Fight In "The Willows" Halloween Night In Beacon

Several neighbors in Beacon reported that there was a fight at “The Willows,” which is the loop after Willow Street proper jumps Verplanck. This area is known for its yard displays, usually boasting of fire pits, sometimes interactive candy games, and a temporary haunted house set up in the street. If there are any rumbles or skerfuffles, it is usually not a surprise. This is a destination spot for kids to come from all over Beacon, if kids in Beacon haven’t traveled out, like to Cold Spring or the community across from Dutchess Stadium.

Not all years are teaming with people, as the crowd ebbs and flows with the weather and day of the week. This year Halloween was on a Thursday, which is traditionally an active pre-weekend day, the weather was fine, and crisp orange leaves danced through the air with warm wind gusts. Many kids, teenagers, parents and caregivers were out.

After dark, neighbors reported hearing sirens headed to East Willow, with a report of approximately 4 cop cars plus a “blinky lights car,” is how it was described. Other neighbors reported seeing a fight between two girls, where one girl allegedly opened her jacket or cloak to reveal a gun to whoever was versing her. The neighbors did not know if it was a real gun, or if they actually saw a gun. Young neighbors did not seem surprised to see girls fighting, as they say they see girls fight at Rombout Middle School. Either they allegedly fight, or allegedly talk about scheduling one. Girls have been known to fight on Main Street, as this writer witnessed years ago between two teenage girls with a skateboard. The fight was quickly broken up by a parent, uncle or community member.

Update 11/2/2024: Video has emerged of two girls fighting. This article is not interested in the identities of the girls. This article was reporting that there was a fight, or fights. And for anyone who is surprised about fighting in Beacon, this is to report that fighting is not unusual here. Despite what anyone would like to hide as a bad look. It just happens, and people move on. Wishing, of course, that everyone is safe and the people fighting are able to resolve between themselves. Reports remain that people also saw guys fighting.

Meanwhile, kids with orbie guns were about. Orbie guns, otherwise known as Gel Blaster Guns, look like assault rifles but shoot out plastic orbie circles that never really disintegrate from the earth. Kids of all ages in Beacon have been known to carry these Gel Blasters around Rombout Middle Schools, Memorial Park, the Skate Park during adult baseball games, Loopers Plaza, and other locations where kids gather to have fun. When school let out for summer, Beacon Police Chief Figlia issued a warning to kids and parents not to carry such guns as ALBB reported, as they could be mistaken for a real gun.

Some neighbors also reported seeing what they thought to be a guy in a pig mask trying to sell drugs to trick or treaters, who allegedly got into a few fights himself.

Last year, neighbors reported seeing a man with a flame gun approaching people to shoot their toes. Apparently, he then went into people’s property. Later, some neighbors saw a picture of the man with the flame gun in a mug shot with his outfit still on.

Meanwhile, the infamous trickster guy from Willow Street was out again this year, looking for prey to scare. He stays very still until the unsuspecting person passes him, and then he begins his pursuit.

Response To Social Media Response To This Article

After this article was published, a few individuals from Beacon took to tearing it down grammatically. What is interesting is that when articles are published about fights or police activity in other areas of Beacon that are not “nice” or “suburban” areas, those articles are not picked apart as viciously as one this was.

Below are two video responses from Katie the Editor, Publisher, and Creator of A Little Beacon Blog.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration / Revisiting Beacon's Inspiration In 2024

SCHEDULE
8:45am: Opening remarks at Springfield Baptist Church.
9:30am: 10th Annual Parade. Mattie Cooper to N. Cedar Street to Main Street, finishing back on Mattie Cooper at the church.
11:30am: Celebration Service Inside Springfield Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Ronald O. Perry, Sr., Pastor.
LOCATION
8 Mattie Cooper (Church Street)

This year, the Beacon Free Press’ front page news story about the Martin Luther King Day Celebration at the Springfield Baptist Church shed revived light on the original inspiration for the MLK Day in Beacon.

Say the organizers about the event: "Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and dream during our 10th annual MLK Parade in Beacon. The parade in Beacon was the dream of the late Pete Seeger, activist and local resident of Beacon, who wanted a parade to honor Dr. King, so he founded this wonderful ‘Singing Parade.’ Participants are encouraged to bring signs, flags and musical instruments. For more information, go to the beaconsloop.org." Pete Seeger was a co-founder of the Beacon Sloop Club.

