Hendel: Boy Scouts recognize the work of volunteers

AN organization is nothing without its volunteers and the Boy Scouts of America Erie Shores Council recognizes that.

This summer it hosted its 98th annual Scouter Recognition Dinner presented by the NSG Group, locally under Pilkington North America in Toledo, Northwood, Rossford, and Luckey, Ohio.

Scouts, leaders, and volunteers from all over northwest Ohio gathered at the Pinnacle in Maumee for fellowship, dinner, and awards. The emcee, Dustin Dale , a nationally recognized motivational keynote speaker and best-selling author was the perfect fit. The Ohio native speaks on leadership development, business development, and a positive mindset.

The program started with the pledge of allegiance and the scout pledge as well as prayer.

Council president Shawn Chowdhary gave a shout out to scout executive/CEO Ed Caldwell , who retired July 1 after 37 years of professional service to the Boy Scouts of America, including 12 here in Erie Shores Council. While here, he oversaw the development of the Jadel Leadership Center, the Miakonda Wildlife Center, the first female Cub Scouts registered, the first female BSA troops, the first female Eagle Scouts, and many more projects.

Then volunteers were recognized for noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth by individuals within Ottawa, Sandusky, Lucas, and Wood counties.

The 2024 Lifetime Achievement honorees included:

■ The Gregory A. Hendel Lifetime Service Award, which is in honor of my late brother who was a lifetime scout into adulthood, serving on the council and many times sporting his uniform to be present when a scout became an Eagle Scout, the highest achievement which requires learning, leadership, service, and participation that can take several years to complete. The Hendel Lifetime Service Award was presented to Linda Pocock (Bellevue, Ohio) for her exemplary lifelong volunteer service, direct support of community activities, and service in leadership roles in the business community.

■ The John C. Haar Lifetime Service Award went to David Barth (Port Clinton) who has done through exemplary lifelong volunteer service in the community and served in leadership roles in civic and community organizations.

■ The Glenda M. Bowman Lifetime Inspirational Leadership Award went to Kevin Thomas (Northwood) for his lifelong inspirational leadership, including serving as a positive role model and mentor, demonstrating courage in the face of adversity, and motivating and helping others to reach their full potential.

The council also gave the Torch of Gold Award to Amy Brinkman (Bowling Green) for her exceptional service and leadership in working with scouts with disabilities, and gave the Venturing Leadership Award to Ben Allen (West Toledo) for his noteworthy contributions to Venturing, a program for older youth.

Many other volunteers were recognized including Dennis “Denny” Setzler for his 70 years of service.

Last was the recognition of the 2024 Silver Beaver honorees who have given continued, unselfish, and effective service to the community: Robert Ampthor (Sylvania), Samantha Andreas (East Toledo), Richard Fuchs (Sylvania), and Nelson Shaffer (South Toledo).

VOLUNTEERING is rewarding, not just the satisfaction of helping others but also making new friends. Helping youth, helping those in need and helping the community at large including the arts fits the volunteering bill. As an emeritus docent at the Toledo Museum of Art I recall many rewarding times enlightening youth and adults about the collection, which provokes thought and creativity.

So pick your passion and become a volunteer!