Christmas stocking styles vary widely. One could build an entire collection of Christmas stockings purchased from high end stores like Anthropology, ABC Home and Carpet, and curated boutiques, but no style replaces the stretchy, home-knitted stocking in red, green and white that expands each year with stocking stuffers.
Designs By Della is knitting these now in Beacon, and has been for over 12 years, selling through her Etsy shop or by word of mouth. Many people know Della as the morning cashier in isle 3 of Key Food. When she’s not re-stocking the bread shelf in the morning for those deli sandwiches, or playfully zinging her fans during checkout, she is knitting custom orders of her Christmas stockings.
Available in 5 classic Christmas styles that can be personalized with a name: Santa Claus, Rudolf, Frosty the Snowman, a Christmas tree, and a Candy Cane. The Candy Cane style is the most difficult, she says, because of the shading of red and the curves. The knitted nature of these stockings means they can grow with most anything you want to stuff into them. No restrictions like other stockings made of fixed fabric. Plus, these have the personal touch of being knitted just for you, made in Beacon.
These take time to make. Orders are usually placed in July. So head over to her Etsy shop, or visit Della at Key Food, usually in the morning. Ring her bell if you don’t see her.
PS: This is ALBB’s most favorite stocking style ever because it’s what she grew up with. Figured she never see these again because hers were knitted by her grandmother. But now there is Della. Della can make them for those of us who need grandmother knitted stockings :)
The City Council Meeting before Beacon Police Chief Figlia presented his defense of the City’s use of Flock cameras for license plate tracking for pre-identified targets driving in or out of Beacon, as well as the cameras placed along Main Street that track movements of people out on the sidewalk, a Beacon resident presented her dissatisfaction with the apparent lack of arrest of a local male resident who had mooned the public at least three times (see video here) on a Friday afternoon, one of those times being recorded on civilian video, if not also on the City’s cameras.
Dean Catalano was identified as the man who mooned a car with a child in it, and was caught on camera again mooning a civilian at a public picnic table by the DMV parking lot while the Beacon Police’s backs were turned.
“All these cops know me!” Dean screamed to another man who was in disagreement with his actions. Dean implied that he was protected by the Beacon Police, knowing they would do nothing to him as he verbally threatened a man walking across the street, announced he was going to moon everyone again, and then did moon again.
The transcription of the public statement is below the video published here.
Good evening. Katie Hellmuth, Ward 1.
Many years ago, a white man stood at this podium to complain that he brought his friends to Memorial Park, and saw a Black Power fist flag on a building across the street. He said Beacon wasn't racist, and was embarrassed about the flag. A legal battle followed between the building owner and the City, with the building owner defending himself to keep the flag up. It was an expensive battle.
Last Friday afternoon, as I sipping my iced mango lassi, enjoying the late summer Friday in Beacon, I saw Beacon Police activity at the corner of the DMV parking lot. I learned that a white man had allegedly mooned a car with a child in it. Several other men were yelling at him.
Multiple people had their videos out and were recording.
I am a reporter. I came into possession of a video of this man. I learned that he is a longtime member of the community. I reviewed the video and had the displeasure of watching each frame to capture any quotes and body language for my article.
From the video, in front of Beacon Police, the mooner offered to re-enact his mooning. He said he would "moon everybody now."
The police officer discouraged him, and other officers tried to de-escalate him. But he was enraged. He threatened another man who was walking away from the scene, telling him he wanted to kick his a.s.s., and put him in an ambulance.
At some point, the two police officers who were with him, walked away. It was at this point that the mooning man looked at another community member sitting at a public picnic table, lifted his shirt, pulled down his shorts, yelled "Now!" and mooned this person. The video showed full cheek and a half. The mooning man looked back at the police officers, put himself back together, and acted as if nothing happened.
As far as I know, no arrest was made.
As a reporter, I know of stories from women of assault and abuse that do not make it into Beacon Police reports. Their abusers walk these streets of Beacon.
The Beacon Police Department and this administration continue to not respond to me when I email questions, like I did to Chief Figlia about the location of Flock cameras several weeks ago after the high school student was at this podium to complain about them and wonder why we have them if the Tioronda Assaulter is still at large.
Today I ask the Beacon Police: Section 245 Public Lewdness: I witnessed the man have intent to moon the community member at the picnic table while people walked by and was caught doing it on civilian video. How much butt crack do the Beacon Police need for it to become a Class B Misdemeanor? Do they need a tape measure to measure that crack to make sure it's "enough exposure" before they take action?
Otherwise, this man on the yellow e-bike has just been enabled to threaten to assault people, moon us, and who knows what else.
A local reader responded to the article, suggesting that people get over it. That the Spirit of Beacon Day used to have Mooning Contests. I checked with the Spirit of Beacon Chair. He confirmed to me that mooning contests have not happened in recent years, and will not be happening this year.
I stand at this podium today to say I am discomfortable with a white man mooning and getting away with it.
On Saturday afternoon, the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee announced that they had postponed the Spirit of Beacon Day due to the nor’easter, stating: “Unfortunately we are going to postpone tomorrow's event. The rain date: Sunday October 4th is in effect. The people and the weather have been heard and observed. Bringing the community together, on Main Street, is the reason why we have the Spirit of Beacon Day.”
The Committee considered the decision for a long time, even calling A Little Beacon Blog’s publisher and writer Katie for advice, as she was once the Chair of the committee when the day was postponed in 2023 due to a typhoon. “During that time, we waited until the last minute, because so many different factors are involved,” Katie told ALBB. “Vendors buy food; parents have sports schedules to modify or attend; music teachers have instruments they need to protect; bands and porta-potties are booked and paid for, etc. The hardest part is not knowing how the weather will turn out in Beacon, despite what is going on in other parts of New York.”
She continued: “Back then, we were going to go in the rain, because rain was predicted the following weekend as well. But the Saturday before, the rain developed into the typhoon. The people of Beacon were ready to make it happen, even though I was getting phone calls asking me if we were sure, and how many weights should they pack for their tents, etc. But then I got called by a school leader, saying she was concerned for her children in the parade but was going to do her best. After that phone call, I made the hard decision to pull. The police were fine with it - they just wanted to know so that they could pull the No Parking signs.
Beacon was spared most damage during this nor’easter, while areas around the region suffered damage. Photo Credit: Jason McClaren
“At the time, the former City Administrator Chris White was employed with the City, and he was so mad that I made the call after his mid-week deadline, that he emailed me with a harsh hand-slap, and insisted that we pull all of the yard signs we distributed throughout the city and into Fishkill and Wappingers. I refused, stating that the rain date was in effect, and people still needed to see the signs reminding them to come. That was the same year that Chris declined our gift of the new hat merch we had produced and were selling. He said that wearing our hat would mess up the tan lines on his head, like his bike helmet does. So we had one more hat to sell.”
This year, the new City Administrator in town is Ben Swanson, who is a much more gentle, considerate and mild-tempered person. “I have a feeling Ben will not respond the same way,” Katie told this year’s Chair, Ali T. Muhammad, who made the final decision. The 2023 Spirit of Beacon Day remained a success.
In his statement, Ali said: “Having it on the last Sunday in September matters. However, the people that make the Spirit of Beacon Day what it is, matter most. So due to confirmed safety concerns and the growing number of folks that reached out saying they can not or will not participate, the committee has come to this decision.”
Ali continued: “We know this will negatively impact many of our food vendors. We sincerely apologize for any waste you may incur.”
As for the new rain date, Ali advised: “The forecast for next week predicts rain, so the advice in our last email to vendors and parade participants on how to prepare for a rainy event still applies. Please don't hesitate to reach out via phone as we're expecting some of you will not be able to make it next Sunday.”
The local organization I Am Beacon also postponed, which they announced on Saturday and Sunday in their Instagram: “Today was supposed to be the 15th Annual I Run Beacon 5K Scholarship Fundraiser, and while we were excited to celebrate with our runners, walkers, volunteers, and supporters, Mother Nature had other plans!
“After carefully considering the current weather conditions and forecast, we made the decision to postpone today’s event in the interest of the safety of our participants, staff, volunteers, and community.” I Am Beacon’s new date is October 11th. Mark your calendars and this means registration is still open for runners.
Mark your calendars for the Spirit of Beacon’s new date of Sunday, October 4th. ALBB has seen some of their new merch, which will surprise and delight you.
While ALBB is not in charge at all of that decision...the Committee has traditionally been very, very steadfast at trying to go Rain or Shine (tho Katie did go to rain date when the rain became a typhoon last minute)! Yes, there is a nor’easter predicted, but so far....it’s blowing to Massachusetts...? This meteorologist at NY1 thinks it won’t be a huge deal for NYC. And there is rain predicted for following weekend too. We discuss with Dave and Khloe at Five Pennies...
