Creative Weekend :: Things To Do 4/25/2025
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The Eugene (Gene) Murphy Family Says Thank You :: And An Updated Donation List For Those Who Want To Support
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The Community of Beacon has been keeping up with the developments of the Eugene (Gene) Murphy Family, after their tragic loss of everything in their home that they lived in, including their cars. Most importantly, the Murphy family lost their patriarch Gene Murphy, in the fast moving fire that blew through the small house with the high winds that swept through Beacon that early April evening. Read about how the firefighters battled the blaze here.
“Markus - age 15 - his body was burned, including his head, feet and hands. His body is heavily bandaged in the Burn Unit at Westchester Medical Center. His arms are elevated from what looks like stretchy gauze, to help his hands heal. ”
Gene Murphy’s two elder children (in their 50s), a daughter and son who lived in the home, did escape the fire without serious injury. His daughter (Markus’ grandmother) did suffer burns. But his great grandson, Markus Louis, a 10th grader at Beacon High School, was severely burned and was in critical condition at the Westchester Medical Hospital. He has since stabilized, and begun several surgeries to heal his burns.
A family friend, Patrick O'Dell, who is also the moderator and narrator for the Dutchess County Scanner Feed on FB, has been updating the community with donation needs, both financial and specific item requests. Patrick has also been updating about the physical healing progress of Markus. “Somehow he is in good spirits,” Patrick has said. Beacon City School District Superintendent Landahl has also been updating district families with Markus' condition via email.
Since that time, donations continue to come in as new needs arise (those needs have been posted below), which have mainly been published in private Facebook groups. ALBB reached out to Patrick to see how ALBB can help and what we can make public. Patric had expressed: "I did not expect the response to be so fast. People are truly amazing. The extended community have come out to help the family who were living in this home with such love and generosity. Their biggest concern is making sure everyone knows that they cannot be a more emotional, appreciative and thankful beyond words for each and every person who has helped."
Through ALBB and Patrick, the Murphy Family has issued this note of gratitude:
"The Murphy family cannot express how thankful and overwhelmed by the amount of love, support & generosity from everyone who has helped in any way since the tragedy. They wish they could thank each and every one individually but want everyone to know how much it means to them. A special thank you to the many people from the Beacon City School District! Their support of Markus has been amazing!"
Update On Donations
The Howland Public Library has become a connection point for donated items for Markus and the Murphy Family. The library put out their own note of thanks as they continue to collect items:
"Thank you to everyone who has donated clothing items! Your generosity has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated. At this time, the Murphy family is no longer in need of clothing donations. However, we are still collecting gift cards to help support their ongoing needs. Gift cards to stores like Ocean State Job Lot and Wal-Mart are especially helpful and can be dropped off at the front desk of the Howland Public Library, 313 Main Street, Beacon, during regular business hours. Thank you for continuing to support a local family in need. 💛"
Patrick posted the library's OPEN hours:
Monday 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
Tuesday 9:30 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
Thursday 9:30 AM–8 PM
Friday 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
Saturday 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday 12–4 PM
About the GoFundMe
Patrick has expressed that the family appreciates the GoFundMe drive, but that funds are hard to get at in times of immediate need. The GoFundMe is about to exceed $70,000 (go go go!) Gift Cards are welcome, and can be dropped off at the Beacon Public Library. For people who love GoFundMe and need the convenience of online donating, the link is here: https://gofund.me/ce94d87e
About Markus, age 15, 10th Grade:
Patrick posted pictures of Markus in the hospital, along with an update as to what they need donated to those who wish to donate. These photos are in private Facebook Groups only, and Patrick wishes to keep it that way. The donation update has been shared on Facebook over 520 times. That's just Shared, not even the amount of Likes.
Patrick wishes to keep the photos of Markus in the hospital private at this time (despite the overwhelming amount of 520+ shares), so we will describe them to you, so that people can realize what life is like for a receiving (thank goodness he is alive) teenager. Markus - age 15 - body was burned. Including his head, feet and hands. His body is wrapped in white bandages, and his arms are elevated from what looks like stretchy gauze. His whole body is wrapped in white bandages, and his arms are elevated from what looks like stretchy gauze. To keep his body stable. When the photos were posted, they were accompanied by this descriptive note from Patrick:
"This is Markus. Markus is 15 years old, full of life, loves video games, basketball and school (every employee of the school district loves him) having a normal evening in Beacon on April 15th when a wind-fueled fire tore the house at 6:20pm. Markus lost his great grandfather, his grandmother suffered from a few serious burns & her brother escaped major injury.
