MY TOWN A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE magazine Feb 2023

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Will it be an early spring???

Groundhog Day Feb 2nd

America’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, will come out to tell one and all if we can expect an early spring or if we have 6 more weeks of winter. This tradition goes back to the 1880’s with crowds in celebration waiting to see if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow or not. If Phil casts a shadow on Feb 2nd we can all expect a little more cold and snow. But if he doesn’t, an early spring is upon us!! Officially the first day of Spring this year is Monday, March 20th, which means we can all start to shed those winter coats and return to the outdoors for some of the season’s long awaited activities and festivities. But… this is Binghamton with weather that changes every minute. So please, if Phil is wrong, try not to hold it against him. He needs this job.

Bartender of the Month Stephanie McLean

You never know where life may lead you, and for Brooklyn born Stephanie McLean the road led to upstate New York where you can find her enjoying the country life the Southern Tier can lend itself to.

It was when Stephanie was just 9 years old that her family made the trip from Brooklyn to live in Windsor. Her father Edward worked for NYSEG while her mother Betty took care of the home while also working for the Windsor School District. Life was good where Stephanie lived. In fact practically her entire family lived on the same block to include Great Grandma. There was a lot for kids to do in Windsor like going to the park and playing basketball and softball with friends. Sports became a big part of her life as she played basketball starting in 3rd grade and continued throughout her senior year. When warmer weather came she also played softball for the village.

Stephanie has always been drawn to Food and Beverage for a career. Her first job was at a bar in Windsor named chips where she wore many hats to include cook, cashier and server before going to Grandes and even working for 9 years at Red Lobster. Now living in Apalachin she says she is very happy to have found a home at The Dugout Sports Bar. She started there 6 years ago as a server and has bartended for the last 3. When you love where you're at it's easy to call it home because everyone there becomes your family. "I never leave work unhappy. There's so much to love here from my coworkers to the guests and of course the owner Bob. He makes it a great place to work. Every shift is good. I love this place!"

Besides bartending Stephanie also became a paralegal having graduated from BCC. In fact one of her proudest moments was upon graduation being a single mom and having her first born expressing how proud he was of her. She now has two sons Zaire who is 12 and Jose who is now 21. "They are the best part of my life. I'm very proud of them. It has always been fun to go hiking and exploring with them and of course one of my favorite past times, fishing."

"Life is really good and if I were to have any plans for the future it would simply be, to always be happy."

Sending love to all my friends and family! ~ Stephanie

Vestal's Bicentennial Kickoff

After the Revolutionary War many came to recognize the beauty and abundance of everything needed to raise a family and settle near the town of Union. And as the numbers of settlers grew it was not long till the Town of Vestal was formed in 1823. With a long history and generations of families raised here, we now come to Vestal's Bicentennial, celebrating 200 years since its founding. With events planned all year long the celebration kicked off at Arnold Park where friends and families came to enjoy the outdoors and festivities.

Winter has always lent a hand for kids in New York to enjoy some fun events that our snow covered landscapes can provide. Pictured here are some neighborhood kids at the park ready for a sled race back on Feb 16, 1914. Looking back in time not too much has changed in the last hundred years except maybe the stylish hats and coats. Even the old time sleighs can still be found today. We probably all have our own memories of going to the park to sled or skate. As for me, growing up here on the west side of Binghamton you could always find me and my relatives on the hill at Recreation Park or skating in the make shift ice rink that covered one entire field. Every town in the area had their favorite hills and rinks to enjoy.

It doesn't take much to recall special moments in our lives. Sometimes just seeing an old photo 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.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Kismet.....

We love sharing stories about how people here in the area met, fell in love, and got married. There have been so many great stories and so many more out there we would love to hear. So if you have a love story you would love to share with us please let us know. We'd love to hear from you!

Over the next few pages we have for you some of our favorite Kismet stories from past issues. Hope you like them as much as we do!

Edward & Madeline Battaglini

When you Wish Upon A Star.....

This is a story of Vince Briga and Jenny Reese who both grew up here, became best friends, and fell in love.

