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!

Beacon Bits -- Diversity of Women

On the eve of the annually-celebrated International Women's Day (March 8th), I wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate the Women Artists of Beacon, a show which opened on March 1st at the Howland Cultural Center and will run through March 30th.

The show is a tribute to National Women's History Month, but by virtue of the women artists represented and the content of their art, it is international in scope. One only needs to look at the roster of artists (Carol Barnstead, Stephanie Fogarty, Anne Forman, Mary Ann Glass, Charlotte Guernsey, Meredith Heuer, Gwenno James, Insun Kim, Helen Lang, Maria Largo, Jill Losee, Basha Maryanska, Michelle May, Charlene Moore, Susanne Moss, Janet Ruhe-Schoen, Tinya Seeger, Robyn Tauss, Susan Richter Todd, Kate Vikstrom, and Jane Warner) to know that among others, Wales, Spain, Norway and Korea are in 'the house'.

It's the Olympics of watercolorists, photographers, painters, print makers, collagists, and sculptors with a range of landscapes, portraits, still lives and abstract expressions. Other than joining women on the Walkway Over the Hudson on 3/8/14 or attending the Women of Beacon Awards at the Howland on 3/28, going to this show on Second Saturday or during gallery hours throughout the month, is a good way to stand in awe of the diversity of women's way of seeing, the complexity of women's way of knowing, the accomplishment of women's way of doing and most of all, the individuality of women's way of creating. Go celebrate the women of Beacon who are bold, courageous, inventive, insightful, visionary, daring, reflective, interesting, curious, colorful,

 

Food for thought: Since the inception of Women's History Month, there have been a myriad number of ways to celebrate the unique perspective that women bring to the world. This art show reflects our community of women who have invested in the revitalization of Beacon, as co-creators of the Main Street scene in its galleries, shops, restaurants and businesses. Take a look around, the presence and presents of women in Beacon are visible throughout all the months of the year, not just during the month of March. Now that's a celebration!

Beacon Bits -- Winter Blues ?

Have you felt like this winter has been insurmountable ...........................................................

 

................................ or have you felt blocked and damned up by the endless snow and ice?

 

Hopefully you've been watching the 2014 Olympics in Sochi to inspire you to believe in the power of overcoming the inimitable characteristics of the cold season of the year. if so, you've witnessed seventeen days of overcoming the challenges to ski, skate, twirl, rotate, speed, jump, slide, and glide over snow and ice.

 

But as for local action, it's time to review the options for what can lift the spirits since winter may last another 6 weeks!

 

Here's my top 10 list of activities to engage in to feel rejuvenated before the sap starts to run in the Hudson Valley once again.

 

10. Stop by Clay Wood & Cotton and purchase some novelty yarn; it's never to late to learn to knit or crochet. And if you do, you'll have lots of warm scarves and hats to accessorize for long winters such as this one!

 

9. Stop by Main Street Music and purchase a ukulele, mandolin or banjo and start to take lessons. Your brain will thank you for challenging the neural pathways; learning how to play an instrument is a great way to integrate cortical functioning.

 

8. Visit one of the local bakeries (Ella's Bellas, Cake Bin, All You Knead, or the new Beacon Bread Company or Get Frosted); indulge in carbohydrates which are good for serotonin receptors -- a natural anti-depressant.

 

7. Start moving -- take a ballroom dancing class at Yanarella's School of Dance starting Sunday March 9 -- you'll be ready for the stars!

 

6. Get into some great music at the Towne Crier Café.  After attending the Nuala Kennedy concert on February 9th, I'm looking forward to Lunasa - another Irish import!

 

5. Bring some friends to Eat-Paint-Love and make a personal art happening. This is definitely 'art for the rest of us' - those who are not naturally artistic and talented but who want to re-visit the days of finger-painting and training the brain to create what it sees.

 

4. Stop by Artisan Wine Shop on a Friday or Saturday evening to learn about some new wine selections for your cellar as you partake of food and wine pairings from Tim and Mei.

