Beacon Dispatch

Spring is Here. Can You Hear It?

It's a beautiful, 65-degree day today. I'm outside on the deck for the first time, taking advantage of my wireless network to work outside. Finally, Spring. But, wait, not so fast. My neighbor two doors down has decided to bring in the professionals to cut down two elderly oak trees. It's been going on all day, and I've had to retreat inside to escape the noise. There really ought to be a law against cutting down trees until the community has had a chance to review the plans. If the trees are diseased, fine. But both of these ancient old trees looked healthy enough. It's really a shame to see them come down branch by branch. So much for that fresh Spring feeling...

Punk Icon Coming to Beacon

Tonight at 7:30, the Cthonic Clash coffee shop is hosting "The Evens" a musial duo featuring Amy Farina and former Minor Threat and Fugazi front man Ian MacKaye. Reservations are required, but man, oh man, this one should be a treat.

Forget the Yellow Pages, Try Google

Check this out. You can now use Google to search for local business and services in Beacon. Just put in your search term, and the address, city/state, or zip code, and you're in business. I've always wondered how long it would take for my neighbor's business, Penzetta's Plumbing, to be available online. So I went to Google, searched for "plumbers" in Beacon, NY, and up came a list of local plumbers, including Freddy Penzetta. Now all we need is someone to tell us which services are the best. Yellow pages with consumer ratings -- that would be a real improvement.

New Police Commissioner Sign of Times for Beacon

Over the past 6 months, both the Beacon Police Department and its leader, Chief Richard Sassi, have come under considerable criticism for racism, brutality, and fiscal mismanagement. Recently a new post of Police Commissioner was created by the city to to supervise the operation of the department. According to Councilman Lee Kyriacou, the position was created to end "nepotism and cronyism" and make sure the department effectively manages its $4 million annual budget. The position will be filled within the next few months, after which Sassi will have to report to the new Commissioner (yup, that's gonna be awkward.)

Let's hope this ends an unfortunate era in Beacon's history, and that relations between Beacon citizens, minorities in particular, and law enforcement will improve.

Beacon Democratic Party Sponsors Fundraiser

The Beacon Democratic Committee is sponsoring a Luncheon & "Roast" next Sunday 3/21 at 2pm at Seasons on the Hudson, 2 Beekman Street (on Route 9D). This year's "roastees" (those being roasted) include Joe Ruggiero (Dutchess County Democratic Committee Chairman), Cathy Adler (Dutchess County Democratic Club Past President), and John Berry (Beacon Democratic Mayoral candidate), with a special performance by the The Great Contenders (Beacon's Democratic slate from last November).

Donation is $25. Call Charlie Kelly at 831-8721, or Eleanor Thompson at 838-4261, for reservations.

Second Saturday: What's Happening Around Town

Saturday, the 13th

- Art opening at Spire Studios, 6pm, 5 Tompkins Ave
- Hudson Valley Food & Wine Tasting, 1-7 pm, 197 Main St.
- Singer / Songwriter Mark Von Em, Cthonic Clash Coffee House, 9pm, 418 Main St.

Sunday, the 14th

- "History Through Song"; Vocalist Irina Mozyleva, Pianist Darren Motise; 6pm, Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St.

Personal Diary Recovered

It's nice to know that in this age of Homeland Security, you can still count on the kindness of strangers. In order to return the personal diary (see below) we found at the train station, we had to do some detective work. Turns out Jaimie's chiropractor works out of Fishkill. Anouk called his office, told the receptionist that we had the diary of a patient of theirs, and left our contact info. The receptionist promised to call Jaimie, and forward out info. Well, she did just that, and this story has a happy ending. Jaimie called us a few days ago and left her address so we could return her diary. She seemed embarrassed, but grateful. Jaimie, your diary is in the mail...

Found: The Personal Diary of Jaimie Phillips

Last night, as Anouk was waiting for me to arrive at the station, she spotted a couple dashing for the NY-bound train. They were in such a hurry, the woman hadn't properly closed her bag, and some of her belongings spilled out. They recovered her water bottle, but didn't notice the small, black book that was left behind. Anouk, being the good samaritan, picked up the book, but couldn't run after them with our two kids in the car. When I got in the car, Anouk showed me the book, and it turned out the be the woman's personal diary. As there is no return address or ID inside the cover of the diary, we've had to do a bit of detective work to find out who she is, so we can return it to her. (She must be going mad right now wondering who found it.) We've been able to learn that it belongs to Jaimie Phillips, and we think she lives in Beacon, or at least near by. And she's quite a talented photographer. Jaimie, if you're out there, send me your address and we'll send you your diary as soon as we hear from you...

Free to Be...You and Me -- the LP!

As the sun came out from behind rain heavy clouds, the afternoon turned warm and dry. I had a half hour to myself, so I decided to stop by Juicy for a banana, strawberry, and yogurt smoothy. Turns out the shop is run by a woman I see every day on the MTA. She's got a good thing going there...

I then wandered up to the World's End Bookstore, where I always find someting worthwhile. Today it was Free to Be...You and Me, an LP from 1972 that I've been looking for for years. This is truly one of the great children's records ever recorded (I've always dreamed of covering the title song.) And it came complete with the 12-page lyric book! Great find. I also picked up a Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys record. Twelve greatest hits numbers that make me seriously consider moving back to Texas. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. It's hard to find a book and record store of this quality in NYC, let alone in Beacon. If I didn't live here, it would be a good enough reason to visit.

Cast Your Vote in the Democratic Presidential Primary

Which Democratic Presidential candidate do you think has the best chance against Bush in November? Today's the day to make your choice. Polls are open from noon to 9pm. According to the Dutchess County Board of Elections, election districts have been consolidated this year, so your polling place may have changed. (I got a notice in the mail telling me where to go.) If you're a registered Democrat, and you didn't get a letter about a new polling place, go to vote at your regular location. Only registered Democrats may vote in this year's presidential primary. No other party has a presidential primary in New York this year. Below is the list of polling locations:

1st W. 1st D. A Tompkins Hose Co., Route 9D Entrance, 13 South Avenue
1st W. 2nd D. A South Avenue School, Main Entrance, 60 South Avenue, Beacon
2nd W. 1st D. A Tompkins Hose Co., Route 9D Entrance, 13 South Avenue
2nd W. 2nd D. A South Avenue School, Main Entrance, 60 South Avenue, Beacon
2nd W. 3rd D. A Memorial Building, Teller Avenue Entrance, 413 Main Street
3rd W. 1st D. A Memorial Building, Teller Avenue Entrance, 413 Main Street
3rd W. 2nd D. A James V. Forrestal School, Main Entrance, 125 Liberty Street
3rd W. 3rd D. A Memorial Building, Teller Avenue Entrance, 413 Main Street
4th W. 1st D. A Memorial Building, Teller Avenue Entrance, 413 Main Street
4th W. 2nd D. A James V. Forrestal School, Main Entrance, 125 Liberty Street