Amalio Lombardi, Foreman, Was Remembered By Beacon City Administrator In Emotional Speech

At the end of Monday night’s City Council meeting, City Administrator Chris White dedicated his allotted Reports time to commemorate Amalio Lombardi, the forman who was accidentally killed at the construction site on Rte 52 during excavation of the road for the City’s water main project. The day of the accident, Mayor Lee Kyriacou ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for the week. At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Lee honored Amalio with a moment of silence.

A bench with a plaque and seating area will be installed at the site of the tragedy with a ceremony possibly in the spring, the City Administrator said.

Mid-way through his speech, City Administrator Chris’ emotions overcame him, causing him to pause as he regained himself before proceeding. His speech has been republished in full below. Video of the speech is also published below.

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I dispense with my Report this week so I can briefly honor and remember Amalio Lombardi, a man who died in a tragic construction accident last Monday while working on the city's water main project on Fishkill Avenue.

The City extends our deepest condolences to Amalio's family, friends, and his co-workers, some of whom he worked with for decades. Our staff join in mourning this terrible loss as reflected by the City flags being placed at half-staff last week by order of the Mayor.

Amalio Lombardi was a Foreman for Sunup Construction Corp. a local contractor who is currently replacing water and sewer mains on Fishiskll Avenue. That company and he have done extensive work throughout the City.

Amalio was a 40-year union member of Laborers Local 17 and he was described by a longtime head of 17 as a model employee and a union member. And moreover a good guy. That's a compliment that you hear repeatedly from all who knew him. Amalio had worked on Capital Projects in the City of Beacon for decades including water, sewer, storm water and sidewalk projects. He was well known to our staff and our engineer and he was universally liked.

(pauses)

Amalio was highly respected for his skill and knowledge as a tradesman. He expected his crews to do quality work and he refused to cut corners. He was never harsh or rude to his crews. He took pride in his work and he even brought his family to the City of Beacon to see projects he had worked on including Fishkill Avenue.

Amalio was close to retirement and had certainly considered it, but he had never filed for it because he enjoyed working and spending time with his co-workers. Amalio was a true craftsman, an expert in repairing and replacing the pipes that are so vital to our drinking water supply and disposal of waste water. People who knew him cited that he was dependable, hardworking, conscientious, energetic, and committed to getting the job done right.

It wasn't surprising to hear that Amalio came to work on Saturday, two days before the incident, to make emergency repairs to the water main alongside our dedicated staff. And it wasn't surprising that some of Amalio's crew the day of the incident insisted on staying at the work site to fill in the large trench in the road despite their trauma*. Because that's what Amalia would have done.

Our staff and consultants enjoyed working aside am Amalio on countless projects because of his positivity, his generous smile and his warm personality. Sometimes the new staff who were introduced to him didn't hear his name correctly and they heard it as Mario and they just called him Mario. And he never took offense to that and he never corrected them. If someone he was working with m said they had a maintenance issue at their house or they had another issue, he was always first to offer assistance without thought of payment.

I joined a number of department heads, our city engineer and most of the water department who worked closely with Amalio over the years and going to go last week to pay respects to his family. Amalio was a devoted and loving husband and father and he spoke often of his family. He was so genuinely proud of his three grown children, the youngest of whom is attending Clarkson University to become an engineer. And I'm sure he was proud of that as the guy who was working with engineers.

All of us wish that we could lessen the pain of this incredible loss for Amalio's family, friends, and co-workers. And while time will hopefully soften that sense of loss, the City of Beacon honors and remembers Amalio for his contributions to our community over the last decades.

The City will be installing a memorial bench seating area along Fishkill Avenue with a plaque commemorating this wonderful person, this good guy who humbly and quietly helped to keep our city running while always offering a smile and a kind word in the process. We look forward to dedicating that memorial to Amalio with his family and friends perhaps in the spring.

And finally, I would be remiss tonight if I didn't take a moment to thank and recognize our dedicated first responders and other City department heads and staff who we responded to and managed this difficult and traumatic event. Residents of this city should be very proud of the response by our staff in the face of this tragic accident. And it was handled with professionalism, skill, and respect.

Thank you.

*Chris White verified that his pronunciation of “drama” intended to be “trauma.” That edit has been made.

Retired Beacon Cop Pleads "Not Guilty" To Murdering Roommate; Hinted At Killing Prior; What Friends and Neighbors Are Saying

Public Facebook profiles for Eddie Irizarry (top) and Casey Cuddy (Bottom).

Retired Beacon Police Officer, Edison "Eddie" Irizarry (age 52), pleaded Not Guilty in Beacon City Court to all 3 charges against him in the killing of his roommate Casey Cuddy (age 58): Murder in the Second Degree; Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree; and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.

According to Beacon City Court, Eddie entered his plea the day after his arrest on Tuesday, July 22nd. He was scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing, but the case has been transferred to August 5th in Dutchess County Supreme Court 10 Market, Poughkeepsie, NY at 9:30am, as confirmed by the Clerks Office in that court. This date has been published elsewhere as a different date, but as of today, is August 5th. ALBB will continue to monitor for future court re-schedulings.

City of Beacon Police were the first to detain Eddie at the apartment he shared with his new roommate, Casey Cuddy. According to several witnesses, Eddie was detained calmly and without resistance. The investigation was handed over to New York State Police “in order to maintain the highest integrity,” explained Beacon Police Chief Tom Figlia in a press release the day after the incident, since Eddie had served with the Beacon Police for 17 years before retiring in 2021.

About The Day Of The Crime

On Monday evening (July 21, 2025) at 9:02pm, City of Beacon Police responded to a 911 call to the residence of 86 Rombout Avenue from Edison “Eddie” Irizarry, that he had shot his roommate, Casey Cuddy. When Eddie called 911, reported Mid-Hudson News, he told the dispatch that “Cuddy had threatened him with a shotgun, and Irizarry claimed to have fired three rounds at Cuddy.” Eddie and Casey lived on the first floor of the two-family house, and another group of people lived on the second floor.

Screenshot of social media post allegedly made by Edison “Eddie” Irizarry, who goes by “Izzy Zarry” in his Facebook account, published less than an hour before Casey Cuddy was allegedly shot by Eddie, according to local community members and Mid-Hudson News. Multiple “friends” have since Unfriended Eddie’s account. Sixteen remain as “followers.”

Mid-Hudson News reported the following day: “Less than an hour before Irizarry is believed to have shot Cuddy, he made a cryptic post on his Facebook page [which goes by Izzy Zarry] that said, ‘You guys got me if I kill a Petti file.’ A source close to the investigation told Mid-Hudson News that Irizarry and Cuddy had been arguing after Irizarry accused the victim of being a pedophile.”

A source close to the situation told A Little Beacon Blog that Eddie had been seen speaking with another male earlier that Monday around the corner from Casey's home on the northeast corner of Rombout and Cliff Streets. “That morning,” a neighbor told ALBB, “it appeared that Eddie was confiding in the other male out on the sidewalk. I could hear their voices pretty clearly. Something was going on with Eddie at that point. Why so angry, I don’t know. I don’t know who the other guy was. He didn’t seem from around here.”

The Times Union reported that Casey had been seen out riding his bike only two hours before he was shot. The newspaper reported: “Neighbors described the victim as an easygoing nurse practitioner who liked to pet the neighborhood dogs. Joanna Neville was walking at Dennings Point Park in Beacon around 7pm Monday when she heard a bicycle on the gravel behind her. She turned and saw a familiar face: Casey Cuddy, a neighbor with whom she’d become friendly since adopting a dog last year,” the Times Union reported.

“Casey was also knowledgeable about attachment theory and attuned to trauma. He was sensitive about potentially upsetting topics and knew when to push and when to back off. More than anything, he was kind and thoughtful and I am beside myself that he is gone.”

— Local Mother Whose Child Was In Casey Cuddy's Care

Joanna told the newspaper: “[Casey] was in a good mood.” The newspaper expanded to report that “she was shocked to learn he’d been shot a few hours after their encounter. ‘He was a nice guy, It’s terrible,’” Joanna said.

Details of Eddie Irizarry’s Arrest

When the Beacon Police arrived on the scene Monday evening, they realized that they knew Eddie. Several neighbors describe how the Beacon Police put him into handcuffs and detained him in a Beacon police vehicle. One neighbor described the Beacon Police’s handling of Eddie as “gentle", and the neighbors across the street, Tony Ruperto and Brian Garritano, described to the Times Union: “He wasn’t resisting,” Tom told the newspaper. “He was very calm.”

Being that Eddie used to serve on the force, the Beacon Police then turned the entire investigation over to the New York State Police, “to maintain the highest integrity,” the press release said from Beacon Police Chief Tom Figlia.

Neither press release from the Beacon Police or the New York State Police mentioned the shotgun when they detailed the nature of the shooting. The New York State Police press release stated that Eddie shot Casey. It has not been stated if a shotgun was found at the residence, or if the gun used in the shooting was permitted by Eddie.

Sources told Mid-Hudson News that since his arrest, Eddie has “recanted portions of his statement before being charged with the felonies of murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of a firearm.”

According to the New York State Police’s press release, Eddie’s preliminary hearing in City of Beacon Court was scheduled for July 25, 2025, at 10:00am. However, that has since been re-scheduled. He was remanded to Dutchess County Jail and held without bail.

Regarding the Pedo Accusation

When the killing reached Beacon’s Facebook community, some people defended the killing as an elimination of a sex offender, without demanding to see proof. These people implied that executing someone at whim was acceptable.

Neighbors of Casey on Rombout Avenue rushed to defend the dead man. Casey, whose full name is Wilbur Casey Cuddy, is not listed in New York State’s public sex offender registry, and was a licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner. This license would be an additional level of background checking.

It is unknown at this time if any individuals in Eddie’s friend circle responded to his social media post with encouragement of him to execute his plan. Some Beacon locals, including some who have moved away but keep up with Beacon news, have been known to use aggressive language in comments, including curse words and threats to safety.

Background on Edison “Eddie” Irizarry

Numerous friends of Eddie in Beacon have expressed being shocked, confused and sad. Friends say that he loves to fish, and is a calm person Otherwise, as of now, people who know Eddie who live in Beacon do not want to go on record with what they know about his character or life. Multiple Facebook “Friends” of Eddie’s account have since unfriended him. Sixteen “Followers” remain.

Eddie’s Facebook page, which goes by “Izzy Zarry,” states that he lives in “Never Never.”

His LinkedIn account says he lives in Jacksonville, NC. Public pictures on his Facebook account show scenes of him on a beach with surf. Unconfirmed is why he returned to Beacon after locating to NC, and if his time in Beacon was temporary. .

Numerous neighbors of Casey told ALBB that Eddie moved in to Casey’s residence in or about April 2025, and that they had not usually seen roommates at Casey’s apartment. The Highlands Current reported that Casey took out a classified ad for a roommate years ago in November 2022. Otherwise, neighbors say they saw Casey frequently as a communicative person out and about, who enjoyed his cats.

Background on Casey Cuddy

Wilbur K. Casey Cuddy, PMHNP-C was a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, according to his website and HealthCare4PPL.com. His website says he specialized in the treatment of trauma, “whether complex/developmental or chronic/single episode;” and that he “diagnosed and treated most other psychiatric disorders (except ADD/ADHD).” He earned Engineering Science and Nursing Bachelor's Degrees, and an MBA and Nursing Master's Degrees. He graduated from the University of California, San Francisco, with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), according to Psychology Today.

Since 2015, he “worked as a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-C) with small rural services, with medium & large county agencies, and now with private & group telehealth practices,” he said on his website. “All settings have involved the treatment of diverse populations with moderate-to-severe mental illnesses.”

One local mother told A Little Beacon Blog that her child was in the care of Casey Cuddy, and was shocked to learn of his death. She said he specialized in talk-therapy with her child.

“Something I found so profound was his respect for single mothers,” she told ALBB. “He mentioned that his mom was a single mother and he took the time to acknowledge the hard work I was putting in. That means something in this patriarchal society. It meant a lot to me. Casey was kind to my child, direct and blunt, but in a developmentally appropriate way. He called on my child to take some responsibility for my child’s own path. Casey was also knowledgeable about attachment theory and attuned to trauma. He was sensitive about potentially upsetting topics and knew when to push and when to back off. More than anything, he was kind and thoughtful and I am beside myself that he is gone.”

Neighbors told ALBB that Casey lived at 86 Rombout Avenue with his cats for a number of years, and that he was outgoing and talkative. He drove a white van and carried a protest poster, “Boycott Everything.”

The neighbors who lived across the street, Tony Ruperto and Brian Garritano, told the Times Union that “they didn’t know the alleged shooter, who they believed had moved in just two months ago, but were friendly with Cuddy, who they said had lived in the building since before they moved in two years ago.” The pair did see police “swarm the first floor apartment” after the 911 call. The next day, at 10am, Tony and Brian did see police remove a body bag from the apartment, they told the newspaper.

In a client review left on August 28, 2018 on Casey’s website, a patient wrote about him: "In the time frame of 3-4 months, Casey Cuddy has been one of the reasons that I am alive today. He helped me work through so many of the problems I refused to face. When I attempted suicide, he called me before I could call him to make sure I was doing okay. It makes me sad that he's moving back to the East Coast and actually made me tear up a bit. I hope he knows how much he truly helped me find my confidence and self-worth, and he helped me realize how much I actually sacrifice for those I love. He's been a positive impact on my life."

According to a theater program found by the Highlands Current from when Casey was an actor performing in a play at the County Players theater in Wappingers Falls, Casey was from the Finger Lakes region, which is in New York State. The newspaper reported that Casey “moved to the Hudson Valley in September 2022 after living in Los Angeles and Oregon. In November 2022, Cuddy placed a classified ad in The Current seeking a roommate to share his first-floor Beacon apartment.”

It is unknown at this time if Casey continued to take roommates, or if this was a new occasion. One of his client’s told ALBB that he rented an office on Rte. 52, but had left the office and was doing telehealth only.

Casey indicated on his Facebook page that he kept a Facebook profile to list on Facebook Marketplace.

Readers Have Responded to This News With Statements LIke:
“Beacon Has Changed!” or “These NYC People Moving To Beacon Are Changing Things!”

This was situation involving people who lived in the area for a long time. Additionally, the older version of the Beacon Police have a documented history of police brutality which resulted in the federal investigation by the Department of Justice of the Beacon Police force. The department entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice in December 2010 to “reform its policies and practices.”

Eddie served on the Beacon Police force in Beacon for 17 years, retiring in 2021, which puts his starting date near 2004. This is within Beacon’s era of when the Police Department was accused of police brutality, racial profiling and nepotism, as thoroughly covered by the Beacon Dispatch in 2006, one of Beacon’s original blogs.

Eddie doesn’t seem to have public lawsuits against him, as other officers from that time do, such as Richard Sassi Jr., the son of the Police Chief of the same name at the time. The son, Detective Sassi Jr., was found in his boxer shorts in his female informant’s closet after making advances on her until her boyfriend came over, to which Sassi made a false call of burglary to 911, for which he was charged.

As for Eddie, when he was a patrolman in 2014, he was ordered to fill in for 2 Beacon detectives who were suspended, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal. While the Police Chief at the time declined to comment on the circumstances of the suspensions, the article reported that the two detectives “were married but divorce paperwork was filed in 2012, according to a document filed with the Dutchess County Clerk's Office.”

Flags Flown At Half-Staff For The Week In Honor Of Amalio Lombardi, Excavation Worker

At Mayor of Beacon Lee Kyriacou’s order, flags will be flown at half-staff for Amalio Lombardi, age 61 of Goshen, who was fatally killed in an accident during excavation of Rte. 52 in Beacon in between Lanks Auto and Hedgewood Home For Adults as part of the Fishkill/Teller Avenues infrastructure projects, as reported by ALBB earlier today. ALBB has learned that Amalio worked for 12 years alongside his co-workers, and was union, according to a source who spoke to ALBB.

In a press release written and published by Beacon Police Chief Tom Figila to the Beacon PD’s Facebook page, and shared on the City of Beacon’s Facebook page, Chief Figlia said as part of his update: “the City's administration extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Lombardi. Mayor Kyriacou ordered that the flags be lowered to half staff for the remainder of the week in honor and memory of Mr. Lombardi.”

When the robo-alert went out to the people of Beacon, the announcement only contained information about the road being opened back up again, and thanked everyone for their patience. In neither robo-call was the fact that someone had succumbed to their injuries in a tragic work-related accident.

After the first robo-call, people of Beacon immediately wondered if an employee of any of Beacon’s departments was injured, and what kind of injury it was (ie: hit by a car on that busy road, fell off the cliff, etc.). Confirmation as to the detail of the accident needed to be reported on.

When Mid-Hudson News announced the fatality, ALBB followed with the detail, and the Beacon Police Department'’s Press Release came after that.

“I was on the other side of the road closure, and had to drive back several miles to get to where I was picking up my child,” one reader told ALBB. “I only learned the gravity of the situation from your article.”

Patrick Moore told ALBB readers: “I drove by maybe 30 seconds after it happened. The worst thing I have ever, ever seen. I worked for 9 years as a firefighter outside of Austin, TX. I have never seen anything like this. So sad and thoughts for family and the workers there yesterday.”

“I was there when they were turning cars around,” another reader told ALBB. “I asked what happened and they told me there had been a death. This must have been what happened.”

This has been an emotionally charged topic for co-workers of the deceased, friends and family. Some in the Beacon community expressed surprise that the work continued after the accidental incident. Said Andrè S Omally at ALBB’s Facebook: “Drove by saw these guys out there working 20mins later; Beacon PD/FD and EMS rushing towards there. smh very sad RIP.”

After Mid-Hudson’s News’ article published, ALBB headed down to get photos of what would be a very basic article documenting the incident. “I was surprised to see an active job site, where the crew was back to work as if nothing happened,” said Katie Hellmuth, writer of the article. “When a neighbor and I saw employees walking by, we were all stunned."

Comments at Facebook about this incident have been wild and unexpected. It seems unimaginable that the driver of the excavator was still driving after this accident, as he must have been very upset and scared. ALBB has not confirmed if it was him, or if someone replaced him. Hopefully he was allowed to stop driving so that he and other employees could seek emotional support about what had just happened.

UPDATE 7/29/2025: A comment has been left below on this article based on the above statement. That comment is republished here for confirmation:

As the spouse of someone on that crew, I'd like to set several records straight!

1) They did NOT continue working "as if nothing happened" - they were absolutely devastated and to make the road usable for the general public again took EVERYTHING in them to do.

2) No....the driver of the machine was NOT expected to keep driving. Someone did, in fact, come from a different job to take his place. The person who took his place was ALSO very upset by this news, and took everything in himself to do what needed to be done.

By the end of the day, the road was filled back in. The excavator had been digging a long hole in the middle of the road. The Beacon community mourns for all of the employees there as well as the deceased. Condolences to their families and friends.

After this article published, the City of Beacon’s Facebook account commented, without confirming the writer’s identity: “The reason the crews stayed and worked after the incident was due to the fact that there was a large hole in the middle of the road that couldn't be left open. Rather than raise questions about the crews working after the incident, you could have interviewed one of them and highlighted the absolute resolve and courage it took them to get back in their machines and close the road responsibly when all of them were traumatized by this.”

The City of Beacon should know that this writer was not about to step into an active construction site with an excavator moving. “One employee spoke and gave their statement,” said Katie. “I was not about to chase him for more.” The name of the excavation company has not been released, so we cannot call to follow up.

Said Jessica Hansen, Traffic Control Supervisor at Local 234 on Facebook: “Don’t you know the public thinks all the work done magically fixes itself and doesn't need crews to fix anything. We are just in their way and an inconvenience.”

So far, ALBB is leaving comments on, and advises people to restrain themselves to sending condolences and prayers. Over the years, our readers have asked that comments be left on so that they can see the true nature of people.

Construction Co-Worker Crushed To Death While Working On The Road On Rte. 52

Condolences to the family, co-workers and friends.

A construction worker who was part of the crew digging up the road on Rte 52 in Beacon at Conklin Street near Lanks Auto was fatally injured late this morning. According to someone familiar with the situation, the construction worker may have passed out, fallen, and then was crushed by the machine. “We lost a co-worker of 12 years today,” said one person.

The City of Beacon sent out an alert at 12:02 saying: “Fishkill Avenue will be closed from approximately Dallis Place (near Hedgewood Home For Adults And Assisted Living) to Conklin Street due to a workplace accident. Please avoid travel until further notice.”

Mid-Hudson News was the first to report the confirmed fatality at 2:12pm, and said that the accident happened “just after 11am,” and that Beacon Police were investigating. It is unknown at this time if OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) was called to or came to the scene to investigate.

According to a neighbor who spoke with ALBB, crime scene tape was wrapped around the street. Residents were blocked from driving into their driveways. Some had to park around the corner and walk to their homes.

As of 3:59pm, the crime scene tape was gone, and the machine was actively digging out the street again, with several workers surrounding it. At least one City of Beacon Police vehicle was blocking and re-routing each end of traffic. The City of Beacon’s Highway Superintendent Michael Manzi was at the scene.

At 5:26pm, the City of Beacon issued an alert saying: “The section of Fishkill Avenue from Dallis Place to Conklin Street has been reopened from the earlier closure. Thank you for your patience.” There was no mention of the death of the construction worker.

