Event follows candidate dropping out of online debate claiming local paper ‘jumbled facts’ and ‘repeatedly’ misspells her name

On Friday, the candidate facing incumbent Democrat Pat Ryan to represent the 18th district of New York State in Congress, Republican Jackie Mary Auringer, abruptly dropped out of an online debate hosted by Kingston-based newspaper, The Daily Freeman.

During her 3-minute opening statement, Auringer, a Kingston native who works for her family’s business, U.S. Crane & Rigging, LLC, assailed her opponent claiming that when she entered the race, she was “immediately bribed to drop out,” and received an email from Rep. Ryan’s team “trying to get in her head” prior to the online debate. In addition, Auringer said debate moderator and reporter Paul Kirby and The Daily Freeman has “jumbled facts,” repeatedly misspelled her name, and misidentified her father. She also said she would release “The Pat Ryan Files” detailing, among other misuse of funds, Ryan’s financial connections to the paper before abruptly exiting the online debate.

“I refuse to lend credibility to a process in which I have lost confidence,” she said in a statement on social media following the event.

After Auringer signed off from the debate, Freeman moderators and incumbent U.S. Rep. Ryan agreed to continue the session. “I’m excited to chat with you as you do your job to hold elected officials accountable and report to the public, and I do mine to serve the public,” Ryan said.

“It’s never happened,” Daily Freeman reporter Paul Kirby said after Auringer’s exit.

“I’m not going to go into political games,” Freeman’s Ivan Lajara added. “We do news. And that’s what we’re going to continue to do and strive to do.”

In-person forum scheduled in Newburgh

Ryan and Auringer are scheduled to meet again this week, this time in person.

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce will host a candidates forum on Thursday, October 22, 2026 beginning at 5:30pm at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh. Admission is free, but attendees must reserve their seats in advance via the Orange County Chamber website.

The early voting period takes place Saturday, October 24, 2026 to Sunday, November 1, 2026. All registered voters are eligible to vote. Deadline to register to vote, or to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot, is this Saturday.

On Friday, local elected officials gathered at the Poughkeepsie waterfront to celebrate the passage of the Hudson River Protection Act, federal legislation led by Representative Pat Ryan to permanently ban harmful, polluting barges from docking in the Hudson River.

“Never again will big corporations be able to turn our river into a parking lot for dangerous barges, polluting the drinking water for 100,000 of our neighbors,” Rep. Pat Ryan said. “The Hudson is more than a river – it’s the lifeblood and the heartbeat of our community.”

“More than 107,000 people in Dutchess and Ulster counties depend on the river for their drinking water, with five treatment plants drawing directly from the Hudson to serve communities including Rhinebeck, Esopus, Lloyd, Hyde Park, and Poughkeepsie,” said Gary Bassett, Mayor of the Village of Rhinebeck and Chair of the Hudson 7, an intermunicipal council representing seven Mid-Hudson municipalities that rely on the Hudson River as a drinking water source. “The river doesn’t follow municipal boundaries. A spill doesn’t stop at a town line, and a flood doesn’t stop at a county line. Protecting this shared resource requires regional cooperation and strong federal leadership.”

The Hudson River Protection Act was signed into law by President Trump as part of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

Peak season brings single-day record to Kaaterskill Falls

Fall colors are on full display across the Hudson Valley and Catskills, leading visitors from all over to head to some of the most popular autumnal-scene-worthy places in the region – in record numbers.

On Saturday, October 10, stewards at the Catskill Center counted 3,346 visitors at Kaaterskill Falls, the highest single-day visitor count recorded at the site.

“That number reflects something being seen across the Catskills; more people are coming to experience the region and its outdoor spaces,” reps from the Catskill Center said. “That growing interest brings new opportunities to connect people with the Catskills, but it also places greater demands on trails, parking areas, natural resources, and visitor infrastructure.”

You can see natural recycling on the trails at Tymor Park in Lagrangeville, the shoreline along 9D in Beacon, and in your backyard. Fallen leaves nourish mushrooms, squirrels occupy abandoned woodpecker cavities, and lichens dissolve stones to extract minerals. Everything builds upon what came before.

