On October 14th, elementary students will be served pasta with NYS beef meat sauce, tossed salad with Common Ground Farm greens, local cucumbers, and NYS apples and pears!
Middle and high school students will be served loaded baked potatoes with school made NYS chili, NYS potatoes, tossed salad with Common Ground Farm greens, local cucumbers, and NYS apples and pears!
More About The Partnership Between Common Ground, Land To Learn, and The Beacon City School District
According to Sember Weinman, Executive Director of Common Ground Farm, told A Little Beacon Blog that they started working with the Beacon City School District leading Farm to School education programs in 2012 and began developing a relationship with food services director, Karen. They started a Vegetable of the Month taste test that allowed Common Ground and partner organization Land to Learn (was Hudson Valley Seed at the time) to encourage students to try fresh seasonal vegetables while the cafeteria expanded their veggie side dish menu options.
In 2016 Common Ground gave Karen a U-Pick membership that helped her to understand farm operations. They began donating lettuce and other greens to the schools in spring of 2016, and in 2017 worked on a micro purchase agreement to sell to the schools and participate in the bid process. Karen conducted a site visit and made several food safety recommendations, which Common Ground implemented.
Common Ground Farm focuses on lettuce because it has a short grow time and is very popular with students, but also sells smaller amounts of items that can be showcased through the Vegetable of the Month program like cucumbers, kale, carrots and tomatoes.
Common Ground Farm thinks that nutritious food is a right regardless of economic background. They see public school as a way to reach a diverse cross section of the community. They were already leading education programs in the schools so it seemed like a really natural fit to begin working with the schools as a distribution point as well.
The Beacon Bears building located across from the grassy field for the young football players. When there are no vehicles parked in the lot, a car could drive all the way around this building, in a circle. During busy game days, the left side of the building is usually blocked off for protection of people sitting in bleachers right across from the building, and for people using the building when it is open as a snack shop.
The bright orange Jersey barriers, previously known as “parklets” when they protected diners outside of restaurants who were eating in parking spots, are now protecting families with young children who play flag football, known as the Beacon Bears, from adult road rage. The games are played in a grassy field adjacent to a volunteer-run Beacon Bears building in the middle of a parking lot at Memorial Park, which houses a snack bar and is a destination for kids to sit in front of and go to the bathroom at a porta-potty outside of the building during games and practice. For years, parking on the left side of the building has been blocked off during games and practices to protect players and fans.
Adults from other sporting events such as adult baseball and softball games scheduled at the same time at Memorial Park have reportedly been annoyed at the blocked off parking in front of the building, and have been storming the cones that are placed there by Beacon Bears coaches and parents, people who have been attending the young football games for years say.
Last weekend, a white woman participating in the softball game who wanted to drive through the cones but could not, was so incensed, that she yelled at other parents protecting the blocked parking area.
Shortly after the woman’s outrage, a white mini-SUV was seen by several people to be driving through the middle of Memorial Park at high speed. The vehicle’s path was through the grass, in between additional baseball diamonds where people usually set up volleyball nets, and slightly to the right of the tot park where children play on the playground.
Some Background
Three weeks ago, a white man in a black 4-door pickup truck drove himself and his child through the blocked off area in front of the Beacon Bears building. This was while 15 flag football fans sat on the ground of the parking lot in the shade of the front of the building while the snack bar was open. The afternoon sun was very hot, and the blocked off area outside of the snack shack was the only available shade.
The man removed the cones, and drove his large truck through. At first, everyone sitting on the ground, just inches away from his wheels, thought he was in a position of authority. Spectators later learned that he was not of any authority, and was simply a person used to moving parking blockades at his own digression at that parking lot.
What Happened With The Softball Game
Last weekend, during a double header of flag football, which consists of kids ages 7-14 and the family members who come to cheer them on, including younger siblings, were rivaled by an adult women’s softball team on a nearby baseball diamond. The team consisted of mainly white women and their men-folk during what some at the event said was a Breast Cancer Awareness themed game. A tent was set up at the softball diamond, and many of the female players wore hot pink tube socks.
Parking was tight, as it usually is on the weekend during games. Cars were parked all down the base of Memorial Park hill, which is normal for a day of Saturday games. If there are several cars, any seasoned Beaconite knows not to park deep into the parking lot near the field, as many cars pile up and make their own parking choices, sometimes blocking each other in. The driveway is gravel and not marked with parking spots.
At the end of the softball game, and at the height of the kids flag football game, the softball players and fans wanted to exit. They stated that the open lane of the parking lot was blocked by a double-parked car. They wanted to drive through the official parking blockade on the opposite (left) side of the Beacon Bears building where the spectators and children stand.
Earlier, they had taken to driving over traffic cones, according to people who saw them do it. A Beacon Bears parent then moved his car to replace the cones, so that softball cars could not drive through, flattening the cones. Some female softball players were upset, and began yelling at the flag football parents who set up the car blockade. One woman yelled: “Everything was fine until the football people showed up!” Which sounded sureal and straight out of a 1970’s kids coming-of-age movie.
According to people at the scene, the softball players called the Beacon police, who arrived to asses the situation. This was after an ambulance had been called by the softball people earlier to answer someone in need. At that time, a car had double-parked in the open lane on the opposite side of the Beacon Bears building.
The police officer determined that the Beacon Bears were within their right to block the section of the driveway to protect the players and families, which had been common practice over the years. He said that the driveway opening on the other side of the building was sufficient to be used as an exit. Unless that side had a double-parked car, which would need to be moved by the people who parked it.
According to people at the scene, the police officer wrote down the license plate of the car being used as a blockade, so that he could let the rest of the police force know that if police were called for this incident again, that the car was a known vehicle, and was there to protect from aggressive adults driving through where children are playing.
The Police Decision Did Not Stop The Adult Softball Players
After the police officer left, a woman who was initially screaming about the parking situation continued to scream at the parent who owned the car being used as a protective block. Another flag football parent, Tracy Way, who is well known to the South Avenue Elementary community as the Keeper Of The Lobby at South Avenue, stepped in to answer to the screaming softball woman and to keep the parking blockade strong.
Tracy and the owner of the protective car were by themselves confronting the angry team, until the softball woman got into her vehicle. Shortly after, a white mini-SUV could be seen speeding across the grass of Memorial Park, toward Route 52 where there are even more children playing.
From Left: The owner of the car used as an approved blockade against adults wanting to drive through parking blocks, who remained seated on the car during verbal altercations; the daughter of Tracy Way who supported her mother; and Tracy Way, who dealt with the women and men who shouted at her about the parking setup.
After the angry woman left, the softball crowd was not done. A man confronted Tracy. Towering over her small frame, the man told Tracy that her communication style was all wrong, and this never would have happened if she had said things differently. Tracy, meanwhile, had moved a metal trash can to be closer to the protective car, since a softball participant wanted to squeeze through the protective car and the bleachers - where people were sitting watching flag football.
The trash can was filled with White Claw beer cans and Twisted Tea bottles. Every now and then, as the man berated Tracy, different softball players came to put newly empty cans into the trash can.
A child reported that softball players were smoking during soccer practice days prior. This past summer, Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White proposed a smoking ban of tobacco, vape and cannabis in all city parks, to “give people more teeth” to ask neighbors stop smoking during soccer games. Beacon’s City Council voted to approve the smoking ban weeks ago. While smoking anything during soccer games had not previously been noticed as even happening, it appears that smoking tobacco does on other fields. The smoking ban was inspired by the legalization of cannabis. But it looks like tobacco is the culprit in this case.
While the man told Tracy that she was the only one putting up a fight about the parking situation, Tracy tried telling the man that the flag football coaches supported her decision, but were busy on the field coaching a game. Other women including her teenage daughter stood behind her to show support.
When the man shouted at her: “Do you own this field?” and “Why do you let children play in this parking lot anyway?” (answer: the snack shop and bleachers are right there), Tracy calmly told him that the police officer stated that the parking could be arranged this way. A second man joined the first, and tried lecturing Tracy. When she retorted to him: “Let me ask you a question…” the second man shouted: “NO!” The women around Tracy continued to support her and spoke up to let the men know that the parking block was necessary.
The first man then encouraged the second man to walk away, and the tension receded. The rest of the softball team who who was still there broke down their tent, and lingered in the parking lot, drinking from various cans and making trips to the porta-potty. One woman, upon walking to her car, shouted an obscenity against Beacon, and then spit on the parking lot.
What Happens Next?
The leaders of the Beacon Bears wrote to Beacon’s Parks and Recreation Department Director, Mark Price, who accepts scheduling for these fields. He told the Beacon Bears directors that the softball team would not be allowed to book the field again, but this remains to be seen if they are to show up again.
According to the Beacon Bears, Mark had the orange barriers sent down to be placed on either side of the building, creating safe passage for children and adults to walk between the porta-potties, snack shop, and bleachers. Cars can exit through the other lane on the other side of the building. The entire parking lot is gravel, so there are no marked spaces. The entrance of the parking lot is paved, and is completely crumbling with potholes.
In order for the orange barriers to be effective, they need to be filled with water. Otherwise, they are light orange plastic blockades that wobble. When the restaurants had them, Beacon’s Highway Department dropped them off filled with water. Restaurant owners were unable to move them very easily, as they were so heavy. It remains to be seen if the Highway Department will fill these barriers up with water to make them more difficult to move at will.
Cuddly weather is getting closer! The mornings are misty and the evenings are cool, while the afternoons still tease us with the balmy 72 degrees for a bit longer. The darker mornings and evenings mean one thing: reading under a blanket just got easier. Ever at your service, ALBB's author of our Writerly Happenings series, Phoebe Zinman, has collected many places you can find literary inspirations in the Hudson Valley this October.
As New York City and now LA require proof of vaccination at restaurants, bars and gyms, some Beacon restaurants are voluntarily wanting proof of vaccination. The Roundhouse announced their proof policy last week for people dining.
Shortly after announcing their pausing, Quinn's has announced that they are indeed reopening with live performances, but with a few differences this time: there will be a required cash admission price (versus the donation-based method used prior) and a proof of vaccination with masks.
A reminder to happy customers: restaurants often get hammered by bad online reviews for a variety of reasons. If you love an establishment, go ahead and leave a review. While most detest Yelp, it still holds weight in the media and with some readers. During coffee or tea one morning, do the rounds for someone on Google, Yelp, FB, and others to offset any grumpycats.
These Second Saturday Highlights are made possible by the sponsorship of No. 3 Reading Room & Photo Book Works.
(top) Mariam Aziza Stephan
at No. 3 Reading Room & Photo Book Works
469 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508
On view are four works-on-paper selected from the larger body of this work from Mariam Aziza Stephan. The originals are small, intimate 6 x 18″ India ink drawings on paper that has been cut open and reassembled with additions and deletions, like the sacrifice zones they represent. Details >
(bottom left) Teron Wright & Flu Season
at Twins Barbershop
349 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508
Teron Wright returns with his friend, Flu Season, for more mixed media work from the two Beacon natives. Teron's art is centered around portraits with an abstract twist or feel. Teron likes to recreate all kinds of portraits or famous events that contain a message or powerful statement. The colors used represent the message or mood of the subject he's creating; the colors give the painting an abstract vibe. Flu Season's pieces consist of dark comedy, iconic cartoon characters/celebrities, politics, current events and such. His mediums are copic markers, inks, colored pencils, acrylic, oil on paper or canvas. Details >
(bottom right) Fruma Shrensel
at The Lofts at Beacon
18 Front Street, Beacon, NY 12508
Fruma Shrensel's work examines our human selves as they exists in a world of form. Fruma says: "Our Being is an indefinable essence that expresses itself in countless ways. These works offer visual interpretations of only a few parts of Being. There are so many more. Come and share. What does Being mean to you?" Details >
THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE
Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade and Katie Hellmuth Martin
You can sponsor this Event Guide with your event, for extra promotion of it! If you'd like to guarantee to see your entertainment event listed here, book an Event Promotion Advertising spot here.
Field + Supply Fall MRKT Days: Friday, October 8, 2021, Saturday, October 9, 2021, & Sunday, October 10, 2021 Time: 10am - 6pm Location: Hutton Brickyards, Kingston NY
From October 8th - 10th, the bi-annual fair will make its highly anticipated return to the Hudson Valley for the first time post-pandemic. Hosted on the scenic grounds of Hutton Brickyards in Kingston, NY, Field + Supply convenes over 175 makers across a range of disciplines to present shoppers with a thoughtfully curated selection of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind goods. Paired with live music, food and beverage vendors, and live demonstrations from select makers, the weekend is a celebratory event not to be missed. Tickets are required for entry at a starting price of $15.00, and guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance as a limited number will be available for purchase on-site. Information >
Market Day Crafts Fair at the Van Wyck Homestead Museum
Day: Saturday, October 9, 2021 (Rain Date: Sunday, October 10, 2021) Time: 10am - 5pm Location: 504 Route 9, Fishkill NY 12524
Celebrate local craftspeople as they offer their masterfully hand-crafted wares on the grounds of the Historic Van Wyck Homestead Museum. Crafters will arouse your senses with colorful pottery, soft knit items, stunning stained-glass gifts and aromatic skin care products and more. The Fishkill Historical Society will provide a concession of culinary delights like made-to-order Dutch apple fritters, soups, chili, hot dogs and wonderful baked goods. Enjoy a tour of the museum during your visit and hear about how craftspeople of the past kept Fishkill humming while it served as a supply depot in the Revolutionary War.
Harvest Festival at The Barns Art Center
Days: Saturday, October 9, 2021 & Sunday, October 10, 2021 Time: Screening Times 11am - 3pm, A Groundbreaking Ceremony for Futerfarmers will be held from 3pm - 6pm Location: The Barns Art Center, 736 South Drive, Hopewell Junction, NY
Celebrate both the premiere of three-screen, immersive film experience, paying homage to the stewards of the Hudson Valley, LOST ARTS, as well as the groundbuilding/breaking ceremony of a large-scale public installation with world-renowned artist collective Futurefarmers.
Hudson Valley Day of Art with Women of Culture
Day: Saturday, October 9, 2021 Time: 10am - 7pm Location: Ann Street Studios
Join art-based networking community Women of Culture for a full day trip to the beautiful Hudson Valley, featuring artist studio visits & a private guided tour at Dia: Beacon, on Saturday, October 9th. Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year in the Hudson Valley, and our Art-full day trip combines the natural beauty of the area with two special art experiences. Some attendees will be traveling together from NYC but Hudson Valley locals are also encouraged to join for the non-transportation option (those not traveling to the area in the rental car will also need to provide their own transport in between Newburgh and Beacon). We will start our day by visiting the studios of three female artists (Theresa Gooby, Kirsten Kucek & Jackie Skrzynski) located in Newburgh, just across the Hudson from Beacon, NY. We will have the chance to learn about each artist’s process and inspirations, seeing works in progress as we go. We will then have a delicious lunch at Ms. Fairfax in Newburgh, followed by a private guided tour of Dia: Beacon. Take time to explore the galleries on your own after the tour, or take a walk along the Riverfront Trail. Information >
Fall Harvest Festivals
Day: Now - October 31st! Location: Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY Information >
TWO WAY BREWING COMPANY
18 West Main St.
Grab a pint and some dinner from Two Way! What better way to spend a fall weekend?! Not sure what you're in the mood for? Try a flight at their full service taproom! Two Way brews all of their beers at our in house brewery located right next to the taproom. They are also location for pool, darts, foosball, and private events! See beers on tap here > PS: Trivia is on Thursdays! OPEN:
Thursday 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday 4:00pm - 11:00pm
Saturday 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm - 8:00pm
Two Way Brewing Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
EAT CHURCH
3091 U.S. 9, Cold Spring, NY
BANH HOI. Rice noodle bundles w/ herb salad, pickled veg, and Nuoc Cham & Grilled beef from Eat Church! Visit their website for Weekly Menu/Specials!
