Journalist Max Blumenthal to Antony Blinken As He's Escorted Out: "You Helped Destroy Our Religion Judaism By Associating It With Fascism;" Elder Journalist Sam Husseini Carried Out

Journalist Max Blumenthal says to Secretary of State Antony Blinken during Blinken’s last official press briefing to the media: “You helped destroy our religion Judaism by associating it with fascism …Why did you allow the Holocaust of our time to happen?”

After Max was escorted out, journalist Sam Husseini also begins interrupting. He is lifted out as he asks his questions in the middle of Blinken’s speech. This clip includes Sam’s lead up to when security approached him, and who told them to approach. Sam said: “I’m a journalist. Not a potted plant.” Before Sam is lifted out of the room by three security guards ordered by Matt Miller and agreed to by Antony Blinken, Sam says that Matt Miller would not answer any questions from him.

As security wraps their arms around his, Sam states: “You are hurting me. You are hurting me. You are hurting me,” as he proceeds to try to ask questions. When CNN reported on this, they said the interruptions were activists. This is a press room. How dare CNN blatantly lie like that, thinking that the entire show would not be revealed in social media - from multiple cameras and camera angles. Shame on CNN.

This video was from @hazami:
“BREAKING NEWS— Journalists confront US Secretary of State during his last official press briefing. The role of media is to be a watch dog of governments— not to cover up their lies Journalists Sam Husseini and Max J. Blumenthal show us courageous journalism. “

Videos by @amrhsayed:
“We won’t stop calling out his war crimes.”

Investor Seraphim Equities Aims to Buy 30% Of All Rentals in Newburgh - Already Faced Pushback For Artwashing And Property "Hoarding" in 2021

by Arvind Dilawar
Arvind is an independent journalist. His articles, essays and interviews have appeared in The New York Times, Time Magazine, The Daily Beast and elsewhere. Find him online at: adilawar.com

“Seraphim Equities already owns nearly 5% of the city’s rental units.”

Photo Credit: Princeton University Press

The City of Newburgh is only four square miles and, according to the most recent Census data, includes fewer than 7,400 rental units. Seraphim Equities, a Long Island-based private real estate investment firm, owns nearly 300 of those units — almost 5% of the total — per public property records reviewed by A Little Beacon Blog. The purchases are part of Seraphim's strategy to corner the rental market in Newburgh — of which the firm hopes to control at least 30%, as reported by sociologist Richard E. Ocejo in his recent book Sixty Miles Upriver: Gentrification in a Small American City.

Seraphim Equities is a real estate investment firm based in Great Neck, Long Island.

224 Broadway, Newburgh, NY
Photo Credit: Google

Since 2018, Seraphim has purchased properties throughout Newburgh, all under various limited liability corporations similarly named “Newburgh SHG.” Following some of those acquisitions, the firm took legal action against the remaining tenants, such as in 2020 when “Newburgh SHG 15” — the LLC which owns 224 Broadway — filed non-payment proceedings against three different defendants, per public court records reported on more broadly at Chronogram’s The River. In 2021, Seraphim also attempted to organize a festival in Newburgh called Hudson Valley Hype in partnership with Fidelity Management Group, which was cancelled after locals like Celebrate845 criticized it as a ploy to market real estate. (Seraphim failed to respond to multiple requests for comment from A Little Beacon Blog.)

The Mural at 224 Broadway in Newburgh that Seraphim Equities commissioned to artwash displacing residents.
PHoto Credit: Celebrate845

Celebrate845 explained: “The company bought up an astounding amount of property in Newburgh New York when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and states on their website that ‘Newburgh re-emerges with a major revitalization movement fueled by an existing and growing artist community, non-profit organizations, and ambitious yet socially conscious developers, making Newburgh a city worth exploring.’ Seraphim is taking advantage of Newburgh by hoarding housing during a pandemic, flipping properties, and then using the creative community as a means to increase property values, ultimately displacing creatives and other long time residents, many of whom are low income BIPOC.”

For Sixty Miles Upriver, which was published in 2024, Ocejo interviewed Seraphim leadership and employees, who told him of their plans of “owning up to 30% of all rental units,” as he writes in his book. In an interview with A Little Beacon Blog, Ocejo further describes the firm’s operations in Newburgh.

“Seraphim is taking advantage of Newburgh by hoarding housing during a pandemic, flipping properties, and then using the creative community as a means to increase property values, ultimately displacing creatives and other long time residents, many of whom are low income BIPOC.”

— Celebrate845

“Companies like Seraphim manage an investment fund to purchase and rent out a large number of properties or speculate and sell them for profit,” says Ocejo. “The model is based on using investors' investments to acquire properties and generate income from escalating property values and rents.”

By soliciting outside investment and focusing it on markets like Newburgh, which are small and on the upswing, but still relatively depressed, Seraphim is able to gain control of a greater share of rental units and thereby demand higher rental prices. That higher rent compensates both the firm and its investors for their respective investments, and everyone is happy — except, of course, for renters. In Newburgh, where 69% of residents rent and 61% of renters are already cost-burdened, Seraphim cornering the market means renters are likely to see greater financial hardship and displacement, either via eviction or simply being priced out of their homes.

“By soliciting outside investment and focusing it on markets like Newburgh, which are small and on the upswing, but still relatively depressed, Seraphim is able to gain control of a greater share of rental units and thereby demand higher rental prices. That higher rent compensates both the firm and its investors for their respective investments, and everyone is happy — except, of course, for renters.”