Once upon a time in the 21st century…..there were two people who met on a dating app. They didn’t have the typical romantic comedy moment or love story drama that brought them together, but they’re ok with that. And so with their first date their story began....

Vince asked Jenny out first because he could tell there was something special about her. They connected on so many levels before even meeting, and shared so many of the same interests and values before even planning a date. Jenny was excited, but nervous because he left her no time to get ready! But she pulled it together and went to meet him because she also knew, he was someone special. On their first date Vince recalls “We met at the Barnes and Noble's cafe and shared a sugar cookie. We pretty much just talked about our lives, our interests, and our families. Jenny and I had been in the talking stage for about four months before we finally had "the talk" about making this official. When I asked her, it was during a fireworks display at Binghamton University. Her response was "aww you're so cute!" I don't think I ever truly got an answer ...”

Jenny’s answer of course meant yes. As she relayed…“We once went for ice cream and on our way there, he called his mom to ask if she wanted anything. I couldn't believe someone could care for his family and love them so much, and even though it was a small gesture, it showed so much about who he was as a person. Vince is so outgoing and can get along with anyone. He always knows how to

make me laugh, or make me smile. We have so much fun, even just singing along to songs in the car. He truly is my best friend as well, and anything we do together is an adventure, and a blast.”

And for Vince… “I knew Jenny was the one when she stood next to me in a torrential downpour to support me and cheer me on during a live broadcast. I'm a reporter for Spectrum News in Binghamton, NY. While reporting on flooding one week, she knew I was a "one man band," so, she stopped by and helped me out as we both got soaked. After that, I knew she was the one. I love that Jenny can find the joy and the fun in anything. She's always making me laugh, always making me smile, and always bringing out the best in me. She truly is my best friend and whether it's a romantic date night out, or pizza and a movie in, I know it's going to be an entertaining and special night, because she makes every moment special.”

“We were each looking for someone we could truly be ourselves around; someone we could trust, laugh with, and become best friends with. We each bring out our better sides, and together, we're better people. That's something we each wanted.”

“We dated for a little over 3 years before getting engaged. Similar to our first date, I called Jenny last minute and told her to be ready by 6pm. I picked her up, drove her an hour away, and we stepped out of the car to a beautiful sunflower field that was just about to bloom. I had spoken to the owner and she was gracious enough to allow us onto the property after hours, on our own. We walked a long path, turned a corner, and on a table, surrounded by sunflowers was her ring. I said a few words that I honestly can't remember, got on one knee, and asked her to marry me, with her favorite flowers flanking her. My cousin and her husband were there to capture the moment and set it all up. Shout out to Brown Hill Farms for the help!”

“Every day together seems to be funny and interesting. We're always going on new adventures and always making new memories. Loving each other is the easiest thing we've ever done. I truly believe that when you meet the person who's right for you, you'll know. You'll never doubt. When I look at Jenny, I see my future and the woman I want to spend forever with, but I also see my best friend and someone I can't wait to come home to after a

“As far as our philosophy, we believe you should find someone who brings out the best you, and someone who you truly enjoy being around, no matter where you are or what you're doing. When you fall in love with the right person, it’s the best thing you’ll ever do.”

For When You Wish Upon A Star

Kismet

Gina and Frank McHale

-- “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.”

"Our relationship while serious when needs to be - is like a sitcom living day by day. We bought the house next to his parents so everyone jokes that we are like “Everybody Loves Raymond”."

"Our Marriage was May 15th 2021. We took a chance at an outdoor ceremony and I’m so glad we did. We got married at the Links at Hiawatha Landing. We couldn’t have bought a better day. The sky was beautiful, it was partly cloudy and about 70 degrees. It was a blessing."

"So when did this relationship start...

....We met on the playground at Blessed Sacrament at the ripe old age

of 4 years. Years later, when Frank and I started dating we were not looking for anything in a partner. There were no expectations which is what I think made our relationship flourish. We had mutual friends and the first date we actually went on was in our adult lives to Skate Estate! We both had a blast and no one broke any bones. We were in love long before it. We had a great time, just like kids, ate horrible pizza, drank flat soda and rollerbladed and played laser tag. Dating always felt very comfortable. I know it’s not a common adjective when you think of dating. We had pretty much grown up together. While not true “High School Sweethearts” it was our own rendition."

