Newburgh-Beacon Bridge Shutdown During National A15 Economic Blockade For A Free Palestine

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The Newburgh/Beacon Bridge was shut down today, April 15, 2024, at 8am in coordination with at least 65 other cities across the United States who designated April 15th Tax Day to be A15 Economic Blockade to Free Palestine. Organized by a15actions, the mission states: “75 years and 182 days into this US backed genocide we must take collective risk beyond symbolic acts of solidarity. On April 15th, we will block logistical hubs to stop the flow of capital worldwide. This is just the beginning. We will not cooperate with the police. If a blockade in one city faces repression, we will respond in solidarity in other cities. Join us in organizing towards our collective liberation.” See the shutdown in Oakland, CA, Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Texts from a reader showing Local radio station K104 was Reporting on Sheriff messages about terrorism, and not about the cause of the shutdown, which was A15 Economic Blockade for a Free Palestine.

@HV4FreePalestine was the first to cover the true nature of this blockade. The radio station K104 focused on parroting messages from Sheriff Offices like Putnam County, to perpetuate fear via the terrorist narrative that this country has accepted as normal with anything related to “the Middle East.”

Reported HV4FreePalestine:

“This morning at 8am, over a dozen Palestinians, Jews and allies blockaded the westbound Hamilton Fish Newburgh-Beacon bridge for over an hour, stopping traffic on I-84 for miles at the peak of rush hour. The action, part of the April 15 Economic Blockade for Palestine taking place in 65 cities across the globe, ended at 9am with 15 arrests.

“Organizer Abdallah Qotate states: ‘As a Palestinian, I wake up everyday worrying whether my best friend in Gaza will live to see another day. I’m forced to be in the street because our elected government refuses to listen to us. How many Palestinians have to die before our government will stop sending our tax dollars to Israel to fund this genocide?’

“As a Palestinian, I wake up everyday worrying whether my best friend in Gaza will live to see another day. I’m forced to be in the street because our elected government refuses to listen to us. How many Palestinians have to die before our government will stop sending our tax dollars to Israel to fund this genocide?”
— Abdalla Qotate

In a non-violent act of civil disobedience, protestors highlighted the federal government and US economy’s role in Israel's genocidal siege against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Activists blocked all westbound lanes of traffic on the bridge for nearly one hour, amidst the busiest time on the bridge, over which 65,000 commuters and 6012 transport trucks travel daily.

During the protest, New York State Police assaulted, pushed and threatened peaceful demonstrators with a baton. In a tweet removed later, the New York Department of Transport for the Hudson Valley reported that as of 8:44am, one lane remained closed during police intervention.

Shutting down a key artery of commerce and commuter transport during one of the busiest hours of morning traffic, demonstrators were part of a global movement shutting down commerce to end the genocide.

“During the protest, New York State Police assaulted, pushed and threatened peaceful demonstrators with a baton.”
— @HV4FreePalestine

Grace Collins, one of the participants, concludes “Months of pleading to my representatives has not slowed the genocide in Palestine. Disrupting traffic to get our message across is a natural next step. If the constituents wont be heard through government channels then we will get our message across in nonviolent ways however we can.”

“From the Hudson Valley organizers: ‘Tax Day is a reminder that the Biden administration has made over 100 transfers of taxpayer dollars in military assistance to Israel since the beginning of the genocide in Gaza. We refuse to allow business as usual to continue while Palestinians are murdered by Israel using American weaponry and tax dollars. Those committed to Palestinian freedom in the Hudson Valley have tried many tactics—we’ve demonstrated, we’ve lobbied our representatives, Pat Ryan and Marc Molinaro, for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, we’ve visited their offices, we’ve educated the public. Those on the highway today are done waiting on congressional representatives. We are committed to keeping up the pressure until the genocide ends and Palestine is free.”

Citizen Reporter @bryanne_af reported that she was happy to learn she had been stuck in traffic for a cause during her Kid School Drop-off morning, telling her Instagram friends: “Hudson Valley shut down the westbound Newburgh Beacon bridge for Palestine today!!! 😭🇵🇸😭 I had no idea what was going on and had to drive over an hour to get home from dropping my kids off to school - so happy and proud to discover it was comrades doing worthy and noble work! So very thankful for their bravery and that I got to bear witness to the incredible impact they had on the Hudson Valley this morning - the blockade here went for six miles beyond the bridge, toward Fishkill [down 9D passing Stonykill Farm and the Heritage Financial Stadium] - if this inconvenienced you, just IMAGINE how Gaza suffers from what our tax dollars are doing in blocking their food, their medicine, their freedom to live! From the river to the sea!!! 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

Another reader, Citizen Reporter Cowboy, responded to the news of the shutdown by telling ALBB: “I gotta go check Whacker Wire to see if my Mom was arrested today.” Their mom has been arrested 4 times during this extermination of Palestine, including once at Grand Central Station.

