Welcome Roc Pilates - A Woman-Owned Boutique Pilates Studio In Beacon - As An ALBB Sponsor!

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Welcome Roc Pilates as a Sponsor to A Little Beacon Blog’s Adult Classes Guide! We have passed the iconic MCM building at 123 Rombout that houses this woman-owned boutique pilates studio one billion times on the way to and from South Avenue Elementary, but never been inside!

Now Roc Pilates is going to appear weekly in ALBB’s Weekend Things To Do Newsletter to showcase what their Reformer Group Classes and Private Sessions are all about. As a person who has taken Pilates but used to be intimated by it, we can promise that it is a fitness method that is totally calm, totally focused, totally in the zone, and totally doable by any body.

If there are injuries, owner Jordana Herman knows how to work around them to modify. If you need a workout where you aren’t pouring sweat, yet you appreciate being in peaceful atmosphere to gain and maintain lean muscles that make you look and feel good, this is the place for you.

Please join us in welcoming and supporting Jordana and Roc Pilates.

Book your classes directly from their website: www.rocpilates.net

See their listing and more pictures in ALBB’s Adult Classes Guide:

With Blend Gone, Where To Get Açaí Bowls and Healthy Smoothies Now? Find All At Healthy In Color On Main Street

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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.

Mini-Soccer Fields (aka Pitches) Honoring USMNT Star Tyler Adams Unveiled In Poughkeepsie

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Photo Credit: Dutchess County

Ahead of this year’s FIFA Men’s World Cup, 2 new mini-pitches were unveiled at Pulaski Park in the City of Poughkeepsie on October 12th at 3:30 p.m. The mini-pitches honor USMNT star soccer player Tyler Adams and were made possible thanks to his personal contribution and contributions from the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Target, the City of Poughkeepsie, and Dutchess County. 

Representatives from Tyler’s family, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the City of Poughkeepsie, and Dutchess County hosted the ribbon cutting ceremony with a video message from Tyler Adams, followed by scrimmages on the pitches with youth from the Poughkeepsie City School District’s soccer teams. 

“Building two new mini-pitches in Pulaski Park is such a unique way to give back to the game and to the community where I first started,” said Tyler Adams. “Through these pitches, more children in Poughkeepsie can learn values that they will take with them well beyond their playing careers – the same values that I learned through my support system. Thanks to my family’s support and to all partners involved in this amazing process and creating an environment where kids can blossom.”

According to Dutchess County, this project builds on more than 100 mini-pitches the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Target have installed together since 2018 and marks the latest development in the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s It’s Everyone’s Game national movement to ensure children in underserved communities can enjoy the health and youth development benefits of the game. To date, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has installed more than 500 mini-pitches nationwide. The goal is to install 1,000 by 2026. 

City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison said, “We are pleased to see the opening of the mini-pitches, a collaborative project that went from concept to completion within a matter of months. We thank our partners the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Dutchess County for their financial and staff support to help see this project to fruition. The mini-pitches are part of a much broader, multimillion dollar initiative by the city to make upgrades to the park system, and it’s fulfilling to see these projects getting completed for our residents to enjoy.”

About The U.S. Soccer Foundation

The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s programs are the national model for sports-based youth development in underserved communities. Since its founding in 1994, the Foundation has established programs proven to help children embrace an active and healthy lifestyle while nurturing their personal growth beyond sports. Its cost-effective, high-impact initiatives offer safe environments where kids and communities thrive. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Read the full press release at Dutchess County’s website for more details.

Featured Businesses In ALBB's Black Owned Business Directory

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Maggie and Ease

“We at MAGGIE & EASE are committed to preparing great food and providing a remarkable and enriching experience through bold flavor and savory delights made generously with love.” Try their desserts at Dia: Beacon art museum & Homespun Foods on Main. St.

Sound Asleep Media

Sound Asleep Media is a production company in Beacon, NY offering photography & videography services including parties, portraits, family photos, and events.

A charming and cozy salon studio with a good energy and vibe. A rustic/chic boutique decor. It’s not just a hair appointment, it’s an experience!

Blacc Vanilla

A Coffee Lounge located in Newburgh, NY with an experience that serves old-world passion evoking a strong sense of community. “Blacc Vanilla may not be an industry leader in the café business, but they have consistently been very active within the city community: hosting community and political events, providing relief for folks during disasters, and creating a business, as well as a community partnership.”

