MY TOWN A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE February 2020 Issue

MY TOWN A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

vio a D y l i Em ang W x e l &A

Free

FEB 2020 ISSUE 22

Brought to you by John Vallone Lisa O’Keefe Contributing Writers Get The Look by Niki Crow Consultant Louise Vallone Advertising inquiries contact: Lisa O’Keefe at mytownagreatplacetolive@ outlook.com For all other Inquiries/Story or Photo ideas please write to: jvallonecr@aol.com

MY TOWN A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE takes a look at the people who make up the area, at work and at play. Together Binghamton, Endicott, Johnson City, Endwell and Vestal with our neighbors have grown together on the same path sharing a bond of one past, one present and one future.

This family of cities and towns have so many great stories to tell.

Here at MY TOWN we’re glad to be able to share a few of them with you each month. If you have a story you think your neighbors would like to hear please let us know and maybe your story will be here next.

MY TOWN is published monthly & distributed free throughout the Greater Binghamton area. MY TOWN reserves the right to refuse to sell space for any advertisement it deems inappropriate for the publication. All content of this magazine, including without limitation the design, advertisements, art, photos and editorial content, as well as the selection, coordination and arrangement thereof, are Copyright (C) 2018-2020, MY TOWN A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this magazine may be copied or reprinted without the express written permission of the publisher.

Follow MY TOWN A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE group on Facebook. This magazine is for entertainment value only. The views/opinions expressed may not be those of the magazine or its management & staff.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Community BillBoard B r o o m e

YOUR AD HERE Birthdays,

Anniversaries etc...

only $20.

Businesses, reach thousands for only $30.

Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church

Friday Dinners see our ad inside

Happy Valentine’s Day Paula W.!

Love Always, Johnny Happy Birthday

Diane Turock!

Be My Valentine Tracy

Happy

Valentine’s

Day!

Mad Hatter Antiques 284 Clinton St. Bing (607) 729-6036

Happy Valentine’s Day Cindy!

Love Kevin Alice... Be My Valentine!

Love, Allen

A great place for Breakfast & Lunch.

The BEST Sausage Gravy in Binghamton!

52 Clinton St.

Love Always, John

Happy

Valentine’s Day!

Joey

COFFEE WITH A CAUSE 254 Washington St.. Bing.

The Elks Lodge

Emporium Feb 2 & 16 8a-3p 45+ Antique & Collectible Dealers 223 Front St Owego Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

Treasure Hunt Antiques 300 Clinton St.

Wishing my Laura a very Happy Valentine’s Day. Love always, Chuck

Connie's Place

ACME Cash Register

797-4995

Love, Your Family!

Clinton Street Cafe

C o u n t y

Family Hair Care 286 Main St Johnson City

Providing Cash Registers & POS Systems for 40 years!

Products & Support to keep your business running.

238 Main St. JC

For the Love

of Beef & the Perfectly Poured

Guinness

Merry Christmas Amy Love Mom & Dad

Serving the Public Since 1961.

www.vitalisauto.com Come see us on FB

*Always check w/ the business, venue, & event etc... for details, accuracy and changes.

If you’re having trouble getting to healthcare appointments, let us help you‌

Getthere is your one-stop transportation and mobility call center. Staffed M-F 7am-7pm by Mobility Transportation Advocates, we are eager to help anyone with travel needs or questions.

Call the Getthere Call Center at 1-855-373-4040 if you need help to get there, or check us out on the web: www.gettherescny.org.

Getthere is a program of Rural Health Network of South Central NY.

Dave Smith Bartender of the Month We’re very happy to kick off our first Bartender of the Month for 2020 featuring one of Binghamton’s own, Dave Smith. You probably already know Dave from a great west side bar called Abel’s where he has been part of the pub’s family since 2011.

Born in Ohio, Dave’s family moved to Binghamton in 1969. You may remember his parents Dick and Noni from the Cider Mill from 1976 till 2006. Attending West Jr & Central, Dave loved being on the school’s football team. There’s a lot of great team memories there with friends that he still sees today. There was also always a lot of school pride which coincidentally lent to a great backdrop for Dave’s photo here in front of Central’s Bulldog and framed jersey. Adding to his sports background Dave also played Lacrosse his junior and senior years.

After high school Dave attended BCC and SUNY with studies in creative writing and political science. Staying in Broome County he has had a great career in food and beverage working in the past at some of the area’s favorite places like Copperfields, Bogarts, The Turf Exchange, and Kampai before coming to Abel’s nine years ago. Although retirement in some years to come sounds pretty nice, Dave will happily share with you that he is in no rush. What better job can you have than one that allows you to be with so many great friends each day. And when retirement does come he added he’ll still be here.... just on the other side of the bar sharing some stories with his friends. Thanks for everything Dave and thanks for sharing a bit of your story!

FIT CO N E S S RN ER

Liam Wagner

23 year old Liam Wagner from Binghamton is an inspiration for others to live their life by for he is someone who believes disability is a matter of perception and not something that defines him. Liam’s motorcycle accident years ago left him in a wheelchair but as he says “the chair doesn’t define me.”

Not surprisingly people describe Liam as a driven man who doesn’t let anything stand in his way. And with his can-do attitude Liam has excelled at whatever he puts his mind to including skiing. “I started adaptive sports last December, skiing at the adaptive program “Greek Peak Adaptive Snowsports” or GPAS. For me personally staying physically active is an absolute necessity. Being in a wheelchair I struggle burning the calories I once did running so becoming overweight again is a very real possibility for me.

I also notice how it effects my mood. If I don’t workout or do something active every day I feel it the next day (sluggish, depressed) and I fight to never feel those feelings.”

Liam says he has doubled down and spends much of his free time training in the gym for skiing. “I took to monoskiing faster than I and many others imagined possible with the help of my fantastic coaches Ryan and Matt Weston. I will begin competing this February at a race at Windham Mountain and in March I was invited by Disabled Sports USA to a private race camp at Stowe Mountain shortly after.”

When Liam is not skiing or preparing for competition skiing, he can be found working at CuBeD Naturals, a local CBD Manufacturing company or spending time with his “amazing and supportive girlfriend Emily Arnold”.

Liam Wagner is someone who does more then search for positivity - he lives it!

SUNY Broome Basketball Here’s some photos from SUNY Broome’s games against Tompkins Cortland. Tron Smith was the high scorer for the men with 21 points followed by Noah Economides with 18 and Christian Sage with 17. The women won their game led by high scorers Miya Ritchie paving the way with 18 points, Vivian Ladd with 14 and Daisy Allen with 11. There’s still time to catch a game this February so come out and support your home teams.

GO HORNETS

A woman clothed in strength and beauty I had the honor of meeting an exceptional woman today. Her name is Isabella Kumpan Ferenczi and she is 101 years old or as she liked to say at the time of our meeting “101 years old, 3 months and 5 days”. But it is not her age that makes her exceptional. It is her life’s path.

Isabella’s earlier years mirrored the life of other immigrant families in this area but it was in later years that her unique path took shape.

Isabella was born and raised in the 1st Ward of Binghamton. She was one of 5 and was taught the importance of work by her mother who worked at the Cigar Factory on Clinton Street and her father who worked at the Flat Iron Company until his rheumatism progressed to the point he was crippled and his family needed to take care of him.

Upon graduating from Binghamton Central High School in June of 1937 Isabella showed the world she had the strength to be her own person – to make her life’s journey uniquely hers. Unlike other women who were making the transition between high school

graduation and marriage a short interlude, Isabella entered into the workforce, in a field that was not as known for women. Having passed the Regents Bookkeeping class she was offered a position at East Junior High School at $15 a week. From there she went on to Woodrow Wilson Elementary School and then to 98 Oak Street where all the financing for the District was done. And then she pushed the envelope further and was named to another position –Air Raid Warden. Assigned to the Dickinson to Elm St area, and equipped with a whistle and flashlight she ensured that everyone’s lights were out at night to prevent against anyone being the target of a bombing attack on our soil during the War. She also was tasked with keeping everyone off the streets, stopping all traffic and assisting people in need if there was to be such an incident.

Her wartime efforts also included working at the Ration Board to dispense coupon books for things such as beets and sugar.

Then in December of 1942 she married a man from her neighborhood who was in the Air Force and upon his honorable discharge from service they settled back in the area and Isabella continued to prove her worth in the workforce by working at Freije Electric on Clinton Street for 17 years and then Broome Community College in the Registration Department for another 17.

