During an attempted Car Nap for ALBB’s smallest child, we were able to grab photos of some of the decorated houses. If you have a photo of your house you would like published, you can email it in to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com
New Partial Block Closure For West Willow / Orchard Place
On this Halloween Night 2023, something new is brewing…a partial street closure in “The Willows,” the area of Beacon that traditionally has a lot of house participation in terms of candy, fire-pit fires and usually a haunted house. Willow Street itself connects to Main Street and Verplanck. Once on the other side of Verplanck, Willow Street duplicates into East Willow and West Willow, connected by a looping portion of Orchard Place. Many, many children go to this destination both with and without adults. It’s a right of passage for when the young child can “go to The Willows” on their own, without their parent.
This year, some neighbors in the area organized to request that some blocks be closed in order to increase safety of kids and adults walking for the night, as car traffic can be unexpected as people wander in the middle of the street. Cars are known to drive by, as they carpool people through different areas of town.
After submitting signatures in support of a permit for some street closure, the City of Beacon did agree to close Orchard Street between West Willow and Cross Street. The original request was for the full Willow loop to be closed, all the way to Deerfield, but this compromise was a start. The permit request came in the form of a “block party.”
This closure was first mentioned by Councilmember Molly Rhodes during a City Council Meeting on October 24, who voiced her support for the road closure when it was requested. Said Molly: “I’m pleased that the neighbors are looking for ways to make these blocks as safe as possible for everyone who wants to come out. I look forward to continuing to support them in future years.
Also being promoted as a free event is a free front-porch screening of Orson Welles video and radio play from 7-9pm on the corner of Judson and Robinson (near the mountain) from Ben Williams and Victor Morales . Says Ben: “It’s a crazy multimedia take on The Hitchhiker by Orson Welles.”
ALBB received this submission from a neighbor at 16 Overlook Drive, who go all out each year to make it spooky for the neighborhood.
Lots of fun Halloween events! Parades, monster jams, trunk or treating, costumes, and more! See below and forward this email to a friend who needs to see what's happening!
In real life horror, Gaza just had the Internet shut out on them for today's bombardment of so many Palestinian children and families, so images of gruesome deaths that would normally only be in a scary Halloween movie are not able to come out of Gaza today. See that first announcement here.
According to NBC, "A near-total internet blackout has taken hold across much of Gaza, according to witnesses there and companies that monitor global connectivity. The largest telecommunications provider in Gaza that was still largely operational, Paltel, said Friday that it had suffered a complete destruction of all services after heavy Israeli bombing earlier in the day destroyed its last remaining infrastructure connecting it to the global internet."
Locally, a rally is scheduled in Kingston, NY in Academy Green Park, 238 Clinton Avenue today at 5pm. There will be food, a flea market, and open mic.
Scary Stories In The Barn
Day: Friday, October 27, 2023 Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm (doors open at 5:30pm) Location: Mount Gulian Historic Site, 145 Sterling Street, Beacon, NY 12508
It’s been ten years since Mount Gulian last opened its creaky historic barn doors to children and their families to hear the delightfully spooky and creepy tales told by master storyteller Lorraine Hartin Gelardi. Join them for the resurrection.
Hocus Pocus 23’ Parade & Events - Hosted by Beacon Chamber of Commerce & Local Business Sponsors Days: Friday, October 27, 2023 & Saturday, October 28, 2023 Time: Friday from 3pm-6pm & Saturday from 10am-1:30pm Location: Along Main Street & Memorial Park, Beacon, NY
Parade, scavengar hunt, trick or treating, ghost stories, monster jam & more! Information >
Undead Bazaar
Days: Friday, October 27, 2023 & Saturday, October 28, 2023 Time: 7pm Location: The Yard, 4 Hanna Lane, Beacon, NY
Bonfires, a haunted trail, games, prizes, food, drinks, sweet treats, Tarot Readers, vendors of all kinds, film screenings and much more. Visit the Oddities Exhibit, search for Bigfoot, and the Mothman! See creatures from all around the globe as well as some local legends! Information >
Trunk or Treat - Free Community Event! Day: Saturday, October 28, 2023 Time: 1-4pm Location: Beacon Elks Lodge #1493, 900 Wolcott Ave, Beacon, NY
Beacon Elks Lodge 18th year of trunk or treat. Join them for trunk or treat, bounce castle, games & dancing. They will also have some awesome vendors for you to shop with. Information >
Unison Fall Festival Fundraiser Day: Saturday, October 28, 2023 (Rain Date: Sunday, October 29, 2023) Time: 4-7pm Location: Unison Arts, 68 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY
Celebration of community support for Unison’s unique arts programming. Wander the beautiful grounds in peak fall foliage season; and enjoy snacks & drinks from top local vendors. Information >
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website >
The Mango Lassi 🥭 from Tara Fusion is exactly what you need this weekend! Made with Mango + Milk + Yogurt + a pinch of cardamom. We can attest.. it is delish! Find Tara in the HV Food Hall! 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. 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
Trick or treat yourself to Baja's new seasonal Blood Moon margarita! You'll want to click here to watch how this deliciousness is made > Pair Baja's seasonal cocktails, pumpkin beers/ciders, etc. with must-have fall dishes with all things mashed sweet potato and more!
Don't forget... TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday at Baja! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos plus $3 coronas!
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!
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
Drooling order this delicious which comes topped with strips of crisped bacon (delicious without the bacon too) and cheddar cheese, loaded with fresh tomato , lettuce and onion 🧅 on the side? Yeah, us too. Go on into Carter's and get it! The signature fries come with it and those are a must. This lunch is coupled with a mocktail of purées of 🥭 mango and strawberry PS: The kitchen is now open until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with the bar open until 12:30am! PPS! Now Open on Wednesdays!
That's 7 days a week! PPPS!(?) Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 2-5! PPPPS!!! Katie James Inc. creates and curates Carter's Instagram, and can for your business too. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY
193-195 Maint Street, Beacon, NY
Apple turnover season is here 🤩 stop in over the weekend and get them while they're fresh! Beacon Bread Company freshly bakes bread and home-cooked meals from scratch. Their bakery team focuses on using seasonal, responsibly-sourced ingredients for various breakfast pastries and desserts. Best part? Brunch is served ALL DAY! Delicious Counter Culture coffee available too. Follow BBC on Instagram > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN 244 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Fresh made hummus with imported ingredients and authentic family recipes! A must-have prior to a delicious authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Ziatun is OPEN every day! Delicious apps, entrees, soups and salads, mezzes, and flat bread wraps. Vegan and vegetarian options available! Something for everyone. Whatever you do... get the fries! If you know, you know... Follow Ziatun on Instagram > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Grab your coats and your glasses, it's officially starting to get colder and colder! Glasses because you still need to protect your eyes from the sun, or because they just look so damn good with this coat! Fall and winter have nothing on Luxe! New styles always rolling in and something for everyone always. 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!
THE STATION
463 Main Street, Beacon
oHHo gummies available at The Station! Shirley Temple flavored... The Station is Beacon's Cannabis Growers Showcase. Open all weekend long. Friday 4-8pm and
Saturday & Sunday 12-6pm.
PS! The Station is local and a huge part of the Beacon Community! Follow The Station on Instagram > The Station is a Sponsor, thank you!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OPEN! A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide is one of the biggest draws to this publication. Every store is listed in it for the best experience for our readers. Google rewarded A Little Beacon Blog with a #1 ranking for "boutique shopping beacon ny." Designed to elevate your store from the rest, this advertising campaign is integrated with our Instagram. Show your storefront in the listing, get your business a permanent weekly feature in A Little Beacon Blog's Retail Therapy Newsletter sent on Fridays (see examples here), as well as weekly Instagram features. More information here >
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
For over 60 years, Yanarella Dance has been dedicated to providing an exceptional dance education to the Hudson Valley. Since the day they opened our doors, their philosophy has been that “every child should have the same opportunity to dance, regardless of talent or ability. There is no can’t in dance. There’s only a C-A-N”.
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.
MEGAN & KENNETH PHOTOGRAPHERS Weddings & Families
Looking to capture some magical moments with your loved one? Why go anywhere other than the Hudson Valley! Stunning landscapes and charming atomosphere, it's the perfect backdrop for a couples session. ESPECIALLY when you have Megan & Kenneth to capture it all! Don't miss the chance to create everlasting memories - during the best time of the year. Book your session and enhance your love story.
PS Megan & Kenneth proudly and unequivocally stand with and support the LGBTQI+ community. Their team is honored to serve partnerships of all genders, cultures, traditions, and strive to showcase diverse love stories throughout New York state. They love you, just as you are. Find more information here > Megan & Kenneth are Sponsors. Thank you!
BEACON DENTAL
1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3666
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. Beacon Dental is also happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Katie James Inc. is producing the Spirit of Beacon Day website. This destination website was designed to both update people as the year went on, from Sponsorship opportunities, to easy ways to Register for Parade and Vendor tables, to the final product of Parade and Table Maps, and Bathrooms. Katie James Inc. is also producing the social media on Instagram and Facebook for Spirit of Beacon Day. Need these services for your business? Katie James, Inc. works with small and large businesses.
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY
ART > TATTOO Invisimark (Stretch Mark Tattooing - to make stretch marks disappear)
Editor’s Note: After FEMA was in Beacon to register people for federal assistance at the Veterans Memorial Building after a hurricane caused damage to some homes, a representative with FEMA who lived out of state asked ALBB where homeless people can go in Beacon. They were approached by a person who needed homeless services, and did not know where to go. This is not the first time ALBB has been approached with this question by people in immediate need, who do not have time to research and apply for programs to maybe be approved, if they even finish or attain an application.
We asked our new writer, Alexis Rosa, a recent graduate from Beacon High School to investigate this process. Alexis set out to find out what it was like to need homeless services right now - tonight - in Beacon.
By Alexis Rosa
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. census reported that at one point in time in 2020 there were 17 homeless people per 10,000 residents. A decrease from the previous years, but any amount more than 0 is too high. In this article, I will explore where someone in Beacon can go if they are going to be homeless that night. But homelessness doesn’t happen without life situations, sometimes contributed by mental illness. Therefore, I explore both mental illness support and home shelters available, and how to access them.
