Beacon's Chase Bank Branch On Main Street Is Closing On December 10, 2025

Following a trend in Beacon, another large building will be empty as new residential/commercial buildings are being built: the Chase Bank at 404 Main Street will close on December 10th, 2025, according to a letter sent in the snail mail to Chase Bank customers and people who have visited the branch.

The letter encourages those who bank with Chase to visit their Fishkill, NY location at 15 Merritt Blvd. Some employees of the Beacon location will continue serving customers in the Fishkill location. Chase has announced closures all over the country as recently as July 2025.

A few blocks west, the Rite Aid that closed during its second round of bankruptcy remains without a new tenant, as big-box pharmacies are closing locations. Walgreens announced earlier this year that it is closing locations in what it calls “Footprint Optimization Program” - a program to reduce footprints into its stores across the country.

Newsweek reported: “In October, the company [Walgreens] said it would be closing about 1,200 stores over the next three years, including 500 in the current fiscal year that ends on August 31.

Declining sales of non-pharmacy items due to online delivery shopping contributed to Walgreens’ revenue loss. “In October 2024, Walgreens announced that it would be closing 1,200 stores over the next three years after reporting a net loss of $3 billion in its fourth quarter,” Newsweek reported. “This compared to a net loss of $180 million the year prior and primarily reflected charges relating to opioid lawsuits from previous years.”

Opioid lawsuits by individuals and municipalities seemed to have drained the pharmacy industry.

Two of Beacon’s original firehouses have been for sale, with one that went into contract in July 25, 2025: Mase Hook and Ladder at 425 Main Street, nearly across the street from Chase Bank. Around the corner on East Main Street, the historic firehouse Beacon Engine Company No 1. Firehouse remains for sale after the City of Beacon evicted the retired volunteer firefighters who used it as their community center, and is being presented as a historic Victorian property, as it was added to the National Registrar of Historic Places in 2004.

As the people of Beacon lose their patience with the unaffordable real estate situation in Beacon, ALBB Readers Reactions have included: 
Randy Casale
"A drug store should be there and use the drive through also."

Jay Nicholas
"To make way for an artisanal toothpick shop."

Chris Troy
"Nice building… be a shame if someone didn’t put a coffee shop inside it."

Michael Vierra
"Maybe Tacos or Coffee?...WE NEED MORE TACOS & COFFEE!"

NEW! Stellar Dispensary Opens In Newburgh Near Waterfront (With Drive-Thru and Delivery Soon!)

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.

Back To School Needs: Pediatric Physical Exams Are Easy At CareFull MD (Sponsored)

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!!”

— Jessica Johnson via Google Review

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.

Two New Foodies Open In Hudson Valley Food Hall: Oui Oui HV and Taco Al Dente

Two new foodies are opening in the Hudson Valley Food Hall: Taco Al Dente and Oui Oui HV. The Food Hall has become a known incubator destination for eateries who are opening for the first time on Main Street. Except Five Pennies Creamery, the homemade ice-cream company who was based in Rockville Centre, NY and relocated to Beacon, NY.

Momo Valley, the Himalayan spice momo eatery was one of the first to branch out when they moved out and into 455 Main Street, the old Joe’s Irish Pub when that building that was sold by an elder Beacon resident to a new real estate company based out of town. In the Food Hall, Momo Valley was replaced by Morish, who moved out relatively soon to open in the old Big Vinny’s Pizza spot near b Hair Studio.

Another brand to expand was Elixxr, the coffee company who makes their own almond milk. Elixxr moved just down the block into a former real estate office that they renovated into the Instagram-delicious little café filled with nourishing ingredients.

Dulce Cielo MX was the Mexican eatery in the back of the Food Hall who left this year as they make moves to expand. They left behind the gorgeous mural of Frida Khalo they had custom painted by Murals by Mare. Replacing them is Taco Al Dente, a spot by Bivona’s Simply Pasta who specializes in hand-rolled pastas and now handmade tortillas for the tacos.

Oui Oui HV will move into the old Morish spot. Oui Oui HV used to be a Business Directory Member at A Little Beacon Blog in the Catering section until they invested in a food truck and took to the road. Now it looks like they are putting down pins in the Food Hall and plan to open in a month. “This move has been on our to-do list for 4 years, since we moved to Beacon. We are SUPER excited!” Their official open date will be announced soon. Until then, look for them as they set up the space.

Free Sunglasses Giveaway From CareFull MD - Kids and Adult Sizes! (gafas de sol GRATI S 😎🕶️)

💜🤍💜 F R EE 😎🕶️ sunglasses giveaway!

💜💟💜 gafas de sol G R A T I S 😎🕶️!

CareFull MD, Beacon’s first walk-in clinic urgent care is giving away sunglasses in Kids and Adult sizes.

You may have seen the flyer in elementary school kid’s folders or in the ad in the Beacon Free Press or here at A Little Beacon Blog. When you’re getting groceries - or any time or just to say “hi” to see what the spacious waiting room looks and feels like in CareFull MD’s air conditioning - come in for a pair of sunglasses. It’s CareFull MD’s housewarming gift to the community. 🤗

Open 10am-8pm Daily. Any day!

Located next to Key Food grocery store.

"Motorman Joe" - Man With Repair Sign on Washington Avenue - Passed In December 2024

A little while back, a search was on for a lawnmower repair person in ALBB’s “Lawn Services” section of the Business Directory. Verplanck Auto recommended three sources in Newburgh, and a local person in Beacon who had a sign on Washington Avenue near the cemetery. Being a fan of yard signs as effective and endearing marketing, we opted to find the person on Washington Avenue.

Having memories of that sign, it was nowhere to be found. So a video was made to put out to seek such person. A Beacon community member named Melissa wrote in to say that Joe had passed in December 2024, and was a positive person. According to his obituary, he was 63 and passed away peacefully at home. He went to Beacon schools and was married to Kathy J. Grove, who survives him. His parents are Stella (Knapp) Heady and the late Richard W. Heady Sr..

Expressed in his obituary: “Joe enjoyed life; he enjoyed being outdoors and the company of his friends & family. He will be greatly missed.”

Shelter Air, The Woman-Owned HVAC Company, Joins ALBB's Business Directory As Sponsor

Welcome new Member Sponsor, Shelter Air! ALBB first met owner Kimberly Sevilla over in Tin Shingle land (our sister media empowerment company) when Kimberly was working for a large HVAC company in the region, gaining more knowledge to eventually go out on her own.

It is with beams of pride 🌈 that we introduce to you her HVAC company, Shelter Air, specializing in Heating, Cooling and Home Performance. “We’re BPI- and NATE-certified, and a proud NYSERDA-approved contractor,” Kimberly says. “That means we don’t just install systems—we design healthy, high-performance homes from the ground up.”

Kimberly has a wide background in chemistry, engineering, fashion design, floral health, entrepreneurship, and then, indoor air quality solutions. Read all about how she came to found Shelter Air here, but during the pandemic, she discovered the absolute necessity for indoor air quality solutions in homes. “With my chemistry background and a keen interest in thermodynamics and building science, I didn’t merely dip my toe, I plunged head-first into creating the best systems for my clients I could find. As an INTJ, my analytical mind thrived, and I mastered, load calculations, system design, and ductwork design. I identified significant gaps in the industry and envisioned more efficient, holistic, customer-centric approaches. Fueled by my passion for improvement, I forged my own path, ultimately establishing Shelter Air.”

Kimberly is an LGBTQ + ally and is passionate about supporting underrepresented individuals in trades. She owned a floral shop in Brooklyn, Rose Red & Lavender, where she invested in her community and thriving in fostering the spirit of togetherness. A resident of Cold Spring, her eyes dance in Beacon, where she wants to improve as many homes as possible.

Says Nancy Karp, a customer of Shelter Air: “Kimberly has been great to work with. She explains all options in a clear and understandable way. We are looking to replace a 40 yr old boiler with something more efficient and environmentally responsible. I strongly recommend Shelter Air as your guidance in this often confusing area.”

Shelter Air is a sponsor of ALBB’s Business Directory Level 3. To join our program, click here.

Cigar On Main Is Moving From East End To Middle Main Street In Former Dentist Office

The former Prospect Dental office on Main Street, that has been vacant for some time, is getting a new tenant: Cigar On Main. The cigar store opened early last year on the east end of town, with a double-room layout to accompany their walk-in, temperature-controlled cigar cave. Cigar On Main are moving to 288 Main Street where they will now occupy two floors. This is right next door to Hudson Valley Food Hall.

In their new location, which is being completely renovated and built out, they are dedicating a the second floor “to all the cigar smokers in our community to come and interact with each other,” the owner told A Little Beacon Blog.