Isabella has shown the world that a woman can be strong in whatever path she decides to travel including the path to help others.

She has worked at the Chow Pantry and has been instrumental at the Main St Baptist Church, where she has been a member for 90 years.

Isabella is a strong, God loving woman who still manages all her own finances and needs little help from anyone. She has redefined what it means to be a strong woman of beauty. And I am fortunate to have met her.

Young At Heart with

Isabella Kumpan Ferenczi

Cortese Restaurant once again was the perfect location hosting a fund raiser with Greek Peak Adaptive Snowsports. “For Decades Greek Peak Adaptive Coaches have provided Adaptive Equipment, Instruction and Life changing Opportunities to the brave and adventurous people with special needs and a heart for Snow Sports!” There’s a lot to be proud of in a community that came out in such great numbers for this great cause. Walking thru the doors you couldn’t help but be taken in by the good will from all and of course the aroma of Cortese’s incredible Italian food and the music of Ultra Vibe. Just a great job by all! Thank you Greek Peak Adaptive Snowsports for all you do and thank you Cortese Restaurant and all those who came out in support!

On The Town

K I S M E T A Chance Encounter: Rebecca & Kevin McManus

You never know what life has in store for you. Picture Kevin M. McManus Sr. 20 years ago he was coaching a UE boys JV basketball team and against all odds pulled off a win against a 1st place team. One would have to believe that win would be one of the highlights of his life but what happened later that night made this win pale in comparison. For you see it is this night that he met Rebecca (Butchko) McManus. After the game he decided to go to The Golf Gallery in Endicott and saw an old high school friend named Carla Butchko. “As Carla made her way to the dance floor she asked her sister Becky to hold her coat, and as it seemed so did the rest of their entourage. I asked if I could help her with all of these winter coats she was holding, and before you knew it I asked her for her phone number and called her for a date the next night and we’ve been together ever since.” Kevin said a week later his friend Mike Dean told him “you’ve got a girl who meets you and your friends out to watch football, is dressed down in jeans and wearing a golf hat and looks great in it, and she is a lot of fun. If I were you I’d get a rock on her finger and marry her.” Three months later Kevin and Rebecca got engaged at sunrise on the beach in Ocean City. Marriage has allowed Kevin to “just be myself for the first time in my life. For 20 years she’s brought out the best in me and we are raising 3 really super kids together (Kevin Jr., Taylor and Brooklyn). And we have a true partnership and work well together on our relationship and our family. We are blessed with a great system of support in our two families and we enjoy being together. I think we are raising some great kids. Becky chose to stay home and raise them and I really think it’s important to acknowledge the true sacrifice she made for the sake of our children. I am hopeful they appreciate all that their mom did to make them who they are today.”

As for his wife Becky she said “Some say, you don’t know what you have till it’s gone. I like to think, you don’t know what you’re missing, till you have it.”

Loving LEOPOLD’S

214C Reynolds Road, Johnson City, NY • 607.203.1869 (Behind Friendly’s & in front of Court Jester) W W W. C H O C O L AT E S BY L EOPO L D . C O M

Learn to Ballroom!

Alex & Emily of the Binghamton Ballroom Dance Association were on hand to host an incredible dance class at the Broome County Regional Farmer’s Market. If you want to learn to dance & have fun you have got to come to one of their classes. Everyone here was just fantastic! Such a great class and group of people in attendance! BBDA is Binghamton University’s Premier Ballroom Dance Team & with people like Alex & Emily you know you are going to have a great time. Thanks all!

Spotlight

Rachel Murat

Countless famous quotes have been recited in speeches about the value of a good teacher for it is a teacher’s influence that shapes the minds and actions of their students for eternity.

With such endless power many have asked what makes a good teacher and I believe the answer lies in a story I will tell about a Social Studies teacher at Maine Endwell High School for Rachel Murat has all the earmarks of not only being a good teacher but a great one.

Rachel is not a native of this area. Rather, after she received a BSED from Ohio University and a MASS from Binghamton University she moved to Endwell when she was offered a teaching job in Social Studies at MEHS, the same place she teaches at today.