Yes…The wait is over…Saigon Pho, the restaurant that is in the former spot of BJ’s Soul Food, has opened. But first, an homage to BJ's founder and former building owner, Barbara Sims, who ran her soul food restaurant for 47 years.
Slaterpalooza Day: Saturday, September 19th, 2026 Time: 12pm starts. Live Music goes from 1:30-9:30pm Location: Slater Chemical Fire Co., 76 Old Glenham Rd, Fishkill, NY 12524
Slaterpalooza, the Glenham Fire Department’s highly anticipated annual fundraiser for First Responders, Military Members, Veterans, and their Families in times of need, returns for 2026 with a breakout lineup and list of participating sponsors. Musical Lineup:
1:30pm Kevin Cronin
2:30pm Disciples of Rock
3:30pm Colleen Rose & the Thorns
4:30pm N.O. 149
5:30pm Two’s Company
6:30pm Heavy Gauge
7:30pm Paul Byrne & the Breeders
8:30pm Circle 65
The Film Lab at the Yard Presents The Outdoor Micro Film Festival:
Beacon Short Film Showcase Day: Sunday, September 20th, 2026 Time: 7:30pm Location: The Yard, 4 Hanna Lane, Beacon NY
Enjoy a free-to-attend outdoor micro film festival featuring the shorts of Beacon movie makers, plus a screening of 1922’s Nosferatu with @zedstarseven providing the soundtrack. Beer and food available for sale. Got a short film you want to screen? Email labyardfilms@gmail.com
Stony Kill's Open Barn Days: Saturdays and Sundays Time: 11am-1pm
Step into the barn and experience the Open Barn program. Meet the heritage livestock up close; learn about the important role these unique breeds play in agriculture; and enjoy a fun, hands-on experience for all ages.
Catoberfest Day: Sunday, October 4th, 2026 Time: 2-6pm Location: Hudson Valley Brewery, 7 East Main Street, Beacon NY
Due to Sunday's bad weather forecast, Catoberfest was moved to October 4th. You can support the no-kill, free-range cat sanctuary in Beacon, New York by joining them for an afternoon of craft beer, food, live music and family fun, all to support the fabulous felines of Mid Hudson Animal Aid. Experience music from:
- Tony DePaolo’s Electric Gypsies
- The Judith Tulloch Band
- Marsh Kings Daughter
- The Costellos
- Black Coffee Blues Lots of raffle prizes.
More information at www.catoberfest.cat
Catoberfest Day: Sunday, October 18th, 2026 Time: 12-5pm Location: Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, Beacon NY
Enjoy this annual fundraiser from the Beacon Sloop Club. Pumpkins and Pie will be for sale! Come early to get your food tickets from the Sloop Club, and then enjoy other vendors. A Little Beacon Blog will be there offering face painting sessions.
Eggbert’s Free Range Farm
Though it may be raining on Sunday, the Beacon Farmer's Market is holding a contest: "Be one of the first 20 people at the Beacon market on Sunday, and win a $5 Gift Certificate to spend on anything at the market."
Wednesdays: Cornwall Farmer's Market 11am-5pm Saturdays: Cold Spring Farmer's Market 10am-1pm Saturdays: Pick-Up Pre-Orders Only at Newburgh Farmer's Market Sundays:Beacon Farmer's Market 10am - 2pm Farm Fridge: Shake and Grind, 190 S. Plank Road, Newburgh SHOP ONLINE:Order Online DELIVERY: 🚚 Free Website >Instagram > Eggbert's Free Range Farm is a Sponsor!
The Station Dispensary
463 Main Street, Beacon NY
This time when we visited The Station Dispensary, we asked for something for our older ladies. Or, ladies in thier late 40s-50s. Right away, the budtender led us to Eaton Botanicals Watermelon Gal Pal. Good for PMS, perimenopause, and any time of the month. Featuring 5mg low-dose THC, CBD to balance the body, Lion’s Mane to clear the mind, chasteberry to regulate hormones, magnolia bark to improve mood, and vitamin B6 to boost serotonin, it helps turn hormonal waves into calm seas. With a refreshing watermelon flavor, Gal Pal lets you feel good and go with the flow. Website >Instagram > The Station Dispensary is a Sponsor!
Features from our Sponsors. Is your business on the menu?
