Beacon's City Administrator Blocks NAMI's Mental Health Ribbon Campaign To Preserve Lamppost Health

During last night’s City Council Meeting (3-18-2024) in what was expected to be a easy passage of two requests from NAMI Mid-Hudson to pass a Proclamation to make May Mental Health Awareness Month in Beacon, as well as NAMI’s once-annual public service ribbon and yard sign campaign to promote awareness about their services for families living with special needs from mental health considerations, as well as to reduce the stigma on mental health which can reduce the likelihood that people seek out support, the executive team at NAMI Mid-Hudson was met with resistance by Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White, stating that he wanted to preserve Beacon’s lampposts from the PSA ribbons, and intended to restrict NAMI’s temporary PSA lawn signs from being distributed, citing zoning code, without identifying which code number or how the code was being interpreted.

Executive Director George Czornyj and Program Director Jo Ann Brown were presenting. NAMI’s ribbon and sign campaign has happened in Beacon from 2014-2022. During the meeting, it was also discovered that NAMI had been denied permission in 2023 to hang their white ribbons in Beacon. NAMI’s ribbon work in other municipalities continues.

After NAMI Mid-Hudson’s presentation on why the ribbon campaign was so crucial to reaching new people, City Administrator Chris told the Council: “I would like to have a conversation at Workshop because the lawn signs are not allowed under a code. We have also had a multi-year campaign to try get our lampposts back into shape. Some of those are being painted. We did not approve this last year. I would like the opportunity to chime in at a Workshop.”

Mayor Lee Kyriacou, who has a daughter with Autism, did not disagree, replying: “Great. We can certainly do a Proclamation. That is certainly not a problem.”

Councilmember Amber Grant spoke up: "Yeah, I would like to discuss. I appreciate the lampposts and all that. Maybe there's some trees or other things we can identify that would be a way to show support without necessarily impacting the light posts and all of that. I look forward to discussing."

Councilmember Paloma Wake agreed: "I would like to second what Amber said."

The impact of ribbons on the lampposts will be discussed at a later Workshop. City Administrator Chris did not cite which zoning code the lawn signs did not comply with. Could be 183-2, or 223-15 Signs. City Administrator Chris has been known to target other signs of other entities. It is unclear if his sign targeting is balanced to all who put out signs for designated reasons, or targeted to his digression. For instance, temporary green shamrocks were secured onto lampposts by the Parade of Green, a committee member of that organization said, which was granted by the City of Beacon.

Which Zoning Code In Question Disallows the Lawn Signs?

Possible sign codes City Administrator Chris is referring to may include 223-15, and do not seem to indicate that the white ribbons and lawn signs would be in non-compliance:

F. Temporary signs.

(1) A temporary sign is a nonilluminated sign that is used in connection with a circumstance, situation or event that is designed, intended or expected to take place or to be completed within a reasonably short or definite period after the erection of such sign, such as signs displayed during campaigns, drives or events of civic, political, philanthropic, educational or religious institutions. If such sign display area is permanent but the message displayed is subject to periodic changes, that sign shall not be regarded as "temporary." Unless otherwise provided in this section, signs shall not be considered temporary if they are effectively displayed on an ongoing basis, interrupted by short intervals when they are not displayed. Temporary signs shall not require a permit under this section, unless located in the public right-of-way or on public property.

For instance, a grand opening looks to be protected in Section F 4-C:

Signs indicating that a special event such as a grand opening, fair, carnival, circus, festival or similar event is taking place on the lot where the sign is located, not exceeding 40 square feet in area in nonresidence districts and six square feet in residence districts, and limited to one sign for each street frontage of the lot. The sign shall not be posted sooner than two weeks prior to the special event and shall be removed by the individual or organization which posted, or caused to be posted, such sign within three calendar days following the special event.

Perhaps the City’s Attorney will have a different interpretation at the next Workshop Meeting.

Partnership Background on NAMI Mid-Hudson and Beacon

“To be continued on how the health of the lampposts will be maintained or impacted by a PSA campaign to increase awareness about how to improve and maintain the mental health of humans.”

NAMI partners with the local organization I Am Beacon, which was co-created by Reuben Simmons, a 22 year employee of the City of Beacon in the Highway Department, who is mixed race and identifies as Black. City Administrator Chris has spent close to $200,000 in Employee Discipline to terminate Reuben, for reasons not clear or proven in hearings.

According to I Am Beacon, in 2023, NAMI Mid-Hudson independently requested permission from the City of Beacon to run their ribbon campaign. NAMI has partnered on the campaign with I Am Beacon since 2014, and was on the Planning Committee for the mental health awareness concert that I Am Beacon organized, called Rock Out 4 Mental Health, of which A Little Beacon Blog also participated on the Planning Committee. “Last year,” said I Am Beacon, “we thought permission for the campaign would be pretty straightforward. We told NAMI to just go ask for permission. We were surprised when they were denied last year.”

This year, I Am Beacon decided to present with NAMI Mid-Hudson during a public City Council Meeting on 3-18-2024, so that everyone could learn about NAMI Mid-Hudson and learn about why their ribbon and lawn sign campaign is necessary. This slide-deck was produced, that contains many resources for families, and testimonials from individuals who have benefited from NAMI’s resources.

Mental Health Needs Are Large In Beacon

Beacon citizens know each other on the sidewalk. Whether they live in houses or apartments or not. Beacon citizens know which of us need a little extra help and compassion. It is not always very obvious who to call when someone is in distress.

For instance: ALBB witnessed what looked to be a father/son (or caregiver/young adult) in a combative situation coming out of the Telephone Building on S. Brett and Main Street. The man dragged the younger man out of the building in a chokehold, and then punched him in the face. A struggle ensued, where the younger man fell to the ground, was mainly calm and limp, until being stuffed into a car, where he resisted. The younger may have be Autistic. ALBB got it on video and a civilian called the police. The police arrived and were told by the man that it was a family situation, and was handled.

