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

I’ve got a lot more to say and it just won’t be said from this seat.
— Justice McCray

Justice McCray was elected to represent Ward 2 in Beacon, which is the southwest district of the City of Beacon. Justice sprang onto the scene in 2020 during the reawakening for the Civil Rights of People for Color in the United States. They co-formed the group Beacon4BlackLives, a social justice organization dedicated to building social and racial equity and justice within the Hudson Valley. Justice was one of the primary organizers of marches in the name of Black lives mattering more, including a protest at night outside of Mayor Lee Kyriacou’s house.

The demands of Beacon4BlackLives remained in Justice’s election platform., which included:

  • Defund the police.

  • Implement more police oversight policies.

  • Invest back in community by way of social and educational institutions, child care, housing, mental health services, and others.

  • Invest in municipal broadband.

Justice was on Council for the passage of Beacon’s Good Cause Eviction Law, which is now being challenged in court via eviction hearings of various Beaconites. They also consistently voted no or abstained from votes to increase the police budget.

Justice did not seek re-election, and the question could be asked if it was because they felt more impactful as a community organizer out in the field, not bound by municipal charters silencing them, or conforming them to a way of doing things. Justice was succeeded by Jeffrey Domanski, who is not a stranger to working with City Councils as he was part of an effort to unite municipalities to sign into an energy savings plan using clean energy for a low fixed rate, which was eventually nullified by the provider of that energy.

Longtime Councilmember George Mansfield also did not seek re-election, after serving for 14 years. Councilmember George delivered his farewell speech, followed by Justice’s. The full speech from Justice has been republished below:


“I thought I would have a lot to say in my final report as a City Councilperson - and then George spoke (laughter) - but I’ve got a lot more to say and it just won’t be said from this seat.

“When I decided to step up and run for office, I had been actively participating in Council Meetings for a long time as a social justice activist and housing justice advocate.

I’ve been a City Councilmember that neighbors in every ward have talked to about very real discrimination they’ve faced.
— Justice McCray

“I thought I understood how our local government runs, and I came in charged and ready to take on the work that the previous Council left us, and I was ready to be bold and ambitious and frankly, confrontational.

“Stepping into this seat, I learned quickly how much I didn’t know, and for better or worse, I slowed down.

“I didn’t know much I needed to know on the county level or state level, and I didn’t realize how often I would feel powerless in this position. I also didn’t realize how influential my voice had become in addressing issues locally and on a larger level.

“I’ve sat in the living rooms and dining rooms of dozens of my community members’ homes to address issues from potholes, to accessing legal assistance. I’ve been a City Councilmember that neighbors in every ward have talked to about very real discrimination they’ve faced.

“I'm so honored that I've had the opportunity to be a part of a council that fought for tenants rights, that passed trailblazing climate legislation, that’s invested heavily in recreation and community input and making sure that community voices are heard.

“I’m proud of the ways I’ve leveraged the power of this seat to push back against the contamination of the Hudson River, to advocate for tenant protections statewide, to fight Central Hudson’s proposed rate increases and so much more.

I’m so grateful for everything that I’ve learned and for everyone who has supported me. I’ve felt so much support through this position and I wouldn’t have made it without my community.
— Justice McCray

“I'm so grateful for everything that I've learned and for everyone who has supported me. I've felt so much support through this position and I wouldn't have made it without my community. I have a lot of hope for the future, and while I'm going to be finding better ways to play to my strengths, I look forward to doing everything I can to make sure that Beacon can be the best that it can be.

“Special shoutout to my neighbors on South Chestnut and Rombout. I love you very much and you've really made the neighborhood special. I have so many people to thank and I don't think I can name them all here, but for those who make this community special, for those who initiate, for those who show up in whatever ways they know how, thank you and keep showing up.”

