Award-Winning Bing Stories Series Returns with Three New Episodes

We were psyched by the opportunity to chat with author Anne Serling, daughter of television icon Rod Serling, who grew up in and remained forever-fond of Binghamton. She gave great insight into the connection between her father, creator of the groundbreaking Twilight Zone television series, and his hometown. It’s well-known that the classic episode “Walking Distance,” which features one of the city’s antique carousels, was based on his life in Binghamton. We walked in his footsteps around town and even his high school.

We also sat down with multi-time Tony Award winner Albert Nocciolino, who gave us a history of the Forum Theatre downtown and his personal role in elevating its prominence in the Binghamton community. Along with Broadway in Binghamton that Nocciolino facilitated, the Forum is also home to the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra. Binghamton is extremely unique in that the small city is home to such an ensemble and its national reputation. Dr. Paul Cienniwa, executive director, gave us the scoop on that.

This year’s batch is rounded out by one of the coolest events in the country, the DICK’S Sporting Goods Open. Executive Director John Karedes walked us through the massive PGA Tour Champions event’s roots in the B.C. Open, which hosted some of golf’s greats for 30 years. Today, the Open’s huge Friday night concert that draws music’s biggest names is one-of-a-kind as its hosted just off the 18^th green. With numerous other draws throughout its weeklong festivities, it’s a spectacular community event that brings in a lot of charitable dollars as well.