MY TOWN A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE magazine Issue April 2023

Easter Parade 1910

write: jvallonecr@aol.com

*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: Cover & story photo of Abbott and Costello in their Who's On First Routine from the movie The Naughty Nineties released in 1945 & distributed by Universal Pictures. Djimon Hounsou to Gage Skidmore CC BY-SA 3.0, Martin Lawrence to Angela George CC BY-SA 3.0, Michelle Pfeiffer to Towpilot CC BY-SA 3.0, Russell Crowe to Paul Cush CC BY-SA 3.0. Our thanks to one and all!

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL

Tunnel to Towers

American Legion

VFW & USO

withJohn Reid Fitness Corner

At 5 years of age John Reid was living in Miami when his school had a class on how to make a snowman. Being a bright young man, he pointed out to the teacher that it doesn’t snow in Miami but she insisted that one day he might need this lesson. Little did he know then that his family was about to move to Port Dickinson where he would have plenty of chances to put the lesson into action.

John quickly came to love this area and to excel in local sports. He ran on a State Champion X-Country Team at CV and went on to Play Division I Basketball and Baseball at Colgate (and in 2005 was inducted into the Colgate Hall of Honor) and played on the Syracuse All-Opponents Team, chosen by the players on the Syracuse Basketball and Baseball Teams. From college ball he got noticed by the Montreal Expos and was signed, earning him the notoriety of being the highest drafted player in the Triple Cities for 42 years.

Switching from baseball back to this area he has remained active in sports having taught, coached and officiated for over 94 seasons in baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer and track & field as well as having worked at the Athletic Camps for 16 seasons. And he has ran a basketball league for 12 years and community little league for 10. But sports isn’t the only way he stays active as he has been teaching over 30 years in 5 different schools in the Binghamton Area, Cub Scouts for 8 years, Church Trustee for 6 years, Chairman for the last 3 years., Student Council for 14 years on local, state and national levels, Chenango Valley Board of Education for 11 years and Rotary for 4 years. And if that isn’t enough he still somehow finds time to do things with his wife, sons Chris and Andrew and his beautiful grandchildren. As John says “I love living in this community. High levels of Education! A change of seasons. Friendly people. Athletic, Social and Artistic Opportunities in this area. My wife, Jacquie, and I even had Season Tickets to the BC Pops for over 20 years!”. All of us at My Town would like to thank John for all he is done in the community to help make this a great place to live!

Jim Testa

U-E varsity softball head coach Jim Testa has been elected to the NYS High School Softball Hall of Fame Class of 2022. Coach Testa has led the Tigers to seven Section IV championships since he took over in 1996. He is also a longtime contributor to softball at the county and state levels, promoting the game and working to build the program from the youth level up to high school. Congratulations Coach Testa!

~ Union Endicott Central School District

Jim Testa was born and raised in Endicott. His Dad worked at the A&P and his mom at Fanny Farmer. Growing up Jim liked to play any sport. There would be pick up football games with the neighborhood kids or maybe a basketball game in the driveway. And of course baseball in any field or stick ball literally anywhere. While attending UEHS Jim was in the Key Club, and as you would guess played on UE's Baseball Team. And during vacation his family would often go to Wildwood to enjoy the beach. After High School Jim went to Cortland where he got his masters in Elementary Education. Teaching the youth of the area became a very personally rewarding career for Jim, a career which has spanned 32 years at mostly our Thomas J. Watson and Jennie F. Snapp schools. Coaching would go hand in hand with teaching for Jim. Even while still in college Jim started coaching Teener League Baseball. Since then he has coached baseball for the American Legion, Freshman Baseball and modified soccer at U.E., and both boys and girls modified basketball. It was in 1996 that Jim started coaching girls softball at U.E.. He is very proud of how team oriented girls in softball are. They are truly more of a family to each other. Every year since 1996 except one they had won the Scholar Athlete Awards along with seven Sectional Titles and many STAC Titles. Many of the athletes on his teams have gone on to successful careers in a wide variety of fields becoming doctors, lawyers and teachers, and to even continue their athletic achievements. "I've been very lucky to be involved with so many great athletes. Their dedication to the sport carries on to their entire life. And that is what makes my life teaching and coaching so rewarding.... To see my students and athletes grow and succeed in whatever they choose to do in life." Jim feels blessed to be living this life with his wonderful & supportive wife Sue. He also has 4 great kids all of whom played sports. And together Jim and Sue have 9 remarkable grandchildren. Although Jim stopped teaching in 2010 he is still coaching. Being elected to the NYS High School Softball Hall of Fame Class of 2022 was a true honor for Jim. An honor he says he shares with 3 others; Coach Dave Ligeikis, and players Paige Rauch & Char Dodd. This tribute he told us he owes to the kids who played for him. "I'm very blessed for all the talented and dedicated players. They really are the "Coach Makers". Every time one of them congratulates me, I have to let them know, I couldn't have done it without them." In his free time Jim enjoys the time he spends with Sue and family. He also enjoys playing golf with friends. A sport he says with a smile he might have been better at if only he didn't like coaching his kids so much.

Congratulations Jim on your well deserved position in the Hall of Fame, and thank you for everything you have done in the community to help make this a great place to live. Thanks Jim!

Then & Now

Whether it's 1913 and you're watching the Binghamton Bingoes at Johnson Field (Left) or 2023 and you're catching the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at the new Mirabito Stadium (Top), Baseball has always been a part of us. We're looking forward to seeing you here as the century old tradition of cheering on our Home Town Team grows. Go Rumble Ponies!!!

~ Opening home game Tuesday April 11th against Somerset ~

Credits: Top photo by Trey Wilson courtesy of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. Bottom photo courtesy of the Broome County Historical society. Story and photos from our May 2018 MY TOWN issue.

BCHS Champions

Here's a great moment in local history of the 1927 Binghamton Central High School Baseball Team who were the Southern Tier Champions that year. Their Team Photo is shown here at Recreation Park above the baseball field with the Merry-Go-Round in the background.

Binghamton Triplets

The Triple Cities have a long baseball history with teams such as the Triplets, the minor league team affiliated with the New York Yankees who played from 1923 to 1968. Fans crowded Johnson Field each year to watch their home team play in Johnson City. And to the excitement of all, the Yankees with such greats as Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and

Mickey Mantle would even play one exhibition game here each year. The success of our farm league proved to be a major scouting attraction for the majors winning championships in the league in 1929, 1933, 1935, 1940, 1944, 1949, 1952, 1953, 1965, and 1967. With team notables making it to the majors like Hall of Famers Whitey Ford, Lefty Gomez, and Tony LaRussa, and dozens of MLB All Stars like Thurman Munson, the Triple Cities became well known nationally for producing great talent.

(Our thanks to The Broome County Historical Society for the BCHS Photo used originally in our Feb 2019 story and the Triplets photograph, original use May 2018)

Coach Joe Chesna

How to say thank you to a coach...

Former MLB Outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. inspired young athletes everywhere when he reminded them that “talent may get you on the field but it’s effort and attitude that will keep you there”. Anyone who has played a sport, either competitively or to stay fit knows that the effort and attitude is something you have inside and is fostered by the person charged with giving you direction, instruction and training. This person is simply known as Coach. And My Town is proud to highlight a Coach who has inspired young athletes in this area for more than a decade.

Coach Joe Chesna was born and raised in Binghamton. “Growing up I played as many sports as I could, you could find me and my friends at Fairview Park almost everyday doing something. Going through school in the Binghamton School District, I played both Baseball and Football for the Patriots. Later in life, I coached at Binghamton High School at both the JV and Varsity Levels. My passion was always baseball. Both my children are very active in youth sports and activities and I have always been involved in coaching their youth sports.”

Coach Chesna is with the Maine-Endwell Little League, a team that was established in 2008, by combining Endwell Little League and Maine-Nanticoke Little’s. MELL has a long tradition of success and participation by the youths in our area on both the baseball and softball side. This was solidified in 2016, when the little league team from Maine-Endwell won the Little League world championship.

“I joined the Little League Board in 2013 and in 2017, I became the Board President. Our little league, like many programs, have tremendous support from parents, local businesses, government entities, donors and fans. Annually we have about 500 children throughout our program from ages 4 – 19. Our League is truly a community effort and hundreds of volunteers help ensure we are creating the best environment for our youths to compete and learn. Same can be said for our community partners that sponsor teams, donate resources and really embrace the little league. The boys that won the World Championship in 2016 hold a feat that many can only fathom. Many of the players and coaches from that team are my neighbors and I have gotten to know them well over the years. There are several reasons those boys played as well as they did; the most significant was their preparation and work ethic. That team played together for years, working together as a group, growing as a group and getting both mentally and physically ready for a journey they all will never forget.”

This year’s team continued to make our community proud. All of the players were fan favorites and they all agree with the Coach’s comments about goals and being mentally and physically ready. Joey Chesna, 2nd baseman, said it is important to be physically active because “I want to be as healthy and fast as I can for every sport.” Marco Konrad, 3rd base and Pitcher says he stays in shape not only for baseball but also by playing travel AAU basketball and hopes to one day be in the NBA. Brady Palmer, Shortstop and Pitcher, says he is a future MLB player and his dad and 2nd Baseman Jose Altuve are his role models. And Natalie Chesna, Catcher, says it has been important to her to not only stay healthy but to remain strong and have a strong self image through fitness.

Listening to these future sports and fitness leaders is testament to their internal fortitude and the values their great coach has instilled in them. And that my friends is the best thank you a coach can ever receive.

Realtors

We make buying & selling your home easier so you can relax.

Did You Know?

Apr 1 April Fools' Day

Apr 2 Palm Sunday

Apr 3 World Party Day

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

Apr 4 National School Librarian Day

Apr 5 Passover begins

Apr 6 National Sorry Charlie Day

Apr 7 National Beer Day

Apr 8 National Zoo Lovers Day

Apr 9 Happy Easter

Apr 10 National Siblings Day

Apr 11 National Pet Day

Apr 12 National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

Apr 13 National Scrabble Day

Apr 14 National Look Up At The Sky Day

Apr 15 National Titanic Remembrance Day

Apr 16 National Wear Your Pajamas To Work Day

Apr 17 National Ellis Island Family History Day

Apr 18 National Animal Cracker Day

Apr 19 National Garlic Day

Apr 20 National Record Store Day

Apr 21 National Kindergarten Day

Apr 22 National Jelly Bean Day

Apr 23 National Talk Like Shakespeare Day

Apr 24 National Pigs In A Blanket Day

Apr 25 National East Meets West Day

Apr 26 National Pretzel Day

Apr 27 National Babe Ruth Day

Apr 28 National Arbor Day

Apr 29 National World Wish Day

Apr 30 National Bugs Bunny Day

Your Neighbor

Betty Kocak Hidock was born in Binghamton. As many did back in earlier days her parents worked for shoe companies here in the Triple Cities. He father, Joe, worked for Dunn & McCarthy’s, and her mother, Elizabeth, at the Victory Building for Endicott Johnson. As are many of the stories you hear of old, Betty’s Childhood was a good one with lots of memories of family and friends, celebrations and holidays. This young girl though also had a path all her own that you don’t hear every day. Betty admittedly was surely a Tom Boy growing up. She loved to play baseball with the neighborhood boys in the school yard. Growing up, baseball was part of her life. Her dad was also an umpire in the Binghamton Chapter of the New York State Baseball Umpires Association. In fact both her father, and uncle Ignatius were umpires. They often went by the nicknames of Wazzo, or Little Waz and Big Waz. Betty would always follow her dad to all his ball games. And at their cottage in Windsor, her Dad would often bring out the baseball gear, and practice hitting grounders and highballs for Betty to catch. Besides baseball Betty also liked to run and bowl. Her dad was a bowler and taught her some of the techniques of the game. Betty enjoyed the game so much she got into the Junior Bowling League. As she started High School at Binghamton Central, sports were still a big part of her life. She continued bowling for Central as well as playing volleyball, softball, track and even joined the cheerleading squad. Her talent for sports did not go unnoticed receiving numerous awards and some recognition a little less known having hit a ball from the old baseball field at Central, past the length of the field, across

