Home Grown

I was given a heads up that something really good was coming to town. No, not Santa. 

I had been told by two different people that I would be happy to know that an excellent pie shop called Noble Pies would be opening a store in Beacon. So I watched and waited. Yes, it was Advent.  A time for watchful waiting. 

And then I saw the "Open" sign in the window where the brown paper had been removed at 137 Main Street. I stopped with the ease of parking spots in front of the storefront one night after work around 7:15pm; I was totally smitten! Not just with the Chicken Pot Pie slice, which I purchased for supper and the Blueberry Scones for breakfast, but with the ambience and the backstory and the gift of speaking to Zachary, the owners' son, who was there for the afternoon shift until closing, which was later than usual because of me being the very chatty and last customer. He was so patient and gracious as I told my tale of The Pie Lady from Nyack, whom his family knew from the farmer's market trade. He convinced me that I'd be in for a nice surprise since their pies were of the same caliber and equivalent in the eyes of the buyers for the homemade pie market.

I told Zachary I haven't blogged about a new opening in a while. There have been so many comings and goings in Beacon along Main Street in the past five years. Some of them came just because Beacon became so trendy. And some of them left because tthey were priced out. But I certainly hope that Noble Pies is here to stay. It has the feel of the Beacon I moved to over 12 years ago when I wanted to blog about the hometown feeling and a sense of community in town. 

Zachary explained that his family business had been steadily expanding from its origins based in Warwick and that their success has not deterred the bakery from offering its best of fresh ingredients. The handmade pies and baked goods are just like those his mother and father made together through the years until it got beyond the scope of four hands alone. 

While I have my eyes on the savory pies for my after work supper -- Vegetable Pot Pie, Chicken Curry, Vegetable Curry, and Sausage/Sallion/Onion/Cheese Quiche, in addition to the Chicken Pot Pie that I'd give 5-stars -- I also saw the sweet slices of Mixed Berry, Will You Marry Me Cherry Pie, and Cream pies, all of which can be special ordered, which will be hard to resist. 

I don't have to re-tell the story of how Noble Pies got started and how it is continuing its tradition because that is all on their website. But I will tell you that this is a keeper for Main Street in Beacon. We should be ecstatic that it chose to expand its growing market beyond Warwick, Rye, and Tarrytown and arrive in time for a sense of homegrown appeal and a throwback to the days when you felt like you were entering someone's kitchen for a meal and good conversation. Welcome to Beacon, Noble Pies!!

Food for Thought:  A walk down Main Street should feel like we are an integral part of the Hudson Valley with all its bounty and history. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the US, the Semiquincentennial, in 2026, we will need lots of Apple Pie to celebrate. May Noble Pie be ready for the celebration! And may we all be reminded that tradition can prevail over trendiness. 

Two-for-One

While I missed Second Saturday and the opening of the Beacon Photography Group member show on January 14 because of a trip to the city for an opera (Fedora) at Lincoln Center, I was back in town for the first Howland Chamber Music Circle piano recital of the season on Sunday January 15, which featured Frederic Chiu. Driving over to the Howland Cultural Center is a lot easier (and quicker) than taking Metro North  to the city and just as satisfying when it comes to enjoying the arts. 

I arrived early enough to get a first row seat -- I love to watch the face of the pianist while they perform -- and to preview the photographs that were hung throughout the center. I was immediately struck by the warm reddish-brown background paint for the main floor exhibit space and my eyes easily followed the light up to the balcony with more eye catching photos and the wonderful natural light still visible through the large window. 

As I walked around clockwise and then counter-clockwise, up and down the stairs, I visually explored the various photos -- the size, the shape, the subject, the unique eye of each photographer -- and then found the listing of the exhibitors and the respective work and titles. I was struck by knowing that so many of the enthusiastic photographers are serious amateurs who may have found a passion for creating images as an encore career or as a dual career, as opposed to photo professionals. I wished I had attended the opening to put each of the faces behind the camera with the respective photos.

Viewing the photographs was like having an appetizer before the entree; I was here for the concert and my appetite for good things was whet. I felt like I was getting a two-for-one special with the art and the music but then I realized it was actually a trifecta since the setting in the landmark building that has a menu of offerings to those enjoying and making art in Beacon.

The piano recital was excellent and presented in a very unique fashion since it was billed as a "classical smackdown" between the teenaged Felix Mendelssohn and Frederic Chopin. The 90-minute recital was filled with various compositions - polonaise, sonata, nocture, mazurka, etude, rondeau - and the goal was to be in the moment and choose which piece in each of three rounds of pairings was preferred. I learned so much from the background information that Frederic Chiu presented and was surprised at some of my selections along the way. It was a playful way of focusing one's attention and truly listening and it was interesting to learn that Frederic Chiu actually posts the results from his concerts on one of his websites. 

