Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

A benefit to support Lynne Miele-Versaci will take place on October 12 at Hudson Valley Pickleball and Golf in Poughkeepsie—featuring live music, food, raffles, and contests to help cover her upcoming heart surgery and lost income.

Pop star Sam Smith’s 24 night residency at the Warsaw in Brooklyn has featured Hudson Valley musicians Connor Kennedy — a guitarist from Woodstock who has performed with Amy Helm — and drummer Lee Falco from Marlboro with bassist Brandon Morrison joining the band on the To Be Free: New York City dates that launched on Oct 8. They will continue performing throughout the residency.

O+ Festival is marking 15 years today in Kingston by offering free medical care for artists in exchange for their creative work while headlining acts like Kool Keith and The Fiery Furnaces among 55 bands chosen from 208 applicants.

The event features a year-round clinic that provides primary care + mental health services along with support for transportation and lodging for local artists.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has opened applications for grants up to $250,000 to help fight invasive species across the state — qualifying applicants include local municipalities, schools, universities, and nonprofits.

Applicants must submit by December 17th at 3 p.m. and attend a webinar on October 16th for more details.

Milling and paving on Main Street began Oct 9 and will continue through Oct 17—weather permitting—as part of the city's five-year road improvement plan that started in September.

Local traffic will be managed by adjusting delivery schedules and banning parking on Main Street between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Local officials and hospice advocates gathered at United Hospice in Goshen on Wednesday to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a bipartisan bill banning applications for for-profit hospice centers.

State senators stressed that the measure is needed to protect end-of-life care quality—despite lobbying from for-profit providers.

Local sports analyst Rich Arnott has released his Section 9 Football picks for this week, favoring teams like Millbrook/Webutuck over Pine Plains/Rhinebeck and Newburgh over Valley Central.

His analysis highlights key matchups and standout players—providing local fans an early look at the high school contests ahead.

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.