Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

People USA, a local group that supports mental health, will host its first annual gala called The Story of People USA: Hope in Every Chapter on Thursday, Oct.

29 at 5:30 p.m. at The Grandview where guests will enjoy dinner, dancing, and a silent auction while celebrating over 35 years of service.

On Tuesday at Bob's Discount Furniture in Middletown, an 82-year-old woman choked on candy when police officer Heather Dunnigan arrived in less-than-one-minute to provide emergency care; she was taken to Garnet Health Medical Center and is expected to make a full recovery.

The New York State Department of Labor reported that the Hudson Valley’s private sector added 14,000 jobs + a 1.7% gain with record August employment of 859,900 across many sectors plus a 2.8% increase in education and health; however, the Poughkeepsie-Newburgh area saw a decline.

Mount Saint Mary College reported a 20% surge in freshman enrollment, marking its largest incoming class.

The college will launch a new BS in Allied Health program and host its 17th Annual Gala on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at West Hills Country Club in Middletown.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said Abbott Laboratories will pay over $384 million after allegations it sold unsafe baby formula; the safety lapses at its Michigan & Arizona plants between 2018 and 2022 raised concerns for families on Medicaid and WIC programs.

Fairview Fire District in Town of Poughkeepsie has recorded EMS response times of just over five minutes this year.

Fire Chief Justin Bohlmann said the district will soon expand to add Advanced Life Support (ALS) through shared services to further improve care.

New York offers vibrant fall getaways from the Catskills to the Hudson Valley — where bright foliage and local attractions invite scenic drives and hikes.

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week runs Nov. 2 to Nov. 16, giving visitors a taste of history and local dining.