Available to anyone “in need” until the end of December 2025: the $2 Fresh Connect money from New York State to spend at markets like Beacon Farmer’s Market. The Beacon Farmer’s Market is giving these cash coupons away to anyone in need plus their Greens4Greens monies from their fundraisers and donations. If you need to make lemonade from lemons and are in a tough spot, walk your little booty to the Market Manager’s table to request this assistance. Then spend in the market. Several vendor tables accept both currencies. Like:
A Little Beacon Blog took a shopping tour of the highly anticipated St. Joachim’s / St. John Holiday Shop at the church at 51 Leonard Street on the east end of Beacon near the mountain. Our guide was a longtime reader who attends the shop each year.
The first table was a blow-out Santa table with snowmen to choose from. The church ladies prepare all year for this sale, collecting new and handmade gifts to sell.
The jewelry table is at the center of the mix. People young and old enjoy it for finding treasures. One ALBB reader gave us a tip, that one should keep coming back, because as one piece of jewelry is sold, the empty spot is replaced with a fresh box of jewelry.
The baked goods table was extensive. Our tour guide was excited to see an Italian dessert, and explained how it was made.
This beaded bling craft was discussed as an alternative or addition to crocheting.
And to complete the shopping tour, a purchase needed to be made. A Santa bookmark, of course.
During the December 15, 2025 City Council Meeting, the last of the year, Mayor Lee Kyriacou formally honored City of Beacon Fire Chief Thomas Luccesi for his heroic effort in stopping an elderly woman from continuing to drive the wrong way down the fast lane of I-84 the morning of October 31st at 8:30am. "My wife makes fun of me," Chief Luccesi said as he began recounting the event to the City Council after accepting his plaque, "I guess you can't take the cop out of me sometimes."
Before presenting him with the plaque, Mayor Kyriacou said: "You did a pretty amazing thing. The fact that you were in the area at just the right moment is absolutely incredible...Amazingly, you somehow managed to get in front of that person and then get them off the road without anyone being injured or killed or even an accident, which is pretty amazing. And done on Halloween, let alone," Mayor Kyriacou said before presenting Chief Luccesi with the plaque.
In a press release issued by the City of Beacon the day of the incident that was reported on here and here, Chief Luccesi was quoted as saying: "It’s not often that my heart drops and my adrenaline spikes outside of a fire scene,” Chief Lucchesi said. “As I rounded a curve, I suddenly saw a car coming straight at me. Vehicles were swerving everywhere to avoid her.”
After accepting his honor this week at City Council, with City of Beacon Firefighters and his wife and children sitting behind him, Chief Luccesi told the story of how he managed to stop the driver from continuing driving the wrong way:
"I was returning from dropping off one of our members to pick up one of our apparatus that was out of service.
“I ended up going in front of her, figuring that either she’ll hit me or she’ll, you know, stop on her own. ”
— CIty of Beacon Fire Chief Thomas Luccesi
"I went to I-84; turned a podcast on. I was sort of zoned out - not really paying attention - you know - just driving down the road. I look up and there's a car coming at me in the left hand lane - in the fast lane.
"Cars were diving all over trying to get out of her way. I swerved out of the way. She passed me. As she drove by, I saw an elderly woman who just looked like she was out for a Sunday drive.
"I spun around real quick." From the press release, Chief Luccesi also turned on his emergency lights and siren. "As I spun around, there was nothing but what looked like smoke and I was really nervous that I thought she got in an accident. Ended up being tractor trailers locking their brakes up trying to get out of her way.
"It took probably a minute or two to catch up to her, and she was just still driving in the left-hand lane. I ended up going in front of her, figuring that either she'll hit me or she'll, you know, stop on her own. And luckily she stopped and she said she she made a wrong turn.
"Fortunately, no one got hurt." Then Chief Luccesi motioned to the City of Beacon Firefighters sitting behind him. "Any one of these guys here would have done the same exact thing, same circumstance. So I appreciate it very much. Thank you."
On the day of the incident, Mayor Kyriacou thanked the Chief, saying: "The Chief’s quick thinking and courageous action likely saved one or more lives today, and the City of Beacon is fortunate to have a Fire Chief who always goes above and beyond to help others. Job well, done, Chief Lucchesi."
Holiday lights strung on the new City of Beacon firehouse. Lights were hung by the Beacon firefighters and purchased with their union dues through the City of Beacon’s Professional Firefighters (IAFF L-3490). Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth
On the night of December 1st, 2025, during a City Council Meeting, residents learned that the City of Beacon Firefighters had purchased and hung the holiday lights shining brightly from the new Beacon firehouse.
This blogger, Katie Hellmuth, had gone down to the City Council Meeting that evening to deliver a Public Comment in support of the change in zoning requirement for 248 Tioronda, which allowed the developer to pursue building residential units on its remaining plot of land. Years ago, the City of Beacon changed its zoning law to require the property owner to develop commercial space for retail or business use. After years of trying, the developer did not find interested occupants, and requested a change of use for the zoning to allow residential apartments to be built instead, with an increased percentage of Below Market Rate (BMR) units available, honoring the Beacon City Council’s request.