CARTER'S RESTAURANT 424 Main Street, Beacon NY
On Saturday, September 19th, Rachel Leeya Berkman plays live at Carter's from 4pm-7pm. Don't miss this show, or the other live lineups playing this month! Thursday 9/24/26: Jason Guzman & Van Robinson 7-10pm Saturday 9/26/26: Guys on the Second Floor 7-10pm Instagram > Carter's is a Sponsor!
HUDSON VALLEY FOOD HALL 288 Main Street, Beacon NY
Says West Palmetto of this loaded tater tot: "Just like that one aunt you always waited for a Christmas card from.....these Tater Tots are LOADED!" You can order these one way, two ways, or (pictured here) ALL the way. Made with house-made chili, cheese sauce, Jalapeños and onions! Says the South Carolinian owner: "As always y'all, #smashresponsibly."
PIGGY BANK 2.0 446 Main Street, Beacon NY
It was a late summer Thursday afternoon when A Little Beacon Blog met up with Nicole of Smyle Taxes to enjoy the full crunch, extreme cheese pull mozzarella sticks at the The Piggy Bank 2.0. But we also set out to try the cornbread for the first time, and order something different from the menu. There is a new chef in the kitchen, and that day, the special was Codfish Fish n Chips. Click to read more > Piggy Bank 2.0 is a Sponsor!
ZIATUN BEACON 244 Main Street, Beacon NY
The shawarma at Ziatun is slow roasted lamb, and it can be served with a side of Palestina soda. If you do nothing else with your cola addiction, switch to Palestina cola. Instagram > Ziatün is a Sponsor!
BEACON BREAD COMPANY 193-195 Main Street, Beacon NY
Beacon Bread is known for their house-made syrups. Do not pass this up next time you are in. Pictured here is a rich, mocha latte paired with a house-made almond syrup topped with a refreshing coconut cold foam. Open daily. Instagram > Beacon Bread Company is a Sponsor!
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 >
UPDATE 10/22/2026: Saigon Pho Beacon is temporarily closed. Read more here.
Yes…The wait is over…Saigon Pho, the restaurant that is in the former spot of BJ’s Soul Food at 213 Main Street, Beacon, has opened.
Homage To BJ’s
But first, an homage to BJ's founder and former building owner, Barbara Sims, who ran her soul food restaurant for 47 years. Founded while she was a nurse at the VA Hospital in Montrose, Barbara worked with her mother, Thelma, who made the donuts in the morning, which brought in $50 day, according to this article capturing her history.
Named for herself, Barbara Joan, and her daughter, Brenda Joyce, who worked on the weekends and then full time, the family added fish fry to the menu, and then chicken wings, oxtails, fried chicken, corn bread, potato salad, mac and cheese, three-layer cakes, and more. The restaurant served as a community destination, where 75% of their orders were takeout, Barbara told the newspaper.
Barbara sold the building in December 2025, which was listed for $1.1 million. She said she originally bought it out of foreclosure, and that the restaurant that had been there was Greek.
Barbara cited her age and health as the reason why she sold. She owns 6 other properties in Beacon, and told the newspaper that she intends to stay busy maintaining those. “When you go to bed at night," she told the reporter, "you need something to make you want to get up the next day. Some of my basements need to be cleaned out!”
The first night of the soft opening, the soft lights glowed from inside the new restaurant painted in a smooth shade of gray as the storefront begins its new history.
Saigon Pho’s Soft Opening - Expanding From Cornwall
The “Now Hiring!” sign hung in the window for weeks as workers transformed the space inside. A tipster spotted a worker wearing a Pho Rush t-shirt from Cornwall and sent it into A Little Beacon Blog to investigate if the Vietnamese restaurant from across the river was opening in Beacon.
Indeed, an employee named Phat confirmed to ALBB when we ducked in on Friday to pick up their first menu. “We are so excited to be here in Beacon,” Phat exclaimed. “For our soft opening, we really want to focus on what we do the best. Then go to more vegetable later.”
The menu is opening up with Pho Chicken (Pho Ga), which is steamed chicken in their signature beef broth with rice noodles. Pho Steak (Pho Tai), which is thinly sliced rare steak in their signature beeth broth with rice noodles, but cooked steak is possible. Pho Brisket (Pho Chin) and Pho Beef Meatball (Pho Bo Vien), and even Pho Shrimp (Pho Tom) are starting entrees on the menu.
