MY TOWN A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE Aug 2020 Issue

MY TOWN A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

Aug 2020

V-J Day August 14th-15th, 1945

75th Anniversary

Thank you The Spirit of 1776 for your Ser vice

Downtown Binghamton 1909

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agazi m N W O T Y M

Brought to you by John Vallone & Lisa O’Keefe Consultant: Louise Vallone

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.

Story /Photo ideas please write: jvallonecr@aol.com Advertising inquiries contact: Lisa O’Keefe at mytownagreatplacetolive@ outlook.com 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.

Cover by: Lt. Victor Jorgensen USN Photo Journalist - US archives - Kissing The War Goodbye. / Times Square.

Published in The New YorkTimes. Aug14, 1945 National archive #80-G-377094 Naval Historical Center #520697.

Trivia: Photograph is of Greta Zimmer Friedman being kissed by Navy Sailor George Mendonsa. This is 1 of 2 famous photos by different photographers. The 2nd photographer was Alfred Eisenstaedt for Life magazine.

Community Billboard

B r o o m e

C o u n t y

Hope you all enjoy this month’s special on the Cinema

This V-J DAY

Wishing a Very Happy Birthday to a beautiful lady of the screen

We’d like to thank all our WWII Veterans for answering the call when the world needed you.

Aug 14-15, 1945 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ALAN! LOVE KATE

Carol Anne Love Always, Mom & Dad

Rhonda Fleming!

Happy Birthday Mom!!

Loving you always, Sally & Tim

Best Wishes Tommy on your new job!

Love Alice

Gio V’s Viscotti The Gourmet Soft Biscotti

(607) 798-0658

Viscotti-Biscotti.com From our family to yours, we wish you all, good health and happiness

Serving the Public Since 1961.

www.vitalisauto.com Come see us on FB

Growing up in this great community you come to know so many of the businesses here as so much more than a place to shop or the services they offer.

You get to know them as your friends and places and people you are proud of. There are so many great businesses that come to mind from today and yesterday that have helped shape our community.

The F. W. Woolworth Co. 5 and 10 Cent Store was one of the greatest chains ever to come to Binghamton. Pictured here is the day of it’s opening on April 8th, 1922 at 83 Court St. Thousands of people came to the opening with a grand reception the day before complete with a 6 piece orchestra and even the owner Charles S. Woolworth in attendance. Growing up here Woolworth’s was always a favorite destination downtown with an incredible variety of items to choose from and even a lunch counter stretching down the length of it’s State St. wall.

Yes, our stores and all who worked them over the generations have come to mean a lot to us all. They are an important part of our neighborhood and one reason why this is such a great place to live.

Here’s just a few of the great businesses, our Community Patrons, we’d like to share with you this month & thank for being here for us.

Ellis Brothers, inc. Fine Home Furnishings, Vitli Auto Exchange, The Grapevine Cafe and Tea Lounge, Kovarik True Value Hardware In all the things these great businesses do in the community we wanted to let you know they are also helping us raise funds for The Danielle House.

The Cinema Main Street, USA

As you head across the street to the theater you capture the flashing lights of the marque framing in big letters the movie you are about to see and the even bigger than life stars lit up in bold letters. As you buy your tickets and hand them to the usher you are immediately drawn to the unmistakable warm aroma of buttered popcorn made in just such a way that no one can refuse. You and your date walk into the dark theater viewing room with all the necessary refreshments in hand while scanning the room in a search for those two perfect seats which will give you the ideal view of the show... which is about to begin any second. Success!! You see the seats you want and make your way thru the isles apologizing to others as you maneuver past them to claim your seats with pride. After a brief settling in and positioning of your snacks, drinks and of course yourself, you’re ready for the show of shows to begin. And none to soon as the screen magically comes to life with cartoon snacks marching across the screen to remind you of the refreshments in the lobby just in case you might have forgot something. And here we go, the first of a few previews begins to let you know there are a lot of other great shows coming soon, each one a must see. A pause. The theater gets quiet with the aid of a few well placed shhhhhes. And the Feature Presentation begins!!!

Hold on, because for the next two hours Hollywood has put together a great script and incredible stars to bring to you a story you will always remember!

And so it has been for all of us from the days of silent movies, thru the Golden Era and right up to today. Going to the theater was as American as Baseball and Apple Pie. Hollywood held such amazement and wonder for us. The larger than life stars did more than entertain. They made us proud, they shared with us a story as only they could tell it. And when we went to war they went right with us; in the movies, serving in the armed forces like Jimmy Stewart, Clark Gable, Paul Newman, Tony Bennett and Mel Brooks as well as helping to raise war bonds and entertaining the troops with the USO. Yes Hollywood, the stars ,and all of us were all on the same team. We were all Americans doing what was needed.

Whether we were overseas or back home we were proud to be Americans and proud of our stars. Some of us even dreamed of getting our big chance and being discovered. We wanted to know them. And in many ways we did know them. They were our friends, our heroes. We cheered them on and rejoiced in their victories. They became part of us. And with the advent of television they were happily invited into all our living rooms every night to share a tale or two.

Hollywood was magic and all the stars were our heroes on the screen and off. To all of them we would like to say thank you. Thank you for everything you gave us and continue to still give us whether it be from reruns or something new.

“Welcome to Sherwood , my lady.”

I like to think these words spoken by Errol Flynn to Olivia De Havilland in the 1938 Warner Bros. classic “The Adventures of Robin Hood” were the first words Olivia heard in Heaven spoken again by Errol, her familiar leading man, after leaving us this past month. She truly was a lady on and off the screen. Her talent and person defined Hollywood thru its Golden Era from her first movie in 1935 and on through the decades. To watch her on the silver screen was to love her.

Her unforgettable roles in The Adventures of Robin Hood, Captain Blood, Gone With The Wind, To Each His Own, Santa Fe Trail, The Heiress and Snake Pit not to mention the 42 other feature films she made plus dozens of television features gave us front row seats into the woman and one of the most remarkable actresses of the century. And still yet, for centuries to come we can be thankful that Olivia will continue to live on as we see her in the roles she has shared with us so often for so many years. Thank you Olivia for all you have given us. And with the closing scene of the fore mentioned movie may I repeat the words of their surrounding cast: “Long live Robin Hood! Long Live Lady Marian!

I am proud of all the people and businesses in Broome County as they remain faithful in their own personal mission to make this a great place to live. Their stories evoke strong emotional responses to all who read of their tireless efforts to give back. And it is with pride that I tell you another one of those stories. A story about a business that has been impacted by COVID, but rather than social distance itself from helping others their website has a banner reminding people to make a donation to CHOW for as they say on the website “there are a lot of people in need and CHOW is a tangible way to share God’s love”. Their website is cinemasaver.com and the Cinema Saver owner is our own Amber Gregory from Endicott.

Amber “graduated from UE and Binghamton University with a BS in Applied Social Science, but instead of getting her Masters in Social Work, she opened and ran The New Ritz Theater on Clinton St. in Binghamton. It was a one screen theater that was doing great until the weight from a massive snowstorm forced the bearing walls of the theater to blow out, collapsing the roof, and subsequently putting her out of business. “It was lucky though in one regard. It happened at 10am & at noon the theater would have been filled with people as I was showing “The Little Mermaid” at that time.”

Amber said after she closed, her sister bought the equipment and opened the $1.50 Cinema in 1994. “I bought the theater from her in 1998 and it became Cinema Saver. Afterwards I also bought the building. I expanded from 2 to 3 screens, then a few years later to 5 screens and added party rooms so the theater could accommodate the demand for movie birthday parties. Cinema Saver isn’t one of the big theaters, but it’s got a lot of charm and a mom & pop feel.”

And now once again Amber is faced with a hit to her business, this time due to COVID. And although still temporarily closed as of August 1, Amber and her husband Bruce (a retired 4th grade teacher at Woodrow Wilson in Binghamton) know they will make it. “I’m not sure how long COVID-19 will keep our doors closed for regular business, but we are certainly sure we can outlast it!” because as she says she can’t imagine doing anything else anywhere else. My husband and I “stayed around here because we like the area” and we are committed to not only our business but also giving back to our community during the good times & bad.

DO YOU REMEMBER THESE THEATERS ?

Can can you match the movies up with the theaters they played in? Do you remember who you went with...Share your memories on our FB page.

RITZ THEATRE Clinton Street, Bing.

1910? -1994

V DRIVE-IN Vestal Pkwy E, Vestal 1958-1991 CAPITOL THEATER Exchange Street, Bing. 1927–1966

RIVIERA THEATRE Columbia Theatre Stone Opera House Chenango Street, Bing. 1892-1978

CINEMA ENDICOTT The State Theater End./ 1939–1993

FRONT DRIVE-IN Upper Front St. Bing 1949-1963

CREST THEATRE SUBURBAN THEATRE Main St, Bing. 1928-?

