Rite Aid Rumor Check: A Gentleman's Club? One Reader Says: "What Gentlemen In Beacon?"

Citizens of Beacon have been speculating about what will become of the old Rite Aid. First, the rumors insisted it was going to become a Spirit Halloween. But corporate Spirit Halloween confirmed to ALBB that this was smoke. Some people wished it would become a roller rink.

Now, the rumor mill is insisting that it will become a gentleman’s club. “When I first heard that,” said one female reader of A Little Beacon Blog, “I asked ‘What gentlemen in Beacon? The single ladies have been looking! I’ve got an actual gentleman, but I keep mine at home."

One barely needs to source check this rumor (though a source has confirmed to ALBB this rumor to be false), as the interior of Rite Aid is huge. It is not clear what the gentlemen would do in there with all that space. One can imagine what the Zoning Board meetings would be like should such use be attempted.

This would be quite a new Thing To Do In Beacon! Oh, what will the People of Beacon think of next…

3 Farmer's Markets Close For Cold Weather And Forecasted Snowfall - Farmer Businesses Struggle

Winters are always hard for brick and mortar businesses, as people stay inside during bad weather and daylight is shorter. This winter has been especially hard for businesses selling at Farmers Markets, as cold temperatures and snowfall have impeded the ability to stay open.

This year marks the first winter the Cornwall Farmer’s Market has attempted to stay open through the winter. While fewer vendors signed on to show up during the winter, businesses including Eggbert’s Free Range Farm and The Shake and Grind. Due to cold weather or snow, Cornwall has closed their market 5 times so far this season.

Cold Spring Farmer’s Market has closed 3 times this winter and closed early once, leaving the choice to vendors on if they want to come in or not. Last Saturday marked an especially difficult day for market vendors who did decide to come in. The Cold Spring Farmer’s Market ends at 1pm, which was in the middle of snowfall and bad roads, resulting in some vendors being stuck in traffic for hours.

Beacon Farmer’s Market has also closed 3 times, due in part to the City of Beacon requiring the use of the public parking lot at the DMV. During the first two snowfalls, the City of Beacon allowed the market to stay open, but last Sunday claimed it for parking, and is doing so again this Sunday.

This has been economically hard on farmers who harvested crop or sell fresh meat or fish, as well as on makers who have inventory stockpiled. Also impacted is the ability for SNAP recipients to cash their dollars in for Fresh Connect currency from New York State, and the Beacon Farmer’s Market’s Greens4Greens currency, which enable SNAP recipients to shop the market for fresh food.

After this weekend’s upcoming closure, the Beacon Farmer’s Market has created a page on their website that links to vendors’ websites as a way to order online. The market has been known to act as a conduit between vendors and customers during times of crisis, and did build a website during the COVID shutdown before the vendors moved outside for the winter to stay accessible to customers.

Vendors like Eggbert’s Free Range Farm built their own websites during that time, with the help of local website designers like Katie James Inc. who specialize in ecommerce websites. “I am so glad we built our web shop,” Carrie Sabins, owner of Eggbert’s told A Little Beacon Blog. “I restock the online web shop from my phone, and text my customers to place orders when they can’t get to market. We offer free delivery, so we always encourage customers to order this way. This winter has been hard for us. Our inventory is in our freezers and our butcher’s freezers as we deal with these closures.”

The community is encouraged to order online from all market vendors, which includes staples like Edgwick Farm (goats), Chaseholm Farm (cheese), The Challah Pixie (bread), Upstate Granola, Eggbert’s Free Range Farm (meat, eggs, chicken), and others.

VIDEO: Interview With New Martial Arts Studio Owner, Noah Mitchell Of Moutain Stream Budo

ALBB has had the pleasure of getting to know Noah Mitchell, owner of the new Martial Arts school in Beacon: Mountain Stream Budo. After months of passing by his studio, imagining what it was like inside and who the owner might be, actually getting to meet Noah has been a completely different experience. Nothing like how he was imagined to be!

Full of supportive energy, Noah has devoted his life to full-time martial arts instruction; however, before that, he built a career in film production for 16 years after having graduated from film school at NYU.

As a hobby, Noah is an avid book collector. He has been collecting modern first and limited edition books since he was a teenager. Featured in the Washington Post, Noah has a community of followers in the book collecting world. He was recently featured in a YouTube interview for his Stephen King collection.

In this interview, we learn about Noah’s background as well as his martial arts school, which offers classes for kids and adults, that has recently opened in Beacon on Eliza Street just off Main Street. After establishing himself in Putnam Valley for 20 years, he uprooted his business in order to be closer to his home in Fishkill.

Noah walks us through MSB’s offerings of traditional Okinawan karate and kobudo (a martial art consisting of Okinawan weapons), Japanese jujitsu and iaido (an art that consists of drawing and cutting with the Japanese Samurai sword). Students can choose to train in any one of these arts or in any combination of them.

Noah takes us to the kobudo area to see the weapons, and then we go back to the bag to envision kicks and falling on landing pads.

No experience is necessary to start these classes; Noah is ready to train with you or those you care for regardless of age or fitness level. Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome!

