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October 6, 2026

Dear Neighbors,

October in the Hudson River Valley is truly one of the most beautiful times of the year. As the leaves transform into their brilliant fall colors, I encourage everyone to get outside and enjoy all that Wappinger has to offer. Take a hike through one of our Town parks or nature preserves, explore our trails and open spaces, or visit one of the many family-owned farms and farmstands throughout our community for apple picking, fresh cider, and those warm cider donuts that make autumn in the Hudson Valley so special.

Here in Town Hall, this has also been an important season of planning for Wappinger’s future. We recently finalized the Town Supervisor’s Tentative Budget for 2027, which once again proposes a decrease in the Town tax rate, remains under the New York State tax levy cap, and continues to invest in expanded programs, infrastructure, parks, public safety, and services for residents of every age. Our goal remains the same: to keep Wappinger affordable while continuing to make meaningful investments in the quality of life our residents deserve.

I am also proud that we have finalized our last outstanding Collective Bargaining Agreement with our employee unions. These agreements provide competitive wages and benefits that will help the Town retain our dedicated employees while attracting talented new members to our Wappinger Town Workforce. Every day, our employees are out maintaining our roads and parks, operating our facilities, serving residents, protecting our infrastructure, providing programs, and keeping Town government moving. Investing in a strong workforce is an investment in the level of service we provide to our community.

October also brings plenty of opportunities to come together and celebrate the season. Be sure to take part in our lineup of Halloween and fall activities throughout Town, with family-friendly events and opportunities for neighbors of all ages to enjoy this special time of year together. And as you make your fall plans, I encourage you to explore a Town park you may not have visited before—whether for a hike, a walk along one of our trails, or simply an afternoon surrounded by the changing foliage.

I also want to thank the thousands of residents and visitors who joined us for CarniFall 2026. Your enthusiasm, community spirit, and support helped make it another memorable celebration and a wonderful way to welcome the fall season in Wappinger.

There is a tremendous amount happening across our Town, and I remain grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our residents, employees, volunteers, businesses, and community organizations as we continue moving Wappinger forward.

Enjoy the fall weather, explore our parks, join us for some Halloween fun, and take advantage of everything this wonderful season has to offer right here in Wappinger!

See you around Town,

Joseph D. Cavaccini, Town Supervisor

🎃
2026 Town of Wappinger
Halloween Movies in the Park

SCHLATHAUS PARK
7PM

FRIDAY – 10/16/2026 07:00 PM – 10:00 PM Schlathaus Park – Bandshell Practical Magic - PG13 Two witch sisters, raised by their eccentric aunts in a small town, face closed-minded prejudice and a curse which threatens to prevent them ever finding lasting love.

FRIDAY – 10/23/2026 07:00 PM – 10:00 PM Schlathaus Park – Bandshell Corpse Bride - PG When a shy groom practices his wedding vows in the inadvertent presence of a deceased young woman, she rises from the grave assuming he has married her.

Explore Wappinger
Walking Group

Carnwath Farms
Wednesday, October 7, 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   
 

Community Craft Night: Halloween Sock Gnomes

October 8, 2026
Schlathaus Park
6-8PM

Join us for our Halloween Sock Gnome Community Craft Night at the Schlathaus Park Community Center! Join us for a fun-filled evening of creativity on October 8th, 2026 at 6pm!

Bring the whole family and design your own sock gnome while enjoying a relaxing night with friends and neighbors. The fee is $10 per Resident / $15 per non-resident. 

All materials are provided. Register at wappingerrecreation.com!

📍Schlathaus Community Center
127 All Angels Hill Road
Wappinger, NY 12590

Town of Wappinger History
and
Scary Stories

October 16, 2026
New Hackensack Reformed Church
7PM

Join us at New Hackensack Reformed Church as Town Supervisor, Joey Cavaccini, presents "Town of Wappinger History and Scary Stories" at 5pm on Friday, October 16th. All are welcome for this FREE event!

RSVP BY OCTOBER 11, 2026

VILLAGE OF WAPPINGERS FALLS PRESENTS:

2026 Wicked Wappingers

October 17, 2026
Mesier Park
12PM

Get Ready for a Wicked Event!

The Village of Wappingers Falls Recreation Department is so excited to invite you to this year's Halloween festival and parade: Wicked Wappingers. It will be a day of spooky celebration at the Village of Wappingers Falls. We'll be kicking off the festivities right after the parade at Mesier Park where there will be: Trunk or Treat, a devilish DJ, frightful food, venomous vendors, pumpkin patch, chilling contests and ghoulish games.

This is a family-friendly event, so please NO scary or gory costumes.

VILLAGE OF WAPPINGERS FALLS PRESENTS:

2026 Wicked Wappingers
Trunk or Treat

October 17, 2026
Mesier Park
12PM

BEST DECORATED TRUNK
(REGISTER BELOW)
Please listen for the announcement of when judging will take place.
To receive a high score, follow the criteria below. 

CRITERIA:
- Theme and decorations
- Member participation (ex. wearing costumes)
- Interacting with the crowd
- All members are present 

Friends of Carnwath Fall Festival & Pumpkin Painting

Sunday, October 25, 2026
81 Carnwath Farms Lane
11am - 4pm

Join the Friends of Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park and the Sports Museum of Dutchess County along with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the beauty of the fall season with destive activities for all ages. 

LIVE MUSIC | FREE PUMPKINS | RAFFLES & GAMES | FACE PAINTING
FOOD TRUCKS | MUSEUM TOUR | PRIZE WHEEL AND SCIENCE FUN

Town of Wappinger Trunk or Treat

October 31, 2026
Schlathaus Park
1-3pm

HAUNTED HOUSE | CRAFT | SNACKS | CANDY | GAMES
& THE ANNUAL GOLDEN PUMPKIN AWARDS

TRUNKS NEEDED!

💖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!

2026 Town of Wappinger Senior Halloween Party

Wappinger Town Hall Senior Center
11:30am - 2:00pm

Join us for food, fun, and "Jessica's Horrible Halloween Bingo"

Wear a costume!

RSVP with Kellie Ann at (845) 297-3670

🎉
ADDITIONAL  LOCAL FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS

Rotary Club of Wappingers Falls

Coat Drive

October 1st - October 31st
Wappinger Town Hall
Monday through Friday 8:30am - 4pm

Cedar Hill Ranch Fall Open House

Saturday, October 10, 2026

1-3pm

150 Cedar Hill Road

We invite you to come and experience the heart of our farm! Whether you’re looking to learn, connect, or simply enjoy a day in the countryside, there’s something for everyone here at Cedar Hill Ranch. Follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming events, educational opportunities, and livestock showcases.

Thank you for supporting our family farm! Together, let’s celebrate the incredible world of livestock and the role they play in our lives.

MELANIE CHIANESE FOUNDATION

SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNITY DAY
FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS

The Melanie Chianese Foundation, in partnership with Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini and the Town of Wappinger, will host its Second Annual Community Day for Domestic Violence Awareness on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Schlathaus Park, according to a news release.

The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is held in memory of Melinda "Mindy" Brugger. A prayer and moment of silence are scheduled for noon. Organizers are encouraging attendees to participate in the "Help Us Fill Melanie’s Jeep!" food drive by bringing non-perishable food items to support the Zion Church Food Pantry.

The event will honor the memory of Mindy Brugger who police say was murdered in a domestic incident on August 21.

Second Saturday Stewardship

Saturday, October 10, 2026
8am Starting Shifts

Volunteers are needed for the Friends of Carnwath last Stewardship Saturday of the year. Water will be provided and a limited number of gloves and tools will be provided. The Friends of Carnwath encourage you to bring your own. Please wear clothing that covers your arms and legs. 

Patriots Among Us

FREE Family Event!
October 11, 2026 (Rain Date - October 12)
1-3pm

A Revolutionary Cemetery Experience.  Sunday, October 11, 1pm – 3pm at the New Hackensack Cemetery.  FREE Family event presented by the Wappingers Historical Society.

More information at https://www.wappingershistoricalsociety.org/events/patriots-among-us-a-revolutionary-cemetery-experience

New York State Senator Rob Rolison

FREE Breast Cancer Screening Events

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Senator Rolison is partnering with local health care providers to offer free, private breast cancer screenings and physical breast exams at two locations:

TEAM ROLISON PRESENTS

SHRED FEST

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026
Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall
2001 South Road, Poughkeepsie
9-12am

This is a drive-through style event. Participants will pull their car up to the shred truck and Team Rolison will unload it for you. Items are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis or until the truck is at capacity. Participants should bring no more than three boxes or bags of paper with dimensions of 18x12x10 at a time (Strictly Enforced)

DO NOT bring plastic, metal, or cardboard please!

