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(VESTAL, NY) Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous donor, Broome County Transit will be providing 111 single-use and 50 two-ride bus passes to those in need in the community this holiday season.

B.C. Transit is partnering with local organizations to identify those in the community who would benefit from these donations. Transit Commissioner Greg Kilmer was contacted by a private citizen who wanted to provide free bus rides for transit dependent individuals who might be struggling this holiday season. His intent was to play “Secret Santa,” with the desire to boost the spirits of as many transit riders as possible.

“It’s incredible to see how the people in our community work to help one another, especially during the holiday season,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “I’m thankful to this anonymous donor for making a difference here in Broome County.”

“This is a genuine act of kindness from a very thoughtful member of our community. I was so impressed by the gesture that I immediately found another ‘Secret Santa’ to match the donation,” said Commissioner Kilmer.

BC Transit has provided the YWCA with over 160 free passes to distribute amongst their network of providers and homeless shelters.

“Local homeless services agencies work to provide essential support to those most in need among us,” said Rebecca Rathmell, YWCA Street Outreach Coordinator & Housing Advocate. “This donation will ensure vulnerable individuals and families throughout Broome who are facing distressing and difficult circumstances are able to find some relief in knowing they’ll have a safe, warm way to get where they need to go.”

The passes will be distributed to transit dependent individuals who need rides to work, healthcare, treatment centers, grocery stores, etc.

(VESTAL, NY) Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Broome County Legislative Chairman Daniel J. Reynolds announced Friday the Kopernik Science Park will soon be completed thanks to funding from Broome County.

In partnership with the Junior League of Binghamton, the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center and Observatory, located in Vestal, is building a free, outdoor STEM-themed playground and learning facility. The park will feature play-based learning with structures, telescopes, and activities providing STEM-learning experiences to the estimated 40,000 students in K-12 in Broome and Tioga counties.

“This park will be a great space for children in our community and an awesome way for them to learn,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Thank you to the Junior League of Binghamton and Kopernik for their hard work on this project and I am glad Broome County was able to play a small part in helping bring this park to life.”

“For over 40 years, the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center has been a source of knowledge, education and entertainment for people of all ages in Broome County and the entire Northeast,” said Chairman Daniel Reynolds. “This STEM themed park will be a one of a kind attraction that will promote local tourism and create the educational opportunities that our children need and deserve.”

The Junior League and Kopernik raised more than $700,000 toward the park construction. This final funding from Broome County will help complete the project.
 
“Kopernik is deeply indebted to the Junior League, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, the Broome County Legislature, local and national foundations, corporations and private individuals who saw the importance of the Kopernik Science Park and helped to make it a reality,” said Drew Deskur, the Director of Kopernik Observatory & Science Center. “It will be wonderful resource for the community and hopefully inspire those who play there to see how science and engineering are part of everyday life and to consider a career in science and engineering.”

This is just one of many projects in the community that Broome County has secured funding for thanks to the over $3.1 million in first year matching funds from New York State as part of the County Wide Shared Services Initiative.

(BINGHAMTON, NY) Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and a panel of County judges heard from local high school students today about how they would better their communities. Teams from schools throughout Broome County participated in the friendly competition to receive funding for their projects.  

The County Executive issued the challenge to all Broome County high schools.

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“It has always been a priority of my administration to hear from young people about what is impacting them and encourage them to be involved in their community,” said Garnar. “Their perspectives are important to making Broome County better and I wanted to give them a boost in putting their ideas into action.”

Based on the scores from the panel of judges, Deposit Central School District and Johnson City Central School District are the first winners of the County Executive’s Challenge for Change. They were each awarded $1,500 to implement their projects.

After talking to their neighbors, Deposit students developed a detailed plan to partner with the Village of Deposit to provide a peaceful memorial square to honor fallen heroes from Deposit.

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Johnson City students focused on the concerning number of students who start the school year without the required immunizations. Their project would partner with UHS to provide immunizations at school during the first few weeks of the new school year.

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The runners-up were each awarded $500 to implement their projects.

“I’m excited to see these projects impact our local community with help from Broome County,” said Garnar. “We will definitely be keeping up with these bright students next year!”