MY TOWN A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE magazine Issue October 2023

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*In grateful appreciation to all the stars, shows and film companies covered within. Photos & stories of celebrities and films and other articles within are either in the public domain, public knowledge, determined as fair use and/or researched through sources such as Wikipedia or from interviews and personal experiences. Photo credit to the following: Ryan Reynolds photo is credited CC BY 2.0 to Dick Thomas Johnson. Photo of Julia Roberts is credited CC BY 3.0 to David Shankbone. Photo of Richard Dryfuss credit Kingkongphoto & celebrity-photo.com. Photo of Spielbank Wiesbaden credit to Martin Kraft CC BY-SA 3.0. Sherwood Hotel photo credit to Kenneth C. Zirkel CC BY-SA 4.0. Our Thanks to one and all!

Oktoberfest

During the months of September and October all across the world Oktoberfest Celebrations find their ways to cities just like ours. The origins of this festival are really pretty simple but it may just surprise you. Believe it or not, this great celebration came out of the love of one prince for a princess. And so the story goes... Back in 1810 on Sept 12, Prince Ludwig of Bavaria wed Princess Therese. Such was the joy of the Royal Couple that they invited all the citizens of Munich, Bavaria to a Royal Festival held on the fields in front of the city. Thousands and thousands of people came to celebrate the wedding and enjoy the food, entertainment, horse races and wine & beer tastings. Even the children put on a show dressing in the traditional costumes of Bavaria. And so each year to honor the Royal Couple the festival took place and grew and grew to spread all across the world into what we have today... And now you know. So the next time you are celebrating Oktoberfest, lift your drink in toast to King Ludwig & Queen Therese.

DID YOU KNOW ?

TheAmericanGreat Diner

One of the truly great icons of Americana are the American Diners that have held their place on streets, corners, and highways all across America. We can all recall driving by them on highways with their nostalgic designs and neon lights promoting good eats while in our own hometowns they became a part of our every day life with incredible menues filled with homemade entrees and desserts to entice every appetite for patrons of every age from babes to great, great grandparents. The nostalgia, food and friendly atmosphere have always provided the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and get togethers with family and friends. Even just a cup of coffee while talking with your friends or waitress becomes an experience to look forward to. These roadside diners have truly become a part of our lives with traditions shared from generation to generation by the owners, staff and guests alike where everyone is a friend and always happy to see you!

A Tranquil Escape to Germany's Hidden Gem

by Chris Baker

Working at USAG Clay Kaserne for three months was a unique and enriching experience that allowed me to immerse myself in a vibrant military community in Germany. Situated in the beautiful region of Wiesbaden, USAG Clay Kaserne, also known as the Wiesbaden Army Airfield, serves as a significant hub for U.S. military operations in Europe. During my time there, I had the privilege of witnessing the daily life and operations of this important military installation.

Nestled in the heart of Germany's picturesque Hesse region lies Wiesbaden, a charming spa town that has captivated travelers for centuries. My recent trip to Wiesbaden was nothing short of enchanting, as I discovered a city that seamlessly combines tradition with modernity, offering an array of experiences for every type of traveler.

Wiesbaden is renowned for its thermal springs, and I wasted no time in experiencing the rejuvenating powers of these mineral-rich waters. The architecture here is a charming blend of half-timbered houses and elegant neoclassical buildings. Strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets, I stumbled upon quaint shops, inviting cafes, and artisanal bakeries that tempted my taste buds with traditional German treats like Apfelstrudel and Brezeln.

One of the highlights of my trip was a visit to the Wiesbaden Casino. As one of the oldest casinos in Germany, it exudes old-world glamour and sophistication. Even if you're not a gambler, the casino's stunning architecture and opulent interiors are worth the visit. I spent an evening here, sipping cocktails and people-watching,

feeling like a character from a James Bond film.

Food enthusiasts will appreciate Wiesbaden's culinary scene. The city boasts an array of restaurants, from cozy gastropubs to Michelin-starred establishments. I savored hearty German dishes like Rouladen and Sauerbraten, often paired with local wines from the nearby Rheingau region. The combination of rich flavors and exquisite wine made each meal an unforgettable experience.

In the heart of the Taunus Mountains, Idstein, Germany, is a picturesque town that effortlessly combines history, culture, and natural beauty. My visit to this charming gem was a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering a glimpse into a bygone era and a chance to immerse myself in the tranquil surroundings.

The Hexenturm (Witch Tower) is another intriguing attraction within the castle complex. It houses the Idstein Witch Trials Museum, which sheds light on a dark chapter of history when witch hunts were prevalent. The museum provides a thought-provoking insight into the superstitions and injustices of the past.

As a food lover, I couldn't resist sampling the local cuisine in Idstein. The town boasts cozy restaurants and quaint cafés where I indulged in hearty German dishes such as schnitzel and sausages. Pairing these delectable meals with locally brewed beer made for a truly authentic culinary experience. My trip to Wiesbaden was a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and gastronomic delight. This hidden gem in Germany offers a unique escape for travelers seeking a mix of tradition and modernity. Whether you're unwinding in the soothing thermal baths, exploring the historic streets, trying your luck at the casino, or indulging in delectable cuisine, Wiesbaden has something special to offer. It's a destination that left me rejuvenated and longing to return—a place where the old-world charm of Germany meets the comforts of contemporary travel.

Happy Halloween!!

There's just something special about Halloween that stays with us our entire lives. Whether it was just last year or decades ago we can all remember how much fun we had Trick or Treating and everything that comes along with Halloween from scary movies, to Haunted Houses, to picking a costume or just greeting the kids on your door step to give them a treat and seeing what costumes they have. It's not just about the candy although that is of course a part of it all. It's more about the excitement imagination can bring. From kids to adults there's an anticipation and excitement to picking the costume you want to put together whether its one from the store or one you create yourself or with a little help from your parents. I bet we can all think back to the costumes we may have got for the big night of Trick or Treating. It may have been homemade or one of the plastic masks and outfits we saw at Woolworths. Or maybe it was just one of dad's big shirts and a little charcoal on our faces. It really didn't matter, it was all just a lot of fun. Even just planning out the night to go Trick or Treating with friends, or as we got older meeting up with friends at a costume party and seeing their costumes lends to the thrill of Halloween. There's even an excitement that comes out of decorating our yards for the big night that brings a smile to us all. And yes, getting yourself scared at a Haunted House or watching a scary movie is all part of the celebration. It really all does come down to how much fun we can have imagining what Halloween is to us and each other in which we really do each year try our best to make the night special and fun for everyone. When you think about it there's a lot of good that plays out in front of us each year with moms and dads all across America helping their kids get a costume for Halloween, and the people who go out to get candy to give away on that special night... all just to help create a special holiday and put a smile on kids faces as they take part in a tradition that goes back centuries in one form or another. Here's wishing kids of all ages from 1 day old to 120 years young a great Halloween!!!

It doesn't take much to recall special moments in our lives. Sometimes just seeing an old decoration or recalling a story of the past can bring back a lot of fond memories. So if you love our history, nostalgia and antiques as much as we do, why not visit one of our great antique stores and take a trip down memory lane.

The Golden Age of Hollywood

Celebrating the Birthdays of so many great stars who have brought us endless hours of thrills, romance & laughs on the big screen and TV. Happy Birthday All!

