Well it’s been quite a while since I last got to close my eyes in a room full of writers and be transported by someone’s words. I miss it dearly, but there are some amazing literary events happening via Zoom. And while we can’t spend our days spontaneously popping into the bookstore, or browsing the library shelves for hours, we can most definitely enjoy the treasures that are our local booksellers.
Outdoor Book Club November 10
I had not been to the Howland Public Library in Beacon since February and I finally went in last week to pick up some requests. I felt giddy with excitement. The vibe, however, was serious. The librarians are keeping things ship shape in there, so follow the rules, friends. The library book club is going outside, weather permitting. Join them November 10th at Memorial Park to discuss "The Night Tiger" by Yangsze Choo at a 6’ social distance. Bring a chair and a sweatshirt!
What books did I request, you are wondering? Well, I picked up the hilarious combination of Untamed by Glennon Doyle and Rock and Roll Bob (for my kindergartner). “Haha!” I said to the librarian. “I am not a cliché at al!” He did not laugh. (Justice I miss you). I have resisted reading Untamed since it was published in July, for reasons that are obvious if you know me at all, or maybe even if you don’t know me because this is a small town, but I decided to just go for it. I read the whole thing in one night, cried my eyes out, and promptly returned it. I’m super glad she’s bravely sharing her story with the wide world of Oprah’s Book Club readers, but honestly she’s a little Basic B for me.
A little more my speed is Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good by Adrienne Maree Brown which is taking me weeks to read, in part because I’m underlining everything. It is an incredibly powerful compilation of words and thoughts on transformative justice, radical pleasure and honesty and self-awareness. Preach. I’m going to have a discussion group around this book via Zoom on November 8th, and if you want to join in you can email me at phoebe@littlebeaconblog.com.
A Book Store All To Yourself! And Book Club For Kids
And I didn’t stop at the library! I finally got my first Unemployment payment since I started filing in June and I went and dropped a bundle of it at Split Rock Books in Cold Spring. It was a totally orgasmic 30 minutes of private shopping because they are only open by appointment for one lucky reader at a time. They have a whole bunch of Zoom book clubs coming up in November: The Kids Book Club is for ages 8-11 and meets Thursday, November 5th at 4pm. Next Book: Class Act by Jerry Craft. The Graphic Novel Book Club meets Tuesday November 24th at 7pm and is tackling the amazing Watchmen by Alan Moore. On November 19th is the Fiction Book Club and they will be reading The Other by Thomas Tryon.
Beacon’s own Binnacle Books is also open for appointment only browsing and while you are there, sponsor a book for a prisoner through the amazing Beacon Prison Books Project. I have a few books on my list that I’ve seen on their killer Instagram feed (follow them if you aren’t) that I want to go get.
If you want a less formal group writing environment, I just learned about Hudson Valley Performing Arts Laboratory provides free bi-weekly remote Writing Labs. These Labs provide a space for experienced and aspiring writers to set goals, read and workshop their work, and provide support to one another. And if you develop your work with the Writing Lab, you also have the opportunity to share your completed work (or portions of your completed work) at one of their readings. Dates for the rest of the year are 11/3, 11/17 and then the reading on 12/4.. Please register for the next workshop at hvpal.org/events or email info@hvpal.org for more details.
Poetry Power!
Want to hear some amazing crème-de-la-crème poets? The Newark-based Dodge Poetry Festival is online this year and if you pay-what-you-can, you can access the recordings of the readings after it ends on November 2nd.
Sarah Lawrence College has a great online event on November 11th when they bring together essayist Rachel Cohen and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Vijay Seshadri.
And there are so many good things happening at The Poetry Project in the city and now you can check them out without getting on the train. Plus! Their beautiful website just alerted me that you can pre-order We Want It All: An Anthology of Radical Trans Poetics from Nightboat Books. This collection brings together seventy-two intergenerational trans poets writing against capital and empire. Yum!
Happy writing and reading, my friends! Maybe I’ll see you around down once the leaf-peeping insanity dies down next week.
On Monday, October 26, 2020, the Village of Wappingers Falls Mayor, Matt Alexander, announced to residents via letter that he was resigning, effective December 2020. He has been the Mayor of the Village of Wappingers Falls for almost 14 years. In his letter, he stated: “Over this extraordinary past year, in enforced solitude and decreased mobility, I reflected on my own needs. With great sadness, I am announcing that I will be stepping down as mayor in December to pursue other opportunities.” His full letter is published below.
The Mayor told MidHudson News of his new job: “I’m really looking forward to a community like Wappingers Falls urban and diverse and full of opportunity,” he said. “They just got the Downtown Revitalization initiative – a very prestigious award in New York State – and I am very excited about working on that with them.”
A judge ruled that the votes were unauthorized, and required a public vote. The judged ruled that the Village of Wappingers Falls did not conduct an environmental review, as required under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, according to the article.
The public vote, after the Village’s 2 rounds of voting to disband were denied, was spearheaded by 2 lawsuits, according to Deming Headlight, resulting in the people of the Village Wappingers Falls voting to keep their Police Department. After that vote to keep the Police Department, Mayor Alexander proposed creating a Citizens Board. ALBB has not reached out to confirm if such a Board was created.
The Police Commissioner of the Village of Wappingers Falls, Carl Calabrese, resigned after 11 years of service, on April 8th, 2020. The Mayor and the Village Board of Trustees honored the Commissioner’s service in the Resolution accepting his resignation. Police Commissioner Walter Burke is currently in the position.
Some legal cases are listed in connection with former Police Commissioner, Carl Calabrese, including NOVICK v. VILLAGE OF WAPPINGERS FALLS, NEW YORK, which revolved around the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), retaliation against the Police Union rules or advocacy of rules, bladder cancer of Officer Novick, reporting correctly or incorrectly into the job for health issues, “Disciplinary” actions, a demotion of Officer Novick, and other details.
Another lawsuit in 2011, PISTOLESI v. CALABRESE, centered around the removal of a towing company used by the Village of Wappingers, as directed by then Police Commissioner Calabrese. The lawsuit named Officer Novick and Commissioner Calabrese, among others, including a then Board Trustee, for harassment. Years later, Officer Novick filed a lawsuit against Commissioner Calabrese and the Village of Wappingers in the lawsuit named above. The newspaper clippings below can be clicked to be enlarged.
A racial discrimination lawsuit was brought against the Town of Wappingers (different from the Village with different departments, and the Mayor does not preside here, as it is managed by the Town Supervisor, Richard L. Thurston) in 2019 by Troy Swain, who was 4 months into the job of Highway Superintendent when he was fired by a unanimous vote by the Town Council of the Town of Wappingers, due to allegations that he did personal tasks while on the job.
Troy was the first and only African American to serve as Highway Superintendent. Troy now works for the City of Beacon as a Heavy Equipment Operator, where he is 1 of 3 Black people working in that department in Beacon. Another worker, Reuben Simmons, had also served as Highway Superintendent for the City of Beacon, before also being unanimously voted out by Beacon’s City Council when they deemed that the job title did not exist in Beacon, and required a Civil Service exam he was not entitled to take (see ALBB’s article and podcast about this).
According to an article in the Poughkeepsie Journal, The Town of Wappingers also thought that the job title did not exist when Troy Swain held it. “Some members of the town board disputed the existence of the position and said Swain was ‘erroneously’ promoted. The union believed the position should've gone to someone with seniority, according to the documents.”
