Over $1 Million Awarded To Fire, Rescue, Police and Shared Services By Dutchess County

Reprinted in full from the press release dated 8/28/2023 sent by Dutchess County:

18 Projects Funded in shared services, fire, rescue, law enforcement by Dutchess County:

“Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil announced Dutchess County has awarded more than $1.1 million in funding for 18 projects through its Municipal Investment Grant (MIG) Program. The awarded projects will promote efficiencies and long-term sustainability, agency capacity and capability, and shared services, while ultimately generating savings for taxpayers.

“The focus areas of this year’s MIG Program targeted fire, rescue and local law enforcement projects that improve agency capacity and capability to respond to fire, rescue and law enforcement operations, as well as community safety, or function to address health and safety issues for first responders.

“County Executive O’Neil said, ‘Over the past 10 years, Dutchess County’s Municipal Investment Grant Program has supported more than 180 projects resulting in greater efficiencies for government operations, shared services and enhanced operational capacity, all while generating taxpayer savings. This year’s program again focuses on providing critical resources needed for our first responders during emergencies while also ensuring their health and safety are protected. We thank the Dutchess County Legislature for its continued support of this important program which will result in long-term benefits for our residents.’”

Special Note About Active Shooter Training

“Several of this year’s MIG applications included funding requests for active shooter training. To help facilitate these requests, the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response will coordinate a countywide active shooter training for first responders in 2024. A total of $100,000 from the MIG Program Reserve will be used to support this shared services initiative. Additionally, the County will collaborate with the Regional Technical Rescue Team, which consists of the Arlington Fire District, the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department and the LaGrange Fire District, to evaluate the submission of a statewide shared services funding request that may help reimburse expenses.”

Projects Funded Through The 2023 MIG Program, Totaling $1,108,000, Include:

Arlington Fire District and City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department
Regional Technical Rescue Team Equipment Enhancement
Project Award: $100,000
Project Description: Purchase of various rescue equipment, including ring, cut and break, cordless demo saws, search camera and life detector, hydraulic power unit and tools, and drilling and nailing bag systems.

Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc.
UTV for Mountain Rescue Operations and Large-Scale Community Events
Project Award: $47,000
Project Description: Purchase of new utility terrain vehicle (UTV) and accessories to locate, treat and transport lost and/or injured hikers along the Hudson Highlands and Mount Beacon trails, as well as at large-scale public events, which will help to expedite response times for emergency medical calls.

City of Beacon Fire Department
Efficiency and Safety Improvements for Emergency Services
Project Award: $20,000
Project Description: Replacement of existing thermal imaging cameras to allow for more efficient firefighting and rescue operations, as well as improved safety for firefighters.

City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department
Rescue Task Force Equipment and Supplies Enhancement
Project Award: $75,000
Project Description: Purchase of various personal protective equipment and medical supplies to be used during an active shooter/hostile event, including ballistic vests and helmets, protective padding, and casualty collection point bags.

East Fishkill Fire District
Health and Safety Equipment Upgrades and Training Enhancements
Project Award: $80,000
Project Description: Installation of an exhaust removal system in the ambulance bay at the fire district’s headquarters; the purchase and installation of propane fire simulators to expand training techniques, leading to improved response capabilities.

Glenham Fire District
Fire Training Facility
Project Award: $29,000
Project Description: Purchase and installation of portable shipping containers equipped with windows, rolling doors, and staircases to use on-site at the district’s firehouse to conduct firefighter training, resulting in greater efficiency and flexibility for members to meet critical and mandated training requirements.

Hillside Fire Department
Fire Suppression Operation Enhancements
Project Award: $100,000
Project Description: Purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) harnesses with bailout system and SCBA air cylinders to increase response capacity and improve safety for firefighters.

Hughsonville Fire Department
Personal Protective Equipment Upgrades to Improve Response Capability
Project Award: $90,000
Project Description: Purchase updated personal protective equipment (PPE) to replace outdated gear that is no longer National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliant.

Hyde Park Fire and Water District
Enhanced Public Safety and Emergency Response Equipment
Project Award: $30,000
Project Description: Replacement of existing firefighter turnout gear, as well as the purchase of wildland protective gear and tools, a thermal imaging camera and gas meters to expedite rescue efforts and protect the health and safety of firefighters.

J.H. Ketcham Hose Co., Inc.
Battery-Powered Rescue Tools and Accessories for Vehicle Extrication
Project Award: $40,000
Project Description: Upgrade existing extrication equipment tools with battery-powered models to expedite and improve extrication during motor vehicle accidents and emergencies while also allowing for the capability and maneuverability for use in off-road incidents involving all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and utility terrain vehicles (UTV).

Milan Fire Department
Continuity of Firefighting Operations
Project Award: $20,000
Project Description: Replacement of the existing emergency generator at Milan Fire Department Station 1 with a higher capacity model that will provide for continuity of operations and will allow for the fire station to serve as a community shelter during emergencies and prolonged power outages.

New Hackensack Fire District
Improve Firefighter Response Capability and Safety
Project Award: $60,000
Project Description: Purchase of battery-powered vehicle extrication tools, thermal imaging cameras and firefighting foam to improve and enhance response and rescue capabilities while protecting the safety of firefighters.

Pleasant Valley Fire District
Active Shooter Personal Protective Equipment
Project Award: $40,000
Project Description: Purchase of ballistic personal protective equipment to be used during an active shooter/hostile event, including ballistic vests and helmets, as well as medical equipment and supplies.

Roosevelt Fire District
Personal Protective Equipment to Reduce Firefighter Cancer Risks
Project Award: $100,000
Project Description: Purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of exposure to cancer-causing elements and to ensure adequate staffing levels during firefighting operations.

Town of Hyde Park Police Department
Active Shooter Preparedness
Project Award: $22,000
Project Description: Purchase of various personal protective equipment, medical supplies, and rescue tools to be used during an active shooter event, including breaching tools, rapid response kits, individual throw kits, ballistic shield, and combat application torniquets.

Village of Fishkill Fire Department
Equipment Upgrade
Project Award: $50,000
Project Description: Replacement of existing breathing air unit used to fill self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) during fireground operations.

Village of Tivoli
Sustainable Upgrades to Firehouse
Project Award: $125,000
Project Description: Upgrade the existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and mechanical and fire suppression systems at the Tivoli Firehouse, resulting in community-wide and regional benefits.

West Clinton Fire District
Fire and Rescue Equipment
Project Award: $80,000
Project Description: Purchase of various fire and rescue equipment to improve response capabilities, including a digital fire training system, personal protective equipment (PPE), pagers, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and meters, rescue tools, and automated external defibrillator (AED) trainers.
In 2023, the MIG Program continues to fund the Dutchess County Drug Task Force and the Juvenile Detective position at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC). In the 2023 Dutchess County Budget, a total of $1,055,499 was allocated for the Dutchess County Drug Task Force, which promotes public safety while saving taxpayers money by providing a shared countywide undercover unit charged with reducing the sale and distribution of narcotics and drug crimes, working in partnership with the New York State Police and the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office. A total of $107,778 was allocated to fund the Juvenile Detective at the CAC which is a countywide law enforcement program that provides an array of services (e.g., safety plans, evidence gathering, referrals) during the investigative phase of a sexual or physical abuse allegation.

This year marks the 10th year of the MIG program, which awards grants on a competitive basis to entities with taxing authority (i.e., cities, towns, villages and fire districts) that address the County’s priorities and needs and promote shared services and consolidation efforts, with the overall goal of supporting local government efforts to reduce the property tax levy. Since the program’s inception, the grant program has expanded to meet the needs of local municipalities and entities, while also addressing the County’s priorities and initiatives.

The County typically releases the MIG application in March, with applications due in May. Following a review by the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) in May and June, the County Executive announces MIG awards in summer, with the projects beginning October 1st. Additional information about the MIG program is available on the grant program’s webpage.

New Podcast Episode: "The Barbie Movie Review - And Why The Kenergy?"

It's been a minute since the "Wait, What Is That?" podcast released a new episode. Leave it to Barbie to bring Brandon and Katie back together in the recording studio to analyze the movie, discussing what it brought to - or said about - pieces of our American social culture right now.

Listen to this episode right here on the "Wait, What Is That?" website, and soon on all the podcast platforms near you when you refresh.

SPOILER ALERT: This entire description and episode is filled with spoilers.

Co-hosts Brandon and Katie explore the Barbie movie from their perspectives as a tall Black man who loves superheros, and a not-as-quite-as-tall blond white woman who just stepped off her own moving sidewalk. They munch on topics from the movie including why Kenergy was introduced at all; would this movie have grossed over a billion dollars had the Ken story not been explored?; could Irrepressible Thoughts Of Death Barbie have carried it on her own?; the background of the co-creator and star Margot Robbie and writers Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach; more exploration of Gloria's (America Ferrera) character; and why Barbie wanted to see the gynecologist as soon as she decided to feel feelings and gain anatomy like a vagina in the Real World.

Spirit Update! ...Retail Therapy Guide 8/25/2023

This issue is packed with beginning of fall vibes for things to (still) do outside. Like yoga and beer, a new Self Care Crawl, AND a sneak peek at the latest episode from ALBB sister podcast, Wait, What Is That? Hint: It's all Barbie (and Ken...how did he sneak in?) Details below. Latest From The Spirit Of Beacon: Volunteers Needed! Meetings are Tuesdays 7:00pm - Parade Helpers on the street 9/24/2023 (submit here) - Kids Entertainment (submit here) - Table Vendor Helpers on the street (submit here) - Yard Sign Re-purposing (craft project - spray paint our old ones chalk paint and then Sept 17 we chalk on messages about parking and bathrooms) (reply to this email to coordinate or submit here) - Stage Manager for Veterans Place Music (submit here) Volunteer Signup Page > Sponsorships Open! Thank you Key Food,  The Station, Remark Printing, Rabe & Co., Last Outpost, Hudson Valley Credit Union for returning as sponsors for 2023! Sponsor spots are open at all levels, and can be secured here. Sponsor support goes to producing this day that is dedicated to bringing social services to the youth and community. This is the best way for businesses to show their support and get on signage, T-shirts and/or website. Sponsor Here > Table Registration: Still a few spots left! Apply for and Register your table here > Parade Registration: Let's see you! Businesses can participate in parade. Apply for and Register your Parade group here >                                       THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Book an Event Promotion Advertising spot here. 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, click here for more info > Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade Daley and Katie Hellmuth. Open Mic At Howland Cultural Center Day: Friday, August 25, 2023 Time: 7pm-10pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, Beacon, NY Fourth Friday music series! Music, poetry & spoken word Information > Newburgh Family Adventure Day at Long Dock Park  Day: Saturday, August 26, 2023 Time: 9am-2pm Location: Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park 23 Long Dock Rd, Beacon, NY Explore aquatic life, learn about the health of the river, and enjoy a delicious and free lunch! Information > SelfCare Crawl Day: Sunday, August 27, 2023 Time: 12pm-8pm Location: This self care event will feature over 30 studios, eateries, spas, and shops who will offer a sampling of incredible group classes, wellness treatments, outdoor activities, small bites, drinks & more. This is a fantastic event to come solo in order to meet people and make new friends or with the whole family so you can sample local experience offerings, get to know the latest self care activities in town... and explore what's new on Main Street! Information > Yoga & Beer: New Wave At Two Way Brewing Day: Sunday, August 27, 2023 Time: 10:45am-12:00pm Location: Two Way Brewing, Beacon, NY All-levels class outside on the patio while sipping a complimentary beverage of choice! You read that right - yoga...beer...patio. Information > Don't forget about the Beacon Farmers Market! Every Sunday from 10am-3pm at 223 Main Street! Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week!     HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website > This burrito tates as good as it is pretty! Head on into the Hudson Valley Food Hall and Dulce Cielo MX to indulge in this goodness. Follow HV Food Hall's foodies: Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters  Ciao Chow - Hand made pasta and fried rice Dulce Cielo Mexico: Authentic Mexican street food with vegetarian and vegan options. Elixxr Wellness: Wellness cafe offering drinks with adaptogens  Tara Fusion Cuisine: Fusion cuisine of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you! BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY Love shrimp and scallops? Get the shrimp and scallop plate from Baja! A win-win! Because Baja is always changing their menu, you can always expect seasonal and fresh goodness/ PS! Don't forget that TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos. Oh & Happy Hour is every Tuesday-Friday from 4-6pm :)  PPS: Check out Baja's specials! >  Check out their specialty drinks >  BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you! BEACON BOI  Long Dock Park - down by the river Hot diggity DOG! Head on down to Long Dock Park for Beacon Boi's food cart! Hot dogs and "cold ass drinks." Look for this hot dog stand on Main Street during the Spirit of Beacon Day! Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 12pm-Dark Location: Find the Beacon Boi cart down at Long Dock Park. Walk to the kayak locker, then take a right down that path to the strip of picnic tables. Beacon Boi is a Sponsor, thank you! CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St. The Lobster Roll at Carter's Restaurant! Only available on Sundays because its special sauce is only made fresh once per week. If you like big chunks of lobstah', then you will enjoy this roll. Comes with Carter's signature wide fries. PS: The kitchen is now open until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with the bar open until 12:30am! Head on in and sit at the bar or in the lounge. Good people, good food, good vibes. PPS! Brunch on Sunday's from 11am-3pm! Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!     HUDSON VALLEY GOLDSMITH 226 Main St Retail 2 (845) 255-5872 Custom design doesn't always mean a complex new design. Sometimes it means re-imagining a diamond or gemstone into a new setting, like making an old engagement ring into a new pendant, like the one pictured here! Sometimes less is more! If you have an idea for a custom design, but need some assistance, stop into HV Goldsmith. The team is happy to work with you to bring your vision to life! See here for CUSTOM details > Shop in-store or online here > OPEN: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11-5 Sunday 10-4 Shop Jewelry > Hudson Valley Goldsmith is a Sponsor, thank you! LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon New season around the corner means you need new glasses! Especially ones that look good like this - with all the fall flannel! Luxe Optique is always offering new styles and designers in shop to ensure there is something for everyone! Stop in and start the season in style! PS: Eye doctor appointments available here! >  BEACON HOURS  Monday from 10AM–5PM Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM Sunday CLOSED  Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you! Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY Fall classes have dropped at Yanarella for registration! Ballet, Tap, Combination Classes, Contemporary, 'Dance With Me', and more. Save your spot and sign up now. Classes start at just $12/class! Located on Main Street in Historic Beacon, their studio has been guiding and instructing students since 1957- over 60 years ago!  See Kids Classes here > See Adults Classes here >  Register Online > PS: Catch Yanarella in the Spirit of Beacon Parade 2023! Yanarella is a Sponsor, thank you! Beacon has a growing number of beauty salons and professional pampering to take advantage of - you can even book a transforming appointment at a lash bar! Be it a totally new hair style, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Plus, one of the most enjoyable gifts you can give to someone is a gift certificate. So we have included links to where you can buy a gift certificate from any of these fine services that offers one. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here > Special Message For Businesses: If you want to advertise in this Guide with a picture, logo and promotions, please click here. PS* NEW Advertising Packages available! See details >  BEACON DENTAL 1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY (845) 838-3666 Beacon Dental is happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! At Beacon Dental, they are dedicated to providing you and your family with quality dental care tailored to your individual needs. They welcome patients aged 4 and older and provide a full range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout your life. When you visit their dentists and team, you can be certain that your health, comfort and smile are always their highest priorities. Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!            "WAIT, WHAT IS THAT?" PODCAST The sister podcast from ALBB and Tin Single, "Wait, What Is That?" co-hosts Brandon Lillard and Katie Hellmuth explore the Barbie Movie. Neither of them knew what the other was going to say about the movie, and there was a plot-twist to their take-aways! Kate came full with pink highlighter and Vogue magazine with interview with the producer and actor, Margot Robbie, to border the discussion. Watch this on Instagram until they drop the podcast to every podcast platform near you. Watch Here > TIN SHINGLE Tin Shingle specializes in getting the word out, and that includes podcasts. We make one, and can produce one for you. Got ideas? Bring them to Tin Shingle and let us produce for you. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!                             KATIE JAMES, INC. From the reporting and design team that produces A Little Beacon Blog, the local online newspaper covering Beacon, NY, as well as the media training team that is behind Tin Shingle, an education and empowerment zone for small businesses, Katie James, Inc. is the uniquely positioned design studio that knows how to align with businesses and artists of all kinds with different needs, to get them the online tools they need to keep selling to their customers and clients. Learn More > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you! BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES See them here > BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR Tin Shingle Katie James, Inc. CATERING > EVENT CATERING Oui Oui Cuisine  Dulce Cielo Mx DENTAL Beacon Dental EVENT SPACE > CO-WORK SPACE The Main Office at Beacon Digital  HOME IMPROVEMENT > INTERIOR DESIGN Faust Design Build HOME IMPROVEMENT > LAWN SERVICES Blue Green Lawns HOME IMPROVEMENT > ORGANIZATION  Decluttered Hudson Valley MUSIC Miss Vickies Music List Your Business In The Business Directory >  Read Our Latest Articles Advertise With Us! Stay Up To Date With City Meetings List your job in ALBB's Job Listings >