“I had never been to this area before as I grew up in Hamburg, which is a suburb just south of Buffalo. I met my husband, David, here in 1999 and we were married in 2001.” And although her father was a teacher in the Hamburg Central School District for 37 years Rachel admits the one thing she didn’t want to be was a teacher. “I have several in my family and thought that I needed to do something different to make my mark. I originally went to college in the pre-law program but when my advisor told me there were more people in law school than practicing lawyers I realized maybe that wasn’t what I wanted to do. My junior year in college I needed to pick a major and decided I had always liked social studies classes so maybe I would try the college of education to pursue my teaching degree. I was in my first two weeks of classes when I realized that this was what I was meant to do.” And it is this profession that Rachel finds one of the most meaningful parts of her life. “The students that have come into my life over the past 24 years are not only what inspire me but also make this job so rewarding. We have such an awesome community and I’m so very lucky to be part of it. There are so many stories of students who have turned their lives around and stayed in touch and I think that is one of the best parts of my job.”

And although Rachel is too modest to say, My Town knows it is her influence and foresight that has not only helped turn students lives around for the better but also has made this a great

place to live. For example, Rachel has inspired her students to do good in the community through such avenues as a course she developed and had implemented entitled ‘Digital Citizenship’.

“Digital citizenship and digital leadership are very important, although I don’t like to separate them from non-digital forms of citizenship and leadership. Being a good citizen and a leader on and off line should not be different. I think it’s important to show students the impact that they can make and the positive ways they can interact with people online instead of focusing on the negatives.” But Rachel’s efforts to shape students into leaders in the community for the goal for good doesn’t stop with Digital Citizenship as she had also founded the popular Maine-Endwell Assisting Local Spartans program in September of 2009. “I challenged my Participation in Government class to come up with a service project that would allow their influence to go beyond their time at M-E. One of my students came up with the idea of a food pantry and we took it from there. There are hundreds of students involved each year between the four buildings. The students hold fundraisers, foodraisers, help me shop, help stock the pantry, pack the deliveries, pack the cars for deliveries and so much more. I could not help meet the needs of our Spartans in need without the hard work of our students, alumni, staff and community members. The MEALS Program has expanded beyond just a food pantry program. We have a Spartan Garden, we do school supplies, socks and shoes as well as adopt a family and outreach for emergencies.” Rachel adds “I couldn’t do what I do without the support of such an amazing community.

I have been blessed with the best job in the world and in the best community!!”

Rachel we are grateful to have you in our community and teaching our children not only Social Studies and government but also in how to make a positive difference in the lives around them.

Sacred Heart

UKRAINIAN Friday Dinners Time 4:30 to 6:30 pm

Sacred Heart Church Hall 230 Ukrainian Hill Road Johnson City, NY

Ukrainian Dinner

3 Potato Pyrohy 2 Holubtsi 1 Soup 1 Dessert & Beverage

Fish Dinner

3 Potato Pyrohy 1 Pc Fried Haddock 1 Soup 1 Dessert & Beverage

Dinners $12.00 or A La Cart

TAKE OUT ORDERS For Pyrohy & Holubtsi Call (607) 797-6294

Directions: Airport Rd. to Lower Stella Ireland Rd. to Republic St. to Ukrainian Hill Rd. Rt turn

For more information call the Rectory at 797- 6293 - www.sacredheartucc.org or visit us on Facebook

Sat Feb 29 The Forum 607-772-0400 Tri-Cities Opera

Carla DelVillaggio Call 607-238-1123 for a free In Home Consultation

AtHomeHelpofBinghamton.com

Affordable, Professional Home Care You Deserve

Let At Home Help provide you or your loved ones independence and dignity by providing non-medical care services in the familiar surroundings of home. The Care You Need- In 24 hrs a day/ 7 days a wk The Home You Love Companionship-Alzheimer’s & Dementia CareMedication Reminders-Grocery Shopping-LaundryHospice Support-Overnight Care-Meal PreperationHouse Cleaning & other tailored services

LEAP YEAR february 29 Yes! It’s finally here! Leap Year. The day made famous in America by Al Capp’s Li’l Abner’s Depression Era comic strip that included a bit about a foot race in which unmarried women would chase down and ask eligible men to marry them. This strip swept the imaginations of people throughout our country and became the basis for Sadie Hawkin’s dances and events across our nation. But Al’s idea wasn’t original. It is said to have its roots in Scottish history through faith based and legal enactments. Back in 1288 it is believed that a Scottish nun, St. Bridget, thought it unfair that women had to wait for their suitors to propose and demanded that St. Patrick make it possible for women to ask a man for his hand in marriage. St. Patrick yielded by making it acceptable only one day every 4 years on February 29. Also during this year Queen Margaret enacted into law ‘Leap Day’, a day set aside when a woman could propose to a man and if a man were to deny her hand in marriage he had to pay a fine. It is said that many men would either welcome or hide on that day if they saw a woman approaching them wearing a red petticoat, which was the warning she was about to pop the question.

