Beacon Bits - Spring is Here

I started blogging about Beacon as a buzzing community just about fourteen years ago after moving 'up the river.' It may appear that I stopped writing because my blog entries have been few and far between, but I have continued writing in other ways, which I will share below. There are now two ongoing commercial blogs about Beacon that keep people informed, and since the community is different than it was when I first moved here--a bit less friendly and welcoming with more tourists and upscale aspirations--I will leave the comings and goings of businesses that are worth mentioning and supporting to them. 

At a certain point in life, one reminisces a lot more than one wants to admit; there is a lot more past than there is future. I have many memoires of my early days in Beacon, especially when Second Saturday was the only night when the few restaurants stayed open later, and gallery openings faciliated the art crawl from one end of Main Street to the other. I often think fondly of the days when you could catch a glimpse of Pete Seeger walking down Main Street, picking up trash, or speaking with his barber at the local stylist for people-of-color. I also have thought a lot lately about 'what would Pete be doing now'--who would he be assembling to sing at the Howland Cultural Center so that people could gather energy for protests and strategies to get ahead of the curve of all that is happening. Does anyone remember the rallies that were anti-fracking with vibrant sing-a-longs and announcements about taking action? I think many of us will always miss Pete.

But I wanted to write a blog today to celebrate spring after such a long and cold winter with intense winds and just enough snow to last for weeks. The streets in Beacon will be bustling sooner rather than later as the light in the evenings and the outdoor seating beckons newcomers and visitors to enjoy the community spirit that will be revived once again.

I want to highlight a future event for those of you who like to write, so that you can sign up ASAP for the early bird ticketing prices for Beacon LitFest, which will be held Thursday, June 12 through Sunday, June 15, 2025. I attended last year and would attend again this year except for some international travel that I have planned. It is an excellent opportunity to hear well-known writers speak about their craft, get involved in a workshop, and be inspired to find resources and to network with other authors in order to keep honing your skills and identity as a writer. I wish I could attend this year, but my substitute will be attending the Iceland Writer's Retreat (IWR) in Reykjavik at the end of April for the second time this year.

After attending last year's IWR, I had the dream of making a Beacon-Reykjavik connection around writers, readers, and bookstores since Reykjavik is a designated a UNESCO City of Literature. I wrote a piece about the easy travel from Beacon via PLAY airlines at Stewart International Airport in Newburgh to Reykjavik that was featured in the Highlands Current, Day Trip: Iceland. I won't give up my dream, yet; I plan to talk to some people about the possibility when I visit again this year. With our stellar Stanza Books in Beacon, it could be a great opportunity for Icelandic readers to come bookshopping along Main Street in order to get ready for their annual tradition of giving books to each other to read on Christmas Eve. It will be on my mind when we visit the City Hall in Reykjavik during the IWR this year for sure;) And with LitLit led by Donna Minkowitz every first Friday night at the Howland Cultural Center, I can imagine what it would be like to hear some Icelandic writers make a go of their five-minute allowance to share a piece with the writers who regularly attend to listen and/or to read. Reading at LitLit has given me a lot of confidence about my perspective and who my audience may be.

I can also celebrate some other pieces that have been published here and there since I've been enrolled in writing workshops and have seriously applied myself to creative nonfiction writing since 2019. Writing the Beacon Bits blogs just got me started off in the right direction when the only writing I was doing was related to scientific publications in psychiatric journals.

I wrote a piece about my father and D-Day around the time of the eightieth anniversary celebration that was published in The Writing Disorder, D-Day at Eighty. I mused about what the elections meant in 2024 and it was published in Down in the Dirt, Post-Election Reflection. And while I am waiting for my memoir, Woven Together: Finding Me in Memoires of You, written from 2020 to 2022, to be published--it is in contract with Cape House Books--I've had a piece published in The Keepthings, Ronald's Alice, edited by Debra Way, that gives a snapshot of my time spent as an executor for my cousin's estate; he was more like my big brother since we were both only children. I was working on the estate during the start of the pandemic. Writing kept me steady as the probate moved slowly towards a four-year resolution. All my memories of our childhood and my life with and without him were woven together to help me heal my grief.

Food for Thought: So I am still writing. And perhaps I will begin a blog or two on a regular basis about my new finds on Main Street as I peruse the new stores and re-visit those I've come to appreciate even more than when I first blogged about them.

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.)

Beacon Bits -- Photo Op

First "Second Saturday" of 2021, unlike those of the past ten years when the streets were filled with people bundled up and rushing into every gallery and cultural center that was hosting an opening.....but the good news is that there are still 'openings', with masks, physical distancing and a chance to socialize with neighbors, friends and visitors to Beacon. And now that shows are open every weekend, there is more time to visit or return again to see the same show.

One such opening on January 9th was the Beacon Photography Group's show, "Assorted Visions', with 26 members showing a total of 90 pieces, at the spacious and inviting Howland Cultural Center. The show is ongoing on weekends through the end of January from 1-5pm.

The Beacon Photography Group with 462 members mostly meets up in a virtual space with posting on its Facebook page. Seeing the exhibit with the members' photographs mounted, framed and hung within the historic building is a visual feast for those who believe a picture is worth a thousand words and belong on the wall as well as on a screen.

I was mostly struck by the unique expression and variety across all the images. The diversity of subjects: nature, shapes, objects, humans. The varieties of perspective: up close and personal, distant and remote. The use of creative energies: innovative design and experimental execution. And above all, the acceptance for the work from amateurs to enthusiasts to serious artists using a camera.

Food for thought: In this day and age, where differences are notable and disagreements arise when opposing points of view are voiced, it is certainly refreshing to see that with images, you can explore the differences of how individuals portray reality in so many different ways. You can ask the photographer -- 'how did you arrive at that image, what prompted you to do it that way, tell me more about your way of seeing.' You can walk away with more understanding and without having to defend your own point of view. Given how each person can see the same things in the world so differently, one image alone is insufficient; we can get closer to reality when each point of view is seen through a collective. 

Beacon Bits -- Tribal Harmony

The Howland Cultural Center is now hosting a monthly program on the third Wednesday of the month called Tribal Harmony, which is organized by Evan Pritchard, a local musician and historian. The program had previously taken place at the Falcon on the other side of the river and has found its new home here in Beacon.

Sound check

I attended the event on February 19 when vocalist Joan Henry, a Cherokee woman, and her group of jazz musicians "Spirited" (Dennis Yerry, piano; Ruperto Ifil, percussion; Rich Syracuse, bass; Tom DePetri, guitar; and Gus Mancini, sax). Spirited presented native, world and jazz music at the highest level of performance. From the size of the audience and the enthusiasm of the opening acts, I would say this program will be gaining momentum and become a regular event, and hopefully, Joan and Spirited will return soon.

Musician Patrick Stanfield Jones, who will be featured at April 15th program

Joan Henry's performance and vocal range was impressive and her jazz ensemble was stellar. I was moved by the energy that "Spirited" brought to the familiar and beautiful open space within the Howland, whether it was with traditional Cherokee prayer chants or unique presentation of some classic jazz pieces. The backdrop of African-American artwork on display for Black History Month added to the ambiance of the evening.

Consistent with the the theme of Native American stories and music, past and future, Evan Pritchard played some traditional and familiar solo flute songs (think R. Carlos Nakai) and arranged for a local activist to address the audience about updates related to local tribes like the Ramapo Indians and turmoil in Canada with the indigenous tribes and the government. 

Evan Pritchard

Events are planned for the future for March and April. If they are as well-received as the February event, they will become a lifeline for indigenous issues, which are our issues for all peoples. Seeing the t-shirt slogan that Joan Henry wore with an advocacy campaign motto focused on the disappearance of Native American women in western states like Montana, (available from the grassroots advocacy group, Phenomenal Woman), one could not help thinking about Pete Seeger's spirit coming to life at the Howland once again.

Food for thought: Music lifts the soul and gives voice to the passions of the people. Exposure to diverse cultures and varied musical expression continues to evoke what has come before us and what is now at hand so that we can better prepare for the future. Tribal Harmony is a simple, yet important, way to feed the soul. Joining this ongoing community at the Howland is consistent with the spirit of social justice and activism that has come before and that is still needed, more than ever. I will continue on this journey and hope to see others join in.

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.







Beacon Bits -- Shelved

When I first moved to Beacon, I wanted to do what I always did when moving into a new community; get a library card.  But when I saw the facade of the Howland Public Library on Main Street, I was disappointed by the building and delayed my visit to the circulation desk for ten months! I felt more at home frequenting the Howland Cultural Center, the original library in Beacon, built by General Howland and designed by Richard Morris Hunt, in its Norwegian Gothic form. That felt like home and each time I sat in the large open space, which had been the circulation desk, looking up to the stacks on the balcony and to those all around the first level, I imagined that I was still sitting in the library itself.

I think all of this reminiscing of the grandeur of the old library emanated from my having left behind an edifice built by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in my last community down river. And the realization during my membership there that the local library where I grew up was also a Carnegie legacy; the South Brooklyn branch.  That beautiful building was torn down in 1970 when federal funding and the awareness of 'handicap accessibility' intersected. The old, classic structure was replaced with a new cinder block and brick building, a big box version of the 'new and improved' community libraries that were cropping up in many towns.

But I am a pragmatic realist and I do believe in supporting the public library, so I had to overcome this traumatic association with my childhood historic landmark that was torn down rather than preserved.  After all, Beacon does still have the original Howland Public Library to appreciate in its second life as a community center filled with music, art, poetry, protests, fundraisers and more.

So my affiliation to the new library grew as I came to embrace all of Beacon's Main Street, appreciating the upgrade to its new facade (see blog post dated 12/31/12), and eventually becoming one of the Friends of the Howland Public Library (HPL.) The group of Friends is dedicated to assisting the library in its mission by supporting projects and raising funds to supplant the ever-dwindling public funds for the important and ever-expanding educational purpose that a library serves in its community.

Hence, my involvement with the Friends during the annual Fun Fundraiser on President's Day in February (Monday, 2/18/13) -- an event with music, puppetry, performance artists, raffles, food, face painting, and shared information from community groups focusing on young families.  Volunteering to help sign up new Friends gave me a better sense of the vibrancy, the resources, and the central role the library still has for young children growing up in a town where walking to the library is still a possibility. It may be early to put the date for next year's event in your calendar, but I'd say the Fun Fundraiser is a keeper for building community spirit and commitment to honoring the longstanding relationship we have as citizens with a free library.  

Stacy Dedring, Pres., Friends of the HPL

 

There were two especially delightful moments of the day:  seeing a young reader reach out to the friendly owl who was the mascot of the event and seeing the winner of the raffle's prized gift, a signed copy of Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter Yarrow.  The winner actually got to select the book even though she was the third person chosen with a winning raffle ticket.  Two individuals passed it up to her delight; she thought her mom would be especially proud that the legacy of Peter, Paul and Mary would be passed on to the second generation in the same family.

Food for Thought:  Like the age old proverb says, "don't judge a book by its cover." Stop by the HPL and don't forget to sign up to become a Friend. And please don't let yourself get 'shelved' in the same way that this posting got waylaid along the way!

Beacon Bits -- Activism

Within the span of a week, Beaconites could support Hurricane Sandy victims living in Breezy Point by attending a benefit concert at the Howland Cultural Center on Second Saturday (1/12); join the community chorus, which meets weekly on Mondays 7-9pm at the Howland Cultural Center (1/14); attend a fundraiser sponsored by the Beacon Democrats at the new restaurant/music-lounge/art gallery Dogwood on East Main Street (1/16); join the local MoveOn organization community group for planning and supporting the movement against gun violence in the U.S. held at Fovea Exhibitions (1/17) ; and/or attend a lecture on alternative energy sources such as solar and geothermal by local experts sponsored by the Beacon Sloop Club (1/18).

 

Wow! Never have I lived in a town that has offered so many choices and as many nonstop opportunities to mobilize around justice, environmental, political, social and cultural concerns, on a personal-local-national-global level! Unfortunately, I wasn't blessed with the time and energy to indulge in all of the events, which I hoped to do, so I had to choose carefully. I'm very pleased that I chose to attend Thursday's event at Fovea, where a bakers' dozen of concerned Hudson Valley citizens from Beacon, Cold Spring, Peekskill, Poughkeepsie and Orange County convened to follow the MoveOn agenda regarding support for gun control legislation.

 

After introductions and brainstorming ideas, it was clear that this multi-talented group of teachers, engineers, advertising executives, artists, musicians, grassroots organizers, nonprofit administrators, renaissance thinkers and mental health professionals will try to move mountains when it comes to supporting President Obama's proposed legislation intended to mitigate gun violence in America.  A big thanks to Stephanie Heiman, co-director of Fovea for hosting the gathering and garnering the local energy to direct efforts by sharing resources and planning actions; the evening discussion was an amazing beginning for the "Hudson Valley Committee Against Gun Violence." Stay tuned for future meetings and information on this issue. In  the meantime, consider the following actions:

1.  Donate to the Brady Foundation.

2.  Write a thank you note to State Assemblyman Frank Skartados for passing NYS gun  laws that have embraced significant change in a timely fashion.

