A convenient way for you to receive ashes this Ash Wednesday
Redeemer Lutheran Church in Binghamton is one that is doing ‘ashes to-go.’ The church is also giving out bibles, prayer hearts, and sandwiches during the ashes to-go event. BINGHAMTON (WBNG) — Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, a significant day on the Christian calendar, marking the start of lent. You can pull your car up to the church between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. or even just walk up to receive ashes. While many churches in our area are offering services throughout the day, some are also offering a convenient way for you to receive ashes this year. It’s not the first year Redeemer Lutheran or other churches have done this.
The church says it will have people ready to go on all four corners. She says it’s a good way to reach more people. “We’ve actually had people stop and ask if they can bring back a parent because they are not able to get into church but they can get them into a car, so it’s a service we provide for those who aren’t able to get to a church service.” “The turnout is usually pretty good. We’ve had upwards to 100 people that have stopped and not just for ashes, but we have talked and stopped and we meet the community and pray with them, and just get to know them better,” said Deacon Judy Mica Guerin.
The school district says the person who made the comments was not “acting in their capacity as an employee.” The district also says the comments made by the individual do not reflect the values of educators. Binghamton schools says parents and the community have reached out to the district with concerns about the incident. The employee in question was not named. The announcement of the investigation was made in a Facebook post.
BINGHAMTON (WBNG) — The Binghamton School District is investigating “offensive comments” that were posted online by someone associated with the school.
“This is a great way to do [training], because there are less barriers in place. You can do it from the comfort of your own home, a local park, some place that’s private,” said Knapp. If you or a loved one is battling addiction, a list of state and local resources can be found below: “During this extremely challenging and unprecedented time with the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals and families are experiencing increased stress and anxiety, and some are struggling with addiction.” However, even with the pandemic, the county hasn’t seen a spike in overdose cases according to the Broome County District Attorney’s office. (WBNG) — New York State has launched a four-week campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and other substances. The new website also features free, virtual naloxone training courses. “We learn CPR, we have AEDs available at our schools and in public places, I think it’s just important to be trained in Narcan,” said Knapp. “Especially now in these times, when we’re not seeing each other face-to-face, we’re not getting together, it’s really important to check on one another,” said Marissa Knapp, Broome County Opioid Overdose Prevention Coordinator. For more state resources and virtual Narcan training, visit this website. 
Officials say online courses could help alleviate that stress. The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges, leaving many people stuck at home, living in isolation. For individuals with substance use disorders, that isolation can feel even more daunting. In 2017, there were 44 deaths in the first six months. That number declined to 15 deaths in 2018. In 2019, there were 26 deaths, and in 2020, there were 20 deaths in the first six months. HOPELine: Text 467-369 or call 1-877-8HOPENY 211 United Way: First Call for Help by dialing 211.NYS Emotional Support Line: 1-844-863-9314 To combat overdoses, officials say programs like virtual Narcan training are needed now more than ever. Below is a statement from Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who is also the co-chair of the New York State Heroin and Opioid Task Force:
Hospital Heroes provided meals for Lourdes and UHS hospital sites for 12 weeks, delivering 11,300 meals and recieving $10,019 in grants. BINGHAMTON (WBNG) — New York State Senator Fred Akshar recognized Hospital Heroes organizer Vaness Moschak as his 2020 Woman of Distinction for the 52nd Senate District. Hospital Heroes is comprised of 51 volunteers from Broome-Tioga BOCES and more than 65 local businesses. Moschak, an assistant principal for the PALS program at Broome-Tioga BOCES, organized the Binghamton Hospital Heroes Meals volunteer group, a meal delivery service that started in the early weeks of the pandemic.
Moschak thanks everyone involved in her passion project, as it could not have happened with out all of their hard work. “Honestly when it started I thought it would be one day of donating meals and then it quickly became weeks. It became 12 weeks and a growth, a response from the community. It became a passion project.” said Moschak 
Some have called the project a battery “incinerator”, so Endicott officials are hoping the study’s results will put some clarity on the new facility. Jackson says the DEC called the study “unwarranted” and it could cost around $40,000. ENDICOTT (WBNG) — SungEel, the company behind the proposed battery recycling facility in the village of Endicott, will be covering the cost for an environmental study on the project. That’s according to Endicott Mayor Linda Jackson. Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Mayor Jackson had previously called on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to perform the study. With SungEel covering the cost, this will save the village thousands of dollars. However, there is one obstacle taking even more money from the village. 
Jackson says SungEel is working to gather their data and submit it to the DEC. The DEC will conduct the study, according to Jackson. “It’s really not needed, it’s going to come back in perfect shape,” said Jackson. “We know that for a fact because of all the other studies we have done. We even had an independent study, double checking the DEC on their permit.” “Because all the anti-battery people have been making these complaints and have put in these petitions, and held us up. That has held us up four months and it has cost us about $100,000 for their petitions,” said Jackson. 