Things To Do In Beacon, NY 📅 8/23/2025
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Clearwater's Folk Picnic Returns For 2nd Year As Free Music and Food Event
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Clearwater announced their second annual Folk Picnic in Beacon at the Theatre at the University Settlement Camp (USC) Park from 12-6pm on Saturday, September 6, 2025 (gates at 11am).
Clearwater's Folk Picnic is a return to their musical roots as advocates for the cleanup and environmental protection of the Hudson River. "In the 1960s when Pete and Toshi Seeger and their co-founders set out to build Clearwater, they organized community folk picnic fundraisers using music as a tool to unite people behind a shared goal of restoring and protecting the Hudson River," said Clearwater in a press release. "Nearly 60 years later, Clearwater is carrying our musical heritage forward with a free, community-centered day of music, celebration, family activities, and Hudson River advocacy."
Participants are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket, a full-reusable water bottle, and an instrument to play along if desired. Children's activities will be available, and food for purchase.
View the musical line up here, which includes:
Beyond the Ridge, Jacob Bernz, Reggie Harris, Linda Richards, The Wild Swan Band, and the Walkabout Clearwater Chorus.
The event is held on Camp Loop Road, which is off of Wolcott Avenue (9D). It is located one driveway south of the Clearwater office on the same property as the City of Beacon Disc Golf Course and Swimming Pool. The driveway for the theatre has a sign that says Disc Golf. Turn into that driveway and continue up the hill.
Parking is limited. Participants are encouraged to take the train to Beacon and take the free Beacon Loop bus from the train station to the intersection of Howland Avenue and East Main Street (Mount Beacon) and walk half a mile to the threatre. Though walking is tight on 9D. Consider writing to the Beacon's City Administrator and Mayor to encourage them to push for the Beacon Loop Bus to stop directly at the Settlement Camp.
Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Returns to Bear Mountain for the First Time in 15 Years
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Photo Credit: Hudson River Sloop Clearwater.
This past August, the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater returned to Bear Mountain State Park, docking within the park for the first time in over fifteen years. This long-awaited return was made possible through a collaborative partnership with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and the NY State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.
“Returning to Bear Mountain State Park is an exciting opportunity to connect with students and families in Rockland and Orange Counties,” said David Toman, Executive Director of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. “Clearwater, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, and NYS Parks share a deep commitment to connecting people with nature, history, and the Hudson River, and are thrilled to be returning to the park later this month.”
New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “We are thrilled to welcome the Clearwater back to Bear Mountain State Park. The Clearwater’s return offers an exciting opportunity to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards through their unparallelled education programs and strong community engagement along the Hudson River. We’re proud to support the historic replica’s mission and welcome it back to our park.”
Bear Mountain State Park, located 45-miles north of New York City spans 5,000 acres of open space, and is one of the most visited parks in the Northeast, hosting over 3 million visitors each year. Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, in service to their mission to protect the Hudson River and steward the next generation of Environmental Leaders, will host school groups, public sails, and deck tours on the historic Hudson River sloop.
“Returning to Bear Mountain is especially meaningful for me. As a former Clearwater Captain and crew before that, docking at Bear Mountain over three decades ago, offered a profound experience in this beautiful and dynamic part of the river,” said Samantha Hicks, Board President of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. “To see us return is inspiring, and a testament to the power of partnership.”
Palisades Interstate Park Commission Executive Director Joshua Laird said, “Having the Clearwater return to Bear Mountain after many years is a great cause for celebration. Through the collaboration of our organizations, we have a wonderful opportunity to amplify a message about the importance of understanding history and protecting the environment. The Commission is grateful to the Sloop Clearwater for bringing its important work back to Bear Mountain along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Hudson River.”
Clearwater will be hosting public and education sails at Bear Mountain State Park next weekend on Friday, August 15 through Sunday, August 17 with sails at 1pm and 5:30pm each day. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children. Additional sail dates from Bear Mountain will be listed as they are scheduled. To book public sail tickets, visit: clearwater.org/public-sails/. To book a Sailing Classroom educational field trip sail, visit: clearwater.org/education/sailing-classroom/.
About the Palisades Interstate Park Commission
The Palisades Interstate Park Commission was formed under an interstate compact in 1900 to protect the Palisades from destruction by stone and gravel quarries operating along the western banks of the Lower Hudson River. As the nation’s first bi-state partnership established to protect and conserve natural lands, the Commission’s role has expanded through the years to include more state parks and the creation of the Palisades Interstate Parkway. Today, the Commission manages 30 parks and historic sites across New York and Northern New Jersey, spanning over 125,000 acres and welcoming nine million visitors annually.
Learn more: https://www.njpalisades.org/
About Clearwater
In 1966, the Hudson River was plagued by industrial pollution, and folk singer Pete Seeger and a group of activists decided to “build a boat to save the river” by bringing together communities across the region to protect and restore the river. Three years later, the sloop Clearwater set sail with a mission to save the Hudson through education, advocacy, sailing, and music. Nearly six decades later, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater remains resolute in this mission, and to date, more than half a million people have had the life-changing experience of sailing aboard the Clearwater.
NEW! Stellar Dispensary Opens In Newburgh Near Waterfront (With Drive-Thru and Delivery Soon!)
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A new dispensary, Stellar, has opened across the river in Newburgh near Mary Jane’s Ice Cream, Stewarts, is 5 minutes from Hudson Taco and the Newburgh Waterfront, AND - Coming Soon in about a month, they will have a Drive-Thru and Delivery! The Grand Opening is today (Friday) with the Orange County Chambers of Commerce.
Founded by 23-year-old Newburgh native Raman Singh, Stellar brings modern design, unbeatable product value, and deep community ties to a rapidly growing industry. “Cannabis is culture. We normalize its use with elegance, confidence, and zero shame, like enjoying a fine wine or bold espresso,” declares the mission statement on Stellar’s website. “We’re breaking stigmas, elevating service, and building something bigger: community. From our expertly curated selection to the Stellar Standard guiding every detail, we deliver a high-end, inclusive space where everyone can enjoy their high—boldly, beautifully, and without compromise.”
Raman is an example of homegrown entrepreneurship and young leadership in Newburgh. “We are contributing to the evolution of cannbs culture in the Hudson Valley,” Raman says. Raised in Newburgh (K–12), Raman, and by extension Stellar, is part of the next wave of cannabis entrepreneurs dedicated to ethical, community-rooted growth. “It is our mission to uplift the local economy, create jobs, and set a new bar for customer experience in the cannabis industry.”
Expect Flowers, Pre-Rolls, Carts, Concentrates, Edibles, Accessories, and Topicals from your favorite brands like Dank, Florist Farms, Flowerhouse, Cheeba, Blotter, MFNY Tune, and more. The website is finely tuned to slide-filter by Price, Brand, Strain, and THC.
For the Grand Opening, look for:
Live DJ + Food Truck
Brand activations/pop-ups
$500+ in customer giveaways
Penny pre-rolls, bundle deals, and launch-day exclusives
Gift for every customer — first 100 get bonus bag
Puffco, bongs, merch
Instagram giveaway: $100 gift card
pen 9am-10pm every day but Sunday 9pm.
Editorial Note: Stellar supports local media with this partner post to reach you!
Book your Grand Opening promotion with ALBB here.
SATURDAY: I Am Beacon's Back 2 School Block Party :: Free Food, Music, Facepainting!
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This Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, the community organization I Am Beacon & local grocery store Key Food present the 10th Annual Back 2 School Block Party at South Avenue Park (Loopers), Beacon, NY from 12pm-3pm. (Rain Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025).
South Avenue Park overlooks Loopers Plaza, where Beacon Dental and Sal’s Pizza are located. Thanks to grant funding allocated to the City of Beacon, South Avenue Park received a new bathroom that has been painted with an elaborate mural. The basketball courts have been improved, and up the hill is a kids park with equipment to climb.
This long-standing community tradition brings together families, neighbors, and local organizations for a day of Free fun, connection, and school-year readiness.
This year’s event will feature
Free Food, Music, Face Painting, and Basketball. A Little Beacon Blog will be Face Painting!
School Supply Starter Kits: The first 150 children in attendance will receive a free bag (child must be present).
Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive: Donations are being collected now through August 23rd at:
Howland Public Library (regular hours)
Key Food Marketplace (regular hours)
On-site at the Block Party
The Block Party kicks off with Beacon Hoops All-Star Games starting at 10:30 AM, featuring:
10:30 AM – Girls Game
11:30 AM – Rookie Division vs. Albany
12:30 PM – Junior Division vs. Newburgh
1:30 PM – Girls Game: Beacon vs. Newburgh
In addition, I Am Beacon has joined forces with Fareground Food + Community for a School Supply Giveaway on Thursday, August 28th from 11:00AM – 12:00PM at 50 Liberty Street, Beacon, NY. Registration required; child must be present.
This event continues to highlight the power of community collaboration to support children and families as they prepare for the school year ahead.