Food for thought: Tuning the ear after tuning the eye was a tasteful treat in the hometown venue of the most palatable cultural center. Seems like there is no place like home. Go local.

The photo exhibit runs through February 26th and the next piano recital is Sunday January 29.

(Personal note: You may have noticed that I haven't been blogging as often as I once did after starting this blog almost 12 years ago. But I have been writing  a lot over the last 2-1/2 years and hope to say more about the memoir I've focused on in the coming year since the goal is to publish. I also see that I should be updating my photo on my blog profile, but I think that is a bit more daunting to consider. LOL.)

May is Mental Health Month

May has been the designated month to highlight Mental Health Awareness in order to educate the public about opportunities and resources for treatment and support, but it also emphasizes the need to eliminate stigma towards those in need of services. Far too often, the news media draws attention to those with mental illness when crises have not been averted for some individuals, and dire consequences are the result. But most individuals with mental health issues are not violent and their suffering is private and longstanding because they do not seek help. 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the largest grassroots organization on a national level with state organizations and local affiliates, such as NAMI-Mid-Hudson, (NAMI-MH), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group, which serves Dutchess and Ulster Counties. NAMI-MH is aligned with the purpose of NAMI to educate, support and advocate for those with mental illness, as well as their families. Signature programs are free and accessible for community members, such as Family-to-Family, Ending the Silence, Peer-to-Peer, and In Our Own Voice. (For full descriptions and how to enroll, go to the NAMI-MH website.) You do not have to be a member to enroll, but it is helpful to support the efforts of this evidence-based practice organization with a membership and/or donation. You will be supporting those individuals in the community who have benefitted from the educational and support services that NAMI-MH primarily provides with volunteers---family members and individuals who have first-hand experience of what it is like to have mental health problems. You will know that the motto--Find Help. Find Hope.--is more than lip service. It is true for those who take the first step and reach out. You are not alone.

This month, volunteers with NAMI-MH hung ribbons in our communities and received attention with a publication in Hudson Valley One. An interview with Jo Ann Brown, Program Director for NAMI-MH, conveys the hope and help that is available for everyone, free of charge. 

Ribbons were hung in Beacon with the local Girl Scout Troops, who also made the ribbons. It is never to young to learn about how to get help and support when there is a mental health issue. Girl Scouts can work on a badge related to Mental Health, and recently, NAMI national has announced there will be a collaboration with the Girl Scouts of the USA  (GSUSA). Looks like the girls in Beacon were a step ahead this year!

Food for thought: When you see a ribbon on your street this year, remind yourself that you are part of the solution to de-stigmatize mental health issues in this nation. Tell someone about NAMI-MH. Go to the website and learn more about the programs that have been available on Zoom throughout the pandemic. Become a member. You do not have to have a family member or friend to help with the campaign of making everyone aware that it is ok to have a mental health issue that requires help and support. You are part of the solution in your community. Please consider making a donation. Get HELP. Receive some HOPE.

NOTE: On the NAMI-MH website, you will see an option to donate a minimum of $10 to the 501(3)(c) and you will receive a thank you acknowledgement to be mailed to you -- a pack of 5 cards (see above image), for "HOPE."

Sweet Beginnings

Despite the heat and humidity, I decided to take a stroll down Main Street this past Sunday to visit the new venue at 462 Main Street, Håkan, that I recently learned about in the latest issue of the Highlands Current. Who can pass up chocolate, even on a day when you expect that it will not only melt in your mouth, but in your hands, as well.

My curiosity was increased with the knowledge that the chocolatier, Håkan Mårtensson, is Swedish. Not quite Norwegian. But with my favorite chocolates named Kong Haakon by Freia, a well-known Norwegian confectioner that is headquartered in Oslo, and no SAS flights scheduled for me to head to the Land of the Midnight Sun, I knew this was the next best thing. And my visit did not disappoint my expectations.

The cool, dark ambience of the store mimics a Scandinavian vibe as soon as you walk in. The friendly and hospitable atmosphere of the proprietors standing behind the bonbon bar was palpable. I was able to joke with Håkan and talked about asking him if he were the King (referring to a Norwegian king from the past)! When I asked about bolle (I had one very specific one in mind), he pointed to the array of fine pastries behind him that are also baked and available for purchase onsite in order to provide an explosion of flavors from the north that are usually marked by the distinct flavoring of cardamom.  Despite my banter and my bilingual comments (yes, I even tried out some Norwegian), I encountered genuine hygge and warmth.