THE FORUM THEATRE Binghamton Theatre /Capri Theatre Washington St, Bing. 1920-Current

CAMEO THEATRE Robinson St, Bing 1928–2002 BINGHAMTON PLAZA CINEMAS West State Street, Bing. 1971- 2002 JARVIS THEATRE /LAUREL THEATRE Main St, Bing. 1913 - 1963

TOWNE THEATRE Lyric Theatre /Endicott Performing Arts Ctr. Washington Ave End. /1917-Current

LYRIC THEATRE/THE BIJOU THEATRE Water Street, Bing. 1890’s-1940’s/50’s OAKDALE MALL CINEMAS J. C. / 1975 – Early 2000’s AIRPORT DRIVE-IN Airport Rd. J.C.1961-1990’s REGUS THEATER Chenango St, Bing. 1915-1951

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Adventures of Robin Hood (‘38) The Wizard of Oz (‘39) Gone With The Wind (‘39) Casablanca (‘43) It’s a wonderful Life (‘46) Cinderella (‘50) West Side Story (‘61) The Godfather (‘72) The Sting (‘73) Jaws (‘75) The Rocky Horror Picture Show (‘75) Rocky(‘76) Star Wars (‘77) Close Encounters of the Third Kind (‘77) James Bond The Spy Who Loved Me (‘77) Raiders of the Lost Ark (‘81)

SYMPHONY THEATER Chenango Street, Bing. 1913-1953 STAR THEATRE Chenango Street, Bing. 1908-1951 ART THEATRE Vestal Ave, Bing. Circa 1926-2004 REGAL BINGHAMTON STADIUM 12 / CINEMA 12 Front Street, Bing.

1999-Current

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (‘82) Do the Right Thing (‘85) The Goonies (‘85) Rain Man (‘88) Boys in The Hood (‘91) Jurassic Park (‘93) Forrest Gump (‘94) Braveheart (‘95) Titanic (‘97) The Fast and Furious (‘01).

Fellowship of the Ring (‘01) Avatar (‘09) The Wolf of Wall Street (‘13) The Martian (‘15) Dunkirk (‘17)

The Golden Age of Hollywood Celebrating the Birthdays of so many great stars who have brought us endless hours of thrills, romance and laughs on the big screen and TV.

Happy August Birthdays to one and all !!!

Nehemiah Persoff Aug 2nd, 1919

Patricia Marmont Aug 9th, 1921

Micheline Presle Aug 22nd, 1922

Rhonda Fleming Aug 10th, 1923

Sara Luzita Aug 11th, 1922

Arlene Dahl Aug 11th, 1925

Betty Lynn Aug 29, 1926

L.Q. Jones Aug19th, 1927

Ann Blyth Aug 16th, 1928

Vera Miles Aug 23rd, 1929

Joan Weldon Aug 5th, 1930

Nita Talbot Aug 8th, 1930

Sean Connery Aug 25th, 1930

Barbara Eden Aug 23rd, 1931

Elsa Cardenas Aug 3rd, 1932

Abby Dalton Aug 15th, 1932

Lori Nelson Aug 15th, 1933

Julie Newmar Aug 16th, 1933

Gary Clarke Aug 16th, 1933

Debra Paget Aug 19th, 1933

Ted Donaldson Aug 20. 1933

Geoffrey Horne Aug 22, 1933

Tommy Sands Aug 27, 1937

Warren Berlinger Aug 31, 1937

Connie Stevens Aug 8th, 1938

Nina Shipman Aug 15th, 1938

George Hamilton Aug12th, 1939

Jil St. John Aug 19th, 1940

Tuesday Weld Aug 27th, 1943

Lydia Reed Aug 23rd, 1944

Johnny Nash Aug 19, 1940

Patty McCormack Aug 21. 1945

And so many others like Dodie Heath Aug 3rd, 1928 - Mary Ellen Kaye Aug 29th, 1929 - Mara Lane Aug 1st, 1930 - Myrna Hansen Aug 5, 1934 - Donnie Dunagan Aug 16th, 1934 - Paul Hampton Aug 20th, 1937 Almut Berg Aug 16th, 1938 - Patrick Adiarte Aug 2nd, 1943.....

Where Are They Now?

Kevin Bernhardt Looking across the bar at the Esprit in Binghamton I saw one of my friends, Kevin Bernhardt, come in. Kevin was one of those guys you were just proud to know. And whether you have been friends with Kevin for years or just met him there is something that just stands out about this charismatic guy Whenever you talk to him, he just makes you feel better about yourself. He has a genuine interest and care for others that lends itself to who he is.

That night it was little surprise to hear him say he was leaving to go pursue acting and writing. For many who might try their hand in cinema you may give your best wishes. But for Kevin… you just knew this Binghamton University graduate was going to make it big.

“While building a career as a writer Bernhardt supported himself as an actor, with contract roles on GENERAL HOSPITAL and DYNASTY, followed by numerous ‘bad-guy’ leads in films such as Clive Barker’s HELLRAISER. He studied in the small master acting class of Stella Adler herself. Bernhardt has also taught SCREENWRITING and PRODUCING as a guest at numerous schools including USC and FAMU/Prague.”

