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September 2026

Dear Neighbors,

As we bid farewell to another beautiful summer in the Town of Wappinger, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable progress we have made together over the past few months. From vital road reconstruction projects and investments in our water infrastructure, to exciting park improvements, new and improved community facilities, and an ever-growing lineup of recreational programming, our Town continues to become stronger, safer, and more vibrant for residents of all ages.

This summer truly showcased the spirit of Wappinger. Our parks were filled with families, our expanded Summer Concert Series brought neighbors together week after week at Brexel-Schlathaus Park, our new Wappinger Farmers Market connected residents directly with local farms and vendors, and our recreation and Senior Enrichment programs continued to offer new opportunities to get involved. We recently celebrated the incredible artistic talent within our community at our third annual Senior Art Show, “Celebrating the American Canvas,” and throughout the summer our camps, walking groups, line dancing, community events, waterfront amenities, trails, and athletic facilities kept Wappinger moving.

At the same time, the work of improving our Town never slows down. We are currently undertaking additional facility and site improvements at both Reese Park Town Nature Preserve and Brexel-Schlathaus Park, building upon the significant investments already made at these important community spaces. At Reese Park, we have recently enhanced the Wappinger Creek Trailhead to make this beautiful preserve more accessible, and we are continuing to look at ways to improve the facilities and amenities available to residents. At Brexel-Schlathaus Park, we are continuing our transformation of the property with the addition of a new 64 vehicle parking lot just in time for CarniFall next month.

Infrastructure also remains one of our highest priorities. While our own Highway Department has completed another ambitious year of road reconstruction and improvements, many of the busiest roads traveled by Wappinger residents are owned and maintained by New York State or Dutchess County. Our Administration will continue aggressively advocating for meaningful investments and safety improvements along State and County roadways, just as we have done with Route 376 being repaved currently. These are major corridors that directly impact our neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and daily commutes. Improving traffic flow, pedestrian safety, intersections, drainage, and the overall condition of these heavily traveled roads remains essential to Wappinger’s future.

We are also continuing to modernize Town government and invest in the infrastructure residents may not always see. This summer, we celebrated a major investment in clean drinking water through improvements to the Hilltop Well Field, and more recently the Town was awarded a New York State Archives grant to begin digitizing the active building, planning, and zoning records within our Code Enforcement Office. These investments are about providing more efficient, accessible services while ensuring that Wappinger is prepared for the future.

I am also especially excited that we have kick-started a new monthly pet adoption initiative to help introduce residents to the wonderful animals being cared for at our Town Animal Shelter. Each month, we will highlight animals looking for their forever homes and help connect them with individuals and families throughout our community. Our shelter and Animal Control personnel do tremendous work caring for these animals, and we hope this new effort will result in many happy endings—and many new members of Wappinger families.

September also marks one of the busiest planning periods of the year in the Supervisor’s Office. We are now in the midst of writing the 2027 Town Supervisor’s Tentative Budget, carefully reviewing every department, expenditure, revenue source, capital project, and service that our Town provides. This process is about much more than numbers on a page—it is where we begin crafting the initiatives and investments that will shape the next year in Wappinger.

As we develop the 2027 budget, our focus remains on fiscal responsibility, maintaining affordability, investing strategically in infrastructure, improving our parks and facilities, strengthening public safety, expanding services and programming, and finding innovative ways to deliver more for our residents without unnecessarily increasing the burden on taxpayers. We have accomplished a tremendous amount, but there are even more exciting initiatives being planned for 2027, and I look forward to sharing those proposals with you in the months ahead.

Summer may be coming to a close, but there is certainly no slowing down in Wappinger. Fall brings another exciting season of community events, recreation programs, public improvements, and opportunities to enjoy everything our Town has to offer.

