Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Eastdale Village unveiled the Hudson Valley’s first true piazza to serve as a social center in Poughkeepsie, hosting free public events like outdoor movies, a recurring farmers market, and local acoustic music series.

The piazza was created to invite residents to gather — enjoying a European-style setting as summer unfolds.

Georgie O’s in Hyde Park celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 11 — the same day owner Georgie Ose turned 90 — and the bar remains a community hub with daily happy hours and weekly events.

AAA projects record travel for Memorial Day weekend—45 million Americans will travel 50+ miles between May 21 and May 25—and warns New Yorkers that trips to the Jersey Shore via the Garden State Parkway on Friday, May 22 could take three hours; gas prices are rising.

Vassar-Warner Home in the historic district will welcome independent living residents soon after a new board raised funds to revive its adult day program.

Staff are reviewing applications and hope to attract individual sponsorships for lower-income seniors.

McDonald’s on Route 376 in Wappingers Falls closed Tuesday for renovations as part of a nationwide update to modernize drive-thru services.

The fast-food chain plans to improve its design and customer experience with a future reopening anticipated soon.

Marist University announced a $100 million plan to build a 100,000 sqft Science and Health facility on the east side of campus near the Beck parking lot that will modernize labs and classrooms, with groundbreaking this fall and an opening in 2028-29 (supporting new science programs).

New York State spent $400 million fighting toxic algae blooms in the Hudson River to protect drinking water and local recreation; a $2.5 million research grant program was announced to boost research on reducing nitrogen and phosphorus runoff.

Experts warn that invasive insects may surge this summer after last winter's milder temperatures allowed more pests to survive (local residents should remove egg masses from trees and outdoor items) to combat species including Asian needle ants and spotted lanternflies.

Local garden centers offer tips on choosing pollinator plants (preferably native species) to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

The guide explains how features like bloom timing and single flowers help support local wildlife from spring to frost.

Assemblyman Anil Beephan (R, C-East Fishkill) criticized his colleagues after a committee rejected his bill A09096 that would require utilities to itemize charges as energy bills continued to rise.

He said families deserve clear billing details to better manage their costs.

Today, the CDC warned locals of a drug-resistant Salmonella strain linked to backyard chickens and ducks that has sickened 34 people in 13 states, mostly children under five.

Health officials urge immediate hand washing after handling birds (and keeping young children away) to prevent infection.

The Chain Gang Band: Billy Joel Tribute Concert

3-5 p.m. — Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center — Ticket details not specified — Experience the electrifying tribute to Billy Joel by the beloved Hudson Valley band.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe - Dance Recital

2-6 p.m. — Bardavon 1869 Opera House — Tickets available — Experience a captivating ballet journey to Narnia battling the White Witch with powerful choreography and enchanting music.