MY TOWN A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE magazine Feb 2022 issue

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MY TOWN A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE Feb

2022

Happy Valentine's Day!

Be My.....

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Valentine!! ......Be My Valentine!!

... you Schmuck

Next!

Don't be a Schmuck. Be the hero of your own story. This Valentine's Day tell the one you love how much you care.

(This has been a public service announcement sponsored by The National Association of All Those Who Forgot.)

Fo r S t o r y / P h o t o i d e a s a n d a dve r t i s i n g ra t e s please write: jvallonecr@aol.com Brought to you

by John Vallone & Lisa O'keefe

ret.

Consultant Louise Vallone

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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: Drew Barrymore & Chris Rock to David Shankbone CC BY 3.0, Ice-T to Sven Mandel CC BY-SA 4.0, Jennifer Aniston to Agela George CC BY-SA 3.0, Lou Diamond Phillips to Tow Pilot CC BY -SA 3.0, Matt Dillion to Georges Biard CC BY-SA 3.0, and Morgan Fairchild to Escaped Moket CC BY 2.0. Our thanks to one and all!

kismet

May 2018

Linda & Nick

The Greatest Love Story

Linda and Nick have known each other all their lives. Their fathers were from Fada, Italy and the families were friends. This meant Linda and Nick would see each other at local events like St. Mary's Assumption Bizarre and the Feast of St Anthony.

Even at a young age it was obvious that Nick was popular. He knew how to tell a story and make people laugh. Linda on the other hand was shy. Truly they were opposites yet there was an unmistakable magnetism between them. This became stronger during high school where as fate would have it they had lockers near each other.

Linda remembers the day Nick showed her how much he cared. “The halls were packed. I opened my locker and it was FILLED with stuffed animals. I slammed the locker shut. I was so embarrassed. I remember saying to him “you broke into my locker, how the heck did you get

into my locker?!!!” Nick laughed. It was so sweet, but all I could think about was How was I going to explain this to my Italian father.

Years later I asked Nick “why were you so in love with me from such a young age.”

He said he saw me in the hall and knew at that moment that I was the one.

It must be true because even after 25 years of marriage they love each other as much as they did as kids. Linda will attest that their marriage, like their song, is the Greatest Love Story. And their little joke of Nick wearing Linda down until she said yes… well it seems they both knew that you can’t fight love ... what is meant to be will be.

Aug 2020

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.

Since 1980 Crandall Street Apartments

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Lincoln Apartments

Vestal Pines Apartments

Binghamton Gateway Apartments

Schoolhouse Apartments

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First Ward Action Council, Inc. 167 Clinton Street, Binghamton, NY 13905 (607) 772-2850 www.firstwardaction.org

t e m s Ki 20 Dec 20

Jan and Gary Muehlbauer

Gary and Jan met in Tucson, Arizona in 1977.

Gary grew up there. Jan had come to Tucson where she joined her Binghamton girlfriends, attended school and worked in a quaint outdoor bistro. The owners were a couple of interesting guys who were great chefs and writers for well known comedians.

They liked to try out their material on their customers. Gary often treated his dad to lunch there and was attracted to one of the waitresses. So one day he asked Jan for a date. She thought, We’ll....he takes time for his dad, has a lighthearted sense of humor, is always polite, AND is gainfully employed. Since Gary knew she was from New York he suggested a day trip touring the old mining town of Bisbee, Arizona followed by lunch at the historic Copper Queen Hotel. He even invited her girlfriends to come along. More dates soon followed; movies, music venues, exploring Tucson’s mountains, desert, and Mexican restaurants.

On a camping trip to the Grand Canyon while watching the night sky and amazing stars, Jan made a funny comment about camping and Elbow Grease! (You had to be there). That’s when Gary knew this was the person he wanted in his life forever. Gary proposed to Jan while watching the sunset on a California beach. They were married at a mountain top chapel called “Sanctuary Cove”.

They also celebrated with family and friends one week later in Binghamton. After the birth of their first child in 1981, they decided to return to Binghamton to make their home and raise a family. The quality of life, excellent schools and community, the change of seasons, which Gary looked forward to, made their decision feel right. Gary and Jan celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary last year and renewed their vows at Trinity Memorial Church where they are members. Now that they are both retired they cherish every moment with their son and daughter’s families and four sweet grandchildren.

What keeps Gary and Jan happy are the simple pleasures in life; family, friends, neighbors, faith, hope, peace and love.

For My Bride, My Everything, My Jan. Love always, Gary

Enjoy the Retirement You’ve Always Dreamed of!

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LEVELS OF CARE offered at our Hilltop & Elizabeth Church Campuses: Independent Living, Personal Care, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing, and Memory Care.

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We caught up with this former Beauty Queen celebrating her Birthday with family and friends at The Wine Cellar last month. Her group of friends, also known as the Shotskis, were on hand to tell a story or 2 & raise a glass in celebration. Happy Birthday Scarlett Rake!!

On The Town at "The Wine

Cellar Tavern"

Your Valentine

The Legend of St. Valentine

.

Check us out at www.Biscotti-Viscotti.com Phone (607) 798-0658 Fax (607) 770-7238 Email: GioV@Viscotti-GioV.com

Near zero temperatures and blistering winds didn't stop these runners from racing the Tom Hamlin January Freeze 10k at Otsiningo Park. This race is part of many in a series with the Triple Cities Runners Club. So if you like to run and enjoy team spirit, you really should look into them. Congratulations to all the runners and the top place finishers: 1st place was Alex Craver 37:24.5 2nd place Jordan Varano 37:26.3, and 3rd place Emily Gunther 41:23.8

Happy Presidents' Day ~George Washington, the father of our country and first president was born on Feb 22nd, 1732. His life was devoted to his country, leading our military in the Revolutionary War, and serving two terms as president with no affiliation to any political party. Just 2 months after his death a grateful nation began celebrating his birthday in fond remembrance of this great man. And in 1885 Washington's Birthday was officially recognized as a Federal Holiday.

In 1971 the official Holiday for Washington's Birthday was moved from the 22nd to the 3rd Monday of February. It was thought that Lincoln might also be celebrated unofficially on the same date. Over the years the name has now commonly been called Presidents' Day in many areas to recognize other great presidents like Thomas Jefferson and really all our presidents.

With our Presidents being remembered for so many achievements & leadership in creating and shaping the future of this great country we thought we'd also share with you a few things about them that you may not have known.

George Washington created the first military badge of merit for the common soldier. Later in 1932, the Purple Heart medal (which bears Washington’s image) began being awarded to soldiers who are injured in battle.

If you like Ice Cream, you might have Thomas Jefferson to thank for it. Jefferson helped popularize ice cream in the U.S. during his Presidency. In fact he is credited with the first Ice Cream Recipe in the United States: 2 bottles of good cream, 6 yolks of eggs, 1/2 lb. sugar, and 1 Vanilla stick.

While giving a speech, Theodore Roosevelt was shot, to which he said "I don't know whether you fully understand that I have just been shot. I give you my word, I do not care a rap about being shot; not a rap!" He finished his one and a half hour speech with a bullet lodged in his chest. Now that is one tough President.

Standing 6'4", Abraham Lincoln had a reputation as a champion wrestler besting close to 300 challengers by some accounts. Whether the tally is correct or not there is little doubt to his success. Taking note of his accomplishments he was honored in 1992 by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Centered on the face of Mount Rushmore lay the images of these four presidents chosen for their great achievements while also representing our nation's birth, growth, development & preservation, respectively.

Nearly 3 million people take in this colossal sculpture each year. Nearby another incredible project is in progress for the Crazy Horse Memorial.

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The more things change the more they stay the same. Today a common sight after a big snowfall might be watching crews load dump trucks with snow to be hauled away. Back in 1896 the city did the same thing but instead of trucks they had horse drawn wagons. And instead of bulldozers, men with shovels loaded up the wagons.

If you love antiques, nostalgia & history like we do, you're going to love our Antique Shops. Pay them a visit & take a walk through yesterday.

James Hong

Sidney Poitier

Robert Wagner

Feb 22, 1929 Big Trouble in Little China

Rico Browning

Joanne Woodward

The Three Faces of Eve

Mamie Van Doren

Claire Bloom

Kim Novak

Tina Louise

Gary Conway

Joan O'Brien

Richard Beymer

Diane Baker

Sherry Jackson

Fabian Forte

Operation Petticoat

West Side Story

some who's careers started a bit more recent

Joe Pesci Feb 9, 1943

Lou Diamond Phillips Feb 17, 1962

Feb 25, 1938 The Best of Everythig

Make Room For Daddy

Bernadette Morgan Fairchild Jane Seymour Peters Feb 15, 1951 Feb 3, 1950 Feb 28, 1948

Matt Dillon Feb 18, 1964

Chris Rock Feb 7, 1965

Molly Ringwald Feb 18, 1968

John Travolta Feb 18, 1954

Ice-T Feb 16, 1958

Jennifer Aniston Drew Barrymore Feb 11, 1969 Feb 22, 1975

Love h t i W , r i S To Sidney Poitier has been known for decades as one of Hollywood's greatest

Sidney Poitier

actors. His roles in movies such as To Sir With Love, The Defiant Ones and of course Lilies of the Field for which he won an Oscar are testimony to the brilliant career of this truly inspirational star. Seeing him on screen you can't help but be taken in by this incredible talent. And even just hearing the song To Sir With Love can bring back memories of not only a great movie but of a great man and everything he shared with us on screen and in life.