SIGN UP FOR THIS NEWSLETTER JOIN THESE ADVERTISERS: We create ad packages that work for different types of businesses. Click here for ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog and accomplish your goals. We look forward to highlighting your business and show your support!

Artwork Deadline September 1 For Beacon Bus Shelters From BeaconArts

BeaconArts is the group behind the changing art on the bus shelters in Beacon, and the time has come to change the art again. After a recent round of fundraising which included a benefit concert, BeaconArts raised the funds needed to refresh the artwork on 5 bus shelters located throughout the city.

Artwork needs to be submitted by Friday, September 1st via this link. Submissions need to be from BeaconArts members (you can join here - membership starts at $100/year).

Artists will be asked to submit digital files that will be printed on vinyl and displayed on the shelter panels.

Submission guidelines:

• All applicants must be BeaconArts members.

• BeaconArts is looking for artwork that has a strong graphic quality and can be viewed from a distance.

• The final artwork will consist of two 50" w x 60" h panels.

• The artwork selected should fit within the proportions of the bus shelter panels

• Submissions must be jpg files, 1000 x 1200 pixels at 72dpi

• If selected, artwork must be delivered as high resolution files, 50 x 60 inches at 300 dpi

Vinyl printing and installation are provided by BeaconArts at no charge to the artist.

