Monday, August 30, 2010

In Memory of Roseanna M Robinson of Binghamton

Roseanna M. Robinson

of Binghamton



Roseanna M. Robinson, 79, of Binghamton, died Saturday August 28, 2010 at her home. She is survived by her three children, Deborah Knapp, Binghamton, Ralph and Shelly Robinson, North Syracuse, Susan A. and Joseph Knapp, Binghamton; several grandchildren and great grandchildren including Paige, Kiara and Anthony with whom she lived. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Martin, Binghamton; brother and sister-in-law, William and Alice Baker of Arizona; brother and sister-in-law, Ernie and Mary Scott of Binghamton; and also several nieces, nephews and cousins. "She was the rock and glue of our family." Roseanna was a member of the Fairview United Methodist Church.

Funeral Services will be held at the Thomas J. Shea Funeral Home, Inc., 137 Robinson Street, Binghamton on Tuesday August 31 at 4pm. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2 to 4pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Broome County Council of Churches, 3 Otseningo St. Binghamton, NY 13903.



Published in Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin on August 30, 2010

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Volunteer Quote

"My family has greatly benefitted from the interaction we have had with the Faith In Action clients. Strong friendships have been formed that have lasted longer than the initial volunteer experience."

A Faith in Action Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

"The most memorable experience was with an inmate who served out his sentence, read to his kid every week and came to me as he was leaving with tears in his eyes said, "This was the only positive thing that I counted on each week.  Pray for me to never return."

Jail Ministry Literacy Volunteer

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Volunteer Quote

"In providing food for those in need, I find the majority of those who receive are careful, unselfish and grateful.  There are those who are 1st time customers who are even apologetic! This is heart rending."

CHOW Pantry Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

"I have found that the inmates at this jail are individuals in a precarious situation. They no longer control their own lives and futures. Many have found a new or deeper trust in God. They are truly human, truly vulnerable, and truly "held in the palms of His hand...""

Jail Ministry Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

When asked "Are your skills currently being utilized?"

"I am doing what I can for those in need and feel that God is happy with my efforts.  He will present more opportunities to me as I am able to do them."

Jail Ministry Volunteer

Monday, August 23, 2010

Volunteer Quote

"Find it has been rewarding. When the person you call tells you how much better they feel after you have talked to them, it makes you feel like you have helped someone."

Yvonne Frey, Faith in Action Volunteer

WBNG: Planting 35 Trees

Planting 35 Fruit Trees


Originally printed at http://www.wbng.com/news/local/Planting-35-Fruit-Trees-101266884.html


Conklin, NY (WBNG Binghamton) - The Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse, or CHOW, provides meals for communities in need.


Sunday volunteers worked with the organization to help plant a brand new Orchard at its Conklin location.


They planted 35 fruit trees, that will go to community members who can't afford to buy them on their own.


It's all to encourage healthy eating.


Over 70 volunteers showed up despite the rain.


"I just can't explain it, what this does for us and the feeling that we have. These are community-minded people. I think a lot of these people are the same people that helped clean up after the flood, and I am amazed," said Town of Conklin's Supervisor, Debra Preston.


Edy's Fruit Bars and the Fruit Trees Planting Foundation donated the trees.


The Conklin Orchard is one of 25 others in the nationwide Communities Take Root Program.


The trees will start providing fruit next year.

PressConnects: CHOW Orchard Planting

Volunteers plant fruit orchard, reclaim neighborhood devastated by flood


By Nancy Dooling •ndooling@gannett.com • August 22, 2010, 8:15 pm


Where once there were houses, an orchard will grow.


More than 75 volunteers, including Nick Stento, 17, of the Town of Binghamton, on Sunday planted a fruit orchard on flood land in the Town of Conklin. (NANCY DOOLING / Staff Photo)

Not long ago, children played in this neighborhood of 12 houses between Conklin Road and the Susquehanna River.


Now the houses are gone, taken by the river that swelled out of control a little more than four years ago.


The former neighborhood is now "green space," owned by the Town of Conklin. The houses -- or what was left of them -- condemned and demolished.