The ground floor will showcase the products Cigar On Main is known for (see a sampling here on their website). The new location will be open in a few months. During the renovation, Cigar on Main remains open at their current location of 520 Main Street, near the Hudson Valley Marshmallow Co.

Below are photos of what Cigar on Main looks like inside right now, before they head west for the former Prospect Dental spot.

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Does Your Monday Need This? :: Business Directory Features 6/17/2024

It's Monday! For citizens of Beacon, that means City Council Meetings (the back to back meetings are tonight). For self-employed business people, that means Go Time! Main Street businesses may be taking a breather from the weekend (or it's an extra heavy day) and service businesses are back at it. However your Monday is going, you may need to play this song by Gloria Gaynor on repeat: "I Will Survive." Good Luck and you got this. Businesses can partner with A Little Beacon Blog on their promotion. Readers from New York City to all corners of the Hudson Valley read A Little Beacon blog. Subscribing as a promotional partner in our Business Directory guarantees your brand will be featured in our content. Just plan ahead, and let's share it! GET MORE INFO HUDSON VALLEY AUCTIONEERS Been wondering what the Free Things are that keep appearing outside of 432 Main Street down near the Beacon Movie Theater? It is the storefront of Hudson Valley Auctioneers, LLC as they get ready for a new live auction. Their latest auction was Monday afternoon, and they offered all sorts of rare finds. Keep your eye on A Little Beacon Blog for when their next auction is. Hudson Valley Auctioneers is a ALBB Business Directory member and you can find their listing in the Art category!   VISIT ANTIQUES THE LUMINOUS BRIDE The Luminous Bride is the makeup loft located inside of Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique in the historic factory building at 1 East Main. Soft looks with clean, natural makeup for those who love looking like themselves, enhanced by the enchanting lift makeup can give them. Established.in NYC, Jules (Owner) was a regular artist at NY Fashion Week, and continues styling celebrities for press, print, TV and the red carpet. Book for Weddings, Special Occasions, Trials or Makeup Lessons if you're interested in learning yourself! VISIT BEAUTY MAKEUP BY JENNY Celebrity Makeup Artist! Experience and Expertise = Consistently Beautiful Results! Specializing in Airbrush Makeup for TV, Film, Corporate Events, Print, Headshots, Editorial, Weddings & any occasion.

