In special session called by New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday, after the Supreme Court voted to neuter New York of protections in its open carry gun law, the Democratic-led Legislature gathered to enact new restrictions on carrying guns in public, as reported in the Poughkeepsie Journal. The New York law that Justice Thomas and the other justices struck down cast doubt on lawmaker’s ability to restrict carrying guns in public places. A Little Beacon Blog first explored this law when it reported on this truck with the pistol mounted to the flagpole.
According to SCOTUS Blog: “Thomas rebuffed New York’s effort to justify its proper-cause requirement as an effort to regulate guns in ‘sensitive places’ – specifically, crowded urban areas, like Manhattan, where people are likely to gather. Thomas agreed that, as a historical matter, there have long been laws restricting guns in places like courthouses and polling places. Moreover, he continued, restrictions that apply to the modern versions of ‘sensitive places’ may also pass constitutional muster. Although Thomas left open exactly what might qualify as a ‘sensitive place,’ he made clear that urban areas do not meet that definition. The state’s ‘argument would in effect exempt cities from the Second Amendment and would eviscerate the general right to publicly carry arms for self-defense,’ Thomas concluded.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul Responded To Justice Thomas With More Defined Restrictions
The pistol mounted to the flagpole of this truck prompts the question of if it is legal, and if it being real or decorative matters. Read more here.
While Justice Clarence Thomas felt that any person had a right to bear arms outside of the home, without needing to prove anything including the need for self-defense, Governor Hochul and many New Yorkers disagreed. When signing the law, the Governor “warned that easing restrictions on carrying guns would endanger New Yorkers by multiplying the number of hidden guns being carried in public places,” the Poughkeepsie Journal reported.
The new law signed Friday in New York, after the Supreme Court made its alteration, identifies gun-free zones that includes houses of worship, schools and colleges, stadiums, theaters, parks and playgrounds. “That prohibition applies to all types of firearms - rifles and shotguns in addition to handguns - and covers private properties unless a business owner posts a sign saying that they are allowed, or a homeowner grants permission. Those caught carrying guns in prohibited places could be charged with a felony,” reported the Poughkeepsie Journal.
Additional restrictions in New York’s new gun law include (as reported by the Poughkeepsie Journal):
“Applicants for concealed-carry licenses must undergo 16 hours of training and pass a proficiency test.”
“Guns must be locked up in vehicles as state law already requires for those in homes with children.”
“The state will do monthly checks of license holders for criminal convictions and other disqualifying acts.”
There are exemptions to who can carry firearms in public in the listed location types, which include retired police officers, on-duty security guards and military service members.
In terms of votes, the Poughkeepsie Journal reported that the” Senate voted 43-20 on the gun bill, with Democrats in support and Republicans in opposition. Several hours later, the Assembly approved the measure in a 91-51 vote after holding its own marathon debate with a stark partisan contrast. Hochul signed the bill shortly afterward. It's to take effect Sept. 1.”
On June 24, 2022, the United Healthcare Workers East 1199SEIU, the largest union of healthcare workers in the United States, sent a statement to the press in response to the overturning of Roe vs Wade, which fundamentally changed the control people who give birth have over their bodies and future lives.
“Large majorities of Americans support abortion rights. Yet the Supreme Court, stacked with extremist voices totally out of step with our nation’s values, has radically undermined the right of every person who can get pregnant to control their own bodies.”
— George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East
Their statement from George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East reads as follows:
“As a union of healthcare workers, we recognize that the right to an abortion is fundamental to reproductive health, overall health, and bodily bodily autonomy. 1199SEIU is appalled that the US Supreme Court has erased half a century of legal precedent allowing people to make the most basic decisions about their bodies, lives, and families. While much of the world is moving forward to secure greater reproductive rights, we have taken a tremendous step backward.
“Large majorities of Americans support abortion rights. Yet the Supreme Court, stacked with extremist voices totally out of step with our nation’s values, has radically undermined the right of every person who can get pregnant to control their own bodies.
Hello, World!
“Those who can afford it will travel out of state or out of country for abortion procedures; those with the least financial means will have nowhere to go. The same politicians who herald the end of reproductive freedom will not raise a finger to improve pre- and post-natal care and ensure that health services are universally available.”
— George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East
“The ramifications of overturning Roe vs. Wade are as gut-wrenching as they are predictable: there will be an immediate wave of abortion bans in states around the country as trigger laws go into effect. People will seek out alternative and dangerous ways of ending their pregnancies. Rape victims, including children, will be forced to carry to term. Those who can afford it will travel out of state or out of country for abortion procedures; those with the least financial means will have nowhere to go. The same politicians who herald the end of reproductive freedom will not raise a finger to improve pre- and post-natal care and ensure that health services are universally available.
“This decision must be a glaring wake-up call to the dysfunction of our nation’s political life and the grave threat of authoritarianism to our democracy, our laws, and institutions.
“1199SEIU stands firmly behind the right to choose and we will continue to fight tooth and nail to preserve this most basic freedom. We call on Congress to codify abortion rights into federal law immediately.
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. They represent over 450,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all.
Ushering in July’s First Friday this weekend, a new fundraiser popped up between Berte and Hyperbole. Beacon’s First Friday’s are a new initiative from all shops on Main Street who want to be involved. It’s a night to shop “late night,” which in Beacon means past 6pm. This is an especially great opportunity for locals who are already here and can settle in after hitting up their favorite shops, or ones they haven’t walked in yet.
The Aid & Abet Fundraiser On The East End Of Town Near The Mountain
Created by Amy at Berte in partnership with Hyperbole, this fundraiser let people in the community know where they as people and as their business stands. Usually risky for a business to do that, this issue has surpassed this veil of caution. Read more about why Amy created it here.
The owners of Hyperboleny shared this with their Instagram community:
“SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade, a horrible nightmare for birthing people in this Country. Now is the time to branch out to your communities, organize, and take real action towards the right to abortion care.
“We're teaming up with @shopberte and @wildbowerstudio for a helpful and necessary raffle, by including our "Abort the Supreme Court" merch created in collaboration with @dzandone as a prize. Come to Hyperbole or Berte this #FirstFriday and buy a $10 raffle ticket (or multiple $10 raffle tickets) and your donation will go directly to @abortionfunds. Take a look at what you can win, and come support this incredibly dire cause. Low on cash? Share this post to spread the word!"
”Thank you Aimee (@shopberte) for creating this fundraiser. Community is everything.”
While the raffle may be over, now you know it happened. Follow them on their Instagrams and sign up for their newsletters to stay ahead of what they got going on.
Well, hello July 4th! May of you have written in asking: “Where is the protest? Where can I go to express? How do I get a permit for a protest? I can’t stay quiet on this one!”
Well friends - you are in luck. The 3rd Annual Chalk Art Protest created and produced by Moraya Seeger DeGeare, MA, LMFT is this Monday, July 4th, at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park from 10am-12pm. Did you just see that last name twice? You did. Moraya is a marriage and relationship therapist with BFF Therapy; she’s a relationship and sex columnist for Refinery29; she’s a parent of two young children in the Beacon City School District; and she’s a granddaughter of Pete and Toshi Seeger, the musical and poetic activists who were crucial in the civil rights movement and restoring climate justice to the Hudson Valley.
At this chalk-in, she''ll be hosting a session on identity, intersectional identity, and the value in understanding your own identity in your activism work. Read all about it.
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Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade and Katie Hellmuth Martin
Registration Open For The Beacon Pool
Pool Season: July 2 - September 4, 2022 Location: Settlement Park Information >
Fireworks At Memorial Park Day: Sunday, July 3, 2022
There will be fireworks at Memorial Park at dark. Parking is very limited so please consider walking and biking to the park. Might want to bring a chair or blanket! And bug spray. The best is Beacon-based SallyeAnder No-Bite cream available at Brett's Hardware.
