The Howland Public Library is pleased to present Beacon’s West End Story: Summer of 1966, an exhibition of photographs by Michael Raab. The exhibit will be on view in The Community Room from February 10th to March 3rd. An artist’s reception will be held on Saturday, February 10th, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
In 1966, Michael Raab, an aspiring photojournalist, was working as an assistant to a commercial photographer in Greenwich Village. During the summer, when work slowed down, he picked up a copy of The Village Voice and saw a back-page ad that read: “Help wanted in racially-torn city.” Intrigued, Raab called the number in the ad. "A few days later, I found myself walking up the hill from the Beacon train station to St. Andrew’s Church and one of the best summers of my life," said Raab.
The ad was placed by Rev. Thomas Moneymaker of St. Andrew’s Church, who was looking for help with his summer youth day camp. The church was offering camp counselors $20 a week plus room and board. The programs offered by St. Andrew’s Church played a central role in the lives of young people in the West End Community and grew into what would later become the Martin Luther King Center and Library.
Raab's beautiful black-and-white photos capture the energy of the young people and the friendships formed at St. Andrews during the pivotal year of 1966. Also on view during the reception is a short video interview featuring photographer Michael Raab and Sandy Moneymaker of St. Andrew’s Church sharing their memories of the Summer of 1966.
The Howland Public Library is located at 313 Main Street, Beacon NY 12508. The Community Room Exhibit Space is open during regular library hours. Please note the gallery cannot be visited during library programs. Please consult the library calendar before your visit.
Beacon's Demonstration For A Free Palestine! Ceasefire Now! End the Genocide! End the Occupation! End the Apartheid! Free Palestine! Day: Saturday, February 3, 2024 Time: 12pm start Location: Pohill Park (Main Street and Wolcott near Bank Square Coffee) From the organizers at Next Up Hudson Valley: "We need to wage peace the way they wage war. Join us this Saturday as we continue to disrupt the normalcy in Beacon, New York. #FreePalestine 🍉✊🏾" Information >
Congressman Pat Ryan, who represents Beacon in District 18, is being followed everywhere by Pro-Palestinian supporters to demand that he call for a permanent ceasefire of Israel’s genocide of Palestinians. The people don’t need to travel far, as they are usually residents of the towns Pat Ryan visits to give remarks to during Swearing-In Ceremonies of these communities.
The following is a description of what happened at Beacon’s Swearing-In Ceremony, which was captured on video and published below.
On Saturday, January 6, 2024, a four Beaconites, who are regular listeners or participants of Beacon City Council Meetings, were sitting in the audience of Beacon’s Swearing-In Ceremony for new Councilmembers being hosted at the Veterans Memorial Building, waiting to display their message of Ceasefire to Congressman Ryan. It was early in the ceremony, and Senator Rob Rolison (former Mayor of Poughkeepsie) and Sue Serino (newly elected Dutchess County Executive and former NY State Senator) had already spoken.
Congressman Ryan was next to speak. When he did, the four pro-Palestinian Beaconites demonstrating told ALBB that they stood up to unfurl a banner that said "Ceasefire." Say the demonstrators, their intent was to silently stand with the banner as Congressman Ryan spoke. As Congressman Ryan began his remarks, he did so by giving attention the silent visual demonstration in the back of the room by saying: “Before we get interrupted here…” as the display of a banner began to get more audible by opposing Beaconites who wanted to block the banner. The rest of Congressman Ryan’s speech in full is below.
As Congressman Ryan spoke, four more individuals also stood up to block the demonstrators and the banner with their bodies (ALBB is unable to obtain the names of the two Veterans at this time). The demonstrators described them to ALBB as:
Veteran with grey hair, wearing black sweatshirt (yellow emblem) & jeans.
Veteran with white hair, wearing glasses and black & red sweatshirt.
Harold Delamater, Veterans Memorial Building Manager, wearing grey sweatshirt & glasses.
Chris White, Beacon City Administrator
The demonstrators said that they tried to hold the banner until they were escorted out of the room under threat of arrest.
One of the demonstrating Beaconites brought his 5 month old baby with him, who was snuggled into a front-facing baby carrier onto his body.
City Administrator Chris White licking his lips in a warm up moment before putting his hands on the smallest protester, who is directly in front of him, while he inched closer to the demonstrator.
Harold Delamater of the Veterans Memorial Building pats demonstrator Veekas Ashoka on the back after helping him roll up the Ceasefire banner. Herold said he wanted the demonstrators arrested.
After a Beacon demonstrator unfurled the banner, the demonstrators were surrounded by Beacon Police, Veterans of the Memorial Building, and Beacon’s City Administrator, Chris White. At one point, according to the demonstrators which can also be heard in the video posted above, City Administrator Chris ordered the Police to arrest the demonstrators, saying: “Arrest them,” but the female Police Officer said she’d need to get approval from someone responsible for the property, the demonstrators told ALBB.
According to the demonstrators, the Police asked Veteran building manager Harold Delamater (pictured above) if he’d like the demonstrators arrested. According to the demonstrators, Harold said that he did want them arrested. ALBB reached out to Harold for comment, but did not receive a response.
According to the demonstrators, the female Police Officer gave them a warning before arresting. At the warning, the demonstrators agreed to leave without being arrested. It was at that time that the demonstrators began their exit.
Pro-Palestinian supporter Veekas Ashoka and his 5 month year old baby were shoulder bumped by a white man with silver white hair as Veekas left shouting: "How many more people have to die before you support a ceasefire, Representative Ryan? How many more kids like mine have to die?"
After that, Veekas walked backwards out of the room, shouting: "Ceasefire Now!" His 5 month year old baby watched the scene from his carrier. Veekas continued: "How many more people have to die before you support a ceasefire, Representative Ryan? How many more kids like mine have to die?" A white man with white hair who had been standing next to Veekas during the entire encounter, sideways shoulder-bumped Veekas and his baby as Veekas walked out, physically moving Veekas to the left. The man did so with arms behind his back and not one change to his facial expression. The force of his body did move Veekas’ body, which you can see in the video above.
After Veekas left, another demonstrator, the smallest of the group, held his sign up. It read CEASEFIRE!. Harold, who is roughly the same height as the demonstrator, grabbed the demonstrator’s jacket and hoisted him up as the demonstrator held his CEASEFIRE! sign above his own head. City Administrator Chris, who is was taller than the demonstrator, reached in to grab the sign from the demonstrator, who leaned away.
Beacon Police were in attendance the entire time with the peaceful demonstrators, so it is not clear why the property manager or City Administrator got physical with the demonstrators and escalated the situation. It is also not clear why the Beacon Police did not recognize this, and assigned escalation to the demonstrators, when their bodies were being grabbed by a city official and property manager.
Left: Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White, ripping a “CEASEFIRE” Sign out of a Pro-Palestinian’s hands (Middle). On the right a male Beacon Police Officer monitoring the scene.
A male Beacon Police Officer was behind the demonstrator holding his arm as City Administrator Chris was wrestling away the sign. However, the Police Officer was watching City Administrator Chris. Harold kept his hands on the demonstrator, and soon all three men had their hands on the smallest demonstrator. City Administrator Chris succeeded in ripping the Ceasefire sign in half.
City Administrator Chris White pointing the protestor to the door as Veteran’s Building Manager Harold Delamater and a Beacon Police Officers place their hands on the demonstrator to push him forward.
The tallest and third protestor exited the room while chanting “Ceasefire!” and was pushed out by Harold.