I Am Beacon gives a special thanks to their partners and sponsors
Beacon City School District • Beacon Recreation • Beacon Hoops • Stewart’s Shops • Beacon Teachers Association • Mountainview Dental • Fidelis • State Farm (Catlin McVicker) • Salem Tabernacle Church • Joker Inc • Yanarella School of Dance
Back To School Needs: Pediatric Physical Exams Are Easy At CareFull MD (Sponsored)
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Carefull MD, the Walk-In Urgent Care Clinic in Beacon, NY located at 252 Main Street.
New York State requires a physical exam for all students entering school for the first time, as well as for students in grades Pre-K, K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. CareFull MD, the new Walk-In Urgent Care in Beacon on Main Street, offers Pediatric Physical Exams for that back-to-school rush of completing required examinations to register for sports, childcare, or to provide them for other reasons.
“I walked in at 10am on a Sunday and was met with kindness and patience. Everybody is super nice and the Doctor took the time to listen to me. I am so glad we have this urgent care here in Beacon. I will definitely return with my family’s ailments!!”
Located next to Key Food, an after-school snack is also easy once the exam is complete. Or, stay in the parking lot to snack up before the appointment to ensure everyone’s mood is smooth.
No appointment is needed. Walk-Ins welcome. If you suddenly remembered that you need the paperwork, you could swing by.
What To Expect During The Physical Exam:
Medical History:
The exam will include a review of the child's medical history.
Height and Weight:
Height and weight measurements are recorded to calculate BMI and track growth patterns.
BMI:
The eye chart for vision screenings at Carefull MD on Main Street in Beacon, NY.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth
Body Mass Index (BMI) and BMI percentile are required to be documented.
Vision Screening:
Vision tests are conducted to identify potential issues that may affect learning. This is a great time to catch vision issues, if the child cannot see the board clearly or easily.
Hearing Screening:
Hearing tests are also part of the screening process. This test is conducted with sounds provided by the nurse.
Physical Exams are available for people of all ages, including adults who need them to stay healthy, for work requirements, and for assisted living facilities.
CareFull MD is open 7 days a week from 10am-8pm. No appointment needed. The team is happy to assist you.
Editorial Note: This article was written in partnership with CareFul MD, a sponsor and member of ALBB’s Business Directory.
Things To Do In Beacon, NY 📅 8/16/2025
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Saturday's "Fight The Trump Takeover" Protest In Beacon
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Photo Credit: Jean Noack
By Jean Noack
A "Fight the Trump Takeover" protest was held at noon at Polhill Park in Beacon. About 50 to 75 people participated in the demonstration in temperatures nearing 90 degrees. The event was part of a nationwide day of protest to "push back against Trump's latest power grab: sweeping redistricting in Texas, the Police takeover in Washington DC and the show of force in Los Angeles.” The Hudson Valley chapter of Indivisible 845 was on the scene in Beacon, and encouraging supporters to become more involved by going to www.indivisible845.org
The Polhill Park site is popular for protests as it is at the intersection of Route 9D and the start of Main Street, making motorists and people walking up the hill from the train station an audience to the signs and chants.
New this time was the use of umbrellas by protesters that had slogans written on them as a way to get across a message as well as to provide shade.
Photo Credits: All photos by Jean Noack.
Confirmed! Spirit Of Beacon Day Popping Up With Parade, Tables and Entertainment Sunday, Sept 28
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Photo Credit: Rusty Stahll
The Spirit of Beacon Day is popping up in a Main Street Takeover on Sunday, September 28th, 2025! This hand-painted sign was inspired in 2022, the Halloween after the big comeback of the Beacon-centric holiday had been benched during the pandemic and had returned to IRL status. A new Spirit committee formed and held a logo redesign contest for the resurgence. The designer Kim Dei Dolori’s version was chosen, which sparked inspiration in many.
Local resident Rusty Stahl of Fund the People, and host of the podcast about investing in the nonprofit workforce called Fund The People, was so inspired by the logo, he incorporated it into his family decorating Halloween theme.
Rusty told ALBB: “We were decorating our yard for trick-or-treating with a spooky ghost theme and a massive candy-dispensing spider web, and it occurred to me that the word “spirit” in the name of Spirit of Beacon Day could have (at least) a duel meaning - and by adding an “s” to make it “Spirits,” it could be very Halloweeny. And then I looked at the beautiful new logo for the day, and started thinking about how to make it spooky. So that’s how we got the Spirits of Beacon signage!”