More class details and age breakdowns are available here: www.MountainStreamBudo.com

HVAC Company Shelter Air Launches Guerilla-Style André the Giant Sticker Art

Example of an Andre the Giant themed sticker art campaign in Beacon, on poles and pipes around town. Now there is another one - with an octopus from HVAC company Shelter Air.

Shelter Air, the HVAC heating and cooling company from Garrison with their headquarters in Beacon above the Beacon Creamery at 134 Main Street, servicing Dutchess, Orange and Westchester Counties, has launched an André the Giant themed sticker art campaign. You’ve seen similar art in Beacon on pipes and poles (ideally not on City-owned or citizen-owned property). Now there is a new local bootlegged edition.

A long-time vision for founder Kimberly Sevilla, owner of the woman and independently owned HVAC company, the stickers are of the Shelter Air mascot and logo, the octopus. “I chose an octopus that shows people we are different,” Kimberly told Shelter Air’s newsletter subscribers. “Partly because I love how they look, but also as a nod to the old octopus furnaces that heated homes for decades. Eight arms reaching out to every room.” Kimberly’s husband, Enrique, a graphic designer, brought the logo to life with his design work.

A Little Beacon Blog sat down with Kimberly at Estilo Y Vino in Beacon to learn more about this inky design, which can now be seen on the I-84 exit ramp, a right of passage for businesses and expressionists.

What inspired you to use André the Giant as inspiration?

"I was deeply influenced by the early fanzine art of the 90s and watching Shepard Fairey's evolution in New York - seeing his work appear on walls and watching his artistic progression in real-time. In today's AI and computer-dominated age, I believe art with a human touch matters more than ever. There's something powerful about hand-made, tactile work that connects with people differently. I'm actually working toward creating a roller print for next year's steam roller event - it's a personal goal that embodies this commitment to physical, hands-on artmaking."

Why are signs important to you?

"Signs are visual anchors in our daily lives. They're woven into the fabric of a town - they shape what we see, how we navigate, and ultimately become part of our collective visual memory. I'm obsessed with the hand-painted signage of New York - there's an authenticity and craftsmanship in those signs that speaks to a different era of commerce and community. I'm actually putting this belief into practice by commissioning a hand-painted sign for our Shelter Air building on Main Street. In an age of vinyl wraps and digital printing, these hand-painted signs aren't just functional; they're cultural artifacts that tell the story of a place and the people who care about it."

Why is guerrilla marketing important to you?

The octopus sticker on the I-84 ramp.

"Guerrilla marketing requires heart and soul - it's something VC-backed companies struggle to replicate authentically. You can't just throw money at it; it demands creativity, personal investment, and genuine connection to your community. The cost is relatively low, but the challenge is high - it's far more engaging than simply paying for print ads. Plus, it's fun. There's an energy and immediacy to it that traditional marketing can't match."

Why is Beacon important to you?

"Beacon has an energy that reminds me of the East Village and Soho in their heyday, or early Williamsburg before gentrification took hold. It also reminds me of smaller cities where I've lived, like Frederick, Maryland, before urban sprawl took over. There's still space here for people to create and experiment - small independent shops, restaurants, artists' studios.

Octopus sticker on a computer inside the office of Shelter Air, above the Beacon Creamery.

“I love how fiercely Beacon protects small business - there are no malls or shopping centers here. It's a real city with real history - there's a rhythm and heartbeat to this place. I love how diverse Beacon is, both racially and economically. It's important for us to get to know people with views other than our own and share common ground - literally.

Spirit of Beacon and the festivals by the river are incredible ways to connect with the community, and the Friday dinners that Fairground is hosting bring people together in meaningful ways. I volunteer at Beacon's Backyard and I'm a member of the Sloop Club. I'm also a member of the DAR - Daughters of the American Revolution - and we hold our meetings at Madam Brett House, which is the oldest house in Dutchess County.

“There are deep, deep roots here. There's something deeply meaningful about volunteering for and showing up for people you see on the street every day. It creates a web of connection that's far more valuable than any midnight run to the city. There's some really cool stuff happening here - it's a place where community isn't just a buzzword, it's lived experience."

How many employees do you have, and what's their background?

"We have five employees on staff and we're growing rapidly. What's interesting is that all of them previously worked for private equity-owned firms where they experienced impersonal management styles that left them feeling disconnected. They've found something different here at Shelter Air - a more human approach to both the work and the workplace culture."

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Shelter Air is a Member Sponsor of A Little Beacon Blog. Learn more about Shelter Air at their website and in A Little Beacon Blog’s Business Directory.

In Response To SNAP Cut, Carter's To Give Away 20 Free Thanksgiving Meals - Details, Menu & Signup With ALBB

Chef Jon Lombardi, owner and creator of Carter’s Restaurant at 424 Main Street, is one of the longest running financial supporters of A Little Beacon Blog. Jon and Katie go back, way back to when he was managing the original Vault, and she had her office and community space in the Telephone Building in 2017.

Together, they cooked up ideas on how to give people great experiences with great food. They’ve been through a lot together through those years. They have parted ways; they have come back together; they have endured the current crazy political climate.

To preserve his sanity, Jon makes one thing clear: “No politics.” This is their understanding. But. He enjoys having his headline news at ALBB delivered to him in person or over the phone from Katie (as many advertisers do…check-ins down Main Street is common for Katie to do any day of the week).

One rainy Thursday morning before Halloween, while Katie was jogging outside and Jon was shopping for food to cook that day at his restaurant, he asked: “I don’t think I remember things being so political. Why are people so political these days?”

Katie answered: “I think it’s because things keep impacting people’s every day lives. Parts of how they live their lives are being taken away or threatened, and because of that, they have to speak out. Like, my friend is going to lose SNAP, and that upsets me. So I am going to speak out.”

Not everyone is familiar with the SNAP acronym. “SNAP?” Jon asked. “What’s that?”

“Food Stamps,” Katie answered. “They are turning off in November because of the government shutdown.”

“Sh*t,” Jon said.

“Yeah,” Katie said. “I qualified for them over the summer, and I experienced the feeling of going through the cashier line, and having to decide what to buy because not everything is eligible on that SNAP money card. Mayor Lee of the City of Beacon just announced they are going to issue grocery gift cards to SNAP recipients, and the Beacon Farmer’s Market always accepts SNAP dollars and doubles them, and they are figuring out what to do when the money doesn’t drop down into the card.”

Jon took a moment. “Well they are going to need Thanksgiving dinner.”

Katie responded, “Yes they are.”

Jon’s wheels started turning. His mind is very creative, especially when it comes to feeding people. Food is Jon’s love language. Finally, he started speaking again. “Tell them we are going to donate 20 turkeys. Is that enough? I’m at the store now. Let me price it out. They will be frozen, is that OK?”

Stopping in her tracks, Katie said: “Yeah!”

“Ok, Jon said. I’m getting prices. I’ll call you back.”

Jon did call back, and we started developing the plan of how to take signups. Then Katie said: “Jon - what if, maybe, what if maybe the people could also have some famous Carter’s mashed potatoes to warm up in the oven with the turkey. Just so that they can have some starch.”

Jon thought a minute, and then said: “Nah…because then I’d have to throw in apple pie.”

The menu developed from there. Jon’s catering brain fully engaged, and he thought out the entire menu that those in need can sign up for an pick up to cook at home.

Carter’s Restaurant will provide 20 meals to SNAP recipients or those in need. People can sign up for this meal using the form below. It is preferred if you have a SNAP card, but if you don’t, and you are in the middle of hard times, please reach out. Pickup will be the Tuesday before Thanksgiving at Carter’s at 424 Main Street.

Carter’s Thanksgiving Meal For Those In Need:

• Turkey (thawed - you cook in your oven)

• Carter’s Homemade Mashed Potatoes (made fresh, ready for you to warm in your oven)

• Apple Pie (frozen, you warm it up in your oven)

• Mixed Vegetables (canned veggies - you season as you like)

• Cranberry (a can of that sweet cranberry mold)

• 8 Dinner Rolls (hopefully you have leftovers for sandwiches!)

How To Sign Up

To sign up, please fill out your information below. We are prioritizing SNAP recipients, but if you are in need, please sign up. At this time, the distribution amount is 20 households. As Carter’s customers and ALBB’s readers are from all over the Hudson Valley, this is open to the region. Thank you.

Please email Katie of ALBB with questions: katie@alittlebeaconblog.com

SignUps Closed

We are SO glad we reached so many of you. The Turkey Meal Signup is closed, and we are coordinating delivery and pickup. If you filled out the signup form and have not heard from us, please check your email everywhere.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone.

Yes, Beacon Bikes Is Still Open! On Fishkill Ave. - E-Bikes and Service of Non E-Bikes

After the news that Bikeway is leaving its Beacon location on Main Street, people lamented it, expressed anger about the rent hike, and were quick to remind the community that Beacon Bikes is still open on Fishkill Avenue before it becomes Rte. 52. However, some people questioned if Beacon Bikes was still open, since the name changed from Pedego to Beacon Bikes, and U-Haul trucks are parked in their parking lot (an entrepreneur needs to hustle!).

A Little Beacon Blog went to owner Kyle Perrucci for confirmation, in addition to researching their website’s About Us page that also confirms their rebrand since expanding from Pedego to carry a wider selection of e-bikes at different price points. You may remember Kyle and Co. riding their Pedego bikes in the Spirit of Beacon Day Parade a few years ago. Kyle has also been newly hired as a Police Officer by the City of Beacon. Busy guy!

Here’s what Kyle told us after congratulating him on the hire, and asking about the rebrand: “Hi Katie! Thank you so much — I really appreciate it! Yes, I’m still the owner of Beacon Bikes. We rebranded from Pedego Beacon since we’re now carrying a wider range of brands — including some with a more affordable price point — and we’ll soon be adding non-electric options as well. I’ve brought on a sales manager, additional staff, and more techs so we can better serve the community. We work on all types of bikes — electric and non-electric — including tune-ups, flat fixes, and tire fills. We’re definitely sad to hear the other shop is closing — they were always a great resource and part of the local cycling community.”

So there you have it!

More from Kyle in his own words about Beacon Bikes, and the auto shop that used to be there:

Photo Credit: Beacon Bikes

“For over 60 years, our family has called this corner of Beacon home. What began as Cervone’s Auto Sales—a trusted hub for car sales and repairs started by my grandfather—has grown alongside our community and the changing times.

