UPDATE ON JOB CORPS CENTERS SERVING DELAWARE COUNTY
Statement from Jerry Vernold, Town Supervisor, Town of Hancock and Member, Delaware County Board of Supervisors
August 20, 2025
I want to provide our residents with an important update on the current status of the Job Corps centers that serve Delaware County and the greater region, particularly the Delaware Valley Job Corps Center in Callicoon and the Oneonta Job Corps Center.
Current Status:
Both centers remain open and operational thanks to federal court intervention that has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's attempts to close these vital workforce training facilities. A federal judge issued preliminary injunctions that specifically prohibit the Department of Labor from enforcing center closures, issuing shutdown orders, or removing students and staff.
Delaware Valley Job Corps Center (Callicoon, NY) currently serves 177 students and employs 101 staff members. The center contributes an estimated $18 million annually to the Sullivan County economy and serves as one of the largest employers in that region.
Oneonta Job Corps Center serves approximately 140 students and employs around 120 staff members, injecting an estimated $23 million annually into the Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley economies. This center is particularly important to Delaware County residents seeking career training opportunities.
Economic Impact on Delaware County:
The potential loss of these centers would represent a devastating blow to our regional economy and workforce development. Combined, these facilities contribute over $40 million annually to our local economy and provide critical training pathways for young adults aged 16-24 in high-demand fields including healthcare, construction, advanced electrical trades, welding, computer technology, and automotive mechanics.
For Delaware County specifically, these centers serve as essential workforce pipelines, helping our local businesses find skilled workers while providing opportunities for our young people who might not otherwise have access to career training programs. Many Hancock residents have benefited from these programs over the years.
Ongoing Concerns:
While the federal court injunctions provide temporary protection, the long-term future of both centers remains uncertain. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and federal budget negotiations continue. New student enrollments have been suspended since March due to federal background check delays, creating a backlog of approximately 17,000 young people nationwide who are waiting for training opportunities.
Looking Forward:
As Town Supervisor and as a member of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, I remain deeply concerned about any efforts to eliminate these programs. These centers represent more than just job training facilities—they are economic anchors for our region and lifelines for young people seeking pathways to productive careers.
The next several months will be critical as federal budget negotiations continue. I encourage all residents to stay informed about this issue and to contact their federal representatives about the importance of preserving these essential programs.
Both the Delaware Valley and Oneonta Job Corps centers have operated successfully for decades, proving their value to our communities time and again. We must ensure they continue serving future generations of young people in Delaware County and throughout upstate New York.
Contact Information: Jerry Vernold, Town Supervisor
Town of Hancock
(607) 637-3651
For more information about Job Corps programs, visit jobcorps.gov or contact your federal representatives.
Statement from Jerry Vernold, Town Supervisor, Town of Hancock and Member, Delaware County Board of Supervisors
August 20, 2025
I want to provide our residents with an important update on the current status of the Job Corps centers that serve Delaware County and the greater region, particularly the Delaware Valley Job Corps Center in Callicoon and the Oneonta Job Corps Center.
Current Status:
Both centers remain open and operational thanks to federal court intervention that has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's attempts to close these vital workforce training facilities. A federal judge issued preliminary injunctions that specifically prohibit the Department of Labor from enforcing center closures, issuing shutdown orders, or removing students and staff.
Delaware Valley Job Corps Center (Callicoon, NY) currently serves 177 students and employs 101 staff members. The center contributes an estimated $18 million annually to the Sullivan County economy and serves as one of the largest employers in that region.
Oneonta Job Corps Center serves approximately 140 students and employs around 120 staff members, injecting an estimated $23 million annually into the Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley economies. This center is particularly important to Delaware County residents seeking career training opportunities.
Economic Impact on Delaware County:
The potential loss of these centers would represent a devastating blow to our regional economy and workforce development. Combined, these facilities contribute over $40 million annually to our local economy and provide critical training pathways for young adults aged 16-24 in high-demand fields including healthcare, construction, advanced electrical trades, welding, computer technology, and automotive mechanics.