Said the parade representative Bonnie Champion to the Beacon Free Press: “After Pete’s wife Toshi died in July 2013, he came to the Beacon Sloop Club and shared that he was worried that Martin Luther King Day was becoming a day off from school and work, and persons were forgetting this man who changed the world.” The parade began one year later, championed by Bonnie. Pete Seeger never marched in the first parade, but he knew about, it,” Bonnie told the Beacon Free Press. He passed away shortly after on January 27, 2014.

The Southern Dutchess Coalition has held a celebration for the last 46 years, and for the last 10 years, did so with the Beacon Sloop Club. The opening ceremony starts at 8:45am. The parade will step off at 9:30am in front of the Springfield Baptist Church, followed by a Celebration Service at 11:30am with Rev. Dr. Ronald O. Perry, Sr., Pastor.

The parade route will start at the Springfield Baptist Church on Mattie Cooper Street (aka Church Street) and continue on to N. Cedar Street, where it will turn down Main Street, until it hits Willow Street, then turns on Mattie Cooper Street to end at the Springfield Baptist Church.

The student essay contest is happening again this year, where Beacon students grades 1-12 were asked to write about the following quote: “Only love can overcome hatred, bitterness, and fear. I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

The winning students will receive a $50 award sponsored by Rhinebeck Bank. All others will receive a certificate.

For more information, go to beaconsloop.org.

Beacon City Schools Recognize Eid al-Fitr As School Holiday For First Time

Photo Credit: by Saimon Kite

When the Beacon City School principals or assistant principals sent out the upcoming holiday dates, like this one from Rombout Middle School, district families noticed a new school holiday: Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the most celebrated days in Islam. "This will be the first year that the Beacon City School District is closed for the Eid holiday,” Vickie Jackson, Secretary to Dr. Matthew Landahl, Superintendent, confirmed to A Little Beacon Blog. Once the Muslim community in Beacon completes Ramadan, which is the highly anticipated month of fasting from sunrise to sundown, the fast is celebrated on the last day of Ramadan on Eid al-Fitr.

Longtime writer for ALBB, Izdihar Dabashi, who is Muslim, Yemeni-American and a hijabi, explains what Eid is: “Muslims have two Eid holidays: Eid Al-Fitr, which is the first day to break fast following the holy month of Ramadan. Eid Al-Fitr celebrates the completion of Ramadan. We start the day by praying at the mosque for Allah (God) to accept our fast, charity, and good deeds during Ramadan. Each Muslim person donates money to the poor, and it’s common for people to send money to feed the poor or slaughter (in a humane and clean method, which makes it halal) a lamb to feed the poor. Eid is spent with family. Some of us go to the park, others to restaurants, some choose to just stay at home and have family over.”

Eid will be recognized as a school holiday in Beacon on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. The actual date is determined by the Hijri calendar - its lunar calendar of 12 months.

According to Zakat.org, “Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Hijri calendar’s 9th month, Ramadan, and the first day of its 10th month, Shawwal.” As for the start of Ramadan, Zakat.org states: “Based on Ramadan 2024 beginning March 11 (at night, with the first fasting day being March 12), we anticipate Eid al-Fitr 2024 to fall on or near April 9.”

Zakat means almsgiving in Arabic and is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Zakat is considered a religious obligation and duty for Muslims.

Menorah Lighting In Beacon At Pohill Park From New Chabad Of Beacon Jewish Center

The Chabad of Beacon is a new Jewish center in Beacon at 65 East Main Street started by Rabbi Shaya and his wife Esty.

Chabad of Beacon describes itself as "a vibrant Jewish community in the Beacon area, providing personalized social, educational, and spiritual experiences.” They offer synagogue services, adult education, youth programs, holiday celebrations, women's events, and community services.

This Sunday, December 10th at 4:30pm, they will have a Menorah Lighting in Beacon with Mayor Lee Kyriacou.

Say the organizers: “🕎 Join a Beacon community Hanukah celebration! Menorah lighting at Polhill Park! 🌟 Fun for the entire family! 🎉 Enjoy delicious donuts and latkes! 🤗”

New Location And Tree Planted For Beacon's Christmas Tree Lighting 2023 - Menorah Location Unknown At This Time

The City of Beacon has chosen a new location for the Christmas tree lighting - Memorial Park. If you were wondering where the very tall evergreen tree near the parking lot appeared from, or if it had been there the whole time but you just didn’t remember, Beacon’s City Administrator, Chris White confirmed during this week’s City Council Meeting that indeed, such a large tree was recently planted to the left of the parking lot of Memorial Park. An electrical outlet was dug and positioned next to the tree so that power could reach the tree for the lights. City Administrator Chris said that Beacon’s Tree Committee was involved in the tree planting. Beacon’s Mayor Lee Kyriacou mentioned in his City Council Report that he attended the event, found it enjoyable, and that eventually, it got cold.

