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Neighbors

Support Rising For 'Wonderful' Volunteer EMT, Minister In Region Battling Cancer

Support Rising For 'Wonderful' Volunteer EMT, Minister In Region Battling Cancer

Support Rising For 'Wonderful' Volunteer EMT, Minister In Region Battling Cancer Support is on the rise for a volunteer EMT and minister from the region facing what colleagues describe as a long battle with cancer. Greene County resident Ken Aurigema, of Prattsville, has been a volunteer at the Lexington fire department for 27 years, serving as an EMT and fire police officer, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized by Liza Dwon. In August 2022, Aurigema underwent surgery for colon cancer and began chemotherapy treatments. The grandfather of ten, who is also a minister at West Kill Christian Church, makes his living as a self-employed electrician, but has had a toug…

by Michael Mashburn

11/08/2022

Neighbors

'You're On Live Television': Today Show Surprises NY Man On National Good Neighbor Day

'You're On Live Television': Today Show Surprises NY Man On National Good Neighbor Day

'You're On Live Television': Today Show Surprises NY Man On National Good Neighbor Day An upstate New York man got the surprise of a lifetime when he answered a knock at the door and found himself on live, national television. Rensselaer County resident Ernie Mann, age 75, opened the door to his City of Rensselaer home Wednesday morning, Sept. 28, and was shocked to find a camera crew from the Today show accompanied by two dozen cheering neighbors. Moments before the big surprise, Today correspondent Donna Farizan explained to viewers that Mann’s longtime friend, Amy Mooney, had nominated him for National Good Neighbor Day. Farizan then proceeded to knock on Mann’s front do…

by Michael Mashburn

09/30/2022

Neighbors

Daily Voice Founder Shares "A Lifetime of Work" in His New Book

Daily Voice Founder Shares "A Lifetime of Work" in His New Book

Daily Voice Founder Shares "A Lifetime of Work" in His New Book Ten years after founding Daily Voice, Carll Tucker is bringing out a new book called Collected Words. We sat down to talk to him about his book, Daily Voice, and what he’s been doing since his retirement in 2019. DV: So what is Collected Words? Tucker: Collected Words is five books I’ve written during the last thirty years. The first, Good Morning, was mined from the daily email missives I’ve been sending to my friends every day for eight years. Our Rift is a book of poems. Paddle’s Last Gift is a memoir of our beloved family dog. Dear David is a letter I wrote to my youngest son on his bar…

by Daily Voice

Neighbors

Here's How You Can Help To Avoid Conflicts With Coyotes

Here's How You Can Help To Avoid Conflicts With Coyotes

Here's How You Can Help To Avoid Conflicts With Coyotes With winter slowly transforming to spring and temperatures warming up, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has released its annual guide on how to avoid conflicts with coyotes. DEC officials released the guide on Monday as warmer weather will soon bring coyotes out from the wild to set up dens for pups that will arrive during the spring. "This time of year, DEC sees an uptick in questions from New Yorkers regarding coyotes and their behavior," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in the statement. "While coyotes are an integral and beneficial part of our natural ecosys…

03/17/2019

Neighbors

Sex Offender Convicted Of Sodomizing Teen Boy Reports Move Out Of Dutchess

Sex Offender Convicted Of Sodomizing Teen Boy Reports Move Out Of Dutchess

Sex Offender Convicted Of Sodomizing Teen Boy Reports Move Out Of Dutchess A registered sex offender convicted of sodomizing a teenage boy has reported a move in Orange County. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services issued an alert this week to Orange County residents regarding the residency of 52-year-old Gregory Gonzalez, who has moved from Poughkeepsie to a residence on Taft Avenue in Newburgh. The Division of Criminal Justice Services has assigned Gonzalez as a level two threat, which means he is at "moderate risk of a repeat offense." According to the Division of Criminal Justice Services, Gonzalez had deviate sexual intercourse with a 16-y…

01/23/2019

Neighbors

Six Dutchess County Residents Charged With DWI In State Police Stops

Six Dutchess County Residents Charged With DWI In State Police Stops

Six Dutchess County Residents Charged With DWI In State Police Stops New York State Police troopers busted nearly two dozen local motorists who were allegedly driving while impaired in the area over the past week. The local residents charged were: Dutchess County On Friday, Jan. 11, State Police troopers from Rhinebeck arrested Gerard V. Ollis, 43, of Poughkeepsie, for DWAI Drugs. He was traveling on Route 9 in Rhinebeck, when he was struck a mailbox and then left the scene. Ollis was stopped on Mills Cross Road in Hyde Park, the investigation revealed that he was impaired by drugs, and he was subsequently arrested. On Saturday, Jan. 12…