Today he is a successful American screenwriter, film actor, television actor, and producer. Since the late-nineties, Bernhardt’s work on some 30 very different screenplays resulted in produced films. They range from more independently-minded entertainment such as THE IMMORTALS to the critically-acclaimed PEACEFUL WARRIOR (based on the best-seller) – but are mostly projects of a more commercial fare such as THE ART OF WAR and (JOHN) RAMBO. These screenplays have attracted Academy Award winners and nominees including Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer, Donald Sutherland, John Lithgow, Nick Nolte, Djimon Hounsou, and Sylvester

Stallone. Other prestigious notables include Kevin Bacon, Michael Shannon, Patrick Swayze, Orlando Bloom, Chris Rock, Wesley Snipes, Charlie Sheen, Dolph Lundgren, Matthew Goode, and Ben Foster among many others.

There was a lot that drew Kevin into this life in Cinema. “Though it’s not easy to admit - initially it was more about how important ‘I’ wanted to feel as an actor. But at some point it became more about how I wanted to make ‘an audience’ feel, as a screenwriter. So for quite a long time, the acting became secondary, although my continued study of it helped me to improve as a writer. At some point, they began to help each other as well. Overall, those bright lights have a lot to do with getting someone into this business. But in order to stay, one must grow as an artist and more so a person, when those lights are off.”

You might also be interested to know that growing up Kevin’s favorite actor was one of Hollywood’s great leading men, Paul Newman. As far as a favorite movie… “Once you have been immersed in this business for too long, you have many favorites. There are varying reasons for which one can appreciate films, and as such it would be like trying to choose between a favorite painting from among the old masters. But if you just break them up by genre - here a few favorites of mine: Among spiritual films - Malick’s “A Thin Red Line.”

Pure action sci/fi - the best for me is still “The Matrix.”

Horror is between Kubrick’s “The Shining” and Alfredson’s “Let The Right One In.” Sci-Fi is Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

Period drama/action is Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now” or Anderson’s “There Will Be Blood.” And of course Malick’s “Tree of Life.””

Kevin’s latest screenplay Echo Boomers (with Michael Shannon and Alex Pettyfer) will be released in 2021. The film Medieval will also be released next year, in which he stars opposite Michael Caine and Ben Foster. The film depicts - the true story of Jan Zizka, who never lost a battle protecting the Protestant faith. Kevin is also presently writing a comedy with the Oscar nominated writer and actor John Cleese.....

Because the two of them decided - that at this point, there’s not much the world can do, except laugh.

Thanks Kevin for sharing a bit of your story with us.

See you in the movies brother!!

Kevin is represented by Anonymous Content, Photo Courtesy of EYE WANDER PHOTO.

We have some great antique stores in the area that you’ll have tons of fun exploring. With history going back hundreds of years you’re sure to find something that speaks to you.

TREASURE HUNT ANTIQUES ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

300 Clinton St. 607-797-4995 Binghamton, NY 13905 607-765-343 Leave Message Like us on Facebook Call Ahead to check Packed Full of Treasures...enjoy the Hunt!!

HOURS: Wed - Sat 11am to 5pm

HICKORY & DOC ANTIQUES & GIFTS

CHRIS KEHOE PROPRIETOR HICKORYDOC1212@AOL.COM

607-222-6805 169 MAIN STREET AFTON, NY 13730

FACEBOOK.COM/HICKORY&DOC HOURS: TUES - SAT 10-5

V-J D AY

August 14-15, 1945 Quite possibly the most important day in US history as well as that of the modern world for this is the day that World War II came to an end. On this day millions took to the streets to celebrate the end of this tragic conflict that took the life of so many fathers, sons, mothers and daughters. From train stations just like our own in downtown Binghamton countless families and loved ones said their goodbyes not knowing if they would ever see each other again. Each day solemn crowds gathered downtown to read the list of casualties praying their sons and fathers were not on the list. For many there was a sigh of relief. For others tears. All of the United States was in this fight together.

It didn’t matter what your nationality, color, religion or politics were.

We were all Americans. This was a fight that had to be won or the world would be lost. The United States, our way of life, our families... all would be lost. The battle was fought over seas where 11 million US soldiers, sailors, airmen, doctors and nurses risked their very lives for a free world with many never returning home having sacrificed all and being buried on distant shores. The battle was fought here in the states where millions went to work relentlessly in manufacturing and other capacities to make what was needed for the effort. The battle was fought at home where everything from sugar to meat to even rubber was rationed in every home while any money that could be spared was used to buy war bonds so that our soldiers overseas would not run out of supplies. And Hollywood too pitched in for our men and women in uniform to raise moral and money while many of them put on a uniform themselves to fight the fight that had to be won. An entire country joined together. An entire country shared in the tragedy with sorrow coming to the doorstep of everyone. And on this day, August 15, 1945, all came together in the streets in every city and every state across this great country and around the world to celebrate the end of this tragic war.

