After 6 Hours, 911 Service Is Restored; Verizon Fiber Optic Transmission Line At Fault

After 6 hours, 911 service for Dutchess County has been restored. A Verizon fiber optic transmission line is cited as being the cause of disruption. Dutchess County made the announcement of the failure of service via an emergency break-through alert on phones, but made the restoration announcement via social media and email channels. Alternative land lines were provided for people to use in the meantime.

“Dutchess County’s announcement said: “Dutchess County Emergency Response has announced full 9-1-1 service has been restored. Dutchess County’s 9-1-1 services were interrupted today from approximately 3:00pm until 9:00pm due to an issue with a Verizon fiber optic transmission line. Verizon crews from Poughkeepsie and Kingston worked to restore the lines, with full restoration completed by 9:00 pm.

“Incoming emergency calls were re-routed to 7-digit landline numbers without incident during the outage. “

CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Challenged By Demonstrator At U.S. House Of Representatives

In a video first published by @PulseofPal on Instagram, a young female demonstrator was dragged out of U.S. House of a Representatives Committee on Education and Workforce hearing in Washington D.C. regarding “campus antisemitism” after shouting at CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos, who was testifying. The Pro-Palestinian demonstrator said: “How can you sit there talking about the feelings of Jewish students, when there are no universities left in Gaza? There’s blood on your hands! You are a genocidal war criminal!”

“How can you sit there talking about the feelings of Jewish students, when there are no universities left in Gaza? There’s blood on your hands! You are a genocidal war criminal!”

— Young Woman

@CCNYSJP (Students for Justice in Palestine at the City College of New York) responded with more footage of the student’s message during the Congressional Hearing on “Antisemitism on College Campuses” from other angles. That footage has been republished in this arrticle.

Said @CCNYSJP: “We the students reject the conflation of anti-Zionism with antisemitism. While Congress and universities distract the public with their propaganda, our tax dollars and tuition continue to fund the genocide of the Palestinian people. While they sit discussing ‘feelings,’ there are no universities left in Gaza.

“We demand our students and faculty are reinstated. We demand divestment. We will not be silenced.”

“We the students reject the conflation of anti-Zionism with antisemitism. While Congress and universities distract the public with their propaganda, our tax dollars and tuition continue to fund the genocide of the Palestinian people. While they sit discussing ‘feelings,’ there are no universities left in Gaza.”

— CCNYSJP

Prior to this hearing, SUNY BDS (Boycott, Divest and Sanctions) issued a press release stating their participation in a rally in NYC set to happen outside a summit that Chancelor Matos was supposed to be attending, but was “skipping the summit in order to capitulate to the federal government,” they said. “He will be in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, testifying before Congress that CUNY has sufficiently repressed Palestinian solidarity activism.”

This demonstrator was vocalizing at that hearing in Washington D.C. while SUNY BDS and CUNY students demonstrated against both chancellors in NYC. Read about their plans here.

911 Emergency Service Goes Down In Dutchess County - Alternative Number Provided

After last night’s flash flooding in areas of New York, the 911 Emergency service has gone down in Dutchess County, which was broadcast via alert on some cell phones.

Two alternate phone numbers were given: 845-486-6547 and 845-486-6546.

If Dutchess County sends out an alert that 911 service is restored, then this article will be updated.

Beacon's New Urgent Care Walk-In Center Is Beautiful With All The Things - X-Rays, Blood Work - Treatment For Fevers, Bumps and Scrapes

The intake process, Lab, Exam and X-Ray Rooms of CareFull MD
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

“Just when it seems like life can’t get any busier, the school nurse calls...Bring your child over to CareFull MD, and we’ll have them taken care of all in a lunch break.”

— CareFull MD

The people of Beacon wished for their own urgent care, and they have received. CareFull MD opened at 252 Main Street, an independently owned walk-in center urgent care that rivals some primary care physicians offices.

Walking into CareFull MD feels both parts exclusive and inclusive. While it is located next door to one of main arteries of the community - Key Food - with the ample parking lot, the windows are wrapped in purple with red hearts, creating the message of caring and privacy. A TV is positioned in the corner, and programming rotates between kids movies and lighter shows depending on who is in the Waiting Room. The bathroom, true to the Best Bathrooms of Beacon, is ample and accessible for patients.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

"CareFull MD bridges the gap between limited primary care hours and arduous emergency room visits,” their literature describes. “With no appointment necessary and convenient hours, CareFull MD is an even better option than your primary care. Our short wait time and affordable co-pay options make CareFull MD the best choice over the emergency room."

Primary Care & Pediatrics

CareFull MD has nailed it with how they service busy families: “Just when it seems like life can’t get any busier, the school nurse calls. We’re here to make the familiar song and dance a whole lot easier. No need to beg your primary care receptionist to squeeze you in, or wait hours past your scheduled appointment. Bring your child over to CareFull MD, and we’ll have them taken care of all in a lunch break.”

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Exam Room 5, 6 and Staff Break Room at CareFull MD.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

The team at CareFull MD is bilingual in Spanish and English, and seasoned in the urgent care industry. Kim Doyle is the Office Manager, while Angelica Leall is a phlebotomist and runs the front desk with Maya (Sherrifah) who is also a phlebotomist. Paulina Taylor is a Nurse Practitioner, and Wilner Laborde a Physician Assistant.

Blood Tests On-Site

With CareFull MD’s modern in-house blood testing techniques, finding out the results of a sickness or fever can come a little quicker, rather than waiting days for the blood-work to be sent out and analyzed to determine the cause. Blood work is run on-site in the Lab for fast, convenient results. If blood-work is all one needs, one can walk in or schedule just for lab-work.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

The opposite end of the exam office hall way at CareFull MD.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

COVID-19 Tests

CareFull MD offers several Covid-19 services to help people prevent and treat coronavirus. The following tests are provided: Cepheid Xpress (RT-PCR), Abbott ID NOW Rapid Molecular Test (NAAT), Quidel Sofia 2 Rapid Antigen Test, Lab-based PCR Test (Insurance accepted, this one is processed at Quest Labs).

With 6 Exams Rooms, CareFull MD is ready to treat as many patients of all ages as needed.

Primary Care Equipped

An additional patient-facing office is located in the back to service the medical professionals and patients completing different services, like wellness visits, eye exams, physicals, or preparing for an X-Ray. A comfortable Staff Break Room is provided to staff to rejuvenate.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a staple at CareFull MD. “More than anything we want to see our community healthy and happy,” CareFull MD says. “When it comes to prevention, vaccines are a powerful tool to help ward off common diseases and keep our community well.”

The following vaccines are offered: Seasonal Flu Shots, Travel Vaccinations, Tetanus, PPD, Occupational Health Vaccines, and Vaccine Titers.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

X-Rays

Kim Doyle (standing) is the Office Manager, while Angelica Leall (sitting) is a phlebotomist, speaks fluent Spanish and English, and runs the front desk
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

To provide complete care, CareFull MD offers X-Rays in-house, across from the Exam Rooms. Should something happen at soccer or out riding one’s bike, people of Beacon have easy and close access to discover if they broke, sprained, or strained a bone. No appointment necessary. With the assistance of a friend or just yourself, walk in and the staff will get you situated. A CD is provided so that you can follow up with a specialist.

Insurances

CareFull MD accepts most major health care plans including: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Fidelis, Medicare, Medicaid, 1199, Amerigroup, Cigna, GHA, Magnacare, Metroplus, Molina, Oxford, UHC, Healthfirst, UHC Community, and Empire.

CareFull MD is actively adding insurance carriers, and advise you to send them your request to add yours at Beacon@carefullmd.com. Co-Payments are due at time of service.

Perhaps you’ll see the team soon. In wellness.

This article was produced in partnership with CareFull MD, who is a business member sponsor of ALBB’s Business Directory.

Pro-Palestinian CUNY and SUNY Organizers Picket Center For An Urban Future 2nd Annual NYC Economic Mobility Summit

Update: “CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Challenged By Demonstrator At U.S. House Of Representatives”

###Press Release Printed In Full From SUNY BDS###

“This Tuesday, on July 15th at 10AM EST, a group of CUNY and SUNY organizers will join together to picket outside of The Center for an Urban Future’s second annual NYC Economic Mobility Summit on 150 West 17th Street.”

“Both the CUNY (Felix Matos) and SUNY (John King) chancellors are scheduled to speak at the summit on “How Can NYC Advance Economic Mobility Amid Harmful Federal Policies?” However, the CUNY chancellor is skipping the summit in order to capitulate to the federal government. He will be in Washington DC on Tuesday, testifying before Congress that CUNY has sufficiently repressed Palestinian solidarity activism.”

“We will gather outside of the NYC Economic Mobility Summit to show our chancellors what fighting back against the federal government really means. To truly resist fascism means to defend your students, staff, and faculty in their first amendment rights and protect them from militarized police forces, ICE, and DHS. It means standing against the US-funded israeli genocide of Palestinians by divesting from israel and weapons manufacturing companies.”

“We will begin our picket at the time CUNY chancellor Felix Matos begins his testimony before Congress, while his counterpart, SUNY chancellor John King, talks about how to resist this same federal government. Our goal is to reiterate our shared demands to those in leadership at our universities and the people of New York State, whose taxes fund our universities. These demands are:"

• Disclose foundation investments

• Divest from weapons manufacturers and technology committing this genocide

• Amnesty for protestors and protection for non-citizen students/staff/faculty

• Replace the BOT with democratic, collective student-faculty-worker-community governance”

Electric Company Settlement $50 Check: Phone Number Not Working For Those Who Lost Check

After reading ALBB’s article: “Open The Mail: There May Be A $50 Settlement Check In It From Columbia Utilities Power,” multiple readers are writing in to ALBB saying that they did not realize this was settlement money, and lost or ripped up the check.

One reader, Owen, said that the phone number provided by the settlement to get a new check issued is not working. ALBB tried the phone number, and indeed, it does not work. Owen said when they tried: “The card has a phone number but there is no menu option to request replacement check. They are making difficult to actually pay out the settlement which means the money gets returned to them.”

According to multiple readers, cards were sent to those who did not cash the check. One reader submitted the content for the card, which contains the phone number that does not work.

-- Text from card--

NOTICE OF OUTSTANDING SETTLEMENT CHECK
Town of Sangerties, et al., y Columbia Utilities Power, LLC, et al.

Last Name: xxxxxxxxxx
Claim ID: xxxxx

Dear Class Member,

We mailed you a settlement award payment on April 1 2025, and our records indicate that your check has not been cashed. The settlement award check has a 90-day void term, meaning you will not be able to cash it after July 17, 2025. If you still have the check, please deposit it into your bank as soon as possible. If you have not yet received the check or need a new check sent to you, please contact our office so we may re-issue it. You must contact us no later than July 17, 2025, or your funds will no longer be available.

Missing check? Contact the Settlement Administrator toll-free at (844) 804-4105

---

A website also exists for the settlement, which lists the same number.