ALBB sent the video to the police in the hopes of filing a Police Report, not knowing if that was even the best thing to do. Information was submitted to the police, but no followup has happened. It left those of us who saw the incident feeling helpless for the young man, and for the older man who seemed to not be handling the situation in an educated manner. Hitting someone into obedience is not the answer.

During NAMI’s presentation last night, they stressed the value of calling the Dutchess County Help Line to get guidance to resources by calling 988 or 845-485-9700. The ribbons and lawn signs can help provide the visual for this awareness.

NAMI Mid-Hudson Answers Mental Health Needs In Beacon City School District.

NAMI Mid-Hudson presented to Beacon High School for their United Way Audit in November 2021, which you can read in their packet. Right after the presentation, a teacher, sent NAMI this success story:

"I am writing this letter hoping those that read it will understand the value of NAMI Mid-Hudson's ETS program along with Jo Ann Brown and her young adult presenters to the Beacon City School District Community. In my 15 years of teaching, I have not found a more valuable resource. ETS gives students real life examples. It extends what we teach in health class with relatable real life stories. They literally get resources and a Trusted Adult List in their hands. The students are listening! This presentation gave me the tools to work with students and what I have learned helped me to save a student.”

The letter went on to say how a student on a hybrid call reached out to the teacher during the call because they were feeling very troubled and needed help. The teacher said they felt comfortable asking the student questions in order to get answers that got the student help. The teacher said that the questions they asked were because of the information they got from NAMI.

To Be Continued…

To be continued on how the health of the lampposts will be maintained or impacted by a PSA campaign to increase awareness about how to improve and maintain the mental health of humans.

Beacon Police Initiative Attempts To Aid In De-Escalating Domestic Calls: "Let Us Know" Program

Last year, the Beacon Police Department launched a new initiative called the “Let Us Know” program, spearheaded by Lieutenant Tom Figlia, encouraging people with delicate situations at home to call the police in advance with character information about a family member that could help police officers answering a call know the person they are about to encounter a bit better.

In an announcement made last year, the program works as follows: “As Police Officers, we know that mental health status is fluid. We also know that we may be called to respond to incidents involving your loved ones who are experiencing health or age-related changes to their mental health. We want to make sure that calls like this are handled as safely as possible for everyone involved. If you have a loved one experiencing these changes and you’re comfortable doing so, you can now contact us so we can discuss the situation and find out things like what tends to escalate or de-escalate the person, who their emergency contacts are, etc. before we get a call. We’ll put this information into our database and if an officer is called to respond to your loved one and we know who it is, we can update the officers on their way. There is no way to prevent every stressful situation, but as a department, we’ve learned that we see the safest, most positive outcomes when we know the backgrounds of the people we’re interacting with.”

Lt. Figlia gave an example to ALBB about how the program could work: “If someone was concerned that a loved one’s mental health was deteriorating to a point where there may be police involvement, it could be helpful for everyone for us to know some things before we get there. We often spend a lot of time talking to the people who we were called on, so it could make all the difference in the world for us to know if, for example, the person loves to talk about baseball but gets very upset if you mention their step son.”

De-escalation seems to be the main objective with this program. “We want to be able to de-escalate individuals who are escalated and keep calm individuals who already are. It is also very helpful for us to have emergency contact information for people who may find themselves in crisis or suffering from ailments like dementia.”

Having the information before arriving to a scene is the priority, said Lt. Figlia. “While there are unlimited factors which contribute to the outcome of a situation, we would prefer to have that information before we get called, so that no one is scrambling to figure it out when every second counts.”

Man Tasered On Beacon's Main Street; Allegedly Pursued By MTA Police From Train Station

UPDATE 5/25/2021: A gathering and march is being held on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 to march against the actions of the MTA Police. Details here.

According to a witness, a man was tasered several times on Main Street in Beacon by MTA Police Officers on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, after he allegedly harassed a woman or women on the train platform down at Beacon’s MTA train station. The MTA Police Officers are separate from the City of Beacon’s Police Department.

During the scene, a MTA Police Officer told a person who witnessed the incident that the man they apprehended has a long history of arrests and is mentally ill. According to Officer Reynolds with the the Beacon Police on May 24, 2021, their department was not called about the man the MTA Police pursued and arrested.

Recently, the City of Beacon hired a Police Officer who specializes in mental health, Lashaveous Dicker, a full-time mental health intensive care manager, who is also an employee with Mental Health America of Dutchess County. He assists Beacon officers on calls relating to mental health issues and substance addiction, and has been introduced to the public during City Council Meetings.

UPDATE 5/25/2021: MTA Media Relations has confirmed to A Little Beacon Blog that the incident first started on the platform at the train, and that a MTA Police Officer patrolling the platform saw a Black man described to be in his 20s behaving erratically and was shouting curse words. The young man then left. After the man left, a pair of women reported to the MTA Police Officer that the man had been threatening them and cursing. Once those threats were made clear to the officer, the officer informed his department by putting it over the wire. Roughly 20 minutes later, a pair of other officers responded to the incident. It is at that time, according to MTA Media Relations, that is where the officers sought to detain the man on Main Street, that is when he resisted arrest, and the taser came out.

The witness on Main Street during the tasering incident said that the officers pressed the man up against a storefront “window so hard, I thought they were going to break it,” the witness told A Little Beacon Blog. “The officer said the man was resisting arrest, but they had him in a hold. The other cop told the man: ‘I’m going to taser you’ like 3 times. And they did. Several times, and he screamed. They continued to taser him after they had him down. I yelled at them to stop. There were caps all over the place. A cop cleaned up some after. I didn’t know what he was doing. They sent someone back later to collect all the caps.”