Betty Kocak Hidock

Front Street and breaking the window of a house on the other side. A great hit for sure, but probably not appreciated as much by the home owners as the players who saw the hit. After High School Betty wanted to be a gym teacher but got into an accident which put her in the hospital for some time. As fate would have it, once she got out of the hospital she went to a softball tournament with her dad sitting behind home plate. On one particular pitch the catcher missed the ball so her father in fun shouted out “Hey poopsie, get some glasses.” The catcher, Joe, turned and saw Betty with her father and replied “Hey there’s quiet laws.” After the game the catcher went to talk with them, and asked Betty on a date. Betty answered no. But after many attempts over the next few days she finally said yes. The two of them hit it off and two years later in 1961…they married. In 1963 Betty got back into bowling and softball joining leagues in both. Recognition for her talent in sports soon again gained attention being noted as a Press All Star for Bowling. Betty had always liked the idea of being an umpire herself and with the continual encouragement to do so by other umpires like Andy Grecko, Betty made up her mind to be the first woman umpire in the area. For 12 weeks she went to the Binghamton Chapter of the NYS Baseball Umpires Association classes and passed the test. She had made it! For the first time ever Binghamton would see a female umpire take the field. This was really a dream come true for Betty that she would live out from 1975 to 78 until sadly another car accident forced her to give it up. Sports though it would seem would never leave Betty, and shortly thereafter she began coaching the boys and girls bowling team at Seton and then Central. Her love for sports which she shared with her dad had come full circle. As a young girl she loved sports and watching her dad umpire which drew her to playing on several teams, umpiring and then coaching to teach others the love for the game, sharing her knowledge and experience. And as tradition may have foretold, the love her father, husband and her had for sports found a new home with Betty’s son, Joseph “Joey” Hidock III, who is himself a very successful PGA Class A Professional Golf Instructor in Florida and ranked one of the best by Golf Digest. Betty you have truly had an impact on sports in the area and we are very proud to have shared a bit of your story. Thank you for being another reason why this is such a great place to live!

Abbott & Costello Who's On First

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, better known as Abbott and Costello are without question one of the greatest comedic teams to ever hit the radio, stage and screen. The first time they worked together was quite by accident. They were both stage performers at a New York City theater when Costello's partner became sick allowing for Abbott to fill in. It was from this chance opportunity that both Abbott and Costello and their families knew they had something special. Honing their act for the stage, radio and screen the two became a box office sensation in the 1940's and 50's with shows that have stood the test of time and routines such as baseball's "Who's On First" becoming engraved in entertainment history.

Abbott and Costello had been refining the Who's On First routine until they knew they had a winner. The first radio broadcast of it aired in 1938 followed by countless performances to include in movies such as Universal Picture's The Naughty Nineties. America became so in love with the routine that amongst its many appearances it was even performed by the two for President Roosevelt and was declared by Time magazine the funniest routine of the 20th Century. Today the Gold Record of Who's On first can be seen at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown along with the video

which is always playing.

It doesn't take much to recall special moments in our lives. Sometimes just watching an old show from years gone by 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.

Who's On First

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!

Robert Downey Jr. Apr 4, 1966

Djimon Hounsou Apr 24, 1964

Michelle Pfeiffer Apr 29, 1958

Al Pacino Apr 25, 1940

Lee Majors Apr 24, 1939

Martin Lawrence Apr 16, 1965

Jessica Lange Apr 20, 1949

Jackie Chan Apr 7, 1954

Valerie Bertinelli Apr 23, 1960

Dennis Quaid Apr 9, 1954

Gary Raymond Apr 20, 1935 The Greatest Story Ever Told

Roberta Shore Apr 7, 1943 The Virginian

Elinor Donahue Apr 19, 1937 Father Knows Best

Shirley MacLaine Apr 24, 1934 The Apartment

Ann-Margret Apr 28, 1941 Bye Bye Birdie

Luke Halpin Apr 4, 1947 Flipper

Jack Nicholson Apr 22, 1937 As Good As It Gets

Carol Morris Apr 8, 1936 Crazy Love

Caren Marsh Apr 6th 1919 Wizard of Oz

Yvonne Lime Apr 7, 1935 I was a Teenage Werewolf

Billy Dee Williams Apr 6, 1937 Lady Sings The Blues

Veronica Cartwright Apr 20, 1949 Invasion of the SnatchersBody

Margia Dean Apr 7, 1922 Ambush at Cimarron Pass

Murphy Apr 3, 1961

Russell Crow Apr 7, 1964

Cora Sue Collins Apr 19, 1927 The Scarlet Letter

Joel Grey Apr 11, 1932 Cabaret &

Elinor Donahue

You may know Elinor Donahue from the 50's hit tv show Father Knows Best or maybe from The Andy Griffith Show where she played Ellie, Andy Taylor's girl friend and Mayberry's pharmacist. Or maybe from any one of the dozens and dozens of roles she played on tv and screen from early roles on The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show to Dr. Quinn Medicine Women to The Princess Diaries 2 with Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews. Throughout Elinor's career she has worked with a never ending list of Hollywood's greats like Donald O'Conner, Alan Ladd, Jane Powell and Margaret O'Brien to name just a few. Her on and off screen heart warming smile made her a very welcome addition to any show. Star Trek fans might even remember her as commissioner Nancy Hedford.