At the end of this reporter’s comment in support of the zoning change, Katie remarked: “Also, the holiday lights on the firehouse and on this building look very nice.” In response, during the latter part of the meeting, City Administrator Chris White remarked that the City of Beacon’s Professional Firefighters (IAFF L-3490) had purchased the lights themselves, and hung them.
The City of Beacon’s Fire Chief Thomas Lucchesi confirmed to A Little Beacon Blog that the firefighters purchased and installed the lights using funds from their union dues. Chief Lucchesi added: “The firefighters typically decorate each year, but this is the first time they’ve been able to decorate the new firehouse—we were still getting settled in last holiday season.
“Our department has a great relationship with both the City and our residents, and the holiday season gives us an opportunity to share that sense of community in a simple but meaningful way. The firefighters take a lot of pride in the firehouse and in bringing a little extra holiday cheer to the neighborhood.”
The Professional Firefighters (IAFF L-3490) have confirmed that the new address of their new firehouse is 1140 Wolcott Avenue. The old address was 13 South Avenue, which as of this publishing, was listed in Google. Google may take time to update.
As a holiday reminder, the City of Beacon Firefighters are available to provide and install new fire alarms in your residence free of charge, courtesy of the Red Cross and of Chief Lucchesi reviving that program. Read more about that here or simply call them to request installation for all the necessary rooms in your residence: 845-831-1334.
For this winter season, the administration has featured a stunning photo of Beacon’s East End of Main Street. The Winterscape is a photo by local photographer Scott Snell, who is a DP, Camera Op, and Aerial Cinematographer. The scene feels like Beacon is a little gingerbread town, or box cover of an Advent calendar with chocolate surprises behind each window.
If you've enjoyed something you've read about in A Little Beacon Blog, do share it with us! Tag us in a photo or email it to us.
In this scene, Nicole Smyle, Director of Client Engagement and Development for Smyle Taxes, the boutique accounting firm specializing in creative and entrepreneurial industries, enjoyed Die Nutcracker Harder at Savage Wonder during opening weekend.
Sorry to miss this one for you...but keep your eye on creative classes from Witch Hazel... Collage Club Crafting with Laura Delarato at Witch Hazel Day: Sunday, December 14, 2025 Time: 1-3pm Price: $20
Join us in the Witch Hazel studio for two hours of open studio time and collage crafting, led by artist Laura Delarato. All supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own ephemera, stickers, zines etc! All skill levels are welcome. Information >
Die Nutcracker Harder
A Co-Production from Savage Wonder and Exit12 Dance Company Days/Times:
Sunday, December 14 – 3:30 PM & 8:30 PM
Saturday, December 20 – 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 21 – 3:30 PM Location: 139 Main Street, Beacon NY Information >
City of Beacon SNAP Grocery Card Gift Card
Day: Weekdays Time: Business Hours Location: Beacon Recreation Center, 23 West Center Street, Beacon, NY
During the SNAP crisis, Mayor Kyriacou proposed, and the City Council approved, the purchase and distribution of emergency grocery gift cards to one of the following food sources: Key Food, Beacon Natural, and the Beacon Farmer's Market. The City of Beacon has a list of Beacon residents who receive SNAP, and those people may come to pick up their grocery gift card if they haven't yet. Information >
Features from our Sponsors. Is your business on the menu?
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon NY
Down with the flu? Feed that flu! Trina at Tara Fusion inside of the Hudson Valley Food Hall has the broth you need. Her fresh beef soup is steeping in garlic, carrots, celery and more. Sip it and feel your body get nice and hot. Grab extra napkins as your nose will run to clear the toxins.
BAGEL-ISH
226 Main Street, Beacon NY
Yusuf made a batch of jalepeno chedder sourdough bagels, and they made Bagel-ish's Instagram. These house-pickled jalapeno lead the way in a sandwich. Order one with the turkey bacon egg souffle. Instagram > Bagel-ish is a Sponsor!
CARTER'S RESTAURANT Main Street, Beacon NY
Influencers be influencing…Vincenzo Esposito said he heard a lot about this spot, so he went in. His accent is on point, and he ordered all the top faves. “We ordered a few appetizers and she settled for the burger,” he said of his dinner partner before moving to show the enormous chicken Parmesan he got, plus the French Onion Soup, drink tower, and ended with the sundae. Dare you not to order in or out from Carter’s tonight or this week.
(9pm every other night and Sunday 8pm) Catering and Private Parties available. Call them for details. 845-743-6527 🍁 Instagram > Carter's is a Sponsor!
Eggbert’s Free Range Farm
Introducing…Eggbert’s Skincare! Just in time for Stocking Stuffers. Using the tallow from their beef fat rendered, they have mixed tallow-based Balm, Unscented Soap, and Lotion. Great for cold, dry winter weather. It is rich in Vitamins A,D, and K. It absorbs in to the skin creating a barrier to keep your skin from drying out and it is a natural anti-inflammatory. Try a sample at their table at any of their markets when you pick up your eggs and beef!