Putnam County
Saturday, October 24 | 9 AM – 12 PM
Putnam Valley Elementary School Campus
171 Oscawana Lake Road, Putnam Valley
In partnership with Assemblyman Matt Slater

SERVPRO Seminar

October 16, 2026
Town of Wappinger Senior Center
11am-1pm

Join us for a FREE lunch and learn: Protecting your property from Winter Weather

Winter weather and temps can weak havoc on your home. Join us for a FREE informative session on safeguarding your property, minimizing damage, and navigating the insurance process. 

Enjoy a complimentary lunch while you learn to protect your biggest investment!
RSVP by 10/12.

TOWN OF WAPPINGER & CARE OF DC

PET ADOPTION
MEET YOUR NEXT BEST FRIEND

STARTING SEPTEMBER - EVERY THIRD TUESDAY
(October 20, 2026)

WAPPINGER TOWN HALL

12-2PM

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

Visit careofdc.org for more information!

Speaker Series Lecture:

The Hudson River and the American Revolution

October 21, 2026
Wappinger Town Hall
7pm

Speaker Series Lecture:  The Hudson River and the American Revolution, presented by the Wappingers Historical Society. Wednesday Oct 21 at 7pm at Town of Wappinger Town Hall.

More information and to RSVP:
https://www.wappingershistoricalsociety.org/events/speaker-series-the-hudson-river-and-the-american-revolution

Sports Museum of Dutchess County

Hall of Fame Ceremony 2026

November 1, 2026
72 Carnwath Farms Lane
1-3pm

Join us to celebrate the following sports legends of Dutchess County:
Billy "The Kid" Ostrom  |  Barbara Donaldson  |  Jeff Behnke

Seats are limited for this event. Reserve your spot now!
$25 per person. Tickets include lunch and refreshments. 

Checks made payable to SMDC by October 15 and send to:
Barbara Ponte, 2 Topaz Run, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

📰
NEWS AROUND TOWN

A new chapter begins at Carnwath Farms! 💍✨

The Town of Wappinger is proud to announce The Chapel at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park as the Hudson Valley’s newest wedding and event destination. Following years of thoughtful restoration and investment, this historic property is now open for bookings.

With breathtaking Hudson River Valley views, historic charm, elegant indoor space for more than 300 guests, and beautiful outdoor settings, The Chapel offers a truly one-of-a-kind backdrop for weddings, celebrations, corporate events and more.

We’re also excited to welcome Simply Gourmet as the venue’s catering partner, helping bring unforgettable events to life with exceptional food and hospitality! Venue tours are now available. Discover The Chapel and start planning your next celebration at townofwappingerny.gov/the-chapel-at-carnwath-farms.

✨ Grand Opening Reception for The Chapel at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park ✨

In September, we had the privilege of hosting the grand opening reception for The Chapel at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park, celebrating the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this beautiful and historic space.

The Chapel is now opening its doors as a venue for weddings, galas, and special events, creating new opportunities for our community while also creating an important source of alternative revenue for the Town. By putting this incredible public asset to work, we can generate revenue, help keep the tax burden low, and create more opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy this special place.

This project is also a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when we invest in our own community. Our Buildings & Grounds Department built out the Chapel and the new foyer/cocktail space entirely in-house, transforming the space with tremendous craftsmanship, creativity, and pride.

We are especially excited to partner with Simply Gourmet as we welcome weddings and events to The Chapel and continue finding innovative ways to make our historic properties active, vibrant, and beneficial to the community.

A historic space, with a special place in my heart with a true new purpose. I am proud of this innovative collaboration and investment in our Town’s future.

Thank you to everyone who helped bring this vision to life, and to everyone who joined us to celebrate. We can’t wait to see the memories that will be made at The Chapel at Carnwath Farms for years to come.

Progress is happening at the Wappinger Plaza, and we’re excited to give residents a glimpse of the action!

Working closely with the Town of Wappinger Planning Board, Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini and Councilman William Beale are excited to announce that 7 Brew Coffee is coming to the Town of Wappinger!

The new 7 Brew will be taking over the location of the former Sonic, bringing a new coffee experience and another exciting addition to our community.

7 Brew Coffee New Location
📍 1506 US-9, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

More progress is happening every day catch a sight of the action and stay tuned for more updates! ☕🚧

For many across the Town of Wappinger, today marks the first day back to school. We wish every student, parent, teacher, bus driver, and staff member, a safe and successful 2026-2027 school year.

Let’s look out for one another, celebrate progress, and make kindness part of every school day. Please also stay alert on our roads as students return to their daily routines.

Wishing our entire Wappinger school community, across all of our three school districts, a safe, inspiring, and successful school year. Go make yourselves proud!

