Beacon Dispatch

An Open Letter to Mayor Gould, City Administrator Joseph Braun, and Members of the Beacon City Council

I have been following the ongoing saga of the City of Beacon Police Department since my retirement in August of 2003.  The accusations, the lawsuits, the investigations and so on. While it is my opinion that the department and its officers have been cast aside for the sake of politics and personal agendas I find it most disturbing that it has been over a month and there has not been one statement by the City Council in regard to the shooting of Police Officer Anthony Hopper. I worked with Officer Hopper and know him to be a fine man and an excellent police officer.  Although I do not know Officer Jose Martinez (Hopper's partner) I have met him and he appears to be a fine young man.  In any event it is obvious that these two heroes put their lives on the line for the people of the City of Beacon.  Answering a call as simple as a suspicious person in a parking lot in the middle of the day almost cost them  their lives.  And because of the selfish act of an 18 year old thug these two men and their families will have to live with the effects of his reckless actions for the rest of their lives. And the only statement I have seen from the city is a quote in the local newspaper about how the Council approved money for vests just prior to this incident, never miss an opportunity to blow your own horn. As usual all talk, no action.  While I appreciate the problems between the City and the Chief of Police I feel it unfortunate that the administration would treat their police officers, who they say they support, in such a way.  I have also talked to both Officers Hopper and Martinez and can not believe that not one of you has reached out to them to see how they and their families are doing since the shooting.  It is unfortunate that the relationship between the city and the police department has been allowed to continue in such a way as common decency is not even recognized.

"Regretfully" Submitted,
Paul J. Schettino (Retired Lieutenant)
City of Beacon Police Department 1981 - 2003

Open Space Initiative Passes

By an unofficial vote of 1,128 to 1,079, the Open Space initiative has passed in Beacon.

Old Theater In A Bidding War?

The Poughkeepsie Journal reported Saturday that the old theater on Main Street now appears to have two suitors. The two parties interested in the building have two distinctly different views of how the space should be used. One sees it as a six screen movie complex while the other sees the old theater as a venue for performing arts, including movies, live theater, and music.

Beacon Police Officer Shot

Beacon police officer Anthony Hopper was shot today responding to a report of trespassing in the parking lot of the Forrestal Heights apartment buildings. PoJo reports that Officer Hopper was shot at "point blank range and the bullet penetrated his bullet-resistant vest, but did not pierce his skin." It was reportedly the first time in 87 years that a police officer had been shot in the line of duty in Beacon.

Tallix leaving Beacon

PoJo reports this morning that Tallix is merging with Polich Art Works in Rock Tavern, Orange County. The new company, called Polich Tallix LLC "will result in the closing of the Beacon facility, which opened in 1986." According to the article, most of the employees in Beacon will continue to work for the new company.

Sassi Files Yet Another Suit

The Poughkeepsie Journal is reporting today that Chief Sassi has filed yet another lawsuit against the City of Beacon for "First Amendment Rights violations." The article releases the text of a letter sent by Sassi to City Administrator Joe Braun regarding Braun's use of City vehicles for personal purposes. While the letter raises legitimate questions, the letter—which should have been directed to the City Council rather than Braun—clearly has an insubordinate tone.

Sassi's attorney Jonathan Lovett—highlighting the true purpose behind Sassi's several lawsuits—stated that, "...the problem is Braun — he ought to be removed. [Removing Braun] would save the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal costs."

PJ Editorial Calls for New Beacon Police Chief

Today's editorial in the Poughkeepsie Journal is calling for an end to the imbroglio between Beacon's Chief of Police and City Hall stating that the residents of Beacon need better than what they're getting and, "Regardless of how all the legal matters run their course, the community and police department will need a fresh start."

The PJ's editorial echos a Beacon Dispatch editorial from March of this year.

Ribbon Cutting at Rombout Middle School

Rombout Middle School opened the door today on its new addition with a ribbon cutting. Present for the event were Former Superintendent, Vito DiCesare, Current Superintendent, Dr. Jean Parr, Former Board President Deborah Sheers, Board President William Zopf, and Assistant Superintendent of Media and Operational Services, Charles Symon.

Tonight's Board Meeting will take place at the Middle School and the building will be open for tours this evening. Incoming 6th grade students are welcomed to an open house Wednesday, August 30th, from 1-3 pm.

Beacon Cultural Foundation Files for Bankruptcy

Arts group finding it difficult to meet financial obligations on former high school

The Poughkeepsie Journal reports today that the Beacon Cultural Foundation—the group that purchased and now manages the former Beacon High School—has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Sam Yanes, director of the foundation, stated in the article that the foundation paid too much for the property when they purchased the building for $4.25 million in 2003. He also stated that increasing energy costs have made it difficult for the group to meet their financial obligations.

Sassi Jr. Files New Lawsuit

The Poughkeepsie Journal reports today that Richard Sassi, Jr. has filed a new lawsuit against the City of Beacon for promoting another officer over Sassi for a detective position that opened up last year. The lawsuit brings into question the legality of the City's nepotism law, which a judge earlier this year stated was likely to be illegal. But the judge in this case also stated that, as the detective position did not require a civil service exam, it was questionable whether it could be considered a promotion or simply a lateral move.

Beacon Survey Deadline Extended

DEADLINE FOR RETURN OF
BEACON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEYS
EXTENDED TO MONDAY, JULY 10 AT 5PM

Residents and business owners who have not yet
completed their surveys now have a few extra days!
Please return completed forms to City Hall or
to the Howland Public Library by 5PM on Monday,
July 10. Extra surveys are available at the Library
and at City Hall. For more information, call
845-838-5000. This survey is an important
opportunity for your voice to be heard!

School Budget Passes

22% Increase in Voter Turnout Makes the Difference

Tuesday's school budget vote saw 545 more voters turn out, which turned the tide for the district and resulted in a 57% to 43% approval of the new budget. While fewer voters rejected the budget this time around than they did in the May election—1399 in May compared to 1288 yesterday—that difference would not have been enough to pass the budget. The election was won by the more than 500 voters who turned out for this vote, all of whom, it appears, voted in favor of the budget. Pushing those in favor of the budget to a total of 1733 votes, or 656 more "yeas" than last month's 1077.

Hat parade today at 11:30

Be sure to check out the Hat Parade today at 11:30. The parade starts at the west end of Main Street and continues down through the east end. You can see some photos of last year's parade here.

If it rains, the parade will happen tomorrow at 1. See the BACA site for more details of the day's festivities...

Special School Board Meeting Set for Tonight

The Beacon School Board has a special public meeting planned for 8:30 this evening at the High School. Up for discussion are whether or not cuts should be made to the budget and what, if any, services should be eliminated in the 2006-7 school year and whether or not the budget should be put to a second vote sometime in June.

To put this into some kind of perspective, as of this year with a budget that passed last May, the district elementary schools had to make cutbacks and share several teachers between schools. Phys Ed., Instrumental, and Choral Music teachers have spent the year rotating between all the elementary schools. During the last school year these same teachers were working full-time at one district school, giving students more comprehensive Phys Ed. and Music educations.

School Budget Sent Packing

Howland Library's Budget Voted Down as Well

Yesterday's school budget was defeated by a 13% margin (1399 No votes to 1077 Yes votes). Beacon residents also voted down the district's appropriation of funds for new buses.

The Howland Public Library, which was asking for a reasonably small 3.5% increase over last year's budget, was voted down by a 25% margin. (1521 No votes to 921 Yes votes.)

All running school and library board members were voted into office as there were only enough candidates running to fill the empty seats.

Percentages have been rounded.

New York Post discovers Beacon

The New York Post jumps on the Beacon bandwagon with this piece in the Real Estate section of Thursday's paper. My favorite quote:

"Beacon is different things to different people: small-town America, a green-minded oasis, a blue dot on Dutchess County's red map. What everyone can agree upon is that Beacon, dramatically situated at the base of Mount Beacon., is changing for the better."

(Note: free registration is required to view the Post site.)

Correction: Building torn down on Verplanck and Main

Roving photographer John Fasulo took this shot of the renovated building being pulled down on Verplanck and Main Street. The building did not collapse, as was first reported here. Reports are coming in that the City ordered the building be torn down because the frame was starting to shift. Anyone with more information is welcome to comment below...

More Police/City Hall Drama

The Poughkeepsie Journal is reporting today that City Administrator Joe Braun has had a suit filed against him alleging that Braun told the City of Beacon Police to, "...have [no] contact of any kind, either directly or indirectly," with two City women. These women allege that City of Beacon Police Detective Tony Rios lied when claiming to save an infant's life in November of 2004.

More bad news for the Beacon Police

I realize there's more to talk about in Beacon than the police department, but the news just keeps getting worse. Today Dan Paulsen reports in the Poughkeepsie Journal that another lawsuit has been filed, this time against two police officers accused of beating a man while in custody in 2003.

The suit is one of "at least four federal lawsuits pending against Beacon police, including three lawsuits that name [Frank] Pompilio as a defendant." The suits all allege that defendants were the victims of excessive force while in custody.

Possible demotion for Chief Sassi?

The Poughkeepsie Journal has the latest on Beacon Police Chief Richard Sassi, who was the subject of a disciplinary hearing on Friday.