And when we see our seniors or walk by a memorial let us take the time to truly be thankful for all they did to save us. For that senior, those that that memorial pay tribute to, were once young with hopes and dreams of their own. They were once young and fought for our future with too many never returning home to be with their families again. They were once young and put away their youth and dreams to save a world.

Let us hope that we never forget them and what they did for us all.

God Bless them all.

New Yorkers celebrate the war’s end in Time Square

Spotlight

Dr. Linda Biemer

Want to know the secret to a long and happy life? I do too! But it is something we all learn in due time and it is something that is deeply personal and unique to each one of us. For Dr. Linda Biemer, 78 of Good Shepherd Villages in Endwell, the answer is to “take one day at a time, one step at a time; learn at least one new thing every day; appreciate each day for the good that it offers and the challenges it presents to work on; and of course the old Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you... while also leaving this world a better place.”

Dr. Biemer is a person who doesn’t allow moss to grow under her feet. Her accomplishments are vast including being appointed

by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to serve on the Binghamton University Council. This past honor was bestowed on her because of her accomplishments in academia. A path which had its modest and informal start when she was 8 years old and set up school in her backyard teaching the neighborhood kids because she thought they should continue “to learn and not waste their summer.” Her later formal recognition in academia includes, but absolutely is not limited to, being a past Dean of the former School of Education and Human Development at Binghamton University, a published author of numerous academic books, papers and academic journals and an International presenter at more than one hundred workshops. Her list of accomplishments, if displayed, would seem almost endless but Linda is so much more than just academia – she is someone who is committed to helping this area to continue being great and excel into the future.

Somehow with all her other commitments that she was known to accomplish flawlessly she also found the time to be a past President or member of a vast array of not-for-profits such as the Binghamton Rotary, WSKG Board of Trustees, the Klee Foundation, the

Binghamton Philharmonic, the YWCA, the Urban League, Children’s Home, Broome County Historical Society, the AVRE Foundation, Good Shepherd Fairview Home, League of Women Voters, Broome Community College Foundation, Phelps Mansion Museum, Advisory Council for the Graduate School of Education at Binghamton University & the Civic Education Advisory Board at Broome Community College.

And she was recognized with the Girl Scouts - Indian Hills Council, and received the Woman of Distinction Award in 2000. Linda is happy to say that she has seen a lot of change in this area and “All good ones: increased arts community; increased racial and ethnic diversity; the wonderful growth and expansion of Binghamton University.” Linda says the need to give back rests on everyone’s shoulders including her’s, her 4 grown children, 2 grandchildren and several other quasi-adopted children and their children.

It is not surprising to find that Linda comes from strong roots. Her great-grandmother was the first woman to vote in her town and “I wish I had been born at the time to have been a suffragist.” Linda is “involved in politics for good government, appreciate the arts (although I have no talent whatsoever), walking (I walk 8 miles a day), promoting Broome County and its wonderful racial and ethnic diversity, its arts and performing arts community (TCO, BPO, all of the theaters), Binghamton University and SUNY Broome.”

Linda Biemer a person for who My Town magazine is proud to have as our Spotlight story.

We’ve Got Talent

Dan Thompson

You may remember some of the art Dan Thompson shared with our magazine like the December 2019 cover. This month we are proud to share with you a little bit more of Dan’s life and to also announce his show at The Bundy Museum of History & Art this month. And so here begins Dan’s Story: “In my early years like most kids I would draw and color. (The crayola 64 pack was released in 1958 so by this time it was all the rage). I loved the Sunday paper and after church I’d be reading the comics. Not Surprisingly my first artistic role model became the famed Peanut’s artist Charles Schultz.

I received encouragement early from elementary teachers (F.P. Donnelly, Conklin NY) although my dreams were to play baseball. I later learned of my inability to hit a curve ball. I think they noticed a talent underlying and by Junior High things clicked for me artistically. Seeing art on albums, comic books, mad magazine, skateboard magazines, and wacky packages inspired me to draw on anything that was in front of me. A 9th grade Susquehanna Valley math teacher once said to me “ I know you have time to show your work…. you drew a nice portrait of me standing in front of the blackboard.” (funny the things you remember). Dorothy Barrett was the SVHS art teacher and I signed up for every possible art class there was. I remember she had entered a piece of my artwork into a regional Roberson Art Show and it received an award.” I loved drawing and even though my baseball dreams did not pan out I still loved playing baseball and other sports like basketball and track & Field. I even held the high jump record at school.

