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I am an administrative assistant by day, local freelance writer by nights and weekends. During the course of my not-so-undercover reporting gig, I have written countless articles on a variety of topics, from profiles on young professionals in the area to events featuring local politicians to listicles featuring the best places to get a taco.
If you want to know more about me, feel free to reach me at my Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram pages, or shoot me an e-mail at [email protected].
BEACON - The proposed 2021 Beacon city budget was approved Monday night by a unanimous vote of the city council. In light of the economic downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial reckoning stemming from George Floyd's death in May, public safety, avoiding layoffs and keeping tax hikes at a minimum were top priorities [...]
BEACON - After a months-long search, the Beacon Police Chief Search Committee presented their decision to appoint Acting Chief Sands Frost as permanent chief of police. Their decision will be voted on by the city council on January 4, following a public comment period. The search committee formed after former chief Kevin Junjulas retired.
MID-HUDSON - As with every special occasion that has taken place during the COVID-19 pandemic, Thanksgiving has had to undergo some changes this year for many Hudson Valley residents. For Newburgh resident Lauren Naru, this pandemic means she won't be traveling to Virginia to see extended family, but she is content with having a smaller, [...]
POUGHKEEPSIE - As Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine shows signs of hope, local health experts shared their thoughts on its possible rollout. Each held a sense of skepticism for the potentially fast turnaround. Dr. Seema Rizvi, who works in the Wingate nursing home in Fishkill, believes there is optimism to be had about the imminent arrival of [...]
NEW PALTZ - The only known New Paltz resident to have died in combat during the Vietnam War was honored at a special ceremony hosted by the office of New York State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill. Corporal Henry "Hank" Schulte served as infantryman in the U.S.
POUGHKEEPSIE - Republican State Senator Sue Serino holds the lead over Democratic challenger Karen Smythe in a rematch of 2018. There are some 30,000 absentee ballots that have yet to be counted before a winner is declared. Serino said the campaign was about uniting the community during these troubled times.
POUGHKEEPSIE - In response to its first food drive in May, the All for One Food Drive-Through Community Effort hosted its second drive-through on North Hamilton Street in the City of Poughkeepsie on Sunday. As food insecurity continues to be a concern across the country and in the Hudson Valley due to the COVID-19 pandemic, [...]
NEW PALTZ - Ulster Activists, or U-Act, conducted its last of six voter drive-through events outside of the New Paltz Community Center to engage residents in voting during what could shape up to be one of the most consequential elections in U.S. history. Each of the drive-through events was designed to encourage new voter registrations, [...]
BEACON - To kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month, schoolteacher Tara Simmons had been running from Albany to her native Beacon this weekend in a fundraiser for Grace Smith House. Called FL!P IT 4 RESPECT, the 100-mile, two-day run has exceeded its fundraising goal of $1,000 on the crowdsourcing platform GoFundMe.
HOPEWELL JUNCTION - Even from a distance, participants at BluePath Service Dogs' annual Walkathon showed their support by walking with their furry friends during its virtual fundraiser. Participants during the fourth annual fundraiser were asked to walk with their dogs on their own and post pictures to the organization's social media pages afterwards.
MID-HUDSON - In the wake of President Donald Trump testing positive for the COVID-19 virus, four chairpersons of local Democratic and Republican committees weighed in on how his diagnosis will impact both his and other races for office. Each of the Democratic and Republican committee chairpersons wished Trump the best in his recovery, but Orange [...]
Generation Z, which the Pew Research Center defines as the generation born after 1996, has - like everyone else - felt the weight of 2020.
KINGSTON - The Ulster County Justice and Reform Commission held its second town hall to discuss continued reform of its police departments. This is part of an ongoing series of discussions as per Governor Andrew Cuomo's executive order signed in June, which calls for statewide police reform through collaborative efforts among municipalities.
CARMEL - Putnam County held its annual candlelight vigil for victims of the September 11 attacks, at a time when the nation faces another time of tragedy. The vigil was held in a socially distanced manner at Cornerstone Park in Carmel and was live-streamed on YouTube for the general public.
TIVOLI - The Village of Tivoli is a small, suburban village community of 1,118 residents, with a mostly white population. Yet many of the village's growing minority population have stated that law enforcement operates under the same systemic racism that has been highlighted in larger, more diverse cities across the U.S.
HUDSON VALLEY - With food insecurity gaining a spotlight nationwide because of the COVID-19 pandemic, local efforts are being held throughout the Hudson Valley to combat the issue in the local community. Carol Griffin, the food industry relations coordinator for the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, which serves six counties, shared some of the [...]
GOSHEN - While quarantine has left many high school students apart, Anastasia Zhurova has sought to bring them together through the power of social media. The incoming high school senior, who attends John S. Burke Catholic High School in Goshen, started her blog Community Connect in May as a way of providing a sense of [...]
When traditional classroom learning went on hiatus as COVID-19 closed schools and online lessons became the norm, many students and parents struggled. The alternative? Enlist an online tutor. Now, as many in New York wait to see if, and how, how their school will reopen this fall, virtual lessons from local tutors may be more in demand than ever.
MID-HUDSON - Hudson Valley gym owners and managers expressed concern over the continued closure of gyms across the state, even as other businesses are reopening slowly. Gyms and fitness centers were not a part of any of New York's four phases of reopening businesses, as the state government cited a need to look into air [...]
VALLEY COTTAGE - Adrienne Voltaire of the Lexington Center for Recovery in Valley Cottage shared her thoughts on the issue of drug addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic. The drug treatment counselor reports that the patients in the outpatient clinic have been engaged in treatment, even from a distance.
KINGSTON - The Ulster County Justice and Reform Commission held its first virtual town hall via Zoom Wednesday to address police reform. Assistant County Executive Anna Markowitz served as moderator along with the commission's leader, Ulster County Attorney Clint Johnson. The commission's goals are to end mass incarceration, create police oversight and accountability, address systemic [...]
KINGSTON - Members of local activist groups gathered in Kingston's Academy Green Park on Saturday to support the HEROES Act, a federal bill that is designed to rectify some of the issues left by the passage of the CARES Act in March. For example, the CARES Act left out undocumented immigrants from the $1,000 stimulus [...]
PLEASANT VALLEY - Pro-police and Black Lives Matter groups got in each other's faces during rallies in Pleasant Valley on Saturday. One side of the intersection at West Road and Route 44 featured those with signs primarily stating "blue lives matter," or "all lives matter," while the other side had local Black Lives Matter organizers [...]
