The Vote By Mail initiative for Beacon’s 2020-2021 School Budget has arrived today in the mail. Beacon’s Superintendent, Dr. Matthew Landahl emailed district parents and posted to the district website that ballots should be arriving in the mail this (Friday) afternoon. Details about a delay the district was experiencing in getting the ballots out to the public is described below the schedule published here.
You are encouraged to drop your ballot off in a Ballot Drop Box. The schedule is below.
All ballots must be received by mail or dropbox by 5:00pm Tuesday, June 9th.
Ballot Drop Box Locations and Hours
Friday, June 5 Beacon High School 11-5 Glenham Elementary 11-5 District Administration Building 11-5 Saturday, June 6 District Administration Building 12-4
Sunday, June 7 District Administration Building 12-4
Monday, June 8 Beacon High School 8-5 Glenham Elementary 8-5 District Administration Building 8-5
Tuesday, June 9 Beacon High School 6am-5 Glenham Elementary 6am-5 District Administration Building 6am-5
Ballots are due Tuesday, June 9 by 5:00pm.
The Delay In Absentee Ballots
On May 31, 2020, Dr. Landahl emailed the district about an expected delay in the ballots. The Howland Public Library also emailed their subscribe list with the news. Dr. Landahl explained:
“We contracted with a company named NTS Data to print and mail our absentee ballots to all of our registered voters. NTS Data is a company we have worked with on our elections for several years and many districts in New York State and the area have as well.
”On Friday, May 29, 2020, NTS Data informed us that they were having trouble with our ballot mailing due to an envelope shortage and supply chain issue. This is an issue that about 50 districts in New York are also having with NTS Data.”
This (Friday) morning, Dr. Landahl emailed again to let the public know that we should be receiving a ballot by this afternoon. For this writer, the ballots came. For some of our readers, they are reporting that they have not received it yet, but did receive the promotional postcard about voting. Keep looking in your junk mail. And cross your fingers.
Terry Nelson and his daughter marching in the protest in Beacon against police brutality and racial injustice. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Terry Nelson was at the student led protest in Beacon on Monday early with his daughter. She came with a sign, as she wanted to elevate her participation out of her Instagram and into the street with other supporters. Terry came with his mask and his phone to what he later realized was the brightest moment of the past two months of quarantine.
He didn’t care that he wasn’t socially distancing. Later that night at the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting, Terry confessed he had “trouble making it through” the meeting, as he choked on his words, took a breath and looked at the ceiling. Earlier that day, he had been chanting “I Can’t Breath” with the protesters, and on this usual Monday night, he shared with his fellow councilpersons and members of the public listening about the time when he was 17 years old, walking in NYC, and had a gun put to his face by a member of the NYPD.
The hearts of black and brown people have been heavy this week (well, quite a bit heavier). The day after Blackout Tuesday, a social media movement to take a pause to go silent and reflect (but not go silent on news impacting black lives), many black and brown friends expressed sadness and extreme tiredness. On the business side of things, many black business owners sent emails to their customers, sharing their personal stories of growing up black in America.
On Blackout Tuesday, Terry called me to tell his story. I had emailed him to confirm that his daughter was in the photo. He responded with a phone call. This is his story of being black in America, in New York City, growing up on West 112th between Broadway and Amsterdam, in a community he loved.
ALBB: Terry, I would ask you how you are, but I was listening to the City Council Meeting last night and heard how you are. But how are you? ”Whenever I see someone - a story where someone gets stopped by the police or killed by the police, it definitely makes me think about my experience. I feel grateful that nothing bad happened, and that I was able to live a pretty decent life for the next 38 years. The last 3.5 years have broken me, because we've allowed racism to be normalized. Even more a part of the system. I'm sad more than angry. They kind of alternate.”
ALBB: I really want to ask you…but I know you recounted your experience at the meeting last night. So I can re-listen and type it up, as I don’t want you to have to recount it. But… ”Katie, I called you. I will share my story. I was 17 years old. I wasn't even driving. I was walking with some friends, hanging out late, down by the Bowery. And I got stopped. Out of nowhere. A member of the NYPD put a gun in my face and I was told that I fit the description of a robbery suspect. When you're in New York, you're used to hearing sirens and police cars. We just didn't think that one of us would be a part of it.”
ALBB: Where did you grow up in NYC? ”I grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and 112th between Broadway and Amsterdam. Near Tom’s Diner from Seinfeld.” Editor’s Note: This area is near Columbia University and is known as Morningside Heights.
ALBB: How was that block? ”It was great. My neighbors never had a problem. The Dominicans lived one one side and the Puerto Ricans lived on another side. We played stick ball across the street together. It was during a different time when you could sit on people’s cars. It was great experience.”
ALBB: The protests all over are so large. It’s hard to social distance. Did you care? ”No. It didn't matter to me because racism is a much more prevalent, more difficult disease to get rid of. I've been basically indoors this whole time. I'll take a walk around the block and come back. It's been that way for the past 12 weeks. Yesterday (Monday) it didn't matter to me.
“My daughter wanted to come with me. She felt like putting up messages on her Instagram and talking to her friends wasn't enough.
“I had my reservations, I've been telling people social distance and put your mask on. There I was, not doing that. What happened yesterday was really important.
“I wanted to show why it was important that I be there. God bless those kids for doing that. It was the best thing that happened since the shut down. Ironically. This is me the atheist saying God Bless.
ALBB: What are things you see now that can bring out a life change? ”When people say All Lives Matter - I want them to know that when someone says Black Lives Matter - it doesn't degrade anyone's life. It is evident that black lives clearly do not matter. In what we have seen in the last 30 years. If you want me to go down a list I can. People who say All Lives Matter are not taking into consideration what we are trying to say. The chances of me being stopped vs a white person and are greater.
”Someone said to me: “That's a myth. My parents were immigrants and they made a better life for themselves.” And that is a clear lack of understanding of our history.
”I would like to see more of my white friends, allies, friends, neighbors, call out racism when they see it. If Uncle John makes a racist remark at the dinner table, you have to stamp it out right away. If you say: "Oh that's just him, it's a different time," that won’t work. That time has passed.”
ALBB: Does the tone matter? When white people are speaking? ”It does matter. I've heard it enough to know when there is malice behind it. I can tell when the other person saying it to me, they have no interest in why that offends me. Even great people that I know don’t understand why that offends me. I don't think you can ever fully explain to a white person what it's like. What it's like to get in your car, and say: "I hope I don't get stopped if I'm on the highway." It's an ongoing dawn to dusk siege that we can never fully explain or tell them about.”
ALBB: Should a white person not try? ”No. I say try by all means. Try! And don't be afraid if you get something wrong. I would rather correct the mistake, than have them compound it. Than making it worse. It cannot be left up to black people to fix this issue. This is an issue that we never started. It has to come from my white friends and my white sisters.”
ALBB: Is your wife white? ”Yes. We have been married 15 years (as a couple, together 17 years). It's been an ongoing learning process. The amazing thing about my wife is that she is very intelligent. This is not finite. You are going to learn something new all of the time. I'm learning something new all of the time about racism.
“Fortunately, early on in our relationship, we were pulled over in the car. One cop talked to me, one cop talked to her. "Where are you going to?" They asked us the same questions to see if we had the same answers. And we did. I've been only pulled over in a car once. Luckily there is a PBA sticker for state troopers in my window that my friend gave me. The trooper asked me "Who do you know?" I told him my friend’s name. It turns out they work in the same unit. He said "Oh, OK. Please slow down next time."
“That's why I make such a concerted effort to have people go the speed limit.” Editor’s Note: If you follow City Council Meetings, you’ll hear Terry repeatedly ask for people to follow the speed limit.
