Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Retired Teachers (BCRT) held their regular luncheon on Monday, June 11th and honored one of their own.  Mrs. Edith Gary has been named Butler County, Third District, and Kentucky Retired Teachers Association 2012 Volunteer of the Year.

Mrs. Gary, along with family members, started a quilter’s/sewing group who averages making over 250 quilts a year. The quilts are presented to the Kentucky State Police to give to accident victims and for children placed in foster care. Quilts have been given to local churches, the Pediatric Oncology Department at the Medical Center in Bowling Green, the Barren River Area Safe Space, tornado victims in Kentucky and as far away as Joplin, Missouri and Mississippi. The quilts have also made it to Haiti to earthquake victims as well as Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition to quilts, the group makes examination gowns for the Advocacy Center for Abuse.

Mrs. Gary's passion for her quilting is evident when she recalls receiving a note from a mother whose son received a quilt, "I calls is Lovely, and carries it with him all the time."

A child in foster care stated, "It was the only thing I can call my own."

Dr. Robert Wagoner, Executive Director of the KRTA, was on hand to present Mrs. Gary with a framed copy of the KRTA Newsletter featuring her story. 

"I am very proud to be here and have the opportunity to recognize such and outstanding volunteer," said Wagoner. 

Wagoner also shared an interesting stat with the group, "There are 57 retired teachers in Kentucky that are over 100 years of age."

Butler County Judge Executive David Fields presented Mrs. Gary with a certificate of recognition from the elected officials of Butler County.

Jane Smith read a proclamation from Senator Mike Wilson honoring Mrs. Gary on the Senate floor.  Rep. C.B. Embry Jr. presented a proclamation from the House floor at the Third District meeting to Mrs. Gary. 

BCRT president Bill Hampton presented Mrs. Gary with a "Little Red School House."

Mrs. Gary has also been a WBKO Hometown Hero and is truly a Butler County treasure.