Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

iHeartRadio Hudson Valley and Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union are hosting a toy drive to bring holiday cheer to local children.

People can drop off new, unwrapped toys at credit union branches through December 3 and at the Poughkeepsie Galleria on December 6 from noon — 4 p.m.

Dozens of volunteers sorted nonperishable food donated by residents at Carmel Town Hall in Mahopac on Sunday—hundreds of pounds went to Second Chance Foods in Brewster and the St. John’s Church Food Pantry.

Martha Elder of Second Chance Foods said her team worked hard to meet rising demand amid a federal government shutdown, and Father Szymon Kurpios noted his church pantry served more families because of the uncertain economy.

Suresky announced its 13th Annual Veterans Day Luncheon will be held November 11 from Noon to 3 p.m. at 39 Elkay Drive in Chester—this free event honors all veterans as part of the family's long-standing service tradition in the Hudson Valley.

On Friday, October 31st, Beacon Fire Chief Tom Lucchesi stopped a wrong-way driver on I-84 near Lime Kiln Road in East Fishkill at about 8:15 a.m.—his quick action prevented a serious crash and cleared the road safely.

A report from WalletHub said New York is one of the best states for teachers because it offers high salaries, low teacher turnover, and top public-school spending per student.

The study used 24 measures (like income growth and school quality) to rank all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.

The USPS is using yellow and orange paw print stickers on mailboxes to signal mail carriers about the presence of dogs and keep them safe—carriers are trained and equipped for dog encounters.

Dog owners can support the effort by allowing the proper sticker on their mailbox—this helps prevent injuries.

New York lawmakers have proposed bills that would ban non-stick cookware with PTFE; if approved, the ban will start on January 1—intended to protect health and the environment.

Critics worry that switching cookware will increase costs for restaurants—while supporters say it will reduce exposure to dangerous chemicals.

New cancer rankings using data from 2018 to 2022 showed New York’s incidence rate was 465.1 cases per 100,000 people—above the national rate of 444.4.

The rankings list counties in order and note that cancer was the state’s second-leading cause of death.

Section 9 field hockey coaches announced the 2025 all-star teams, naming Rondout Valley’s Josie Kozack as player of the year and Pine Plains’ Debbie Beam as coach of the year — Onteora also earned the Richard Meilinger Team Sportsmanship Award.

Rondout Valley and Kingston will play in today's state tournament at Rondout at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. — a win could boost their championship hopes.

Rich Arnott’s power rankings show that playoff games this weekend will reset team standings — the rankings highlight key matchups like Minisink hosting Our Lady of Lourdes and Cornwall hosting Warwick that will test each team's strength.

Hudson Valley Speed Dating Event for Ages 20s/30s

7-9 p.m. — Zeus Brewing Company — Ticket required — Experience a fun and efficient way to meet potential matches at this lively speed dating event.

Annual Meeting with Dr. Meg Ronsheim

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — The Environmental Cooperative at the Vassar Barns — Registration required — Explore biodiversity changes in the Mid-Hudson region with expert insights from Dr. Meg Ronsheim.

Paint & Sip at Vino

6:30-9 p.m. — Crew Restaurant & Bar — Ticketed event — Unleash creativity with guided painting and delicious drinks in a fun atmosphere.

Thanksgiving Feast at Shadows on the Hudson

11:30 AM – 6:00 PM — Shadows on the Hudson — Pricing not specified — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a bountiful meal prepared by the talented chefs.

Pet Photos with Santa

4-7 p.m. — Poughkeepsie Galleria — Reservations recommended — Capture magical moments with Santa and your beloved pets.