Find Eat Church:
Thur-Sun at industrial Arts Brewing
DAILY GrabnGo at Marbled Meat Shop
Sunday at Beacon Farmers Market
So many opportunities to get your hands on this deliciousness! Website >
Eat Church is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193 Main St.
There really is nothing quite like fresh sourdough toast smothered in butter & BBC's house blueberry compote to start off the weekend! Especially when it is all fresh & made in house! Drooooooling. PS: BBC is open 8am - 5pm every day except Wednesday. PPS: If you need a special loaf or pastry for your holiday or event, BBC is more than happy to take custom orders! Give them a call today. Menu > Order Pick Up or Delivery > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
MOD uses only the finest ingredients including local food purveyors such as beef from the Hudson Valley, cheese from NY state and produce from local farmers – together with their family micro farm in Hyde Park. Their full-service bar features a large selection of NY craft beer, locally produced wine and house-crafted cocktails. In addition to beef burgers, the menu offers chicken, hot dogs and vegan options with multiple toppings and house-made signature sauces, plus hand-cut fries, salads and daily specials. Stop in! You will NOT regret! Open Sunday thru Thursday for Food 11:30am - 9pm; Bar until 10pm Friday and Saturday Food 11:30am - 11:00pm; Bar until midnight. Order Now > Meyers Olde Dutch is a Sponsor, thank you!
TITO SANTANA TAQUERIA 142 Main St.
Taco's are better with cocktails! Tito Santana is now featuring QNSY CANNED COCKTAILS!! They sold out of the Lovely Rita (can you guess why??) but more will be in this weekend! These are real cocktails made with real ingredients by real people in Queens and they look SO GOOD! Enjoy a refreshing Mojito or Cosmo with their delicious tacos (that are only $3 on Tuesdays!) PS: Dinner takeout special available Monday-Friday from 4pm - 9pm: 4 tacos, + 2 street corn, + 1 chip & salsa, + 1 rice & beans for only $24! PPS: Catering available! Menu > Catering > Tito Santana Taqueria is a Sponsor, thank you!
HOMESPUN
232 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Have you tried Farm Kits from Common Ground Farm available at Homespun yet?! Common Ground is a non-profit organization with a mission to serve our community as a model for food justice and education for people of all ages and incomes. Each week, for the remainder of the growing season, Homespun Foods will offer a 'Farm Kit' full of local, seasonal produce grown right here in Beacon. Each week will be a little different, and this is a wonderful way to truly eat with the seasons. Local organic produce, harvested fresh and ready for pick up each Friday at Homespun Foods. Farm Kits > PS: Homespun even has a Beer Store & Beer Subscription online! See more here > PPS: Gift Cards are available in-store at Homespun! PPPS: Order cutoff for Farm Kits is every Tuesday at 5pm, and pick up is at Homespun every Friday, anytime between 10am-7pm. Find more Farm Kit Info Here > OPEN HOURS:
Thursday - Monday, 10am - 7pm Order Food > Homespun is a Sponsor, thank you!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Shmuck's Sweet Stuff chocolate chip cookies loaded with chocolate and baked fresh, these cookies are waiting to be filled with for your favorite flavor ice-cream Which ice-cream are you choosing?!
Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! Momo Valley: Himalayan Spiced Hand-Crafted MoMo & More Barb's Fry Works: Gourmet, small-batch-loaded fries. And salads. El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Head on down to Baja and try these delicious fajitas! They won’t disappoint! Try the Chicken, Steak, Shrimp, or Tex Mex!!! So many options! PS: Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6pm Check out their specialty drinks > Check out the specials >
BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN
244 Main St.
Rice bowls loaded with grilled vegetables for your weekend plans! Stop by this weekend for all the deliciousness packed into one plant-based dish. From falafel to kebabs, there are so many options to enjoy a rice bowl your favorite way PS: Fall Season = Soup Season & Ziatun has you covered with delicious soups! Menu > Order Online > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
DIRTY BACCHUS
380 Main Street, Beacon
Eve’s Cidery / Sparkling Perry 2020
Matt Moser-Miller, a former intern at Eve’s Cidery, foraged wild pears throughout the 2020 growing season in the Finger Lakes region for his former employer. This perry is made entirely of those wild foraged pears, which were wild yeast fermented and aged in both stainless and neutral oak, then tiraged to induce a secondary fermentation in bottle. Steve shares "the result is stunning, smelling of lilacs and beach grass and birch beer and stone, tasting of blanched almonds and unripe peaches. The mousse is full and luscious, giving body, while soft tannins and fully integrated acidity offer shape and a pleasing, flavorful finish that lingers. Good stuff!" PS: Dirty Bacchus is hiring! HOURS:
Mon-Wed: 12-6pm
Thur- Sat: 11am-7pm
Sun: 12-5pm Dirty Bacchus is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon Binnacle is open DAILY! A wonderful place to buy & sell your books! The bookstore is a collaborative endeavor by four partners, who have collectively been writers, editors, musicians, producers, organizers, teachers, filmmakers, and booksellers. If you love books, they welcome you. If you don't, they'll do their best to convince you otherwise. Donate to the Beacon Prison Books Project postage and shipping fund.🏼 www.paypal.com/paypalme/prisonbooksproject
Binnacle is NOW *Open daily!
Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!
BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon
Have you decided on how you're going to update your home/give it a refresh? Bretts has what you need! Don't forget to stop in for seasonal decor! PS: The cold is coming! Get your winter mats & supplies! Stay ahead of the game.
Stop in & check it all out. OPEN
Monday-Friday 7:30am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE
181-183 Main Street, Beacon
What better way to make a statement with your eyewear than to have your frame literally POP right off your face. Luxe Optique does it again! Stop in! These are insanely perfect! PS *NEW HOURS
Monday 10 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Closed on Sundays! Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS
470 Main Street, Beacon
Fall arrivals are flying out the door at La Mere! New arrivals do not last long! Give your closet an upgrade... We're stopping in this weekend! You?!
Saturday Store Hours 11-6pm
*New Arrivals Weekly / Free Shipping
Download their free app in the iTunes Store PS: Everything is under $100!! PPS: MENS clothing now available!
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
More dance costume photos from Yanarella! Really into these dark navy vibes! Join in on the fun & find a Fall class that best suits you! OR step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
Yanarella performs and participates at various functions in Beacon and the surrounding areas throughout the year. Celebrate 4 years of excellence with them!
ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
With a combined 45 years experience, Antalek & Moore's agents take the time to get to know your family and what makes your life special. Let them provide you with peace of mind knowing that everything you love is protected by selecting the right personal insurance coverage for you! Give Antalek & Moore a call today: 845-831-4300 and visit their website. Latest Announcements > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor. Thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
Connecting is one of the most important ways of learning, growing and succeeding as you seek exposure in social, digital and print media. Tin Shingle’s TuneUps are live broadcasts of a webinar that takes a deep dive into a trending topic or a big picture strategy. The TuneUp will either be open to the public to watch (then are published to Tin Shingle’s archives for members to stream anytime), or for Tin Shingle Members only to participate in. Find out more > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
It's a new season and time for your website to get an upgrade! People use your website all the time and keeping it up to date is so important! People learn about your business through the energy that the website gives off. The designers and lead producer, Katie Hellmuth Martin, can guide you through this process and design you a website that both looks stunning, and works well to help people do what you need them to at your website. Find out more > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you!
HIRING: Social Media Lead At The Hyacinth Group Details >
HIRING: Daycare Teacher & Assistant Wanted At Care 4 Me, Inc. Details >
HIRING: Beacon City School District Food Service Department Is Looking For Substitute Food Service Helpers Details >
HIRING: Sous-Chef Position At Homespun Foods Details >
HIRING: Part-Time Production Assistant At SallyeAnder Details >
Announced late in September to prepare people, The Roundhouse in Beacon is requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Published at their Facebook page:
“At The Roundhouse we are dedicated to providing a safe space for all to enjoy, and the safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. "As of October 7th, all adults and children 12 and older must show proof of Covid 19 vaccination to dine in our restaurant, outdoor patio or lounge. Children under 12 that are not yet eligible for the vaccination may accompany a fully vaccinated adult.”
