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
Monday, January 23, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
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."
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.
“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.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
'Flood the Tier' fundraiser features music and more
Since Tropical Storm Lee hit the region with flooding rains in September, plenty of fundraisers — large and small — have been held to help those affected get back on their feet.
But local musician and businessman Scott Freeman felt that something was missing.
"We all know how badly this community has been devastated by the flood, and the community has come up so wonderfully to try to support those affected and different organizations — you figure a million dollars has been raised just from that," Freeman said in an interview last week. "You had a lot of the taverns and bars and neighborhoods do fundraisers, too. But nobody stepped forward to do the big one."
So, he decided to use his experience organizing the Binghamton Jazz Festival for the past couple of years to put together Flood the Tier with the Sound of Music, set for Sunday afternoon at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton.
The event will feature not only music, but also a variety of entertainment such as dancers, jugglers, clowns, the Binghamton Zoo's Zoomobile, the Magic Paintbrush Project, holiday craft vendors, even a visit from Santa Claus himself. In addition, representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Broome County Mental Health Association, the Broome County Council of Churches and other support agencies will be on hand to offer information and assistance to those who have been hurt by the flooding.
Proceeds for the all-ages event — sponsored by Merrill Lynch, Wendy's and Southern Tier Harley Davidson — will go to the Council of Churches and its Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse food pantry. CHOW will collect nonperishable food items as well.
Freeman hopes the funds raised through the $10-per-person admission charge will help those who have fallen through the cracks. (Those whose lives have been affected by the flood can get in for free; call the council at 724-9130 for more information.)
"The churches are in all those neighborhoods, and they've really been on the forefront of all the recovery, mucking out basements and tearing out the damaged goods, because they know who the people are in those communities," he said. "One of the nice things about the Council of Churches is that it's not a large bureaucracy, so they can verify somebody in need and get money to that individual or family in a day or two."
The day's music lineup will include local favorites such as Zarni de Wet, Jared Campbell, Randy McStine's Lo-Fi Resistance project and Eric Ross, with headliner Shawn Gallaway.
"Shawn is flying in from Nashville on his own expense just to help out the community," Freeman said. "This guy plays all over the world. He's like a Harry Chapin or a James Taylor as a singer/songwriter, and he talks about positive energy and healing and getting through difficult phases of life."
In the weeks leading up to Flood the Tier, community support has been overwhelming, Freeman said: "I'm still getting five phone calls a day of people wanting to volunteer and help out for the event. I've never experienced this before."
While he clearly hopes that lots of folks turn out Sunday to give their neighbors a much-needed hand up, Freeman also sees the celebration in a larger context.
"It's not just about raising money — it's the big event where we can get 10,000 or 15,000 or 20,000 people together over the course of the afternoon into the Arena, all about music and crafts and food and information and some healing and maybe some spiritual health. Across the board, we'll have it all there," he said.
Main stage music
» Noon-12:45 p.m.: The Cheating Intention
» 12:45-1:15 p.m.: Zarni de Wet
» 1:15-1:30 p.m.: Broome County Pipe & Drum Band
» 1:45-2:30 p.m.: Shawn Gallaway
» 2:30-2:45 p.m.: GleePAC
» 2:45-3:30 p.m.: Scott Freeman Band & the Revival Horns
» 3:45-4:30 p.m.: Eric Ross
» 4:30-4:45 p.m.: Binghamton High School Steel Drum Band
» 4:45-5:25 p.m.: Lo-Fi Resistance
» 5:30-6 p.m.: Jared Campbell
Flood relief gift registry
BINGHAMTON — Flood victims who suffered catastrophic damage are invited to apply for the Thanks for Giving gift registry campaign, created by Broome County Council of Churches, its Faith in Action volunteer program and the local Boscov’s.
The campaign relies on the generosity of individuals and groups in the community to buy gifts on a flood victim’s wish list or contribute money — and 100 percent of all donations will go directly to the family or person with the greatest flood-incurred needs.
Flood victims must be already be sponsored by a Thanks for Giving coordinator or can call (607) 724-9130, ext. 318 to learn more. Donors can call the same number, log on http://www.thanksforgiving.net/ or http://www.boscovs.com/ and enter Registry # 480011031925, or mail checks to Broome County Council of Churches, Attn Thanks for Giving #010 (in memo line), 3 Otsinengo St., Binghamton NY 13903.
— Valerie Zehl
The campaign relies on the generosity of individuals and groups in the community to buy gifts on a flood victim’s wish list or contribute money — and 100 percent of all donations will go directly to the family or person with the greatest flood-incurred needs.