In the early 1980s there was a high demand for commercial illustrators, this was primarily because digital photography and Photoshop hadn’t happened yet. I was able to gather some excellent experience by moving to Dallas Texas and working as an apprentice illustrator. I learned I had the ability to achieve as a professional artist but knew I still had to learn more. At night I would read business books like “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” and took design classes at North Texas State. I dug into the work and the American dream. I strived to live a life of purpose and balance spiritually, economically, socially and physically. I loved making goals and striving to achieve them. I did miss track and field though. The closest replacement was distance running and I trained and ran the Fort Worth marathon.”

The next few years would see Dan achieving many vocational successes in art, management and food & beverage He had become a successful Commercial Artist designing work for Ground Round, the IBM Credit Union, Mincolla, Edigans, Maines, Columbia Mutual and various banks. Through all of this he still found time to volunteer and give back by providing free art and direction to one non-profit a year.

“When the recession hit I decided I would get a job bartending at a golf course and

wouldn’t you know it Vestal Hills Country Club was the first job I applied for and they hired me. I loved this job. I learned so much from Ron and Missy Dunham.

Freelancing art work started coming back and at the end of my first year at VHCC I was offered the assistant managers job. Vestal Hills changed my life. I was very happy. I balanced my art with my hospitality career. Then I decided to do something that shocked everyone. I stopped being a professional artist and 100% pursued golf management. It took me to jobs in Ormond Beach Florida to Groton NY. Hard work and less pay but I loved it. BTW they ended up having great menus and brochures as a bonus as well as a committed manager.

My life would then take a drastic turn. After a fall on the ice Drs discovered a severe spinal injury in 2011. I had neck fusion surgery. Post surgery Drs discovered an underlying issue because I wasn’t healing properly. I had the disease Ankaloysing Spondylitis. The damage was severe, I have 20% strength on my left side and 60% on my right. Today in 2020 I use canes and wheelchairs to get around. Post surgery I would draw and sketch in a recliner teaching my hands to work with my brain again.

It took a while to realize going back to work wasn’t in my future. After three years of drawing for therapy I felt I was back into a position to show my work. I began doing illustrations that I wanted to do… sports, automotive, portraits, scenery, fanart and developing a style suitable for tablet art. I wanted to develop a style. I reviewed artists from the 40s thru the 80s and also a contemporary artist whose career impressed me.

Now, with encouragement from my family and friends I have a gallery show at The Bundy. The work in this show is different than the commercial work that I did through the years. I wanted to choose techniques that were honoring my favorite era the 80s and capturing my heroes styles of the golden age of illustration. You’ll see influences of Maki, Amsel and Leroy Neiman and 40s pulp art in my choices of color and art strokes and Bob Peak (my Micheal Jordan) in my backgrounds. This fusion of creativity and my own techniques is what you’ll see in my pieces. Yes, It’s a covid restricted no crowd deal. See bundymuseum.org for times and virtual tours. My show is also promoted at “#dantheman607show “. To see my art there is no charge but you can enjoy the full Bundy Museum buildings tour for a $10.”

“I wanted to say thank you to Bundy for everything, and am looking forward to this & future shows.

Many of you knew of our plans for a much bigger event with cosplayers, bands, live drawing activities with a gas & oil day, along with animal art day having Ross Park Zoo animals and even a kids coloring day.

Like other festivals unfortunately covid-19 did it’s damage to change things. I plan on this being the 2021 DANtheMAN607show. Look for details on FB.”

Wishing all of our students and teachers a great, safe school year!

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Did You Know

Need a reason to Celebrate..

Here’s a look at some National Holidays that you might not have known about.

Aug 1 National Respect for Parents Day Aug 2 National Family Day Aug 3 National Grab Some Nuts Day Aug 4 National Chocolate Cookie Day Aug 5 National Work Like A Dog Day Aug 6 National Rootbeer Float Day Aug 7 National Purple Heart Day Aug 8 National Garage Sale Day Aug 9 National Spirit of 1945 Day Aug 10 National Lazy Day Aug 11 National Son’s & Daughter’s Day Aug 12 National Vinyl Record Day Aug 13 International Left Handers Day Aug 14-15 National VJ Day Aug 16 National Tell A Joke Day Aug 17 National Thrift Shop Day Aug 18 National Fajita Day Aug 19 National Soft Ice Scream Day Aug 20 National Radio Day Aug 21 National Senior Citizen’s Day Aug 22 National Be An Angel Day Aug 23 National Sponge Cake Day Aug 24 National Waffle Day Aug 25 National Kiss & Make Up Day Aug 26 National Dog Day Aug 27 National Just Because Day Aug 28 National Red Wine Day Aug 29 National Chop Suey Aug 30 National Beach Day Aug 31 National Matchmaker Day

t e m s i K

Diane Durgin and Denny Sullivan

Sometimes you just know when you’ve found your perfect partner and best friend.

