Public Meeting
Draft Town Solar Law

The Town’s moratorium on solar installations will end with the adoption of a Town Solar Law.

Hear what’s proposed, ask questions, 

make comments.

The Price of Democracy

“What did you do?” That’s the question after every war. “What did you do?” We’re in a war for America’s soul, and it’s happening NOW, so today’s question is
“What WILL you do?”

The crush of bad news can be overwhelming, and make it hard to keep focused, let alone try to take action. But democracy isn’t inevitable or eternal, and freedom has its price: right now that price is our participation.

Every week we ask you to come to the gazebo in the Village to join us in protest, even as we know some of you — many of you, perhaps — lack the time or ability to do that. This week we’re going to provide options, so that if you’re asked, “What did you do?” you’ll be proud to answer.

Here are three things you can do to help defend our Constitution and our teetering democracy: Vote and encourage others to do so, help with elections, and call your representatives at all levels of government. 

1. THE VOTE. Our vote is the most direct way possible to demand change, so be sure to talk to your friends who may not be registered, and — especially important — make sure that every young person you know, including ones who are not quite 18 yet, is registered — and then votes. Habits started young have a good chance of sticking! Here’s a link to register online anywhere in New York State, including Columbia County.

PRIMARY VOTING STARTS NEXT WEEK!

Who are the Democrats on the ballot in Chatham in Columbia County Primaries?

1. Who is running

• Assembly District 106 (Ancram, Austerlitz, Canaan, Chatham Districts 1, 2, 3, & 4, Claverack, Clermont, Copake, Gallatin, Germantown, Greenport, Hillsdale, Hudson (City of), Livingston, New Lebanon, and Taghkanic)

  Democratic candidates for NYS legislature:

  • Didi Barrett 

  • Sam Hodge

• Assembly District 107 (Chatham Districts 5 & 6, Ghent, Kinderhook, Stockport, and Stuyvesant)

  Democratic candidate for NYS legislature:

  • Chloe Pierce (no primary)

• Democractic candidates for NYS comptroller (State-wide primary)

  • Thomas DiNapoli 

  •  Raj Goyle

  • Drew Warshaw

2. Sample ballots for the Columbia County 2026 Primary Election

• 106th Assembly District - Democratic Primary

• 107th Assembly District - Democratic Primary

3. Where, when and how to register and vote

Registration

If you aren’t already registered, there’s still time to register to vote in the primary–deadline is June 13
2026 Primary Election Voter Registration Deadline

You may register in person at the Columbia County Board of Elections, by mail, or any state agency participating in the National Voter Registration Act, on any business day throughout the year but, to be eligible to vote in the Primary Election, your application must be received at the Columbia County Board of Elections no later than June 13, 2026.

How to Vote

Early voting starts this Saturday, June 13

Two Early Voting Locations: eligible voters can vote early at either early voting location, no matter where in the County the voter resides.  

• Columbia County Office Building 401 State Street, Hudson, NY 12534

• Martin H. Glynn Municipal Building 3211 Church Street, Valatie, NY 12184

Early Voting Hours for the 2026 Primary Election:

Saturday, June 13: 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday, June 14: 9 am – 5 pm
Monday, June 15:     9 am – 5 pm
Tuesday, June 16: 12 pm – 8 pm
Wednesday, June 17: 12 pm – 8 pm
Thursday, June 18: 9 am – 5 pm
Friday, June 19: 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday, June 20: 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday, June 21: 9 am – 5 pm

OR, Vote on Primary Election Day- Tuesday, June 23:

Election Day Polls are open from 6 am
until 9 pm at your usual polling place.

OR, if you can’t do either in-person option, you can vote by Absentee or Early Ballot!

Absentee and Early Mail Ballot Request
by Mail or SBOE Portal Deadline: Your
Absentee or Early Mail Ballot application
or letter of application by mail or online
portal must be received at the Columbia
County Board of Elections no later than
June 13, 2026. June 13, 2026, is also the
last day for the Board to receive
applications for a Military or UOCAVA ballot
for the Primary Election, if not previously
registered.

Town Board hosts presentation by
Neighbors of Northern Columbia County

The June 4th Town Board meeting began with a presentation from the Neighbors of Northern Columbia County (NNCC). The NNCC is a grassroots not-for-profit organization designed to help network people within our rural communities as they address issues of aging and/or living alone.  The NNCC model is a variant of the Village Movement concept, which has grown throughout the United States in response to previously unmet needs and wishes of those wanting to remain in their own homes as they age.

NNCC President Karen McGraw and Treasurer Joyce Thompson spoke about the history of the organization, the growth in scope and services the organization has undergone since its inception, and the variety of programs they offer to area seniors. The identified needs of seniors, the development of NNCC services, and the sheer volume of activity by the organization has grown markedly since it was first operational. 

McGraw expressed appreciation that the Town of Chatham has consistently supported the organization since its founding in 2019. She detailed how the services provided to seniors are tailored to needs of local seniors, and requests for services have gradually shaped what the NNCC offers.

McGraw said the catchment area for services is approximately 250 square miles, home to about 7,500 people over age 60. It is mostly rural, with limited to no public transportation, isolated residences, and the need to travel between 15-25 miles to reach a hospital. To accommodate an aging population who may have little experience with technology, the NNCC has “computer angels” who respond to phone calls and assist members to request services and find answers to their questions about available services. Some of the events offered include social gatherings, movies, potluck meals, and social visits to members; and education services extend to nutrition, exercise, and caregiver support topics.

McGraw and Thompson explained that NNCC provides services to seniors in the northern towns of Columbia County by screened volunteers, and requests for specific services cover a wide range of assistance. The majority of services provided fall into the transportation category (rides to appointments, church services, and other destinations); and volunteers also provide services such as small home repairs, gardening, pet care, and technical assistance (e.g., for phone and computer use) services. The organization also provides social events and educational programs for members. 

For more information and assistance in accessing services from NNCC, schedules of upcoming events and photos of past activities, or to volunteer to help out, go to their website HERE, or call them at 518-929-8516.

On the regular agenda, the Board’s June Workshop meeting began with several announcements about local government and town activities, including:

• A Public Meeting regarding the draft Solar Law is rescheduled to June 20th at 2 pm at the Tri-Village Fire Department.
  

• A free concert with the Chatham Middle School Jazz Ensemble will take place on Sunday, June 14 at 4 pm at the main pavilion at Crellin Park. Members of the public are invited to the first of several summer performances in the park. The event is sponsored by the Chatham Area Recreation Project (chathamarearecreationproject.org) and the Parks & Recreation Committee of the Town of Chatham. 

• The North Chatham Library Traveling Dinner / Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, June 20. For details and tickets, go here.

JUNE PARADES AND FLAGDAY EVENTS

FLAG DAY BELONGS TO ALL OF US! 

Come Celebrate Flag Day by joining Chatham Dems and others at the Chatham Gazebo, Saturday,  June 13 from Noon to 1 pm.

Bring Flags, Signs, Families! You’ll still have time to get to the big parade in Hudson–line up starts at 2:30 pm, and parade starts at 4:00 p.m.

HUDSON FLAG DAY PARADE

***The Columbia County Democrats will be marching along with our Town Democratic Committees, elected officials, and neighbors. 

***As an added bonus: Early Voting for the Primary Election will also be open on both days - so you can vote and then march - that's democracy on full display!)

AND ON THE FOLLOWING SATURDAY 

Flag Day Parade
Line up: 2:30pm
7th Street Park, Hudson
Sign up to march at https://bit.ly/ccdcflagdayparade2026

AND ON THE FOLLOWING SATURDAY 

PRIDE PARADE
Saturday, June 20
Line up: 1pm
7th Street Park, Hudson
Sign up to march at https://bit.ly/ccdcprideparade2026