Also at 5:25pm, the Chief Figlia of Beacon Police Department issued the following press release published on the Beacon Police Facebook page:

“Fatal Construction Accident on Fishkill Ave”

“On July 28, 2025 the Beacon Police Department, as well as EMS and Beacon Fire Department, responded to a report of an accident at a construction site on Fishkill Ave. between Conlin St. and Dallas Pl. Upon arrival, it was determined that Amalio Lombardi, 61 of Goshen, had been stuck by an excavator and passed away at the scene. An investigation of the incident is ongoing. The work being done was part of an infrastructure improvement project for Beacon, and the City's administration extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Lombardi. Mayor Kyriacou ordered that the flags be lowered to half staff for the remainder of the week in honor and memory of Mr. Lombardi.”

Related Article: “Flags Flown At Half-Staff For The Week In Honor Of Amalio Lombardi, Excavation Worker”

Murder on Rombout Avenue - Retired Beacon Police Officer Charged With Murdering His Roommate

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. As details emerge, they are updated here in the sequence of how they were released.

On Monday evening at approximately 9pm at the home of 86 Rombout Avenue, a 911 caller believed to be Edison “Eddie” Irizarry, who is a 52 year-old a retired City of Beacon Police Officer who was a new roommate to Casey Cuddy, age 58 (aka Wilbur Cuddy), “had threatened him with a shotgun, and Irizarry claimed to have fired three rounds at Cuddy,” according to reporting from MidHudson News. Casey Cuddy did not survive.

According to the City of Beacon Police Department’s Press Release the following Tuesday morning, “the City of Beacon Police Department received a call from an individual reporting that he had shot his roommate on Rombout Ave. Upon arrival it was determined that one of the individuals involved was a retired Beacon Police Officer. That individual was immediately detained and, in order to maintain the highest integrity, the entire investigation was turned over to the New York State Police.” The Press Release was published to Facebook, and Comments turned off.

From the Beacon Police Press Release, it was not clear where Eddie was initially detained to. A witness of the detainment confirmed to ALBB that Eddie was handcuffed and “gently put into” a Beacon Police vehicle without incident on Monday night. New York State Police arrived to the scene shortly after, ALBB was told by a witness of the detainment.

MidHudson News reported that Eddie was arrested the following Tuesday morning. “He was arraigned before Beacon City Court Judge Rebecca Mensch and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail,” MidHudson News reported. Times Union reported that Eddie was booked on Tuesday, as confirmed by booking records, and held without bail.

Beacon Police Chief Tom Figlia continued: “In order to maintain the highest integrity, the entire investigation was turned over to the New York State Police. The City of Beacon Police Department is cooperating and will continue to cooperate, fully and completely with the State Police Investigation. Since it is a State Police Investigation, the City of Beacon Police Department cannot release any further details and all additional requests for information should be made to New York State Police.”

As of Tuesday evening, New York State Police confirmed that the caller was Eddie: “On July 21, 2025, at approximately 9:02 p.m., the City of Beacon Police Department responded to a private residence on Rombout Avenue following a 911 call placed by Edison Irizarry, 52, of Beacon, NY, who stated he had shot his roommate. Upon arrival, officers located 58-year-old Casey Cuddy also of Beacon, NY, deceased inside the residence from an apparent gunshot wound.”

According to community members, Casey and Eddie were roommates in the house beginning April 2025. ALBB has received confirmation from multiple local sources that this house was divided into 2 apartments, where Casey lived in one unit, and another group of people lived in the other unit. It was only recently that Eddie moved in as roommate to Casey, who also goes by “Cuddy” to neighbors.

By Tuesday evening, Casey’s white passenger van, which has a poster perched in the passenger seat that reads “Boycott,” remained parked in the driveway with yellow caution tape around the perimeter of the house. Parked next to the van that Tuesday evening was a New York State trooper car with an officer inside.

An investigator looks at the sign in the van of Casey Cuddy, who was killed by his roommate, Eddie Irizarry. The poster read: “Boycott Everything.”

Sean Breault, who witnessed the arrest of Eddie, told ALBB: “The poster in Cuddy’s van read ‘Boycott Everything.’ He was active in protests. I watched the detective go through his van and I have an image of the sign. Cuddy was into boating and biking here in Beacon and was never anything but kind. Deescalation did not seem to be a tactic this retired officer was willing to use.”

That Tuesday evening at dusk, people in the community drove and walked slowly past the house, which is located in a residential area around the corner from South Avenue Elementary School. Community members say that Casey could often be seen outside in his yard and was a communicative person with his neighbors.

By Tuesday evening, the Beacon Police issued another statement when sharing an update made by New York State Police. The Beacon Police Department wrote: “We share this as part of our obligation to keep the public informed but we also take seriously our obligation not to release any information which may hinder their [New York State Police’s] investigation. As such, we will continue to direct all requests for information to the State Police. We also thank them for their hard work in this investigation and would like the thank the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance last night as well. Importantly, we extend our deepest condolences to those impacted by this incident.”

New York State Police confirmed on Tuesday evening the charges against Eddie:

• Murder in the Second Degree (Class A -1 Felony)

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class C felony)

• Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Class E Felony)

New York State Police confirmed that a preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

The Highlands Current reported that Eddie retired from the Beacon Police Force in July 2021, and was recognized in a photo by the Beacon Police Benevolent Association (PBA) union. The PBA said at that time: “The PBA would like to congratulate Officer Edison Irizarry on his recent retirement from the Beacon Police Department. Officer Irizarry served the City of Beacon for 17 years, and prior to that served his country as a United States Marine. Officer Irizarry held many roles during his time with the Beacon Police, including a Field Training Officer and Detective. Best of luck in retirement and your future endeavors.”

Business Owner of Smoker's Mecca and The Leaf, Grant McCabe, Has passed

Grant W. McCabe, a local area resident, entrepreneur and business owner, passed away on January 16, 2025. He was 43 years old. Grant was a former owner of The Leaf in Beacon, and currently owned Smoker’s Mecca in Beacon.

The Leaf, located at 498 Main Street, was open for 5 years before closing in October 2024, as reported by WRRV. “After five amazing years of helping you find balance, calm, and those much-needed chill moments, we’re reaching out with a bittersweet message. The Leaf will be closing its doors. We'll still be online...” the radio station reported from the store’s announcement to customers via email.

The Leaf provides “the highest quality hemp CBD products and provides the education you need to get the most benefit from them.” According to their website, the Leaf is part of the US Department of Agriculture’s industrial hemp research program and harvested crop in the Hudson Valley. The Leaf was not one of the three cannabis businesses in Beacon to hold a microbusiness license, a designation that only recently was made available to New York based businesses.

The Hudson Valley Post reported that Grant opened the Smoker’s Mecca at 285 Main Street in 2014 on Main Street in Beacon and sold CBD products purchased from other suppliers. Smoker’s Mecca was known in Beacon for its brief offering of free marijuana during “Joint Free Fridays,” an incentive some stores were doing before microbusines licenses became available. Grant paused it after the cannabis board announced it would pursue stores that made that offer, according to the Times Union.

“Grant was a hardworking entrepreneur,” his obituary states, and “was a former owner of The Leaf in Beacon, and currently owned Smoker’s Mecca in Beacon, multiple online stores, stores in Florida, a Distribution business in New Windsor and an ATM business covering the Tri-State area. He had begun his working career as a salesman in the car business and continued his excellence in sales into all of his businesses. Grant also was a very caring and giving person who helped many people down on their luck over the years.”