End Of Summer Event :: Retail Therapy Guide 8/18/2023

The Beacon Back 2 School Block Party is tomorrow (Saturday), which is the unofficial mark to the end of summer, and beginning of the busy back to school season. School supplies! See below for details.                                       THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Book an Event Promotion Advertising spot here. 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, click here for more info > Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade Daley and Katie Hellmuth. Beacon Back To School Block Party Day: Saturday, August 18, 2023 Time: 12-3pm Location: South Avenue Park, at 9D and Wolcott, in the open area above Loopers Basketball Court and the tennis courts. South Avenue Park at Loopers Plaza is firing it up again with the Beacon Back 2 School Event from I Am Beacon and Key Food. This event is known for signalling the final days of summer with a cookout in the park, accompanied by several vendors at tables providing information to kids, parents and caregivers, as well as basketball games being played down below at Loopers Court. A Little Beacon Blog will be participating with face painting! Information > Free Citizenship Workshop Day: Saturday, August 19, 2023 Time: 11am-3pm Location: Howland Public Library, Beacon, NY The The Howland Public Library is offering a Citizen Workshop for help with the N-400 application on Saturday, August 19th. This Citizenship Workshop is from Citizenshipworks in partnership with the Office of New Americans and GMHC. Form N-400 is an application to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Information > Hudson Valley Musicians Reunion Day: Saturday, August 19, 2023 Time: 12pm-5pm (brunch from 10am-4pm) Location: Silk Factory, Newburgh, NY Information > Tri-State Seafood Fest Days: Saturday, August 19, 2023 & Sunday, August 20, 2023 Time: 12pm-7pm Location: MJN – Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center, 14 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY Dine on seafood creations such as Maine lobster rolls, a raw bar, ceviche, paella, fried seafood, such as calamari, and salmon. Enjoy amazing tribute bands playing Bon Jovi, Meatloaf and Billy Joel.  Information > Don't forget about the Beacon Farmers Market! Every Sunday from 10am-3pm at 223 Main Street! Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week!     HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website > Indulge in creativity! Build your own waffle masterpiece with a delicious blend of toppings and flavors 🧇 from Shmucks Sweet Stuff! Something for everyone in the HV Food Hall... stop in! Follow HV Food Hall's foodies: Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters  Ciao Chow - Hand made pasta and fried rice Dulce Cielo Mexico: Authentic Mexican street food with vegetarian and vegan options. Elixxr Wellness: Wellness cafe offering drinks with adaptogens  Tara Fusion Cuisine: Fusion cuisine of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you! BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY Birria Empanadas from Baja? Yes, PLEASE! Birria is a meat stew or soup made from goat, beef, lamb, mutton, or chicken. The meat is marinated in an adobo made of vinegar, dried chiles, garlic, and herbs and spices before being cooked in a broth. Put it in an empanada, and you've got mouth-watering goodness!  Baja is always changing their menu and offering delicious specials! Don't miss out. PS! Don't forget that TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos. Oh & Happy Hour is every Tueday-Friday from 4-6pm :)  PPS: Check out Baja's specials! >  Check out their specialty drinks >  BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you! BEACON BOI  Long Dock Park - down by the river Head on down to Long Dock Park to spot the cutest and most delicious little food cart! Hot dogs and "cold ass drinks" available to you for your walk through Dennings Point.  Unique hotdogs with different toppings that'll probably make you want more than one. Mustard, Sauerkraut, Special hot sauce, and so many more delicious & unique hotdogs. "Just Hot Dogs $5 and Cold Ass Drinks $2". Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 12pm-Dark Location: Find the Beacon Boi cart down at Long Dock Park. Walk to the kayak locker, then take a right down that path to the strip of picnic tables. Beacon Boi is a Sponsor, thank you! CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St. Carter's kitchen is now open until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with the bar open until 12:30am. For those late night eaters who take their time going out, Carters has a seat for you. PS! Brunch on Sunday's from 11am-3pm! Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!     DAVID REEVES BESPOKE NYC POP UP 494 Main St. (917) 783-2270 David Reeve Bespoke suits are all hand-cut and bench-made with over 3,000 hand stitches. Full-floating chest canvas, hand padded lapels and hand stitched buttonholes are standard. A Reeves suit requires at least 40 hours of skilled local labor to produce. All this, and you get direct access right here in their Beacon pop-up location! Make an appointment to learn more. SAMPLE SALE ALERT: Save the date - David Reeves Bespoke is having a Sample Sale next weekend Friday - Sunday, 12pm-5pm. This is an incredible opportunity to get tailored clothing you have been wanting to try. Check out their offerings here > Appointments can be booked HERE or via cellphone 917-783-2270. Check out Reeves NYC on Instagram >  Reeves NYC is a Sponsor, thank you! HUDSON VALLEY GOLDSMITH 226 Main St Retail 2 (845) 255-5872 Peacock Tanzanite represents a variation on this lovely gem, featuring a fascinating transition between cheerful green and bright blue hues. The perfect accessory to add to any outfit! Available at Hudson Valley Goldsmith aloing with many other beauties. And, if you see something you like but want some tweaking... HV Goldsmith offers custom design! See here for CUSTOM details > Shop in-store or online here > OPEN: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11-5 Sunday 10-4 Shop Jewelry > Hudson Valley Goldsmith is a Sponsor, thank you! LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon Hello, Alexander McQUEEN!  One of our absolute favorite brands! Sexy and sleek but also minimal! Shop many different styles in store and know that the opticians at Luxe are happy to help you choose the best style for your face frame! Prescription or for fashion.  PS: Eye doctor appointments available here! >  BEACON HOURS  Monday from 10AM–5PM Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM Sunday CLOSED  Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you! Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY Fall classes have dropped at Yanarella for registration! Ballet, Tap, Combination Classes, Contemporary, 'Dance With Me', and more. Save your spot and sign up now. Classes start at just $12/class! PS: Catch Yanarella in the Spirit of Beacon Parade 2023! Located on Main Street in Historic Beacon, their studio has been guiding and instructing students since 1957- over 60 years ago!  See Kids Classes here > See Adults Classes here >  Register Online > Yanarella is a Sponsor, thank you! Beacon has a growing number of beauty salons and professional pampering to take advantage of - you can even book a transforming appointment at a lash bar! Be it a totally new hair style, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Plus, one of the most enjoyable gifts you can give to someone is a gift certificate. So we have included links to where you can buy a gift certificate from any of these fine services that offers one. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here > Special Message For Businesses: If you want to advertise in this Guide with a picture, logo and promotions, please click here. PS* NEW Advertising Packages available! See details >  BEACON DENTAL 1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY (845) 838-3666 Beacon Dental is happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! At Beacon Dental, they are dedicated to providing you and your family with quality dental care tailored to your individual needs. They welcome patients aged 4 and older and provide a full range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout your life. When you visit their dentists and team, you can be certain that your health, comfort and smile are always their highest priorities. Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!   TIN SHINGLE If you have/started a new business and are trying to get the WORD OUT, look no further! 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. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!                             KATIE JAMES, INC. From the reporting and design team that produces A Little Beacon Blog, the local online newspaper covering Beacon, NY, as well as the media training team that is behind Tin Shingle, an education and empowerment zone for small businesses, Katie James, Inc. is the uniquely positioned design studio that knows how to align with businesses and artists of all kinds with different needs, to get them the online tools they need to keep selling to their customers and clients. Learn More > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you! BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES See them here > BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR Tin Shingle Katie James, Inc. CATERING > EVENT CATERING Oui Oui Cuisine  Dulce Cielo Mx DENTAL Beacon Dental EVENT SPACE > CO-WORK SPACE The Main Office at Beacon Digital  HOME IMPROVEMENT > INTERIOR DESIGN Faust Design Build HOME IMPROVEMENT > LAWN SERVICES Blue Green Lawns HOME IMPROVEMENT > ORGANIZATION  Decluttered Hudson Valley MUSIC Miss Vickies Music List Your Business In The Business Directory >  Read Our Latest Articles Advertise With Us! Stay Up To Date With City Meetings List your job in ALBB's Job Listings >

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Beacon Back 2 School Block Party Invites Community To Celebrate & Prepare For School

South Avenue Park at Loopers Plaza is firing it up again with the Beacon Back 2 School Event from I Am Beacon and Key Food on Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 12-3pm. This event is known for signalling the final days of summer with a cookout in the park, accompanied by several vendors at tables providing information to kids, parents and caregivers, as well as basketball games being played down below at Loopers Court.

Co-founder of I Am Beacon, Reuben Simmons told the Beacon Free Press this week: “Although we host with Key Food, this event is a true collaboration in every sense of the word. Beacon Recreation Department, Beacon City School District, and the Beacon Hoops Summer Basketball program. I enjoy providing a platform for so many of our community organizations to come out and share their information.”

Participating Organizations

Participating organizations this year include: Girl Scouts of the Hudson Valley, Cub Scouts Pack 1, Boy Scouts Troop #41, Brain and Body Coalition, Tradition Christmas Tree Lighting, Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, St Andrews & St. Lukes Episcopal Church, Growing & Empowering Myself and My Sisters (GEMMS), A Little Beacon Blog, Beacon Elks Lodge #1493, Salem Tabernacle, Tara’s Mission| Flip !t 4 Human Rights, Highlands Current, Conservation Advisory Committee, Staples, Beacon Climate Action Now, City of Beacon Police, Beacon Dental, and Contender eSports Gaming Center Hudson Valley.

Food and Entertainment

Key Food will be providing burgers, hot dogs and drinks for sale or by donation but is not required for those in need. HOPE Church is bringing the grill. “It takes a village!” co-founder Brooke Simmons told A Little Beacon Blog. Proceeds from the sale of food will go to I Am Beacon’s Class in a Bag program, which provides full backpacks and school supplies to students in need in the Beacon City School District grades K-12.

All Star Games from the Beacon Hoops Summer program start at 10am and go through the morning.

School supplies will be collected throughout the day. A small bus will be on-site, and attendees are encouraged to help "stuff the bus" with donated school supplies. DJ King Cyrus will be playing music throughout the event, which will end with a raffle draw.

A Little Beacon Blog will be offering face painting. A portion of the sales will be donated to I Am Beacon, and the rest helps us publish this publication. Donation recommended but not required. We will paint anyone.

How It Works

To get a free bag of school supplies, students will be given a “Student Passport,” and are required to collect “stamps” from each vendor’s booth. Cards will only be handed out for the number of bags available.

South Avenue Park | South Avenue Park is located at 9D and South Avenue. The address is 98 South Avenue, Beacon, NY 12508. The event takes place in the open area between the tennis court and basketball court, and below the climbing playground and Beacon Recreation Center.

The Beacon Sloop Club 2023 Corn Festival - Another Year Successful

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The annual Corn Festival from the Beacon Sloop Club happened last Sunday, with so much help from all of the volunteers of the Sloop Club. A Little Beacon Blog was there as a vendor for the first time, offering our face painting services, which we have been accustomed to doing because what else are you going to do at a blogging table except type or talk? So we zen out over kids (and adults) who sit in the chair wanting their faces painted their spirit animals or visions. If we’re on point, usually the kids fall into a light trance nap in the chair as we finish painting their faces.

This year at the Corn Festival, there were quite a few visitors who stopped by our table who were not from Beacon. People from Brooklyn, Cold Spring, and other areas. They were curious about what is a “sloop” (it’s a one-masted sailboat). Despite having this festival for years and years, it looks like the Beacon Sloop Club still has a big purpose and mission to educate the new people coming to Beacon who want to enjoy Beacon’s beauty, and keep it as it is. But these new people need to understand what Beacon is first.

FAQ: What Is A SLOOP? What Is Beacon Sloop Club?

Let’s revisit briefly: The Beacon Sloop Club was founded by folk singer and activist, Pete Seeger. They are a volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, protection and restoration of the Hudson River and surrounding waterways through advocacy, education and celebration. When you’re from NYC, you tend to think of the Hudson River as a barrier in the subway system between NYC and Hoboken, NJ, for instance. Here, we look at it as a waterway with ecosystems, one that used to have another name before Dutch settlers renamed it.

The Hudson River’s name before the Dutch renamed it was Muhheakunnuk. According to Riverkeeper: “Henry Hudson 'discovered' what the Lenape called Muhheakunnuk, ‘The River that Runs Both Ways.’ People have lived along the shores of the Hudson River since the last ice age, bathing in its waters, living off its bounty, caring for its future. The Lenape tribe balanced the needs of man and the needs of fish and fowl, plant and animal.”

The Beacon Sloop Club’s mission is to carry out that treatment. As part of their mission, the Beacon Sloop Club provides free river access through free sails and sail training on the ferry sloop Woody Guthrie, a replica of the 18th and 19th century sloops that once plied the Hudson River. The Beacon Sloop Club offers free seasonal music festivals to the people of the river, as well as other events, lectures and classes throughout the year.” Donate to them at any time. Like right now.

FAQ: Why Beacon For Pete Seeger?

This is a great question that I was asked. One I did not know. He’s such an embedded celebrity in Beacon, but I hadn’t considered his origin story as to why Beacon. So I reached out to his granddaughter, Moraya Seeger DeGeare to find out. She confirmed with her brother, and this is what they said: “He and my grandma (Toshi Seeger) lived in Greenwich Village and could not afford $100/month rent controlled apartment. So he came up to Beacon. Hiked the mountain. Climbed a tree and had a dream of building a cabin to raise his kids in. He climbed down. Went into town. Called Grandma and said: “Toshi, I found the place.”

You can next catch the Beacon Sloop Club at the Pumpkin Festival on October 15th, 2023. ALBB will be there too, with face paint! We take cash or card, and a portion is donated back to the Beacon Sloop Club. The rest helps us live our lives here in Beacon and produce this blog.

The Season Of The Spirit Of Beacon Is Here :: Retail Therapy Guide 8/11/2023

The fall breezes are coming...you can feel it. The Spirit Of Beacon Season has officially started. The Spirit of Beacon Committee has been busy announcing their theme for the year: "Level Up" This is a charge to everyone to take that next step in what they want to do - be it a opening a business, saving their apartment from rent increase, getting to know new people, and challenging one self to reach out to try what they wanted to try. Read all about the theme here. As the Committee begins booking the necessary equipment to produce the day, like the tents and the porta-potties, as well as booking the bagpipe band and the Cobra Performing Arts group, they published a Thank You article to the 2022 Sponsors who leveled up so quickly in their time of need last year. Sponsorship for 2023 is opening next week in order to continue this work. Volunteer Meetings are also starting on Tuesday 8/15/2023 at the Howland Public Library for those who want to get involved as a Volunteer. Attending the meetings is not mandatory, and is available in-person or on Zoom. This is a way to come to sign up for what you want to do, and stay in the loop with coordination. Read all about that here.                                       THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Book an Event Promotion Advertising spot here. 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, click here for more info > Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade Daley and Katie Hellmuth. In The Water Basketball Classic Day: Saturday, August 12, 2023 Time: Doors open at 12:15pm Location: Beacon High School, 101 Matteawan Rd, Beacon, NY Beacon VS Newburgh VS Poughkeepsie tournament style event including one team from each respected city composed of 10 college/pro level athletes. Which city will be crowned?! Information > Hudson Valley Jazz Festival Day: Saturday, August 12, 2023 Time: 7pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St, Beacon, NY David Amram and his Quartet! Jazz, classical, film, theater, and opera Information > A Night At Goth Beach Day: Sunday, August 13, 2023 Time: 7pm-10pm Location: The Yard, 4 Hanna Ln, Beacon, NY Eat, drink, and enjoy a live concert by Charming Disaster! Everyone's favorite goth-folk duo joins us once again to play their biggest hits both old and new! Information > Don't forget about the Beacon Farmers Market! Every Sunday from 10am-3pm at 223 Main Street! Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week!     HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website > 🥀Cardamom Rose Latte🥀 from Elixxry! Espresso based latte on the high vibrational signature drink menu Made with espresso beans, rose powder and pure cardamom powder sweetened with honey & made with their in house oat milk. This bev is such a treat Can also be made caffeine-free! Something for everyone in the HV Food Hall... stop in! Follow HV Food Hall's foodies: Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters  Ciao Chow - Hand made pasta and fried rice Dulce Cielo Mexico: Authentic Mexican street food with vegetarian and vegan options. Elixxr Wellness: Wellness cafe offering drinks with adaptogens  Tara Fusion Cuisine: Fusion cuisine of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you! BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY If you're feeling hungry this weekend, you gotta stop into Baja  to try out their new specials: Apple Crunch Salad Birria Empanadas Shrimp and Scallops main plate Baja is always changing their menu so if something sounds good, hop on it & don't miss out! PS! Don't forget that TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos. Oh & Happy Hour is every Tueday-Friday from 4-6pm :)  PPS: Check out Baja's specials! >  Check out their specialty drinks >  BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you! BEACON BOI  Long Dock Park - down by the river Hot dogs are ready to fill your belly and soul over at the Beacon Boi food cart!  Delicious and unique hotdogs that will satisfy your needs and wants. Love hotdogs and  cheetos? Get a hotdog here with cheetos on top of your hotdog! Mustard, Sauerkraut, Special hot sauce, and so many more delicious & unique hotdog ideas. "Just Hot Dogs $5 and Cold Ass Drinks $2". A win-win!  Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 12pm-Dark Location: Find the Beacon Boi cart down at Long Dock Park. Walk to the kayak locker, then take a right down that path to the strip of picnic tables. Beacon Boi is a Sponsor, thank you! CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St. We love us some hot wings and a beer on the weekend! Especially from Carters - sitting at the bar or in the lounge. So many wing options - buffalo, bang bang, bbq, hot honey, garlic parmesan... OH and the wings are gluten-free! Stop in for wings or other Carter's Starters ;)  PS! Brunch on Sunday's from 11am-3pm! Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!     REEVES NYC POP UP 494 Main St. (917) 783-2270 Get your suit game on point with English bespoke tailoring at the Reeves Beacon Pop-Up! September 10 will be here before you know it and you do not want to miss out on this opportunity! Even if you don't have an event to go to... you could just step up your style game ;) You can check out all of their offerings here > Appointments can be booked HERE or via cellphone 917-783-2270. Check out Reeves NYC on Instagram >  Reeves NYC is a Sponsor, thank you! HUDSON VALLEY GOLDSMITH 226 Main St Retail 2 (845) 255-5872 So many vintage rings available at Hudson Valley Goldsmith. Truly one-of-a-kind pieces that can be worn for any reason. Love yourself. Bling yourself. The larger statement rings would look bold on the pointer finger. Find these stunners in Beacon. See here for CUSTOM details > Shop in-store or online here > OPEN: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11-5 Sunday 10-4 Shop Jewelry > Hudson Valley Goldsmith is a Sponsor, thank you! LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon Barton Perreira is another one of our favorite brands from Luxe! Simple yet absolutely stunning! Minimal and sexy all in one with the best neutral colors to go with every single outfit! The opticians at Luxe will make you feel beautiful from the moment you walk in and are happy to help you choose the best style for your face frame! Prescription or for fashion. Maybe both... you deserve it! PS: Eye doctor appointments available here! >  BEACON HOURS  Monday from 10AM–5PM Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM Sunday CLOSED  Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you! Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY Fall classes have dropped at Yanarella for registration! Ballet, Tap, Combination Classes, Contemporary, 'Dance With Me', and more. Save your spot and sign up now. Classes start at just $12/class! Located on Main Street in Historic Beacon, their studio has been guiding and instructing students since 1957- over 60 years ago!  See Kids Classes here > See Adults Classes here >  Register Online > Yanarella is a Sponsor, thank you! Beacon has a growing number of beauty salons and professional pampering to take advantage of - you can even book a transforming appointment at a lash bar! Be it a totally new hair style, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Plus, one of the most enjoyable gifts you can give to someone is a gift certificate. So we have included links to where you can buy a gift certificate from any of these fine services that offers one. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here > Special Message For Businesses: If you want to advertise in this Guide with a picture, logo and promotions, please click here. PS* NEW Advertising Packages available! See details >  BEACON DENTAL 1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY (845) 838-3666 Beacon Dental is happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! At Beacon Dental, they are dedicated to providing you and your family with quality dental care tailored to your individual needs. They welcome patients aged 4 and older and provide a full range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout your life. When you visit their dentists and team, you can be certain that your health, comfort and smile are always their highest priorities. Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!   TIN SHINGLE If you have/started a new business and are trying to get the WORD OUT, look no further! 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. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!                             KATIE JAMES, INC. From the reporting and design team that produces A Little Beacon Blog, the local online newspaper covering Beacon, NY, as well as the media training team that is behind Tin Shingle, an education and empowerment zone for small businesses, Katie James, Inc. is the uniquely positioned design studio that knows how to align with businesses and artists of all kinds with different needs, to get them the online tools they need to keep selling to their customers and clients. Learn More > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you! BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES See them here > BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR Tin Shingle Katie James, Inc. CATERING > EVENT CATERING Oui Oui Cuisine  Dulce Cielo Mx DENTAL Beacon Dental EVENT SPACE > CO-WORK SPACE The Main Office at Beacon Digital  HOME IMPROVEMENT > INTERIOR DESIGN Faust Design Build HOME IMPROVEMENT > LAWN SERVICES Blue Green Lawns HOME IMPROVEMENT > ORGANIZATION  Decluttered Hudson Valley MUSIC Miss Vickies Music List Your Business In The Business Directory >  Read Our Latest Articles Advertise With Us! Stay Up To Date With City Meetings List your job in ALBB's Job Listings >

