Unveiling a New Beat: The Vinyl Room's Exciting Encore on Main Street

Editor’s Note: ALBB’s interest in the relocation of The Vinyl Room from where it started at it’s Beacon location in the now new-ish building on Eliza Street, to where it moved to in the old Nichols Hardware building at 396 Main Street, which then became Tourmaline Home, stems from ALBB’s own interest in buying that building when we decided to leave our former office on Main Street. Having been in the space with our own dreams, we were curious as to how The Vinyl Room indulged in theirs. Writer Kat Merry wrote this piece for us.

By: Kat Merry

When John Kihlmire conceptualized The Vinyl Room (TVR) back in 2017, he was trailblazing a path with a distinctive blend of a craft beer bar and record store.

His idea was kindled during a trip to Colorado where he stumbled upon a quirky shop oozing charm with an abundance of books and records. Yet, something was conspicuously missing — there was no trace of alcohol. This gave rise to his illuminating thought: "What's missing here is beer!" Armed with this inspired vision, John returned to NY, his mind set on weaving this dream into an exhilarating, vibrant reality.

After achieving initial success in Wappinger, John relocated TVR to Beacon, magnetized by its vibrant pulse. Despite the first Beacon location being a short hop from Main Street and the concept being a hit, John felt the fit was slightly askew.

"With our loyal customer base and decent foot traffic, the place had potential," John explains. "But our landlord's constraints were stifling. We needed a space where we could extend our hours and tap into the nightlife potential." And so, he began scouting for a new location that could nurture his expanding vision.

The opportunity knocked in 2021 when an irresistible address on Main Street came up. "The space was beyond amazing—I jumped on it!" John recalls.

Now, The Vinyl Room is proudly located at 396 Main Street, boasting ample square footage. But with more space comes greater responsibility. "Adding a full kitchen and extending operating hours meant I needed a partner," John admits.

This is where Kane Licari enters the picture. John's childhood friend and a long-time night RN, Kane was ready for a new chapter. Joining John in this venture, he is now breathing fresh life into the business.

"I was nearing burnout in nursing and John's opportunity appeared at the perfect time," Kane reveals.

Their friendship, originating from days of peewee baseball at Brinkerhoff Elementary, adds a heartfelt note to the business's evolution. "Our friendship has traversed a lifetime," reflects John. "We transitioned from sharing the baseball field as kids to steering this venture as partners—it's a remarkable full-circle moment."

TVR's new venue now accommodates a full kitchen serving an enticing array of small plates, flatbreads, charcuterie, and handhelds. In the beginning, they had guidance from Chef Adam Sternberg, of The Hog in Wappingers Falls, run by Adam and his wife, who are there every day providing the food Adam is known for. Says Adam: “All the credit for TVR’s menu goes to Chef Greg Demichiel. He’s rocking it.”

Beyond food and beer, John envisages a wider appeal. "We're installing arcade games for patrons to enjoy alongside their food and drinks," he enthuses.

True to its roots, TVR will continue to celebrate the art of turntables, enriched by a lively DJ nightlife. "Owning a DJ business was the precursor to The Vinyl Room," John reminisces. Though his DJ venture thrived, The Vinyl Room will allow him to be more creative and feels more like a passion project than work.

With expansion comes challenges, especially in curating a robust and reliable team of contractors. Both Kane and John have been hands-on, lending their personal touch to the construction and aesthetic.

An exciting addition is the 'Velvet Room'— a cozy, reservation-only alcove marked by a red velvet curtain at the back of the bar. "It's an intimate haven for small groups or romantic dates," John reveals.

"We’ve had a loyal following since 2017, and now being able to expand and fully actualize our original concept is incredibly exciting,” John remarks. "I finally feel like I can spread my wings."

John and Kane's vision celebrates a friendship that spans decades and despite their differences– notably, Kane being a devoted Yankee fan and John, a loyal Cubs supporter– they share an enduring spirit to innovate.

John is all set to leverage his connections and experience in the music industry, featuring talented DJs who will keep the music playing into the early hours. Thankfully, the late-night responsibilities will rest with Kane.

"I am definitely a morning person," laughs John. Kane, nodding in agreement, adds, "And I'm the night owl. My years of working night shifts in nursing have prepared me for this!"

As they gear up to electrify Main Street with The Vinyl Room’s latest makeover, John and Kane are clear—it's more than a business. It's a testament to their enduring friendship and shared dreams, all set to the beat of their favorite vinyl tracks. So, get ready, Beacon—the Vinyl Room is about to drop the needle on a whole new experience.

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

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.

Darryl's Leaves Beacon - Staying In Rhinbeck and NYC

Darryl’s clothing boutique moved to Beacon years ago. Owned by Darryl and Ed, who ALBB publisher Katie declared to be her adopted grandma, Darryl’s dug into the Beacon community as best they could. They hosted artists on Second Saturday, and advertised with A Little Beacon Blog.

Seasoned stylists and shop owners, Darryl’s had established boutiques in New York City and in Rhinebeck before they opened their store in Beacon. Because of their advertising relationship with A Little Beacon Blog, Katie was in the store quite often to photograph clothing to feature in the weekend newsletter and Instagram. As is what happens with sustaining sponsors, Katie has a few statement pieces in her closet now from Darryl’s that she wore to a Beacon Historical Society fundraiser at the Roundhouse, and upgraded her bathing suite coverup game to Splashdown.

When A Little Beacon Blog asked why they were moving out, Ed stated that it was because of a rent increase that was too much, and that they could not sustain. Ed confirmed that they are keeping their stores in New York City and Rhinebeck.

The space already has a replacement: the tattoo artist and art gallery Distortion Society, which is currently located somewhat across the street in the old Riverwinds Gallery location. That location is about to go vacant for the moment because the owners of that property are finally building their building, after years of presentations to Beacon’s Planning and Zoning Boards.

Darryl’s was located near Blend on the west end of Main Street near the Hudson River and train station, which also just closed their location for juicier pastures Newburgh.

Blend Leaves Beacon Location For Newburgh

Blend Smoothie and Salad Bar announced via their Instagram that they are leaving their Beacon location, and opening in Newburgh. Blend opened in Beacon in 2020, and was a fan favorite for neighborhood kids just experiencing freedom from their houses for the first time during the pandemic, when they needed to leave the house during Remote Learning to feel independent.

When asked by A Little Beacon Blog if they were leaving because of rent, they replied: “We decided to close Beacon not based on rent, but because we’re opening our Newburgh location right across the bridge, steps away from the gym Planet Fitness.”

Blend was located at 135 Main Street, near Bank Square Coffee House and next door to Lewis and Pine. This is on the west end of Main Street, near the Hudson River and train side.

Blend has 6 locations, with the Newburgh/Beacon swap. The first location started in New Windsor, where owners Alaina James and José Medina are from. Other locations include Middletown, Monroe, Elmsford, and Mohegan Lake, which located inside of a ShopRite.

Since opening in Beacon, other health food stores have also opened, including Healthy In Color, which offers and acai bowl among other things including salads and house-made supplements and house-made bottled drinks, and Butterhead Salad, which is a house-made salad boutique, where the salads are tossed in front of you. With your choice of thick cookies, brownies and FROYO.

Still Open! John's Shoe Repair Moves Down Main Street

After the fire that smoked out John’s Shoe Repair shop from his former storefront next to Mr. Bell’s salon, which resulted in a lease termination with a 3-day order to vacate by the new owner, the cobbler moved out and into a new location of 152 Main Street #16.

This is a first floor studio in the apartment complex located behind Mountain Tops which is owned by Joe Donovan, who was the former landlord for John’s She Repair when the fire took place, and negotiated a lease for the cobbler when he was selling to the new owner, Fadil Mavraj, the developer of the 206-208 Main Street building across the street (formerly Pleasant Ridge Pizza before undergoing a total re-build, and now home to House of Max and Butterhead Lettus). Joe ended up helping the cobbler by placing the shop into one of the apartments in the complex.

According to the Highlands Current, “Joe Donovan paid to move and store the couple’s equipment after the fire; John and HwaJa used their retirement money to move the equipment into the new space.”

However, the space was too small to accommodate their largest machine, and they held a fundraiser to raise $12,000 to buy a smaller one. While they raised $2,300 so far, it has not been enough to purchase the machine. The fundraiser remains open should you wish to donate.

The fire took place under Joe’s ownership, but months later when the sale of the building closed with Fadil, the new owner terminated the cobbler’s lease, stating that the fire gave cause to terminate the lease. The new landlord gave John’s Shoe Repair shop 3 days to vacate (as posted in this note). Fadil’s business did renovate the space and combined storefronts with Mr. Bell’s former space, after Mr. Bell was forced into retirement after the fire because Joe terminated his lease after the fire and before the sale of the building.

After the new owner Fadil’s renovation was complete, a new beauty shop boutique moved in to the newly combined space.

John’s She Repair is still open on Main Street and serving customers. They have found it extremely difficult to get the word out to people that they are still in Beacon, and on Main Street. So gather your shoes and purses that need repair, and head on down! Tell your friends.

Order Up! Mr. V’s Deli To Remain Open - Still Accepting Buyer Offers

Maggie had a different demeanor when ALBB caught up with her one afternoon at the beginning of July, after she indicated in May that she might close if she didn’t find a buyer when her lease was ending.

So…was she closing? “No,” Maggie replied with a smile while cleaning the meat slicer. “We’re open and still here.” She did not find the right buyer yet, and is still accepting suitors. Until then, her lease has gone month to month, and she is happy with her landlord.

Are the people happy? “Yes,” Maggie said.

Are you happy? “Yes. I felt the support.”

And with that, Maggie continued working, to be seen the next day, keeping the beat, feeding Beacon those egg sandwiches and Italian combo subs.

Collective sigh of relief commenced.

That Time A Lease Termination Notice Giving 3 Days Notice Was Taped To The Boards Of John's Shoe Repair Shop After The Fire Months Prior

After the fire back in July 2022 that destroyed Mr. Bell’s Main Street Beauty Salon at 209 Main Street, the shoe cobbler next door, John’s Shoe Repair, also suffered smoke damage.

Before the fire, the building was about to change owners, and the shoe repair shop had negotiated a multi-year lease with their previous landlord, Joe Donovan, in preparation for the sale to Fadil Mavraj of 201-211 Main Street, LLC, as reported in the Highlands Current..

The shoe repair shop’s notice to customers on where to find them around the corner on S. Brett Street while the space was renovated.

After the fire, the shoe repair shop owners YunTae “John” Oh and his wife, HwaJa Oh tried to work without electricity, but moved operations to a house around the corner on South Brett Street. A note with directions on how to get there with open hours was written and taped to the boards that were to remain up months after the fire. The note read: “Renovation will take a bit longer than we thought. At this time, we will be taking customers at our house. Until further notice, it is a 2 minute car ride from here...Please call or come to my house S. Brett Street. Rear Beacon NY.”

Renovations had been taking a long time. The fire happened in July 2022. Before the fire, Joe told the Highlands Current that he was scheduled to close on the sale of the building that housed the shoe repair shop to “Fadil Mavraj, the developer of the 206-208 Main St. building, within weeks.” The lease for the shoe repair shop was untouched, but “Donovan quickly determined it would not be possible to restore the barbershop before the sale, and terminated Bell’s lease at 211 Main,” he told the newspaper.

The sale of the building happened after the fire. Joe told ALBB: “The sale of 201-211 Main Street closed on 14-Sep-2022. The buyer was 201-211 Main Street LLC, whose principals constructed and own the nearby building [across the street] at 206 Main Street (on the corner of Digger Phelps).”

In October, with YunTae and HwaJa operating from the house on S. Brett Street, an affiliate of the new owners of the building was outside on the sidewalk. ALBB asked him when the shop would be able to open again, and he said he did not know, but was trying to help customers find their shoes.

The lease termination letter from 201-211 Main Street, LLC, Landlord and Owner, signed
By Lendita Mavraj, Manager, stating that the shoe repair shop needed to vacate within 3 days.

Within days, the shoe repair shop’s lease termination notice was taped to the boards of the shop. ALBB took a picture of it and showed it to HwaJa at the house. HwaJa expressed shock at seeing the notice, and said she had not seen it yet. She immediately called her daughter, who often serves as a translator for her parents in their business.

The lease termination letter stated that their lease would be terminated 3 days from the date of it being taped to the board. It also stated that they had 3 days to vacate the property and remove all of their things.

The couple’s daughter told ALBB that her mother was shocked to see her name on the letter that was posted publicly. She said that her parents were willing to pay a higher price and wanted to negotiate, but ultimately, felt the rent too expensive for them.

The lease termination letter is reprinted in full below:

To: Ja Oh Hwa
209 Main Street
Beacon, NY 12508

Lease between 201-211 Main Street, LLC with Ja Oh Hwa
Premises: 209 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508

Dated: October 12, 2022

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that your Lease for the above-described premises will be canceled three (3) days from the date of service of this Notice upon you.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the premises have incurred significant fire damage and have been declared unusable by the Landlord. The Landlord therefore exercises its option under paragraph 14 of the Lease dated July 1, 2022, to cancel said Lease on three (3) days notice.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that you and all persons occupying the above described premises must vacate said premises, return all keys to the Landlord and remove all property, furniture, belongings and personal effects in and on the above-described premises no later than three (3) days after the service of this Notice upon you.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that in the event of your failure to vacate the premises within three (3) days of the service of this Notice upon you, the Landlord will commence summary proceedings to recover possession of the premises.

This Notice is being issued at least three (3) days prior to the date you must vacate the premises.

201-211 Main Street, LLC, Landlord and Owner
By: Lendita Mavraj, Manager

New Location and Equipment Fundraiser For John’s Shoe Repair

The couple has found a new location in the residential building behind Mountain Tops and Colorant, a property that Joe Donovan owns. According to the Highlands Current article, “Joe Donovan paid to move and store the couple’s equipment after the fire; John and HwaJa used their retirement money to move the equipment into the new space.”

However, the space is too small to accommodate their largest machine, and they held a fundraiser to raise $12,000 to buy a smaller one. While they raised $2,300, it has not been enough to purchase the machine. The fundraiser remains open.

The Ironic And Unplanned Retirement of Mr. Alvin Bell: "Bad Things Happen To Good People Too"

In 2019, the Chronogram ran a feature story on Beacon called "Development in the Spotlight" which featured different types of businesses who opened and closed in Beacon in recent years, and why they might have succeeded. Included in the feature was one of Beacon's most famed and loved barber, Mr. Alvin Bell. At age 54, after being downsized at the Nabisco plant that would become Dia:Beacon, which sparked Beacon's revitalization, Mr. Bell opened his salon, Main Street Beauty Salon, to continue his survival in Beacon on Main Street. He maintained the salon for over 30 years. The salon was located next to BJ’s Soul Food.

In July 2022, a spark popped in the vicinity of Mr. Bell's salon, which ended up destroying the salon. After 3pm when everyone had left for the day and the salon was empty, a woman working at the pizza shop next door saw smoke coming out of the bottom of the salon door.

Within hours, his salon was destroyed. Back in 2019, the writer of the Chronogram piece wondered if the success of some businesses was by “magic.” The end certainly went up in smoke.

Quoted from the Chronogram: "It [Beacon] is a place where people like 84-year-old barber Alvin Bell, who spent 27 years working at the Nabisco factory before it was transformed into Dia:Beacon, can open up a business that survives for 30 years and counting.

"Perhaps it's magic. But magic is what the magician does just out of sight while you're distracted by the waving handkerchief. Magic is what happens unheralded and unseen, just beyond the spotlight. You want magic? Show up and do the work," declared the reporter.

Mr. Bell’s success was not magic, but he had blessings and a good landlord along the way, helping to make success possible and his rent affordable. By the time the fire engulfed his salon, his original landlord had sold to a new owner.

The property changed hands after longtime owners, the Piccone family sold 20 parcels on the west end of Main Street to Joseph H. Donovan of Hudson Todd LLC. This included properties where businesses such as Mountain Tops, the Mountain Scout (now Utensil), Miss Vickie’s Music (now Colorant), and others were located. After the sale, long-time businesses moved around at that time so that run-down properties could be renovated and rented for presumably higher rents. Most properties were replaced by existing local Beacon businesses who were relocating and could afford the higher rent in a renovated space.

The new owners at that time, Hudson Todd LLC, worked with some business owners to find new locations. One such person was Miss Vickie’s Music, who Hudson Todd LLC’s helped move to the row of apartments behind Mr. Bell’s salon. Mr. Bell and the shoe cobbler, John’s Shoe Repair, were not moved. They stayed put, even though their spaces were quite old and not renovated.

According to Joseph H. Donovan when asked by ALBB, the sale of the building housing Mr. Bell, John’s Shoe Repair, and the apartments behind which housed Miss Vickie and others, was sold in September. Joseph told ALBB: “The sale of 201-211 Main Street closed on 14-Sep-2022. The buyer was 201-211 Main Street LLC, whose principals constructed and own the nearby building [across the street] at 206 Main Street (on the corner of Digger Phelps).”

The day of the fire, Miss Vickie saw the smoke, but neither fire nor smoke damage reached her apartment. Multiple fire engine companies were called to help put out the fire, which ended up destroying Mr. Bell’s Main Street Beauty Salon with heavy smoke damage to John’s Shoe Repair. Not holding business insurance, Mr. Bell had only what was left in the salon to start over. A GoFundMe page was started to raise cash for him, which it was later reported, he returned, which ALBB has also confirmed with his wife, Shirley. ALBB donated, and did so regardless of if he reopened or not.

Months later, it was reported by the Highlands Current that Joseph Donovan worked to secure Mr. Bell’s salon and John’s Shoe Repair Donovan locations with newly negotiated, multi-year leases. He told the newspaper: “We did that so each of the them would have stability in their current locations after the sale.”

But after the fire, he ended up terminating Mr. Bell’s lease before the sale closed, according to the article. According to the article: “But by then, the merchants had signed their leases and Donovan was scheduled to close on the sale to Fadil Mavraj, the developer of the 206-208 Main St. building, within weeks. Donovan quickly determined it would not be possible to restore the barbershop before the sale, and terminated Bell’s lease at 211 Main.”

ALBB’s interview and transcript with Mr. Bell on his feelings of his reluctant retirement is below. Listen to his voice and hear him tell it in his words.

Audio File Credit: The preparation and compression of this audio file was made possible by Tha’Max Studio and Tin Shingle.

ALBB: “Hi, this is Katie Hellmuth with A Little Beacon Blog. I am standing outside of Mr. Alvin's former salon shop here on Main Street. Hello, Mr. Bill.”

