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November 2, 2026
Dear Neighbors,
As we enter this season of gratitude, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve our community and for the people who make Wappinger such a special place to live. October brought significant progress on preserving open space, improving our infrastructure, and planning responsibly for the year ahead, along with opportunities to spend time with residents and celebrate our community.
One of the most exciting announcements came when our administration secured nearly $4.2 million in New York State grant commitments in just one week, bringing our 2026 grant total to approximately $5.1 million! These commitments include $2,716,627 for Cranberry Hills, our future Central Park at Wappinger. Subject to final approvals, this funding would cover the entire purchase price of the property, preserving this extraordinary 326-acre community asset with no cost to Town taxpayers for the land purchase. It is an investment in open space, outdoor recreation, and the Wappinger we will leave to future generations.
The same week also brought nearly $1.5 million in commitments for improvements to the Wildwood and Fleetwood Manor wastewater treatment facilities, helping us address infrastructure and compliance needs that have persisted for decades. I am grateful to our Town staff and State partners for helping move these important projects forward. Proactive leadership means planning ahead, pursuing opportunities, and following through—and these commitments demonstrate what that work can accomplish for our residents.
We also recently completed the reconstruction of the Myers Corners sewer pump station, originally built in 1968. At my direction, we repurposed infrastructure from a never-used pump station built in anticipation of the high-density development at Cranberry Hills that our preservation efforts have prevented. This innovative approach saved United Wappinger Sewer District taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars while accelerating a much-needed replacement. It is a practical example of making the most of the resources we already have.
October also included the presentation of my 2027 Tentative Budget, which remains under the New York State tax levy cap while supporting continued improvements to roads, parks, public safety, senior services, and Town operations. It is important to remember that the Town’s budget is only 8% of your total tax bill. Of our $25million proposed plan for 2027, only $9.3million comes from property taxpayers. That is only 37% of our budget as the remainder comes from alternate forms of revenue that we work hard to create. The proposal includes $250,000 for the first phase of Central Park at Wappinger, additional senior and youth programming, along with investments in the employees, equipment, and facilities that keep our community running. My focus remains on delivering dependable services, planning for future needs, and keeping Wappinger affordable. I encourage residents to review the proposed budget and stay involved as the Town Board continues its consideration.
Beyond these projects, I enjoyed connecting with neighbors through our town hall forum at the Regency at Wappinger and continuing conversations with local students about their ideas for our community. October also provided opportunities to recognize former Councilman and Deputy Supervisor Nicholas Johnson’s 90th birthday and the 60th anniversary of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, including the dedicated leadership of the Rev. Dr. Edward L. Hunt. These occasions remind us how much our hometown has been shaped by people who give their time, talents, and care to others.
Looking ahead, I hope you will join us for our Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, November 11 at 1:00pm at Brexel-Schlathaus Park, as we honor the men and women who have served our country. Their service deserves our gratitude throughout the year, and this gathering offers an opportunity to express that appreciation together as a community. The Town Board is also proud to have adopted significant tax reforms including a 100% tax exemption for our 100% disabled veterans as well as a partial exemption for the spouses of fallen law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
There is also plenty to enjoy this month, including Community Craft Night on November 12 and our Fall Craft Fair at Town Hall on Sunday, November 15. These are wonderful opportunities to connect with neighbors, enjoy the season, and begin your holiday shopping. Be sure to visit the Town’s Recreation website for program details and registration information.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I encourage everyone to take a moment to check on a neighbor, support a local food pantry, or thank someone whose work makes a difference in your life. To our Town employees, volunteers, first responders, veterans, local businesses, and residents: thank you for all you contribute to Wappinger.
It is an honor to serve as your Town Supervisor. We wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy Thanksgiving!
See you around Town,
Joseph D. Cavaccini, Town Supervisor
 Wappinger Announces Historic Week of State Funding for Central Park and Wastewater Improvements
Nearly $4.2 million in new grant commitments brings the Town’s 2026 total to approximately $5.1 million
WAPPINGER, NY — Town of Wappinger Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini today announced nearly $4.2 million in New York State grant commitments to cover the full purchase price of Cranberry Hills, the future Central Park at Wappinger, and advance wastewater improvements in Wildwood and Fleetwood Manor. The three commitments total $4,194,463, bringing the Town’s 2026 grant funding total to approximately $5.1 million.
“Proactive leadership means having the foresight to plan, the initiative to pursue opportunities, and the determination to deliver results,” said Supervisor Cavaccini. “It is how we solve longstanding problems, protect our taxpayers, and build a stronger Wappinger for generations to come.”
Preserving Cranberry Hills for future generations
The Town has been selected for $2,716,627 through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Open Space Conservation Grant Program to cover the entire purchase price of Cranberry Hills. The pending award is subject to final approval by the Office of the State Comptroller and execution of a grant contract.
Once finalized, the grant will cover every dollar of the land purchase price, eliminating the need to fund that purchase with local taxpayer dollars. The property will become the future Central Park at Wappinger, preserving open space and providing a place for residents to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature.
“We are securing the land for our future Central Park with State funding that will cover the full purchase price,” said Cavaccini. “That means no cost to Town taxpayers for the land purchase. This is an extraordinary community asset, and protecting it will benefit generations of Wappinger residents.”
Addressing longstanding wastewater infrastructure needs
The Town has also been awarded up to $728,607 for Wildwood Wastewater Treatment Facility improvements and up to $749,229 for Fleetwood Manor Wastewater Treatment Facility improvements through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation’s 2026 Water Infrastructure Improvement grant program.
Together, these wastewater awards provide up to $1,477,836 to help advance improvements needed to resolve decades-old infrastructure compliance issues. The funding will help the Town address longstanding problems while reducing the financial burden on the communities these facilities serve.
“Our residents deserve reliable infrastructure, and addressing these longstanding problems has been a priority for this administration,” said Cavaccini. “These grants give us essential resources to move that work forward while keeping affordability at the center of our decisions.”
Cavaccini recognized the administration’s team and Town employees whose preparation, persistence, and attention to detail helped make the funding possible. He also thanked the State of New York for investing in Wappinger’s open space and essential infrastructure.
“There is substantial work behind these announcements, and our team deserves recognition for following through on behalf of our residents,” said Cavaccini. “We have brought our 2026 grant total to $5.1 million, and the year is not over yet. We will continue pursuing every opportunity to bring funding home to Wappinger, protect our taxpayers, and deliver the improvements our community deserves.”

Supervisor Cavaccini Presents 2027 Tentative Budget That Stays Under State Tax Cap
Proposed plan invests in roads and parks while expanding senior services and improving Town operations
WAPPINGER, NY — Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini has presented his 2027 Tentative Budget, a $25,054,013 spending plan that remains under the New York State property-tax levy cap while advancing improvements to roads, parks, public facilities, and the services residents depend on every day. Of the total budget, only $9million or 37% is only levied onto property taxpayers – the remainder is funded through innovative alternative revenues.
“Every dollar in this budget belongs to our residents, and we have a responsibility to make it count,” said Supervisor Cavaccini. “This proposal keeps affordability at the center of our decisions while investing in Wappinger’s future. We are planning ahead, taking care of our infrastructure, and making Town government more responsive to the people we serve.”
The proposal accounts for contractual obligations and anticipated increases in insurance, utilities, materials, employee benefits, and other operating costs. It also incorporates recently negotiated and ratified collective bargaining agreements, supporting competitive compensation to retain experienced employees and recruit the skilled workers needed to maintain dependable Town services.
Major investments for 2027
Beginning the first phase of Central Park at Wappinger. The Town has just received a $2.7million State grant to fully fund the purchase cost of this property, essentially securing free land for our community. An initial $250,000 investment would advance public access to the approximately 326-acre former Cranberry Hills property preserved by the Town in 2026. Priorities include debris removal, trails, parking and entrance improvements, drainage, and pond-related work, with future phases guided by conservation and affordability.
