Beacon Bits -- Botsford Briar Bed & Breakfast for a Weekend Get-a-way in Beacon

Long before The Inn at Beacon on Main Street was conceived; years before the Roundhouse opened its boutique accommodations on Fishkill Creek, and even before The Swann Inn opened its doors, the Botsford Briar Bed and Breakfast (BBB&B) was established as the pioneer B&B service in Beacon in 1994. Happy 20^th Anniversary!

Located on High Street, its purple turrets and iconic Victorian angles are visible from either Route 9D or as one treks uphill from the Beacon train station. Replete with 92 windows and charming stylized one-of-a-kind guest rooms, the Botsford Briar beckons to short-stay visitors, as well as long-term guests, who want to explore Beacon’s charms.

So BBB&B was the natural recommendation I made to a friend who reads my blog and decided to come for the solstice weekend to have a birthday getaway weekend not very far from upper Westchester in order to explore the shops and galleries on Main Street that she’s been reading about for several years.

My friend stayed for two nights and had several conversations with Shirley Botsford, co-owner and inn-keeper at BBB&B along with Charles Fincham, and learned that the B&B is in the throes of becoming a school for literary and visual arts (Botsford Briar Arts School) with offerings in writing mysteries, learning to sew/quilt/knit, meditation and new topics on the horizon. Shirley, author of Daddy’s Ties, and a local fine crafts artist who participates in gallery showings, has been a dedicated to hospitality and parlor pleasantries since she first hosted meetings in her home when Dia Beacon was first being proposed!

My friend shared some of her highlights of her weekend adventure in Beacon and noted the lovely meal at the Roundhouse after sitting in the lounge “between the fireplace and the falls”; the wanderings into Clay, Wood and Cotton, Hudson Beach Glass, Riverwinds, Beacon Barkery, Gwenno James, Vintage Beacon, After the Barn and other venues along the way. She lunched at the Yankee Clipper because she “likes diners”, had coffee at Beacon Bagels and took note of the other restaurants and boutiques. She liked the pop-ups and the craftiness and appeal of the bicycle menorah and Christmas tree at the Visitors Center. 

We had grabbed a quick and very confusing supper at Dim Sum Go-Go before attending the holiday performance of the family-friendly, slapstick production of Cheaper by the Dozen at the Beacon Theatre. We also went to Dia: Beacon after Sunday brunch when we could comfortably catch up and talk knitting. She was enthusiastic about her weekend ambling about town at a comfortable pace, but she did note that many shops “didn’t open according to the posted hours”, reminding me of the adage about the ‘early bird getting the worm’; and she was taken aback at an unfriendly response at a popular coffee shop when she asked about use of the restrooms before she had a chance to process what she might order.

I was concerned that she may have been disappointed about her visit to my town, and that she would not continue reading my blog, but she assured me that the weekend was a lovely gift to herself and that she was pleased with the sights and sounds reminiscent of Beacon Bits.

Food for thought:  There are many times we may not have an inkling of how our words and actions influence others. In friendship and in relationships with significant others, the ability to influence or persuade one another are an important attribute for a successful partnership. Influence and persuasion require trust. Trust builds rapport. And rapport opens us up into possibilities of learning and growing together. My insider’s view of Beacon allowed my friend to express curiosity and to take a risk. Her outsider’s view made me think about how Beaconites need to continue to grow skills in hospitality for those living outside (as well as inside) the community. We both gained a new perspective. And we both gained the gift of renewed and deepening friendship this holiday season.

Beacon Bits -- A Tale of Two Cities

Last weekend, I attended Yanerella's School of Dance's 56th annual dance recital in the Pete and Toshi Seeger's auditorium at Beacon High School on a Friday night. And on Saturday night, I braved the soaking rainstorm to head to the riverfront to Scenic Hudson's River Center at Long Dock Park to support the annual benefit auction for Common Ground Farm. Two nights and less than three miles apart, but the distinction between the events was quite palpable. Yet I found myself feeling 'at home' in both settings with both groups of unique Beaconites.

