A candlelight vigil was held in Poughkeepsie at the Christ Episcopal Church on the evening of Thursday, November 16, 2023 in support of the 240 hostages being held by Hamas. Several speakers from different faiths spoke, including a Baptist leader.
“Interfaith” Vigil Did Not Include Imams or Priests
While the event was titled “Interfaith Candlelight Vigil In Solidarity With 240 Hostages Held In Gaza,” there were no Muslim Imams or Catholic Priests in speaking positions. A Little Beacon Blog reached out to Jesse Lunin-Pack, president of the Beacon Hebrew Alliance, to see if any Imams or Priests were invited to attend. He responded: “I'm afraid that my only role in planning the event was to request that it happen - so I'm not really sure how the speakers were invited and who was reached out to.”
With Jesse’s help, A Little Beacon Blog reached out to the organizer of the event, Karen Hochhauser, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Dutchess County, with the same question. She did not respond.
The vigil was held in the dark, within a perimeter lined with white paper bags that had a candle inside of them and a name of a hostage printed on each bag. Poughkeepsie police were in attendance to direct parking.
Timing Of The Vigil Was During The Massacre Of Palestinian Civilians, Doctors and Nurses At Al-Shifra Hospital
During the vigil that was dubbed “interfaith,” was no mention of the Palestinians who are being buried under the rubble. This may have been the first vigil in the Hudson Valley region - 41 days after the hostages were taken. The majority of whom are Israeli, but there are other nationalities have been taken as well. It should be noted that 11,000 Palestinian children and adults have been killed as of this writing.
In the Al-Shifra hospital alone, there were 2,000 displaced people, 400 patients and 200 medical professionals. Several doctors and nurses were shot at by IDF in the Al-Shifa hospital. An Israeli spokesperson justified the killing when telling MSBNC, “You see a doctor? Anyone could be a Hamas.” And so now, medical professionals and families leaving the hospital are being targeted with snipers and shot to death.
On this day - November 16, 2023 - the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) confirmed that there were no hostages found in the Al-Shifa hospital, where IDF created mass death. The IDF has as of this writing woken up Al-Ahli Baptist hospital by surrounding it with Israeli tanks. Which is how the murders at the Al-Shifa Hospital started.
Oddly Timed Song Lyrics Read During Vigil
Karen, the organizer, read lyrics from a song, which sat oddly, being that this genocide is being done by one side to the other - Zionist Israeli genocide (funded and supported by the United States and other European nations) to the Palestinians. While she may have meant it as a way to sympathize with Jews, it landed with the opposite interpretation to someone listening who is supporting and defending Palestinian lives and Jewish lives from Zionists.
The lyrics of the song are as follows, and are read at minute 10 of the video below:
You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear, You’ve got to be taught from year to year, It’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear— You’ve got to be carefully taught!
You’ve got to be taught to be afraid Of people whose eyes are oddly made, And people whose skin is a different shade— You’ve got to be carefully taught.
You’ve got to be taught before it’s too late, Before you are six or seven or eight, To hate all the people your relatives hate— You’ve got to be carefully taught! You’ve got to be carefully taught!
I was cheated before And I’m cheated again By a mean little world Of mean little men. And the one chance for me Is the life I know best.
To be on an island And to hell with the rest. I will cling to this island Like a tree or a stone, I will cling to this island And be free—and alone.
Be sure to scroll down to see a most gorgeous wedding photo from Megan and Kenneth Photographers - and tell us - are they two beautiful swans? Or brides on their happy night.
And do hit up A Little Beacon Blog's Catering section of our Business Directory so that you can place your orders! Oui Oui Cuisine and Dulce Cielo MX will both make your holiday event a stand-out.
SAVE THE DATE! Beacon Performing Arts Center Presents Finding Nemo Kids Days: Thursday, November 16, 2023 - Sunday, November 19, 2023 Times: November 16 at 7:30, November 17 at 7:00
November 18 at 10:00am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm, and 5:30pm
November 19 at 10:00am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm, and 5:30pm Location: Beacon High School Theatre. 101 Matteawan Rd, Beacon, NY
Featuring hand-crafted puppets by Beacon local Adam Izen, Beacon Performing Arts Center brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in this story full of family, friendship, and adventure! This magical production will have audiences of all ages captivated by their favorite characters: Nemo, Dory, Marlin, Bruce, Crush the Turtle, and more! The performance runs approximately 45 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are available on the day of the production at the door or in advance at www.beaconperformingartscenter.com/box-office . Adults $10, Students under 18 $5, Seniors $7, Children under 2 are free. Information >
Free Farm Stand at Memorial Park — FAREGROUND FOOD + COMMUNITY Day: Friday, November 17, 2023 Time: 2:30-3:30pm Location: Memorial Field Parking, 61 Robert Cahill Dr, Beacon, NYThis Free Farm Stand is in collaboration with the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. We offer vegetables, fruits, dairy, and other items. Information >
Winter Craft Fair Day: Saturday, November 18, 2023 Time: 10-4pm Location: 14 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY
Over 75 vendors, theme trees that will be raffled off in support of Family Services, a holiday figure skating show, photos with Santa and friends, holiday performances and festivities, raffles and prizes and more! Admission is Free! Information >
Family Free Night Day: Sunday, November 19, 2023 Time: 5:30pm-8pm Location: Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, 75 N Water St, Poughkeepsie, NY Information >
November Book Club Meet: Big Swiss by Jen Beagin Day: Sunday, November 19, 2023 Time: 2-4pm Location: Two Way Brewing Company, 18 W Main St, Beacon, NY Information >
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website >
This is your sign to run into the HV Food Hall for Dulce Cielo Mx tacos! Y U M !!! 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. 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
Coffee and cake, the ultimate duo! Stop in this weekend for an espresso martini and tres leches cake! Check out the specials menu for all things seasonal and delicious!