Indeed, Seraphim is not shy about its method, which they placed prominently on their website homepage: “Seraphim Equities developed a city feasibility reporting system that algorithmically identifies cities and neighborhoods that are equipped for a holistic rejuvenation movement. Seraphim Equities leverages the expertise of its team to devise compelling business plans that combine real estate speculation and stabilization with capital markets partnerships to successfully develop cash-flowing portfolios of 1-4 family and mixed-use properties for acquisition by private equity firms and institutions.”

“With enough investors, a company like Seraphim can purchase a lot of rental properties in a market and contribute to unaffordable rents and fewer ownership opportunities for smaller actors,” says Ocejo. “When rental housing gets connected to financial markets, and the expectation is a continuous rise in value from rent and property appreciation, low-income people in high-poverty places like Newburgh suffer the most.”

Some People Experienced Higher Water Bills During Meter Upgrade When Their Old Meter Was Replaced

During his push to get people to schedule their water meter upgrade for the radio transmitter, City Administrator Chris White reported that some people also had their entire water meter replaced, which resulted in a higher bill because the meter was old and the City had been estimating. With a new water meter, the City of Beacon gives exact reads.

He said that there are people who have not changed out their meters in over a decade, who are now facing larger bills. He told the Council: “We literally had people that hadn't changed out their meters in over a decade, and had never responded to the City. So, absent some type of mechanism to get their attention, and find them...those people now as the meters are being changed out, and we're getting actual reads, some of them are facing very large bills because we've estimated their usage and they significantly exceeded that usage. They have to pay for the water that they use.”

He continued: “So it's in everyone's interest both the City and the homeowners to have these upgraded to have these read in a timely manner, and to be able to keep an eye on them. I can't tell you how frustrating it is when someone comes in with a bill that's in the thousands of dollars after a 3-month cycle when they didn't know there was a leak, and with the new system, they will be able to more easily detect leaks, and then remedy those before they run up large bills.”

A Little Beacon Blog reached out to City Administrator Chris to get clarification on how a homeowner can know if they are to get a new water meter during the radio transmitter swap-out, but has not received a response as of this publishing.

2nd Push For Mandatory Water Meter Upgrade To Begin; $250 Fine If Not Done By April

This picture of a water meter is from NYC and not from Beacon. This blogger is unsure where her water meter is to show you.

During the 1/13/2025 City Council Meeting, Beacon's City Administrator Chris White announced that the second round of letters instructing people to schedule their water meter upgrade is going out again in English and Spanish. So far, 65% of homeowners have completed this task. It is mandatory, and will result in a $250 "surcharge on your bill" if the change out is not scheduled by April, City Administrator Chris said. This upgrade has resulted in some people getting their entire water meter replaced during this time, and are experiencing an increase in the water bill because the City was estimating on an old water meter, and now the exact amount is reading, City Administrator Chris said.

"We are changing out all of the radio transmitters on the meters that read how much water you use at your house," he said. This is not a change in the full water meter, but a swap out of the radio transmitter. "Once up and running," he said, people can "log in and view real time water usage, set alarms in case there is a leak," and look for a continuous flow or spikes in flow.

Some Water Bills Increased When New Water Meters Were Replaced

City Administrator Chris indicated that there are people who have not changed out their meters in over a decade, who are now facing larger bills. He told the Council: “We literally had people that hadn't changed out their meters in over a decade, and had never responded to the City. So, absent some type of mechanism to get their attention, and find them...those people now as the meters are being changed out, and we're getting actual reads, some of them are facing very large bills because we've estimated their usage and they significantly exceeded that usage. They have to pay for the water that they use.”

He continued: “So it's in everyone's interest both the City and the homeowners to have these upgraded to have these read in a timely manner, and to be able to keep an eye on them. I can't tell you how frustrating it is when someone comes in with a bill that's in the thousands of dollars after a 3-month cycle when they didn't know there was a leak, and with the new system, they will be able to more easily detect leaks, and then remedy those before they run up large bills.”

A Little Beacon Blog reached out to City Administrator Chris to get clarification on how a homeowner can know if they are to get a new water meter during the radio transmitter swap-out, but has not received a response as of this publishing.

How To Schedule The Mandatory Water Meter Upgrade

In the first letter, a link was shared that as of today, goes to a form that asks for an appointment date. But it is not clear if this is the correct or relevant link, as a person does not have an appointment yet when they are going to schedule. City Administrator Chris gave a new link during the meeting, for www.vepometering.com and instructed to click Schedule an Appointment, but a list is provided that does not include Beacon.

He also gave a phone number, 877-860-8376, which does work. When called, the representative will ask for your account number, which can be found on your water bill. They can also look it up from your address.

City Administrator Chris told Council hopes the entire radio transmitter replacement project will be completed by July or August.

Beacon Remains In A Stage 1 Drought; Reservoirs Need To Recharge

Photo Credit: Posted at Wikipedia; Photographer Unknown at this time.

During the 1/6/2025 City Council Meeting, Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White announced that the City of Beacon continues to be in a Stage 1 Drought. He said: “We still are in a Stage 1 Drought, even though we've had quite a bit of precipitation. We're still recharging the reservoirs, and that's why we haven't declared an end to that.” When the reservoirs dip below 60% full, Beacon’s Stage 1 Drought declaration is triggered.

Beacon’s drinking water comes from different sources:
3 reservoirs: Cargill, Mount Beacon, and Melzingah
3 wells: City of Beacon Wells 1 & 2 and Village of Fishkill Well 8

According to a Water Inspection Report from 2020, the reservoirs hold the following amounts:

Mount Beacon: 124 million gallons
Melzingah: 38 million gallons
Cargill: 152 million gallons

The water is then pumped into 3 water tanks: Howland/Grandview, Mount Beacon and Fairview.