APG Pilates

“Whether you’re new to Pilates or at an advanced level, at APG Pilates we work with each person individually and in small groups to help you achieve your personal goals. Pilates is designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and posture, and enhance mental awareness.” Located in Newburgh, NY, APR Pilates is designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and posture, and enhance mental awareness.

Are you in the Black community and run a business in the Hudson Valley? Let us know about you! Listings in the Black Owned Business category are free. All other categories can sign on as sponsors for a listing.

Beaconite, Believer In BLM, & Volunteer Elijah Hughes Goes To NBA: Utah Jazz Draft Pick. Voices From The Community Speak Praise

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Elijah Hughes, on the phone after getting drafted by the Utah Jazz. Elijah was in Beacon at Carters with his family to watch the event. Photo Credit: Carters (formerly The Beacon Hotel)

Elijah Hughes, on the phone after getting drafted by the Utah Jazz. Elijah was in Beacon at Carters with his family to watch the event.
Photo Credit: Carters (formerly The Beacon Hotel)

Fast breaking on the South Avenue Morning News, anchored and produced by Mr. Burke and Co., Beaconite Elijah Hughes, who went to South Avenue Elementary and Beacon High School, has been selected by the Utah Jazz in a 2nd round NBA Draft pick as the 39th pick held on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 (delayed from the summer due to the pandemic). First selected by the New Orleans Pelicans as the 9th pick, of which they traded, leading to the 39th of 60 picks overall (for those who like numbers), according to the Highlands Current.

Elijah was a “small forward” at 6’6” but in High School, he played in the point guard position, which requires a lot of speed, quick shots, and quick thinking. According to Wikipedia, Elijah “became well-known in Beacon for his basketball ability, dominating games at Loopers Park.” Loopers Park is the basketball court between Loopers Plaza (Beacon Dental) and South Avenue Elementary School. There is also a tennis court next to the basketball courts.

As An Aside: There have been recent requests to enable night lighting for evening basketball games, especially as days are so short in winter. Other sports fields in Beacon have such lighting, including baseball and soccer fields at Memorial Park.

Local Praise For Elijah Hughes By Friends In Beacon

Elijah is being praised by everyone in the media since the draft pick as being a good person, and for being involved in community. Says one of Elijah’s earliest coaches, Ken Dawson, founder of The Player Academy, “It’s more important to be a good person than a good basketball player,” Ken told the Highlands Current. “He was in the 3rd or 4th grade when he came to Playmakers, and Dawson remembers him well. ‘Elijah loved to work; he was coachable,’ he said. ‘And he was a very good person.’”

Group photo of the Label Foundation, after one of their donation days in the summer of 2020. Pictured on the far left back row is John Galloway Jr., part of the Label Foundation, who declared his candidacy for Beacon’s School Board in July 2020, and…

Group photo of the Label Foundation, after one of their donation days in the summer of 2020. Pictured on the far left back row is John Galloway Jr., part of the Label Foundation, who declared his candidacy for Beacon’s School Board in July 2020, and was appointed months later.
Photo Credit: The Label Foundation

Says a friend and former councilmember of Beacon’s City Council, Ali Tawfiq Muhammad, of his early memories of Elijah: “He went to Beacon Recreation Camp with his sister Talah when he was a kid and I was a counselor in training back then. That was my first job as a public servant and got hired seasonally for the next 5 years. Elijah and I grew as friends, and as he grew older, reached out from time to time. We had a bond. His sister Talah is one of my mentees. Elijah’s played a couple games in my Summer Basketball League, the Terrence Wright League, on my team, so yes I’ve technically coached him, but he’s always been a superstar in the making, and he’s actually helped me learn more about basketball just from watching and having conversations with him. He’s a natural leader and has co-started an organization with his friends this year called the Label Foundation, which I’ve helped him and his friends incorporate and set up the organizational structure. Long story short, we’re good friends. Utah also happens to be my favorite team in the NBA, since forever.”

You can watch more of the founding members of the Label Foundation here to hear their stories and get to know what drives them.

Rueben Simmons, one-time Superintendent of the Highway Department, and current worker in the Highway Department, is known as Coach Yogi in Beacon for his coaching of various teams in Beacon. Reuben had this to say when A Little Beacon Blog asked if he had ever coached Elijah: “No, I did not have the pleasure too. He would have been a top pick of mine had I got the opportunity, based off his on court awareness of the game. I was a coach in the Beacon Hoops program and I remember seeing Elijah at evaluations. He was young and his basketball IQ was beyond his age. He stood out from every kid in his age bracket, as well as kids in the older division. I remember his dad being there, and my first thought was that I hope he’s not coaching because under the family rule, his dad would get Elijah automatically.”

