CHOW receives donation from Weis, customers

TOWN OF CHENANGO — The generosity of a supermarket chain and its customers will help feed the needy in the community this holiday season.

Weis Markets’ customers donated $10,346 during the grocery’s September “Fight Hunger” program. Weis added its own $15,000 to the donation, for a total of $25,346 to be given to the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse.

The money is given to the charity in the form of gift cards. CHOW gets a 20 percent discount off retail grocery prices at Weis to purchase food for its pantry.

“Their continued support is very important, especially during the holiday season,” said Mike Leahey, director of CHOW.

Weis District Manager Mike Umstead said food banks do a wonderful job.

“We are proud to support the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse and their much-needed work in the Southern Tier,” he said.

Weis has several programs that help feed the region’s hungry.

It participates in Broome Bounty, which donates perishable food that is near its expiration for immediate use by CHOW, Leahey said. The company also has its Round Up For CHOW program that runs throughout the year.

Written by:  Debbie Swartz
@PSBDebbie

Guest Viewpoint: Tier groups unite to fight hunger

On Thanksgiving, I read an article in the Press & Sun-Bulletin on “Hunger in The Southern Tier.” Raising awareness on the changing demographics of who hungry people are and how agencies are working to meet their needs is an important discussion for us to have at this time.

In many ways, the article mirrors the experience of the Broome County Council of Churches as we distribute food through our Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) program. Currently, we are serving more than 8,000 people per month and are on pace to distribute nearly 2 million pounds of food this year.

A major change we have seen is the prevalence of working families that are seeking food for the first time. It is heartbreaking to learn that the children in these families do not look forward to holiday breaks because at home they do not have the school meal program and will go without food when school is in recess.

Recently the hunger needs in our community have been the catalyst for increased cooperation between CHOW and The Food Bank of the Southern Tier. There was realization that while we were distributing a combined 3 million pounds of food, the needs in our community demanded increased effort. Using statistics generated from Feeding America that are based on the population and poverty demographics in Broome County, we have determined that the current need is nearly 7 million pounds. We are not even meeting half of that.

The board of directors of both organizations realized the situation requires a commitment to a mutual mission of meeting the hunger needs in our area. In October, the Broome County Council of Churches signed an agreement with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier to be a redistribution organization. This will allow us to purchase food at a reduced rate and will assure the Food Bank that we are adopting best practices.

Further, through their national connections to resources, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier will bring with them connections that local organizations, such as our CHOW program, do not have. By utilizing the strengths of both of our organizations, we can begin to connect national resources from the Feeding America Network, with local people in our neighborhoods more efficiently and at lower cost.

It is our hope that increased accountability, cooperation, and transparency will lead us to increased services and more food for hungry people. Next year, we will begin developing a mutually accepted strategic plan for meeting the hunger needs in Broome County. We are excited to see how this partnership will evolve.

The times that we live in demand that we change how we look at hunger. There is no way that we can meet the challenges that we face alone. When we learn to trust we can begin to meet needs in new and surprising ways. We can always do better, together.

Sellepack is the executive director of the Broome County Council of Churches.

Written by

Rev. Joseph Sellepack

Davis College and Broome Community College Basketball Teams to Help Rescue Mission’s Whitney Place and CHOW

From the Rescue Mission:

On Tuesday, November 13th, Davis College and Broome Community College will use regular-season basketball games to increase awareness of hunger and homelessness while also collecting non-perishable food items for CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse) and raising funds for Whitney Place, the Rescue Mission’s supportive housing residence for homeless men in Binghamton.

Both games will be held on the schools’ home courts to highlight National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week which runs from November 10th to 18th. At 6 p.m. that night, the Davis College Falcons will play their home game against Onondaga Community College. Then at 8 p.m., the Broome Community College Hornets will take their court against SUNY Delhi.

Students and supporters of both schools are being asked to help fight hunger and homelessness by attending the games and supporting both programs. Red Rescue Mission bracelets will be on sale for $1 each and fans are asked to bring cans of non-perishable food for CHOW.

The Rescue Mission’s purpose, rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, is to restore hope to the broken, affirm dignity to the poor and equip those they serve to realize their full potential. This year, the Rescue Mission celebrates its 125th anniversary. The organization conducts programs in Syracuse, Auburn and Binghamton, operates 12 Thrifty Shopper stores and its newest retail venture, 3fifteen on the S.U. Hill. For more information, visit the Rescue Mission at rmlifechanging.org.

Council of Churches gets $10,000 donation

BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. -- The Broome County Council of Churches is getting $10,000 to help the hungry. The Grainger Foundation is donating the money in support of the CHOW program.

The program distributes food to 28 food pantries, 35 soup kitchens and other meal programs. The Outreach Warehouse serves about 6,000 people monthly, 40 percent of them children.

By: Web Staff

Food Drive To Benefit Broome County Hungry Families

Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Aiming to stomp out hunger in the Southern Tier, Weis Markets have teamed up with Wild 104 and 99.1 for a food drive.

They'll be collecting non-perishable foods in an RV outside of the Weis on Upper Front Street, Binghamton.

All the food will be given to the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse, or CHOW, which will distribute the food to families in need.

Louie G will DJ a dance for free for the school that brings the most non-perishable foods.

"Anything. And you know, all the grocery stores are great around this time because they have sales on the non perishables. So if you can bring by one can, if you can bring by a case, whatever you can bring by, it's all going to help out CHOW. And families will really appreciate it," said 104.1 radio personality Louie G.

It is close to Thanksgiving, so any canned pastas or potatoes would be a big help, too.

Council of churches receives foundation award

BINGHAMTON — The Broome County Council of Churches received a $10,000 award from the Stewart W. and Willma C. Hoyt Foundation for its Ramp It Up program.

The program provides wheelchair ramps for the elderly and disabled.

Help Wanted!!!!! To Benefit The Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse in Binghamton NY

It is time to give back to the community that has supported us all season long. DeMetro Racing and our Sponsors are teaming up for a big task, but we need your help. Our goal is to fill our race trailer for the Chow Warehouse in Binghamton!!!! We know with everyone’s help in the racing community we can do this!!!! How can you help? Spread the word on your facebook and websites!! Hold a Food Drive where you work!!

 Bring your collections on November 10th at the Price Chopper at 1001 North Street in Edicott, NY from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Bring your car and or team out on November 10th…to show your support!!

 Contact any media sources you may have!!! We will accept monetary donations to go grocery shopping for the food pantry! If you would like to get involved please message us and we can give you specific details. We can also be reached at info@demetroracing.com. Please help us help the less fortunate as the holiday season approaches.

Location:

Price Chopper 1001 North Street Endicott, NY

 

Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm

To learn more about the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse go to http://www.broomecouncil.net/chow/chow.html

Residents Walk To Raise Money For Food Bank

10/21/2012 (Updated 10/22/2012 12:10:01 PM)

It's been a rough year for many residents of the Southern Tier.  Some are still recovering from last year's flood and others are still looking for work.
   
With this economy thousands of people rely on the food pantries and soup kitchens to feed their families.  On Sunday hundreds of people came to Binghamton University to take part in the 30th annual CHOW hunger walk.

It's a 2 and a half mile walk around the campus and raises money for the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse.

Chow's Director says more people than ever are using its services and  they serve about ten thousand people a month.

"It's a tough year for people.  It's a tough year for us because were getting a lot more demand for food so it's difficult for everyone.  Were hoping we can have a good hunger walk so we can help as many people as we can through out the winter," said Ed Blaine, Director of Chow.

The Director says they were hoping to raise 50 thousand dollars from this year's walk.

Binghamton Restaurant Week raised more than $7,000 for CHOW

BINGHAMTON — The city’s Restaurant Week raised more than $7,000 for the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse and served more than 16,990 meals.

On Thursday, restaurant owners, city officials, sponsors and a representative from CHOW celebrated the 10-day event that brought people to local restaurants, gave customers a taste of the city and helped out a local non-profit.

“It’s really given everybody an opportunity to see what we have to offer,” said Mayor Matthew T. Ryan.

Restaurant Week, which took place from Sept. 18-27, included 20 city restaurants which offered menu specials to give customers a variety of samples of each eatery’s cuisine.

The Rev. Joseph Sellepack, executive director of Broome County Council of Churches, which runs CHOW, said it’s amazing that the region that suffered so much a year ago after the flood has come back to help those in need.

“It’s hard to believe a little over a year ago, we would be under water,” Sellepack said. “I thank you for the work that you’ve done.”

Over the course of restaurant week’s bi-annual event, which began in March 2010, participating restaurants sold 58,697 meals, had revenues of more than $1 million and donated $24,626 to charities, according to Marie McKenna, co-owner of Lost Dog Cafe and co-organizer of Binghamton Restaurant Week. 

The seventh Restaurant Week will be held from March 12-21.

Written by     Debbie Swartz

Broome church council announces annual CHOW Walk

The Broome County Council of Churches has announced that it is inviting both veteran and new volunteer walkers to participate in the 30th CHOW Hunger Walk, which will be held Sunday, October 21.

Hundreds of walkers, including dozens of churches, youth groups and community organizations, contribute to the success of this annual 2.5 mile event, which will be held on the Binghamton University campus starting at 2:00 p.m. Registration begins at 1:00 p.m. at the parking lot located next to the B.U. Events Center.

CHOW, the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse, provides emergency food to approximately 40,000 Broome County residents each year by providing inventory to 34 pantries located across the county. CHOW also operates the Broome Bounty Food Recovery Program.

The demand for its services has been growing constantly as local individuals and families try to deal with the difficult economic environment. Nearly half of those receiving assistance are children.

“Now, more than ever, we need to make this Hunger Walk the best ever,” noted Deacon Edward Blaine, CHOW’s program director. “We are counting on the long-established volunteer spirit of the families, churches and organizations of Broome County to help us raise the money needed to assist those struggling against hunger. Find a sponsor, get a group together or walk yourself; be a part of this important event to help our neighbors.”

All walkers raising at least $50 will receive a free tee shirt. Refreshments, food and entertainment will be provided after the walk.

Volunteers can call the Council of Churches at 607-724-9130 for more information and can pick up pledge packets at the office located at 3 Otseningo St., Binghamton, on the city’s South Side.

Walkers can bring their pledge envelopes and money they collected to the walk.

Care-Givers And Isolated Women to Benefit From New Initiatives

Joanne Kays from the Broome County Council of Churches Faith in Action Volunteers  and Cathy James from the Alzheimer’s Association  spoke on the Southern Tier Close Up airing October 6th about upcoming programs reaching out to care-givers and isolated women.

James says many times care-givers become overwhelmed as they work around the clock meeting the needs of their loved ones and could use a break.

James says the Alzheimer’s Association will train interested volunteers on skills needed to help patients with memory impairments that not only will relieve some of the stress on the care-giver but can also help the patient with more interaction and skills.

Kays says the other initiative will reach out to women who may not have the facilities to get out of the home and into social settings. Kays says the program will work in cooperation with existing senior centers and other agencies.

To find out more about the Broome County Council of Churches you can go to their website at www.broomecouncil.net.

The Alzheimer’s Association website is www.alz.org.

By: Kathy Whyte  

CHOW, Food Bank team up to fight Broome hunger

BINGHAMTON — A new partnership between the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse was formed with the hopes of reducing the thousands of Broome County residents facing hunger and food insecurity.

CHOW has become the Food Bank’s first and only re-distribution organization, an affiliation that will improve the program’s access to local, state and federal resources to distribute more food across Broome, said the Rev. Joseph Sellepack, executive director of Broome County Council of Churches that administers CHOW.

Although currently distributing a combined 3.1 million pounds of food annually in Broome, CHOW and Food Bank officials said during a news conference Thursday an additional 4.3 million pounds is needed to meet demand in the county.

“We still are nowhere near meeting the need that exists,” said Natasha Thompson, president and CEO of the Food Bank.

The Food Bank distributed more than 1.57 million pounds of food in 2011, reaching 31,984 residents in poverty, according to a news release, adding CHOW provided about 40,000 meals.

Among the benefits of the partnership is that CHOW will see its cost to purchase items from the Food Bank reduced by half, dropping to 9 cents per pound, Sellepack said.

CHOW, which operates a warehouse on Otseningo Street in Binghamton, distributes food through it’s network of more than 30 food pantries, 35 soup kitchens and several community meal programs.

The Food Bank, which serves six area counties including Broome, distributes food through more than 160 member agencies, which range from shelters to partnerships with other nonprofit agencies.

Before becoming the Food Bank’s first re-distribution organization, CHOW purchased food from the Food Bank and other sources such as grocery stores providing discounts, Sellepack said.

“Access to food is certainly a challenge,” Sellepack said, noting the reduced Food Bank price should help.

Thompson said the price dropped because the new partnership requires CHOW to improve its operation. For example, there is better inventory oversight, which eliminates food safety liabilities that drive up costs for organizations.

The partnership also allows CHOW to access resources through Feeding America, the federal network of food banks that provides funding and other aid.

