Order Up! Mr. V’s Deli To Remain Open - Still Accepting Buyer Offers

Maggie had a different demeanor when ALBB caught up with her one afternoon at the beginning of July, after she indicated in May that she might close if she didn’t find a buyer when her lease was ending.

So…was she closing? “No,” Maggie replied with a smile while cleaning the meat slicer. “We’re open and still here.” She did not find the right buyer yet, and is still accepting suitors. Until then, her lease has gone month to month, and she is happy with her landlord.

Are the people happy? “Yes,” Maggie said.

Are you happy? “Yes. I felt the support.”

And with that, Maggie continued working, to be seen the next day, keeping the beat, feeding Beacon those egg sandwiches and Italian combo subs.

Collective sigh of relief commenced.

That Time A Lease Termination Notice Giving 3 Days Notice Was Taped To The Boards Of John's Shoe Repair Shop After The Fire Months Prior

After the fire back in July 2022 that destroyed Mr. Bell’s Main Street Beauty Salon at 209 Main Street, the shoe cobbler next door, John’s Shoe Repair, also suffered smoke damage.

Before the fire, the building was about to change owners, and the shoe repair shop had negotiated a multi-year lease with their previous landlord, Joe Donovan, in preparation for the sale to Fadil Mavraj of 201-211 Main Street, LLC, as reported in the Highlands Current..

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The shoe repair shop’s notice to customers on where to find them around the corner on S. Brett Street while the space was renovated.

After the fire, the shoe repair shop owners YunTae “John” Oh and his wife, HwaJa Oh tried to work without electricity, but moved operations to a house around the corner on South Brett Street. A note with directions on how to get there with open hours was written and taped to the boards that were to remain up months after the fire. The note read: “Renovation will take a bit longer than we thought. At this time, we will be taking customers at our house. Until further notice, it is a 2 minute car ride from here...Please call or come to my house S. Brett Street. Rear Beacon NY.”

Renovations had been taking a long time. The fire happened in July 2022. Before the fire, Joe told the Highlands Current that he was scheduled to close on the sale of the building that housed the shoe repair shop to “Fadil Mavraj, the developer of the 206-208 Main St. building, within weeks.” The lease for the shoe repair shop was untouched, but “Donovan quickly determined it would not be possible to restore the barbershop before the sale, and terminated Bell’s lease at 211 Main,” he told the newspaper.

The sale of the building happened after the fire. Joe told ALBB: “The sale of 201-211 Main Street closed on 14-Sep-2022. The buyer was 201-211 Main Street LLC, whose principals constructed and own the nearby building [across the street] at 206 Main Street (on the corner of Digger Phelps).”

In October, with YunTae and HwaJa operating from the house on S. Brett Street, an affiliate of the new owners of the building was outside on the sidewalk. ALBB asked him when the shop would be able to open again, and he said he did not know, but was trying to help customers find their shoes.

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The lease termination letter from 201-211 Main Street, LLC, Landlord and Owner, signed
By Lendita Mavraj, Manager, stating that the shoe repair shop needed to vacate within 3 days.

Within days, the shoe repair shop’s lease termination notice was taped to the boards of the shop. ALBB took a picture of it and showed it to HwaJa at the house. HwaJa expressed shock at seeing the notice, and said she had not seen it yet. She immediately called her daughter, who often serves as a translator for her parents in their business.

The lease termination letter stated that their lease would be terminated 3 days from the date of it being taped to the board. It also stated that they had 3 days to vacate the property and remove all of their things.

The couple’s daughter told ALBB that her mother was shocked to see her name on the letter that was posted publicly. She said that her parents were willing to pay a higher price and wanted to negotiate, but ultimately, felt the rent too expensive for them.

The lease termination letter is reprinted in full below:

To: Ja Oh Hwa
209 Main Street
Beacon, NY 12508

Lease between 201-211 Main Street, LLC with Ja Oh Hwa
Premises: 209 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508

Dated: October 12, 2022

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that your Lease for the above-described premises will be canceled three (3) days from the date of service of this Notice upon you.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the premises have incurred significant fire damage and have been declared unusable by the Landlord. The Landlord therefore exercises its option under paragraph 14 of the Lease dated July 1, 2022, to cancel said Lease on three (3) days notice.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that you and all persons occupying the above described premises must vacate said premises, return all keys to the Landlord and remove all property, furniture, belongings and personal effects in and on the above-described premises no later than three (3) days after the service of this Notice upon you.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that in the event of your failure to vacate the premises within three (3) days of the service of this Notice upon you, the Landlord will commence summary proceedings to recover possession of the premises.

This Notice is being issued at least three (3) days prior to the date you must vacate the premises.

201-211 Main Street, LLC, Landlord and Owner
By: Lendita Mavraj, Manager

New Location and Equipment Fundraiser For John’s Shoe Repair

The couple has found a new location in the residential building behind Mountain Tops and Colorant, a property that Joe Donovan owns. According to the Highlands Current article, “Joe Donovan paid to move and store the couple’s equipment after the fire; John and HwaJa used their retirement money to move the equipment into the new space.”

However, the space is too small to accommodate their largest machine, and they held a fundraiser to raise $12,000 to buy a smaller one. While they raised $2,300, it has not been enough to purchase the machine. The fundraiser remains open.

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The Ironic And Unplanned Retirement of Mr. Alvin Bell: "Bad Things Happen To Good People Too"

In 2019, the Chronogram ran a feature story on Beacon called "Development in the Spotlight" which featured different types of businesses who opened and closed in Beacon in recent years, and why they might have succeeded. Included in the feature was one of Beacon's most famed and loved barber, Mr. Alvin Bell. At age 54, after being downsized at the Nabisco plant that would become Dia:Beacon, which sparked Beacon's revitalization, Mr. Bell opened his salon, Main Street Beauty Salon, to continue his survival in Beacon on Main Street. He maintained the salon for over 30 years. The salon was located next to BJ’s Soul Food.

In July 2022, a spark popped in the vicinity of Mr. Bell's salon, which ended up destroying the salon. After 3pm when everyone had left for the day and the salon was empty, a woman working at the pizza shop next door saw smoke coming out of the bottom of the salon door.

Within hours, his salon was destroyed. Back in 2019, the writer of the Chronogram piece wondered if the success of some businesses was by “magic.” The end certainly went up in smoke.

Quoted from the Chronogram: "It [Beacon] is a place where people like 84-year-old barber Alvin Bell, who spent 27 years working at the Nabisco factory before it was transformed into Dia:Beacon, can open up a business that survives for 30 years and counting.