The person who reached out to A Little Beacon Blog with this information elaborated: “It was quite a scene. Main Street was frozen; stand still for at least 5-10 minutes. At least 3 others were filming with 2 on the street 1 person in a car.”

A Little Beacon Blog reached out to the MTA Police to confirm the incident, and were referred to the MTA’s Press Office, which handles all of the media relations for any question from any MTA location. Police Officers work for the MTA Police in Beacon are not listed on the MTA Police website, including the name of their Police Captain. When A Little Beacon Blog called the MTA Media Relations to inquire, they said they would seek information to confirm details, and needed to confirm how jurisdiction works (ie train station vs Main Street, and if there even are boundaries of jurisdiction), and asked for time to do some digging to find the answers. They have since responded within one day!

UPDATE 5/25/2021: MTA Media Relations has responded with several answers to questions, which have been updated to this article.

At A Little Beacon Blog’s request, Detective Stewart with the MTA Police who answered the phone at the Beacon MTA Police Headquarters, provided the MTA Police Captain’s name as Captain Charles Pisinelli. Detective Stewart said that all questions seeking confirmation needed to go through the MTA Media Relations Office. When asked for the phone number, Detective Stewart stated that only Captain Pisinelli could give it, who was unavailable, but Detective Stewart called back to provide the number to MTA Media Relations. Which is appreciated, since the Media Relations office is quite large, so any point of entry to pursue confirmation is helpful, even though they do have a website.

After the witness saw the taser incident, the witness called Beacon’s Councilmember Terry Nelson, who represents Ward 1, where the apprehension took place. The witness also called Beacon’s Human Rights Commission. What happened after the call to the Human Rights Commission? “It was just a voice mailbox No one has called me back.”

UPDATE 5/25/2021: The Human Rights Commission has since called the Beacon bystander back, saying they have had problems with the phone. These details seem mundane, but it is common in Beacon for inquiries to go unanswered from time to time.

A Little Beacon Blog has reached out to MTA Media Relations representative. Should we hear back, we will update this article. UPDATE 5/25/2021: We have heard back from MTA Media Relations! And this article updated where necessary.

• Do the MTA Police have jurisdiction to pursue someone from the train station up from the train into Beacon? To pursue a person from the platform, the person would need to run down the platform, down the stairs from the platform, then up the stairs to the parking lot, then up through the parking lot and up the long steep and curving hill from the train station, cross the busy street of Wolcott Avenue, run past the Beacon Police station, and then run up to Main Street storefronts, where the man was apprehended.
  ANSWER: Yes. According to MTA Media Relations, the MTA Police have jurisdiction over the region, which includes Long Island, Hamptons, Westchester, and more. In this case, an officer patrolling the platform informed his department, and two other officers in a car apprehended the young man by the time he was on Main Street.

• Was the man apprehended charged with anything?
  ANSWER: Yes. According to MTA Media Relations, the man was charged with:
  - Aggravated harassment
  - Menacing in the 3rd Degree
  - Resisting arrest.

• How many times was he tasered?

• Where did the man go after being brought to wherever he was brought to?
  ANSWER: According to MTA Media Relations, the man was brought to the hospital after being tasered, to see if he was fit enough for discharge. He was processed at the MTA Police District 7 on Beekman Street, and given an appearance ticket to court, and was released.

• Where do people go when apprehended by the MTA Police?
  ANSWER: According to MTA Media Relations, they go to the MTA Police District 7 on Beekman Street in Beacon.

• How many MTA Police are there, and what are their job titles? Like, a Police Chief, Officer, Detective?
  ANSWER: According to MTA Media Relations, there are about 30 officers at District 7. They patrol a large area up and down the Hudson River line, not just in Beacon. Beacon happens to be the town in which the barracks are based.

• Can you tell me the names of the officers who pursued him, and who made the arrest?

• Can you confirm how the MTA Police were alerted to the issue?
  ANSWER: According to MTA Media Relations, an officer patrolling the platform first saw activity, and then was complained to by a pair of women, and then notified his department. Two other officers went out to find the man.

Friday Night Cheer & Candlelight Celebrating Essential Workers; Hope To Businesses; Honoring Those Who Passed

A reader wrote into A Little Beacon Blog, suggesting that the community of Beacon show some cheer and appreciation for essential workers by clapping at a unified time. The medical workers, grocery store workers, mail delivery workers, funeral home workers, dialysis workers, and many more.

The Dedication

We thought about it, and if you’re not already doing something, we are suggesting a Friday Night Cheer Clap Candlelight Night. On Friday nights, as we slide into the weekend, we step out onto the front porch or open your apartment window:

• Applaud essential workers who have been working for us and are about to start a busier Saturday/Sunday.

• Clap for people running closed businesses, who are hoping beyond hope that they can restart.

• Light a candle lit for people who have passed.

The Schedule

7 pm: Clap/cheer (still light, still energetic)
8 pm: Light a candle, give a moment of silence (it will be dark then, and calmer)

If you’re into it, send us pictures or tag @alittlebeacon in Instagram when you do it and we’ll publish. We’ll also publish a candle gift guide roundup for where you can buy beautiful candles in Beacon, many of which have been made in Beacon and smell really good.

They will be shipped to you, or delivered!

This would start this Friday.

We’re going to do it from our porches (Katie in Beacon, Marilyn in Fishkill, and Teslie in Newburgh). Don’t leave us hanging!

When You Double-Orbit From A Down Day Re: COVID-19, Check Out These Tips To Reclaim Your Mental Health

EDITOR’S NOTE: As you may have discovered, each day - each hour - is emotionally different during this Time Of The Coronavirus. What the governor and other authorities say during the news briefings can pivot our moods drastically. And tweets - one never knows when one will fly and cause total emotional chaos.

The more research and planning we do here at A Little Beacon Blog, the better we feel about the state of things. But still, everyone will have their moment. Something may trigger you to orbit in one direction, and then someone’s response to you, like say your spouse or partner, in an effort to calm you down, may send you into a double orbit in a different direction.

Solution? Tap into your comfort zones. Izdihar Dabashi is one such comfort zone here at A Little Beacon Blog. She is witty, perceptive, sharp, and gentle, as you may have discovered through her articles. She has guidance for you in the mental health department.

Who Is Izdihar Dabashi?

“We’re experiencing whiplash from the rapid change, with an unstable present and an uncertain future, we are understandably overwhelmed. ”

— Izdihar Dabashi

I have been described by none other than myself as an integration of Bob Ross, Mrs. Frizzle from “The Magic School Bus,” and any odd enchantment being on the brink of eccentricism in nostalgic cinema; a slightly unhinged character with an ambient presence, I often find myself engaged in conversations easing other people’s worries. As a creative writer of the current 2020s, I am perceptive to the troubles of our world’s dark sci-fi fantasy era.

What Is Your Mental Health Background?

I am studying psychology with a focus on neuropsychology, with aspirations of continuing a career relevant to the field of psychology. I work with children diagnosed early with emotional/behavioral disorders and families coping with challenges including raising a child with high-stress situations.

“Cognitive dissonance can be compared to that foggy feeling we sometimes find our minds clouded with, as though we are the star of a horror movie, the creep lurking in the shadows could suddenly jump out and we would simply stare at him in dismay with lucid boredom.”

— Izdihar Dabashi

Lately, I have found myself utilizing my knowledge gained from my current studies and work experience in casual conversations. We’re experiencing whiplash from the rapid change, with an unstable present and an uncertain future, we are understandably overwhelmed.

I gathered common signs of distress that could transform into a severe problem as well as a number of tips to ease a state of unease. We are hyperaware of the influx of negativity, but we will persevere. We have been through the Britney and Justin denim-on-denim and frosted tips era, we'll get through this.

What Are You Doing During Remoteness?

During this moment of remoteness, I plan to work on a comedic script, complete a draft of a collection of poetry for a novel, further my psychology research projects, and mess around with digital art designs. I am attempting to maintain the perspective that this is a retreat and not a sign of destruction. People may be beginning to experience cognitive dissonance, in which we are going through daily routines disassociated from our external environment.

Cognitive dissonance can be compared to that foggy feeling we sometimes find our minds clouded with, as though we are the star of a horror movie, the creep lurking in the shadows could suddenly jump out and we would simply stare at him in dismay with lucid boredom.

I notice other people around me experiencing this mental state. I called a friend the other day in an attempt to shake her out of her fog. I created an elaborate story about a neighbor with a secret life as an exotic fish breeder and when she did not react I carried on to a different story about a little purple alien named Jumo that excretes shimmery tears but Sis. Was. Not. Having. It.

Describe A Dark State Of Mind

In all seriousness, falling into a dark state of mind can lead to worsening symptoms and affect our relationship with others, thus creating a detrimental cycle polluted with pessimism and harmful habits. So, whether you’re suddenly on the brink of tears because someone questioned your taste in snacks (excuse me, roasted spicy pepper quinoa crackers are an acquired taste) or whether you have been laying on your couch for the past couple of hours and for some reason still feel completely exhausted, I listed some tips below to help detect these negative signs and provide insight to alleviate tension.

I cultivated my advice based on my studies of psychology, which involved courses in therapy and counseling theories, and my experience working with children with special needs and their families during high-stress situations. The list is not to be regarded in any particular order, and please remember these are potential signs. If you feel your mental health is at a higher risk, please contact a medical professional. I am not a psychologist yet, people. If you don’t know where to start, you could call the New York State Mental and Emotional Counseling Hotline: 844-863-9314. The hold music is pretty good, and the people are friendly.

Signs You Are Falling Into a Negative State of Mind

Fogginess

Fogginess is marked by feeling as though you’re amid a haze in which time is blurred and days morph into nights without awareness. You want to be creative and productive but your mind lacks clarity.

Unmotivated

Despite a healthy energy level, you may not want to physically get up or you’re experiencing a mental state susceptible to procrastination. Nothing seems to warrant enough importance for you to practice productivity.

Disengaged

Perhaps you are feeling disconnected from people around you and you are distancing yourself from social interaction, even if that interaction is virtual. You are not actively communicating with those around you and neglecting phone calls and texts.

Excessive Daydreaming

Your attention is fleeting and you find yourself slipping into daydreams as your body continues to function on autopilot. This may appear as driving and passing your set destination, frequently zoning out when sitting down to perform a task, even losing focus when watching TV shows. Our brains have associated areas dedicated to this feature known as the Default Mode Network; studies suggest higher activation of the Default Mode Network is common among those with depression. Daydreaming is normal but concern is valid when you're easily and increasingly becoming untethered from the physical world.

Irritable

If you find yourself quarreling with your partner too often, or likely to snap at your siblings for the slightest irritation, you may be experiencing agitation related to high stress levels.

Fatigue

Relevant to lack of motivation, fatigue is a sense of chronic tiredness and maybe even feeling heavier.

Sleep

A disruption in our circadian rhythm, through a sudden change in typical sleep hours or an unhealthy amount of sleep, disturbs our well-being. Sleep deprivation may promote a weak immune system, increase agitation and mood swings, and heighten difficulties in concentrating and memory.

