Rene "Scout" Vivo Celebration Of Life/Funeral Details Shared By His Family For Beaconites

“Scout” Rene Vivo (left) pictured with his sister Iris Colon. This wolf flyer designed by his niece Selaine Garcia.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE / FUNERAL
FOR “SCOUT” RENE VIVO
Where: Libby’s Funeral Home, 55 Teller Avenue
When: Sunday, January 9, 2022
Time: 1-4pm and 6-8pm

I never expected to hold part of Rene’s passing of life in my hands. I did not know his family name, nor his neighborhood name until after he died. He was a resolute walker around Beacon - his trail-making keeping time with Beacon as I know it. Without him, without seeing him walking on a regular basis, Beacon would not be what it is.

If he were to disappear - to not be here - a number of things could have happened. Maybe he didn’t live here. Maybe he found a better life somewhere else. Maybe he moved. Maybe he got adopted by some government services somewhere.

But none of those things happened. Instead, the man most people knew as a vision met his end on the streets of Beacon, at the hands of another, in broad daylight on Christmas Day, when not very many people were out. Rumors started. I received a text from a friend days later, asking if I knew anything about a stabbing incident, and that the person may have been Native American. I had not heard, I texted the friend, and went about my unboxing of Xmas gifts. The next day, readers of A Little Beacon Blog wrote in to ask the same question.

I’m not really on Facebook. So any chatter, I had not seen. Sensing something was wrong, I put my coat on and started pounding the pavement. If this happened, I needed to speak to people who may have been familiar with who I thought this may have happened to, if what people were saying was true.

There was no update on the Beacon Police Department Facebook page at the time of ALBB’s original article’s publishing on 12/29/2021. They are newly unresponsive to emails from ALBB anyway, as they were told to direct all questions now to the City Administrator, Chris White, who is also unresponsive - upon his declaration to filter his media responses months ago. On 12/30/2021, the Beacon Police have since put an update on their Facebook saying they are investigating a stabbing on Christmas Day, and to send information to them. Meanwhile, they do have access to video footage from city-owned cameras on Main Street to help in their search.

Upon my inquires, I learned that those who saw Rene on a daily basis had not seen him for days. There were stories of a bottle. Of a knife. Of something happening during the day. And at night. While I was out, another person reached out with information for someone who knew the people who called 911 when they saw Rene laying on the ground in front of their house on South Brett Street.

That would be the last time neighbors saw Rene alive.

Rene had been stabbed, by what the Beacon Police were originally calling a homicide, Mayor Lee Kyriacou confirmed to the Mid Hudson News. But that article has since been deleted, and another one published on a different page that scrubs the Mayor’s name from confirming the situation. However, the article still resides as a shadow in Google search results (pictured below), and the Highlands Current refers to it in their original article.

The Highlands Current reached out to the Mayor for comment when they were writing their article, and reported that they didn’t receive a reply from him. That newspaper usually does receive replies from the Mayor’s Office.

So far, none of the bad news stories that happened in December 2021 are indexing in the search results on the Mid Hudson News website when one does a search for “Beacon.” This would be the train jumper, the bridge jumper, the missing young adult female, the spritely grandmother pedestrian killed by car turning left from Main Street to Teller Avenue, and Rene. Maybe their website is just wonky. It happens. However, the Mid Hudson News is also calling a recent suicide by train as a “trespasser,” when several Beaconites were standing next to him when he jumped. Three suicides that we know about happened in Beacon in December. And one murder.

Who Is “Scout” Rene Vivo”?

Upon publishing my first article of his passing, many people in the community were shook. Some who knew him deeply but did not know his name responded in disbelief. Sadness continued to spread. People who did have a relationship with him began sharing their stories on our social shares and article Comments. Some of those comments have been republished at the bottom of this article.

