Teamsters Local 445, Who Represent Beacon Police, Issue Open Letter On Facebook - Without Contacting City - Regarding Mayor And City Council During Reform Period

The Teamsters Local 445, which is connected to Beacon’s Police Benevolent Association (BPA), issued an open letter to Beacon’s City Council on July 15 and published it to Facebook. According to Mayor Kyriacou, the letter was not sent to the city directly. Their letter is in response to the recent appointment of Acting Chief of Police, William Cornett. During that public appointment, a representative of Local 445, Mike Pitt, proclaimed: “We’re going to follow this closely.“

A Little Beacon Blog has reached out to the president of Beacon’s BPA, Michael Confield, for comment, but has not received a response yet. If we do, the response will be published here.

Mayor Kyriacou has since responded with a press release in response which has been published in full here, expressing “disappointment that the police union is resorting to intimidation and escalation – exactly the opposite behavior of what is appropriate in today’s charged environment.

The open letter from Teamsters Local 445 has bee republished in full below:

---

Teamsters Local 445, a public and private sector labor union based in the Newburgh, New York area, with almost 3,000 members, including about 250 members in its Law Enforcement Division in Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, and Dutchess County Police Departments, supports its law enforcement members in the City of Beacon.

On behalf of the men and women of the City of Beacon Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, we write this open letter after a majority voted to release the Association’s position. Unfortunately, circumstances have left us with no other recourse. We have lost all trust, faith, and confidence in the Mayor and City Council’s ability to lead this city and the police department during these trying times.

For the past several weeks, Mayor Kyriacou and the Council have continued their push of anti-police rhetoric and policies, which have included the thought of disarming and de-vesting police. How does one comprehend a police officer’s response to an emergency call without a weapon or protective gear?

The Mayor and Council have failed to correct untrue public accusations of police mis-conduct. This failure could lead to a wholly unfounded, dangerous reaction from the public, causing a dangerous environment for the members of the police department, as well as the public.

The Mayor and Council have shown zero support for the police department during these times. Talk of defunding or significantly cutting the department’s costs and of cutting its already dangerously low staffing level are some of the only talk they show the department. This department is an accredited police agency in New York State; an honor that few departments in the area still retain.

After the leader of the department offered to lead this accredited agency through these times without a chief in place, the Mayor and Council recently voted to appoint a temporary police chief who has not worked actively as a police officer since almost the year 2000. The Mayor and Council have stated that they want a smooth transition to the next police chief as leader of the department, but they seem to have an agency very different from minimal support, let alone different from the best interests, of the men and women who serve all day every day.

In the course of the Council meeting in which the Council voted to appoint the temporary Chief, Teamsters Law Enforcement Division representative Pitt pointed out that the certification of this appointee must have lapsed due to the length of his time not serving as a police officer since retirement in 2000. As per General Municipal Law 209-q, the certification required for police officers by law lapses after four (4) years. Without that certification, the appointed temporary Chief “lacks the power to execute arrest and search warrants, make arrests without a warrant and use physical or deadly force in making an arrest when necessary”; he “may not lawfully carry a firearm without a license if he is not certified as a police officer.” 2003 N.Y. Op. (Inf.) Atty’ Gen. 1. If this Chief sees a crime being committed, he cannot make an arrest; he needs to call the police.

The Council has spoken about reform, but you cannot have reform without funding. You do not deescalate by defunding the police. If you want the most qualified and most trained officers on your street, you cannot defund yet expect to keep, not to mention improve, the quality and level of service that these men and women currently give this great city.

In closing, we would like to reiterate that the men and women of the Beacon City Police Department PBA have lost all trust, faith, and confidence in Mayor Kyriacou and the entire City Council’s ability to lead this city.

About Teamsters Local 445 Union

Teamsters Local 445 is a public and private sector labor union based in the Newburgh, New York area, with almost 3,000 members, including about 250 members in its Law Enforcement Division in Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, and Dutchess County Police Departments.

View the original announcement on Beacon’s PBA Facebook Page.

One-Time Rent Subsidy Available To Low-Income Dutchess County Residents

The following press release has been issued by Dutchess County Executive, Marcus Molinaro. The state-wide directive has been issued by Governor Cuomo here:

Watch New York State’s video about it here:

Rent Relief Available to Low-Income
Residents Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic

Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced a one-time rent subsidy is available for low-income County residents who were previously “rent-burdened” prior to March 1, 2020 and have experienced an additional decrease in income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic through New York State’s COVID Rent Relief Navigator. There is a very short application period, and eligible residents are encouraged to submit applications quickly.

The New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal has made $100 million available to help low-income households experiencing an increased rent burden due to loss of income during the COVID-19 crisis. Detailed information about the program and its requirements are available on the State’s Rental Relief Program website (click here). Applications will be accepted via an electronic portal for a two-week period, beginning July 16th.

County Executive Molinaro said, “Residents throughout the nation, state and indeed Dutchess County have experienced immeasurable economic hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with countless residents losing their jobs, making it much more difficult to pay their monthly rent. For months, we have been advocating for local residents at the state and federal level, and we appreciate Albany’s response, providing this funding to help ensure residents in Dutchess County, and statewide, can remain in their homes. This is a positive first step to assist those negatively impacted by the pandemic, and we will fight for additional state and federal aid to mitigate the economic impact on counties.”

To qualify for rental assistance, residents must meet all the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a renter with a primary residence in New York;

• Lost income due to COVID-19 crisis during the period April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020;

• Household does not current receive a housing subsidy that covering housing costs that exceed 30 percent of their income;

• Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household income must be below 80 percent area median income (see table below); families with extremely low income will be prioritized; and

• Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household must be “rent burdened,” or pay more than 30 percent of their gross monthly income for rent.

Households with at least one household member with U.S. Citizenship or eligible immigration status qualify for the subsidy.

The following are the income and rent limits for Dutchess County residents:

Residents may apply for one month or up to four months of assistance during this period; the one-time subsidy is paid directly to the applicant’s landlord. To be eligible, applicants must verify income, including wages, any cash assistance, child support, Social Security payments, rental payments, unemployment benefits and the like.

Homeowners are not eligible for this program, and the following types of rental properties are available for rent relief assistance through the program:

• Apartment rental;

• Rent for a single-family home;

• Manufactured home rental; and

• Manufactured home lot rental.

Eligible applicants must apply through the NYS COVID Rent Relief website, beginning on July 16th. New York State will establish a call center to answer residents’ questions.

Dutchess County and the City of Poughkeepsie have partnered with two local agencies, Hudson River Housing and Catholic Charities Community Services of Dutchess County, to provide additional support during the application process to vulnerable households including:

• Extremely low-income households;

• Those with limited English proficiency;

• Those with limited technology skills and access; and

• Those most at risk of homelessness.

Assistance may be request by calling one of the below numbers:

• Hudson River Housing, 845-337-4407, ext. 105

• Catholic Charities, 845-451-4251

Dutchess County’s Community Development Block Grant CARES ACT (CDBG-CV) funds, secured via the federal CARES Stimulus Act, are being used to support this partnership.

Click here to apply.

With 50-A Repealed To Improve Police Record Transparency in NY, Beacon To Publish FOIA Requests To Website

During the July 7, 2020 City Council meeting, where the new Acting Chief William Cornett was appointed for a temporary term of 90 days, Mayor Kyriacou announced, with Councilmember Jodi McCredo’s encouragement, that he and Acting Chief Cornett agreed to publish FOIA (Freedom Of Information Act) requests of police officer inquiries to the City’s website. Said Mayor Kyriacou: “We have received some FOIAs in the past weeks. We are just going to put all of the information online. You can submit a FOIA, but we will put it online.”

The City of Beacon will use the program JustFOIA, a management and publishing platform, that purports requests can come in any form, can be anonymous, and can have the status tracked. Asked for this article if all FOIA requests will be published, the Mayor answered: “Yes, those with respect to public interest.” The location on the City’s website of these requests is to be determined.

