I first met the famed and elusive-to-me Andramada on a Friday evening in February 2023 during her drag show at the Hudson Valley Food Hall. I’d heard about the show for what felt like ages, but never went. I’m intimidated by most things.
But on this particular Friday evening, I was ready to explore. Almost every Friday night at 9pm, the lights at the Food Hall go down, the spotlight comes on, and some burners stay lit behind the chef’s stalls.
Before the local show begins, to warm everybody up, there is a viewing party of RuPaul’s Drag Race at the Roosevelt Bar, where the bar tenders are pouring.
Andramada, when she is in drag, and Ian when the wig is off and he is in street clothes (pronouns reflect situation), started this drag show in New Paltz. Since moving to Beacon, beginning at Happy Valley and now at Hudson Valley Food Hall, it has taken off, attracting performers and audience members from all over the country, let alone New York.
Below are videos of some of the performers, including Andramada’s own encore at the end. Stay tuned for an upcoming podcast episode recorded in 2026 with A Little Beacon’s new podcast, A Little Beacon Pod. In that episode, we explore Adramada’s evolution with her parents, Cynthia and DJ Zeno, who are there at every show. We are so excited to share everything and everyone with you.
Andramada and her parents, Cynthia and DJ Zeno. Cynthia is a hair stylist and taught Andramada how to style her wigs. Andramada’s dad, DJ Zeno, is the DJ each night.
Andramada’s Dad, DJ Zeno, with Manriah supporting.
With Spring coming, the early bird gets the worm. Right now, the early bird can get discount tickets for BeaconLit Fest in June. See below for details.
Enrollments is Open! A Little Beacon Blog's Summer Camp Guide is being updated now as people are checking it for dates. There are two ways to be included in this Guide: FREE: Area camps can email their basic information to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com. Include the following info: Date Ranges, Age Ranges.
SPONSORED: Include more info in your listing, like pictures, weekly descriptions, special lunch considerations, etc. Upgrade your listing here, and begin sending us all pictures and details. Readers LOVE this Guide.
Single purchases of Event Promotions are available. Membership for discounted recurring events are available.
Beacon’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Green Day: Saturday March 14th, 2026 Time: Noon Location: Main Street, Beacon, NY
Beacon's St. Patrick's Day Parade is today. Weather is everything for this parade! Of course it has to be a Lion today with the wind.
Garrison's Art Center Presents
SITE: School Invitational Theme Exhibition Rooted: Art in the Natural World Day: Opening Reception: Saturday March 14, 1-3pm Location: Garrison Art Center, 23 Garrison's Landing, Garrison NY
This weekend, The Garrison celebrates young artists from area schools, from Kindergarten through High School.
The SITE: School Invitational Theme Exhibition, "Rooted: Art and the Natural World," features artwork by Kindergarten through 12th-grade students from across the Hudson Valley. This year’s theme invites students from 19 local elementary, middle, and high schools to explore the connection between art and nature—and to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. The exhibition celebrates creativity grounded in curiosity, stewardship, and our shared connection to the world around us. Information >
Murder She Wrote: Crime Fiction Writing Workshop When: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm Price: $52.79 (tickets include food, beverages, writing, materials and more.
Cynthia Weiner has had a long career writing and teaching fiction. Her short stories have been published in Ploughshares, The Sun, and Epiphany, and her story, "Boyfriends," was awarded a Pushcart Prize. And her 2025 novel, A Gorgeous Excitement, became an instant NYT bestseller. She is also the assistant director of The Writers Studio in New York City and a top notch writing instructor. Get your ticket soon for our upcoming Crime Writing intensive (and dinner!). Your attendence helps support our mission and bring our June 2026 Litfest to life! Last time we featured Author Cynthia Weiner of NY Writers Studio, the workshop sold out! This is a reprise with ALL NEW MATERIAL! Buy Tickets >
Donations Open For The Prom Pop-Up from Beacon’s Howland Public Library Day: Now through March 20, 2026 Details: Nearly-New, Gently-Used Party Attire Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main Street, Beacon, NY
The Prom Pop-Up From The Howland Library Is Back: Seeking Donations Of Gently Used Prom Attire
The Free Prom Pop-Up Boutique for High School students is back at Beacon's Howland Public Library. Opportunity is open now to donate amazing, unusual, gently-used, like-new prom attire in female and male style through March 20th. More Details >
Beacon Litfest (side event) Day: Friday, April 24th, 2026 Time: 7-9:30pm Location: Denning's Point Distillery 10 N Chestnut, Beacon
For those of you who had a blast at last year's amazing 90s Dance Party, we've got more excitement coming in 2026. Felix Hernandez, radio personality and executive producer of live music series for NPR (you've heard him for years on WBGO) AND the legendary Rhythm Revue dance parties at Roseland Ballroom, NYC, will be our DJ for the night! Tickets >
Beacon Litfest (Main Event) EARLY BIRD PASS available until April 1st. Day: June 12th-14th, 2026 (Friday - Sunday) Time: TBA Location: Multiple venues throughout Beacon, NY
Big Literary Voices. Small Town Vibes (c)
Enjoy major award-winning poets and writers, immersive performances, mixers, book signings, special VIP experience, and more!
We are thrilled with this year's line-up! Find out more at beaconlitfest.org Tickets >
Features from our Sponsors. Is your business on the menu?
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon NY
New flyer, same great show! Come to the Hudson Valley’s best drag show hosted by Andramada for tasty drinks, eclectic shows and the most iconic host! It’s the year of the Yas Diva so come be a part of it ✨✨✨✨
BAGEL-ISH
226 Main Street, Beacon NY
Mystical things are happening inside of Bagel-ish on this Parade of Green Day. You can make a wish on these bagel slices... Watch Video > Bagel-ish is a Sponsor!