The same logic was used in Beacon in Reuben’s case in an unsigned mystery letter delivered to a Councilmember’s front porch, even though Reuben had been working for the City of Beacon for as long as his replacement, Michael Manzi.
In the Town of Wappingers, according to Swain’s attorney, Masai Lord of Lord & Schewel, he believes Troy’s termination was retaliation for filing an earlier racial harassment complaint. “Swain claims while on the job he was addressed with racial slurs. He said he had spoken about the harassment to his supervisor and a union representative, but wasn't provided a remedy,” he told the Poughkeepsie Journal.
In a lawsuit against the Town, Troy alleges he was discriminated against and denied due process before being fired, among other claims. He's seeking punitive damages. The trial is set for March 2021, due to a delay with COVID.
The goal of the trial, Masai told A Little Beacon Blog, is that “Mr. Swain needs to be compensated for what he went through. Not just the years of racial harassment, gratuitous use of the N-word, and wrongful termination and retaliation, but violation of collective bargaining agreement, and denied his constitutional due process rights.”
The Town of Wappingers voted unanimously via Resolution to terminate Troy on June 13, 2016. He received his termination notice on June 14, 2016. The lawsuit was filed in 2019, and named individual Board Members instead of the Town as a whole. The Board members tried to reverse by filing an appeal for qualified immunity in May 2020, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal article. That appeal of dismissal was denied in the U.S. Court of Appeals Second Circuit in mid-June 2020.
“The Southern District Court of New York also denied the Town's motion for summary judgement on the claims of discrimination, retaliation and retaliation based on the town's opposition to Swain getting unemployment compensation, meaning those claims will be moving forward to trial,” the article stated.
The Letter From The Mayor Of The Village Of Wappingers Falls Reads As Follows:
For ease of reading, Mayor Matt Alexander’s letter of resignation has been republished here:
Dear fellow residents,
It has been the privilege and honor of my life to enjoy the reward and fulfillment of service to my neighbors as mayor. However, all things must come to an end and my service to you has come to that point.
For over eighteen years, I served the people of the Village of Wappingers Faslls, with almost fourteen, as mayor. Over this extraordinary past year, in enforced solitude and decreased mobility, I reflected on my own needs. With great sadness, I am announcing that I will be stepping down as mayor in December to pursue other opportunities.
Our time together has been full of success and failure, joy and grief as well as growth and decline. But from the past fourteen years, I hop you see mostly good. I will do just that. I see how we have made great changes in our community over time. Though, I have some regrets, my belief is that, together, we have left the Village in a much better place than it was.
The best of our Village is its people and I have gotten to know o many of you in a special way that has made me better for it. I will miss this job more than any other. It was a very difficult decision, but I am confident that wonderful things lie ahead for all of us.
Godspeed and be well my fair Village. I will see you next as a fellow private citizen and hope to enjoy the future with you here for many years.
Beacon City School District Superintendent Matt Landahl robo-called and emailed district families today (Wednesday) morning with the news that they learned today that an individual in the Beacon High School had tested positive for COVID-19, and was currently isolated. The individual had not been at the building since Friday, and because of health privacy laws, further information about the person will remain private. Editor’s Note: Speaking for the community by saying we wish the person and their family health, strength, and compassion.
"Today is one of our remote learning days," said Dr. Landahl via email to district families, "and we are spending the day contact tracing." Wednesday is the day that the entire district is at home learning with teachers. This is the longest Remote Day for all students, where they may have several classes throughout the day, versus one Morning Meeting in the morning on regular Remote Days. The Free Remote Meals had just been delivered to front doors of those who signed up for the delivery option, and otherwise, the Remote day was humming along.
Beacon opened and remains in the Hybrid Model, which means students can opt-in for 2 days of learning in person at school, and 3 days for learning at home (with Wednesday as the day everyone is home learning). "When we consider closing a school temporarily due to COVID-19," continued Dr. Landahl via email to the community, "our plan is to close individual schools that are affected and not the entire district unless there is a health need to do so or we are guided to do so by the Department of Health."
Children or adults who were in contact with the person will be notified first by school staff, and then by the New York State Contact Tracing program with instructions on quarantining and potential testing for COVID-19 (you can find testing information here).
"If you are not contacted, then you will not need to quarantine," Dr. Landahl stated. "We will work tirelessly on contact tracing and communicating updates to the community and individual families who are affected by this."
Schools in the region have had over 150 positive cases as of October 8, 2020, as reported by the Hudson Valley Post. Yesterday, Newburgh Free Academy announced that 1 individual had tested positive, but had not attended school and was in Remote Learning only, therefore, school would not be closed for that building. They have had a total of 5 students test positive since the New York State Report Card Dashboard has been launched, which have all been Off Site, according to the Dashboard.
Other schools in the region have reported positive cases, including Wappingers Central, Middletown, Newburgh Central, Arlington Central, and others. Indicated on the Report Card Dashboard is if a positive case of a student or staff was located On Site or Off Site, as some cases may occur in people who are Remote Learning at home and were not in a school building, but are included on the Report Card.
Back before the time of COVID, there was unease on Beacon’s Main Street, as a turnover of retail establishments was happening, and the drumbeat against landlords was beginning at City Council, spearheaded by Councilperson Terry Nelson, who represents Ward 1. Because business is personal, reasons for businesses closing can be numerous and not always obvious (see past article about the cupcake shop Get Frosted and Underground Beacon - who was saved, but now recently closed due to COVID).
Catalyst Gallery, formerly at 137 Main Street, run by husband and wife team Erica Hauser and Jon Reichert, was a gallery based on a pop-up model. An artist could rent the space for the month or longer, and host a show. Catalyst was one of the first locations for the For Goodness Bake fundraisers, and Catalyst’s small-works sales.
When Catalyst announced their closure in February 2020, A Little Beacon Blog reached out for an interview, got it, and then the pandemic hit. Our publishing cycle got loopy, thereby delaying this piece. With the opening of 2 new businesses where Catalyst was (the smoother store Blend just opened in the storefront next door, and a pottery studio has just opened where Catalyst was), we are running this article.
Erica was often the face of the gallery, and is a voracious artist herself, when not helping stack wood for her family’s wood cutting business. In February 2020, just before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic and everything shut down, Catalyst announced they were closing. At first there was sadness, which possibly turned to relief after the unexpected shutdown happened.
A Little Beacon Blog reached out to Erica to gain some insight into the “Why” behind their decision. Her interview is below.
ALBB: How was your landlord? Did you get pushed out with high rent? “Our landlord has been good to us and I want to convey that. The owners before that were On The Square. They were good too because they kept our rent affordable, I can't speak to how they were for any other tenants. To be completely at the mercy of owners, I mean we could have been gone in two years. But it worked out and we were able to really establish something. For a while. :)
“We were lucky in that our rent increased very gradually over the 7 years, even after a change in building ownership. If it had gone up drastically, we would not have been able to sustain it. We could have managed 1 more year at the slight rent increase for 2020. It was still below ‘market value’ as far as current comparison with other spaces, because our landlord valued us as a tenant, but it would rise again in 2021. We felt that we would be unable to meet our expenses. It would be challenging to support artists and do what we had been doing for the community, for our own shows and for special events (such as local fundraisers and benefits we hosted) if we continued in the same way.