 ❤️🐾
Join Us at Town Hall Every Third Tuesday of the Month

On October 20, 2026, Town Hall will once again be filled with plenty of adoptable pups looking for their forever homes! 🐶🏠

Join us every Third Tuesday from 12–2 PM for our monthly pop-up adoption event, featuring an assortment of adorable dogs from CARE of DC — from playful puppies to sweet seniors, there’s a dog for everyone!

Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini is proud to partner with CARE of DC to shine a spotlight on shelter dogs and help connect them with loving families.

Stop by Town Hall, meet some wonderful adoptable dogs, and maybe even find your new best friend! ❤️🐾

📅 October 20, 2026 - Tuesday | 12–2 PM
📍 Town Hall - 20 Middlebush Rd, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

Can’t make it? Learn more about the amazing dogs waiting for their forever homes at https://careofdc.org/! 🐾

History came to life in the Town of Wappinger! 🇺🇸

The Town of Wappinger Parks & Recreation hosted a wonderful Living History Day at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park, where the community stepped back in time with colonial-style activities, including butter churning, colonial games, and a live Revolutionary War reenactment.

Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini and the Wappinger Historical Society were also excited to debut the Rev 250 Wappinger Revolutionary Roots Guidebook! 📖 Featuring the historical sites throughout our hometown, the guidebook includes a map to help residents and visitors explore Wappinger’s revolutionary roots.

Events like these remind us that we don’t just live in a community with history, but we live in the history of Wappinger, and together, we can bring that history to life.

Stay tuned for more exciting events happening throughout the Town of Wappinger as we continue to celebrate our past, our community, and the stories that make Wappinger special! ❤️

9/11 , we as a nation recognized the 25th anniversary of the darkest day in American history.

In reflecting on this day, we remember the nearly 3,000 New Yorkers who went to sleep 24 years ago the night before, not knowing what the morning would bring and of the heroism of those who rushed toward the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and the field in Shanksville, PA when tragedy struck.

I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to welcome residents and first responders to our annual Town of Wappinger Remembrance Ceremony at Sgt. Palmateer 9/11 Memorial Park, as well as our first “Day of Service” planting over 20 trees around our veterans Walk of Heroes at Brexel-Schlathaus Park. It was also a privilege to have attended the Village of Wappingers Falls ceremony, as well as the ceremony at New Hackensack Fire Company’s memorial.

Where many communities may not have a single remembrance ceremony, I am proud to represent this Town where we come together throughout the day and across Wappinger to #NeverForget 🙏🏼

Town of Wappinger First Responder Awards Ceremony

It was another incredible of evening of recognition for our town's heroes at the 10th Annual Town of Wappinger First Responder Awards. 

Thank you to all who attended - especially the firefighters, paramedics, EMT's and police officers who have gone above and beyond for the residents and visitors to our town.

This year's event was extra special - On this night, the fire and EMS team that responded to an unconscious male in a vehicle - who was in cardiac arrest - had the unique opportunity to meet the patient whose life they saved. What an unforgettable moment this was. 🙏🏼

📸 Special Thanks to Bill Johnson and Vinny Galvin for the pics.

🎉
Please join us in wishing our Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini a very happy birthday!

We’re grateful for Supervisor Cavaccini’s service and dedication to our community. Wishing you a wonderful birthday and a year ahead filled with happiness, good health, and continued success!

🎂 Happy Birthday from the Town of Wappinger!

September Senior Birthday Celebration! 🎂

Happy Birthday to our wonderful September Seniors Tami, Fran, Roxanne, Ferenc, Theresa, Joanne, Monica, and Helen! We are so proud to host a special birthday celebration each month in honor of the amazing seniors here at the Wappinger Town Senior Center.

The afternoon was filled with great food, fun games, laughter, and wonderful company as we celebrated all of our September birthdays! 💕🎈

This month was extra special as we also celebrated the birthdays of our Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini, Town Clerk Joseph P. Paoloni, and Recreation Assistant KellieAnn! We were so happy to celebrate with them and make the afternoon even more memorable.

We hope everyone enjoyed the celebration as much as we did! Wishing all of our September birthday babies a year filled with happiness, good health, laughter, and wonderful memories! 🎈🥳

Town of Wappinger Honors National POW MIA Recognition Day

Honoring this past National POW MIA Recognition Day, let us never forget these brave heroes and those from our own community.