Sidney's family came from the Bahamas where they were farmers. Born in Miami, Sidney had citizenship in both the U.S. and the Bahamas. Although he grew up in the Bahamas, at age 16 he moved to the States and took up jobs until he enlisted in the Army with an assignment in a Veteran's hospital. After the Army Sidney returned to New York where he began acting with a stage company. It wasn't long before he was noticed and soon began to get leading roles on stage which led to offers in film. Sidney's rise to stardom on the screen was quick to come. His role portrayals in film lent an honesty, sincerity and strength which took audiences in as he became the leading draw at the box office in 1967.

Acting however was just one accomplishment of many with Sidney taking on the roles of a director in Hollywood, a board member of Disney, a recording artist and even an Ambassador for the Bahamas. With awards ranging from Oscar's to Grammies to even a Presidential Medal of Freedom, Sidney Poitier has touched the lives of people all over the world. Denzel Washington not too long ago gave a heartfelt tribute telling of how he first met Sidney and how much he meant to him. He closed with these words which resonate in the hearts of so many across the country.

“He gave me his time, his advice, and I can honestly say that the reason that I am up here today is because of Sidney Poitier. Because of the time he gave me, the advice he gave me. The example he provided for me and many other African American actors. I love you. I respect you. I imitate you. God Bless You.” ~ Denzel Washington

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

Feb 2 Wed

Bands @ The Beef Open Mic @ The Night Cap

Feb 4 Fri

Karaoke @ The Night Cap Jeremy Stevens @ Madrona Jason Wicks @ McGirks

Feb 5 Sat

Playboy of Western World @ Cidermill Stage

Still Kicken @ Ransom Steele

Feb 19 Sat

Joe Stento @ Madrona Splash @ Tioga Downs Polish Wieniawski Philharmonic @ Osterhout Theater

Playboy of Western World @ Cider Mill Stage

Nate Marshall & Joe Arcuri @ Madrona A Coutry Mile @ McGirks L’Bonti @ Tioga Downs James Vadeuson @ McGirks

Feb 20 Sun

Feb 6 Sun

Broadway In Binghamton Presents: An Officer And A Gentleman @ Forum Bands @ The Beef Open Mic @ The Night Cap Comedy @ Woodys

Pianist Andrew Russo @ Phelps Mansion

Feb 9 Wed

Bands @ The Beef Open Mic @ The Night Cap Pocket Vinyl @ Bundy

Feb 11 Fri

Karaoke @ The Night Cap Jammin @ Madrona Stormfront @ McGirks

Feb 12 Sat

Kevin Ludwig @ Madrona Stormfrot @ Seebers The Detonators @ McGirks

Feb 15 Tue

Trolls Live @ Area

Feb 16 Wed

Bands @ The Beef Open Mic @ The Night Cap Trolls Live @ Arena

Feb 17 Thu

Hunter Jordan @ Woodys

Feb 18 Fri

Karaoke @ The Night Cap Rick Iaovelli @ Madrona

Playboy of Western World @ Cidermill Stage

Pat Caine @ McGirks

Feb 23 Wed

Feb 24 Thu

Broadway In Binghamton Presents: An Officer And A Gentleman @ Forum

Feb 25 Fri

Karaoke @ The Night Cap Rob Ervin @ Madrona Opera @ BU Chamber The Golden Girls Show @ Forum Straight Up @ McGirks

Feb 26 Sat

Patrick Young @ Madrona Ship of Phools @ Fat Cowboys Wreckless Marci @ Tioga Downs Stormfront @ Relief Pitcher Yada Yadas @ McGirks L’Bonti @ Thirstys

Feb 27 Sun

Opera @ BU Chamber Big Theater Organ Society @ Forum Got a performance coming up?

Let us know.

What’s Happening

As with all events please check dates, times and safety requirements with the venue ahead of time. Stay safe & have fun!

Feb 4 First Friday.

Check out the art around the community at places like The Kilmer Mansion, The Discovery Center and the Orazio Salati Studio and Gallery

Feb 6 Newbsanity frozen 4 Miler ~Newbsanity Feb 8 Endwell Cub Scout Pack 209 Fundraiser.

Support Scouting and our community by ordering from Taylor's Pizza! 15% of all sales will go to Endwell Pack 209.

