Council Member Paloma Wake Requests Public Review Of Applicants For Ward 4 Vacancy Before Attempted Appointment By Mayor

“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.”

— Council Member Paloma Wake

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.”

— Council Member Paloma Wake

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.”

— Mayor Lee Kyriacou's response to Council Person Paloma Wake's request for applicants to Ward 4 seat, and public review of those applicants.

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.”

Things To Do In Beacon Guides 12/06/2024

THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE FREE Listing: Events that are free for the community and/or serve a greater purpose. Your event will be considered, and if your event does not qualify for gratis, a payment link will be sent to you. From time to time, this can include large and/or established events that are FYI. Submit > PAID Listing: Events that are awesome and also serve a greater purpose, but charge a price or are for profit. Pay and Submit > FREE Listings For Advertisers: Advertisers in ALBB's Guide and Business Directory (higher levels) receive free weekly listings with their sponsor subscription. Lit Lit Day: Friday, December 6th Time: 7-9pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main Street, Beacon, NY A monthly literary open mic series hosted by Donna Minkowitz. Happens on the first Friday of every month. Hop + Shop Beacon Day: Thursday + Friday, December 5th and 6th Time: All day 'till 8pm Location: Main Street, Beacon, NY Hop and Shop is back for their annual celebration of Beacon businesses on Main Street. Starting on Thursday and Friday, December 5th and 6th, don’t miss these two nights. The map of participating businesses is on the Hop + Shop's website, and they are Instagramming deals they participating businesses are offering. Howland Cultural Center Holiday Gift Show & Sale Days: Nov 22 - Dec 23 Fri, Sat, Sun Week December 12-21 Time: 12-5pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main Street, Beacon, NY Gifts for everyone on your list; 25 vendors.   Rally for a Free Palestine Day: Sunday, December 8, 2024 Time: 12-1:30pm Location: Orange Plaza, corner of NY-211 and Dunning Road The Mayor and Common Council seem defiant in not passing a resolution for a ceasefire in Palestine and arms embargo on Israel. Rally Middletown has been organizing and sending press releases about the efforts and tension. Read about it here. Reading at Blackbird Info Shop: Impossible Things, with Miller Wolf Oberman Day: Sunday, December 8, 2024 Time: 6pm Location: 587 Abeel St, Kingston, NY 12401 Offering an intimate account of intergenerational grief, Miller Oberman’s new collection of poetry, Impossible Things, explores his experiences as both a transgender child and father. Oberman weaves in passages from his own deceased father’s unpublished memoir to engage with the mysterious drowning of his eldest brother, Joshua, at age two, a tragedy that cast a shadow over his childhood.       BAGEL-ISH 226 Main Street, Beacon, NY Bagel-ish's Lox of Love is sought after and packed. They are generous with the protein. Served with fresh cucumbers and cream cheese on the carefully crunchy bagel. Locals! Locals get 10% off on Thursdays! Follow Bagel-ish on Instagram > Bagel-ish is a Sponsor, thank you! HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY A scoop of banana pudding ice cream, made right here in Beacon by Five Pennies inside of their kitchen in the Hudson Valley Food Hall. With hot fudge sauce on top. Not all of the flavors are the same each week! See their Instagram for flavor announcements. PS: ALBB made a video of this ice cream. Follow HV Food Hall's Chefs: Maggie & Ease: Dessert jar company with generations of flavor & deliciousness.  Nami Yum Yum: Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar Dulce Cielo Mexico: Authentic Mexican street food with vegetarian and vegan options. Tara Fusion Cuisine: Fusion cuisine of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food. Old Dhaka Coffee House: Coffee shop! Moreish: Serving British classics Five Pennies Creamery: Homemade Ice Cream Follow Hudson Valley Food Hall on Instagram > Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you! CARTER'S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St. Carter's Burrata is on Special! Served with Roasted Pepper Romesco, Avocado Toast, Granola and Mandarin orange. PS: Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday PPS: You can book the Carter's Restaurant space for a private party and enjoy delicious spreads made by the Carter's Crew! Book ahead. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you! BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193-195 Main Street, Beacon, NY Melting marshmallow fluff tops this hot cocoa, creating a white creme on top of the liquid chocolate. The marshmallow is house-made by Lena Jamal, so be sure to ask for it, and a side of chocolate chip cookie with sea salt sprinkled. PS: BBC is open everyday 7 days/week! PPS: Wholesale, special orders, and events/catering available. Follow BBC on Instagram > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you! ZIATUN 244 Main Street, Beacon, NY Ziatün's Za'atar Fries come with their spicy tahini dip, not to be found anywhere else in Beacon. Ziatun is Palestinian-Owned. PPS: Ziatun is open everyday. Monday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Follow Ziatun on Instagram > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you! Feature your business each week in A Little Beacon Blog's Newsletter, Blog pages, and Instagram. People often use this newsletter to tell their friends where to go, and get ideas for themselves on what to order. This is a very hungry guide to put together each week. Learn More & Start Now >     Eggbert’s Free Range Farm This video recipe was a surprise hit! A quick and easy lunch idea on a wintery morning with the kids home unexpectedly, make a batch of egg salad for the day. Need another dozen? Order another dozen online for free delivery. FARMERS MARKETS: Saturdays: Cold Spring Farmer's Market 10am-1pm Sundays: Beacon Farmer's Market 10am - 2pm SHOP ONLINE: Online ordering is available 24/7. DELIVERY: 🚚 Delivering to Cold Spring, Cornwall, New Windsor, Newburgh, Beacon, Fishkill, and Wappingers Falls. Website > Instagram > Eggbert's Free Range Farm is a Sponsor, thank you! BINNACLE BOOKS 321 Main Street, Beacon Binnacle Books recognizes Refaat Alareer today, the Palestinian writer, poet, professor, and activist from the Gaza Strip. "Alareer was born in Gaza City in 1979 during the Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip, which he said had negatively influenced every move and decision he made." - Wikipedia 23 September 1979 - 6 December 2023 “If I must die, you must live to tell my story to sell my things to buy a piece of cloth and some strings, (make it white with a long tail) so that a child, somewhere in Gaza while looking heaven in the eye awaiting his dad who left in a blaze— and bid no one farewell not even to his flesh not even to himself— sees the kite, my kite you made, flying up above and thinks for a moment an angel is there bringing back love If I must die let it bring hope let it be a tale” Visit Binnacle Books > Gift Certificates available for the Holidays THE STATION 463 Main Street, Beacon From Mexico City with love... Follow The Station on Instagram > The Station is a Sponsor, thank you! Feature your business each week in A Little Beacon Blog's Newsletter, Blog pages, and Instagram. Readers love seen the magazine-like spread of what to buy inside of your shops, or if you have special classes or events going on. Learn More & Start Now > R O C PILATES T E A C H E R   T R A I N I N G Invest in your dreams. Grind now. Shine later. R O C Pilates Full Comprehensive Teacher Training. Become a Pilates teacher. Reserve your spot. $6,500 Book A Pilates Class > CLASS SCHEDULE Monday: 9am, 10am, 5pm Tuesday: 11am Wednesday: 9am, 10am, 11am, 5pm Thursday: RESTING Friday: 9am Saturday: 9am, 10am Sunday: 9am Learn more > Art "Be Creative" Drop In Days Location: Beacon Recreation Center, 23 West Center Street Day: Wednesdays Starting Oct 2nd Time: 11:00 am and 1:00pm Looking to make time for more creativity in your life? Drop-in at the Beacon Recreation Center and find your inspiration with other local creatives. Bring your own art supplies. This is a self-directed program - no instruction is planned, but they'll be plenty of support and encouragement! Questions? Reach out to Liz Foster 845-375-6884 • fostee5@yahoo.com Information > Beacon has a growing number of beauty salons and professional pampering to take advantage of - you can even book a transforming appointment at a lash bar! Be it a totally new hair style, makeup lessons, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here >                           KATIE JAMES, INC. Stop worrying about what you're going to post on Instagram and when... Katie James, Inc. will go deep and get into the zone of your business month to month. Using our experience as one of the top local media outlets in the Hudson Valley, we can apply our gift of finding story ideas that people love, to your business. Katie James, Inc. is a Sponsor. TIN SHINGLE Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. PS! Believe it or not, it's time to start pitching for Christmas! Join our membership for all of the tools you need.  Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you! BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY ART > ANTIQUES Hudson Valley Auctioneers > AUTOMOTIVE > TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AQ Services, Inc from Luther Lopez (taxi service) > BEAUTY The Luminous Bride >  Makeup By Jenny Magliano > BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES See them here > BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR Tin Shingle Katie James, Inc. DENTAL Beacon Dental EVENT SPACE > CO-WORK SPACE The Main Office at Beacon Digital  HEALTH AND WELLNESS > MASSAGE River Therapeutic Massage  HOME IMPROVEMENT > APPLIANCE REPAIR See them here > HISPANIC OWNED BUSINESS See them here > MUSIC Miss Vickie's Music PHOTOGRAPHY Megan & Kenneth List Your Business In The Business Directory >  LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY Read Our Latest Articles Advertise With Us! Stay Up To Date With City Council Meetings

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When Does The Leaf Truck Stop Making Bulk Pickups? "Until It's Done."