“Phogeddaboutit!!” cheered Emily of Artisan Wine and Dave the Butcher. “I’m can’t wait to have their Vietnamese coffee. I haven’t had it in so long.” Also known as Ca Phe Viet Nam, Vietnamese coffee is served hot or iced with rich flavor and sweetened condensed milk.
Steamed Dumplings are available served with Saigon Pho’s signature sauce. “We make our dumpling sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar and shallot,” Phat told ALBB. “We will have our Banh Mi Vietnamese sandwich in Phase 2.”
This menu is To Be Continued. and seating is open now…
It was a late summer Thursday afternoon when A Little Beacon Blog met up with Nicole of Smyle Taxes to enjoy the full crunch, extreme cheese pull mozzarella sticks at the The Piggy Bank2.0 . But we also set out to try the cornbread for the first time, and order something different from the menu at The Piggy Bank 2.0. There is a new chef in the kitchen, and that day, the special was Codfish Fish n Chips. The server was certain we would enjoy it. He needn’t explain much, as we ordered it right away. But we also pined for Sweet Tea at this BBQ spot. While Sweet Tea isn’t officially on the menu (yet), the server did mix us a glass from a fresh sugar syrup.
The cornbread did the job, but being that we are Cornbread and Mozzarella Stick professionals, we needed to order extra butter. Which we learned was flavored with orange and was slightly sweetened. This may be the first sweetened butter we have had on Main Street, but correct us if we’re wrong in the Comments.
Now for the Codfish. It arrived in two strips. We decided to split it, being that we had all of those other carbs. But it was so soft (inside) and crunchy (outside), we ordered another order sans fries (came with fries).
We debated if they should be called Codfish Tenders or Codfish Fish n Chips, but really it didn’t matter. The meal was so satisfying, washed down with sips of that sweet tea. Hopefully the codfish will be on the Specials Menu again soon.
Fit in Piggy Bank 2.0 into your next random mid-week lunch spot any day of the week. Locals get to go any time! Enjoy that outdoor patio.
The Piggy Bank is a Member of A Little Beacon’s Business Blog Squad in the Restaurant Guide. 🌟
Shortly after the election of Zohran Mamdani, New York City's first Muslim Mayor on November 4th, 2025, a Carmel Central School District Board of Education Trustee Michael Torpey took to his Facebook page to make a video, in which he said: "So New York City, congratulations and thank you for doing your part in the Islamic takeover of western society.”
According to reporting in the Putnam Press Times, who covered the aftermath of his Islamaphopbic comment, Michael was newly elected to the position in May. While Michael reportedly issued an apology, saying that he did not intend for his statement to be an insult to the Muslim community, the Board of Education Trustees and Carmel Central School District Superintendent of Schools "quickly denounced the comments," the article reported.
But the community was dissatisfied. Some wanted Michael Torpey to resign. On November 18th, some residents attended the Carmel Board of Education meeting to be vocalize their opinion. According to the article, the first speaker stated: "The sentiments that Mr. Torpey expressed in his video absolutely convey Islamophobia, even if presented as condescending humor dripping with sarcasm. I am outraged for the Muslim families in this school district who now have full confirmation that at least one of the elected officials intricately and powerfully involved in their children’s education holds such distain for their faith.”
Others expressed similar views. Mike Fallon stated: “These hateful comments reflect a person who is unfit to serve on the esteemed board,” he said. “Our kids deserve better than to have a board member who views them with fear and contempt, and talks trash about their culture or their spiritual beliefs, or that of their classmates.”
Michael Torpey entered the chat when he commented: "Shut the hell up, bunch of goddamn clowns."
One reader noticed his name, and responded: "Michael Torpey: Always nice to see a school board member acting like an adult who appreciates free speech. What a great example for the kids."
“There’s an arrogance in that – in a place of privilege – that is so ignorant and so lacking compassion that is outrageous. What Mr. Torpey did was not simply free speech, it was hate speech. There’s a gigantic difference between the two.”
— Ivonne Silva, speaking about Carmel BOE Trustee Michael Torpey's November 2025 Anti-Islam comment.
Back at the November 18th, 2025 Carmel Board of Education Meeting, one speaker defended Michael's comments, stating his speech was protected under the First Amendment. While his speech may be protected, that protection does not extend to overriding the opinions of people who have decided that his tone and approach of what was spoken are not conducive to how they want their children taught or mentored.
John Maguire spoke at the Board of Education meeting, and stated: “If somebody says something you don’t like… you can either laugh or you can express your outrage. I would rather laugh.”
