Author name: imc-editor

Local Church Celebrates 10,000 Dresses Made

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Event Location: Whitney Point United Methodist Church, Whitney Point NY  Sunday, May 20, 2018 1:30pm

For the past 8 years the ‘Sew ‘n Sews’ have been meeting weekly at the Whitney Point United Methodist Church to sew dresses. They use pillowcases, sheets, and other donated fabric along with elastic and lace, to assemble dress kits which then get sewn together into dresses of all sizes. Every few months a volunteer takes several boxes full of completed dresses to Angels of Mercy in Rochester, NY where they get labels and are shipped out across the globe as part of the Dress A Girl Around The World program.

On Sunday, May 20th the church will be celebrate the completion of the Sew ‘n Sews’ 10,000th dress! There will be speakers from Angels of Mercy and Dress A Girl as well as a short video presentation showcasing some of the happy girls who have received dresses.

“We’ve never bought any fabric,” lead Sew ‘n Sew, Jean Ellis says. “Every time we got low another donation would come in.” Rev. Turnpenny says this is not just a celebration of 10,000 dress but 10,000 children being given dignity and protection. It’s also a celebration of the incredible community support we’ve received through countless donations of fabric and thousands of hours of sewing!

About: Dress a Girl Around the World is a Campaign under Hope 4 Women International (a 501c3 organization) bringing dignity to women around the world since 2006. For more information go to dressagirlaroundtheworld.com

Angels of Mercy is a Christ-centered organization (501c3) dedicated to helping women in need locally, across the nation and around the world. For more information go to angelsofmercyny.org.

The Whitney Point United Methodist Church has been an active part of the community since the 1800’s and prioritizes supporting children and feeding the hungry. For more information go to whitneypointumc.org.

 

May Day: BU Students push on worker rights

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In the name of "anti-Trump" and "progressive," SUNY-Binghamton Harvey Stenger and NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo are supporting and promoting sweatshop practices locally and across the state. We will release an open letter to all of the gubernatorial candidates. We want their supports to eliminate a sweatshop economy and not to continue the sweatshop policies that Cuomo started. We want the candidates to give pressures to Stenger to change his perpetuation of racism and the supports for sweatshop practices like mandatory overtime. Mandatory overtime and 24-hour shifts is modern day slavery!

An excerpt from the letter:

To demonstrate how the governor endorses sweatshop practices on the national level, we’d like to draw your attention to the cases of Adriana Moreno v Future Care Health Services, Inc., Lilya Andryeyeva v New York Health Care, Inc. and Nina Tokhtaman v Human Care, LLC. The plaintiffs in each of those cases were 24-hour home attendants who were not paid for the portion of their shift worked overnight. The courts upheld the home attendants’ right to be paid for all 24 hours, “regardless of whether they were afforded opportunities for sleep and meals,” but Governor Andrew Cuomo quickly undermined these legal victories through regulation changes in the DOL, and continues to support a 24-hour workday – with half of these hours unpaid – in the homecare industry. As a result, homecare agencies are now telling their workers to not care for patients at night. For example, if the patient falls down in the middle of the night, the workers are now supposed to call 911 rather than assist the patient. As our population ages, the demand for home healthcare workers will skyrocket up to 45% over the next ten years. We need to act now to ensure that home-care workers and their clients are taken care of.

Download the entire letter below.

 

 

Exterminator: A Horse Celebrated in the Arts

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‘Exterminator Extravaganza Month’ Begins in Binghamton

BCAC, County Executive Garnar & Mayor David Announce Events Commemorating Kentucky Derby Winner

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) — Broome County Arts Council Executive Director Nancy Barno Reynolds joined the Broome County Historical Society, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, Mayor Richard C. David and local officials at the Jeffrey P. Kraham Broome County Public Library today to kick off Exterminator Extravaganza Month, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the famous Kentucky Derby win by the Binghamton racehorse Exterminator.

“This year, our community will host a slate of fun events to celebrate the centennial of Exterminator’s legendary upset at the 1918 Kentucky Derby,” Reynolds said. “Not only was the racehorse beloved by the Binghamton community, his story is one of the most exciting pieces of local history, and we’re eager to bring the community together to celebrate with a series of great events.”

