Thank you to the Trova & Mas Show and Carolina on 91.3FM, Independent Radio at Vassar College, for having us on to talk about the shutdown of the Newburgh / Beacon Bridge on April 15, Tax Day for the Economic Blockade from 8-9am organized nationwide to send a message to federal and local governments to Free Palestine and to stop investing in (aka divest from) Israel’s killing of so many Palestinians (which is bleeding into Lebanon). ALBB did not organize that and didn’t even know about it! But we did report on it.
Co-host Caroline asked what points we wanted to cover, and some of these points were made:
- Participating protesters on the bridge included Palestinians, Jews, Arabs, Non-Arabs, Muslims, Non-Muslims, Whites, and other allies.
- Protests in have been held on sidewalks in Beacon, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, and Kingston.
- Pat Ryan was demonstrated against in Beacon at the City Council Swearing In Ceremony at the Memorial Building by demonstrators who wanted a silent protest with a banner that said Ceasefire, but Beacon’s City Administrator and some managing Veterans blocked the banner and physically touched the demonstrators, causing the event to escalate and get loud.
- The first demonstration to Pat Ryan was at his Poughkeepsie office near Vassar College.
- Some Beacon Jewish citizens organized their 8th night of Chanukah lighting at his Newburgh office.
- Ceasefire Resolutions were passed in Beacon and Newburgh. A ceasefire resolution still needs to pass in Poughkeepsie. Poughkeepsie needs to show up!
- A woman from Poughkeepsie is from Palestine and lost at least 20 of her family members in Gaza from Israeli bombardment.
Trova asked what final message we wanted to get out, and we said that while this is a global issue, we see how our United States Government is treating Brown people in Palestine, at a very shocking level by allowing this to happen and is in part funding it, and that translates back here to our local communities. Systems aren’t broken, they are working as designed. Those systems need to change.
Thank you to the Trova & Mas Show and Carolina on 91.3FM, Independent Radio at Vassar College, for having us on to talk about the shutdown of the Newburgh / Beacon Bridge on April 15, Tax Day for the Economic Blockade from 8-9am organized nationwide to send a message to federal and local governments to Free Palestine and to stop investing in (aka divest from) Israel’s killing of so many Palestinians (which is bleeding into Lebanon). ALBB did not organize that and didn’t even know about it! But we did report on it.
Co-host Carolina asked what points we wanted to cover, and some of these points were made:
Participating protesters on the bridge included Palestinians, Jews, Arabs, Non-Arabs, Muslims, Non-Muslims, Whites, and other allies.
Protests in have been held on sidewalks in Beacon, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, and Kingston.
Pat Ryan was demonstrated against in Beacon at the City Council Swearing In Ceremony at the Memorial Building by demonstrators who wanted a silent protest with a banner that said Ceasefire, but Beacon’s City Administrator and some managing Veterans blocked the banner and physically touched the demonstrators, causing the event to escalate and get loud.
The first demonstration to Pat Ryan was at his Poughkeepsie office near Vassar College.
Some Beacon Jewish citizens organized their 8th night of Chanukah lighting at his Newburgh office.
Ceasefire Resolutions were passed in Beacon and Newburgh. A ceasefire resolution still needs to pass in Poughkeepsie. Poughkeepsie needs to show up!
A woman from Poughkeepsie is from Palestine and lost at least 20 of her family members in Gaza from Israeli bombardment.
Trova asked what final message we wanted to get out, and we said that while this is a global issue, we see how our United States Government is treating Brown people in Palestine, at a very shocking level by allowing this to happen and is in part funding it, and that translates back here to our local communities. Systems aren’t broken, they are working as designed. Those systems need to change.
Editor’s Note: Formerly Beacon-based now Newburgh-based photographer Alexa B. Wilkinson documented and reported on the vehicle protest against Zim shipping Company today on this A15 Economic Blockade day. All photographs by Alexa B. Wilkinson.
Wrote Alexa:
“As part of the @a15actions, early this morning in Elizabeth, NJ Port Workers For Peace with @nyclaborforpalestine and @palawda led a caravan of vehicles through the Port of New Jersey to denounce the Zim shipping company’s support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Zim CEO Eli Glickman has pledged that his ships will assist Israel’s campaign, even as it leads to mass starvation and the killing of over 17,000 children.