Chevy Chase Oct 8, 1943

Ryan Reynolds Oct 23, 1976

Matt Damon Oct 8, 1970

Hugh Jackman Oct 12, 1968

Cindy Carol Oct 11, 1944 Gidget Goes To Rome

Marion Ross Oct 25, 1928 Happy Days

Julie Andrews Oct 1, 1935 The Sound of Music

Richard Dryfuss Oct 29, 1947 American Graffiti

Felicia Farr Oct 4th, 1932 3:10 To Yuma

Saradon Oct 4, 1946

Mario Lopez Oct 10, 1973

Glynis Johns Oct 5th, 1923 The Court Jester

Jacqueline Vangramberg Oct 14th, 1932 77 Sunset Strip

Henry Winkler Oct 30, 1945 Happy Days

Lee Grant Oct 31, 1928 Shampoo

Delores Hart Oct 20th, 1938 Where The Boys Are

Jean-Claude Van Damme Oct 18, 1960

Jeff Goldblum Oct 22, 1952

Julia Roberts Oct 28, 1967 Jaclyn Smith Oct 26, 1945

Celebrating 100 Years Glynis Johns

This month one of Hollywood's best is celebrating her 100th Birthday with a career in entertainment spanning across more than 8 decades. The actress is none other than Glynis Johns who was born in Pretoria, South Africa, while her parents (who were also in entertainment and famous in their own right) were on tour there. Her mother was a famous Pianist and Violinist while her father was a leading actor in British cinema. All of which would set the stage for this young girl to grow in the world of entertainment which would one day find her receiving the admiration of fans around the world and awards and nominations to include Academy Awards, Golden Globes and even the Laurence Olivier Award. Glynis was raised in London England where at just 5 years old she began training at the London School of Ballet. Three years later she was cast in her first of many stage productions with fame and praise for her talent in dance, song and acting quickly attaching to her. Amazingly at just 11 she became an instructor herself. While stage would always be part of her life with many roles to come it was in 1938 at 15 years old that she was cast in her first film of so many to come including her role in the 49th Parallel which she received the National Board of Review Award for Best Acting. The rest as they say is history with Glynis appearing in over 30 plays, scores of tv roles and over 60 films of which my favorite is her role in The Court Jester playing Maid Jean opposite Danny Kaye. She has starred in so many classics on screen & stage with other legends like Laurence Olivier, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Jimmy Stewart & Jackie Gleason all of which endeared her to fans across the world. So here's to you Glynis, wishing you the happiest of Birthdays on this your 100th!

Welcome to Greene !

Just a short trip up the road you'll find Greene New York, one of the most remarkable small towns with a downtown straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. There's so much to see and do here that you're sure to want to come again and again to visit our neighbors to the north and enjoy the day... shopping, dining, and just taking in the sites. With Halloween around the corner we are filled with ghost stories of which many are represented in towns all across upstate New York. Greene is home to a romantic Ghost story set in the nostalgia of its beautiful downtown and the elegance of the Sherwood Hotel.

Oct 14 - All Day Crafting

Oct 22 - DavePanella

Oct

The story centers around a beautiful wartime bride of WWI named Viola, whose family owned a cattle ranch. In 1910 Viola had married Donovan Juliand. Amazingly the couple had 13 children. When WWI broke out and the United States entered the war, Donovan enlisted and went to fight in Europe. Missing his wife and family Donovan wrote home every day promising to come home soon. Sadly he never retuned & Viola heartbroken from the news took her own life. Legend has it that Viola can still be found walking within the beautiful architecture of the Sherwood Hotel.* You never know. But one thing for sure...It's well worth the trip to visit Greene and take in all the history and local legends!

~ Please check out a great FB site called "What's Up Greene?" for much more of what you can find in Greene.

Greene Physical Therapy

The Best in Physical Therapy Treatment

Our patients are our priority and you can always expect comprehensive, personalized care.

7 S Canal St. Greene, N.Y. (607) 656-4464

Binghamton, My Hometown

~An article written in 2017 plus an update by James A

Pratt

The other day I was at the Barber and he said that he would move out of the area if he didn’t have a business. He said that there were no jobs in the area. This rubbed me the wrong way and I countered that there are tons of jobs and a rich history of the area. I mentioned Dicks Warehouse advertising for 400 jobs and many in the Hospitals and Colleges. I would like to list a few positive points for living in the Triple Cities. While it is true that Binghamton has lost population to half of what it was in the heyday of 1950, the areas of Vestal, Endwell and Endicott have gained population. The total population of Greater Binghamton and suburbs is 200,600. This area supports many Sports teams, Choral groups, our own Opera Company, and Orchestra’s all of which enriches our lives and our community.

We have four Over the Air Television Stations and a World Class Hybrid Fiber/Coax Cable System with high speed internet. Our Religious Community comprises of many beautiful Churches with Calendar’s full of Suppers and Festivals. We have Three Colleges, one is a Major University. We have a rich History of Inventor’s such as Edwin Link whose “Link Trainer” was used to train pilots in World War II.