Exterminator belonged to Willis Sharpe Kilmer, the wealthy Binghamton newspaperman, who bought the horse in early 1918 to help his more-prized racehorse, Sun Briar, during workouts. When Sun Briar faced a medical issue ahead of the 1918 Kentucky Derby, Kilmer agreed to race Exterminator in his place. Regarded by Kilmer then simply as a workhorse, Exterminator “shocked the world” on May 11, 1918 when he overcame 30-1 odds to win the Kentucky Derby, according to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

Exterminator competed in 99 races in his career, winning 50 of them and earning the title of American Horse of the Year in 1922. Nicknamed “Old Bones” for his scrawny appearance, Exterminator was eventually elected into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. He was moved to the Kilmers’ Riverside Drive stable in Binghamton after his retirement and came to be adored by the community. Kilmer’s wife held a party for community members each May to celebrate the horse’s birthday.

“Binghamton’s history is full of fascinating characters and interesting stories, and Exterminator’s story gives us a reason to celebrate,” said Mayor David. “We are grateful to the Broome County Arts Council, the Broome County Historical Society and the other partners involved in the centennial celebrations. Their events in the weeks ahead are part of what makes Binghamton such a great place to live and visit.”

“Thank you to the Broome County Arts Council and Broome County Historical Society for commemorating this anniversary and the legendary racehorse Exterminator. Broome County is proud to be a part of this historical celebration and share this story with the community,” said County Executive Garnar.

A full schedule of events for Exterminator Extravaganza Month is below. For questions or more information, please contact the Broome County Arts Council at (607) 723-4620.

2018 Exterminator Extravaganza schedule:

Tuesday, May 1 through October: Broome County Historical Society photo exhibit of “Old Bones” at the Jeffrey P. Kraham Broome County Public Library

Tuesday, May 1st- Friday June 1st: Roberson Museum and Science Center: Historic photograph of Exterminator and actress Kay Gardner at Sun Briar Court, on display in the lobby; open to the public.

Friday, June 1 (First Friday) at 6-9 p.m.: “Willis Sharpe Kilmer: A Life of Success and Scandal” and footage from the Kentucky Derby Race – viewing at Cooperative Gallery, State St.

Saturday May 5th, 4-8pm, Remlik’s Derby Day: Themed food and beverage options.

Wednesday, May 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at WSKG: Talk by Eliza McGraw, author of “Here Comes Exterminator”

Friday, June 1 (First Friday), 6 to 9 p.m. at Broome County Arts Council, 81 State St. in Binghamton: Exterminator Exhibition with work from local artists and Kentucky Derby- themed activities for children (make-your-own Kentucky Derby hats)

Sunday, June 3 at 1 p.m. at Kilmer Mansion/Lew Hecht, Temple President: Reader’s Theater of Old Bones; performance by Bill Gorman and STARR performers; light refreshments will be served.

Open Year Round: Exterminator burial/marker; Whispering Pines Pet Cemetery; Gardner Rd, Binghamton, 13903

Local History Conference Looks at Hidden Stories

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The Bundy Museum, with the involvement of BU and other sponsors, brought people together to hear about local history with unexpectedly profound results. When Lisa Beal presented "History of Two Families, One Black, One Jewish" she discovered that her great grandfather and a participant's grandfather nearly went into business together: hers had a truck and the other had a dead cow to sell. Another remembered her grandmother from her childhood. And a young man expressed deep appreciation for meeting Lisa, whose activist mother was the inspiration for the Frances Beal Society, an activist coalition at Binghamton University fighting racism, sexism, queer/transphobia, corruption, ableism and other oppressions.

And that was just one workshop! Others that brought connections from those present were "Patterns of Immigration, Ethnicity, and Americanization in Early 20th century" buy Rachel Blaifeder, "Cold War Technology with Southern Tier Roots" by Susan Sherwood of Techworks, "The History of the Women's Center" by Peg Johnston, and "The American Dance Asylum" by Greg Bain. Again, just to name a few.

Prof. Gerald Zahavi of SUNY Albany detailed "Socialists, Patriarchs, and Spies: EJ Workers and the Question of Loyalty. The audience was surprised to hear that Binghamton was a hotbed of radical activity post WWI with many rival Socialist and Communist chapters and that George F. Johnson was tolerant of political diversity and called out the "false Americanism" of for instance, the Ku Klux Klan.

The new radio Bundy WBDY-LP at 99.5 FM will broadcast the talks in the coming months. Kudos to Andrew Pragacz and Diana C. Gildes for organizing this conference. More https://www.bundymuseum.org/perspectives/

 

5th Mural Fest Returns to Floral Ave.

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The Department of Public Art (DPA) will sponsor the 5th Mural Fest at Floral Ave. Park in Johnson City on Saturday May 5th from 11am – 4 pm. The Village of Johnson City has welcomed us back to continue to improve the park. “Mural Fest offers everyone a chance to paint—murals for adults and a Box City for children,” according to Peg Johnston of DPA. Organizers also plan to give away art supplies to neighborhood children in conjunction with a grant from the Chenango Co. Arts Council and with the help of The Bridge and Family Enrichment Network.

Mural Fest 2018 participants will work on four projects—improving the inside of the bathrooms, painting the outside of a shed, a mural on panels for the Renaissance Festival at Cutler Garden, and a Dinosaur mural for a factory on Avenue B in Johnson City.

Mural Fest participants will be entertained by a full roster of live music. At 11am Diana Tejera, an Italian singer-songwriter with a gold record will perform. Local band Voodoo Highway (blues-rock and more) starts at 12:15 pm. Adam Ate The Apple playing roots, folk, and rock play at 1:30 pm. Hot Dogs & Gin featuring Eamonn Hubert, a child prodigy guitarist play classic rock at 2:45 pm.

The Dept. of Public Art has created a “Box City” of upcycled cardboard several times so that children can paint and play in them, and take them home. DPA artists will also create cardboard animals for children to paint and keep. Volunteers will prep the cardboard houses April 17th and 24th from 6-8 pm at Avenue DIY, 19 Avenue D in Johnson City.

The Dept of Public Art is a volunteer group responsible for more than 50 murals in the area. The first two Mural Fests were on the MLK Promenade where 30 artists created temporary murals for blighted buildings and then the DPA sponsored Mural Fest on the Northside at Cheri Lindsey Park. In 2017 Mural Fest moved to Floral Ave. Park in Johnson City where four permanent murals were finished.

Mural Fest has received support from Chenango Co Arts Council (DEC NYS Council on the Arts) and the Hoyt Foundation, Town of Union Community Development, Golden Paints, Belknap Lumber, Kovarik’s Hardware, Daniel’s Paints, and other sponsors. Tabling by local groups is free. For more information or to volunteer email DeptofPublicArt@gmail.com or the Dept. of Public Art Facebook Page. See attachment for a DPA Wish List.

Did Cambridge Analytica Steal your Facebook Info?

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During the 2016 election, Cambridge Analytica, a data firm funded by the right-wing billionaire Robert Mercer, used the personal information of 87 million Facebook users to help Donald Trump win the presidency. Over 70 million of those affected by the breach live in the United States. 

The social media company now plans to make big changes to protect its users’ private information. “For the first decade, we really focused on all the good that connecting people brings,” Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said during an April 4 conference call. “But it’s clear now that we didn’t do enough. We didn’t focus enough on preventing abuse and thinking through how people could use these tools to do harm as well.”

Starting April 9, Facebook is notifying its users via their newsfeeds if their data was stolen by Cambridge Analytica. 

READ MORE and find out how to stop it on your account:

https://www.good.is/articles/did-cambridge-analytica-steal-your-personal-info?utm_source=thedailygood&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dailygood

Our first community radio station, WBDY-LP 99.5 FM

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Area’s first community radio station, WBDY-LP 99.5 FM, focuses on the arts: “It’s about time!”

BINGHAMTON, New York. (Apr. 18, 2018) — WBDY-LP 99.5 FM “The Bundy” is the newest radio station on the Triple Cities’ dial. On Wednesday, April 18th, the Greater Binghamton community is invited to the official launch and press conference to learn about the Bundy Museum’s newest project. WBDY-LP is a non-commercial, community radio station devoted to enriching the Binghamton area’s vibrant cultural, artistic and intellectual life. What started out as an experiment by one of Central New York’s premier historical destinations, The Bundy Museum of History and Art, now features a full slate of music, informational, and cultural programming. WBDY-LP has also partnered with Broome County Emergency Services to keep residents informed and safe during times of crisis and emergency.