It’s not just tangible items. If you listen closely to the hedgerows and thickets, you can hear an avian version of musical sampling. The Northern Mockingbird borrows "audio snippets" from its neighbors, stitching the calls of blue jays, robins, and cardinals into new tracks to defend territory. Similarly, the actions of beavers are mirrored by muskrats, who copy travel routes through dense vegetation to find shelter in their lodges.

Humans remix, as well. We are authors, artists, or composers of works built upon the efforts of others. Even if complete originality were possible, modifying what already exists often yields something spectacular.

Benson Lossing: Preserving Stories of the American Revolution
Monday, October 19, 2026 at 6:30pm
Cost of admission: Free
141 Boardman Road, Poughkeepsie
Benson Lossing was a Dutchess County native, newspaper editor, engraver, and eventually became the nation's most popular writer of history during the mid 19th-century. Along the way, he became fascinated with collecting as many interviews, documents, and artifacts as he could in order to keep the past alive. Join Historian Shannon Butler as she tells the story of a fellow historian's passion to save the stories of the American Revolution. Registration required. This program is part of the Poughkeepsie Big Read. Website

Holistic Healthcare Day
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 4 to 8pm
Cost of admission: Free
Lifebridge Sanctuary, 333 Mountain Road, Rosendale
Ulster County-based nonprofit Holistic Health Community hosts its Holistic Healthcare Day on the third Tuesday of each month in Rosendale, 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. For more information, visit HolisticHealthCommunity.org or contact info@holistichealthcommunity.org. Website

Alexander Hamilton: The Musical and the Duel
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 6:30pm
Cost of admission: Free
141 Boardman Road, Poughkeepsie
Hamilton, a ground-breaking musical featuring Black and Latino actors playing the founding fathers, won 11 Tony Awards. Hamilton, who as an immigrant became the first secretary of the treasury and founded the U.S. financial system, died at the hands of Vice President Aaron Burr upon the dueling grounds in Weehawken, New Jersey. This program features a presentation of the Hamilton mix-tape performance at the White House, an introduction to the characters of the musical, and music from the Broadway production. Presented by Rick Feingold, who teaches American Business History at Bergen Community College. Registration required. This program is a part of the PPLD Big Read. Website

Hudson River Watershed Alliance: Annual Watershed Conference
Pre-Conference Webinar: Wednesday, October 21 from 1-3 pm, via Zoom
In-Person Conference: Tuesday, October 27 from 9 am to 3:30 pm at the Henry A. Wallace Center, FDR Presidential Library & Museum, Hyde Park
Cost of admission: $100
This year’s Annual Watershed Conference theme is the “Anatomy of a Success Story.” The conference will have two components: The pre-conference webinar on Wednesday, October 21 from 1-3 pm via Zoom will showcase inspiring stories of four watershed groups from across the country, breaking down elements of their successes into valuable lessons learned. We will focus on the anatomy of a success story, paying close attention to what steps each watershed group took to set themselves up for effective project implementation and high impact in their watershed communities. The in-person conference on Tuesday, October 27 from 9 am to 3:30 pm at the Henry A. Wallace Center, FDR Presidential Library & Museum in Hyde Park, NY will feature plenary presentations, interactive breakout sessions, and lots of opportunities for conversations and networking. Website

Cato in the Revolution: Spies, Slavery, Church, and Chocolate
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 7pm
Cost of admission: Free
Virtual
Join historian and author Claire Bellerjeau as she shares her exciting new discoveries about Cato, an enslaved Black man, who aided the Patriot spy and tailor, Hercules Mulligan, during the Revolutionary War. Cato’s story, once mere legend, comes to life with details of an assassination plot against Washington, enslavement in the powerful Schuyler family, Cato’s religious life at St. Paul’s Chapel, and the intersection of colonial chocolate making and slavery. Showing great bravery, agency, skill, and faith, Cato represents other unknown and often “invisible” people of color who helped shape the course of the Revolution—and the history of the United States. Registration required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. This program will NOT be recorded. This program is a part of the PPLD Big Read. Website

An Apple A Day: The Apples of the Hudson Valley
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 7pm
Cost of admission: $10
Hudson River Maritime Museum, 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston
An Apple a Day? Not only does it keep the doctor away, but it also holds keys to the diversity of our humanity. Join Kevin Clark from Rose Hill Farm as he discusses the importance and uniqueness of the apple, the genetic diversity which apples hold, as well as the importance of preserving that diversity. You will learn how apples have traveled around the world and the importance of apples in the Hudson Valley. Each variety of apple has a story, rich in humanity and culture. A collection of over 100 types of apples will also be on display during the lecture. Website

Zumba Spooktacular
Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 5:15 to 6:15pm
Cost of admission: Free
8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers
The free, high-energy Halloween-themed Zumba class led by Guillermo Ruiz will feature upbeat music, fun moves and plenty of festive spirit. Costumes are encouraged, and the class is open to all fitness levels. Website

Women and the Formation of the Nation: 1776 and Beyond
Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 6pm
Cost of admission: Free
141 Boardman Road, Poughkeepsie
What roles did women play in the founding of the new United States and in shaping what the country would become?Engage with fascinating true-life stories, artifacts, and images from Women and the American Story that illuminate women’s critical roles in building a new nation. Presented by Lynn Saltonstall, Manager of Professional Learning at The New York Historical Society. This program is part of the Poughkeepsie Big Read. Registration required. Register

Tanisha Mitchell Presents Cotton: The Dream and Hope of the Slave
Friday, October 23, 2026 at 7pm
Cost of admission: Free
92 Catherine Street, Poughkeepsie
Tanisha Mitchell presents Cotton, which honors the African-American experience during slavery through spirituals, art, and slave narratives. Ms. Mitchell, the soprano and librarian behind the popular Opera Talks, will present her research and also perform two live spirituals. This presentation will take place at Beulah Baptist Church, located at 92 Catharine Street, Poughkeepsie. Registration required. This program is a part of the PPLD Big Read. Website

Wassaic Project’s Haunted Barn and Monster’s Ball
October 23-25; Monster’s Ball: October 24, 2026 at 7pm
Wassiac
Cost of admission: $10 individuals, $20 families, Monster’s Ball: $28 in advance only
The Haunted Mill will be in the Luther Barn for the first time; Featuring a mood swing by Judy K Suh, a monster candy feast by Walker Mettling, a fairy tale forest by Rachael McArthur, a walking-themed shadow puppet show by Theodora Skipitares, a puppet installation and performance by Jane Catherine Shaw and students from the Wassaic Project Junior Varsity Art Club, a robot escape video installation by Chris Golub and Anna Yiaxi Savvidou, a giant moth installation made of Rorschach tests by Erin Perrazzelli, a dancing clown installation and performance around a fire by Brian Whiteley, a haunted petting zoo made of recycled materials by Isabella Schubert-Jones, a giant inflatable puppet created by Nicole Banowetz and Devin Reilly, an alien robot workshop by Jeffrey Repko, and a “coin-operated” haunted music box interactive installation and performance by WHOOP DEE DOO and students from the Wassaic Project Varsity Art Club. Website

Breathe by Brian C. Petti
October 23-October 25, 2026
Cost of admission: $25
67 Brookside Ave, Chester
U.N.I.T.E.D. Performing Arts Corp, a non-profit organization, presents Breathe by award-winning Hudson Valley playwright Brian C. Petti. Breathe is about an adult autistic woman who, after encountering a clown and a soothsayer at a carnival with her caretaker father, wakes up the next morning without autism. The play explores the nature of parenthood, and the push and pull of caring for a child as they grow and change beyond the control and safety of parental expectation. Tickets are limited: Tickets

Mountain Ave and Nelsonville Cemetery Tour
October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 at 3:30 and 5pm both days
Cost of admission: $15
Mountain Avenue Cemetery Gate, Craigside Drive, Cold Spring
What history lies in some of the oldest cemeteries in Philipstown? Join Putnam History Museum for a special tour to unearth the stories buried in the Mountain Avenue and Nelsonville Cemeteries. Learn the stories of the deceased, from the first European settlers in Philipstown to the 19th century immigrants who listed their countries of origin in the headstone, Civil War veterans, poets, and more! PHM staff will also dig into the hidden meaning behind the cemetery’s symbolism, and what it says about the person interred. We will meet at the at the Mountain Avenue Cemetery Gate on Craigside Drive behind Haldane Elementary School. Website

Peppino D'Agostino at TCCC
Friday, October 23, 2026 at 7:30pm
Cost of admission: $25
Tompkins Corners Cultural Center, 729 Peekskill Hollow Road, Putnam Valley
Experience the dazzling artistry of internationally acclaimed guitarist and composer Peppino D’Agostino. A true master of acoustic guitar, D’Agostino delivers virtuosic playing, irresistible melodies, and unforgettable music. Website

Early Voting
October 24 through November 1, 2026
Visit your county’s board of elections for locations: Link

Trunk or Treat: Firefighter Edition
Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10am to noon
Cost of admission: Free
FASNY (The Firefighters Association of the State of New York) Museum of Firefighting), 117 Harry Howard Ave., Hudson
Join Molly the Museum Dog and some of her closest firefighter friends for a unique event you will not soon forget. Joining Molly will be local firefighters with their decorated fire trucks giving out treats, and there will be even more treats to collect inside the “spooktacular” Museum! Collect treats, play fire safety Halloween-themed games, and vote for your favorite fire truck and trunk, as we celebrate another super spooky season at the museum! All activities, treats, and games are free and will be both indoors and outdoors (rain or shine– there will be a tent outdoors). Free admission to the Museum will also be offered to all who attend this special event. Reservations are not required for this event. Website

MFA 1000 Book Festival
Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10am to 3pm
Cost of admission: Free
Marlboro Elementary School, 1380 US-9W, Marlboro
Main Street Books will be hosting their very first 1000 Book Festival! This event will unite our Hudson Valley community for a day filled with reading, literacy, and the joy of books. The first 450 kids will receive a $15 book voucher towards any book, creating a meaningful and lasting connection to reading. Meet 60+ authors & illustrators, crafts, games & more! Rain or shine. Website

Heritage Harvest Festival – To Benefit the Clinton Historical Society
Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10am to 8pm
Cost of admission: $25
203 Fiddlers Bridge Road, Staatsburg
The second annual Heritage Harvest Festival. The theme for the day is Managing a Historic Rural Property. A variety of educational and entertaining activities are planned for the entire day such as: Educational demonstrations about architectural restoration, managed forestry, Christmas tree production, etc.; Workshops to discuss agricultural and forestry tax exemptions, as well as conservation easement options; Hayrides around the historic property; Re-enactment of the Fiddlers Ghost legend from 1808; Lawn games and family-friendly activities and more. All proceeds go to the Clinton Historical Society. Website

Halloween Spooktacular
Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10am to 3pm
Cost of admission: Free
8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers
The annual Halloween Spooktacular will be held on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will include Halloween-themed entertainment, a DJ dance party, Halloween-themed photo opportunities, inflatables, and Trick-or-Treat on The Green from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The trick-or-treat line will begin at Zales and end near Bath & Body Works. Candy will be distributed to children while supplies last. One trick-or-treat session per child. The event is free and no registration is required. It will be held rain or shine. Website

“Re-Thinking Fall Clean-Up” Ashley Gamell Part of Beatrix Farrand Garden Series of Garden Talks
Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10:30-11:30am
Cost of admission:$15, free for BFGA members
Beatrix Farrand Garden at FDR National Historic Site, 4097 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park
Join Beatrix Farrand Garden Director of Horticulture Ashley Gamell, ecological landscape designer, for a presentation and garden stroll exploring the fall season and how we can best utilize it to boost garden beauty and extend the bloom season into winter, all while supporting a bounty of life. Ashley will highlight spectacular fall bloomers in the walled garden and the wild garden, and share her approach to fall gardening for a lush, earth-friendly garden.  Space limited. Register

Candle Making, Creativity, and Connecting –The Art of Making Room
Saturday, October 24, 2026 from noon to 4pm
That Creative Space, 333 Fishkill Ave, Suite 4, Beacon
Cost of admission: $65
Join an afternoon of candle making, guided conversations, lunch, and written reflections to kickoff our launch of our social club here in the Hudson Valley! Maison Nefelibata/House of Clouderwalkers is a modern social club, a home for dreamers, artists, professionals, activists, and seekers of gentler days and more meaningful interactions and connections. Let's detox from our devices and tap back into our creativity and connections. Use code FALLAUNCH at checkout for 15$ off. 18+. Website