Don't forget... TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday at Baja! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos plus $3 coronas! PPS: Check out Baja's specials! > Check out their specialty drinks > BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
Host your Holiday Party at Carter’s Restaurant! 🪔
Plenty of room in a warmly lit space. Bring your decorations, and they will provide the delicious food and drinks. With your choice of their front room, or back 2 rooms, you can fit your party comfortably. Large or small. Any gathering will feel intimate at Carters! OH & Carter's also provides off-site catering! Tell your boss. Tell yourself. Reach out! PS: Carters is open everyday!Kitchen open until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with the bar open until 12:30am! PPS: Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 2-5! PPPS!!! Katie James Inc. creates and curates Carter's Instagram, and can for your business too. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY
193-195 Maint Street, Beacon, NY
Stop in to BBC for something simple & sweet like this waffle! Homemade with fresh strawberries and local maple syrup. No better way to start the weekend than with this! BBC bakes and cooks fresh each day. Full coffee service bar with delicious seasonal flavors. Head on over for a latte and a treat! PS BBC is open everyday from 8am-6pm except for Wednesday! PPS Whole sale, special orders, and events/catering available! Follow BBC on Instagram > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN 244 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Ziatuns way of saying they love you with their whole heart? Meet the Habibi Platter. That's how! Loaded with hummus, falafel, grape leaves, feta cheese olives and sliced veggies. Get it there with friends and family (or even yourself) or get it to go! Perhaps as an addition to your holiday gatherings! PS! Ziatun is open everyday!
Monday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Follow Ziatun on Instagram > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Before you know it, Winter will be here! ☃️ And nothing beats a pair of polarized sunglasses while out in the snow! Luxe continues to bring in new styles to keep things exciting and fresh! So, dodge the old pair, and stop in for a new pair! PS: Eye doctor appointments available here! > BEACON HOURS
Monday from 10AM–5PM
Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM
Sunday CLOSED Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
THE STATION
463 Main Street, Beacon
The Station took another Field trip - but this time to @supernaturalsny! They truly are super natural! This farm is beyond organic, it’s full of life and creativity. Fun fact. SuoerNatural is only for sale at C*nnabis Grower Showcases.
Open all weekend long.
Friday 4-8pm and
Saturday & Sunday 12-6pm.
PS! The Station is local and a huge part of the Beacon Community! Follow The Station on Instagram > The Station is a Sponsor, thank you!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OPEN! A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide is one of the biggest draws to this publication. Every store is listed in it for the best experience for our readers. Google rewarded A Little Beacon Blog with a #1 ranking for "boutique shopping beacon ny." Designed to elevate your store from the rest, this advertising campaign is integrated with our Instagram. Show your storefront in the listing, get your business a permanent weekly feature in A Little Beacon Blog's Retail Therapy Newsletter sent on Fridays (see examples here), as well as weekly Instagram features. More information here >
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
For over 60 years, Yanarella Dance has been dedicated to providing an exceptional dance education to the Hudson Valley. Since the day they opened our doors, their philosophy has been that “every child should have the same opportunity to dance, regardless of talent or ability. There is no can’t in dance. There’s only a C-A-N”.
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.
MEGAN & KENNETH PHOTOGRAPHERS Weddings & Families
First comes the engagement then comes the wedding! Nothing like capturing love and forever moments with Megan & Kenneth! Book those engagement sessions & wedding sessions! It's easy to check this one off your list when you have the best of the best photographers! Find more information here > Megan & Kenneth are Sponsors. Thank you!
BEACON DENTAL
1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3666
At Beacon Dental, they are dedicated to providing you and your family with quality dental care tailored to your individual needs. They welcome patients aged 4 and older and provide a full range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout your life. When you visit their dentists and team, you can be certain that your health, comfort and smile are always their highest priorities. Beacon Dental is also happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Katie James Inc. is producing the Spirit of Beacon Day website. This destination website was designed to both update people as the year went on, from Sponsorship opportunities, to easy ways to Register for Parade and Vendor tables, to the final product of Parade and Table Maps, and Bathrooms. Katie James Inc. is also producing the social media on Instagram and Facebook for Spirit of Beacon Day. Need these services for your business? Katie James, Inc. works with small and large businesses.
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY
ART > TATTOO Invisimark (Stretch Mark Tattooing - to make stretch marks disappear)
According to a Press Release from the City of Beacon Police Department, a 16-year-old male was shot near the intersection of Tompkins Avenue and Bank Street. This is a neighborhood of ranch-style houses with Victorian houses. This intersection is at the entrance of Tompkins Terrace affordable housing apartment community, and the soon-to-be-completed Edgewater.
The Beacon Police Department is seeking information about the shooting. Their Press Release is below:
“On November 10, 2023, at approximately 6pm, the Beacon Police Department received multiple calls for gunshots in the area of Tompkins Avenue and Bank Street near the Tompkins Terrace Apartments. Upon arrival, at the start of the investigation, officers located a crime scene and 16-year-old male victim with a superficial gunshot would to his arm. The victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. The department is continuing to investigate and due to the nature of the incident further details are not being released at this time. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that would further the investigation is encouraged to contact the Beacon Police Detective Division by calling 845-831-4111.”
The traffic light and crosswalk signals that went out on the first day of school for Beacon City School District kids at the intersection of Mattaewan and Verplanck, which is where cars cross for pickup and drop-off for Middle and High School, was fixed after 9 days. During that time, the City of Beacon Police Department was at the intersection intermittently to aid traffic during pickup and drop-off.
Who is responsible for fixing the traffic lights in Beacon? Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White explained to ALBB, which included why he said the repair took so long:
“The City has a contract with an electrician who repairs traffic lights when they malfunction. When this light stopped working properly, they investigated and required a new part for the control panel, which has been ordered. Until the part comes in and the light repaired, a police officer or highway department staff will serve as a crossing guard for the intersection during the morning and afternoon peaks for school traffic.”
Top Photo: Barrington R. Atkins: Northern Dutchess Branch President Bottom Photo: Members of the Northern Dutchess Branch and Members of the City of Poughkeepsie Common Council PHoto Credit: Northern Dutchess NAACP
From the Press Release Issued By Northern Dutchess NAACP:
“On November 6th, legislation proposed by The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Northern Dutchess Branch, was unanimously sponsored and passed by the City of Poughkeepsie Common Council. The legislation struck down a 50-year-old ordinance making it unlawful to ride bicycles not registered with the police department.
