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WBNG: Hundreds Walk to Put Meals on the Table: Vestal, NY (WBNG Binghamton) - As the winter months approach, the d...http://bit.ly/cSs7hA
Sunday, October 17, 2010
WBNG: CHOW WALK
Hundreds Walk to Put Meals on the Table
October 17, 2010
Vestal, NY (WBNG Binghamton) - As the winter months approach, the demand on local food pantries increases. Eight hundred people came together today to help fulfill this growing need.
Action News Reporter Brennan Smith shows us just how much food one local mission is collecting.
Today is the big day for CHOW.
It's the 28th year in a row that the Community Outreach Hunger Warehouse is calling on hundreds to hit the pavement.
They're trying to raise as much food and money as possible.
"The winter months are pretty difficult for us so we really need to stock up our warehouse," said Director of CHOW Ed Blaine.
Last year CHOW was able to raise 6 thousand pounds of food. They're putting it in this truck and taking it to their warehouse. They're hoping for 7 thousand pounds this year.
"CHOW has a warehouse and it gets distributed through local churches and other food pantries," said CHOW Volunteer Ryan Francik.
And those are the groups that laced up their sneakers.
More than 60 teenagers showed up from the Church of the Holy Family.
"The world is in hunger. We have many many people who are in need, and this is a great way to show that we care. We are very fortunate in this country to have what we have and I think our youth recognize that. By coming out today in numbers like this shows that they do care," said Bernadette Repetto of Church of the Holy Family.
The walk followed a path around Binghamton University.
Those who made the trek say it was a way to make a statement.
"It gives you a good sense of accomplishment. You know you're helping a cause that's bigger than yourself, and there's a lot of needy people in the area this time of year especially, so it's rewarding," said Francik.
"We volunteer at a soup kitchen every week so we go out into the community and we see first hand a lot of people who don't have food so it's really important," said Jason Cutler of Vestal.
Walking to make sure a meal is on everyone's table.
In Vestal, Brennan Smith, WBNG-TV Action News.
Last year the warehouse raised 50 thousand dollars.
They're hoping to top that this year.
By WBNG News
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Friday, October 15, 2010
Mayor to Announce Restaurant Week Results
Mayor Ryan, Restaurant Owners and CHOW to Announce Results of Fall Restaurant Week
Print Story Published: 9:19 am
From the Office of the Mayor:
Mayor Matt Ryan will join restaurant owners and representatives of the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) to announce the results of the fall edition of Binghamton Restaurant Week at a news conference Friday, October 15th, 10:15am at the Lost Dog Café, 222 Water Street.
A portion of the proceeds from last month’s event are going to CHOW. A ceremonial check for that amount will be presented to CHOW representatives Friday.
http://www.newschannel34.com/content/developingnews/story/Mayor-Ryan-Restaurant-Owners-and-CHOW-to-Announce/LtF8IHgJS0KBHFlLSdzq_w.cspx
Knock 'Em Down for Ramp It Up
October 14, 2010, 10:53 am
The Broome County Council of Churches is holding the “Knock ‘Em Down for Ramp It Up” bowling tournament at noon Oct. 23 to raise money to build wheelchair ramps for the elderly and the infirm. The event will be held at Sunset Lanes in Kirkwood.
The tournament will include three games of bowling, shoe rental, food and beverages, gifts and prizes. The registration fee is $20 per person with four people on a team. The event runs until 4 p.m., with bowling starting at 12:30 p.m.
To register, call the Council of Churches at 724-9130 or visit www.broomecouncil.net.
— Jennifer Micale
http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20101014/NEWS01/101014019/Bowling+tourney+to+aid+ramp+program
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Knock Em Down for Ramp It Up
Up To The Minute News
Knock ‘Em Down for Ramp it Up Wheelchair Program
Print Story Published: 10/12 3:05 pm
A “Knock ‘Em Down For Ramp It Up” bowling tournament to raise money to build wheelchair ramps for the elderly and infirm or homebound will be held at 12 Noon Sunday, Oct. 23, at Sunset Lanes in Kirkwood.
“The money raised at this family event will help underwrite costs to build wheelchair ramps next summer through this youth initiative,” said Joanne Kays, program director of the Faith In Action Volunteers program of the Broome County Council of Churches. “Not only do we help the homebound have better access in and out of their homes, we help youth groups work with adult mentors to give back to the community and learn what it means to be a good neighbor.”
The ramps are built at no cost to the recipients, according to Greg Jenkins, co-director of the Ramp It Up program.
