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CORVALLIS - The Oregon State University Extension Service has recognized several "outstanding cooperators" at a special presentation ceremony sponsored by the OSU Extension Association.

"The OSU Extension Service's cooperator awards are our way of saying thank you to several individuals and organizations that have made generous contributions of their time and resources in support of Extension Service programs throughout the state," said Tonya Aitkin, Wasco County Extension field faculty and public relations chair of the OSU Extension Association.

Those recognized were Carol Spellman, Lake Oswego; Dale Dow, Eugene; Daryl and Marcia Eash, Dallas; Pené Marquette-Ballini, Eugene; Morrow County Livestock Growers, Heppner; Multnomah County Friends of Fair members Frank and Mary Knapp, Rick Paul, Greg Flakus, Mary Trupp, Lillian Adams, Sandy Miller and Kyle Robinson, Portland; Madison Farms owners Ken and Shannon Madison, Pendleton; and Mike Schlolerman of Darigold Farm Store, Astoria.

Spellman was honored for her work with several Oregon counties on a "Portraits of Oregon" project, through which she instructs 4-H club members on how to interview community members and take photographs to tell a story. The 4-Hers use these skills to document the culture of local communities. Their work is displayed on the Oregon Historical Society website. Spellman and several 4-Hers will present the project at a national American Folklife Society meeting in Las Cruces, N.M., next month.

Dow was recognized for contributions to the OSU Extension Master Food Preserver Program in Lane County. She donates up to 200 hours each year to projects such as teaching Spanish-speaking students to make safe cheese, and mentoring Spanish-speaking Extension volunteers. She helps staff local and statewide OSU Extension Food Safety Hotlines and has donated food preservation equipment to both the Lane County office of the OSU Extension Service and to low income Extension volunteers.

Daryl and Marcia Eash won praise for their support of the Polk County 4-H program. They lead five 4-H clubs in the county and have been 4-H volunteers over the past 15 years. Daryl Eash is president of the Polk County 4-H Leaders' Association, and has served as an officer for the past seven years. He also serves as Tri-County 4-H Camp archery instructor, Oregon State Fair 4-H dairy superintendent, and Oregon 4-H dairy judging team coach. Marcia Eash manages the delivery of 4-H static exhibits to the Oregon State Fair.

Pené Marquette-Ballini received recognition for her volunteer service in the Lane County office of the OSU Extension Service as an Extension home-maker, Extension Master Food Preserver, and Extension Advisory Council Member. Marquette-Ballini donates more than 200 hours each year to the program, teaching workshops on a broad range of food preservation topics.

The Morrow County Livestock Growers Association was cited for long-term support of OSU Extension Service programs in Morrow County. The group has helped run the county's 4-H Youth Livestock Auction since the 1920s and has raised funds for Extension livestock panels, fair awards and dinner programs.

Multnomah County's Friends of Fair members were commended for their dedication in maintaining a county youth fair in Oregon's metropolitan area. Their fundraising efforts have provided for advertising and exhibit displays, and their recruiting efforts have delivered volunteers to help operate many fair events. Madison Farms owners Kent and Shannon Madison were recognized for their contributions to on-farm OSU Extension Service research efforts in Umatilla County. The Madisons have donated land, equipment, operator time, and materials in support of research projects on large-scale test plots. Kent Madison also serves on the Umatilla County Extension Advisory Committee, and Shannon Madison is active in the county's 4-H home economics programs.

Schlolerman was honored for support of OSU Extension Service programs in Clatsop County. His business, the Darigold Farm Store, Astoria, provides all county 4-H livestock members with ear tags, vaccines, and wormers for their project animals. The store also donates award and fundraiser auction items, and Schlolerman dedicates a portion of the store advertising budget to promoting OSU Extension Service programs.