Attempting to get out [of the burning house], Markus suffered critical burns mainly to his feet, face & head. Then, the worst are horrible burns to his hands and wrist. He is in Westchester Medical Center Burn Unit. He has had the first of several major surgeries. Somehow he is in good spirits. He is positioned where he cannot move. He will be there for a very long time. Everything in the house was a total loss. In an attempt to make Markus have something, I am asking for help. These items can make a huge difference. If you upgraded [technology in your own life], have anything laying around, maybe your job? If they work and you can generously donate any of them you would be so appreciated & make him so happy!"
“Perhaps, if any car dealerships are reading this, they could donate cars to Markus for when he gets out of the hospital, and to his grandmother. And perhaps repair the black new-ish looking pickup truck that was damaged. ”
Following is a list of requested, and then donated items. While the family requests gift cards to Job Lots and Wal-Mart, you may also consider Best Buy. For technology things. Though that could be purchased at Wal-Mart, along with groceries, one supposes. Perhaps, if any car dealerships are reading this, they could donate cars to Markus for when he gets out of the hospital, and to his grandmother. And perhaps repair the black new-ish looking pickup truck that was damaged. Reach out to Patrick to coordinate, or if you don't have him, ping ALBB and we will connect you.
- DONATED the staff can put him on FaceTime so he can get to communicate especially when no one can be there.
-DONATED AirPods. Markus has all the music he loves stored in the Cloud and can recover it and the staff can set him up.
-A laptop for his grandmother to utilize while she is at the hospital (all the vehicles were also destroyed in the fire). (ALBB thinks a fresh laptop is best, but if you have a potential refurbished laying around).
-DONATED An unlocked iPhone. Grandmother's was lost in the fire and it will also enable her to FaceTime with Markus.
If you have any of these items or can please share to your page and community pages.
ALBB thinks a car or two would be good!! And more technology.
And a house. How can they get a house?
By God's Grace Church On Main Street Told By Landlord To Leave By August - Reverend Audrey E. Giles Appeals For Help
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By God’s Grace Church at 203 Main Street, next to Zora Dora’s, has been told by their landlord to leave by August 2025. This marks one of the last properties originally held by the Piccones to be vacated by these owners.
In what is one of the last properties in the row of commercial units of 201-211 Main Street, By God’s Grace Ministries at 203 Main Street has been told by their landlord that they need to be out by August 2025, its Reverend Audrey E. Giles said to Beacon’s City Council on 4/21/2025, when she appealed to them to help her find a new home for the Pentecostal church.
“I've been a pastor here in Beacon for 28 years. We're at the place now where we are…you know…they're…they don't, you know, want…they want us out. They don't want church there.” After 28 years, it was hard for Reverend Audrey to say the words.
“So I came...I don't know if you can help. I just came to see and maybe this City...if the City had property or a building or whatever that we may can go into and pay rent or whatever. That's what I'm here for. I don't even know if you can help me, but that's why I came tonight to see if anything could be done because we have to be out of where we are now in 203 Main Street in August. Thank you.”
The Rent Increase
Reverend Audrey told A Little Beacon Blog that they currently pay $1,400/month in rent, up from $300/month when they started there under the ownership of the Piccone family. “Beacon was a ghost town then,” Audrey told ALBB. The Piccone’s sold 20 parcels to Joe Donovan, who later sold some parcels to the current owners who are related to the Brother’s Trattoria family of owners but not the ones of the restaurant.
The current owners told Audrey that they are asking $5,000 for the church space and have an interested tenant. “Beacon is very, very expensive,” Audrey told ALBB. “It is what it is. We have been here 28 years. That's why I came to the Council. I have been calling them. We just want to have church. We can't wait to no last minute. We are trying hard to find other places.”
Reverend Audrey said that they use the space “on Sundays, and maybe 1 or 2 days during the week. It's crazy. You know, our - the guy that was before this guy - he gave us a 3 year lease. We had to be out by August.”
All of the residential tenants have been pushed out of that block. Miss Vickie was a tenant (she now works sound and sidewalk sweeps at Towne Crier). “All of the tenants were moved out,” Reverend Audrey told ALBB. “One guy refused to go. I don't know how they got that guy out of there. He refused to go. I think to myself, ‘Why wouldn't you want us? I asked the landlord to take me back there to the apartments. ‘Let me see one apartment,’ I said. When I saw it, I said ‘What is in here that is worthy of $2,800? ’”
Reverend Audrey has been looking, but what she saw is too small or too expensive. “I don't want to get to a place where they are evicting us,” she told ALBB. She was surprised to learn that the Dutchess Reformed Church had sold to new owners who have entertainment plans for it which include a restaurant.
Ironically, The Star of Bethlehem Church on Main Street sold their property next to Bank Square to another entertainment-based owner, and tried to move to the Dutchess Reformed Church, but lost their bid to those new owners who have entertainment plans. Instead, the Star of Bethlehem Church moved into the old Mary Kelly restaurant building across I-84 near the Hudson View apartments. There was a campaign to keep that church in its building, but the church ended up selling. In the end, Joe Donnovan’s company Hudson Todd LLC bought the Star of Bethlehem’s building for $1.25 million. His company owns almost all of the properties on the far west end of town.
The Backstory On The Neighboring Storefronts
Fire destroyed Mr. Bell’s Unisex Main Street Beauty Salon and Amy’s African Braids close to when the current owners were closing on the deal with then owner Joe Donovan, forcing Mr. Bell into retirement. Months later, John the Cobbler was also forced to move out by the new owner, whose “Three Day Notice To Cancel Lease” notification was taped to the boarded up storefront, signed by Lendita Mavraj, identifying as the Manager.
After that, John the Cobbler was absorbed into a Donovan property at 152 Main Street in the apartment complex behind Mountain Tops. A hair salon replaced Mr. Bell’s, but left and was relaced by B Hair Studio. Big Vinny’s Pizza left, and Moreish left the Hudson Valley Food Hall to renovate the old Vinny’s spot, which is opening soon.
If anyone would like to reach out to Reverend Audrey E. Giles, ALBB can connect you. City Administrator Chris White passed her a note after the City Council Meeting, saying he could share one idea.
Disability Challenge Short Filmed At Key Food - Featured Local Actors and Makeup Artist - Scenes And Interviews With Cast And Crew
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The Actor Rachel Handler, on set for “Interview WIth The Vampire,” who wrote and produced “Don’t Take This The WRong Way,” filmed at Key Food.
Bionic Brunette is an award-willing writer and filmmaker who moved to Dutchess County a few years ago, spending her career time between the Hudson Valley and NYC. Her name is Rachel Handler and she wears a glittery golden prosthetic leg.
Rachel’s leg is the extension of her that drove her to write and star in the just over 5 minute short thriller film, “Don’t Take This The Wrong Way” to compete in the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, which was filmed at Beacon’s Key Food and in Wappingers Falls with a local cast and crew, which included Beacon-based Twinkle Burke who played “Maria” and makeup and special effects makeup by Jenny Magliano. The local production company Whirligig Pictures provided the crew and equipment.
Rachel’s covered Prosthetic Leg in a scene clipped from “Don’t Take This The Wrong Way,” in an isle of Key Food.
This year’s genre for the film challenge was Thriller. “This film is incredibly suspenseful, as my character completely unravels and loses her sense of self and reality,” Rachel told A Little Beacon Blog. “I've been in a few different TV shows, most recently Interview With The Vampire. But I also love to write, direct and produce. This is my 10th film for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, and this one is all about common microaggressions people with disabilities face on a daily basis.”
“This was an incredibly written film from deep within and thank you for the bravery so many people would love to have. Incredibly done!”
This film is compact with lead-up detail, coming in just over 5 minutes, so we won’t spoil any seconds for you. ALBB has watched it 6 times already, and a new discovery “ah ha!” moment is revealed with each replay. Like with the handicap sign in the Key Food parking lot, and the intrusive guy taking the photo. Won’t say any more!
“This film is based on my own experiences as a disabled filmmaker and actress. I channel those experiences into my art as a coping mechanism and for catharsis.”
Set in a grocery store because that is one of the main places Rachel as a person with a disability receives micro-aggressive comments about her leg that seem to start with “Don’t take this the wrong way, but…” Rachel told the Highlands Current that when she said she wanted to film it in a grocery store, her Director of Photography, Robert Featherstone, suggested Key Food, saying that he shops there often and would ask the owners.
“This film is based on my own experiences as a disabled filmmaker and actress. I channel those experiences into my art as a coping mechanism and for catharsis.”
“Thank goodness [the owners] said yes,” Rachel told the newspaper. “Shooting in Key Food was such a dream. Everyone was so accommodating and welcoming.” Rachel hopes her film helps disabled people “feel seen and heard.” She told the newspaper that some people - even on her own film crew - didn’t realize they had a disability. “Our director has ADHD [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder]. She never identified as someone with a disability, but ADHD is covered under the [federal] Americans with Disabilities Act. We’re hoping that more people get comfortable self-identifying so that the perspective shifts to seeing the strengths in disability rather than the flaws.”
Hudson Valley Makeup Artist Jenny Magliano applying the Special FX prosthetic makeup to the throat of Beacon-based actor Twinkle Burke for the short thriller “DOn’t Take This The WRong Way.”
Makeup artist Jenny Magliano did the makeup, and the Special FX prosthetic makeup, for when Twinkle Burke’s character “Maria” had her (trigger warning!) throat slashed after a micro-aggressive question. “Jenny did an incredible job with the slash prosthetic,” Twinkle told ALBB.
“I was thrilled to be asked to work on this film for this cause,” Jenny told ALBB. In her Instagram, Jenny shared: “I had the pleasure of donating my time to work on this amazing film with some of the best in the industry. Thank you Bionic Brunette (Rachel Handler) for having us. This was an incredibly written film from deep within and thank you for the bravery so many people would love to have. Incredibly done!”
Locally, Healthy in Color across the street and down the block granted a discount for the cast and crew’s lunch break.
“Don’t Take This The Wrong Way” is competing in the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, and they need your views! View the film right here or on YouTube. Like it, Share it, Comment on it. Deadline is Monday, April 21, 2025! Be like ALBB and watch it a few times to pick up on different details.
New Photographer Captures Emotions Of April 19th Protest In Beacon - Plus A Look At Her Other Eidetic Ethereal Photos
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“Every day online we are being silenced and re-routed to a community that we think is big. Being in the crowd today helped me remember how important it is to talk offline.”
A new photographer, Isis Ortiz, captured moments in today’s April 19th protest in Beacon, which was part of a nation-wide show of solidarity against the inhuman and illegal kidnappings of people; illogical cratering of civil and social services; and the forced collapse of global trade as we know it.
Isis Ortiz went outside to photograph the event. Her other photography of nature and people is so stunning, we included it in this article as well, for your eyes to rest on. Scroll down for all of the photos, and for Isis’ thoughts on today’s demonstration, as well as her approach to photography in general.
“In reference to today’s protest,” Isis told A Little Beacon Blog, “I think it is important to keep talking and to keep sharing stories. Every day online we are being silenced and re-routed to a community that we think is big. Being in the crowd today helped me remember how important it is to talk offline. It is time we reach All people, not just personalized algorithms. It is time we talk, enlighten and remind them of love and human connection, in hopes that it will help change these inhumane decisions we have been making. We can fight anything with love!”
Said a fellow ALBB reader Tiffany De La Cruz about the rally: “It was a really good turnout in Beacon. We knew it would not be as big as April 5th due to folks prioritizing togetherness with family for the holiday. There will be many, many more protests for those who didn’t or couldn’t join. Poughkeepsie had a great turnout as well, with only a few and severely outnumbered counter protesters. We need to keep showing up and showing out. Local online groups are often overflowing with hateful rhetoric which might make you think there are more of those people out there, but the reality is that those who actually get off their asses and care and show up are those who support equality, immigrants, our veterans, due process, and our constitution like true patriots.”
“It’s like an eidetic image, so vivid and dreamy. I like my photos to feel like a memory. ”
“When referencing my photography, most times I feel the need to have these profound explanations behind my photos, when truly I just like the way they look. I like the warmth you feel from light in the photo or the coldness from the blue hues. It’s like an eidetic image, so vivid and dreamy. I like my photos to feel like a memory.
“I also just love people so much. Their faces, bodies and the world around them. I love being guided to an emotion, using the colors in the photo like a mood ring.”
Your Basket :: Things To Do 4/19/2025
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"Strings For Spring" Led by Violinist / Composer Gwen Laster :: Fundraiser For Beacon Backyard Kitchen
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STRINGS FOR SPRING - Workshop & Performance @ The Yard
Day: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 3pm
Price: $20 Suggested Donation.
Proceeds from this go toward funding food for Beacon’s Backyard Kitchen, which feeds the community in need.
Location: The Yard, 4 Hanna Lane, Beacon, NY 12508
Welcome to STRINGS FOR SPRING - Workshop & Performance! Join us at The Yard for a an afternoon filled with music and fun. Led by Violinist / Composer Gwen Laster, “Creative Strings Improvisers Ensemble LLC”, is a music program that teaches life skills through Improvisation, Global Music repertoire and Original Composition.
Not limited to string players, CSIE is a creative laboratory that helps to unleash the individual artist behind the instrument. In this workshop open to the public, Gwen and her fellow music professionals will guide students through improvisation techniques, methodologies using standard repertoire, with the intention of providing “real-time” musical contexts and shifting environments as creative canvases.
Proceeds from this go toward funding food for Beacon’s Backyard Kitchen, which feeds the community in need.
CSIE is fiscally sponsored by BeaconArts. See you there!
Tickets >
Protest Planned For Saturday 12pm Up Main Street: "Stop the Cuts and Unconstitutional Detainment"
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Stop the Cuts and Unconstitutional Detainment
Day: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 12-3pm
Location: “Join together to speak out against the anti-democratic and anti-American cuts to our people and unlawful pulling people off.”
“We will meet at noon at Polhill Park Beacon. At 12:45pm. We will walk/march up Main Street to Verplanck & Matteawan Rd to join in a rally and vigil with the Justice for All of Us group for speakers and a vigil.”
