Abigail Dent of Oneonta placed first in the YMCA’s Frostbite 5K female 20-29 category. (Photo provided)
Results 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.
I had difficulty celebrating the 2022 New Year. I was certainly unable to make any resolutions. After all, I’ve spent the last two years being very resolute. As the third year of the pandemic loomed, I saw the year beginning with a continued onslaught of information, from new or revised protocols, to new plans to protect our health, our community, and our way of life. But what I didn’t see was any real difference as a result of those protocols. Our holidays were still upended by this pandemic.
The holiday season has always been a cherished time in my role at Springbrook. It offers a connection to the people who make up Springbrook, be they family members, students, residents, staff, or donors. I missed the celebrations and contact with the Springbrook community of individuals, families, and incredible staff!
Being connected to the people of Springbrook — to our mission — is one reason I chose the location
of my office. My space looks out on Springbrook’s main campus playground and the pathways used by many of the students going to and from school. This vantage point gives me the opportunity to glance over my computer screen to see the reasons why I am at Springbrook.
Greetings, Friends! The time is nigh
To bid this Covid Year good-bye.
We’ve had enough, we’ve played our parts
Stayed home alone filling Amazon carts.
And cleaning our closets and working online
Making do with our WiFi that’s not always fine.
We’ve said goodbye to some friends, to some relatives too
Our families we’ve not seen, travel’s been so taboo.
Goodbye ’21, au revoir, off you go
Adios and kwaheri, arrivederci, adjo.
Go away ’21! But wait! Not before
TFJ has its way with some thank-yous galore.
FIRST DAY HIKE – 10 – 11 a.m. Celebrate first day of 2021 with self-guided hike along the Overlook Trail. First 100 to check in at park office gets a KIND Bar and commemorative pin for the 10th annual first day hike. Face masks required at park office and when hiking within 6’ of other people. Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 Co. Rd. 31, Cooperstown. 607-547-8662 or visit www.facebook.com/GlimmerglassStatePark/
ZUMBA PARTY – 6 – 7 p.m. Welcome New Year and party like it’s about to be 1920. Come dressed in best flapper outfit or wear black, white, & gold. Dress-up optional. Cost, $7/non-member. Oneonta YMCA, 20-26 Ford Ave., Oneonta. 607-432-0010 or visit www.facebook.com/OneontaFamilyYMCA/
FROSTBITE 5K – 1 p.m. 3rd race of the O’town Triple Crown. Begins on Market St., Oneonta near Sidney Federal Credit Union. Info, www.oneontaymca.org
NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE PARTY FUNDRAISER – 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Come out to support the Standing Rock Medic and Healer Council with DJ Raphael. Tickets at door $25. Cantina de Salsa, 11 Main St., Cherry Valley. Info, www.facebook.com/events/249553308797227/
NEW YEAR PARTY – 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Ring in the new year with champagne and a midnight breakfast buffet with Burning Moonlight. Timber Creek Saloon and Restaurant, 2957 ST. HWY. 23, West Oneonta. Info, www.facebook.com/TimberCreekLLC/