However, another community member, Ivonne Silva, said "the racists comments 'continue' to come from board members because leadership tolerates it. There’s an arrogance in that – in a place of privilege – that is so ignorant and so lacking compassion that is outrageous. What Mr. Torpey did was not simply free speech, it was hate speech. There’s a gigantic difference between the two.”
This week, nearly one year later, Michael's tone and approach seems not to have changed. He published his insulting comment on the Palestinian Rally article, and on his own Facebook page, he championed his ability get away with it, stating: "Marking myself safe from the woke mob that tried to remove me from my duly elected office for exercising my First Amendment rights. They tried to silence me. They tried to intimidate me. They tried to make an example out of me. They failed. This is still America. Land of the free and the home of the brave. Thank you to my supporters. You know who you are. The fight goes on. 🇺🇸💪"
Back in November 2025, the Carmel Central School District Board of Education debated the removal of Michael Torpey, where some board members expressed firm resolve that his speech outside of the board did not reflect who they wanted as a board member.
A student ex-officio member of the school board named Max, also urged Torpey to resign, saying: “We have been taught since day one to be accepting and respectful as students in the Carmel School District,” Max said. “Trustee Torpey, you represent the board, you represent our district and our community. Urging for your resignation is not an opinion of people unaffected by you, it is a result of the fear you instilled in members of our community – most important the students you are expected to protect.”
The board went into Executive Session for a private meeting, and emerged with Michael stepping off the Policy Committee, but retaining his elected seat on the board. The article reported that “Hans Bernier called the inaction a disgrace.” The article quoted Hans as saying:
“Aren’t you tired of this? Every quarter we have to talk about hate speech in Carmel… When it’s the kids, obviously it’s not OK… When it’s the adults, when it’s the people on the board spitting hate and we’re having a discussion about this – this is outrageous. This man should step down.”
"The Catoberfest feline team is on a roll :)" Catoberfest's co-organizer Ira Chavis told A Little Beacon Blog when he sent in the new event poster for the rescheduled fundraising event for Mid Hudson Animal Aid. "Puuuuurrrrrfect" ALBB responded.
The rescheduled date is Sunday, October 4th from 2-6pm at Hudson Valley Brewery at 7 East Main Street.
You can support the no-kill, free-range cat sanctuary in Beacon, New York by joining them for an afternoon of craft beer, food, live music and family fun, all to support the fabulous felines of Mid Hudson Animal Aid.
Sunday is looking like 🌧️🌧️🌧️, so Catoberfest has Postponed! Rain Date TBD. Cats don’t like to get wet! Donate online anyway. 😻This is a big fundraiser benefiting Mid Hudson Animal Aid. Please spread the word.
Checks payable to Mid Hudson Animal Aid may be mailed to: Mid Hudson Animal Aid 54 Simmons Lane Beacon, NY 12508
Want your business included in ALBB’s Things To Do In Beacon Guides? See our Media Kit.
Photo Credit: Rally MIddletown’s announcement for their new rallies in Wappingers Falls, NY.
Rally Middletown emerged as a movement group after October 7th, as an answer for advocates to vocalize for Palestinian freedom and against Zionist oppression and occupation of that region, and of the United State’s financial and legislative support of that violence-based occupation. Rally Middletown spoke continuously at their Common Council Meetings, were called degrading names by their Common Council members, were told by Alderman Joseph G. Masi that he wanted to “smack” the Pro-Palestinian crowd that would show up to Common Council Meetings, and more audacities from some members of the public when Rally Middletown advocates would show up road-side in Middletown on Sundays to bring awareness.
Now, Rally Middletown is adding Wappingers Falls to their list of roadside demonstrations. For one hour on Sundays from 12:30pm-1:30pm, you can stand with Rally Middletown and whoever else is there to show your belief in an end to the occupation by Israeli and American imperialism in Palestine.
This is spreading to other countries, as the current “Department of War” continues to blunder their attacks on Iran. Which has resulted in the lifting of the myth lawmakers like Hilary Clinton would spread about countries in Middle East to justify drone attacking them to keep them poor and damaged, as Obama did during his presidency.
Rally Middletown’s Wappinger’s demonstrations are for one hour only on the corner of 9 & 9D at South Hills Mall - across the street from Staples. If you can’t stand in solidarity outside of your car, then honk your horn loud and proud. If you dare to shout “Terrorist!” from your car, chances are you will be filmed and broadcast loud and proud from multiple Instagram accounts to broadcast your beliefs. Good luck with that.