Mr. Bell: “How you doing sis?”

ALBB: “I’m good, thank you. We're standing here in front of the boards, that’s boarded up because it burnt down, a bit ago.Will you be continuing in here?”

Mr. Bell: “No I’m not.”

ALBB: “Would you still be cutting hair had it not burned down?”

Mr. Bell: “Definitely. But now with rent going sky high, it's just crazy in Beacon. I don't want to go back to that headache no more. I'd rather just...resign...you know."

Editor’s Note: Mr. Bell could barely say the word "resign."

ALBB: "Maybe if there's a chair somewhere else on Main Street? You'll be behind it? Cutting hair?"

Mr. Bell: "Oh yeah, definate, definite, I'd do that. Mostly I miss my friends. So many beautiful people in the City of Beacon. What I miss is people coming in from all over town. We sit and we'd talk. And I miss all that. And I miss all the pictures. I had pictures of everybody. That's what I miss more than cutting hair."

Editor’s Note: His salon was filled wall-to-wall with framed photos, certificates, awards and recognition. Most of which burned. A gentleman comes to interrupt:

Stranger: "Hey brother, the is your shop right here?"

Mr. Bell: "You know it brother man!" Mr. Bell continued with his infamous deep chuckle. "I miss everybody in Beacon now."

ALBB: "We saw you out here every single day."

Mr. Bell: "That's right. Sure did! And I love it. Everybody was so nice to me. Everybody in Beacon. The Chief of Police. Everybody."

ALBB: "Were you surprised when the burned down?"

Mr. Bell: "Yeah. I was very surprised."

ALBB: "How have you been feeling?"

Mr. Bell: "I've been feeling good physically and mentally, but I miss all my good friends. I miss my friends. I still got friends. Everyone says 'as long as you're in good health.' And I'm in good health. Sometimes things happen, and we don't know why they happen. I don't talk much about spirituality, only I am the central power, that kind of stuff, but, I'm a spiritual type of person. Bad things happen to good people too."

ALBB: "You brought with you today a picture of Pete Seeger. Tell us your back story.”

Mr. Bell: "And here's [a picture of an article in] A Little Beacon Blog!”

ALBB: "Yes! There's A Little Beacon Blog.

Mr. Bell: "Put that on there.”

ALBB: "Ok. Here we go. The article reads: ‘Alvin Bell Sr. Turns 85. He Was Awarded The Unofficial Mayor Of The City Of Beacon” And you were awarded that by Mayor Randy Casale at the time.”

Mr. Bell: "That's right.”

ALBB: "You're now holding the Chrongram Community Pages from May 2019, they did a huge feature of you. They were spotlighting as this was going up. And I see the 2 new apartment buildings next to he gas station. One of them was finished, and that one wasn't finished yet. They are both finished now. But there's a huge spread of you that they did on the other page, opposite that.”

Mr. Bell: "Will you take a picture of that?”

ALBB: “I will take a picture of that. Tell me about Pete Seeger. How is he in your heart?”

Mr. Bell: "Don't forget Chris. I sung with Chris. We went all over Beacon. Chris took me to places. I didn't know what was in Beacon. My favorite song is Victory is Mine. That's my favorite song. Pete used to come in - I never called him Pete.”

ALBB: "What did you call him?

Mr. Bell: "Mr. Seeger. You have to earn it. Also a picture of his wife. When she died and I went to the funeral, he gave me a beautiful picture of her. You see that? 3x Grammy. He gave it to me to put it in the shop. I had so many. I had 20, 30 award. Every Church gave me an award. But they all burn up, so. I don't know why, but. It really don't matter."

ALBB: "We are now looking at the Certificate of Recognition. For the Unofficial Mayor of Beacon. Signed by Randy Casale. The letter reads:

Dear Alvin Bell Senior:

I would like to wish you a very happy 85th birthday. You have been the unofficial mayor of the City of Beacon. Your barbershop has served Beacon residents in an exemplary fashion for nearly 3 decades. This community is grateful to have such a friendly and helpful role model. As a good friend of Pete Seeger, I know you have a good heart. Your children and those around you are blessed to learn from you every day. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for the City of Beacon. Happy Birthday, and I wish you many more to come.

Signed by Mayor Randy Casale


At the end of our interview, a man driving by pulled his car over and brought out his camera. He asked if he could take a picture of Mr. Bell. Being that Mr. Bell looks so dapper every day.

“Do you know who this person is?” ALBB asked. “No,” he replied, and asked to take his picture. Mr. Bell was flattered and agreed. The man snapped his photo and turned to leave. But not without ALBB forcing this story upon him before he drove away with another icon collected in his camera.

PS: Another beauty salon has since opened in the spot where Mr. Bell’s salon was. ALBB speaks on behalf of the community in welcoming them here and wishing them good luck.

Beacon Post Office Clerks Given Notice To Find New Locations - 1.5 Clerks To Remain At Beacon PO

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in April 2023, during the time of the social uproar at the possibility of the Beacon Post Office closing. While the social panic subsided, the crisis continues for postal carriers and clerks. There is a Town Hall meeting in Rock Tavern, NY on Friday. Beacon’s post office can employ at least 5 clerks. But as part of the Post Master General Louis DeJoy’s plan, is downsizing Beacon’s post office to just 1.5 clerks. Despite a former Beacon Postmaster reassuring Beacon’s City Administrator that Beacon’s Post Office was one of the busiest in the area. So why downsize from 5 clerks to 1.5 clerks if it’s so busy?

The clerks who work behind the front desk at the post office were given notice in late March 2023 that they needed to find new job locations within the USPS, as confirmed by Diana Cline, the president of the clerk’s union American Postal Workers Union. If the clerks did not want to leave Beacon, they could be “pulled” and another job will be chosen for them. At least one clerk is leaving at the end of April. The former Postmaster for Beacon, Colleen Johnson, reportedly recently took another job in Hopewell Junction, and the reportedly temporary Postmaster for Beacon, Jimmy, was on vacation for comment.

When one clerk is working the desk at the Beacon Post Office, and one other clerk is working the back to retrieve packages that are there for pickup, the customer line is very long. Despite the good job the clerks do with each customer.