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

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

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

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.

$50,000 Overtime Granted To Highway Department For Milling and Paving From Central Hudson Payout, But Includes Men's Bathroom, Firehouse, Stair Rennovations

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

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

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.

Things To Do, Shop and Eat In Beacon Guides 11/29/2024

Have we discussed the opening of Lyonshare Public House? The new/old Max's under totally different owners? The renovation of the restaurant is complete. ALBB went inside during their soft launch party and got pictures for you. Plenty of other people have been inside to dine and enjoy the ambience. Take a Peek > Days before Thanksgiving, the Beacon Community Kitchen put a call out for turkeys, saying that they normally receive lots of donations by now, but hadn't this year. Thankfully, the community delivered. ALBB reader @hey.itsshmack said: "I dropped off a donation at 9am, and they were already there cooking away! Truly a wonderful organization that's so dedicated to the community!" Read about more people and businesses who donate food any day of the year. Hope you had a nice holiday yesterday. Here is ALBB's Thanksgiving Message. BT Newsroom published a piece on the annual Day of Mourning that is recognized at Plymouth Rock. Watch it here. And with that, it's off to the races for Friday.                                           THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE FREE Listing: Events that are free for the community and/or serve a greater purpose. Your event will be considered, and if your event does not qualify for gratis, a payment link will be sent to you. From time to time, this can include large and/or established events that are FYI. Submit > PAID Listing: Events that are awesome and also serve a greater purpose, but charge a price or are for profit. Pay and Submit > FREE Listings For Advertisers: Advertisers in ALBB's Guide and Business Directory (higher levels) receive free weekly listings with their sponsor subscription. Support your local shops and markets. ALBB advocates for small business and encourages you to shop big from small business. Shops, Restaurants and Creators rely on you to shop this holiday season. However. Budget planning and debt is real, and more important than Retail Therapy. However. There is another reason to shop small this year: to squeeze for a ceasefire in Palestine and Lebanon and an arms embargo on Israel. A Black Friday Strike is on through the U.S. New Year from ConsumerStrike4Palestine. Howland Cultural Center Holiday Gift Show & Sale Days: Nov 22 - Dec 23 Fri, Sat, Sun Week December 12-21 Time: 12-5pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main Street, Beacon, NY Gifts for everyone on your list; 25 vendors. Day: Sunday, December 1, 2024 Time: 5-8pm Location: Hudson Valley Brewery, 7 East Main Street, Beacon, NY From the Organizers: "Hi Friends, interested in building solid connections and community care networks in Beacon? Bring your leftovers, or not, and join us on Sunday December 1st." Money: The event is FREE Mobility: Top floor of the Hudson Valley Brewery- we have elevator access if needed. COVID: this event is indoors. Mask as needed. Rally for a Free Palestine Day: Sunday, December 1, 2024 Time: 12-1:30pm Location: Orange Plaza, corner of NY-211 and Dunning Road The Mayor and Common Council seem defiant in passing a resolution for a ceasefire in Palestine and arms embargo on Israel. Rally Middletown has been organizing and sending press releases about the efforts and tension. Read about it here. SAVE THE DATE Hop + Shop Beacon Day: Thursday + Friday, December 5th and 6th Time: All day 'till 8pm Location: Main Street, Beacon, NY Hop and Shop is back for their annual celebration of Beacon businesses on Main Street. Starting on Thursday and Friday, December 5th and 6th, don’t miss these two nights. The map of participating businesses is on the Hop + Shop's website, and they are Instagramming deals they participating businesses are offering. SAVE THE DATE Reading at Blackbird Info Shop: Impossible Things, with Miller Wolf Oberman Day: Sunday, December 8, 2024 Time: 6pm Location: 587 Abeel St, Kingston, NY 12401 Offering an intimate account of intergenerational grief, Miller Oberman’s new collection of poetry, Impossible Things, explores his experiences as both a transgender child and father. Oberman weaves in passages from his own deceased father’s unpublished memoir to engage with the mysterious drowning of his eldest brother, Joshua, at age two, a tragedy that cast a shadow over his childhood.       