"We dated for 2 years before we moved in together - 5 years before he proposed…..

....We were on vacation in the Adirondack Mountains. Frank and I were going to go fishing and it rained for about an hour after we got to the boat dock. He was very persistent that he wanted to fish this specific lake and we NEEDED to wait out the rain. This would have been the first time that I had been in a kayak since having several near death experiences. Nevertheless, we waited out the storm and happily fished for about an hour or so. He pulled his Kayak next to mine (Mostly because I was frozen in fear, and didn’t move much) and put his oar across both of our kayaks. I immediately began to panic thinking he was going to flip me over and create another life or death experience, he pulled a beautiful black diamond ring out of the box and asked me to marry him. Quite the romantic he is."

"We each knew we were meant to be together because neither of us are willing to give up on each other. One always sets the bar higher for the other person. We strive to help each other meet and exceed goals, and that has never changed. Maybe because we’re very competitive, but I think it’s because we were made for each other."

"Frank and I have always shared mutual interests. We very much enjoy the outdoors, hunting, fishing, hiking with the dogs, rescuing animals, and fighting fires. We are both Volunteer firefighters for the Town of Binghamton Volunteer Fire Company. He’s currently a recruit for the City of Binghamton Fire Company. We both also rescue any animal in need. We currently have 3 dogs, 3 cats, 3 birds, 8 chickens, fish and a bearded dragon. Our house has been dubbed “ The island of misfit toys” taking in injured, unwanted, neglected, or behaviorally challenged animals. Frank and I have always made room any time of the day, any day of the year for someone or something in need."

~Thank you Gina and Frank for sharing your wonderful story with us. I can think of no better ending to this article than.... And They Lived Happily Ever After.

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!