Written by

David Robinson

Binghamton kicks off Restaurant Week Fall 2012

It’s time for restaurants to shine in Binghamton this week as the fall edition of Binghamton Restaurant Week kicks off Tuesday. As our Elyse Mickalonis tells us, many say it’s the right time to try something new and give back to the community.

 

It’s time for restaurants to shine in Binghamton this week as the fall edition of Binghamton Restaurant Week kicks off Tuesday. As our Elyse Mickalonis tells us, many say it’s the right time to try something new and give back to the community.

 
BINGHAMTON -- It’s the official fall week dedicated to flavors, fun and family.

“Lunch is still 10 bucks for a three course meal and dinner will depend on the restaurant,” said Sead Hadziabdic, Crepe Heaven Owner.

Restaurant Week Fall 2012 kicks off on Tuesday with as many as 20 restaurants participating, and many are offering affordable deals during the week.

“We are basically the crème de la crème. If you look at the lists of the restaurants, every single one has a name and reputation,” said Hadziabdic.

The event focuses on introducing students, businesses and the community to the local dining scene, while raising money for a local charity. Even though it’s called Restaurant Week, the event runs longer than seven days, running through September 27. Proceeds will benefit Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse.

“It’s nice to be able to eat and support helping other people eat, by eating,” said Amy Gregory, Green resident.

Hadziabdic added, “You make the old customers happy, because of the price, you meet the new customers and you do something for the community too.”

Many say it’s the right time to dine on something new.

“It’s good to try new food and if you don’t think something looks good, it might taste really good,” said Sierra Gregory, Norwich resident.

Joshua Davis, Endwell resident, added, “Kids can spend time with their mom and dad and they can learn new things and learn to try stuff they didn’t think they would care for.”

People here say restaurant week is not only the perfect time to try something new, but also help the community bounce back from last year’s flooding.

“Anything the community can offer for folks to get out there and see what they have will hopefully be a good boost to the local economy,” said Clay Davis, Endwell Resident.

Hadziabdic added, “Restaurant Week was postponed last year, because of the flood and it came back very strong in the spring, so we can safely say it’s growing.”

It's an event that allows you to put a lot on your plate, without breaking the bank. If you'd like more information on Restaurant Week and the participating restaurants, head to binghamtonrestaurantweek.com.

Weis Markets Launches Month Long Fight Hunger Program

SUNBURY, Pa. -- Weis Markets today announced the launch of its fifth annual Fight Hunger Food Drive, a month-long program offering customers an opportunity to donate to local food banks and emergency food providers.

The program, which begins on Sunday, September 2 and runs through September 30, will run in all Weis Markets' stores.  Weis Markets will supplement its customer donations with a $200,000 corporate donation.

"Food banks and pantries continue to tell us their demand has grown significantly in recent years and that they expect it to continue to grow in the months ahead," said David J. Hepfinger, Weis Markets' President and CEO.  "Our combined goal is to generate one million meals for the twelve food banks and one hundred emergency food providers who are working with our stores."

Customers also have the option of donating $3, $5 and $10 vouchers which can be purchased at any Weis Markets' cash register. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be given to area food banks in the form of gift card donations so they can easily fill in any gaps in their food supplies.

The Fight Hunger Food Drive will benefit: The Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast, PA; The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (Harrisburg); The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (Williamsport); The Maryland Food Bank; The Commission on Economic Opportunity/The Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton); Greater Berks Food Bank (Reading); Philabundance (Montgomery County, PA); Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW)/Broome County Council of Churches; Food Bank of the Southern Tier (Elmira);  Philabundance; Northwest Community Action Program NORWESCAP Food Bank (Phillipsburg, NJ); and Mountaineer Food Bank (West Virginia).

These agencies will collect donations at some locations and coordinate local food pantry pick-ups at other Weis Markets' stores.

Customers can donate shelf-stable items including cereal, apple sauce, pasta, granola bars, canned beans, 100% fruit juice, canned fruit, grated cheese, rice, boxed mac and cheese, peanut butter, soups, canned sauces, instant potatoes, canned chicken and fish, canned vegetables and boxed skillet dinners.

More information on the Fight Hunger Food Donation Program and its partner food banks is available on Weis Markets' website at www.weismarkets.com, through Weis Markets Customer Service at (866)999-WEIS and at www.facebook.com/WeisMarkets.

About Weis Markets
Founded in 1912, Weis Markets is marking its 100th year of continuous operation this year.  It currently operates 162 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.

Source: Weis Markets

Local food banks to benefit from Weis Markets drive

Hunger visits the homes of hundreds of Southern Tier families and Weis Markets is looking to do something about it.

Through the end of the month, the grocery chain will host its fifth annual Fight Hunger Food Drive at all of its locations. Weis will donate $200,000, and customers can donate food to local food banks, including the Food Bank of the Southern Tier in Elmira and the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse in Broome County.

In addition to food donations, the stores’ customers will also have the option of donating $3, $5 and $10 vouchers that can be purchased at any Weis Markets cash register.

All of the proceeds will be given to area food banks in the form of gift cards, so they fulfill any gaps in their food supplies, according to Weis.

“Food banks and pantries continue to tell us their demand has grown significantly in recent years and that they expect it to continue to grow in the months ahead,” said David J. Hepfinger, Weis Markets president and chief executive officer.

“Our combined goal is to generate 1 million meals for the 12 food banks and 100 emergency food providers who are working with our stores.”

Items that can be donated include cereal, apple sauce, pasta, granola bars, canned beans, 100 percent fruit juice, canned fruit, grated cheese, rice, boxed macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, soups, canned sauces, instant potatoes, canned chicken and fish, canned vegetables and boxed skillet dinners.

In addition to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and CHOW, Weis Markets will donate to food banks near its 162 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and West Virginia.

Written by

Debbie Swartz

 

Weis Markets launches month long fight hunger program

Weis Markets today announced the launch of its fifth annual Fight Hunger Food Drive, a month-long program offering customers an opportunity to donate to local food banks and emergency food providers.

The program, which begins on Sunday, September 2 and runs through September 30, will run in all Weis Markets' stores. Weis Markets will supplement its customer donations with a $200,000 corporate donation. Customers also have the option of donating $3, $5 and $10 vouchers, which can be purchased at any Weis Markets' cash register. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be given to area food banks in the form of gift card donations so they can easily fill in any gaps in their food supplies.