How Dutchess County Handles Mental Health From An Accessibility Perspective
Dutchess County has a mental health problem. To be clear, I am not referring to the amount of people with mental health issues in Dutchess County. I am referring to how we deal with people with mental health issues.
“I think that housing should be considered as infrastructure, meaning that communities should think of housing as a basic need that has to be adequately met in order to have a healthy and productive community”
— Javier Gomez, Hudson River Housing
Most people agree that there is a homelessness crisis, very few people want the solution to be in their backyard.
The fact of the matter is that anyone could find themselves in an emergency situation like this. A dangerous amount of people are one paycheck away from being on the streets. When you find yourself in this situation, what do you do? How easy are these resources to access, really?
Dutchess County has a 24/7 Crisis Hotline listed as being available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—even on holidays. They offer calling or texting at 845-485-9700 with professional crisis counselors. Knowing how useful and important having the option to text a crisis hotline can be, I was eager to try it out for myself.
Calling Dutchess County’s Hotline
Editor’s Note: We wanted to experience Dutchess County’s Crisis Hotline ourselves, not through them giving a media publication information, as that would be done in a more perfect, optimistic way. We wanted the real experience. We asked Alexis to find out.
I reached out to them through their texting service to see how they might help someone in a crisis situation. I wanted to see about the quality of assistance they offer.
It took a moment, but after the initial text I sent, I was met with the standard chatbot letting me know about messaging rates, and telling me to reply with “Yes” to consent to continued texts. Not even a minute after the bot responses, a counselor was made available to help me, and joined the session.
Counselor: Hi. How can I help you?
Me: I’m going to be homeless tonight and I’m not sure where to go. I was hoping someone might be able to point me in the right direction?
Counselor: I am sorry to hear that. Are you in Dutchess County?
Me: Yes, in Beacon
Counselor: Do you have transportation?
Me: No, I might be able to take the bus though
Counselor: Ok. Have you ever been in any housing in this county before?
Me: No
Counselor: I mean applied for housing OR been to Hudson River Housing in POK?
Counselor: Ok
Me: No, I’m on my own for the first time
Counselor: How old are you if you don’t mind?
Me: 21
Counselor: Ok, so here are some numbers. You can also go to the stabilization center at 230 North Road, Poughkeepsie. They are open 24/7. It is NOT a hospital. They have licensed social workers and mental health counselors who can help you navigate housing. I STRONGLY recommend that you go there ASAP so they have the ability to make calls and help you.
Counselor: Hudson River Housing 845-473-5166
Counselor: Rose House 845-452-2728
Counselor: Alliance House 845-452-5015
Counselor: The PODS (emergency housing) is the same as Hudson river housing.
Counselor: Porchlight Program 845-337-4407
Counselor: Are you safe in this moment?
Me: Yeah I’m safe for now. Is there something I can do if I don’t have money for the bus?
Counselor: IF you have medicaid, you can possible get medicaid transportation
Counselor: Can anyone bring you to Poughkeepsie?
Me: I’m trying to ask around to see if someone can, but I’m not certain right now. How does the medicaid transportation work? Is there a number I can call?
Counselor: Ok I am going to give you the number to stabilization so you can arrange this with them. 845-486-2849. Call them now, so you can make sure you get all the information you need.
After providing me with all the information they could offer me, based on the questions I asked and the answers I gave them, the chat was closed, but only after I gave my okay for the counselor to end the session.
In the short duration of our chat, I learned about multiple places that would offer me assistance, and an alternate form of transportation. Ultimately, I was satisfied with the level of assistance. But considering I wasn’t actually in dire need of these services, and for the sake of this article, I couldn’t just stop there. I reached out via email to multiple companies and organizations all with the same goal of helping people in need find emergency shelter and housing.
Exploring Rose House
Rose House is another organization with a similar goal of assisting those who need housing in the Hudson Valley. They have multiple short term shelters across New York that are available to those in need 24/7, all year round. What’s unique about Rose House is that they are listed as being “peer-operated”, completely run by people who have been in similar situations and wish to give back. I had some trouble finding their website initially, but once I did, I learned that their shelters are available to any one 18 years of age or older living in Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Warren, and Washington Counties. There is a screening process for these facilities. Once you become a registered guest at the Rose House, they offer up to a 5 day stay, and assistance with developing skills to better care for and maintain one's mental wellness. The programs they offer are voluntary, and residents can come and go as they please.
Exploring Alliance House
Alliance House is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1987. They follow a “clubhouse model” and that makes anyone who uses their services members, not clients. “To have Membership in an organization means to belong, to fit in somewhere, and to have a place where you are always welcome. For a person living with the effects of mental illness, these simple things cannot be taken for granted. In fact, the reality for most people with mental illness is that they have a constant sense of not fitting in, of isolation, and rejection,” as said by Joel Corcoran, the executive director for Clubhouse International.
Alliance House owns two properties that are exclusively for members. In order to become a member you must be over 18, have a diagnosed mental illness, and not be a safety concern. Your diagnosis has to be an Axis 1 diagnosis, and you need a referral made by a medical professional in which a mental health evaluation and treatment plan must be included. This process of becoming a member is not the easiest by any means, especially considering the waiting period for something as basic as setting up an appointment with a medical professional today. Using this as a solution requires a lot of time.
Exploring Hudson River Housing
Hudson River Housing is a company that prides itself on its life and community improving services. To take a quote from their website, they “create pathways out of homelessness through empowerment, education, and advocacy.” In the economy we are living in today, organizations that are dedicated to preserving affordable housing and ultimately helping to build, and maintain strong communities are becoming more and more of a necessity.
Grassroot organizations are popping up all over with this mission in mind, but companies like Hudson River Housing have been around for a time. What started as a task force quickly evolved. In 1982, Hudson River Housing was officially founded.
Hudson River Housing offers overnight emergency shelter all year round at 150 North Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie. There is a curfew of 6:30 pm. Additional emergency shelters can be found at Webster House for anyone 18 years of age or older. There is a screening process, and guests are expected to meet with a “care manager” to discuss reasons for homelessness and set up a plan for permanent housing. Their website also lists emergency housing for families as well as for runaways or otherwise homeless children and teenagers.
Project Porchlight is a drop in shelter that is listed on the Hudson River Housing website. What that means is, during their hours of operation between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, anyone is welcome. You’ll receive a place to sleep, food, basic supplies, access to showers, and assistance from care managers.
Alexis Interviews Hudson River Housing
I was able to interview Javier Gomez, the Director of Community Development at Hudson River Housing. He was able to answer a lot of questions for me that I was unable to find the answers to on the HRH website, answers to questions that I feel to be important when discussing housing and the resources we have available.
Javier is a Hudson Valley native, and has been a resident of the Hudson Valley since 2002 where he grew up in both Beacon and Wappingers.
As the Director of Community Development, Javier has a wide range of responsibilities that he oversees. Some of those responsibilities include community engagement activities, neighborhood revitalization and community programs, advocacy, partnerships, and impact measurement.
On the topic of the housing crisis being a human rights issue, Javier said that HRH does believe housing to be a human right. It is the vision of HRH for all communities to have sufficient affordable housing for its residents. Everyone should have the opportunity to live in safe, affordable housing that meets their needs regardless of income, family makeup, race or ethnicity, gender, physical or mental health, or any other defining factors.
“To go a little bit further, I think that housing should be considered as infrastructure, meaning that communities should think of housing as a basic need that has to be adequately met in order to have a healthy and productive community,” Javier added.
Javier explained to me that Hudson River Housing is the largest non-profit developer of affordable housing in Dutchess County. They primarily work out of Poughkeepsie, but they do have some reach over in other parts of the Hudson Valley. Hudson River Housing develops and operates a variety of housing and services to meet the diverse housing needs of the people that call the Hudson Valley home. These services range from the aforementioned emergency overnight services to transitional, supportive, and permanent rental housing, as well as homes for first time homebuyers.
In addition to developing and operating affordable housing, HRH also provides other services for people experiencing homelessness or any other housing needs, such as life skills-based care management, job training, homebuyer education. HRH also offers specialized services and housing for youth, elders and veterans, specialized small business support, outreach and neighborhood revitalization programs, and landlord and renter assistance.
I asked Javier what the process of working with Hudson River Housing might look like for someone seeking affordable housing. He explained that people access their housing through a variety of ways. Hudson River Housing has community partners all over the Hudson Valley that provide referrals to people seeking housing, such as the Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services and other social service offices.
For permanent rental housing, there are applications online and in-person, and people will become notified when a unit that meets their needs becomes available. I asked Javier how long it would take to be notified, and he went on to explain that it can be up to a month before you hear anything so HRH encourages people to apply before they find themselves in an emergency situation. They work their way through the wait-list and Javier assured me that nobody gets skipped.
“HRH acknowledges that there is an unmet need for affordable housing in communities throughout the Hudson Valley. ”
— Alexis Rosa, when interviewing Javier Gomez, Hudson River Housing
Since HRH’s establishment in 1982, they have developed over 1,400 housing units and currently co-own or manage over 1,300 affordable housing units across 8 towns and municipalities throughout the Hudson Valley. In 2022, HRH was able to provide emergency shelter and services to 995 adults and 325 youth or young adults. They’ve also offered 91 households their support in moving from emergency housing to permanent housing, and helped 40 households with home buying.
I asked Javier what difficulties HRH faces while trying to get this help to people who need it. He acknowledged that HRH’s most notable challenge is that their emergency and supportive housing is primarily located in the City and Town of Poughkeepsie.
“We’re seeing a rise of people experiencing homelessness throughout Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley, but most of our resources to address homelessness are concentrated in Poughkeepsie. We get calls from towns throughout the region to provide outreach to people who are homeless and, like many of us, these folks have ties to a community that make it difficult for them to leave the town where they live in and uproot to another place where they would need to rebuild their life. If we could create more opportunities for people to enter into housing and get services where they are already, that would go a long way to getting people the help they need to get off of the street.”
Javier noted that people come to them as a last resort whether it be emergency housing, rental assistance, foreclosure prevention counseling, or because they’re about to lose their apartment.
“I think we do a great job at getting people connected to the help they need now to address the housing issue they are going through no matter what it is, and we also strive to get people connected to resources and opportunities that will make it less likely for them to be in this situation again.”
HRH manages their own properties, but they offer property management services to property owners of affordable housing as well. HRH operates similarly to any other property management company; they communicate with tenants, collect rent, maintain properties, and manage leases. What sets them apart, aside from being a nonprofit and all the resources they offer, is that they’re familiar with a broad range of state, local, and federal affordable housing compliance regulations. This knowledge allows them to be able to ensure that properties remain in compliance with those regulations as a part of their service.
Javier had some amazing things to say about the people affected by this crisis and how communities tackle the situation too!
“Homelessness and housing insecurity is caused by a variety of individual and societal factors, and I find that people who don’t work directly in housing will sometimes approach the issue by thinking about how to prevent the circumstances and decisions that may have led to someone becoming homeless or housing insecure. I don't want to take anything away from that because addressing the cause is absolutely important, and HRH is doing that work too, but to offer another perspective preventing housing insecurity is only part of the solution and it is also really important to concern ourselves with the immediate needs of people experiencing housing insecurity, and invest in the resources that help people.”
I asked Javier if he was satisfied with the work that his organization does, and whether or not there was more that they could be doing. He expressed that he thinks HRH is doing a great job with the resources they have, but that HRH acknowledges that there is an unmet need for affordable housing in communities throughout the Hudson Valley.
HRH welcomes any opportunity to form relationships with any communities interested in creating more housing for their residents. If anyone is interested in helping HRH, they do accept donations in the form of financial contributions as well as supplies for their housing. HRH also does work with individuals, companies, and organizations to host fundraisers, as well as an Adopt-a-Night program where people can volunteer to prepare or donate a meal for their housing.
Becoming more engaged in the public approval process for housing in your towns or cities is another great way people can get involved and help. Speak with your local elected officials, talk about why affordable housing matters.
“It’s true that there is a housing crisis across the country, but the decisions about what kind of housing gets built and where takes place at the local level and it's important to be informed about what is going on here in our community and not just what can be done at the national level.”
The other organizations, Rose House and Alliance House, never reached back to me about answering any questions unfortunately, but their websites offered a fair amount of insight. In my quest to find out if the process was easy or hard, I didn’t really get my answer. But, it indicates the answer of accessibility being a long road.
Immediate Shelter Need In An Emergency Situation
For someone needing immediate shelter in an emergency situation, Hudson River housing offered the most accessible solutions. Transportation is another thing entirely. The counselor I spoke to over the hotline did detail that if you have Medicaid, you could possibly get medicaid transportation, but that doesn’t offer a solution for someone who doesn’t have Medicaid.
A bus ride up to Poughkeepsie is $1.75 one way. Poughkeepsie residents do get to ride for free when they’re under the age of 20, however, and there are discounted prices for the elderly, children, and students.
Depending on which bus driver you get, most of them will let you ride on just one payment, but on the weekends there is one bus driver who requires you pay twice if you get on at the wrong bus stop (depending on which way you’re going). $1.75 might not seem like much in the grand scheme of things, but in an emergency situation it can be a lot harder to make that money than one would think.
Alexis’ Conclusion
“Beacon is a bustling tourist spot now, but what about the people with strong roots here? How are they doing? We as citizens need to be sure we’re asking the right questions to the right people.”
— Alexis Rosa
It’s apparent to me that we as a community need to be more willing to have these life-saving resources more readily available. Housing is, and should be considered, a human right and the property values of our homes are not worth more than the life of a human. You can tell a great deal about whether or not a town or city is thriving based on how they treat their residents who are struggling financially or mentally. Beacon is a bustling tourist spot now, but what about the people with strong roots here? How are they doing? We as citizens need to be sure we’re asking the right questions to the right people.
For new residents who don't know, certain parts of Beacon used to be considered dangerous. Even today a lot of the apartment complexes and certain areas in Beacon still carry that stigma of being dangerous or undesirable to be in. With the cost of living in Beacon continuing to rise, we will continue to see an uptick in crime. Whether or not it will match those levels previously held is uncertain, but what we do know is that when people’s needs go unmet, crime rises.
While I may not have found the answer to the question of whether or not all of these resources are easily accessible, I did learn a lot about resources we have here in the Hudson Valley that I was not previously aware of. As we know, any knowledge is good knowledge. Knowledge is power.
More information on these organizations can be found on their websites and by calling the numbers provided in this article.
Three different sets of organizers have put together events in Poughkeepsie on Wednesday 10/25/2023 that support Palestine and a ceasefire. Those details are here:
Ceasefire Now Rally: Wednesday: 3:45pm, 10/25/2023 From the organizers: “Demand that Pat Ryan sign Ceasefire Resolution” Meeting at the corner of Raymond Ave & Collegeview Ave. Details >
End The Genocide: Wednesday: 3:45pm, 10/25/2023 Outdoor rally at the corner of Raymond Ave & Collegeview Ave, Poughkeepsie NY. The event is fully outdoors and people are encouraged to bring signs. Both @mhvdsa @jewishvoiceforpeace were tagged by @celebrate.845 who posted it. Details >
Vigil For The People Facing Genocide In Gaza Wednesday, 6pm, 10/25/2023 Outdoor gathering, organized by New Paltz Students for Palestine. From the organizers: “We at New Paltz Students of Palestine are horrified by the ongoing indiscriminate slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza, and have decided to hold a vigil to honor those whose lives have been stolen by IDF bombs. The vigil will start at 6 PM in Parker Quad, after which we will silently march to Old Main displaying banners commemorating the fallen. If you’re tired of hearing everyone around you refuse to acknowledge the atrocities unfolding before our eyes, please join us.” Details and parking information is here. Details >
Can a moment that is shared between two people only - the moment when two people agree to be engaged and follow the path of marriage - be shared and translated into dozens of moments of love and adoration in a photo session? Yes.
Here in Beacon, set against the backdrops of nature and landmark structures, Megan and Kenneth Photographers have set the scene - many scenes - where couples can explore each other throughout the photo session to get comfortable with each other in front of a camera - an act that is usually not common during such intimate moments.
Megan and Kenneth Photographers have done it. As you’ll see in these 3 photos sessions ALBB picked from dozens of other beautiful couples sharing their love for the camera, and eventually, for their family, friends and eternal photo albums.
Travel down the photo session with the couples, and you will see how their inhibitions melt away over time as they explore poses and each other. Photo sessions like this can before any couple - not just engagements.
Maybe you’ve envisioned your love while down at Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park, while embracing feelings of getting lost on a long traveled path.
Feelings can be captured that show the relationship in this stage, and again in later stages years later.
Megan & Kenneth Photographers are wedding photographers for non-traditional couples based in Beacon, NY, who proudly serve LGBTQ+ couples. They and serve the Hudson Valley, Westchester, Catskills and the Greater New York Area including Tarrytown, Hudson, Kingston. Megan & Kenneth Photographers are available in Ulster County, Orange County, Dutchess County, and beyond. and more. Proudly serving LGBTQ+ couples.
After A Little Beacon Blog reposted a “Jewish Voices For Peace” post on Instagram, a few of our Jewish friends in Beacon reached out to ALBB. They wanted to contribute their voices. They wanted to feel safe, so ALBB agreed to meetings with them on and off the record.
Tina Bernstein agreed to an audio interview right away. Tina is an outspoken advocate for local housing issues here in Beacon, and immigration. She spoke to us as an individual, not affiliated with any group she participates with for other causes. “I felt I had to say something,” said Tina, “because there needs to be an alternate view... It's very hard to speak out and it's very hard to take a stance against this.”
It was important to Tina to make a distinguishment about "some Jews" on this or any subject. That there are many beliefs within the Jewish community on pieces of life. During the interview, she stated: “I don't think that Jewish lives matter any more than Palestinian lives...I am very concerned that the Israeli government will have their acts reverberate for many years…The Israeli government, and I'm not talking about the people, but the Israeli government. [What they are doing] goes against everything I believe in. I cannot be secure if everyone is not secure."
In describing the Jewish community, Tina expressed: “It is a very hard time if you are secular Jew who goes against the majority opinion. It's not easy. But I felt it very important to speak out.”
As the interview concluded, Tina forced back tears. There is much more in Tina’s interview that is only 17 minutes. She shares her personal experience, as well as that of her family from Poland. Please listen to the interview in its entirety. Click on it in the top of this article. Comments that are antisemetic or Islamaphobic will not be approved.
As we, in this very local area of Beacon, and those reading it from afar, watch the news and scroll through social media, we are watching what is happening in Israel and Palestine through different lenses. Those lenses are framing thick histories with years of knowledge of killing Israelites and Palestinians, as well as antisemitism against Jews (some would say against Arabs also since the word “semite” included Hebrew and Arab speaking cultures), and Islamaphobia.
Here in Beacon, NY, as in every city right now in America, people are having feelings. Some are expressing them, in the form of blog posts on town blogs that get deleted, through artistic expressions, through vigils, and possibly through street rallies. A march has not yet happened in Beacon that we know about, but other events are starting to percolate up.
Every word matters in this situation. Words will be used to name events, and those words will sting one group of people. So the publishing about an event will trigger some people, which may result in comment battles, and spill over into the streets between friends or customers.
During this time, we must do our best not to let that happen. It will be hard, since there are ways of thinking that are new to many people. As rocks are lifted to reveal these ways of thinkings, when they are spoken by our friends and neighbors or people on TV or in our social media, we are left looking like the Wide-Eyed Emoji Face. No words left to respond, just incomprehension.
Ever since Hamas strategized, attacked and killed over 1,400 Israelis, some video footage of the music festival you can see here at CNN, people mourned and feared for the hostages taken, and grieved for the Jewish families who lost loved ones. According to NBC: "At least 32 of those killed in Israel are Americans, according to the U.S. State Department." NPR reported that the Kibbutz Kfar Aza "was one of the hardest-hit Israeli communities along the Gaza border," with 58 residents killed by Hamas, out of the community's approximately 1,000 residents. In addition, 17 from the community were kidnapped.