For private events in their other buildings, The Roundhouse has a COVID-19 Event Safety FAQ page that outlines how private events can work, which are in line with how some other event locations have been running.
The Roundhouse is not the only restaurant in Beacon to require vaccinations: Quinn’s is also requiring proof of vaccination. All restaurants, bars and gyms in New York City are requiring proof of vaccination, as is LA.
The subject line of Quinn’s press release announcing their reopening (again) had a kicker at the end of it: “Joe McPhee 82nd Birthday Kicks Off Return of Live Music at Quinn's in Beacon NY (We Mean It This Time!)” Very cute and real, as everyone flows with the pandemic times.
Days before most people woke up to the raging Delta variant, Quinn’s had announced an aggressive lineup of long awaited jazz performances, including a clever “Joevember” themed month of November featuring musicians named Joe.
Shortly after that, Quinn’s announced a last call for a pause on their being open at all. In that time, the parklets (outside dining on the street) had been picked up, and their loyal customers began dreaming of ways to help them reopen.
This week’s reopening announcement will come with a sigh of relief, but it also comes with a new set of directions: live performances now require an admission price to enter; and there’s a new definition of getting carded - Quinn’s is carding for proof of vaccination. Masks will also be required for admission during all live performances.
Quinn’s will be open for food dining during non-performance days as well. Check with them for latest hours and days.
Normally, during a pause in a performance, band members go around the restaurant with a donation box, hoping people will give cash. With this new policy, performers are guaranteed a payment. Initiating the new policy, read the press release, “will be a celebration of the 82nd birthday of our dear friend, Hudson Valley legend and internationally recognized multi-instrumental titan, Joe McPhee (pictured above), on his actual birthday: Wednesday, November 3 at 8:30 PM. Admission for this very special event will be $20.”
The next performance will be the iconic Beacon punk band Ate Bit, with special guest Social Standards opening. Making it up as they go along (which is the beauty of running your own business), is a twist to “Joevember” with two musicians not named Joe scheduled to perform: Jessica Jones and Tony Jones on November 15th.
From the press release: “Highlights of Saturday night concerts include a devastating one-two punch from one of our favorite Beacon bands, Knock Yourself Out. First, on Second Saturday, November 13, we present KYO Surfers, featuring members of Knock Yourself Out, Dirt Bikes, and The Nighttimes performing songs by the infamous Texas psych-punk band Butthole Surfers — then, on Saturday, December 18, KYO bids us all farewell with their final performance, joined by special guest musicians Mimi Sun Longo, Daria Grace, Jonny Taylor, and Ken Fox. Other Saturday highlights include the bands 100 and Zero with opener Wall of Ego on November 20, and another Hudson Valley legend, DJ Bill Skillz, brings his Diggin' in the Crates Radio Roadshow back into Quinn's during Thanksgiving weekend on November 27.”
The upcoming schedule is listed below, but do check first before going, as dates and status could change.
MONDAY JAZZ SESSIONS (except for Wednesday 11/3): 8:30 PM EACH NIGHT, $15 CASH ADMISSION
NOVEMBER 11/3 Joe McPhee 82nd Birthday Celebration 11/8 Joe Giardullo w/ Vance Provey, Billy Stein and Harvey Sorgen 11/15 Jessica Jones/Tony Jones and Friends 11/22 Joe Fiedler's Open Sesame "Fuzzy and Blue" Record Release Party, w/ Jeff Lederer, Steven Bernstein, Sean Conly and Michael Sarin 11/29 Joseph Vincent Tranchina w/ Robert Kopec and Don Devine
DECEMBER 12/6 Mike Dopazo 12/13 Eric Person's Music of Ronald Shannon Jackson Project w/ Neil Alexander, Robert Kopec and Dean Sharp 12/20 Karl Berger & Friends
JANUARY 1/10 Iris Ornig 1/17 MLK Day 2022 Celebration w/ Ray Blue
SATURDAY NIGHT CONCERTS: 9 PM EACH NIGHT, $10 CASH ADMISSION (except for 11/27)
NOVEMBER 11/6 Ate Bit/Social Standards 11/13 KYO Surfers: Music of Butthole Surfers 11/20 100 and Zero/Wall of Ego 11/27 DJ Bill Skillz' Diggin' in the Crates Radio Roadshow (holiday open house — no cover, donations requested)
DECEMBER 12/18 Knock Yourself Out Farewell Performance, w/ Mimi Sun Longo, Daria Grace, Jonny Taylor, and Ken Fox
Beloveds, it’s been a long, long time since we last met here; I hope you are all well and surviving if not all the way to thriving. So there’s much to catch up on. What did you read and love this summer? My summer reading favorites were: Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans (who is an extremely talented writer), Interior, Chinatown by Charles Yu (innovative structure for a novel-as-screenplay), and The Porpoise by Mark Haddon (trigger warning in an Ancient Greek kind of way).
I just finished The Matrix by Lauren Groff, which, oh my goodness, knocked my socks off and also made me feel slightly self-conscious that I was reading about nun sex in a public place. Currently reading Fault Lines by Emily Itami which may veer too far into the sad mommy genre, but also delivers whoppers like “It’s hard to remember who you are without people who know you that way.”
I took an amazing field trip over the summer to Hobart, NY – the used bookstore lover’s dream. Made me incredibly grateful we have Binnacle Books here in Beacon with their used book selection, but how great would it be if there were, say seven more used bookstores?
So what’s happening this month in the world of literary pursuits?
The Howland Library has a great program set up for October: Stop by at any time starting Friday, October 15th to pick up a cookbook titled, "Vietnamese Food Any Day: Simple Recipes for True, Fresh Flavors" by famed chef and author, Andrea Nguyen. FREE! 2021 Big Read's chosen title is the graphic novel memoir "The Best We Could Do" by Thi Bui. The memoir follows a family's journey from Vietnam to America and is being discussed on October 20th outside in Memorial Park.
Split Rock Books in Cold Spring has a couple of great events lined up this fall, as well as their graphic novel and fiction book clubs which meet at the end of the month. Their fiction pick is one that has been on my list: Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead: A Novel by Olga Tokarczuk, and translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones.
Over the bridge in our sister city is the Newburgh Literary Festival at the end of the month. I’m so happy to see this event return, it was so fantastic the first year it happened. The festival will begin Saturday, October 30 at 11am with a full day of readings, interviews, and conversations with eight featured writers. Sunday, October 31, will feature a series of in-person writing workshops with award-winning, Hudson Valley-based authors and artists. The Saturday event, which has been curated by writers Ruth Danon and Belinda McKeon, will include paired readings and moderated conversations and will feature an in-conversation event with Joe Donahue, host of The Book Show and The Round Table on WAMC, Northeast Public Radio. We stan for Joe Donahue!
Here in Beacon, our very own Donna Minkowitz is putting on Lit Lit, a monthly writer’s salon at Homespun Foods on Main Street. This month the reading is October 7th, from 7-9pm, and going forward will meet the first Thursday of every month, with Friday as the rain date. Writers can read their own writing of any genre, up to five minutes in length.
Zoom Readings?!
If you want to attend some killer zoom readings with famous authors, may I suggest The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence, who has some heavy hitters booked for later this month and November. If you want to take a workshop, The Poetry Project in NYC has some really far-out offerings coming up. The Hudson Valley Writer’s Center has a number of readings and workshops, including a Legend of Sleepy Hollow family storytelling workshop on October 17th that looks like a lot of fun.
Here’s to cozy reading and blue skies and bright leaves for the next little longer, friends. I promise not to let it be so long before we meet again.
Got a clutter problem? Replace clutter with beautiful dried bouquets from Flora Good Times! Once your fresh bouquet runs out, pick the flowers that dry the best. Put those in a vase from Hudson Beach Glass or Raven Rose and place on desired clutter spot.
