The Dutchess is a small boutique hotel in the heart of Beacon. We uphold meticulous standards for cleanliness and attention to detail. The Housekeeper position is integral to preserving a pristine and welcoming atmosphere. Duties include:
The ideal candidate will have previous housekeeping experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a team. If you take pride in your work and enjoy creating a comfortable atmosphere for guests, then this job is for you.
On Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11:12am, Beacon City School District Superintendent Matthew Landahl informed district families that Dutchess BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) had received an "internet threat". "As a precautionary measure," Dr. Landahl explained, "they are implementing a lockout procedure and will be dismissing students early today, Friday, September 20, 2024. Please note, this only impacted students attending Dutchess BOCES programs, including CTI, Special Education and BETA programs. Afternoon programs and classes, including adult education, are canceled...There is no indication of a threat to our school community here in Beacon and our schools remain open."
BOCES is a public organization that was created by the New York State Legislature in 1948 to provide shared educational programs and services to school districts. There are currently 38 BOCES incorporating all but 9 of the 721 school districts in New York State. This happened at the Dutches BOCES, which is in Poughkeepsie.
"Earlier today," Dutchess BOCES began, "gratefully the parent of a Dutchess BOCES student alerted administration to a potential threat their child saw on social media. We know that experiences like today's incident can be very alarming. We want you to know that we followed our Emergency Response Plan, collaborated with the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, acted swiftly to secure our campus, and our plans worked. Further investigation by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office determined the social media post appears to be a re-post of a previous threat."
The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office further illuminated: "At this time, further investigation has revealed that today’s post appears to be a re-post of previous threat that has widely circulated in recent weeks, and it did not specifically reference the Dutchess BOCES. The investigation is continuing in conjunction with Dutchess BOCES. However, at this time the threat does not appear credible, no suspects have been identified, and the students and staff are safe."
If anyone has any information about today’s incident they are urged to contact Detective Griffin at 845-486-3809 or jgriffin@dutchessny.gov(link sends e-mail). The Sheriff’s Office can also be contacted via the tipline at 845-605-CLUE (2583), and all information will be kept confidential.
Those trying to get to Newburgh re-routed by going on I-84 east to the Fishkill exit, turning around and traveling to Newburgh by going under the overpass.
By 10:30am, a tow truck had arrived to try to turn the truck upright. By 12pm, the truck was still in the middle of the ramp, and its contents seemed to have spilled out over the guard rail. The contents look like gravel.
Earlier in August, a dump truck carrying gravel turned over on the Tappan Zee Bridge.
This morning in Beacon, traffic was blocked on the entrance ramp to I-84 westbound on the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge when a dump truck turned over in the middle of the ramp. Traffic was backed up Wolcott heading into Beacon as of 9:30am at least. ALBB was told that the driver is fine.
The contents of the truck in the grass, with the truck in the middle of the westbound entrance ramp of I-84 getting onto the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge. Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth
Early in September 2024, nearly a year after Israel’s intensified genocide on Palestine, 179 healthcare workers gathered across the UK to bring awareness to 179 Palestinian healthcare workers detained by Israeli forces, as reported by Amnesty International UK.
In their Instagram post, which was reposted by the retail brand WearThePeace who has taken on a journalistic role after US Media has largely not reported on Palestinian detentions and detainments, Amnesty International UK stated: “Last week, 179 healthcare workers from across the UK gathered outside St Thomas’ Hospital to demand freedom and justice for the 179 Palestinian healthcare workers who are detained without charge or trial by Israeli forces.
“Among those in secret detention is Dr. Khaled Al Serr, who was taken in March this year from Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. His family have yet to see him or hear from him.
“These healthcare heroes should be saving lives, not facing torture or being criminalised. We urgently call on the UK government to demand the Israeli authorities reveal the whereabouts of these healthcare workers and release them immediately.”
The City of Beacon’s opportunity for you to dump your trash for free at the Transfer Station is ending soon. Residents who are current in paying their taxes can dump up to 250 pounds for free. The deadline is the third Saturday in September. An earlier version of this article printed an old date. Trash can still be dropped off at the Transfer Station throughout the year, but there is a cost for it. See here for how the division of trash works, what is not accepted, and pricing per type of item.