“For hundreds of years, Black people have had their free movement and modes of transportation restricted - by foot, horse, coach, train, trolley, streetcar, bicycle, bus, and automobile. It is no coincidence that these ordinances went into effect in Poughkeepsie in 1973, on the heels of the enormous wins of the civil rights movement and at the advent of the war on drugs; in fact, these bicycle registration ordinances went into effect less than six weeks after the notorious Rockefeller Drug Laws were signed into law.
“In addition to the pretextual nature of such statutes, including controversial Stop & Frisk policies, laws that erect barriers to the free movement of citizens are a part of a concept known as arrested mobility. These can be traced back regionally to the Provincial NY Slave Codes of 1702. Such public policy was resurrected by the Jim Crow South after Reconstruction and was used specifically regarding bicycles by the Nazis in occupied territories, most notably the Netherlands.
“Branch President Barrington R. Atkins said, “It is our duty to dismantle all systems of inequality. Legislative changes such as this send a message to lawmakers and law enforcement that the fight for civil rights is alive and well here in the City of Poughkeepsie. This is a small step toward decriminalizing the daily lives of people of color, and there will be more to come.”
“Branch Vice President Robin Green, who also serves on the Criminal Justice Committee, believes that “While it was a proud moment for this great organization and the legislative effort led by our criminal Justice committee, let us not wait another 50 years for equity and social Justice to be realized for our most basic rights. I believe ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to Justice everywhere,’ as MLK Jr. said. We still have a lot of work to do.”
“Executive Committee member D. Jen Brown, Esq., added, “On Monday, 11/6/23, the City of Poughkeepsie Common Council spoke with one voice to remove a historically discriminatory restriction on the mobility of Poughkeepsie residents. Their vote is a step forward toward a stronger, more unified Poughkeepsie community.”
“From Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycotts of 1955-56 to riding bicycles today in the City of Poughkeepsie, the NAACP is committed to achieving equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.
“The Northern Dutchess NAACP is committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities. Our work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. For more information, please contact the branch by email at info@ndnaacp.org, by telephone at (845) 546- 1067, or on Facebook at fb.me/ndnaacp.”
What: Interfaith Candlelight Vigil In Solidarity With 240 Hostages Held In Gaza When: Thursday, November 16, 2023 Time: 5:45 Gather, 6pm Program Begins Where: Christ Episcopal Church, 20 Carroll Street, Poughkeepsie, NY From the Organizers: This event is an interfaith vigil calling for the release of the hostages currently held by Hamas takes place this coming Thursday in Poughkeepsie. The vigil is jointly sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Dutchess County, the Dutchess County African American Clergy Association, and a variety of other religious institutions, including Beacon Hebrew Alliance.
Beacon Performing Arts Center Presents Finding Nemo Kids Days: Thursday, November 16, 2023 - Sunday, November 19, 2023 Times: November 16 at 7:30, November 17 at 7:00 November 18 at 10:00am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm, and 5:30pm November 19 at 10:00am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm, and 5:30pm Location: Beacon High School Theatre. 101 Matteawan Rd, Beacon, NY Featuring hand-crafted puppets by Beacon local Adam Izen, Beacon Performing Arts Center brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in this story full of family, friendship, and adventure! This magical production will have audiences of all ages captivated by their favorite characters: Nemo, Dory, Marlin, Bruce, Crush the Turtle, and more! The performance runs approximately 45 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are available on the day of the production at the door or in advance at www.beaconperformingartscenter.com/box-office . Adults $10, Students under 18 $5, Seniors $7, Children under 2 are free. Information >
When The Write-In Candidate happened for Beacon's 2023 Mayoral race, it exposed the question of why it can be so hard for some people to get onto the ballot. LaStar Gorton is one such Beaconite who was denied getting onto the ballot by Dutchess County Board of Elections, despite getting all of her homework in on time to run as an Independent. She was also questioned in an uncomfortable way, she says, by the Beacon Democrats Chair, Lisa Jessop, an hour after she submitted her paperwork to the Dutchess County Board of Elections.
LaStar was born and raised in Beacon, and currently lives in Tompkins Terrace with her children. Very important to her is being able to stay in Beacon to raise her children in Beacon. While her income is not nothing, it qualifies her to live in Tompkins Terrace, but makes it difficult to buy a home that fits her family. As Beacon considers the size of new apartments, single and double apartment units, and property in general, it clear in their planning of as many small units as possible it is not thinking of families who are growing out of their tiny apartments.
When Tompkins Terrace was going through the "temporary" re-housing of residents to renovate most of the apartments after the City of Beacon granted it a 40 year tax break to the luxury community managers of the low-income community in Beacon, LaStar joined residents there in being vocal at community meetings about the re-housing, to ensure that residents could return without qualification challenges by Tompkins Terrace management.
When another shooting happened at Tompkins Terrace in May of 2023, LaStar decided to turn it up a notch and run for City Council for Ward 1 as an Independent. She said that she missed the deadline to run as a Democrat, but could run as an Independent. After doing all of her work and hitting all of her deadlines, LaStar was denied by the Dutchess County Board of Elections. She was also questioned in what she felt was an uncomfortable approach by the Chair of the Beacon Democrats, Lisa Jessop, as to why she didn't come to the Beacon Democrats first to ask to be considered by them.
This situation is not the first that A Little Beacon Blog has heard of this happening. The details in this particular situation are the most simple to relay, however. ALBB tried reporting last election on when former Beacon City Councilmember Ali T. Muhammed, a Muslim Black man, was trying to run for Mayor in Newburgh against Torrence Harvey, a Black man. Ali acquired the signatures he needed, but was challenged.
Ali told ALBB: "Someone has to challenge your petitions, then Board of Elections rules on the signatures...This is a tactic to keep candidates off the ballot. If not voter suppression, it's lack of democracy. My signatures were challenged from the Democrat line. They started weaponizing that tactic/tool against me since 2016. I’ve won a couple court cases to reverse the ruling. I’ve been disqualified in a couple races because of the rulings, with no resources to fix."
LaStar's story is part of why Reuben Simmons threw his hat into the ring for Mayor in the final hours before election day. Before ALBB’s interview with LaStar, Reuben shared his light-bulb moment of when he started questioning the process of getting onto the ballot. Reuben’s reaction happened after Coucilperson Justice McCray proposed increasing the small salary the councilmembers currently get, in the name of increasing accessibility to people who want to serve, but may need more money. This is not a new proposal. Paying Beacon City Councilmembers is suggested every now and then within different administrations.