3.  Boycott Walmart and write letters to their corporate headquarters to urge them to stop selling semi-automatic assault weapons.

4.  Join the Million Mom March on January 26th or the Million Kid March on 2/17 in Washington, DC.

5.  Get your church or synagogue involved in the MoveOn initiatives.

6.  Write a letter to Harry Reid to request his support for President Obama's proposals; he is pivotal in garnering support from all Democrats.
7.  Go to Fovea and post a graphic or letter or item on the office walls that depict your visual protest in favor of gun control as part of a spontaneous 'pop up' exhibit on this issue.

8.  Attend the MLK celebration at the Howland Cultural Center on Monday 1/21 to remember MLK's plea to the American people to turn away from sowing the seeds of violence and continue with efforts against gun violence as part of his legacy.

9.  Circulate a poster created by Tim Delaney for the "Hudson Valley Committee Against Gun Violence." (Contact Fovea for further information.)
10. Write letters to Senators and Congressman who receive NRA support.

 

Some food for thought:  I've noted before how community involvement creates the social connections necessary to buffer the effects of aging and/or loneliness.  Activism is the counterpoint to alienation. Involvement is the antidote to inertia. Belonging is the opposite of isolation. We need to stay active and connect, not just for the positive outcome of all of our collective efforts for our community, but our individual brains need it. Research studies suggest that social contact is neuroprotective; people who have meaningful social connections have delayed onset of cognitive decline.  Furthermore, it is tied into the reward system. It feels good to do good and to be driven by purposeful action. While most people, may not be thinking of the personal benefits of volunteering, altruism, and activism, the human brain seems to know best.

 

Margaret Mead said "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."  I have no doubt that Beacon citizens understand that collectivism and collaboration are powerful weapons and that synergistic activism is a true form of alternative energy!

Beacon Bits -- Can't Get More Local

Living in the Hudson River Valley has its perks all year long, but they multiply as autumn approaches. The apples in the orchards are ready for picking and root vegetables abound. The changing light creates a warm glow as the sun sets earlier and rises later as we move through the autumnal equinox. The energy level rises with everyone out-and-about for the annual seasonal festivals and competing events scheduled each weekend that celebrate the harvest and prepare us for the dormant period that awaits us in the near distant future.

 

There's no need to eke out the last few weeks of farmers' markets, however, with Beacon's very own riverfront market continuing through the winter months. But there's a great reminder that you can't get more local when you do go down to the waterfront and are greeted by the Common Ground Farm's iconic bus.

 

 

On the grounds of Stony Kill Educational Center, the CSA farm flourished this past season under the steady hand of farmers Tim Heuer and Sam Wildfong along with their team of knowledgeable and hard-working apprentices.

 

Tim Heuer, Director of Farming, Common Ground Farm

 



Katie from Kentucky, Summer Intern

When you purchase the weekly offerings of produce, which is set up early on Sunday mornings, you can trust that the proximity along Route 9D insures freshness that can't be beat by its competitors. Tomatoes, beets, greens, string beans, yellow and green squash, basil, and onions that easily go from our farm to your table.



  

 The local Beacon scene abounds with additional home grown talent that ripens this time of year. (Some talent even goes global.) Second Saturday events are well-attended during the brisk evening hours; don't miss One Earth at Fovea, a global perspective on ecological crises. The Howland Chamber Music Circle starts its season once again under the capable leadership of Gwen Stevens who orchestrates programming with aplomb and pulls all the strings to get world-renowned musicians into our acoustically engineered Howland Cultural Center. The Beacon Theatre gets ready to celebrate its Second Anniversary kick-off for renovations, which while still underway, have progressed sufficiently to offer plays including upcoming performances of The Gin Game and Love, Loss and What I Wore. And don't forget the Spirit of Beacon Day on September 30th, which is sure to have an international feel with the cross-cultural heritage of local residents.

