Beacon Bits -- Crossroads

Recently standing on the corner of Main Street and Cross Street, the saying "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" came to mind. My association was attributed to the juxtaposition of the longstanding Hudson Beach Glass, which faces the Culture Club Cafe, next to the Marion Royael Gallery, which is across from the vacant lot used by Beacon 3D, with its adjacent brick building for sale.

Hudson Beach Glass is tried and true. It is 'old' by Beacon's Main Street standards for revitalization and renewal, but not at all old in its fanciful objects d'art, recurrent gallery openings, and ongoing creations with resident glassblowers. It is fired up and ready to go the distance! 

Culture Cafe-Bar is one of the newer eateries on Main Street with a varied menu, personable hosts, and wonderful backyard garden for outdoor seating. It is open seven days a week and has already gained a following of regular diners. I found myself eating with friends on two different occasions over the course of one week. Both times I had pasta offerings (pumpkin ravioli, now off the menu, and spaghetti squash with angel hair past) and felt satisfied with the portion and the flavors. Given its popularity, it will be interesting to see how the smaller indoor accommodations will alter availability for dining during the winter months.

My all time favorite Beacon gallery, Marion Royael, has been back in town for several months now, and it's still the buzz on Second Saturdays despite its move from the 'east end' to the 'west end' of town. I mourned its loss when it closed its doors in Beacon for a trial run in the city; I'm thrilled to see it 'back home' and just hope it's not on borrowed time.

As for the fear of the unknown and anxiety about losing open space on Main Street, the 'for sale' sign on the handsome multi-family brick building with commercial space, evoked a blue feeling. My mind immediately went to two questions, 'what will change?' and 'how long will it be before we know what will happen in this corner of the world.

Food for thought: Change is never easy. Transitions are buffered by holding onto some of the old ways with its adopted and borrowed traditions. Beacon is 'changing' as those who attended Second Saturday in August noted. Each week it appears that the liminal threshold of a town that was "becoming" to a town that "is", has been surpassed. Paying attention to the  early signs at the crossroads suggests that there may be other intersections to ponder. Looks like it's the perfect time to take a walk on Main Street from end to end to explore the art installations that are collaborations between Beacon's artists and business owners; visit WOMS through September 13 and vote for your favorite installation.

Not a window, but the wall of Beacon Bread - the mural "Songs of the Hudson" by artist  Nestor Madalengoitia
pays  tribute to Pete and Toshi Seeger - unveiled on 8/9/14

Beacon Bits -- Beacon to Bergen and Back

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

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

Clearwater sails by the festival

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

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

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

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

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

The "Hudson Fjord" from the MTA train heading south

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

Queuing up for the funicular

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

Small restaurant on top of the mountain 

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

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

Beacon Bits -- Signs of Spring

This spring has slowly unfolded as we transition to summer. The cooler than usual weather seems to be a throwback to the springs I remember before climate change accelerated the increasing temperatures long before the lengthening days of the summer solstice. A long transition gives us plenty of time to prepare and plan activities for the summer, while enjoying the process of change. Some signs of spring recently observed in Beacon caught my eye.

Kayaks stored at Long Dock are poised for launching

Mountain Tops on Main Street is gearing up for summer paddles and customers' needs

Looking south towards Hudson Highlands State Park with increasing numbers of hikers 

Flowering pear tree by Beacon's Train Station awaits Metro North passengers from NYC

Early birds setting up for the Beacon Farmers Market

Decorative bows on Main Street sponsored by the National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI), a family advocate group for education, research and treatment of serious mental illness without stigma, help to celebrate Mental Health Month, held every May

Recruitment to get out and about with the Beacon Soccer Club

(I heard 'they're a good team' from a referee from Cornwall after a recent game at West Point)

Time to sign up for the  Beacon Theatre Summer Camp

Always time to pause for a view of Beacon Falls with the rushing waters of Fishkill Creek

Future real estate projects may be a sign to review strategic planning for Beacon's east end

Sukothai: a sign of staying power -- the rewards of being a pioneer in Beacon's renewal

Timeless and timely remembrance of Beacon's beloved Pete Seeger on the occasion of  what would have been his 95th birthday on May 3rd 

Food for thought: Seems to me that some of the signs of spring allow us to take stock of where we have been and where we are heading. They remind us to slow down enough to make the right choices as we move forward. I realized that I had not attended the celebrations this month honoring Pete Seeger because I was distracted by the kidnapping of girls in Nigeria and the concerns about the transportation of crude oil along the Hudson River. I started to feel that Pete would have directed us towards these new social justice, human rights and environmental concerns with new lyrics to old songs. I could hear him bringing new meaning to the words of his favorite songs, "where have all the young girls gone" or "up and down the Hudson flows". Just like spring, we need to re-invent ourselves and re-imagine what we can be as we bridge into our future. And we need to do this consciously, whole-heartedly, and as a community.

5-day celebration for Pete and Toshi Seeger in July 2014

#BringBackOurGirls

https://www.facebook.com/bringbackourgirls

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 -- Winter's Reprieve

I had an irresistible urge to get my car washed today. I wasn't in denial that it will soon rain and snow again as this brief interlude of spring comes to an end (don't blink) and when we return once again to winter's version of March madness. It just felt like it was a great day for a good car wash - 'the ultimate' a.k.a. 'the works' - and that shedding the layers of road salt was in order. And long overdue. It really felt like spring! 

 

I imagine that we all are looking around for signs of a lasting spring............

 

The changing light on the face of Mt. Beacon and Fishkill Ridge.

 

The literal signs that spring really does arrive betwixt and between the short days of winter and the long days of summer.

 

The rumors that Zora Dora will soon be re-opening its doors with seasonal favorite paletas to entice every one's palate into tasting spring's arrival before it actually does.

 

Food for thought:  The lengthening of the days with the return of Daylight Savings time is energizing the birds and those who delight in spring cleaning rituals. It's always good to greet the change of season with an openness and lightness of being. For those who have been out and about on Main Street or who attended last week's Second Saturday, you know that the increased number of opportunities to get out of the house is growing exponentially; the voracious appetite to explore and ingest is as palpable as watching a hibernating bear emerge to forage for its long-awaited nourishment. The early smorgasbord of spring delights for Beaconites include:

 

o  the return of Marion Royael Gallery with its current show featuring the 'onion';

o  sampler ballroom dancing classes at Yanarella Dance studio;

o  the birthing of chocolate bunnies, jelly eggs and marzipan chicks at Alps Sweet Shop;

o  renewed planning to revive fundraising efforts to further renovate the Beacon Theatre;

o  Water Way: The Paintings of Fredericka Foster exhibit at the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries with a dialogue of the creative process with the artist planned for Saturday, 4/12 at 5pm.

 

Snow showers or not, it's time for another walking tour of Main Street before it comes into full bloom and well before parking becomes nearly impossible!