July 4th Protest Chalk-In
Day: Monday, July 4, 2022 Time: 10am - 12pm Location: Pete & Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park Information >
Declaration of Independence Reading
Day: Monday, July 4, 2022 Time: 11am Location: City Hall (at the base of Wolcott Avenue and Main Street) Information >
First Friday's Raffle: The Aid & Abet Abortion Fundraiser from Berte et all
Day: Friday, July 1, 2022 Time: Shop late Location: 500 Main Street
Sometimes ALBB gets this newsletter out late on Fridays, usually because we are trying to attach at least one new article to it. Therefore - we've missed the opportunity to tell you about this fundraiser for First Fridays. BUT - we want you to that it happened nonetheless. From a boutique on Main Street, Berte, they were hosting a fundraiser: "SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade, a horrible nightmare for birthing people in this Country. Now is the time to branch out to your communities, organize, and take real action towards the right to abortion care. We're teaming up with @shopberte and @wildbowerstudio for a helpful and necessary raffle, by including our "Abort the Supreme Court" merch created in collaboration with @dzandone as a prize. Come to Hyperbole or Berte this First Friday and buy a $10 raffle ticket (or multiple $10 raffle tickets) and your donation will go directly to @abortionfunds. Take a look at what you can win, and come support this incredibly dire cause. Low on cash? Share this post to spread the word!" Information >
Office for the Aging Summer Picnic Series Returns with Traditional Picnic 2022
Day: Wednesdays July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27 Time: Begins at 12pm Location: Thomas Boyce Park, 6420 NY 55, Wingdale
Proof of residency and advance reservations are both required, and space is limited; walk-ins cannot be accommodated. There is a $8 charge for each non-resident guest and those 59 or younger. Space is limited at each picnic, and residents who wish to reserve their space at the picnic are encouraged to call (866) 486-2555 during office hours.
So many of you want to know which restaurants are open on Mondays!
So ALBB enhanced our Restaurant Guide to show you. See it here >
EAT CHURCH
3091 U.S. 9, Cold Spring, NY
Go and get your Phat Thai! Fresh & HOT & GOOD! Guess you gotta just try for yourself TO GO! From Marbled Meat Shop in Cold Spring! You gotta act quick because they are sure to sell out! You can also find Eat Church at:
Industrial Arts Brewing
Fridays 3pm - 9pm
Saturdays 12pm - 9pm
Sundays 12pm - 7pm
You can also catch Eat Church:
Sundays at the Beacon Farmers Market &
ToGo at Marbled Meat Shop in Coldspring Keep up with all of the delicious pop-ups and events here > You can also visit their website for Weekly Menu/Specials > Website >
Eat Church is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193 Main St.
Whoa baby! The Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich special from BBC! A fried chicken cutlet, shredded lettuce, crispy onions, and theirr house-made Bang Bang sauce on a fresh-from-the-oven brioche bun (served with one of our famous pickles). If you missed out on this special, you must follow BBC on IG here > so that you never ever miss out on a special like this again! Open until 10 today and tomorrow. Happy Hour start at 4! TGIF! OPEN:
Sunday-Thursday until 7 pm (Closed on Wednesday)
Friday + Saturday until 10 pm Happy Hour $7 ‘til 7 pm menu is available every day starting at 4 pm! Menu > Order Pick Up or Delivery > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
You know that feeling when you're trying to figure out what to get someone as a gift but have no clue... well, no more! Because it's easy.. everyone want's a MOD gift card, obviously! Who would be mad at free food from MOD?! Stop in, get delish food, and snag one of these so you're prepared the next time you're gifting someone. Open Sunday thru Thursday for Food 11:30am - 9pm; Bar until 10pm Friday and Saturday Food 11:30am - 11:00pm; Bar until midnight. Order Now > Meyers Olde Dutch is a Sponsor, thank you!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Platano Relleno ! (Sweet plantain boat) from El Nica Spot! Includes rice and beans, choice of protein, chimichuri, pico de gallo, avocado, crema & pickle onions! YUM! Stop in the HV Food Hall 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 in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters Ciao Chow - Hand made pasta and fried rice Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Drink specials from Baja! Skinny pina colada, lavender lemonade, & blackberry basil margarita. Sounds so good & so refreshing! Stop in for all the good vibes, good food, and drinks. Sit out on Main St. by the garage doors and people watch (you know it's fun) PS: Different specials every week! You don't wanna miss out. See some examples here > PPS: Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6pm Check out their specialty drinks > Check out the specials >
BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN
244 Main St.
A meal that you can have for breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Yes please! Shakshuka with a poached egg! This hand-crushed, pan-fried tomato dish with garlic and peppers is the perfect anytime meal! Enjoy it with warm pita bread and maybe even a tabouleh salad with some added feta for extra deliciousness! Open for dining in or outside & Take-out and delivery are available. PS: Now also open on Tuesdays till 9pm! Ziatun is the go-to spot for commuters and "late night" eating Beacon-style. Menu > Order Online > HOURS
Monday + Thursday-Saturday 11 am-9pm
Tuesday + Wednesday 11 am-4pm
Sunday 11am-8pm Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
WITCH HAZEL 176 Main Street, Beacon
Today is the DAY! Witch Hazel is officially open!!! Not only you can shop 24/7, but you can now shop in-person. This is the most exciting day! Stop in & check out their dry flower bar, perfumes, lipsticks, home goods, clothes, uhh... everything! At Witch Hazel, you’ll find flowers for local delivery around Beacon, plus a selection of botanical-inspired beauty products, gifts and more. Whenever possible, they source what they sell from local growers, small-batch brands and other eco-conscious companies that, you know, respect the planet where we live. CHEERS!
You can $hop Witch Hazel's Summer Edit here > Order florals > Follow Witch Hazel on Instagram! >
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon Otessa Moshfegh, “Lapvona” from Binnacle Books! “In a village in a medieval fiefdom buffeted by natural disasters, a motherless shepherd boy finds himself the unlikely pivot of a power struggle that puts all manner of faith to a savage test, in a spellbinding novel that represents Ottessa Moshfegh’s most exciting leap yet.” Order this or ANY book you like from Binnacle Books on their website. It will be sourced and found and ready for you to pick up at the shop. Or stop in & browse! So many goodies. Binnacle is *Open daily!
Binnacle Books is proud to partner with Beacon Prison Rides and Beacon Prison Action on the Beacon Prison Books Project. Read more about it here >
Shop online > Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!
BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon
Yup, you can ALSO get pet supplies at Bretts! We weren't kidding when we said Bretts has everything! From pet supplies, home goods, and hardware, to kids toys/supplies, cleaning supplies, and so much more in-between. Stop in for everything. Summer has started, it's maybe time to fancy up the lawn. OPEN
Monday-Friday 7:30am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Luxe Optique - where you can find the most beautiful and most fashionable reading, sunglasses, fashion, etc. This fine eyewear shop has so many amazing styles and has professional doctors of optometry on staff to make sure you're getting what you need and what you want! Shop the Luxe Optique Collection >
Check out Luxe Optique's Instagram to see the best eyewear collections and how you can style them!
PS: Appointments required for exams. HOURS:
Monday 10 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Closed on Sundays Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
Summer is finally here! Whether you’re planning a camping trip, heading to the beach, or BBQing with the family, talk to Antalek & Moore about suitable coverage for all of summer's exciting moments. Latest Announcements > Antalek & Moore 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. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC. Look for it...the new sidewalk sign at Eggert's Free Range Farm at the Beacon and Cold Spring Farmer's Markets! Katie James Inc. is now offering hand-lettering sign services. If interested, do DM. DM Now > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you!
HIRING: Part-Time Sales Associated At NFP: New Form Perspective Details >
Several readers of A Little Beacon Blog have written in, asking “Where is the protest in Beacon? Where can I go to express? How do I get a permit for a protest? I can’t stay quiet on this one!”
Well friends - you are in luck. The 3rd Annual Chalk Art Protest created and produced by Moraya Seeger DeGeare, MA, LMFT is this Monday, July 4th, at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park from 10am-12pm. Did you just see that last name, Seeger, twice? You did. Moraya is a marriage and relationship therapist with BFF Therapy; she’s a relationship and sex columnist for Refinery29; she’s a parent of two young children in the Beacon City School District; and she’s a granddaughter of Pete and Toshi Seeger, the musical and poetic activists who were crucial in the civil rights movement and restoring climate justice to the Hudson Valley.