“As our passion shifted from engines to pedals, we transitioned from auto sales to Cervone’s E-Bike Rentals, giving locals and visitors a new way to explore the Hudson Valley. That journey led us to partner with Pedego as a franchise, where we introduced high-quality electric bikes to even more riders.

“Now, we’re proud to continue that legacy under our own name: Beacon Bikes. It’s our way of staying true to our roots while building something fresh and forward-thinking. Our mission is simple—make cycling more accessible, more affordable, and more fun for everyone.

“Beacon is our home. Bikes are our passion. Let’s ride.”

Bikeway Bicycle Closing Beacon store - A History of Leases - And Closer Look At 426 Main Street’s Landlord And Manager

Bikeway Bicycles & Mobility at 430 Main Street is closing its Beacon location, but remaining open in their 4 other busy and established locations in Wappingers Falls, Middletown, Montgomery, and Mahopac.

While this is a simple story of a bike shop not being able to carry the weight of what Beacon’s market claims to be able to bear, it is a larger story of the end of an era for a location that has been a bike shop for over 10 years. It is also the story of a property of which is part of neighboring storefronts and apartments that are suffering under a landlord and manager in order to keep their leases without experiencing threats of eviction, indecencies, and at least one family of raccoons that have also taken up occupancy. Under this rock, there are a lot of potato bugs.

Several residential tenants are connected to 426 Main Street who live in SRO apartments above, as well as commercial tenants on the ground floor, and a hotel room and rental business in some renovated apartments above that goes by The Beacon Hotel, which rents short and long term. One of it’s taglines is: “Not the usual hotel...Because its not really a hotel. Find out for yourself.”

The building owner, Beacon Main Real Estate Group LLC of Greg Trautman is currently being sued by at least one of the tenants living in an SRO apartment for not providing heat for a number of years, and has complaints from other tenants who also have not had heat.

There are reportedly raccoons nesting in one of the commercial spaces, ALBB has been told by multiple sources. It is unknown at this time if more raccoons or other animals are nesting in the residential apartments above 426 Main Street.

The 2017 Building Renovation Of The Beacon Hotel

Developers came in to renovate the left half of the building with the two towers, which opened in January 2017, and A Little Beacon Blog covered here. They kept the SRO units on the right side in the white part of the building. One of the original owners of that renovation was Greg Trautman, who had moved to Beacon from Brooklyn during this renovation process.

They opened a restaurant at the time, where famed and remembered Matt Hutchins, who has since passed, was touted as head chef. Since the shifting of property owners in the original investment group, the restaurant that is there now, Carter’s owned by chef Jon Lombardi, is different and not associated in any way with the building owner or property manager, aside from paying them rent of $9,400/month, as confirmed to ALBB by Carter’s owner, and goes up at least 4% in February, as it does every year as per their lease.

Of the original group of investors, Greg remains one of the original owners, and has since moved out of Beacon but remains hands on. The property is managed John Yarborough, who may also go by John Williams, who is a registered sexual offender on New York’s Sex Offender Registry under the name John Yarborough, and is listed as also living at 426 Main Street. Former female residents have told ALBB that Manager John Yarborough (Williams) has allegedly gone into their apartment rooms uninvited, and have alerted the Beacon Police to some instances, but police action is not taken, the former residents say.

Screenshot of the removed listing of 426 Main Street, The Beacon Hotel. The property includes the towers on the left, and the white apartments on the right.

The building was listed for sale this year in 2025 for around $4 million, but was removed according to LoopNet. According to the realtor Daniel Aubry who was aligned during the 2017 renovation, owner Greg is open to a sale, which Daniel thinks can go for $5 million because Manager John has been successfully collecting a high rent from the hotel rentals above.

Starting With The First Bike Shop In This Spot:
People’s Bicycle

Before that renovation, the original bike shop in this spot was set up by Jonathan Miles. There are several Johns on this block, so we will try to identify them as best we can so as not mix them up.

According to Realtor Daniel, Jonathan Miles built out the bike shop space from nothing to make People’s Bicycle in exchange for a $1/month rent with the owner at that time (prior to Greg). For people who like Beacon Trivia, Jonathan Miles was with a wave of people who were renovating old or empty shops on Main Street, and was involved in climate issues in the community.

This put him in the time of School of Jellyfish (of the sustainable architect Lily Zand, which had a hot chocolate studio in the building now owned by Luxe Optique), Zero2Go by Sara Womer (the original food composting company in Beacon which changed hands and was absorbed into Community Compost, which currently services the City of Beacon’s free compost program) Bikeable Beacon by Mark Roland (one of the early prolific bloggers in Beacon), and others. On the other end of town, another bike shop was open, run by Tom Cerchiara, who also owned the land surveying company, TEC.

Jonathan Miles then sold People’s Bicycle to Tim, who paid Jonathan rent for the space, while Jonathan held onto the original lease.

When Bikeway Took Over People’s Bicycle

While People’s Bicycle had a loyal following, Tim had a hard time earning enough income to survive on it. Winters were deadly dead. It could not survive on bike rentals alone, despite offering bike repairs with a selection of high end bikes to purchase. Jonathan wanted to keep it a bike shop, so they approached Doug at Bikeway to take it over, which he did. Tim went on to work for Doug in another Bikeway location. Doug continued paying Jonathan Miles the rent of $3,000/month until the end of their lease.

Once their lease finished, the building owner Greg approached Doug to propose that Doug pre-pay him a one year lump sum for a discounted rate. Doug agreed, he told ALBB, and paid Greg less than $3,000/month for the past year.

This Year, Bikeway Moves Out - Another Tenant May Move In

In the lease negotiation for a potential renewal, Manager John Yarborough of the current owner Greg Trautman approached Bikeway’s Doug to ask what rent amount Doug would like to pay Greg’s company Beacon Main Real Estate Group LLC. As a bike shop approaching winter, Doug could not go much higher than what he had just paid, so Manager John Yarborough moved on and did not renew the lease.

The Bike Market In Beacon

View fullsize

Doug and Tracy would like to find another location in Beacon. They have two thriving locations 15 minutes away from Beacon, where they employ multiple mechanics to service at least 4 bikes at a time, and have more bike inventory on the floor for people to buy that day.

ALBB asked Doug why he thought the bike shop on Main Street didn’t thrive in Beacon. He responded: “Beacon has a good bike culture, but it is still small. Tourism is not good for bike shops. People have their bikes already and get them serviced where they live. For locals, people in Beacon tend to keep their bikes and have older bikes. For new bike purchases, if someone came into our shop in Beacon, we would have to call one of our other stores for the color bike they wanted to buy.”

The shop in Beacon is small, did not require much upkeep from the building owners that Doug could not fix himself. This enabled Doug and Tracy to keep to themselves within the family of commercial spaces within the property. “We have our own entrance, our own key, our own security. No one can come in but Tracy and myself.”

Doug can see how another business would see the space, find it charming, and give their business a go. “We wish whoever comes in next the best.”

While their farewell letter states that their last day will be the end of the year, the building management has informed them that this Friday will be their last day. Says Bikeway’s Beacon farewell letter: “We love this town and the community, and the cycling culture that continues to flourish. Thanks to all of you who are making that happen - it’s awesome!”

In addition to their 4 other stores, Bikeway offers a Mobile Option. “The Big Yellow Van will be in Beacon 3 times a week for pickup and drop-off, saving you a trip and getting your bike back in 2-3 days. Call Wappingers at 845-463-7433 or email info@bikeway.com to schedule.”

Nothing could beat biking down to Bikeway for a quick and professional air re-fill of the tires when a home bike pump or air compressor just couldn’t do it. There is Beacon Bikes on Fishkill Avenue/Rte 52, but with the City of Beacon’s current reluctance to have a Bike Study to improve bike safety city-wide, biking down to Beacon’s other bike shop is a little further down on a busy road.

Cute Little Wood Paneled Storefront Eatery - 305 Main Street - Zips Through Tenants - Masa y Mezcal Is Newest

The cute little wood paneled storefront eatery at 305 Main Street was a luncheonette* from 1950-1965, then something(s) else, then Mud Club (wood fired bagels) moved in, which then turned over to Ember & Grain (flaky pastries, famous croissants and bread loaves), and will now be Masa y Mezcal (Mexican cooking and agave mezcal spirit). While high rents are a reality in Beacon, rent was not directly stated as the reason Mud Club or Ember & Grain left. According to Loopnet, the tiny but charming spot has reached $4,000/month for 980 square feet. \

*See ALBB reader Janice Sullivan’s comment down below for her family’s history of ownership of the luncheonette from 1950-1965.

Mud Club’s Tenure On Main Street

Mud Club was low key fancy, and reviews say the bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on a bagel was pricey. According to Boris at 101.5 WPDH, when reporting that the next bakery was closing, he said about Mud Club: “I last visited in June 2024 and ordered a bacon, egg and cheese with a coffee on the side and it was pretty pricey.”

While that article states that 2 more locations of Mud Club are open, their website has expired, and the Choronogram reported in March 2025 that Mud Club’s Woodstock location was closing and a new tandem restaurant pair was moving in up there. Their NYC Broom Street location’s Toast is not accepting orders.

About Ember & Grain

Meanwhile, Ember & Grain, who opened next, garnered quite a local following during the almost year that they were open. According to 101.5 WPDH, Ember & Grain opened that Fall of 2024, but by the following August 2025, they announced their store closure, citing "...other employment realities to consider now." They spoke of their "impending departure" while balancing baking deliveries of Sesame Polenta loaves. "The whole pastry program is being reconsidered as the new iteration of this project takes shape."

Said one fan, The Jersey City Realtor on their IG: "Gang I wish you all the best but that maple walnut croissant…it’s one of the best pastries I’ve had in my life and my favorite croissant of all time. 😢"

In a note to Ember & Grain’s loyal customers on Instagram, the owners wrote:

"Dear Friends and Our Beloved Community:

After several earnest months of building and running this space, we've made the incredibly tough decision to close our doors in their current form. While the exact date of our last day is still to be determined, we wanted to share this news openly as we begin to wind things down.

This experience has been equal parts challenging and fulfilling. While the retail chapter of our journey is coming to an end, this is not a goodbye to the spirit of what we've created. We're taking time to re-imagine what this project can look like outside of a physical storefront - with the same values, energy and care.

"We're so grateful to each of you who walked through our doors, shared your stories, supported us with your presence, and welcomed us into your lives and dining tables.

