MY TOWN A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE magazine Issue March 2022

Mar 2022

A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

M Y TO W N

Inside

Mac & Cheese Fest Cupid's Charm 5k Dan Thompson BC Celtic Pipes & Drums DiRienzo Bros & more

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

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: Bruce Willis to Alan Light CC BY-2.0, Christopher Walken to John Harrison CC BY-SA 3.0, Spike Lee & Rob Lowe to David Shankbone CC BY 3.0, Glenn Close to Georges Biard CC BY-SA 3.0. And special thanks to the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives at LaGuardia Community College, Queens, New York, and the San Diego Air & Space Museum Library & Archives, and Steinway & Sons for references, quote and photos of the Victory Vertical story. Our thanks to one and all!

Binghamton's Parade Day

Sat, March 5th, 2022 Hillcrest St. Patrick's Day Parade Sun, March 6th, 2022

Come enjoy the fun and all the celebrations around town!

5th h c r a M rday

rty. a P y a D Parade . Join us for s ' k c u i t r a t S g for t St Pa n i a k e es! r o l g o b l a e m r r ' a o f u h hat yo y the S Ready w b s c i a s h u s gm vin Irish Ke ivities includin st all the fe

The

Shambles

$50 Gift Certificate up for grabs

Just email us at jvallonecr@aol.com (include your name and phone #) & tell us which Song from the playlist below you'd like to hear the Shambles play at Irish Kevin's and you could win. It's that simple. One winner will be drawn Fri, March 4th. If you win, simply show up to Irish Kevin's on Sat March 5th for your prize and enjoy the party. Good Luck! (Must be at least 21 years of age. Mgmt. Reserves all rights) WHISKEY IN THE JAR BLACK & TAN AULD TRIANGLE FIELDS OF ATHENRYE HILLS OF DONEGAL RISING OF THE MOON CLAIRE ISLAND ZOMBIE

STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN ORANGE AND GREEN TELL ME MA DIRTY OLD TOWN WILD ROVER TIM FINNEGAN ALL FOR ME GROG FISHERMAN’S BLUES

BLACK VELVET BAND BACK HOME IN DERRY DONKEY RIDING DRUNKEN SAILOR SWAMP MUSIC/JACOCYTES and....THE OL WAGON WHEEL (not Irish at all but always a crowd favorite!)

See you there! Good Luck and Happy Parade Day!!

About The Cover

Our March Cover of Binghamton's Parade Day was drawn by American illustrator and local talent Dan Thompson. You may remember a couple years back the cover Dan did for us for Christmas. Dan's unique style lends itself to the many canvas ideas he creates with a purpose we can all appreciate; "I like to create work that gives pleasure, laughter and happiness to the viewer." Thanks Dan for another great cover!

You can see more of Dan's work on his FB page or Google #DANtheMAN607.

i am

Binghamton

June 2018

Where you get to know your neighbors

If you are from Binghamton then you take special pride in saying you are a patron of DiRienzo Brothers Bakery on Henry St. Started back in 1904 by Italian immigrant Gaetano DiRienzo this bakery and deli is more than a family business, it is a proud landmark and testament to the Italian way of life. Fish is served every Friday throughout the year plus Wednesday during Lent and Christmas Eve. And the deli has an assortment of Italian desserts as well as a wide array of other delicious foods such as pizza and city chicken. Plus their dough is at many of the local grocery stores and their bread is at most of the premier local restaurants including Cortese, Michelangelo’s and Little Venice. If you are someone who hasn’t had the pleasure of visiting their establishment then stop by today. It’s easy to find. Across from the NYSEG ball stadium their signature advertising for the bakery is easy to spot… it’s a truck lofted high above the parking lot. It has become a local landmark, and they’ve even had radio personalities broadcast from the cab of the truck. While there, say hi to brothers Tony and Carmen DiRienzo, the third generation of DiRienzos to grace this area with their sought after bakery and deli.

e l t t i AL

a i v i r T 1. The first St. Patrick's Day Parade wasn't in Ireland but rather took place in Boston in 1737.

2. The World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade was held in the Irish village of Dripsey.

It was only 26 yards, spanning the difference between the village's two pubs.

3. Chicago has been celebrating Saint Patrick's Day by dying the Chicago River GREEN since 1962. It takes 40 tons of dye to get the river just the right shade.

4. There's no corn in Corned Beef. The term "corned" historically referred to the large grains of salt used in curing beef.

5. Legend has it that Leprechauns actually make their fortune by making and mending shoes.

6. The first GREEN beer was made by a physician in the Bronx for a St. Patrick's Day party in 1914.

7. First introduced in 1759, it's estimated that on St. Patrick's Day we will pour some 15 million pints of Guinness.

8. The Shamrock is Ireland's National Flower.

9. About 125 million Americans will celebrate and share in a great Irish heritage this St. Patrick's Day. That's about 26 times the population of Ireland.

March 2019

The Broome County Celtic Pipes & Drums Band You just can’t have a St Patrick’s Day Parade without a Pipe and Drum Band, and we’ve got one of the best in the country !! Back in 1987 the B.C. Celtic Pipe and Drum Band formed giving us the first Bagpipe band in Broome County. Shortly thereafter we all got to see them in their first St. Patrick’s Day Parade right here in Binghamton.

Celebrating over 30 years now they continue to entertain crowds locally and abroad at parades, festivals and benefits to include many public and private charitable events such as the Wounded Warrior organization and Police & Firefighter venues.

They’ve also played in some of the largest St. Patrick's day parades in the country, including Savannah Georgia’s and the New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade where they have been ranked amongst the best of the best. Recently in 2018 they even performed in Edinburgh & Ceres Scotland at the oldest Highland games becoming the first Bagpipe Band from New York to ever perform at the games.

Thanks to all the B.C. Celtic Pipe and Drums members for making us all proud !!!

Have you always wanted to join a pipe band? We would love to have you! We are currently accepting experienced musicians, or enthusiastic new students interested in learning drums (snare, tenor and bass) or bagpipes. To find out more visit our FB Page or website at bccpd.org, or visit us during a regular Tuesday rehearsal and we’ll be happy to give you further details.

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Community Options across ten states hosted their annual Cupid's Chase 5k fundraiser to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Here in New York runners of all ages came out to race the 5k event at Otsiningo Park just a couple of days before Valentine's Day. Congratulations and thank you to all the runners and organizers of such a great event for such an important cause!

The G.I. Piano Made in New York *

During World War II many of our entertainers including actors, actresses musicians, comedians and singers volunteered to serve in the US Armed Forces while so many others who couldn’t, volunteered to be in the USO to entertain the troops. Names like Crosby, Hope, Glen Miller, The Andrew Sisters, Danny Kaye and Mickey Rooney were amongst the thousands of entertainers who all helped to bring a bit of home to our soldiers.

But there’s also another name that came over to do its part as well that you might not have heard about, and that was Steinway, or to be more exact Steinway’s ”Victory Vertical” piano which was also called the G.I. Piano. During WWII Steinway shut down their production of pianos here in New York so they could make gliders for the our military.

But it was soon realized how important bringing a bit of home through entertainment was to the morale of our troops. So the United States asked Steinway, who himself had four sons in the war, to make pianos to send over to entertain our troops. And did he ever. Steinway made over 2,500 pianos to send all over the world, wherever our troops were. Many of these pianos were dropped from planes by parachute to our men and women. They had to be built sturdy to withstand the drop and even came with directions and equipment to tune them. These pianos found welcome homes on bases, camps, military hospitals and really anywhere that company bands, the USO, or even the regular G.I. could put good use to them. Music really did have a way of helping to boost the morale of our men and women in uniform.

In the words of one U. S. soldier in World War II; “Private Kenneth Kranes, wrote to his mother back in New York, he rhapsodized about a Steinway’s arrival. His letter reads: "Two nights past we received welcome entertainment when a jeep pulling a small wagon came to camp. The wagon contained a light system and a Steinway pianna [sic]. Mom, you would laugh if you were to have seen it, because the Steinway is not at all like Uncle Jake’s. It is smaller and painted olive green, just like the jeep. We all got a kick out of it and sure had fun after meals when we gathered around the pianna to sing.”

The letter was dated May 6, 1943.

Kranes was killed the following week by German tank fire.” * Our men and women in uniform risk so much to keep us all safe.