Håkan Mårtensson (L), and business partner Steven Pipes (R)

It was difficult to decide on my choices as I scanned the glass case enclosing the delectables looking like fine jewels. I finally selected three bonbons -- the Salted Caramel, the Pear and Madagascar Vanilla (marblized in the shape of a blue heart), and the Tamarind and Cardamom (marblized in red in classic bonbon style ). I resisted loading up on the packaged bars of chocolate (for now) but will keep them in mind when I want to buy gifts and surprise treats for friends. I also noted that there were small packages of Salted Caramels ready to go; they had an appeal for a dessert table or for the sweet note accompanying wine and cheese for a small intimate gathering (now that vaccinations facilitate home entertaining to resume.)

I resisted opening my little cellophane bag until I got home and started to brew a cup of ginger tea; I thought that would be an interesting pairing. Before the tea was ready, I started with the Salted Caramel, proceeded to the Pear and then finished with the Tamarind. Heavenly would describe the experience! From the first bite into the crust of the Salted Caramel with its oozing  filling to the tart taste of tamarind with the finish of cardamom, my favorite spice, I could not have been more pleased. My ginger tea only made me long for some more bonbons to taste. (Or at least one bolle on display that looked so delicious and ready for a cup of tea.)

What else can I say other than "Jeg ønsker deg mye suksess i Beacon, Håkan!" and "Congratulations" (Gratulerer) to your business partners Steven Pipes and Bobby Chani as well. I will surely be back for more bonbons and boller just so I can say "takk for sist!" I believe I've met my new King of Chocolates!! Takk skal du ha!

Food for thought: This is my tenth year of blogging Beacon Bits: A Bite of the Hudson Valley, about community life in Beacon. But this is the first post where I felt that I was 'home' in my corner of the world because a touch of Scandinavia has arrived! Other than when Norwegian Airlines was flying direct flights from Stewart Airport to Bergen, Norway and I dreamed of a Beacon-Bergen connection as sister cities, I feel connected to my roots on both sides of the Atlantic; from the Norwegian-American community where I was raised in Brooklyn to immigrants, to the North Sea and beyond. I can't wait for a celebration for Midsummer's Night in late June and Santa Lucia in December with delectable delights of saffron buns and exceptional bonbons!

Beacon Bits -- A Touch of Hope

When I returned to Mountain Laurel Florist at 15 Tioranda Avenue for the second time this week, a memory of walking around in Kopervik, Norway during Christmas in 1986 came to my mind. The building has a quaint European flair. I had just walked down from the Howland Cultural Center's "Holiday Crafts" show. That simple act of walking to engage in last minute shopping for something handcrafted or living like a poinsettia, wreath or seasonal flowers, triggered the happy memory. 

But it was also the warm conversation and easy exchange between the customer and the proprietor that struck a chord of familiarity. That reminded me of how I felt when I moved to Beacon over 10 years ago when most of the shopkeepers knew your name and a connection was established whether you were purchasing, browsing or asking about a special item to order.

Laura, the proprietor of Mountain Laurel Florist, is an experienced florist who is homegrown as a lifelong Beaconite. She previously had a shop located on Route 52 (2004-2010). She has re-established herself in this new venue down from Main Street after independently contracting as a florist in the ensuing years. While shops off of Main Street may not always get the peripatetic sightseeing crowd who have been frequenting the area since the pandemic and updated featured NYT article, those who are residents and want to establish an ongoing relationship with a florist will not be deterred because it's off the beaten path. In fact, the location may be part of the lure for those who are familiar with the many side streets and shortcuts that are helpful when looking for parking.

The possibilities of new growth is a sign of hope, which is still needed at this dark time of the year, even though we've just turned the corner with the days getting longer. Since Laura is so close to her roots, my wish is that she may bloom where she is planted.

Food for thought:  What gives you hope this holiday season? What memory have you had from your earlier years that evokes an enduring sense of peace and joy found in the simple things? What do you hope takes root and begins to grow in 2021?

Beacon Bits -- Transformation

Time has gone quickly. Time has slowed down. Time has come to a screeching halt. Time repeats itself. We have had all of these impressions of time as we have continued to live through this coronavirus pandemic and while witnessing the immediate and dramatic response to the obvious and persistent racial inequity in our society.

To say that these have been times to ponder life is an understatement. I thought I would continue writing and musing on this blog throughout the 'pause' imposed by our prescient governor in NYS, but I was caught up in other projects and tasks that I would prioritize daily in order to structure my time in this life transition and sense of being betwixt and between.