Walkway at Night
October 24, 2026 from 7:30 to 9pm
Cost of admission: $5, free for members and children under 12
Walkway Over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie and Highland
Enjoy Hudson Valley views after dark from 212 feet above the Hudson River. If the weather permits, our friends from the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association will be in the park with telescopes to help everyone view the night sky. RSVP

Kiwanis Club of Newburgh Scholarship Run Walk
Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 9am
Cost of admission: $30
Chadwick Lake Park, 1702 NY-300, Newburgh
Come out and support the Kiwanis Club of Newburgh foundation while enjoying a 4 mile trail run/walk around beautiful Chadwick Lake Park. There will be music, medals and awards, raffles, food, and great energy. All proceeds support educational and enrichment opportunities for children of the community. $30 for adults and $20 for students K-12. Website

20th Annual Walk for Wishes
Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 9am to 2pm
Cost of admission: $15
Kingsland Point Park, 299 Palmer Avenue, Sleepy Hollow
Walk for Wishes: A Sleepy Hollow Family Fun Fall Festival returns on October 25, 2026, transforming the historic village into a heartwarming, Halloween-themed celebration for all ages. This family-friendly fundraiser brings together wish families, volunteers, sponsors, and the community to raise vital funds for children with critical illnesses - all set against the enchanting backdrop of Sleepy Hollow. Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Hudson River’s River Walk, interactive photo ops, a legendary glass pumpkin patch, live music, food trucks, games, costume contests (pets included!), face painting, crafts, and more. Perfect for locals and visitors alike, the festival pairs perfectly with a visit to Sleepy Hollow’s famous haunts. Walk for Wishes is more than a fun fall day – it's a chance to make a difference. Join us for an unforgettable experience where autumn magic meets meaningful impact. Website

ROOTS: A collaborative exhibition with Garrison Art Center & Desmond-Fish Public Library
On view through October 25, 2026
Cost of admission: Free
Desmond-Fish Public Library, 472 NY-403, Garrison
Garrison Art Center (GAC) and Desmond-Fish Public Library (DFPL) are proud to announce their upcoming collaborative juried exhibition, ROOTS, on view from June 25 through October 25, 2026, at Desmond-Fish Public Library. This unique exhibition brings together the local community to explore the profound intersections of nature, history, and narrative through the medium of printmaking. This collaboration was inspired by the discovery that GAC and DFPL had complementary summer themes—Garrison Art Center’s Rooted: Art and the Natural World for their K-12 Summer Programs and the Desmond-Fish Public Library’s summer reading theme, Unearth A Story. GAC and DFPL aimed to highlight the compelling connections between art, storytelling, and the natural world. Participating printmakers were encouraged to think expansively and approach the concepts of being "rooted" and "unearthing" both literally and conceptually. The resulting exhibition highlights the rich dialogue between visual art and storytelling. Website

2026 Cemetery Crawl
Continues through October 25, 2026
Cost of admission: Free
7562 North Broadway, Red Hook
Discover the people and stories of Red Hook through the free 2026 Cemetery Crawl, presented by Historic Red Hook. Explore more than 100 biographies online, listen to recorded stories, use the interactive map, or visit six historic cemeteries in person. From September 19 through October 25, participants of all ages can also join a friendly, flexible scavenger hunt. Search for symbols and names, complete creative autumn challenges, and participate as casually—or as competitively—as you like. Everyone who submits a hunt receives a participation prize and is entered into the grand-prize drawings at the finale on Sunday, October 25, at the Elmendorph Inn. Participation is free. Registration opens September 19 and provides access to the 2026 Crawl materials. The Elmendorph Inn is the Crawl’s home base; cemetery locations and directions are provided through the interactive map. Website

Add an event to the HVNY calendar at hvny.info/share-your-event

To enter: Email your (1) best photo of Fall in the Hudson Valley from this season (2026) to photos@hvny.info. Original photographs only. Please limit filters/retouching, and include your name and location if it’s a public place.