Things To Do In Beacon Guides 12/06/2024
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When Does The Leaf Truck Stop Making Bulk Pickups? "Until It's Done."
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When do the leaves stop getting picked up by the City of Beacon’s leaf truck? “It will continue until it's done,” Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White announced during the 11/18/2024 City Council Meeting. A schedule of quadrants was posted on the City’s website up until 11/25/2024, with this statement: “pickup will continue for several weeks, rotating through the quadrants.”
According to some residents in the Beacon Facebook Group, the leaf picker upper truck was spotted on Mead Avenue yesterday (12/4/2024). During the November meeting, City Administrator Chris assured residents that even after the truck stops running for bulk leaf pickup, people can bag their leaves and the Highway Department will pick up the bags of yard clippings throughout the year as they usually do.
Should you have raked leaves into the street in front of your house, you may want to consider calling the Highway Department to leave a voicemail, and sending an email with your address, to make sure they are alerted before the truck rotation for bulk leaf pickup powers down.
Beacon’s Burn Ban Is Over For Now - Enough Precipitation Fell But Not Enough To Fill Reservoir
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Beacon’s Burn Ban is over - for now. After fall’s dry conditions fueled fires across the region, Beacon and New York State issued Burn Bans to protect against future fires. With the rainfall that happened shortly after that, and recent snow flurries, the City of Beacon announced during this week’s City Council Meeting that Beacon’s Burn Ban as been lifted. City Administrator Chris White stated: “The state classified us at low risk. The snow and rain did help quite a bit. Did help with fire risk.”
However, the Stage 1 Drought has not changed, and is not likely to in the last month, City Administrator Chris said. While there was some precipitation, it was not enough to fill the reservoirs back up past 60%, which is Beacon’s drought trigger.
This Thursday morning, there was a 2hr snow delay for Beacon City School District from the freezing conditions after light precipitation overnight.
The Wynotte Sisters To Play At Southern Dutchess Country Club Thursday Dec. 5th
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Stop the presses!! This flyer just flew in to Artisan Wine Shop! The Wynotte Sisters are popping up for their annual Christmas concert special, this year at the Southern Dutchess Country Club (1209 North Avenue aka Wolcott Ave at the intersection of Verplanck Ave), with special guest The Lousin’ Brothers. December 5th. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. Last year they filled up the Howland Cultural Center, so needed a larger space.
Says band member Sara Milonovich @daisycutter “We do everything from Andrew Sisters covers, to Willie Nelson to Yoko Ono. We do *not* do covers of other songs that are played to death at any shops or bars.” Sara tells ALBB about this Christmas show specifically: “We do songs about eggnog, cheese, and naughty Santa’s. Listen for our fan favorite, ‘Santa wants to take you for a ride.’”
The Wynotte Sisters don’t pop up often together. It’s more of a Christmas collab for them as they perform separately all over the county.
Singing in the 🎵 snippet on ALBB’s IG is Vibeke Saugestad @vibekesaugestad from her album.
All three musical artists are:
Sara Milonovich
@daisycutter
Vibeke Saugestad
@vibekesaugestad
Daria Grace
@deegee99
Flags Fly at Half Mast For Clara Lou Gould; Leaders Who Worked With Her Share Admiration
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Clara Lou Gould, Beacon’s Mayor for 17 years from 1990-2007, passed away on Monday at the age of 97. Clara Lou was active in civic life and contributions in her final years, sometimes making appearances at City Council Meetings to promote the reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July.
“Quality of her term in office is what most people will remember.”
In 2019, the City of Beacon honored her with a plaque and dedication of a day, declaring August 29th “Clara Lou Gould Day,” as reported by Hudson Valley Press. At the time, then Mayor Randy Casale said of Clara Lou: “Boy, did you make this city better, turning it completely around into a now destination spot. Since you, we have only gone up, and you have been a mentor for me.”
Clara Lou was the first female mayor for the City of Beacon, and the longest serving female mayor in New York State. She was the Tioronda Garden Club President during 1970-1971 and 1974-1975. She established Beacon as a Tree City, which is referred back to today when citizens advocate for green spaces among the development of new buildings.
Clara Lou started the Civic Beautification Program and organized the Greenway Trail Initiative. She is a founding member of the Beacon Patriots Garden. She was avid supporter of the arts, and a long-time member of the Beacon Historical Society. Said the Beacon Historical Society of her passing on their Facebook page: “We deeply mourn the loss of our former mayor (and friend!), Clara Lou Gould -- the longest-serving female mayor in the history of New York State. She was a remarkable visionary who shaped our city's future like no other. Clara Lou was a long-time member of our Society and a generous supporter of our mission. We will miss her devotion, her smile and her kindness. May she rest in peace. Clara Lou was Beacon’s biggest fan. Somehow, 97 years was still not quite enough of her!”
Former Judge Peter Forman came to the 12/2/2024 City Council meeting to thank the Council for recognizing Clara Lou by lowering the flag to half mast, which he said he discussed with City Administrator Chris White. Peter served with Clara Lou for 9 years as Beacon's City Attorney before his election to the County and Family Courts. Peter said of Clara Lou: "Quality of her term in office is what most people will remember. The one thing that will stand out is the Dia citing in 1999 and how much Dia meant to the redevelopment of Beacon. She was very much involved with that. She supported it 100%. There were times we weren't sure it was going to happen. Clara Lou said ‘keep pushing; be persistent.’"
Pam Barrack, who served Dutchess County as Commissioner of Finance for 9 years, presented with Peter, saying this about Clara Lou: "She was very active other than being the Mayor of Beacon. She was quote active in the community before, during and after her tenure as Mayor. We are going to miss her terribly."
Community members in the Beacon, NY Facebook Group remembered her for volunteering at the Highlands Hospital.
“The one thing that will stand out is the Dia citing in 1999 and how much Dia meant to the redevelopment of Beacon. She was very much involved with that. She supported it 100%. There were times we weren’t sure it was going to happen. Clara Lou said ‘keep pushing; be persistent.’”
Mayor Lee Kyriacou held a moment of silence for Clara Lou during the City Council meeting, and reflected: “Seminal work [by Clara Lou] was done to point this city toward a new vision, and it made a huge difference. I agreed with Peter Forman's remark. Clara Lou did it in a way she didn't feel obliged to lead. It encouraged the entire council to be much more collaborative and much more open to ideas. The consensus that got developed over that period of time crossed political lines; crossed new-comer/old-timer lines. A lot of it had to do with her style. I was very respectful of that. We didn't always agree. She usually figured out the right answer by the end of things. I had a lot of respect for that. She will be missed.”
Former Mayor Randy Casale told A Little Beacon Blog: “Clara Lou was a special person. She loved our city and cared about all the people. She was a great leader to work with and learn under. When she became Mayor, she had a vision for this city and a plan. She followed them both and made this one of the best cities in America. I thank her and may she rest in peace.”
The family will receive friends on Monday, December 9, 2024 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, at 2 Beekman Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Joachim Church, 51 Leonard Street, Beacon. Interment will follow at St. Joachim's Cemetery.
To send a personal condolence please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Patrick J. Halvey of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.
$50,000 Overtime Granted To Highway Department For Milling and Paving From Central Hudson Payout, But Includes Men's Bathroom, Firehouse, Stair Rennovations
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During this week’s City Council Meeting, $50,000 in Overtime was granted to the Highway Department that was “directly related to the milling and paving work” that has been going on around in the City, resulting in part from infrastructure work being done by Central Hudson under the streets and sidewalks, said Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White. The $50,000 was classified as revenue that was paid by Central Hudson to Beacon to do the the milling and paving after Central Hudson dug under the street.
However, in the City Council Workshop meeting before this last week (at the 9 minutes 11 seconds mark), it was expanded that the $50,000 revenue from Central Hudson to pay for milling and paving in Beacon was also used for building upgrades at Town Hall and the Firehouse. Details of these upgrades were not included in either the 11/25/2024 Workshop or 12/2/2024 Council Agenda memo noting the expense, but were explained by Finance Director Susan Tucker at last week’s Workshop while City Administrator Chris was out of town.
The memo proposing the Overtime stated: “Amend the 2024 General Fund Highway Budget for additional overtime costs associated with several jobs done in-house instead of contracting out including milling and paving work being paid for by Central Hudson. These costs can be covered by some of the funds received by Central Hudson for the work. The budget amendment is anticipated to cover the costs through the end of the year.”