The tree lighting event is usually at Pohill Park, which is at Beacon’s most visible main entrance of Main Street and Wolcott Ave (aka Bank Square and Beacon Creamery). Regarding the new location, one of the organizers, Rhonda Altonen, who is also the leader of Girl Scouts Heart Of The Hudson, Inc., told the Beacon Free Press: “We knew that if the event continued to grow, we would need more space. Construction/renovations of the Lewis Tompkins House [Firehouse] also contributed, as they would need space for equipment.”

The new firehouse is one of Beacon’s largest multi-million dollar construction projects, which is currently overshadowing the Welcome Center at Pohill Park, with fencing to protect the new building and geothermal heating underneath, which has constrained parking for St. Andrews Church, and resulted in the one-way designation of South Avenue for the block off Main Street.

The Beacon Free Press reported that people could expect a few take-aways from the event, including an ornament kit, hot chocolate and a cookie. A stage was set for local performers to shine in their holiday cheer. Performances from Yanarella, Salvation Army, Ballet Arts’ Dutchess Dance Company dancers, and others (please chime in the Comments to identify your group!).

All videos of performances were sent in by ALBB Reader Paula Merlino. Thank you, Paula!

The Dutchess Dance Company dancers from Ballet Arts.

Carolers. We spy with our little eyes, the new Captain for Beacon’s Salvation Army, Captain Jesseyna Wiand on the far left of the microphones.


Short 10-ish Year Historic Path Of The Tree Lightnings In Beacon

Traditionally…and…traditions have always evolved here in Beacon…there was a time in the past 10 or so years where a holiday scene was at Pohill Park at the Main Street entrance of Beacon on the west end of town, near the train. There was a tree sculpture made of illuminated bicycle wheels. Next to it was a menorah sculpture, also made of illuminated bicycle wheels. Usually Santa would be rickshaw-ed down Main Street and visit with people. The organization who produced this was BeaconArts, in conjunction with the City of Beacon, and Ed Benavente was the artist of the tree and menorah. So far, a date for a Menorah lighting has not been announced by the City of Beacon or other group. The last time the bicycle menorah lit was in 2021.

Over time, some Beaconites wanted an evergreen tree to be the lit tree again. BeaconArts went through different reorganizations, and the tree lighting ceremony shifted to a new old group. The bicycle tree and menorah no longer lit up Beacon’s main entrance. A giant evergreen behind the Welcome Center was the new celestial greeting. The City of Beacon organized the Santa sittings, there was hot chocolate and different organizations participated to make the tree lighting a fun night for all. That has now moved to Memorial Park.

BCSD Board Of Education Votes to Change Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s / Italian American Heritage Day

During their meeting on September 18, 2023, BCSD’s Board of Education (BOE) voted to change the name of the federal holiday on the school calendar from Columbus Day to Indigenous People / Italian American Heritage Day. They considered it one year ago in October 2022, and scheduled opportunities for the public to submit comments on the topic.

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.

Holiday Wreaths Go Up For The 2022 Holiday Season In Beacon

The season has started. Beacon’s Highway Department (and maybe some of the Water Department if needed?) has hung the wreaths and stars on Beacon’s Main Street. As for some Beacon trivia, according to Beacon’s one time Highway Superintendent, Reuben Simmons who now drives the street sweeper: “There are electrical outlets in each of the lamposts that were part of the LED project when we switched out all of the lights.” That is helpful for more flexibility for the holiday stars to plug into, and help during the Spirit of Beacon Day for table vendors to plug into outlets if needed.

It’s go time for your list and holiday that will go very fast, yet take a lot of time. “Yay! Love this time of year, and seeing all the wreaths and pretty shop windows on Main Street,” said Stephanie Jones, owner of The Blushery on the far east end of Main Street. Get your brows, makeup, and laser hair removal done there.

Remember to slow down in some moments to enjoy them, and know that others of them too shall pass into the next good one again. Here we go!