Friday's dance recital was marked by frenetic energy. The queue of attendees arrived almost two hours prior to the delayed start time, chatting and greeting friends and families -- aunts, sisters, fathers, cousins, neighbors.  Everything was abuzz as seats were located and the dances began. Dancers of all ages assembling backstage, sometimes accompanied by a dance mom, to change costumes for the next dance routine to be presented on stage: 25 in all -- "Dancing around the world" to Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride, Calabria, Arabian Nights, Back in the USSR, Invictus, Bollywood Dreams. And in between each dance, a flurry of activity for the entourage moving back and forth from the auditorium to the dressing rooms. Cheers and support were constant for all the efforts, talents and hours of practice each dancer brought to the stage. Tears streaming down the faces of grandmothers who watched their grand-daughters tap--flap, shuffle, heel, ball change--the third generation to still be dancing at the studio! Some moms were now sitting throughout the entire show because their daughters were old enough to switch out costumes and get back on stage without their supervision. Tulle, satin, sequins and glam. Photos of the current teachers in the catalog taken when they were 20-30 years younger, in their favorite costumes for one of their own recitals. Beacon's long-term residents--multicultural and multi-generational. Non-stop motion. Organized and planned, but with just enough chaos and crisis to make it exciting. A new dancer confused about the recital routine only brought one of her two costumes thinking one of her dances was scheduled for Friday night and one for Saturday afternoon. Her mom rushing home at intermission and sending her brother back in post haste with only minutes to spare for her to run as fast as she could to quickly slip it on so she could appear on stage, nonplussed, yet heart racing, in the center of her dance troop. Three hours long and just enough time for everyone to rest before it would start all over again the next day, this time, with the youngest dancers being able to stay throughout the entire show.

Saturday night's auction was clam and candlelit with music by the trio Tall Country bringing that 'down home' feeling to an otherwise elegant setting. Well presented items displayed for the silent auction set up in the loft and aptly described thoroughly in the catalog.  More items, with their tongue-in-cheek descriptions -- Let's Get It On, Pump Up the Jam, Bite Off More Than You Can Chew, Light Up Your Life, Be the Bagel. neatly waiting downstairs for the one and only Mark Roland as auctioneer. Gift certificates for dinners and gifts, hand blown glass, baskets of organic-gourmet edibles, glamping in the Adirondacks, kayak storage at Long Dock, planted rows of food to be grown and distributed to food pantries silently waiting for the highest bid for the lucky donor who would be supporting the mission of CGF food justice. Sophisticated humor throughout the evening. Beacon's newest residents (10 years or less) everywhere. Professionals, community leaders, movers and shakers. Abundant food donated by Beacon's best. Zero-to-Go for waste collection. Systematic accounting of bids for easy check out. An appreciative and satisfied group of supporters.

Food for thought:  Diversify. Expand your repertoire. Hang out with people who may be different from you or from your usual crowd. Go across your comfort zone. You may just meet your next door neighbor unexpectedly or make a new connection. The future of Beacon's community life will be enriched as we dance together in the fields of green planted for justice.

Looking for some options to mingle? Check out the Mount Beacon Incline Restoration Railway Society (you just missed the annual gala but keep an eye open for a new store front on Main Street focusing on its history and proposed plan to rebuild), the Beacon Sloop Club's monthly potluck meal on the first Friday, and Friends of the Howland Public Library meetings and events. They are all waiting for people like you to join and support their mission while making new friends.

Beacon Bits -- "Buy-In" Beacon

If you missed Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, don't panic; everyday can be "Buy-In Beacon" Day -- be it for the holidays or for all the other gift giving occasions throughout the year.

Here's my top ten reasons to shop in Beacon

10.  One of a kind handmade gifts (and a skein or two of yarn) at Clay Wood and Cotton  .........

(And for handmade, don't forget all the pop-up stores around town, and scheduled workshops to make your own gifts at Jessica Wickham's wood studio during the weekend of December 6th and 7th and blowing glass ornaments at Hudson Beacon Glass throughout the month of December and D-I-Y workshops at Nixie Sparrow.)

9.  Warm clothes and boots suited for cold weather and outdoor sports at Mountain Tops Outfitters........

8.  The best of the valley's arts and crafts at Riverwinds Gallery........

7.  The best wine and spirits selection with expert advice about food pairings at Artisan Wine Shop..........

6.  Thoughtful treats and toys for all the furry, four-legged friends in your life at Beacon Barkery........

5.  A unique book about hiking, kayaking or local history throughout the Hudson Valley or a monetary donation for all the wonderful 'free' programming in honor of that special someone on your shopping list who already has everything they need at Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries........