Flood victims must be already be sponsored by a Thanks for Giving coordinator or can call (607) 724-9130, ext. 318 to learn more. Donors can call the same number, log on http://www.thanksforgiving.net/ or http://www.boscovs.com/ and enter Registry # 480011031925, or mail checks to Broome County Council of Churches, Attn Thanks for Giving #010 (in memo line), 3 Otsinengo St., Binghamton NY 13903.
— Valerie Zehl
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Ramp It Up Trailer
The Broome County Council of Churches' Ramp it Up program has received some good news.
It has received a $1,500 grant from the Binghamton Rotary Club Number 64 and from Rotary District Council Number 7170. The money will be used to help buy a lumber and service trailer. Ramp It Up is a program where volunteers build handicapped ramps for people in need.
Rev. Dr. Joseph Sellepack says, "Now what this does for us is it allows us to buy lumber when it's on sale and store it and be able to bring it out to places. Or else do a bulk order on one place where you have some left over product at the end and you can bring all the left over products back to our little lumber yard, triage it all, put it all together and be able to bring it out to another work site. So, you can save costs.
"The Ramp It Up program is also a way to teach young people how to build and learn needed life skills.
It has received a $1,500 grant from the Binghamton Rotary Club Number 64 and from Rotary District Council Number 7170. The money will be used to help buy a lumber and service trailer. Ramp It Up is a program where volunteers build handicapped ramps for people in need.
Rev. Dr. Joseph Sellepack says, "Now what this does for us is it allows us to buy lumber when it's on sale and store it and be able to bring it out to places. Or else do a bulk order on one place where you have some left over product at the end and you can bring all the left over products back to our little lumber yard, triage it all, put it all together and be able to bring it out to another work site. So, you can save costs.
"The Ramp It Up program is also a way to teach young people how to build and learn needed life skills.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
State providing $1.6 million to food banks
ALBANY -- The state is giving $1 million in grants to eight New York food banks, as well as an additional $620,000 to food pantries in flood-hit areas such as Broome, Chemung and Delaware counties, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday.
Also Wednesday, the governor launched a statewide initiative called "Help Your Neighbor" to encourage New York residents and businesses to donate to regional food banks. The food banks distribute goods to 5,000 soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and other emergency programs, reaching about three million people a year.
"The economy has been very difficult, as we all know. We're all suffering through it. Some people are suffering more than others," Cuomo told reporters during a conference call.
"The demand on food banks is very, very high, and I encourage all New Yorkers to remember that and think of that this Thanksgiving," he said.
The prolonged poor economy in New York has boosted requests for food assistance, Cuomo said. The need for help is particularly great in parts of the state that were damaged by tropical storms Irene and Lee in late August and early September. Some donors have pulled back on their contributions because of the tough times.
"We're especially cognizant of our fellow New Yorkers who are in communities that are still rebuilding from the flood and storm damage that we had," he said.
One of the emergency allocations announced by Cuomo on Wednesday will go to the Broome County Council of Churches, which gets $60,000 for a food recovery program that had faced possible cutbacks after losing a state grant.
"This is good news," said Deacon Ed Blaine, of the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse. "This will give us time to look for other funding without threatening Broome Bounty."
Broome Bounty collects fresh food from restaurants, groceries and other suppliers that would otherwise go rotten. In turn, the food is distributed to local religious and other organizations for their soup kitchens and community meals.
In late June, the state Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program rejected an application from the Broome County Council of Churches for $70,000 a year -- one-third of its annual operating budget -- for the next five years to help fund the program. The loss of funding raised the possibility of cutbacks to the program, which the Council of Churches estimated feeds 10,000 people a month at 60 different soup kitchens and other locations.
The $1 million is from a federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Contingency Fund grant the state received in October. The $620,000 is from the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program in the current state budget, Cuomo said.
The funding is welcome, but it doesn't get to the crux of the hunger problem, said Mark Dunlea, executive director of Hunger Action Network.
"We certainly always appreciate more charity at Thanksgiving time and there's certainly a lot of need out there, so we appreciate the governor finding some extra money," he said. "I think many of us believe the solution to hunger remains economic justice and not charity."
Dunlea said the state should spend more money on hunger prevention. Hunger Action wants a $4 million increase in the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program.
Foodlink of Rochester found out Wednesday it would receive $107,000, said Julia Tedesco, director of development and strategic initiatives for the organization.
"It'll have a huge impact on the agencies and the individuals that they serve in our 10-county region," she said.
Soup kitchens in Monroe County that are member agencies are serving about 30 percent more meals than they did at this time last year, Tedesco said.