The bowling tournament provides three games of bowling, shoe rental, food and beverages and gifts and prizes through a competitive division or family/fun division. Registration fee is $20 per person with four people on a team. The public is invited to enter as a team. Call the Council of Churches at 724-9130 to register as a team, or download registration forms at www.broomecouncil.net. The event will be held from Noon to 4 p.m. with bowling beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Thirteen ramps were constructed this past summer at an average cost of $1,500 per ramp resulting in easier access for residents of these homes. The ramps were built by teams of volunteer youth groups, mainly from local congregations under adult mentors’ supervision.
http://www.newschannel34.com/content/developingnews/story/Knock-Em-Down-for-Ramp-it-Up-Wheelchair-Program/v4YH6PxKGUSoBZdiJLAQIA.cspx
Monday, October 11, 2010
Obituary for CHOW Volunteer
Louella (Locke) Lisi
Louella (Lou) or Mena to her friends, was welcomed into Heaven by God and her late husband, Felice (Pause) Lisi on Thursday, October 7, 2010.
Her parents also predeceased her. Mena is survived by her three children, Michael and Corene Lisi, Michelle and Tim McHale, Mario and Tonia Lisi; sister, Shirley Stevens; brother, Welly (Linda) Locke; grandchildren, that she was so very fond of that she never stopped shopping for, Michaela (John Clark), Frank McHale, Matia and Anthony Lisi; Mena insisted on spoiling and returning to their own parents as any good grandma would do, step-grandchildren, Tammy (Archie) Brace; Carrie Hagi; Stacie (Chrys) Wade; step-great grandchildren, Nicole, Gabriel, Elias, Keara, Tyler, and Christian, all who were very special and held a place in her heart; brother-in-law, Frank (Carol) Lisi, Jr.; numerous nieces and nephews. Even though we could not list them all, she never stopped talking about you, and she loved to talk, but you all left a place in her heart.
She retired from the City of Binghamton School District and was actively involved volunteering for CHOW and found great joy in knitting mittens for local schools and was known as the "Mitten Lady." Mena would also like to recognize some special people who might not have known how much they meant to her, Wes Smith and Mike Dorak. You are additional brothers to her children.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 11:00 AM from the James V. DeMarco & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson, NY followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to call at the DeMarco & Son Funeral Home Monday, October 11th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Tuesday, October 12th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider bringing your food donations or memorial contributions payable to CHOW at the time of service. All donations will be given directly to the Conklin Avenue First Baptist Church CHOW pantry where Mena volunteered.
"Mena and Pause" are now together. Rest knowing that your work here is done and we will finish what you started.
Louella (Lou) or Mena to her friends, was welcomed into Heaven by God and her late husband, Felice (Pause) Lisi on Thursday, October 7, 2010.
Her parents also predeceased her. Mena is survived by her three children, Michael and Corene Lisi, Michelle and Tim McHale, Mario and Tonia Lisi; sister, Shirley Stevens; brother, Welly (Linda) Locke; grandchildren, that she was so very fond of that she never stopped shopping for, Michaela (John Clark), Frank McHale, Matia and Anthony Lisi; Mena insisted on spoiling and returning to their own parents as any good grandma would do, step-grandchildren, Tammy (Archie) Brace; Carrie Hagi; Stacie (Chrys) Wade; step-great grandchildren, Nicole, Gabriel, Elias, Keara, Tyler, and Christian, all who were very special and held a place in her heart; brother-in-law, Frank (Carol) Lisi, Jr.; numerous nieces and nephews. Even though we could not list them all, she never stopped talking about you, and she loved to talk, but you all left a place in her heart.
She retired from the City of Binghamton School District and was actively involved volunteering for CHOW and found great joy in knitting mittens for local schools and was known as the "Mitten Lady." Mena would also like to recognize some special people who might not have known how much they meant to her, Wes Smith and Mike Dorak. You are additional brothers to her children.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 11:00 AM from the James V. DeMarco & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson, NY followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to call at the DeMarco & Son Funeral Home Monday, October 11th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Tuesday, October 12th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider bringing your food donations or memorial contributions payable to CHOW at the time of service. All donations will be given directly to the Conklin Avenue First Baptist Church CHOW pantry where Mena volunteered.
"Mena and Pause" are now together. Rest knowing that your work here is done and we will finish what you started.
PressConnects: Urban Farmers Pitch In For Global Event
Binghamton Urban Farm Project takes part in global environmental event
By Steve Reilly •sreilly@gannett.com • October 10, 2010, 11:20 pm
CONKLIN -- A group of young environmentalists celebrated a global day of action on Sunday by tending the soil beneath their feet.