BAGEL-ISH 226 Main Street, Beacon, NY It's possible that nobody loves baking bagels more than Bagel-ish owner Beth George. The New York Times wrote about her in 2020 to chronicle her fascination. Now, people from many countries hire her to develop their own bagels. Here in Beacon, well, Beth set up shop, so we get her all to ourselves! Watch/listen to her video of this bagel where she revels in the crunch of the crust. Locals! Locals get 10% off on Thursdays! Follow Bagel-ish on Instagram > Bagel-ish is a Sponsor, thank you! HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY As you walk about Beacon's Main Street, do it with a Nutella Latte from Old Dhaka Coffee House, located in the Food Hall. There's nothing quite like it. You'll be dreaming about it. Order it hot now that it's winter. Follow HV Food Hall's foodies: Maggie & Ease: Dessert jar company with generations of flavor & deliciousness.  El Nica: Nicaraguan Food Roosevelt Bar: Cocktail Bar Dulce Cielo Mexico: Authentic Mexican street food with vegetarian and vegan options. Tara Fusion Cuisine: Fusion cuisine of Bangladeshi, Indian, Sri Lankan and Middle Eastern food. Old Dhaka Coffee House: Coffee shop! Moreish: Serving British classics Five Pennies Creamery: Homemade Ice Cream Follow Hudson Valley Food Hall on Instagram > Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor, thank you! CARTER'S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St. Butternut Squash and Apple Bisque with Curry Yogurt Soup. 😭😭😭 Served in this giant bowl sometimes. But you'll get to the bottom of it and miss the last spoonful. Also available to-go. PS: Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday PPS: You can book the Carter's Restaurant space for a private party and enjoy delicious spreads made by the Carter's Crew! Book ahead. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you! BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193-195 Main Street, Beacon, NY Just to torture you a little more...a tray of Babka cookies going fresh into the oven. Get to Beacon Bread early in the morning or dare you try early afternoon, because these treats will be gone... PS: BBC is open everyday 7 days/week! PPS: Wholesale, special orders, and events/catering available. Follow BBC on Instagram > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you! ZIATUN 244 Main Street, Beacon, NY And to complete your meal, lamb in a moat of hummus, generously drizzled with olive oil. This hummus is like none you will ever buy in a store. Ziatun is Palestinian-Owned. PPS: Ziatun is open everyday. Monday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Follow Ziatun on Instagram > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you! Feature your business each week in A Little Beacon Blog's Newsletter, Blog pages, and Instagram. People often use this newsletter to tell their friends where to go, and get ideas for themselves on what to order. This is a very hungry guide to put together each week. Learn More & Start Now >     Eggbert’s Free Range Farm Mmmm....For the make-at-home-meal, Eggbert's has chicken breasts that cook up so soft when breaded with rice-flower. Get the video here for inspo. If you missed them at market, order online for free delivery. FARMERS MARKETS: Saturdays: Cold Spring Farmer's Market 10am-1pm Sundays: Beacon Farmer's Market 10am - 2pm SHOP ONLINE: Online ordering is available 24/7. DELIVERY: 🚚 Delivering to Cold Spring, Cornwall, New Windsor, Newburgh, Beacon, Fishkill, and Wappingers Falls. Website > Instagram > Eggbert's Free Range Farm is a Sponsor, thank you! BINNACLE BOOKS 321 Main Street, Beacon The Seeds of Resistance Zine is out! From the publisher, Qader Voice: "What you’ll find in this zine: tons of art created by artist all across the Hudson Valley! These artist came together to share their creations, love, dedication and solidarity with the Palestinian people and against the on going genocide, occupation and apartheid of the Palestinian people and the land of Palestine. You’ll find poetry, paintings, drawings, photography, rally signs, story telling, tatreez, music and more! "You’ll find information on how to support a local supported initiative lead by a local community members family in Gaza. Donations to the Olive Gaza Bytes Go Fund Me helps our dear friend in Gaza, Esraa care for her community. This includes, food, clothing, medicine, education, shelter, etc. We’d love if you’d share this Go Fund Me, and contribute if able. Check out the beautiful things Esraa is doing with your donations on the Olive Gaza Bytes Instagram! @olivegazabytes