"Perhaps it's magic. But magic is what the magician does just out of sight while you're distracted by the waving handkerchief. Magic is what happens unheralded and unseen, just beyond the spotlight. You want magic? Show up and do the work," declared the reporter.

Mr. Bell’s success was not magic, but he had blessings and a good landlord along the way, helping to make success possible and his rent affordable. By the time the fire engulfed his salon, his original landlord had sold to a new owner.

The property changed hands after longtime owners, the Piccone family sold 20 parcels on the west end of Main Street to Joseph H. Donovan of Hudson Todd LLC. This included properties where businesses such as Mountain Tops, the Mountain Scout (now Utensil), Miss Vickie’s Music (now Colorant), and others were located. After the sale, long-time businesses moved around at that time so that run-down properties could be renovated and rented for presumably higher rents. Most properties were replaced by existing local Beacon businesses who were relocating and could afford the higher rent in a renovated space.

The new owners at that time, Hudson Todd LLC, worked with some business owners to find new locations. One such person was Miss Vickie’s Music, who Hudson Todd LLC’s helped move to the row of apartments behind Mr. Bell’s salon. Mr. Bell and the shoe cobbler, John’s Shoe Repair, were not moved. They stayed put, even though their spaces were quite old and not renovated.

According to Joseph H. Donovan when asked by ALBB, the sale of the building housing Mr. Bell, John’s Shoe Repair, and the apartments behind which housed Miss Vickie and others, was sold in September. Joseph told ALBB: “The sale of 201-211 Main Street closed on 14-Sep-2022. The buyer was 201-211 Main Street LLC, whose principals constructed and own the nearby building [across the street] at 206 Main Street (on the corner of Digger Phelps).”

The day of the fire, Miss Vickie saw the smoke, but neither fire nor smoke damage reached her apartment. Multiple fire engine companies were called to help put out the fire, which ended up destroying Mr. Bell’s Main Street Beauty Salon with heavy smoke damage to John’s Shoe Repair. Not holding business insurance, Mr. Bell had only what was left in the salon to start over. A GoFundMe page was started to raise cash for him, which it was later reported, he returned, which ALBB has also confirmed with his wife, Shirley. ALBB donated, and did so regardless of if he reopened or not.

Months later, it was reported by the Highlands Current that Joseph Donovan worked to secure Mr. Bell’s salon and John’s Shoe Repair Donovan locations with newly negotiated, multi-year leases. He told the newspaper: “We did that so each of the them would have stability in their current locations after the sale.”

But after the fire, he ended up terminating Mr. Bell’s lease before the sale closed, according to the article. According to the article: “But by then, the merchants had signed their leases and Donovan was scheduled to close on the sale to Fadil Mavraj, the developer of the 206-208 Main St. building, within weeks. Donovan quickly determined it would not be possible to restore the barbershop before the sale, and terminated Bell’s lease at 211 Main.”

ALBB’s interview and transcript with Mr. Bell on his feelings of his reluctant retirement is below. Listen to his voice and hear him tell it in his words.

Audio File Credit: The preparation and compression of this audio file was made possible by Tha’Max Studio and Tin Shingle.

ALBB: “Hi, this is Katie Hellmuth with A Little Beacon Blog. I am standing outside of Mr. Alvin's former salon shop here on Main Street. Hello, Mr. Bill.”

Mr. Bell: “How you doing sis?”

ALBB: “I’m good, thank you. We're standing here in front of the boards, that’s boarded up because it burnt down, a bit ago.Will you be continuing in here?”

Mr. Bell: “No I’m not.”

ALBB: “Would you still be cutting hair had it not burned down?”

Mr. Bell: “Definitely. But now with rent going sky high, it's just crazy in Beacon. I don't want to go back to that headache no more. I'd rather just...resign...you know."

Editor’s Note: Mr. Bell could barely say the word "resign."

ALBB: "Maybe if there's a chair somewhere else on Main Street? You'll be behind it? Cutting hair?"

Mr. Bell: "Oh yeah, definate, definite, I'd do that. Mostly I miss my friends. So many beautiful people in the City of Beacon. What I miss is people coming in from all over town. We sit and we'd talk. And I miss all that. And I miss all the pictures. I had pictures of everybody. That's what I miss more than cutting hair."

Editor’s Note: His salon was filled wall-to-wall with framed photos, certificates, awards and recognition. Most of which burned. A gentleman comes to interrupt:

Stranger: "Hey brother, the is your shop right here?"

Mr. Bell: "You know it brother man!" Mr. Bell continued with his infamous deep chuckle. "I miss everybody in Beacon now."

ALBB: "We saw you out here every single day."

Mr. Bell: "That's right. Sure did! And I love it. Everybody was so nice to me. Everybody in Beacon. The Chief of Police. Everybody."

ALBB: "Were you surprised when the burned down?"

Mr. Bell: "Yeah. I was very surprised."

ALBB: "How have you been feeling?"

Mr. Bell: "I've been feeling good physically and mentally, but I miss all my good friends. I miss my friends. I still got friends. Everyone says 'as long as you're in good health.' And I'm in good health. Sometimes things happen, and we don't know why they happen. I don't talk much about spirituality, only I am the central power, that kind of stuff, but, I'm a spiritual type of person. Bad things happen to good people too."

ALBB: "You brought with you today a picture of Pete Seeger. Tell us your back story.”

Mr. Bell: "And here's [a picture of an article in] A Little Beacon Blog!”

ALBB: "Yes! There's A Little Beacon Blog.

Mr. Bell: "Put that on there.”

ALBB: "Ok. Here we go. The article reads: ‘Alvin Bell Sr. Turns 85. He Was Awarded The Unofficial Mayor Of The City Of Beacon” And you were awarded that by Mayor Randy Casale at the time.”

Mr. Bell: "That's right.”

ALBB: "You're now holding the Chrongram Community Pages from May 2019, they did a huge feature of you. They were spotlighting as this was going up. And I see the 2 new apartment buildings next to he gas station. One of them was finished, and that one wasn't finished yet. They are both finished now. But there's a huge spread of you that they did on the other page, opposite that.”

Mr. Bell: "Will you take a picture of that?”

ALBB: “I will take a picture of that. Tell me about Pete Seeger. How is he in your heart?”

Mr. Bell: "Don't forget Chris. I sung with Chris. We went all over Beacon. Chris took me to places. I didn't know what was in Beacon. My favorite song is Victory is Mine. That's my favorite song. Pete used to come in - I never called him Pete.”

