Two adults standing together on a rocky overlook in front of a small waterfall cascading between rugged cliffs. The woman is wearing sunglasses, a black jacket, and jeans. The man is wearing sunglasses, a blue baseball cap, a gray sweatshirt, jeans, and a backpack. Moss-covered rocks and flowing water are visible below, with steep rocky hills rising in the background under a clear blue sky.

A Shared Legacy of 4-H and Community

Dawn and Gary Marcizewski

A Family Rooted in CCE

For Dawn and Gary Marcizewski, Cornell Cooperative Extension has never been just an organization. It has been a central part of their lives, their marriage, and their family. Dawn’s involvement began in childhood when she was a 4-H member active in the animal areas, the Trolley Building, and Senior Council. Gary’s connection grew as the couple raised their own children in 4-H and began volunteering together.

What began as Dawn’s youth experience quickly became a shared passion. “I was a 4-H member as a youth and I stayed involved ever since, having my own 4-H clubs for my kids,” Dawn says. Gary stepped in right alongside her, and together they built decades of service, mentorship, and leadership within CCE Orleans.

Being part of the CCE community means the same thing to both of them: giving back. “We volunteer to give back to our community,” Dawn explains. Gary echoes that through action, always ready to step in, work hard, and help wherever he is needed.

Recognized as Friends of Extension

A man standing inside a large trailer, holding the handle of a manual pallet jack. Behind him are multiple stacked pallets wrapped in plastic, filled with cases of canned goods or packaged items. The interior of the trailer is lined with metal walls and a fabric ceiling, and paperwork is attached to one of the wrapped pallets.

When Dawn and Gary were honored as Friends of Extension, they were both genuinely surprised. “It was a very honorable award that honestly was a surprise to both of us,” Dawn says. But the recognition reflected years of teamwork and thousands of hours of effort, especially during projects where they worked side by side.

One of their proudest contributions was their work on the new fairgrounds bathrooms, a project where Gary’s skills and dedication became indispensable. “We worked extensive hours,” Dawn says. “From looking up prices on fixtures to cleaning the rooms each day for the contractors.” Gary also installed many of the sinks and other pieces, giving the fairgrounds a long lasting improvement.

For both of them, seeing the finished project was deeply rewarding. Not for recognition, but because it served the youth and the community they care about.

A 4-H Family Story

Together, Dawn and Gary raised their children in the 4-H program, supporting them every step of the way. Their kids showed sheep, swine, dogs, cats, chickens, guinea pigs, ducks, and geese. It was a full family experience, with both parents volunteering right alongside them.

One memory stands out clearly. “The most exciting year was when our youngest daughter was born and I was Superintendent of the Poultry area. Our oldest daughter was in the finals for Dog Grand Master Showman, but I was so busy tending to my newborn baby, whose birthday is July 15 right before fair each year, that I almost missed her winning that great title.”

4-H shaped their entire family, and Dawn believes one lesson has stayed with them more than any other. “Being a volunteer is one of the most rewarding things you can do in your life.” Gary lives that truth every day, through his steady patience, reliability, and willingness to teach and support others.

The Senior Council Stand: Their Second Home During Fair WeekTwo women standing side by side indoors, smiling at the camera. The woman on the left has short gray hair and is wearing a blue floral patterned shirt and dark jeans. The woman on the right is wearing glasses and a multicolored patterned blouse with a name tag pinned to it. They are standing in what appears to be a kitchen or food service area, with a black ventilation hood above them, wooden beams, and a glass window behind them showing people outside.

If you have ever eaten at the Senior Council Stand, you already know Dawn and Gary. Their teamwork anchors that entire operation.

Dawn began working in the stand when she was a young 4-H’er. Later, she and Gary volunteered there with their own children. Eventually they took over the breakfast and lunch shift with Pauline Lanning covering afternoons, and when Pauline retired, Dawn and Gary stepped up to run the stand full time.

Their favorite part is always the youth. “The kids get so excited to come work because we let them do stuff. Their words,” Dawn says. Gary is known for his patience and for letting the kids try every job, helping them feel capable and proud.

Dawn says the secret to running the stand is simple. “You have to treat your volunteers good or they will not come back. And have fun.”

The stand is beloved because youth run the show, patrons love seeing them gain confidence, and every dollar goes back to 4-H and the kids.

Why They Keep Giving Back

Dawn and Gary’s involvement did not end when their children aged out of 4-H. “At first it was because our children were in 4-H. Now we do it for all the young 4-H’ers,” Dawn says. “We feel we still have a lot to give to this age group.”

Their goal is to encourage youth at every turn. “We are always honest with the youth and teach them that they can do anything they put their heart into.”

When visitors leave the fairgrounds, Dawn and Gary hope they walk away with the same feeling they do. “That it is a great week. Even though we are exhausted by the end, we all had a great time and always make new friends and connections.”

If they had to describe Orleans CCE in one word, they chose family. “Because we volunteers would do anything for each other,” Dawn says, and Gary proves it through action every day.

Two Hearts, One Shared Mission

Every project, every fair week, every early morning and late night, Dawn and Gary face it together. Their teamwork is part of what makes Orleans County 4-H strong.

From installing sinks to flipping breakfast sandwiches, from raising their own 4-H’ers to mentoring the next generation, they continue to make an extraordinary impact on the community they love.

They are, without a doubt, two of the faces that make Orleans County CCE what it is today.