When confirming if he wanted to be quoted, Rusty affirmed: “I’m proud of that sign! I was proud to make a Halloween decoration that was both in the spirit of Halloween and in the spirit of Beacon! And I was excited that the annual festival tradition has been brought back after the pause during the worst portion of the pandemic.”
Registration is open for Tables, Parade, and Sponsor participants!
False: Spirit Halloween Is Not Popping Up In Old Rite Aid Despite People’s Enthusiasm
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The storefront of the empty Rite Aid in Beacon.
Photo Credit: A Little Beacon Blog
Photo Credit: Spirit Halloween
Much to the disappointment of some Beacon High Schoolers, Spirit Halloween is not popping up in Beacon’s Rite Aid, a contact at Spirit Halloween has confirmed. The list is here, and the stores that have locations booked begin opening in August and September. Beacon is not on the list.
Walgreens was the next rumor, but a person familiar with the property confirmed that Walgreens is also - so far - not confirmed. “The landlord definitely wants something good for the community. Hopefully a store like Walgreens would be interested.”
People in Beacon expressed longing for the Spirit Halloween fantasy. “How fun would that be!” said one resident. “Oh, for Beacon? Spirit Halloween would be perfect for Beacon, who goes all out for Halloween,” said another resident while shopping at the Beacon Farmer’s Market.
One younger person reflected: “I’ve heard there is an unspoken rule that stores like Spirit Halloween can’t open here.” Another teenager said: “I would have loved to work there.”
A Dunkin’ Donuts rumor keeps resurfacing - that one is opening in Beacon. The location on Rte 52 that was proposed to open with a drive-thru is so far not opening, since Beacon banned drive-thrus in response to the Healey family wanting to open one on their property next to Carvana and Lanks Auto, a source familiar with the property confirmed to ALBB. “I wish,” they said. “But maybe there’s one opening in another location.”
Readers who have information on another location in Beacon, please let ALBB know so that we can pursue your source. Otherwise, the 23 other coffee shops in Beacon will suffice!
Amalio Lombardi, Foreman, Was Remembered By Beacon City Administrator In Emotional Speech
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At the end of Monday night’s City Council meeting, City Administrator Chris White dedicated his allotted Reports time to commemorate Amalio Lombardi, the forman who was accidentally killed at the construction site on Rte 52 during excavation of the road for the City’s water main project. The day of the accident, Mayor Lee Kyriacou ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for the week. At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Lee honored Amalio with a moment of silence.
A bench with a plaque and seating area will be installed at the site of the tragedy with a ceremony possibly in the spring, the City Administrator said.
Mid-way through his speech, City Administrator Chris’ emotions overcame him, causing him to pause as he regained himself before proceeding. His speech has been republished in full below. Video of the speech is also published below.
I dispense with my Report this week so I can briefly honor and remember Amalio Lombardi, a man who died in a tragic construction accident last Monday while working on the city's water main project on Fishkill Avenue.
The City extends our deepest condolences to Amalio's family, friends, and his co-workers, some of whom he worked with for decades. Our staff join in mourning this terrible loss as reflected by the City flags being placed at half-staff last week by order of the Mayor.
Amalio Lombardi was a Foreman for Sunup Construction Corp. a local contractor who is currently replacing water and sewer mains on Fishiskll Avenue. That company and he have done extensive work throughout the City.
Amalio was a 40-year union member of Laborers Local 17 and he was described by a longtime head of 17 as a model employee and a union member. And moreover a good guy. That's a compliment that you hear repeatedly from all who knew him. Amalio had worked on Capital Projects in the City of Beacon for decades including water, sewer, storm water and sidewalk projects. He was well known to our staff and our engineer and he was universally liked.
(pauses)
Amalio was highly respected for his skill and knowledge as a tradesman. He expected his crews to do quality work and he refused to cut corners. He was never harsh or rude to his crews. He took pride in his work and he even brought his family to the City of Beacon to see projects he had worked on including Fishkill Avenue.
Amalio was close to retirement and had certainly considered it, but he had never filed for it because he enjoyed working and spending time with his co-workers. Amalio was a true craftsman, an expert in repairing and replacing the pipes that are so vital to our drinking water supply and disposal of waste water. People who knew him cited that he was dependable, hardworking, conscientious, energetic, and committed to getting the job done right.
It wasn't surprising to hear that Amalio came to work on Saturday, two days before the incident, to make emergency repairs to the water main alongside our dedicated staff. And it wasn't surprising that some of Amalio's crew the day of the incident insisted on staying at the work site to fill in the large trench in the road despite their trauma*. Because that's what Amalia would have done.
