The Town of Wappinger and the Wappinger Veterans Advisory Group is proud to announce that registration is now open for the  2^nd annual Joseph Ennesser Veterans 5K Walk/Run on the William R. Steinhaus – Dutchess Rail Trail on April 16, 2022.

People have been walking every day, sunshine or snow.  So the Dutchess Rail Trail has been in use all year long. We hope to bring together our community to enjoy the warmer weather. Dedicated to helping veterans, the Wappinger Veterans Advisory is co-hosting this event with the Town of Wappinger. Similar to last year, the race will be for the serious runners, the walkers, the casual runners, the kids, the family to bask in the sunshine, and raise money for local veterans issues.  The Wappinger Veterans Advisory Group seeks out those vets who have a need, but aren’t always very vocal about it.

Wappinger Veterans Advisory President Kevin Hathorn said “We will muster the support troops and work things out. We can work with every organization in the county.”

Joe Ennesser had a love for the Town of Wappinger and devotion to its youth. As one of Wappinger’s most dedicated volunteers, Joe was a caring and active resident for close to 50 years. Not only was Joe past president of the Town of Wappinger Little League, Joe coached for close to 20 years. He was instrumental in beginning the Girls’ Softball program and the Big League in the 70’s. He was a proud part of the league when the boys brought home a New York State Championship in 1970.

Joe spent many years giving back to his community as a long-time sports and recreation volunteer. He dedicated countless hours to the Town’s Recreation Committee and was the chair of the Wappinger Greenway Committee. Passionate about the Wappinger Greenway Trail, Joe worked tirelessly to secure dozens of grants to connect the historic and scenic aspects of the Village of Wappingers Falls, Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park, and New Hamburg and Chelsea hamlets.

Joe was a co-founder of the Sports Museum of Dutchess County and was inducted into the Museum’s Hall of Fame in 1985 for his work to expand the Town of Wappinger’s recreation programs. He also worked with Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts candidates on many projects that benefitted town parks. In addition to his countless hours of volunteer work, his hobbies included boating and fishing. He was at home on the water.

For all that Joe did, and for the truly good man that he was, this race is named in his honor.

“Friends of WVA” 

Donations less than $100 displays a 12”x15” single-sided sign at the Diddell Road turn-around.

“Bronze Sponsor” 

Donations of  $100. These sponsors display two double-sided signs 12”x15”, at the starting point and turn-around, plus a logo listing in the program.

“Silver Sponsor” 

Donations of  $250.  These sponsors will have an 18”x30” sign double-sided at the starting point of the race, and listing in the program.

“Gold Sponsor” 

Donations of  $500.  These sponsors will have 2 double-sided signs 24”x45”.  One will be at the starting line and the other at the turn-around, as well as a display table in starting area, and a listing in the program.

“Platinum Sponsor” 

Donations of  $750.  These sponsors qualify for their Company name (or logo) on large banner, display table in parking lot, smaller sign in race area, and a listing on the cover of program.

All sponsors will be identified in our subsequent promotional materials.

Checks should be made out to “Wappinger Veterans Advisory”