Seneca County 4-H teens have capital visit

The 73rd Annual 4-H Capital Days event was held March 2-4, 2008, with 89 teens from 49 counties. The 2008 delegates from Seneca County were Ashley Tarr, daughter of Chris and Sandra Tarr of Junius, Charles “Chaz” Hardin, son of Charles and Barbara Hardin of Tyre. Tarr and Hardin were joined by Wayne County 4-H’er Ali Barner of Lyons and were accompanied by Seneca County 4-H Youth Development Community Educator Katie Nelson. The event is sponsored by the New York State Association of Cornell Cooperative extension 4-H Educators, The New York State 4-H Foundation, local Sponsorship by the Waterloo Rotary Club and the Seneca County 4-H Trips & Awards Fund. The objectives of this annual event are: to give the delegates a better understanding of the New York State public policy process, to better understand the relationship between state and local government, to meet and interact with their legislators, create awareness of career opportunities in government, and to meet and exchange experiences with others from across the state. On Monday, the delegates participated in the “Budget Game”, where they were split into groups. Each has a mock government role to play. While at the capital, the members gathered on the assembly floor for a program by Assemblyman Marc Molinarao of Brooklyn and Sergeant of Arms Wayne Jackson. In touring the capital, they enjoyed the architecture and grandeurs of the million dollar staircase, windows, engravings, tile floors, and ornate ceilings. At the State Museum, they viewed diverse cross sections of New York State life in various historical periods, and had the opportunity to ride the carousel on the 4th floor. That evening, they listened to speakers the Commissioner of NYS Agriculture & Markets, Patrick Hooker, and Dan O’Hara, Director of the New York State Fair. Tuesday, the delegates were joined for breakfast with Assemblyman Kolb telling their 4-H story and asking questions. Tarr attended the agency visit with the New York State Parks & Recreation while Hardin visited the Department of Agriculture & Markets. After a rainy walk to the NYS Court of Appeals, they learned about the state judicial system from Esquire Hope Engels. An early afternoon meeting with Senator Michael F. Nozzolio was enjoyed while they asked him many questions about various bills being discussed, and told him of about their involvement in the 4-H program. Before leaving Albany, a viewing of the city was done from the Corning Tower. To learn more about Citizenship programs in 4-H, contact Seneca County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 315-539-9251 or Wayne County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 315-664-8415. Tarr and Hardin will both be speaking about their Capital experience at an upcoming meeting of the Waterloo Rotary Club.