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CORVALLIS - The Oregon State University Extension Service recognized several "outstanding cooperators" at a recent annual conference.

"The cooperator awards are the OSU Extension Service's way of honoring and saying thank you to several individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions while freely volunteering their time and resources in support of Extension Service programs," said Pamela Olsen, Yamhill County Extension agent and public relations chair of the OSU Extension Association.

The list of those honored includes Betty-Coe deBrockert, Salem; Bob Broderick, Eugene; Linda Gaske, Eugene; Denise Minson, The Dalles; June Pryor, Grants Pass; Jim Nielsen, Coquille; Cheryl Keithan, Tualatin; Tim and Roseanna Breeding, Newberg; KOTI-TV in Klamath Falls; The South Coast Watersheds Council, Gold Beach; Oregonians for Food and Shelter, Salem; and Alberta Johnston, Corvallis.

deBrockert was recognized for her work with the OSU Extension Family Community Leadership Program in Marion and Yamhill counties. Over the past three years she has provided training and facilitation for many community organizations and has served on the state advisory board for the family community leadership program.

Broderick, promotions director at KLSR/FOX-TV in Eugene, was honored for his key role in helping Extension educators reach clients via the broadcast airwaves. Over the past six years Broderick has showcased Lane County Extension activities and services through a weekly public service announcement spot on the Fox network.

Gaske was praised for her volunteer work and leadership in the Lane County Master Food Preserver program. She has given many hours of her time in helping operate the Extension Food Preservation and Safety Hotline and in running the Lane County Fair Master Food Preserver booth.

Minson was selected for award recognition because of her many years of volunteer service with the Wasco County 4-H program. Minson has led swine and sheep 4-H clubs over the past seven years and has helped lead the Wasco County 4-H Leadership Team as well. She has also given her time to helping run the youth livestock auction at the Wasco County Fair and serves as secretary for the Wasco County 4-H Leaders' Association.

Pryor received recognition for her contribution to the Josephine County Extension Master Food Preserver Program over most of the past two decades. Even when the Josephine County OSU Extension Service office was temporarily closed in 1995-96, Pryor volunteered her time to keep the county's Master Food Preserver program going. She has donated many hours of service in both training program volunteers and counseling program clientele.

Nielsen was recognized for his efforts in support of natural resources restoration and improved management practices in Coos County. Donating his time and working closely with Extension educators, Nielsen helped make the Coquille Watershed Association one of the most active such associations in the state. He also has been a member of the local Extension Service advisory council for a number of years and has been a steady supporter of Extension education work in the county.

Keithan was honored for her 17 years of volunteer work with the OSU Extension 4-H program. She has been a 4-H club leader in both Lane and Clackamas counties, and she has given much of her time to statewide 4-H program activities such as the Oregon 4-H Leaders' Association Executive Council, of which she is president.

The Breedings were cited for their 11-plus years of service as volunteer 4-H leaders in Yamhill County. In addition to their work with 4-H clubs, the Breedings also have given many hours of service in support of county and statewide 4-H associations and committees, and as state fair chaperones for 4-H the past three years. KOTI-TV in Klamath Falls, was given recognition for its continuing production of a weekly program called "Farm and Garden Report." This show has become a key avenue for raising awareness of Extension Service events and issues among citizens in the southwest Oregon area.

The South Coast Watersheds Council was recognized for its leadership in the development of local coalitions and educational programs on water-related issues in the south coast area. Under the coordination of Harry Hoogestegers, the council also has helped support efforts by Extension educators to deliver programs on watershed issues to area citizens.

Oregonians for Food and Shelter, a grass-roots coalition that works for the rights of natural resource-based concerns throughout the state, was honored for its general support of the OSU Extension Service over the years. The group also received special praise for its strong advocacy of the Extension Service before the Oregon State Legislature.

Johnston, a retired OSU Extension Service administrator, received both the OSU Extension Association Cooperator Award and the Epsilon Sigma Phi Friend of Extension award. Since her retirement in 1990, Johnston has served as the OSU 4-H Foundation's executive director, volunteering many hours in planning meetings, writing newsletters, providing staff support for foundation committees and donating to the Oregon 4-H Foundation.

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