Tomorrow is never promised for any of those serving in time of war.

God bless them all and God Bless all those who have helped to bring a little bit of home to them.

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

Remember When

Century after century we've been a community known for our parades. Here's a glimpse of the Fireman and Odd Parades from 1898 and 1907. Just think, your grandparents or great grandparents might even be in one of the photos. Do you recognize the buildings on Court St. in Binghamton? Notice the tracks for the trolleys.

Special Thanks to our Broome County Historian Roger Luther, the Broome County Historicnal Society and the Broome County Public Library for all their help.

Original story Mar 2019

TREASURE HUNT ANTIQUES ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

300 Clinton St. 607-797-4995 Binghamton, NY 13905 607-765-3434 Leave Message Like us on Facebook Call Ahead to check Packed Full of Treasures...enjoy the Hunt!!

HOURS: Wed - Sat 11am to 5pm

The St. Patrick's Day Parade of 1909.

Parades celebrating the Holiday were indeed a grand event. All would come out dressed in their HICKORY & DOC finest whether they were ANTIQUES & GIFTS CHRIS KEHOE 607-222-6805 in the parade or watching.

PROPRIETOR 169 MAIN STREET These men are all sporting HICKORYDOC2012@AOL.COM AFTON, NY 13730 FACEBOOK.COM/HICKORY&DOC the fashion of the day in HOURS: TUES - SAT 10-5 suits, tie and derby to complete their appearance while the women all adorn their ensembles with the latest bonnets. Even kids were sure to be in their Sunday best. ~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.

Happy March Birthdays to one and all!

Peggy Dow

William Shatner Ron Haggerty (rt)

Robert Clary

Harry Belafonte Mar 1, 1927 Island In The Sun

Mar 18, 1928 Harvey

Ziva Rodan

Michael Caine

Joyce Van Patten Mar 9, 1934 The Good Guys

Mar 26, 1934 The Wackiest Ship in the Navy

Burt Metcalfe

Lana Wood

Liza Minnelli

Mar 1, 1926 Hogan's Heroes

Mar 2, 1933 Pharoah's Curse

Mar 14, 1933 Blame It On Rio

Mar 19, 1935 Mar 1, 1946 Father of the Bride Diamonds Are Forever

some who's careers started a bit more recent

Billy Crystal Mar 14, 1948

Kurt Russell Mar 17, 1951

Mar 12, 1946 Caberet/Arthur

Rob Lowe Mar 17, 1964

Mathew Broderick Mar 21, 1962 Reese Witherspoon Alan Arkin Mar 26, 1934 Mar 22, 1976

Mar 22, 1931 Star Trek

Mar 9, 1932 Sky King

Joby Baker

Shirley Jones Mar 31, 1934 Oklahoma!

Eddie Hodges

Ron Howard

Mar 5, 1947 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Bruce Willis Mar 19 , 1955

Diana Ross Mar 26, 1944

Mar 1, 1954 The Andy Griffith

Show

Spike Lee Glenn Close Mar 19, 1947 Mar 20, 1957

Warren Beatty Christopher Walken Mar 30, 1937 Mar 31, 1943

Shirley Jones

Shirley Mae Jones was born in the small town of Charleroi, Pennsylvania. She was actually named after another star, Shirley Temple. Today we know Shirley from her many incredible performances singing and acting in some of our favorite movies like Oklahoma and The Music Man, and the TV series The Partridge family. As did many of the stars to be, Shirley started developing her talent early on in life. At just 6 years old she was already singing in the church choir and taking acting lessons. In high school she began acting in school plays and even won the Miss Pittsburgh Beauty Contest when she was just 18.

As destiny may have foretold, her amazing voice, beauty, charm and talent were soon to get noticed by one of the best American Musical writing teams there ever was, Rodgers and Hammerstein. As the story goes, Shirley went to her first audition at a regular casting call. The director was so amazed by her that he ran to get Rodgers who then immediately got a hold of Hammerstein. The famous team knew that Shirley was someone very special and immediately signed her to a contract. With her first roles on Broadway she was soon to get lead roles on screen starring with an amazing line up of Hollywood’s leading men in so many great movies like the fore-mentioned Oklahoma with Gordon MacRae, The Music Man with Robert Preston, Elmer Gantry with Burt Lancaster, and one of my personal favorites, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father with Glenn Ford. America was taken with their new sweetheart as was Hollywood. She became a box office sensation in so many notable roles starring alongside more of Hollywood's greats like Jimmy Stewart, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando. Shirley had truly become one of Hollywood's greats.