Find lists of all the shops and restaurants in Beacon in A Little Beacon Blog’s Shopping and Restaurant Guides.

Replaying Lieutenant Edie Meeks' Moving Speech From Memorial Day About Veterans

Photo Credit: Screenshot from video taken for A Little Beacon Blog. Watch the full video below.

On a Monday morning for Memorial Day 2022, outside of The Memorial Building on Main Street in Beacon, a tiny woman with short white hair, wearing a pale blue dress, took steps to the podium to deliver a speech for the 2022 Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the American Legion Post 203. She had been sitting next to a Veteran to the on the right side of the stage, engaged in what looked like a captured conversation. When it was time for her to speak, she barely made the top of the podium. But her story and shared memories of her services as a nurse in Vietnam were so big. They were memories, we learned through her speech, that she did not share often. A video of her speech has been placed at the bottom of this article so that you may hear it.

Edie Meeks was the main speaker for the Memorial Day service in Beacon, NY. She said she decided to enlist because her brother Tom was drafted. He was in the Marine Corps. She thought: “If something happened to him, I would want to be there. Someone who really cared, and wanted to take care of him."

Edie went through basic training, were enlistees were “taught everything we needed to know in case things ‘escalated’ in Vietnam.” She flew to Saigon [Editor’s Note: now known as Ho Chi Minh City] where she said the nurses received everyone, because soldiers were flown to her station from other places. “There were mines all around us, and people shooting.”

Edie shared her first big memory that follows her with the audience, and it is based on the memory of another nurse: it was during a situation where the nurse was working in a shift where they had to triage, and decide who would be worked on. Edie’s friend said that one severely injured lieutenant who was lying on a stretcher would ask her every time she walked by if he was next. She walked by him several times, and each time he asked: “Am I next? Am I next?” And every time she walked by, she answered "Yes, you are next."

Finally, he died before he was treated. Edie’s friend the nurse revealed her secret thought to Edie: "I always wondered, if I hadn't told him yes, would he have died earlier, and not suffered?"

Edie answered her with certainty: "I am a mother today, and I'm telling you, I would have wanted you recognize my son, and to speak to him, and to comfort him. So I think you did absolutely the right thing."

Edie observed that when she worked in the Emergency Room in the United States, everything made sense. Kid fell out of a tree, and broke their leg. Over there, she said, nothing made sense. All of the patients were healthy, but blown up.

Eventually, working there became harder. She became so filled with rage. "Young men were coming in saying: 'Lieutenant, they aren't letting us win.'"

Edie appreciated the Corpsmen who helped her, often passing by after working a 12 hour day. They'd casually ask her, "What's going on, Lieutenant," and then lend themselves to wounded soldiers who were coming in. Described by Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund: “Corpsmen were enlisted ‘first responders’ of the Vietnam War, saving countless lives, often at great risk to themselves. Besides providing trauma care on the battlefield, they were responsible for the day-to-day prevention and treatment of a wide range of injuries and diseases among the troops.”

One of the final soldiers she saw there nearly broke her. A young man who came from Kansas, who was 19 years old and came from a farm. “He had a terrible abnormal wound,” Edie recalled, and was holding a letter from his mother that he asked Edie to read to him. “It was all of the little news from the people around town. Talked about his dad coming in with the dog, hunting pheasants. At the very end, she said: ‘We are so proud of you, son.’"

Three days later, he died.

By that October, Edie said she really had to shut down. “I can't feel another thing here." She asked for a change of venue, which ended up being no less violent or heartbreaking. She said she made lifelong friends there. "You needed to. You needed the backup."

She often wondered if she impacted someone's life for the better - who was really suffering - when she saved them. She asked herself: "Did I do him a favor by working on him?" She didn't know how they turned out. They were sent home. They were stabilized, and usually sent to Japan, she said. "We supported each other, because we supported the fellas who came in."

Edie continued with what made her service difficult for her. "That was another thing I felt difficult: to not be able to tell the parents how brave their sons had been. I saw this one patient. He fought and fought and fought to stay alive. And finally, because of an infection, he died. And I couldn't write to his mother to say 'He was so brave. He tried so hard.'"

Edie wanted to write, but was advised not to, in case her letter reached his mother before the official military letter did.

Edie said that one thing she noticed was how the soldiers kidded each other. Poked jabs at each other, like "Come on, get up." Edie knew: "The laughter kept them going."

Most of Edie's memories were dark with sorrow. And she noted that she did not remember the bright moments so well. "As a nurse, you remembered the ones who died. But you didn't remember the ones that you helped to get better."

At the 5th anniversary of the Vietnam's Women's Memorial, she was at the statue, and heard her name called from behind her. She turned around, and saw a lieutenant who she worked with. She asked "Gary, what are you doing here?" Gary said: "I came to see you."

Gary went on to describe what he remembered about Edie: "One of the things I remember about you is, you'd come in in the morning, and you'd start cracking jokes." Edie said that a lot of their patients at that time had chest wounds, so they had tubes that went to the bubbly bottle because the soldiers were taking a breath. "All of them were bubbling like crazy because they were laughing."

But Edie was stunned at herself. "I never remembered any of that. I just remembered the sorrow."

Coming Home A Veteran

Whatever you do, don’t just sit on the sidelines. Participate in what’s going on. That’s what we did as soldiers. We participated in life. We didn’t just complain.
— Edie Meeks, A Nurse and Vietnam Veteran

When it was time for Edie to come home, she was told by the incoming nurses "'As soon as you get stateside, take your uniform off. You will not be welcomed.' And so we did."

Going home, Edie said, you couldn't talk about it. She said she didn't want to talk about it, because she thought no one would understand.

An old acquaintance saw her and asked asked her: "Oh Edie, I heard you were in Vietnam. What was it like?"

Edie said she turned around and walked out. "There was no soundbite," she said.

Edie spoke of veterans spiritually and mentally wounded by that war. When Edie went to the dedication of the Vietnam Women's Memorial, she found out how many nurses died of suicide after that war. "There were an awful lot of guys that did too. And a lot of guys who disappeared into the woodwork. Because how do you describe how you feel? You don't."

Edie said that she read a study that determined that the nurses' brains changed after being under that much stress.

"To me, if we are going to ask people to serve for us, we should give them everything they need. Without having to beg. Because if you go to the VA, you have to beg."

Edie’s parting words for the audience were: Whatever you do, don't just sit on the sidelines. Participate in what's going on. That's what we did as soldiers. We participated in life. We didn't just complain. I'm proud to say that I'm a Vietnam Veteran, and that these are my brothers. And I'm so proud that I'm an American.”

Holiday Wreaths Are Going Up! 2021 Version

For the last few days, Beacon’s Highway Department has been out hanging the wreaths. Piled in the highway trucks, when not hauling leaf bags and tree debris from people’s homes left out on sidewalks, the crew has scheduled the days before Thanksgiving to hang the wreaths, just in time for the big opening day of shopping: the day after Thanksgiving.

Notice the new Municipal Parking sign pictured here (there are others now throughout the city), one of the recommendations of the Main Street Access Advisory Committee, and desire by many in the community for years. A new design was implemented as well.

🛍 Shopping and eating ideas are in A Little Beacon Blog’s Guides! Shops and Restaurants who want to promote specific events or products, consider starting your subscription advertising campaign with us this season! We love promoting you, readers love reading about you, and your support helps make it happen. 💕

Safe travels and/or happy cooking! Get boosted. Stay safe.

Beacon Trivia! The Highway Department employee pictured here, Edward McNair, is also a small business owner. With his wife Erika McNair, he co-owns InsideOut Infusion (concierge IV hydration and vitamins), OurtClothing.com, and The Virtue Brand clothing line.

Beacon Trivia! The new parking signs were designed by Beacon local Theresa Kraft, who is a designer with a background in product design and way finding signage. Theresa is an original member of the Main Street Access Advisory Committee since its inception in 2020

Hop and Shop is BACK In Beacon For Holiday Shopping 2021! Details Here…

Back for its 4th year of community supported shopping, Hop & Shop is thriving this year in its efforts to support businesses on Main Street during this holiday season. Produced by retail elves on Main Street who do this in addition to running their brick and mortars, Hop & Shop is two nights (Thursday and Friday, 12/2-3) of longer shopping hours in Beacon (recommended closing time is 9pm, which is late for Beacon), plus fun deals or specials to go along with it.

Businesses can sign up here, and shoppers can learn about specials after November 29th, when the holiday shopping season officially kicks into high gear. This will be a great activity after Thanksgiving in that Black Friday slide. For those interested in how this works, see their FAQ page.