NEWBURGH - Over a dozen locals participated in a community forum at the Baptist Temple Church in Newburgh, which was held for Newburgh residents to air grievances with law enforcement. The forum Monday evening is the first of a potential series that will aim at gathering locals to talk about their experiences with police, with [...]
MID-HUDSON - At a time when a third of Americans report symptoms of anxiety and depression, the Orange County Mental Health Commissioner and Dutchess County Deputy Mental Health Commissioner weighed in on how to manage mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Darcie Miller and Dr. Jackie Johnson both recognize that the spike in mental illnesses [...]
BEACON - Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou and the city council hosted a forum via Zoom on how to improve morale between the police and Beacon residents. Former City Councilman and police officer John Rembert and Beacon High School graduate Sadé Barksdale served as moderators for the forum, which brought out passionate but reasoned debate on [...]
POUGHKEEPSIE - The "All for One" Food Drive Community Effort community initiative hosted a food drive outside of the Poughkeepsie Galleria on Sunday to provide groceries to Dutchess County families impacted by food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarah Salem, director of Development for Dutchess Outreach, weighed in on the growing hunger crisis in the [...]
HUDSON VALLEY - After President Trump's announcement on Friday ordering places of worship to start opening to the public again this weekend, local religious leaders shared their thoughts. Rabbi Yael Romer of Congregation Emanuel in Kingston discouraged fellow rabbis from following suit. "I have profound concern over the safety and health of our congregants," she [...]
NEWBURGH - Scenic Hudson hosted a public webinar on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing Danskammer fracking gas plant controversy, raising concerns about public health in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. David Carpenter, head of the State University of New York's Institute for Health and the Environment, headlined the discussion.
BUCHANAN - Phase one of the complete shutdown of the Indian Point nuclear power plant took place on Thursday as Unit two was turned off. Unit three, the last remaining component, will be shut down one year from now. Manna Jo Greene, the environmental director of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater in Beacon, said "as a [...]
CLOSE You could call Irvin Miller a pioneer. The retired IBM-er, who worked as a senior programmer in Poughkeepsie until 1992, started the Imaginative Multi-Media & Math and Physics Exploratorium in 2009, which at the time, was the only math museum in existence.
FISHKILL - Panelists and speakers at the fifth annual All for One event at the Fishkill Recreation Center discussed the ongoing coronavirus epidemic as well as divisiveness in politics. "Power to change the world is not in the popular ritual of hating each other," said event emcee Dr. Seema Rizvi, who started the event in ...
FISHKILL - Dozens of locals from a variety of religious backgrounds came together for the fourth annual "All for one and one for all-united we stand, divided we fall" event, hosted by Dr. Seema Rizvi, the Mid Hudson Islamic Association and other local religious organizations.
NEWBURGH - Let's Bike Hudson Valley kicked off its three-day event geared towards promoting bicycling at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center. Local organizations including Scenic Hudson and the Newburgh Transportation Advisory Committee have partnered up to encourage today's youth to ride bikes as a way of getting exercise and protecting the environment.
CLOSE Sunday March 8 is International Women's Day, which celebrates women's achievement, works to raise awareness against bias and urges people to take action for equality. For 2020, the theme and hashtag is #EachforEqual. In Dutchess County, women are rising to the challenge so we're putting a spotlight on five up-and-coming women breaking through in politics, nonprofits, public relations and computer science.
MID-HUDSON - When Tommy Keegan opened Keegan's Ales in 2003, it seemed as though craft beer was a novel concept in the Hudson Valley. The industry had already taken flight in the West Coast and more metropolis parts of the East Coast, but had yet to reach all of upstate New York.
NEWBURGH - Dozens gathered at Washington's Headquarters in Newburgh to celebrate George Washington's 288th birthday. The original President and First Lady both made appearances - as played by longtime impersonators John Koopman and Sandy Spector - but stayed in character the whole time as George and Martha Washington during the end of the Revolutionary War, ...
Another chapter emerged in the ongoing Danskammer power plant controversy at the most recent Town of Newburgh board meeting. The board approved to extend the community benefit agreement between Danskammer and the Town of Newburgh, which states that the two entities are in tandem in improving the welfare of the community.
Ready Coffee is looking to open up a new coffee shop in Newburgh after a successful launch in Wappingers Falls last year, and co-founder Jed Bonnem joined architect Mike Berta of Lathrop Associates in White Plains to present their vision for expansion to the Town of Newburgh planning board.
HOPEWELL JUNCTION - Odyssey Church hosted its fifth annual "Night to Shine" prom at Mill Creek Caterers in Hopewell Junction on Friday, aimed at bringing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities together for a special night. The event was sponsored by former NFL player Tim Tebow's foundation, and is one of many hosted across the ...
CLOSE It's been said that variety is the spice of life, and that certainly holds true when it comes to keeping love alive. If you're looking for something outside of the typical dinner and a movie for Valentine's Day, the Hudson Valley has a lot to offer: If you're in the mood for bowling (or axe throwing), Spins Bowl in Poughkeepsie might be the place for you.
BEACON - The Beacon City Council has decided to consolidate its three firehouses down to two. The historic Beacon Engine firehouse will cease operations as the city has made the decision to invest in modernization of Tompkins House off of Route 9D and Mase Hook & Ladder on Main Street.
It was a family affair for the re-elected members of the Town of Newburgh board. The families of Town Supervisor Gil Piaquadio and Deputy Supervisor Scott Manley were present for their swearing-in ceremonies, which meant a lot to both of them. "With family this size, how could I lose the election?"
BEACON - A small but mighty group of locals braved the cold weather to protest for women's rights on Beacon's Polhill Park during the Women's March, one of a series of demonstrations being held across the country. The site marks a spot where 19th century journalist Margaret Fuller wrote "Women in the Nineteenth Century," often ...
CLOSE If you are looking for a way to make a fresh start in the new year, why not consider giving back, especially considering that the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday has become a national day of service. There are personal benefits to volunteering, from learning new skills to getting more exercise.
HUDSON VALLEY - Every 10 years, residents across the country must fill out a census form, but what is the census exactly? The U.S. Census is a population count that has been taken every decade since 1790 by the Census Bureau to ensure that the people will get the fair representation from the government they ...
BEACON - After serving on the Beacon City Council for 26 years, Lee Kyriacou was sworn in as mayor of Beacon on New Year's Day. The inauguration ceremony broke with tradition this year by being held in the Beacon War Memorial as opposed to City Hall but brought out a large number of locals.
