Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

The Columbia Greene Humane Society in Hudson is launching a drive to support pets, with donations matched to $25,000 by Russ Gibson and Duncan Calhoun through Christmas Day.

Contributions accepted online or by mail will fund the shelter’s Pet Food Bank and low-cost clinic — a vital resource for animals.

The East Fishkill Police Department shared safety tips for package delivery during the holiday season (local officials urge community members to remain vigilant amid nationwide theft concerns).

Shoppers in the Hudson Valley are advised to follow these tips (especially during increased online orders) as holiday buying continues.

After three months of the cellphone ban, Hudson Valley school leaders report that students look up and talk more during class.

A survey shows that 92% of schools found the change smooth & 83% noticed better classroom engagement.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced on Dec.

8 that $134,303 will fund life-saving EMS equipment for nine local emergency response agencies, including Poughkeepsie's own fire department (helping boost volunteer recruitment amid the EMS crisis).

Health experts in Ellenville report rising measles, flu, COVID-19 and whooping cough cases in the Hudson Valley and urge residents to get vaccinated and practice good hygiene.

Public health officials advise those feeling sick to stay home to help contain the spread.

Sun River Health raised $1M at its 50th Anniversary Cornucopia Gala (held at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan) to support care for more than 250,000 patients.

Over 500 guests attended to honor the network’s legacy of affordable, quality health services.

Vassar College is planning to demolish the historic Juliet building and redevelop 2.24 acres near Collegeview Ave into two three-story mixed-use buildings with about 150 apartments and 25,000 sqft of retail space (including an underground garage) over the next two years.

The Poughkeepsie Journal has launched the voting poll for boys athlete of the week (Dec.

2-8) today, and coaches must submit game stats before week’s end so that the winner is revealed in next week’s poll.

Sixteen Mid-Hudson girls soccer players were named all-state by the New York State Sportswriters and Coaches Organization on Monday, Dec.

8 — Mount Academy senior Brooke Huleatt earned all-East Region honors while Burke Catholic’s Kate Cuebas was a first-team pick.

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.