FARMERS MARKETS: Wednesdays: Cornwall Farmer's Market: 11am-3pm 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!
The Blushery 528 Main Street, Beacon NY
Book now for your brow shape or chin wax! Laser Hair Removal is also available for anywhere on the body. Gift Certificates also available. Book Online >
Mountain Stream Budo 340 Main Street, Beacon NY
(door is on Eliza Street, near Citizens Bank)
Give the gift of 1 Free Month of Martial Arts with Mountain Stream Budo. Students of all ages and abilities register for their program, and can attend unlimited classes in their chosen discipline.
Students have their choice of attending at least 3 classes in each discipline per week. Mountain Stream Budo does not bind you for a financial commitment with penalties for breaking that contract. Unlike many Martial Arts schools, they want you to be there because you want to be there. Because it has meaning in your life.
Owner and Kyoshi Noah Michell will guide you through the program in terms of how it works and how much it costs. If someone in your life loves Martial Arts or would benefit from trying, then this Gift Certificate of 1 Free Month is the perfect gift.
Call or email today to purchase and learn more.
(845) 526-BUDO
nfo@MountainStreamBudo.com Class Schedule & Signup >
Mountain Stream Budo 340 Main Street, Beacon NY Self Defense Seminar
This two-hour private or semi-private workshop is geared toward individuals with no prior martial arts background and who don't have the time or desire to commit to a long-term training regimen. It will consist of an overview of self-defense theory and concepts and will include many basic techniques, focusing primarily on releases and controls, as well as pressure points.
The cost of your seminar will vary depending on the number of people in your group. Private lessons are available upon request.
Please contact us for more information or to schedule your seminar.
Tin Shingle's Content Planning Template
Dropping soon: Tin Shingle's 2026 Editorial Calendar Template will be available for free to Tin Shingle Members, or for purchase or fresh download for those who already have lifetime access. This template is a spreadsheet of the 12 months of the year with national themes included. Perfect for coordinating planned publish dates with your team. Learn More >
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 >
During Sunday’s projected snowfall of over 2”, the Beacon Farmer’s Market will be open. This means that the DMV parking lot is closed to cars seeking to park there when the City of Beacon receives 2” or more of snow. City code demands that all cars be moved off the road when more than 2” of snow have fallen. Usually, the City of Beacon encourages people to park in one of the free municipal lots (see ALBB’s OG Parking Guide here).
The Beacon Farmer’s Market announced on their Instagram: “A quick parking reminder for neighbors and visitors: The DMV lot is not available for parking from 8am-3pm on Sundays. Thanks for helping us keep a great Market Day rolling. Please pass it on.”
A Little Beacon Blog’s First Toy Drive Gift Guide!
Each year, we get asked: “Where are the Toy Drives? Where can I give a gift?” In response, we have started the Toy Drive Guide to answer you that question. Two opportunities here:
🎁 Submit your Toy Drive and ALBB will include it in this list.
🎁🎁 Sponsor ALBB’s Toy Drive Guide with your logo to help us get the word out. Click here to sponsor >
St. Joachim / St. John Annual Christmas Fair
Day: Saturday December 6th, 2025 Time: 9am-3pm Day: Sunday, December 7, 2025 Time: 8:30am-2pm Location: St. Joachim's School Gym, Leonard Street, Beacon, NY Information >
Die Nutcracker Harder
A Co-Production from Savage Wonder and Exit12 Dance Company Days/Times:
Saturday, December 6 – 4:30 PM
Sunday, December 7 – 3:30 PM
Sunday, December 14 – 3:30 PM & 8:30 PM
Saturday, December 20 – 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 21 – 3:30 PM Location: 139 Main Street, Beacon NY Information >
Adam's Junk Removal Toy Drive - Party + Give Opportunities
A multi-site Toy Collection opportunity:
Wreck Room Hudson Valley
Beacon Police Department
Twins Barbershop
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services The Following Beacon City Schools:
South Avenue Elementary
Sargent Elementary
J. V. Forrestal Elementary School Glenham Elementary
Rombout Middle School
Beacon High School Days/Times: Donate until December 12th Toy Giveaway: December 13th at Slater Chemical Fire Co., 76 Old Glenham Road, Glenham, NY Information >
Congressman Pat Ryan’s C.A.R.E.S. Van Comes To Beacon’s Howland Public Library
Day: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 Time: 2-4pm Location: 313 Main Street, Beacon, NY
One-on-one assistance from my office with federal programs and benefits including: Social Security, Medicare, VA Benefits, federal grant funding, passports, immigration services, the IRS and more. For more information or if you need assistance, but can't make the event, contact his office: (845) 443-2930C.A.R.E. stands for: Constituent Advocacy Resources Empowerment Services Information >
Collage Club Crafting with Laura Delarato at Witch Hazel Day: Sunday, December 14, 2025 Time: 1-3pm Price: $20
Join us in the Witch Hazel studio for two hours of open studio time and collage crafting, led by artist Laura Delarato. All supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own ephemera, stickers, zines etc! All skill levels are welcome. Information >
City of Beacon SNAP Grocery Card Gift Card
Day: Weekdays Time: Business Hours Location: Beacon Recreation Center, 23 West Center Street, Beacon, NY
During the SNAP crisis, Mayor Kyriacou proposed, and the City Council approved, the purchase and distribution of emergency grocery gift cards to one of the following food sources: Key Food, Beacon Natural, and the Beacon Farmer's Market. The City of Beacon has a list of Beacon residents who receive SNAP, and those people may come to pick up their grocery gift card if they haven't yet. Information >
Features from our Sponsors. Is your business on the menu?
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon NY Burgers and Boards, from Honorable Ink
Have you seen the skateboard tattoo art exhibit inside of Hudson Valley Food Hall? The collection is in conjunction with Honorable Ink, a tattoo shop on Main Street in Beacon. The intricate designs are amazing. Grab a cup of coffee from Old Dhaka or a beverage from The Roosevelt Bar, and street food from any of the vendors inside to warm up any afternoon or evening.
BAGEL-ISH
226 Main Street, Beacon NY
Bagel-ish owner Beth was left to her own devices and made a peppermint chocolate cream cheese. Tasting it is quite an experience. It is like an aroma in your mouth that packs a flavorful punch on a salt bagel. Try it also on a rosemary bagel for a double-hit. Instagram > Bagel-ish is a Sponsor!
CARTER'S RESTAURANT Main Street, Beacon NY
Hot Chocolate? Or 🎄 ANGRY ELF 🎄
This is a cup of a decadent mix of tequila, Kahlúa, bourbon cream, Ancho Reyes & hot chocolate — sweet meets heat in the most festive way.
Ho-ho-hold on… this one bites! Available now at Carter’s.
Open until 11pm Friday/Saturday
(9pm every other night and Sunday 8pm) Catering and Private Parties available. Call them for details. 845-743-6527 🍁 Instagram > Carter's is a Sponsor!
Eggbert’s Free Range Farm
Pick up your full dinner at the Cold Spring Farmers Market with Eggbert's every Saturday, and Beacon Farmer's Market every Sunday. Get a whole chicken from Eggbert’s, and produce from their vendor friends to make for soup later. Ask about which chicken pieces they have today, like bone-in or bone-out chicken breast.
FARMERS MARKETS: Wednesdays: Cornwall Farmer's Market: 11am-3pm 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!
The Blushery 528 Main Street, Beacon NY
We love a good brow re-shape. Just look at those lines. The Blushery are perfectionists. Book Now through the their website or link in their Instagram Bio. Book Online >
Mountain Stream Budo 340 Main Street, Beacon NY
(door is on Eliza Street, near Citizens Bank)
It is time to channel your energy into the sai, which is a kobudo weapon that you can train in how to use at Mountain Stream Budo on Eliza Street across from the Mobile Gas Station. In this photo, owner and martial arts Instructor Noah Mitchell is training with a teenagd student, where they are practicing bo vs. sai application during kobudo class.
Kyoshi Noah Mitchell is a 7th dan Kyoshi in karate; 6th dan Renshi in kobudo, 6th dan Renshi in jujitsu, and 5th dan in iaido, making him a well-rounded and highly respected instructor. First class is free! Class Schedule & Signup >
Mountain Stream Budo 340 Main Street, Beacon NY
Catch them if you can: a disappearing foot from the Lil’ Dragon Karate classes for kids aged 4-6 Mountain Stream Budo on Main Street and Eliza Street.
This class is a “karate readiness” program in which basic martial arts skills are taught, as well as manners, respect, discipline, teamwork, memory, self-control, and cognition. Gross motor skills, including balance, strength; coordination, and flexibility, are also addressed. Emphasis is placed on “doing your best,” not being “better” than other students.
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 >
The Holiday Season is here and so are Toy Drives! This opportunity to connect a child to a gift is fast, so here are the details you need to find a Toy Drive you want to support, and when to receive the gifts, if such an event is connected. A Little Beacon Blog has opened up ways to connect with this guide to reach our readers:
Announce if your organization is hosting a Toy Drive. Email editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com with the following: flyer; types of toys collecting; who the toys are benefiting, deadline you stop collecting toys; event date you are hosting for kids to pick up (not all Toy Drives have such event).
Toy Drives Around Beacon
Adam’s Junk Removal in Partnership with Lava Entertaining
TOy Drive from Adam’s Junk Removal in partnership with Lava Entertaining.
Toy Donation Drop-off
Help bring joy to children in our communities. Any type of toy is accepted.
Drop off a new toy at the following locations:
Wreck Room Hudson Valley (Poughkeepsie Galleria)
Beacon Police Department
Twins Barbershop (349 Main Street Beacon)
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services (892 Main Street, Fishkill)
The Following Beacon City Schools: South Avenue Elementary Sargent Elementary J. V. Forrestal Elementary School Glenham Elementary Rombout Middle School Beacon High School
Toy Giveaway
Day: December 13, 2025 Time: 1pm Location: Slater Chemical Fire co., 78 Old Glenham Road, Glenham, NY Come on down to the Slater Chemical Fire Co. Fire House, and your child will receive a gift, drink hot chocolate and have snacks. Photo Booth picture with their toy, and a special guest will be there. We have face painting, radio station K104, and the Beacon Police Department to interact with the community.