Please note, there are 2 URLs for this date. An old one, and apparently the current one. The City of Beacon should consider putting a permanent 301 Redirect on the old URL, since it is ranking in Google and the 301 Redirect would seamlessly send people to the current URL (or whichever URL the City decides to use). Thanks to Citizen Reporter Will Duffy @willmanduffy for confirming with the Transfer Station employees and supplying the new URL.
Before you go to your back-to-back events for Palestine and wordly education (a teach-in and a kayak-based protest launching from Long Dock on Sunday), know that it is Free Trash Day today Beacon's Transfer Station (formerly known as "The Dump.") The third Saturday in September is the last day of the season-long Free Trash allowance that they City gives to residents. So get to it!
A big welcome to ALBB's newest sponsor, Roc Pilates, a serene space located in the iconic brown building at 123 Rombout Avenue. Owner Jordana Herman welcomes you to her Reformer Classes, and will be showcasing her equipment and moves that help us keep a good mind and body all year long. See her listing in ALBB's Adult Classes Guide that has lots of pictures and the Class Schedule. The schedules for our sponsors will always be updated as they change them.
To fuel you up, we have great breakfast ideas from our sponsors below.
Enjoy! Sah taan!
THE EVENTS + RETAIL THERAPY GUIDE
Pulling Back The Curtain On The US-Israel "Special Relationship"
Day: Sunday, September 15th Time: 2-4:30pm Location: Old Dutch Church, 272 Wall Street, Kingston, NY
A teach-in and panel discussion about geopolitical interesting driving US support of Israel. Will talk about Zionist propaganda and AIPAC (the Israel lobby), and reports from the front lines of resistance and activism. Information >
Picnic and Paddle for Palestine
Day: Sunday, September 15th Time: 4:30pm Location: Long Dock Park Kayak Launch
Join the Beacon Ceasefire and Arms Embargo Now Coalition for Kayak demonstration on the water for a Free Palestine! Meet at the Kayak Launch by 5:10pm (to be seen by train passengers arriving at 5:21PM)
Organizers say: "We will paddle between Long Dock and Pete and Toshi Seeger park and back with signs and flags. Free Palestine! Stop the Genocide! Arms Embargo Now!" Bring a dish! You do not need to be a paddler or kayaker to join in from the shore to show your support and enjoy community of fellow supporters. Paddle/Boaters can sign up here: bit.ly/paddleforpal Information >
Catoberfest 2024!
Day: Sunday, September 22nd Time: 3pm-7:30pm Location: Hudson Valley Brewery
Mid Hudson Animal Aid (MHAA) will hold its 12th annual Catoberfest at the Hudson Valley Brewery with food from the Beacon Daily. Both vendors are donating a portion of their sales to Mud Hudson Animal Aid, and there are more fundraising opportunities during the event. Mid Hudson Animal Aid, based in Beacon, NY, has given shelter to thousands of lost, unwanted, and mistreated cats, rehabilitating them and seeking forever homes for them. The sanctuary serves the whole of the Mid Hudson Valley and has earned acclaim from many animal welfare organizations for its work. It is the only shelter in the area to house and provide care for special needs cats with feline leukemia (FELV) and feline AIDS (FIV). During Catoberfest, supporters will enjoy live music, craft beer, delicious food, family friendly activities, and amazing raffle prizes. Proceeds will benefit the felines of this unique no-kill free range cat sanctuary. Information >
Cold Spring Farmer's Market Saturdays @ Boscobell from 8:30am - 2pm
Beacon Farmer's Market! Sundays from 10am-3pm at 223 Main Street
Beacon Flea Market! Every Fair Weather Sunday from 8am-2pm at Henry Street (behind the Post Office).
BAGEL-ISH
226 Main Street, Beacon, NY
This video of Bagel-ish owner Beth sampling her locally imported smoked salmon dropped Thursday and has been a hit!! Liked and shared and commented on. Sometimes ALBB's audience is quiet on Sponsor posts, but on this one, wow. Beth shares that her grandparents are from Lebanon as she shares what makes the Middle Eastern bagel Za'atar so special. She then practices her Arabic (which we source from another Arab in town, Khitam) as Beth wishes everyone to Enjoy! Go watch this video and feel your day perk up. Locals! Locals get 10% off on Thursdays! Follow Bagel-ish on Instagram > Bagel-ish is a Sponsor, thank you!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Website >
Save the Date! September 21st, 6-9pm
New art show from Tino Lieberherr. Check out Tino's art here for a sneak peek. Follow HV Food Hall's foodies:
CARTERS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 424 Main St.