These are also symptoms of a Netflix binge, seriously though, we get it, you LOVE “The Office.” Please move on.

Tips to Relieve Negativity and Promote Positivity

Now, here are some tips to alleviate tension without having to leave your house or convince yourself to order an ounce of organic matcha grown in a remote village in Japan with a precise amount of shade and classical music that supposedly influences the effects of relaxation when consumed. Yeah, I don’t know either… but I must admit it’s already in my Amazon account.

Feel

Allow yourself to feel. Bring the anxieties simmering in the back of your brain to the forefront and truly allow yourself to experience the sensation. What’s bothering you? Whether our conflicts manifest as an internal conflict within ourselves or an external conflict with someone else, we are quick to distract ourselves with television, social media, or reading. Verbalize your thoughts, expel them from your mind through writing or another creative mode. Express your emotions.

Meditate

Meditation can be practiced in the form of yoga, prayer, or even simple breathing exercises. Taking a relaxing bath or a calming shower can also be meditative.

Exercise

YouTube offers plenty of brief 25-minute home workouts for all levels. Whether you want a hardcore abdominal workout or an invigorating yoga session, the internet offers endless free options. Going for a brief walk around the neighborhood can also feel refreshing. Beacon fitness businesses have also quickly gone online to reach you, and you can find that list here in ALBB’s Business Directory.

Mindfulness

Implement purpose to your actions. This can be done through creativity by writing, art, even cooking/baking can be mindful. That potted plant you’ve been meaning to tend to? Tend to it! Not to get all “Avatar: The Last Airbender” with you, but connect yourself to the earth’s elements if you can. Energy is present everywhere; we’re constantly taking in the earth’s energy and distributing positive energy. Establish a period of time to commit to a task with little interruption and distraction.

Satisfaction Over Instant Gratification

Our current situation may be a retreat from the fast pace of society, but we are left to surrender to our minds. The sudden awareness of consciousness may begin to infiltrate our minds, and suddenly there’s chaos like the little beings from Disney’s “Inside Out” coming to life and going haywire. It is easy to give in to the desire to procrastinate, attempting to convince yourself you’ll get it done later or start over again tomorrow. We’re only human, we all experience this urge to give in to our distractions. With that in mind, time mandatory activities and if you really, really want to watch that next episode on Netflix, find a way to fit it into a task you need to get done. Do your chores while watching an episode such as laundry, dishes, organizing your closet, etc. That way you're being productive while allowing yourself to indulge a bit.

A friend of mine sent me this video on a particularly bad day and it's the tough love we all need from time to time.

Schedule a Break

Schedule your rest time so you have an incentive to look forward to. If you plan on working on something from the afternoon until evening, schedule a time slot after to be able to do whatever relaxing activity you wanted to get done such as watching cartoons, painting - retail therapy if you’re feeling a little dangerous.

Sleep

Sleep is the solution to the problem of sleep. Philosophical? Obviously. In all seriousness, attempt to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Try to sleep early and wake up early, experience sunrise in peace if you haven’t done so before.

I asked a handful of friends what they do to alleviate tension and I’ve gotten plenty of responses including working out, sleeping, having a good cry, CBD (now available in tea form!), long drives, herbal teas. Other long-term solutions include eating fresh (if possible try making a smoothie everyday), research studies also suggest turmeric to be effective in reducing stress levels. The most complex feelings can be eased by the simplest of solutions.

PUBLIC HEALTH: Domestic Abuse In The Time Of Isolation. Awareness For Local Sources To Call

I am sharing this from the Beacon Mom’s Group. The person who posted it put it pretty directly, so the words can speak for themselves. If you are a person in your home and feel stuck, or if you know of a person in their home who may be feeling or is stuck, reach out. Reach out to them. Help them make a call to get help.

As stated by the Beacon Mom: “Cannot be shared enough. Isolation is not an excuse for abuse or violence. Please know you will find support. No questions. No one here is alone. Please [hear] me. I also recommend writing this number down or adding [to] your phone if possible. If you or someone you know needs help:”

National Domestic Violence hotline (text or call): 1-800-799-7233

To read context of this situation, see this article at Time.com: “As Cities Around the World Go on Lockdown, Victims of Domestic Violence Look for a Way Out”

Family Services - Center For Victim Safety and Support
familyservicesny.org

Safe Homes of Orange County (Newburgh)
Their 24/7 hotline: (845) 562-5340
fearlesshv.org

Hudson Valley House of Hope (Wappingers Falls)
Their 24/7 hotline: (845) 765-0294
hudsonvalleyhouseofhope.org

Grace Smith House (Poughkeepsie)
Their 24/7 hotline: (845) 471-3033
gracesmithhouse.org

Domestic Violence Services of Dutchess County (Poughkeepsie, part of Family Services)
Contact Us page
familyservicesny.org

Phil And Mary Ciganer Of The Towne Crier Lose Son Greyson To Opioid Addiction - Hosting A Benefit Concert To Transform Personal Tragedy Into Call For Action

Phil Ciganer, proprietor of the Towne Crier Cafe on Main Street in Beacon, and his wife Mary Ciganer, who is a pastry chef for the restaurant, have lost their son, Greyson, to opioid addiction. He was 26 years old. Some of you may know Greyson, having met him as your server at some point at Towne Crier. One night as our server, Greyson told us of his own birth story, which was very beautiful. It was while we were trying to decide on what to order for dessert (there were 13 options) and he was delighting in his mother’s cooking. A private gathering was held today (Sunday, February 23) to emotionally support Phil and Mary by those who know them.