If at least 200 post offices in the United States and 16 in New York are downsizing to be “spoke” post offices (which means there will be no carriers, but some services will in theory operate out of that building by clerks), as ALBB reported earlier this week, it is unclear how many positions will be available to the Beacon employees looking for new jobs at other post offices. Since the USPS seems to be downsizing nationally, which you can read about in the USPS 10 Year Plan designed by Trump appointed Post Master General Louis DeJoy, who admitted during this panel that he sees very little value in mail or post offices. He sees money in packages and building giant fulfillment centers with billions of dollars given to the USPS from Congress during the pandemic, which you can read about here and here.

By September 2023, according to to the clerk, there will be 1.5 clerks working at the Beacon location: a full-time clerk, and a part-time clerk.

Why Doesn’t Beacon Offer Passport Service Anymore?

When asked why the Beacon Post Office does not offer the passport service anymore, the clerk explained that the woman who specialized in it had retired.

If the USPS’ plan is to downsize the Beacon Post Office (and other Post Offices), then it does not seem likely that the passport service will be available to Beaconites. The next nearest location is Wappingers.

In a letter dated February 28, 2023, the USPS mailed the APWU (the clerks’ union) to let them know that the Beacon Post Office would be changing in order to cut costs while improving services to residents. It did not state which services would be improving, how how the services would improve with fewer clerks employed. The passport service is not slated to return.

Said James Lloyd, Labor Relations, Policies and Programs for the USPS: “As discussed in our July 29 correspondence the purpose of creating S&DCs is to reduce transportation and mail handling costs, as well as provide Postal customers with additional services. S&DCs will allow for easier standardization and management of operations while improving building and operating conditions for employees.”

The local President from the other union, the NALC for the letter carriers, has confirmed to ALBB that they have not received such letter from the USPS.

What Is An S&DC? And How Does It Impact Beacon’s Post Office And Letter Carriers?

Earlier this week, ALBB reported that the Beacon Post Office was under threat of being closed, when it seemed imminent that postal carriers (who are out delivering the mail to your address) were being eliminated from doing this from the Beacon Post Office, and would instead to it from a large facility in Newburgh, known as a Sorting & Delivery Center (S&DC), which are being built out all over the country (see pictures here).

2 Different Unions Representing Carriers and Clerks

The employees are at the heart of this matter, as well as the location of where people will get services (package pickup, passport service, long lines, etc.). There are at least 2 groups of employees being disrupted - Clerks and Carriers. The Clerks are represented by the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) and the Carriers are represented by the National Association Of Letter Carriers (NALC).

According to letters to the carrier’s union APWU from the USPS, and implicated by new TV commercials, employment of clerks and carriers is going to shift dramatically with the loss and relocation of jobs. Based on the planned relocating or loss of jobs of all but 1.5 clerk employees in the Beacon Post Office, the planned skeletal staff doesn’t seem to service anyone very well. It is a stress on the clerks, and a source of impatience for the customer.

Of the 10-12 letter carriers that are stationed at the Beacon Post Office, it is possible that all would be relocated to the S&DC in Newburgh, or other centers. As indicated by this letter from the USPS to the APWU, which was obtained and published by SaveThePostOffice.com, Beacon is on the list of post offices scheduled to not have carrier service anymore, but to have carriers retrieve sorted mail it from an S&DC. However, according to the President of carrier’s local union, National Association Of Letter Carriers (NALC), no official notice has been given to the carrier’s union from the USPS concerning this, or how it would work.

The local NALC President said that a threat of this relocating has happened in the past, a little under 2 years ago, which is when the Trump appointed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy was, and remains, in power and at the helm of these changes. The union president stated that Utica’s transition had started already. SaveThePostOffice.com has been tracking other transformations that have begun, and the loss of jobs that have started.

That, with this new employment information from the clerk, as well as the TV commercials, indicates the new life at the S&DC in Newburgh will become a reality.

Despite what the USPS sources told the City of Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White, the planned skeletal staff of clerks at Beacon’s Post Office does not sound like services will be remaining the same for resdients, but will be declining. If suffocated enough, then there won’t be a purpose to keep open the beautiful building, except to hold Post Office Boxes. Which will have to be stuffed by a clerk. But the clerk is also servicing the front counter. With the proposed one full time clerk and one part time clerk, it is unclear how PO Boxes will be stuffed in a timely manner while the clerk is serving on the front desk.

The local petition to stop the removal of mail carriers from the Beacon Post Office.

The Employment Petition At The Beacon Post Office

A petition to stop the removal of mail carriers from the Beacon Post Office is on the front counter of the Beacon Post Office, right under the plexiglass windows that separate the clerk from the customers.

Beacon Post Office To Stay Open - BUT Carriers Being Re-Routed To Newburgh To Pick Up Mail And Drop It Off. Trump Appointed Postmaster General Thinks This Efficient

Editorial Note: This article has been updated to include accurate and updated information, terminology, and the latest response from the City of Beacon in their City Council Workshop meeting last night.

The Beacon Post Office is not closing - as of now - despite rumors and two local publications misunderstanding the information (WRRV and ALBB) and who have both issued corrections. However, with the flurry of articles concerning the posts offices in the Mid Hudson area that are slated to undergo a big change, came answers of clarification from the USPS and the City of Beacon. Let’s dive in.

But First, Answers To Some FAQs:

Is Beacon’s Post Office protected as a historic place?
Yes. Thanks to a tip from an anonymous citizen reporter, Beacon’s Post Office is listed on the State and National List Of Historic Places, as identified in Beacon’s Comprehensive Plan on pages 40-41.

Will Glenham’s Post Office be closing?
According to Steve Hutkins of SaveThePostOffice.com, “Haven’t heard anything about Glenham, but it appears to be a small office with no letter carriers, so it wouldn’t be part of the plan. The plan is just about relocating carriers from those post offices that have them.”

At Least 200 Post Offices Nation-Wide Will Become “Spokes” and Will Stop Being A Hub For Local Delivery

According to the new commercials from the USPS, a new super-smart system is coming for mail delivery that involves big coordination for max efficiency, the USPS promotes. The roll-out of this max efficiency has been confusing so far, according to some carriers of the Beacon post office who deliver the mail.

According to the USPS and the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) via letter, some local post offices - 16 in the Mid Hudson Region, and 200 post offices across the country are slated to stop having carriers deliver mail from them - but instead will drive to local centers to pick up the mail and drive it back to their local routes.

