|
LOVE IS IN THE AIR IN
YOUR TOWN OF WAPPINGER
Celebrating VALENTINE'S DAY Themed Events In the Month of February
Dear neighbors,
|
As we embrace the month of February, its important take a moment to share with you the exciting events, progress, and important updates happening in our Town. This month is filled with opportunities for connection and community, beginning with our wonderful Valentine’s Day events and programs. Whether you're looking to enjoy a romantic evening or find family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to celebrate love and togetherness.
We are also well into our yearlong Wappinger150 celebration, marking 150 years of our Town’s rich history. It's a time to reflect on our past while looking ahead to a bright future and bringing families together. Our first ever S'more Fest was a great success with hundreds of families gathering around campfires, socializing with neighbors, and enjoying time together. We hope you'll join us in these commemorative events.
This February also marks the start of updates to our Comprehensive Plan addendum. We are focused on preserving the character of Wappinger by preventing overdevelopment, protecting open spaces, and ensuring that our infrastructure can meet the needs of current and future residents. Our roundtable forums will be an essential part of this conversation, and I encourage you to participate and share your thoughts to help guide our path forward.
On the infrastructure front, we continue our work on capital improvements to Town facilities, ensuring that our community spaces remain safe, functional, and welcoming for all. I am also proud of our Highway Department, which is working tirelessly to maintain the safety of our roads amidst the unpredictable winter weather. Their efforts are essential in keeping us safe as we navigate this challenging season.
Lastly, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the heartbreaking tragedy on Marlorville Road and the devastating loss of two of our neighbors. Our thoughts are with the Hait family and loved ones affected by this tragic event, and we stand together as a community in offering our deepest condolences.
Thank you for being an essential part of the Wappinger community. Together, we continue to build a Town that we can all be proud to call home.
See you around Town,
Joseph D. Cavaccini, Town Supervisor
|
|
 |
|
|
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2025
TOWN OF WAPPINGER
WEDDING & VOW
RENEWAL CEREMONY
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Wappinger Town Hall, 20 Middlebush Road,
Wappinger Falls, NY 12590
VALENTINES FOR VETERANS
The Town of Wappinger will be collecting Valentines here in the Senior Center until February 7 at 2pm, when they will be given to the Congressman’s office for distribution to area veterans.
Last year, the Congressman – himself a U.S. Army veteran - collected over 9,000 Valentines made by Hudson Valley students and community members. Please join us in thanking our veterans, letting them know how much we appreciate them, and sending them this bit of cheer.
Puchased Valentines drop off - Town of Wappinger Senior Center
20 Middlebush Road, Wappingers Falls, NY
Craft supplies available at Town Hall for anyone
who would like to make their own Valentine!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025
COMMUNITY CRAFT NIGHT
Join us for a night to craft!
We Will be making Valentine's Day Cards!
Registration is required.
Begins at 6pm
Wappinger Town Hall - Senior Center
$10 Per Person
Registration/More Information
wappingerrecreation.com
845-297-0720
|
|
S'more Fest 2025 Kicks Off Wappinger150
Bringing people together is a hallmark of our Wappinger150 celebration!
Following a few postponements Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini and Fourth Ward Councilman Al Casella joined hundreds of families in gathering at Brexel-Schlathaus Park for our first ever S’more Fest which featured live music, bonfires, hot cocoa, and specialty s’more packets for families to enjoy!
Despite the cold, our community came out of hibernation to see friends and enjoy some wintertime socialization!
Great work to our Parks and Recreation team as well as our volunteers from the New Hackensack Fire Company for helping us make tonight a memorable one!
|
|
Town Supervisor Cavaccini and Senior Councilman Beale Invited to Celebrate Marist University, Connect with Students
Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini and First Ward Councilman William H. Beale were invited back to Marist to celebrate the College's transition to Marist University by participating in the Center for Career Services Meet and Greet for students.
In connecting with fellow Red Foxes, Supervisor Cavaccini and Councilman Beale engaged with a number of students looking to intern or pursue careers within local government.
|
|
WWII Airman Recovered After Missing in Action for 80 Years
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Eugene J. Darrigan, 26, of the Village of Wappingers Falls, killed during World War II, was accounted for.
In March 1944, Darrigan was assigned to the 320th Bombardment Squadron, 90th Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force and deployed in present day Papua New Guinea. On the morning of March 11, Darrigan, the radio operator onboard a B-24D “Liberator” Heaven Can Wait departed Nadzab Strip #1, Papua New Guinea, as part of a bombing mission against enemy positions at Boram Airfield, and Awar Point, Hansa Bay, located along the northern coast of New Guinea. Observers from other aircraft in the formation reported seeing flames erupting from the bomb bay, spreading to the tail quickly. Heaven Can Wait was seen pitching up violently before banking left and crashing down into the water. It is believed anti-aircraft fire hit the plane, causing un-dropped ordnance to explode. Several aircraft circled the crash site in hopes of locating any possible survivors, but none could be seen.
To identify Darrigan’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as material and circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA,Y-chromosome DNA, and autosomal DNA analysis.
Darrigan will be buried in Calverton, New York on a date yet to be determined.
|
|
We're Hiring! Summer Camp Counselors Needed
It is never too early to start thinking about summer work! Especially since we're adding a second location! We are hiring for our 2025 Wappinger Town Summer Camp program now at Castle Point Park and Martz Field!
All applications must be submitted by March 31st at 4PM. Applications can be emailed, dropped off at the Recreation Office in Town Hall, or mailed to Wappinger Town Hall with attention to Recreation.  .
|
|
Town of Wappinger Little League Registration Now Open
Registration open at towll.org. one in person Registration for new players February 8, 10- at Wappinger Town Hall.
|
|
Dutchess County St. Patrick's Parade to be Saturday, March 1 - 30th Anniversary to start with Annual Ball on February 15
Come out and Kick off the spring with our 30th Anniversary of the Dutchess County St Patrick's Day Parade.