Hop & Shop has been doing a fabulous job promoting participating shops on their Instagram, so you should follow along with them here. We have highlighted a few shops below that are either super-new, hard to find, or ones that you just must walk into. To see all of Beacon’s shops, visit ALBB’s Shopping and Restaurant Guides. Follow along with Hop & Shop for more, and see you out and about!

BERTE
500 Main St.
Berte is a curated home decor and lifestyle shop in Beacon, NY with a focus on emerging designers and makers who embody their playful, yet calming modern aesthetic. Passionate about “the hunt,” founder Aimée deSimone finds new pieces and brands wherever they emerge – whether that’s abroad or closer to home in New York’s Hudson Valley. She takes great pride in their collaborative relationship with makers (mostly female and BIPOC), who share our commitment to sustainability, equity, and design.
TIP: Look for their “wall necklaces” if they still have them.


INGLEWOOD MARKETPLACE
17 E Main St.
Established in 2015, Inglenook Marketplace is a home goods, general goods, and candle making brand. They are purveyors of local, fine & sustainable products. They specialize in eco-friendly options, including their very own refillery inside of our Beacon location. You can fill up on Laundry Soap, Body Wash, Shampoo, Dryer Balls, and you can even refill your used Inglenook Marketplace candle!
TIP: We tried the grapefruit dish soap, and love it!


WANDERLUX
473 Main St. Suite 2
Wanderlux style provides an exclusive, accessible, and sustainable short term rental (or option of purchase) experience of luxury fashion, shoes, and accessories for both men and women. Luxury items without the hefty price tag, closet space, dry cleaning costs, and waste.
TIP: Located where Cold Fit Cryotheraphy used to be, behind the architects storefront office near Wonderbar.


SILICA STUDIO
428 Main St.
Silica Studio is a very new and very interactive type of business in Beacon. Take a Pottery Class and learn to make your own piece on the wheel or hand build it yourself with instruction by a skilled potter. Great for date nights or family/friend bonding! Also discover some beautifully unique works of art by local artisans in the front of house mini gallery! Silica Studio is a place to access creativity and fun for all!!
TIP: Can’t wait to try this.


HUNCA MUNCAS
145 Main St.
For lovers of nature, craft, magic and play. Handmade, sustainable & ethically manufactured gifts for children and the home.
TIP: If you were looking for cloth rabbit dolls and looks of a very sweet nature, this is your spot.

There Is A Christmas Elf In The Beacon Post Office...

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There is an elf in the Beacon Post Office…answering the letters from children who write to Santa. There is no guarantee of a return letter from Santa, but sometimes they arrive in the mail, delivered by mail carrier. Not very many people have actually seen this elf, but she has been trying to return letters from kids for many years. Again, there is no guarantee. If you did not get one, it does not mean anyone is on the wrong list (1 of my 2 kids got a letter back this year…).

With pandemics and whatnot, one never knows what magic can come out of the Beacon Post Office. As of 2020, the magic was still here.

Beacon's 3rd Annual Hop And Shop Kicks Off Today!

It’s that time of year again! Beacon’s 3rd Annual Hop and Shop aka festive shopping, services, sales & specials on Main Street! TODAY 12/3 and Friday 12/4. Perfect opportunity to #ShopSmall & #ShopLocal!

Let’s get to the good stuff…

Which Businesses Are Involved?

Lewis & Pine
Kringle’s Christmas House
Blend Smoothie & Salad Bar
Alton Road Pottery
Tito Santana Taqueira
Utensil
Beacon Tintype
Play
Beetle & Fred
Hudson Land Design
Zakka Joy
Beacon Bread Company
Flora Good Times
Lucky Thirty One
Ziatun
LotusWorks
Happy Valley Arcade Bar
The Studio @ Beacon
Last Outpost Store
Binnacle Books
Beacon D'Lites
Vincent’s Eat Paint Love
Beacon Pantry
Beacon Bed & Breakfast
Blackbird Attic
Wonderbar
The Vault Restaurant
Sullivan & Main
NFP: New Form Perspective
Reservoir I Clothing & Home
LLTO / Live Light Travel Often
La Mere
Raven Rose
Vintage Beacon
Hyperbole
Solstad House
Beacon Mercantile
Village Jerk
The Chocolate Studio
The Leaf NY
Berte
Maria Lago Studio 502
Vegetalien
BAU Gallery
The Snooki Shop
Hudson Valley Marshmallow Company
Kaight
Holistic Living with Doctor Dardano
Miss Tea
The Blushery
King & Curated
Beacon Aesthetics
Melzingah Tap House
Urban Links Design
The Roundhouse
Inglenook Marketplace

What Are The Discounts?