Ceasefire Resolution Passes In Beacon

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Ceasefire Resolution passed in Beacon! The entire night was dedicated to hearing from the public (except for the decision on what fencing company to award the bid to for Wee Play Tot Park, and the Fire Department Volunteer Members who Qualify for Length of Service Award Program Contribution for 2023.)

The council then debated from 10:30-11pm on a different draft of what was made available to the public, and then voted.

Councilmember Molly Rhodes: Yes
Councilmember Jeffrey Domanski: Abstain
Councilmember Amber Grant: Yes
Mayor Lee Kyriacou: Abstain
Councilmember Paloma Wake: Yes
Councilmember Pam Wetherbee: Yes (after a long think)
Councilmember Dan Aymar-Blair: Yes

Public City Council Meeting Tonight March 4 - Wee Tots Playground, Fire Department, And Call For Immediate And Permanent Ceasefire

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Happening tonight, March 4, 2024, at 7pm!

Peek at the agenda below…

1. Authorizing the City Administrator to Execute an Agreement with WBE Fence Company, Inc. for the Wee Play Tots Playground Fencing Project

2. Approving the City of Beacon Fire Department Volunteer Members who Qualify for Length of Service Award Program Contribution for 2023

3. Calling for an Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire and Uniting for Peace

More details here >

See you there?!

Beacon’s West End Story Continues with Summer of 1966 Exhibition Of Photographs By Michael Raab at Howland Public Library

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The Howland Public Library is pleased to present Beacon’s West End Story: Summer of 1966, an exhibition of photographs by Michael Raab. The exhibit will be on view in The Community Room from February 10th to March 3rd.  An artist’s reception will be held on Saturday, February 10th, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

In 1966, Michael Raab, an aspiring photojournalist, was working as an assistant to a commercial photographer in Greenwich Village. During the summer, when work slowed down, he picked up a copy of The Village Voice and saw a back-page ad that read: “Help wanted in racially-torn city.” Intrigued, Raab called the number in the ad. "A few days later, I found myself walking up the hill from the Beacon train station to St. Andrew’s Church and one of the best summers of my life," said Raab. 

The ad was placed by Rev. Thomas Moneymaker of St. Andrew’s Church, who was looking for help with his summer youth day camp. The church was offering camp counselors $20 a week plus room and board. The programs offered by St. Andrew’s Church played a central role in the lives of young people in the West End Community and grew into what would later become the Martin Luther King Center and Library. 

Raab's beautiful black-and-white photos capture the energy of the young people and the friendships formed at St. Andrews during the pivotal year of 1966. Also on view during the reception is a short video interview featuring photographer Michael Raab and Sandy Moneymaker of St. Andrew’s Church sharing their memories of the Summer of 1966. 

The Howland Public Library is located at 313 Main Street, Beacon NY 12508. The Community Room Exhibit Space is open during regular library hours. Please note the gallery cannot be visited during library programs. Please consult the library calendar before your visit.

Pro-Palestine March Down Main Street In Beacon | Saturday, Feb 3, 12pm, Pohill Park

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Beacon's Demonstration For A Free Palestine! Ceasefire Now!
End the Genocide! End the Occupation! End the Apartheid! Free Palestine!
Day: Saturday, February 3, 2024
Time: 12pm start
Location: Pohill Park (Main Street and Wolcott near Bank Square Coffee)
From the organizers at Next Up Hudson Valley: "We need to wage peace the way they wage war. Join us this Saturday as we continue to disrupt the normalcy in Beacon, New York. #FreePalestine 🍉✊🏾"
Information >

The Howland Public Library Welcomes New Director

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The Howland Public Library board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Gillian Murphy has been appointed as the new Library Director.  

Gillian brings to Howland a strong commitment to libraries, and more than 20 years of experience as Library Director from the Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library in Cold Spring, and most recently, the Elting Memorial Library in New Paltz. “We are extremely fortunate that Gillian has accepted the position to lead our library,” said Howland Board of Trustees President Diane Landau-Flayter.  

Known in the library community as an innovative leader, Gillian has a proven track record of developing creative approaches to improve library services and meet the needs of the community. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, outreach, and community partnerships, Gillian is excited to begin working with the community. "I'm honored to be trusted to help pen the next chapter of the Howland Public Library. I look forward to working closely with the library's staff and board, as well as the individuals, businesses, and organizations that make up our library district.” says Gillian, who assumed her position as director on December 4th. 

Some of the many innovative library initiatives that Gillian has developed in the past are passport services, home delivery, and reorganizing library collections to make it easier for patrons to find what they are looking for. 

"The Howland Library staff is excited to welcome Gillian Murphy to our team. She brings with her so much enthusiasm, experience, and knowledge from the field. We cannot wait to learn from her and see what our library becomes with her as our leader. Meanwhile, we'll be showing her the ropes and introducing her to our vibrant and wonderful community," remarked Assistant Director Kristin Charles-Scaringi. 

Gillian holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Middle School Education from Old Dominion University, as well as an advanced certificate in Public Library Administration from Long Island University. 

Gillian replaces Kristen Salierno who served the Library for five years before stepping down in July. The staff of the Library is thankful for the support of Assistant Director Kristin Charles-Scaringi who took on the role of Acting Director during the four-month transition. 

Beacon's Swearing-In Ceremony Disrupted By Pro-Palestinian Supporters Who Were Physically Handled By City Administrator and Veterans

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Congressman Pat Ryan, who represents Beacon in District 18, is being followed everywhere by Pro-Palestinian supporters to demand that he call for a permanent ceasefire of Israel’s genocide of Palestinians. The people don’t need to travel far, as they are usually residents of the towns Pat Ryan visits to give remarks to during Swearing-In Ceremonies of these communities.

Like this ceremony at Gardiner Town Hall. And this large protest march in Kingston. And this this 8th night of Hanukkah protest by Jewish constituents and kids at his Newburgh office. Prior to that, this protest also at his Newburgh office by 300 protesters. And prior to that, this first protest at his Poughkeepsie office led by some Beaconites.

The following is a description of what happened at Beacon’s Swearing-In Ceremony, which was captured on video and published below.

On Saturday, January 6, 2024, a four Beaconites, who are regular listeners or participants of Beacon City Council Meetings, were sitting in the audience of Beacon’s Swearing-In Ceremony for new Councilmembers being hosted at the Veterans Memorial Building, waiting to display their message of Ceasefire to Congressman Ryan. It was early in the ceremony, and Senator Rob Rolison (former Mayor of Poughkeepsie) and Sue Serino (newly elected Dutchess County Executive and former NY State Senator) had already spoken.

Congressman Ryan was next to speak. When he did, the four pro-Palestinian Beaconites demonstrating told ALBB that they stood up to unfurl a banner that said "Ceasefire." Say the demonstrators, their intent was to silently stand with the banner as Congressman Ryan spoke. As Congressman Ryan began his remarks, he did so by giving attention the silent visual demonstration in the back of the room by saying: “Before we get interrupted here…” as the display of a banner began to get more audible by opposing Beaconites who wanted to block the banner. The rest of Congressman Ryan’s speech in full is below.

As Congressman Ryan spoke, four more individuals also stood up to block the demonstrators and the banner with their bodies (ALBB is unable to obtain the names of the two Veterans at this time). The demonstrators described them to ALBB as:

  • Veteran with grey hair, wearing black sweatshirt (yellow emblem) & jeans.

  • Veteran with white hair, wearing glasses and black & red sweatshirt.

  • Harold Delamater, Veterans Memorial Building Manager, wearing grey sweatshirt & glasses.

  • Chris White, Beacon City Administrator

The demonstrators said that they tried to hold the banner until they were escorted out of the room under threat of arrest.

One of the demonstrating Beaconites brought his 5 month old baby with him, who was snuggled into a front-facing baby carrier onto his body.

City Administrator Chris White licking his lips in a warm up moment before putting his hands on the smallest protester, who is directly in front of him, while he inched closer to the demonstrator.

Harold Delamater of the Veterans Memorial Building pats demonstrator Veekas Ashoka on the back after helping him roll up the Ceasefire banner. Herold said he wanted the demonstrators arrested.

After a Beacon demonstrator unfurled the banner, the demonstrators were surrounded by Beacon Police, Veterans of the Memorial Building, and Beacon’s City Administrator, Chris White. At one point, according to the demonstrators which can also be heard in the video posted above, City Administrator Chris ordered the Police to arrest the demonstrators, saying: “Arrest them,” but the female Police Officer said she’d need to get approval from someone responsible for the property, the demonstrators told ALBB.

According to the demonstrators, the Police asked Veteran building manager Harold Delamater (pictured above) if he’d like the demonstrators arrested. According to the demonstrators, Harold said that he did want them arrested. ALBB reached out to Harold for comment, but did not receive a response.

According to the demonstrators, the female Police Officer gave them a warning before arresting. At the warning, the demonstrators agreed to leave without being arrested. It was at that time that the demonstrators began their exit.

Pro-Palestinian supporter Veekas Ashoka and his 5 month year old baby were shoulder bumped by a white man with silver white hair as Veekas left shouting: "How many more people have to die before you support a ceasefire, Representative Ryan? How many more kids like mine have to die?"

After that, Veekas walked backwards out of the room, shouting: "Ceasefire Now!" His 5 month year old baby watched the scene from his carrier. Veekas continued: "How many more people have to die before you support a ceasefire, Representative Ryan? How many more kids like mine have to die?" A white man with white hair who had been standing next to Veekas during the entire encounter, sideways shoulder-bumped Veekas and his baby as Veekas walked out, physically moving Veekas to the left. The man did so with arms behind his back and not one change to his facial expression. The force of his body did move Veekas’ body, which you can see in the video above.