And for Diane and Denny what started with a friendship has taken them on an incredible journey that has now led them down the wedding isle.

It was 7 years ago that Diane and Denny first met as members of the Order of the Hibernians. “…we became quick friends. It amazed us both that we had so much in common, joys and sorrows.” This connection made the next step inevitable. It was when Diane was re-opening her exercise studio that Sully first asked her out to celebrate the occasion which thrilled Diane. She was secretly hoping he would ask her out. And so this romance and great friendship took it’s natural course. “One of the many things we found we had in common was a love of movies, so our first dates were simply getting together and watching. Our first of many dinners out was at one of our favorite places, “The Beef”. “ “That was 5 years ago. Since then we have discovered so much about each other! For instance before Den retired from the Binghamton Fire Department as their Historian, he was searching for family members of the first firefighter killed on duty in Binghamton in 1898 at the age of 21. With a bit of research we found out Firefighter Frances Hahar, was a distant relative of my Mother! In the last 5 years we packed in hiking, bike

riding, traveling, countless movies and tv series, and laughed so much together that we just knew we had each found the perfect partner and best friend.”

And… “One morning last year Denny got down on one knee (which was no easy task-it has since been replaced) and asked me to marry him...no brainer... Our wedding was Saturday July 18th -a traditional Celtic wedding ceremony at St Joseph’s Church in Friendsville, commonly called Irish Hill. We had a two week tour of Ireland planned which has been put on hold until travel is safe, but we look forward to taking a few weekends to tour historical sites and take some bike rides!”

“We both feel that our finding each other at this point in our lives was a “God given gift”. We feel so appreciative to have a future together with our combined 6 children, and my 5 grandchildren.

Den has become Grampa Denny!

We also thank God for our amazing group of wonderful friends that surround us.”

And that my folks is a beautiful story of how when we find the right one we’ve also found our best friend.

The Don Giovanni Show Listen Live Saturdays for Goodtime Italian Oldies & Sunday with Sinatra 8-Noon

www.thedongiovannishow.com & Free on the IHeartRadio App. Studio Request Line call/text to 607-222-8454

Tune your Radio Sat & Sun 8am-noon to iHeartRadio US96.9FM WINR 680AM

Your Neighbor Joe Schuerch History is all encompassing - providing a link between what has been and what is to come. It is the unbreakable chain that links to “our cultural, educational, aesthetic, inspirational and economic legacies all of the things that quite literally make us who we are” (Steve Berry).

So vast and overwhelmingly important is the duty to preserve our history in a fashion that excites others to embrace it as one does a longing hug that this duty must befall upon a person of the highest integrity and commitment. Accepting this responsibility is a responsibility that our very own Joe Schuerch and the team of volunteers at the Phelps do, to tell the history of the Phelps Mansion.

Joe is the House Manager for the Phelps Mansion Museum. His social media, marketing and outreach toolbelt never lays at rest. He is consistently working to promote the museum. Events and weekly guided tours at the mansion are one way to get people familiar with what the Phelp Mansion Museum has to offer. As one is being guided through the mansion, named after the Sherman Phelps who had it built during the Gilded Age, there is a feeling of being transported to another time. In fact when I did the tour I had to look out the window to gain perspective as for a brief moment I too felt as if I were living during the Gilded period.

To give such an interactive experience so as to “transport” another to a different time period requires skill. And for Joe this comes naturally.

He believes this is what he was always meant to do in life for growing up during his early childhood among the mansions of Newport, Rhode Island he was able to develop a great appreciation and unbreakable bond to these massive foundations of the past.

Joe believes history must be preserved but one must make connections to the present. Joe also takes the time to be a Big Brother at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Twin Tiers - time he believes is well spent. “To be a positive role model in someone’s life is a very rewarding opportunity.”

Broome County is a better place because of Joe Schuerch. If you visit the Phelps Mansion Museum (their COVID guidelines are on their website) be sure to thank Joe for his dedication.

The Best is Yet To Come Summer has always held special times in B.C. with so many great events like the Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally, the Dick’s Open, Saint Mary’s Bazaar, Gusto and so many others. Although many of our events have been interrupted for safety concerns, know that the people behind the scenes are working hard for any upcoming possibilities. So make sure you follow your favorite events for updates, new dates and accomodations like the Take Out event for Gusto to name one and the many live performances and BBQ’s planned throughout the month. Listed on the opposite page are just some of the fun events you can still catch this summer. See you there!!