According to his obituary, Grant grew up in Illinois and was a professional motocross racer there. "Grant was born on January 14, 1982 in Joliet, Illinois, the son of Debra Dorich McCabe and the late William McCabe who predeceased him on October 18, 2020.

“Grant met his fiancé Darcy Wang and called it love at first sight,” the obituary explains. “He said there was no way he would let her go and spent 4 wonderful years together.”

Grant is survived by his mother, Debra McCabe; his fiancé, Darcy Wang, and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles; his many friends and loving employees; his 2 dogs, Nugget and Uki.

Family and friends gathered on Saturday, January 25 and on Sunday, January 26 at Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, 2 Beekman Street, Beacon. A private cremation followed. Said one person who attended the funeral: “Grant was loved by many people. You could tell. His mom and fiancé seem to be surrounded in community.”

To send a personal condolence please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.

Israel Has Killed The Soul Of Our Soul, Khaled Nabhan, After Killing His Grandchildren (Reem) - Videos Included

Illustration by @folkloren_

Editor’s Note: ALBB publishes on Palestine because American media either does not, or reports misleading information, sometimes on purpose. Locally, coverage has either been misleading (Mid Hudson News), deleted (thanks, Times Union) or not published at all. Only the Chronogram has published any representation of this cause, and that was thanks to ALBB’s vulnerability in the ceasefire movement in Beacon. Therefore, in the spirit of Beacon that is giving, caring, and inclusive, we have expanded coverage.

The soul of our soul was killed yesterday. “Palestinian grandfather Khaled Nabhan, who gained attention around the world through a viral video in which he mourned his granddaughter, Reem, who he tenderly called the ‘soul of my soul,’ was killed by an Israeli strike on Nuseirat camp in central Gaza,” reported @trtworld.

For those who acknowledge the genocide on Palestine by Israel with U.S. support, there are no words after this news broke yesterday. Except as @muslim exclaimed when they posted this illustration of Khaled and Reem with the weeping roses or poppies, (art by @folkloren_ ): “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon. 💔 May he be reunited with the “soul of his soul” Within the highest ranks of jannah.”

What is happening is, what the occupation and imperialist powers here in the U.S. don’t realize is, with each kill, our souls run deeper to resist. Methods change. Beauty is incorporated. Stealth mode activated. Because what these occupiers don’t realize is that the ground has been broken. The flowers rising up out of the darkness under the cement sidewalk. Our bodies turned inside out. Muscles and blood exposed, like the chart of the human body when viewed as layers of muscles and veins. Raw. It is not numbness we feel. It is conviction. It is the throwing of dirt onto the fire of fear to smolder the fear out.

What the occupiers don’t realize is that with each kill, we are learning new things. History is re-opened, and we examine histories we glanced over in years past. Syria is re-opened and examined. Like it hasn’t been for years at this level by so many people. Examination and debate about the Middle East is in full view, with details emerging that usually get brushed off as “not my problem,” and “over there.”

The pages are turning so fast now. Invisible ink becoming visible in gold on the page. We don’t know what will happen. Or how it will happen. But the quill is writing the story each day.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon. May Allah grant mercy.

Videos from @wearthepeace @boutainaazzabi @queenofpalestine @europe.palestine.network @thesunbirdmovement @noor.harazeen

Justice Denied: Jordan Neely and the Cost of America’s Indifference

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.”

— Alexa Wilkinson

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.” ”

— Alexa Wilkinson

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. ”

— Alexa Wilkinson

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.”

— Alexa Wilkinson

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. ”

— Alexa Wilkinson

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.

Flags Fly at Half Mast For Clara Lou Gould; Leaders Who Worked With Her Share Admiration

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.”

— Former Judge Peter Forman

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.’”

— Former Judge Peter Forman

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.

Newburgh/Beacon Bridge Railing Too Low - Easy For Jumpers - Pictures And Suicide Prevention Thoughts

Attention: This article contains information about the concept of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, there are ways to get help. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (en español 1-888-628-9454) for free, confidential crisis counseling and referrals available 24/7.

After ALBB published about the most recent loss of life from the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge last week, of the young person who was identified as male who was 21 years old, several readers commented that the railing was too low. That sparked conversation offline. Therefore, this article will take a look at that railing, and why it needs to be raised. This article will show pictures of the railing, and will explore what it feels like to walk across the bridge to get to the railing, if that is indeed where people are jumping from. Because this person was not the first, and this is a problem.

Recognizing that even seeing pictures of the access path and railing may trigger emotions in people to either see for themselves for whatever reason, or if people who knew someone who did go over the railing, I (Katie) will contribute thoughts about how to get around and through hard feelings when they come.

As a jogger, I have run across this bridge several times, often wondering why the railing was so low, and feeling terrified to run across it, simply as a runner, walker or biker, since making one un-returnable choice is so easy to do from this bridge. Those crazy fantasies happen about what if one is flung over the railing, or what if one trips and somehow flips up and over the railing, even though tripping upwards is almost impossible. But, that is what the low height of this railing can do to people of mind who do not intend to jump.

Walking To The Bridge

We do not know how these people got to the spot on the bridge from which they jumped. Did they park on the right side of the bridge (if leaving Beacon), exit their car, and simply step off? Since there is no railing on the north (right) side of the bridge when leaving Beacon? Or did they walk down the path on the south (left) side of the bridge when leaving Beacon? If they came from the Newburgh side, this article does not look at that path.

For this article, I walked the left side to get to the middle, when coming from Beacon. Normally I jog here, but for this article, I parked my car at a friend’s house and walked. In this different head-space, I almost forgot how to get to the walking path that leads to the bridge. By the time I got to the I-84 overpass, I doubted myself as to where I was, since I was so near to the exit ramp. But sure enough, that is where the path is.

Cars whiz by very quickly, and the changing gears of the 18-wheeler trucks produce a large rumbling vibration sound, which has them low-pitched wailing as they get farther away. The current of the interstate traffic is pulsating. There is one sign for cars on the exit ramp: WRONG WAY. That if one were in the end-of-life state of mind, one may hope they would notice this sign and turn around. Next, there is a green sign that says “Life Is Worth Living,” which, if I were in the end-of-life frame of mind, I would want to punch for not understanding me, and carry on. There is one more of those signs later in the walking path. They seem totally useless.

And Now, We Get To The Railings On The Newburgh/Beacon Bridge

There are 2 levels of railings on the south side of the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge, or, the left side if you are leaving Beacon for Newburgh. The first is a set of bars, like a gate, that is taller than most humans. It starts at the beginning of the bridge, and continues over the tree tops, where the earth slants down to the MTA train tracks. The railing starts low, then goes a few feet higher.

The low railing before the taller railing once the ground ends to slope down. One begins to walk above the treetops, and the railing goes up.

The railing/Gate/bars at the beginning of the bridge on the Beacon side. The bars are taller than most humans

The treetops below the bridge on the Beacon side. Blocked by the taller bars.

After one walks over the tree tops, which is a wonderfully curious sensation, like you are flying, or are a drone, the high bars that were protecting you suddenly go lower. The bar of the gate lowers down to a railing that is the same height of many humans. Or, if you’re 5’8.5”, it is shorter than you. The railing has been lowered, presumably, to open up the view to cars to see clearly the mountains and river. As a walker, you can see all of this clearly, since the space between the bars is plenty wide.