NEWBURGH - Local veterans groups laid wreaths in the Hudson River outside the Blu Pointe restaurant in Newburgh on Saturday to commemorate those who died during Pearl Harbor attack by the Japanese 78 years ago. Former Orange County Legislator Christopher Eachus was the master of ceremonies.
CLOSE Finding the right gift for the right person this holiday season can be a challenge, after all how many s'mores makers does a person need? Instead of gifting a box, think out of the box, and give the gift of an experience that will last beyond the winter holidays.
CLOSE Deck the halls and light the lights - it's the holiday season - time to meet up with family and old friends, enjoy baked goods by a warm fire and check out homes with elaborate lighting displays.
An architect fought for a better view of the Hudson River in his home during the November 7 Town of Newburgh planning board meeting. David Niemotko, an architect who lives in Monroe with his wife, Tracey, is looking to acquire Lot 4 of a subdivision on Mariners Court and wants to reorient the driveway towards nearby River Road so the property can face the Hudson River.
CLOSE Dogs are known as "man's best friend," but they can also be a lifesaver, especially for veterans who have served their country. As the founder of Takoda Service Dogs in Poughkeepsie, Sherry Burger works to help veterans gain access to service dogs - dogs that are trained for more than a year to aid their owners with various medical needs.
On October 31, 2019, the Gomez Foundation for Mill House was awarded a $3,500 check from the Town of Newburgh for tourism. These funds were originally granted to the Town of Newburgh from Orange County Tourism to increase awareness of tourist destinations within our Town.
NEWBURGH - It was a big night for Democrats in the City of Newburgh, as Mayor Torrance Harvey won a second term as mayor, along with councilmen-at-large Anthony Grice and Omari Shakur, and Councilman Robert Sklarz. Shakur, an outspoken community activist, took the seat that Hillary Rayford will vacate at the end of the year.
NEW PALTZ - New Paltz Women in Black organized a rally to address recent hateful incidents fueled by white supremacy at New Paltz Peace Park on Saturday. Co-chair Donna Goodman made a cry for help to preserve the democratic principles the country was founded on.
VAILS GATE - The eastern Orange County water quality situation is far from being resolved and members of the Republican State Assembly Minority Task Force on Water Quality conducted a forum on the issue on Wednesday evening. "Since the very beginning of my term, a priority mine has been to address water quality and water ...
NEWBURGH - State Senator James Skoufis (D, Woodbury) joined representatives from nonprofit organization Zero Abuse Project to discuss the New York Child Victims Act, which was passed into law earlier this year. The law will extend the statute of limitations for child sex abuse reporting from 23 years old to 55-years-old.
History was made on Sunday in the City of Newburgh when six pastors drove members of their congregations to the Newburgh Activity Center to vote early in three local elections.
CLOSE Children will have many teachers throughout their education who work to mold them into accomplished adults, but most every child has had that one teacher who made a lasting impression that impacted his or her life. World Teacher's Day was celebrated Oct.
HYDE PARK - Former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton was presented by her mother, Secretary of State and former First Lady Hillary Clinton, with the Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal for her contributions to education and children's welfare. She was one of four others to receive the prestigious honor, which the elder Clinton won in 1995.
NEWBURGH - Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh dedicated its 98th, 99th and 100th homes to three families to commemorate its landmark 20th anniversary. As natives of Newburgh, Habitat Newburgh's Executive Director Matt Arbolino and M&T Bank President Mark Stellwag were over the moon about the occasion.
WALDEN - The Hudson Valley Honor Flight established its headquarters in Walden after 23 missions to Washington, D.C. with veterans from World War II and the Korean War. This opening comes as the organization will launch its 24th flight on October 12, which will feature Vietnam War veterans for the first time.
TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE - State Senator Susan Serino (R, Hyde Park) hosted an event at the Poughkeepsie Galleria mall on Sunday designed to educate children and families on Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. The event brought out a number of local organizations with interactive activities to help mall-goers learn about the disease and how ...
POUGHKEEPSIE - Democratic Dutchess County executive candidate Joseph Ruggiero received a key endorsement from the Dutchess County Central Labor Council, which also endorsed other Democratic candidates who are up for local seats on November 5. The announcement was made Friday evening in a Main Street building in the City of Poughkeepsie.
CLOSE While others his age are more likely to be obsessed with their smartphones, Alex Prizgintas is obsessed with the history of antique bottles, particularly those from Hudson Valley dairy farms. The sophomore at Marist College is the president of the Hudson Valley Bottle Club - the youngest person ever to be elected when he was 18.
NEWBURGH - The fourth annual Hudson Valley Vegan Festival was held on the Newburgh waterfront on Saturday, and hundreds attended to enjoy plant-based food and other products. The event started out as a vegan cookout by Samuel Simmons, a resident of Rochester, NY who grew up in the Newburgh area and wanted to encourage the ...
NEWBURGH - A group of volunteers and supporters of Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley gathered Wednesday evening to protest the Trump administration's recent gag rule forcing the family planning provider out of Title X, a program that guarantees affordable reproductive healthcare for all. The rally was held outside of Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney's Newburgh ...
POUGHKEEPSIE - Moms Demand Action of the Hudson Valley, along with New Yorkers Against Gun Violence and Hudson Valley Stands Up, held a rally for gun law reform on the corner of Market and Church Streets in Poughkeepsie in the wake of the recent El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio mass shootings.
CLOSE Mark Dema has brought his love of the written word to generations of schoolchildren through the power of teaching. "When I teach, I come alive," he said. "I am always helping someone when I teach." The Fishkill resident enlightens young minds as a part-time, at-home tutor for the Wappingers Central School District.
f ollowing his service in the military. John Dodson returned to Vietnam after his service to help care for fellow veterans. Throughout the decades, U.S. military veterans have experienced a slew of reactions for their service to the country. Transition to civilian life is typically complex for veterans, and three local veterans each shared their experiences coming home from war.
CLOSE Seeing another part of the world made Jasmin Vazquez realize she needed to do more for this country. As a student at Dutchess Community College, the nonprofit executive took a class trip to China in 2012, which inspired the trajectory of local activism her life has taken.
NEWBURGH - Dozens gathered in the Newburgh Armory Unity Center to celebrate last month's passage of a bill in New York State that would grant undocumented immigrants' driver's licenses, in an event on Sunday that was organized by the nonprofit organization Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson. The bill has generated controversy from both political parties, but attendees ...