Under the terms of a Federal Emergency Management buyout, no one can live here anymore.


But in their own way, people are slowly retaking the land.


On Sunday, more than 75 people -- some who had lived through the 2006 flood that put most of Conklin underwater -- planted an orchard of 35 trees. Next to the new orchard, sweet corn and other vegetables grow.


William Roe's daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter lived on Morris Street -- until their house got taken by the river, floating downstream while the flood was at full surge.


Don, Lisa and Faith Smith have moved on with their lives and now live on higher ground in the Town of Binghamton, Roe said.


But on Sunday, Roe was helping plant trees in the former neighborhood. "It's good to see this land put to good use," Roe said.


Emotions ran high for some who picked up shovels on a rainy Sunday morning in Conklin.


"I don't have words for it," said Debra Preston, Conklin's supervisor, who spent weeks, months and years rallying Conklin's residents and businesses in the flood's aftermath. Preston, like hundreds of others in the town, was left homeless by flood waters in 2006.


"I just can't explain it, what this does for us and the feelings we have," Preston said of Sunday's planting.


Apple, cherry, pear and plum trees should flourish in the rich bottomland along the river. In a few years, their fruits could help feed hungry people in the community, said Edward Blaine, director of Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse.


CHOW leases 7 acres of empty land from the Town of Conklin for its community gardens, Blaine said. The Binghamton charity provides the needy with food collected from churches, organizations, businesses and individuals.


The charity won the trees for the orchard after a six-week Internet voting contest in May. The trees were donated by the Communities Take Root program, supported by Edy's Fruit Bars and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation.


The groups have recently planted orchards as far afield as India and Virginia, said Melanie Fitzgerald, a spokeswoman for Edy's.


Now it'll be up to the community to take care of the orchard, said Rico Montenegro, an arborist with the foundation. The neighborhood's hardship -- and its history -- add poignancy to the placement of the orchard.


"I think this makes the orchard more special," Montenegro said.


Some trees should begin bearing fruit next year. It'll take five to six years for the orchard to mature into full fruit production, Montenegro said.

View Article Here

CHOW Orchard Planting

Orchard Taking Root in Conklin




Binghamton's Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse is the big winner of Edy's Fruit Bars and Fruit Trees Planting Foundations contest.


Sunday Conklin received its grand prize and is giving new life to a piece of land and more nutritious options to the diet of a community in need.


Floods destroyed a field along River Blvd. four years ago, but passersby now have to get used to looking at more than empty land.


"The lights went out here, but now the lights are back on, because now we have an orchard, we're gonna be growing vegetables here, and now we can give back to the community and those who are in need," said Town of Conklin Supervisor Debbie Preston.


The new orchard is CHOW's and the Broome County Council of Churches' prize for getting the most votes in a national Internet contest held by Edy's Fruit Bars and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation.


All of the apples, pears, cherries, and nectarines produced by the trees will go directly to the food pantry, helping to stock its supply and provide those in need with fresh food options.


"The produce that comes from the orchards, it's always stipulated that it be donated to a worthy cause or some community efforts," said Rico Montenegro, arborist for the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation.


Community support for CHOW didn't end with the online votes that made the orchard possible. More than 100 volunteers showed up to brave the rain and help plant the trees. It's that kind of dedication Edy's officials say they were looking for when seeking out communities in need.


"The voting process allows us to determine which communities have the passion to sustain the orchards long term," said Melanie Fitzgerald, a spokesperson for Edy's Fruit Bars.


Conklin officials say they have high hopes for the orchard...saying it can give the community not only fresh foods, but also a new beginning.


"This is the final phase in our healing process," said Preston.


The Conklin orchard is one of 25 being planted across the country as part of the Take Root program.


The trees are expected to produce fruit by next summer.

View Video Here

View Article Here

Swim-Away-Hunger for CHOW

Making A Splash In The Community


Originally printed at http://www.wbng.com/news/local/Making-A-Splash-In-The-Community-101229709.html



Endicott, NY (WBNG Binghamton) - A group of local high schoolers are diving in head first to help feed the community.