Said Reuben to ALBB: “When you want to serve, public service, it is a service, not to supplement your income, when you have workers who can't afford to live here...Maybe this increase in Council dollars will entice people to run. It just made me think, LaStar wanted to run for her ward. She seeked out the signatures and she went through the process. I witnessed her party actively work against her and become a barrier. So it made me question the hypocrisy of 'what is the raises really for?' Star is here and she can share the process she went through. When she initially was running...we share similar support groups so to speak. I was aware and kept my ear in to what was going on; just given my little education on it. If people who want to run can't even get on because a certain party has us in handcuffs so to speak, and has a lock on the election process, I'm not exactly sure the contradiction of these stories.”
As for the Republican party in Beacon, and why there were no contenders in Beacon, ALBB cannot speak to why there were no candidates put forward. The Republican party in Beacon was quite stained after Trump, making wins for Democrats easier. If a member of the Republican party wants to speak to ALBB about their issues, they can do so.
ALBB asked LaStar to tell us the entire process for her to do try to get onto the ballot. This is what she said, which you can also here in this interview, and has been transcribed in full below:
"I originally did not know what the entire process was. I live down in Tompkins Terrace, and a shooting had happened [in May 2023]. I went to our rehab meeting because they are about to redo the entire complex. I went to speak on it. Our Councilwoman Molly [Rhodes] was sitting in the back not really saying anything. All of my friends were like 'Instead of you just going to a City Council meeting and voicing your opinion, why don't you go run for this election.' I'm like 'Ok, cool!' I went onto the Board of Elections website, and found out I was too late to run as a Democrat, but I was still in time to run for the Independent. So I came up with a whole party name for myself; I wrote up my ballots; I sent them to the County as well as our city Board of Elections to ensure that my ballots were correct before I got them signed. My petitions: I got the signatures that I needed. I handed them in on the last day, the 30th of May. I went there, and I handed them in.
"About an hour after I handed in my petitions, I got a text or email from Lisa Jessup, the head of our Beacon Democrats here, saying that she would like to speak to me. We had a very long phone call. She asked me why I didn't run as a Democrat. I said at the time I did not know, and this issue just came up, and I was passionate about trying to save my part of the city, and make it batter for the people that live there.
"There were a couple of odd things said, like 'We could back you off the ballot if we wanted to...I'm not sure your petitions are all correct.' I said I know that every signature is not correct, but I have more than enough to be put on the ballot. But none the lease, in order to accept it, I received a letter in the mail on June 3, that said I needed to accept the position by June 2. But the letter was not mailed until June 1 [letter was postmarked June 1].
"But Lisa received this phone call on May 30 when my ballots were handed in stating that I handed in my ballots. I did call the County Board of Education and went there myself personally and spoke with the Dutchess County head there, and she told me that Lisa had FOILed for my petitions in order to see them.
"I said 'well how did she know to FOIL for them if I just handed them in? Who informed her that I handed in my petitions on the very last day at 12pm in the afternoon? Someone had to let her know that they were there in order to FOIL them. For her to get them so quickly, and be able to call me so quickly within the hour and to ask for a phone conversation. But you mail me out my letter on June 1 so that I don't received it until June 3, and I had to accept it by June 2.'
"I went there [to the Board of Elections] in person on June 5 to ask if there was any way I could accept it. She said 'well hold on, let me ask the Republican side. We have to be in agreeance in order for you to be able to accept.' She went away for 2 seconds, came back and said that they said no. So that was it.
"I did email the Enforcement Agency in Albany but I have not received an email back regarding it because I believe it was done on purpose and maliciously [it is November 5th as of this interview, and LaStar emailed the Enforcement Agency in May].
"Lisa and Molly both still reach out to me wanting to talk. They had a very long conversation asking me my ideas. Afterwards, I was like 'Oh, you dummy, you just gave them all of your ideas that they probably didn't know of the issues actually going on in Ward 1.'
"Molly actually knocked on my door Friday. Saying 'I just want to make sure you knew we are voting, since this is closed down. I still want to meet up with you and talk to discuss this whole Council process.'
LaStar's response: "I'll see you in 2 years. And I'll be starting from the top."
ALBB emailed Lisa Jessop on November 9th for comment on these events, and did not receive a response. On that same day, ALBB shared an election results article, “Beacon Election Results: The Significance Of The Unopposed Party, And A Few Other Races,” which pointed out that the Write-In Candidate for Mayor won 16% of the vote, when other Write-In results for other seats were 1%. A representative from the Beacon Democrats’ Instagram commented in that thread: “This post is misleading. Anyone can run for office, but NY state and Dutchess County have filing requirements. If you go to elections.dutchessny.gov, you’ll find all the requirements spelled out in great detail—gathering of signatures (which are sometimes challenged), financial statements, etc. It’s not like someone wakes up on Nov 6 and says, ‘I think I’ll tun for City Council, vote for me tomorrow’. Is it a perfect system? No. Could it be better? Yes. Anyone who wants to get involved with how elections are tun should contact the Board of Elections—they’re slways looking gor more help.”
The Beacon Democrats IG representative than posted a correction Comment: “Apologies for misspelled words in last paragraph—it posted before final edits. It should say: Anyone who wants to get involved with how elections are run should contact the board of elections – they’re always looking for more help.”
Beacon City Council Member Paloma Wake has a personal passion for land justice, and is using her platform to promote the screening of Lakota Nation vs The United States. The screening is at The Yard, 4 Hanna Lane. It is co-presented by Paloma Wake and Story Screen. The Yard is providing the space. All proceeds go to First People’s Fund. First Peoples Fund is a Native-led non-profit that provides direct funding, resources, and professional development to Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native artists, culture bearers, and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI).
Paloma submitted an explication for the screening which ALBB has published below:
“I am writing as a Councilmember and Beacon citizen. This Sunday at 5pm, I am co-hosting a screening of a documentary - Lakota Nation vs. United States - in collaboration with Story Screen and the Yard. Below is my reasoning on why this consideration of Mount Rushmore is relevant to the Highlands regionally.