The smallest demonstrator holding the small Ceasefire sign was pushed out by a Beacon Police Officer and pulled out by City Administrator Chris. Before he was forced to leave, he chanted “Ceasefire Now!” and a round of applause returned his gesture.
Later, outside of the building, the smallest demonstrator told ALBB that City Administrator Chris called him an “asshole,” to which the demonstrator replied: “You’re violent.” City Administrator Chris apparently repeated the insult, and the two went around again before stopping. There was a Police Officer between between the demonstrator and City Administrator Chris at that point.
A demonstrator shouting “Ceasefire Now!” while being pushed by a Beacon Police Officer and pulled by City Administrator Chris White.
The fourth demonstrator recounted their experience, which was not captured in the video. They described to ALBB:
“I was being blocked by the Veteran with grey hair, wearing a black sweatshirt & jeans. This gentleman kept shouting "stop touching me" while standing in front of me and the "smallest demonstrator" when we first got up. This tactic was to misconstrue the events and make it appear as if we were violent, although two men were forcibly gripping our banner. Our goal was to silently hold the banner within Pat Ryan's line of vision. None of the attendee's would have even known we were there, if these individuals just stayed in their seats. Shouting "stop touching me" turned everyone's attention to us.
“With two men, strongly gripping the Ceasefire banner, I attempted to keep a portion of it open, unaware that I was working against two men which explains why it was so difficult to hold it up. In my attempt to keep the banner up, I was being pulled down into a table behind me. I was then scolded for leaning on the table. You can see the Veteran with white hair & glasses moving the table in the video, as if the materialistic object had more value than my safety. A male Police Officer looked me in the eyes trying to capture my attention, as he saw I was struggling to keep the sign up. I was informed that they will have to arrest us if we don't leave. I let go of the banner and walked out the door before the other demonstrators. Luckily, I escaped the altercation that followed, where the smallest demonstrator was pulled by his jacket by Chris White's hands. I chanted "Ceasefire Now" as I walked in front of Veekas.”
Said Veekas to ALBB after the demonstration: “Many members of the audience messaged me directly to express their appreciation after the event was over. One member of the audience was so moved by the action that she started chanting ‘Ceasefire Now’ and left with us.”
Congressman Pat Ryan’s Speech In Beacon
Congressman Ryan’s speech was brief and addressed the national and global outrage of the massacre in Gaza and awakening to the growing and violent occupation of Palestine by Zionist Israeli military. He said: "When the rubber hits the road, local government making Beacon a great shining example of what a Hudson Valley City can and should look like. The moment we are in the country - the world - at least in my lifetime - really incredible division. Just ask anyone taking this oath. To really reflect on what that oath means. The idea of essentially explicitly making yourself as an individual 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, below a greater common good. Below a city, below a county, a state, below a nation. Really recognizing that in a time of incredible polarization, the only path through this is a recognition that we don't all get exactly everything we want. We have to be willing to compromise and work together and be civil. That comes from ego and self pursuit of those aims is what causes that division."
Pat Ryan may have been implying that ego is what drove the demonstrators to demonstrate peacefully and silently, until they were blocked and physically handled by Beacon's City Administrator and some Veterans in the building. The Congressman should also note that part of why Beacon is a "shining example" is because of the demonstrating that citizens do for a number of different causes. Sometimes being aligned, sometimes working toward alignment.
In this case, "willing to compromise" on 23,000 Palestinian lives killed, and Israeli hostages still not safely home, who are in fact equally threatened under Israeli's indiscriminate bombardment using weapons funded by the United States Government, is not something many Beaconites will compromise on.
People Sworn In
The following people were sworn in, except Wren Longo. It had been rumored that she had resigned previously. Her resignation was officially announced at a City Council Meeting later. The Mayor appointed Pam Weatherbee to replace her, and appointed Amber Grant, a former City Councilmember, to return to the Councilmember At-Large position. The Council could have insisted on a public vote, but did not do so at the Mayor’s strong urging.
Paloma Wake, Councilmember At-Large, sworn in by Justice McCray (former City Councilmember)
Pam Wetherbee, Councilmember At-Large, sworn in by George Mansfield (former City Councilmember) Pam was later moved to Ward 3 after Wren’s resignation.
Molly Rhodes, Councilmember Ward 1, sworn in by Mayor Lee Kyriacou.
Jeff Domanski, Councilmember Ward 2, sworn in by Justice McCray, who he replaced.
Dan Aymar-Blair, Councilmember Ward 4, sworn in by George Mansfield.
Mayor Lee Kyriacou, sworn in by Congressman Pat Ryan.
Happy Martin Luther King Day. The Springfield Baptist Church is once again the starting point for the MLK Day Parade, followed by a Celebration Service, presented by the Southern Dutchess Coalition and the Beacon Sloop Club. Details are here and below.
WAR ON GAZA UPDATE
Yesterday (Thursday) was the first day of South Africa's case against Israel for the crime of genocide on Gaza, at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) the World Court in The Hague. The 5 main acts of genocide that one of the advocates representing South Africa, Adila Hassim, listed are: Mass killings of Palestinians; Bodily and mental harm; Forced displacement and food blockade; Destruction of the healthcare system; and Preventing Palestinian births. Read about that here at AlJazeera.
The United States and the UK also began bombing Yemen, after the Houthis in Yemen have maintained their maritime boycott of cargo ships passing through their waters. The Houthis declared that they will maintain the boycott until Israel stops bombing Palestine, and they insist on more humanitarian aid to Gazans. The Houthis have killed no one, but the United States killed at least 10 Houthi fighters before unleashing bombs yesterday, and at least 5 Houthi fighters from the bombing, General Yahya Sarea, thespokesperson for Yemen's Houthi armed forces, just confirmed. Read about that attack here.Learn more about the Houthis here.
Since there are so many pro-Palestinian protests and disruptions happening in the Hudson Valley, with many ALBB readers asking where to find them, we started a regular protest schedule below. Some happen every Saturday or every Sunday in an area near you.
WORDS FROM MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
It's always time to re-read a book by Martin Luther King, Jr. This passage from "Why We Can't Wait" on page 146 talks about genocide and disruption. Buy this book at Binnacle Books in Beacon.
"Our nation was born in genocide when it embraced the doctrine that the original American, the Indian, was an inferior race. Even before there were large numbers of Negroes on our shores, the scar of racial hatred had already disfigured colonial society. From the sixteenth century forward, blood flowed into battles over racial supremacy. We are perhaps the only nation which tried as a matter of national policy to wipe out its indigenous population. Moreover, we elevated that tragic experience into a noble crusade. Indeed, even today we have not permitted ourselves to reject or to feel remorse for this shameful episode. Our literature, our films, our drama, our folklore all exalt it.
"Our children are still taught to respect the violence which reduced a red-skinned people of an earlier culture into a few fragmented groups herded into impoverished reservations. This is a sharp contrast to many nations south of the border, which assimilated their Indians, respected their culture, and elevated many of them to high position.
"It was upon this massive base of racism that the prejudice toward the nonwhite was readily built, and found rapid growth. This long-standing racist ideology has corrupted and diminished our democratic ideals. It is this tangled web of prejudice from which many Americans now seek to liberate themselves, without realizing how deeply it has been woven into their consciousness.
"The roots are deep, and this condition in turn influences the character of the Negro Revolution. Our history teaches us that wielding the sword against racial superiority is not effective. The bravery of the Indian, employing spears and arrows against the Winchester and the Colt, had ultimately to eventuate in defeat. On the other hand, history also teaches that submission produces no acceptable result. Nonresistance merely reinforces the myth that one race is inherently inferior to another. Negroes today are neither exercising violence nor accepting domination. They are disturbing the tranquility of the nation until the existence of injustice is recognized as a virulent disease menacing the whole society, and is cured."
Lit Lit Day: Friday, January 12, 2024 Time: 7-9pm (6:30pm if you want to sign up!) Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St, Beacon, NY
You can read your own writing of any genre, for up to five minutes, until we run out of time! The Howland has asked that folks pay a suggested donation of $3-$5 (more if you can, less if you can’t) to help them with expenses. No one will be turned away for lack of funds! Wine, beer, soft drinks and snacks will be available at the back for purchase.
Winter Wineryland Day: Saturday, January 13, 2024 Time: 11am-6pm Location: Robibero Winery, 714 Albany Post Road, New Paltz, NY
Embrace the chilly weather at Robibero Winery with a weekend of special frozen and hot cocktails, along with award-winning COLD whites! Wood-fired pizza, hot coco and s’mores kits available for purchase. Live Music Saturday and Sunday 2-5pm Information >
Group Spirit Healing With Daisy Day: Saturday, January 13, 2024 Time: 6-7pm Location: 51 Springside Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY
Join Daisy for a restorative group healing in the salt cave. She will provide immense energetic healing while in a light trance state. The healing is guided entirely by Spirit and is uniquely customized to your needs at the time. Information >
Snowman Craft & Cookie Party Day: Sunday, January 14, 2024 Time: 10:00am Location: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, 110 Muser Dr, Cornwall, NY
Start your frigid fun filled morning off by joining Nature Educators to make your own adorable sock snowman, the perfect craft for a cold winter day! Then get creative as you decorate a snowman sugar cookie to enjoy while listening to a snowman story. Finally (snow permitting) we’ll head outside to build a group snowman! Information >
Howland Chamber Music Circle presents Jonathan Biss, pianist (launch of HCMC's annual four-concert piano festival) Day: Sunday, January 14, 2024 Time: 4-5:30pm - with free reception following Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Pay-What-You-Wish to $35. “A young American pianist who always displays impeccable taste and a formidable technique” (The New Yorker), Jonathan Biss is a world renowned pianist who channels his deep musical curiosity into performances and projects in the concert hall and beyond. In addition to performing with today’s leading orchestras, Jonathan Biss continues to expand his reputation as a teacher, musical thinker, and one of the great Beethoven interpreters of our time. In his third performance on our series, Mr. Biss will perform two works by Schubert and a world premiere solo work by Tyson Gholston Davis. Information >
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Revisiting Beacon's Inspiration In 2024 Day: Monday, January 15, 2024 Time: 8:45am. Get all of the times here, and the parade route. Location: Springfield Baptist Church, 8 Mattie Cooper (aka Church Street)
This year, the Beacon Free Press’ front page news story about the Martin Luther King Day Celebration at the Springfield Baptist Church revived light on the original inspiration for the MLK Day in Beacon. Read All About It Here >
Beacon Farmers Market! Every Sunday from 10am-3pm at 223 Main Street!
Beacon Flea Market! Every Fair Weather Sunday from 8am-3pm at Henry Street (next to the Post Office).
These disruptions happen every Saturday or Sunday. Click on them for details.
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website >
Have you tried the El Nica Taquitos yet?! Corn tortillas, Chicken thighs, Crema, Chipotle Mayo purple slaw, and Homemade Tomato Sauce... Stop in for this goodness! Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu! El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar Dulce Cielo Mexico: Authentic Mexican street food with vegetarian and vegan options. Tara Fusion Cuisine: Fusion cuisine of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
We are here for the FISH tacos... all year, every season. Especially when they're from Baja and made with fresh delicious guac. Don't forget to stop in to check out the specials! PS: TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday at Baja! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos plus $3 coronas! PS: Check out Baja's specials! > Check out their specialty drinks > BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
No Sunday scaries happening at Carters... especially when there's SUNDAY BRUNCH every Sunday. Chicken & waffles? Yes. Eggs, french toast, and so much more. What better way to start/end the week! PS: Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 2-5. Carters is closed on Wednesday's for the winter. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY
193-195 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Spice up your weekend with lunch at Beacon Bread Company! We always talk about their breakfast and brunch... because how delicious it is, and yes, because of the full service coffee bar. BUT they indeed have lunch, including this Kimchi Chicken sandwich, deep fried to a crisp and topped with their house Kimchi! PS: BBC is open everyday from 8am-6pm except for Wednesday. PPS: Wholesale, special orders, and events/catering available. Follow BBC on Instagram > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN 244 Main Street, Beacon, NY
One of our favorite places to gather with friends and family is Ziatun. The vibes are immaculate and the Hummus and Baba Ganoushe are out of this world. You can order Hummus and Baba Ganoushe platters for any occasion. PS: Ziatun is open everyday.
Monday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Follow Ziatun on Instagram > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
Eggbert’s Free Range Farm Free Home Delivery & Farmers Market
Pick-Ups Website > Instagram >
Eggberts is always loading their Delivery van for your online orders! With FREE delivery. If the weather closes a Farmers Market, Eggberts will deliver to you the day before or the day after the weather clears for safety. Beef, chicken, pork, lamb, goat, and egg needs. Free range, antibiotic-free, and delicious. DELIVERY: Free Delivery available to Beacon, Newburgh and Cold Spring. Order online now. MARKETS: Find Eggberts Free Range Farm at the Cold Spring Farmer's Market on Saturdays, and the Beacon Farmer's Market on Sundays. Eggbert's Free Range Farm is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Looking or something sophisticated and affordable? Look no further than Luxe Optique! Top trending and favorite brands. Head in and snag a pair for you. You deserve to treat yourself - even after the holidays! PS: Eye doctor appointments available here! > BEACON HOURS
Monday from 10AM–5PM
Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM
Sunday CLOSED Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon
New year, new books! No better place to stop into than Binnacle Books. And if you're not sure of what new book to pick up, ask the crew! They will guide you in the right direction and help you find the book that you'll want to binge read. Beware that NEW popular books go quick here! And lastly, support your local bookstore always! Follow Binnacle on Instagram to keep up with their new reads and to get them right away! Learn More about Binnacle Books > Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OPEN! A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide is one of the biggest draws to this publication. Every store is listed in it for the best experience for our readers. Google rewarded A Little Beacon Blog with a #1 ranking for "boutique shopping beacon ny." Designed to elevate your store from the rest, this advertising campaign is integrated with our Instagram. Show your storefront in the listing, get your business a permanent weekly feature in A Little Beacon Blog's Retail Therapy Newsletter sent on Fridays (see examples here), as well as weekly Instagram features. More information here >
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
Interested in dance lessons/classes?! Reach out for more information & sign up! Yanarella Dance offers dance classes for everyone - and all age groups!
Beacon has a growing number of beauty salons and professional pampering to take advantage of - you can even book a transforming appointment at a lash bar! Be it a totally new hair style, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here >
Special Message For Businesses: If you want to advertise in this Guide with a picture, logo and promotions, please click here.
BEACON DENTAL
1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3666
At Beacon Dental, they are dedicated to providing you and your family with quality dental care tailored to your individual needs. They welcome patients aged 4 and older and provide a full range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout your life. When you visit their dentists and team, you can be certain that your health, comfort and smile are always their highest priorities. Beacon Dental is also happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Katie James Inc. works with local and national clients. Businesses of all sizes and budgets can find a branding home with Katie James, Inc.