Things To Do 📅 7/12/2025

It's Second Saturday...But before we get into it, shout out to this white lady who broke her Instagram feed, which she says "is a pretty significant platform" for issues related to "fun." But she wants address the ICE issue. The issue of ICE not presenting identification, now running over protesting people (CNN) in vehicles like minivans used for kidnapping. This Instagram woman says she "doesn't talk about politics," but just can't anymore, and is asking her audience to re-think ICE. Keep talking about it. Don't let it become normal. Free Palestine. Meanwhile, there is a new event on Sunday centered around "Love Island" at La Barbirria that you won't want to miss! Scroll down for details. Community Food Programs Two programs are consistently running free meal programs each week right now. Both organizations prepare the meals fresh, with fresh food. All are welcome to eat, and all are welcome to donate time to serve the food, or money or supplies. Beacon's Back Yard Breakfast: Serving to all who need/want it every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 6:30am-8:30am at 12 Hanna Lane, Beacon, NY 12508. We have seen freshly baked blueberry muffins and yogurt parfaits come out of this kitchen. Volunteer + Wishlist > Fareground: Serving Thursday Lunch from 11am-12pm, and Friday Dinner from 5:30pm-7:30pm at 50 Liberty Street. The menu changes each time. Below are menu samples. Volunteer + Wishlist > Don't be shy. Come enjoy the meal. Come away with extra goodies usually as well.   BOOK YOUR EVENT PROMOTION Single purchases of Event Promotions are available. Membership for discounted recurring events are available. EVENTS SECOND SATURDAY It is Second Saturday in Beacon. Any gallery you stop into will have something going on! Information > *** SAVE THE DATES *** Fundraiser: Oyster Night For Beacon's Backyard Date: August 14, 2025 Location: The Yard, 4 Hanna Lane Beacon, New York Ella's Bellas emerges again for this one-time Oyster Night Fundraiser for Beacon's Backyard! The Beacon Backyard Program serves free breakfast to anyone who needs or wants it every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Opportunities to Volunteer and Donate are ongoing. Donation Information > Beacon Sloop Club's Corn Festival Date: August 10, 2025 Location: Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, Beacon, New York The Corn Festival is next! Vendor opportunities are still open. Registration Information > Live @ The Yard: Samantha Crain Day: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Time: 7pm-10pm Price: $22 ($25 at the Door) Location: The Yard, 4 Hanna Lane, Beacon, NY Samantha Crain is a Choctaw-American singer, songwriter, film composer, and producer from Oklahoma. A two-time winner of the Native American Music Award, Samantha defies categorisation, marrying folk music with the sounds of country rock and college indie. Samantha's latest album, A Small Death (2020), was released on Communion's Real Kind Records. The album received universal acclaim with tracks finding themselves in constant rotation on 6music. Information > Features from our Sponsors. Is your business on the menu? JOIN ALBB'S BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP FOR FEATURES LA BARBIRRIA 389 Main Street, Beacon, NY La Barbirria (the former Oak Vino, near the Beacon Vet) is having a Love Island night this Sunday. A very excited commentary regarding US Episode 30 was made from $*x Educator, Racial/Social/Gender Justice Educator Erika Hart (@iharterika). They gave commentary on it after a big character got voted off the show by viewers. Curiosity was peaked, to say the least. Chips and guacamole are in order. With a virgin-something. Instagram > HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY If there is one thing we know for sure about Nami Yum Yum, it's that they make the freshest dishes, on rotation. This dish featured here might not be available right now, as owner Jamie switches it up frequently. But this dish was in their Ceviche Program. This was the ceviche de chicharrones, which are proper chicharrones, fish sauce vinaigrette, veggies and avocado served in a fried rice paper/nori bowl. Nami.....YUM. Follow HV Food Hall's Chefs: Nami Yum Yum Roosevelt Bar Tara Fusion Cuisine Old Dhaka Coffee House Five Pennies Creamery Palmetto Burger Co. Oui Oui HV Taco Al Dente Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor! BAGEL-ISH 226 Main Street, Beacon, NY Beth, owner of Bagel-ish, went to the Low Country last week (think Georgia and South Carolina) and got inspired with blackening spices. They don't call it "Cajun" down there she says, but up here in Beacon, she's calling them the Cajun Spice Bagel. ALBB tried the new flavor after Doris stuffed us with it, and YUM! See the video. Instagram > Bagel-ish is a Sponsor! CARTER'S RESTAURANT 424 Main St. When the family comes to town, an easy choice is Carter's to feed us all. And give us enough space to stretch out and talk about what we need to talk about, but not crowding into anyone. And that brownie sundae…. 🍨 gets us every time when we hit the peanut butter part 😋 Catering and Private Parties available. Instagram > Carter's is a Sponsor! JOIN ALBB'S BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP FOR FEATURES Eggbert’s Free Range Farm In this season of tomatoes 🍅🍅🍅 Eggbert's has everything you need to celebrate this juicy produce. Find the tomatoes at your local Farmer's Market, and find your steak and eggs with Eggbert's. If you love soft, juicy cuts of steak, then you need to find Eggbert's at the Beacon and Cold Spring Farmer's Market. If you're in Cornwall, they are there on Wednesdays! FARMERS MARKETS: Wednesdays: Cornwall Farmer's Market: 11am-5pm Saturdays: Cold Spring Farmer's Market 10am-1pm Sundays: Beacon Farmer's Market 10am - 2pm SHOP ONLINE: Online ordering is available 24/7. DELIVERY: 🚚 Delivering to Cold Spring, Cornwall, New Windsor, Newburgh, Beacon, Fishkill, and Wappingers Falls. Website > Instagram > Eggbert's Free Range Farm is a Sponsor! BINNACLE BOOKS 321 Main Street, Beacon A new "A Wrinkle In Time" series edition is at Binnacle Books. Instagram > READ NOW JOIN ALBB'S BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP FOR FEATURES R O C PILATES 124 Rombout Avenue, Beacon NY Rita is apprenticing at ROC Pilates, as she trains and builds her educational career in classic Pilates under the mentorship of ROC owner Jordana. Pictured here is Rita doing the Spread Eagle from the animal series exercises on the Cadillac. Book with Rita, and Private Sessions are discounted to $50 from $75. NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS: + Ready Plus+ 2 reformer classes and 2 tower classes $120 + Set Plus+ 4 reformer classes and 4 tower classes $230 + Go Plus+ 6 reformer classes and 6 tower classes $319 C L A S S E S Small Group or Private Lesson. Reformer Classes start at $35. See Schedule > Sloop Clearwater Limited space remains in our Summer 2025 Youth Empowerment Programs! Young Women at the Helm, Young Men at the Helm, and Queerwater are free, three-day sailing adventures for youth ages 14–18. These immersive programs are designed to build confidence, spark friendships, and deepen participants’ connection to the Hudson River. Sail the iconic sloop Clearwater, camp under the stars, and grow through hands-on learning and team building. 💧Queerwater: July 18–20 | Drop-off: Poughkeepsie, Pickup: Cold Spring 💧 Young Women at the Helm: July 25–27 | Drop-off: Cold Spring, Pickup: Poughkeepsie 💧Young Men at the Helm: August 22–24 | Drop-off & Pickup: Dyckman Apply now at the link in our bio!⛵ Information > The Blushery 528 Main Street, Beacon NY Brow shaping is an art at The Blushery. This is a "Brow Lamination" for a full, fluffy brow look, starring Karla Montoya Baudett, an advanced skin specialist at @_aesthetichic_ Located across from the Dummy Light near the Roundhouse. Book Online > BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY ART > ANTIQUES Hudson Valley Auctioneers > AUTOMOTIVE > TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Luxury Taxi Service, AQ Services, Inc from Luther Lopez > BEAUTY The Luminous Bride >  Makeup By Jenny Magliano > BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES See them here > BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR Tin Shingle Katie James, Inc. DAYCARE PlayTivity DENTAL Beacon Dental HEALTH AND WELLNESS > MASSAGE CareFull, MD (Urgent Care or Walk-In Doctor) Kristen Verge, LCSW River Therapeutic Massage  HOME IMPROVEMENT > APPLIANCE REPAIR Shelter Air HISPANIC OWNED BUSINESS See them here > MUSIC Miss Vickie's Music REAL ESTATE Hudson Upstate Team at eXp Realty ADVERTISE IN ALBB'S BUSINESS DIRECTORY Free Breakfast Program Day: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays Time: 6:30am-8:30am Location: 12 Hanna Lane, Beacon, NY 12508 They have a Wish List of food items! If you're in the mood to donate, find the list here. Information > FRIDAYS: Fareground's Free Community Dinner Day/Time: Fridays, 5:30pm-7:30pm Location: First Presbyterian, 50 Liberty Street, Beacon, NY 12508 Information > Volunteer > Donate > Read Our Latest Articles Advertise With Us! Stay Up To Date With City Council Meetings

SIGN UP FOR THIS NEWSLETTER JOIN THESE ADVERTISERS: We create ad packages that work for different types of businesses. Click here for ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog and accomplish your goals. We look forward to highlighting your business and show your support!

Applications Open For Non-Veterans For Free Home Repairs From Rebuilding Together HV Income Based Program

Applications are open for the Rebuilding Together Hudson Valley program which grants qualifying people free critical home repairs necessary to maintain a safe and healthy living environment, including, but not limited to: major accessibility modifications; plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical system repairs; stair, roof, porch and other critical structural repairs. Mobile homes are only eligible for accessibility ramps through this service.

Rebuilding Together Hudson Valley provides critical repairs, accessibility modifications and energy efficiency improvements for neighbors in need, including but not limited to seniors, persons living with disability, families with school-aged children, and active or retired armed services members. These services are provided at no cost to the homeowner.

One qualifying requirement is that the assessed full market value of the home must fall below a designated amount. Qualifying houses in Beacon may be difficult, as the market has increased assessed home values even for homes owned by elderly people. A Little Beacon Blog reached out to Rebuilding Together to see if there is talk of increasing or lifting that assessed value limit.

The application can be found online here. The application period is from June - September 2025 to find qualifying people for the 2026 repair season.

The application period for Veterans is year-round and can be found here.

The application period for the Handyman Service is year-round and can be found here.

The Unexpected Closing Of Tito Santana Taqueria By The Landlord

Tito Santana Taqueria, days after a Dutchess County Board of Health inspection triggered a Beacon Building Department inspection, resulting in findings of structural damage deemed as “Unsafe Conditions” to floor joists in the basement due to wood-boring insects. The restaurant was ordered to cease by the Beacon Building Department until this violation was remedied by the property owner, Joseph Donovan and his wife, both of Lindley Todd, LLC,. After Tito’s fixed 5 violations that were there responsibility, and before the work to the floor joists started, the landlord Terminated Tito Santana’s lease with a 7 day order to vacate. a “For Lease” sign was up soon after asking for almost double the rent and showed the space to prospective new tenants.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

When news first came in to A Little Beacon Blog about the unexpected closing of Tito Santana Taqueria, it began as a percolation. Multiple readers wrote in to ask if the rumors were true.

Readers had many questions: if Tito’s had closed; was it because of a health department violation that the landlord wouldn’t fix; were the employees getting paid; was it an issue with the flooring; did they spend time in court; were they evicted; was it closed forever.

ALBB requested and was granted an interview with Tito Santana’s owner, Milan, outside on a hot day in June over ice cold cans of ginger key lime soda. The meeting included reviewing photos of the property before this situation, the email sent by the landlord’s property manager, Sean Noble, to Tito Santana, terminating the lease, and other documents for a pending lawsuit that Tito Santana’s was serving the landlord Lindley Todd, LLC the following week.

What Happened? In A Nutshell

Damage to the floor joists under 142 Main Street, formerly Tito Santana, from the wood-boring insects. Owned by Lindley Todd, LLC.
Photo Credit: Tito Santana

A routine surprise inspection by a Dutchess County Health Inspector of Tito Santana occurred on May 6, 2025, where the inspector found the fire panel to be not working properly. This finding triggered the City of Beacon Building Department to inspect the property, who cited 7 violations, which included significant structural damage to joists under the kitchen floor, due to wood-boring insects, according to the “Order To Remedy - Cease Operations” document obtained by ALBB via FOIA.

Specifically: “The floor joist, seen from the basement area, show evidence of severe deterioration due to wood-boring insects.” Additionally, the Order stated that a permit would be required to fix it: “An engineer evaluation of the flooring system is required prior to repair. Permit required for this work.”

The City of Beacon’s Building Department, under Beacon’s current Deputy Building Inspector Cory Wirthmann, thereby ordered the Cease Of Operations of the restaurant until the violations were fixed, but did not mandate that the lease be terminated, as the Beacon Building Department does not have the authority to dictate or interfere with the relationship between landlord and tenant. Tito Santana had 1 year remaining on their current lease, and for the past three years, had been in discussions for signing a new 9 year lease at a higher rate of $2,250 (current lease was less than that amount, Milan told ALBB).

Tito Santana had been asking the landlord for the past 3.5 years to fix the issues like flooding in the basement while working to secure the new lease. With promises of a future extended lease and repairs made to the building, Lindley Todd, LLC told Tito's to pay the higher rent amount of $2,250 than the current lease, which Tito’s did.

Flooding in the basement cellar of 142 Main Street, where Tito Santana’s was. The restaurant owner told ALBB that flooding was a regular occurrence, and not fixed by the property owner, Lindley Todd, LLC. The new rent listing boasts of: “significant basement storage.”
Photo Credit: Tito Santana

Flooding at 142 Main Street, formerly Tito Santana, that would include sewage. The restaurant owner told ALBB that his requests of the property owner, Lindley Todd, LLC to fix it were repeatedly not completed.
Photo Credit: Tito Santana

“Tito's had been paying the higher rent amount for the past 3 years with no signed new contract. Just the original contract we are in now that I inherited when I bought the business that has the lower rate written in,” Milan said. “This was advantageous to Lindley Todd, LLC because we were safe in that we had an active lease, but as he tempted me with the new 9 year lease and promises to fix major problems, wanted me to pay the higher rent amount that would be on our future 9 year lease,” Milan confirmed. “But that day never came. He terminated my lease by email one afternoon after the Beacon Building Department and Dutchess County Health Department cited him on violations, 5 of which I remedied, the 6th of which was dependent upon his structural fix. My lease ended swiftly in termination.”

The picture above shows water overflowing in the bucket from a leak. The basement flooding was reoccurring. The video shows water coming out of the wall. Backflows from pipes result in all the buildings sewage coming into the basement, Milan explained.

Suddenly, Tito Santana’s was “Closed For Repairs”

Tito Santana fixed 5 violations that were their responsibility, with the 6th needing to wait until the floor was repaired. That violation - the 7th and largest violation of the floor joists - resided with Lindley Todd, LLC, Milan told ALBB. "Structural repair is the landlord's responsibility in 99% of the commercial leases and so it was in our lease,” he said. “Everything else is tenant's responsibility for the most part."

Regarding the violations: “Six were my violations. He made me fix and spend the money on his property. Telling me that he's going to fix the structural issues, like the constant flooding in the basement, and then I would have a new lease. The 6 violations fall under my responsibility. I fixed 5 of them (for the 6th, I was waiting on the floor to be repaired by him). And then he sent me the termination. He made me spend the money to fix his place, and then took the place away from me. What is the point of the lease anyway?”

The lease termination email was sent on May 21, 2025 by Property Manager Sean Noble, which mentions New York State’s Good Cause Eviction Law. Sean’s email explaining the termination reads as follows:

---

View fullsize

Milan,

Thanks for your patience as you've been waiting for a time to meet with Joe and me to discuss the repairs needed to clear the violations issued by the City of Beacon. While we had intended to meet to go over next steps, Joe has made the decision to move forward with terminating the lease. This decision was based on the terms outlined in the "Fire/Damage" clause of your lease, which gives the landlord the sole right to determine whether the premises are usable due to fire or other damage. In this case, Joe has determined that the premises are not usable in their current condition and has chosen to exercise his option to terminate the lease rather than proceed with repairs.

Attached to this email, you will find the official Notice of Termination. I know this is disappointing news, especially given your willingness to move forward with resolving the violations.

However, it was the City of Beacon Building Department who ordered that the restaurant cease operations until the structural violation was fixed and reviewed by an engineer, in “Violation 305.1.1 - Unsafe conditions. Code Reference: 2020 Property Maintenance Code of New York State November 2019.” The City of Beacon Building Department had no authority to terminate the lease, and did not order such. All violations are listed below in this article.

Lindley Todd’s representative and family member Nick Page, was seen showing the property days later to potential new tenants in the restaurant industry.

---

After the termination, the property was listed on the market on LoopNet for $4,000/month, which is 43% higher than what Tito Santana was paying, and without the 7th violation of the wood-boring insect damaged floor joists fixed, or the reason for the constant flooding.

The new property listing boasts of “significant basement storage,” but the basement was still prone to flooding.

“He wanted me out, so I moved out,” Milan said. “He only gave me 7 days to move out. On a restaurant that has been there 15 years. Fast forward a couple weeks, he is trying to lease the space for at least $4,000. Almost twice my rent. I find this baffling.”

The “For Lease” sign up at 142 Main Street, former home of Tito Santana days after Tito Santana was served a termination email on their lease, citing that repairs needed to be made.

After the restaurant closed and people started asking questions, on May 31st 2025, ALBB reached out to the landlord, Joseph Donovan of Lindley Todd, LLC with a list of questions about the types of repairs needed. By June 4th he responded: “Yes, my wife and I are the principals of Lindley Todd, LLC, the property owner. A collection of events led to a detailed inspection of the store and cellar (by the health dept, and bldg. inspector, and ourselves) and the realization that extensive repairs were needed … the scope not feasible with continued occupancy of the retail/restaurant space.”

Tito Santana was started 14 years ago by Kamel Jamal, a restaurateur who has started and owns and co-owns several eateries on Main Street in Beacon. He sold Tito Santana’s to the current owner, Milan, 3.5 years ago in January 2022.

What Were The Violations?

Of the 7 violations, Tito Santana fixed 5 of them that were their responsibility, Milan said. They had already moved necessary items out so that Lindley Todd, LLC could do work on the 7th violation involving the basement and kitchen floor damage from the wood-boring insects, as well as a plumbing issue.

“I moved everything for the kitchen floor. I already took stuff from the kitchen to storage. I would have moved more to storage to fix whatever he needed. We were preparing ourselves for the busy summer season, so had purchased food and drinks. I had to throw away $30,000 worth of food and drinks (cost with receipts, not retail value) when he terminated the lease with 7 days notice and mandated that the space be left in ‘broom clean condition’.”

According to the “Order to Remedy - Cease Operations,” the violations were as follows.

1. 2020 Fire Code of New York State November 2019: "The commercial kitchen exhaust hood and fire suppression system was overdue for the 6 month inspection and cleaning. Expired May 1, 2025"

2. Power supply: "Behind the front counter there were several multi-plug adapters plugged into each other and not plugged directly into a wall receptacle."

3. Unapproved conditions: "In the kitchen area there was a 2 gang floor receptacle that was not properly secured to the wall and the cover plate was not secure to the box, exposing the wires on the inside."

4. Plumbing system hazards: "The DWV vent, an Air Admittance Valve, was located within the umbrella of the kitchen hood at a close proximity to the range top. Physical damage to the pipe has occurred due to radiant heat exposure."

5. Clearance from ignition sources: "The commercial range located under the Type 1 hood is mounted above a wood dolly cart. The wood dolly is a combustible material that is located too close to an ignition source."

