At a recent breakfast hosted by the RCS Community Business Association, local business leaders shared why they love living and working in Ravena, Coeymans, and Selkirk. The event, which took place in late January, was designed to help business leaders network with each other and also update the business association’s strategic plan for 2025.
The group of 30 leaders kicked off the discussion by highlighting what they value most about the community. The conversation was filled with enthusiasm, and it was clear just how passionate everyone is about our villages and town. Here’s a snapshot of the top assets this group of people love about Ravena, Coeymans, and Selkirk:
Ravena, Coeymans, Selkirk business leaders gathered in late January.
Local Grocery Store – Lisa Neuman, director of the RCS Community Library, shared how convenient it is to have a nearby grocery store. Coming from Menands, NY — where the search for a grocery store has been ongoing for more than a decade — she knows firsthand how valuable this service is. Lisa often stops at Ravena Shop ‘N Save on her way home from work, and having a local store like this is something many small towns can only dream of!
RCS Community Library – More than just a place for books, the library is truly the heart of the community. Last year alone, it hosted more than 536 programs for all ages, along with the beloved services everyone knows—book, movie, audiobook lending and more.
Pool Complex – Not every small town can boast about having its own pool, but Ravena, Coeymans, and Selkirk do! It’s free for local residents, with a very affordable fee for non-residents. In 2025, there’s even more to look forward to: a brand-new splash pad for kids!
Dog Park – For dog lovers, our village offers a well-maintained dog park in the heart of Ravena, where pets can run and play off-leash.
Faith Community – Our large faith community is active in building relationships and providing essential services like food pantries and support programs. Churches also open their doors for community events, from hosting Cub Scouts to offering space for Innovation Station (more on that below!).
Innovation Station – Ravena has its own STEM center! This non-profit organization works with young people to build robots and compete with other regional STEM programs. They also host science-related speakers and organize trivia nights at Rail to River Brewing, which are a hit with local adults.
School District – Several leaders highlighted the RCS Central School District as a major community asset. From its award-winning music program to competitive sports teams, the school district continues to impress.
Senior Center – Ravena Senior Projects is always busy, offering a variety of activities for local seniors, serving community meals, and delivering Meals on Wheels.
“I moved here six or seven years ago because this community has everything I need to live comfortably,” said resident Karen Wentz, a licensed associate real estate broker with Hanna Commercial Real Estate. “Now I tell everyone how wonderful Ravena, Coeymans, and Selkirk are.”
The group also acknowledged the area’s rich history (did you know Coeymans pre-dates the United States?), our beautiful Hudson River waterfront, our parks, and the many events that bring the community together.
We’ll be sharing more about these wonderful assets soon. In the meantime, be sure to explore all that RCS has to offer — small-town living with all the comforts of home, just a short drive from Albany, Schenectady, and Troy! There’s so much to love about RCS!
Author: Rebecca Flach
I'm passionate about Ravena Coeymans Selkirk and believe these communities are poised for great things. I'm a founding member of the RCS Community Business Association. I also manage Hope Full Life Center Inc., a local charity. I'm a mom, avid gardener and audiobook fanatic.