 

One of the understated events recently held at the Howland Cultural Center was the awarding of the 3rd Annual Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Celebration awards to Tery Udell and Dan Einbender for their role in starting the Rivertown Kids, a classroom based, community-wide children's chorus; the event was held on Sunday 9/16/12 and was sponsored by the Beacon Democratic Committee. While some of the kids are growing up, they continue their journey knowing they won a Grammy with Pete Seeger for their CD Tomorrow's Children. Hopefully, there will be more eight and nine year olds following in their footsteps by signing up to sing about the present state of affairs pertaining to the environment and human rights and to map out the direction for a hopeful future.

 

 

Some food for thought: The local-global connection has a home in Beacon. As we move towards celebrating Beacon's centennial in 2013, there should be no reason to think of it solely as a provincial event. The sense of human connectedness and the power of the community of the 99%-ers who reside here is just a microcosm of a world-wide phenomenon. Beacon, as its namesake suggests, heralds the message that attention should be paid to this specific location at this time. Beacon has something to sing about, to paint and photograph, to grow, and to join hands together to celebrate. There is no better season, as autumn approaches, to be a beacon for the Hudson Valley. Shine on!

 

Some Upcoming Autumnal Events on the Calendar

Thursday, September 20th - Science journalists Horgan & Revkin, BIRE

Friday-Sunday, September 21st-23rd - The Gin Game at The Beacon

Sunday, September 23rd - Wine 101 - Artisan Wine Shop

Sunday, September 30th - Spirit of Beacon Day Parade, Beacon

Sunday, October 7th - Farm Market Set-up, Common Ground CSA work hours

Sunday, October 7th - Wines of the Loire - Artisan Wine Shop

Saturday, October 13th - 2nd Saturday Gallery Events, Beacon

Sunday, October 14th - Beacon Sloop Club's Pumpkin Festival

Friday-Sunday, October 19th-21st - Sheep and Wool Festival, Rhinebeck

Sunday, October 21st - Brooklyn Rider String Quartet, Howland Chamber Music

Sunday, October 21st - Be Inspired by Spain - Artisan Wine Shop

 

 

 





Beacon Bits -- Beacon's Buzz

When you look at a beehive, you know there's a lot of productive activity going on inside. Every bee has a purpose and mission to fulfill, and collectively, the outcome is greater than the sum of its parts. So it's no coincidence that the Common Ground Farm Fair Food Committee* chose to host a free showing on July 15th of the documentary The Greenhorns, about young farmers, at BEAHIVE, the innovative and progressive workspace in the center of Beacon. The "hive" was the perfect venue to bring Beaconites together to view this film, which depicts the choices and challenges of sustainable farming, and to personally meet the local farmers and apprentices of our CSA with time for Q&A, refreshments and prizes.

In speaking to Scott Tillitt, founder of the BEAHIVE's Beacon site, the mission of the BEAHIVE was greatly clarified; I understood that the hive is more than renting work space to those who need an office, rather, it is an interconnected system of individuals who have common goals and values for sustainable living while advancing the level of community for all participants. It is a place  to come together to support the larger Beacon community and collaborate on projects of mutual interest. It is a place for belonging and membership.

*The Fair Food Committee offers support in the form of stipends for individuals who qualify for a subsidy to purchase a share for Common Ground's CSA; purchases a share that is distributed to two local food pantries (St. Andrew's in Beacon and First Reformed in Fishkill); and collaborates with the Cooperative Extension's Green Teens program that educates students about food justice by scheduling deliveries to seniors and those who may not ordinarily seek out healthy food choices based on convenience, habits, or limited funds.
Some food for thought: The buzz about Beacon has reached notoriety with the recent CNN advertisement with designer Mark Bastien's drive to Beacon and the New York Times article by Paul Appelbome after his July Second Saturday visit. But the real buzz in Beacon occurs in the center of Main Street, which Appelbome characterizes as middle America--"waiting for better days", the stretch between the east and west coasts--"where the cool people hang out". However, it is this very middle ground that brings Beaconites together as a community in the form of partnerships, meetings, gatherings and events, such as free film showings at the Howland Library, community chorus at the Howland Cultural Center, dancing at Rosa's Exercise Dance Studio or Yanarella's, purchasing chocolate delights at Alps Sweet Shop or bread at All You Knead, working together on a fundraiser at BEAHIVE and attending a book signing or  lecture sponsored by BIRE--where former Mohawk tribal chief James Ransom shared insights about Native American spirituality and the environment on July 19th at BIRE's Dennings Point location. He spoke volumes about community spirit; his comments about building community through common interests and activities amplified my own beliefs about finding meaning and purpose through participation and engagement in diverse activities (i.e., occupations) that are valued and important. This shared sentiment is what the real buzz in Beacon is all about. Take time to get involved. Sign up. Join in. Gather together. Reach out. Meet up. Support local business and nonprofits. Do something new. Contribute. Receive. Belong. Become a member of the hive!