“This month is Native American Heritage Month. As a federal designation, it encourages us to observe an Indigenous past, but rarely does that understanding extend to the present moment and acknowledge the ongoing lives, communities, and foundational sovereignty of Indigenous people and tribes.
“Lakota Nation vs. the United States, screening at 5pm on Nov 12, with StoryScreen, at The Yard, is the contemporary story of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people and their struggle to reclaim the Black Hills of South Dakota, or what is commonly known as the location of ‘Mount Rushmore,’ contextualizing the violent formation of this so-called American monument. My experience of seeing this film for the first time was one of both profound sorrow and a profound opening toward collective liberation through a structural understanding of the present.
“In our small city, formed in 1913 and experiencing our own waves of change and displacement through gentrification, it is easy to feel starkly removed from a time when our river [the Hudson River] was known as Mahicannituck, the river that flows both ways. Hopefully this screening will support an ongoing community conversation about Indigeneity with the necessary context around the apparatus of settler colonialism, connecting an Indigenous past to our local Indigenous present and the possibilities the present holds for a beautiful future.”
Happy Veteran's Day on Saturday. The renovations on the Veterans Memorial Building are complete, after they started in February 2023. The different veterans groups involved are energized and pleased by the results, which have gained ADA compliance for wheel-chairs, a kitchen upgrade, landscaping, and other improvements, as first reported in the Beacon Free Press this week. Says Herold Delamater, the Commander of VFW Post 666 in Beacon, about Veterans Day: "It is a reflection across all branches. It is a time to support one another. We're all one. We have to look out for one another. If someone is out there who needs something, we're here. We don't turn anybody away." Said Deneen Kirsten, the Chief of Staff for the Guardian Revival who is newly based in the building: "Veterans Day is an opportunity for awareness and to educate people about what they have done to serve this country." Read More About The Renovations >
Howland Chamber Music Circle Presents Arnaud Sussman, violin and Micheal Stephen Brown, piano Day: Sunday, November 12, 2023 Time: 4:00-5:30 pm (reception following) Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main Street, Beacon NY
Admission $35 (some "Pay What You Wish" admissions - one week advance) Information >
SAVE THE DATE! Beacon Performing Arts Center Presents Finding Nemo Kids Days: Thursday, November 16, 2023 - Sunday, November 19, 2023 Times: November 16 at 7:30, November 17 at 7:00
November 18 at 10:00am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm, and 5:30pm
November 19 at 10:00am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm, and 5:30pm Location: Beacon High School Theatre. 101 Matteawan Rd, Beacon, NY
Featuring hand-crafted puppets by Beacon local Adam Izen, Beacon Performing Arts Center brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in this story full of family, friendship, and adventure! This magical production will have audiences of all ages captivated by their favorite characters: Nemo, Dory, Marlin, Bruce, Crush the Turtle, and more! The performance runs approximately 45 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are available on the day of the production at the door or in advance at www.beaconperformingartscenter.com/box-office . Adults $10, Students under 18 $5, Seniors $7, Children under 2 are free. Information >
Screening: Lakota Nation vs United States
Presented by Beacon City Councilmember Paloma Wake and The Yard 4 Hannah Lane at Storyscreen Day: Sunday, November 12, 2023 Time: 5pm pm Location: The Yard, 4 Hanna Lane, Beacon NY
On Sunday, November 12th, at 5pm, @story_screen_presents and @theyardbeacon, in collaboration with Beacon At-Large City Councilmember Paloma Wake @paloma4beacon, will screen Lakota Nation vs. the United States, with respect for Native American Heritage Month.
The film centers the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota peoples’ fight to protect the Black Hills, their sacred land. A provocative, visually stunning testament to a land and its people who have survived removal, exploitation and genocide – and whose best days are yet to come.
This long view of the land which includes so-called Mount Rushmore is the subject of the documentary and puts into critical context the stakes of Indigenous sovereignty. Screening is by suggested donation, with all proceeds sent to the First Peoples Fund, which provides direct funding, resources, and professional development to Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native artists, culture bearers, and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI). Information >
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website >
Fried Noodles at Ciao Chow! You can choose shrimp, chicken, pork or veggies. Made with smoked paprika noodles and tossed with broccoli, peppers and edamame. Head on into the HV Food Hall to fill the belly & 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. 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
Treat yourself to Baja's mouthwatering Boneless Short Ribs! Because, why wouldn't you? Enjoy this but also be sure to check out Baja's specials! They're always keeping up with everything seasonal - including cocktails, pumpkin beers/ciders, etc. with must-have fall dishes
Don't forget... TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday at Baja! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos plus $3 coronas!
Oh & Happy Hour is every Tuesday-Friday from 4-6pm :) PPS: Check out Baja's specials! > Check out their specialty drinks > BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
If you haven't watched this video of the lobster mac & cheese from Carters... you must.. but we'll warn you... be prepared to drool and to grab your bag & head over! Because YUM! The secret? It's the 3
Cheese combo (obviously): White cheddar, Yellow cheddar, Parmesan. See here > PS: Carters is open everyday!Kitchen open until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with the bar open until 12:30am! PPS: Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 2-5! PPPS!!! Katie James Inc. creates and curates Carter's Instagram, and can for your business too. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY
193-195 Maint Street, Beacon, NY
SOUP SEASON IS IN FULL SWING! Make sure you stop into Beacon Bread Company for Maine Clam Chowder to stay OR to go! 🥣 Join the BBC team all fall + winter long to stay updated on their soup specials. Who doesn't love SOUP SEASON?! PS BBC is open everyday from 8am-6pm except for Wednesday! PPS Whole sale, special orders, and events/catering available! Follow BBC on Instagram > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN 244 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Kaek el Quds” .. derived from the ka'ak bread ring which is found throughout the Middle East. Typically, this is a yeasted, crusty bread which is shaped into an oblong ring and covered in sesame seeds. The dough has a lighter texture and is crunchy on the outside. Ziatun knows how to make this a goooood sandwich! YUM! Looks like eggs, sprouts, and more goodness that we'll discover as soon as we're finished typing this - when we head over! PS! Ziatun is open everyday!
