Racist Zoom Bombing Targets Desmond-Fish Library Bake-Off Awards Ceremony While Black Employee Hosts

During the holiday season of December, 2020, the Desmond-Fish Public Library in Garrison held a month-long bake off contest for kids, who could bake at home and submit their entries. The submissions would be presented in a video montage Awards Ceremony on January 2nd, 2021, where participants could gather on a Zoom call, hosted by Justice McCray, a well known lover of books and creative programming, having worked at Beacon’s Howland Public Library, and currently works at the Desmond-Fish Public Library, as well as Split Rock Books in Cold Spring. Justice is also an emerging local activist in the social revolution to make Black lives matter more, and has been a leader in most of the protest marches down Beacon’s Main Street and educational story circles held at Memorial Park and Pete & Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park.

The bake-off program was well marketed in advance across social media channels and in the local press. As the program got started, with eager children, parents and caregivers on the call to look at delightful attempts at baking, the The Great Desmond-Fish Public Library Bake Off award ceremony was interrupted by people or a person masquerading as participants on the call - using participants’ names like a wolf in sheep’s clothing - typing words such as the N-word dozens of times in all caps across the screen. The Desmond-Fish Public Library Director Jen McCreery confirmed to A Little Beacon Blog: “The interloper appropriated the identities of several program participants, which is how they were able to access the program through the waiting room.”

The program had been “hacked by one or more interlopers who used the platform to spread racist and sexist messages” the library director explained in an email press release sent soon after the incident, and on the library’s Facebook page, in a message from the library’s Board of Directors, posted 2 days after the event, and after the authorities had been notified, and participants began to process what had happened. As to if the library or Justice himself were targeted, Jen emphasized: “I do want to clarify that we have no way of knowing whether this was a targeted or random attack on the library and Justice specifically.”

The program’s host, Justice McCray, expressed in his social media that he wasn’t sure what to do after the targeted incident. He has since co-hosted an evening vigil at Pohil Park in Beacon, in honor of finishing the Election Certification that was derailed at the Capitol yesterday (1/6/2021) by people, some of whom were armed, climbing the building and breaking windows to get inside to sit in offices and put their feet up on the desks of people who had evacuated.

This was the first time that the Desmond-Fish Public Library had ever been Zoom Bombed, Jen confirmed. Library staff was able to handle the breach “as quickly as possible in the moment, but, sadly, the Zoom participants were exposed to this hateful and illegal behavior,” Jen told A Little Beacon Blog. In their message to the public, the library Board expressed: “The Library Staff and our Board of Trustees are horrified that a program created as a positive and joyful celebration of our community was derailed by one hateful individual, We are especially sorry that this attack was witnessed by children. No family should have to encounter such hate speech.”

According to Jen in response to A Little Beacon Blog’s questions, the library notified Putnam County Sheriff's Department. “They have taken our full report and it's my understanding they are looking into what charges might be brought against the perpetrators.”

In terms of moving forward, “we are looking into alternate online platforms as well as additional security measures we can take for future online events,” Jen told A Little Beacon Blog.

Jen also expressed: “Everyone at the library is grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support we've received from local organizations and families and we hope that, going forward, we can channel that support into creating programs and educational resources to help our community members come together in addressing the larger systemic issues that contributed to this incident.”

Justice McCray told A Little Beacon Blog in response to an email asking him if he had comments he wanted to share regarding his and this experience: “This was a traumatic incident for me. There’s no way for me to not take this personal. To be the first Black staff member at my job to host an event and to have this happen cuts deeper than I can explain. I’m glad the library and community aren’t sweeping this incident under the rug. It’s necessary to center to voices and needs of those most impacted by this event. It’s also equally necessary not to center them in a way that amplifies the trauma.

“The work ahead is as vital as it is difficult and painful. Now is a necessary time for or communities, especially Philipstown, to reflect on the impact its history of racism has on its dreamed future of inclusivity. The next questions that need to be asked are not “how can we improve security on our events to prevent this from happening?“ but rather, “How is this something that can happen in our communitiy? What behaviors have we dismissed or ignored that led to this escalation? How can we create a community where harm like this doesn’t continue?”

Compass Arts Creativity Project Receives Grant To Build Art Kits For Beacon Central School District Students

The Compass Arts Creativity Project recently created art kits for 72 Rombout Middle School and Sargent Elementary School students in Beacon, New York. The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley provided funding for the packs, which included a journal with a variety of art supplies along with writing/drawing prompts curated by Compass Arts educators and community collaborators.

The kits are intended to give children the space and tools to connect with their voices and inspire creativity and self expression amidst the challenges of remote and hybrid learning.

Compass Arts partnered with Karen Pagano and the Beacon City Schools Food Services to distribute them alongside lunch pickup. This means that art kits arrived via school buses with food drop-offs.

Saturday Art Series In January

The 2021 winter programming continues to prioritize access and inclusion. As we head into an uncertain winter, Compass Arts Creativity Project intends to create online program offerings to meet the community’s need for social connection, creativity, and self expression through the arts. The Saturday Arts Series will be a 10 week series of online arts workshops and performances held during the coldest days of winter, from January 16th - March 20th. With grants and donations, they expect to offer a tiered pricing structure, from Free to $25 per participant, allowing members of the community to benefit from the arts regardless of their ability to pay.

Who Is Compass Arts?

Compass Arts Creativity Project’s mission is to create healthy, just, equitable, and resilient communities through classes, performances, and events rooted in exploration, collaboration, creation, and play. Started in 2011 as a small business, Compass Arts became a non-profit corporation in 2019 and received its 501(c)(3) designation in fall 2020 in order to expand its offerings and amplify its impact.

To learn more about Compass Arts and unite with them in this vital work, you can join their end of year fundraising campaign launched on Giving Tuesday, December 1st, and donate at www.CompassArts.org/donate.

Making The Magic During The Pandemic - Budget Or Zero Budget - Holiday Season 2020

When my 10-year old daughter brought down the tinsel tree from the attic - two weeks ago, so that puts us in mid-November - I won’t lie to you by sharing that instead of sheer holiday joy, I hyperventilated and cried. It was a Monday morning. We were on a roll with getting dressed, having enough breakfast to satisfy a morning belly during a Remote Morning Meeting for school, and I was methodically making a dent in the 4 baskets of laundry while making my work to-do list.

There is always talk of decorating for Holiday right after Halloween, and I pushed it off, kicked the can down the road, begging them if I could pick up and organize the house and attic enough before the Christmas decorations came down. So when I saw the tinsel, the amount of loss of control of what was about to happen was overwhelming. The Holiday Season is here, and that means many things, but most physically, it means spending money and existing in pure consumerism. Which as a kid is really fun! But as an adult, has formed an emerging outlook. But the season is so beautiful! And it’s fun to give gifts! But you may not have money. Oye, the agonizing toll. I first wrote about this over at the Highlands Current in 2018.

So here’s the deal. Here’s how we can make it through the holiday season during a pandemic, making it a lot of fun, even if you have no budget. And if you do have a budget, yay! If you don’t have a budget, we are going to yay this too!

ALBB As A Marketer

You’re going to see A Little Beacon Blog go bananas on Instagram for shopping. We usually do anyway, but we will during this season too. Keeping in mind that many of you may not be able to spend on anything at all. We are fans of small business and entrepreneurship, so we like to be a part of keeping people in business, which can give them financial and creative freedoms.

Shops On Main Street Need The Sales

At this point in the pandemic, shopping from the stores is a good deed. Where once retail therapy felt good for you, it is more of a mutual feeling than ever. These shops make our walking and driving experience in any town. If you want that experience to stay, then you need to buy something from the store. If you went into a store one time, and had a bad experience, or someone said or did something to make you mad, and you never go back again, you’re just hurting the vibe in which you live. So give them another try.

Wrap What You Recently Purchased

Holiday gifts don’t need to be purchased after Thanksgiving. That is not the rule. The rule is a feeling of giving and appreciation. If you recently bought a couch, or some shoes that you loved because they were on sale 2 months ago, wrap them. Remember what you have and recently invested in. It all counts!

Schedule Purchases After December 25th

You may need things, like fitness clothing. You may want this to be your gift. But, it goes on mega-sale in the big-box stores after December 25th. Like the Annual Sale at Victoria Secret, where their PINK line includes leggings, sweatshirts, etc. If these are the things you are asking for, let your people know, budget the money, and go after December 25th. If you all know this up front, waiting to make this purchase might make this easier.

Gently Push Back On Those Who Insist On Spending

Yes, we at ALBB encourage people to spend (doing so is our job sometimes!). But for those with no budget, not spending is real. One may either not have cash, or might go back into a cycle of debt. And those are not things we want to do. No debt! Try your best (speaking to the choir, here). Visualize a life with budget buckets, and your life with a pile of savings that you can live from long after you stop working. This doesn’t mean not spending. You can spend! The mindset just needs to shift into when we spend.

There may be people in your life who insist on spending on you, or your little ones. If it’s your own shared budget, and you don’t want to perpetuate the cycle of debt, or take from your safety net, keep talking about the progress of your debt diet, and how having a safety net is important. People build safety nets for emergencies, like when there is a pandemic. And there is a pandemic right now!!

People Who Insist On Spending Their Budgets On You Or Your Kids

Long ago, after donating many, many clothes from my kid’s over-stuffed drawers (we had a great hand-me-down source), I asked some gift-givers to not give us clothes, but to contribute to their college funds. When I bought clothes, I bought them from consignment stores or sale racks, and knew exactly what we needed when we needed it. So I didn’t want heaps of outfits. This did not go over well. The retail itch is strong in people, and wanted to be scratched.

Respecting that the retail itch in someone else is something that I cannot control, I try to direct the gifts to be part of the magical flow for my kids.

Talk About Your Debt Diet Or Money Savings and Growth Plans

Talking about savings - and financial planning - is not part of our normal dialogue. It could be. Showing and celebrating when we make dents in our debt can help keep the debt diet on track. Telling your people about how you want to pay off your car or your home or your outstanding bill somewhere will help them respect your wishes, and either direct their gifts there, or help you yourself not spend.

Making The Magic For Little Ones

Honestly, the holiday season is all about warmth, surprises and thoughtfulness. Surprises can come in many forms. Where once I was a hard “No” on the Elf on the Shelf, I came to terms with it because it brings my kids such joy, to wonder about the Elf and what it will do. We have 3 elves now (one for each child). And they even made an accidental appearance in September! Everyone was very confused. But it added to some fun.

Think of little surprises you can do for your little ones, that make them feel magic around them, that don’t cost anything, or are a part of what you need to get your kids anyway (like gloves). Ignore Instagram trends on what other parents are doing, if those overwhelm you. Do what you feel like is fun for your in your house. Use the elf to translate what you need to.

Teaching Your Little Ones To Make Magic - Activate Elf Magic

I’m not comfortable with the concept of lots gifts showing up without a budget. This is so unrealistic for kids to watch this in movies, and sets their expectations for a pile of presents just showing up. That’s a lot of financial pressure on parents! Instead, I share with my kids the concept of them being elves, and going to get things for people. Then put them in a secret place, because (ok, a little bit of magic is happening) the actual elves will do something to make them show up under the tree.

But this way, we all know what is coming.

Feeling “Enough”

When there are so. many. Instagrams and TikToks and commercials around us, suggesting we get this and that (and ALBB is a part of that), practice feeling “enough.” That feeling of calm, and that you have enough. Look at something around you - a piece of furniture, a journal, groceries, the heat coming out of your heater - and remember that it’s amazing. As for your little kids coming up to you wanting more more more, all I can tell you is….show them your bank account LOL.

Start paying them to clean your house so that they have their own budgets, and start buying their own things. I have different jobs with different rates, like sweeping and wiping down the stairs; Windexing the mirrors; spray-mopping the floor. They need to seek approval each time - because sometimes they just did it and it’s not dirty - but this is good training for a business mindset.

When they can or cannot afford something from their own bank account (if that’s their wallet or an actual bank account), they will truly learn the feeling of enough. And you won’t need to say “no” anymore or as much.

Feeling Sheer Holiday Joy - Feel The Love

During this time in the pandemic, we all need to feel happy. We do! There is a lot of sorrow around us. And those of you with budgets, you are wanting to contribute your means to help other people with their means. That is AMAZING.

Feel OK to feel joy. And keep on with being aware of others and what they need, and helping them and you get there.

Happy Holidays. The Holiday season is OPEN.

New "Learn To Podcast" Program For Youth Via Library With Brandon Lillard

A new podcast program for kids Grade 7 and up is available through the The Howland Public Library through a new youth mentorship program partnership with Brandon Lillard from I Am Beacon. Brandon is a podcaster of such podcasts which include Not Up For Debate, Steady Geakin’, and ALBB’s own Wait, What Is That?

The program is a 6 week online podcast workshop that will meet in a weekly cooperative learning workshop. Participants will learn by doing. Students will learn what it takes to produce their own podcast from start to finish, from writing scripts and conducting interviews to adding music and editing. This free workshop will take place via Zoom on 6pm Tuesdays, October 20th - November 24th from 6-7pm. An online information session will be held on Tuesday October 6th at 6pm. 

The Youth Podcast Program is a mentorship program that will provide youth and adolescents the opportunity to engage in an in-depth exploration of topics relevant to the challenges that they are facing and create and share their work with an audience as they learn about communicating through electronic media.

During the Youth Podcast Program, youth and adolescents will research and write about current events and issues affecting their lives, develop real-life/ job related skills, improve their literacy skills, learn to work collaboratively in small groups online and use current technology software to create a podcast.          

Young people in grades 7 and up interested in participating can attend an online information session on Tuesday, October 6th, at 6pm via zoom. Class size is limited and registration is required. Priority registration given to students living in the Beacon City School District. To register and receive the Zoom invitation email Michelle at community@beaconlibrary.org.

$25 Million Promised For New Youth Center (Formerly YMCA) In Poughkeepsie From Dutchess County

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison are moving forward on the development of a Youth Opportunity Center at the site of the former YMCA on Montgomery Street in Poughkeepsie. The two leaders have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a formal partnership to redevelop the property, with Dutchess County pledging commitment for up to $25 million for the design and construction of a new Youth Opportunity Center at the site, according to a press release issued by Dutchess County today.

This property is not for sale, but partners are being sought in the development is what is available there. Says Colleen Pillus, Communication Director of Dutchess County: “The intent is take the building down and create an open space while design plans are worked on for the construction of the project and community partners are sought. The 35 Montgomery Street Coalition includes partners that could potentially play a role.

Each step of the project – demo, design, construction – will have to bid out.

Where Is The Former YMCA On Montgomery Street?

According to the City of Poughkeepsie’s development page: “This is a high-profile location, situated just south of Downtown Poughkeepsie, easily accessed from Routes 44/55 and 9. The site is adjacent to well used Eastman and Lincoln Parks, Garfield Place Historic District, and is across the street from Soldier’s Fountain, a National Historic Landmark. The site is less than 600 feet from the Adriance Memorial Library on Market Street and is 0.6 miles from Vassar Brothers Medical Center.”

About The Former Dutchess YMCA

The former Dutchess YMCA closed in 2009, but had offered community rooms, a fitness center, gymnasium, indoor track, and a large 25 yard swimming pool among other amenities. It was enjoyed by city and county residents - kids and adults - for decades, according to the development website. Afterschool programs offering academic assistance and physical fitness supported generations of Poughkeepsie youth. Since shutting its doors, the building has been vacant ever since. A a requirement was made on the deed in 1966 by then Common Council requiring educational use for the property, which was promoted when calling for submissions to develop the property. Poughkeepsie’s Common Council had the power to modify or remove the deed.

The Intent For The New Youth Opportunity Center

The MOU outlines the intent and process to build the Youth Opportunity Center, including agreement that the County will have joint ownership of the property with the City of Poughkeepsie. The City took ownership of the YMCA property as part of its anti-blight initiative last year with the goal of using the property to yield significant community benefit.) The County of Dutchess must have an ownership interest in the property in order to finance any construction through a bond under local finance law.

Next steps will include drafting and formalizing an intermunicipal agreement between the City and the County, which Mayor Rolison will submit to the City Council for approval at a future meeting. Following City Council adoption of the agreement, the Dutchess County Legislature will then vote to authorize the agreement. Once the intermunicipal agreement has been authorized by both bodies, County Executive Molinaro will forward a resolution to the County Legislature to finance the demolition of the building and creation of temporary green space, and future construction of the youth center.

Demolition and Green Space At First

With support from the City Council and the Dutchess County Legislature, the process will begin with the demolition of the existing structure due to deterioration and environmental concerns. The site will be transformed into community green space while plans continue for a youth center and other community benefit services on the more than 3-acre site.

County Executive Molinaro said, “The County is eager and determined to move forward with the development of the YMCA site to create a center where the youth of our county can have the support and resources they need from birth through adulthood. The center will serve as a compass for them on the Path to Promise. Though the past six months have tested us like never before, our resolve remains fervent, and we are making the deliberate, thoughtful decision to make this long-term investment in a countywide youth center. It is clear that as we look around us, both nationally and locally, that our society needs such a facility to help youth successfully navigate their path to adulthood and we are excited to take these next steps to bring this much-needed resource to fruition.”

“This is a significant step in our overall vision,” said City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison. “We will bring activities to this site that affirm our commitment to create a community and recreation resource for the public. Taking the building down and creating open space in the interim is a sound, practical move that will benefit the community. We greatly appreciate our partnership with Dutchess County to get this project moving and look forward to future steps that will greatly strengthen our community.”

The City and County will engage with 35 Montgomery Community Coalition, whose vision presentation for the site, which can be viewed at cityofpoughkeepsie.com/35montgomerystreet, involves a multi-use facility that would provide services connected to their respective missions in the community. The coalition, which includes Dutchess County as well as education and health care leaders, has been working together to determine the most appropriate organizational structure to advance the project. The City, County and the coalition will work to secure funding sources in addition to the County’s $25 million commitment.

Chairman of the County Legislature Gregg Pulver voiced his support for the plan saying, “A youth center has been part of our discussions for several years now and it is encouraging to have this clear path laid out. Once the City Council approves the agreement, I look forward this project being adopted in the County’s next Capital Plan.” Chairman Pulver noted he expects the proposal to have overwhelming support in the Legislature as part of the County’s Path to Promise initiative. He also noted Democratic lawmakers on both the Common Council and County Legislature just last week publicly stated support for the County investment, which should allow the process to begin soon.

Dutchess County’s Path to Promise initiative strives to ensure that all young people in Dutchess County – from birth through age 19 – have the assets they need to achieve their full potential as they grow into young adults. The Youth Opportunity Center will be home to many of the activities, programs, and organizations supported by Path to Promise. “It will be the first destination on a path to building a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life for young people. The Center is an investment in our young people, and therefore, an investment in our future,” concluded Molinaro.

Does Beacon Have A Youth Center?

No. Beacon used to, but it closed. It is referred to often in A Little Beacon Blog’s sister podcast, “Wait, What Is That?” Co-host Brandon Lillard grew up in Beacon and used to use the service often. Beacon does have a Recreation Center building at 25 Center Street, but that is mainly small offices with one small playroom that has programming in it sometimes.

Beacon’s Mayor Lee Kyriacou expressed interested in using the “shared service” model with Fishkill’s Recreation Center during our podcast with him, which is currently used by many Beaconites who can drive there. But many youth in Beacon do not have cars, or access to be driven to a youth center, making a youth center out of the community hard to access. Public transportation does exist from Beacon to Poughkeepsie. Former City Council Member for Beacon, Ali T. Muhammad, who grew up in Beacon has expressed his vision and priority for a recreation center in Beacon in this podcast.

FOOD: Easy Breakfast/Lunch For All Kids (Toddlers to Teens) From Beacon Schools: New Pickup + Delivery Details

Photo Credit: Top Left and Bottom Right Photos are from Sargent Elementary PTO.

PUBLISHED: 3/23/2020
UPDATED: 4/27/2020

School children registered in the City of Beacon School District are eligible to pick up food packages from two locations: The Beacon High School and South Avenue Elementary. All are welcome to come pick up this food. Social distancing is being practiced. Safe systems are in place to get the food to your hands. Drive your car or walk to pickup. Delivery options are also available and being further developed.

All Kids and Families Are Encouraged To Use The Food - Even You (Yes, You!)

All are encouraged to use the food. Even you if you have a stocked pantry. The food has been rationed for you, and there is plenty of it. In fact, not everyone has been using it. Possibly with the mentality of: “I don’t want to take from someone else - let someone else in need have it.” If that is your mentality, that is a beautiful thought, but go forward with participating in the plan.

If it means you have a little extra, then you’re able to give that to someone in need that you come across directly in your hyper-hyper local neighborhood. Your kids also may be excited to see their old snacks. Even the “alternate lunch” bread of the PB+J. Seems to be that the brown bread of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a particular favorite with my little ones. As are the sugar cereal boxes and apple bags. They are next looking for the pizza. Not sure if that will happen, but so far, the cafeteria staff and the superintendent have been pretty surprising about what food options they are slinging out of there. My cat even likes the turkey and cheese cubes.

New Times and Food Package Pickup

The cafeteria staff is modifying this food distribution plan based on usage and feedback. As of today, it is moving to a two-day pickup schedule. The idea is that you pick up enough meal slots to last between the pickup times. Delivery options exist, and those details are blow.

Pickup Times

MONDAY: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches

WEDNESDAY: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches

Pickup Locations

10-10:45 am: Beacon High School or South Avenue Elementary

Please pick up from one location only.

Drive or Walk: Says Superintendent Matt Landahl: “A convenient drive-up option is available at both locations, and walk-ups are welcome too. The meals will require some heating up as some items are frozen.”

Frozen meals! Maybe the pizza is coming!

Delivery Options and Sign Up

If you need meal delivery to start on Wednesday (or any day after reading this), you can email the superintendent himself: landahl.m@beaconk12.org or text at 845-372-2286. Please give your address and kids' names. But keep it to this delivery request only. Please do not call. Use his email for other types of correspondence as you normally would.

Says Matt (because honestly, he insists you call him Matt… he has kids in the district too): “You don't need to give a reason, just ask and we will do our best to help. We will confirm before delivery. We are working to increase our delivery and neighborhood drop-offs as well and will notify everyone as we expand.”

Comic Book Shop The Underground Beacon Is Saved - Staying Open! New Partnership Announced

Pictured here are the new co-owners of The Underground Beacon. Albert Mas (front left) and Michael Lioce (front right). Behind them are Violet Mas, Courtney Mas, Ash Lioce, Marvel Anne Lioce, Dom Lioce, and Lita Lioce.
Photo Credit: The Underground Beacon

Beacon’s famed comic book shop, The Underground Beacon, has been saved by a customer, after the shop announced via Instagram that they would be closing due to a terminally ill family member and raising rent on February 16, 2020. That family member was owner Albert Mas’ mother, Anne, who passed on Sunday, February 23, 2020. “She was the true matriarch of the family,” says Albert’s wife, Courtney Mas, of her mother-in-law. Albert and Courtney have a young daughter, Violet Mas, who has grown up with the shop since it opened in June 2018.

According to an article in the Highlands Current, Albert and Courtney had enough money saved to take the shop through 2019, but after holiday sales slowed, and with his mother’s declining health, the boxes of comic books stored in a corner that held $20,000 worth of inventory was daunting as customer tastes change and can make inventory obsolete.

Albert told the Highlands Current that writing the announcement to close was one of the hardest things he has ever done. The flip side, however, of the announcement was how the community came out to help the shop, which warmed Albert’s heart. “I didn’t expect the magnitude of the positivity that I got from people,” he told the Highlands Current. “I was in a dark place, and it changed my whole attitude.” Note that in the announcement post, a somber black-and-white version of the normally colorized version of the shop’s logo was used.

Flip the page to a new chapter, and in walk Michael and Ash Lioce and their 3 children (Marvel Anne, Dom, and Lita), loyal customers of The Underground Beacon. It turns out, Mike, a freelance television editor and comic collector, had a secret dream of owning and running a comic book shop. With the start of his growing family, his children rekindled his desire to collect and explore comic books. In Albert’s announcement to close, he did state he and Courtney were open to a partnership or buy-out. A new dream was born.

