Appointing Thomas Durkin to the Position of Police Detective Sergeant
Appointing Kelvin Grey to the Position of Police Sergeant
Referring an Amended Concept Plan for 248 Tioronda Avenue to the Planning Board
Setting a Public Hearing for Proposed Local Law No. 5 of 2024 Concerning Prohibition of Eviction Without Good Cause
Referring Proposed Local Law No. 6 of 2024 Concerning Soil Stabilization to the City of Beacon and Dutchess County Planning Boards
Referring Proposed Local Law No. 7 of 2024 Concerning Dimensional Regulations for the Transitional District to the City of Beacon and Dutchess County Planning Boards
Last week we featured ALBB's newest sponsor and one of Beacon's most valued taxi services - from Luther Lopez of AQ Services - and it turns out you'd like a ride to the airport! For your convenience, his phone number has been added to ALBB's Business Directory in the Automotive section, which you can find here.
ALBB's Things To Do In Beacon Guides were recently featured in Upstate House, and are a favorite with locals and tourists alike. If your business is on Main Street, or is a school, you qualify for sponsorship (rate is $150/month for full weekly treatment)!
As always,
Free Palestine :)
THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE
Lyra Young Artist Concert Day: Saturday, July 13, 2024 Time: 2-4pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St, Beacon, NY
An afternoon of chamber music performed by the young artists of the Lyra Music Young Artist Performance Program. Lyra young artists are pre-professional string players and pianists. Classical music’s next generation! Information >
Elks Lounge Dance Night Day: Saturday, July 13, 2024 Time: 7-10:30pm Location: Elks Lodge, 900 Wolcott Ave. (Rt. 9D), Beacon, NY
A vibrant mix of R&B, Latin, Soul, Funk, Reggae, Rock, Disco, Hip-Hop & more is played by DJ Rhoda. Song requests welcome. Information >
SAVE THE DATE:
Beacon Open Studios Day: Friday-Sunday, July 19-21, 2024 Time: Artist Studios open from 12-6pm Time: Events scheduled throughout the weekend. Location: See Beacon Arts Website
One of Beacon's most highly anticipated events, Beacon Open Studios, where you get to go inside of the studios of several artists. Get your walking shoes on, and check the Restaurant Guide for where you want to eat when you finally collapse. Information >
Cold Spring Farmer's Market Saturdays @ Boscobell from 8:30am - 2pm
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).
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
“Red Stripe! It’s beer! Hooray Beer!” Come on down for your favorite Jamaican beer and a lobster roll. Carters has their brunch menu on Sundays and their regular menu available all day! PS: Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday PPS: You can book the Carters Restaurant space for a private party and enjoy delicious spreads made by the Carters Crew! Book ahead. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY
193-195 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Waffles, griddle pancakes, french toast... lots of good sweet options at Beacon Bread! Choose fresh berries, bananas, ricotta, chocolate chips, and more! Vegan pancakes available too! PS! OPEN MIC IS BACK! Every Tuesday weather permitting. In the back patio! 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
Stop into Ziatun for authentic middle eastern cuisine using the freshest & finest ingredients made with love. PS! The Watermelon Feta Mint salad is BACK ICYMI... A super refreshing and delicious salad to enjoy during this time of the year! Support your local Palestinian Restaurant PPS: 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 >
Order up! Deliciously fat cuts of boneless pork, box-o-sausages... including country, maple, chorizo, beef sweet Italian, etc., beef, eggs, chicken, and more! All free range and antibiotic free! FARMERS MARKETS: Saturdays: Cold Spring Farmer's Market 8:30am-1pm Sundays:Beacon Farmer's Market 8:30am - 2pm DELIVERY: Delivering to Cold Spring, Cornwall, New Windsor, Newburgh, Beacon, Fishkill, and Wappingers Falls. Eggbert's Free Range Farm is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon
Women writers in science fiction, fantasy, and the outskirts of literature... Binnacle Books has all of the new and used books that you'll want to get your hands on. They move fast! Ask for recommendations & find your next pool/beach read. 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
The Station is a local cannabis shop situated in a renovated police station in Beacon, NY. Stay tuned to what they will offer with their updates in the shop and for events/opening date by following The Station on Instagram. Follow The Station on Instagram > 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 >
Beginner Skateboarding with Andrew Singh- The Summer Session Days: 1 week evening session from July 15 to July 19 Time: 6pm – 7pm Location: RAMPS @ Memorial Park
Ages 6-12 Information >
Summer Tennis Clinic 2024 Two Sessions: August 8/5 – 8/9 and August 8/12 – 8/16 Times: High School Clinic 8:30am to 10:30am & Junior clinic 10:30am to 12:30pm Location: BCSD Highschool Tennis Courts Information >
Multi Sport Clinic 2024 One More One Week Session: August 5th to August 9th Time: 8am-12:30pm Location: Memorial Park & Rombout Middle School depending on weather Information >
Garden Time with Land to Learn Days: Every Wednesday Time: 10:30am-11:30am Location: Green Teen Garden at the Rec Center Information >
Aqua Zumba At The Beacon Pool Days: Saturdays 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24 Time: 9:45 am – 10:45 am Location: The Beacon Pool, Beacon, NY
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 >
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, makeup lessons, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here >
Special Message For Businesses:Click here to advertise in ALBB's Beauty Guide with a picture, logo and weekly promotions that will be featured here and on our Instagram.
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.
Stop worrying about what you're going to post on Instagram and when... Katie James, Inc. will go deep and get into the zone of your business month to month. Using our experience as one of the top local media outlets in the Hudson Valley, we can apply our gift of finding story ideas that people love, to your business. Your customers need to know what is going on in your creative business and/or inside of your storefront doors and we cannot wait to tell/show them with you! Reach Out to tell us about your goals!
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. Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
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.
Years ago when Katie first started the blog, and later pursued advertisers, she landed her first car dealership client. But before they said yes to investing their money into an advertising campaign, the manager asked Katie: “What happens if you get hit by a bus?” Bloggers are thought to be solo-workers, but one can’t run this blog alone. Needs a team, and I had one. While I am replaceable ;) I am not alone, I told him. I have team members. Fast forward to today, I’ve upgraded our “contract workers” status to employee. ALBB employs 2 people (Katie and Teslie) on payroll, as this is our full time job.
And then it happened. I disappeared.
The night of the 4th of July, Katie went to the hospital with stomach pain of 13 (between 1-10). A piercing side cramp with a side of mystery menstrual behavior made for a perfect storm of a surprise attack of Diverticulitis, as diagnosed by Peekskill’s NY Presbyterian (the best). After several blasts of 3 different antibiotics during an overnight hospital stay, Katie was released and went to the wonderful Women’s Center at Sun River Health, where she was told that the two were linked: a brewing intestinal infection can trigger menstrual movement and get everything out of whack. For months prior!