Two American hostages from Chicago have been released, of the 200 taken, if all are still alive. According to NBC: “Two American hostages, Judith Tai Raanan and Natalie Shoshana Raanan, were released by Hamas. Israel confirmed the release of the mother and daughter, who are from Illinois and family members of former NBC News correspondent Martin Fletcher. President Joe Biden thanked the government of Qatar for helping secure their release, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said the two were receiving ‘necessary medical treatment.’" According to that report, 3,500 Israelis have been wounded so far.
The Hamas fighters threw bombs into the bomb shelters that Israeli young adults gathered into to run away from the gunshots. The fact that there are bomb shelters as a regular thing in a field for a music shelter is surprising in and of itself, and illustrates how afraid Israelis are of being attacked. In America, we are more used to tornado shelters.
Ever since Israel responded, at least 3,700 Palestinian people have been killed, or are in the process of dying, crushed between the rubble of numerous buildings, schools, mosques, and hospitals that have been bombed by Israel. At least 13,000 Palestinians have been injured, according to NBC. The Israeli military has told Gazans to evacuate the hospitals, but they have nowhere to go. Some buildings are given a warning by Israel to evacuate the people who have already evacuated there, and then it is bombed, like the second hospital, to which the Pope responded. Food, water, electricity and fuel has been cut off for a week already. Toilets don’t work. There is nowhere for the dead Palestinian bodies to go and the stench is increasing, as are the flies. President Joe Biden was proud of the fact that some water on relief trucks got in, but one begs the question, why not just turn the water back on instead of carting in all of this donated water?
The reason for all of these words is to say that ALBB is going to be publishing about when some events happen is because context matters. We are learning about different perspectives. Some perspectives of those wanting Israel believe that Hamas should be destroyed, and that if official Hamas fighters use Palestinians as human shields, well, that is just a part of war, as this elderly man stated. As justification for killing innocents including children. And he’s not the only one.
Even knowing what to call this most recent extreme trauma - a conflict; a war; an extermination; a genocide - is not collective by all. The AP has started calling it the Israel-Hamas War. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the bombing of so many residential buildings, killing Palestinians, that the “Israel-Hamas War” name can erase Palestinians from even their own extinction that is happening in real time, our time.
Media publications like the Washington Post are wildly publishing explainers of why refugee camps exist in Gaza (because one of them, the largest one, Jabalya, just got destroyed yesterday by bombs). Most people who weren’t following the 75 years of the occupation of Gaza and the trades of violence inside of Israel and inside the walls and borders of Gaza and Palestine are just waking up to what many have been watching for a long time. Ideologies are being spoken that were only heard under rocks, and now all of the guts are being typed and published online of our own dear friends and clients.
It’s like talking in a divorce process. The soon to be former couple says things to each other, and their families shut their ears, not wanting to hear the violence in their voices, knowing they are in the heat of the divorce process, and that everything will smooth over later.
And so, here we go. For those of you who are new readers here, Welcome. Coverage began to get deeper here at A Little Beacon Blog when COVID happened, and Black Lives Matter marched down Main Street. At that time, the term “All Lives Matter” meant something very different than what is being implored now, as people compare which death matters more. It’s all surreal. But our faith lies in our friendships, knowing that none of us are Jewphobic antisemetic or Islamaphobic. So as we express our opinion, we must look at ourselves to listen to what we are saying. Knowing that sometimes, we will need to rush to the protection for our Jewish friends, and protection of our Muslim and Arab friends from Islamaphobia.
Thank you for being here, and for contributing your voice.
This is Katie talking. On behalf of A Little Beacon Blog. I didn’t think ALBB needed to make a statement, but it seems like one is needed now that we entered with any coverage at all after we shared that a protest was scheduled. So here goes.
My favorite thing about Beacon is that I could even type and post this post. Because this community is so varied. I know we will make it through together. That is my favorite part about Beacon.
Firstly: if you are a new reader here, Welcome. A Little Beacon Blog is not your average blog. We do talk about sunshine ☀️ and rainbows 🌈 , but we also talk about discomfortable things. This especially started for us in 2020 with COVID and Black Lives Matter. Since those coverages, we have gotten into a few scrambles with people. Justified or not. So if you are here for food photos, you are going to get other things you weren’t expecting. Keep reading so you get comfortable.
Secondly:Hamas murdered people and taking hostages is a crime. The history of Hamas is not what one would want as their political party. PS: I am of no political party! Not that it matters but in case you wondered. Registered with none of them.
Thirdly: Life as a Palestinian is deprived and oppressed. With the cutting off of essential utilities of water, electricity, fuel, first aid trucks, over 2 million Palestinians are also hostages.
Fourthly: The Jewish community has such deep, deep trauma, that kicks in justified fear, that no words can bring them comfort if words are spoken in support of Palestine. I understand that. But I can’t not say the words. You might call me terrible words. I’d like to tell you those words aren’t true. But it doesn’t matter because we would get into an endless comment spat.
Oh btw: after I put up a prayer hands for Palestine in IG Stories - a 24 hour place that disappears - a random woman called me from a 917 number. She tracked down my number and wouldn’t listen to anything I said. Just what she wanted to tell me about terrorists and babies. Do you think that made me feel safe?
Fifthly: The best thing we can do is start talking about this. All of our fears. It will be ugly. But maybe, just maybe, speaking these things to each other might just might bring some healing. But you might say: “I don’t want to heal. I want to protect. My life is in danger. I have to hide my beautiful religion.” This is why we should talk about these things.
Oh, what a gloomy day! One bright spot is - the addition of three eateries in town coming on board as member sponsors of A Little Beacon Blog in our Restaurant Guide! Welcome Beacon Bread Company, Ziatun & The Station to ALBB! This means we get to Instagram about them weekly and keep you very, very hungry for sweets, baked goods, the softest pitas and best hummus we have ever had. Click on over to ALBB's Instagram to watch this video of the cookie jar.
For your Catering needs, please see also A Little Beacon Blog's Catering Section in our Business Directory. You will see menu options from Oui Oui Catering, like this bubbling lasagna with melted cheese and a clip of basil.
Walktoberfest
Days: Saturday, October 21, 2023 and Sunday, October 22, 2023 Time: 12-5 pm Location: Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, 61 Parker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Information >
Howland Chamber Music Circle Presents Salon Sèance - The End of Time, music of Olivier Messaien Day: Sunday, October 22, 2023 Time: 4:00-5:30 pm (reception following) Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main Street, Beacon NY
Admission $35 (some "Pay What You Wish" admissions - one week advance) Information >
SAVE THE DATE!
Hocus Pocus 23’ - Hosted by Beacon Chamber of Commerce & Local Business Sponsors Days: Friday, October 27, 2023 & Saturday, October 28, 2023 Time: Friday from 3pm-6pm & Saturday from 10am-1:30pm Location: Along Main Street & Memorial Park, Beacon, NY
Parade, scavengar hunt, trick or treating, ghost stories, monster jam & more! Information >
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website >
Duce Cielo MX solving all of our 'where to eat' problems with this Birria tacos! Stop in the HV Food Hall for authentic Mexican food with the 'street' concept we all know and love! 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. 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
Hungry for some apps?
Here are some of Baja's most popular with calamari and chicken flautas! Try these before you try their new food and drink specials this month! Seasonal cocktails and pumpkin beers/ciders... fall dishes with mashed sweet potato and all the fall things!
Don't forget... TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday at Baja! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos plus $3 coronas!
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!
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
Not only can you get delicious dishes at Carters, but you can also enjoy specialty and creative cocktails like this strawberry mango! PS: The kitchen is now open until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with the bar open until 12:30am! PPS! Now Open on Wednesdays!
That's 7 days a week! PPPS!(?) Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 2-5! PPPPS!!! Katie James Inc. creates and curates Carter's Instagram, and can for your business too. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY
193-195 Maint Street, Beacon, NY
Welcome Beacon Bread Company BACK to ALBB's Restaurant Guide! We all know and love Beacon Bread Company for their bakery, bistro, and coffee! Since 2014, they have been proudly serving the wonderful community of Beacon, N.Y., freshly baked bread and home-cooked meals from scratch. French-style bread is made fresh by hand every morning, exclusively using organic King Arthur Flour to ensure superior quality and flavor. In addition, their bakery team focuses on using seasonal, responsibly-sourced ingredients for various breakfast pastries and desserts. With a full-service, private dining room, their scratch kitchen serves brunch all day. Shall we keep going?!
Follow Beacon Bread Company on Instagram > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN 244 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Welcome Ziatun BACK to ALBB's Restaurant Guide! Ziatun is a full-service restaurant specializing in authentic Middle Eastern cuisine that is open every day! Delicious apps, entrees, soups and salads, mezzes, and flat bread wraps. Vegan and vegetarian options available! Something for everyone. Ziatün in Arabic means “olive”, and a single olive is a seed that they planted here in Beacon. Their food is made with love and practiced with authentic traditional recipes that have been passed down from generations. Their food is another form of Palestinian Resistance. Follow Ziatun on Instagram > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Fall and winter have nothing on Luxe! New styles always rolling in and something for everyone always. Spring.summer swap out = a trip to Luxe for new shades that you deserve for the Fall/Winter! 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!
THE STATION
463 Main Street, Beacon
WECOME The Station to ALBB's Shopping Guide! The Station is Beacon's Cannabis Growers Showcase. Buy legal weed and support local artist! Give them a follow on Instagram and stay in the loop!
