‘Armed with seine nets, minnow pots and water-testing gear’ for annual event

Thousands of students across the region, from elementary school to college, will head to the river this week for A Day in the Life of the Hudson River and Harbor.

The hands-on day of science will take place on Tuesday at over 100 sites from the Adirondacks to the New York Harbor.

Students will be “armed with seine nets, minnow pots and water-testing gear” to catch and release some of the river’s 200-plus species of fish, as well as track the river’s tides and currents, and examine the river’s water chemistry and quality.

“A Day in the Life [of the Hudson River and Harbor] provides a wonderful opportunity for students to become scientists for the day and see the Hudson River from a completely different perspective,” said Scott Kleinberg, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County’s No Child Left Inside Program Manager and Coordinator. “The experience connects classroom learning with the real world and gives young people the opportunity to contribute meaningful information about the river they live alongside.”

Following this week’s event, all of the student-collected data will be posted online, allowing teachers to incorporate the robust data set into river-specific lesson plans.

The word monument is itself large and domineering. It is a word that invokes power and stature. Monuments have been idolized, and recently criticized for outdated ideas that proudly display oppressive authorities over cities. But this week in the Hudson Valley, monuments will be reimagined and imbued with positivity, literally, across the community.

For this year’s O-Positive Festival, taking place across the City of Kingston from October 9 through October 11, the theme of ‘Monuments’ is at the forefront:

What would it mean to create monuments rooted in community rather than individual authority, that uplift our neighbors rather than a figure from a history long past or pushed through the lens of power? To mark not only triumph, but survival, mutual aid, and interdependence? Between what we uplift and what we unlearn, there is a space — uncertain, generative, and alive. It is here that new forms of individual and collective memory, value and contribution take precedence — not notions carved in stone, but a commitment to share the work of building a more honest, compassionate and expansive history and future.

Through citywide murals and art exhibitions including an installation at a local deli, live music and intimate artist talks including a night with author and musician Melissa Auf der Maur at the Old Dutch Church and Amanda Seyfreid performing as part of a special Joni Mitchell celebration, community bike rides, clothing swaps, spoken WO+RD performances, and wellness offerings, the O-Positive Festival aims to alter the health and wellness structures that have been long set in place: All participating artists for the festival will receive complimentary health and wellness access in exchange for sharing their work.

In addition, O+ wristbands offer access to all festival events all weekend long with sliding scale payment options available.

PK Connect, a new free application for iPhone and Android devices, allows users to report non-emergency issues across the City of Poughkeepsie, upload photos and “pinpoint its location on a map.” Users can then track the progress of their complaint and receive real-time updates on the app.

According to City of Poughkeepsie officials, “common uses for PK Connect include reporting garbage and recycling issues, potholes, water quality concerns, graffiti, streetlight outages, traffic signal malfunctions, missing or damaged stop signs, animal wellness concerns, illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, clogged storm drains, fallen tree limbs, sewer odors, leaking hydrants, faded pavement markings, street sweeping needs, park and public bathroom maintenance issues, and code enforcement concerns.”

The app also offers information about local events, real-time notifications on city projects and emergency alerts.

Health dept seeking individuals who brought raccoon to animal hospital

A raccoon brought into the Rhinebeck Animal Hospital has tested positive for rabies, according to officials.

The Dutchess County Department of Health has confirmed that the raccoon dropped off at the Rhinebeck Animal Hospital on October 1, 2026 has tested positive for rabies. But, according to health officials, “the individuals who transported the animal to the hospital left before providing contact information or specific information about where the animal was found.”

The Dutchess County Department of Health (DCDOH) is asking the individuals who brought the raccoon to the animal hospital, or anyone who may know their identities, to contact the department as soon as possible. Health officials are seeking to assess any potential exposure to rabies and provide appropriate guidance.

Furthermore, if any individual or any domestic animal has had recent direct contact with a raccoon in the Rhinebeck area, call DCDOH as soon as possible at (845) 486-3404, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or (845) 320-1656 on nights and weekends.