4.  Seasonal plants, festive bouquets or floral home decorations at La Bella Rosa........

3.  A wide selection of gourmet gadgets and kitchenware at Utensil........

2.  Whatever you find (or smell or taste) that you may not have been looking for but that you find intriguing at Heart and Soul........

1.  Something elegant, fashion forward, artistic and custom made for your home or to wear as your signature garment or accessory at Gwenno James........

I bemoaned the fact that another one of my favorites, an iconic hat store -- Jaqueline's --could not make the list this year because it just closed. However, there may be more to report about what this talented creator and purveyor of hats will be planning for the future.

Most important, in the midst of all this shopping, I'd be remiss not to mention Giving Tuesday. While there are a multitude of nonprofits worthy of your donation in Beacon (see my previous blog about becoming a friend of our local organizations), this year I'd like to draw attention to a program taking place at Beacon's two local prisons--Downstate Correctional Facility and Fishkill Correctional Facility--(as well as four other prisons) called Puppies Behind Bars (PBB.) Inmates are trained to train Labrador retrievers to become service dogs for the disabled, those who are blind or for veterans healing from physical and emotional wounds. In addition to the staff for the non-for-profit PBB and the inmates, volunteers from neighboring towns are trained to become puppy sitters who socialize the pups in the community. Read more about this 16 year old program to find out why it is so deserving of recognition as a highly effective, win-win proposition for the rehabilitation of inmates, for the ultimate recipients of the dogs when they are placed in homes, and for those who volunteer to help raise loving companions. Consider giving a donation--or learning about how to become a puppy sitter--it will truly be a gift that keeps giving.

Food for thought:  It's all in the giving. Generosity and altruism are gifts of and for the spirit. So when you are in search of the gifts with monetary value, feed yourself with pleasurable pursuits and worthy causes. You will be giving a gift to yourself as you support local business, meet and greet proprietor-friends, and revel in the assortment of beautiful opportunities that Beacon has to offer.

As you shop, remember to feed your body as well. Make time for a snack or meal at  

Beacon Bread Company, Tito Santana, Beacon Pantry, 

Homespun, Poppy's, Bank Square, Ella Bella's and Beacon Bagels.

And if you need a place to spend an overnight, call ahead for a room at Botsford Briar Bed & Breakfast!

Beacon Bits -- Handmade--It's a Good Thing!

If you like Pinterest and if you are a Martha Stewart fan, then you will just love Nixie Sparrow!! New to Beacon and located on the first floor in BEAHIVE, on the first floor of  291 Main Street in the beautifully restored 1907 telephone building, you will have a chance to soon experience the fun of personally creating items to get you in the holiday spirit during the Second Saturday festivities on December 13. Even if you don't know about the social media site and are not a handcrafts maven or Martha-wannabee, you will be introduced to something deep within yourself with the help of a Nixie Sparrow experience.

I 'found' Nixie Sparrow during a Sunday afternoon walk when old neighbors from Nyack were visiting and I was 'showing off' all of the wonderful venues since their last visit three years ago. When I walked in, it felt like the set of a carefully designed arts and crafts studio 

waiting to entice me into whatever was being offered for play and creativity. I spoke briefly with Sarah (Meghan wasn't present) about the focus of this "do-it-yourself" space with its 

scheduled workshops for adults that range from the arts, cooking, floristry and everything you can think of under the sun (e.g., pom pom rugs, stamped wrapping paper, home brewing, watercolor and homemade cards) or everything you may not even have imagined until you make it yourself.

The name "Nixie Sparrow" itself is a clue to what will happen during a visit to attend a workshop. Nixie is the name of a mythological water spirit. And a  sparrow represents creativity and community. The name itself gives the context for those invited artisans who will present their special interests and talents to a group of individuals gathered together for brief encounters of the creative kind. Sounds like a fun process of sharing time and space and it is practical as well, since the skills learned can be transferred into hobbies or future pursuits or gifts to give to self or others since there is always a product to take home with you. And with diverse offerings, you can always return to sample something new.