CARTER'S RESTAURANT 424 Main Street, Beacon NY
Opening at 10am, Carter's is the place to be for today's Parade of Green! Catering and Private Parties available. Call them for details. 845-743-6527 Instagram > Carter's is a Sponsor!
DAVE THE BUTCHER 232 Main Street, Beacon NY
Celebrate the Parade of Green with Dave The Butcher! Open @ 10am! Instagram > Carter's is a Sponsor!
Mountain Stream Budo 340 Main Street, Beacon NY
Li’l Dragons Karate class (ages 4-6) meets 3 times per week:
Tuesdays and Fridays at 5:00pm & Thursdays at 5:30pm.
Email Noah at info@MountainStreamBudo for more info and to schedule your free trial class! Class Schedule & Signup >
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 winter weather hit farmers hard at farmers markets, which also impacted storefronts like Matcha Thomas, who listed it as a reason they closed their storefront to focus more on the flexibility of being mobile.
Eggbert’s Free Range Farm was in 3 winter markets, but when their third market - the Cornwall Market - threw in the towel on any more winter, Eggbert’s did not stop. After developing a friendship with their neighboring vendor at that market, Shake ‘n Grind, who tabled when not in their Newburgh café, Eggbert’s partnered with them to pop-up in the brick and mortar café at 190 S Plank Road, Newburgh, NY.
“We had been doing some shopping pop-ups with them before, like Shop ‘n Sips,” Eggbert’s owner, Carrie Sabins told A Little Beacon Blog. “They went well and we met so many more new people.”
Based on that experience, Eggbert’s will be at their first solo pop-up at Shake ‘n Grind this Wednesday, March 11. People can buy all of Eggbert’s regular items, like pork, chicken, bacon, goat, etc. But because of the partnership, shoppers can also enjoy buying coffee, lattes, and shakes from Shake ‘n Grind. “People loved their juices. And baguettes!” Carrie told ALBB.
Before we forget what high heating bills felt like, and the stuffy indoor air of winter, let’s visit the “Passive House” project that Shelter Air @shelter.air is installing for a house designed by River Architects @riverarchitects , a full-service architecture and design studio with a bold commitment to achieving environmental sustainability through intelligent, beautiful design. Both business are Woman-owned.
A “Passive House” must meet air handling requirements to ensure the quality of the air, and management of the temperature, while not using a lot of energy.
Shelter Air owner Kimberly Sevilla walks us through the house, showing us the special insulation used, the 3-pane windows, and the air handling machines that circulate the air in the ducts.
Last night (Friday), eyes were on the Beacon Bulldogs boy's basketball team as they earned the elusive Sectional IX Championship, deafeating the Red Hook Raiders to secure the Sectional IX Championship.
The Beacon boys basketball program merged into Section 9 during the 2021-22 season, but the Poughkeepsie Journal reported that it has had a “cloud hovering over the program” ever since. “A program that had been patiently waiting for its opportunity to break through after falling short each and every time, Beacon finally broke through,” wrote reporter Eric Decker.
Beacon coach Patrick Schetter told the Poughkeepsie Journal that fueling the team with energy and spirit was a priority. “That’s been a point of emphasis for us this year, coming out of the gate in the first quarter with energy. The last couple of years, that’s been something we’ve lacked as a program,” the coach said.
Reuben Simmons, known as Coach Yogi for various volunteer sports programs in Beacon including Beacon Hoops, told A Little Beacon Blog: “From coaching a lot of those boys from age 10, they are a special group and the whole community has their support. As they win, it’s a win for the whole community. Every coach, every family member, every supporter, feels like they are playing for us as a community.”
Video of highlights captured by Kings of 845 Media and the rest of this article with stats is at ALBB now.
Single purchases of Event Promotions are available. Membership for discounted recurring events are available.
Donations Open For The Prom Pop-Up from Beacon’s Howland Public Library Day: Now through March 20, 2026 Details: Nearly-New, Gently-Used Party Attire Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main Street, Beacon, NY
The Prom Pop-Up From The Howland Library Is Back: Seeking Donations Of Gently Used Prom Attire
The Free Prom Pop-Up Boutique for High School students is back at Beacon's Howland Public Library. Opportunity is open now to donate amazing, unusual, gently-used, like-new prom attire in female and male style through March 20th. More Details >
Beacon’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Green Day: Sunday March 14th, 2026 Time: Noon Location: Main Street, beginning at
For sponsorship opportunity and participation information, email: beaconnyparadeofgreen@gmail.com
Features from our Sponsors. Is your business on the menu?
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon NY
There's only one neighborhood girl that will bring you veggie samosa, freshly cooked chicken for Butter Chicken or sandwich wraps, and puffed puri. That's right. Trina of Tara Fusion makes all of this for you, and with a lot of love. Order take out or dine in.
BAGEL-ISH
226 Main Street, Beacon NY
Bagel-ish doesn’t do salads on their menu, but their sandwich topping options help put their bagel sandwiches over the top. Owner Beth drives to NJ for her special tomatoes, which are a purply-red color. There is some secret to the cucumbers (maybe the way they are sliced?) and for her special preference, arugula from @obercreekfarm . On Thursday night, Bagel-ish had the lights on for a little Iftar meal for Katie, and yum was it nourishing. If you want Beth to put salads on the menu, let her know 😋 Watch Video > Bagel-ish is a Sponsor!
CARTER'S RESTAURANT Main Street, Beacon NY
Carter's just broke you. Pizza and Wine night every Thursday for who knows how long. But it's $40 right now. And they have the famous gluten-free cauliflower pizza that kids and adults rave about. Catering and Private Parties available. Call them for details. 845-743-6527 Instagram > Carter's is a Sponsor!
