Beacon Bits -- When the parade passes by.....

Barbara Streisand would have been very happy -- there was no rain on Beacon's Centennial Parade on Saturday May 18th! The event was the culmination of civic, nonprofit, entrepreneurial, government and volunteer organizations that exist for contemporary Beaconites, some with historical connections (DAR) and others formed for the centennial itself (I AM Beacon).  The parade did indeed pass me by and from my vantage point facing the post office to the west, and the buildings under construction for the soon-to-arrive Towne Crier Cafe in front of me, the past, present and future of Beacon stood before my eyes!

Food for Thought:

Who doesn't like a parade? It offers a time for reflection and celebration on a given theme -- ethnic pride, firemen's service, holidays, championship winners, war heroes, and historical moments -- and brings a community together as they witness the passing banners, vehicles, flags, marchers and bands. Parades connect us with each other through identification by similarity and feeling unique with contrasts. Who we are and who we are not -- yet -- connected, nonetheless, to each other in community. Standing together, we become one. It's a good feeling not to be alone.

 

 



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 -- Snowed In

It has been a week since the blizzard of 2013. I've had this blog post on my mind since the day I was snowed in, but something seemed to be getting in the way of my posting. I think I must have had flashbacks to the winter of 2011-2012 when I moved 'north' to the Hudson Valley and realized I was in an entirely new weather zone. It seemed as though there was an exponential increase in inches of snow expected as you traveled up the Hudson River from  the Tappan Zee to the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge/Route 84 corridor.

 

Do not get me wrong. I like winter and I appreciate a good snowfall. It was just an awful time to move and get settled into a new area. I was again reminded of that particular winter today, when I stopped by the Farmer's Market, now at the Mill Street Loft in Lock Dock Beacon of how I missed the welcoming fireplace of the Beacon Sloop Club (the previous home of the market); it really felt like the hearth of my new home when I made my weekly trip for comfort food: All You Knead raisin and walnut bread and Migliorelli Farms cider and apples.

 

But getting back to this year's snowstorm, being snowed in last week allowed me to make my pot of soup one day early. I had made a New Year's resolution to make a different soup each Sunday so that I had a quick and hearty meal and plans for freezing some for a snowy day. Since New Year's I had made lentil, French three bean, old-fashioned chicken, Scandinavian fruit, and vegetable minestrone soup with rigatoni. Black bean soup was next in the queue. But I realized I didn't have cilantro, not one of my favorite herbs, which is essential for its distinct flavor.

 

So I made a run to Key Food for cilantro before the snow started. Funny thing was that a guy in line was getting cilantro for a tortilla soup he and his girlfriend were going to make. I realized necessity was in the eye of the beholder. No bread or milk for either of us.

Mt. Beacon standing in wait for the blizzard


I imagine that the run on supermarkets before a storm arrives is less about fearing that there isn't enough food in the cupboards, but rather, it's about planning to make a home cooked meal that just may take that extra time that arrives as a gift with the weather report. (Assuming you can plan to take the time away from scheduled activities and remain off the roads as advised by the weathermen, Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Christie.)

 

Cooking is a soulful way to prepare for the unexpected. It can be meditative. It focuses the attention and becomes a creative act (especially if you don't follow a strict recipe, which is how I make soup.) I so enjoyed the process that I forgot about the storm until the snow started to fall. Magically, I felt the primitive response of knowing I was safely at home, just as the deer bed down long before the weather arrives, I had hunkered down to fill the air with pleasant aroma and to anticipate the warmth and good feeling when the soup spoon hit the bowl.

 

Some food for thought:  Soup seems to be the perfect meal for sharing in community. The story of 'stone soup' that comes together when everyone brings something to add to the pot is one of my favorite versions of re-telling the story of the fishes and loaves that are multiplied to feed the hungry. If everyone contributes something, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Maybe that is why I made the resolution to make soup each week this year. It is a reminder to always be prepared to feed unexpected guests. It symbolizes hospitality much more than any pineapple ever could. Soup is a celebration of every one's special gifts. It is a blessing to feel the synergistic properties of taking out one pot and adding one ingredient after another. It's great when you hear the call, "soup's on."

 

 

Black Bean Soup with a Twist

Step 1.
Saute chopped vegetables in 2-3 tbs. canola or olive oil until all are wilted.
(1 large shallot, 1 orange and 1 yellow pepper, 1 large green zucchini, 1 dried red chili pepper)

 

Step. 2
Add a handful each of fresh chopped cilantro and parsley and 3 cans (14 oz. ea.) of drained and rinsed black beans
 

Step 3.
Add organic chicken broth (32 oz.) and 1 cup water; season with salt and pepper to taste.
 

Step 4.
Add 1 cup blanched kale (frozen from last year's CSA share) and 1/2 cup Marsala cooking wine; cook for 20-30 min. more.

Step 5.
Transfer soup from pot (somewhat cooled) into blender and puree until as smooth as desired and place in large bowl.
You can also keep the soup chunky or reserve 1/2 as is to add back to 1/2 of the pureed mixture. Your option.
Return to pot and heat until hot enough to serve.
 



Step 6.
Serve in a bowl and garnish with more cilantro.
(This serving is part chunky and part smooth.)
Enjoy with multi-grain tortilla chips or warm bread, such as nan, and some hard cheese, like Dubliner. Why not?
This recipe makes 4-6 servings, depending on the size of the bowl.

 

Step 7.
Take a walk for a view of Mt. Beacon post-storm (before or after the soup, maybe even both!)



 

 





Beacon Bits -- For Pete's Sake

One of the best things about living in Beacon is having the iconic American folk hero, Pete Seeger, as a neighbor and frequent performer at local events, such as the annual Martin Luther King commemoration that was held on Monday 1/21/13 at the Howland Cultural Center with the Rivertown Kids and musician friends -- a fitting end to a perfect celebratory inauguration day of the second term of President Obama on the holiday honoring Dr. King.

 

 

Many of us in attendance relish the chance to sing along with the songs of the 60's when protesters about the Vietnam war followed in the footsteps of those in the  civil rights movement who understood how to use the power of one's voice to take a firm stand.

 

The tradition continued with Pete leading a rousing rendition of "Study War No More" at the end of the evening's chance to walk down memory lane as Pete had recounted being with Dr. King fifty years ago during the historic marches that led to victory.

 

The song was used to announce to the audience that a march will be held on Saturday, January 26th in Washington DC for gun control. New lyrics, written by local musicians Roland Mousaa and Mindy Fradkin-Mousaa, that were approved by Pete, now adorn an elegant poster designed by Tim Delaney and inspired by Vincent Condorelli, all in attendance at the first "Hudson Valley Committee Against Gun Violence" meeting held at Fovea on 1/17/13. (A follow-up meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 1/31/13.)

 

 

Some food for thought: I've always sensed that deep admiration and respect for Pete Seeger is palpable among all of the people you find in any crowd in his presence. (This year someone actually glowed as they told me that they went up and took a picture with him!) Pete is an American Elder Extraordinaire! He would make an excellent Honorary Chairperson of Vice President Biden's Committee on Gun Control. He would also be my first choice to be #1 Champion of Environmental Concerns for President Obama's revelatory initiatives on climate change that finally appear to be on the horizon.  I truly believe Pete Seeger deserves to be the recipient of a Nobel Peace Prize for all of his goodwill for humanity. He always leads by his example; you can never get away without singing a song in his presence. With the rallying cry that was posed to the American people in this year's inaugural address, I'd say that now is the time, to pick a cause, and act on it, and please, just do it, for Pete's sake! 

 



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 -- Out with the Old & In with the New

It has been two years since I moved to Beacon and just like the song, 'the times they are a-changing', I have borne witness to many changes along Main Street and have noted them with appreciation and pleasure in blog postings.  From my perspective, most of the changes have been very good in terms of economic development and environmental enhancement. So I thought I would end the year with a  small sense of closure and with great anticipation of some new beginnings by taking a brief look at a few of the recent transitions that are evident in our midst.

 

I'll start with the sad news that the art gallery Marion Royael closed.  Most businesses close when they are unsuccessful.  Rumor has it that Steve and Barbara (a true Beacon power couple) closed the gallery, which was prominently located across from the Howland Cultural Center and the The Beacon Theatre, because they were very successful and decided to pursue their dreams and riches in New York City.  While we wish them much luck in their venture, their presence and artistic flair and sensibility will be notably missed from Second Saturday openings and by the peripatetic residents and visitors who always stopped to take a long hard look at the traditional and avante garde artwork they exhibited.
 

