That Time A Lease Termination Notice Giving 3 Days Notice Was Taped To The Boards Of John's Shoe Repair Shop After The Fire Months Prior

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After the fire back in July 2022 that destroyed Mr. Bell’s Main Street Beauty Salon at 209 Main Street, the shoe cobbler next door, John’s Shoe Repair, also suffered smoke damage.

Before the fire, the building was about to change owners, and the shoe repair shop had negotiated a multi-year lease with their previous landlord, Joe Donovan, in preparation for the sale to Fadil Mavraj of 201-211 Main Street, LLC, as reported in the Highlands Current..

The shoe repair shop’s notice to customers on where to find them around the corner on S. Brett Street while the space was renovated.

After the fire, the shoe repair shop owners YunTae “John” Oh and his wife, HwaJa Oh tried to work without electricity, but moved operations to a house around the corner on South Brett Street. A note with directions on how to get there with open hours was written and taped to the boards that were to remain up months after the fire. The note read: “Renovation will take a bit longer than we thought. At this time, we will be taking customers at our house. Until further notice, it is a 2 minute car ride from here...Please call or come to my house S. Brett Street. Rear Beacon NY.”

Renovations had been taking a long time. The fire happened in July 2022. Before the fire, Joe told the Highlands Current that he was scheduled to close on the sale of the building that housed the shoe repair shop to “Fadil Mavraj, the developer of the 206-208 Main St. building, within weeks.” The lease for the shoe repair shop was untouched, but “Donovan quickly determined it would not be possible to restore the barbershop before the sale, and terminated Bell’s lease at 211 Main,” he told the newspaper.

The sale of the building happened after the fire. Joe told ALBB: “The sale of 201-211 Main Street closed on 14-Sep-2022. The buyer was 201-211 Main Street LLC, whose principals constructed and own the nearby building [across the street] at 206 Main Street (on the corner of Digger Phelps).”

In October, with YunTae and HwaJa operating from the house on S. Brett Street, an affiliate of the new owners of the building was outside on the sidewalk. ALBB asked him when the shop would be able to open again, and he said he did not know, but was trying to help customers find their shoes.

The lease termination letter from 201-211 Main Street, LLC, Landlord and Owner, signed
By Lendita Mavraj, Manager, stating that the shoe repair shop needed to vacate within 3 days.

Within days, the shoe repair shop’s lease termination notice was taped to the boards of the shop. ALBB took a picture of it and showed it to HwaJa at the house. HwaJa expressed shock at seeing the notice, and said she had not seen it yet. She immediately called her daughter, who often serves as a translator for her parents in their business.

The lease termination letter stated that their lease would be terminated 3 days from the date of it being taped to the board. It also stated that they had 3 days to vacate the property and remove all of their things.

The couple’s daughter told ALBB that her mother was shocked to see her name on the letter that was posted publicly. She said that her parents were willing to pay a higher price and wanted to negotiate, but ultimately, felt the rent too expensive for them.

The lease termination letter is reprinted in full below:

To: Ja Oh Hwa
209 Main Street
Beacon, NY 12508

Lease between 201-211 Main Street, LLC with Ja Oh Hwa
Premises: 209 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508

Dated: October 12, 2022

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that your Lease for the above-described premises will be canceled three (3) days from the date of service of this Notice upon you.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the premises have incurred significant fire damage and have been declared unusable by the Landlord. The Landlord therefore exercises its option under paragraph 14 of the Lease dated July 1, 2022, to cancel said Lease on three (3) days notice.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that you and all persons occupying the above described premises must vacate said premises, return all keys to the Landlord and remove all property, furniture, belongings and personal effects in and on the above-described premises no later than three (3) days after the service of this Notice upon you.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that in the event of your failure to vacate the premises within three (3) days of the service of this Notice upon you, the Landlord will commence summary proceedings to recover possession of the premises.

This Notice is being issued at least three (3) days prior to the date you must vacate the premises.

201-211 Main Street, LLC, Landlord and Owner
By: Lendita Mavraj, Manager

New Location and Equipment Fundraiser For John’s Shoe Repair

The couple has found a new location in the residential building behind Mountain Tops and Colorant, a property that Joe Donovan owns. According to the Highlands Current article, “Joe Donovan paid to move and store the couple’s equipment after the fire; John and HwaJa used their retirement money to move the equipment into the new space.”

However, the space is too small to accommodate their largest machine, and they held a fundraiser to raise $12,000 to buy a smaller one. While they raised $2,300, it has not been enough to purchase the machine. The fundraiser remains open.

The Ironic And Unplanned Retirement of Mr. Alvin Bell: "Bad Things Happen To Good People Too"

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In 2019, the Chronogram ran a feature story on Beacon called "Development in the Spotlight" which featured different types of businesses who opened and closed in Beacon in recent years, and why they might have succeeded. Included in the feature was one of Beacon's most famed and loved barber, Mr. Alvin Bell. At age 54, after being downsized at the Nabisco plant that would become Dia:Beacon, which sparked Beacon's revitalization, Mr. Bell opened his salon, Main Street Beauty Salon, to continue his survival in Beacon on Main Street. He maintained the salon for over 30 years. The salon was located next to BJ’s Soul Food.

In July 2022, a spark popped in the vicinity of Mr. Bell's salon, which ended up destroying the salon. After 3pm when everyone had left for the day and the salon was empty, a woman working at the pizza shop next door saw smoke coming out of the bottom of the salon door.

Within hours, his salon was destroyed. Back in 2019, the writer of the Chronogram piece wondered if the success of some businesses was by “magic.” The end certainly went up in smoke.

Quoted from the Chronogram: "It [Beacon] is a place where people like 84-year-old barber Alvin Bell, who spent 27 years working at the Nabisco factory before it was transformed into Dia:Beacon, can open up a business that survives for 30 years and counting.

"Perhaps it's magic. But magic is what the magician does just out of sight while you're distracted by the waving handkerchief. Magic is what happens unheralded and unseen, just beyond the spotlight. You want magic? Show up and do the work," declared the reporter.

Mr. Bell’s success was not magic, but he had blessings and a good landlord along the way, helping to make success possible and his rent affordable. By the time the fire engulfed his salon, his original landlord had sold to a new owner.

The property changed hands after longtime owners, the Piccone family sold 20 parcels on the west end of Main Street to Joseph H. Donovan of Hudson Todd LLC. This included properties where businesses such as Mountain Tops, the Mountain Scout (now Utensil), Miss Vickie’s Music (now Colorant), and others were located. After the sale, long-time businesses moved around at that time so that run-down properties could be renovated and rented for presumably higher rents. Most properties were replaced by existing local Beacon businesses who were relocating and could afford the higher rent in a renovated space.

The new owners at that time, Hudson Todd LLC, worked with some business owners to find new locations. One such person was Miss Vickie’s Music, who Hudson Todd LLC’s helped move to the row of apartments behind Mr. Bell’s salon. Mr. Bell and the shoe cobbler, John’s Shoe Repair, were not moved. They stayed put, even though their spaces were quite old and not renovated.

According to Joseph H. Donovan when asked by ALBB, the sale of the building housing Mr. Bell, John’s Shoe Repair, and the apartments behind which housed Miss Vickie and others, was sold in September. Joseph told ALBB: “The sale of 201-211 Main Street closed on 14-Sep-2022. The buyer was 201-211 Main Street LLC, whose principals constructed and own the nearby building [across the street] at 206 Main Street (on the corner of Digger Phelps).”

The day of the fire, Miss Vickie saw the smoke, but neither fire nor smoke damage reached her apartment. Multiple fire engine companies were called to help put out the fire, which ended up destroying Mr. Bell’s Main Street Beauty Salon with heavy smoke damage to John’s Shoe Repair. Not holding business insurance, Mr. Bell had only what was left in the salon to start over. A GoFundMe page was started to raise cash for him, which it was later reported, he returned, which ALBB has also confirmed with his wife, Shirley. ALBB donated, and did so regardless of if he reopened or not.

Months later, it was reported by the Highlands Current that Joseph Donovan worked to secure Mr. Bell’s salon and John’s Shoe Repair Donovan locations with newly negotiated, multi-year leases. He told the newspaper: “We did that so each of the them would have stability in their current locations after the sale.”

But after the fire, he ended up terminating Mr. Bell’s lease before the sale closed, according to the article. According to the article: “But by then, the merchants had signed their leases and Donovan was scheduled to close on the sale to Fadil Mavraj, the developer of the 206-208 Main St. building, within weeks. Donovan quickly determined it would not be possible to restore the barbershop before the sale, and terminated Bell’s lease at 211 Main.”

ALBB’s interview and transcript with Mr. Bell on his feelings of his reluctant retirement is below. Listen to his voice and hear him tell it in his words.

Audio File Credit: The preparation and compression of this audio file was made possible by Tha’Max Studio and Tin Shingle.

ALBB: “Hi, this is Katie Hellmuth with A Little Beacon Blog. I am standing outside of Mr. Alvin's former salon shop here on Main Street. Hello, Mr. Bill.”

Mr. Bell: “How you doing sis?”

ALBB: “I’m good, thank you. We're standing here in front of the boards, that’s boarded up because it burnt down, a bit ago.Will you be continuing in here?”

Mr. Bell: “No I’m not.”

ALBB: “Would you still be cutting hair had it not burned down?”

Mr. Bell: “Definitely. But now with rent going sky high, it's just crazy in Beacon. I don't want to go back to that headache no more. I'd rather just...resign...you know."

Editor’s Note: Mr. Bell could barely say the word "resign."

ALBB: "Maybe if there's a chair somewhere else on Main Street? You'll be behind it? Cutting hair?"

Mr. Bell: "Oh yeah, definate, definite, I'd do that. Mostly I miss my friends. So many beautiful people in the City of Beacon. What I miss is people coming in from all over town. We sit and we'd talk. And I miss all that. And I miss all the pictures. I had pictures of everybody. That's what I miss more than cutting hair."

Editor’s Note: His salon was filled wall-to-wall with framed photos, certificates, awards and recognition. Most of which burned. A gentleman comes to interrupt:

Stranger: "Hey brother, the is your shop right here?"

Mr. Bell: "You know it brother man!" Mr. Bell continued with his infamous deep chuckle. "I miss everybody in Beacon now."

ALBB: "We saw you out here every single day."

Mr. Bell: "That's right. Sure did! And I love it. Everybody was so nice to me. Everybody in Beacon. The Chief of Police. Everybody."

ALBB: "Were you surprised when the burned down?"

Mr. Bell: "Yeah. I was very surprised."

ALBB: "How have you been feeling?"

Mr. Bell: "I've been feeling good physically and mentally, but I miss all my good friends. I miss my friends. I still got friends. Everyone says 'as long as you're in good health.' And I'm in good health. Sometimes things happen, and we don't know why they happen. I don't talk much about spirituality, only I am the central power, that kind of stuff, but, I'm a spiritual type of person. Bad things happen to good people too."

ALBB: "You brought with you today a picture of Pete Seeger. Tell us your back story.”

Mr. Bell: "And here's [a picture of an article in] A Little Beacon Blog!”

ALBB: "Yes! There's A Little Beacon Blog.

Mr. Bell: "Put that on there.”

ALBB: "Ok. Here we go. The article reads: ‘Alvin Bell Sr. Turns 85. He Was Awarded The Unofficial Mayor Of The City Of Beacon” And you were awarded that by Mayor Randy Casale at the time.”

Mr. Bell: "That's right.”

ALBB: "You're now holding the Chrongram Community Pages from May 2019, they did a huge feature of you. They were spotlighting as this was going up. And I see the 2 new apartment buildings next to he gas station. One of them was finished, and that one wasn't finished yet. They are both finished now. But there's a huge spread of you that they did on the other page, opposite that.”

Mr. Bell: "Will you take a picture of that?”

ALBB: “I will take a picture of that. Tell me about Pete Seeger. How is he in your heart?”

Mr. Bell: "Don't forget Chris. I sung with Chris. We went all over Beacon. Chris took me to places. I didn't know what was in Beacon. My favorite song is Victory is Mine. That's my favorite song. Pete used to come in - I never called him Pete.”

ALBB: "What did you call him?

Mr. Bell: "Mr. Seeger. You have to earn it. Also a picture of his wife. When she died and I went to the funeral, he gave me a beautiful picture of her. You see that? 3x Grammy. He gave it to me to put it in the shop. I had so many. I had 20, 30 award. Every Church gave me an award. But they all burn up, so. I don't know why, but. It really don't matter."

ALBB: "We are now looking at the Certificate of Recognition. For the Unofficial Mayor of Beacon. Signed by Randy Casale. The letter reads:

Dear Alvin Bell Senior:

I would like to wish you a very happy 85th birthday. You have been the unofficial mayor of the City of Beacon. Your barbershop has served Beacon residents in an exemplary fashion for nearly 3 decades. This community is grateful to have such a friendly and helpful role model. As a good friend of Pete Seeger, I know you have a good heart. Your children and those around you are blessed to learn from you every day. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for the City of Beacon. Happy Birthday, and I wish you many more to come.

Signed by Mayor Randy Casale

At the end of our interview, a man driving by pulled his car over and brought out his camera. He asked if he could take a picture of Mr. Bell. Being that Mr. Bell looks so dapper every day.

“Do you know who this person is?” ALBB asked. “No,” he replied, and asked to take his picture. Mr. Bell was flattered and agreed. The man snapped his photo and turned to leave. But not without ALBB forcing this story upon him before he drove away with another icon collected in his camera.

PS: Another beauty salon has since opened in the spot where Mr. Bell’s salon was. ALBB speaks on behalf of the community in welcoming them here and wishing them good luck.

Beacon Post Office Clerks Given Notice To Find New Locations - 1.5 Clerks To Remain At Beacon PO

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in April 2023, during the time of the social uproar at the possibility of the Beacon Post Office closing. While the social panic subsided, the crisis continues for postal carriers and clerks. There is a Town Hall meeting in Rock Tavern, NY on Friday. Beacon’s post office can employ at least 5 clerks. But as part of the Post Master General Louis DeJoy’s plan, is downsizing Beacon’s post office to just 1.5 clerks. Despite a former Beacon Postmaster reassuring Beacon’s City Administrator that Beacon’s Post Office was one of the busiest in the area. So why downsize from 5 clerks to 1.5 clerks if it’s so busy?

The clerks who work behind the front desk at the post office were given notice in late March 2023 that they needed to find new job locations within the USPS, as confirmed by Diana Cline, the president of the clerk’s union American Postal Workers Union. If the clerks did not want to leave Beacon, they could be “pulled” and another job will be chosen for them. At least one clerk is leaving at the end of April. The former Postmaster for Beacon, Colleen Johnson, reportedly recently took another job in Hopewell Junction, and the reportedly temporary Postmaster for Beacon, Jimmy, was on vacation for comment.

When one clerk is working the desk at the Beacon Post Office, and one other clerk is working the back to retrieve packages that are there for pickup, the customer line is very long. Despite the good job the clerks do with each customer.

If at least 200 post offices in the United States and 16 in New York are downsizing to be “spoke” post offices (which means there will be no carriers, but some services will in theory operate out of that building by clerks), as ALBB reported earlier this week, it is unclear how many positions will be available to the Beacon employees looking for new jobs at other post offices. Since the USPS seems to be downsizing nationally, which you can read about in the USPS 10 Year Plan designed by Trump appointed Post Master General Louis DeJoy, who admitted during this panel that he sees very little value in mail or post offices. He sees money in packages and building giant fulfillment centers with billions of dollars given to the USPS from Congress during the pandemic, which you can read about here and here.