PS! The Station is local and a huge part of the Beacon Community! Follow The Station on Instagram > The Station is a Sponsor, thank you!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OPEN! A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide is one of the biggest draws to this publication. Every store is listed in it for the best experience for our readers. Google rewarded A Little Beacon Blog with a #1 ranking for "boutique shopping beacon ny." Designed to elevate your store from the rest, this advertising campaign is integrated with our Instagram. Show your storefront in the listing, get your business a permanent weekly feature in A Little Beacon Blog's Retail Therapy Newsletter sent on Fridays (see examples here), as well as weekly Instagram features. More information here >
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
For over 60 years, Yanarella Dance has been dedicated to providing an exceptional dance education to the Hudson Valley. Since the day they opened our doors, their philosophy has been that “every child should have the same opportunity to dance, regardless of talent or ability. There is no can’t in dance. There’s only a C-A-N”.
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.
MEGAN & KENNETH PHOTOGRAPHERS Weddings & Families
There is no better time for family photos than now! Not only do you create beautiful photos/memories in the most special time of the year, but you also get to use these memories for holiday cards! Think ahead. Book with Megan & Kenneth who create timeless photos that you can look back on. There is truly nothing like looking back at photos. Find more information here > Megan & Kenneth are Sponsors. Thank you!
BEACON DENTAL
1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3666
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. Beacon Dental is also happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Katie James Inc. is producing the Spirit of Beacon Day website. This destination website was designed to both update people as the year went on, from Sponsorship opportunities, to easy ways to Register for Parade and Vendor tables, to the final product of Parade and Table Maps, and Bathrooms. Katie James Inc. is also producing the social media on Instagram and Facebook for Spirit of Beacon Day. Need these services for your business? Katie James, Inc. works with small and large businesses.
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
With Blend recently gone from Beacon, some teenagers have wailed: “Where will I get an Açaí bowl?” Some adults have mourned: “Where will I get my morning smoothie for my commute? And if only a smoothie place was open earlier than 8am because I’m already to work by then!”
Well, dear readers, the answer has been with you on Main Street this whole time: Healthy In Color, at 259 Main Street, in the former Matcha Thomas space (who since moved several blocks down) and in what was Homespun’s former catering prep location. Healthy in Color is currently between Hudson Valley Vinyl and the DMV. The barbershop, Shakinah Styles, was also located in that building for 25 years, and recently also moved to Newburgh.
This Isn’t Just Any Açaí Bowl…Healthy In Color Has A Mission
Berry and Açaí Smoothie Bowl at Healthy In Color on Main Street In Beacon.
There is only one Açaí bowl available in Healthy In Color, and that is because, the owners told A Little Beacon Blog, a lot of their focus goes into nutrition for their smoothies, juices and powders they produce and bottle.
Packed into this Berry and Açai Smoothie Bowl is organic açaí, organic blueberry, organic raspberry, organic banana, organic mango, oat milk, almond butter, and maple syrup. Toppings include sliced organic banana, organic blueberry, granola, organic strawberry, and kiwi.
Healthy In Color has other Smoothie Bowls, like the Mango, Raspberry, and Banana Smoothie Bowl with organic mango, organic banana, organic raspberry, organic strawberry, almond milk, honey, and vanilla almond butter. Toppings include granola, fresh berries, and mango chunks.
Or the Greens and Mango Smoothie Bowl with organic kale, organic spinach, organic avocado, organic green apple, organic mango, organic banana, pineapple, organic spirulina, oat milk, maple syrup, and almond butter. Toppings include sliced organic kiwi, goji berry, organic strawberry, and granola.
Then there are the wraps, and warm bowls with warm quinoa, and so many smoothie options. There are also the house-made bottled drinks that Health In Color carries, like the Recharge Red Blend, described as “a bright-energy-boosting red blend an explosion of fruits and vegetables, with over 40 organic plants like; beets, purple cabbage, tons of berries, pineapple, mango, kale, spinach, cucumber, watercress, lemon, ginger, and other superfoods. This red blend is extremely high in phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and antioxidants. Our recharge-red blend is refreshing, satisfying, and will provide your body the free radicals fighting compounds that it needs, and the energy supply to get you going for hours at full power no matter what task you have ahead of you.”
And because ALBB stopped in for a açaí bowl, where we learned about the bottled drink and mix products this little shop was producing, you also should know about the nutrient-rich mixes. Like the RECHARGE360˚, described as: “your ultimate berry boost to elevate your vitality with RECHARGE360˚, an exceptional berry blend thoughtfully packed into a 30-serving container. This delightful fruity powder offers a convenient means to revitalize your energy and bolster your quest for optimal health.* Here's what RECHARGE360⁰ brings to the table: 🌈 A Vibrant Fusion: Savor a rich, vibrant, and diverse medley of over 45 organic fruits and vegetables spanning the colors of the rainbow. 🌿 Wholesome Ingredients: Infused with organic Acacia Fiber, Green Tea, Spirulina, and select herbs, this blend is designed to nourish your body comprehensively. ❤️ Full-Body Wellness: Crafted to support holistic well-being, RECHARGE360⁰ offers a treasure trove of antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. 🚀 Nutrient Powerhouse: Elevate your essential nutrient intake and promote overall growth. 💪 Immune Fortification: Bolster your immune system to keep you feeling your best. 🍽️ Digestive Harmony: Enhance digestive health and metabolism for improved overall wellness. 🌱 Natural Detox: Assist your body in its natural detoxification processes. 🏃♂️ Performance Enhancement: Boost your energy levels and enhance your performance. ❤️ Heart Health: Provide support for your cardiovascular well-being. Experience the comprehensive benefits of RECHARGE360˚ as you embark on a journey towards a healthier, more vibrant you.
Healthy In Color opens at 7am for those commuting or starting early.
In its 9th year of brewing, connecting friendships, and laying the groundwork for love stories, Two Way Brewing is seeking a new owner(s) to continue the tradition of what owner Mike O’Herron started at age 28 and opened to the public in September 2014. He’s 38 now, and tired. But energized at the same time. He is exiting the business with more than he started with: one love of his life Brittany, who he met at his brewery, three young children, (one first child, followed by twins), a new house so the family has space to grow, and reboot of his engineering career after releasing the brewery to new owners - whoever they may be. Read on to see if you are the next piece of the puzzle. They play a lot of board games at Two Way.
Born and raised in Newburgh on his family apple farm, Mike reached a crossroad with his engineering career, the brewery, and his young family. “It is time,” he told A Little Beacon Blog, “to spend more time with my family.”
The brewery is known in part for its convenient location at 18 West Main Street to the Metro North Beacon train station. It shares a building with Brett's Hardware, Beacon Pilates, the world-famous SalleyAnder with their intoxicatingly fresh aromas, BCAP school, The CineHub, and at one point, the Instagram famous SweetAmber with her mesmerizing cookie-decorating videos. Two Way Brewing grew up in this space amongst other hard working creatives making a living after building their dreams.
Mike is an engineer by trade and passion. Creating craft beer recipes became his hobby, and then he wanted to bring people in by opening the brewery, so he knighted himself Brewmaster and opened 2 Way Brewing (which they later rebranded to “Two Way Brewing” under the design production of graphic designer Emily Sylvester). After a lot of chemistry experimentation with the key ingredients, Mike began the build-out of the brewery with his dad. This father/son collaboration proved a safe space for them to strengthen their bond - even though they mainly butted heads while doing it.
A fond memory for Mike was their loud disagreements about whether or not to add a third accessible bathroom. During the build-out, Mike and his dad wore heavy masks to protect against dust. "We were shouting at each other through the masks," Mike laughs as he described how they worked together. Mike's dad was insistent that they build the bathroom. “I disagreed, but my dad was right. To this day, the accessible offering to our guests has been invaluable.”
The brewery opened. But six months later, Mike's dad passed away unexpectedly. Mike was devastated. “I still wonder what it would be like if he was still around. It was a good project to have together. We had a close time together.” The social vibe of Two Way Brewery helped him through his grief. That, and finding the love of his life and future mother of his children in between brewing, cleaning kegs, and attending Trivia Nights.
"When COVID hit, we completely turned the corner," Mike recounted. In 2020, COVID restrictions shut everyone down and drew a hard blow on the business and everyone's sanity.” With the layered and always-changing COVID restrictions of who could sit or stand during dictated hours of operations, running the business began to weigh on Mike. He and Brittany had just had their first baby, and he couldn't come to the brewery as much. Weekday brewing turned to weekend brewing. Time passed and things changed. With the added responsibilities, Mike didn’t have time to develop the same relationship with newer customers like he had with his loyal regulars. He grew tired, and he is only in his 30s.
“Owning a business is not normal. There is nothing normal about it. It is thrilling, exasperating, fulfilling, addicting, exhausting, all at the same time. It takes a special type of person to do it. ”
Mike and Brittany’s honesty in their experience birthing and growing a business is a rarity. But one that is appreciated deeply by other business owners who are reading and going through the same growth. Owning a business is not normal. There is nothing normal about it. It is thrilling, exasperating, fulfilling, addicting, exhausting, all at the same time. It takes a special type of person to do it. And even then, the business itch may change into another type of business. Rendering the existing, healthy business, one not suited anymore for the founder. Lucky for the next owner, however.
"When I sell, I'll enjoy a new lease on life, “Mike told ALBB. “But I'll miss it too. I'll take 2 years off to focus on myself and my family. Might look toward doing something at the farm. The apples for our cider came from our family farm. I want to explore better food ways for our region through farming." Most importantly, Mike realized: "My kids need my attention. They need more of my time. And I need my hobbies. I need to rock climb. I want to get back to that."
THE SECRET OF TWO WAY BREWING - IT’S IN THE WATER
Numerous annual Beacon events have been held in the spacious location that is Two Way Brewing, including artists participating in Beacon Open Studios who have used Two Way’s space to showcase their work.
Along with many other NYC and Hudson Valley breweries, Two Way offers a free pint for volunteers for River Keeper during their annual River Sweep event. “As a family, and with friends, we’ve taken part in this great event,” Brittany told ALBB.
Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF)'s "Yappy Hour" was a very successful event which raised a lot of money for the foundation and benefited Two Way as well, Mike told ALBB. With its multi-room design, Two Way has an ideal setup for cozy or spread-out events, both inside and outside.
