Dedicated and ongoing community service
Northern Columbia County Rotary is active in the Chathams, Ghent, Canaan, New Lebanon, and the greater Columbia County, New York area. Through fundraising efforts, service projects, partnerships with other organizations and more, we support literacy, food security, recovery, health and wellness, and more.
See some of our recent efforts and events below.
The culmination of our EMS project…
On February 17, members of the 5 Rotary clubs involved in this fundraising effort, as well as representatives from 4 Columbia County Rescue Squads gathered as the clubs presented the B.E.A.R. devices and Carter Kits we and the community fundraised to purchase for all the ambulances serving Columbia County and several serving Green County.
With special thanks to the Hudson Rotary Club, Kinderhook Tri-Village Rotary Club, Greenville Rotary Club and Cairo-Durham Rotary Club, as well as Greenport Rescue Squad for bringing the need for these devices to our attention, as well as to all the community who supported this effort.
Meet The Horses [And Your Local Rotary Club]
Held March 30, 2026 at High & Mighty Therapeutic Riding & Driving Center – This collaborative event offered an opportunity for the community to learn more about the therapeutic services offered at High & Mighty, as well as what Rotary clubs (and specifically NCCR) do within the local community.
HeartSaver CPR & AED Training
Held December 8, 2025 at Hilltop Orchard – 12 community members, NCCR members, and business owners completed this American Heart Association course led by volunteers from Chatham Rescue Squad.
The “Wurst” German Dinner
Held November 15, 2025 at Hilltop Orchard – this fundraising dinner was held to support our EMS Project, in which Northern Columbia County Rotary (along with the Hudson, Tri-Village, Cairo-Durham, and Greenville clubs) raised money to equip every ambulance based in Columbia County and several in Greene County with Carter Kits and B.E.A.R. Devices.
The event featured a German themed dinner and live music by Fire Pitt, plus activities. It was an enjoyable and successful event.
The Annual Apple Sale
Held over Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day weekend each year at XTraMart, Route 295, East Chatham – friends and travelers stopped to purchase fresh apples, applesauce, jam, and more at this annual event. This sale supports the scholarships and leadership camp opportunities Northern Columbia County Rotary offers to local students, as well as other ongoing projects.
Ghent Community Day
Held in September of 2024 and 2025 at the Ghent Town Hall – this event was a fun opportunity to meet community members and share our mission.
Winter Drives
Each Winter Northern Columbia County Rotary hosts a drive, with local banks, businesses, and libraries graciously hosting collection boxes. We’ve collected socks, hats, and assorted winter gear which we sort and distribute to schools, retirement homes, homeless shelters, veteran’s resources, and other organizations throughout Columbia County.
And so much more…
In recent years, Northern Columbia County has distributed free Covid-19 tests, held clean-ups at the Chatham School District Geological Park, supported our friends at Columbia County Pathways to Recovery, participated in street festivals on Valatie’s charming Main Street, and helped stock local food pantries and free fridges as well as delivering donations to Recovery Kitchen and the Hudson location of the Salvation Army.
And our efforts are ongoing and expanding… We are always open to suggestions on ways that we can support our community here in Columbia County, New York. Contact us with thoughts and questions, or even better, join us at a meeting to meet our friendly club and learn about how you can make a difference in your community.