Improving roads and drainage. The Highway Department is targeting approximately 20 roads, totaling about seven miles, for reconstruction or resurfacing. The program emphasizes coordination with drainage and underground utility work to protect new pavement, alongside continued investment in snow response, equipment, and fleet maintenance.
Expanding senior and recreation services. Additional support for Senior Enrichment would expand exercise, wellness, educational, and social opportunities. The proposal also supports youth programming at the Town’s two summer camp locations, community events, concerts, and other recreation programs.
Modernizing Town services. The plan advances online building permits, electronic records, mobile technology for inspectors, and short-term rental management tools. Additional code-enforcement capacity and improvements to public service areas would help staff respond to applications, inspections, and neighborhood concerns.
Maintaining parks and public buildings. Two additional Buildings & Grounds employees and a five-year equipment plan would strengthen maintenance capacity and allow more work to be performed in-house. Planned improvements include roof work at the Robinson Lane Baseball Complex and Carnwath properties, along with continued park and facility upgrades.
Supporting public safety. The proposal maintains targeted law-enforcement patrols addressing speeding, traffic safety, property crime, and neighborhood concerns, with continued coordination with County and State partners.
Investing in water infrastructure. The plan continues the Hilltop Well Field filtration and Atlas Well Field improvement projects, supported by federal funding, to strengthen drinking-water reliability and treatment capacity.
Planning ahead and protecting taxpayer dollars
The tentative budget places greater emphasis on revenues beyond property taxes, including grants, facility rentals, interest earnings, and recycling operations. Following the Town bringing refuse operations in-house this year and terminating our contract with a third party vendor, our projected Recycle Center revenue increases to $180,000 for 2027 without rate increases, as the Town met this revenue in June of this year due to the cost savings of our newly designed program, supporting the administration’s effort to reduce reliance on property taxpayers.
A five-year Capital Improvement Plan would help the Town prioritize projects based on public safety, infrastructure condition, service needs, and long-term costs. The budget also expands departmental performance measures and project tracking so residents can better understand both Town spending and the results it delivers.
“Our job is to address problems before they become more expensive emergencies,” Cavaccini said. “That means maintaining the roads and buildings we already own, pursuing outside funding, and making thoughtful improvements that our community can sustain. I want residents to see their tax dollars at work and have confidence that we are looking after this Town for the long term.”
Residents are encouraged to review the full 2027 Town Supervisor’s Tentative Budget and participate in the Town’s budget review process. The proposal is subject to Town Board review and adoption.
Media contact: Office of the Town Supervisor | (845) 297-2744
 Town of Wappinger Expands Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses of Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty
WAPPINGER, N.Y. – The Town of Wappinger continues to advance its commitment to affordability and community support through local property tax relief measures benefiting permanently and totally disabled military veterans and surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty. Through two significant legislative actions, the Town is strengthening its support for those who have sacrificed for our nation and community while helping eligible residents manage the costs of homeownership.
These initiatives complement the Town Supervisor’s Tentative Budget for 2027, which once again remains below 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. The Town’s goal remains the same: to keep Wappinger affordable while making meaningful investments in the quality of life its residents deserve.
During the Town Board’s September 14, 2026, meeting, the Town Board unanimously advanced two important property tax relief measures. Resolution 2026-194, concerning real property tax exemption for surviving spouses of officers killed in the line of duty, establishes local support for eligible surviving spouses of police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. Resolution 2026-195, a local law repealing and replacing the Town’s exemption for permanently and totally disabled military veterans, updates Wappinger’s existing exemption to reflect revised state authorization and provide meaningful property tax relief to qualifying veterans.