The Fight Hunger Food Drive will benefit: The Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast, Pa.; The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (Harrisburg); The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (Williamsport); The Maryland Food Bank; The Commission on Economic Opportunity/The Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton); Greater Berks Food Bank (Reading); Philabundance (Montgomery County, Pa.); Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW)/Broome County Council of Churches; Food Bank of the Southern Tier (Elmira); Philabundance; Northwest Community Action Program NORWESCAP Food Bank (Phillipsburg, N.J.); and Mountaineer Food Bank (W.Va.).

These agencies will collect donations at some locations and coordinate local food pantry pick-ups at other Weis Markets' stores. Customers can donate shelf-stable items including cereal, apple sauce, pasta, granola bars, canned beans, 100% fruit juice, canned fruit, grated cheese, rice, boxed mac and cheese, peanut butter, soups, canned sauces, instant potatoes, canned chicken and fish, canned vegetables and boxed skillet dinners.

For more information about the Fight Hunger Food Donation Program and its partner food banks, please click HERE or call Weis Markets Customer Service at (866) 999-WEIS.

Council of Churches' golf tourney rescheduled

BINGHAMTON — The annual Faith in Action Golf Classic originally planned for Aug. 10 has been rescheduled to Sept. 20 at Traditions at the Glen.

Registration and opening events begin at 11:45 a.m. and golf begins at 1 p.m.

Openings are available for the event, which is sponsored by the Broome County Council of Churches.

For information, call Joanne Kays at (607) 724-9130, ext. 304.

— Staff report

2nd Annual Crusin' Pallooza

Whitney Point, NY (WBNG Binghamton) The second annual Cruisin' Pallooza happened at the Broome County Fairgrounds this weekend.

The show featured some of the most powerful motorcycles in the area.

Hundreds of bikes were on display for people to ask question and admire the powerful machines.

Admission was free for the three day event.

However food and cash donations to the Broome County Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse, or C.H.O.W. were greatly appreciated.

"It's just a fun day where guys can come out on their bikes, women come out on their bikes, and just have a good time. There are very few bike shows in the area. So what we decided to do this year the second year was to have a bike show," says Big Wally.

Big Wally went on to say there's something for people of all ages at the Pallooza.

Last year the Pallooza raised over three tons of food for C.H.O.W.

By Adam Chick

Cruisin' Pallooza at county fairgrounds this weekend

If you're a fan of chromed-out, high-octane cruisers, lead sleds, street rods and tricked-out bikes, this weekend's Cruisin' Pallooza is the place to be.

The 12th annual event will be held Friday through Sunday at the Broome County Fairgrounds on Route 11 in Whitney Point.

Friday night's cruise-in will leave NYSEG Stadium in Binghamton around 5:45 p.m. and travel to the fairgrounds, where local band Distant Thunder will perform at the music tent. Also planned are raffles, vendors, food and a movie under the stars at dusk.

Saturday will be the Hot Rod and Custom Car Show and Flea Market, with 28 classes of classic cars, trucks and bikes, plus a flea market, arts and crafts, and food vendors. New this year is The Great New York State Chili Championship; to enter, go online to 99.1 The Whale's website at http://www.991thewhale.com/ and click on the Cruisin' Pallooza banner. Those who don't enter can taste the chili; tickets are 12 samples for $5 and 50 cents for each additional ticket (three free tickets available by donating food to Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse).

Sunday is the second annual Bike Night During The Day, featuring live music from Voodoo Highway and No Quarter. Also planned are bike games beginning at 1 p.m., "Bikini Babe" and "Mr. Beer Belly" contests, the Bike Day Poker Run, the Red Knights Burnout Box and more.

Registration for the bike ride will be held at Southern Tier Harley Davidson on Front Street in Binghamton between 9 and 10 a.m., with last bike due in at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per rider.

This year's bike day also will feature a bike show presented by the Triple Cities Chopper Club. There will be seven classes: sport bikes, choppers, metric cruisers, American cruisers, classic (20 years old and over), touring bikes and trikes. The bike show has is no pre-registration; signups will be held Sunday between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. for $10.

Poker run signup is 9 to 10 a.m.; the cost is $10 per hand. The last bike is due at the fairgrounds at 12:30 p.m. All registration money from events will benefit CHOW.

Admission and parking are free for all three days, but a food or cash donation for CHOW will be gratefully accepted. Last year, the Cruisin' Pallooza collected more than 3 tons of food to help families served by CHOW'S pantry.

For more information, including vehicle and vendor forms, go to http://www.991thewhale.com/ and click on the Cruisin' Pallooza banner.

Council of Churches to hold golf tourney

TOWN OF UNION — The Broome County Council of Churches’ 11th annual Faith in Action Volunteers Golf Classic and Barbecue will be held Aug. 10 at Traditions at the Glen.

The tournament, sponsored by Weis Markets, has a four-person captain and crew format and begins at 1 p.m. Registration and a putting contest begin at 11:45 a.m. Entry costs $100 for individuals and $400 for a team by July 30, and $125 for individuals and $500 for a team after that date. The cost includes the greens fee, golf court, barbecue dinner, refreshments, gifts and prizes.

The Miller Auto Team will sponsor a hole-in-one contest for a new car. Business sponsorships are also available.

For more information, contact Joanne Kays at (607) 724-9130 ext. 304 or visit http://www.broomecouncil.net/.

— Jennifer Micale

Guest Viewpoint: Sowing seeds for a bountiful Broome

Growing food on rooftops and patios, community gardening, food recovery programs and food waste reduction have become increasingly popular among urbanites in cities all over the country, including here in Binghamton. There is a growing desire among many consumers to get back to nature and to make their ecological impact as small as possible.

This growing trend has become essential in picking up where our failing food system has left off. In the United States, more than 40 percent of the food produced is never eaten, while 14 percent — or some 50 million Americans — go hungry. Our agricultural lands require large inputs of fossil fuels, pesticides and fertilizers that eventually make their way into our bodies of water. And now, 30 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to these wasteful, high-input agricultural practices.

In Binghamton, there are several initiatives underway that are combating these food system deficiencies from different angles. Broome Bounty, for example, is one of Binghamton's food recovery programs that distributes rescued food to local soup kitchens, missions, shelters and community meal programs. They source this food from restaurants and major food suppliers such as Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Willow Run Foods and Maines Paper & Food, who used to throw this food away. Now Broome distributes these meals to approximately 10,000 needy individuals every month.

The City of Binghamton has had sustainability on its mind for some time. In 1991, the city adopted a pay-as-you-throw garbage-collection scheme, which provides strong incentive for consumers to divert materials from the trash and into the recycling bin or compost pile. Since more garbage means higher fees, this system encourages homeowners, restaurants and businesses to reduce unnecessary waste. Over the last two decades, the average volume of the waste stream has decreased by 48 percent, leading to a $300,000 reduction in landfill fees.