ALBB: Did you consider a business pivot in order to stay in your location? ”I considered changing the model in order to generate the funds, but this seemed to go against the spirit and mission I had started with. While missions can change, I felt that in this case the original idea - providing artists affordable opportunities for exhibitions and creative events in a great, well-maintained location - had run its course. These words were still accurate except ‘affordable’. Over the years Beacon got busier on weekends and the space felt more valuable, as artists could potentially sell more work to more people, but how much more could we pay without asking, who is supporting who?
“Beacon and its visitors did support us, and we were able to make a strong impression in the art community - that a gallery could sustain itself over time, and that artists could create their own opportunities in a more direct way. It’s still a true idea I will keep in my mind and heart for the future, but I began to feel challenged by the efforts and energy required, and distracted from the potential for new projects either here or elsewhere. So we weren’t forced by the rent or the planned renovation that would reduce our space (which they gave ample notice about and had agreed to postpone). I was able to make the difficult decision based on all factors combined.”
ALBB: Where can we imagine you next? ”As far as what I plan to do with the time I am longer spending the gallery, after resting for awhile…
I am a painter and I do some sculpture and mixed media. I lived in Beacon 2007-2013 and in Newburgh from 2014-present. I used Catalyst to show and sell my own work, to curate group shows, to meet collectors or curators in a space that wasn’t my cluttered studio, and to connect with artists and friends. I will miss having the gallery as my home base in Beacon, but I am still involved in the community and have already been offered several options to curate shows and exhibit in different spaces in the Hudson Valley. So that’s exciting to think about.
“I’ve done some local public art installations - [at the time were] on view are ‘Chromatic Substation’ at Beekman and High St in Beacon, a collaboration with Jon - and ‘Colorgarden’ on Carpenter Ave in Newburgh - and would like to do more, including murals. I have been working with a design studio that produces my prints for West Elm, and am doing an artist pop-up with Madewell; I am focusing on new ways to support my work and reach a wider audience. I will be speaking to a college class about my use of color, and perhaps teaching art to teens. Some people know that I stack firewood as a seasonal job, as that slows down by winter’s end I will be able to allocate more time to painting and finding opportunities to keep making, connecting, living a creative life.”
“Chromatic Sustation” by Erica Hauser and Jon Reichert. Photo Credit: Erica Hauser
'Colorgarden' for Terrain Biennial Newburgh and is at Downing Park Urban Farm. Photo Credit: Erica Hauser
'Chromatic Substation' (at Beekman St near High St on way to train station) was originally done for Beacon 3D last June - November. The owner of the property on which it was installed - who also owns the building Catalyst's used to be in - offered to keep it up through March 2020. “They were effectively leasing it from us, so it is not really any longer part of Beacon 3D,” Erica tells ALBB.
Erica installed 'Colorgarden' for Terrain Biennial Newburgh and is at Downing Park Urban Farm, 207 Carpenter Ave in Newburgh.
Blend Smoother and Salad Bar on Main Street, near Lewis & Pine. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin
Shopping and eating healthily just got a little easier on the west end of Main Street (the end near-ish the train station) with the opening of the new smoothie and salad shop, Blend. Just up the block from long-standing Bank Square Coffeehouse, and in between and across the street from incredibly niche boutiques (Lewis & Pine, a new pottery shop, Colorant, among other retail destinations), eating to-go acai and smoothie bowls, avocado toast paninis, and blended fruits and vegetables just got easier.
But wait - have you seen Blend before in other towns? Yes you have. Blend owners Alaina James and José Medina are from New Windsor, NY, where they opened their first Blend, located at 357 Old Forge Hill Rd. Other locations include Middletown, Monroe, Mohegan Lake (inside of ShopRite), “Blend is not a franchise as many think we are,” says Emily Dolan who works at the Beacon location via email with A Little Beacon Blog. ”Our goal is to make the Hudson Valley a healthier place and we are doing so by expanding locally within different regions of Hudson Valley.”
Why Beacon? ”Blend has always wanted to have a location in Beacon,” says Emily. “It's a small city that is filled with fun, culture, authenticity and diversity. When it comes to eating healthly this is what it's all about; food that's eclectic and great for the body.”
Beacon is not hard-pressed for healthy eating options, as many sit-down eateries offer creative menus with Hudson Valley farm fresh food, including Kitchen Sink (farm fresh rotating menu), Meyers Olde Dutch (burgers), Zaitun (Palestinian), Homespun, Vegetalien (on the east end of town) and many others. Beacon Natural mixes smoothies and offers pre-made menu items, and Studio Beacon has a fresh smoothie and bowl bar.
However, a specialty store just for fresh smoothies, salads and acai bowls is new to Beacon. Emily told ALBB: "We cater to all of our customers individual needs. We care about what we are putting into peoples bodies. All of our fruits and vegetables that we use are 100% fresh and we do not add any sugar or added substitutes. People come into Blend with cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and just want to know what is best for them and that’s why we are here. Not only to make delicious smoothies but also to help our community become a healthy and more health knowledgeable place."
What’s On The Menu?
Fresh flavors are available on this menu of both solid food and juiced. Here’s a sampling:
If you’re a local who wants a quick and healthy bite, a run down to Blend is quick, easy and worth it. If you’re visiting on the weekend and find yourself waiting in line to enter a boutique who is observing social distancing requirements, then you now have a new place to snack and stay fueled up for your Beacon shopping, day to day living, and early voting!
Right now, Blend is aiming to be open into the night, so that evening commuters walking up from the train can grab a snack before dinner. Morning hours start at 7pm or 8am depending on the day. Hours change frequently for stores in Beacon, so always check their website or Instagram first.
The rally in Montgomery, NY in Orange County from the The American Patriot Council billed as a “freedom march” in support of gun rights for hunters, despite any push for gun rights being taken away from hunters, was held in the small town of Montgomery yesterday that was originally supposed to happen within 100 feet of an early voting location - a senior center.
Originally, the location was approved by the Village Board earlier this month. Last minute, after pushback from residents, it was moved to a location further away. A parents group from Valley Central School District issued a press release on Friday to urge Mayor Steve Brescia to cancel or move the rally, saying no public events should be allowed near that poll site during the early-voting period.
The American Patriot Council is known for its "armed protest against coronavirus restrictions inside the Michigan state capitol and were accused of having ties to the foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, but have disavowed any connection,” according to the article.
Montgomery's Mayor Steve Brescia, a Republican who is running for state Senate, and police Chief William Herlihy told the Times Herald-Record on Friday that "the rally's proximity to a polling station at the start of voting was purely coincidental, and that the organizers originally proposed a march at another location until it was suggested they gather at the park instead," the article stated.
The original invitation to the rally included encouragement to bring guns. The invitation was removed from Eventbrite. Chief Herlihy said village police couldn't prevent any rally participants from carrying handguns if licensed to do so, and. Steve told the newspaper: "We'll be talking to the organizers, and it will definitely be discouraged." The American Patriot Council is promoting rallies to take place at the same time on Saturday to “demand emancipation from the bondage of tyranny.”
Mayor Steve Brecia, who is also the Orange County Legislature chairman, said that 2 Black Lives Matter marches took place in Montgomery earlier this year, and that the village had no reason to refuse a rally billed as a celebration of patriotism. He did not see why voters would feel intimidated, with that many people decorated in flags standing so close by, giving speeches. "Why should there be any voter suppression here?" he is quoted as saying in the article.