VISIT BEAUTY Add your business here > A Little Beacon Blog celebrates Black Lives Matter every day with our “Black Owned Businesses in the Hudson Valley Directory” — a directory of local companies to support which started in the racial re-awakening of the Black Lives Matter movement of 2020. To include as many businesses as possible, while keeping it easy for you to use, this directory is organized by region first, and then area of business. Listing in this Category is free for Black-owned or co-owned businesses. Email us to let us know about your business: editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com. *SPECIAL FEATURE* Accuprint Your go-to resource for packing, shipping, printing and business service needs of the residents and businesses of Beacon, NY.  VISIT BLACK-OWNED MARKETING KATIE JAMES, INC. The content artists at Katie James, Inc can enhance your Instagram with their visual and writing skills. With their reporting techniques, they can pull from you what is going on at your business that your readers and future customers want to see. Hire the experts at Katie James Inc. to breath more life into your Instagram. FEATURED CLIENT: Eggbert's Free Range Farm   VISIT BRANDING PUBLIC RELATIONS TIN SHINGLE Tin Shingle has over 270 TuneUp Webinars for you to stream anytime. Topics range from PR, Instagram, Facebook, Interviews with inspiring business owners, Newsletter strategy, and many other niche topics. ALL TRAINING TUNEUP ONLINE CLASS WEBINARS The best part of membership! Get education, inspiration, motivation, and fresh ideas for how to reach out to the media and boost your social media. Click here to see our entire collection. Click here to join and activate > VISIT PUBLIC RELATIONS Add your business here > There are many CSA options in the Hudson Valley where you can find local meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and more. Check out Common Ground Farm, Fishkill Farms, Obercreek Farm, and more! Support your local farmers! GET MORE INFO Add your business here > BEACON DENTAL Beacon Dental is a group of friendly and experienced dentists and team that are dedicated to providing you with individual, high-quality care. Your health, smile and comfort are always their first priorities, and they will work with you to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health and a beautiful smile. Teeth whitening available! Call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hongli Wang and learn more about complete dentistry. VISIT DENTAL Add your business here > THE MAIN OFFICE The Main Office Space is a coworking and collaboration space located at 234 #1 Main Street, Beacon, NY, in the scenic Hudson Valley. A quick 70-minute train ride to NYC’s Grand Central Station, they are conveniently located for remote workers who still need access to all the City has to offer. Locals can rent desks weekly or monthly; visitors are welcome to rent space daily or for specific events. A Little Beacon Blog rents a desk there too! VISIT EVENT SPACES Add your business here > There are many opportunities to get your fitness on in Beacon & the Hudson Valley! From Crossfit, Yoga, and Barre, to your General Fitness Centers, Martial Arts, Cycle, and more. VISIT FITNESS Add your business here > RIVER THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Karen Meyer, the owner of this practice, specializes in helping women manage stress, anxiety, muscular tension, and fatigue in a safe & nurturing environment. RTMBeacon is a Woman owned business, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a safe space for ALL. VISIT MASSAGES Add your business here > A Little Beacon Blog celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month yearly & supports Hispanic Owned Businesses in the Hudson Valley. This is a directory of local companies to support Hispanic Businesses & recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements. Listing in this Category is free for Hispanic-owned or co-owned businesses. Email us to let us know about your business: editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com. VISIT HISPANIC OWNED Miss Vicki's Music Miss Vickie is part of the heart and soul of Beacon. She has been volunteering in the community and teaching music in Beacon for years and years. Her patient disposition with people of all ages makes guitar lessons not intimidating for beginners and novices. Born left-handed, she speaks to both sides of the brain and teaches and plays right handed. Miss Vickie can make house-calls for private guitar lessons for kids and/or adults. Private Classes go by the half-hour or hour. VISIT MUSIC Add your business here > MEGAN & KENNETH 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. Book the photoshoot. Capture the special moments. VISIT PHOTOGRAPHY Add your business here > Add your business here. Rates start at $35/month with different pricing levels for budgets and exposure. Categories are included or created as businesses sponsor them. Gutters. Roofing. Automotive. Cycling. You name it. Let's get to know your business! PS: Businesses outside of Beacon are welcome to join. This Business Directory is open to all Hudson Valley businesses and services. GET STARTED

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Welcome The Luminous Bride To ALBB's Business Directory Guide!

Welcome The Luminous Bride to ALBB’s Business Directory!

A most discreet and lovely beauty secret destination in Beacon is The Luminous Bride, nestled in The Makeup Loft at 1 East Main, the historic factory building down by the famous Dummy Light. Owned by makeup artist Jules Waldoetter, whose signature style is a soft look with clean, natural makeup, Luminous Bride's team of hair and makeup professionals apply their palettes to clients who love looking like themselves, but seek the enchanting lift makeup can give them. Established in NYC, Jules was a regular artist at NY Fashion Week, and continues styling celebrities for press, print, TV and the red carpet. Luminous Bride can style people for events, portraits, branding, presentations, meetings, productions etc., and can do on site hair and makeup for weddings. Find them inside of Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique. Book with them on their website by filling out their form, checking their schedule, or sending them an email.

PS: Jules also offers one-on-one makeup lessons for those looking to learn how to increase their makeup knowledge and skills!

Are You In The Linup? Business Sponsorship Opportunities On A Little Beacon Blog

A Little Beacon Blog provides free listings of Things To Do to the community, but there are ways to elevate your business and personalize how ALBB’s audience is seeing and experiencing what your business offers. We do this in a unique way. Different than any magazine. More time consuming to produce than any magazine or newspaper does, but we do it because it works with our readers. Our job is to tell stories and build relationships. Here is how we do it, and how your business can partner up:

Shopping Guide

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, share new arrivals and products, discounts and promos, upcoming events, and more! 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. We do the work for you.

Restaurant Guide

This subscription package is designed specifically for restaurants to be found in the “Restaurant Guide” & more. A Little Beacon Blog’s Guides are strong on the Internet. When people are Googling, these Guides are what come up first, and is often how people discover their favorite restaurants. Let your restaurant or eatery stand out in this guide with your logo, a photo gallery of your mouth-watering eats, rotating specials, upcoming events, and more! Sponsoring this guide allows you to feature something special every week on our Instagram and be included in our weekly newsletter. Don’t worry if you don’t have the time to send us the special stuff, we can dig deep and do this all for you.

