As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the crisp, cool embrace of autumn here in the Hudson River Valley, I extend a warm welcome to each of you in this September edition of our Around Town newsletter. This time of year is particularly special as we witness the changing leaves and feel the excitement of a new season unfolding.

As we bid farewell to summer, on behalf of our Town Board, we want to extend my heartfelt wishes to all students and teachers as they return to school. May this academic year be filled with growth, success, and joy. Your dedication and hard work are truly appreciated, and we look forward to the positive impact you will undoubtedly have in our community.

It is also important to acknowledge, recognize, and thank our courageous first responders. Over the past year, we have seen a significant number of emergency calls, and our first responders have met every challenge with unwavering commitment and bravery. Your efforts are an inspiration and vital to the safety and well-being of our Town.

This September, we also remember the 23rd anniversary of the tragic events of September 11th. We honor the memory of those lost on that horrific day and the years following as we extend our thoughts to their families. Let us reflect on the strength and unity that emerged from that day and continue to support one another as a community.

In our ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life in Wappinger, we are pleased to continue to report significant progress. Our parks are undergoing continued improvements, and we are excited to see these enhancements enrich our outdoor spaces. Moreover, we have taken important steps to protect our open spaces and neighborhoods across this community through the adoption of Local Law 2 of 2024. This new regulation tightens restrictions on high-density housing developments, helping to preserve the character and beauty of our town. Following this law is Local Law 3, which equally offers significant legislation that will improve our community. This process has been one of the most transparent code changes in recent times, as we even hosted a public workshop discussion with our Planning Board, going line by line through the proposed laws that I have sent to my colleagues on the Town Board for their review.

It's always wonderful to see so many of our neighbors participate in the many events and activities in our Town and we're excited to see you at the ones that are planned throughout the Fall, especially those at our thriving Senior Center. Your involvement is key to fostering a vibrant and connected community.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. As we transition into autumn, let us embrace the season's beauty and the opportunities it brings for growth and community connection.

See you around Town,
Joseph D. Cavaccini, Town Supervisor

On Sunday, August 25 a fire erupted at the Prime Storage self-storage facility on Route 9 north of New Hackensack Road in the Town of Wappinger. Emergency services across the County responded to battle the blaze.

Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini was on scene with emergency service personnel and noted, "Significant incidents such as this highlights the incredible bravery and dedication of our Town of Wappinger first responders, our own volunteer firefighters from New Hackensack, Hughsonville, Chelsea, Village of Wappingers Falls, our Town ambulance, Highway Department, and Code Enforcement, Dutchess County fire investigation teams, and all agencies from across our region who assisted. Their swift and courageous actions ensured a more manageable situation in the face of adversity.
This incident, that remains under investigation at this time, underscores the critical need for ongoing vigilance and safety measures concerning what is stored in our community's storage units. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we extend our deepest gratitude to all who responded with such professionalism and commitment."

Tickets on sale September 1st! Presented by Dani Masterson in collaboration with the Wappingers Historical Society. In this popular living history tour, you’ll be guided through the Wappingers Rural Cemetery to meet some notable persons buried there and hear their stories. Costumed apparitions include Mary Goring and her son, John Morris Goring; Irving Grinnell; dahlia grower Nassau H. Cottam; George Rush of Rush Hotel fame; and shop owner Florence Henderson, among others.
Afternoon and evening tour times are 2:30, 3:15, 6:00, 6:45, 7:30 and 8:00pm. Each tour group size is limited to 13 people, ages 12 and over, please. Due to the uneven terrain in the cemetery, it may be difficult for people with mobility challenges to participate in this event. Evening tours will be guided by lantern, but please feel free to bring along a flashlight if you'd like.
Tickets are available online only through our website and are non-refundable. No tickets will be available at the door. Rain date is Sunday, September 29th. Special thanks to the Wappingers Rural Cemetery, County Players and Straub, Catalano and Halvey Funeral Home for their involvement and support.

On Thursday, September 19 at 7:00, join Dutchess County Historian Will Tatum for a deep dive into the origins of the shopping experience in Dutchess County, as existed during Colonial times.

Long before Amazon and other online shopping venues, Dutchess County residents went to physical stores for *all* of their retail needs. Learn what colonial era stores stocked and sold, the forms of payment they accepted, and the extensive areas they served. Discover how our corner of the Hudson Valley was tied into a global marketplace of goods long before the internet age.

This informative and interesting talk is part of our Speaker Series programming. The public is invited to attend. The event is free for WHS members; suggested donation of $5.00 for non-members. Light refreshments will be served. Doors open 6:30pm.

The Rotary Club of Wappingers Falls is hosting our 2024 Touch a Truck on Sunday, September 29, 2024. at Roy C Ketcham High School, 99 Myers Corners Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. The event will be next to the gymnasium near the practice football field.
Admission: $5.00 for individuals or $25 per family (Max 6), Children under 2 are free. Bouncy houses ($5 unlimited wristbands), food and more (all additional charges)! Cash strongly preferred