here.

Details for the tree lighting for Beacon are below:

City of Beacon Tree Lighting
Day: Saturday, November 30, 2019
Time: 4 to 6 pm (lighting to happen at dusk, ETA 5:50 pm)
Location: Welcome Center - Main Street and Route 9D, Beacon, NY
Make an ornament, enjoy hot drinks and cookies, enjoy carols sung by Scouts and welcome Santa Claus. The tree will be lit at dusk.
Information >

Hop & Shop Hits Beacon's Mile-Long Main Street Again This December 12th and 13th, 2019

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hop and shop 2019.jpg

Back for its second year, with an even longer list of participating businesses - 60 in total and five new sponsors - Hop & Shop Beacon is set for two nights of extended shopping and special deals on Main Street in Beacon on Thursday, December 12, and Friday, December 13. The following Saturday will be Beacon’s Second Saturday, so anticipate a long weekend of (even more) live action on Main Street.

“Last year after Hop & Shop had wrapped, we received a number of emails and messages from customers who said they had the best time and how they hoped we would do it again,” the event’s co-organizer, Erin Murphy Doan, owner of Reservoir, told A Little Beacon Blog. “Another wonderful result that has come from this event is the relationships built between the business owners,” she continued. “Main Street feels very unified, and we’re all here to help each other!”

The Origins of Hop & Shop

Created in 2018 out of the collective desire for more reasons for Beacon businesses to work together, Hop & Shop Beacon’s mission is to lengthen the shopping day for commuters and people who just like walking around Beacon at night. Said the other co-organizer, Lauren Decker of King + Curated: “We wanted to find a way to unify all Beacon businesses with each other and the community. It’s a great way to celebrate our locals (who also can be commuters) of Beacon by staying open late. Usually they never get the chance to shop local, with some shops closing at 6 pm. Weekends are sometimes spent enjoying hiking and outdoor activities in the Hudson Valley.”

This year, over 60 businesses will stay open until 9 pm, and five sponsors came on board to support the event: Hudson Land Design, SallyeAnder, A Little Beacon Blog (hey, that’s us!), More Good, and Tipsy Social.

Hop & Shop has grown as anticipated as Black Friday itself. Which is great news for you - more deals! More access to unique things! Shops like Luxe Optique have crafted deals that work for both Black Friday and Hop & Shop. Which is great for this blogger, who is out of town for Black Friday, but in town for Hop & Shop!

How Hop & Shop Works

You step outside onto Main Street and side streets, and you gaze into the warmly lit shop windows filled with goodies, creations, inventions, and other things you didn’t realize were so close to you here in Beacon.

Enjoy food and drink specials, art openings, sales, etc., all up and down our over mile-long Main Street! Wear your cutest, coziest winter outfits and accessories, because you will want to walk the entire length of Main Street. Drink hot chocolate at one coffee shop, and a latte at another coffee shop at the other end of town. With maybe a cupcake or marshmallow in-between!

Recommended: Get cozy with Hop & Shop’s Instagram. It features participating businesses, which include services such as yoga, as well as shops and eateries. Like the beef jerky shop, The Village Jerk, located inside The Chocolate Studio on the far end of Main Street near the mountain.
INSIDER TIP: The Chocolate Studio has delicious chocolate-covered lots-of-things, but also sells dairy and vegan ice cream.

Raffle tickets for prizes are available, given per receipt, from participating businesses only. The idea is, the more you shop, the better your chances of winning. This year, raffle categories include:

  • Eat + Drink Local

  • Shop Local

  • LifeStyle Local (*new!)

Mark your calendars!

PS: If you have kids and need them to not be with you while shopping on Black Friday, local business The Crafty Hammer is having a Black Friday Drop-Off Makers Session, so check that out and get scheduled up. The Crafty Hammer is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog, and we thank them for their support!

Participating Businesses

For the longest list of participating businesses, see here! As a blog, we have the space (unlike a print newspaper or magazine), so have at it! Also learn more about these shops in A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping Guide.

133 Main Street LEWIS & PINE.
Modern, ethically-crafted jewelry, apothecary and home goods featuring work by local artists and artisans.

135 Main Street STOREHOUSE BEACON.
A modern-day apothecary featuring an herbal dispensary and all natural/ handmade hair, skin, and home products.

142 Main Street TITO SANTANA TAQUERIA.
Innovative Mexican tacos, quesadillas and vegan dishes.

143 Main Street UTENSIL KITCHENWARE.
A practical, affordable kitchenware shop.

144 Main Street MOUNTAIN TOPS.
Rafting, kayaking, sporting goods store.

149 Main Street BEACON TINTYPE.
Handmade heirloom portraiture studio utilizing the wet-plate collodion process. Archival and hauntingly timeless.

151 Main Street THE INN & SPA AT BEACON.
A 10-room, boutique hotel and spa described in Vogue as "a dream getaway for New Yorkers." Small. Wonderful.

155 Main Street DARRYL’S.
Darryl’s is a Contemporary Women’s Boutique offering a combination of style, personalized service and high-quality clothing and accessories at value pricing not found anywhere else in the area.

155 Main Street KNOT TOO SHABBY.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® stockist providing hands-on service for your family heirlooms and flea market finds.

171 Main Street BEETLE AND FRED.
Modern sewists shop. Focusing on modern quilting and garment sewing. Sewing classes available.

173 Main Street CHILL WINE BAR.
A place to chill and relax with 27 wines by the glass, great beer and light food. Celebrating 13 years in Beacon.

175 Main Street NOTIONS-N-POTIONS
We carry jewelry, loose stones, candles, incense, evil-eye home decor and so much more!
ALBB Tip: Ask about their Flying Wish Paper…

177 Main Street ZAKKA JOY
Find joy in our elevated and eclectic mix of stationery, housewares, toys, cameras, accessories and more!

181-183 Main Street LUXE OPTIQUE
Curated eyewear, gift cards, $25 eye exams, personalized eyewear consultations, kids eyewear, repairs and more!

197 Main Street FLORA GOOD TIMES
Botanically focused shop offering an unusual and extraordinary selection of houseplants, fresh flowers and home goods.

123 Rombout Ave. ROC PILATES
Roc Pilates is a tiny boutique studio located in Beacon, New York, just three blocks off Main Street. Focused on personalized, one-on-one training and small group lessons in the classical method. Senior Teacher Trainer Jordana Herman is a leader in the industry, with multiple national certifications including Power Pilates and the Pilates Method Alliance.

257 Main Street SCARBOROUGH FARE OIL & VINEGAR TAPROOM
Fine olive oil and aged balsamics, savory spreads, gourmet pasta, olives, local maple syrup and jams.

288 Main Street HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
Seven chefs offer Himalayan dumplings, southern BBQ, Indian street food, fresh salads and raw bar, plus Himalayan gifts.

291 Main Street A LITTLE BEACON BLOG
Highlighting awesome people, art, and businesses and Things-to-Do in Beacon guides. Visit for the latest!

301 Main Street THE STUDIO @ BEACON
Cycling, boxing, and barre studio. We also feature a smoothie bar with delicious smoothies and bowls.

314 Main Street LAST OUTPOST
Menswear, lifestyle and outdoor. Flannel, barware, camp cooking, local artists, brands that donate to national parks.

321 Main Street BINNACLE BOOKS
Beacon's independent bookstore. Find a hidden gem among dense shelves of tightly curated new and used books.

323 Main Street B. HAIR STUDIO
A full service hair salon that specializes in custom crafted haircuts, highlights, hair color, balayage, and more.

10 N. Chestnut DENNING’S POINT DISTILLERY
Creating award winning spirits from local New York grains.

378 C Main Street WYLD WOMYN
Birth and postpartum doula support, childbirth ed, lactation support, placenta encapsulation, full moon circles.

383 Main Street MORE GOOD
Organic teas/spices/herbs/handcrafted syrups and mixers, as well as bar and tea-ware! Stop in for perfect gifts for your whole list!

412 Main Street GREEN MOUNTAIN MINERALS
Fine mineral specimens and mineral gifts for enthusiasts from 7 to 70.

424 Main Street THE BEACON HOTEL
A boutique hotel with 11 rooms, restaurant/bar and event space; serving cocktails, steak, seafood and weekend brunch.

436 Main Street LA MÉRE CLOTHING + GOODS
Your women’s fashion destination. We offer quality and trends at just the right price.

442 Main Street BLACKBIRD ATTIC
A curated collection of ever changing modern and vintage clothing, accessories and more!

446 Main Street THE VAULT
New American restaurant featuring tapas menu, small-batch spirits and specialty cocktails and local craft beers.

453 Main Street AFTER EDEN GALLERY
Specializes in fine 18th-20th century art, antiques and crafts, vintage advertising, antique toys & country furniture.

456 Main Street THE ARCHIVE
Clothing, Furniture & Uncommons for the home.

457 Main Street NFP
Engineered sweaters with the ability to mold and shape into new forms.

458 Main Street BEACON BATH & BUBBLE
Unique soap and soda shop featuring handmade soap, vintage soda pop, candy and more!

460 Main Street RESERVOIR | CLOTHING & HOME
Men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and home décor focused on sustainability and a dedication to affordable prices.

469 Main Street NO.3 READING ROOM & PHOTO BOOK WORKS
Select artists' books, photobooks, works on paper and poetry books by small and independent presses.

470 Main Street ECHO WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE & TOY STORE
A curated selection of women’s clothing, and an award-winning toy store - all under one roof.

470 Main Street THE BRA FIT EXPERT
Lingerie, luxe pajamas, fittings by appointment, gift certificates available.

474 Main Street RAVEN ROSE
Lifestyle boutique with a wide selection of gift items and fresh florals.

478 Main Street VINTAGE BEACON
A stylist-edited women's boutique featuring high-end designer consignment alongside curated vintage treasures.

480 Main Street DENISE GIANNA DESIGNS
Home, health, hospitality interior design studio/retail showroom; fabric, upholstery.

482 Main Street RUDY’S JEWELRY
Expert repairs, custom work and fine jewelry selection; jewelry services with a personal touch since 1992.

484 Main Street HYPERBOLE
A colorful mash-up of Artifact & Wares, Hyperbole sells small-batch jewelry, clothing, vintage and art.

488 Main Street PAVONINE YOGA
Beacon’s new (and only!) hot yoga studio! Hot and Power Vinyasa and Boot Camp. New students: Two weeks unlimited classes for $35!

493 Main Street BEACON MERCANTILE
Freshly made candles, perfumes, skincare and apothecary items, plus fun seasonally curated finds for home and gifting.

493 Main Street CAMPBELL & CAMPBELL
An established NYC couple offering cutting, color and styling services; nail and makeup services just added.

494 Main Street VILLAGE JERK
Jerky, hot sauce and accessories.

496 Main Street THE CHOCOLATE STUDIO
Gourmetibles, vegan treats, Wine/beer jellies, chocolate bacon, custom platters, gift certificates & baskets.

498 Main Street THE LEAF
All products hemp. The best that nature has to offer with everything from tinctures, creams, textiles and clothing.

500 Main Street LOOPY MANGO
Beginner-friendly DIY knit kits, quality yarns made with natural fiber and knitting workshops.

510 Main Street HUDSON VALLEY MARSHMALLOW COMPANY
Handmade flavored marshmallows, hot cocoas and s'mores and gift baskets. S'mores roasted right on the spot!

512 Main Street KAIGHT
Specialty boutique offering a curated mix of sustainable fashion, home goods and clean beauty.

516 Main Street SUKHOTHAI RESTAURANT
Spiced-to-order Thai favorites and innovative dishes served in a spacious, brick-walled cafe.

528 Main Street THE BLUSHERY
Award-winning beauty studio, providing brow, makeup, skincare, and hair removal services.

530 Main Street KING + CURATED
From affordable to aspirational, voted “Best Jewelry store” for custom and fine jewelry.

554 Main Street MELZINGAH TAP HOUSE
An all-new gathering place for craft beer enthusiasts, cocktail connoisseurs, and food fanatics.

1 E. Main Street LAMBS HILL BRIDAL
Bridal boutique reflects the rustic-chic style of our venue. Gowns range from $1,000 to $3,000.

1 E. Main Street SALLYEANDER
Handmade, trusted solutions for healthy skin, home and family since 1982.

2 E. Main Street ROUNDHOUSE
A unique, historical property repurposed into a restaurant, bar and boutique hotel overlooking a waterfall.

7 E. Main Street HUDSON VALLEY BREWERY
Craft brewery creating dynamic expressions of traditional and nouveau ales. Tasting room and to-go sales Thursday thru Sunday.

17 E. Main Street SOLSTAD HOUSE
Venture down to East Main and cross the bridge at Beacon Falls to discover a brand new mercantile shop/general store that features wares from local artisans and carefully curated handmade goods from all over the country - candles to consumables.

47 E. Main Street DOGWOOD
American and globally inspired eats pair with seasonal craft beers at this hangout with live music.

PPS: If you are a business looking to get involved with Hop & Shop next year, hit them up in their DMs in Instagram.