Find out HERE at Hop & Shop Beacon.

Turkey On Many Tables - 3 Organizations Came Together To Distribute 100 Turkeys To Families

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Thanksgiving 2020 was here all of a sudden, and many people were making their usual rounds to hit the grocery stores, as well as food pantries. In non-pandemic times, soup kitchens tend to cook a meal for a designated group of people, like seniors that the Salvation Army of Beacon usually cooks for, but could not host anyone this year, but still managed to help families get meals for Thanksgiving. They will do so again for Christmas (donations for that effort can be accessed by texting rescuechristmas to 91999, where Captain Leilani Rodríguez-Alarcón, Corps Officer / Pastor is in receipt of the donations, or contact Leilani.Alarcon@use.salvationarmy.org).

At the food pantry at St. Andrews Church, who collects and distributes non-perishable items, an unexpected call came from this united group of 3 organizations to donate 25 turkeys to the regular participants of that church’s pantry. I Am Beacon, Key Food Beacon, and Salem Tabernacle teamed up to raise money and distribute the turkeys to families using their local channels, with a goal of reaching 100 families.

Starting in 2014, I Am Beacon started doing the program called Turkey On Every Table to use their community connections to find those in need, and raise the money to deliver. Large organizations are important, but often local, grass-roots organizations have boots on the ground with friends and relatives getting first-hand information on what people need during any time - pandemic or not.

This year, the three organizations teamed up. Says I Am Beacon’s founder, Reuben Simmons: “We worked in a collaborative effort on raising money for the food asked for on our list, packing the bags, and making the deliveries. Salem Tabernacle scheduled a pick-up at their church.”

Pat Lassiter, longtime Food Pantry Manager for St. Andrews Church that opens its doors to residents of Beacon on Saturday mornings, was pleased when she received a call from Reuben, that the group would be donating 25 turkeys to people who come to get food from St. Andrews Food Pantry that Saturday.

Some members in the group who organized the Turkey on Every Table: I Am Beacon, Key Food Beacon, Salem Tabernacle. Photo Credit: Key Food Beacon

Some members in the group who organized the Turkey on Every Table: I Am Beacon, Key Food Beacon, Salem Tabernacle.
Photo Credit: Key Food Beacon

Says Reuben: “I Am Beacon used their network to identify a couple of outlets to also distribute the program through. We worked with Mrs. Lassiter from St. Andrews pantry located on South Avenue, and Kenya Gadsen to distribute to families through Opens Arms Ministry at the Beacon Recreation Center at 23 West Center’s Food Pantry.” Due to state funding requirements, St. Andrews needs to limit giving to Beaconites only, and the Open Arms Ministry at Beacon Recreation Center is open to anyone, regardless of residency.

After hearing of Pat’s appreciation for the gift of turkeys, Reuben replied: “I am happy to hear it all worked out that day. She has been doing an amazing job for many, many years with so many amazing volunteers.”

How To Get Involved

To get involved with any of these organizations, you can donate to food donations bins periodically at Key Food, and follow along on a more personal level with I Am Beacon’s podcast on Spotify. I Am Beacon will be gearing up for Membership 2021, and will be moving forward to a non-voting membership organization in 2021.

To get familiar with all of the Food Pantries in Beacon and how they work, see A Little Beacon Blog’s Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen Guide. There are volunteer opportunities with several organizations listed there. You can call them directly for inquiries, or see their websites (if they have one) for published volunteer opportunities. Directions on how to donate to them are published in that Guide as well.

Where To Buy Thanksgiving Pies Near Beacon!

And just like that, Thanksgiving is one week away! Although it might look a little different this year, the Hudson Valley is filled with the best places to get the most delicious pies. Plus, what a better time than now to shop small & support locals! Right?!

See below for the list of businesses near Beacon that are selling pies! Some places already closed their pre-order window. Pies are going fast! Can ya blame people?

If we missed you, please email teslie@alittlebeaconblog with your hot tip :)


BEACON

Beacon Bread Company

Beacon, NY

Pre-order until Sunday 11/22!
Email beaconbread@gmail.com for an order form if you can’t make it to the shop!