Visit Binnacle Books > Gift Certificates available for the Holidays THE STATION 463 Main Street, Beacon The research The Station Dispensary conducts is well worth the wait. About this find, they say: "Adventures in Mexico City led us to this really cool speakeasy dispensary/consumption lounge in the heart of it all." Nothing is for sale yet, but keep watching... Follow The Station on Instagram > The Station is a Sponsor, thank you! Feature your business each week in A Little Beacon Blog's Newsletter, Blog pages, and Instagram. Readers love seen the magazine-like spread of what to buy inside of your shops, or if you have special classes or events going on. Learn More & Start Now > ROC PILATES T E A C H E R   T R A I N I N G Coming to Beacon, NY in 2025 R O C Pilates Full Comprehensive Teacher Training. Registration going on now. Reserve your spot. $6,500 Contact us for details. Book A Pilates Class > CLASS SCHEDULE Monday: 9am, 10am, 5pm Tuesday: 11am Wednesday: 9am, 10am, 11am, 5pm Thursday: RESTING Friday: 9am Saturday: 9am, 10am Sunday: 9am Learn more > Art "Be Creative" Drop In Days Location: Beacon Recreation Center, 23 West Center Street Day: Wednesdays Starting Oct 2nd Time: 11:00 am and 1:00pm Looking to make time for more creativity in your life? Drop-in at the Beacon Recreation Center and find your inspiration with other local creatives. Bring your own art supplies. This is a self-directed program - no instruction is planned, but they'll be plenty of support and encouragement! Questions? Reach out to Liz Foster 845-375-6884 • fostee5@yahoo.com Information > Seniors Chair Yoga Stretch, move and strengthen your body! Gain physical awareness and balance! Reduce stress and have fun. Location: Beacon Recreation Center 25 West Center Street, Beacon, NY When: Mondays and Fridays Time: 9-9:45am Price: FREE Dutchess County Office for the Aging Exercise Class The Dutchess County Senior Exercise Program offers workout sessions for senior citizens in an effort to retain balance as well as bone density. Through strength training, seniors can shape their body and lose unwanted inches. Classes are conducted in a circle of 15-20 people using a chair for support and free weights. Location: Beacon Recreation Center 25 West Center Street, Beacon, NY When: Tuesday and Thursday Time: 10am Pre-Registration is Required. Call 845-486-2555 Tai Chi and Qigong Beginner and Advanced levels available. Gentle movements to cultivate your mind and body. Tai Chi and Qigong are easy vitalizing exercises you can learn  to restore and maintain your health. You can practice them regardless of your age or health. The postures and movements are natural, balanced and simple. Location: Beacon Recreation Center 25 West Center Street, Beacon, NY Times: Sunday Beginners 9-10:30am Sunday Advanced 10-30-12pm Thursday Push Hands 9-10:30am More Info > Beacon has a growing number of beauty salons and professional pampering to take advantage of - you can even book a transforming appointment at a lash bar! Be it a totally new hair style, makeup lessons, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here >                           KATIE JAMES, INC. Stop worrying about what you're going to post on Instagram and when... Katie James, Inc. will go deep and get into the zone of your business month to month. Using our experience as one of the top local media outlets in the Hudson Valley, we can apply our gift of finding story ideas that people love, to your business. Katie James, Inc. is a Sponsor. TIN SHINGLE Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. PS! Believe it or not, it's time to start pitching for Christmas! Join our membership for all of the tools you need.  Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you! BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY ART > ANTIQUES Hudson Valley Auctioneers > AUTOMOTIVE > TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AQ Services, Inc from Luther Lopez (taxi service) > BEAUTY The Luminous Bride >  Makeup By Jenny Magliano > BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES See them here > BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR Tin Shingle Katie James, Inc. DENTAL Beacon Dental EVENT SPACE > CO-WORK SPACE The Main Office at Beacon Digital  HEALTH AND WELLNESS > MASSAGE River Therapeutic Massage  HOME IMPROVEMENT > APPLIANCE REPAIR See them here > HISPANIC OWNED BUSINESS See them here > MUSIC Miss Vickie's Music PHOTOGRAPHY Megan & Kenneth List Your Business In The Business Directory >  LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY Donate To ALBB - Keep Independent Journalism Alive Read Our Latest Articles Advertise With Us! Stay Up To Date With City Council Meetings