BCSD and Eric J. Romanino Athletic Hall Of Fame Honor 2023 Inductees

The Beacon City School District (BCSD) & the Eric J. Romanino Athletic Hall Of Fame Committee celebrated their 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees on January 5, 2024 at the St. Rocco Society Banquet Hall. Said the BCSD on their Facebook page: “The Eric. J. Romanino Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 1996 to celebrate the contributions of our Beacon Bulldog athletes. What a great example of our legacy, community, and camaraderie! Congratulations to the induction class of 2024!”

Honor 2023 Inductees Included:

2012 Softball Team
Head Coach Brian Antalek

Rodney Paulin
Varsity Boys Basketball: Class of 1973

Joe Simmons
Varsity Boys Basketball: Class of 1973

Jummie Akinwunmi
Varsity Track & Field: Class of 2018

Dave Eraca
Varsity Baseball: Class of 1973

Lenny Torres
Varsity Baseball: Class of 2018

Randy Casale: Honorary

Honorees Were Presented By:

2012 Softball Team
Presented by: Eric Romanino

Rodney Paulin
Presented by: Patrick Schetter

Joe Simmons
Presented by: Patrick Schetter

Jummie Akinwunmi
Presented by: Jim Henry

Dave Eraca
Presented by: Tim Newman

Lenny Torres
Presented by: Bobby Atwell

Randy Casale
Presented by: Brian Soltish

City Of Beacon Issued Over 80 Tickets Already In 1st Snowfall; City Administrator Warns of More

During Beacon’s first snowfall, the City of Beacon issued over 80 tickets to cars who did not move off the street so that the plows could clear the street, Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White told the public during last night’s City Council Meeting. “Thanks to the Highway and Water Departments, and particularly Mickey [Manzi, Beacon’s Superintendent of Streets].” City Administrator Chris told people to “help our Highway Department.” He reiterated the rule of more than 2" accumulation of snow, cars need to be off the street.

City Administrator Chris announced that the City ticketed “over 80 vehicles." He continued: “I would like to bring that down to zero. Please bring that down. Park in any of the public lots then, you go back to the streets.”

We will clear the snow and ice and we will back-charge you as a property owner.
— Chris White

Next, City Administrator Chris warned property owners who have sidewalk corners on their properties, that they need to shovel them, or face fines, starting today (Tuesday). “If you adjoin a public sidewalk,” he said, “you are obligated public sidewalk clearing. We are issuing tickets tomorrow.” He outlined: “We will clear the snow and ice and we will back-charge you as a property owner.”

Mayor Lee Kyriacou reinforced the threat by confirming that the City’s sidewalk shoveling rate is not cheap, stating that it happened to him one year and he was billed.

Spirit Of Beacon Day Announces Change Of Leadership: Ali T. Muhammad To Be Next Chair

The Spirit of Beacon Day has announced a change in leadership moving forward: Katie Hellmuth will step aside, and Board Member Ali T. Muhammad will step up into the Chair position. Said Katie in their announcement: “I am thrilled to announce that Ali T. Muhammad has stepped up and into the Chair position, with Junior, Jeana and Jen continuing to serve on the Board committee. Ali is a born and raised Beaconite, a natural leader, a proven leader in Beacon during his time serving on Beacon’s City Council years ago, and now in his organizing capacities in Newburgh for Next Step Hudson Valley and Melanin Unchained.”

Said Katie to ALBB: “I am so honored to have served with this Committee. Jeana stepped in like she was already here. She came with minutes prepped, took over the vendor table mapping with her landscape architecture background, and pushed us into meetings. Jen flew right in to administer the details that needed to get done on time, and negotiate our contracts. Junior made sure we hit deadlines on time with his optimism.”

In their announcement, Katie said: “I am so looking forward to seeing and experiencing what Ali produces this year. He is a visionary, gifted with seeing the big picture, and rallying those around him into action. Look for possible changes, and continued spirit.”

The entire announcement has been published in full below:

Written by Katie Hellmuth:

Living in Beacon for me has meant learning what community service really means. I do what I do at A Little Beacon Blog because I want to find information, and I want to be sure those around me have access to that information. Unintentionally, this became my community service.