Central Hudson’s work is not complete yet, and is stopping for the winter, to be resumed in April, City Administrator Chris said when he returned for this week’s meeting, which was the meeting to vote for the Highway Department Overtime. City Administrator Chris explained the expense this way (at the 1 hour 42 minutes mark): “The Transfer of $50,000 to Overtime from Miscellaneous Revenue. This is directly related to the milling and paving work and our Overtime for our staff. They do a lot of the handwork behind the milling. They are there dealing with the traffic issues, water valves, manhole covers. This money is coming out of the proceeds from Central Hudson. They paid us to do this milling. Some of it goes to paying the contractor and some of it goes to paying our staff. That's in the amount of $50,000. Thank you to Susan Tucker for covering last week and talking about this.”
When Susan talked about it, she included more detail of work completed within Overtime that was not milling and paving. These additional projects included renovations to the City’s 3rd floor Men’s bathroom, improvements to the City’s Finance office, helping with the Firehouse renovation, and replacing the stairs out front between City Hall and the Police Department.
Susan explained: “If you haven't noticed, we have been doing quite a bit of additional work through our Highway Department, especially Dave Way and Sean Detoro. They've renovated different areas in City Hall. They did the Men's bathroom on the 3rd floor. They've improved the Finance Office. They did some ADA ramps.
“They've also been working on milling and paving. We've assisted the Firehouse in some of the renovations and moving materials that needed to be done there and cleaning up of various City areas.”
Additional to the milling and paving were the stairs. Susan explained: "Earlier this year, Central Hudson gave us a lump sum to do some do the milling and paving that they needed done. Also, there was some additional funds there we'd like to use these monies to cover those additional Overtime costs in the Highway Department. Also the stairs outside. We had some additional costs with that. With our construction observation, which is Anthony Thomaselli. Anything that he used to oversee the steps we charge to that Highway Overtime line. That would be covered by the Central Hudson additional revenues."
Mayor Lee Kyriacou clarified: "I just got a couple questions. In terms of the Overtime, are we expecting the revenue item to cover that from Central Hudson? Is that how you're setting it up Susan?"
Susan answered: "We have a certain piece that covers the actual materials and then there was an in-excess piece of it as well. So we're using some of it to cover the overages in the Highway Overtime."
Mayor Lee settled: "Okay great. That's all I got."
Councilmember Jeffrey Domanski asked how much is left in the Contingency Fund after the transfers. Susan answered: "Great question. We have about $32,000 in the Regular Contingency line, and we have $36,000 in the Contingency Retirement line."
Sky Diamond Jewelers Is Second Jeweler To Leave 226 Main Street; Flourishing In Flagship Space In New Windsor
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In October 2024, Sky Diamond Jewelers left their Beacon location at the new-ish building of 226 Main Street to focus entirely on their flagship New Windsor location. “It was going to be an uphill battle after the robbery. And we had the opportunity to leave, so we had to make a decision,” Sky Diamond Jewelers told A Little Beacon Blog. “We’re still here to service you in our New Windsor location.”
The robbery on June 13, 2024 happened at the same time as two other robberies of jewelry stores in Cold Spring and Danbury, CT. The glass of the front door was broken and a neighbor called the Beacon Police at 4:30am, at which point the Beacon Police pursued a car already speeding away from the store to the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge, where the police stopped their pursuit due to high speeds. Suspects were later arrested in Newark, NJ in connection to the burglaries.
Sky Diamond Jewelers are the second jeweler to leave this location, the first being Hudson Valley Goldsmith. Sky Diamond Jewelers moved in shortly after Hudson Valley Goldsmith moved out. Currently a retail boutique selling clothing, crystals, signs and other home goods has moved in.
Sky Diamond Jewelers was established in 2016 by husband and wife team Isreal & Jennifer Morales in New Windsor, NY. They specialize in custom designed jewelry made on site, bridal jewelry, and permanent jewelry. They are deep in the thriving lab grown diamond market, and are always having events and reasons to buy new bling. Follow them on Instagram for more.
Third Suspect Arrested By Beacon Police For Murder Of Lionel Pittman In Forrestal Heights
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Chief Thomas Figlia of the Beacon Police Department issued a press release announcing the arrest of the third suspect in the murder of Lionel Pittman in the Forrestal Heights apartment community near the Beacon Recreation Center. He concluded: "At this time all three individuals who were present at and participated in the murder of Mr. Pittman have been arrested."
On November 21, 2024, Beacon Police arrested Zyree Downing, age 24 of Middletown, DE for the murder of Lionel Pittman. Zyree was charged with Murder in the First Degree. According to the press release, Zyree is an inmate in a Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution, where he was transported from that facility to Beacon by the Beacon Police Department to be processed on his charges. Once processed, he was transported to the Dutchess County Jail.
"This arrest, together with the June 11th arrest of Naije Perrette and the September 5th arrest of Khyree Pratt, represents yet another facet in the culmination of years of diligence work by members of the Beacon Police Department, the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office, and other assisting agencies," Chief Figlia stated.
Chief Figlia then thanked other law enforcement agencies that assisted in the investigation leading to the arrests, including the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office, Medical Examiner's Office, Drug Task Force, Sheriff's Office, the New York State Police, the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, the City of Philadelphia (PA) Police Department, the Marple Township (PA) Police Department, the Delaware County (PA) District Attorney's Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, NY/NJ HIDTA, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Naije Perrette on June 11, 2024 was charged with Second Degree murder, and arrested during a traffic stop in Beacon on Fishkill Avenue.
Khyree Pratt on September 5, 2024 was charged with Murder in the First Degree, and was already incarcerated out of state.
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"A Call To Truth" :: The Thanksgiving Myth: Celebrating Genocide
/During this time of recognized genocide in Palestine by Israel, largely funded by the United States and protected by some European powers, Thanksgiving as a Day of Mourning is becoming more recognized. Below is a statement by Heart of Falastine, who shared this slide deck to illustrate. Beneath the slide deck is a video of an annual recognition at Plymouth Rock of land theft, cultural extinction and normalized dehumanization created by BTNewsroom.
By Heart of Falastine:
“Thanksgiving is not what you think it is. Beneath the myths of ‘peace and harmony’ lies the brutal truth of genocide, land theft, and the erasure of Indigenous peoples. This colonial holiday celebrates the domination of land and the dehumanisation of those who belong to it.
“As millions prepare to gather in blind celebration, let us remember: Thanksgiving is a justification of violence disguised as gratitude. It perpetuates the same colonial mindset that sees the earth as property to be conquered, rather than a sacred relationship to be honoured.
“This season, refuse to celebrate the lie. Stand with Indigenous peoples. Acknowledge the truth. Reject colonial erasure. Choose solidarity over complicity.
📖 Inspired by the wise words of the Kanak people of occupied Kanaky (colonisers call it “New Caledonia” 🇳🇨 )
*******
By BT Newsroom:
“Hundreds marched at Plymouth, Massachusetts in observance of the National Day of Mourning. Organized by the United American Indians of New England, Indigenous people and supporters gather each year on Thanksgiving to honor the holiday’s true history of colonialism.”
Happy TGiving :: Thanksgiving 2024
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In trying to be true to evolving feelings about Thanksgiving, was going to skip the traditional holiday post that every brand must post on holidays, especially Thanksgiving. Was going to let Thanksgiving-themed articles speak for themselves. But after watching basketball yesterday, a dream floated in overnight, and its message can be the theme of this holiday post from ALBB to you:
In the dream, I (Katie) was on the court, running up and down with my team. On my team were various people from parts of Beacon and Newburgh, like in the Ceasefire group, and people I couldn’t see from elsewhere. We were just there - playing our part - on the court, running very fast, forwards and backwards, turning to catch the ball, each taking turns passing and catching to score. We had deeply different strengths and purposes, but we were grounded. We knew what to do and who we were.
Whenever I leave Beacon, I reflect back on it to see and feel its unique mix of people that foster the environment beneath and above the sidewalk. This microcosm that fosters hands-in nurturing that can be taken with you wherever you go.
This is the Tgiving feeling that I pass to you. In the dream, I was grateful for the players.
In health and honesty,
Katie
Question From An ALBB Reader: "Any places I can volunteer to serve Thanksgiving meals?"
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Photo Credit: Katie James, Inc
ALBB received this question from a reader: “Are there any places in Beacon to volunteer to serve Thanksgiving meals?”
If you know this answer, please put your suggestion in the comments below.
Beacon Community Kitchen Seeks Turkeys and Ham; Members Of Community Donate All Year
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Days before this year’s Thanksgiving, the Beacon Community Kitchen, currently located in the Tabernacle Church of Christ at 483 Main Street (the intersection of Main Street and Church Street), put a call out for turkeys and ham for the holiday: “We are in need of turkeys and ham for our holiday meals. We are usually overwhelmed with the amount that we get but this year we have not received any. Spread the word and love.”