During discussion of Resolution 2026-194, Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini emphasized the importance of supporting law enforcement officers and their families:
“This legislation is a no-brainer for this town government to support to ensure that our veterans, law enforcement, and their families receive the benefits they deserve.”
Councilmember Al Casella of Ward 4 stressed the importance of translating the Town’s appreciation for veterans and law enforcement families into tangible support.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to honoring those who have sacrificed so much for our country and our community. By providing property tax relief to permanently and totally disabled veterans and eligible surviving spouses of police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, we are recognizing their service, honoring their sacrifice, and supporting the families who deserve our continued gratitude,” Casella said.
The surviving spouses exemption is authorized under New York State Real Property Tax Law Section 471 and provides a 50% reduction in assessed value for eligible properties, subject to applicable requirements. Qualifying applicants must be the unremarried widow or widower of a police officer killed in the line of duty. The exemption offers targeted financial relief to families who have experienced an extraordinary loss while recognizing the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers.
The Town’s action builds upon its earlier commitment to disabled veterans. In February 2026, Wappinger became the first municipality in Dutchess County to fully opt into the state-authorized program providing a 100% Town property tax exemption for eligible permanently and totally disabled military veterans. Through Resolution 2026-195, the Town is repealing and replacing its existing local exemption to align with revised state provisions and strengthen this important benefit.
The updated exemption under New York Real Property Tax Law Section 458-a(11) provides qualifying veterans with a full exemption from Town property taxes and applicable special assessments and special ad valorem levies on their primary residence, subject to state and local eligibility requirements. Eligibility includes qualifying veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or a qualifying individual unemployability determination.
Councilmember Heather O’Dell of Ward 2 highlighted the responsibility local government has to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans, police officers, and their families.
“Our disabled veterans and the families of fallen police officers have made tremendous sacrifices in service to our community. We have a responsibility to honor that service and support them in every way we can. These tax exemptions are a small but meaningful way to express our gratitude and provide financial relief to those who have given so much,” Odell said.
Casella further emphasized that the measures represent a broader commitment to public service and meaningful recognition of sacrifice.
“These exemptions are about more than tax relief. They are about doing right by the people who have served and protected us, recognizing the sacrifices they and their families have made, and ensuring that our community’s gratitude is reflected in meaningful action,” Casella added.
The Town recognizes the important role of state-level leadership in advancing these expanded protections for veterans. Special thanks are extended to New York State Senator Rob Rolison and New York State Assemblymember Anil Beephan for championing the revised disabled veteran’s exemption at the state level and helping make this meaningful local tax relief possible.
Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini, who sponsored this legislation locally, has consistently championed property tax relief as part of a broader commitment to affordability, public service, and responsible local government. These measures reflect the Town’s belief that recognizing sacrifice should extend beyond words and be reflected in policies that provide tangible support to residents and their families.
“Together, these legislative actions demonstrate Wappinger’s commitment to using local government to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served. By supporting surviving spouses of fallen police officers and strengthening property tax relief for permanently and totally disabled veterans, the Town continues to prioritize affordability, compassion, and the well-being of the community.”, said Supervisor Cavaccini.
How to Apply:
Eligible permanently and totally disabled veterans must complete Form RP-458-a
Application for Alternative Veterans and Veterans with a Permanent and Total Disability Exemptions from Real Property Taxation and provide the required official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs documentation.
Eligible surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty must complete Form RP-471
Application for Real Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty, along with documentation establishing the officer’s death in the line of duty, the applicant’s marriage to the officer, and current unremarried status.
The standard annual filing deadline is March 1.
Applications must be submitted to the Town of Wappinger Assessor’s Office. Residents are encouraged to contact the Assessor’s Office to confirm eligibility, required documentation, and applicable deadlines.
Additional information about property tax exemptions and application requirements is available through the Town of Wappinger Assessor’s Office at https://townofwappingerny.gov/assessor/.