While on the ER bed, Katie texted her ALBB Co-pilot, Teslie, to hold it down. Katie also did some thinking. Things need to change. It’s been horrifying watching the trauma. Absorbing it, knowing that Israel’s treatment of Palestine has been going on for over 76 without most people (including Katie) saying anything. Watching the lies. Watching people turn their heads.
But not saying anything is worse. Personal life and professional. A person can only absorb so much without speaking. Or, when speaking, getting insulted, lied to, stalkers who sabotage, etc.
Donation Campaigns: ALBB will be having regular donation drives for ourselves (click here to donate online). This money goes to the business of ALBB. It’s why Teslie is here. It’s how Katie is here. We need your help all the time. Support independent media. Keep our voices free. Not free from charging you. Free from being held back from speaking.
Palestinian content: Will adapt again. To be turned into articles to tie locally when possible. We won’t let it disappear from our platform while big media is complicit in this genocide. But we need your help.
Beacon Local: Reporting locally is actually harder than Palestine. Because it’s small town living. But Palestine has cured Katie of this fear. Expect more hard news stories. But they require childcare! They take hours and days to research and write. And childcare costs.
Donate online or in person. Katie can meet you for a check, mail it, or you can donate here >
The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 7:00 PM, in the Municipal Center courtroom, located at One Municipal Plaza, Beacon, New York.
Approval of the June 18, 2024, minutes.
Regular Meeting
Review and hold a public hearing for the application submitted by Robert Martin, 907 Wolcott Avenue, Tax Grid No. 30-5954-52-967609-00, in the R1-10 Zoning District, to allow the addition of a second floor to the existing single-family home, which requires relief from the following: Â Section 223-17 D. to allow for a 5 ft side yard setback (east yard) (15 ft required)
Review and public hearing for the application submitted by John and Gina Canen, 41 Verplanck Avenue, Tax Grid No. 30-5955-83-844052-00, in the R1-5 Zoning District, to legalize the additions (new parking spaces) to the existing driveway of the home, where said additions (new parking spaces) have been constructed in the required front yard of the home, which requires relief from the following:
Do you need to drive to the airport? Not sure who to call? ALBB welcomes local driver Luther Lopez, owner of AQ Services in Beacon to ALBB's Business Directory! AQ Services offer luxury airport transportation to all the major airports (LGA, JFK, EWR, HPN etc). They specialize in late night / early morning flights! Have them on speed dial. More details below in the Business Directory section under Transportation and Black-Owned Business.
THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE
Lit Lit Day: Friday, July 5, 2024 Time: 7-9pm (arrive by 6:30pm) Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY
The Howland requests a suggested donation of $5, more if you can/less if you can't. Soft drinks, wine, beer, and snacks will also be available by donation.
Folks are also welcome to just come and listen. Writers can read their own writing of any genre, for a maximum of five minutes each.
Mutual Aid Fundraiser: From Here To Palestine & Congo Day: Wednesday, July 10, 2024 Time: 5-10pm Location: The Castle On The Delaware, 139 Stockton Ave, Walton, NY
All you can eat middle eastern buffet, karaoke & musical performances, books, zines, prints, patches & more. Benefiting Palestine and Congo. Information >
“Shadows of the San Joaquin" Hosted By Binnacle Books Day: Wednesday, July 10, 2024 Time: 6:30pm Location: Binnacle Books, 321 Main St, Beacon, NY
Details below!
Cold Spring Farmer's Market Saturdays @ Boscobell from 8:30am - 2pm
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 >
Dive into a Full English Breakfast at the HV Food Hall by visiting the one and only Moreish! British classics are cooked fresh! Wed - Sat. If you haven't tried it yet... this is your sign. Thank us later. Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
Ever reminisce about your favorite French Onion soup? Guilty! Lucky for you... Carter's sure has a good one! PS: Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday PPS: You can book the Carters Restaurant space for a private party and enjoy delicious spreads made by the Carters Crew! Book ahead. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY
193-195 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Let's not forget what Beacon Bread does best around here! Serving fresh baked bread from 8-5 all weekend long! PS! OPEN MIC IS BACK! Every Tuesday weather permitting. In the back patio! 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
Stop into Ziatun for authentic middle eastern cuisine using the freshest & finest ingredients made with love. PS! The Watermelon Feta Mint salad is BACK ICYMI... A super refreshing and delicious salad to enjoy during this time of the year! Support your local Palestinian Restaurant PPS: 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 >
Order up! The 100% natural beef hot dogs are heating up for your snacking pleasure. Look at these deliciously fat cuts of boneless pork. And the box-o-sausages. Country, maple, chorizo, beef sweet Italian, all available to you. FARMERS MARKETS: Saturdays: Cold Spring Farmer's Market 8:30am-1pm Sundays:Beacon Farmer's Market 8:30am - 2pm DELIVERY: Delivering to Cold Spring, Cornwall, New Windsor, Newburgh, Beacon, Fishkill, and Wappingers Falls. Eggbert's Free Range Farm is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon
Join local author, artist, and activist Parisa Karami to talk about her new illustrated memoir “Shadows of the San Joaquin” published by @nwreview in conversation with Lena Rizkallah. Parisa Karami is an artist living in the Hudson Valley with her family. Lena Rizkallah is a local Palestinian activist, financial advisor, recovering attorney, national speaker and story-teller. Information > 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
The Station is a local cannabis shop situated in a renovated police station in Beacon, NY. Stay tuned to what they will offer with their updates in the shop and for events/opening date by following The Station on Instagram. Follow The Station on Instagram > 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 >
JUST ADDED! Beginner Skateboarding with Andrew Singh- The Summer Session Days: 1 week evening session from July 15 to July 19 Time: 6pm – 7pm Location: RAMPS @ Memorial Park
Ages 6-12 Information >
Summer Basketball League 2024
Developmental and Instructional Summer Youth Basketball League for youth ages 6 to 18. Information >
Summer Tennis Clinic 2024 Two Sessions: August 8/5 – 8/9 and August 8/12 – 8/16 Times: High School Clinic 8:30am to 10:30am & Junior clinic 10:30am to 12:30pm Location: BCSD Highschool Tennis Courts Information >
Multi Sport Clinic 2024 One More One Week Session: August 5th to August 9th Time: 8am-12:30pm Location: Memorial Park & Rombout Middle School depending on weather Information >
JUST ADDED! Garden Time with Land to Learn Days: Every Wednesday Time: 10:30am-11:30am Location: Green Teen Garden at the Rec Center Information >
JUST ADDED! Aqua Zumba At The Beacon Pool Days: Saturdays 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24 Time: 9:45 am – 10:45 am Location: The Beacon Pool, Beacon, NY
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 >
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, makeup lessons, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here >
Special Message For Businesses:Click here to advertise in ALBB's Beauty Guide with a picture, logo and weekly promotions that will be featured here and on our Instagram.
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.
Stop worrying about what you're going to post on Instagram and when... Katie James, Inc. will go deep and get into the zone of your business month to month. Using our experience as one of the top local media outlets in the Hudson Valley, we can apply our gift of finding story ideas that people love, to your business. Your customers need to know what is going on in your creative business and/or inside of your storefront doors and we cannot wait to tell/show them with you! Reach Out to tell us about your goals!
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. The Research Team is constantly updating our easy-to-use Media Contact Library and Editorial Calendar Collection, which serve as an inspiration center when discovering story angles and best people to connect with about where to pitch about your business. Start with free articles and classes by subscribing to our newsletter. Next, dig in to go bigger with your outreach with our Membership Program that gives you Media Contacts, Editorial Calendars, Templates for emailing the media as well as plotting out your PR and Marketing plan. Tin Shingle is your support system as you're getting the word out about your business. Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
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.
Being that I missed my opportunity to share the announcement that the awards opened up for applications because we were in the throws of the genocide of Israel murdering Palestinians in February - we were trying to still publish Beacon content via 14 Days of Valentine’s Day Gift Guide - while publishing awareness pieces of the genocide.
In trying to find something easy and positive to publish, the Community Investment Grant seemed a no-brainer. But during the City Council Meeting announcing the awards, strange things happened. City Administrator Chris White began the presentation by throwing the Parks and Recreation Director Mark Price under the bus when Mark was not in attendance (Mark is normally a very punctual, well-spoken person). Chris announced: “I think Mark forgot.” Then, Chris definitively told us: “About half the Committee really was not interested in this task,” referring to vetting and recommending grant applicants.
Then, after Chris announced the winners - which he named by organization only - one Councilmember, Paloma Wake, asked him to describe on of the winners - The Sports Bra Project - because, she said: “It's not totally clear to me what the program does. Probably helpful for the community to hear how they can access this if it applies to them.”
Councilperson Amber Grant quickly flew in to vouch for the organization, saying she had Googled it, and it came up in an article at the local newspaper the Highlands Current that was published 2 months before the opening of the grant applications, of which one of the committee members Heidi Kitlas is married to a reporter there (Jeff Simms, but he did not write that article). Heidi had voted on the Sports Bra Project, but its founder Sarah, did not vote at all.
Amber encouraged viewers of the City Council meeting, and writers of the titillating Meeting Minutes, to also Google the article. Mayor Lee then also vouched for the organization, saying “I know it's a Beacon-specific organization.” I didn’t think about it until later, but neither of them, nor Chris, mentioned the name of the founder of the organization.
Ok. So all seemed legit, right? City Administrator Chris impatiently hurried this part of the meeting to close so that the City Council could vote on, it, which they did. Done. Money allocated.
But…that part about the Recreation Committee not being “interested” stuck. Who was on the Recreation Committee? Who are these people who are not interested in awarding money to community groups, when they are tasked with helping the City of Beacon serve people through recreational activities? It didn’t make sense. Thankfully, I had childcare for the evening. So I was able to continue on with research. Otherwise, I would have disappeared into Kid Land and forgotten all about it.
Off to Google I went. Found the Recreation Committee member names. Great. Next: Google the article about the Sports Bra Project like Amber told us to. Check. Name of Sara Dwyer-Shick was in the article. Went to the Sports Bra Project website. There were no names there. But exciting PR about them being featured in Australia! Then I read about their deliveries to Namibia. Great concept!
My article shifted to become about City Administrator Chris White’s quote that threw Mark Price and the entire Recreation Committee under the bus. Usually this happens in the basement of Town Hall in the meeting rooms, where people in different departments just rip each other apart. I witnessed it when I was Chair of the Spirit of Beacon Day. Being accustomed to cis white man patriarchal banter, I knew that people were just surviving down there around the meeting table and in the hallways. But when it makes its way up to the courtroom during City Council Meetings, it’s like…gross.
But whatever. Is is what it is. I went to copy/paste the names of the Recreation Committee into the article, and that’s when I recognized Sarah Dwyer-Shick’s name, as being the founder of the Sports Bra Project and a Recreation Committee Member.
I did a double-take. I basically did a quadruple take. I wanted to call someone to confirm, but who is there to call. Chris White has everyone on lock-down from answering questions to ALBB. I was on my own. I deep dove, and published the article.
The next night at a sports event, I heard from people who read the article. They said that their friends asked them about the findings in the article: “Is it true?” I said to the reader: “Even I (ALBB) had to ask myself 5 times if it was true! I couldn’t believe it!” I got more questions from people, asking what the Conflict of Interest Policy was for the Beacon Recreation Committee. I didn’t know!
Next day, I heard from more people. More than one person said: “I miss Randy. I voted for Lee, but I miss Randy.” Former Mayor Randy Casale was a gruff but firm person. Many were rubbed the wrong way with him. He got voted out to Lee. But. He usually duked it out with whoever to arrive at the answer that seemed correct. I liked that about him. I voted for him each time he ran.
Back to the article research. I went looking for the office on Henry Street of the Sports Bra Project that was pictured in the article, and I still haven’t found it. Maybe it’s being sublet from someone else in the only office building on Henry Street. Maybe it’s in a cute house or apartment there.
Picking one or three or eight local organizations in a small city town to receive grant money will always be hard. Scrutiny will exist no matter what the choice. Jealousy will be around every corner. But the awarding of Beacon’s 2024 Community Investment Grant was just odd. Brazen, in fact. Of the $20,000 Community Investment Grant, $2,450 was left un-awarded. Saving the money for a rainy day? Two applicants were farmers. Farmers can use rain.
Let’s take a look at the five other organizations who applied for the City of Beacon’s $20,000 Community Investment Grant, but were denied. But first…
The following five Beacon local organizations applied for and were denied funding for this hyper local grant. The three organizations who were awarded funding by the City Council at the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Committee either share an office with the Recreation Department, or are on the Recreation Committee itself who made the award recommendation.
Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White said half of the Recreation Committee members were not “interested in this task” of vetting and recommending organizations for awards. Yet, they recommended Recreation Committee Member Sarah Dwyer-Shick to get $7,550 for her organization The Sports Bra Project that a newspaper article says has an office in Beacon, but mainly ships sports bras to people all over the world. Sarah’s name was nowhere on the Application Log, nor on her organization’s website, nor brought up during the City Council Meeting, despite City Administrator Chris, Mayor Lee Kyriacou and Councilperson Amber Grant vouching that this was a Beacon-specific organization. The Sports Bra Project’s impact to adults and children living in Beacon, or how it exceeds the other applicants, has yet to be determined.