About The July 4th Chalk-In Protest
In this riverside protest, Moraya will be leading a chalk-based therapy protest in a way most likely none of you have experienced in a protest before. This chalk-in is about getting in touch with yourself to find your message, and most importantly to speak it loudly (or at all). Moraya, a human of multi-races (her grandmother is half Japanese and half from the USA’s South, her father is Black, and her mother and grandfather are White), maintains a very special lens for viewing the world. Her mission is to share it with you so that you can experience your surroundings more broadly.
“While you may be coming to this chalk-in protest for abortion-rights rage, you will be leaving with racial injustice rage that you should also be speaking about. Oppression is everywhere, and one person’s oppression that is unique to them cannot be ignored for another person’s oppression just because someone hasn’t experienced it. ”
— ALBB
One of her specialties is spotting intersectional morphisms. According to Wikipedia: “Intersectionality is an analytical framework for understanding how aspects of a person's social and political identities combine to create different modes of discrimination and privilege. Intersectionality identifies multiple factors of advantage and disadvantage.”
While you may be coming to this chalk-in protest for abortion-rights rage, you will be leaving with racial injustice rage that you should also be speaking about. Oppression is everywhere, and one person’s oppression that is unique to them cannot be ignored for another person’s oppression just because someone hasn’t experienced it. If you feel an ounce of it here, recognize an ounce of it there. Respect it and do something.
This chalk-in can be an outlet for the rage anyone is feeling right now with the latest Supreme Court ruling that strips birthing people of the rights and independence to their bodies, as well as upcoming rulings the Supreme Court has reached out on (voting rights, redistricting, climate justice). Says Moraya about the chalk-in: “Identity work is understanding all the different parts of self. My persional view is that it builds from the values in your childhood home along with your location in the world aka culture and society. Sexual, race, gender, age, it’s constantly evolving.”
Kids Are Welcome & Encouraged To Attend
Part of Moraya’s mission in this is to encourage conversation between parents and caregivers with their children. But also with their own inner child. From her website of the movement:
“The heart of this project is to have deeper conversations about systemic issues with children so that they can grow up having language and confidence to continue to talk about racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, sexism, climate change and the list goes on. One of the main things I experienced in 2020 was the number of White people in my life who reached out with emails, texts, people from decades ago sliding into my DMs, and leaving outrageously long apology voicemails saying they had no idea that Black people have been navigating so much racism.
“I’ll be honest, each time someone who I have known for years said those words it nearly hurt worse than watching the news and seeing another Black person murdered. After talking to my Black friends, it turns out I was getting a particularly high number of these messages – I am talking hundreds of them in the spring of 2020. Even my 1st-grade teacher reached out with a story that only centered on her White experience as a teacher to me, her only Black student.
“I didn’t need to hear about how she learned so much from me, a 6-year-old, as I dealt with racism in her class. I needed her to say: ‘I am so sorry for not protecting you. For creating an environment you felt safe to learn in.’
“I got off the phone with her, I was 9 months pregnant, doing remote school with my kindergartener who also was struggling to learn to read, and I just cried. I wept for 6-year-old Moraya who was in all-White education environments her whole childhood.
“I cried for my own children, who are now living in a pandemic and civil unrest. My Black son just hugged me and said ‘let’s go garden and pick some tomatoes mom.’ I looked at him and thought, I have taught you to love the earth, to have a voice, to know that your birthright is to feel joy. A radical act for Black children in America. But I cannot keep you safe once you leave this little house in the woods, with our streams and waterfalls. I can’t protect you from other kids saying your skin is too dark to play their games.
“All of these moments fueled me. It told me that I need to do something to help folks understand that these conversations can and need to happen from a young age. If my kids can experience racism since birth, with their Black mother almost dying in the hospital, yours can certainly talk about it.
“This year’s project is focusing on the idea that if ALL of us are doing our own identity work, we will have deeper empathy and curiosity in ourselves, to hopefully have a deeper desire to understand and connect others who are navigating complex and marginalized identities.”
Chalk-In Schedule
10am: Start. Do any kind of chalk art, writing, scribbles, whatever comes out of your brain/hand.
11am: A little lesson on identity, intersectional identity and the value in understanding your own identity in your activism work.
Then back to chalking.
12pm: The chalk-in ends, “but people can chalk longer,” Moraya says.
Beacon is filled with opportunities for kids and families to attend a variety of classes, from Mommy and Me, to drop-off art classes, to various vacation Camps, reading camps, gaming camps, and so much more! This inspired ALBB to create a Kids Classes Guide; for people who attend classes in town as well as anyone who drives to neighboring areas for popular programs. We highlight Guide Updates on the blog in different articles and keep this list updated throughout the year.
We recently updated our Kids Classes Guide with a bunch of classes for toddlers, kids, and teens. Classes from writing, reading, and gaming to babysitting classes, arts & crafts classes, music classes, and outdoor classes. You can check it all out here > but if you want a quick sneak peek, keep scrolling down!
Let's Ride! Car Engineering Day: Monday, July 11, 2022 Time: 3pm For children 4 years old - 5th Grade. Join us to put together a simple car kit! Supplies are limited. Registration is required. Paid for in part by Dutchess County. Register by using our online registration form. Register here >
Introduction to Babysitting Day: Monday, July 11, 2022 Time: 10:30am Interested in babysitting? Join us for this 3-hour course where you will learn interviewing tips, communication skills and the basics of childcare. Topics will include ages and stages of young babies and toddlers, safety and first aid tips, feeding and caring for children, including diaper changing. Certificates of completion will be distributed to those who complete the course. Paid for in part by Dutchess County. Registration is required. Register by using our online registration from. Register here >
Tiny Tots Days: Fridays in July of 2022 Time: 10:30am Starting July 8, 2022. For ages 6 months to 4 years old. Join Miss Stephanie in the Community Room for 15 minutes of songs, finger plays and stories, plus some play time for you to share with your child. Meet other parents and caregivers. Register for a reminder email by using out online registration form. Register here >
Summer Stories Day: Tuesdays from July 5th - August 9th, 2022 Time: 3pm For children in PreK-2nd grade. Join Miss Stephanie in the Children's Room for this weekly family storytime! Stories are geared toward children who are in PreK-2nd grade, but all ages welcome. Register for a reminder email by using our online registration form. Register here >
Is your amazing class or business not on this list? If you have a class or workshop you'd like to submit for consideration, please submit it to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com. To enhance your listing with pictures and to get it featured in our weekend newsletter, click here for details.
Abortion rights supporters will continue to gather for a “Bans Off Our Bodies” day of action in support of abortion access and reproductive freedom. We won’t go back!
“The events are part of a nationwide response after a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion revealed the court soon plans to overturn Roe v. Wade and eliminate constitutional protections for abortion rights - a move that would likely lead 26 states to swiftly ban abortion.”
When:
Centerway Square, Corning, NY from 8pm-9pm TONIGHT, Monday, June 27
YWCA, Kingston, NY from 6pm-7pm Tuesday, June 28
Academy Green Park, Kingston, NY at 11:00am Saturday, July 2
Corner of Main & Market Streets, Poughkeepsie, NY at 1:00pm Saturday, July 2
While coming off the exit ramp of I-84 into Beacon from Poughkeepsie, a 12 year old child and their mother were behind a black Chevy Silverado pickup truck with two billowing flags mounted in its bed: one traditional American flag with stars and stripes; and the other a black combo 2nd Amendment/”Don’t Treat On Me” statement flag with a white rifle in the middle as its logo. On the back window, there was a sticker decal of a dog pooping on something, and bumper sticker saying “Fuck Communists.” Mounted atop the flag pole with the 2nd Amendment/“Don’t Tread On Me” flag was pistol hand gun.
By this day, 10 Black people had already been shot and killed by an 18-year old White teenager on a mission to kill Black people in Buffalo, NY, and 19 children and two teachers had been shot to death at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas by an 18-year old Hispanic teenager who had been regularly bullied by family and friends.