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"A Call To Truth" :: The Thanksgiving Myth: Celebrating Genocide

During this time of recognized genocide in Palestine by Israel, largely funded by the United States and protected by some European powers, Thanksgiving as a Day of Mourning is becoming more recognized. Below is a statement by Heart of Falastine, who shared this slide deck to illustrate. Beneath the slide deck is a video of an annual recognition at Plymouth Rock of land theft, cultural extinction and normalized dehumanization created by BTNewsroom.

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By Heart of Falastine:

“Thanksgiving is not what you think it is. Beneath the myths of ‘peace and harmony’ lies the brutal truth of genocide, land theft, and the erasure of Indigenous peoples. This colonial holiday celebrates the domination of land and the dehumanisation of those who belong to it.

“As millions prepare to gather in blind celebration, let us remember: Thanksgiving is a justification of violence disguised as gratitude. It perpetuates the same colonial mindset that sees the earth as property to be conquered, rather than a sacred relationship to be honoured.

“This season, refuse to celebrate the lie. Stand with Indigenous peoples. Acknowledge the truth. Reject colonial erasure. Choose solidarity over complicity.

📖 Inspired by the wise words of the Kanak people of occupied Kanaky (colonisers call it “New Caledonia” 🇳🇨 )

*******

By BT Newsroom:

“Hundreds marched at Plymouth, Massachusetts in observance of the National Day of Mourning. Organized by the United American Indians of New England, Indigenous people and supporters gather each year on Thanksgiving to honor the holiday’s true history of colonialism.”

Happy TGiving :: Thanksgiving 2024

In trying to be true to evolving feelings about Thanksgiving, was going to skip the traditional holiday post that every brand must post on holidays, especially Thanksgiving. Was going to let Thanksgiving-themed articles speak for themselves. But after watching basketball yesterday, a dream floated in overnight, and its message can be the theme of this holiday post from ALBB to you:

In the dream, I (Katie) was on the court, running up and down with my team. On my team were various people from parts of Beacon and Newburgh, like in the Ceasefire group, and people I couldn’t see from elsewhere. We were just there - playing our part - on the court, running very fast, forwards and backwards, turning to catch the ball, each taking turns passing and catching to score. We had deeply different strengths and purposes, but we were grounded. We knew what to do and who we were.

Whenever I leave Beacon, I reflect back on it to see and feel its unique mix of people that foster the environment beneath and above the sidewalk. This microcosm that fosters hands-in nurturing that can be taken with you wherever you go.

This is the Tgiving feeling that I pass to you. In the dream, I was grateful for the players.

In health and honesty,
Katie

Question From An ALBB Reader: "Any places I can volunteer to serve Thanksgiving meals?"

Photo Credit: Katie James, Inc

ALBB received this question from a reader: “Are there any places in Beacon to volunteer to serve Thanksgiving meals?”

If you know this answer, please put your suggestion in the comments below.

Beacon Community Kitchen Seeks Turkeys and Ham; Members Of Community Donate All Year

Days before this year’s Thanksgiving, the Beacon Community Kitchen, currently located in the Tabernacle Church of Christ at 483 Main Street (the intersection of Main Street and Church Street), put a call out for turkeys and ham for the holiday: “We are in need of turkeys and ham for our holiday meals. We are usually overwhelmed with the amount that we get but this year we have not received any. Spread the word and love.”

Beacon Community Kitchen serves one hot meal to go on Mondays - Thursdays. After this call was made, some turkeys were donated by people in the community, but more may be needed:

“Today we had a generous donation from Tom Kenny who brought us two fresh turkeys for our Guests. Thank you Tom for your generosity. We also want to thank Tina Finkelsten for her generosity. She brought down a turkey and a five pound bag of potatoes. Thank you for thinking of us!!”

Community member JOe (seated) eats a meal with Beacon Community Kitchen. Joe has lived in various locations in the woods of Beacon.

Candi Rivera, spokesperson for the Beacon Community Kitchen, continued to describe what was cooked that day: “Tuesday lunch: [Chef] Joe had to improvise. He rallied through nicely!! He made gnocchi creamy vodka sauce over oven warmed baguette and a fresh green baby kale salad to accompany the meal. Thank you Joe, Janice, Anna, Peggy and Tina.”

Beacon Community Kitchen accepts ingredients for dishes all year round.

On A Monday - In April

As Giving Tuesday approaches (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and Black Friday holiday consumption), Beacon Community Kitchen celebrated any day a person or business donates food for them to cook. Like this day in April.

Owner Beth George of Bagel-ish Donates bagels on any given day.

In April 2024, Candi reflected: “Most people celebrate Giving Tuesday. Well today (Monday), we celebrate the generosity of many who came forward to donate back.”

Candi listed a few donations in a post at Facebook:

MAX’s of BEACON
“Peggy picked up at Max’s with the assistance of her friend Noah who helped with his truck. We received chicken breast, burgers, salad stuff, cream cheese, French Fries, cod, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, baking powder, corn starch, liquid smoke and more. We can’t thank you enough for consideration.”

PUSH TRANSPORTATION: and their Proprietor’s
“Joe Simmons and Shamikah Jones for their generosity and donation of boxes and boxes of guacamole, tossed salads and sugar snap peas. Thanks for your support and generosity in thinking of us. We also extend special thanks to Elmer Arroyo for his assistance today.”