See you around Town,

Joseph D. Cavaccini, Town Supervisor

TOWN OF WAPPINGER PRESENTS

🍂 Carnifall 2026 🍂

SCHLATHAUS PARK 
October 1^st - 2^nd - 3^rd - 4^th

2026 Carnifall Sponsorship Packages

October 1-4

$1000 MAJESTIC PINE
• 2-18x24 Signs in the event area
• Hourly "Sponsored By" Announcement at the Event
• Name Listed on the Back of Staff / Volunteer Shirts
• Framed "Community Supporter Certificate of Appreciation
• Quarter Page Ad in the Event Program
• Sponsor Announcement/Thank You Post on Event Social media
• Name listed on Event Facebook Page
• Name Listed on Event Webpage

$500 MIGHTY OAK
• 2-18x24 signs in the Event Area
• Framed "Community Supporter Certificate of Appreciation
• logo in the Event Program
• Sponsor Announcement/Thank you Post on Event Social Media
• Name Listed on Event Facebook Page
• Name Listed on Event Webpage

$250 SILVER BIRCH
• l-18x24 Sign in the Event Area
• Framed "Community Supporter" Certificate of Appreciation
• Logo in the Event Program
• Name listed on Event Facebook Page
• Name listed on Event Webpage

$100 MAPLE LEAF
• l-18x24 Sign in the Event Area
• Name listed on Maple Leaf Sponsor Section of the Event Program
• Name listed on Event Facebook Page
• Name Listed on Event Webpage

$50 ACORN
• Name Listed on Acorn Sponsor Section of the Event Program
• Name Listed on Event Facebook Page
• Name Listed on Event Webpage

WAPPINGER FARMERS MARKET

BECOME A PART OF THIS QUICKLY GROWING EVENT!

 
Join the Town of Wappinger Weekly Farmers Market, where local farmers, food producers, artisans, and small businesses come together to serve our community. Shop fresh, support local, and enjoy a welcoming community atmosphere every week!

Whether you’re looking for farm-fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, or unique local products, the Wappinger Farmers Market is the place to connect with your community. We look forward to seeing you every week!

TOWN OF WAPPINGER
COUNTRY LINE DANCING NIGHTS

🐎

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
SCHLATHAUS PARK
7-9PM
*FREE ADMISSION*

Join us throughout September on Wednesday Evenings for some line dancing and featured food trucks! New to Line Dancing? Come to the park to learn or just watch and enjoy the warm summer nights. 

ADDITIONAL LINE DANCING NIGHTS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED AS FOLLOWS:

September 2 | September 9 | September 16
September 23 | September 30

**SENIOR-FRIENDLY**
COUNTRY LINE DANCING NIGHTS

🤠

TUESDAY EVENINGS
THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER

September 8 | September 22

BREXEL-SCHLATHAUS PARK

4:30-5:15PM
*FREE ADMISSION - REGISTRATION REQUIRED*

2026 TOWN OF WAPPINGER
FINAL SUMMER CONCERT

BREXEL-SCHLATHAUS PARK
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

7PM-9PM

** FEATURING FIVE PIECE SUIT **

Join us for our final Summer Concert this season, enjoy the gorgeous band shell, and newly constructed dance floor!

EXPLORE WAPPINGER
WALKING GROUP

BOWDOIN PARK
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 | 2PM START

Join us once a month for our walking group! Each month we will explore a new park or trail in the Town of Wappinger! This group is for all ages to encourage the community to come together and enjoy the scenic landscapes in Wappinger. Please meet at location for each walking group. This is a guided walking tour of each place. 

Registration is required and available by clicking the button/flyer below. 

Walking Group Dates/Location: All start at 2PM   

NEXT WALK: October - Carnwath Farms (Advanced) 

TOWN OF WAPPINGER

COMMUNITY CRAFT NIGHT

CRAFTING: RESIN JEWELRY
SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | 6-8PM
BREXEL-SCHLATHAUS PARK

Community crafting has been a huge hit within the Town of Wappinger. Join us Thursday, September 10, at 6pm for our September Craft. The cost for the evening is $10 per Resident and $15 for Non-Residents.

Registration is required
- Please sign up by clicking the button below - 

WAPPINGER RECREATION PRESENTS

LIVING HISTORY DAY AT CARNWATH FARMS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
1-3PM

Living History Day in the Town of Wappinger is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Carnwath Farms Historic Site and Park. 

Event Details

GRANDPARENTS DAY PICNIC

MARTZ FIELD - PYE LANE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH | 12-2PM

Joins us on Saturday, September 13th for our 2nd annual Grandparents Day Picnic!
Martz Field Pavilion from 12-2pm. Bring the whole family for a day of food, games, and fun! Open to all Town of Wappinger Residents!

