The Catskill Chronicle

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY (June 7, 2012) – The premier edition of “Manor Ink,” a new newspaper based at the Livingston Manor Free Library and run by young people, is just off the press and is  available throughout town this week.

The print edition of Manor Ink was timed for release in advance of this Saturday’s Trout Parade and is part of a multi-media news project hosted by the library.

Manor Ink also appears on the web at www.manorink.com and on social media at http://www.facebook.com/LivingstonManorInk.

The 8-page, all-color newspaper was planned and written by kids and young adults in and around Livingston Manor who have been meeting at the library since March.

A group of adult mentors, including library director Peggy Johansen, noted local designer Carolyn Bivins and journalist Barbara Gref has been meeting and advising the news operation. Ms. Gref runs a nonprofit, the Community Reporting Alliance, which is dedicated to promoting local news. The nonprofit has partnered with the library to help produce the print and digital news.

Local mom and substitute teacher Jamie Helper has also been helping to shepherd the project. Ms. Helper approached the library board in late 2011 because she felt the town’s young people needed an outlet for expression and because she knew the town needed news and information. Livingston Manor’s community newspaper and the school’s high school newspaper are no longer in publication.

Not only is “Manor Ink” helping to fill that news void, it is also providing a voice for young people.

In the photo at right, Manor Ink staffers Gem Helper (left) and Britney Young, plan the first issue at headquarters, which is upstairs at the Livingston Manor Free Library.

“Manor Ink is an important newspaper because it’s from the point of view of kids and young adults in Livingston Manor,” said Tyler Young, 17, who is one of the Manor Ink editors. Tyler said all young people are welcome to join. The general age group is 12 to 21 years old, but younger members have already taken part.

“Manor Ink is off and running,” said Peggy Johansen, director of the Livingston Manor Free Library. “With continued hard work, it will be the newspaper of Livingston Manor, a community that has a clear identity, a strong history, and citizens who care about community affairs.”

So far, about 16 young people have been involved in writing stories, taking photos, recording videos, building the website, setting up the Facebook page, selling ads and planning fundraisers like the April 7 car wash and a donations-taking newsstand at the Trout Parade.

Ms. Helper said she is “extremely proud and amazed” at how far Manor Ink has come in just a short time. “A town newspaper seemed like a perfect vehicle to potentially engage a wide range of personalities and talents and provide an outlet for young adults with immediate, measurable results and impact. I wanted the kids to have a tool to empower themselves and reveal their worth to the community.”

Copies of the premier issue are available at no cost at the Livingston Manor Free Library, 92 Main Street in Livingston Manor, and at numerous other locations on Main Street.

And even though the first issue of the paper was free, Manor Ink reporter Ariel Mears (photo left) couldn’t stop people from giving her donations.

Further distribution of the inaugural issue will take place during the 9^th Annual Trout Parade this Saturday, June 9, at 1:00 p.m. Visit their booth, near the Plunk Shop, 39 Main Street.

Inquiries may be made through our Facebook page or at manorink@yahoo.com