Oh no...This week's Specials at Carter's have been posted, and we jumped right down to the Dessert section to see the Pumpkin Cheesecake and Brownie Sundae. But don't miss the Spinach Feta Dumplings. Leave it to Chef Jon Lombardi to create meals you cannot resist. Send in a runner to order out, or dine in and enjoy the service! PS: Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday PPS: You can book the Carter's Restaurant space for a private party and enjoy delicious spreads made by the Carter's Crew! Book ahead. Follow Carter's on Instagram > Carters Restaurant & Lounge is a Sponsor, thank you!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY
193-195 Main Street, Beacon, NY
The Bacon Egg and Cheese on the house brioche is unforgettable. Be sure to read that again - "house brioche." Beacon Bread does all of their own baking. Which you can buy and take home! Locals get 10% discount. Join their Rewards Program to earn free stuff and additional discounts. PS! OPEN MIC IS BACK! Every Tuesday weather permitting. In the back patio! 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
Ziatun won Best of the Hudson Valley for Best Middle Eastern Cuisine for a reason: the recipes and drive of Kamel and his wife Lena, as well as their staff, some of whom are their children. Enjoy Ziatun's lamb and beef dishes with a great selection of wine, and pick up some merch. Ziatun is Palestinian-Owned. PPS: Ziatun is open everyday.
Monday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Follow Ziatun on Instagram > Ziatun is a Sponsor, thank you!
Feature your business each week in A Little Beacon Blog's Newsletter, Blog pages, and Instagram. People often use this newsletter to tell their friends where to go, and get ideas for themselves on what to order. This is a very hungry guide to put together each week. Learn More & Start Now >
Eggbert’s Free Range Farm @ Cold Spring Farmer's Market Saturday's Website > Instagram >
Eggbert's has many fans. Lately, one of their greatest fans, HealthyBreakfastGuy, has been sharing his breakfast dishes which feature the eggs of Eggbert's Free Range Farm. This one was too unusual and eye catching not to share: "Wacky Friday Brunch omelette which I threw a TJ’s Almond Flour Tortilla on top of eggs & goat cheese and flipped it in the skillet 🍳 with fresh steamed asparagus slathered in #bitchinsauce on Ralph’s #grandmaDishes" FARMERS MARKETS: Wednesdays: Cornwall Farmer's Market 11am-5pm Saturdays: Cold Spring Farmer's Market 8:30am-1pm Sundays:Beacon Farmer's Market 8:30am - 2pm SHOP ONLINE:Online ordering is available 24/7. DELIVERY: 🚚 Delivering to Cold Spring, Cornwall, New Windsor, Newburgh, Beacon, Fishkill, and Wappingers Falls. Eggbert's Free Range Farm is a Sponsor, thank you!
BINNACLE BOOKS
321 Main Street, Beacon
READING ALERT! Binnacle Books is hosting a reading "with the inimitable Margaret Killjoy on September 24th at 6:30pm to celebrate the release of her new book THE SAPLING CAGE from Feminist Press," announced the bookstore.
“A cracking, first-rate, epic coming-of-age fantasy novel. The crisis of gender identity only heightens the stakes (and suspense) of this propulsive, page-turning tale.” —Cory Doctorow, author of Little Brother
“To read The Sapling Cage is to witness the birth of a new classic. This is a book that will utterly transport you.” —Sarah Gailey, author of Magic for Liars PS The Beacon Prison Books Project is quite active. Learn how to send a book > 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
The Station is working endlessly to provide you with safe, legal and 100% certified New York State c*nnabis. Nothing is for sale YET, but watch this space, because The Station is always popping up with some good sh*t. Follow The Station on Instagram > The Station is a Sponsor, thank you!
Feature your business each week in A Little Beacon Blog's Newsletter, Blog pages, and Instagram. Readers love seen the magazine-like spread of what to buy inside of your shops, or if you have special classes or events going on. Learn More & Start Now >
ROC PILATES
Located in the iconic MCM building at 123 Rombout Avenue since 2017 Roc Pilates is a woman-owned business centrally located to Beacon's Main Street. Since 2017 Roc Pilates offers Reformer Classes & Private Lessons in a small boutique setting.
PICKLEBALL!
Looking for players. All abilities welcome. Join to connect with others, organize games, search for courts, learn the game, find gear & more! Information >
Seniors Chair Yoga
Stretch, move and strengthen your body! Gain physical awareness and balance! Reduce stress and have fun. Location: Beacon Recreation Center 25 West Center Street, Beacon, NY When: Mondays and Fridays Time: 9-9:45am Price: FREE
Dutchess County Office for the Aging Exercise Class
The Dutchess County Senior Exercise Program offers workout sessions for senior citizens in an effort to retain balance as well as bone density. Through strength training, seniors can shape their body and lose unwanted inches. Classes are conducted in a circle of 15-20 people using a chair for support and free weights. Location: Beacon Recreation Center 25 West Center Street, Beacon, NY When: Tuesday and Thursday Time: 10am
Pre-Registration is Required. Call 845-486-2555
Tai Chi and Qigong
Beginner and Advanced levels available. Gentle movements to cultivate your mind and body. Tai Chi and Qigong are easy vitalizing exercises you can learn to restore and maintain your health. You can practice them regardless of your age or health. The postures and movements are natural, balanced and simple. Location: Beacon Recreation Center 25 West Center Street, Beacon, NY Times:
Sunday Beginners 9-10:30am
Sunday Advanced 10-30-12pm
Thursday Push Hands 9-10:30am More Info >
Beacon has a growing number of beauty salons and professional pampering to take advantage of - you can even book a transforming appointment at a lash bar! Be it a totally new hair style, makeup lessons, or a facial, you have options in Beacon. Check out ALBB's Beauty Guide here >
Special Message For Businesses:Click here to advertise in ALBB's Beauty Guide with a picture, logo and weekly promotions that will be featured here and on our Instagram.
BEACON DENTAL
1020 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY
(845) 838-3666
If you are looking for a more discreet orthodontic treatment, Invisalign clear aligners could be the right choice for you! This nearly invisible orthodontic treatment allows you to maintain a natural appearance while also straightening your teeth and smile. To learn more about Invisalign treatment, schedule a consultation with the one & only Beacon Dental! Explore all services > Beacon Dental is a Sponsor. Thank you!
KATIE JAMES, INC.
Stop worrying about what you're going to post on Instagram and when... Katie James, Inc. will go deep and get into the zone of your business month to month. Using our experience as one of the top local media outlets in the Hudson Valley, we can apply our gift of finding story ideas that people love, to your business. Your customers need to know what is going on in your creative business and/or inside of your storefront doors and we cannot wait to tell/show them with you! Reach Out to tell us about your goals!
TIN SHINGLE
Tin Shingle a training platform and community for businesses, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business. Tin Shingle teaches PR, social media and content marketing tactics to regular people to help make their pitching and brand story telling smarter, engaging and more appropriate for the media to consider for article features. Tin Shingle produces weekly webinars called Training TuneUps, which offer free access to niche classes, as well as one-on-one training opportunities. PS! Believe it or not, it's time to start pitching for Christmas! Join our membership for all of the tools you need. Tin Shingle is a Sponsor. Thank you!
Got your running shoes on? We have a list of 5K races coming up for 2024!
Upcoming Race: 2024 MHRRC Dutchess County Classic
Day: Saturday September 14th, 2024 Time: 8:30am Location: Robinson Lane Park, 95 Robinson Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Information >
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.
Pulling Back The Curtain On The US-Israel "Special Relationship" Day: Sunday, September 15th Time: 2-4:30pm Location: Old Dutch Church, 272 Wall Street, Kingston, NY
A teach-in and panel discussion about geopolitical interesting driving US support of Israel. Will talk about Zionist propaganda and AIPAC (the Israel lobby), and reports from the front lines of resistance and activism.
LARRY GOLDBETTER, President of the National Writers Union, sister union of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate
ELLEN ISAACS, Retired physician, co-editor of Multiracialunity.org blog, led medical/ general delegations to Israel, Palestine and the West Bank
TALAL JABARI, Palestinian political scientist, award-winning filmmaker, journalist and long-time activist
MALIKA ZOUHALI-WORRALL, Award-winning British-Moroccan film director and organizer of Film Workers for Palestine
Music, Food, Craft Beer, Family Friendly Activites, and Prizes; Proceeds to Help Care for and Find Loving Homes for the Hudson Valley’s Abandoned and Special Needs Cats
Mid Hudson Animal Aid (MHAA) will hold its 12th annual Catoberfest at the Hudson Valley Brewery in Beacon, 3:00PM to 7:30PM on Sunday, September 22nd, where supporters will enjoy live music, craft beer, delicious food, family friendly activities, and amazing raffle prizes. Proceeds will benefit the felines of this unique no-kill free range cat sanctuary.
