Longtime Reader Spotted In The Wild With Palestine T-Shirt From The Yard
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This vision! ♥️💚🖤🤍
Longtime reader @wpattersonacadian wearing his T-shirt from The Yard for his regular shop at Key Food Beacon. The parking lot is one of his favorite spots.
Assistance For Passports, Veterans, Social Security And More Offered By Pat Ryan's Bus At Beacon Farmer's Market
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Photo Credits on this page: Katie Hellmuth
Parked at the Beacon Farmer’s Market this week next to the live music tent was the Representative Pat Ryan C.A.R.E.S. (Constituent Advocacy Resources Empowerment Services). The concept of the van is to help people navigate federal agencies and get attention if they are being neglected. “You shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or navigate bureaucratic red tape to get the assistance you deserve and the federal benefits you earned,” says Rep. Ryan on the program’s website.
Sunday’s van pop-up was staffed by Constituent Advocate Karen DeSimone and District Aide Brandon Gonzalez. There purpose was to answer questions from constituents about accessing federal agencies. They came equipped with Release Forms that once signed, can authorize Rep. Ryan’s staff members to begin taking action for the constituent to get their issue resolved.
If a passport has stalled in process, or Veterans benefits hard to reach, this program helps remove the clog. Said Thomas from Port Jervis on the program website: “I had spent 30 months trying to get my Social Security benefits and had gotten nowhere. After contacting Congressman Ryan's office, I was put in touch with Destiny H., who interceded on my behalf and got me results. I cannot thank her enough and am totally sincere when I say that her help changed my life.”
The program helps with Social Security, Passports, Veteran Benefits, Grant Funding, IRS Help, Flag Requests, and more. On this day in Beacon, Karen and Brandon answered questions about Social Security, and how one could contact the Veteran’s Office.
Said David from Beacon on the program’s website: “The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, a historic Hudson Valley service organization, experienced an unexpected automated action from the IRS that if not resolved quickly, could have had very negative consequences. I immediately contacted Congressman Ryan's office for advice and support. The Congressman's staff promptly responded to our request for assistance, contacted the IRS Tax Advocate Services on our behalf, and advocated for our need to expedite review and resolution with professional skill. We greatly appreciate the response we received. Thank you!”
At market, Karen encouraged people to contact the Representative’s website, or herself or Brandon directly with questions:
Karen DeSimone, Constitute Advocate: karen.desimone@mail.house.gov 845-443-2930
Brandon Gonzalez, District Aid: brandon.gonzalez@mail.house.gov
I Am Beacon Prepares for 14th Annual I Run Beacon 5K and Celebrates 10th Annual Back 2 School Block Party
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I Am Beacon, in partnership with Key Food, proudly hosted the 10th Annual Back 2 School Block Party, a beloved community tradition that serves as both an annual school supply drive and a fundraiser for the Class in a Bag program. Through this initiative, I Am Beacon works directly with the Beacon City School District to ensure students are prepared for their very first day of school.
“This year, thanks to the generosity of the community, I Am Beacon provided 45 fully stocked backpacks through Class in a Bag, serving students in both Beacon and New Windsor.”
This year, thanks to the generosity of the community, I Am Beacon provided 45 fully stocked backpacks through Class in a Bag, serving students in both Beacon and New Windsor. At the Block Party itself, more than 130 drawstring bags with starter supply kits were distributed, ensuring even more children started the school year ready and confident.
Class in a Bag Coordinator, Kenya Gadsden, expressed her gratitude: “Thank you for the personalized backpacks, water bottles, and headphones. It shows the thoughtfulness of our community—treating the children of Beacon with the same care as their own.”
I Am Beacon also proudly collaborated with Fareground, donating supplies for their School Supply Giveaway on August 28th. As Executive Director, Reuben Simmons, shared: “Collaborating is part of our mission, and we believe in working together to maximize impact.”
The Block Party was made possible thanks to the generous support of event sponsors: Staples (Wappingers Falls), Mountainview Dental, Beacon Teachers Association, Stewart’s Shops, Salem Tabernacle Church, Fidelis, The Roundhouse, Joker Inc., Beacon Dental, Yanarella School of Dance, and State Farm (Catlin McVicker).
Special thanks also go to our community partners who helped collect supplies leading up to the event: Key Food Marketplace, Fareground, and the Howland Public Library. A heartfelt thank you to Christ Church United Methodist for their generosity and contributions to the drive.