"Stay tuned - we're not done yet.

"With love and endless gratitude, Gabriela and Sean

Newest! Enter Masa y Mezcal For Mexican Cooking & Mezcal Spirits

Enter Masa y Mezcal! Also first reported by101.5 WPDH, the new Mexican eatery is bringing energy into the space. And en español un poco! Some of the Comments are already in Spanish. The craft mezcal, a smokey spirit made from agave in the tequila family. The alcohol specialty may help tip the scale of success rate for this new spot. Hopefully they are open by the Superbowl for the Bad Bunny performance. Remember, you can learn Spanish for free through the Beacon Public Library’s website via Transparent.

Said their opening announcement:

🎉Exciting News!🎉

Get ready to experience a modern twist on traditional artisan Mexican cooking. Masa y Mezcal is coming to the heart of Beacon, New York.

Specializing in craft mezcal.

Follow us for updates and sneak peeks!

Hasta pronto!

Beacon's Chase Bank Branch On Main Street Is Closing On December 10, 2025

Following a trend in Beacon, another large building will be empty as new residential/commercial buildings are being built: the Chase Bank at 404 Main Street will close on December 10th, 2025, according to a letter sent in the snail mail to Chase Bank customers and people who have visited the branch.

The letter encourages those who bank with Chase to visit their Fishkill, NY location at 15 Merritt Blvd. Some employees of the Beacon location will continue serving customers in the Fishkill location. Chase has announced closures all over the country as recently as July 2025.

A few blocks west, the Rite Aid that closed during its second round of bankruptcy remains without a new tenant, as big-box pharmacies are closing locations. Walgreens announced earlier this year that it is closing locations in what it calls “Footprint Optimization Program” - a program to reduce footprints into its stores across the country.

Newsweek reported: “In October, the company [Walgreens] said it would be closing about 1,200 stores over the next three years, including 500 in the current fiscal year that ends on August 31.

Declining sales of non-pharmacy items due to online delivery shopping contributed to Walgreens’ revenue loss. “In October 2024, Walgreens announced that it would be closing 1,200 stores over the next three years after reporting a net loss of $3 billion in its fourth quarter,” Newsweek reported. “This compared to a net loss of $180 million the year prior and primarily reflected charges relating to opioid lawsuits from previous years.”

Opioid lawsuits by individuals and municipalities seemed to have drained the pharmacy industry.

Two of Beacon’s original firehouses have been for sale, with one that went into contract in July 25, 2025: Mase Hook and Ladder at 425 Main Street, nearly across the street from Chase Bank. Around the corner on East Main Street, the historic firehouse Beacon Engine Company No 1. Firehouse remains for sale after the City of Beacon evicted the retired volunteer firefighters who used it as their community center, and is being presented as a historic Victorian property, as it was added to the National Registrar of Historic Places in 2004.

As the people of Beacon lose their patience with the unaffordable real estate situation in Beacon, ALBB Readers Reactions have included: 
Randy Casale
"A drug store should be there and use the drive through also."

Jay Nicholas
"To make way for an artisanal toothpick shop."

Chris Troy
"Nice building… be a shame if someone didn’t put a coffee shop inside it."

Michael Vierra
"Maybe Tacos or Coffee?...WE NEED MORE TACOS & COFFEE!"

Hocus Pocus Halloween Parade Returns 2025 As All-Day Afair: Schedule of Events

This Main Street Halloween Parade has grown in recent years to be a higher concept seek-and-find for kids and families to expand their exposure from simply a parade route going down the middle of Main Street, to a reason to go into stores to explore. Costume Contests have been added, and an 21+ Adult party at the end. Therefore, an itinerary has been developed with a prize system. Organizers are The Gate House Team at Compass Realty. Any questions should go to them. ALBB is not an organizer of this event. Here’s how it works, according to their flyer:

Saturday, October 25, 2025. Beacon’s Main Street

Full Day Hocus Pocus: 11am-6pm

Each business with an orange pumpkin in the window will have a Black Cat hidden in their store. Find the Black Cat and get your passport stamped. Passports are available at participating stores during normal business hours. Businesses wishing to get involved should contact Gate House Team at Compass Realty.

• Win a Grab Bag for every 15 stamps collected. Depending on how many businesses are participating, maybe a child can get more than one Grab Bag! Beacon’s Main Street is 1 miles long.

• Grab Bag Locations:

  • The Gate House Team at Compass Realty (490 Main Street, down near the mountain, on the way to Chocolate Studio for their ice-cream.)

  • Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hudson Valley Properties (226 Main Street, Ste 1, on the way to Bagel-ish)

Parade TIme: 3-3:30pm

Lineup is at 2:30pm at Pohill Park (near Bank Square Coffee and Savage Wonder)

Parade kicks off at 3pm and ends at Veterans Place (the Post Office and Towne Crier).

Trunk or Treat from First Responders: 3-6pm

Enjoy a Trunk or Treat at Veterans Place (where the parade ends) with your favorite First Responders (Beacon Volunteer Ambulance (BVAC) and others)

Costume Competition from Happy Valley: 12-7pm

An all-day Family Friendly Halloween Celebration will be happening at Happy Valley from 12-7pm. Happy Valley has old-school arcade style video games inside, as well as beer and drinks.