Carriers will not get the mail from the local post office, like Beacon, but will instead get it from a Sorting and Delivery Center (S&DC). According to Steve Hutkins of SaveThePostOffice.com, who also lives in the Hudson Valley, who has been following and reporting on the post office for over 10 years: “Beacon and the other post offices on the list will be giving up their carriers to the Sorting & Delivery Center in the Mid Hudson Newburgh facility.” Residents will still have their mail delivered to their homes by carriers. But the carriers will be driving to and from Newburgh - across the Hudson River on the traffic-prone Newburgh/Beacon Bridge - to do this.

These post offices include Beacon, Fishkill, Wappingers, Newburgh, and several others. They will become “spoke” post offices. To help define the USPS lingo, Steve tells ALBB: “A ‘spoke’ post office is one of the offices giving over its carriers to the S&DC, which is the ‘hub’ of the wheel. This is how USPS refers to them in its presentations, like this one.’”

According to the USPS, the delivery trucks will park at the S&DC (Sorting and Delivery Center), which for Beacon, is in Newburgh.

According to a Beacon postal worker, Beacon employees heard from other postal workers who may have received official notices from their bosses or union at the Post Office that fulfillment and distribution would be done at the processing center in Newburgh. The Newburgh Post Office (different from the processing center) is also slated to stop having mail delivery service from it in September 2023. This has since been confirmed by SaveThePostOffice.com’s publishing of the postal carrier’s union’s letter.

At the time of speaking with ALBB, the postal worker was sitting in their delivery truck, sorting mail for the next block of delivery. Which prompted the question: where will the trucks park? According to a presentation from the USPS in August 2022, parking and commute time was taken into consideration. However, it is not clear if traffic for the commute time for any employee heading over the Newburgh/Beacon bridge was taken into consideration.

The postal worker did not know. Nor did they know how it would work driving in the little truck back and forth across the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge. Also not clear was who would be paying for all that gas, and the new tolls the trucks would accumulate.

With Wappingers, Fishkill, Newburgh, Cornwall, Montgomery, New Paltz, Pine Bush, Walden and other nearby Post Offices closing, the USPS says in a presentation that they have factored in parking, if there is enough parking for those delivery trucks. In this new USPS commercial, it looks like the original post office truck is being directed by the airline-looking traffic controller person.

The traffic on the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge can be thick. One accident, bless the people involved in the crash, can stop traffic for 2 hours at times, backing up all the way to Fishkill’s Route 9.

City of Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White Confirms Building Not Closing

Speculation has been so strong by the public that the Beacon building would close (with the burning hot real estate market going on in Beacon, and the loss of several iconic businesses to new development, this served as a strong foundation for this rumor) WRRV and ALBB first published that the building would close. WRRV was quick to update their initial article, and included this statement: “From the USPS: ‘As we move forward with this initiative, customers will see no changes to their local post office retail operations. No post offices will be closed and PO Box service will not be changed.’"

ALBB emailed Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White days ago to inquire about a possible building closure, and he did not reply. Instead, he updated the community in the final moments of the weekly City Council meeting, as he seems to like breaking his own news on his own time. Special thanks to Councilperson Justice McCray who commented via Instagram that the City of Beacon made an update in the final moments of the meeting.

From the City Administrator’s update, just seconds before the meeting adjourned:

“I have a 2-minute update on the Post Office. Your emails are blowing up. A week to two weeks ago, word spread in Beacon that we were going to loose carriers, and that was a preface to closing down the post office. When we got word of that, we did reach out to Congressman Pat Ryan's office in Kingston. They were doing a call today (Monday) with their Washington Office to ascertain the details on it.

“I did reach out to both the Postmaster who is currently on a different assignment - the Beacon Postmaster is in Hopewell. I did speak to the interim Postmaster. Neither of them believes that closure is at all considered. They thought that was highly unlikely. It had not being discussed.

“What is being discussed is these S&DC centers. The Sorting and Delivery. The carriers that now report for the 13 routes that are done in the 12508 area, would instead report to Newburgh. There were 15 or 16 communities that were going to be moved there. When I talked to the Postmaster, she said that all of the retail functions of the post office are going to remain the same. In fact, there was a similar consolidation of the sorting and delivery a couple of years ago in Eastern Dutchess that Hopewell was part of, and they still remain open.

“We are waiting for a final call back from Congressman Ryan's office. I left messages with the Vice President Of the American Postal Workers Union who I worked with years ago fighting other closures in Sullivan County. It doesn't seem that there is any real threat to close the post office. It would change where the carriers report, but the function day to day, your delivery, your ability to go to the post office, to have a box, to purchase postage, and other items there, would not change."

Mayor Lee Kyriacou clarified: "None of the customer-facing elements are involved in any consideration for change?"

City Administrator Chris responded: "That's correct. And when I said 'Well, do you think this could be a step toward closing?' They said 'No, this is one of our busiest post offices.' If somebody was going to close post offices, this would not be top of the list to close. When we fought this years ago, when I worked in a Congressional office, we were closing very small post offices in towns you would not recognize the names of. Where they had only a few people going in and a few boxes left. And even there we were able to stop it."

From this roll-out, Steve told ALBB that he is waiting to see how more details are addressed, like how a package that cannot be delivered will be handled. Will Beaconites need to drive over the bridge and back to retrieve it?

Editor’s Note: If you are a postal employee in the Mid Hudson region who works in the building for window service and has been impacted by this - where you did see change - please tell ALBB about it. If you were told by a superior that the building may close in the future, please contact us to tell us your source.

The Change From Post Offices To Fulfillment Centers

Suddenly news in the post office is moving quickly. Steve at SaveThePostOffice.com has been following this closely, and researched the large processing centers being built by the USPS by reviewing lists of processing centers that were released to postal unions. He has not been able to come up with a conclusion as to how they will work. However, he did notice that two of the large processing centers were located in North Carolina. “It’s noteworthy that two of the four new leased facilities will be in North Carolina, the Postmaster General’s adopted home state. DeJoy built his fortune as CEO of New Breed Logistics, based in High Point; he has a home in nearby Greensboro; and his chief logistics officer and executive VP is also a former New Breed executive. They have a lot of experience doing logistics projects in North Carolina, but why develop two new leased RPDCs in the same state, just 110 miles apart?”