On the day of the Block Party, community organizations came together to engage and uplift attendees, including: Fareground, Compass Arts, Fidelis, Little Preparatory, Mountainview Dental, Beacon Dental, GEMMS, State Farm, Girl Scouts, Conservation Advisory Committee, Les Soeurs Amiables Civic Club, Rise Up, St. Andrew/St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Astor, South Avenue Elementary, Beacon City School District Nurse’s Unit, and the Beacon City School District Transportation Department.
A special shoutout goes to A Little Beacon Blog and the Beacon Teachers Association for their incredible face painting, and to the Newburgh and Albany teams for joining our Beacon Hoops All-Stars on the court.
Looking Ahead: I Run Beacon 5K
“To date, I Am Beacon has awarded $40,400 in scholarships to 50 students in the Beacon community through this event.”
With the success of the Block Party, I Am Beacon is now in full gear organizing the 14th Annual I Run Beacon 5K Walk/Run Scholarship Fundraiser, taking place on Sunday, September 28th at Memorial Park. To date, I Am Beacon has awarded $40,400 in scholarships to 50 students in the Beacon community through this event.
Registration For The Run
For more information and registration, please visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Beacon/IRunBeacon5KRunWalk.
Market Day Craft Fair Event At The Van Wyck Homestead Museum Commemorates 250th Anniversary Of The Revolutionary War
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Photo Credit: Van Wyck Homestead
From the Fishkill Historical Society:
Come for the masterful crafts and stay for lunch, made-to-order apple fritters, and a tour of the Van Wyck Homestead Museum - a Revolutionary War site. Supporting the Van Wyck Homestead Museum is a meaningful way to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War!
The Market Day Craft Fair in Fishkill is Saturday, October 11th and the rain date is Sunday, October 12th from 11am-4pm.
Market Day Craft Fair at the Van Wyck Homestead Museum is a modern-day take on old-time markets. In the colonial era, market days provided an opportunity for craftspeople, farmers, and friends to gather for fellowship and stock up on essential goods. The Fishkill Historical Society will use funds raised from the fair for the upkeep of the c.1732 Van Wyck Homestead Museum.
You are sure to find treasures among the over 25 Arts and Crafts vendors, featuring pressed flower gifts, wooden items, resin art, pottery, jewelry, beautifully painted planter pots, wreaths, soaps, candles, knit clothing, quilted bags, and home decor.
Fishkill Historical Society volunteers will operate concession stands offering lunch and dessert to visitors. Concessions include homemade soups, chili, baked goods, made-to-order apple fritters, and hot dogs. The Van Wyck Homestead Museum’s gift shop will be out on the grounds with t-shirts, tri-corn hats, mob caps, and raffle tickets for local restaurant gift cards.
We have invited musician Steve Kelman, who recently released an album titled "Up From Water." Steve spends a lot of time in the Hudson Valley bringing a festive atmosphere to events by performing an eclectic mix of blues, bluegrass, folk, country, and rock.
In addition to housing the Van Wyck Family for several generations, the homestead played a significant role during the Revolutionary War, serving as the headquarters for the officers of the Fishkill Supply Depot. The depot supported the operations of the Continental Army and the New York State militia throughout the Revolutionary War. Maintaining this historic site to tell the story of Fishkill is the mission of the historical society.
The Fishkill Historical Society is a 100% volunteer-run educational organization. Many volunteer opportunities at the museum can utilize the talents of our community members. Docents volunteer to welcome visitors to the museum or serve as tour guides to share its story. There’s a lot of upkeep needed at the museum, including cleaning and maintenance work inside and outside of the museum. Support from the community is needed for the Van Wyck Homestead Museum to stand for another 300 years.
Things To Do In Beacon, NY 📅 9/5/2025
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Matteawan Road Open To School Community Through Corrections Facility During Construction
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Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth
In a temporary about-face, the Fishkill Corrections Facility has allowed school traffic on Matteawan Road off of Prospect Street to drive through the facility grounds to get to Route 52 / Fishkill Avenue. In November 2021, Fishkill Corrections announced an immediate closure of the road, which disrupted busing routes and school traffic during an already congested time when construction was heavy on the I-84 bridge. Despite expressed desire of the school district back then to possibly work with the City of Beacon to reverse this decision, the facility did not change this rule.
This year, before the start of school, the City of Beacon announced that the Fishkill Corrections Facility agreed to re-open Matteawan Road temporarily while traffic has been continuously impacted and rerouted during the sewer and water main replacement work that resulted in repaving of the streets and the re-laying of 20% of sidewalks on Fishkill and Teller Avenues when the concrete was discovered to be “substandard” and was flaking and spalling after one year.