“Immediate treatment after potential exposure to rabies is crucial,” the health department said. “Rabies is a viral disease that can affect the central nervous system of humans and other mammals. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making early intervention essential. The virus is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal via bites or scratches. Immediate medical attention following potential exposure is crucial to prevent the onset of symptoms.”

The Newburgh-Beacon Ferry will be running across the Hudson River once again this weekend – but it may be the last run for a while. Following the closure of the Beacon ferry dock by the MTA last winter, volunteers raised over $30,000 to restart two weekends of limited service. The group, Save the Ferry coalition, said they “will use what we learn from the pilot in our continued efforts towards permanent service restoration and expansion.”

Rides for the final pilot weekend will run October 10 and October 11 between 10am and 6pm. The ferry will depart from the Sloop Club dock in Beacon and the Riverfront Marina in Newburgh.

Tickets for the special pilot run cost $1 for all ages.

Reading by Eliza Barry Callahan
Monday, October 5, 2026 at 5:30pm
Cost of admission: Free
Reem Kayden Center’s Lászlo Z. Bitó ’60 Auditorium, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson
A public reading on campus as part of her ongoing residency at Bard during the fall 2026 semester. More info: 845-758-7087.

Mid-Hudson World Affairs Council presents Economic and Energy Diplomacy in a Time of Global Upheaval
Monday, October 5, 2026 at 6:30pm
Cost of admission: Free
Boardman Road Branch Library, 141 Boardman Road, Poughkeepsie
A Conversation with Erik Holmgren, Jones Group International. Erik will speak about his experience as an U.S. State Department Economic Officer promoting U.S. economic and business priorities with a focus on energy diplomacy, sharing his insights on the current global energy crisis. Website

The Sound of Nashville Benefit Concert
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 7pm
Cost of admission: $100
Bardavon, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie
Mental Health America of Dutchess County and Reviver Entertainment Group bring Nashville to the historic Bardavon featuring Craig Morgan, Maggie Rose, Ian Flanigan, Jake Banfield and Brooke Moriber. This special one-night event replaces MHA’s traditional annual gala, with proceeds supporting critical mental health services for individuals and families throughout Dutchess County. Website

Highlands Autumn Invitational
October 7 - 11, 2026 from 9am to 5pm
Cost of admission: Free
217 Depot Hill Road, Amenia
Highlands is a multi-day equestrian and lifestyle event set in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Anchored by international show jumping competition, the event welcomes top riders and horses from around the world for a week of sport, community, and celebration. The weekend culminates with the Bridlemont Concours, a curated exhibition of rare and significant automobiles and motorcycles, uniquely set alongside world-class equestrian competition.

A Show of Heads
October 8-31, 2026
Limmer Gallery, Hudson
Exhibition featuring Boston artist Lori Moretti’s SCREAM: A Portrait of Collective Voices, a 5-by-5-foot installation of 16 black-and-white portraits showing women caught mid-scream. Opening reception: October 10, 2206 from 3-5pm. Website

Hudson Valley Job Fair
Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 3 to 6pm (2-3pm open to veterans, senior citizens and individuals living with disabilities)
DoubleTree by Hilton, 40 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie
Hosted by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and featuring over 60 employers. Register

Holistic Healthcare Day
Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 4 to 7pm
Cost of admission: Free
HealthAlliance Hospital, 75 Mary's Avenue, Administrative Building, Kingston
Ulster County-based nonprofit Holistic Health Community hosts its Holistic Healthcare Day on the second Thursday of each month in Kingston, offering community members access to free holistic healthcare services, including acupuncture, reiki, massage, and more. Available appointments are announced by email one week before each event, and advance registration is required: Website