Our staff and consultants enjoyed working aside am Amalio on countless projects because of his positivity, his generous smile and his warm personality. Sometimes the new staff who were introduced to him didn't hear his name correctly and they heard it as Mario and they just called him Mario. And he never took offense to that and he never corrected them. If someone he was working with m said they had a maintenance issue at their house or they had another issue, he was always first to offer assistance without thought of payment.
I joined a number of department heads, our city engineer and most of the water department who worked closely with Amalio over the years and going to go last week to pay respects to his family. Amalio was a devoted and loving husband and father and he spoke often of his family. He was so genuinely proud of his three grown children, the youngest of whom is attending Clarkson University to become an engineer. And I'm sure he was proud of that as the guy who was working with engineers.
All of us wish that we could lessen the pain of this incredible loss for Amalio's family, friends, and co-workers. And while time will hopefully soften that sense of loss, the City of Beacon honors and remembers Amalio for his contributions to our community over the last decades.
The City will be installing a memorial bench seating area along Fishkill Avenue with a plaque commemorating this wonderful person, this good guy who humbly and quietly helped to keep our city running while always offering a smile and a kind word in the process. We look forward to dedicating that memorial to Amalio with his family and friends perhaps in the spring.
And finally, I would be remiss tonight if I didn't take a moment to thank and recognize our dedicated first responders and other City department heads and staff who we responded to and managed this difficult and traumatic event. Residents of this city should be very proud of the response by our staff in the face of this tragic accident. And it was handled with professionalism, skill, and respect.
Thank you.
*Chris White verified that his pronunciation of “drama” intended to be “trauma.” That edit has been made.
Edison "Eddie" Irizarry's First Court Appearance At Dutchess County Court - Arraigned On Second-Degree Murder Charge - No Bail
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Photo Credit: A Little Beacon Blog
Edison “Eddie” Irizarry (age 52) appeared in Dutchess County Court today for his arraignment hearing before Judge Jessica Z. Segal. Eddie is accused of murdering his new roommate Casey Cuddy (age 58) last Monday night. That evening, Eddie called 911 saying that he had shot his roommate 3 times, saying that his roommate threatened him with a shotgun. When Beacon Police arrived, they found Casey Cuddy dead inside, detained Eddie, and handed the investigation over to New York State Police, since Eddie is a retired Beacon Police Officer of 17 years, retiring in 2021. The Poughkeepsie Journal reports that investigators determined that Casey was shot with a 9-millimeter semi-automatic Glock pistol. For a background on the night of the shooting, read here.
For his arraignment hearing on this Tuesday morning, Eddie was escorted in and met by Court Officers. He wore the orange jumpsuit with brown leather belt around his waist. He looked smaller, and his short hair disheveled. Representing Eddie is Public Defender Susan Mraz Mungavin.
The indictment of Murder in the Second Degree was handed over, and the plea of Not Guilty entered. Discovery material was discussed as coming from both sides, and that Discovery would be ongoing.
The Prosecutor recommended no bail be set, citing that Eddie is a flight risk and has family in Puerto Rico. Public Defender reserved application, and Judge Segal responded: “Mr Irizarry, given the nature of the charge and the potential for over 20 years in prison, I have concerns about flight risk. Remand without bail.”
Next, the Prosecutor stated that they had additional documents regarding Alibi, a demand for reciprocal Discovery and Witness List. They briefly wanted to be heard for the facts of the case.
The Judge questioned the purpose, since bail had been denied, and then set the date for the next Conference to be September 24th.
After the hearing, both newspapers reported the statement from Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi: "The allegations are both troubling and disappointing, particularly given the fact that the defendant is a former member of law enforcement."
He continued: "My thoughts are with the victim's family as they endure an incredibly painful time. While the defendant is presumed innocent under the law, we will pursue this case with the utmost diligence, fairness and integrity. Our responsibility is to the truth, to due process, and to securing justice for the victim and the community."
Terry Nelson, Former Councilmember, Demands Action From City Regarding Dick Murphy's Harassment Of LGBTQ Neighbors
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As Beacon’s Police Chief TOm Figlia looks on, Former Councilmember Terry Nelson demands action from the Mayor, City Administrator, and City Council to not let Dick Murphy’s harassment of the LGBTQ community go unpunished. Terry’s speech was from one year ago - July 24, 2024 - and the decades-long harassment continues.
