Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Mt. Carmel Bible Church in Carmel held Appreciation Sunday on Sunday to honor police, firefighters and EMS providers.

Pastor Andrew Columbia led the event to thank first responders for their service.

From Tuesday, June 16 through Thursday, June 18, a striking celestial meetup will be visible shortly after sunset as a slender waxing crescent moon aligns with Venus + Jupiter + Mercury along the western horizon.

Residents are advised to seek an open view, noting that clouds may affect visibility.

Thousands gathered on Sunday at Green Chimneys School to experience Birds of Prey Day, where 300 animals, including 50 birds, were on display.

The event celebrated conservation efforts that have restored endangered species and offered hands-on learning for students.

Red Hook High remains closed for the school year after a May 29 fire caused smoke contamination in its library + students will continue virtual learning through June 16 while prom and senior events proceed as planned.

Two staff members in Hyde Park School District were recognized with awards for excellence by the Mid-Hudson School Study Council; teacher Natalie Ellis (28 years at Violet Avenue) was honored for her dedicated service, and Superintendent Dr. Pedro Roman received recognition for his innovative leadership. The awards highlight educational excellence.

Local gardeners can prepare for summer by planting flowers following tips from the Old Farmers Almanac; experts advise starting seeds indoors weeks before the last frost while local centers such as Adams Fairacre Farms (with five locations), Wallkill View Farm, and Hudson Valley Seed Co offer seasonal selections.

Voting is now open for the Boys Athlete of the Week for June 1-7, with coaches invited to send game info (via [email protected]) before polls close at 8:30 p.m. Sunday; last week, Pawling baseball's Affy Middlebrook won with 48% of the vote.

Voting is now open for the Poughkeepsie Journal Girls Athlete of the Week for June 1-7; coaches must send player stats before Sunday at 8:30 p.m. to have athletes considered and a winner announced the following morning based on weekly game data.

Pine Bush (21-3) and Massapequa will play in the state semifinal softball game on Friday at Grand Slam Park in Binghamton.

Pine Bush has home-field advantage after dominating Section IX while Massapequa adjusts to new field conditions following a tough regional run.

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.