Back in Beacon, the 12 year old child in the car on the I-84 ramp looked at the pistol mounted atop the flag pole and asked the mother driving the car: “Can he do that? Can he have a gun up there?” The child had already done numerous lock-down drills in school, and the Beacon City School District had dedicated a Board of Education Meeting to informing the people about safety measures they have been making after numerous school and public places shootings.
Not sure on the legality of the gun, an inquiry was made by ALBB to the Beacon Police and the City Administrator Chris White. This City Administrator has instructed all City department heads to not respond to questions from A Little Beacon Blog without his permission based on an earlier article.
The black Chevy Silverado pickup truck with the American flag on the left, and the black rifle flag on the right, with the pistol mounted atop the rifle flag pole. This taken on the west-bound exit ramp of I-84 getting off to turn left for Beacon.
Thankfully, the police officer, Lt. Figlia, responded: “This is an interesting question and the City Administrator asked that I address it. The law prohibits the carrying of a handgun without a permit and New York does not issue permits for the open carry of a handgun. I would say, therefore, that if this were a real, functioning handgun, then it would be a violation of the law and also extremely irresponsible. On the other hand, if it is a replica handgun, which I very much hope that it is, then it would not be illegal.”
This was two weeks ago, before the decision this past week when the Supreme Court handed down a 6-3 ruling that struck down New York’s law pertaining to carrying a gun in public.
According to SCOTUS Blog: “The state law at the heart of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen required anyone who wants to carry a concealed handgun outside the home to show ‘proper cause’ for the license. New York courts interpreted that phrase to require applicants to show more than a general desire to protect themselves or their property. Instead, applicants must demonstrate a special need for self-defense – for example, a pattern of physical threats. Several other states, including California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, impose similar restrictions, as do many cities.”
Justice Clarence Thomas led the ruling striking down New York’s law, and wrote that “the Second Amendment’s guarantee of the right ‘to keep and bear arms’ protects a broad right to carry a handgun outside the home for self-defense.”
Further, according to SCOTUS Blog: “Thomas rebuffed New York’s effort to justify its proper-cause requirement as an effort to regulate guns in ‘sensitive places’ – specifically, crowded urban areas, like Manhattan, where people are likely to gather. Thomas agreed that, as a historical matter, there have long been laws restricting guns in places like courthouses and polling places. Moreover, he continued, restrictions that apply to the modern versions of ‘sensitive places’ may also pass constitutional muster. Although Thomas left open exactly what might qualify as a ‘sensitive place,’ he made clear that urban areas do not meet that definition. The state’s ‘argument would in effect exempt cities from the Second Amendment and would eviscerate the general right to publicly carry arms for self-defense,’ Thomas concluded.”
According to CNBC, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “This decision isn’t just reckless, it’s reprehensible.”
Hochul said that because “the federal government will not have sweeping laws to protect us ... our states and our governors have a moral responsibility to do what we can and have laws that protect our citizens because of what is going on — the insanity of the gun culture that has possessed everyone all the way up to the Supreme Court.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said: “This decision has made every single one of us less safe from gun violence.”
President Joe Biden said he was “deeply disappointed” in the ruling, which he said, “contradicts both common sense and the Constitution, and should deeply trouble us all.”
Not sure how the Supreme Court’s new decision impacts Lt. Figlia’s answer for the truck here in the Hudson Valley region.
Where Did This Legal Case Come From?
According to CNBC, “the case was brought by the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association and two of its members, Robert Nash and Brandon Koch, whose applications for concealed-carry handgun licenses for self-defense purposes were rejected. New York Supreme Court Justice Richard McNally ruled that neither man had shown proper cause to carry guns in public because they failed to demonstrate that they had a special need for self-protection.”
According to the NPR Legal Correspondent, Nina Totenberg, this Supreme Court is looking for cases it can make national changes on. This observation was supported by this reporting in CNBC regarding this gun law: “After a federal judge in New York dismissed the case, the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that judgment. The U.S. Supreme Court then took the case.”
As for this truck pulling into Beacon: it was spotted again headed south on 9D on Juneteenth afternoon, which was June 19, 2022. The truck pulled into Buffalo Wild Wings and parked alongside the resteraunt. A White man with a close clipped brown beard in a long sleeved cotton jersey walked around the truck, checked the 2nd Amendment flag pole with the pistol mounted on top, and went about his day.
Had the driver of this truck been a Black man, or an Arab man, or a Hispanic man, or an Indian man, or an Asian man, would the vehicle still be out on the road?
“On Friday, June 24th, in Newburgh, NY, Rhinebeck, NY and nationwide, abortion rights supporters will gather for a “Bans Off Our Bodies” day of action in support of abortion access and reproductive freedom.
The events are part of a nationwide response after a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion revealed the court soon plans to overturn Roe v. Wade and eliminate constitutional protections for abortion rights - a move that would likely lead 26 states to swiftly ban abortion.”
When: Friday June 24th, 2022
Rhinebeck Village, corner of Route 9 and Market St. from 7pm-8:30pm
Downing Park, Newburgh at 7:30pm
Centerway Square, Corning, NY from 8pm-9pm
Dewitt Park, Ithaca, NY from 8pm-9pm
Nassau County Courthouse, Mineola, NY from 6:30pm-7:45pm
Union Square, New York, NY from 8pm-9:30pm
Congress Park, Saratoga, NY from 8pm-9pm
YWCA, Kingston, NY from 6pm-7pm on Tuesday, June 28
In better news, registration for the Beacon Pool is open. The City of Beacon announced that they are indeed having fireworks on July 3rd in Memorial Park "at dark." Parking is limited and people are encouraged to walk or roll.
The message from Beacon's Recreation Department encourages people to call the Mayor's Office if they would like to make a donation. Historically, individual and outside volunteer groups ran Beacon's fireworks. It was not run by the City. In those times, donations were encouraged and accepted by those volunteer groups to their non-profit entities. This is a notable time in this moment where the City itself is asking for donations.
And as a reminder, when Independence Day on July 4th was declared, the Constitution was not written in a way that recognized BIOPIC (Black and Indigenous People Of Color) or White women. Not everyone was free.
THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE Book an Event Promotion Advertising spot here.
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Registration Open For The Beacon Pool
Pool Season: July 2 - September 4, 2022 Location: Settlement Park Information >
Rallies For Bans Off Our Bodies
Day: Friday, June 24, 2022 Location: Different Locations
Go to Downing Park in Newburgh. If you haven’t been to a rally over there yet, go. Said Councilmember Giselle Martinez, City of Newburgh: "I am not only heartbroken and worried but also angry. SCOTUS’ violent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is a threat to low-income, working class BIPOC communities throughout the nation. Although I know NYS will fight to protect our rights to reproductive healthcare, my heart goes out to the families in other states who do not have the same leadership fighting for their rights. No one is free until we are all free, this fight requires all people from local to federal levels of government to stand up for what is right." Information >
Office for the Aging Summer Picnic Series Returns with Traditional Picnic 2022
Day: Wednesday, June 29th, 2022 Time: Begins at 12pm Location: Thomas Boyce Park, 6420 NY 55, Wingdale
Proof of residency and advance reservations are both required, and space is limited; walk-ins cannot be accommodated. There is a $8 charge for each non-resident guest and those 59 or younger. Space is limited at each picnic, and residents who wish to reserve their space at the picnic are encouraged to call (866) 486-2555 during office hours.
Lyra Music Festival Day: Sunday, June 26, 2022 Time: 11am Location: Beacon Farmers Market, 223 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508
Free event! Information >
Lyra Music Presents: The Horszowski Trio (Jesse Mills, violin, Ole Akahoshi, cello, Rieko Aizawa, piano) Day: Wednesday, June 29, 2022 Time: 7pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main st. Beacon, NY
Giving performances that are lithe, persuasive (The New York Times), eloquent and enthralling (The Boston Globe), and described as the most compelling American group to come on the scene (The New Yorker), the Horszowski Trio has quickly become a vital force in the international chamber music world. Program: Smetana: Piano Trio in g minor, Op.15 Bernstein: Piano Trio Intermission Mendelssohn: Piano Trio #2 in c minor, Op.66 Information >
So many of you want to know which restaurants are open on Mondays!