Through my coverage as a blogger of the Spirit of Beacon Day over the years, and as a citizen experiencing the day, I saw the schools and organizations who I only read about, out on the street. The people in those organizations - the people of whom change all the time as they need to in their lives - those people did everyday volunteer work without needing of acknowledgment. They were people who paid attention and wanted to impact how life is lived here in Beacon.

The Spirit of Beacon Day was a day to see the people making social change out on the streets. Their spirits would come out however they wanted to show it. Vendor tables were reserved for non-profits and service organizations. This was and remains their day to shine.

As a blogger, I have covered 2 instances where the Spirit of Beacon Day almost ceased to happen, when the chair and committee needed to step aside in order to fulfill commitments in their personal lives. The Spirit of Beacon is its own entity. It is not a committee of the City of Beacon, and for a long time, it did not receive money from the city. It did receive complimentary police overtime.

I am so looking forward to seeing and experiencing what Ali produces this year. He is a visionary, gifted with seeing the big picture, and rallying those around him into action.
— Katie Hellmuth

Both of the times the Spirit of Beacon committee needed to cease, there was a releasing of the torch because no one would or could step up. The second time was two years ago, and with only months to spare to produce this huge event that so many people relied upon. I didn't have the time to lead this effort, but I knew that I could do it. I knew I had all of the contacts in my phone, I owned a branding agency who could voluntarily design what was needed. Everyone that could do anything was one text away.

I threw my hat into the ring. But I wasn't the only one. Longtime community members Ali T. Muhammad and Junior Dabashi also threw their hats into the ring. It was decided that I would lead the Spirit of Beacon Day as its Chair and Ali and Junior would serve as Board members. Weeks later, Jeana Pearl Fletcher and Jennifer Garfield-Abrams also came on to serve on the Board to make this event happen. As a Committee, we produced two Spirit of Beacon Days together.

The time has come for me to step aside so that I can get back to blogging and running my businesses to produce for my family so that I can continue to afford living in Beacon.

I am thrilled to announce that Ali T. Muhammad has stepped up and into the Chair position, with Junior, Jeana and Jen continuing to serve on the Board committee. Ali is a born and raised Beaconite, a natural leader, a proven leader in Beacon during his time serving on Beacon’s City Council years ago, and now in his organizing capacities in Newburgh for Next Step Hudson Valley and Melanin Unchained.

I will step off the board and continue to support by giving my Institutional Memory as guidance. My branding agency, Katie James, Inc., will continue to provide volunteer services to the website. A Little Beacon Blog will continue as Media Sponsor in order to get the word out for the Spirit of Beacon Day as needed.

I am so looking forward to seeing and experiencing what Ali produces this year. He is a visionary, gifted with seeing the big picture, and rallying those around him into action. Look for possible changes, and continued spirit.

To the People of Beacon: Thank you for having me.

Anyone interested in joining or rejoining the Committee or volunteering in any capacity (big or small), please email spiritofbeacon@gmail.com with your interest.

The First Week! :: Retail Therapy Guide 1/5/2024

First weekend of the New Year! Happy 2024!

With that, the potential first snow storm of the year! Classic arrival after December, kicking off January with snow plowing and salt. Remember to get a car wash afterwards, to wash of that salt from the bottom of your car.

When there is more than 2" of snow, cars need to be off the street so that the snowplows from Beacon's Highway Department can come through. Buddy up with your neighbors or park in a free public parking lot.

To open up the DMV parking lot for the anticipated cars moving from the street to the parking lot, the Beacon Farmers Market is closed this Sunday. But fear not, you can order your eggs, steak, pork, lamb and goat from Eggberts Free Range Farm, who will stock their van for online orders and make free deliveries once the roads are clear.