Beacon police chief files suit against the city

The Poughkeepsie Journal reported today that Beacon Police Chief Richard Sassi filed a federal lawsuit on February 8 accusing city leaders of "trying to fire him in retaliation for his outspoken criticism of their handling of police spending and other, unrelated city matters." As reported in the Beacon Dispatch last month, Chief Sassi's son recently filed a suit against the city after being denied a promotion in the Beacon Police Department. According to the Journal, the two suits have been combined into one larger complaint.

Hillary Clinton: hard to be ambivalent

Today I had a brief conversation with a friend at the coffee shop about Jonathan Tasini's challenge to Hillary Clinton for New York Senator. I had to admit that I like Hillary Clinton, perhaps more as a person than as a Senator -- she's smart, pragmatic, and articulate on a wide range of issues. Then I found this forum on Topix.net (a site that aggregates local news) where people were responding to an article saying that Republicans think she's too angry for the American people. It's a fascinating thread, and a darn good site to keep up on local news here in Beacon.

Worth checking out -- I find it's hard for anyone to feel ambivalent about Ms Clinton...

And They Say Water Only Bothers Mad Dogs

In what's turning out to be a continuing PR nightmare, the Poughkeepsie Journal reports today that the latest edition of the City of Beacon water bill again has residents up in arms.

Due to the fact that the company contracted to install new water meters has been unable to complete the job—the company that manufactures the new meters ran out of stock—City residents have again received higher than normal water bills. The reason? Because the City is now operating on two separate, incompatible, water accounting systems, the current bill is based upon an average of resident's last four bills.

While City Administrator Joe Braun told the Journal that, "Meter readings are cumulative, so if the estimates are too high or too low this time, those discrepancies will even out the next time the city takes actual readings," several people that the Dispatch spoke with stated that their bills were still much higher than has been typical over the last several years. For example, one house, which has had no occupants since mid-summer and no apparent leaks, received a water usage bill for over $100. And the last two bills received have both been estimates, not actual readings.

The real issue here is the considerable lack of communication coming from City Hall. Given that the last higher-than-usual water bill was met with such ire, you'd think that those at 1 Municipal Plaza would have thought it wise to forewarn City residents that this month's bill still might not reflect actual usage. While the City Administrator, Mayor, and Council can be forgiven for making this kind of mistake one time, the same lack of courtesy a second time reeks of a smug disregard for the people who actually have to bay the bills.

Beacon residents concerned about halfway house

The following was posted as a "comment" in a previous post, but I thought it would interest a larger audience, so I'm re-posting it here. It's a letter sent by Beacon resident Donna Francis to State Assemblyman Tom Kerwan, City Council members Shea and Thompson, and local property owners regarding a halfway house on Liberty street.

-------

January 23, 2006

Dear Mr. Kerwan,

A few weeks ago I discovered that a halfway house for drug addicts had open at 28 Liberty Street in Beacon. This was formerly a one family home. Homeowners in the area were not notified of the change in occupancy.  I would think that such a change in occupancy would require a zoning change or variance.

When you consider that we are notified if someone wishes to create a parking space on their front lawn. It seems incredulous that we would not be notified when such a serious change in occupancy occurs.

Snow day today for Beacon schools

According to the Beacon City Schools Web site. Weather forecast says up to 8 inches of show before the storm moves on...

Governor to Fund Rivers & Estuaries Center

The Poughkeepsie Journal reports today that Governor Pataki has proposed that $25 million of this year's budget go toward the construction of the Rivers & Estuaries Center in Beacon. Construction at the site is slated to begin sometime this week.

New movie theater to open in Beacon?

No, it's not the old theater space on Main Street that everyone keeps asking about (Mr. Ehrlich, any news?) According to today's Poughkeepsie Journal, the Beacon Cultural Foundation is raising money to renovate the 300-seat theater in Bulldog Studios, which was once Beacon High School. The foundation received a donated $250,000 digital projector last year, and is now working on  converting the space from an auditorium into a "cinema quality" digital movie theater. According to BCF President Sam Yanes, the renovation work includes installing a new sound system, refurbishing the seats, and installing a ground floor projection booth. About $150,000 needs to be raised to do the work, and the theater is expected to open within the next year. The theater will show independent film, much like the Film Forum theater in New York. Great idea -- one that will be good for the  whole Mid-Hudson Valley. Fingers crossed, no longer will we have to drive to Rheinbeck for a good independent movie theater.

Police Accident Update

The Poughkeepsie Journal reports today that there were three injuries in Wednesday night's accident on Main Street. Officer Robert Sellick was also injured in the crash.

The passenger of the vehicle, who at the scene appeared to be badly injured, was treated at St. Lukes Hospital for minor injuries and released as were the driver of the vehicle and Officer Sellick. The driver of the passenger vehicle, who was turning onto Main Street from North Walnut Street, was cited for failure to yield at a stop sign and failure to yield for an emergency vehicle.

