Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Stewart’s Shops kicks off its 40th annual Holiday Match today at the Middletown store on 150 Crystal Run Rd from 9 to 11 a.m., doubling every donation to support local children’s charities and adding over $39 million raised since 1986.

Price Chopper and the Salvation Army launched their annual Holiday Red Kettle Campaign at local stores until Dec.

24 to collect donations for essential services; last year's effort raised over $618,000 and the program has generated more than $9 million since 2010.

Stewart’s Shops launched its 40th annual Holiday Match campaign today to double every donation for local children’s charities.

WPDH radio hosts a celebration from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Middletown store, inviting community members to support the holiday effort.

Congressman Michael Lawler (representing Putnam, Rockland, Westchester and Dutchess) cosponsored a bipartisan bill to cut childhood obesity by requiring the FDA to add clear nutrient labels and ban junk food ads; if passed, the CDC will lead national education to help families make healthier choices.

The New York State Department of Health reports the flu is now widespread in the Mid Hudson Valley with 17,000 cases (across 62 counties) and health officials urge high risk residents (especially older adults and young children) to vaccinate as National Influenza Vaccination Week begins Dec. 6.

The WHO published new guidelines on using GLP-1 therapies to treat obesity last Monday (offering a treatment option for overweight New Yorkers) and advised using the drugs with healthy diets, regular exercise, and behavioral changes for lasting care.

Mondelēz has issued a recall for specific 20-count Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches (UPC 44000 07584, Best When Used By Jan 8 or Jan 15) sold in New York, urging shoppers to check labels and discard products to avoid dangerous peanut exposure for those with allergies.

A new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul will allow close friends to authorize organ, eye, and tissue donations for persons without next-of-kin starting Jan.

1, 2026 in New York. Assemblywoman Amy Paulin said the change is designed to save lives + remove donation barriers.

County Executive Sue Serino has awarded $85,295 in funding to four nonprofit youth sports groups in Dutchess County, including Dover Little League in Dover Plains and NY FLIGHT 845 in Poughkeepsie for free programs.

Additional funding for the 2026 program is open until 1pm on Dec. 23.

Thirteen boys soccer players from the Mid-Hudson region were named all-New York State by United Soccer Coaches, with nine from large schools + four from small schools.

The honor recognizes local talent for the upcoming 2025 soccer season.

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.