Beauty Guide

This Beauty Guide subscription package is designed for anything beauty located on Main Street in Beacon! From hair & nail salons to laser hair removal and makeup application. You name it! Feature your beauty salon, your favorite beauty products, beauty services, hours, events, specials, and more! This will all be featured weekly in our Instagram and in our weekly newsletter of 2,700 subscribers.

Kids Classes Guide

Kids Classes are popular in Beacon and the Hudson Valley. Especially during this time of year when parents are scrambling to find Summer Camps and Kids Programs for their kids. Our Kids Classes Guide as been developed with Beacon families in mind; it's for people who attend classes in town as well as anyone who drives to neighboring areas for popular programs. Advertising in this guide allows you do feature a storefront photo and/or logo, a photo gallery, event/class listings including days and times, newsletter weekend features & weekly Instagram features.

Want to share your Summer Camp Program in our Summer Camp Guide too? We can do both and offer a 25% discount on our Summer Camp Guide Pricing! A win-win.

Business Directory

Readers love A Little Beacon Blog for its comprehensive coverage and listings. Readers come here looking for the best resources, and your business needs to be one of those. Levels of sponsorship in the Business Directory include basic listings for a budget-friendly option, as well as more integrated options with our editorial and social media. Advertising and sponsorship is subscription based, and can be upgraded or downgraded at any time.

Some categories include Accounting, Catering, Event Spaces, Floral, Health & Wellness, Home Improvement, Photography, Real Estate and so much more! Best part about this…? If you don’t see a category that fits your business, we can create one just for you and your business!

The Business Directory includes businesses not only in Beacon but around the Hudson Valley area.

Branded Content

Our highest and most integrated form of marketing… Branded Content. This package is great for businesses, artists, or organizations who want to show and tell to our readers by using many photos to color the story that we will write for you.

Branded Content includes 1 Article designed specifically for you, an extensive Instagram + Facebook feature, and a special newsletter featuring YOU to our 2,700 subscribers. Up to 5 photos are included. Our photographer can come to your place of business if in Beacon to take photos. Or, we can use photos you already have. However, if we feel that the photos are not adequate, we will want to send out our photographer, which may involve an additional fee if outside of Beacon.

Business Directory Update: Personal Shopper - Abijah Spence

Abijah Spence is a self employed gig worker who reached out to A Little Beacon Blog about being included in ALBB’s Black Owned Business Directory for his Personal Shopping & Delivery service. That’s the kind of hustle it takes to start and run your own business. After years of working in the Gig Economy, and experiencing the pros and cons of several delivery apps, Abijah’s favorite delivery app to use is the Dumpling app. “This is the only app that lets me set my own price for delivery charges, doesn’t take my tips like other big delivery companies have tried to do to me, and gives me control over how I grow my business,” Abija told A Little Beacon Blog.

Abijah is a Personal Shopper who can get things for you from stores that are synced with the app like Key Food Beacon , Aldis, Hannaford, CVS, Home Depot, and more. But the app also allows for you to type in your own store not in the list. We tried it with Brett’s Hardware for leaf/lawn bags that we have been needing for weeks but keep forgetting to pick up and need them now but can’t get to the store. Abijah will be on his way! Schedule him now.

“Honestly, the Dumpling app is very easy,” Abijah told us. “Anywhere you want me to go, you type in the store if it’s not already in the list, and type in what you want. The app stores your credit card, and when I go in to pick up your things, the store charges your card that’s on file with the app. I don’t see your card - only Dumpling holds that info. I bring you the receipt of exactly what you purchased, if it was on sale, etc.”

To get Abijah, visit ALBB’s Business Directory where we link directly to him. You’ll need to download the Dumpling app. Easy.

Thank you to all of the business who list their services as sponsors of ALBB. If you want to list your business and become a sponsor of ALBB’s Business Directory, you can find out more information here! >

Business Directory Feature: Juniper Birth’s Single Parent By Choice Classes

Businesses are sponsoring A Little Beacon Blog’s Business Directory because they value you - our readers - and want to reach you! This is a great way to find out about businesses you know you need, but didn’t know how to find - like doula services and evidence based care childbirth classes from Juniper Birth!

Jennifer Polk is a Birth RN, Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor and Evidence Based Birth Instructor. That’s an empowering combo! She also has experience in and offers Single Parent By Choice classes. Recommend her to your friends today!