The growing need isn't isolated to urban areas, she said. Many people are turning to emergency-food providers for the first time in their lives.
Written by
Cara Matthews
Staff writer William Moyer contributed to this report.
Also Wednesday, the governor launched a statewide initiative called "Help Your Neighbor" to encourage New York residents and businesses to donate to regional food banks. The food banks distribute goods to 5,000 soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and other emergency programs, reaching about three million people a year.
"The economy has been very difficult, as we all know. We're all suffering through it. Some people are suffering more than others," Cuomo told reporters during a conference call.
"The demand on food banks is very, very high, and I encourage all New Yorkers to remember that and think of that this Thanksgiving," he said.
The prolonged poor economy in New York has boosted requests for food assistance, Cuomo said. The need for help is particularly great in parts of the state that were damaged by tropical storms Irene and Lee in late August and early September. Some donors have pulled back on their contributions because of the tough times.
"We're especially cognizant of our fellow New Yorkers who are in communities that are still rebuilding from the flood and storm damage that we had," he said.
One of the emergency allocations announced by Cuomo on Wednesday will go to the Broome County Council of Churches, which gets $60,000 for a food recovery program that had faced possible cutbacks after losing a state grant.
"This is good news," said Deacon Ed Blaine, of the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse. "This will give us time to look for other funding without threatening Broome Bounty."
Broome Bounty collects fresh food from restaurants, groceries and other suppliers that would otherwise go rotten. In turn, the food is distributed to local religious and other organizations for their soup kitchens and community meals.
In late June, the state Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program rejected an application from the Broome County Council of Churches for $70,000 a year -- one-third of its annual operating budget -- for the next five years to help fund the program. The loss of funding raised the possibility of cutbacks to the program, which the Council of Churches estimated feeds 10,000 people a month at 60 different soup kitchens and other locations.
The $1 million is from a federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Contingency Fund grant the state received in October. The $620,000 is from the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program in the current state budget, Cuomo said.
The funding is welcome, but it doesn't get to the crux of the hunger problem, said Mark Dunlea, executive director of Hunger Action Network.
"We certainly always appreciate more charity at Thanksgiving time and there's certainly a lot of need out there, so we appreciate the governor finding some extra money," he said. "I think many of us believe the solution to hunger remains economic justice and not charity."
Dunlea said the state should spend more money on hunger prevention. Hunger Action wants a $4 million increase in the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program.
Foodlink of Rochester found out Wednesday it would receive $107,000, said Julia Tedesco, director of development and strategic initiatives for the organization.
"It'll have a huge impact on the agencies and the individuals that they serve in our 10-county region," she said.
Soup kitchens in Monroe County that are member agencies are serving about 30 percent more meals than they did at this time last year, Tedesco said.
The growing need isn't isolated to urban areas, she said. Many people are turning to emergency-food providers for the first time in their lives.
Written by
Cara Matthews
Staff writer William Moyer contributed to this report.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Weis and its customers donate $39K to CHOW
WEST CORNERS -- Peanut butter. Pasta sauce. Box after box made its way into the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse's truck in front of the West Corners Weis Market.
Weis officials joined Broome County Council of Churches Executive Director Joseph Sellepack in the effort -- and not just with the loading. The Sunbury, Pa.-based supermarket chain gave CHOW a $14,000 corporate donation Monday.
The chain's Southern Tier customers also made $24,828 in donations to Southern Tier hunger organizations during the four-week Fight Hunger campaign. The nearly $39,000 total is expected to generate about 31,200 meals for the needy, said Weis District Manager Mike Umstead.
CHOW, a program of the Council of Churches, also gets price breaks for purchasing food pantry items at Weis, Sellepack said. "They give us wholesale, which adds to the gift," he said.
The donation is particularly appreciated in light of the September flooding, which ravaged the Southern Tier -- including the neighborhood near the West Corners store.
"A lot of fallout from the flood hasn't even been felt yet," such as its effect on the region's economy, Sellepack said.
Weis operates 161 stores in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, New Jersey and West Virginia, including 11 in the Southern Tier.
Written by
Jennifer Micale
Weis officials joined Broome County Council of Churches Executive Director Joseph Sellepack in the effort -- and not just with the loading. The Sunbury, Pa.-based supermarket chain gave CHOW a $14,000 corporate donation Monday.
The chain's Southern Tier customers also made $24,828 in donations to Southern Tier hunger organizations during the four-week Fight Hunger campaign. The nearly $39,000 total is expected to generate about 31,200 meals for the needy, said Weis District Manager Mike Umstead.
