th anniversary
20
08 - 2023
ONEONTA
& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
►SUB
om c . O G OTSE ty’s
All
un online O COp / g e s Ot wspa er rted. ne get sta o t Daily 3 0 7-61 607-54 t a a s is Call Lar
Home
HOMETOWN
15
nta eo
al c o L t r o p p u S m s i l a n Jour NOSCW O RIBE T
wn on o t
Bassett Challenges, Opportunities and Robotic Assisted Bariatric Surgery/page A3 VISIT www.
Volume 15, No. 14
AllOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/ONLINE COMPLIMENTARY
Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, January 19, 2023
Hard Times at Schenevus High
Jersey’s Warriors To Visit in February
FOIL Request Results Demystify Super’s Abrupt Resignation By DARLA M. YOUNGS
T
SCHENEVUS he road ahead continues to be rocky for Schenevus Central School District, as documents requested via the New York State Freedom of Information Law reveal former superintendent Theresa Carlin had filed a complaint through the state’s Division of Human Rights against the district. According to its website, the New York State Division of Human Rights “is dedicated to eliminating discrimination, remedying injustice, and promoting equal opportunity, access, and dignity through enforcement of the Human Rights Law.” According to the “Release and Resignation Agreement” secured through a FOIL request by Schenevus Central School taxpayer Nicole Miskell to the district, “It is expressly understood and agreed that Ms. Carlin withdraws the complaint filed by Ms. Carlin through the State Division of Human INSIDE ► Carbon-neutral structure, Chestnut Crossing, open house, page A2 ► POLAR BEAR JUMp RETURNS TO GOODYEAR LAKE, page A3 ► avian flu no longer seasonal?, page A4 ► newest strain of covid may be most infectious yet, page A4 ► oneonta jumping with new businesses, page A5
Follow Breaking News On
AllOTSEGO.com
Rights under Case No.: 10218738.” The agreement also states, “It is understood and agreed that this settlement is a compromise of disputed claims and is not to be construed as an admission of liability on the part of any persons named herein, including the Schenevus Central School District, its officers, Board Members, employees, agents. “The agreement is not to be considered or construed as an admission of a liability on the part of the above-named persons, nor is it an admission that the District, its officers, Board Members, employees, or agents took any unlawful act or that its conduct in any way violated any State, Federal or Local Law, Rule, or Regulation.” In a missive delivered to the Schenevus Board of Education and released as part of the FOIL request, Carlin wrote, “I am resigning from my position as Superintendent of Schools effective December Continued on page 7
By TED MEBUST
T Photo by Milo Stewart Jr.
Dynamic Dozen Distinguished in December COOPERSTOWN—The contributions of 12 staff members were honored by Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers’ Museum at the annual recognition event held on Wednesday, December 21. Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the Board of Directors of The Farmers’ Museum, presented the awards and Dr. Paul S. D’Ambrosio, president and CEO of the two institutions, presided. A 35-year award was presented to Bob Thompson. Patrick MacGregor received a 30-year award and 25-year awards were given to Meg Preston and Chris Rossi. Kevin Gray and Pete Wiswell received 20-year awards, and 15-year awards were presented to Christine Olsen, Walter Ashley, Mark Simonson, Joelle LaChance, and Todd Kenyon. Lynne Mebust accepted a 10-year award. Pictured above, standing from left, are: Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the Board of Directors of The Farmers’ Museum; Christine Olsen, registrar; Lynne Mebust, museum teacher; Walter Ashley, interpreter; Kevin Gray, manager of arts education; Mark Simonson, interpreter; Paul D’Ambrosio, president and CEO; and Todd Kenyon, director of marketing and communications. Seated: Meg Preston, agriculture events coordinator; Bob Thompson, associate director of agriculture facilities; Patrick MacGregor, manager of interpretation; and Chris Rossi, director of exhibitions. Not in attendance: Pete Wiswell, superintendent of building services, and Joelle LaChance, interpreter.
Continued on page 7
Carnival Returning Next Month
5K Finishes 2022 on High Note By DARLA M. YOUNGS
R
ONEONTA esults are in for the Oneonta Family YMCA’s annual Frostbite 5K race held on New Year’s Eve day. Jon Hendley of Oneonta placed first for the men and was the overall winner at a pace of 5:58 per mile, with a gun-time finish of 17:48. Brandon Gardner (Oneonta) was second overall at 19:33. Lydia Dillon (Oneonta) was the first woman to cross the finish line, at the 22:53 mark, with a pace of 7:21 per mile, followed directly by Melissa Emilio (Oneonta) who posted a time of 24:07. This year’s event was held in honor of the late John Hayen, a YMCA fixture widely known as the area’s “ugly sweater fashionista.” According to organizers, 145 participants walked, ran or strolled the race route, including Hayen’s wife, Sue, and his children and grandchildren. Other interesting statistics: The youngest Frostbite 5K participant was 4 years old and the oldest was 84. The farthest distance a contestant traveled to take part was from Houston, Texas. The Peachin Group and Hayen’s family sponsored this year’s race bibs, which included the sign language icon for “I love you” followed by “41.” Continued on page 6
COOPERSTOWN he New Jersey Warriors, a hockey team composed of disabled U.S. military veterans, are set to visit Cooperstown from February 17-19. Hosted by the American Legion, a benefit will be held on the team’s behalf at VFW Post 7128, 60 Main Street, on that Friday evening. After a police escort from their hotel, the team will enjoy catering from area businesses including Council Rock Brewery, Brewery Ommegang, and Chobani, and an auction will take place with the proceeds going to the Warriors. On Saturday, the group will get a tour of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and then play a game at Badger Park at noon, inviting all community members to join them on the ice. “It should be a fantastic event,” said Barry Shelley,
By DANIEL FRANCIS
N Photo provided
Abigail Dent of Oneonta placed first in the YMCA’s Frostbite 5K female 20-29 category.
COOPERSTOWN ow in its 55th year, the Cooperstown Winter Carnival blows back into our community on the cold, wintery winds that February brings year in and year out. Luckily, the volunteer-based Winter Carnival Committee has plans to warm the spirits of carnival goers with both fresh and familiar offerings throughout the duration of this year’s event. Continued on page 2
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD