Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Home cooks in the Hudson Valley are selling homemade dishes on Facebook Marketplace, with vendors from Schenectady to Poughkeepsie offering meals like grilled chicken and bagels.

Some face licensing rules—so they rely on the platform to build their small businesses—hoping to grow their work in the near future.

New Yorkers can now apply for HEAP funding to help with winter heating costs as applications opened December 1; Governor Hochul said eligible households may get up to $996 (delayed by a 43-day government shutdown) and may apply online, by mail, or in person (if they meet income and household criteria).

Thousands of residents signed a petition to restore the historic Tappan Zee Bridge name, saying it honors the Indigenous people and Dutch heritage and noting that the 2017 renaming bypassed public input.

Petition organizers expect lawmakers to introduce legislation to reinstate the original name—supporting a move that many in the Hudson Valley see as a correction of past decisions.

Nonnina's, an upscale Italian bistro, opened on West Main in the Village of Wappingers last weekend under new management by Beacon restaurant owners—its innovative menu features adventurous dishes made with fresh, high-end ingredients amid minor service issues.

The intimate space, with a full bar and flexible seating, is set to offer a refined dining experience for those seeking a culinary twist.

Section 9 wrestling continues in the ongoing 2025-2026 season as top high school teams and standout athletes prepare for dual meets and state championships starting in January.

Returning champions like William Soto and rising stars such as Charlie Wylie aim to boost the district’s strong legacy—making this season one to watch.

Marist University athletics department announced its new Athletic Hall of Fame selection committee on December 2 — the committee includes alumni representatives and board members and will meet for the first time in December with an inaugural induction set for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend in Fall 2026.

Varsity 845 updated its website to host a dedicated page with links to Section 9 high school and Mid-Hudson college sports scores and schedules — a change that helps local fans quickly find their results.

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.

New Year’s Celebration at Noon

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum — $12-$18 — Celebrate 2026 with music, crafts, science demos, and a lively countdown to noon.