On Tuesday evening at 8pm, Savage Wonder announced that they would be pausing. “Yes, it’s true, we’re pausing things in Beacon,” wrote its founder Christopher Paul Meyer to the organization’s newsletter subscribers, and later, to their Instagram. “After platforming more than 175 artists, creators, and acts across more than 400 performances since we opened, we’ve created a ridiculously ambitious operational tempo, which I’d be lying if I said we weren’t incredibly proud of,” he continued. “That said, we need to figure out how to do this more sustainably. So we’re going back to the drawing board to work out how we climb that mountain better.”
All tickets were “refunded automatically and in full,” according to his letter. Performers who had booked event promotions, printed flyers and distributed them all over Beacon, returned to pick up their wasted paper and time. Media outlets like this one reached out to some of those performers to see if their shows were indeed canceled; received confirmations; and learned that performers had begun reaching out to other performance spaces to see if their shows could be absorbed into those communities and lineups.
“We have not surrendered the building and our lease has not ended,” Chris explained. “We are working through the long-term structure for Beacon now.” The building that houses Savage Wonder is at 139 Main Street, the former Star of Bethlehem Church before Rev. Daniel Blackburn sold it to local developers Joe Donovan and his wife, Jinny St. Goar for $1.25 million, under one of their firms, Hudson Todd LLC (Dutchess County Parcel Access currently lists ownership under their other firm, Lindley LLC), adding to their substantial portfolio of properties on the west end of Beacon that comprises of almost every building on the first two blocks of Main Street.
Before the church owned the building, “it was Mechanics Savings Bank, which merged six years later with Matteawan Savings Bank to become Beacon Savings Bank,” as reported here.
Savage Wonder’s Original Opening Mission
When Savage Wonder first opened, it was created as a veteran-owned creation and performative space. “Savage Wonder’s mission is to advance American performing and visual arts by developing and producing exceptional multidisciplinary work that is intimate, absurd, whimsical, or surprising, created by military and first responder veterans and their immediate family members.”
The founder’s story, from their website reads: “Savage Wonder was born when its founder, Christopher Paul Meyer, came home after 14 years of military service and multiple deployments unsure where he stood in civilian America. Theater was different. The country was different. And he was different—no longer the actor, comic, or director he had been before the military. What he wanted was a sandbox with people who shared his lived experience, a common operating picture, where veterans could turn their humor, their idiosyncrasies, and their vision into art - art that stood peer-to-peer with established venue, art that was born of a very different experiential pipeline. Out of that need, and from a phrase Meyer coined to describe the intersection of warrior and artist, Savage Wonder took shape.
“In 2021, Meyer launched Veterans Repertory Theater (VetRep) in a tiny parlor in Cornwall, NY. With just sixteen seats, the work was intimate by necessity but explosive in energy. Equity actors staged readings with the intensity of full productions.” In 2024, Chris felt that VetRep had outgrown their space, and leased the bank building to begin what was to become Savage Wonder Art Center (SWAC) that re-launched in 2025. Originally, all work was supposed to be “created by veterans, first responders, or their immediate family members.”
Originally Inside
What opened up inside was extremely high concept, surrounded by deep thoughts. With more on deck. According to their website:
The Parlor ”A 50-seat living-room style theater, opening with Ionesco's The Bald Soprano and continuing with Noel Coward's Fallen Angels, Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, and Gogol's The Inspector General. Every performance features Broadway-caliber Equity actors.”
Savage Wonderground ”A 4,000-square-foot underground gallery devoted to veteran and veteran-adjacent artists, curated by Manhattan art-world veteran Jeannie Freilich. The gallery opened with Radical Fun, a multimedia group show of 13 artists, followed by KaleidoSCAPE, an exhibition of geometry-bending sculptures and canvases.”
The Grape Rebellion ”A wine and dessert bar inside the century-old vault, offering adventurous wines and globally inspired desserts drawn from veterans' overseas experiences.”
In the future, more plans were envisioned, backed by a New York State Council on the Arts grant:
The Kristofferson ”A 60-seat theater opening in 2026, named for Kris Kristofferson, who famously turned down West Point to pursue songwriting.”
The Main Stage ”A 125-seat modular performance space, designed as an indoor sculpture garden, opening in 2027.”