Challenge: you *must* file away the clutter items, and replace the fire alarm that is sitting there instead of in its protective spot in the kitchen. And lay more adhesive sandpaper for the mail person on the front porch steps so they don’t slip in the rain or otherwise (find at Bretts Hardware)
Vibes on the street say that October 1, 2021 was pretty spectacular! There is LOTS going on. All sorts of things. Scroll slowly so you don't miss it.
Saturdays for some are traditionally Sports Saturdays. There's a morning rush of some parents headed to different mini-games. Two weeks ago, a tragedy happened at Arlington High School during a Friday Night Lights kind of evening. Parents were talking about it in folding chairs the next day during a Beacon Bears game, and other games throughout our community.
While it's not Second Saturday, we are using this logo to represent the Art section and the artist who sponsored it for their exhibit!
"Parts of Being" Sculpture and Painting by Fruma Shrensel Day: Sunday, October 3, 2021 Time: Opening Reception 1:00pm - 3:00pm Location: The Gallery @ The Lofts at Beacon, 18 Front St, Beacon, NY
(845) 831-7867
Our Human self exists in a world of form. Our Being is an indefinable essence that expresses itself in countless ways. These works offer visual interpretations of only a few parts of Being. There are so many more. Come and share. What does Being mean to you?
THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE
Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade and Katie Hellmuth Martin
You can sponsor this Event Guide with your event, for extra promotion of it! If you'd like to guarantee to see your entertainment event listed here, book an Event Promotion Advertising spot here.
March In Beacon For Reproductive Rights For Women and Trans Men
Day: October 2, 2021 Time: 5pm Location: Memorial Park, Beacon, NY Organizer: Chickens With Attitude aka Savage (formerly Beacon Hood Chicken)
In response to the new legislation in Texas that encourages citizens to be bounty hunters against women and trans men and those who support them to make the choice to not complete a pregnancy. Information >
1980 Beacon High School Graduates 40th Reunion
Day: October 1 - October 3, 2021 Time: 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm Location: Beacon, NY Social Distancing Specifications: All NY State and City of Beacon guidelines
The Beacon High School Class of 1980 is having their 40 year reunion Oct 1-3. Please contact Pat Blanchfield at pblanch62@gmail.com or Nicole McKenzie Mayo at nicmayo@aol.com or visit our Facebook page-BHS Class of ’80 40th Reunion if interested. Information >
Stony Kill Foundation Harvest Fest Day: Saturday, October 2, 2021 (Rain date: October 3) Time: 11am - 3pm Location: Stony Kill Foundation, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY
12590
Black History in the Hudson Valley Day: Saturday, October 2, 2021 Time: 9am - 6:30pm Location: In-person at SUNY Ulster in Stone Ridge, NY and virtual via Zoom Information >
Beacon CD & Record Fest Day: October 2, 2021 Time: 9am - 5pm Location: Beacon VFW, 413 Main St, Beacon, NY Information >
Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
Days: Saturday, October 2, 2021 & Sunday, October 3, 2021 (Rain or shine!) Time: 10am-5pm Location: Cantine Field, Washington Ave Extension, Saugerties, NY
Delve into an array of garlic and garlic-flavored foods, including garlic ice cream. Live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, garlic growing demos and more. Admission: $10; kids 12 and under: free. Information >
Market Day Crafts Fair at the Van Wyck Homestead Museum
Day: Saturday, October 9, 2021 (Rain Date: Sunday, October 10, 2021) Time: 10am - 5pm Location: 504 Route 9, Fishkill NY 12524
Celebrate local craftspeople as they offer their masterfully hand-crafted wares on the grounds of the Historic Van Wyck Homestead Museum. Crafters will arouse your senses with colorful pottery, soft knit items, stunning stained-glass gifts and aromatic skin care products and more. The Fishkill Historical Society will provide a concession of culinary delights like made-to-order Dutch apple fritters, soups, chili, hot dogs and wonderful baked goods. Enjoy a tour of the museum during your visit and hear about how craftspeople of the past kept Fishkill humming while it served as a supply depot in the Revolutionary War.
Open Mic Night “Lit Lit” at Homespun Foods Day: Thursday, October 7, 2021 (happens on the first Thursday of every month!) Time: 7pm - 9pm Location: Garden of Homespun at 232 Main Street, Beacon NY Information >
Fall Harvest Festivals
Day: Now - October 31st! Location: Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY Information >
TWO WAY BREWING COMPANY
18 West Main St.
It's going to be a beautiful day weekend to head on over to Two Way! Drop by for a pint, a flight, or some beer to go at their full service taproom open Thursday to Sunday. Two Way brews all of their beers at our in house brewery located right next to the taproom. They are also pen for pool, darts, foosball, and private events! See beers on tap here > PS: Trivia is on Thursdays! OPEN:
Thursday 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday 4:00pm - 11:00pm
Saturday 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm - 8:00pm
Two Way Brewing Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
EAT CHURCH
3091 U.S. 9, Cold Spring, NY
We love us some fried chicken! Especially Kai Thawt Thai fried chicken from Eat Church!
Find Eat Church at:
- Marbled Meat Shop in Coldspring (daily grab-n-go fridge!)
- Industrial Arts Brewing from Thursday-Sunday (order online now!)
- Beacon Farmers Market on Sundays!
So many opportunities to get your hands on this deliciousness! Website >
Eat Church is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193 Main St.
You can count on BBC to satisfy your fall beverage needs! Be sure to follow them & see what they're featuring! Last weekend, they featured a Hot Caramel Apple Cider made with Fishkill Farms cider & their house caramel. A cozy warm classic to kick-start your season & it tastes just like a caramel apple! Make sure to stop by. So many delicious options! PS: BBC is open 8am - 5pm every day except Wednesday. PPS: if you need a special loaf or pastry for your holiday or event, BBC is more than happy to take custom orders! Give them a call today. Menu > Order Pick Up or Delivery > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Have you tired out the new grilled chicken special from MOD yet? It’s featuring a house made tomatillo salsa, salted radish, pickled onions and goat cheese. Looks delish! We're gonna try it. You?! PS: MOD has the best specials... we always RUN for them (never walk) because they never disappoint! Stop in. Open Sunday thru Thursday for Food 11:30am - 9pm; Bar until 10pm Friday and Saturday Food 11:30am - 11:00pm; Bar until midnight. Order Now > Meyers Olde Dutch is a Sponsor, thank you!
TITO SANTANA TAQUERIA 142 Main St.
Let's taco about why Tito Santanas tacos are So delish! Well, to start, their recipes are authentic! The ingredients are always fresh. And they burst with flavor! Join them in the dining room for $3 tacos ALL DAY on Tuesday's or order online for easy pick up & delivery. Check it out > PS: Dinner takeout special available Monday-Friday from 4pm - 9pm: 4 tacos, + 2 street corn, + 1 chip & salsa, + 1 rice & beans for only $24! PPS: Catering available! Menu > Catering > Tito Santana Taqueria is a Sponsor, thank you!
HOMESPUN
232 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Enjoy a dinner in Homespuns beautiful patio garden. The vibes are so cozy & the all day menu has something for everyone! PS: Homespun even has a Beer Store & Beer Subscription online! See more here > PPS: Gift Cards are available in-store at Homespun! PPPS: Order cutoff for Farm Kits is every Tuesday at 5pm, and pick up is at Homespun every Friday, anytime between 10am-7pm. Find more Farm Kit Info Here > OPEN HOURS:
Thursday - Monday, 10am - 7pm Order Food > Homespun is a Sponsor, thank you!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Who's hungry?!?! El Nica Spot located inside of the HV Food Hall has you covered! Save yourself the stress of cooking and try out delicious latin taquitos.
Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! Momo Valley: Himalayan Spiced Hand-Crafted MoMo & More Barb's Fry Works: Gourmet, small-batch-loaded fries. And salads. El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Schmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Tis the season for apple cinnamon margaritas from Baja! We are so excited to head on over & try out one of these! We're assuming that this would pair well with almost anything on the menu! PS: Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6pm Check out their specialty drinks > Check out the specials >
BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN
244 Main St.
Being out on the patio with a warm plate of Mujadara (cooked lentils & rice ) topped with chicken kebabs is everything during a beautiful autumn day!! PS: Fall Season = Soup Season & Ziatun has you covered! Stop by to enjoy a variety of unique and flavorful options like a plant-based Addas soup with creamy red lentil goodness, parsley, sumac, zayt & crispy onions makes it a hit all year round! Menu > Order Online > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
DIRTY BACCHUS
380 Main Street, Beacon
“We either glean our apples from derelict orchards in West Sonoma County or work with local farmers who steward the old orchards of bygone California” - planted by historical characters like Luther Burbank, Felix Gillet, Albert Etter and others - “for the specific climate of Northern California.” The man who wrote that is Aaron Brown, the cider maker at Bardos Cider. These are ciders for Situationists, you might say, as they directly satisfy an authentic desire for natural quench! And while we all have to wait for the arrival of the three ciders Steve tasted, he does have some of the 2019 vintage of the ‘Mestizo Green Label’ remaining in stock. Stop in! PS: Dirty Bacchus is hiring! HOURS:
Mon-Wed: 12-6pm
Thur- Sat: 11am-7pm
Sun: 12-5pm Dirty Bacchus is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon Binnacle specializes in used and new literature, poetry, literary nonfiction, political history, art, drama, philosophy, graphic novels, and children's books. Is there a particular title you're interested in? Let them know. If they don't have it, they'd be happy to order it for you. They're also always looking to acquire used books in excellent condition, especially in their core categories. Buy & sell your books at Binnacle! Donate to the Beacon Prison Books Project postage and shipping fund.🏼 www.paypal.com/paypalme/prisonbooksproject
Binnacle is NOW *Open daily!
Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!
BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon
Plumbing supplies, from Bretts Hardware! Last month was crazy with plumbing problems, Ida-aside! It may be time to repair some things in your home before it gets too cold. Stop in for hardware supplies & seasonal decor! PS: The cold is coming! Get your winter mats & supplies! Stay ahead of the game.
Stop in & check it all out. OPEN
Monday-Friday 7:30am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE
181-183 Main Street, Beacon
This Dorian Gray Leisure Society frame from Luxe is handcrafted out of 100% pure titanium and ion-plated in 24k gold with the intention of becoming a family heirloom! GO on in and check out Luxe's new Leisure Society frame selection. New season = new eyewear! Are we right? PS *NEW HOURS
Monday 10 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Closed on Sundays! Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
LA MÉRE CLOTHING AND GOODS
470 Main Street, Beacon
Our favorite part about Fall? Flannels, of course, but now? The Convertible Plaid Shacket that is available now from La Mere! *Best part (yes, there's more), La Mere's Style Hack: "You can remove the hood and style as a shirt."
Saturday Store Hours 11-6pm
*New Arrivals Weekly / Free Shipping
Download their free app in the iTunes Store PS: Everything is under $100!!
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
We always LOVE seeing the costumes from Yanarella. This could be you and a friend! Sign up for fall classes today.
Yanarella Dance looks to uplift and inspire by promoting self-expression through the art of dance.
Check out the many different offerings/class descriptions to find what is best for you. Yanarella performs and participates at various functions in Beacon and the surrounding areas throughout the year.
ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
Have you stopped into the Antalek & Moore office?! A full-service insurance and risk-management agency based in Beacon, New York (right on Main St.) offering commercial and personal insurance solutions. Reach out today! Give Antalek & Moore a call today: 845-831-4300 and visit their website. Latest Announcements > Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor. Thank you!
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. Find out more > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
You need help when you need it and sometimes you may not want to commit fully - that's why Katie James, Inc. offers a Pay As You Go option! We understand that flexibility is key for a small business, and we created this plan for it. You can send us your Honey-do List Of Things To Do, and we’ll get started on it. Find out more > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you!
HIRING: Social Media Lead At The Hyacinth Group Details >
HIRING: Daycare Teacher & Assistant Wanted At Care 4 Me, Inc. Details >
HIRING: Beacon City School District Food Service Department Is Looking For Substitute Food Service Helpers Details >
HIRING: Sous-Chef Position At Homespun Foods Details >
HIRING: Part-Time Production Assistant At SallyeAnder Details >
Quraan Smith, holding a basketball at Arlington High School. Photo Credit: Screenshot of his family’s Go Fund Me Page created by a friend after his death.
My kids and I were at a Beacon Bears flag football game on Saturday, September 18, 2021 in the boiling hot 4pm sun at Memorial Park in Beacon. A press release from the Dutchess County Executive’s Office popped into my inbox, titled “Dutchess County Trauma Team Assisting Arlington Community Following Student Death.”
I didn’t know what they were talking about. I hadn’t read the Poughkeepsie Journal yet about how 16 year old Quraan Smith had been stabbed at around 9pm during a big fight after a big-kid football game on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Arlington High School the night before. As I Googled to find out what was going on, parents around me were talking about it as our boys threw the football, fighting for a successful pass.
Parents were shocked and so sad. “They have made an arrest,” someone said. “How do they know who it was?” another asked. “There were several eye-witnesses. People saw it. They watched it happen.”
And the articles came. Explaining what has been made public so far. Quraan had moved with his family from Poughkeepsie to attend Arlington High School. He wanted to go to the Arlington High School football game that night against Scarsdale High School. Her and Quraan’s mother, Na'tara Smith, re-arranged her schedule so that she could make that happen, according to his family’s Go Fund Me page created by a friend in response to the loss. At some point on Friday evening, a fight broke out, and at 9pm, Quraan was fatally stabbed.
Arlington High School on a map. Poughkeepsie is west, and Beacon is south west. Photo Credit: Google Maps
An 18 year old named Nestor A. Ortiz-Ocampo of the City of Poughkeepsie has been charged with stabbing Quraan in the chest, according to the felony complaint as reported by the Poughkeepsie Journal. Nestor has so far been charged with first-degree manslaughter, a felony. He was arrested on Saturday and held on $400,000 bail. His court date is October 5, 2021 in LaGrange Town Court.
Nestor was a former student of Arlington High School, according to Arlington Superintendent David Moyer, but did not graduate, and has not been a student this year, according to reporting by the Poughkeepsie Journal. The Superintendent could not confirm why Nestor left the district.
Also according to the newspaper’s reporting, the police said that the two boys knew each other, and that it was an isolated incident. Events for Saturday and Sunday were canceled, said Arlington’s Superintendent.
In a statement, the Superintendent said "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and friends." Later, he is quoted to have said: "For the people that are associated with the family, the family and the people on the scene and all of that — it was very, very, very traumatic, difficult and painful," Moyer said. 'It is the type of thing that will never go away. It will be here forever. Nobody that was in any way associated with it will every forget it. It is just a tragedy."
Quraan Remembered In Vigil In Poughkeepsie At Waryas Park
Mi-Rose Smith, the 7 year old sister of Quaaran, was one of hundreds of people who attended the vigil held on Poughkeepsie’s waterfront at Waryas Park later that week on September 26, 2021. His mother, Na’tara Smith cried into the microphone while speaking during the vigil, while being supported physically and emotionally by friends.
Said Na’tara as reported in the Poughkeepsie Journal: "The youth, the children, the young adulthood ... you all have given me the strength each and every day," she said to crowd. "I've been feeling good despite what happened to my son. These young children are reaching out on their own ... these children have done an awesome job with supporting me and my family ... I tell you, they give me strength."
Quraan was not only remembered for being an athlete, but for his many traits. According to the education reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal, Katelyn Cordero, Quraan was known by his friends as Ronny James, a comedian who loved to dance and play sports. He was working on a clothing line after conversations with his father who discussed business with him during the Remote Learning season last year during school. His father found videos and the beginnings of the clothing line after his son’s death.
According to his father, Everton Smith, in the Poughkeepsie Journal: "Coming from an urban community and a poverty-stricken community, he was a legend. He was one year away, he almost made it." Everton said, noting that his son had dreams to play Division I basketball or football on a full scholarship.
