MY TOWN A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE magazine Issue May 2023

Home Repair Service for Seniors

Before After

Sometimes small things can make a big difference. That’s the philosophy behind the First Ward Action Council’s Home Repair Service for Seniors.

The council employs a staff of skilled technicians to do small, but necessary, repair jobs helping seniors to continue living in their homes. Homeowners pay for materials while the council supplies skilled labor free of charge.

Jobs can include installing new faucets, rebuilding stairs, installing dead bolt lock and countless other repairs.

The service does a couple of hundred jobs each year, primarily in the City of Binghamton and Town of Union, CDBG funding being provided by both municipalities. Seniors are assisted elsewhere in Broome County, but due to funding limitations, only on a time available basis. To receive assistance, homeowners must be 55 years of age, or older and meet income and program guidelines.

Wine and Food Fest

Once again the Roberson Museum and Science Center held their prestigious Wine and Food Fest with a list of vendors a mile long. Inside and out, attendees enjoyed the best of the area's wines, beers, liquors and of course culinary treats stretching from wall to wall. As always this is one of the area's best events bringing people together while showing off what the Southern Tier has to offer in food & beverage all in a grand setting of an incredible museum. Make sure to follow Roberson for all their events coming up. See you next year!

Fridays in JC at the Grapevine Cafe becomes the scene for all to enjoy great Happy Hour BOGO specials, delicious food and something new... Bar Bingo. So what is Bar Bingo??? Best to just come on down, ask your host Michele, and join the fun.

You're really going to like it here at The Grapevine Cafe. The food is just incredible as are the staff. So make it a point to pay a visit, have a drink & enjoy all they have to offer!

The Grapevine Cafe' 220 Main St. Johnson City

Did You Know ?

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

May 1 National Mother Goose Day

May 2 National Truffle Day

May 3 National Paranormal Day

May 4 National Star Wars Day

May 5 Cinco De Mayo /National Astronaut Day

May 6 Kentucky Derby

May 7 National Tourism Day

May 8 National Have A Cake Day

May 9 National Sleepover Day

May 10 National Clean Up Your Room Day

May 11 National Twilight Zone Day

May 12 National Military Spouse Appreciation Day

May 13 National Frog Jumping Day

May 14 Happy Mother's Day

May 15 National Peace Officer's Remembrance Day

May 16 National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day

May 17 National Graduation Tassel Day

May 18 National Visit Your Relatives Day

May 19 National NASCAR Day

May 20 National Armed Forces Day

May 21 National Take Your Parents To The Playground Day

May 22 National Buy A Musical Instrument Day

May 23 National Lucky Penny Day

May 24 National Brother's Day

May 25 National Wine Day

May 26 National Paper Airplane Day

May 27 National Grape Popsicle Day

May 28 National Hamburger Day

May 29 Memorial Day

May 30 National Creativity Day

May 31 National Smile Day

Health Beat Natural Foods

Locally owned since 1983

Retirement Sale

Michele Moelder is a life-long resident of Broome County who has taken a holistic approach to helping make this area a great place to live. Not only has she been involved in helping different not for profits and various causes in her community but on a more personal level she has been helping the residents of this area improve their lives through healthier food and lifestyle choices.

Her vision began in 1983 when she first opened her Health Beat Natural Foods and Deli store in Binghamton. A few years later she relocated to Main St in Johnson City and expanded her operations to include a nutritionist practice next door.

What is unique about her practice is that as a certified nutritionist and Onamed practitioner she has brought in technology that is considered a revolution in nutrition assessment. Michele offers several modalities, such as Ondamed Biofeedback and Body Impedance Assessment to monitor and encourage healthy lifestyles.

And if this isn’t enough Michele has been a role model to many in the area including her two daughters who have followed in her footsteps and opened their own businesses in this area. Her one daughter has the Grapevine Restaurant in Johnson City and the other daughter has the Evolution beauty salon in Binghamton.

Michele has now decided to retire though with so many great plans ahead. Admittedly she'll miss the store and seeing all her customers everyday but its time for a new adventure. Sad as we are to see such a great store close its doors we're happy for Michele and all that lies before her. Thank you Michele for being another great reason why this is such a great place to live!!

*A special acknowledgement and thank you to the Honor Flight guests at Waterman's, our heroes, our Veterans, for their sacrifice and achievements. Pictured here (l-r) are World War II Veterans; Signalman George Harrington - Navy, Petty Officer, 2nd Class Harold Gary - Navy, and Staff Master Sergeant Bill Wall - Air Force. The group photo was taken at the Navy Museum. God Bless and Thank You to All! And Thank You to all those who make the Honor Flights possible!