 

3.  Anticipate the spring by signing up for a local CSA -- Obercreek Farm and Common Ground Farm are starting to gear up for shares of vegetables that start in the spring and carry you through into autumn.

 

2. Support a local fundraiser -- Beacon Sloop Club is having an event on Thursday February 27th at the Towne Crier Café for the renovation of the people's sloop -- the Woody Guthrie. And BeaconArts is honoring Linda Hubbard at the Dia Beacon on Thursday February 27th for her participation in the emergence of the art scene in Beacon.

1. Catch the end of season winter sale at Mountain Tops Outfitters. In addition to extending your play in the snow this year, you'll be prepared for the first snow days of winter 2015!

 

While hoping that the stirrings of Zora Dora is a sign that spring is really coming, immerse yourself in the remaining days of these authentic winter days. Enjoy the transformation of nature - the outline of the trees and mountains with the sharp contrast of dark and light; the subtle presence of our natural treasures; the stillness of time and the beauty of being in this moment of time.

 

Snow padded tree limbs

Mountain gazes over ice

Flying eagle soars.

 

 

 

Food for thought:  The days are lengthening and the light is returning. It won't be long before Daylight Savings Time returns on March 9th (remember, it's spring ahead). Be aware that the loss of an hour's sleep has its cost, and that there are more accidents on the road the Monday after the clocks are changed. Early birds suffer the most with the time change. If you find yourself sleep deprived, try to adjust to the change with incremental shifts in the hour of sleep and wakening prior to the time change. Learn more about circadian rhythms and the impact of sleep on overall health. But in the meantime, use that full hour each day to venture out and enjoy the remaining days of the winter of 2014.

Beacon Bits -- New Beginnings

February 1st is the first day of spring (Imbolc) in the Celtic calendar, so it seems fitting to notice what is happening with the ongoing harbinger of Main Street renewal and expansion of businesses suitable for community life, such as--

 

o  those who are keeping resolutions to exercise and keep fit as seen through the windows of Crossfit Locomotive while anticipating the stirrings of a new venue, Oak Vino,  open in time for a Valentine's date;

Far cry from the 'virtual community' that once existed between the Yankee Clipper and Beacon Post Office

 

o  the expanded and pristine location of Roosevelt Vet on the Hudson where Dr. McArdle and her warm and friendly team are ready for whatever furry friends come their way;

Roosevelt Vet (left) with room for More Good (right) next to Towne Crier Cafe

 

o  the presence of David and Jacob Bernz at Main Street Music, where stringed instruments and lessons are ready for the plucking;

Main Street Music, located in an historic building known for its manufacture of horse-drawn carriages

 

o  the relocation to a new home (its third in Beacon) for People's Bicycle with a much deserved street presence and improved visibility for Beaconites who follow the sharrows;

People's Bicycle -- Coming Soon to a new location across from the Beacon Theatre

 

o  the sneak peak at an exciting mystery market (across from Max's on Main) for serious foodies;

 

 

 

o and the recent opening of Beacon Bread Company, a bakery and bistro that will make early birds ecstatic when they show up at 7am for freshly baked bread (every day but Tuesday), or an early breakfast plate, or a varied lunch menu for those who sleep in or take-out later in the day. Bread varieties include challah, brioche, baguette, oatmeal raisin walnut, caraway rye, Pain Aux Cereales. Heavenly!

No it's not Paris -- but the continental bakery had a recent visit from People's Bicycle for Sunday breakfast!

 

 

As you begin to explore the various venues, it will be a good time to 'make new friends, but keep the old' as Diane Keaton sang at the Golden Globes, welcoming the newcomers to Main Street as they rub shoulders with their neighbors who seem to have staying power. It's good to note that the newbies don't seem to need the fanfare of triangular flags draped in their windows to draw people inside. They know that if you build it for the community and by the community, Beacon will come flocking and knocking at their doors.