Photo Credit: Alexa B. Wilkinson
“Many port workers are horrified at what’s happening in Gaza,” said Chino May, one of the caravan organizers. “Our labor is being exploited to enrich corporations that uphold mass murder. But we make these companies go, so we can make them listen to us. The killing has to stop.”
“The caravan received mostly honks of support and a few agitated truck drivers. Police flanked the lead car and the group, and at some points attempted to break the line of cars up by merging in between them. At one point the port authority police asked how long they would be there and if there were more coming, to which the police received one word answers and vague responses.
“As we see global action taking place today across thousands of cities and economic choke points, the news will be flooded with Trump and Iran…don’t take your eye off the ball. This is focal point. All eyes on Gaza.”
The Newburgh/Beacon Bridge was shut down today, April 15, 2024, at 8am in coordination with at least 65 other cities across the United States who designated April 15th Tax Day to be A15 Economic Blockade to Free Palestine. Organized by a15actions, the mission states: “75 years and 182 days into this US backed genocide we must take collective risk beyond symbolic acts of solidarity. On April 15th, we will block logistical hubs to stop the flow of capital worldwide. This is just the beginning. We will not cooperate with the police. If a blockade in one city faces repression, we will respond in solidarity in other cities. Join us in organizing towards our collective liberation.” See the shutdown in Oakland, CA, Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Texts from a reader showing Local radio station K104 was Reporting on Sheriff messages about terrorism, and not about the cause of the shutdown, which was A15 Economic Blockade for a Free Palestine.
@HV4FreePalestine was the first to cover the true nature of this blockade. The radio station K104 focused on parroting messages from Sheriff Offices like Putnam County, to perpetuate fear via the terrorist narrative that this country has accepted as normal with anything related to “the Middle East.”
Reported HV4FreePalestine:
“This morning at 8am, over a dozen Palestinians, Jews and allies blockaded the westbound Hamilton Fish Newburgh-Beacon bridge for over an hour, stopping traffic on I-84 for miles at the peak of rush hour. The action, part of the April 15 Economic Blockade for Palestine taking place in 65 cities across the globe, ended at 9am with 15 arrests.
“Organizer Abdallah Qotate states: ‘As a Palestinian, I wake up everyday worrying whether my best friend in Gaza will live to see another day. I’m forced to be in the street because our elected government refuses to listen to us. How many Palestinians have to die before our government will stop sending our tax dollars to Israel to fund this genocide?’
“As a Palestinian, I wake up everyday worrying whether my best friend in Gaza will live to see another day. I’m forced to be in the street because our elected government refuses to listen to us. How many Palestinians have to die before our government will stop sending our tax dollars to Israel to fund this genocide?”
— Abdalla Qotate
In a non-violent act of civil disobedience, protestors highlighted the federal government and US economy’s role in Israel's genocidal siege against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Activists blocked all westbound lanes of traffic on the bridge for nearly one hour, amidst the busiest time on the bridge, over which 65,000 commuters and 6012 transport trucks travel daily.
During the protest, New York State Police assaulted, pushed and threatened peaceful demonstrators with a baton. In a tweet removed later, the New York Department of Transport for the Hudson Valley reported that as of 8:44am, one lane remained closed during police intervention.
Shutting down a key artery of commerce and commuter transport during one of the busiest hours of morning traffic, demonstrators were part of a global movement shutting down commerce to end the genocide.
“During the protest, New York State Police assaulted, pushed and threatened peaceful demonstrators with a baton.”
— @HV4FreePalestine
Grace Collins, one of the participants, concludes “Months of pleading to my representatives has not slowed the genocide in Palestine. Disrupting traffic to get our message across is a natural next step. If the constituents wont be heard through government channels then we will get our message across in nonviolent ways however we can.”
“From the Hudson Valley organizers: ‘Tax Day is a reminder that the Biden administration has made over 100 transfers of taxpayer dollars in military assistance to Israel since the beginning of the genocide in Gaza. We refuse to allow business as usual to continue while Palestinians are murdered by Israel using American weaponry and tax dollars. Those committed to Palestinian freedom in the Hudson Valley have tried many tactics—we’ve demonstrated, we’ve lobbied our representatives, Pat Ryan and Marc Molinaro, for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, we’ve visited their offices, we’ve educated the public. Those on the highway today are done waiting on congressional representatives. We are committed to keeping up the pressure until the genocide ends and Palestine is free.”