Monday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Follow Ziatun on Instagram > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Before you know it, Winter will be here! ☃️ And nothing beats a pair of polarized sunglasses while out in the snow! Luxe continues to bring in new styles to keep things exciting and fresh! So, dodge the old pair, and stop in for a new pair! PS: Eye doctor appointments available here! > BEACON HOURS
Monday from 10AM–5PM
Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM
Sunday CLOSED Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
THE STATION
463 Main Street, Beacon
The Station is committed to offering safe & clean cannabis to NYS. Stop into The Station this weekend and check it out.
Open all weekend long.
Friday 4-8pm and
Saturday & Sunday 12-6pm.
PS! The Station is local and a huge part of the Beacon Community! Follow The Station on Instagram > The Station is a Sponsor, thank you!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OPEN! A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide is one of the biggest draws to this publication. Every store is listed in it for the best experience for our readers. Google rewarded A Little Beacon Blog with a #1 ranking for "boutique shopping beacon ny." Designed to elevate your store from the rest, this advertising campaign is integrated with our Instagram. Show your storefront in the listing, get your business a permanent weekly feature in A Little Beacon Blog's Retail Therapy Newsletter sent on Fridays (see examples here), as well as weekly Instagram features. More information here >
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
For over 60 years, Yanarella Dance has been dedicated to providing an exceptional dance education to the Hudson Valley. Since the day they opened our doors, their philosophy has been that “every child should have the same opportunity to dance, regardless of talent or ability. There is no can’t in dance. There’s only a C-A-N”.
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.
MEGAN & KENNETH PHOTOGRAPHERS Weddings & Families
It's that time of year to book those family sessions! Not only because it's such a beautiful time of the year here in the Hudson Valley... but because you'll want them for your holiday cards! Leave it to Megan & Kenneth to capture the most beautiful memories of you and your family that you'll love and cherish forever... memories that you can share around the holiday season to bring joy to your loved ones. Reach out and book! Find more information here > Megan & Kenneth are Sponsors. Thank you!
BEACON DENTAL
1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3666
At Beacon Dental, they are dedicated to providing you and your family with quality dental care tailored to your individual needs. They welcome patients aged 4 and older and provide a full range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout your life. When you visit their dentists and team, you can be certain that your health, comfort and smile are always their highest priorities. Beacon Dental is also happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Katie James Inc. is producing the Spirit of Beacon Day website. This destination website was designed to both update people as the year went on, from Sponsorship opportunities, to easy ways to Register for Parade and Vendor tables, to the final product of Parade and Table Maps, and Bathrooms. Katie James Inc. is also producing the social media on Instagram and Facebook for Spirit of Beacon Day. Need these services for your business? Katie James, Inc. works with small and large businesses.
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY
ART > TATTOO Invisimark (Stretch Mark Tattooing - to make stretch marks disappear)
The renovations are complete at the Veterans Memorial Building, the Commander of the VFW Post 666 Herold Delamater told the Beacon Free Press this week. Construction started in February 2023, in what was an planned project for the Veterans, but the public grew concerned and protective of the building when they saw fencing go up. Throughout the year, different upgrades have been made.
The building serves as a meeting location for many Veterans meetings and gatherings, as well as other events for the public, including FEMA needs when they happen. The Guardian Revival is also based there now, which is a non-profit with a mission to revive and preserve the mental health and well-being of veterans and first responders at no cost to them.
The Chief of Staff of the Guardian Revival, Deneen Kirsten, said this about the change the renovations have given veterans: “They [veterans] want to come in and hang out and they realize it’s a safe place. They then ask for help.’ Deneen told the newspaper that with the various programs the organizations are offering, some of the stigma is being lifted.
Tony Pulliam, a US Veteran who is the Commander of the Marine Corps League chapter in Beacon, told the Beacon Free Press that where they did not have a handicap ramp before, they have it now, by raising the front porch. They also planted new landscaping in front of the building. People may miss the pink flowering trees in the spring, but there must have been a reason to remove them.
The building is used 7 days a week, with over 200 volunteers, staff and membership accessing it. There is a new kitchen on the lower floor, which was provided by grants. The labor to install was all-volunteer, with the exception of the tile work, Pulliam told the Beacon Free Press.
“Years ago, no one even know what the building was,” Delamater told the newspaper. But now, the words VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING are inscribed at the top on the outside of the building.
Nearly $500,000 in improvements have been made to the building, which the veterans have organized, the Beacon Free Press reports. The Department of Veterans Services has awarded $60,000 for additional renovations. Some financing has come from the City of Beacon in years past under the City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero, but the veterans rely on fundraising to get their work and repairs complete.
Regarding Veterans Day, Herold told the Beacon Free Press: “It is a time for reflection across all branches. It is a time to support one another. We’re all one. We have to look out for one another. If someone is out there who needs something, we’re here. We don’t turn anybody away.”
The Veterans Memorial Building Team will be hosting a commemorative veterans event on November 30 from 6-8pm at the Veterans Memorial Building.
In Beacon, the entire City Council, made up of Democrats, was running unopposed, including the Mayor. Until one person announced just days prior that he would be a write-in mayoral candidate, which garnered some discussion about the fact that there was no choice of candidates. A single party hold by the Democratic party on this community has become the norm, that one sometimes wonders why there were yard signs at all.
County Clerk: Kenya Gadsen (Democrat) lost to Bradford Kendall (Republican), who was running for re-election. It was a close race. Kenya also ran on the Working Families line, and Bradford on the Conservative line. Kenya was at one time on Beacon’s Board Of Education, and then moved to be elected to Fishkill’s Town Board.
Dutchess County Executive Susan J. Serino (Republican) won against Tommy Zurhellen (Democrat). Susan also ran on the Conservative line, and Tommy on the Working Families line. Susan was a New York Senator representing Dutchess County for 8 years, until she lost her last re-election to Michelle Henchey (Democrat) after her territory was redistricted.
Dutchess County Legislator - District 16 Yvette Valdes Smith (Democrat, Working Families) beat Ron Davis (Republican, Conservative) by a wide margin. There were 2 write-in votes (.07%).
Dutchess County Legislator - District 18 Nick Page (Democrat) won unopposed. There were 22 write-in votes (1%). Nick’s family’s business, Hudson Todd, owns several of the buildings on Main Street on the west end of town by Bank Square.