One such project was collecting a chair from a basement in Brooklyn to have it reupholstered and restored so that I could incorporate it into my home. I am not sure how old it is, but I think it may be at least early 19th century and possibly from the Philadelphia area where there were connections through a family member's partner. Reclaiming the chair was not as easy as I thought because of its size and awkwardness. But the serendipity was having a place of business in Beacon that remained open and could accept the work order in mid-June, so my motivation became stronger to retrieve it and haul it home.

Before

My first visit to Denise Gianna Designs LLC at 480 Main Street while taking a stroll on Main Street in the autumn of 2019. After entering the shop filled with groupings of furniture, decorative art, and unique collectibles, I took notice that they offered upholstery services with New Life Upholestery by Amy and took some business cards after having a brief discussion to verify that this was something I could follow up on since I had this chair on my mind since the spring of 2018. I had familiarity with reupholstering some of my older furniture when living in Rockland County at S Tillim's Fabric Store and recalled the time my mother had slipcovers made for her Chippendale style living room furniture when I was growing up; I still regret not taking her wingback chair in the 1970s when offered to me. 

After finding the business cards and making contact with Amy to drop off the chair, I was pleased that I had previously ordered some Sam Moore fabric to match a piece of furniture I already had in my living space since it would not have been possible to do so in the late spring with the store closings. Luckily, my guess of how much fabric was needed was just enough to complete the chair.

Sam Moore Fabric

The workmanship of the finished chair was impeccable. Amy's work is filled with loving care and her cordiality and respect for timeless pieces was underscored by her saving the original needlework covering from the chair for me with the hope that I would appreciate the handiwork. I always appreciate tapestry needlepoint and can frequently find myself in awe of the patience and commitment that women had to complete the works of art that can withstand the test of time, another reminder that there were makers long before the maker movement. It was an unexpected and welcome gift that she thought to save it since I had not remembered to ask her to do that initially.

After

After some discussion about the possibility of using the preserved pieces of the needlepoint tapestry for some accent pillows, and taking the two large pieces for a thorough dry cleaning, Amy put her talents to work so that another part of the past was reclaimed and made into new life. The pillows are uniquely shaped because they were carefully placed around where wear and tear on the chair had created damage and ripped stitching. 

Amy Baker

I have visited the design studio and shop several times and love being in the workspace in the lower level where Amy is mentoring girls in her family to appreciate the work she has been called to do. I also like to be in the midst of the color and inspiration and find the lively discussions with Denise, the owner of the business, to be uplifting and a reminder for me to stay connected with the community during these times of caution and self-care. I have already recommended the business to some local friends who appreciate knowing they can support this quality business so close to home. I know I will return with some ideas for new projects and perhaps request Amy to make a pillow from my own needlepoint project that will be started as we hunker down in place this winter while awaiting safe vaccines.

Denise Gianna

Food for thought: Bringing the past into the present and feeling connected to the timelessness in objects is part of the beauty of restoration. It is a metaphor for personal transformation as well. Reclaiming. Restoring. Refurbishing. Remaking. It is an important part of this pause when we can deepen our connections to what was and what can be. 

Graduating Seniors

To the Graduating Class of 2020

Be it high school, or college, there has been a unique set of circumstances that have changed your expectations related to your rite of passage and pomp and circumstance that you have worked hard and long to be able to celebrate. 

DON”T LET THE CIRCUMSTANCES DEFINE YOUR ACHIEVEMENT. 

While you may not have the prom, the parties, the last semester to goof off and to hang out with individuals you may or may not have in your life as you move through your journey, you still have this very moment in time. 

SEIZE THE MOMENT ANYWAY. 

As far as future plans go, you are being called on to adapt and be flexible in ways that you may not have ever thought of. 

UNDERSTAND THAT LEARNING HOW TO ADAPT IS A KEY TO SUCCESS. 

2020 was already a catchy way of remembering this marker in your life. 

DON’T LET 2020 BE DEFINED ALONE BY THE HEALTH CRISIS. 

Set your sights on new horizons and never be discouraged. 

2020 VISION WILL SEE YOU TO THE NEXT STEP. 2020 IS BALANCED LIKE THE GLASS HALF FULL-HALF EMPTY.

Feel the frustration, the disappointment, the feeling of being robbed of your special day. But continue to feel the joy and anticipation of your future journey. You have reached the dialectic in 2020 -- the 'both-and' rather than the either-or thinking that gets people stuck.

HOLD ONTO THE NEGATIVE BUT FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE. 

You will become resilient and you will learn the importance of life and you will never take any blessing for granted ever again. 