Editor’s Note: Terry’s wife, Alison Chi, contributed her side of the experience: “I’d just like to add to Terry's story about us being pulled over together. The only fortunate things about it were that we emerged unharmed and that it was when the first threads of the mask that had blinded me to understanding how my white skin protected me in the world were torn abruptly off. Understanding the impact of racism and what it is like to live in this world as a person of color is a continuous journey which I will never fully complete - because I am not black. My my loved ones are. Fear is an underlying constant. So for them, for the world around us, I will always point out racism when I see it. And will always talk to anyone about it - it's what I can do.”
Terry continues: ”This experience has changed me. And how I approach things. I will have to be more blunt with people. And not be so concerned about not seeming like a nice person. I think the time has come for honest talk across the board from everyone.”
Word about this march floated through Instastories, passed from friend to friend, that a march down Main Street was planned in Beacon to speak and chant and kneel against police brutality and racism. One mom heard about it from her teenager. Organized by a student who is black and wanted to not use his name in the initial organizing, citing fear of being targeted as others have in other cities. Lineup was at 2:45pm at Chase Bank, and by 2:30pm, dozens of students - black and brown and white - young and old and with canes and knee braces - were walking down Main Street towards the mountain to start at the beginning - the parking lot of Chase Bank - before marching down Main Street.
White youths who carry tennis racquets in backpacks. Maybe there’s a round-robin after the march? After the march, as people gathered at Pohill Park, the speakers conjured Martin Luther King in their inspiration. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
One white youth carried 3 tennis racquets in his back pack, while his 2 friends each carried at least one racquet while another eagerly passed out water bottles. When offered the water bottles, several march participants declined. Water bottles have come to be symbolic as they are hurdled at police cars in other cities across the country. There was no police presence around Chase during the warm-up of the crowd as more and more people gathered. People held signs and left the drive-way open at Chase for bank customers to drive out after doing transactions at the window.
One protestor’s sign asks: “Beacon Police: How are you speaking out?” This photo taken while marchers were chanting: “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Participants kneeling for George Floyd against police brutality. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Before the march began, two students rallied the crowd. In the crowd was one of Beacon’s City Council members Terry Nelson of Ward 1, who attended with his daughter (see ALBB’s full interview with Terry here). One student who is brown circled around in the group, breathing phrases into everyone’s lungs, as he encouraged people to shout: “I Can’t Breath,” “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” and “Say My Name: George Floyd.” Everyone put their hands up as they shouted “Don’t Shoot.” At other times, the march leader told everyone to take a knee against police brutality, which they did. A young woman with caramel skin got up on his shoulders and thanked the people for coming, getting choked up as she looked at the variety of faces who were there to show support. “This means everything right now. Everything. To see all of you out here. Every skin color…This is real and it’s happening everywhere!” After the march, she encouraged participants to educate their white friends.
One of the organizers, thanking the participants for showing up, and stressing the importance of why they were there. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Signs read: “Skin color is not reasonable suspicion,” and “No Justice No Peace Black Lives Matter” Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
The march began down Main Street, headed away from the mountain and to the Hudson River and Pohill Park, the traditional meeting spot for rallies, protests, and celebrations. Shortly after the people began marching in a sea of signs, a police presence appeared up ahead. At least 3 police cars spaced themselves out in front of march in a moving street closure, where they drive with the marchers by escorting in front. Today it was providing protection for the marchers, who by now had grown to a quarter mile long. Main Street is one mile long.
Beacon Police created a moving street closure for the march. The street closure lasted until Wolcott Avenue, where traffic was stopped both ways to create a safe space on Wolcott for when the crowd arrived at Pohill Park. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
After The March, The Speeches
The people filed in at Pohill Park, with the overflow people people going up South Avenue and Main Street. Police blocked off Wolcott Avenue from Rombout Avenue to West Main Street (the street that takes you to the train). Police officers were gathered in the middle of that intersection, with one directing traffic and the others discussing among themselves. A few people from the march approached the group of officers to say: “Join us!” The officers discussed, and later, after two speeches by the organizers, one officer, whose face many regular attendees would recognize from City Council Meetings as he weighs in on questions about enforcement regulations, emerged from crowd.
During the speeches, the two organizers continued to lead the attendees in chanting, while still more new people joined the group. One grandmother standing on the sidewalk nodded her head. Ali T. Muhammad spoke after the student organizers spoke. Ali is a former Beacon City Council person for Ward 4, and ran for Mayor of Newburgh last year. He pushed for the next steps and asked the rhetorical question of why everyone had gathered and participated, emphasizing that after all this, things must change. He implored people to register to vote, and to show up to vote.
A third speaker described his experience with the police. He described how dangerous it is for him to raise his hands from the steering wheel, reminding the crowd of black people who get shot during traffic stops. “Don’t reach for the keys, don’t reach for anything, except your phone. Turn it on. Turn on your camera, or go live on your Instagram.” His message was of driving in fear - constant fear of being pulled over and how that can end in death.
If you are a white person reading that sentence, and if you think it is exaggerated, simply recall your own story of being pulled over. Think about how it might have funny moments. How you sweated it out while digging through your glove compartment, trying to find your insurance card. Then ask your black or brown or South American friends about their experiences being pulled over, and you will hear very different stories. Stories of them sweating it out as they insist to an officer that they don’t have drugs in the car, as they drive home from a babysitting job and had a break light out.
Beacon’s Chief of Police Responds To ALBB’s Questions About Protest
A Little Beacon Blog reached out to Beacon’s Chief of Police, Kevin Junjulas, to hear his reaction to the march. Chief Junjulas was formerly Captain in Beacon, and was promoted to Chief after Beacon’s at the time current Chief, Doug Solomon, had left the Beacon Police force. At that time, according to then Mayor Randy Casale during a City Council meeting, Mayor Casale heard about the departure from a radio report.
Back to Beacon’s current Chief of Police, Kevin Junjulas, who was promoted into the position with high aclaim by then Mayor Casale, and has been involved with community events when they are organized in order to contribute dialogue. Here are Chief Junjulas’ answers to ALBB’s questions:
ALBB: Was the Beacon Police Department alerted to the march in advance? ”We were aware of the event and were monitoring social media to anticipate crowd size and to try to identify an organizer. We were able to identify the organizer and had conversation with him prior to the event in order to coordinate how best to facilitate a safe protest for all involved.”
ALBB: Some people from the march asked the officers at the intersection at the end of the march who were directing traffic form Main Street to join them. Did any Beacon Police officers join the protesters? ”Obviously patrol officers assigned to the detail are tasked with certain duties to assure the safety of the protestors and the public, it would not have been feasible or appropriate for them to join in. I assigned Lt Figlia and Lt Frost to the detail as the highest ranking detail supervisors.
ALBB: Do you have a statement about the march? About why the people feel the need to have one? And how that makes you feel as the leader of the police force? At today’s march, there were black and white students as well as black and white grandparents and parents with strollers. ”Like all reasonable people, we are outraged by the actions of the officers in the killing of George Floyd and strongly condemn their actions. We also support the first amendment and the right to peacefully protest.”
Beacon’s City Council Responds To Police Brutality and Racial Injustice
“Every time I hear about another black person getting stopped or killed by the police, it’s a trigger for me. It is taking every ounce of courage for me to get through this meeting, and get through this week.”
— Terry Nelson, Beacon City Council Member, Ward 1
Every Monday night, Beacon’s City Council holds a meeting. During the Reports section of tonight’s meeting, when the City Council members bring anything on their minds to the table, council people delivered. On this night, several council members gave comment. Mayor Kyriacou, who was on a scheduled trip on the day, said: “I can speak for the entire council and city when I say that we are shocked at the precipitating death of Mr. Floyd, and fully supportive of peaceful protest. I thank the community for speaking up in the non-violent tradition of Gandhi, King and Mandela, and the Police Chief and department for honoring and protecting our community.“
Dan Aymar-Blair estimated that 450 people attended the march. He thanked the protesters for “putting themselves out there.” Amber Grant encouraged people to register for an upcoming climate event, and then fell into an emotional grip as she acknowledged the pain of everyone now, and proceeded to have trouble speaking. Amber proposed to explore what Beacon can do at the municipal level.