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY
ART > TATTOO Invisimark (Stretch Mark Tattooing - to make stretch marks disappear)
SCHEDULE 8:45am: Opening remarks at Springfield Baptist Church. 9:30am: 10th Annual Parade. Mattie Cooper to N. Cedar Street to Main Street, finishing back on Mattie Cooper at the church. 11:30am: Celebration Service Inside Springfield Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Ronald O. Perry, Sr., Pastor. LOCATION 8 Mattie Cooper (Church Street)
This year, the Beacon Free Press’front page news story about the Martin Luther King Day Celebration at the Springfield Baptist Church shed revived light on the original inspiration for the MLK Day in Beacon.
Say the organizers about the event: "Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and dream during our 10th annual MLK Parade in Beacon. The parade in Beacon was the dream of the late Pete Seeger, activist and local resident of Beacon, who wanted a parade to honor Dr. King, so he founded this wonderful ‘Singing Parade.’ Participants are encouraged to bring signs, flags and musical instruments. For more information, go to the beaconsloop.org." Pete Seeger was a co-founder of the Beacon Sloop Club.
Said the parade representative Bonnie Champion to the Beacon Free Press: “After Pete’s wife Toshi died in July 2013, he came to the Beacon Sloop Club and shared that he was worried that Martin Luther King Day was becoming a day off from school and work, and persons were forgetting this man who changed the world.” The parade began one year later, championed by Bonnie. Pete Seeger never marched in the first parade, but he knew about, it,” Bonnie told the Beacon Free Press. He passed away shortly after on January 27, 2014.
The Southern Dutchess Coalition has held a celebration for the last 46 years, and for the last 10 years, did so with the Beacon Sloop Club. The opening ceremony starts at 8:45am. The parade will step off at 9:30am in front of the Springfield Baptist Church, followed by a Celebration Service at 11:30am with Rev. Dr. Ronald O. Perry, Sr., Pastor.
The parade route will start at the Springfield Baptist Church on Mattie Cooper Street (aka Church Street) and continue on to N. Cedar Street, where it will turn down Main Street, until it hits Willow Street, then turns on Mattie Cooper Street to end at the Springfield Baptist Church.
The student essay contest is happening again this year, where Beacon students grades 1-12 were asked to write about the following quote: “Only love can overcome hatred, bitterness, and fear. I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
The winning students will receive a $50 award sponsored by Rhinebeck Bank. All others will receive a certificate.
After 90 days of Israel’s murderous assault on Gaza, pressure is growing to end U.S. support for military aid to Israel. On January 5, 2024, hundreds of protesters packed the street in front of the Congressman Pat Ryan’s (District 18 which includes Beacon) Wall Street office in Kingston, NY to call for a permanent ceasefire and end to Israel’s war on Gaza, which has killed more than 22,000 Palestinians in the past 90 days.
Constituents dropped 3 banners from the roof of the office building, one of which listed hundreds of names of Palestinians killed in Gaza. The other banners read: “90 days. 22,000 killed” and “Pat Ryan: Stop the Genocide.” Photo Credits: Shadia Fayne Wood
“I wake up each morning worrying about whether my family and friends in Gaza will see another sunrise. How many more Palestinians have to die before my elected officials take action to stop sending our tax dollars to bomb my family?”
— Abdullah Qotate
“I wake up each morning worrying about whether my family and friends in Gaza will see another sunrise,” said Abdullah Qotate, a resident of Goshen, New York, who also spoke at the disruption of the Swearing-In Ceremony at the Gardiner Town Hall. “How many more Palestinians have to die before my elected officials take action to stop sending our tax dollars to bomb my family?”
Demonstrators amassed at the Ulster County Legislative Building before marching to Congressman Pat Ryan’s office at 307 Wall Street where they attempted to speak to staff in the office before assembling tents around the entrance of Ryan’s office calling attention to the forced displacement of 1.9 million Palestinians or over 85% of Gaza’s population. Protesters sat among the tents with signs reading:
“Stop Starving Gaza,”
“No Money for Massacres,”
“Ceasefire: Shine a Light” while speakers read a list of names of Palestinians killed and held a moment of silence.
“Every person who died today would have been saved if there had been a ceasefire yesterday. We are putting our bodies on the line today in the streets of Kingston because, as American Jews, we cannot stand by and be silent while Israel destroys entire neighborhoods in the name of Jewish safety with funding from the U.S. government. Starving the people of Gaza, bombing hospitals, and making millions homeless is unconscionable – and I implore our elected officials to represent our values,” Andrew Hiller, Mid-Hudson Valley Democratic Socialists of America.
“We are putting our bodies on the line today in the streets of Kingston because, as American Jews, we cannot stand by and be silent while Israel destroys entire neighborhoods in the name of Jewish safety with funding from the U.S. government. Starving the people of Gaza, bombing hospitals, and making millions homeless is unconscionable – and I implore our elected officials to represent our values.”
— Andrew Hiller
According to the organizer’s press release: “As the civilian death toll in Gaza increases daily, Rep. Pat Ryan faces growing pressure from voters to support a permanent ceasefire and end of military aid to Israel. On January 2, a swearing-in ceremony for local officials presided over by Mr. Ryan was disrupted by a large group of concerned constituents who unfurled a banner reading “permanent ceasefire” (read more about that here on ALBB) in front of his podium. His offices in Kingston, Newburgh, and Poughkeepsie have all been the sites of large ceasefire demonstrations in the past three months (including this one from Beaconites), drawing hundreds of local residents, from across all faiths and backgrounds, who insist that Mr. Ryan do more to ensure that no more U.S. tax dollars go toward funding genocide. While Mr. Ryan has publicly stated that he desires to see lasting peace in the region, he has stopped short of calling for any concrete measures that will end the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.”
“We at Jewish Voice for Peace – Hudson Valley demand an immediate unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. The Biden administration must also refrain from sending any more weapons to the Israeli government. Pat Ryan should know the majority of Americans are with us: 61% of likely voters, including a majority of Democrats (76%) and Independents (57%) and a plurality of Republicans (49%), support the U.S. calling for a permanent ceasefire as of a Dec 5 poll. We mourn for the Palestinian and Israeli civilians killed, and we continue to fight with everything we have for the living,” said Margie Leopold, Jewish Voice for Peace - Hudson Valley.
“I’ve got a lot more to say and it just won’t be said from this seat.”
— Justice McCray
Justice McCray was elected to represent Ward 2 in Beacon, which is the southwest district of the City of Beacon. Justice sprang onto the scene in 2020 during the reawakening for the Civil Rights of People for Color in the United States. They co-formed the group Beacon4BlackLives, a social justice organization dedicated to building social and racial equity and justice within the Hudson Valley. Justice was one of the primary organizers of marches in the name of Black lives mattering more, including a protest at night outside of Mayor Lee Kyriacou’s house.
The demands of Beacon4BlackLives remained in Justice’s election platform., which included:
Defund the police.
Implement more police oversight policies.
Invest back in community by way of social and educational institutions, child care, housing, mental health services, and others.
Invest in municipal broadband.
Justice was on Council for the passage of Beacon’s Good Cause Eviction Law, which is now being challenged in court via eviction hearings of various Beaconites. They also consistently voted no or abstained from votes to increase the police budget.
Justice did not seek re-election, and the question could be asked if it was because they felt more impactful as a community organizer out in the field, not bound by municipal charters silencing them, or conforming them to a way of doing things. Justice was succeeded by Jeffrey Domanski, who is not a stranger to working with City Councils as he was part of an effort to unite municipalities to sign into an energy savings plan using clean energy for a low fixed rate, which was eventually nullified by the provider of that energy.
Longtime Councilmember George Mansfield also did not seek re-election, after serving for 14 years. Councilmember George delivered his farewell speech, followed by Justice’s. The full speech from Justice has been republished below:
“I thought I would have a lot to say in my final report as a City Councilperson - and then George spoke (laughter) - but I’ve got a lot more to say and it just won’t be said from this seat.
“When I decided to step up and run for office, I had been actively participating in Council Meetings for a long time as a social justice activist and housing justice advocate.
“ I’ve been a City Councilmember that neighbors in every ward have talked to about very real discrimination they’ve faced.”
— Justice McCray
“I thought I understood how our local government runs, and I came in charged and ready to take on the work that the previous Council left us, and I was ready to be bold and ambitious and frankly, confrontational.
“Stepping into this seat, I learned quickly how much I didn’t know, and for better or worse, I slowed down.
“I didn’t know much I needed to know on the county level or state level, and I didn’t realize how often I would feel powerless in this position. I also didn’t realize how influential my voice had become in addressing issues locally and on a larger level.
“I’ve sat in the living rooms and dining rooms of dozens of my community members’ homes to address issues from potholes, to accessing legal assistance. I’ve been a City Councilmember that neighbors in every ward have talked to about very real discrimination they’ve faced.
“I'm so honored that I've had the opportunity to be a part of a council that fought for tenants rights, that passed trailblazing climate legislation, that’s invested heavily in recreation and community input and making sure that community voices are heard.
“I’m proud of the ways I’ve leveraged the power of this seat to push back against the contamination of the Hudson River, to advocate for tenant protections statewide, to fight Central Hudson’s proposed rate increases and so much more.
“I’m so grateful for everything that I’ve learned and for everyone who has supported me. I’ve felt so much support through this position and I wouldn’t have made it without my community.”
— Justice McCray
“I'm so grateful for everything that I've learned and for everyone who has supported me. I've felt so much support through this position and I wouldn't have made it without my community. I have a lot of hope for the future, and while I'm going to be finding better ways to play to my strengths, I look forward to doing everything I can to make sure that Beacon can be the best that it can be.
“Special shoutout to my neighbors on South Chestnut and Rombout. I love you very much and you've really made the neighborhood special. I have so many people to thank and I don't think I can name them all here, but for those who make this community special, for those who initiate, for those who show up in whatever ways they know how, thank you and keep showing up.”
During the COVID shutdown, A Little Beacon Blog received a tip via DM that the barber shop, Shekinah Styles, located at 265 Main Street across from Max’s on Main, had been in Beacon 30 years and was celebrating their anniversary. Regrettably, ALBB was so consumed with new remote learning life changes for kids and ever-changing vaccination locations, the celebratory profile never made it to publication.
Fast forward a few years, and a FOR RENT sign is in the window for the Shekinah Styles, not for lack of business, but for a almost doubling of the rent by new landlords, founder and lead barber Mark Bobbitt told A Little Beacon Blog as he was moving his shop piece by piece to his new location in Newburgh.
Mark paused long enough for an interview with ALBB, to share his experience barbering in Beacon, what inspires him, and how he views this move after 30 years in Beacon. The audio straight-talk version of this interview is available above.
Who Is Mark Bobbitt And What Is Shekinah Styles Barber Shop?
“Shekinah is ‘The Visible Sign of God's Presence,’ Mark told ALBB. It is pronounced “sha-khinah” with a long “i” like in “kite” and short “a” like “apple.”
"I wanted to put something on my wall that is a signature. To remind myself and remind my customers for my purposes of what I'm here for. And that is to serve the community and to be thankful and grateful to God for how He blessed me. I wanted to put something up there to show my commitment to show God and my customers of how grateful I am to have them in my life.”
Mark was 21 when he started Shekinah Styles. That was in 1991, though he has lived in Beacon since 1988. “I seen a lot,” he reflected. “I seen where people came from, what it is now. I’ve seen a couple of versions [of Beacon].”
Mark is 55 right now, and leaving Beacon to open up shop again in Newburgh. Opening his shop 30 years ago in Beacon was not his idea. Mark’s dad pushed him into it. Mark was raised in Newburgh in a family of 11 siblings, “and 8 of us do hair,” Mark told ALBB. Mark’s father was community oriented and made it his purpose to train as many young people in barbering as he could. Mark continued in that community effort, and opened his shop to the community and trained barbers as well.
What’s The Vibe Like Inside Of Shekinah Styles?
“I've been doing the same people from the last 35 years from Newburgh. They come [over to Beacon] once a week or once every other week. I get to see everyone. People get to meet each other. Mark can’t count the number of customers he has. “Put it like this,” he said as he tried to add up the numbers. “I got generations. I got grandfathers that I started on. I did their sons, and their grandsons and great grandsons.”
"A lot goes on in the chair," Mark told ALBB. “Barbers is like psychiatrists. I get to share hopefully my good advice. People trust me, and I trust people.” Many barbers and hair stylists take their job as keepers of conversations very sacred. “I listen. That’s what I do most of the time. I don't try to speak a lot. People just want you to listen. Be an ear to what they want to say. I try to live a basic, simple life. Of being at peace. Treat people the way you want be treated.”
The Rent Hike
Mark has sustained 6 landlords in his 30 years in Beacon. His first location was where the donut shop, Glazed Over, is now. He stayed there for 5 years before moving to what seemed to be his forever home at 265 Main Street. It was his last landlord, however, who he could not make it past.
“I’m leaving this location because of the rent increase that's going on here in Beacon. My rent was pretty much doubled. My lease came up, and they gave me a new number.” A new number from a new landlord. According to Mark, this landlord has owned the building for about 3 years. At the time, he thought the building was on the market for sale, but it does not appear to be now, or is not listed. ALBB has not reached out to landlord to verify. Hudson Valley Vinyl, located next door to Shekinah, told ALBB they are here to stay on a new lease.
The Building’s History
In the summer of 2021, the City of Beacon’s City Council, led by Mayor Lee Kyiacou, was considering designating several commercial buildings and residential homes as being historic. That designation could preserve certain characteristics on a building, which usually costs a building owner more to maintain if a renovation is needed or desired. The designation also puts zoning blockades up for neighboring buildings, in terms of what they can do, and what their changes would do to impact a building with a historic designation.
Many of the commercial building owners objected, including the owner of Mark’s building: Vincent Satriano of 26 East Main St, LLC. He submitted a strongly worded letter to the City of Beacon imploring them not to move forward with the historic designation, arguing that it would make his business of property ownership and investment more difficult.
“We spent a significant amount of money investing in Beacon and this property. The justification for the large investment was solely based on the possibility to rebuild on our property as the aforementioned neighbors have. By adding this designation to our property, that opportunity seems greatly diminished, if at all.
“After consulting with our attorneys, we have arrived at the conclusion that we are strongly against this proposal and do NOT want this designation/restriction/limitation placed on our property and further feel it will greatly devalue our investment, and doing so against our will (especially in light of all we just went through the last (2) years) would just add further salt in our wound.
“Please strongly consider NOT placing this unwanted designation on OUR property against our will, further causing financial damage and hardship to our already struggling investment.”
Against the requests of the building owners, the City Council voted to designate the 9 commercial buildings as historic. The City Council then took a pause on designating any others.
As for the process of negotiating his new lease, Mark left uncomfortable. "I've had good relationships with my past landlords. This is the first time where I didn't have that same type of relationship. The way it was done, and the way it was done at the last minute, put me in the position that I felt uncomfortable. I didn't want to put myself in that position to struggle and pay some higher rent.”