Eggbert’s Free Range Farm
Eggbert's is popping up and popping out at a new Farm Pop-Up Market Stand! 🥚🥩 They partnered with The Shake and Grind in the Town of Newburgh on Wednesday from 12-3pm to bring you regular items, like lamb, goat, beef, chicken, eggs, and even their frozen raw pet food 🐾. Get Shake and Grind regular items too, like their coffee ☕️, lattes, baguette 🥖 and other baked goods. People love their smoothies 🥤 and juices. Come down Wednesday! Varieties include:
Beef
Beef Tripe
Chicken
Pork
Rabbit (perfect for pets allergic to chicken, which is in most everything) www.eggbertsfreerangefarm.com FARMERS MARKETS: 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!
Murder She Wrote: Crime Fiction Writing Workshop When: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm Price: $52.79 (tickets include food, beverages, writing, materials and more.
Cynthia Weiner has had a long career writing and teaching fiction. Her short stories have been published in Ploughshares, The Sun, and Epiphany, and her story, "Boyfriends," was awarded a Pushcart Prize. And her 2025 novel, A Gorgeous Excitement, became an instant NYT bestseller. She is also the assistant director of The Writers Studio in New York City and a top notch writing instructor. Get your ticket soon for our upcoming Crime Writing intensive (and dinner!). Your attendence helps support our mission and bring our June 2026 Litfest to life! Last time we featured Author Cynthia Weiner of NY Writers Studio, the workshop sold out! This is a reprise with ALL NEW MATERIAL! Buy Tickets >
Mountain Stream Budo 340 Main Street, Beacon NY
Li’l Dragons Karate class (ages 4-6) meets 3 times per week:
Tuesdays and Fridays at 5:00pm & Thursdays at 5:30pm.
Email Noah at info@MountainStreamBudo for more info and to schedule your free trial class! Class Schedule & Signup >
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 >
Screenshot of Kings of 845 coverage of the Sectional IX Championship that Beacon Bulldogs Boys Basketball secured.
The Beacon High School boys basketball team, the Beacon Bulldogs, won the Section 9 Class A Crown, defeating the Red Hook Raiders at Mount Saint Marry College on Friday evening, earning their first Section 9 title.
The Beacon boys basketball program merged into Section 9 during the 2021-22 season, but the Poughkeepsie Journal reported that it has had a "cloud hovering over the program" ever since. "A program that had been patiently waiting for its opportunity to break through after falling short each and every time, Beacon finally broke through," wrote reporter Eric Decker.
Beacon coach Patrick Schetter told the Poughkeepsie Journal that fueling the team with energy and spirit was a priority. "That's been a point of emphasis for us this year, coming out of the gate in the first quarter with energy. The last couple of years, that's been something we've lacked as a program," the coach said.
Beacon's team is stacked with seniors, and Coach Schemer gave credit to defensive playing and strategy for impacting their win. Emphasis was put on shutting down the Red Hook's top scorer, Matt Simmons, with two Beacon players: Jayden Bostick and Jah'Real Whitted.
Coach Schetter told the Journal: "Jayden Bostick is the greatest high school defender I've ever seen, I think a ton of people would attest to that. He elevates everyone around him in practice to be a good defender."
The Poughkeepsie Journal reported that Beacon earned a double digit lead right away, less than 4 minutes into the game. Beacon's Michai Thompson led with 17 points; Ryan Landisi scored 14 points, and Jahcier Ballard delivered 10 points, with Brady Philipbar on fire, contributing to a 62-38 victory. Excellent rebounding by all.
“From coaching a lot of those boys from age 10, they are a special group and the whole community has their support. As they win, it’s a win for the whole community. Every coach, every family member, every supporter, feels like they are playing for us as a community.”
— Reuben Simmons, Coach in Beacon Hoops
Reuben Simmons, known as Coach Yogi for various volunteer sports programs in Beacon including Beacon Hoops, told A Little Beacon Blog: “From coaching a lot of those boys from age 10, they are a special group and the whole community has their support. As they win, it's a win for the whole community. Every coach, every family member, every supporter, feels like they are playing for us as a community.” Beacon Hoops was started by and continues to be run by community members and volunteers, and hosts registration through the City of Beacon Recreation website.
“Christina kept that Beacon Hoops going when those kids were at those peewee and rookie levels. This group of boys is the gorilla glue holding this community together right now. I hope that people also noticing the importance of a feeder program like Beacon Hoops and the importance of volunteerism.”
I Am Beacon posted the victory on their Facebook page, emphasizing: "🏀🎉 Congratulations to the Beacon Boys Varsity Basketball Team — Sectional IX Champions! What an incredible night for our city! The whole community showed up, the energy was electric, and these young men delivered when it mattered most. Their hard work, teamwork, and heart paid off in a big way. You didn’t just win a championship, you made the entire community proud. 💙💛 Let’s hear it for the players, coaches, families, and fans who stood behind them all season. Champions! 🏆"
Kings Of The 845 covered the game on their Instagram, posting highlights of the team and crowd erupting into celebration as they accepted their award. "It's a parade inside my city yeahhhhh" commented Elijah Hughes on their page, a Beacon native who was drafted to the NBA for the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz and currently plays for the German Basketball Bundesliga League.
Dianne Marie commented: "FIRE!! This team was straight FIRE this season!! Making Beacon proud!!!"
Beacon's Superintendent Landahl said in an email to district families: "I am super proud of our Boys Basketball team's Section 9 Championship last night!"
Also in that email, Athletic Director, Mike Carofano emphasized that this was the first sectional title earned since 2003, and said: "Congratulations to the boys, Coach Schetter, and his staff on a great accomplishment!"
The Bulldogs will compete next in the NYS Tournament on Tuesday 3/10 at 7pm at Mahopac High School vs Section 1 Champion Tappan Zee in the NYS Subregionals. Tickets can be purchased here.
