WisH k o o B
HOMETOWN
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AllOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/ONLINE
All in the family for decorations!
Filmmakers show their work in progress
►i’ll be takin’ yE parcels, matey: Tips to stop ‘porch pirates’, PAGE A10 ►LANTERNS LIGHT THE WAY: Farmers’ Museum offers ‘lantern tours’, PAGE A12. ►HISTORY COMES ALIVE: Cooperstown Graduate Program takes on “National History Day”, PAGE A14 Follow Breaking News On
AllOTSEGO.com ►TAGUE LAW HELPS FARMS: NY Gov. Kathy Hochul approves Chris Tague bill delivering rural food to urban food banks. ►kids get vaxxed: Otsego County hosts first vax clinic for 5-12 year olds. ►congrats all around: Reflecting on an all-good-news season for local schools.
Bassett bonuses thank workers By Ted Potrikus
Huntington Library hosts Dr. Jonathan Lunine, Cornell professor and part of the James Webb Space Telescope team, for a Zoom talk about NASA’s “next great space science observatory.” The talk is set for December 8 at 6 p.m. and is aimed to those aged 16 and older. No registration is required, and the library will post the Zoom meeting link on its Facebook page. Patrons can sign up on the library’s Eventbrite page for a direct e-mail link.
INSIDE
COMPLIMENTARY
Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, November 25, 2021
Library presents telescope talk
Filmmakers Jeri Wachter and Joseph C. Stillman present a “work in progress” screening and discussion of their documentary “Something in the Water” at the Foothills Performing Arts Center on Saturday, December 4, beginning at 7 p.m. The film takes a look at the nation “against the backdrop of a contentious 2020 Presidential election and in the midst of a global pandemic.” Advance tickets are $10 and available at somethinginthewater.today..
ONEONTA
Longer nights demand a darn good crossword. Page 5. VISIT www.
City of the Hills
13
th anniversary
& The Otsego-Delaware Dispatch
is H t e d i ins n! editio
Volume 14, No. 08
Home
2021
nta eo
y Hol i da
wn on to
Polly Renckens
At top of the pyramid of the D’amico family from Cooperstown, you will see Adeline D’amico — just a month old and already has the Christmas spirit! She is assisted by grandparents Marcia and Bob, parents David and Caroline, and sister Aubree, 7. See more event pictures on page 12.
Bassett Healthcare Network last week awarded ‘gratitude’ bonuses to its full complement of some 5,000 full- and parttime employees, made possible in large part through a donation from the Scriven Foundation. Speaking with The Freeman’s Journal and Hometown Oneonta, Bassett Healthcare Network President and CEO Dr. Tommy Ibrahim credited the entire Dr. Tommy staff for its hard work throughout another Ibrahim year of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Of course it’s been another tumultuous year,” he said. “Bassett Healthcare and every person we serve was carried through it on the shoulders of our caregivers and practitioners.” They give it their all, every day,” he said. In a statement, he added, “They continue to exhibit amazing courage in the face of unthinkable hardship with lasting pandemic response efforts and nationwide staffing shortages. For nearly a year, they’ve been committed to vaccinating our communities, working day and night.” “The work they are doing for our patients, community, and each other is truly lifesaving,” Dr. Ibrahim said. He said employees’ initial response to the November 19 announcement was “overwhelmingly positive.” “It’s one thing to be told you’re appreciated,” he said. “We’re thankful that we can show our appreciation in a meaningful way through this bonus. Every person here knows our deep gratitude for their hard work.” Dr. Ibrahim praised Jane Forbes Clark, Bassett Medical Network board chair, and the Scriven Foundation for showing unwavering support to the Network’s entire team. “The bonus is a wonderful testament to the support that Jane Forbes Clark, the entire Clark family, and the Scriven See Bassett bonuses, Page A10
Worcester, Schenevus merger up for December 1 vote By Kevin Limiti Schenevus and Worcester Central school districts vote December 1 to decide whether they merge the districts, a move which has divided residents. If approved, the Worcester Central School district would annex Schenevus. The Schenevus school building would retain its name and dragon mascot, and function as a Kindergarten-through-fifth grade elementary school. Worcester Central would host grades 6 to 12. Voters approved the merger in a non-binding straw poll in September 2021; the December 1 vote is a binding referendum. Schenevus Central School superintendent Theresa Carlin said the issue was emotional, but one that makes financial sense. Under the plan, New York State would give an additional $10.8 million to the district over a period of 14 years, with $1.1 million in the first year as an incentive for merging. In addition, the ratio the state pays for capital projects would increase, with the state paying 98
Worcester Central School would serve grades 6 through 12
cents on every dollar. “Let’s just say it’s a $10 million project,” Ms. Carlin said. “That project would cost residents $1.6 million, but would cost only $200,000 if we were a merged district. That’s a huge incentive.” The school districts have tried five times to merge in the past. The superintendent said financial concerns at Schenevus Central drive the merger effort; adding that the situation in Worcester, while not as
dire, is heading in what she called “the wrong direction.” “Worcester benefits because they’ve been losing enrollment and they are going to be in the same position as we are,” she said. “Let’s be honest: Nobody does something unless it benefits them. There’s work involved in this. I personally think Schenevus is going to benefit more because we’re cutting, cutting, cutting. But this gives (Worcester) an opportunity to improve their
financial situation. It’s a win-win for both districts.” Ms. Carlin acknowledged an increase in transportation costs, but said, “The cost is so minimal it’s not even worth mentioning.” The merged district would need to decide whether shuttles, staggered bus times, or other methods of transportation would be the most cost efficient. Officials anticipate knowing more details in the summer of 2022. Worcester Central School Superintendent Tim Gonzales echoed many of Superintendent Carlin’s sentiments while emphasizing the need for the respective communities to make their own decision. “I hear a lot of people saying (the merger) is positive,” he said. “They think the programs will be more enhanced and that this should’ve happened years ago. Others, though, say they like their schools and don’t want it to change. It’s kind of a mixed bag.” He said the majority of people he heard from think it is a good idea to See Schenevus, Page A10
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD