CHOW, Food Bank team up to fight Broome hunger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by

David Robinson

Binghamton kicks off Restaurant Week Fall 2012

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weis Markets Launches Month Long Fight Hunger Program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Weis Markets

Local food banks to benefit from Weis Markets drive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by

Debbie Swartz

 

Weis Markets launches month long fight hunger program

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

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

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

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

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

Council of Churches' golf tourney rescheduled

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

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

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

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

— Staff report

2nd Annual Crusin' Pallooza

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

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

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

Admission was free for the three day event.

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

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

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

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

By Adam Chick

Cruisin' Pallooza at county fairgrounds this weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Council of Churches to hold golf tourney

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

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

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

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

— Jennifer Micale

Guest Viewpoint: Sowing seeds for a bountiful Broome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by

Danielle Nierenberg and Stephanie Buglione

 

West Side Neighborhood Project to hold music fest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by    Nancy Dooling

Good Shepherd Village donates to CHOW

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

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

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

CHOW Orchard Needs Help

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

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

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

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

Annual St. Patrick's parade set for Saturday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First Friday to feature Irish themes, dance, new venues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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