The accidented is being investigated by the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office.

Beacon Police Involved In Auto Accident on Main Street

Occupants of vehicle seriously injured

At approximately 10:30 pm this evening a City of Beacon police officer was involved in a serious auto accident on Main Street at the intersection of N/S Walnut Streets. Witnesses on the scene were unclear as to whether the officer, who was east bound on Main Street, was in pursuit of another vehicle or en route to a call when the accident occurred. All witnesses indicated that the officer was traveling at a high rate of speed.

A survey of the scene revealed skidmarks of approximately 100 feet to the intersection, the second vehicle was then pushed 15-20 feet beyond the intersection, indicating that the officer was traveling in excess of 50 miles per hour.

The officer hit the vehicle on the passenger side, severely injuring the passenger of the vehicle. The Jaws of Life were required for the passenger's removal. Both driver and passenger were then taken to the hospital via ambulance.

Central Hudson to Conduct Annual Siren Test at Groveville Mills

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation will conduct a test of its warning siren for the Groveville Mills hydroelectric facility on the Fishkill Creek in Beacon on Friday, Dec. 16, 2005 at 12:00 noon. Federal mandates require this test be conducted annually, and the siren will be activated for 1 to 2 minutes during the test. Nearby residents are being notified of the test by mail.

In the unlikely event of an actual or pending emergency at the dam, the siren would be activated, and public and emergency officials would be immediately notified. The dam currently meets all federal safety criteria.

Denning's Point? Keep Your Feet Off It!

The Poughkeepsie Journal reported today what has been rumored for a couple of weeks now... Eagles are roosting at Denning's Point so hikers and the like are being asked to steer clear until spring.

I just have to wonder though... are they going to halt construction on the site while the Eagles roost? I bet not. So why not let the birders, hikers, and snowshoers clomp around out there too? No reason not to let people enjoy the solitude with the birds. wouldn't you agree?

Beacon Officer Honored for Off-duty Heroics

The Poughkeepsie Journal is reporting today that Beacon police officer Jose "Tony" Rios was honored for saving an infant's life one year ago this month. As the story reports, Officer Rios was at home last November when he heard a woman screaming. When he ran outside he discovered found the woman holding a child who was no longer breathing. Officer Rios administered CPR while having someone else call 911. The Journal states that it was Officer Rios' quick response that saved the child's life.

Kudos to officer Rios for his quick response and for his service to the community both on and off duty.

Ward Map

Water Worries

For the November/December issue of the Dispatch we're looking to speak with people who have been effected adversely by the installation of new water meters. ie, you got the new meter plus a bill for water usage dating back several years.

If you've faced this problem, please email us at editors(at)beacondispatch.com. (You'll need to replace the (at) with an @.)

Thanks

Castle in Ruin, on a River That Nearly Was

The NYT has an article (free membership required) today on the future of the Hudson River environmental movement, featuring John Cronin of the Rivers & Estuaries Center here in Beacon. John has lots of wise things to say about how the traditional ideas of environmentalism need to be re-thought to be relevant to more people:

"The environmental movement on the Hudson needs a new vision, Mr. Cronin said, one less focused on science and more in touch with the whole river system, including the communities along its banks. And just as a group of local people and businesses from the Beacon area are trying to stabilize what remains of the buildings on Bannerman's Island and open them to tourists, he says that the Hudson should be revitalized so it can again be a natural resource and economic engine for the region."

Well put...

Howland Library Measure Defeated

The Howland Library referendum was defeated this evening by nearly a 3 to 1 margin (1744 to 671). Crowds at the polls were large throughout the day with parking difficult and the line trailing out the library door right until the end.

Thanks to all the nearly 2500 voters who braved the lines,  the heat, and the parking to do their civic duty.

Busy Polls

Today's library referendum appears to have many voters out early. At 9:00 am there was a line of voters over ten minutes long and parking on the street was pretty difficult.

The chatter on line was fairly interesting, running from the erroneous to the actual. One voter was overheard saying that we didn't need a new library because, "...people have computers these days." Not exactly close to the truth as you wouldn't want to close the library and give everyone computers.

Referendum vote takes place from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm today. Make sure to give yourself enough time to park and vote.

Guaranteed to be a busy day.

Has Katrina Saved the US Media?

Interesting article from the BBC.

"This is resembling a third world country..."

That quote from my wife, who sat in the Yankee Clipper here in Beacon at lunch today, watching the gas prices change at the Coastal gas station across the street. The wait staff had been watching the prices change every hour all morning, from $2.87 to $3.09 and so on. The owner kept yelling "Not again!" whenever the guy would climb the ladder to change the price. She ended up filling her car for $3.15 at Sunoco.