Beacon Community Kitchen serves one hot meal to go on Mondays - Thursdays. After this call was made, some turkeys were donated by people in the community, but more may be needed:
“Today we had a generous donation from Tom Kenny who brought us two fresh turkeys for our Guests. Thank you Tom for your generosity. We also want to thank Tina Finkelsten for her generosity. She brought down a turkey and a five pound bag of potatoes. Thank you for thinking of us!!”
Community member JOe (seated) eats a meal with Beacon Community Kitchen. Joe has lived in various locations in the woods of Beacon.
Candi Rivera, spokesperson for the Beacon Community Kitchen, continued to describe what was cooked that day: “Tuesday lunch: [Chef] Joe had to improvise. He rallied through nicely!! He made gnocchi creamy vodka sauce over oven warmed baguette and a fresh green baby kale salad to accompany the meal. Thank you Joe, Janice, Anna, Peggy and Tina.”
Beacon Community Kitchen accepts ingredients for dishes all year round.
On A Monday - In April
As Giving Tuesday approaches (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and Black Friday holiday consumption), Beacon Community Kitchen celebrated any day a person or business donates food for them to cook. Like this day in April.
Owner Beth George of Bagel-ish Donates bagels on any given day.
In April 2024, Candi reflected: “Most people celebrate Giving Tuesday. Well today (Monday), we celebrate the generosity of many who came forward to donate back.”
Candi listed a few donations in a post at Facebook:
MAX’s of BEACON
“Peggy picked up at Max’s with the assistance of her friend Noah who helped with his truck. We received chicken breast, burgers, salad stuff, cream cheese, French Fries, cod, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, baking powder, corn starch, liquid smoke and more. We can’t thank you enough for consideration.”
PUSH TRANSPORTATION: and their Proprietor’s
“Joe Simmons and Shamikah Jones for their generosity and donation of boxes and boxes of guacamole, tossed salads and sugar snap peas. Thanks for your support and generosity in thinking of us. We also extend special thanks to Elmer Arroyo for his assistance today.”
EGGBERT’S FREE RANGE FARM
“[Farmer Carrie and her brother Tom] surprised us also and bought a case of pork products which included: pork jowls, ham hocks, and more……”
BEACON NATURAL MARKET of BEACON:
“Picked up and delivered by our own TROOPER PEGGY B!! We received spring mix, Dijon mustard, Swiss chard, yogurt, assorted cookies and teas.”
Candi concluded: “Talk about Acts of Kindness! Beacon is it!! We’re so blessed to have the support of sooooooo many kind and loving individuals with great big hearts. We can’t thank you enough for all you do, in one way or another, that keep us serving for 8 years strong.”
To donate money or coordinate food delivery, email or call: incareof.beacon@gmail.com (845) 728-8196.
Middletown, NY Refuses To Call For Ceasefire; Mayor Disputes Facts Of Genocide
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Organizers and Pro-Palestinian supporters in Middletown, NY have been showing up at 7 consecutive Common Council meetings over the past months, advocating for local representatives to pass a comprehensive ceasefire resolution that calls for the protection of both Palestinian and Israeli lives. Neighboring municipalities including Newburgh, Beacon and Kingston have passed such resolutions. albeit with reluctance and a large amount of pushing from residents.
In October, Middletown’s Common Council passed a resolution calling for “global peace” and a release of all hostages as reported by MidHudson News, but that resolution failed to mention a ceasefire in Palestine, which has now spread to Lebanon. It also lacked mention of an arms embargo of Israel to prevent them from bombing Palestine, Lebanon, and future nations Israel targets. The resolution did not a call for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Palestine instead of being blocked by Israel.
Mayor Joseph DeStefano’s Dismissal of Global Facts
“Why are they targeting Middletown with this message organized by the Democratic Socialists of America and then coming here and lying about it? And that’s where you lose credibility in your argument.”
Middletown leadership is defiant, and now disputing facts about the genocide recognized by the international community. Middletown’s Mayor Joseph DeStefano said this several meetings ago in September 2024 in response to the demands by some Middletown residents for a more comprehensive ceasefire resolution: “Why are they targeting Middletown with this message organized by the Democratic Socialists of America and then coming here and lying about it? And that’s where you lose credibility in your argument,” he said. “You are asking us to accept what you are saying about the Gaza war and the facts as you see them are the facts that nobody else can dispute. Well, people are disputing those facts, and I don’t know which side is correct on certain facts that you present.”
“You are asking us to accept what you are saying about the Gaza war and the facts as you see them are the facts that nobody else can dispute. Well, people are disputing those facts, and I don’t know which side is correct on certain facts that you present.”
It is not clear who the Democratic Socialists of America are in this case, or if they have a newsletter, or other method of organizing. It is unconfirmed if Mayor DeStefano has asked participants at these meetings if they are affiliated with that group, and even if they were, what that significance it has to the genocide on Palestinians, now creeping to Lebanon.
Mayor DeStefano may not be aware of the international community’s view of the ongoing genocide on Palestinian people funded by the taxes of the people of the United States and carried out by Israel. As reported by Now In Palestine (NIP), in one year, the ICJ called Israel an occupying apartheid state; the UN concluded that Israel is committing a genocide; and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has now issued arrest warrants for at least 2 of Israel’s leaders.
Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur of the United Nations (UN) on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967 has published a widely read report for the UN called “Genocide as colonial erasure,” released on October 1, 2024. However, numerous other reports were published calling attention to the atrocities Israel has been committing, and committing with impunity. The ICC applied for arrest warrants for Israeli leadership in May 2024.
“We cannot look away. Recognition of what is taking place makes it incumbent on us all to take whatever action we can. My relatives in Israel plead with me, please, we are all suffering from Israel’s siege. As Jews we feel this obligation most acutely. Please be aware that Zionism is a political ideology, it does not represent Judaism and Jewish values.”
The report summarizes as: “In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese, examines the unfolding horrors in the occupied Palestinian territory. While the wholesale destruction of Gaza continues unabated, other parts of the land have not been spared. The violence that Israel has unleashed against the Palestinians post-7 October is not happening in a vacuum, but is part of a long-term intentional, systematic, State-organized forced displacement and replacement of the Palestinians. This trajectory risks causing irreparable prejudice to the very existence of the Palestinian people in Palestine. Member States must intervene now to prevent new atrocities that will further scar human history.”
People in the state of New York, specifically Middletown, are intervening at every level they have access to, including the micro-local level. The least Mayor DeStefano and other local leaders could do is have the courtesy to acknowledge the findings of the international community, instead of ignore the reality on the ground, as the Biden administration in the United States has done.
Genocide Denial, Defiance, and Chilling Behavior By Pro-Genocide Residents
However, some citizens are are responding with chilling nonchalance to emotional appeals for the U.S. funded bombing to stop.
A video went viral of a woman slowly waving an Israeli flag back and forth while a 13 year old girl wept at the Middletown Common Council podium, telling the public about her family in Palestine. “A 13-year-old Palestinian child shares her emotional testimony on Tuesday evening in Middletown, NY while zionist in attendance disturbingly waves Israeli flag,” Rally Middletown reported.
The post garnered many comments, including ALBB’s, which said: “The slow waving back and forth of that Israeli flag by that woman while the child weeps through her words, grieving for her Palestinian family, waiting for it to end. The icy cool nonchalance of that woman. Wow.”
A report from the UN has stated the massive destruction created by Israel is “consistent with the characteristics of genocide” with Israel’s destruction of water systems, agriculture, sanitation systems, and the production of toxic pollution with the dropping of “25,000 tonnes of explosives - equivalent to two nuclear bombs - by early 2024,” the report found.
For others who doubt the validity of demanding a ceasefire and arms embargo, Al Jazeera Plus collected testimony from White House staffers who resigned over the Gaza genocide. Anna Del Castillo worked in the White House as the Deputy Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Take a listen to what she has to say in the video below. See a broader list of White House resignations of over the genocide here.
International Criminal Court (ICC) Issues Arrest Warrants For Israeli Leaders
The Thursday 11/21/2024 after the public’s repeated attempt for the Middletown Common Council to use its voice, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Minister Benjamin Netenyahu and his former Defense Secretary Yoav Gallant. The ICC also issued arrest warrants "for Mohammed Deif, one of the leaders of Hamas, over the October 2023 attacks that triggered Israel’s offensive in Gaza. The ICC chief prosecutor withdrew his request for warrants for two other senior Hamas figures, Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, after they were both killed in the conflict.” Israel claims to have killed the Hamas leaders.