Steve has also been tracking who has already been fired at the local post offices. In an article published on April 3, 2023, he followed which “spoke” post offices have been impacted.

Steve reported on April 1, 2023: “According to the impact statements the Postal Service is required to provide the APWU when it excesses employees, at least 40 clerk positions are being excessed at about 30 post offices, some of which aren’t scheduled to lose their carriers until September. [Update, 4/2/2023: The Postal Service has dialed back the S&DC plan yet again. The number of spoke offices sending carriers to the Mid Hudson S&DC is now 7 instead of 16, and the total number of excessed positions is now 8 instead of 23.]”

This is just the beginning of what is sure to be several news reports about this.

What will happen to the Elf in the Beacon Post Office who receives the letters to Santa?

What will happen to the Elf in the Beacon Post Office who receives the letters to Santa, and answers each one herself, with candy canes taped onto the envelope? Which magically make it through the sorting machines without getting crushed, or needing a stamp?

Editor’s Note: Any post office worker who wants to contribute to how this will impact them, or how they see this has been handled on the inside, can email ALBB with their anonymous input. We can interview you and not publish your name if you wish.

5th Annual Traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony - Thank You

Submitted and Written by: Rhonda Altonen

On Saturday November 26th, the City of Beacon held their 5th Annual Traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony with entertainment provided by our local area singers, musicians, and dancers for all ages with a big turnout.

The MC duties for the evening were shared by our very own Antonio and Ethan See from Beacon BSA Troop 41 and Olivia Reynolds from Beacon Girl Scout Troop 10459.

To begin the evening's entertainment, Ursula Seymour from School of Rock sang a beautiful rendition of the “The Star-Spangled Banner. Then the dancers from Yanarella School of Dance performed to a mix of Christmas songs. Max Goodhill sang, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas". Ursula returned to the stage with our local BSA and Girl Scout Troops to sing a variety of Christmas songs including "Jingle Bells", "Rudolph", and "We Wish you a Merry Christmas". John Newhall from School of Rock played his guitar and sang wonderful renditions of "Blue Christmas", "Run Rudolph Run", and "White Christmas". Wrapping up the evening all of our entertainers joined Ursula, BHS chorus and our Scouts to welcome  Santa in with "Santa Claus is Coming to Town".

In between performances locally donated prizes were raffled off. Raffles were announced by Tree Lighting Committee Member Atilano (Jr) Rivera, who currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Beacon Elks Lodge #1493. All raffles are free and provided by local Beacon and surrounding businesses. In addition, we had a special booth set up by Simone Williams, owner of All You Knead, where the profits were matched and donated to Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) of Beacon. Ornament and S'mores kits were also given out to kids as a memory of the event.

This year, thanks to Mark Price and the City of Beacon Recreation Department we also had live trees as part of the raffle prizes. These trees would be delivered to the winner’s home, or winners could opt to donate their tree to one of our local parks. Winners who donated their trees are Patti Rock, John Soltish, Robert See, Louis Ballard, Andrea Corlis, Stephanie Gill, and our very own Mayor Lee Kyriacou.

To wrap up the evening, Santa Claus rode in on his big red fire truck driven by our own Lewis Tompkins Hose Co.1 with goodies for the kids and then he listened to all of their Christmas wishes and posed for photos. The audience helped count down and the beautiful tree in Polhill Park was lit, and kids from one to 92 (and even their furry friends) posed for holiday pictures in front of the enormous colorfully lit tree.

The Tree Lighting Committee Members want to thank all of the entertainers who volunteered their time and talents, Mark Price of Beacon Recreation and his team in adding lights to the tree and for setting up the tent, stage and electronics for the ceremony. The Lewis Tompkins Hose Co.1 for their assistance and support, BSA Troop 41 for providing hot chocolate and Beacon Recreation for sugar cookies to all attendees, and the one and only Santa Claus for always making time to come to Beacon. The Tree Lighting Committee Members are Atilano (JR) Rivera, Donna Idema, Rosemary Merhige, Jennifer See, Chris Bopp, Rhonda Altonen, Stephanie Soltish, Bobbie Zappala, Kat Caporale and Kathleen Plumer.

We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to all the following individuals and businesses for donating raffle prizes for the event:

  • Adams Fairacre Farms

  • All You Knead

  • Antalek & Moore

  • Antonellas, Fishkill

  • ARF

  • Artisan Wines

  • Baja 328

  • Bath & Bubble

  • Batts Florist

  • Beacon Bagel Shoppe

  • Beacon Boy Scouts

  • Beacon Creamery

  • Beacon d’Lites

  • Beacon Dept of Public Works

  • Beacon Falls Cafe

  • Beacon Fire Department

  • Beacon Girl Scouts

  • Beacon Mayor and Council

  • Beacon Recreation Department

  • Big Vinny’s

  • Brother's Trattoria

  • Chris Bopp

  • Hudson Beach Glass

  • Key Food

  • Leo’s

  • Miss Haddie’s BBQ

  • Mountain Laurel Florist

  • Mountain Tops

  • Peaceful Provisions

  • Pedago

  • Poughkeepsie Nissan

  • Raven Rose

  • Santa

  • Scarborough Fair

  • Schmucks

  • Snookie’s

  • The School of Rock

  • The Yard

  • Tito Santana Taqueria

  • Utensil

  • Veritech Wireless

  • Waves by Diana

  • Yankee Clipper

  • Yanarella  School of Dance

The event had a great turnout with about 200 people attending. Thank you again to all the families and individuals that joined us for this event. 

New Businesses In Beacon Are Popping Up!

As you walk down Main Street, you’ll notice new businesses are popping up all the time! Like, Healthy In Color and Butterhead Salad Company (opening in April).

We try to keep up with new businesses as we notice them! Then we add them to our Shopping Guide, Restaurant Guide, or Beauty Guide. Main Street businesses get a free basic listing in these guides.

If you’re a new business or if you notice a new business and don’t see it listed in one of our guides, let us know. It’s not intentional — we’re just a small mighty team and sometime’s it’s hard to keep up.

If you’re a business who wants to sponsor one of these guides, be included in our weekly newsletter, and be featured weekly in our Instagram, you can find all of the details here > or reach out for more information!

“Tara” Opens In Hudson Valley Food Hall - Former Employee , Trina, Takes Over & Reimagines

One of the most positive people in all of Beacon is Trina.

I loved the people around me and loved the guest compliments and reviews about the food which I was preparing. It boosted up my confidence again that I can do it!!!”
— Trina Mazumder

If you don’t know Trina Mazumder yet, she was an employee of Hudson Valley Shawarma, a food stall located at the front of Hudson Valley Food Hall, which is next door to Subway. Trina is also a henna artist. She also burns intricate designs into wood. Some of you were lucky enough to have her paint onto your hands at A Little Beacon Blog’s table at Spirit of Beacon Day 2022.

Map of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India.

Trina is from Bangladesh. She is an accomplished and credited foodie with Big Dreams. Through the course of events that is small business ownership, Trina purchased Hudson Valley Shawarma with the support of her husband, Buddika Amila Pg who owns the restaurant Lotus Deluxe in Sri Lanka, and her family. She reimagined what she could serve at her own new restaurant: Tara.

“Back home, I completed my Hotel Management Degree and came to the United States as an Intern Chef. It was my dream to open my own restaurant one day. Additionally, my husband used to work in hotel food and beverage service, and he has a restaurant back home in Sri Lanka. So when I started the job in Beacon (at the former Hudson Valley Shawarma), I loved the people around me and loved the guest compliments and reviews about the food which I was preparing. It boosted up my confidence again that I can do it!!!”

Trina shared the idea with her parents and husband. “They inspired me more, and I believe that yes, we are going to do it!!”

The Chicken Samosa at Tara, prepared in Bangladeshi style with a crispy outside.

The food on the menu is a fusion cousin of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food. Look for options like Chicken Samosa (Bangladeshi), Moglai Paratha (Indian), Watalappan (Sri Lanka) and Falafel (Middle Eastern).

The name Tara is a combination of Trina and her husband’s name (Buddika Amila Pg…he goes by Amila). Tara also means “star” in Bangladeshi Indian.

Fitting, as you will feel like a star each time you go into the Hudson Valley Food Hall. The vendors are pals and work together. Each trying to make the magic happen.

On a Saturday night in January, the Hudson Valley Food Hall was hopping.

Beaconites should take special note: if you want to love your town, you will need to go to these restaurants in the middle of the week. If you are going to complain that Beacon is becoming a bedroom community, ALBB is going to tell you that it is your fault. For not coming out for Bangladeshi chicken samosa on a Monday or Wednesday for lunch or dinner.

Are you kidding!?!

Trina is amazing, and so are you. Warm your blood with her food any day of the week. She is open all days except Tuesdays. Because such is Beacon. :)

There is a bar in the back - The Roosevelt Bar. Plus a patio on the side. Plus they are dog-friendly. You have everything you need. Done. See you there!

New Art Gallery Opens In Beacon "Super Secret Projects" Through The Hallway Of Hyperbole - Open 7 Days

A new art gallery called Super Secret Projects has opened down the hallway behind the boutique Hyperbole at 484 Main Street on the east end of Main Street near the mountain. Says Carolyn Baccaro, co-owner of the space: “We did a small renovation, and now you can walk right through the shop. We're also open 11am-6pm daily, so this is a full-time art gallery in Beacon, yay!!”

The creator of Super Secret Projects, Diana Vidal, likens the space to a speakeasy since one accesses it by walking through the boutique and down a hallway to get to the gallery, she told the Highlands Current. The co-owners of Hyperbole, Carolyn Baccaro and Andrea Podab are known for their collaboration with business and artistic projects, which have involved a pop-up shop at A Little Beacon Blog’s former space before they opened their own shops Artifact Beacon and Wares (which merged into Hyperbole), and a partnership with Beacon Mercantile who later opened a storefront on Main Street until she needed to move out to help a family member with their health.

About “Duality”

The 100% artist-run and curated space will host a public reception for their first group show, “Duality,” on Saturday, January 14th, from 7pm to 10pm at 484 Main Street. The exhibition, which runs through February 4th, will feature the work of local artists Alyssa Follansbee, Darya Golubina, Allegra Jordan, Yunmee Kyong, Elin Lundman, Evan Samuelson, and Diana Vidal.

According to the press release: “Conventionally, duality is defined as an instance of opposition or contrast between two aspects of something. Within this exhibition, we will endeavor to creatively explore the multitude of ways that the conceptual ideas of duality identify themselves within our existential outlook, history, and approach to the world. Like two sides of a coin, or interchangeable roles, a dichotomy of reality exists within us all. The work shown here is our reconciliation.”

About Super Secret Projects

Super Secret Projects is an artist-run initiative created to foster community and facilitate opportunities for emerging and mid-career artists to collaborate, experiment, and share their work. Visitors can peruse fresh and exciting local art 7 days a week from 11am to 6pm with new exhibits every month.

Follow @HyperboleNY and @SuperSecretProjects on Instagram for more details.

To apply for membership, apply to the Open Call for artists, or sign up for a workshop course, visit www.SuperSecretProjects.com.

$1,000 Grants Open For Applications Until Nov. 28 - BeaconArts' Clara Lou Gould Grant Seeks Applicants

You could fret about cooking a turkey and finding a gravy recipe, or you could put that stress aside to instead apply in time for the possible $1,000 you could be granted from the Clara Lou Gould Fund For The Arts, managed by BeaconArts.

According the BeaconArts: “The Clara Lou Gould Fund for the Arts funds arts projects in Beacon including individual artist’s projects, unique exhibition, performance or public art projects, arts education programs, and community programs that promote area artists and arts activities, drawing attention to the valuable role of arts and culture in our community.”

Clara Lou Gould was Beacon’s Mayor for 18 years. “BeaconArts created this special Fund for the Arts named for Beacon’s former Mayor, Clara Lou Gould in honor of her 18 years of service as Beacon’s Mayor, and in recognition of her support of arts and culture in Beacon.”

Applications for grants are being accepted until November 28th, 2022, and the application doesn’t look too complicated. “While this fund is directly administered by the Community Foundation of Dutchess County, a committee of representatives from BeaconArts makes funding recommendations based on its knowledge of community need and offerings,” says their website.

“We believe in the fluidity of the Hudson Valley arts community and as such this fund is designed to support projects and activities in the Greater Beacon community, including those that may be initiated beyond city limits.”

Apply now, and/or email Suzanne Ball Suzanne@beaconarts.org with questions.