How The Partnership Came To Be

Michael and Ash heard about the closing during an event. “We learned about the story from a friend at a toddler’s birthday party. That friend had heard through their social media. Though we follow the store in social, for some reason, it didn’t come up in our feeds,” Michael and Ash told A Little Beacon Blog. “As soon as we found out, we reached out to Albert and Courtney. Our emotions were panic and excitement. We wanted to be involved and wanted it to be a family venture. We are so grateful that the Mas’ were happy to partner with us. It has always been a dream of Michael’s to start a comic book store. He dipped his toes in a couple of times, but timing and money never quite worked out.”

After a few nail-biting days of The Underground Beacon posting hints of a continuation, and that the regular Wednesday comic book release days and Friday “Magic The Gathering” days were still on, The Underground Beacon announced on Sunday that the new partnership is official.

As for the location, are they staying? “Usually comic shops grow into a place this big,” Albert told the Highlands Current. “But when I was looking for spaces, this was the best one for the best price… It’s my dream space.”

Also on Sunday, The Underground Beacon has confirmed to a A Little Beacon Blog that they are staying in their current location at 462 Main Street in Beacon.

Available At The Underground Beacon

The best way to discover what is available is to go in, but there are several ways to use the comic book shop:

• Wednesdays: comic book release days

• Fridays: “Magic The Gathering” days

• Skateboard designs and repairs: A new skateboard vendor is scheduled to come in April to do design and repair.

• Kids’ birthday parties: The shop has a back room where many of the events take place, including kids’ birthday parties. A hit for indoor parties and shared video gaming experiences.

• Toys and collectibles: Everything from collectible action figures to board games to books to cards.

• Video game tournaments, comedy shows, etc.: Events galore at the shop. Keep stopping in to learn about them, and follow on social media. But don’t depend on digital - go inside in person!

Hooray! We’re so glad to see The Underground staying.

The Anti-Bullying Be A Friend/Make A Friend Party At The Howland Public Library Saturday 2/15/2020

Fresh from the Youth Services Desk of the Howland Public Library, a press release for an anti-bullying, Valentine letter-writing event you won’t want to miss:

Beacon… Valentine love is in the air, and what better way to show caring and kindness, than using your words to make someone feel better? Students in grades 1-12 are invited to the Make A Friend/Be A Friend Party at Howland Public Library on Saturday, February 15, from 1 to 3 pm, hosted by the Library and Be A Friend Project. First, be a friend by writing a letter or creating a picture of support for a child who has been bullied. All kids and teens have the power to help a peer heal through empathic words and art.

Being “Friend Strong”

Materials will be supplied to make a card or letter of support for 13-year-old Rachael from North Carolina who needs to know she is “FRIEND STRONG” as she recovers from severe physical, verbal and social bullying. You can make a difference through empathic words and art and let Rachael know that she matters and is important.

About The Be A Friend Project

The national, nonprofit Be A Friend Project sends surprise letters of peer support called “Friend Mail" to young victims of bullying to help them stay strong and know they are not alone. Since its inception in 2015, the Be A Friend Project has delivered over 22,000 letters, bringing transformational peer support to Friend Mail recipients and, at the same time, giving as many school-age writers and artists the opportunity to show off their kindness and build empathy by stepping into the shoes of a peer and offering support.

Make A Dog

Next, make your way into the Youth Room and Make a Friend by stuffing your own plush Dalmatian dog with a heart (while supplies last) to take home with you to love. One will also be sent to our friend Rachael.

Drop-In

This is a drop-in program so no registration is necessary. For information, please contact Ginny at youth@beaconlibrary.org or (845) 831-1134, extension 103. For information on the Be A Friend Project and Rachael’s story, please visit www.beafriendproject.org and "All About Be a Friend Project" on YouTube.

Beacon City School District Elementary School Art Show at Howland Public Library January 18

The Howland Public Library is pleased to present Art is Elementary, the fourth annual exhibition of student artwork from the Beacon City School District elementary schools. A reception for the students and teachers will be held on Saturday, January 18, from 2 to 4 pm. All are welcome. The exhibit will be on view in the Community Room through Saturday, February 1.

One of the library’s most colorful exhibits, Art is Elementary features work from students at J.V. Forrestal, Glenham, Sargent, and South Avenue elementary schools. The annual exhibit is organized in collaboration with art teachers Sallie Farkas, Cathy Pezzo and Susan Wurtz. Eight pieces of art were selected to represent each of the four elementary schools. The exhibit is just a small sample of the wonderful art being done by students of all ages throughout the Beacon City School District. Stop by the reception to show your support for the young artists and see their creative works.

The Howland Public Library is located at 313 Main Street in Beacon, N.Y. The Community Room is open during regular library hours. Please note the gallery may not be accessible during some library programs. Please call the library at (845) 831-1134 or consult the library calendar at beaconlibrary.org before planning your visit.

What's New With Kids Classes Guide - Girls Softball Winter Clinic And Wee Play Dates!