"The City of Beacon is pleased to announce that Fishkill Correctional Facility has generously agreed to allow school traffic to utilize the previously-closed portion of Matteawan Road off of Prospect Street/ Fishkill Ave in the morning and afternoons for access to and from Beacon High School and Rombout Middle School."
Parents, teachers, students and school staff can now use that access route to reach the schools. "No other through traffic will be permitted," the City of Beacon stated. The temporary and limited access will continue until the City of Beacon completes its infrastructure upgrade project, which is expected to last into November.
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Butterfly Day at Bannerman Island Moved To September 3 - A Certified Monarch Butterfly Waystation.
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Photo Credit: Bannerman Castle Trust
Photo Credit: Bannerman Castle Trust
The Bannerman Castle Trust has rescheduled their Annual Butterfly Day on Bannerman Island for Wednesday September 3rd. Enjoy a short Hudson River cruise aboard the Estuary Steward tour boat, which leaves from the Beacon, NY dock directly across from the Beacon Metro North Train Station.
Boats depart for the Island at 11:00am and 12:00 noon, returning at 1:30 and 2:30pm. Tickets are $45 per person (group rates available for 10 or more). Visit www.bannermancastle.org for tickets.
Early September is a great time to visit the island’s magnificent gardens and terraces and witness the migration of Monarch butterflies in the Hudson Valley. Garden volunteers have restored the original gardens that Francis Bannerman VI and his wife Helen had designed between 1900-1918. New flowers and plants have been integrated, attracting many varieties of butterflies. Bannerman Island is now a certified Monarch Butterfly Waystation.
Guests will also enjoy a talk by Butterfly experts. Artist Kathleen Griffin who is currently working on a sculptural installation piece for Bannerman Island called “The Butterflies of Memory” will also be on hand with one of her newly created Butterfly sculptures. The installation will be completed in 2026.
For more information, please call the BCT office at 845-831-1001 or Executive Director Neil Caplan directly at 845-440-3318. Proceeds from this event will help further restoration and garden projects on Bannerman Island,
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Clearwater's Folk Picnic Returns For 2nd Year As Free Music and Food Event
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Clearwater announced their second annual Folk Picnic in Beacon at the Theatre at the University Settlement Camp (USC) Park from 12-6pm on Saturday, September 6, 2025 (gates at 11am).
Clearwater's Folk Picnic is a return to their musical roots as advocates for the cleanup and environmental protection of the Hudson River. "In the 1960s when Pete and Toshi Seeger and their co-founders set out to build Clearwater, they organized community folk picnic fundraisers using music as a tool to unite people behind a shared goal of restoring and protecting the Hudson River," said Clearwater in a press release. "Nearly 60 years later, Clearwater is carrying our musical heritage forward with a free, community-centered day of music, celebration, family activities, and Hudson River advocacy."
Participants are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket, a full-reusable water bottle, and an instrument to play along if desired. Children's activities will be available, and food for purchase.
View the musical line up here, which includes:
Beyond the Ridge, Jacob Bernz, Reggie Harris, Linda Richards, The Wild Swan Band, and the Walkabout Clearwater Chorus.
The event is held on Camp Loop Road, which is off of Wolcott Avenue (9D). It is located one driveway south of the Clearwater office on the same property as the City of Beacon Disc Golf Course and Swimming Pool. The driveway for the theatre has a sign that says Disc Golf. Turn into that driveway and continue up the hill.
Parking is limited. Participants are encouraged to take the train to Beacon and take the free Beacon Loop bus from the train station to the intersection of Howland Avenue and East Main Street (Mount Beacon) and walk half a mile to the threatre. Though walking is tight on 9D. Consider writing to the Beacon's City Administrator and Mayor to encourage them to push for the Beacon Loop Bus to stop directly at the Settlement Camp.
Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Returns to Bear Mountain for the First Time in 15 Years
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Photo Credit: Hudson River Sloop Clearwater.
This past August, the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater returned to Bear Mountain State Park, docking within the park for the first time in over fifteen years. This long-awaited return was made possible through a collaborative partnership with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and the NY State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.
“Returning to Bear Mountain State Park is an exciting opportunity to connect with students and families in Rockland and Orange Counties,” said David Toman, Executive Director of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. “Clearwater, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, and NYS Parks share a deep commitment to connecting people with nature, history, and the Hudson River, and are thrilled to be returning to the park later this month.”
New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “We are thrilled to welcome the Clearwater back to Bear Mountain State Park. The Clearwater’s return offers an exciting opportunity to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards through their unparallelled education programs and strong community engagement along the Hudson River. We’re proud to support the historic replica’s mission and welcome it back to our park.”