And recycling and composting have benefits for both people and the environment. First, this waste would otherwise go into the landfill where it would break down and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Second, compost from food scraps can be used on plant beds as a low-cost, healthy substitute for artificial fertilizers. To encourage this practice, the City of Binghamton sells Earth Machine composters right from City Hall.

Organizations like Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments (VINES) of Binghamton can use this compost in the five community gardens that they've created since 2007. The group started this project to revitalize vacant lots and turn them into flourishing community gardens. The garden plots not only give tenants produce for personal consumption, but also provide educational opportunities for students and residents in the area. Giving people the space and skills to grow their own produce is an indispensable tool in protecting access to safe, nutritious food. And it's also a lot of fun!

A venue for the sale of this fresh, locally grown food is also very important. Conveniently located right next to the Broome County Courthouse is the Binghamton Farmers' Market, which provides this venue for locals to buy and sell healthier foodstuffs. The market is every Tuesday and Friday from mid-June to October, and they even entertain with live music.

The Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition is planning to take the idea of local food venues even further, with the formation of a cooperative kitchen. Their aim is to support the growing interest in local foods by providing a place where community gardeners and local growers can process, package and distribute their goods. This initiative would bring Binghamton's food system improvement full circle.
Binghamton and other cities like it understand that taking back control of our food and the power to grow it not only protects the environment, but also saves money, improves health and protects food security. Through urban farming and food recovery programs, the people of Binghamton are working together to grow a healthier, and more sustainable community.

Written by

Danielle Nierenberg and Stephanie Buglione

 

West Side Neighborhood Project to hold music fest

BINGHAMTON -- Last year, it was a community block party.

This year, the West Side Neighborhood Project will hold a music festival as a way to unite the city's West Side residents, organizers said.

The free event will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. May 12 on the grounds of Horace Mann Elementary School, 30 College St. Music will range from local bands to a renowned cellist, said Maggie Laskoski-George, a member of WSNP and a West Side resident.

Activities aren't just confined to school grounds. Participants can walk from Horace Mann to Café West 46 on Seminary Avenue, where a pig roast will be held from noon to 6 p.m. On the walk, local musicians will be playing on porches between the school and the restaurant.

"We want to bring all residents of the West Side together -- residents, Binghamton University students, children, all the families of Horace Mann -- to promote a safe and vibrant West Side," Laskoski-George said. "And we welcome people from everywhere."

WSNP is all about making the West Side better, said one of its founders, Alycia Harris. The music festival came about while sitting in Laskoski-George's home about six weeks ago. Planners have been meeting every Monday since then to organize the festival.

Harris called the music festival a game changer for the West Side, bringing in not just residents and students, but others who don't live there. The hope is that they'll share and invest their time, services and products on the West Side.

"The music event is a champion event that will create vision, promote economic development and ultimately seed transformation," Harris said.Besides local bands, former Binghamton resident Jeff McAuley, a cellist who has lived, taught and made music in Istanbul, Turkey, will perform. There will also be Irish dancers, games, arts and crafts and the Zoomobile.

The Horace Mann Booster Club will serve food and drinks and collect cans and bottles to raise money for the school. You can also bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse.

Parking is available at Recreation Park, Seton Catholic Central High School, and on the streets of the West Side. There will be an opportunity to sign up for a Neighborhood Watch program. Local businesses and agencies will also be on-hand.

"We are really trying to obviously appeal to all ages," Laskoski-George said.

Written by    Nancy Dooling

Good Shepherd Village donates to CHOW

ENDWELL — Michael Keenan, president and CEO of the Good Shepherd Communities Foundation, recently recognized Good Shepherd Village’s food and beverage general manager Jim Woost and Good Shepherd Village social director Lisa Morrisey, for their efforts in support of the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse.

Woost, who only recently began work at Good Shepherd Village as an employee of Sodexo Food Services, launched the initiative and worked with Morrisey to organize the event. A soup and biscuit lunch was prepared and residents of the GSV campus were invited to donate money or food targeted for CHOW food banks during the luncheon.

More than 100 pounds of food was received and $671 was donated.

CHOW Orchard Needs Help

(WBNG Binghamton) The CHOW Orchard, which was planted in 2010, needs help.

Due to last year's flooding, eight of the new trees planted at CHOW Orchard have been lost. CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse), which is a program of the Broome County Council of Churches, is asking for individuals, families or groups to donated one or more replacement trees.

"We had intended to expand our orchard with new trees each year and this year to add berry bushes. The flood last September has set us back a bit," said CHOW program director Deacon Edward Blaine. "We are looking for people to donate a tree or berry bush and to help us plant it to replace the trees lost and add to our growing orchard."

Anyone interested in donating can call Deacon Blaine at 724-9130.

Annual St. Patrick's parade set for Saturday

The 45th annual St. Patrick's parade, presented by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in downtown Binghamton. The theme of this year's parade is "Giving of the Green for Community Needs."

The parade will commence at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 37 Fayette St., and head west down Court and Main streets to Arthur Street.

This year's grand marshal is Rusty Grace. The Maid of Erin is Sarah Kathleen O'Brien, and Mark Blakeslee will serve as official starter.

Pipe bands expected to participate are the Edward P. Maloney Memorial Pipe Band, Broome County Celtic Pipers, the Penn York Highlanders, the Philadelphia Police & Firefighters Pipe & Drums Band, the New York City Emerald Society, the Finger Lakes Pipe Band, the Mummers Avalon String Band and the Greater Scranton Black Diamonds Pipe Band.

Local bands expected to march in the parade include the Binghamton High School Marching and Steele Drum bands, the Vestal High School Marching Band and the Broome County Celtic Kazoos.

A Wells Fargo Stagecoach also will be featured in the parade, and a truck from the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) will collect food donations along the parade route.

A parade-day Mass, to be held in honor of the Hibernians, will take place at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Church.

The annual Hibernian Parade Party will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. at Seton Catholic Central High School, 70 Seminary Ave. in Binghamton.

The band Old Friends will perform from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and six of the pipe bands from the parade also will play. Admission is $5 (free for children ages 12 and younger), and food and drink will be available for purchase. Parking will be available at Recreation Park, 73 Beethoven St., and shuttle service will be available from the park to the high school.