So ALBB enhanced our Restaurant Guide to show you. See it here >
EAT CHURCH
3091 U.S. 9, Cold Spring, NY
Come and get your noodles, packed up and ready TO GO! From Marbled Meat Shop in Cold Spring! You gotta act quick because they are sure to sell out! Ohhhh some of them are vegan, dairy and gluten free! You can also find Eat Church at:
Industrial Arts Brewing
Fridays 3pm - 9pm
Saturdays 12pm - 9pm
Sundays 12pm - 7pm
You can also catch Eat Church:
Sundays at the Beacon Farmers Market &
ToGo at Marbled Meat Shop in Coldspring Keep up with all of the delicious pop-ups and events here > You can also visit their website for Weekly Menu/Specials > Website >
Eat Church is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193 Main St.
BBC runs out of their bread quick because it's made fresh daily every morning, exclusively using organic King Arthur Flour to ensure superior quality and flavor. In addition, the bakery team focuses on using seasonal, responsibly-sourced ingredients for various breakfast pastries and desserts, including croissants with imported French butter, financiers, canelés, and much more! Oh & their espresso bar holds the same quality standards for specialty coffees - locally-roasted beans, local Hudson Valley Fresh milk, and handcrafted syrups. OPEN:
Sunday-Thursday until 7 pm (Closed on Wednesday)
Friday + Saturday until 10 pm Happy Hour $7 ‘til 7 pm menu is available every day starting at 4 pm! Menu > Order Pick Up or Delivery > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Hot diggity dog! The hotdog from MOD has us drooling! Look at all of that goodness. Get it plain or add the chili and slaw (100% recommend) Don't forget that you can byob (build your own burger!) Veggie burger, chicken sandwich, and more! Stop into MOD this weekend for a guaranteed gooood lunch or dinner! Open Sunday thru Thursday for Food 11:30am - 9pm; Bar until 10pm Friday and Saturday Food 11:30am - 11:00pm; Bar until midnight. Order Now > Meyers Olde Dutch is a Sponsor, thank you!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Have you met these “Shmucks” yet?
They’re pretty sweet just like their ice cream! Stop by the HV Food Hall and sample their delicious sweets, they will even have some pup cups for your adorable 4 legged friends! 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 in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters Ciao Chow - Hand made pasta and fried rice Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Drink specials from Baja! Skinny pina colada, lavender lemonade, & blackberry basil margarita. Sounds so good & so refreshing! Stop in for all the good vibes, good food, and drinks. Sit out on Main St. by the garage doors and people watch (you know it's fun) PS: Different specials every week! You don't wanna miss out. See some examples here > PPS: Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6pm Check out their specialty drinks > Check out the specials >
BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN
244 Main St.
A plant-powered lunch break or quick dinner at its finest, a falafel wrap with hummus! Pair with a side of za’atar fries with spicy tahini, and you have one happy belly and happy soul! Ziatun is open until 9 for dine-in (outdoor and indoor), take-out and delivery! Check out their website to see the menu PS: Now also open on Tuesdays till 9pm! Ziatun is the go-to spot for commuters and "late night" eating Beacon-style. Menu > Order Online > HOURS
Monday + Thursday-Saturday 11 am-9pm
Tuesday + Wednesday 11 am-4pm
Sunday 11am-8pm Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
WITCH HAZEL Online Shop based in Beacon, NY!
PSA! Witch Hazel is opening the shop! We are so excited and we really can't hide it. We've tried some of their self care goods and when we tell you we're obsessed... Our current go-to right now is the Axiology Vegan Multi-Use Balmie! A 3-in-1 color crayons for eyes, lips, and cheeks. A win-win-WIN! We are loving the watermelon flavor but are excited to try peach next ;) Can't wait to shop in person! Shop the balmie here >
You can $hop Witch Hazel's Summer Edit here > Order florals > Follow Witch Hazel on Instagram! >
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon You just might find an autographed copy of a book in Binnacle Books because they do buy and find books from people, and sell them to you. The employees have been known to find forgotten notes inside of books, and other discoveries. Order ANY book you like from Binnacle Books on their website. It will be sourced and found and ready for you to pick up at the shop. Binnacle is *Open daily!
Binnacle Books is proud to partner with Beacon Prison Rides and Beacon Prison Action on the Beacon Prison Books Project. Read more about it here >
Shop online > Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!
BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon
What's the smell in your bathroom? You just scrubbed the tub, and checked behind the toilet. Oooooh, it's the mildew-y shower curtain liner! You could soak it in bleach to get all that mold off, or your could get a fresh one at Brett's Hardware. Along with an entire curtain rod, and hooks. Because Brett's has everything. OPEN
Monday-Friday 7:30am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Luxe Optique - where you can find the most beautiful and most fashionable reading, sunglasses, fashion, etc. This fine eyewear shop has so many amazing styles and has professional doctors of optometry on staff to make sure you're getting what you need and what you want! Shop the Luxe Optique Collection >
Check out Luxe Optique's Instagram to see the best eyewear collections and how you can style them!
PS: Appointments required for exams. HOURS:
Monday 10 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Closed on Sundays Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
When it comes to your business, proper insurance coverage will help protect you from losses that may occur during the normal course of operations. Speak with Antalek & Moore about the risks that may be unique to your situation, as they understand that no two businesses are alike. Latest Announcements > Antalek & Moore 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. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Okay, it's time... upgrade your website! Your business is constantly growing and your website should reflect that! Customers are constantly checking in to see whats new and you must show them and tell them. Let us help! Learn About This Service > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you!
HIRING: Part-Time Sales Associated At NFP: New Form Perspective Details >
Imani Perry has published many books, earned many degrees, traveled to many states within these United States, all to translate and tell the story of the characteristics and developments that happened here and before "here" was here as we know it today. As she says in her book, South to America: A Journey Below The Mason-Dixon To Understand The Soul Of A Nationin reference to the birth of America: "There are so many birth dates: 1492, 1520, 1619, 1776, 1804, 1865, 1954, 1964, 1965."
On Juneteenth 2022, Imani was standing alone on the Bardavon Presents stage in a long black dress with a capped shoulder sleeve, her curly bangs spilling out of her bun and her nails painted a light glossy pink, serving as a focal point as she rubbed her hands together before letting her fingers fly open when she told the audience her story of Juneteenth and what it has meant in her life as a Black woman living in America.
The theater was about a third full with a mixture of older Black women and men, and many more older White women and men who came as a couple or separate. She thanked Poughkeepsie for having her, and let us know she had been here many times to visit friends and family.
Editor’s Note: Grammatically for this first time in this blog, the “W” is capitalized in White because Imani has declared in her book she is doing it, even though it’s not been formally adopted by style guides yet. ALBB has also wanted to capitalize it, and will follow her style.
Imani was at Bardavon to promote her books with a book signing at the end, but she spoke with dedication about Juneteenth, aka Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Black Independence Day. The date of this author talk was June 19, 2022, which also happened to fall on Father’s Day this year. Immediately, Imani connected the two holidays by sharing how her father, an social justice mover, would not let her family celebrate the Independence Day of July 4th. His reasoning, Imani said, was that Independence Day on July 4th established in 1776 was not inclusive of African Americans at that time, as they remained enslaved. As a compromise, her child self asked her father if she could celebrate July 4th in the form of a protest.
Imani went on to share thoughts on how fathers might have felt when they learned about the Emancipation Proclamation. Imani imagined how a the African descended father might feel when he learned he was free, as his thoughts traveled to his children and how they were free. But his children most likely had been taken from him and sold at auction, so he did not know where they were.
Imani also wondered how the father might feel about having the ability to name his own child. She took that moment to expand on the roll of the grandmother in enslaved families; how the grandmother was often at the center of the remaining family because so many different family members were taken out of the group at any given time to be sold.