Acting Chief William Cornett (who goes by Bill), supported the decision with this followup statement during the meeting: “I don't like surprises. Other than Christmas or my birthday. I don't like secrets that I aint going to keep.”

Why Is The DMV In Beacon Closed? First - A Plexiglass Shortage, For Starters.

A few readers of A Little Beacon Blog have asked why Beacon's DMV is closed, when other offices are open, like in Wappingers, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie and Peekskill. We reached out to Bradford Kendall, the Dutchess County Clerk, who answered from the 22 Market Street, Poughkeepsie office, who stated that "because of COVID there is no way to re-open safely for walk-in customers at this time." He continued to provide the logistical reasons:

A Plexiglass Shortage

“Because of a national shortage of Plexiglas,” Brad stated, “and demands from multiple departments, our Public Works Department (who is doing a great job) have not yet been able to install the Plexiglas shields necessary to accommodate the public.” There was a plexiglass shortage discussed in news reports in May, as essential businesses started to put up the protective barriers in order to stay open, or prepare to reopen for Phases 1, 2, 3, 4. Many stores and restaurants in Beacon have added plexiglass to their counters, some within the past month.

When asked about local retail acquisition and installation of plexiglass, Brad answered: “Government procurement practices differ from the private sector. Also as I said, DPW is working at multiple government locations, including NYS Court facilities to install these.”

According to Brad, none of the DMVs had glass or plastic barriers between employees or the public before the pandemic.

Staffing For Phone-In Business

“To open an office by appointment requires reassigning 2 clerks to telephone/check-in duty. Currently all clerks in Beacon are processing the copious amounts of mail-in, drop off and dealer work we receive on a daily basis.”

Since the DMV closed by state order on March 16th, they have had "a back-log of 80,000 transactions and are getting upwards of 25,000 phone calls a day," explains Brad. He went on to explain that “counties across New York have implemented various strategies to re-open. Each has its challenges. Some like Columbia have relied on physical lines outside the DMV resulting in waits in excess of 3 hours. Some like Putnam and Ulster provide for online queueing resulting in appointments that are not available for two to three weeks.”

He continued: “We have chosen the phone system. It allows us to prioritize license transactions that must be done in person while moving other transactions to mail or online options. It allows us to screen for Dutchess County residency in order to give priority to Dutchess County residents. It allows us to offer appointments within several days of calling, in some cases on the same day.”

Beacon’s Options Of Busing Or Driving To Other DMVs

According to Brad, “approximately 55% of Beacon work comes from out of county. There are 2 offices within 20 minutes of Beacon- Wappingers and Newburgh. Peekskill is 30 minutes away.” It is unclear if that logic implies that the people in Beacon who use the DMV are deemed unworthy of it opening.

As for situations where people need to renew their license and cannot drive with an expired license, where walking to a DMV seems particularly convenient, and a highlight of living in Beacon, Brad did not think it a major issue. For those with children who also need things, taking public transportation can be extremely cumbersome to coordinate.

Brad said: “There are very few situations where this would be a barrier. In fact, compared to the rest of Dutchess County, Beacon has greater accessibility to public transportation then most. Poughkeepsie is a 25 minute trip on Metro North.” While that 25 minute ride is a straight shot, coordinating it with children or elderly people can be cumbersome. Getting to a bus with kids is cumbersome, as is riding the bus, and getting to the destination. For someone without kids, using public transportation to do this errand takes hours out of the day. Versus walking to the DMV for what used to take maybe an hour for the line, depending on what time you got there.

DMV Work-Arounds

Brad wanted to remind readers that all registrations, licenses and inspections have been extended by New York State “until further notice,” he said. “If you would like to renew your license on-line, some pharmacies are offering the eye exam. Your results will be transmitted electronically after which you may renew online at www.dmv.ny.gov. You can also get the eye exam at Luxe Optique free of charge, on Main Street here in Beacon.

“The deadline for EDL’s has been extended until October 1, 2021. Of course if you have a US Passport you may use that for EDL purposes. If you wish to upgrade to an EDL at renewal there is an additional $30 fee. If you upgrade at any time other than renewal the fee is $42.50.”

So there you have it. When once we moaned at any wait time at Beacon’s DMV (personally, the service was always short for this blogger…you just need to time it right…take a number and take a walk…then it was your turn), we are all waiting for it to open again.

At least Dutchess County got Beacon a new DMV parking lot sign, however. That old sign had been pretty old and unreadable since at least 10 years.

City Of Beacon To Publish Police Blotter Online To Increase Transparency And Address Governor Cuomo's Policing Review Executive Order

In their first joint announcement since Beacon’s former Police Chief Kevin Junjulas retired and Acting Chief of Police William Cornett was appointed last week, the City of Beacon announced Monday evening that “the Beacon Police Department will begin publishing online its daily police blotter, as part of a broader process of increasing policing transparency,” according to their press release.

Normally found printed in the Beacon Free Press and the Highlands Current, the police blotter is often a source for newspapers to be picked up so that citizens can get a read on what kind of activity is going on around them. Police calls can include a noise disturbance, or a person being picked up for a warrant out for their arrest for any reason - like an overly expired license - during a routine traffic stop. Normally in the newspapers, only a select handful of these calls are published.

According to the press release, this move has been made in response to what the public asked for during the first public forum on policing held in mid-June after the first protest in Beacon. “The police blotter constitutes the basic raw data for activity statistics and other data,” says the city. On a subsequent City Council Workshop meeting on 6/29/2020, where three representatives from the Police Department (then Chief Junjulas, then Captain Fredericks and current Lieutenant Figlia) the department was asked by the Mayor to provide data as to the types of calls. The City Council was then able to get an idea about the types of police calls that are made 24/7, as well as the strategy that goes into categorizing them. Now, the public will get faster and more comprehensive access to the types of calls as well.

Mayor Kyriacou stated in the press release, “This is a first step of making policing information readily available, to both inform the public, and to increase transparency and build trust. This follows the socially-distanced public forum the City recently organized, attended virtually by 200 listeners and viewers. We are also beginning to organize a comprehensive policing review and plan process, consistent with the Governor’s Executive Order on the topic.”

Acting Chief of Police William Cornett added, “Transparency is a top priority for the Beacon Police Department. The public is welcome to visit our website anytime to view the daily blotter. We are working on and will be making more information available to our residents.”

The daily blotter will be available at www.cityofbeacon.org on the Beacon Police Department page.

July's Second Saturday Art Openings (Yes, Really) - A Cautious Tiptoe Toward Normalcy

July 2020 brings the return, kind of, of Second Saturday. Seven venues have in person openings, whether on windows or in very strictly spaced indoors. Clockwise from top right: Mr. Kum Kum’s Silent Killer at Clutter Gallery, one of three shows there; Mother Altar by Chie Fueki at Mother Gallery, in the windows or by appointment; My Way, Gee’s Bend quilting and abstract works at Parts & Labor; an entry in Help Feed Beacon, a fundraiser and show at Bau Gallery; and Slippage as Form, works by Edwin Torres in the storefront windows of No.3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works.

It’s Second Saturday, when in the Before Times, Beacon would throw a big party with lots of art and wine and snacks. It was really fun. But it’s been a few months since in-person things mostly closed down (thanks, corona) and we’ve focused on online exhibitions, social justice/protest art, and taking care of the general health of those close to us.

So, to be honest, the seven in-person exhibitions this week caught us at A Little Beacon Blog a little off guard. Some shows are windows-based (Mother Gallery, No.3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works); others are indoors, with strict plans and rules on capacity (Parts & Labor, Clutter, Bau, Howland Cultural Center, RiverWinds Gallery). The shows do look pretty neat, but if you plan to keep staying home (the forecast isn’t great), local galleries are offering lots of digital alternatives to explore. We've got it all covered in Beacon’s most comprehensive Art Gallery Guide.

This month’s Second Saturday Art Gallery Guide is sponsored by No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works, at 469 Main Street, down toward the east end of Main Street, where you’ll find not just rotating exhibits, but cool collections of handmade books that the public is encouraged to peruse. Owner Paulette Myers-Rich has found new veins of creativity, coming up with ways to engage readers and consumers of art via her storefront windows.

While you're out and about doing Second Saturday, stop by our sponsors and support the businesses who support us! You too can become a sponsor at any time.

Itching For Second Saturday - Happening This Weekend: 7/10/2020

We know...We know...you want your Second Saturday experience, and you want it now. So do the artists! They want to reach you. But we're still in Pandemic Land, so artists are getting creative. A Little Beacon Blog's Second Saturday Editor, Catherine Sweet has hunted around, and found a new window display from the ever-so-careful No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works, who's literary and artistic experience usually invite touch or closeness with paper. This exhibit features a Beacon artist, Edwin Torres. Learn all about it here. Phase 4 has brought back the arts with restrictions.  Museums are opening and galleries are slowly opening up on Main Street.  We have a few openings this weekend - in person, online, and even art show window displays.  CLUTTER 163 Main Street Clutter Gallery is excited to present Silent Killer, a Mr. KumKum solo show. Says Clutter: "This event marks Mr KumKum's first US solo show!! Comprised of five micro runs of hand-painted masterpieces, the selection includes pop culture icons, a snake in disguise, explosives, insects and more!" Clutter's Social Distancing Guidelines: "Due to the ongoing coronavirus situation we will only be allowing in ten guests at a time. NO ONE will be admitted without a mask, so please make sure you are prepared. We ask that everyone observe social distancing rules both inside and outside the gallery." ARTIST STANLEY LINDWASSER HAS PASSED You last saw one of Stanley's exhibits at Oak Vino. But you may have seen Stanley himself walking up and down Main Street, as he often did with his little dog. Recently, he would have had his oxygen attached to him to help him make it through the walk. In May, Stanley has passed away from pulmonary fibrosis. Details > MOTHER GALLERY 1154 North Avenue Chie Fueki's "Mother Altar" in "2 Art Gallery Shows To Explore From Home" is on view through the summer by appointment only. Details > No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Book Works is a Sponsor of the Second Saturday Guide. Should you wish to sponsor, which helps us produce this, please see here. 2020 Members Art Show and Sale Day: Saturday, July 11, 2020 Time: 1-5pm Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main Street, Beacon, NY Featuring the works of the Howland Center’s Members Artists. Sale last through August 30th. Social Distancing Specifications: masks must be worn, social distance must be maintained, hand sanitizer provided, only 10 people permitted at a time. Concert: Annalyse & Ryan Day: Monday, July 13, 2020 Time: 8pm Location: Streaming on Facebook Streaming live from The Howland Cultural Center on Facebook. Information > Field + Supply Virtual Market Day: Thursday-Sunday, July 16-19, 2020 Location: https://fieldandsupply.com Field + Supply announced the launch of the first-ever Field + Supply Virtual MRKT—a completely interactive experience and digital marketplace with a four-day event that celebrates the art of fine craftsmanship via live demonstrations, interactive programming and an e-commerce marketplace.  Information > Beacon4Black Lives Protest (Beacon) Day: Sunday, July 12th Time: 5:30pm Meet at Polhill Park (the corner of Main Street and South Avenue). Usually these peaceful protests end in a story and speech session involving poetry, experience sharing, and other learning opportunities. Often, this protest is a platform for bringing awareness local issues, such as the new jail build, or racial issues in other cities. Wear your mask and socially distance for the march, as well as at the destination. Details (and other protests scheduled around the Hudson Valley) > Black Lives Matter Protest (Newburgh) Day: Monday, July 13th Time: 5:30pm From the organizers, some of whom include Ali T. Muhammad, a former City Council member for Beacon: "Stand with us as we work to put an end to police brutality. We will march to City Hall and have an open mic, pray, and more." Details (and other protests scheduled around the Hudson Valley) > Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week!   Visit A Little Beacon Blog's Restaurant Guide for updates on who is open and delivering! EAT CHURCH Back by popular demand at Eat Church! They are running the following special this weekend: “KFC! Korean Fried Chicken” Double Fried Chicken Gings Gouchujang $11 Order Online > Eat Church is a ALBB Sponsor! BAJA 328 The weather may be uncertain this weekend but there's one thing we know is a constant - tacos and tequila is always a good combination to have. Only serving the finest 100% BLUE AGAVE Tequila! Make your reservation online now!  Baja 328 is a ALBB Sponsor! BARB'S BUTCHERY Who's ready for some merguez sausages? Pick up some links at Barb's Butchery while they last. Barb's is a nose-to-tail butcher shop sourcing meats from small farms in the Hudson Valley. Remember to wear your mask when you stop by and customers are limited 3 at a time.  Information >   LUXE OPTIQUE Luxe Optique is hosting an exclusive viewing of the Jacques Marie Mage collection THIS Saturday from 12-6pm. See every frame from the limited-edition Jacques Marie Mage collection and experience a personal consultation from our Jacques Marie Mage expert to help choose your next look from this handmade collection. Bring a friend and join us for hors d'oeuvres, refreshments and an exclusive look at this rare, collectible line.RSVP to receive $60 towards a Jacques Marie Mage frame during the event! Please RSVP for this event to keep to capacity. All guests must abide by the NYS mask requirements. Information > Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!   BINNACLE BOOKS Have you ever just sat right down on the floor in front of the graphic novels and comics section at Binnacle Books? It’s a small section but there’s nothing here that isn’t worth reading! Make an appointment to come visit, Thursday through Monday 12-6pm.  Sit on the floor in front of whatever shelf you want! 🤓 You can also still order books online at Binnacle Books. Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! LUCKY THIRTY ONE You may have been stuck at home for a few months now, it may be time for some new loungewear.  Check out this Jogger & Shorts collection available at Lucky Thirty One.  Throw on a pair, cozy up, or do your errands, whatever you gotta do, just be comfortable doing it. You can also check out their latest lewks on their Instagram @luckythirtyone.  BLACKBIRD ATTIC Just because they're essential items, doesn't mean they can't still be cute or maybe a little bit indulgent to enjoy.  Add to your mask collection and try some handmade soap available at Blackbird Attic. Their doors are open!  View more upcoming classes for in the Adult Classes Guide and Kids Classes Guide. Yoga at Long Dock Returns With beBhakti Yoga Day: Wednesdays Time: 5pm & 6:30pm Location: Long Dock Park, Beacon, NY Must sign up on MindBody. Space is limited. You must wear a mask at all times when not on your mat and be prepared to adhere to all safety protocol. These classes are capped at 10 people max and will take place in the meadow on the new north side of the park.   Information > ANTALEK & MOORE Antalek and Moore Insurance Agency is always preparing! This time, as the tropical storm hangs in the sky, the insurance agents have a few summer storm reminders for you. Lightening, micro-bursts, high winds, these are all common in the Hudson Valley and can wreak havoc on your otherwise normal day. Time to stock up on fresh batteries for the flashlights! Antalek and Moore has other tips and a checklist for you here. Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you! TIN SHINGLE Tin Shingle is a resource and empowerment platform for business owners, artists and makers to get the word out about their business. This is done through webinars (called "TuneUps") to be watched on replay any time; an online safe-space forum to ask questions and get answers and support; and in-person opportunities to bounce ideas off experts in a live video format. Learn More > KATIE JAMES, INC. Couture branding boutique, Katie James, Inc. has started the redesign of the website for Barb's Butchery. She has outgrown her current one, and wants to be able to work the website herself more. Using Squarespace, elements of ecommerce and blogging are going to be used to sell her new candles and merch, as well as upload videos of her viral TikTok videos. Keep your eyes here. Reach out if you need a new website too! Consulting also available if you're going it yourself. Learn More >

SIGN UP FOR THIS NEWSLETTER

No. 3 Reading Room and Photo Books Works Creates Window Display For Second Saturday Exhibit

No.3 Reading Room & Photo Book Works
469 Main St., Beacon, NY
July 7 – September 10, 2020

Message From Paulette Myers-Rich, co-owner of No.3 Reading Room & Photo Book Works:

Despite the phased reopening of businesses in New York, No.3 Reading Room & Photo Book Works will remain closed for the time being. But as it’s summer, with many folks out-and-about, Beacon’s Main Street is coming back to life at last, so I felt it was time to reactivate the reading room by installing the visual poetry of Edwin Torres in the storefront’s windows as 17×22″ archival pigment prints.

I’ve admired and followed Edwin’s work for many years and had scheduled an exhibit of his work for earlier in spring, but like many things, this had to be postponed. However, the storefront windows are a perfect place to present these dynamic poems that Edwin calls “Slippages” which are the visual corollaries to his spoken word poetry that employs sound and vocalizing as much as meaning and language. Edwin’s performative work as a poet from the Nuyorican diaspora, accompanied by his visual graphic work within the tradition of Concrete Poetry and Asemic Writing, situates Edwin in a rare and remarkable place. He excels in both forms, flowing from one to the other, cross-referencing the literal, the aural and the visual. These are not separate bodies of work, but a hybridity of forms in an ongoing dialogue that results in new possibilities for insight. Of his visual poetry, Edwin writes:

These pieces are about the dynamics of human connection, using the alphabet as a form for making new realms. I’m interested in our seventh sense; consciousness, connected to the etheric body, that subtle body hovering over the physical body—the slippage between realms as a form for language—the spaces between the immediate and the known, a negative/positive dynamic that sets root in language.

What happens to how we talk with each other, as we enter the world we inhabit—our perceived form? Can we look at the world we’ve made for ourselves and notice the slippage between the senses—our seeing-hearing-talking voice? Where, in there, can we discover our basic survival skills; how to be, how to learn, how we’re doing?

By stripping away imagery to its core reception, dynamic landscapes of space and volume are offered as totems of incomplete mobility, etheric possibility—no answers here, no stopping. In using the graphic shapes of the marks we grew up with, of gestures we’ve embodied, can the alphabet we know evoke new talking, in ways beyond the poem, beyond the visual? Or maybe we need to understand each other first, before something new can start?

All images are available for purchase as archival pigment prints.
Please contact photobookworks@gmail for further information.



About the Artist:

Edwin Torres is the author of nine books of poetry including, XoeteoX: the infinite word object (Wave Books), Ameriscopia (University of Arizona Press), The PoPedology of an Ambient Language (Atelos Books), and is editor of the inter-genre anthology, The Body In Language: An Anthology (Counterpath Press). Anthologies where his work appears include, Fractured Ecologies, Who Will Speak For America, American Poets In The 21st Century: Poetics Of Social Engagement, In/Filtration: A Hudson Valley Salt Line, Postmodern American Poetry Vol. 2, Kindergarde: Avant Garde Poems For Children, and Aloud: Voices From The Nuyorican Poets Café.

Edwin is a lingualisualist; rooted in sight and sound, and has performed his multi-disciplinary bodylingopoetics worldwide. Fellowships include, NYFA, PEN America, The Foundation for Contemporary Art, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, and The DIA Arts Foundation. He has exhibited his visual text at Chicago’s Center For Book Arts, in an exhibition entitled “Poesis: A Visual Language,” and was part of The Drawing Center’s “Open Studios” residency in NYC, where he first developed his slippage forms.

He has created/destructed/emerged with a wide range of collaborators, including locally as Sowndhauz, an electro-lingo duo with Matt Harle on sownd. Edwin has always explored the boundaries of form and presentation, of his work, Eleni Sikelianos says, “There are experimental poets, Torres may be the experiment.”

This summer, Edwin is giving a virtual workshop through The Liminal Lab entitled, “Feel Recordings: Hearing The Voice Of The Body.”

To order books by Edwin Torres, visit Small Press Distribution:


Edwin Torres is a resident of Beacon, NY and his bio can be viewed here.

How Sales Tax In Beacon Is Collected - By Dutchess County - And Redistributed

As business in Beacon began to increase years ago, with commercial rents and home prices inching up, A Little Beacon Blog grew curious about the sales tax, and if Beacon was benefiting from any increased sales tax. Furthermore, we wondered, how Beacon was benefiting tax-wise from the growing short term rental market from website platforms like Airbnb.

Nick Page, a local resident and Dutchess County Legislator, as well as managerial worker for his family’s commercial and residential property development company, Hudson Todd, LLC, in Beacon, was wondering the same thing. He embarked on a search, and A Little Beacon Blog brought on research assistant Yvonne DeMoss to pursue finding the total sales tax generated for Beacon. Despite following up with numerous offices, we were unable to find the sales tax number. Instead, we are publishing what we have found so far that helps clarify how Beacon earns back the sales tax generated here.

“Surrendering Of Rights Of Preemption With Respect To Sales And Use Tax As A Source Of Revenue”

Decades ago, Beacon, Poughkeepsie, and some other surrounding municipalities, agreed to surrender all sales tax generated in their communities to Dutchess County to manage. Dutchess County is then contracted to pay out a fixed sum from that collection of money, negotiated over the years through different contracts and mayors, back to the municipalities. You can see the contract originally signed between Dutchess County and Beacon (as well as other municipalities) here that started as far back as 1989 and was renewed in 2013 to go through 2022.

How Much Sales Tax Is Generated In Beacon?

When A Little Beacon Blog started this research project last year, we were looking for the total number of sales tax dollars generated in Beacon, so that we could see if the number was going up or down. Instead, we learned that Dutchess County pays Beacon a fixed sum over a scheduled period of time. Once we learned of the flat rate Beacon was paid by Dutchess County, we wanted to see if Beacon was getting a good deal or not, since the flat rate is one that is negotiated. In June 2019, we reached out to Beacon’s City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero, to see if he knew Beacon’s sales tax total generated in Beacon, as compared with the flat rate Beacon receives, but he did not: “I am sorry, I would not have that information. We believe it is a pretty good deal.”

When A Little Beacon Blog inquired with then Mayor Randy Casale about it also in June 2019, he stated: “I’ve been looking for the number for 4 years!” Randy did indicate that by having a flat rate that does not change, it could put Beacon in a good position of guaranteed income, should it face a slump or dark period as is has before. This makes the annual budget more predictable. New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said after issuing a sales tax performance report in 2018: “As history has proven, sales tax can be an unpredictable revenue source for our local governments.”

We have confirmed that the Department of Taxation collects the amount of sales tax generated in Beacon, but will not release it, stating that tallying a total dollar figure would be difficult, as online sales gets tricky when items are purchased from a store and shipped out of state.

Jeff McLauchlin, Senior Administrative Analyst for the New York Department of Taxation, explained it this way: “Sales tax vendors collect the tax and remit it to the State Department of Taxation and Finance and the department distributes the revenue. Sales tax in New York is a destination based. One quick example: A business in Beacon sells to a customer online who lives in Saratoga. The sales tax rate is that for Saratoga and the return filed by the business should reflect the breakdown of sales to different jurisdictions properly. Purchasers who aren’t charged the correct rate or no tax at all are still responsible for paying the sales tax.” Saratoga County also collects sales tax for municipalities, but Saratoga City, a tourist destination, collects its own separately. A finance transparency tool can be found here.

Dutchess County Legislature Nick Page submitted a FOIL to the Department of Taxation and Finance in July 2019 in order to get clear numbers, and was told that the answer would take time to process, might be completed in August 2019, would have a fee for printing pages, and was not guaranteed to be approved.

The New York State Comptrollers office also states that they are not apprised of what the incoming dollar figure is, but does track the total amount for payments paid out (aka “distributions) by Dutchess County to each participating municipality. The State Comptroller’s response in May 2019 by way of Katelyn Israelski, with the Office of State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, was: “Our Local Government and School Accountability division has informed me that OSC doesn't typically monitor monthly or quarterly sales tax distributions by counties, but that data is reported annually by both the county and those local governments receiving funds.”

Katelyn then attached the historical data that they have available for Beacon for Sales Tax Revenue Distributions from Dutchess County. “Unfortunately,” she continued, “we do not have data on the sales tax generated, for which NYS Dept. of Tax and Finance is the primary source.”

The fixed dollar amount that Beacon receives from Dutchess County is as follows, as per the most recent contract through 2022:

The County shall distribute to the Cities of Poughkeepsie and Beacon, collectively, a fixed amount of money from the $25 million dollars referred to in Paragraph 2 above pursuant to Section 1262(c) of the Tax Law. The City of Poughkeepsie shall receive $9,566,212 and the City of Beacon shall receive $4,158,686 subject to the provisions of paragraph 6 below.

Beginning in 2014 and continuing through 2022 the County shall make 21 equal payments of $198,032.66 to Beacon and $455,533,90 to Poughkeepsie with such payments to be made between February 1st and December 31st of each year. Such payments by the County shall be made directly to the Cities on the next business day after receipt of the County's share of the sales tax proceeds from the State Commissioner, by wire to a designated account or by check of the County Commissioner of Finance, at the option of each City.

Beacon will not exercise its right of preemption to impose a local Sales and Use Tax pursuant to Article 29 of the Tax Law of the State of New York to be effective for each year of the term of this agreement as long as the County's Sales and Use Tax remains at no less than 3.75%.

What About Airbnb Tax Revenue?

In terms of taxes collected from Airbnb renters, of which there is a healthy market in Beacon, which was just legalized in June of 2020, Dutchess County again receives the revenue from that tax, known as the Hotel Tax, or in some cases, Bed Tax or Occupancy Tax. Says County Legislature Nick Page: “Airbnb began collecting 4% Bed Tax from Hosts using the Airbnb platform on March 1, 2017. Airbnb remits one payment to the County by the 20th of each month for the preceding month’s activity. The County received $221,918 from Airbnb in 2017. The payments are not broken down by municipality and the County does not have access to the addresses from Airbnb.”

It is unclear at this time if Dutchess County sends a payment to Beacon for a portion of the bookings made in Beacon. According to James Gazzale of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, the collection and tracking of the Hotel Tax resides with the county: “This is strictly a local county issue. It’s separate from our regular sales tax. The state authorizes this hotel tax, but the county imposes, administers and collects it. Your best bet is to reach out to the local county Commissioner of Finance.”

Onward! Consider this story ongoing as we learn more about taxes and where they go.

Dutchess County Projects $20-$50 Million Revenue Decline - 41% Comes From Sales Tax - Of Which Beacon Pays In

County Executive Marcus Molinaro released 2020 projections for a severe decrease in revenue to Dutchess County due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the release, it “includes a projected sales tax revenue decline of $20-50 million in 2020. Sales tax accounts for 41% of the County’s 2020 budget,” County Executive Molinaro said during his June 10, 2020 online Town Hall. The City of Beacon and other municipalities like Poughkeepsie pay into Dutchess County’s sales tax collection. Beacon does not keep the sales tax generated here, and is instead paid out a distribution of a fixed, negotiated amount from the cumulative sales tax collected across municipalities each year. A Little Beacon Blog conducted research into this, and reported on it here.

According to Molinaro’s statement, 3 of the sales tax payments Dutchess County has received from New York State in 2020, reflecting sales tax revenues since March 1st, have been lower than 2019. You can read about where which municipalities Dutchess County collects sales tax from in New York State, which include Beacon, Poughkeepsie and smaller surrounding municipalities.

Molinaro went on to describe a furlough program for Dutchess County employees: “In the wake of a projected $40-80 million revenue loss, Dutchess County Government has offered its workforce a voluntary furlough program, which 66 employees across various departments have volunteered for, and implemented freezes on hiring and non-essential spending. Funding from New York State accounts for 16% of Dutchess County’s annual budget and Governor Andrew Cuomo has suggested the pandemic may result in as much as a 20% cut in state aid to local counties, resulting in a projected loss of $15-20 million to Dutchess County. County Executive Molinaro continues to advocate for state and federal aid for counties like Dutchess to avoid being forced to eliminate critical services and programs.”

Beacon Appoints Acting Chief Of Police, Bill Cornett For 90 Days; Beacon PBA Representative Responds, Mayor Gives His Reasons

After Beacon’s Police Chief and Captain each gave their 30 days notice of entering retirement, which commenced on July 7, 2020, the City of Beacon has been seeking a new Police Chief. Mayor Lee Kyriacou announced at this week’s City Council 7/6/2020 meeting that they have found a temporary, “Acting” Police Chief for no more than 90 days, who has come out of retirement to serve. Bill Cornett has accepted the position, and is no stranger to Beacon. He lives in Beacon, and served on the force during Beacon’s darker period of excessive overtime, leadership change, and the Department of Justice investigation.

Before the appointment, a member of the public called in during the Public Comment portion of the meeting to say that he wished for a pause in order for a thoughtful appointment to occur. Council person Dan Aymar-Blair asked for a hiring freeze. Mayor Kyriacou presented the appointment with the following logic:

“Civil Service Law requires that we have ay chief for any police force greater than 4 people. There was an earlier discussion...We went down the initial path that we would have an Acting Police Chief from within the department, and we made a decision after examining that, that we should not do so. What we're doing here is making it very clear here that we are not advantaging anyone in this process, we are not pre-disposing anyone in any direction in this process. What we are trying to do is to have someone fill the spot on a purely temporary basis, not a permanent one, and it be an acting position for up to but not more than 90 days. In doing so, we will enable an open and deliberate process to find the full chief. So view this as the first step in the process. Finding the chief will be a longer process.”

Civil Service Requirements As They Pertain To Hiring Service Employees

The new Acting Police Chief worked for the City of Beacon during a major time of transition. The 2002-2007 period was an exceptionally difficult time in the City, where Mayor Kyriacou was challenging the expenditures of overtime, which led to a number of leadership issues within the police department, which lead to multiple lawsuits, both internal and external. This eventually led to a request by the City of Beacon to the Department of Justice to investigate the Beacon Police Department, which resulted in some reforms, ending in 2010.

During that period of time, Bill Cornett was the Senior Lieutenant. Said Mayor Kyriacou during the City Council meeting the night of the appointment: “Of anyone in the department during that period that I trusted, that provided me straight answers that was by the book, it was [then] Lieutenant Bill Cornett. Bill was one of the few people in the department during that period to have a college education. He is a Fordum Grad with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and a Minor in Philosophy and Theology. I think it served him exceptionally well. Again, I trust Bill with my life. He was instrumental in helping the process of going from what I would describe as an Old Boys Department to the professionalization of our police force.

”We had to change our leadership. We demoted a Chief to Lieutenant; we were sued multiple times; I was targeted; I was investigated. I had all sorts of interesting things occur. During all that time, the person that I trusted and always gave me straight answers was Bill Cornett. During that time, the City discovered that Bill was Acting Chief at times, which means that under Civil Service, he is capable of taking the position [today].”

Bill responded to the appointment with the following: "I look forward to serving the city, and I am also looking forward to returning to retirement. Yes, the 90 days is a good time." The City of Beacon’s press release on the announcement stated that Bill has not interested in the permanent position. Bill is quoted in the press release: “If I can help my community during a difficult transition, I stand ready to serve.”

A Representative From Teamsters Local 445 Representing Beacon’s PBA Responds

Later in the meeting during the 2nd Public Comment period, Mike Pitt, the Business Agent for the Teamsters Local 445 which represents the City of Beacon’s PBA (Police Benevolent Association, the police union) called in to voice his opinion. Mike expressed concern with the Civil Service requirements, with regards to Mike thinking that retired police officers lose their certification after 4 years of not working as a police officer. “I’m interested in seeing how this is possible,” Mike stated.