According to Beacon’s 2023 Water Report, Beacon's water system serviced about 14,370 people, not including Downstate Correctional and Fishkill Correctional Facilities. There were about 6,280 services connections in the City of Beacon. The price for 1 unit of water (748 gallons) was $4.61, and the price for water out of town was $9.22.

The water is treated at Beacon’s Water Filtration Plant at 470 Liberty Street, where the current capacity of the plant water production is 4 million gallons. According to Beacon’s 2023 Water Report, the average flow was 2.134 million gallons per day. The maximum withdrawal that year was 2.713

From the 2023 Water Report, usage numbers broke down as follows:

• Residential and Commercial: 298,228,348 gallons

• Town of Fishkill: 125,041,664 gallons

• Department of Corrections: 210,807,000 gallons

• Unaccounted water: 144,661,998 gallons

According to the Beacon's Water Report: "Unaccounted for water is water lost due to system leaks, water used during plant operations, water main breaks, use in municipal buildings and operations, system flushing, fire department uses, meter error, and theft of service."

Highway Department Employee Steve Bechtold Gently "Pushed" Into Retirement - Alleged Gun Incident May Have Influenced Firearms Policy

Retiring Head Mechanic, Steve Bechtold (Left) with Superintendent Michael Manzi (Right).

When Steve Bechtold was at the podium at City Council for his retirement announcement, it did not seem like a moment that had a lot of former planning around it. During the speech honoring him, Highway Superintendent of Streets, Superintendent Michael Manzi expressed that they were just discussing before the meeting who was going to do all of the ordering of shirts, since Steve was the one who had handled that during his 29 years of service in the Highway Department for the City of Beacon. Said City Administrator Chris White: “We're going to be lost." Superintendent Manzi agreed: "We will be lost. We're going to be shirtless I guess.”

The Unsanctioned Union Petition

In September 2020, at the time of his promotion to Head Mechanic, Steve was named in a harassment complaint as lead organizer of an unsanctioned union petition circulated during work hours against Reuben Simmons filed in March 2019. Reuben is a fellow employee and former Highway Superintendent, before Superintendent Manzi was appointed to the position. The complaint focused on the process in which the petition was handled, that the “signature collection was conducted on city time and caused an uncomfortable work environment,” according to the filed complaint that ALBB has seen.

Additionally, the harassment complaint was allegedly not shown to Black employees (Reuben is Black) until after the then union president, Paula Becker (who was also an employee of the City of Beacon at the time), was informed about it. It was circulated with the alleged intent to try to prevent Reuben from being on a negotiating committee of the CSEA union for the department’s new contract at the time. However, Reuben was not on the negotiating committee. Only later, Reuben told ALBB, after the union president Paula was informed about the petition by Reuben, did Steve show it to two other Black employees in the department: Ed McNair and Troy Swain, who declined to sign it.

Ed later resigned from his position in the Highway Department in March 2021, citing unresolved racial tensions and retaliations, making working in the Highway Department “pretty rough to say the least,” according to his resignation letter that ALBB has seen. At the time, there was one other Black employee in the Water and Sewer Department, Lew Swain, and an employee who is Dominican, Christian Cuello.

After Reuben learned about the alleged petition, he went to the department’s union president, Paula about it, who said she did not know about the petition. Reuben told ALBB: “My issue was that if you're going to petition, show it to everybody so that it's fair.”

The Alleged Gun In The Locker Room

Months later, Reuben said he saw Steve with a gun in the employee locker room. After a morning safety meeting at work, Reuben emailed his boss, Superintendent Manzi, about the gun. According to the email ALBB has seen, Reuben said: “I feel obliged to tell inform you about a situation I encountered. The week of September 23, 2019 I witnessed a firearms in the possession of Steve Bechtold in our locker room. From that moment I have taken precautionary measure to ensure my own safety at work in the event something were to take place at the workplace involving such threat. I refrained myself from reporting it to you sooner as you have been vocal in protecting this employee whenever issues are raised and the level of retaliation that I feel could transpire makes me uncomfortable and a threat to my safety.”

Superintendent Manzi emailed back: “I was and have not been previously aware of this situation but the matter has been addressed with the individual without issue and he was understanding of the matter. Please do not refrain from reporting if any other issues persist.”

Reuben requested to have Superintendent Manzi’s email about the gun included in Reuben’s personnel file, but then City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero declined his request, Reuben told ALBB.

During The Head Mechanic Promotion

Promoted to Head Mechanic of the Highway Department on what was supposed to be September 21, 2020 but was postponed due to push-back from members of the community who highlighted that the majority of the Water Department was white at the time, Steve’s promotion then was delayed for the night so that Councilmembers could feel that they had all of the information on all of the employees positioned for promotions. Peter Delfico was up for appointment to Highway Department Auto Mechanic II and Nicholas Durso for Auto Mechanic I.

Reuben never filed a formal complaint about the gun, because, he told ALBB: “After I saw how the complaint went about harassment with the petition, I didn’t even try regarding the gun, even though it made some of us uncomfortable.”

At one point, Reuben was both Steve and Superintendent Manzi’s bosses, but through another process initiated by department employees, which included Superintendent Manzi who wrote his own anonymous letter discrediting and dismissing Reuben to Beacon Councilmembers that ALBB has seen. The result of that anonymous letter campaign was that Reuben was stripped of his Superintendent position, and Michael Manzi replaced him.