Imani insisted that Juneteenth was a day of jubilation. That it is celebrated with red food, like red velvet cake and watermelon (also a resistance food for Palestinians). In Beacon, the group Beacon4Black Lives organized a BBQ of jubilation for all community members to attend, making a point to say that it was not a protest this time, but a day of joy. Beacon4Black Lives organized a majority of protest marches down Main Street followed by speaking opportunities at open mikes in 2020.
Back in the Bardavon, Imani, in her cheer for the day of jubilee, did quietly say that Juneteenth was also “a day of rage.” Perhaps she was feeling the words in her book, South To America, where she writes in her Introduction: “A flock of black skimmers might have flown over the slave pens that night. Or rested there, callow jailbirds. How could they know their presence taunted, that the people inside wished they could fly? Or that the nights they were up, bodies rubbed with beef tallow, hair painted to gleaming black, faces scrubbed, had the most terrible foreboding? Sale tomorrow.”
After reading images like these, recalls of history, the sentances helps give meaning to regularly listened to songs, like “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” when sung by Nina Simone, written by Billy Taylor and released in 1967. Particularly this passage that Nina Simone sings resonates with Imani’s detail about wishing to fly:
Well, I wish I could be like a bird in the sky How sweet it would be if I found I could fly Oh, I'd soar to the sun and look down at the sea And then I'd sing 'cause I'd know, yeah Then I'd sing 'cause I'd know, yeah Then I'd sing 'cause I'd know I'd know how it feels I'd know how it feels to be free, yeah, yeah
Imani suggested why deep belly laughs in the community were so important - to release stress in order to go to sleep and wake up to face another day. Each day had hope. She encouraged us to read the Emancipation Proclamation - it’s very short - to see how it was worded. Abraham Lincoln’s executive order specifies certain states, leaves out others, and recommends African Americans to continue laboring but for “reasonable wages” this time, create no violence “except in self-defense,” while making it very clear that they will be received into the military should they want to pick up arms and serve in several parts of the military. The involvement of Black soldiers helped the Union win the war, as well as battles and wars before and after the Civil War.
Imani concluded her talk, and opened the one-way dialogue up to a Q+A session with the audience. Several hands flew up, and she took questions graciously asked from vulnerable places and provided her responses from her perspective in a non-judgement zone.
About Imani Perry
Imani is the Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and a faculty associate with the Programs in Law and Public Affairs, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Jazz Studies.
She is a scholar of law, literary and cultural studies, and an author of creative nonfiction. She earned her Ph.D. in American Studies from Harvard University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, an LLM from Georgetown University Law Center and a BA from Yale College in Literature and American Studies.
Her writing and scholarship primarily focuses on the history of Black thought, art, and imagination crafted in response to, and resistance against, the social, political and legal realities of domination in the West. She seeks to understand the processes of retrenchment after moments of social progress, and how freedom dreams are nevertheless sustained.
Her book: Vexy Thing: On Gender and Liberation (Duke University Press 2018) is a work of critical theory that contends with the formation of modern patriarchy at the dawn of capitalism, the transatlantic slave trade, and the age of conquest, and traces it through to the contemporary hypermedia neoliberal age. Her book More Beautiful and More Terrible: The Embrace and Transcendence of Racial Inequality in the United States (NYU Press, 2011) is an examination of contemporary practices of racial inequality that are sustained and extended through a broad matrix of cultural habits despite formal declarations of racial equality.
ALBB is constantly working to update the Summer Camp Guide to make sure we are getting you the information you need and getting it to you ASAP!
If you run a Summer Camp and want to add more details and photos, consider upgrading to a sponsored listing so that we can show those lovely photos and gush about the themed weeks you have planned! Learn more here >
But first, we wanted to share with you that I Am Beacon is offering a Summer Youth Program!
They will be offering the program on Saturday mornings from 11am - 12:30pm to explore digital art using iPad Pros and Procreate.
Sessions run on Saturday mornings from July 9 to August 13
Over 6 weeks, you will work on iPad illustration, create a digital poster design, create in augmented reality (AR), and then show it all off and display them at the back to school block party!
Spaces in the program will be limited with only 8 spots! However, if you own an iPad and Apple Pencil, you can be accommodated too.
There is no cost to participate in this course.
You can find more info in ALBB’s Summer Camp Guide or click here >
It's Juneteenth on Sunday! Let us remember that this holiday of independence for African Americans living in the USA is a holiday of delay of freedom and decency - delay that processes can create, and that laws can create in plain sight to make people not matter.
Juneteenth has been celebrated by the Black community since 2 years after the Civil War ended and the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, abolishing slavery. Enslaved people in Texas were never told about President Abraham Lincoln's executive order declaring enslaved people to be free. Two years later, a Union soldier rode into town to deliver the news. The response from the African American community was jubilation and celebration with music, food and community.
Juneteenth is also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Black Independence Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day, according to Britannica. Despite these words of freedom, the Black community would be kept down by Jim Crow Laws, making it nearly impossible for them to vote, own property, and other basic functions of living in the United States of America.
For the first time since 1865 - that's 157 years later - the holiday became a national (paid in some cases) holiday, made possible by President Joe Biden. One hundred and fifty seven years is a lot of delay! Especially evident as many in the white community only learned about Juneteenth in 2020 during the first months of racial re-awakening in our time.
Thanks to notifications in the Beacon Free Press and a great roundup at the Chronogram, we are able to share several Juneteenth events that you can participate in. For staying in place, the Highlands Current has been printing a great series on Black history in the Hudson Valley. Do give it a read and a listen to their podcast. The stories told by elders in the Black community here tell of experiences and an at times continued way of life that is not acceptable and rooted in strange comfort.
Also a great listen is the reading of essays from the students for the 2022 Martin Luther King Essay Contest at Beacon's City Council Workshop Meeting this week. The ceremony, usually held in February, had been delayed numerous times. Former Councilmember Ali Muhammad suggested hosting it during a Community Segment of the public meeting, so that you can have a chance to hear the kids read their essays on video. Give a listen (it's in the beginning).
PS: Speaking of the other Independence Day on July 4th, the Mayor announced during that meeting that July 4th event details if any were supposed to come down that night, but perhaps will come next week.
PPS: The Saugerties Town Board voted to cancel a scheduled gun show that was to be held at the Kiwanis Ice Arena, an event organized by David and Cathy Petronis, as reported in the Times Herald-Record. The Saugerties Police Chief Joseph Sinagra released a statement with comments from Petronis and Town Supervisor Fred Costello Jr. citing "recent mass shootings around the country" as the reason for the discomfort. David Patronis was in favor of continuing the show, and lamented the loss of revenue for small business, but it seemed many in the community and law enforcement did not want the event.
AND: Happy Fathers Day! Shop and Dine on Main Street!! To your heart's content.
Everyone: A GREAT Thank You to our sponsors in the Shopping and Restaurant Guides, and the Business Directory featured below. It is with their support, and reader support, that we produce this publication. Please make a point to give them your patronage. Thank you!
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.
Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade and Katie Hellmuth Martin
Office for the Aging Summer Picnic Series Returns with Traditional Picnic 2022
Day: Wednesdays, June 22, June 29 Time: Begins at 12pm Location: Thomas Boyce Park, 6420 NY 55, Wingdale
Proof of residency and advance reservations are both required, and space is limited; walk-ins cannot be accommodated. There is a $8 charge for each non-resident guest and those 59 or younger. Space is limited at each picnic, and residents who wish to reserve their space at the picnic are encouraged to call (866) 486-2555 during office hours.
