Unicorns & Elves :: Things To Do, Shop and Eat In Beacon Guides 12/13/2024
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Beacon Unicorn Fund Launches With Benefit Event Live Music, Auction At Dennings Point Distillery
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Dave Shelly began telling people last fall that he had Stage 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme - and had weeks or months to live. Receiving this information was shocking. ALBB received it outside of the bathroom at the Hudson Valley Food Hall as Dave was visiting friends at the Roosevelt Bar. The odds of beating it were not in his favor, he said. Dave and his wife Jill were known as involved and generous community members in Beacon. Dave’s commitment was special and unique to him.
Dave was known as The Pink Unicorn for his commitment to and enthusiasm when putting on his air filled suit every Saturday to walk around Beacon. When he passed away, ALBB published this about him: “Beacon’s Pink Unicorn Lowers His Horn For The Last Time David Shelly- Passes,” which shows how his wife Jill felt just days later.
The Beacon Unicorn Fund Launches
This Friday is the official launch of the Beacon Unicorn Fund that Jill put together with a little help from her friends. What follows is their press release in full:
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Be part of an evening filled with music, digital art, and community connection. This Friday, December 13, 2024, join us as the Beacon community comes together to honor the legacy of the Pink Unicorn of Beacon, David Shelly, with the launch of the Beacon Unicorn Fund at a special Benefit Event at Dennings Point Distillery 10 Chestnut Street from 7:00PM to 9:00PM.
This inspiring evening is scheduled to include live music performed by Jeremy Schonfeld, Gus Schonfeld, and Jen Malenke. The event will also include video tributes with a pre-taped interview with David Shelly, himself, and Scott Ramsey as well as a music video featuring The Costellos. There will also be a conversation with David’s wife, Jill Shelly, a silent auction, and heartfelt tributes all to help raise funds for the Beacon Unicorn Fund.
This fund reflects Dave and Jill’s shared dream of providing financial aid to Beacon residents experiencing hardship. It is a way to keep Dave’s mission of community support alive, ensuring his acts of kindness will touch lives for years to come. Suggested donation to attend is $20 and proceeds from the event and the silent auction will directly support the Beacon Unicorn Fund, helping those in need and honoring Dave’s legacy of generosity and joy. For more information about the fund, the Benefit Event and to donate to the Beacon Unicorn Fund, click on the QR code or visit www.beaconunicorn.fund
Who Was the Pink Unicorn of Beacon?
David Shelly moved to Beacon in 2016 and became a cherished figure when he brought his dream of joy to life in March 2021. Known as the Pink Unicorn of Beacon, Dave could be found dancing at the Farmers Market, strolling down Main Street , and spreading happiness with free flowers, hugs, and ice cream vouchers. His vibrant personality and selfless acts created a legacy of love that continues to inspire. Even as he faced a diagnosis of stage 4 glioblastoma multiforme in October 2023, Dave’s spirit remained an enduring source of hope. He passed away on December 15, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and a vision for the Beacon Unicorn Fund, which Jill Shelly is proud to bring to life.
New Krispy Krunchy Chicken Opens On Fishkill Avenue At Home Town Deli From Beacon, NY Owners
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The Home Town Deli on Rte. 52 across from the Town of Fishkill Town Hall has a new addition/offering inside: Krispy Krunchy Chicken from the local owners of Krispy Krunchy Chicken Beacon on Main Street next to Key Food and Maximus Smoke Shop,
who has since moved his smoke shop to be next door to Home Town Deli and this new Krispy Krunchy. Now you can enjoy the fried chicken before you hit the highway or in between errands in the area! Or for a sit-down lunch date. Plenty of parking!
The hand-breaded, Louisiana style, halal fried chicken is rolled daily in the breading to be fried and freshly placed under the warming lamps for you to enjoy. Says owner Max: “Come over and try us. Say hi!” Seating is ample and everything shiny and new. Deli sandwiches are available, plus loads of cookies from the likes of Pepperidge Farm and Tate’s. Parking is easy too. Chicken includes tenders, wings, and drumsticks with choices of sauces, to be paired with those wedge fries that cook so good the next day in a skillet for make-at-home hash browns. And the biscuit! Enjoy.
Located at 812 NY-52, Fishkill, NY. Follow them on Instagram @krispykrunchychickenbeacon
How Beacon Could Hold An Election For City's 3rd Vacancy On City Council
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In the past year, there have been 3 vacancies on Beacon’s City Council. The third is opening at the end of this month when Dan Aymar-Blair resigns to begin his new Dutchess County Comptroller position that he won in a narrow election. If all goes as Mayor Lee Kyriacou wants it to, the Mayor will follow the first step of the City’s Charter by appointing someone, who the Council would then also approve, as they did with the first unexpected vacancy situation in January 2024. But does it need to? Or can an election take place?
In November, City Council Member Paloma Wake requested and recommended that the Mayor announce an application process, and share with the public who the applicants are and why they want to serve. While the Mayor did make an announcement this time, which was only at City Council and has not been posted on the City of Beacon’s home page or Facebook page, he did not agree to making the applicants public. If the Council does not support his appointment, they can consider their own, or move to hold an election.
According to the City of Beacon’s Charter: “If a vacancy in an elective office is not filled by the Mayor with Council approval within forty-five (45) days of its occurrence, the Council shall have the power to fill such vacancy by four (4) affirmative votes of the Council. In the event that no appointment is made to fill the vacancy as hereinbefore provided, the Council may call a special election to fill such vacancy for the unexpired term. Such a special election shall be held no later than ninety (90) days from the occurrence of the vacancy.”
How Did The First 2 Vacancies Happen?
The first two vacancies were due to the unexpected resignation of Wren Longo of Ward 3. Her resignation was a rumor for weeks, and then confirmed by Mayor Kyriacou during a City Council Meeting.
In January 2024, to fill Wren’s resignation, neither the Mayor nor Council opted for an election for another representative. Instead, Mayor Lee shifted over a Council Member to make a second opening. Former Council Member Pam Weatherbee had come out of retirement to run unopposed for the At Large Council position, in part to have a stronger voice in the redevelopment of the communities and streets around Rte 52 known as the Fishkill Avenue Corridor after the Healey Dealership vacated its location there.
Councilperson Pam also lives in Ward 3, but Wren already occupied the Ward 3 seat as Pam ran for the At Large seat. When Wren resigned, the Mayor decided to move Council Member Pam over from the At Large position to the Ward 3 seat, which opened up the At Large seat to someone who could live anywhere.
While it is assumed that applicants for the Ward 4 seat need to live in that area, it does not seem to be specified in the Charter about how to temporarily fill vacancies. A Little Beacon Blog has reached out to the Mayor and City Administrator Chris White for confirmation, but received no response, as Chris has a no-response policy to all questions posed by ALBB to any department head after ALBB published an anti-discrimination article on the City’s policy. ALBB also emailed the City Attorney Nick Ward-Willis of Keane and Beane, and also received no response.
During the first vacancy situation in January, instead of opening a call for applications, Mayor Lee announced that he begged former Council Member Amber Grant to come out of retirement to fill the spot, saying that no one else was qualified.
But, two community members had tried running during that election: La Star Gorton who ran as an Independent having missed the Democrat deadline to be considered to primary (which would have versed her against Molly Rhodes in Ward 1). La Star’s impetus for running was her experience living in Tompkins Terrace, and wanting that community more represented.
The second candidate was Reuben Simmons, a longtime Highway Department employee who announced his candidacy for Mayor a week before the election as a write-in candidate, and earned 16% of the vote. Normally, the write-in spot on the ballot receives 1% of the vote, if that.
Mayor Lee proposed to move Pam over from the At Large seat she ran for, to Ward 3, and to bring Amber back to At Large. The Council agreed, and city business moved on.
So What Will Happen This Time?
With this 3rd vacancy, the same process is about to happen, with no public review of the Mayor’s appointment. At the request of Council Member Paloma Wake, the Mayor has agreed to be more open about taking applications, but not about making them public, as Council Member Paloma requested. Mayor Lee also reaffirmed his strong preference for appointing someone who had already been elected in the past, which severally limits the application pool from new talent emerging.
Mayor Lee said at the 12/2/2024 City Council Meeting: “I'll probably take applications for the next week. Probably the following week I'm going to remind people one more time, and then we will just shut them down.” No reminder came during the following week’s Workshop Meeting.
He continued: “I will choose from that list. I've already had people express interest. You all are welcome to do that. I'd love to have 150 interested. I will say and I said this last time, that I have a decided preference for people who have served, who have run for office in contested elections. I think that makes you much more aware of the community and aware of the role up here. Doesn't mean that is the only criteria, but is a decided preference.”
If the Council does not approve of the Mayor’s appointee, and if they cannot or will not decide on who to appoint amongst themselves, the Council Members can opt to have an open election for the public, per the City’s Charter.
Applicants are encouraged to email bswanson@beaconny.gov or send to the Mayor at mayor@beaconny.gov. Applicants may want to CC each Council Member, to ensure their applications is seen.
Justice Denied: Jordan Neely and the Cost of America’s Indifference
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Alexa Wilkinson (they/them) is an independent Photojournalist living in Newburgh having left Beacon due to the rising rent. Alexa goes on site to cover the Pro-Palestinian movement in Beacon’s Town Hall; at protests in the Hudson Valley; and on campuses in New York City. For this trial, Alexa was in the courtroom as Press for various points of the trial.
Justice Denied: Jordan Neely and the Cost of America’s Indifference
What the trial & verdict of Jordan Neely’s killer, Daniel Penny, can tell us about the dehumanization of people who are unhoused, the healthcare industry, and housing insecurity.
Daniel Penny on the right.
Photo Credit: Alexa B. WIlkinson
On the cold and rainy morning of December 9th at the 100 Centre Street Courthouse, Jordan Neely’s killer, Daniel Penny, was acquitted on a charge of criminally negligent homicide. The lesser charge verdict came after the more serious charge of Manslaughter was dropped last Friday. As the verdict was read, the courtroom erupted in a mixture of applause and anger, perfectly encapsulating the public rhetoric surrounding this case. Protestors outside shouted with signs in tow: “Justice for Jordan Neely!”
The video of Jordan’s death—six agonizing minutes of a chokehold administered by Daniel Penny—circulated widely online, leaving no ambiguity about who ended his life. Yet this verdict raises deeper questions:
How many systems failed Jordan Neely before Daniel Penny’s fateful encounter?
What does this mean for Black, unhoused, and medically fragile people in a country that criminalizes poverty?
Who gets justice in a system designed to punish the vulnerable and protect those with privilege?
Background: Who Was Jordan Neely?
Jordan Neely posting in his Michael Jackson impersonation.
Jordan Neely, a performer known for his Michael Jackson impersonations in New York City subways, was a symbol of both joy and tragedy. As reported by ABC News in an exhaustive feature, Jordan faced significant challenges from a young age. He and his mother, Christie, often struggled with housing insecurity. At age 14, Jordan’s life took a devastating turn when Christie was murdered by her boyfriend, who discarded her body in a suitcase. This loss profoundly impacted Jordan, and his mental health began to deteriorate as he entered adulthood
Photo Credit: Mildred Mahazu from An ABC article.
Jordan found brief solace in his performances, however, his untreated mental health issues and struggles with housing insecurity overshadowed his life. He became a familiar figure on subway trains, sometimes asking passengers for food or money, as his situation grew more desperate.
Despite being flagged as a “high need” individual by NYC outreach workers, Jordan cycled through shelters, hospitals, and police interactions without receiving consistent or adequate care.
During the defense’s case, we were given a glimpse of Jordan’s time in these facilities. Calling their expert witness to the stand, Dr. Alexander S. Bardey, MD a forensic psychologist. Dr. Bardey testified to Jordan’s medical history and the cause and effect of schizophrenia paired with self medication of K2/Spice (synthetic cannabinoid). A 50 page extraction of the alleged “thousands of medical records” was entered into evidence, 4 pages of which were shown to the jury and public.
“In these records, the defense attempted to blame the mental and physical state of Jordan (based on outdated records spanning from 2015-2021) for his own death at the hands of Daniel Penny. Framing Jordan as violent, odorous, scary, and unpredictable.”
In these records, the defense attempted to blame the mental and physical state of Jordan (based on outdated records spanning from 2015-2021) for his own death at the hands of Daniel Penny. Framing Jordan as violent, odorous, scary, and unpredictable. In these extractions from his many rotations through the failed NY Medical system, quotes from Jordan were also highlighted in which Jordan said “Tupac told me to change the world” and that he was scared someone was out to get him. When the medical scribe asked who Jordan thought was out to get him, he said “everyone in this hospital”.
On May 1, 2023, on a north bound F train, Jordan began “shouting” and “behaving erratically.” Witnesses reportedly said he claimed he was “hungry and tired of living without food.” Witnesses also stated that Jordan did not physically threaten anyone. Daniel Penny then proceeded to approach Jordan from behind, place him in a tight chokehold, and hold him down for several minutes while two other passengers assisted. Jordan struggled the entire time, until he fell unconscious and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
“On May 1, 2023, on a north bound F train, Jordan began “shouting” and “behaving erratically.” Witnesses reportedly said he claimed he was “hungry and tired of living without food.” ”
The city medical examiner ruled his death a homicide caused by compression of the neck. While Penny argued that he acted in self-defense, the incident drew widespread condemnation, protests, and debates about the criminalization of homelessness and mental illness. Advocates criticized the failure of social systems that left Jordan vulnerable, ultimately leading to his murder.
A Legacy of Systemic Neglect
Daniel Penny walking in court.
Photo Credit: Alexa Wilkinson
To understand Jordan’s tragic death, one must examine the interconnected failures of the U.S. healthcare system, public housing policy, and the criminal justice apparatus. From 2015 to 2021, Jordan cycled in and out of New York City hospitals, where he was treated as an inconvenience rather than a patient in desperate need of care. Diagnosed with schizophrenia and battling drug addiction (K2), Jordan repeatedly expressed despair: “I’m sick and tired of being homeless,” he told hospital staff.
Yet the institutions tasked with helping individuals like Jordan fell tragically short. Instead of long-term treatment or housing placement, Jordan received the “revolving door” approach common in the American healthcare system. He was stabilized just enough to be discharged, only to land back on the streets—hungry, cold, and struggling to survive.
This is not an isolated case. The U.S. healthcare system routinely prioritizes crisis management over sustained care. For those battling mental illness or substance abuse—particularly if they are unhoused—the barriers to accessing adequate treatment are nearly insurmountable. Even when care is provided, it often comes without follow-up, leaving patients to fend for themselves in environments that exacerbate their conditions.
The Cruel Intersection of Homelessness and Healthcare
“From 2015 to 2021, Jordan cycled in and out of New York City hospitals, where he was treated as an inconvenience rather than a patient in desperate need of care. ”
Homelessness is both a cause and a consequence of inadequate healthcare. Without stable housing, managing chronic conditions becomes nearly impossible. Homeless individuals like Jordan Neely face stigma that dehumanizes them in the eyes of society and the medical community alike. They are not seen as people deserving of empathy but as “problems” to be moved along, ignored, or—too often—criminalized.