BFP clarifies library tax issue; vote set for September 13

The Beacon Free Press has a very informative piece written by Melina Makris on the tax controversy surrounding Beacon's proposed new Howland Library:

"Sharing the cost through taxes will be residents of the City of Beacon and four other areas: Dutchess Junction, Beacon Hills, and Glenham, all in the Town of Fishkill, and the residents of the Wappinger hamlet of Chelsea. Residents in all four of those areas reside outside the city but within the boundaries of the Beacon School District."

There would be no double-taxation for people living in areas with more than one library, with one exception:

"For the small percentage of residents who live in Chelsea, the story is somewhat different. Bercause they live in the Town of Wappinger but pay taxes to the Beacon School District, they will be asked to fund both Grunnell Library in Wappingers Falls and the new Beacon facility...Chelsea voted to join the Beacon district four decades ago."

The tax burden is also detailed in the article, and it should be noted that these taxes are based on assessed value, not market value. But current estimates of actual taxpayer cost are based on the soon to be outdated figure of $60,000. A re-assessment of City of Beacon properties is meant to be completed for the 2006 tax rolls:

"In Beacon, the average homeowner would pay ... $1.04 per thousand dollars of assessed value; In Fishkill, the average homeowner would pay $.72 per thousand; in Wappinger the average homeowner would pay $.92 per thousand."

Another body found in Fishkill Creek

This time it's a "neatly dressed" male between the ages of 55 and 60. The Poughkeepsie Journal reports that there was no sign of foul play. If you have any information concerning the case, please call Beacon Police at 845-831-4111.

This is the second body found this summer in the same area of Fishkill Creek, at the intersection of Verplanck Ave. and Main St. Back in June a 43-year-old woman, Joanne Kessler, was found and the cause of death is still unknown, though many locals suspect a heroin overdose.

Beacon School Budget Shortfall The Subject Of Poughkeepsie Journal Editorial

The Poughkeepsie Journal in an editorial today stated their concern over the recent Beacon City School District budget shortfalls and what clearly appears to be, not only poor budgetary oversight, but criminal activity in the BCSD. The district recently reported that, despite an 18.5 percent year-over-year budget increase and the elimination of 30 positions from last school year, it would need to borrow $5.3 million dollars from the state to cover its expenses.

In another recent PJ article Superintendent DiCesare laid the blame for this shortfall at the feet of an Assistant Superintendent that no longer works in the district. Providing further details today's editorial states that the latest shortfall was, "due to a former employee "forging a million-dollar document.'" But, as this is the second major fiscal indiscretion in the district in less than five years, it raises the larger question of what the Superintendent is going to do to ensure that this never happens again? And why have there been so many large financial "errors" while Mr. DiCesare has been sitting as superintendent? As the district superintendent it's time for Mr. DiCesare to take the reigns and to take responsibility for financial issues—especially those financial issues that include forgery and outright theft—that are taking place within his district.

Gas prices continue to soar

According to GasPriceWatch.com, the average price of a gallon of regular gas in the U.S. is now $2.62. The highest prices are paid in San Francisco ($3.15) and the lowest in Rogersville, Tennessee ($2.11). Here in Beacon, prices are still below the average, at least according to the site. Below are the best prices to be found around town. Is this accurate? What are you seeing?

Beacon Coastal (Main St. & Fishkill Ave) = $2.11
Sunoco / Citgo (Main St & Elm) = $2.49
Mobil (Main St.) = $2.54

Source: GasPriceWatch.com

Sign of the times

As I mentioned in a post back in November 2003, the entrance to Beacon High School and Rombout Middle School on Verplanck Ave and Matteawan Road sorely needed a sign other than the one pointing in the direction of the correctional facility. Finally, as part of the Rombout Middle School Capital Project and renovation of the track, a sign announcing the schools has replaced the one for the prison. Well done, BSD. That has to be a morale boost for everyone going to those schools every day.

Mayor convenes master plan mtg for 7/27

This from a member of the master plan committee, commenting in the Tioronda thread below:

The Mayor convened a group that forms the Beacon Comprehensive Plan Committee and the City has engaged the services of Stohlman's office to help direct the process. Our first meeting as a group was in the beginning of June. An "organizational committee" meeting has been scheduled for July 27th at the Municipal Building and is open to the public. Come at 7:30pm if you would like to watch or participate in this process.

Golf tournament benefits heart attack and stroke victims

Press Release

The Jack Nicklaus Heart and Stroke Challenge golf tournament is now open to the general public at participating golf courses in Dutchess County.  The list of golf courses is below.  The Heart and Stroke Challenge is being held to raise awareness about the increasing risk of cardiovascular events including stroke, heart disease, and cardiovascular-related death in men and women ages 55 and older.  Entry is free with the option of buying a mulligan for $10.00 to help raise money to fund cardiovascular disease research and education.  Each member of the winning teams at the local club level will be awarded a lithograph commemorating Jack Nicklaus’ final appearance at the British Open and sectional winners will be invited to join Jack Nicklaus for a day of golf instruction and fun at PGA National in West Palm   Beach Gardens, Florida.

For more information about the Heart and Stroke Challenge, please visit www.nicklaus.com.

Participating golf courses include:

Duchess County

1)         Branton Woods GC

2)         The Southern Dutchess Country Club

Orange County

1)         Otterkill Golf & Country Club

Putnam County

1)         Garrison Golf Club

Rockland County

1)         Patriot Hills

2)         Philip J. Rotella Memorial Golf Course

3)         Rockland Country Club

6 Prisons, 2 Visiting Days and a Taxi Fleet

The New York Times interviews local taxi driver Chris Lediard about the stories he hears from his passengers as they visit loved ones in area correctional facilities:

"Last Sunday he was making the trip to Downstate with Ana Rivera, a 49-year-old mother of four who lives in Yonkers and works as a collections clerk for a telephone company.

She was going to see her son, who was, she said, guilty of just one crime: "He fell in love with the wrong woman." A fight with a rival suitor, she explained, had resulted in a three-year sentence. After a year and a half of weekend visits, she is still pained by seeing him behind the concrete and barbed wire of the state prison system."

Could have gone into greater depth on the stories, but it's an interesting article nonetheless.

Baby racing, a 20' fire truck slide, & Pete Seeger -- it must be Community Day!

Looks like the fundraising effort to build the first playground for toddlers in Beacon is getting even more creative. Community Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 2 (raindate July 3) at Memorial Park here in Beacon. The event will coincide with the fireworks display scheduled for later that night, and feature free music and entertainment, food, vendors, children's activities, and fun & games -- all sponsored by local agencies, civic groups, and churches.

But they need help to pull this off. If you have some time to spare, shoot them an email at info@weeplayproject.org or call Julann Cobb at 831-7254.

City Of Beacon Police Positively ID Woman Found in Fishkill Creek

The Poughkeepsie Journal reported late this afternoon that the body found in Fishkill Creek was in fact the body of Joanne Kessler, mother of Bruce Kessler who had earlier reported to the Karlson and McKenzie radio show on WPDH that the woman in the creek was his mother.

The Journal article states that the BPD was able to identify the body, "...by comparing autopsy reports to Kessler's medical records from Albany Medical Center." The cause of death is still undetermined. Another piece that is not clear is why the BPD did not allow Bruce Kessler to attempt to positively identify the body after his claim that the woman was in fact his mother and after stating—both privately and publicly—that his mother had both a tattoo and recent brain surgery, which the BPD stated were identifying features of the body. Features that the BPD had hoped would bring someone such as Mr. Kessler to the fore.

According to a comment on the Dispatch site, Bruce Kessler was asked to supply DNA material for identification purposes but, at the time that these comments were posted, he stated that he was not, "...getting any help from the BPD. My calls aren't answered , my messages aren't returned, and quite frankly I'm starting to get the impression that they don't even care."

Mr. Kessler, we send our sincerest regrets to you and are sorrowed at your loss.

Positive ID of corpse not expected until July 1

According to the Poughkeepsie Journal, the Beacon Police have said "they 'believe they have found the identity of the female victim,' but the woman's name was not released because detectives were waiting on laboratory tests and had not notified the woman's family."

The DNA samples have been sent to Albany for analysis, but the process can take weeks to complete. The BPD have asked the lab to expedite the process. What made identification even harder was the amount of decomposition that had occurred because the body had been in the water for two weeks. "Unfortunately, we could not lift any fingerprints from the body because of the decomposition," said Detective James Pavelock.

Despite the opinions of many Beaconites (see below posts), the BPD are still baffled as to how the woman ended up in the water, and have not determined whether foul play was involved.

Sal Cumella to sell the last hat factory in Beacon

The subject of last month's Beacon Voices, Sal Cumella and his partner Ramon Moreno have decided to close the last hat factory in Beacon. According to WRGB, the 31,000-square-foot Dorel Hat factory building and 6.5 riverfront acres — 58 miles up the Hudson in Beacon — are for sale.

Heroin to blame in woman's death?

According to unconfirmed reports, the body recently identified by Beacon Police was one of several people suspected of overdosing on heroin a few weeks ago. Apparently one male died in his house, another male died behind Madame Brett's house, and this woman was recovered in Fishkill Creek last Monday.