A vaudeville-style second stage ”This, plus an expanded hospitality venues, rounding out the building's transformation into a multidisciplinary cultural hub.”
For those curious about the logo, Savage Wonder's logo is an octopus—”strange, nimble, many-armed.” But it’s also described as “a splash—paint, wine, or blood, depending on the eye.”
“What began as one veteran searching for a creative sandbox has become a permanent home for art that rewrites expectations” are some of the last words on their Mission page.
Chris states that their Tribeca gallery remains open, under a new name: M-ARCH PROJECTS. Gina Herrera’s Misfit Dollhouse was the opener, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.
This month’s ALBB Blog Squad Goals member meetup was a delightful departure from the work week, where we gathered on Thursday evening at Estilo y Vino Wine Bar. Joined by local therapist Kristen Verge @egreverge , who has been a longtime supporter of A Little Beacon Blog. See how iconic she looks with the painted wings at her back!
Owner Elizabeth Rodriguez describes her wine bar a place to disconnect from the outside world, and connect inside. Live music plays sometimes, or this evening, we got to enjoy Elizabeth’s musical selections.
Fun Fact: Both Elizabeth and Kristen donated Face Painting sessions to the kids on Juneteenth who came to ALBB’s table, making sure every child who approached was granted their face painting wish.
For our video tonight, we put Chef Rob on the spot to tell you about what he made. Katie ordered the Caesar Salad and asked for krispy kale flakes to be on top. This addition was delicious, and paired well with the shaved parmesan. Kristen ordered the Margherita pizza flat bread with a 4-hour slow-simmered marinara sauce with roasted garlic, fresh basil and herbs with freshly shaved parmeasan.
If you like wine, you will love @estiloyvinowinebar . The wine selection is from all over the world. Tonight’s dry white was from Hungary, with Germany as a backup, but the first selection hit perfectly. The menu is generous with the range of tapas that can fill you up or keep you eating light for the night.
And, if you don’t come for the wine, come for the bathroom! Estilo Y Vino’s bathroom is a top design for ALBB’s Bathrooms of Beacon series.
Until next month, ALBB Blog Squad Sponsors!
Available every day: Search ALBB’s Business Directory for supporting businesses, and ALBB’s Things To Do In Beacon Guides for ideas on where to shop, eat, beautify and classes.
Tonight! A Little Beacon Blog’s second Squad Goals Member Meetup for businesses, artists, writers and non-profits who are currently subscribed to ALBB’s advertiser program or purchased an ad placement this month.
6-8:30pm at Estilo Wine Bar. Attendees get 1 Free Glass of Wine with Purchase of Tapas. Thank you owner Elizabeth Rodriguez for hosting us! The wine bar is open to all other patrons as usual.
Beacon seniors were out in the Beacon High School parking lot pre-season painting their own parking spots to their own designs. “We had a few students propose this idea a couple of years ago,” Principal Corey Dwyer told A Little Beacon Blog.
Once seniors receive a parking permit from the school, and have submitted a design for approval, they are greenlit for customizing their parking spots. “Ms. Haddeland organizes the sign-up every summer,” Dr. Dwyer continued. “We've found this to be a fun senior privilege that allows our students to showcase their interests and leave their mark on the school for the year.”
Any students who would like to identify their completed designs here at ALBB can send a photo with their name to ALBB for publishing. Students can be in the photo if they want to be, or simply submit a photo of their finished work. Email to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com
The Honorable Timothy G. Pagones passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the age of 63 at home, surrounded by his loving family. He and his wife Susan (Antalek) Pagones were the loves of each other's lives.
"On May 15, 2005, he married his soulmate, Susan (Antalek) Pagones," according to his obituary, "who remained faithfully by his side throughout their life together."
Tim was born in Beacon, New York, on April 23, 1963, and was the son of Felicia (Spinapolice) Pagones and the late Anthony "Babe" Pagones.
"Tim served as a part-time Judge for the City of Beacon before becoming the city's full-time Judge. During his distinguished judicial career, he established the first Opioid/Recovery Court in Dutchess County, created the first Dutchess County Domestic Violence Court, and started the Beacon Drug Treatment Court, which had countywide jurisdiction."
He devoted over 35 years to the criminal justice system system. "He began his career in the early 1990's as a Senior Assistant District Attorney with the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office. He later spent 14 years as an associate with the Law Firm of Pagones and Cross, P.C.," his obituary states.
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.