Photo Credit: SeastersJones
This dehumanization extends beyond Neely’s case. Just this evening, Luigi Mangione, 26, was arrested in Altoona, PA, as a suspect in the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The act was allegedly motivated by frustrations with the insurance industry, amid speculation about denied claims related to Mangione’s back surgery. This juxtaposition is stark and cruel: a man who lashes out at a system profiting from widespread neglect is swiftly met with the full force of the law, while those responsible for the system’s failures face no accountability.
In Jordan’s case, this dehumanization reached its apex when his mental health struggles were weaponized during the trial. The defense painted him as a volatile threat, conveniently ignoring the systemic failures that had abandoned him long before his death. The public’s willingness to accept this narrative speaks volumes about societal perceptions of homelessness and mental illness.
The Role of Housing in Justice
“In Jordan’s case, this dehumanization reached its apex when his mental health struggles were weaponized during the trial. The defense painted him as a volatile threat, conveniently ignoring the systemic failures that had abandoned him long before his death.”
It is impossible to discuss Neely’s death without addressing the broader housing crisis in the U.S. Decades of underfunded public housing programs, rising rents, and a lack of affordable options have left millions without stable shelter. For Black Americans, who are disproportionately affected by homelessness, the situation is even more dire.
Had Neely been housed, his story might have been entirely different. Stable housing provides a foundation for addressing mental health issues, securing employment, and rebuilding one’s life. Instead, Neely was part of a growing population left to navigate a world that increasingly criminalizes their existence. Public spaces become their only refuge, and the consequences are fatal when they encounter individuals who view them as a threat rather than as fellow human beings.
A Justice System Rigged Against the Vulnerable
Daniel Penny’s acquittal sends a chilling message: in America, the lives of the homeless, mentally ill, and marginalized are expendable. The defense’s argument relied not only on demonizing Jordan, but also on appealing to a societal bias that views the unhoused as less deserving of life.
“Daniel Penny’s acquittal sends a chilling message: in America, the lives of the homeless, mentally ill, and marginalized are expendable. ”
But the justice system’s failure is only part of the equation. It is a reflection of larger systemic failures—healthcare policies that prioritize profit over people, housing policies that ignore the basic right to shelter, and a societal framework that devalues the lives of the most vulnerable.
Moving Forward: What Needs to Change
Jordan Neely’s story is not just a cautionary tale; it is a call to action. Addressing the root causes of tragedies like his requires:
Healthcare Reform: Expand access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, including long-term care options that prioritize stability over short-term fixes.
Affordable Housing: Invest in public housing programs and enforce protections for tenants to reduce evictions and homelessness.
Decriminalization of Poverty: Stop penalizing individuals for being unhoused, mentally ill, or in crisis. Redirect funding from punitive systems to support services.
Cultural Change: Combat stigma around homelessness and mental illness through education and media representation that humanizes, rather than vilifies, the vulnerable.
Photo Credit: Alexa Wilkinson
Jordan Neely’s death was preventable. The systems designed to protect him failed, and the justice system compounded that failure. His story and the juxtaposition of this case’s outcome to other murders like Jordan’s is a devastating reminder that in America, justice almost always depends on privilege and wealth.
Let us honor Jordan’s memory by demanding better—for him, and for everyone failed by these systems.
Applications Open For Ward 4 Council Member Vacancy; Mayor Lee Indicates He Will Limit Pool By Attempting To Pick Someone Who Already Ran In An Election
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“The Mayor makes an appointment. The Council makes an approval. I certainly won’t interfere with your process. ”
During the 12/2/2024 City Council Meeting, Mayor Lee Kyriacou announced that he is accepting applications for the upcoming vacancy of the Ward 4 Council Member seat, as Dan Aymar-Blair, who was re-elected to the position last year but ran unopposed, was declared the winner in the close and contested election for Dutchess County Comptroller.
This is the 3rd vacancy this year for Beacon, yet the first to be announced for public consideration. When the unexpected resignation of Wren Longo, Council Member for Ward 3 was announced, a public process was not held for her replacement. The entire Council and Mayor ran unopposed, and now has an appointee (Amber Grant) and a Council Member who was moved from the At Large seat to the Ward 3 seat (Pam Weatherbee). Appointing a person into a vacant City Council seat without public review of that appointee is within the City of Beacon’s Charter.
During the 11/18/2024 City Council Meeting, Council Member Paloma Wake requested that the Mayor’s consideration of Council Member appointees be open to the public, in the form of making an announcement for applications, and reviewing those applications in public before making an appointment, which the Council would need to approve, or else make their own appointment, or move to an election.
Mayor Lee’s Response To Council Member Paloma’s Request For Public Access To Ward 4 Applicants
Mayor Lee did make an announcement during the 12/2/2024 City Council Meeting stating that he had received emails of applicants already, and more applicants could continue emailing their qualifications. He strongly indicated that he would most likely appoint someone who had already gone through a “contested election.”
This preference limits the number of people who can be considered, as the applicant would have had to have been awarded a primary selection by a political party (an already difficult achievement given signature challenges), and won or potentially lost a race and legally challenged the outcome.