 

Food for thought:  February is a time of transition, albeit betwixt and between the darker days of winter and the early days of spring. It's a good time to remind oneself that you can't really have a new beginning without some ritualistic ending or closure followed by a period of movement towards something new. I was reminded of this when I met a new friend recently diagnosed with diabetes. Old habits die hard.  It's extremely challenging to learn new ways of eating. No sweetened iced tea. Breakfast first thing in the AM. Regular mealtimes. It's just as challenging as picking up a banjo for the first time, or using the unfamiliar equipment at a Gymboree for adults! We all need maps and landmarks to guide us towards the new habits that await us. Sometimes we even welcome the presence of an empathic guide who occasionally lapses into drill sergeant mode or whatever it takes to create a new lifestyle. It's worth it. Or at least it's a healthy response to Mary Oliver's poem in which she queries, 'what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?'

 

A Picture-is-Worth-a-Thousand Words Recipe

for a Low Glycemic Vegetable Soup to Start the New Year

(with garlic, onion, celery, yellow/orange/red peppers, zucchini, kale, fennel, sweet potato, string beans, chicken stock, red beans, stewed tomatoes, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, pepper)

 

 

For the non-diabetic -- serve with a simple and delicious whole grain bread from Beacon Bread Company.

 



Beacon Bits -- 'Good Night, Pete'

 

Knowing that Pete Seeger was my 'neighbor,' voted at the same polling place, and that I would casually see him around town, leading us in singing at the Howland Cultural Center or at the Beacon Sloop Club, was one of the highlights for me when I moved to Beacon three years ago.  When I realized that I would see him up close and personal in the different venues, I was reluctant to bring my camera along to take a 'good' photo of him, but finally became bold enough to use the iPhone to capture a moment or two for a personal and candid image that I could personally treasure.



 

I worried after his beloved Toshi died this year, knowing that the stress of losing a life partner of seventy years would take a toll on his emotional and physical well-being. I imagined him living until he reached 100 but hoped that he would be with us to celebrate his 95th birthday in May at the first Friday potluck at the Beacon Sloop Club. I sensed something was changing when he was absent from the holiday sing along  at the Howland event in December and when he was not present to lead the Martin Luther King celebration at the Springfield Baptist Church last week because he 'wasn't feeling well.' I knew the day would come that news of his passing would be the lead story in the Poughkeepsie Journal News and his obituary would be aired on the morning TV shows. I am grateful to have known him as a folk hero, a passionate human being, an authentic soul and a role model for all of us who love the Hudson River and care about the environment, social justice and human rights. I will always be uplifted when I play the CDs that were produced locally in the last few years with the Rivertown Kids, Jeff Haynes, and friends. I will be comforted when I remember the lyrics of 'turn, turn, turn', 'we shall overcome' and 'goodnight Irene'. I will find peace knowing his time with us has passed because he will continue to inspire us to live his legacy in the songs that we sing in his memory. For now Pete -- "I'll see you in my dreams."

In Memoriam
Pete Seeger
1919-2014

Food for thought: While driving to work after the news of Pete's passing, I found myself listening (while crying and singing along with) the 2012 CD, Pete Seeger & Lorre Wyatt: A More Perfect Union, just one of several important projects Pete completed in the last couple of years; I heard the lyrics of the last four songs with a truly open heart. In his prescience, and with his ever-abiding grace and humility, Pete was saying goodbye to us long before we were ever ready to say goodbye to him. He traveled towards his death in peace, the same peace that he strove for throughout his life.

 

from "Wonderful Friends"

That old clock upon the wall

Says soon, I got to be leaving

And though we go our separate ways

There's no need for grieving....

-- so let's sing it again --

When I think of the ways that I've grown

I know I couldn't have made it alone

I owe a lot to the sharing, caring, daring

Wonderful friends that I know.

 

from "A Toast to the Times"

And here's a toast, to the times, that have been here and gone

Every where I go, those echoes ring

And here's a toast, to all the songs we sang--

And to all the songs we've yet to sing.

 

from "Fields of Harmony"

Over fields of harmony......I have flown

Through the fire and the flood.....I have come

From the whirlwind came the words......for my songs

All our years become a tale.....that is told

When my days have been consumed.....like smoke

I will lay me down to sleep......in peace

Over fields of harmony.....I will fly

 

from "Bountiful River"

Deep love, like a bountiful river

Fills the soul, renews the heart

My love is always and ever--

We will never part.....