YOU ARE STILL WHO YOU ARE AND YOU WILL BECOME STRONGER, MORE FOCUSED ON THE HERE AND NOW, AND MORE CONNECTED TO OTHERS BECAUSE OF THIS TURN OF EVENTS. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE GLASS HALF FULL AND THE GLASS HALF EMPTY BECAUSE 2020 HAS BEEN BOTH AND HAS GIVEN YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE FULLY PRESENT TO YOURSELF.

Congratulations and best of luck and wishes for all the rainbows, silver linings and new beginnings to come your way!!

Food for thought: 20-20 vision is usually about hindsight, but we now have a new meaning for this phrase: it is about having a new perspective. A perspective that will make a difference. A perspective that will serve the individual and society. A perspective that will be lasting. There is no return to 'how things were'; it is about creating a new reality for the future. 20-20 vision is a powerful metaphor for getting things right and seeing things perfectly as they are and as they can be and must be for the future of humanity.

Beacon Bits -- Choices

No excuses - I have more time to blog now, but I did write a post that I had to delete. It was about finding sanctuary at my church home that technically is closed, but the doors have been open for silent prayer with safe distance and music on Sunday mornings. It has been restorative during these times when I attend.

This post is about something different than my usual posts, but it is stilld about local resources within proximity to Beacon. I got inspired to write this post after watching the news last week, which showed the meat packing industry's response to re-opening at the President's request despite the dangers and risks for its workers in order to keep the food supply chain unencumbered. I was appalled at the footage on PBS related to the 'farming' of the masses of pigs for the industry to have for its pork production. They compared and contrasted it with other smaller midwest farmers that have chosen to raise fewer pigs with more ethical practices. The visual difference between pens of pigs, loin to loin, vs. two to three pigs with piglets in a pen with the chance to roam was eye opening. 

Full disclosure -- I am not vegan, nor am I vegetarian, nor would I am planning to make a decision to become meat free. In general, I eat very little meat and poultry, and rely mostly on fish, vegetables and complex carbohydrates and fruit to survive; I also believe it is in the 'right' proportion that was intended for us to eat. When I saw the TV broadcast, it was apparent that the only reason that cost of mass production vis-a-vis the consumer comes into play is twofold: (1) profit for the corporation and (2) cheaper prices for consumers so they can eat large and unhealthy amounts of meat products, which has led to one of the many risk factors for coronavirus---that is, obesity--due to fast food and unhealthy eating habits. It came full circle --- the only benefit of the large centralized meat production industry in this country is for the corporations who desire more profit and do not care for their workers. So if Cesar Chavez had his rallying call for fair wages for the migrant farmers, maybe it is time we have a reclaimed locally farmed meat economy that benefits the families and workers who are committed to their community and can be held responsible for ethical business and production practices. (I believe poultry farming has somewhat had its day to reclaim improved and ethical egg production with cage-free practices.)

I guess I can lay claim to my my family heritage related to farming here. My mother's family had a farm in Sola near Stavanger Norway and I recall their practices in 1962 when I visited. I will never forget the carrot and strawberry and milk that I, as a girl raised in Brooklyn, had to taste on that farm so long ago. The farm fed them and they were able to sustain a living by selling to local markets.  I am grateful and aware that I see the same kinds of practices are returning to our Hudson River Valley with CSAs and locally raised farm stock for our purchase. A long-time supporter of CSAs, now it's time to step it up for livestock farmers.

So this blog is about sharing my resolve to only shop for meat from local farmers who are operating with sustainable practices and who are ethically responsible; this is one choice and a response to what we all need to learn to do going forward in order to change our living habits accordingly. By doing so, I will support the local farmers and eat my small amounts of meat and poultry, which by far is healthier, and at least does not put money into the pockets of greedy owners who operate centralized meat packing industry at the expense of their employees. Higher cost is not an issue for a higher quality of meat in the just right amount of what an individual should be consuming to begin with; no super sizing needed!

Food for thought:  I have begun to do some research and offer the following suppliers for meat and poultry in the Beacon area. I am sure we will need to keep visiting their websites in order to be aware of current practices. Check back for updates and recipes related to this new source of locally raised farm stock.

Grass & Grit -- www.grassgritfarm.com

Arch River Farm - www.archriverfarm.com/

Nordwind Farms - http://www.northwindfarmsallnatural.com

Glynwood - www.glynwood.org

Beacon Bits -- The World is Our Community Now

Lessons to Learn for Children (and Adults) @ Home 

During the Coronavirus Pandemic

For some time now, people have heard about ‘resilience’. Sometimes the term is used correctly and sometimes it is a bit expanded vis-à-vis its intended meaning; it seems to have become the fastest growing catch phrase used in our current day vernacular language.