Food for thought:  The more high tech we become, the more we need to balance our activities so that we engage all areas of our brain. MRI research has shown that knitting, for example, integrates left and right hemispheres. Creative pursuits and making things by hand, not just knitting and crochet, are good for planning and sequencing as we imagine what our actions will produce before we see the results; this executive functioning and problem solving serves us well. The joy and pleasure of being in the moment in a meditative state as attention is sustained over time when something is learned, with just enough frustration to stimulate patience and the sense of success and self-efficacy, is just what the 'doctor' has ordered to decrease negative stress. The opportunities for 'hands-on' experiences are also important for sensory integration. Head, hearts and hands working together while engaged in the simple joys of life are irreplaceable. Let's welcome Nixie Sparrow to Beacon and support its place in growing community and in helping all of us in the pursuit of happiness and well-being; you'll never have to wait for another snow day at home to get into the creative state of mind!

Beacon Bits -- 'Ober' - Over (not really)

I celebrated my last pick up of the season for my Obercreek Farm CSA share by making a leek potato soup with the purple potatoes. To my surprise, and dismay, the soup did not take on a purple hue, as I had imagined. But it was not at all disappointing in its full and earthy flavor from the freshly picked veggies that are grown within 10 miles from home. It's my fourth year of CSA participation and this was the best year yet. I've signed up for next season and look forward to the 'bonus' Thanksgiving distribution. I have to keep reminding myself that I can continue to enjoy the bounty from Obercreek throughout the winter at the Beacon Farmer's Market and at their new store in New Hamburg where the farm is located. It will be great to see Sam and Tim and their crew without waiting for next spring.

Food for thought:  

As someone who has always functioned with the frontal lobes as a 'planner', CSA participation has reminded me that there is not always predictability in what I can expect. What has been sown may in fact not be reaped. Each time I showed up at the pick up, there were some elements that appeared abundantly, which indicated the peak of harvest for the vegetable crop that was at hand -- true for the tomatoes, zucchinis, peppers, but not so true for the celeriac, winter squash, onions, beets or bok choy. Part of the fun of being a CSA participant was putting together new combinations of ingredients and being able to create spontaneous recipes. It feels like a very European way to engage in the growing season; Jacques Pepin is my inspiration for culinary delights with the pick of the day, the find in the basket , the thrift of using everything that is at hand.  And so CSA membership is preparation for the medley of events that come at us in life when we least expect them, which allows us to be open and flexible, to seize the opportunity and to meet the challenge. And when we feel like we have to plan for success, we can always freeze that extra dish of ratatouille and serve it for brunch for guests when we choose to put it on the schedule.

Beacon Bits -- Meet Me at the Sukkah

For the first time, there is a public sukkah (tr. 'booth') in Beacon to celebrate the Jewish holiday known as Succot, a harvest festival that captures the state of impermanence. Beacon's very own sukkah now joins the ranks of a drive through sukkah in Miami and Sukkah City in NYC. 

Sponsored by the Beacon Hebrew Alliance and BeaconArts, the Beacon Sukkah Project, is housed in a wooden structure wrapped in fabric with an open roof lined with bamboo, where daily events, classes, and workshops are taking place for the week-long holiday that began October 8th and ends October 16th. It's a place to learn, to listen, to see, and to experience the nuances of time in a transient space. Decorated with local art and set up with picnic tables, it is a place to gather and meet friends. A well-organized presentation about the first Jewish residents and their role in building Beacon in the early 1900's was informative during a visit on October 9th with a friend who is a congregant of the synagogue.

 

Rabbi Brent Spodek of Beacon Hebrew Alliance contemplates the Open Sky

Food for thought: How wonderful to have a spotlight on Beacon's Jewish community with a sukkah by the Visitor's Center! While the candles of a menorah get lost in the lights of Christmas trees, solstice lasers and Kwanzaa candles, this premiere sukkah is uniquely placed in the forefront of Main Street with its own 'stars' to shine. The sukkah speaks to the universality of the human condition -- an awareness of its frailty and temporary state; it is a mindful meditation on the ultimate reliance on the Creator. What better way to celebrate together, with hope, in a time of transition and expectancy, for a safe passage as we wander through difficult and trying times.

Beacon Bits -- What's in a Name?

What's in a name? Apparently a lot. Take for example the change of name from Cup and Saucer Tea Room to Pandorica. This Beacon restaurant was established by owner Shirley Hot years before Beacon reached its current level of popularity and it always had a satisfied following of individuals desiring a traditional English tea, wholesome lunch or wonderful soup du jour. Its quaint atmosphere and collection of tea pots and cups and saucers accented the dining room's feel of a cozy Victorian parlor. I was a happy customer many times before moving to Beacon and witnessed its popularity for monthly scheduled games night for locals to sip, socialize and strategize together.