Bear Mountain State Park, located 45-miles north of New York City spans 5,000 acres of open space, and is one of the most visited parks in the Northeast, hosting over 3 million visitors each year. Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, in service to their mission to protect the Hudson River and steward the next generation of Environmental Leaders, will host school groups, public sails, and deck tours on the historic Hudson River sloop.
“Returning to Bear Mountain is especially meaningful for me. As a former Clearwater Captain and crew before that, docking at Bear Mountain over three decades ago, offered a profound experience in this beautiful and dynamic part of the river,” said Samantha Hicks, Board President of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. “To see us return is inspiring, and a testament to the power of partnership.”
Palisades Interstate Park Commission Executive Director Joshua Laird said, “Having the Clearwater return to Bear Mountain after many years is a great cause for celebration. Through the collaboration of our organizations, we have a wonderful opportunity to amplify a message about the importance of understanding history and protecting the environment. The Commission is grateful to the Sloop Clearwater for bringing its important work back to Bear Mountain along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Hudson River.”
Clearwater will be hosting public and education sails at Bear Mountain State Park next weekend on Friday, August 15 through Sunday, August 17 with sails at 1pm and 5:30pm each day. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children. Additional sail dates from Bear Mountain will be listed as they are scheduled. To book public sail tickets, visit: clearwater.org/public-sails/. To book a Sailing Classroom educational field trip sail, visit: clearwater.org/education/sailing-classroom/.
About the Palisades Interstate Park Commission
The Palisades Interstate Park Commission was formed under an interstate compact in 1900 to protect the Palisades from destruction by stone and gravel quarries operating along the western banks of the Lower Hudson River. As the nation’s first bi-state partnership established to protect and conserve natural lands, the Commission’s role has expanded through the years to include more state parks and the creation of the Palisades Interstate Parkway. Today, the Commission manages 30 parks and historic sites across New York and Northern New Jersey, spanning over 125,000 acres and welcoming nine million visitors annually.
Learn more: https://www.njpalisades.org/
About Clearwater
In 1966, the Hudson River was plagued by industrial pollution, and folk singer Pete Seeger and a group of activists decided to “build a boat to save the river” by bringing together communities across the region to protect and restore the river. Three years later, the sloop Clearwater set sail with a mission to save the Hudson through education, advocacy, sailing, and music. Nearly six decades later, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater remains resolute in this mission, and to date, more than half a million people have had the life-changing experience of sailing aboard the Clearwater.
NEW! Stellar Dispensary Opens In Newburgh Near Waterfront (With Drive-Thru and Delivery Soon!)
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Photo Credits: Stellar Dispensary
UPDATE: The Ribbon Cutting for Stellar Dispensary was a success. Congratulations!
The route from Stellar Dispensary to Hudson Taco. A 9 minute drive.
A new dispensary, Stellar, has opened across the river in Newburgh on N Rte 9W, which is near Lawrence Farms if you were to go apple picking or to other nearby farms or distilleries. Stellar Dispensary is located at 5440 US 9W 12550, which is past Mary Jane’s Dairy Bar and Pet N Play Luxury Pet Resort. Stellar is 10 minutes in the other direction from Hudson Taco and the Newburgh Waterfront. With and ample parking lot, they will have a drive-thru soon and offer delivery. The Grand Opening was Friday with the Orange County Chambers of Commerce.
Photo Credits: Stellar Dispensary
Founded by 23-year-old Newburgh native Raman Singh, Stellar brings modern design, unbeatable product value, and deep community ties to a rapidly growing industry. “Cannabis is culture. We normalize its use with elegance, confidence, and zero shame, like enjoying a fine wine or bold espresso,” declares the mission statement on Stellar’s website. “We’re breaking stigmas, elevating service, and building something bigger: community. From our expertly curated selection to the Stellar Standard guiding every detail, we deliver a high-end, inclusive space where everyone can enjoy their high—boldly, beautifully, and without compromise.”
Raman is an example of homegrown entrepreneurship and young leadership in Newburgh. “We are contributing to the evolution of cannbs culture in the Hudson Valley,” Raman says. Raised in Newburgh (K–12), Raman, and by extension Stellar, is part of the next wave of cannabis entrepreneurs dedicated to ethical, community-rooted growth. “It is our mission to uplift the local economy, create jobs, and set a new bar for customer experience in the cannabis industry.”
Expect Flowers, Pre-Rolls, Carts, Concentrates, Edibles, Accessories, and Topicals from your favorite brands like Dank, Florist Farms, Flowerhouse, Cheeba, Blotter, MFNY Tune, and more. The website is finely tuned to slide-filter by Price, Brand, Strain, and THC.
