Community Potluck & Picnic for Palestine - Open To All - Tuesday 6pm

A Statement from the Beacon Ceasefire Coalition:

Picture of picnic spot at Long Dock Park.

Dear HV Neighbors,

We would like to warmly invite you to a community potluck in support of Palestine this Tuesday July 2nd at the picnic tables at Long Dock Park. We will share food, conversation, and convene in solidarity with our siblings in Palestine. Come and meet your neighbors, contribute funds for mutual aid in Gaza, and learn other ways to get involved. Please bring your loved ones too - whether they are brand new to this work or have been at it for years, all are welcome!

What: Community Potluck & Picnic for Palestine
When: Tuesday, July 2nd at 6PM
Where: Pavilion (covered area with picnic tables) at Long Dock Park, Beacon
Access: The event will be fully outdoors. Masks are welcome but not required, and people will be eating unmasked. Free parking with accessible spaces available at the Long Dock parking lot, and the Beacon Free Loop bus or the Metro North services the nearby Beacon Train Station. Our gathering area is accessible from the paved parking lot via a wide, paved pathway. Seating available at picnic tables, or BYO chair. The pavilion area is covered. Family friendly. Porta potties are available at Long Dock.

We also wanted to share a statement below from the Beacon Ceasefire Coalition about who we are and our experiences organizing for Palestinian liberation in Beacon this year, as well as some pictures! Thank you for all the ways in which you’ve shown up for Palestine thus far, and we look forward to being in community together on the 2nd.

Statement From The Beacon Ceasefire Coalition Regarding A Permanent Ceasefire and Land Back In Gaza

A few Regulars of the Beacon Ceasefire Coalition.

We are the Beacon Ceasefire Coalition, a diverse group of local individuals who are united in our support of an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We celebrate that on March 4th, 2024, the Beacon City Council voted to pass a resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. As our work for a safe and free Palestine continues, we would like to introduce ourselves, and to share more about why this resolution is important to us.

The Beacon Ceasefire Coalition is a diverse, multicultural, and multi-ethnic group of individuals from Beacon and the greater Hudson Valley. We are Palestinian, Arab, Indigenous, Black, Asian, and white. We are Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Sikh, spiritual, non-religious, and atheist. We are 3rd generation Beaconites and recent transplants. We are LGBTQIA+. We are disabled. We are parents and grandparents, mentors and caregivers. We are students and professionals, business owners and day laborers.

Our beliefs are as varied and complex as our different identities, yet what unites us is the shared conviction that Israel’s war on Gaza since the Oct 7th attacks is unjust, inhumane, and must stop immediately. Our coalition’s common goal is to do everything in our power to end the death and destruction currently happening in Gaza.

Since the October 7th attacks, Israel has bombed, shelled, sniped and otherwise attacked Palestinian civilians and their way of life in Gaza. Israel has destroyed Palestinian homes, religious buildings and institutions, schools and universities, roads, bridges, desalination plants, bakeries and all other infrastructure. In addition, since Israel controls the borders of Gaza by land, sea and air, it has stopped food, water, fuel, medicine, humanitarian supplies and other aid from entering Gaza.

Currently every person in Gaza suffers from food insecurity, and people in the north of Gaza are already experiencing famine. The number of Palestinians who have been killed (over 37,000), injured (estimated over 100,000), and displaced (1.9 million) as of June 2024 horrifies us, and our work is in their honor.

We condemn the carpet bombing of Gaza, the forced displacement of its people, their forced starvation and blockade of food, water, medicine, electricity, and humanitarian aid, the constant shelling and targeting of civilians, and the humiliation and abuse of their abandoned homes by IOF. Most importantly, we believe there must be an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the establishment of safety and security of all Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, and the right of Palestinians to return to their homes in Gaza. It will take action on the world stage, including the cessation of military and financial support from Israel’s many allies, to stop and sanction Israel’s war on Gaza.

We see our coalition’s work as twofold: to send a local message to our national leaders that they have a moral and professional imperative to act, and to build a community and solidarity with those locally impacted by the violence in Gaza.