There is always something going on at The Waterman's Cafe and Tasting Barn in Apalachin. This place is just amazing! Of course you can enjoy some amazing NYS Craft Beers, Wine, Cider and Spirits on any given day while enjoying some amazing food...but they also are host to so many fun events every week! How about a great Sunday Brunch, or a Wine Tasting from visiting wineries. Is music your thing? How about catching a great band here or stopping by on Thursday when Waterman's along with Ray, John & Mike host one of the best Open Mic's around not to mention their great work with Play It Forward. Waterman's is also home to many other great benefits. Maybe you'd like to test your knowledge with a bit of Trivia...well come on down Tuesday Nights. How about taking a painting class, watching a comedy show, or even running a 5k. Remember all the 5k runs at the Rail Trail. Well that's these folks and they're still putting on those great races. They even have Sip & Shops, Car Shows and... well there is always something going on here. I stopped by just last week to take some photos of the festivities and not only did they have a packed house for Open Mic but they also had Thirsty Owl giving a Wine Tasting while in attendance was a celebration for our Heroes of Honor Flight. So the next time you're wondering what to do, come on down and check out everythng Waterman's has to offer. You'll be glad you did!

The night falls upon the ground, Rows before me in white. The souls lay here are heaven bound, Our strength, our courage, our light.

All answered the call for freedom, A fight o’re land and sea. Now brothers and sisters by their side, Lay silent, our family.

A prayer for these valiant few, Soldiers lie in wait. In our hearts, our prayers renew, God speed to heaven’s gate.

Memorial Day May 29th, 2023

Then and Now

The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park has been part of our community since 1875 thanks to Erastus Ross, who donated 90 acres to Binghamton with the condition that it be used for a park for all to enjoy.

Ross Park Zoo

It’s been 148 years since the park first opened yet there are still remnants of yesteryear that can be seen.

Look around and you'll see the past all around you like the old stone walls and staircases, an old cage and even one of our historic carousels which came to the park in 1920.

Quite a few years have passed since those horse and buggy days but our Zoo is still bringing smiles to thousands of people every year with its many attractions, events and wondrous residents.

Erastus Ross

With the new spring making its way into our lives many of us

be taking to the roads on our bicycles. A common sight that has had a few changes over the years to the design of the bike, but if you go back far enough the concept of a two wheel bike or Penny - Farthing as later called, was a bit astounding. A talent for sure to master and a slightly higher seat to fall from in failed attempts, these high wheels were actually fairly fast and comfortable once you got the knack of it. You could even race them as these men were doing here in New York in 1890. But as time went on, more traditional looking bikes came to be, from the tricycle and every kid's dream, the plastic Big Wheel on up to the Road Bike, BMX & Touring Bikes of today. If you search you can still find replicas of the old Penny-Farthings for sale and if you don't mind parting with a small fortune there are a few of the real McCoys still to be had. And for those with a little more than a passing interest, every year they still race these giants in Sweden.

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

The Golden Age of Hollywood

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

Joan Blackman May 17, 1938 Visit To A Small Planet

Millie Perkins May 12, 1938 The Diary of Anne Frank

Clint Eastwood May31, 1930 Rawhide/Fistfull of Dollars

Joan Collins May 23, 1933 Land of the Pharaohs

Constance Towers May 20, 1933 The Horse Soldiers

Will Hutchins May 5, 1930 Sugarfoot

Marilyn Knowlden May 12, 1926 Les Miserables

Yvonne Furneaux May 11, 1928 The Master of Bellantrae Carroll Baker May 28, 1931 The Big Country

Zohra Lambert May 13, 1937 Splendor In The Grass

Robert Crawford Jr. May13, 1944 Laramie

Anna Maria Alberghetti May 15, 1936 Cinderfella

George Clooney May 6, 1961

Louis Gossett Jr. May 27, 1936

Brooke Shields May 31, 1965

Colin Farrell May 31, 1976

Ian McKellen May 25, 1939

Mr. T. May 21, 1952

Judge Reinhold May 21, 1957

Cate Blanchett May 14, 1969 John Reilly May 24, 1965

Debra Winger May 16, 1955

some who's careers started a bit more recent Dwayne Johnson May 2, 1972

Pierce Brosnan May 16, 1953

&

Constance Towers

You never know where you might be discovered as was the case for a young Constance Towers living in Montana. She was only in first grade when a talent scout discovered her. Believing in their daughter, the family picked up and moved to the state of Washington where she

became an actress on radio. Remarkably at just 11 years of age Paramount now recognized talent in this young girl and offered her a contract. But for the time at least, mom and dad thought it was too soon. From Washington her family moved to New York where Constance studied acting and singing. And as fate would have it, once again she was discovered by another agent which led to a chance booking singing at The St. Regis Hotel. Here she was discovered yet again by a Columbia Pictures agent while performing who then immediately flew her to LA to read opposite Jack Lemmon & then signing her to a contract.