Feel Good Fitness
Toys for Tots collection box inside Feel Good Fitness.
We are thrilled to announce that we are an official drop-off location for Toys for Tots! 🎅🤶 Spread the joy this season with Feel Good Fitness NY! 🎉 We invite you to stop by and help brighten a child's holiday by donating an unwrapped toy. Every little gift makes a big difference, and together, we can bring smiles to those in need! Let's come together as a community and share the love. 🤝💖 Your generosity can truly make this season special for many children. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful cause!
Days: 🧸 From Thursday to Monday Location: 301 Main Street, Beacon, NY Benefiting: Toys for Tots
The reader feared that all Hanukkah candles would be perceived to be linked to Palestinian oppression and genocide, and preferred a different title, as well as recommendations on where to get Hanukkah candles that do not support genocide.
Understanding this concern, and the important distinction between the theory and lifestyle of Zionism versus the religion of Judaism, I will explain the thought behind the title, and why other candles were not recommended in the article.
But first, here’s Arvind telling us why he pitched the article to A Little Beacon Blog in the first place: “My partner, who is Jewish, previously purchased these candles without knowing anything about the Jewish National Fund, and we were horrified to learn we had unknowingly supported such an organization.”
The Thought and Decision Behind The Title
The title for this article went through 5 drafts. The author, Arvind Dilawar, proposed this original title with his article as this:
Keeping the local nature about the article is important, so I was fine with “Local Walmarts” leading the headline. However, after reading Arvind’s draft, I learned about the organization being specified - JNF (Jewish National Fund). I learned that JNF describe themselves as being involved with “water resource management, tree planting and the preservation of Israel’s green spaces.” A lot of those green spaces are desert, so not only did I learn more about this organization planting invasive trees into a desert to create green space, I learned that in 2019, JNF held 13% of all Israeli territory, making it the largest private landowner in the country.
With that knowledge, I needed a stronger headline that had to do with the land and land occupation. Palestinian land held by Israel.
Draft 2: ”Hanukkah Candles Sold At Walmart Benefit Anti-Palestinian Land Occupation Israeli Management Organization, JNF”
I told Arvind that this was not the title, but was a desired direction for the title. It is a big concept to fit into one line. Since mentioning “Hanukkah” is a lightening rod in anything having to do with Israel’s land occupation and now genocide to keep that land. The religious day of Hanukkah has nothing to do with the state and government of Israel or genocide, and is simply a part of Judaism. In this time, it is important to remember that and not generalize. However, these are candles for Hanukkah, so the act of donating proceeds from a product for Hanukkah unfortunately conflates the issue, and drags the religion into financial support, that the religion of Judaism did not consent to.
Arvind then suggested this new headline and shifted the focus to JNF's complicity in the Israeli occupation of Palestine (rather than its discrimination against Palestinians in Israel).
Meanwhile, I started reaching out to Jewish friends from the Beacon Ceasefire group who are vocal against Israeli’s genocide of and oppression of Palestinians to see if they had recommendations of “neutral” Hanukkah candles. I haven’t heard back yet, and that’s OK. They might not know, or might not have time to do the homework on where proceeds of Hanukkah candles end up.
As for myself researching this investment, I did not make the time. The state of Israel, and the Zionists supporting it, have weaponized Judaism so badly, I needed to keep my own focus on articles already in research mode. Even if I had heard back, I would have put the recommendations in a separate article. If those recommendations ever come in, at any time, I will put them into a separate article, linked to from the Rite Lite Ltd / JNF article.
As for the photo of the Hanukkah candles on the shelf; that other brands are in the photo: we need context. We need to see where these candles sit on the shelf. Thanks to the photos, we can read the marketing material on the Rite Lite candles, that describe and declare JNF’s own intentions.
This article very clearly was about Rite Lite and JNF specifically. Just like if you took a photo of a toy or doll on a shelf, like “American Doll” and are talking only about that doll, if other dolls are in the photo, like a “Barbie” or a generic doll, one doesn’t blanket the message of the article on “American Doll” to the other dolls on the shelf. Context is given to see where “American Doll” sits on the shelf.
In gathering a neutral photo of the Rite Lite candle, that was used as the main illustration for this article, I then noticed that a man is pictured on the box of candles. The man is holding an axe while looking back at a single tree, which I found odd, since JNF prides itself in planting forests. Why would their man be looking back at the forest with an axe to cut it down? One doesn’t usually prune with an axe. One cuts down trees with an axe. I made note of this in the caption of the main photo used.
Getting closer to publishing, I suggested the above headline to Arvind, asking if it was accurate in his opinion. He preferred “Illegal Israeli Occupation.” I still wanted more on land occupation.
But as I published the photo of the box of candles, I read the marketing material on the box as I transcribed it, so that it could be easily read. That is when I noticed that the word “Zionist” was in JNF’s description of itself on the box of Rite Lite Ltd Hanukkah candles.