Writer Rod

Serling whose achievements have made our area famous worldwide. Rod said this about his hometown. “Everyone has to have a hometown, Binghamton’s mine. In the strangely brittle, terribly sensitive makeup of a human being, there is a need for a place to hang a hat, or kind of geographical womb to crawl

back into, or maybe just a place that’s familiar because that’s where you grew up. When I dig back through my memory cells, I get one particularly distinctive feeling and that’s one of warmth, comfort and well-being. For whatever else I have had, or lost, or will find, I’ve still got a hometown. This, nobody’s gonna take away from me.” – Rod Serling.

I point all of this out to make us think positively about the Triple Cities. Our community is rich on many levels. We have Three Major Hospitals with many Satellite offices. Great Restaurants and a diverse population due to immigrants of many nations. Many of these immigrants worked for Endicott Johnson Shoes and supplied the War effort with boots. Endicott Johnson gave our area six Carousels which is more than any other area in the world. We have the Kopernik Space Education Center, Roberson Museum, Bundy Museum, Phelps Mansion Museum and the Discovery Museum.

Many naysayers usually list the weather or jobs for moving on to other states. We enjoy the four seasons which includes Winter. Our area of the country has a moderate temperate climate which is wonderful because We don’t have extreme heat or Cold.

....Since I wrote this article in 2017 the Oakdale Mall has been sold and changed to Oakdale Commons. Lourdes has expanded and moved into the old Sears space with a Health and Fitness gym with three salt water pools, Orthopedic offices and Pharmacy. Beer Tree has a new restaurant at that end of the Commons. On the front of the Commons is the new Dicks Sporting Goods House of Sport, One of their largest stores, Chipotle and Panera Bread. BJ’s wholesale club will be in the old Bon-Ton area. SUNY Binghamton has opened a Nursing school in a rehabilitated Johnson City Endicott- Johnson Shoe factory building and opened a Culinary School in the old Library building in Binghamton. There were several changes made on Campus as well. Many families enjoy our many and varied facilities that are in our area. We encourage everyone from out of town that reads this article to come visit and experience our Community. I think you will really like us.

~ James Pratt

Did You Know ?

Oct 1 National Homemade Cookies Day

Oct 2 National Name Your Car Day

Oct 3 National Boyfriend Day

Oct 4 National Golf Lover's Day

Oct 5 National Do Something Nice Day

Oct 6 National Coaches Day

Oct 7 National Play Outside Day

Oct 8 National Hero Day

Oct 9 Happy Columbus Day

Oct 10 National Walk To A Park Day

Oct 11 National Take Your Parents To Lunch Day

Oct 12 National Farmer's Day

Oct 13 USA Navy's Birthday

Oct 14 National Dessert Day

Oct 15 National I Love Lucy Day

Oct 16 National Sports Day

Oct 17 National Pasta Day

Oct 18 National Chocolate Cupcake Day

Oct 19 National Seafood Bisque Day

Oct 20 National Chicken & Waffles Day

Oct 21 National Back To The Future Day

Oct 22 National Make A Dog's Day

Oct 23 National Boston Cream Pie Day

Oct 24 National Bologna Day

Oct 25 National Chucky (TV's Killer Doll) Day

Oct 26 National Pumpkin Day

Oct 27 National Frankenstein Friday

Oct 28 National First Responders Day

Oct 29 National Hermit Day

Oct 30 National Candy Corn Day

Oct 31 Happy Halloween!!

Live Entertainment

Always Check the Venue for information pertaining to dates, times and rules and policies.