                                    

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 >

 

Play Sets: Dan Flavin
Day: Saturday, January 6, 2024
Time: 10:30am
Location: Dia Beacon, 3 Beekman St, Beacon, NY
Information >

City of Beacon Swearing-in Ceremony
Day: Saturday, January 6, 2024
Time: 3pm
Location: 413 Main Street, Beacon, Veterans-Memorial Building
Everyone is welcome to join the Mayor and City Councilmembers as they take the oath of office with community, family, friends, and other local elected officials. Master of Ceremonies is former City Councilmember George Mansfield. Reception and light refreshments to follow.

Awakening Wellness Workshop
Day: Sunday, January 7, 2024
Time: 4-5pm
Location: Chakra Bowls, 36 Eastdale Avenue North Poughkeepsie, NY
Information >

Beacon Farmers Market! Every Sunday from 10am-3pm at 223 Main Street!

Beacon Flea Market! Every Fair Weather Sunday from 8am-3pm at Henry Street (next to the Post Office).
 

Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events
throughout the week!

 
 

HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL
288 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Website >
O.M.WOW! Have you seen the new mural at Dulce Cielo MX? Drop. Dead. Gorgeous.
Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
Miz Hattie's BBQ: Southern Style BBQ, from North Carolina. Order ahead via their Toast-app menu!
El Nica: Nicaraguan Food
Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar
Dulce Cielo Mexico: Authentic Mexican street food with vegetarian and vegan options.
Tara Fusion Cuisine: Fusion cuisine of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food
Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you!

BAJA 328
328 Main Street, Beacon, NY
We won't ever get over the specials at Baja. Always so good and always pair so nicely with their seasonal cocktails! Don't forget the calamari... seriously!
PS TACO TUESDAY 🌮 is every Tuesday at Baja! $2 chicken, beef & carnita tacos plus $3 coronas! 
PS: Check out Baja's specials! > 
Check out their specialty drinks > 
BAJA 328 is a Sponsor, thank you!


CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
424 Main St.
Finally! If you don't know.... The scaffolding has been taken down from next door at Carters, as the building is entering new phases of its construction. The corner building is looking very nice! Looking forward to seeing what’s coming next. The sidewalk is now easier for you to get down. Come sit by the windows and enjoy the view of Main St.
PS: Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 2-5! Carters is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesday's for the winter.
Follow Carter's on Instagram >
Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!

BEACON BREAD COMPANY
193-195 Main Street, Beacon, NY

This French Toast tho...No better place than BBC! Fresh baked goods made daily. Berrylicious :)
PS BBC is open everyday from 8am-6pm except for Wednesday.
PPS Wholesale, special orders, and events/catering available.
Follow BBC on Instagram >
Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!


ZIATUN
244 Main Street, Beacon, NY
New Retail Drop! Resistance Totes Watermelon edition at Ziatun! Need one. Limited supplies and available in off white and black. All sales will be donated to the people in Palestine. The donations are focused on PTSD for the children survivors.
PS! Ziatun is open everyday.
Monday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Follow Ziatun on Instagram >
Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
 

 
Eggbert’s Free Range Farm
Free Home Delivery & Farmers Market
Pick-Ups

Website >
Instagram >
You can find Eggbert’s Free Range Farm at the Beacon Farmer’s Market on Sunday's! For all of your meat, poultry, and egg needs. Free range, antibiotic-free, and delicious. Farm Fresh Eggs are $6/dozen.
DELIVERY: Free Delivery available to Beacon, Newburgh and Cold Spring.
Order online now.
MARKETS: Find Eggberts Free Range Farm at the Cold Spring Farmer's Market on Saturdays, and the Beacon Farmer's Market on Sundays.
Eggbert's Free Range Farm is a Sponsor, thank you!


LUXE OPTIQUE
181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Looking or something sophisticated and affordable? Look no further than Luxe Optique! Top trending and favorite brands. Head in and snag a pair for you. You deserve to treat yourself - even after the holidays! 
PS: Eye doctor appointments available here! > 
BEACON HOURS 
Monday from 10AM–5PM
Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM
Sunday CLOSED 
Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!


BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon

Fun and unique finds always available at Binnacle! Books that had lives well before they ended up at Binnacle. Books that you can't find anywhere else. And if you're not sure where to start or what book to read, just talk to the crew! Always happy to help you find the book that you won't want to put down. 
Follow Binnacle on Instagram to keep up with their new reads and to get them right away!
Learn More about Binnacle Books >
Binnacle Books is a Sponsor, thank you!

 
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OPEN!
A Little Beacon Blog's Shopping Guide is one of the biggest draws to this publication. Every store is listed in it for the best experience for our readers. Google rewarded A Little Beacon Blog with a #1 ranking for "boutique shopping beacon ny." Designed to elevate your store from the rest, this advertising campaign is integrated with our Instagram. Show your storefront in the listing, get your business a permanent weekly feature in A Little Beacon Blog's Retail Therapy Newsletter sent on Fridays (see examples here), as well as weekly Instagram features.
More information here >
Yanarella Dance Studio
312 Main St., Beacon, NY

Interested in dance lessons/classes?! Reach out for more information & sign up! Yanarella Dance offers dance classes for everyone - and all age groups!

See Kids Classes here >
See Adults Classes here > 
Register Online >

Yanarella is a Sponsor, thank you!

Beacon has a growing number of beauty salons and professional pampering to take advantage of - you can even book a transforming appointment at a lash bar! Be it a totally new hair style, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here >

Special Message For Businesses: If you want to advertise in this Guide with a picture, logo and promotions, please click here.


PS* NEW Advertising Packages available! See details > 


BEACON DENTAL
1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3666

At Beacon Dental, they are dedicated to providing you and your family with quality dental care tailored to your individual needs. They welcome patients aged 4 and older and provide a full range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout your life. When you visit their dentists and team, you can be certain that your health, comfort and smile are always their highest priorities. Beacon Dental is also happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! 
Explore all services >
Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!

                       
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Katie James Inc. works with local and national clients. Businesses of all sizes and budgets can find a branding home with Katie James, Inc.


TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities.
Learn More >
Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!

BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY


ART > TATTOO
Invisimark (Stretch Mark Tattooing - to make stretch marks disappear)

BEAUTY
Makeup By Jenny Magliano >

BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES
See them here >

BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR
Tin Shingle
Katie James, Inc.

CATERING > EVENT CATERING
Oui Oui Cuisine 
Dulce Cielo Mx

DENTAL
Beacon Dental

EVENT SPACE > CO-WORK SPACE
The Main Office at Beacon Digital 

HISPANIC OWNED BUSINESS
See them here >

HOME IMPROVEMENT > DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
Faust Design Build

HOME IMPROVEMENT > LAWN SERVICES
Blue Green Lawns

MUSIC
Miss Vickies Music

PHOTOGRAPHY
Megan & Kenneth

THERAPY
Jessica Mills, LCSW

List Your Business In The Business Directory > 
LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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Beacon Farmers Market Closed For Anticipated Snow Storm - January 7, 2024

In anticipation of the first snow storm of the season, which is predicted to drop 4”-8” of snow, the Beacon Farmer’s Market is closed. Said the Beacon Farmer’s Market via their Instagram: “When there is snowfall in Beacon, cars must be removed from Main Street to allow plows to come through. When this happens, parking lots like the DMV Lot must be made available for public/resident parking. We’re happy to do our part for the residents of Beacon.”

Pat Ryan Disrupted At Swearing In Ceremony At Gardiner Town Hall By Constituents Demanding Permanent Ceasefire and End To Military Aid To Israel

As reported by KingstonWalk4BlackLives, on January 2, 2024, constituents of Congressman Pat Ryan (District 18) disrupted a swearing-in ceremony at Gardiner Town Hall officiated by the congressman “to demand that the congressman immediately and unconditionally support a permanent ceasefire and no military aid to Israel.”