To go back to her early years Elinor was born in Tacoma Washington. At a very young age she began taking dance lessons and started appearing in films as early as age 5. She was on vaudeville and began taking many roles in movies as a teenager. At just age 11 she played one of the three daughters in Three Daring Daughters. Her break through role may have been as Betty, the eldest daughter on Father Knows Best with Robert Young and Jane Wyatt in 1954. The role made her one of the most familiar faces on tv foreshadowing the great career to come.

If you're looking for a great book to take you down memory lane Elinor has also published her memoirs called "In The Kitchen With Elinor Donahue. In it Elinor shares many of her memories in Hollywood alongside over 150 of her favorite recipes. It really is a great trip down memory lane.

All our best wishes Elinor on your Birthday this year and every year!

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A Little Movie

Baseball Trivia

1) The Legendary Baseball Field of "Field of Dreams" with Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, Ray Liotta, James Earl Jones and Burt Lancaster is located in

a) Gary, Indiana b) Wichita, Kansas, c) Dyersville, Iowa d) Springfield, Illinois

2) This famous line "There's no crying in baseball" was said by actor Tom Hanks in " A League of Their Own", but do you know who was the first actor considered to play his part?

a) Tom Hanks b) Tom Cruise c) Jim Belushi d) Harrison Ford e) Johnny Depp

3) Who played Lou Gehrig in "Pride of the Yankees"?

a) Jimmy Stewart b) Gary Cooper c) James Dean d) Montgomery Clift

4) Who produced the first baseball movie "The Ball Game" in 1898?

a) Warner Bros b) Thomas Edison d) Republic Pictures e) The US Government

5) Which famous Western TV Star once played baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs?

a) James Garner b) Chuck Connors c) Hugh O'Brian d) Clint Eastward e) Steve McQueen

6) In Magnum PI, Tom Selleck often wore the baseball cap of this team?

a) New York Yankees b) Boston Red Sox c) Chicago Cubs d) Detroit Tigers

7) Chadwick Boseman played this historic baseball player in the movie "42"?

a) Willie Mayes b) Hank Aaron c) Jackie Robinson d) Ernie Banks

8) Baseball-lover Kevin Costner stars in all of the following movies except ?

a) The Natural b) Field of Dreams c) Bull Durham d) For Love of the Game

9) In "Field of Dreams" the famous mysterious voice heard in the cornfield saying “If you build it, he will come.” was spoken by...

a) Kevin Costner b) Ed Harris c) Ray Liotta d) unknown e) James Earl Jones

10) In "The Bad News Bears" Tatum O'Neal played the starring role of Amanda Whurlitzer. From the list here all of these actresses were also considered for the part of Amanda except which one? a) Jodie Foster, b) Sarah Jessica Parker c) Molly Ringwald d) Kristy McNichol

Answers: 1c Dyersville, Iowa ~ 2c Jim Belushi ~ 3b Gary Cooper ~ 4b Thomas Edison ~ 5b Chuck Connors ~ 6d Detroit Tigers ~ 7c Jackie Robinson ~ 8a The Natural ~ 9d unknown. You'll have to watch it & decide for yourself ~ 10c Molly Ringwald

Remembering The Ultimate Umpire

Ron Luciano

They say there is nothing as American as hot dogs, apple pie and baseball. Baseball is a national pastime that is enjoyed by all as it brings all people together for a common purpose – to support their home town team. And here in Broome County that means rooting on our own Rumble Ponies – a team with not only talent but with heart as they remain consistently committed to helping worthwhile causes in this area. But the word “baseball” also brings back, to me, thoughts of one of the greatest umpires of all time. A man who was born, raised, lived and died in this area. A man whose personality was bigger than most countries. The man I speak of is none other than Ron Luciano.

Is it possible that you have never met him? Never seen him ump a game? Never read his books? Never saw his commentating? Well then let me fill you in from a personal point of view.

