IN AMERICA, WE HAVE NO KINGS.

A nationwide “No Kings” protest is planned for March 28, with demonstrations expected in hundreds of cities across the US as activists mobilize against policies linked to the administration of Donald Trump. Bring your signs, your friends, and your voices!

A core principle behind all NO KINGS events is a commitment to nonviolent action.  All participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Participants should not bring weapons of any kind to a NO KINGS event, including those legally permitted.

First 2026 Quarterly Chatham Dems meeting hosts candidates 

Chatham Dems gathered at the Trolley Station in North Chatham on Sunday, March 15 for the first quarterly meeting of the year. It was good to gather to socialize and discuss plans for 2026. The meeting hosted candidates for NYS Assembly in Districts 106 and 107. Attendees were able to sign petitions for these offices, as well as for NYS Senator incumbent Michelle Hinchey, Congressman Josh Riley of CD-19, and delegates to the NYS Democratic Party and the 3rd Judicial District (NYS) convention.

Chatham Dems Town Chair Joanne Delrossi introduced the visitors to the assembled Dems.

Sam Hodge, who is running as a primary candidate for NYS Assembly District 106, spoke first. Hodge urged listeners to consider a new generation of leadership for the Hudson Valley, and about his desire to provide bold leadership in Albany. Hodge is an attorney, former prosecutor and served as Chair of the Columbia County Democrats for the last four years. Under his leadership, Democrats flipped seats across the county, elected the first Democratic District Attorney in 40 years, and made history by electing Jacqueline Salvatore as New York’s first woman of color to the office of County Sheriff. Columbia County repeatedly posted some of the highest Democratic turnout rates in the state. More information on Sam’s professional background and platform is available here.

Incumbent NYS Assemblymember Didi Barrett, who is currently in her 6th full term as NYS AD 106 Assembly Member, is facing Hodge in the primary election. She serves as Chair of the Assembly’s Energy Committee, and is a member of Committees on Agriculture, Environmental Conservation, and Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development. She has been a strong advocate for her constituents, and has brought grant monies to local towns and organizations throughout her tenure.  Barrett was unable to attend the meeting due to a previous commitment, but was represented by Chris Loughridge, volunteer coordinator and voter outreach for Barrett's reelection campaign. 

A lifelong Capital Region resident, Chloe has years of experience working alongside legislative offices, coalitions, and policy experts. She talked about addressing issues of affordability, healthcare access, and opportunity for those New Yorkers she hopes to serve. For more information on Chloe, follow this link.

The meeting also included an update from Cindy Bobseine, Chatham Dems President, approval of minutes from the last formal meeting, and the Treasurer’s Report, offered by Judi Matthews. Representatives of the Communications, Events, and Volunteer committees reported on current activities. Bobseine highlighted the successful election of new Town Board member Lisa Simonetti, and the re-election of Town Board member Rick Werwaiss in November. She acknowledged Board Members Angus Eaton and John Wapner, both in attendance.

Bobseine said that the Chatham Dems will convene quarterly in 2026 for general membership/event meetings. She outlined upcoming opportunities for members to participate in committee work that takes place throughout the year. Events Committee Chair Betsy Winters-Russell announced two upcoming events: 

• Chatham Dems Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup on Friday, April 24 from 9:30 - Noon

• Annual Chatham Dems Picnic at the Society of New Concord, September 20, 2026; details to follow.

Stay tuned for updates on upcoming meetings and events here and on our Facebook page.

CHATHAM FARMLAND – 

Town Board okays next step in future preservation

Following a detailed “Town and County” report by Town Supervisor Collins, the Board heard a series of Citizen Advisory Committee reports, including one that represented the culmination of months of work by the Community Preservation Fund Advisory Board (CPFAB). This Board evaluates potential projects based on the Town’s Community Preservation Plan and makes recommendations for the use of the Community Preservation Fund to the Town Board. 

Mary Gail Biebel, CPFAB Chair, reported that the Board had submitted a draft online application form to the Board for approval and inclusion on the Town website for a first round of preservation funding. The form is available to owners of agricultural land who want to have their properties considered for inclusion under the Town of Chatham Community Preservation Plan for this first year of funding. Submitted applications will be reviewed and ranked by the CPFAB for presentation to the Town Board, and the Town Board will make a final decision on which properties will be selected. Biebel said she expects the first year of application review and funding will be instructive and guide future annual application cycles.  Following a short discussion, the Board gave the go ahead to post the information and application form. For more information, go to Application Guidelines and Application links on the Town website.

Chatham, NY — The New York State Police have opened a new barracks at State Police (SP) Chatham, replacing the former SP New Lebanon barracks. The new facility strengthens the Division’s ability to serve residents of Columbia County and surrounding communities while supporting continued public safety operations throughout the region.

The relocation to SP Chatham provides a modern workspace with expanded capacity for personnel and improved operational capabilities. The new barracks will support patrol operations across Columbia County and along the Taconic State Parkway corridor, helping troopers respond efficiently to calls for service and maintain a strong public safety presence in the area.

The former SP New Lebanon barracks opened on November 1, 1956 and served the residents of Columbia County and surrounding communities for nearly 70 years. The New York State Police are proud of the decades of service provided from SP New Lebanon and look forward to continuing that commitment to public safety from the new SP Chatham barracks.

SP Chatham
500 Route 295
Chatham, NY 12037
(845) 677-7300

For emergencies, call 911.