some who's careers started a bit more recent

Ice-T Feb 16, 1958

Jane Seymour Feb 15, 1951

Morgan Fairchild Feb 3, 1950

Bernadette Peters Feb 28, 1948

Joe Pesci Feb 9, 1943

Matt Dillon Feb 18, 1964

Chris Rock Feb 7, 1965

Molly Ringwald Feb 18, 1968

Jennifer Aniston Feb 11, 1969

Drew Barrymore Feb 22, 1975

Diane Baker Feb 25, 1938 The Best of Everythig

Gary Conway Feb 4, 1936 Land of the Giants

Richard Beymer Feb 20, 1938 West Side Story

Sherry Jackson Feb 15, 1942 Make Room For Daddy

Joan O'Brien Feb 14, 1936 Operation Petticoat

Fabian Forte Feb 6, 1943 North to Alaska

James Hong Feb 22, 1929 Big Trouble in Little China

John Travolta Feb 18, 1954

Lou Diamond Phillips Feb 17, 1962

Robert Wagner Feb 10, 1930 It Takes A Thief

Rico Browning Feb 16, 1930 Creature from the Black Lagoon

Joanne Woodward Feb 27, 1930 The Three Faces of Eve

Mamie Van Doren Feb 6, 1931 Untamed Youth

Claire Bloom Feb 15, 1931 The Buccaneer

Kim Novak Feb 13, 1933 Pal Joey

Tina Louise Feb 11, 1934 Gilligan's Island &

Kim Novak

Everyone's dream who comes to Hollywood is of course to become a star. But this was not the case with Hollywood legend Kim Novak who's wish was to be an artist yet ended up one of Hollywood's best. Kim Novak was born in Chicago as were both her parents, Joseph and Blanche. Joseph was a history teacher and then worked for the railroad during the depression. Throughout her school years Kim showed an incredible talent in art with paintings that colleges took note of so much that she was accepted to Wright's Junior College and awarded two scholarships to the School of Art Institute in Chicago. But during her summer vacation from Wright's she decided to take a modeling job for Detroit Motors to promote their freezers in a cross country tour ending in California. With a visit to Hollywood she took a job as an extra in the movies Son of Sinbad and The French Line. Once again people took notice of Kim and immediately signed her to a contract with Columbia. That very same year she received her first starring role in her very next film Pushover starring opposite Fred MacMurray and Phil Carey. Kim was an overnight sensation. Everyone wanted her to star in their films with her taking leading roles in so many classics like Pal Joey, Boy's Night Out, Picnic, Bell Book and Candle and Vertical with leading men such as Jimmy Stewart, James Garner, Jack Lemon and William Holden. Amazingly at the height of her career and box office demand, Kim decided to slow down her career to return to painting, poetry and other life ambitions that had always been important to her. Throughout the years she has accomplished so much in art from film to canvas winning so many awards and even a Hollywood Star but most importantly she stayed true to her own dreams and who she wanted to be. This February we'd like to wish Kim a Very Happy Birthday while also letting people know they can read more about her and see her paintings on Kim's Website www.kimnovakartist.com

Love American Style

In the 60's and 70's there might not have been as many tv channel selections but the shows you watched were sure to entertain you. If you didn't have a TV Guide and happened to be turning the channel to see what was on back in September of 1969 you may just have come across a new comedy TV Series called Love American Style by Paramount Television. Love American Style was a comedic salute to American love stories with different characters and storylines for each episode. Many of the 100's and 100's of actresses and actors appearing over the 5 season run were already well established with movie careers and other popular tv series, while others would make their mark in decades to come. Here are just some of the many, many stars you may have seen with so many more which may come to memory... Harrison Ford, Burt Reynolds, Diane Keaton, Karen Valentine, Stuart Margolin, Rich Little, Larry Storch, & Forrest Tucker from F Troop fame, Ronnie Schell, Scatman Crothers, Bill Bixby, Pearl Bailey, many of the cast from Gilligan's Island like Bob Denver & Tina Louise, and many of the stars of Hogan's Heroes like Bob Crane, Nita Talbot, Robert Clary & Richard Dawson. To still bring to memory many of the other stars you may have also seen there were; Peter Marshall & Paul Lynde of Hollywood Squares fame, Robert Cummings, Louis Gossett Jr., Red Buttons, Jane Wyatt, Ruth Buzzi, Milton Berle, Vincent Price, Kurt Russell, Flip Wilson, Sonny & Cher, June Lockhart, and even Binghamton's own Richard Deacon. The list goes on and on, making it one of the best shows to watch late night never knowing who might be on next. So if you get a chance to watch an episode today, we know you'll have as much fun watching it now as the actors and actresses had making it back then!

NOW SHOWING

Hollywood has been home for some of the greatest romantic stories ever brought to life on screen. Here's a look at some of our favorites to enjoy this Valentine's.

This March you can catch academy award winners Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman on the big screen again in the classic Casablanca as we celebragte the films 80th Anniversary. Check out Fathom Events for theatres and times.

Casablanca Cyrano de Bergerac An Affair To Remember West Side Story 1943 US 1950 1957 1961

Somewhere in Time The Princess Bride When Harry Met Sally Sleepless in Seattle 1980 1987 1989 1993

Titanic The Notebook 1997 2004

Tunnel to Towers

American Legion

VFW & USO

Did You Know?

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

Feb 1 National Robinson Crusoe Day

Feb 2 Groundhog Day

Feb 3 National The Day The Music Died Remembrance

Feb 4 National Thank A Mail Carrier Day

Feb 5 National Scout Day

Feb 6 National Pay A Compliment 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 Teddy Bear Day

Feb 11 Global Movie Day

Feb 12 Super Bowl Sunday

Feb 13 World Radio Day

Feb 14 Happy Valentine's Day

Feb 15 Remember The Maine Day

Feb 16 Do A Grouch A Favor Day

Feb 17 National Random Acts Of Kindness Day

Feb 18 National Cow Milked While Flying In An Airplane Day (No kidding it happened in 1930 and the milk was then parachuted down)