CHOW, a program of the Council of Churches, also gets price breaks for purchasing food pantry items at Weis, Sellepack said. "They give us wholesale, which adds to the gift," he said.
The donation is particularly appreciated in light of the September flooding, which ravaged the Southern Tier -- including the neighborhood near the West Corners store.
"A lot of fallout from the flood hasn't even been felt yet," such as its effect on the region's economy, Sellepack said.
Weis operates 161 stores in Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, New Jersey and West Virginia, including 11 in the Southern Tier.
Written by
Jennifer Micale
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Wreath festival to benefit charity
ENDICOTT — Door Décor, a wreath festival and silent auction benefiting the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse, Mom’s House and the Daughters of Columbus Scholarship Fund, will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Sons of Italy, 126 Odell Ave.
Door Wreaths are donated by area businesses, organizations and individuals for the event, which features free refreshments and music by guitarist and singer Mark Trojnar. Cash or checks only will be accepted for the wreaths and gift baskets.
For more information, contact Mary Jo Roberts at gregmaryjor@aol.com, or chairwomen Sue Bock at (607) 258-0331 or Jackie Sands at (607) 797-4222.
— Jennifer Micale
Door Wreaths are donated by area businesses, organizations and individuals for the event, which features free refreshments and music by guitarist and singer Mark Trojnar. Cash or checks only will be accepted for the wreaths and gift baskets.
For more information, contact Mary Jo Roberts at gregmaryjor@aol.com, or chairwomen Sue Bock at (607) 258-0331 or Jackie Sands at (607) 797-4222.
— Jennifer Micale
Monday, November 14, 2011
Flood the Tier Fundraiser
Some local companies are putting on a day of entertainment for people who were affected by the flood and those who want to support them.
"Flood the Tier with the Sound of Music" is a day-long event scheduled for Sunday December 11th at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. In addition to a lineup of local musical acts, there will be bagpipers, a clown, belly dancers, the Big Guy and Santa taking pictures with kids on top of a Harley. Merrill Lynch, local Wendy's and Southern Tier Harley Davidson are covering the overhead for the event so that all of the 10 dollar admission fee can go to the Broome County Council of Churches to help flood victims.
Scott Freeman is an organizer. Freeman says "I've never experienced this before but everywhere I go I run into people saying let me know what I can do, I want to help. We don't normally get that in Broome County and Binghamton.
"The benefit runs from noon until 6 at the Arena on Sunday December 11th. Children 12 and under are free. Flood victims and relief workers can request special free vouchers at the Council of Churches offices. Tickets are available at the Arena Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations.
"Flood the Tier with the Sound of Music" is a day-long event scheduled for Sunday December 11th at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. In addition to a lineup of local musical acts, there will be bagpipers, a clown, belly dancers, the Big Guy and Santa taking pictures with kids on top of a Harley. Merrill Lynch, local Wendy's and Southern Tier Harley Davidson are covering the overhead for the event so that all of the 10 dollar admission fee can go to the Broome County Council of Churches to help flood victims.
Scott Freeman is an organizer. Freeman says "I've never experienced this before but everywhere I go I run into people saying let me know what I can do, I want to help. We don't normally get that in Broome County and Binghamton.
"The benefit runs from noon until 6 at the Arena on Sunday December 11th. Children 12 and under are free. Flood victims and relief workers can request special free vouchers at the Council of Churches offices. Tickets are available at the Arena Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations.
JFS to perform ‘Annie Jr.’
ENDICOTT — The Jennie F. Snapp Middle School music department will perform the musical “Annie Jr.” at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 and 18 in the Union-Endicott High School Auditorium.
“Annie Jr.” is a shortened version of the Broadway musical “Annie.” A donation for the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse will be collected at the door from those attending the show.
The musical is directed by JFS music teacher Joe Brainard. Joe Roma is the assistant director.
— Jennifer Micale
“Annie Jr.” is a shortened version of the Broadway musical “Annie.” A donation for the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse will be collected at the door from those attending the show.
The musical is directed by JFS music teacher Joe Brainard. Joe Roma is the assistant director.
— Jennifer Micale
Monday, November 7, 2011
Kenny Rogers to play benefit concert at Arena
BINGHAMTON -- Flood victims and volunteers who lent a helping hand will be treated to a concert by legendary singer Kenny Rogers during a benefit concert Dec. 15.
Proceeds from the concert, which will be held at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena, will also benefit the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse, Catholic Charities and the American Red Cross, which have been providing flood relief.
"I think this is going to be a healing event for the community," said Bruce Boyea, chairman, president and CEO of Security Mutual Life Insurance Co., the event's lead sponsor.
