Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Adams Fairacre Farms in Wappingers Falls reopens today and launches a photo contest offering a chance to win a $500 gift card — entrants must capture their favorite moment from the renovated store with the winner announced on Black Friday.

Regal Cinemas in Poughkeepsie now serves beer as part of new rules that let movie theaters sell alcohol until the final film ends — the theater offers a range of brews at about $13 per tall can and limits each customer to one drink.

This change helps the cinema compete following state licensing updates.

Two Hudson Valley haunted attractions have been named on USA Today’s Top 20 list with Headless Horseman in Ulster Park offering an immersive experience on 65 acres—Pure Terror Scream Park in Monroe earned a Guinness World Record for its long haunted house and trail.

The Great Jack O Lantern Blaze will light up Van Cortlandt Manor this Halloween with over 7,000 hand carved glowing pumpkins as part of its 20th anniversary celebration — organizers say that over 1,000 volunteers are preparing the display and that proceeds will support Historic Hudson Valley educational programs.

SUNY Free Application Week runs from October 20 to November 3 and lets high school students apply free to five campuses without the usual $50 fee—however, certain schools like Cornell are not included so students should verify the list before applying.

Photos from late September and early October show fall signs in the mid-Hudson Valley—yellow leaves, a Harvest Moon, and geese flying over Beacon—as residents in Poughkeepsie and nearby areas notice autumn's early arrival.

The images document the seasonal change across local parks and streets.

Dutchess County legislature seats are up for election in 2025, with early voting from Oct.

25 through Nov. 2 and polls open on Nov. 4 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.—candidates from districts including Poughkeepsie have outlined key issues such as affordable housing, high taxes and public safety.

County Comptroller Dan Aymar-Blair released an independent audit of the 2024 financial statements that confirmed Dutchess County’s stability—showing no material weaknesses and a $32.9 million surplus largely from federal aid.

Sales and use taxes generated almost $270 million and the unassigned fund balance grew from about $85 million to $104 million.

The 20-bed inpatient unit at Castle Point VA in Wappingers Falls reopened on Oct 7 at 11:45 a.m.—it was shut down on Feb 1 for a staffing review and veterans had been sent to other clinics.

Congressman Pat Ryan held rallies urging the reopening as hospital officials said the closure was planned and not tied to federal cuts.

Adams Fairacre Farms offers the cheapest apple cider donuts in the Hudson Valley at 75 cents each—making them a tasty treat for cost-conscious residents.

The donuts are freshly fried in front of store entrances—ensuring a budget-friendly way to enjoy fall.

Hudson Valley Speed Dating for Singles in Their 40s and 50s

7-9 p.m. — Zeus Brewing Company — Check website for ticket cost — Find your spark in a relaxed and friendly speed dating atmosphere.

MET Live in HD: La Sonnambula

1-4 p.m. — Bardavon — Cost info not provided — Experience the enchanting music of 'La Sonnambula' broadcasted live from the Metropolitan Opera.

Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy Live — Cult of the Rock Star Night

6-8:30 p.m. — Bardavon — Ticket required — Experience a double feature with Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl at a legendary theater.

Paint & Sip Night at Crew Restaurant

6:30-9 p.m. — Crew Restaurant & Bar — Ticket required — Unleash your inner artist while enjoying wine and appetizers in a guided painting session.