Find out more about our Business Directory here! >

3 New Black Owned Businesses Added To ALBB's Business Directory During Black History Month

Because it’s Black History Month every day, A Little Beacon Blog has added 3 new Black Owned Businesses to our Business Directory! Max’s Beacon Fade and Shave across from Key Food; the hyper to detail auto detailing service Speechless New York; and the paint event destination Zhane’s Palette currently mobile and in the Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory.

For a good dose of entrepreneurial history, read out the building featured in our Black Owned Businesses logo Perry Cross for Hyacinth Marketing Group . Enjoy!

Beacon Fade & Shave Barbershop

Owned by Max, this barbershop across from Keyfood is friendly for walk-ins for a fade or haircut for kids and adults. You may see Max’s young family in there with him as locals line the chairs, waiting their turn. Notice the art on the walls, as is part of Max’s collection. If you play the guitar, you may feel inclined to strum one in the corner.

Zhane’s Palette

“Join us as we continue to Celebrate everything with PAINT virtually and on location. We happily host Birthday Parties for (All Ages), Date Night, Girls Night, Company Events, Social Organizations, Sorority Events, Fundraisers or a private session just for YOU. At Zhane's Palette, its always your ART, your PARTY & your FUN!”

Speechless New York

“Speechless New York is a locally owned and operated business located in Dutchess County, NY. Like most entrepreneurs, they offer many things! Mainly, they are know the most for their impecable car detailing. With over 20 years in the business, working directly with the largest names in the auto industry. Our work is well known to many of the locals. We offer Auto Detailing & Restoration packages to fit ALL budgets.”

Is Second Saturday Still Happening In Beacon? Post-Pandemic, Where Are We?

I know…in the olden days, those dark days during the height of the pandemic in New York (thank you everyone for being so respectful so that we could crush the curve!) days lost their meanings. Second Saturdays used to be one of the heaviest days in Beacon. Art galleries would launch their new exhibits, shops would do discounts, restaurants may offer live music, and A Little Beacon Blog used to open pop-up shops in the space that we occupied back then on Main Street (we had sadly vacated just before the pandemic hit).

To be honest, from a marketing standpoint, Second Saturday was quite a crowded day. We wondered if launching events on other Saturdays might be the way to go. We tried convincing our pop-up shop rental clients of this approach, but they would not be deterred. People wanted their Second Saturdays!

When events and shopping halted, so did the art exhibits. And so did A Little Beacon Blog’s monthly hunting for art exhibit openings that our editor, Catherine Sweet, a veteran Beaconite who moved back to her home state of CA but could not release the Art Gallery in her heart, would write up dutifully every month. However, A Little Beacon Blog’s sales decreased as our event income disappeared, and some advertisers paused (but not all! thank you advertisers!!).

Yet, there were no events, and Catherine is a mother of a young child, and she, like all parents, was drowning in no childcare, which was life back then when everything shut down and parents who worked from home could barely function. I’m not sure if we are even functioning now, come to think of it, in summer and in between camp drop-offs, college visits, and vacays.

Fast Forward To Today’s Saturday

Fast forward to today, and Beacon is bustling! Safely because you all wear your masks (you who refuse or are lying about your vaccinations…we’ll just put you to the side). And safely because businesses are able to make their own rules now, and good customers respect them (unlike those of you who are unruly, and you can just keep yourself on the train and get off at a different stop).

Art galleries seem to be inclined to have Second Saturday’s. We have not checked with the official leaders of this movement, BeaconArts, as this article went up too quickly, but they most likely have an opinion.

Here at A Little Beacon Blog, we want to continue promoting the art exhibits as best we can. In order to do that, we need to open up our advertising platform to art galleries - the same one that shops and restaurants have access to. It is a discounted subscription model that can allow for the listing of an event or marketing message each week in A Little Beacon Blog’s weekend newsletter. We want to pay Catherine the money she deserves! And we need a little extra to pay ourselves (Teslie and Katie both work here each day, and we have student loans, childcare, car payments, rent, mortgage, utility bills all the things).

As an art gallery, if you want to list your events or exciting anythings each week, you can do that in our Art Gallery Sponsor program here. If you are a business or individual who is not an artist, but wants to support each month, you can do so as well here.

If you are a location like a barber shop, who once a month or once in a blue moon hosts an artist, then please submit your event to us. A Little Beacon Blog always has a soft spot for true pop-ups. A “true” pop-up is something that pops up in a very unusual, unrelated location. Like an artist in a barber shop. Or a clothing shop in a barber shop. Both of which have happened!

Thank you so much for your consideration.