NORWICH – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County recognized its volunteers of the year at the agency’s annual meeting on Dec. 14.
Louise Butcher, Jerry Michael and Jim Backus received Volunteer of the Year awards at the meeting, which took place at CCE’s 99 N. Broad Street location.
“Extension is an organization build on its volunteers,” said CCE Chenango Executive Director Ken Smith, as he introduced Louise Butcher as Association Volunteer of the Year.
Butcher, who was recently recognized by the Chenango County Youth Bureau, has a long history with CCE as a 4-H leader and with the Master Preserver and Master Clothing and Textile programs. According to Smith, she proved herself invaluable to the organization with what he called her “Herculean” efforts surrounding this year’s Chenango County Fair.
“Louise basically saved the day for 4-H when it came to fair time,” he said. “We just literally couldn’t have done it without you.”
The second to be recognized was Horticulture and Natural Resources Volunteer Jerry Michael. According to Rebeccah Hargrave, who presented the award, Michael is active in the New York State Forest Owners Association (NYSFOA) and has been a Master Forest Owner volunteer with CCE for 15 years.
“Jerry’s an advocate for healthy woodlands,” Hargrave said, explaining that he has helped numerous landowners throughout Broome and Chenango counties improve the quality of their woodlots, and conducted approximately 150 site visits in his tenure with the organization. She said Michael, whom she described as “friendly, easy to work with and professional,” had also helped her immensely in her own role by offering his insight and expertise on many occasions.
Jim Backus was named CCE’s Community Garden Volunteer of the Year.
“In addition to having one of the finest and most productive plots in the garden, JB has been a valuable volunteer for many years,” said Community Garden Coordinator Stacie Edick, who presented Backus with the award. During his 10 years gardening at the Norwich Community Gardens, Edick said “JB,” as he is known, has helped recruit other gardeners, offered to rototill neighboring plots and worked to beautify the gardens. He also donates vegetables to local food pantries and senior centers.
“It’s just such a joy to give back,” said Backus, who said he was honored by the recognition.
A fourth award, for 4-H Volunteer of the Year, was given to Cindy Brace, who was unfortunately unable to attend the event.
In addition to the volunteers recognized, CCE staff member Carol Loefstedt was also honored for her role with the organization. Loefstedt, who was unable to attend, is an Eat Smart New York educator and has long been involved with 4-H.
“She’s got a special gift for seeing the big picture,” said Smith, who said Loefstedt has a knack for making connections between people and organizations.
Butcher said she first met Loefstedt 10 years ago through 4-H.
“She was very instrumental in keeping it together through a lot of changes,” she said, adding that she felt privileged to be counted among her close friends.