ALBB Editor’s Note: Verplanck and Matteawan do not intersect Main Street. Not sure how this route is going to go. Additionally, there were several misspellings and grammar errors in the original description of this event at the Mobilize website. As longtime readers of ALBB know, ALBB also has errors, but we want to point these out, as we do not know who the organizers are. Also, ALBB does not recommend registering. Protesters do not need to register to any protest to attend.
Information >
Beacon Film Society Presents "Valve Turners" At Beacon Movie Theater On Earth Day
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Beacon Film Society Presents VALVE TURNERS on Earth Day
Day: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Time: 7pm
Location: Beacon Movie Theater, 445 Main St. Beacon, NY 12508
Best Climate Action Film, 2024 Climate Film Festival
Spirit of Activism Award, 2025 Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Tickets >
Beacon Film Society Presents:
VALVE TURNERS – in partnership with Beacon Climate Action Now
In VALVE TURNERS, a small group of activists travel to remote valve sites and take a daring stand against the fossil fuel industry. Acting in solidarity with Standing Rock, they carefully plan a bid to disrupt the entire flow of tar sands oil from Canada into the United States. Pipelines carrying 2.8 million barrels per day are halted, eliciting a firm counteraction from the fossil fuel industry and local authorities.
Director Steve Bonds-Liptay and fellow climate doc filmmaker Deia Schlosberg will be in attendance for a Q&A following the screening, moderated by Beacon Climate Action Now.
Director’s Statement
From the Boston Tea Party to the Greensboro Four, the American story is punctuated by ambitious small groups engaging in nonviolent resistance against injustice and the abuse of power. Again and again, people organize and use nonviolent tactics to galvanize the public around pressing issues. I write this as the 2025 fires in Los Angeles are upending countless lives. The momentum of the climate emergency feels relentless and the fossil fuel industry’s grip on our lives, our politics and our economy can seem insurmountable. In the years ahead, what will be our collective response? When political systems are captured by corporate interests, what will spur them to act? And if governments are unable to protect us, at what point must we take matters into our own hands? These are difficult questions that the public continues to grapple with. They afford no easy answers. My hope is that VALVE TURNERS can support and amplify the ongoing conversations around direct action and legal strategies that challenge and expose the fossil fuel industry and their political allies.
Filmmaker Bio
Steve Bonds-Liptay contributed cinematography and editing to the award-winning HBO documentary How to Let Go of the World (and Love All the Things Climate Can’t Change) which premiered at Sundance 2016. That same year, he co-directed and produced DIVEST!, a concert film about fossil fuel divestment and began filming VALVE TURNERS. Steve's photography has appeared in Rolling Stone, The New York Times and The Boston Globe.
Beacon Climate Action Now
The Mid-Hudson Valley is our home, so we’ve come together to find political solutions for the climate crisis and empower communities to take action at all levels of government. We believe that the impact of our local organizing can ripple out well beyond our region to other parts of the state and country. Embedded in all our work is the intentional prioritization of marginalized communities who are most impacted by the crises we face. @beacon.can
Beacon Film Society
Beacon Film Society is a volunteer run organization that hosts screenings of socially relevant films with the participation of the filmmakers. Each screening takes place in Beacon, NY and is followed by a live Q&A. The goals of BFS are two-fold: to provide a venue for films not otherwise available theatrically in the surrounding region, and to create a space for dialogue – about both the art and craft of filmmaking, and the content presented within each film. Currently helmed by filmmaker Lucas Millard and producer Jenny Tibbels. @beaconfilmsociety
The Beacon Movie Theater is hosting The Beacon Film Society this spring with a line-up of films by New York filmmakers. VALVE TURNERS is the second screening of the season.
Beacon Firefighters Describe How They Attacked The Fire At 9 Alice Street; Community Responds With Support; Donation Directions
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Eugene (Gene) Murphy, who died in the fire at his home of 9 Alice Street, Beacon, NY.
The Beacon Fire Department issued a Press Release describing how they attacked the fire at 9 Alice Street to battle it. ALBB reported on this fire the day after here.
Of the 4 people inside during the fast moving blaze, one was not able to escape. He was identified as 81 year old Eugene (Gene) Murphy, who lived a long life within the City of Beacon, worked for the City of Beacon for 30 years, and served in part as its Highway Department Supervisor. The community of Beacon have been deeply mourning and sharing memories of him on each publishing of this news at any social media post, blog post or newspaper post.
Beacon City School Superintendent Matthew Landahl emailed district families to say that Gene’s great-grandson, Markus Louis (10th grade) lived in the home with Gene, along with Markus’ grandmother (Gene’s daughter), who suffered burns, Patrick O’Dell reported, who is a friend and “Dutchess County Scanner Feed” moderator.