Spiedie Fest Photos Courtesy of Randy Gumaer

What’s Happening AUG 5, 6, 13, 20, 27

. Summer Concerts

~George W Johnson Park Endicott

AUG 8

. Doug’s Fish Fry Pop Up Event ~B.C. Humane Society . Music in the Glen ~Glendale Park Endicott . Brittany Rose ~Vestal Museum . Beard of Bees ~Tap House 66

Aug 9

. Summer Safari at Ross Park Zoo . The Cutler Flea ~Broome County Regional Farmers Market

Aug 11

. Tuesday Track at Johnson City High School Track

Aug 15

. Love Drives Us . .

A Community Caravan ~SUNY BROOME Music in the Glen ~Glendale Park Endicott Brooks BBQ, B&B Kettle Korn and Bottle Drive Fundraiser! ~Every Dog’s Dream Adoption Center JC

Aug 16

. TCRC Sunday Group Run ~Weis Market Endwell

Aug 22

. The Shambles ~McGirks

Aug 26

. Gusto! Italian Festival Take Out ~Little Italy Heritage Center

Aug 28

. Mercy House Tony DelNero .

Memorial Golf Tournament ~En-Joie Golf Club Annual Church Garage Sale ~Tracy Creek Mem. Church

Aug 29

. Custom Teacher Framed . .

Farmhouse Wood Sign Class ~Uncorked Creations of Bing Southern Tier Gymnastics Academy 20-21 Tryouts ~ Endicott Carolina Moonlight ~Tap House 66

Aug 30

. Clams for a Cause ~Mountain Top Grove . Poker Run 2020 ~Vestal Coal House

Aug 31-Sep 4

. Science of Magic (Grades 4-6) ~Roberson Museum

As with all events please check dates, times and safety requirements with the venue ahead of time.

Dates may be delayed pending our country’s current health concerns.

Bartender of the Month

Tonya Pierce

Walk into Cacciatore’s on Harry L. Drive and you may just meet our August Bartender of the Month Tonya Pierce. Besides good company, a great smile and fantastic drinks you may even hear her sing a song or two.

Tonya grew up in Apalachin, New York where she went to Owego Free Academy. After High School she attended Wilkes University and Buffalo State where she studied Physical Therapy. But something else also caught Tonya’s attention in college. This is where she first started bartending and realized just how much she liked everything about it like the fast pace, multi tasking and the social aspects. She liked it so much that she has been bartending now for 17 years. At Cacciatore’s she loves being able to come into work and spend time with so many of the great regulars here while also making some new friends. Sadly though the Covid Pandemic has affected us all in so many ways. While bartending of course there are new guidelines which must diligently be put into place to keep everyone safe, but its something we all do gratefully for our guests, friends and each other. It’s all worth it when you get to see the smiles on your regulars as they come on in for a bite to eat and a cocktail or just some take out. It’s really something special to be able to enjoy your job and all the people who surround you. The next time you’re out why not stop on by and say hi to Tonya… and maybe even take her up on that song.

FOOD & DRINK From all of us to all of you...

You’re in our thoughts & prayers.

Stay Well. Stay healthy & Thank you for all your support over the years.

We love our community!!

The Beef Restaurant & Pub Moxie Wood Fire Grill

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

62 Leroy St. Bing. 729-2333

Your destination for classic American dishes served in a cozy, upscale casual setting. You’re going to love us. 998 Conklin Rd Conklin 237-0779

Cacciatore’s Restaurant

The Park Diner & Restaurant

The Best Steaks, Veal, Seafood, Chicken & Pasta in the Area! Where customers & employees become family. 119 Harry L Dr. J.C. 798-7699

Clinton Street Cafe

It’s all about family! Come in & see why generations have made this their stop for great food & sharing good times. 119 Conklin Ave Bing. 722-9840

Phil's Chicken House

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

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

Di Rienzo Bros. Bakery & Deli

Red Oak Restaurant & Diner

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

152 Henry St. Bing. 722-1220

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

The Grapevine Cafe'

Southern Tier Cheesesteak Co.

Where charm, incredible food & great people come together.

Plus craft beer, wine & more!!

220 Main St. JC 729-1000

A premier culinary classic street food experience like no other. Eat in, take out & catering. 9 Washington Ave. Endicott

Irish Kevin’s

The Wine Cellar Tavern

Irish Tradition redefined. Enjoy Amazing Music, Hearty Food & Drink, Friendly Banter. 7days/wk 47 Riverside Dr. JC 237-0188

Vestal's Neighborhood Tavern!

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