The Catskill Chronicle

Chamber members present check to teachers at the annual Chamber membership meeting in December 2009. From left, Chamber President Christopher Andreola, LMCS art and music teachers Christina Desmond, Val Taggart, Jessica Mall, Chad Miller, and Chamber Officers Van Morrow, Lisa Lyons, and Carolin Walton-Brown.

LIVINGSTON MANOR – Livingston Manor’s Trout Parade is Sullivan County’s premier arts parade as well as a fundraiser to support the arts at the Livingston Manor Central School. Completely original to Livingston Manor, this Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event, with generous support from individuals and businesses, netted $4,200 in 2009, which was contributed to Livingston Manor Central School’s (LMCS) Art & Music programs.

The LMCS art department used the funds to improve their ceramics program with a new pottery wheel, glazes, and adjustable stools so that students no longer need to stack books on their seats. “Support from the community is priceless in that our students learn the value in giving back to their community and being a part of something greater than themselves – because at the end of the day, they are the community,” said high school art teacher, Jessica Mall. 

In addition, the funds are helping revitalize the LMCS drama programs. New sound equipment “will allow students to be heard clearly after months of hard work,” said high school music/drama teacher Chad Miller. “It will be a critical part of every production.” Superintendent Deborah Fox summed it up this way, "Because of the Chamber’s generosity, we will be able to expand and enhance the quality of the programs for our children.  We are very grateful."

The 7^th Annual Trout Parade will proudly step off on Saturday, June 12^th at 1:00pm.

This marks the first year the Livingston Manor Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Catskill Art Society (CAS) to produce the Parade.

Artists, community groups, and those who would like to add creative flair to the parade are invited to download an application at www.troutparade.com or pick one up at the CAS Arts Center or Morgan Outdoors. To register your fishy entry, call or email Kathryn at 845-436-4227 or Kathryn@catskillartsociety.org. For more parade day details, check the official Trout Parade website www.troutparade.com. We’ve set the bait, now cast your line and reel in a day filled with zany creativity and community pride.