Per Mayor Lee Kyriacou’s recommended appointment of David Ross to Beacon’s Board of Assessment Review, a board David no longer serves on since being discovered with having a forgiving friendship and correspondence with sexual predator and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, David was the “finance guy,” as Mayor Kyriacou referred to him, for the Southern Dutchess Country Club (SDCC) in Beacon on Wolcott Avenue. Per the SDCC’s website, David was the Vice President and Chairman.
On Sunday, A Little Beacon Blog emailed the email listed next to David’s name on that website to inquire if he was still on the board after he resigned from his Chair position of the MFA art practice program at New York’s School of Visual Arts (SVA), as reported by ARTNews. ALBB did not receive a response as of Monday evening, the night of the City Council Meeting, where ALBB asked the City Council if David had resigned from Beacon’s local assessment board.
In an article reported on ALBB’s Facebook reporting on the potential for David to no longer be on Beacon’s Board of Assessment Review, the Southern Dutchess Country Club was mentioned as reference. The evening after the City Council Meeting where it was revealed that David was no longer on that board, Geoffrey Robillard, a person identifying himself as a “lifetime member” who “sits on the board” of SDCC, insisted via Facebook Comment that David did not hold those positions.
Geoffrey commented at Facebook: “First of all get your facts straight! David is not nor ever has been SDCC President and or chairman! You want to spew crap take time to fact check! It isn’t hard.”
Upon review, ALBB corrected the publishing of the President position, as the SDCC listed David as Vice President and Chairman. ALBB responded to Geoffrey that all articles had shown screenshots of David’s position on the board, and linked to ALBB’s original article that quoted Mayor Kyriacou verbatim from the October 9, 2025 City Council Meeting where he identified David as being linked with SDCC as “the finance guy.”
Geoffrey responded: “I sit on the Board and am a lifetime member and I am telling you he is not President or Chairman nor ever has been.”
A few hours later, the email address from the SDCC website, which is membership@southerndutchesscc.com, responded to ALBB’s initial email, confirming that David had been on the club board:
Hi Katie
David has resigned from the board of SDCC.
Sdcc B.O.D.
ALBB responded:
Hello,
Thank you. Can you tell me who you are that is responding.
Screenshot as of 3-4-2026 11:30am of Directors and Officers at the Southern Dutchess Country Club on Wolcott Avenue.
Can you confirm: 1. Your name. 2. What position on the board David Ross held.
The writer responded that he is Barry Winter, the President of the club.
Barry later confirmed that David was the Membership Chairman, and held no other board positions.
ALBB pressed one more time for confirmation on why David’s name was listed as Vice President on their website. Barry responded: “Yes I forgot he was VP. The VP doesn’t really do anything. I have updated the web page and Dave is no longer listed. At our next board meeting we will elect a new VP and membership chairman. For now I'm filling the membership chair role.”
After being appointed by Mayor Lee Kyriacou in October 2025, David Ross, a citizen of Beacon; husband to former City Council Member Peggy Ross who served with Mayor Lee on Council years prior; widely-known director of contemporary American museums nationwide; who was found with multiple correspondences in the Epstein Files after the January 30th, 2026 drop; is no longer on the Board of Assessment Review for the City of Beacon, the City’s attorney Nick Ward-Willis confirmed after A Little Beacon Blog called in during the second Public Comment opportunity of the evening to ask who resigned from the once full board to create two new vacancies so quickly that the City voted on that night with no prior notification or announcement of vacancy to the public.
Otherwise, the City of Beacon was not going to mention David’s departure from the Board.
Katie of ALBB asked: “Can you tell me, for the Board of Assessment Review, who are the two people who resigned? The last time we had nominations was in October 9th, 2025, which was Michele Rios, a realtor, and David Ross, curator of museums, and a board member here at the Southern Duchess Country Club, who was also recently found in the Epstein Files and resigned his position elsewhere,” referring to David’s resignation of his position as chair of the MFA Art Practice Program at New York’s School of Visual Arts (SVA) after ARTNews broke the story of his relationship and correspondences with Epstein.
“Can you tell us who resigned, when they resigned, and why they resigned, and also, why there was no public announcement of these two vacancies.”
Attorney Nick took over answering. He neither confirmed or denied that David Ross resigned, saying: “So, we don't go into details on personnel matters. The two individuals who served before were Mr. Ross and Mr. Palisi, I believe. That's generally all we provide.”
Mayor Kyriacou began to respond: “Um so…”
Attorney Nick was swift to cut him off, repeating his previous statement: “So that’s generally all that we provide.”
Mayor Kyriacou wanted to continue, but restrained himself, saying: “Okay,” with a pause. “And…Okay. I’ll stop there.”
Attorney Nick concluded: “Yeah.”
City Administrator Chris White picked up the response: “Well, and he didn’t resign. He passed away.” To which Attorney Nick responded “Well…Yes,” without referring to which former board member they were referring to.
City Administrator Chris continued: “So Bobby Palisi, for those...” implying he was going to describe who Bobby Palisi was for those who did not know. “Very involved in softball. Life member of Mase [Hook and Ladder]. We had the Memorial Bunting on the firehouse for his fire service.” Bobby was also a brother-in-law of Michele Rios, his wife’s sister, who is also on the Board of Assessment Review.
Mayor Kyriacou picked up the description: "That's the dark bunting when you were, if you were passing by and you're wondering what that was. That was Bobby."
Mayor Kyriacou wanted to continue again, but held back. "Um...So...And then...Um...Yeah. Okay." And the meeting ended.
Alright. It’s a Snow Day ☃️ in Beacon, so we are going to bring you a news sources on the Zionist inspired U.S./Israel unprovoked and illegal attack on Iran, that Iran is now responding to and defending itself from while ALBB finishes her Media Kit that explains how we work and how you can reach our readers.