Air Rhodes stood “in solidarity” and shared anger and encouraged people to reach out with what they need help with. Jodi McCredo said she stands with the protestors and would never want to tell someone how to protest, but encouraged social distancing, and to be aware of dissenters and to tell the difference between a protester and someone else,
Terry Nelson, who walked this march, calling it the one bright spot in his month, also had trouble finding his voice as he told the viewers and his fellow council members of the time when he was younger, he was walking at night in NYC with his friends when he was 17 years old, and was “stopped by a member of the NYPD and I had a gun in my face and I was told that I fit the description of a robbery suspect.” He said he is a 55 year old man now, and 38 years later, it resonates with him. “Every time I hear about another black person getting stopped or killed by the police, it’s a trigger for me. It is taking every ounce of courage for me to get through this meeting, and get through this week…We really need allies to be on our side right now. We need each other. We cannot do this alone.”
EDITORIAL NOTE: A Little Beacon Blog has reached out to Beacon’s Chief of Police, Kevin Junjulas, and Mayor Lee Kyriacou for comment for this article. Replies come in, and this article was updated.
Photo Credit: Video screenshot, A Little Beacon Blog
The march began at Pohill Park in Beacon on Main Street at about 3pm, which is across the street from Town Hall and the Police Department, and is the location for most marches and parades. The march was organized by Southern Dutchess Resist!, and mirrored a march in New Paltz also scheduled for Saturday. The march was designed to go from the far west end of Main Street to Rite-Aid, and marchers were directed to turn around at the traffic light.
Marchers walked peacefully and enthusiastically with each other, wearing face masks and carrying signs that read (this is a sampling):
“Justice For George”
“Stop Killer Cops”
“Racism Is Deadly”
“It Stops With Cops: Good Cops Don’t Let Bad Cops Kill Defenseless Citizens”
Signs encouraged cars to honk in support, which several did. In this video, a line of cars are stopped at a red traffic light while honking, When the light changed to green, the cars proceed.
The message of the march, according to its Facebook page, is: “We are marching in solidarity with those demanding Justice for George Floyd who was executed by racist police in Minneapolis this past week. We are marching for justice in his case and for all colonized people suffering at the hands of the white supremacist occupation in the United States and across the globe. We are marching for justice, against police brutality and against racism and state violence.“
Immunocompromised people were encouraged not to attend, but to participate from home in other ways.
This march happened on a day when protests, which have been happening in Minneapolis for 6 days so far, have spread to other cities across the United States. Some protests have lead cities to impose curfews, including LA, Denver, Columbus, Cincinnati Minneapolis, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and others. The National Guard has been activated or requested by Minnesota, Georgia, Ohio, Colorado, Denver and Kentucky (CNN).
The officer who killed George Floyd has been arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. His bail has been set at $500,000, according to this CNN article.
The other officers who also kneeled on Mr. Floyd have not been charged. While the police report says that he resisted arrested, camera footage of the incident does not show that, according to the CNN article. CNN’s chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta contributed this thought: “An officer should have started CPR after one of them told the others he couldn't find a pulse.”
The final message on the organizer’s page for Saturday’s march in Beacon was: “--BE SAFE, BE WELL, BE DECENT of course.”
For those looking to get involved with an activism group, there is the Beacon Activist Collective, which “is a collaborative group formed on the strength of the community concern of citizens of Beacon, around the potential erosion of civil rights, social and environmental justice occurring after the election of” this current president.
Today is Friday. At the time of this writing (9am) a black reporter and the production crew filming him has been arrested by 6am, and later released (CNN's Omar Jimenez). The president has been neutered on Twitter for glorifying violence with a "looting and shooting" part of the tweet that was hidden. Debates on censorship and safety for humans between person to person contact as fueled by race and racism are happening all at once and very quickly (to see how we really feel about censorship of privately held social media companies, visit ALBB's sister company, Tin Shingle).
Safety is also being debated about (sad that the word "also" just slipped into there) about protecting one's self from a virus that you can't see. Writing about these different concepts happening at the same time is extremely difficult.
As it is to live it - on a sunny day on the weekend - as we slide into the first weekend of the Phase 1 opening, where we are jubilant with hope of doing old "normal" things like seeing each other easily out on Main Street glimmers into our minds.
Stay safe out there, as we learn the new normal as it gets developed.
Beacon Farmers Market Reopens - Slowly
With a new setup and schedule-based shopping experience in place, the Beacon Farmers Market is opening their outdoor market this Sunday. Delivery remains available for quarantined and immune-compromised people. All others are encouraged to come to the market, but are cautioned: "This is not the usual social gathering space as we know it.” Photo Credit of greens: Maple View Farm Read More >
Poughkeepsie Farmers Market Accepting SNAP
To address the extreme food need during the pandemic, the Poughkeepsie Farmers Market opened one month early to serve customers and bring their vendors access to selling their wares. The market is open on Mondays and serves people using SNAP benefits. Details about accessing the market can be found in this article. Photo Credit of greens: Poughkeepsie Farmers Market Read More >
The Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) Virtual 5K Run & Walk
Days: Sunday May 17-June 17, 2020 Time: At Your Own Pace Location: Favorite trail, your neighborhood, the park, your treadmill!
Complete a 5 Kilometer run and/or walk (5K kilometers = 3.1 miles) in the comfort of your own neighborhood or on a treadmill between May 17th and June 17th, 2020. You choose the date, the time and location. Registration ends June 10th! Information >
Beacon of Love Fundraiser for Fareground
Days: Preview Friday, Fundraiser Saturday-Tuesday Location: Online!
The virtual doors opened at 9am Friday Featuring works by 31 local artists and with prices tiered at $100, $150, and $250, this on-line fundraiser for Fareground runs Saturday through Tuesday June 2.
The Fundraiser benefits Fareground, a Beacon-based nonprofit organization that is helping to feed local individuals and families who are experiencing food insecurity because of Covid-19. Funds raised will be split 50/50 between the artist and Fareground. They have coordinated so many free bags of groceries, made available during Beacon City School meal pickup. They also have been delivering to housing developments in Beacon, where leaving the house to get food to kids can be difficult.
Artwork clockwise from top left: Andrea Moreau, Richard Bruce, Julia Whitney Barnes, James Case-Leal Information >
HOMESPUN FOODS Homespun Foods is working with local farmer to offer their Farm Kits every Saturday, from 10am-2pm, for curb-side pick-up or delivery. Lots of new wines available, granola, carrot cake, vegan cookie dough and scone dough available, farm eggs, local milk. Each kit costs $30, and is stocked with beautiful local produce from organic farms in the area. Order online through their eStore on our website, homespunfoods.com/estore. Order by Monday for the following Saturday pickup. That gives their farmer time to harvest. If you order this weekend, you'll pick it up next weekend.
GLAZED OVER DONUTS
GIFT CARDS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE! And they are making the store safe for their customers and staff in an effort to open soon. In the meantime, you can order gift cards online on their website (www.glazedoverdonuts.com) so you can surprise your family and friends with a nice treat . Gift cards must be used in store.
EAT CHURCH
Do you know what Thursday means? Beacon’s freshest food truck up on the hill of Industrial Arts Brewing at 511 Fishkill Ave (just past Auto Zone) is open from 4-8pm all weekend. Their new online ordering system is so easy! You can even assign a time to when you want to pick up. Or order when you’re there. Social distancing is super easy there. First of all, there is tons of parking. You could tailgate! Second of all, “curbside” is possible, as they bring it to your car.
Eat Church is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog’s Restaurant Guide, which has helped elevate everyone’s Open/Paused status and special ways of working. Thank you, Eat Church! Eat Church is a ALBB Sponsor!
BAJA 328
$10 Frozen Margaritas! You have a choice of Mango or Strawberry - swing by and cool down with one of our DELICIOUS Margaritas for take out. Open 12 to 8 PM. Baja 328 is a ALBB Sponsor!
LUXE OPTIQUE
Stylists from Luxe Optique have been spotted inside of the shop during this Phase 1 time to prepare the store for the new shopping experience that will come in a later Phase. Pictured here is Teya who you have seen as a model on their website and as a stylist helping to pick out frames. Right now, you can call-in to pre-order your contacts, you can drop off frames to be adjusted, and you can pick up any orders. Browse their collections online and purchase if you're ready! This line of frames is on sale. Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
KNOT TOO SHABBY
We are thrilled for businesses when things sell, and they are able to continue selling through closed doors. Said Knot Too Shabby to her followers in Instagram: "This Pretty Petite Hutch came out of quarantine today. She sold and is 100% essential! Thank you Karen Perrault! Enjoy!" Knot Too Shabby carries some of the best furniture paint in the world - yes, in the world. It's the Chalk Paint from Annie Sloan. Normally, store owner Karen hosts classes on how use the paint (but she stresses that the paint is so great, you don't even need classes). Furniture and stencils are also for sale in the store, available online. ALBB's media company, Katie James, Inc., designed Knot To Shabby's website last year.
BEACON BEE
Just added to our growing Face Covering/Mask Maker Guide is Beacon Bee. Beacon Bee has added a handmade, 100% cotton, bee print face mask to their line of honeybee related products. The mask has two layers of fabric (backing fabric comes in dark or light blue), and a versatile loop strap. $10.00 each and 10% goes to Fareground Community Kitchen.
Information >
RAVEN ROSE
As the weather gets warmer and we spend more time outside, it's still nice to bring a touch of the outside into our homes. New plants continue to be added to Raven Rose's online shop for sale- because you can't have too many plants, right? Some are in limited supply so don't delay! #plantsmakepeoplehappy Shop online >
BINNACLE BOOKS
Just a reminder that if you’re looking to order a NEW BOOK and have it shipped to your door, Binnacle Books have got you covered! It’s as simple as visiting their website and clicking SHOP ONLINE — or just go straight to binnaclebooks.indielite.org. From there you can search and browse, order and pay!
Oh and when we say “NEW BOOKS” we mean new as opposed to used. It doesn’t have to be recently published! Just as long as it’s in print, they will get it for you. Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
PTACEK HOME
Their Spring Sale ends Saturday, May 31st! You still have time to take advantage of these great deals from PTACEK HOME like picking up one of these Matrix Nine Planters - because succulents deserve a beautiful home too. Shop Now > PTACEK Home is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEAUTY TIP
Are you trimming your own bangs? Shaping your own beard? Plucking your own eyebrows? Massaging your own neck? If you miss your stylist for these things, go ahead and send them some cash when you're doing this beauty update to yourself. They will thank you, and it helps them see you on the other side.
BALLET ART STUDIO Ballet Arts Studio has announed its Summer Dance Programs for June and July 2020! Despite the impact of COVID-19, Ballet Arts continues to provide an experienced faculty and thoughtful curriculum online. All classes have been redesigned to optimize the use of smaller spaces, and their knowledgeable faculty, while vigorously correcting students during the online classes, is also guiding dancers in developing the very useful and beneficial skill of self-correction. These classes provide structure during a very unstructured time, normalcy in a positive and familiar context, and healthy safe activity. A full summer schedule of online classes in ballet, pre-ballet, modern, jazz, tap and theater dance for ages 3 to 18. Information >
ANTALEK & MOORE
The vestibule at Antalek & Moore is open during regular business hours to drop off payment or paperwork contact free. The office is now open for regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Their staff will be split into 50% working in the office while 50% will continue to work remotely and this will rotate on a weekly basis. Updates to our new office procedures can be found on their website. Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle is a resource and empowerment platform for business owners, artists and makers to get the word out about their business. This is done through webinars (called "TuneUps") to be watched on replay any time; an online safe-space forum to ask questions and get answers and support; and in-person opportunities to bounce ideas off experts in a live video format. Learn More >
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Couture branding boutique, Katie James, Inc. designed the website for Beacon-based Knot Too Shabby in Shopify last year. Designed with the shop owner in mind, this website features various types of products, including paint, stencils, furniture, and classes. Katie James, Inc. can design your website too, or consult with you as you build it.
We got a suggestion in from a reader, who wanted to know how to send A Little Beacon Blog financial support to help us continue to produce. Even just $5. First of all: THANK YOU to that reader for wanting to do this! Support Here >
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To address the extreme food need during the pandemic, the Poughkeepsie Farmers Market opened one month early to serve customers and bring their vendors access to selling their wares. The market opens on Mondays and serves people using SNAP benefits. All details about accessing the market can be found here.
The Poughkeepsie Farmers Market, known as the Poughkeepsie Waterfront Market, is normally a vibrant marketing destination, and remains so in spirit, though with COVID-19 social distance guidelines in place, like set-back lines at vendor stations and employees to help enforce social distancing and cue people waiting in line. According to the new expectations listed on their website, there is a one-way movement through the market, and pre-packaged produced and food selections for vendors to give to shoppers.
People will be able to find seasonal foods, which at this time are “early greens, eggs, poultry, apples, cider, baked good, vegetable plant starts, and more!” according to their website.
The Poughkeepsie Waterfront Market is supported by the Dutchess Relief Fund (organized by Dutchess County and The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley), the City of Poughkeepsie, the Dyson Foundation and the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum’s Annual Fund.
This Sunday, May 31, 2020, the Beacon Farmers Market will open on its usual outdoor summer spot on Veterans Place, in between the Post Office and Towne Crier and across the street from Beacon Natural. For the past several weeks, the Beacon Farmers Market has been doing pre-order and delivery only, which was a huge undertaking that involved two different website builds, and order fulfillment from several vendors.
The market will remain offering online pre-orders for those who are immune-compromised, at risk, or quarantined, as well as for any SNAP customers participating in the pre-order coupon program. SNAP customers who need to use it for pre-ordering online can learn how to do that here for SNAP which includes $30 worth of groceries. Otherwise, SNAP will be accepted in person at the market on Sunday.
Like the rest of the Phase 1 opening, this will be a slow reopen, and will not be the socialness as usual. Expressed on the market’s Instagram and website: “Please be mindful that our number one priority is human health. Our mission is to make local and responsibly harvested food available to you while helping the local food economy and supply survive. It is important to remember that New York is still on pause, and undergoing a slow, phased reopening. This is not the usual social gathering space as we know it.”
While farmers markets were deemed essential businesses and could remain open, the Beacon Farmers Market opted to go delivery and pickup only. “We are taking COVID 19 very seriously,” continued the reopening message on their Instagram. “We have re-designed the layout and protocol for the safety of our patrons, vendors, and staff for this upcoming season.”
How To Shop Properly At The Beacon Farmers Market COVID-19 Style
You’ll need a shopping spot that is a 30-minute opportunity to walk the market to get your things. Sign up for your shopping time-slot here. But, according to the Beacon Farmers Market, if your desired time slot is full, or if it’s full when you arrive, walk-ins will be accommodated. In other-words, everyone is figuring it out, and you can wait in a social distanced manner around the are of the market.