Gene Murphy's 54 year old son who is described as "severely physically handicapped" was also inside, but did escape the blaze without any serious injuries, Patrick said. He also reported that Gene’s 42 year old grandson was living with him to assist family members in the home, but was not in the house during the fire.
The family lost all of their possessions, including their home and car. Markus suffered serious burns all over his body, and remains in the hospital at Westchester Medical, his cousin, Patricia Murphy, confirmed to ALBB. She said that Markus is in critical but stable condition.
Donation Link
A donation link has been started for the family by Patrick, which has so far raised over $50,000. The GoFundMe page is here. Patrick stated that getting the funds from GoFundMe can be slow at first for immediate needs like clothing and hygiene items. Gift Cards dropped to the Beacon Public Library front desk during their open hours. More details on what items of clothing are needed have been posted below. Scroll down for sizes.
How The Firefighters Fought The Blaze
All of the following photos are screenshots from the video made by Ed Heegan, a Peer Support Specialist with Guardian Revival, whose office is located in the Veterans Memorial Building on Main Street. Guardian Revival is a local non-profit improving health & wellness for Military, Veterans & First Responders. Follow Ed at @edwoodstock.
Photo Credit: Ed Heegan
According to the Fire Department’s Press Release, fire was billowing from the front of the house when the Beacon Fire Department arrived. Three vehicles in front of the home were also on fire. Patrick O'Dell said that at least one of those vehicles was the family's main mode of transportation. It was completely destroyed.
At that point, a second alarm was requested for backup mutual aid. Castle Point Fire Department, (Engine Truck), the Village of Fishkill Fire Department (Ladder Truck) headed in. As is protocol to a fire alarm, the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps (BVAC), the City of Beacon Medic 1 (Ambulnz, the private ambulance company the City contracts and pays, unlike volunteer based BVAC who didn't get paid for years), and the City of Beacon Police Department were in pursuit of the fire.
“While fighting the fire, 4 City of Beacon Fire Department members and 2 Castle Point Fire Department members sustained minor injuries.”
"City of Beacon Engines 33-15 and 33-16 arrived simultaneously and began a transitional attack," the Press Release says. "The deck gun from Engine 33-16 was used to knock down the fire on the front of the house while firefighters stretched an attack line to a door on the porch of the #4 (northeast) side of the structure. Firefighters gained entry into that side door and were met with heavy fire conditions inside."
Photo Credit: Ed Heegan
From the pictures, the right side of the house was not completely charred, but the left side was. "While fighting the fire, 4 City of Beacon Fire Department members and 2 Castle Point Fire Department members sustained minor injuries," according to the Press Release.
Beacon's City Administrator Chris White was on-site the morning after the fire at around 8:15am, and the Press Release states that the City of Beacon Building Department condemned the house at 9 Alice Street. The neighboring house at 15 Alice Street sustained some damage from heat radiating from 9 Alice Street.
Photo Credit: Ed Heegan
During their first search for victims, firefighters did not see anyone on the first floor of the house when they began knocking down the fire. They moved to the second floor to knock down more fire. It was when the Beacon Fire Department and Castle Point Fire Department headed back to the first floor to ventilate it, that they found a deceased person in the living room, who would become known to be Eugene (Gene) Murphy. They covered him with a blanket and tarp while "conducting an overhaul and extinguishing hot spots throughout the structure."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division and City of Beacon Police are investigating with "the assistance of the Fire Department personnel."
Clothing Needed For the Family
Patrick has been coordinating financial, clothing and hygiene donations.
“Unfortunately, due to physical disabilities, what can be worn by 2 of the family members is pretty limited. I do not want to see so many wonderful & caring people tear through all their clothing for things that cannot be used,” Patrick instructed.
“The GoFundMe is great, but their policies hold the funds from going to the family for several days. Thank you to everyone in advance and for all that has been done. The family cannot thank and show the appreciation of everyone enough.”
The clothing list is below. Please keep in mind that people who have lost everything are in shock. They need casual clothes, but also want to feel good. Lots of underwear and socks would be needed, as doing laundry is hard. Consider giving Visa gift cards of cash to be spent anywhere if you are able. If donating your own clothes, please wash them first.
“They are working on getting everyone into temporary emergency housing hopefully that will happen soon,” Patrick said.
CLOTHING MATCHING WHAT CAN BE UTILIZED LISTED BELOW, GENERAL PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS & GIFT CARDS*** FOR THE MURPHY FAMILY CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT THE:
Howland Public Library
313 Main Street
Beacon, NY 12508
Drop during business hours: until 5:30pm today (Friday), 10:00am-4:00pm tomorrow (Saturday) CLOSED Sunday for the holiday. And then the open hours for the following days.
Gift card/Financial can be brought to the front desk. Any are appreciated!