1st Annual Pride in Beacon Day: Saturday, June 18, 2022 Time: 2pm - 6pm Location: The Yard, Beacon, NY
A free family event! A dance party with an epic DJ! Come dance and frolic at this outdoor community event. Good treats, good eats, local vendors- random prizes! Arts and crafts! Information >
Juneteenth The Cookout Day: Sunday, June 19, 2022 Time: 6pm Location: @ The Yard, 4 Hanna Lane, Beacon, NY
Tell your friends and bring your aunties- the third annual Juneteenth celebration is happening and you’re all invited to the cookout! Lots of food, games, a community playlist to dance to, tarot readings, and more! This isn’t a protest, just a celebration of black culture and community. In the spirit of community, we encourage y’all to make this cookout a potluck and bring your best dish (suggestion not a requirement). This event is free and for people of all ages. On site parking is limited. Masks are not required in outdoor spaces, however we do ask that you where them when entering indoor facilities on site, and be mindful and respectful of people who choose to wear them. If you are feeling sick or have ANY symptoms, we ask that you sit this one out. Information >
Author Imani Perry At Bardavon For Juneteenth For Her Book "South To America"
Day: Sunday, June 19, 2022 Time: 5pm Location: Bardavon Presents, Poughkeepsie, NY
The author and multi-degree earner Imani Perry will speak on her new book South to America, followed by a Q & A and a book signing in the Bardavon lobby. In her new book South to America, the author seeks to change how people view the American South and, thus, the country’s history as a whole. Her writing and scholarship primarily focuses on the history of Black thought, art, and imagination crafted in response to, and resistance against, the social, political and legal realities of domination in the West. She seeks to understand the processes of retrenchment after moments of social progress, and how freedom dreams are nevertheless sustained. Information >
The City of Peekskill Youth Bureau's 11th Annual Juneteenth Celebration Day: Saturday, June 18, 2022 Time: 12pm-5pm Location: Depew Park, Peekskill, NY Reported by the Chronogram: "This year’s event theme is celebrating African American firsts. Honored guests and Grand Marshals of the event are Joan Battle King, the first Black woman to own a licensed childcare facility in Peekskill; Judge Reginald Johnson, the first Black judge in Peekskill; Mayor Vivienne McKenzie, the first Black woman mayor in Peekskill; and the first Black deputy County Executive in Westchester. Freedom Day celebrations will include plenty of music, art, and dancing, with marching bands, jazz, gospel, hip hop, African drums and dance, and spoken word, plus food and craft vendors. " Information >
Resistance Revival Chorus At Bardavon In Kingston Day: Saturday, June 18, 2022 Time: 7pm Location: Bardavon Ulster Performing Arts Center in Kingston, NY Reported by the Chronogram: "The group is made up of over 60 women and nonbinary performers highlighting and uplifting their peers voices. Members of the group represent a variety of career paths, including musicians, actors, activists, educators and other creatives. The singers focus on breathing joy and song into the gender equality movement." Information >
Q POP Hosts Film Festival & Night Market for Juneteenth Day: Saturday, June 18, 2022 Time: 6:30pm Location: Elmendorf Lot @ the corner of Broadway, Midtown Kingston, NY Reported by the Chronogram: "Queerteenth Film Festival & Night Market. The festival will feature films from Black and Black Queer filmmakers and guest speakers. The theme for this year's film festival is celebrating Black creativity, Black and Queer multiplicity, its place in Queer spaces, and liberation. All filmmakers in the area identifying as artists of the African Diaspora are welcome to enter a film for free. There will be a cash prize for the best film as voted by the audience. All admission to the event is free." Information >
Q POP Hosts Block Party For Juneteenth Day: Sunday, June 19, 2022 Time: 6:30pm Reported by the Chronogram: "Q POP celebrations will continue on June 19 at 2pm at Block Park on Abeel Street with a block party, marketplace, and wellness event. The event will have local musicians, grilled food, farmers from the area with local produce, and wellness practitioners offering their healing experiences." Information >
The Hudson River Maritime Museum:“Indigenous Removal in the Hudson Valley During the French & Indian War”
Day: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 Time: 7pm Location: Virtual Via Zoom
The lecture will discuss an attempt by the colonial governments of New York and New Jersey, as well as Sir William Johnson, the British superintendent of Indian affairs, to remove members of Algonquian-speaking Native groups from the wider Hudson Valley region during the Seven Years’ War (1754-63). Information >
BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193 Main St.
It's the weekend and all we can think about is sipping on this absolutely summery Watermelon + Mint Margarita all weekend! Join BBC for awesome, new cocktail specials, and obviously for brunch/lunch! Happy Hour is from 4-7 (with $7 food + drinks!) TGIF! OPEN:
Sunday-Thursday until 7 pm (Closed on Wednesday)
Friday + Saturday until 10 pm Happy Hour $7 ‘til 7 pm menu is available every day starting at 4 pm! Menu > Order Pick Up or Delivery > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
MEYERS OLDE DUTCH
184 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Weekend plans = Yummy Single Dutch Goodness from MODr! The only thing that can make this better is actually holding one and eating one with friends, family, or even yourself! Guaranteed to fill your belly and your soul. Never ever forget the dirty fries. Open Sunday thru Thursday for Food 11:30am - 9pm; Bar until 10pm Friday and Saturday Food 11:30am - 11:00pm; Bar until midnight. Order Now > Meyers Olde Dutch is a Sponsor, thank you!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
You want & you NEED the Hummus Plate from Hudson Shawarma. Stop in the HV Food Hall this weekend for all the goods! 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 in a well-ventilated space with Outdoor Patio! Shmuck's Sweet Stuff: Local Ice Cream, Hot Waffles, and Other Sweet Stuff Hudson Shawarma: Falafels, shawarma, baklava, and platters Ciao Chow - Hand made pasta and fried rice Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!
BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Nothing like the calamari from Baja! Especially when you can enjoy it outside by the garage doors/ or inside by the garage doors! Good vibes & good food = Baja! Stop in this weekend & don't forget to try their Spring drink specials! PS: Different specials every week! You don't wanna miss out. See some examples here > PPS: Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6pm Check out their specialty drinks > Check out the specials >
BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN
244 Main St.
Happy Friday! Don’t forget to treat yourself this weekend to something delicious like the Rice Bowl from Ziatun! It is one of our favorites because it includes a little bit of everything- seasoned basmati rice, salad, baba ghanoush, hummus, and beet-pickled turnips. Open today until 9pm, with a few outside tables available! Easy online ordering for pick-up and delivery! PS: Now also open on Tuesdays till 9pm! Ziatun is the go-to spot for commuters and "late night" eating Beacon-style. Menu > Order Online > HOURS
Monday + Thursday-Saturday 11 am-9pm
Tuesday + Wednesday 11 am-4pm
Sunday 11am-8pm Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
WITCH HAZEL Online Shop based in Beacon, NY!
We are obsessing over this new planter from Witch Hazel! This is Vivian, and talk about a classy gal. Vivian is a black and white marbled concrete planter, hand-poured to perfection. She also has handy little rubber feet to protect windowsills and other surfaces. Vivian deserves a place in your home, no? You can $hop Witch Hazel's Summer Edit here >
& trust us, you want to! Buy it here > Order florals > Follow Witch Hazel on Instagram! >
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon What are you reading this summer? You're gonna need something good to occupy you at the beach, at a picnic, out in the backyard, or in bed! Find a bunch of hidden gems at Binnacle Books! And if you're not sure what to find, or what you're interested in, the crew is more than happy to help! Books bought & books sold! Order ANY book you like from Binnacle Books on their website. It will be sourced and found and ready for you to pick up at the shop. PS: We are ordering Imani Perry's book Vexy Thing: On Gender and Liberation tonight, because you can order any book from Binnacle on their website. Binnacle is *Open daily!
Binnacle Books is proud to partner with Beacon Prison Rides and Beacon Prison Action on the Beacon Prison Books Project. Read more about it here >
Shop online > Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!
BRETT'S HARDWARE 18 West Main Street, Beacon
The vintage Edison bulbs are so pretty, you can take off your vintage glass coverings from your 1980s ceiling fan to expose them. Yup! Available at Brett's in different shapes and sizes. OPEN
Monday-Friday 7:30am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm Brett's Hardware is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Wondering if you made the decision to purchase new eyewear from Luxe Optique yet?! You know you wanna! I mean, c'mon, you can wear anything (sweats and pjs) and still look so fab as long as you have Luxe Optique! Reading, sunglasses, fashion, whatever ya want, just make the appt and stop in!
Check out Luxe Optique's Instagram to see the best eyewear collections and how you can style them!