Adding to her award winning screen, stage and recording career, Shirley also played on many TV series of which she was probably best known as the mother in the 1970’s Partridge Family. Her step son, David Cassidy also starred on the show playing her son Keith. To this day Shirley’s career is timeless with performances on stage and screen and new roles still ahead. As did all of us growing up with Shirley, generations to come will all take notice of this little girl from Pennsylvania who sang in choir and grew up to become a star, making her mark on the world with every performance. Thanks for everything Shirley!

The Binghamton Philharmonic hosted its 7th Annual Mac & Cheese Fest to the delight of countless fans of this culinary treat. This is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Orchestra which continues to entertain us each year with so many great performances. With a great cause and fantastic food in mind over 15 restaurants competed for top honors serving their favorite Mac & Cheese recipes with hundreds of guests sampling the best Mac & Cheese dishes you’ll find anywhere. If you missed out be sure to visit some or all of the competing restaurants and don’t forget to get your tickets next year. Thanks to the Binghamton Philharmonic for putting on such a fun event and thanks for all you do bringing incredible music to our community!

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

Mar 1 Tue Comedy @ Waterman’s Mar 2 Wed Bands @ The Beef Open Mic @ The Night Cap Mar 3 Thu Virgil Caine @ McGirks Red Hot Chilli Pipers @ Anderson Ctr Mar 4 Fri Karaoke @ The Night Cap Jeremy Stevens @ Madrona 5th Gear @ Tap Housee 66 Greg Neff @ Nips Sunset Mirage @ Watters Theatre Storm Front @ Woodys Mar 5 Sat The Shambles @ Irish Kevins Greg Neff @ Madrona Kilrush @ McGirks Michael Ray @ Touch of Texas Sunset Mirage @ Watters Theatre Mar 6 Sun Hasan Minhaj @ Forum Bing Univ Winds @ Concert Theatre Sunset Mirage @ Watters Theatre Mar 9 Wed Bands @ The Beef Open Mic @ The Night Cap Blippi the Musical @ Forum Mar 10 Thu Painted Birds @ Beer Tree PC B.U. Symph @ Concert Theater Mar 11 Fri Karaoke @ The Night Cap Rick Iacocelli @ Madrona The Look @ McGirks 5th Gear @ Ransom Steele Mar 12 Sat Eddie & Bird Dog @ Madrona Storm Front @ Jumbos Ship of Phools @ Tap House Mar 13 Sun Bad Luck @ Watermans

Mar 16 Wed Bands @ The Beef Open Mic @ The Night Cap Mar 17 Thu Smoke House @ Madrona Storm Front @ Ransom Steele Mar 18 Fri Karaoke @ The Night Cap Peter Fuerst @ Madrona Almost Queen @ Forum Patrick Young @ Beer Tree PC Old Friends @ Binghamton AOH Mar 19 Sat Bing Phil Pres: Cherish The Ladies @ Forum Nate Marshall @ Madrona Tyler Smilo @ Choconut Inn 5th Gear @ Toppers Mar 22 Tue Jazz @ BU Chamber Hall Mar 23 Wed Bands @ The Beef Open Mic @ The Night Cap Mar 25 Fri Karaoke @ The Night Cap Rob Ervin @ Madrona 5th Gear @ Woodys Junkyard Heights @ Touch of Texas Storm Front @ Seebers Mar 26 Sat Patrick Young @ Madrona Mar 29 Tue Broadway In Bing Pres: Summer, The Donna Summer Musical @ Forum Mar 30 Wed Broadway In Bing Pres: Summer, The Donna Summer Musical @ Forum Bands @ The Beef Open Mic @ The Night Cap Home Brewed Comedy @ Woodys Mar 31 Thu Lonestar @ Touch of Texas