 

Perhaps not so sad, but more ambiguous news, Dim Sum Vault has "temporarily" closed its doors. Whether the restaurateurs played it "safe" as a posting on BCN suggested, or read the cards and realized that their fare may not have been competitive with the established Asian cuisine in town (i.e., Isamu, Sukothai, and even the tiny and delicious upstart Korean Seoul Food), is unknown. But for those who may have become aficionados, it is not a good way to treat loyal customers who want to dine out in a favorite place and have the desire for new restaurants to succeed in town.  As for me, whether or not they re-open may be a moot point. I took an out-of-town guest to eat at Dim Sum in October. While I was not impressed with the variety or the flexibility  of the menu and wait staff (e.g., an equivocal response to my request for garlic string beans, which was not listed), I was very put off when I was chastised as I called to say that I was running late for my 6pm reservation and then noted empty tables upon arriving at 6:15pm. Common courtesy and responsiveness to customer requests are a hallmark of the food industry that sells more than the kitchen fare for repeat customers.

 

On the other hand, I eagerly anticipate getting a taste of the food and fare at Hop, which  I would award "Newcomer of the Year". Reports from friends and reviews that I have read are all glowing. I just haven't been lucky enough to stop by when it wasn't packed full house! So it is high on my list to visit and toast the new year with hopes of future fermentation of its congenial and tasteful presence on the East end of town.

High on my wish list when I moved to Beacon was a store, like Williams & Sonoma, to be in the center of town. I knew that the ordinance on the books precludes 'chain stores and franchises', but I felt that the upscale nature of a flagship business such as W&S would bring in business from other nearby locales (e.g., Cold Spring, Garrison) and match the interest of the foodies and the CIA grads who populate Beacon.  Homespun with its gourmet food offerings was a partial wish fulfilment. Now I can say there are two more "parts" to the wished for "whole": Scarborough Fare, an olive oil and vinegar tap room at 257 Main St.

 

and Utensil, a kitchenware supply store at 480 Main St. (Time to burn calories in between.)

 

Perhaps oil and vinegar sounds too specific and limiting for a new business to be hopeful as a newcomer to the streets of Beacon, but mother and daughter owners Corey and Donna Wirthman, who opened this outpost store as a branch of its successful New Paltz business, offer much more with gift baskets to order with Italian pasta, Harney & Sons tea, Italian meats, German meats, Caciocavallo cheese, natural dips and hummus and gluten free items. Stop in for a taste and remember that food gifts are always consumed with gusto.

 

Meanwhile, who doesn't like to peruse the aisles and shelves of a kitchenware store made easy with the expertise of Utensil's owner, Emily Burke, who opened in November and has the prescience to be open during Second Saturday hours. Just as Lowe's and Home Depot offer the chance to find items that you didn't know you needed, a good kitchenware store feels like heaven to anyone who chops, slices, mixes, stores and otherwise prepares good food with style and flair;  let's welcome Emily to our midst

 

So while I did not get my hoped for Williams & Sonoma, I now have multiple choices for gourmet food and cooking utensils without leaving Main Street in Beacon. Spices and herbs anyone?

 

Another wish that I feel I have received as the year comes to an end is a new facade on the Howland Public Library, with a uniform brick wall that has improved safety features with less

 

 

plate glass in the children's section and a parking lot at Key Food graced with tree plantings and enhanced signage for what was perceived as an eyesore by many in the center of

 

town.  This latter project fulfills the promise of the Main Street grant that Beacon received two years ago that allowed the town to work with store owners who wanted to improve the overall appearance of storefronts by returning them to architectural detailing reminiscent of an older era with uniform mill work and colorways that pull together a signature look for the street scape from West to East that bridges the unification of the two disparate towns, Fishkill Landing and Mattewan, that Beacon actually was 100 years ago. These improvements are welcome as we get ready for the Centennial Celebrations 1913-2013 that will begin  in January and last all year long. What a way to start the New Year!











Some food for thought:  New Year's always brings about the melancholic sense of loss for what did not occur in the preceding year and the eager anticipation of a fresh start for the coming year. Finding the balance between regrets and disappointments about the past and optimism and courage for the unknown and uncertain future is key in making the transition 'smooth' from one year to the next. May we all find the time to reflect in a meaningful way about what was and what might be while staying grounded in what is. May we all continue to find the strength for the changes we have endured and for those that are sure to come our way in the coming year.  Many blessings  to all for 2013!