City Administrator Chris agreed with Beacon’s attorneys at Keane and Beane that Common Ground’s application, on behalf of its markets, which include the Beacon Farmer’s Market by way of the food benefits program Green4Green, which gives people with low income money to shop farm fresh produced and baked goods, would serve people outside of Beacon. It is not clear how the Sports Bra Project, which seems to ship product manufactured elsewhere to people primarily in other countries, is not not serving people “outside” of Beacon. If it is because the organization’s founder might live in Beacon (not confirmed), then it should be noted that the other leaders of the organizations who applied also live in Beacon, so this qualification does not seem dominant.
After City Administrator White pushed to close this part of the meeting so that it could move to a legislative vote, he mentioned that the Recreation Department needed to get back to bigger projects, like South Avenue (by Loopers basketball and tennis courts) and Wee Play (the tot park at Memorial Park that received City investment for upgrades). Of the applicants, both Land to Learn and Compass Arts work with kids and teachers at South Avenue Elementary in their programming. The financial diversity Parks and Recreation Director Mark Price speaks of doesn’t seem to be represented here, when published in his 2024 CIG Application Memo: “We have selected three applicants that we would recommend awarding funding to in 2024. This recommendation, I believe, allows for a diversity of funding across several initiatives.”
Organizations On The Recreation Department Cutting Room Floor
Bannerman Castle Trust The Trust is dedicated to bringing together resources and funding to stabilize the buildings on Pollepel Island. The Trust raises awareness and educates the public and government organizations on the value and history of the island. The Trust raises funds for repairing the island, and creating a master plan and eventually stabilizing the structures. Contact: Kelly Ellenwood Purpose: 30th Anniversary Community Cruise to Bannerman Castle Proposed Use Of Funds: Community Outreach, Flyers, Postcards, Bulk Mailing, Community Outreach, Programming Tour guide Requested Amount: $2,000
Common Ground Farm Common Ground Farm supports and engages the community by fostering access and connection to fresh food and local agriculture through farming, education, and farmers’ markets. Common Ground runs the Beacon Farmer’s Market, located on Main Street in Beacon. Contact: Sember Weinman Purpose: Common Greens Partnership From Common Ground’s website: “Greens4Greens is a food benefit incentive program, started in 2016, that creates greater food access for shoppers at the Beacon Farmers’ Market, the Newburgh Farmers’ Market, and the Common Greens Mobile Market. Eligible state funded food benefits are matched dollar for dollar through Greens4Greens, making the farmers’ market more accessible to a wider base of consumers. The program has been completely community funded through contributions made by local businesses as well as the annual 'Soup4Greens' event. Our 2024 Soup4Greens event raised over $8000 thanks to the generous soup and pottery donations.” Proposed Use Of Funds: Greens4Greens coupons to be redeemed across our markets, doubling the purchasing power of many people who use benefits Requested Amount: $6,400
Compass Arts The mission of Compass Arts is to create healthy, just, equitable, and resilient communities through arts based classes, performances, and events rooted in exploration, collaboration, creation, and play. Contact: Gina Samaridge Purpose: Free Community Arts Activities Table Program Requested Amount: $6,500
Land To Learn Land to Learn is growing a movement for food justice and community wellness through garden-based education. Land to Learn’s in-school program brings garden-based education to 2,000 k-2 students in 10 public elementary schools throughout New York’s Hudson Valley region. Contact: Stefan Purpose: SproutED Program for Beacon Schools Proposed Use Of Funds: South Avenue Garden Revitalization Spring/Summer 2024 Requested Amount: $5,000
Roll Out FBS (Assuming this is Foundation For Beacon Schools (FBS), but it’s not indicated on the Applicant Log) Foundation For Beacon Schools (FBS) vision is for Beacon’s public schools to be at the leading edge in creating a learning environment in which all students are able to find and cultivate their talents, live purposeful, fulfilling, and vibrant lives, and carry their gifts into the future. Contact: Lauren Adelman Purpose: Community Art Event Proposed Use Of Funds: School workshops, community workshops, public event, teaching artists, supplies Requested Amount: $3,500
Grant Winners
Sports Bra Project The Sports Bra Project increases access to sports for women and girls by removing barriers to participation. They provide sports bras to athletes who don’t have access to such a basic piece of equipment. Contact: The contact on this was an email for the generic admin@thesportsbraproject. But we we now know is Recreation Committee Member Sarah Dwyer-Shick, thanks to a newspaper article mentioned by Councilperson Amber Grant. However, Councilperson Amber did not mention Sarah’s name when she referred to the article. No one spoke Sarah’s name during the meeting. Purpose: Sports Bra Bank Proposed Use Of Funds: Storage bins, bras, support and outreach materials Awarded Amount: $7,550
Beacon Repair Café (Located inside of the Recreation Department Office) The Repair Café idea was born in Amsterdam in 2009 and was brought to New Paltz by volunteer organizer John Wackman in 2013. His dedication, enthusiasm and success inspired others to launch Repair Café events in their communities. Contact: fromer@sustainhv.org (Repair Café’s fiscal sponsor is Sustainable Hudson Valley) Purpose: Repair Café Proposed Use Of Funds: Materials and Supplies, lunch for volunteers, outreach Awarded Amount: $1,000
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County (aka Green Teen, located inside of the Recreation Department Office, but nowhere in the Applicant Log does it specify Green Teen…This was only stated in the City Council Meeting…So it is not confirmed if this is going to Beacon’s Green Teen, or Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Positive Youth Development Program at large) Contact: jr825@cornell.edu Purpose: Positive Youth Development Program Proposed Use Of Funds: Youth wages, Staff wages Awarded Amount: $9,000
During Monday’s combined Workshop/City Council Meeting, where the Council blends two meetings into one night during the summer months (first the brainstorming Workshop meeting, followed by the voting in of some of those items discussed), the Council was presented with recommendations from the City of Beacon’s Parks and Recreation Committee on who to award $20,000 of the City’s Community Investment Program to, a program in its third year.
According to the City Administrator Chris White, half of the Recreation Committee was disinterested in this vetting and voting process, yet did award one of their own committee members 37% of the available funds. To announce the recommendations of which organizations should be awarded during Monday’s July 1st City Council Meeting, the Park and Recreation Director Mark Price, who led the process, was not in attendance. When Mayor Lee Kyriacou mentioned Mark, City Administrator Chris responded: “I think Mark forgot.” Mayor Lee asked if Chris wanted to delay the presentation, to which Chris answered: “No. We were going to award these in April or May, so we are well beyond that. I don't think this is that hard.” Chris then presented the recommendations.