What’s Happening

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

Mar 4th

First Friday at The Discovery Ctr

Mar 26th

Mar 4th & 5th

Bing. Ballroom Dance Revolution ~Loc TBD

Mar 5th

Mar 26th and 27th

Martina Liana Trunk Show ~Ever After Bing. Bridal

Bing. St. Patrick's Day Parade Blast Off To Space. Let’s explore the stars, planets, asteroids, and everything that lies just beyond Earth! ~ Roberson

Mar 6th

Hillcrest St. Patricks Day Parade Temple Concord Rummage Sale Section 4 Basketball Finals ~Arena

Mar 10th

Astronomy Night - Harry Potter ~Endicott Library

Mar 13

Sect 4 Basketball Regional Finals ~Arena

Mar 11th - 13th

Bing. Reg Competition (Dance) ~Forum

Mar 17th St. Patrick’s Day

Wacky Weather, KoperniKids ~ Kopernik Observatory

S. Tier Homebuilders & Remodelers Assoc. Home & Garden Show ~Arena

Mar 27th

Forks XV Road Race ~Chenango Forks HS

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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.

To

Fr om

Mar 1 National Dadgum That's Good Day Mar 2 National Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss Day) Mar 3 National Anthem Day Mar 4 National Hug a G.I. Day Mar 5 National Cheese Doodle Day Mar 6 National Oreo Cookie Day Mar 7 National Flap Jack Day Mar 8 National Peanut Cluster Day Mar 9 National Meatball Day Mar 10 National Mario Day Mar 11 National Johnny Appleseed Day Mar 12 National Girl Scout Day Mar 13 National Day Light Savings Time Mar 14 National Napping Day Mar 15 National Everything You Think Is Wrong Day Mar 16 National Everything You Do Is Right Day Mar 17 Happy St. Patrick's Day Mar 18 National Sloppy Joe Day Mar 19 National Certified Nurses Day Mar 20 The First Day Of Spring Mar 21 National Common Courtesy Day Mar 22 National Goof Off Day Mar 23 National Puppy Day Mar 24 National Cocktail Day Mar 25 National Medal Of Honor Day Mar 26 National Spinach Day Mar 27 National Joe Day Mar 28 National Black Forest Cake Day Mar 29 National Vietnam War Veterans Day Mar 30 National Take A Walk In The Park Day Mar 31 National Prom Day (Share your Prom Photos)

You might be surprised as to what some of our great architectural buildings in the area hold behind their walls. Built in 1935 during the Great Depression for $448,220 the Federal Building and Courthouse on Henry Street is also home to incredible art such as these murals of the Art Deco Style. Here's a glimpse of four of the eight murals painted by artist and Cornell University art professor Kenneth Washburn (b. 1904) on the lobby's upper walls which depict scenes pertaining to local agriculture, industry, transportation, and the U.S. mail service. Although the Post Office had moved in 1967 this Neoclassical design with Art Deco influences is a testament to the pride in architecture and growth during the period.

Neighborhood Chef

Barbara Yonkin Bozon I just love to celebrate St Patrick’s Day by cooking our favorite Irish foods. Here are traditional Irish side dishes that are perfect for your corned beef, beer battered cod or bangers.

Happy St. Patrick's Day All!

COLCANNON

(A traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale)

Ingredients

1 lb potatoes cut into 1/2 inch cubes 4 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch slices 1 onion, sliced 1/4 head of a small cabbage, sliced thinly 4 green onions, sliced 1/4 cup half and half 2 tablespoons butter salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Bring some water to boil, add the potatoes and simmer until fork tender, about 20-30 minutes.

Meanwhile cook the bacon in a large pan over medium heat until it renders, about 3-5 minutes.

Add the Kale/cabbage saute until tender, about 10 minutes. Add the **green onions**and cook another 5 minutes.

Drain and mash the potatoes in a large bowl. Mix in the bacon, kale/cabbage and onions, half and half, butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Total Time: 35 mins Servings: 4

SAUTÉED CABBAGE (sautéed with bacon for an easy and tasty side dish for any Irish dinner) Ingredients

4 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch slices 1 onion, sliced 1/2 head of cabbage, sliced thinly 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the bacon and set aside. Add the onion and saute it in the bacon grease until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the cabbage saute until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Add the bacon, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper and cook until the liquid disappears.

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4

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

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