After Veekas left, another demonstrator, the smallest of the group, held his sign up. It read CEASEFIRE!. Harold, who is roughly the same height as the demonstrator, grabbed the demonstrator’s jacket and hoisted him up as the demonstrator held his CEASEFIRE! sign above his own head. City Administrator Chris, who is was taller than the demonstrator, reached in to grab the sign from the demonstrator, who leaned away.

Beacon Police were in attendance the entire time with the peaceful demonstrators, so it is not clear why the property manager or City Administrator got physical with the demonstrators and escalated the situation. It is also not clear why the Beacon Police did not recognize this, and assigned escalation to the demonstrators, when their bodies were being grabbed by a city official and property manager.

Left: Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White, ripping a “CEASEFIRE” Sign out of a Pro-Palestinian’s hands (Middle). On the right a male Beacon Police Officer monitoring the scene.

A male Beacon Police Officer was behind the demonstrator holding his arm as City Administrator Chris was wrestling away the sign. However, the Police Officer was watching City Administrator Chris. Harold kept his hands on the demonstrator, and soon all three men had their hands on the smallest demonstrator. City Administrator Chris succeeded in ripping the Ceasefire sign in half.

City Administrator Chris White pointing the protestor to the door as Veteran’s Building Manager Harold Delamater and a Beacon Police Officers place their hands on the demonstrator to push him forward.

The tallest and third protestor exited the room while chanting “Ceasefire!” and was pushed out by Harold.

The smallest demonstrator holding the small Ceasefire sign was pushed out by a Beacon Police Officer and pulled out by City Administrator Chris. Before he was forced to leave, he chanted “Ceasefire Now!” and a round of applause returned his gesture.

Later, outside of the building, the smallest demonstrator told ALBB that City Administrator Chris called him an “asshole,” to which the demonstrator replied: “You’re violent.” City Administrator Chris apparently repeated the insult, and the two went around again before stopping. There was a Police Officer between between the demonstrator and City Administrator Chris at that point.

A demonstrator shouting “Ceasefire Now!” while being pushed by a Beacon Police Officer and pulled by City Administrator Chris White.

The fourth demonstrator recounted their experience, which was not captured in the video. They described to ALBB:

“I was being blocked by the Veteran with grey hair, wearing a black sweatshirt & jeans. This gentleman kept shouting "stop touching me" while standing in front of me and the "smallest demonstrator" when we first got up. This tactic was to misconstrue the events and make it appear as if we were violent, although two men were forcibly gripping our banner. Our goal was to silently hold the banner within Pat Ryan's line of vision. None of the attendee's would have even known we were there, if these individuals just stayed in their seats. Shouting "stop touching me" turned everyone's attention to us.

“With two men, strongly gripping the Ceasefire banner, I attempted to keep a portion of it open, unaware that I was working against two men which explains why it was so difficult to hold it up. In my attempt to keep the banner up, I was being pulled down into a table behind me. I was then scolded for leaning on the table. You can see the Veteran with white hair & glasses moving the table in the video, as if the materialistic object had more value than my safety. A male Police Officer looked me in the eyes trying to capture my attention, as he saw I was struggling to keep the sign up. I was informed that they will have to arrest us if we don't leave. I let go of the banner and walked out the door before the other demonstrators. Luckily, I escaped the altercation that followed, where the smallest demonstrator was pulled by his jacket by Chris White's hands. I chanted "Ceasefire Now" as I walked in front of Veekas.”

Said Veekas to ALBB after the demonstration: “Many members of the audience messaged me directly to express their appreciation after the event was over. One member of the audience was so moved by the action that she started chanting ‘Ceasefire Now’ and left with us.”

Congressman Pat Ryan’s Speech In Beacon

Congressman Ryan’s speech was brief and addressed the national and global outrage of the massacre in Gaza and awakening to the growing and violent occupation of Palestine by Zionist Israeli military. He said: "When the rubber hits the road, local government making Beacon a great shining example of what a Hudson Valley City can and should look like. The moment we are in the country - the world - at least in my lifetime - really incredible division. Just ask anyone taking this oath. To really reflect on what that oath means. The idea of essentially explicitly making yourself as an individual 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, below a greater common good. Below a city, below a county, a state, below a nation. Really recognizing that in a time of incredible polarization, the only path through this is a recognition that we don't all get exactly everything we want. We have to be willing to compromise and work together and be civil. That comes from ego and self pursuit of those aims is what causes that division."