By September 2023, according to to the clerk, there will be 1.5 clerks working at the Beacon location: a full-time clerk, and a part-time clerk.

Why Doesn’t Beacon Offer Passport Service Anymore?

When asked why the Beacon Post Office does not offer the passport service anymore, the clerk explained that the woman who specialized in it had retired.

If the USPS’ plan is to downsize the Beacon Post Office (and other Post Offices), then it does not seem likely that the passport service will be available to Beaconites. The next nearest location is Wappingers.

In a letter dated February 28, 2023, the USPS mailed the APWU (the clerks’ union) to let them know that the Beacon Post Office would be changing in order to cut costs while improving services to residents. It did not state which services would be improving, how how the services would improve with fewer clerks employed. The passport service is not slated to return.

Said James Lloyd, Labor Relations, Policies and Programs for the USPS: “As discussed in our July 29 correspondence the purpose of creating S&DCs is to reduce transportation and mail handling costs, as well as provide Postal customers with additional services. S&DCs will allow for easier standardization and management of operations while improving building and operating conditions for employees.”

The local President from the other union, the NALC for the letter carriers, has confirmed to ALBB that they have not received such letter from the USPS.

What Is An S&DC? And How Does It Impact Beacon’s Post Office And Letter Carriers?

Earlier this week, ALBB reported that the Beacon Post Office was under threat of being closed, when it seemed imminent that postal carriers (who are out delivering the mail to your address) were being eliminated from doing this from the Beacon Post Office, and would instead to it from a large facility in Newburgh, known as a Sorting & Delivery Center (S&DC), which are being built out all over the country (see pictures here).

2 Different Unions Representing Carriers and Clerks

The employees are at the heart of this matter, as well as the location of where people will get services (package pickup, passport service, long lines, etc.). There are at least 2 groups of employees being disrupted - Clerks and Carriers. The Clerks are represented by the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) and the Carriers are represented by the National Association Of Letter Carriers (NALC).

According to letters to the carrier’s union APWU from the USPS, and implicated by new TV commercials, employment of clerks and carriers is going to shift dramatically with the loss and relocation of jobs. Based on the planned relocating or loss of jobs of all but 1.5 clerk employees in the Beacon Post Office, the planned skeletal staff doesn’t seem to service anyone very well. It is a stress on the clerks, and a source of impatience for the customer.

Of the 10-12 letter carriers that are stationed at the Beacon Post Office, it is possible that all would be relocated to the S&DC in Newburgh, or other centers. As indicated by this letter from the USPS to the APWU, which was obtained and published by SaveThePostOffice.com, Beacon is on the list of post offices scheduled to not have carrier service anymore, but to have carriers retrieve sorted mail it from an S&DC. However, according to the President of carrier’s local union, National Association Of Letter Carriers (NALC), no official notice has been given to the carrier’s union from the USPS concerning this, or how it would work.

The local NALC President said that a threat of this relocating has happened in the past, a little under 2 years ago, which is when the Trump appointed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy was, and remains, in power and at the helm of these changes. The union president stated that Utica’s transition had started already. SaveThePostOffice.com has been tracking other transformations that have begun, and the loss of jobs that have started.

That, with this new employment information from the clerk, as well as the TV commercials, indicates the new life at the S&DC in Newburgh will become a reality.

Despite what the USPS sources told the City of Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White, the planned skeletal staff of clerks at Beacon’s Post Office does not sound like services will be remaining the same for resdients, but will be declining. If suffocated enough, then there won’t be a purpose to keep open the beautiful building, except to hold Post Office Boxes. Which will have to be stuffed by a clerk. But the clerk is also servicing the front counter. With the proposed one full time clerk and one part time clerk, it is unclear how PO Boxes will be stuffed in a timely manner while the clerk is serving on the front desk.

The local petition to stop the removal of mail carriers from the Beacon Post Office.

The Employment Petition At The Beacon Post Office

A petition to stop the removal of mail carriers from the Beacon Post Office is on the front counter of the Beacon Post Office, right under the plexiglass windows that separate the clerk from the customers.

Beacon Post Office To Stay Open - BUT Carriers Being Re-Routed To Newburgh To Pick Up Mail And Drop It Off. Trump Appointed Postmaster General Thinks This Efficient

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Editorial Note: This article has been updated to include accurate and updated information, terminology, and the latest response from the City of Beacon in their City Council Workshop meeting last night.

The Beacon Post Office is not closing - as of now - despite rumors and two local publications misunderstanding the information (WRRV and ALBB) and who have both issued corrections. However, with the flurry of articles concerning the posts offices in the Mid Hudson area that are slated to undergo a big change, came answers of clarification from the USPS and the City of Beacon. Let’s dive in.

But First, Answers To Some FAQs:

Is Beacon’s Post Office protected as a historic place?
Yes. Thanks to a tip from an anonymous citizen reporter, Beacon’s Post Office is listed on the State and National List Of Historic Places, as identified in Beacon’s Comprehensive Plan on pages 40-41.

Will Glenham’s Post Office be closing?
According to Steve Hutkins of SaveThePostOffice.com, “Haven’t heard anything about Glenham, but it appears to be a small office with no letter carriers, so it wouldn’t be part of the plan. The plan is just about relocating carriers from those post offices that have them.”

At Least 200 Post Offices Nation-Wide Will Become “Spokes” and Will Stop Being A Hub For Local Delivery

According to the new commercials from the USPS, a new super-smart system is coming for mail delivery that involves big coordination for max efficiency, the USPS promotes. The roll-out of this max efficiency has been confusing so far, according to some carriers of the Beacon post office who deliver the mail.

According to the USPS and the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) via letter, some local post offices - 16 in the Mid Hudson Region, and 200 post offices across the country are slated to stop having carriers deliver mail from them - but instead will drive to local centers to pick up the mail and drive it back to their local routes.

Carriers will not get the mail from the local post office, like Beacon, but will instead get it from a Sorting and Delivery Center (S&DC). According to Steve Hutkins of SaveThePostOffice.com, who also lives in the Hudson Valley, who has been following and reporting on the post office for over 10 years: “Beacon and the other post offices on the list will be giving up their carriers to the Sorting & Delivery Center in the Mid Hudson Newburgh facility.” Residents will still have their mail delivered to their homes by carriers. But the carriers will be driving to and from Newburgh - across the Hudson River on the traffic-prone Newburgh/Beacon Bridge - to do this.

These post offices include Beacon, Fishkill, Wappingers, Newburgh, and several others. They will become “spoke” post offices. To help define the USPS lingo, Steve tells ALBB: “A ‘spoke’ post office is one of the offices giving over its carriers to the S&DC, which is the ‘hub’ of the wheel. This is how USPS refers to them in its presentations, like this one.’”

According to the USPS, the delivery trucks will park at the S&DC (Sorting and Delivery Center), which for Beacon, is in Newburgh.

According to a Beacon postal worker, Beacon employees heard from other postal workers who may have received official notices from their bosses or union at the Post Office that fulfillment and distribution would be done at the processing center in Newburgh. The Newburgh Post Office (different from the processing center) is also slated to stop having mail delivery service from it in September 2023. This has since been confirmed by SaveThePostOffice.com’s publishing of the postal carrier’s union’s letter.

At the time of speaking with ALBB, the postal worker was sitting in their delivery truck, sorting mail for the next block of delivery. Which prompted the question: where will the trucks park? According to a presentation from the USPS in August 2022, parking and commute time was taken into consideration. However, it is not clear if traffic for the commute time for any employee heading over the Newburgh/Beacon bridge was taken into consideration.

The postal worker did not know. Nor did they know how it would work driving in the little truck back and forth across the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge. Also not clear was who would be paying for all that gas, and the new tolls the trucks would accumulate.

With Wappingers, Fishkill, Newburgh, Cornwall, Montgomery, New Paltz, Pine Bush, Walden and other nearby Post Offices closing, the USPS says in a presentation that they have factored in parking, if there is enough parking for those delivery trucks. In this new USPS commercial, it looks like the original post office truck is being directed by the airline-looking traffic controller person.

The traffic on the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge can be thick. One accident, bless the people involved in the crash, can stop traffic for 2 hours at times, backing up all the way to Fishkill’s Route 9.

City of Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White Confirms Building Not Closing

Speculation has been so strong by the public that the Beacon building would close (with the burning hot real estate market going on in Beacon, and the loss of several iconic businesses to new development, this served as a strong foundation for this rumor) WRRV and ALBB first published that the building would close. WRRV was quick to update their initial article, and included this statement: “From the USPS: ‘As we move forward with this initiative, customers will see no changes to their local post office retail operations. No post offices will be closed and PO Box service will not be changed.’"

ALBB emailed Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White days ago to inquire about a possible building closure, and he did not reply. Instead, he updated the community in the final moments of the weekly City Council meeting, as he seems to like breaking his own news on his own time. Special thanks to Councilperson Justice McCray who commented via Instagram that the City of Beacon made an update in the final moments of the meeting.

From the City Administrator’s update, just seconds before the meeting adjourned:

“I have a 2-minute update on the Post Office. Your emails are blowing up. A week to two weeks ago, word spread in Beacon that we were going to loose carriers, and that was a preface to closing down the post office. When we got word of that, we did reach out to Congressman Pat Ryan's office in Kingston. They were doing a call today (Monday) with their Washington Office to ascertain the details on it.

“I did reach out to both the Postmaster who is currently on a different assignment - the Beacon Postmaster is in Hopewell. I did speak to the interim Postmaster. Neither of them believes that closure is at all considered. They thought that was highly unlikely. It had not being discussed.

“What is being discussed is these S&DC centers. The Sorting and Delivery. The carriers that now report for the 13 routes that are done in the 12508 area, would instead report to Newburgh. There were 15 or 16 communities that were going to be moved there. When I talked to the Postmaster, she said that all of the retail functions of the post office are going to remain the same. In fact, there was a similar consolidation of the sorting and delivery a couple of years ago in Eastern Dutchess that Hopewell was part of, and they still remain open.

“We are waiting for a final call back from Congressman Ryan's office. I left messages with the Vice President Of the American Postal Workers Union who I worked with years ago fighting other closures in Sullivan County. It doesn't seem that there is any real threat to close the post office. It would change where the carriers report, but the function day to day, your delivery, your ability to go to the post office, to have a box, to purchase postage, and other items there, would not change."

Mayor Lee Kyriacou clarified: "None of the customer-facing elements are involved in any consideration for change?"

City Administrator Chris responded: "That's correct. And when I said 'Well, do you think this could be a step toward closing?' They said 'No, this is one of our busiest post offices.' If somebody was going to close post offices, this would not be top of the list to close. When we fought this years ago, when I worked in a Congressional office, we were closing very small post offices in towns you would not recognize the names of. Where they had only a few people going in and a few boxes left. And even there we were able to stop it."

From this roll-out, Steve told ALBB that he is waiting to see how more details are addressed, like how a package that cannot be delivered will be handled. Will Beaconites need to drive over the bridge and back to retrieve it?

Editor’s Note: If you are a postal employee in the Mid Hudson region who works in the building for window service and has been impacted by this - where you did see change - please tell ALBB about it. If you were told by a superior that the building may close in the future, please contact us to tell us your source.

The Change From Post Offices To Fulfillment Centers

Suddenly news in the post office is moving quickly. Steve at SaveThePostOffice.com has been following this closely, and researched the large processing centers being built by the USPS by reviewing lists of processing centers that were released to postal unions. He has not been able to come up with a conclusion as to how they will work. However, he did notice that two of the large processing centers were located in North Carolina. “It’s noteworthy that two of the four new leased facilities will be in North Carolina, the Postmaster General’s adopted home state. DeJoy built his fortune as CEO of New Breed Logistics, based in High Point; he has a home in nearby Greensboro; and his chief logistics officer and executive VP is also a former New Breed executive. They have a lot of experience doing logistics projects in North Carolina, but why develop two new leased RPDCs in the same state, just 110 miles apart?”

Steve has also been tracking who has already been fired at the local post offices. In an article published on April 3, 2023, he followed which “spoke” post offices have been impacted.

Steve reported on April 1, 2023: “According to the impact statements the Postal Service is required to provide the APWU when it excesses employees, at least 40 clerk positions are being excessed at about 30 post offices, some of which aren’t scheduled to lose their carriers until September. [Update, 4/2/2023: The Postal Service has dialed back the S&DC plan yet again. The number of spoke offices sending carriers to the Mid Hudson S&DC is now 7 instead of 16, and the total number of excessed positions is now 8 instead of 23.]”

This is just the beginning of what is sure to be several news reports about this.

What will happen to the Elf in the Beacon Post Office who receives the letters to Santa?

What will happen to the Elf in the Beacon Post Office who receives the letters to Santa, and answers each one herself, with candy canes taped onto the envelope? Which magically make it through the sorting machines without getting crushed, or needing a stamp?

Editor’s Note: Any post office worker who wants to contribute to how this will impact them, or how they see this has been handled on the inside, can email ALBB with their anonymous input. We can interview you and not publish your name if you wish.

5th Annual Traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony - Thank You

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Submitted and Written by: Rhonda Altonen

On Saturday November 26th, the City of Beacon held their 5th Annual Traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony with entertainment provided by our local area singers, musicians, and dancers for all ages with a big turnout.

The MC duties for the evening were shared by our very own Antonio and Ethan See from Beacon BSA Troop 41 and Olivia Reynolds from Beacon Girl Scout Troop 10459.

To begin the evening's entertainment, Ursula Seymour from School of Rock sang a beautiful rendition of the “The Star-Spangled Banner. Then the dancers from Yanarella School of Dance performed to a mix of Christmas songs. Max Goodhill sang, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas". Ursula returned to the stage with our local BSA and Girl Scout Troops to sing a variety of Christmas songs including "Jingle Bells", "Rudolph", and "We Wish you a Merry Christmas". John Newhall from School of Rock played his guitar and sang wonderful renditions of "Blue Christmas", "Run Rudolph Run", and "White Christmas". Wrapping up the evening all of our entertainers joined Ursula, BHS chorus and our Scouts to welcome  Santa in with "Santa Claus is Coming to Town".

In between performances locally donated prizes were raffled off. Raffles were announced by Tree Lighting Committee Member Atilano (Jr) Rivera, who currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Beacon Elks Lodge #1493. All raffles are free and provided by local Beacon and surrounding businesses. In addition, we had a special booth set up by Simone Williams, owner of All You Knead, where the profits were matched and donated to Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) of Beacon. Ornament and S'mores kits were also given out to kids as a memory of the event.

This year, thanks to Mark Price and the City of Beacon Recreation Department we also had live trees as part of the raffle prizes. These trees would be delivered to the winner’s home, or winners could opt to donate their tree to one of our local parks. Winners who donated their trees are Patti Rock, John Soltish, Robert See, Louis Ballard, Andrea Corlis, Stephanie Gill, and our very own Mayor Lee Kyriacou.

To wrap up the evening, Santa Claus rode in on his big red fire truck driven by our own Lewis Tompkins Hose Co.1 with goodies for the kids and then he listened to all of their Christmas wishes and posed for photos. The audience helped count down and the beautiful tree in Polhill Park was lit, and kids from one to 92 (and even their furry friends) posed for holiday pictures in front of the enormous colorfully lit tree.