About shopping: The time you pick to shop is not an appointment. It’s an approximation, according the Beacon Farmers Market: “Time slot registrations are not appointment times. If the market is at capacity when you arrive, please wait patiently for entry.”
Theo “Tree” Arrington, the founder of R.E.A.L. (Relationship Empowerment Affirmation Leadership), a program hosted by Family Services’ Family Partnership Center, has passed. He did not know how to read until he was 30, and earned his GED in prison. He went on to become an educator and earned his Masters. He was a dean of Poughkeepsie High School, and served on the board of Family Services. He conceived of the idea of R.E.A.L. in 2007 while on dialysis, because he “needed something to keep my concentration,” he told the Poughkeepsie Journal.
According to the Poughkeepsie Journal, “Mayor Rob Rolison confirmed Arrington's death in a statement Monday afternoon. It was not clear when he died or the circumstances. Brian Doyle, CEO of Family Services, said Arrington had been ill, but his passing was unexpected.”
R.E.A.L. offers after-school and summer programs designed to help students navigate through social, educational and judicial systems to obtain mainstream skill competency and social values. It is rooted in empowering youth to engage in their communities, school or job.
The Mayor of Poughkeepsie, Rob Rolison, said in a statement: “Tree was larger than life. His heart was as big as he was. You simply can’t replace people like Tree. Tree understood that some youth need extra care to navigate through the various societal systems, to develop better skills and social values. Tree had a way of connecting with youth, and he led by example."
The Founder and CEO of Community Matters 2, L’Quette Taylor, said: “Theo "Tree" Arrington raised and helped a lot of generations.”
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said in a statement: “He leaves a legacy of mentorship, leadership and inspiration for so many in the City of Poughkeepsie. Theo lived up to his nickname, "‘Tree,’ laying down strong roots in the city and helping so many youths blossom into strong, responsible young men and women, each reaching their potential and giving back to their community in his memory. Theo will live on through the R.E.A.L. Skills program he founded more than a decade ago and the countless city residents who have and will continue to benefit from his altruism.
PIctured here are “Mammoul cookies, which are tea cookies stuffed with dates (spiced with cardamom) and are traditional across Arab culture and popular on Eid in Muslim countries. The tea is Yemeni style black tea, which means it’s brewed loose leaf and steeped with mint and cardamom,” explains the writer, Izdihar. Photo Credit: Izdihar Dabashi
Editor’s Note: During quarentine for this coronavirus pandemic, holy holidays like Easter and Passover were experienced in this unknown time. Ramadan, the month-long Muslim holiday started shortly after, and ends today (Sunday) with a celebration of Eid Al-Fitr. A Little Beacon Blog asked writer Izdihar Dabashi to explore the holiday with us, to come closer understanding to what many in Beacon’s community are celebrating today. Take it away, Izdihar!
If you’re scrolling through images of lanterns and intricate graphics of mosques and moons on social media and wondering what about Ramadan, you are not alone. As a Muslim with plenty of non-muslim friends, I can confidently say most of my friends were unaware of what occurs during the Islamic holy month until I explain the significance of this month.
First and foremost, Ramadan celebrates the month in which the Qur’an, the Islamic holy book, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Ramadan begins on the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar that varies due to the cycle of the moon. The first sighting of the crescent of a new moon indicates the beginning as well as the end of the month of Ramadan.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown in which they refrain from food and drink. Anyone of good health is expected to fast excluding young children, pregnant/breastfeeding and menstruating women, travelers, those in battle, and people with any health condition in which fasting may risk their well-being. Muslims wake up before sunrise for suhoor, which is an early morning meal before the beginning of the fast. After sunset, Muslims break their fast with the after sunset meal is known as iftar. Traditionally, as set by the Prophet Muhammad’s example, the fast is broken by eating dates but it is not mandatory.
Side Note: I have Ramadan to blame for my obsession with dates. Seriously, you won’t understand the value of dates until you have them spiced with cardamom and stuffed in a maamoul, a traditional Arab tea cookie. To be fair, dates are eaten in their natural form when breaking fast, so perhaps my obsession with dates in dessert is no one’s fault but my own.
The significance of Ramadan goes beyond refraining from food and drink. It’s a month of dedication to the cleansing of your mind and body. Reconnecting to your spirituality occurs through intentionally devoting time to prayer, family and community, and faith. Muslims pray 5 times a day- dawn (Fajr), early afternoon (Duhr), late afternoon (Asr), sunset (Maghrib), and night (Isha’a). The spiritual, physical, and mental act of prayer remains constant all year but Ramadan encourages greater time spent on reading the Quran and praying Du’a, a type of prayer best described as making requests such as asking for Allah (the Arabic word for God) for strength, peace, or more personal supplications.
Allah is believed to ascend to the lowest rank of the sky, referred to as the heaven, every night of the year. Muslims believe that prayers have a greater chance of being accepted and forgiven during Ramadan, which may be explained by people holding an authentic intention during this month or the belief that the gates of heaven are open in the third part of the Ramadan night, a few hours before dawn. The Nabulsi Encyclopedia of Islamic perfectly describes the weight prayer holds for many Muslims, “work is based on vision and vision is based on light and prayer is light”.
Connecting to family and community is easier when you refrain from distractions and focus on priorities during this month of peace, Muslims abstain from listening to music, limiting excessive attention to our surface-level appearances, and entertainment television. During this month, being unkind, using foul language, displaying rude or aggressive behavior without attempting to redeem the harm you cause will result in your fast being unaccepted.
Since this month is spent effortfully limiting bad deeds and focusing on committing good deeds while connecting to the people around you, Muslims donate food and money. Some Muslims may focus on actively feeding a family, others may donate to charity or put together organizations for people in the community who need extra support such as someone with cancer needing assistance in covering medical bills.
When I reference the “community,” it does not allude to only Muslims, religion is not a barrier as to who Muslims choose to offer aid to, anyone they know who needs help will be cared for. Muslims are not awarded by Allah for committing charitable acts, they need to have an earnest intention and intentionally set aside what you can of money and time instead of simply giving away unwanted items around the house. Charity needs to be done wholeheartedly.
“The pandemic changed the bond that comes with the redemption of Ramadan. In my family, we’d usually try to invite people over for iftar or people would invite us, and soon the home becomes alive and filled with warm laughter as everyone bustles around the kitchen to prepare for breaking our fast. ”
— Izdihar Dabashi
Prior to the current pandemic, mosques are normally filled with people breaking their fast or coming to night prayer (Isha’a); especially weekends, when families are able to bring food and break their fast with other Muslims in the community. Some mosques even invite other faiths and non-Muslims to experience a Ramadan iftar. Muslims who are able to make it to the mosque after sundown will follow prayers lead by the Imaam usually to ask for forgiveness, peace, and relief in the world.
The pandemic changed the bond that comes with the redemption of Ramadan. In my family, we’d usually try to invite people over for iftar or people would invite us, and soon the home becomes alive and filled with warm laughter as everyone bustles around the kitchen to prepare for breaking our fast. After iftar and the final prayer of the night, we would gather in the living room with tea and dessert and experience time passing by as we exchange stories and laughter.
Nevertheless, the true spirit and purpose of Ramadan remain intact despite the various hardships experienced this year. Ramadan teaches mindfulness, empathy for those in need, generosity, and humbleness across generations. Any social confinements of age, socioeconomic status, and gender cease to exist in Ramadan. We become equals striving for balance and nourishing individual connection between God and oneself. Ramadan reminds you to be conscious of your role within the community and our earth.