01/20/2019

Neighbors

New York Woman Celebrates Second Chance At Life

New York Woman Celebrates Second Chance At Life

New York Woman Celebrates Second Chance At Life When Orange County physical therapist’s assistant and mother Ellen Dunn first started feeling run down and short of breath, she assumed it meant that she was out of shape. She soon began working out but noticed that things didn’t get any better. That’s when her doctor diagnosed her with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung disease that results in scarring of the lungs and makes it hard to take in enough oxygen. “I knew my only option was a lung transplant, but I was in denial,” said Dunn. “It was a lot to take in and very scary – not just for me, but also for my husband and …

by LiveOnNY

11/14/2018

Neighbors

Westchester Resident Received Life-Saving Liver Transplant After 14 Year Wait

Westchester Resident Received Life-Saving Liver Transplant After 14 Year Wait

Westchester Resident Received Life-Saving Liver Transplant After 14 Year Wait At age 32 Westchester resident Janet Ocasio was a mother to three children and a successful hospital executive who started feeling run down. Her doctor told it was likely just stress and sent her home. But things didn’t improve and soon Janet was unable to walk a block or play with her children without getting winded and needing a break. She returned to the doctor where she learned the devastating news that her liver was failing. She was told she only had 4-6 years to live. “I was terrified to leave my children,” she said. “So I began doing research and went to see another doctor who sent m…

Content Partner: LiveOnNY

Neighbors

VIDEO: Teen Spreads 'Love, Smiles' With Random Acts Of Kindness In Dutchess

VIDEO: Teen Spreads 'Love, Smiles' With Random Acts Of Kindness In Dutchess

Video: Teen Spreads 'Love, Smiles' With Random Acts Of Kindness In Dutchess A Westchester teenager’s video showcasing random acts of kindness in Dutchess County has gone viral, with thousands of viewers watching her “spread love, smiles, laughs and kindness.” Eastchester resident Gabriella Ricciardi, 19, a student at Marist College, produced a video showcasing her and her friends handing out dollar bills to unsuspecting strangers around Poughkeepsie in acts of random kindness. The entire video was shot on Ricciardi’s iPhone, with a total budget of just $23. The video was shot and edited together in less than 24 hours, she said. Since it was posted earlier this mon…

03/24/2018

Neighbors

Real Life Hero Cop Meets TV Hero Cop In Hudson Valley

Real Life Hero Cop Meets TV Hero Cop In Hudson Valley

Real Life Hero Cop Meets TV Hero Cop In Hudson Valley Fantasy met reality in Westchester last week as a real-life hero cop met a prominent actress who stars as one on television. Yonkers Police Officer Kayla Maher, who was shot in the jaw as she approached two suspected criminal in a car last year, met Mariska Hargitay this week, who is filming scenes for the TV show "Law & Order SVU" in the city. Hargitay is best known for her starring role as Olivia Benson on "Law & Order." She has also become an outspoken advocate against gun violence, equality and women’s rights. Shortly after 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, office…

03/19/2018

Neighbors

Hudson Valley Resident Jeanine Pirro Settles 119 MPH Speeding Ticket

Hudson Valley Resident Jeanine Pirro Settles 119 MPH Speeding Ticket

Hudson Valley Resident Jeanine Pirro Settles 119 MPH Speeding Ticket After several months, Fox News host and former Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro has pleaded guilty to a speeding charge against her. New York State Police troopers stopped Pirro driving 119 miles per hour on Nov. 19 last year in the Town of Nichols, which is in upstate Tioga County near Owego and her hometown Elmira. When she was stopped by troopers, Pirro, who lives in Harrison, was driving in a 65 mph zone. According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, Pirro faced up to 11 points on her license for driving more than 40 mph over the speed limit, though that was…

02/21/2018

Neighbors

Hudson Valley Residents Named Volunteer Spirit Award Winners

Hudson Valley Residents Named Volunteer Spirit Award Winners

Hudson Valley Residents Named Volunteer Spirit Award Winners Six Westchester residents have been selected to be honored as extraordinary volunteers by Volunteer New York! during National Volunteer Week and the 38th annual Volunteer Spirit Awards Gala. Hosted by Regeneron, the gala is set or Friday, April 20, at the Westchester Marriot in Tarrytown, the event will pay homage to all of the people who selflessly give their time and money to help others in need. “There will be six awards given to the outstanding honorees from throughout Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam, chosen from a stellar group of nominees submitted by local nonprofits,” said Volunt…

by Kathy Reakes

02/20/2018

Neighbors

Production Crew/Casting Call For Movie Being Shot In Hudson Valley

Production Crew/Casting Call For Movie Being Shot In Hudson Valley

Production Crew/Casting Call For Movie Being Shot In Hudson Valley For those looking to break into the movie business, now's your chance to work for free on a short horror film filming in the Hudson Valley next month. Kaleidoscope Productions is working on a "no budget" short film in Newburgh on Saturday, Feb. 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25 to be entered into film festivals. The film is about a sheriff in small town in upstate New York who uncovers a satanic haunting while investigating a domestic violence call. The company is looking for the following positions: Sound person with sound mixer Art Director Makeup Artist Gaffer They are also looking to …

by Kathy Reakes

02/04/2018

Neighbors

Drive To Aid Putnam Sheriff's Deputy Battling Cancer Nears $45K

Drive To Aid Putnam Sheriff's Deputy Battling Cancer Nears $45K

Drive To Aid Putnam Sheriff's Deputy Battling Cancer Nears $45K Putnam County Sheriff's Deputy Michael "Mo" Schmidt, 39, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in September 2016. According to this GoFundMe page set up by his uncle, Schmidt had been sick since Thanksgiving 2015, but was misdiagnosed for almost a year. At this time there is no known cure for this disease, but its progression can be slowed. So far, family and friends have raised nearly $45,000 of their $150,000 GoFundMe goal to help defray some of Schmidt's medical costs. Schmidt has been a Putnam County Sheriff's deputy for aobut 10 years. During his career, he has served as the …

01/29/2018

Neighbors

Lost Dog Reunited With Owner In Red Hook

Lost Dog Reunited With Owner In Red Hook

Lost Dog Reunited With Owner In Red Hook RED HOOK, N.Y. --- It was a joyous reunion between man and his best friend in Red Hook. A lost dog was reunited with his owner in Red Hook after an overwhelming response to a Facebook post by the Red Hook Police Department. The dog was found at 79 Hapeman Hill Rd. and the post was shared 1,100 times by 45,184 people. A Rhode Island resident, who previously lived in Red Hook, recognized the dog and contacted police. The owner is an elderly resident who has owned the dog for 17 years. "Since his wife's passing she is his only companion and was very excited to have her back," Red…

01/18/2018

Neighbors

Putnam Valley Resident's New Album Pays Tribute To Famed Folk Musician

Putnam Valley Resident's New Album Pays Tribute To Famed Folk Musician

Putnam Valley Resident's New Album Pays Tribute To Famed Folk Musician Andy Biskin is hoping people love the music of Alan Lomax as much as he does.Biskin and his band, 16 Tons, have launched a Kickstarter to help fund the recording of his band's new record, which features a collection of American folk songs previously collected by Lomax. The campaign, which runs through Feb. 1, is hoping to raise $8,000 to help cover fees for musicians recording, editing, mixing, mastering and producing the CDs. As of Saturday morning, 51 people have already pledged $4,521. Biskin must raise the full amount or he receives nothing. The album will begin recording in January an…

01/02/2018

Neighbors

Know It? Police Seek Owner Of 'Cold, Scared' Pit Bull In Hyde Park

Know It? Police Seek Owner Of 'Cold, Scared' Pit Bull In Hyde Park

Know It? Police Seek Owner Of 'Cold, Scared' Pit Bull In Hyde Park The Hyde Park Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance as it attempts to reunite an anxious pit bull with its family. Police issued an alert this week regarding a “cold and scared” pit bull mix that has been spotted several times in the woods and properties between Beck Road and Kari Boulevard. According to police, the dog too shy for officers to get near him, but they are hopeful of helping it find a warm, safe home. Anyone who knows the owner or recognizes the dog have been asked to contact the Hyde Park Police Department by calling (845) 229-9340. You can share this story…

12/28/2017

Neighbors

Lagrangeville Resident Named Publisher Of Hudson Valley Magazine

Lagrangeville Resident Named Publisher Of Hudson Valley Magazine

Lagrangeville Resident Named Publisher Of Hudson Valley Magazine Hudson Valley Magazine has a new man in charge.Dan Burnside, a Lagrangeville resident, was named publisher of Hudson Valley Magazine this week. The magazine recently celebrated its 45th anniversary. Burnside previously worked at The Blue Book Network for 15 years. At Hudson Valley Magazine, Burnside will oversee the sales and marketing teams.