Citizen Reporter @bryanne_af reported that she was happy to learn she had been stuck in traffic for a cause during her Kid School Drop-off morning, telling her Instagram friends: “Hudson Valley shut down the westbound Newburgh Beacon bridge for Palestine today!!! 😭🇵🇸😭 I had no idea what was going on and had to drive over an hour to get home from dropping my kids off to school - so happy and proud to discover it was comrades doing worthy and noble work! So very thankful for their bravery and that I got to bear witness to the incredible impact they had on the Hudson Valley this morning - the blockade here went for six miles beyond the bridge, toward Fishkill [down 9D passing Stonykill Farm and the Heritage Financial Stadium] - if this inconvenienced you, just IMAGINE how Gaza suffers from what our tax dollars are doing in blocking their food, their medicine, their freedom to live! From the river to the sea!!! 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸
Another reader, Citizen Reporter Cowboy, responded to the news of the shutdown by telling ALBB: “I gotta go check Whacker Wire to see if my Mom was arrested today.” Their mom has been arrested 4 times during this extermination of Palestine, including once at Grand Central Station.
HAPPY MONEY MONDAY!! That’s what we celebrate at ALBB’s sister business, the media resource Tin Shingle (hey Anonymous, Cowardly Letter Sender! You missed one of my businesses!! And it won’t by my last!!)
Happy Tax Day Economic Shutdown Day. Free Palestine.
Repost @hv4freepalestine : BREAKING: Pro-Palestine protestors have shut down the westbound Hamilton Fish Newburgh Beacon Bridge as part of an international coordinated economic blockade on Tax Day with @a15actions to compel the U.S. government to divest from the genocide happening in Palestine. Hudson Valley organizers join over 50 cities around the world in disrupting the global economy in response to a call from Gaza to fight for a liberated Palestine.
From the Hudson Valley organizers: “Tax Day is a reminder that the Biden administration has made over 100 transfers of taxpayer dollars in military assistance to Israel since the beginning of the genocide in Gaza. We refuse to allow business as usual to continue while Palestinians are murdered by Israel using American weaponry and tax dollars. Those committed to Palestinian freedom in the Hudson Valley have tried many tactics—we’ve demonstrated, we’ve lobbied our representatives, Pat Ryan and Marc Molinaro, for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, we’ve visited their offices, we’ve educated the public. Those on the highway today are done waiting on congressional representatives. We are committed to keeping up the pressure until the genocide ends and Palestine is free.”
After years and years of banners hanging across Main Street, both organizations, I Am Beacon and the Spirit of Beacon Day were denied permission in 2022 to hang promotional banners across Main Street. Banners serve several purposes, including income to the City with a permit fee, income to organizations for sponsor logo placement on the high-visibility banners, and good old fashioned IRL (In Real Life) promotion for people when they aren’t lost looking in their phones.
The Spirit of Beacon Day raised theirs to the roof of Key Food. The Masjid Ar Rashid Mosque was also denied permission to hang their yearly banner celebrating Eid, the end of Ramadan. Their banner now hangs on the front gate of the Mosque. The Parade of Green was also denied hanging their banner, so theirs was grounded this year in the grassy area at Cross Street and Main Street.
In July 2022, City Administrator Chris White confirmed to the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee via email: “We no longer accept applications for banners on Main Street so you won’t be able to install one. The prior Administrator stopped issuing permits for banners after staff raised concern about safety after several of them broke and got loose into the traffic lanes of Main Street. We were also getting pressure from certain religious organizations about putting up religious banners so rather than try to navigate complex free speech issues, the prior Administrator just stopped issuing permits. I have continued this policy and have not accepted applications during my tenure here.”
The former City Administrator at that time was Anthony Ruggiero, who served under Mayor Randy Casale, who served 2 terms as Mayor and was Beacon’s Highway Superintendent for 16 years. During those years, banners were hung to promote goings on around town. Currently, the Highway Superintendent (titled Superintendent of Streets in Beacon) is Michael (Micki) Manzi. It is not known what Micki’s techniques are for hanging the banners, that may have differed from former Mayor and Highway Superintendent Randy.
Said Lesly Deschler Canossi via ALBB’s Instagram: “They used to allow Ree Play Sale years ago. I thought it was helpful.”
The Beacon Library also chimed in: “We requested in 2022 for the library’s anniversary and were told it was because of Central Hudson.” ALBB is currently following up on the Central Hudson reasoning.
There's been a lot going on here at ALBB. Turns out, when you lose a bunch of genocide supporters on Instagram, and you have a letter campaign written about you, you become very attractive to other local media wanting to cover your work that is positively making a difference for people (photo shoot is scheduled for this weekend for one magazine) and a mysteriously retracted (aka deleted) article about it occurred at another newspaper (more details to come!). Tiss Tiss.
Then, the respected journalist and storyteller, Ahmed Eldin followed ALBB for our Palestinian coverage, because he too has been committed to liberation coverage, and he too stopped posting his brunch photos until liberation comes (his followers were upset...they too demanded Brunch Photos but are supporting his message). Only ALBB sponsors get to have their brunches featured here! Sign up any time, and we can even list your events and reshare what you got going on from time to time! Only $150/month for weekly features. Easy (actually, it's a lot of work, but that's OK). Signup today.
Thanks to these donations, we have personal letters to write. Which reminds us, we haven't done a good Stationery Roundup lately From ALBB's Shopping Guide!! For your paper stationery, do try Raven Rose or maybe Sybil. Let us know what you find, and send pics! We'll repost.
THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE
Free Narcan Training Day: Saturday, April 13, 2024 Time: 1-3pm Location: Beacon First Presbyterian Church, 50 Liberty St, Beacon, NY
RSVP by April 10! Reservation required. Information >
Howland Public Library Presents: In Eclipse Opening Reception Day: Saturday, April 13, 2024 Time: 5-7 pm Location: Howland Public Library, Beacon, NY
Featuring a special reading by writer Donna Minkowitz, as we celebrate the artistry of the eclipse in all its forms. In Eclipse will be on view until May 4th.
7th Anniversary Celebration — Hudson Valley Brewery Day: Saturday, April 13, 2024 Time: 1pm-8pm Location: Hudson Valley Brewery7 East Main StreetBeacon, NY Information >
BeaconArts & Super Secret Projects Present Artist Practice: A Workshop Series
Days:
April 14, 2024
How to present your artwork professionally April 17, 2024
Artist Social Night with special performance
More events below...
Cold Spring Farmer's Market Saturdays @ Boscobell from 10am - 1pm
Beacon Farmer's Market! Sundays from 10am-3pm at 223 Main Street
Beacon Flea Market! Every Fair Weather Sunday from 8am-3pm at Henry Street (behind the Post Office).
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website >
If you haven't tried El Nica Spot yet... you're really missing out and this is your sign to head on into the HV Food Hall and do so!
Nicaraguan food where EVERYTHING is gluten-free, not to mention fresh, delicious, and beautiful! Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
Hosting an event/want to host a dinner party but not sure where to do it? Carters has a table for 22 people so it's no problem! And a no brainer when the food there is simply chefs kiss! Reserve a spot in the private dining room now but giving Chef Jon a call. He can be reached at 845-743-6527. Ask for food recommendations too because you never know what the specials will be! PS: Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 2-5pm. Carters is closed on Wednesday's for the winter. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY
193-195 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Wake up your tastebuds with the most delicious Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich! Paired with a cooling coleslaw, and BBC's snappy homemade pickle chips. We don't know about you... but our mouths are watering over here! PS!* All city workers, police, highway department, and parks and recreation get $1 coffees and $5 egg sandwiches (takeout only)! Just when you thought it couldn't get any better. PPS: BBC is open everyday 7 days/week! PPPS: 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
Ziatün in Arabic means “olive”, and a single olive is the seed that Ziatun planted here in Beacon. Their food is made with love and practiced with authentic traditional recipes that have been passed down from generations. Their food is another form of Palestinian Resistance. Support your local Palestinian Restaurant 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!
Feature your business each week in A Little Beacon Blog's Newsletter, Blog pages, and Instagram. People often use this newsletter to tell their friends where to go, and get ideas for themselves on what to order. This is a very hungry guide to put together each week. Learn More & Start Now >
Eggbert’s Free Range Farm @ Cold Spring Farmer's Market Saturday's Website > Instagram >
Find Eggberts at the Beacon Farmers Market every Sunday! Serving up fresh hot hot dogs (all natural beef, no preservatives or plastics), and frozen chicken pieces, whole bird, lamb, pork, beef, goat, and dog treats. They take requests too! And make deliveries!