Back in 1982 I was working for WAAL. The Station Manager then was Tom Shiptenko, a suave executive who dressed to the nines, drove a classic blue T-bird and had endless connections with those in the entertainment field. Tom arranged for a game of round robin between the various radio and TV station personalities at Otsiningo Park and to make it special he invited one of his friends to ump – past President of the Major League Umpires Association - Ron Luciano.

Ron was born in Endicott and with his talent, and his size (6’4 and 260 pounds) he excelled at football in high school and went on to play offensive and defensive tackle at Syracuse University. His talent was noted by the Baltimore Colts who signed him up to play in the NFL in 1959 and then after playing for other teams including Detroit and Buffalo he retired after a knee injury. With football behind him, Ron navigated over to umpiring. As an American Major League Baseball

umpire he was known for his over the top personality. I remember tuning into baseball not to watch the games but to watch Luciano’s antics and waiting for what would come next between him and anyone at bat or any manager that would question a call including Orioles Earl Weaver. Luciano was always center stage, usually standing between the pitcher and the base – the attention on his shouting out calls, jumping in the air, and doing over the top theatrical movements to call someone out. He even gave us some of the most notable quotes in the field including: “Umpiring is best described as the profession of standing between two 7 year olds with 1 ice cream” and “throwing people out of a game is like learning to ride a bicycle – once you get the hang of it, it can be a lot of fun”.

But aside from Luciano’s bigger than life personality and his fame and fortune what sets Luciano apart from some is his lasting love and commitment to this area. Even when married one of the sticking points was the fact that he remained committed to having a home in Endicott whereas she wanted one in Chicago – a sticking point that eventually helped seal their divorce. And with her being “OUT” Luciano remained a lifelong resident of Broome County, having passed away in his Endicott home and being buried at Calvary Cemetery.

Broome County is lucky to have Ron Luciano as someone who helped to make this place a great County in which to live. And I was lucky to have him as my umpire because not only was that day at Otsiningo Park fun due to the comradery of the different players, but it was also over the top because of the calls and personality of the greatest umpire to ever live – Ron Luciano.