The three recommended organizations were awarded just shy of the total available ($17,550):
Beacon Repair Cafe, which shares an office with the Recreation Department, received $1,000.
Green Teen, which shares an office with the Recreation Department at 23 West Center Street, received $9,000.
Sports Bra Project, run by Recreation Committee Member Sarah Dwyer-Shick, received $7,550.
The Recreation Department’s memo from Recreation Director Mark Price to City Administrator Chris states that it is up to City Council to make the final decision: “Ultimately, we know the decision to which applicants are funded lies in the hands of the Beacon City Council. In a review of all of the applications, we have selected three applicants that we would recommend awarding funding to in 2024. This recommendation, I believe, allows for a diversity of funding across several initiatives.”
City Administrator Chris told the Council that half of the Recreation Committee was disinterested in this vetting and voting process. He stated: “The Council asked that the Recreation Committee vet these applications and come back with recommendations. They did that this year. We did have trouble getting them engaged in this. About half the Committee really was not interested in this task. I do want to let the Council know. People who signed up for Recreation were probably more thinking about how to direct the future of Recreation, rather than a grant program.”
Those who did vote, voted for Committee Member Sarah Dwyer-Shick’s organization, the Sports Bra Project, which received 37% of the grant, totaling $7,550. Sarah herself did not seem to vote, according to the Applicant Log. The Sports Bra Project aims to help girls all over the world receive sports bras.
Listed on the Sport Bra Project’s website is an address of 369 Main Street #1082, Beacon NY 12508, which is the Beacon Post Office. The organization’s summary for what the money would be used for was “storage bins, bras, support and outreach materials.” City Administrator Chris stressed: “Their goal is to facilitate participation for females in sports and physical actives by making accessible sports bras. This [grant] would be for storage containers and the actual bras themselves.”
It was not clear if the organization makes sports bras, or accepts donated sports bras and ships them all over the world. Sarah’s name is also not on the Sports Bra Organization’s website.
Sarah Dwyer-Shick of The Sports Bra featured in the Highlands Current.
Councilperson Paloma Wake asked: “Can you just describe the sports bra project a little bit more? It's not totally clear to me what the program does. Probably helpful for the community to hear how they can access this if it applies to them.”
City Administrator Chris answered: “Their goal is to facilitate participation by females in sports and activities for accessibility.” On the Sports Bra Organization’s website, girls from all over the world are holding bras in pictures.
Councilperson Amber Grant stated: “I will also say that this program was featured in the Highland Currents for their work in Beacon. I just looked them up. I was like: ‘Is this a Beacon based organization?’ And they are. If anyone wants to see the article in the Highland Currents, I'm sure you can Google it.”
The article, which was published in December 2023 and the grant application process opened 2 months later in February 2024, shows Sarah in a photo with storage bins in what the newspaper says is her one-room office in Beacon in a building on Henry Street. There is one office building on Henry Street. The Beacon Post Office, which is listed as the Sports Bra Project’s address, also abuts Henry Street. Mayor Lee Kyriacou also weighed in on the Beaon-ness of the organization, by saying: "I know it's a Beacon-specific organization." Neither Councilperson Amber, nor City Administrator Chris, nor Mayor Lee mentioned at this point, or at any point during the meeting, that the organization they were asking about was founded by Beacon Recreation Committee member Sarah.
City Administrator Chris was eager to end the discussion and move on to vote on it. “We have a proposal that we have a Resolution lined up for you to vote on this. We have $20,000. We didn't quite award the whole thing. I think at this point, our Rec Department needs to move on.”
Who Serves On The Recreation Committee These Days?
Serving on the Recreation Committee are Benjamin Swanson (Executive Assistant for the City of Beacon), Larry Clark, Justin Lynch, Christina Ricottilli, Heidi Kitlas (Executive Director of Soul Ryeders, married to Highlands Current reporter Jeff Simms and hiking buddy of Sarah’s over at Soul Ryeders ), Jim Eve, Hayley Richardson, Sarah Dwyer-Shick (Founder of The Sports Bra Project and DOC of East Fishkill Soccer Club (recreation).
Of this Committee, it was not mentioned who may not have voted at all, which seems to be half of the Committee not voting. From the Recreation Committee’s Applicant Log, not voting were Sarah Dwyer-Shick, Hayley Richardson, Justin Lynch, and Jim Eve. The Applicant Log was included in the Council’s packets, but not read aloud to the public.
How Many Organizations Applied?
City Administrator Chris did not mention how many applicants applied, nor did he name them. Even though they were in the Council’s packet and on the City’s website. Only people who were digging for this information would have to find this on the City’s website and click to download it. Normally, when the Council wants to make sure something is heard, they read it to the public.
City Administrator Chris stated: “We did get enough responses, that Mark Price is recommending that we fund 3 projects.” Eight applications came in total.
Which Organizations Were Denied?
Applicants who were not awarded were organizations heavily invested in Beacon, especially the youth, and included Bannerman Castle Trust, Common Ground Farm, Compass Arts, Land to Learn, and Roll Out Of FBS.
Common Ground was voted for by those in the Committee who voted, but City Administrator Chris said that Beacon’s attorneys deemed Common Ground ineligible because it “benefits people outside of Beacon.” However, Common Ground manages the Beacon Farmer’s Market, which sets up in the heart of Beacon on Main Street each Sunday.
Common Ground’s application stated that the funding would double the food benefits that people with low income use at the Beacon Farmer’s Market. They stated: “Greens4Greens coupons to be redeemed across our markets, doubling the purchasing power of many people who use benefits.”
But, City Administrator Chris added another reason for why Common Ground was denied: “Also, this was just a gift to people.” It is not clear what a “gift” is and why a gift of farm fresh food at the Farmer’s Market landing in the hands of many people wouldn’t count, since storage bins to one person are certainly a gift to anyone, especially ones that can be purchased for $7,550.
Initially, City Administrator Chris did not mention that it was Common Ground which was denied. Councilperson Dan Aymar-Blair asked which one it was. At that point, City Administrator Chris moved to wrap up the discussion.
The Council voted unanimously to award the three organizations that the Recreation Committee recommended.
We would like to warmly invite you to a community potluck in support of Palestine this Tuesday July 2nd at the picnic tables at Long Dock Park. We will share food, conversation, and convene in solidarity with our siblings in Palestine. Come and meet your neighbors, contribute funds for mutual aid in Gaza, and learn other ways to get involved. Please bring your loved ones too - whether they are brand new to this work or have been at it for years, all are welcome!
What: Community Potluck & Picnic for Palestine When: Tuesday, July 2nd at 6PM Where: Pavilion (covered area with picnic tables) at Long Dock Park, Beacon Access: The event will be fully outdoors. Masks are welcome but not required, and people will be eating unmasked. Free parking with accessible spaces available at the Long Dock parking lot, and the Beacon Free Loop bus or the Metro North services the nearby Beacon Train Station. Our gathering area is accessible from the paved parking lot via a wide, paved pathway. Seating available at picnic tables, or BYO chair. The pavilion area is covered. Family friendly. Porta potties are available at Long Dock.
We also wanted to share a statement below from the Beacon Ceasefire Coalition about who we are and our experiences organizing for Palestinian liberation in Beacon this year, as well as some pictures! Thank you for all the ways in which you’ve shown up for Palestine thus far, and we look forward to being in community together on the 2nd.
Statement From The Beacon Ceasefire Coalition Regarding A Permanent Ceasefire and Land Back In Gaza
A few Regulars of the Beacon Ceasefire Coalition.
We are the Beacon Ceasefire Coalition, a diverse group of local individuals who are united in our support of an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We celebrate that on March 4th, 2024, the Beacon City Council voted to pass a resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. As our work for a safe and free Palestine continues, we would like to introduce ourselves, and to share more about why this resolution is important to us.
The Beacon Ceasefire Coalition is a diverse, multicultural, and multi-ethnic group of individuals from Beacon and the greater Hudson Valley. We are Palestinian, Arab, Indigenous, Black, Asian, and white. We are Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Sikh, spiritual, non-religious, and atheist. We are 3rd generation Beaconites and recent transplants. We are LGBTQIA+. We are disabled. We are parents and grandparents, mentors and caregivers. We are students and professionals, business owners and day laborers.
Our beliefs are as varied and complex as our different identities, yet what unites us is the shared conviction that Israel’s war on Gaza since the Oct 7th attacks is unjust, inhumane, and must stop immediately. Our coalition’s common goal is to do everything in our power to end the death and destruction currently happening in Gaza.
Since the October 7th attacks, Israel has bombed, shelled, sniped and otherwise attacked Palestinian civilians and their way of life in Gaza. Israel has destroyed Palestinian homes, religious buildings and institutions, schools and universities, roads, bridges, desalination plants, bakeries and all other infrastructure. In addition, since Israel controls the borders of Gaza by land, sea and air, it has stopped food, water, fuel, medicine, humanitarian supplies and other aid from entering Gaza.
Currently every person in Gaza suffers from food insecurity, and people in the north of Gaza are already experiencing famine. The number of Palestinians who have been killed (over 37,000), injured (estimated over 100,000), and displaced (1.9 million) as of June 2024 horrifies us, and our work is in their honor.
We condemn the carpet bombing of Gaza, the forced displacement of its people, their forced starvation and blockade of food, water, medicine, electricity, and humanitarian aid, the constant shelling and targeting of civilians, and the humiliation and abuse of their abandoned homes by IOF. Most importantly, we believe there must be an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the establishment of safety and security of all Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, and the right of Palestinians to return to their homes in Gaza. It will take action on the world stage, including the cessation of military and financial support from Israel’s many allies, to stop and sanction Israel’s war on Gaza.
We see our coalition’s work as twofold: to send a local message to our national leaders that they have a moral and professional imperative to act, and to build a community and solidarity with those locally impacted by the violence in Gaza.
In January, our coalition began working with the community in Beacon and our City Council members to draft a concise resolution that would send a strong message to our electeds that the people of Beacon want the United States to stop funding Israel’s war on Gaza. We are appalled that Beacon alone contributes an estimated $200,000+ in taxpayer revenue to arming Israel. In working towards this resolution, many of us testified at City Council meetings, sharing how our personal experiences led us to the shared goal of an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
While this process built solidarity and community, we also endured injustice as a result. During public comment at City Hall many citizens who spoke against the resolution were permitted to use dangerously racist, violent, Islamophobic and xenophobic rhetoric. In contrast, several times, the Mayor called out our group’s impassioned speeches as violent or inappropriate even though our group was following the Council’s guidelines. The unfair treatment was jarring, and through this process, we were given a window into the Palestinian experience of invisibility and degradation.
Our goal since the beginning of this effort has been to work towards an immediate and permanent ceasefire, with the right of Palestinians to return to their homes in Gaza. We do not value one people over another, nor are we advocating for a particular solution to the Israel/Palestine issue. We utilized the democratic process towards passing a resolution with the Beacon City Council – and together we made it happen. We are grateful that the majority of the Council met the moment and voted for the resolution. We see Beacon’s ceasefire resolution as an expression of our community’s conviction that people everywhere from the Levant to the Hudson Valley have the right to live in peace, safety, and security. Together, we will continue our work for Palestinian liberation.
“You know……in this life. What can I say,” says Katie Hellmuth, publisher and creator of A Little Beacon Blog, about the change in direction A Little Beacon Blog is taking, again.
When A Little Beacon Blog started covering global news, some in Beacon weren’t having it. “Weren’t” is the key word here, because while some protested at their keyboards, clicked their Unsubscribe buttons, and returned to vomit in Comments, they have largely settled down and stayed at A Little Beacon Blog, refreshing their Browsers, Instagrams and Facebooks to check for the latest post. Some do so in secret, under new online aliases. They are there.
So let’s talk about it. ALBB interviews Katie Hellmuth about her decision to incorporate global news into A Little Beacon Blog, beginning with Palestine.
ALBB: How did people react when you first started covering Palestine?
That depends on which “people” you are referring to. I’ve learned, or, I’ve really felt for the second time, that there are different communities within one community. As a white lady, when I tend to say “we,” I suppose I mean “we, this group of white people.” And with my coverage of Palestine, I’ve entered into this different community from where I came. I love it. So embracing and warm.
But to your question, the original “we” from whence I came generally was/is upset. I remember when I changed my logo for ALBB, and my mother was upset. The logo started off as something like a patchwork quilt of letters. Inspired by those blocks of cement that were down at the entrance of the train station. Those cement blocks were all painted/crafted by different artists.
Eventually, I wanted something more uniform, and I loved the sidewalk chalk signs of businesses on Main Street. So I changed my logo to be mainly black. My mom was a little sad about it. She missed the “cute” look. But she eventually came around. I even tried begging the local firm Rabe & Co. do design my logo. I did a “mockup” of the direction I wanted it, showed it to them, and Ken Rabe, the lead designer, looked at it, and said: “It’s done. This is your logo. You don’t need us.”
BTW: Those cement blocks are gone now. They were on private property of a friend of then Councilperson George Mansfield, who donated the empty lot to the art project. The property owner was finally ready to develop it. You can imagine how upset people were when the blocks disappeared, and the land under them dug up. Some people. Other people were really looking forward to living there! So close to the train station in brand new townhouses.