Photo Credit: A Little Beacon Blog
In one of his strongest speeches yet at the July 24, 2024 City Council Meeting, former City Councilmember Terry Nelson decried the ongoing harassment by Richard (Dick) Murphy, who targets the LGBTQ community with grotesque, obsessive letters, both hand-written and typed out. As Beacon’s Police Chief Tom Figlia listened from behind him, Terry demanded action from the Mayor, City Administrator, City Council and friends and neighbors of Dick who know of his behavior.
Terry’s speech has been published in full below:
“While I applaud the flying of the pride flag at City Hall during Pride Month, the gesture runs the risk of being diminished if the continued harassment by this individual [Richard (Dick) Murphy] of the LGBTQ community and their allies goes unpunished. ”
“Over the past few years, a resident of Beacon [Richard (Dick) Murphy] has made it his mission to spread hate by leaving offensive letters at the homes of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. During my time on the council from 2018 to 2021, this individual would email these letters to me on a regular basis. Upon reporting the incidents to both the Beacon City Police Department and some of my colleagues, their response was to downplay the situation because he was only seeking attention and was advised to ignore him. Others told me ‘he’s an old man and it would look like we were picking on him.’ Apparently he’s not too old to hand deliver these flyers. My question is why was there so much concern for his feelings while the concerns of the members of the LGBTQ community and their allies were shoved aside?
“Recently, this person left another one of these letters on my doorstep as well many other people in my neighborhood. We can no longer turn a blind eye to this person’s heinous deeds. By not taking action, we give this person and those who share their mindset the green light to persistently engage in such behavior. Does he have help? I wouldn’t know because no one, to my knowledge, has looked into it.
“Being well known in a community should not excuse that person’s reprehensible behavior. This person has stated that it’s his first amendment right to distribute these letters. That sentiment only demonstrates an appalling ignorance of the law. Free speech does not make you immune to criticism. No one has the right to harass those they dislike or disagree with, especially if it infringes on the rights of others. They do not have the right to leave hateful, fact free screeds on people’s doorsteps. It pains me to say these things because I know members of his family and they are wonderful members of our community.
“While I applaud the flying of the pride flag at City Hall during Pride Month, the gesture runs the risk of being diminished if the continued harassment by this individual of the LGBTQ community and their allies goes unpunished. I’ve been where you are sitting, so I know the Council is limited in what they can do, but your loud and unwavering support is necessary now more than ever. Anyone who receives one of these letters, please keep them and report it to the Beacon City Police Department. Also, inform the mayor, the city administrator and the entire council as well as the Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights.
“I have members of my family as well as close friends who are a part of the LGBTQ community. They deserve better. I’ll ask everyone in this room, ‘Would you want this to happen to you or your family?’ To paraphrase Justice Sonia Sotomayor, can our community survive the stench of benign neglect if one individual’s harassment of the LGBTQ community is ignored? To be continued. Thank you.”
Dick Murphy’s latest harassment campaign in July 2025 targeted a Beacon resident two weeks ago, who shared it with A Little Beacon Blog. Dick trespassed onto the person’s property, and signed the letter.
Former Legislator Richard (Dick) Murphy Continues To Harass Neighbors Who Fly LGBTQ Flags
/An old campaign sticker for Richard (Dick) Murphy when he was running for re-election for his position of Dutchess County Legislator for District 18. He has a decades long history of writing anti-gay letters to people. Some have sought harassment claims against him.
Photo Credit: A Little Beacon Blog
The season of former Dutchess County Legislator Richard (Dick) Murphy harassing neighbors in Beacon has started again. A Beacon resident has given a letter they received to ALBB. Dick has a long history of delivering typed and hand written homophobic and transphobic letters to people’s porches and mailboxes who fly LGBTQ flags. In the past, his paperwork has included photos of aborted fetuses in his “Thy Neighbor” campaign of July 2020.
Signed homophobic and transphobic Letter from Dick Murphy which he hand-delivered in July 2025 to a Beacon neighbor who flies an LGBTQ flag.
The contents of this letter covered STDs and gay men. Nothing else will be re-printed from his letter. His unrelenting correspondence has led to neighbors pursuing harassment claims against him. In one case, the Beacon Police Department used one of A Little Beacon Blog’s articles to verify that he was the letter writer. Despite having numerous complaints against him, neighbors were told that there was no proof it was Dick. Until there was proof, when Dick confirmed to ALBB that he sent the grotesque letters, some of which children found in their front yards the year he decided to place letters on cars as well as throw them into yards.