In January, our coalition began working with the community in Beacon and our City Council members to draft a concise resolution that would send a strong message to our electeds that the people of Beacon want the United States to stop funding Israel’s war on Gaza. We are appalled that Beacon alone contributes an estimated $200,000+ in taxpayer revenue to arming Israel. In working towards this resolution, many of us testified at City Council meetings, sharing how our personal experiences led us to the shared goal of an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

While this process built solidarity and community, we also endured injustice as a result. During public comment at City Hall many citizens who spoke against the resolution were permitted to use dangerously racist, violent, Islamophobic and xenophobic rhetoric. In contrast, several times, the Mayor called out our group’s impassioned speeches as violent or inappropriate even though our group was following the Council’s guidelines. The unfair treatment was jarring, and through this process, we were given a window into the Palestinian experience of invisibility and degradation.

Our goal since the beginning of this effort has been to work towards an immediate and permanent ceasefire, with the right of Palestinians to return to their homes in Gaza. We do not value one people over another, nor are we advocating for a particular solution to the Israel/Palestine issue. We utilized the democratic process towards passing a resolution with the Beacon City Council – and together we made it happen. We are grateful that the majority of the Council met the moment and voted for the resolution. We see Beacon’s ceasefire resolution as an expression of our community’s conviction that people everywhere from the Levant to the Hudson Valley have the right to live in peace, safety, and security. Together, we will continue our work for Palestinian liberation.

Police Arrest Suspect In Murder Of Lionell Pittman at Forrestal Heights From 2022

On a spring Saturday evening on May 14, 2022 at 6:50pm, shots rang out from the parking lot at Forrestal Heights, next to the Beacon Recreation Center on West Center Street. Lionell Pittman age 32, who reportedly had a brother who lived at Forrestal Heights, was outside and was fatally shot, as reported by ALBB at the time.

Lionell’s murder was one of at least 3 in Beacon that have remained unsolved: Rene “Scout” Vivo, who was stabbed while walking down Main Street to get to his home at Forrestal Heights on Christmas Day in 2021, and a murder at South Davies Terrace apartment complex, where a 25 year old man was visiting from New York and was shot and killed.

According to a press release from the police, a suspect named Naije Perrette, 24, of Beacon was arrested at a traffic stop on Fishkill Avenue. He was charged with second-degree murder, arraigned in City Court and taken to the Dutchess County Jail.

The police credited the Dutchess County Drug Task Force with assistance on the arrest, and for the investigation conducted by Dutchess County District Attorney’s office. Because of the ongoing investigation, police said they would not release further information.

A Google search shows that a person named Naije Perrette of the same age has been arrested other times in Beacon:

• “Beacon teen charged for allegedly fleeing police in stolen vehicle” In 2015, this Naije was allegedly “driving erratically at high speeds with headlights off on Matteawan Road in Beacon. As the Beacon police officer initiated the traffic stop, the vehicle sped up and attempted to flee toward Matteawan Road and Prospect Street. The vehicle crashed about a half-mile from where it was originally spotted, and the driver fled towards the woods behind the Fishkill Correctional Facility, police said. Police apprehended Perrette later at Red Schoolhouse Road in Fishkill.” Reportedly the vehicle had been stolen from a Beacon address days before the incident.

• “Three men accused of robbing, pushing woman out moving vehicle: police” In 2019, this Naije and Julian Rivera were arrested after a reported robbery in the area of Liberty Street and Bridge Street. Police said they canvased the area after “three men robbed and pushed a woman out a moving vehicle on Friday morning around 4:45 a.m.,” according to the City of Beacon Police Department. Police say officers responded to the area of Liberty Street and Bridge Street for a reported robbery. After canvassing the area, police brought Naije Perette and Julian Rivera into custody.

• “Beacon residents arrested in Putnam County after violent domestic dispute.” In 2023, Naije Perette was arrested after his girlfriend Jaznia McCrae followed him after she learned that he took his new girlfriend to a Nets game, as reported by MidHudsonNews. The two got into a fight, damaged each others cars, and were both arrested.

Fourth Of July Fireworks At Beacon’s Memorial Park Thursday July 4th - Free Palestine

The City of Beacon is hosting the community’s fireworks on Thursday, July 4th at dark in Memorial Park. There may be vendor trucks and things to do. You’ll have to show up to find out.

There will be the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence by Dennis Pavlock and Committee (Anne Thomas, Clara Lou Gould (former Mayor of Beacon) and Emily Murnane) at 11am at Town Hall 1 Municipal Plaza.

In protest of the United State’s ongoing participation of the genocide of Palestinians and people in Middle Eastern countries, by way of the funding of Israel with Made In The USA weapons that are destroying families and shredding children, A Little Beacon Blog will not attend either event. We will not be sitting under those falling ashes.