The Bundy highlights area talent through its locally produced programming. Our prime-time daily morning program, The Bundy Radio Hour, features original interviews with local creators, musicians, artists, dynamic personalities, event organizers, and community leaders. Additionally, WBDY-LP is working with community partners to record and broadcast local events, bringing conversations to a wider audience. Listeners can expect to hear events like Chrysalis—a competitive storytelling event, and The Hungry Ear—dramatic readings of short stories held monthly at the Broome County Public Library. All events from the Bundy Museum of History and Art will also be shared on The Bundy. Twice daily, WBDY-LP promotes the Southern Tier music scene through the Audio Classics’ Local Music Hour, with performances from groups like Adam Ate the Apple and the Binghamton Youth Symphony Orchestra. The Bundy is adding even more locally produced content in the coming months. Two poetry programs and an Americana music hour are in the works!

WBDY-LP also offers a diverse range of nationally-broadcast radio shows. Thanks to our affiliation with the Pacifica Network, listeners can hear programs like Blue Light Central, Against the Grain, and Democracy Now!. We also broadcast independently produced programs like Acoustic Café, A Way with Words, and Clearing the Static. See our full programming schedule at bundymuseum.org/wbdy.
Community radio means community. Maintaining and expanding The Bundy radio project requires volunteers, content creators, and community partners. WBDY-LP welcomes volunteers and program ideas. We also encourage organizations to share their events for our regularly broadcast community calendar. Donations and program underwriting are other ways for businesses and individuals to invest in local arts and culture. Please contact WBDY@BundyMuseum.org to learn more about supporting Binghamton area community radio. Many thanks to Audio Classics Ltd and Action Plumbing Heating and Cooling Services for their early support.

What do you know about the Broome Co Jail?

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The Jan 19 Press and Sun Bulletin article about failure of the NYS Commission of Correction’s response to inmate grievances is barely the tip of the iceberg.  The public response to those they deem with multiple stigmas – inmate, mentally ill, and triple diagnosed developmentally impaired is to continually ignore or cut and reduce from services.  Several recent governors have ignored local needs, most recently in 2014 when the Broome County Mental Health Clinic was closed to a thousand recipients resulting in continuing waiting lists for services and denial of service especially to the DD/MI population.  No one rushed in with funding. 

Broome County decided it did not want to pay the salaries and pensions for quality mental health workers.   Remember, it is state and federal funding that provides the majority of these mental health services for the public residents.   Instead Broome County follows the mantra of the radical right to only fund police and the military by hiring a dozen correctional officers.

175 years later, Dorothea Dix would be aghast to know that the mentally ill are still being “caged” (in solitary), beaten and neglected” in our local jails.  It is a tragedy that Broome County does not have the integrity to have an independent criminal justice oversight committee.  Too many employees fear standing up for clients.  You are not aware that some inmates have waited a week to receive the grievance form they want to file.  How does that impact the “24 Hour Reports” the Comptroller recommends?  Over seventy percent of inmates are too poor to pay bail, therefore serving time before conviction.
Has the community kept up with best practices by contracting out to Correctional Medical Care at the jail?  No.   There have been several deaths at the jail.  There are many reports of inhumane medical neglect.

It is the same Broome County legislators who in 2014, and a few months ago, wanted to deny the new detox facility to their neighbors.   Five years ago if you wanted suboxone you had to go to Ithaca.  Will funding for treatment follow?  Or will they continue to cry Not MY Taxes.  Why does the local press refuse to print this information.  Who is willing to make government work for the people instead of the monthly assault that all government is totalitarianism.

Justice and Unity for the Southern Tier (J.U.S.T.) is dedicated to dismantling mass incarceration in the Southern Tier. The diverse, social conditions and institutions contributing to mass incarceration demand a multifaceted effort to devise its end. Championing community mobilizations, supports, and services to end poverty, racism, the criminalization of the differently-abled, and the school-to-prison pipeline, J.U.S.T. believes that rehabilitation, education, and persistent community engagement is the best way to bring about true change. J.U.S.T advocates with and for individuals, families and loved ones of those currently or previously incarcerated, as well as educates community members, police, schools and other community service providers about the harms of mass incarceration. We welcome all who are interested in creating a JUST community in the Southern Tier. (website www.justiceST.com)

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