ALBB: "What did you call him?

Mr. Bell: "Mr. Seeger. You have to earn it. Also a picture of his wife. When she died and I went to the funeral, he gave me a beautiful picture of her. You see that? 3x Grammy. He gave it to me to put it in the shop. I had so many. I had 20, 30 award. Every Church gave me an award. But they all burn up, so. I don't know why, but. It really don't matter."

ALBB: "We are now looking at the Certificate of Recognition. For the Unofficial Mayor of Beacon. Signed by Randy Casale. The letter reads:

Dear Alvin Bell Senior:

I would like to wish you a very happy 85th birthday. You have been the unofficial mayor of the City of Beacon. Your barbershop has served Beacon residents in an exemplary fashion for nearly 3 decades. This community is grateful to have such a friendly and helpful role model. As a good friend of Pete Seeger, I know you have a good heart. Your children and those around you are blessed to learn from you every day. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for the City of Beacon. Happy Birthday, and I wish you many more to come.

Signed by Mayor Randy Casale

---

At the end of our interview, a man driving by pulled his car over and brought out his camera. He asked if he could take a picture of Mr. Bell. Being that Mr. Bell looks so dapper every day.

“Do you know who this person is?” ALBB asked. “No,” he replied, and asked to take his picture. Mr. Bell was flattered and agreed. The man snapped his photo and turned to leave. But not without ALBB forcing this story upon him before he drove away with another icon collected in his camera.

PS: Another beauty salon has since opened in the spot where Mr. Bell’s salon was. ALBB speaks on behalf of the community in welcoming them here and wishing them good luck.

Summer Luvin'...New Hot Dog Stand and Camp :: Retail Therapy Guide 7/7/2023

It's 2nd Saturday in Beacon this weekend! To find all of the galleries in one list, see ALBB's Art Gallery Guide for addresses and general overviews. Sponsor memberships are available to galleries who want to feature their exhibitions each month, and even weekly. Welcome Oui Oui Catering to ALBB's Business Directory, "the Hudson Valley's most creative catering company." Find other services in ALBB's Directory by searching here. Want your business listed there? We created a great intro-rate to get you started. And you'll never guess what former Main Street restaurant owner is back outside...Scroll down to see! Paul Yeaple's Beacon Boi is our newest sponsor member of the Restaurant Guide.                                       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 > Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade Daley and Katie Hellmuth.   Discovering The Long Path Days: Friday, July 7, Saturday, July 8, and Sunday, July 9, 2023 Time: 1-5pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St, Beacon, NY Featuring Steve Aaron's breathtaking original photograph of New York's greatest trail, the Long Path, which runs 350 miles from NYC to Albany and along the way visits the most beautiful parts of the Hudson Valley. This is the closing weekend for The Long Path Exhibition. There will be an Artist Reception and Trail Talk by NY/NJ Conference Board Chair Ken Posner and Steve Aaron at 2pm on the 9th. Information > The Cat Art Show Days: Opening Reception July 8th Time: 5-7pm Art on Display: July 1st- July 30th Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main St, Beacon, NY The highly popular “Cat Art Show,” which has been known to bring out the largest number of art lovers to any opening at Beacon’s Howland Public Library, will return to the library with a gala opening on Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 5 to 7 pm. This year’s “Cat Art Show,” which will include a wide variety of cat-themed artworks, will once again be curated by its founder and local artist, Jean Noack. Information > Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week!     HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website > Go on in the HV Food Hall and grab delicious organic adaptogenic lattes from Elixxr! Supports overall wellness and soothes the soul! Also can we discuss these nails 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 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 Dulce Cielo Mexico: Authentic Mexican street food with vegetarian and vegan options. Elixxr Wellness: Wellness cafe offering drinks with adaptogens  Tara Fusion Cuisine: Fusion cuisine of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you! Beacon Boi Long Dock Park - down by the river Beacon Original, Paul Yeaple, is the former owner of the burger shop, Poppy's, on Main Street before selling it. Before that, Chef Poppy earned the title of Chopped Champion. After selling Poppy's, Paul opened a food truck, and now, has arrived at Long Dock Park with his shiny new hot dog stand! Right now on the menu, there are "Just Hot Dogs $5 and Cold Ass Drinks $2" Very simple, but watch out for the hot sauce he may seduce you with, after he loads your dog with mustard and sauerkraut. Watch this spot as Paul grows! Decals for the cart are coming soon. Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 12pm-Dark Location: Find the Beacon Boi cart down at Long Dock Park. Walk to the kayak locker, then take a right down that path to the strip of picnic tables. BAJA 328 328 Main Street, Beacon, NY When Taco Tuesday is the best day of the week... but! It's always Taco Tuesday at Baja! Stop in for over 12 delicious taco options, empanadas, quesadillas, entrees, apps (calamari ;)), kids menu, and more! Specials always featured for both food and drinks! Cocktails and mocktails.  PS: Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6pm PPS: Check out Baja's specials! >  Check out their specialty drinks >  BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!     REEVES NYC POP UP 494 Main St. (917) 783-2270 Reeves NYC pays close attention to detail and are proud standard bearers of Savile Row heritage. Based in NYC, Reeves designs and suits that are made to fit you! Because let's face it, suits are not a one-size-fits-all. Lucky for you, Reeves is popping up in Beacon until September 10! Don't wait until it's too late. Located next to the Chocolate Studio. So he has that going for him as well. You can check out all of their offerings here > Appointments can be booked HERE or via cellphone 917-783-2270. Check out Reeves NYC on Instagram >  Reeves NYC is a Sponsor, thank you! HUDSON VALLEY GOLDSMITH 226 Main St Retail 2 (845) 255-5872 A, B, or C? The answer is D! All of the above! Count on Hudson Valley Goldsmith to have unique and gorgeous engagement rings! Best part? If you don't see one you truly love and imagine wearing forever, you can ask them about their Custom Design! It's that good... that easy. Sustainably sourced, minimal, sexy... shall we keep going?  See here for CUSTOM details > Shop in-store or online here > OPEN: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11-5 Sunday 10-4 Shop Jewelry > Hudson Valley Goldsmith is a Sponsor, thank you! LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon Glasses are typically always gray or black, or silver... at least in our opinion they are! But then you have these! And whoa! This Dorian Gray Leisure Society frame is handcrafted out of 100% pure titanium and ion-plated in 24k gold with the intention of becoming a family heirloom! Stop in Luxe Optiqueand check out their Leisure Society frame selection. So many good selections... we must warn you that it will be hard to pick! Lucky for you, the team at Luxe is happy to help! Optometrist on site! PS: Appointments required for exams. Make an appt here! >  BEACON HOURS  Monday from 10AM–5PM Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM Sunday CLOSED  Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you! Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY SUMMER Camp Registration has only a FEW spots left! And starts SO soon! Frozen Adventure! Ages 3-5 Popstar Divas! Ages 6-11 Register for Summer Camp here > 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. Plus, one of the most enjoyable gifts you can give to someone is a gift certificate. So we have included links to where you can buy a gift certificate from any of these fine services that offers one. 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. Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!   TIN SHINGLE Is there something you want to do, but it scares you? So you're holding off? Do the thing that scares you... Read This > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!                             KATIE JAMES, INC. Everyone wanted the menues to be online in one place at the Hudson Valley Food Hall, so that is exactly what we designed for them. Each food vendor has their own sexy page on the website that allows them to glow in their ow Learn more about how we can help you and your biz! Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you! BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES See them here > BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR Tin Shingle Katie James, Inc. CATERING > EVENT CATERING Oui Oui Cuisine  DENTAL Beacon Dental EVENT SPACE > CO-WORK SPACE The Main Office at Beacon Digital  HOME IMPROVEMENT > INTERIOR DESIGN Faust Design Build HOME IMPROVEMENT > LAWN SERVICES Blue Green Lawns HOME IMPROVEMENT > ORGANIZATION  Decluttered Hudson Valley MUSIC Miss Vickies Music List Your Business In The Business Directory >  Read Our Latest Articles HIRING: STONY KILL FOUNDATION ASSISTANT CAMP DIRECTOR HIRING: STONY KILL FOUNDATION ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION/FARM INTERNS HIRING: HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS AT THE DUTCHESS INN AND SPA List your job in ALBB's Job Listings >

