NORWICH — During the recent Board of Supervisors meeting, the month of October was declared to Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Chenango County and 4-H Youth Development in recognition of the efforts and dedication from both organizations and local volunteers.

Supervisor Chair Jeffrey Blanchard said CCE is a vital organization, contributing to the empowerment of individuals and enterprises in agriculture and food systems.

Blanchard offered the proclamation in support of the extension educators in partnership with other local organizations and over 75 local volunteers, contributing their time, leadership and talent to promote agriculture and youth development, natural resource education, and family resource development.

4-H youth Sadie Lindholm accepted the award on behalf of all Chenango County 4-H members.

Lindholm said this is her third year in Chenango County 4-H and she has learned many new life skills. She said she enjoys dog training and for the first time, entered the Chenango County Fair and placed second in dog tricks.

She looks forward to continuing her 4-H experiences and was thankful to the board for the recognition.

“Thank you all for supporting me and kids just like me,” said Lindholm.

CCE leader Whitney Kmetz said 4-H and CCE were honored to receive the proclamation.

“This proclamation celebrates the dedication and contributions of our 4-H youth, volunteers, and educators across the country,” said Kmetz.

“We’re so grateful for the continued support of 4-H members,” she said.

Kmetz thanked The 4-H Jolly Ranchers for making clover cookies for the board members and visitors and noted their new 4-H educator Nicole Starkweather, has been doing phenomenal work within the county, offering a variety of programs to many students.

She said current classes include canning, preserving, hiking, baking, a livestock skill-a-thon, shooting sports, and an adult and teen survival night.

4-H Youth Development has served one of every eight youths in New York State and continues to provide meaningful youth programming to over 2,150 Chenango County participants.

According to the CCE website, CCE has a viable partnership between federal, state, and county governments; the educational outreach of Cornell University knowledge and research; and youth, staff and volunteers.

CCE invests in the state's future through the 4-H Youth Development program by enriching school experiences and helping young people learn about healthy lifestyles.

For additional 4-H or CCE information, visit their website at www.ccechenango.org/4-h-youth-development or their Facebook pages at Chenango County 4-H Youth Development and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County.