EGGBERT’S FREE RANGE FARM
“[Farmer Carrie and her brother Tom] surprised us also and bought a case of pork products which included: pork jowls, ham hocks, and more……”

BEACON NATURAL MARKET of BEACON:
“Picked up and delivered by our own TROOPER PEGGY B!! We received spring mix, Dijon mustard, Swiss chard, yogurt, assorted cookies and teas.”

Candi concluded: “Talk about Acts of Kindness! Beacon is it!! We’re so blessed to have the support of sooooooo many kind and loving individuals with great big hearts. We can’t thank you enough for all you do, in one way or another, that keep us serving for 8 years strong.”

To donate money or coordinate food delivery, email or call: incareof.beacon@gmail.com (845) 728-8196.

Middletown, NY Refuses To Call For Ceasefire; Mayor Disputes Facts Of Genocide

Organizers and Pro-Palestinian supporters in Middletown, NY have been showing up at 7 consecutive Common Council meetings over the past months, advocating for local representatives to pass a comprehensive ceasefire resolution that calls for the protection of both Palestinian and Israeli lives. Neighboring municipalities including Newburgh, Beacon and Kingston have passed such resolutions. albeit with reluctance and a large amount of pushing from residents.

In October, Middletown’s Common Council passed a resolution calling for “global peace” and a release of all hostages as reported by MidHudson News, but that resolution failed to mention a ceasefire in Palestine, which has now spread to Lebanon. It also lacked mention of an arms embargo of Israel to prevent them from bombing Palestine, Lebanon, and future nations Israel targets. The resolution did not a call for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Palestine instead of being blocked by Israel.

Mayor Joseph DeStefano’s Dismissal of Global Facts

“Why are they targeting Middletown with this message organized by the Democratic Socialists of America and then coming here and lying about it? And that’s where you lose credibility in your argument.”

— Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano

Middletown leadership is defiant, and now disputing facts about the genocide recognized by the international community. Middletown’s Mayor Joseph DeStefano said this several meetings ago in September 2024 in response to the demands by some Middletown residents for a more comprehensive ceasefire resolution: “Why are they targeting Middletown with this message organized by the Democratic Socialists of America and then coming here and lying about it? And that’s where you lose credibility in your argument,” he said. “You are asking us to accept what you are saying about the Gaza war and the facts as you see them are the facts that nobody else can dispute. Well, people are disputing those facts, and I don’t know which side is correct on certain facts that you present.”

“You are asking us to accept what you are saying about the Gaza war and the facts as you see them are the facts that nobody else can dispute. Well, people are disputing those facts, and I don’t know which side is correct on certain facts that you present.”

— Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano

It is not clear who the Democratic Socialists of America are in this case, or if they have a newsletter, or other method of organizing. It is unconfirmed if Mayor DeStefano has asked participants at these meetings if they are affiliated with that group, and even if they were, what that significance it has to the genocide on Palestinians, now creeping to Lebanon.

Mayor DeStefano may not be aware of the international community’s view of the ongoing genocide on Palestinian people funded by the taxes of the people of the United States and carried out by Israel. As reported by Now In Palestine (NIP), in one year, the ICJ called Israel an occupying apartheid state; the UN concluded that Israel is committing a genocide; and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has now issued arrest warrants for at least 2 of Israel’s leaders.

Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur of the United Nations (UN) on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967 has published a widely read report for the UN called “Genocide as colonial erasure,” released on October 1, 2024. However, numerous other reports were published calling attention to the atrocities Israel has been committing, and committing with impunity. The ICC applied for arrest warrants for Israeli leadership in May 2024.

“We cannot look away. Recognition of what is taking place makes it incumbent on us all to take whatever action we can. My relatives in Israel plead with me, please, we are all suffering from Israel’s siege. As Jews we feel this obligation most acutely. Please be aware that Zionism is a political ideology, it does not represent Judaism and Jewish values.”

— Carol Strauss Sotiropoulos

The report summarizes as: “In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese, examines the unfolding horrors in the occupied Palestinian territory. While the wholesale destruction of Gaza continues unabated, other parts of the land have not been spared. The violence that Israel has unleashed against the Palestinians post-7 October is not happening in a vacuum, but is part of a long-term intentional, systematic, State-organized forced displacement and replacement of the Palestinians. This trajectory risks causing irreparable prejudice to the very existence of the Palestinian people in Palestine. Member States must intervene now to prevent new atrocities that will further scar human history.”

People in the state of New York, specifically Middletown, are intervening at every level they have access to, including the micro-local level. The least Mayor DeStefano and other local leaders could do is have the courtesy to acknowledge the findings of the international community, instead of ignore the reality on the ground, as the Biden administration in the United States has done.

