Art and astronomy come together in the upcoming exhibit, In Eclipse, at the Howland Public Library, opening on April 13th. The group show features the works of over 20 local artists inspired by the April total solar eclipse. This eclectic showcase offers a glimpse into different interpretations through drawings, paintings, and photography. From illustrations of the celestial event to metaphorical interpretations, each piece reflects the multifaceted meanings of the word eclipse.
Join the library for the opening reception on Saturday, April 13th from 5-7 PM, featuring a special reading by writer Donna Minkowitz, as we celebrate the artistry of the eclipse in all its forms. In Eclipse will be on view until May 4th.
The Planning Board will meet on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the Municipal Center Courtroom. A work session will take place at 7:00 p.m., for a training workshop, discussion of agenda items and/or topics of interest to the Planning Board. The regular meeting will begin immediately thereafter, but not later than 7:30 p.m.
Peek at the details below…
Public Hearing of application for Amended Site Plan Approval, 11 Mirbeau Lane, submitted by Mirbeau of Beacon, LLC (Edward Kellogg).
Public Hearing of application for Amended Site Plan Approval, 248 Tioronda Avenue, submitted by Beacon 248 Holdings LLC (Bernard Kohn).
Continue review of applications for Site Plan Approval, Subdivision Approval, and Special Use Permit, place of worship, 409 Fishkill Avenue, Fishkill Avenue, and Mead Avenue, submitted by Soka Gakkai International – USA.
Continue review of application for Site Plan approval and Special Use Permit, car dealership, 410 Fishkill Avenue, submitted by Carvana, LLC c/o Jenn Roldan.
Review of application for Subdivision Approval, residential, 39 Howland Avenue, submitted by John Vergara.
New Single-Family House – 52 Townsend Street, Lot #7
Soup4Greens 8th Annual Soup & Ceramic Bowl Fundraiser is happening this Sunday, April 7, 2024 at the Beacon Farmers Market from 10am-2pm.
Shop savory soups & handmade bowls for a good cause. Purchase soup donated by local restaurants & homemade bowls crafted by local artisans. 100% of proceeds contributes to GREENS4GREENS food benefit program. This program contributes to a community where fresh, healthy food is accessible to all.
The goal is to reach $6,000 to fund the GREENS4GREENS program - an internal food benefit program.
Editor’s Note: This is Katie the Editor of ALBB, writing a Letter to the Editor (me). This week, some businesses in Beacon (possibly 20) received a 6 page letter from an anonymous person that spoke with disparaging words about ALBB, and threatened businesses for removal of patronage for ALBB supporting and reporting on Palestine’s liberation. Initially, we were not going to say anything about the letter, and let the letters sit in the recycling bin trash, but after hearing from 5 businesses who were looking out for us, checking in on our safety, we decided to go public with the letter. That article is coming next.
For now, this is the publishing of my second speech to the City Council. In this time, the poem I wrote at the end of of my speech to City Council is relevant to right now. I delivered the poem while my 3 minutes time had elapsed, as the Mayor was yelling at me to sit down. So people may not have heard it. My second speech with this poem can be seen here.
“So, squeeze me, but I will open somewhere else.I will go to the sea to catch my fish.Unless you shoot and drown my boat.If you drown my boat,I will swim to shore and dig for crabs.If you bomb the beach,I will look for and catch and eat dragonflies.Free Palestine.Free the hostages.Free the unjustly imprisoned Palestinian prisoners, Muslim prisoners living in Israel, Israeli citizens refusing to serve in the Israeli military IDF, and anyone else unjustly taken that I am not aware of yet.
Lift the occupation.Live together.Free Palestine.”
— Katie Hellmuth
My name is Katie Hellmuth from A Little Beacon Blog in Ward 1.
I urge you to remove the statement concerning harassment, intimidation, "doxxing," and shame.
It protects the people in this room in from their discomfort. It was copy / pasted from a local-anti resolution petition that circulated the day after 51 people spoke at this podium to give their input about crafting and passing a resolution.
Our showing up inspired Mayor Kyriacou to want to legislate out our right to do this, by forming a statement that says City of Beacon government does not speak on global issues.
This is not the first time he has said this. Recently, after past councilperson Justice McCray presented and passed a Resolution calling for New York to pass Reparations, the Mayor said he wanted the Council not to comment on things that do not impact Beacon. But reparations do impact all people living in Beacon. Some people will receive it, and we all pay the tax supporting it.
Regarding "intimidation"
I was intimidated on October 7th the day I posted an Instagram Story, which had a prayer emoji and said "Prayers for Palestine" and called for an end to the occupation. A person with a New York City number deep Googled my phone number, called me, talked to me about now debunked babies and terrorists. Was I scared? Yes.
In response, a person close to me called me to tell me stop being public. That this was not my fight. That "they" would come get me. I asked my close person "Who? Who will come get me?" They said: "You know...what are they called?" I said: "Hamas?" "Yes!" they said. I said I'm not afraid of Hamas. I'm afraid of the lady from the New York City number who just called me.
On October 8th I promoted the podcast we recorded with Kamel on his devotion to Palestine's liberation. We recorded it 2 years ago during the Shirik Jarar movement. When I re-featured that this year, Kamel was scared and said "Why?" He didn't want people coming into his restaurant all over again harassing him. Next day, he changed his mind and opened up on his own platforms. A reader replied to me. They said: "How dare you promote this podcast now. You owe the entire city of Beacon an apology."
In my mind, I responded but didn't press send. So I'll say it out loud now: "You sir, owe the entire Arab community an apology for resisting this violent occupation so hard that has harmed so many."
Regarding "shame"
Shame is what is felt when one is usually wrong. All of us can feel shame after we do something we didn't intend. A common reaction is to feel defensiveness and then denial. Denial of ones actions. It takes great courage to step forward through it to learn, educate one self, and change. And even then, mistakes will be made, and the process will be repeated. It is a daily effort.
Regarding "doxxing"
"Doxxing" suggests that someone is trying to get someone out of a job. Reporting on what someone did or said is presenting information. The readers' reaction is their own.
As for myself, I have been "doxxed," privately, maybe even by people in this room, trying to get to A Little Beacon Blog by targeting our revenue sources, making people not even associated with this uncomfortable.
So, squeeze me, but I will open somewhere else. I will go to the sea to catch my fish. Unless you shoot and drown my boat. If you drown my boat, I will swim to shore and dig for crabs. If you bomb the beach, I will look for and catch and eat dragonflies. Free Palestine. Free the hostages. Free the unjustly imprisoned Palestinian prisoners, Muslim prisoners living in Israel, Israeli citizens refusing to serve in the Israeli military IDF, and anyone else unjustly taken that I am not aware of yet.
Lift the occupation. Live together. Free Palestine.
“I was leaning against the brick Free Palestine building, talking to a friend, when the building rumbled a little bit,” recalled this blogger, Katie Hellmuth. “It had been windy, and I thought it strange that a brick building would shake in the wind. Then I wondered if the building had a garage in it, where a truck might have pulled in to make a delivery. Which is odd because I know that there is no garage inside.”
Another Beacon citizen also mis-identified the occasion, and wrote in to ALBB: “At first I thought I was having a stroke! Then wondered if somehow my house had been damaged in the storms and was about to collapse…Then I thought it must be crazy military planes…Wow…I felt it roll.”
Farmer Carrie and her brother Tom of Eggbert’s Free Range Farm were driving around the Town of Newburgh making deliveries in their refrigerated van, when they felt the tremors on the road: “I thought it was pothole hell roads. Until I heard the news and received 2 emergency alerts on my watch that there are aftershocks coming that will be felt throughout our area.”
In the grocery store, another Beacon citizen told ALBB that the walls of their house shook so much, they were convinced it was going to collapse.
New Yorker’s aren’t used to earthquakes. Creators of earthquake humor on Instagram were plenty. Hopefully you caught some before they disappeared from people’s Stories. Please share your experience in the Comments below!
The Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development has opened the application process for the 2024 Agency Partner Grant (APG): Infrastructure Program. A total of $200,000 was allocated in the 2024 Dutchess County Budget for the APG: Infrastructure Program. Funding is available through a competitive grant process to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide a venue for youth programming in Dutchess County. In order to be eligible to apply, applicants must own or have a long-term lease (25+ years) for the facility that provides the space for the youth activity.
This year’s grant program focuses on capital infrastructure initiatives only. Projects should help maintain or improve an organization’s asset, such as the renovation, replacement or expansion of an existing facility. Examples of eligible expenses include, roof, windows and/or doors replacement; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements or replacement; as well as plumbing, electrical, and/or security upgrades; and furniture, fixtures and/or equipment that will be used by youth for a specific activity. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements to promote accessibility and communication to ensure that individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in a specific activity are also eligible.
County Executive Serino said, “Our children deserve every opportunity to learn and grow in safe and appropriate facilities. Our APG: Infrastructure Program will help our community partner agencies that serve young people make capital infrastructure improvements and enhancements to venues that house youth programming. We thank the County Legislature for its continued support of this program, and we encourage eligible organizations to take advantage of this funding opportunity.”
The County’s Community Development Advisory Committee and the Department of Planning and Development’s staff review all APG: Infrastructure grant applications and send their recommendations to the County Executive for final approval.
Additional information, application instructions and guidance about the 2024 APG: Infrastructure Program is available online. Applications will be accepted via an online portal through May 10th at 3 p.m., and awards will be announced in summer 2024.
Registrations are open for the Beacon High School Career Fair 2024! This is a great chance to make an impression on kids in Beacon who are thinking about their careers at large, as well as local job prospects. Throughout the years, business regulars like Twins Barbershop, the Carpenters Union, drone flyers, A Little Beacon Blog, independent journalists and filmmakers, and others have tabled at this event.
“Last night, I had a dream that more artisans showed up this year,” said Katie, writer and publisher of A Little Beacon Blog. “They brought out tools and products they made for all to see.”
The annual career fair is on Friday, May 17th, 2024 from 10:30am to 1:30pm in the gymnasium. Signups free and are open for businesses, organizations, and individuals to participate.
Participants will be provided with a table (6 ft.) on which they can display items that represent their career/profession and which can serve as talking pieces with students.
Access to power is limited, but if needed, they will do their best to place you next to a power source. Some extension cords are available, but consider bringing your own.
Set-up and breakfast will begin at 9:30am. Lunch will be served around 11:30am.
This Press Release was distributed by the Beacon Coalition:
The Beacon Coalition was formed while trying to pass the Ceasefire Resolution in Beacon. They continue to send out updates. Below is their latest update:
“As the U.S. continues to undermine progress made towards a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, it is all the more important that we keep up local pressure. There are lots of ways to show up for Palestine this week at the ballot box, in local parks, online, and beyond. Starting with…”
LEAVE IT BLANK NY: Did you know that you can submit a blank ballotin the New York Presidential Democratic Primary on April 2nd (and in early voting), to send a strong signal to Biden that New Yorkers want a permanent ceasefire? While there is no uncommitted or write-in option in New York, blank ballots are counted, and we strongly encourage primary voters to use this powerful opportunity to make our voices heard for a ceasefire. Find out more information on the Leave it Blank Campaign here, and sign up to phone bank here The campaign needs all hands on deck between today and the April 2nd primary, and phone banking is a great way to connect with other New Yorkers about how our tax dollars should be invested at home, not funding the destruction of Gaza.
THIS WEEK:
SATURDAY 3/30 at 8PM: Land Day Vigil (Peace Park, New Paltz). In solidarity with the liberation of Palestine. Flowers & masks encouraged. More info here.
SUNDAY 3/31 from 12-3PM: Poughkeepsie Protest. Gather at Harriet Tubman Park (72 Market Street, Poughkeepsie) in support of Poughkeepsie’s ceasefire resolution.
FRIDAY 4/5 at 7PM: Community Iftar at the Newburgh Masjid (25 Washington Terrace, Newburgh). Community event organized by the Newburgh Masjid board and congregation. All are welcome regardless of faith, affiliation, etc. Please be sure to RSVP to info@newburghmasjid.orgso that the Masjid can prepare enough food for all to enjoy.
Finally, we’re still looking for folks who wrote to the Beacon City Council and/or who spoke during public comment in support of Beacon’s ceasefire resolution tosubmit their written letters and speeches to this email address (beaconceasefirecoaltion@gmail.com). These submissions will be compiled and distributed in a public forum that may serve as a reference for other municipalities who are writing letters and speeches for their own councils. So, please be sure to include in your email whether you’d like to be named as the author of your piece in this public compilation (and by what name if so), or if you prefer to remain anonymous.
Thank you SO MUCH for voting for us last year. ALBB was awarded Best Blog Of The Hudson Valley 2023 because you made it happen. You value our articles and commitments to promoting the Beacon business community.
This year, we are moving into the affordable housing community, because living in the affordable housing system is very difficult. It's not safe for our neighbors - there are many loopholes they can fall victim to. Your financial contributions to ALBB help make this happen.
ALBB is our business! We don't run a deli selling turkey sandwiches, we make a blog making blog articles that we don't get paid to do. We are sponsor and reader supported. Thank you for considering donating to us! We accept contributions in any amount! Love the $5 and even the $1,000! LOL. Somewhere in the lower middle.
Happy Easter Weekend! Hello Spring! Please enjoy this lovely walk through the hyacinths and tulips that you can buy.
ALBB'ss Kids Sports Guide is active with Registrations right now. This is a one-stop destination for all registration links and dates. Find Flag Football, Softball, Junior Baseball, and other league openings. Includes listings for Beacon and Fishkill.
We have Sponsor Opportunities going on now.
KIDS SPORTS GUIDE Business Sponsor: Businesses can sponsor to make this guide possible. Reserve your Sponsor Spot here > League Sponsor:
FREE: Submit your links and dates to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com.
ADVERTISE: Rise above the rest in this competitive market of Spring Sports Signups. Activate your featured listing here >
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Business Sponsor: Businesses can sponsor to make this guide possible. Reserve your Sponsor Spot here > Camp Sponsor:
FREE: Submit your links and dates to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com.
ADVERTISE: Rise above the rest in this competitive market of Spring Sports Signups. Activate your featured listing here >
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
Hot Honey Wings? Get em! They're so unbelievably good!
PS... You can join the Carters crew this Easter Sunday ! What better way to brunch on Easter?! If you haven't done so already, you must make a reservation: 845-743-6527 PS: Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 2-5pm. Carters is closed on Wednesday's for the winter. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY
193-195 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Start the weekend off on a sweeeet note with one of BBC's GIANT cinnamon rolls!
These babies are only on the counter while they last! PS!* All city workers, police, highway department, and parks and recreation get $1 coffees and $5 egg sandwiches (takeout only)! Just when you thought it couldn't get any better. PPS: BBC is open everyday 7 days/week! PPPS: Wholesale, special orders, and events/catering available. Follow BBC on Instagram > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor, thank you!
ZIATUN 244 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Fresh made hummus with imported ingredients and authentic family recipes. A true delicious and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. All dishes at Ziatun are made with unique and fresh ingredients. The platters are a great option for trying many different things but do ask for suggestions if you're not sure! Your belly will thank you. Support your local Palestinian Restaurant PS: Ziatun is open everyday.
Monday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Follow Ziatun on Instagram > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
Feature your business each week in A Little Beacon Blog's Newsletter, Blog pages, and Instagram. People often use this newsletter to tell their friends where to go, and get ideas for themselves on what to order. This is a very hungry guide to put together each week. Learn More & Start Now >
Yanarella Dance Studio 312 Main St., Beacon, NY Summer Camp Registration >limited space available for Bluey Dance Camp
The Camp runs from July 29 - August 2 and includes a daily snack plus a craft! Currently on sale
Seniors Chair Yoga
Stretch, move and strengthen your body! Gain physical awareness and balance! Reduce stress and have fun. Location: Beacon Recreation Center 25 West Center Street, Beacon, NY When: Mondays and Fridays, Time: 9-9:45am Price: FREE
Dutchess County Office for the Aging Exercise Class
The Dutchess County Senior Exercise Program offers workout sessions for senior citizens in an effort to retain balance as well as bone density. Through strength training, seniors can shape their body and lose unwanted inches. Classes are conducted in a circle of 15-20 people using a chair for support and free weights. Location: Beacon Recreation Center 25 West Center Street, Beacon, NY When: Tuesday and Thursday, Time: 10am
Pre-Registration is Required. Call 845-486-2555
Tai Chi and Qigong
Beginner and Advanced levels available. Gentle movements to cultivate your mind and body. Tai Chi and Qigong are easy vitalizing exercises you can learn to restore and maintain your health. You can practice them regardless of your age or health. The postures and movements are natural, balanced and simple. Location: Beacon Recreation Center 25 West Center Street, Beacon, NY Times:
Sunday Beginners 9-10:30am
Sunday Advanced 10-30-12pm
Thursday Push Hands 9-10:30am More Info >
GEMMS
Growing and Empowering Myself and My Sisters Inc. Location: Beacon Recreation Center 25 West Center Street, Beacon, NY When: Mondays Times: 6-7pm, Rombout Middle School
7:15-8:15pm Beacon High School
gemmsinc.info@gmail.com
Defensive Driving Course Location: Beacon Recreation Center 23 West Center Street, Beacon, NY When: Monday 3/25/2024 When: Wednesday 3/27/2024
10% off major coverages on auto insurance for 3 years from date of course completion.