According to the article, Montgomery Town Supervisor Brian Maher said he offered the town's Benedict Memorial Park, which is about two miles down Route 17K from the village, as an alternate site. He said village Mayor Steve Brescia accepted the offer and alerted participants of the change.
According to the article, concerns were raised about the prospect of voter intimidation, as well as the practical matter rally attendees taking parking spots from potential voters.
Initially, the the event for Saturday's rally in Montgomery, which was posted in Eventbrite but was taken down, had encouraged participants to carry guns. According to the article, “none were visible during the 30-minute rally. It also invoked the upcoming election, but made no mention of the voting taking place locally.”
You Guys...the weekend is here. It may be a fast and furious one, despite some clouds that may hover over in the sky. Beacon locals know to do their shopping mid-week, because Beacon is getting as busy as Midtown in Manhattan on the weekends. But that should not stop you from heading out. It's fun to be in the hustle and bustle, and our eateries and boutiques need you. So get out there!
Here's your list of things to do:
THE RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Edited and Written By: Marilyn Perez and Katie Hellmuth Martin
VOTE Early Begins!
Days: Saturday, October 24 - Sunday, November 1, 2020 Times: Vary. Check website. Location: Fishkill Town Hall, 807 Route 52, Fishkill, NY for Beacon residents.
Voting early in New York State begins on Saturday, October 24th. The nearest polling location is the Fishkill Town Hall. It is open 7 days per week.
Love this design? It's available as a face mask! From the talented designer of accessible clothing for people who have trouble reaching for things or closing buttons, Ag Apparel. Information >
Dutchess County Hazardous Waste Electronics Dump Event
FILLED!
Date: October 24, 2020 FYI: This event has reached capacity! Mark your calendar for February 2021, and is not taking new dumps.
A new date to look forwardto in the new year. Information >
Story Screen Drive-In presents "The Cabin In The Woods" and "The Blair Witch Project"
Day: Friday-Sunday, October 23-25, 2020 Time: 7:00pm (Cabin), 9:15pm (Cabin) Location: The Park at USC, 724 Wolcott Ave, Beacon, NY Information >
March For Education
Day: Saturday, October 24, 2020 Time: See schedule below Location: People’s Park, Newburgh, NY
If you have been wishing for an amended curriculum for kids of all ages in school to better include Black lives and history, then this March to highlight this stalled bill may be what you are looking for. Next Step Hudson Valley has organized this March in Newburgh to highlight a bill is currently in a pause mode, so needs attention to keep it moving to a vote phase. According to the organizers: "We have a meeting on the table. Elected and appointed officials, as well as educators and parents, are becoming familiar with the NYS Assembly Bill A03648, which appropriates $25,000,000, nearly for a lot of the essential things we’ve been demanding for, collectively. We’re proud to have organized around community, movement, and justice regarding our demonstrations and efforts to decolonize education. Since this Summer, we’ve been planning a significant disturbance of our business as a usual society because our Black lives matter." Permits, protocols, communications and collaborations have happened. If you cannot attend the March, read these slides to learn more about the bill, and how you can make a difference to move it forward. Information >
Hudson Valley Renegades Craft Fair
Day: Saturday, October 24, 2020 Time: 10am-5pm Location: Dutchess Stadium, 1500 Route 9D, Wappingers Falls, NY Information >
"Journey To Freedom" At The Newburgh Free Library
Day: October 12 - December 12, 2020 Location: 124 Grand Street, Newburgh, NY
Newburgh Free Library is hosting "Journey to Freedom," a year-long series of arts, cultural and educational programs inspired by the courage, vision and strength of the American abolitionist and political activist, Harriet Tubman. This sculpture of Harriet Tubman by award-winning artist Wesley Wofford will be on display in front of the Newburgh Free Library from October 12 to December 12, 2020. For more information, please visit www.newbughfreelibrary.org. This project is funded in part by Humanities New York Information >
EAT CHURCH
511 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon, NY Eat Church is returning this Friday and Saturday with their CURRY KULT REVUE at @marbledmeatshop Last week sold out fast so get your orders in early! Location: 3091 Route 9, Cold Spring. Days: Friday & Saturday, October 23-14. 4-8pm
Online ordering is LIVE. View all dishes and full menu at eatchurch.com
Pictured is PANANG KUNG. Tempura shrimp and crisp calamari, red coconut curry, squash, Thai basil, peanut. Served with coconut rice. 📸@chris.perino Information > Eat Church is an ALBB Sponsor!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
In addition to beef burgers, the menu at Meyer's Olde Dutch offers chicken, hot dogs and vegan options with multiple toppings and house-made signature sauces, plus hand-cut fries, salads and daily specials. All items will be available via counter service and served in open seating and a back open-air patio.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Swing by for live entertainment outside on the sidewalk sometimes! Information > Meyers Olde Dutch is an ALBB Sponsor!
HOMESPUN
232 Main Street, Beacon, NY
and the Cafe at the Dia : Beacon A Wine Special at Homespun can look like this: "Bénédicte et Stéphane Tissot Arbois Chardonnay ‘Patchwork’ 2018" and "GD Vajra Barolo ‘Albe’ 2016."
Yeah that's right. You might not know what any of this means, but owner and sommelier Joe does. And all you need to know is: you're going to enjoy it. Get it at $12/glass with your meal, and/or take a bottle home. As Joe says, with emojis and all: " We both know you’ll need a drink " Information > Homespun is an ALBB Sponsor!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Summer time lasts a little bit longer around these parts when you get to enjoy the pergola at the Hudson Valley Food Hall. Go inside to check it out! Plenty of fans to keep the air moving. THIS JUST IN: Barb's Butchery just opened a satellite location in the HV! "Barb's Fryworks" We're just as new to it as you are, so you'll need to go inside to try it, and send us pics. Tag us in the 'gram. Information > Hudson Valley Food Hall is an ALBB Sponsor!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
BAJA 328 is an easy location for Southwestern fresh flavors, and cocktails. Enjoy their large garage door to let in the early Fall weather as we enjoy this fresh air. Tuesday - Thursday: 4-9pm Friday - Saturday: 12pm-10pm Sunday: 12pm-8pm Follow on Instagram > Baja 328 is an ALBB Sponsor!
BRETT'S HARDWARE
18 West Main Street, Beacon
Keep the outdoor festivities going by grabbing a couple of patio heaters from Brett's Hardware. They just received a bit shipment of them. Follow them on Instagram at @bretts_hardware to see what else they have in stock! These tall patio heaters won't last long.
PS: You're going to find tons of other things in there as well that you need.right.now. Go Shopping > Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE
181-183 Main Street, Beacon
From natural horn to sterling silver, @RIGARDS frames have forged an instantly recognizable style that combines offbeat aesthetics with a quiet elegance, much of which pertains to the spirited craftsmanship and unique use of traditional materials. No less compelling are the signature finishes, imparting nuance and character to the frames and creating a distinctive bespoke element. Talk to Luxe Optique about the sourcing, and decide if this style is right for you. Go Shopping > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon Binnacle Books are still giving away FREE COPIES of “Beyond Survival: Strategies and Stories from the Transformative Justice Movement”. Would you like to read it? Come to the store and ask for a copy. It’s as simple as that. Says Binnacle: "We want our community to read this wonderful book, and to read it together."