Hudson Valley Activists Drop Banners Demanding U.S. and NYS Divestment From Israel’s War Crimes

Early Wednesday morning (5/29/2024), a group of local Hudson Valley activists hung banners on four I-87 overpasses visible to northbound traffic. The banners call for the end of U.S. and NYS funding of Israel war crimes in Gaza, and bring attention to the slaughter of displaced civilians currently ongoing in Rafah by the U.S. funded Israeli military.

The banner that hung south of Newburgh read: “Permanent Ceasefire.” For Kingston, the banner read: “Divest From Genocide.” For Saugerties, the banner read: “Let Gaza Live.” For Leeds, the banner read: “Free Palestine.”

Over the last several days, the Israeli military invaded Rafah, a designated “safe zone”, and carried out massacres by bombing displaced families in tents, killing dozens of people, according to AlJazeera and other news outlets. The death toll is still rising.

American citizens have been pleading with their elected officials to stop voting for more military aid to Israel for over 8 months, and to support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Yet, elected officials have continuously refused to listen to their constituents. “We call upon every decent human being to demand an end to U.S. military and financial support that has enabled the total dehumanization and genocide of the Palestinian people. As Jews, we are horrified by Israel’s brutality and total disregard for human life. We say 'Never Again is Now! Enough!' said two activists who are senior citizens of Beacon, NY.

"The massacre of civilians across Gaza, and now in Rafah, is a direct result of the Biden administration and Congress’ continued political and military support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza," say the activists. "Now is time for the U.S. to stop funding Israel’s genocidal campaign and to place an arms embargo against Israel in accordance with U.S. and international law, to end U.S. complicity with war crimes."

The activists pledge to continue demonstrating in different ways. "Hudson Valley residents will keep organizing to demand a permanent ceasefire, an end to the immediate horrors devastating Gaza, funded by U.S. taxpayers, and to end the occupation. We urge every person of conscience to join our demands to stop the genocide in Gaza and free Palestine.

NYCLU Says Beacon's City Administrator Chris White Violated The Open Meetings Law For Blocking Ceasefire Sign and Calling For Arrest Of Citizens

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Beacon’s City Administrator placing his hands on a pro-Palestinian, anti-genocide protester at Beacon’s City Council and Mayoral Swearing In Ceremony while Congressman Pat Ryan spoke.

Senior Staff Attorney for the NYCLU (New York Civil Liberties Union), Beth Haroules, sent notice to The City of Beacon’s Administrator Chris White, Mayor Lee Kyriacou and the City Council that City Administrator Chris’ behavior violated the Open Meetings Law during Beacon’s Swearing-In Ceremony for City Council and Mayor on January 6, 2024 when Chris prevented the protesters from silently holding their Pro-Palestinian and anti-genocide banner that read “Ceasefire” while Congressman Pat Ryan gave remarks.

The letter described the scene, which has been published in full below, and includes description of public video footage of both the ceremony from the front of the room where the Mayor was, and the disruption in the back of the room by the City Administrator. That video footage has been published at the bottom of this article.

“We urge the City to avoid treating silent protestors who may attend City meetings and events this way.”

— Beth Haroules, Senior Staff Attorney at the NYCLU

The Letter, Republished In Full

Dear Mayor Kyriacou and City Administrator White:

On behalf of the New York Civil Liberties Union, we write to express our concerns about the events surrounding a peaceful and silent protest conducted at the Beacon Mayoral and City Council swearing-in ceremony on January 6, 2024 by residents of Beacon who were attending this public event. We urge the City to avoid treating silent protestors who may attend City meetings and events this way, and to respect the First Amendment rights of protesters going forward.

“The silent protesters did not shout or interrupt Representative Ryan – they simply told the people holding down the banner that they would not let it go.”

— Beth Haroules, Senior Staff Attorney at the NYCLU

The Events of January 6, 2024

The Memorial Building, where the Swearing In Ceremony took place in Beacon on January 6, 2024.

The swearing-in event was held at the Veterans Memorial Building, owned by the City of Beacon and currently occupied and used by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (“VFW”). It was a governmental event that was very much open to the public. During the swearing-in event, Mayor Kyriacou introduced U.S. Representative Pat Ryan to address the gathering.