For Delaware County specifically, these centers serve as essential workforce pipelines, helping our local businesses find skilled workers while providing opportunities for our young people who might not otherwise have access to career training programs. Many Hancock residents have benefited from these programs over the years.
Ongoing Concerns:
While the federal court injunctions provide temporary protection, the long-term future of both centers remains uncertain. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and federal budget negotiations continue. New student enrollments have been suspended since March due to federal background check delays, creating a backlog of approximately 17,000 young people nationwide who are waiting for training opportunities.
Looking Forward:
As Town Supervisor and as a member of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, I remain deeply concerned about any efforts to eliminate these programs. These centers represent more than just job training facilities—they are economic anchors for our region and lifelines for young people seeking pathways to productive careers.
The next several months will be critical as federal budget negotiations continue. I encourage all residents to stay informed about this issue and to contact their federal representatives about the importance of preserving these essential programs.
Both the Delaware Valley and Oneonta Job Corps centers have operated successfully for decades, proving their value to our communities time and again. We must ensure they continue serving future generations of young people in Delaware County and throughout upstate New York.
Contact Information: Jerry Vernold, Town Supervisor
Town of Hancock
(607) 637-3651
For more information about Job Corps programs, visit jobcorps.gov or contact your federal representatives.
🎡✨ THANK YOU HANCOCK! ✨🎡 The Hancock Community Education Foundation’s 2nd Annual Free Family Carnival in the Hancock Town Square was a HUGE success — and it wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible community partners! 💙 👏 NBT Bank – for generously providing free school supplies to get our kids ready for the year. 👏 SFCU Bank – for the fun games and giveaways that brought smiles to so many children and families. 👏 Fidelis Care – for helping families connect with important health care resources. 👏 Bridgewater Church – for keeping everyone fueled with complimentary hot dogs, chips, and beverages. 👏 Hancock Partners – for providing the Town Square space and supporting this event. 👏 B&G Carnival & Tunes, who brought the amazing games, prizes, music and karaoke fun. 👏 Special thanks to Hancock Town Supervisor Jerry Vernold and Mayor Shaun Shannon for attending this event! And of course, THANK YOU to the families, kids, and neighbors who came out to celebrate with us — you are what makes Hancock such a special place to live, work, and play. It’s no wonder Hancock, NY was named the #1 Best Small Town in the USA by TimeOut New York — this is exactly what small-town spirit looks like! With 1,200 people attending the event, we could not be more thrilled by the turnout. 💛 📸 Stay tuned for more photos and highlights from this unforgettable day! #HancockNY #CommunityStrong #FamilyCarnival #ThankYou #BestSmallTown
FREE CARNIVAL TODAY AT 5PM:
Hancock Community Education Foundation Family Carnival is TODAY August 27th from 5–7PM
🎡 Looking for free, family-friendly fun to wrap up your summer?
🎉 Then head on over to the Hancock Town Square on Wednesday, August 27th, from 5 to 7PM, for the Hancock Community Education Foundation’s Family Carnival!
🎈 Admission is FREE — and the fun is Endless! Enjoy games, prizes, face painting, karaoke, bounce houses, and a back-to-school supply giveaway to get your kids ready for fall.
🎤 Got a song in your heart? Step up for karaoke! Hungry? Food will be available for purchase — so come early, stay late, and soak up the community spirit.
🧒 Enrollment info will also be available for programs like The Children’s Center, Preschool, After School, Nature Center, and the Family Learning Center — all part of HCEF’s year-round mission to support Hancock’s kids and families.
🎪 Fun. Family. Community.
