8/6/2019 Flat Clara Visits the New York State Senate

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Flat Clara Visit the New York State Senate

Whew, that mail ride was long and a bit bumpy but I finally made it from Ravenna, Ohio to

Saugerties, New York. I met Aunt Krista and Uncle Ross as well as cousins Garrett, Renata, and

Thane. It was late and I was tired so I just asked what are you doing tomorrow. Aunt Krista saidshe had to go to work in Albany, New York and offered to let me join her. I jumped at the

opportunity to see the Capital of New York State and then fell asleep. Glad I wore my nice dress

and shoes.

When I woke, I realized everyone had left. Oh no, I over slept. I was worried that I'd missed my

chance to see Albany when in walked Aunt Krista. She had forgotten an important file and came back to

retrieve it. Lucky me!

After an hour in the car, I looked up and saw that we were approaching the

Capital. The buildings looked massive. I took a picture.

We parked in a parking garage and walked through a maze of covered

pathways and what looked to be an indoor mall until we reached theLegislative Office Building. Since Aunt Krista works there and I was still

flat, I didn't have to go through the visitor's security checkpoint.

As we walked to the elevators, we entered an area called The Well. It isan atrium1with a beautiful staircase that connects the concourse2 level

with the upper street level. You can look down into the atrium from the

second floor. We took a picture of me on the staircase.

Aunt Krista works for Senator John J. Bonacic. He represents

the 42nd Senate District in New York. The district covers 55towns, 22 villages, 2 cities and 42 school districts. He was

just re-elected to his fourth term and will serve for the next

two years. Prior to being a Senator, he served four terms in the New York State Assembly. He is prettyamazing.

I took a picture with the district map as well

as the legend of where the district is locatedin New York State. It is a large area with lots

and lots of people. The district is below

Albany and above New York City. It isbordered by the Hudson River and the State

of Pennsylvania. It covers the Catskill and

Shawangunk Mountains. It has urban areas

as well as a lot of rural communities. The Senator says he is on the road a lot.

Senator Bonacic let me sit at his desk for a picture. There was a lot of work going on and he was busy attending

one meeting after another.

1 An atrium is a large open space usually used for group events].2 A concourse is an open space where roads or paths meet [Oh, so that's what that indoor mall was.]

8/6/2019 Flat Clara Visits the New York State Senate

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He did have a chance to take me to see the Senate Chambers. There is a grand sitting area outside the chambers

with beautiful green couches. I had to sit on one. It was very comfortable. I could imagine what it would belike to sit here before going in to speak in front of the Senators.

The Chamber was amazing. Even the doors were impressive. That's me pushing the door open. The seats

looked so inviting but the velvet ropes told me I could not get any closer.

I took a picture on the way back to Senator Bonacic's office. This New York State Flag was located right next

to the entrance to the Executive Chambers. This was where the Governor works.

I had such a great time visiting Senator Bonacic and seeing the New York State Capital. I think I want to come

back someday; but this time, I'll come back as Clara and not as Flat Clara. Then the rain will not bother me andI'll be able to stand outside when I retake this picture of the New York State Capital Building.

Until then, I remain,

FLAT CLARA