Marisa Colonna Garrow

Tell us briefly about yourself and please update your classmates on your personal/professional experiences since graduating from BLI:
My husband & I lived in Binghamton with our two children, ages 1 and 3. I started a new job last May at Binghamton University, after seventeen years in public accounting.

Favorite Books/Movies:
Books – To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush by Jerry Spinelli
Movies – Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn & Gregory Peck

Current & Past Notable Civic Activities (boards, organizations, [member/officer]):
Vice President of Friends of the Broome County Public Library
Former member of BLIAA board
Former member of United Way board

Interests/Hobbies (sports music, travel, etc):
Playing volleyball, reading, watching sports, baking, playing with my children

How did your BLI experience change your perception of the community, and motivate you to become more involved in the community?
I was already very involved in the community, but BLI opened my eyes to how many things I was not aware of, even as a lifelong resident of Binghamton.

What was your most memorable BLI activity/moment?
Watching a snippet of “The Dark Knight” at McIntosh Labs in their movie theater room and feeling the floor shake.

What was the most valuable benefit to your from your BLI experience?
I met so many wonderful people in the community, who are working tirelessly to improve the quality of life in our area. Also, BLI opened my eyes to how much goes on in this area under the radar. I never knew there was a 2000+ cow dairy farm in Harpursville (Winsor Acres) or a world class music company off Conklin Ave in Binghamton (McIntosh Labs).

What “nugget of wisdom” do you have for your fellow BLI alum?
Stay pleasantly busy, and enjoy what this area has to offer. There is always something to do. You just have to seek it out.