“Scout” Rene Vivo the man and the soul began emerging. He lived in the apartment complex of Forrestal Heights. He was a Marine. He was a Vietnam Veteran. His family reached out to ALBB. First his niece, Selaine Garcia of Beacon, and then his sister (Selaine’s mother) Iris Colon of Florida. Iris wrote in to say:

“My name is Iris. Rene was my brother. He has 3 sisters that live in the State of Florida! Rene also has nieces and nephews that live right in Beacon. My brother was a person that would help anyone in need, at any time. Rene was a caring, loving person . We are deeply saddened of has happened to him. My family and I are making arrangements which we will share possibly later today. We also will post a picture of my wonderful brother Rene! Thank you! The Vivo family🙏🙏🙏”

Selaine started a GoFundMe page to raise money for Rene’s funeral costs. The family closed the fundraiser after $10,708 was raised. Selaine wrote a note to all of the supporters:

“Good Morning. Today is January 1, 2022. I have been working sleeplessly towards the arrangements for Tio "Scout" Rene. Iris, Ginette (these are my uncles sisters) and I have been working closely with Joe the Funeral Director of Libby Funeral and Cremation Services. Joe has been extremely patient with each one of us in during our time of great pain. We would like to thank each and every one of you. All of you have generously contributed in making this happen. This has not been easy. We had no idea how expensive something like this could be. When making the page, we thought $5,000 would be enough. We quickly found out how wrong we were. We have met the required amount we need to execute the wishes of my uncle, so we are closing the donation part of the GoFundMe page. But, please continue to share your thoughts with me. As I type this to all of you I am crying. I haven't had a chance to grieve the loss of my uncle yet because of how busy I have been concerning these matters. But, Your messages have been a great source of comfort as I read of his walking and nodding. So much being said without even a word. You are allowing me to see my uncle's presence through each of your eyes. Please know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You”

Selaine identified Scout’s presence. Why he was important to so many. So respectful. So deep. You just knew it. If you take anything from this, it is how much people can effect people without even a word. Saying “hi” at the very least to everyone is very meaningful.

You’re Invited: The Celebration Of Life Ceremony For “Scout” Rene Vivo

The family of “Scout” Rene Vivo has shared the details of their brother and uncle to be Sunday, January 9, from 1-4pm and again from 6-8pm at Libby’s Funeral Home at 55 Teller Avenue (near Beacon Daily). His sister, Iris Colon, and her daughter (Rene’s niece) Selaine Garcia have connected with A Little Beacon Blog to help share the news.

Said Selaine in their GoFundMe page: “My Uncle was killed on Dec 25th 2021 in Beacon, New York. He was a Marine Veteran who was beloved in the Beacon Community and embraced our Taino culture. We would like to learn more from you how he touched you and your life. He was a quite gentle man. My family and I loved him dearly. We are devastated at the thought of how he may have spent his final moments. As we prepare for my uncles funeral arrangements we would like to invite all of you Beaconites to come and join us in celebrating his life and the love he shared with all of you.

Many people shared about their experiences with Rene on ALBB. One man, Raymond Clary (ZETUCKALA WASHASHA), shared the singing he used to do with Rene. His comment has been republished here as is, with his own punctuation to show emotion: “I also know Scout from powwows and living in Beacon. Just wanted you to know that i sing sometimes with Red Storm Drum and dance Troupe AT POWWOWS IN THE AREA. I have requested that a veterans song and honer song be songs for him. Also prayer and smoke on the wind for his journey. AHO KOLA (((( SORRY NO WORDS FOR GOOD BY )))))) SO GO EASY MY FRIEND”

ALBB connected Ray with the family, and Ray will be saying or singing a prayer at Rene’s Celebration of Life with no drum. He asks that no pictures be taken, as “they are sung as a thank you to the creator,” Ray said.

UPDATE 1/8/2022: The Highlands Current has since published a 2nd article, written by Jeff Simms that is both parts breakdown of what that newspaper has been able to learn, as well as reflection from Jeff’s sources. Said the newspaper’s editor, Chip Rowe, on Friday to newsletter subscribers: “This week we have news of a homicide on Main Street in Beacon on Christmas Day (and the difficulty we've had getting any information about it from the police).”

According to the article, the Highlands Current submitted a FOIL request and was denied: “On Wednesday (Jan. 5), the department denied a Freedom of Information Law request for the police report on the Dec. 25 assault from The Current 29 minutes after it was submitted.”

The article points out that when the Beacon Police did make a statement 5 days after the stabbing, they did not include the victim’s name or that the stabbing was fatal. It was not until after Rene’s obituary was published by Libby Funeral Home that they confirmed to the Highlands Current on January 5 that Rene was the victim they were referring to.

The article goes on to provide a quote they were able to get from Beacon’s Police Chief Sands Frost acknowledging that little information has been provided. According to the article, no arrests have been “announced” as of Thursday 1/6/2022.

The article highlights reflections from Brenda Sims, co-owner of BJs with her mother, who employed Rene and valued him highly as a person and employee; and David Eberle, a Veteran and quiet philanthropist in the area.

Comments By Community Members About Rene

We are republishing some comments made at ALBB’s article, Instagram and Facebook, so they can be read quietly in one place. Do continue to make your comments wherever you would like.

Michelle Rivas·

Dear Iris, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. As you can see from the outpouring from the community, your brother was cared for here. We all knew him as a kind and gentle person. Rene was a regular visitor at the library and we will miss him.

Leah

Iris, I am terribly sorry to learn of Scout’s untimely passing. He was an amazing presence in Beacon. He would often come to my shop to buy sage, and I always through in extra. A gentle giant with an amazing caring soul. May you and your family know he was much loved by many. He was a peaceful soul and whenever you talking with him, you too, would be more at peace. May his kindness and loving soul be always in everyone’s hearts.
Leah,
Heart and Soul Apothecary

Mike Andrews

I can't imagine anyone stabbing a more gentle soul than Scout. Many years ago in really crappy weather, I offered him a ride. He refused. "Nah, man, I like to keep my feet on the ground. Have a great day!" From that moment on I never failed to beep and wave. I've met him many times in the decades since, and he always shook my hand and asked, "How's it going?" So very, very sad.

Lance formerly of Mail n Ship plus Beacon N.Y.

Rene was a good friend and like a brother to me he was always there anytime when you needed him , loved to help anyone in need he talked about one day saving up enough money to buy some land in the Midwest and turn it into a ranch. He loved his community, helped with mayor elections and watchdog groups. Our scout will truly be missed.

Rhonda

Rhonda (formerly Mail N Ship Plus) I met Rene 'Scout' Vivo a little over 20yrs ago. When he came into my family's business Mail N Ship Plus which was located on Main Street in Beacon. He was helping a friend who was running for the local election under the Green Party. From that point we formed a friendship that turned into him being like a brother. There is nothing that he wouldn't do for a person. He was the kindest person. He was a proud Vet & and very proud of his heritage. Always talked about how he wanted to live the ranch life. Our last indepth conversation over the summer he mention plans that involved him getting closer to that dream. He wanted to make sure he had the right phone numbers for me and my brother. I last saw him briefly a few days before the tragic incident and wished him Happy Holidays. If only I knew that would be the last time I would see him. I extend my deepest sympathy to his Family.

Beacon's Allotment Of COVID-19 Home Test Available At Howland Public Library (Updated)

UPDATED 1/6/2022: All test kits have been distributed as of 3:20pm Thursday. As of now, there is no shipping schedule for next shipments, as Dutchess County awaits shipments from New York State.)

The City of Beacon’s allotment of COVID-19 tests from New York State, which are distributed through Dutchess County, who allocates a portion of them to each municipality based on population, are available now at the Howland Public Library at 313 Main Street during the library’s Open hours. Per the library, there is no curb-side pickup available.

Quantity is limited and is available on a first come, first serve basis. The first shipment of COVID-19 test kits that Beacon received by way of Dutchess County was available at the Beacon Police Department. Beacon received 250 test kits and which was depleted in 3 hours.

Newly elected Councilperson Justice McCray, who has worked at both Beacon’s public library as well as Cold Spring’s public library, advocated for the Howland Public Library to be the most accessible and least intimidating location for the distribution. Stating in a Comment on ALBB’s first article about the first shipment, prior to being sworn in as a Council Member, Justice expressed: “The City needs to make kits available elsewhere. Many Black, Brown, and otherwise margnizalied poeple do not feel safe or comfortable around police. Only having kits at the police station is not equitable or accessible to many people in Beacon and while I recognize it’s the easy option, the City should also consider fostering/strengthening community partnerships with local busineses to help offer kits or work with organizations that are serving our most vulnerable neighbors like Mutual Aid Beacon to offer at-home no-contact kit deliveries.”

The Howland Public Library first announced the availability of the test kits at around 12pm Thursday (1/6/2022): “The City of Beacon has supplied us with at-home COVID-19 tests and KN95 masks to be distributed to city residents. The tests are available at the Front Desk, Today, Thursday, January 6th, Noon-7pm. While supplies last. One (1) test kit per household and each kit contains two (2) tests. Available to City of Beacon City residents only. Proof of residence required. Masks are also available at the Front Desk with a limit of two (2) per person present. No proof of residency required for the masks. No "curbside" delivery of these items is available.”

The City of Beacon posted an alert in their top Announcement bar of their website.

Councilperson McCray stressed on their social media “to keep those in mind who may not otherwise have access.” If you already got one from the first round, consider bowing out of this round. If you have symptoms or were exposed, by all means, go get one no matter what. Be sure to swab plenty of snot to get good results!

Also note, based on the Howland Public Library’s innitial photo announcing availability, they may be making a subtle hint to kick back and relax with an enjoyable historical romance book. Catherine Coulter (the book jackets pictured here) is one such example you’ll be able to borrow from the library. Philippa Gregory is another author from that genre you may enjoy. If you’re not getting out much, the Beacon Library offers several digital services you’ll want to check out.

Dutchess County Announces New Shipment Of Tests and Masks To Be Sent To Communities

Dutchess County announced today (Wednesday, January 5, 2022) that it has received another shipment of rapid tests and KN95 masks. The distribution amount each municipality (community) gets is based on their population. According to Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White quoted in the Highlands Current, Beacon received 250 test kits for the first shipment that was announced as available on 12/21/2021, and was gone within 3 hours.

The only way Beaconites knew about that shipment arrival was through a post the Beacon Police Department made on Facebook, which was deleted days later. A Little Beacon Blog wrote about here when the post was live. Otherwise, the Beacon community did not receive an official notice from the Mayor’s Office, as Mayor Kyriacou promised when he announced the expected shipment in advance during a City Council Meeting. That first shipment was also not put on the city’s website, despite other updates being made to the website about Christmas tree collection, and an inauguration ceremony being closed to the public due to COVID-19 safety reasons.

A Little Beacon Blog has been asking Dutchess County for details on the upcoming shipment from New York State, who has been boasting of over a billion dollars being spent on different initiatives, yet test kits for a deadly pandemic remain in short supply, even at private stores and urgent cares. Dutchess County responded to ALBB on 1/3/2021 that they did not have a specific date at that time.

Concerned that Beacon would miss the announcement for the next shipment, since the Mayor made no such announcement as promised, A Little Beacon Blog emailed Dutchess County again this morning 1/5/2021 asking if a press release would go out to all municipalities, to put the media on alert as to look for shipment notices from their municipalities to make sure they were made available to the public, instead of selectively handed out.

Looks like mail came!

As for when exactly this shipment is available to Beacon, residents will need to refresh their Facebook pages at the Beacon Police Department’s page, hoping that the social media manager was kind enough to make an update. Unless an announcement comes from the Mayor’s Office itself this time via robo-call/text/email.

The press release from Dutchess County has been republished in its entirety below. Several helpful tips are provided below, especially this one: if you test negative but still have symptoms, test again within 24-48 hours. Each test kit comes with 2 tests. If you have symptoms, consider keeping both tests for yourself, instead of sharing in the household if no one else has symptoms. Also - be sure to swab up high in your nose, and get lots of boogers and snot on it. Lots of snot is needed for good results!

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Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced today the County has received another limited supply of at-home COVID-19 test kits from New York State which have been distributed to each municipality based on population size as well as to select community organizations that serve underserved populations.   Municipalities will be distributing test kits to residents over the next few days and residents should check their municipality’s website or call for specific information about when and where test kits will be available for pick up.

County Executive Molinaro said, “Testing facilities across the county have seen exponential growth in the number of residents seeking a COVID-19 test. These at-home test kits are a critical step towards increasing access to testing within our community as we continue to combat the surge in COVID-19 cases following the busy holiday season. We thank both our local and state partners for their cooperation in assisting Dutchess in distributing this valuable resource.”

To obtain a test kit, residents must supply their municipality with proof of residency.  Residents may only get the free test kits from the municipality in which they reside (you cannot go to a different town to get a kit).   As supply continues to be limited, each household can receive one test kit, which includes two individual tests. Kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and residents who previously received a free kit are asked to allow others who were unable to get a kit to get one.  While supplies are limited, distribution from New York State is expected to be recurring and the County will continue to work with local municipalities to distribute test kits as they are received.

