HAMILTON, Ohio — Last month officials at the Butler County extension service in Ohio spent an evening honoring their many volunteers during an open house and awards ceremony. Most of the 35 volunteers had at least five years of service to this extension office.

“Our extension services of agriculture, horticulture, 4-H and others receive so much support from volunteers, and without them our success would be limited,” said Cindy Meyer, Butler County extension educator. “We hold this annual event to give thanks for keeping this Butler County office going strong.”

According to Meyer, Butler County fulfills its mission of growing crops, children, families and communities by distributing newsletters, publishing weekly columns in local newspapers, answering questions by phone or in person and organizing various educational programs.

“Butler County extension is made up of several different program focus areas, such as 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Horticulture, Family and Consumer Sciences and Community Development,” Meyer listed.

Heading the list of honorees was Ted Kerby, 70, who has led youths through countless projects for 54 years. He and his family were recipients of this year’s Ed Zorn Memorial Family Award.

Kerby, who has led the Ross Rocking R 4-H Club since he was just 14 years old, estimates he has worked with more than 1,000 children over the years. “I’ve been doing this a long, long time,” he said. “You have to enjoy doing this sort of thing, because you’re not getting paid to do it.”

His sons, Matt and Clint, were active in 4-H and that kept him at the helm of the club over the years. “I don’t push the kids to learn,” Kerby said. “If they want to learn, they’re going to pick up on it. First and foremost we need to have fun; second, we need to be safe.

“I’ve seen all types of kids and I don’t think kids have changed a whole lot over the years. Only thing that’s changed are the faces. Kids who want 4-H in their lives will find it.”

Kerby couldn’t fight back tears as he received his recognition.

Larry and Lori Hufford received the Friend of 4-H Award while Dianne O’Connor took home the Dana Robert James Award. The CHACO Credit Union received the Friend of Extension Award, and the Hamilton Community Foundation received the Partner of 4-H Award.

John Vaughn received the Family and Consumer Sciences Program Award. Lynn Bell received the 4-H Youth Development Program Award, while Sgt. Pete Combs was given the Children of Promise Award.

Karen Kessler was presented with the Tom Smith OSU Master Gardener Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award. Receiving the Outstanding OSU Master Gardener Project of the Year Award for their honeysuckle eradication project were Debbie Grant, Linda Mull and Jerry Schunk.