Costume Contest: 5-5:30pm

A Family Friendly Halloween Costume Contest will commence with prizes for various categories: Best Family Group Costume; Best Costume For Kids (8-12 yo); Best Costume for Teens (13-17 yo)

Halloween Party for Adults 21+: 8pm-1:30am

Another celebration will commence, but this one is for Adults. The Costume Contest for this round is from 10-10:30pm.

Have fun! Get plenty of rest after for the actual night of Halloween.

Vimeo.com Restored ALBB's Account After 2 Appeals and Social Media Bumps

After 2 appeals and several Instagram mentions calling out Vimeo's reliance on AI to terminate years of content without any human review, Vimeo responded positively to ALBB's appeal requests. Vimeo not only restored our account, but restored the video with the message from Pastor Howard-John Wesley. As a refresh, Vimeo is a video-sharing platform that ALBB uses as an alternative to YouTube in order to bring you videos that can be embedded in articles, but in a less invasive way than YouTube does.

Vimeo’s appeal email said:

Hello,

We're writing to inform you that after receiving your appeal, our team conducted a second review of Pastor Howard-John Wesley's Response To Federal Order of Flags Half Staff For Charlie Kirk and have determined it did not violate our Acceptable Use Policy. Therefore, the content has been restored.

We appreciate your patience throughout this process, and will use this decision to improve this experience for others.

ALBB’s initial response to the restoration was published on Instagram: “Thank you Vimeo . There is light and hope in this world. Thank you for taking the time to have a human review the content that got my entire account banned within 2 minutes by AI. Thank you for your second look. Appreciated. 🎥📸”

When ALBB "Goes To The Garden"...She Asks: "WTF Is Going On."

Hello, dear Reader.

It’s become apparent that sometimes ALBB disappears in articles. We don’t churn out PR-friendly articles like a machine. Our articles are organic, based on feeling and what is going on in the neighborhoods of Beacon.

Sometimes, in covering these articles, things can get heavy. When that happens, it seems that we, and by “we” we mean Katie, retreats into the space that is not publishing, but is researching, pausing, and publishing content very selectively.

Being that ALBB has advertisers on board with us. we are mindful of when sponsor content happens. Unlike other publications which may show a flash-ad at any time, without caring what you see or how your reading experience is interrupted.

We are also mindful of your triggers and what upsets you. But. This can get in the way of getting you the real news of what you want and need to know now.

So know this, dear Reader. Katie may disappear sometimes into the garden. After publishing this blog for 14 years, sometimes she takes a pause to ask: “WTF is going on,” when evaluating our audience. Thank you for being here, as always. This video was made on August 16, 2025 and shared to ALBB’s IG. We are working on amplifying more videos we share there to the blog so that you can see too.

Anti-Muslim Alleged Harasser Of Zohran Mamdani, Beacon Bread Company And Other Arab Businesses Charged With 22 Counts Of Making "Terroristic Threats"

Days after New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul endorsed Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, the man who had allegedly been repeatedly threatening Zohran with violent anti-Muslim and anti-Ugandan death threats in June and July 2025, which included calling him names, has been charged with making terroristic threats against Zohran. Jeremy Fistel, age 44 and from Texas, “pleaded not-guilty to a 22-count indictment charging him with making a terroristic threat as a hate crime and other counts,” ABC News reported, the sentence of which is up to 15 years if convicted. Jeremy was released on bail and ordered to appear back in Queens County Criminal Court in November 19th, 2025.

Beacon Bread Company is a Palestinian owned restaurant who was Also harassed by the alleged harasser of NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani, who faces 22 counts of “Terroristic Threats”
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

Jeremy also harassed the Palestinian-owned eatery, Beacon Bread Company, located at 193-195 Main Street in Beacon, NY, in 2024, the beginning of the genocide, with repeated phone calls to the restaurant, which the employees fielded. “He looked at business owners with our names and assumed every Arab is a terrorist,” Khitam Jamal Nakhleh told A Little Beacon Blog. Khitam is the sister of Beacon Bread Company’s owner Kamel Jamal, and spoke directly with Jeremy after learning of Jeremy’s harassing phone calls.

“I walked in to Beacon Bread one morning to get my coffee, and the waitress that was working was shook up,” Khitam told ALBB. “I asked her what’s up and she told me some guy has been repeatedly calling over and over, calling them ‘terrorists’ and then asked them if they were Arabs. When they said ‘no’ he asked her: ‘How could you work for a terrorist?’ I then looked at the caller ID and called him back and ripped him a new asshole. I then saved his number and called him every hour on the hour until I believe he either blocked me or changed his number.”

Accused Jeremy Fistel exiting Queens County Criminal Court surrounded by officers after appearing for his 22 counts of “terroristic Threats” made to NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran in June/July 2025. He also is the person identified by Beacon Bread Company as harassing them for being Arab/Muslim in early Genocide 2024.
Photo Credit: Olga Fedorova/AP screenshot from ABC News.

Jeremy’s calls allegedly didn’t stop in Beacon. They allegedly included Yonkers and Yorktown. “He called my nephew Ang his grandfather and harassed them. My nephew reported it to the Yorktown Police and is taking his grandfather to the Yonkers Police.”