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Where Did The Emergency Housing Facility PODS Come From At Dutchess County Jail? A Refresher...

Providing clarity to the announcement that an Emergency Housing Shelter will be constructed at Dutchess County Jail - which remains open - the PODS originated in 2015 and were spotlit again in 2020 during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the announcement this week from Dutchess County:

“Temporary housing units (PODS) were installed at the current jail site in May 2015 as a provisional solution to the costly practice of housing out inmates to other counties, due to overcrowding at the jail. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PODS, which were no longer being utilized for inmate housing due to bail reform, were converted temporary emergency housing facility to provide safe haven for the homeless. The PODS have continued to be utilized as the number of homeless individuals has grown significantly since prior to the pandemic. However, the PODS have reached the end of their useful life, and ongoing wear and tear have required increasing maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the PODS must be removed for the completion of the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center (DCJTC), necessitating an interim facility for the shelter.”

Read more about the recently announced 2023 plans here.

Read more about the 2020 conversion here: “Molinaro Orders PODs at Dutchess County Jail to be Repurposed as Emergency Shelters: Ongoing State of Emergency Declaration in response to rising cases of Coronavirus in Dutchess County”

$15 Million HHAP Grant Application Pursued For Permanent Location Of Emergency Housing Shelter To Revive Oakley Street Project Or Other Location

In their quest to be awarded up to $15 million from New York State’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP), Dutchess County provided a recap of the years long history of acquiring a building to be used as an emergency housing shelter for $2.1 million using American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding, and how that retrofitting did not work. Dutchess County is looking to revive the retrofit with this grant, or find another location.

“In 2022, the County identified the 26 Oakley Street property in the City of Poughkeepsie to convert into a permanent emergency housing facility and transform the County’s emergency housing response system by connecting those needing housing and services with providers where they reside.

“Having new evidence-based programs and intensive services located at one facility will facilitate the County’s new model for assisting those experiencing homelessness find permanent housing. The County utilized $2.1 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to purchase property.

“Following construction estimates on schematic design, the multi-million cost of retrofitting the current Oakley Street building for that use, however, was beyond what the County could reasonably direct towards the project.

“To bring the vision at Oakley Street to fruition, the County is pursuing a grant through the State’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) for up to $15 million, which provides capital grants and loans to municipalities and public corporations, not-for-profit corporations, charitable and religious organizations to acquire, construct or rehabilitate housing for persons who are homeless and are unable to secure adequate housing without special assistance.

The State’s HHAP application and review process will take place in the coming months, and Dutchess County expects to receive a decision on its application by the end of 2023. If approved, the County will use the grant to fund the capital costs associated with the Oakley Street project, with an anticipated opening date of the permanent shelter at the site in Spring of 2026.

“County Executive O’Neil said, “It has long been our vision to use the Oakley Street building as the cornerstone of Dutchess County’s transformational approach to dealing with homelessness and its root causes. We’ve been steadfast in our vision and creative in resolving the unforeseen challenges we’ve overcome. This newest grant opportunity not only keeps that goal in sight, but it will help us achieve our mission of making our plan a reality. Dutchess County is eager to continue our progress to address the scourge of homelessness and help lift residents out of it, into a better life.”

“Dutchess County will continue to review other potential permanent locations, should its grant application not be approved. The County will also research and analyze a distributed shelter concept as suggested by the Community Stakeholder Committee and others for its validity, acceptability and affordability.”

Keenly aware of the national housing shortage, as defined locally in the Dutchess County Housing Needs Assessment released 2022, the County, with the support of Assemblymember Didi Barrett, is exploring opportunities to transform the former site of the Hudson Valley Psychiatric Center into a transitional/affordable housing campus in alignment with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s announced executive action to review state-owned sites to create and increase the supply of affordable housing and promote broader housing growth. The County Executive has forwarded a letter to the Governor, explaining how the former Hudson Valley Psychiatric Center offers the location, space and opportunity to build such a campus and calls on the State’s support of such a transformative project.