The man who claims to be the son of the deceased woman was apparently estranged from her, which helps explain why he didn't know she was missing. You can see his response in the below post.

And to top it all off, there's reportedly a new shipment of dangeroulsy potent heroin now hitting the streets in Beacon.

Man makes false claim to ID dead woman

The mystery of the unidentified corpse found in Fishkill Creek continues. Despite the claims of a man who said the body was that of his estranged mother, Beacon Police are still looking for leads in the case. The Poughkeepsie Journal stays on the story, reporting that the man made the claim on a local radio program based on public information about the corpse.

With no missing person reports to work from, and no identification, will Jane Doe's identity ever be revealed? Was it a crime of passion? Did she cross the wrong person? Or did she just get too close to the edge after a raging storm? Inquiring minds want to know...

Details released on corpse

Nik Bonapartis of the Poughkeepsie Journal continues coverage of the mysterious corpse that was found on Monday morning wedged in a dam in Fishkill Creek. Though Beacon Police have yet to identify the body, an autopsy revealed that the woman had at least one child, had brain surgery in the past, was between 35 and 50 years old, and had a tattoo of the letter "B" on her upper left arm. Autopsy results also lead authorities to believe the body was in the water for about two weeks before discovery.

If you have information relating to the case please call the City of Beacon Police Department at 845-831-4111. All calls will be kept confidential.

Beacon police find corpse; search for leads

According to the Poughkeepsie Journal,  on Monday at 11am Beacon Police found a decomposed corpse floating by the dam in Fishkill Creek at the end of Verplanck Ave and East Main Street. The police are looking for any information to help them identify the body. The woman was white, had brown hair and was wearing jeans and a black shirt with the name "Roxy" printed on the front. Anyone with information should call police headquarters at 845-831-4111. All calls will be kept confidential.

Playground fundraiser a huge success

From Julann Cobb, Director, Wee Play Children's Park:

"Thanks to all of the many volunteers who pitched in, and thanks to community that supports our efforts, the First Annual ReePlay Sale was a terrific success! Our goal was to raise $1,000--and we were thrilled to discover that we exceeded that with over $1,200 raised for the Wee Play Children's Park! Walmart of Fishkill supported this fundraiser with a grant of $1,000--making the total proceeds for the fundraiser over $2,200. Thank you, Mary Antalek for leading such a wonderful fundraiser, and many thanks to all of our volunteers who contributed to the day's success. We couldn't have done it without you!"

Your pictures of the Beacon Hat Parade

Below is one of the the pictures I received over the past week from readers of the Dispatch. If you have pictures you'd like to share, send them to me and I'll add them to the gallery.

School budget passes; library budget rejected

According to the BSD Web site, the budget passed with 1025 votes for and 812 against. The 2005-2006 budget of $44,180,000 represents an 8.37% increase over current year. A measure to purchase new buses also passed, 961 to 853.

The Poughkeepsie Journal also reports that the $867,357 operating budget for the Howland public library was rejected. A recount is reportedly in progress for the library board positions, for which Anne Forman, Suzanne McElduff and Ed Tucker are candidates

Volunteers needed for playground benefit

From Julann Cobb, Director of the Wee Play Children's Park:

We have our biggest fundraiser coming up this Saturday--the ReePlay sale at the VFW hall from 9-4. We desperately need more volunteers to help get ready for the event. So far a lot of people have offered help, but we need more people to actually show up. (Remember, we are doing this for ALL of our kids, right?) If you've been meaning to start getting involved, now is the time! There is a LOT of work to do this week if we're going to be ready. PLEASE CALL MARY ANTALEK ASAP TO OFFER YOUR HELP - 838-9782.

This is what we need:

TUESDAY NIGHT: Meet at Mary's House to help sort, organize and price items (think of it as a preview!). Come anytime after 6 P.M. Even if you can only come for an hour, that's a help!

THURSDAY NIGHT: More sorting, organizing and pricing at Mary's house, anytime after 6 P.M.

FRIDAY NIGHT: We need people to transport the stuff from Mary's house to the VFW Hall. The way it will work is that we load up our vehicles Friday night, then meet at 7 a.m. Saturday Morning at the VFW Hall to unload and set up. We can't set up Friday night because of Bingo. Ideally we will have enough people so that nobody has to make two trips (wastes time we could spend setting up). We only have two hours from unloading at 7 a.m. to starting the sale at 9. The bigger the vehicle, the better, but we'll take all the help we can get! (do you have a trailer?)

 

SATURDAY: We need people to meet at the VFW hall to help set up. Since some of us will have to bring kids along, extra eyes on the little ones will be needed also. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO WORK THE SALE. Contact Mary to let her know when you are available.

WE NEED MORE BAKED GOODS. Bake sale items are a great way for us to make more money. Even a tray of muffins or cookies from Sam's would be great. Baked goods can be dropped off Saturday Morning at the VFW Hall. You are coming to shop anyway, right?

Directions to Mary's House: From Beacon, Take Red School House Road, go under 84 and make a right on Bedford Lane, then your first right onto Tree-Line   Court. #15 second house on the left(red house).

Please, contact Mary or me to help out. This will be a really fun and rewarding event, and a great time for everyone to get their feet wet volunteering. It's time for everyone to get serious about our fundraising and get to work!

Thanks for your help and support,

Julann
831-7254 or 527-0223

First shad boat launched in 130 years

After the Hat Parade, about 100 people gathered at the Sloop Club to launch the Isabel Barton, a traditional shad fishing boat built right here in Beacon. John Cronin, Managing Director of the Rivers & Estuaries Center, was joined by Beacon Mayor Clara Lou Gould, and Pete & Toshi Seeger in the blessing and launch of the boat. Also on hand was the boat's namesake, Isabel Barton, who was responsible for pulling the plans together for the boat in the early 1970's. As first-mate of the Clearwater, she sought out abandoned and wrecked shad boats as she sailed up and down the Hudson. A self-described "passionate observer", she helped make this vision a reality by inspiring the project more than 30 years ago.

The Isabel Barton before launch

The real Isabel Barton

Toshi & Pete Seeger

Hat parade brings out the best in Beacon

In what will hopefully become an annual event, the first Beacon Hat Parade went off without a hitch yesterday. Grand Marshall and owner of the last hat factory in Beacon, Sal Cumella, led off the parade in a vintage Dodge. He was followed by about 200 people wearing hats of all shapes and sizes, as well as the local Corvette car club and the Beacon Fire Department. It was a fabulous kick-off to a great day. Do you have any pictures from the Hat Parade that you'd like to share? Send them to me here at the Dispatch, and we'll see if we can post them on the site for all to see.

School board elections on May 17

According to the Poughkeepsie Journal, the Beacon school board election will be uncontested, with three incumbents (Alyson Chugerman, Donna Pineiro and Michael Riehl) running for three seats.

The candidates are running for a volunteer three-year term ending June 30, 2008. The board sets policies for the Beacon school district and decides spending.

In addition to school board members, the election of Howland Library board members and approval of the 2005-06 school and library budgets will also be on the ballot. The election will take place from noon to 9 p.m. May 17 at eight polling places around Beacon:

• James V. Forrestal Elementary School, 125 Liberty St.
• Beacon High School, 101 Matteawan Road.
• Lewis Tompkins Hose House, 13 South Ave.
• South Avenue Elementary School, 60 South Ave.
• Sargent Elementary School, 29 Education Drive.
• Beacon school district bus garage on Route 9D.
• Chelsea firehouse, 16 Liberty St.
• Glenham Elementary School, 20 Chase Drive.

For information on the elections, call the school district at 845-838-5000

Happy birthday Pete!

Today is Pete Seeger's 86th birthday. Still a committed activist, he puts people half his age to shame with his energy and ideas. You can read more about Pete's history here in Beacon in the first interview I did for Beacon Voices back in June last year. 

Onward And Upward

Poughkeepsie Journal Reports on some of Main Street's recent and upcoming changes
In Saturday's Poughkeepsie Journal, Craig Wolf reports on some of the changes beginning to take place on Main Street, Including the Iron Fish Trading Company's move to the West End, World's End Book's move to the bend on the East End and thier collaboration with Hudson Valley Outfitters and the arrival of Beacon's first natural foods grocery store this coming July.

Check it all out here.

Barge spills gasoline into Hudson

Front page news on the Poughkeepsie Journal today on the barge that hit Diamond Reef near New Hamburg yesterday afternoon, spilling gasoline into the Hudson. According to the report, the Bouchard Transportation Co. Barge B35 had a capacity of  3.1 million gallons. It was moved to Newburgh for repairs earlier today. Until the ruptured tanks are repaired, the Coast Guard will not know exactly how much gas spilled into the river.

Flooding pushes saltline south

This is a fascinating piece of news regarding the effects of the recent flooding from the "Hudson River Almanac", an email newsletter sent out each week chronicling natural events on the river:

"The heavy rains of April 2-3 left their mark - high water marks. Such flooding hadn't been seen for many years in much of the Hudson Valley: the Rondout Creek at Rosendale reached levels expected only once in 50 years on average, flooding on the Esopus Creek was the highest on record... Typically, flooding due to runoff does not have much effect on the Hudson south of Catskill; river level is governed by sea level and ocean tides. This episode was an exception