Targeted Harassment of Neighbors
In April 2022, Dick harassed his neighbor Donna Minkowitz for being gay. Donna is the creator of the Lit Lit open-mic reading series in Beacon, award-winning author and former reporter for the Village Voice. Dick had pinned a 3-foot doll into her yard. She threw the doll away after the Beacon Police said they had no use for it when she reported Dick to them. When enough neighbors were upset about it, Donna organized a silent protest march through their neighborhood to end at his house. He did come out onto the front porch to get his mail, and danced a little for the marchers. That video has been shown in this article.
Pushing Reporters
Frustrated that all three media outlets, especially the Highlands Current, mostly ignore his letters, Dick emailed a reporter from the Highlands Current last week, telling him to slip a note under the door of the reporter’s editor, to encourage the editor to print any of Dick’s correspondence. Dick then forwarded the email he sent to the reporter to ALBB.
Beacon Massage Destination Rose Eliza Spa Named In News Article Implying Prostitution
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Photo Credit: A Little Beacon Blog
The Highlands Current published an explosive article this weekend with implications that two massage parlors in the region: Rose Eliza Spa in Beacon, and Good Life Wellness in Cold Spring - both located on the Main Streets of their towns - were listed on “adults-only” websites “with language that implies prostitution.”
The newspaper said that both destinations were “advertised” at websites such as LoveEscort, Bedpage, Rubsguide and XEscortHub. A Little Beacon Blog has not verified these ads to see them, or if they are placed by the business owner or if others listed them for various reasons.
The Highlands Current stated: “The Rose Eliza Spa promised in an ad that it had ‘new sweet girls’ who are ‘open-minded’ and will ‘treat you specially.’ One post features a video clip of a woman making hand motions that suggest manual sex. The spa’s website does not contain similar language or images and provides a price list for standard treatments and reflexology.”
As of today, the website that is listed in Google for Rose Eliza Spa, https://rosespabeacon.com/our-pricing/, says that its domain has expired. ALBB has not verified which domain the newspaper cited. The storefront decal clearly promotes couples massage, which has been the same picture since they opened in 2024, and the interior has rooms for single beds and double, for those who enjoy side-by-side couples massages, which is common in any high-end spa offering massage.
The space for Rose ELiza Spa, renovating in February 2024 after the $2.3 million sale of the building from Susan Antalek Pagones of Antalek & Moore to Robert Arzanipour of Rockridgegroup Custom Homes. The yellow Permit was in the window issued from the City of Beacon.
Photo Credit: A Little Beacon BLog
Rose Eliza Spa incorporated in October 2023, according to state records cited by the Highlands Current. By February 2024, Rose Eliza Spa was under construction, renovating the space after the building sold to Robert Arzanipour of Rockridgegroup Custom Homes, a Long Island-based luxury development firm who bought the generationlly owned one-story building for $2.3 million from Susan Antalek Pagones, co-owner of the insurance agency, Antalek and Moore, who after the sale moved several blocks down to the new 4-story building across from the DMV on Main Street.
The sale of the building displaced longtime businesses including the original Roma Nova (the financial distress of which prompted their selling to new owners), Batt’s Florist, the barber (who moved to Hyde Park) and Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County which serviced the Beacon community with a food pantry, professional clothing connections, food stamp application, etc. Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County was able to re-locate within Beacon to continue serving the community, but not without a scramble.
The Highlands Current reported that they contacted the owner of the building about the ads in April. The newspaper reported that the building owner responded at that time: “Thank you for bringing these ads to my attention. I had never seen these posts before and am appalled. It goes against our lease terms, and we will be taking immediate action.” The newspaper said they followed up additional times and did not receive a response. Their followup article published on August 1, 2025.
The newspaper reported that in the summer of 2024, “a user on AMP Reviews, a website in which men discuss their experiences at ‘Asian massage parlors,’ requested ‘any intel on [the new] Rose Spa in Beacon (Eliza St)? I see them advertising on Skip the Games,’ another escort directory,” the newspaper said. ALBB has not verified these statements.
The Highlands Current stated that they called Rose Eliza Spa, and a woman answered, who said her English was limited and asked that questions to her be sent via text. A reporter from the Highlands Current “asked who posted the online ads, she wrote: ‘We don’t know.’ She wrote that ‘the boss has returned to China’ and ‘there are only workers here.’ She added: ‘We have a regular massage [business]’ and sent photos of female customers whom she said were ‘frequent visitors.’”
A source familiar with the area said that they do not see young female employees, but do see older female employees. They also said they see mostly male customers. ALBB has confirmed that there is only one entrance into Rose Eliza Spa, and that is through the front door on Eliza Street.