BJ’s

Beacon, NY

Small Pies
BJ’s does sell pies (apple, cherry, yam, and others) as well as cheese cake. Your best bet is to call or walk in. (845) 831-1221


Yankee Clipper Diner

Beacon, NY

Pre-order until Sunday 11/22!
You can also place an order for Thanksgiving meals!


More details HERE.


Beacon Pantry

Beacon, NY

Pre-order until Saturday 11/21!
You can also place an order for Appetizers & Side Dishes!


More details HERE.


Kitchen And Coffee

Beacon, NY

Pre-order until TONIGHT 11/20 or inquire to see if you can be squeezed in ;)
More details HERE.


NEWBURGH

Newburgh Flour Shop

Newburgh, NY

Pre-order until Sunday 11/22!
More details HERE.


WAPPINGERS FALLS

Sweet Bakes Cafe

Wappingers Falls, NY

More details HERE.


O’ Heavenly Cake

Wappingers Falls, NY

Pre-order until Sunday 11/22!
Message to order or email oheavenlycake@gmail.com


FISHKILL

The Cakery

Fishkill, NY

Pre-orders extended until TONIGHT 11/19

More details HERE.


COLDSPRING

Hudson Hil’s

Coldspring, NY

Call 844-265-9471 or email hudsonhils@gmail.com


Coldspring Coffeehouse

Coldspring, NY

Pre-order until Tuesday 11/24

More details HERE.


OTHER

Adams Fairacre Farms

Poughkeepsie, Kingston, Newburgh and Wappingers

See Holiday Catering Info HERE.

Key Food Beacon

Key Food does sell pies, and carries different brands from time to time. They have been known to carry Junior’s Cheesecake, so give them a try.

Beacon Natural Market

Frozen pies including apple pie and others!


ALL DONE OR NOT OFFERING

We called around to some usual suspects, and they either passed their deadline, or aren’t doing it this year. These include:

Fishkill Farms
The Beacon Daily
Homespun Foods

Restaurants Open On Main Street For The 4th Of July

Traditionally, Beacon has been a ghost town on the Fourth of July but not this year! We called around and asked who was open this holiday weekend and got the deets for you! If you’re staying local, check out the list below for restaurants on Main St. that are open on the 4th of July. A lot of them are open for takeout but most are now open for outdoor dining too! 


OPEN

Bank Square

Open For Outdoor Dining & Takeout


Kitchen Sink

Open For Takeout 


Artisan Wine Shop

Open For Pick-up & Deliveries 


Meyer’s Old Dutch

Open For Outdoor Dining & Takeout 


Beacon Bread Company

Open For Outdoor Dining & Takeout


Tito Santana

Open For Outdoor Dining & Takeout


BJ’s Soul Food

Open For Takeout 


Homespun

Open For Outdoor Dining & Takeout


Ziatun

Open For Outdoor Dining & Takeout


Max’s On Main

Open For Outdoor Dining & Takeout


Royal Crepes & European Market

Open For Outdoor Dining & Takeout


Glazed Over Donuts

Open - Modified Hours (9-1am) 


Yankee Clipper

Open – Modified Hours (Closing at 3pm) 


Kennedy’s Fried Chicken

Open For Takeout


The Beacon Daily

Open – Modified Hours (Closing at 4pm) 


2 Way Brewing Company

Open For Outdoor Dining & Takeout


Fu Xing Chinese Restaurant

Open For Takeout


Enoteca Ama

Open For Outdoor Dining & Takeout


Cafe Amarcord

Open For Outdoor Dining & Takeout


Vegetalien

Open For Takeout & Indoor Dining


Draught Industries

Open For Outdoor Dining & Takeout


Joe's Irish Pub

Open For Indoor Dining & Takeout


Chill Wine Bar

Open For Take Out & Dine-In With Limited Spacious Seating. Outdoor Seating Available (very limited)


Hudson Valley Marshmallow Co

Open 12-4 on Saturday (4th of July) for all of your last minute S’mores-making supplies! 


The Roundhouse

Patio 11:30am - 10pm
Smoke on the Water BBQ restaurant 11:30am - 10pm


PENDING CONFIRMATION

The Pandorica

Tito Santana

The Towne Crier Cafe

Big Mouth Coffee Roasters

Oak Vino Wine Bar

The Beacon Hotel Restaurant 


CLOSED

Melzingah Tap Room

Roma Nova

Baja 328

Eat Church ( Closed Saturday & Sunday)

Wonderbar