No preview available
Untitled Volunteer's love of community, sports reflected in work By Elizabeth Lynch poughkeepsie Journal Joe Ennesser celebrated his birthday and rang in the New Year. The 68-year-old Wap- pinger resident was born on New Year's Eve. So what could you give him as a pre- sent? A bottle of champagne? A ticket to Times Square? Perhaps a home for the Dutchess County Sports Museum or maybe a few extra miles of the Greenway trail or maybe some extra equipment for the town Lit- tle League teams. Ennesser has volunteered helping Wappinger for more than 30 years, serving as a member of the Recreation Commission, the Greenway Committee and in other ways. Ennesser has lived in the town some 45 years, after moving to the area from Long Island. He retired from IBM in 1993. Despite his years of involvement, he's never sought elected office, al- though someone once sug- gested he try for the school board. "I just enjoy doing it and there are some things that are challenging," Ennesser said, adding he used his engi- neering skills to put a bridge over a stream in Reese Park. Ralph Holt, chairman of the town Recreation Com- mission, said Ennesser embellished and expanded the programs. "He has a way of rmding help," Holt said. Chairman of building Ennesser is chairman of the sports museum building committee and a member of its board of directors. Despite repeated disap- pointments in the group's efforts to find a home, he remains upbeat, said Bill Ponte, chairman of the muse- um's board. Ennesser continues to fill out grant applications and track down elected officials 'He gives a lot of time and energy. If you want a job done, give it to Joe. ' Ralph Holt chairman, Wappinger Recreation Commission with the hope of rmding a home for the museum. "He works endlessly," Ponte said. "He's a driving force. He's always upbeat, no matter how bad it looks." Ennesser was inducted into the sports museum's Hall of Fame for his efforts to expand Wappinger's recre~ ation program and for his work with youth programs. Ennesser added girls soft- ball, T-ball and many other programs to the town's offer- ings. "It's one of the biggest pro- grams in the district," said Dominic Letterii, District 17 Little League administrator. District 17 includes all of Dutchess County, as well parts of northwestern Con- necticut and Putnam County. Ennesser remains active in sports, playing for an over- 55 softball team. "He gives a lot of time and energy," Holt said. "If you want a job done, give it to Joe." NEIGHBOR JOE ENNESSER Resides: Town of WapJ'inger. Age: 68. Family: Wife, Eileen; two sons,a daughter, eight grandchildren. Hobbles: Avid fisher- man, softball player. Neighbor appears each Monday. To suggest a candidate, phone (845) 437-4834. "'