📚 Brought to you by the Hancock Community Education Foundation. 🎡
FREE CARNIVAL TODAY AT 5PM: Hancock Community Education Foundation Family Carnival is TODAY August 27th from 5–7PM 🎡 Looking for free, family-friendly fun to wrap up your summer? 🎉 Then head on over to the Hancock Town Square on Wednesday, August 27th, from 5 to 7PM, for the Hancock Community Education Foundation’s Family Carnival! 🎈 Admission is FREE — and the fun is Endless! Enjoy games, prizes, face painting, karaoke, bounce houses, and a back-to-school supply giveaway to get your kids ready for fall. 🎤 Got a song in your heart? Step up for karaoke! Hungry? Food will be available for purchase — so come early, stay late, and soak up the community spirit. 🧒 Enrollment info will also be available for programs like The Children’s Center, Preschool, After School, Nature Center, and the Family Learning Center — all part of HCEF’s year-round mission to support Hancock’s kids and families. 🎪 Fun. Family. Community. 📚 Brought to you by the Hancock Community Education Foundation. 🎡
📍 Did you hear? Hancock, NY was named the #1 Best Small Town in the U.S.A. by TimeOut New York! So come see what’s happening every Saturday, like the Greater Hancock NY Farmer’s Market & Crafts Fair, happening today from 10AM to 2PM, and each Saturday until October 4th. Located at the Hancock Town Square, 20 East Main Street in the heart of our historic village . 🧺 Enjoy fresh produce, artisan crafts, jams, local meats, handmade goods, baked treats — and something new every week! 🎶 Plus live music on select weekends from amazing regional performers, delicious bites from food trucks, and a playground for the kids! 👨👩👧 Whether you’re just passing through on Route 97 or making a day of it with the family, you’ll find friendly faces, great food, and small-town charm that’s hard to beat. Special thanks to sponsors Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce and also to the Hancock Partners who own and manage the Hancock Town Square.
📍 Did you hear? Hancock, NY was named the #1 Best Small Town in the U.S.A. by TimeOut New York! So come see what’s happening every Saturday, like the Greater Hancock NY Farmer’s Market & Crafts Fair, happening today from 10AM to 2PM, and each Saturday until October 4th. Located at the Hancock Town Square, 20 East Main Street in the heart of our historic village . 🧺 Enjoy fresh produce, artisan crafts, jams, local meats, handmade goods, baked treats — and something new every week! 🎶 Plus live music on select weekends from amazing regional performers, delicious bites from food trucks, and a playground for the kids! 👨👩👧 Whether you’re just passing through on Route 97 or making a day of it with the family, you’ll find friendly faces, great food, and small-town charm that’s hard to beat. Special thanks to sponsors Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce and also to the Hancock Partners who own and manage the Hancock Town Square.
SUMMER SATURDAYS ARE BACK: Wayne Bank Presents: Farm-Fest in Hancock, NY: Two Saturdays of Live Music, Farm Vendors & Community Fun — a celebration of farms, crafts, live music, and community spirit.
Farm-Fest will take place on:
Saturday, August 23 (Sponsored by Lakewood Branch)
📍Location: Hancock Town Square, 20 East Main Street, Hancock NY
⏰ Market opens: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Live Music 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎶 Live Music (11AM–2PM) BAND: Nick H & Lois Goldwoman - LIVE
Saturday, August 30 (Sponsored by Walton Branch)
📍Location: Hancock Town Square, 20 East Main Street, Hancock NY
⏰ Market opens: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Live Music 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎶 Live Music (11AM–2PM) BAND: Poison Love Band - LIVE
Visitors can enjoy a vibrant market of local farms, artisans, crafters, food producers, and more, all set to the backdrop of regional live musicians each Saturday. Families can shop for fresh produce, taste homemade treats, browse unique crafts, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the Hancock Town Square in the Historic Downtown District.
“Wayne Bank is proud to support the farmers, small businesses, and musicians who make our region such a special place,” said Vonnie Lewis - Vice President and Lakewood Community Officer Manager. “Hancock’s events brings people together across the whole region, which strengthens all of our close-knit communities, and highlights the best of the Upper Delaware River Valley.”
This year’s Farm-Fest also highlights the need of continuing to support local vendors, who need support now more than ever, to drive economic development across Delaware County NY and Wayne County PA.