6. Extension cords: "An extension cord is being used to power a large walk-in cooler outdoors. Extension cord is (1) not protected from physical damage (2) affixed permanently to the building (3) is routed through a door to the outside (4) is plugged into several multi-plug adapters."

7. This was the largest structural violation that the Beacon Building Department required the property owner, Lindley Todd, LLC to fix:
   This violation was identified as "Unsafe Conditions": "The floor joist, seen from the basement area, show evidence of severe deterioration due to wood-boring insects. An engineer evaluation of the flooring system is required prior to repair. Permit required for this work."
   Violation: 305.1.1 - Unsafe conditions.

   Code Reference: 2020 Property Maintenance Code of New York State November 2019

   Description: The following conditions shall be determined as unsafe and shall be repaired or replaced to comply with the Building Code of New York State or the Existing Building Code of New York State as required for existing buildings as required for existing buildings, or the Residential Code of New York State as applicable:
   1. The nominal strength of any structural member is exceeded by nominal loads, the load effects or the required strength.
   2. The anchorage of the floor or roof to walls or columns, and of walls and columns to foundations is not capable of resisting all nominal loads or load effects.
   3. Structures or components thereof that have reached their limit state.
   4. Structural members are incapable of supporting nominal loads and load effects. 5. Stairs, landings, balconies and all similar walking surfaces, including guards and handrails, are not structurally sound, not properly anchored or are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects.
   6. Foundation systems that are not firmly supported by footings are not plumb and free from open cracks and breaks, are not properly anchored or are not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects.
   Exceptions: 1. Where substantiated otherwise by an approved method. 2. Demolition of unsafe conditions shall be permitted where approved by the building official.

Reason For The Lease Termination

The reason Lindley Todd, LLC stated in an email terminating the lease, which was emailed by the property manager Sean Noble to Milan, invoked the “Fire/Damage Clause.” But there was no fire or damage from a fire.

There a faulty fire panel, which triggered this cascade of intervention. But this wasn’t the first time the fire panel didn’t work, Tito Santana told ALBB. Multiple issues had been wrong and gone unrepaired for some time, despite numerous requests to fix, and spoken promises to deliver, Tito Santana told ALBB. Several of those exchanges are in emails between the two.

"It's brutal to do something like this to anybody," Milan told ALBB. He had 6-7 employees who worked in the kitchen and in the front serving customers. “I was willing to move out for him to fix the place. He just handed me a termination.”

A boiler inspection log at 142 Main Street, with the last inspection date being 5/12/2015.
Photo Credit: Tito Santana

Milan hired an attorney who began correspondence with Lindley Todd, LLC to discuss how to move forward without ending the business. “They never responded to us on anything. Just to have a conversation,” Milan said. “Probably this week we will end up in court. We have to file a lawsuit. They are not responding. I can't do anything if they don't say anything to me.”

While these violations existed prior to this situation, and business ran as usual, the fire panel worked during other surprise inspections. This time however: “They got caught,” Tito Santana told ALBB. “The City of Beacon Building Department report says what the Dutchess County Health Department saw. Lindley Todd, LLC was made aware of the fire panel issues and other issues in the building for 3 years and never fixed them. They never fix the property.”

There was one fix, however. A Beacon Police Officer Affdecrin Oscar Vargas fell on the stairs that zig-zag up the side of the building when responding to a call. Officer Vargas brought a lawsuit against Lindley Todd, LLC in November 2020 that ended in a settlement on March 22, 2022.

After the lawsuit settlement, on May 19th, 2022, Michael Schreiber, Chief Financial Officer of Hudson River Housing, the company who manages the affordable housing of the properties, emailed Milan to let him know of planned work to the stairs that Officer Vargas fell on. “Regarding the staircase,” Michael wrote, “I just want to let you know, that we will be doing something to patch the top, that is getting worse. We are afraid that it is deteriorating much quicker now, so will be doing something after the weekend to address it.”

Milan went to look for any permit on that exterior work done. “I did a FOIA request for any permits received for the property since 2016. No permits were produced in that FOIA request, indicating they never got permits.”

Background On Property On This West End Of Town

Joseph Donovan owns multiple properties on that west end of town under different business names, including the buildings that contain Bank Square Coffeehouse, Mountain Tops, Colorant, and Beacon Creamery. Under one of their other business names, Hudson Todd, LLC, they are currently building the large commercial/residential building at 2 Cross Street where the sidewalk on Main Street has been extended with the jersey barriers to accommodate the construction.

Most of the properties are not newly renovated. With the exception of Colorant, which was renovated years ago after Joe Donovan required then tenant Miss Vickie’s Music to vacate her Main Street studio while they renovated that property so that a new storefront could move in. Colorant is there now.

Miss Vickie’s Music studio had been the tenant for years, all the way back to when the Piccone family owned most of that property. The Donovan family then purchased most of that property. The companies of Joe Donovan completed in one of the largest property deals in Beacon around April 2017.

When Donovan’s company wanted Miss Vickie out, they moved her down Main Street a few blocks in the then worn down apartments behind Mr. Bell’s Salon, until Mr. Bell’s salon completely burned down near the time that one of Joe Donovan’s companies was selling that property to the current owners, 201-211 Main Street, LLC in July 2023. The fire happened in between the time of their transaction.

The new owners then evicted Mr. Bell and the shoe cobbler John’s Shoe Repair with a 3 days to vacate, citing the Fire Damage clause in their lease. Those new owners posted a notice on the plywood boards titled “Three Day Notice To Cancel Lease,” signed by Lendita Mavraj, Manager of 201-211 Main Street, LLC. After those new owners renovated those storefronts, other beauty salons moved in. B Hair Studio is there now.

Miss Vickie was again evicted, as the new owners cited smoke damage to those apartments in the back. All of Miss Vickie’s neighbors, who included an elderly Veteran, were evicted. That entire property has since been renovated and rent increased. Joe Donovan absorbed his old cobbler tenant into the apartment complex behind Colorant, who remains there to this day.

If you don’t know Miss Vickie, she can be seen outside of the Towne Crier sweeping the sidewalk, shoveling the sidewalk, working the sound board inside, and other duties.

Donovan’s Sales Tax and Mortgage Tax Exemptions For 2 Cross Street

THe Piccone Family sold the Joe Donovan family several properties in 2017. Ronald “Jamie” Piccone is on the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency board who awarded Donovan’s company Hudson ToDD $249,745 in a Sales Tax and Mortgage Tax Exemption for 2 Cross Street new construction. During this application review, no Conflicts of Interest were stated when asked.

Back at the new construction for the large building at 2 Cross Street, another one of Joe Donovan’s companies, Hudson Todd, LLC, applied for and was awarded $249,745 in Sales and Use Tax Exemption and Mortgage Tax Exemption for an approximately $10,384,302 project for the construction of a 24,000 square foot mixed-use commercial facility with affordable residential housing from Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency (DCIDA).

On that board is a Piccone family member, Rondald “Jamie” Piccone II. The Piccone family is who sold Donovan the property where Tito Santana’s and Miss Vickie’s were located.

During the Conflict of Interest portion of the DCIDA application review meeting that ALBB reviewed the document of, no Conflict of Interests were stated: “Chairman Dean asked board members if they had any potential conflicts with any items on the agenda. No potential conflict was noted,” the notes stated.

2 Cross Street has vacillated between the number of affordable units it is offering, as state funding shifted (March 2023), (May 2024), and (June 2024).

Next Steps For Tito Santana

As of 3:35pm on July 7, 2025, Joe Donovan’s property manager, Sean Noble of Lindley Todd, LLC was served with a lawsuit from Tito Santana alleging a Breach of Lease Agreement, Negligence, and Unjust Enrichment.