Established in 1979, Mid Hudson Animal Aid, based in Beacon, NY, has given shelter to thousands of lost, unwanted, and mistreated cats, rehabilitating them and seeking forever homes for them. The sanctuary serves the whole of the Mid Hudson Valley and has earned acclaim from many animal welfare organizations for its work. It is the only shelter in the area to house and provide care for special needs cats with feline leukemia (FELV) and feline AIDS (FIV). The sanctuary currently houses many feline residents, most of whom are eagerly awaiting adoption.
What To Look Forward To At Catoberfest
Hudson Valley Brewery will be serving its excellent selection of crafted beers and beverages and The Beacon Daily will be serving up its menu of tasty treats. Both Hudson Valley Brewery and The Beacon Daily will donate for every beer or meal sold during Catoberfest’s event hours. There will also be raffle prizes featuring gift certificates and merchandise from generous local businesses and Catoberfest merchandise for sale during the event. An online auction will be held during the week of Catoberfest.
There will be live music featuring local Beacon favorites Tony DePaolo’s Electric Gypsies, The Costellos, The Last Minute Soulmates, The Judith Tulloch Band, and The Black Coffee Blues Band. Among the family friendly activities during Catoberfest will be a face painting booth hosted by Fun2seefaces, with proceeds of sales going to MHAA. Marion Jones will host a jump-a-thon where Catoberfest attendees can sponsor her efforts during the event.
Supporters who cannot attend the benefit are invited to make a tax-deductible donation at midhudsonanimalaid.org or via PayPal to info@midhudsonanimalaid.org (where they can include a note that the donation is for Catoberfest).
From The Catoberfest Organizers
“We’re proud of our long history of serving the community and rescuing vulnerable cats,” said Ira Chavis, MHAA Board Member and Catoberfest organizer. “We’re very grateful to this year's Catoberfest sponsors and to everyone who can come to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon while doing so much good for our feline residents. We are also grateful for all the supporters of the previous years’ Catoberfest, who’ve helped us raise tens of thousands of dollars for MHAA. With the help of our supportive community, we can make our Twelfth Catoberfest the biggest and best yet.”
The 12th annual Catoberfest is made possible with the help of Hudson Valley Brewery as host, and The Beacon Daily serving up amazing food. Business Sponsors include Middlehope Veterinary Hospital, DocuWare, Berkshire Hathaway - Nancy Rosaler, Greenbaum Optometry, Kathleen Andersen Art, Hudson Valley Vinyl, Costello’s Maverick Pop, and Mountain Bear Crafts.
Picnic and Paddle for Palestine Day: Sunday, September 15th Time: 4:30pm Location: Long Dock Park Kayak Launch Join the Beacon Ceasefire and Arms Embargo Now Coalition for Kayak demonstration on the water for a Free Palestine! Meet at the Kayak Launch by 5:10pm (to be seen by train passengers arriving at 5:21PM)
Organizers say: "We will paddle between Long Dock and Pete and Toshi Seeger park and back with signs and flags. Free Palestine! Stop the Genocide! Arms Embargo Now!" Bring a dish! You do not need to be a paddler or kayaker to join in from the shore to show your support and enjoy community of fellow supporters.
Welcome Roc Pilates as a Sponsor to A Little Beacon Blog’s Adult Classes Guide! We have passed the iconic MCM building at 123 Rombout that houses this woman-owned boutique pilates studio one billion times on the way to and from South Avenue Elementary, but never been inside!
Now Roc Pilates is going to appear weekly in ALBB’s Weekend Things To Do Newsletter to showcase what their Reformer Group Classes and Private Sessions are all about. As a person who has taken Pilates but used to be intimated by it, we can promise that it is a fitness method that is totally calm, totally focused, totally in the zone, and totally doable by any body.
If there are injuries, owner Jordana Herman knows how to work around them to modify. If you need a workout where you aren’t pouring sweat, yet you appreciate being in peaceful atmosphere to gain and maintain lean muscles that make you look and feel good, this is the place for you.
Please join us in welcoming and supporting Jordana and Roc Pilates.
In this program, designed for adults living with dementia and their care partners, participants engage with one artist or gallery at Dia Beacon with guidance from Dia educators and Dr. Michelle Olson, art therapist and executive director of Evergreen Minds. Following an in-gallery discussion, participants create their own works of art based on their experience.
