My 15 Days of Gratitude

In case you have been living in a bubble or just haven't been paying much attention; the most recent trend on Facebook has been daily status updates on what we are thankful for.  

Not one to buck a trend, here are mine for the first 15 days of the month.

I am thankful.....

1. that Binghamton residents will set aside their differences and come together as a community during times of crisis (i.e. 2006 and 2010 Floods).  
2. that Binghamton residents are extremely generous when it comes to charitable and nonprofit events and causes (i.e.  STAP, CHOW, Humane Society, etc.)
3. that Binghamton has been able to keep that small town feel while providing its residents with the arts and cultural experience normally found in the "big" city (i.e. Tri-Cities Opera, Broadway in Binghamton, Artist's Row, Roberson Museum & Science Center, Know Theatre, etc.)
4. that Binghamton has a diverse and active music scene appealing to all tastes and ages (i.e. Binghamton Philharmonic, Driftwood, Burns Sisters, Salsa Libre, etc.)
5. that Binghamton has a wide variety of locally owned and operated restaurants and pubs (i.e. Remlik's, Lost Dog, Galaxy Brewing, Little Venice, Amici's, Tranquil Bar & Bistro, Burger Mondays, Mad Moose, etc.)
6. that Binghamton; though not without an occasional hiccup, is more inclusive and accepting of its residents regardless of race, gender, economic circumstances and sexual orientation than other comparably sized cities
7. that Binghamton is home to the Binghamton Mets and the Binghamton Senators
8. that Binghamton is at the confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers which provide us with up close and personal glimpses of nature throughout the year
9. that Binghamton has one of the most beautiful parks right within its borders - Recreation Park - home to one of our two carousels
10. that Binghamton has a some exciting and interesting shops (Sall Stearns, Tom's Coffee Cards & Gifts, Garland Gallery, Imagicka, etc.) offering something for just about everyone
11. that Binghamton is home to a wide network of truly creative people and organizations (Freshy Sites, CoWork Binghamton, Hue Graphics, Ad Elements, etc.)
12. that Binghamton was home to Rod Serling
13. that Binghamton has one the oldest zoos in North America - Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park - home to another one of our two carousels
14. that Binghamton has some outstanding groups that promote all that is great about our city (BingSpot, What's Goin' On Binghamton?, Greater Binghamton Today, 365 Binghamton, etc.)
15. that Binghamton is my home.