Mike continued by encouraging the route of hiring from within, and issued the following statement: “The Mayor continues to say that it is “Acting Police Chief” and totally disregarding the promotion or acting part of someone who is already in a command position in the police department, who can make the transition a lot smoother until you actually make an appointment of a police chief, after a thorough search.

“To get certified in a police department as “accredited” is a huge accomplishment for a police department. To get that, the City of Beacon showed that the administration did their job. That means the police officers did their job. It shows that the men and women there have followed the regulations, followed the rules, and the state saw that.

“It’s something that you need to take into consideration. You’re bringing in someone who hasn’t worked in 18 years. He’s not today’s world of police work, where you guys are trying to disarm police going to calls. I don’t understand that. I don’t think anybody in the union does. I look forward to hearing that point. You’re saying that it’s not appropriate for somebody to get put in this position who is in the command position now in the City of Beacon Police Department. I think the men and women deserve better. We’re going to follow this closely. We hope that you make the right decision moving forward.”

The Mayor responded that he had been advised by council and Civil Service that the Ts were crossed and Is were dotted. Bill rose his hand to speak: “Good evening!” he said, and alluded to work he had done recently with local organizations. “It’s nice to be back! Even if I am one of the dinosaurs.”

A Little Beacon Blog pursued the legalese of the crossed Ts and dotted Is, and received this response from the City of Beacon’s attorney:

“The appointment of the Chief of Police, be it temporary or permanent, is not subject to any Union rules. The Chief of Police is not a member of the Beacon PBA. The Chief of Police’s position is outside the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City and the Beacon PBA and therefore not subject to any limitations, other than those promulgated by New York State and Dutchess County Civil Service Department Rules and Regulations. The temporary appointment of William Cornett to Acting Chief of Police is consistent with the requirements of Civil Service Law for the position of Chief of Police, which is Five (5) years of permanent competitive status as a Police Lieutenant or seven (7) years of permanent competitive status as a Police Lieutenant and/or Police Sergeant. William Cornett served as Police Lieutenant in the City of Beacon from 1987 to 2002. Moreover, the expiration of Mr. Cornett’s NYS certification is irrelevant to this appointment. 2003 N.Y. Op. Atty. Gen. (Inf.) 1001 (N.Y.A.G.), 2003 N.Y. Op. Atty. Gen. No. 1, 2003 WL 326937.”

About Bill Cornett

Bill Cornett is a former Beacon Police Department Lieutenant and is a lifelong Beacon resident. According to the City of Beacon’s press release: “During his career in the Beacon Police Department, Bill was FBI certified as an instructor in de-escalation techniques. He initiated the STOP-DWI program, prepared and submitted Uniform Crime Reports to the FBI, oversaw Beacon’s Traffic Division, and served on the Dutchess County Traffic Safety Board. Bill retired from the department in 2002 as senior lieutenant and continues to live in Beacon.”

Stanley Lindwasser, Artist Who Lived In Beacon, Has Died At Age 73

Stanley Lindwasser

February 17, 1947-May 3, 2020
This obituary was written by Helen Crohn, Stanley’s wife.

Stanley (Stan) Lindwasser, a resident of Beacon for 4 years, died on May 3, 2020, in his home in Beacon, N.Y., of pulmonary fibrosis, with his wife and children nearby.

Stan was an extremely prolific painter for over 50 years; his last solo show was at Oak Vino in Beacon in 2019. His works, both large and small, were painted with acrylics on canvas. These works evoked in the viewer landscapes, sky, water, rocks, and mountains. He also showed locally with BeaconArts, and at the Rhinebeck Bank. Previously he exhibited at the Barrett Art Center and in SoHo, as well as Manhattan galleries and in New Jersey. Stan’s Artist Statement and career history are available at his website.

Stanley Lindwasser pictured in his artist studio, in preparation for Beacon Open Studios, 2019.
Photo Credit: Stanley Lindwasser

A native of Brooklyn, Stan lived there and in Forest Hills, N.Y., and Hoboken, N.J., until coming to the Hudson Valley with his wife, Helen Crohn. He loved the sunsets over the Hudson, the rock formations and the mountains surrounding the town, and used them for inspiration for his work and his peaceful surroundings. He loved collecting books and art objects from his travels.

Stan always said he wanted to continue painting as long as he was capable; he produced his last works in April 2020. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Aliza Benson, Jacob Lindwasser and Mike Lindwasser, and three grandchildren, Daniel, Joshua and Eden.

Editor’s Note

A personal note to Stanley’s obituary: I (Katie) first met Stanley when he walked into my office, formerly in the Telephone Building on Main Street, when it was under previous ownership. Stan was always so curious, and as he was out walking his dog, he came into the office to learn what it was all about.

Turns out, as a painter, he needed his website finished, and we do that at A Little Beacon Blog through the parent company, Katie James, Inc. I was given the pleasure of getting to know Stan and his wife Helen better through our client interactions. Helen, his biggest fan and manager, plugged him into Beacon with a feature in the Highlands Current, and the show at Oak Vino. When Stan’s artwork was on the walls there, it was one of the most warmly received exhibits.

Stan had a curious heart, and was always delighted by color, texture, people and opportunities. His painting started when he was a child, when he first dabbled in finger painting. I will miss him very much.

View fullsize

View fullsize

The above paintings are selections of the many canvases completed by Stanley Lindwasser. View them all at his website.

Local Fitness Facilities Come Together To Speak Out Against Phase 4 Mandate

Editor’s Note: Marilyn Perez is a Yoga Instructor at Firefly Yoga in Fishkill, NY

Pictured: The Studio @ Beacon, Beacon Pilates, Firefly Yoga

Two weeks ago, local fitness studios and gyms in our region were preparing their businesses, staff, and its members to reopen Tuesday, July 7th as we enter Phase 4. Five New York regions - Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, and Southern Tier, entered Phase 4 on Friday, June 26th. As first reported by Times Union, a conference call was held with local leaders that Tuesday afternoon with New York's budget leader, Robert F. Mujica Jr. where he informed them that gyms, fitness centers, malls, shopping centers and movie theaters were no longer a part of Phase 4’s reopening plan - three days before those regions were set to reopen.

What Does Phase 4 Look Like Now?

As the mid-Hudson region enters Phase 4 today, Phase 4 now allows low-risk indoor and outdoor arts and entertainment, film and TV production, higher education and professional sports without fans. Phase 4 also includes groups of up to 50 can gather in Phase 4 and places of worship can allow up to 33 percent capacity, up from 25 percent, although a Federal Judge ruled on Friday that New York cannot limit religious gathering attendance if BLM protests are still allowed.

This change in the policy left many health & fitness business owners in our area feeling like the rug was pulled underneath them. Businesses were working with the state’s NY Forward website for Sports and Recreation guidelines to establish what their new protocols were going to be like. The sudden change seemed abrupt and did not provide additional information on what these businesses can expect next. Will there be a Phase 5? Will there be a change in the Sports and Recreation guidelines?

Petitions, Speaking Out, and Taking Action

County Executive Marc Molinaro and Senator Sue Serino have spoken out against the change, agreeing that it left businesses feeling blindsided. Serino has stated “I stand in support of the countless Hudson Valley employers and employees who are on the brink of financial ruin in calling on the state to allow these businesses to reopen as planned…when asked to step up and stay home, New Yorkers kept their promise. Now, it’s far past time for the state to keep its own promise by allowing these businesses to safely open as originally scheduled.”

Molinaro shared in a Facebook comment “I don’t think it’s unfair to expect the data and science associated with a decision that was unexpected and exactly contrary to what they had been advising even the day before - especially when it contradicts the “science” of opening higher risk businesses… I respect everyone is concerned and frustrated - regardless of viewpoint. Our job is to attempt to navigate it all for those we serve.”

Serino created a petition urging the state to allow these businesses to open as originally scheduled. This petition is in addition to the several petitions created on Change.org requesting New York to reopen its gyms. All citing how these facilities serve as a necessity for people dealing with physical conditions, mental illness, depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, stress, loss of energy and more.

Separating Fitness Boutiques From Gyms

Smaller, specialized studios that cater to specific workouts like Pilates, Crossfit, Spin, and Yoga are better equipped to control attendance than most businesses. Larger gyms have general open hours and equipment for members to enter throughout the day. Smaller studios are based on scheduled classes, session times, and usually limited to one room. Limiting amount of clients, enforcing face masks, pre-registration, and wellness check-ins are just a few of the many new regulations that will be enforced.

Since March, gyms have had to freeze or cancel memberships altogether while landlords continued to charge full rent for a space that is not being used. Two local yoga studios have closed their doors - Namastesis in Fishkill and Pavonnine Yoga in Beacon. While gyms are doing what they can to keep members engaged with Zoom and outdoor classes, membership numbers are not what they were. The only way to keep afloat is to get people through the door, even with restrictions. Facilities like All Sport Health & Fitness, Firefly Yoga, The Studio @ Beacon, and Orca Empire Fitness have shared on their social media and/or newsletters what they are doing to adhere to CDC guidelines.

What’s Next?

In light of this, the New York State Fitness Alliance was created for owners of Gyms, Studios, and Fitness centers of all types and sizes throughout the State to come together for the purposes of developing a plan to safely reopen. New York State Fitness Alliance (NYSFA) worked together with fitness centers and studio owners to create a plan to reopen safely. This plan has been presented to the Governor’s office, Regional Control room officials, State Legislators and County Executive’s.

iHRSA, a global community of health and fitness professionals committed to the growth, protection, and promotion of the health and fitness industry - has been in talks with members of Governor Cuomo's reopening team and has provided additional data supporting the ability of clubs to operate safely in the new COVID environment. They also cite research from this study that has shown “low possibility of coronavirus transmission in fitness facilities implementing social distancing and other safety measures.”

During his daily briefings, Governor Cuomo has expressed concern over the air quality in indoor spaces and have called out shopping malls specifically to incorporate air filtration systems that can filter out the COVID-19 virus. “There are HEPA filters, which are high-efficiency particle air filters, that can actually filter out the COVID virus,” Cuomo said on Monday during a COVID-19 briefing. "The COVID virus is .1 microns. There are HEPA filters that can filter out .01." In the meantime, essential businesses have been open, and businesses have been reopening throughout Phases 1-3. This leaves smaller studios questioning if this also applies to them? They’re still waiting for answers and guidance.

The Back Together Guide - 7/3/2020

You still have many choices of things to do this weekend, even though, fireworks in Beacon have been postponed this year.  Below in our Events listings are three alternative locations you can watch fireworks from this year. You can read more about it in this article.  Have you seen an increase in chalk-art today? Look for more this weekend. Moraya Seeger DaGeare, the granddaughter of Pete Seeger, is spearheading a city-wide protest project - "To My Old Racist Earth," inviting residents and local businesses to action again social injustice through street art. Whether it's chalk art, signs, posters, murals, the weather this weekend should be dry. Get the full scoop about Moraya and #ToMyOldRacistEarth in this article. “To My Old Racist Earth Art” Project Day: Friday, July 3, 2020 and into the weekend (and beyond?) Time: All Day Location: Your sidewalk, Beacon, NY Organized by the granddaughter of Pete Seeger, on July 3rd (hopefully not a rainy day) we will take to the streets, driveways, sidewalks and parking lots, to draw art that highlights marginalized groups. The name of this project is a play on the title of the Pete Seeger song, “To My Old Brown Earth." It can be chalk art, or you can paint your own signs and put them in your yards, front doors, and windows. This can mean #BlackLivesMatter-inspired art. It can also mean anything that speaks to the corrupt system we are breaking down. Here is a great example from The Studio @ Beacon.  Information > East Fishkill Fireworks  Day: Friday, July 3, 2020 Time: 7pm Location: 392 Route 376, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 A concert will take place at Hopewell Recreation Park Pavilion featuring Andy & the Newhearts at 7pm and fireworks 9:15pm. Information >   Protest In Black: A March For Our Freedom Day: Saturday, July 4, 2020 Time: 4pm Location: Polhill Park, Main St & South Ave, Beacon, NY "If the BIPOC in the community don’t feel safe, then none of us are truly free. March with your BIPOC brothers and sisters in solidarity. Wear mask, social distance, bring signs." -  Organizers of this protest   Town of Wappingers Fireworks Day: Saturday, July 4, 2020 Time: 9:30pm Location: Dutchess Stadium, 1500 Route 9D, Wappinger Falls, NY Gates will open to vehicles at 7:30PM but parking is limited. Information > Rhinebeck Fireworks Day: Saturday, July 4, 2020 Time: 9:30pm Location: Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6636 Route 9, Rhinebeck, NY Gates will open to vehicles at 7:30PM but parking is limited. Information > Mayor Lee Kyriacou To Walk Main Street Day: Saturday, July 4, 2020 Time: 10:30am Location: Main Street, Beacon In support of retail shops and restaurants, Mayor Lee Kyriacou will walk Main Street on Saturday to patronize and talk to businesses, as well as promote the launch of the City's new poster. Information > New Priorities for Dutchess Silent Protest Re Vote To Build New Jail Day: Thursday, July 9, 2020 Time: 4-5:30pm Location: Dutchess County Office Building, 22 Market St, Poughkeepsie, NY "Despite a financial crisis and looming layoffs caused by COVID, Dutchess County is slated to begin construction of a new $200 million jail. The county legislature will vote July 9 at 5:30 pm on whether to move forward with the project. Join the community in a silent protest outside the County Office Building. 200 participants will stand (6' distant) in a line down Market St. holding million-dollar signs, while others bring signs expressing alternative budget priorities. Please bring a mask and a friend!" - Organizers of this protest Information > Check our Calendar and Events Guide regularly for upcoming events throughout the week!   Visit A Little Beacon Blog's Restaurant Guide for updates on who is open and delivering! EAT CHURCH Only a few more hours to grab a bite to at Eat Church. They close tonight (Friday) at 8pm so that they too can enjoy the holiday weekend. Thur & Fri: 12pm-8pm Sat & Sun: Closed Order Now > Eat Church is a ALBB Sponsor! BAJA 328 Closed for the 4th, BAJA will open back up for Sunday Funday. Try their Baja Paella!  They open at noon and have a full menu. First come, first served. There is a 90 minute limit per table for guest to give them plenty of time to enjoy their meal.  Baja 328 is a ALBB Sponsor!   DENNING'S POINT DISTILLERY "Denning's Point Distillery is back open for tastings! We've got indoor and (some) outdoor seating! Social distanced! An abundance of hand sanitizer! Disposable cups & straws! (Masks required when up and about our space plz)." - Dennings Point. (can you tell they are excited? With all of the !!!?) Hours are Friday and Saturday, 2-8pm. Sundays 2-6pm. Information >   LUXE OPTIQUE Luxe Optique is hiring! The owners of Luxe Optique own their building with 4 apartments above the storefront. These have been redesigned and include washers/dryers for the short term rental market (like Airbnb). The apartments will rent for: $250 night/weekend Friday night and Saturday night. $200 night/week Sunday night - Thursday night. Private Airbnb Manager: Luxe's manager of the short term rentals will be responsible for all 4 apartments. The doors are locked with a code for private entry for a guest. Manager will hire cleaners after each rental, and inspect and replenish supplies. Manager will liaison with guests to resolve any issues and communicate with Airbnb customer support. The manager will manage the listing calendar as needed. Rate: 10% of the rental fee per unit. Cleaner Of Airbnb Apartments: There are 4 apartments to clean after guests leave. Some guests will stay a number of nights, and that arrangement will be worked out as for cleaning. Cleaner will liaison with the Manager. Luxe Optique is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you!   BINNACLE BOOKS Find some fun reads for your kids this summer - Seth Fishman, Isabel Greenberg, “The Ocean in Your Bathtub” is a fun read. Fans of Jess Keating's ‘Shark Lady’ and Kate Messner’s ‘The Brilliant Deep’ will be hooked. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children. 🐟🦈🐙 Now available at Binnacle Books. Binnacle Books is a ALBB Sponsor, thank you! RIVERWINDS GALLERY We are loving the black and white design displayed on this collection of decorative pillows available at Riverwinds Gallery.  You can continue to find work from local Hudson Valley artists, from paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, fiber arts and more. Visit their website at riverwindsgallery.com. Their hours are Monday 12-4pm Tuesday and Wednesday CLOSED Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12-5pm BEETLE & FRED With masks being mandated in more parts of the country, here is a friendly reminder that Beetle & Fred's Mask Maker Arsenal deal is still running: 4 1-yard cuts of high quality, 100% cotton, dealer's choice, for $28. If you'd rather make your own selections, there's plenty under $8 in the sale section to choose from. And Beetle & Fred will ship LICKETY-SPLIT. 😁 Oh yeah, they still have elastic, nose wires, bias makers, etc. Visit their website at https://www.beetleandfred.com/ to see their selection. UTENSIL SHOP Who is up for grilling this holiday weekend in their backyard? Make sure you have everything you need. Stop by Utensil where you can find grilling tools and seasonings from @salt_sisters and @foxrunbrands for a great weekend  of #BBQ 🥩🍗🌭🍔🍤 Information > b.HAIR STUDIO Our Managing Editor, Marilyn Perez, recently had her long overdue root touch-up appointment with Bella at b.Hair Studio and it was the first human contact she's had outside of her home in 3 months. Owner Ryan Leoni and his crew are taking proper safety precautions to ensure a safe and clean environment and it shows. The salon is down to three chairs to limit the number of customers, masks worn by everyone at all times, clear vinyl curtains between chairs - Marilyn felt very safe and taken cared for.  View more upcoming classes for in the Adult Classes Guide and Kids Classes Guide.   Howland Public Library Presents Virtual Summer Reading 2020 Days: July 9-August 13, 2020 Location: http://beaconlibraryny12.readsquared.com/ This program is designed for kids age 5 to 12 to encourage life-long reading habits. There are fun missions, secret codes for watching online events, and prizes along the way. You can even write book reviews! Once you've earned enough points you'll receive a completion certificate you can print and share! Information > We recently shared in our newsletter how fitness classes have been taking place outdoors, like in Polhill Park in Beacon. But sometimes a park just isn't available. Once again, here's Marilyn taking Savasana in a parking lot outside of Firefly Yoga in Fishkill.  You can practice outdoor yoga with Firefly Yoga on the following days:  Monday & Friday - 9:30am Saturday & Sunday - 8:30am Saturdays 11am at Twin Star Orchard in New Paltz, NY You must pre-register through the MINDBODY app. ANTALEK & MOORE Antalek and Moore Insurance Agency wants to remind you that while the Fourth of July holiday may look a little different this year, they still wanted to share some tips to keep you safe over the weekend. Tips such as nominating a lifeguard for your pool party, ear plugs for fireworks, keeping your food cool, and more. Read them all on their website. Antalek & Moore is a Sponsor, thank you! TIN SHINGLE Tin Shingle is a resource and empowerment platform for business owners, artists and makers to get the word out about their business. This is done through webinars (called "TuneUps") to be watched on replay any time; an online safe-space forum to ask questions and get answers and support; and in-person opportunities to bounce ideas off experts in a live video format. Learn More > KATIE JAMES, INC. Couture branding boutique, Katie James, Inc. has started the redesign of the website for Barb's Butchery. She has outgrown her current one, and wants to be able to work the website herself more. Using Squarespace, elements of ecommerce and blogging are going to be used to sell her new candles and merch, as well as upload videos of her viral TikTok videos. Keep your eyes here. Reach out if you need a new website too! Consulting also available if you're going it yourself. Learn More >