Skate Board Lessons
Skate instructor Andrew Singh is back with another exciting year of Spring Skate Lessons. Learn the basic fundamentals of skateboarding
5 Sessions Location: Ramps Skate Park, Memorial Park, Beacon, NY When: April 17-May 15 Time: 5-6pm Ages: 6-12
$100 residents
$120 non-residents
Seeds Of Resistance! Calling All Hudson Valley Creatives!
Submit to our Zine!
Creators of all kinds and ages are encouraged to submit Submission Deadline: April 1, 2024 at 11:59pm
Size Parameters: 8.5 x 5.5” and 300 DPI Link to Submit >
BCSD Student Film Festival
The BCSD Student Film Festival is open to all enrolled district students from grades K-12. All students need to take part is access to a smartphone. With the help of friends and family, students can make a short film no more than 2 minutes 30 seconds (including credits) and submit it to be included in this year’s Student Film Festival! Submission Deadline: April 8, 2024 Length: 2 minutes, 30 seconds More Info >
Eggbert’s Free Range Farm @ Cold Spring Farmer's Market Saturday's Website > Instagram >
It's not too late to grab some goods from Eggberts for Easter! Fresh from their farm... Eggberts Free Range Farm has lamb, beef, pork and eggs all available this weekend for your holiday meal enjoyment!
*All of Eggberts meats are processed by humane USDA facilities.* DELIVERY: Delivering to Cold Spring, Cornwall, New Windsor, Newburgh, Beacon, Fishkill, and Wappingers Falls. Order online now. MARKETS: Saturdays: Cold Spring Farmer's Market 10am-1pm Sundays:Beacon Farmer's Market 10am - 2pm Eggbert's Free Range Farm is a Sponsor, thank you!
LUXE OPTIQUE 181-183 Main Street, Beacon
Ryon and Mikey from Luxe Optique met with some of the brands they carry at their optiques and even some new ones! Get ready to see some new frames trickling in very soon! New summer shades aren't ready for ya!
Hudson, NY Beacon, NY PS: Eye doctor appts available here! > BEACON HOURS
Monday from 10AM–5PM
Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM–6PM
Sunday CLOSED Luxe Optique is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon
from Bollingen, “Of Divers Arts” - Naum Gabo now available at Binnacle Books! Good books are always available. Something for everyone - including the kiddos. Books that indeed fly off the shelf because they're always so good. Stop in, ask for recommendations, step out of your comfort zone, read something new. PS have you heard about the Beacon Prison Books Project? See more here > Follow Binnacle on Instagram to keep up with their new reads and to get them right away! Learn More about Binnacle Books >
THE STATION
463 Main Street, Beacon
Hey buds! The vibes are high at The Station! They're gearing up to open their full-service facilities, to bring you an elevated experience like never before. Get ready for a whole new level of audio & visual bliss, premium products, and an atmosphere that'll make every visit unforgettable! Stay tuned for updates as they embark on this exciting next chapter. Learn More here > The Station is a Sponsor, thank you!
Feature your business each week in A Little Beacon Blog's Newsletter, Blog pages, and Instagram. Readers love seen the magazine-like spread of what to buy inside of your shops, or if you have special classes or events going on. Learn More & Start Now >
Beacon has a growing number of beauty salons and professional pampering to take advantage of - you can even book a transforming appointment at a lash bar! Be it a totally new hair style, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here >
Special Message For Businesses: If you want to advertise in this Guide with a picture, logo and promotions, please click here.
BEACON DENTAL
1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3666
At Beacon Dental, they are dedicated to providing you and your family with quality dental care tailored to your individual needs. They welcome patients aged 4 and older and provide a full range of dental services to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health throughout your life. When you visit their dentists and team, you can be certain that your health, comfort and smile are always their highest priorities. Beacon Dental is also happy to announce that they now accept Medicare health insurance! Call them for a free cleaning & check-up and refer your family & friends! Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
You know what they say... new season, new website refresh! Your business is constantly changing and evolving and your website needs to reflect that. Your website is your most solid footprint for people to know what you do and how to buy from you. Social media accounts offer the emotional connection to your brand, and your website needs to reflect that energy. The designers and lead producer, Katie Hellmuth Martin, can guide you through this process and design you a website that both looks stunning, and works well to help people do what you need them to at your website. Learn More & Reach Out > We have spots open!
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle trains and empowers business owners, makers, artists and staff members in how to get the word out about their business. Be it a non-profit, special project, or even a major call to action, Tin Shingle’s training and community support gets people doing just that - on their own. Tin Shingle puts the power of PR, Social Media, SEO, and design theory directly into the hands of business owners, makers and artists by way of a flexible Media Kit Membership subscription that includes education, training, directories, media research lists and editorial calendars. Learn More > Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY
ART > TATTOO Invisimark (Stretch Mark Tattooing - to make stretch marks disappear)
Believe it or not, it's time to sign up for Summer Camp! We have been working hard to update dates and age groups for you!
With the Hudson Valley and Beacon in particular being so rich in the arts, agriculture and a great outdoors scene, options for summer day camps are plentiful. BUT, they also book up quick!
Got your running shoes on? We have a list of 5K races coming up for 2024! Including this weekend. Check them out >
AVAILABLE GUIDES TO SPONSOR: These Guides really need the ongoing support from businesses or individuals in order for us to continue them! This sponsorship is intended for businesses who are not in the Guides mentioned above.
It was when someone called my parade car a “bomb” that I decided to open my moonroof to stand out my car during Beacon’s St. Paddy’s Day Parade, wearing my keffiyeh scarf in a traditionally knotted cover over my head, waving the Palestinian flag. My trusty sidekick and lead designer, Allie Bopp, at my side, driving. I’ve reported on racism in Beacon before at A Little Beacon Blog. Racism put upon Black and Brown community members, and racism put upon Arab community members. And then I personally experienced the insult calling in the parade. Most people in Beacon were supportive - giving big smiles and silent thumbs up. Some people called out “KATIE!” and “LITTLE BEACON BLOG!” and cheered. Some people who cheered during Black Lives Matter, were silent this year. New people cheered this year.
I remain proud to have represented Ireland’s unwavering support of Palestine’s freedom and dignity by riding with and waving the Palestinian flag, as Palestinians are murdered by homicidal Zionist maniacs who are in Israel, who are weaponizing the Jewish faith to do so. Some would argue my waving of the Palestinian flag spoke for Jewish people also, who are screaming for this to stop, and who feel that having a state is Israel does not mean protection for them, and has not since its settlement 75 years ago in 1948.
Now that I have “broken the 4th wall” as one reader put it, where I came out front and center on the blog in videos sometimes to talk about Palestine, I have had the racist insults thrown at me. However. Never did I have a better time at Beacon St. Paddy’s Day Parade. I didn’t think anything could top driving through the blizzard, but being called “White Power Hamas” by some racist genocide deniers, while simultaneously being cheered on and given many silent thumbs-ups by Beacon community members - this was something I will never forget.
Reporting on Islamaracism in Beacon and in Palestine has been enormously triggering and healing at the same time. To face it. To call it out. I know I’m not speaking only for myself. From the two speeches I gave at Beacon’s City Council Meetings, being one of 50 people pushing the City Council to draft and pass a Ceasefire Resolution, to reporting on local developments about it.
Ireland’s Consistent, Very Strong Support For A Free Palestine Presented In Instagrams
After the parade, an anonymous note written on pink post-it paper was sent to the house. The note asked for no Palestinian flags to be in the parade. At this point in the genocide, and the consistent movement for Palestinian liberation, to not carry a Palestinian flag in a St. Paddy’s Day parade would be uncivilized, and unIrish. Begging the question: why then are you at the parade? Foe the unofficial pub crawl? And the fun floats? Which are both good reasons! But also, Irish Pride includes Falestine Liberation 🇮🇪☘️🇵🇸.
There were other parade photos. Which were published in another local newspaper. Quite a few of them. But that newspaper didn’t publishing anything about the Palestinian flags waving. It’s like I’ve always said: I’m more interested in what that newspaper doesn’t publish, then what it does. Useful as it is sometimes.
“Free Palestine” message created by the artist Ryan Manzi, in addition to signs for Beacon, a shamrock for St. Paddy’s Day, and Scooby Do.