For the first two Council appointments that were not made public, one included an At Large position, where the Ward representative can live anywhere in Beacon. For that seat, Mayor Lee ignored two candidates who had tried running in the previous election: Le Star Gorton and Reuben Simmons. Le Star was trying to bring more representation to Tompkins Terrace, and Reuben has been involved in the community and government as a Highway Department employee (and one time Highway Superintendent) and through I Am Beacon. According to both of them, he did not reach out to them with consideration.
Instead, Mayor Lee explained that he begged Amber Grant to return to Council as the At Large representative, and shifted over Pam Weatherbee from At Large to Ward 3, which was Wren Longo’s Ward.
Mayor Lee’s Process On How To Deal With Applicants
“I’ll probably take applications for the next week. Probably the following week I’m going to remind people one more time, and then we will just shut them down. I will choose from that list.”
While he made an announcement during last week’s City Council Meeting, Mayor Lee did not indicate that any public process would be happening to meet the potential candidates, as Council Member Paloma had recommended. Mayor Lee said: “As [Attorney] Nick noted, the Mayor makes an appointment. The Council makes an approval. I certainly won't interfere with your process.”
It should be noted that the Council does not make an automatic approval. The Council, as per the City’s Charter, makes a consideration, and can decline the Mayor’s appointee. The Council can then consider their own appointee(s), or move to hold an election.
Mayor Lee continued: “I will certainly use the opportunity to say there will be an opening on December 31st on the Ward 4 Council seat. I certainly encourage anyone who is interested to apply. Email Ben Swanson bswanson@beaconny.gov. Or send to me at mayor@beaconny.gov.”
When referring to “your process," Mayor Lee did not indicate what that process looked like.
As for a deadline, Mayor Lee explained: “I'll probably take applications for the next week. Probably the following week I'm going to remind people one more time, and then we will just shut them down. I will choose from that list. I've already had people express interest. You all are welcome to do that. I'd love to have 150 interested.”
But Mayor Lee clarified his intent for how he would narrow the prospect pool: “I will say and I said this last time, that I have a decided preference for people who have served, who have run for office in contested elections. I think that makes you much more aware of the community and aware of the role up here. Doesn't mean that is the only criteria, but is a decided preference. If council receives applicants, please forward to me.”
How An Election Could Occur For The Filling Of The Ward 4 Vacancy
According to the City’s code, Section 2.04 B, the Council could hold a Special Election if they do not approve of the Mayor’s appointment. “If a vacancy in an elective office is not filled by the Mayor with Council approval within forty-five (45) days of its occurrence, the Council shall have the power to fill such vacancy by four (4) affirmative votes of the Council. In the event that no appointment is made to fill the vacancy as hereinbefore provided, the Council may call a special election to fill such vacancy for the unexpired term. Such a special election shall be held no later than ninety (90) days from the occurrence of the vacancy.”
Council Member Paloma Wake Requests Public Review Of Applicants For Ward 4 Vacancy Before Attempted Appointment By Mayor
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“I am interested in having a discussion in public, if allowable, about the Mayor’s change in process and procedure of holding in-person interviews of prospective new hires into our police force.”
City of Beacon Council Member Paloma Wake has been asking for more public transparency in the appointments and hires of public servants for the City of Beacon. In the 11/18/2024 City Council Meeting, she requested for a second look at the process and procedure of holding in-person interviews of prospective new hires into Beacon’s police force. She also requested public review of the 3rd vacancy on the City Council within a year.
Of the police hires, Council Member Paloma said: “I do not have any objection to the 3 detective appointments on the agenda for tonight. They are internal transfers with positive records within our police force. However, I am interested in having a discussion in public, if allowable, about the Mayor's change in process and procedure of holding in-person interviews of prospective new hires into our police force."
It is not clear what the “change in process and procedure” is “of holding in-person interviews of prospective new hires into the police force.” Discussion about new hires or fires happens off-camera of the public City Council Meeting, in something called Executive Session. If the discussion of procedure about these happened in Executive Session, it is possible the public did not learn about it. A Little Beacon Blog emailed Council Member Paloma for clarification, but has not received a response.
“[I want to] announce that we have a potential impending vacancy for the Ward 4 position. I reiterate what I asked for a year ago when we came up with similar vacancy through the resignation of Wren Longo.”
Regarding the vacancy of Council Member for Ward 4 after Dan Aymar-Blair ran for Dutchess County Comptroller and looked to be winning by a slim lead after he filed a lawsuit to delay the declaration of winning until absentee ballots were counted, Council Member Paloma said:
“[I want to] announce that we have a potential impending vacancy for the Ward 4 position. I reiterate what I asked for a year ago when we came up with similar vacancy through the resignation of Wren Longo.”
The Vacancy After The Resignation Of Wren Longo
Before Wren’s resignation, word circulated on the street about it, but it never made it to a public announcement. After Wren resigned, Mayor Lee Kyriacou announced that he would be shifting the person who ran for the At Large position - Pam Weatherbee - to replace Wren in Ward 3, as Pam also lived within Ward 3.