ALBB also has client videos to stitch together to bring you into local businesses like HVAC/Heating/Cooling company Shelter Air 🌱 and Cigar on Main to see how they work and how you can celebrate and benefit from them.
Also, an amAzing interview with Andrameda who performs in drag 💃🏽 at The Roosevelt Bar at the Hudson Valley Food Hall every Friday night. But first, home-brewed coffee ☕️from Kitchen and Coffee from beans that may be new (or new to ALBB) and the house-brand No. Six Depot, “The Sun Also Rises,” available from @kitchen.coffee.beacon . Followed by the protein powder shake from Health in Color and the Chocolate and Mushroom Elixir from 4 Wall Farm.
We will also be regretting not cleaning or replacing the carburetor on the snow blower.
Editorial Note: Video recap is posted below. Scroll down after you read.
Quick meeting recap of tonight’s City Council meeting, which included the - once again - un-publicized appointments of 2 new board members to the Board of Assessment Review to an already full board.
This would have meant that 2 board members were no longer on the board for some reason. David Ross, who was appointed on October 9, 2025 but was found in the Epstein Files after the January 30th 2026 dump by ARTNews and later Hyperallergic , was one of the appointees. After his multiple emails were revealed, which included travel, David resigned from his position as chair of the MFA Art Practice Program at New York’s School of Visual Arts (SVA). The school made a statement of this.
The City of Beacon did not make a statement about his resignation from the Board of Assessment Review. Not last week when it was hinted by a citizen during Public Comment that there was a possibility of a vacancy, and not this evening when 2 new appointees were presented and voted upon.
Not hearing who resigned, ALBB called in to the second round of Public Comment to ask who was no longer on the board. City Attorney Nick Ward-Willis quickly took over to answer, stating that David Ross did resign. The Mayor shifted in his seat a few times and added no additional words. City Administrator Chris White said the the second person who was no longer on the board due to their death was Robert Palisi, who served on the board for 10 years and passed away this February.
Had the question not been asked during the second opportunity for Public Comment, the resignation of David Ross presumably because of his correspondence in the Epstein Files, would so far, have gone unspoken on public record.
Two weeks ago, A Little Beacon Blog reported that speculation was dropped in the Public Comment section of the 2/17/2026 City Council Meeting that David Ross, the newly appointed board member for Beacon’s Board of Assessment Review (the board who reviews property assessment grievances once a year and is one of the only boards required by New York State), may become a topic of interest after it surfaced that Board Member David Ross, who is better known as a museum director for major contemporary art museums like the Whitney Museum of American Art, and lives in Beacon, resigned from his position as chair of the MFA Art Practice Program at New York’s School of Visual Arts (SVA) after ARTNews broke the story that David had a years long friendship and travel visits with the convicted pedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein in the Epstein Files.
ALBB emailed David to ask if he was still on Beacon's Board of Assessment Review, as well as Southern Dutchess Country Club's board as president and chairman, but received no response.
This week (tonight), 2 new appointments for Beacon’s Board of Assessment Review on Beacon’s City Council Meeting Agenda for 2/2/2026 are scheduled, which have once again not been publicized in advance. This is a 5 member board, and no resignations have been publicly announced since the board was completely appointed to in October 2025.
The first time the appointments were not publicized was in October 2025 to re-appoint real estate agent Michele Rios, and bring on David Ross for the first time. During that meeting, Mayor Lee Kyriacou hardly gave David Ross any introduction at all, and ushered in both appointees. But not before members of the City Council questioned the process of submitting ethics complaints about any board member. Read the entire (short) transcript of that meeting here at ALBBto see what was asked and how during that meeting.
Screenshot of the City of Beacon’s Board of Assessment Review page without David Ross’ name on it, but with a different application link.
ALBB emailed David Ross to ask him if he was still on Beacon’s Board of Assessment Review following his MFA resignation, via his Southern Dutchess Country Club email, where he is still listed as the President and Chairman on the website of that club on Wolcott Avenue. David has not yet replied.
As of today, February 2, 2026, David is not listed on the City of Beacon’s website as being on the board to which he was appointed to on October 9, 2025.
According to the WayBack Machine, as of November 15, 2025, David had also not yet been added to the website. However, the link on how to apply has since been updated.
The public has the opportunity to grieve their properties in May of each year.
It was discovered during the first appointment in October 2025 that should people wish to file a complaint about a board member, there is no Board of Ethics Committee in Beacon. Citizens must file a complaint with Dutchess County’s Board of Ethics Committee, of which Kathy Martin is a member of that 5 person board. Kathy Martin is the Assessor for the City of Beacon, who Beacon’s Board of Assessment Review corresponds with. Kathy is also the Mayor of the Village of Fishkill, and is the Assessor for the Town of East Fishkill, a shared salary paid to her by the City of Beacon and the Town of East Fishkill.
David Ross is the husband of Peggy Ross, who served on Beacon’s City Council years prior. This was not mentioned the evening of David’s appointment to the Assessment Review Board, nor was David’s real estate interests in renovating old factories to become private contemporary art museums with his architect friend and/or consulting client William Ehrlich who owned 20 properties at the time.
Prayers to the families of the victims, and to the community going through it.
Popping out to amplify what Xavier Conley @ebonywarriorstudios1 said about this incident. He is a prolific and very sharp cultural commentator on whiteness and Black lives.