The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr (prounounced “eed,” like “feed” without the f), the religious holiday to celebrate completing a month of fast. Muslims attend Eid prayer at the mosque held in the morning, listen to a khutba (a sermon), and give Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer. In traditional Islam, zakat al-Fitr used to be a charity given in the form of food. In the United States, it is common for $10 to be donated for every household member, others may send money if they have family in different countries or they may gather people to donate to communities in need of money. It is only important for the donation to be made before the Eid prayer for it to be accepted as Zakat al-Fitr. After a morning spent in the mosque, Muslims spend the day with friends and family. Some may choose to dine at restaurants or celebrate outside while others may choose to prepare a feast at home. This year, many Muslims are using Zoom to connect with family or participating in drive-by parades. The pandemic may have brought on adversity but the spirit of Ramadan and Eid will only grow as Muslims are reminded of the blessings of proximity and kinship.
Businesses live with a lot of risk. Entrepreneurs tend to be risk averse, and don’t mind jumping with both feet into the unknown. Success is not always guaranteed, but a business owner will do as much as they can to get there. With the new Coronavirus world, and current pandemic we are living in, a whole new world of public health risk just opened up for business owners. To answer that, federal and regional laws are being created right before our eyes to help keep people protected, employed, fed, paid if not employed, housed, etc.
Businesses have a new set of guiding regulations to comply with as the regions reopen in phases. The law firm who Beacon contracts with to advise them on several legal matters, Keane and Beane, is hosting a free webinar to help guide businesses through this new legal landscape: “Re-Imagining New York: Preparing To Re-Open And Consideration Of Legal Issues And Best-Practice Tips.”
After having followed the attorneys from Keane and Beane at weekly City Council meetings and the Zoning and Planning Board meetings, this webinar will be one you want to attend if you are a business owner. The presentation will answer considerations of what can be done to get ready, and will review the Plan and explain the preparation that can be done now to get ready. The attorneys will review the forms and documents required for the upstate regions opening now.
Topics Covered In This Presentation
Topics include:
What’s required for the mandatory Health & Safety Plan
Consequences of an improper certification
Labor and employment law issues
Lease modification considerations
Site plan and land use compliance issues
State requirements for re-opening retail
State requirements for reopening construction
Interested attendees should RSVP to Barbara Durkin at bdurkin@kblaw.com. An email with the webinar sign-on information will be sent the morning of the program.
During a City Council meeting this month, Councilperson George Mansfield, who is the owner of the bar and restaurant Dogwood, reported that he and other business owners had met on Zoom to discuss best practices and safety measures for moving forward in a reopening, and will be doing so once a week on Tuesdays. This was prior to the official opening date of Phase 1 for the Mid-Hudson Region, of which Dutchess County is a part of. George encouraged other Beacon businesses to join in, and recommends that people email the Assistant to the Mayor, Collin Milone, to be added to the invite list when Zoom meetings are posted: cityofbeacon@cityofbeacon.org
When asked what some of the topics the group was looking at, George responded with:
“Opening streets /sidewalks for possible restaurant use. We are weighing logistics and safety concerns.”
“Establishing safety protocols for both retail and hospitality businesses.“
“Making sure that we present to the Public a clear and consistent message regarding safety and sanitary standards.”
“Those are the prime issues,” George told A Little Beacon Blog. “We will obviously be following guidelines determined by NYS and looking at the success and failures of communities that have opened before us.”
Dutchess County Legislator Barbara Jeter-Jackson has passed, Dutchess County announced this (Sunday) morning. Barbara represented District 10 as a Democrat, representing the people of the City of Poughkeepsie.
Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro told the county via press release: “Today we are filled with great sorrow as we mourn the loss of Dutchess County Legislator Barbara Jeter-Jackson. She embodied the very spirit of resilience, dignity and grace. She was unflinching advocate, partner and friend. With a servant’s heart, she led, guided and cared. A mother to many, she made an immeasurable difference in the life of our county, the city she loved and lives she touched. She was a friend, partner in service and in many important ways, mentor. While she is at peace and, as she believed fervently, at home with her God. Corinne and I are heartbroken. We are heartbroken.”
According to an article in the Poughkeepsie Journal, Jeter-Jackson, who was 82, had been sick, and her family had kept the legislature updated on her status, according to Gregg Pulver, the Dutchess County Legislature chairman and a Republican representing District 19. Also reported in the article, Pulver was unaware of the exact cause of death.
Dutchess County Legislator Barbara Jeter-Jackson served on the legislature for 16 years. Prior to that, she served on the City of Poughkeepsie School Board. She served 4 terms on Poughkeepsie’s Common Council. She was a member of:
Budget, Finance, and Personnel Committee
Government Services and Administration Committee
Budget, Finance, and Personnel Sub-Committee to Interview Candidates for Appointments
Criminal Justice Council
Justice and Transition Center Advisory Committee
Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council
Youth Board & Coordinating Council - Liaison
The Poughkeepsie Journal reported that she did not let politics get in the way of a good idea. “If she liked an idea,” Pulver told the newspaper, “it didn’t matter who put it forward. And if she didn’t like an idea, it didn’t matter who put it forward.”
Governor Cuomo announced on Saturday, May 23, 2020 that the Mid-Hudson region, which includes Dutchess County, may begin reopening starting with Phase 1 on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. This announcement has been anticipated by Dutchess County who has been sending press releases the past few days in anticipation.
As recently as last week on May 14, 2020, County Executive Marcus Molinaro had stated in a press release that hitting all 7 benchmarks - specifically the decline in deaths metric - would be difficult. “The final two criteria the region must meet – 14 consecutive days of decline in new hospitalizations and 14 consecutive days of decline in deaths – will prove extremely difficult for the region, including Dutches County, to meet,” he stated. “A single day with an increase over the previous day in either category resets the 14-day clock.“
However, this week, Governor Cuomo feels satisfied with the metrics in Dutchess County, having increased the amount of contract tracers based on a new requirement he set. According to a press release sent by the county: “Dutchess County had already met the original state-mandated metric of 30 contact tracers per 100,000 population with more than 90 contact tracers. Earlier this week, the state increased the required number of contact tracers to 252, basing it on infection rate.” Dutchess County put out a call for more volunteers, and were answered with the necessary amount of people wanting to be trained to trace.
Governor Cuomo stated that if there is a region that has their various indicators rise after they begin the reopening phases, the state will shut that region back down.
Who Is In Phase 1?
At the county level, the following areas of business can begin to reopen: Construction, Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, Retail (limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop-off), Manufacturing, Wholesale Trade. As for retail stores, this does not mean that the shopping experience is back on. In fact, store sales are limited to pre-ordering only, with pickup at the curb, or inside if necessary, if the store owner allows it and has reduced capacity by 50% which includes employees and customers. If many doors are open, it may be because the store owner is complying with the new retail COVID-19 regulations that favor increasing ventilation.
According to New York State’s FAQ on its New York Forward plan and Business Reopening: “In-store pickup is defined as a customer placing an order for specific item(s) by phone or internet in advance, then collecting such order at the retail location. The retail location must abide by physical distancing requirements which prohibit occupancy within the location to no more than 50% of the maximum occupancy, including both employees and customers. Customers are only allowed on the premise to retrieve their prearranged order; not to browse or place an in-person order. Customers must maintain 6 feet of space from others or wear an acceptable face covering, if unable to maintain such distance.”
No Hair Cuts Yet
Salons, beauty services like lashes and nails, tattoo establishments and other touch-based businesses are not included in Phase 1. Hair salons, however can sell products, as other retail stores can. Currently, these professional services are in Phase 2. The barber in Kingston, Joseph LaLima, who was operating illicitly did so from his home, having taken the Governor’s edict to work from home literally.
The barber told the New York Times: “‘He said do not open up your shops, barbershops, beauty parlors, nail salons, tattoo parlors,’ Mr. LaLima said on Friday, referring to the governor. ‘So I didn’t.’ Mr. LaLima, who spoke just after his release from a four-day hospitalization, began to get agitated. ‘It said you can work from home,’ he said. ‘678 Broadway is my home!’”