Pat Ryan may have been implying that ego is what drove the demonstrators to demonstrate peacefully and silently, until they were blocked and physically handled by Beacon's City Administrator and some Veterans in the building. The Congressman should also note that part of why Beacon is a "shining example" is because of the demonstrating that citizens do for a number of different causes. Sometimes being aligned, sometimes working toward alignment.

In this case, "willing to compromise" on 23,000 Palestinian lives killed, and Israeli hostages still not safely home, who are in fact equally threatened under Israeli's indiscriminate bombardment using weapons funded by the United States Government, is not something many Beaconites will compromise on.

People Sworn In

The following people were sworn in, except Wren Longo. It had been rumored that she had resigned previously. Her resignation was officially announced at a City Council Meeting later. The Mayor appointed Pam Weatherbee to replace her, and appointed Amber Grant, a former City Councilmember, to return to the Councilmember At-Large position. The Council could have insisted on a public vote, but did not do so at the Mayor’s strong urging.

Paloma Wake, Councilmember At-Large, sworn in by Justice McCray (former City Councilmember)

Pam Wetherbee, Councilmember At-Large, sworn in by George Mansfield (former City Councilmember)
Pam was later moved to Ward 3 after Wren’s resignation.

Molly Rhodes, Councilmember Ward 1, sworn in by Mayor Lee Kyriacou.

Jeff Domanski, Councilmember Ward 2, sworn in by Justice McCray, who he replaced.

Dan Aymar-Blair, Councilmember Ward 4, sworn in by George Mansfield.

Mayor Lee Kyriacou, sworn in by Congressman Pat Ryan.

Watch the entire Swearing-In Ceremony here (does not include visuals of the disruption).

Saturdays And Sundays Are For Supporting Palestine: Weekend Repeat Disruption Rally Locations

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Saturdays
12:30pm
Elting Library, New Paltz, NY
Women in Black. Outdoos on thin busy sidewalk. Areas to sit. Street parking metered, free on side streets (past the library parking lot). No chants, very chill! Ignore counter protestors.

Sundays
12:30pm
Woodstock, NY
Outdoors on sidewalk near Stone Park

Sundays
12:30pm
Newburgh, NY
Outdoors with chants on flat pavement by busy road. Park at Downing Park!

Sundays
1pm
Nanuet
Outdoors with chants on wide sidewalks by busy road. Park at Shake Shack.

WEEKLY MONDAY BOYCOTTS: do all you can to disrupt the machine. Nothing is too small.

ALL DAYS: Go add to the community altar on the fence at Hasbrouck Park, New Patz

FREE KN95 MASKS!

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration / Revisiting Beacon's Inspiration In 2024

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SCHEDULE
8:45am: Opening remarks at Springfield Baptist Church.
9:30am: 10th Annual Parade. Mattie Cooper to N. Cedar Street to Main Street, finishing back on Mattie Cooper at the church.
11:30am: Celebration Service Inside Springfield Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Ronald O. Perry, Sr., Pastor.
LOCATION
8 Mattie Cooper (Church Street)

This year, the Beacon Free Press’ front page news story about the Martin Luther King Day Celebration at the Springfield Baptist Church shed revived light on the original inspiration for the MLK Day in Beacon.

Say the organizers about the event: "Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and dream during our 10th annual MLK Parade in Beacon. The parade in Beacon was the dream of the late Pete Seeger, activist and local resident of Beacon, who wanted a parade to honor Dr. King, so he founded this wonderful ‘Singing Parade.’ Participants are encouraged to bring signs, flags and musical instruments. For more information, go to the beaconsloop.org." Pete Seeger was a co-founder of the Beacon Sloop Club.

Said the parade representative Bonnie Champion to the Beacon Free Press: “After Pete’s wife Toshi died in July 2013, he came to the Beacon Sloop Club and shared that he was worried that Martin Luther King Day was becoming a day off from school and work, and persons were forgetting this man who changed the world.” The parade began one year later, championed by Bonnie. Pete Seeger never marched in the first parade, but he knew about, it,” Bonnie told the Beacon Free Press. He passed away shortly after on January 27, 2014.

The Southern Dutchess Coalition has held a celebration for the last 46 years, and for the last 10 years, did so with the Beacon Sloop Club. The opening ceremony starts at 8:45am. The parade will step off at 9:30am in front of the Springfield Baptist Church, followed by a Celebration Service at 11:30am with Rev. Dr. Ronald O. Perry, Sr., Pastor.

The parade route will start at the Springfield Baptist Church on Mattie Cooper Street (aka Church Street) and continue on to N. Cedar Street, where it will turn down Main Street, until it hits Willow Street, then turns on Mattie Cooper Street to end at the Springfield Baptist Church.

The student essay contest is happening again this year, where Beacon students grades 1-12 were asked to write about the following quote: “Only love can overcome hatred, bitterness, and fear. I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

The winning students will receive a $50 award sponsored by Rhinebeck Bank. All others will receive a certificate.

For more information, go to beaconsloop.org.

Justice McCray Does Not Seek Re-Election For Ward 2; Delivers Their Final Speech On City Council

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“I’ve got a lot more to say and it just won’t be said from this seat.”
— Justice McCray

Justice McCray was elected to represent Ward 2 in Beacon, which is the southwest district of the City of Beacon. Justice sprang onto the scene in 2020 during the reawakening for the Civil Rights of People for Color in the United States. They co-formed the group Beacon4BlackLives, a social justice organization dedicated to building social and racial equity and justice within the Hudson Valley. Justice was one of the primary organizers of marches in the name of Black lives mattering more, including a protest at night outside of Mayor Lee Kyriacou’s house.

The demands of Beacon4BlackLives remained in Justice’s election platform., which included:

  • Defund the police.

  • Implement more police oversight policies.

  • Invest back in community by way of social and educational institutions, child care, housing, mental health services, and others.

  • Invest in municipal broadband.

Justice was on Council for the passage of Beacon’s Good Cause Eviction Law, which is now being challenged in court via eviction hearings of various Beaconites. They also consistently voted no or abstained from votes to increase the police budget.

Justice did not seek re-election, and the question could be asked if it was because they felt more impactful as a community organizer out in the field, not bound by municipal charters silencing them, or conforming them to a way of doing things. Justice was succeeded by Jeffrey Domanski, who is not a stranger to working with City Councils as he was part of an effort to unite municipalities to sign into an energy savings plan using clean energy for a low fixed rate, which was eventually nullified by the provider of that energy.

Longtime Councilmember George Mansfield also did not seek re-election, after serving for 14 years. Councilmember George delivered his farewell speech, followed by Justice’s. The full speech from Justice has been republished below:

“I thought I would have a lot to say in my final report as a City Councilperson - and then George spoke (laughter) - but I’ve got a lot more to say and it just won’t be said from this seat.

“When I decided to step up and run for office, I had been actively participating in Council Meetings for a long time as a social justice activist and housing justice advocate.

“ I’ve been a City Councilmember that neighbors in every ward have talked to about very real discrimination they’ve faced.”
— Justice McCray

“I thought I understood how our local government runs, and I came in charged and ready to take on the work that the previous Council left us, and I was ready to be bold and ambitious and frankly, confrontational.

“Stepping into this seat, I learned quickly how much I didn’t know, and for better or worse, I slowed down.

“I didn’t know much I needed to know on the county level or state level, and I didn’t realize how often I would feel powerless in this position. I also didn’t realize how influential my voice had become in addressing issues locally and on a larger level.

“I’ve sat in the living rooms and dining rooms of dozens of my community members’ homes to address issues from potholes, to accessing legal assistance. I’ve been a City Councilmember that neighbors in every ward have talked to about very real discrimination they’ve faced.

“I'm so honored that I've had the opportunity to be a part of a council that fought for tenants rights, that passed trailblazing climate legislation, that’s invested heavily in recreation and community input and making sure that community voices are heard.

“I’m proud of the ways I’ve leveraged the power of this seat to push back against the contamination of the Hudson River, to advocate for tenant protections statewide, to fight Central Hudson’s proposed rate increases and so much more.

“I’m so grateful for everything that I’ve learned and for everyone who has supported me. I’ve felt so much support through this position and I wouldn’t have made it without my community.”
— Justice McCray

“I'm so grateful for everything that I've learned and for everyone who has supported me. I've felt so much support through this position and I wouldn't have made it without my community. I have a lot of hope for the future, and while I'm going to be finding better ways to play to my strengths, I look forward to doing everything I can to make sure that Beacon can be the best that it can be.

“Special shoutout to my neighbors on South Chestnut and Rombout. I love you very much and you've really made the neighborhood special. I have so many people to thank and I don't think I can name them all here, but for those who make this community special, for those who initiate, for those who show up in whatever ways they know how, thank you and keep showing up.”

Beacon Farmers Market Closed For Anticipated Snow Storm - January 7, 2024

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In anticipation of the first snow storm of the season, which is predicted to drop 4”-8” of snow, the Beacon Farmer’s Market is closed. Said the Beacon Farmer’s Market via their Instagram: “When there is snowfall in Beacon, cars must be removed from Main Street to allow plows to come through. When this happens, parking lots like the DMV Lot must be made available for public/resident parking. We’re happy to do our part for the residents of Beacon.”

New Location And Tree Planted For Beacon's Christmas Tree Lighting 2023 - Menorah Location Unknown At This Time

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The City of Beacon has chosen a new location for the Christmas tree lighting - Memorial Park. If you were wondering where the very tall evergreen tree near the parking lot appeared from, or if it had been there the whole time but you just didn’t remember, Beacon’s City Administrator, Chris White confirmed during this week’s City Council Meeting that indeed, such a large tree was recently planted to the left of the parking lot of Memorial Park. An electrical outlet was dug and positioned next to the tree so that power could reach the tree for the lights. City Administrator Chris said that Beacon’s Tree Committee was involved in the tree planting. Beacon’s Mayor Lee Kyriacou mentioned in his City Council Report that he attended the event, found it enjoyable, and that eventually, it got cold.

The tree lighting event is usually at Pohill Park, which is at Beacon’s most visible main entrance of Main Street and Wolcott Ave (aka Bank Square and Beacon Creamery). Regarding the new location, one of the organizers, Rhonda Altonen, who is also the leader of Girl Scouts Heart Of The Hudson, Inc., told the Beacon Free Press: “We knew that if the event continued to grow, we would need more space. Construction/renovations of the Lewis Tompkins House [Firehouse] also contributed, as they would need space for equipment.”

The new firehouse is one of Beacon’s largest multi-million dollar construction projects, which is currently overshadowing the Welcome Center at Pohill Park, with fencing to protect the new building and geothermal heating underneath, which has constrained parking for St. Andrews Church, and resulted in the one-way designation of South Avenue for the block off Main Street.

The Beacon Free Press reported that people could expect a few take-aways from the event, including an ornament kit, hot chocolate and a cookie. A stage was set for local performers to shine in their holiday cheer. Performances from Yanarella, Salvation Army, Ballet Arts’ Dutchess Dance Company dancers, and others (please chime in the Comments to identify your group!).

All videos of performances were sent in by ALBB Reader Paula Merlino. Thank you, Paula!

The Dutchess Dance Company dancers from Ballet Arts.

Carolers. We spy with our little eyes, the new Captain for Beacon’s Salvation Army, Captain Jesseyna Wiand on the far left of the microphones.

Short 10-ish Year Historic Path Of The Tree Lightnings In Beacon

Traditionally…and…traditions have always evolved here in Beacon…there was a time in the past 10 or so years where a holiday scene was at Pohill Park at the Main Street entrance of Beacon on the west end of town, near the train. There was a tree sculpture made of illuminated bicycle wheels. Next to it was a menorah sculpture, also made of illuminated bicycle wheels. Usually Santa would be rickshaw-ed down Main Street and visit with people. The organization who produced this was BeaconArts, in conjunction with the City of Beacon, and Ed Benavente was the artist of the tree and menorah. So far, a date for a Menorah lighting has not been announced by the City of Beacon or other group. The last time the bicycle menorah lit was in 2021.

Over time, some Beaconites wanted an evergreen tree to be the lit tree again. BeaconArts went through different reorganizations, and the tree lighting ceremony shifted to a new old group. The bicycle tree and menorah no longer lit up Beacon’s main entrance. A giant evergreen behind the Welcome Center was the new celestial greeting. The City of Beacon organized the Santa sittings, there was hot chocolate and different organizations participated to make the tree lighting a fun night for all. That has now moved to Memorial Park.

Renovations Complete At Veterans Memorial Building - ADA Compliant Now - And What Means For Accessibility For Veterans

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The renovations are complete at the Veterans Memorial Building, the Commander of the VFW Post 666 Herold Delamater told the Beacon Free Press this week. Construction started in February 2023, in what was an planned project for the Veterans, but the public grew concerned and protective of the building when they saw fencing go up. Throughout the year, different upgrades have been made.

The building serves as a meeting location for many Veterans meetings and gatherings, as well as other events for the public, including FEMA needs when they happen. The Guardian Revival is also based there now, which is a non-profit with a mission to revive and preserve the mental health and well-being of veterans and first responders at no cost to them.

The Chief of Staff of the Guardian Revival, Deneen Kirsten, said this about the change the renovations have given veterans: “They [veterans] want to come in and hang out and they realize it’s a safe place. They then ask for help.’ Deneen told the newspaper that with the various programs the organizations are offering, some of the stigma is being lifted.

Tony Pulliam, a US Veteran who is the Commander of the Marine Corps League chapter in Beacon, told the Beacon Free Press that where they did not have a handicap ramp before, they have it now, by raising the front porch. They also planted new landscaping in front of the building. People may miss the pink flowering trees in the spring, but there must have been a reason to remove them.

The building is used 7 days a week, with over 200 volunteers, staff and membership accessing it. There is a new kitchen on the lower floor, which was provided by grants. The labor to install was all-volunteer, with the exception of the tile work, Pulliam told the Beacon Free Press.

“Years ago, no one even know what the building was,” Delamater told the newspaper. But now, the words VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING are inscribed at the top on the outside of the building.

Nearly $500,000 in improvements have been made to the building, which the veterans have organized, the Beacon Free Press reports. The Department of Veterans Services has awarded $60,000 for additional renovations. Some financing has come from the City of Beacon in years past under the City Administrator Anthony Ruggiero, but the veterans rely on fundraising to get their work and repairs complete.