“It is my dream for the brewery to be not just a gathering spot for individuals, but a community hub, where there's always something happening,” Brittany told ALBB. As the manager of events, she saw the potential. “It is a place for families to find something fun and different that parents and kids can enjoy, for young couples, or friends to find a fun evening activity. And the fun thing about having fundraisers here is that a brewery appeals to a different crowd that many non-profits might struggle to attract with their typical events.”
The best part of brewing in Beacon is the water, Mike observed. With the application of a little science, one can make almost any style. Mike lit up as he described the water: "Beacon has soft water, that approximates the water from Pilsen Czech Republic," Mike began explaining. "It is close to the original pilsner water. Places with hard water will struggle to brew a good pilsner. With soft water, you can make any water you want by adding brewing salts like gypsum or calcium chloride. We are very lucky to have access to this tap water for our brewing."
Two Way Brewing has 5 seven-barrel fermenters and one seven-barrel bright tank. The brew system is 3.5 barrels where a double batch makes about 220 gallons of beer.
Two Way cans in-house. Their cannery produces 16 cases/hour, with 24 cans in each case. "The can is a better vessel for beer," Mike says when asked about glass bottles. "The beer lasts longer in the cans because of the material, and how a can is sealed.
Inside Of Two Way Brewing
There are 3 main rooms in Two Way Brewing: The bar, which faces the large fermenters, making you feel like you are part of the action. On either side of the bar are two other spaces: a comfortable lounge with deep leather sofas perfect for long chats and board game playing, and a section for high top tables which face the stage for live music. This main taproom can hold up to 115 people.
A Private Party Room, known as the Game & Event Room, is available in the back, separated by a long hallway with a shufflepuck table. Anything from kids or adult birthday parties, wedding celebrations, rehearsal dinners, morning after receptions and more have been hosted there. Fundraisers are also popular, and have included groups like I Am Beacon. Clients can bring in their own catering. Two Way’s outside patio seats 30 people, and the back room can fit up to 85 people.
Recently, events have included a free, monthly series for the public called Hopped Up On History with Beacon Historical Society. Other non-profit groups like Sloop Clearwater have hosted community and member events for free or discounted in the Game & Event Room. More offerings are planned throughout the fall like comedy shows, and a family magic show.
Partnerships with various local restaurateurs like Round Up Texas BBQ (Cold Spring), Oak & Read, and Beacon Daily have been how Two Way Brewing has utilized its kitchen to serve patrons.
The kitchen includes deep fryers, sinks, hood, ansul system, and stove.
Two Way Leads To One Whirlwind Romance
Being an engineer and recipe experimenter, Mike is a focused person. Once something clicks, he knows what he likes. This is what happened when he met Brittany. Though they debate whether they first technically met at the brewery or the climbing gym, one official date and he was hooked. Mike explained: “ One night she stayed late and I had finished working in the kitchen and we were playing trivia. She had been working at a summer camp in Cold Spring and was heading off to Alaska. With my perfect timing I decided to ask her out, and the next day we had an amazing dinner date in Peekskill. She was still headed to Alaska the next day. It was tough, because I wanted to go too but I was stuck at the brewery. It was the first time I can remember being disappointed that I had my own business.”
Brittany remembers it this way: “Mike had always caught my eye, but I never knew if he remembered me. He was a business owner and meets a lot of people. Months would go by in between our casual encounters at the brewery and climbing gym. One of my last nights in town, some friends and I had my send-off at Trivia Night, and Mike and I ended up chatting longer than ever before. At the end of the night, he asked for my number, called me the next day. We went on two dates in the two days before I left. And then I drove off on a road trip to spend the summer working in Alaska. I had no idea what would happen after that, but I already knew he was something different and I could picture sharing my life with this guy.” Mike was living on the family farm at the time. But that changed after their twins came. Brittany tells ALBB: “We bought a house and moved to Clintondale in October 2022. We were living on the farm up until then. Mike had been living there since he moved back from Colorado to start the brewery. When the family suddenly got larger than we expected it was time to move.”
Today, Brittney handles most of the front end of the brewery, including the events, staff and operations.
The Future Of Two Way Brewery
The asking price for Two Way Brewery is $450,000 and has a 6 year lease until 2030 for $4,800/month. “Our landlord is an agreeable guy. We have a good relationship with him,” Mike explained. Mike is a man of math, so he is open to craft a deal.
If the new owner wants it, Mike is offering to stay on as consultant while the new owner gets their brew legs. “I want to see someone succeed. I’m looking for an end date, but I’m not looking to sell it and split. I want the next person to be successful.”
Friday the 13th!
We're going to state that, and then back away slowly.
Thank goodness it's so sunny!
If you're looking for where to get keffiyeh fabric, the artist Parisa Karami may be able to help! ALBB featured her artwork when it was hanging in the Hudson Valley Food Hall.
Beacon Farmers Market! Every Sunday from 10am-3pm at 223 Main Street!
Beacon Flea Market! Every Fair Weather Sunday from 8am-3pm at Henry Street (next to the Post Office).
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website >
Camarones Con Salsa from El Nica Spot! Shrimp in a homemade tomato sauce served with white rice and a side of tostones. Get in the HV Food Hall and warm up your belly and soul! 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
Stop into Baja & fall in love with some of their new food and drink specials this month! Seasonal cocktails and pumpkin beers/ciders... buffalo empanadas, quesadilla burgers?! YES! Oh & spaghetti carbonara, chicken & broccoli quesadillas, tierra y mar tacos, and pan seared pork chop with out favorite sweet mashed potato!
Don't forget... TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday at Baja! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos plus $3 coronas!
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!
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
No more mid-week slumps because Carter's is OPEN on Wednesday's! Offering a variety of delicious comfort foods and must-have specials! Pumpkin lovers, you don't wanna miss the specials! Stop in! PS: The kitchen is now open until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with the bar open until 12:30am! PPS! Now Open on Wednesdays!
That's 7 days a week! PPPS!(?) Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 2-5! PPPPS!!! Katie James Inc. creates and curates Carter's Instagram, and can for your business too. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Fall vibes at Luxe are fierce. You need a new pair of Fall shades. All different styles and colors to fit your face and hair. 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!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OPEN! A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide is one of the biggest draws to this publication. Every store is listed in it for the best experience for our readers. Google rewarded A Little Beacon Blog with a #1 ranking for "boutique shopping beacon ny." Designed to elevate your store from the rest, this advertising campaign is integrated with our Instagram. Show your storefront in the listing, get your business a permanent weekly feature in A Little Beacon Blog's Retail Therapy Newsletter sent on Fridays (see examples here), as well as weekly Instagram features. More information here >
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
It's that time of year! Recital tees are now on sale! Orders can be placed until October 15th!
Don't miss out on warm up jackets and hoodies. Great for you & great for gift ideas!
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.
MEGAN & KENNETH PHOTOGRAPHERS Weddings & Families
Elope away in the stunning Hudson Valley! No better way to capture your love story than running in the colorful arms of Autumn. If you're looking for fun, friendly, flexible photographers, look no further. Megan & Kenneth create photos and videography that you can look back on and share with friends and family, reminding everyone just how awesome your elopment was! You can expect a ton of experience and knowledge between the two of them, an ear to listen and advice to offer, if you need it, about any part of your planning. Reach out! Find more information here > Megan & Kenneth are Sponsors. Thank you!
BEACON DENTAL
1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3666
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. Beacon Dental is also happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Katie James Inc. is producing the Spirit of Beacon Day website. This destination website was designed to both update people as the year went on, from Sponsorship opportunities, to easy ways to Register for Parade and Vendor tables, to the final product of Parade and Table Maps, and Bathrooms. Katie James Inc. is also producing the social media on Instagram and Facebook for Spirit of Beacon Day. Need these services for your business? Katie James, Inc. works with small and large businesses.
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
In response to their consideration, the Board had formed a 6-person committee of community members to hear public comment and submit a direction on how to proceed. While public insight was gained, the committee and public comment was split. Said BOE President Meredith Heuer in the September 2023 meeting to vote the Board’s decision: "I was disappointed that it ended in a deadlock. But I really am grateful to the community members that participated. It's a hard thing to talk about. While I'm disappointed, I'm also not surprised."
Because the community committee ended in deadlock, the BOE members needed to create a name and vote. Meredith said it was “up to a board member to make a change from the current to something else. We don't need to vote to keep it Columbus Day. This is purely a change on the district calendar. Does not rise above that.”
Bringing the vote to a motion to start the re-naming process was Kristan Flynn, who proposed to change the name to Indigenous People / Italian American Heritage Day, which she said matched New York City’s, and responded to some of the feedback from Italian Americans in Beacon who came forward to voice their comment to the committee. Her motion was seconded by Flora Stadler and Semra Ercin.
Anthony White then optioned to amend her motion with an amendment to not name the holiday at all on the school calendar, and to eliminate all holiday and break names from the school calendar. "If we are going to change it,” he proposed, “I would like to change all of the holidays on the district calendar to ‘Holidays’ and not name it. And it's up to the parents to have a conversation as to why we are off. If it's a district calendar, it would say Holiday or Break... If we are going to change one, that is not required to be changed, I would like to change all of them to ‘Holiday’ and/or ‘Break.’ It's taking all the names off.”
This caused momentary confusion amongst board members.
Said Flora: “I'm really unclear how to vote on the name of the holiday, and then vote to take away all the names of holidays. They seem like two separate things.” Meredith contributed: “To me that does feel like a giant other conversation.” Kristen concluded: “If we didn't have a committee to change the names of all of the holidays, then we wouldn't be following process. We specifically voted on a committee about this holiday. So I thought we were just voting on this holiday."
Anthony responded: "And I'm saying, if agree to change the name on this holiday, I would like to change the names on the whole district calendar to non -pecific names and to just call it a holiday or break. So you can vote on yours...the amendment was to adjust it to name it ‘Columbus Day’ or ‘Indigenous People's,’ to ‘Holiday.’"
Anthony’s suggested required someone to second his proposed motion, which nobody did. The vote toward the proposed name of Indigenous People’s / Italian American Heritage Day proceeded. Voting in favor of the change was Meredith, Flora, Kristan, Semra, and Yunice Heath. Abstaining to vote was Alena Kush. Voting not to change name was Anthony (former President of the Board) and Eric Shetter.
