►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.
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AllOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/ONLINE
Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, November 25, 2021
All in the family for decorations!
Newsstand Price $1
Bassett bonuses thank workers By Ted Potrikus
‘Britpack’ show Saturday night
►i’ll be takin’ yE parcels, matey: Tips to stop ‘porch pirates’, PAGE A10
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VISIT www.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the Cooperstown Christmas Cottage in Pioneer Park around 5 p.m. on Friday, November 26. The most popular couple in the world will be there until 7 p.m. for a hot cider and visits with children; Santa himself is back on Saturday the 27th from 1 until 4 p.m. Santa is ready to meet with all the good pets of the village on Sunday the 28th from noon until 2 p.m. Santa keeps a busy December schedule at his Cottage right up through December 23 — find it at www.wearecooperstown. com.
INSIDE
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Longer nights demand a darn good crossword. Page 5.
Here comes Santa Claus!
The Cooperstown Concert Series welcomes The Britpack to the Otesaga on Saturday, November 27, at 7:30 p.m. The band features British session musicians whose talents have been featured on work by Paul McCartney, Brittney Spears, Tom Rush, and more. Find show and ticket information at www.cooperstownconcertseries.org.
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COOPERSTOWN AND AROUND
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Volume 213, No. 47
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Cooperstown’s offiCial newspaper
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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