Now I know what you are thinking. That was then and this is now and now women are as recognized and as able as men to equally do anything in life they want including the act of bending the knee . . . but are your right? Recently CBS did a survey that found that although 75 percent of the people asked thought it was acceptable for a woman to ask a man to marry only 5 percent of the marriages in the past ten years were the result of a woman proposing.

So perhaps we still need this day for its tradition, for its fun festivities and for love – a love declared by a woman for the person that she wishes to spend the rest of her life with.

I for one am looking forward to this day and plan to make it special. How about you?

x

Wishing all our Neighbors a Very Happy Valentine’s Day ACME Cash Register Co.

Kovarik True Value Hardware

Community Bank N.A.

You can always find the right products 276 Clinton St. Bing. 729-0802

Connie’s Place

Southern Tier Cheesesteak Co.

Clinton Street Cafe

Treasure Hunt Antiques

Giving you the perfect business tool 238 Main St. J.C.. 798-1014 You’ve got a Friend in us!

23 Riverside Dr., J.C. NY 644-1270 Family Hair Care & Salon 286 Main St. J.C.. 798-0394

A great Americana Diner.

52 Clinton St. Bing. 724-9927

The Grapevine Cafe

Your home table in Johnson City 220 Main St. JC 729-1000

Mad Hatter Antiques

Unique One-Of-A-Kind Antiques 284 Clinton St. Bing. 729-6036

Culinary classic street food like no other.

1237 Upper Front St. Bing. 217-5176 See why it’s a Treasure Hunt 300 Clinton St. Bing. 797-4995

Vitali Auto Exchange

Serving the community for 59 year 236 Main St. J.C. 797-7900

Neighborhood Chef

Linda DeAngelo Lidell

.....

One of my fondest memories growing up in an Italian household, was waking up on a Sunday morning to the smell of sauce cooking on the stove. Whatever was going on in my life at the time, good or bad, this would always give me a sense of comfort and belonging. I have continued on this Italian tradition and more in my home with my husband and son. One of my favorite dishes to share that gives me the same sense of comfort is Risotto. I see that same excited, satisfied look on my family’s face whenever they smell my Risotto cooking on the stove, which gives me great pleasure knowing I can create the same feeling for them. Most Italian Restaurants do not offer Risotto so cooking it in my home for my family makes it that much more special. I am excited to share my creation with you in hopes that you can enjoy it as much as my family and I. Please take note that 99% of the time I do not measure ingredients but yet “create” with a pinch and a dash! I’ll be as precise as possible. ENJOY!

Shrimp, Asparagus and Mushroom Risotto……….

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil 1 Cup Arborio Rice 32 oz. Vegetable Broth 1 ½ cups shrimp, cut in half

1 ½ cups fresh Asparagus 1 ½ cups Shitake/portobello Mushrooms, sliced ¾ cup shredded sharp Parmesan Cheese Fresh Basil leaves, to garnish

-Heat the Vegetable Broth in a separate pot and then simmer.

-In a large pot heat the olive oil & then add rice stirring for a minute or so.

-Gradually add vegetable broth, a 1/2 cup or so at a time, stirring consistently.

-When the liquid has absorbed continue to add a 1/2 cup of broth, stirring continually. Set aside about a cup of liquid to cook remaining ingredients.

-Gradually add asparagus (blanched), mushrooms & shrimp w/ remaining cup of broth.

-Pour the shredded cheese on top and stir all the ingredients and continue to stir until all liquid is absorbed and everything is cooked.

-Garnish with 2 fresh basil leaves.

I always serve warm crusty bread with a dipping oil to accompany the Risotto.

Perhaps a glass of Vino as well

FOOD & DRINK

You’re going to love us!