The Union-Endicott swim team is hosting its second annual Swim Away Hunger for CHOW.


It was held at the Boys and Girls Club swimming pool.


Hundreds of kids registered to swim in the event.


They lapped the pool from 8 to 4, raising money and food for the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse.


Last year they were able to collect 2,200 lbs. of food and $1,100.


This year they're hoping to raise even more.


"It's a great feeling to go down-stairs and see all the food people have brought to go to CHOW. It's an amazing feeling to know we're helping that many people," said Emma Zaremba of Endicott.


Swimmers went door to door to collect money for each lap they swam.


They could also donate non-perishable food items.


Money was also raised through a raffle.

CHOW Farm in Endwell

Sherry shared these pictures with us.  She says it is just beautiful up there and is a great experience to pick the corn.  Enjoy :)


Thursday, August 19, 2010

Volunteer Quote

"In transporting for a medical appointment I recently was invited to this "seniors" garden. It was a well tended and flourishing garden. Flourishing enormously! A impressive garden especially for a couple that has seen their 60th anniversary together! I was provided a quart jar of seeds they had dried. I hope the seeds they loving provided me will have the stories to tell that this couple's seeds have shared."

Dee, A Faith in Action Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

" A wonderful place to help out.  The people there always have a smile of their face."

An Administrative Volunteer for the Front Office of the Council

Volunteer Quote

" A few weeks ago I drove a lady to a doctor; at the end she game me $10.  I told her it was not necessary.  We agreed to donate the money to Faith in Action.  This lady was donating from very limited means."

A Faith in Action Volunteer

Volunteer Quote

"I have met many very nice people over the years of transporting people to Dr. appts, groceries, shopping trips, etc... and am planning to continue as long as I am needed."

Betty Rogers, Faith in Action Volunteers

Volunteer Quote

When asked please give an example of how your skills are being used:

"Am able to relate to inmates in that I am from the "wrong side of tracks", yet put self thu two colleges."

Bill Mahoney, Jail Ministry Volunteer

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Wood, nails, and compassion - Originally on Riger Advertising Blog

Wood, nails, and compassion



On Saturday, August 7, Riger made its way out to the back roads of Harpursville to shoot a video for the Broome County Council of Churches’ “Ramp It Up” program. We thought it was gonna be just another day of work, getting footage and interviews and sound bites, but what we witnessed there on that porch left us with so much more.



It was there that we met Don, a wheelchair-bound (and therefore home-bound) elderly man, who was looking for some help getting beyond the colossal barrier between him and his independence: just three little steps.



BC3’s “Ramp It Up” program answered Don’s call for help and sent adult and teenage volunteers from the Conklin Presbyterian Church to the porch that looked like this at 7:00 a.m.:




Don, the Riger crew, and Shadow the dog….…


watched as the CPC volunteers worked tirelessly and under the beating August sun to transform Don’s barrier into a brand new wheelchair ramp.





At 7:00 p.m., Don rolled down his new ramp for the first time and was able to join the CPC gang for a photo to celebrate the ramp that will change his life completely.








12 hours of Riger shooting = 8 video interviews, 120 b-roll shots, and 1 amazing story.





SUBMITTED BY:



Jamie Knudsen, Account Executive

(You can find this at, and other blog entries, at http://rigeradvertising.wordpress.com/ )

Volunteer Quote

Note: Cyndy Vosburgh has been assisting Mary for about 12 years. Cyndy was a 2010 Lives of Commitment Honoree.

Volunteer Quote

"Many times collecting for CHOW people would tell me their story.  They had to rely on CHOW to feel family at times in their lives.  Because of that, they give back.  They are the ones giving us bags of food for CHOW.  Many people never forget the ones that helped them."