@thelioninthesuit: "Property of Allah? What in the temu shooter is this? Shein Bomber instead of Sheinbaum"
@michael_houk: "The CIA is completely out of ideas. 😂"
@e70_69was_taken: "Well we'll just sprinkle some crack and a Qur'an on him"
@adair_wit_tha_hair: "This is what happens when they remove DEI in the CIA😂"
@blackmanglass: "Once I saw the “property of Allah “ I knew that shit was fake asf 😆🤣 shit is so racially charged it’s literally like a Islamophobic Straight outta Compton hoodie 😭😭"
@jiggidyjosh: "And his shirt is in English 😂"
@pal_christians: "As Palestinian Christians, thank you for differentiating Christian from Christian nationalist 🙏🏽"
@boogiewomanrae: "Muslims do NOT do this 💀💀 My partner is an Imam, and humility is the POINT. They’re not a fanbase like Christians; they’re VERY respectful people towards their religious figures."
Assal Rad, DAWN Fellow and Scholar of modern Middle East history.
Editorial Note: This article contains videos from thought leaders ALBB has been following since the 2023 genocide of Palestinians. It also includes commentary from other accounts who published those videos.
Find videos from Afghan War Veteran Greg Stoker, American journalist Ana Kasparian of Young Turks, journalists Ahmed Eldin and Samira Mohyeddin, Former UN Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter, economist Jeffrey Sachs, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Iranian Leftist News Creator Ariana Jasmine, New York based Iranian glassblower glassqueenz, Ciara Moez, AnalystNews, BTNewsroom, ClassWarNews, The Andrey_x, The Drey Dossier, and foolish anchors on NBC.
The U.S. and Israeli led attack on Iran finally happened. On a Saturday morning. Consistent with other extra brutal attacks we saw Israel carry out on Palestinians during the escalated and publicized time of their genocide of Palestinians. It was always the weekend, when we were away at bouncy houses or birthday parties. Those of us who were watching would check socials and see teenagers being melted alive in tents outside of hospitals from white phosphorous.
More than a few of you have said: “Well, I feel safe and protected, so this form of war is necessary and I don’t mind and everyone hates us so we might as well.”
Got it. Well. It’s pretty clear why everybody hates us. It’s because when you go in and attack a country unprovoked, especially a country who has no nuclear weapon, and try to manhandle it to behave as you want, you will get resistance and response. The only ones benefiting from this are those employed in the weapons manufacturing industry here in the states who are making and shipping this stuff out, as it’s job security, and the top smidge percent who rides this out in the stock market and profits that way.
Saturday’s Attack Was religious, Says CNN’s Israeli Reporter
Turns out that it wasn’t brunch Israel and the U.S. wanted to bomb to. It was religious reference. Bombs began falling at 8am Tehran time. CNN’s Israeli reporter Tal Shallev reported her observation of the timing, saying: “The timing of the US and Israeli attack on Iran bears symbolic meaning in Judaism, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referenced the upcoming holiday of Purim in his first statement: ‘2,500 years ago, in ancient Persia, a tyrant rose against us with the very same goal, to utterly destroy our people,’ Netanyahu said of the story, which takes place in what is now Iran. ‘Today as well, on Purim, the lot has fallen, and in the end this evil regime will fall too.’”
The reporter continued: “The passage from the book of Deuteronomy commands the ancient Israelites to remember an unprovoked attack by the nation of Amalek, located in modern-day Sinai and southern Israel, and to eradicate the memory of Amalek once the Israelites are settled in their land.
“The passage is read publicly before Purim to fulfill what Jews consider the mitzvah – or commandment – of remembering Amalek as Israel’s achetypical enemy. Amalek is often referenced as an historical enemy of the Jewish people, and Netanyahu invoked it shortly after the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.”
ALBB wants to stress that this logic does not speak for all Jews. But usually speaks for Zionists.
Right Away, U.s. and Israel Targeted A Girl’s School, Killing Over 100 civilians so far
We saw during the two years of the genocide, Israel targets schools, hospitals and other protected places. In August 2025, Aljezeera reported that Israel killed an average of 28 children per day in Palestine, for a known total of at least 18,000 dead children since the start of the genocide. Palestinian children are often targeted and kidnapped by Israeli military and held in Israeli prisons, often without charges.
Since the release of the Epstein Files in America, there has emerged reignighted speculation of killing - and eating - children. The targeted killing of Iranian children on Saturday is on brand with all of this. Reported by ArtNet: “Epstein’s assistant, Sarah Kellen sent an email in July 2011 asking an employee named Rich Barnett to ‘Fedex the painting he had made of the Massacre of the Innocents to the ranch [in New Mexico]. It’s the large 9’x9′ canvas that we had rolled out for him to see in the entry way where they are killing babies.’”
Journalist Ahmed Eldin responded to the news of the killing of the Iranian school girls the day it happened:
In his Instagram caption, Ahmed reported: “At least 85 children were reportedly killed after a joint U.S.–Israeli strike hit a elementary school in Minab, Iran.
“Washington and Tel Aviv call it ‘preemptive.’ They say they’re targeting the regime, not civilians. But a classroom is not a missile launcher.
“Just days earlier, Oman’s foreign minister indicated Tehran had accepted major U.S. demands in nuclear negotiations. When ceasefire talks advanced in Doha last year, Israel carried out a strike there during active negotiations. Now diplomacy appears to move — and bombs fall again.
“That is a pattern.
“We’ve heard the language of ‘preemption’ before — in Iraq in 2003. The region is still living with the consequences.
“Children, schools, and civilians are protected under international law. If they become acceptable targets under the banner of regime change and deterrence, no one is safer.
Was The Bombing For Regime Change? These Anti-Imperialists, Weapons Inspector And Economist Say No
Greg Stoker is a veteran from America’s invasion of Afghanistan, which he repeatedly says is an incorrectly and misleadingly named “War on Terror” for American propaganda. He is a fourth generation veteran, and the co-host of the podcast Colonial Outcasts.
Greg says: “From the Imperial Perspective this is NOT a regime change operation, it is a Balkanization Operation since regime change is not possible at this time. Down with the empire.”