PS: Appointments required for exams. HOURS:
Monday 10 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Closed on Sundays Shop Online > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
ANTALEK & MOORE INSURANCE AGENCY
340 Main Street, Beacon
Head on over to Antalek & Moore's website to subscribe to their monthly newsletter! Never miss out on the latest company updates, industry news, and more. Antalek & Moore is your one stop shop for all insurance needs! Latest Announcements > Antalek & Moore 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. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Okay, it's time... upgrade your website! Your business is constantly growing and your website should reflect that! Customers are constantly checking in to see whats new and you must show them and tell them. Let us help! Learn About This Service > Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you!
HIRING: Part-Time Sales Associated At NFP: New Form Perspective Details >
The author and multi-degree earner Imani Perry will speak on her new book South to America, followed by a Q & A and a book signing in the Bardavon lobby. The event is free, and is presented by the Poughkeepsie Public Library District and Bardavon Presents. Tickets are limited to two per person and can be reserved here. Imani is an American interdisciplinary scholar of race, law, literature, and African-American culture. Order the book online from Binnacle Books in Beacon.
In her new book South to America, the author seeks to change how people view the American South and, thus, the country’s history as a whole. Her writing and scholarship primarily focuses on the history of Black thought, art, and imagination crafted in response to, and resistance against, the social, political and legal realities of domination in the West. She seeks to understand the processes of retrenchment after moments of social progress, and how freedom dreams are nevertheless sustained. Her book: Vexy Thing: On Gender and Liberation (Duke University Press 2018) is a work of critical theory that contends with the formation of modern patriarchy at the dawn of capitalism, the transatlantic slave trade, and the age of conquest, and traces it through to the contemporary hypermedia neoliberal age. Her book More Beautiful and More Terrible: The Embrace and Transcendence of Racial Inequality in the United States (NYU Press, 2011) is an examination of contemporary practices of racial inequality that are sustained and extended through a broad matrix of cultural habits despite formal declarations of racial equality.
Imani is the author of 6 other books, including Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry, which received the Pen Bograd-Weld Award for Biography, The Phi Beta Kappa Christian Gauss Award for outstanding work in literary scholarship, the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Nonfiction and the Shilts-Grahn Award for nonfiction from the Publishing Triangle. Looking for Lorraine was also named a 2018 notable book by the New York Times, and a honor book by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. It was a finalist for the African American Intellectual History Society Paul Murray Book Prize. Her book May We Forever Stand: A History of the Black National Anthem, winner of the 2019 American Studies Association John Hope Franklin Book Award for the best book in American Studies, the Hurston Wright Award for Nonfiction, and finalist for an NAACP Image Award in Nonfiction. Her most recent book is: Breathe: A Letter to My Sons (Beacon Press, 2019) which was a finalist for the 2020 Chautauqua Prize and a finalist for the NAACP Image Award for Excellence in Nonfiction.
Imani is the Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and a faculty associate with the Programs in Law and Public Affairs, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Jazz Studies. She is a scholar of law, literary and cultural studies, and an author of creative nonfiction. She earned her Ph.D. in American Studies from Harvard University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, an LLM from Georgetown University Law Center and a BA from Yale College in Literature and American Studies.
On June 4th, 2022, the City of Beacon hosted the Raising of its Progress Pride Flag. During this event, Mayor Kyriacou announced a Proclamation Of the Month Of June as Pride Month. ALBB is republishing the speeches of KkDevina Naimool and Donna Minkowitz. Kara Marie Dean read and co-authored the Community Pledge of Human Rights Commission (HRC) of the City of Beacon (KkDevina is another co-author). As background, when Mayor Lee Kyriacou was elected Mayor, he purchased the Pride flag with his own personal funds, he noted during City Council Meetings, when the City of Beacon began raising the flag each June.
kk (kay-kay, all pronouns), is a Founding Partner at Collective Justice, and is the Human Rights Commissioner for the City of Beacon’s Human Rights Commission. Please see their reaction to the 2022 Buffalo massacre here here, as well as the reaction from the granddaughter of one of those who were murdered.
What follows below are speeches delivered at the raising of the flag:
Preamble By kk naimool
kk naimool, Human Rights Commissioner for City of Beacon’s Human Rights Commission. Photo Credit: LinkedIn
On Saturday May 14th, 2022, 10 Black Americans were murdered, in a racially motivated attack at a local grocery in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Buffalo, NY. That shooter drove 2 hours from his home in Conklin, NY to Buffalo, NY.
2 hours in another direction sits the City of Beacon.
Altogether, this year alone there have been 233 mass shootings in our country and more than 18,000 deaths from gun violence.
Today, WE, the City of Beacon’s Human Rights Commission, stand together with ALL of our Beacon community to celebrate life, promote community safety, and stand up to bigotry.
The Pride flag is a symbol of unity, a celebration of diversity and a rejection of systems of oppression. As we enter into the month of June, LGBTQ Pride Month, we remember the Stonewall Riots and the rallying cry of Black Trans Women who demanded justice and pushed back against government sanctioned violence.
We encourage our community members to come together to mourn, to stand in solidarity with our community members against bigotry and hatred.
We encourage our community members to come together and celebrate life
We encourage our Beacon community to join us as we work together to build a better Beacon.
Speech From Donna Minkowitz
Memoirist and journalist, Donna Minkowitz Photo Credit: Donna Minkowitz
I would like to speak about the national context in which we are raising this pride flag today. The previous five years have seen an unprecedented attack on the trans community in this country, coordinated by the right wing, in which states have passed over 20 laws that target trans people, and especially trans youth.
Some make it a felony for parents or doctors to help trans young people get the healthcare they need, one in Texas requires the government to investigate parents who support their trans kids for child abuse. Some make it illegal for people to change the gender under which the state categorizes them, and some ban trans youngsters from participating in sports or even using the bathrooms corresponding to their gender. Over 300 more such laws are currently under consideration in state legislatures.
The result is terror and extreme hardship for these young people and their families, and horribly, an increase in youth suicide in a population that is already at major risk for suicidality.
I want to talk about the reason for this massive, coordinated attack, which has also shown up locally in the attempts to ban books like Gender Queer and to pack the school board in Wappingers to prevent modest efforts to teach children about diverse students and families.
“Of course, the right wing is continuing to target lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people, but the latter have more allies than trans people currently do, so trans and non-binary people make the more appealing target.”
— Donna Minkowitz
Why has the right wing chosen to go after trans and non-binary people especially? Because they can. Because it is an issue of opportunity, and to gain power, they always need a scapegoat, someone to drum up fear and hatred against. Currently in the United States, they've decided that trans and gender nonconforming people are the people they can otherize to good effect, the people they can make the majority agree to hurt.
In a different but simultaneous campaign, they are also raising panic about the growing demographic power of people of color. Of course, the right wing is continuing to target lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people, but the latter have more allies than trans people currently do, so trans and non-binary people make the more appealing target.
It is incumbent on all of us to stand up and fight the attempt to demonize all these beautiful, strong, and supremely valuable members of our community, and not let the right wing pick us off one by one like this. When we agree to protect all of us, we refuse to let them target and hurt a single member of our community. Thank you.
City of Beacon’s Human Rights Commission’s Community Pledge
We believe that communities are made safer for all residents and visitors when every community member - regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, nationality, preferred language, immigration status, age, disability, education or socio-economic status - feels comfortable and safe residing, living, working and/or visiting the City of Beacon.
Every community member has the right to live, work or visit in our community without fear of violence or attack.
Every community member should be able to live, work or visit in conditions of safety, security and dignity.
Every neighborhood and area of the City of Beacon should be a protected space of community members to live, work and fulfill their potential.
As a member of our Beacon community, we uphold the above to be true and pledge to:
Come out as an ally, by creating welcoming and affirming spaces for all members of our Beacon community.
Stand up in response to acts that violate an individual's rights to live, work or visit in our community without fear of violence or attack.
All members of the Beacon community including organizations, businesses, and individuals are invited to join us in the commitment by signing their names. Visit www.bit.ly/hrcpledge.com
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A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
Registration Open For The Beacon Pool
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
The Hudson River Maritime Museum: “Indigenous Removal in the Hudson Valley During the French & Indian War”
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