Bette Johnson, CHOW Volunteer

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Volunteer Quote

"Clients are so grateful for the hour I spend listening to their story and their needs. I try to help educate them to other community resources as well. "

Joan Eisch, Faith in Action Volunteers

Monday, August 16, 2010

Quote From Volunteer

" Most of my experiences are the closeness and friendship that comes from the people I meet volunteering."
Harold Rahner, Faith in Action Volunteer

Quote from Volunteer

"After Mary's* first introduction to the computer, she tearfully looked at me and said that his had opened a whole new world for her.  Today, Mary is a whiz on the computer and it is her main means of communications, shopping, reading news, etc..  Mary uses the mouse and a small bit of on-screen keyboard work.  She uses other's assistance to do typing for her."

-Cyndy  A Vosburgh, Faith in Action Volunteer.  Cyndy does home visits with Mary, an ALS patient, which include computer work (correspondence, appointment planning,etc.)  She also coordinates a daily food program for Mary*.

*The care receiver's name has been changed.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Quote from Volunteer

People that come to our pantry are so thankful to be able to pick and choose food for their families. I go home throw open my full cupboards and say, "Thank you, God!" I'm glad we have CHOW to help people ease one of their worries.

- IdaGene M Taft, CHOW Pantry Coordinator for All Saints Episcopal Church

Quote from Volunteer

"I've grown in unexpected places through my volunteering... my marriage has improved and so has the depth of my prayers.
 - Mr. Edmund Cancellieri, Jail Ministry Volunteer

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Volunteers sought to plant orchard




Volunteers sought to plant orchard

August 9, 2010, 2:14 pm

Volunteers are needed to help plant 45 fruit trees that the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse won in a national Internet voting contest.

A celebration and planting event will kick off at 11 a.m. Aug. 22 and continue until 3 p.m., when a presentation on how to take care of fruit trees will begin. The trees are being planted at the CHOW Farm on Conklin’s River Boulevard. CHOW is leasing 7 acres of flood plain from the town; half an acre will be used for the orchard.

The contest was sponsored by the Communities Take Root program and supported by Edy’s Fruit Bars and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation. Edy’s will provide fruit bars for everyone at the planting and the Broome County Council of Churches will provide lunch.

To volunteer, call the Council of Churches at 724-9130 or visit www.broomecouncil.net/volunteer.asp

.

— Jennifer Micale

http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20100809/NEWS01/100809026/Volunteers+sought+to+plant+orchard

Monday, August 9, 2010

Ramp It Up Video - News Channel 34

View the Ramp It Up / Hope Tent Video Here

Volunteers Still Needed to Plant Chow Fruit Tree Orchard

Up To The Minute News


Volunteers Still Needed to Plant Chow Fruit Tree Orchard



Last Update: 12:47 pm

From Broome County Council of Churches:



Volunteers are still needed to help plant 45 fruit trees won by CHOW of the Broome County Council of Churches in a national internet-voting contest.



The planting will take place on Sunday, Aug. 22, in Conklin at a celebration and planting event beginning at 11 a.m. Planting demonstrations will begin then, followed by actual planting until 3 p.m. when a fruit tree after-care demonstration will take place. This community event will be at the CHOW Farm on River Boulevard in Conklin, about two miles east of the Binghamton city line. (River Boulevard is off Conklin Road towards the Susquehanna River.)



“Just bring a pick or shovel, help with the planting, and celebrate with us with food and refreshments, and be part of the excitement,” said Deacon Edward Blaine, program director of the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) of the Council of Churches.



The prize of the fruit tree orchard is the result of CHOW winning a country-wide internet-voting contest last Spring sponsored by The Communities Take Root program, and supported by Edy’s Fruit Bars and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation. Edy’s will provide fruit bars for everyone at the planting and the Council of Churches will provide lunch.



To volunteer, go to www.broomecouncil.net/volunteer.asp and fill out the volunteer form, or call the Council of Churches at 724-9130. When volunteers fill out the form, let the Council know if 1) you will bring your own tools, and 2) whether you will be staying for the workshop at 3 p.m.