Representative Ryan has been greeted at his public speaking events by various of his constituents requesting that he support a ceasefire in Gaza. As Representative Ryan began to speak, four people (three of whom are residents of Beacon, all of whom are Representative Ryan’s constituents) who were sitting in the last row of seats stood up and unfurled a small black cloth banner that read “Ceasefire” in white letters.

“Nevertheless, the City Administrator directed the police officers in attendance to arrest these peaceful protesters. The officers indicated that they would not arrest anyone unless a VFW representative asked them to do so..”

— Beth Haroules, Senior Staff Attorney at the NYCLU

Christopher White, the City Administrator, and several people in attendance immediately moved to the side of and behind these four silent protesters and tried to hold down the banner. The silent protesters did not shout or interrupt Representative Ryan – they simply told the people holding down the banner that they would not let it go. The videotape of the swearing-in event, with a camera angle on Representative Ryan and the Mayor and other members of the City Council, shows that no one at the front of the hall appeared to be disturbed. No one even turned in their seats or appeared to be looking at the back of the VFW Hall. Representative Ryan continued his remarks, undisturbed and without pause. The videotape of the swearing-in event revealed no other noises in the hall other than the Representative’s remarks to the audience.

Nevertheless, the City Administrator directed the police officers in attendance to arrest these peaceful protesters. The officers indicated that they would not arrest anyone unless a VFW representative asked them to do so; they immediately apparently got that request and moved to arrest these silent protestors. Threatened with arrest, the peaceful protesters, one of whom was carrying an infant in a chest carrier, left the swearing-in event, escorted by police officers.

Preventing the Protesters from Silently Holding Their Banner Violated the Open Meetings Law

New York’s Open Meetings Law 3 (“Open Meetings Law”) provides members of the public with the right to observe and listen to a variety of meetings of public bodies. Several Open Meetings Law Advisory Opinions expressly address signage. In Open Meetings Advisory Opinion 52964, the Committee on Open Government of the State Department of the State of New York (“Committee”) provided guidance on the ability of government bodies to regulate signs at meetings open to the public. In doing so, the Committee listed as primary considerations: whether signs would be disruptive or obtrusive, whether the signs or sign holders would block a person from observing the proceedings or block an exit or create a fire code violation or would be obscene. [In the absence of these factors, the Committee indicated that signs should not be barred from an open meeting?] None of these circumstances existed at the swearing-in event. The peaceful protesters stood holding their banner in the last row of seats at the back of the hall and were silent throughout except to the extent that they told those seeking to push down the banner that they simply would not let it go. None of this exchange is even reflected in the video recording of the swearing-in event.

The Removal of the Protesters Upon Threat of Arrest Clearly Violated the First Amendment.

It is also well-settled that anyone may attend meetings of local public bodies in New York. This right of access is guaranteed by New York’s Open Meetings Law, 5 the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution and Article I, section 8 of the New York State Constitution. The only restrictions on this right of public access relate to keeping order in the meeting. Though the Council is authorized to adopt rules for its operations,6 its authority is not unlimited. Indeed, to the extent that the City Council Meeting Rules in effect at that time applied to that gathering, they did not address signage and cannot be interpreted to have prevented the attendees from silently holding the banner at the swearing-in event.7

Events like the swearing-in event are a “limited public forum” and, as such, any limitation on speech must be reasonable in light of the purpose of the forum.8 Further, any restrictions imposed must be viewpoint-neutral.9 Accordingly, a governmental body may not use an improper reason, such as a dislike for a particular speaker’s viewpoint, as a basis to silence a person or exclude them from a public meeting, which is what apparently happened here.10

The protection of public access to open meetings serves fundamental constitutional values. The purpose of an open, public government meeting is to allow the public to understand, inform, petition and influence its government. In light of this purpose, it was patently unreasonable to prevent these Beacon residents from petitioning their elected official, Representative Ryan, to threaten to have the silent banner holders removed from the event space, and to threaten their arrest Conclusion

Permitting citizens to engage with their government is a critical role of public officials in a democracy. We request that you review the events that took place at the swearing-in event, acknowledge that the city of Beacon should have let the protesters hold their banner and not be threatened with arrest, and ensure that such events going forward are handled consistently with the First Amendment and applicable New York State law.

We are of course available to discuss these matters with you at a mutually agreeable time. Please let us know if you would like to do so.