Registration required!
For more information call (845) 297-3670

TOWN OF WAPPINGER & CARE OF DC

PET ADOPTION
MEET YOUR NEXT BEST FRIEND

STARTING SEPTEMBER - EVERY THIRD TUESDAY
(SEPTEMBER 15, 2026)
12-2PM
WAPPINGER TOWN HALL

Come meet adorable, adoptable dogs and learn how you can help give a shelter pet a second chance!

Visit careofdc.org for more information!

SAN GENNARO LUNCHEON

55+
WAPPINGER SENIOR CENTER
SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 | 12PM

Join the Town of Wappinger Seniors and Town Staff for Italian Food & Community!

Register by calling or click the button below:
(845) 297-3670

2026 Town of Wappinger
Movies in the Park

SCHLATHAUS PARK
7PM

SEPT 18TH - HOPPERS
SEPT 25TH - THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU
OCT 2ND - HOOK
OCT 16TH - PRACTICAL MAGIC
OCT 23RD - CORPSE BRIDE

💖
FOR OUR SENIORS...

At the Town of Wappinger, we’re invested in the enrichment of our seniors, the wellness of the community, creating new friendships, and having fun! 

We have art class, bingo, bocce, book club, bridge club, bus trips, chair volleyball, chair yoga, chess, educational seminars, exercise class, gardening club, knitting & crochet group, lunch and a movie, mahjongg, Mexican trains, monthly crafts, monthly birthday parties, pinochle, pokeno, quilting, rummikub, zumba, and so much more! Feel free to stop in at any time and find out what new and exciting events are happening at our program!

🎉
ADDITIONAL  LOCAL EVENTS

The 125th Anniversary of
1901-1926

THE WAPPINGER DAHLIA SHOW

SEPTEMBER 19, 2026
EARLY DROP OFF - 8:00-9:30AM
PUBLIC DISPLAY - 12:00-4:00PM
- on the porch -
at Mesier Homestead
Wappinger Falls, NY

A FREE EVENT Presented By
Carnwath Community Farming, The Wappinger Historical Society
& Town of Wappinger

Email see @dahlias_in_tow on instagram or
email dahlias.in.tow@gmail.com for updates

D2H WELLNESS

FEEL BETTER. MOVE BETTER. LIVE BETTER.

RIBBON CUTTING
A NEW SPACE TO MOVE. RECOVER. THRIVE.

SEPTEMBER 12
11AM-1PM

2692 W. MAIN STREET
WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY 12590

Come check out the new studio and enter to win a FREE 1-hour massage. No purchase necessary to enter. 

📰
NEWS AROUND TOWN

Happy National Dog Day from the Town of Wappinger! 🐾

In honor of this day, we’re sharing some photos from our recent Meet & Greet with our Supervisor’s Adoption Spotlight, Polly! 🐶❤️

Town Supervisor Cavaccini is proud to partner with CARE of DC to help connect wonderful, adoptable dogs with their forever families. And we’re excited to bring even more opportunities to our community!

🐾 Meet Polly! ❤ Our FIRST Supervisor’s Adoption Spotlight!

This little polly pocket is a 5-month-old terrier mix who is ready to find her forever home! 🏠🐾

Polly stopped by Town Hall for a little tour—and she was right at home exploring the building, meeting new friends, and showing off her adorable personality! 🥰

Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini is excited to partner with CARE of DC to shine a spotlight on shelter dogs like Polly who are looking for their forever families.

Starting in September, the Town will host a monthly pop-up adoption event at Town Hall every 3rd Tuesday from 12–2 PM, featuring adorable, adoptable dogs from CARE.

Follow along each month to meet our featured pup, learn more about CARE, and discover how you can help a shelter dog find their forever home! 🐶❤

Wappinger Recognizes #OverdoseAwarenessDay

A time to talk about how to end overdose, to remember without stigma those who have died, and to acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind...

Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini has illuminated the front of Wappinger Town Hall purple in support of Overdose Awareness Day and Week and in memory of all of those who have lost their lives to overdose.

