Staff Writer

ONEONTA — Retired Oneonta minister William Bouton and his wife, Sylvia, will be recognized next month by Opportunities For Otsego for their years of community service.

OFO's annual Community Service Award will be presented to the couple on Sept. 18 during a dinner in their honor at the State University College at Oneonta's Morris Conference Center. A reception at 6:30 p.m. will be followed by dinner at 7.

"They're great people, and they've given so much to this community," said OFO Executive Director Cheri Albrecht. "They exemplify what we all should be doing with our lives."

The Rev. Bouton retired earlier this year after 17 years as pastor of the First United Methodist Church at 66 Chestnut St. In all, he spent 41 years as a minister. He and Sylvia now live in Johnson City.

Those who qualify for the award have demonstrated a commitment not only to OFO, but to other community organizations, Albrecht said.

The list of humanitarian contributions by the Boutons is lengthy. The couple inspired the creation of Saturday's Bread feeding program, the first of its kind in Oneonta.

Carol Blazina, chairwoman of the board of directors for Saturday's Bread, said Saturday's Bread would not exist as it is without the Boutons' hard work and inspiration.

"Whether it was Bill doing dishes or Sylvia in the dining room, they both played an important role," Blazina said. "They're an amazing team who have a real sense of community."

The Boutons were also involved with Habitat For Humanity, Community Connections Food Bank, the Emergency Housing Facility and others, Albrecht said.

Bouton served for six years on the OFO board of directors, leaving his post in 2001. He was also a charter member of Oneonta's Commission for Community Relations and Human Rights.

Sylvia Bouton had been a member of Saturday's Bread board since the program's inception in 1992.

To qualify for the award, Albrecht said, one must make efforts to empower and restore dignity to those who are disenfranchised and marginalized. Candidates must also have made a significant impact on the quality of life and on families in the community, and must have displayed broad-based commitment to the well-being of the community.

The Boutons did not answer their phone Thursday or Friday.

Past recipients of OFO's award include SUCO President Alan Donovan, John Scarzafava, Marie Lusins, Bill Whitaker and former Oneonta Mayor James Lettis.

John Nader, president of OFO's board of directors, will serve as master of ceremonies for next month's award dinner. Also expected to speak are Blazina, Donovan and Dan Maskin, chief executive officer of the New York State Community Action Association.

Those interested in attending the award dinner should call OFO for reservations at 433-8000.

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Jill Fahy can be reached at jfahy@thedailystar.com or (607) 441-7221.