The irony of the permanent desecration of the brick building in order to cover up a temporary message of freedom with a layer of a bright blob of permanence is one for poets to ponder.
It is a wonder if the City of Beacon will pursue the graffiti blob maker (graffiti blobs are not art or expressions), or if they will instead pursue the chalk artists, who they are already in hot pursuit of on a regular basis, and have arrested in the past for making chalk art. An arrest that failed, since chalk is temporary, says one of the arrested artists and Beacon resident Ryan Manzi.
This article includes a video interview with Ryan as he pops up to chalk another message of freedom and justice just down the brick from the tagging signed in paint drips. Be sure to scroll down to watch/listen.
Forensic Discovery Of The Paint Over The Chalk
Ryan and his friend Steve first started chalking Beacon last Spirit of Beacon Day. His goal was to chalk spirit all over town. His work has been seen on the sidewalk outside of Towne Crier, outside of the Beacon Car Wash and the Beacon Fade and Shave, and on the big green construction fence/wall at the development site on Main Street that went bankrupt and has been standing still. That chalk space has since been covered up by another artist, in paint however, which may have come with permission, which was done for Beacon Bonfire, without a nod given to Ryan’s original chalk art that started there.
The paint covering the pro-Palestinian CHalk. Photo Credit: Katie James Inc.
Ryan latest chalk art piece is on the building that used to be Pizza and Stuff, and is the back of Sun River Health. He chalked out FREE PALESTINE with the Palestinian flag. When this happened, ALBB was sent the photo by several people, all of whom were excited to see such expression.
Just days later, the chalk art was covered up by what seems to be splattered paint, maybe from a spray can, or a brush. Said Ryan to ALBB: “I know my chalk, and that's somebody deliberately covering it up.”
The person covering up the chalk used a paint-like substance, than ran down the building in drips. “It's literally spray paint. The running streaks are spray paint. In other words, LITERAL graffiti.” Recently, Ryan and his painting partner Steve have been arrested for their chalk art. Ryan says a call was made by someone who saw them chalking. Ultimately, charges were lifted because chalk is temporary. Ryan’s preferred brand of chalk is Crayola from local boutique Zakka Joy.
THe shamrock, left untouched by the Free Palestine cover-upper. The rain has already begun to wash away the chalk naturally.
Upon the discovery of his chalk work being covered in paint, Ryan took to being a forensic artist to figure out what happened. Ryan pointed out the drips. Another paint stroke on a brick looked like a deliberate stroke, versus spray paint. Additionally, he noted, his other chalk art of a shamrock, Scooby Do, or the words BEACON were not covered up or deleted by the paint.
“It shows clear and deliberate hatred and bigotry,” Ryan told ALBB. It is not known if Beacon Police will pursue the permanent paint thrower, or only focus on the chalk artist because he is always out on Main Street and is recognizable by most people who live here. Ryan is easy pray for the Beacon Police to come and get.
April Article from the Poughkeepsie Journal
As Ryan popped up to chalk a new message, a person walking by said “I like it,” and another said “Looks awesome!” Some Beacon elementary school kids walking by raised their fists in solidarity.
A white man also approached, eager to take a picture. ALBB wasn’t sure if he was taking a picture for evidence against the chalk art, as he mentioned not liking trash on the ground, saying nothing about Palestinians, but he stood by nonetheless to chat while Ryan finished his work. A Black man approached next, fist bumping Ryan, the two of whom later discussed Ryan’s latest nail polish.
In the video interview with Ryan, he mentions a Poughkeepsie Journal article, which reported on the time in 2017 when Beacon signed a resolution declaring itself a “Welcoming, Safe and Inclusive City.” Ryan had this to say, in 2024, about where the City is now: “Please remind them of their own doings, and then tell me where it doesn't add up, because its nothing new, thanks 🫶🏽💯”
Revisiting The “Welcoming, Safe and Inclusive City” That Beacon Resolved Itself To Be in April 2017
Ryan is not the only one who recalls Beacon’s resolution during the time of Trump’s Muslim Travel Ban, where Beacon and other cities sought to send signals to the federal government and all community members that it did not discriminate based on race or religion.
Palestinian Beacon business owner Kamel Jamal also mentioned this passage during his speech at City Council Meeting in 2024, urging City Council to pass a Ceasefire Resolution, demanding an end to the death and destruction going on in Palestine at the hands of Israel, with aid and support by the United States Government, and several of its local leaders at the state and municipal levels.
