Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Dozens of EMS professionals and volunteers gathered Wednesday evening at the East Fishkill Fire District campus for the Dutchess County EMS Council Awards Dinner.

Council President Rob Matragano and local officials honored providers including Nate Herring-Trott (recognized for lifesaving efforts during emergencies) who helped save lives in the community.

The Sullivan County Lavender Festival & Artisan Market takes place on June 27 and 28 at Winterton Farms in Bloomingburg; families can explore local vendors, attend workshops, and enjoy food, drinks, and the scenic lavender fields.

Marist University announced a $100 million project to build a 100,000 sqft Science and Health facility on its east campus near the Beck parking lot — the school will break ground this fall and open the building in the 2028-29 academic year — modernizing labs, classrooms and study spaces.

Residents in the Hudson Valley voted Tuesday on school district budgets, and the Poughkeepsie plan passed by a 461 + 167 margin.

Several districts in Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange counties also approved their spending plans for the upcoming school year.

Dutchess Community College announced $5 million in state funding to expand its Fishkill campus’ Center of Excellence for Business, Industry and Innovation at the former Dutchess Mall site.

Construction is underway with phase one expected to finish by fall (updating HVAC and lab spaces).

Gov. Hochul (the governor) announced that 25 downtown revitalization projects across the Hudson Valley will receive more than $18 million in state funds, including $10 million for 10 projects in Poughkeepsie.

The funds will improve civic, commercial and cultural spaces to benefit local families and lower housing costs.

New York State now requires drivers to pay an automatic $75 fee when registering a first vehicle and a $25 annual fee to support public transit (a practice already in effect in New York City).

The fees add to current costs and aim to help transit riders.

VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System has received funding for maintenance projects in Montrose and Castle Point during Q2 of fiscal 2026.

The funds will repave parking lot G, replace fan coils, fix roofs, and address water tower issues (detailed upgrades to improve veteran care).

New data shows top Hudson Valley restaurants had high foot traffic last year (Sugar and Spice Cafe had 197,000 visitors in town and Adams Cafe reached 78,000) while Newburgh’s Billy Joe’s Ribworks led the region with 375,900 visitors.

Votes are open for Varsity 845 girls softball players of the week for May 11-17 — coaches can submit reports and nominate one player per team until Sun, May 24 at 11 p.m. Winners will be announced on Twitter, highlighting local athletic talent.

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.

Paint YOUR Pet at Vino - Crew Restaurant & Bar

6:30-9 p.m. — Crew Restaurant & Bar — Price varies — Unleash your creativity by painting your pet while enjoying wine and appetizers.