Footnotes:

1 See City of Beacon, All Events: Swearing-In Ceremony for Mayor and Councilmembers, January 6 @ 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, available at https://beaconny.gov/index.php/events/swearing-in-ceremony-for-mayor-and-councilmembers/.

2 See City of Beacon Swearing In 01-06-24, Beacon YouTube channel, available at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fbeaconny.gov%2F&feature=emb_title&source_ve_path=MzY4NDIsMzY4NDIsMzY4NDIsMzY4NDIsMzY4NDIsMzY4NDIsMzY4NDIsMjM4NTE&v=XNT-XeXQbSY.

3 NY Public Officers Law, Article 7.

4 Advisory Opinion 5296 may be found at: https://docsopengovernment.dos.ny.gov/coog/otext/o5296.doc. See also Advisory Opinion 3845, which may be found at https://doccs.dos.ny/coog/otext/o3845.htm.

5 Id.

6 The Beacon City Council does not appear to have any published rules relating to its operations at public meetings.

7 City Council Rule of Procedure 8(d)(8)(i) reads: The audience shall be respectful of all speakers and shall refrain from comments and gestures, private discussions, cell phone use, or other conduct that interferes with the orderly progression of the meeting or in any way discourages free speech.

8 See Devine v. Village of Port Jefferson, 849 F. Supp. 185, 189-90 (E.D.N.Y. 1994) (analyzing village board meeting as a limited public forum); see also City of Madison Joint School Dist. No. 8 v. Wisconsin Employment Relations Comm’n, 429 U.S. 167, 174-76 (1976) (suggesting that any portion of a meeting of a public body that the body opens for public comment is a limited public forum); Norse v. City of Santa Cruz, 629 F.3d 966, 976 (9th Cir. 2010) (holding that First Amendment protections of a limited public forum applied not only during the public comment period of the meeting, but also throughout the entire meeting), cert. denied, 132 S. Ct. 112 (2011).

9 See Rosenberger v. Rector & Visitors of Univ. of Va., 515 U.S. 819, 829 (1995) (stating that “[t]he State may not exclude speech where its distinction is not ‘reasonable in light of the purpose served by the forum,’ nor may it discriminate against speech on the basis of its viewpoint.” (quoting Cornelius v. NAACP Legal Defense & Ed. Fund,
Inc., 473 U.S. 788, 806 (1985)).

10 See White v. City of Norwalk, 900 F.2d 1421,1425 (9th Cir. 1990).

11 See We the People, Inc., of the U.S. v. Nuclear Regulatory Comm'n, 746 F. Supp. 213, 216-18 (D.D.C. 1990)
(signs that do not block the public’s view are permissible).

Newburgh-Beacon Bridge Shutdown During National A15 Economic Blockade For A Free Palestine

The Newburgh/Beacon Bridge was shut down today, April 15, 2024, at 8am in coordination with at least 65 other cities across the United States who designated April 15th Tax Day to be A15 Economic Blockade to Free Palestine. Organized by a15actions, the mission states: “75 years and 182 days into this US backed genocide we must take collective risk beyond symbolic acts of solidarity. On April 15th, we will block logistical hubs to stop the flow of capital worldwide. This is just the beginning. We will not cooperate with the police. If a blockade in one city faces repression, we will respond in solidarity in other cities. Join us in organizing towards our collective liberation.” See the shutdown in Oakland, CA, Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Texts from a reader showing Local radio station K104 was Reporting on Sheriff messages about terrorism, and not about the cause of the shutdown, which was A15 Economic Blockade for a Free Palestine.

@HV4FreePalestine was the first to cover the true nature of this blockade. The radio station K104 focused on parroting messages from Sheriff Offices like Putnam County, to perpetuate fear via the terrorist narrative that this country has accepted as normal with anything related to “the Middle East.”

Reported HV4FreePalestine:

“This morning at 8am, over a dozen Palestinians, Jews and allies blockaded the westbound Hamilton Fish Newburgh-Beacon bridge for over an hour, stopping traffic on I-84 for miles at the peak of rush hour. The action, part of the April 15 Economic Blockade for Palestine taking place in 65 cities across the globe, ended at 9am with 15 arrests.

“Organizer Abdallah Qotate states: ‘As a Palestinian, I wake up everyday worrying whether my best friend in Gaza will live to see another day. I’m forced to be in the street because our elected government refuses to listen to us. How many Palestinians have to die before our government will stop sending our tax dollars to Israel to fund this genocide?’

“As a Palestinian, I wake up everyday worrying whether my best friend in Gaza will live to see another day. I’m forced to be in the street because our elected government refuses to listen to us. How many Palestinians have to die before our government will stop sending our tax dollars to Israel to fund this genocide?”

— Abdalla Qotate

In a non-violent act of civil disobedience, protestors highlighted the federal government and US economy’s role in Israel's genocidal siege against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Activists blocked all westbound lanes of traffic on the bridge for nearly one hour, amidst the busiest time on the bridge, over which 65,000 commuters and 6012 transport trucks travel daily.

During the protest, New York State Police assaulted, pushed and threatened peaceful demonstrators with a baton. In a tweet removed later, the New York Department of Transport for the Hudson Valley reported that as of 8:44am, one lane remained closed during police intervention.

Shutting down a key artery of commerce and commuter transport during one of the busiest hours of morning traffic, demonstrators were part of a global movement shutting down commerce to end the genocide.

“During the protest, New York State Police assaulted, pushed and threatened peaceful demonstrators with a baton.”

— @HV4FreePalestine

Grace Collins, one of the participants, concludes “Months of pleading to my representatives has not slowed the genocide in Palestine. Disrupting traffic to get our message across is a natural next step. If the constituents wont be heard through government channels then we will get our message across in nonviolent ways however we can.”

“From the Hudson Valley organizers: ‘Tax Day is a reminder that the Biden administration has made over 100 transfers of taxpayer dollars in military assistance to Israel since the beginning of the genocide in Gaza. We refuse to allow business as usual to continue while Palestinians are murdered by Israel using American weaponry and tax dollars. Those committed to Palestinian freedom in the Hudson Valley have tried many tactics—we’ve demonstrated, we’ve lobbied our representatives, Pat Ryan and Marc Molinaro, for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, we’ve visited their offices, we’ve educated the public. Those on the highway today are done waiting on congressional representatives. We are committed to keeping up the pressure until the genocide ends and Palestine is free.”

Citizen Reporter @bryanne_af reported that she was happy to learn she had been stuck in traffic for a cause during her Kid School Drop-off morning, telling her Instagram friends: “Hudson Valley shut down the westbound Newburgh Beacon bridge for Palestine today!!! 😭🇵🇸😭 I had no idea what was going on and had to drive over an hour to get home from dropping my kids off to school - so happy and proud to discover it was comrades doing worthy and noble work! So very thankful for their bravery and that I got to bear witness to the incredible impact they had on the Hudson Valley this morning - the blockade here went for six miles beyond the bridge, toward Fishkill [down 9D passing Stonykill Farm and the Heritage Financial Stadium] - if this inconvenienced you, just IMAGINE how Gaza suffers from what our tax dollars are doing in blocking their food, their medicine, their freedom to live! From the river to the sea!!! 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

Another reader, Citizen Reporter Cowboy, responded to the news of the shutdown by telling ALBB: “I gotta go check Whacker Wire to see if my Mom was arrested today.” Their mom has been arrested 4 times during this extermination of Palestine, including once at Grand Central Station.

Beacon Residents Marched On Sidewalk For A Free Palestine On February 3, 2024 (Photos And Video)

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On February 3, 2024, some Beacon residents gathered for a rally at Pohill Park, which then commenced down Main Street on the sidewalk. The march was peaceful and calm.

Prior to the march, community organizer with Next Step Hudson Valley, and former Beacon City Councilmember, Ali T. Muhammad, gave a safety pep-talk. In his talk, he encouraged anyone who encountered resisters to remain quiet and calm.

After and during the march, organizers announced that there was a gathering at City Hall the following Monday to ask Beacon’s City Council to consider and pass a ceasefire resolution during Public Comment. Several people did show up for that council meeting and gave their thoughts on why Beacon should consider and draft a ceasefire resolution. Three people spoke against a ceasefire resolution.

Weekly rallies were happening Newburgh to encourage the City of Newburgh to pass a ceasefire resolution, which it did after several drafts and demonstrations. Those rallies will now be held in Beacon until the City of Beacon passes its own ceasefire resolution.