Elijah’s Early Support For BLM, And Participation In Protests and Volunteering

Elijah participated in one of the first protests in Beacon, which marched down Main Street and ended at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park. He told Mike Waters of Syracuse.com back in June 2020:

 

“I think it was super important to be there,” Hughes said. “Number, one, I’m a Black man. It could’ve been me or one of my friends or someone in my family. I know what’s going on and it’s not OK. I wanted to walk for George Floyd. I wanted to show up and be there.

“Growing up, my parents instilled in me that, being a Black man in America, nothing’s going to be easy," Hughes said. "Knowing that we’re living in a racist world and not everybody’s going to like you because of the color of your skin.

“I’ve had talked with my parents about using my voice," he added. “I can lead something and do something big.

“Everything against Black people and police brutality and discrimination in general was on my mind and in my heart," Hughes said. "It’s a scary time. You don’t really know. Someone like me can get pulled over and it could be my last time ever. It’s a scary time we’re in, especially for Black people.

“At the end of the day, it was a very peaceful protest. We marched for George Floyd and all the Black lives we’ve lost in the last few years to police brutality. We just want a change.”

 

Also according to the article, Elijah tackled racism on his campus by being an outspoken voice during the student-led #NotAgainSU protests at Syracuse University. The protests were in response to several racist graffiti tags and other incidents at the university, resulting in dissatisfaction with the Chancellor Kent Syverud’s handling - or lack of handling - of the incidents.

Elijah had the idea to wear t-shirts to show support and solidarity with the student protesters. He told Syracuse.com: '“After visiting with student protesters over the weekend and communicating with some during the week, Hughes said he went to his teammates with the idea to wear #NotAgainSU T-shirts before the game against Cornell to support the school’s protest movement.

“‘I’ve been in contact with a few of the protesters,’ Hughes said. ‘It’s something I thought about. ... When I brought it up, everyone bought in. We decided to do it as a team. I talked to one of the students during the protest and threw my thoughts out. I came up with the idea of the T-shirts, talked to the team and they were all in. I laid it out to Coach (Jim Boeheim) and he talked to people and we made it happen.’"

The Celebration

Go watch this video capturing Elijah’s Draft Day of the NBA Draft Pick as he prepared, played basketball, got a slice from Sal’s, drove through Beacon, and ended the day at Carters (formerly The Hotel Beacon) where he watched the NBA Draft with this family.

Follow Elijah Hughes on his Instagram, his Twitter and the Label Foundation.

10 Is The New Number In New York: Establishment With A State Liquor Authority License Must Close By 10pm; Private Gatherings Limited To 10 People

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With COVID-19 cases rising in the nation and in New York, Governor Cuomo announced today via press conference that any establishment with a State Liquor Authority license must close by 10pm. The Dutchess Business Notification Network reported the news quickly. The Executive Order is to come, but you can watch the announcement here.

Hospitalizations in New York are up overall, as are deaths. While the average number of deaths over the summer was at around 4, lately it has been climbing, with yesterday reaching 32. While this is very sad, and overall low compared to New York’s death number in the spring, the increase is notable. Governor Cuomo in his daily emails has been stressing to limit private gatherings, and did remove the liquor license from a wedding venue in Long Island who hosted a wedding that exceeded reduced capacity, and ended up being a super spreader.

From his 11/9/2020 nightly email: “A Long Island country club lost its liquor license after hosting an illegal, super-spreader wedding. As we have seen time and time again, large gatherings can unfortunately turn into super-spreader events. The State Liquor Authority has suspended the liquor license for the North Fork Country Club following a wedding which violated pandemic-related guidance. A total of 113 guests attended—more than double the number allowed—leading to 34 COVID-19 infections, and scores of people in quarantine. New York will not tolerate illegal and dangerous mass gatherings.”

Said Governor Cuomo Tuesday evening: “In the micro-cluster focus areas, the positivity rate was 5.59 percent. Excluding these areas, it was 2.56 percent.” He has always indicated the “tighten the valve” method as numbers increase, and this is one of those measures, without fully shutting things down.

The Dutchess Business Notification Network also reported that while the physical location must be closed, restaurants and bars may continue to serve take-out and delivery options for food items.