Transformative justice seeks to solve the problem of violence at the grassroots level, without relying on punishment, incarceration, or policing. Community-based approaches to preventing crime and repairing its damage have existed for centuries. However, in the atmosphere of contemporary criminal justice systems, they are often marginalized and operate under the radar. ‘Beyond Survival’ puts these strategies front and center as real alternatives to today’s failed models of confinement and ‘correction.’ Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS
436 Main Street, Beacon
Who doesn't love a great fringe? We are in love with this take in the form of a fringe knitted sweater. Come see this piece and more new arrivals at La Mére Clothing and Goods today or visit their shop online 24/7.
La Mere is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
LEWIS & PINE
133 Main Street, Beacon
So worth the wait if there is a Social Distance Line to get inside! Word got around that new designs and scents dropped at Lewis and Pine, and if you hit the shop at the right time, there is a line to get in! The shop is small, and you'll discover with boutique shopping in Beacon, each store has a different social distancing capacity. @lewisandpine⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Shop > Lewis & Pine is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!
ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
You can trust a business by the longevity of their team. Antalek & Moore is happy to celebrate Kathy Sandford's 22 year anniversary with the company. Kathy serves as the Business Insurance Team Leader. She is a Commercial Account Manager and licensed New York State Insurance Broker, assisting clients with property, general liability, business auto, workers compensation, directors and officers, contractor or bond.She is a Beacon native with a long history of leadership, especially in the local Girl Scouts chapter. Congratulations on this work anniversary! Information > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
Are you pitching the media but don't know what to say? Are you saying all the things you ever wanted to say in an email, but you left out the most important part? Tin Shingle has a Pitch Whisperer service within its membership, and this week, recorded a quick video tip in response to a pitch that someone submitted who needed help. Watch This >
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Need a beautiful website with ecommerce right now?
Need to fix your existing website with ecommerce to make it look modern, fresh and beautiful? Katie James, Inc. can help with all of these things. And train you in how to run your website all by yourself. Katie James, Inc. aims to empower clients to do things on their own. Learn More >
Councilperson Dan Aymar-Blair, representing Ward 4 near Mount Beacon, gave residents guidance during this week’s City Council meeting on what to do if they found a dead deer in their yard: call the Highway Department to remove it. Additionally, the Highlands Current reported early in September about the increase in dead dear in the region, which New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) confirmed was the result of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), which is carried by a midge who bites a deer.
One was found near the Fishkill Creek in Madam Brett Park, and 32 EHD fatalities in the Cold Spring area and 26 across the Hudson River near Goshen, according to the article. Depending on the movement patterns of the local midge population, say officials, the disease could be spreading. It could be paused by prolonged freezing weather.
According to the article, written by Brian PJ Cronin: “After a deer is bitten by a midge carrying the virus, it takes about 7 days for symptoms to appear. Once they do, the end comes swiftly, usually 8 to 36 hours after being affected. Besides acting disoriented, appearing lame and losing their normal fear of humans, infected deer have high fevers that cause extreme thirst, which is why most deceased deer are found near water sources (one of the first reported cases was a doe found in a Putnam County lake). Other visible symptoms include swelling of the head, neck, tongue and lips.”
According to the article, and to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the disease is not transmittable to humans or pets, like dogs. It is limited to white-tailed deer, mule deer and pronghorn antelope. In other words: ruminants, which are hoofed, even-toed animals, according to ODFW. Colder weather with a freeze would drive the midges into hibernation mode.
Though the disease is not transmissible to humans, it can cause deer to die quickly near humans, and begin decomposing, which can cause a foul smell. The dead deer should not be eaten. According to the Highlands Current: “Deer that succumb to EHD decompose at a much higher rate than normal as a result of weakened blood vessel walls and an elevated body temperature from fever. This leads to extremely rapid meat spoilage, so infected deer should not be eaten.”
The article encourages people to contact the wildlife department at the DEC’s Region 3 office in New Paltz by calling 845-256-3098 to report sick or dead deer. Councilperson Dan encouraged Beaconites to call Beacon’s Highway Department at (845) 831-0932 and by emailing the Highway Superintendent, Michael Manzi, mmanzi@cityofbeacon.org.
Sargent Elementary PTO Board President, Erin Giunta, announced at the last Board of Education Meeting 10/13/2020 that they are creating ways to be more accessible to parents in their community by removing dues to be a voting member of the PTO. “One of the things we are trying to do to help is to make the Board and the PTO more accessible to everybody.” The meeting was also announced on the Sargent Elementary PTO website.
The Sargent PTO Board Meeting was last Thursday, where they elected or re-elected Board members and and adopted proposed changes to their bylaws. Erin encouraged that everyone in the Sargent community is welcome to attend the PTO Meeting.
“[This is] one of the things we are changing in our bylaws,” Erin stated, “is removing dues to become a voting member, so that everybody in the community of Sargent has a voice and will not feel impeded by feeling like they have to pay dues to become a member to have a vote or voice in any of the meetings.”
The previous bylaws stated: "All members considered to be in good standing are granted voting rights." Further: "Dues, if any, will be established by the Executive Board. If dues are charged, a member must have paid his or her dues to be considered a member in good standing with voting rights."
That language was eliminated completely, and now reads: "The families of students currently enrolled at Sargent, the faculty and staff, and the principal are automatically considered members of the PTO. All current members are granted voting rights. Members of the broader Beacon community are also welcome to attend PTO meetings to provide their input and perspectives on PTO and school-related initiatives, however such attendees are not granted voting rights."
On September 30th and October 5th, three employees of the City of Beacon tested positive for COVID-19 and were quarantined for a mandatory 10-day period, according to a press release issued by the City on or around October 13th. According to this week’s edition of the Beacon Free Press, City Manager Anthony Ruggiero confirmed to the newspaper that the last person to test positive returned to work on Friday, October 16th. He also confirmed to the paper that “City Hall continued to be open the whole time.”
According to the press release reported on by the Highlands Current, Poughkeepsie Journal and Times Hudson Valley, the City hired Servpro to “thoroughly disinfect all of City Hall on Sunday, October 4th.” The administration notified the Dutchess County Department of Health, and followed all protocols, including engaging New York State contact tracers, according to the release.
According to the Beacon Free Press: “In the release, City officials underscored their ongoing commitment to public health and the safety of its employees, residents, and visitors. City officials remind everyone to continue to take COVID-19 seriously and follow the proper protocols. The need to continue to maintain social distance of 6 feet and continue to wear masks when appropriate and wash and thoroughly was noted.”
As of October 20th, there were 12 positive cases in the City of Beacon, according to the Dutchess County Dashboard. According to Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro, “the Hedgewood Home for Adults in Beacon Assisted Living Facility is considered resolved, with no new positive cases reported and no active cases within the facility,” he stated in a virtual Town Hall Forum. He also reported that Bard College announced a precautionary closure of its Annandale campus to visitors, but the Dutchess County Department of Health (DBCH) confirms there are no active cases of COVID-19 associated with the school.
As for the Marist cluster, Molinaro stated: “The cluster reported at Marist College relating to an October 3rd gathering has run its course, with a total of 30 cases in the cluster, according to DBCH. Marist College lifted its precautionary campus pause on Saturday, Oct. 17th.”
The press release issued by the City of Beacon to various news media has not yet been added to its website with other press releases. A Little Beacon Blog seems to have been left off the distribution list, which we have been included on prior for other releases, like the new business cards for police officers and new initiatives like Hope Not Handcuffs. It should also be noted that the Mayor issued a robo-call during the uptick earlier this month at Hedgewood, but not for this instance.