12/23/2017

Neighbors

Hyde Park Police Helping Needy Families Over Holiday Season

Hyde Park Police Helping Needy Families Over Holiday Season

Hyde Park Police Helping Needy Families Over Holiday Season HYDE PARK, N.Y. -- Hyde Park Police are doing what they can to help those in need over the holidays. The police kicked off the holiday season by joining other first responders at Target in Poughkeepsie for their Heroes and Helpers event, where local first responders help kids shop for things they need for the holidays. Last week, the police announced they have sponsored some local families for Christmas and will be working to distribute presents soon.

12/18/2017

Neighbors

Animal Sanctuary Will Honor 6-Year-Old Sandy Hook Massacre Victim

Animal Sanctuary Will Honor 6-Year-Old Sandy Hook Massacre Victim

Animal Sanctuary Will Honor 6-Year-Old Sandy Hook Massacre Victim NEWTOWN, Conn. — Six-year-old Catherine Violet Hubbard once caught a butterfly on her hand. As she set it free, she whispered: “Tell your friends that I am kind.” That one sentence is the inspiration behind the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, a tribute to the little girl who was one of 20 children and six adults who perished in the Sandy Hook School massacre on Dec. 14, 2012. It has been five years since that tragic day and family, friends and supporters of the sanctuary gathered this month to celebrate Catherine’s memory and raise more than $700,000 for the new sanctuary. “If …

by Meredith Guinness

12/14/2017

Neighbors

Police Officers In Dutchess Honored For 'Courage In Face Of Danger'

Police Officers In Dutchess Honored For 'Courage In Face Of Danger'

Police Officers In Dutchess Honored For 'Courage In Face Of Danger' Several Dutchess County police officers were recently honored for "Courage in Face of Danger," by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 333 during their annual Appreciation Award Ceremony. Officers recognized included Police Officer Gregory Stanis of the East Fishkill Police Department, Police Officer Peter Boutros of the Beacon Police Department, and Detectives Robert Perrotta and Jeffrey Wright of the City Of Poughkeepsie Police Department. The FOP said the officers were honored for displaying courage in the face of danger, diligence, and hard work to bring many criminals to just…

by Kathy Reakes

12/13/2017

Neighbors

Red Hook Library Earns Five-Star Rating

Red Hook Library Earns Five-Star Rating

Red Hook Library Earns Five-Star Rating RED HOOK, N.Y. -- Red Hook has one of the top libraries in the country. The Red Hook Library recently received a five-star rating from Library Journal, and was named one of its "Star Libraries." "Thank you to our incredible community for making this possible," the library said on Instagram.

12/11/2017

Neighbors

East Fishkill Police Sergeant Calls It A Career

East Fishkill Police Sergeant Calls It A Career

East Fishkill Police Sergeant Calls It A Career HOPEWELL JUNCTION, N.Y. - Sergeant Eric Fields is heading into retirement. The East Fishkill Police Sergeant retired last week. Fields joined the East Fishkill Police Department in 1995 and was promoted to Sergeant in April 2008. "Please join us in wishing Sergeant Fields a long and healthy retirement," the department said on its Facebook page.

12/06/2017

Neighbors

Meet Hudson Valley's Newest Millionaires: NY Lottery Winners Identified

Meet Hudson Valley's Newest Millionaires: NY Lottery Winners Identified

Meet Hudson Valley's Newest Millionaires: NY Lottery Winners Identified It was easy for four Hudson Valley residents to offer up huge smiles when handed giant checks from the New Lottery making them the area's newest millionaires. The winners, Paul and Norma Fox of Cortlandt won $5 million playing the Mega Millions megaplier, and Katherine Lukin of West Nyack won $1 million on a Cashword scratch-off game, received their winnings during a ceremony Wednesday. Along with them was Anthony Vitolo of Wallkill in Orange County, who picked up his $10 million winnings from a luck $350 million Cash Spectacular scratch-off tickets. Lukin, who said she likes to play her f…

by Kathy Reakes

11/29/2017

Neighbors

Hero Cop, Wife Save 2-Year-Old Who Fell Alongside Train In Dutchess

Hero Cop, Wife Save 2-Year-Old Who Fell Alongside Train In Dutchess

Hero Cop, Wife Save 2-Year-Old Who Fell Alongside Train In Dutchess An off-duty police officer and his wife went above and beyond the call of duty on Sunday, jumping into action to rescue a 2-year-old who had fallen into the gap at the Beacon Train Station and was in danger. City of Beacon Police Officer Peter Boutros was enjoying his day off with his wife on Sunday afternoon, and while they were at the train station, the Beacon PBA said that he heard a woman screaming after her child had fallen fully into the gap between the train and platform. Boutros’ wife was able to hit a button to notify train staff, while Boutros jumped down to the ground, reaching d…