“Housing is one of the most critical needs facing our community and our nation. Dutchess County is working to tackle these challenges across the spectrum, from emergency shelter to transitional and permanent housing. It is an ongoing process and we are demonstrating bold leadership in addressing this difficult problem,” said O’Neil.

Planning Announced For Temporary Location For Emergency Housing Shelter

Dutchess County announced the beginning of the planning for the usage of the Emergency Homeless Shelter to be built in the Dutchess County Jail once it is vacated. According to the press release, this build would be temporary until another location is identified. However, investment in infrastructure and employment opportunities is being made.

The portion of the press release outlining these plans has been republished below:

“Temporary housing units (PODS) were installed at the current jail site in May 2015 as a provisional solution to the costly practice of housing out inmates to other counties, due to overcrowding at the jail. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PODS, which were no longer being utilized for inmate housing due to bail reform, were converted temporary emergency housing facility to provide safe haven for the homeless.

“The PODS have continued to be utilized as the number of homeless individuals has grown significantly since prior to the pandemic. However, the PODS have reached the end of their useful life, and ongoing wear and tear have required increasing maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the PODS must be removed for the completion of the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center (DCJTC), necessitating an interim facility for the shelter.

“With the 1995 section of current jail set to be decommissioned when the DCJTC opens later this year, that section of the jail facility will serve as temporary location for the Emergency Housing Facility. County Legislators had the opportunity to tour the 1995 section earlier this year and concurred that the facility is a significant improvement over the current PODS and authorized construction design funding. Design is set begin late this summer.

“Until a permanent shelter location is solidified and ready to welcome guests, the former jail facility will enable the County to safely house individuals and most importantly, begin the critical programming that is not possible to conduct in the current PODS location.”

Description Of Uses Of The Jail For Homeless Shelter Location With Programming

“The first floor of the jail facility will serve as office and programming space to begin providing critical wrap-around services, including mental health, substance use, housing case management and vocational assistance. This can begin as soon the jail facility is vacated this fall.

“The second floor will be the living area, including sleeping quarters, and will be the focus of the majority of the construction work.

“Once a permanent shelter location is identified and opened, the 1995 section of the jail will be repurposed for other uses including housing needs.”

Upcoming: Seeking RFEI for Emergency Housing Shelter Operator Organization

In their press release announcing a set of steps to be taken to set up the Emergency Shelter, Dutchess County announced it will be soon issuing a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) “seeking a highly regarded organization, experienced in shelter operations, that understands and appreciates the County's needs regarding the Emergency Housing Facility and the desire to implement a new, innovative model with qualified and established program management staff.”

The Operator will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the emergency housing facility including, among others:

• Development of facility operational and security plans, and policies and procedures, in accordance with Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) regulations, and in partnership with and approval by the County’s Department of Community and Family Services.

• Responsibility for intakes and discharges.

• 24-hour on-site security, including screening with a metal detector and x-ray machine.

• Offering a variety of activities that are available at the facility to help engage with guests and provide meaningful activities throughout the day.

• Preliminary health screenings of guests.

• Provision of three meals per day, prepared in a facility approved by the County’s health department.

According to the press release: “The RFEI is expected to be publicly posted in the coming weeks, and all eligible community providers are invited to express their interest. The RFEI incorporated comments and feedback from a public meeting convened by the administration in December 2022 to discuss the emergency shelter project with community members and local stakeholders. The RFEI also includes feedback from the Community Stakeholder Committee formed by the Dutchess County Legislature. The Committee’s recommendations were sent to the County Executive, in keeping with the resolution regarding the shelter project passed by the Legislature in 2022.”

Hiring: Shelter Director For Dutchess County's Emergency Housing Shelter

The Dutchess County Department of Community & Family Services is currently recruiting for the Shelter Director position with a public posting of the job specifications and qualifications. The Shelter Director is a County government position with responsibilities involving the administration, supervision and coordination of the County’s emergency housing shelter.

Among other duties, the Director will be responsible for ensuring the provision of a range of services to ensure safe housing and get people to independence and housing stability. The Director will also be a liaison between the shelter and the community.

The job description and qualifications were expanded and updated to incorporate feedback from the Legislature’s Community Stakeholder Committee. Based on the Committee’s recommendation, the qualifications for education/experience were enhanced to add an additional year of required paid case management and supervision experience.

• Those with a master’s degree in public administration should have 2 years of experience, while applicants with bachelor’s degree should have at least 3 years of experience.

• Additionally, based on the committee’s feedback, the posting includes the preference for the director to be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply prior to the August 18th deadline. Read the full job description here.

Homelessness Addressed By Dutchess County With 4 Recent Action Items

On Wednesday of this week (8/9/2023), the office of Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil put forth a plan of action to address homelessness in the Hudson Valley.

The press release stated that the county was following input from local stakeholders in taking next steps it said was an “evidence-based approach.” Also mentioned was a focus on the establishment of a permanent emergency housing facility, while the temporary one will be created in Dutchess County Jail. According to the press release: “The County’s approach includes comprehensive wrap-around services to help people move from homelessness to independence as quickly as possible.” Read more about those services here.

The following action steps were outlined in the press release:

• New County Shelter Director Position For Hire
  Recruitment is underway for a new county Shelter Director position to oversee emergency shelter operations and accompanying wrap-around services, including contracted service oversight.
  Read More >

• Day To Day Management Of Facility For Hire
  A Request for Expressions of Interest from qualified organizations to manage the day-to-day operations of the Emergency Housing Facility will be issued in the coming weeks.
  Read More >

• Dutchess County Jail Construction For Shelter
  Construction design is about to begin for the temporary location for the emergency shelter operations at Dutchess County Jail once it is vacated. The current PODS have reached end of useful life and need to be removed for completion of the Dutchess County Justice & Transition Center project (DCJTC). Where did the PODS come from? From the press release: “Temporary housing units (PODS) were installed at the current jail site in May 2015 as a provisional solution to the costly practice of housing out inmates to other counties, due to overcrowding at the jail. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PODS, which were no longer being utilized for inmate housing due to bail reform, were converted temporary emergency housing facility to provide safe haven for the homeless. The PODS have continued to be utilized as the number of homeless individuals has grown significantly since prior to the pandemic. However, the PODS have reached the end of their useful life, and ongoing wear and tear have required increasing maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the PODS must be removed for the completion of the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center (DCJTC), necessitating an interim facility for the shelter.”
  Read More >

• $15 Million Grant Sought
  The County is applying for $15 million in New York State Homeless Housing and Assistance (HHAP) grant funding to establish permanent location for the emergency shelter.
  Read More >

Additionally, County Executive William F.X. O’Neil has initiated conversations with the Governor’s Office about opportunities to collaborate with the State to create housing opportunities at the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center property to provide more opportunities in the housing spectrum and ensure the success of the County’s homeless prevention efforts.

County Executive William F.X. O’Neil said, “Dutchess County continues our plan to develop the Hudson Valley’s most transformative solution to homelessness. Taking these next actions builds more momentum as we seek our ultimate resolution to address the plight of homelessness and save lives. We have heard from the Legislature’s selected representatives on this issue, and we’ve used their contributions to craft plans that will ensure success. We look forward to moving this process forward to offer those experiencing homelessness a hand up and support to find safe and stable housing.”