Please note: this program requires walking through gallery spaces. Seating will be provided throughout the program and wheelchairs are available upon request.
Name of Event: Evergreen Minds Workshop Date of Event: September 07, 2024 Start/End Time of Event: 10:30 am - 12 pm Address of Event: 3 Beekman St, Dia : Beacon Museum Price: Free. Spaces are limited
Editorial Note: Every now and then, ALBB publishes some free-form on our Instagram. This is one such post that we have lifted from our Instagram to bring to the blog for broader reach.
Pushing on elected officials locally is very uncomfortable. They are neighbors and friends.
But.
Watching violent murders for 10 months (and still raging) is very, very, very uncomfortable.
More uncomfortable is living amongst people who are OK with watching these violent murders, and having the Democratic leader gaslight us that this is ok.
It just unleashes all of the triggers.
Very very very very very very very uncomfortable to see people (the Beacon Democrats at their "watch party" during the DNC 2024) eat chocolate bon bons while they didn't oppose $20 BILLION DOLLARS to go kill Palestinians. To further erase the country that is Palestine.
Free Palestine.
Especially triggering was watching this Watch Party from the party room of one of The View, one of the apartment buildings that anti-Development Democrats so opposed before it was built. While the housing crisis was deepening in the country and in Beacon, as Democrats used zoning laws to restrict real estate development on areas they picked. The housing crisis, which they are now using to justify greenlighting more building. It’s just confusing. As confusing as the chococolate bon bons served and eaten while they don’t wail against a genocide that their leader is authorizing payments to Israel for.
You still won’t see ALBB support T, and ALBB remains registered with no party, but this is all so disappointing.
How Middle East Eye Covered The DNC
Americans who don’t support the genocide in Palestine, and who don’t support the United State’s funding of the genocide of Palestinians, were horrified while watching the Democratic National Convention. The last straw for many was when the Democrats would not allow a Palestinian to speak on their stage. Even if the Palestinian or Palestinian spokesperson was a Democrat.
Middle East Eye captured this in several posts at Instagram:
The Bannerman Castle Trust, (BCT) and Bannerman Island Gallery located at 150 Main Street in Beacon, NY proudly present a special 30th Anniversary Exhibition and Celebration featuring artwork, photographs, antiques & artifacts from historic Bannerman Island and Castle, that begins with a public opening reception on Saturday September 14th from 4:00-6:00pm. All are welcome.
Photo Credit: Bannerman Castle Sunset - by L.A. Clark
What Is The Bannerman Castle Trust?
Photo Credit: Bannerman Island Museum Interior - by L.A. Clark
The Bannerman Castle Trust organization has existed and operated as a not-for-profit “Friends” group comprised of dedicated volunteers and staff for over 30 years. Working with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, the BCT has made incredible advances on Bannerman Island, taking it from an abandoned and over-grown island of historic ruins (dating back to 1900) to the incredible public destination it is today.
Photo Credit: 1. Gordon Colby (Francis Bannerman's great-great grandson) donates original Bannerman Desk, - standing with BCT Executive Director Neil Caplan and BCT Development Director, Kelly Ellenwood (Photo by Lili Colby)
Since 1994, the BCT has been working to find resources and funding to stabilize the island’s historic structures and has made it their mission to educate the public on the value and history of Bannerman Island (originally known as Pollepel Island), to make it a safe and welcoming place for the public to enjoy as an educational, cultural, historical and recreational facility, promoting heritage tourism in the Hudson Valley.
Who Is Francis Bannerman?
Military Antiques dealer and amateur architect Francis Bannerman worked and resided on his island from 1900 until his death in 1918 and had built several structures including the iconic “folly” castle (arsenal) to store surplus militaria, and a summer residence that resembled a small castle where he and his wife Helen Boyce Bannerman would stay during weekends and summer months away from their city residence at the Hotel Margaret in Brooklyn Heights. Bannerman’s restored roll-top desk that that was gifted by Gordon Bannerman Colby and his wife Lili will be featured in the show. 19th century paintings by artist Francis William Loring (found in the Bannerman residence) were donated by Jane Bannerman and will also be on exhibit.
The Bannerman Exhibition
Photo Credit: From Bannerman Island Tour Boat - by Neil Caplan
The exhibition will be on display through January 2025. Gallery hours are Saturday’s & Sunday’s from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm and most weekday afternoons by chance or appointment by calling 845-831-1001.