Ocean State Job Lot, Wal-Mart are the best because they have everything. Any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact Patrick.
Men's:
-X-Large Pants sweat/jogging
--Large Shirt
Women’s:
***---WOMEN'S size 10 or equivalent undergarments and everyday clothing
****----WOMEN'S size 10 sneakers
Men's:
--Medium athletic type shorts NO jean shorts
--Large Shirt t-shirt/sweatshirt
---Medium underwear
---Men's size 10-WIDE sneakers
Men:
-36x32 Jeans
--X-Large T-shirt/sweatshirt
---Large underwear
----Men's size 11 workboot
***Socks, normal hygiene products (soap, shampoo, towels, wash cloths, laundry detergent), etc. to help get through
Fire At 9 Alice Street - Murphy Residence - Engulfs House With Entrapment Inside - One Person Perished, Two Injured
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The Murphy Mailbox at 9 Alice Street.
Photo Credit: Katie HEllmuth
Update: The City of Beacon Fire Department issued a press release describing the fire, how firefighters battled it, and the full identification of the deceased: Eugene (Gene) Murphy, a retired City of Beacon Highway Supervisor, an employee of 30 years.
The fire department published this video of the firefighters battling the fire.
At 6:30pm Tuesday evening (4/15/2025), while the sun broke to open more flowing buds on the trees, a fire raged and engulfed a small home at 9 Alice Street.
When neighbors called to report the fire, they said that people were trapped inside, according to reporting at MidHudson News.
The homeowner, Mr. Murphy, perished, and two other occupants who were cousins of some Beacon residents, were taken to Montefiore St. Luke’s-Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh by Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances for burns and smoke inhalation.
An ALS ambulance is staffed by paramedics or firefighter/medics, who has additional training to dispense additional treatments to treat a patient when going to the hospital, who is especially in need of cardiac or pulmonary care. They serve as ICUs (Intensive Care Units).
Alice Street is a side-street on the east side of Beacon, near the mountain. The homes range in age, some a century old. Neighbors in the local Beacon NY Facebook Group said they smelled burning rubber, could see the fire from Falconer Street, and others said they saw black smoke from Washington and Spring Streets, and rolling up East Main Street.
According to the scanner, it was a 2 alarm fire, with several agencies reporting, including City of Beacon, Castle Point, Village of Fishkill. Drivers on 9D for the commute home could see the fire engine rushing toward Beacon at that hour. First reports identified it as 12 Alice Street, but it was 9 Alice Street. Glenham and Rombout were on standby.
Ambulnz arrived with additional ALS requested. BVAC requested Medivac. Two helicopters were called to transport victims, but the Mediflight was canceled before it landed, according to one resident reporting from the scanner. People enjoying Memorial Park in the early evening could see the helicopters flying overhead, which use the park as a landing zone in medical emergencies to prepare for transport to area hospitals.
Details of the Fire
The fire looks to have started in the front of the house, spreading to the left and out, scorching the top of the blue car parked in front. The house previously had creme siding, but after the fire, the house was black where the fire burned.
A cream truck parked to the right of the blue car had its hood popped, and the hood of the blue car was completely blown back. All windows from the blue car were gone. The back right tire of the blue car was ripped or flat, which may have been like that previous, or a result of the fire.
The right side of the porch still had siding on it, with some smoke markings, but the left side of the porch was completely charred. The siding on that side of the house had come off, with some heat damage done to the siding of neighboring house to the left.
The front porch and first floor was burned to the studs, as was the second floor and attic. Scanner reports indicated fire on both floors of the house with the attic and both floors "darkened down" while fire fighters searched for people or animals inside.
A black pickup truck parked to the left of the house had its back window blown out, and the drivers side window was shattered in place.
Beacon's City Administrator was observing the damage with other officials at approximately 8:15am Wednesday morning. Cars casually drove past the house all morning to look at the damage and ask about any known details.
Photo Credit All Photos: Katie Hellmuth
When Did The Old Dunkin' Donuts at 435 Fishkill Avenue Close?
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Dear People of Beacon:
Do you recall the year the Old Dunkin’ Donuts closed at 435 Fishkill Avenue? Several Dunkin’ Donuts closed in the Hudson Valley during the shutdown of 2020 COVID, but an ALBB reader who goes by “B.” reminded us that this Dunkin’ Donuts at 435 Fishkill Avenue was already closed.
Do you recall the year? Please tell us in the comments below.
Roma Nova has since moved in, after a dramatic closing of the original owner’s 25 years at 6 Eliza Street. When the Antalek & Moore building sold to new owners for a reported and confirmed $2.3 million, rents were going up and all of the tenants moved out. Roma Nova’s departure was particularly dramatic, as evidenced in the Comments section of the Highlands Current article, which were later closed, and paired IG post.