The Town of Wappinger remains committed to responsible budgeting, keeping taxes affordable, and ensuring that those who have served our nation and community receive the recognition and support they deserve. Through these legislative actions, Wappinger continues to translate its commitment to veterans, law enforcement families, and residents into meaningful policy while protecting the quality of life that makes the Town a great place to live.”
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🍂 Upcoming Town of Wappinger Events
Town of Wappinger Veterans Day Ceremony
Honoring All Who Served
Brexel-Schlathaus Park November 11, 2026 1:00pm
Veterans Lunch
CELEBRATING WAPPINGER RESIDENTS
Wappinger Town Hall 20 Middlebush Rd, Wappingers Falls November 10, 2026 12:00pm
This lunch will be held at the Wappinger Town Hall Main Meeting Room. We ask that you register for this event and may do so by clicking the button below to get started!
Community Craft Night
Schlathaus Community Center November 12 6-8pm
Join us for our Fall Leaf Bowl Community Craft Night at the Schlathaus Park Community Center! Join us for a fun-filled evening of creativity on November 12th, 2026 at 6pm!
Bring the whole family and make your own leaf bowl while enjoying a relaxing night with friends and neighbors.
All materials are provided. Register at wappingerrecreation.com! 📍Schlathaus Community Center 127 All Angels Hill Road Wappinger, NY 12590
Town of Wappinger Craft Fair
*NEW DATE* *Sunday November 15, 2026*
TOWN HALL, 20 MIDDLEBUSH RD, WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY
10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Information for Vendors
This is a curated fair - all items are to be hand-crafted – no direct sale items.
NEW IN 2026: Last year our fair ended up being the same day as the rescheduled date of another popular local fair. A number of vendors did not notify us that they wished to cancel their registration with us to join that fair until we attempted to collect payment on the payment deadline two weeks before the fair. By the time we found out about the cancellations, many of the vendors on wait list were unavailable.
A $15 NON REFUNDABLE Application fee will be paid upon registration. If you are selected to participate, you will be billed for the remaining $15 of the $30 total Vendor Space Fee.
Spaces are 5' deep by 6'. We will do our best to accommodate returners who have a favorite space, however we do not guarantee anyone their choice of space. We try to layout our fair to not have like vendors right next to each other to the best of our ability.
To complete your application, you will need to include a photo of your work and also your New York State Tax Certificate of Authority. Your Social Security number is NOT a business tax ID number. You will also need to present your New York State Tax Certificate of Authority to staff upon your arrival.
Sharing of spaces is not allowed (no ‘guests’). Each vendor is to apply for their own space. Those not in compliance will not be approved in the future.
Set up will be Saturday, November 14 -6pm to 8pm and Sunday, November 15 7:30am-10am; booths must be completely set up before the 10:00 am opening. Breakdown and cleanup no earlier than 3p.m.
Two chairs per vendor will be provided but please know that we do not provide tables. You must bring your own tables and change.
For information: 845-297-0720
YOU ARE INVITED TO
THE HOLIDAY PARTY
DECEMBER 16
11:30AM-2PM
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FOOD & DRINK
LIVE MUSIC
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Sign Up at The Town of Wappinger Senior Center Registration for Senior Center Members - 11/9 Registration for Wappinger Residents 55+ - 11/16
Villa Borghese 70 Widmer Rd, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
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💖 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!
October Senior Birthday Celebration! 🎂
Happy Birthday to our wonderful October Seniors John, Renata, Cathy, Pat, Ping, Debbie, Paul, Ray, Tony, Mona, Monica, and Mary Ann! 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 October birthdays! 💕🎈
A heartfelt thank you to our friends at Pines at Poughkeepsie Center for helping make this day so memorable. Your generosity and support brought smiles, laughter, and joy to everyone who attended.
We hope everyone enjoyed the celebration as much as we did! Wishing all of our October birthday babies a year filled with happiness, good health, laughter, and wonderful memories! 🎈🥳
Town of Wappinger Friendly Calls
Monday, November 16 Monday 11am Wappinger Senior Center
Volunteer Orientation to Follow
The Basics:
- 1 Call per Week
- 20-30 Minutes Per Call
- 8 weeks running
- Connect with other from the comfort of your home
Make a new friend, MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Hundreds of Successful Friendships Formed!
🍂 ADDITIONAL LOCAL EVENTS
Wappingers Falls Business & Professionals Business EXPO
Friday, November 6, 2026 Knights of Columbus 5:30pm
Meet the businesses, Meet the people, Make Connections
Li'l Darling Shoppe Customer Appreciation Day
Saturday, November 7, 2026 12pm
VFW POST 5913 HOSTS
Autograph Signing with Giants Superbowl Champion
JAY ALFORD
Sunday, November 8, 2026 8 School Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
Doors Open: 12pm
1 Autograph & 1 Photo Op - $20 Raffles | Auctions | Food & Beverages Available
For more information, contact vfwpost5913@gmail.com. Proceeds to benefit Wreaths Across America.
VFW POST 5913 HOSTS
Veterans Day Ceremony
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 8 School Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
Doors Open: 11am
ALL ARE WELCOME
Mini Merchant Market
Saturday, November 14, 2026 Spring Street Wappingers Falls (Rain Location - Boathouse - 105 Market Street) 11-2pm
Wappinger Ladies Presents...
Lip Sync Battle 2026 10th Anniversary
Saturday, November 14 7pm
Knights of Columbus 2660 E. Main St Wappingers Falls
Hughsonville Community Cleanup
November 14, 2026 Meet at Obercreek Farm Stand 9am
81 New Hamburg Rd Wappingers Falls
Village Of Wappingers Falls Holiday Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights
Mesier Park Saturday, November 28 (Rain Date: 11/29) 5PM - PARK OPENS 6PM - PARADE OF LIGHTS
Let's CELEBRATE together by taking a photo with Santa in Mesier Park! Watch the parade procession twinkle its way down South Ave. to Mesier Park where you can enjoy holiday music, local food and vendors. Tree Lighting to Follow!
📰 NEWS AROUND TOWN
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✨ Obercreek Brewing Company Opens It's Doors
It was a pleasure to have been invited to celebrate the grand opening of Obercreek Brewing Company in the beautifully restored historic Reese family barns on New Hamburg Road, right in our Wheeler Hill Historic District!
Congratulations to my friends Alex Reese, Alison Spear, Phil Shaw, and the entire Obercreek team on this project coming to fruition!
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From the excellent pizza to great Wappinger crafted beverages, you will have to visit this beautiful space! It was exciting to see these historic buildings brought back to life and transformed into a fantastic new destination for our community. Our Town was proud to offer strategic assistance and swift planning process needed to get this project completed.
Just another great day in the place we’re lucky to call home. Things are happening in Wappinger!
🐼🥢✂️
WELCOME TO THE TOWN OF WAPPINGER, PANDA HOUSE!
The Town of Wappinger is excited to welcome Panda House to the Village of Wappingers Falls !
Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini joined in celebrating the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, welcoming this new local business and wishing the owners and staff much success in the years ahead!
🍜 Enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine, a lunch special from 11 AM – 3 PM, a full menu, sit down dinner and lunch, and takeout available all day!
📍 1571 US-9, Suite 4, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Visit: www.pandahouse7666.com
On behalf of the Town of Wappinger, congratulations to Panda House! We wish you continued success and look forward to seeing you thrive in our community! 🎉
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And that’s a wrap on CarniFall 2026! 🍂🍁
CarniFall weekend at Brexel-Schlathaus Park was filled with rides, music, delicious food, local vendors, and plenty of smiles throughout the community.
From families enjoying the midway to neighbors coming together for live entertainment, it was a wonderful celebration of the season right here in Wappinger.
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Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini, the Town Board, and local leaders were happy to join residents and families throughout the weekend and see firsthand the joy this event brought to our community.