ALBB: But isn’t it called “A Little Beacon Blog?” Why would you go outside the boarders of Beacon?
“When I wrote the post on Target, this one lady unsubscribed right away. Saying she couldn’t believe A Little Beacon Blog would write about such a damning thing as a big box store like Target. Meanwhile, she probably had several receipts from Target swimming around in her purse.”
— Katie Hellmuth
Fair. You know…when I experimented stretching the limits here at this tiny blog, I started with All Sport. I knew I needed to get advertisers outside of Beacon or I would never survive (got to earn the money from the publication! even though I came to learn that All Sport notoriously doesn’t pay for advertising, they do “trade” with editors and give them a free gym membership and maybe a few free weeks of camp if you negotiate hard, which I agreed to for about a year, and then I pulled out because banks don’t look at free gym memberships and free summer camp when you try to get a mortgage). So I did a positive blog post about All Sport, and this one guy commented something negative about it being outside of Beacon. That the blog dare to blog about anything outside the borders.
That’s when I realized that some people really do live in this Beacon bubble. And while they do drive outside of the borders, and that guy probably was a member of a gym somewhere outside of Beacon and probably did not pay for classes or membership at the local boutique fitness brands here in Beacon, he still felt like slinging a punch at me/the blog.
As for Big Box stores, some people couldn’t handle that either. One time Target dropped a bunch of new organizational bins. You’re just not going to find that many organizing bins on Main Street. So I did a round-up of them. Oooooh! This one lady unsubscribed right away. Saying she couldn’t believe A Little Beacon Blog would write about such a damning thing as a big box store like Target. Meanwhile, she probably had several receipts from Target swimming around in her purse.
ALBB: But why go global? Why bring politics into this?
Right. So that’s another thing that I learned, in the…14 years I’ve been producing this blog. ALBB is as old as my first child. I started it because I couldn’t keep track of all of these fliers telling me what was going on. Somebody asked me: “Are you going to the Easter Egg Hunt?” and I was like “What Easter Egg Hunt?” Not that I really wanted to go. But that I didn’t know about it bothered me.
Years later, I got a reader request to do a shopping guide on where else to buy Easter Egg stuff on Main Street other than Target (see!! the readers really do go to Target!). This other lady had gone to Target, and then basically ODed on everything she bought and threw away her plastic Easter Eggs. I mean…I don’t know why Easter is celebrated with plastic eggs and candy anyway. I did a shopping guide for that year, but no other years because I had other things to blog about.
ALBB: But why global. Why politics. Answer the question.
“My pro-genocide stalker also strongly wants Beacon! I have 1 or 2 stalkers now. Both of them - or they are the same person - want me to remove Beacon from this blog title, I think because being pro-Palestine is branding they don’t want for Beacon.
But why wouldn’t Beacon want to be Pro-Palestine! That’s like…why would you want to be Pro-Psychopathic Killer? Which has made me very frightened, to be honest with you. ”
— Katie Hellmuth
Sorry. Global. Another thing I’ve learned is that people are very selective with their “politics.” If you write about something they don’t like, they say: “Don’t write about politics. Keep this free of politics.” But they really only say that when I write about racial things. Otherwise, they say “thank you for the election coverage.”
Speaking of racism in Beacon. When I identify a skin color in a story, some people also write in and say “Why does skin color matter? You are creating hostility!”
So you can imagine how they felt when I began blogging about Palestine, Islamaphobia, Islamaracism, anti-Arab behavior, revelations of how often Arabs are called “terrorists” in the world and in Beacon, etc. Some people in Beacon were/are beside themselves. It’s like the secret is being revealed that Arabs are not terrorists and they don’t know what to do with themselves. This isolated, mean narrative that they have let shape their lives and justify their behavior is being shattered.
Global. So, as we know, things that happen in the world shape and touch our little lives here in our communities. If things are going to happen here locally - like a School Board debate, or a vote by a Congressman, or a protest - we need to know why and where it’s coming from.
ALBB: But “Politics”…That’s So Boring
I know. And I’m very selective about it. And I also don’t have a lot of time. So ALBB is (probably) not going to become the source for the roundup of interviews of everyone running during an election. I just don’t have the time to produce an interview series like that. Plus, I get allergic to speeches of talking points. I don’t like ALBB to be a place of press releases where very long, puffy quotes of sugar plum fairies get published to make a politician look good. Sugar coats. Glossy, hardened, sugar glaze. Tastes good. But causes cavities.
ALBB: Isn’t this CNN’s job? To report on these global issues?
Yes. Yes it is. And one of ALBB’s hawkish readers asked that very question. I told him that if CNN was doing their job, ALBB wouldn’t have to take up the slack. CNN and the rest of them are feeding us mis-information, and I’ve had enough. I was a teenager during the Iraq war, and it never felt right to me. Now I know why. I’m upset about that. I’m in the media business. So I’m going to use the skills I have to not let that happen again. Even though it is happening again.
ALBB: How have your readers felt about this?
They are not all the same readers. I’d say that some of the traditional, hard core readers who tend to lean white, have not been so happy. They want Beacon coverage only. They are a little jealous of all of the attention ALBB has been giving Palestine.
My pro-genocide stalker also strongly wants Beacon! I have 1 or 2 stalkers now. Both of them - or they are the same person - want me to remove Beacon from this blog title, I think because being pro-Palestine is branding they don’t want for Beacon.
But why wouldn’t Beacon want to be Pro-Palestine! That’s like…why would you want to be Pro-Psychopathic Killer? Which has made me very frightened, to be honest with you. These readers have also shown their true colors. Correction. Their true colors have always been on view. I have simply accepted their true colors, and become completely OK with rejecting them.
For the readers who are Pro-Palestine, which means anti-oppression, anti-occupation, anti-our-USA-federal-and-state-governments-being-a-bank-for-funding-murder (um…isn’t that traditionally called terrorism?) these readers are “refreshed” with the global, Palestinian content. They are happy to see and read it. They feel relief and a sense of hope.
“We are saddened by the hit to our business, but grateful to a local resident whose swift action to call to the police helped to mitigate further loss and damage to our store. We appreciate the support from our community during this challenging time.”
— Sky Diamond Jewelry
On Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 4:30am, City of Beacon Police were called about a burglary in progress at Sky Diamond Jewelry at 226 Main Street, as reported by the Daily Voice. According to the article, the front door glass was broken, which is how investigators thought they got in. Sky Diamond has written in to thank the Beacon community: “We are saddened by the hit to our business, but grateful to a local resident whose swift action to call to the police helped to mitigate further loss and damage to our store. We appreciate the support from our community during this challenging time.”