Inside The Hidden Meaning Of The Runway Designs Of the 2023 Marist Fashion Show

Editor’s Note: A Little Beacon Blog sent our cultural reporter Izdihar Dabashi to the annual Marist Fashion Show in May 2023. This year's was especially enticing because the theme was activism and speaking through message. Izzy reports from a higher gaze. This is what she saw and felt.

By Izdihar Dabashi
On May 5th, 2023, Marist College presented their largest annual event, the Silver Needle Runway. Juan-Manuel Olivera-Silvera, a remarkable designer with a diversified skill set and range in the arts, served as faculty producer of the show. I had seen a few promos leading up to the event, to feel the theme, which had a general sense of advocacy. Aptly titled: “[Re]action”, the logo design is black with spray painted shadowed grays and the harsh contrast of vivid maroon.

At first glance, it was easy to dismiss this aesthetic in the logo, which presented a sense of hopelessness and disengagement often associated with grunge, but this was incongruent with the efforts of genuine engagement of advocacy centered in the theme. The typical surface level take of grunge aesthetic, with that dark and broody look, was actually far from the theme's message and reflection of fashion designs.

Despite this observation, I still approached the night with a faint sense of skepticism. While I often dismiss cynicism as cheap and unremarkable, even my romanticism of the hum of continuous metamorphism grounded in universities was dissuaded by my experiences of witnessing alleged social advocacy from my perspective as a hijabi.

I couldn’t deny the unmistakable thrum in the air, interwoven with the pulse of the music and buzz of the crowd in Marist’s Mccann Center. The sense of compassion and community was apparent even before the show began.

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Designs By: Emkay Kanu
Photo Credit: Izdihar Dabashi

Concepts Appearing Throughout The Show

The show was introduced with faculty members John Bartlett, known as a fashion designer and animal activist with work featured across massive publications, and Jacqueline Reich, the Dean of the School of Communication and the Arts. The faculty members proudly spoke about the recently awarded Ralph Lauren Scholarship, the emphasis of activism and leadership embraced by Marist designers, and the concepts interwoven throughout the show, which included:

• childhood nostalgia

• body positivity

• cultural dynamics

• self-care

• living with disability

• gender identity

• environmental concern and engagement

• current issues such as women’s rights and gun control

• gender identity and fluidity.

The Fashion Show

Silence fell across the room as the lights collapsed and the show opened with a few students appearing to vandalize the runway entrance with spray paint cans.

Within moments of the models gracing the runway, I clearly saw the efforts to bring inclusivity to fashion. Model castings were held in New York City, and the diversity of the city was reflected in the selection of models. At this point, my initial inhibitions quieted. The entire runway experience felt like dynamic storytelling, from the way the fabric interacted with the wearer, to the details the clothing carried in silhouette and distinguished style. It was as though the designers sought out the voices they wanted amplified, and created tangible stories rooted in the history of the issue and the history of the fabric.

Spotlight On Designers

In Annie Starn’s collection, “Breaking Down the Walls” inspired by the political and physical divide of 1960s Berlin and its relevance to the political divide on women’s rights, she used sustainably sourced fabrics such as grape leather and QR codes linked to websites and organizations centered around women’s rights.

Tara Sears and Rachel Kamppila focused on disability advocacy. Tara Sears worked closely with blind or visually impaired people to create “Sense”, a collection that is meant to be a touch, sound, and sensory experience.

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Rachel Kamppila crafted her collection around the metaphorical experience of the butterfly life cycle to her own experiences and growth as someone with a learning disability.
Designed By: Rachel Kamppila
Photo Credit: Izdihar Dabashi

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Some designers focused on heritage, such as Simran Chhabra’s collection inspired by the storytelling of classical Indian dances and ghungroos, which are little bells woven into the clothing eliciting pretty chimes with every movement of the model.
Designs By: Simran Chhabra
Photo Credit: Izdihar Dabashi

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“Justice Para la Cultura,” by Isa Perez, paid homage to their Mexican heritage through use of deadstock fabric and denim with hand-stitched embroidery. The breathtaking collection also challenged expected gender identity and highlighted Adelita women who fought in the Mexican Revolution.
Designed By: Isa Perez
Photo Credit: Izdihar Dabashi

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Several designers honored women in their work and navigated expected masculinity and femininity with clever intricacies. Chaiyah Chambers leaned into femininity while uplifting body positivity and incorporating the inspiration of various hair textures dyed to match various hues of natural pearls in the textiles she created.

Design by: Chaiyah Chambers
Photo Credit: Izdihar Dabashi

Design by: Chaiyah Chambers
Photo Credit: Izdihar Dabashi

Design By: Chaiyah Chambers
Photo Credit: Izdihar Dabashi

Most collections featured different sized models, though one of my favorite collections from designer Lily Muth’s: “From Her Boots to Her Roots” (the style felt like a Barbie cowgirl dreamland) features the innovative use of natural dyeing techniques and collected fabrics. However, it notably neglected a range of sizes past runway small. It left me wondering why designers may promote the idea of inclusive representation without actually including inclusive representation with sizes.
Designs By: Lily Muth
Photo Credit: Izdihar Dabashi

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This brought to question: Were there not enough models? Is it difficult to assemble the technicalities in clothing past a “standard” small? What are reasons for not making clothing past a size small?

Shannon Wines’ collection “Eve '' was a character study on Eve from the book of Genesis in the Bible with designs meant to evoke a feeling of exposure and vulnerability as a way to focus on the feelings of shame women often feel with exposure. Her work featured a variety of bodies. The way the fabrics and greenery of her designs embraced the models felt endearing and empowering, like the moment you slip on your favorite dress and just know the designer adores women.

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A couple of designers traced back tiny footsteps into the nostalgia and experience of childhood. While some designers crafted wonderful whimsical and significant pieces (that I desperately wish I owned), such as the melodic blend of ruffles and color by Sandy Chillogallo-Quito, and LindseyAnn Moschetta’s nostalgic capture of being a child through her work with children at the Fashion Art Studio of Westchester, to design prints and textiles; others approached the preservation of innocence and value of childhood from a different perspective.

Design By: Allissa Divak
Photo Credit: Izdihar Dabashi

Allissa Divak starkly juxtaposed the whimsical carefree nature of the other childhood inspired collections with a sharp contrast of experience by designing bulletproof, fireproof, and stab-proof clothing for her “On the Other Side of Fear '' collection, in response to the growing number of school shootings.

There were 35 total designers. I highly suggest you take a look at every artists’ highlights available on the Marist SNR site and TikTok page. The designers’ created noteworthy, conceptual frameworks to their designs, and I wish I could include every single one in this review. Truly, the worst part of the show was being unable to take home my favorite pieces.

Senior Designer Of The Year Award

The Senior Designer of the Year Award was selected by a panel of judges composed of industry professionals to critique the Designer Senior Thesis Presentation. Marist alum and designer Emma Gage, joined the panel. Aleena Brown was awarded “Building Blocks”, a sustainable collection of breathable active-wear and convertible garments.

I applaud the designers and faculty involved for the sense of community they crafted and the emphasis on human compassion interwoven with design. I am also astounded by the level of professionalism and collaboration of the five SNR teams: Communication, Creative, Branding, Production, & Logistics. Follow their Instagram and TikTok pages to learn more about the program, behind the scenes content, which includes your opportunity to witness the lively rapport between faculty/students and direct conversations with the student designers on the cognition poured into their work.