On the brisk October morning, about 20 people -- many of them Binghamton University students -- gathered on a 7-acre farm by the Susquehanna River in Conklin to clear the land and plant garlic in preparation for the winter.
One acre of the farm -- a piece of land repossessed by a local community farming organization after it was destroyed by flooding in 2006 -- is devoted to the Binghamton Urban Farm Project, a mostly student-led effort to increase access to fresh, locally-grown produce in urban areas.
The project is an initiative of the local nonprofit group Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments, or VINES.
"This project is very much about creating affordable , healthy, safe organic food with -- and for -- the surrounding community," said Kate Cardona, coordinator of the project. "All of the food that we grow here will be used to that end."
Produce grown by the group is available at the Otsiningo Park farmers market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays through the end of November, and the group's farm stand at 16 Tudor Street in Binghamton is open from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays.
The group's work project on Sunday was planned to coincide with the "10/10/10 Global Work Party" organized by the climate change organization 350.org.
Farm manager Johan Jelsma said while he's "one of those people who wishes that every day was a global day of action," he was glad to see one day of that action take place at home.
"You can feel it, being here," he said. "Everyone just comes out and is willing to get down on their hands and knees to pull up weeds, and it's a beautiful thing."
http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201010100372
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Volunteer Quote
"While volunteering at The Council, I was looking for steady employment. When I received the good news that I was hired, a staff emember of the Churches graciously gave me a voucher to the Catholic Charities so I would have appropriate work clothing. I thank the Broome County Council of Churches for the experience that I needed to get a steady position, and I also Thank the Lord."
Henrika Podolak, a former general volunteer for the front office
Henrika Podolak, a former general volunteer for the front office
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Pipe Dream Article about their Food Pantry
FEATURE: Food Pantry
Published: October 05, 2010
Nicole Palermo/Contributing Photographer
Tucked away in the kitchen of the Financial Aid office is Binghamton University’s food pantry, a confidential place where students can get food in any situation of need and not worry about being judged, according to Patti Donahue, associate director of financial aid.
“We started this for emergency purposes only, for students that did not have enough funding or extra money,” Donahue said.
Chris Knickerbocker, the director of financial aid at the time, founded the food pantry in 1991. She found her inspiration within the student body, when a student approached her who could not go home for Thanksgiving break.
“He came to me and asked about food. He didn’t know what to do,” Knickerbocker said.
Knickerbocker contacted the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW), and they donated two bags of groceries to the student. Knickerbocker decided that she did not want to have to work through CHOW each time a student needed food.
The pantry first received donations from the Student Affairs office and at the annual staff holiday party, said Knickerbocker, who is now director of student affairs assessment and strategic initiatives.
In addition to food items, the pantry also includes items for babies and certain staples such as toiletries and brown paper bags.
“But also, someone once told me, just don’t give staples,” Knickerbocker said. “People need to enjoy their life so we put cake mixes and things in. It may be something someone might think isn’t necessary but people like to have something beyond the essentials.”
The food pantry received many of these improvements the first semester it started, according to Knickerbocker.
Donahue, who has worked in the financial aid office for the past seven years, said it hasn’t changed much since that semester, and even though it has been around for almost 20 years, it has not changed drastically in size either.
“We kind of keep it under wraps because we don’t want to have tons of students coming in here just because; we want it to go for those in need,” Donahue said.
The people who do use the pantry are kept anonymous.
Although bags were previously tracked for inventory purposes, Donahue said there is currently no tracking to respect the student’s privacy.
“We never asked if they were a student, we didn’t pry because we just didn’t want to,” Knickerbocker said. “We thought it was hard enough for them to come in the first place.”
Knickerbocker said she wants students to know it is there to use, and she hopes other students who do not have the need that others do will donate instead.
“If any student organizations are thinking about donating to CHOW, think about our students first,” Knickerbocker said. “I think we have this vision of who our students are, and metro New York may be well off, but we also have students that don’t come from places like that.”
Messages are sent out on Dateline, a faculty and staff e-mail newsletter, before the winter holidays and various times throughout the year, and donations are accepted year-round.
“I’d love there to be no need for a food pantry, but as long as we have need I think we should serve our students well,” Knickerbocker said. Alexandra Abel
Assistant News Editor
http://www.bupipedream.com/Articles/FEATURE-Food-Pantry/15728
Volunteer Walkers Still Needed for Chow Hunger Walk
Last Update: 10/04 12:03 pm
From Broome County Council of Churches:
As CHOW continues to face increased demands for food, the hunger-fighting agency still has pledge envelopes available for volunteer walkers who want to help raise money at the 28th annual CHOW Hunger Walk on Sunday, Oct. 17, to help feed the hungry.