Where To Find Shekinah Styles Next - Newburgh
Many businesses who leave Beacon move to Newburgh - including Shekinah Styles Barber Shop. Mark is opening up at 236 Broadway.
“I look forward to going home to where I'm from,” Mark told ALBB. “My family is going to be right next door. Doing hair also. A lot of my customers is from over there.”
As for some of his last words, Mark said: “It's bittersweet. I've been here for so long. I've known so many people here. People coming in saying don't leave! You've been in the community for so long! You're a staple in the community!”
Is this Mark’s last time in Beacon? “I say farewell to Beacon. Maybe not for good. Who knows. Maybe I'll open anther shop here one day. As for now, I say farewell to Beacon. I poured out my heart in the community for so many years. I know so many people. I try to help as many people as I can. Young people. Old people. I say it was a good run. Bittersweet.”
Laura Bellizzi is the woman you’ve seen behind the counter at Binnacle Books quite often. You can tell she loves to read, and loves to be surrounded by books. When you try to special order your book from Binnacle Books through her, however, she will side-eye you, and tell you to talk to Binnacle’s website. Which you then do that night, to order your copy of “Secrets of Divine Love” by A. Helwa. When you come back a week later to pick it up, she hands it to you with a smile, saying “Enjoy!” with her classic eyebrow raise.
Laura was determined to work at Binnacle Books. It took her 6 times of coming into the shop, asking for a job. Finally, there was an opportunity to hire her. That was in 2016. She told ALBB: “It’s always been my dream to work in a bookstore, own a bookstore. This bookstore in particular has always been one of my greatest loves. Years later, my business partners offered me the partnership, and it’s a dream come true. I dropped everything else I was doing to come in and do this.” Laura remains committed and pleased to be there as ever, as she regularly styles herself comfortably in her keffiyeh.
Beacon as community supports Binnacle. Laura said: “As an independent bookstore, people want to see them thrive. There was a period of time when there was the fear that Amazon and all of these other forces were going to destroy the bookshop. I think a lot of people, in Beacon in particular, really rallied behind them.”
Tourists come from all over just to come to Binnacle Books in Beacon. “We have a lot of local support. A lot of regulars who pop in all the time.” Anyone can order just about any book from Binnacle’s website, and then enjoy a walk or ride down to pick it up.
“It’s not just a bookshop,” Laura told ALBB. “This is a community resource.” One of Laura’s favorite programs is the Prison Books Project, where incarcerated people write what books they want, and “sponsors” aka regular people, buy the books, and Binnacle Books ships the books to them. Binnacle Books works through the mail system, as opposed to working with the facilities. The Prison Books Project is all volunteer based. Binnacle Books just established a separate 501-C3 status just for this project. Other bookstores are also now involved with the project.
The food pantry at Binnacle Books continues, with Fareground and Beacon 4 Black Lives. It’s one of the only food pantry locations that has a refrigerator and a cupboard.
“On November 19, 2023 at approximately 2pm the Beacon Police Department received a call for a male suspect possibly attempting to make entry into the caller's apartment in Tompkins Terrace. Officers responded and located the suspect in the complex. Investigation revealed the the suspect was a two-time convicted felon who was currently wanted on additional Robbery charges out of the City of Newburgh. He was arrested, processed and turned over to the City of Newburgh Police Department.”
There was no mention in this release on if this arrest was connected to the shootings earlier in November 2023 or May 2023. Tompkins Terrace is an affordable housing community where many children, parents and elderly reside.
According to a Press Release from the City of Beacon Police Department, a 16-year-old male was shot near the intersection of Tompkins Avenue and Bank Street. This is a neighborhood of ranch-style houses with Victorian houses. This intersection is at the entrance of Tompkins Terrace affordable housing apartment community, and the soon-to-be-completed Edgewater.
The Beacon Police Department is seeking information about the shooting. Their Press Release is below:
“On November 10, 2023, at approximately 6pm, the Beacon Police Department received multiple calls for gunshots in the area of Tompkins Avenue and Bank Street near the Tompkins Terrace Apartments. Upon arrival, at the start of the investigation, officers located a crime scene and 16-year-old male victim with a superficial gunshot would to his arm. The victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. The department is continuing to investigate and due to the nature of the incident further details are not being released at this time. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that would further the investigation is encouraged to contact the Beacon Police Detective Division by calling 845-831-4111.”
Top Photo: Barrington R. Atkins: Northern Dutchess Branch President Bottom Photo: Members of the Northern Dutchess Branch and Members of the City of Poughkeepsie Common Council PHoto Credit: Northern Dutchess NAACP
From the Press Release Issued By Northern Dutchess NAACP:
“On November 6th, legislation proposed by The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Northern Dutchess Branch, was unanimously sponsored and passed by the City of Poughkeepsie Common Council. The legislation struck down a 50-year-old ordinance making it unlawful to ride bicycles not registered with the police department.
“For hundreds of years, Black people have had their free movement and modes of transportation restricted - by foot, horse, coach, train, trolley, streetcar, bicycle, bus, and automobile. It is no coincidence that these ordinances went into effect in Poughkeepsie in 1973, on the heels of the enormous wins of the civil rights movement and at the advent of the war on drugs; in fact, these bicycle registration ordinances went into effect less than six weeks after the notorious Rockefeller Drug Laws were signed into law.
“In addition to the pretextual nature of such statutes, including controversial Stop & Frisk policies, laws that erect barriers to the free movement of citizens are a part of a concept known as arrested mobility. These can be traced back regionally to the Provincial NY Slave Codes of 1702. Such public policy was resurrected by the Jim Crow South after Reconstruction and was used specifically regarding bicycles by the Nazis in occupied territories, most notably the Netherlands.
“Branch President Barrington R. Atkins said, “It is our duty to dismantle all systems of inequality. Legislative changes such as this send a message to lawmakers and law enforcement that the fight for civil rights is alive and well here in the City of Poughkeepsie. This is a small step toward decriminalizing the daily lives of people of color, and there will be more to come.”
“Branch Vice President Robin Green, who also serves on the Criminal Justice Committee, believes that “While it was a proud moment for this great organization and the legislative effort led by our criminal Justice committee, let us not wait another 50 years for equity and social Justice to be realized for our most basic rights. I believe ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to Justice everywhere,’ as MLK Jr. said. We still have a lot of work to do.”
“Executive Committee member D. Jen Brown, Esq., added, “On Monday, 11/6/23, the City of Poughkeepsie Common Council spoke with one voice to remove a historically discriminatory restriction on the mobility of Poughkeepsie residents. Their vote is a step forward toward a stronger, more unified Poughkeepsie community.”
“From Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycotts of 1955-56 to riding bicycles today in the City of Poughkeepsie, the NAACP is committed to achieving equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.
“The Northern Dutchess NAACP is committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities. Our work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. For more information, please contact the branch by email at info@ndnaacp.org, by telephone at (845) 546- 1067, or on Facebook at fb.me/ndnaacp.”
It was a drowsy hyper-local election season in Beacon this year, with the usual Democratic candidates running or not running unopposed for City Council and the Mayor position. All City Council positions are running unopposed in the Democratic line, with Paloma Wake and Dan Aymar-Blair also claiming the Working Families line. Mayor Lee Kyriacou, who unseated two-term Mayor Randy Casale last round, was running unopposed - until last Friday when lifelong resident Reuben Simmons decided to run at the request of those around him, he told ALBB last evening.