Oct 1 Sun

Kevin & Brad @ McGirks

Oct 3 Tue

Band of Brothers Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

Oct 4 Wed

Live Music @ The Beef

Band of Brothers Open Mic @ The Night Cap

Oct 5 Thu

Open Mic @ Watermans

Oct 6 Fri

Karaoke @ J’s Tavern

Messy Truth @ Toppers

Mercyme @ Arena

Notte Italiana @ Cider Mill

Beard of Bees @ Fat Cowboys

The Look @ McGirks

5th Gear @ Tioga Downs

Oct 7 Sat

Live Music TBD @ J’s Tavern

Gravelding Bros @ The Dugout

Beard of Bees @ Fat Cowboys

WPS @ Madrona

Rob Schneider @ Forum

Comedy @ Beer Thirty

Oct 8 Sun

Virgil Caine @ Madrona

Steve Hackett @ Forum

Oct 9 Mon

Open Mic @ Kellys

Oct 10 Tue

Band of Brothers Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

Oct 11 Wed

Live Music @ The Beef

Band of Brothers Open Mic @ The Night Cap

Oct 12 Thu

Open Mic @ Watermans

Coco Live To Film Concert @ And Ctr

Oct 13 Fri

Karaoke @ J’s Tavern

Comedy @ Watermans

Rooster @ American Legion Post 1645

Demon Behind The Glass @ Cider Mill

Uncle Louie Show @ EPAC

Smashing Atom @ McGirks

Wreckless Marci @ Tioga Downs

Oct 14 Sat

Wild Card @ McGirks

Brewhaha @ Kellys

Demon Behind The Glass @ Cider Mill

Oct 15 Sun

Dolphins String Quartet @ Phelps Man

Oct 17 Tue

Band of Brothers Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

Oct 18 Wed

Live Music @ The Beef

Band of Brothers Open Mic @ Night Cap

Oct 19 Thu

Open Mic @ Watermans

Gregg Neff @ McGirks

Oct 20 Fri

Karaoke @ J’s Tavern

Sock Out Cancer @ Forum

Exile @ Touch of Texas

Comedy @ Kellys

Oct 21 Sat

WPS @ Madrona

Greg Neff @ Nips

Wild Card @ Sports Complex

Live Music @ Beer Thirty

Rooster @ Tioga Downs

Oct 24 Tue

Band of Brothers Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

Oct 25 Wed

Live Music @ The Beef

Band of Brothers Open Mic @ Night Cap

Oct 26 Thu

Open Mic @ Watermans

Virgil Cain @ McGirks

Oct 27 Fri

Karaoke @ J’s Tavern

Splash @ Tioga Downs

John Fogerty Tribute @ Tioga Downs

Oct 28 Sat

Bing Phil Orchestra Pres: Phantom Of The Philharmonic @ Forum

Caviar & Grits @ Atomic Toms

Hollywood Misfits @ Polish Com Ctr

Devon Lawton @ Ransom Steele

Junkyard Heights @ Tioga Downs

Oct 31 Tue

Band of Brothers Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

Check Out Broadway In Binghamton's 2023 -2024 Season on the Back Cover.

What’s Happening

Oct 1st- Oct 5th

Binghamton Restaurant Week

Oct 6th

If The Dead Could Speak

~Bundy Museum

Clue In The Museum

(Murder Mystery Game)

~Roberson

Oktoberfest Cooking Class

~ The Phantom Chef

Oct 9th Happy Columbus Day

Columbus Day Parade

~ Binghamton

Oct 13th & 20th

Psychic Reading w/ Gemini Rose

~ Madrona

Oct 14th

Fall Tasting Tour

~Madrona

Hocus Pocus Painting & Trivia

~Uncorked Creations

Team Trivia Night

~St. Thomas Aquinas

Oct 15th

Watermans Paddle Party

~ Watermans

Making Strides Against Cancer

~Otsiningo

Oct 16th

Trunk or Treat

~Woodrow Wilson Elementary

Oct 19th

Fall Craft Night

~ Southern Tier Harley Davidson

Oct 20th

Sock Out Cancer Event

~Forum

Oct 21st

Trunk or Treat & Fall Makers Fiesta

~Watermans

Fall Rummage Sale

~ American Legion Post 80

St Michaels Craft and Food Fair

~St. Michaels Clinton St

A Little Pumpkin Is On Its Way

~Otsiningo

Oct 27th

Night Of The Mysterious and Macabre. A Masquerade Ball

~ Phelps Mansion

Halloween Party

~Beer Thirty

Oct 28th

Spooky Dance Party

~ The Bundy

Halloween Bash

~Airport Inn

Trunk or Treat Car Show

~ The Pines Pavilion

Oct 29th

Halloween 13k

~Endicott Visitor Center

Oct 30th

Trunk or Treat

~ CFE PTO

Oct 31st

Happy Halloween

Johnson City

Trunk or Treat

~ Schorr FHS

Check your favorite venues for all the great Halloween Parties!!

