Binghamton and the American Civic Association Tragedy…
UPDATE 4/10/09
The WBNG phone-athon has moved to this coming Tuesday, 4-14.
This past Monday, Lori and I did a number of interviews relating to the ACA shootings of 4/3. I’ve included a few links to those interviews…
Mayor Matt Ryan
discusses moving forward as a community.
Dara Raboy-Picciano
a counselor over at BU talks about coping with the tragedy.
Marsha Maroney
from Catholic Charities talks about fund-raising for the victims and families.
UPDATE 4/7/09
Three big charity efforts I wanted to let you know about:
Catholic Charities and NewsChannel 34 are hosting a giant sympathy card signing today at the Oakdale Mall ( 3 to 8 ). There will be 14 cards for all 14 families–also an opportunity to donate money. Stop by the TV studio in front of Macy’s.
Merlin’s (201 State Street) is hosting a drag benefit this Saturday night @ 9:30.
WBNG is hosting a phone-a-thon this Friday night. Details still emerging…
UPDATE 4/5/09
An interfaith vigil for the victims of the shootings will be held this evening in West Middle School (1 West Middle Ave) @ 6 PM. We strongly encourage you to attend. A strong effort has been made to ensure that this event is truly respectful of all faiths–many different community and religious leaders will be speaking.
UPDATE 4/4/09
Catholic Charities of Broome County has set up a safe haven for those affected by the shooting. They have set up a special fund for the families and are accepting donations at the web site.
This entry is going to be a bit personal. And I apologize if you think I’m being a bit self-indulgent in just sharing my feelings. But this is a blog—not a news site. And so I’m going to take liberties in sharing my thoughts and I invite you to express yourself in kind by commenting on this entry…
When I woke up this morning, I expected to be writing an entry about all the really neat things going on in Binghamton this weekend.
Of course, that’s no longer possible. Tragedy has struck. And we’re all still reeling.
I spent most of today in airports; I’m flying down to Alabama for a friend’s wedding, and I was already on a runway when I got my first text about the shootings. I was dumbstruck. I’ve only lived in Binghamton for 3 years—but it’s home to me, and I, like a lot of other people, have developed a “stuff like that doesn’t happen here” mentality. But it did happen here. And it was fairly surreal to see Mayor Ryan standing behind the Police Chief Zikuski on the national feed of CNN as I stood in an airport bar in Philadelphia.
This may seem like a weird thing to say; but I wish I had been in Binghamton today—for my friends, for the community. Sure, I just do an entertainment radio show—big deal. But Barb Daly once told me how Tom’s got PACKED the day of 9/11—people were looking for someplace familiar and comforting to go… and I wish I could have at least done that. Because there wasn’t much else I could do. And I also want to acknowledge what an incredible job our friends in the news media did—keeping people informed during a time when people were very, very afraid.
I know it’s a cliché, but I think now, more than ever, we need to come together. I’m not exaggerating; Binghamton has a better sense of charity and community than anywhere else I’ve ever lived. Nothing will make up for the tragedy; nothing will “fix” the loss of a loved one; but no city is better prepared to respond with a force for good.
Bad things happen. Sometimes disturbingly random things. We can’t control them. I’ve always felt like the only response is to do good—even an unrelated good. It’s better than shrugging your shoulders or giving up. I hope more than anything that we can all find ways to contribute to the community in the coming weeks—in whatever small ways we can.
Thanks for reading.
Joshua
Very well put Josh.
I’ve discovered this site recently enjoying the positive articles posted in your witty writing style. This more reflective piece is appropriate and sensitive. Josh, Bing Pop.com is one of the many great things in the southern tier…
Hi Joshua,
Thank you for keeping the rest of us updated on vigils and events connected to the tragedy last Friday. It is appreciated. And as for your own person experience with it, I’m glad you wrote. It affected all of us here in Bingo-town and although we may not be able to articulate it ourselves, it’s helpful to read/hear others’ accounts. Thank you for being a part of the cohesiveness here in Binghamton.
Help comes from unexpected sources. The Monday after the tragedy of April 3rd I was not ready to move on and fearing that in the media this would quickly pass save a few reports with updates. I usually listen to Joshua B and Lori on the way to work, but on Monday I felt that the usual cheer emanating from the radio would not do. Then, I heard Joshua and Lori address the situation and offer answers that I had not thought of, but that I needed. I learned of ways to deal with the emotions that we feel. I learned how to help my community and I heard from Mayor Ryan. I sighed and thanked this unsuspected source of help. I’d like for Josh and Lori to know that they didn’t just help, but showed a deep connection to the community by constructively and promptly responding to its needs.
Well put Joshua…
It’s that outpouring of charity, that spirit of community that continues to draw me back, it’s why I drive back and forth between work in New York City and Binghamton as many as four days a week. There is something about this town that when it’s down, it’s at its best.
I’ve often wondered if it’s decades of consistently bad news that has softened people’s hearts to help others, or if this town has survived as long as it has, through floods and economic knockdowns, merely because it’s people carry such a strong sense of civic and community spirit. Is it the result or the lifeline?