Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

On Friday, Dutchess County Court Judge Edward McLoughlin sentenced Joseph Gonzalez, 47, to 10 years in prison—5 years for assault and 5 years for a gun charge to be served consecutively followed by 5 years of post-release supervision—for his role in the 2024 death of Jaquan Fryar after he stomped the victim’s head during a plea deal.

Twenty-year-old Jaimez “Mezzy” Freeman was sentenced on Friday to five and a half years in prison and five years of post-release supervision for his role in a mass shooting on Main Street in Poughkeepsie on July 5, where four people were injured, including one with severe injuries—he pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon as part of a deal with the DA’s office.

New York offers several end-of-summer road trip destinations such as the Corning Museum of Glass, Letchworth State Park, and the Walkway Over the Hudson, where visitors can enjoy art, nature and history + experience a range of activities from free museum admissions to scenic hikes. Travelers may also explore the Franklin D. Roosevelt Museum and Munson Arts Institute for a mix of education and local culture.

Spellbound in the Valley will be held October 24th and 25th at the MJN Convention Center with local and traveling vendors and more than 100 authors, and it will feature spooky events including book signings, panels and a costume party—tickets are required.

The magical weekend in Poughkeepsie will offer dark romance, fantasy, horror and more for fans of spooky books.

Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center cares for 13 bald eagles in the Hudson Valley, including young birds with broken wings from a blown nest, two adults found in water and three hurt by car crashes (all are being treated so they can return to the wild).

The center works hard to give each eagle a safe chance to fly free again.

The town of Red Hook spent $110,000 on legal fees for its effort to take the Red Hook Boat Club property to convert it into a public park.

Critics said the costs may rise further and plan to send evidence of misused taxpayer money to oversight offices—raising concerns over transparency.

The American Red Cross is hosting blood and platelet drives this August as part of National Wellness Month—donors will receive free A1C screening and a $15 e-gift card if they donate from August 1 to 28.

In Poughkeepsie, a drive is set at the Galleria on August 26 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.—appointments can be made online or by phone.

Summer Preview Day at Mount Saint Mary College

10 AM — Mount Saint Mary College — Possible Visit Grant Available — Explore career-focused programs and experience campus life with student ambassadors.

Big Lawn Music Festival

2-10 p.m. — Plan Bee Farm Brewery — Free for children 12 and under — Celebrate live music with diverse artists in a festive outdoor setting.

Poughkeepsie PorchFest

12-6:30 p.m. — Academy Street Historic District — Free entry — Discover diverse musical performances on the porches of Poughkeepsie's historic district.