Incredibly after a series of discoveries Constance was now to have her very first role in a Columbia Picture's movie at just 22 years of age. Within just a few years she was starring with the likes of John Wayne and William Holden in Horse Soldiers and Jeffrey Hunter and Woody Strode in Sergeant Rutledge for you western fans, followed by many other thrillers, dramas, comedies and even a dance movie with Sidney Poitier called Fast Forward. In the 60's her love for the stage brought Constance back to Broadway to star in some of the most famous productions ever such as The King and I opposite Yul Brynner, Show Boat, Guys and Dolls and Carousel. Of course television had also been a part of her career with so many shows like Perry Mason, the Rockford Files and Bay Watch to the made for tv movie Once In Her Life, to even soap operas like General Hospital and The Young and The Restless. With roles as recent as 2022 there is much more to see from this award winning actress and singer who was once long ago discovered in a small town in Montana while still only in the first grade. Happy Birthday Constance!

The Season is here to enjoy some of our great restaurants and bars that will be hosting your favorite bands indoors & outside. We caught up with The Beard of Bees at The Tap House in JC. What a great way to kick off the months ahead with a great band relaxing outside with friends. You're going to love the Tap House! Come on down!

We’ve Got Talent Beard of Bees

With over 1000 shows chances are you have already caught the Beard of Bees at one of the many venues they’ve played in Broome County. But if you haven’t heard them there’s only one thing you need to know when you do…you’re going to have a great time! Whether playing as a trio, duo or with other bands these guys bring a lot of talent with them making it all look easy while having a lot of fun on stage.

So who are the guys behind the name Beard of Bees? On guitar and vocals we have Rob Perez. On bass and vocals there’s Ralph Pomeroy. (You’re going to love him on tributes to AC/DC). And there’s Jake McKinney, your drummer and also vocals. Just as a little band trivia, the name Beard of Bees came from a break down in a song they were playing which sounded a lot like a hive of bees.

With every great band there are years of hard work, practice & performing that comes into play. Rob, an SV grad, was introduced to music by his family. He started playing at 10 and playing at bars at just 15. He’s now been playing for 40 years. Ralph went to school in Susquehanna PA and started playing professionally in a band at just 15. He’s also been playing now for 40 years. Jake, who is also from Susquehanna, was introduced to music by his father who was a musician. He’s been playing in bands since he was just 14. The one thing they all have in common besides the endless hours of practice is they were all self taught, showing the personal drive that each have for music.

It was in 1987 that Rob and Ralph met and started playing together. Rob was just 15 and Ralph 20. They “have spent many years writing and performing together in many cover and original projects including Trip Hammer, The Mob, the Stephan Lawrenson Band, The Bridge, and Triple X to name a few. They formed the Beard of Bees in 2007 with former drummer Steve Lawrenson. Jake joined them as the drummer in 2018.“ When you catch them on stage you can tell they’re having a great time playing crowd favorites in their own style like songs from Tom Petty, AC/DC, Pete Townshend, Johnny Cash, Elvis and even Neil Diamond where I can guarantee you’ll be singing along to Sweet Caroline. So when you get a chance, check out their schedule, and go have a great time!

Kopernik Race For The Stars 5k

There are so many fun programs, classes and events going on at Kopernik that you can read about on their website. Here's a glimpse of some of the good people who showed up for their Race To The Stars event to support Kopernik!

"The Kopernik Observatory & Science Center opened in 1974, built by the Kopernik Society of Broome County to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Mikolaj Kopernik, the man known to the world as Copernicus – the “father” of modern astronomy. Since that time, hundreds of thousands of children and adults have experienced the wonders of science through the Observatory’s programs.

Located atop a 1740 foot hill in Vestal, NY, 13 miles southwest of Binghamton, the Observatory has been one of the best-sited and best equipped public observatories in the Northeast United States for nearly 45 years.

