Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

A Poughkeepsie social club held its annual pie raffle Wednesday night and raised about $2,500 for Dutchess Outreach food pantry.

The event featured over 100 pies, donated prizes like car washes and handcrafted gifts, and live entertainment by former club president David Laffin (winners donated extra pies and a member delivered pies to the police and fire departments).

Holiday shoppers in Poughkeepsie will see Cyber Monday online deals starting December 1, while Amazon’s three-day sale began today and retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart will offer significant discounts—some extending deals into Cyber Week for extra holiday savings.

These online offers cover tech, toys, kitchen tools, and more to help consumers prepare for the season.

Spackenkill High School was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School by the New York State Department of Education, with local officials—Senator Rob Rolison and County Executive Sue Serino—presenting proclamations to honor its second achievement of this award.

Dutchess County Court Judge Edward McLoughlin hosted his final class trip for 180 students last week at room 406 of the courthouse—sharing insights on court proceedings and warning against dangerous opioid abuse—and ended a decades-long tradition.

Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson warned in a legislative hearing last week that New York is far behind on replacing about 500,000 lead pipes—he said more than 41,000 pipes need to be replaced each year to meet the EPA deadline while local governments struggle with limited funding.

Wegmans Food Markets recalled its Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese after its supplier reported it might have Listeria—an illness that can cause severe symptoms, though no one got sick.

Customers who bought the cheese between November 14 and November 24 are urged to return it for a full refund and call the service line during the posted hours.

Thirteen local Christmas tree farms in the Hudson Valley are set to open for the 2025 season, offering choose-and-cut and pre-cut trees with festive events from Thanksgiving weekend through mid-December — some, including a Poughkeepsie farm, open today.

Visitors are advised to check each farm's schedule as hours vary and demand is high.

The Section 1 girls basketball season for Dutchess County schools will start December 2 and run regular season games until February 16—followed by a tournament beginning February 19 with finals in White Plains from March 6–8.

Teams from John Jay-East Fishkill, Arlington, and Roy C. Ketcham (League B), Haldane (League J), Pawling (League K), and Poughkeepsie (League L) will compete according to a detailed schedule.

The Section 1 boys wrestling season for Dutchess schools begins December 2 and runs through January 31 with team matches set in League D and League G—an individual tournament is scheduled for February at Westchester County Center in White Plains.

The slate features contests among John Jay-East Fishkill, Arlington, Roy C. Ketcham and Pawling, with other schools from Dutchess and Ulster counties competing in Section 9.

Scott Rumsey resigned as Valley Central’s football coach after two seasons to spend more time with his family.

He had a 35-year coaching career—including 26 years at Marist University—and said he will not seek another coaching position.

Pet Photos with Santa

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

Small Business Holiday Party

6-11 p.m. — The Grandview — $90 — Celebrate the season with cocktails, a delicious buffet, and dancing overlooking the Hudson River.

MET Live in HD: Andrea Chenier

1-3 p.m. — Bardavon — Ticket prices vary — Experience the majestic opera performance of Andrea Chenier broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera.