Newsbriefs

JUMP Nation annual leadership conference

Juvenile Urban Multicultural Program will be holding its annual leadership conference on Sat., Nov. 19 at Binghamton University from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In response to the increasing inner-city high school drop-out rate, Binghamton students formed JUMP nation in 1992. “We feel it is our mission to help uplift our future generation by exposing them to another form of life; opportunities,” the organization said.

The day’s events will center on workshops and discussions involving Binghamton University students. There will also be an organization fair on Nov. 19 from 12:45-1:45 p.m. in UU133, the Old Union. Organizations interested in attending and tabling at the event should contact Joselyn Rodriquez via e-mail.

Send all questions, comments and RSVPs to Joselyn Rodriguez — jlr2885@yahoo.com by Fri., Nov. 11.

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Conference on Italian-American heritage

Non-profit Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission (MVHCC) will be holding the second annual New York State Italian American Heritage Tourism Conference on Nov. 4 at the Beeches Conference Center & Inn, in Rome, N.Y.

There will be a moderated panel discussion of four energized New York State Little Italy Districts and keynote address from Canadian firm LORD Resources. Delivering the feature presentation, “Recipes for Success: Preserving Italian Heritage,” at the event is, member of the Specialty Chef Program of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Chef Walter Potenza of Rhode Island.

Chef Walter Potenza will speak the importance of preserving authentic Italian American culture and creating sustainable economic benefits in their communities. “My suggestion to students: search for your culture and identity. Study it well, study it forever and put it on the plate,” said Walter Potenza.

Networking will begin in the Capital District on board a coach bus coordinated by Troy’s Little Italy district traveling to the conference to Rome.

Seating is limited and costs $25 per person; contact Rocco DeFazio at 518-271-1111 to reserve seating. Conference registration costs a separate $75 per person, senior citizens (60+) cost $60. Early registration is encouraged online at www.LittleItalyConference.com

Also available: optional dinner and movie package tickets $20 per adult, $10 per child (under 12). To reserve: call The Franklin Hotel or Capitol Theatre direction.

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Volleyball’s Brianna Strong named conference Rookie of the Week

For the second time this season Brianna Strong, a freshman outside hitter was named America East Conference Rookie of the Week. She earned the honor first for her performance on September 19-25 and second on the week of October 24-30.

She played six games and averaged 4.34 points and recorded a team-high 4 kills per game tying the team high average 3.17 in digs per game and hitting an average of .302.

Facing New Hampshire, she finished the second game with 10 kills and 9 digs and recorded a career-high 14 kills and match high 10 digs during Sunday’s match against Hartford.

She aided Binghamton is clenching a berth in the America East Championship for the second year in a row. Binghamton will host the last two of its final three regular season matches and will host Stony Brook in the West Gym at 7p.m. on Friday, November 4.

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31-year veteran Binghamton police officer dies

BINGHAMTON, OCT. 31 — Mayor Richard A. Bucci announced the death of 31-year veteran Binghamton police Sgt. Terrange E. Reagan today. He died unexpectedly on Saturday night.

Sergeant Reagan joined the Binghamton Police Bureau on in 1974 and recently oversaw the Crime Stoppers program. He also assisted in the DARE antidrug program and wrote grant applications to secure money for the city.

“Terry Reagan was a committed and dedicated public servant who devoted his entire professional to the security and protection of the community he loved,” Bucci said.

The family will receive friends of Sgt. Reagan at the Wiliam R. Chase Funeral Home located at 737 Chenango St. from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 2. St. Patrick’s church located at 9 Leroy St. will hold a funeral mass at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3.

Flags outside City Hall will remain lowered to half-staff in honor of Sergeant Reagan for the rest of the week following the mayor’s announcement.