|
 HFM
staff say farewell to two long-time colleagues
Colleagues, friends and family came together in June for two
separate career celebrations, one honoring HFM BOCES Assistant
Superintendent Dominick Baggetta and the other honoring Career
Assessment Secretary Shirley Stetin. Both events brought smiles
and tears as those in attendance paid tribute – and offered some
good-natured teasing – to the guests of honor.
 Like
father, like son
To look at them, you might first notice the differences between
Dominick Baggetta and his son, Matthew, who stands a good bit
taller than his dad. But when you listen to them talk, you
realize how much these two men are alike when it comes to
passion, devotion to family, and superlative speaking skills.
Matthew was one of four guest speakers who paid tribute to
Dominick during his career celebration on June 1, joining
Gloversville Assistant Superintendent Roger Rooney, Canajoharie
Superintendent Richard Rose, and HFM BOCES Superintendent
Geoffrey Davis at the podium.
Matthew led the audience through a humorous, yet heart-warming
tale of his dad encouraging him at the age of 11 to tackle the
challenges of an Olympic ski hill. Seen through his now
adult-eyes, he said, he realizes that Dominick’s gift is to
encourage others to try – and excel – at things that look
impossible at the outset.
 Nothing
stops Shirley
It was the notorious blizzard of 2005, and Shirley Stetin had an
early morning hair appointment. Unwilling to let an unplowed
driveway stand in her way, she donned her winter gear and set
off for the hairdresser, catching a ride with a passing motorist
who was able to navigate the roads despite the wild winter
conditions.
During Shirley’s retirement party on June 12, colleagues agreed
that this dogged determination is Shirley at her best.
With good-natured roasting and happy reminiscences, friends
helped trace Shirley’s secretarial career at HFM BOCES, which
began on July 2, 1990 when she took on an assignment with the
Alternative Education program in Palatine Bridge. She later
served as secretary for the Education and Training Center in
Broadalbin, ultimately becoming secretary for the Special
Education Career Assessment program in Johnstown while also
lending a hand to the work-study and guidance staff as well.
With retirement at hand, Shirley is looking forward to being a
part-time snowbird, splitting her time between family in New
York and Florida.
As much as Shirley plans to avoid the snow, Dominick says,
“Bring it on.” He plans to spend as much time as possible on the
slopes, conquering new challenges along the way. |