*All of Eggberts meats are processed by humane USDA facilities.* DELIVERY: Delivering to Cold Spring, Cornwall, New Windsor, Newburgh, Beacon, Fishkill, and Wappingers Falls. Order online now. MARKETS: Saturdays: Cold Spring Farmer's Market 10am-1pm Sundays:Beacon Farmer's Market 10am - 2pm Eggbert's Free Range Farm is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
A picture says a thousand words... this one screams NEW luxury eyewear is on the way to Luxe right here in Beacon and we can hardly wait to get our hands on a new pair. The most unique and fabulous frames can be found here.. it's true. But if you're more simple, they have those too! Something for everyone here with expert styling... trust us!
Hudson, NY Beacon, NY PS: Eye doctor appts 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
The new one from a fave Nif Muhammad is now available at Binnacle! Hurry in and snag a copy! Good books are always available. Something for everyone - including the kiddos. Books to create new meals. Books that indeed fly off the shelf because they're always so good. Stop in, ask for recommendations, step out of your comfort zone, read something new. PS have you heard about the Beacon Prison Books Project? See more here > Follow Binnacle on Instagram to keep up with their new reads and to get them right away! Learn More about Binnacle Books >
THE STATION
463 Main Street, Beacon
Hey buds! The vibes are high at The Station! They're gearing up to open their full-service facilities, to bring you an elevated experience like never before. Get ready for a whole new level of audio & visual bliss, premium products, and an atmosphere that'll make every visit unforgettable! Stay tuned for updates as they embark on this exciting next chapter. Learn More here > The Station is a Sponsor, thank you!
Feature your business each week in A Little Beacon Blog's Newsletter, Blog pages, and Instagram. Readers love seen the magazine-like spread of what to buy inside of your shops, or if you have special classes or events going on. Learn More & Start Now >
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY
April is Yanarella MONTH! Don’t miss out on this great deal! New students Dance the month of April FREE- just pay registration! Sign up TODAY. Find the full Spring Schedule line up here >
Summer Camp Registration >limited space available for Bluey Dance Camp The Camp runs from July 29 - August 2 and includes a daily snack plus a craft! Currently on sale
Seniors Chair Yoga
Stretch, move and strengthen your body! Gain physical awareness and balance! Reduce stress and have fun. Location: Beacon Recreation Center 25 West Center Street, Beacon, NY When: Mondays and Fridays, Time: 9-9:45am Price: FREE
Dutchess County Office for the Aging Exercise Class
The Dutchess County Senior Exercise Program offers workout sessions for senior citizens in an effort to retain balance as well as bone density. Through strength training, seniors can shape their body and lose unwanted inches. Classes are conducted in a circle of 15-20 people using a chair for support and free weights. Location: Beacon Recreation Center 25 West Center Street, Beacon, NY When: Tuesday and Thursday, Time: 10am
Pre-Registration is Required. Call 845-486-2555
Tai Chi and Qigong
Beginner and Advanced levels available. Gentle movements to cultivate your mind and body. Tai Chi and Qigong are easy vitalizing exercises you can learn to restore and maintain your health. You can practice them regardless of your age or health. The postures and movements are natural, balanced and simple. Location: Beacon Recreation Center 25 West Center Street, Beacon, NY Times:
Sunday Beginners 9-10:30am
Sunday Advanced 10-30-12pm
Thursday Push Hands 9-10:30am More Info >
GEMMS
Growing and Empowering Myself and My Sisters Inc. Location: Beacon Recreation Center 25 West Center Street, Beacon, NY When: Mondays Times: 6-7pm, Rombout Middle School
7:15-8:15pm Beacon High School
gemmsinc.info@gmail.com
Defensive Driving Course Location: Beacon Recreation Center 23 West Center Street, Beacon, NY When: Monday 3/25/2024 When: Wednesday 3/27/2024
10% off major coverages on auto insurance for 3 years from date of course completion.
Skate Board Lessons
Skate instructor Andrew Singh is back with another exciting year of Spring Skate Lessons. Learn the basic fundamentals of skateboarding
5 Sessions Location: Ramps Skate Park, Memorial Park, Beacon, NY When: April 17-May 15 Time: 5-6pm Ages: 6-12
$100 residents
$120 non-residents
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.
Howland Public Library Presents: In Eclipse - Opening April 13, 2024
The group show features the works of over 20 local artists inspired by the April total solar eclipse. This eclectic showcase offers a glimpse into different interpretations through drawings, paintings, and photography. From illustrations of the celestial event to metaphorical interpretations, each piece reflects the multifaceted meanings of the word eclipse.