A special THANK YOU to our Parks & Recreation Department and everyone at the Town who worked behind the scenes to plan, organize, and make CarniFall possible. We’re also grateful to our vendors, food trucks, entertainers, staff, volunteers, and, most of all, the residents who came out and made the weekend so special.
This is what community is all about coming and celebrating together, making Wappinger a great place to be.
🍁 Fall is in full swing in Wappinger! 🍂
What a weekend! There’s never a shortage of things happening in our Town, and this fall weekend was a perfect example of the incredible community spirit that makes Wappinger such a special place to call home.
🎃 We celebrated autumn at our Fall Festival at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park.
🏈 We kicked off the Wappingers Wildcats Annual Super Bowl with the coin toss and celebrated our young athletes, coaches, and families.
🚗 We enjoyed the Ketcham Car Show & Trunk-or-Treat.
🎀 We supported the 5K Race for Breast Cancer and everyone who came together for an important cause.
🎃 And we wrapped up the weekend with our friends in the Chelsea Hamlet for their annual Pumpkin Carving Event.
As Town Supervisor, these are the weekends that remind me why I love serving this community so much. Our Town is full of incredible people who volunteer, organize, participate, and give their time to make Wappinger better.
There’s not a day that goes by without something happening in the Town of Wappinger!
We kicked off the Halloween season by joining our friends at the Village of Wappingers Falls’ Halloween Parade and Festival at Mesier Park, hosting our food drive collection at Town Hall with Rotary, visiting the Wappinger Masonic Lodge for their annual Car Show & Pancake Breakfast, and helping local Scouts construct a new sitting area at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park.
We also enjoyed great live music and camaraderie at our VFW’s first-ever Vet Fest, and had the honor of attending the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church’s 60th Anniversary Gala—a wonderful celebration of six decades of faith, service, and community.
And in the middle of it all, we made time to knock on doors and visit with our neighbors in Tall Trees, checking in, listening, and hearing directly from the people who make Wappinger such a great place to call home.
From celebrating our traditions to building new ones, there is truly always something happening in Wappinger!

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What a transformation! 🌿
Take a look at this incredible before-and-after at the Old Hopewell Road and Route 9 intersection. What was once an overgrown, unattractive blacktop and concrete median has been completely transformed into a beautiful new gateway to our community.
Through the Adopt-A-Spot program, which I launched during my first year as Town Supervisor, this location has now been adopted by Neave Group, who stepped up to help us reimagine the space.
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The old pavement has been replaced with river rock, new plantings have been added, and an overlooked piece of our community has become something we can be proud of.
This is exactly what the Adopt-A-Spot program was created to do—bring together local businesses, organizations, and residents with the Town to take pride in the places we all share.
A huge thank you to Neave Group for investing in Wappinger and helping turn an eyesore into a beautiful entrance to our community!
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Wildwood Forest Median Beautification
Kicked off the day outside in the Wildwood Forest neighborhood as the Town continues our beautification efforts in planting trees down the center median of Wildwood Drive.
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This project, sponsored by Councilman Chris Phillips and Supervisor Cavaccini, is the final part of the roadway reconstruction project along this corridor started earlier this year.
Innovation saves taxpayer dollars!
Our newly reconstructed Myers Corners sewer pump station, originally built in 1968, is a powerful example of what creative problem-solving and proactive leadership can accomplish for our community.
At my direction, we reconstructed the station using infrastructure from a separate, never-used sewage pump station that had been built in anticipation of high-density development at Cranberry Hills. Thanks to our Town’s preservation of Cranberry Hills, that development will never occur—and we recognized an opportunity to put that unused infrastructure to work for our residents.
This innovative approach saved United Wappinger Sewer District taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars and expedited the planned replacement of the Myers Corners station, allowing us to deliver this needed improvement sooner.
I’m proud of our team for helping turn this opportunity into lasting benefits for our hometown!