I told him that the reason I wanted to include the word “Zionist” in the title was to get people who are new to criticizing the state of Israel to most importantly be aware of Zionist theory and support. Zionists and Jews are two different things. As Joe Biden told us, “You don’t need to be Jewish to be a Zionist.”
Expanded, Joe Biden said on October 9th, 2024: “You know, at my direction, last week, the United States military took unprecedented action again to actively assist the successful defense of Israel. You’ve — you’ve heard me say before that I got very badly criticized as a young senator for saying, ‘I’m a Zionist.’ You don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist. It’s not necessary.”
Joe Biden went on to say something very dangerous, but is a theory presented as a defense against mass slaughter and murder otherwise known as “war” or “conflict” in Palestine. Joe said: “And the idea — I firmly believe — without an Israel, every Jew in the world’s security is less stable. I mean that. It doesn’t mean that Jewish leadership doesn’t have to be more progressive than it is, but it does mean it has to exist, and that’s what worries me most about what’s going on now.”
As people learn more about why the state of Israel is doing what it’s doing, and what it has been involved in all over the world, it is very important that they learn about Zionism. The distinction is the only way to preserve and defend Judaism, as Zionists have hurt Jews and endangered them in this sense.
It is in protection of my Jewish friends that I publish these pieces, and adopted Palestine into the mission of this Little Beacon Blog. Since much of America’s mainstream media is complicit in weaving these stories.
This December, Savage Wonder Art Center teams with Exit12 Dance Company to blow the doors off holiday tradition with Die Nutcracker Harder, a wild, genre-melting mash-up of A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, and Die Hard — re-imagined as one gloriously chaotic holiday experience.
Conceived by writer Christopher Soucy and brought to life under the direction of Christopher Paul Meyer, Die Nutcracker Harder fuses A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, and Die Hard into a singular theatrical/dance holiday experience done in Savage Wonder’s style - a fully choreographed and blocked performance with no props, no costumes, script-in-hand, live sound foley effects, all done in a living-room-style performance space.
Three Christmas classics walk into a bar… and blow it up.
Cast highlights include:
Kevin Gilmartin (Marvell Repertory Theatre) as The Narrator
John Hartzell (Hit House Creative) as Husband / John McClane
Ana Anderson (Savage Wonder regular) as Wife / Holly
Dean Linnard (Berkeley Rep, Portland Stage, Playwrights Horizons) as Ghosts / Marley
Topher Kage (Savage Wonder)
Each performance will be surrounded by holiday spectacle: pre- and post-show events, seasonal drinks at The Grape Rebellion, pop-up gallery activations, and spontaneous festive ambiance — making every performance a full Savage Wonder holiday experience.
When & Where
Savage Wonder Art Center 139 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508 (Entrance via Savage Wonderground / 141 Main Street)
Performance Dates & Times
Saturday, December 6 – 4:30 PM Sunday, December 7 – 3:30 PM Sunday, December 14 – 3:30 PM & 8:30 PM Saturday, December 20 – 7:00 PM Sunday, December 21 – 3:30 PM
Tickets for Die Nutcracker Harder are available via SavageWonder.org and through Eventbrite.
Ticket prices range from approximately $25–$55 depending on date and availability.
ABOUT SAVAGE WONDER ART CENTER
Savage Wonder is a 12,000-square-foot arts venue located in Beacon, NY. Housed in a former bank, the center includes multiple performance spaces, a wine & dessert bar (The Grape Rebellion), pop-up gallery areas, and flexible spaces such as The Parlor and Savage Wonderground. Savage Wonder presents theater, music, visual art, and culinary programming created by veterans, first responders, and their immediate family members. Our work is intimate, surprising, whimsical, and absurd — built to challenge convention and expand what community arts can be. Visit https://savagewonder.org for more.
ABOUT EXIT12 DANCE COMPANY
Exit12 Dance Company is a New York–based contemporary dance nonprofit, founded by a U.S. Marine Iraq War veteran, dedicated to exploring the impact of war, service, and homecoming through movement, storytelling, and dance. Through performances, workshops, and community engagement, Exit12 works to heal veteran and military-connected individuals, educate the public about the human cost of conflict, and advance empathy, understanding, and transformation. Their work spans immersive dance performances, movement workshops for veterans and civilians, and narrative-driven choreography rooted in lived experience. Learn more at https://exit12danceco.org.
The illustration on the JNF packaging for the candles features a man holding an axe with a single tree in the background, representing the forest the organization plants. If the organization plants forest in the dessert, which some environmentalists view as harmful, then it seems counterintuitive to feature a man with an axe to cut that tree down. The axe can therefore be interpreted to symbolize the illegal annexation of Palestinian land by the Israeli government.
by Arvind Dilawar Arvind Dilawar is an independent journalist. His articles, essays and interviews have appeared in The New York Times, Time Magazine, The Daily Beast and elsewhere. Find him online at: adilawar.com
Proceeds of Rite Lite Hanukkah candles donated to Jewish National Fund (JNF), which supports illegal Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Update 12/13/2025: Following publication of this article, Jewish National Fund USA contacted A Little Beacon Blog, accusing it of defamation. While JNF-USA is the beneficiary of the Rite Lite Hanukkah candles being sold at Walmart, its Israeli counterpart — known by its Hebrew acronym, JNF-KKL — is technically the owner of the lands mentioned in Israel, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Nevertheless, JNF-USA is the largest financial contributor to JNF-KKL, meaning the former funds much of the latter's activity, as well as spearheading its own projects encroaching on Palestinian territory. JNF-USA has removed references to its relationship with JNF-KKL (read about that here at web.archive.org) and its projects in East Jerusalem and the West Bank from its website, but they are still accessible via the Internet Archive.
This year, Hanukkah will commence at sundown on December 14, the holiday traditionally observed by lighting candles atop a menorah. For Jews in the Hudson Valley, the selection of Hanukkah candles to choose from includes Rite Lite, which Walmart stocks at its locations in Fishkill, Newburgh, Middletown and elsewhere. The candles are advertised as benefiting the Jewish National Fund (JNF), whose work the packaging describes as including “water resource management, tree planting and the preservation of Israel’s green spaces.”
But JNF is not an environmental steward. It is a supporter of illegal Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, both internationally recognized as Palestinian territory, and has been systematically discriminating against Palestinians in Israel also.
JNF was founded in 1901 as an openly Zionist — or Jewish ethno-nationalist — organization, collecting donations from around the world to purchase land for a Jewish state in what was then part of the Ottoman Empire. Following the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948, JNF became a quasi-governmental organization, with formerly Palestinian lands annexed by the Israeli government transferred to JNF to manage. In 2019, the Yale School of the Environment estimated that JNF held 13% of all Israeli territory, making it the largest private landowner in the country.
JNF’s activities are not confined to Israel’s internationally recognized borders either, as Haaretz reports. While JNF has for years used subsidiaries to operate unofficially in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, which along with Gaza constitute the occupied Palestinian territories, the organization decided to openly start supporting the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank in 2021. Since then, JNF has allocated millions of dollars to purchase land “intended for Jewish settlement.”
JNF also openly discriminates against Palestinians in Israel as well. From 1960 to 2005, bidding on leases for the organization’s lands were restricted to “Jewish nationals,” as detailed in a report to the United Nations (February, 2006) by the Habitat International Coalition and the Adalah Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel. Palestinians, who make up 20 percent of Israel’s population, were thus systematically excluded — but rather than regretting, or even denying, such discrimination, JNF explicitly embraces it. According to a transcript from Adalah’s suit challenging JNF in Israel’s Supreme Court in 2004, JNF itself argued:
As a landowner, the JNF is not a public body which acts on behalf of all the citizens of the state. Its loyalty is to the Jewish people and its responsibility is to it alone. As the owner of JNF land, the JNF does not have to act with equality towards all citizens of the state.
As the report to the UN explains, the Israeli attorney general found that JNF’s leasing practices were indeed discriminatory and bidding had to be opened to non-Jewish Israeli citizens. However, the attorney general also ruled that any time a non-Jewish bidder wins a lease, the state will “compensate” JNF with an equal amount of public land. In other words, state transfers of land to JNF continue — even as JNF defends its “right” to discriminate.
Rite Lite, the Brooklyn-based manufacturer of the candles benefiting JNF, advertises itself as providing products to “thousands of retail locations throughout the U.S. and around the world” on its website. Besides Walmart, online retailers of Rite Lite products include Target, Amazon and JNF itself.
(Walmart, Rite Lite and JNF all failed to respond to requests for comment from A Little Beacon Blog.)
Editorial Update (12/5/2025): In response to a reader’s comment below, a Letter from the Editor has been publish that shows the reasoning behind the title choice and the photos used.
The City of Beacon issued its first reminder warning of the season for how to park during a snowstorm, and who needs to shovel sidewalks.
“In anticipation of upcoming winter weather, we’re writing with a reminder of the City's rules and regulations regarding parking and sidewalks after snowfall,” the City sent via robo call, which arrives by email, phone call, and text message. Sign up for that communication service here.
On-Street Parking Rules
From the City of Beacon: After 2” inches of snow, your vehicle cannot be parked on the street between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and must not obstruct City snowplows from clearing the streets. You’re welcome to move your vehicle into the City's public parking lots, but they must be moved 24 hours after the snow stops falling so that the parking lots can then be cleared after the streets are finished. We hope to avoid issuing any tickets.”
Public Parking Lots
The City of Beacon’s free municipal lots are located here. Cars parked there during a snow fall where the accumulation is 2” inches or greater, must move 24 hours after the snow stops falling. The City will not have cleared that parking lot, so you will need to dig yourself out. Once the cars have cleared the lot, the City of Beacon will plow it.