In explanation of her proposed name, Kristan said: “It would have been great to be given and answer [by the committee]. But I don't think that is as important as driving people within a community to talk to each other and listen to each other...I understand the attachment to Columbus. At the heart of the argument was about people who were immigrants from a certain country that felt quite discriminated against, and had made great contributions to America and feel that they deserve that to be celebrated...I am not of the mind that, especially given the fact that that represents a significant portion of the population that has lived in Beacon for a long time and continues to live here, I'm not of the mind that we should take that pride away in any way.
“Also given the acknowledgement that since most of us came here from someplace else, America was not discovered, it was taken from people who were living here before most of us came. So, It would be disingenuous to say that we should be celebrating the beginning of that process for them. And we need to acknowledge that it was and continues to be theirs as well. This is a compromise makes makes everyone a little unhappy I'm sure, but I can live with it, and I hope other people can too.”
Eric also proposed another amendment, that the day be changed to Columbus Day / Indigenous People’s Day. Kristan responded: “I understand the attachment to the name. Based on readings that I have done, it would be against the spirit of honoring the Indigenous people....they believe that that arrival is the beginning of genocide.”
Anthony pressed on: “I do not feel able to make a decision of what is right or wrong. Keep it simple. Call everything a holiday. And now we’re making changes. We are taking that burden on as a Board. You said earlier, what is a good use of our time. I got on this board to ensure kids get educated, and they get educated properly. I do not feel qualified to make a change. That’s one reason I made it simple. Call it a holiday. The kids - they are off from school. That’s what they see.” His proposal to change it to nothing does not seem to educate anything.
Meredith responded: “One of my interested in updating the name is the way that we teach the history of this country has changed a lot since I was in elementary school, and I've seen the material that my kids got through the years, and it's different. It's acknowledging the genocide of the Indigenous people in this country, and acknowledging the damage that was done. It's not a simple story. It's a hard story, but it's an important story to acknowledge. That is why I'm open to the change.”
Yunice felt that Kristan’s proposal was acknowledging the committee’s result of a 50/50 split based on community feedback. “I believe Kristan is pretty much suggesting that we go 50/50 to change the holiday name to acknowledging both groups. Not one over the other, which is what we are trying to avoid here. The district is really working toward inclusion. And that would show that we are standing strongly to that mission and our values.”
Anthony tried again to justify why changing one name might exclude other situations. Kristan responded: “That name brings up for some people harm. If the spirit of if over time has been captured in a different way...You remove the harm by changing it."
Alena explained why she felt comfortable abstaining from the vote: “I'm not qualified to make a decision. I feel like to take it off the calendar, to add something else....I don't know how I would feel if someone made decision to take something off that was very important to me and my culture and my background. I would want to know...I'm not educated enough to make the decision. I learned a lot from the committee and the letters that came in that I did not know because I was not taught that while I was in school. I knew that he [Christopher Columbus] obviously did not discover America, but that was the extent of the knowledge that we had. I understand that we are growing as society as far as just really understanding more about our history. For the reason that we ended up with Juneteenth, which is a national holiday...I didn't learn about Juneteenth until I watched it on a television show, and I was in my 30s....If someone asks me, ‘Alena, why did you vote?’ I want to be able to then say, ‘I did it because of XYZ,’ and I can't. That is just my growth, and my learning and understanding of myself and more about society.”
In an interview with News Channel 12, Paloma Wake, who is a Beacon City Council Member and Operations Manager of the Forge Project responded to the final vote with this statement: "It's not what we would have preferred. While I appreciate the imperative to celebrate Italian heritage in America, it doesn't have to be done at the cost of the erasure of native peoples."
Locally, M&T Bank cited Indigenous People’s Day as the reason for their Monday holiday. Chronogram curated a list of 13 things to do this Indigenous People’s Weekend, where only one of which had to do with Indigenous people or education, which was Indigenous Peoples' Day Weekend at YMCA Frost Valley in Claryville.
Federally, Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged Indigenous People’s Day solely in her address of the Monday holiday.
First weekend of October! Bring on the beautiful foliage, chilly mornings, and cozy nights! We're ready!
Welcome Jessica Mills, LCSW to ALBB's Business Directory! A practice dedicated to educating, empowering and inspiring individuals to live their best lives by finding a place of peace, balance and continued growth. More details below.
Welcome Gincy Jacob of Invisimark to ALBB's Business Directory! Gincy is a Stretch Mark & Scar Camouflage Tattoo Artist. Camouflage Tattooing is changing the game in the cosmetic tattoo world. She is able to formulate ink pigments to match ANY unique skin color. You'll want to see these results and find out more in the details below!
What we love about these two new subscribing sponsors is how we met them. Jessica we met at A Little Beacon Blog's face painting table at the I Am Beacon Back To School Block Party. Gincy we met in ALBB's Instagram, and we never even know about Camouflage tattooing. Now we do, and now you do too. Each are fellow ALBB readers.
Beacon Sloop Club Potluck Meeting
Day: Friday, October 6, 2023 Time: 6:30pm-10pm Location: 2 Red Flynn Dr, Beacon, NY Information >
Howland Cultural Center Presents: LIT LIT Day: Friday, October 6, 2023 Time: 7pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main Street, Beacon, NY
A monthly literary open mic series hosted by Donna Minkowitz. It's the First Friday of every month. Mark that calendar on Repeat.
Empanada Festival Day: Saturday, October 7, 2023 Time: 1pm
Location: Newburgh Mall, 1401 Route 300, Newburgh, NY Information >
POSTPONED: Walk Nikki Home Day: Saturday, November 4, 2023 Location: Walkway Over The Hudson
From the organizers: "Nikki’s defense committee met last night and made the difficult decision to postpone the Walk Nikki Home event for a few weeks, due to the predicted heavy rains and thunderstorms this Saturday. We were fortunate to be able to reserve the Walkway Across the Hudson for Saturday November 4th and will be holding the event on that date instead." Information >
Beacon Farmers Market! Every Sunday from 10am-3pm at 223 Main Street!
Beacon Flea Market! Every Fair Weather Sunday from 8am-3pm at Henry Street (next to the Post Office).
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website >
Deicious BBQ from Miz Hatties! Stop in for 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
New loaded potato soup on the specials menu at Baja! We knew we could count on Baja for delicious New fall specials Comforting and soothing. Nothing better!
Don't forget... TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday at Baja! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos plus $3 coronas!
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!
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
It's October so it's only right to check out Carter's for Oktoberfest beer! Stop in for great drinks and delicious comfort foods! PS: The kitchen is now open until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with the bar open until 12:30am! PPS! Now Open on Wednesdays!
That's 7 days a week! PPPS!(?) Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 2-5! PPPPS!!! Katie James Inc. creates and curates Carter's Instagram, and can for your business too. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Fall vibes at Luxe are fierce. You need a new pair of Fall shades. All different styles and colors to fit your face and hair. 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!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OPEN! A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide is one of the biggest draws to this publication. Every store is listed in it for the best experience for our readers. Google rewarded A Little Beacon Blog with a #1 ranking for "boutique shopping beacon ny." Designed to elevate your store from the rest, this advertising campaign is integrated with our Instagram. Show your storefront in the listing, get your business a permanent weekly feature in A Little Beacon Blog's Retail Therapy Newsletter sent on Fridays (see examples here), as well as weekly Instagram features. More information here >
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
Did you see this group at the Spirit of Beacon Day?! Smiley & cheerful as always!
Join this crew for Fall dance classes! 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!
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.
MEGAN & KENNETH PHOTOGRAPHERS Weddings & Families
It's the beginning of October which means the foliage will be stunning throughout the month! Capture the moment and book a family session with Megan & Kenneth. Megan & Kenneth are Beacon-based family photographers and wedding photographers in the Hudson Valley. You can expect a ton of experience and knowledge between the two of them, and an enjoyable and relaxing time! They’re fast, flexible and unobtrusive. Find more information here > Megan & Kenneth are Sponsors. Thank you!
MAPLE STREET STUDIO
95 Maple Street, Beacon, NY
(347) 678-1897
Just incase you missed it... Maple Street Studio in Beacon is accepting new students! Offering Classical Guitar, Flamenco Guitar, and Jazz Guitar Lessons for students of all ages. Students will be taught and led through the fascinating journey of learning to play the guitar by New York City guitarist, Dan Garcia. Dan Garcia’s love of Spanish guitar began right at home in his birthplace of Madrid, Spain. He maintains a thriving performance career and is also an entrepreneur and creator of the first bilingual how-to Flamenco Guitar App, and Learn Guitar App. He is a professor of classical guitar and music production at Manhattan College and a self-published author of guitar technique books. Dan founded Maple Street Studio in 2020 with the goal of providing an inspiring and unparalleled space for artists and students at all levels. Dan is focused on creating a space filled with sound quality, productivity as well as with indoor and outdoor space. The ultimate goal was "to create a safe space with state-of-the-art equipment where artists instantly feel inspired." Maple Street Studio sets itself apart by offering a creative environment, state of the art equipment and instruments, but most of all, nearly three decades of teaching experience and creativity of Dan Garcia who always focuses on musical individuality of each artist that enters the studio. Find Maple Street Studio Here > Maple Street Studio is a Sponsor. Thank you!
BEACON DENTAL
1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3666
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. Beacon Dental is also happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Katie James Inc. is producing the Spirit of Beacon Day website. This destination website was designed to both update people as the year went on, from Sponsorship opportunities, to easy ways to Register for Parade and Vendor tables, to the final product of Parade and Table Maps, and Bathrooms. Katie James Inc. is also producing the social media on Instagram and Facebook for Spirit of Beacon Day. Need these services for your business? Katie James, Inc. works with small and large businesses.
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
The Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services’ Division of Youth Services has awarded $294,034 to local municipalities and nonprofit community-based organizations to fund 24 programs that enhance the lives and safety of young people throughout Dutchess County through the New York State Youth Development Program (YDP) and Youth Sports and Education Funding (YSEF) Program.