Before Reuben entered the race, the Beacon Free Press interviewed Mayor Kyriacou for last Wednesday’s print edition. The newspaper asked him: “What do you think it says that no one is running against you?” Mayor Kyriacou answered: “Well, I certainly can’t speak for those who might have thought about running. What I hope being unopposed says, is that Beacon residents think the city is in good steady hands, that I truly listen to and try to represent everyone in our community, and that I’ve provided strong but inclusive leadership. I guess my track record in Beacon elections - 11 races, 11 wins - may also have been a little daunting; I have knocked on every single door in our city multiple times. I would of course welcome competition - that’s democracy - which makes us stronger and more inclusive.”
A week before that print edition came out, friends of Reuben Simmons began texting friends that Reuben had entered the race as a Mayoral candidate as a write-in candidate. Reuben was born and raised in Beacon, is a 20-year employee of Beacon’s Highway Department; is a co-founder of the volunteer group I Am Beacon which is quietly or loudly behind many signature efforts in Beacon like Turkey On Every Table; at one point production of the the City’s fireworks for the centennial celebration, the This Is Beacon podcast; and other initiatives.
Who Is Reuben Simmons?
Longtime locals to Beacon know Reuben very well. Some know him as Coach Yogi, from when he coached Beacon Bears youth football, and via coaching and leadership of Beacon Hoops, which is youth basketball. Newcomers to Beacon may not know him yet. Readers can listen to this interview with him recorded on Sunday evening at his rally gathering at Max’s on Main.
Picture of the sample ballot. The write-in box is at the bottom. Print clearly and slowly. DO not write a signature. Just write the words in print.
Reuben says his recent decision to run in addition to Mayor Lee Kyriacou, is to give people a choice, he told ALBB at the rally held for him by Richie Kaplan, owner of Max’s on Main. At this stage, Reuben has not performed the traditional campaign things, like raising money, printing and distributing yard signs, going door to door, mailing postcards, etc. It’s just him and his support network of friends and family. With one day away from the election, he is relying on word of mouth in the community to get the word out that he is running.
That, and that people will need to spell his name correctly on the ballot: Reuben Simmons. (HINT: the “e” goes before the “u”).
Reuben maintained that people wanted a choice in how they were voting. He told ALBB: “People said that they want an option. How I feel about politics, I'm not really involved in the political side, I just feel people should have a choice.”
In ALBB’s interview, Reuben describes how, when he was Highway Superintendent, he put together the budget for the Highway Department, which consists of other departments under the umbrella of the Highway Department including City Mechanics Garage, Parks Department, and Transfer Station. Beacon Parks and Recreation Department Director Mark Price crafts and delivers his budget each year.
Regarding Reuben’s Experience Working Hands-On With City Government
ALBB asked Reuben about his 20 year experience working with the City of Beacon, and how that translates to a Mayoral position: “Through just what I do throughout the city through my volunteering, working and meeting and talking with people throughout the city, there was a lot of frustration that people felt like they were handcuffed to an election. They felt like there was a certain party that just has a hold on the election process and doesn't allow other people to run.”
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Over the years, the Democrats have represented in City Council. The Republican and Independent efforts have been almost non-existent.
For example, this year, there was a new attempt to run for City Council Ward 1 by LaStar Gorton, but she seemed to have been shut out, she told ALBB. LaStar attended Reuben’s rally, and spoke to ALBB about her experience trying to get onto the ballot as an Independent. She says she was questioned by Democrat Lisa Jessup about the ballot one hour after she filed. LaStar says that she was questioned regarding her signatures. LaStar was sent an acceptance letter after she filed, but the letter was postmarked one day before she needed to submit her acceptance. She received the mail after the deadline, and was not granted an extension for the unworkable postmark by the Dutchess County Board Of Elections.
ALBB has seen signature blocking before, the last instance being when former Beacon City Councilman Ali T. Muhammad was running for Mayor of Newburgh on the Democratic line. Many of his signatures were rejected by the Board of Elections. Ali explained to ALBB: “They started weaponizing that tactic tool against me since 2016. I’ve won a couple court cases to reverse the ruling. I’ve been disqualified in a couple races because of the rulings and no resources to fix.”
Listen to LaStar’s experience in the interview below, and read about what prompted her to want to run in the first place. Should you want to write her in for Ward 1, there would be nothing stopping you. Ward 1’s current Councilmember, Molly Rhodes, is running unopposed in the Democratic line.
What Qualifies Reuben Simmons?
When ALBB asked what qualifies Reuben, he answered: “I do think I'm a candidate to consider - given my two decades of working and volunteering within the community - the connections I've made through residents, business owners, civic groups, church groups alike. The people asked me. The more and more that people asked me, I looked into it, I do have a good knowledge of how the City operates. I have been working for the Highway Department for 20 years now, straight out of high school. I started as summer intern and worked my way up to Superintendent.”
In terms of crafting budgets, Reuben has the experience: “I had to put together one of the biggest budgets in the City of Beacon that has multiple departments. By running, I'll be learning and working with great people that work with the City, I'll be able to learn and understand how budgets operate, and how the City operates as a whole.”
Before he was Highway Superintendent, Reuben served as the Union President. He served for 7 years, winning 2 terms, and negotiated 2 contracts with the City of Beacon. His second contract was voted by 100% approval rating by all the workers represented by the union the Public Works division. "I take that with pride. I listened to what the workers want. That's the same type of leadership I would bring in to local government. That's the same type of leadership I would bring in to any avenue I have. Listening to the people. This situation I'm in right now, this write-in opportunity, is by response of listening to the people.”
Reuben’s Approach To Zoning and Development In Beacon
ALBB asked Reuben how he would approach zoning in Beacon. Especially now as Rte. 52 is in the spotlight with the Healey car dealership selling their property along that strip. Reuben stated: “I would listen to the residents that live in that area, and how that is going to effect residents as a whole. I have learned a lot about development in this city and the history of it. I think to move forward, we have to understand our history. Right now, I am working with the Beacon Historical Society, The Highlands Current and the Howland Public Library, where I'm learning a lot on what happened during Urban Renewal. A lot of things that we are hearing and learning throughout that, I'm seeing a lot replicated today. I'm willing to bring that aspect of what I'm learning there, and what we can do to move forward for the rezoning on Rte. 52.”
Would Reuben Have Priorities As Mayor In Beacon?
ALBB asked if Reuben would come in with a set of priorities. He answered: “I can't speak to the priorities. This was a last minute move in response to people asking for this. This was not something I was planning. It's not something I was marketing myself for. My experience of working within the City and still being out here volunteering and working, I am confident that I'll be caught up to speed in a good amount of time.”
Overall, Reuben reflected: “It's a collective effort. I'm community-first, community-minded. When it comes to a priority list, or how I make decisions, I make decision not based on what is best for me. I base it off of what I hear in the community. A lot of that is going to be a lot of meetings, and understanding, and talking and round-table discussions. I've seen it operate that way in the past, and I think that's the best way to move forward.”
Where To Vote: Polling Stations For Beacon
The Dutchess County Board of Elections has the locations for Beacon. To find Beacon, look scroll the list for C/Beacon (aka City of Beacon), which is really confusing, as it is not in any kind of alphabetical order.
The Beacon Democrats website makes it more clear, and presents other voting issues to consider on the ballot:
Ward 1, ED 1 & Ward 2, ED 1 & 2: South Ave. Elementary School, 60 South Ave.
