The reception was hosted by Jim Atwell, of Fly Creek, and included a lineup of presenters with formal recognition from Cooperstown’s Mayor Carol Waller, Mary Fairley of the New York State Association of Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Educators, Village Trustee Jeff Katz, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Becky Davidson-Neilson and others. Shawn Tiede, a member of the NYSACCE4-HE Board of Directors, presented McCaffery with a lifetime membership to the National Association of 4-H Educators, a gift purchased from contributions from 4-H colleagues from throughout New York State.

The community collected donations prior to and throughout the evening to provide a gift of landscaping for McCaffery, as a long-lasting and joyful reminder of those whose lives he has grown and affected throughout his career.

On July 1, 1974, following his graduation from Cornell University, McCaffery began a nearly 33-year professional career as an educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Otsego County. He directed the 4-H Youth Development Program for 31 years, and the 55-year-old’s tenure with CCE officially ended with his retirement on May 20.

McCaffery said it was nice to be able to have colleagues from across the state come celebrate his retirement with him. On Monday, McCaffery was still filled with mixed emotions.

``I am just very flattered and appreciative of all the volunteers and friends that took the initiative to plan it and execute it,’’ said McCaffery.

McCaffery said it was an honor to work for CCE for so many years.

He said he was able to work with people who shared the same dedication and values to the program.

�’It was like an extended family,’’ he said.

McCaffery said his job was fun and rewarding.

``I could actually see I could make a difference in people’s lives through education,’’ he said. ``It was indeed a fun job.’’

According to McCaffery, he witnessed many changes throughout his years working for CCE, both in the manner in which the program is delivered and the challenges that families face such as dual working parents, single parenting and the constant struggle to balance demanding schedules.

He said society changed so the program had to adjust to new demands. 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.

At the retirement reception, Senator James L. Seward presented McCaffery with a special citation in recognition of meritorious service for 33 years with CCE Otsego County, for McCaffery’s tremendous service throughout his professional history and to celebrate and recognize those who contribute to the quality of life in their state and their community.

As Seward presented the citation he said the program itself has changed a lot over the years, but the one thing that did not change was McCaffery and his commitment to young people and the people of the county.

``Many lives were changed because of Rich’s commitment to the program,’’ Seward said.

Mayor Waller said McCaffery is the type of person that gives back and volunteers.

``We just love you and we thank you for all you’ve done for the village,’’ said Waller at the reception.

During McCaffery’s tenure with 4-H, membership, volunteer recruitment and outreach efforts expanded.

4-H membership, traditionally for ages nine through 19, was extended to include age five years and up. 500 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 the City of 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.

Mary Fairley was at the reception on behalf of the New York State Association of CCE 4-H Educators and she said McCaffery ``became a moving force in the organization.’’ She also said McCaffery made sure the organization was represented with style and grace.

For his efforts, McCaffery has been the recipient of several recognitions, including the National 4-H Distinguished Service Award, NYS Award of Merit and Distinguished Service Awards and both national and state awards for 25 years of service.

Since 1974 he has been a member of the National Association of Cooperative Extension 4-H Agents and the NYS Association of Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Educators, having served on several committees, and as president.

In addition, McCaffery has worked on behalf of numerous local and regional organizations, committees, and municipal agencies.

He is a past president of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, the Otsego County Tourism Bureau and the Lions Club. McCaffery has been the chair of the Cooperstown Winter Carnival and currently serves on the Safe Kids Coalition of Otsego County, the Village of Cooperstown Parks Commission and Bicentennial Committees.

He was recently elected to the Board of the Executive Service Corps.

McCaffery said he extends his appreciation to the literally thousands of youth and adults that have contributed to the success of his career and who made the job fun and rewarding.

Although McCaffery is retired from Cornell Cooperative Extension, he is planning to continue working on behalf of the community as he has since 1974.

``I’m not done by a long shot,’’ he said. �’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.’’