The Beef Restaurant & Pub

For the Love of Beef & the perfectly poured Guinness. Stop in & make a friend. Live Music Wed & Thurs.

62 Leroy St. Bing. 729-2333

City Light Coffee

The Grapevine Cafe'

Where charm, incredible food & great people come together.

Plus craft beer, wine & more!!

220 Main St. JC 729-1000

Phil's Chicken House

A unique coffee house that provides a great space for meeting, studying, or hanging out with friends.

254 Washington St. 723-7430

Amazing Rotisserie Chicken BBQ Restaurant since 1965. Dine In or Out, Famous Catering. 1208 Union Ctr Main Hwy Endicott 748-6855

Clinton Street Cafe

Red Oak Restaurant & Diner

A Great American Cafe serving Breakfast and Lunch - Come in for the BEST Sausage Gravy anywhere!! 52 Clinton St. 724-9927

Providing home-style meals since 1976. Stop in today and see what everyone is talking about! 305 Front St. Bing. 722-0440

Di Rienzo Bros. Bakery & Deli

Southern Tier Cheesesteak Co.

Great Pizza, Baked Goods & Fried Fish. Open 7days/wk. Across from Rumble Ponies. Look for the truck!

152 Henry St. Bing. 722-1220

A premier culinary classic street food experience like no other. Eat in, take out & catering. 1237 Upper Front St. Bing. 217-5176

Grandes Ristorante & Pizzeria

The Wine Cellar Tavern

Classic Italian Cuisine & NY-Style Pies, plus Subs & a Salad Bar in unpretentious surroundings 1250 Upper Front St Bing 723-9011

Vestal's Neighborhood Tavern!

Meet friends for a drink, catch a game or just unwind. Weis Plaza Rano Blvd. Vestal 797-6960

A Look at the Artist

Joseph Q. Daily Beginnings

The Portrait Train

Born in 1981 to two freelance illustrators, I have been making pictures for as long as I can remember. My early interests were in comics & cartooning ... until 10th grade, when a fantastic art teacher opened the door for me into the world of carefully observed, representational drawing (thanks, Mrs. Jewett). I went on to study painting at the School of Visual Arts (BFA 2003 Illustration), where classes with Marvin Mattelson laid the foundation for my work as a naturalistic painter.

I sold my first painted portrait while still in college, but after graduating, I was only able to sustain a trickle of commissions and soon resorted to a stint at house painting in order to stay afloat. With my last bits of spare time and money, I painted a full-length show-portrait of my then-fiancée’s father.

Several months later, the painting ended up winning both Best of Show & The People’s Choice Award at the Portrait Society of America’s 2005 Competition.

A fortuitous meeting with Minnie S. Churchill – director of the (Winston) Churchill Heritage and keynote speaker at the event – threw a struggling career into swift success. Over the next five years, I completed more than 80 commissioned portraits in the U.S. and the U.K. It was a wild ride.

Love & Loss

Along the way, my marriage to Kathryn provided a wealth of experiencing. In our five years together, we collaborated together in a number of ways – for a time even experimenting with painting on the same canvas. Our love for each other and gratitude to our Creator inspired dozens of personal pictures, some of which I consider to be my best works to date. But ultimately, Kathryn and I didn’t manage to find our way together ... and in 2010 she moved on.

A New Chapter

Every difficulty in life offers new opportunities in its wake, so long as we remain open to see them. Here in Vestal, I forged a special working relationship with my good friend, neighbor, and framer, John Cadorette. Our website ArcadianSpaces.com showcases some of our work in artistic construction. And

in time, love bloomed again – Maria and I were married in September 2016, and our happiness has already opened up beautiful new possibilities. Between portrait commissions, we enjoy seeking out paintable scenes in the gardens, fields, and woods surrounding our home.

My Inspiration

The book In the Light of Truth: The Grail Message is a constant source of inspiration for me – both as a painter and as a person. This book has answered every burning question I have ever had about the purpose of art and the meaning of life.

In Gratitude

To my family, for supporting me in everything I have undertaken. To Marvin, for his invaluable technical guidance. To the Churchills, for their business, enthusiasm, and warm hospitality. To Kathryn, for taking care of me for five years. To John & Christa, for giving me a home. To Maria, for making my dreams come true. To GOD, for the gift of a conscious existence in Creation

Joseph Q. Daily

We’ve Got Talent

Beard of Bees

With over 1000 shows chances are you have already caught the Beard of Bees at one

of the many venues they’ve played in Broome County. But if you haven’t heard them there’s only one thing you need to know when you do…you’re going to have a great time! Whether playing as a trio, duo or with other bands these guys bring a lot of talent with them making it all look easy while having a lot of fun on stage.