Everton continued: “I truly can't believe how many people from the community came. It wasn't even just his athleticism, it was just the person that he was. He was kind, respectful, sentimental. It was the energy that he reflected, when he walked in the room, he gave a beautiful energy."
Everton hoped that the kids would get the emotional support they needed, by saying: "This impacted the children's lives, it's not just that one person that's affected, it impacted the hundreds of children that are going to that school," he said. "Unfortunately, it doesn't just end with a burial. After that, the kids are going to need mental health (support). It's two victims, but all those kids, it's a pain you can't imagine."
Roads in various parts of Beacon will be closed for milling and paving. The City of Beacon has posted a road closure schedule that shows dates from September 30, 2021 - October 6, 2021. Families with children at South Avenue Elementary received a phone call today from new Principal Daniel Glenn that parents should be aware of the road closure, as it is a main route for car drop-offs and “walkers” (aka kids who walk or bike to school).
A screenshot of the schedule has been published below:
Screenshot of the City of Beacon’s posted road closures for milling and paving.
Hudson River Maritime Museum, located in Kingston on the Rondout Creek, is offering boat tours to hear local tales of legends and lore aboard Solaris on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout October. Passengers will explore the Hudson River and Rondout Creek by spooky searchlight and listen to legends and lore of the Hudson River from the pages of Washington Irving or straight from newspaper headlines of centuries past.
Guides will share stories including the tale of the serpent of the Hudson River, the terrible crime of William Salisbury, and Rondout's barge graveyard. Tickets range from $20-$25 and all proceeds support the museum’s educational programs.
Solaris Is A 100% Solar-Powered Boat
Solaris is the museum's 100% solar-powered tour boat and floating classroom. The boat was built on campus at the Wooden Boat School and is the only solar-powered boat in operation on the Hudson River. This quiet vessel does not require any fossil fuels to operate. The lantern cruises are part of over a dozen themed tours happening this season, including visits to local shipwrecks, Indigenous history events, and trips to the Rondout Lighthouse.
All boat tickets include general admission to the museum, open Thursday-Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm. This event is one of over a dozen themed boat tours happening on the Rondout Creek and Hudson River this season. Find details and a calendar at www.solarboattours.org or call 845-338-0071.
About The Hudson River Maritime Museum
The Hudson River Maritime Museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the maritime history of the Hudson River, its tributaries, and related industries. In addition to extensive collections documenting maritime transportation, industry, recreation, and natural science, the museum offers classes and programs at its Wooden Boat School, Sailing and Rowing School, and aboard Solaris, the 100% solar-powered tour boat and floating classroom. The museum is located along the historic Rondout waterfront in downtown Kingston. Visit www.hrmm.org for more information.
Just as swiftly as they went up, the parklets that enabled additional outdoor dining opportunities for restaurants and patrons due to the COVID-19 pandemic have come down by September's end. The parklets are the orange barricades out front participating restaurants. The barricades were filled with water, making them very heavy for increased safety for those sitting on the other side of them. Restaurants often decorated them with flowers and in some cases built patios below them with coverings above them. They first appeared in Beacon in June 2020, but the concept has been in other cities for much longer.
The early take-down is a result of anticipated milling and paving of Main Street, as first announced by Beacon's City Administrator Chris White during the City Council's Meeting on 8/2/2021. He explained that a new surface coat will be going down, with epoxying using a high quality paint that will hold up for many years. He stated that all parking spaces, cross walks, and more will all be repainted. "We are in a state of flux right now," he expressed, "but hoping that by end of October, Main Street is tightened up."
City Administrator Chris announced again during the City Council Workshop Meeting on 9/27/2021 that the parklets would be pulled to begin milling and paving. On 9/29/2021, the City posted a brief Road Closure schedule through October 5, 2021, which includes some Main Street intersections, but are a fraction of the mile long Main Street that offers dining experiences from restaurants using parklets. It is unclear at this time if this is an incomplete list, or the full list of milling and paving. Additionally, it is unclear if milling and paving on Main Street will be conducted while Main Street is open, but traffic routed around into the other lane in order to avoid too many Main Street closures.
Throughout the summer, Beacon experienced the installation of "bump-outs," which are circular extensions of the sidewalk at corners. In theory, these are easier for people in wheelchairs (but if you're in a wheelchair, let us know in the Comments below if Beacon's installation is helpful to you!), and getting pedestrians more into the street at crosswalks to be seen by passing cars (deep breaths as you step out).
Construction of these bump-outs lasted throughout the summer, causing moving drive-arounds as different intersections on Main Street were worked on. Completed work to the bump-outs will happen once the street is milled and paved, to match the street paving to the end of the sidewalk for a smooth transition. Currently, there is an unfinished drop-off between the bump-out and the street.
Hopewell Junction, New York – The newly opened Barns Art Centeris pleased to announce Harvest Festival. Held from October 9-10, the convening will feature the premiere of LOST ARTS, a three-screen film experience, the groundbreaking ceremony for a large-scale installation with artist collective Futurefarmers, and a local market.
LOST ARTS Film Premiere – screening times 11:00am-3:00pm The Barns Art Center will premiere LOST ARTS, a three screen, immersive film experience that explores the art and culture of agriculture in the Hudson Valley. Beyond being a tool for education and a response to our current social and ecological climate, the film is a sensory celebration of the bounty of the Hudson Valley and the profound wisdom that has been unearthed and cultivated here for thousands of years. By looking to the past for forgotten methods, techniques, and philosophies, today’s farmers have found more innovative, sustainable, and equitable ways forward.
The ten featured farmers include: Jack Algiere, Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture; Ben and Melany Dobson, Hudson Hemp; Ken Greene, Hudson Valley Seed Company; Anne Hall, Crespell; Don Lewis, Wild Hive Farm; John Michelotti, Catskill Fungi; Rick Osofsky, Ronnybrook Farm Dairy; David Rowe, Rowe’s Apiaries Jalal Sabur, Sweet Freedom Farm; Karen Washington, Garden of Happiness/La Familia Verde/Rise & Root. The film is produced with Kingston-based company Northguild.
In conjunction with the LOST ARTS premiere is a roster of farmer-led, daytime activities:
11:30am Sculpting with Flowers
Flower Arranging Workshop with Anne Hall, Crespell
12:30pm Looking Back – How did we get here?
A conversation with Don Lewis, Ken Greene, David Rowe, Rick Osofsky
1:30pm Spore Printing
Mushroom Walk and Printmaking Workshop with John Michelotti, Catskill Fungi
2:30pm Looking Forward – Farming for the Future – Where can we go?
A conversation with Jack Algiere, Ben and Melany Dobson, Jalal Sabur
BARNS ART CENTER | 736 SOUTH DRIVE, HOPEWELL JUNCTION, NY 12533 | BARNSARTCENTER.ORG
Futurefarmers Of Furrows & Lands in Harps Installation
Futurefarmersbreaks ground on their first large-scale public artwork in the United
States. Drawing on the success of their 10-year project Flatbread Society for the city of
Oslo, Of Furrows & Lands in Harps will manifest as an extraordinary architectural
structure and a public program that unfolds over three-years time. The architectural
structure, designed by Belgian architect Lode Vranken, will feature three spaces: a
bakehouse, a meeting space and an extraordinary experimental instrument at the heart
of the work and building called Hum Stone. Hum Stone is made from a millstone and is
able to play other millstones. Drawing from the historical context of the site, once a farm,
then a microchip factory, now The Barns Art Center, this unique instrument points to the
past while invoking the future. Participating composers include Walter Kitundu,
Guillermo Galindo, Annea Lockwood.
A groundbreaking ceremony for Futurefarmers will be held from 3:00-6:00pm:
3:00 Place Stones with artist/choreographer, Elaine Buckholtz
A participatory action involving sound, movement, and the placing of three millstones.
4:00 Impressions from the Stone
A series of limited-edition prints made from rubbings of custom carved millstone by
Walter Kitundu.
