Beacon Bits - Raising Funds and Lifting Up the Community

In the last two months, I attended two fundraisers in Beacon to add to the multiple events I have attended in the past seven years, including dinners and dances for the Beacon Sloop Club and its refurbished Woodie Guthrie, auctions for Common Ground Farm and its green initiatives, a folk rally and beer tasting for the restoration of the Beacon Theater before it was relegated to become apartments, and the Howland Public Library friend-raiser. What marked the last two events was the size of the crowd of attendees and the spirit of those present to support the cause and meet and greet neighbors and friends, old and new. 

In December, More Good led the way with an organized gala at the Hudson Valley Brewery to raise money to provide wells for water through generosity.org for those who cannot take it for granted. Founder and owner Jason Schuler is a dedicated social entrepreneur who has the right formula for growing his business in an enlightened manner and his good karma is paying off in so many ways. It was a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season!

In January, Beacon Arts supported a Roaring 20's event at the Dennings Point Distillery to raise money for Beacon Open Studios. Who knew that the local distilleries would garner attention from those who may not turn out to have a glass of beer or bourbon drink, but still know how to raise a glass and have a dance or two with friends or family. Charleston or not, it was a great evening event that was staged to the nines for the historical theme with fitting garb and costumes, excellent music, and special drinks in a speak-easy ambience. It was a treat to join in and help  to create the scene!

Food for thought: Raising funds for nonprofits will become more necessary as funding for the arts and the environment are reduced by spending cuts and philanthropic slow downs. It is also an essential way for building community awareness and support for the local issues that may also have global impact. If every organization in Beacon that represents the interests of artists, musicians, foodies, and conservationists could sponsor one fundraiser per year, the calendar year would be filled with weekly events to choose from as we move through the seasons. It's another way to put Beacon on the map with unique style and it is a wonderful way to keep connecting newcomers to old-timers in order to continue to build a grateful, altruistic and sharing community.

Support the Dutchess Junction Fire Station's annual dinner on Saturday, Feburary 17th, 4-8pm
located at 75 Slocum Road on Route 9D, Beacon NY!!

Beacon Bits - Stop Walking in Circles -- Choose the Labyrinth

SOUND/PEACE

Seeking Harmony in Dissonant Times

An immersive sonic experience accompanied by the changing light of the setting sun.

Featuring a Labyrinth for walking meditation.

Sound/Peace (Seeking Harmony in Dissonant Times) will take place at 4:00 on Saturday, February 10 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Beacon, New York.

This performance features a combination of electronic and acoustic instruments and aims to create a serene, contemplative atmosphere for deep listening where one can decompress and relax. This event also features a 36 Foot canvas labyrinth where audience members can explore a walking meditation. Pillows and mats are welcome and encouraged.

The performance will take place over approximately two hours as the sun sets. The space will be illuminated by natural light and the performance will end as darkness falls. 

Musicians:

Craig Chin: Guitar and Loops

Andy Rinehart: Accordion and Piano

Location:

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

15 South Ave

Beacon, NY 12508

Performance Time:

4:00PM 

Saturday, February 10, 2018

A simple reception with refreshments to follow.

Food for thought: Walking the labyrinth is a deepening and soulful experience, which can only be enhanced with the soundscape and errant music created by Craig Chin and Andy Rinehart. Craig Chin graced the church during  the initial walking meditation using the labyrinth last year. Join the community in this unique and spiritual practice and come into the sanctuary to pray, meditate, reflect, hope, keep the faith, and otherwise hold up thoughts of finding peace in these challenging times. It is intended for those who find themselves needing to travel with others who want to stay the course and walk the path of justice, freedom and peace.