North Pole Airport; Heart of a Giant; Bourdain Degree

Not all news is bad news. Some of it is fun, some is reassuring, some is inspiring. We at Hudson Valley Patch want to share some of our recent good news stories with you during this winter holiday. Have a great week!

Family's ‘North Pole Airport’ Light-and-Sound Show Raises $$ For Charity

It's a labor of love, and in addition to the fun the family and all the visitors have, there are two great organizations that will benefit: Angel Flight, run by private pilots to get sick kids and adults to needed medical care; and People to People, for which they're collecting new winter scarves, hats and gloves to be distributed to needy locals.

Anthony Bourdain Receives Honorary Doctorate At CIA

Bourdain began his culinary career as a dishwasher on Cape Cod during summers while attending Vassar College in Poughkeepsie. He enrolled at the CIA, graduating in 1978.

Clarkstown North Senior Is 'Heart Of A Giant' Finalist [VIDEO]

This young man has overcome adversity since childhood. It's an inspiring story.

1 Of Most 'Christmassy' Towns In US In Hudson Valley

Travel Market Report came up with a list of "The Ten 'Most Christmassy' Towns in the U.S." and while the usual holiday suspects — such as Santa Claus, IN and New York City — are on the list, so is the Village of Rhinebeck in Dutchess County.

NFL Commish Grants Bucket List Wish For Firefighter With Cancer

His friends just wanted to raise enough for a couple of tickets to the Super Bowl. But they — and he — got a big surprise.

Here's more good news from the past week:

• 100s Of Jobs At The Hudson Valley's Largest Employers
• Top 10 Chain Restaurants Ranked, Graded
• New Rochelle Named Winner Of Green Cities Commuter Challenge
• Mamaroneck Culinary Arts Collaborates With Local Farm
• Duffy To Lead 2018 St. Patrick's Parade In Pearl River
• Westchester To Provide $6M+ To Youth Programs
• Dows Lane Elementary Students Donate Supplies To Puerto Rico
• Tarrytown Thrift Store Run By Intellectually Disabled
• Library Commemorates WWI Anniversary
• Peekskill's Annual Polar Plunge: Sign Up, Support Good Cause [VIDEO]
• Lifesaving Award For Putnam Deputy Sheriff After Rescue
• Eatery Hosts 1st Birthday Party For Autism Service Dog Agency
• Grand Marshal Named For Tarrytown St. Patrick's Day Parade

PHOTO/ Gary Cirlin