For those unable to attend the parade, it will be broadcast on cable channel 12 at 7 p.m. March 10 and March 17, and on cable channel 8 at 10 p.m. March 17.
— Staff report

First Friday to feature Irish themes, dance, new venues

Diverse creative expression will be featured at two new venues during the March installment of the First Friday Art Walk, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at 30 locations in and around downtown Binghamton.

The first new venue, United Presbyterian Church at First Presbyterian Church (42 Chenango St.), will host "The Human Costs of War and Pathways to Peace," a presentation of artwork, music, videos and a model of a drone. The presentation — sponsored by the Broome County Council of Churches and several veteran, peace and justice groups — examines the emotional, psychological, environmental, financial and spiritual impact of war on soldiers, civilians, children and civilized society.

The second new First Friday venue, Keri's Salon and Spa (163 Washington St., next to Metrocenter), will hold a grand opening celebration featuring music, tarot readings and 10-minute chair massages.

Art-walkers should be sure to catch one of the free performances to be given by the nationally acclaimed Paul Taylor 2 Dance Company, set for 6:15 and 7:15 p.m. at the Broome County Arts Council (81 State St., fifth floor, Stephens Square). The performances are being held in conjunction with the dance company's first-ever residency at Binghamton University; the full Paul Taylor Dance Company will perform March 10 at BU's Anderson Center for the Performing Arts on the Vestal campus. Also on exhibit at the arts council is "An Ongoing Journey: Paintings by Artist Joseph H. Lindsley," featuring works in pastels, watercolor, drawing and collage.

Want to get an early start on your St. Patrick's Day celebration? Several First Friday venues will offer Irish-themed events, including:

» Lost Dog Cafe (222 Water St.): The Grady Girls will perform authentic Irish jigs and reels, slides and polkas of southwest Ireland from 7 to 9 p.m. The restaurant also will feature a display of leather masks and wearable art by artist and mask- maker E. L. Downey.

» RiverRead Books (5 Court St.): Celtimorphosis, featuring Celtic jazz fusion by Brian Hyland (on Anglo and English concertinas, pennywhistle, harmonica, flute, accordion, bodhran and bones) and Chris Woodard (on guitar and mandolin), will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. On display will be the exhibit "China," featuring photography by Geoff Gould.

» Garland Gallery (116 Gorgeous Washington St.): Singer/songwriter "Paddy O'Raube," a.k.a. Pat Raube, will play Irish tunes from 6 to 9 p.m. Everything on the walls will be sale for 30 percent off the original price.

Also planned for Friday:
» The Bundy Museum of History & Art (129 Main St.): The third-floor Open Gallery will feature "A Transgressive Look at Beauty," a photography exhibit by Brian Roach. The Bundy's second-floor gallery will host an opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. for "Inspiration/Music," featuring seven finished pieces in oil and acrylic by artist AmArA, whose free-association, music-based paintings reflect the flow of sound through the brushstrokes and onto the canvas.

AmArA, who was born and raised in Binghamton, earned a Bachelor's of Fine Art degree from SUNY Fredonia in 2006. In 2010, she moved to Seattle to explore the interaction between music and art and began performance painting. She has since created paintings per special request and at the behest of bands, such as Whiskey Tango, wishing to collaborate with her.

» Binghamton City Hall Gallery (38 Hawley St., second floor): An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday for an exhibit of student works of art from Catholic Schools of Broome County. Included will be pieces in watercolors, acrylics, pastels and mixed media.

» The Orazio Salati Studio and Gallery (205 State St., second floor): Gallery I will feature an exhibit of non-objective abstract paintings in acrylic by Lynne Taetzsch. Taetzsch's work has been exhibited internationally and collected throughout the U. S., the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Gallery II will feature works by Armondo Dellasanta, Greg Chianis, Stephen Heilakka, Dannette Matteo, Orazio Salati and Marc Schimsky, as well as pieces by Mud and Fire Potters and beaded jewelry by Janis Schimsky.

The First Friday Art Walk is presented by the Gorgeous Washington Street Association; the schedule is subject to change. There will be no BC Transit Trolley rides or tours during this First Friday. They will resume in the spring for the May installation of First Friday.

For a complete list of venues, click on this story at pressconnects.com/entertainment.
— Staff report

Two New Venues For "First Friday" Art Walk

By Bryan Mercer

Two New Venues For "First Friday" Art Walk
February 18, 2012 Updated Feb 18, 2012 at 9:11 AM EST

Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Diverse creative expression at two new First Friday venues, a national dance company performance, and several locations with Irish themes highlight Binghamton, NY’s next First Friday Art Walk on March 2.

At the first of two new venues downtown, United Presbyterian Church at First Presbyterian Church (42 Chenango St.) will host “The Human Costs of War and Pathways to Peace,” a presentation of artwork, music, videos and a model drone.

This presentation, sponsored by the Broome County Council of Churches and many veteran, peace and justice groups, will examine the emotional, psychological, environmental, financial and spiritual impact of war to soldiers, civilians, children and civilized society.

At the second new First Friday venue, Keri’s Salon and Spa (163 Washington St., next to Metrocenter), there’s a grand opening celebration, featuring music, tarot readings and 10-minute chair massage from 6-9 PM.

While art walking downtown, be sure to catch the nationally acclaimed Paul Taylor 2 Dance Company’s free community performances at the Broome County Arts Council/BCAC (81 State St., 5th Fl., Stephens Sq.) on First Friday at 6:15 and 7:15 PM. These two free dance performances are part of Paul Taylor 2 Dance Co.’s first ever residency at Binghamton University with a full production on Sat., March 10, at BU’s Anderson Center. Also, on exhibit at BCAC and open on First Friday is: “An Ongoing Journey: Paintings by Artist Joseph H. Lindsley” - A Life’s Work in Pastels, Watercolor, Drawing & Collage, which continues through Mar. 23, 2012.

Art walk enthusiasts can also enjoy some Irish themed shows this First Friday at:
**Lost Dog Cafe (222 Water St.): Irish Sounds of The Grady Girls, performing authentic Irish jigs and reels, slides and polkas of southwest Ireland, from 7-9 PM, and an exhibit in the restaurant by Mask Maker/Artist E. L. Downey with Finely Sculpted Leather Masks & Wearable Art (Thru Mar. 2012).

**RiverRead Books (5 Court St.): Music by Celtimorphosis, Celtic jazz fusion with Brian Hyland (Anglo & English concertinas, pennywhistle, harmonica, flute, accordion, bodhran & bones), and Chris Woodard (guitar & mandolin), from 7-9 PM. Featured exhibit for March: Photographer Geoff Gould: “China” - Photos.