Winter Softball Clinic

Beacon Girls Softball (BGS) has announced their 2020 Winter Softball Clinic dates and you can sign up right now! Clinic will be held Tuesday nights, beginning January 14, and continue through April. Beacon Girls Softball has been a long-standing Beacon institution for more than 40 years, educating 4 to 13 year old girls on the skills and rules of fast-pitch softball. This program has given back to the Beacon community by spearheading additions and improvements at Memorial Field, built the concession stand and new field house, added backstops, renovated the bathroom facilities, and has even donated to Beacon’s Independence Day fireworks. They also hold a softball tournament each year that raises thousands of dollars to benefit a local person in need. Learn more about this program by clicking here.

Wee Play Drop Off Dates

Also added to the Kids Classes Guide: more drop-off dates with Wee Play Community Project through the Beacon Recreation Center. You can drop off your child at Beacon Recreation Center, 23 West Center St., Beacon, NY, on Mondays, January 6 or 13, between 9 am and 12 pm. Block Party Fridays are also held at this location, 9:30 to 11 am. When dropping off, please leave a donation with a Wee Play volunteer.

Continue to check our Event Listings, Guides, and Kids Guide for regular updates!

Best 2019 Halloween Costume In Beacon, NY

It was a dark and stormy night. Wind gusts were predicted for up to 50mph, and those who obsessively track the weather a week in advance were convinced that the night would be soaked from an all-day downpour. Some communities canceled their Halloween trick-or-treating nights. Since Beacon’s Halloween night is organized by no one in particular - except us trick-or-treaters! - there was nothing to cancel. You were either going to go out, or you weren’t.

So people went out. And the night was nice and spooky. The evening started early, with little treaters coming out at about 4:30 pm. The wind was gusting, and the temperature perfect. Not too cold, not warm, which meant you didn’t need to wear a winter coat over your costume, which always ruins the effect.

The notorious “Willows,” which are the two streets of houses on East Willow and West Willow, connected by a loop at the prisoners’ cemetery where a witch is rumored to look for trespassers, had visitors, but not the usual amount. Missing this year was the homemade haunted house. Perhaps because it did lightly drizzle all day (almost a mist), dampening the spirits.

The best costume, in this blogger’s opinion, came around at about 8:30 pm. Usually I’m locked inside my house by that point, lights out, lying on the floor biting my nails, afraid of every door knock after 8 pm. Because my kids have gotten older, this year I was still in the game and had company over, so was feeling safe enough to answer the door. Not only was this trick-or-treater not dressed in an all-black track suit, but the costume was so clever! And homemade: an ice cream machine that lit up. Apologies for the blurry picture above - all of the photos from the night were blurry as everyone moved so fast.

I grew up with the homemade costume mentality. As an adult with kids, however, I have very little time to make the costume, nor the skill set to quickly stitch anything up. My sewing machine is surrounded by slime-making materials. My kids are used to going to Party City or Spirit of Halloween to buy a costume in the bag.

This year, the elementary school tried something new by asking our kids to wear a costume as a Very Important Person during their Fall Parade held on Halloween. My daughter immediately expected to buy a new costume. No, no! I immediately costumed one together from the laundry and fabric scraps in the basement. She wasn’t used to this concept, so declined, and opted to wear her Halloween night costume instead (as did several other kids).

Therefore, an award goes to this Ice Cream Machine, which included favorites like ice cream sandwiches and popsicles. Well done!

New Schedule For Sunday Hocus Pocus Kids Halloween Parade For 2019

Two trick-or-treaters from last year’s Hocus Pocus Halloween Parade.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

UPDATE [10/26/2019]: The parade has been canceled due to forecasted rain. Details here.

When organizing big events, there is the intended way something is supposed to go, and there is the actual way something happens. And when kids are involved, you can count on something not going as planned.

This year, the organizers of the Hocus Pocus Parade, aka Beacon’s Kids Halloween Parade, are pulling hard for a safer environment for the little trick-or-treaters, who often dart out of the parade unplanned to trick or treat from Main Street shops during the parade. Not this year, said the organizers. After years of moderating a moving street closure (meaning, Main Street is not officially closed, so by the end of the parade, cars and kids are often both in the middle of the street - yup, we see you, angry man in the red pickup truck!), there is a new schedule, and a new official street closure by the City of Beacon:

• Trick-or-Treating on Main Street, 1 to 3 pm: People can go up and down the sidewalks to visit the shops if they have treat hand-outs. This will be like a regular day out on Main Street, where the street is not closed. You’re just mingling with your community out on the sidewalk, making your way up or down the street. Have lunch, collect candy, that kind of thing.

• Parade, 4 pm (line up at 3:30 pm): People should make their way down to the Visitors Center at Polhill Park (at Main Street and Wolcott Avenue, near Bank Square Coffee and Beacon Creamery) at 3:30 pm for the lineup. At 4 pm, the official Kids Halloween Parade begins. Main Street will be closed until the Dummy Light (at East Main Street) while the kids walk. There’s no trick-or-treating during the parade; kids are displaying their costume only. Parade participants can relax on the patio of The Roundhouse, where they’re offering what has become an annual (virgin) cider sip outside on the patio.