Rising Pilgrim published the American journalist Ana Kasparian from The Young Turks, and wrote this: “🔴 The Iraq War remains one of the most sobering chapters in modern American military history, marked by a profound human cost. Between the initial invasion in 2003 and the formal conclusion of major operations, the United States suffered 4,492 military fatalities, with an additional 32,222 service members wounded in action. These figures, however, only tell part of the story; they do not fully account for the thousands of veterans who returned with ‘invisible wounds,’ such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), or the hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians who lost their lives. The conflict served as a stark reminder that while ‘Mission Accomplished’ can be declared on a carrier deck, the reality of asymmetric warfare and nation-building is often a decade-long endeavor with no clear exit strategy.
”Avoiding a similar entanglement with Iran requires a shift from reactionary interventionism toward strategic diplomacy and realistic containment. Critics of military escalation argue that Iran is a significantly more formidable opponent than 2003-era Iraq, boasting a larger population, more rugged geography, and a sophisticated network of regional proxies. A kinetic conflict would likely destabilize the global energy market and ignite a theater-wide war that the U.S. public has little appetite for. Rather than repeating the "intelligence failures" and "regime change" rhetoric that defined the Iraq era, the U.S. must prioritize multilateral agreements and economic leverage. Learning from the past means recognizing that a war started with ease is rarely finished with the same simplicity.
Former UN Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter delivered this message: “Iranian Missiles Give Them Fighting Chance To Hit Israel And Outlast Trump’s Political Will”
AnalystNews said this, when publishing the opinion of the economist Jeffrey Sachs: “The United States has started a brazen and unprovoked war of aggression against Iran because Israel told it to, according to American economist Jeffrey Sachs: ‘It may be because of what's in the Epstein files ... it may be blackmail, it may be corruption ... but it is not about America's interests.’"
Part of why ALBB publishes anti-imperialist global news is because as a kid during the Iraq War, that always felt so wrong and unnecessary. Now with a means to express, publishing and amplifying can happen. Beacon is threaded with several diasporas, so we cater to those readers as well.
Through Palestinian coverage, the complicity of the U.S. media became very obvious, irresponsible and damaging to the world. Therefore, this local outlet is publishing the information also, since there is a void.
BTNewsroom published this naive, entitled and ridiculous question from NBC anchors to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi when asking why U.S. bases were targeted in retaliation: Iran’s Foreign Minister answered calmly: “We are under attack from the U.S. This is obvious. This is a very simple fact." He went on to explain why they have the right to defend themselves.
When asked by the NBC anchors how strikes on U.S. bases could be “justified,” the Iranian Foreign Minister had to explain what is obvious to most, which is that Iran has the right to defend itself.
Below is a look at vintage CNN with Dana Bash and Wolf Blitzer, published by ClassWarNews, who said: “For context, Wolf Blitzer was a former AIPAC researcher and used to be the editor of two magazines run by AIPAC’s founder that took hard-line pro-Israel stances like supporting Israeli settlements in the occupied territories.
“Dana Bash was on the Board of Trustees for the pro-Zionist Jewish Women International organization. And was married to CIA Chief of Staff / Department of Defense Chief of Staff, Jeremy Bash.
“It isn't that their corporate overlords have to censor them and tell them what to say. Its that if they didn't believe the things they believed then they wouldn't have been hired in the first place.”
What Some Iranians Are Saying
Upon learning that the Supreme Leader was dead, this local-ish New York based glass blower who has been featured on ALBB before demonstrated her feelings in burning hot glass.
Meanwhile, In Palestine:
The Andrey.X reported: “EYES ON THE WEST BANK
An (incomplete) list of settler and IDF attacks in the past two days, since the beginning of the Israel-Iran war:
In Duma (Nablus) the settlers launched an attack, armed with pepper spray and sticks, injuring several Palestinians and solidarity activists; the IDF arrived on the scene, arrested four Palestinians including a 10 year old child, and a journalist.
In Qusra (Nablus) the settlers raided the village and assaulted Palestinians, the next day after nearly killing two human rights activists there.
In Qwawais (Masafer Yatta), settlers opened fire on Palestinian children while they were gathering wild plants on the hills.
In Sfai (Masafer Yatta), settlers shot a Palestinian with live ammunition; then the IDF invaded and arrested Palestinians.
In Taybe (Ramallah) settlers and army stole two Palestinian horses.
In al-Farsiya (Jordan Valley) settlers stoned a house and threw a tear gas grenade into the house in the middle of the night.
All over the West Bank the IDF shut down checkpoints, leaving entire communities cut off from the outside world
And in Data science, Medicaid and Billionaires News During This Iranian Attack
The Drey Dossier reports: “You can call me big brother’s bigger brother.”
Good Morning!!
It is sunny outside. The grass is muddy from slowly absorbing melted snow, and the farmers and makers are happy to be popped up at the Cold Spring Farmer's Market today Saturday.
Meanwhile, the United States and Israel have decided to try to hamper our Saturdays by once again staging mass chaos in Iran and elsewhere in the Middle East, which includes the United States bombing a girls elementary school, killing over 50 children reportedly. You can get the report and analysis from Ahmed Eldin.
A Planetary Parade of 6 planets aligning in a curved line occurs tonight, reports The Guardian. These planets include Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, Mercury, Neptune and Uranus. In Beacon at the Howland Cultural Center, the Howland Chamber Music Circle is performing "The Planets" at 5:30pm. Details on that is below in ALBB's Kids Classes Guide section.
PS: Don't miss the "Murder She Wrote: Crime Fiction Writing Workshop" from Beacon LitFest. Find it below in the Adult Classes section.
Single purchases of Event Promotions are available. Membership for discounted recurring events are available.