The Kopernik Observatory & Science Center is the first science laboratory facility in New York State designed for K-12 teachers, students and their families. Its mission is to offer hands-on investigations using advanced telescopes, computers and other tools, encouraging the discovery of the wonders of the Universe."

Live Entertainment

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

May 1 Mon

Open Mic @ Kellys

May 2 Tue

Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

May 3 Wed

Open Mic @ The Night Cap

Bands @ The Beef

May 4 Thu

Bing Philharmonic Pres: May The 4th Be With You @ And Ctr

Open Mic @ Watermans

May 5 Fri

Karaoke @ The Night Cap

Karaoke @ Js’ Tavern

Beard of Bees @ Ransom Steele

Jerry Seinfeld @ The Forum

Jake Desormo @ Tioga Downs

May 6 Sat

Eddie & Bird Dog @ Madrona

Band Out Of Bing @ J’s Tavern

Brewhaha @ Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park

Home Brew @ Abels

The Binghamton Crosbys @ Waters Theater

AC/DC Tribute @ Touch of Texas

Roxyslide @ Toppers

Making Strangers @ Water St Brew

Ship of Phools @ Thirstys

Comedy @ Beer Thirty

On Tap @ Stus Place

Virgil Cain @ Tioga Downs

May 7 Sun

Mason Warrington @ Firehouse Stage

May 9 Tue

Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

May 10 Wed

Open Mic @ The Night Cap

Bands @ The Beef

May 11 Thu

Open Mic @ Watermans

Virgil Cain @ McGirks

May 12 Fri

Karaoke @ Js’ Tavern

Karaoke @ The Night Cap

Beard of Bees @ McGirks

Richie Stearns @ Atomic Toms

L’Bonti @ Tioga Downs

May 13 Sat

Pat Tato @ Madrona

Storm Front @ Seebers

Beard of Bees @ Jumbos

Kidbess @ Atomic Toms

Greg Neff @ Nips

$2 Pistol @ Touch of Texas

Smashing Atom @ Taphouse

May 14

Mike Carbone/MikeMelnyk @ Food & Fire

May 16 Tue

Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

May 17 Wed

Bands @ The Beef

Open Mic @ The Night Cap

Higher Ground @ The Dugout

May 18 Thu

Open Mic @ Watermans

May 19 Fri

The Touch @ The Dugout

Karaoke @ The Night Cap

Karaoke @ J’s Tavern

Storm Front @ Jumbos

Beard of Bees @ Taphouse

Spare Parts @ Tioga Downs

May 20 Sat

Kevin Ludwig @ Madrona

Beard of Bees @ Topper

Sh-Boom @ Cider Mill Stage

Tailor Made @ Tioga Downs

May 21 Sun

Sh-Boom @ Cider Mill Stage

Enjoy Jazz @ Firehouse Stage

May 23 Tue

Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

May 24 Wed

Bands @ The Beef

Open Mic @ The Night Cap

Wild Card @ The Dugout

May 25 Thu

Open Mic @ Watermans

May 26 Fri

Smashing Atom @ The Dugout

Karaoke @ J’s Tavern

Karaoke @ The Night Cap

Beard of Bees @ Jumbos

Sh-Boom @ Cider Mill Stage

5th Gear @ Tioga Downs

May 27 Sat

Patrick Young @ Madrona

Gravelding Bros @ The Dugout

Sh-Boom @ Cider Mill Stage

Wreckless Marci @ Tioga downs

May 30 Tues

Open Mic @ J’s Tavern

May 31 Wed

Bands @ The Beef

Wreckless Marci @ The Dugout

Open Mic @ The Night Cap

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Chef Anthony Joseph Giammarino with

A Mother's Day Tribute

Pasta Al Forno (Baked Ziti)

This dish, like any other pasta or meat dish that features my version of my mother's sauce makes every meal made on Sunday feel like I never left my youth! Sundays growing up were the best! The amazing aroma always permeated throughout the entire house then as it does now! Every Sunday sauce prepared now always will remind me of my mother stirring and always adding various fresh herbs and ingredients at just the right moments. Most of which were either grown in my father's garden or made in their contina! One of the wisest moves I ever made was as an adult I asked my mother to show me step by step how she created her amazing sauce. From the initial start I would emulate every step to create Ma's Sunday sauce! The proudest moment I ever experienced in the kitchen was a Sunday sauce that I would make for my parents as they grew older, when she said to me, "Anthony, this is delicious, even better than mine!" With a compliment like that, how could I not continue her Sunday tradition for my family! Ma always did it best whether it was her pasta dishes, meatballs or cutlets, ....as I always say Forgetaboutit!