Harvest Festival Market 11:00-3:00
The Festival Market will include River Valley Guild Artist and Artisan Market and a Cider
Week New York Tasting, including local food and beverage vendors such as Ronnybrook
Farm Dairy, Sloop Brewing Co., More Good, Fishkill Farms and Treasury Cider, and
more.
More about the The Barns Art Center
The Barns Art Center is a contemporary art initiative located up the Hudson River, 60 miles north of NYC, in East Fishkill at iPark 84. The Barns occupies a 3,200-square-foot museum quality gallery built adjacent a former IBM microchip plant. Aligning with the region’s rich agricultural tradition and history of environmental stewardship, The Barns champions art at the nexus of food, farming, ecology, and sustainability. Stimulating essential dialogue around innovation, conservation, and equity, we hope to cultivate new ways of thinking about the earth, the history we inherit, and the legacy we leave behind. Through its exhibition, education, and empowerment programs, The Barns Art Center strives to create community and catalyze creative expression. We are free, open to the public, and committed to fostering an accessible, interactive, and inclusive environment.
For additional information or materials regarding any of the above programs or events, contact: Tara Anne Dalbow, Gallery Director and Curator, tdalbow@barnsartcenter.org, c.970-376-8668
Well known leader, Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian "Butch" Anderson, has died, as reported by several local media outlets today. He was 73, and died at his home in the village of Pawling, the Sheriff's office said in a statement. He had served in that post for more than 20 years and spent more than 50 years with the Sheriff's Office, the Poughkeepsie Journal reported. He also served as Mayor of his hometown of Pawling in the late 1980s to early 1990s.
“Today we have lost an extraordinary public servant with the passing of Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian “Butch” Anderson,” said Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro in a press release. “Butch devoted his entire life to protecting and serving the community he loved so dearly. Throughout his life, he was true leader - in law enforcement in elected office, and in service to community organizations.”
Anderson began his first term as Sheriff in January 2000 after being elected, and went on to win re-election every four years, running unopposed, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal. His last re-election was in 2019.
His acting replacement will be Undersheriff Kirk Imperati, who sated: "We are all deeply saddened by the passing of Sheriff Anderson," who described Anderson as "a second father to me," reported the Poughkeepsie Journal.
Molinaro continued: "His call to serve ensured the safety of our community for more than 50 years and made a measurable difference in the lives of countless children, families and residents. Our hearts are broken today and we send our deepest condolences to Sheriff Anderson’s family, including his wife Danielle and his four children – you are in our prayers and in our hearts."
Anderson's wife, Danielle, said in a statement that "it has been an honor" to be married to him. "He was a tremendous husband, father, and friend to all," she said. "Our family appreciates the outpouring of support from everyone as we grieve our loss."
Numerous regional leaders noted their condolences, including Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison, who started working with Anderson in 1980. Mayor Rolison told the Poughkeepsie Journal: "Butch in all capacities, was a dedicated and brave member of that department, but what always impressed me was his love of this county, the people who live here and his overwhelming commitment to the Hudson Valley."
The Poughkeepsie Journal reported that Anderson was a friend of former President Donald Trump and the Trump family. The paper reported that he was a member of Trump's reelection team, after serving in other roles when Trump first ran for president.
The chairman of the New York Republican State Committee, Nick Langworthy, said that he and Anderson bonded as Trump supporters, reported the Poughkeepsie Journal. Anderson "proudly had a direct line to the White House for four years," Langworthy said in a Facebook post.
State Senetor Sue Serino said in a statement: "Our community has lost a true hero."
Beacon's City Council will meet this evening 9/27/2021 at 7pm for a regularly scheduled Workshop meeting, which is when they discuss topics amongst themselves in public, but without opportunities for Public Comment. This type of meeting happens every other Monday.
On the agenda tonight are different topics, some of which were covered during last week's public City Council Meeting. When new information or public feedback emerges, sometimes these topics get put back onto the Workshop schedule for further discussion. Click here for the full agenda, plus links to supporting documents.
Tonight's Agenda Includes
Accessory Apartments
The City Council is perusing normalizing Accessory Apartments as a right for homeowners of single family homes in all R1, all RD and the T Zoning Districts to build and rent out without requiring a special use permit approval from the Planning Board. Mayor Kyriacou with the support of City Administrator Chris White is pursuing this in the name of renter and owner affordability during the current housing crisis throughout the nation. According to supporting documentation from the City's attorney: "The City Council is considering adopting amendments to the City Code to encourage the development of accessory apartments to promote renter and owner affordability in the City of Beacon."
This vision is led by Mayor Kyriacou and City Administrator Chris, who served on council together during the 1990s. Mayor Kyriacou is a property owner in Beacon who has renovated properties, and has served as a landlord for different properties.
Mayor Kyriacou is pursuing the right to build the Accessory Apartments bigger than they are now. City Administrator Chris is pursuing removing parking requirements for Accessory Apartments. Parking requirements can sometimes be used to stall a building project by those who disagree with a project.
For the past several years, Beacon has been unfavorable toward Accessory Apartments, even when someone wanted to build one for their parent-in-laws or caregivers required to care for an aging parent or person who required consistent medical care. This zoning edit would change that.
During tonight's meeting, the City Council will debate several changes to the existing code, including size of the unit, how any dwellings would be allowed per lot, the design scheme of the accessory apartment, increasing the maximum build, eliminating currently required inspections every two years, and removing the parking requirement.
It is not indicated how the increase in number of Accessory Apartments would guarantee lower rental prices, since the free market and current supply and demand are not yielding to lower prices in Beacon.
The City Council will also review code regulations from the Town of Cortland, the Town of Newburgh, the Town of Pound Ridge, and the Town of Wappinger.
Proposed Local Law Regarding Good Cause Eviction
Councilmember Dan Aymar-Blair proposed that the City consider a law making it more difficult to evict tenants, called the Good Cause Eviction Law. The City will also look at Albany's Good Cause Eviction Law during tonight's Workshop. During last week's public City Council Meeting, a handful of people from the public called in demanding that the City put on Dan's proposed Good Cause Eviction Law onto the agenda. People told stories of people they knew who had their rents raised by several percentage points, making it difficult or impossible for them to remain in Beacon.
Last February 2020, Councilmember Terry Nelson pushed to have the Emergency Tenants Protection Act (ETPA) considered by the City. This law would legalize a rent cap, but has several requirements that the city must meet, including vacancy rate and the age of buildings. This was discussed by the Council, and Mayor Kyriacou presented reasons for not pursuing it.
Proposed Hire of Motor Equipment Operator
The Highway Department is recommending the hiring of Andi Driza for Motor Equipment Operator.
Abandonment of Paper Streets
The City of Beacon is pursuing abandoning specific, very tiny areas in Beacon that are undeveloped and slipped through the cracks of ownership decades ago, which could put them into the ownership of neighboring homeowners. During last week's Public Hearing on the topic, some of those neighboring homeowners came to speak on the issue, to say if they wanted or did not want the property that was about to be absorbed by them. The council indicated that they were not anticipating the feedback, and appreciated the input. The matter has moved back into Workshop, where the council will discuss it again.
"The Official Map of the City of Beacon contains several undeveloped paper streets identified as Ryans Avenue, BeVier Avenue, Morse Street and Levy Street. A paper street is a street established on a filed subdivision map and is included on the Official Map of the City of Beacon, but which was never subsequently developed or used as a public way."
Proposed Appointment of Montos Vakirtzis to the Zoning Board of Appeals
Montos Vakirtzis is being recommended by Joe Galbo to be on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Proposed Resolution to Certify Base Percentages and Proportions for the 2021 Assessment Roll Pursuant to Article 19 of the Real Property Tax Law
"Pursuant to Article 19 of the Real Property Tax Law, the City Council hereby adopts and establishes the Adjusted Base Proportions for the 2021 City of Beacon Assessment Roll as 69.10766% for Homestead parcels and 30.89234% for Non-homestead parcels, which are to be used for real property tax purposes;"
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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.
s New York City and now LA require proof of vaccination at restaurants, bars and gyms, some Beacon restaurants are voluntarily wanting proof of vaccination. The Roundhouse announced their proof policy last week for people dining.
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