Woodstock Film Festival Zine Launch
Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 6pm
Cost of admission: Free
Unicorn Bar, 224 Foxhall Avenue, Kingston
In anticipation of the 27th annual Woodstock Film Festival the WFF team has partnered with Good Neighbor, the Kingston-based independent arts, culture, and community publication, to produce a limited-edition, collectible zine to highlight festival venues, screenings, and special events taking place across the mid-Hudson Valley during festival week in October. Join an evening of drinks and community convergence. Meet the Good Neighbor and Woodstock Film Festival teams and help us kick off the countdown to the 27th Annual Woodstock Film Festival. A cash bar and snacks will be available for purchase at Unicorn Bar during the event. Website

An Evening with Murray Hill in conversation with Bridget Everett
Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 7:30pm
Cost of admission: $32.50 includes hardcover book
The Stissing Center for Arts and Culture, Pine Plains
Join comedian Murray Hill & Bridget Everett for an intimate in conversation event celebrating the release of Murray's debut memoir Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man. Website

Opening Reception – Of Paper and Plate: Contemporary Art at Market Basket Delicatessen
Friday, October 9, 2026 from 6 to 9pm
Cost of admission: Free
Market Basket Delicatessen, 308 Wall Street, Kingston
For three days during O+ Festival Kingston 2026, Site Seen brings contemporary art into an unexpected setting: A working deli in the heart of Uptown Kingston. Presented in collaboration with O+, Of Paper and Plate brings together 14 contemporary artists inside Market Basket Delicatessen. Rather than transforming the deli into a gallery, the exhibition allows the two to coexist. The counter stays open, lunch gets made, customers come and go, and art enters a space already in motion. Taking its title from two familiar objects, paper and plate, the exhibition invites artists to consider their material, cultural and associative possibilities while responding to a place never designed for the presentation of art. Presented by Site Seen in collaboration with O+ as part of O+ Festival Kingston 2026. On view through October 11, 2026. Registration is encouraged but not required. Website

What Inspires: Readings and Conversation with Jo Ann Beard and Mary Beth Hughes
Friday, October 9, 2026 at 7pm
Cost of admission: $10-$15 sliding scale
Black Box Theater, Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, Tivoli
An evening of readings and conversation exploring artistic inspiration and literary kinship. Website

Costume Swap at the Kingston Farmers’ Market
Saturday, October 10 and October 17, 2026 from 9am to 1pm
Kingston Farmers’ Market, Courthouse Parking Lot, 285 Wall Street, Kingston
Hosted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County. Drop off a gently used or new costume, and swap for a new-to-you costume for the season to keep costumes out of the landfill.

John Vanderlyn: A Walking Tour of the Artist’s Life and Legacy
October 10 and October 15, 2026 from 11am to noon
Cost of admission: Free but reservations are required
Senate House, near the Robert Loughran House, 296 Fair Street, Kingston
Explore Vanderlyn’s life by visiting key locations related to his family and artistic development. Though Vanderlyn called Kingston home, he traveled the world, painted presidents, and rubbed elbows with many recognizable names, from Senate House resident Peter Van Gaasbeek, to Gilbert Stuart and Aaron Burr. Today, his works can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Portrait Gallery, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. However, Senate House State Historic Site currently holds the largest collection of Vanderlyn pieces anywhere in the world. RSVP by calling 845-338-2786 or email SenateHouseSHS@parks.ny.gov.

SUP Witches Festival
Saturday, October 10, 2026 from noon to 5pm
Cost of admission: $8 in advance, $10 day of the event, free for kids under 8
Kingsland Point Park, Sleepy Hollow
Live music from Might & The Weevils and The Incumbents, the SUP Witches Paddles at 2pm, Headless Horseman rides, and more. Note: All paddlers must register in advance by October 7, 2026. Website

REV250 Hudson Highlands History Festival
Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 2 to 5pm
Cost of admission: Free
Putnam History Museum, Cold Spring
A family-friendly event with a reenactment, Colonial toys and games, the Hudson Highlands Pipe Band, storytelling, an exhibit depicting General Washington from the collection of George Whipple III, and more.