With the newly open At Large seat that then needed filled, Mayor Lee stated that he then begged former Council Member Amber Grant to come out of Council retirement to fill Pam’s newly earned but quickly vacated seat of At Large. This, all done within a Council and Mayoral race where all contestants ran unopposed. This made a free-for-all for the Beacon Democrats, and freedom for Mayor Lee to appoint whoever he wanted, with approval of the City Council.
“Dan’s body isn’t even cold yet. Come on. We will get there when we get there.”
Meanwhile, two other candidates had been running at the time, and could have been considered for the At Large position: La Star Gorton for Ward 1, and Reuben Simmons (who entered the Mayoral race one week before voting, and won 16% of the vote as a write-in, which is unusually high).
When Council Member Paloma requested a more open process, she stated: “I recognize that the City Charter gives the Mayor power of appointment with consent of Council. I would ask for my consent to personally be given that there be a process that is public that is inspired by how the school board handles vacancies. Though I'm aware that the school board have their own charter. And official public notice be given. For a period of time - I would propose 30 days - that application notice be given and applications for anyone interested be sent to the Mayor's office and also encourage that process to provide an opportunity to speak directly to the public about why they want to serve. Submit those ideas to Council's consideration most importantly the Mayor's discretion.”
Mayor Lee responded to Council Member Paloma with: “Dan's body isn't even cold yet. Come on. We will get there when we get there.”
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When Does The Leaf Truck Stop Making Bulk Pickups? "Until It's Done."
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When do the leaves stop getting picked up by the City of Beacon’s leaf truck? “It will continue until it's done,” Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White announced during the 11/18/2024 City Council Meeting. A schedule of quadrants was posted on the City’s website up until 11/25/2024, with this statement: “pickup will continue for several weeks, rotating through the quadrants.”
According to some residents in the Beacon Facebook Group, the leaf picker upper truck was spotted on Mead Avenue yesterday (12/4/2024). During the November meeting, City Administrator Chris assured residents that even after the truck stops running for bulk leaf pickup, people can bag their leaves and the Highway Department will pick up the bags of yard clippings throughout the year as they usually do.
Should you have raked leaves into the street in front of your house, you may want to consider calling the Highway Department to leave a voicemail, and sending an email with your address, to make sure they are alerted before the truck rotation for bulk leaf pickup powers down.
Beacon’s Burn Ban Is Over For Now - Enough Precipitation Fell But Not Enough To Fill Reservoir
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Beacon’s Burn Ban is over - for now. After fall’s dry conditions fueled fires across the region, Beacon and New York State issued Burn Bans to protect against future fires. With the rainfall that happened shortly after that, and recent snow flurries, the City of Beacon announced during this week’s City Council Meeting that Beacon’s Burn Ban as been lifted. City Administrator Chris White stated: “The state classified us at low risk. The snow and rain did help quite a bit. Did help with fire risk.”
However, the Stage 1 Drought has not changed, and is not likely to in the last month, City Administrator Chris said. While there was some precipitation, it was not enough to fill the reservoirs back up past 60%, which is Beacon’s drought trigger.
This Thursday morning, there was a 2hr snow delay for Beacon City School District from the freezing conditions after light precipitation overnight.
The Wynotte Sisters To Play At Southern Dutchess Country Club Thursday Dec. 5th
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Stop the presses!! This flyer just flew in to Artisan Wine Shop! The Wynotte Sisters are popping up for their annual Christmas concert special, this year at the Southern Dutchess Country Club (1209 North Avenue aka Wolcott Ave at the intersection of Verplanck Ave), with special guest The Lousin’ Brothers. December 5th. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. Last year they filled up the Howland Cultural Center, so needed a larger space.
Says band member Sara Milonovich @daisycutter “We do everything from Andrew Sisters covers, to Willie Nelson to Yoko Ono. We do *not* do covers of other songs that are played to death at any shops or bars.” Sara tells ALBB about this Christmas show specifically: “We do songs about eggnog, cheese, and naughty Santa’s. Listen for our fan favorite, ‘Santa wants to take you for a ride.’”
The Wynotte Sisters don’t pop up often together. It’s more of a Christmas collab for them as they perform separately all over the county.
Singing in the 🎵 snippet on ALBB’s IG is Vibeke Saugestad @vibekesaugestad from her album.
All three musical artists are:
Sara Milonovich
@daisycutter
Vibeke Saugestad
@vibekesaugestad
Daria Grace
@deegee99
Flags Fly at Half Mast For Clara Lou Gould; Leaders Who Worked With Her Share Admiration
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Clara Lou Gould, Beacon’s Mayor for 17 years from 1990-2007, passed away on Monday at the age of 97. Clara Lou was active in civic life and contributions in her final years, sometimes making appearances at City Council Meetings to promote the reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July.
“Quality of her term in office is what most people will remember.”
In 2019, the City of Beacon honored her with a plaque and dedication of a day, declaring August 29th “Clara Lou Gould Day,” as reported by Hudson Valley Press. At the time, then Mayor Randy Casale said of Clara Lou: “Boy, did you make this city better, turning it completely around into a now destination spot. Since you, we have only gone up, and you have been a mentor for me.”