So who are the guys behind the name Beard of Bees? On guitar and vocals we have Rob Perez. On bass and vocals there’s Ralph Pomeroy. (You’re going to love him on tributes to AC/DC). And there’s Jake McKinney, your drummer and also vocals. Just as a little band trivia, the name Beard of Bees came from a break down in a song they were playing which sounded a lot like a hive of bees.

With every great band there are years of hard work, practice & performing that comes into play. Rob, an SV grad, was introduced to music by his family. He started playing at 10 and playing at bars at just 15. He’s now been playing for 40 years. Ralph went to school in Susquehanna PA and started playing professionally in a band at just 15. He’s also been playing now for 40 years. Jake, who is also from Susquehanna was introduced to music by his father who was a musician. He’s been playing in bands since he was just 14. The one thing they all have in common besides the endless hours of practice is they were all self taught, showing the personal drive that each have for music.

It was in 1987 that Rob and Ralph met and started playing together. Rob was just 15 and Ralph 20. They “have spent many years writing and performing together in many cover and original projects including Trip Hammer, The Mob, the Stephan Lawrenson Band, The Bridge, and Triple X to name a few. They formed the Beard of Bees in 2007 with former drummer Steve Lawrenson. Jake joined them as the drummer in 2018.“ When you catch them on stage you can tell they’re having a great time playing crowd favorites in their own style like songs from Tom Petty, AC/DC, Pete Townshend, Johnny Cash, Elvis and even Neil Diamond where I can guarantee you’ll be singing along to Sweet Caroline.

So when you get a chance, check out their schedule, and go have a great time!

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What’s Happening . Family Game Day~B.C. Library . Winter Series Saturday Racing

Feb 14 Valentine’s Day

Feb 2

Feb 15

Feb 1

BMX~Grippen Park (Check all Feb Dates:1, 8, 15, 22, 29)

. Penguin Bowl 3~Ross Park . Binghamton Blizzards Girl’s . . .

Hockey Pancake Fundraiser. ~Applebees Binghamton Varsity Spirit Cheer Competition~Arena Super Bowl LIV Party~Relief Pitcher SuperBowl 2020~JC Bar & Grill

Feb 6

. Harlem Globetrotters~Arena . Harlem Globetrotters Magic Pass. Learn to spin a basketball with the Globetrotters~Arena

Feb 7

. Dinosaur World Live~ Forum . Valentine Murder Mystery Dinner.~Roberson . AsiaNicole Boutique 1st Annual Fashion Show ~83 Glenwood Bing

Feb 8

. Binghamton On Tap~Dbl Tree . UHS Glow Red Walk~Vestal Coalhouse

Feb 9

. Frozen 4 Miler~Newbsanity

. Valentine’s Day Date Night. ~Phantom Chef Endicott . 607 Comedy Dinner & Show ~Riverdale Banquet Hall

. Run With Your Hun 5k. ~Vestal Coalhouse

Feb 22 29

. Learn the Ancient Art of

Renaissance Mask making~BCAC

Feb 22

. 2020 Toy & Collectable Show ~American Legion Post 1645 . Broome County Parks Winter Fest~Nathaniel Cole Park

Feb 27

. 5th Annual Mac & Cheese

Contest~Holiday Inn Bing

Feb 28

. Freeze Out 5k. Highland Park . Binghamton University’s 5th Annual Drawing Marathon (24hrs)~B.U. Art Museum

Feb 29

. Blowing Sunflower Fundraiser for American Legion~Stilettos . All You Need Is Love Dinner Dance~Dbl Tree . Bing Devils vs Toronto ~Arena

*Always check dates & venue for changes & accuracy

ON SALE NOW

FEB. 4 & 5

MAR. 7 & 8

MAR. 29

MAY 5 & 6

JUN. 7

BroadwayInBinghamton.com ALL SHOWS AT THE FORUM THEATRE

A portion of the M&T Bank sponsorship will benefit the Broome County Arts Council