#TogetherWeCan #EndOverdose #IOAD2026 #HarmReduction

Fishkill Gospel Justice Center
makes justice for all possible

[Fishkill, NY] — Fishkill Church of the Nazarene is establishing a Gospel Justice Center to provide affordable legal guidance and counsel for neighbors in need. We are supported by Administer Justice, a national legal aid ministry, established to equip local communities to provide the help of a lawyer and the hope of God’s love. Anyone needing legal counsel is welcome to start making appointments in September.  Walk-ins are also welcome.  A one-time $30 copay is all that is required.

No one should face confusing legal circumstances alone. Getting legal guidance should not be limited to the rich.  You have a right to be heard and Fishkill Gospel Justice Center is here to listen. With the help of a lawyer and some loving volunteers, you can gain confidence and freedom from your legal circumstance.

At this time, we are seeking licensed attorneys willing to volunteer a few hours on one Saturday a month to help us make this much needed service available to our community. No court representation is required. All malpractice insurance is covered by Administer Justice. Case details are usually known ahead of time. And if a case is outside of your law area, Administer Justice has a vast network of attorneys in all areas of law available for networking. If you want to learn more, feel free to visit the Administer Justice website, or contact Christa Jamison at christaj@administerjustice.net or 845-734-3325.

Location:        Fishkill Church of the Nazarene, 953 Main St., Fishkill, NY 12524

Time:              The second Saturday of each month from 9am-noon, starting in October

For more than twenty years, Administer Justice has made justice available through neighborhood-based centers across the United States. To learn more visit www.administerjustice.org.

Senior Summer BBQ! ☀️🎉

What a wonderful day celebrating our amazing Town of Wappinger seniors at our Senior BBQ! We had a fantastic time enjoying delicious food, great company, and plenty of smiles and laughter. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this special celebration possible. Your generosity, support, and dedication to our seniors mean so much to our community!

Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini and Fourth Ward Councilman Al Casella were happy to join our seniors for a day filled with friendship, BBQ, and good memories.

Thank you to all our seniors for making the day so special! We hope you enjoyed the BBQ as much as we did. Here’s to a summer filled with happiness, good health, great memories, and plenty of reasons to celebrate!

Supervisor Cavaccini - Guest Speaker at Naturalization Ceremony

It was a true honor to take part in the Naturalization Ceremony at Roy C. Ketcham High School. Thank you to County Clerk Brad Kendall for this incredible opportunity to welcome our newest American citizens. Each oath represents courage, perseverance, sacrifice, and an enduring belief in the promise of our nation.

America is strengthened by the unique stories, talents, cultures, and dreams that each new citizen brings to our communities, and it was a true honor to share my family’s collective immigrant story with event attendees.

Congratulations on this extraordinary milestone! May your journey be filled with opportunity, belonging, and pride in the country you now officially call home.

Dancing in Honor of Dolly 🤠💗

Our weekly Line Dancing Night at Brexel-Schlathaus Park had a little extra meaning as the Town of Wappinger celebrated the life and legacy of the incomparable Dolly Parton.

In her honor, Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini ordered the Town’s stage illuminated in Dolly’s signature pink, while our wonderful instructor, Stephanie, taught the crowd a line dance to the classic “9 to 5.” 🎶

It was a fitting way to remember an American icon who brought so much joy, music and laughter to generations.

And there was certainly plenty of joy on the dance floor! It was wonderful to see our Councilmembers, elected officials and community members kicking up their boots, having fun and making memories together. This is exactly why we host events like these — to bring our community together.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made another Wappinger Line Dancing Night such a great success. We can’t wait to see you back on the dance floor next week! ❤️🤠

🎨 Celebrating the American Canvas!

What a wonderful evening at The Boathouse for the Town of Wappinger’s Third Annual Art Show, featuring the incredible talents of members of our Senior Enrichment Art Program!

This year’s theme, “Celebrating the American Canvas,” brought together beautiful works of art, great food, and even greater company as we celebrated the creativity and talent found right here in our Wappinger community.

A tremendous thank you to all of our participating artists for sharing their work with us, and to everyone who joined us today to support them. Our Senior Enrichment programs continue to provide wonderful opportunities for friendship, creativity, and lifelong learning—and today’s show was a perfect example of that!

Congratulations to all of our talented artists on another fantastic show! 🎨👏

Learn more about our vibrant and growing Town programming at www.WappingerRecreation.com

***Town of Wappinger Mourns the Passing of Former Village Mayor Cal Lawrence***

The Town of Wappinger mourns the passing of former Village of Wappingers Falls Mayor and Dutchess County Legislator Cal Lawrence, a longtime public servant whose dedication to our community spanned many years.

In honor of Mayor Lawrence’s life and service, Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini has ordered flags lowered at the Memorial Plaza in front of Wappinger Town Hall and across the Town of Wappinger and Village of Wappingers Falls.

Cal Lawrence served as Mayor of the Village of Wappingers Falls from 2003 through 2007 and also represented our community as a member of the Dutchess County Legislature. Throughout his years of public service, he remained deeply committed to the residents and institutions of the Wappinger community.

On June 10, in recognition of his 90th birthday and a lifetime of service, Supervisor Cavaccini officially proclaimed “Cal Lawrence Day” in the Town of Wappinger, honoring his many contributions to our community.

The Lawrence family also has a longstanding connection service. Cal serving in the United States Military and was an active member of the American Legion Post 427. Cal’s late wife, Yvonne Lawrence, previously served the Town of Wappinger through her work in the Town Justice Court.

Town Supervisor Cavaccini said, “Cal Lawrence devoted so much of his life to serving the community he loved. From his time as Mayor of Wappingers Falls to his service in county government, Cal understood that public service was about people, neighbors, and making your hometown a better place. On behalf of the entire Town of Wappinger, we extend our deepest condolences to the Lawrence family, and all those who knew and loved Cal.”

The Town of Wappinger joins the incorporated Village of Wappingers Falls and the greater Dutchess County community in remembering Cal Lawrence’s lifetime of public service and commitment to the place he called home.

May he rest in peace.

It doesn’t take much to be kind to someone.

If you have ever traveled down Old Hopewell Road near Route 9, you most likely have seen David Roger sitting in his front lawn waving to motorists and pedestrians as they passed his home. Part of the beauty of living in a community with “small town charm” are memorable interactions like this.

The Town of Wappinger is deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Roger’s passing and  offer our deepest condolences to his family on his passing.

In a world that is often contentious, let us be more like Mr. Roger.

Robert VanTassel Memorial 5k and 1 mile Races

It’s always great to start the day in the Chelsea hamlet and there was over 100 runners who participated in the 8th annual Robert VanTassel Memorial 5k and 1 mile Races.

This event recognizes the legacy of past Chief VanTassel and is a reminder of the importance of the volunteer fire service.

Thank you to the Chelsea Fire Company for their continued dedication to our community and hosting wonderful events such as these for the people of the Town of Wappinger.

Community Craft Night Residents Making Tie Dye Shirts

For our August Craft Night, we had so much fun outdoors! Members of our community came to the Schlathaus Community Center to create vibrant tie dye t-shirts.

Thank you to all who participated! We hope to see you at our next craft event!

📍Schlathaus Community Center
127 All Angels Hill Road
Wappinger, NY 12590
#communitycraft #wappingersfalls #tiedyeshirts #townofwappinger

Just another day serving our community!

From checking in on sewer repairs, to spending time with our campers at the Summer Camp Picnic, visiting with friends at the Senior Center Picnic, and wrapping up the day with Line Dancing at Brexel-Schlathaus Park, there’s never a dull moment in Wappinger.

It’s days like these that show what local government is all about: taking care of the essentials, investing in our community, and bringing people together.

A busy day, but a great day in the Town of Wappinger! 💙

Town of Wappinger Hosts Annual No One Rocks Alone Music Festival hosted by James’s Warriors 

Residents and visitors gathered at Brexel-Schlathaus Park for a day full of live music and raising awareness of the importance of mental health and suicide prevention for the Annual No One Rocks Alone Music Festival hosted by James’s Warriors. 🎶🎸🎤

James Thomas was a close childhood friend of Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini who lost his battle with mental health in 2018. The funds raised at this event go directly toward mental health advocacy and education for children in our community.

Supervisor Cavaccini joined Fourth Ward Councilman Al Casella and Dutchess County Legislators Kevin Giles and Robert Faust for the festivities.

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