Get Your Hot Dogs: Support our new Hurricane Hot Dog Cart every Thurs-Sat 11:30AM-6PM in front of of Marino's on E Front Street! *Weather Permitting
🎉🍦 Support Hancock Businesses! 🍦🎉
Stop by SFCU Bank (Hancock NY Branch) today where the community comes first — and so does the ice cream! 😋
✅ FREE Ice Cream for Every Customer (because banking should be sweet!)
✅ Low Rates All Year Round — from auto loans to mortgages, we’ve got you covered
✅ Friendly Service, Is Always a Must — your hometown team is here to help...
Come cool off, grab your favorite treat, and see why more neighbors are choosing SFCU in Hancock for banking made simple, affordable, and fun.
📍 Find us right here in Hancock, NY
📅 Happening today — but our friendly service lasts all year long! 70 W Front St!
👉 Don’t miss out — stop in now and leave with a smile (and a cone)! 🍦💙
#SFCU #HancockNY #CommunityBanking #FreeIceCream #LowRates
NEXT TWO SATURDAYS: 🎉 Farm-Fest is coming to Hancock! 🎉
Join us in the Hancock Town Square on Saturday, Aug 23 & Aug 30 for two weekends of Live Music & Farmers Market Vendors:
🌽 Local farms & artisan crafts
🎶 Live Music (11AM–2PM)
🤝 Community fun
🕙 Market Vendors 10AM–2PM each Saturday
💚 Sponsored by Wayne Bank (Lakewood & Walton Branches)
👉 Mark your calendar & bring the whole family for some good old fashion family fun! #FarmFest #WayneBank
💚Hancock NY - Voted the #1 Best Small Town in the USA by TImeOut New York!
Join us in the Hancock Town Square on Saturday, Aug 23 & Aug 30 for two weekends of Live Music & Farmers Market Vendors:
🌽 Local farms & artisan crafts
🎶 Live Music (11AM–2PM)
🤝 Community fun
🕙 Market Vendors 10AM–2PM each Saturday
💚 Sponsored by Wayne Bank (Lakewood & Walton Branches)
👉 Mark your calendar & bring the whole family for some good old fashion family fun! #FarmFest #WayneBank
💚Hancock NY - Voted the #1 Best Small Town in the USA by TImeOut New York!
BINGO AT 4PM: 🎙️Join us for Hancock Hounds BINGO – a tail-waggin’ good time for a great cause! 🎉Sat, Aug 16th at 4 - 5:30PM in the Hancock Town Square. Just $25 for a Booklet of 3 Games Per Sheet 10 Rounds plus free dobbers. Extra books just $10!
Get advance tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/hot-diggity-dog-bingo
Then catch us again:
📅 Sat, Sept 6th at 4PM after RiverFest in the Hancock Town Square.
All BINGO nights are family-friendly, full of prizes, laughs, and puppy love. Proceeds go directly to support the Hancock Hounds Dog Park — helping fund maintenance and insurance for 2026, so tails can keep wagging all year long!
Bring your friends, bring your pups, and BARK up some fun!
Benefiting the Hancock Hounds Dog Park 501c3 Charitable Organization.
Get advance tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/hot-diggity-dog-bingo
Then catch us again:
📅 Sat, Sept 6th at 4PM after RiverFest in the Hancock Town Square.
All BINGO nights are family-friendly, full of prizes, laughs, and puppy love. Proceeds go directly to support the Hancock Hounds Dog Park — helping fund maintenance and insurance for 2026, so tails can keep wagging all year long!
Bring your friends, bring your pups, and BARK up some fun!
Benefiting the Hancock Hounds Dog Park 501c3 Charitable Organization.
SHOP LOCAL: Get your morning coffee and bagel fix at Nightshade on Elm and shop for summer graduation gifts and more there and at Kaybirds Flower & Gift Shop at the corner of Elm St and Front Street and then wander over the Hancock Town Square to shop our local Farmers Market!