Genocide Denial, Defiance, and Chilling Behavior By Pro-Genocide Residents

However, some citizens are are responding with chilling nonchalance to emotional appeals for the U.S. funded bombing to stop.

A video went viral of a woman slowly waving an Israeli flag back and forth while a 13 year old girl wept at the Middletown Common Council podium, telling the public about her family in Palestine. “A 13-year-old Palestinian child shares her emotional testimony on Tuesday evening in Middletown, NY while zionist in attendance disturbingly waves Israeli flag,” Rally Middletown reported.

The post garnered many comments, including ALBB’s, which said: “The slow waving back and forth of that Israeli flag by that woman while the child weeps through her words, grieving for her Palestinian family, waiting for it to end. The icy cool nonchalance of that woman. Wow.”

A report from the UN has stated the massive destruction created by Israel is “consistent with the characteristics of genocide” with Israel’s destruction of water systems, agriculture, sanitation systems, and the production of toxic pollution with the dropping of “25,000 tonnes of explosives - equivalent to two nuclear bombs - by early 2024,” the report found.

For others who doubt the validity of demanding a ceasefire and arms embargo, Al Jazeera Plus collected testimony from White House staffers who resigned over the Gaza genocide. Anna Del Castillo worked in the White House as the Deputy Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Take a listen to what she has to say in the video below. See a broader list of White House resignations of over the genocide here.

International Criminal Court (ICC) Issues Arrest Warrants For Israeli Leaders

The Thursday 11/21/2024 after the public’s repeated attempt for the Middletown Common Council to use its voice, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Minister Benjamin Netenyahu and his former Defense Secretary Yoav Gallant. The ICC also issued arrest warrants "for Mohammed Deif, one of the leaders of Hamas, over the October 2023 attacks that triggered Israel’s offensive in Gaza. The ICC chief prosecutor withdrew his request for warrants for two other senior Hamas figures, Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, after they were both killed in the conflict.” Israel claims to have killed the Hamas leaders.

One of the prosecutors seeking arrest warrants for the Israeli leaders, Theodor Meron, is a 94-year-old Holocaust survivor, jurist, and former Israeli diplomat. Read more about him and his decision to pursue these arrest warrants at Foreign Policy.

From the Rally Middletown Organizers:

Rally Middletown sent out a press release about the latest meeting. It has been published below in full:

For the seventh consecutive Common Council meeting, community members gathered at Middletown City Hall, urging local representatives to pass a strong ceasefire resolution.

Building on the momentum of the previous meeting, the community showed unwavering support, with a strong turnout of over two dozen individuals and a robust public comment session that lasted over an hour, underscoring the community's enduring dedication to the cause.

One advocate who spoke, Carol Strauss Sotiropoulos, stated, “We cannot look away. Recognition of what is taking place makes it incumbent on us all to take whatever action we can. My relatives in Israel plead with me, please, we are all suffering from Israel's siege. As Jews we feel this obligation most acutely. Please be aware that Zionism is a political ideology, it does not represent Judaism and Jewish values.”

While one council member stated they had already heard their constituents by passing a recent resolution, participants were quick to correct the fact that the resolution that passed did not include any verbiage for a ceasefire or arms embargo to protect Palestinian and Israeli lives.

Alderman Jerry Kleiner stated, “We passed a resolution supporting global peace in the world and asking for the unconditional release of all the hostages, but that’s not going to happen without a ceasefire.”

While city residents were disappointed that more council members didn’t vocalize their support, participants left motivated knowing that there is still a window to pass a stronger resolution.

Following the meeting, advocate and organizer Amanda Krump stated, “President Biden recently threatened to impose an arms embargo on Israel if they did not ensure humanitarian aid to enter Gaza within thirty days. Despite multiple human rights organizations confirming Israel hasn’t followed through with this request, the U.S. has still yet to act. We need to continue to pressure our government at every level.”

Middletown residents will continue to rally people in the city to show up to the upcoming meetings until a strong ceasefire resolution is passed. With the increased momentum of recent meetings, community members are confident a resolution will pass. 

“I have never felt more resolute about the efforts we have taken to unify our city around a ceasefire to protect both Palestinian and Israeli lives,” said organizer, Jason Nietzschmann. “If those in positions of power refuse to act based on their own moral compass, we must persist in our efforts to persuade them to act in accordance with our shared values of justice and equality.”

Although the timeline for passing a strong resolution remains uncertain, one constant is clear: Middletown residents are unwavering in their commitment and will persist in making their voices heard.

Common Council Meetings are every other Tuesday. Contact Rally Middletown for media requests.