Meanwhile, the metal walking path beneath you is shaking. The bridge moves a bit with all of the cars and trucks driving across it at full speed. Walking on the right side feels pretty normal, but walking on the left side next to the railing on the return back to Beacon, feels almost slanted. I didn’t bring my leveler and don’t have a leveler app, but that half of the metal walkway feels tilted. Could just be the sensation, though!

Coupled with a large gap between the end of the railing and the walkway. One feels like their leg might slip through it, and then one’s entire body might slip through and fall off the bridge. Which is of course impossible, but these crazy sensations pull at one’s body when walking that close to the railing. I can’t imagine how it feels for a person who came there with the intention to jump. Since there is this weird pulling sensation just by being there.

“But Katie, People Make The Decision To Die. That’s It. You Know That.”

I don’t know that. And this is not why New York State or Beacon or Newburgh of any of these Hudson Valley municipalities should be OK with this bridge being so accessbile by people who are making a decision that may be momentary, or accurate for a few months, or that they may regret. Unlike a drinking or an ice cream binge, that seems like the right idea at the time, there is no turning back from this. Unlike having sex with that first person seems like the right idea at the time, there is no turning back from smacking down onto the water that becomes like cement from that height if one wants to do that. They can’t undo smacking down on the Hudson River Water cement.

“But Katie, people make the decision to die. That’s it. You know that.” This was said to me by a good-intentioned person who wishes no one to die. This is where I want to talk about deciding to end one’s life. And how that is their decision. And those of us left in the living have to tell ourselves things in order to cope with the loss of them here. I’ve read the phrase “Don’t go, you will be missed,” and I understand that sentiment, but sometimes, if someone is in that state of mind, it’s not about other people. It’s about that person, and what that person feels like they can or can no longer contribute or tolerate in this lifetime.

Decisions Are Moments In Time

A friend once told me, when I was feeling down about what I thought was losing an emotion forever, they told me: “These are feelings for now. Things return.” I decided to believe my friend, even though I was convinced otherwise. Turns out, my friend was right. Years and years later, my friend remains right.

That friend has become my Day Of The Week Friend. We are very different people. We see straight on 95% of things. The other 5% is very, very different. But we appreciate each other as our Safe Space. Where we can tell each other deep emotions without fear of that friend reporting us, judging us, and if they do judge us, we know it is with good intent, and we know we can push back if we feel we need to.

Days of the week are important, because each day can mean different things. Making it through each day can be very hard. My friend started as my Saturday Friend. In my 20s (I am now 47 with 3 young children), I decided not to answer the phone from anyone in my family before 12noon. Too emotionally dangerous/slippery. But this friend, I can answer their call at any time in the morning. Except 5am. I am journaling then, and need the quiet. Unless they are in an emergency.

That friend expanded to Wednesday Friend. For no reason, really. I think they just wanted to check in again. Tuesdays became another day for us. Slurpy Tuesdays. Because Tuesdays can be very emotional, as they tend to have less structure than the Go Go Go energy of a Monday (as a small business owner, I love Monday’s, because I am the only one making it happen, so I got to make the money and be jazzed about it starting on Monday).

I say this because each day and moment are different. What may feel real and permanent in one moment, will not be real and permanent in another. Some things will. Like true love you feel. Or certain ideas you have. But other truths are set in different ways. The Past You may know some truths, and the Future You may know those truths differently, after reality is revealed along the way.

A Quick Guide To Days Of The Week

Not sure about you, but this is how I view the days of the week. Everyone is different in their life experience. I work for myself, so my work hours vary. I don’t commute to a job. My job as a writer and website producer is in my computer, which travels with me everywhere. I also produce client’s social media, so much of my job is in my iPhone.

Monday: Yay!! Monday is here again and I get to start this week again to make money. Money is a huge trigger for me. If I don’t have it - if I can’t buy the groceries my kids need, if I can’t take them to Olive Garden like they ask me, if I can’t pay for the Volleyball registration, I get very, very low. I know this is momentary, and I know what I need to do to get more money. Even though that usually involves emerging from a very scary place.

Tuesday: Slurpy Tuesday. Catch up from Monday, but dangerous because there is less structure here. I try not to answer any phone calls from family on Tuesdays. Especially at holiday time in November/December. This can send me into an emotional tailspin.

Wednesday: Ok, how you doing, Wednesday? This used to be a day that I taught a class. I’ve since abandoned that class, but need to bring it back. Great day for laundry catchup at night to stay ahead.

Thursday: Could be a high or a low day. Usually a high, as people begin opening up to get ready for the weekend. But if no structure, this day can slide to slurpy quickly.

Friday: Wow. It’s Friday. Did I complete everything? No I didn’t. Oh no. Usually am behind on Friday with deadlines. Clients tend to call on this day with website or creative emergencies. Usually my plans go out the window on Fridays. It’s also payday on Friday. If I don’t have the money to make payroll, this is obviously a very depressing day. Usually by Friday Night, I have moved through the Dimming of the Day, which is a peaceful time, but a longing time. I’m usually in a missing mood, and hope that I make it to Saturday.

Saturday: Saturday! Disconnected. Most people are not working or sending business emails. This day is reserved for creative things, bills catchup or bookkeeping. Or Kids Sports of those are in season. If it’s Kids Sports season, then this day is very choppy, difficult and usually exhausting. If a bath with Epson salt didn’t happen Friday night, then it should definitely happen Saturday night.

Sunday: Ugh. Sundays are for Main Street errands, the Farmer’s Market, and purging trash and house clutter. Kids Sports Things if those are in season. Preparing for Monday.

Visual Tricks To Get You Through Hard Moments

I have been going through a divorce for 2 years, and pondering it for years prior. I don’t know what it feels like to “come out” for one’s sexuality, but telling my friends and family that I was pursuing divorce was very difficult for me. I was hiding for a long time, and in my marriage, felt I had disappeared.

Low moments can often happen if one doesn’t feel heard or seen. This can often happen from people who are the most close to us blood-wise, family-wise. This is why people speak of their “chosen family.” Sometimes one must separate from their blood family in order to process and understand their own needs, and then lift themselves from restrictions being placed upon them in various ways. These restrictions can cause one to feel hopeless.

To get through these moments, to protect against the hopeless feeling, I do 2 things:

1. Remember that nothing lasts for ever. Good things or bad. I like to believe that the good things morph into the next version of that good thing. The bad or low moments will pass. Even though in that moment, they feel like forever, which is terrifying.

2. Turn myself into different characters or objects. Here’s what I mean:

Maleficent’s Wings: When I thought that “nesting” was a good idea at the end of my marriage (aka still living together in the same house for financial reasons but are divorced), to be temporary until I bought a different house, my ex-spouse was home more than expected. To survive this, I imagined that Maleficent’s large, black, thick, luscious wings were attached to my back and wrapped around me, shrouding me and protecting me from anything coming my way.

Alice Down A Rabbit Hole: When I’m pursuing an article like this one, I often feel like Alice in Wonderland, gathering pictures and information from places I never expected to be. Meeting new people and learning about their lives.

Cranking A Lawn Mower: During this divorce period, my usual mojo has been off. I can’t get into the groove to produce for my job the way I need to, or know that I can. I often feel like I am pulling on the lawn mower crank thing, and the motor is just not catching. I know it can start, but why. WHY. When it does start, I am very thankful, and I mow the whole lawn without turning it off.