Beacon Bits -- Embrace Your Community

After trying to schedule a Saturday evening outing to the Gospel Cafe at the Howland Cultural Center for over a year, my weary soul could wait no longer and I finally showed up at the door on Saturday 4/29/12. The evening's theme was Apollo Night, like the iconic people's choice competition in NYC.

The MC, Deacon  Alvin Bell, proprietor of the hair salon at 211 Main Street, opened the evening with his rendition of "Victory is Mine", a rousing song with his signature

notes. (I've seen him belt this upbeat number out at other community events such as the MLK celebrations at the Howland with as much heart and soul. I've also run into Deacon Bell, an ex-boxing champ, at the local bank; I love to listen to his stories about Main Street pre-Dia Beacon. He's a willing ranconteur and runs a friendly and energetic barber shop where our very own Pete Seeger gets his hair cut and the buzz about town is always ongoing as a recent visit revealed.

The entrance fee for the Gospel Cafe included a comfortable seat with tables set up cabaret style and a tasty homemade dinner replete with baked chicken, stringbeans, macaroni and cheese and biscuit. Since it was the 4th anniversary of these monthly community gospel celebrations, a generous serving of strawberry-filled chocolate cake was passed around during the intermission.

Four diverse choirs performed during the course of the evening.  My favorite, the Brothers of Gideon representing Beulah Baptist Church, reminded me of The Dixie Hummingbirds, but to my disappointment, was not the choir selected as the evening's winner.

The most unusual group, Souls United, spearheaded by the local Baha'i's, sang more contemporary songs with soulful messages of unity, peace and harmony. A rousing performance of one song included the phrase, "embrace your race", which denoted the multiracial aspect of this group and the universal message of the Baha'i faith. It was no surprise to see local performer Chis Ruhe as part of the group; he is a troubador for social justice and action-oriented causes like anti-fracking.

Overall, the evening was a winner, just like the Balm in Gilead that heals the sin sick soul.

Some food for thought:  While gospel might not be every Beaconite's choice of music, the Gospel Cafe venue affords the opportunity to mingle beyond the usual racial divide and serves as a chance to cross multicultural boundaries within our community. (If you've noticed up to this point, there isn't much diversity represented in some of the areas along Main Street or even within this blog.)  As a white person in attendance, I was frequently reminded about being in a minority role. Some of the regular attendees appeared a bit skeptical about my presence initially until the music touched us all; then I was greeted several times with the query, "are you having a good time?" One local couple told me to stop in their church, Star of Bethlehem, located in the converted bank building a few doors up from Bank Square, "anytime." I think I might just do that. I've heard their choir singing some Sunday mornings when passing through town and they've been quite uplifting and it will be good to keep crossing the invisible lines of segregation found in Beacon's community. To do so will further expand one's comfort zone and to enrich one's connecteness with all neighbors.

Gospel Cafe meets at 7pm on the 4th Saturday of the month at the Howland Cultural Center. Souls United will perform on June 2, 2012 at the Howland Cultural Center.

"Change-It-Up" Macaroni & Cheese

A white girl's blend of healthy and traditional

1 tbs. butter

2 tbs. flour

1/2 cup skim milk

4 oz. aged white Vermont cheddar cheese, grated

1 tsp. Grey Poupon Country Dijon Mustard

2 tbs. Hudson Valley Fresh sour cream

2 cups uncooked 100% Whole Wheat Chiocciole

(Bionature Organic available at Beacon Natural Market)

Unseasoned breadcrumbs

Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Heat the butter in a saucepan and incorporate the flour , then add the milk and  continually stir to blend thoroughly. (You are essentially making a bechamel sauce or as we called it growing up a 'hvit sus', white sauce, that can be used for 'creaming' any vegetable.) Add the cheese gradually until melted. Then add the mustard and sour cream. Add the sauce to the cooked macaroni. Place into a buttered casserole dish and sprinkle the top with the breadcrumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minute. Makes 4 side servings.

You can bring the fat down with low fat cheese and sour cream or you can bring the fat up with dots of butter on top of the bread crumb topping for extra crispy crumbs.