Chants included:

Free Free Palestine
From The River To The 🌊 Sea 🍉
Gaza Gaza Don’t You Cry
Gaza 🇵🇸 Called Out, 🇾🇪 Yemen Answered
Israeli 🚢 Ships Are Canceled
Yemen Yemen Don’t You Cry
We Will Never Let You Die
Biden Biden You Will See
Palestine Will Be Free
Israel Is A Terrorist State
Long Live Palestine
Viva Viva Palestina

Beacon’s West End Story Continues with Summer of 1966 Exhibition Of Photographs By Michael Raab at Howland Public Library

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.

Pro-Palestine March Down Main Street In Beacon | Saturday, Feb 3, 12pm, Pohill Park

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 >

Beacon's Swearing-In Ceremony Disrupted By Pro-Palestinian Supporters Who Were Physically Handled By City Administrator and Veterans

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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.

Like this ceremony at Gardiner Town Hall. And this large protest march in Kingston. And this this 8th night of Hanukkah protest by Jewish constituents and kids at his Newburgh office. Prior to that, this protest also at his Newburgh office by 300 protesters. And prior to that, this first protest at his Poughkeepsie office led by some Beaconites.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Watch the entire Swearing-In Ceremony here (does not include visuals of the disruption).

Martin Luther King Jr. Day :: Retail Therapy Guide 1/12/2024

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, the spokesperson 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."                                      THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Book an Event Promotion Advertising spot here. You can sponsor this Event Guide with your event, for extra promotion of it! If you'd like to guarantee to see your entertainment event listed here, click here for more info >   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).   Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week! 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! See Kids Classes here > See Adults Classes here >  Register Online > Yanarella is a Sponsor, thank you! 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. PS* NEW Advertising Packages available! See details >  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. Learn More > Katie James, Inc. is a Sponsor. Thank you! 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) BEAUTY Makeup By Jenny Magliano > BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES See them here > BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR Tin Shingle Katie James, Inc. CATERING > EVENT CATERING Oui Oui Cuisine  Dulce Cielo Mx DENTAL Beacon Dental EVENT SPACE > CO-WORK SPACE The Main Office at Beacon Digital  HEALTH AND WELLNESS > MASSAGE River Therapeutic Massage  HISPANIC OWNED BUSINESS See them here > HOME IMPROVEMENT > DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION Faust Design Build HOME IMPROVEMENT > LAWN SERVICES Blue Green Lawns MUSIC Miss Vickies Music PHOTOGRAPHY Megan & Kenneth THERAPY Jessica Mills, LCSW List Your Business In The Business Directory >  LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY Read Our Latest Articles Advertise With Us! Stay Up To Date With City Council Meetings List your job in ALBB's Job Listings >

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Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration / Revisiting Beacon's Inspiration In 2024

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.

For more information, go to beaconsloop.org.

Hundreds Protest Outside Pat Ryan’s Kingston Office Demanding Permanent Ceasefire and Defunding of Israeli Military

Photo from video posted at Kingstonwalk4blacklives

Photo credit: Shadia Fayne Wood

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?”

Photo Credit: Found at @Celebrate.845

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.

Friday’s demonstration was organized by a broad coalition from across the region: Mid-Hudson Valley Democratic Socialists of America, Jewish Voice for Peace - Hudson Valley, Wednesday Walk 4 Black Lives, Middle-East Crisis Response, Mid-Hudson Islamic Community, Veterans For Peace - Hudson Valley, Communist Party - HV, Vassar SJP, and Poughkeepsie4Palestine. The founder of Poughkeepsie4Palestine, Rahul Daniyal Kumar, is a ninth grader at Oakwood Friends School interested in Political Science, Government, and Modern Middle Eastern Studies.

Protesters closed the event vowing to return as many times as it takes until a permanent ceasefire is declared.

Photo Credit: Veekas Ashoka

Justice McCray Does Not Seek Re-Election For Ward 2; Delivers Their Final Speech On City Council

“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:

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“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.”

Shekinah Styles Barbershop Leaves Beacon After 30 Years Due To High Rent Increase

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.”

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"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].”

At the time, Mark says, the one other barber shop that was in Beacon had just closed down. Mr. Alvin Bell had just opened his barbershop after being forced into retirement from his job as lead press-man for the Nabisco factory before it closed down and sat empty until Dia revived it. Mr. Bell was 55 when he started over as a barber, and was in his 80s when he was pushed into retirement again after his shop burned down and his then landlord terminated his lease before finalizing the sale to new owners months later, according to a newspaper report.

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.

Vincent’s letter read in part (read in full here):

“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.”