When Jeremy allegedly reached NYC for the front-running Mayoral candidate, his terroristic threats made Zohran so uncomfortable, he received approval for a security detail from current Mayor Adams and a flailing Mayoral competitor of Zohran, who said: "There is almost a level of irony to this. Here you have a person who has spent his life bashing the NYPD," Adams told ABC News. "He has a full detail that is moving with him because they were concerned about his life."

According to ABC News, the recorded threats made by Jeremy that are mentioned in the indictment against him include:

June 11, 2025, 11:27 a.m.: Jeremy allegedly left a message on Zohran’s office voicemail that included: "Hey Zohran, you should go back to f------ Uganda before someone shoots you in the f------ head and gets rid of your whole f------ family, too. You piece of s--- Muslims don't belong here."

June 18, 2025, 9:45 a.m., Jeremy allegedly left a message saying: "Go on and start your car. See what happens…yeah, keep an eye on your house and your family. Watch your f------ back every f------ second til you get the f--- out of America.”

July 8, 2025: Jeremy submitted a message through Zohran’s website, that said: "I hope you get terminal cancer and die a painful death very soon. I'd love to see an IDF bullet go through your skull. Would be even better if you had to watch your wife and kids murdered in front you before they end your pathetic miserable life…I hope you all die painful sudden deaths. Do us all a favor and kill yourself."

When asked about Jeremy’s current charges, Beacon Bread Company owner Kamel Jamal told ALBB: “When justice is served, I feel safe at home. When I feel safe, my team feels safe and they trust that I will protect them. We are all thrilled that justice has proven to be more powerful than we trust it to be. Humanity wins.”

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Back To School Needs: Pediatric Physical Exams Are Easy At CareFull MD (Sponsored)

Carefull MD, the Walk-In Urgent Care Clinic in Beacon, NY located at 252 Main Street.

New York State requires a physical exam for all students entering school for the first time, as well as for students in grades Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. CareFull MD, the new Walk-In Urgent Care in Beacon on Main Street, offers Pediatric Physical Exams for that back-to-school rush of completing required examinations to register for sports, childcare, or to provide them for other reasons.

“I walked in at 10am on a Sunday and was met with kindness and patience. Everybody is super nice and the Doctor took the time to listen to me. I am so glad we have this urgent care here in Beacon. I will definitely return with my family’s ailments!!”

— Jessica Johnson via Google Review

Located next to Key Food, an after-school snack is also easy once the exam is complete. Or, stay in the parking lot to snack up before the appointment to ensure everyone’s mood is smooth.

No appointment is needed. Walk-Ins welcome. If you suddenly remembered that you need the paperwork, you could swing by.

What To Expect During The Physical Exam:

Medical History:

The exam will include a review of the child's medical history.

Height and Weight:

Height and weight measurements are recorded to calculate BMI and track growth patterns.

BMI:

The eye chart for vision screenings at Carefull MD on Main Street in Beacon, NY.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

Body Mass Index (BMI) and BMI percentile are required to be documented.

Vision Screening:

Vision tests are conducted to identify potential issues that may affect learning. This is a great time to catch vision issues, if the child cannot see the board clearly or easily.

Hearing Screening:

Hearing tests are also part of the screening process. This test is conducted with sounds provided by the nurse.

Physical Exams are available for people of all ages, including adults who need them to stay healthy, for work requirements, and for assisted living facilities.

CareFull MD is open 7 days a week from 10am-8pm. No appointment needed. The team is happy to assist you.

Editorial Note: This article was written in partnership with CareFul MD, a sponsor and member of ALBB’s Business Directory.

False: Spirit Halloween Is Not Popping Up In Old Rite Aid Despite People’s Enthusiasm

The storefront of the empty Rite Aid in Beacon.
Photo Credit: A Little Beacon Blog

Photo Credit: Spirit Halloween

Much to the disappointment of some Beacon High Schoolers, Spirit Halloween is not popping up in Beacon’s Rite Aid, a contact at Spirit Halloween has confirmed. The list is here, and the stores that have locations booked begin opening in August and September. Beacon is not on the list.

Walgreens was the next rumor, but a person familiar with the property confirmed that Walgreens is also - so far - not confirmed. “The landlord definitely wants something good for the community. Hopefully a store like Walgreens would be interested.”

People in Beacon expressed longing for the Spirit Halloween fantasy. “How fun would that be!” said one resident. “Oh, for Beacon? Spirit Halloween would be perfect for Beacon, who goes all out for Halloween,” said another resident while shopping at the Beacon Farmer’s Market.

One younger person reflected: “I’ve heard there is an unspoken rule that stores like Spirit Halloween can’t open here.” Another teenager said: “I would have loved to work there.”

A Dunkin’ Donuts rumor keeps resurfacing - that one is opening in Beacon. The location on Rte 52 that was proposed to open with a drive-thru is so far not opening, since Beacon banned drive-thrus in response to the Healey family wanting to open one on their property next to Carvana and Lanks Auto, a source familiar with the property confirmed to ALBB. “I wish,” they said. “But maybe there’s one opening in another location.”

Readers who have information on another location in Beacon, please let ALBB know so that we can pursue your source. Otherwise, the 23 other coffee shops in Beacon will suffice!