Who knew that a Dr. Who aficionado was beneath the layers of china cups and culinary skills that Shirley Hot possessed. As if someone waved the proverbial magic wand, Pandorica appeared in July and its explosion of visitors and Dr. Who fans gained sufficient attention for the Poughkeepsie Journal News to take note.

As far as I'm concerned -- this new found success -- could not have happened to a nicer person. Shirley's conviviality, business acumen, hard work, creativity and ah-ha moment has paid off! For those who know the restaurant's esoteric name is an allusion to Dr. Who and for those who don't even know Dr. Who was, it doesn't matter; everyone will know who Shirley is.

Food for Thought:  I'm reminded about our need for a re-invention at various times in our life. The re-invention of a professional identity for those answering the question 'what color is my parachute?' The re-invention of a make-over for a mid-life single mom. The re-invention afforded by avocational pursuits in one's retirement. The re-invention of men's roles in parenting made possible by post-feminism and economic recession. So in anticipation of autumn, with its own visible re-invention and reminder that change is always happening, Beaconites will surely know it will be the perfect season "to remake or make over, as in a different form" (dictionary.com); "to make major changes or improvements to (something)" and "to present (something) in a different or new way" (Merriam-Webster.com). 

Other notable Beacon venues that are in the process of re-inventing themselves include:

o  Fovea:  closing its storefront secondary to recurrent flooding but re-grouping with 2 annual         exhibits at Hudson Beach Glass (in January and June) and one exhibit in Brooklyn -- at               Photoville, the largest photo exhibit in NYC (this year at Pier 5 Brooklyn Bridge Park from         September 18 to 28) --yielding a paradoxical outcome of reaching a much larger audience

When one door closes, another opens

Co-executive directors Sabine Meyer and Stephanie Heiman Roland

o  Studio Antiques: closing at the end of September because the building has sold --                    a new location will be decided after a few months of planning the next steps

o  Beacon Music Store: David Bernz and his son Jacob are moving to a new location with a larger space for music

o  Rite Aid: a new facade and renovated interior for one of Beacon's only chain stores

o Zora Dora: closing day for the season is 9/21 -- with a return around the Ides of March; in the   meantime,stop by and try Ginger Snap, Plum Crazy, Orange Dreamcicle, Peachy Keen, Maple Walnut Cranberry, Cantaloupe Balsamic Basil, and Watermelon Mango Ginger!

Justice, a summer employee, working the counter with suggestions for customers

"Change is good. Change is scary. Change is necessary"

Quoted by co-executive director, Sabine Meyer, (pictured below) 
reflecting on the re-invention of Fovea

Beacon Bits -- Loose Ends

I recently brought in odds and ends of leftover yarn for patients residing at a state hospital to learn how to knit or crochet or to practice previously learned skills. (Recent brain imaging research suggests the act of knitting integrates cerebral hemispheres.) The scraps of yarn from various projects were separated by color and the ends were tied together in a secure manner. Then the knitting and crocheting proceeded as if it were a full skein of yarn. The result blended together the loose ends into a whole.

The project reminded me of how I am feeling about the bounty of odds and ends related to my CSA share with Obercreek Farm. All season long I've been so pleased with my bi-weekly share (i.e., a half share) of kale, zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, onions, melon, herbs, green onions, bok choy, beets, celery and turnips. 

I'm very happy that I continued with Tim Heuer and Sam Wildfong's Obercreek Farm for this second year after two seasons of a full share with Common Ground Farm. In fact, less seems to be more, and there is some trouble keeping up with cooking all of it. One thing is true of a CSA share -- the food is so local that it stores well, it lasts longer and stays fresh. But it still starts to add up and I eventually get to a point when I feel a frenzy of food preparation coming on. This seems to occur more quickly as the season progresses and the bounty of the harvest is plentiful.

In the past two weeks since my last pick up, I had such an occurrence and found myself cooking up a melange of delicacies that might not otherwise have been planned but the right combinations of veggies seemed to appear for them to come together.

Fennel Chutney

Saute chopped shallots with chopped fennel in olive oil until transparent. 
Add salt, golden raisins, honey and rose vinegar (purchased at the vinegar festival at 
Our Lady of the Resurrection monastery in Lagrangeville.) 
Serve with goat cheese on crackers.

