Dear eNews Reader,
I’m looking forward to Labor Day weekend while wondering what happened to summer. I know that time files, but this really went fast. As always, this community had so many wonderful activities to enjoy, and they are continuing into the Fall. I’m especially looking forward to the LUMA Festival in Downtown Binghamton next weekend.
Donna
1. Speaker Heastie Visits Broome CCE for Commercial Kitchen Announcement
Earlier this month I welcomed Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to Broome County where we announced a $750,000 grant for Broome Cornell Cooperative Extension. The funding will go toward expanding the Commercial Kitchen located in the Regional Farmers Market. The kitchen, which supports farmers, at-home producers, chefs and caterers in growing their businesses, has already outgrown its current space. The grant will pay for new equipment and construction expenses.
For more information: https://nyassembly.gov/Press/?sec=story&story=107207
2. DICK’s House of Sport Open for Business
After much anticipation, the newly constructed Dick’s Sporting Goods House of Sport at the Oakdale Commons opened its doors. I joined in on the celebration at the ribbon cutting, which kicked off the grand opening weekend. This multi-level House of Sport is the biggest in the country, featuring a rock-climbing wall, batting cages, and an outdoor turf field which will be converted into an ice rink during the winter months. It is really something to see; quite a journey from a small bait and tackle shop in 1948 to the flagship store today.
3. New Vestal Memorial Pool Breaks Ground
Earlier this month I attended the groundbreaking for the new Vestal Memorial Pool and Splash Park. After 55 years, the pool was closed in 2020 and never reopened due to its deteriorating condition. I was happy to secure a $650K Assembly grant to help offset the cost of this multi-million dollar project. The plan also includes a new Splash Park, which will be one of the largest in Broome County when it opens next Summer.
https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/vestal-memorial-pool-and-splash-park-planned/
4. The Binghamton Greenway Finally Opens to the Public
After years of effort, the Route 434 segment of the Two Rivers Greenway system is finally open to the public! This 2.5 mixed-use path connects Downtown Binghamton with Binghamton University’s Vestal campus. I was happy to attend the ribbon cutting to celebrate this new recreational opportunity, which was welcomed by pedestrians and cyclists alike.
https://www.wbng.com/2023/08/16/greenway-path-officially-opens-after-decades-planning/
5. LUMA Projection Arts Festival Returns September 8th and 9th
I joined the LUMA team and local officials to announce the exciting details for the festival taking place next weekend on September 8th and 9th. The annual LUMA festival brings Binghamton to life, with unique light projections on our beautiful Downtown buildings. The newly named Peg Johnston Living Lights Project, welcomes artists of all backgrounds to be a part of the festival; those works will also be featured at the festival. Hope to see everyone there! For more information, visit https://lumafestival.com/.