But for the barbering profession, Governor Cuomo’s position is that it is not possible to socially distance while cutting or styling hair. According to the New York Times, the barber is being investigated by the Ulster County District Attorney: “The Ulster County district attorney’s office sees the matter differently: It has launched an investigation into whether Mr. LaLima violated public health laws, a criminal offense, and whether any of his clients may face penalties. ‘This kind of flouting of the rules is unacceptable, and it puts lives in danger,’ said Patrick K. Ryan, the Ulster County Executive. ‘We are taking it very seriously.’”
Outdoor Dining
County Executive Molinaro did provide guidance on outdoor dining at restaurants, especially in light of this holiday weekend: “While the state does not yet permit restaurants to host outdoor dining, County parks have picnic tables available for families to enjoy this weekend; residents will find social distancing measures in place around these tables.”
Safety First
The reopening comes with many new safety requirements. All businesses, including essential businesses, must develop a COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan. A COVID-19 template for a plan has been published by New York State. This plan does not need to be submitted to a state agency for approval but must be retained on the premises of the business and must made available to the New York State Department of Health (DOH) or local health or safety authorities in the event of an inspection.
The Dutchess Business Notification Network outlined this point about OSHA: “The US Department of Labor has adopted revised policies for enforcing OSHA’s requirements with respect to coronavirus as economies reopen in states throughout the country. The revised policies cover increased in-person inspections at all types of workplaces, and the enforcement policy for recording cases of coronavirus.” That OSHA policy can be found here.
As for testing, employees of essential businesses or businesses opening in Phase 1 are eligible for COVID-19 testing. Testing sites can be found here.
Future Phases
Governor Cuomo has said there is a 14 day minimum between phases, due to the incubation period of the virus. As of 5/18/2020, “he did not clarify his remarks on the parameters being shortened to allow regions to move into the next phase before the 14 day minimum,” according the Dutchess Business Notification Network.
Phase 2: Professional Services Retail Administrative Support Real Estate / Rental & Leasing
Phase 3: Restaurants / Food Services
Phase 4: Arts / Entertainment / Recreation Education
At the start of Memorial Day Weekend, the number of Active Cases is continuing to trend downward in Beacon, Wappingers, Fishkill and Poughkeepsie. Stay safe, everyone, and if you’re looking for stylish masks, order a bunch from A Little Beacon Blog’s Locally Sourced Face Mask Guide! Not sure if masks work? Try holding your hand out in front of your face and blowing. You can feel the air. Put a mask on, and blow toward your hand again. Feel the difference?
How Many People Tested In Dutchess County: 24,680 (three days ago 23,195 via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE As Of This Day: 3,767 (three days ago, 3,710, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested This Day: 556 (three days ago 972, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE This Day: 22 (three days ago 158, via New York State Tracker) Number Of People Hospitalized For COVID-19 As Of This Day: 51 (three days ago 58, via Dutchess County Tracker) How Many COVID-19 Related Deaths As Of This Day: 132 (three days ago 126, via Dutchess County Tracker)
BEACON Active COVID-19 Cases In Beacon On This Day: 113 (three days ago 120, via Dutchess County Tracker)
FISHKILL Active COVID-19 Cases In Fishkill On This Day: 101 (three days ago 112, via Dutchess County Tracker) Active COVID-19 Cases In East Fishkill On This Day: 80 (three days ago 94, via Dutchess County Tracker)
WAPPINGERS Active COVID-19 Cases In Town of Wappingers On This Day: 68 (three days ago 82, via Dutchess County Tracker) Active COVID-19 Cases In Wappingers Falls Village On This Day: 21 (three days ago 27, via Dutchess County Tracker)
POUGHKEEPSIE Active COVID-19 Cases In Poughkeepsie On This Day: 131 (three days ago 150, via Dutchess County Tracker)
Active COVID-19 Cases In Poughkeepsie City On This Day: 205 (three days ago 241, via Dutchess County Tracker)
ORANGE COUNTY 5/21/2020
How Many People Tested In Orange County: 42,239 (three days ago 39,748, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE In Total: 10,142 (three days ago 9,988, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested On This Day: 753 (three days ago 362, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE On This Day: 50 (three days ago 23, via New York State Tracker) Number Of People Hospitalized For COVID-19 As Of This Day: 77 (three days ago 96) (via Orange County Tracker) How Many COVID-19 Related Deaths As Of This Day: 428 (three days ago 419, via Orange County Tracker) 460 (via the New York State Fatality Tracker)
NEWBURGH Active COVID-19 Cases In Newburgh On This Day: 687 (three days ago 687, via Orange County Tracker) Active COVID-19 Cases In City of Newburgh On This Day: 1,397 (three days ago 1,397, via Orange County Tracker)
PUTNAM COUNTY 5/21/2020
How Many People Tested In Putnam County: 7,173 (three days ago 6.697, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE As Of This Day: 1,187 (three days ago 1,159, via New York State Tracker) 1,376 (via Putnam Tracker) How Many People Tested On This Day: 156 (three days ago 125, via New York State Tracker) How Many People Tested POSITIVE On This Day: 12 (three days ago 18, via New York State Tracker) How Many Active Cases In Putnam County On This Day: 36 (three days ago, 23 via Putnam County Tracker) Number Of People Hospitalized For COVID-19 As Of This Day: 14 (three days ago 11, via Orange County Tracker) How Many COVID-19 Related Deaths As Of This Day: 58 (three days ago, 57, via New York State Tracker)
PHILIPSTOWN Confirmed COVID-19 Cases In Total In Philipstown As Of This Day: 168 (three days ago 113, via Putnam County Tracker) Putnam doesn’t seem to publish an “Active Cases” per city/town/village number like Dutchess and Orange do. “Active Cases” can fluctuate up or down. “Confirmed Cases” only go up, as they are cumulative.
It's Memorial Day Weekend, and we have 3 words to kick off this weekend edition of the newsletter: THANK YOU Veterans. Re-read this speech from LTC Caroline Pogge on a woman's perspective during her time serving in Iraq. She reminded the audience that women first started serving in the armed forces in secret.
Dutchess County Memorial Day Drive-By Parade
Day: Monday, May 25, 2020 Time: 11am Location: Throughout Dutchess County
This may be the largest Memorial Day parade the county has seen with a cavalcade of vehicles from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and fire vehicles from various municipalities and districts. The convoy will depart at 11 a.m. from Poughkeepsie and the Dutchess County War Memorial.
Beacon of Love Fareground Fundraiser Preview
Day: Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Location: beacon-of-love.myshopify.com
Beacon of Love, a coalition of area residents, are announcing an online art show/fundraiser to benefit Fareground, a Beacon-based nonprofit organization, that has ramped up its efforts to combat food insecurity in the wake of Covid-19. On May 26, the online fundraiser will go live for previews only at https://beacon-of-love.myshopify.com/. Featuring works by 30 local artists and with prices tiered at $100, $150, and $250, the sale will go live on May 30 and run through June 2. Information >
The Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) Virtual 5K Run & Walk
Days: Sunday May 17-June 17, 2020 Time: At Your Own Pace Location: Favorite trail, your neighborhood, the park, your treadmill!