City Of Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou won almost unopposed. There were 449 write-votes. That was 16% of the vote. Generally, the percentage of write-ins for other elected positions in this election was 1%. Lee ran in the Democratic line and is a landlord. Days before the vote, Reuben Simmons announced his candidacy as a write-in. Well known in Beacon, Reuben stood a very slim, but not impossible, chance of winning through his work as a City of Beacon employee and his extensive volunteer work, placing him throughout the city with people at all times.
Beacon City Council All 7 seats of the City Council were Democrats and ran unopposed. Five seats remain the same, and 2 are new: Ward 1: Molly Rhodes, returns for her 2nd term. There were 10 write-in votes (1%). Molly ran in the Democratic line. A newcomer, LaStar Gorton, wanted to run for Ward 1, and had everything she needed to run on the Independent line. But a series of strange events happened to her that kept her off the ballot. Ward 2: Jeffrey Domanski is newly elected. There were 9 write-in votes (1%). Jeffrey ran in the Democratic line. Former Councilmember Justice McCray did not seek re-election. Justice is a founding member of Beacon4Black Lives. Jeffrey is known in Beacon politics in part for his work for shepherding Beacon, along with other municipalities, into Beacon’s signing onto a fixed energy price using clean energy via the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program. That program auto-opted in Beacon residents, and guaranteed them a low fixed energy rate. When energy rates went up in Summer or during the beginning of the Ukraine war, the fixed energy price through the CCA remained low and the same. However, the energy contractor behind this arrangement broke their contract and walked away, thereby breaking the fixed rate. Some Beaconites were suspicious of the rate lock anyway, just by the nature of so many clean energy solar panel peddlers coming to Beaconite’s doorsteps and confusing them with different programs, and because of Central Hudson’s own confusing and sometimes misleading language. The CCA program was nothing like those programs, and did give citizens savings. Jeffrey is married to a member of the Beacon Board of Education, Kristan Flynn. Ward 3: Wren Longo, returns for her 2nd term. There were 8 write-in votes (1%). Wren ran in the Democratic line. Wren is well versed in affordable housing. Ward 4: Dan Aymar-Blair, returns for his 3rd term. There were 16 write-in votes (2%). Dan ran in the Democratic and Working Families lines. Dan originally ran on an anti-development theme and currently seeks strict regulation of emissions to impact the climate crisis. Councilmembers At Large: Paloma Wake and Pam Wetherbee Paolma ran in the Democratic and Working Families lines. Paloma is passionate about affordable housing, the climate, and land-justice in Beacon, recognizing that we are living on Indigenous land. Pam ran in the Democratic line. Pam is a former City Councilmember, and is currently advocating for the residents who live near Rte. 52, where the Mayor is leading a move to re-zone that area once property opens up after Healey Brothers leave.
Who: Organized by New York Palestinian-Americans, Muslims of the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association Masjid’s Al-Ikhlas and Al-Noor, and citizens of Congressional Districts 17, 18, & 19.
What: Protest demanding a ceasefire in Palestine. From the organizers: “We DEMAND more than a ceasefire. The American government needs to prioritize ending the blockade and support humanitarian efforts in Gaza, NOW. Let’s FLOOD Newburgh for a Free Palestine.
When: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 3:30pm: Meet and organize 4:00pm: Step off 4:30pm: Speeches, chants, demand, moment of silence 5:45pm March back
Where: March from 401 Washington Street to 605 Broadway
It was a drowsy hyper-local election season in Beacon this year, with the usual Democratic candidates running or not running unopposed for City Council and the Mayor position. All City Council positions are running unopposed in the Democratic line, with Paloma Wake and Dan Aymar-Blair also claiming the Working Families line. Mayor Lee Kyriacou, who unseated two-term Mayor Randy Casale last round, was running unopposed - until last Friday when lifelong resident Reuben Simmons decided to run at the request of those around him, he told ALBB last evening.
Before Reuben entered the race, the Beacon Free Press interviewed Mayor Kyriacou for last Wednesday’s print edition. The newspaper asked him: “What do you think it says that no one is running against you?” Mayor Kyriacou answered: “Well, I certainly can’t speak for those who might have thought about running. What I hope being unopposed says, is that Beacon residents think the city is in good steady hands, that I truly listen to and try to represent everyone in our community, and that I’ve provided strong but inclusive leadership. I guess my track record in Beacon elections - 11 races, 11 wins - may also have been a little daunting; I have knocked on every single door in our city multiple times. I would of course welcome competition - that’s democracy - which makes us stronger and more inclusive.”
A week before that print edition came out, friends of Reuben Simmons began texting friends that Reuben had entered the race as a Mayoral candidate as a write-in candidate. Reuben was born and raised in Beacon, is a 20-year employee of Beacon’s Highway Department; is a co-founder of the volunteer group I Am Beacon which is quietly or loudly behind many signature efforts in Beacon like Turkey On Every Table; at one point production of the the City’s fireworks for the centennial celebration, the This Is Beacon podcast; and other initiatives.
Who Is Reuben Simmons?
Longtime locals to Beacon know Reuben very well. Some know him as Coach Yogi, from when he coached Beacon Bears youth football, and via coaching and leadership of Beacon Hoops, which is youth basketball. Newcomers to Beacon may not know him yet. Readers can listen to this interview with him recorded on Sunday evening at his rally gathering at Max’s on Main.
Picture of the sample ballot. The write-in box is at the bottom. Print clearly and slowly. DO not write a signature. Just write the words in print.
Reuben says his recent decision to run in addition to Mayor Lee Kyriacou, is to give people a choice, he told ALBB at the rally held for him by Richie Kaplan, owner of Max’s on Main. At this stage, Reuben has not performed the traditional campaign things, like raising money, printing and distributing yard signs, going door to door, mailing postcards, etc. It’s just him and his support network of friends and family. With one day away from the election, he is relying on word of mouth in the community to get the word out that he is running.
That, and that people will need to spell his name correctly on the ballot: Reuben Simmons. (HINT: the “e” goes before the “u”).
Reuben maintained that people wanted a choice in how they were voting. He told ALBB: “People said that they want an option. How I feel about politics, I'm not really involved in the political side, I just feel people should have a choice.”