That Michael Manzi was one of the anonymous letter writers pushing for Reuben’s Superintendent position to end was discovered during the City of Beacon vs Reuben Simmons employment termination hearings initiated by City Administrator Chris White, who spent over $110,000 in legal fees at one point trying to fire Reuben, but lost the case.

ALBB reached out to Ed McNair to ask how the alleged gun and response made him feel. Ed responded: “If it had been Reuben with a gun in the locker room, the discipline would have been harsh and made public.”

Months after Steve’s 2020 promotion to Highway Department Head Mechanic, the City of Beacon’s then new HR Director, Gina Basile (she has since left), introduced a new firearms policy regulating personal guns in the workplace in December 2020, as reported by ALBB at the time.

The Honoring of Steve Bechtold

The honoring of Steve Bechtold was kicked off by Mayor Lee Kyriacou: “The first thing we're going to do is we're going to honor Steve Bechtold. And you know, we begged him to come and he let us do that. Mickey, will you bring him up and talk a little bit about him. Then I got a little thing for him."

City Administrator Chris White added: "And Mickey wrote a limerick for the occasion."

Superintendent Mickey responded: "Am I supposed to speak only good?"

Councilperson Amber Grant responded through laughter: "Be honest."

City Administrator Chris encouraged: "Roast. Roast."

Superintendent Manzi continued: "I'm standing here tonight with Steve Bechtold to announce a retirement effective 1-4-2025. Steve started his career with the City of Beacon in May 22nd of 1995 and after almost 30 years of service to the City as a Mechanic, most recently our Head Mechanic, Steve has decided to retire."

Superintendent Manzi turned to Steve and said: "About time."

Steve replied: "With little pushing from you."

Superintendent Manzi replied: "A little pushing. I want you to enjoy yourself. I've had the pleasure of working with Steve for the last 20 years. Became friends on a personal level as well, as we both enjoy the sport of snowmobiling. During Steve's career, he was instrumental in keeping the City's fleet up and going, including but not limited to our Highway, Water and Police vehicles. As well as all Park, small equipment, and anything else we needed. And, he even - we just talked about it - we're trying to figure out who's going to take the ordering of City shirts and stuff like that. He's done that since I've been here."

"We're going to be lost," City Administrator Chris White said.

Superintendent Manzi agreed: "We will be lost. We're going to be shirtless I guess. Throughout his long career here, Steve has been reliable, dependable, and most importantly, committed to the City. He'll be missed by all, and I'd like to say congratulations and wish him health and happiness in his retirement.”

Mayor Lee presented Steve with a gold lettered City of Beacon Certificate of Recognition in recognition and appreciation for 29 years of dedicated public service to the City of Beacon.

As per the New York State and New York City Employees' Retirement System (ERS and NYCRS) retirement plan for state and city employees who joined between 1983 and 2009, Tier 4 members are eligible for a pension factor of 2% per year with 20-30 years of service. For each year beyond 30, the members receive 1.5%. Steve’s retirement is just shy of 30 years.

Steve accepted his certificate, and said: "Thank you so much. Thank you very much," and began to take pictures. City Administrator White encouraged: "Look like you like each other."

Steve gave his acceptance speech: "I just need to say thank you for the years I've been here. It's got its ups and downs, but mostly, you know, mostly everything was good. You know, you can't agree with everybody all the time, but for the most part, all went well. So thank you very much."

City Administrator Chris said: "Job well done."

Councilmember Amber Grant said: "Thank you. Enjoy your retirement. I hope you have wonderful years ahead of you with lots of fun."

Steve replied: "Hopefully it lasts as long as I was working."

City Administrator Chris warned: "Watch out for Mickey on the snowmobiles."

Mickey agreed: "We'll run into each other trails."

Steve cautioned: "Hopefully not. Hopefully not."

City Administrator Chris said: "Try not to run into each other."

After Steve was done, Mayor Lee started walking away but City Administrator Chris pulled him back, making sure one more item was complete. Mayor Lee then awarded Superintendent Manzi a certificate for 20 years, even though his hire date was in 2006, as stated in CSEA documents and in one of the anonymous notes that was sent to Councilmember Jodi McCredo and read in public in 2018. Superintendent Manzi is in his 19th year.

Mayor Lee said: "Mickey did a disclosure in his discussion of 20 years, he said. And that is correct. So in recognition of 20 years of outstanding and dedicated public service to the City of Beacon, I also have a City of Beacon Certificate of Recognition for Michael Manzi."

As for recognition, other employees have also worked for 20+ years, but not all have had the recognition that Steve received, according to Reuben, who has worked for the city since 2002 (23 years), starting as a summer intern. Dave Way recently reached 20 years, and Lew Swain retired with close to 30 years and was handed a certificate on the job, not during a public presentation like this, or with a City funded party. A retirement party was thrown for Steve during company time, and a Christmas Party also this year.

While these are nice gestures that can boost moral, the retirement party on company time was the first of its kind, according to Reuben, when asked by ALBB.

MLK Essay Contest Open (Deadline Jan. 9) For Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration From Southern Dutchess Coalition

The 11th Annual SDC Essay Contest is open. Details include:

• Open to 1st-12th Grade Students

• Essay Title: Theme: “Keeping The Dream Alive”

• Due Date: January 9, 2025

• Contact: Mr. Matt Bown 845-522-0780

• Event Details: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration At Springfield Baptist Church From Southern Dutchess Coalition

2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration At Springfield Baptist Church From Southern Dutchess Coalition

The Springfield Baptist Church and the Southern Dutchess Coalition will again be hosting the 47th Annual Birthday Celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 20th, 2025 (rain date Monday, February 17th, 2025) at the historic Springfield Baptist Church (8 Mattie Cooper Square, Beacon, NY).

Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. He died on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. “Dr. King was a Baptist minister and social activist who led the Civil Rights movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968.” (Britannica)

This year's theme of the celebration in Beacon is "Keeping The Dream Alive." The organizers say of the event: “The 2025 MLK birthday celebration promises to be another glorious example of Beacon's Unity, Community and Diversity. This special occasion will bring together members of our community to honor Dr. King's enduring contributions to civil rights, equality, and justice. We have planned a meaningful program that includes inspiring speeches, musical performances, and reflections on Dr. King's impact. We look forward to your participation and attendance. God Bless You All!"

2025 Celebration Lineup:

8:30am - Continental Breakfast
9:30am - The 11th Annual MLK Jr. Parade (Founded by Pete Seeger)
10:30am - Annual Celebration Service
2025 Annual Preacher: Rev. Barbara Williams

Lunch will be served directly after the service. Attendees may eat in the dining room or take out their meals.

Featuring the Southern Dutchess Mass Choir

Under the direction of Minister John Harris, all singers are invited to join the SDC Choir to sing at the Martin Luther King, JR. Birthday Celebration on January 20th. Rehearsal is scheduled for Saturday, January 18th 2025 at 1pm at the Springfield Baptist Church.

Essay Contest Open

The 11th Annual SDC Essay Contest is open. Details include:

• Open to 1st-12th Grade Students

• Essay Title: Theme: “Keeping The Dream Alive”

• Due Date: January 9, 2025

• Contact: Mr. Matt Bown 845-522-0780

Donations

This event is free. Say the organizers: “Your consistent monetary contribution to our past celebrations helps to defray the cost of the overall expenses for this day. Donations can be mailed to: Southern Dutchess Coalition, P.O. Box 333, Beacon, NY 12508 Please make checks payable to the Southern Dutchess Coalition.

Organizers

Jennifer Baker-LcClinton (Executive Chairperson)
Sharlene Stout (Executive Vice Chairperson, Music Coordinator)
Bonnie Champion (Annual Parade and Essay Contest Coordinator)
Matt Bown (Annual Parade and Essay Contest Coordinator)

How to Discard, Throw Away or Recycle Your Christmas Tree In Beacon 2025

In Beacon, when you are ready to discard your Christmas, simply remove all of the decorations, lights, tinsel, anything that is not an evergreen needle, and place it outside on the curb.

The City of Beacon’s Highway Department will come by to pick it you. To ensure pickup, you could send them an email or call, but doing so is not necessary.

The tree will be taken to Beacon’s Transfer Station (formerly known as “The Dump” where they used to burn the trash), and will be placed into the city’s large mulching pile, which is turned into dirt, that you can pickup up for free any time in your own vehicle.

When asked about the pickup deadline, by way of Carolyn Bennett Glauda to the City of Beacon’s Facebook page, who said: “For those of us who like to keep festivities going until January… how long will the city keep picking up trees?” the City’s Facebook page responded: “There is not a set deadline to pick-up at this time. You should be fine to keep the festivities going for awhile yet!”

The City’s Facebook page might be managed by Ben Swanson, who manages several technical aspects for the City, hence the cheery tone.

Riverview Funeral Home Merges With Libby Funeral Home

The Riverview Funeral Home has announced via press release that this December, Libby Funeral & Cremation Services will transition to Patrick Halvey at Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey. All business will be conducted from the Riverview Funeral Home location at 2 Beekman Street, Beacon. The Libby location at 55 Teller Avenue will be closed.

The plaque at Libby Funeral Home, which reads: “In Honor and Memory of Harrison S. Libby, 1936-2015 Founder and Previous Owner of the Libby Funeral Home. God Bless You and God Bless the United States of America.

Current Libby Funeral Home owner, Matthew Fiorillo, and General Manager, Joseph Schuka, stated, “This is the merging of two great legacy funeral homes in the city of Beacon. We have chosen Patrick and his team at Riverview Funeral Home because we trust them to continue caring for families with professionalism and to uphold our outstanding level of service. We believe the families of Beacon deserve nothing but the best and made this decision because we know it will have a positive impact on them.”

Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey is a third-generation business founded by Patrick Halvey’s grandfather, John Halvey in 1933. Patrick relocated the business to its beautiful location overlooking the Hudson River in 2017. The brand-new facility is elegantly appointed and features one of the largest viewing rooms in the Hudson Valley.

“I have immense respect for the legacy and tradition of Libby Funeral Home. As a homeowner in Beacon with extensive community involvement, I welcome the opportunity to service all members of our city with the comfort and care instilled by my father and grandfather,” said Halvey.

Riverview Funeral Home Used To Be In A House Also

Before relocating to Beekman Street, Riverview Funeral Home used to be in a house on Willow Street. It moved to its current location in late 2017, which they completely renovated after that property was a series of restaurants. According to Patrick Halvey, the third-generation son who was taking over the family business at the time, positioning funeral homes in neighborhoods was historically preferred by grieving families and well-wishers in times past.

Years ago, more parking spaces drew Halvey to the Beekman location. They have 36 marked spots in the new lot, with room for parking in back and front yielding another 12 spots, for a total of 48 [parking spots].

To contribute to Beacon’s walk-ability, Riverview Funeral Home extended the sidewalk near their property from a city-owned lot on 9D to Beekman Street to accommodate walkers to and from the train and Dia:Beacon. During their construction.