As with all events please check dates, times and safety requirements.

O O D A N D D R I N K

You're going to love us!

The Beef Restaurant & Pub

For the Love of Beef & the perfectly poured Guinness. Stop in and make a friend. Live Music every Wednesday!

62 Leroy Street. Bing, 729-2333

The Brass Rail Bar & Grill

An Authentic Historic Bar & Grill est. in 1935. Here you'll find a fun, enjoyable atmosphere that movies are made from.... Really! Dine in or take out. 180 Clinton St. Bing. 238-7998

Clinton Street Cafe

A Great American Cafe serving Breakfast and Lunch - Come in for the BEST Sausage Gravy anywhere!! You're going to love us!

52 Clinton St. Bing. 724-9927

The Dugout Sports Bar

An infusion of great food, drinks & sports with 20+ HDTVs, pool tables, foosball, darts & outdoor tiki bar with live entertainment!

6125 State Route 434, Apalachin, 625-3188

The Grapevine Cafe'

Artistic charm, culinary specialties, craft beer, wine & cocktails make this the perfect place to share good times with friends. You'll love our staff & BOGO

Happy Hour Tue-Sat 4-6pm. 220 Main St JC 729-1000

J's TAVERN

J's Tavern

There's a new place in town on Conklin Ave. Come in and enjoy great food & drinks at a price you can afford. Live Bands, Karaoke, Open Mic... we got it all. 209-301 Conklin Ave Bing. 217-5505

the little oak Bistro & Bakery

the little oak Neighborhood Bistro & Bakery

Conklin's new Neighborhood Eatery for great home style meals and fresh baked goods from your friends of the Red Oak Diner; Julianne & Maria. 1108 Conklin Rd. Conklin 217-4054

Madrona Tasting Room

MADRONA

Come experience all the flavors of a state wide tasting tour, along with a very unique gift shop, live entertainment & much more. 248 County Rd 1, Chen Forks, 204-0814

Clinton Street Cafe

Table Talk

In the Korean War not only did our soldiers enjoy the first American penny wrapped candy, the Tootsie Roll, but they also used them to plug up bullet holes in vehicles and other equipment.

with

Legend has it that sprnkling salt on your door step, in a circle around you or even over your shoulder can ward off evil spirits.

The colors

The World's Longest Halloween House is actually in a cave in Lewisburg, Ohio 80 feet underground, and measures an incredible 3,564 feet.

Orange and Black are traditional for Halloween with orange a symbol for the harvest and black a reminder of darkness and the night the spirits may walk the earth. 35 Million pounds of Candy Corn are made each year. That's about 9 billion pieces.

Long, long ago a traditon on Hallows Eve was for women to throw apple peels behind them. It was believed that the shape of the apple peel when it hit the ground would resemble the first letter of the name of their future husband.

The Night Cap Bar & Grill

Your Neighborhood Bar for Good Food, Inexpensive Drinks, Karaoke on Fridays and Live Entertainment. Come try our wings and stay for the fun.

71 Lake Street Avenue, Bing. 238-7448

The Park Diner & Restaurant

It's all about family! Come in and see why generations have made this their stop for great food and sharing great times.

119 Conklin Ave Bing. 722-9840

Phil's Phil's Chicken House

You're going to love our Amazing Rotisserie Chicken BBQ. est1965. Take out or Curbside Tue- Sun. Famous catering! & Don't forget our fresh baked pies. 1208 Union Ctr Main Highway Endicott 748-6855

Waterman's Cafe & Tasting Barn

Take in our Historic Setting wth a touch of Modern Flair while enjoying our NY State Craft products of wine, cider, beer & spirits accompanied with great food & music! 6172 NY-434 Apalachin 258-0274