The Tree Lighting Committee Members want to thank all of the entertainers who volunteered their time and talents, Mark Price of Beacon Recreation and his team in adding lights to the tree and for setting up the tent, stage and electronics for the ceremony. The Lewis Tompkins Hose Co.1 for their assistance and support, BSA Troop 41 for providing hot chocolate and Beacon Recreation for sugar cookies to all attendees, and the one and only Santa Claus for always making time to come to Beacon. The Tree Lighting Committee Members are Atilano (JR) Rivera, Donna Idema, Rosemary Merhige, Jennifer See, Chris Bopp, Rhonda Altonen, Stephanie Soltish, Bobbie Zappala, Kat Caporale and Kathleen Plumer.

We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to all the following individuals and businesses for donating raffle prizes for the event:

  • Adams Fairacre Farms

  • All You Knead

  • Antalek & Moore

  • Antonellas, Fishkill

  • ARF

  • Artisan Wines

  • Baja 328

  • Bath & Bubble

  • Batts Florist

  • Beacon Bagel Shoppe

  • Beacon Boy Scouts

  • Beacon Creamery

  • Beacon d’Lites

  • Beacon Dept of Public Works

  • Beacon Falls Cafe

  • Beacon Fire Department

  • Beacon Girl Scouts

  • Beacon Mayor and Council

  • Beacon Recreation Department

  • Big Vinny’s

  • Brother's Trattoria

  • Chris Bopp

  • Hudson Beach Glass

  • Key Food

  • Leo’s

  • Miss Haddie’s BBQ

  • Mountain Laurel Florist

  • Mountain Tops

  • Peaceful Provisions

  • Pedago

  • Poughkeepsie Nissan

  • Raven Rose

  • Santa

  • Scarborough Fair

  • Schmucks

  • Snookie’s

  • The School of Rock

  • The Yard

  • Tito Santana Taqueria

  • Utensil

  • Veritech Wireless

  • Waves by Diana

  • Yankee Clipper

  • Yanarella  School of Dance

The event had a great turnout with about 200 people attending. Thank you again to all the families and individuals that joined us for this event. 

New Businesses In Beacon Are Popping Up!

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As you walk down Main Street, you’ll notice new businesses are popping up all the time! Like, Healthy In Color and Butterhead Salad Company (opening in April).

We try to keep up with new businesses as we notice them! Then we add them to our Shopping Guide, Restaurant Guide, or Beauty Guide. Main Street businesses get a free basic listing in these guides.

If you’re a new business or if you notice a new business and don’t see it listed in one of our guides, let us know. It’s not intentional — we’re just a small mighty team and sometime’s it’s hard to keep up.

If you’re a business who wants to sponsor one of these guides, be included in our weekly newsletter, and be featured weekly in our Instagram, you can find all of the details here > or reach out for more information!

“Tara” Opens In Hudson Valley Food Hall - Former Employee , Trina, Takes Over & Reimagines

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One of the most positive people in all of Beacon is Trina.

“I loved the people around me and loved the guest compliments and reviews about the food which I was preparing. It boosted up my confidence again that I can do it!!!””
— Trina Mazumder

If you don’t know Trina Mazumder yet, she was an employee of Hudson Valley Shawarma, a food stall located at the front of Hudson Valley Food Hall, which is next door to Subway. Trina is also a henna artist. She also burns intricate designs into wood. Some of you were lucky enough to have her paint onto your hands at A Little Beacon Blog’s table at Spirit of Beacon Day 2022.

Map of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India.

Trina is from Bangladesh. She is an accomplished and credited foodie with Big Dreams. Through the course of events that is small business ownership, Trina purchased Hudson Valley Shawarma with the support of her husband, Buddika Amila Pg who owns the restaurant Lotus Deluxe in Sri Lanka, and her family. She reimagined what she could serve at her own new restaurant: Tara.

“Back home, I completed my Hotel Management Degree and came to the United States as an Intern Chef. It was my dream to open my own restaurant one day. Additionally, my husband used to work in hotel food and beverage service, and he has a restaurant back home in Sri Lanka. So when I started the job in Beacon (at the former Hudson Valley Shawarma), I loved the people around me and loved the guest compliments and reviews about the food which I was preparing. It boosted up my confidence again that I can do it!!!”

Trina shared the idea with her parents and husband. “They inspired me more, and I believe that yes, we are going to do it!!”

The Chicken Samosa at Tara, prepared in Bangladeshi style with a crispy outside.

The food on the menu is a fusion cousin of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food. Look for options like Chicken Samosa (Bangladeshi), Moglai Paratha (Indian), Watalappan (Sri Lanka) and Falafel (Middle Eastern).

The name Tara is a combination of Trina and her husband’s name (Buddika Amila Pg…he goes by Amila). Tara also means “star” in Bangladeshi Indian.

Fitting, as you will feel like a star each time you go into the Hudson Valley Food Hall. The vendors are pals and work together. Each trying to make the magic happen.

On a Saturday night in January, the Hudson Valley Food Hall was hopping.

Beaconites should take special note: if you want to love your town, you will need to go to these restaurants in the middle of the week. If you are going to complain that Beacon is becoming a bedroom community, ALBB is going to tell you that it is your fault. For not coming out for Bangladeshi chicken samosa on a Monday or Wednesday for lunch or dinner.

Are you kidding!?!

Trina is amazing, and so are you. Warm your blood with her food any day of the week. She is open all days except Tuesdays. Because such is Beacon. :)

There is a bar in the back - The Roosevelt Bar. Plus a patio on the side. Plus they are dog-friendly. You have everything you need. Done. See you there!

New Art Gallery Opens In Beacon "Super Secret Projects" Through The Hallway Of Hyperbole - Open 7 Days

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A new art gallery called Super Secret Projects has opened down the hallway behind the boutique Hyperbole at 484 Main Street on the east end of Main Street near the mountain. Says Carolyn Baccaro, co-owner of the space: “We did a small renovation, and now you can walk right through the shop. We're also open 11am-6pm daily, so this is a full-time art gallery in Beacon, yay!!”

The creator of Super Secret Projects, Diana Vidal, likens the space to a speakeasy since one accesses it by walking through the boutique and down a hallway to get to the gallery, she told the Highlands Current. The co-owners of Hyperbole, Carolyn Baccaro and Andrea Podab are known for their collaboration with business and artistic projects, which have involved a pop-up shop at A Little Beacon Blog’s former space before they opened their own shops Artifact Beacon and Wares (which merged into Hyperbole), and a partnership with Beacon Mercantile who later opened a storefront on Main Street until she needed to move out to help a family member with their health.

About “Duality”

The 100% artist-run and curated space will host a public reception for their first group show, “Duality,” on Saturday, January 14th, from 7pm to 10pm at 484 Main Street. The exhibition, which runs through February 4th, will feature the work of local artists Alyssa Follansbee, Darya Golubina, Allegra Jordan, Yunmee Kyong, Elin Lundman, Evan Samuelson, and Diana Vidal.

According to the press release: “Conventionally, duality is defined as an instance of opposition or contrast between two aspects of something. Within this exhibition, we will endeavor to creatively explore the multitude of ways that the conceptual ideas of duality identify themselves within our existential outlook, history, and approach to the world. Like two sides of a coin, or interchangeable roles, a dichotomy of reality exists within us all. The work shown here is our reconciliation.”

About Super Secret Projects

Super Secret Projects is an artist-run initiative created to foster community and facilitate opportunities for emerging and mid-career artists to collaborate, experiment, and share their work. Visitors can peruse fresh and exciting local art 7 days a week from 11am to 6pm with new exhibits every month.

Follow @HyperboleNY and @SuperSecretProjects on Instagram for more details.

To apply for membership, apply to the Open Call for artists, or sign up for a workshop course, visit www.SuperSecretProjects.com.

$1,000 Grants Open For Applications Until Nov. 28 - BeaconArts' Clara Lou Gould Grant Seeks Applicants

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You could fret about cooking a turkey and finding a gravy recipe, or you could put that stress aside to instead apply in time for the possible $1,000 you could be granted from the Clara Lou Gould Fund For The Arts, managed by BeaconArts.