The exhibition is FREE and open to the public, and group tours are also available. Additional 30th Anniversary programs include a special Community Accessibility Excursion to the island in October, and a High Tea & Talk with Executive Director Neil Caplan at Beacon's Swann Inn on Sunday, September 29th. The historic Gothic Revival era Swann Inn houses a number of extraordinary Bannerman Island paintings and drawings.
Bannerman's Island is accessible by the Estuary Steward Tour Boat, leaving the Beacon, NY Dock by reservation only from May – October each year. If you are interested in taking a tour of the island or in attending one of the BCT’s fabulous events, please visit www.bannermancastle.org for tickets.
Amid all of the construction going on around Beacon, which have been planned projects as part of Beacon’s Capital Project, speed “humps” just popped up on Wilkes Street. These minor traffic calming interventions were not as talked about as the new sidewalks and pipeline that came to Fishkill and Teller Avenues, but they do have significance here in Beacon, and seem to be slowing traffic on a kid-filled street.
Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White updated Beacon’s City Council during the September 3, 2024 meeting saying that the speed humps had been installed prior to school staring on September 4th.
Wilkes Street has a history of speed “bumps,” where the yellow bumps were set down during the Spring/Summer/Early Fall season, and lifted up for winter snow plow season. But they aren’t always put down each year, and from time to time, residents try to advocate for them to come back. Elsewhere in the city, if a speed bump is requested, it is not entertained. At least as far as the public City Council Meetings are concerned. Wilkes Street has been the exception for undefined reasons.
Elsewhere in the area at Memorial Park, speed bumps (as opposed to “humps”) were put down in similar fashion around the baseball and football fields. However, as ALBB has noted before, the laying down of these temporary speed bumps was inconsistent. They were not put down this 2024 year, or in 2021, for instance.
Last week, Beacon’s Highway Department could be seen on Wilkes Street near the skateboard park, crunching some pavement. At first, they dug trenches in the ground. A few days later, these speed “humps’ popped up as well as new yellow signs warning of the speed hump. Said one ALBB reader: “I for one liked the day before when they dug out the holes for the speed humps and cars had to come to a crawl to traverse them.”
Speed Bump: tends to be a sharper obstruction that is short - not as wide as the street. Usually reduces traffic to 5-10 mph but can more easily damage shocks. Usually are bad for snow plows.
Speed Hump: tends to be as wide as the road, are rounder, and more forgiving. Might be better for snow plows, but still awareness is needed when plowing over them.
Speed Lumps: similar to speed humps, but are broken in the middle to allow for the tires of emergency vehicles to pass through.
In conclusion, the permanent speed humps probably make former City Councilmember Terry Nelson satisfied, as he used to close his City Council Meeting Reports with: “don’t speed.”
On September 5, 2024, Beacon Police arrested Khyree Pratt, age 23 of Philadelphia, PA for the murder of Lionel Pittman in the Forrestal Heights apartment community near West Center Street (near the Beacon Recreation Center), on May 14, 2022, according to a press release issued by the Chief Thomas Figlia of the Beacon Police Department.
"Khyree is currently an inmate in a Federal Correction Institution out of state," according to the press release. He was transported to Beacon, NY on September 5th by the Beacon Police Department, "where he was processed on charges of Murder in the First Degree, and then transported to the Dutchess County Jail."
This is the second arrest in Lionel's murder. The first arrest was of Naije Perrette on June 11, 2024, who was charged with Second Degree murder, and arrested during a traffic stop in Beacon on Fishkill Avenue.
Said Chief Figlia in the press release regarding Khyree: [This arrest] represents yet another facet in the culmination of years of diligent work by members of the Beacon Police Department, the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office and other assisting agencies."
Chief Figlia sated that there are other elements of the investigation that are still ongoing, so no further information is being released at this time.
According to Patch.com, Khyree was arrested in June 2022 in Marple Township in Pennsylvania after Maple Township Police said that he led them on a chase on June 4, 2022. The media outlet reported: “According to police and court records, Khyree Hyneif Pratt, 21, of Philadelphia, has been charged with firearm crimes, fleeing or attempting to eluding police, drug possession, and other crimes.”
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A podcast from A Little Beacon Blog. Your hosts: Katie Hellmuth martin & Brandon Lillard.
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.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