Neighborhood

As most Italians do when making anything in the kitchen it's not generally measured, but made with passion and love.

~Pasta Al Forno~

-Half of mid size onion finely diced

-4-6 garlic cloves finely diced

-In a deep pot warmed on the burner, add a good coating (no skimping) of extra virgin olive oil

-Warmed for 30 seconds or so add the onion and garlic, let them swim in the pool for a few minutes

-Add minimally two 28oz cans of San Marzano tomatoes, crushed and puree. Stirring continuously from here is the key!

-Fill one can with water and add that to the pot

-Add salt and pepper to taste, as well as a pinch of crushed red flakes

-Add two plus tablespoons of tomato paste, Stir Stir Stir!

-Reduce to a simmer when your sauce begins to boil

-Its okay to add a pinch of sugar or a carrot to reduce the acidity of the tomato but I find the San Marzano tomatoes aren't as acidic

-Add parmiagiano ragianno grated cheese to the sauce or pecorino romano and stir

-Add peppers, sweet or hot to your liking with about a dozen stems and leaves of parsley after a boil of 30 minutes or so

-Add 5 decent sized leaves of basil ripped by hand

-Let all that simmer together from start to finish for as long as possible, I do for 3-4 hours. The aroma is amazing.

-On another burner for the Pasta Al Forno dish brown ground beef and sausage adding diced onion and garlic, salt & pepper along with a diced sweet pepper. Add about 3-4 oz of Sauvignon blanc to the meat, let the alcohol burn off. Add to the sauce.

-In a separate bowl add 15 oz of ricotta cheese with shredded mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano, and handful of chopped parsley, 1 egg, salt and pepper. Mixing that all together.

-Boil 4-5 quarts of water adding a generous amount of sea salt and for this dish I used 1 lb of rigatoni cooked to al dente

-In a 9x13 oven pan add 2-3 ladles of sauce to coat the bottom, add half of the rigatoni, top that with more sauce covering the pasta, add the balance of rigatoni on top with more sauce covering all pasta, now add and spread the ricotta cheese mixture to the top of the sauce covered rigatoni. Sprinkle both cheeses over the top, cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then take the pan out of the oven, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes uncovered. Let rest for 15-20 minutes out of the oven allowing the cheeses to settle in. Ora Si Mangia! A good Cabernet Sauvignon and saluti to all the moms!

Happy Mother's Day!

Your Friend, Anthony

O D A N D D R I N K

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!! You're going to love us!

52 Clinton St. Bing. 724-9927

The Dugout Sports Bar

An infusion of great food, drinks & sports with 20+ HDTVs, pool tables, foosball, darts & outdoor tiki bar with live entertainment! 6125 State Route 434, Apalachin, 625-3188

The Grapevine Cafe'

Artistic charm, culinary specialties, craft beer, wine & cocktails make this the perfect place to share good times with friends. You'll love our staff & BOGO Happy Hour Tue-Sat 4-6pm. 220 Main St JC 729-1000

J's TAVERN

J's Tavern

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

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

Waterman's Cafe & Tasting Barn

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

MADRONA TASTING ROOM

What’s Happening

May 4

Paint Your Pet - Wine & Watercolor

~Uncorked Creations

May 5

First Friday Piano Recital

~Phelps Mansion

May 5-6

Port Dickinson Village Yard Sales

~Phelps Mansion

May 6

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting!!

~600 Boswell Hill Rd Endicott

The Cubby's 5k and Fun Run

~ Otsiningo Park

Spring Fest: Games, Food and Fun!!

~ U.E. High School

Cars & Coffee

~Waterman's Cafe & Tasting Barn

May 7

Bridge Run 1/2 Marathon and 5k

~ Mirabito Stadium

May 13

Endwell Neighborhood Yard Sales

DAnimal's Adoption Event

~ Endicott Library

May 14 Happy Mother's Day

Apr 14

Mother's Day Breakfast

~ St John and Andrew Roman Catholic Church

May 18

Brew and Food Fest. Proceeds to benefit LymeCARES

~Endicott Visitors Center

May 19

Ice Cream Social

~Charles F. Johnson Jr Elem School

May 20

Creekside Spring Artisan Market

30+ Local Makers & Vendors, Live Music, Food, Flowers & Fun!

~356 Kattelville Rd

Mystery Bus Trip

~Johnson City Seniors Center

Sunflower 5k for Ukraine

~Vestal Rail Trail

May 29 Memorial Day

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

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