According the BeaconArts: “The Clara Lou Gould Fund for the Arts funds arts projects in Beacon including individual artist’s projects, unique exhibition, performance or public art projects, arts education programs, and community programs that promote area artists and arts activities, drawing attention to the valuable role of arts and culture in our community.”

Clara Lou Gould was Beacon’s Mayor for 18 years. “BeaconArts created this special Fund for the Arts named for Beacon’s former Mayor, Clara Lou Gould in honor of her 18 years of service as Beacon’s Mayor, and in recognition of her support of arts and culture in Beacon.”

Applications for grants are being accepted until November 28th, 2022, and the application doesn’t look too complicated. “While this fund is directly administered by the Community Foundation of Dutchess County, a committee of representatives from BeaconArts makes funding recommendations based on its knowledge of community need and offerings,” says their website.

“We believe in the fluidity of the Hudson Valley arts community and as such this fund is designed to support projects and activities in the Greater Beacon community, including those that may be initiated beyond city limits.”

Apply now, and/or email Suzanne Ball Suzanne@beaconarts.org with questions.

WELCOME Hudson Valley Goldsmith To ALBB's Shopping Guide!

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Voted Best of The Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley Goldsmith has been in New Paltz for the last 10 years and has now opened a 2nd location in Beacon!!!

They are a full-Service Jewelry Store Specializing in Custom and Repairs. They create custom one of a kind fine jewelry including engagement and wedding rings using recycled precious metals, conflict free diamonds and unique gemstones.

Their workshop is headed by David who started making fine jewelry as a teenager. He is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz, receiving his BFA in Metals. He also worked as a stone setter and fabricator making high end jewelry for Tiffany and Co. They have been working hard to make sure their new Beacon boutique is well stocked with silver and gold jewelry, both with and without diamond and colored gemstones. You can see many of their original designs in their storefront where they also carry the work of several other designers. They pride themselves on having a range of styles from classic and trendy to totally unique, and at a wide range of prices!

Check them out in person or online here >

PS* We compiled a Shopping Guide that includes every single shop in Beacon for your shopping and bookmarking pleasure! If you run a shop or boutique in Beacon and want to sponsor this guide, See here about how to be a regular sponsor and supporter of this publication!

Level 2 Includes the following:

  • Storefront Photo: A square photo (your choice) of your business placed in the shopping guide + Logo.

  • Photo Gallery: A few pictures of your establishment.

  • Event Listings: List any and all of your events.

  • Newsletter Weekend Feature: Guaranteed placement in our weekend newsletter, known as the “Happening This Weekend Guide,” but during the pandemic, has been renamed to the “Retail Therapy Guide”

  • Weekly Instagram Post: We will pull a photo from your Instagram every week & re-share it to our Instagram! Sometimes, we will come in & take photos of things we love in your shop & share them with our readers as well. *If you have a photo & specific writing that you want us to share, please email it to us by Wednesday of each week.*

Local Events Happening This Month - Listed In ALBB's Event's Guide

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A Little Beacon Blog shares events happening in and around Beacon all the time! We are constantly updating our list & featuring it in our newsletter to keep you in the loop!

Here’s what we JUST updated and added to our events to fill your October with the best festivities:

Serious. Comedy Theatre Presents Open Mic Stand Up Show
Day: Friday, October 14, 2022
Time: 8pm
Location: 22 Kent Street, Room #109, Beacon, NY 12508 (Old Beacon High School)
Information >
Serious. Comedy Theatre is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. Thank you!!

Haunted Huguenot Street
Days: Friday & Saturday Nights (October 14, 2022 - October 29, 2022)
Time: 5pm-9pm
Location: 81 Huguenot St, New Paltz, NY, 12561
Haunted Huguenot Street will run from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday nights, from October 14th-October 29th. The cost for pre-registered tickets will be $25 for general admission and $20 for discounted admission (for HHS members, seniors, students, active and retired military personnel, and children under 13). Children under 6 will receive free admission. Those expecting to register upon arrival on the evening of the tour will be charged a flat fee of $30 per registrant, space permitting.
Information >

Serious. Comedy Theatre Presents Fire Sale! Comedy Show
Day: Saturday, October 15, 2022
Time: 8pm
Location: 22 Kent Street, Room #109, Beacon, NY 12508 (Old Beacon High School)
Information >
Serious. Comedy Theatre is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. Thank you!!

Complimentary Screening of Pixar hit “Inside Out”
Day: Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022
Time: 11am
Location: Bardavon 1869 Opera House, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY
Seating is limited; registration is required and can be completed here >

The Beacon Sloop Club Annual Pumpkin Festival
Day: Sunday, October 16, 2022
Time: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Pete and Toshi Seeger Park, 1 Flynn Dr. Beacon, NY
Hudson Valley Pumpkins all sizes & shapes! Fresh homemade baked pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream, cider, and other delights. Food and craft vendors, children's activities, environmental displays. Free sails on the Sloop Woody Guthrie. Two solar powered music stages. Performers include Betty and the Baby Boomers, The B2’s, Rick and Donna Nestler David & Jacob Bernz, The Judith Tulloch Band, Last Minute Soulmates, Spirit of Thunderheart, Beacon High School Chorus Singers, Beacon Songsmiths, Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle, Bindlestick Bill, Pat Jones & Laurie Siegel, The Neverly Brothers, Lydia Adams Davis At Pete and Toshi Seeger Park, 2 Flynn Drive, Beacon, NY Free Admission.
Information >

BeaconArts - Now accepting artist submissions for our 2022 Member Exhibition [Must be a current Artist Member to apply]
Deadline: October 20, 2022
Days: Saturdays & Sundays - November 5-27
Time: 12pm-6pm
Location: KuBe Art Center, 3rd fl. Gallery, 211 Fishkill Ave. Beacon, New York
Opening reception & performance: Nov. 5, 4-6 p.m. Second Saturday Meet the Artist reception: Nov. 12, 4-6 p.m.

Beacon Film Society presents... BATTLEGROUND
Day: Thursday, October 20, 2022
Time: 7pm (doors at 6:30pm)
Location: StoryScreen Theater, 445 Main St. Beacon, NY 12508
‘Battleground’ is an urgently timely window into the intersection of abortion and politics in America, following three women who lead formidable anti-abortion organizations to witness the enormous influence they wield. As the nation faces the end of Roe, the film also depicts those on the front lines of the fierce fight to maintain access.
Information >

Serious. Comedy Theatre Presents Improv Witchy Jam
Day: Friday, October 21, 2022
Time: 7:30pm
Location: 22 Kent Street, Room #109, Beacon, NY 12508 (Old Beacon High School)
Information >
Serious. Comedy Theatre is a sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. Thank you!!

Hocus Pocus Parade
Day: Saturday, October 29, 2022 (Rain date Oct. 30th)
Time: 2:00pm — line up begins at 1:30pm
Location: Bank Square, Beacon, NY
All are welcome to join in costume and walk down Main St. to the Dummy Light. Trick or Treating at participating stores along the way. Beacon School of Rock will have a band playing Halloween music at the Roundhouse Patio at the end of the parade.

Murder Mystery Night
Day: Saturday, October 29, 2022
Time: 6pm
Location: Veterans Memorial Bldg, 413 Main St, Beacon, NY
Tickets are $40 per person. Free snacks and refreshments available. Proceeds benefit Castle Point VA Wheelchair games. Call 203 at 845-831-7750 for tickets or visit below link for more information.
Information >

Harvest Festival
Day: Saturday, October 29, 2022
Time: 3pm-5pm
Location: Memorial Park Pavilion
All are welcome to this free event at Memorial Park hosted by Goodwill Church Beacon! Join us for games, refreshments, face painting, hot chocolate, and more
Information >

 

If you have an event you'd like to submit for consideration, please fill out the Event Submission Form. If you would like to sponsor this guide, or upgrade your event promotion, please click here for details. *Please note, we are a mighty small team and receive multiple emails a day for event submissions. We may not be able to list them all, but you can guarantee a listing by purchasing here >

If you have multiple listings a month, you can subscribe as an advertiser and share a photo/flyer of your events.

The Spirit Of Beacon Day Is OPEN!

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Everyone!!

The "Spirit of Beacon Day is alive an well," said former Chair Gwenno James to the City Council during a meeting back in July, during her final appearance as Chair. She was there to present the new Board who volunteered after she put out the call across different channels, which was also published by A Little Beacon Blog.

A Little Beacon Blog's publisher, Katie Hellmuth Martin, felt the role a natural fit for her, being that she had produced 2 floats for South Avenue Elementary School (and decorated 1 drive-by car in the parade during the pandemic), as well as her experience hosting pop-up shops and other community events in her former office space on Main Street.

Junior (Zayed) Dabashi of Key Food had also volunteered to serve, with his experience running many community events for Key Food's family grocery stores in Beacon and in Milford, PA, including car shows (one of his favorites), and open-to-the-community cookouts at the Mosque in Beacon.

Ali T. Muhammad volunteered as well, and as a Beaconite who served on Beacon's City Council, his commitment to Beacon runs deep. You'll see him on the day of the event with a microphone in his hand, serving as a Board Member and MC.

Nickeya Allen pulled in as Treasurer, eager to serve, as her two young children had attended the parade and festival in year's past, and she has participated with ALBB before via Juneteenth.

The reaction from friends and community members has been consistent, and in two forms:
1. "You are crazy!"
2. "Amazing, thank you!! You might be crazy!"

It is true. Anyone who steps into these roles knows that they have a marathon ahead of them. The difference is this is a group marathon where many in the community want to also dive in, get creative, and express what is Beacon.


This Year's Theme: "The Origin Story"

The theme of this year's Spirit of Beacon Day is: "The Origin Story," and here's why:

Event organization wasn't the only reason the role felt right to Katie. In her introductory speech at City Council for the public to hear, she stated: "When the pandemic blossomed into the racial reawakening across the United States and even in Beacon, NY, I started covering the protests down Main Street that marched to Memorial Park and Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park to listen to people's stories during the open mike sessions.

"As a reporter, I got out of my comfort zone and spoke with neighbors I had never spoken to before, heard their stories about their lives in Beacon, and reflected. In 2020, when September rolled around, I thought the Spirit of Beacon Day was the perfect time to kaleidoscope this. To shine the light on the origins of why the Spirit of Beacon Day was created in 1977." But the pandemic happened, and squashed all in-person events. Gwenno and her committee did all they could to produce a virtual version of the day to keep the spirit alive.

According to an article in the Beacon Evening News from 1985: "For a number of years, the students from the Beacon School System and the community were having some problems that had racial overtones. It was during the winter and early spring of 1977 that, for several days and nights, racial problems became severe. The Sheriff’s department was called into the community to help bring the situation under control. A community meeting was held at the Howland Library."

During that meeting, a solution arose: a community day to bring the people together to better understand each other. This day was called The Spirit of Beacon Day.


The 45th Year For The Spirit Of Beacon Day

In early Committee discussions, the Board members expressed the importance of opening up the day to new organizations to participate. The Committee is so excited to dive into this project to bring it to you, with you. We encourage all of you to apply for a Table and/or to participate in the parade. if you have developed something in the last few years, let's see it! Show it to the people so that more young people can experience it. If you have had something for decades, but never considered participating in this day, please do so now!


Let's Gooooooooo!

Below are all of the ways you can help. Thank you Highlands Current and Beacon Free Press for covering the initial change in leadership! Please follow Spirit of Beacon Day on Instagram for latest announcements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

VOLUNTEERS
Yes, we need so many Volunteers! Volunteering can include helping parade floats and marchers get lined up the day of the parade, helping vendor tables get set up, connecting with non-profits, speaking to Main Street business owners, putting out yard signs in advance, going to collect those yard signs once the day is over, emailing businesses for sponsorship opportunities, producing Instagram art and posts, running the Facebook page, etc.
Learn More >

GOFUNDME FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY!
The Spirit of Beacon Day now has a GoFundMe drive! Producing this event does cost a bit. Our goal is to raise funds needed for the essentials, and have stipends that we can offer to the schools for decorating their floats, as well as a few other ideas. We do want a cushion so that we are not starting with a low balance at the start of the planning phase. Due to time, we are not having a Fundraising Event this year because August is when everyone goes on vacation, and September is Float Building Time!! All hands on deck.
PS! If you are a business wanting to give, please see our Sponsorship option to get promotion .
Donate Now >

SPONSORS FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY!
Businesses in Beacon are one of the keys to holding the community together. They provide employment, enjoyment, and entertainment. This year, the Committee has developed Sponsor Levels that include logos on T-Shirts, yard signs, bathroom signs (yes! we are encouraging people to use our porta-potties rather than the bathrooms inside of businesses!), and more.
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

TABLE APPLICATIONS
The Spirit of Beacon Day is everything with its vendor tables and experiences. Which non-profits and social entities making a difference can the community reach out to and meet at a table? Vendor tables are limited, and we are keeping it to non-profit and social groups or entities only. Application required, and if accepted, a $35 Table Fee is needed to secure the spot. Food businesses are encouraged to reach out to partner with a non-profit if they want to offer food. We are encouraging After School Clubs to apply to represent at a table, and other groups not normally seen but need the exposure to reach our young people. Non-profits and groups can serve/sell food as usual! Otherwise, we encourage everyone to also visit our brick and mortar restaurants in Beacon, in addition to the rare street food you'll find from the organizations.
Apply Now >

PARADE APPLICATIONS
The Parade for the Spirit of Beacon Day is everything! Open to both Beacon businesses and organizations, this parade does require application so that we can keep track of everyone, and curate the lineup. Consider marching, rolling or both! Show your colors.
Apply Now >

PERFORMANCE APPLICATIONS
We want to hear you play! We want to watch you dance! If you have never performed at the Spirit of Beacon Day before, please apply now. Past and future performers are encouraged to apply. The event is known to attract 3,000 people.
Apply Now >

CRAFTS & ENTERTAINMENT APPLICATIONS
The Spirit of Beacon Day is looking for activities for Kids we will curate throughout Main Street. This includes face painting, hair braiding, hula-hooping, whatever you got going on. The Salvation Army has graciously donated their space again for a Kids Section setting, and we have a few other places in mind for Pop-Up Experiences.
Apply Now >

KEY FOOD FIRST SPONSOR AS "BEACON OF LIGHT SPONSOR"
In addition to being a Board Member, Junior Dabashi surprised the Committee with a Sponsorship as our first "Beacon Of Light Sponsor" ($2,000) Sponsor. Key Food Beacon is a longtime participant in the Spirit of Beacon Day as a donor and table participant. This capital enabled the Committee to secure the porta-potties - with an extra ADA compliant unit that fits wheelchairs. We were also able to begin securing a bagpipe band. Thank you JB Said and Junior Dabashi!
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

LAST OUTPOST SUPPORTS AS FIRST "SPIRIT SPONSOR"
As Junior and Katie were walking around Main Street, saying hello to business owners and touching base with them, the Last Outpost store voiced their strong support for the Spirit of Beacon Day, and came on as our first "Spirit Level Sponsor" ($250)! They carry amazingly rugged things in there, and do check out their custom Beacon made merch.
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

ROUNDHOUSE SUPPORTS AS "BEACON OF LIGHT SPONSOR"
One of the most historic buildings in Beacon, and a longtime major sponsor of the Spirit of Beacon Day, the Roundhouse has signed on as a "Beacon Of Light Sponsor" ($2,000)!
Learn About Sponsor Levels >

LOGO DESIGN CONTEST FOR SPIRIT OF BEACON DAY
The Committee for the Spirit of Beacon Day is launching a Logo Design Contest for the design of the Spirit of Beacon Day logo, now celebrating its 45th year. The winning logo will be awarded $300, and be used on all signage, website, social media, merchandise, etc. All entries will be published for viewing, so that everyone can see the range of ideas.
Get Design Direction >

 

Guides To Beacon

When you come to Beacon for the Spirit of Beacon Day, use A Little Beacon Blog's all-inclusive Restaurant and Shopping Guides to prepare you for where to shop and eat. You will buy food from the organizations in the festival who are serving up their own fundraising-based food, but you will also be walking into restaurants for more delicious dishes you don't want to miss. And the shopping....oh the shopping in Beacon is so good!

Staff at Dia Announce They Want To Unionize: Want Higher Pay and More Job Security

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On Monday, a representative from the union UAW Local 2210, which is a union for technical, office, and professional workers, announced that the staff at Dia Foundation for the Arts are the latest group of arts and culture workers to unionize. Local 2110 UAW also represents workers at the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MASS MoCA, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Brooklyn Museum, Columbia University, Film Forum, Teachers College, ACLU, Center for Reproductive Rights, The New Press, and many more.

Staff unionization would be for professional and non-professional staff of Dia Art Foundation. The unit includes approximately 135 full and part-time staff located in New York City, Beacon, NY, Long Island and New Mexico. According to the press release, staff members cite low pay, job insecurity, and lack of recognition as reasons for unionizing.

"Until this month, gallery attendants at Dia Beacon site were paid a maximum of $15.30 per hour, even for those of us who have been here for over a year,” said Joel Olzak, a Gallery Attendant at Dia Beacon stated in the press release. “We just got a one dollar raise, but it still leaves us below a livable wage for a single person in Dutchess county. According to MIT data from this year, we need to be earning over twenty dollars an hour."

Alex Vargo, who has worked in Dia’s Learning and Engagement Department for seven years, said in the press release: “I work in art education because I believe that museums can be sites for transformative learning opportunities. All workers at Dia contribute to making art accessible to the public, and unionizing recognizes the importance of our contributions and gives staff a greater collective voice in shaping Dia's future."

According to UAW Local 2110, the last few years have seen thousands of workers in cultural institutions decide to unionize. Employees at the Jewish Museum, the Guggenheim Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the Hispanic Society of America, Film Forum, Anthology Film Archives, MASS MoCA, Film at Lincoln Center, Studio in a School, the Portland Museum of Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston voted to unionize with Local 2110 since November 2020. Many reference similar issues of low pay, and lack of job security or opportunity.

“How can Dia, with its prestigious Board and reputation, justify paying us so much less than a livable wage,” Olzak added in the press release. “Dia’s development in Beacon has actually driven up the cost of housing here. Most of us can’t afford to live in the area, not on Dia wages.”

Vernon Byron who has worked at Dia for eleven years, adds. “I am unionizing to ensure that my colleagues and I have more opportunities for development in addition to achieving a living wage and more sensible working conditions.”

Dia Art Foundation is a contemporary arts organization with a major collection site in Beacon, NY, an exhibition and programming space in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, and several site-specific installations across Manhattan, Long Island, New Mexico and Utah.

On Friday, July 15, Technical, Office, and Professional Union Local 2110 UAW petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for a union election of professional and non-professional staff of Dia Art Foundation. The unit includes approximately 135 full and part-time staff located in New York City, Beacon, NY, Long Island and New Mexico. The union has a reputation for its successful organizing and bargaining.

GoFundMe Donation Page Created For Amy's African Braids; Business Lost In Fire At Mr. Bell's Salon

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Amy’s African Braids was located inside of Mr. Bell’s salon. A Little Beacon Blog has been writing about Amy’s African Braids ever since she was open in Sexy Nails (now the cat cafe after the nail salon moved out during the pandemic), then in a spot in the strip at the car wash which she moved out of in 2019, and into Mr. Bell’s.

On the afternoon of the fire, one of Amy’s stylists had just left for the day, before the fire broke out. She returned to the salon after being called about the news that everything was destroyed in the fire. When A Little Beacon Blog asked her if she lost assets that she needed to braid customer’s hair, she stared blankly, and could only answer that she was thankful that she was not inside when the fire started. When asked where she would continue her braiding, she remained bewildered and thought maybe from her home.

Now that some time has passed, Amy’s Braids has launched a GoFundMe page. A Little Beacon Blog is in direct contact with Amy. After all of these years, our paths have crossed, as one of ALBB’s children is best friends with Amy’s nieces.

To learn more about her business, Amy answered a few questions. She’s looking for chairs, mirrors, hair, and products. Usually different hair is purchased in advance, and some is in stock at the salon for the stylists to braid into different styles. Both men and women come in from every 2 weeks to a month to have their hair braided in protective styles, depending on the occasion. Braiding starts at $40 and goes up.

ALBB is finding out where people can find Amy’s African Braids now, for those who need her for style refreshes or new designs. This article will be updated. As of now, to be out of work and all tools and products lost, the GoFundMe is the most important.

Click here to donate now >

GoFundMe Page Created For Mr. Alvin Bell. Wife Shirley Bell Confirms She Is Connected! Donate Now (Or Again!)

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UPDATE!
Mr. Bell’s GoFundMe Fundraiser >

Amy’s African Braids Fundraiser >

When Mr. Alvin Bell’s decades old and beloved salon burned in a fire last week, destroying everything including professional tools and memory markers, the community rushed to want to help him. A GoFundMe page couldn’t have been created fast enough to satisfy the amount of people who asked A Little Beacon Blog if a donation page had been started yet.

Ears to the ground, we waited to hear. It was slow going at first (a 24 hour turnaround in this case was too long). Mr. Bell is in his 80s, so things might take a while. Taking to the streets to find the answer, we found a family member of Mr. Bell, who had heard something was in the works. The following day, word spread that a GoFundMe page had been created, but nobody knew who the creator was.

Beaconites, and New Yorkers in general, are a skeptical bunch. ALBB got Mr. Bell’s phone number, and even he didn’t know about the GoFundMe page. He asked that we wait until he learned more.

According to the GoFundMe, the creator, Nathan Chackerian, had created the page with deep concern for getting Mr. Bell back into a salon, and was working with Mr. Bell’s wife, Shirley, to make this happen. According to Nathan’s Facebook, which he confirmed to ALBB, Nathan moved to Beacon around March 2022, and is ninja warrior full stack developer who is currently developing a new social media app.

Nathan told ALBB: “My mom is the person that knows him the best. I like Beacon so far and am trying to get to know more people my age in town.” He says he has been to Bank Square often.

Nathan set the goal for $6,500, and many Beaconites began donating. ALBB called Mr. Bell again, who this time, handed the phone over the Shirley. With confidence and enthusiasm, Shirley confirmed that Nathan and a person named Alexander were helping, and that the GoFundMe page is legit.

Nathan has already updated the page by saying he hadn’t expected such a generous turnout, and did not know the true cost of recreating a salon. According to his update, he is going to post itemized assets provided by Shirley that they would need. “They are hoping to stay on Main Street,” Nathan told ALBB.

Said Nathan in an update about the low-ish goal: “The $6500 number was an off-the-cuff estimate from someone who knows nothing about what they do (me)- it might be somewhat low. They had six chairs - three for braiding and three for barbering services and wash stations and cabinets with mirrors plus equipment. At the time we started this campaign, I had no idea we could get anywhere near that number... but now that we see what extraordinary kindness is possible, we might increase it here - or otherwise ask private donors for help purchasing any remaining items.”

The power remains off at Mr. Bell’s as well as John the Cobbler next door, whose shop also endured smoke damage. Said Nathan in an update on the donation page: “I am told that this week they may have access to the space to see what, if anything, can be salvaged - I will plan to shoot a quick video of the interior to post here-- and then leave them alone at what is likely to be an emotional time. Thank you again for your outstanding generosity.“

You can learn more about the donation campaign here, and make your donation! >

If you donated once, maybe donate again!