Anti-Genocide Jews From Beacon Hosted Human Menorah On Last Night Of Hanukkah

Flyer Artwork: Artist Unknown - Please Contact Us if you would like credit.
Photo Credit: Rebekah Azzarelli

Some Jews from Beacon hosted a human Menorah Lighting at Polhill Park on the last night of Hanukkah with the theme “Nobody Is Free Until Everybody Is Free: Lighting the Menorah For Solidarity and Peace.” The flyer for the this second lighting was distributed during the first lighting hosted by Chabad Beacon, which did not mention the genocide at all. This second lighting was in response to that.

The artwork for this flyer included the red watermelons and poppies, synonymous with Palestine’s liberation; peace doves, synonymous with the end of violence; the menorah; and the Star of David, which has come to be synonymous with Judaism, which is on the flag of Israel.

The Beacon Coalition group, which was formed during the Ceasefire movement in Beacon, also shared the lighting to their subscribers. A resident of Beacon who spoke out during that movement, Phoebe Zinman (see her Letter To The ALBB Editor here), was one of the organizers of this human menorah for freedom. Last year, at least 50 Jews from Beacon dedicated their 8th night of Hanukkah to demanding a ceasefire from NY Congressman Pat Ryan.

“Beautiful celebration,” said Rebekah Azzarelli to A Little Beacon Blog about this lighting. “Each candle lighting in the human menorah had their prayers.” In attendance were other citizens of Beacon, including Loren Miller, Dara Silverman, Arthur Camins and Tina Bernstein (listen to Tina’s podcast with ALBB, “A Jewish Voice Wanting To Be Heard Regarding Palestine And Israel” here), Ilana Friedman, Elizabeth Greeblatt, and others.

Ursula Was In Beacon!! A Sighting After Years and Years.

Urusla has been spotted in Beacon! After years of not seeing her at her usual spots of Beacon’s Howland Public Library or the Salvation Army’s Thursday Soup Kitchen and Crafts, Ursula was down at Polhill Park Sunday early evening during the Menorah Lighting, thumbing through the free books at the Little Free Library stand, looking fabulous and festive.

She agreed to a picture and video, and was eager to say hi! She is living in Poughkeepsie now.

Beacon Jews Host 2nd Menorah Lighting: "Nobody Is Free Until Everybody Is Free" In Beacon January 1st, 4:30-5:30pm

Beacon Jews have answered the first Menorah Lighting at Polhill Park with a second Menorah Lighting at Polhill Park, themed: “Nobody Is Free Until Everybody Is Free.” The first Menorah Lighting at Polhill Park was hosted by The Chabad Beacon, but did not acknowledge the genocide that Israel is committing on Palestine, which has been condemned by most humanitarian organizations around the world. The UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese, published her report one year into the genocide, and accuses Israel of 'settler-colonial genocide' against Palestinians. Francesca says: "Member states must intervene now to prevent new atrocities that will further scar human history." Jews in Beacon are doing that now.

Public Menorah Lightings have been held by Beacon Hebrew Alliance each night of Hanukkah at Memorial Park, the last of which is on January 1 at 5:30pm. Beacon Hebrew Alliance used to host the Menorah Lighting at Polhill Park, at times in partnership with Beacon Arts.

Said Phoebe Zinman, one of the Jewish organizers of the “Nobody Is Free Until Everybody Is Free” Menorah Lighting: “We can’t celebrate. We can’t participate in this holiday while this is happening. A celebration that doesn’t acknowledge what’s happening is not appropriate.”

Beacon Jews who attended the 1st Menorah Lighting at Polhill Park, holding their messages: “Not In Our Name,” “Not In My Name” and “From Darkness To Light; Stand For Palestinian Rights”
From left: Loren Miller, Phoebe Zinman, and Lucky Longo.

Menorah Lighting From Chabad of Beacon Had Donuts, Latkes, Fire; But No Mention Of Genocide

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For the second year in a row, newly established Chabad of Beacon hosted a Menorah Lighting at Pohill Park, with a temporary structure that cannot remain overnight. Unlike in year’s past where the Bicycle Menorah from Beacon Arts and Beacon Hebrew Alliance would set up a menorah sculpture for 8 nights of differently themed dedications (aka Illumin8), this current City Administrator won’t allow such temporary structures to remain daily. The full video of this menorah lighting, and a bit of the fire show, are at the bottom of this article.

Donuts and Latkes at the Menorah Lighting.

The evening before dusk was full of neighborly spirit, plump donuts, fresh latkes, and music from a DJ playing remixes of Chanukah songs set to Top 40 beats. Sharing of treats is important to this holiday, as per one of the blessings that was passed out on a flyer: “Chanukah, Oh Chanukah, come light the Menorah. Let’s have a party, we’ll all dance the hora. Gather round the table, we’ll all have a treat.”

The main emphasis for the lighting of the candles, as presented by Rabbi Shaya of Chabad Beacon, was the presentation of the idea of being a light in the darkness. He said there are two opinions to lighting the menorah:

1. Light 8 candles all at once, starting with 8, and going down from there. Signifies a group, working together to light the darkness. The only way to be a light in the darkness is to be all together. You can't be alone. “Once you do all 8 together, you're tighter as a group, you can fight the darkness,” he said as he explained the opinion.

2. Light 1 candle first, then 2, then 3, “like we are doing tonight,” Rabbi Shaya said.

   What is the difference of opinions, he asked? “The Menorah is all about being a light in the darkness. Lighting 1 light can light the darkness…You don't need a group with you,” he said. “You don't need 15 people. Whatever the good deed is that you're doing, you are lighting up the darkness.”

Rabbi Shaya's message was: "Let's be the light."

There was no mention of the genocide that Israel is enacting onto the people of Palestine in the name of Jewish people, some of whom insist “Not in my name.” This omission made celebrating the music difficult for those in attendance who do acknowledge and are following the genocide, which is being live streamed on our phones every second of the days and nights for 449 dark days, with no lighted end in sight.

The Fire Show

The Chabad of Beacon encouraged all to attend, promising a fire show to accompany the candle lighting. While the fire dancer was talented, watching the bursts of flames twirl around her was triggering for those who care about people being genocided with fire.

Those who witness the genocide have been watching decapitated babies burn, their charred bodies remaining in the arms of men trying to save them. At least three people including Aaron Bushnell, the active duty member of the US Air Force who fatally set himself on fire in protest of the genocide.

Rabbi Shaya with a second Rabbi who lit the rest of the candles after Mayor Kyriacou.

The day before the Menorah lighting in Beacon, the Israeli army burned down Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last functioning hospital in Northern Gaza. “Doctors have been kidnapped, medics were burned alive, anyone who was mobile was forced to strip and told to travel by foot to the Indonesian hospital, which is not currently functioning,” reported @HealthCareWorkersForPalestine, who are encouraging people to call major media outlets to demand that they report on this, which US media outlets continue to black out. Keeping the genocide in darkness.

That, plus the homeless woman who was burned alive in a New York subway car as she stood paralyzed in pain, her identity of which cannot be found as of yet. The fiery visuals of the Chanukah fire show in Beacon were difficult to absorb.

The Lighting

Rabbi Shaya invited Mayor Lee Kyriacou to light the first candle. As Mayor Lee accepted the flame with which to light the first candle, he said: “So this is a tiki torch. A cross cultural event. But only to say…Thank you all for being here. Please enjoy your holidays however you celebrate them. Let's always be a Welcoming community. And that's all.”

Under the previous administration of Mayor Randy Casale, citizens of Beacon pushed for it to be a Welcoming City in 2019, when all could not agree on risking federal funding to be a Sanctuary City. After Mayor Lee lit the menorah, he said: “Mai Tais are going to be in the back, after we finish the lighting. And then we do the Polynesian hula dance.”

“Not In Our Name”: Beacons Of Light Represent Jews Against Genocide

Silently, and in the periphery of the menorah lighting, stood five people representing some Jewish people in Beacon who are protesting the Israeli genocide of Palestinian people.

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A second Menorah Lighting has been organized for January 1, 2025, for people who need to recognize the genocide in order to celebrate. The theme is “Nobody is Free Until Everybody Is Free.”

A courageous thing to do, as those in the Jewish community are split. Those opposing Israel’s murder of Palestinians (sometimes known as Anti-Zionist Jews) have been mocked by other Jews who do not acknowledge, or defend the genocide (sometimes known as Zios or Zionist Jews), which follows the belief that the founders of Zionism weaponized Judaism to gain and maintain white supremacy.

One representative of the anti-genocide group passed out flyers promoting a second menorah lighting for January 1, 2025, with the theme “Nobody Is Free Until Everybody Is Free.” They did so safely and comfortably throughout the crowd, talking to some neighbors.

One of the organizers of the anti-genocide group, Phoebe Zinman, told A Little Beacon Blog: “Some people were really appreciative and grateful that we were there.” One neighbor approached the small group to ask who they were with. Phoebe said: “I told them we weren’t a coalition with a name. We were a group of Jewish people who had been in conversation and doing things since October of 2023.”

The Reception Of Anti-Genocide Jews At The Chabad Menorah Lighting

Three of the attendees of the anti-genocide group that attended the Chabad Beacon’s Menorah Lighting. From left: Loren Miller, Phoebe Zinman, and Lucky Longo.

“One man waving an Israeli flag told the anti-genocide Jews from Beacon: ‘You’re ruining our celebration.’ The anti-Zionist, anti-genocide Jews went on to describe what a different man said to them, who was wearing a tank top and was adorned in tattoos: “He said he would come ruin Christmas for us, and I said ‘We’re Jewish.’ And he said ‘I don’t care. You’re chickens for KFC.’ Which is hilarious to me. Does that make Palestine KFC? Does that make him a chicken standing up for being a chicken? So he just wants to be free to live as a chicken who won’t be slaughtered…like how Gazans are being slaughtered?”

— Phoebe Zinman, as told to ALBB

ALBB asked Phoebe how their presence was received at the menorah lighting. “We wanted to be here as a presence, showing that Palestine will not be erased. It’s part of this, and it’s not appropriate to celebrate Chanukah when this is happening. Like we’re killing….their children are our children.”

Speaking as a Jewish person, Phoebe and the other Jewish organizers wanted to make it explicit: “We can’t celebrate; we can’t participate in this holiday while this is happening. A celebration that doesn’t acknowledge what’s happening is not appropriate.”

The “Tank Top” guy who called the anti-ceasefire group “chickens for KFC.”

On the reverse, some celebrating attendees told the anti-genocide group that their presence was not appropriate. One man waving an Israeli flag told them: “You’re ruining our celebration.” Phoebe described what a different man said to them, who was wearing a tank top and adorned in tattoos: “He said he would come ruin Christmas for us, and I said ‘We’re Jewish.’ And he said ‘I don’t care. You’re chickens for KFC.’ Which is hilarious to me. Does that make Palestine KFC? Does that make him a chicken standing up for being a chicken? So he just wants to be free to live as a chicken who won’t be slaughtered…like how Gazans are being slaughtered?”