“Greyson was involved with the Towne Crier for just about his entire life,” Phil told A Little Beacon Blog. “From a young age, he was interacting with and charming customers, and helping out any way he could - first as a busboy, then as a waiter.” Does Mary still make the desserts for the Towne Crier? We weren’t sure if she was still the one after all of these years. Phil confirmed: “Mary will continue to make her legendary desserts for the Towne Crier.”

Phil and Mary want to turn their grief into awareness, and have announced a benefit concert to combat opioid addiction, to be held at the Towne Crier on March 1, 2020. They want to “transform their tragedy into a call for action,” according to their press release sent out on Sunday evening. There is no cost for entry, but donation is suggested.

Phil also answered some delicate questions for this article, in order to help others:

ALBB: Do you have thoughts/advice for those of us who have kids, on how to spot any signs that the children are addicted?
”There are behavioral clues - such as obvious manipulations (‘I need money for gas,’ etc.) - that can alert parents/caregivers to a potential problem. I would recommend checking out some of the valuable resources put out by various organizations - including Drug Crisis in Our Backyard and other nonprofits that will be represented at the event on Sunday.”

ALBB: Do you have any words of advice or reflection for those of us with children or grandchildren or nieces and nephews?
”I think we - as communities, and as a country - should concentrate more on the opioid epidemic that is devastating thousands of people every day - those who are addicted, as well as the people who love them. It's a problem that has been escalating, and changes (for the better) are being made too slowly. Progress needs to be brought to the forefront. Our mission is to raise awareness of this scourge, and to support the groups that are providing critical resources for dealing with it. That’s why we’re hosting this concert.”

The press release is below:

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“Following the recent loss of their 26-year-old son, Greyson, to opioid addiction, Phil and wife Mary are reaching out to the community with the "Concert for Recovery," featuring local and regional talent on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at 4 pm. Donations are suggested, with proceeds benefiting Drug Crisis in Our Backyard, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in the Hudson Valley who are struggling with addiction.

The lineup for "Concert for Recovery" includes:

• The Slambovian Underground

• Kathleen Pemble

• The Costellos

• Jerry Lee, Boom Kat

• Carla Springer & Russ St. George

• Chihoe Hahn, and others

“Come hear some of the finest talent in the area while contributing to a worthy cause, and learn about the opioid abuse epidemic that is devastating individuals and families on the local and national level.

”If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction and needs help, visit www.drugcrisisinourbackyard.org or reach out to the HopeLine at 877-846-7369.”

About Drug Crisis in Our Backyard

Susan and Steve Salomone and Carol Christiansen are the Executive Board of Drug Crisis in Our Backyard, a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering education and action-oriented opportunities for families and individuals struggling with addiction. The organization was originally started in 2012 by Susan and Steve Salomone, and Carol and Lou Christiansen after the loss of their sons to a battle against heroin.

After news of their loss reached the community, they realized that they were not alone, that millions of others struggle in silence without any idea of the treatment options or support that is available. Seeking to reduce the stigma associated with addiction, and to help families that are still struggling, they created Drug Crisis in Our Backyard in order to promote awareness about drug use, assist addicted and at-risk individuals and their families, and implement measures, including legislation, that hold accountable organizations and medical institutions that perpetuate drug use through overprescription of opiates and other drugs.

Men Have Feelings Too - Men and Mental Health - Continuing the Conversation

Many of us trust Matt Clifton, pictured here, behind the tea cup, with our lives. Matt is an IT expert, a wizard under the hood of lots of computers, tablets, smartphones, and other sorts of devices. Matt is an open advocate for mental health awareness, and speaks about it in his social media. Sometimes he highlights men’s mental health, reminding us that men can suffer from depression too.

In this time of Smash The Patriarchy, it can be hard to remember that men can be soft - despite their stubble, stubborn ways, and sometimes opposite ways of understanding women. It is nice to have a friend be open and honest about his life experiences, which include emotions one might not guess upon speaking with him in person.

We’ll share with you here Matt’s big message for May, Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s comforting that despite his jovial, good friend, generally cheery nature, social anxiety can take him over. As a young person (and sometimes today), I remember feeling so shy around certain groups of people, that I would have trouble walking. Being in the mall was the worst. Recess could be tough. I just wanted to hide. Today when I go to the Beacon High School track to jog, or to soccer practice/games for my son, it’s a conquering-my-fears type of thing because I was too afraid to ever go to high school football games in the stadium.

Today I have a young son who is also shy. Looking at him, I can’t see the shyness, or understand it. He’s just so cute and fun! Yet his fears are real when we first start a new group activity, like soccer or camp. Nudging him out of the nest is important, but it’s also important to acknowledge his fear, to let him know we know, and it’s OK to have a hard time. I remind myself to be patient, and to tap into the feelings I know very well.

I’ll let Matt take it away from here:

Hello!

I’m Matt and I have general anxiety, social anxiety and depression. This is something I’ve had all my adult life - I first started experiencing severe social anxiety at university, which continued through my 20s. It affected my social and professional life. Some days at the office, I’d get panic attacks and have to hide in the bathroom just to breathe. I found noisy and crowded bars and social engagements almost unbearable. I didn’t talk to family or friends about my feelings, and I didn’t go to therapy until my late 30s, but I did find it helped me - even though my issues are not based in any kind of trauma, just talking about them allowed me to define what I was feeling, and not let them define who I was.

I also now take Prozac, which is an SSRI. I go to occasional yoga classes, which help me most by getting me focused on the movements and getting out of my own head! I try to be mindful throughout the day as much as I’m able to, to keep myself in the moment and not dwell on the past or worry about the future.

I’m a freelance IT consultant, as well as a serious science-fiction nerd, and have a really great life in the Hudson Valley, New York, with my wife Emily, dog Arya, and assorted cats and chickens. We run a cooking blog called Nerds with Knives and it’s really become a huge and fun part of our lives. I would like to be better at baking. I drink a lot of tea.