Oh bountiful river.....we will never part

Weaving our lives with these waters....we will never part

Singing - we're in this together....we will never part

An eagle circling in heaven, fills the soul, renews the heart

The eagle and river repeating

We will never part

Life giver, this bountiful river, fills the soul, renews the heart

Our spirits are mingled forever

We will never part.

Beacon Bits -- Re-Imagining

We are always remembering what we no longer have or do. I am sure that is how the small group of dedicated volunteers who started the Mount Beacon Incline Railway Restoration Society (MBIRRS) felt when they looked at the mountain and no longer saw the railway, but could still remember the ride up to the top. Mike Colarusso, the current president of the MBIRRS, and all of the individuals who ever worked on the project (including former Beacon mayors Clara Gould and Steve Gold--among others) and those who are still working and moving forward together on the capital campaign (including Frank Skartados, Jeff McHugh, Mayor Randy Casale--among others) had a strong memory of the past or an acute imagination or vision for the future. The MBIRRS website tells the history and the narrative story leading up to the present state of affairs with accuracy and details far better than I can.

But I can tell you that after attending the Annual Gala for MBIRRS at Dutchess Manor on 12/19/13, the word is official that the support to move ahead on rebuilding the railway is stronger than ever. The most recent initiative is to have the mountain itself become part of Hudson Highlands State Park, which will occur sometime in the spring, while the acreage at the foot of the mountain (e.g., the area surrounding the parking lot and back towards the remnants of the railway) will remain part of Scenic Hudson. It certainly makes sense from a logistical standpoint to gain further support from New York State. After all, it is Mount Beacon that is in our state flag, as you will learn when you view the MBIRRS video entitled "Excelsior."
 

So if you haven't become a member of the society as of yet, now is the time to support MBIRRS. You can even order items online from their gift shop, like the cap with their logo. If you already have one, get one for a friend as a gift. It is a true vision to get everyone to the mountaintop - those who can still climb and those who may require a ride with ADA accommodations. We all need to get on board.

Food for thought:  This idea that one can use memory to remember the past (retrospective memory) or imagine the future (a form of prospective memory) caught my attention this Christmas season. I said to a friend the other day during a moment of reflection, "Remember, we are always making memories." I realized that this is a good reminder for those who have  either bad memories or good memories about past holidays. Grounded only in the present moment, we can recreate new and better memories that we can take with us into the future or we can recapitulate the memories that we hold dear, but cannot have in the same way because we have lost the people or the places that were their context. The choice of our memories going forward is in our hands from each moment to moment. What a gift!

 

In Search of New Memories

Four Side Dishes for a Boneless Center Cut Pork Roast Holiday Dinner

(Inspired by my company--Danish friend,Jens Bille and his wife Bettyann, from Gallery  508)

Braised Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage
1 head red cabbage, canola oil, caraway seeds, organic balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, salt & pepper

 

Mashed Butternut Squash
Cooked butternut squash, butter, maple syrup, touch of cream, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract
After mashing all ingredients, place mixture in bowl and bake in oven to serve.

Holiday Stuffing-All the Ingredients
1 1b. loaf whole wheat bread, cubed; sautéed celery and shallots in 2 tbs .butter; poultry seasoning, parsley,
salt & pepper, 2 cups chicken stock, 1 beaten egg, 2 handful chopped walnuts, 12 diced, pitted prunes

Holiday Stuffing - Ready to Bake
Mix all ingredients until blended/wet to bake in oven in covered dish.

Vegetable Mélange for Roasting
1 fennel bulb, 8 small yams, 5 cored and peeled apples--all sliced lengthwise; canola oil,
juice and zest from 1/2 navel orange, tarragon, allspice, salt & white pepper 
Mix well to coat vegetables and bake in oven until tender.

Please note: The pork roast was not shown in deference to my vegetarian and vegan friends. Most of the side dishes shown can be adapted to be vegan. With the exception of the holiday stuffing, the recipes are gluten free; substituting gluten-free bread is possible.