Donations Open For The Prom Pop-Up from Beacon’s Howland Public Library Day: Now through March 20, 2026 Details: Nearly-New, Gently-Used Party Attire Location: Howland Public Library, 313 Main Street, Beacon, NY
The Prom Pop-Up From The Howland Library Is Back: Seeking Donations Of Gently Used Prom Attire
The Free Prom Pop-Up Boutique for High School students is back at Beacon's Howland Public Library. Opportunity is open now to donate amazing, unusual, gently-used, like-new prom attire in female and male style through March 20th. More Details >
Beacon’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Green Day: Sunday March 14th, 2026 Time: Noon Location: Main Street, beginning at
For sponsorship opportunity and participation information, email: beaconnyparadeofgreen@gmail.com
Features from our Sponsors. Is your business on the menu?
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon NY
Nami Yum Yum has been changing it up. Visit them today inside of the HV Food Hall to see which ingredients they have combined for you this weekend!
BAGEL-ISH
226 Main Street, Beacon NY
“Our bagels are fantastic, but our cream cheeses are really, really good. I would call them in the ‘Fantastic’ category,” Bagel-ish's owner Beth declared. The house-made cream cheeses look and feel like Gelato, and there is even a Dulce de Leche (caramel) flavor. Orange Curd (has egg). Organic Strawberry Jam blended cream cheese (try not to eat it by the scoop). Sweet Fig. Goes well with the Za’atar, Salt and Rosemary bagels. Those are the sweet spreads.
For the Savory, there’s the Calamata Olive (such a happy name). Calabria Pepper (spicy). Scallion Garlic, and Jalapeño Garlic (staples). Instagram > Bagel-ish is a Sponsor!
CARTER'S RESTAURANT Main Street, Beacon NY
Planning your business in Beacon retreats for Spring? So is Carter's. Get in their books now to book their back patio, back room, middle room, or the entire place for your event. Catering weddings off-site and private parties on-site, Carter’s is booking for Spring/Summer. Contact them today to get under those patio lights in their private back patio! Gluten-free definitely possible as Chef Jon will modify with you as needed. Call Chef Jon today to menu plan. 845-743-6527 Catering and Private Parties available. Call them for details. 845-743-6527 Watch Video > Carter's is a Sponsor!
Eggbert’s Free Range Farm
Eggbert’s frozen raw pet food is always available at both Farmer’s Markets and on their website for delivery! Order ahead online and select Free Pickup at whichever market, or select Free Delivery and we will drive to you. Varieties include:
Beef
Beef Tripe
Chicken
Pork
Rabbit (perfect for pets allergic to chicken, which is in most everything) www.eggbertsfreerangefarm.com FARMERS MARKETS: 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!
Mental Health First Aid Training When: Thursday, March 5, 2026 Time: 9:30am-6pm Price: Free. Pre-Registration is Required
Join Nuvance Health for a free Adult Mental Health First Aid training, open to the public and staff. This skills-based course teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges. Learners will complete a short prereading assignment online before the class session, then practice skills through discussion and activities. Topics include risk factors and warning signs, information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and addiction disorders, and a 5-step action plan to help someone in crisis. Upon successful completion of all requirements, participants will receive a certificate from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Register >
Murder She Wrote: Crime Fiction Writing Workshop When: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm Price: $52.79 (tickets include food, beverages, writing, materials and more.
Cynthia Weiner has had a long career writing and teaching fiction. Her short stories have been published in Ploughshares, The Sun, and Epiphany, and her story, "Boyfriends," was awarded a Pushcart Prize. And her 2025 novel, A Gorgeous Excitement, became an instant NYT bestseller. She is also the assistant director of The Writers Studio in New York City and a top notch writing instructor. Get your ticket soon for our upcoming Crime Writing intensive (and dinner!). Your attendence helps support our mission and bring our June 2026 Litfest to life! Last time we featured Author Cynthia Weiner of NY Writers Studio, the workshop sold out! This is a reprise with ALL NEW MATERIAL! Buy Tickets >
Explore Music, Art, and Astronomy with Gustav Holst’s The Planets! Day: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Time: 5:30pm Price: Children FREE / Adults $15 Location: Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Join the Howland Chamber Music Circle’s Classics for Kids series for a vibrant performance of Holst’s The Planets, arranged for six brass players and piano. Planet lanterns created by local children through Compass Arts will brighten the space, and the program will be narrated with fun facts about each planet.
This engaging event brings together music, creativity, and science—perfect for inspiring curiosity in audiences of all ages.
Please Note: Segments of the program are expected to be loud. We encourage you to consider the needs of children with related sensitivities. Tickets >
Mountain Stream Budo 340 Main Street, Beacon NY
Li’l Dragons Karate class (ages 4-6) meets 3 times per week:
Tuesdays and Fridays at 5:00pm & Thursdays at 5:30pm.
Email Noah at info@MountainStreamBudo for more info and to schedule your free trial class! Class Schedule & Signup >
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 Prom Pop-Up From The Howland Library Is Back: Seeking Donations Of Gently Used Prom Attire
The Free Prom Pop-Up Boutique for High School students is back at Beacon's Howland Public Library. Opportunity is open now to donate amazing, unusual, gently-used, like-new prom attire in female and male style through March 20th.
"We're collecting stylists formalwear that is perfect for Prom Night," says the Beacon Library on their flyer. This includes gowns, cocktail dresses, suit jackets, vets & pants, and accessories including bow-ties, cummerbunds, and suspenders.
Suspenders!!
The deadline to donate is March 20th.
The live Prom Pop-Up will be held on three different dates from 12-4pm: April 4, 11 and 12.
If you are a business or an individual who are offering a Prom Donating Opportunity with clothing and want it featured here at A Little Beacon Blog, please submit it via our Event Submission Form or here in the Comments and we will try to incorporate it.
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.