Lucky Longo, a non-Jewish participant with the anti-genocide group, told ALBB: “My sign says “From Darkness to Light; Stand For Palestinian Rights.” Lucky told ALBB that she wanted to be inclusive for Chanuka, “but I wanted to bring awareness as a non-Jewish person to this as a community member also.” As for their reception, Lucky said: “It was slightly ignored, but also, not super receptive. I still think in the back of people’s minds it will bring awareness.”

The man waving the Israeli flag who told the anti-ceasefire group that they were “ruining” the celebration. Overall the celebration was very celebratory. The anti-genocide group was standing in the background silently.

Ceasefire City

Beacon is a Ceasefire city. Through a pressure packed few weeks, Beacon’s City Council did sign a Ceasefire Resolution. It takes courage to be the light in the face of white supremacy. Supremacy is maintained through the darkness of intimidation by bullies. Perhaps Chabad Beacon will be that light for others to follow in their new home of Beacon.

Perhaps one day, Chabad Beacon will acknowledge and denounce the genocide, and stand against leaders doing so in the names of so many.

Need A Lift? Beacon's Lingerie Boutique Is Giving In Bras, Binders, Thongs, Tucking, Etc.

The Top Drawer Boutique is Latina and Queer owned by Renita on Main Street, Beacon, NY.

It was a sexy Saturday - scratch that - slippery Saturday in the rain in Beacon. It was gray and blowy. Saturday in Beacon means that many of the boutiques are open that aren’t open 7 days during the week. Which means that, if you aren’t at a kid’s soccer game or other event, Saturday (and Sunday) is your opportunity to head into one such boutique. The Top Drawer is the perfect choice for anyone who needs a lift on a slippery day.

The Top Drawer is Latina and Queer owned by Renita. “Everyone is welcome here. Period,” Renita told ALBB. The shop is fueled by Renita’s purpose, which is to create and maintain a safe space for anyone to walk in, at any point in their life, wherever in their journey or transition, to find what they need to make their body feel beautiful and loved.

Known for world-wide brands. The Top Drawer has pleased shoppers from New York City who lavish at the lingerie brand Aubade Paris, shown below, and have exclaimed that they cannot find it in Manhattan. But here in Beacon, it’s right on Main Street.

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the complementary black lacy thongs, are for “vanilla couples” that ask for a set.

The Top Drawer sells lingerie, bras, binders, thongs, tucking kits, nightgowns, robes, toys, and more for all people, body shapes, sizes and pleasure points. Bra fittings are available in the back for the right fit. “You have to love yourself first,” is the theme running through the store.

There is a purpose behind each brand Renita carries. Most brands carry items for all genders. If you want Italian lace, look no further than the Journelle, these are exquisite products manufactured out of Italy. If that’s not your style, the boutique carries beautiful French embroidery pieces from the highly sought after French brand, Aubade. For the eco-conscious, several lines include 100% recycled and/or biodegradable fabrics. The sets on the left and right are fashionable for every gender. Don’t see a piece in the store, but wished you did? Ask Renita, who may be able to order it and others for you.

Private bra fittings are available in store.

New to ALBB, but maybe not to you, are accessories to make life easier. Like the Tuck Kit, that is for people with male parts who want to smooth or flatten them in outfits.

Or the Bra Buds. Which, Renita tells us, are used by people who are beginning their journey to developing breasts but don’t have them yet.

Bra buds and tuck kits are available.

Bra Buds can be placed in a bra, but key to that bra is that it will hold them, and not let the Bra Buds fall out. Security. Bra security. Outfit security. Because this leads to body confidence and happiness. Renita thinks about these things constantly.

Binders, which look like sports bras, are for females transitioning to males, who want to flatten their breasts. The Top Drawer has a few different styles, all sustainable, that can ease this transition.

TOps and smoothers from Underworks.

Briefs without a pocket.

A sexy Gossard bra.

Skull & Bones underwear in several styles and patterns.

Renita likes to repurpose functional underwear for other uses and to be used between gender flows. For example, the traditional male boxers have one element that sets them underwear for men: the pocket. But if there is no pocket, is the underwear for females?

While the tag may say one thing, Renita encourages shoppers to ignore the tag, and buy the briefs if they are comfortable. Male or female designated. Not having a pocket can act as a smoother for those who want to reduce a bulge. But they are also comfortable and sexy for females also.

Skull & Bones has been a popular line, and several styles are available in the store.

Skull & Bones underwear open in the back.

SKull & Bones thong.

Bra Fitting

The dressing room for private bra fittings.

Several styles of bras are available in The Top Drawer, and so is a fitting room with Renita’s tape measure and knowledge of each style of those bras. For bra fittings, Beacon used to have the Bra Fit Expert, but she moved to Cornwall.

At The Top Drawer, you can be measured from all angles to see which styles and colors work for your body.

Each line of underwear has a story behind it. If sustainable style is what you’re after, there are brands available.

You do not need to go all the way to the Poughkeepsie Mall for a nude bra!

Many bra styles available for small and large breasts.

Skin is a clean and classy line specializing in organic cotton.

Lacy silk nightgown and robe.

Silk cheetah pajamas from Petite Plume.

PLeasure toys.

Slipper shoes from Love Moi

The Top Drawer’s Instagram is still filling out. “Coming Soon,” says one of the posts. Well - she came! Give them a follow. Enjoy the shopping!