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