🏈
Tonight was a special evening at the 2nd Annual Barnett Bowl, hosted by the New York State Police Troop K PBA.
 The Barnett Bowl honors the memory of Sergeant Nigel Barnett, whose dedication to his brothers and sisters in law enforcement, his commitment to serving others, and his love for the job left an impact that continues to be felt today. It was an honor to come together tonight to celebrate his life and keep his memory alive.
I was proud to open up the night’s festivities and was joined by retired law enforcement officer and Dutchess County Legislator Robert Faust, Assemblyman Anil Beephan, and Legislator Kevin Giles for this meaningful evening.
Thank you to the Troop K PBA and everyone who came out to participate, support, and remember. Looking forward to seeing the Barnett Bowl continue to grow into a lasting annual tradition in Nigel’s honor. 💙🏟️🏈
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Historical Markers: Unveiled, Carnwath Beautification Efforts, & Domestic Violence Awareness Efforts
Yesterday, was another action packed day as we unveiled two new historical markers commemorating Revolutionary War-era sites that played an important role in our community’s history.
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The two sites included the shipyard at Lower Wappinger Creek, established by General George Washington in 1776, and the Colonial Mill built by the VanBenschoten family to help supply the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
We also continued our work at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park, planting new trees and improving the courtyard with the incredible help of the Home Depot of Wappingers Falls, whose team generously donated both their labor and the plantings. Partnerships like this allow us to continue improving our public spaces while preserving the character and beauty of these historic grounds.
And at Brexel-Schlathaus Park, we gathered in remembrance and solidarity for Domestic Violence Awareness Day in collaboration with the Melanie Chianese Foundation. We honored the lives affected by domestic violence, remembered those we have lost, and reaffirmed our commitment to supporting survivors and strengthening our community.
From preserving the stories of our past, to caring for the places we share, to standing together for those in need, this is what our community is all about
Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini had the pleasure of visiting with students at Orchard View Alternative High School
 Supervisor Cavaccini discussed what it means to grow up in the Town of Wappinger, find your passion, and remember that you are never too young to make a difference in your community!
Students shared their interests and enthusiasm for the town’s economic development, infrastructure improvements, park renovations, and preservation of our historic sites. They were also engaged and curious about the environmental initiatives our town has launched to help protect and preserve the community we all call home.
Conversations like these remind us why we love what we do, serving the people of Wappinger and working together to build a stronger future for generations to come.
📣 Stay connected with all things Wappinger! Follow our social media pages and visit the Town’s website to stay up to date on local accomplishments, ongoing projects, monthly newsletters, and press releases.
The future of Wappinger starts with an engaged community, and that includes our next generation of leaders! 💙
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📚 It’s Records Management Day in Wappinger!🗂️
This morning, employees from every Town of Wappinger department joined together for our second annual day dedicated to records management, led by Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini.
Teams gathered at our Town’s Records Management Facility at the historic Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park to organize, clean, and properly manage
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the Town’s records — ensuring transparency, efficiency, and preservation of our community’s history.
Teamwork, dedication, and pride in public service on full display! 💪✨
The Town of Wappinger Stands Together for Breast Cancer Awareness! 🎀
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Town of Wappinger proudly recognizes all town employees who have survived breast cancer, as well as those whose lives have been touched by this disease. 💗
 Last Friday, October 23rd, our Town Hall came together to support the important work of the Miles for Hope Breast Cancer Foundation through a generous donation. Town Supervisor Joseph D Cavaccini presented the donation to Pari Forood and Lynne Versaci, who joined us to accept the contribution on behalf of the foundation.
We are proud to support an organization dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by breast cancer. We also encourage our residents to prioritize their health, schedule recommended screenings, and remind their loved ones of the importance of early detection. Check the link below for local screening locations in the Hudson Valley
https://milesofhope.org/resources/free-screenings/
Together, we honor survivors, remember those we have lost, support those currently fighting, and stand alongside everyone whose life has been touched by breast cancer. 🎀
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