In 2024, Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini directed the permanent installation of a POW MIA flag to stand on the dais in the Town Board Meeting Room at Wappinger Town Hall as well as to be flown on all war memorials in the Town of Wappinger.

The Town of Wappinger is home to the first POW MIA Memorial Park in the United States of America, named in memory of Major Joseph McDonald, who is still missing an action today from the Vietnam War. May we continue to remember him.

The annual POW MIA Remembrance Ceremony will be held at Major Joseph McDonald Park at the corner of East Main Street and Route 9 in the Village of Wappingers Falls tonight at 6:30pm.

Town of Wappinger Hosts Dutchess County’s Latest Naturalization at Wappinger Town Hall

The Town of Wappinger was proud to welcome nine new American citizens from nine different countries this morning, as County Clerk Bradford Kendall and I hosted Dutchess County’s latest naturalization, held at Wappinger Town Hall.

Hon. Maria Rosa presided over the proceedings, which included a welcome from myself and keynote remarks from Taa Grays, President of the New York State Bar Association. Congratulations to our new citizens and welcome to your new community!

***Wappinger Town Partners With Rotary To Host Drive By Food Donation Drive For Zion Food Pantry***

The Zion Food Pantry feeds 70-100 Wappinger families every week and they need your help. Their annual funding has run out for this year and we are gathering on Saturday, October 17 from 10:00am to 2:00pm for a “Drive By Donation Food Drive” at Wappinger Town Hall to support our community’s pantry.

We hope to see you there in support of our neighbors!

Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini hosts Community Engagement Roundtable at The Chapel at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park

Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini hosts a Community Engagement Roundtable at The Chapel at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park, bringing together representatives from religious, cultural, and community organizations from across the Town of Wappinger.

The conversation was focused on strengthening connections throughout our community, engaging and supporting our youth, coordinating assistance for residents and families during times of need, and better understanding the unique issues and challenges facing the many groups that make up our Town.

Senator Rob Rolison and Fourth Ward Councilman Al Casella also joined participants in meaningful discussions.

Pride in Our Progress: Wappinger Honors the Workforce Driving Us Forward on Labor Day

On Labor Day, we pause to recognize the generations of hardworking men and women whose dedication, skill, and perseverance have built our communities and continue to move them forward each and every day.

From our teachers, tradespeople, first responders, public servants, small business owners, healthcare workers, and countless others, the strength of the Town of Wappinger is rooted in the people who show up, work hard, and take pride in what they do.

Labor Day is also a reminder of the generations of workers who fought for fair wages, safe workplaces, and the opportunities that so many families benefit from today.

🌸 125 years of Wappinger history in full bloom! 🌸

What a beautiful afternoon at the historic Mesier Homestead for the 2026 Wappinger Dahlia Show, celebrating the 125th anniversary of the first Dahlia Show in America — held right here in the Village of Wappingers Falls!

The incredible display brought together beautiful blooms, talented local growers, history, and community, continuing a tradition that has deep roots right here in Wappinger.

A huge thank you to the Wappingers Historical Society, Carnwath Community Farming, the Wappinger Dahlia & Improvement Society, and everyone who helped bring this wonderful tradition back to life alongside the Town of Wappinger.

There’s something special about celebrating our history not just by remembering it, but by bringing it back to life for a new generation.🌺🇺🇸

Supervisor Cavaccini, Councilman Bill Beale, and Senator Rob Rolison Attend the Gala at Grinnell

Supervisor Cavaccini and Isabella, Councilman Beale, and NYS Senator Rob Rolison were proud to join many of our neighbors in gathering for a beautiful evening celebrating the Gala at Grinnell.

It was great to catch up with good friends to support the sixth oldest library in New York State, our community’s own Grinnell Public Library! 📖

Thank You to VFW Post 5913 of Wappinger!

Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini and VFW Post 5913 took time to recognize and appreciate one of our local veterans who has dedicated much time to our community.

George Gumbel volunteers his time cooking meals for our seniors at our Senior Center and was a Vietnam veteran.

As a symbol of our appreciation for his service and continued volunteerism, Supervisor Cavaccini worked with the members of VFW Post 5913 to secure their very generous donation of pots and pans for George!

As part of the surprise visit, Mr. Gumbel was presented a special VFW challenge coin for being a comrade who goes above and beyond in service to others, recognizing the spirit of commitment, sacrifice, and camaraderie that defines our veteran community.

Thank you to VFW Post 5913 for your kindness, generosity, and continued commitment to honoring those who have served and helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of our veterans and neighbors.

VFW Post 5913
📍 8 School St., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

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