Congressman, I’m your constituent. My family and friends are being killed in Gaza. How many Palestinians have to die before you support a ceasefire?
— Abdallah Qotate

NewPaltzStudentsForPalestine, which is a coalition of antifascists working to bring attention to Israel’s ongoing genocidal occupation of Palestine, also published video with reporting, stating: “Today one of our members linked up with some local comrades to disrupt an event hosted in Gardiner by our local Representative Pat Ryan, a vocal defender of the Israeli regime who has voted repeatedly to send billions of dollars to Israel while his own constituents experience poverty and homelessness. Despite being almost physically assaulted at times by several Zionists who attended the event, we held firm and let Pat Ryan know that he cannot expect to cruise to reelection while brazenly ignoring his constituents.”

“The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have killed more than 22,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023. Congressman Ryan has yet to call for an unconditional permanent ceasefire.”

Abdallah Qotate, a Goshen resident, went to the front of the room to ask: “Congressman, I’m your constituent. My family and friends are being killed in Gaza. How many Palestinians have to die before you support a ceasefire?” In the middle of his sentence, a man yelled sharply: “SIT DOWN! Sit Down.” followed by a “Shut-up! Just sit down!” by an older white woman in the front of the room, followed by a “Shame!” by somebody else. Another man whispered: “You’re just increasing his popularity.”

Those in favor of Palestinian lives in the audience began shouting: “How many Palestinians have to die?”

As a Jew, I know that calling for an end to genocide is not anti-semetic. Never again means never again to anyone. Shame on Pat Ryan. I voted for Pat Ryan and I don’t know how he can sleep at night having experienced the horrors of war firsthand and knowing there’s an active genocide happening in Palestine.
— Adam Lipsky

A large banner reading “Permanent Ceasefire” was unfurled at the front of the room, in front of Congressman Ryan. Immediately, the older white woman who shouted “Shut-up! Just sit down!” stood in front of the banner to try to block it from view. A white man in a red and black flannel shirt and khaki pants who was seated next to her also stood in front of the banner and attempted to spread his coat in front of the banner. When the banner holders moved in front of the woman blocking, she came out from under the banner to stand in front of it again. Eventually, the man in the red plaid shirt approached a camera filming before the camera shut off.

Adam Lipsky, a Highland resident, also spoke up, saying: “As a Jew, I know that calling for an end to genocide is not anti-semetic. Never again means never again to anyone. Shame on Pat Ryan.” Adam also said: “I voted for Pat Ryan and I don’t know how he can sleep at night having experienced the horrors of war firsthand and knowing there’s an active genocide happening in Palestine.”

According to KingstonWalk4BlackLives, constituents stayed in the room for fifteen minutes, chanting:

“Ryan Ryan, you can’t hide,
We charge you with genocide!”

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

During the COVID shutdown, A Little Beacon Blog received a tip via DM that the barber shop, Shekinah Styles, located at 265 Main Street across from Max’s on Main, had been in Beacon 30 years and was celebrating their anniversary. Regrettably, ALBB was so consumed with new remote learning life changes for kids and ever-changing vaccination locations, the celebratory profile never made it to publication.

Fast forward a few years, and a FOR RENT sign is in the window for the Shekinah Styles, not for lack of business, but for a almost doubling of the rent by new landlords, founder and lead barber Mark Bobbitt told A Little Beacon Blog as he was moving his shop piece by piece to his new location in Newburgh.

Mark paused long enough for an interview with ALBB, to share his experience barbering in Beacon, what inspires him, and how he views this move after 30 years in Beacon. The audio straight-talk version of this interview is available above.

Who Is Mark Bobbitt And What Is Shekinah Styles Barber Shop?

“Shekinah is ‘The Visible Sign of God's Presence,’ Mark told ALBB. It is pronounced “sha-khinah” with a long “i” like in “kite” and short “a” like “apple.”

"I wanted to put something on my wall that is a signature. To remind myself and remind my customers for my purposes of what I'm here for. And that is to serve the community and to be thankful and grateful to God for how He blessed me. I wanted to put something up there to show my commitment to show God and my customers of how grateful I am to have them in my life.”