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Cat Art Show Opens In Howland Public Library For Another Puuuuurfectly Promising Experience

The highly popular “Cat Art Show,” which has been known to bring out the largest number of art lovers to any opening at Beacon’s Howland Public Library, will return to the library with a gala opening on Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 5 to 7 pm. This year’s “Cat Art Show,” which will include a wide variety of cat-themed artworks, will once again be curated by its founder and local artist, Jean Noack.

According to Noack, “We not only had a great turnout at the 2017 opening, many quality pieces were purchased by attendees. And we look forward to even higher attendance and sales at this year’s show.”

The 2023 “Cat Art Show” will feature work by new and returning local artists utilizing everything from paint and canvas to cameras to something called “wet-felted” cat fur employed by Noack herself. Says Noack, “I took a week-long class on wet felting of wool at the Fletcher Farm School for the Art and Crafts in Ludlow, VT, and have applied the method to cat fur to create framed artworks.”

Another popular local artist participating in the 2023 “Cat Art Show” is Anna West of Beacon. West not only paints cats but has contributed to their welfare by holding a fundraiser in 2022 where she accepted "commissions" to paint people's cats then contributed the funds to Talk To Me About Cats of Newburgh, NY.

West, whose paintings are currently on display at the Emerge Gallery in Kingston, NY, is representative of the many active artists who make up the thriving Beacon-area arts community and whose work will celebrate our feline friends at the 2023 “Cat Art Show.”

Other artwork will be provided by Markie Baylash, Jennifer Sarah Blakeslee, Tom Conroy, Jan Dolan, Cindy Gould, Mary Fetherolf, Stephanie Fogarty, Mary Ann Glass, Susan Keiser, Mandy Kelso, Philomena Kiernan, Barbara Lipp, William A. Loeb, Peter McGivney, Jean Noack, Rosemany Braghieri Rednour, Noah Rosaler, Chris Sanders, Eleni Smolen, Anna West, Bill Winter, and Trisha Wright

Artists whose work sells will donate a portion of the sale price to an animal charity of their choice.

Pictures From The 4th Annual Chalk Art Protest 2023

The 4th Annual Chalk Art Protest created by Moraya Seeger DeGeare down a Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park was a joy. Threatening to rain in the morning, the clouds cleared, leaving a damp sidewalk pallet for chalking. People were encouraged to express their emotions through colors and words. Kids came and contributed their ideas.

Said Moraya about the event: “Amazing that it’s our 4th chalk art protest, and let’s be honest, we have more to chalk and talk about than ever. Just because it’s not the buzz of energy of 2020 doesn’t mean we need to be silent. 2022 had record numbers of cop killings. Roe v Wade overturned affirmative action ✖️. I’ve lost count of the amount of anti-trans bills. And I don’t know how to start listing things about immigration besides the decisive actions causing more trauma to those coming here for a safer life. Racism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia. Suppose you need a place to be in the community on July 4th. Chalk, talk, get it out, and put it into art.”

Chalk art was created for protection of Trans lives, for Black lives, for Housing protection, and more. A Little Beacon Blog chalked a new design of the American flag, preferring it in pink with transparent alternates where any color or shape could shine through. A single star burst emanated from the black left corner. The lines were waves, and there were no straight edges, only curves. See video below for part of the chalking process.

New Podcast Episode: "Intentional Styling," Featuring Danielle Pitts and Tahira Willis

Over at “Wait, What Is That,” the sister podcast from A Little Beacon Blog, we mixed it up by conducting the podcast out in the wild - from the chair of the hair salon Total Beauty Salon (formerly Salon Dae). Two powerful self-made stories were waiting to be told from inside the salon: the story of how Tahira Willis dug in to make a change in her career, leaving the world of childcare settings to pursue her life-long passion for hair and beauty styling. Known for her braids of the children’s hair at Beacon’s Rose Hill Day Care Center, Tahira left after the pandemic to work at Walmart, one of the only jobs available then. In that time, she was pulled hard by her friends to pursue her hair styling for real.

That’s when she came to Total Beauty Salon as a stylist who rents a booth. As does former owner Danielle Pitts, who bought the salon 10 years ago, rebranded it to Salon Dae, and sold it last year to one of her stylists, who rebranded it to Total Beauty. Danielle has just stepped out on maternity leave for the birth of her third son, so that she can enjoy early motherhood period, and pour her visions into her recently published children’s book, Hair, Hair Everywhere.

Listen to how they both did it in this episode - how they made purposeful creative career moves with intention to style.

Beacon's Fireworks Rescheduled To Thursday, July 6...To Be Continued...

Where there once was no rain date, there is now a Rescheduled Date of Beacon’s Fireworks to Thursday, July 6th at Dark. This waterlogged week of rain has been great for the plants, but has become a nail-biter for firework shows. Much to the chagrin of dog lovers and those who end up in neighborly fights when firework amateur hour on the street results in fireworks going over or onto neighbor’s roofs.

