Good morning, Poughkeepsie.

Stewart's Shops raised over $1.8M through its 40th annual Holiday Match campaign — matching customers' $900,000 donation to help children’s nonprofits in New York and Vermont — and nonprofit organizations can apply for funding through January 31.

Poughkeepsie ranked No. 26 on U.S. News & World Report's best places to live list; the ranking based on factors like quality of life and cost of living (from a survey on Dec.

30) gives the city a score of 4.2/10 among 26 New York state municipalities.

Central Hudson saw a rise in low-income discount plan enrollments with over 13,000 customers signing up in October, most joining the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to help cover heating costs amid rising energy prices.

Flexible payment options are also available to ease bills.

Gas prices in New York declined to $2.93 per gallon on Monday from $2.96, dropping 11+ cents since last month and remaining 4.3% above the national average, with last year's average at $3.04 per gallon.

The Mid-Hudson Valley area will receive part of $67 million from the NY SWIMS initiative to improve local swimming facilities; Kiryas Joel is set to get $6.5 million for a new aquatic complex while Cornwall will receive over $5 million for a larger pool and bathhouse.

On Friday, Dec. 26, amid heavy snowfall, city DPW crews cleared Main Street near the Grand Rehabilitation Center at 149 Main Street when a contractor illegally threw sidewalk snow onto the road, creating a hazard for motorists; the rehab system said the contractor has been notified (after correcting a misidentification).

James Karinchak, a 2014 Valley Central graduate, signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves and hopes to return to the majors in 2026 after recovering from shoulder issues.

Paint & Sip Night at Crew Restaurant & Bar

6:30-9 p.m. — Crew Restaurant & Bar — $35 — Unleash your inner artist while sipping your favorite drink and making colorful memories.