City of Beacon Permit for 142 Main Street dated 6/20/2025 - 6/20/2027 after the May 2nd violation notice from the City of Beacon Building Department.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

On July 10, 2025, ALBB reached out to Joe Donovan of Lindley Todd, LLC for comment on the lawsuit, and his thoughts on why his decision to “exercise his option to terminate the lease rather than proceed with repairs” made sense, when his company was showing the property to interested new tenants in the restaurant industry just days later at a 43% rent increase.

A new permit is up in the window now, and ALBB asked what the repairs were for, if the landlord’s termination email stated that he would “rather terminate than proceed with repairs.”

Editorial Update 4:45pm 7/11/2025: After this article published, Joe responded: “We looked for ways to perform all of the required work without displacing the tenant, but it just wasn’t feasible. A lot of complexities. Happy to discuss in person if you’d like. There is paper up on the windows but none on the door. If you take a look at what’s going on inside you’ll understand why the space could not be occupied during the required ‘repairs’.”

ALBB responded: “Thank you. Ceasing operation of the restaurant tenant was required by the Order to Remedy. What question remains unanswered is the need for the termination of the lease during the required "repairs.” And the following swift search for a new tenant during "repairs." Any comment as to that?”

How far will this lawsuit go? “Justice costs money,” Milan told ALBB. “But I'm not going to go bankrupt.”

Tito Santana has started a GoFundMe, and is selling their equipment. “If anyone is looking to open a new restaurant - we would be happy to support them. Or if anyone wants to buy for their current operations.”

Milan concluded: “I just want it out there. Anyone who rents will know. That is my mission. To let everyone know that this is what this person does. I don't tell anyone what to do. These are the facts. You make the decision.”

Oh - HERE Is Where The Journals Are! Stanza Books Has The Journal Nook

The journal nook at Stanza Books in Beacon on Main Street.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth

As an avid journaler, I go through a journal a month at least. I journal every morning, and sometimes throughout the day, if things get extra sticky and need sorting. Thoughts need to be caught and captured on paper. The journals are like my best friend.

Paper is a very important component in journaling. Sometimes paper can be too thin; too slick; not lined. While several shops in Beacon carry journals, finding just the right one has been difficult. Therefore, I drive up to Barnes & Noble in Poughkeepsie, walk into the store, say hello to new books at the door, soak up the long magazine rack in the back under the escalators, sometimes ride the escalator up to second floor to walk past the Kids toy section, check on the Recipe book section, and then circle back down to the Journal section, where there are several styles of journals with usually dependable slices of lined-paper inside that are not too thin, not too see-through, usually cream, and feel just right.

The covers are the next component that have so far not been debatable. With so many words going into the journal, I like my covers plain, with no words telling me what to do or think. Even if they are very encouraging words. So Barnes & Noble has been my place to go for these things.

Until I took myself on a Walk To Nowhere last July 4th weekend. I walked all the way down Main Street - the full mile - and found myself at Stanza Books, 508 Main Street Beacon, NY. A bookstore that has been in Beacon for some time, but I just haven’t stepped inside yet.

Upon first walking in - there they were. All of my journal friends. The nook of journals was at the front of the store, with jars of colorful pens that I’ve not tried yet (one thing at a time…can’t go too wild). There was the Mushrooms In The Moonlight journal, with the silver moonlight glazing the evergreen trees. There was the other Midnight Mushroom journal with the vibrant orange and red variations. New journals were there, like the Gilded Rose With Honeybee, and Simple Wildflower.

These are names I made up for all of them, but you see the attachment. I’ve accepted that I’ll need to buy some of these journals on repeat, if there’s not a new one to catch my mood for that journal season.

But here they were. In Beacon on Main Street. At Stanza Books. With loads of other books of course. Next time I go in, I’ll need to pretend that I’m having a really hard time deciding which journal to buy, just to stay in there longer. Wanting to return soon, I was half-way through a murder mystery book my friend gave to me, and I hurried home to finish it that weekend while others watched the fireworks, so that I could finish the next book on my night stand, and then buy a new book at Stanza. And a journal of course.

Pictures below.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

ICE Alert: Newburgh, Tuesday 8am 7/8/2025: Bankard + South Lander; Liberty + Washington

ICE Sighting in Newburgh at the intersection of Bankard + South Lander, which is a residential area. Ice reported to be moving “very fast” and was later seen on Washington + Liberty.

Sources have verified that ICE is active this Tuesday morning (7/8/2025) in Newburgh and are moving “very fast.” This photo of two men with traditional tan ICE vests on and ball caps, who are standing next to a white passenger van, is at the intersection of Bankard and South Lander.

This area is primarily residential apartments and townhouses. The blue building in the background is the Continental, an old hotel that is no longer in business, a source tells ALBB. One block over is Big Mouth Coffee Roasters, where the coffee roaster has a second location (they also have a retail location on Main Street in Beacon). They are unrelated to this ICE Alert, but mentioned for proximity.

ICE was also seen this morning at the intersection of Liberty and Washington which is a mix of retail shops and restaurants and apartments.

On July 1st, there was verification of a person taken from a residential urban street in Middletown. If you know of other verified locations and dates of people taken that you want to amplify, you may submit information to ALBB via our Contact Us page.

Characteristics of ICE Behavior

ICE Activity tends to happen in the morning between 5-8am and again at the end of the work day from 5-8pm. On Sundays, they are known to target churches at 12pm noon time. In Beacon, they struck on Soccer Saturday morning. Video was acquired of an ICE agent identifying himself. Both adult players of pickup soccer were wary, and parents of toddler soccer were on high alert.

Community members are encouraged to keep their eyes out for ICE, and report to their trusted sources. When possible and safe, take photos of ICE agents, their vehicles and license plates. Some ICE agents may be very proud of their work, and may proudly identify themselves to you if you nicely approach them to ask who they are, like this mom did. New York State has a “one-party consent law.” If you are the one consenting, you can record.

Some members of the Beacon community have formed a Signal chat, where photos of possible sightings are submitted and dismissed if they are regular people doing regular things.

Reports of vehicles have included white passenger vans, and dark vehicles with all tinted windows. License plates usually look like normal license plates. ICE agents have usually been white men, but white females have been appearing in ICE raid videos across the country as well.

ICE agents (or people who say they are ICE agents) are usually not affiliated with local police. If you feel threatened or harassed by a person identifying themselves as ICE, you can call your local Beacon Police, and tell them that a person won’t leave you alone, is harassing and stalking you.

If someone comes to your door, looking for you, you are strongly advised not to open the door. Do not run from your home. Stay inside and call your local trusted community member friends. They may be able to mobilize and come to your home to be a loud witness presence outside near the ICE people.

Possibly local police, depending on what municipality you live in. Consider calling the Beacon Police via 911 so that it gets on the public scanner. If you call the Beacon Police directly, your call will not be on the scanner.

Demand to see a judicial warrant. If they have one, tell them to slip it under the door. From there, the judicial warrant must be signed by a judge. If it is signed by a person saying their are an ICE agent, this does not count. If you flee out of your home, the person saying they are ICE may physically grab you without presenting a warrant.

Keep your camera near you and on video at all times. While it is very scary to have someone pounding on your door asking you questions on repeat, stay calm and make your safety phone calls.

Related Links:

How To Verify A Person Circling A Neighborhood Who May Be ICE (How-To Video)

ICE Spotted Again In Beacon On Soccer Saturday - "Community Is Watching," Neighbor States (With Video)

ICE Has Been Questioning Brown People In Beacon At Least 1.5 Months; At Least One Other Person Taken

Details From The Friday, June 20th ICE Raid In Beacon & The Taking Of The Neighbor

Stay safe everyone.