List of Free Municipal Parking Lots: 1 Municipal Plaza Cross Street and Main Street (behind Hudson Beacon Glass) Cliff Street (near Beacon Bread Company) Parking Lot near Butterhead Salad and Gas Station DMV Parking Lot Church Street and North Chestnut (behind the old Rite Aid) Henry Street (behind Yankee Clipper Diner) Henry Street (behind Sun River Health and Beacon Post Office) Van Nydeck (by The Station Dispensary and Brother's Trattoria) Churchill Street (by Hudson Valley Brewery and Fishkill Creek) Main Street and Verplanck (near Melzingah Tap House)
Snow Tossing Into The Street
Tempting as it may be to toss the snow from your sidewalk or driveway into the street, it is counterproductive, as the snowplow simply pushes it back onto your sidewalk, creating a giant wall. The City of Beacon said in their warning call: “Further, it is both unsafe and a violation of City code to throw snow into the road.”
Sidewalk Clearing: Property Owners Must Clear
The City of Beacon says that property owners must clear adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours of the snowfall ending. Seasoned snow shovelers know that once the temperature rises and the shoveled snow begins to melt, it gets heavy. Best to do while powdery.
The City of Beacon ended their message with a thanks to the Highway Department: “Thanks for helping our hardworking highway crews to get through the storm cleanup and ensuring our streets and sidewalks are safe for all to use.”
On this Giving Tuesday, you can donate to A Little Beacon Blog! On this day or any day. We remain an independent media outlet as a for-profit entity, which doesn’t allow us to apply for certain local news grants as a non-profit would, but we carry on and pursue other revenue models. Thank you to our business sponsors. Readers can contribute using this link. The smallest $5 helps! And tells us how much ALBB means to you. Thank you 🤲🏽🙏🏽
This article is a roundup of the video interviews we did with the Farmer’s Market and the City of Beacon. During that time, things were moving so fast, ALBB’s content only made it to Instagram. Below, please find those write-ups and accompanying videos.
How The Beacon Farmer’s Market Converts SNAP Money into Farmer’s Market Money Currency
Today we look at the SNAP program at the Beacon Farmer’s Market which is run by Common Ground Farm. Taking us through the process of converting SNAP (aka Food Stamp) dollars is Amy Bandolik, the Market Manager for the Beacon Farmer’s Market. Not only can SNAP dollars be spent here, but they are doubled with assistance from:
➕ Greens4Greens $5 cards program from funds raised from their Soup4Greens annual fundraiser, and right now during this federal government shutdown. Donations are being accepted right now for SNAP recipients - and anyone in need - at the Managers Tent in the market or online.
Amy walks us through what happens when the SNAP card is run for $10, and how it multiplies the money exchange The SNAP card gets filled up, so with it not getting filled up, the market continues to make it work by honoring those with cards - and those in need who might not have cards or never applied - with the base amount and these additional dollars.
Thank you for your support. The market is busy today and people are donating. Come in for assistance if you need it. Don’t be shy.
New York States Drops More Dollars For Anyone In Need - Available At The Beacon Farmer’s Market
📣 BREAKING NEWS: New York State has sent additional $2 Fresh Direct Coupons to those in need. Not just SNAP recipients, but those in need. Amy, the Market Manager for Beacon Farmer’s Market received these additional $2 Fresh Direct coupons 💸 to her mailbox yesterday.
Here’s How It Works:
If you are in need for your food situation, you can come to the Manager’s Table each week from November to December 2025 to pick up:
$20 in Fresh Connect coupons. This can buy you meat, produce, other qualifying foods from the vendors at the Beacon Farmer’s Market.
- plus -
$30 Greens4Greens from Beacon Farmers Market fundraiser. People have been donating, and this is what the money turns into. Emergency food money for those in need. You can even buy coffee beans and pastries with these at the market.
Both available each week November-December 2025. No verification required. There is an income qualifying table, but New York State has granted that if you state you are in need, you will be provided for.
How the City of Beacon Distributed Their $50,000 of Emergency SNAP Grocery GIft Cards
Here on this very windy Sunday at the Beacon Farmers Market with Heidi Harrison of Beacon Parks and Recreation Department, handing out their Emergency SNAP Grocery Card Distribution initiative to SNAP Receipts who are Beacon residents. The City’s offering to SNAP recipients living in Beacon is $50 for the Farmers Market or $60 Grocery Gift Card for Key Food Beacon. Bring Photo ID, piece of mail as proof of residency, and SNAP Card to pick up.
This is a one-time emergency distribution so far. One per name on the SNAP list for Beacon residents. Find Heidi next to the Beacon Farmer’s Market Managers Tent to pick up your Gift Card if you haven’t yet. One per household right now.
Here today for added convenience, but only today. Coupons or Cards are available for pickup during the weekdays at the Beacon Parks and Recreation Office at 23 West Center Street.
SNAP Recipients: Go pick up! They have your name already, so you’re all set. There are 80 people who still need to pick up their card. No re-application necessary.
The City of Beacon entered into a contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide increased access to Beacon tenants facing eviction. They may also be able to help with sources of rent arrears assistance. Call the paralegal, Steven Mihalik at 845-253-6953 to inquire.
Dutchess County Helpline. Open 24/7 to take your calls, listen, and give you resources.