Wishing everyone the most health and full recoveries.
UPDATE 10/29/2020: City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero says that the employees have recovered, and that there are just over 30 employees in the building on average.
Back in the summer, over at ALBB’s “What, What Is That?” podcast, Brandon and Katie (that’s me) interviewed Katie’s son, Cole, about why he likes the cartoon, Paw Patrol. Early on in June 2020, during the cop show cancel domino fall, which included the show Cops after 32 seasons, there was a rumor that the cartoon would be canceled. In fact, later in July 2020, the president and White House press secretary stated how upset they were about the cancellation of the show - long after the rumor was debunked. USA Today and other publications had to publish news stories proving the White House wrong.
In this episode, recorded in August, Cole tell us why he likes Paw Patrol, as well as his true feelings on Optimum, how Optimum WIFI keeps failing him, how he was feeling leading up to Remote Learning starting in the fall, and a few tidbits on his favorite YouTube channels.
While Governor Cuomo encourages testing for all citizens of New York State, and boasts of some of the highest testing numbers, there are no state-sponsored free COVID-19 testing sites in Dutchess County nor Orange County for people without insurance, as there are in several other counties.
In his press briefings, when speaking to the people of New York and in his nightly emails, Governor Cuomo urges people to use New York’s free testing sites, like here on September 1, 2020. It’s a simple directive, but one that is not readily available to residents in Dutchess and Orange Countries who may never have had health insurance, or recently lost health insurance.
According to a representative at the the New York State Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline for testing there are free, NY state-sponsored sites in Albany, Binghamton, Erie, Nassau, Suffolk County, Niagara, Rochester, Rockland, and Utica. Colleen T. Pillus, Communications Director with Dutchess County Executive Office, has confirmed that New York State has not put free testing sites in Dutchess County, and encourages residents to visit the Dutchess County testing page to see which facilities offer free testing to the uninsured. Those locations have been highlighted below in this article.
Says one Beacon parent who recently lost their New York City based job in the hotel industry when the luxury hotel laid off most of their staff: “Having no health insurance is why I am keeping my child home for school and avoiding friends. We are not participating in the Hybrid Learning program that Beacon is offering because we can’t afford to get tested. I haven’t begun the research to find what our free options are, if any exist.” While on furlough, the hotel kept some employees on while cutting salaries, but maintained their health insurance. A month later, the Beaconite’s job was terminated due to the pandemic, and health insurance lost.
COVID-19 Testing And Kids In School
As some people have returned to work or college, testing has become mandatory. Those in the film industry, for example, just started returning to work, only after contracts with testing companies were established to allow for rapid and lab testing. Some college students who attend classes in person undergo mandatory testing, like those at SUNY Orange, who are “pool testing” every few weeks, and do not ask for insurance, and say that students will not be billed.
Kids in the Beacon City School District are not required to take COVID-19 tests to attend or return to school, but a test is one of the options if a student is sent home with a fever, or if a student opted to voluntarily stay home because of the sniffles.
If a family does not have insurance or the cash to pay for the lab and/or office visit for testing, the options narrow for how to get a child back in the in-person version school (Remote Learning can still continue on the computer from home). Prices for testing for the uninsured can range from $65-$175. As an insured person, my cost averages $50 per person for an office visit to an urgent care, and the lab test is waved.
Attempt To Get Free COVID Testing Site In Dutchess County
Dutchess County’s County Executive Marcus Molinaro wrote to Governor Cuomo on May 22, 2020, asking him for a drive-thru testing site in the City of Poughkeepsie, to help low-income residents there get access to rapid testing. The letter (shown below) went unanswered, Colleen told ALBB. MidHudson Regional Hospital had been operating a drive-through testing facility in the Town of Poughkeepsie. The location proved hard to access for many in the City of Poughkeepsie, and Dutchess County partnered with the hospital to provide transportation. There is a minimum co-pay of $75 for this option, for the uninsured.
Below is the letter from Marcus Molinaro in full, which details the request:
Photo Credit: Dutchess County Executive Office
Photo Credit: Dutchess County Executive Office
Individual Testing Centers Opting To Wave Fees For The Uninsured In Dutchess County
The Dutchess County website does go into detail about insurance information, and options for the uninsured. You should pay attention to:
If the waved fee includes the office visit and the lab test.
If you do have insurance, which insurance company is covered.
If you don’t have insurance, that the office fee and the lab test are waved. Not just one or the other.
If the information has changed.
As of today (10/21/2020), according to the Dutchess County website, the following locations in or near Beacon offer a true no-fee for any of the testing (not the lab nor the office visit):
Hudson River Health Care (now called Sun River Health, after a merger). The Beacon location on Henry Street, and they specify that testing is available regardless of insurance or immigration status. (845) 831-0400. Appointment for testing required. No telahealth visit required.
Excel Urgent Care of Fishkill (845) 765-2240. Appointments encouraged, but walk-in welcome.
Northern Medical Group. You must call to see if you qualify. A telahealth visit is required for evaluation prior to testing. Hopewell Junction (845) 226-4590, and Poughkeepsie (845) 452-9800
Nuvance Health (a location in Wappingers Falls is listed)
Castle Point VA Medical Center (Wappingers Falls (845) 831-2000)
Close, but not quite for uninsured in Beacon:
CVS is offering to submit testing for those with no insurance, but only at select locations. The Fishkill CVS is not listed as participating in this.
NY Clusters And Higher Infection Rate For Mid-Hudson Region
The Mid-Hudson region does have a higher infection rate than other areas. In Governor Cuomo’s nightly email, he reported the figures from yesterday:
In Long Island, it was 1.6%. In the Capital Region, 0.8%. In Central New York, 1.9%. In the Finger Lakes, 1.7%. In the Mid-Hudson Region, 2.6%. In Mohawk Valley, 0.5%. In the North Country, 0.6%. In Western New York, it was 2.0%. And finally in the Southern Tier, 1.3%.
It is unclear why Dutchess County and Orange County do not have state-sponsored testing locations for the uninsured. If we get answers from the New York State Department of Health, this article will be updated.
Beacon’s school district is one of the only that opened with a Hybrid model, meaning, kids in elementary, middle, and high school could opt to go to school for 2 days, and stay home on the Remote Learning plan for 3 days a week. Children in Special Needs programming can go 4 days. Beacon took many precautions with opening safely and maintaining sanitized rooms, which included investing in more disinfecting equipment and personnel, dividing the classes in half in order to reduce the class sizes to comply with state social distancing requirements, enforcing masks in the building (with breaks), and using outside spaces for learning or more breaks.
But as we are in cold/flu/allergy season, the sniffles are bound to happen. What do you do in a pandemic, when requirements exist about how to treat symptoms you may or may not have kept your child home for before?
Step 1: You call your school nurse. Step 2: Consult with the Beacon City School District’s (BCSD) website, where they have a Reopening section with several documents, including a Protocol for Symptomatic Students or Staff chart that explains what to do. Step 3: Decide if you are going to visit your primary care physician, or an urgent care, or a free testing site. This article evaluates all of these options.
For guidance on how to treat a child with symptoms related to COVID-19, like chills, a cough, a sore throat or nausea, the Beacon City School District has posted a flow-chart that explains it. The flow-chart says that if a student has symptoms, then the student is to be isolated and sent or kept home. From there, they should seek medical attention and/or get tested for COVID-19.