SIGN UP FOR THIS NEWSLETTER

Beacon Launches New Poster For Reopening (The Partial Reopening); Mayor To Walk Main Street 4th Of July

Poster Design By Randall Martin

Max’s On Main rolled out the green carpet for patrons in their side “parklet.” Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Business and recreational life is all topsy-turvey at moment, but Beacon is making the best of it. During a holiday when business are normally closed on the 4th of July (like last year when it fell on a Thursday) leaving the city as a ghost town, this year, those who can open are thrilled to be open, and are rolling out the green carpet for diners to eat outside in the new “parklets,” which are the parking spots along Main Street outside of participating restaurants (see who is open this weekend - ALBB compiled the list!).

In a firework happy town (yes, people continue to blast off small fireworks from their driveways), there was the year when the fireworks almost didn’t happen because the organizers, the Kiwanis Club of Beacon, disbanded and the baton needed to be found and handed down to business owners who stepped up to the plate to fundraise. Due to COVID-19, fireworks in Memorial Park have been postponed.

Mayor’s Main Street Walk

The City of Beacon issued a press release announcing that Mayor Lee Kyriacou would be walking Main Street on Saturday to visit businesses. “Mayor Lee Kyriacou will walk the length of Beacon’s Main Street on Saturday July 4th. He will visit with business owners and patronize restaurants and stores along the way. The City has been assisting Main Street businesses with the phased reopening process, in particular developing additional safe outdoor space.”

Mayor Kyriacou said: “We’re facilitating the safe reopening of businesses through controlled expansion into targeted outdoor spaces. Our local businesses are the life blood of our Main Street and Beacon’s economy. Everything you need can be found at a local Beacon business.”

In the press release, Mayor Kyriacou stated that he created a Local Business Working Group. ALBB first reported on that group after Councilperson George Mansfield (owner of Dogwood) announced to the public and encouraged any business owner to join and participate. The group met on Tuesday mornings and was facilitated and attended by Councilperson George and Beacon’s City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero. Businesses discussed outside alternatives for dining, and what safety precautions to have in place for retail. During different calls, Assistant to the County Executive, Ron Hicks was a featured guest to advise businesses about enforcement of safety guidelines. Ron expressed the hard position he is in as both an enforcer of rules, as well as a promoter of the Reopening. On the next call, the City’s law firm, Keane and Beane was on to present and answer legal questions.

“A lot of great ideas were discussed during the Working Group meetings,” City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero said in the press release. “The group’s intention was to create simple and immediate solutions for businesses in a unique climate. The visible outcomes were the parklet program – businesses expanded into parking spaces, and the Beacon Back Together branding campaign found in many storefronts.”

The poster for Beacon Back Together was designed by Randall Martin and spearheaded by Councilperson George.

Beacon Back Together - Sort Of

Left out of the business reopening are numerous storefronts who fall into the category of Gyms. This includes dance studios like Yanarella and Ballet Arts Studio; fitness studios like Studio Beacon and Zoned Fitness; yoga studios like BeBhakti (the hot yoga studio Pavonine has announced their sad but anticipated closure); and pilates studios like Beacon Pilates and Roc Pilates (so sorry if we did not mention anyone else in this brief mention).

Movie theaters are also in this designation - like Story Screen - and performance and education venues like Beacon Performing Arts and Compass Arts (sadly did leave their retail space, but are figuring it out in a digital and nomad outside destination way for now).

A Little Beacon Blog is currently looking into COVID-related commercial lease programs to see if landlords in Beacon have been using them (or if they exist), as several storefronts in and around Main Street are continuing to pay their rent for a space they are not allowed to use. Unlike homeowners who have been rescued by mandated mortgage relief programs.