🎙️This summer, man’s best friend needs YOUR help! 🐶 Join us for Hancock Hounds BINGO Nights – a tail-waggin’ good time for a great cause! 🎉Saturday, August 16th at 4PM in the Hancock Town Square, then catch us again on: 📅 Saturday, September 6th at 4PM – after RiverFest! All BINGO nights are family-friendly, full of prizes, laughs, and puppy love. Proceeds go directly to support the Hancock Hounds Dog Park — helping fund maintenance and insurance for 2026, so tails can keep wagging all year long! Bring your friends, bring your pups, and BARK up some fun! 🎤 Benefiting the Hancock Hounds Dog Park 501c3 Charitable Organization. Visit www.HancockHounds.com for more info.
🎙️This summer, man’s best friend needs YOUR help! 🐶
Join us for Hancock Hounds BINGO Nights – a tail-waggin’ good time for a great cause! 🎉Sat, Aug 16th at 4-5:30PM in the Hancock Town Square. Just $25 for a Booklet of 3 Games Per Sheet for 10 Rounds, plus free bingo dobbers. Extra books just $10!
Get advance tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/hot-diggity-dog-bingo
Then catch us again:
📅 Sat, Sept 6th at 4PM after RiverFest
All BINGO nights are family-friendly, full of prizes, laughs, and puppy love. Proceeds go directly to support the Hancock Hounds Dog Park — helping fund maintenance and insurance for 2026, so tails can keep wagging all year long! Bring your friends, bring your pups, and BARK up some fun!
Benefiting the Hancock Hounds Dog Park 501c3 Charitable Organization.
Join us for Hancock Hounds BINGO Nights – a tail-waggin’ good time for a great cause! 🎉Sat, Aug 16th at 4-5:30PM in the Hancock Town Square. Just $25 for a Booklet of 3 Games Per Sheet for 10 Rounds, plus free bingo dobbers. Extra books just $10!
Get advance tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/hot-diggity-dog-bingo
Then catch us again:
📅 Sat, Sept 6th at 4PM after RiverFest
All BINGO nights are family-friendly, full of prizes, laughs, and puppy love. Proceeds go directly to support the Hancock Hounds Dog Park — helping fund maintenance and insurance for 2026, so tails can keep wagging all year long! Bring your friends, bring your pups, and BARK up some fun!
Benefiting the Hancock Hounds Dog Park 501c3 Charitable Organization.
🌟 You’re Invited to the Delaware County Fair! 🌟
Come celebrate Delaware County’s traditions, talent, and togetherness at this year’s 138th Annual Delaware County Fair. Now open and running through Saturday, August 16, 2025 in Walton, NY!
This Wednesday, Hancock Town Supervisor Jerry Vernold spent the day at the fair meeting with local residents, sharing stories, and encouraging everyone to stay engaged and vote in upcoming elections, and take pride in learning more about our county’s rich history, local opportunities, and the bright future of our youth.
We’re proud to celebrate local businesses like Kaybird’s Flowers & Gifts, the Delaware County GOP, the local Hancock/East-Branch 4-H Program, and their adorable miniature horses led by Lori Lamica-Nelson, along with many other hometown businesses and organizations who help show off our amazing community.
📅 Date: August 11th - 16th - Noon to 11PM
📍 Location: Delaware County Fairgrounds Walton, NY
🎡 Highlights: Family fun, delicious food, local vendors, music, livestock shows, rides, and plenty of small-town charm!
Whether you’re here to enjoy the festivities, meet your neighbors, see the mini horses, or get involved in local initiatives, the Delaware County Fair is the perfect place to connect. Let’s make this year’s fair one to remember!
We’ll see you there, from the Heart of Hancock to the Streets of Delaware of County ❤️
HOT DIGGITY DOG: Come check out and support Hancock's newest food vendor, Mario Lozano and his new Hot Dog Street Cart, out front of Marino's Outdoor World at 95 E Front Street today for lunch time hours! Great prices and quality food! Hancock NY - Voted - #1 Best Small Town in the USA by TimeOut New York!