Han Solo Flying The Millennium Falcon: When my motor starts again, I become like a jittery broken ship and a pilot at the same time. According to StarWars.com: “Millennium Falcon is a legend in smuggler circles and is coveted by many for being the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.” When I’m getting back on track, I feel like Han Solo in the pilot seat, working all of the levers and pressing all of the buttons, while some things are springing leaks. He fixes it as he goes, and knows he will be alright, but it’s a scary, yet exciting ride.

Batman and Robin: I don’t have a business partner, but I do, or did, have an employee here at A Little Beacon Blog. During the new time of blogging about Palestine, and how difficult that has been for this publication, thanks to people who are in denial, and to at least 1 stalker who has been walking into businesses demanding that they cut financial ties with my blog, and 1 stalker who takes the time to send a 6 pages letter to over 20 businesses, demanding the same, I had to go rogue. While my employee wanted to stay, I told her that I seem to be driving the plane into the ground, and for her own safety, I must eject her. Oddly, the day before I wrote her this text that I did not send, my body sent me to the hospital with an unexpected attack of Diverticulitis, that I realize know, has been brewing for at last one year. But with the stress of my divorce, these stalkers, and the denial of much of the world who are in power of the murders in Palestine, which bleeds into other genocides and hiding of police brutality and other things, my body couldn’t absorb any more. I may not have wanted to jump off a bridge, but my body sent me to the ER.

Butterfly/Person In Ocean: I have several ocean scenes I embody. On a productive, fast-moving day, I envision myself to be under the water, zipping around the ocean floor, collecting things in my arms. My body travels as fast as a bullet, and can twirl around horizontally while shooting forward. It’s like being a person and a butterfly at the same time.

Sinking To Bottom Of Ocean: I never felt this, but I imagined someone else feeling this way. I let go of them, and they fell slowly into the dark depths of the ocean. They could still breath and see me, but they were gone from me. They were on their own. It was a painful vision for me to have, but necessary for that person to make for themselves.

Treading Water In The Rough Ocean Waves: During my divorce, sometimes I felt like I was bobbing in the cold ocean water in the pitch black night, in angry and busy waves, but staying above water. I was next to a tall ship, where people close to me were in it and watching me, assuming I was fine. “Look how strong she is!” they said. But she/I was treading water as best I could, while cold salt water splashed into my mouth, choking me. The waves kept crashing over my head. I looked up at the people in the ship, and wondered why they thought I was OK and didn’t need help, or a life ring, or a life boat..

I have many more examples of characters or objects you can become. But you get the idea.

And don’t worry, Stalkers. I am exposing you in a few articles to come. You are so proud of your work, so you won’t mind the feature article.

Point Is:

The point is: don’t jump off the bridge. These are moments in time.

Even if someone thinks that jumping off the bridge is a good idea, New York State shouldn’t make it so easy to do. New York State removed the toll booths on the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge and cut those jobs in a few months time. They can raise the railing just as quickly.

We are always in traffic on that bridge. So I know we won’t mind the new construction.

Write To Our Elected Officials

Please write to your elected officials to get this railing raised.
Dutchess County Executive: Sue Serino CountyExec@DutchessNY.gov
Assembly Member Jonathan G. Jacobson: jacobsonj@nyassembly.gov

Beacon’s Pink Unicorn Lowers His Horn For The Last Time David Shelly- Passes

Every Saturday, the Pink Unicorn of Beacon would walk down Willow Street to Main Street. He would take a right or a left, and walk down Main Street to encounter people with his joy. Often he hung out outside the Marion Royal Gallery, where other artists gather to relax and talk to each other.

David Shelly and his wife Jill lived in a rental near Main Street, and then moved further back a few blocks. Nothing would deter him to become to the Pink Unicorn when he needed to. When he sponsored the Spirit of Beacon’s comeback in 2022, he wanted to march in the parade as the Pink Unicorn. He marched with several recruits, but not without training first, to make sure he could sustain the breathing and responding to kids while in the suit.

In the fall of 2023, Dave discovered he had a brain tumor that was almost liquid-like. He was biking back from the Farmer’s Market one Sunday, and couldn’t quite make it home. He said it took him 1.5 hours to get home, when usually it took him 10 minutes. He doesn’t remember much of anything, but his wife Jill made him go to the hospital to find explanations.

This fall, Dave was told he had a short time to live. It was shocking to hear. He told ALBB while getting a quesadilla from Dulce Cielo MX at the Hudson Valley Food Hall. It made you want to hug him forever. Because would he not be here tomorrow? What was happening.

Indeed. His wife Jill Quaglino was very shaken. Jill has always been Dave’s supporter. His listener. She’s a nurse by training and profession. So she went into per professional mode after his diagnosis. Dave said she was making him seek radiation. He wanted to, to make her happy.

Beaconites held a Pink Unicorn March for him. Just to celebrate the spirit of him. Who knew how long he had left.

Jill announced via social media that they had arranged for hospice to come to the house. And then he was gone. ALBB waited until Jill posted her own words, for when we posted ours.

Jill said this Friday evening: “A week ago you left for the other side of the rainbow, my best friend, my person, my husband. And I till cannot fathom how this is possible. My heart is broken but full all at once and I also don’t know how this is possible but know I’ll love you forever and no one will ever be able to match you in my eyes.”

Photo Credit: Dave Shelly’s Wife, Jill Quaglino

3 Events Supporting Palestine In Poughkeepsie On Wednesday - Details Here

Three different sets of organizers have put together events in Poughkeepsie on Wednesday 10/25/2023 that support Palestine and a ceasefire. Those details are here:

Ceasefire Now Rally:
Wednesday: 3:45pm, 10/25/2023
From the organizers: “Demand that Pat Ryan sign Ceasefire Resolution”
Meeting at the corner of Raymond Ave & Collegeview Ave.
Details >

End The Genocide:
Wednesday: 3:45pm, 10/25/2023
Outdoor rally at the corner of Raymond Ave & Collegeview Ave, Poughkeepsie NY.
The event is fully outdoors and people are encouraged to bring signs. Both @mhvdsa @jewishvoiceforpeace were tagged by @celebrate.845 who posted it.
Details >

Vigil For The People Facing Genocide In Gaza
Wednesday, 6pm, 10/25/2023
Outdoor gathering, organized by New Paltz Students for Palestine.
From the organizers: “We at New Paltz Students of Palestine are horrified by the ongoing indiscriminate slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza, and have decided to hold a vigil to honor those whose lives have been stolen by IDF bombs. The vigil will start at 6 PM in Parker Quad, after which we will silently march to Old Main displaying banners commemorating the fallen. If you’re tired of hearing everyone around you refuse to acknowledge the atrocities unfolding before our eyes, please join us.”
Details and parking information is here.
Details >

A Deceased Male Found in the Woods Near Teller Avenue - Name Not Released

According to people in the area who posted on social media the day it happened when the City of Beacon Police began knocking on doors to learn more information, a deceased person was found near Teller Avenue on New Year’s Day at 12pm. At the end of the day, the Beacon Police issued a Press Release about the person: “On 1/1/2023 at approximately 12pm, the City of Beacon Police responded to the wooded area off of Teller Avenue for a deceased male subject who was in his 50's. The deceased was transported to Dutchess County Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy. At this time, the investigation is going and no further information will be released pending notification to family members. if anyone has any pertinent information, they are asked to contact the Detective Division.” The press release was submitted by Detective Sergeant Jason Johnson #315.