One of the prosecutors seeking arrest warrants for the Israeli leaders, Theodor Meron, is a 94-year-old Holocaust survivor, jurist, and former Israeli diplomat. Read more about him and his decision to pursue these arrest warrants at Foreign Policy.
From the Rally Middletown Organizers:
Rally Middletown sent out a press release about the latest meeting. It has been published below in full:
For the seventh consecutive Common Council meeting, community members gathered at Middletown City Hall, urging local representatives to pass a strong ceasefire resolution.
Building on the momentum of the previous meeting, the community showed unwavering support, with a strong turnout of over two dozen individuals and a robust public comment session that lasted over an hour, underscoring the community's enduring dedication to the cause.
One advocate who spoke, Carol Strauss Sotiropoulos, stated, “We cannot look away. Recognition of what is taking place makes it incumbent on us all to take whatever action we can. My relatives in Israel plead with me, please, we are all suffering from Israel's siege. As Jews we feel this obligation most acutely. Please be aware that Zionism is a political ideology, it does not represent Judaism and Jewish values.”
While one council member stated they had already heard their constituents by passing a recent resolution, participants were quick to correct the fact that the resolution that passed did not include any verbiage for a ceasefire or arms embargo to protect Palestinian and Israeli lives.
Alderman Jerry Kleiner stated, “We passed a resolution supporting global peace in the world and asking for the unconditional release of all the hostages, but that’s not going to happen without a ceasefire.”
While city residents were disappointed that more council members didn’t vocalize their support, participants left motivated knowing that there is still a window to pass a stronger resolution.
Following the meeting, advocate and organizer Amanda Krump stated, “President Biden recently threatened to impose an arms embargo on Israel if they did not ensure humanitarian aid to enter Gaza within thirty days. Despite multiple human rights organizations confirming Israel hasn’t followed through with this request, the U.S. has still yet to act. We need to continue to pressure our government at every level.”
Middletown residents will continue to rally people in the city to show up to the upcoming meetings until a strong ceasefire resolution is passed. With the increased momentum of recent meetings, community members are confident a resolution will pass.
“I have never felt more resolute about the efforts we have taken to unify our city around a ceasefire to protect both Palestinian and Israeli lives,” said organizer, Jason Nietzschmann. “If those in positions of power refuse to act based on their own moral compass, we must persist in our efforts to persuade them to act in accordance with our shared values of justice and equality.”
Although the timeline for passing a strong resolution remains uncertain, one constant is clear: Middletown residents are unwavering in their commitment and will persist in making their voices heard.
Common Council Meetings are every other Tuesday. Contact Rally Middletown for media requests.
Transgender Day of Remembrance Recognized In Beacon By BeaconLGBTQ
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Wednesday, November 20, 2024 was Transgender Day of Remembrance. One place it was recognized in Beacon was by BeaconLGBTQ at The Yard Beacon. The event featured food, drink and community. The event was designated free, sober, and kid friendly. BeaconLGBTQ described the day as: “Transgender Day of Remembrance: A day dedicated to honoring the memory of transgender individuals whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.”
The artwork they used to promote the event was a portrait of Cecilia Gentili by the artist Gabriel García Román who is based in Newburgh. He describes his experience photographing her here. Learn more about Cecilia’s expansive life, community service, and death here.
BeaconLGBTQ listed names on what they called an “official record of community members we have lost this year to anti-trans violence.” However, they emphasized: “Not listed are the countless Trans folks whose lives gone too soon from a million micro-aggressions, trauma and no hope. As well we know that many of our community members are mis-gendered and/or ignored, so the numbers and the names are under reported.” More names and portraits can be found here at www.transremembrance.org
San Coleman
Honee Daniels
Kassim Omar
Redd (also known as Barbie)
Tai Lathan
Vanity Williams
Dylan Gurley
Monique Brooks
Shannon Boswell
Kenji Spurgeon
Pauly Likens
Liara Kaylie Tsai
Tayy Dior Thomas
Jazlynn Johnson
Kita Bee
Andrea Doria Dos Passos
Starr Brown
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Organizer KkDevina Naimool expanded on more of their thoughts here in their Instagram post.
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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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