The CHOW Farm and Orchard is on flood-plain land. The Town of Conklin leases seven acres of land to CHOW at a very minimal price. Half an acre will be used for the orchard tree planting.

http://www.newschannel34.com/content/developingnews/story/Volunteers-Still-Needed-to-Plant-Chow-Fruit-Tree/b2wgz8VOZ0yhRTOHdmn7Ig.cspx

Friday, August 6, 2010

Thank You to the American Legion Riders!

The American Legion Riders' 2nd Annual Poker Run to Stop Hunger raised 1,017 pounds of food for CHOW. 

 The motorcyclists travel from Legion to Legion, play poker and collect food for CHOW. 

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Ramp It Up Donations Accepted at the Spiedie Fest

Donate to Ramp It Up at Spiedie Fest
(News Article in Press & Sun 8/5/10 - typed in by Susanne)

August 5, 2010

Broome County Council of Churches will accept donations of tools and cash at the Hope Tent during the Spiedie Fest for Ramp It Up.

Various tools, listed at www.broomecouncil.net/faith/asp , or cash can be donated at the Hope Tent during the festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Otseningo Park in Dickinson.

On weekends this summer, 100 youths and adults are building wheelchair ramps at no cost for residents at 15 homes in Broome County.  -William Moyer





— Kacey Deamer

Fundraiser for CHOW





Swim team to aid food pantries



August 4, 2010, 2:47 pm



The Union-Endicott girls swim team is challenging other local swim teams and swim enthusiasts to fill the shelves in local food pantries by participating in Swim Away Hunger from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Boys & Girls Club of Western Broome.

Instead of an entry fee, participants are asked to bring a food donation for the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse. There will be music and prizes.

“We want to beat our donation record for last year,” said Emma Zaremba, a UE senior and co-organizer of this event. “Last year, we raised 2,200 pounds of food and $1,100 for CHOW. We are asking other swim teams to join us, but this event is open to anyone who wants to swim.”


— Jennifer Micale
http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010100804022

MudCat Grant Golf Tournament

Black Aces Tournament
Last Update: 8/03 9:11 pm

All Star Golf Tournament



The All Stars Golf tournament is coming up next month. One of the charities it will benefit is CHOW.



The food pantry provider is a program of the Broome County Council of Churches. It's one of four groups that's getting funds this year. People and businesses can buy fairway signs for 100 dollars each with money going to support CHOW.



Program Director Ed Blaine says the group will use the money to buy food when donations don't keep up with demand. "Demand has gone up, and unfortunately our income has gone down a little bit. We need to kind of sprint a little bit and try to recover some of those funds before we get to the winter months when donations really drop off after the holidays and when demand goes up again."



If you'd like to support the Jim Mud Cat Grant All Stars tournament, contact Rick Shaw at 338-7410. Or if you'd like more information go to allstar-golf.com. Security Mutual is one of the main sponsors.

http://www.newschannel34.com/news/local/story/Black-Aces-Tournament/NBIdKXzmVUS05FElwzUA6g.cspx

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Thank you to family who wishes for CHOW Donations in Mr. Shelton's Name

John P. Shelton

formerly of Johnson City

John P. "Jack" Shelton, 77, of Venice, FL, formerly of Johnson City died Friday, July 30, 2010 in Venice, FL. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Anne Spellicy Shelton, Venice, FL; a daughter and son-in-law, Margaret Mary and Michael Wohlrab, Sarasota, FL; his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Colleen and Patrick Wohlrab; a sister, Mary Shelton, Endicott. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Venice, FL and a former member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Binghamton. Jack was a retired 35 year employee of the IBM Corporation; a U.S. Army veteran; member of the Knights of Columbus, Peter T. Campon Council #206 and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and co-chairman of the St. Patrick's Day Parade for five years. He was active in the Democratic Party and was a Trustee on the Johnson City Village Board. He was a N.Y.S. Democratic Committee Person and worked actively for the Jimmy Carter election and attended President Carter's Inauguration.

A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Binghamton Thursday at 10 a.m. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main St., Binghamton, Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Jack may be made to CHOW, 3 Otsinengo St., Binghamton, NY 13903.

Published in Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin from August 3 to August 4, 2010

Blog Archive