Main Street Needs Public Restroom, BHS Student Says In December 2024 - Rite Aid's Closure Speeds That Up

The restrooms in Rite Aid were commonly used by the public on Main Street. Now where will the people go?
Photo Credit: Top 2 slides are from Kekoa Beysa; Photo of Bathrooms by Katie Hellmuth

The public restrooms in Rite Aid on Main Street were an unofficial public restroom for all of Beacon. In addition to the Beacon Public Library, there are very few places to use the bathroom on Main Street. While there is a bathroom at Pohill Park at the Visitor’s Center on the tip of the west end of Main Street, this is not accessible by anyone actively participating on any part of Main Street outside of the first block who is on foot.

The sign at Solstad House saying that people can use their bathroom.

As the need to go to the bathroom increases, the burden continues to fall heavily on the businesses on Main Street, who already had issues with limiting the public’s access to their facilities. Several establishments have new signs up, barring people from coming in to use the bathroom.

One boutique who does allow people in - as well as dogs - is Solstad House, on Beacon’s east end near the mountain.

During last year’s Beacon High School Student Participatory Budget presentation on 12/2/2024, a partnership between the City of Beacon and the Beacon High School that has resulted in significant infrastructure improvements like needed upgrades to the basketball court at Loopers, one student, Kekoa Baysa pressed for public restrooms to be installed on Main Street.

Kekoa acknowledged that there were already permanent restrooms in Memorial Park and Green Street Park, and wanted restrooms installed on Main Street in a spotlit way. For years, the bathrooms at Memorial Park and Green Street Park existed but were closed, citing vandalism. After a muraling project made them more attractive, and a cleaning company contracted to clean them regularly (instead of relying on the Beacon Highway Department to clean them) under the direction of City Administrator Chris White, the bathrooms in the parks have remained open since then.

A new permanent bathroom is being installed now at South Avenue Park, near Loopers Basketball court and the tennis court, as infrastructure improvements received funding and started in spring. This will be a relief to Sal’s Pizza, who serves as the primary public restroom for kids playing down at the basketball court.

However, when discussing the public bathroom on Main Street at the following City Council Workshop (12/9/2025), City Administrator Chris acknowledged that it was useful, but indicated no priority in building one. Instead, he said one could perhaps be built in a future “pocket park” at the DMV property, if a building were to get built there. As there are no active plans moving forward to develop that property, the vision of a restroom there is distant. “We had talked some years ago about converting Veterans Place or somewhere else into pocket parks. We've talked a little bit about a pocket park at the DMV building if we build a new building there. So I I would see it being done in the context of of something like that,” he advised the City Council.

He recollected: “We almost advanced with the Veterans Place when [James] Skoufis was going to get us money, and then our his district didn't end up including Beacon.” Instead, City Administrator White proposed signage to better direct people to the bathroom in the Visitor’s Center, all the way down on Wolcott Avenue and Main Street.

Signage for that has not materialized. Can people hold it long enough for a new building to be built at the DMV parking lot? Or walk the mile or half mile down to the Visitor’s Center?

Rite Aid: What It Looks Like Inside The Final Days Of Its Demise

The empty “Stress & Mood” section at Beacon’s Rite Aid speaks volumes for today’s status of the world.

Within the 15 years in Beacon that A Little Beacon Blog has been publishing, we, the readership community, watched the 2014 renovation of Rite Aid, whose sliding doors and big isles increased accessibility to people in wheelchairs, with strollers, pushing walkers, and anyone who needed extra help through a door.

Now we are watching the demise of Rite Aid. Situated in one of the largest properties on Main Street, while at least four other large properties are for sale (3 of the old firehouses and the Beacon Hotel).

One of the largest destinations for the snack isle, makeup isle, cold and allergy remedies, nail bar, contact solution, and shoplifting is coming to end.

The empty “With Us It’s Personal” inside of Beacon’s Rite Aid feels ironic in this real estate.

Not to mention the unofficial public bathroom destination in Beacon.

Here’s what it is looking like inside in its final days.

With mostly nothing on the shelves anymore, there are only messages in the shelving.

The “Stress & Mood” section is empty.

The “With Us It’s Personal” section is empty.

If you have captions for those, write them in the Comments below.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Two New Foodies Open In Hudson Valley Food Hall: Oui Oui HV and Taco Al Dente

Two new foodies are opening in the Hudson Valley Food Hall: Taco Al Dente and Oui Oui HV. The Food Hall has become a known incubator destination for eateries who are opening for the first time on Main Street. Except Five Pennies Creamery, the homemade ice-cream company who was based in Rockville Centre, NY and relocated to Beacon, NY.

Momo Valley, the Himalayan spice momo eatery was one of the first to branch out when they moved out and into 455 Main Street, the old Joe’s Irish Pub when that building that was sold by an elder Beacon resident to a new real estate company based out of town. In the Food Hall, Momo Valley was replaced by Morish, who moved out relatively soon to open in the old Big Vinny’s Pizza spot near b Hair Studio.

Another brand to expand was Elixxr, the coffee company who makes their own almond milk. Elixxr moved just down the block into a former real estate office that they renovated into the Instagram-delicious little café filled with nourishing ingredients.

Dulce Cielo MX was the Mexican eatery in the back of the Food Hall who left this year as they make moves to expand. They left behind the gorgeous mural of Frida Khalo they had custom painted by Murals by Mare. Replacing them is Taco Al Dente, a spot by Bivona’s Simply Pasta who specializes in hand-rolled pastas and now handmade tortillas for the tacos.

Oui Oui HV will move into the old Morish spot. Oui Oui HV used to be a Business Directory Member at A Little Beacon Blog in the Catering section until they invested in a food truck and took to the road. Now it looks like they are putting down pins in the Food Hall and plan to open in a month. “This move has been on our to-do list for 4 years, since we moved to Beacon. We are SUPER excited!” Their official open date will be announced soon. Until then, look for them as they set up the space.