He noted that 1,700 seats will be reserved on the Arena floor for disaster clients and volunteers. Tickets for those seats will be distributed by the flood-relief agencies, he said. For everyone else, tickets are $27 and will be available at the Arena box office.
People are still dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Lee, officials noted. More than 1,000 buildings still have no power in the county, Broome County Executive Patrick Brennan said."We have a good portion of our people who aren't back to normal yet," he said.
Written by
Jennifer Micale
Proceeds from the concert, which will be held at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena, will also benefit the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse, Catholic Charities and the American Red Cross, which have been providing flood relief.
"I think this is going to be a healing event for the community," said Bruce Boyea, chairman, president and CEO of Security Mutual Life Insurance Co., the event's lead sponsor.
He noted that 1,700 seats will be reserved on the Arena floor for disaster clients and volunteers. Tickets for those seats will be distributed by the flood-relief agencies, he said. For everyone else, tickets are $27 and will be available at the Arena box office.
People are still dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Lee, officials noted. More than 1,000 buildings still have no power in the county, Broome County Executive Patrick Brennan said."We have a good portion of our people who aren't back to normal yet," he said.
Written by
Jennifer Micale
Food-A-Bago returns to the region
TOWN OF CHENANGO — The annual 99.1 The Whale and Wild 104 Food-A-Bago for the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse will return to the region Nov. 7 through 14.
The goal is to fill a fifth-wheel camper provided by Jim’s RV with non-perishable food to benefit Broome County families. It will be parked in front of the Weis Food Market at 1290 Upper Front St., across from the Route 81 south entrance ramp. Lee Ann Taylor from the Whale Morning Show and Louie G from the Wild 104 Morning Show will live in the camper throughout the week, along with other radio personalities.
Louie G also has agreed to DJ a free dance for the school that brings the most non-perishable food, by number of items, and a free holiday party to the office or workplace that does the same. For more information, call Don Morgan, program director of WAAL, at (607) 772-8400 or Louie G at (607) 343-0874.
— Jennifer Micale
The goal is to fill a fifth-wheel camper provided by Jim’s RV with non-perishable food to benefit Broome County families. It will be parked in front of the Weis Food Market at 1290 Upper Front St., across from the Route 81 south entrance ramp. Lee Ann Taylor from the Whale Morning Show and Louie G from the Wild 104 Morning Show will live in the camper throughout the week, along with other radio personalities.
Louie G also has agreed to DJ a free dance for the school that brings the most non-perishable food, by number of items, and a free holiday party to the office or workplace that does the same. For more information, call Don Morgan, program director of WAAL, at (607) 772-8400 or Louie G at (607) 343-0874.
— Jennifer Micale
A Concert for Flood Victims at Davis College
The NEED continues to be great! The LOSS has been staggering! The COST will continue to escalate! The CALL for help goes out! Saturday, November 12th, 2011.'The Provision' a flood relief concert and benefit sponsored by Transition Records, will be held at Davis College Gymnasium beginning at 6pm, doors open at 5pm. This is a FREE event and is for the sole purpose to PROVIDE for the needs of our friends and neighbors whose lives have been suddenly and drastically changed by the flood. You will have the opportunity to be an encouragement and directly help those with needs. Our hope is that you can connect with someone in need, befriend them, and help them get reestablished. If you have experienced great loss due to the flood, come and find information for help and encouragement to carry on!
Enjoy a concert with the bands Reasons Fail, Cry of the Scapegoat, and singer/songwriter Kraig Moss as they bring a message of Hope! Several local flood relief and mission organizations such as CHOW (bring non-perishable food items to donate), Binghamton Rescue Mission, and Broome County Council of Churches will be attending and providing information and help. If you are an organized group helping flood victims and would like to attend this benefit so people with needs can find you, please call 607-651- 6382. 'The Provision' is an exciting way to be a part of the CALL for help. Even if the only thing you can provide is a hug and a listening ear, it's important to be there!
Enjoy a concert with the bands Reasons Fail, Cry of the Scapegoat, and singer/songwriter Kraig Moss as they bring a message of Hope! Several local flood relief and mission organizations such as CHOW (bring non-perishable food items to donate), Binghamton Rescue Mission, and Broome County Council of Churches will be attending and providing information and help. If you are an organized group helping flood victims and would like to attend this benefit so people with needs can find you, please call 607-651- 6382. 'The Provision' is an exciting way to be a part of the CALL for help. Even if the only thing you can provide is a hug and a listening ear, it's important to be there!
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