“As CHOW continues to face challenges raising more money than ever to fight the hunger problem in our community with a 25% increase in demand for food, we need more walkers than ever to meet this need,” Deacon Edward Blaine, CHOW program director said. “Our community has always responded in our commitment to feeding the hungry—we know they will come through again this year as we prepare for the winter weather when demand increases for even more food to feed those in need.”
Pledge envelopes are available at the Broome County Council of Churches which operates CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse) at 3 Otseningo St., Binghamton, on the south side of Binghamton near the Tompkins Street Bridge and Webster Street. Call the Council’s office at 724-9130 for more information and directions.
The Hunger Walk will be held as usual at Binghamton University on Oct. 17 and will begin with registration at 1 p.m., followed by a 2.5-mile walk around campus kicking off at 2 p.m. Refreshments, food, entertainment and children’s activities will follow the walk.
Walkers can bring the pledge packets and money they collect to the Hunger Walk. Anyone who collects at least $50 will get a free tee shirt. Local youth and church groups are encouraged to participate since the event is a family affair. Much of the volunteer help is provided by Binghamton University student groups.
The purpose of the Hunger Walk is to build up food inventories for the winter, typically a demanding time for CHOW. The money collected for the walk is used to buy food to stock 30 food pantries located at churches and congregations spread throughout Broome County so those in need will not have far to travel to get food.
Each month, CHOW provides food for about 3,000 people, with nearly half of them children.
http://www.newschannel34.com/content/developingnews/story/Volunteer-Walkers-Still-Needed-for-Chow-Hunger/cuQdRMjsNECUFryQQ1Do6w.cspx
Last Update: 10/04 12:03 pm
From Broome County Council of Churches:
As CHOW continues to face increased demands for food, the hunger-fighting agency still has pledge envelopes available for volunteer walkers who want to help raise money at the 28th annual CHOW Hunger Walk on Sunday, Oct. 17, to help feed the hungry.
“As CHOW continues to face challenges raising more money than ever to fight the hunger problem in our community with a 25% increase in demand for food, we need more walkers than ever to meet this need,” Deacon Edward Blaine, CHOW program director said. “Our community has always responded in our commitment to feeding the hungry—we know they will come through again this year as we prepare for the winter weather when demand increases for even more food to feed those in need.”
Pledge envelopes are available at the Broome County Council of Churches which operates CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse) at 3 Otseningo St., Binghamton, on the south side of Binghamton near the Tompkins Street Bridge and Webster Street. Call the Council’s office at 724-9130 for more information and directions.
The Hunger Walk will be held as usual at Binghamton University on Oct. 17 and will begin with registration at 1 p.m., followed by a 2.5-mile walk around campus kicking off at 2 p.m. Refreshments, food, entertainment and children’s activities will follow the walk.
Walkers can bring the pledge packets and money they collect to the Hunger Walk. Anyone who collects at least $50 will get a free tee shirt. Local youth and church groups are encouraged to participate since the event is a family affair. Much of the volunteer help is provided by Binghamton University student groups.
The purpose of the Hunger Walk is to build up food inventories for the winter, typically a demanding time for CHOW. The money collected for the walk is used to buy food to stock 30 food pantries located at churches and congregations spread throughout Broome County so those in need will not have far to travel to get food.
Each month, CHOW provides food for about 3,000 people, with nearly half of them children.
http://www.newschannel34.com/content/developingnews/story/Volunteer-Walkers-Still-Needed-for-Chow-Hunger/cuQdRMjsNECUFryQQ1Do6w.cspx
Monday, October 4, 2010
Facebook: Reentry Concert
Obituary from Donor - Contributions towards CHOW
Betty Louise Wheeler
After a loving and fulfilling life, Betty Louise Wheeler, of Endicott, NY, entered into God's arms on September 28, 2010. She was the beloved wife of Earl Wheeler who predeceased her in 2008 after 58 years of marriage. She was the loving mother of six children and their spouses, Linda and Brian Watson, Richard and Kimberly Wheeler, Michael and Terry Lynn Wheeler, Thomas and Susan Wheeler, Nancy Wheeler, John and Kelly Wheeler; as well as the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren, Daniel Savich, David Savich, Allison Watson, Katie Wheeler, Chelsea Wheeler, Morgan Wheeler and Paige Wheeler. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Adrien Terrenoire; her brother and sister-in-law, David and Lorraine Cassidy; sister-in-law, Joyce Cassidy; brother-in-law and his wife, Gary and Susan Wheeler; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her parents, Mildred and Howard Cassidy; her brother, Richard Cassidy; and sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Roy Shear. Betty also loved those she considered her other "sons and daughters", to include the families of Gene Raymondi, Dan Wahila, Rich Olson, Ron Olivera, Dan Yager, Mark and Lynn Radley, and Kenneth and Heidi Belles; and was "Gramma Betty" to many, to include Ron Carter, Justine Belles, Jennifer and Jason Orr, Kadianne Francis, Kevin Radley, Lisa Radley, Luciana Ferreira, Dee Dee Atway, and Danielle Podrazil. She wished to also remember Steve Smith, Thelma and Austin Belles, Drs. M. Epstein, M. Yalamanchili and Z. Shaw, as well as the staff of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital ER and ICU units. She is remembered fondly by those that knew her desire to live life to its fullest, her good humor, her spirituality, and her musical passion for Engelbert Humperdinck. Betty was a graduate of the State Teacher's College at Oneonta, NY. She was retired from the Union-Endicott School District after 20 years of teaching. She was a lifelong member of the PTA, and charter member of Our Lady of Good Council Church. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 1:30 pm from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, West Main Street, Endicott. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Thursday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Betty's honor may be made to CHOW, 3 Otseningo Street, Binghamton, NY 13903.
Published in Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin on September 30, 2010
After a loving and fulfilling life, Betty Louise Wheeler, of Endicott, NY, entered into God's arms on September 28, 2010. She was the beloved wife of Earl Wheeler who predeceased her in 2008 after 58 years of marriage. She was the loving mother of six children and their spouses, Linda and Brian Watson, Richard and Kimberly Wheeler, Michael and Terry Lynn Wheeler, Thomas and Susan Wheeler, Nancy Wheeler, John and Kelly Wheeler; as well as the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren, Daniel Savich, David Savich, Allison Watson, Katie Wheeler, Chelsea Wheeler, Morgan Wheeler and Paige Wheeler. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Adrien Terrenoire; her brother and sister-in-law, David and Lorraine Cassidy; sister-in-law, Joyce Cassidy; brother-in-law and his wife, Gary and Susan Wheeler; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her parents, Mildred and Howard Cassidy; her brother, Richard Cassidy; and sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Roy Shear. Betty also loved those she considered her other "sons and daughters", to include the families of Gene Raymondi, Dan Wahila, Rich Olson, Ron Olivera, Dan Yager, Mark and Lynn Radley, and Kenneth and Heidi Belles; and was "Gramma Betty" to many, to include Ron Carter, Justine Belles, Jennifer and Jason Orr, Kadianne Francis, Kevin Radley, Lisa Radley, Luciana Ferreira, Dee Dee Atway, and Danielle Podrazil. She wished to also remember Steve Smith, Thelma and Austin Belles, Drs. M. Epstein, M. Yalamanchili and Z. Shaw, as well as the staff of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital ER and ICU units. She is remembered fondly by those that knew her desire to live life to its fullest, her good humor, her spirituality, and her musical passion for Engelbert Humperdinck. Betty was a graduate of the State Teacher's College at Oneonta, NY. She was retired from the Union-Endicott School District after 20 years of teaching. She was a lifelong member of the PTA, and charter member of Our Lady of Good Council Church. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 1:30 pm from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, West Main Street, Endicott. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Thursday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Betty's honor may be made to CHOW, 3 Otseningo Street, Binghamton, NY 13903.
Published in Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin on September 30, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
It’s voting time again.
The CHOW Farm has begun its month of voting in the Pepsi Refresh Grant. We are asking for $50,000 to buy a 4 wheel drive power pick up. We need this type vehicle not only to go through the fields at the farm but also to pull a farm tractor behind it. We also have asked for a green house to begin our own seedlings, thus saving considerable money. We added a trailer to move equipment from one site to another and additional farm equipment that we regularly rent or borrow; tiller, brush hog, etc.
So please vote each day for the month of October. You have to first register if you haven’t already. Then bookmark our page and it will be a 30 second activity each day to vote for us. We have to finish in the top 10 to get our grant.
Thanks for your help.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Volunteer Quote
"Having experienced the Conklin flood of 2006 and been blessed by various food banks in the area at that time, I feel a closer kinship with the people who come to the CHOW pantry."
A CHOW Pantry Volunteer
A CHOW Pantry Volunteer
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