Clara Lou was the first female mayor for the City of Beacon, and the longest serving female mayor in New York State. She was the Tioronda Garden Club President during 1970-1971 and 1974-1975. She established Beacon as a Tree City, which is referred back to today when citizens advocate for green spaces among the development of new buildings.
Clara Lou started the Civic Beautification Program and organized the Greenway Trail Initiative. She is a founding member of the Beacon Patriots Garden. She was avid supporter of the arts, and a long-time member of the Beacon Historical Society. Said the Beacon Historical Society of her passing on their Facebook page: “We deeply mourn the loss of our former mayor (and friend!), Clara Lou Gould -- the longest-serving female mayor in the history of New York State. She was a remarkable visionary who shaped our city's future like no other. Clara Lou was a long-time member of our Society and a generous supporter of our mission. We will miss her devotion, her smile and her kindness. May she rest in peace. Clara Lou was Beacon’s biggest fan. Somehow, 97 years was still not quite enough of her!”
Former Judge Peter Forman came to the 12/2/2024 City Council meeting to thank the Council for recognizing Clara Lou by lowering the flag to half mast, which he said he discussed with City Administrator Chris White. Peter served with Clara Lou for 9 years as Beacon's City Attorney before his election to the County and Family Courts. Peter said of Clara Lou: "Quality of her term in office is what most people will remember. The one thing that will stand out is the Dia citing in 1999 and how much Dia meant to the redevelopment of Beacon. She was very much involved with that. She supported it 100%. There were times we weren't sure it was going to happen. Clara Lou said ‘keep pushing; be persistent.’"
Pam Barrack, who served Dutchess County as Commissioner of Finance for 9 years, presented with Peter, saying this about Clara Lou: "She was very active other than being the Mayor of Beacon. She was quote active in the community before, during and after her tenure as Mayor. We are going to miss her terribly."
Community members in the Beacon, NY Facebook Group remembered her for volunteering at the Highlands Hospital.
“The one thing that will stand out is the Dia citing in 1999 and how much Dia meant to the redevelopment of Beacon. She was very much involved with that. She supported it 100%. There were times we weren’t sure it was going to happen. Clara Lou said ‘keep pushing; be persistent.’”
Mayor Lee Kyriacou held a moment of silence for Clara Lou during the City Council meeting, and reflected: “Seminal work [by Clara Lou] was done to point this city toward a new vision, and it made a huge difference. I agreed with Peter Forman's remark. Clara Lou did it in a way she didn't feel obliged to lead. It encouraged the entire council to be much more collaborative and much more open to ideas. The consensus that got developed over that period of time crossed political lines; crossed new-comer/old-timer lines. A lot of it had to do with her style. I was very respectful of that. We didn't always agree. She usually figured out the right answer by the end of things. I had a lot of respect for that. She will be missed.”
Former Mayor Randy Casale told A Little Beacon Blog: “Clara Lou was a special person. She loved our city and cared about all the people. She was a great leader to work with and learn under. When she became Mayor, she had a vision for this city and a plan. She followed them both and made this one of the best cities in America. I thank her and may she rest in peace.”
The family will receive friends on Monday, December 9, 2024 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, at 2 Beekman Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Joachim Church, 51 Leonard Street, Beacon. Interment will follow at St. Joachim's Cemetery.
To send a personal condolence please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Patrick J. Halvey of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.
$50,000 Overtime Granted To Highway Department For Milling and Paving From Central Hudson Payout, But Includes Men's Bathroom, Firehouse, Stair Rennovations
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During this week’s City Council Meeting, $50,000 in Overtime was granted to the Highway Department that was “directly related to the milling and paving work” that has been going on around in the City, resulting in part from infrastructure work being done by Central Hudson under the streets and sidewalks, said Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White. The $50,000 was classified as revenue that was paid by Central Hudson to Beacon to do the the milling and paving after Central Hudson dug under the street.
However, in the City Council Workshop meeting before this last week (at the 9 minutes 11 seconds mark), it was expanded that the $50,000 revenue from Central Hudson to pay for milling and paving in Beacon was also used for building upgrades at Town Hall and the Firehouse. Details of these upgrades were not included in either the 11/25/2024 Workshop or 12/2/2024 Council Agenda memo noting the expense, but were explained by Finance Director Susan Tucker at last week’s Workshop while City Administrator Chris was out of town.
The memo proposing the Overtime stated: “Amend the 2024 General Fund Highway Budget for additional overtime costs associated with several jobs done in-house instead of contracting out including milling and paving work being paid for by Central Hudson. These costs can be covered by some of the funds received by Central Hudson for the work. The budget amendment is anticipated to cover the costs through the end of the year.”
Central Hudson’s work is not complete yet, and is stopping for the winter, to be resumed in April, City Administrator Chris said when he returned for this week’s meeting, which was the meeting to vote for the Highway Department Overtime. City Administrator Chris explained the expense this way (at the 1 hour 42 minutes mark): “The Transfer of $50,000 to Overtime from Miscellaneous Revenue. This is directly related to the milling and paving work and our Overtime for our staff. They do a lot of the handwork behind the milling. They are there dealing with the traffic issues, water valves, manhole covers. This money is coming out of the proceeds from Central Hudson. They paid us to do this milling. Some of it goes to paying the contractor and some of it goes to paying our staff. That's in the amount of $50,000. Thank you to Susan Tucker for covering last week and talking about this.”