The current Roma Nova on Rte 52, or 435 Fishkill Avenue is new owners, as the original owners Ana and Miguel Tapia sold it to the current owners.
Now a second business concept wants to resurrect on Fishkill Avenue that is desired by some, but is meeting vocal resistance by others. If you know when the first (if it was the first) Dunkin’ Donuts closed on Fishkill Avenue, please let us know.
A photo of the proposed new Dunkin’ Donuts at 420 Fishkill Avenue, which is where the Healey car dealership building is, is below. This location is across the street from where the first Dunkin’ Donuts was. This new development project has been approved by Beacon’s Planning Board on March 11, 2025, but faces a banning from Beacon’s City Council.
The photo has been taken from the Fishkill Avenue Concepts Committee March 9, 2025 online presentation packet.
Editor’s Update: Reader @aron._.li/ “November 2, 2020.” When asked why they think that year, they answered: “It is this date cause I remember goin there to get something two days after my birthday, and i remember seeing the date November 2 and their closure and why.” They confirmed it was during COVID.
Hatching :: Things To Do 4/11/2025
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Road Ripped Into At Main Street And Fishkill/Teller Avenues For Infrastructure Upgrade
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Photo Credit: Ledion Shtanaj
Work to the sidewalk on Fishkill Avenue and Main Street was still underway on Thursday 4/9/2025 5pm, but traffic on Main Street was restored to normal.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth
Main Street at the intersection of Fishkill/Teller Avenues was ripped into this past week, starting early Monday morning (4/7/2025) and continuing through Thursday. A robo-call from the City that went out to subscribers stated: “The City’s Water and Sewer Department will be partially closing the intersection in order to address necessary manhole excavation and reconstruction work. Work will continue around the clock until very early in the morning on Thursday, April 10th.”
While Fishkill and Teller Avenues underwent infrastructure upgrades to pipes under the sidewalk all last summer, it is not confirmed if this manhole excavation work was planned, or if an event caused for emergency work. There is a rumor as to the price tag, and ALBB is awaiting delivery of the FOIL as to the cost and detail of this project.
The City provided a traffic re-routing plan, and encouraged people to go around. Temporary traffic lights were placed in the middle of the road further up from the main intersection to direct traffic around the roadwork.
On Wednesday 4/9/2025, the City of Beacon issued an updated via Facebook that the work had completed and traffic returned to normal. Work to the sidewalk was still underway as of Thursday 5pm.
Photo Credits: Ledion Shtanaj
That Billionaire Who Made Money During The Tariff Pump and Fake Is Charles Schwab, Founder Of The Homonymous Investment Company
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Just so we are on the same page as this news circulates today, the “billionaire buddy” that Trump referred to in that Oval Office video, Charles Schwab, who Trump said made $2.5 billion during yesterday’s tariff pump and fake, is the founder and chairman of the Charles Schwab Corporation, which started in 1975 as a “discount sales of equity securities” company.
Acquiring smaller but still large trading companies like TD Ameritrade, Charles Schwab became the largest discount securities dealer in the United States, and put power into the hands of individuals to make their own trades in the stock market that did not cost a lot. Charles Schwab is also in the mortgage business.
The company Charles Schwab is publishing articles that guide its customers and readers in how to deal with this “volatile” tariff market. Clearly Mr. Schwab is just fine with it. Why this isn’t criminal for being insider trading is not clear. Martha Stewart went to jail for less.
Warren Buffet had been selling off his shares in stock in what some industry insiders say was in preparation for days like yesterday. Where the market would crash and he would be safe, and buy lower priced stocks at a bargain.
In this chaos, readers may find clarity in doing homework on this Charles R. Schwab (born 1937), and on the earlier Charles M. Schwab (1862-1839), the steel tycoon. During that time period, wealthy white men (and white women who were widowed, daughters, or not married and had money) worked for and influenced federal government, calling it public service, but really just running the government. Kind of like what is happening now, but not as obvious.
Katharine Graham was one such white woman who came from money of both her parents, was financially secure before her marriage, remained financially secure after her husband’s suicide, inherited her father’s ownership of The Washington Post with her husband, and then managed all of it after his death, and steered the newspaper through Nixon and Watergate and several other presidents.
She became close friends with investor Warren Buffet, who became an investor in The Washington Post and basically advised her as a friend and curious person of newspapers and the public.
This book is a good read right now as a way to revisit the time before Civil Rights, during 1948 when Israel was formed, during Civil Rights (but she barely talks about Black perspective, even though segregation was a top social issue for her husband before his death).
Buy the book from Binnacle Books, Stanza Books (both in Beacon), Split Rock Books in Cold Spring, or Blackbird Info Shop in Kingston.