NEWBURGH - As ICE agents swooped down on major US cities beginning on Sunday area immigrant rights advocates expressed their views and concerns. "As long as we know are rights, we should be able to fight back," said Vanessa Cid of Middletown. "As long as we know we are not criminals, we can stand up ...
CLOSE Jubie Banks has used personal tragedies to inspire others to live their best life. The fitness instructor and school bus driver is battling breast cancer for the second time, but that has not stopped her from teaching exercise classes, including the Zumba classes that have spawned a fanbase known as the "Zumbees."
CLOSE Amy Trompetter speaks her mind on controversial topics by letting her puppets do the talking. The puppeteer, 76, has a large collection of self-made puppets that represent various political issues. She houses them in her theater company, Redwing Blackbird Theater in Rosendale, which travels the world, performing thought-provoking plays, operas and musicals.
CLOSE Casimer DeCusatis became intrigued with the idea of merging entertainment with science and robotics after attending a community fair where the organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) presented its international Lego League competition.
FISHKILL - Dozens of locals from a variety of religious backgrounds came together for the fourth annual "All for one and one for all-united we stand, divided we fall" event, hosted by Dr. Seema Rizvi, the Mid Hudson Islamic Association and other local religious organizations.
NEWBURGH - The first annual African American Pride Parade and Festival took today in the City of Newburgh and brought out many influential African American voices in the community. Longtime community activist Sadie Tallie, who has lived in Newburgh since 1956, was the inaugural honoree for this year's festival.
NEWBURGH - Sunny skies made for the perfect weather for the annual Memorial Day Parade in the City of Newburgh, which featured floats from community organizations, and speeches from local government figures remembering our military veterans. Attendees and participants alike understood that Memorial Day means more than just barbecues and fireworks.
HIGHLAND FALLS - The Village of Highland Falls hosted its second annual ceremony to pay tribute to local military veterans dead and alive to mark Armed Forces Day. This year's event kicked off its program of hanging banners to commemorate different local veterans by honoring Ivan Lee Ramsey, who served in the U.S.
BEACON - After a two-and-a-half year effort, The View condominium complex in the City of Beacon is ready for occupancy.
WAPPINGERS FALLS - Former Executive Director of the New York State Bridge Authority and Town of Wappinger Supervisor Joseph Ruggiero kicked off his campaign for Dutchess County executive at Tomas Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Wappingers Falls.
CharlottePosenske: Charlotte Posenske worked with metal and cardboard for her Work in Progress exhibit.Once a Nabisco factory, the Dia:Beacon is now the place
Temple Beth Jacob honors past president during 165th anniversary celebration
behind her recovery from addiction. Adrienne Voltaire is lucky to be alive. "I have put my life in danger, and not died," she says. The human services professional and Highland Falls resident, 41, had been living, in her words, a "double life," until February 25, 2018, when she became sober from an addiction to opioids.
NEWBURGH - Dozens of Newburgh residents and admirers of George Washington gathered to witness the reopening of the Tower of Victory, a symbol of Washington's military efforts during the American Revolution, on the grounds of Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in the city.
With a name change in effect and a record of sold-out performances since the beginning of this year, the Mid-Hudson Civic Center is about to embrace a new act in its 40-plus years of entertaining the Hudson Valley. In December, the building was renamed the Majed J.
NEWBURGH - Fresh off a lawsuit filed against the pharmaceutical giant Perdu Pharma, makers of Oxycontin, New York State Attorney General Letitia James hosted a forum in Newburgh on solutions to combat the opioid epidemic in New York State with other local and state dignitaries.
As supermarkets nationwide are moving away from using plastic bags, Dutchess County will be doing the same in 2020. The Dutchess County Legislature approved a bill in December to have all grocery stores dispense with single-use plastic bags in favor of paper or another reusable type of bag to carry groceries by the beginning of next year.
CLOSE Book artist Pam Wright has combined her love of the written word and passion for helping the underprivileged into works of art. Wright, 74, of Rhinebeck, spent 12 years facilitating writing groups for inmates in Dutchess County Jail.
NEW PALTZ - Women and men gathered on a Saturday to fight for women's rights outside of Elting Memorial Library in New Paltz on the day after International Women's Day. One of the men was Eugene Hammond, who believes that women's rights are a man's issue as well.
Church hosts second luncheon for Newburgh community
Throughout her life, Caryn Sobel has sought to fight against injustice. The Newburgh resident is now making that life goal a reality with a local #NoHateHere movement, which she started in November 2018. "People want to make their mark in the world," she said. "This is a great way to make a difference."
FISHKILL - Following a reported 17 percent increase in hate crimes across the country, the Dutchess County Human Rights Commission held its annual 100 Cups of Coffee Community Gathering, Sunday, at the Town of Fishkill Recreation Center, where Hudson Valley residents of different faiths convened to enjoy coffee and start a dialogue with one another on these issues.
BEACON - After being postponed due to an ice storm last month, the 41st annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration was held outside of the Springfield Baptist Church in Beacon, and was met with rousing speeches on intolerance.
CLOSE Nansi Lent set out to build a community of female artists when she came to the Hudson Valley from New York City in 2008. She moved to Poughkeepsie after retiring from her work as a presentation producer for corporations and nonprofits in New York City.
POUGHKEEPSIE - Twenty-four teams of children living between Westchester County and the Albany area gathered to show off their Lego robots in the 12th annual Hudson Valley FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO League Tournament, held at Dutchess Community College in the Town of Poughkeepsie on Saturday.
As a couple of creatives in New York City and parents to young children, Andres and Marguerite San Millan decided to bring their talents to the Hudson Valley 30 years ago to incite the same creativity in the area's youth. Andres San Millan is a painter from Spain, and Marguerite San Millan a dancer from Texas.
Monroe-Woodbury Middle School hosted the event as the biggest storm of winter was finally winding down. The storm did not stop local politicians and the community-at-large from turning out to join in what Skoufis called a "celebration." All state lawmakers took the official oath of office in Albany last week.
CLOSE Edward Bryan enjoys giving fallen wood a second life through handcrafting unique items - in return this hobby has given the retired IBM employee a second act himself. Bryan, 54, started Hudson Valley Woodworking out of his home in Pawling last January.
CLOSE The new year has arrived and that means we're starting 2019 with a clean slate of possibilities - and usually a list of resolutions to improve our lives that often falls to the wayside by February. When making resolutions for the new year, many of us strive to work out more, eat better and make our physical health a priority.