Sweet Clover Farm Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 2 to 10pm
Cost of admission: $10
Sweet Clover Farm, 10 Sweet Clover Road, Highland Mills
Sweet Clover Farm will bring two beloved local bands together for their first reunion at the farm during its Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 10, from 2–10 p.m. Hurley Mountain Highway and Mighty Spectrum Band will headline a celebration of Hudson Valley music, makers and fall flavors. Website

Game Show Dinner Fundraiser Benefiting Cronomer Valley Fire Department
Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 5:15pm
Cost of admission: $50
296 North Plank Rd, Newburgh
Cronomer Valley Fire Department will be hosting a Game Show experience with a buffet dinner on Saturday, October 10th, 2026. This night will begin with a buffet dinner made by CVFD’s own chefs and continue into a fun filled “Game Show” experience by host Bob Scott. The dinner and show is a fundraiser for the membership to help fund maintenance on our buildings and grounds, parade and uniform expenses, and restock our kitchen supplies for future events. Tickets are $50 per person that includes the buffet dinner, a beverage and desert, as well as the 2 hours of entertainment. Tickets will only be available until sold out, so grab yours today! Click on the link to the “Game Show” experience for a preview of the event. Cash and valuable prizes will be awarded! As stated this is a competition between tables of eight contestants so you may want to get your groups together and reserve a table by buying all at once! So get your game show contestants together and we hope to see you there. Website

Owl-o-Ween
Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 5:30 to 7pm
Cost of admission: $30-$40
Hudson Highlands Wildlife Education Campus, 25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson
Celebrate the Halloween season with HHNC along with Dr. Laura Jaworksi & her team of raptor ambassadors! Get an up close look as you learn about raptor behavior, unique adaptations & more! Plus Q+A. Photography welcome! This event is open to the public. For ages 7 and up. Register

Remnants I: Photography and the Nature of Remembering
Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 6 to 8pm
Cost of admission: Free
BAU Gallery, 506 Main Street, Beacon
Síle Marrinan’s solo exhibition REMNANTS I explores the ways memory is formed, altered, and reimagined over time. Bringing together photography, video, wallpaper, and sculptural elements, the exhibition draws in part on family photographs and Marrinan’s childhood in Ireland, using light, water, and time to disrupt and transform familiar images. On view through November 8, 2026. Website

Party with a Purpose
Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 7 to 11pm
Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley, 243 Albany Avenue, Kingston
Cost of admission: $90
Party with a purpose – gala dance, fundraiser, cocktail party, silent and live auction with Siracusano & Tucker, celebrating Leslie Kidder past president and past religious school chair. All are welcome. If you know Leslie, come and honor her. Website

Italian Heritage Day Festival
Sunday, October 11, 2026 from noon to 6pm
Cost of admission: Free
1010 Route 22, Brewster
Italian Heritage Day Festival celebrating Italian culture with live music and many vendors. Website

The Chapel Restoration Fall Gala
Sunday October 11, 2026 from 12:30 to 4:30pm
The Chapel Restoration, 45 Market Street, Cold Spring
Cost of admission: $100
Join us on Sunday, October 11, from 12:30 to 4:30pm for The Chapel Restoration's Fall Gala, a relaxed afternoon of music and community on the Hudson. Enjoy solo piano, live music from Deadgrass, wood fired pizza, tarot readings, lawn games, face painting, and our new Story Booth, where you can record your Chapel memories for our permanent archive. Tickets are $100, kids get in free, and every ticket supports the future of this 1833 landmark. Website

Greystone Programs 34th Annual Wine Tasting and Auction
Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 1-5pm
Cost of admission: $175
Milea, 450 Hollow Rd, Staatsburg
Experience an unforgettable afternoon at the Hudson Valley’s premier wine tasting benefit, now celebrating its 34th year. Enjoy a distinguished selection of wines, inspiring artwork, and exciting silent and live auction experiences while gathering with friends, supporters, and community leaders. Raise a glass, embrace the spirit of philanthropy, and support the mission of Greystone Programs as we work together to create meaningful opportunities and enrich the lives of those we serve. The event will raise vital funds to support Greystone Programs’ expressive arts therapy and enrichment programs for individuals living with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities. Website

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