The sense of resilience as being able to bounce back from hardship or trauma or extreme and even life-threatening events is one aspect of resilience. Think of a rubber band that can be flexible as it rebounds from the stress of being stretched beyond its limit. Contrast that with a dried-out rubber band that will just snap.  Another important and understated aspect of resilience is being able to go beyond the baseline that you hope to bounce back to and to have the events that you have endured transform you to a new level that you may not have reached before. In this case, think of the rubber band as a muscle that gains strength from being stretched repetitively; it becomes better and stronger than it was before.

Therefore, in these dire times, I propose the idea that we all need to build our ‘resilience’ muscle daily. Everyone enduring the hardships of the impact that the coronavirus is observing it from a different perspective and everyone has varying degrees of pre-existing resilience. There is no one size fits all solution to the problem of how to cope and deal with the increasing levels of stress and anxiety that have only just begun. But we can all learn new skills and build upon our existing strengths in order to persist and overcome our predicament, thereby increasing our resilience reserve.

One rule of thumb for managing stress is that predictability and control influence the perception of stress. That is, if something is predictable, it is less stressful. If someone can exert personal control, there is less stress. In the case of coronavirus, every individual is limited because there may not be an overwhelming sense of predictability or control over the matter. However, the focus of someone who is willing to use new strategies to build resilience, may indeed have a sense of predictability and control in a very personal and meaningful way. So, by focusing on becoming more resilience, you will feel less stress.

Let me give some examples about how to deal with schools being closed with the ensuing disruptions to daily living and work routines so that one could imagine the experience of this unique and overbearing related to the pandemic may lead to personal transformation and perhaps even improvement in the lives of children, parents and adults.

Old Fashioned Values and Lessons

Families will have enough time on hand to do a ‘fact check’ about existing manners and degree of etiquette that are prevalent in their attitudes and actions. Practicing tables manners and discussing various topics that are in the news about social distancing vs. social isolation and how the elderly are particularly at risk is a good starting point. Asking relevant questions (e.g., How do we respect the elderly? What makes a good neighbor?) and focusing on actual behaviors will take the discussion beyond concepts to determining how the value is demonstrated, executed and carried out. The actions that are brainstormed may lead to prosocial activities (e.g., shopping at local stores, sending text messages, making phone calls, collecting mail or walking a dog) and by practicing such behaviors, they are more likely to become internalized for future actions.

Nature’s Way

What better time than spring to note how resilient nature is as one witnesses the first bloom of crocus and daffodils, the birds building nests, and damaged bushes returning to life after the hit of winter. Create a scavenger hunt or “I Spy” game that makes being outdoors and in nature purposeful so that observation skills are honed, and hope begins to take root. Plant seeds indoors that will be ready to plant later in the spring. Re-pot house plants. Plan an outdoor community garden. Get ready for the 50^th anniversary of the first Earth Day on April 22 by reviewing why it started in 1970 (e.g., the impact of the classic expose written by Rachel Carson in her book Silent Spring) and how much more relevant Earth Day is in light of climate change and actions that must be taken to reverse the irreversible, both on a global and personal level. Practice composting. Review household use of carbon. Determine how the family can reduce its carbon footprint. 

Gratitude

The power of gratitude should never be taken lightly. Much has been written about the positive effects of regular accounting of things that are worth celebrating with gratefulness. On a daily basis, list 3 to 5 items that each person in the family feels grateful about. Post the lists on the refrigerator or keep them in a journal. Have children write ‘thank you’ cards for health care workers and first responders that can be sent by snail mail, email or posted on websites. Bolstering hope and inspiration results from the expression of gratitude and helps to build the resilience muscle because it is a reframing of what one might otherwise feel hopeless about.

“Hands-On” (clean and sanitized ones, of course)

While it used to be called ‘arts and crafts’, the ‘maker’ movement today has taken hold because of the need to balance what we do with our hands and how we create as an antidote to all the technology we use. What better time than to teach children how to write in script? Take out samples of letters or cards or find samples online and review why it may be important to read and write manuscripts written in cursive writing. If a school district has already returned to teaching the skill, do some investigative reporting on deciphering what grandparents and/or parents had written in script. If everyone knows cursive writing, learn some calligraphy and practice the strokes with uplifting messages that can be decorated with collage materials to make some folk art.

Real Life Math

Without relying on calculators, return to basic mathematical problem solving. Cooking lessons using kitchen measurement tools, budgeting activities with actual invoices and determining the relationships of miles and travel times to reach the destinations that the GPS is programmed to do. There are many readily available tasks at home. Proposing an allowance or ways to save money (e.g., put away a quarter plus one for every week of the calendar year) can be used to demonstrate delaying gratification for a purchase that can be made once the pre-determined amount of money is saved.