Mark was 21 when he started Shekinah Styles. That was in 1991, though he has lived in Beacon since 1988. “I seen a lot,” he reflected. “I seen where people came from, what it is now. I’ve seen a couple of versions [of Beacon].”

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

Mark is 55 right now, and leaving Beacon to open up shop again in Newburgh. Opening his shop 30 years ago in Beacon was not his idea. Mark’s dad pushed him into it. Mark was raised in Newburgh in a family of 11 siblings, “and 8 of us do hair,” Mark told ALBB. Mark’s father was community oriented and made it his purpose to train as many young people in barbering as he could. Mark continued in that community effort, and opened his shop to the community and trained barbers as well.

What’s The Vibe Like Inside Of Shekinah Styles?

“I've been doing the same people from the last 35 years from Newburgh. They come [over to Beacon] once a week or once every other week. I get to see everyone. People get to meet each other. Mark can’t count the number of customers he has. “Put it like this,” he said as he tried to add up the numbers. “I got generations. I got grandfathers that I started on. I did their sons, and their grandsons and great grandsons.”

"A lot goes on in the chair," Mark told ALBB. “Barbers is like psychiatrists. I get to share hopefully my good advice. People trust me, and I trust people.” Many barbers and hair stylists take their job as keepers of conversations very sacred. “I listen. That’s what I do most of the time. I don't try to speak a lot. People just want you to listen. Be an ear to what they want to say. I try to live a basic, simple life. Of being at peace. Treat people the way you want be treated.”

The Rent Hike

Mark has sustained 6 landlords in his 30 years in Beacon. His first location was where the donut shop, Glazed Over, is now. He stayed there for 5 years before moving to what seemed to be his forever home at 265 Main Street. It was his last landlord, however, who he could not make it past.

“I’m leaving this location because of the rent increase that's going on here in Beacon. My rent was pretty much doubled. My lease came up, and they gave me a new number.” A new number from a new landlord. According to Mark, this landlord has owned the building for about 3 years. At the time, he thought the building was on the market for sale, but it does not appear to be now, or is not listed. ALBB has not reached out to landlord to verify. Hudson Valley Vinyl, located next door to Shekinah, told ALBB they are here to stay on a new lease.

The Building’s History

In the summer of 2021, the City of Beacon’s City Council, led by Mayor Lee Kyiacou, was considering designating several commercial buildings and residential homes as being historic. That designation could preserve certain characteristics on a building, which usually costs a building owner more to maintain if a renovation is needed or desired. The designation also puts zoning blockades up for neighboring buildings, in terms of what they can do, and what their changes would do to impact a building with a historic designation.

Many of the commercial building owners objected, including the owner of Mark’s building: Vincent Satriano of 26 East Main St, LLC. He submitted a strongly worded letter to the City of Beacon imploring them not to move forward with the historic designation, arguing that it would make his business of property ownership and investment more difficult.

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

“We spent a significant amount of money investing in Beacon and this property. The justification for the large investment was solely based on the possibility to rebuild on our property as the aforementioned neighbors have. By adding this designation to our property, that opportunity seems greatly diminished, if at all.

“After consulting with our attorneys, we have arrived at the conclusion that we are strongly against this proposal and do NOT want this designation/restriction/limitation placed on our property and further feel it will greatly devalue our investment, and doing so against our will (especially in light of all we just went through the last (2) years) would just add further salt in our wound.

“Please strongly consider NOT placing this unwanted designation on OUR property against our will, further causing financial damage and hardship to our already struggling investment.”

Against the requests of the building owners, the City Council voted to designate the 9 commercial buildings as historic. The City Council then took a pause on designating any others.

As for the process of negotiating his new lease, Mark left uncomfortable. "I've had good relationships with my past landlords. This is the first time where I didn't have that same type of relationship. The way it was done, and the way it was done at the last minute, put me in the position that I felt uncomfortable. I didn't want to put myself in that position to struggle and pay some higher rent.”