**Garland Gallery (116 Gorgeous Washington St.): Irish Tunes of “Paddy O’Raube” a.k.a. Pat Raube, singer/songwriter, from 6-9 PM. Also, 30% off everything on the walls on First Friday.This First Friday Art Walk is presented by Gorgeous Washington Street Association (GWSA) and sponsored by M&T Bank, will feature 30 locations in Binghamton, downtown, west side, and south side, and open March 2 from 6-9 PM, unless noted otherwise.The First Friday schedule is subject to change without notice.There’s no BC Transit Trolley rides or tours during this First Friday Art Walk. Trolley rides and tours resume in the spring for the May 4 First Friday Art Walk.

For more information on March 2 First Friday, contact Nicole Howard (Interim Chair of Gorgeous Washington Street Association/GWSA) at Lost Dog Cafe, 771-6063, or visit GWSA’s website at:www.gorgeouswashington.com.

Vestal residents earn recognition from White House for flood-relief efforts

While they were sloshing through floodwater, hauling sodden garbage or making spreadsheets to disburse volunteers -- never once did volunteers Sharon Early and Bruce Barney, of Vestal, expect recognition.

But they got it -- from the White House, no less.

A certificate and letter from President Barack Obama were delivered by their pastors at First Presbyterian Church in Endicott last month.

This is the second year of the Martin Luther King Drum Major for Service Award, given to individuals who perform extraordinary volunteer acts of service with reliability and commitment that often go unnoticed. Its name comes from King's 1968 "Drum Major Instinct" sermon: "Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice; say that I was a drum major for peace; I was a drum major for righteousness ... We all have the drum major instinct."

Sharon and Bruce's reaction: Thank you -- but why us, when so many deserved it?

About 175 people from the congregation pitched in, as well as hundreds of outside volunteers, said Rev. Jan Devine, who co-pastors with her husband, Tim. Together those volunteers put in about 9,000 hours power-washing walls and floors, maintaining and distributing equipment, preparing meals, housing guests, coordinating work teams and much more.
Several local faith-based and other nonprofit groups pitched in to help after the disaster, she pointed out.

Nonetheless, Sharon and Bruce assessed needs and designated volunteers, prompting the church to nominate them. Bruce, 50, and Sharon, 49, are both married with children. Still, they logged 10-hour-plus days, working continuously for three months straight.

Across the country, more than 2,000 awards highlighted activities such as helping homeless veterans gain access to services, starting afterschool programs for at-risk youth, and rebuilding the faith-based community in New Orleans, post-Katrina.

"There were recipients from SUNY Geneseo, Hobart and William Smith College in Geneva, and eight recipients in Syracuse," said Kate Enos of the Corporation for National and Community Service in Washington D.C.

The first phase of flood relief has essentially come to a close. Now begins the long-term phase of flood recovery-- rebuilding our community home by home, stated the nomination.

And that's the part about which Sharon and Bruce spoke most vehemently, diverting the spotlight from themselves to discussing the next wave of needs for volunteer laborers.

Needs have shifted, though. Now skilled hands are required to help with rebuilding flooded properties: electricians, plumbers, construction laborers, painters and others. While Sharon continues as unpaid staff in a building next door to the church -- the Monroe House, currently being converted to a hospitality house for incoming volunteers -- Bruce has been hired as Flood Recovery Project Manager by the Broome County Council of Churches.

Both Sharon and Bruce continue daily to earn their awards.

Neighbors columnist Valerie Zehl can be contacted at vzehl@gannett.com.

Deadline nears for handicapped ramps

REGION -- The deadline is March 1 to submit applications to determine eligibility for wheelchair ramps to be built this summer by Faith in Action volunteers of the Broome County Council of Churches.

For the fourth consecutive summer, youths working with adult supervision, will build wheelchair ramps at selected homes in Broome County without charge to residents.

In the past three summers, 38 ramps were constructed.

For an application, go online to www.broomecouncil.net or call Joanne Kays at (607) 724-9130 ext. 304.

-- William Moyer

Broome County Council of Churches Elects New Board Members

The Board of Directors of the Broome County Council of Churches today elected four new board members at its annual meeting. They are:

George Cummings of United Presbyterian Church; the Rev. David Drebert of Trinity Memorial Episcopal; Jeffrey Jacobs of St. Mark’s Episcopal; and Suzanne Krause of Temple Israel. Terms of office are for three years. Mr. Jacobs is filling an unexpired term.

Officers elected at the meeting are: Dr.. Patrick Regan, president; Jennifer Cubic, first vice president; the Rev. Robert Peak, second vice president; Todd Eames, treasurer; and Caroline Vadala, secretary.

Stamping Out Child Hunger

By Haley Burton

January 24, 2012 Updated Jan 24, 2012 at 6:49 PM EST

(WBNG Binghamton) Governor Andrew Cuomo says one in six children in New York live in homes without enough food.

What resources are available in Broome County to help families keep food on the table?

"We still have in this State children that go hungry. My friends that is simply unacceptable," said Governor Andrew Cuomo (D).

Cuomo says this is in part due to some New York families not taking advantage of the federal food stamp program, He says 30 percent of New Yorkers eligible for food stamps don't enroll. Cuomo says that 1.4 million people in New York State.

"In Broome County, we have just under 30,000 men, women and children who are receiving food stamps. Of that group, about 13,400 are children," said Art Johnson, Commissioner of Social Services for Broome County.

Johnson says every year, more people in Broome County apply for food stamps. He says in 2011, approximately $4.7 million dollars were issued in food stamps for those 30,000 food stamp recipients in the area.

"The state for the last five years has pretty aggressively tried to increase the number of people who are taking advantage of the food stamp program. There's a federal benefit so there's no cost to the county or the state," he explained.

New York State has created a web-based application tool for food stamps. You can fill out the application online and it will automatically be sent to your County's Department of Social Services for approval review. Click here for more information

"We certainly don't want anyone to go hungry that doesn't have to. Nobody should in this day and age. Between food stamps and free and reduced lunches at schools, there are a lot of opportunities for families to take advantage of," said Johnson, "Food stamps are one thing that can basically help people keep off of public assistance. Maybe all they need is some help with food."

Click here for Broome County Department of Social Services
You can also call the County Department of Social Services at (607) 778-3772 and submit an over the phone application for food stamps.

Governor Cuomo said in his State of the State address that he wants to start a program where the State promotes food stamp outreach to increase enrollment in the program. He also said he wants to end the stigma of applying for food stamps. Cuomo says this will help make sure no child goes to bed hungry in New York State.

The Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) says about 40 percent of the people who use food from its pantries are children.

"We're fortunate here in Broome County, we have enough soup kitchens and pantries that people don't have to be hungry," said Ed Blaine, Director of CHOW.

Blaine says the pantries serve about 3,500 people each month. CHOW says the number of families looking for help to put food on the table continues to jump.

"We've actually seen an increase in families using soup kitchens which is an interesting growth for us because demographically for us, it's normally adults and senior citizens, homeless people. Now we're seeing more families come in because they simply can't make ends meet and the only hot meal they're getting from a pantry. To save that food, they're going to a soup kitchen a few times a week," said Blaine.

CHOW offers families a balanced diet, focusing on three meals a day with fruit, veggies and protein.

"If kids don't have a healthy diet, they will be sick more often. When they are in school, they won't be able to concentrate and do well," said Blaine.

For more information on the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW), you can click here for more information. You can also call (607) 724-9130

Deadline for wheelchair ramp program is March 1

The Broome County Council of Churches is accepting applications until March 1 for its wheelchair ramp program.

After applications are received, it will take several weeks to evaluate the need for the free ramps, which will be built by youth groups during the summer. Over the past three summers, about 230 youths built 38 ramps through the council’s youth mentoring initiative.

For an application, call Joanne Kays at (607) 724-9130 ext. 304 or visit www.broomecouncil.net.

— Jennifer Micale

Davis College to keep ministry's doors open

BINGHAMTON -- A downtown ministry that provides hot meals and other food items to needy residents will be continued by a local college after the Baptist-run facility faced the possibility of closing its doors due to a lack of funding.

Davis College will operate Carroll Street Ministries after accepting the property's deed as a donation from the Central New York Baptist Association, which was likely to shutter the ministry after losing funding from its national convention.

Instead, Davis College will encourage students at the Bible-based school in Johnson City to get involved at Carroll Street Ministries.

"This will give students the opportunity to help people," said Jerry Traister, chief operating officer of Davis College. "We look forward to continuing the work that has been established at Carroll Street Ministries."

Although no financial aid will be provided by Davis, volunteers from the college will enable the street-corner ministry to keep its doors open, said Bill Deckert, a Davis graduate who handles Carroll Street's day-to-day operations.

Deckert said the site will continue to offer a Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse food pantry from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and 2 to 3 p.m. Saturdays. In addition, a free lunch, which serves as many as 60 people each week, will stay open from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays.

Volunteers served a free lunch Monday to several dozen people in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

"This is a way to keep Dr. King's dream alive," said Candace Thornton, a senior at Davis who organized the event. "I hope we impacted the community and helped people who didn't have enough to eat."

Livingston Kids Celebrate MLK Day Delighting In Service

Helping others comes naturally to kids in Livingston as they came out in droves to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Whether they were bringing in groceries to help stock local food banks, coloring pictures to decorate nursing homes, filling jars full of ingredients to make cookies, or decorating cans to be used as pencil cups, all echoed how much they wanted to help those in need.

“I think it’s a great way to remember Martin Luther King Jr. and what he showed us about the spirit of community,” said 13-year old Melissa Brown as she brought in several pairs of used eyeglasses which were amassed by the Livingston Lions’ Club. The teen had proactively collected the eyewear from among her grandparents’ friends who had mailed them from Florida.
Abigail Selikoff colored another picture which will be sent to the group Color A Smile (colorasmile.org) for distribution to nursing homes and agreed with mom, Kelly, “this is a lot of fun and for a good cause.” Indeed, a few adults took the time to color pictures as well, sheepishly omitting their ages on the bottom of the pictures. “Hey, if it puts a smile on someone’s face, why not do it?” one of them said.

“There are so many people here. This is really awesome!” exclaimed Sasha Weber who enthusiastically dove into the activities. High school student Helen Odegoba patiently helped smaller children craft a “God’s Eyes” wall craft out of Popsicle sticks and yarn at a table sponsored by the Livingston High School’s chapter of the Spanish Honor Society. “I like helping children and doing this. You really get to know the people in your community,” she explained.

Members of Asian Indians in Livingston were out in full force as kids filled the group’s table to make crafts out of recycled materials. “I read somewhere that something like two million bottles that are recycled is equal to the space taken up by about 2,000 refrigerators,” an informed Austin Carloma told his mom, Maria.

The 15-year old from Verona came to Livingston for MLK Jr. Day because “this town has fun stuff to do today.” Jenna Foley agreed. As she transformed an old milk jug into a container for her bedroom, she was happy with today’s event. “It’s really good and fun to do this, especially the stuff for charity. And this stuff is a really entertaining way to spend the day, instead of staying home watching TV and playing video games.”

Robin Kim came for the fellowship. The 13-year old, who is home-schooled by her mother, was going to spend most of the afternoon in lessons but had permission to attend today’s event to be with other kids.“I love being home-schooled, but sometimes it does get a little lonely,” she admitted as she and a friend who is also home-schooled assembled toiletry kits for an immigration and refugee program and homeless shelter.

Justin Lawson munched on free pizza donated by Pizzeria Altavilla and couldn’t wait for the free concert by bands Chromatic Funk and Castles. After lunch, he said his next stop would be Temple B’nai Abraham’s table where he wanted to assemble the ingredients to make cookies.“What can I say? I’m motivated by food,” explained the growing teen.
“Everybody can do this,” exclaimed 8-year old Mindy Morris said as she colored a shopping bag which will be used to distribute food to the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW). “Everybody in town should be here.”

Today’s Day of Service was sponsored by the Livingston Committee for Diversity whose goal is to encourage the citizens of Livingston to recognize their commonalities and appreciate the potential strength of the racial, ethnic and cultural diversity that so richly enhances our great community.

For more information on this and other committee activities, contact co-chairman Keith Hines at (973) 393-0119.

SEFCU CHOW Donation

The credit union for New York State employees is helping to stock food pantries in Broome County.

SEFCU delivered a $20,000 donation to CHOW, the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse, Wednesday. CHOW, which is operated by the Broome County Council of Churches supplies food for 30 pantries throughout the county.

Council Director Joe Sellepack says cash donations can be stretched further because the organization is able to purchase food at wholesale prices. He says the need in our area continues to grow by double digits each year, 20 percent this year which was made worse by the flooding. "We're stretched because we're not only meeting the emerging need of the flood but you're also dealing with the ongoing need of the food pantries and the people in our neighborhoods that require food.

"Sellepack says that while the warehouse's shelves seem full now, CHOW is coming off its busiest time of year with holiday food drives. And many of the supplies are specifically earmarked for flood relief. He says by February, many of the racks will be bare.