Beacon Bits -- Beacon to Bergen and Back

Two months, too long. I've missed blogging about Beacon! I traveled most of May, but jet lag and re-orienting to the Hudson Valley took a bit more of my time than expected. I did arrive home in Beacon in time for the Beacon Sloop Club's annual Strawberry Festival; 

Homemade shortcake in a solar oven with fresh whipped cream and sugared berries

Clearwater sails by the festival

and in time to witness the dedication of Riverfront Park in honor of Pete and Toshi Seeger; 

A most fitting tribute to Pete who spearheaded the creation of Riverfront Park from a garbage dump and a fitting reminder that 'behind every great man is a great woman', in this case,Toshi

and to see that the installation of Beacon's 3D Project had come to fruition.

As for my travels, I went to Bergen, Norway and then traveled up the fjords of Norway on  the Hurtigruten cruise line to Kirkenes at the Russian border and back to Bergen. It was an amazing trip filled with spectacular sights of fjords, waterfalls, reindeer, sea eagles, the midnight sun and the best local sea food north of the arctic circle.

As much as I loved every minute of this dream trip, I felt grateful to return home to the Hudson Valley--something I felt after returning home from trips to Scotland, Wales and the English Lake Districts. Home is where the heart is and the Hudson Fjord is every bit as beautiful to me.

The "Hudson Fjord" from the MTA train heading south

However, while in Bergen, other than the 200th anniversary of the constitution celebrated on the national day on 17th May, the highlight of the visit was a trip to the top of Mt. Floyen on the funicular known as "Floibanen". My first trip on the railway that goes to the top of the mountain for a view of the city and the fjord below and hiking trails along the mountain ridges that surround Bergen was on a trip to Norway as a child -- but the thrill of climbing the mountain and descending on this railway has not changed a bit albeit my third visit.

Queuing up for the funicular

"Don't sit inside when all hope is outside."

Small restaurant on top of the mountain 

So you know that my thoughts of Mt. Beacon and the Mt. Beacon Incline Railway Restoration Society (MBIRRS) were not far from my mind as I rode the railway and took a hike in the woods..

Food for Thought: The blessing of this trip taught me a lot about about having a dream and the patience to realize it. I know that is how the founders and all the members and officers of the MBIRRS feel about realizing the dream of returning a railway to Mt. Beacon. I have another dream after this last visit to Bergen: learning about how to become sister cities with an international city that is gateway to the wonders of nature, and home to history, arts and culture, great food, open markets, and diverse individuals. The MTA to Grand Central does not only link Beacon to NYC -- it links us with the world. And the trip up the river to climb Mt. Beacon - a popular outing at the turn of the 20th century - may just become the best Hudson River Valley destination trip (next to Walkway Over the Hudson) in the near distant future. Why not Beacon - Bergen?? Perhaps my picture is worth a thousand words!!

Beacon Bits -- Are You a Friend?

During the recent ' Women of Beacon' celebration of outstanding women honored by the Board of Directors at the Howland Cultural Center on March 28  during Women's History Month, I was reminded about the importance of volunteerism and vision for community life.  Honorees, Kelly Ellenwood, Clara Lou Gould, Gwen Nerrie, Sara Pasti and Dot Paulin, were lauded for their contributions, and efforts on behalf of children, teens, the environment, and the arts -- essential factors for Beacon's vibrant community to thrive in the Hudson Valley.

New York State Senator Terry Gipson giving certificates to the honorees

So when I ask, 'are you a friend', I'm not thinking about Facebook friends or BFFs. I'm thinking about all the worthwhile projects, nonprofits, and grassroots happenings that you can support by becoming a member or a "Friend" in modest ways that show your commitment  with the investment of time and money in concrete ways.

So here is my short list of well-deserving groups, among many others, that should have as many friends as possible in Beacon.

The Beacon 3D Project, presented by BeaconArts, a 501c3, is designed to support, promote and feature active sculptors in a long-term outdoor exhibition. The sculptures will be placed in 3 or more locations from May 15 to October 15 and feature the work of Emil Alzamora, Ed Benavente, John BonSignore, Geoff Feder, Sarah Haviland, Tom Holmes, Insunn Kim, Lori Merhige, Peter Schlemorortz, Judy Sigunick, Jenifer Smith and Naomi Teppel. This is the second year for this event, which has been awarded a grant from Arts Mid-Hudson. For further information contact Eleni Smolen, Project Manager/Curator at theoganzstudio@tds.net or 917-318-2239 or check out the Beacon 3D Facebook page. No contribution is too small.

Put yourself in the midst of the Beacon 3D Project

Beacon Sloop Club, the keepers of the sloop Woody Guthrie, stewards of the Strawberry, Corn and Pumpkin festivals and host to a monthly community potluck and sing-along on the first Friday. The $50 annual membership donation is an outright steal for all the music, camaraderie and opportunities for collaboration you will experience.

Howland Cultural Center -- the heart and soul of Beacon in an historical Norwegian Gothic building -- home to the Howland Chamber Music Circle and the sundry and never-ending poetry, music, dance, political action and artistic events -- allows you to become a part of its mission within a wide range of donations to show your support. The Howland Cultural Center is also home to the Beacon Historical Society, which holds the memories of Beacon's humble past as they are kept alive by those who preserve and re-tell the stories about the people, the places and the times that came before the revival of this manufacturing town.

Fovea, a photojournalist's gem in the Hudson Valley with its internationally known photographers and acclaimed exhibits that give back a thousand fold to Beacon during Second Saturday openings and featured panel disussions. Becoming a benefactor or donor is as easy as writing a check and dropping it into the donations box as you enter or exit.

Recent April 12th Fovea opening of The Homecoming Project with photojournalist Erin Trieb, co-directors Sabine Meyer, Stephanie Heiman Roland and veteran/artist Britten Walker

 The Beacon Theatre, the apparent turtle in the race with all the hares in town -- but the vision and early endeavor of those involved with 4th Wall Productions were drum majorettes in leading others into believing that Beacon's cultural district would have a strong comeback. Support the small theatrical productions held in the renovated lobby now; the rest and best is yet to come.

Food for thought:  Being a friend takes time, energy, and commitment. But true friendship is about reciprocity. If you think about the number of coffees at Bank Square, bagels at Beacon Bagels, craft beers at The Hop, dumplings at Korean Seoul, dinners at Towne Crier, lunches at Homespun, breads at Beacon Bread or All You Knead and ice pops at Zora Dora, then surely a $25, $50 or $100 annual membership fee or occasional gift or donation is equitable for all the wonderful nonprofits that are serving us in our midst.