Visit the Dutchess County Parade Committee Website for more information: https://www.dcsppc.org/
|
|
County Offers Transportation Survey on Critical Needs
We want to hear from you!
Since taking office last year, Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini and the Wappinger Town Board have taken significant strides in advocating for and securing highway infrastructure improvements across our Town.
Projects include stronger traction surfacing on New Hackensack Road, fixing the horrific flooding issues on Route 9D, securing funding for a future traffic light at Spook Hill Road and Myers Corners Road, a new roundabout at Sgt. Palmateer Way and Middlebush Road, and much more.
Now is your time to make your voice heard not just on social media but through this survey!
The Dutchess County Transportation Council (DCTC) is developing a Safety Action Plan that will identify priority locations and strategies to improve transportation safety in Dutchess County. To ensure that the Safety Action Plan reflects the needs of the community, the DCTC has created an online Transportation Safety Survey and an Interactive Safety Map.
These resources are available in both English and Spanish on the Plan webpage (Dutchessny.gov/SafetyActionPlan). They will be used to gather feedback from the community to help inform the Safety Action Plan.
Please take a moment and share your thoughts through this survey!
|
Contribute to the interactive map!
The Dutchess County Transportation Council (DCTC) is developing a Safety Action Plan that will identify priority locations and strategies to improve transportation safety. The goal of this map is to learn about transportation safety issues within the county. The information shared will inform our Safety Action Plan
|
|
Mesier Park Gazebo Decorated for Lunar New Year
Mid-Hudson HuaXia Chinese School, in collaboration with the Village of Wappingers Falls has decorated Mesier Park in the Village of Wappingers for Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year begins this year on January 29 and is celebrated for 15 days in many parts of Asia. In China, it is regarded as the Spring Festival. In Korea, it is Seollal, and in Vietnam, Tết.
Although celebrations differ among these and some other Asian countries, there is an underlying theme of: family and unity, good fortune, and harmony.
|
|
Marlorville Road Tragedy
Town Pauses In Memory of the Hait Family
On January 26, our Town witnessed an unspeakable act of horror and cowardice.
At approximately 6:30pm yesterday, members of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office while on the Wappinger Patrol responded to 78 Marlorville Rd for a report of a structure fire. Shortly after first responders arrived two victims Paul and Jo-Ann Hait, were located inside deceased. After further investigation Robert Buda of Florida was immediately taken into custody and is accused of intentionally setting fire to the residence.
At this time Mr. Buda has been charged with Arson in the 2nd degree (felony), and after being processed he was arraigned before Town of Wappinger Justice Nicholas Maselli and remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center.
There is no threat to public safety at this time.
Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini joined first responders on scene into the early morning hours and said, "This is a horrific tragedy for our community. My heart goes out to the family and friends during this devastating time. Thank you to all of our brave first responders on their swift actions last night, facing difficult conditions, and taking this evil individual off of our streets."
Town Supervisor Cavaccini and Senior Councilman William H. Beale are in communication with law enforcement as the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office continues their ongoing investigation into this heinous crime.
Anyone who may have information on this case or may have been in the Marlorville Rd area during the evening of 1/26/25 is urged to contact Detective Griffin at 845-486-3809 or jgriffin@dutchessny.gov. Information can also be provided through the Sheriff’s Office’s tipline at 845-486-CLUE (2583) or dcsotips@gmail.com, and all information will be kept confidential.
The investigation is continuing by the Sheriff’s Office’s Detective Bureau and more information, including the identity of the victims, will be released at a later time. The Sheriff’s Office is being assisted in the investigation by the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response, the Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division, the Dutchess County Medical Examiner, and the Hughsonville Fire Company.
The Town of Wappinger Highway Department and Code Enforcement Office have also been on scene working with County and Fire officials.
As with any criminal case the charge described above is merely an accusation and Mr. Buda is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Looking Back in Time...
Did you know that Wappinger is the birthplace of blue jeans? Founded in 1871 by village natives James Orr and his nephews Clinton and Clayton Sweet, Sweet-Orr & Company was the first factory in America to manufacture overalls. The plant started out with six seamstresses in the brick building located at the bottom of West Main Street (later known as the Popper building). A year later, the company moved to Mill Street and occupied the second floor of the building depicted in this photo. The first floor housed a blacksmith and the Wappingers Chronicle. The overall manufacturing company grew quickly and operations expanded to the first floor. Later a three story brick building was constructed to replace the wooden building shown on the left. Sweet-Orr contributed greatly to the growth of the village and town, at one time employing over two hundred workers, most of whom were women. Initially, skeptics dubbed Mr. Orr’s fledgling enterprise “Orr’s Folly”, but soon began calling it “Orr’s Fortune”. At the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, the company was awarded the grand prize and gold medal, the highest award attainable in their line. By this time, the company had plants all over the country and a large export trade. In addition to its factory in Wappingers Falls, Sweet-Orr established factories in Newburgh, Yonkers, Port Jervis, and NYC. Factories outside of New York were located in Joliet, IL; New Orleans, LA; and Philadelphia, PA. Production had expanded to include workingmen’s garments, trousers, suits, and shirts. Sweet-Orr & Company prided itself on its fair and honest treatment of employees. Establishing contractual relations with the United Garment Workers of America in 1901, Sweet-Orr is credited for being the first corporation in America to put the Union Label on its products. Sweet-Orr closed its factory in Wappingers Falls in 1958. An early morning fire on July 22, 1991 destroyed the Mill Street building complex.
|
|
|
|
|