Loss To Culinary And Community; 4th Of July Things To Do 📅 7/04/2025

Beacon Culinary Legend, Sound Maker and Creative, Matt Hutchins, Has Passed At Age 51 Last Sunday, news arrived that the creative contributor to Beacon's culinary and restaurant scene, Matt Hutchins, had passed. Matt is without argument the pinnacle of how Beacon's restaurant world shaped, with many people around him developing at the same time. Several in the Beacon community have left words of their grief and how he touched them. A brief timeline of where he influenced is in this article. Updates have been made since its original publishing to include another restaurant he was connected to in Newburgh. READ THIS BOOK YOUR EVENT PROMOTION Single purchases of Event Promotions are available. Membership for discounted recurring events are available. EVENTS Walkway Over The Hudson's July 4th Fireworks in Poughkeepsie Day: Friday July 4th Time: 6pm for Ticket Holders, Fireworks Between 9-9:30pm Location: Walkway Over The Hudson This Independence Day, Friends of the Walkway invites the community to experience the City of Poughkeepsie 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular from the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge – perched 212 feet above the Hudson River at eye level to the dazzling display before you. On Friday, July 4 at 6 p.m., Walkway Over the Hudson will open exclusively to ticket holders offering panoramic twilight views and an unforgettable perspective on the professional fireworks show launching between 9-9:30 p.m. Information > Beacon's 5th of July Fireworks Day: Saturday, July 5th Time: Dusk, but arrive early for food. Location: Memorial Park, Beacon, NY 12508 Food and Entertainment from Dutchess Dog House, Empire Concessions and Southwest Entertainment. Starts at dusk. City of Beacon says: "Parking Limited! Please consider biking or walking." Information > Save The Ferry Demand Service Be Restored Free Ice Cream! Day: Tuesday, July 8th Time: 6pm Location: Newburgh Ferry Dock on the Hudson River, NY 12508 The Newburgh–Beacon Ferry has been shut down since February, and we’re not waiting quietly. From The Organizers: 🚢 We’re organizing to demand full restoration of service. This affects ALL of us—commuters, small businesses, traffic, the bridge, the environment, and our future. 🗓️ JOIN US at the dock for a community gathering + press event 📍 Newburgh Ferry Dock 🍦 Free ice cream, courtesy of Midnight Ferry! Information > *** SAVE THE DATES *** Lit Lit at the Howland Cultural Center Day: MOVED! To next week for the holiday. July 11th, 2025 Time: 7pm Location: 477 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508 A monthly literary open mic series. Hosted by Donna Minkowitz. Donna says: “Folks are welcome to read their own writing of any genre, of up to five minutes in length. If you’d like to read, please arrive by 6:30 to sign up at the Howland Cultural Center. Or just, and listen :-) The Howland asks that everyone donate $5 to help keep the lights on, more if you can, less if you can’t. Soft drinks, beer and wine, and snacks are also available. It’s a hard time for most of us, no question about it. Come hang out and be with your Lit Lit family!” Sign Up To Read > Fundraiser: Oyster Night For Beacon's Backyard Date: August 14, 2025 Location: The Yard, 4 Hanna Lane Beacon, New York Ella's Bellas emerges again for this one-time Oyster Night Fundraiser for Beacon's Backyard! The Beacon Backyard Program serves free breakfast to anyone who needs or wants it every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Opportunities to Volunteer and Donate are ongoing. Donation Information > Beacon Sloop Club's Corn Festival Date: August 10, 2025 Location: Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, Beacon, New York The Corn Festival is next! Vendor opportunities are still open. Registration Information > Features from our Sponsors. Is your business on the menu? JOIN ALBB'S BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP FOR FEATURES HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon, NY Taco Al Dente has opened inside of the Hudson Valley Food Hall. From food makers Bivona's Simply Pasta, they are bringing handmade pasta and fresh handmade tortillas for their tacos.  Follow HV Food Hall's Chefs: Nami Yum Yum Roosevelt Bar Tara Fusion Cuisine Old Dhaka Coffee House Five Pennies Creamery Palmetto Burger Co. Taco Al Dente Hudson Valley Food Hall is a Sponsor! BAGEL-ISH 226 Main Street, Beacon, NY A reader responded to ALBB's Thursday Video with Bagel-ish, telling of how they bought 15 bagels for their family visiting from Florida. And they aren't the only ones! Wholesale, special orders, and events/catering available. Instagram > Bagel-ish is a Sponsor! CARTER'S RESTAURANT 424 Main St. The syrup is pouring at Carter's Sunday Brunch. As are the bottomless mimosas. Eat inside or outside. Wherever you are comfortable. Catering and Private Parties available. Instagram > Carters is a Sponsor! JOIN ALBB'S BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP FOR FEATURES Eggbert’s Free Range Farm Tomato 🍅🍅🍅 season has started, and you need all the bacon with your eggs. Eggbert's has all the bacon for your weekend grilling and tomato slicing needs. FARMERS MARKETS: Wednesdays: Cornwall Farmer's Market: 11am-5pm Saturdays: Cold Spring Farmer's Market 10am-1pm Sundays: Beacon Farmer's Market 10am - 2pm SHOP ONLINE: Online ordering is available 24/7. DELIVERY: 🚚 Delivering to Cold Spring, Cornwall, New Windsor, Newburgh, Beacon, Fishkill, and Wappingers Falls. Website > Instagram > Eggbert's Free Range Farm is a Sponsor! BINNACLE BOOKS 321 Main Street, Beacon Binnacle Books wrote this on their Instagram: "If you come to Beacon to visit, or go over to Newburgh, please know that our community is reeling over the loss of beloved Matty Hutchins. The number of people affected by his loss is immense- he was an incredible, unique person, and a true paragon of friendship. He made deep connections as though it was the easiest thing in the world.  Continue Reading In Instagram > Citing Unsustainable Rent Increase, Stella's Fine Market Closes On Main Street Days after announcing their Reader’s Choice award of Best Specialty Food Shop In The Hudson Valley by Hudson Valley Magazine, Stella’s Fine Market next announced that they were closing by the end of of the month, citing an unsustainable rent increase. “I didn’t want to end our stay on Main Street,” said owner Nikki Hayes to her Instagram audience, “but our rent increase became something I simply couldn’t afford any longer. But I’m choosing to see this as a blessing in disguise.” READ NOW JOIN ALBB'S BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP FOR FEATURES R O C PILATES 124 Rombout Avenue, Beacon NY Baby steps. Start this summer. Summer schedule of Classical Pilates at ROC Pilates on Rombout Avenue begins July 1st. Classes 7 days a week! There’s no substitute for Classical Pilates. Easy registration via their website: www.rocpilates.net The motto at ROC is: "Everyone is welcome." Peace, Love, Protest and Pilates 🕊️💕 NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS: + Ready Plus+ 2 reformer classes and 2 tower classes $120 + Set Plus+ 4 reformer classes and 4 tower classes $230 + Go Plus+ 6 reformer classes and 6 tower classes $319 C L A S S E S Small Group or Private Lesson. Reformer Classes start at $35. See Schedule > Sloop Clearwater Limited space remains in our Summer 2025 Youth Empowerment Programs! Young Women at the Helm, Young Men at the Helm, and Queerwater are free, three-day sailing adventures for youth ages 14–18. These immersive programs are designed to build confidence, spark friendships, and deepen participants’ connection to the Hudson River. Sail the iconic sloop Clearwater, camp under the stars, and grow through hands-on learning and team building. 💧Queerwater: July 18–20 | Drop-off: Poughkeepsie, Pickup: Cold Spring 💧 Young Women at the Helm: July 25–27 | Drop-off: Cold Spring, Pickup: Poughkeepsie 💧Young Men at the Helm: August 22–24 | Drop-off & Pickup: Dyckman Apply now at the link in our bio!⛵ Information > The Blushery 528 Main Street, Beacon NY This is the Laser Hair Removal pose. Put on the rose colored glasses. Turn on your relaxing music. Take deep breaths. Let The Blushery do the rest. See this full video > Located across from the Dummy Light near the Roundhouse. Book Online > BUSINESSES IN THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY ART > ANTIQUES Hudson Valley Auctioneers > AUTOMOTIVE > TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Luxury Taxi Service, AQ Services, Inc from Luther Lopez > BEAUTY The Luminous Bride >  Makeup By Jenny Magliano > BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES See them here > BRANDING  >  MARKETING & PR Tin Shingle Katie James, Inc. DAYCARE PlayTivity DENTAL Beacon Dental ENTERTAINMENT + EVENT SPACE The Yard HEALTH AND WELLNESS > MASSAGE CareFull, MD (Urgent Care or Walk-In Doctor) Kristen Verge, LCSW River Therapeutic Massage  HOME IMPROVEMENT > APPLIANCE REPAIR Shelter Air HISPANIC OWNED BUSINESS See them here > MUSIC Miss Vickie's Music REAL ESTATE Hudson Upstate Team at eXp Realty ADVERTISE IN ALBB'S BUSINESS DIRECTORY Free Breakfast Program Day: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays Time: 6:30am-8:30am Location: 12 Hanna Lane, Beacon, NY 12508 They have a Wish List of food items! If you're in the mood to donate, find the list here. Information > FRIDAYS: Fareground's Free Community Dinner Day/Time: Fridays, 5:30pm-7:30pm Location: First Presbyterian, 50 Liberty Street, Beacon, NY 12508 Information > Volunteer > Donate > Read Our Latest Articles Advertise With Us! Stay Up To Date With City Council Meetings

SIGN UP FOR THIS NEWSLETTER JOIN THESE ADVERTISERS: We create ad packages that work for different types of businesses. Click here for ways to advertise on A Little Beacon Blog and accomplish your goals. We look forward to highlighting your business and show your support!