On July 1, 1974, following graduation from Cornell University, Rich McCaffery began a nearly 33-year professional career as an educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Otsego County. McCaffery’s tenure with CCE officially ended with his retirement, May 20. McCaffery directed the 4-H Youth Development Program for 31 of those 33 years and has witnessed many changes, both in the manner in which the program is delivered and the challenges that families face: dual working parents, single parenting and the constant struggle to balance demanding schedules. What hasn’t changed, according to McCaffery, are the basic needs of youth and the commitment of volunteers to foster creative learning environments for youth to thrive and learn life skills. Under McCaffery’s guidance, 4-H forged strong partnerships with a host of community organizations and businesses, all in support of designing the best opportunities for positive youth development, and created a strong network of community 4-H clubs in Otsego County. During his tenure, membership, volunteer recruitment and outreach efforts expanded greatly. 4-H membership – traditionally ages 9-19 – was extended to include ages 5 and up. Five hundred full-time and casual volunteers became involved in a variety of 4-H Youth Development initiatives, and McCaffery’s efforts at making 4-H Youth Programs more accessible to residents in Oneonta and the southern part of the county resulted in the 4-H Outreach Office opening at the Frances Rowe House, 31 Maple St., in the spring of 1992. For his efforts, McCaffery has been the recipient of several recognitions, including the National 4-H Distinguished Service Award, New York State Award of Merit and Distinguished Service Awards and both national and state awards for 25 years of service. Since 1974, McCaffery has been a member of the National Association of Cooperative Extension 4-H Agents and the New York State Association of Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Educators, having served on several committees and as president. McCaffery has also worked tirelessly on behalf of numerous local and regional organizations, committees and municipal agencies. He is a past president of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, Otsego County Tourism Bureau and Lions Club. McCaffery has been the chair of the Cooperstown Winter Carnival and currently serves on the Safe Kids Coalition of Otsego County, the Cooperstown Parks Commission and bicentennial committees. He was recently elected to the Board of the Executive Service Corps. “I’m not done by a long shot,” said McCaffery. “There are many opportunities on the horizon that await me, and I’m eager to share my time and experience, both as a community volunteer, and possibly launch another career that brings me in contact with customer relations and community action.” An official retirement reception in his honor, coordinated by community friends and volunteers, will be held in Cooperstown this month. Anyone interested in obtaining information about this event may call Susan O’Handley, 607-293-8375.
|