Fireworks were even reportedly canceled on the Jersey Shore when a bit of thunder rolled by, according to some student reporters who left Beacon to visit.

Tune in Thursday to see what happens…

Hope you’re having a good holiday week!

Last Weekend Of June! Hello July! :: Retail Therapy 6/30/2023

Many of you have cut out for the weekend, if you're not already under water swimming in this hazy hot welcome to July. Before you get to the things to do, the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee has announced that they are Open! Registrations now open for Vendors and Parade signups. Date is Sunday, September 24, 2023. The Spirit of Beacon Day is especially looking for Beacon City School District After School Clubs to represent at a table, so that kids, parents and caregivers can learn more about these initiatives and things to do.                                       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 > Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade Daley and Katie Hellmuth.   Newburgh Community Day Day: Friday, June 30, 2023 Time: 6pm-10pm Location: Cronomer & Algonquin Park, Powder Mill Road and Gardenertown Road, Newburgh, NY, 12550 This Independence Day celebration includes food, games, fireworks, and more. Information > July 4th Weekend At Boscobel House  Day: Saturday, July 1, 2023 Time: 6pm-9pm Location: Boscobel House, 1601 NY-9D, Garrison, NY Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra, outdoor symphonic picnic with fireworks at West Point Information > Beacon's Fireworks: July 2nd Day: Sunday, July 2, 2023 Time: "Dark" Location: Memorial Park, Beacon, NY Beacon’s Fourth of July Fireworks will be on Sunday, July 2nd, 2023 at dark, with no rain date. The event will be held in Memorial Park as it normally is. If ALBB learns of more details about what to find at the fireworks, other than fireworks, we will update this article. Information > Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week!     HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website > Excuse us while we d r o o l over Dulce Cielo Mx birria tacos! NOMNOMNOM. Inside the HV Food Hall! Swing by and fill your belly and soul. 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 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 Dulce Cielo Mexico: Authentic Mexican street food with vegetarian and vegan options. Elixxr Wellness: Wellness cafe offering drinks with adaptogens  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 can hardly believe it is going to be the Fourth of July! It's officially SUMMER! Stop into Baja for all your fancy and creative cocktails to celebrate. Mocktails are available too. Enjoy delicious tacos, empanadas, entrees, quesadillas, sides, and starters. Specials always being updated and posted on the chalkboard! PS: Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6pm PPS: Check out Baja's specials! >  Check out their specialty drinks >  BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!     REEVES NYC POP UP 494 Main St. (917) 783-2270 Incase you missed it last week... Reeves NYC will be popping up on Main St. until September 10 right here on Main Street! Reeves is an independent and leading edge Bespoke tailoring house based in New York City. They offer Bespoke Suits, Coats, Evening Wear, Sports Coats, Military, Clothing for Hunting, and Womenswear! You can check out all of their offerings here > Appointments can be booked HERE or via cellphone 917-783-2270. Check out Reeves NYC on Instagram >  Reeves NYC is a Sponsor, thank you! HUDSON VALLEY GOLDSMITH 226 Main St Retail 2 (845) 255-5872 If you love unique and colorful pieces you must checkout this new collection at Hudson Valley Goldsmith! What could you not love about a new batch of colored gemstone pieces?! Newly added to the cases. Snag this blue/green combo ASAP and check out the other beautiful pieces! See here for CUSTOM details > Shop in-store or online here > OPEN: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11-5 Sunday 10-4 Shop Jewelry > Hudson Valley Goldsmith is a Sponsor, thank you! LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon Did you grab your new summer sunnies yet?! Luxe has so many different styles to meet your needs - minimal, sexy, sleek, unique, fun, asian-style, petite, and even kids! Stop in store and shop or Shop Online >.  You deserve a new pair of sunnies this season. And if you need them to be prescription, that won't be a problem! New styles are always arriving! And an Optometrist on site! PS: Appointments required for exams. Make an appt here! >  BEACON HOURS  Monday from 10AM–5PM Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM Sunday CLOSED  Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you! Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY SUMMER Camp Registration has only a FEW spots left! And starts SO soon! Frozen Adventure! Ages 3-5 Popstar Divas! Ages 6-11 Register for Summer Camp here > 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. Plus, one of the most enjoyable gifts you can give to someone is a gift certificate. So we have included links to where you can buy a gift certificate from any of these fine services that offers one. 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. Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!   TIN SHINGLE Is there something you want to do, but it scares you? So you're holding off? Do the thing that scares you... Read This > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!                             KATIE JAMES, INC. Everyone wanted the menues to be online in one place at the Hudson Valley Food Hall, so that is exactly what we designed for them. Each food vendor has their own sexy page on the website that allows them to glow in their ow Learn more about how we can help you and your biz! Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you! BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES See them here > BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR Tin Shingle Katie James, Inc. DENTAL Beacon Dental EVENT SPACE > CO-WORK SPACE The Main Office at Beacon Digital  HOME IMPROVEMENT > INTERIOR DESIGN Faust Design Build HOME IMPROVEMENT > LAWN SERVICES Blue Green Lawns HOME IMPROVEMENT > ORGANIZATION  Decluttered Hudson Valley MUSIC Miss Vickies Music List Your Business In The Business Directory >  Read Our Latest Articles HIRING: STONY KILL FOUNDATION ASSISTANT CAMP DIRECTOR HIRING: STONY KILL FOUNDATION ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION/FARM INTERNS HIRING: HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS AT THE DUTCHESS INN AND SPA List your job in ALBB's Job Listings >

SIGN UP FOR THIS NEWSLETTER JOIN THESE ADVERTISERS: We create ad packages that work for different types of businesses. Click here for ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog and accomplish your goals. We look forward to highlighting your business and show your support!

Fourth Of July In Beacon Is On July 2, 2023

Beacon’s Fourth of July Fireworks will be on Sunday, July 2nd, 2023 at dark, with no rain date, the City Administrator Chris White announced during a City Council meeting this month. Sunset has been around 8:30ish PM of late.

The event will be held in Memorial Park as it normally is. If ALBB learns of more details about what to find at the fireworks, other than fireworks, we will update this article.