For the Grand Opening, look for:
Live DJ + Food Truck
Brand activations/pop-ups
$500+ in customer giveaways
Penny pre-rolls, bundle deals, and launch-day exclusives
Gift for every customer — first 100 get bonus bag
Puffco, bongs, merch
Instagram giveaway: $100 gift card
Open 9am-10pm every day but Sunday 9pm.
Editorial Note: Stellar supports local media with this partner post to reach you!
Book your Grand Opening promotion with ALBB here.
SATURDAY: I Am Beacon's Back 2 School Block Party :: Free Food, Music, Facepainting!
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This Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, the community organization I Am Beacon & local grocery store Key Food present the 10th Annual Back 2 School Block Party at South Avenue Park (Loopers), Beacon, NY from 12pm-3pm. (Rain Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025).
South Avenue Park overlooks Loopers Plaza, where Beacon Dental and Sal’s Pizza are located. Thanks to grant funding allocated to the City of Beacon, South Avenue Park received a new bathroom that has been painted with an elaborate mural. The basketball courts have been improved, and up the hill is a kids park with equipment to climb.
This long-standing community tradition brings together families, neighbors, and local organizations for a day of Free fun, connection, and school-year readiness.
This year’s event will feature
Free Food, Music, Face Painting, and Basketball. A Little Beacon Blog will be Face Painting!
School Supply Starter Kits: The first 150 children in attendance will receive a free bag (child must be present).
Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive: Donations are being collected now through August 23rd at:
Howland Public Library (regular hours)
Key Food Marketplace (regular hours)
On-site at the Block Party
The Block Party kicks off with Beacon Hoops All-Star Games starting at 10:30 AM, featuring:
10:30 AM – Girls Game
11:30 AM – Rookie Division vs. Albany
12:30 PM – Junior Division vs. Newburgh
1:30 PM – Girls Game: Beacon vs. Newburgh
In addition, I Am Beacon has joined forces with Fareground Food + Community for a School Supply Giveaway on Thursday, August 28th from 11:00AM – 12:00PM at 50 Liberty Street, Beacon, NY. Registration required; child must be present.
This event continues to highlight the power of community collaboration to support children and families as they prepare for the school year ahead.
I Am Beacon gives a special thanks to their partners and sponsors
Beacon City School District • Beacon Recreation • Beacon Hoops • Stewart’s Shops • Beacon Teachers Association • Mountainview Dental • Fidelis • State Farm (Catlin McVicker) • Salem Tabernacle Church • Joker Inc • Yanarella School of Dance
Back To School Needs: Pediatric Physical Exams Are Easy At CareFull MD (Sponsored)
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Carefull MD, the Walk-In Urgent Care Clinic in Beacon, NY located at 252 Main Street.
New York State requires a physical exam for all students entering school for the first time, as well as for students in grades Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. CareFull MD, the new Walk-In Urgent Care in Beacon on Main Street, offers Pediatric Physical Exams for that back-to-school rush of completing required examinations to register for sports, childcare, or to provide them for other reasons.
“I walked in at 10am on a Sunday and was met with kindness and patience. Everybody is super nice and the Doctor took the time to listen to me. I am so glad we have this urgent care here in Beacon. I will definitely return with my family’s ailments!!”
Located next to Key Food, an after-school snack is also easy once the exam is complete. Or, stay in the parking lot to snack up before the appointment to ensure everyone’s mood is smooth.
No appointment is needed. Walk-Ins welcome. If you suddenly remembered that you need the paperwork, you could swing by.
What To Expect During The Physical Exam:
Medical History:
The exam will include a review of the child's medical history.
Height and Weight:
Height and weight measurements are recorded to calculate BMI and track growth patterns.
BMI:
The eye chart for vision screenings at Carefull MD on Main Street in Beacon, NY.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth
Body Mass Index (BMI) and BMI percentile are required to be documented.
Vision Screening:
Vision tests are conducted to identify potential issues that may affect learning. This is a great time to catch vision issues, if the child cannot see the board clearly or easily.
Hearing Screening:
Hearing tests are also part of the screening process. This test is conducted with sounds provided by the nurse.
Physical Exams are available for people of all ages, including adults who need them to stay healthy, for work requirements, and for assisted living facilities.
CareFull MD is open 7 days a week from 10am-8pm. No appointment needed. The team is happy to assist you.
Editorial Note: This article was written in partnership with CareFul MD, a sponsor and member of ALBB’s Business Directory.
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The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.