Live Entertainment

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

Apr 1 Sat

Karaoke @ The Dugout

Live Music @ Beer Thirty

Apr 2 Sun

Sunday Funnies @ Touch of Texas

Sound of Music @ Epac

Apr 3 Mon

Open Mic @ Kellys

Apr 5 Wed

Bands @ The Beef

Open Mic @ The Night Cap

Apr 6 Thu

Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

Chase Rice @ Touch of Texas

Open Mic @ Watermans

Apr 7 Fri

Karaoke @ The Night Cap

Karaoke @ J’s Tavern

Storm Front @ Jumbos

Sirsy @ McGirks

Revenants @ Kellys

Wild Card @ Ransom Steele

Apr 8 Sat

Peter Fuerst @ Madrona

Rust @ Tioga Downs

Apr 12 Wed

Bands @ The Beef

Open Mic @ The Night Cap

Apr 13 Thu

Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

Momenta Quartet @ Bing Univ

Comedy @ Beer Thirty

Open Mic @ Watermans

Apr 14 Fri

Karaoke @ The Night Cap

Karaoke @ J’s Tavern

Live Bands @ Atomic Toms

Jeff Dunham @ Arena

Greg Neff @ Nips

The Look @ McGirks

Chicago Tribute @ Tioga Downs

Moonlight and Magnolias @ Cidermill

Apr 15 Sat

Chuck and Heather @ Madrona

Wild Card @ Tioga Downs

Moonlight and Magnolias @ Cidermill

Apr 16 Sun

Moonlight and Magnolias @ Cidermill

Apr 19 Wed

Bands @ The Beef

Open Mic @ The Night Cap

Apr 20 Thu

Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

Open Mic @ Watermans

Apr 21 Fri

Karaoke @ J’s Tavern

Karaoke @ The Night Cap

Splash @ Kellys

Bing Univ Choir @ Anderson Ctr

Rooster @ Post 1645 Bing

Rent @ Watters Theater

Moonlight and Magnolias @ Cidermill

Apr 22 Sat

Joe Stento @ Madrona

Drivel @ Thistys

Rent @ Watters Theater

Univ Wind Symph @ Bing Univ

Jason Wicks @ Tioga Downs

Moonlight and Magnolias @ Cidermill

Apr 23 Sun

TCO The Marriage of Figar @ Forum

Rent @ Watters Theater

Moonlight and Magnolias @ Cidermill

Apr 25 Tue

Broadway in Binghamton Pres: Stomp @ Forum

Apr 26 Wed

Broadway in Binghamton Pres: Stomp @ Forum

Bands @ The Beef

Open Mic @ The Night Cap

Apr 27 Thu

Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

Harpur Jazz Ensemble @Bing Univ

Word of Mouth @ Bing Univ

Open Mic @ Watermans

Apr 28 Fri

Karaoke @ J’s Tavern

Karaoke @ The Night Cap

Rent @ Watters Theater

Junkyard Heights @ Tioga Downs

Apr 29 Sat

Binghamton Philharmonic Pres: Northern Lights @ The Forum

Patrick Young @ Madrona

Drama Scream @ Thirstys

Apr 30 Sun

Bing Univ Orch @ Anderson Ctr

Rent @ Watters Theater

Be sure to check all your favorite venues for upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebrations and please remember to be safe.

What’s Happening

Apr 1

West Colesville Fire Dept Annual Easter Ham Party

Apr 5 Passover Begins

Apr 6

Brooklyn To Broome Taste

Event

~840 Upper Front St

Basket Sales and Pics With The Easter Bunny

~ Hampton Inn & Suites Bing/

Vestal

Apr 7

First Friday

~ Phelps Mansion

Apr 8

Easter Egg Hunt on the Farm ~ Oakwood Manor

Apr 9 Happy Easter

Apr 10

Spring into Fun at The Discovery Ctr

Apr 11

Rumble Ponies first home game of the season against Somerset

Apr 20

Wine & Food Fest

You don't want to miss this event!

~ Roberson

Apr 22

Pedal into Spring

~ Theodore Roosevelt Elem School

Alive With Autism Walk and Family Fun Day

~ Otsiningo Park

Apr 26

Sip and Ride

~ Oakwood Manor

Apr 29

Race To The Stars 5k

~ Kopenik

Binghamton Better Cities Film Festival

~ Atomic Toms

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

FOOD & DRINK

Happ y Easter!

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

Clinton Street Cafe

A Great American Cafe serving Breakfast and Lunch - Come in for the BEST Sausage Gravy anywhere!!

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

J's TAVERN

MADRONA TASTING ROOM

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

Madrona Tasting Room

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

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

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

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

Hot Dog Vendors in NYC 1906. The price... 3 cents

Hot Dogs...Get your Hot Dogs here!!

This year at Ball Parks, picnics, restaurants and at home Americans will eat over 20 billion of these culinary treats. Baseball stadium vendors will be calling them out as they get passed over to anxious fans while street vendors with their carts provide this convenient food to those on the go as well as those who just want to grab a relaxing meal at the park. So where and when did the Hot Dog come from?

The Hot Dog is actually a sausage of the wiener or frankfurter type. The debate over whether or not it is a sandwich has gone from Webster's dictionary to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council and has even been wade in upon by Supreme Court Justices.

We can go back a bit to the 13th Century in Germany where they were quite common but also of great status. It is known that they were prepared for special occasions starting with the coronation of Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor. Originally made of pork in the 18th Century Johann Lahner added beef to the pork calling it simply a franfurter. There are a few different stories as to who was the first in America to put them in a bun giving us the Hot Dog we know today. One such claim goes back to 1880 where a vendor by the name of Feuchtwanger sold them on the streets of Saint Louis. To make it easy for his customers to hold the "hot" dog he gave them gloves to hold them but with few people returning the gloves he lost money. One day his wife suggested putting them in a bread roll so gloves would not be needed. In another version there is a tale of a man named Charles Feltman who had a Hot Dog Cart in Coney Island back in 1860 with a built in compartment for rolls to serve to the public his Coney Island Red Hots. But no matter where they started there is little doubt to how popular they became from coast to coast with variations of favorite toppings which sometimes depended on your location. In NY a Hot Dog with mustard may do just fine with maybe even a bit of relish, onions and sauerkraut added, yet in Chicago you may find these dogs topped with fresh peppers, onions, tomatoes, relish and even a pickle. But no matter where you live these sausages with a history stretching back centuries are sure to please.

Just on the off chance you might be thinking about making a name for yourself and entering a Hot Dog Eating contest... the record is held by Joey Chestnut who ate 70 Dogs in 10 minutes at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island.