A New PopUp :: Retail Therapy 6/23/2023

Summer is here. Reeves NYC is popping up on the other end of Main Street near the mountain! Grand Opening is this weekend and then by appointment only - so don't miss this opportunity to just wander in. All of your English Bespoke Tailoring needs could be answered in one or several stops. See below for the storefront photo and address so that you recognize it. And a big thanks to him for joining ALBB's sponsorship membership so that we can promote this! Just for a little extra on this rainy Friday afternoon, here is a sneak peek of our newest podcast episode over at "Wait, What Is That?" with co-hosts Brandon Lillard and Katie Hellmuth. This episodes was taped in the hair chair, featuring stylists Danielle Pitts and Tahira Willis at Total Beauty Salon (formerly Salon Dae). They each explain how their styling seed was planted, and how they intentionally pursued it to make their dreams realities. This sneak peek is a video of the interview. The podcast will drop into your favorite podcast player shortly.                                       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 > Edited and Written By Teslie Andrade Daley and Katie Hellmuth.   Reeves POP UP Day: GRAND OPENING THIS weekend, Saturday, June 24, 2023 and Sunday, June 25, 2023 Time: 1pm-5pm Location: 494 Main St. Reeves NYC will be popping up on Main St. until September 10! Reeves is an independent and leading edge Bespoke tailoring house based in New York City. They are proud standard bearers of their Savile Row heritage. Professionalism, style and the finest tailoring since 2011. See more about Reeves below and in our Shopping Guide. Information > Taco Fest 6 Day: Saturday, June 24, 2023 Time: 9am-3pm Location: Ice Time Sports Complex, 21 Lakeside Rd, Newburgh, NY Mexican street food event, showcasing street tacos, birria tacos, and other Mexican and Latin specialties like burritos, quesadillas, nachos with toppings and of course, street corn. Save room for some dulces like churros, Mexican refried ice cream, and so much more! Information > Mid-Hudson Discovery Presents: Discover The Summer Event Day: Saturday, June 24, 2023 Time: 10am-4pm Location: Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, 75 North Water, Street, Poughkeepsie, NY  Whether you're a science enthusiast, bookworm, or just looking for a fun way to spend a summer day, come join us for this amazing FREE event. Discover the Summer brings together both worlds of science and books with a day of exploration, learning and fun, while providing a great opportunity to jump into summer reading. Meet these New York Times bestselling authors and award-winning children's book illustrators from the Chappaqua Book Festival: Selina Alko, Ariel Bernstein, Artie Bennett, Valerie Bolling, Nick Bruel, MacKenzie Cadenhead, Paul Czajak, Jason Carter Eaton, Chris Healy, Katey Howes, Lorien Lawrence, Alan Katz, Janae Marks, James Preller, and Laurie Wallmark. Books are available for purchase and kids can meet Biscuit and Bad Kitty during a character meet and greet. Information > Wanderlux Pride Event Day: Sunday, June 25, 2023 Time: 12-5pm Location: Wanderlux Style, Beacon, NY Rainbow bracelets, rainbow candy, flags, and every color of the rainbow glitter champagne. Plus, exclusive in-store only discounts! Information > K-Fest Day: Sunday, June 25, 2023 Time: 5pm Location: Heritage Financial Park, 1500 Route 9D, Fishkill, NY Information > Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week!     HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website > Falafel sandwich from Tara Fusion?! Yes please! Inside the HV Food Hall! Swing by! 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 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 Dulce Cielo Mexico: Authentic Mexican street food with vegetarian and vegan options. Elixxr Wellness: Wellness cafe offering drinks with adaptogens  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 Stop into Baja & try their new Patron Margarita Tree! A Good way to try a few different flavors. Pair it with tacos, empanadas, quesadillas, or entree plates! Kid menu available and delicious sides that are always a must. Specials always listed on the chalkboard and the garage doors aways open to get a great view of Main Street! PS: Happy Hour Tues-Fri 4-6pm PPS: Check out Baja's specials! >  Check out their specialty drinks >  BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!     REEVES NYC POP UP 494 Main St. (917) 783-2270 Reeves NYC will be popping up on Main St. until September 10! Reeves is an independent and leading edge Bespoke tailoring house based in New York City. They are proud standard bearers of their Savile Row heritage. Professionalism, style and the finest tailoring since 2011. “The 'house style' is unapologetically English with a strong Savile Row and usually more subtle Modernist influence, by constantly seeking out innovative and luxurious cloths we also have a creative and directional finish.“ - David Reeves GRAND OPENING THIS weekend, Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 1-5 and Sunday, June 25, 2023 1-5. Typical hours will be by appointment-only OR by chance. Appointments can be booked HERE or via cellphone 917-783-2270. Check out Reeves NYC on Instagram >  Reeves NYC is a Sponsor, thank you! HUDSON VALLEY GOLDSMITH 226 Main St Retail 2 (845) 255-5872 Complimentary without matching! We love a good matching set but mixing it up is always fun and unique! Still minimal and stunning to say the least! Hudson Valley Goldsmith uses recycled gold, silver and platinum and conflict free diamonds are always used for every custom piece & repair. Hudson Valley Goldsmith also seeks out suppliers who do the same. See here for CUSTOM details > Shop in-store or online here > OPEN: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11-5 Sunday 10-4 Shop Jewelry > Hudson Valley Goldsmith is a Sponsor, thank you! LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon Another favorite line at Luxe! This Dorian Gray Leisure Society frame is handcrafted out of 100% pure titanium and ion-plated in 24k gold with the intention of becoming a family heirloom! Go on in and check out the Leisure Society frame selection. Be sure to check out all selections! So many options - for everyone! Stop in store and shop or Shop Online >. New styles are always arriving! Optometrist on site! PS: Appointments required for exams. Make an appt here! >  BEACON HOURS  Monday from 10AM–5PM Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM Sunday CLOSED  Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you! Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY SUMMER Camp Registration is OPEN! Located on Main Street in Historic Beacon, the studio has been guiding and instructing students since 1957- over 60 years ago!  Check out all of Yanarella's classes to find the best one(s) for you! >  Register for Summer Camp here > 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. Plus, one of the most enjoyable gifts you can give to someone is a gift certificate. So we have included links to where you can buy a gift certificate from any of these fine services that offers one. 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. Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!   TIN SHINGLE Is there something you want to do, but it scares you? So you're holding off? Do the thing that scares you... Read This > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!                             KATIE JAMES, INC. Everyone wanted the menues to be online in one place at the Hudson Valley Food Hall, so that is exactly what we designed for them. Each food vendor has their own sexy page on the website that allows them to glow in their ow Learn more about how we can help you and your biz! Katie James Inc. is a sponsor. Thank you! BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES See them here > BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR Tin Shingle Katie James, Inc. DENTAL Beacon Dental EVENT SPACE > CO-WORK SPACE The Main Office at Beacon Digital  HOME IMPROVEMENT > INTERIOR DESIGN Faust Design Build HOME IMPROVEMENT > LAWN SERVICES Blue Green Lawns HOME IMPROVEMENT > ORGANIZATION  Decluttered Hudson Valley MUSIC Miss Vickies Music List Your Business In The Business Directory >  Read Our Latest Articles HIRING: STONY KILL FOUNDATION ASSISTANT CAMP DIRECTOR HIRING: STONY KILL FOUNDATION ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION/FARM INTERNS HIRING: HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS AT THE DUTCHESS INN AND SPA List your job in ALBB's Job Listings >

SIGN UP FOR THIS NEWSLETTER JOIN THESE ADVERTISERS: We create ad packages that work for different types of businesses. Click here for ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog and accomplish your goals. We look forward to highlighting your business and show your support!

Mass Layoff at Planned Parenthood Federation of America Sparks Upset Amid Restructuring

PPFA’s “National Office Transformation” pushes out some of the movement’s most valued staff and brightest minds

Over one hundred staff at Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) have been given layoff notices as part of a broader restructuring of the national organization. This has raised major concerns among staff about PPFA’s direction and management as the movement for reproductive freedom faces enormous challenges.

Thirty-seven of the impacted workers are members of 1199SEIU. Members of SEIU Local 500 in DC are also affected, alongside dozens of non-union staff. The layoffs are set to take effect on July 7. A range of jobs are facing cuts, including communicators, researchers, data scientists, and staff focused on equity issues.

In late May, PPFA announced a restructuring it dubbed “Project North,” described as equity and transparency “but lacking rationale for mass layoffs,” according to the union’s press release. PPFA says that the restructuring is “not being driven by resource constraints,” making the job losses even more questionable.

“At a time when abortion rights are being curtailed across the country and Planned Parenthood’s advocacy and community-based healthcare services are more important than ever, PPFA should not be letting go staff members whose contributions have been crucial to the movement,” said Veronica Turner, Senior Executive Vice President at 1199SEIU.  “These are leaders and activists and who are facing their own financial and health challenges, and we condemn PPFA’s lack of collaboration with its employees and their unions in navigating a major restructuring. We call on PPFA to urgently reassess these damaging layoffs.” 

*One year ago, on June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark piece of legislation that made access to an abortion a federal right in the United States. The decision dismantled 50 years of legal protection and paved the way for individual states to curtail or outright ban abortion rights.

Healthcare Workers Protest By Banging Pots and Pans, Marching A Funeral March In NYC, and Rallying In Albany

Related Articles:

• The United Healthcare Union Works East Union Wins Contract Negotiation With Resistant Nuvance Health

• Healthcare Workers and Providers Rallied Outside Of ERs and Nursing Homes With State Legislators Re Gov. Hochul's Healthcare Budget and Medicaid

Thousands of healthcare workers across New York to walk out and rally during their breaks to protest Gov. Hochul’s budget on April 5, 2023. A month before that, they protested in the nation’s capital, and engaged in an act of non-violent civil disobedience in New York City in the form of a funeral march. Some were arrested. Those photos are below.

Healthcare workers in cities and towns across New York banged on pots and pans in front of their institutions and hold rallies to raise the alarm that Governor Hochul’s proposed budget that neglects NY’s healthcare needs.

WHEN:
Wednesday, April 5

WHERE & WHEN:
Hudson Valley/Capital Region:
Noon: WMC/Good Samaritan Hospital, 257 Lafayette Ave, Suffern

11 a.m. The Grand at Guilderland, 428 NY-146, Altamont

11 a.m. Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, 526 Altamont Ave, Schenectady

WHAT:
Healthcare workers will rally during their lunch break outside their institutions, banging on pots and pans to raise the alarm of New York’s healthcare crisis and the need to Close the Medicaid Coverage Gap in the FY2024 state budget.

WHY:
Three years ago, as the pandemic was turning our world upside down, New Yorkers banged on pots and pans each night to cheer healthcare heroes. Now, healthcare workers will be making the noise: raising the alarm that Governor Hochul has proposed a budget that completely fails to grasp the gravity of the crisis facing NY’s healthcare system.

Today, patients and healthcare workers continue to face the pandemic’s aftershocks. Safety-net hospitals are on the brink of closure, emergency rooms are overflowing, nursing home residents face interminably long wait times for bedside care, and homecare services are becoming ever harder to come by.

Rather than making the necessary investments to stabilize healthcare services, Governor Hochul’s budget would make the situation worse. Her proposed 5% Medicaid rate increase is entirely offset by the elimination of savings from the 340b drug pricing program and the cut to the Indigent Care Pool.

The budget includes cuts of $700 million from safety net hospitals, reverses course on a major victory last year raising the pay of homecare workers to $3 above the minimum wage, reduces wages for consumer-directed home health aides by $4.09/hr., and fails to provide adequate funding increases to nursing homes as they struggle to recruit and retain staff to comply with nursing home reform laws.

With stagnating Medicaid funding and a depleted and burnt-out workforce, an austere healthcare budget would be devastating to New Yorkers, especially seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families.

1199SEIU is calling on NY’s elected leaders to invest $2.5 billion in healthcare in the FY2024 budget, including the following:

• (The one-house budget proposals recently released by Speaker Carl Heastie and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins make many of these commitments, and they must be fulfilled in the final budget.)

• Increase Medicaid reimbursement rates by 10% for hospitals and 20% for nursing homes, with no offsets.

• Restore the $700 million in safety-net funding, and increase it by an additional $600 million.

• Address the disparity in reimbursement rates in upstate New York, which are approximately 20% lower than downstate.

• Preserve the investment made last year in Fair Pay for Home Care to stabilize the homecare workforce and undo the drastic proposed cuts to wages for workers employed through the consumer-directed program.

• Raise the minimum wage to $21.25 by 2027, followed by indexing.

ADDITIONAL CONTEXT AND PROTESTS:

Wednesday’s event comes two weeks after some 15,000 members of 1199SEIU held the largest rally in decades at the Capitol on 3/21, calling attention to the severe impact that Gov. Hochul’s proposed budget would have on access to healthcare in New York’s most vulnerable communities. Photos of the rally can be found here.

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On 3/29, hundreds of 1199SEIU members and supporters held a “funeral march” through the streets of New York City to the door of the Governor’s office to raise awareness of the deadly impact of healthcare cuts. Over two dozen participants, including 1199SEIU President George Gresham and hospital and nursing home workers, engaged in an act of non-violent civil disobedience and were arrested. Photos and video of the 3/29 march and civil disobedience action can be found here.

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ACTIONS ACROSS THE STATE:
New York City:
Bronx:
12PM: St. Barnabas Hospital, 4422 3rd Ave., Bronx
2PM: Pinnacle Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, 801 Co-Op City, Bronx

Brooklyn:
12PM: Brookdale Hospital, One Brookdale Plaza, Brooklyn

Manhattan:
12PM: NY Presbyterian Hospital, 177 Fort Washington Ave, New York, NY
2PM: The New Jewish Home, 120 W 106th Street, New York, NY

Queens:
12PM: Jamaica Hospital, 8900 Van Wyck Expressway, Jamaica
2PM: The Pavilion at Queens for Rehabilitation & Nursing, 36-17 Parson Blvd, Flushing

Staten Island:
2PM: Clove Lakes Nursing Home, 25 Fanning Street, Staten Island

Long Island:
12PM: Long Island Jewish Valley Stream, 900 Franklin Ave, Valley Stream
2PM: Hempstead Park Nursing Home, 800 Front Street, Hempstead
2PM: Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care & Rehabilitation, 271-11 76th Avenue, New Hyde Park

Healthcare Workers and Providers Rallied Outside Of ERs and Nursing Homes With State Legislators Re Gov. Hochul's Healthcare Budget and Medicaid

Related Articles:

• Healthcare Workers Protest By Banging Pots and Pans, Marching A Funeral March In NYC, and Rallying In Albany

• The United Healthcare Union Works East Union Wins Contract Negotiation With Resistant Nuvance Health

From a Press Release from United Healthcare Workers East 1199SEIU,

##

Dem. lawmakers say “not so fast” on Gov. Hochul’s “conceptual budget” for healthcare

“State legislators joined healthcare workers and providers outside of ERs and nursing homes Friday afternoon (April 28, 2023) to say that more needs to be done on Medicaid before a final budget is signed.

“On Thursday evening, Gov. Hochul announced a tentative budget deal that caregivers, advocates, and legislators say doesn’t go nearly far enough to protect New Yorkers who rely on Medicaid. Although the Governor claims she’s increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates by 7.5%, the actual amount equates to an anemic 2.5% when considering that she reduced hospital funding by $525 million just weeks ago on April 1, in the implementation of a managed care “pharmacy carve-out.” At a time that healthcare costs are sky-rocketing and NY’s healthcare needs have never been greater, the Governor’s budget is a step backwards, not forwards.

“Video remarks from outside Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx include satatements from:

• Senate Health Chair Gustavo Rivera

• Senator Nathalia Fernandez

• Senator Luis Sepulveda

• Assemblymember George Alvarez

• Assemblymember Amanda Septimo

• Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz

###

The United Healthcare Union Works East Union Wins Contract Negotiation With Resistant Nuvance Health

Related Articles:

• Healthcare Workers Protest By Banging Pots and Pans, Marching A Funeral March In NYC, and Rallying In Albany

• Healthcare Workers and Providers Rallied Outside Of ERs and Nursing Homes With State Legislators Re Gov. Hochul's Healthcare Budget and Medicaid

The United Healthcare Union Works East union 1199SEIU has been working aggressively to get improvements in their employment contract. This April 2023, 1199SEIU Members In NY’s Hudson Valley have ratified a contract after more than a year of tense negotiations with Nuvance Health, which is based in Connecticut.

Key contract highlights include: Annual raises of 3.5% in 2023, 2024, 2025; Increases minimum rates up to 10%; Juneteenth as an additional premium holiday, according to the union’s press release.

From the United Healthcare Union Works East Press Release:

##

More than 1,500 members of 1199SEIU, the nation’s largest healthcare union, have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a contract that will improve the lives of the workers, their families and patients, and will also help to recruit and retain staff

The 3-day ratification vote, which took place on April 19, 20 and 21, was the culmination of more than a year of contentious negotiations. With constant stalling on behalf of the employer and little progress being made, the healthcare workers were forced to hold several informational pickets, joined with concerned elected officials and patients at press conferences, held a car caravan to inform the public and contact Board members, and demanded dozens of meetings with management (away from the negotiating table.)

The Bargaining Units:

First Union Contract:

• Technical Workers at Northern Dutchess

• BioMed Engineers at Vassar/Putnam

• Radiation Therapists at Vassar Putnam

Extending Contract:

• Vassar Brothers Medical Center

• Putnam Hospital

Contract Highlights:

• Annual raises of 3.5% in 2023, 2024, 2025

• Increases minimum rates up to 10%

• Juneteenth as an additional premium holiday

• Long-time members continue their no-cost, comprehensive health benefits through the 1199 National Benefit Fund

• New members to be covered by the 1199 National Benefit Fund effective 12/1/24

Background: New York’s healthcare system is facing an unprecedented crisis. Three years since the first COVID case was confirmed in New York, patients and workers continue to face pandemic’s aftershocks. Emergency rooms are overflowing, patients wait interminably for lab results, and healthcare workers are fed up and leaving the industry. This contract aims to recruit and retain workers and bring back the type of care that Hudson Valley residents have enjoyed in decades past.

Said Michael Dick, Biomedical Engineer, Vassar:

"As a lifetime member of this community, this is much more significant than a win for the ‘people who work here.’ This is a victory for the entire community. This organization is meant to serve ALL of us. With the support of 1199 and the entirety of its membership, we look forward to bringing back the Vassar we know.”

Said Daniel Duffy, Radiation Therapist, Putnam:

“After three years of being persistent and at the same time being patient, we have our contract. I think, I hope, Nuvance may now see us as a valuable asset to their organization.”

Said Greg Speller, 1199 Executive Vice President:

“We are very happy that our members prevailed and won important collective bargaining agreements that will benefit healthcare workers and patients. Special praise goes to the workers who fought hard for their first contracts; technical workers at Northern Dutchess Hospital, and staff in the biomedical and radiation therapy departments at Vassar and Putnam.”

It must be noted that this was markedly different from other negotiations with other hospital systems.

Sadly, Nuvance treated their healthcare workers poorly in this process. Instead of coming to the table and agreeing to good terms (that the 1199 healthcare workers eventually forced upon them), management fought, stalled and disrespected their workers—during the same time they were getting all of us through a global pandemic. This out-of-state hospital operator must treat their workers much more respectfully, given what the workers have done for their communities and continue to do for their communities.”

##

1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We 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.