CLOSE Alyia Cutler and Meghan Conway formed a strong connection when they met three years ago that has now evolved into a strong business partnership. The two women, who both have experience working as doulas, run Wyld Womyn in Beacon. Their business is community-centered and offers birth, postpartum and end-of-life support.
For twenty-five years, as the winter holidays begin, the Celebration of Lights Parade has been lighting up the City of Poughkeepsie, and this year was no exception. On Friday, November 30, more than a thousand locals gathered to watch an array of floats, from holiday-themed trucks to displays that celebrate the rich history of the Hudson Valley.
"The project will involve $450 million for construction trades, and additionally, there will be significant spending on an ongoing basis once the project is completed," said William Reid, founder of Tiger Infrastructure Partners and Agate Power, the investment firm that owns and operates Danskammer Energy.
Other members of Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson shared their reasons for why this program would benefit Beacon residents, which included a personal story from Middletown resident Vanessa Cid. She shared her experience of falling sick during school as a child, and how her mother's failure to provide a valid U.S.
Since its founding in November, No Hate Here has sought to help empower people to stand up to hate speech and help people come together against hate. The movement has caught on quickly in the community as incidents of hate crimes in major cities have been rising for four consecutive years.
NEWBURGH - Just in time for the holiday season, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh, Saturday, dedicated its 95th home in the City of Newburgh, made with lumber from last year's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
CLOSE Like many children of his generation, Alex Puzza loved watching "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" on television, so much so, he dreamed about becoming a Power Ranger when he grew up. "One time, I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up," he said.
CLOSE The holiday decorating season is in full swing, from hanging stockings on the mantel, stringing garlands of lights and greens to breaking out the boxes of ornaments tucked away in the attic.
Memorial services, words of healing for the Pittsburgh massacre victims
CLOSE A longtime Hudson Valley resident, Tom Martinelli has turned his love of traveling throughout New York state into his business. Martinelli, a Poughkeepsie resident, collaborates with Amtrak on New York By Rail, a free magazine that publishes each spring and features travel-by-rail destinations, profiles of train enthusiasts and local history stories, along with listings of fairs and festivals throughout the year in partnership with I Love NY, which promotes tourism in the state.
The St. James' Episcopal Church graveyard tour is more than just a walk around a cemetery. It is a lantern-lit journey through the history of Hyde Park and some of the local figures who have shaped that history - and in some cases, the history of the United States.
HYDE PARK - Dozens of local leaders and dignitaries gathered on Sunday to honor a wide array of women, and one man, who have contributed to Eleanor Roosevelt's mission to make the world a just and peaceful place for women during the annual Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal Ceremony in Hyde Park.
CLOSE As an enthusiast of world cultures, Gloria Ghedini set out to learn more about them by becoming a pen pal. She began writing pen pal letters in 1962 as a teenager living on the Upper West Side of New York City after reading an ad in the Catholic News.
POUGHKEEPSIE - The United Way of the Dutchess Orange Region and the various nonprofit organizations it supports came together to celebrate the power of contribution. The foundation hosted its annual community breakfast on Tuesday, which honored local organizations that have made a significant impact through United Way funding and offered rousing speeches on the importance of giving back.
NEW WINDSOR - The president of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation says the region continues to see economic growth since the recession turned around. He warned, though, that more work needs to be done, he told the Orange County Chamber of Commerce in New Windsor on Thursday.
CLOSE Faith is the guiding force behind the St. Juste family's mission to make the Hudson Valley a healthier place. Renoir St. Juste, 26, and his family are the new owners of the health food store in Pleasant Valley.
The need for a medical school in the region was apparent, as there are only 151 medical schools in the entire country. Additionally, the ratio of college graduates accepted to medical schools is 100:1. Marist Health Quest School of Medicine is expected to take in 60 students for its inaugural class.
"On that flight, I will never forget sitting in what turned out to be a tremendous flight of renewal and friendship," Thurston said. "Let's strive to have a better place for our children and grandchildren, so that 9/11 will never be forgotten."
NEWBURGH - A forum on the proposed upgrades to the Danskammer power plant in the Town of Newburgh raised concerns about the project, which would burn fracked gas to generate electricity. The project would create nearly 100 jobs, but would add additional health and environmental hazards for the Newburgh area, which has already been dealing with a contaminated water problem.
NEWBURGH - A large crowd gathered in the Newburgh Armory Unity Center on Saturday to watch Newburgh City Mayor and schoolteacher Torrance Harvey unveil a grant from Charter Communications' New York State Broadband Access and Learning Grants program. The grant is valued at $25,865, and it will support classes in the center's Saturday Morning Enrichment Program.
CLOSE As a math professor, Lauren Rose wants to be a pioneer in helping women succeed in a male-dominated field. Rose has been at Bard College for 21 years, and one thing that has stood out to her throughout her career is the lower confidence women have in the classroom compared to men.
WAPPINGERS FALLS - Seven members of OfdonNY Handmaids, a women's rights activist group inspired by the novel and TV series "The Handmaid's Tale," stood near the intersection of Routes 9 and 9D in Wappingers Falls on Sunday to protest the US Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
NEWBURGH -- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited the historic Ritz Theater in the City of Newburgh, Friday, as the site is being renovated, to announce a successful funding push for the Historic Preservation Fund, a federal program that will potentially provide $3.2 million to the project.
HYDE PARK - Businesswoman Karen Smythe opened her Hyde Park headquarters on Saturday in her run against Republican State Senator Susan Serino, who has represented the 41st District since 2014. Smythe, a Democrat, has her campaign office strategically located next to Serino's district office in Hyde Park.
CLOSE When Laura Leigh Abby and Samantha Abby moved to Beacon from New York City two years ago, they set out to bring their love of boutique fitness to the Hudson Valley. Their dream became a reality in January as the couple opened The Studio @ Beacon.
CLOSE Seeing her veteran grandfather find solace in horseback riding inspired Deanna Mancuso to help people who are suffering heal with horses. "Horses gave him peace in the midst of war," she said of her grandfather, who fought in the Army during the Korean War and struggled with alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder after returning home.
CLOSE Artist Joe Pimentel has been making the Hudson Valley a brighter place with his one-of-a-kind murals since 2012, but his most fulfilling murals are the ones adorning school hallways. He works side by side with students on these colorful creations that adorn the walls of schools throughout New York, including many in Dutchess County, along with schools in New Jersey and Connecticut.
CLOSE Whether you have thrown a party on a budget, spent a late night studying in college or ran out of ideas for lunch or dinner, chances are you probably helped yourself to a pizza. Luckily for Hudson Valley residents, the area has boundless options for pizza.