📍 Did you hear? Hancock, NY was named the #1 Best Small Town in the U.S.A. by TimeOut New York! So come see what’s happening every Saturday, like the Greater Hancock NY Farmer’s Market & Crafts Fair, happening today from 10AM to 2PM, and each Saturday until October 4th. Located at the Hancock Town Square, 20 East Main Street in the heart of our historic village . 🧺 Enjoy fresh produce, artisan crafts, jams, local meats, handmade goods, baked treats — and something new every week! 🎶 Plus live music on select weekends from amazing regional performers, delicious bites from food trucks, and a playground for the kids! 👨👩👧 Whether you’re just passing through on Route 97 or making a day of it with the family, you’ll find friendly faces, great food, and small-town charm that’s hard to beat. Special thanks to sponsors Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce and also to the Hancock Partners who own and manage the Hancock Town Square.
💙 Let’s Show America the Heart of Hancock! 💙
Our very own Nicholas and Christine — a proud Hancock couple — are this close to making it to the quarterfinals in the America’s Favorite Couple competition! 🏆
They’re currently in 5th place, but only the #1 spot advances, and voting ends TOMORROW!
This isn’t just about love — it’s about putting Hancock, NY on the map in a fun and positive way! 🗺️✨
🔗 Vote here now: https://americasfavcouple.org/2025/nicholas-and-christine
Let’s rally behind them and give them the final push they need! Share with friends, family, and neighbors — every vote counts!
#HancockNY #AmericasFavoriteCouple #SupportLocalLove #VoteForNicholasAndChristine 💍❤️
Our very own Nicholas and Christine — a proud Hancock couple — are this close to making it to the quarterfinals in the America’s Favorite Couple competition! 🏆
They’re currently in 5th place, but only the #1 spot advances, and voting ends TOMORROW!
This isn’t just about love — it’s about putting Hancock, NY on the map in a fun and positive way! 🗺️✨
🔗 Vote here now: https://americasfavcouple.org/2025/nicholas-and-christine
Let’s rally behind them and give them the final push they need! Share with friends, family, and neighbors — every vote counts!
#HancockNY #AmericasFavoriteCouple #SupportLocalLove #VoteForNicholasAndChristine 💍❤️
The Town of Hancock and our community extends its deepest gratitude to the family of Mairah Gillow & Donald Wrighter Jr —and their relatives, friends and supporters—who came together to host a heartfelt fundraiser during this weekend’s 26th Annual Quarry Run.
The Bike Wash event, full of generosity and community spirit, was organized in loving memory of Jason McGlone, 3rd Assistant Chief of the East Branch/Hancock Fire Department, who tragically passed away in the line of duty. Proceeds from the fundraiser were directed to support the McGlone family during this unimaginable loss.
Jason's courage and service will never be forgotten, and our community mourns with the McGlone family. This weekend’s outpouring of kindness reminds us all what it means to come together in times of grief—honoring a hero by supporting the family he held dear.
“This community never fails to show up for one another,” said Town Supervisor Jerry Vernold, who rolled up his sleeves to support this wonderful cause. “It reminds us all that we need to be there for one another. To the Gillow family, your compassion is deeply appreciated. And to the McGlone family, please know we stand with you—now and always. Jason’s legacy lives on in every act of love and service that carries his name forward.”
To the Gillow family, thank you for showing the world what it means to be #HancockStrong.
📍 Did you hear? Hancock, NY was named the #1 Best Small Town in the U.S.A. by TimeOut New York! So come see what’s happening every Saturday, like the Greater Hancock NY Farmer’s Market & Crafts Fair, happening today from 10AM to 2PM, and each Saturday until October 4th. Located at the Hancock Town Square, 20 East Main Street in the heart of our historic village . 🧺 Enjoy fresh produce, artisan crafts, jams, local meats, handmade goods, baked treats — and something new every week! 🎶 Plus live music on select weekends from amazing regional performers, delicious bites from food trucks, and a playground for the kids! 👨👩👧 Whether you’re just passing through on Route 97 or making a day of it with the family, you’ll find friendly faces, great food, and small-town charm that’s hard to beat. Special thanks to sponsors Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce and also to the Hancock Partners who own and manage the Hancock Town Square.