Residents who receive a positive result from an at-home COVID-19 test must:

• Immediately self-isolate, even if they are vaccinated; adhere to current quarantine guidance; and

• take a picture of the positive at-home test result within 24 hours and report the positive case to the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH) at www.dutchessny.gov/COVIDpositive

With high active case volume, contract tracers may not be able to contact people in a timely manner, so residents are advised to follow isolation protocols for their quarantine period.  If a resident’s symptoms worsen or they have trouble breathing following a positive result from an at-home test, they should consult their physician or dial 9-1-1.    Individuals who work in healthcare or other congregate care setting may have different requirements, they should contact their employer and refer to NYS DOH return-to-work guidance for healthcare personnel.   

While at-home tests approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are reliable, it is possible to receive a false negative. If residents experience symptoms and test negative, they’re urged to take another test within 24-48 hours. 

Negative test results from at-home tests may not be sufficient to return to work or school. DBCH will not accept negative results from at-home tests for early release from quarantine. Negative results do not need to be reported to DBCH.

The distribution of at-home test kits is part of Dutchess County’s comprehensive efforts in the fight against COVID-19.  The County, in cooperation with all municipalities and school districts as well as nonprofit organizations and small businesses, also already distributed nearly 50,000 test kits and over 100,000 KN95 masks. Multiple providers across Dutchess County have been offering rapid and PCR testing and Dutchess County has also been offering no-cost testing at the former JCPenney and has increased hours and testing staff at the site to accommodate increased demand.

Dr. Livia Santiago-Rosado, Department of Behavioral & Community Health Commissioner, reminds residents to use multi-layered prevention efforts to protect themselves and to prevent the spread of COVID including:

• Get vaccinated

• Get a booster shot if already vaccinated,

• Wear a mask in indoor public settings,

• Physical distance when possible,

• Wash hands and avoid touching face including nose and eyes,

• STAY HOME WHEN SICK OR HAVE SYMPTOMS to prevent spread of viruses, including COVID and flu,

• Adhere to protocols if you test positive.

For comprehensive information about COVID-19, including testing, vaccinations, prevention and more, visit www.DutchessNY.gov/Coronavirus or call the COVID information line at 845-486-3555.

BCSD Families and District Report In First Day Back COVID Results - Community Is Hopeful With Layered Strategies

Despite the surging roar of the Omicron COVID-19 variant all over the United States, Beacon families remain hopeful that in-person learning can remain in place for kids and teachers if layered protection measures are in place, like the Test To Stay program (exposed kids testing negative for that day can go to school). Most families see that happening with a combination of regular vaccinations to ease the infection and hopefully reduce or prevent “long COVID;” coupled with easier testing to isolate a contagious case.

On Sunday, the Beacon City School District (BCSD) announced that they received their first shipment of at-home rapid tests, and would distribute them to families. That evening, Superintendent Landahl reported that nearly 60% of the BSCD community had come to pick up one test kit per child. Families who were unable to come could fill out a link to request that a test be placed in their child’s backpack. Those who filled it out prior to 9AM the next day received a test kit on Monday. Those who filled out the link prior to 9AM the next day would receive it next. The link was not intended for families who picked up at the in-person drive-through. New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul indicated that more shipments would be coming in her Winter Surge Plan.

At Monday’s close of the day, Dr. Landahl reported via his email distribution network to district families that of those who received the test on Sunday, 18 positive cases were voluntarily reported in to the district by Sunday evening. Those who tested negative did not need to do anything.

As for COVID-19 cases over the Winter break, Dr. Landahl released their findings, clarifying the official and unofficial known cases: “The state reporting mechanism for cases in schools does not operate over winter break and those are the cases we report to the community. By that standard, we have 1 case of COVID-19 to report to you today at Beacon High School. Individuals needing to quarantine or Test To Stay have been notified. Over break, we had close to 40 cases of COVID-19 reported to us from families and staff.  Many people did not have access to tests over the holidays so the number is probably higher.”

Some teachers in the district emailed parents and caregivers with preparation instructions on what to do if their child was at home so that the child could keep up with lessons. That has included videos that the teachers make, videos to other teachers that are recommended, and additional Remote Learning Tutoring sessions. Some teachers make extra time available in the morning or evening for their students, and some teachers have added a remote component to this for kids at home.

Dr. Landahl ended his email with a hats off to the community: “I want to take a moment to commend our families for being so diligent in reporting cases to us, letting us know about symptoms, and using the at home rapid tests. All of these efforts help us! Thank you! I also want to commend our staff today for a strong start after winter break. Thanks for everything you do!”

Beacon City School District Distributes Self-Test At Home COVID Tests Immediately Upon Receiving

As has been constant during this pandemic, the Beacon City District School (BCSD) Superintendent Matthew Landahl has kept the community updated with COVID shifts as cases ebb and flow. In his weekly Superintendent Update email sent on December 30, 2021, he stated that the district might receive a shipment of rapid self-tests before school starts on Monday, and if so, he explained what the process would be.

The line at Rombout Middle School to get COVID-19 home tests from the first shipment was long but moved swiftly.

On New Years Day, like a warm hug, Dr. Landahl sent a robo-call and text to the public school community announcing that the rapid tests had arrived, and would be distributed to BCSD students on January 2, 2022, at Rombout Middle School from 1:30-3:30pm. He requested volunteers to come to help organize people and hand out the tests.

Caregivers were instructed to write down their children’s names and ages for record keeping purposes. Those who did not write down the name had to pull into a special name-writing parking spot. Those who missed the distribution could register online to have their child take home a test in their backpacks the following school days.

At 1pm, cars already lined Matteawan Road early, backed up past the middle school, gradually to Verplanck Avenue with more cars wanting to turn right from Wilkes Street. This kind of traffic buildup usually only occurs on nights of a choral concert where students from several BCSD schools are performing at once. But that was in the pre-pandemic days when audience sizes were not limited.

The volunteers had opened up early, and the line moved briskly. One car did break down and needed a jump (note to self: juice the USB-powered jumping cube for just such an occasion…and find the USB-powered jumping cube somewhere in the car or shed).

Two pathways were created to receive handouts of COVID-19 home tests for BCSD students.

Several Board of Education Members attended the event, making sure it ran smoothly. Dr. Landahl walked between volunteer parking attendants and acted as a shuffler of cars after they were given one test box per student, answering questions from parents as parents and caregivers pulled away.

Dr. Landahl’s instructions were guidance. He encouraged caregivers to help students take the tests Sunday evening, before the first Monday of school back after the winter holiday, but stressed that taking the test was not mandated. Nobody has to take the test to go to school.

If one tested positive with this test or any test, Dr. Landahl encouraged people to email himself or the Deputy Superintendent, Ann Marie Quartironi with the update. No need to update them if the test was negative (yay you!). While rapid tests have questionable false negatives, they are so far a part of this pandemic.

A negative test result from an at-home rapid test sent home to BCSD students. Now everyone gets to experience the test-strip based anxiety of a home-pregnancy test!

Dr. Landahl reported that 60% of the BCSD students were given test kits during the Sunday distribution. The remainder of the students who did not make it to the distribution can sign up to get a test kit put into their backpacks via a special link that was emailed to caregivers.

While some caregivers were worried about supplies running out, New York’s Governor Hochul seems committed to having students tested on the regular. Other states like Ohio are far ahead of New York in this initiative, having provided home test kits to students and libraries since before Thanksgiving 2021.

PS: Kids are calling this “the boogie test” because you got to swab as much snot as possible!

Are At-Home Rapid Test Kits Coming To Residents Of The City Of Beacon?

After Governor Hochul’s announcement of her “Winter Sure Plan,” at least one shipment of rapid home tests arrived to Beacon via Dutchess County via New York State. All municipalities were sent one shipment. The City of Beacon decided that the Beacon Police Department would hand them out. The Beacon Police Department posted an announcement on their Facebook Page. ALBB ran an article promoting their message.

The demand was so great, that supplies lasted only a few hours. By the next day, or day after, the Beacon Police removed their Facebook post. Mayor Kyriacou never made a robo-call or text or email to announce that test kits had arrived, and City of Beacon never published any announcement to their website, as the Mayor stated they would at a City Council Meeting toward the end of the year.

The Communications Department of Dutchess County who is normally very responsive to questions, was on vacation during this time, so did not return requests for shipment schedules when ALBB reached out.

If the City of Beacon received any additional shipments, it is unknown how they would have made that announcement, based the way they did not announce the first shipment.

However, on the City of Beacon’s website, you can learn about the Inauguration of new City Council Members that happened January 1 had been closed to the public out of an abundance of caution for COVID, and the proper way to dispose of a Xmas Tree (just make sure no lights or ornaments are on it, don’t put it in plastic, and leave it nekid and natural on the curb for the Highway Department to pick up…they will take it to the Transfer Station to turn into mulch).