Ward 1, ED 2 & Ward 4, ED 1 & 2: Beacon Memorial Building, 413 Main St.
Ward 3, ED 1 & 2: Forrestal Elementary School, 125 Liberty St.
Reuben Simmons, a lifelong Beaconite, has just decided to run for Mayor in Beacon, as a write-in candidate, at the request of those around him, to give people a choice in an un-opposed mayoral race. Reuben told ALBB that people voiced their frustration at not having a choice in this year’s race, as Mayor Lee Kyriacou runs unopposed in what would be his second term in office as Mayor. Mayor Lee has been in Beacon politics since the 1990s as a City Council member throughout the years.
Article to come on Reuben’s candicacy next. Owner of Max’s on Main, Richie Kaplan, offered to host a rally for Reuben on Sunday evening. Reuben and Richie serve together on the Beacon Parade of Green committee, which is one of several local volunteer committees Reuben serves on. Article to come.
In response to their consideration, the Board had formed a 6-person committee of community members to hear public comment and submit a direction on how to proceed. While public insight was gained, the committee and public comment was split. Said BOE President Meredith Heuer in the September 2023 meeting to vote the Board’s decision: "I was disappointed that it ended in a deadlock. But I really am grateful to the community members that participated. It's a hard thing to talk about. While I'm disappointed, I'm also not surprised."
Because the community committee ended in deadlock, the BOE members needed to create a name and vote. Meredith said it was “up to a board member to make a change from the current to something else. We don't need to vote to keep it Columbus Day. This is purely a change on the district calendar. Does not rise above that.”
Bringing the vote to a motion to start the re-naming process was Kristan Flynn, who proposed to change the name to Indigenous People / Italian American Heritage Day, which she said matched New York City’s, and responded to some of the feedback from Italian Americans in Beacon who came forward to voice their comment to the committee. Her motion was seconded by Flora Stadler and Semra Ercin.
Anthony White then optioned to amend her motion with an amendment to not name the holiday at all on the school calendar, and to eliminate all holiday and break names from the school calendar. "If we are going to change it,” he proposed, “I would like to change all of the holidays on the district calendar to ‘Holidays’ and not name it. And it's up to the parents to have a conversation as to why we are off. If it's a district calendar, it would say Holiday or Break... If we are going to change one, that is not required to be changed, I would like to change all of them to ‘Holiday’ and/or ‘Break.’ It's taking all the names off.”
This caused momentary confusion amongst board members.
Said Flora: “I'm really unclear how to vote on the name of the holiday, and then vote to take away all the names of holidays. They seem like two separate things.” Meredith contributed: “To me that does feel like a giant other conversation.” Kristen concluded: “If we didn't have a committee to change the names of all of the holidays, then we wouldn't be following process. We specifically voted on a committee about this holiday. So I thought we were just voting on this holiday."
Anthony responded: "And I'm saying, if agree to change the name on this holiday, I would like to change the names on the whole district calendar to non -pecific names and to just call it a holiday or break. So you can vote on yours...the amendment was to adjust it to name it ‘Columbus Day’ or ‘Indigenous People's,’ to ‘Holiday.’"
Anthony’s suggested required someone to second his proposed motion, which nobody did. The vote toward the proposed name of Indigenous People’s / Italian American Heritage Day proceeded. Voting in favor of the change was Meredith, Flora, Kristan, Semra, and Yunice Heath. Abstaining to vote was Alena Kush. Voting not to change name was Anthony (former President of the Board) and Eric Shetter.
In explanation of her proposed name, Kristan said: “It would have been great to be given and answer [by the committee]. But I don't think that is as important as driving people within a community to talk to each other and listen to each other...I understand the attachment to Columbus. At the heart of the argument was about people who were immigrants from a certain country that felt quite discriminated against, and had made great contributions to America and feel that they deserve that to be celebrated...I am not of the mind that, especially given the fact that that represents a significant portion of the population that has lived in Beacon for a long time and continues to live here, I'm not of the mind that we should take that pride away in any way.
“Also given the acknowledgement that since most of us came here from someplace else, America was not discovered, it was taken from people who were living here before most of us came. So, It would be disingenuous to say that we should be celebrating the beginning of that process for them. And we need to acknowledge that it was and continues to be theirs as well. This is a compromise makes makes everyone a little unhappy I'm sure, but I can live with it, and I hope other people can too.”
Eric also proposed another amendment, that the day be changed to Columbus Day / Indigenous People’s Day. Kristan responded: “I understand the attachment to the name. Based on readings that I have done, it would be against the spirit of honoring the Indigenous people....they believe that that arrival is the beginning of genocide.”
Anthony pressed on: “I do not feel able to make a decision of what is right or wrong. Keep it simple. Call everything a holiday. And now we’re making changes. We are taking that burden on as a Board. You said earlier, what is a good use of our time. I got on this board to ensure kids get educated, and they get educated properly. I do not feel qualified to make a change. That’s one reason I made it simple. Call it a holiday. The kids - they are off from school. That’s what they see.” His proposal to change it to nothing does not seem to educate anything.
Meredith responded: “One of my interested in updating the name is the way that we teach the history of this country has changed a lot since I was in elementary school, and I've seen the material that my kids got through the years, and it's different. It's acknowledging the genocide of the Indigenous people in this country, and acknowledging the damage that was done. It's not a simple story. It's a hard story, but it's an important story to acknowledge. That is why I'm open to the change.”
Yunice felt that Kristan’s proposal was acknowledging the committee’s result of a 50/50 split based on community feedback. “I believe Kristan is pretty much suggesting that we go 50/50 to change the holiday name to acknowledging both groups. Not one over the other, which is what we are trying to avoid here. The district is really working toward inclusion. And that would show that we are standing strongly to that mission and our values.”
Anthony tried again to justify why changing one name might exclude other situations. Kristan responded: “That name brings up for some people harm. If the spirit of if over time has been captured in a different way...You remove the harm by changing it."
Alena explained why she felt comfortable abstaining from the vote: “I'm not qualified to make a decision. I feel like to take it off the calendar, to add something else....I don't know how I would feel if someone made decision to take something off that was very important to me and my culture and my background. I would want to know...I'm not educated enough to make the decision. I learned a lot from the committee and the letters that came in that I did not know because I was not taught that while I was in school. I knew that he [Christopher Columbus] obviously did not discover America, but that was the extent of the knowledge that we had. I understand that we are growing as society as far as just really understanding more about our history. For the reason that we ended up with Juneteenth, which is a national holiday...I didn't learn about Juneteenth until I watched it on a television show, and I was in my 30s....If someone asks me, ‘Alena, why did you vote?’ I want to be able to then say, ‘I did it because of XYZ,’ and I can't. That is just my growth, and my learning and understanding of myself and more about society.”
In an interview with News Channel 12, Paloma Wake, who is a Beacon City Council Member and Operations Manager of the Forge Project responded to the final vote with this statement: "It's not what we would have preferred. While I appreciate the imperative to celebrate Italian heritage in America, it doesn't have to be done at the cost of the erasure of native peoples."
Locally, M&T Bank cited Indigenous People’s Day as the reason for their Monday holiday. Chronogram curated a list of 13 things to do this Indigenous People’s Weekend, where only one of which had to do with Indigenous people or education, which was Indigenous Peoples' Day Weekend at YMCA Frost Valley in Claryville.
Federally, Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged Indigenous People’s Day solely in her address of the Monday holiday.
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WORDS FROM MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
presents Jonathan Biss, pianist (launch of HCMC's annual four-concert piano festival)
Yanarella Dance Studio