Where To Find Shekinah Styles Next - Newburgh

Many businesses who leave Beacon move to Newburgh - including Shekinah Styles Barber Shop. Mark is opening up at 236 Broadway.

“I look forward to going home to where I'm from,” Mark told ALBB. “My family is going to be right next door. Doing hair also. A lot of my customers is from over there.”

As for some of his last words, Mark said: “It's bittersweet. I've been here for so long. I've known so many people here. People coming in saying don't leave! You've been in the community for so long! You're a staple in the community!”

Is this Mark’s last time in Beacon? “I say farewell to Beacon. Maybe not for good. Who knows. Maybe I'll open anther shop here one day. As for now, I say farewell to Beacon. I poured out my heart in the community for so many years. I know so many people. I try to help as many people as I can. Young people. Old people. I say it was a good run. Bittersweet.”

How To Throw Away Your Christmas Tree In Beacon - 2023

The New Year has started, and the Christmas Trees are hitting the curb. Before you throw out your Christmas Tree, that took who knows how long to grow, which was only standing in your house or apartment for a few weeks or days, there is a very special way to throw it away: strip it. Christmas trees must be clean of all ornaments and lights before you drag it to the curb. The City of Beacon’s Highway Department will pick it up for you, and turn it into mulch.

Is there a deadline for when you can throw away your Christmas tree? Can you keep it up for all of January if you wish? ALBB reached out to the City of Beacon, and the Mayor’s Assistant, Ben Swanson responded: “There is not a set date for ending pickup of holiday trees at this time, and the crews' work to gather them is indeed ongoing!”

Well that’s good news. So what about regular branches and brush from the yards? Are those picked up all year? Ben answered: “Brush pickup is year-round, as time allows for our workers!”

Which means that, if you have leaves or grass or other things that can fit into a leaf bag, put it into a leaf bag and haul it to the curb. Beacon’s Highway Department will take it away for you to the Transfer Station (aka The Dump).

Beacon City Schools Recognize Eid al-Fitr As School Holiday For First Time

Photo Credit: by Saimon Kite

When the Beacon City School principals or assistant principals sent out the upcoming holiday dates, like this one from Rombout Middle School, district families noticed a new school holiday: Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the most celebrated days in Islam. "This will be the first year that the Beacon City School District is closed for the Eid holiday,” Vickie Jackson, Secretary to Dr. Matthew Landahl, Superintendent, confirmed to A Little Beacon Blog. Once the Muslim community in Beacon completes Ramadan, which is the highly anticipated month of fasting from sunrise to sundown, the fast is celebrated on the last day of Ramadan on Eid al-Fitr.

Longtime writer for ALBB, Izdihar Dabashi, who is Muslim, Yemeni-American and a hijabi, explains what Eid is: “Muslims have two Eid holidays: Eid Al-Fitr, which is the first day to break fast following the holy month of Ramadan. Eid Al-Fitr celebrates the completion of Ramadan. We start the day by praying at the mosque for Allah (God) to accept our fast, charity, and good deeds during Ramadan. Each Muslim person donates money to the poor, and it’s common for people to send money to feed the poor or slaughter (in a humane and clean method, which makes it halal) a lamb to feed the poor. Eid is spent with family. Some of us go to the park, others to restaurants, some choose to just stay at home and have family over.”

Eid will be recognized as a school holiday in Beacon on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. The actual date is determined by the Hijri calendar - its lunar calendar of 12 months.

According to Zakat.org, “Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Hijri calendar’s 9th month, Ramadan, and the first day of its 10th month, Shawwal.” As for the start of Ramadan, Zakat.org states: “Based on Ramadan 2024 beginning March 11 (at night, with the first fasting day being March 12), we anticipate Eid al-Fitr 2024 to fall on or near April 9.”

Zakat means almsgiving in Arabic and is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Zakat is considered a religious obligation and duty for Muslims.