 

Make a resolution to become a Friend of the Howland Library this year!

Beacon Bits -- Heart-and-Soul

One day last summer, while on Main Street in the vicinity of Global Home and Theo Ganz Studio, I saw a police officer checking out a license plate on a parked car with its door open and a dog lapping up water from  bowl placed by the side of the car by two women shopkeepers.  The officer had been called to the scene by the concerned women who noticed the dog in the car with the windows practically closed on a hot and sultry summer day.  The dog was being rescued from a potential tragedy; the shopkeepers' proactive response had been rewarded by the arrival of the officer and they were relieved as the officer pursued tracking down the owner of the car through a handheld device searching the Internet.  The outcome was whether or not a summons would be issued but the process was the kindheartedness of sensitive and compassionate bystanders who called upon this 'officer of the peace' who responded as you would hope for any local hero.

 

This is one of the precious heart-and-soul moments of the last year in Beacon.  When I recalled it recently. I thought I'd point out a few more instances where heart-and-soul moments exist along Main Street.

 

o     Have you ever noticed John's Shoe Repair? you may know it by the clutter and five-and-dime appearance of its large windows across the street from M&T Bank.  When you walk in the door you are transported back to the smell, sight and sound of the glue, sewing machine and rows of gently used shoes waiting to be repaired or retrieved--a remnant of childhood for some of us. I had the pleasure of meeting John and his wife, who travel to Beacon daily from Queens, when I brought a leather pocketbook into the shop in need of a secure strap.  Ten dollars and two days later, a totally wearable sack was back in my possession to my delight and for fond memories being stirred as much as the repair of my purse.

 

o     Did you notice the arrival of two storefront businesses last summer -- Roosevelt Vet on the Hudson and Orange Pediatrics? Things are really looking up for Beacon when the town pays attention to defenseless children and animals.  (We already know Beacon has ongoing outreach on Main Street for the indigent and addicted with the presence of the Salvation Army and the Lexington Treatment Center.) I recently had the chance to pay a pre-interview visit to Roosevelt Vet on the Hudson and spoke with Emilia, one of the staff, followed by an appointment for my new kitty, Thea, with Dr. Tamara McArdle, after several other

occasions for contact, including a crisis call when adopting Thea at the DCSPCA after being told she had a "cold." Dr. McArdle couldn't have been more understanding as she offered guidance and reassurance to tide me over until Thea could be poked and prodded and
 

probed thoroughly enough to determine that she's a keeper. Roosevelt Vet on the Hudson now participates in the DCSPCA initial examination program, but whether you're newly adopting a cat or dog or not, I'd say that you can trust your pet care to these newcomers who are professional, courteous and compassionate. Pay them a visit and see for yourself.

 

 

o     Did you ever wonder about all the activity that can be seen through the windows of the Yanarella Dance Studio located between Dance Bag and All You Knead off the corner of North Chestnut on Main? I heard there was actually a car dealership in that location years ago, but more recently it has been home for many of the 55 years that this Beacon-owned dance studio has seen kids grow up and become the teachers to their peers' children and even grandchildren. If you were curious enough or received an invitation, you may have even purchased a ticket to one of the two performances held at the Beacon High School in mid-November. If you went, you would see an age range from pre-school to retired (from 3 to 75), all sizes and shapes, and a healthy diversity of ethnicity, religion and race -- a true

equal opportunity venue where the philosophy is that everyone can dance! They can -- and for those who may want to start for the first time - registration was just held for the new classes that start in December and culminate in next November's recital, so there is still time to join in the fun. If you don't feel you have the courage to reveal your inner  dancer, at least remember to buy a ticket next year to support this terpsichorean, community-minded happening that puts all of Beacon on stage.  Kudos to the teachers and Angela, the owner, and especially for the energy of the high school age girls who burned thousands of calories across two days and a dozen performances ranging from hip hop to contemporary, ballet, tap and jazz.  What amazing girl power!

 

o     And how about our local 93 year old hero, Pete Seeger?  Need I say more.  Just look and listen for yourself.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvnsB_kVNYI&sns=em 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezyd40kJFq0&sns=em
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW4XxX06AmA&sns=em
 

Some food for thought:  Reflecting on the day-to-day things we take for granted may reveal that there's more than meets the eye.  And when you do encounter some heart-and-soul in Beacon, whether by chance or by design, you will know that it is truly is a blessed and wonderful life in our town.