11/29/2017

Neighbors

Cuomo Talks Turkey, Distributing Food For 32,000 Hungry New Yorkers

Cuomo Talks Turkey, Distributing Food For 32,000 Hungry New Yorkers

Cuomo Talks Turkey, Distributing Food For 32,000 Hungry New Yorkers Just in time for Thanksgiving, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Monday that New York state is partnering with Walmart, Wegmans, FreshDirect and The Coca-Cola Co. this week to deliver meals to feed more than 32,000 people statewide. "New Yorkers have a long and proud history of helping neighbors in need, and Thanksgiving provides a special opportunity to give back and reflect on what we are thankful for," said Cuomo of New Castle. "I am proud to partner with these organizations to provide thousands of families throughout the state with a warm meal. I encourage all New York…

11/22/2017

Neighbors

Community Mourns Loss Of Poughkeepsie Teen Killed In Pleasant Valley Crash

Community Mourns Loss Of Poughkeepsie Teen Killed In Pleasant Valley Crash

Community Mourns Loss Of Poughkeepsie Teen Killed In Pleasant Valley Crash As the community mourns Saturday's loss of Nolan Evanicki of Poughkeepsie, the 18-year-old killed in a two-car crash near the Taconic State Parkway onramp in Pleasant Valley, friends have raised nearly $9,000 for funeral expenses. A GoFundMe account has been created online here for Nolan's family. "Nolans life was tragically taken in a car accident Saturday night," the GoFundMe site says. "We are setting up this go-fund-me to assist the family with these unexpected funeral expenses. Any donation that can be made, no matter how big or small will be greatly appreciated by the e…

11/21/2017

Neighbors

Dutchess County Employee Honored With 'Vision Of Hope' Award

Dutchess County Employee Honored With 'Vision Of Hope' Award

Dutchess County Employee Honored With 'Vision Of Hope' Award Beth Alter, the service's director for the Department of Behavioral and Community Health office in Dutchess is being honored for her years of service.Alter is the recipient of the Vision of Hope Award from Access: Supports for Living. Alter will be presented with the award at the foundation's annual gala in New Windsor Saturday. The award is presented to healthcare leaders in the Hudson Valley who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in developing partnerships to positively impact healthcare transformation and have impacted the essence of the agency’s mission: to help people live the f…

11/15/2017

Neighbors

Hudson Valley Resident Celebrates 108th Birthday

Hudson Valley Resident Celebrates 108th Birthday

Hudson Valley Resident Celebrates 108th Birthday When Eleanor La Motta was born, the Cubs World Series drought was only one year. There were only 47 states. William Howard Taft was president. La Motta, who lives in North Salem, celebrated her 108th birthday last month surrounded by family and friends. Ever resilient, LaMotta recently overcame a bout with pneumonia. "She's amazing," her daughter Fran Monti said. "She still has her facilities, she still votes. She watches TV and says her prayers." La Motta attributes her longevity to good genes, a life of prayers and a healthy diet. Born in Manhattan on Oct. 13, 1909, …

11/15/2017

Neighbors

War Memorial Ceremony Highlights Dutchess Veterans Days Events

War Memorial Ceremony Highlights Dutchess Veterans Days Events

War Memorial Ceremony Highlights Dutchess Veterans Days Events DUTCHESS COUNTY, N.Y. -- Dutchess residents will have a chance to honor the county's veterans when the county holds a Veterans Day ceremony at the Dutchess County War Memorial on Saturday, Nov.11. Hosted by Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and retired Navy veteran Nelson Eddy Rivera, director of the Dutchess County’s Division of Veterans Services, the event will take place at 11 a.m., at the War Memorial at the John K. Rinaldi Memorial Park at the intersection of Raymond Avenue and Main Street in the Town of Poughkeepsie. To help make sure that all Dutchess County residents have a c…

by Kathy Reakes

11/05/2017

Neighbors

East Fishkill Police Take Part In 'No Shave November'

East Fishkill Police Take Part In 'No Shave November'

East Fishkill Police Take Part In 'No Shave November' If you notice a few East Fishkill Police officers looking a little scruffy this month, don't worry, they aren't going rogue.The officers are taking part in the annual "No Shave November," a national movement aimed at bringing attention to men's health and to help raise funds for charities. East Fishkill officers will raise money in support of Sparrow's Nest, a local charity that provides meals to support families with a member diagnosed with cancer. To donate to help in their effort, visit the East Fishkill Police Department at 2468 Route 52.

by Kathy Reakes

11/04/2017