Regarding Veterans Day, Herold told the Beacon Free Press: “It is a time for reflection across all branches. It is a time to support one another. We’re all one. We have to look out for one another. If someone is out there who needs something, we’re here. We don’t turn anybody away.”

The Veterans Memorial Building Team will be hosting a commemorative veterans event on November 30 from 6-8pm at the Veterans Memorial Building.

Beacon Election Results: The Significance Of The Unopposed Party, And A Few Other Races

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In Beacon, the entire City Council, made up of Democrats, was running unopposed, including the Mayor. Until one person announced just days prior that he would be a write-in mayoral candidate, which garnered some discussion about the fact that there was no choice of candidates. A single party hold by the Democratic party on this community has become the norm, that one sometimes wonders why there were yard signs at all.

In this local election, here are some election results from the Dutchess County Board Of Elections:

County Clerk:
Kenya Gadsen (Democrat) lost to Bradford Kendall (Republican), who was running for re-election. It was a close race.
Kenya also ran on the Working Families line, and Bradford on the Conservative line.
Kenya was at one time on Beacon’s Board Of Education, and then moved to be elected to Fishkill’s Town Board.

Dutchess County Executive
Susan J. Serino (Republican) won against Tommy Zurhellen (Democrat).
Susan also ran on the Conservative line, and Tommy on the Working Families line.
Susan was a New York Senator representing Dutchess County for 8 years, until she lost her last re-election to Michelle Henchey (Democrat) after her territory was redistricted.

Dutchess County Legislator - District 16
Yvette Valdes Smith (Democrat, Working Families) beat Ron Davis (Republican, Conservative) by a wide margin. There were 2 write-in votes (.07%).

Dutchess County Legislator - District 18
Nick Page (Democrat) won unopposed. There were 22 write-in votes (1%).
Nick’s family’s business, Hudson Todd, owns several of the buildings on Main Street on the west end of town by Bank Square.

City Of Beacon Mayor
Lee Kyriacou won almost unopposed. There were 449 write-votes. That was 16% of the vote. Generally, the percentage of write-ins for other elected positions in this election was 1%.
Lee ran in the Democratic line and is a landlord.
Days before the vote, Reuben Simmons announced his candidacy as a write-in. Well known in Beacon, Reuben stood a very slim, but not impossible, chance of winning through his work as a City of Beacon employee and his extensive volunteer work, placing him throughout the city with people at all times.

Beacon City Council
All 7 seats of the City Council were Democrats and ran unopposed.
Five seats remain the same, and 2 are new:
Ward 1: Molly Rhodes, returns for her 2nd term. There were 10 write-in votes (1%).
Molly ran in the Democratic line.
A newcomer, LaStar Gorton, wanted to run for Ward 1, and had everything she needed to run on the Independent line. But a series of strange events happened to her that kept her off the ballot.
Ward 2: Jeffrey Domanski is newly elected. There were 9 write-in votes (1%).
Jeffrey ran in the Democratic line.
Former Councilmember Justice McCray did not seek re-election. Justice is a founding member of Beacon4Black Lives.
Jeffrey is known in Beacon politics in part for his work for shepherding Beacon, along with other municipalities, into Beacon’s signing onto a fixed energy price using clean energy via the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program. That program auto-opted in Beacon residents, and guaranteed them a low fixed energy rate. When energy rates went up in Summer or during the beginning of the Ukraine war, the fixed energy price through the CCA remained low and the same. However, the energy contractor behind this arrangement broke their contract and walked away, thereby breaking the fixed rate. Some Beaconites were suspicious of the rate lock anyway, just by the nature of so many clean energy solar panel peddlers coming to Beaconite’s doorsteps and confusing them with different programs, and because of Central Hudson’s own confusing and sometimes misleading language. The CCA program was nothing like those programs, and did give citizens savings. Jeffrey is married to a member of the Beacon Board of Education, Kristan Flynn.
Ward 3: Wren Longo, returns for her 2nd term. There were 8 write-in votes (1%).
Wren ran in the Democratic line.
Wren is well versed in affordable housing.
Ward 4: Dan Aymar-Blair, returns for his 3rd term. There were 16 write-in votes (2%).
Dan ran in the Democratic and Working Families lines.
Dan originally ran on an anti-development theme and currently seeks strict regulation of emissions to impact the climate crisis.
Councilmembers At Large: Paloma Wake and Pam Wetherbee
Paolma ran in the Democratic and Working Families lines.
Paloma is passionate about affordable housing, the climate, and land-justice in Beacon, recognizing that we are living on Indigenous land.
Pam ran in the Democratic line.
Pam is a former City Councilmember, and is currently advocating for the residents who live near Rte. 52, where the Mayor is leading a move to re-zone that area once property opens up after Healey Brothers leave.