Beacon Bits--Winter's Thaw

This may go down as the winter that never happened in the Hudson Highlands, especially when compared with last year's, but during the coldest week in January, multiple events in Beacon helped sustain me until my bronchitis cleared and the days started to lengthen into what will most likely be an early spring.  I still revel in the sights and sounds of the talents of the world-renowned Jeremy Denk who played Mozart sonatas on an impeccably tuned piano for the Howland Chamber Circle classical concert series at the Howland Cultural Center (on January 15th and then again on February 12th) and the iconic Pete Seeger who was joined by his friends, the Rivertown Kids, Sara Underhill, David and Jacob Bernz, Guy Davis and drummers Figueroa and Haynes, among others, to continue the legacy of Martin Luther King's call for social and economic justice at the MLK celebration (on January 16th). Pete spoke about the March on Selma and the bombing of King's home and led everyone in singing "Follow the Drinking Gourd" with fellow banjoist Travers. A rousing duo, Emma's Revolution, sang out about "occupy" and contemporary issues of inequality and injustice in our country, which finally answered my burning question of who will follow in Pete's footsteps to "raise their voice."

Sitting in the audience for the two disparate events in the same venue, I mused how this felt like the epitome of freedom of choice and diversity. And to think it's happening in one small river town community and in one 135 year old historic building continues to fascinate me. And I didn't even mention that the visual art complimenting this auditory smorgasbord was a photojournalist Ronnie Farley's exhibit of cowgirls, which opened January 7th and ran through January 29th. Ms. Farley, a Beaconite, traveled the west in the 1990's and chronicled the rodeo women, cow hands and sheep herders who happened to be female, with informative text and black and white silver gelatin prints from her travels. The juxtaposition of these portraits of women who coraled the audience and were serenaded by Jeremy and rallied to act by Pete and friends was another testament to the local talent and genius in our midst.

From the east side of Main Street, we are connected to the museum-quality photography gallery, Fovea, on the west side of Main Street, where Ms.Farley is a member. Fovea rocked Second Saturday events in January with a 2-1/2 hour panel presentation about the exhibit, "Gays in the Military". Vince Cianni, the photographer, was joined by four of the gay men he interviewed for his project documenting the effects of "Don's Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT). The servicemen--one still active, two discharged under DADT and one who was allowed to retire-- were joined by a local psychiatrist who edits a journal about gay and lesbian issues for the American Psychiatric Association. The level of authentic and honest sharing by the would-be victims of DADT clearly underscored that their resilience and use of available social support allowed them to be survivors who continue to thrive as they reach out to others who were diminshed by DADT. The photos, along with extensive personal narrative transcriptions and audio recordings taken from the interviews were at the gallery through the first week in February but thereafter will reside in archival storage at Duke University. (Fovea's current show documents the Occcupy Movement: another testimony to its cutting edge vision and mission.)

Topping off that memorable week in January was a visit to the Beacon Sloop Club for its Friday night lecture series featuring Jessica DuLong, author of My River Chronicles: Rediscovering America on the Hudson, a memoir of a dot.com entrepreneur turned marine engineer whose hands-on learning occurred on the John J. Harvey fireboat while cruising up and down the Hudson River. Her new book will document the rescue of citizens during the frenzy of 9/11 by a variety of boats, ships and vessels from lower Manhattan.

Some food for thought: Beaconites have the privilege of residing in a community-oriented town at a time when culture, intellect, emotion, and process intersect with the ordinary lives of some extraordinary individuals who share their visions and otherwise take risks to put themselves "out there". Participation in the varied opportunities does not seem optional; you can choose to take an active role as a witness or be inspired to find where your own talents lead you. But the time is now; spring is on its way.



Beacon Bits - Community Support

The Beacon community is replete with opportunities for being a good neighbor or ‘friend’ to the variety of not-for-profit groups that create an atmosphere of familiarity with others who share interests in the arts, concerns about the environment and knowledge about the historical aspects of the region. They all create a venue for socialization, volunteership and common purpose. Several groups worth knowing more about in order to consider how you want to support them include The Howland Cultural Center, the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries, the Beacon Sloop Club and the Mt. Beacon Incline Railway Restoration Society. There are so many others (note to self: more information for future blogs), including The Dia, Boscobel and Scenic Hudson whose scope lies beyond the city limits, yet all of them have an impact on the choices and prospects for involvement for a local Beaconite.