I’m very proud of the life I’ve made for myself, and the steps I’ve taken to get myself to a better place addressing my mental health. I’m not so embarrassed at talking about it any more. You wouldn’t be able to tell that I have mental health issues. You might just think I’m a little quiet. Most days I’m doing great, but I still have a lot of trouble in social situations.

If you’re struggling with the same issues, you might be surprised to know there are way more people who are sharing that struggle with you. You’re not alone. Mental health issues aren’t a failing of character. And there are people who love you. You can always text NAMI to 741741 to get help from trained counselors.

NAMI Ribbons hung in Beacon each year.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Matt’s mention of NAMI reminds us of another reason to be grateful for the Rock Out 4 Mental Health concert. I had seen the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) ribbons each year, on trees around Beacon, but had never looked into what they were about. By being on the Planning Committee for the event, I sat next to someone from NAMI’s Mid-Hudson affiliate almost every Tuesday in the Spring, as we held our planning meetings.

We’re looking forward to meeting more people at the concert, and absorbing more of what is available.

When A Stranger Walks Through Your Door - Who Needs Mental Health Help - And The Concert Is Saturday

Last Friday, while in the midst of our weekly deadline for getting out the Happening This Weekend newsletter, a woman walked into A Little Beacon Blog's office, looking for help. She thought it was the substance abuse center, Lexington Center for Recovery (though she couldn’t remember the name and had contact information for a totally different organization), that had been located down Main Street, that is now becoming an apartment building. She saw the Rock Out 4 Mental Health flyer on our door, and the logos of mental health agencies who are helping make it happen, and thought she was in the right place.

She hadn't slept for days. Her accent was unfamiliar. The urgent problem she was trying to get help for - keeping her husband alive (he was currently in the hospital after almost dying of alcoholism, and she feared him coming home because she didn't know what to do with him to keep him safe) - made it so that she talked very fast, with hopelessness. Her sentences zig-zagged with what she needed, making it hard to find a thread to follow to work on a solution. She'd given up hope of finding help from Beacon and any other resource, and didn't know where to go.

Sometimes a situation happens, and you ask yourself: "Am I to be learning something from this? What is the message?" It became an opportunity for us to navigate the world of mental health resources, with a real person, really suffering. A Little Beacon Blog agreed to help with the Rock Out 4 Mental Health concert because it was an opportunity to meet the players, to talk to the people on the other side of the phone or email or website. To make them more real, and understand what they offer. That concert happens this Saturday (unless it rains, then it’ll be on Sunday) at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park from 12 to 4 pm. It's free, and there will be mozzarella sticks (and other food like sausage), live music, and specialists in the areas of mental health.

Meanwhile, back in the office on a Friday afternoon of Memorial Weekend, we called the Dutchess County Help Line. They answered, but our questions quickly multiplied. When you're at the beginning of a research journey navigating hospitals, counseling, rehab centers, it's a lot. We called a personal friend who works deep in the world of mental health, and she quickly referred us to Family Services in Beacon on Henry Street, and to the MHA in the DMV Building on Main Street, and to Grace Smith House if the woman felt too afraid to be home, plus they may be able to give her guidance if she were to go there. Another friend recommended NAMI if she needed an advocate or counselor to help her navigate the medical areas where she was encountering hurdles, while trying to figure out what to do with her addicted husband who had just had a blood transfusion and was a hot potato in the hospital - she didn't want him released, yet they were done with their medical procedures.

In the end - for that hour - we encouraged her to walk to Family Services which is nearby, and see what they tell her next. In-person research is so important. We then highly encouraged her to go home and get some rest, because sleep deprivation causes its own problems. She first headed across the street to the grocery store to get cat food, and then to Family Services. Hopefully she felt a little more hope in her quest.

Come to the concert this weekend. You'll get to hear The Costellos, Noetic, Dilson Hernandez, Tony E., Charge the Mound, Russ St. George, Jerry Kitzrow, DJ Big Will, with sound by Tony ‘Pops’ DeMarco. You never know when you or someone you know or don't know needs these services. It's comforting to put faces to organizations.

Several Sponsors Sign On To Support Rock Out 4 Mental Health Concert In Beacon In June

The Roundhouse of Beacon has signed on as the Title Sponsor for the Rock Out 4 Mental Health summer concert, happening on Saturday, June 1, 2019. This show of support for the first year of this event is a big help to getting T-shirts made and helping to make this event possible. One of the first events of its kind, Rock Out 4 Mental Health aims to remove stigma around mental health needs by bringing people physically closer to the resources and services that are available to them in Dutchess County.

Thank you to the rest of the sponsors who have come on thus far, including Gold Level sponsor Key Foods, and Bronze Level Sponsors Aryeh Siegel, Architect; Bob's Auto Repair in Wingdale, N.Y.; HealthQuest; Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union; Premier Medical Group; People USA; and Tin Shingle.

Only five more Gold Level spots are available, and a handful of Silver Level sponsor spots if you want to get your business behind this event! Click here for details.

Wellness Providers As Vendors At Concert

Vendor spots for wellness providers are still available, and the concert attendees need to know about you! If you are a wellness provider, you can book your spot online here. Food vendors are also welcome! This is a great way to meet new people. There are limited spaces, so do it now.

So far, you’ll be able to interact with the following groups: Astor Services for Children & Families, CAPE, Children's Home of Poughkeepsie, CoveCare Center, Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health, Empire Concessions, I Am Beacon, Innate Chiropractic (Wappingers Falls), NAMI Mid-Hudson, and People USA.

Getting closer to the big day! It has been a pleasure being on the Planning Committee for this event, and we’re looking forward experiencing the day.

