For the past five years, Binghamton University a cappella alumni have traveled to New York City in early June for the annual Central Park Weekend to sing, visit with old friends and share memories of their a cappella experience at Binghamton. The weekend was started by friends in 1995 and has continued through the hard work of both the West Side Sounds, a co-ed group in New York City composed of Binghamton alumni from University groups: the Crosbys, the Binghamtonics and Rhythm Method, and the Exboyfriends, a seven-man contemporary group founded by Binghamton alumni from the Crosbys. Each year the event has seen increasing numbers of alumni in attendance, indicating Binghamton students' strong support and involvement in collegiate a cappella (see the Alumni eNews May-June issue for an article on alumni involvement at http://alumni.binghamton.edu/enews/mayjune/).

The event displayed each participating group singing two sets of songs during the afternoon as friends and family watched from blankets and chairs on a hill overlooking the lake in the middle of the park. Although only three groups attended the event this year, past weekends have included members of the Binghamtonics, Crosbys, Exboyfriends, Harpeggios, Kaskeset, Rhythm Method and the West Side Sounds. The alumni and group members also meet for an annual party after the singing has finished for the day. This year the party was generously sponsored by the Binghamton University Alumni Association and was enjoyed by all who attended. Binghamton University a cappella alumni and a cappella group members are looking forward to next year's event at Central Park, and will plan for a rain date this time to avoid singing in the rain again!

Hinman Alumni Get Dirty in Central Park

By David Berkowitz '00

More than 50 members and friends of the Hinman Alumni Network (HAN) gathered in Central Park's East Meadow July 15 for what will likely be the start of an annual tradition: co-rec football in the park.

Hinmanites have been used to playing this form of co-ed touch football, often cited as the favorite among Hinman's traditions, on Hinman's Sterling Field, named after former Hinman faculty master and Binghamton University math professor Nick Sterling. It turns out that while Sterling Field has always been in need of a little tender loving care (to put it mildly), the Central Park field offered new challenges to the Hinman alumni contestants. The 16 players and three referees had to play on a massive dirt patch; a dust storm swept across the field every time the ball was in motion. It turns out that while Central Park may be one of the world's most gorgeous and awe-inspiring parks, the grass is reserved for picnics, and athletes must tough it out on the dirt.

Not that there were many athletes at the Co-Rec in the Park event. Graduates from the classes of 1975 to 2001 competed, and several alumni remarked they had not touched a football since they played co-rec on Sterling Field. The game itself was a stellar match, complete with stealth interceptions, goal-line showdowns and much more action than was displayed in the most recent Super Bowl. Characterized by impenetrable defense, the contest ended 6-0, with the one goal scored by Class of 2000 alumnus and Cleveland Hall native Joe Bersito. No one won a Heisman Trophy, but winners received Hinman T-shirts from Hinman Faculty Master Al Vos and Assistant Director Donna Denoncourt, who traveled all the way from Binghamton for the Manhattan event. The dedication displayed by Vos and Denoncourt is a shining example of the dedication and support Hinmanites show for each other, and HAN hopes to be blessed with their presence every year at Co-Rec in the Park.

An event of this magnitude could not have run itself. HAN co-chairs Sharon Scher and David Berkowitz organized the outing with the greatly appreciated help of the Alumni Association. Key last-minute support came from Scher's parents, who drove in the sandwich platters, the Binghamton banner, a picnic table and other event necessities all the way from Westchester County.

Not everyone who came was a Hinmanite. Jordan Fox '00, former Student Association president and longtime Dickinson Community resident, joined his Hinman brethren. Most of those in attendance, even those who wore their co-rec football T-shirts (with team names too lewd to be reported here), opted to sit out of the game so they could socialize and gorge on the sandwiches. It seems that everyone who came was already eager to RSVP to next year's bigger and better edition of Co-Rec in the Park.

To join HAN's mailing list, send your contact information to hinmanalumni@yahoo.com. You can find more information on HAN's website,http://hinmanalumni.binghamton.edu.

Binghamton alumni pack Evelyn Lounge!

By Boaz Berkowitz, Network Coordinator

On July 12, more than 100 alumni packed into one of New York City's premier bars and hotspots, the Evelyn Lounge, for a night filled with memories and happy reunions.

"This was actually my first alumni event and I'm really glad we decided to come, said Esther Hoffman Ainspan '00, who came with husband, Jason Ainspan '00. Spirits were high as alumni continued to flow into the bar, and the enthusiasm did not diminish as the event continued late into the night" I really had a blast; I actually don't think I partied like that since Binghamton, said Alan Freedman '87 . " I met so many new people!"

Jewish Alumni of Binghamton -- The Cultural Connection (JAB) rented out the entire lower level of the Evelyn Lounge for the alumni event. This unique, multi-roomed area offered attendees various different atmospheres to enjoy. In the main room, alumni could sit around the bar to drink and laugh about the old times. In the lounge area, others were able to relax and reminisce with newfound friends and catch up with the old crowd. On the dance floor, people could dance or simply listen to the live band.

"The Evelyn Lounge offered us a bit of everything," explained event organizer Rebecca Warren '98. " And I am thrilled that they could accommodate so many people, because I think we were all a little shocked at the huge response we got to this event!"

Others agreed. "I was genuinely impressed with the large turnout of Binghamton alumni and that I was able to get back in touch with so many people I had lost contact with," added Dan Steinbok '97.

Alumni also had the opportunity to pick up some information about JAB and the University, as well as some BU freebies. JAB first-timers and new graduates in particular were given a "welcome package" that included, among other gifts, a limited-edition Binghamton mug made especially for the event. "A graduation gift, all my old friends -- what wasn't to love?" joked Hirsch Fishman '01. "I can't wait for the next event!"

"I thought it was a fun, well-organized event and all the Binghamton alums were very friendly," said Dan Wiener '83.

Warren said that the wide range of attendees added a new dimension to the event, offering alumni from different years the chance to interact." It was really something special to see so many different graduates in one place having such a good time," said Mike Cohen '72. "I especially enjoyed chatting with some of the recent grads and hearing about how the University had changed so much since my day."

To learn more about JAB, our future events and programs, please visit our website at www.jabonline.org or contact JAB directly at info@jabonline.org.