This means, the child can see a doctor to be evaluated, and at the doctor's discretion, come away with a note from the doctor saying that they don't think it COVID-19 and can return to school, or that the doctor recommends getting the test.
To return to school, there are a few options:
Get a note from a medical provider. Says Beacon’s head Nurse Aakjar: “The note from the Doctor must provide an alternate diagnosis (as per NYS requirements),” or
Provide a negative COVID-19 test of the RT-PCR kind (meaning, the one that gets sent out to a lab, vs the same-day rapid test), or
Wait 10 days from the onset of symptoms.
If siblings of the sniffler are also sniffly, they are also asked to stay home until symptoms are over. If the sniffles passes through a house with multiple children, you could be looking at a long time of staying at home, if you are a Hybrid family. It's OK. If this had been done prior to the pandemic and with playdates and sleepovers, it might have reduced the amount of stomach bugs and other viruses from being passed around anyway.
If the student tests positive for COVID-19, then the school nurse notifies the local health department. Close contacts to positive cases can return to school after a 14-day quarantine period.
Testing - Where To Go
This is where things can get creative, as there are several variables and costs to consider, including office visit charge, testing charge, scheduling time, and if computers for new telahealth visits are working that day.
Dutchess County put their list of testing sites here. Three of those are evaluated below. Where you go might depend upon your insurance, if you have insurance. If you do not have insurance, Excel Urgent Care is accepting patients and submitting to the CARES ACT on their behalf.
If you do not have insurance, there are no state-sponsored free testing sites in Dutchess County or Orange County at this time, according to a representative from the New York State Department Of Health, and confirmed by Colleen T. Pillus, Communications Director with Dutchess County Executive Office. However, Colleen does encourage people to visit Dutchess County’s list of testing sites, as an insurance breakdown is provided for each one.
Counties that do have free testing sites for non-insured (or insured, if you want to avoid paying whatever your insurance company will still bill you), include: Albany, Binghamton, Erie, Nassau, Suffolk County, Niagara, Rochester, Rockland, and Utica. Visit covid19screening.health.ny.gov to complete a Screening questionnaire, then call the NYS COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065 to make your appointment. Bring proof of ID and confirmation number.
ALBB’s Review Of Urgent Cares
PM Pediatrics - Hopewell Junction The easiest urgent care to go for Beaconites is PM Pediatrics. Possibly because they are dedicated to pediatrics, there are less people going there. Also, maybe it’s the area’s best kept secret. Got a splinter and a very upset child who won’t let you touch it? PM Pediatrics has a special splinter puller. Need stitches removed? They can do that too. All from friendly, kid-decorated offices.
At PM Pediatrics, your child can walk-in to be seen by a doctor, and tested at the same time. Or, the doctor may decide that a test is not necessary, and send you on your way with a note. A telahealth visit prior to the visit is not necessary. The test will be done inside their building.
Pulse MD - Poughkeepsie During the 10/13/2020 Board of Education Meeting, Beacon’s Superintendent mentioned a partnership that BCSD has with the urgent care Pulse MD. According to BCSD’s head nurse, Hannah Aakjar, RN, this is a line of scheduling communication with the District that can be used by any District family, especially those who are new to the District and don’t have a primary care physician yet. Once you connect with your school nurse, your school nurse can set up a virtual telahealth visit with Pulse MD.
A text will be sent to your phone, and you fill out insurance information first. For the 2 times I used it, the telahealth connection did not work, and a phone call was had between myself and the medical professional about my children who had sniffles. They recommended a COVID-19 test.
COVID-19 testing is done on site, but it is in Poughkeepie and averages 300 people per day, for a 2 hour line in the car. Testing is done by nurses outside, rain or shine, and the nurse, in our experience, was so nice and helpful when administering the test, despite the rain that day. The line, however, is real. Go to the bathroom prior, and bring snacks. Or go to PM Pediatrics for walk-in service with no call-ahead scheduling.
Excel Urgent Care - Fishkill
Beaconties have been visiting Excel Urgent Care in Fishkill for their sniffle evaluations and testing. Some waiting of at least an hour in the parking lot may be required, but depends on the day. Excel Urgent Care is accepting people with no insurance, and are filing to programs on the patient’s behalf. Reservations encouraged, but walk-ins welcome.
Sun River Health (formerly HRHCare Beacon) An appointment for testing is required, but not a telahealth visit. The cost of the test is covered by Sun River Health for those who do not have insurance. This is not an urgent care, but is a resource you should know about for primary care physicians, women’s medical issues, and other medical needs. 6 Henry Street Beacon, NY (845) 831-0400
Caremount Medical Urgent Care - Poughkeepsie
We wrote about testing at Caremount Medical Urgent Care here. Being a prior patient of their system is not required, and walk-in service is available. Depending on the wait, you may be waiting in the car for testing or to be called to your appointment. Testing will be done inside the building or from your car.
Primary Care Physician
Being seen by your primary care physician is ideal. But sometimes, their schedules do not allow for this. Which is why a trip to PM Pediatrics may nip your wait time in the bud.
If your child has conditions like asthma cough, causing them to cough without being sick, then a note from your primary care physician is needed to be kept on file with your child’s school. Says Nurse Aakjar: “As far as getting a note for students with chronic conditions that would cause a cough, sneeze or sniffles, this would elate the students from having to stay home and receive a note each time they are having an ‘episode’. We also would accept physician notes that state if a child has a chronic condition that may cause diarrhea or headaches (ie. IBS, lactose intolerance, anxiety, migraines...) to also eliminate the student from having to be sent home.”
This is a good time to make sure your child has an inhaler in the office if needed, and to get the note and prescription from your doctor.
Nurse Hannah Aakjar, RN encourages families and caregivers to reach out and call the nurses at the schools: "If anyone has questions, they could reach out to myself or to their school nurse. We have spoken to many families since reopening and have learned a great deal along the way. This is a learning process for all of us but we are happy that we are able to help families navigate through this very unusual and trying time."
During the next Board of Education meeting following September’s meeting, where the Board was faced with confronting the process of creating a process to appoint 2 people to 2 vacated Board seats (see previous article, “What Shook The Room At Beacon’s BOE Meeting; 2 Open Seats But 1 Was Filled”), the Board heard from one new candidate, Joseph Puliafito. The candidate has been a resident of Beacon since the 1950s, owns 9 parcels in Beacon, and has teaching experience in educational technology and special education. A second candidate had applied in addition to Joseph, but withdrew before this meeting where the Board could interview candidates in a public format.
Of the 4 original candidates who applied previously, Jasmine Johnson was appointed to the Board, and John Galloway Jr. opted to have his application roll over for reconsideration to this second appointment process. Both Jasmine and John are Black. The other two candidates - Barb Fisher and Travis Fisher - a married couple who are white - withdrew their applications (read their letters of withdraw here) shortly after that meeting, both stating that the Board seemed to have a candidate who would fit the Board’s needs (this was prior to Joseph applying).
Interview With Candidate Joseph Puliafito
In their public interview with Joseph, where he stated that John Galloway Jr. “seems to be a great, nice guy” with a lot of people supporting him, Joseph asked the Board how they felt they were doing with their goals, stating: “It's a very trying time, in terms of economics and racial unrest. I do hope we see change as soon as possible and that everybody would be on the same page because all lives matter, Black and white.”