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Shown in the photos above are a ledge on Teller Avenue next to the sidewalk above the rock-bedded stream that runs through. Locals were saying that the deceased was found near “the creek” which usually implies Fishkill Creek, which is a much larger body of water on that side of town.

This was closer to the street, where there are several exposed rocks on the ground in the stream. A more accurate description may be: “the stream behind the Veterans Memorial Building, which is across from Kennedy Fried Chicken and the old hardware store, and is also across from the Yankee Clipper Diner and Ballet Arts.”

No other Press Releases have been issued, and as of this publishing of this article on January 9, 2023, the name of the deceased has not yet been released. A Little Beacon Blog emailed the Beacon Chief Of Police Sands Frost and City Administrator Chris White to confirm the name, but have not received a response yet.

The Press Release gave no indication of how the person died, but people familiar with the situation say that he may have fallen from a higher point near the sidewalk onto the rocky bed of the stream that runs under Teller Avenue, hence the small bridge with barricade that exists there.

Locally, people in the community have been upset that more information has not been released, and are getting familiar feelings to other deaths that have occurred in the City, including the murder of Rene Vivo “Scout,” a known walker of the streets of Beacon who held different jobs. His death remains unsolved.

Days after this loss of life occurred, the boarding house at 925 Wolcott Avenue was set fire by a former male tenant who had been scheduled to attend an eviction hearing from that property. People in the community began demanding to know more information about man whose body was found in the woods days prior, even though the events may be unrelated. People did this via social media, and by emailing the media like A Little Beacon Blog with their concern.

It is not confirmed if the incidents are related in any way, or if the men knew each other in life.

People are encouraged to submit tips to the Detective Division of the City of Beacon Police. People can also submit tips to ALBB.

Local Beaconite, Tyler S.J. Brzozowski, Recognized By The Public, Passed Away November 2022

Photo Caption: Screenshot from Tyler’s obituary in the Poughkeepsie Journal.

There are many people on the streets of Beacon that locals are familiar with. Could be a person who seems to always be on the same grocery store schedule with you, or a person walking on the sidewalk at different times. Tyler Scott John (S.J.) Brzozowski was such person for many, though those familiar with him may never have known his name.

Tyler could be seen often sitting outside of Beacon Pantry or near the Veterans Memorial Building on Main Street. Sometimes he sat on Wolcott Avenue near the boarding house formerly known as “The Guest House.”

Always friendly and usually quiet, Tyler passed away at home on November 19, 2022 at the age of 38, according to his obituary published in the Poughkeepsie Journal. He was born in Poughkeepsie, NY on February 14, 1984. “Tyler was a graduate from Arlington High School. He enjoyed playing ice hockey and roller hockey. He was an avid fan of the New York Rangers, who also enjoyed cooking and art. He is survived by his mother, Barbara (Ruppenstein) Brzozowski of Poughquag; his brothers, James Brzozowski and his wife Erin of Union Vale, Erik Brzozowski of Camano Island, WA, and Craig Brzozowski and his wife Christin of Union Vale; his nieces and nephews, Paul, Asher, Lucian, Madilyn, and Blake; his aunt, Flo Brzozowski; and many cousins and friends. Tyler was predeceased by his father, Richard E. Brzozowski.”

Tyler’s funeral was at McHoul Funeral Home, Inc. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Kateri Church. He was buried at Clove Cemetery.

The obituary states that donations may be made in memory of Tyler to Mental Health America of Dutchess County.

Beacon Councilmember Paloma Wake Praises Creation of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Girls and Two Spirited Peoples Day

Beacon’s City Councilmember At Large, Paloma Wake, often uses her opportunity to deliver a Report on any topic during the publicly broadcast City Council Meetings every other week to shine awareness on Native American lands, including the land that Beacon is defined as today.

Councilmember Paloma’s full-time job is with Forge Project, a native-woman-led initiative focused on Indigenous art, decolonial education, and supporting native leaders in all fields. The drive of the Forge Project’s mission is to “acknowledge that we are situated on the unceded and ancestral homelands of the Muh-he-con-ne-ok, the Peoples of the Waters that Are Never Still, and to recognize that there is a history to this land that is older than we are and pay honor and respect to this history and to the Elders, past, present, and future.”

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness day

In the spirit of the federal holiday that is Thanksgiving, ALBB is publishing the awareness piece Councilmember Paloma delivered earlier in May 2022 to recognize the newly designated proclamation designating May 5 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day.

At ALBB’s request, Councilmember Paloma’s submitted a lengthier version of her comments to be published here:

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“This week holds a national day of awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Girls and Two Spirited Peoples. A 2018 report from Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) identifies murder as the the third leading cause of death among American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls aged 10-24. A 2016 study by the Native Institute of Justice demonstrated that more than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime. On some reservations, American Indian and Alaska Native women face murder rates that are more than 10 times the national average.

“On May 4th, 2021 President Biden issued a proclamation designating May 5th as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness day, calling on all Americans and levels of government to support Tribal governments and Tribal communities' efforts to increase awareness of the issue of Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska natives.

“While none of us alive today bear personal responsibility for the actions of our ancestors, I believe we have a greater duty to respect the lives of those whose ancestors stewarded this land that we live on today for thousands of years.

“The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples deserves this national day of awareness.

“Along with sharing this information, I would like to acknowledge that the City of Beacon sits on the ancestral lands of Muh-he-con-ne-ok the Peoples Of The Waters That Are Never Still whose living descendants now reside on federal reservations in Wisconsin as the Stockbridge Munsee Band and in Oklahoma as the Delaware Nation and the Delaware Nation and the Delaware Tribe of Indians.”

Resources Supporting Reform And Recreation Of Laws Supporting Native American Women

Councilperson Paloma provided resources where one can learn more about why this issue exists, and why it is because of existing legislation that there is little accountability.

According to National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center: “The crisis of MMIW is a national crime pattern. The complete storyboard for this crime pattern is not two individuals and a crime scene but all of the above--the government, culture, and economics--layered upon the lives of Native women and Indian nations. Understanding the legal and social infrastructure that place Native women in harm’s way are essential to changing this crime story of the last 500 years.

“It also requires reeducation of mainstream America to understand both the past and present truths of American Indian Nations and the women of those Nations. This two-fold process of legal reform and cultural reeducation can direct the changes required at the national, state, and county levels.”

Resources are here:

• The MMIWGT2S NYC+ project by Urban Indigenous Collective

• MMIW: Understanding the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Crisis Beyond Individual Acts of Violence

• Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women: MMIWG2S

• U.S. Department of the Interior: Secretary Haaland creates the MMU

• Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls report by the Urban Indian Health Institute

Councilperson Paloma is a fourth generation Japanese American with no ancestral ties to Native Americans.

Open Call To Beaconites To Address Land-Justice In Beacon

Councilmember Paloma is issuing an open-call to anyone in Beacon who would be interested in joining her in a working-group to address land-justice in Beacon. “The group would likely start with a Land Acknowledgement, and address our City welcome signs.” Councilperson Paloma continued: “I am looking to do focus on self-education, research and knowledge-sharing in the first half of the year, and then outreach and public information campaigns leading up to Native American Heritage Month, which is in November.”

For those interested, she can be reached at pwake@beaconny.gov or at 845-418-2452