New Summer Concert Unites Mental Health Resources With Community | Top Sponsor & Vendor Spots Available Now!

The “Rock Out 4 Mental Health” flyer. Room for sponsor logos if you sign up in time!

When Brandon Lillard, a founding board member of I Am Beacon, and best known by Beacon High School alums as the original “Mr. Beacon High,” asked me to be part of the planning for I Am Beacon’s second major awareness project for mental health, the ”Rock Out 4 Mental Health” Concert on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, I said yes immediately.

As a mother of young children, I want to make sure they have a safe space to express their minds. As a new mother in general, I see and experience the mental health challenges that any parent faces. As a person living in Beacon, I have learned from my friends involved in mental health support about challenges that any person can face at any time. Removing the stigma about that is important to me, and as a blogger, I want to improve awareness of mental health support services that are available locally. That’s part of why I started A Little Beacon Blog - to get the word out about what is happening and available here.

The planning for this event would be fast, but we could do it. I Am Beacon’s first outreach project for mental health awareness was and continues to be the yellow ribbons campaign on Main Street, carried out with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Mid-Hudson. You’ll be seeing those ribbons again this year.

Bringing Resources and People Closer Together Through Music

This concert was created as a vibrant and hopeful hub where people can get closer to organizations who provide a variety of mental health services. The aim is to bring these services to people who may not have otherwise known about them. Usually service events like this are at school functions on a random Wednesday night (I went to one!). Now, the whole family can come and enjoy being by the Hudson River rocking out to music, and getting to know these local services who have changed the lives of so many.

You’ll be rocking out to The Costellos, Noetic, Tony E., Dilson Hernandez, and Charge the Mound while your Co-MCs for the day, Reuben Simmons and Himali Pandya, Special Projects Manager for Astor Services for Children and Families, introduce you to the mental health resource providers who are available to meet during the day. (Insider scoop: Himali’s husband will be performing with his band at the concert)

Here’s Where Your Part Comes In

“Rock Out 4 Mental Health” is currently seeking the following sponsor and vendor opportunities, but time is limited. We will be putting sponsors on the flyer, then printing it and distributing it, so we need to know who’s in for sponsorship! My design agency, Katie James, Inc. and lead designer Allie Bopp designed the flyer, banner, logo and other branding assets, so I have a tiny say on when these go to print (but we can’t wait long!).

Title Sponsor: Only one spot available. The Title Sponsor gets their logo on the banner that will be hanging above Main Street as we get closer to the event, and on T-shirts. We can only print T-shirts if we have a title sponsor. Will your business be the reason we can make the shirts? Claim it here >
Must sign up within the week for print deadline!

Gold Sponsor: Only six available. These sponsors get their logos printed on the flyer, which will be distributed in Beacon and beyond. Logo also included on the event program. Claim it here >
Must sign up within the week for print deadline!

Silver Sponsor: More available, and includes logo on the event website. You have a bit more time on this one, since we are adding your logo to the “Rock Out 4 Mental Health” website. Claim it here >

Bronze Sponsor: Awesomeness. Great for businesses who want to show their support for Mental Health awareness and accessibility. Claim it here >

Vendor Opportunities: Food vendors are welcome, and businesses who provide a wellness-related product or service to people are invited to have a vendor spot down at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park. Only 15-20 spots available. Food and business vendors can register here. Nonprofit organizations can have a spot for free and can register here.

These community projects are what keep Beacon enriched with the depth of community it is known for, and keep Beacon an ongoing advocate for people’s well-being.

Thank you to the following sponsors and vendors who have signed on so far!

VENDORS:

Astor Services for Children & Families
Children's Home of Poughkeepsie
NAMI Mid-Hudson
CoveCare Center
DC Dept of Behavioral & Community Health
People USA
Empire Concessions
I Am Beacon

SPONSORS:

KeyFood
Premier Medical Group
MidHudson Valley Federal Credit Union
HealthQuest
People USA

Why This Concert? Why Now?

“When it comes to Mental Health, it is our belief that the Hudson Valley is ‘services-rich yet information-poor.’ Despite the valiant efforts of many organizations, there is a lack of awareness and knowledge which result in many in our community being left to suffer in silence. ”

— Mission Statement of Rock Out 4 Mental Health

One of the creators behind the event is Reuben Simmons, a founding board member of I Am Beacon, along with his sister, Brooke Simmons, and Brandon Lillard. Reuben grew up in Beacon, volunteering to clean up its streets in his youth, and co-created I Am Beacon to keep opportunities like this available to the people.

Says Reuben of the inspiration to create the “Rock Out 4 Mental Health” concert: “After attending the City of Beacon’s Workshop in December 2018 which discussed the opioid crisis in our area, I felt an obligation as a community leader to do more. I have attended many conferences all over the country in my time as a labor leader, and heard the opioid crisis happening in many communities all over. Hearing the same issues from professionals like Beacon’s Police Chief and Dutchess County’s Behavior and Community Department at the workshop got me to start brainstorming on what could be done to help. Help promote services, help end the stigma, help educate people.”

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Helpline For Everyone

“We hope to reach as many Dutchess County residents as possible to inform them about the many resources available for help and support. The Dutchess County Helpline and the Stabilization Center are available to residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is always someone available who can help,” says Jean-Marie Niebuhr, Prevention and Harm Reduction Coordinator.

If you take anything away from this event, or knowing about this event, know this: The Dutchess County Helpline. Available to anyone to use at any time, 24/7. Use it as an information center to find other resources: CALL or TEXT 845-485-9700.

Call or text any time to talk live to a qualified mental health professional. Regardless of the issue, the HELPLINE will provide counseling or link you to services.