Gyms are also required to close each night at 10PM.

Gatherings at private residencies must now be limited to 10 individuals maximum.

Resilience On Main Street: Several Restaurants, Groceries and Shops Open During Snowstorm

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From left to right: Utensil, Pavonine Yoga, Max’s On Main, Beacon Barkery

From left to right: Utensil, Pavonine Yoga, Max’s On Main, Beacon Barkery

Once again, several of Beacon’s restaurants and shops opened during Beacon’s first snowstorm of 2019. Business owners really want to be the answers to your dreams, and if your dreams include roasted marshmallows, regular groceries, potato skins, or hot yoga, then you’re in luck: Several Beacon businesses rose to the occasion and dug their way out of the snow to open.

Not all businesses were open, as snow days mean different things to different people: Kids are home from school, some daycare centers closed, and roads were bad. Governor Cuomo declared a State of Emergency for seven counties (Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga and Ulster counties) with imposed low speed limit rules, as first responders responded to 740 storm-related crashes today, according to HV-NY.

The domino effect is real when it comes to snow days. Safety first. However, several businesses were quick to list their openings or closures on social media (namely Instagram - that’s who we check, at least!).

If you were wanting to cook up a steak or pork chop, Barb’s Butchery was open as usual. So were Max’s On Main and Isamu (sushi) if you wanted someone to cook the food for you. Utensil usually opens during snowstorms, because you might need a pizza stone right now as there’s high demand for comfort food during snow days. Key Foods and Beacon Natural Market had salt to melt the snow, and pink salt to flavor your home-cooked food.

If your pets were stalking you for food, Beacon Barkery was open. Hudson Beach Glass was firing it up inside, so you could shop or watch them make the glass ornaments. Hudson Valley Marshmallow was firing up the blowtorch in their “mallow shack.” Pavonine Yoga was open, as were other fitness studios on Main Street (even if they had a later opening). The movie theater in town - Story Screen - was showing movies. (They also serve beer and popcorn!) The Telephone Building dug out and is always open for Beahive members and soon-to-be Tin Shingle members to come out of the house and work work work! Some might call the cozy atmosphere a #workation.

Several others were open on Main Street, so know this for future snowstorm needs: Assume nothing. Just because your car is buried in the driveway doesn’t mean everyone’s car is still buried there. If you need something, just walk to Main Street!

See your options in A Little Beacon Blog’s Restaurant Guide and Shopping Guide.

The 16th Annual Great Newburgh to Beacon Hudson River Swim - Registration Closes Friday, July 19!

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The River Pool at Beacon is hosting the 16th annual Great Newburgh to Beacon Hudson River Swim on Saturday, July 20, 2019 (rain date is Sunday, July 21). All swimmers must pre-register to swim by Friday, July 19, 2019. Registration on race day will not be allowed.

The race is a wonderful opportunity for experienced swimmers to swim about one mile (72 lengths of a standard 25-yard pool) across the Hudson River and raise funds to benefit the nonprofit volunteer organization River Pool at Beacon (a 501c3 tax-exempt organization). You can also learn more about the River Pool from this article we published about their 2018 opening.

Swimmers will check in on the Newburgh side of the river at Water Street, between 3rd St. and 4th St. (UNICO Park Plaza) between 8:30 and 10:15 am. Swimmers must be at least 10 years old, but swimmers ages 10-17 need certification of ability signed by a coach or athletic director.

Family and friends are encouraged to drop off swimmers in Newburgh, watch them start the race, then drive across the bridge to Beacon to greet them as they come out of the water. There will be light snacks, food, and beverages available for purchase on the Beacon riverfront.

Kayak Escorts Wanted

In addition to swimmers, they are also looking for kayak escorts for the race to ensure the safety and well-being of all swimmers, as well as keeping them on-course. There are no registration fees to be a kayak escort.

Regularly check riverpool.org/the-swim for updates, especially the week before the swim. To register for the race as a swimmer or escort, visit www.riverpool.org/swim-3/.

Welcome Firefly Yoga As A Sponsor Of A Little Beacon Blog's Adult Classes Guide!

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Welcome to our new Sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog’s Adult Classes Guide, Firefly Yoga and Juice Bar! With their support, we are able to show you inside their beautiful studio, feature regular and special classes, and promote to this Guide in general, showcasing many small businesses in it. See all the pictures and offerings by hitting our Adult Classes Guide right here!