This time, in response, Mayor Kyriacou has been trying to “correct” the 2017 recollections of Beacon citizens. During the 2024 night of the passage of the ceasefire resolution by the mostly reluctant City Council Meeting (where Paloma Wake was the lone Councilmember steadily urging that the issue get recognized and pass), Mayor Lee “reminded” the community that he wrote the “Welcoming, Safe and Inclusive City” resolution, and stressed that its purpose was for police directive.
The city was divided then, and remains so. The Poughkeepsie Journal article that Ryan referenced captured the essence of the time. The article quotes below reflect the time, but read the full article here:
Published on April 4, 2017: “In the City of Beacon, city officials and employees cannot interrogate or arrest someone based on their citizenship status, and will not help enforce federal immigration law.
“Those provisions are among several aspects of a resolution declaring Beacon a “welcome, safe and inclusive city” and designed to help individuals living in the U.S. without legal permission. But while the resolution was passed by the city council by a unanimous vote, the language used in the resolution was meticulously debated, and it proved divisive among area residents who attended Monday's meeting.
“Of 23 residents who spoke during two public comment sessions, 13 supported the resolution and 10 opposed it. Many in attendance wore red or blue to signify their stance on the issue.”
The article continued, describing the resistance to the wording and relevance of the resolution. Relevance is something Mayor Lee Kyriacou continues to push for today, in order to avoid discussion of these sorts of things, which center around racism, Islamaracism and bigotry. He mentioned wanting relevance again during last evening’s City Council Meeting, when he was discussing proper forum and decorum at City Council Meetings and topics taken up.
Back to the 2017 article. It further highlighted an effort by then City Councilmember, Ali T. Muhammad, who is currently participating in protests and ceasefire resolution pushes as a citizen, to include the word “sanctuary,” but received pushback by other councilmembers. As background, the term “sanctuary city” was punished by Trump when he put federal restrictions on funding for such cities:
“While not in name, the resolution offers many of the same protections as designated sanctuary cities. The resolution itself makes no reference to the term ‘sanctuary city,’ and a motion by Ali Muhammad, 4th ward council member, to add the term to the resolution name failed, 4-2.
"Peggy Ross, 1st ward council member, argued that the term ‘sanctuary city’ implied that Beacon would provide food or shelter in some way, which the resolution does not call for. Muhammad, however, said that choosing not to use the term "whitewashed" the resolution.
"Opponents challenged that the resolution was not a matter for the city council.
"‘What sort of benefit does this resolution have to protect our citizens or our police officers?’ asked Joe Galbo, of Beacon."
A Reminder Of The Legal Implications Of Beacon’s 2017 Welcoming, Inclusive and Safe City Resolution:
As reported in the Poughkeepsie Journal: "Under the resolution, city officials and employees cannot ‘stop, question, interrogate, investigate or arrest’ someone based on their immigration or citizenship status or a civil immigration warrant, administrative warrant or an immigration detainer.
"Officials and employees cannot inquire about an individual's immigration or citizenship status unless necessary to investigate a criminal activity by that individual, nor can they engage in the enforcement of federal immigration law, the resolution said."
This week’s City Council Workshop Meeting is now available on ALBB. This is the same agenda found on the City’s website, but ours includes future video of the meeting, and is in the all-you-need format at ALBB. This Workshop Meeting is open to the public to attend, but there is no Public Comment. Public does not speak during Workshop Meetings, only listens.
On the Agenda:
1. Amendments to the City Council Rules of Procedure This is a review of the City Council Rules and Procedures that Councilperson Pam Wetherbee requested after more than 50 people spoke at Public Comment twice over a 6 week period during Beacon’s the Ceasefire Resolution debate for Palestine and Israel.
2. Proposed Local Law Concerning Minimum Parking Requirements This is the ongoing debate to break down the requirements on parking that a homeowner or developer must match when building commercial or residential space. Reducing these requirements makes building easier, which some people both want and don’t want.
3. Ribbons on Main Street This regards the NAMI Mid-Hudson PSA Campaign that they have done in Beacon from 2014-2022, and was blocked last year from hanging the ribbons. The ribbon campaign remains up for debate this year, due to a multi-year maintenance campaign done to the lamppost, said City Administrator Chris White, which ALBB reported on in this article.
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The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
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