HIGHLAND, NY — The Town of Highland has received grants for youth programs and beautification.

The Sullivan County Youth Bureau awarded the town $9,500, most of which will subsidize Koinonia Nature Camp this year and next. 

Highland residents receive a discount: Subsidies and scholarships are available for children ages 4 to 12 to attend Koinonia’s summer camp from Monday through Friday, with aftercare available until 5 p.m. Koinonia has a Youth Leaders Program for teens ages 13 to 15.

The camp also received $30,000 in emergency American Rescue Plan Act funds, which will cover the town’s contribution through 2025. Those funds had to be designated by the end of April 2025.

This year’s camp runs from July 1 to August 31. Koinonia is located at 165 Lakeview Drive Rd.

Highland also received $8,900 from the Sullivan 180 Municipal Partnership for sign replacements and beautification. Karol Sundholm, the Marion O’Neill Culture Club, and the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce will be planting flowers throughout town.

Highland will also use the money to replace signs: on Route 97 at the entry to Highland from Lumberland, and on Route 55 at the entry from Bethel. Work has also recommenced on the $100,000 Sullivan Renaissance Silver Feather Grant project. The money was awarded in 2021 to improve river access and beautify the town.

“These grants allow the Town of Highland to keep spirits and services high and taxes low in our community, a promise we made to residents,” said the town supervisor, John Pizzolato. “We could not accomplish this without the help of Sullivan 180; the Youth Bureau; the county’ our hard-working Highland highway department, who provides in-kind labor contributions for many of our projects; and community  partners like the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce and Koinonia.”