Feb 19 National Iwo Jima Day of Remembrance

Feb 20 Presidents' Day

Feb 21 Mardi Gras

Feb 22 Ash Wednesday

Feb 23 National Chili Day

Feb 24 World Bartender Day

Feb 25 National Open That Bottle Night

Feb 26 National Tell A Fairy Tale Day

Feb 27 National Retro Day

Feb 28 National Science Day

Live Entertainment

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

Feb 1 Wed

Bands @ The Beef

Open Mic @ Night Cap

Feb 2 Thu

Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

Virgil Cain @ McGirks

Open Mic @ Watermans

Feb 3 Fri

Karaoke @ Night Cap

Karaoke @ J’s Tavern

Devon @ Thirstys

Sorters @ Tioga

Feb 4 Sat

Storm Front @ J’s Tavern

Barnstorm @ Kellys

Wild Card @ McGirks

On Tap @ Stus

Acoustic Jam @ BC Library

Tijuana Danger Dogs @ Tioga

Feb 5 Sun

Old Time Music @ Abels

Feb 6 Mon

Open Mic @ Kellys

Feb 7 Tue

Comedy @ Crooked Mouth

Feb 8 Wed

Bands @ The Beef

Open Mic @ Night Cap

Feb 9 Thu

Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

EPAC Rock @ EPAC

Open Mic @ Watermans

Feb 10 Fri

Karaoke @ Night Cap

Karaoke @ J’s Tavern

Magic @ Cider Mill Stage

EPAC Rock @ EPAC

Rooster @ Tioga

Feb 11 Sat

Patrick Young@ Madrona Tasting Room

Lone Ryderz @ J’s Tavern

Hi Way Fruit Market @ Kellys

EPAC Rock @ EPAC

Live Music @ Beer Thirty

National Orchestra of Ukraine @ And Ctr

Magic @ Cider Mill Stage

Section 4 Wrestling @ Arena

Feb 12 Sun

EPAC Rock @ EPAC

Feb 14 Tue

Harlem GlobeTrotters @ Arena

Feb 15 Wed

Bands @ The Beef

Open Mic @ Night Cap

Feb 16 Thu

Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

Open Mic @ Watermans

Comedy @ Beer thirty

Feb 17 Fri

Karaoke @ Night Cap

Karaoke @ J’s Tavern

Junkyard Heights @ Touch of Texas

Jason Wicks @ McGirks

Feb 18 Sat

Storm front @ J’s Tavern

Rock Out Cancer @ Am Leg Post 1645

BU Orchestra @ Osterhouse

Rust @ Tioga

Feb 22 Wed

Bands @ The Beef

Open Mic @ Night Cap

Hunter & Jordan @ Kellys

Feb 23 Thu

Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

Open Mic @ Watermans

Feb 24 Fri

Karaoke @ Night Cap

Karaoke @ J’s Tavern

Storm front @ Relief Pitcher

Jason Wicks @ Thirstys

Just Heart @ Tioga

Feb 25 Sat

Band of Brothers @ J’s Tavern

Les Ballet Trockadero @ And Ctr

Sandra Esparza @ Stus

Devon @ Touch of Texas

Metasequoia @ Tioga

Feb 26 Sun

Freak Friday @ CV High School

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

What’s Happening

Feb 2 Groundhog Day

Feb 3

First Friday Art Walk

~ Downtown Binghamton

Feb 6

Spaghetti Dinner

~ American Legion post 1700

Feb 11

2023 Cupid's Chase 5k

~Otsiningo

Feb 12 Super Bowl Sunday

Feb 14 Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Celebration

~ Discovery Center

The Harlem Globe Trotters

~ Arena

Feb 15

Abandoned. The Story of Binghamton's Deserted Landmarks

~ Broome County Library

Feb 16

8th Annual Mac and Cheese Fest

~ Holiday Inn

Feb 19

St Pat's Gnome Paint and Sip

~ Your Needful Things

Frozen 4miler

~ Newbsabity

Feb 20 Presidents' Day

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

Happy Valentine's Day

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

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

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

The Legend of St. Valentine

Well it's here. That one day a year that guys and girls can express their admiration and love without fear of sounding corny. Of course we're talking about Valentine's Day. A day when cards, chocolates and flowers are rushed to those we care about, all accompanied by that popular term of endearment "Be My Valentine". But how did "Valentine" become the term we so recognizably associate as a pledge of affection??