Join the library for the opening reception on Saturday, April 13th from 5-7 PM, featuring a special reading by writer Donna Minkowitz, as we celebrate the artistry of the eclipse in all its forms. In Eclipse will be on view until May 4th.
BeaconArts & Super Secret Projects Present Artist Practice: A Workshop Series
Days:
April 14, 2024
How to present your artwork professionally April 17, 2024
Artist Social Night with special performance April 28, 2024
Portfolio Review May 4, 2024
Artist Talks
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.
You know what they say... new season, new website refresh! Your business is constantly changing and evolving and your website needs to reflect that. Your website is your most solid footprint for people to know what you do and how to buy from you. Social media accounts offer the emotional connection to your brand, and your website needs to reflect that energy. The designers and lead producer, Katie Hellmuth Martin, can guide you through this process and design you a website that both looks stunning, and works well to help people do what you need them to at your website. Learn More & Reach Out > We have spots open!
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle trains and empowers business owners, makers, artists and staff members in how to get the word out about their business. Be it a non-profit, special project, or even a major call to action, Tin Shingle’s training and community support gets people doing just that - on their own. Tin Shingle puts the power of PR, Social Media, SEO, and design theory directly into the hands of business owners, makers and artists by way of a flexible Media Kit Membership subscription that includes education, training, directories, media research lists and editorial calendars. 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)
AVAILABLE GUIDES TO SPONSOR: These Guides really need the ongoing support from businesses or individuals in order for us to continue them! This sponsorship is intended for businesses who are not in the Guides mentioned above.
The eclipse in 100% Totality in Ohio, during the 3 minutes of total coverage, when all went dark, except for the red glow down below. We could look up at the moon covering the sun 100% at this point. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth
The eclipse of April 2024 as seen from Mount Beacon. Photo Credit: Meghan Spiro
Drove away to Ohio to experience the eclipse in 100% totality there from a farm. Which turned out to be ideal, as the wide open space allowed for us to see the red glow happening down low above the ground. View that in the video below, which was taken inside of the 3 minutes of total moon coverage, where we could safely look up without eclipse glasses on to stare directly at the moon with the sun glowing around it. We could see one sun flare in the bottom left corner, peeking out from the moon.
Was able to capture the color in an iPhone video, and tried to translate into a poem below (it’s still rough…but for timing…has been published).
The Beacon-based photographer Meghan Spiro captured the eclipse color in Beacon from a side of Mount Beacon. Her spit-screen photo is shown here.
Eclipse Poem
Total Totality
From inside the eclipse In Total Totality The 3 minutes of total moon coverage began. The dome came over us. A silver dome of protection Shooting out of the dark light. Touching the grass The weightless silver holding. Shadows gone. Like we were all dead, Our lives held in dark white light, Our passions pouring into the dark depth above us. Where are we?
“Mommy! Take a picture of the sunset! Take a picture of the sunset and send it to me!”
Sunset? But the sun is above us. But the sun is black. But the set is aligned with us. We are surrounded by a lasso of red glow. The sun has stretched around us. The moon has spilled over us. Pouring out the silver light, The dark air curling around our bones Clutching our skin.
The crows climb the wind. Is there wind? All is still.
The light slipped into gray. The ground turned silver, a mirror of the sky The shadows inking black. Silver all around us.
“Look up!! You can look up!!!”
White light Shooting out of the smooth circle of the black depth. Sends the weightless dome of protection. Protection from what? Protection inside.
Art and astronomy come together in the upcoming exhibit, In Eclipse, at the Howland Public Library, opening on April 13th. The group show features the works of over 20 local artists inspired by the April total solar eclipse. This eclectic showcase offers a glimpse into different interpretations through drawings, paintings, and photography. From illustrations of the celestial event to metaphorical interpretations, each piece reflects the multifaceted meanings of the word eclipse.
Join the library for the opening reception on Saturday, April 13th from 5-7 PM, featuring a special reading by writer Donna Minkowitz, as we celebrate the artistry of the eclipse in all its forms. In Eclipse will be on view until May 4th.
The Planning Board will meet on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the Municipal Center Courtroom. A work session will take place at 7:00 p.m., for a training workshop, discussion of agenda items and/or topics of interest to the Planning Board. The regular meeting will begin immediately thereafter, but not later than 7:30 p.m.
Peek at the details below…
Public Hearing of application for Amended Site Plan Approval, 11 Mirbeau Lane, submitted by Mirbeau of Beacon, LLC (Edward Kellogg).
Public Hearing of application for Amended Site Plan Approval, 248 Tioronda Avenue, submitted by Beacon 248 Holdings LLC (Bernard Kohn).
Continue review of applications for Site Plan Approval, Subdivision Approval, and Special Use Permit, place of worship, 409 Fishkill Avenue, Fishkill Avenue, and Mead Avenue, submitted by Soka Gakkai International – USA.
Continue review of application for Site Plan approval and Special Use Permit, car dealership, 410 Fishkill Avenue, submitted by Carvana, LLC c/o Jenn Roldan.
Review of application for Subdivision Approval, residential, 39 Howland Avenue, submitted by John Vergara.
New Single-Family House – 52 Townsend Street, Lot #7
Soup4Greens 8th Annual Soup & Ceramic Bowl Fundraiser is happening this Sunday, April 7, 2024 at the Beacon Farmers Market from 10am-2pm.
Shop savory soups & handmade bowls for a good cause. Purchase soup donated by local restaurants & homemade bowls crafted by local artisans. 100% of proceeds contributes to GREENS4GREENS food benefit program. This program contributes to a community where fresh, healthy food is accessible to all.
The goal is to reach $6,000 to fund the GREENS4GREENS program - an internal food benefit program.
Editor’s Note: This is Katie the Editor of ALBB, writing a Letter to the Editor (me). This week, some businesses in Beacon (possibly 20) received a 6 page letter from an anonymous person that spoke with disparaging words about ALBB, and threatened businesses for removal of patronage for ALBB supporting and reporting on Palestine’s liberation. Initially, we were not going to say anything about the letter, and let the letters sit in the recycling bin trash, but after hearing from 5 businesses who were looking out for us, checking in on our safety, we decided to go public with the letter. That article is coming next.
For now, this is the publishing of my second speech to the City Council. In this time, the poem I wrote at the end of of my speech to City Council is relevant to right now. I delivered the poem while my 3 minutes time had elapsed, as the Mayor was yelling at me to sit down. So people may not have heard it. My second speech with this poem can be seen here.
“So, squeeze me, but I will open somewhere else.I will go to the sea to catch my fish.Unless you shoot and drown my boat.If you drown my boat,I will swim to shore and dig for crabs.If you bomb the beach,I will look for and catch and eat dragonflies.Free Palestine.Free the hostages.Free the unjustly imprisoned Palestinian prisoners, Muslim prisoners living in Israel, Israeli citizens refusing to serve in the Israeli military IDF, and anyone else unjustly taken that I am not aware of yet.
Lift the occupation.Live together.Free Palestine.”
— Katie Hellmuth
My name is Katie Hellmuth from A Little Beacon Blog in Ward 1.
I urge you to remove the statement concerning harassment, intimidation, "doxxing," and shame.
It protects the people in this room in from their discomfort. It was copy / pasted from a local-anti resolution petition that circulated the day after 51 people spoke at this podium to give their input about crafting and passing a resolution.
Our showing up inspired Mayor Kyriacou to want to legislate out our right to do this, by forming a statement that says City of Beacon government does not speak on global issues.
This is not the first time he has said this. Recently, after past councilperson Justice McCray presented and passed a Resolution calling for New York to pass Reparations, the Mayor said he wanted the Council not to comment on things that do not impact Beacon. But reparations do impact all people living in Beacon. Some people will receive it, and we all pay the tax supporting it.
Regarding "intimidation"
I was intimidated on October 7th the day I posted an Instagram Story, which had a prayer emoji and said "Prayers for Palestine" and called for an end to the occupation. A person with a New York City number deep Googled my phone number, called me, talked to me about now debunked babies and terrorists. Was I scared? Yes.
In response, a person close to me called me to tell me stop being public. That this was not my fight. That "they" would come get me. I asked my close person "Who? Who will come get me?" They said: "You know...what are they called?" I said: "Hamas?" "Yes!" they said. I said I'm not afraid of Hamas. I'm afraid of the lady from the New York City number who just called me.
On October 8th I promoted the podcast we recorded with Kamel on his devotion to Palestine's liberation. We recorded it 2 years ago during the Shirik Jarar movement. When I re-featured that this year, Kamel was scared and said "Why?" He didn't want people coming into his restaurant all over again harassing him. Next day, he changed his mind and opened up on his own platforms. A reader replied to me. They said: "How dare you promote this podcast now. You owe the entire city of Beacon an apology."