Complete a 5 Kilometer run and/or walk (5K kilometers = 3.1 miles) in the comfort of your own neighborhood or on a treadmill between May 17th and June 17th, 2020. You choose the date, the time and location. Information >
THE VAULT The Vault is now offering free local delivery! Call (845)202-7735 to place your order! Their hours are:
Tues-Thur 12-7pm
Fri & Sat 12-8pm
Sun 12-7pm
They have $5 off $35, $10 off $50 discounts from Tuesday to Thursday. Information >
BEACON PANTRY
Beacon Pantry is open 10am-6pm - closed Mondays but you can still order or pick up. The store is stocked full of goods. Check out what is on their shelves through their Instagram (@beaconpantry) and plan ahead for your next curbside pick up order. If you do come to the store, please wear a mask and follow their capacity guidelines posted on our door. View their product list HERE. Contact Beacon Pantry by email or phone at Beaconpantry@gmail.com or (845) 765-1933. Information >
EAT CHURCH
Thursday through Sunday you can grab a bite to eat from Eat Church. You can grab their daily special or pick from their menu. Visit their website to view current menu & place your orders for pickup or delivery or call (917) 364-0838. Online ordering is super easy! And the view of the mountain is spectacular. Eat Church food truck located on the hill at Industrial Arts at 511 Fishkill Avenue. Plenty of parking in the swooping parking lots.
Follow them on Instagram (@eatchurch) for daily specials only available at the truck. Eat Church is a ALBB Sponsor!
KITCHEN SINK
Kitchen Sink has been popping open on the weekends with a stuffed theme. Lots of things are stuffed and little, and available in limited quantities. Their menu opens up on the weekend, and you got to go to their website fast to place your order. Same with Eat Church if you want to snag their specials!
HOMESPUN FOODS
Homespun is hanging in there as a wine shop at the moment, and specialty grocery destination or delivery service! The wine list at Homespun is selective and extremely special, if you value where the vine is rooted and how the growing season was. Saturdays are their days for pickup of grocery and wine bundles, and delivery is available for other days. While the kitchen is not open, you can still get carrot cake logs! Start browsing here.
SOLSTAD HOUSE Solstad House asks "what exactly does an open retail shop look like in the COVID-19 era?" They want to hear from YOU. While there will mandates in place (ie: wearing masks, etc.) they want to know what else can be done to make you, the customer, feel safe not only in their shop but other local businesses in Main Street. Leave a comment in their Instagram post with your thoughts. Information >
BINNACLE BOOKS
Beacon artists @daniel_weise and @kalener (@clubdrawbeaconny) have put together an incredible initiative called WearTogether which pairs local artists with local businesses: the result, beautiful t-shirts with proceeds supporting both the artists and the businesses. You have TWO weeks to get your hands on this limited edition BINNACLE BOOKS / URSULA K. LE GUIN T-SHIRT drawn by @shamblanderson! Order by visiting this link. You can find more Beacon businesses participating and support at https://weartogether.shop/pages/beacon-ny Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
PTACEK HOME
We don't have to tell you how beautiful Hudson Valley wood is, let the endgrain speak for itself! Save a chunk of wood this Memorial Day! Order now on PTÁČEK Home's website at www.ptacekhome.com with curbside pickup or front door delivery! This One Chunk Console is now 30% off, now at $664. Visit their website for more information! Shop Now > PTACEK Home is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE
Luxe Optique is featured in A Little Beacon Blog's latest article on how some boutiques who were slow to build an ecommerce side of their websites, quickly dove in to develop this option when the shut-down happened. While Luxe Optique did have a website, they are currently building a new ability to order contacts online - even if you got your prescription with another doctor. Read all about it! Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
ECHO BOUTIQUE
Don’t all rush at once…space yourselves…but one of the most innovative shop windows in Beacon right now is at Echo Boutique at 470 Main Street, on the east end of town near the mountain. This boutiques with a wide curated selection of women’s clothing, kids toys, and some men’s accessories as well, was one of the first stores to voluntarily shut down - even before the Executive Order. Now, they are one of the first windows on Main Street to organize inventory in such a way that people can shop by number from the other side of the glass.
BEAUTY TIP
Are you trimming your own bangs? Shaping your own beard? Plucking your own eyebrows? Massaging your own neck? If you miss your stylist for these things, go ahead and send them some cash when you're doing this beauty update to yourself. They will thank you, and it helps them see you on the other side.
Change is hard! Adapting to learning online through Zoom and other meeting platforms can be intimidating. Our Managing Editor, Marilyn Perez, shares her own experience overcoming her anxiety when she had to take her yoga teaching from the studio to her bedroom (!!) for Firefly Yoga's online Zoom classes. And while she's referencing yoga, this can be applied to any kind of online gathering from classes and workshops to meetups! You can read more in her personal blog Ink+Coffee+Yoga.
Not Quite BOB Teen Zoom Book Club
Day: Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Time: 3pm Host: Howland Public Library
The library's annual summer program Battle of the Books has been cancelled. So, while you'll have to wait until next year to compete to for the banner, that doesn't mean you can't meet to share your love of reading. Interested in joining? Email Coach Michelle at community@beaconlibrary.org. You don't have to be a former High School Battle of the Books team member to join. Information >
Zoom Trendy Stitching Workshop For Tweens and Teens
Day: Thursday, Day: Thursday May 28, 2020 Time: 3:30pm Host: Howland Public Library Grade 5 and up
This virtual hand-sewing workshop, presented by Ellen Brown, is geared for students grades 5 and up. Via Zoom, participants will learn how to use a trendy one-straight-stitch embroidery technique to accessorize or fix clothes and other items. Information >
Zoom Stay Put Bookmark Workshop For Tweens and Teens
Day: Thursday, May 28, 2020 Time: 5pm Host: Howland Public Library Grade 5 and up
This virtual hand-sewing workshop, presented by Ellen Brown, is geared for students grades 5 and up. Via Zoom, participants will learn how to use material and hand stitching techniques to create a personalized bookmark. Information >
BEACONARTS
Have you seen the makeover done to the brick man on N. Chestnut St just off Main Street? Located on the side of Last Outpost next to Dennings Point Distillery, BeaconArts caught up with building owner Joe Darmetko adding a mask to "the duke". Meet Joe in this Instagram video. Watch here >
ANTALEK & MOORE
A friendly reminder from Antalek & Moore that their offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2020 for the Memorial Day Holiday. And if you're planning a cookout at home with your immediate family, don't forget to clean and maintain your grill as our friends at Antalek & Moore recently reminded us in this video they shared from Lowe's on their Facebook page.
PS: It's Friday, and Antalek & Moore wants to know what you're doing this weekend to get your foodie on? Chime in on their Instagram post! ALBB is ordering mozzarella sticks, at the very least, from Max's. Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
Thinking of becoming a screenwriter? Are you dusting off your keyboard to finally type it out? Tin Shingle Members get to watch this interview with a person such as you, Patty Carey, who lost sight of her writing dreams when her career in Location Managing in New York City took over her life. When she had children and took the summers off, her itch to write grew stronger, and she listened. Her first show was produced last year, after winning a contest of 300 other writers. Watch This >
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Do you need to build your website? You do, and it's a daunting task. Sometimes, all you need is a sounding board. An expert to hold your hand as you plot your way through. Many tools are out there for you to turn the lights on, but which one do you use, and how? Square, Squarespace, WordPress, Shopify, and other niche platforms that offer special tools for specific industries. Katie James Inc. and Tin Shingle are introducing a 3-session series where people can sign up and call in to workshop their websites in a group setting. FREE: For Tin Shingle Members, and Beacon businesses with a storefront on Main Street. There will be a fee for others taking it, and registration is limited. Details with signup link will be posted soon.
We got a suggestion in from a reader, who wanted to know how to send A Little Beacon Blog financial support to help us continue to produce. Even just $5. First of all: THANK YOU to that reader for wanting to do this! Support Here >
People Who Have Given Reading your comments of what ALBB means to your life has been humbling and keeps us going. Thank you. See Who Supported >
Support for this publication comes in part from these businesses. We have highlighted what makes them special on their own dedicated pages. Want your business listed here? See the "Sponsor Spotlight" or "Event Promotion" option in our Advertising Page.
A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