CLOSE If Helen Rothberg were queen of the world, her first order would be to have everyone work for a year in the food services industry.
Hall of Honor: The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor pays tribute to soldiers who were injured or killed in service to our nation. Tucked in a corner a little over 12 miles away from the U.S.
TOWN OF WALLKILL - Members of the Wallkill Watershed Alliance were hoping to pull over 100 tires from the river during their second annual Tire Pull on Saturday. Last year, 97 tires were recovered from the Wallkill in the group's effort to clean up the waterway.
BEACON - Over 100 swimmers and some kayakers crossed the Hudson River from Newburgh to Beacon for a cause on Sunday - to keep the Hudson River Pool alive in the City of Beacon.
In the Hudson Valley, young voters (and soon-to-be young voters) are becoming more involved in politics on both sides of the political divide. Nationally, political pundits have been forecasting a "blue wave" this year, meaning that the U.S. Congress may shift from mostly conservative representation to more liberal representation.
NEWBURGH - After a yearlong restoration, the historic Crystal Lake in the City of Newburgh opened to the public on Saturday. A number of public and private stakeholders collaborated to bring the lake back to life for residents, namely Scenic Hudson and the City of Newburgh.
With the new skate park opening in Newburgh's Delano-Hitch Park and the reopening in April of Victor C. Waryas Park's skate park in Poughkeepsie, avid area skateboarders now have a safe place to practice their sport - proof that cities in the Hudson Valley are recognizing the importance of skateboarding in building community.
MOPH National Commander Neil Van Ess presented retiring State Senator Bill Larkin (R, Cornwall-on-Hudson) the George Washington Medallion of Merit for his record of service during World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and his continued commitment to making sure veterans are honored for their service.
Rally in Newburgh addresses immigration controversies
CLOSE As an artist and art teacher, Michelle Petrucci believes in the beauty of imperfection. Her photography showcases people and objects without retouching and in candid moments or odd angles. Throughout her teaching career, the East Fishkill resident has worked with students who have physical and/or developmental disabilities as well as students from poor neighborhoods.
Orange County Legislator Kevindaryan Lujan (D-Newburgh) did not mind being the one male in attendance at the forum, as he strongly supports the cause. "I don't think a man should ever be dictating what a woman should do with her body," he said.
Lazan detailed her harrowing plight living in the concentration camps with her family, which led to an escape in Holland and an eventual permanent move to the United States. She was exhausted by the time she escaped but has vivid memories of her first taste of freedom.
This year's project was a property on 24 South Miller Street in Newburgh and a tool clinic at Habitat Newburgh's office. Once the foundation was laid and the walls and floors were intact, generations of women sat down for a luncheon to give themselves a much-needed pat on their sore backs.
"Seek for Yourself," which was developed by Oklahoma-based agency Cubic, Inc., encourages tourists, primarily from the New York City area, to create their own adventures in Ulster County's various breweries, wineries and farms. Ulster County Executive Michael Hein announced the campaign at the historic Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery along with Ulster County's Director of Tourism Rick Remsnyder and the distillery's co-founder Ralph Erenzo.
CLOSE Sculptor Suprina Troche claims to have a "disorder" with empathy, but on the upside, this so-called ailment fuels her thought-provoking sculptures. One of those sculptures is a bust of George Washington titled "G.W. Busted," with teeth made of jail bars instead of wood, evoking the severity of mass incarceration.
CLOSE In 2009, Luke Kelly was talked into taking a camping trip to Alaska that would change his life. The Red Hook native and 2012 graduate of Ithaca College had never been too far outside of his hometown before his best friend convinced him to go to Alaska, which he enjoyed so much, he took a summer job there for five years, working on a salmon fishing boat, helping to fund his future travels.
Hard work and honesty led Brandi Nichole Madarish to a successful career in massage therapy. "I always wanted to work for myself and build my own space," she said. She has accomplished that goal and more with Brandi Nichole's Massage and Wellness center in Poughkeepsie.
With Cinco de Mayo coming up, you might be looking to get a head start on the festivities. The celebration marks the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862. But the time to party is now.
French speakers and French enthusiasts alike have come together for the last few years to discuss their love of all things France in an unlikely place: Newburgh Free Library. That is the site of the Hudson Valley Francophone Connection, which holds meetings on the first Sunday of every month.
The allium leafminer was first discovered in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in December 2015. It was the insect's first confirmed appearance in the Western Hemisphere. The bug has targeted a number of crops in the onion family, including onions, leeks, garlic, chives, and shallots.
CLINTON CORNERS - The six graduates of Upton Lake Christian School celebrated family, friends and faith during their graduation ceremony on Saturday. "Each of our graduates has unlimited potential," said Principal Dietlind Hoiem, who is retiring this year after 14 years.
Public hearing held on Beacon Airbnb regulations
The stinging criticisms hurled at the controversial Common Core initiative surely won't be abated by the state's decision to maintain the format for annual testing. Indeed, the "over testing" of students has been one of the main components behind the criticism.
NEWBURGH - Local African-American residents were presented awards for their achievements and for providing a positive example in the City of Newburgh during the "Black Pioneers of Newburgh: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" ceremony at the Newburgh campus of SUNY Orange.
Organizer Vicki Fox saw 17 people sign up when she agreed to be the organizer of the Beacon rally, one of more than 100 across the country. Ultimately, nine locals held up signs against the tax bill and encouraged passersby to register to vote.
You've heard about the Walkway Over the Hudson and perhaps have taken a walk or run there at some point since its opening in 2009, but you may not know the history behind the walking bridge. The bridge started out as the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge, which transported freight and passenger trains across the northeast beginning in the late 19th century.
Trinity-Pawling School's commencement ceremony Sunday was a time to reflect on brotherhood, sportsmanship and academic endeavors for the 79 members of its graduating class. The campus camaraderie was a frequent theme throughout the ceremony. Head Prefect Caelahn Bullen called the school a second home.
Hudson River Fruit Distributors is a generational operation, started in 1963 by Isadore "Izzy" Albinder and his son Harold Albinder. The venture emerged after the elder Albinder could not find high-quality apples while operating an apple business in Brooklyn, where he emigrated from Russia in 1932.
Amy Schumer proves once again she's just like us after revealing she met her current beau on a dating app.
The Turk Hospitality Group has maintained a presence in the Hudson Valley for decades. They currently own and operate the Rocking Horse Ranch Resort in Plattekill, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary this Memorial Day weekend, and SplashDown Beach Waterpark in Fishkill, which they acquired in 2004.
POUGHKEEPSIE - Around 7,000 local residents gathered on the Walkway Over the Hudson on Saturday to take part in the March For Our Lives, a protest for gun reform and against school shootings that took place around the world. Stephen Spicer, principal of John L.
Even as she underwent treatment, Mayor Kennedy still attended city council meetings periodically, but she made very few public appearances. Recently, a celebration was held at the Fullerton Mansion on Grand Street in Newburgh to commemorate her life and legacy as the city's mayor, where she served nearly two terms. When she first received the diagnosis on May 18, 2016, she underwent a major lifestyle change.
Highland Falls honors veterans on Armed Forces Day
HOPEWELL JUNCTION - Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (D, NY-18) was joined by representatives of local food insecurity organizations at Fishkill Farms on Thursday to discuss the potential impact of the latest farm bill.
AMENIA - As she celebrated her graduation, KaYan Gibbons reflected on how far she's come. "At first, I was very shy," the Maplebrook School Student Government President and Hong Kong native said. "Now, I've met so many people who have become a great part of my life."
The event was organized by the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association, along with the Dutchess Human Rights Commission, Mid Hudson Refugee Organization, Dutchess County Interfaith Council and other individuals and organizations committed to promoting inclusivity in the United States.
NEWBURGH - The "My Brother's Keeper" initiative was launched on Saturday at Newburgh Free Academy. Newburgh Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberto Padilla described the program, started by President Obama in 2014 as a way to spread love to communities of color.
Locals had more to enjoy during President's Day weekend at the historic site, as his birthday celebration lasts throughout the three-day weekend. Military drills from the 4th Connecticut Regiment and Lamb's Artillery & Morgan Rifle Corps took place on the site's grounds.
HOPEWELL JUNCTION - East Fishkill residents turned out to hear about construction on the Hopewell Precision Superfund Site at the East Fishkill Community Center and voice their concerns to Environmental Protection Agency officials.
A map presented to the board indicated that Members of Congress are nominating fewer students as candidates for the academy, and the lowest concentration of nominees lies around districts in major U.S. cities such as New York and Los Angeles.
"We have to remember every day that we have people who fight and die for our country," Maloney said. "My dad was injured on the USS Manchester, he spent a lot of time in the U.S. Naval Hospital trying to get well and he said the thing that brought him back was that he got a letter from my mom.
POUGHKEEPSIE - Dozens gathered on a Saturday afternoon at the Family Partnership Center in Poughkeepsie to voice their concerns on local and national incidents related to gun violence to Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (D, NY-18). "We are burying too many of our neighbors, and this is a problem that is unique to our country," said Maloney.
The donation drive was organized by Phil Cordero, owner of Cafe Con Leche in Wappingers Falls and part-time shift supervisor at the Starbucks in Ransley Square, and Dutchess County Legislator Francena Amparo of the Town of Wappinger.
Sanger inherited the boats from his father, who started the foundation and built the ships out of a love of the Age of Discovery. The ships have been featured in a number of documentaries and motion pictures. They also tour across the country as a "floating museum" to showcase the history of the era to the public.
NEW PALTZ - As the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Sandy is marked, students from the State University of New York in New Paltz, environmental organizations and community members rallied Saturday to fight climate change. They held up signs and marched from the SUNY New Paltz campus to the state Department of Environmental Conservation regional office nearby.
CLOSE All it took was a drawing of an apple for Franc Palaia to realize he was going to pursue a career as an artist. As a kindergartner in New Jersey, he impressed his art teacher with his take on a class assignment to draw the piece of fruit.
NEWBURGH - The community of Newburgh gathered to honor veterans and active duty servicemen and women during the annual Memorial Day Parade on Saturday. The holiday has special meaning for Leroy Von Amber of Marlborough, who came to Broadway to watch the marchers and pay his respects to those who gave their lives for the country.
How to successfully introduce a pet to your newborn Bringing a newborn home from the hospital is a challenging time for any new parent. And, for a lot of families, there is the added stress if there are "fur babies" awaiting the arrival of the newest member of the family, too.
Speaking to dozens of county residents during a public hearing held in Wappinger Town Hall, Molinaro addressed a plan designed to reduce the overall cost of government by combining services provided by the county government. If the plan goes into effect, taxpayers are expected to be saved more than $27 million in two years through 37 shared services projects.
"You do not want to join this organization," DeAngelis said of being a member of the American Gold Star Mothers organization, "because the initial dues are too high." She said it took her five years after her son's death to join the organization, because she did not want constant reminders of her loss.
NEWBURGH - Three families were given the dream of owning their own homes Saturday on Ann Street in Newburgh. This dream was made possible by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh and local faith coalitions that have been longtime partners with the organization.
POUGHKEEPSIE - Dozens gathered at the Dutchess County War Memorial Poughkeepsie to mark Veterans Day in honor of local military veterans. Throughout the ceremony, all who spoke offered their thanks to both veterans and people in the community who show their support for the military.
New York has had a tortuous history getting its medical marijuana program running, but now that enlightened effort has been further complicated by a neighboring state legalizing pot altogether. New York has been considerably behind other states in helping to relieve those suffering with cancer, glaucoma and other serious illnesses.
As an undergraduate at Bard College, Max Kenner sought to revolutionize the United States prison system. He founded the Bard Prison Initiative in 1999, a program aimed at providing a college-level education to inmates in New York state prisons, while still pursuing his bachelor's degree in history.
HYDE PARK - Dutchess County officials expressed their gratitude for the service of local veterans during Saturday's 12th Annual Veterans' Appreciation Day. "Today is not only about saying 'thank you,'" said County Executive Marcus Molinaro. "It's about knowing that you have a partner in life in Dutchess County, that when there is a need, we hope you turn to us."
The DEP has been overseeing the leaks in the Delaware Aqueduct since the 1990s. In 2010, a plan was announced to fix the leaks starting in Newburgh. This project is expected to create nearly 200 jobs over the next eight years, most of which promise to be filled by local workers as per and agreement between the DEP and the Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trade Council.
POUGHKEEPSIE - Over 1,000 people turned out Tuesday at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center to commemorate the life of Corey Ingram, a sailor from Poughkeepsie who died on August 21, after the collision involving his destroyer, the USS John McCain, in southeast Asia. Those who attended the memorial service included military personnel, religious leaders and family members.
Dagaev talked about how inviting the Guardian Angels to visit Highland Falls came about. "This has been something that's a battle," she said. "There are those of us in the community who stand up in the board meetings. We talk and decide and make decisions. One person mentioned bringing out the Guardian Angels."
Neuhaus sought out a building on SUNY Orange's Newburgh campus that had been vacant for many years. The building needed to be renovated at the time, as it used to be a medical facility, and BOCES did not have the capital to initiate a renovation project.
"We are offering support for moms who are breastfeeding today," said Debbie Vermilyea, the Nursing Director of the medical practice's Rowley Family Birthing Center. "This event brings attention to the importance of breastfeeding; we are making it ok to breastfeed in public."
"Now that we have the skatepark and it happened, we have to venture on to something else that will capture the affections of our youth; something they will grab onto," Royal said. "We can't plan for the older people anymore. We have to plan for the youth.
Accompanied by Assemblywoman Didi Barrett (D, Columbia, Dutchess), Sagie toured the Jewish-owned Kedem Winery in Marlboro, visited the Culinary Institute of America to commend its expanding Israeli cuisine curriculum, and met with Vassar College President Elizabeth Bradley to discuss recent controversies regarding the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement that have been perceived as anti-Semitic.
The Ulster Welcome Center is a $4.5 million project that will be overseen by Meyer Contracting Corporation. Construction started in late May and is expected to be completed by early 2018. The center is expected to include administrative offices, upgraded restrooms, a picnic area under a covered pavilion, and an outdoor plaza.
"This is Stewart International Airport, and this is the first time in the history of our airport that we have scheduled international service here," said Ed Harrison, the airport's general manager. "It's a great day for the airport and the traveling public. We look forward to more destinations in the near future."
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the oldest performing U.S. aviation demonstration team, were the main attraction this year. Their demonstration Saturday and Sunday included the team's C-130, otherwise known as "Fat Albert," and six F/A-18 Hornets. They closed out a show that brought out the best in military aviation from different eras.
General Electric dispensed PCBs into the Hudson River from 1947-1977, which inspired an onslaught of activism, most notably from musician Pete Seeger and his organization, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. Superfund now oversees a 200-mile stretch of the river, and the EPA commissioned its dredging project in 2001 after studying the river for 10 years.
The Cortlandt Yacht Club Salute to Freedom saluted veterans, Gold Star Mothers, Wounded Warriors, and Purple Heart recipients, among others. They sailed the Hudson River on 30 different boats and enjoyed hamburgers and beer afterwards. Eight World War II veterans between the ages of 92 and 103 also were honored.
Molinaro was joined by Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (D, NY-18), Beacon City Mayor Randy Casale and other local government officials as he announced the annual 2017 Community Development Block Grant fund awards while on Main Street in Beacon. He is set to award nearly $985,000 in grants to projects in eight municipalities.
For his service, Otterstedt received the Purple Heart commemorative coin from State Senator William Larkin (R, Cornwall-on-Hudson), a certificate honoring his birthday from Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus, a proclamation from the Chester Fire District and a special American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol building.
Let's face it: most of us don't like going to the dentist. The biggest reason is fear, or dental phobia, which is estimated to affect between 5 and 8 percent of Americans, according to published reports.
Cheers to the Dutchess County Fair, which ended another successful run this weekend. The weather cooperated this time around as the highly anticipated annual fair brought out interesting delicacies, brand new rides, farming fun and live music galore. Andy Imperati, general manager of the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, predicted sunny skies for this year's festivities, and he was absolutely right.
Hudson Valley residents will be thinking pink on Oct. 14, as the day was dedicated to the nonprofit Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation on Sept. 8. School districts and officials from each of the Hudson Valley's eight counties gathered around to proclaim the date, which is a Friday, as a day to raise awareness of the disease through making donations voluntarily and wearing pink.
Since she started her own practice three years ago as a pediatric endocrinologist, Dr. Jill Brodsky has been on a crusade to fight Type I and Type II diabetes in children, and she has been rewarded for her hard work.
The third time might be the charm for the Millbrook Winery. Vino and the Beasts, an annual 5-kilometer race held in wineries across the Northeast, is set to make its third appearance at the scenic winery Saturday.
The Rio Olympics have provided us with some fabulous girl-power moments. From Katie Ledecky's historic win to the 46-game streak of the U.S. Women's Basketball team, female athletes continue to dominate the headlines (and our hearts) with their fierceness. Some female athletes did not fare so well, however.
It was a bargain at $88! (Well, a bargain for celeb standards). Well, now we've found a similar bodycon number that is EVEN cheaper! Pair it with a long sweater whether you're going out for a night on the town or simply running errands. Add some sneakers and costume jewelry to amp up your street style.
At 29, Brian Arnoff has established himself in the restaurant industry. After opening Kitchen Sink Food & Drink in Beacon last year, Arnoff said he is relishing in the restaurant's success. It was named one of 2016's Best Restaurants by Hudson Valley Magazine and he has participated in Hudson Valley Restaurant Week twice.
Elizabeth Donohue has spent the bulk of her professional career working in college athletics at Marist College, and now she's using her position as the associate athletic director to make a difference.
Teresa Gasparini's love of theater brought her to her dream job. Gasparini has been the artistic director of the Clove Creek Dinner Theater since it opened last December in Fishkill, and after several detours in her career path, she said she has finally hit her stride. "I was created to create," she said.
We might see Daniel Radcliffe return to Hogwarts after all! The actor, who has been making the rounds promoting his controversial new movie Imperium, told numerous media outlets that he is excited for the latest installment of the Harry Potter franchise, the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Grandmaster Ounam Kwon, owner of Kwon's Martial Arts in Poughkeepsie, has changes in store for his annual Kick-a-Thon event happening Saturday. The Kick-a-Thon, which has been held since 2005, celebrates the power of giving back to the community. Kwon's students showcase their talents to attendees, followed by an awards ceremony and raffles.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has a completely overwhelming, difficult job, partially because this country at times has devoted too little thought and plenty of resources into waging wars without considering the true ramifications to those sent to fight these costly, drawn-out conflicts.
Professional equestrian Bridgette Kuchta has competed at events all across the East Coast, but nothing, she said, compares to the Millbrook Horse Trials. Kuchta, a native of Patterson, Putnam County, embraces the excitement of competing near her hometown. "It's really fun to have your community cheer you on," she said.
We thank Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who signed off on legislation last week to honor Pfc. Douglas Cordo of Ulster County and two other deceased soldiers. Cordo had died while on patrol in Afghanistan five years ago at the age of 20.