In ALBB’s interview, Reuben describes how, when he was Highway Superintendent, he put together the budget for the Highway Department, which consists of other departments under the umbrella of the Highway Department including City Mechanics Garage, Parks Department, and Transfer Station. Beacon Parks and Recreation Department Director Mark Price crafts and delivers his budget each year.
Regarding Reuben’s Experience Working Hands-On With City Government
ALBB asked Reuben about his 20 year experience working with the City of Beacon, and how that translates to a Mayoral position: “Through just what I do throughout the city through my volunteering, working and meeting and talking with people throughout the city, there was a lot of frustration that people felt like they were handcuffed to an election. They felt like there was a certain party that just has a hold on the election process and doesn't allow other people to run.”
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Over the years, the Democrats have represented in City Council. The Republican and Independent efforts have been almost non-existent.
For example, this year, there was a new attempt to run for City Council Ward 1 by LaStar Gorton, but she seemed to have been shut out, she told ALBB. LaStar attended Reuben’s rally, and spoke to ALBB about her experience trying to get onto the ballot as an Independent. She says she was questioned by Democrat Lisa Jessup about the ballot one hour after she filed. LaStar says that she was questioned regarding her signatures. LaStar was sent an acceptance letter after she filed, but the letter was postmarked one day before she needed to submit her acceptance. She received the mail after the deadline, and was not granted an extension for the unworkable postmark by the Dutchess County Board Of Elections.
ALBB has seen signature blocking before, the last instance being when former Beacon City Councilman Ali T. Muhammad was running for Mayor of Newburgh on the Democratic line. Many of his signatures were rejected by the Board of Elections. Ali explained to ALBB: “They started weaponizing that tactic tool against me since 2016. I’ve won a couple court cases to reverse the ruling. I’ve been disqualified in a couple races because of the rulings and no resources to fix.”
Listen to LaStar’s experience in the interview below, and read about what prompted her to want to run in the first place. Should you want to write her in for Ward 1, there would be nothing stopping you. Ward 1’s current Councilmember, Molly Rhodes, is running unopposed in the Democratic line.
What Qualifies Reuben Simmons?
When ALBB asked what qualifies Reuben, he answered: “I do think I'm a candidate to consider - given my two decades of working and volunteering within the community - the connections I've made through residents, business owners, civic groups, church groups alike. The people asked me. The more and more that people asked me, I looked into it, I do have a good knowledge of how the City operates. I have been working for the Highway Department for 20 years now, straight out of high school. I started as summer intern and worked my way up to Superintendent.”
In terms of crafting budgets, Reuben has the experience: “I had to put together one of the biggest budgets in the City of Beacon that has multiple departments. By running, I'll be learning and working with great people that work with the City, I'll be able to learn and understand how budgets operate, and how the City operates as a whole.”
Before he was Highway Superintendent, Reuben served as the Union President. He served for 7 years, winning 2 terms, and negotiated 2 contracts with the City of Beacon. His second contract was voted by 100% approval rating by all the workers represented by the union the Public Works division. "I take that with pride. I listened to what the workers want. That's the same type of leadership I would bring in to local government. That's the same type of leadership I would bring in to any avenue I have. Listening to the people. This situation I'm in right now, this write-in opportunity, is by response of listening to the people.”
Reuben’s Approach To Zoning and Development In Beacon
ALBB asked Reuben how he would approach zoning in Beacon. Especially now as Rte. 52 is in the spotlight with the Healey car dealership selling their property along that strip. Reuben stated: “I would listen to the residents that live in that area, and how that is going to effect residents as a whole. I have learned a lot about development in this city and the history of it. I think to move forward, we have to understand our history. Right now, I am working with the Beacon Historical Society, The Highlands Current and the Howland Public Library, where I'm learning a lot on what happened during Urban Renewal. A lot of things that we are hearing and learning throughout that, I'm seeing a lot replicated today. I'm willing to bring that aspect of what I'm learning there, and what we can do to move forward for the rezoning on Rte. 52.”
Would Reuben Have Priorities As Mayor In Beacon?
ALBB asked if Reuben would come in with a set of priorities. He answered: “I can't speak to the priorities. This was a last minute move in response to people asking for this. This was not something I was planning. It's not something I was marketing myself for. My experience of working within the City and still being out here volunteering and working, I am confident that I'll be caught up to speed in a good amount of time.”
Overall, Reuben reflected: “It's a collective effort. I'm community-first, community-minded. When it comes to a priority list, or how I make decisions, I make decision not based on what is best for me. I base it off of what I hear in the community. A lot of that is going to be a lot of meetings, and understanding, and talking and round-table discussions. I've seen it operate that way in the past, and I think that's the best way to move forward.”
Where To Vote: Polling Stations For Beacon
The Dutchess County Board of Elections has the locations for Beacon. To find Beacon, look scroll the list for C/Beacon (aka City of Beacon), which is really confusing, as it is not in any kind of alphabetical order.
The Beacon Democrats website makes it more clear, and presents other voting issues to consider on the ballot:
Ward 1, ED 1 & Ward 2, ED 1 & 2: South Ave. Elementary School, 60 South Ave.
Ward 1, ED 2 & Ward 4, ED 1 & 2: Beacon Memorial Building, 413 Main St.
Ward 3, ED 1 & 2: Forrestal Elementary School, 125 Liberty St.
Reuben Simmons, a lifelong Beaconite, has just decided to run for Mayor in Beacon, as a write-in candidate, at the request of those around him, to give people a choice in an un-opposed mayoral race. Reuben told ALBB that people voiced their frustration at not having a choice in this year’s race, as Mayor Lee Kyriacou runs unopposed in what would be his second term in office as Mayor. Mayor Lee has been in Beacon politics since the 1990s as a City Council member throughout the years.
Article to come on Reuben’s candicacy next. Owner of Max’s on Main, Richie Kaplan, offered to host a rally for Reuben on Sunday evening. Reuben and Richie serve together on the Beacon Parade of Green committee, which is one of several local volunteer committees Reuben serves on. Article to come.
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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.
nts Arnaud Sussman, violin and Micheal Stephen Brown, piano