The Howland Cultural Center (http://www.howlandculturalcenter.org/) is a true community gathering place where poetry, folk music, gospel, art exhibits, bridge, open mic, kids’ events and film take place in a beautiful Norwegian-style building designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt and built in 1872. The building has great acoustics, intricate woodwork, remnants of the library bookshelves that are reminders of the original purpose of the building, and a grand antique grandfather clock frozen in time. While the clock stands transfixed, unique events presented at the various venues are at the cutting edge of our current times (e.g., an anti-fracking fundraiser with Pete Seeger and film director of Gasland, Josh Fox, (http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/) in May 2011 and classical-world-jazz rhythm and melody performance by duoJalal (http://www.duojalal.org/),  a viola and percussive powerhouse, in June 2011.) The building was placed on the National Historic Registry in 1972. It is the current home to the Howland Chamber Music Circle (http://howlandmusic.org/) and the Beacon Historical Society (http://beaconhistoricalsociety.org/index2.php). Join the legacy of civil war general and shipping magnate, Joseph Howland, the original benefactor; individual membership is $30 and family membership is $50.

The Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries (http://www.bire.org/home/) is a prestigious academic center for " scientific and technological innovation that advances research, education, and public policy regarding rivers and estuaries"  making Beacon the center of 21^st century environmentalism.  The BIRE, located on Dennings Point (http://www.amazon.com/Dennings-Point-Hudson-River-History/dp/1883789516), offers environmental programs to the public in the Center for Environmental Innovation and Education (CEIE) and River and Estuary Observatory Network (REON) and has its bookshop/gallery at 199 Main Street. General support of the organization starts with a $25 donation.

The Beacon Sloop Club (BSC) is anchored in the movement to clean up the Hudson River,  which was spearheaded by Pete Seeger, and marked by the arrival of the sloop Clearwater in Beacon in 1969. Now home to the replica of an 18^th-19^th century Dutch ferry sloop, the Woodie Guthrie, the BSC offers 1^st Friday night potlucks with a sing-along of traditional American folk songs, including those reminiscent of the 1960's protest movements and new themes for a new generation. The BSC organizes community-wide fundraising with a Strawberry Festival every June, a Corn Festival in August (8-14-11) and a Pumpkin Festival in October (10-16-11) for the upkeep and maintenance of the Woodie Guthrie, which is available for free sailing trips by reservation. This riverside clubhouse with a tree growing through the roof is also home to the Beacon Farmers Market (http://www.thebeaconfarmersmarket.com/) during the winter months with its welcoming and roaring fire in the stone fireplace. Membership for the BSC is $25, a true bargain for all the camaraderie, song, sailing and history on the Beacon waterfront. in Beacon in 1969.

The Mt. Beacon Incline Railway Restoration Society (http://www.inclinerailway.org/) has as its mission to “restore, operate and maintain the Incline Railway on North Beacon Mountain”, a funicular which rose 1540 feet above sea level up 2200 feet of track on the mountainside from 1902 to 1978, and destroyed by fire in 1983. Built by Otis Elevator company, it brought passengers to the amazing vista and glorious natural beauty of the Hudson River Valley. While I never rode the Mt. Beacon funicular, and I have yet to hike in this Scenic Hudson park (http://www.scenichudson.org/parks/mountbeacon) , I can only imagine the sight from the top of the mountain from my own funicular journeys in Bergen, Norway (http://www.floibanen.com/). (This peculiar coincidence of the mountains and “fjord” makes me ponder the possibility of Beacon becoming a sister city with Bergen.....but that is definitely another blog.) If you believe that the railway can be built by 2013 (the target date to coincide with Beacon’s 100^th anniversary as a city) then it’s time to get aboard; individual membership is $20 and family membership is $40 annually.

Some food for thought: I read that a grande latte purchased on a daily basis for $3.63 would total $1,334.95 per year. Imagine how much of an investment that would translate into if you gave that much to local development projects? Even if you use 10% of that total amount ($133.49), you could be a benefactor to a selection of the various groups described, as well as others, and know that you are supporting the future of Beacon and its surrounding area. It’s a matter of how you choose to use your discretionary funds. In this economy, we may all need to cut back. But the groups that serve us will sustain cutbacks in grants and government support; our 10% will help to sustain them through this difficult time. The opportunity for belonging to these community groups is priceless; giving up lattes for 36.5 days of the year may not be such a sacrifice when you consider what you will get in return.