As everyone knows by now – Andrew Yeomans known to all of Sullivan County as “Chef Andy” has been suspended from his job in the Monticello School District and some serious allegations have been levied against him.
http://www.sullivancountypost.com/2016/01/09/chef-andy-fighting-allegations/
Several weeks ago our Sullivan County community gathered to show their support of Chef Andy.
Andrew Yeomans wanted to speak directly to you – and here is what he had to say:
“Those that know me are well aware of the deep seeded feeling within me that I owe the community that raised me, a debt of gratitude for the man I’ve become. Those that know me are aware of the generations past, Dad, (Ted) Grandpa (Andy), Grandma, (Anne) and on my mother’s side, Mom (Donna), Grandma Jeanne, and more who have played key roles in who I am as a result of the footprints they’ve left behind in the sands of time for me to follow. Their shoeprints far too big for me to fill!
This past month I saw something amazing. Something that far surpassed my own expectation. Something that yet again moves me to a place of ultimate indebtedness to the community that gave me so much, and in many aspects, having done so without ever knowing.
My wife and I were moved to tears by the support this community has shown to our family. You’ve gotten us through a tough time, and for that, speaking for my entire family, Janice, Morgan, Andie, and Lorelei, we thank you! Each of you knows who you are, and we will never forget. NEVER forget.
To that end, there is still the matter of my “Debt” to all of you. I’ll explain in a bit. Before I do however, there is more rumor afloat that must be addressed.
To dispel any rumor of a “Settlement,” I say the following: There has been no conciliation between me and the District. To show good faith, I cannot tell you there will never be such, but I say that with tongue in cheek. The rumor is false.
Now to address the “Debt” I mentioned. For all the “Pick-me-ups” the kids at school gave me, I’ve always said I felt like I owed them. To them, I apologize and make a promise. Kids, I’m sorry we’re going backwards since I’ve been gone. I’m sorry the food has gone from as much home cooked scratch cooking as we could muster back to the processed unhealthy garbage my team and I worked so hard to get away from. I’m sorry you’re not enjoying fresh bagels from Monticello Bagel Corp., baked the morning you arrive as school. I’m sorry you are served premade frozen bagels with an ingredients list longer than a second grade reading assignment. I promise you I will continue to fight those who care more about their own self-image and money, rather than what is best for you. I will continue to fight those who would use you, and your economic situation as a crutch for their own mediocrity and/or abject failure with regard to their obligations to you as a child in their care. Never believe that you do not have a voice!
There will be much more forthcoming from me in this fight for what is right, and I will float no rumors. My mouth doesn’t open without fact and support of that fact. I will speak up! I will make certain that you are made aware of that which was previously suppressed due to the fear instilled in those who know better. Others fear for their livelihoods, their careers and their futures. I need not have this fear given the current circumstances. I have always spoken to what I believe is right and fair and this will continue. Not out of malice, not out of vendetta, not out of vengeance, but out of belief that this is MY home. MY community, my family, my friends and neighbors. I will speak for the voiceless as I have always done and nothing they will do or say will stifle this. I OWE my community that much and more. What is sad, what is a base, vile outcropping of the current leadership at Monticello Central School District, is that it does not feel the same way by virtue of how they treat you. This will end. This will not continue on my watch. I owe you that…..and so do they!
Much more will be forthcoming in the days and weeks ahead. Until then – Thank you for your continued support – Chef Andy”
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself on National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in THE SULLIVAN COUNTY POST.
Andy, I guess you were not part of the G.O.B.’s Club which seems to infect and permeate throughout every civil/government aspect of this county, like a nasty malignancy requiring excision but with no one with the cojones to do it.