According to the Highlands Current, the vehicle of the burglars was already speeding away when they approached. According to the articles, Beacon Police pursued the vehicle through town to the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge, and then stopped because they were going at high speeds.
That same morning, burglaries were also reported in at Jaymark Jewelers in Cold Spring, and at Jewelry Designs in Danbury. “According to police, two suspects were arrested in Newark, New Jersey in connection with the break-ins. Officers also recovered several pieces of stolen jewelry,” reported the Daily Voice.
On a spring Saturday evening on May 14, 2022 at 6:50pm, shots rang out from the parking lot at Forrestal Heights, next to the Beacon Recreation Center on West Center Street. Lionell Pittman age 32, who reportedly had a brother who lived at Forrestal Heights, was outside and was fatally shot, as reported by ALBB at the time.
Lionell’s murder was one of at least 3 in Beacon that have remained unsolved: Rene “Scout” Vivo, who was stabbed while walking down Main Street to get to his home at Forrestal Heights on Christmas Day in 2021, and a murder at South Davies Terrace apartment complex, where a 25 year old man was visiting from New York and was shot and killed.
According to a press release from the police, a suspect named Naije Perrette, 24, of Beacon was arrested at a traffic stop on Fishkill Avenue. He was charged with second-degree murder, arraigned in City Court and taken to the Dutchess County Jail.
The police credited the Dutchess County Drug Task Force with assistance on the arrest, and for the investigation conducted by Dutchess County District Attorney’s office. Because of the ongoing investigation, police said they would not release further information.
A Google search shows that a person named Naije Perrette of the same age has been arrested other times in Beacon:
“Beacon teen charged for allegedly fleeing police in stolen vehicle” In 2015, this Naije was allegedly “driving erratically at high speeds with headlights off on Matteawan Road in Beacon. As the Beacon police officer initiated the traffic stop, the vehicle sped up and attempted to flee toward Matteawan Road and Prospect Street. The vehicle crashed about a half-mile from where it was originally spotted, and the driver fled towards the woods behind the Fishkill Correctional Facility, police said. Police apprehended Perrette later at Red Schoolhouse Road in Fishkill.” Reportedly the vehicle had been stolen from a Beacon address days before the incident.
“Three men accused of robbing, pushing woman out moving vehicle: police” In 2019, this Naije and Julian Rivera were arrested after a reported robbery in the area of Liberty Street and Bridge Street. Police said they canvased the area after “three men robbed and pushed a woman out a moving vehicle on Friday morning around 4:45 a.m.,” according to the City of Beacon Police Department. Police say officers responded to the area of Liberty Street and Bridge Street for a reported robbery. After canvassing the area, police brought Naije Perette and Julian Rivera into custody.
Toward the end of the school year, Beacon City School kids could be seen at school’s dismissal running from the areas of the Beacon High School and Rombout Middle School through Memorial Park with water guns, shooting at each other. Variations of the game have extended to elementary school students at the Skate Park who gather there during parent baseball games, and shoot plastic pellets that resemble Orbeez (which never decompose) all over the blacktop.
The Beacon Police have issued a warning, or advice, or a manual, on how not to have the police called on them. ALBB has not confirmed who runs the police department’s Facebook page, but Chief Tom Figlia (formerly Lieutenant until this month’s promotion), is well known for his verbose writing skills.
As published by the Beacon Police
“The Beacon Police Department recently became aware of a High School Senior game which involves finding other players and shooting them with water guns in order to eliminate them from the game. We’re not kidding ourselves into thinking that many high school seniors are spending a lot of time on our Facebook Page, but on the off chance that some might see this, we would like to offer a couple of suggestions for avoiding police contact while playing the game, because everyone knows that most of the time, the fun ends when the cops show up. This list isn’t all inclusive, so use your head but…”
1. Keep the game out of the road. ”Creating dangerous situations by running into the road or, worse yet, involving moving cars may create a situation where people get injured or where officers have no choice but to issue tickets or make arrests.”
2. Use water guns that don’t look anything like real guns. ”When people see someone running around with what might be a real gun, they usually call the police and tell us someone is running around with a gun. When that happens, we have to respond as if someone is running around with a gun until we know otherwise. We’re sure you can see why that’s a problem.”
ALBB Editor’s Note: The Beacon Police have recently proven themselves to take down people with threats of guns, as in the case of the Sunday Morning “He’s Got A Gun” Police call, when a person relaxing with his dog near a doughnut shop didn’t like when another man went to pet his dog, told the man such, and then the man threatened to shoot him. The Police later identified the threat-making man, who is a known person in Beacon to make such aggressive comments, and indeed, was taken down with two Use Of Force techniques: a rifle and a hand to the neck. Participating Officer Sirrine, however, said he had never seen the man before.
Additionally, you’ll remember Tamir Rice, the child who was playing with a toy gun and was shot and killed by a police officer in Cleveland, OH. “On November 22, 2014, Tamir Rice was throwing snowballs and playing with a toy pellet gun in a Cleveland park when a police car rolled into the snowy field. Within two seconds of getting out of his squad car, officer Timothy Loehmann shot and killed the 12-year-old.” That officer was fired 2.5 years later, with no criminal charges, as reported by Vox.
3. Stay off of the property of non-participants. ”When people see someone, they don’t know lurking around their property, they tend to get concerned and call the police.”
4. Again, use your head. ”If you’re doing something that makes it look more like you’re a murderer than a high school kid playing a prank, someone is probably going to call the police.”
A reader wrote into A Little Beacon Blog to say they were one of the victims of theft in Friday evening’s (6/28/2024) reported string of burglaries in the area of S. Chestnut, Vine Street and Teller Avenue (the area west of Libby’s Funeral Home and The Beacon Daily). The reader suggested that people turn their cameras on. On the Beacon NY Facebook page, one group member advised people to load their guns (ALBB does not advise this…cameras turning on, yes).
The ALBB reader said that they had gone to their car to drive to a friends house to deliver tickets for the School of Rock show at City Winery. “I saw that I left my windows open, but then saw that my center console was open and the tickets were gone - nothing else was taken.” The resident then drove to the police station to report it. “Police at the station took my info and confirmed that between S. Chestnut and Teller Avenue, several people reported something stolen…Police suspect 2-3 juveniles and have a video but not very clear.”
When asked if the envelope was marked, the reader responded: “The tickets were in an envelope with my name on it, resting on my center console. I gather they figured the envelope had SOMETHING good in it, and just grabbed it and ran.”
Maybe the people enjoyed the show?
Days before, on Sunday, June 23, 2024, a reader wrote into ALBB warning that they had seen two people rummaging through their neighbor’s car. “They were young, maybe teenagers. Wearing all black and hoodies,” the reader said.
Reports of bikes stolen from driveways and yards persist.
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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.
Palestine & Congo