With the new street closure came new costs, which almost broke the Hocus Pocus Parade’s bank. The community heard about it, and a local business, A + W Scrap Metal, donated the $380 to pay for the police street closure, according to this week’s Beacon Free Press.

Event Organizers and Updates

The Hocus Pocus Parade is organized by A Very Beacon Halloween, which is Sheryl Glickman of Notions-N-Potions, Ron Iarossi of Beacon Creamery, and Carmen Johnson, everyone’s favorite crossing guard at South Avenue and Main Street, and a Volunteer Extraordinaire. Visit their Facebook page for updates, and/or the Event page specifically.

Treating Tips

Start at the far end of Main Street, near the mountain. Hit up the shops on that end, like the Chocolate Studio, the new Hyperbole, SallyeAnder (in the 1 East Main renovated factory building). We have not confirmed that they are handing out anything, but simply naming them as location examples. Head west, toward the river, to line up for the parade, then march back to the East End..

Shops that are offering treats will have witches hats displayed outside of their shops. If you are a local business who wants to hand out treats and don’t have your hat yet, you can pick one up from Notions-N-Potions at 173 Main Street, or the Beacon Creamery at 134 Main Street.

Lunching Tips

If you buddy up with friends you meet along the way, there are plenty of restaurants in town that seat large parties. Think of The Vault, Brother’s Trattoria, Towne Crier, and others. See A Little Beacon Blog’s Restaurant Guide to get more ideas at your fingertips while you’re out.

Rain Date

There is no rain date for the parade portion, but trick-or-treating is encouraged during the 1 to 3 pm time slot, rain or shine. The money raised from the community will be used for the following year’s street closure permit.

Howland Public Library's 2019 Halloween Costume Exchange Is Coming Up

The Howland Public Library always has something up its sleeve! And this time, it could be a witch’s sleeve, as the library hosts an upcoming Costume Exchange happening Thursday to Saturday, October 3 to 5, at the library.

The Costume Exchange

Do you have a Halloween costume from years past in good condition that you have outgrown? Trade it in for one that’s new-to-you for 2019!

Local families are invited to participate in Howland Public Library's Annual Halloween Costume Exchange. Donate a new or clean and gently used children's costume, and take home another costume in exchange.* 

Swap days are Thursday, October 3 and Friday, October 4 from 2 to 5 pm, and Saturday, October 5 from 12 pm to 3 pm. Families can stop by to donate, swap, or pick up during any of those times. 

 For more information, contact Michelle Rivas at community@beaconlibrary.org. The Howland Public Library is located at 313 Main St., Beacon, NY. 

*The fine print: Children's costumes only. Library will accept clean costumes with no stains, holes or runs. HPL reserves the right to turn away costumes. We cannot guarantee you will find a suitable costume in the exchange.

Kids + Bus Safety Is Crucial In First Days Of School - Antalek and Moore Gives Tips (Sponsored)

The end of summer vacation comes too quickly and before you know it, it’s that time of year again! School buses are picking up children all around, parents are in a rush to drop their kids off without being late to work, and kids are on their bikes rushing to catch first period. “This can be a dangerous time because children - as well as drivers - are adjusting to back-to-school routines,” says Alex Epstein, director of Transportation Safety for the National Safety Council (NSC). Fortunately, Antalek & Moore has a few key tips to keep our community safe and happy:

BE PATIENT – STOP AND WAIT
Share the road with school buses. We know the first few days take a little longer to get the kids loaded, but be patient! Who doesn't love a good first day back-to-school picture with their kids waving from the bus?  

KIDS IN MOST DANGER NEAR THEIR BUS
According to the National Safety Council, the most dangerous area for children is within 10 feet of their bus. Give them space to load and unload. This is especially true in the first few weeks of school as kids are excited and getting used to this year's routine.
If the bus has its lights on and its stop sign out - it is never safe to pass the bus. This applies to multiple lanes as well, so be aware when traveling on a road like Route 9 as school buses may be traveling in the opposite direction.

WATCH FOR KIDS WALKING TO SCHOOL
We have a good amount of our students who walk to and from school in Beacon. Please be aware of them, especially in a school zone. Be sure to follow posted speed limits, avoid blocking crosswalks when stopped, and keep an eye out for crossing guards. 

Many children nationwide begin and end their days with a trip to and from school, whether that’s by bus, walking or biking. By exercising a little extra care and caution, we can create a happy and safe school zone. Wishing all Beacon City School District students, a happy and safe 2019-2020 school year!

Wee Play's Community Mural Project Needs Kids To Help Paint!

Wee Play Project is excited to collaborate with local artist and educator Joe Pimentel on a community mural at Memorial Park this Summer! For two weeks in August (Monday to Friday, August 12-16 and August 19-23), they will be painting all four sides of the bathroom building located right near the parking lot to the main city park and playground.

Joe has worked with kids on numerous collaborative murals across the Hudson Valley, including recent murals at Glenham Elementary, Sargent Elementary, Rombout Middle, and Beacon High School. Wee Play is thrilled to have the chance to work with Joe and sure hope you can come get creative with them! To learn more about this project and sign up, click here!