In my mind, I responded but didn't press send. So I'll say it out loud now: "You sir, owe the entire Arab community an apology for resisting this violent occupation so hard that has harmed so many."
Regarding "shame"
Shame is what is felt when one is usually wrong. All of us can feel shame after we do something we didn't intend. A common reaction is to feel defensiveness and then denial. Denial of ones actions. It takes great courage to step forward through it to learn, educate one self, and change. And even then, mistakes will be made, and the process will be repeated. It is a daily effort.
Regarding "doxxing"
"Doxxing" suggests that someone is trying to get someone out of a job. Reporting on what someone did or said is presenting information. The readers' reaction is their own.
As for myself, I have been "doxxed," privately, maybe even by people in this room, trying to get to A Little Beacon Blog by targeting our revenue sources, making people not even associated with this uncomfortable.
So, squeeze me, but I will open somewhere else. I will go to the sea to catch my fish. Unless you shoot and drown my boat. If you drown my boat, I will swim to shore and dig for crabs. If you bomb the beach, I will look for and catch and eat dragonflies. Free Palestine. Free the hostages. Free the unjustly imprisoned Palestinian prisoners, Muslim prisoners living in Israel, Israeli citizens refusing to serve in the Israeli military IDF, and anyone else unjustly taken that I am not aware of yet.
Lift the occupation. Live together. Free Palestine.
“I was leaning against the brick Free Palestine building, talking to a friend, when the building rumbled a little bit,” recalled this blogger, Katie Hellmuth. “It had been windy, and I thought it strange that a brick building would shake in the wind. Then I wondered if the building had a garage in it, where a truck might have pulled in to make a delivery. Which is odd because I know that there is no garage inside.”
Another Beacon citizen also mis-identified the occasion, and wrote in to ALBB: “At first I thought I was having a stroke! Then wondered if somehow my house had been damaged in the storms and was about to collapse…Then I thought it must be crazy military planes…Wow…I felt it roll.”
Farmer Carrie and her brother Tom of Eggbert’s Free Range Farm were driving around the Town of Newburgh making deliveries in their refrigerated van, when they felt the tremors on the road: “I thought it was pothole hell roads. Until I heard the news and received 2 emergency alerts on my watch that there are aftershocks coming that will be felt throughout our area.”
In the grocery store, another Beacon citizen told ALBB that the walls of their house shook so much, they were convinced it was going to collapse.
New Yorker’s aren’t used to earthquakes. Creators of earthquake humor on Instagram were plenty. Hopefully you caught some before they disappeared from people’s Stories. Please share your experience in the Comments below!
The Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development has opened the application process for the 2024 Agency Partner Grant (APG): Infrastructure Program. A total of $200,000 was allocated in the 2024 Dutchess County Budget for the APG: Infrastructure Program. Funding is available through a competitive grant process to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide a venue for youth programming in Dutchess County. In order to be eligible to apply, applicants must own or have a long-term lease (25+ years) for the facility that provides the space for the youth activity.
This year’s grant program focuses on capital infrastructure initiatives only. Projects should help maintain or improve an organization’s asset, such as the renovation, replacement or expansion of an existing facility. Examples of eligible expenses include, roof, windows and/or doors replacement; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements or replacement; as well as plumbing, electrical, and/or security upgrades; and furniture, fixtures and/or equipment that will be used by youth for a specific activity. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements to promote accessibility and communication to ensure that individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in a specific activity are also eligible.
County Executive Serino said, “Our children deserve every opportunity to learn and grow in safe and appropriate facilities. Our APG: Infrastructure Program will help our community partner agencies that serve young people make capital infrastructure improvements and enhancements to venues that house youth programming. We thank the County Legislature for its continued support of this program, and we encourage eligible organizations to take advantage of this funding opportunity.”
The County’s Community Development Advisory Committee and the Department of Planning and Development’s staff review all APG: Infrastructure grant applications and send their recommendations to the County Executive for final approval.
Additional information, application instructions and guidance about the 2024 APG: Infrastructure Program is available online. Applications will be accepted via an online portal through May 10th at 3 p.m., and awards will be announced in summer 2024.
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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.
Present Artist Practice: A Workshop Series