Joseph’s experience includes orphanages and public schools, stating: “I have a lot of experience since I was a teenager, in orphanages, for many different types of social problems in the family. I've worked since 1970 in colleges, with public school teachers in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. And I've seen the problems there. It's not easy as you said to solve problems. And it's slow in some cases.”
Joseph continued to express how he roots success in happiness and selflessness: “Everyone has to be on the same page, and not think about themselves, but each other. And their lives. And to make everybody else's life better. Economically, socially. People should be happy. People are not happy now. Everyone has to be served.”
When Board president Meredith Heuer asked if he had considered applying to the Board in the past, Joseph exclaimed: “I've always paid my taxes, and they have been exorbitant. I have 9 parcels in Beacon. I did want to see where the money was going. I started to think: ‘Well maybe I should be part of it.’"
Interview With Candidate John Galloway Jr.
With most of his appeals made during the first meeting on 9/14/2020, where John focused on his young age and current connection with youth in Beacon, which would help him be a bridge between the Board and the students, John focused this speaking opportunity on how his supporters were behaving. Most of the supporters calling in to the voice support for the meeting were adults who felt passionately about voicing their opinions about what was said at the prior meeting. Some of those vocal supporters stated professional experiences with Boards of Education in general, run a business, or run a local organization. A handful of vocal supporters were current students.
John addressed that by saying: “Thank you for the opportunity again for allowing my application to roll over. I want to make a point to everybody who is calling in and doing a lot of things on social media. I appreciate the support, it is really outstanding, it is really appreciated. But also to remember to do your best to respect the Board and respect the process of the Board. This is an appointment process, this isn't an election. Some stuff that's going on is a bit, I would say it's ...supportive but also unnecessary. It is an appointment process, we just have to stick to the process, and hopefully that will be the result. We just have to hope for the best. Just respect the Board if possible. Because it is still not getting anything done, raising what I would call havoc - coming at board members - and making daily posts about it. Just try your best to support me, and if you would like to call in, that's fine, but there is no need to come at the board. If you want me on it so bad, I would just think that counter-productive.”
Longtime Beacon-based business, Drink More Good (DMG), is leaving Beacon. The spacious storefront next to Towne Crier Cafe and Oak Vino, is for rent. Oak Vino had been for sale prior to the pandemic, and all through the pandemic, and continues to be (but has had tasty nibbles…our sources say it may be selling soon). Announcement to come on what that space will become, or if it stays the same.
Jason started as a bartender and mixologist, and began his bottled syrups company with a big vision and a g-chat message (gmail chat…back in the olden days) with an early investor. The brand More Good earned shelf space on several retail stores including Whole Foods, Key Foods, and several boutiques across the country. Jason’s businesses endeavors continued to expand, as he partnered locally with businesses including Ella’s Bellas, Story Screen, and even the Roosevelt Bar in HV Food Hall, as well as other brands in New York and elsewhere. Generosity-wise, his business has always given a portion to Generosity.org, an organization that brings clean water to people who don’t have access to it.
The Expansions Started In Beacon
We first wrote about the syrup company, More Good, when they were moving out of their 500 square foot space on Main Street in the little space across from Homespun, that was used by Homespun for their catering, and shared with More Good (the space is now up for rent) to go further down the street to what has been More Good’s long-running location at 383 Main Street. That location opened with 2,000 square feet as a tea shop with a commissary kitchen in the back. Owner Jason Schuler’s syrup business was growing, and he was using the space to bottle the sweet stuff.
“I took the risk with that expansion because I needed more production space, and I saw a value add for the community as a resource for accessible organic herbs and spices and teas,” Jason told ALBB for this article. “We also opened our doors to other local food and beverage entrepreneurs to help with overhead, and to fulfill the need for a commissary kitchen in our area. We knew there was one because we needed it and it wasn't available.”
While keeping the Beacon tea storefront, he outgrew the space for bottling his own brand, and expanded again into the Old East Fishkill IBM building in 2017. According to a feature in The Valley Table, the new space enabled Jason to take on more bottling clients, where he was “co-packing,” where he assisted other entrepreneurial companies with ordering, manufacturing and fulfillment.
From The Valley Table’s article: “Schuler was producing his own products as well as those of 8 other emerging beverage companies in a 10,000-square-foot space in the former IBM complex in East Fishkill. Early in 2019, the company, in the midst of its first major capital drive, began planning to expand to 27,000 square feet and increasing its production capacity to more than 10,000 gallons per day, up from its current production of 5,000 gallons per week.”
The expansion was a success, and outgrew itself in a way where one of the co-packers bought the facility. Says Jason to ALBB for this article: “We opened that space in October of 2018 and immediately saw massive growth in our manufacturing business, so much so that our resources were focused on growing that side of the business instead of the syrup or retail side of the business. It was an exciting opportunity and relentlessly difficult. At one point we had over 30 employees and were producing for 10+ companies across several product categories. In 2019 one of our clients realized massive growth, and we wound up selling our manufacturing side of the business to them and vertically integrating our Hopewell facility with their business.”
Jason went on to work full time for that company, and his wife, Morganne Frazier, a pilates instructor and gym owner of Warwick Pilates Gymnasium, took over operations at More Good.
The Pandemic And The Beacon Storefront
“COVID decimated the DMG business, and forced us to rethink and restrategize our entire business plan,” Jason told ALBB. “Evolve or die, they say. Morganne has been rebuilding the vision for DMG ever since. Unfortunately, with the way the economy has panned out, the retail store and commissary is no longer a financially viable option for DMG to sustain. It served its purpose for the company, and I hope for the community too. I built that place with my bare hands and next to no money, literally. There were many days where I didn't know how we would survive to the next, but we did, and we built something beautiful out of it.”
New directions for the syrup company seem like they are revisiting their roots, and tapping into the creative side again, rummaging around in smaller spaces and dirt of the earth, as Jason and Morganne have move out to Warwick, and the syrup shop will once again share a space with another retail business. ”DMG will live on as a brand as Morganne continues to restructure the organization to be focused on online sales and the DTC business, our wholesale business for distribution, as well as reopening a small 300 sq ft shop in a shared space with her Pilates studio in Warwick,” Jason tells ALBB.
“Earlier this year, we also invested in a 1948 Chevy Pickup truck that we converted into a farmstand and Cocktail truck for special events and weddings. COVID has put our big plans to rest on that for a while, but we will be utilizing it as we see opportunity to do so.” Each year, Jason has hosted or co-hosted a fundraiser, and this pandemic year is no exception. A Trunk or Treat 2020 is planned at their new farm, Goodmaker Acres in Warwick, NY, with all proceeds going to Generosity.org.
Meanwhile…
Jason and Morganne are working on a homestead project on their 7 acre farm in Warwick, called Goodmaker Acres. “It will be our next passion project over the next 3-5 years as we build it up to be a sustainably farmed practice that supports the DMG business by growing our own seasonal produce. We will be opening that property up to the public for Upick orchards and berry patches as well. More to come on that as we are in just the beginning planning phases.”
Anybody who watched Jason’s early Instagram photos after he moved into the 383 Main Street space could see how much he enjoyed working with and crushing the ingredients that went into the syrups. The brand leaving Beacon is a loss of a vibe locally, but the beat goes on elsewhere in the world, and Beacon will continue to feel it.
Wishing Jason and Morganne the very best as they expand their family and businesses!
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