Novelty

Staying in place and being home can lead to boredom. Introduce ‘novelty’ – the brain needs it and will seek it out, so channel the energy for doing something new in a productive way. Use Duolingo or Rosetta Stone to select a language that is new for all family members and learn it together. This could include American Sign Language.  Assign each person the task of teaching a skill to everyone after learning it for the first time using YouTube videos that are readily available (e.g., crocheting, knitting, making bread.) Change up your music listening habits. If you listen to hip hop, try an opera. If you listen to classical, try bluegrass. Opening a new door of listening choices may forever expand your options. Regarding dietary habits, you may be eating less meat incidentally with shortages at the market, so it could be time to explore vegetarian or vegan recipes, which may be good for health reasons. Purchasing local produce is a way to increase fruits and vegetable consumption and you may be ahead of the curve in supporting communication supported agriculture (CSA) initiatives in the area.

Self-Soothing Activities

Everyone can benefit from new ways of relaxing and managing stress without indulging in destructive or negative ways of avoiding stress or numbing the discomfort.  Learning deep breathing techniques and practicing it throughout the day with a special signal or buzzer to alert someone that they need to breathe, not just at times of distress, is a healthy strategy to self sooth. Deep muscle relaxation, yoga, hand or foot soaks or bubble baths, listening to classical or new age music, exploring mindfulness meditation or centering prayer are additional tools for managing stress.

Better Balance

Without the usual routines (e.g., going to school/work), places of recreation (e.g., the movie theaters, restaurants, gyms, athletic events) and community gathering space (e.g., lack of congregate worship services, libraries, cultural centers), one might begin to use the internet, explore online sources, stream entertainment, and otherwise resort to television and smart technology to a level that might actually have the rebound effect of overstimulation and information overload. Intentionally and specifically unplug at designated times. Practice quiet time. Learn to be comfortable with silence. Place signs around the house that the house is in ‘silence’ or ‘unplugged.’

Community Mindedness
Without the usual go to places, you may feel more cut off and isolated. But it may also be a time to make list of your favorite places you usually shop and then decide to support the small business in multiple ways. Decide to do take-out or buy a gift certificate from your favorite restaurant(s), make a donation (goods or money) to your favorite nonprofit, make other local purchases from stores that offer curbside pick-up or delivery rather than ordering from Amazon, and wherever possible, donate or volunteer at your local food pantry to help neighbors in need.

Food for thought: The ‘tips’ above are not all inclusive, and do not include healthy eating, exercise and good sleep, which are assumed as a basis for resilience, but they are the beginning of small steps for taking personal responsibility for one’s own capacity (or one’s family capacity) for being resilient. These tips do not include volunteering in community efforts that are assisting others. Avenues for altruism, social support and outreach are popping up each day on a local (e.g., Mutual Aid Beacon), regional (e.g., Hudson Valley Help) and countywide basis (e.g., Dutchess County’s Dutchess Responds and Medical Reserve Corps) and are important to investigate and engage in within one’s own personal constraints. ‘Doing for others what you would like done for yourself’ is a valuable mechanism for improving positivity and self-esteem, but it is an important time to remind ourselves that what one can and must do for oneself is also imperative at this time of crisis.

Beacon Bits - Not Just Another MLK Day

This year's weather for the annual Martin Luther King Day Parade in Beacon was frigid cold but the warmth of the song, the signs and slogans touched hearts and souls and even puppy paws! I took Clara, my overnight visitor from the Puppies Behind Bars program at the local correctional facility, to the MLK Day Parade. Clara is in training to be a service dog for a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan war or for a first responder; she is exceptionally good with her commands and easy to handle, so I thought I would give it a try. 

Clara made my day even brighter than the strong mid-January sun that was shining on the diverse group of a hundred or so individuals who still know how to march for freedom, peace, social justice and sanity in these days of unrest and division with ongoing racism, sexism, ageism, and outright immorality in our contemporary society. While it is hard to believe it is over 50 years ago that MLK was killed, the issues remain, and so the marching and the singing continue.

Clara, the PBB puppy, got into the rhythm of the singing during the half hour walk amongst friends escorted by a fire truck and police car. Notwithstanding the politicians and religious leaders, the usual participants were notably present and are still going strong. Members of Beacon Sloop Club and Clearwater and Pete Seeger's daughter remain the standard bearers who are committed to this act of civil duty and responsibility to celebrate MLK's life and to increase awareness of current issues still in need of healing. The parade offers lessons of activism to the youth who were with their elders and the activity is congruent with the true spirit of volunteerism that is now widely promoted on MLK Day. 

Food for thought: Perhaps this year's MLK Day Parade felt very special because I had a furry companion by my side who represents an act of social justice that I engage in routinely since I have volunteered in what I call my prison ministry for over five years. And perhaps it was imperative to show up this year because of the impending impeachment trials in the Senate. But mostly, it is a source of pride to know that the Beacon community continues to hold the march and associated activities during the day while there are still some states that do not even honor the federal MLK holiday. Beacon stands out because of its right actions. It was and will continue to be a 'beacon' of hope and direction. May it be so!

Beacon Bits -- Frozen

After the first snow and ice of the season, I witnessed an unfortunate accident that turned into an escapade for a runaway kitty who was on the way to the vet for a post-surgery visit on Wednesday, December 4th. I was taking my own cat for an emergency visit for gastrointestinal symptoms and as I was parking by the Salvation Army, I noted my friends getting out of their car with their cat carrier and as the gentleman went over the icy snowbank by the curb, he went down and hit the carrier, which released the door. The cat, Minna, got out of the cage and was face-to-face with a dog who was leaving the vet's office. Minna ran down Main Street looking for an opening or doorway that she could enter. When she got to the Yankee Clipper Diner, she found a crawl space opening and disappeared into its cold, dark cavernous space, that appeared to only have the one entry without an exit on the other side, which faced the parking lot. I was concerned about my friend and hurriedly got out of the car and across the street to tuck my carrier into the vet's office, careful not to slip and fall on the icy snow banks that lined Main Street and went to investigate if my friend was OK and to see if there was anything I might be able to do to help. There was already a small crowd gathering around the portal where Minna had entered; fortunately my friend was not hurt and he and his wife were determined to retrieve the cat. 

Needless to say, there was a scurry of activity. Calls were made to the local fire and police departments, and the DCSPCA to no avail. The veterinarian's staff got a towel sprayed with something meant to calm and attract cats, food, and a Have-a-Heart trap positioned by the opening. But after several hours in the cold and dark, my friends had to warm themselves up, and went home after telling the owners of the diner what had been going on outside their establishment. They repeated the pattern of going back and forth to the diner on a daily and nightly basis, without luck, and with a resolve that they might have to accept what might happen that seemed to be out of their control.

Fast forward to Monday, December 16th, after days of checking in and hearing updates that Minna was holding her own in her fortress but was not giving into the enticement to enter the Have-a-Heart tray, the diner's electrician who was doing some work in the basement of the diner knew that there was a window that opened into that space, and was highly motivated to become the hero of the day by retrieving the cat, which he was successful in doing! At last, Minna was recovered and returned home to my friends.

Anyone passing the Yankee Clipper Diner during the 13 days that Minna was camping out would have seen the traps and wondered what was happening. Everyone who heard about the adventure of a cat who needed rescuing did ponder why the story had lasted as long as it did without a fireman, policeman, or animal rescue team being available and/or able to assist in retrieving Minna from her hiding place. But the happy ending to the story is that Minna was returned to her original home upstate to my friend's niece since she had not adjusted to the transfer to her new home in Beacon with her cat mate who had adjusted nicely. Minna did not want to move to Beacon and she seemed to hold out long enough to get 'home again' and to be the only cat in her original household, or so it seemed that she had been rewarded with what she may have longed for and missed. No one really knew how the story would end, but there seemed to be a sense of community around the event, with curious and supportive people who were interested in Minna's and my friend's welfare during a taxing time; everyone was pleased there was a happy ending.

Great diner food and 3good service with kind owners who care about community

Food for thought: Despite the happy ending, it is the beginning of this story that caught my attention:  the fact is that snow and ice removal on Main Street is sub-standard. While the ordinance requires that shop owners are responsible for shoveling, it is done imperfectly since there is a pile of snow that borders every curb, and narrow cut-aways make a way to the street as if they magically line up with car spaces or car doors opening. When the snow and ice melt and re-freeze, it leaves a mound of snow and a small opening that may not be reachable when cars park and passengers are ready to egress from the car. This dilemma, with the influx of tourists, and more locals shopping in the stores throughout the week during the winter months, is how to keep everyone safe and the method of shoveling needs some adjusting. Children, animals, elderly people or those with disabilities, and even a young person in a hurry or texting while traversing the streets is at risk for falling on the sidewalks, which could make shop owners liable and equally vulnerable. A community attitude would take this issue seriously and the new mayor and city council members could approach it with a win-win solution-oriented fix to a problem that will not go away on its own. And we do not need a Hallmark movie about rescuing stray cats to get that accomplished!