Licensed massage practitioners do not text photos of their clients without their client’s consents, and those are usually on the professional’s website as a testimonial or example of practice.
The newspaper also published a review of someone on that site, which ALBB has not verified, who posted in August 2024, who “said his experience at Rose Eliza had been ‘very mechanical’ with ‘no engagement.’ A second user who posted in March said he paid $80 for a massage but left disappointed. In response, a user complained that some businesses are promoted on adult sites only ‘to get you in the door.’”
Picture of the prices mounted on the wall of ROse Eliza Spa in Beacon as of August 2025.
Photo Credit: A Little Beacon BLog
Services at Rose Eliza Spa
ALBB walked into Rose Eliza Spa on Sunday at 12pm to inquire about services. The door was open and the menu of services was posted on the wall.
A Face Cleaning is $80 and a Deep Cleaning is also $80. ALBB spoke to a female manager who spoke some English, who said that a Face Cleaning involved water, and was available at 4pm or 4:30pm later in the day.
Scraping, Cupping and Rose Fomentation are available. As are Salt Foot Rub for selections of minutes, which is common in most any Asian-run nail salon across the country.
Pictures of the rooms at Rose Eliza Spa are below (Photo Credits: A Little Beacon Blog). A service for Salt Foot Rub is listed, but there were no chairs at the time these photos were taken in 2024. Chairs are the traditional setting for which one receives a foot rub in a nail salon.
Yelp lists the Rose Eliza Spa as closing at 9pm on Sundays, but Google lists their hours being open from 9am-11pm daily. At 8:59pm Sunday evening, a soft red glow from LED lights came from inside and the door locked. The OPEN sign was off. A white doorbell is on the side of the front door.
People who frequent the area in the evenings say that they don’t usually see employees or customers walking in or out; and that one woman is usually seen cleaning the space. Servers at Paul Brady Wine across the street tell ALBB that employees of Rose Eliza Spa do come over for drinks from time to time.
In 2016, the New York Times published the article ”Nail Salon Sweeps In New York Reveal Abuses And Regulatory Challenges”, highlighting human trafficking that can go on in nail salons. While some nail salons in the Hudson Valley region are suspect of this, none have closed.
The Highlands Current stated: “Polaris, a nonprofit that works to end trafficking, says many women who work at illicit massage parlors are newly arrived from China or South Korea, carry debts or are under financial pressure, speak little or no English, have no more than a high school education and are mothers in their mid-30s to late-50s. They are controlled through debt, fear of law enforcement or deportation, shame and threats to their families, the organization says.”
The article went on to highlight salon owners who had been charged with crimes, and women who had been arrested. No men or women who patronize these establishments were mentioned in the article as having done anything wrong that made the behavior of the women in these trapped service positions criminal.
Inside of Rose Eliza Spa, which states it offers Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Reflexology Massage, is clean with faux fresh flowers on the beds, adorned with sateen pillow cases.
Said one reviewer, Daron M. on Rose Eliza Spa’s Yelp: “My words about this company feels so special to reflect my spirits I am so grateful to the staff worker is a good spiritual friend her lovely heart and her beautiful soul that I cherished her peaceful place it's saved my life to this beautiful relaxation comfortable place I supported positivity for my personal choice I made my ultimate achievement every day to this year for my experience thank you very very much:非常非常感謝 I never stop coming back: 我永遠不會停止回來.”
Support For Asian Sex Workers
While there is no proof of forced work at Rose Eliza Spa, or proof that they placed and published the ads mentioned and shown in the Highlands Current article, Red Canary Song is a group who supports. From the website of Red Canary Song:
“Red Canary Song works within our shared communities of migrant massage workers and sex workers of Asian diaspora to provide mutual aid and connection to accessible resources; create peer-led cultural and art events; and advocate through oral history, multimedia work, and policy authorship in conjunction with directly impacted workers. Our framework includes migrant justice, labor rights, PIC abolitionism, and non-hierarchical values. We center coalition building with other BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Trans GNC, and Disabled Sex Workers. We believe that full decriminalization of sex work is necessary for the safety and survival of massage workers and trafficking survivors.”
The Tenants of Red Canary Song:
No more police raids and deportations. Policing is not social work. Arrest and sentencing, even with diversion programming, is not a humane way to deliver social services.
Labor rights in our workplaces, regardless of immigration status: Freedom to openly assemble without fear, share resources, and collectively organize for better wages and working conditions
Nothing about us without us. Respect and dignified livelihood for all sex workers and migrant workers.