Gazpacho

Dice 2 red peppers, 1 large cucumber, 1 onion, and 2 tomatoes. (I used an red heirloom and an orange valencia). Place all vegetables in a large bowl. Using an immersion blender, puree the vegetables until mixed and frothy. Add salt, pepper, juice of 1 lime, and fresh parsley (or basil or cilantro.)

Ratatouille

Peel and cut yellow squash and zebra eggplant into cubes. Dice one onion and 2 cloves garlic and place into a pan with olive oil. Saute until translucent. Add vegetables. Season with salt, basil, oregano and thyme. Dice 2 heirloom tomatoes (1 red and 1 green) and add to the pot. Cook for about 1/2 hour, stirring often, until tender. Serve hot or cold.

Curry 'Leftover' Soup

Peel and cube 4 to 6 white turnips. Dice several celery stalks including the leaves and 4-6 green onions (the white bulb as well as the greens). Chop several stems of kale. Slice 1 to 2 carrots. Heat canola oil in a pan and add all vegetables. Saute for several minutes until carrot and celery are wilted. Add 1 quart chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Add salt, pepper, 'monastery blend' spice (white pepper, cinnamon/cloves, nutmeg, ginger) , and 1 to 2 tbs. curry powder. Cook until all vegetables are tender (about 45 minutes.) Use immersion blender to mix; soup will thicken. If desired, add 1 cup skim milk. Bring to a boil and serve.

Seems like I finished all the cooking in time for this week's bountiful pick-up! 

Looks like I have enough for pickled beets and sundried tomatoes!

Food for thought: Whether it is knitted together or cooked in a pan, the act of creating something new from disparate ingredients feels like a fitting metaphor for a community that maintains all of its uniqueness while it blends together.  The multiculturalism of Beacon is like the chutney and the granny square; you still see and feel the distinct elements, but you can also taste something new when it all comes together.  Feels like it is time to get ready for the Spirit of Beacon Day (September 28, 2014) when the loose ends get tied up quite nicely with I Am Beacon.

Beacon Bits -- Crossroads

Recently standing on the corner of Main Street and Cross Street, the saying "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" came to mind. My association was attributed to the juxtaposition of the longstanding Hudson Beach Glass, which faces the Culture Club Cafe, next to the Marion Royael Gallery, which is across from the vacant lot used by Beacon 3D, with its adjacent brick building for sale.

Hudson Beach Glass is tried and true. It is 'old' by Beacon's Main Street standards for revitalization and renewal, but not at all old in its fanciful objects d'art, recurrent gallery openings, and ongoing creations with resident glassblowers. It is fired up and ready to go the distance! 

Culture Cafe-Bar is one of the newer eateries on Main Street with a varied menu, personable hosts, and wonderful backyard garden for outdoor seating. It is open seven days a week and has already gained a following of regular diners. I found myself eating with friends on two different occasions over the course of one week. Both times I had pasta offerings (pumpkin ravioli, now off the menu, and spaghetti squash with angel hair past) and felt satisfied with the portion and the flavors. Given its popularity, it will be interesting to see how the smaller indoor accommodations will alter availability for dining during the winter months.

My all time favorite Beacon gallery, Marion Royael, has been back in town for several months now, and it's still the buzz on Second Saturdays despite its move from the 'east end' to the 'west end' of town. I mourned its loss when it closed its doors in Beacon for a trial run in the city; I'm thrilled to see it 'back home' and just hope it's not on borrowed time.

As for the fear of the unknown and anxiety about losing open space on Main Street, the 'for sale' sign on the handsome multi-family brick building with commercial space, evoked a blue feeling. My mind immediately went to two questions, 'what will change?' and 'how long will it be before we know what will happen in this corner of the world.

Food for thought: Change is never easy. Transitions are buffered by holding onto some of the old ways with its adopted and borrowed traditions. Beacon is 'changing' as those who attended Second Saturday in August noted. Each week it appears that the liminal threshold of a town that was "becoming" to a town that "is", has been surpassed. Paying attention to the  early signs at the crossroads suggests that there may be other intersections to ponder. Looks like it's the perfect time to take a walk on Main Street from end to end to explore the art installations that are collaborations between Beacon's artists and business owners; visit WOMS through September 13 and vote for your favorite installation.

Not a window, but the wall of Beacon Bread - the mural "Songs of the Hudson" by artist  Nestor Madalengoitia
pays  tribute to Pete and Toshi Seeger - unveiled on 8/9/14