~ Taylor’s Pizza

Feb 10 Mac and Cheese Fest ~ Holiday Inn, Bing

Endicott Afternoon Book Group

Feb 19 Binghamton On Tap ~ Double Tree

Feb 20

Binghamton Wedding Show ~ Holiday Inn Binghamton

Feb 21 Happy Presidents' Day

Feb 26 Broome County Parks 2nd Annual WinterFest

Sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, music, kids activities, guided hikes, bonfires, food, petting zoo, igloo, and beer garden will begin at 12:00 p.m. Plus a Fishing Derby. Bring your own sleds and ice skates, Snowshoes will be available-snow permitting.

Contact the Parks Dept for Info ~Nathaniel Cole Park

~ Endicott Library

Feb 12 Binghamton Cupid Chase 5k ~ Otsiningo

Section 4 Wrestling ~Arena

Feb 14 Happy Valentine’s Day

Has a New Home.. FM 104.5 Tune in for The Don Giovainni Show Saturdays at 7am and Sunday at 8am

REMEMBER WHEN This month America gets ready to watch Super Bowl LVI on TV. It's a tradition going back to the first televised days of the big game back on Jan 15, 1967. The game of Football though goes back much further with the first known game being played on Nov 6, 1869, between Rutgers & Princeton, Here's a look at some of our own local football teams and players from back in a different time before TV came around.

The photo to the left is a group of 1903 local neighborhood kids in 1903.

Anyone recognize the street? The photo top of the next page shows one of our Binghamton area H.S. Football Teams in 1893. "Peanut" was the nickname given to the mascot in the middle. The bottom photo shows the BCHS Football Team of 1916 (Class of 1917). Many of these young men would find themselves just months after graduation fighting to save a world in WWI. The names may look familiar.

1905

1906

1893

1916

As always, our thanks to our Broome County Historian Gerry Smith, the Broome County Historical Society and the Broome County Public Library for all their help with research and photos.

1916 Team. (Not in order): Coach Perry E. Leary, Manager Roland Merrill, Assistant Manager J. Ward Hartigan, Letter Men: Captain Harold Bourroughs, Brooks, Curran, Flynn, Greenmun, McNamara, Wilcox, McLean, Mills, O'Donnell, Patten, Thorne, Tolley, Wilson. (*Original Story from MY TOWN's Jan 2019 issue)

Neighborhood Chef

by Jen Ferguson Jen’s Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole This dish is a fun twist on eating your veggies! My family loves when I make this recipe on Super Bowl Sunday. Thinking outside the box makes food a little more exciting! Try it out and tag me on instagram! @JenJFerguson00 Ingredients

•1 large cauliflower, cut into florets •2 cups pizza sauce •1/4 cup black olives, sliced •1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated

Directions

•1 tablespoon oil •2 ounces pepperoni •1 cup mozzarella, shredded •1/4 tsp oregano (optional)

1. Toss the cauliflower in the oil, place on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast in a preheated 400 degree oven until it starts to caramelize, about 20-30 minutes, mixing half way through.

2. Mix the cauliflower, pizza sauce, pepperoni and olives, reserving some pepperoni and olives for the top. Place in a baking dish, sprinkle on the cheese followed by the reserved toppings and the oregano.

3. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until the cheese has melted and the sides are bubbling, about 20 minutes.

Enjoy this yummy dish without the guilt this Super Bowl Sunday! Go team!

~Jen Ferguson

FOOD & DRINK

Check us out

Clinton Street Cafe

Di Rienzo Bros.

Bakery & Deli

Madrona Tasting Room M AD RO NA TASTING ROOM

Good Times

with Good Friends

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

There are sure to be some National Holidays here that you may not have known about. Make the most of every day.

To

Feb 1 National Baked Alaska Day Feb 2 National Groundhog Day Feb 3 National Day The Music Died Day Feb 4 National Thank A Mail Carrier Day Feb 5 National Play Outside Day Feb 6 National Chopsticks Day Feb 7 National Send A Card To A Friend Day Feb 8 National Kite Flying Day Feb 9 National Pizza Day Feb 10 National Giving Hearts Day Feb 11 National Make A Friend Day Feb 12 National Global Movie Day Feb 13 Super Bowl LVI Feb 14 Happy Valentine's Day Feb 15 National Gumdrop Day Feb 16 National Pancake Day Feb 17 National Random Acts Of Kindness Day Feb 18 National Drink Wine Day Feb 19 National Chocolate Mint Day Feb 20 National Love Your Pet Day Feb 21 Presidents Day Feb 22 National Margarita Day Feb 23 National Banana Bread Day Feb 24 National Chili Day Feb 25 National Clam Chowder Day Feb 26 National Tell A Fairy Tale Day Feb 27 National Retro Day Feb 28 National Floral Design Day

Fr om

?

Did You Know

Sending out a big hello and thank you to one of our readers, Bill.

Thanks for your support Bill! Let's make everyday a great day!

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