When Susan talked about it, she included more detail of work completed within Overtime that was not milling and paving. These additional projects included renovations to the City’s 3rd floor Men’s bathroom, improvements to the City’s Finance office, helping with the Firehouse renovation, and replacing the stairs out front between City Hall and the Police Department.
Susan explained: “If you haven't noticed, we have been doing quite a bit of additional work through our Highway Department, especially Dave Way and Sean Detoro. They've renovated different areas in City Hall. They did the Men's bathroom on the 3rd floor. They've improved the Finance Office. They did some ADA ramps.
“They've also been working on milling and paving. We've assisted the Firehouse in some of the renovations and moving materials that needed to be done there and cleaning up of various City areas.”
Additional to the milling and paving were the stairs. Susan explained: "Earlier this year, Central Hudson gave us a lump sum to do some do the milling and paving that they needed done. Also, there was some additional funds there we'd like to use these monies to cover those additional Overtime costs in the Highway Department. Also the stairs outside. We had some additional costs with that. With our construction observation, which is Anthony Thomaselli. Anything that he used to oversee the steps we charge to that Highway Overtime line. That would be covered by the Central Hudson additional revenues."
Mayor Lee Kyriacou clarified: "I just got a couple questions. In terms of the Overtime, are we expecting the revenue item to cover that from Central Hudson? Is that how you're setting it up Susan?"
Susan answered: "We have a certain piece that covers the actual materials and then there was an in-excess piece of it as well. So we're using some of it to cover the overages in the Highway Overtime."
Mayor Lee settled: "Okay great. That's all I got."
Councilmember Jeffrey Domanski asked how much is left in the Contingency Fund after the transfers. Susan answered: "Great question. We have about $32,000 in the Regular Contingency line, and we have $36,000 in the Contingency Retirement line."
Sky Diamond Jewelers Is Second Jeweler To Leave 226 Main Street; Flourishing In Flagship Space In New Windsor
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In October 2024, Sky Diamond Jewelers left their Beacon location at the new-ish building of 226 Main Street to focus entirely on their flagship New Windsor location. “It was going to be an uphill battle after the robbery. And we had the opportunity to leave, so we had to make a decision,” Sky Diamond Jewelers told A Little Beacon Blog. “We’re still here to service you in our New Windsor location.”
The robbery on June 13, 2024 happened at the same time as two other robberies of jewelry stores in Cold Spring and Danbury, CT. The glass of the front door was broken and a neighbor called the Beacon Police at 4:30am, at which point the Beacon Police pursued a car already speeding away from the store to the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge, where the police stopped their pursuit due to high speeds. Suspects were later arrested in Newark, NJ in connection to the burglaries.
Sky Diamond Jewelers are the second jeweler to leave this location, the first being Hudson Valley Goldsmith. Sky Diamond Jewelers moved in shortly after Hudson Valley Goldsmith moved out. Currently a retail boutique selling clothing, crystals, signs and other home goods has moved in.
Sky Diamond Jewelers was established in 2016 by husband and wife team Isreal & Jennifer Morales in New Windsor, NY. They specialize in custom designed jewelry made on site, bridal jewelry, and permanent jewelry. They are deep in the thriving lab grown diamond market, and are always having events and reasons to buy new bling. Follow them on Instagram for more.
Third Suspect Arrested By Beacon Police For Murder Of Lionel Pittman In Forrestal Heights
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Chief Thomas Figlia of the Beacon Police Department issued a press release announcing the arrest of the third suspect in the murder of Lionel Pittman in the Forrestal Heights apartment community near the Beacon Recreation Center. He concluded: "At this time all three individuals who were present at and participated in the murder of Mr. Pittman have been arrested."
On November 21, 2024, Beacon Police arrested Zyree Downing, age 24 of Middletown, DE for the murder of Lionel Pittman. Zyree was charged with Murder in the First Degree. According to the press release, Zyree is an inmate in a Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution, where he was transported from that facility to Beacon by the Beacon Police Department to be processed on his charges. Once processed, he was transported to the Dutchess County Jail.
"This arrest, together with the June 11th arrest of Naije Perrette and the September 5th arrest of Khyree Pratt, represents yet another facet in the culmination of years of diligence work by members of the Beacon Police Department, the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office, and other assisting agencies," Chief Figlia stated.
Chief Figlia then thanked other law enforcement agencies that assisted in the investigation leading to the arrests, including the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office, Medical Examiner's Office, Drug Task Force, Sheriff's Office, the New York State Police, the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, the City of Philadelphia (PA) Police Department, the Marple Township (PA) Police Department, the Delaware County (PA) District Attorney's Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, NY/NJ HIDTA, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Naije Perrette on June 11, 2024 was charged with Second Degree murder, and arrested during a traffic stop in Beacon on Fishkill Avenue.
Khyree Pratt on September 5, 2024 was charged with Murder in the First Degree, and was already incarcerated out of state.
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