Funded programs support the County’s “Path to Promise” initiative by addressing one of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services’ six life areas, which are: Economic Security, Physical and Emotional Health, Education, Citizenship/Civic Engagement and Family and Community. The County has used the “Path to Promise” framework to compare the needs of its young people to current activities in the community, enabling it to better understand the domains and/or age groups with the most resources, as well as which areas require additional investment. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 were awarded to programs that provide free, direct services designed to improve youth and community outcomes.
2023-24 Youth Development Programming: ($237,315 total allocated)
Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps., $16,781 Junior Corps Member Program — Comprehensive training and mentorship programs to equip members, ages 15 to 17, with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of emergency medical services and the goal of developing members into confident and capable leaders. Junior Corps members learn about emergency medical procedures, patient care and communication skills. Leadership development opportunities, such as team-building exercises and leadership workshops, are available to help members build strong leadership skills that can be applied in all areas of their lives.
Beekman Library, $7,000 Youth Empowerment through Service (Y.E.S.) — Thirty-five high school-age teens will contribute to their community and gain leadership skills by acting as library volunteers. Teens may apply to serve as volunteer shelvers or academic mentors to younger children. Volunteer shelvers will learn library classification systems; academic mentors will serve as “Reading Buddies” or “Homework Helpers” to children in kindergarten through 6th Grade.
Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, $18,000 Personal Safety Program — Provides free, classroom-based safety workshops to students, faculty and staff about abuse and bullying prevention. The program serves grades Pre-K to 8th Grade, providing students with tools and resources for identifying and reporting physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect, bullying and “digital dangers,” while also providing faculty and staff with resources and protocol for identifying and reporting all types of abuse.
Chamber Foundation, Inc., $14,547 Next Gen Summer Academy — A 3-week STEAM-focused career readiness program for 14–18-year-olds to learn about 21st century skills and computer literacy, utilizing virtual/augmented reality, robotics, Artificial intelligence, game design/development and coding – integrating these immersive technologies into an educational and work readiness setting and prepare youth to enter current high-demand STEAM careers.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County, $20,000 Green Teen Workforce Development Community Gardening – The Green Teen program prepares youth, ages 10 to 20, for college and careers through employment set in the context of community gardening, teaching the skills and behaviors employers seek. Education in areas such as communication, financial literacy, resume writing, nutrition and social justice is provided.
Dutchess Community College Foundation, $10,000 DCC Cares-Surviving to Thriving – Program will provide postsecondary education dropout prevention and increase the retention and graduation rates of Dutchess County students between 17 and 21 years who are housing insecure, lack material basics and struggle with mental health issues. A Student Resource Navigator will assist 40 students with direct support such as emergency housing, transportation, technology access and access to basic materials; and a mental health counselor will provide monthly workshops on basic life skills, coping and work readiness support, as well as individual follow-up.
Dutchess County Pride Center, $8,000 Intergenerational Get Togethers — Monthly intergenerational get-togethers between LGBTQ+ youth and their families and other LGBTQ+ adults, including monthly dinners, and quarterly family field trips to local museums and historic sites around Dutchess County. Events also include a lecture series on topics relating to the LGBTQ+ community and the various intersections of other marginalized communities, such as dealing with racism, classism, ableism and more; lecture series will also include education on LGBTQ+ issues and how to be supportive to the community.
Family Services, $8,000 Teen Resource Activity Center (TRAC) — Offers a supervised place for youth to come after school at the Family Partnership Center at no cost to participants. Serving youth ages 11 to 18, TRAC operates four days a week, and offers sports, performing arts, academic support, pro-social/emotional workshops, nutritious dinner and relaxation with friends, as well as exposure to positive adult role models.
Foundation for Beacon Schools, Inc., $8,000 2024 Beacon City School District Student Film Festival—Annual event open to all district children from kindergarten to 12th Grade , as well as non-district children who partner with a BCSD student to make a short film project. The Foundation partners with community organizations and local professional filmmakers to offer a variety of free filmmaking workshops across the community in the months leading up to the festival submission deadline. Participants receive a resource kit to help them get started on their short film project using a smartphone.
Friends of Peach Hill, Ltd., $10,000 The Peach Hill Young Engineers Empowerment Program — Program will train youth to design, build and monitor a stormwater management rain garden on the downslope Peach Hill Park’s new education pavilion, “Outreach at the Peach.” Students, ages 14 to 18, will become young engineers as they work with an Environmental Engineer and a retired state-certified science teacher. Students will design and build their own original rain garden and create educational displays about their work on site and hold a community event to showcase their project.
Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, $10,000 Traveling Science — A series of portable workshops geared to early elementary grades, Traveling Science entails six weekly sessions at a camp or after-school program, serving up to 100 children each visit. Traveling Science serves children throughout the County and is targeted at schools or community groups that lack resources for field trips and are not able to come to the museum site.
Northeast Community Council, Inc., $20,000 Community Partnership with Schools and Businesses (CPSB Teen Jobs) — Free workforce development program for high school youth, ages 14 to 20, who become paid interns at 20 local businesses, where they are trained and mentored by adult employees. NECC’s Teen Food Futures, Food Access and Summer Food Service Program also provide internship opportunities to youth interested in food justice, culinary arts and food access. Interns benefit from workshops such as general job skills, resume writing, job interview skills and college planning.
Poughkeepsie Farm Project, $20,000 Green Jobs for Youth —Poughkeepsie Farm Project prepares youth, ages 16 to 20, for careers in farming, gardening and food education; increases local economic and food security; and supports youth in job searches and placement by connecting them with potential employers. Program serves 17 youth who learn to grow, harvest, prepare and distribute food within their community.
Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church, $10,000 Harriet Tubman Academic Skills Center (HTASC) — After-school program and a summer program to at-risk children who live in or near the Tubman Apartment Complex in the City of Poughkeepsie. Program’s mission to facilitate academic success, develop strong character and create independent thinkers with a love of learning. Program accommodates 30 children in kindergarten through 5thGrade, emphasizing the successful completion of homework assignment and taking part in engaging, age-appropriate activities focusing on STEM, literacy and character development.
R.E.A.L. Skills Network, $15,000 Peer Mentors — Program offers low-income teens in the City of Poughkeepsie a safe after-school program to learn life skills through positive interactions with adult mentors and subsequently mentor younger children. Program works with community partners to offer six activity blocks during the school year: Anti-Violence, Mediation Skills, Babysitting, CPR, Health Topics and Job and Academic Skills.
Red Hook Community Center, Inc., $7,500 RHCC Teen Group — Provide teen programming to 32 youth, ages 11 to 17, in northern Dutchess County, as a teen-designed, teen-led and teen-staffed program guided and facilitated by RHCC staff to promote creative and pro-social group participation. Group activities to focus on emotional and mental wellness using art, food, service projects and recreation to connect participants with peers and staff in safe and meaningful ways.
The Art Effect, $19,500 Spark Studios — Workforce development program offers a safe and engaging learning environment where underserved local youth, ages 14-19, gain valuable skills in film editing, sound, lighting and video production while receiving immediate economic support.
Town of East Fishkill, $8,987 Too Good for Drugs — Elementary school-based drug prevention program designed to reduce students’ intention to use alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs, while promoting pro-social attitudes, skills, and behaviors. Program builds self-confidence of students, so they are better prepared to make healthy choices and achieve success, reaching more than 250 students.
Town of Pleasant Valley, $6,000 Children’s Garden Camp — Program will be held two days a week for six weeks in summer 2024, as children learn how to create a community garden, plant seeds and care for seedlings, building vegetable and flower beds, learning how to construct a garden, the insects that pollinate it and pests. Children will learn to use the food for different cultural dishes, as well as reusing and recycling to help the planet.
NYS OCFS Youth Sports and Education Funding: ($56,719 total allocated)
City of Beacon, $5,000 Beacon Swim Academy — Program runs for eight weeks as four 2-week sessions, each serving 24 children, ages 6 months to 12 years, with a total goal of 96 youth served.
Mid-Hudson Aquatics, $17,719 Dutchess County Swimpact — Provide 60 children, ages 3-13, six 45-minute free learn to swim classes, as well as 20 outreach swim team candidates, ages 5-18, a free swim team membership consisting of seven months (up to four days a week) training with Mid-Hudson Heatwaves USA Competitive Swim Team, swim meets and USA Swimming membership.
Ramapo for Children, $12,000 SEL-Based Experiential Programming for Youth — Will offer four half-day retreats for 80-160 students and staff from Dutchess County public schools, utilizing active, hands-on experiences to strengthen youth's social and emotional learning (SEL) skills and encourage physical activity.
Town of Hyde Park, $7,000 Learn to Swim Program — Provide youth the opportunity to achieve life-long skills through the instruction of certified American Red Cross Swimming Lesson staff. The program will provide them the opportunity to learn to swim and exercise in a fun, safe and positive environment.
Town of Red Hook, $15,000 Town of Red Hook Recreation — Town of Red Hook Recreation offers more than 16 different recreational programs to over 500 youth (ages 0 to 21) who live within the boundaries of the Red Hook Central School District.
Grants are awarded annually. The application period generally opens in March.
The Division of Youth Services will host two grant workshops for the 2024-2025 grant cycle for nonprofit agencies and municipalities to review the application process. Workshops are tentatively scheduled for:
YDP funding targets services that promote safety, supportive relationships and other positive assets by engaging and empowering youth. YSEF funding targets services that support youth development through sports programs for underserved children and youth. The County’s Division of Youth Services administers YDP and YSEF funds for the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and promotes the County’s Path to Promise Initiative. Additional information about the Division and the Dutchess County’s “Path to Promise” is available on the County’s Youth Services webpage here >
Support for this publication comes in part from these businesses. We have highlighted what makes them special on their own dedicated pages. Want your business listed here? See the "Sponsor Spotlight" or "Event Promotion" option in our Advertising Page.
A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
Hosted by Beacon Chamber of Commerce & Local Business Sponsors
ts Salon Sèance - The End of Time, music of Olivier Messaien
